Members Present: Wedekind, Mielke, Huffaker, Geimer, Liston and Kivioja
Members Absent: Haugen and Giese
Others Present: Griffith, Davis, and Pleger
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 Kivioja to approve the agenda for today's meeting, as mailed. Chairperson Wedekind suggested moving item #9 (Review & payment of bills) following item #7 (Maintenance Report). Motion carried.
Motion by Kivioja, seconded by Geimer to approve the minutes from the July 18, 2007 meeting, as mailed. Motion carried.
Public Comment:
None
Communications:
None
Financial Report:
A financial report, prepared by C. Giese, City Clerk, was distributed covering the period 01/01/07 to 08/31/07. The report indicated an unencumbered balance of $57,746.90. Chairperson Wedekind stated his intention to verify certain line item balances with Ms. Giese, specifically relating to "Repairs and Maintenance Services" amounts.
Maintenance Report and Approval of Bills:
R. Griffith presented the monthly report and list of bills. Motion by Geimer, seconded by Huffaker to approve the report and payment of bills in the amount of $2,425.85. The monthly list of bills also contained an invoice from Precision Controls in the amount of $12,742.00 relating to boiler installation. Motion carried.
C. Davis, Assistant Dean, gave the following project updates:
* The main entrance sign is in the process of being replaced with weather resistant material and should be completed in 2 - 3 weeks.
* New carpeting projects are underway. Cost comparison from a local vendor was made, with McGann Furniture's price remaining the least expensive.
* Cost estimates for carpeting in the theater areas have come in close to $7,000 (only $5,000 was budgeted); another grade of carpet will be considered for use.
* Carpet and vinyl for the Library will be bid this year, with installation taking
place in 2008.
* The air conditioning unit in building A4 (Lecture Hall) has not been operational for some time. A representative from Precision Controls has looked at the unit and determined the problem to be a defective coil; replacement of the coil ($5,130) would be more costly than the purchase of a new unit ($4,000). Commission members discussed the possibility of replacing the unit this year or next. Chairperson Wedekind will verify remaining 2007 budget funds prior to a decision being made.
Discussion of Heating System:
The boiler replacement project is on schedule with approximately half of the costs being paid, to date. A representative from Alliant Energy will be on site later today to deliver a check in conjunction with the Shared Savings Program. Commission members were encouraged to tour the boiler system area after the meeting.
Discussion on 2008 Budget:
Copies of the final budget, as submitted to the city and county, were distributed to Commission members. The total budget being requested is in the amount of $153,750; a request of $76,875 each for the City of Baraboo and County of Sauk.
Discussion on Living and Learning Center:
C. Davis reported on activities to date, including:
* Meeting was held with Strang Associates and the Living and Learning Center Committee regarding site selection and master planning.
* Three site options were considered, with a unanimous selection in favor of building into the hillside, off the end of the Lange Center building. This site will not block the view, have a "green" roof, and provide access to existing campus services.
* Detailed building plans will follow, and will include an interpretive center, greenhouse, and conference facilities.
* A community meeting to unveil plans will be held in early September. Commission members favored holding a joint meeting with the Living & Learning Committee, prior to the community presentation, at which they could be fully briefed on specifics of the building plans.
* Some issues addressed in master planning were: combining administration offices, creating a specific front entrance, redoing the labs, and building a loop road around campus with a small parking lot behind the library.
Dean's Report:
Dean Pleger gave a report on campus activities, to date, including:
* The Campus' 40th anniversary is upcoming. A committee has been created to plan for this celebration, with former Dean, Aural Umhoefer, serving as Chair.
* Earlier today, Dean Pleger welcomed an incoming freshmen group. Presently 398 students are enrolled and target enrollment is expected to be met.
* State budget concerns still exist. Proposed budget cuts could be catastrophic to small campuses. All hiring has been frozen until the state budget is adopted.
Motion by Mielke, seconded by Kivioja to adjourn and set the next, regular meeting date for Thursday, September 20, 2007 at 9:00 A.M. Motion carried and the meeting adjourned at 9:40 A.M.
Respectfully submitted:
Beverly J. Mielke, County Clerk/Secretary