January 18-19, 1956
1-18-1956
Volume 7 - Pages 200-207
UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA
REGENTS MEETING
January 18, 1956
The Board of Regents met in regular session in the President's
office on Wednesday, January 18, 1956. The meeting was called
to order by the Chairman at 9:45 A.M. Present: Regents Hardy,
Grant, Thompson, Lombardi, Ross; Comptroller Hayden and President
Stout.
Reporters who covered the morning session were Bob Laxalt, Bryn
Armstrong, Jim Hulse and Bob Bennyhoff.
1. Minutes of Previous Meeting
Motion by Mr. Grant carried unanimously that the minutes
of the regular meeting of December 17, 1995 be approved.
2. Comptroller's Claims
Claims were presented, as follows, for approval of the
Board, having been previously approved by the Executive
Committee:
Regents Checks, Nos. 56-98 to 56-114 inclusive for a
total of $199,177.60 for December.
State Claims, Nos. 56-69 to 56-81 inclusive for a
total of $129,858.46 for December.
Motion by Mr. Thompson carried unanimously that the claims
be approved.
3. Bid Opening - Demolishing Victory Heights
Report was presented as follows:
On Friday, January 6, 1955, at 4 P.M., a meeting was
held in the President's office for the purpose of open-
ing bids for demolishing a portion of the Victory
Heights Housing Project, as per notice duly published
in local papers. Present: Comptroller Hayden, Engi-
neer Poolman and President Stout.
Only one bid was received, that from Joseph D. Ballinger
and Company of Oakland, California. It was opened by
President Stout and did not meet the specifications of
the bid notice. It was, therefore, ordered returned.
Motion by Mr. Hardy carried unanimously that the report be
accepted and the action approved.
Mr. Hayden discussed the matter, pointing out that the only
bidder had asked for payment to him, whereas the University
had requested payment from the bidder. Since 2, and pos-
sibly 3, more buildings will be vacated during the coming
Summer, he proposed to readvertise for demolishing all of
the vacant buildings at that time, giving opportunity for
bidders to offer to pay the University or to be paid by the
University.
Upon recommendation by President Stout:
Motion by Dr. Lombardi carried unanimously that the Univer-
sity proceed to have the units removed, first by contacting
the State Prison regarding use of Prison labor; and if that
is not successful, to advertise for bids for demolishing,
removal of the buildings and cleaning up the premises.
Dean Bertrand came into the meeting at 9:50 A.M.
4. Personnel Recommendations
Recommendations were presented by President Stout.
Motion by Mr. Grant carried unanimously that they be ap-
proved, as follows:
College of Education
1) Supervising Teachers for Fall semester 1955, as follows:
Louise Mendive Sparks High School $180
Sessions Wheeler Reno High School $ 60*
*This in addition to the contract for same amount approv-
ed December 3, 1955)
College of Arts and Science
1) Resignation of Betty J. Eilertsen as Assistant Professor
of Foreign Languages, effective December 30, 1955, for
reasons of health.
Las Vegas Evening Division
1) Reappointment of Paul L. Gardner as Lecturer in English
at a salary of $450 for the period November 14, 1955 to
January 28, 1956.
2) Reappointment of Frank E. Iddings as Lecturer in Music
at a salary of $112.50 for the period November 14, 1955
to January 28, 1956.
3) Reappointment of Chester B. Sobsey as Lecturer in Jour-
nalism at a salary of $337.50 for the period November
14, 1955 to January 28, 1956.
Mackay School of Mines
1) Appointment of Robert Carlton Horton as Assistant Mining
Engineer, Nevada Bureau of Mines, at a salary rate of
$5520 per year, effective January 1, 1956. This is a
replacement for Mr. Victor Kral, who resigned December
31, 1954.
5. Farm Sale and Purchase of Property
a) Sale of South Virginia Street Farm - Mr. Hayden reported
that Mr. Le Vere Redfield had made payment, as per his
agreement, in the amount of $600,000. The check not
being a cashier's check and being drawn on a out-of-town
bank, was referred to a local bank for clearance.
b) Purchase of Gilbert Property - Mr. Ross, on the morning
of the Regents' meeting, was served with a writ of at-
tachment showing Henry F. Bennett as Plaintiff, and
Robert S. Gilbert as Defendant. Letter was also re-
ceived by Mr. Ross and acknowledged by him in the meet-
ing advising that Messrs. Hawkins, Rhodes and Hawkins,
and Mr. Sidney Robinson were acting as counsel for Mr.
