POCATELLO — The fact-finding committee examining options for Idaho State University's housing for its president has come up with five recommendations with new construction topping the list.

The recommendations in descending order were: new construction. residential facility stipend, purchase of an existing property, reconstruction of the Servel House and keeping the status quo, according to a news release issued by ISU Tuesday.

The committee’s process included reviewing public input received via email, historical documentation related to the Servel House and documentation provided by the university which included a Business Case Summary, 2014 Facility Condition Assessment, Idaho State Board of Education Governing Policies and Procedures, Freedom of Information Act public request response, floor plans, maintenance policies, funding and event information.

The group also gathered information related to presidential housing at other Idaho universities.

The committee requested and received additional items, including an independent verification of the cost estimates, a professional appraisal of Servel House, a legal opinion on how to maintain the historic designation of the Servel House if it is sold and a possible reconstructed floor plan of the Servel House, according to the news release.

“Everyone on the committee was dedicated and fully engaged,” said Valerie Hoybjerg, committee chairwoman. “Our discussions have been open, frank, honest and sometimes passionate.”

The committee unanimously agreed that while the Servel House has been well cared for by the university, in its current condition it does not meet business, living and image standards of a presidential residence facility.

In considering the options available, the committee agreed that the key components of the recommendation would include fiscal responsibility for the university and considerations of campus and community constituents with the “underpinning of sound business decisions.” The final recommendation represents a compilation of each member’s individual ranking of the five options available.

“The majority of the committee believes a newly constructed presidential residence facility is in the best interest of the university,” Hoybjerg said. “When compared with other options, the majority of the committee members believe it is a more responsible, beneficial and long-term financial investment.”

The 17-member committee included representatives from the university’s alumni, faculty, staff, students and community leaders: Dirk Driscoll, Shelbie Harris, Kim Hirning, Valerie Hoybjerg–committee chair, Sarah Knudson, Amy Manning, Phil Meador, Eva Nye, Dan Ordyna, Tom Ottaway, Jordan Reed, John Sargent, Corey Schou, Jenny Semenza, Syd Sharp, Kyle Son and Josh Tolman.