M e e t i n g     N o t e s     

Meeting Subject:                    Campus Advisory Committee Meeting

Location:                                UNLV Foundation Building

Meeting Date / Time:               June 11, 2002 / 1:30 - 3:30 p.m.                

Issue Date:                              September 30, 2002

Prepared By:                           SmithGroup JJR

DISCUSSION:

The purpose of this meeting was to present and review the refined Framework Plan (Consensus Plan).  The committee members were presented a brief history of the plan's development, its component systems, preliminary metrics, and a brief look ahead to the inception of Phase II activities and products.

The session was well attended and the material was well received.  This was the last scheduled session until the return of the students in the fall semester.

The following comments and ideas were recorded.

·         Who is paying for the monorail (fixed-guideway)?  The consultant team described the public vs. private funding situation.  Since much, if not all, of the private "matching funds" for the monorail have been met by the local gaming facilities, federal dollars may be available to construct portions of the monorail.

·         The alternative monorail alignment, east of the Thomas & Mack Center and west of the CBC, may be overly complex.  In addition, it may be "problematic and intrusive" in an already congested area.  The alignment shown on the Preliminary Framework Plan is preferred.  It would potentially have less engineering and implementation cost.

·         Does the proposed monorail connect UNLV satellite campuses?  The university and the RTC have no plans to connect satellite land holdings by monorail.

·         What does a monorail station look like?  Are there Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements, and is the station elevated?  Current monorail stations are under construction along Paradise Road.  It was indicated that modifications could be made to stations.  ADA requirements need to be met for a new station, including grade changes, stairs, elevators, etc.

·         Has there been any discussion of a "people mover" to campus destinations (athletic activities, cultural events, performances, etc.)?  Such a system would be useful and beneficial.  Perhaps it could connect the proposed monorail on the west side of campus with the proposed multi-modal corridor along Maryland Parkway.  Ideas considered include:  open air shuttles, carts, buses, etc.  The consultant team needs to address the feasibility of such a plan.

·         The Preliminary Framework Plan needs to do a better job of connecting pedestrians and/or a "people mover" to the Fulton Gaming Institute (NW corner of campus).  The consultant team acknowledged this and will address this connection in subsequent plans.

·         The consultant team was asked to consider a joint CAT bus and monorail system with coordinated routes.  This would be particularly attractive at the proposed welcome center attached to the parking structure.

·         It was agreed that Frazier and Grant Halls were okay to demolish for the betterment of the campus entrance, identity, and future Maryland Parkway edge.

·         It was mentioned that the Barrick Museum has some campus historic value.  There was no further discussion.

·         The committee reiterated their endorsement of parking structures with a mixed-use component (retail, academic, office, etc.).

·         The Swenson/Tropicana campus entry is important, and appropriate design guidelines are vital for this area.  The consultant team acknowledged.  These details are being considered for inclusion in the Phase II contract.

·         How does the old Paradise Elementary School link to the main campus?  There was mention of the need to move people, cars, mail service, physical plant and fleet vehicles, and potentially carts.  The consultant team discussed opportunities and constraints of at-grade and above-grade crossing options.  These concepts need to be explored further.

·         Can a parking structure and monorail connection be situated on the old Paradise Elementary School site?  The consultant team will investigate this option.

·         Is the infrastructure study evaluating surface storm events?  The infrastructure study, to date, has documented the existing sub-surface storm sewer system in conjunction with the wash and surface system.  Preliminary conclusions indicate a capacity problem for major storm events (this is typical of the Las Vegas Valley).  More detailed modeling will be conducted during Phase II.

·         General comment:  Shade is a mandatory open space ingredient.

·         General comments were recorded for the initial signage concepts.

·          Alternative #4 was preferred.  The vertical band (perhaps stone) with horizontal text bars (punched stainless steel, back lit, etc.).

·          Spell out "University of Nevada, Las Vegas."

·          Red is a difficult color to use in the desert.

·          Utilize a local sign maker to aid in the design and "constructability" of these signs.

Respectfully submitted by:

SmithGroup JJR

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