BOR approves repair funding
September 25, 1991
An elevator accident and updated fire and safety codes is prompting NIU to do some repair work.
In Springfield last Friday, the Board of Regents Finance and Facilities Committee authorized $175,000 to be allocated from residence hall revenue bonds and a $10,000 contingency for elevator repairs and equipment.
A report from NIU President John La Tourette to the committee revealed that a short in an elevator in Grant North Tower D caused it to plummet Aug. 22, while two passengers were inside with the doors still open.
One female student jumped from the moving elevator to one of the floors, while her mother remained inside and was hit on the head by elevator fascia which was dislodged by flying baggage.
The report stated neither of the passengers were seriously injured.
An investigation confirmed a short in a relay caused failure of a safety circuit which closes the doors to an elevator before it can move from floor to floor.
Elevator maintenance bypassed the relay in all 16 elevators in Grant and Stevenson towers, which restored the safety features to the door-closing circuit, but at the same time created a fire safety problem.
John Gardner, planning associate for Budget and Planning, said NIU plans to bring the elevators into full compliance with the current 1987 fire and safety codes. A fire safety controller that overrides all other controlling commands in the event of a fire and provides an alternate floor for fire service if there is an emergency on the main floor will be installed.
James Harder, vice president for Business and Operations, said the contract already was awarded to the elevator manufacturer, Otis Elevator Co., based in Madison, Wis.
arder said the normal bidding process was overlooked in this case because of the urgency of the situation.
Eddie Williams, vice president for Finance and Planning, said the emergency problem is solved.
“I know that we are on top of it,” he said. “We are dealing with the present situation as well as dealing with the future.”
Gardner said the project won’t start for another 13 to 17 weeks until the necessary equipment is obtained. He said he doesn’t know how long the project will take, but assured only one elevator at a time in each tower will be closed for repairs.
“We don’t want to inconvenience the students,” he said.
University Legal Counsel George Shur said he is not aware of a lawsuit.
“I am not aware of a lawsuit, but that does not mean that the parties involved have or have not filed one yet,” he said.
Shur said sometimes there are mechanical difficulties which are above and beyond control people need to understand.