One of the first steps toward the construction of another roundabout in Conway took place Friday morning at the University of Central Arkansas Board of Trustees meeting.
The board unanimously approved a resolution authorizing the administration to grant easements to the city on the southeast and northwest corners of Bruce Street and Farris Road to develop a roundabout.
"The primary reason for this traffic circle is at peak times, especially during class changes, this area can become congested," Jack Gillean, UCA vice president for administration, said. "And we believe this roundabout will avoid these delays, keep traffic moving and avoid the congestion that builds up currently."
Gillean also pointed out that UCA will not be losing a great deal of property by granting these easements to the city.
UCA President Lu Hardin admitted to the group gathered that he was a bit skeptical of the roundabouts when they began developing in Conway, but the success of the circle on Prince Street changed his mind.
"I really wasn't ready to put a roundabout at a critical junction near Buffalo Alumni Hall but now I do think a roundabout will work there," Hardin said. "I'm amazed at how successful the Prince Street roundabout is."
Dr. Harold Chakales, member of the board, told the group he was worried about what would happen if the roundabout was constructed, but unsuccessful. He asked the board if it would be possible to remove it.
"With our relationship with the city, I feel like if it is not a success, which I think it will be, we can revisit it, but it is a permanent easement," Tom Courtway, UCA director of government relations, said.
Board member Dr. Mike Stanton said he would be more worried about granting the easement if the members of the community had no experience with roundabouts.
Randy Sims, chair of the board, also said he would like to make sure the center of the roundabout, if constructed, is maintained well in keeping with the standards of the university.
The Board of Trustees also unanimously approved a 3 percent raise in room and board rates for the 2008-09 school year. The current charge for a double-occupancy room and a meal plan option, which is mandatory for students, is $2,300 per semester. The board approved to raise this rate to $2,370.
According to the meeting agenda, these housing increases are primarily related to utility costs and increased costs of the Aramark contract.
In other business, the board members took the following action on the agenda items:
Heard Hardin's report on moving forward with the construction of the new business building.
Presented a resolution to Kay Hinkle for serving as chair of the board for the past year.
Approved a resolution for the reimbursement of expenses for official board duties.
Approved the certification of sufficient appropriations and fund balances.
Approved a right-of-way and easement for Conway Corp. for the connection of an eight-inch water main to provide water to the Gross Anatomy Lab.
Approved the purchase of property at 1835 South Donaghey Ave. for $375,000 to be paid over five years to be used as office space for the police department and possible classrooms.
Authorized the administration to proceed with development of plans for the renovation of Alumni Circle at an estimated cost of $500,00.
Approved changes in board policy for the design, content and maintenance of university Web site pages.
Approved the food service contract for the 2008-09 school year.
Accepted the legislative audit report for 2006-07.
Approved a student refund policy modification.
Board member Patricia Bassett was absent from this meeting.
(Staff writer Jessica Bauer can be reached by e-mail at jessica.bauer@thecabin.net or by phone at 505-1236. To comment on this and other stories in the Log Cabin, log on to www.thecabin.net. Send us your news at www.thecabin.net/submit)
