NOTES OF MASTER PLANNING COMMITTEE MEETING
September 25, 2008
9 a.m. -11 a.m.; CCR
Members Present:
| Scott Arko Jennie Carroll Bonita Dainowski Josh Greenberg |
Luke Hopkins Deb Horner Bill Krause Scott McCrea |
Dianne Milke Linda Zanazzo |
Guests:
Brain Rogers, Chancellor
Kathleen Schedler, AVC Facilities & Safety
Welcome and Introductions
Chancellor Brian Rogers – Campus Master Planning at UAF
Chancellor Rogers joined the MPC to give his thoughts on campus master planning at UAF and to give his charge to the MPC.
The BOR met last week and will require a new UAF campus master plan, due 6/2010. Plans will be on 7 year cycles. The 5-year update will go to the BOR in December for BOR approval. Kathleen Schedler explained she understands that the BOR wants a zoned concept, in contrast to what UAA has done, and that perhaps the MPC will come up with something in-between the current UAA and UAF plans. There is a new BOR facilities master plan policy, which should be MPC’s starting point as it begins the planning process. Chancellor Rogers will work with MPC to translate the BOR’s intent and the process, anticipating UAF will need to touch base with the BOR at various points to ensure we are following the path they envision. MPC will be provided with a list of what the BOR sees material to a master plan. The BOR wants to see architectural standards for buildings.
There are themes the chancellor asks MPC to consider as it develops the new plan. What would a sustainable UAF be? Look at trends of other universities and where the markets are going, particularly the student market (dormitories, dining services, learning community models, etc.). Chancellor Rogers asks that MPC think about housing locations and whether we want density; he asks MPC to specifically look at building sites 8, 9 and 10. He envisions the possibility of food service facilities within the new housing facilities. Is there a good reuse of MBS and Lathrop, Stevens, MacIntosh (administrative office space), or do we take down some housing? The chancellor is appointing a task force to look at the mechanics by which we could fund new housing. He will ensure that task force interacts with MPC. BR asks MPC to widen the picture to include land that is near campus—Bunnell Park, corner of Farmers Loop and College Road, and property surrounding the Administrative Services Center.
Chancellor Rogers reported that UAF is looking at constructing two buildings for life sciences and energy and engineering--where do they go, do we expand Arctic Health? MPC needs to look at land between the Physical Plant and the Power Plant (south side of Alumni Drive) for the location of the energy and engineering facility. An expansion of the current engineering building is being considered for an adjusted site 15, where CES is now. This new engineering
building would be larger than the current footprint and take up the existing parking lot. Will the connector between the 2 engineering buildings be a sky bridge or some other structure? The chancellor is considering placing 3 modulars in the Arctic Health area to provide additional space, hopefully by March 31, 2009.
The Fire Department and Facilities Services have identified a site for a new fire station that is not part of the current master plan, across from Lola Tilly Commons. Once the new facility is in use, Chancellor Rogers wants to remove the emergency road that runs near Wood Center.
What should UAF do until it gets funding for signage at the Morris Thompson Drive entrance, and how can we incorporate better way-finding signage on campus?
The sustainability subcommittee should look at the macro level—the big picture. Where can we use capital to reduce operating costs? What buildings are inefficient and need to be replaced?
Curriculum and micro issues will be evaluated through other means. Luke Hopkins asked if last week the BOR discussed sustainability. Kathleen responded that it was not discussed. He also asked about the Farm Master Plan, which has never been formally approved. BR believes any such plan would need to be a part or subset of the new master plan. Luke asked the chancellor for quick exchange of information as to capital planning, BORs, etc. with the MPC.
The parking and circulation subcommittee should look at access to campus and the big picture issues associated with parking. The chancellor is creating a parking advisory committee to address operational issues.
