MEETING MINUTES

LOCAL OPERATIONS COMMITTEE (LOC)

October 29, 1998

All members received an e-mail reminder of the October 29 meeting and the October 15 minutes were sent as an attachment. Some of the members were unable to open and review the minutes, they will be sent out after this meeting. Jennifer had been able to review the minutes prior to the this meeting and made note that the discussion concerning how the CHE Facility Operations officer was going to be paid was not in the minutes. She requested that this discussion be duly noted and it was agreed that this change will be made.

The president’s met in Coeur d’Alene and the changes & additions made to section 5, 8 and 9 of the merger agreement were approved. Fred will mail out complete copies of these changes for everyone’s books. Jennifer raised the question of running all new documents for everyone. Fred explained that if members would simply replace these pages he is sending everything will be complete and up-to-date. Glen thought it would be helpful for them to have two copies in Moscow and with those two copies, he will ensure that everyone who needs a copy will get one. Jennifer will pull the changes off the website and will distribute to everyone in Pocatello.

The SBOE wants a list of offerings, cooperative efforts between the two institutions and enrollment numbers. It is Jennifer’s understanding that the responsibility for gathering this information would be the responsibility of ISU. David Wendt will be putting this document together. David indicated that he had already started on this project and had a few pages ready for review. David would like these pages reviewed and any changes returned to him within a week. The information that the SBOE is wanting will be presented in two parts. The first document will be short and will be presented to the SBOE at their next meeting. The second document will be a strategic report and somewhat more detailed. The strategic plan will be presented in March. The SBOE is basing their request on the type of report that they received in North Idaho and wanted something similar from Southeastern Idaho. This will be a good way to show the collaboration between the two universities. It was suggested that a thesis written by one of the Idaho Falls City Councilmen, Joe Groberg, be used for background information on higher education in Idaho Falls. Glenn suggested that we remain sensitive to land acquisitions and ensure we were following procedures and protocol.

It was suggested that a work group be formed to work on the more, detailed, strategic plan. Possibilities include Ann, Fred, Jennifer, Glenn, David, and someone from EITC and a scribe. Fred suggested that Luke Robbins might make a good EITC representative. This work group should get started in the next couple of weeks. Glenn suggested that the presidents and provosts be approached on whether or not to include EITC. The answer to this question will be given at the next LOC meeting. It was also suggested that the presidents be asked about including Ricks in this group as well.

Greg Horton was hired as the new CHE Facility Operations officer. He is very experienced, he was with the Grand Teton Mall for 12 years and is very connected with the community. He will start on November 2, his salary is $35,000 with benefits. Distribution is 10% coming from the CHE M&O account and 45% from ISU and 45% from UI. This comes out to approximately $18-20,000 for each university.

The letter of invitation to the Advisory Committee is almost ready. A letter to be sent to the president of Ricks is waiting for President Bowen’s signature.

The issue of maintenance here in Idaho Falls needs to be addressed. It was suggested that Greg might have some suggestions on how to resolve the problem/shortage. Ray Hart was asked his feelings on the issue, his response was "I need help!" Ray stated he probably running two people short at present. In regards to the CHE building, more help is also needed. The building is being used 150 to 170 percent and the two custodians are not enough to keep the building clean. Until a study can be completed by JoAnn Reese, it was suggested that the money in the M&O account be used to pay work study students to help. After JoAnn has completed her study of the building and its usage, a recommendation will be made on the addition of more help. It was mentioned that ISU’s Darrell Buffalo feels the need does exist for at least one more person. One possible short term fix would be to have the custodians come in at night to clean the building. The resolution of this issue will be the first task of Greg Horton. It is hoped that within a months time a decision will be made with regards to this issue.

Due to the time constraints for meeting times, the Thursday meeting time may need to be moved to 7:30 a.m. Idaho Falls time.

Key issues for next meeting: Space usage in the CHE, security officer, update of the Math, Chemistry and Physics meetings held here in IF, provide a more standardizing billing process, the oversight meeting minutes from Coeur d’Alene should be submitted to the LOC for review.