Repository: UIHistories Project: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1976 [PAGE 309]

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298

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

[May 21

tion in an area approximately one-half mile from residential areas. (Documents from Mr. Livingston and from Mr. Davisson, outlining in detail their objections to the project, had been mailed to the Trustees. A memorandum of response to these comments had been prepared by Professor John T. Pfeffer and Professor Jon C. Liebman, scientific directors of the Biogas Project, and made available to the Trustees.) Mr. Livingston emphasized, as did the documents submitted by him, the proximity of the project to Lake Park; the possibility of heavy road usage and the need for road repair or renovation; the potential hazard in the shredding process; and economic and environmental considerations. Dr. Davisson raised questions as to the University's fiscal commitment, in particular, the costs of a pipeline to provide gas to a University building, the time schedule, the hazard of shredding, and a number of other factors. In the course of the Trustees' discussion, the following points were made: that the Board would have to approve the prime contract before final action could be taken; that an environmental impact statement would have to be made, a responsibility of the federal government which would provide protection to those affected; and that the project was a good one, dealing with an important national problem, the handling of urban wastes. It was made clear that there would be further consideration of alternate sites prior to final site determination. On motion of Mr. Howard, the University's participation in this project was approved and authority was given as recommended by the following vote: Aye, Mr. Forsyth, Mr. Hahn, Mr. Howard, Mr. Lenz, Mr. Livingston, Mr. Neal, Mrs. Rader, Mrs. Shepherd, Mr. Velasquez; no, none; absent, Governor Walker.

SECRETARY'S REPORT

The Secretary presented for record appointments to the faculty and changes of status made by the President; resignations and declinations; leaves of absence and a change in a sabbatical leave of absence;1 and retirements. A copy of the report is filed with the Secretary.

ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD Future Meetings

President Neal called attention to the schedule of regular meetings for the next three months: June 18, Urbana; July 16, Medical Center; September 17, Chicago Circle.

1 Philip Ash, Professor of Psychology, Chicago Circle campus, change in sabbatical leave of absence from winter and spring quarters 1974-75 and fall quarter 1975-76, one-half pay, to spring quarter 1974-75 and fall quarter 1975-76, three-fourths pay.