College trustees are still weighing their options on selling the college farm. Though a decision has not been made to sell the farm, the Allen trustees are looking into what it would take if they decide to do so. THE NEW student senate president, Trial Spears, met trustees. Spears is from Lawrence and is on a track and cross country scholarship at Allen.
John Masterson, ACC president, sent out requests for auction proposals to local Realtors in the area. John Brocker of Allen County Realty, Inc., was the lone response. Brocker presented his proposals to trustees at their board meeting Tuesday evening.
Brocker suggested breaking the farm into three parcels. If the college were to opt for separate tracts, they would include the farm manager’s house, the Zahn house where the students live, and then the land itself, which is 240 acres.
The realty company would pay for the advertising of the auction, a licensed auctioneer, clerk and cashier. Brocker said he belongs to Lands of America, Land Watch and realtor.com which are online land searches.
Brocker said the fee structure would be a buyer’s premium, meaning it would include the costs associated with conducting an auction.
“Our buyer’s premium would be 10 percent. Out of that we would pay a 3 percent referral fee to any company that registers the buyer 48 hours before the sale begins.”
On the classroom side of the issue, the college agriculture program has held meetings with academic affairs for student learning assessment, teaching learning assessment and utilization of the college farm. Discussion has taken place on redeveloping the ag council. Jon Marshall, vice president of academic affairs, said ag orientation and livestock evaluation classes were taught at the farm on Aug. 27.
“I will be meeting every other week with the ag group,” Marshall said. “These meetings have been very successful.”
Tosca Harris, dean of the Iola campus, said the group is looking to bring back artificial insemination into the curriculum.
Two new employees for the 2014-15 academic year were introduced to the board. Junior Cadet is the assistant track and field, cross country coach and residence hall director of Herynk Hall. Michael Decker is the maintenance technician 1.
Iola residence halls are at full capacity. There are six students in hotels and seven triples in Horton Hall. Total enrollment for the fall semester is 2,642 students.
Trustees approved paying their dues to the American Association of Community Colleges for $3,490.
Board hears auction options
