08-21-98minutes

Board of Regents

OFFICIAL MINUTES

Meeting of the
University of Alaska Board of Regents
August 20-21, 1998
Bethel, Alaska

OFFICIAL MINUTES

Regents Present:
Michael J. Burns, President
Annette M. Nelson-Wright, Secretary
Chancy Croft, Treasurer (arrived Friday, August 21)
Mary Jane Fate
Sharon D. Gagnon
Joseph R. Henri
R. Danforth Ogg
Joe J. Thomas
Lew M. Williams, Jr.

Mark R. Hamilton, Executive Officer and President of the University of Alaska

Regents Absent:
Elsa Froehlich Demeksa, Vice President
Michael P. Kelly

In Attendance:
E. Lee Gorsuch, Chancellor, University of Alaska Anchorage
Marshall L. Lind, Chancellor, University of Alaska Southeast
Joan K. Wadlow, Chancellor, University of Alaska Fairbanks
Jim Lynch, Interim Vice President for Finance and Planning
James A. Parrish, General Counsel
Wendy Redman, Vice President for University Relations
Patty Kastelic, Executive Director for Human Resources
Steve Smith, Chief Information Officer
'Nanne Myers, Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs
Daniel Johnson, Provost, University of Alaska Anchorage
John P. Keating, Provost, University of Alaska Fairbanks
Roberta Stell, Vice Chancellor, University of Alaska Southeast
William S. Rose, Vice Chancellor for Administrative Services, University of Alaska Anchorage
Frank Williams, Interim Vice Chancellor for Administrative Services, University of Alaska Fairbanks
Jim Johnsen, Director of Labor Relations
Ben Shilling, Director, Internal Audit
Robert Miller, Director of Public Affairs
J. Mark Neumayr, Associate General Counsel
Jeannie D. Phillips, Board of Regents' Officer
Dawn Hunziker, Board of Regents' Coordinator

I. Call to Order

President Burns called the meeting to order at 8:15 a.m. on Thursday, August 20, 1998.

Peter Jacobs led the Regents in a Yup'ik prayer; thanked the Board of Regents for inviting him to speak about the importance of education, and asked the board to give special recognition to Blanche Brunk, director of the Kuskokwim Campus, for her efforts in helping the Yup'ik people.

II. Adoption of Agenda

Regent Thomas moved, seconded by Regent Fate, and passed unanimously that:

PASSED AS AMENDED (revisions noted by *)

"The Board of Regents adopts the agenda as presented.

I. Call to Order

II. Adoption of Agenda

III. Approval of Minutes

IV. Kuskokwim Campus Showcase

V. Public Comment

VI. Executive Session #1

VII. Employee Organization Reports

A. System Governance

B. Collective Bargaining Units

VIII. Consent Agenda

A. Academic and Student Affairs Committee
1. Approval of Appointment to the Sydney Chapman Chair in Physical Sciences

B. Finance, Facilities and Land Management Committee

1. Approval of UAF Poker Flat Research Range Projects

2. Approval of UAF/Fairbanks North Star Borough Hutchison Career Center Renovation/Addition Project

3. Approval of UAA FY99 Capital Improvement Projects

*4. Reauthorization of Bond Sale for UAF Coal-Water Project (removed from Consent Agenda to Item IX.D.1.)

C. Human Resources Committee

1. Approval of Salary Distribution for Classified and APT Staff

D. Committee of the Whole

1. Approval of Modification to the Endowment Spending Allowance Calculation

*2. Approval of Resolution of Support for the McLean Research Corporation

IX. New Business and Committee Reports

A. Academic and Student Affairs Committee

B. Audit Committee

C. Committee of the Whole

D. Finance, Facilities and Land Management Committee

*1. Reauthorization of Bond Sale for UAF Coal-Water Project (moved from Consent Agenda)

*2. Direction Regarding UAF Coal Water Project

E. Human Resources Committee

F. Labor Relations Committee

G. Planning and Development Committee

X. Approval of Revised FY00 Meeting Schedule

XI. Future Agenda Items

XII. Chancellors' Status Reports

XIII. Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education Report

XIV. Presidents' and Board of Regents' Comments

XV. Executive Session #2

XVI. Adjourn

This motion is effective August 20, 1998."

