Eric Wilber, student executive vice president, read Mark Olendzki’s resignation letter at Wednesday’s student senate meeting. Olendzki was the former student vice president for student affairs.

Wilber would not take any questions on the matter and said Olendzki’s position would be immediately filled by the newly elected vice president for student affairs, Daniel Rolando.

The student senate received a presentation on a proposed bond revenue fee increase Wednesday to improve Lantz Arena and outdoor facilities around campus.

If approved, the increase would start at $.65 per credit hour, stopping at 12 hours, and reduce to $.50 per credit hour for the following four years.

Dan Nadler, vice president of student affairs, addressed senate members on the issues the building is facing because of its age.

He said phases one and two of Lantz were built in 1966, followed by phase three in 1968 and the most recent phase in 1993.

Repairs that are seen as crucial include repairing stairs that lead into the building, maintaining the physical upkeep of outdoor facilities and constructing a new roof over the field house.

Nadler said facilities and buildings are becoming unsafe for current students and community members and unattractive to potential students.

“It’s becoming a safety hazard and a form of embarrassment,” Nadler said.

Ken Baker, director of campus recreation, sympathizes with students’ economic hardships, but also questions what other options Eastern has aside from turning to the students’ money.

“We know how the state is struggling, (but) do we (just) let the building fall down?” Baker said.

The capital projects are usually funded 67 percent by the government and 33 percent by the bond revenue fee. However, Eastern has yet to receive full funding from the state.

“We’re not thrilled that we have to ask for your money.(but) we are at a point where we don’t know when it’ll get any better,” Nadler said.

Nadler said when other students come to Eastern, Lantz is their first, and most of the time, their only, impression of Eastern’s campus.

“They come to Lantz, they see Lantz,” said Mary Lane, a freshman athletic training major. “We need to get up to standards with other schools.”

Senate members were also introduced to an expanded parking resolution, which if passed would add more parking to Eastern’s master plan.

The fee increase and parking resolution will be voted on at next week’s student government meeting.

The student senate also passed all four fee-funded budgets pending for the fiscal year 2011, including the funds allocated for the Apportionment Board, student government, University Board and the Student Recreation Center.

Jenna Mitchell can be reached at 581-7942 or jlmitchell@eiu.edu.