University of South Florida
Lakeland Campus
RFP Land Acquisition Development Meeting
Meeting Minutes
October 2, 2002
Opening:
The first meeting of the RFP Land Acquisition Development Committee
was called to order at 2:00 PM on October 2, 2002 in USF Lakeland
Campus, Room LAC 1183 by Dr. Alice Murray.
Members Present:
| Gene Engle | Whitney Gaston |
| Matthew Huber | Art Karshmer |
| Bernard Mackey | Alice Murray |
| Al Sistrunk | |
Preston Mercer (Present for the Charge of the Committee)
Kristi Brown (Present for Note Taking)
A. Approval of Agenda
The agenda was unanimously approved as distributed. Motion requested
to not list titles of personnel on the agenda.
B. Charge - Dr Mercer
Dr. Mercer began with thanking everyone for their
commitment to serving on the Land Acquisition Committee. The RFP project
requires input from a variety of people ranging from Students, Staff,
Administration and the Community. This is not only the writing of an
RFP, but will also entail the evaluation of proposals submitted to
the university. A proposal needs to be written that takes into consideration
all the view points of the stake holders and the community. There are
two different RFP approaches that are being submitted by Dr. Mackey
and Dr. Sistrunk. The committee should review both, give their input,
and create a RFP that will then be submitted for University approval.
Dr. Mercer’s only suggestion with the RFP is that there be a
quantitative benchmark, a minimum target for where we are aiming.
C. Issues Regarding RFP
Dr. Karshmer requested a description of responsibility
for the committee. Dr. Mercer explained the history of developing a
campus to suit the needs of Central Florida. Dr. Mercer also shared
a brief history of land development in this area and those that have
contacted him regarding donations of property. The charge of this committee
is to put together research in presenting a proposal to move ahead
with building a free standing USF campus. Examples were given by several
committee members about the building process of the Florida Gulf Coast
University Campus in Fort Myers.
D. Presentation of
the Drafts
Gene Engle defined for the committee members the legal binding of
an RFP; an RFP is like a letter of content, no legal binding and
is a way of finding the intent of those involved. It is almost like
treating it as a Community Redevelopment Association (CRA) - where
you get the advantage of favorable tax treatment. Before discussing
the drafts, presented by Mackey and Sistrunk, there was questioning
regarding the Sunshine Law. Dr. Murray agreed to check before the
next meeting to see if this committee would be subject to the law.
Dr. Murray then shared a timeframe with the committee regarding presentation
to General Counsel, Campus Board and UBOT.
Copies of both drafts were distributed. Dr. Mackey then began a brief
introduction of his draft. We are breaking “new ground” for
USF and not only is this a first for the campus, but this project will
be used as a model for future growth and expansion.
Dr. Sistrunk then took a few minutes and explained the contents of
his draft. He explained that once the RFP is distributed and proposals
are reviewed it is his understanding through discussion with Carl Carlucci
that any land with potential environmental contamination would not
be accepted. Dr. Sistrunk then shared positive aspects for the committee
to look for in the evaluation process: major traffic arteries, endowments,
substantial gifts and acreage of 400 and above. Dr. Sistrunk explained
the importance of the RFP being as straightforward as possible eliminating
any possibilities of confusion.
Dr. Mackey then led in discussion regarding the appropriate time to
release the RFP. There was concern regarding the timing with the legislative
session and the current funding with the joint use facility with PCC.
Dr. Murray and Gene would both share this concern with Dr. Mercer and
JD Alexander bringing their response to the next meeting. Dr. Mackey
then began with his detailed explanation of the RFP draft. Changes
were discussed by the committee and would then be made by Dr. Mackey.
The two drafts presented would be combined, as well as an executive
summary included and then presented for the committees approval at
the next meeting.
E. Agenda for Next Meeting
Questions:
- The Sunshine Law and Implications
- Will this coincide or bring complication with the legislation in
session
- Any problems with this passing through USF Executive committee.
- Time Frame of the RFP (presentation to public)
- Copy of revision sent to Carlucci
It was requested that all comments for revisions / additions to the
Announcement of Land Acquisition be sent to Dr. Mackey.
Adjournment:
Meeting was adjourned at 4:05 by Dr. Alice Murray. The next general
meeting will be at 2 PM on October 7, 2002 in Lakeland Campus LAC 1183.
Minutes taken and transcribed by: Kristi Brown
Approved by:
Dr. Alice Murray
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