III. Approval of Minutes

Regent Thomas moved, seconded by Regent Nelson-Wright, and passed unanimously that:

PASSED

"The Board of Regents approves the minutes of its annual meeting of June 19, 1998 as presented. This motion is effective August 20, 1998."

IV. Kuskokwim Campus Showcase

Blanche Brunk, director of the Kuskokwim Campus, and members of the Kuskokwim Campus and the Bethel community, showcased programs and services offered by the Kuskokwim Campus, including delivery of programs via radio and TV.

V. Public Comments

Marc Stemp, Bethel Native Corporation, requested that the Board of Regents support the actions of the McLean Research Corporation.

Mike Williams, Kuskokwim Campus Advisory Council member from Akiak, reported on the improved quality of health care as a result of Kuskokwim College rural health courses.

Katrina Bentley, Bethel citizen, told the board how Kuskokwim Campus had enriched her life.

Viola Smith, Bethel citizen, reported that taking Yup'ik language courses at Kuskowkim Campus had helped her relearn her culture.

Bev Williams, Lower Kuskokwim School District bilingual curriculum program, asked that the board continue its support for high quality, high standard certification programs in the Bethel area.

Bonnie Couchee, former student at Kuskowkim Campus, welcomed the board to Bethel, and spoke in support of distance and other non-traditional delivery methods for education.

Major Dennis, Battalion Commander of the Bethel National Guard, thanked the Kuskokwim Campus for allowing the Guard the use of Kuskokwim Campus equipment for training purposes, enabling Guard personnel to gain required college credits.

Regina Bodenheim, physical therapist in Bethel, spoke of her high esteem of the efforts of the College and of her belief that Alaska Yup'iks can gain top positions in the college if outreach programs are offered in the villages for students at the earliest ages. She also spoke in support of a state income tax.

Tauni Rogers, UAF Biology graduate, told how beginning her higher education at Kuskokwim Campus had enabled her to go on to UAF and gain her bachelor's degree.

Myron Naneng, president, and Francis Reich, of the Association of Village Council Presidents, reported on the activities related to starting an Alaska Tribal College and asked for board support of this effort.

John Weise, chair of the Kuskokwim Campus Advisory Council and Interim REPP Director, reported that in order to make education work in rural Alaska, it was necessary to have quality standards; teacher certification programs; assistance for teacher aides; language learning; and special topics, e.g., high school articulation to higher education.

Eva O'Malley, part-time student at Kuskokwim Campus, reported on what the campus has enabled her to accomplish.

Beverly Hoffman, Kuskokwim Wilderness Adventures in Bethel, reported on the courses she has taken at the campus that have enriched her life and allowed her to be self-supporting. She also stated that she supported a state income tax and capping permanent fund dividends.

Rose Dominick, superintendent of Bethel Correctional Center and graduate of UAF, spoke of the importance of the campus to her officers who have had to take computer courses.

Eric Hoffman, employee at Alaska Housing Foundation Corp., reported on the importance of Kuskokwim Campus to furthering his education.

Alexandra Mortensen, part-time student at Kuskokwim Campus, asked that the board continue funding for the campus.

Agnes MacIntyre, working mother of four and a full time student, thanked Kuskokwim Campus for allowing her to pursue her degree in education without having to move from Bethel.

Sam Shields, assistant manager at GCI and Kuskowkim Campus student, told how he was able to get his current position because of the courses he had taken at the campus.

Bing Santamour, Kuskokwim Campus graduate and Rural Education program student, asked that the board remember that the students are the consumers and need to be consulted when decisions regarding programs are made.

Delena Norris-Tull, Education professor at Kuskokwim Campus, spoke of the incredible work being done with incredible students at the campus and asked the board to continue support for the Bachelor of Education degree.

Vivian Johnson, citizen of Bethel, spoke in support of the campus and reported on the positive effects it has had on her life.

Carl Berger, Lower Kuskokwim Economic Development Council, spoke of how the campus enriches the business community and assists the citizens in becoming better businessmen and women.

Joyce Freeman, Bethel citizen, asked that the board protect the mission of the Kuskokwim Campus and continue to support its funding.

Mercin Pellumbi, member of the Albanian community in Bethel, asked for tolerance among the citizens of Bethel as his people learn the culture.