Bennett in connection with his claim for real estate
broker's commission as against Robert S. Gilbert,
arising out of the sale of the Gilbert Ranch to the
University.
The following letter was received by the Comptroller and
referred to the Regents:
Comptroller January 17, 1956
University of Nevada
Reno, Nevada
Dear Sir:
This letter is to advise you that I have heretofore
entered into an agreement to trade my property on
which you now hold an option to Ancil Hoffman and
his wife, Maude. This agreement is made subject
to your option. All dealings that you may have
regarding the property should be had with Mr. Hoff-
man and his wife.
The Washoe Title Insurance Company has been so
advised.
Yours very truly,
/s/ Robert S. Gilbert
Mr. Gilbert came into the meeting at 10:25 A.M.
Motion by Mr. Hardy carried unanimously that, proceed-
ing on the assumption that instructions have been fol-
lowed, as stated in the minutes of the meeting of
December 17, 1955, and that all papers have been filed
necessary to the consummation of the transaction,
$525,000 be placed in escrow for the purchase of the
Gilbert property with the Washoe Title Insurance Com-
pany, subject to the check of Mr. Redfield being
cleared.
Motion by Mr. Hardy carried unanimously that the filling
out of papers in this connection be delegated to Regent
Thompson.
Motion by Mr. Grant carried unanimously that the Board
authorize the payment of 1/2 of the title insurance fee
and 1/2 of the escrow fee on the Gilbert property, and
that the best deal possible be worked out in regard to
these fees.
Comptroller Hayden received word from the local bank
that the Redfield check had been cleared.
Mr. Gilbert left the meeting at 10:50 A.M.
Farm Budget and Plan of Operation
Dean Bertrand presented his proposed plan for taking
possession of the Gilbert property, and President Stout
recommended that the plan be approved.
Motion by Mr. Grant carried unanimously that the recom-
mendation be approved, and the steps taken as follows:
1. Full payment should be made on January 18.
2. Mr. Gilbert should be permitted to keep possession
of a portion of the land, corrals and barns until
March 1, if necessary, in order to give him a
reasonable period of time to make adjustments in
his cattle operations. He, of course, would con-
tinue to pay costs related to the operation of his
business while he is on the property.
3. Returns from rental units would be paid to the Uni-
versity commencing on January 18 provided payment is
made by the University on that date. The University
would in turn begin paying for utilities on the
same date.
4. Mr. Gilbert would be permitted to retain the use of
the main house and his hired man's house until he
vacates the ranch on or before March 1.
Dean Bertrand next presented his proposed budget for
establishing operation on the Main Station Farm, showing
a 5-year building program in the amount of $582,100, a
building program for the first 2 of the 5 years in the
amount of $384,200, and a restricted 2-year building
program of $175,000. Dean Bertrand discussed his pro-
posals, explaining his plan for equipment and car pools,
and for the general development of the project to meet
the agricultural needs of the University and the State.
Action was postponed.
Dean Bertrand left the meeting at this point.
President Stout discussed the outstanding qualities of
Dean Bertrand as Head of the College of Agriculture,
and recommended that a place be provided on the Gilbert
Ranch for his residence.
Motion by Dr. Lombardi carried unanimously that the
house in which the Gilberts have been living be desig-
nated as a home for the Dean of Agriculture as an in-
crease in his compensation, as of March 1, 1956, rent
free and including utilities.
The meeting recessed at 12:05 noon for luncheon, and was called
to order by the Chairman at 2:35 P.M. Dean Bertrand came into
the meeting in addition to those present for the morning session.
Reporters who covered the afternoon session were Bob Laxalt, Bob
Bennyhoff, Carl Digino, Ed Olsen and Jim Hulse.
6. Student Affairs
a) Student Union Fee - A group of students presented them-
selves as a Student Union Board. Mr. Hannifan, Chair-
man, stated that there was some dissatisfaction among
the students because the fee for the Student Union had
been collected before bids were let on the building.
The students approved the Student Union Constitution
providing for the collection of the fee when bids were
let. When the Fall semester started, it was the belief
of the students that bids would be let early in the
semester. On that basis, the Leadership Conference
authorized the Administration to collect the $5 fee
for the Fall semester 1955. Mr. Hannifan explained
that it is now apparent that bids will not be let for
some time, causing the students to question the col-
lection of the fee.
