August 2007 Board Meeting Minutes
The Board of Trustees of Illinois Valley Community College District No. 513 convened a regular session at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 29, 2007 in the Board Room (C307) at Illinois Valley Community College.
Members Physically Present
David L. Wilcoxson, Board Chair
Dennis N. Thompson, Vice Chair
Lori E. Scroggs, Secretary
Paula J. Endress
David O. Mallery
Deborah L. Sweeden
Elizabeth Kunkel, Student Trustee
Members Absent
Thomas C. Setchell
Others Physically Present
Dave Louis, Interim President
Jerry Corcoran, Vice President for Business Services and Finance
Bob Marshall, Vice President for Student Services
Sue Isermann, Interim Vice President for Academic Affairs
Walt Zukowski, Attorney
PUBLIC HEARING
This being the time and place published for a Public Hearing regarding the FY2008 Budget, Board Chair, David L. Wilcoxson called for questions and/or comments from the audience. Since there were no questions and/or comments, Mr. Wilcoxson called for a motion to close the Public Hearing. It was moved by Mrs. Sweeden and seconded by Mrs. Endress to close the Public Hearing. Motion passed by voice vote.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
It was moved by Dr. Scroggs and seconded by Mr. Thompson to approve the agenda. Motion passed by voice vote.
CAMPUS UPDATE – BEAUTIFICATION COMMITTEE
Liz Kunkel, Student Trustee, gave a presentation on the work accomplished and future projects of the Beautification Team. The team is comprised of employees and students and the mission is to recommend aesthetic improvements to the College’s buildings and grounds on behalf of the Operations Committee. Accomplishments included designating a location for the wall of presidents, relocating the lighted display cases, hanging student art in the lobby and on the third floor of Building C, adding track-lighting and new benches to the cultural centre, and working with the Horticulture Club on a plan for displaying fresh plants both inside and outside of the College. Future projects include more improvements to the Cultural Centre, reconfiguration of the security and information desk, dividing the lobby into pods, and coordinating the color scheme throughout the interior of the College. Ms. Kunkel also reviewed the results of two surveys conducted – campus safety survey and beautification survey.
CONSENT AGENDA
Agenda Item 7.1 – Board Minutes of July 25, 2007 was requested by Mrs. Sweeden to be removed from the consent agenda.
It was moved by Mrs. Sweeden and seconded by Mrs. Endress to approve the consent agenda as presented with the removal of Item 7.1. Motion passed by voice vote.
The following items were approved in the consent agenda:
Approval of the Bills - $1,470,864.47
Education Fund - $997,545.04; Operation and Maintenance Fund - $282,305.48; Auxiliary Fund - $37,067.31; Restricted Fund - $138,473.21; Liability, Protection and Settlement Fund - $15,473.43.
Treasurer’s Report
Personnel
Approved the stipends for the pay periods ending June 30, 2007; July 14, 2007; July 28, 2007; and August 11, 2007 as presented.
Bid Approval – Tractor/Trailer Lease
Approved to enter into a 36-month lease with Central Illinois Trucks at $3,637.24 per month plus a 12-cent per mile maintenance fee per vehicle for two (2) 2005 Volvo tractors and two (2) 2003 Hyundai trailers.
Purchase Request – Auto Work Benches
Approved the purchase of 28 Formaspace Work Benches from Grainger, Inc. for the Auto Tech program in the amount of $35,653.56, and charged the expense to the auto shop program’s account within the Auxiliary Enterprise Fund.
Bid Request – Emergency Call Boxes and Two-way Radios
Authorized the Business Office to seek bids for an emergency system consisting of 10 call boxes and 25 two-way radios at an estimated cost of $60,000.
7.1 Approval of Minutes –Board Minutes of July 25, 2007
Mrs. Sweeden was not present at the last Board meeting and asked if there was any discussion on the establishment of the Board committees - specifically the purpose and objectives for establishing the committees on a full-time basis. There were discussions in the past on setting up additional committees. This came about when the audit/finance committee would meet and topics on facilities would arise. Also a planning committee had been suggested to address Board goals and objectives in the same context with what is happening with AQIP and also reviewing the strategic plan to see if the Board is on task. By establishing committees, longer discussions can take place on certain issues and recommendations by members of the committee can be brought back to the Board. All Board members are invited to attend any of the committee meetings. Each committee chair along with the members of the committee are to draft a brief summary of their vision for their committee and present them to the Board.