VI. Executive Session #1

Regent Nelson-Wright moved, seconded by Regent Williams, and passed unanimously that:

PASSED

"The Board of Regents goes into executive session at 12:35 p.m. A.D.T in accordance with the provisions of AS 44.62.310 to discuss subjects the immediate knowledge of which would have an adverse effect on the finances of the university. The session will include members of the Board of Regents, President Hamilton, General Counsel Parrish, and such other university staff members as the president may designate and will last approximately three hour(s). Thus, the open session of the Board of Regents will resume in this room at approximately 3:30 p.m. A.D.T. This motion is effective August 20, 1998."

The Board of Regents concluded an executive session at 3:30 p.m. A.D.T. in accordance with AS 44.62.310 discussing matters to litigation, collective bargaining, and land acquisition, these topics being subjects the immediate knowledge of which would have an adverse effect on the finances of the university. The session included members of the Board of Regents, President Hamilton, General Counsel Parrish and other university staff members designated by the president and lasted approximately three hours.

Friday, August 21, 1998

VII. Employee Organization Reports

A. System Governance: Faculty Alliance, Staff Alliance and Coalition of Student Leaders

A written report was also included in the full agenda.

Lauren Bruce, Faculty Alliance President, welcomed President Hamilton to the University of Alaska, thanked the Board of Regents for allowing faculty, staff, student and alumni participation on the selection committee, and reported on issues of mutual concern for the coming year.

Marie Scholle, Staff Alliance and Alumni, reported that the Staff Alliance had serious concerns regarding the health benefits increases, the mandatory holiday closure and on upcoming activities of the Staff Alliance.

Josh Horst, President of Union of Students for University of Alaska Southeast and representative of Coalition of Student Leaders, reported that the Coalition was looking into impacts of the Alaska Student Loan credit checks with an expectation to report to the board at its October 1998 meeting; thanked President Hamilton for sponsoring the Student Retreat in September; and reported on candidate forum plans at each MAU.

Susan Fields, senator with the Union of Students at the University of Alaska Anchorage, welcomed President Hamilton; reported on the upcoming candidate forum scheduled for mid-September; and expressed her concerns regarding the Alaska Student Loan credit check.

B. Collective Bargaining Units: ACCFT, CEA, United Academics, United Academics - Adjuncts

Larry Weiss, President of United Academics, welcomed Presidents Hamilton and Burns; presented to each Board member a year's subscription to Academe; and spoke of ideas to promote the University; e.g., a statewide coalition to promote higher education to include businesses, churches and organizations; take $30,000 from Foundation to hire a coordinator to put together a coalition. He also reported on concerns regarding lack of faculty representation on the Board of Regents; the need to partner more with the faculty; the decline of quality education at UA; and the emergence of weakened programs due to RIP.

VIII. Consent Agenda

A. Academic and Student Affairs Committee
1. Approval of Appointment to the Sydney Chapman Chair in Physical Sciences

MOTION

"The Academic and Student Affairs Committee recommends that the Board of Regents approve a renewable term appointment for Dr. Norbert Untersteiner to the Sydney Chapman Chair in Physical Sciences, as Chapman Professor. This motion is effective August 20, 1998."

Regent Gagnon moved, seconded by Regent Nelson-Wright, and passed unanimously that:

PASSED

"The Board of Regents approves the recommendations of the Academic and Student Affairs Committee as stated above. This motion is effective August 21, 1998."

B. Finance, Facilities and Land Management Committee

1. Approval of UAF Poker Flat Research Range Projects (Reference 4)

MOTION

"The Finance, Facilities, and Land Management Committee recommends that the Board of Regents provide project approval for an upgrade of the University of Alaska Fairbanks Poker Flat Research Range to include the Range Administration Center, Lidar Laboratory, Upper Range Road, and Backup Electrical Power projects as presented and authorize the university administration to proceed with preparing construction documents for a combined total project budget that will not exceed $5,900,000. This motion is effective August 20, 1998."

2. Approval of UAF/Fairbanks North Star Borough Hutchison Career Center Renovation/Addition Project (Reference 5)

MOTION

"The Finance, Facilities and Land Management Committee recommends that the Board of Regents provide project approval for the University of Alaska Fairbanks/Fairbanks North Star Borough School District Hutchison Career Center Renovation/Addition Project as presented and authorize the administration to expend up to $1,600,000 for planning and design of this project. This motion is effective August 20, 1998."

