MEMORANDUM


To:             Communication Task Force Member

From:           John Schaerer

Subject:        Meeting December 13,1999

Date:           December 17, 1999


The Communications Task Force met Monday, December 13,1999 in the
Chickamauga Room of the University Center. A summary of topics discussed
and other information appears below. Please share the information and/or
direct inquiries to the co-chairs; Juliette Thornton, Office of Community
Development, City of Chattanooga (755-0022); Richard Brown, Vice Chancellor
for Operations (755-4525); and/or John Schaerer, Special Assistant to the
Chancellor (667-1211).

Update on Proposed Developments

The UC Foundation has approved the recommendation that a Request for
Proposal (RFP) be developed and issued with the intent of possibly securing
a private developer to design, finance, built and manage a 290-300 bed
facility for single student housing and facilities for specialty housing.
In addition, the designing, financing and constructing of the
Sports/Recreation area (NCAA regulation Track and Field facility and NCAA
regulation soccer field is included).

The RFP will be released the 1st of January preceding a mandatory
Pre-Proposal Conference to be held January 10, 2000. Proposals will be
received and evaluated on or before February 15, 2000. If an acceptable
proposal is received it is expected that occupancy of the single student
housing would occur by August 2001. The involvement of the UC Foundation in
this effort is a major step that reflects its continued commitment to help
make UTC a world class institution.

Property Update

Eleven (11) parcels have been closed or purchase arrangements made that
completes land acquisition for the UC Foundation between Douglas Street and
University Street (site of single student housing). Discussions are
underway with seventeen (17) property owners for which appraisals have been
completed. Ten (10) appraisals remain to be approved and completed.

Simultaneously, the State Building Commission has approved the appraisal of
all parcels in the proposed area, which is required, if UTC ultimately
purchases the property through the UT System.

If a suitable private developer is not secured, we will proceed through
traditional processes of the UT System to develop the south area.

Partnering with the M.L.King District and Community

We continue to focus on the strategic initiatives of "improving the
potential of partnerships" and "enhancing the learning environment."
Interaction and dialogue continues with residents, churches, elected
officials, I.C.D.C., M.L.King Task Force, 28th District C.D.C., M.L.King
C.D.C., city and county government staff and others that strengthens the
partnership between UTC and the community. The "learning environment" will
be enriched through designing and constructing the various proposed
developments (building environment). Everyone is busy but making time to be
together and sharing is important. Ben Carson in his book, "The Big
Picture", shows how we can turn the course of our communities by always
keeping the Big Picture in mind.

Michael Hodge reported the Outreach Center, to be located in the old
Church's Chicken business on M.L.King Blvd, is scheduled to open in
January. The facility will include nursing, health, computer and job
training assistance among other programs.


A question was raised regarding the involvement of the community and the
proposed Sports/Recreation area. It was noted that UTC's collaboration with
the community continues and will assure a full partnership relative to
utilizing facilities. Working with Joyce Smith, I.C.D.C., several children
and youth have participated in activities on campus (swimming, basketball
etc). Once the facility (Sports/Recreation Area) is under construction the
partnership between UTC and the community as full partners will occur.

Walden Hospital and M.L.King Preservation

Walden Hospital is a facility that has great historical significance. UTC
is not currently trying to purchase the property.

The importance of preservation of the M.L.King District was discussed. The
formation of a preservation group formed by UTC, the African American
Museum and others was suggested. Professor Roland Carter agreed to help
develop such an initiative.