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APPROVED

MINUTES OF THE FACILITIES PLANNING COMMITTEE MEETING
CLARION UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
CLARION, PENNSYLVANIA
January 29, 2015 3:00 p.m.
Carrier Building, Room 114
Members Present: Chairman Jon Beal/Mathematics, Diana Brush (Faculty Senate Institutional
Resources Committee), Christina Hearst/Disability Support Services, Anita Lahr/Biology, Jason
Hendershot/Public Safety, Lisa Hepler/Registrar, Laurie Miller (Faculty Senate IRC), Monica
Miller/Student Senate, Frank Remmick/Public Safety, Daniel Shifflet (Faculty Senate IRC), Ric
Taylor/Facilities Planning & Management (Ex-officio), Others: Dan Focht/Gilbane Building
Company, Brenda Polatty/Keeling Health Center
I.

Approval of Minutes – Chris Hearst made a motion to accept the minutes of the
October 23, 2014 meeting. Lisa Hepler seconded and motion carrier.

II.

Additional Agenda Items:
1. Apple Sculpture
2. Recycling

III.

Old Business:
Items in Progress and/or Completed - Ric Taylor:
1. Becht Hall – Work is progressing on schedule with plans for the building to be
“furniture ready” and turned over from the contractor by July 1, 2015. Once the
furniture is installed the jacks, etc., will be “live” enabling departments to begin
moving. Office moves will occur on a “phased in” approach in order to allow for
some offices which need in place before the start of the fall semester such as the
Registrar’s office and Student Financial Services. Others will be moved at the
convenience of the office.
2. Foundation Suites – The Foundation Suites housing units on the north side of Route
322 will be ready for occupancy August, 2015. Units on the south side of Route 322
(near Carrier Building) are on target for December, 2015.
3. Tippin – Bids have gone out and were due January 28; but, it may be several days
before notification is received from DGS (Department of General Services). It is
anticipated that work will begin after graduation in May, 2015 with the relocation of
utilities which means the Paige Street access will be truncated around Ralston to the
residence halls. D. Katis and R. Taylor have been working on the master sports
schedule. By utilizing six sequences and coordinating sports seasons we should be
able to keep all sporting events in operation.

Facilities Planning Committee
January 29, 2015 - Page 2 of 3

4. Facilities Master Plan – The Master Plan was reviewed and approved by PEC
(President’s Executive Council). Minor revisions will be handled by the architects
and the document will then be forwarded to the Chancellor’s office. Once finalized
it will become a public document and will be posted to the website.
5. Completed Projects – The following projects have been completed recently:



IV.

Venango-Rhoades Roof – Completed Fall, 2014
Gemmell Roof – Completed Fall, 2014
Stevens/Ralston – ADA improvements completed Fall, 2014

New Business:
1. Venango Pond Dredging – The Venango pond is intended to hold flood waters but
naturally builds sediments and silts requiring periodic dredging. Prior to dredging
permits had to be obtained; and, the fish must be moved. This project is slated for
completion during summer and fall months of 2015.
2. Carlson Library Envelope – Years ago the new addition was attached to the old
library; and, it has been identified this is the site which has caused leakage due to
openings in the brick work. A question was raised as to whether or not this would
be considered under construction warranty; however, Mr. Taylor explained that with
most DGS projects the warranty is typically limited to one year following
construction. Masonry and window caulking are scheduled for spring/summer, 2015
to remedy the leakage.
3. Marwick-Boyd Theater Improvements – In summer, 2015, fire curtains will be
replaced in both the auditorium and little theater, as well as general improvements
such as stage flooring and lighting. Efforts will be made to accommodate the June
theater productions.
4. Ralston Nursing – Work is progressing in hopes of completion by mid-July, 2015. The
new simulation labs will be outfitted similar to Venango and equipped with a
breathing mannequin. The plan is to utilize Ralston for approximately ten years until
an Allied Health Building is realized. The second and third floors of Ralston will be
used as quarters for sports coaches and will be room ready for use during Tippin
construction. It was noted there are a supply of stuffed animals in Ralston which
were used in conjunction with the Siler Center. It was suggested that Ric contact
Dr. Thomas Rourke for possible relocation of these items and/or disposal.
5. Campus Electrical Upgrade – Planned electrical upgrades are needed in order to
accommodate additional loads to the existing north and south pads. The upgrades
to the electrical grids are necessary due to larger draws on West Penn Power’s
electrical supply cables for increased air conditioning for Becht and Suites
construction.

Facilities Planning Committee
January 29, 2015 - Page 3 of 3

6. Gemmell Interior Renovation – Following spring commencement there are plans to
paint the interior and make improvements to the Gemmell Multipurpose Room.
7. Stevens and Moore Hall Accessibility Upgrades – A $5M grant was received from the
State to perform accessibility upgrades across campus. A new elevator is slated for
Stevens Hall thus solving the problem of accessibility. And, Moore Hall will see
upgrades such as an elevator and handicapped accessible bathrooms in order to
provide usable space and allow greater use of that building.
8. Apple Sculpture – A question was raised as to when the apple sculpture would
receive a new top. Although Chad Thomas was unable to attend the meeting it was
felt he may have an update as there may have been weather delays.
9. Recycling – A question was raised as to whether or not a recycling update is
available, particularly in regard to battery disposal.
Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 3:40 p.m. The next meeting is scheduled for
Thursday, March 26, 2015 at 3:15 p.m. in Carrier Building, Room 114. The time change is to
allow for faculty members who may have afternoon classes this semester.