3. Approval of UAA FY99 Capital Improvement Projects (Reference 6)

MOTION

"The Finance, Facilities, and Land Management Committee recommends that the Board of Regents provide project approval for the University of Alaska Anchorage FY99 Capital Improvement Plan, including the library construction project and deferred maintenance projects, as presented in Reference 6, and authorize the administration to expend up to $800,000 for project program development and scoping for the library project, and to proceed with development of schematics, construction documents, and construction for the referenced deferred maintenance projects subject to receipt of specific project approvals required by Regents' Policy 05.12.04. This motion is effective August 20, 1998."

4. Reauthorization of Bond Sale for UAF Coal-Water Project

Removed from Consent Agenda to Item IX.D.1 - New Business.

Regent Henri moved, seconded by Regent Ogg, and passed unanimously that:

PASSED AS AMENDED

"The Board of Regents approves recommendations 1-3 of the Finance, Facilities and Land Management Committee as stated above. This motion is effective August 21, 1998."

C. Human Resources Committee

1. Approval of Salary Distribution for Classified and APT Staff

MOTION

"The Human Resources Committee recommends that the Board of Regents approve a payment in the amount of $300 to each full-time benefit-eligible classified and APT staff member not represented by a union on January 15, 1999. This payment will be pro-rated for staff who are benefit-eligible but not full-time. This motion is effective August 20, 1998."

Regent Gagnon moved, seconded by Regent Nelson-Wright, and passed unanimously that:

PASSED

"The Board of Regents approves the recommendations of the Human Resources Committee as stated above. This motion is effective August 21, 1998."

D. Committee of the Whole

1. Approval of Modification to the Endowment Spending Allowance Calculation

MOTION

"The Committee of the Whole recommends that the Board of Regents approve a modification of the Land-Grant Endowment Trust Fund spending policy to provide for calculation of the annual spending allowance based on a 5-year moving average of the market value of the fund, and that the vice president for finance and planning implement the change in a manner that will minimize any adverse fluctuation in distributions from the endowment fund. This motion is effective August 20, 1998."

*2. Approval of Resolution of Support for the McLean Research Corporation (added during Committee of the Whole meeting)

WHEREAS, the Board of Regents of the University of Alaska is committed to the education and training of Alaskans for jobs available in the state; and

WHEREAS, the McLean Research Corporation (MRC), a subsidiary of the Bethel Native Corporation, is a Section 8(a) certified participant in a program of the Small Business Administration; and

WHEREAS, MRC has teamed with Lockheed Martin to provide a training program in the Automated Conversion System (ACS) of legacy documentation that will create 30 to 40 computer-related jobs in Bethel; and

WHEREAS, the Board of Regents supports the job creation and contracting opportunities afforded by the ACS conversion process, and the utilization of the Kuskokwim Campus of the University of Alaska Fairbanks in this effort; and

WHEREAS, MRC depends on the resources and facilities of the Kuskokwim Campus in order to have a full-time instructor dedicated to this training program starting the Spring Semester 1999;

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Regents encourages federal and state agencies to support such job development in the economically distressed Yukon-Kuskokwim region of Alaska; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this resolution be sent to Alaska Governor Tony Knowles and members of Alaska's Congressional delegation, with an official copy to be incorporated into the official minutes of the August 20-21, 1998 meeting of the University of Alaska Board of Regents.

PASSED

"The Committee of the Whole recommends that the Board of Regents approve the resolution of support for the McLean Research Corporation's training program in the Automated Conversion System (ACS) of legacy documentation. This motion is effective August 21, 1998."

Regent Nelson-Wright moved, seconded by Regent Williams, and passed unanimously that:

PASSED

"The Board of Regents approves the recommendations of the Committee of the Whole as stated above. This motion is effective August 21, 1998."

IX. New Business and Committee Reports

A. Academic and Student Affairs Committee

Regent Gagnon submitted the following report:

Academic and Student Affairs Committee Report
August 20, 1998

The Academic and Student Affairs Committee:

~ Completed a first reading of the new policy on student organizations and asked that the redrafted policy be returned to the committee for review.

