November 16-17, 2000

ITEM 109-1601-R1100 Authorization to Accept the Roe House from the Western Montana College Foundation to Western Montana College of The University of Montana; Western Montana College of The University of Montana

THAT: The Board of Regents of Higher Education authorizes Western Montana College of The University of Montana to accept the gift of the Roe House from the Western Montana College Foundation.

EXPLANATION: On January 30, 1998, Board of Regents' Item 98-1601-R0198 authorized the lease of a portion of the WMC-UM campus to the Western Montana College Foundation for the purpose of locating an historical building. On the 20th day of May, 1998, President George Dennison of The University of Montana, Commissioner Richard Crofts of the Montana University System, WMC-UM Chancellor Sheila Stearns and Western Montana College Foundation officials signed a Roe House Lease and Purchase Option Agreement (copy attached). That document defined the terms and conditions for the use of the Roe House as well as its occupancy and possible future ownership transfer to the College. The duration of the agreement is ten years from the date of execution.

The Western Montana College Foundation is offering immediate ownership of the Roe House to the College pursuant to the condition that the Foundation be entitled to occupy, rent free, up to 2,400 square feet of the available 4,800 square feet of the Roe House. The Roe House has undergone complete renovation, including electrical, plumbing, heating, fire alarm, 40-year roof, storm windows, furniture, and floor coverings. Custodial allocation is one janitor, one hour per day. The Roe House occupants are the Chancellor, Executive Assistant, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Vice Chancellor for Institutional Advancement, Program Assistant and student workers.

As the project work leading to the relocation and total renovation of the Roe House is complete and its administrative use by the College has been implemented, agreement has been reached between the Foundation and the College for an expedited transfer of ownership.

ATTACHMENTS:  Roe House Lease and Purchase Option Agreement and Board of Regents' Item 98-1601-R0198.