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Physical Environment - Minutes - 2006-2007
PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE
MEETING MINUTES
April 5, 2007DH Hill Library Erdahl Cloyd Wing,
Faculty Senate Conference Room
Art Anthony called the meeting to order at 3:35 p.m.
The following members attended the meeting: Art Anthony, Kathy Bass, Cale Connour, John Giles, Simon Lappi, Anthony Lawrence, Jason Low, Deborah McGuinn, Charles Pennell, John Royal, Dona Stankus, and Ling Xiang.
EX-OFFICO: Cheryl Branker, Jack Colby, Tom Skolnicki and John Tector.
GUESTS: Lisa Maune from Design & Construction Services, Lindsay Batchelor from Waste Reduction & Recycling, and Rachel Miller from the Office of the University Architect.
WELCOME: Art Anthony welcomed the committee and guests and asked the guests to introduce themselves.
OLD BUSINESS:
Art Anthony called for a motion to approve the March 1, 2007 minutes. The committee approved the minutes.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
CAMPUS RESOURCE AND CONSERVATION SUBCOMMITTEE:
Art Anthony asked Lindsay Batchelor to present to the committee the Campus Environmental Sustainability Assessment Report. Batchelor discussed the purpose of the report, a comprehensive examination of the current status of environmental sustainability at NC State, and its goals and recommendations for the university’s future sustainability efforts. Jack Colby stated that sustainability is an important issue and he would like to see more of the campus community getting involved in promoting sustainable practices on campus.
CAMPUS PARKING & TRANSPORTATION SUBCOMMITTEE:
Art Anthony asked Jason Low to give the committee a report on campus parking and transportation. Regarding parking, Low reported that there are several new parking services that will be offered this fall by the department, including 3-year parking permits for faculty & staff, online registration for parking permits, and a payroll deduction payment option for teaching assistants and research assistants. Low stated that the department is working on solving service vehicle issues as well as abuses of retiree parking permits. There is a new parking option that Kathy Bass has been working on, the GZ option, which is being considered for employees who arrive to work very early when there is currently no bus service offered on campus.
Low reported that, regarding transit, a survey is being conducted regarding the U-Pass. The information from the survey is still being compiled and will be further reported at a later date. There have been some revisions to the Wolfline routes for fall. Transportation is evaluating the efficacy of the new pedestrian signs on campus. In August 2008, a new transit system will be implemented, including new buses with a higher passenger capacity and wider aisles.
Regarding transportation planning, Low reports that a Bus Priority Corridor to connect North and Central Campuses is in development; more bus stations are being planned; a Traffic Impact Study is being conducted for the Small Animal Hospital at the Centennial Biomedical Campus; a Peer University Benchmark Study is being conducted to understand how we compare with our peer institutions on transportation issues; a Precinct Parking Study is being compiled; a Wolfline Transit Development Plan is being worked on; a shared bus maintenance facility is being considered for Centennial Campus; a Feasibility Study for a Park & Ride at the Farmer’s Market is being conducted; worn bicycle sharrows are being replaced on main campus; and several parking decks are in planning phases, including the North Campus Deck, the Centennial Biomedical Campus Deck at the Terry Center, and the Partners Way Deck on Centennial Campus.
The next subcommittee meeting is scheduled for Thursday, April 26.
CAMPUS PLANNING & DESIGN SUBCOMMITTEE:
Deborah McGuinn reported that the subcommittee met and discussed the planned future expansion of the Greenhouses on the east side of Partners II on Centennial Campus. Lisa Maune presented the plans for the greenhouses, and stated that the original greenhouse plans were used with some improvements added. The greenhouses will use existing utilities, and the targeted construction completion date is August 2007. Tom Skolnicki displayed the Physical Master Plan map of Centennial Campus, which shows the future expansion of the greenhouses. Dona Stankus asked if the greenhouses are metered along with the adjacent building; Lisa said no, they are not. Dona said that perhaps that is something that should be considered. Art Anthony called for a vote to approve the project; all members present approved the project.
NEW BUSINESS:
Tom Skolnicki presented the Physical Master Plan to the committee. The Master Plan 2007 update is currently in the completion stage, and Tom highlighted some of the changes that were made, including:
The concept of a campus comprised of neighborhoods that are connected by paths was reinforced. The connectivity within our campus and to the city outside the campus boundaries was also strengthened.
Several Guiding Principles were revised for clarification, including “Human-Scaled Neighborhoods and Paths,” ”Design Harmony,” and “Visible Neighborhood Activities.” A new Guiding Principle was introduced regarding “Hallowed Places” on campus.
The sustainability portion of the Master Plan was expanded and new design criteria were developed to promote a more sustainable campus.
Additional language was added regarding campus Open Spaces, Exterior Hearths, Campus Edges & Iconic Places.
Regarding transportation, the concepts of a pedestrian-oriented campus, perimeter parking, and a Bus Priority Corridor were reaffirmed.
Design and Development Guidelines were developed specifically for South Campus and Centennial Campus.
Tom stated that the Master Plan has been presented to several groups on campus, including the Staff Senate and Student Senate. Cale Connour asked if there has been a process developed to identify Hallowed Places on campus. Tom stated that the Foundations Task Force and the Master Plan Advisory Team agreed on the Hallowed Places that are listed in the Master Plan update, but a method of deciding which places on campus should be considered hallowed has not yet been developed. Art asked when the next update would be completed; Tom stated that the Master Plan is updated every five years. John Tector asked if the term hearth is defined in the Master Plan; Tom said that it is. Art called for a vote approving the Master Plan. All members present voted in favor of the project.
OTHER BUSINESS:
Art Anthony announced that Richard Palmer, chair of the Resources and Conservation subcommittee will be leaving the university, and that the subcommittee will need a new chair.
There being no other business, the meeting adjourned at 5:00 p.m.