Repository: UIHistories Project: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1946 [PAGE 308]

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1944]

UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS

305

REPORT O N PROGRESS OF CONSTRUCTION AT UNIVERSITY O F ILLINOIS AIRPORT (26) A report of Professor J. J. Doland on the progress of construction at the Airport. November 29, 1944

PRESIDENT A. C. WILLARD:

Since September 20, 1944, the date of my last formal report to you, the following items represent the principal developments in the construction of the University of Illinois Airport. 1. University Right of Way on Ross Property. T h e damage to the crops of Mrs. Cole, the tenant on the Ross farm, has been adjusted by payment to Mrs. Cole of $10.20. (See item 1 of the report of September 20, 1944. See also item 2 of this report.) 2. University Right of Way on Howard Property. T h e excessive bulking of excavated dirt and the enlargement of the ditch by the Civil Aeronautics Administration has caused the spoil banks of the eastern drainage ditch to encroach on the property of Mr. H o w a r d by 20 ft. on the north side and 15 ft. on the south side, and for a distance of about 1000 ft. This means we will be required to purchase additional right of way from Mr. Howard, unless the Board of Trustees decides to accept my recommendation that the entire eastern drainage ditch be placed in a covered pipe conduit. Until the matter has been decided, Mr. Ross and Mr. H o w a r d have agreed to a delay in the construction of a right of way fence, except for 1000 ft. completed on the Howard farm, on both sides of our right of way through their properties. Both owners have also agreed that if the ditch is covered they will return the checks paid them (approximately $2000), and grant the University permanent easements through their lands. The net cost of this improvement would be approximately $40,000. Its execution would reduce the annual maintenance expense to a minimum and greatly improve the appearance. T h e ditch has already filled up to a depth of 2 ft. or more in places, and a considerable growth of weeds has started. T h e steepness of the side slopes will cause constant heavy erosion which will create the necessity for frequent cleanings. 3. Western Drainage. The western drainage problems have been solved, and the work has been completed. Owners and tenants are all satisfied with the results. Professor J. B. Andrews of the College of Agriculture negotiated crop damage on the Hall farm to the satisfaction of all concerned. Mr. Hall was paid $261.00. (See item 4 of report of September 20, 1944.) Construction of fences along the north side of the township road have been delayed until spring awaiting settlement of the trench backfill. All fencing materials are in storage in the Koss garage. 4. University Building Program. N o further progress has been made on the construction of buildings and utilities except for a small contract let to the Johnson-Greene Co. for the construction of a storm sewer in the building area. This expenditure was approved as an emergency measure by the Comptroller, and I recommend its ratification by the Board of Trustees. T h e amount is $3568.50. T h e purchase order for this work was issued by the Physical Plant Department. Certain other emergencies require immediate decisions. They are: a. Purchase of temporary buildings from the Johnson-Greene Co. for storage of surplus war materials being acquired by the University. b. Retention or removal of the existing railway spur for use in building construction. c. Acceptance of a gift from the Cooke Contracting Co. consisting of 1000 cu. yds. more or less of road gravel now in a stock pile on the building area. d. Purchase of the well owned by the Cooke Contracting Co. located at Savoy, Illinois. 5. Progress. a. Paving operations were completed on November 17, 1044. b. Miscellaneous grading and incidental clean up will be completed by December 10, -1944. c. Fencing will be completed by December 5, 1944.