|
MASTER PLANNING COMMITTEE (MPC) Meeting Notes, May 26, 2005 Chancellor’s Conference Room, Signers’ Hall MEMBERS PRESENT: Rick Caulfield (chair), Deb Horner (vice-chair), Rich Boone, Chris Bennett, Brett Biebuyck, Gary Newman, Steve Titus, Ann Ringstad, Terry Dowdy, John Craven, Joe Hayes, Bernardo Hernandez, Rich Seifert GUESTS: Luke Hopkins, Stan Justice, Don Lokken, Scott Arko, Deb Wilkinson, Bob Grove WELCOME AND INTRODUCTION DISCUSSION ABOUT CONSTITUTION HALL—Ann Ringstad and Jo Antonsen, SHPO Ann Ringstad and Jo Antonsen (by phone) explained the history and significance of Constitution Hall and the process for nominating it to the National Register of Historic Places. A “Creating Alaska” committee at UAF is taking the lead in advancing this. After hearing the presentation, the MPC approved recommendation 05-03, endorsing the proposal. This recommendation was forwarded to Chancellor Jones. The recommendation was made with assurances that some changes could be made to Constitution Hall (for example, a link to Wood Center) even if it was on the national register. “ The MPC endorses the proposal to advance the nomination of UAF’s Constitution Hall to the National Register of Historic Places. It does so in light of the building’s historic significance as the location where Alaska’s constitution was drafted in 1955 and its continuing importance in educating Alaskans about our state’s history.” (Caulfield-motion; Cole-second). The MPC supported the recommendation by a vote of 13 for, 0 against, and 0 abstaining). MPC SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS Campus Landscape and Outdoor Artwork (CLOA—Deb Horner): Planning for West Ridge plaza continues, including a volleyball court and further landscaping. The focus for planting will be on circumpolar vegetation. A community garden project is underway on campus supported by the Sustainable Campus Task Force. If the garden is a success, plans may be made to establish a long-term site on campus. Circulation and Parking Subcommittee (CPS—Shirish Patil): A need exists for a working group reflecting North Campus and CPS interests to meet and discuss trail links between North Campus and the rest of campus. It was agreed that the MPC chair will create this in consultation with the NCS and CPS chairs. North Campus Subcommittee (NCS—Rich Boone): The NCS met last week and discussed proposals from the Campus Trails Club for modest maintenance work on trails this summer. There was broad agreement between the Club, NCS, and Facilities Services representative about the proposed projects. These were prioritized and all agreed that they would be pursued if and when funding can be identified. INFORMATIONAL PRESENTATION BY FACILITIES SERVICES Information about planned and ongoing construction projects can be found on the UAF Facilities Services website at http://www.uaf.edu/fs/currentProjects.html. Ann Ringstad also provided an update about what is known regarding the new capital budget. PUBLIC COMMENTS Don Lokken: Expressed support for a proposal being discussed about creating a new ski trail south of current ASF antenna access road. He believes this meets skiing needs and is the best alternative. Stan Justice: Expressed the hope that ASF would consider additional self-rescue training and equipment rather than the alternative of a new ski trail. Bob Grove: Provided his view about appropriate safety practices for the ASF antenna. He believes it is appropriate to rely on established emergency services in the area—the UAF Fire Department. He noted that other options have been explored thoroughly and that the best judgment is that ladder truck access is required. Scott Arko: He noted recent travels to Japan and appreciated being able to travel easily by public transit. He supports ideas to improve public transit on campus including more reliable schedules and use of GPS receivers to make bus locations visible to riders. NORTH CAMPUS: ASF/GI ACCESS TO 11M ANTENNA Scott Arko made a presentation about ASF’s fall safety training program, practices, and issues. This includes an active training program with Gravitec Systems Incorporated and development of an emergency plan with the UAF Fire Department and Risk Management Office. ASF believes it is using appropriate training and equipment. However, it continues to require ladder truck access to the 11m dish for emergency rescues and for maintenance. Luke Hopkins, North Campus Manager, provided additional information about access options. He found that a ladder truck likely capable of driving up the Farm Road may cost about $86,000. Consistent with MPC requests, Luke and NCS chair Rich Boone met with skiers and researchers about the possibility of a new ski trail that could be located south of the existing ASF access road. There appears to be a consensus that this could achieve the goal of separating recreational and antenna access uses while not unduly impacting trees and vegetation in the area. Those involved in the discussions included John Estle, Pam Groves, Skip Walker, Andy Blossey, and Don Lokken. Some trees would have to be removed but the area impacted had already been thinned in the cutting of last fall. Most trees that would have to be removed are small. After considering all information, public comments, and the NCS recommendation, the MPS approved recommendation 05-04 supporting creation of a new ski trail located south of the existing access road. It is recognized that a proper ASF rescue plan is reliant on UAF Fire Department and road access for a ladder truck. The MPC believes that a public information effort will be helpful to explain the rationale for this decision. The hope is that this trail can be completed before the ski season begins in fall 2005. Steve Titus made the motion for MPC 05-04. It was seconded by John Craven. The vote on the motion was 12 in favor, 0 against, and 0 abstaining. OTHER BUSINESS Deb Horner noted a proposal from Susan Todd to construct a temporary display entitled “A Walk through Time” along Yukon Drive. It focuses on evolutionary and geological history. MPC members expressed support for the display with the understanding that details will be worked out with Facilities Services and Risk Management. |
Last modified on 6/23/05 by Computing & Communications