Motion by Mr. Grant carried unanimously that the Comp-
troller not collect the Student Union Fee of $5 for the
2nd semester of the current school year, nor until such
time as the contract has actually been let, in line with
the provisions of the Student Union Constitution.
Mr. Hayden estimated that there is now in the neighbor-
hood of $6000 in the Fund, collected during the 1st
semester of the school year. At the suggestion of the
student group, it was decided by consensus to keep the
money already collected in the Student Union Fund to be
used by the Student Union Board.
Mr. Hannifan asked the Regents to urge the State Plan-
ning Board to proceed on the Student Union building as
soon as possible, because the need for the building is
so great. Mr. Eaton suggested that the next time the
Regents meet with the State Planning Board, the student
group be notified so that they, too, might be represent-
ed.
b) Student Survey Group and Legislative Session - Mr.
William Eaton spoke for the group of students who con-
ducted a survey among students to get their expression
of the needs of the University. He said that the pur-
pose of the survey was to help the Administration get
its program before the Legislature. He offered the
assistance of the students in any way, including their
appearance before the Finance Committee, along with the
President and the Regents. He expressed the hope that
the Regents would appear as a body to back up the re-
quest of the President.
Motion by Mr. Thompson carried unanimously that the
Regents appear in a body with the President at the
meeting with the Governor and the Legislative Finance
Committee.
Motion by Dr. Lombardi carried unanimously that the
offer of the students to support the Administration
at this meeting be accepted with appreciation.
The students left the meeting at 3:30 P.M.
7. Budget - Main Station Farm
After further discussion, it was agreed that only those
items would be considered for the present which were con-
sidered necessary for moving the Farm.
President Stout recommended that $175,000 be placed in a
reserve fund with a "hold" for a period of 1 year upon which
the future budget for the new Farm may be drawn by the Col-
lege of Agriculture, with the budget presented as rapidly as
it can be made specific; the items for moving would be con-
sidered necessary at this time.
Motion by Mr. Grant carried unanimously that the Comptroller
be instructed to place $100,000 on time deposit in a sepa-
rate bank from that in which other University funds are
kept, and that the remaining $75,000 be kept for the prudent
use of the College of Agriculture in moving from the South
Virginia Street Farm to the new Main Station Farm.
8. Names - Agricultural Buildings
President Stout read a letter from Mr. Parsons, architect,
asking that the Regents instruct him as to the exact names
to be used for the two new Agricultural buildings - the
classroom building and the Home Economics building. Since
the buildings are being made possible by the Fleischmann
Foundation, it was the consensus of opinion that the group
should be consulted. The President was instructed to pre-
sent the matter to the Trustees of the Fleischmann Founda-
tion, before action is taken by the Board of Regents.
9. Remodeling Manzanita Hall
Upon receipt of bids by the State Planning Board, the allot-
ment for remodeling Manzanita Hall proved to be insufficient
to carry out the original plans. Mr. Poolman worked with
the State Planning Board to find ways of using the allotted
sum to the greatest advantage and to do as complete a job
as possible with Manzanita Hall. He suggested that built-in
furniture be included in the remodeling on the 1st and 2nd
floors, pointing out that it would not be necessary for this
item to be handled by the State Planning Board and out of
Legislative appropriation.
Motion by Mr. Thompson carried unanimously that the plan, as
described and recommended, be approved.
Motion by Mr. Grant carried unanimously that the Comptroller
be authorized to advertise for bids immediately for the
built-in furniture and floor covering to be paid from Uni-
versity Dormitory funds.
10. Farm Purchase (Continuation of Item 5b)
Motion by Mr. Hardy carried unanimously that Chairman Ross
be authorized to sign the check for payment of the Gilbert
Ranch property.
Mr. Thompson and Mr. Hayden left the meeting to deposit the
check with the Washoe Title Insurance Company.
11. Fees
President Stout recommended approval of the proposals of the
Fee Study Committee to establish fees for non-credit courses
and to increase the present auditing fee.
Motion by Dr. Lombardi carried unanimously that the Presi-
dent be authorized to establish, when necessary, special
fees for non-credit courses, conferences, workshops, post-
graduate professional seminars and similar educational of-
ferings, such fees to cover instructional and administrative
costs.
Motion by Mr. Grant carried unanimously that, because of the
sharp increase in auditors within the last 2 years, the in-
crease in the costs of instruction, and the increase in the
fee schedule for regular students, the auditing fee be in-
creased from $5 to $7.50 per credit equivalent, effective
July 1, 1956.
