Repository: UIHistories Project: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1952 [PAGE 1234]

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UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS GIFT FROM CHEVROLET DIVISION OF THE GENERAL MOTORS CORPORATION

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(21) The University has received a contribution of $45,000 from the Chevrolet Division of the General Motors Corporation to pay the expenses of sending the University of Illinois Band to Pasadena, California, for participation in the ceremonies at the Stanford-Illinois game on January 1, 1952, and in other public functions on the West Coast. I have accepted this contribution and now report it for official public record. An official expression of appreciation on behalf of the Board of Trustees is being sent to the executives of the General Motors Corporation. On motion of Mr. Fornof, the President's action was confirmed and the contribution was accepted.

REPORT O F GENERAL POLICY COMMITTEE ON TAX STATUS OF S T U D E N T A N D STAFF APARTMENTS IN URBANA

Mr. Johnston, for the Committee on General Policy, presented the following report. On October 23, 1951, the President of the Board referred to the General Policy Committee a letter from Harley H. Harmon, a member of the Urbana Board of Education, dated October 15, 1951, requesting that the Board of Trustees make "payments in lieu of taxes" on the Student and Staff Apartments at Green and Goodwin, Urbana. The Committee referred this matter to the Comptroller for discussion with the Legal Counsel and the Director of the Physical Plant. The first requisite to consideration of payment for services is that the property be exempt from taxation. The Student and Staff Apartments have been now assessed for taxes for 1951 and the Board of Review has confirmed this assessment over the University's objection, reversing its action on the same question a year ago on the first unit, title to which is held in trust by the University of Illinois Foundation. The second unit, title to which is held by the University, is assessed for the first time this year. If this ruling stands, the University will have to pay taxes on the property and can not make other payments for services. It is the opinion of the Legal Counsel that the property is tax exempt and it is highly important that this status be firmly established. In consideration of the foregoing, the General Policy Committee recommends: 1. That the Board of Trustees direct the University Legal Counsel to take any and all steps that he considers necessary or desirable to establish and maintain the tax exempt status of the Student and Staff Apartments. 2. That University officers then continue their study to ascertain what services are rendered to the University by local taxing bodies and what would constitute proper compensation for such services, and make recommendations thereon to the President of the University. On motion of Mr. Johnston, the report of the Committee was adopted and the recommendations were approved.

DEATH O F MR. ORVILLE M. KARRAKER

The Secretary reported that word had been received of the death on December 16, 1951, at Dixon, of Mr. Orville M. Karraker, a former member of the Board. On motion of Mr. Nickelt, the Secretary was directed to prepare a memorial resolution for adoption by the Board at its next meeting.

MEMBERS O F GENERAL ASSEMBLY TO BE GUESTS OF T H E BOARD O F TRUSTEES

On motion of Mrs. Watkins, the Secretary was instructed to invite State Senator Everett R. Peters, Representives Charles W. Clabaugh, Ora D. Dillavou, and Paul Stone of the Twenty-fourth Senatorial District of Illinois to be the guests of the Board of Trustees at luncheon at its next meeting.