Board approves next phase of rangeland, roofing

The Board of Trustees approved finances for the second phase of the Rangeland Management Center at its Friday meeting in the Sandoz Center Atrium.

The board agreed to fund the $2.2 million project over the next eight years by selling bonds in 2014, which will ultimately help the college keep within the financial requirements.

The first phase of the Rangeland Center construction, which began in October of 2012 and cost about $3 million, includes an arena and extensions of utilities that lead to the initial site.

Along with the center, the board also allocated $1.1 million for roofing replacement on the second half of the Student Center. As building’s roof is constructed differently than others, because it has sky lights, the roof of the section that sits over the kitchen is difficult for construction crews to reach, Dale Grant, vice president of finances, said Friday.

Unanimously, the board approved for the authorization of Nebraska State College System Chancellor Stan Carpenter to talk with the city of Chadron in regards of co-using the swimming pool. This allows Carpenter to keep the project moving between board meetings, and sign contracts, if any should arise.

“It’s a great opportunity to work with the city,” Carpenter said.

The city first approved the progress into phase one of the shared pool project in February.

A study abroad trip to Cuba next May was also approved. Two faculty members, one from social science, the other from humanities, will travel with students on a nine-day trip to Cuba, where they will be able to visit museums and cultural sites. Bill Roskens, board member, said it will give students the chance to be exposed to something out of the states.

The next Board of Trustees meeting is expected to convene at Wayne State College on Nov. 14-15.