Deb Horner asked about the research park concept and planned location. Chancellor Rogers responded that one reason he suggests MPC look at the Bunnell property, is due to plans he has to connect economic development and technology. ARSC needs additional space as well. Possible locations are Bunnell or east of CCHRC (although both have soils problems), the corner of Farmers Loop and College Road, or land around the Administrative Services Center. The chancellor favors the Farmers Loop and College Road site. Scott Arko asked if there is any hope of getting legislative support and funding for the research park. Chancellor Rogers believes it is key that UAF articulate the concept and applications well, while the State has the current budget surplus.
Chancellor Rogers stated he is agreeable to MPC hiring a consultant to assist with the new campus master plan, however, he asks MPC to consider whether there is a way to involve UAF graduate students in the process. He sees both financial and academic benefit. Kathleen recommends that MPC outline a schedule for the development and approval of the new master plan, picking the BOR meeting at which it wants to present the plan; hiring the consultant will be done through Facilities Services and it will assign a project manager. Deb indicated that when the last master plan was developed, there was a subcommittee assigned to do a majority of the work. Once available, Linda Zanazzo will provide Dianne with a copy of the new BOR policy, for her distribution to MPC members. Development of the new master plan will be on MPC’s next meeting agenda.
Accreditation self-study is due around 2010, so that examination will be done in parallel to development of the new campus master plan.
The chancellor encourages one or more members of MPC to tour UAA’s one-stop facility in the Old University Center Mall. MPC can learn from that, as well as from the one-stop shop being developed on the lower level of Signers’.
Deb asked what the realities are of completing the North Tanana Loop, or least a section of it. The chancellor questions whether it is physically possible due to soil conditions and is uncertain
as to the affordability. He is not prepared to invest funds for that project at this time.
Subcommittee Reports
Campus Landscape and Outdoor Art
Deb has communicated with the deans of the buildings in proximity to the planned site for the Urban Ostrich sculpture. The artist is working with Facilities on the display and installment. Bill Krause, however, reports that Dean Goering has safety concerns relative to the sculpture protruding into the walkway and that he proposes an alternate sculpture. Bill will continue work to resolve concerns and keep Deb informed.
Work to install interpretive and informational signage at West Ridge Plaza continues.
Circulation and Parking
No subcommittee report.
Deb stated that with the chancellor’s new charge, it is important that a new chair be appointed in a timely manner.
Dianne will convey to Chancellor Rogers the MPC’s desire that there be membership overlap between the parking and sustainability task forces he is appointing, and the MPC, to ensure adequate communication.
There will be a plan developed for the redesign of the Ballaine Lake turnout, potentially expanding the parking area, addressing erosion problems, incorporating handicap access, etc. Luke stated this is not university land, but UAF is responsible for maintenance of it.
North Campus
Luke reported that North campus is being prepared for winter use, including signage and improvement of grooming equipment. Work continues on the 3 new campus trails approved by Chancellor Jones. Recently a research plot was mistakenly mowed; the researcher has been asked to submit a research permit. The North Campus subcommittee next meets 10/8/08.
Scott Arko brought up congestion in crosswalks near [ARSC or IARC] with pedestrians, skiers, and motor vehicles. Luke has discussed crosswalk options with Ed Foster, but isn’t aware of any firm plans. Luke will continue to pursue a solution.
Facilities Services Update
Linda Zanazzo reported that the TVC exterior project was presented to the BOR last week.
Public Comment Period
Kathleen engaged the MPC in discussion of the Virology Lab sculpture and the recommendation MPC approved at its 9/11/08 meeting. Deb explained if the chancellor approves that recommendation, she expects he or Facilities Services will forward it to the sculpture committee. Kathleen stated the president and chancellor need to approve the sculpture, and that President Hamilton does not think the sculpture is a good fit for the area. Kathleen says the university needs to respond to DOT, and she would like MPC to make a more substantive recommendation. Deb responded that she sees that as a problem for MPC—no MPC members have voiced strong objection to the sculpture. A motion was made and seconded not to amend the recommendation approved by MPC at its 9/11/08; the recommendation stands as currently worded and will be forwarded to Chancellor Rogers for consideration.
DLM
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