Minutes

Board of Governors Emergency Meeting

Teleconference

April 2, 2008

1:30 p.m., The Concord Room

201A Marsh Hall

Concord University

Members Present: Mrs. Wilma Anderson; Mr. Lane Bailey, Vice Chair; Mr. Frank Blackwell; Dr. Hugh Campbell; Mr. J. Franklin Long, Chair; Mr. Wayne Meisel; Mr. John Mendez; Ms. Amy Pitzer; Mr. Travis Prince; Mr. Ted Rogers; Mrs. Margaret Sayre, Secretary

A quorum being present, Chairman Long called the meeting to order. He asked Dr. Beasley to present updated information since the March 28, 2008, Board meeting. Dr. Beasley stated he had consulted representatives from several additional organizations who have contracted with the firm Improvements Unlimited. As a result of these conversations, he recommends the contract be awarded to City Windows at a cost of $5.2 million. He also asked the Board for permission to negotiate a different roof, which may add an additional $80,000.

Dr. Beasley indicated that the financing plan would be the same as that discussed at the March 28 meeting.

Mr. Long requested a two-part vote – awarding the contract, financing the project.

Mr. Blackwell moved to award the contract to City Window Construction Company. Mrs. Sayre seconded. Motion passed.

Dr. Campbell presented a document from the faculty (attachment 01), which he requested be recorded in the minutes.

Mr. Erps, Improvements Unlimited, requested permission to address the Board. Mr. Erps said his company is local, has been in business for 30 years, and submitted the lowest bid. He said he has never had a bid rejected when he has submitted the lowest bid. Mr. Henderson, SGA Business Manager, asked how much lower Mr. Erps’ bid was and why it was not accepted. Dr. Beasley explained that Mr. Erps’ bid was $1.1 million under base. Mr. Henderson asked if the University was obligated to take the lowest bid. Dr. Beasley said the obligation is to accept the lowest responsible bid.

Mr. Long called for a roll call vote to accept the $5.2 million dollar bid from City Window with the provision to negotiate a different roof at approximately $80,000 as follows: In favor, Opposed, Abstain.

Mrs. Sayre – in favor; Mr. Mendez – in favor, Mr. Blackwell – in favor; Mrs. Anderson – in favor; Mrs. Pitzer – in favor; Dr. Campbell – abstain; Mr. Meisel – in favor; Mr. Rogers – in favor; Mr. Bailey – in favor; Mr. Prince – opposed; Mr. Long – abstained.

Mr. Long declared the motion passed by a majority.

Regarding source of funding, Mr. Cannon said the University has $1.4 million in hand and an additional $1.1 million is needed. He said funds could be borrowed from interest balances in some accounts that have been accruing for 10-15 years. These funds may be used for a one-time project. Asked if the money was in hand, Mr. Cannon said yes, it is in a FIMS account.

Mr. Prince moved that, due to financial needs on campus, internal funding shall cease to be granted to the University Point project as of the conclusion of this Board of Governors’ meeting. Hugh Campbell seconded. Mr. Long requested a roll call vote:

Mr. Sayre, no; Mr. Blackwell, no; Mr. Mendez, no; Mrs. Anderson, no; Mrs. Pitzer, yes; Dr. Campbell, yes; Mr. Meisel, no; Mr. Rogers, no; Mr. Prince, yes. Motion failed.

Mr. Meisel moved to approve the use of $1.5 million to be borrowed from available funds. Mr. Blackwell seconded. Roll call vote as follows: Mrs. Sayre, yes; Mrs. Anderson, yes; Mr. Meisel, yes; Mr. Blackwell, yes; Mrs. Pitzer, no; Mr. Rogers, yes; Mr. Mendez, yes; Dr. Campbell, no; Mr. Prince, no. Motion carried.

Pursuant to state code §6-9a-4, Dr. Campbell moved to adjourn to executive session, Mr. Meisel seconded. Motion passed.

Returning to the meeting of the full Board, Mr. Long indicated a contract for the next president of the University had been drafted. Mr. Blackwell moved to accept the contract as presented; Mr. Rogers seconded. Motion carried unanimously.

Mr. Prince asked Mr. Long for permission to have the April 8, 2008, BOG meeting streamed for students outside Marsh Hall because the projected attendance is greater than the capacity of the Concord Room. Mr. Long requested that Mr. Prince and Dr. Beasley finalize details.

There being no further business, Dr. Campbell moved for adjournment; Mr. Meisel seconded.

Respectfully submitted:

Mr. J. Franklin Long Mrs. Margaret Sayre

Chair Secretary

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Attachment 01

The faculty of Concord University believes that the idea of University Point as a true interfaith facility and alumni center has merit and potential advantages for Concord University. However, the faculty has the following questions:

1. Given other financial concerns (science building/labs, Rahall furnishings, student fitness center, Carter Center problems, etc.), would going forward on this project be prudent at this time?

2. Should an incoming president be faced with this commitment?

3. Would the benefits of this project justify the financial commitment of the university?

4. Have the costs of staffing and annual operating expenses been considered?

5. Does the use of public, institutional monies violate the original mandate that only private funds were to be utilized in the construction of an interfaith facility?

6. Have the “deducts” reduced the potential utility of the facility to the point that it will no longer serve its intended purpose?

In view of these concerns, the faculty of Concord University believes that the use of institutional funds or the incurring of debt for construction of the facility at this time cannot be supported.