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
Dr. Louis reported enrollment is a moving target; but at the moment, enrollment is up from last fall and up this summer from the previous summer. The 2007 Community College Performance Report was mailed to Board members. Dr. Louis offered to answer any questions on the Report and if the Board members wanted a campus update on the Performance Report they were to let him know. Dr. Louis received a letter from the national office of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) informing him that Joe Oliver, an IVCC student and a member and officer of PTK, was named a Leader of Promise recipient. Mr. Oliver was one of 30 in the world to receive this award which included a $1,000 scholarship. Dr. Louis was pleased to announce the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission granted the IVCC associate degree nursing program continuing accreditation and scheduled the next evaluation visit for Spring 2015. The next step for the Board Planning Committee is to consider the work of the strategic plan by the Strategic Leadership and Planning Council, review it, and complete it. A New Student Convocation was held on Wednesday, August 29. The participation was phenomenal and it was a very positive event. Dr. Louis reported the Illinois community colleges won a lawsuit filed against the Illinois Executive Inspector General. The Attorney General’s opinion stated that community colleges are state agencies and their employees are state employees. The community colleges argued that they are units of local government with elected boards. The lawsuit was filed by 35 community colleges. IVCC, City Colleges of Chicago, South Suburban, and Richland Community College did not participate in the lawsuit. Those colleges who did not enter into the lawsuit are not included in the decision. This lawsuit had nothing to do with ethics legislation. The difference in the long run is phenomenal. ICCTA is working on the override at the November session. Dr. Louis will keep the Board up to date on this matter.
TRUSTEES’ REPORT
Liz Kunkel distributed the agenda for the Student Government Association meeting held on August 23, 2007. The minutes will be forthcoming. She reported the New Student Convocation was a huge success along with Spirit Day. Ms. Kunkel reported Student Government freshman elections will take place on September 13 and 14. Petitions are available through September 7. Also on the ballot will be an advisory referendum - $3 increase in student fees per credit hour to support athletics. Ms. Kunkel, as Student Trustee, will be writing a column for the IVLeader and setting up a Student Trustee Web page. Mr. Mallery expressed his concern for the nontraditional student not having a voice on the advisory referendum. The time for the polls to be open is usually 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Ms. Kunkel stated she would bring this issue up at the next SGA meeting.
Dennis Thompson reported the Facilities Committee will meet on Thursday, August 30 at 10 a.m.
Jerry Corcoran also reported the Audit/Finance Committee will meet on Friday, October 5 at 12:15 p.m.
Dave Wilcoxson attended the executive planning session at the College of DuPage. Major topics for the coming year are funding, ethics, and a state-wide public relations program for community colleges. ICCTA will be looking at coordinating an advertising program to promote Illinois community colleges with a common logo or two- or three- word phrase. The Northwest Regional Trustees meeting will be held at Illinois Valley Community College on Thursday, November 1. Walt Zukowski will be the facilitator of the program and the topic will be Tax Increment Finance (TIF). The meeting will begin with a tour at 5:30 p.m. followed by a dinner and program at 6:30 p.m.
FY08 BUDGET
It was moved by Dr. Scroggs and seconded by Mr. Thompson to approve the resolution to adopt the FY2008 Budget as presented. Mr. Malley asked if the budget should be amended pursuant to another action that may happen later in the meeting. Mr. Wilcoxson did not feel it was necessary to change the budget at this time.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Kunkel. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Dr. Scroggs, Mrs. Sweeden, Mrs. Endress, Mr. Thompson, Mr. Mallery, and Mr. Wilcoxson. “Nays” – None, motion carried.
APPROVAL OF NEW POSITION – FINANCIAL AID ADVISOR
It was moved by Mrs. Sweeden and seconded by Dr. Scroggs to approve the additional full-time Financial Aid Advisor position for the Financial Aid office as presented. The motion passed by voice vote.
APPROVAL OF NEW POSITION – TRUCK DRIVER TRAINING TRAINER SPECIALIST/SITE FACILITATOR
It was moved by Mrs. Endress and seconded by Mrs. Sweeden to approve the full-time Truck Driver Trainer Specialist/Site Facilitator in the Division of Career and Technical Programs as presented. The motion passed by voice vote.
APPROVAL OF NEW POSITION – CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION RECRUITMENT AND DUAL CREDIT/DUAL ENROLLMENT COORDINATOR
It was moved by Dr. Scroggs and seconded by Mrs. Sweeden to approve the full-time CTE Recruitment and Dual Credit/Dual Enrollment Coordinator in the Career and Technical Education division as presented. The motion passed by voice vote.
APPROVAL OF NEW POSITION – FACULTY INSTRUCTOR/PROGRAM COORDINATOR FOR EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNICIAN/PARAMEDIC PROGRAM
It was moved by Mr. Thompson and seconded by Mrs. Sweeden to approve the full-time faculty tenure track position of Instructor/Program Coordinator for Emergency Medical Services Program in the Division of Health Professions as presented. Mr. Mallery appreciated the insight into the program as there has been a need for such a program. It is anticipated the full-time instructor will replace the part-time instructors who have found it difficult to teach because of other responsibilities. The motion passed by voice vote.
