NORMAL-NIU President John La Tourette proposed budgets to the Board of Regents Wednesday for three campus projects to be voted on today.

The projects include the renovation of the Palmer Music Building and the NIU Physical Plant and replacing Huskie Stadium turf.

La Tourette requested permission to use an additional $260,000 volunteered by WNIU for the Palmer Music Building roof repairs.

The board gave permission on Dec. 1, 1989, to use $400,000 of NIU’s budget and $250,000 raised by WNIU for other Palmer Music Building renovations, according to La Tourette’s BOR report.

Now the building’s roof needs repair and NIU officials want to fix it during the already funded renovations, La Tourette said, and WNIU, located in the music building, has offered additional funds.

La Tourette tried to get permission from the board to make plans and receive bids for the cheapest offer to strip and replace the Huskie Stadium turf.

The turf is worn flat and detached from the backing in some places, La Tourette said. “The replacement of this turf is necessary for the health and safety of those who practice and perform on the surface.”

The estimated cost to improve the playing field is $750,000.

La Tourette said Illinois State University in Normal is laying a field about the same age and condition and suggested both schools recondition their playing fields this summer. Contractors might lower cost estimates per field if the job is combined, he added.

NIU will postpone an approved project to replace stadium seating, lighting and sound systems after July 1 if the board approves the turf project, La Tourette said.

He also requested cost estimates for the physical plant from the BOR to install proper ventilation and fire walls between offices and shop areas.

The board governs ISU, NIU and Sangamon State University.