University News
BOT Approves Steam Line, Other Projects
December 16, 2011
MACOMB, IL -- The Western Illinois University Board of Trustees approved contractors for phase two of the steam line renewal project at its Dec. 16 meeting in Macomb.
The board approved a $5.6 million total bid package for phase two of the steam line renewal project, which includes upgrades and additions to the existing steam networks that connect Western Avenue to Thompson Hall and Brophy Hall to the North Quad. Contractors approved include: Leander Construction of Canton, general, $4 million; The PIPCO Companies of Peoria, mechanical, $1.2 million, ventilation, $25,000, and plumbing, $30,000; and Quick Electrical Contractors of Fairview, $233,000. A $195,000 contingency was included in the total bid package.
The Board approved removal of the former Cinema I & II building at 306 W. University Drive from the Auxiliary Facilities System. A programming study is underway to determine the feasibility of converting the facility to a WIU Welcome Center when funding becomes available. The board also approved issuing Auxiliary Facilities Revenues Bonds for improvements to and renovations of Thompson Hall and the University Union.
The Board approved the University's energy management strategy, which is designed to reduce energy consumption and promote energy efficiency. Effective Jan. 1, public universities in the state will be required to report the use of energy and water in facilities and have a target goal of reducing expenses for power, gas and water by at least 15 percent within two years. Western's energy management strategy is a part of the WIU-Macomb and Quad Cities campus master plans, and is used to further improve utility infrastructure plans, which includes LEED certification for all new buildings, improving operational efficiencies by modernizing heating, ventilating and cooling systems on campus and replacing campus chillers.
The Board elected officers: Bill Epperly, chair; Mike Houston, vice chair; and Bill Griffin, secretary.
The Board also heard updates on the master plan, athletics and the facilities assessment.
The next Board of Trustees meeting is March 30, 2012 at the WIU-Macomb campus.
Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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