Repository: UIHistories Project: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1976 [PAGE 180]

EXTRACTED TEXT FROM PAGE:

1975]

UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS

169

time that assurances, guarantees, or agreements are in hand to clearly indicate the Springer Lake Project will be designed, constructed, and managed to eliminate or restrict possible damage to University properties. Since February 1974, the University has sought a definitive answer to this question and although in the last two to three months there are indications that the possibility of securing such assurances exists, they are not factually in hand as of this date, January 9. In the absence of having these assurances, the University, in withdrawing its support for the project, moves to a neutral position, for it does not oppose the project, but seeks to continue to work with the State and with the Corps of Engineers to secure, if possible, the assurances requested by the University Board of Trustees. The withdrawal of support serves as the University's own temporary assurance, which the University will remove (reinstating support) when acceptable assurances, guarantees, or covenants can be secured that are as "binding a commitment as possible." The Director believes that this action, at this time, for Allerton Park and other University properties (4-H Camp, Allerton Farms, and the Experimental Forest Area), is in the best interests of the University. In 1946, the University of Illinois signed an agreement with Mr. Robert Allerton to use Allerton Park for educational and research purposes: 1. as a forest, 2. wild and plant life reserve, 3. as an example of landscape gardening, and 4. as a public park. Although it is not so stated in the agreement, the Director believes that these uses were listed by the donor in order of his priority of interest and intent. Mr. John Gregg Allerton has recently confirmed this fact to the Director (May, 1974). T h e indenture of 1946 gives the University, in its sole discretion, the authority to change educational and research activities as seem desirable and as it (the University) chooses. T h e indenture also states that the University shall care for the trees in Allerton Park to the end that "the forests thereon shall be preserved." SECRETARY'S REPORT T h e Secretary presented for record appointments to the faculty and changes of status m a d e by the President; resignations; and leaves of absence. A copy of the report is filed with the Secretary. ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD Future Meetings President Hughes called attention to the schedule of regular meetings for the next three m o n t h s : February 19, Chicago Circle; M a r c h 19 (annual m e e t i n g ) , U r b a n a ; April 16, Medical Center. M r . Hughes also announced that, inasmuch as a number of recommendations for increases in required student fees were pending, a meeting of the Committee on Student Welfare and Activities was being scheduled for Tuesday, February 18. T h e purpose of die meeting would be to present the recommendations and to provide student organizations and affected groups the opportunity t o appear and comment upon the recommendations. T h e time and place of the meeting will be announced later.