7/16/2005 2



Joint Task Force on the University Ave Lot



Tuesday, July 12, 2005


To provide lasting and responsible solutions to the immediate situation regarding the proposed University Avenue parking lot, this document sketches a procedure that will take place immediately when

  1. Those occupying the woods agree to remove tree-sits and banners, and end their forest defense; and,

  2. The administration at the same time agrees to enter a grace period for 6 months.


A Task Force will be appointed that fairly represents the several interests in the issue.


This agreement, once finalized, will be binding on the parties, and guarantees the cessation of protests and construction in Redbud Woods for the duration of the Task Force’s work. Faculty and student working groups agree to abide by the Task Force’s recommendations.


Charge – On January 15th the Task Force will deliver answers regarding two questions:


  1. Is the proposed University Ave. site the best location for a new lot to meet the demands of West Campus Residential Initiative (WCRI)?

    1. If it is not, where can WCRI parking-demands be satisfied with consideration to financial, ecological, technical and social concerns

  2. What forward-thinking steps can be recommended by the Task Force, and implemented by the administration, to abate parking demand and/or find sites that the Task Force considers appropriate for future parking lots?



[This proposal was presented to President Rawlings by Professor Thomas Eisner and Professor (and Associate Dean) Paul Houston, on behalf of the Redbud Working Group (including faculty and student representatives) ]





DRAFT


Accountability:


  1. The Task Force will be composed of administrative professionals and representatives of the students, faculty, and staff.

  2. The Task Force will immediately determine goals and precise strategies to answer its charge. It will adhere to a reasonable time frame for meeting goals, identifying strategies for success, and accomplishing its mission. The task force will provide regular reports on its progress to all concerned stakeholders.

  3. The Task Force must seek fiscally and ecologically sound transportation measures for the university.


Process:

  1. The Task Force will be appointed by the Dean of Faculty in consultation with the President as soon as possible. It should include

    1. Four members from various administrative departments responsible for relevant issues; perhaps including, VP Susan Murphy or a designee she selects; EVP Steve Golding or a designee he selects; Director of Transportation & Mail Services Bill Wendt or a designee he selects; Vice Provost Michelle Moody-Adams or a designee she selects;

    2. One representative each from Student and Staff assemblies and Faculty Senate.

    3. A member from each of the Community, Faculty and Student Working Groups of the Redbuds Coalition.

    4. Student Trustee Doug Mitarotonda.

  2. The Task Force will convene soon thereafter, arrange its schedule, and produce its final report by January 15th as indicated on page 1.

  3. Joint press conferences shall be used by the Task Force to publicize progress in consultation with VP Tommy Bruce.



[This draft was originally approved by the faculty working group, then amended by the students to suggest actual names the administration might appoint to the Task Force (as an indication that they were willing to continue working with the administrators who had earlier supported the destruction of the woods for a parking lot). The student amendments are in bold face.]