The Pennsylvania College of Technology Board of Directors on Thursday awarded construction contracts for work on the Stage X Building Program, which includes new student housing on the west end of the main campus and renovations at several other college facilities.
The board also bid farewell to a longtime member: state Sen. Roger A. Madigan, who is retiring this year from the Senate.
The general contractors for the Stage X project will be IMC Construction Inc., Malvern, and Robert Feaster Corp., Northumberland. The general-contract award is for $26,699,554.
Other contracts awarded are: HVAC, The Farfield Co., Lititz, $6,044,000; plumbing, W.G. Tomko Inc., Finleyville, $4,344,444; electrical, Lecce Electric Inc., Williamsport, $6,697,000; and facility management, Johnson Controls Inc., Camp Hill, $1,481,521.
Penn College President Davie Jane Gilmour said the bids came in about $600,000 lower than the architect's estimate. That will enable the college to include all of the work that had been planned, she said.
"It was really what we had hoped for," she said, noting the work will be performed by firms based in the region and local area. Five firms submitted bids for the general contract.
In other business, the board approved Residence Life housing rates for 2009-10, which reflect less than a 5-percent increase over 2008-09. The semester rates are: RA roommate in efficiency, $2,090; one-bedroom (four-person) apartment, $2,098; efficiency (two-person) apartment, $2,361; two-bedroom (four-person) apartment $2,675; two-bedroom super suite (as triple), $2,005; one-bedroom (two-person) apartment, $2,805; single efficiency, $3,430; one-semester December graduate, $2,910; and triple assignments, $1,915.
Elliott Strickland, special assistant for student affairs and student development, said the rates will include the use of on-site laundry facilities.
Rates and fees that will not change in 2009-10 are: summer student rates, $110/week; Residence Life activity fee, $18/semester; per-night charge/excess of contract, $20/night; fire-hazard fee, $50/incident; impaired student holding area fee, $100/visit; double occupancy in bedroom, $20/night; single occupancy in bedroom, $35/night; and single occupancy in apartment, $60/night.
The board approved the leasing of temporary space near campus for the welding program in order to accommodate Stage X Building Program renovations. Gilmour said two "very competitive" leasing options are being explored. The program will be relocated for about 18 months.
A policy change, which exempts from board approval minor utility and communications rights-of-way and easements, also was passed. The president (or designees) will be authorized to execute the related documents.
Suzanne T. Stopper, associate vice president for business affairs/controller, reported to the board regarding the audited financial statements for the fiscal year ending June 30. The college received an "unqualified clean audit opinion" from its auditing firm, Larson Kellett & Associates, P.C., Montoursville, she said. Responding to questions from the board, Stopper said the poor economic conditions nationwide have not caused liquidity problems for the college and have had no effect on student scholarships.
Tom F. Gregory, interim associate vice president for instruction, reported on new-curriculum proposals for Fall 2009. The proposed new majors are: building science and sustainable design (2+2 format), health information management (2+2 format), accounting (bachelor-completion degree for transfer students with an associate degree), and automotive technology: Honda PACT emphasis (associate degree).
Gilmour said more than 3,900 people (from 22 states) pre-registered for the Oct. 26 Open House, with more than 600 prospective students submitting applications. Only 225 applications were received during the 2007 Open House, she noted.
"It was a resounding success for us," she said.
Gilmour also noted that 313 employees participated in screening for the Wellness Program, with 271 involved in the fitness-walking aspect of the effort.
As the meeting concluded, Board Chairman Robert E. Dunham praised Madigan for his many years of service. Madigan, who has served in the Senate since 1984, was appointed to the board in February 1991. His name adorns the college's Madigan Library, which opened in 2006.
"Thank you for everything you have done for this college," Dunham said.
Madigan recounted how much the college has grown over the years and how it has helped so many students achieve their career objectives. "I've encouraged a lot of young people to come here," he said.
After Gilmour presented him with a gift for his service, Madigan added, "It's been really one of the highlights of my lifetime to serve on this board."