Repository: UIHistories Project: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1938 [PAGE 488]

EXTRACTED TEXT FROM PAGE:

486

BOABD OF TRUSTEES

[September 27

On motion of Mr. Pogue, this appropriation was made as recommended, by the following vote: Aye, Mr. Adams, Mr. Cleary, Mrs. Freeman, Mr. Karraker, Mr. Mayer, Dr. Meyer, Mr. Moschel, Mrs. Plumb, Mr. Pogue; no, none; absent, Mr. Horner, Mr. Wieland.

OFFERS OF PROPERTY IN CHAMPAIGN A N D URBANA

(10) The Director of the Physical Plant Department reports that the University has been offered certain property in Urbana at a price of $3,750. as compared with a previous quotation of $4,000. The property is 66 feet wide, 132 feet deep, and includes a house which rents for $30 a month. It adjoins property now owned by the University. This is a parcel of land which the University would naturally wish to acquire in a long-term program. While no immediate use could be made of the property, the rental of the house if handled as a tenant property would probably care for the cost of maintenance. The price is reasonable. Inquiry has been received from the attorney representing the owners of the title to another building used as a residence for men in Champaign, as to whether or not the University would be interested in purchasing this property as a dormitory for students. The property could probably be purchased at an attractive price. It houses approximately 100 students. The University is primarily interested in raising the standard of housing and in increasing the facilities available to students for both room and board, rather than in taking over and operating existing properties. In the opinion of the Director of the Physical Plant Department, it is not advisable to purchase properties for the purpose of operating them as dormitories and rooming houses, but to invest such funds as may be available in the construction of new dormitories. No action was taken on these offers.

PURCHASE O F T O P SOIL

(11) The City of Champaign has offered to sell the University 2,500 yards of top soil at 40 cents a yard from a storm drainage project which will soon be started. The Director of the Physical Plant Department recommends the purchase of this soil for use in developing a turf and establishing a more uniform grade on the area west of First Street and north of Stadium Drive. The drainage project which the City contemplates will provide storm drainage for the area in which the Stadium is located, and the purchase of the top soil would amount to a contribution from the University toward this improvement instead of an assessment, in addition to which the University would have the benefit of the top soil. If this recommendation is approved an assignment of $1,000 from the General Reserve Fund will be necessary for the purchase of the soil. On motion of Mr. Mayer, this purchase was authorized as recommended, and the appropriation was made by the following vote: Aye, Mr. Adams, Mr. Cleary, Mrs. Freeman, Mr. Karraker, Mr. Mayer, Dr. Meyer, Mr. Moschel, Mrs. Plumb, Mr. Pogue; no, none; absent, Mr. Horner, Mr. Wieland.

APPROPRIATION FOR MINOR IMPROVEMENTS

(12) A recommendation that an assignment of $3,000 be made from the General Reserve Fund to the Physical Plant Department, to supplement the appropriation of $10,000 made by the Board for this purpose on July 16, 1937. These items are for various necessary building improvements and remodeling of rooms. On motion of Dr. Meyer, this appropriation was made as recommended, by the following vote: Aye, Mr. Adams, Mr. Cleary, Mrs. Freeman, Mr. Karraker, Mr. Mayer, Dr. Meyer, Mr. Moschel, Mrs. Plumb, Mr. Pogue; no, none; absent, Mr. Horner, Mr. Wieland.