The Committee met in the lower conference room of the Department of Physical Plant at 1:00 p.m. Present were Messrs. Ertel, Howard, Leback, Murray, Pfaltz, Ruppel, Sensbach, Suddarth, and Thompson. Also attending were Ms. Melanie Marshall-Roth and Messrs. Reg Goode and Mattias Graff. The minutes of November 15th and December 3rd were approved as distributed, except for the correction of a typographical "the" for "that" on page 3 of the 3rd.

Parking Garage. Mr. Leback introduced Messrs. Goode and Graff of Mariani Associates, who presented schematics and a model of the proposed parking garage on Emmet St. There would be a pedestrian way leading up the hill, passing north of the building. The Magnolia grandiflora would be saved, but the large trees in the present parking lot would be lost, since they are within the footprint of the building.

The study focused on the treatment of the space between the Bookstore, on top of the garage, and Newcomb Hall. Mr. Goode proposed a plaza with traffic restricted to emergency and service vehicles. There would be two accent trees in the plaza and trees along the walls of the theater and bookstore. Mr. Ruppel raised the problem of access for the handicapped, and was assured that the proposed elevator would actually improve the current situation. Mr. Ertel worried about the location of the dumpster serving Mem Gym. Mr Suddarth was concerned about the loss of parking on the hill road.

The chairman raised the question of the extensive paving and minimal shade in the plaza. Mr. Sensbach noted that the design of this plaza is the key to the success of the whole project. There must be a functional division of the space to provide (1) outdoor seating for Newcomb Hall, (2) entry for service vehicles, (3) a ceremonial entrance for the bookstore, (4) gateways to the north and south, (5) a view of the mountains to the west, and (6) a stairway to obviate the necessity for pedestrians to enter the garage. Mr. Thompson suggested that the service functions and the post office ought to be removed from the space. Mr. Leback noted that much work needs to go into the design and materials of the plaza.

The Lady Astor squash courts would be moved to a site adjacent to Mem Gym, establishing a point beyond which the eastern and northern expansion of the gym would be contained. Mr. Leback noted the awkward entry to the south of the building, an angle that would encourage corner-cutting. Mr.Goode noted that there could be a change to accommodate the bus stop.

Since the project is in such a very preliminary state, no action was taken. The architects will revise their plans, taking into account the suggestions of the Committee.

University Lodge Motel. Mr. Ertel reported that the egregious Mr. Patel is again badgering the University to cut the trees adjacent to his motel. The Committee was incensed that after the debacle of the Mr. Patel's last trespass, he should have the nerve to return. The chairman is to write to Mr. Ertel to say that Mr. Patel may trim to his line, but not a centimeter beyond.

As the Committee seemed to be fading away, the tour of hazardous trees was postponed and the Committee adjourned.

Respectfully submitted,
J. J. Murray, Chairman