Repository: UIHistories Project: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1954 [PAGE 1091]

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BOARD OF TRUSTEES

[September 23

The University also expended #513,520 of capital and general funds in remodeling the Engineering Research Laboratory for the use of this project, but these improvements are of a permanent nature and will be available to the University after its conclusion. The present contract terminates November 30, 1953, and it has been recommended by the Laboratory that a new contract be executed with the Signal Corps, to r u n f o r one year from December I, 1953, at a basic rate of $100,000 a month, the current rate of expenditure. It is possible that this may be augmented for certain special studies requested by the armed services which may involve additional allocations to the University of perhaps #200,000 during such period. The operation of this Laboratory has been classified as "urgent" by the Department of Defense, with the result that special attention has been given to it by the University. The actual research being conducted is highly "classified" and its nature can not be disclosed. The classification of "urgent" allows a salary increment to be paid to University personnel assigned to the project up to a maximum of #150 a month above budgeted salaries. Payments are made for services rendered during the three summer months at these augmented monthly rates. The permanent staff of the University assigned to this project has been granted this maximum in substantially all cases, except those on a part-time basis, who were granted the proportionate increment. Service is required for five and one-half full days per week with only two weeks vacation. While this program results in some sacrifice in teaching and University research, it is felt by all concerned that in view of its military importance and the confidence indicated by the government's desire for its continuation the program should be continued. The Director of the Laboratory and the Director of the Engineering Experiment Station recommend the continuation of this project for one year, as described above, and the negotiation of a new contract. I concur in this recommendation and request approval and authority for the Acting Comptroller and the Secretary of the Board to execute this contract.

On motion of Mr. Megran, this recommendation was approved and authority was given as requested.

CONTRACT FOR REMODELING IN THE RESEARCH AND EDUCATIONAL HOSPITALS (14) The Director of the Physical Plant and the Acting Comptroller recommend award of a contract for #3,450 to the Mueller Construction Company, Chicago, the lowest bidder, for remodeling rooms 425 and 427 in the general hospital of the Research and Educational Hospitals. The work will consist of removing partitions, installing a new doorway, boxing in duct work at ceiling, plaster patching, painting, and installing mineral acoustical tile over the entire ceiling area. Funds are available in an appropriation made by the Board of Trustees on March 25, 1953. I concur and recommend that the Acting Comptroller and the Secretary of the Board be authorized to execute this contract.

On motion of Mr. Grange, this contract was authorized and the Acting Comptroller and the Secretary of the Board were authorized to execute the same.

CONTRACT WITH CONSULTING ENGINEERING SERVICES (15) Due to a vacancy on its staff, the Physical Plant Department needs to employ consulting engineers on various types of engineering work, including the completion of plans for the new Law Building. The Director of the Physical Plant and the Acting Comptroller recommend the award of a contract to E. C. Manthei, operating under the firm name of Consulting Engineering Services, Champaign, Illinois, for such engineering work, and particularly electrical work, as may be required, on these terms: actual salaries of personnel employed plus 90 per cent for overhead and profit, with a maximum payment of #5,000 for services on the Law Building, and a maximum of #2,500 on any other job. The overhead will cover the cost of copies of blueprints and specifications.