Regents vote against architect for renovation

PORTALES — Eastern New Mexico University officials are excited to get started on a $15 million renovation of the Roosevelt Science Hall.

They’ll have to wait a few days to name a new architect, following a strong rebuke from regents on university policy.

Regents voted 3-2 against accepting Dekker/Perich/Sabatini as the architect for the project, and later voted 5-0 to handle the matter via special meeting to avoid possible project delays.

The regents didn’t take any issue with the firm, which has done other projects for the college and did cost estimates for the Roosevelt renovation, but were miffed Vice President of Business Affairs Scott Smart signed off on the $926,000 contract without first bringing it to the regents — as required under policy 55-1 for any contract exceeding $500,000.

Smart said he had no intent to circumvent the board, and just made an honest mistake in believing the board’s prior approval of the overall project included the authority for the architect agreement.

“Not to beat around the bush, that’s entirely my fault,” Scott said. “We’ve been doing these contracts for 17 years, and I didn’t do anything different with this process. If there are any contracts that exceed $500,000, they’ll come in front of the board (from now on).”

Regent Lance Pyle didn’t want to prolong the renovation process, but said the board has had discussions on 55-1 in the past and policies exist for a reason.

“We’ve gone through 55-1 a lot,” Student Regent Joseph Gergel said, noting a similar discussion took place on presidential residence renovations. “I thought we were clear. The language of 55-1 is clear.”

Regent Ed Tatum said he was disappointed Smart didn’t consult university counsel on the matter, and joined Pyle and Gergel in a vote to not choose the architect. He later pushed a motion to handle the matter via special meeting

While the matter was under discussion, Pyle asked if there was some way the college could make sure the procurement process was fair to all firms, noting that Dekker/Perich/Sabatini’s work on the cost estimate gave it inside knowledge on the project other firms didn’t have.

Smart shared a perspective to not fix what isn’t broken, and said the firm has done numerous projects for ENMU including a Jack Williamson Liberal Arts Building renovation he’d put up against any classroom building in the state.

He continued that part of the decision making process is past projects, and if a firm has a history of successful projects on your campus they’re going to be at an advantage; “I don’t know how you get around that.”

Pyle acknowledged Smart’s point, but said there could be issues down the road if the process tacitly tells other firms, “don’t bother responding.”

In other business at the meeting:

• Smart said he planned to bring a request forth in the December meeting regarding a 5% increase in 2021-22 tuition and fees in the face of declining enrollment and state funding. He gave various examples of the university’s efficiency, including savings on energy costs and lower spending per student than any other four-year college in New Mexico.

Othick said he had concerns about economic realities versus public perception of online learning falling short of expectations on education and the overall college experience.

Smart said the college is saving about $2 million in operational expenses without in-person instruction and services, but it’s a wash because the college is also without its auxiliary revenues like housing, dining and bookstore sales.

• Chancellor Patrice Caldwell referenced an uptick of COVID-19 infections, with some of them traced to student-athletes returning for workouts. Speaking prior to a state press conference that announced a two-week shelter in place order, Caldwell said she anticipated new restrictions and that a university can’t fight a virus alone.

“We see a reality none of you would deny,” Caldwell said. “Our students live in the community. Our control points become intricately connected with the measures taken by our local community. There’s no barrier between this campus and the community.”

Since Aug. 6, the Portales campus has recorded 31 positive COVID-19 cases — 13 among off-campus students, 11 among faculty/staff and seven among student employees. There are 10 active cases — eight off-campus students, one faculty/staff member and one student employee.

The Roswell campus has reported 11 staffers and seven students test positive since April, while the Ruidoso campus has reported two employee and two student positives.

Board President Terry Othick echoed concerns that have been voiced by Curry County Commissioner Bobby Sandoval.

“The infection rates in Curry and Roosevelt counties are among the highest in the state,” Othick said. “The fault lies with the unwillingness of some of our citizens to put on a mask and follow COVID guidelines. It’s that simple.”

• Caldwell mentioned the recent passing of Jacob Moberly, noting he was a wonderful community and university supporter who would be sorely missed. Moberly was a member of the ENMU Foundation board, and widow Janie Moberly is a former regent.

• Caldwell did report various morale boosting items, including KENW doing live election reports, food drives, a pumpkin carving contest won by a graphic design student, the Theater Department’s “You’re on Mute” virtual play, plans for a virtual fall graduation with speeches from four honors students and possibly a university employee who earned a master’s degree.

• The board granted emeritus status to Mike Martinez, who recently retired as the Roswell campus’ vice president for student affairs.

Martinez earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees at the Portales campus before starting his career with the system in 1980.

Regents had no comments other than to congratulate Martinez and give thanks for the chance to recognize him.

• Regent Dan Patterson asked Caldwell how university policy would treat the legalization of recreational marijuana, and said it’s only a matter of time before it’s a reality in New Mexico.

Caldwell said assuming the legalization applies to those 21 and older, it would be treated much like the university treats alcohol. Alcohol isn’t allowed in dormitories because most of its occupants are younger than 21.

Patterson asked if the university or the board should provide an opinion on such legislation, to which Caldwell said she’d want to talk with other university presidents and have a united message.

• The board met in executive session for about 45 minutes to discuss a personnel matter and took no action in open session before adjourning.

• The next meeting is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. Dec. 11.