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Approved
MINUTES OF THE FACILITIES PLANNING COMMITTEE MEETING
CLARION UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
CLARION, PENNSYLVANIA
February 28, 2013 – 3:15 p.m.
Carrier Building, Room 114
Members Present: Chairman Jon Beal, William Bailey, Deb Fleeger, Marlene Kennedy, Jackie
Knaust, Richard Lane, David Love, Jennifer May, Jessica Miller, Ray Puller, Steve Selker, Ric Taylor
(Ex-officio)
Others Present: John Massa, Brenda Polatty, Rein Pold, Morgan Webber/DSS Intern
I.

Approval of Minutes – A motion was made by Jennifer May and seconded by Marlene Kennedy
to approve the December 11, 2012 minutes. Motion carried.

II.

Additional Agenda Items:
1. Foundation Suites – Ric Taylor
Ric presented drawings for the proposed new student housing project, costs for which will be
borne by the Clarion University Foundation, Inc. Drawings show an attempt to mimic the
downtown Clarion appearance and should be 28’ from the face of the buildings to Route 322;
and, it was noted the hill used by students for sledding will be preserved. Potential plans call
for eating establishments and a lecture hall that could double as a theater. The project is
projected to cost $58 million with no tax payer funds; and, the project’s tentative timeline for
completion is 2015. Ric addressed questions regarding LEED status, zoning ordinances and
foot traffic.

III.

Old Business:
Items in Progress:
1. Venango – Debbie Sobina
Debbie Sobina reported they are in the final phase of the Storm Water Project at Venango; and
work is progressing with the engineer on the elevator. Strategic planning is underway there as
well with additional meetings scheduled for March 25. Work has been completed on the
Frame Hall boiler; and, plans are underway for concrete sidewalk replacement to be done this
summer. She expressed appreciation to all who have contributed to making these projects
possible.
2. Facilities Master Plan –Ric Taylor
Ric reported the Facilities Master Plan involved #25 on-campus meetings at Clarion and #5 at
Venango. The architect team, Perkins Eastman, plans to be back on campus March 25-26 to

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February 28, 2013 - Page 2 of 3

share information they have garnered thus far; and, a special meeting will be scheduled for the
Facilities Planning Committee to meet with the architects and discuss future directives.
3. Becht Hall – Ric Taylor
Ric elaborated on the renovation project status wherein Phase I was delayed due to matters
involving the Attorney General’s Office outside the control of both Clarion and PASSHE.
Although the project was delayed for seven months, there was a $90,000 savings in the re-bid
process compared to the original bid.
4. Tippin – Ric Taylor
Architects have developed a program listing the size and space needed; and, it is anticipated
that the report of their findings will go to the Department of General Services (DGS) within
the next few weeks. Tentative project completion is slated for 2016 with possibly some
elements being completed sooner.
5. Environmental Subcommittee – Rein Pold
Jessica Miller reported that plans for increased Carlson Library recycling are moving forward
with placement of recycling bins on Floor A and plans to expand to Floors 1 & 2. She is
hopeful next year plans will include the purchase of additional bins. Plans are also underway
to work with the Bios Club to bring in a speaker and promote greater awareness for recycling.
6. Apple Sculpture – Rein Pold
Although Chad was unable to attend, Rein noted that a picture was available of the completed
sculpture; and, shipment was pending receipt of final payment.
7. Becker Hall/Stevens Hall/Keeling Health Center – Ric Taylor
Ric reported that the Becker project is in the contracting phase with bids being favorable.
This project is slated to begin no later than July, 2013. Rein indicated that Purchasing has
been experiencing longer turnaround times for contract approvals. Ric further noted that the
Vice President for Finance & Administration will be seeking approval via President’s
Executive Committee to utilize Key93 funding for a new roof on Keeling Health Center,
which is greatly needed.
8. Reinhard Villages Sidewalk – Ric Taylor
Ric reported that PENNDOT has now received plans for the sidewalk project and notification
should be received within a few more weeks. If approved, the Foundation will fund this
project.
9. Bus Service – Rein Pold
Rein reported that work is continuing on finalization for the Monroe Township contract and
noted the existing contract expires June, 2013. He had received complaints on the condition of
the bus exterior and passed those along to appropriate individuals.

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February 28, 2013 - Page 3 of 3

10. Egbert Signage – Ric Taylor
Signage has been ordered and will be added once it has been received. Rein noted that the
Clarion Borough is revamping their zoning ordinance; and, progress is being made to
incorporate upgrades which are needed to signage.
11. Winter Weatherization Conditions – David Love
David reported that recommendations from this committee were relayed to the Provost who is
working with Human Resources; and, it was noted this recommendation was very much
appreciated. The issue of class closure is extremely complicated but it is hoped guidelines will
be forthcoming.
IV.

New Business:
1. Trails - Ric Taylor
Ric indicated the trail issue was more complicated than originally thought, due in part to the
fact that the single access crosses three properties (Pennsylvania American Water, Clarion
University, and Clarion University Foundation, Inc.). There is an upcoming meeting with all
three entities to discuss the matter. If eventually approved, the hiking trail would be
approximately two miles in length.

V.

Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 3:50 p.m.

The next special meeting to discuss the Facilities Master Plan is scheduled for Monday, March 25,
at a time/location to be determined.