Agenda — February 7, 2001
9:30 a.m.— Assembly Room of Wilson Library
I. Call to Order
II. Welcome Guests, Members of the Press
III. Opening Remarks
- Chancellor James Moeser
IV. Special Presentations
- Provost Robert Shelton
- Jack Evans, Horace Williams Tract Update
- Gordon Rutherford, Anna Wu, Karen Geer on University Bond Package
- Alison Weiner, UNC Sustainability Coalition
V. Employee Presentations or Questions
VI. Human Resources Update
- Laurie Charest, Associate Vice Chancellor, Human Resources
VII. Approval of Minutes of the December 6, 2000, January 19, 2001 meetings P
VIII. Unfinished Business
- Forum Resolution Urging Increased Number of Community Meetings
- Career Development Training Responsibility Flier
IX. Stretch Time
X. New Business
- Committee Meeting Times
XI. Forum Committee Reports
- Career Development: Fred Jordan
- Communications: Suzan deSerres P
- Forum Newsletter
- Employee Presentations: Sheila Storey
- Nominating: Tracey Haith
- Orientation: Suzan deSerres
- Personnel Issues: Mary Ann Vacheron
- Recognition and Awards: Karen Jordan
- University Committee Assignments: Lee Edmark
XII. Chair’s Report (Executive Committee): John Heuer
XIII. Task Force/University Committee Reports
- Pedestrian Safety Committee—Jill Mayer/Sheila Storey
- Transportation & Parking Advisory — Chris Barfield/Joanne Kucharski
- University Priorities & Budget— Joanne Kucharski
- Master Plan Executive Steering Team—Joanne Kucharski
- Transit System Improvement Committee—Joanne Kucharski
XIV. Announcements/Questions
- Nick Didow, Center for Public Service
XV. Adjournment
P = Included in Agenda Packet
MINUTES
Minutes
February 7, 2001
(Wilson Library Assembly Room)
Delegates Present
GeorgeAnn Bissett
Anita Booth
Andy Chrismon
David Collins
Linda Collins
Donna Cornick
Suzan deSerres
Lee Edmark
Keith Fogleman
Jeffery Fuchs
Pam Griffin
Tracey Haith
Glenn Haugh
John Heuer
Tom Jenswold
Fred Jordan
Karen Jordan
Ramona Kellam
Gary Lloyd
Connie McPherson
John Meeker
Clarence Peoples
Gail Plaisance
Rob Sadler
Jean Skelton
Sheila Storey
Diane Strong
Darian Sturdivant
Bonita Summers
Kay Teague
Joanne Terry
Robert Thoma
Elaine Tola
Mary Ann Vacheron
Sylvia White
Kathy Dutton “
Karen Geer “
Joanne Kucharski “
Laurie Charest“
“ = Ex-Officio
Delagates Absent
Chris Barfield
Keita Cannon
Sue Dodson
Sheila King
Cathy Riley
Wendy Riley
Rita Stone
Chanetta Washington
Excused Absences
Dave Lohse
Alternates Present
Tommy Griffin
Muffarah Jahangeer Tom Rhyne
Freida Rosenberg
Guests
Nick Didow
Jack Evans
James Moeser
JoAnn Pitz
Scott Ragland
Bruce Runberg
Gordon Rutherford
Robert Shelton
BJ Tipton
Alison Weiner
Rachel Windham
Anna Wu
Call to Order, Welcome to Guests
Chair John Heuer called the meeting to order at 9:30 a.m. He welcomed Delegates, honored guests, and members of the press. He noted that the Forum would hear a presentation from the campus sustainability coalition, an update on the campus building program, and an update on the Horace Williams tract.
The Chair was pleased to introduce Chancellor James Moeser. He noted that Moeser had introduced him at the January 25 Board of Trustees meeting, and so the Chair was doubly pleased to welcome Moeser to the Forum.
Moeser expressed his sincere appreciation to 2000 Forum Chair Joanne Kucharski, Vice Chair Kathy Dutton, and Secretary Karen Geer for the work they had done for the University last year. He looked forward to working with the new officers and leadership of the Forum.
Moeser reported that the State’s budget situation looked fairly grim, with the Governor declaring a state of emergency in wake of a shortfall over $700 million. He did not know what this deficit would mean to the University. He had viewed as satisfactory an agreement between the University System and the State that would require a 1.5% non-recurring reversion. Of this reversion, .5% would come from central funds and 1.0% from departmental units. He was pleased with this number given that most State agencies will revert 2% of funds to meet the budget crunch. Other State agencies also are undergoing hiring and purchasing freezes, but the University has been given the flexibility and responsibility to manage its own situation.