~ Welcomed UAF Provost Paul Reichardt and approved the appointment of Dr. Norbert Untersteiner to the Sydney Chapman Chair in Physical Sciences.

~ Heard from UAA Provost Dan Johnson that the accrediting agency, the Association of Experiential Education, completed its review of the Alaska Wilderness Studies program and will be presenting its final report in the next 30 to 60 days. Regent Croft asked that UAA and AEE discuss the standards of the AEE and determine if they are sufficient.

~ The committee identified the following topics as future agenda items:

1. A student proposal for a resolution addressing credit checks done by the Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education on students over the age of 21.

2. The advisability of intercession classes at UA.

3. The final AEE report on the UAA Alaska Wilderness Studies program.

4. A continuation of reports on accreditation.

5. A status report on the PECC and the REPP.

6. A report on UA cooperation with tribal colleges in Alaska.

7. A report on nursing courses offered by UAA and Weber State College.

B. Audit Committee

Regent Croft reported that the Audit Committee would be holding meetings in November, February and June of FY99.

C. Committee of the Whole

In addition to action items, the Committee of the Whole received the President's Independent Committee report on the Ptarmigan Peak accident; and heard reports on the preliminary plans for the FY00 budget requests, activities of the Gartner Group, and progress on the public information campaign.

D. Finance, Facilities and Land Management Committee

1. Reauthorization of Bond Sale for UAF Coal-Water Project (Reference bound separately)

For the record, Regent Burns did not participate in discussions regarding this topic and abstained from voting on this motion.

Regent Henri moved, seconded by Regent Fate, and passed with Regents Croft, Fate, Henri, Thomas and Williams voting in favor; Regents Gagnon, Nelson-Wright and Ogg voting in opposition; and Regent Burns abstaining, that:

PASSED

"The Board of Regents adopts the bond resolution as presented to the Finance, Facilities, and Land Management Committee. This motion is effective August 21, 1998."

2. Direction Regarding UAF Coal Water Project

For the record, Regent Burns did not participate in discussions regarding this topic and abstained from voting on this motion.

Regent Henri moved, seconded by Regent Fate, and passed with Regents Croft, Fate, Gagnon, Henri, Nelson-Wright, Ogg, Thomas and Williams voting in favor, and Regent Burns abstaining that:

PASSED

"The Board of Regents authorizes the University of Alaska to arrange the order of business related to construction and associated activities on the Low Rank Coal-Water Fuel Project and directs the administration to negotiate with other participants regarding project alternatives to respond to unfunded cost growth, participant uncertainties and/or out of balance cost sharing. This motion is effective August 21, 1998."

E. Human Resources Committee

Regent Thomas reported that, in addition to the action item, the Human Resources Committee heard reports regarding Labor Relations, health care plan benefits, and the employee survey.

F. Labor Relations Committee

No report.

G. Planning and Development Committee

Regent Croft reported that he would be meeting with President Hamilton to discuss future direction for the Planning and Development Committee.

X. Approval of Revised FY00 Meeting Schedule

At the June 1998 meeting, the Board of Regents approved the FY99 and FY00 meeting schedule but did not select a location for the August 1999 meeting. President Burns has suggested that the Board meet in Seward at that time.

The approved FY99 and proposed FY00 schedules are printed below for information purposes.

FY99 Meeting Dates / Location
August 20-21, 1998 / Bethel
October 1-2, 1998 / Fairbanks
November 19-20, 1998 / Anchorage
February 18-19, 1999 / Juneau
April 22-23, 1999 / Juneau
June 3-4, 1999 / Fairbanks

FY00 Meeting Dates / Location
August 19-20, 1999 / Seward
September 30/October 1, 1999 / Fairbanks
November 18-19, 1999 / Anchorage
February 17-18, 2000 / Juneau
April 20-21, 2000 / Juneau
June 1-2, 2000 / Anchorage

Regent Fate moved, seconded by Regent Williams, and passed unanimously that:

PASSED

"The Board of Regents approves the revised FY00 Meeting Schedule as presented. This motion is effective August 21, 1998."

XI. Future Agenda Items

Regent Gagnon reported that the Academic and Student Affairs Committee had asked for reports on the Alaska Wilderness Studies Program accreditation, on Tribal Colleges, and a status report on the Rural Educator Preparation Partnership.

