MINUTES OF THE MEETING
of the
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
September 18, 1959
It is recommended that the Board approve the following recommendations
that have been worked out in cooperation with Chancellor Varner
with reference to a house for the Chancellor at Michigan State
University-Oakland. It is proposed to remodel the poultry
farmhouse with the following provisions:
| a. |
That the University retain title to both
house and grounds and that no lease arrangement be involved. |
| |
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| b. |
That Mr. Varner proceed with such remodeling and addition
needed to make the house suitable for his purposes, but
the cost is not to exceed $15,000. |
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| c. |
That Mr. Varner assume the responsibility for paying
for this or arrange the financing on a personal basis
by whatever means he can devise so that the University
assumes no obligation for the cost of the remodeling.
The basic notion is that he will allocate $2,000 per year
from his housing allowance to the purpose of covering
the costs involved. This would mean that at the end of
7 ½ years the annual $2,000 contribution would
have covered the costs involved. He is agreeable to ignoring
the interest costs. |
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| d. |
That, if for any reason Mr. Varner should not occupy
the house for a minimum of 7 ½ years, then the
University will reimburse him at the rate of $2,000 for
each of the years less than 7½. For example,
if he should move out of the place after 5 years, the
University would be expected to reimburse him at the rate
of $2,000 per year for the next 2½ years or in
a lump sum of $5,000. |
The advantages of this plan are that it retains full control
of the property and the house for the University; it would
provide the Varner’s an adequate place to live until
Sunset Terrace becomes available; it involves no financial
involvement on the part of the University; and it would provide
for the University a very useful building for visiting professors
or other purposes after the Varner’s are provided for
elsewhere.
It is understood that the use of the small office building
is a part of this plan since it is proposed to use it either
as a guest cottage for visiting dignitaries or for possible
use of domestic help. The Varner’s would assume whatever
costs are involved in getting this ready for domestic use
also.
On motion of Mr. Stevens, seconded by Mr. Harlan, it was
voted to approve the above item.
Chancellor Varner presented a request that the Board formally
authorize the agreement as worked out by Attorney Carr and
Treasurer May covering the arrangements authorizing the construction
of faculty houses on Michigan State University-Oakland property.
This program will ultimately provide home sites for approximately
150 homes for faculty. However, initially the program covers
development of only about 50 lots. In connection with this
development, the Board has already authorized agreements and
contracts which provide for:
1. Development of site for 50 homes at a cost of approximately
$70,000. This work was financed by an advance from the M.S.U.
Dormitory Housing Reserve which is to be repaid out of annual
rent of $120 which will be charged for each home site.
2. Authorization for signing a contract with the Avon Township
for sewers and water services - the cost of these services
will be liquidated over a period of years at an annual cost
of between $10,000 and $11,000. Funds for annual payments
will come from a $2,000 hookup charge to each homeowner.
3. Individual leases will be signed with each prospective
homeowner containing the following terms of conditions:
a. Leases will run for a period of 75 years.
b. Annual lease-hold rent $120.
c. In order to insure continued faculty ownership of
all home sites, the University will agree to take over
owner's equity if eligible buyer is not found within six
months after separation from MSU-O.
d. Employees will be permitted to continue residence
under the leasehold arrangement as long as employed by
MSU-O or during periods of retirement. Widows of deceased
faculty members may continue to occupy their homes as
long as it is their principal place of residence or until
they remarry. (p. 47)
4. Although this property will not be on the tax rolls,
the faculty plat will be recorded and the home owners will
pay the equivalent of taxes to the local units of government
and school systems.
A copy of the lease agreement as approved by Attorney Carr
will be on file with these minutes.
On motion of Mr. Brody, seconded by Mr. Vanderploeg, it
was voted to approve the above agreement relative to faculty
housing at MSU-O.
Chancellor Varner recommends that the Student Center Building
at Michigan State University-Oakland be officially named "The
Oakland Student Center."
On motion of Mr. Stevens, seconded by Mr. Vanderploeg, it
was voted to approve the above recommendation.
Appointments:
Audrey North, Assistant Librarian, at MSU-O at a salary of
$7000 per year on a 12-month basis effective August 15, 1959.
Orrin E. Taulbee, Associate Professor of Mathematics at MSU-O
at a salary of $8600 per year on a 10-month basis effective
August 15, 1959.
David T. Wilder, University Librarian at MSU-O at a salary
of $10,500 per year on a 12-month basis effective January
1, 1960.
Mary Ann Cusack, Instructor in English at MSU-O at a salary
of $5800 per year on a 12-month basis effective September
1, 1959.
Thomas Fitzsimmons, Assistant Professor of English at MSU-O
at a salary of $7500 per year on a 10-month basis effective
September 1, 1959.
Helen Kovach, Instructor in Foreign Languages at MSU-O at
a salary of $5000 per year on a 10-month basis effective September
1, 1959.
James A. Gherity, Jr., from Assistant Professor of Economics
at M.S.U. at a salary of $6200 per year to Assistant Professor
of Economics at MSU-O at a salary of $6700 per year from September
15, 1959 to August 31, 1960. He will return to the campus
at his present salary of $6200 per year on September 1, 1960.
Robert W. Swanson Director of Business Affairs at MSU-O from
$8500 to $9000 per year effective January 1, 1960.
Personnel action:
Establishment of a Curator III position at Michigan State
University-Oakland
Establishment of a Nurse IIA position at Michigan State University-Oakland
Communication from the Department of Health, Education, and
Welfare advising us that the allocation of National Student
Defense Loan funds available to Michigan State University
for the 1959-60 college year will be in the amount of $250,000
for Michigan State University and $20,000 for Michigan State
University-Oakland. Two-thirds of these funds will be available
in September 1959 and one-third will be available in January
1960. (p.48)