Moeser said that this flexibility is very important given that the campus is so far into its academic year. He did not know what the growing financial problem would mean to the campus otherwise. The budget shortfall is the result of a national economic slowdown and a unique set of temporary circumstances facing the State. North Carolina has faced a combination of unexpected expenditures resulting from Hurricane Floyd’s damage and adverse court decisions, combined with shortfalls on the revenue side, such as tax cuts.
Observers have read with great interest Governor Easley’s plans for a State lottery to fund educational improvements. He did not know what would become of this plan. Moeser said that he had been assured that the University would not be pressed further concerning the State budget situation, and said that he thought there would be likely damage to the institution if the situation should change. However, he said that the University would do what it had to do to minimize the permanent impact to the institution.
He said that the State faces a very tight budget situation that will affect staff salaries and support. He noted that faculty continue to attract external funding from the federal government and other sources, with a 12% increase from last year. This is a great national university that is increasingly less dependent on State appropriations to maintain its quality and excellence. The University is still hard at work attracting private sector funding for its activities. Moeser said that the portion of State funding in the University’s overall budget would continue to decline as other revenue streams gain in strength.
Moeser said that the difficult budget situation presented the University a chance to obtain regulatory relief. He was pleased by the confidence North Carolina’s citizens had shown by approving the University bond referendum, which will provide $500 million in construction and renovations for the campus in the next ten years. This construction will supplement funding from the University’s own fundraising from private sources. Moeser said obtaining regulatory relief would allow the campus to save millions of dollars and allow it to complete building projects on time and within budget. He said that regulatory relief would be the best thing the State could do to aid the University this year.
The outlook for the State Health plan is of concern to every University Employee. Moeser noted that increasing individual costs and high use of the prescription drug benefit have raised the prospect of premium increases this year. Moeser said that governmental representatives would work to protect staff and faculty Employee benefits. He encouraged Employees with thoughts on this matter to contact Associate Vice Chancellor for Governmental Relations Evelyn Hawthorne.
Moeser introduced the new Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor Robert Shelton. Shelton had served previously as the Vice-Provost for Research in the University of California System and as the chair of the Physics Department at the University of California at Davis, among other roles.
Shelton said that it was a great pleasure to be present with the Forum. He noted that the budget issue was a familiar one given similar difficulties at the University of California. He had enjoyed the substantive hospitality of a week of meetings. He also had met Forum leaders during the interview process for the position. He respected Delegates’ decision to work extra hours for the good of campus Employees and the University as a whole. Despite the stereotype of physicists, he considered himself a people person and was thrilled to be on campus.
The Chair welcomed Jack Evans to make a presentation on the status of the Horace Williams development. First, he welcomed Dutton and Geer to make some brief remarks. Dutton noted that the Forum had planned to present its community award in December but had been unable to do so. Instead, the Forum waited to be able to present Evans the award in person.
The Forum’s community award is designed to recognize distinguished contributions promoting collaboration among faculty, staff, and students. Dutton was proud to recognize Evans as the 2000 recipient of the award. Kucharski read the letter of nomination from Gordon Rutherford. Rutherford cited Evans’ service to the University as a member of the business school faculty and furthermore, for his service as interim Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration following the resignation of Jim Ramsey and the death of Michael Hooker. Evans had worked to improve the capital request process and improve relations with the Town of Chapel Hill, among other agencies.
Evans said that he was grateful, but also shocked to receive the award. He made a joke about a woman attending the funeral of her husband, who asked their son to peek in the coffin to make sure they were attending the correct funeral. He appreciated the award and the chance to work with the Forum.
Evans said that Moeser had asked him to continue work with planning for use of the Horace William tract. He had provided a snapshot of the project for the Faculty Council, and would do the same for the Forum.
The Horace Williams tract is 970 acres, covering the airport and the Town’s municipal yard. Through developing the tract, the University has the opportunity to develop exciting projects across the service, researching and teaching dimensions of the campus, as well as improve the siting of its administrative activities. The University will develop conceptual plans for its use over the next two years.
Co-convenors of the development committee when it originated were Susan Ehringhaus, Jim Ramsey, and Jonathan Howes. Evans was appointed the third co-convenor in Ramsey’s wake. When Nancy Suttenfield was named Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration, Evans was asked to continue work planning for the property. Faculty, students, staff, administration and trustees have all worked with the committee. The committee has also worked with two consulting groups, Ayres Saint Gross on the overall design and Stonebridge and Associates on financial planning.
