4/17/02 Campus Center Planning Committee Meeting

Those present were: Tom Crady, Frank Thomas, Sheree Andrews, Barb Trish, Joseph Oppong, Dixie Hanson, Mark Godar, Linda Price, John Kalkbrenner, Katie Pieper, Bob Cadmus, Dick Williams and Michael Sims.

The issue was raised to the Committee regarding sharing information concerning the campus center construction with the campus community. One solution is to put information on our web-site. Another issues was raised by a faculty member asking if the Committee has considered adding the pre-school or a daycare center to the campus center. The faculty member wanted to know if a group of people should be organized to present a proposal. Discussion about these two issues followed.

A Committee member felt there was a security issue to have either a pre-school or daycare center housed in the campus center. Another member felt we should be open to ideas people propose. Another concern was that these ideas should not be included because the program is all ready in place and doesn't include a daycare center. Originally Jim Work had talked with the architects and moving the pre-school would be very expensive. Parking would be an issue. Mark Miller is chairing a committee to look at open space on campus when buildings are vacated and any proposals should be sent to him. The Committee is not sure the pre-school wants to move.

A playground would also need to be built. There would need to be strong support from the psychology department and pre-school staff to move to campus center. The Committee should listen to proposal and then decide whether it's not a good idea. Several people raised concerns about the pre-school proposal. The second issue would be funding; could it be worked into budget. The time frame would have to be fast and members felt the architects were not anxious to redraft the program. It may be decided by limitations of money. The Committee should talk with Russell and Jonathan about any proposed changes.

The Committee was reluctant to tell people they can't contribute ideas. They felt they should listen to people's proposals. The question was raised if the Committee should receive these proposals or should the proposals go directly to Russell? The consensus was the Committee should receive new proposals for the campus center. Another issue was if the Committee decides to look at other proposals, architects can't go forward the plans. The Committee felt Russell should give direction about considering other ideas. One member felt Russell would say no. The proposal would be taken to Russell if need be. The consensus was not to build the campus center without looking at all proposals. This is the time to make sure all the space is utilized.
Returning to the preschool issue, a Committee member felt it wasn't a good idea to have preschool there, but should hear all ideas. If it's not a good idea, it should be dropped. Another member thought the Committee should draw the line and say no more proposals. We need to go forward. We're probably pushing architects back and there are many factors to consider. Another issue is a potential for illness to spread with the day care there. Another member stated that day care and preschool are different issues. If the College community thinks there should be a better day care they should work through community enhancement to resolve this issue. The Committee thought we should let the faculty member know the committee will entertain the proposal. Also, does the Committee want to issue a statement saying we will invite other proposals? Another Committee member thought it was a big mistake to tell people they have no input. Thought a statement should be issued saying there would be two weeks to introduce new ideas . The Committee should let the campus community know the program is on the web. Committee would like to hear what students have to say. Not sure how to proceed. What do we tell students? Will work to put information on GRIN for students. A member felt the Committee needs to move to the building aspect of the campus center. A year's worth of design and two year's worth of construction ideas have been invested. Need a cut-off point to go forward. Thought it's unlikely we'll see major changes. Suggestions must justify ideas.
Discussion followed about the decision to place campus center on Darby lot. The Committee felt the decision should be discussed with the campus community and explain how this decision was made. Another member stated the campus center location was decided before discussion of including a library there. The architects suggested placing the library there if a new library was built. A needs assessment was conducted and the construction of a campus center was planned. A need for a new library was also presented and Russell supported it. The architects felt the Darby lot would be a good location for a library. It was decided to put the current drafts on the web and in three to four weeks include new drafts. Committee will meet again on Wednesday, April 24 at 3:00 p.m. in PDR F.