University News
BOT Postpones Staff Reduction Authorization, Approves Tuition Discount, Capital Budget Recommendations
December 18, 2015
MACOMB, IL -- The Western Illinois University Board of Trustees postponed a staff reduction authorization resolution, and approved a tuition discount resolution (see separate release), FY'17 capital budget recommendations and the demolition of Higgins, Lamoine Village and East Village at its Dec. 18 Board meeting on the Macomb campus.
The Board, at the request of President Jack Thomas, postponed the staff reduction authorization resolution until a special Board of Trustees meeting, which will be held at a later date in January (to be announced in accordance with the Open Meetings Act (OMA)). The meeting date will be set following additional discussion between the University administration and collective bargaining units.
The Board approved Fiscal Year 2017 capital budget recommendations, which will be presented to the Illinois Board of Higher Education, the legislature and the governor. The recommendations include Priority 1: WIU-Macomb science building Phase I construction and remodeling ($64 million); Priority 2A: WIU-Macomb science building Phase II renovation ($53.8 million); Priority 2B: WIU-Quad Cities Phase Three construction ($37 million); Priority 3: WIU-Macomb Visual Arts Center construction ($68.3 million); Priority 4: WIU-Macomb Education building construction ($72.4 million); and Priority 5: WIU-Macomb Stipes Hall renovation ($49.4 million).
The Board approved the demolition and deconstruction of Higgins, Lamoine Village and East Village. Spirtas Wrecking of St. Louis will demolish Higgins at a cost of $1.5 million; Renascent, Inc. of Indianapolis will demolish Lamoine Village at a cost of $921,550; and Hood Demolition and Excavation of Rushville will demolish East Village at a cost of $259,150. The project will be funded through auxiliary funds. The board also voted to approve the replacement of the lower bleachers in Western Hall, at an amount not to exceed $720,000. Carroll Seating Company of Elk Grove Village will complete the replacement. The project will be funded through facility enhancement and life safety fee.
Permanent property and utility easements were granted to the City of Macomb for the WIU fourth addition, and for lots one, three, five and seven of Woodland Hills Subdivision. The Board also approved the annual auditing department charter, the second reading of contract modifications and the first reading for a revision to Board bylaws, which amend member attendance due to extenuating circumstances by means other than physical presence (e.g. audio or video conference).
The Board also approved a resolution urging the governor and legislature to end the budget impasse, and the first reading on a revision to Board bylaws, which adds language regarding a tie vote. The Board heard reports on enrollment, retention and graduation rates, FY'16 performance, facility assessment, the FY'16 master plan update and long term planning.
The next regular meeting of the Board of Trustees will be held March 10-11, 2016 in Macomb.
Posted By: Alisha Looney (AA-Looney@wiu.edu)
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