If NIU President John Peters’ plans are correct, Altgeld Hall will be open by this time next year and fences around the East Lagoon will be down by Homecoming.

Such were the items on the agenda at Wednesday’s University Council meeting, held at the Holmes Student Center’s Sky Room.

Because it was the first meeting of the year, though, no decisions were made.

“As of now, not a lot of the committees have met yet,” council executive secretary Sue Willis said. “And because of that, there isn’t a lot to report on and discuss.”

The main highlights of the meeting included verifying money-related issues regarding last year’s budget and where the money has gone and is going.

With many student representatives amidst the council members, Peters wanted to stress to them that “a lot of good work is done in this council. Last year was rough and we anticipate challenges this year as well.”

The term “ripple effect” also was mentioned quite a few times, implying that what money was cut or spent in one area affected another area at the university.

“There is always a ripple effect with everything you do,” Peters said. “Last year, we had a $13.1-million cutback. We did it and it wasn’t perfect. But because of the budget cuts, very few, if any, people were laid off. We were very careful with our spending and it paid off.”

The committee also has been hurt by last year’s budget cut, Willis said. There is now an online version of the meetings’ minutes to save money on paper costs.

“I think it’s a great move,” Peters said. “We’re now in the 21st century.”

Peters went on to comment on other money-related issues of the past year and how they’re developing early this year.

It was verified that the state of Illinois gave $4 million to pay for furniture at Barsema Hall and $5 million to begin the completion of construction on Altgeld Hall.

Regarding the fiscal year 2004 budget, Peters was cautiously optimistic.

“It’s not going to be the best budget year, but hopefully it won’t be a budget cut year,” he said.

Peters said his top concern for this year is the renovation of the Stevens Building, which would cost about $17 million if approved by state legislators. Second on his list is to spruce up much of the electrical work at Wirtz Hall. Third is a request for a new computer science and technology building, which would have a $26-million price tag.

Peters also briefly discussed enrollment figures, to explain what was happening he used a rubber band analogy. The more you stretch a rubber band, he said, the more likely it is to break, which is why NIU needs more money from the state.

He added that when students decide to come to NIU, the university needs to be able to accommodate them.