UW Campus Commission

DATE : Thursday, December 21, 2006
TIME: 9:00 A.M.
Place:
Lange Center meeting room off the Joe Wankerl Cafeteria
Baraboo/Sauk County UW Campus
1006 Connie Road
Baraboo, WI

Members Present: Wedekind, Mielke, Haugen, Huffaker, Geimer, Haugen, and Burke

Members Absent: Giese

Others Present: Griffith, Davis, Pleger, and Janke

Chairperson Wedekind called the meeting to order at 9:00 A.M.and compliance with the Open Meeting Law was verified.

Motion by Geimer, seconded by Burke to approve the agenda for today's meeting, as mailed.
Motion carried.

Motion by Huffaker, seconded by Geimer to approve the minutes from the November 16, 2006 meeting, as mailed.
Motion carried.

Public Comment:

None

Communications:

None

Financial Report:

In the absence of C. Giese, copies of the financial report were distributed by the Chairperson. The report covered the period of January 1, 2006 through December 31, 2006 and showed an unencumbered balance of $64,157.73. It was noted of this balance, $30,000 has been designated to be applied to the boiler fund and approximately $14,000 will be spent on the bathroom remodeling project. C. Davis, Assistant Dean, reporting on other capital remodeling projects and indicated the theater carpeting will be re-bid due to the receipt of only one proposal, which was over budget.

Maintenance Report and Approval of Bills:

R. Griffith presented the monthly report and list of bills. He informed Commission members that invoices for the bathroom remodeling project will not be received until January and reported receiving a $10.00 dividend check from Coop Country Partners during the past month. Motion by Geimer, seconded by Huffaker to approve the report and bills in an amount of $332.90.
Motion carried.

Dean's Report:

Dean Pleger apologized for both he and C. Davis' absence at last month's Commission meeting, citing previous meeting commitments. He then presented his monthly report, noting the following:

• A Commission on the state level has moved its recommendations on to the UW Chancellor; included is support of a general baccalaureate degree for two year campuses.
• The state is supporting offering free tuition to students with a prorated pay back if they agree to remain employed in Wisconsin for a certain amount of time.
• The relationship with technical and two year colleges remains an issue . A decision made in January could affect enrollment in two year college systems, but probably will not become an issue on this campus.
• A 2.5M budget shortfall in the UW system remains a concern, due in part to the inability to reach target enrollments. This campus has met the 93% re-enrollment guideline.
• The Reedsburg School District has requested permission to use land owned by this campus. The property in question is adjacent to the school forest and would be used for field trips. The Dean intends to personally visit the property and meet with staff for their input prior to making a decision on the request. Discussion followed with Commission members and concerns over liability issues were expressed.
• The UW Madison Chancellor will be on campus February 28th to promote the 2 year "Connective Program". Press releases will be put out to promote the event.
• Final pool of candidates being considered to fill the positions of Philosophy Professor and Librarian.

Discussion on Living and Learning Center:

C. Davis gave a report on activities to date, including:

• A signed contract with Strang & Associates is now in place.
• A kickoff meeting was held on campus where expectations were laid out, feedback received and timelines reviewed.
• A series of interviews were held with campus staff and personnel to gather information for the market study and master plan.
• Several field trips will be taken in January to familiarize the L&L Committee with the concept of "green" buildings.
• Plans are in place to conduct an all day visioning session with the Rocky Mountain Institute, a "green" technology firm from Boulder, Colorado; Commission members were invited to attend.
• A "zero energy" building may be considered for construction.
  Dean Pleger stated he was greatly impressed with the Strang Team, especially regarding their overview of the Living and Learning Center's impact and involvement with the entire community. Discussion followed regarding the need for communication and connectivity of the L&L campus project with the Baraboo community, specifically the river walk project. Mayor Liston reported a vacancy will soon occur on BEDC (Baraboo Economic Development Commission), the group leading the river walk project, and indicated he would contact the campus at that time to seek a replacement member.

Subcommittee for Naming of Facilities:

Chairperson Wedekind informed Commission members an error was made at the October 26, 2006 meeting in the motion appointing this Committee. Motion was then made by Wedekind, seconded by Haugen to name the following individuals to serve on the subcommittee: Marcy Huffaker, Anne Burke, Carolyn David, and Lowell Haugen (volunteer at-large). Motion carried. Draft copies of the guidelines for naming or dedicating of University of Wisconsin-Baraboo/Sauk County facilities were distributed and reviewed by Commission members. Discussion followed and it was agreed to place this item on the agenda for consideration at next month's meeting. Commission members felt the final guidelines should be approved by both the City and County, with the bylaws being amended to include same.

R. Janke commended Dean Pleger on the excellent presentation he gave at a recent Kiwanis club meeting.

Mayor Liston expressed concern over the recent sale of the Perry-Judd printing firm in Baraboo and its potential impact on the City.

Motion by Geimer, seconded by Haugen to adjourn and set the next, regular meeting date for Thursday, January 18, 2007 at 9:00 A.M.
Motion carried and the meeting adjourned at 9:45 A.M.

Respectfully submitted: Beverly J. Mielke, Secretary