Committee to pursue building assessments, schedules campus tour Sept. 13; consultants say campus has 'good bones' but needs investment

The Campus Reconfiguration Committee set a campus tour and its next meeting for 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 13, at the Pippin Conference Center in Melville Hall and directed staff to continue work lining up vendor assessments to determine the viability of reuse options for the former UW campus.

Administrator Pash (referred to in an earlier announcement in the transcript as 'Administrator Derpeche') told the committee staff and partners are developing a formal proposal submittal process and are pursuing initial review work focused on mechanical systems, HVAC and structural components so the county can assess each building’s condition before soliciting formal proposals. "We are proposing to do some initial review work on mechanical structures, HVAC... before we formulate what that potential process will look like," the Administrator said.

Attorney Windle, who conducted a walkthrough with committee members, summarized the buildings’ condition as largely sound: "By and large, the buildings are not gonna fall over anytime soon," he said, while noting age-related wear and the need to address accumulated materials and deferred maintenance. Gary Becker of Becker Professional Services, a consultant on the site tour, said the facilities "have good bones" but cautioned that roofs, HVAC and other original systems will likely need replacement and that reuse will require significant investment. Becker suggested some spaces — including kitchen facilities in the campus café — could be attractive to ag-related food incubator businesses.

Staff said they are reaching out to potential companies that can complete space-needs, electrical and environmental reviews and are looking for a vendor able to combine scopes to be more economical and faster. A committee member asked whether the environmental assessment would include lead paint and asbestos; staff said an environmental assessment is planned and indicated it would likely cover those concerns.

The committee also raised non-building issues that could affect reuse. One member flagged ingress and egress problems related to two bridges; staff said there may be funding possibilities if the bridges are signed over to the city but cautioned the city would likely be reluctant to accept ownership without repairs or cost-sharing. Staff said they plan to meet with city officials to discuss options.

Members stressed short-term priorities, including winterization work to be completed before Dec. 1. Separately, one committee member reported the UW System agreed to pay for technology to move UW Extension back into Melville Hall; staff submitted invoices July 31 and were told a check has been mailed, with technology installation to follow receipt of funds.

The committee approved the meeting agenda and July minutes by verbal 'aye' votes and adjourned after a motion by Mr. Manning and a second by Mr. Renish. The Sept. 13 meeting will include a campus tour and further updates on vendor selection and assessment findings.

The county has not yet selected or awarded any assessment contracts; specific vendors, cost estimates and completion dates were not specified in the meeting.