Repository: UIHistories Project: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1934 [PAGE 384]

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382

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

[September 26

The failure undoubtedly comes from a failure of the contractor to comply with the specifications as to the type and length of the copper nails used in attaching the tile to the nailing subsurface. The specification called for largeheaded, solid barbed copper nails two inches in length. The nails used were only i?4 inches in length and were not barbed, thus giving insufficient attachment to the nailing subsurface. In addition to the failure as a protective covering, there is a definite hazard to those on or about the University premises and a liability for injury to any who are injured when rightfully on the premises and in the exercise of due care. We recommend that an investigation be made by the Counsel for the University and that action be taken, if his investigation justifies it, against the proper parties to secure compliance with the terms of the contract under which the Medical unit was built, and if compliance can not be secured by agreement, that suit be filed for damages against said party or parties. B. Your Committee investigated the indicated failure of the library chairs furnished under the contract for furnishing the new Medical Building unit, and found that there is a definite failure of approximately 28 arm chairs and 9 armless chairs; which have become unusable through breakage, because of unsuitable material and poor construction, and that many of those still in use are not satisfactory. The failure apparently comes through the use of wood not well kiln-dried. This greenness of the wood has caused the arms of chairs to warp, and to contract at the point of the arms breaking the spindles supporting the arms and back and in some cases so contracting the arms that use of them is accompanied with loss of freedom in use and with actual physical discomfort. We recommend investigation and action by the Legal Counsel as in the matter of the failure of the roof. j w ARMSTRONG

NELLIE V. FREEMAN EDWARD E. BARRETT WALTER W. WILLIAMS

On motion of M r . Trees, this report was approved and the President of the Board, in consultation with the University Counsel, was requested to take up the matter of replacement with the contractors.

BONDS O F EMPLOYEES

Mr. Trees reported that the Finance Committee h a d approved the renewal of the bond of employees w h o handle money, furnished by the Fidelity and Deposit Company at the same rates. On motion of M r . Blair, this action was approved. At this point, M r . Trees withdrew.

OPERATION OF McKINLEY HOSPITAL

Acting President Daniels presented a report of the operation of the McKinley Hospital for the year ending J u n e 30, 1933. This report was received for record.

TUITION FEES A N D SCHOLARSHIPS

Acting President Daniels, on behalf of the special committee, presented a report of progress in the study of the matter of tuition fees and scholarships. T h e report was accepted and the committee was continued.