COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

May 26, 2009

** APPROVED **

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Members Present: Chairman C. Crandall, G. Benson, D. Burdick, W. Dibble, D. Fanton, T. Hopkins, K. Kruger, M. McCormick, D. Pullen, D. Russo, N. Ungermann; (Absent: W. Hall, T. O’Grady, B. Reynolds, R. Truax)

Guest: Dr. John Anderson, Alfred State College President

Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at 3:00 p.m. by Chairman Curtis W. Crandall.

Alfred State College President Dr. John Anderson gave a presentation on the mission and activities of the college, with a focus on their plans for the future. Dr. Anderson spoke about their strategic planning process, and he noted that their new tag line, “Hit the ground running,” denotes the well-rounded educational experience Alfred State offers. They want to expand their recognition internationally. Some points of pride and plans for the future that Dr. Anderson highlighted were:

· COSA (Center for Organic and Sustainable Agripreneurship) – New concept in agriculture to achieve high yield and high profit

· New Farm Acquisition in Sonyea (Former prison farm property)

· New Capital Projects (NYS construction funds for rehab and new projects, even though cuts have been taken on the operations side)

· Center for Renewable Energy

· Commercial Wind Farm – This is a large $50 million project; they have the investors, but are testing to see if they have enough wind

· Pioneer Farm

· Small Scale Photovoltaics

· Small Scale Biodiesel

· Small Scale Wind Turbines

· Geothermal Research and Production

· Greenhome (ARC)

· National Arboretum Project

Legislator Russo questioned the current projects and future plans at the Wellsville campus. Dr. Anderson commented on the space limitations and the need for upgrades. The Wellsville campus is owned by a private foundation, so they don’t receive construction funds from the state. The new Workforce Development Building is being funded entirely by private donations. Their next project will be an auto parts store and a culinary arts restaurant, and they need to expand the auto mechanics program. Mr. Russo asked how the Wellsville campus location compared with the former Sinclair refinery site. Dr. Anderson explained that their current Administration Building is the old refinery administration building, and some of the other brick buildings were also part of the refinery. There was a retaining wall built that goes down to bedrock. Waste is pumped into ponds and treated through bio-generation to convert them naturally, and heavy metals are drained off as the ponds fill.

Legislator Ungermann asked if the property acquired in Sonyea would be used for organic vegetables. Dr. Anderson replied that it would. It is prime land and will be used as a future demo farm site. The Alfred farm (certified organic) will be utilized more for grazing research on conventional vs. organic.

Legislator McCormick asked if tuition costs will ever level out. Dr. Anderson pointed out that the State College is a bargain for tuition, which is $4,950 per year after this year’s $600 increase. The problem is that tuition doesn’t change. This was the first increase in seven years, and only the second in 13 years. The state continues to cut aid; they have received funding for negotiated salary increases, but no other inflationary costs. It’s difficult to keep up, and it would be better to tie tuition to some kind of price index. Legislator Pullen asked if costs were different for in-state and out-of-state students. Dr. Anderson responded that they are the same for two-year programs, but out-of-state students pay more than double the cost for the four-year programs.

Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 3:50 p.m. following a motion made by Legislator Kruger, seconded by Legislator Dibble and carried.

Respectfully submitted,

Adele Finnemore, Journal Clerk