UW Baraboo/Sauk County U.W Campus Commission

Members Present: Wedekind, Mielke, Geimer, Huffaker, Giese, and Haugen.

Members Absent: Kivioja.

Others Present: Pleger, Davis, and Griffith.

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

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

Motion by Geimer, seconded by Mielke to approve the minutes from the October 24, 2008 meeting, as mailed. Motion carried.

Public Comment:

None

Communications:

None

Financial Report:

C. Giese, City Clerk, distributed a revenue/expense report for the period 1/1/08 to 11/30/08. The report indicated an unencumbered balance of $27,746.49.

Maintenance Report and Payment of Bills:
R. Griffith presented the monthly report and list of bills. Motion by Janke, seconded by Haugen to approve the report and bills in the amount of $2,213.09. Motion carried.

Dean's Report:

Dean Pleger, reported on the following:

• Currently in the final stages of hiring an Assistant Dean of Student Services; decision should be made next week with the individual selected beginning employment on December 1st.
• Discussion continues on the possibility of extending the contract with Oxford Correctional Facility through May of 2009, the end of next semester. Currently there are the equivalent of 17 full time students enrolled. Non-renewal of the contract will bring a loss of revenue for the campus.
• Recently returned from a trip to Scotland and visit to the UW campus there. Discussions took place on a "partnering program" which would offer local students an opportunity to attend a semester of school in an English speaking foreign country. Plans are to make a presentation of the "Wisconsin in Scotland Program" to students and faculty on Monday, November 24th, as well as the Chancellor and other interested groups during the coming month.
• Two issues need to be dealt with prior to the start of a serious campaign involving the Living and Learning Center, namely:
  1. Development of an Alumni Association list - A professional firm has been contacted to create a data base of Baraboo-Sauk County UW students at an estimated cost of $3,500.00. Currently no such list exists and it is important that one be created for future use by the campus.
  2. Executive Director of the Foundation - The "Friends of the Campus" have agreed to hire a half time Executive Director position. Although the "Friends" have done a great job so far, it is felt that this position is critical and must be in place prior to moving forward with development of the LLC.
• An estimated state budget shortfall is expected to have a negative impact on all UW campuses.
• Regent Bartell will visit our campus on December 1st. Commission members have been invited to share this visit and were encouraged to detail their involvement with the campus and the unique operational partnership which exists between the city and county.
• Serious problems have been discovered regarding lighting in the campus theater. The original lighting is over 40 years old, with repair and replacement parts becoming difficult to obtain. Replacement costs are estimated at $50,000 - $100,000; the availability of grants to defray the cost will be researched. Commission members also suggested consulting Alliant Energy to assist with any energy savings programs, possibly including other areas on campus which could undergo lighting renovation.
• A presentation to BEDC (Baraboo Economic Development Corporation) will be given regarding the collaborative Bachelors' Degree program on campus; a request for their support, in concept, will be made.

Report on the Living and Learning Center:

C. Davis reported the marketing and ambassador groups are in place, and as previously noted by Dean Pleger, progress is being made on developing alumni data.

Chair Wedekind noted he has been in contact with the Baraboo City Engineer who has developed a parking lot plan that addresses issues concerning storm water run-off. Davis noted Serge Koenig, with the Sauk County Land Conservation Department, has been on site and created deep tilled areas behind the soccer field and plans to work with high school students to plant rain gardens; both of which are hoped to alleviate storm water issues. It was noted an area of the disk golf course has now been washed out and is in need of repair.

Motion by Mielke, seconded by Wedekind to adjourn and schedule the next, regular Campus Commission meeting for Thursday, December 18, 2008 at 9:00 A.M. Motion carried.

Respectfully submitted: Beverly J. Mielke, County, Clerk/Secretary