Repository: UIHistories Project: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1950 [PAGE 1008]

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U N I V E R S I T Y OF I L L I N O I S

999

The Director of the Physical Plant and the Comptroller recommend approval of these changes. I concur and recommend that the Comptroller be authorized to execute the change orders. O n m o t i o n of M r . L i v i n g s t o n , a u t h o r i t y w a s g i v e n a s r e c o m m e n d e d . CONTRACT FOR ENGINEERING SERVICES ON IMPROVEMENTS IN ELECTRICAL DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM (22) The increased use of certain buildings has resulted in demands on the electrical distribution system which has created dangerous overloads. This situation exists in Davenport Hall, Natural History Building, Library, Auditorium, Talbot Laboratory, Harker Hall, and Altgeld Hall. Improvement of transformer vaults in these buildings is necessary to relieve the overloads by providing increased capacity and to eliminate fire hazards. The alternative is to restrict the activities of the departments using these buildings. The Director of the Physical Plant and the Comptroller recommend that the firm of Graham, Anderson, Probst, and White, Chicago, be employed to prepare plans and specifications for these improvements. Studies made by this firm in 1045 for a postwar building program reveal that such improvements are necessary. Detailed plans and specifications are now needed to secure adequate cost estimates before proceeding with the work. It is proposed that Graham, Anderson, Probst, and White be employed on the same terms as we have applied to other jobs of this kind done for the University, viz., payment by the University of the actual salaries of draftsmen, engineers, and other personnel employed, plus 100 per cent for administrative overhead and commission, plus actual travel costs, plus the cost of advertising for bids. It is estimated that the total cost of such services will not exceed $10,000. Funds are available in the State appropriation for "Additions to Power and Heating Plant and Remodeling of Existing Buildings," and such funds have already been released by the Governor. I concur and recommend that the Comptroller and the Secretary of the Board be authorized to execute a contract for these services.

On motion of Mr. Herrick, authority was given as recommended.

TAX STATUS OF MEDICAL CENTER STEAM C O M P A N Y

(23) Since the Medical Center Steam Company is organized under the general corporations act of Illinois, its property is not exempt from taxation under the laws providing exemption of State properties. However, the Company will be operating a steam service primarily for the University and the stockholders will get no profit. Hence, it is desirable to establish exemption from local property taxes. The Legal Counsel and the Comptroller recommend that the law firm of Chapman and Cutler, Chicago, be employed to study this problem. The officers of the Medical Center Steam Company have offered to cooperate in a study of this problem and will secure the services of the tax expert of Commonwealth Edison Company. I concur.

On motion of Mrs. Watkins, this recommendation was adopted.

LEGAL SERVICES FOR BOND ISSUE TO FINANCE CONSTRUCTION OF STUDENT AND STAFF APARTMENTS (24) The second six-story building of the Student and Staff Apartments at Green Street and Goodwin Avenue, Urbana, now under construction, will be financed in part through borrowing $700,000. It appears that the best method of securing such funds is through a revenue bond issue of the Board of Trustees. The Legal Counsel and the Comptroller recommend that the law firm of Chapman and Cutler, Chicago, be engaged for all necessary services in connection with the bond issue. I concur.

On motion of Mr. Livingston, this recommendation was adopted.