MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS
SOUTHWEST MISSOURI STATE UNIVERSITY
JUNE 18, 2004
1. Roll Call
Present- Dr. Barbara Burns, President of the Board
Mr. Thomas Carlson, Governor
Mr. William Darr, Governor
Mr. Michael Duggan, Governor (by conference
call)
Mr. Michael Franks, Vice President
of the Board
(arriving at 10:15 a.m.)
Ms. Mary Sheid, Governor (by conference
call)
Ms. Kelli Wolf, Student Governor (by
conference call)
Absent- Ms. Phyllis Washington, Governor
Also
Present- Jim Baker, Assistant to the President
Kent Thomas, Chancellor of the West
Plains Campus
Greg Onstot, Vice President for University
Advancement
Bruno Schmidt, Vice President for
Academic Affairs
Don Aripoli, Vice President for Student
Affairs
Kent Kay, Associate Vice President
for Finance
Greg Burris, Vice President for Administration
& Finance
John F. Black, General Counsel
John W. McAlear, Secretary of the
Board
2. Presiding --- The presiding officer for the meeting was Dr. Barbara Burns, President
of the Board of Governors. She called the meeting to order at 9:00
a.m. in the Parliamentary Room of the Plaster Student Union on the
campus of Southwest Missouri State University in Springfield, Missouri.
3. Minutes --- Dr. Burns noted that the first item of business on the agenda was the approval of the minutes submitted by the Secretary for the open and closed meetings of May 13, 2004. Mr. Duggan moved to approve the minutes as presented. Mr. Darr seconded the motion.
Motion passed 5-0.
4. Educational:
a. Faculty Senate Report --- Dr. Lois Shufeldt, Chairperson for the Faculty Senate, reported that
one of the issues which will be addressed next year by the Senate is
grade inflation – over one-third of our graduates at the last commencement
graduated with honors.
b. Report from Vice President for Academic Affairs --- Dr. Bruno Schmidt, Vice President for Academic Affairs, reported
that two of the items discussed at the recent dean's retreat were equity
and faculty workloads. Some faculty perform very important duties
that are not recognized in their total workload so we are looking at
ways to correct this.
5. West Plains Campus:
a. Report from the West Plains Campus --- Mr. Kent Thomas, Chancellor, presented the following resolutions for
the Board's consideration:
Approval of Purchasing Activity Report for the month
of May 2004 (West Plains Campus Purchasing Activity Report No. 19-04).
This report included the annual lease agreement with the City of West
Plains for our use of the West Plains Civic Center. The contract period
is July 1, 2004 through June 30, 2005. The amount of the contract
for this period is $116,123.64.
Approval of actions concerning academic employees of
the West Plains Campus (West Plains Personnel No. 216-04).
Approval of actions concerning non-academic employees
of the West Plains Campus (West Plains Personnel No. 217-04).
Approval of change of parking violation fines for the
2004-2005 fee schedule (West Plains Fees No. 10-04).
Approval to increase the budget for additional architectural
services in conjunction with providing architectural services on an
"On-Call" basis with TRC & Associates (West Plains Campus Architects
& Engineers No. 49-04). This resolution increases additional services
by $15,000 to come to a new total of $25,000 in additional services.
Moved by Mr. Carlson. Seconded by Ms. Sheid.
Motion passed 5-0.
6. Student Affairs:
a. Report from Student Body President --- Mr. Chris Curtis, President of the Student Body, reported that one
of the priorities of his campaign was to provide a legal alternative
to illegal music downloading and they will be looking at this next
year.
b. Report from Vice President for Student Affairs: Dr. Don Aripoli, Vice President for Student Affairs, presented a resolution
(Finance No. 976-04) approving Wyrick funds for the artificial turf
installation at Recreation Field West, an estimated cost of $311,960.
Moved by Mr. Darr and seconded by Mr. Carlson.
Motion passed 5-0.
7. Staff Senate Report --- Mr. Phil Nichols, Chairperson of the Staff Senate, reported that the
Staff Senate has been discussing billing problems with our Preferred
Provider Organization, St. John's Regional Health Center. We also
need to work on communicating to our employees the cost savings of
using Taylor Health Center for certain procedures as opposed to using
St. John's.
