Executive Council met at 11 a.m. in 611 Allen Hall. Present were Dr. Malcolm Portera, presiding, Dr. David Cole, Dr. Bob Cooper, Dr. Roy Ruby, Matt Allen, Dr. Warren Thompson, Ms. Leah Norman, Dr. Joe Thompson, Dr. Bob Altenkirch, Larry Templeton, Dennis Prescott, Ms. Susan Everett, Dr. Melvin Ray, Charles Guest, Joe Farris, Dr. Roy Ikenberry, Dr. Wayne Bennett, George Parsons, Cameron Mann, and architects Doug Dale and Ron Hartley.

Mr. Dale and Mr. Hartley of Dale and Associates presented the site plan and schematic designs for the planned Landscape Architecture building. The building would occupy a three-acre site bounded on the east by Stone Boulevard and on the south by Forestry Drive. The building would face south. The proposed building would include 20,500 square feet of programmable space. The total project budget is $3.2 million. The council recommended approval of the site plan and schematic design with the stipulation that the existing project budget is to include appropriate landscaping, lighting and parking, and that options will be included in bid specifications to ensure that the project will remain within budget. Landscape architecture representatives are to meet with Mr. Prescott to develop a fund-raising plan that could produce additional funding for the project.

Dr. Bennett presented a proposal to erect signage at the north end of Hardy Street designating the engineering buildings area, with additional signs on the street identifying individual buildings by name and function. The proposal was referred to the Campus Planning and Development Committee.

Dr. Ruby recommended approval of the recommendations of the Special Events Analysis Committee presented at an earlier meeting. Dr. Cooper suggested additional review by the Faculty Senate during the fall. The council recommended approval of the committee recommendations, contingent on an early meeting of the Faculty Senate executive committee with Provost Cole to discuss the proposals.

Action on proposed changes in the Student Affairs policy on Student Organizations was deferred pending further review by the Faculty Senate.

Dr. Ruby recommended revisions in the fee structure for the Sanderson Center. The changes would provide for alumni membership at a rate of $450 a year for an alumnus and $400 a year for additional family members. New graduates would be eligible for a one-year membership rate of $75 per semester, which equals the faculty/staff rate. Alumni visitor passes would be available for $5 a day. Family swimming memberships would continue to be offered at the current rate of $225 a year, but special family open swim periods would be extended to include 2-4 p.m. Saturday as well as 2-4 p.m. Sunday. Children of Sanderson Center patrons may swim free during the family hours. The council recommended approval of the proposed fee changes.

Ms. Norman presented for initial review proposed changes in the Human Resources Management employment policies. The proposed changes would give vice presidents authority to approve employment of professional staff who do not receive contracts; require that employment begin on the first day of the pay cycle; clarify statements of special conditions of employment; establish procedures for increasing and decreasing annual salary when administrators also hold faculty rank; restrict the addition of other commitments on behalf of the university in letters of offer without prior approval; and address the release of records when employees' salaries are paid by external agencies.

Ms. Norman introduced for initial review a proposed policy on vehicle purchase procedures.

The monthly report on construction progress was presented for information. The Swalm Chemical Engineering Building is expected to be complete by the end of October.

Dr. Portera reported that he had approved the previous week's council recommendation to create a park-like setting for a donated sculpture near Carpenter Hall subject to the limitation of the cost to the currently available funding provided by the donor. Plans for the area are to be revised to conform to a $20,000 budget. The original proposal called for additional funds to be identified.

Dr. Portera reported that Dr. J. Charles Lee is being named vice president for agriculture, forestry and veterinary medicine.

Dr. Portera said plans are underway to hold an event early next year to celebrate attaining the $100 million level in research expenditures reported by the National Science Foundation.

Dr. Portera reported that the Riley Foundation of Meridian has approved an $11 million lead gift to help fund renovation of the Grand Opera House and an adjacent building in a project designed to promote revitalization of the downtown area. Mississippi State is providing assistance in developing the plan.

Dr. Portera reported on discussions with the state Department of Transportation concerning speed limits on Highway 82 adjacent to campus.

The meeting adjourned at 11:55 a.m.