Repository: UIHistories Project: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1946 [PAGE 416]

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1945]

UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS

413

The War Department has requested that he be given an additional leave of absence until October 1, 1045. The Dean of Students and the Director of the Physical Plant Department, to both of whom Mr. Wentworth reports as Director of Residence Halls, approved the first request with the understanding that Mr. Wentworth would return as soon as possible and not later than April 1, 1045. Actually his leave will not expire until April 22, 1945. The University will have to expand its residence hall facilities to take care of the increased enrollment following the war which will include many returning veterans. It is imperative that the person who will ultimately have the responsibility for the operation of these new facilities be at the University to assist in their designing and planning. If Mr. Wentworth's present leave is extended to October 1, 1945, he will not be available to help in such planning. It has been suggested that while he is on leave he will be released for conferences at the University, but past experience has shown that this is not satisfactory. Neither the Dean of Students, the Director of the Physical Plant Department, nor I can recommend an extension of the leave, but since the request has come from the War Department it is being presented to the Board for its consideration.

On motion of Mr. McLaughlin, this extension of leave was denied.

NEGOTIATOR FOR ACQUISITION O F PROPERTY IN URBAN A

(11) The Director of the Physical Plant Department and the Comptroller recommend that the Board of Trustees authorize the employment of Sidney B. Trelease, Champaign-Urbana realtor, as a negotiator in the acquisition of properties. Local real estate brokerage fees are based on percentage of the values involved, the commission rate being five per cent for the first $10,000 and two per cent for the balance. There are ten parcels of property for which the services of a negotiator are needed, having an aggregate estimated value of approximately $170,000. Based on individual tracts the aggregate brokerage charge would be over $7,000. On the basis of a single commission for all ten properties, the brokerage charge would be approximately $4,500. Mr. Trelease has offered to serve as a negotiator at a flat rate of $250 per parcel of property, so that if all ten pieces are ultimately purchased the total charge for his services would be $2,500. I recommend approval.

The Comptroller presented this matter. On motion of Dr. Meyer, the employment of Mr. Trelease in this matter was authorized as recommended.

PURCHASE O F PROPERTY IN URBANA

(12) In order to provide for a student housing project for which funds are tentatively included in the Post-War Building Commission allotment to the University for 1945-1947, it is necessary to acquire additional land. The most desirable site for such an addition is the southeast corner of Goodwin Avenue and Green Street in Urbana, which is available at an estimated cost of $60,000. Additional properties also are available in the block between California and Oregon, immediately east of the campus, in which previous purchases have been made. This site is essential for development in Chemistry and Chemical Engineering. The two properties available are 1207 West California and 1210 West Oregon at a total estimated cost of $28,000. The Director of the Physical Plant and the Comptroller request (1) authority to negotiate for the purchase of these properties at the best possible prices, not in excess of the figures indicated, and (2) a special appropriation of $88,000 for these purchases from the General Reserve Fund. I concur and request approval.

Mr. McKelvey presented this matter. On motion of Mr. McKelvey, these negotiations were authorized, and the appropriation was made as recommended, by the following