8. Report from the President --- Dr. Jim Baker first gave a report on our program in China. The purpose
of our China Program is to conduct educational and cultural opportunities
and exchanges between SMSU and our Chinese partner universities and
to promote understanding and friendship between our two countries.
We now have partners in China located in four different cities – Beijing
University of Technology and China Agricultural University in Beijing;
Qingdao University in Qingdao; Henan Institute of Finance and Economics
in Zhengzhou; and, Liaoning Normal University in Dalian. He explained
that the China Program has been included in the SMSU System Operations
Manual as far as how we operate the overall university system. Dr.
Baker then showed an organizational chart of the China Management Group
– an advisory body to the President regarding university policies for
programs in China. This body is growing and getting more complex as
our China Program grows.
Drs. Skip Phelps and Earle Doman, Co-chairs of the
Centennial Steering Committee, next gave a report on activities planned
for the SMSU Centennial Celebration, July 1, 2004 to June 30, 2005.
The theme "Daring to Excel" was chosen to celebrate this milestone.
The book, Daring to Excel – The First 100 years of Southwest Missouri State University, written by Dr. Don Landon will be out in August. Dr. Doman
reviewed the calendar of events with the Board. Dr. Phelps then highlighted
the Inaugural Public Affairs Conference scheduled for April 13-15,
2005 on the Springfield Campus. They hope to have 30 to 40 different
speakers at this conference. The Public Affairs Statue will be dedicated
at that time. The West Plains Campus will dedicate the Smith-London
Centennial Bell Tower this fall and Mountain Grove is planting a centennial
garden that will be dedicated in June, 2005.
Dr. Baker then presented a resolution (Agreement No. 130-04) approving a twelve-month extension of the consultation agreement with Jerry Burch as legislative consultant to the University. Mr. Burch will be paid $5,600 per month for the period of September 1, 2004 to August 31, 2005. He shall be paid an additional amount of $500 per month to help provide training and supervision for the SMSU legislative interns working in Jefferson City. Moved by Mr. Carlson and seconded by Mr. Darr.
Motion passed 6-0.
Mr. John Black, General Counsel, next presented a resolution
(Agreement No. 131-04) permitting the SMSU Development Corporation
to engage in banking services on behalf of SMSU in Asia. He explained
that, as shown in the earlier report on China, the programs in China
are about to significantly expand. The banking relationships in China
are totally different from the American way of doing things. It has
become essential to formulize our banking situation. For some banking
relationships in China, a corporate format is more familiar to the
Chinese than a governmental format. Since the Development Corporation
is a 501c3 corporation, it could be used to help with this banking
situation. He indicated that we may or may not end up using the Development
Corporation in this manner. Our bank, Great Southern, is working
on this issue as well. Moved by Mr. Franks. Seconded by Mr. Darr.
Motion passed 5-0-1 (Mr. Carlson abstaining).
Dr. Baker then presented a resolution (Agreement No.
132-04) approving agreements implementing four-year and master's degree
programs with Liaoning Normal University and Henan Institute of Finance
and Economics, respectively, People's Republic of China. Regarding
LNU, we will continue to work with the West Plains Campus for the first
two years, and years three and four will be handled through the College
of Business on the Springfield Campus. Motion made by Ms. Sheid, receiving
the second of Mr. Franks.
Motion passed 6-0.
9. Financial:
a. Development Report --- Mr. Greg Onstot, Vice President for University Advancement, presented
the Development Report for the eleven months ending May 31, 2004.
At this point in the year, when compared to last year, total gift dollars
received are up about $1.4 million with a total of $7,555,995.
He next presented a resolution (Human Resources No.
1132-04) approving the FY05 Overview of Salaries and Benefits for Athletics
Administrators and Coaches. Some additional individuals were added
to what was included in the advanced agenda. Motion made by Mr. Carlson,
receiving the second of Mr. Darr.
Motion passed 6-0.
Mr. Onstot then presented a resolution (Human Resources
No. 1133-04) approving additional fringe benefits for certain employees
to be funded by either the SMSU Foundation or the University. Moved
by Mr. Carlson and seconded by Mr. Franks.
