Minutes of the University Environment Committee

 Meeting of January 25th, 2007

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Regular members present: Hodson, Glascoff, Jones, Lawrence, McKinnon,

Absent: Robinson, House, Bowman

 

Ex officio members present: Mize, Koch, Gill, Schmidt, Twark

Absent: Jones, Core

 

 

1.     The meeting was called to order by Chairman Charles Hodson at 3:30PM

2.      The minutes of the meeting of October 26th , 2006 were approved.

3.     John Gill presented a map, entitled Eminent Green Space on Main Campus  to the committee for discussion of preservation of the green spaces that remain.

4.     Deedee Glascoff moved to limit the use of the main Mall for Barefoot on the Mall and events related to the celebration of the Centennial.

This motion was seconded but no action was taken.  There was general consensus that the area is sensitive to soil compaction and the tree canopy makes lawn growth difficult.  This issue of vehicle traffic for events and lawn and root damage was mentioned.  It might be feasible for vendor vehicles to park on the streets surrounding the mall during festivals.  The trees also need protection from utility projects involving trenching that can damage roots.

5.     Charles Hodson suggested that all the green spaces be discussed and the discussion would be adapted into a committee reports on campus wide concerns.  A general discussion followed

Among the topics discussed were:

a.     The expansion of Mendenhall Student Center and the construction area required for this project.  It was thought that the Mall should be kept open and the construction staging area confined to the area on the parking lot side of the Student Center. 

b.     The renovation of the Ledonia Wright Building and the construction area required for this project

c.      Standards for use of the “brickyard space” North of Mendanhall were discussed

d.     The need for additional crosswalks came up, but the committee was told that this topic is under review of the Senate Safety Committee.

e.      John Gill mentioned his intent to reforest Joyner Woods because trees in the area have been damaged by utility trenching.  The fountain replacement design in front of Wright Auditorium was mentioned briefly.

f.       The preservation of the green space on the University side of 5th Street was discussed at length. Control of damage to trees and the lawn were discussed and prohibition of parking lots or buildings in this area was determined to be important to the committee.  The trees also need protection from utility projects involving trenching that can damage roots.  Trees in the area should be replaced to maintain the appearance of campus.

g.     The need for green space between Austin and Rawl was discussed but the parking lot there was seen as essential.  Landscape enhancement of the area was mentioned.

h.     The woods between the Science and Technology Building  and 10th Street were mentioned.  The trees are in a wet area and the basin is a water runoff catchment area.  The trees enhance the area ands should be preserved.  The trees also need protection from utility projects involving trenching that can damage roots.

i.       The intramural fields were also discussed. There preservation as open space even after the move to the North Recreation Complex was seen as important.

j.       The areas between the parking lots along Cotanche and the

residential area North of 5th Street were seen to be secure due to topography and the main storm water conduit running in the valley of this space to the Tar River.

k.     The grass area that is South of the Joyner Library was

Discussed; it was mentioned that this area had been considered as the site for a building several years ago. Mr. Gill had no information about any proposals for its use at this time. He did mention that the road is ringed with trees that are memorials to different people who are significant to the history of the University.  The drive to the library and fountain could be developed into an aesthetically pleasing campus entrance

l.       Band practice fields across from the College Hill commuter lot was thought to be secure due to the need for a band practice field and for recreation for students living on College Hill.

This area also floods which indicates that it is not a “buildable” site.  The trees on the hills adjacent to these area are pleasing and could be preserved.

m.  Otter Creek, and area near Faulkland, no one seemed to have any information on this area

n.     The Medical School and V.O.A property no information was available

o.     A lengthy discussion occurred about the Frisbee Golf course at

corner of Charles and Greenville Boulevard was discussed at length. Mr. Gill reported that the carnival for the Pig Skin Pig Out is planned to be installed at this corner again. Apparently an agreement has occurred that Baseball parking will not use this grassy area, but football parking and this event are still planned to be uses for this space. It was decided that members of this committee will question the use of this space on April 14th in the next Faculty Senate Meeting. A copy of the minutes relating to the use of this space is attached to these minutes for your review

       

The need to review the comprehensive campus master plan was

discussed. Chairman Hodson suggested that we move towards a comprehensive report of the use to ensure preservation of all these green areas.

 

6.     No further business was discussed and the meeting was conclude at 4:45PM.

 

7.     The next meeting of the University Environment Committee is scheduled for Thursday February 22, 2007. We will pick the areas that are of most concern to the committee during this meeting so we can concentrate on the most critical issues regarding campus land use.

 

 

     Submitted by,

`        Hunt McKinnon

          Feb. 6, 2007