The campus master plan is much farther along than the Horace Williams planning process is. The Board of Trustees will consider the campus master plan formally at its March meeting. Given the bond referendum funding, the master plan is almost ready to begin. The Horace Williams tract planning is nowhere near that point.
Evans noted that the 970 acres of the Horace Williams tract is nearly twice the size of the current campus. He presented a slide showing where developments on the tract might go. The recommended allowance of space would give institutional and research facilities 5.8 million ground square feet; housing for 1,900 students faculty and staff 2.3 million ground square feet; retail space 120,000 ground square feet, and civic and community space 31,000 ground square feet.
With approximately 8 million ground square feet, the development would generate around 45,000 people-trips a day. The University is determined to stay within its 8 million-ground square feet limit.
Evans said that the development as planned and laid out now would have less intensity than the original plan. The original proposal would develop 56% of the 970 acres; the current proposal would develop only 30% of this land. The additional acres would be left as open space. He was glad to provide more information to people interested.
The committee, represented by Adam Gross, will make a presentation to the Chapel Hill Town Council on Monday. The key points of the discussion will be traffic, housing, environmental impact, sustainability and schooling issues. Evans noted that any increase in housing would have an impact on the Town’s school system.
Evans said that the idea is for core academic programs to remain on the main campus, but some synergies with current programs might become evident. Nearly 6 million ground square feet would be combined institutional and research based, to allow alliance with corporations and spin-off companies to grow on campus. Residential space would make up one-quarter of the total of all Horace Williams construction. Student Housing would provide more details on the specific distribution of rooms, but Evans thought that undergraduate housing would likely remain on the central campus. Instead, this housing would be well suited for graduate students and married student housing.
Also, the tract presents an opportunity to address the need for accessible housing with a broader distribution of price levels. Many prospective employees of the University, Hospital, and Town cannot consider the opportunity to work and live here because of the price of housing in Chapel Hill.
Evans said that more information would be provided at two campus briefings to be held February 23 in Carroll Hall from 11-12:30 p.m. and March 2 from 11-12:30 p.m. in Berryhill Hall. Employees are welcome to attend both events.
Evans said that the University must also pay to resolve landfill and chemical landfill issues before plans can go forward. In one information session for Carrboro officials, a neighbor of the property asked what the plan would do to the community over the next 10-20 years. Evans said that completion of work on the tract would take the next 100 years.
Before leaving, Evans noted that the committee has envisioned using the rail line on the west side of the site as a dedicated lineway to the west end of town, connecting in turn to a set of buses at the cogeneration plan and in turn to the rest of the University. He said that the committee intends to keep the campus community informed as developments continue.
The Chair introduced Associate Vice Chancellor for Facilities Services Bruce Runberg. Runberg oversees a division of 1,000 people and a budget of $30 million. Runberg praised Evans for his work as a boss and leader for the campus. He noted that Evans had taken on the role of rejuvenating the facilities planning committee, which played a role in coordinating the campus’ bond program.
Runberg noted that Gordon Rutherford, Anna Wu, and Karen Geer would make a short presentation on the campus bond program. One of the things the trio would highlight is the campus website detailing the progress of campus construction.
Runberg noted that new provost Shelton would be the new chair of the facilities planning committee, serving with Runberg, Rutherford, Wu, and Geer.
Rutherford recalled that two years ago, the Legislature assigned Eva Klein & Associates to do a study on UNC System facilities needs. Klein put together a 10-year program for the 16 System campuses costs between $7-8 billion. The 1999 session of the General Assembly failed to approve this package. In response, the System put together a $2.6 billion bond referendum dedicating $500 million for the community college system that was passed by the Legislature and approved overwhelmingly by the voters in November 2000.
Before the bond issue was approved, the campus started a series of meetings among all campus institutions. Work resulting from the bond issue will touch 21% of all campus building, and to keep the University functioning, all of this work cannot be done at once. One hundred-twenty classrooms will face renovation in the next ten semesters, leading the campus registrar to scramble to find new space for classes.
The campus has already taken bids on the Biomolecular building construction, renovation of the new University Gazette library, and construction of the autistic center in Chatham County. The next project up for bid is work on Murphey Hall.
Unlike the Horace Williams tract work, bond issue construction is definitely progressing full speed ahead. Interested Employees can review the website detailing the $1.1 billion of construction facing the campus over the next eight years at the website http://www.fac.unc.edu/CIP/ The website contains maps of projects indicating what is happening now and will happen in the future.