Motion passed 6-0.
He next presented a resolution (Agreement No. 133-04)
approving the rental rates for space in The Alumni Center for various
departments and University related offices. The 33,006 sq. ft. will
be rented from the SMSU Foundation at a rate of $9.50 per square foot.
Motion made by Mr. Franks, receiving the second of Mr. Darr.
Motion passed 6-0.
b. Financial Report --- Mr. Kent Kay, Associate Vice President for Finance, presented the financial
statements for the eleven-month period ending May 31, 2004.
He next reviewed with the Board the process that was
followed during the preparation of the FY05 internal operating budget.
He explained that in the beginning, we developed plans to address 5%,
10%, and 15% reductions in state appropriations due to a potential
shortfall in state revenues. We obtained input from academic and administrative
leadership. We had approximately $12.23 million in increased expenses,
the largest portion of this being salaries and fringe benefits totaling
about $6.25 million. Increased revenues of $13.1 million came from:
student fees of $7.5 million; state appropriations of $3.6 million;
residence halls and food service of $1.4 million; and all other types
of revenue of $.6 million. FY05 expenses and transfers total $202,609,715.
FY05 budgeted revenues total $203,547,229. State appropriations only
make up 38.27% of this amount. Student fees and student payments for
residence halls and food services make up 53.36% of these total revenues.
He then presented a resolution (Finance No. 977-04) approving the FY05
internal operating budget. Moved by Mr. Franks and seconded by Mr.
Carlson.
Motion passed 6-0.
c. Purchases & Contracts --- Mr. Kay then presented the following resolution for the Board's consideration:
Purchases exceeding $25,000 from May 13, 2004 through June 4, 2004 (Purchasing Activity Report No. 243-04).
Purchases exceeding $25,000 from June 5, 2004 through June 17, 2004
(Purchasing Activity Report No. 244-04).
Moved by Mr. Darr and seconded by Mr. Franks.
Motion passed 6-0.
Mr. Greg Burris, Vice President for Administration
& Finance, presented the following resolutions for the Board's consideration:
Approval of Intergovernmental Agreement with the City
of Springfield for Law Enforcement Services (Agreement No. 134-04)
The total cost of the FY05 agreement is $517,521.
Approval of Addendum to Contract for Sale of Real Estate
for the sale of property at 2344 South Scenic Avenue, Springfield,
Missouri (Land No. 79-04). The addendum adjusts the sales price of
the property to $828,920. The buyer, Gardner Properties of Springfield,
LLC., also has requested an additional month, until October 1, 2004,
to complete all rezoning actions by the City of Springfield and Greene
County.
Moved by Mr. Franks and seconded by Mr. Darr.
Motion passed 5-0-1 (Mr. Carlson abstaining).
10. Facilities and Equipment --- Mr. Burris next presented the following resolutions for the Board's
consideration:
Approving the June 7, 2004 Building Report (Building
Report No. 135-04).
Approving the Activity Report for the month of May
2004 (Activity Report No. 138-04).
Approval of the FY06 Capital Appropriations Request
(Finance No. 978-04).
Tunnel repairs and improvements (Bids & Quotations
No. 1127-04); DeWitt & Associates, Inc., low bid of $1,589,000 for
the base bid; total project budget established at $2,100,000.
Interior signage at Meyer Library (Bids & Quotations
No. 1128-04); Serigraphics Sign Systems, Inc., low bid of $32,856 for
the base bid; total project budget established at $52,500.
Construction materials testing services in conjunction
with the tunnel repairs and improvements (Architects & Engineers No.
592-04); Palmerton & Parrish, Inc., for an hourly fee not to exceed
$8,100 plus reimbursable expenses. Additional services of up to $3,500
as described in this agreement may be authorized and approved as necessary.
Architectural and engineering services in conjunction
with the pavilion installation at the State Fruit Experiment Station,
Mountain Grove (Architects & Engineers No. 593-04); Warren & Goodin,
Inc., for a maximum fee of $5,000 plus reimbursable expenses. Additional
services of up to $1,500 as described in this agreement may be authorized
and approved as necessary.