12. Gifts
Gifts received by the University were presented for accept-
ance, as follows:
a) From Kennecott Copper Corporation, Nevada Mines Divi-
sion, a check for $3500 to be used as follows: $2000
for purchase of library books and other reference mate-
rial for the College of Business Administration; and
$1500 for purchase of laboratory or other teaching
equipment for the Mackay School of Mines.
b) From Dr. Arthur E. Orvis of Reno, $1000 payable to the
President's Discretionary Fund.
c) From Sagen's (women's student organization) an annual
scholarship award of $50, as follows:
THE SAGEN'S SCHOLARSHIP
Established 1955
Award of $50 to a woman student.
This annual award is presented by the Sagen's, the
honorary service organization of the University of
Nevada, to a Freshman, Sophomore, Junior or Senior
woman student who has:
1. An overall grade point average of 2.75.
2. Outstanding character.
3. Been active in Campus activities.
4. Worthiness and financial need.
The recipient will be selected by the Scholarships and
Prizes Committee from a list of women students recom-
mended by the Sagen's.
d) From Mr. A. E. Scolari of Ray Heating and Sheet Metal
Works, Mr. H. E. Stewart of Nevada Transfer and Ware-
house Company and Mr. Edward S. Parsons, architect, 3
copies of Nation's Business each month, 2 copies to go
to the College of Education and 1 copy to the College
of Agriculture.
Motion by Dr. Lombardi carried unanimously that the gifts
be accepted and that a note of thanks be sent to the donors
on behalf of the Board of Regents.
13. Informal Report
The informal report of the President was presented as
follows:
a) The 20th Century-Fox Film Corporation has made arrange-
ments to film part of the picture "Hilda Crane" on the
University Campus, and has agreed to pay to the Presi-
dent's Discretionary Fund $1000 per day for each day of
shooting.
b) Dean Palmer has held a meeting with the Civil Engineer-
ing faculty, Mr. Shoupe and Mr. Guinn of the Highway
Users, and Mr. Mills and Mr. Berning of the State High-
way Department, in regard to the survey requested at
the meeting of December 3, 1955. Agreement was reached
(1) to make a study of the employment offerings of pros-
pective employers to see if the starting salaries, op-
portunities for advancement and other desirable condi-
tions of employment offered by the Nevada State Highway
Department were below those of others, (2) to have
representatives of the State Highway Department visit
the Campus and talk to Senior classes of Engineering
students to acquaint them with conditions of employment
in the Highway Department.
c) A letter written by Mr. M. George Bissell of the State
Planning Board addressed to Ferris & Erskine, archi-
tects, was read as follows:
Re Jot Travis Building
University of Nevada
Gentlemen:
The State of Nevada Planning Board at its January
7, 1956 meeting directed this office to advise you
that your current progress on the subject building
is unsatisfactory and, to instruct you to proceed
immediately with the work in strict accordance with
the terms of the contract and their October 28, 1955
directive to adhere to the written instructions of
the University of Nevada Board of Regents. It is
requested that you immediately advise this office of
your intent to comply with the instructions stipu-
lated above.
d) President Stout reported that more than the $35,000 had
been raised in Las Vegas for purchase of land and that
all matters had now been cleared with the Bureau of Land
Management. Mrs. Wilbourn has received the patent from
the Governor's office, all papers have been filed and
the matter can now be closed.
e) Since Dean Palmer has indicated his desire to retire
during the coming Summer, President Stout met with the
Engineering College faculty and asked their cooperation
by filling out a paper concerning the qualifications
and selection of a new Dean.
Mr. Thompson and Mr. Hayden returned at 5 P.M.
14. The Legislative Session
President Stout distributed a summary budget sheet showing
the following emergency needs for the operational budget,
July 1, 1956 to June 30, 1957.
Salary increases for staff $329,687
(other than classified personnel)
Additional staff 239,536
Library 50,000
Matching funds for research 13,000
The meeting of the President and other University repre-
sentatives with the Governor and the Legislative Finance
Committee has been set for 1 P.M. on January 26, in the
Governor's office.
Motion by Dr. Lombardi carried unanimously that the Univer-
sity present only those items to which the Governor agrees.
The meeting adjourned at 5:20 P.M. with the understanding that
the Regents will meet at the President's office on January 26 to
go in a body to Carson City. The next meeting was set subject to
the call of the Chairman.