One link from the capital improvements program web page goes to the original Eva Klein report. Specific links will provide information on project schedules, budget, design & construction management, and purpose. Rutherford said that the plan is to update the site no less often than once a week.
Rutherford said that facilities services plans to do all it can to lessen the inconvenience of the construction on employees and students. He did note that the University had approached the State Building Commission to request an alternative method of contracting beyond the normal multiplying contract system. The alternative method would provide a single point of responsibility during the construction process, simplifying scheduling, cost, and work.
Robert Thoma asked what is included in the capital campaign to replace lost parking spaces. Rutherford said that through the master plan process, attention has been given to parking needs. However, the decision has been made the campus could not maintain the same ratio of parking on central campus as before. Instead, park and ride is now here for real at UNC. The Transportation and Parking Advisory committee is working with a consultant on how to provide for campus transit needs. He suggested that Thoma contact Linda Carl or Carolyn Elfland for a more detailed answer.
Rachel Windham asked if there had been discussion about relocating the Health Science Library. Rutherford said that this question is under some study. He thought that Ned Brooks and Health Affairs officials could provide an answer to this question in a month or so.
Runberg noted that the construction management team would try to save as many trees and shrubs as possible, but the addition of new buildings means that some plants cannot be saved. Facilities services plans to replace these plants with replantings and excellent landscaping. He did regret that the University would lose a number of trees.
The Chair noted that the sustainability coalition had begun a couple of years ago, and the campus is in the process of hiring a sustainability coordinator. He said that the work of the coalition had been done by a number of volunteers lacking a paid staff person. He was proud to welcome Alison Weiner.
Weiner gave a brief definition of sustainable development, which addresses the needs of the present without compromising the needs of the future. Weiner said that the coalition had been established through a student proposal to institutionalize green practices. Governor Hunt put forth an executive order that State agencies were to incorporate practices to preserve national resources and eliminate waste and emissions. The University is also signatory to the Talloire declaration to create a sustainable future network. The declaration asks that institutions participate in a purposeful restructuring of higher education to reflect sustainability concerns.
The coalition is an umbrella organization of groups all willing to work for sustainable practices on campus. The coalition is headed by Runberg and is composed of students, staff, administration, and faculty. The coalition has eight task groups that evaluate baseline data for particular areas and identify problems and opportunities for improvement.
Weiner noted that Dr. William Glaze had taught the first campus sustainability course and invited members of the coalition to serve as mentors. After brainstorming, class groups decided on local issues to address, namely, pesticide use on the Finley Golf course, procurement and paper use, and purchase of organic, locally grown foods by Student Stores. Another group looked at leadership in environmental design, particularly the sustainability of building constructions. That group submitted recommendations for the renovations of Alexander, Cobb and Wilson dormitories.
The business operations task group has worked to integrate purchasing socially responsible staples, paper and cleaning supplies into campus operations. The energy task group has worked on a shift to renewable energy resources. The land and buildings task group has worked to promote environmentally friendly design, with particular attention to capital improvement projects.
B. J. Tipton noted that the coalition has looked at recycling issues, specifically bulky waste, construction/demolition waste, pallets, and scrape metal. These materials make up 33% of the waste stream.
The outreach task group has worked to inform the University community about progress made. The transportation task group has studied the use of alternative fuel vehicles and other mobility activities. The last task group has looked at all aspects of water conservation, from water use to drainage to the storm water and sewer system.
The coalition plans to collaborate on more environmental studies, to hire a full-time sustainability coordinator, to develop and present a University commitment to sustainability statement for consideration by the campus community. In addition, the coalition looks to add to its grassroots effort by increasing the number and diversity of its membership. Employees interested in more information can access http://www.fac.unc.edu/sustain or http://www.sustainablenc.org
The group meets the second Friday of each month in the Student Union, Room 210. Weiner asked members to signup if they were interested in obtaining handouts from the group.
The Chair asked the Forum to take a five-minute break.
The Chair introduced Associate Vice Chancellor for Human Resources Laurie Charest to present the customary Human Resources Update. Charest noted that she had been asked about the University’s employment director search at the January retreat. She said that the campus had identified a number of candidates and was beginning to schedule interviews. In short, the process is moving along well.
Human Resources recently held an on-line job fair for accounting, administration, information technology, technical and trades positions. The department set up chat rooms to talk to potential employees from all over the world. In all, 1212 people logged on to the chat rooms, and the campus began receiving job applications and resumes on the day of the event. Human Resources plans to continue these operations in the future.