Surveying services in conjunction with the pavilion
installation at the State Fruit Experiment Station, Mountain Grove
(Architects & Engineers No. 594-04); Carmack Surveying, Inc., for $1,600
plus reimbursable expenses. Additional services of up to $800 as described
in this agreement may be authorized and approved as necessary.
Increase the project budget for the entrance door renovation
at Kentwood Hall (Bids & Quotations No. 1129-04); the original project
budget of $3,500 is to be increased by $3,500 to bring the new, increased
project budget to $7,000.
Moved by Mr. Franks. Seconded by Mr. Darr.
Motion passed 6-0.
11. Human Resources ---Mr. Burris next presented the following resolutions:
Actions concerning academic employees (Human Resources No. 1134-04).
Actions concerning non-academic employees (Human Resources
No. 1135-04).
Approval of Amendment to Memorandum of Agreement between
the University and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers,
AFL-CIO Local Union 453 (Agreement No. 135-04).
Moved by Mr. Franks. Seconded by Mr. Darr.
Motion passed 6-0.
12. Unfinished Business --- Mr. Franks reported that he is very pleased with the work of the presidential
search committee at this point. We have had two meetings. Governor
Washington has had to drop from the committee. We do need to approve
the addition of Mr. Lynn Cline, representative from the College of
Education, who had to replace the original appointee. Mr. Duggan so
moved, receiving the second of Ms. Sheid.
Motion passed 6-0.
Mr. Franks announced that there is a website devoted
to the search and we have an email address. Ms. Sherry Stewart, retired
executive assistant to Dr. Keiser, will be working part time assisting
with the search.
Mr. Carlson asked that the staff perform some research
concerning having the Board approve all expenditures exceeding $25,000.
He is of the opinion that this number is too low and we should investigate
the possibility of raising expenditures requiring Board approval to
a higher amount.
13. Closed Meeting --- It was determined that the Board of Governors needed to meet in a
closed session to consider items of business provided in the Revised
Statutes of Missouri. Dr. Burns asked if a resolution authorizing
a closed meeting of the Board was prepared. Thereupon, the following
resolution was presented for consideration:
BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Governors for the Southwest
Missouri State University that a closed meeting, with closed records
and closed vote, be held immediately following this June 18, 2004 meeting
of the Board of Governors to consider items pursuant to:
A. R.S.Mo. 610.021(1). "Legal actions, causes of action, or
litigation involving a public governmental body…"
B. B. R.S.Mo. 610.021(2). "Leasing,
purchase or sale of real
estate by a public governmental
body…"
C. R.S.Mo. 610.021(3). "Hiring, firing, disciplining or promoting an
employee of a public governmental body."
D. R.S.Mo. 610-021(6). "Scholastic probation, expulsion, or graduation of identifiable individuals…"
E. R.S.Mo. 610.021(9). "Preparation, including any
discussions or work
product, on behalf of a public
governmental body or
its representatives for negotiations
with employee groups;"
F. R.S.Mo. 610.021(11) and (12). "Specifications for
competitive bidding…,"
and "Sealed bids and related
documents…,"
G. R.S.Mo. 610.021(13). "Individually identifiable
personnel records,
performance ratings, or records
pertaining to employees
or applicants for employment,…"
H. R.S.Mo. 610.021(14). "Records which are protected from
disclosure by law;"
I. R.S.Mo. 610.021(17). "Confidential or privileged communications between
a public governmental body and its auditor,…"
Ms. Sheid moved the approval of the resolution and
Mr. Duggan
seconded the motion.
A roll call vote on the resolution was as follows: those voting in favor – Governors Burns, Carlson, Darr, Duggan, Franks, and Sheid; those voting against – none; those absent – Governor Washington.
Board President Burns declared the motion was passed 6-0.
14. Date of Next Meeting --- The date of the next regularly scheduled
meeting was set for July 30, 2004.
15. Adjournment--- Dr. Burns adjourned the meeting at 11:30 a.m. on
the motion of Mr. Franks, the second
of Mr. Darr, and the unanimous
vote of the Board.