Regent Nelson-Wright asked for a future report on the feasibility of inter-session classes.

XII. Chancellors' Status Reports

Written reports are also included in the full agenda.

Marshall L. Lind, Chancellor, University of Alaska Southeast, reported on student recruitment efforts; that enrollment for the fall semester appears to have increased; and on special programs offered to students over the summer that have highlighted the Southeast Alaska area.

Joan K. Wadlow, Chancellor, University of Alaska Fairbanks, thanked Blanche Brunk for hosting this meeting; reported that John Weise has been selected as the new interim director of REPP and thanked Mike Williams for giving John Weise the release time to serve; reported on UAF graduate Rose Dominick's successes as the new superintendent of the Bethel Correctional Facility; that FY98 was the best year for private fundraising in UAF's history, exceeding $6 counting in-kind services; reminded members to read the article in Alaska Airlines magazine this month regarding the UA Museum expansion; on 100th year anniversary of Experiment Station events; and that fact sheets would be given to arriving students regarding what has happened/what's happening on campus.

Edward Lee Gorsuch, Chancellor, University of Alaska Anchorage, reported on the Beds/Books/Computers strategic priorities including that UAA anticipates 500 full-time students to occupy the new dormitories with the dedication set for next week; that the library director, Steve Rollins, has been hired; that the campus fiber optic cabling is complete, allowing internet access to the new student housing; that the technology fee is being used to update computer labs and future fees will be used to ensure that faculty members have current equipment; and that recruitment for a director of Information Technologies is in progress.

XIII. Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education Report

Regent Fate reported that the Commission's next meeting would be held on September 11 in Fairbanks, and thanked the board for allowing her to serve on the Commission for the past year.

XIV. Presidents' and Board of Regents' Comments

President Hamilton expressed his pleasure at attending his first Board of Regents meeting, and outlined his strategy for the development of a three-year budget plan designed to get the University of Alaska back on track after several years of debilitating budget reductions and reallocations. He reported that he has asked the budget staff to put together a capital budget program with three goals: eliminate the deferred maintenance backlog; make major investments in high tech equipment; and build facilities that capitalize on partnerships and existing infrastructure.

Regent Burns expressed his enthusiasm for President Hamilton's vision.

Regent Croft apologized for his late arrival and commented that he felt it was a good omen when at the president's first meeting, applause is given to the new president as well as the faculty union president.

Regent Fate welcomed President Hamilton; thanked Blanche Brunk and the whole community for hosting the meeting; and thanked Marie Scholle for her insight, leadership and for giving the good word.

Regent Williams thanked Blanche Brunk, her staff and whole community for hosting the meeting and expressed his pleasure on the addition of President Hamilton to the University of Alaska.

Regent Gagnon commented that it is the people who make the difference, and that the board is blessed to have people in leadership positions like Presidents Burns and Hamilton; she thanked Director Brunk and her staff for a terrific meeting, thanked Regent Fate for her exemplary service on the Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education, and thanked the board for their service.

Regent Thomas thanked the Bethel community for their wonderful hospitality and spoke of his appreciation for President Hamilton's view on where we are and where we can be.

XV. Executive Session #2

Regent Williams moved, seconded by Regent Thomas and passed unanimously that:

PASSED

"The Board of Regents goes into executive session at 1:20 p.m. A.D.T in accordance with the provisions of AS 44.62.310 to discuss matters relating to litigation, collective bargaining, and land acquisition, these topics being subjects the immediate knowledge of which would have an adverse effect on the finances of the university. The session will include members of the Board of Regents, President Hamilton, General Counsel Parrish, and such other university staff members as the president may designate and will last approximately 1 \xbd hours. Thus, the open session of the Board of Regents will resume in this room at approximately 3:00 p.m. A.D.T. This motion is effective August 21, 1998."

The Board of Regents concluded an executive session at 3:20 p.m. A.D.T. in accordance with AS 44.62.310 discussing matters to litigation, collective bargaining, and land acquisition, these topics being subjects the immediate knowledge of which would have an adverse effect on the finances of the university. The session included members of the Board of Regents, President Hamilton, General Counsel Parrish and other university staff members designated by the president and lasted approximately 2 hours.

XVI. Adjourn

President Burns adjourned the meeting at 3:21 p.m., Friday, August 21, 1998.