Charest introduced Barbara DeLon, who is returning from a stint in the private sector to serve as director of Employee Services. DeLon previously worked in the Davis Libraries and as director of UNC Housekeeping.
Concerning the SPA salary survey, the University has just completed the bid process and awarded the contract to the Singer Group of Maryland. The project has a three-month timeline, and Charest looked forward to sharing results later this spring.
Also, Human Resources will do a MetLife enrollment and offer to increase coverage to two times one’s salary, with proof of insurability and completion of the health certificate approved by the company.
Charest noted that problems face the State health plan this year. The executive director of the plan has encouraged feedback about proposed changes. Human Resources is designing a brief survey of benefit options to warn people of the upcoming difficulties, among other purposes. While it is not fun to “pick one’s poison,” it is important to provide feedback to decision-makers about potential options.
Human Resources will host a deferred savings information session on March 20 from 10-3 p.m. in the Great Hall of the Student Union. Employees can discuss tax annuity plans such as 401(k)s and 403(b)s.
At this point, the Chair called for a motion to approve the minutes of the December 6 meeting. Robert Thoma made this motion, seconded by Sheila Storey. The motion was approved by acclamation.
The Chair then called for a motion to approve the minutes of the January 19 meeting. Robert Thoma made this motion, seconded by Sheila Storey. The motion was approved by acclamation.
The Chair asked that the Forum defer consideration of the resolution encouraging more community meetings until March.
Fred Jordan, chair of the Career Development committee, said that the group faced some difficulty in that there are no returning members. The group was joined by 2000 chair Bobbie Lesane, and spent some time discussing the flier that was developed last year.
The committee hopes to work on increasing the tuition waiver benefit to cover both sessions of summer school. The committee will meet again at Sitterson Hall on the fourth Thursday of every month.
Suzan de Serres, chair of the Communications committee, reported the group would meet the next morning from 9-10 a.m. in the Wilson Library conference room.
Sheila Storey, chair of the Employee Presentations committee, said that group would meet on February 14 from 11-noon in 202 Carr.
Tracey Haith, chair of the Nominating committee, said the group had met January 25 with a great turnout. The group will meet the fourth Thursday of each month, February 22 in Davis Library. Haith asked that Division 7 Delagates consider joining the group.
Suzan de Serres, chair of the Orientation committee, asked that members fill out the evaluation form which had been passed out that morning.
Mary Ann Vacheron, chair of the Personnel Issues committee, noted that the group had very good attendance for its first meeting. It had invited 2000 committee chair Dorothy Grant to attend the next committee meeting. The committee will divide up issues of concern into different subcommittees.
Karen Jordan, chair of the Recognition & Awards committee, said that the group would meet February 12 in Sitterson hall. The committee will soon set a permanent meeting time.
Lee Edmark, chair of the University Committee Assignments committee, said the group would meet February 21 in the Davis Library collections conference room. John Meeker is the only continuing member of the committee.
The Chair noted that the Executive Committee would meet Friday February 9 to discuss transit options with Linda Carl and Carolyn Elfland. Its regular meeting would take place February 21 from 10:30-noon.
Sheila Storey said that the pedestrian safety committee was wrapping up its recommendations and was trying to identify funding for a pedestrian safety campaign.
Nick Didow noted that the Carolina Center for Public Service had left items on the back table detailing requirements for Public Service grants for faculty, staff and students. He urged Delegates to consider nominating someone this year. The green sheet described selection criteria and application requirements for faculty and staff grants. The deadline for these grants is late March. The Center will hold two public forums on February 20 (from 11:30-1:30 p.m.) and 27 (from 4:30-6 p.m.) outlining the Center’s work and its aspirations for the future.
Joanne Kucharski said that she and the Chair had met with Chancellor Moeser to ask that the Forum be apportioned another seat on the University Priorities and Budget committee. She noted that there are four faculty members and one student on the committee. She said that Moeser seemed receptive and said that she would meet with Provost Shelton tomorrow.
The next Transportation and Parking Advisory committee will take place February 14 to discuss possible service enhancements and the operational side of the transit system. There is the possibility of a permit fee increase, a transit fee, or an increase in parking fines. The committee now meets twice a month.
The Chair noted that the Transportation and Parking Advisory committee would host two community meeting February 26 to lay out the transit situation and possible solutions.
The Chair then regaled the Forum with a brief song detailing 2000 Forum Chair Joanne Kucharski’s accomplishments and talents.
In the absence of further discussion, the meeting adjourned by acclamation at 11:40 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Matt Banks, Recording Secretary