LASALLE COUNTY INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SERVICES CONTRACT
It was moved by Mr. Thompson and seconded by Dr. Scroggs to approve the 2006-2008 Information Technology Services contract with LaSalle County, contingent upon no requests for substantive changes by LaSalle County. Dr. Louis stated the contract has been recently negotiated and will be retroactive to last December. This is a good partnership and one that two governmental bodies can benefit from one another’s expertise. Harold Barnes, Director of Information Technology Services, stated LaSalle County had switched over to different programs that the College does not have and that is what has caused the delay, not knowing what IVCC responsibilities would be. The motion passed by voice vote.
RATIFICATION OF PRESIDENTIAL SEARCH CONTRACT
It was moved by Mrs. Endress and seconded by Mrs. Sweeden to ratify the Presidential Search Contract as presented. Dr. Scroggs stated the Presidential Advisory Committee will again be working with Dave Pierce through the Association of Community College Trustees(ACCT). He worked independently with the College during the last search. There are advantages in working through ACCT which include: using two national broadcast emails, posting the position on the ACCT web page, and featuring the position at the ACCT Congress. The decision was made to purchase services on an ala carte basis to help keep costs down. The services include pool enhancement and recruitment services, reference checking on the top candidates, advisory consultation, and general support. David Pierce will convey the reference checks at a closed session through a conference call or by attendance. Dr. Scroggs stated a separate letter will outline who is responsible for the reference reports and specifically what each reference report will contain. The motion passed by voice vote.
BRIEF DISCUSSION OF ATHLETIC DIRECTOR AND COACHING POSITIONS
Dr. Louis shared information on the direction the administration was moving with the recent resignation of Mike Riley, Athletic Director. Mr. Riley was also head golf coach and head basketball coach. Golf has begun and an appointment for this position has been made. The positions of Head Basketball Coach, Academic Coordinator, Intramural Coordinator, and half-time Athletic Director will be filled on a stipend basis with a full time current employee or one or two employees may fill these roles. The cost for these positions will remain the same and the administration intends to move forward in filling these positions.
REVISIT EARLIER BOARD DECISION TO DISCONTINUE SERVICES AT THE SHERIDAN CORRECTIONAL CENTER
It was moved by Mrs. Endress and seconded by Mrs. Sweeden to revisit the earlier Board decision to discontinue services at the Sheridan Correctional Center. Dr. Louis stated shortly before he arrived the Board decided to discontinue providing educational services to the Sheridan Correctional Center. With the information that Dr. Louis received, he agreed with that decision. He then decided to visit the Sheridan Correction Center and asked Mr. Wilcoxson, Board Chair to go with him and conduct an exit interview with Warden Rothwell. The Warden was very sincere about IVCC providing educational services and had nothing but praise for IVCC. But he was concerned about the transitional process and wanted IVCC to stay. This is a credit to Sue Isermann and her staff, but Dr. Louis also realizes it takes a huge amount of time to provide the services at Sheridan. Dr. Louis then decided to contact Elaine Johnson and Geoff Obrzut at the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB). They were somewhat surprised that IVCC was withdrawing from an in-district site. Dr. Louis learned that once IVCC would leave, it would be very difficult or impossible to return. This information was not available at the time the decision was made. Dr. Louis also learned that Lake Land College is interested in taking over Sheridan if IVCC withdraws. In speaking with the president, Dr. Louis learned that Lake Land would be very happy if IVCC stayed. ICCB indicated that the population at Sheridan will be increasing and it is their hope that funding will increase but there is no guarantee. Dr. Louis stated if the Board decides to rescind their earlier decision and then decides to withdraw one or two years later, the College would have more stability at that time. The College would have a permanent President and Vice President for Academic Affairs and would have time to see if funding changed through the Department of Corrections. The Board was in consensus to rescind the earlier Board decision to discontinue the contract with the Illinois Department of Corrections for educational and training services at the Sheridan Correctional Center and to continue those services for FY08. The Board will confirm this action at the September Board Meeting.
PUBLIC COMMENT
No comments.
TRUSTEE COMMENT
No comments.
CLOSED SESSION
It was moved by Mr. Thompson and seconded by Dr. Scroggs to convene a closed session to discuss 1) the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees of the public body; 2) litigation; 3) minutes of closed session meetings. The motion passed by voice vote.
The board recessed at 8:27 p.m. The board entered closed session at 8:48 p.m.
On a motion by Dr. Scroggs, seconded by Ms. Kunkel and carried unanimously, the regular meeting resumed at 9:54 p.m.
MINUTES OF CLOSED SESSION MEETINGS
It was moved by Mr. Thompson and seconded by Dr. Scroggs to approve and retain the minutes of the July 25, 2007 closed session meeting. The motion was passed by voice vote.
ADJOURNMENT
It was moved by Dr. Scroggs, seconded by Mrs. Endress, and carried unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 9:55 p.m.