BOR Minutes - April 6, 2001
Montana Board of Regents of Higher Education
Minutes
Conference Call Meeting
April 6, 2001
Montana Higher Education Complex
2500 Broadway
Helena, MT
These Minutes were unanimously approved by the Board of Regents at the May, 2001 meeting in Great Falls, MT
FRIDAY, APRIL 6, 2001
The Full Board Convened at 10:00 a.m.
ROLL CALL - Roll Call indicated a Quorum Present
Regents Present: Ed Jasmin Vice-Chairman, Lynn Morrison-Hamilton, Jessica Kobos, Richard Roehm, Mark Semmens, Margie Thompson, Chairwoman, and Richard Crofts (Commissioner).
Regents Absent: None.
ACTION AGENDA
Item 110-1001-C0401 Approval of Improvements to Washington-Grizzly Stadium; The University of Montana-Missoula
Chairwoman Thompson asked if everyone had received their copy of the Item and they indicated they had.
Regent Jasmin moved to APPROVE Item 110-1001-C0401 of the ACTION AGENDA
Regent Kobos inquired as to why the item was not on the March Agenda or else held until the May meeting.
President Dennison responded that the item was not ready for distribution at the March meeting and that in order to get the new surface installed in time for the start of the next football season, approval had to be granted before the May meeting of the Regents.
Regent Jasmin asked if the $1.3 million included the installation of lights or only a study of the lighting situation.
President Dennison indicated that it included both the study and the installation of lights. He noted that the installation of lights will make the stadium more financially useful since it will be available for use at night.
Regent Roehm indicated he had spoken to President Dennison earlier regarding the timing of the meeting as well as the source of funding. He was reassured that the funding was committed by one private individual. He also indicated that he wanted it restated that no university assets would be used to fund this project.
President Dennison assured the Regents and made it a matter of record that no university assets would be used to fund this project and that the money was guaranteed and was coming from one source, not several different sources.
Commissioner Crofts indicated the timing had bothered him too, but that to be available next season, it needs approval now.
Chairwoman Thompson inquired about the longevity of the artificial surface, and what provisions would be made for replacement, or who would be responsible.
President Dennison indicated that the actual longevity is not known, but that leading stadiums around the country have used it, the longest being about six years at this time. The manufacturer states the life is 15 years. However, a private donor is providing this turf, and if it wears out, it is still university property. At that point, the university would probably replace it with real grass. He also noted that none of the costs for the stadium have ever come from student fees or general funds. It is self supporting.
Chairwoman Thompson asked if the media will be emphasizing the fact that this is being provided by a private donor.
President Dennison indicated that about a month ago the Missoulian got wind of the donation and made a lot of speculation on who the donor might be. It was made and will be made quite clear that it is not being done with university funds.
Regent Semmens commented that this item is a net positive addition to the university system using the generosity of a private source, and it would be foolish to turn down the generosity.
With no further questions raised, a vote was taken.
The motion was APPROVED unanimously.
With no further business to come before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 10:25 a.m.