December 17, 2008 Minutes of Regular Meeting

The Board of Trustees of Illinois Valley Community College District No. 513 convened a regular session at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, December 17, 2008 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
Thomas C. Setchell
Deborah L. Sweeden    
Cassie Fuller, Student Trustee

Members Absent

Others Physically Present

Jerry Corcoran, President
Bob Marshall, Vice President for Student Services
Cheryl Roelfsema, Interim Vice President for Business Services and Finance
Sue Isermann, Interim Vice President for Academic Affairs
Walt Zukowski, Attorney

PUBLIC HEARING

This being the time and place published for a Public Hearing, Board Chair, David L. Wilcoxson, called for questions and/or comments from the audience regarding the proposed property tax levy increase for Illinois Valley Community College District No. 513.  The estimated total property taxes to be levied for 2008 are $10,426,989.  This represents a 5.9 percent increase over the previous year.  Hearing no questions and/or comments, Mr. Wilcoxson called for a motion to close the Public Hearing.  It was moved by Mrs. Endress and seconded by Mr. Thompson to close the Public Hearing.  Motion passed by voice vote.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

It was moved by Mrs. Sweeden and seconded by Mr. Thompson to approve the agenda as amended by adding action item 19.1 – Staff Resignation.  Motion passed by voice vote.

CONSENT AGENDA

It was moved by Mr. Thompson and seconded by Dr. Scroggs to approve the consent agenda as presented.  Motion passed by voice vote.

The following items were approved in the consent agenda:

Approval of Minutes – November 5, 2008 Board Planning Committee Meeting and November 19, 2008 Board meeting.

Approval of the Bills - $1,079,768.40

Education Fund - $730,509.87; Operation and Maintenance Fund - $94,042.08; Operation and Maintenance (Restricted Fund) - $150,111.30; Auxiliary Fund - $44,319.33; Restricted Fund - $49,448.05; Audit Fund - $4,500.00; Liability, Protection and Settlement Fund - $6,837.77.

Treasurer’s Report

Personnel

Approved the stipends for the pay periods ending November 15, 2008 and November 29, 2008.

Technology Purchase – Basic Computer Skills Inventory Testing and Training Platform

Approved a three-year, 1000 user license from InfoSource Learning in the amount of $52,500.

Request for Proposal Results – Mailing System

Accepted the proposal from Midwest Mailing & Shipping Systems, Inc. – Bloomington, IL for a 60-month lease agreement at $5,429.92 for 2009 and annual payment of $6,449.92 for the remaining four (4) years (2010 through 2013).

Bid Results – Hunter Alignment System

Accepted the bid of $39,056.20 from Mohawk Resources – Amsterdam, NY for a Hunter Alignment System.

Bid Results – 2009/2011 College Catalog

Accepted the bid of from Action Printing – Fond du Lac, WI for an amount not to exceed $17,195.35.

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

Dr. Corcoran reported the IVCC Foundation held a retiree reception with approximately 40 retires in attendance with a total of 1,000 years of service to IVCC.  The retirees appreciated the time to visit with each other and the staff.  Sara Escatel was named this year’s Woman of the Year in Mendota.  She has been active in the Mendota Chamber of Commerce, a past school board member and president of the Illinois Valley Hispanic Partnership Council.  Sue Caley-Opsal has been appointed to the LaSalle Elementary Foundation Excellence Committee.   Members of the National Science Foundation grant team from IVCC hosted an afternoon of academic activities to introduce 150 eighth grade students from Mendota to IVCC.  Three of Francie Skoflanc’s graphic design students recently won a national poster contest focusing on engineering careers.  Megan Crabbe of Ottawa, Lisa Phillips of Lostant, and Derek Liesse of Dalzell received honorable mention in the “Engineering Makes a Difference” contest sponsored by the Engineering Education Service Center.  Two other students, Robert Kennedy of Ottawa and Veronica Rivera of LaSalle were finalists in the competition.  Dr. Corcoran noted that Lisa Phillips is designing a logo for the City of Oglesby.  Bob Reese recently took his “Introduction to Business” class to the Chicago Board of Trade and the Federal Reserve.  By mid-term this fall semester, 369 students had used the services of IVCC’s peer tutoring center as compared to 309 students during the entire fall semester of 2007.  The Small Business Development Center completed a successful Illinois Entrepreneurship Network (IEN) financial review at Sauk Valley Community College, Dixon for the regional partnership, which includes IVCC, Sauk Valley, and Highland, by the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunities, Springfield.  The  Jacobs Library staff have created an enclosed study room for students and students can now text IVCC book call numbers to their cell phones.  Tommy Canale reported 14 teams participated in the bags tournament in the fall.  Steve Alvin was elected president of the faculty union.  Others elected were Mike Phillips – Vice President, Delores Robinson – Recording Secretary, Tara Coburn - Corresponding Secretary, Doug Stockley – Treasurer, Renee Prine – Seargant-at-Arms, and Vince Brolley, Linda Hanley, Cindy Schultz, Jane Sack, Michelle Story, Larry Ault, and Bruce Markwalter as Stewards.  Dr. Corcoran extended a special thanks to Sue Caley-Opsal for her service as faculty president for the past nine months.  Dr. Corcoran was invited to the Sheridan Correctional Center holiday luncheon and spent some quality time with the faculty and learned about their programs.  Dr. Corcoran is planning to make sure that the IVCC employees at the Sheridan Correctional Center get an appropriate pay raise for their work.  They are good people, work hard, and make a difference in those who are incarcerated.  A few weeks ago, the President's Council and Trustees Association asked all college presidents and boards of trustees to respond to the impact of what a 2.5 percent funding reduction would have on each college's ability to provide service.   Following is what Dr. Corcoran prepared:

The recent 2.5 percent rescission equates to approximately $80,000 less in state funding to IVCC. Although $80,000 is significant, we have no interest in cutting classes, programs, personnel, restricting enrollment, or doing any of the other things listed in the survey which would conflict with our mission.  IVCC will continue serving the students of District 513 as we have in the past by providing high quality programs and services at an affordable price.  Our modest reserves enable the college to weather the economic downturns that inevitably occur and we will use these reserves whenever necessary, while waiting for the economy to recover and for our elected state officials to address the long-term educational needs of the state.

TRUSTEES’ REPORT

Cassie Fuller reported the Student Government Association (SGA) will be participating in the Special Olympics winter games and are discussing possible intramural activities including dodge-ball, bowling, and homerun derby.  The book buy-back donation to the United Way was $350.00.  SGA is promoting book buy-back by conducting a raffle for a Nintendo DS.  Students who sell back a book will receive one chance per book to win.  Spring projects will include Habitat for Humanities and the PADS shelter and plans are underway to organize an activity that involves a mentalist and hypnotist.  Cassie along with six other SGA members attended the IBHE/SAC meeting at DeVry.  Issues discussed were the nurse educator fellowship awards, decline in the trend of males in higher education, dual credit program, and graduation attendance.  Liz Kunkel, former IVCC student trustee was named the vice chair of the IBHE/SAC.

Dr. Scroggs reported on the Board Planning Committee meeting held prior to the Board meeting.  The committee heard a report on the environmental scanning process from Jamie Gahm and Rosie Lynch and the role that it plays in the overall strategic planning process.  The committee received a draft report of the trends and if other Board members are interested, copies will be sent to them.  A presentation to the whole Board will be made later on in the process.  Dr. Corcoran will keep the Board apprised of the process.  Dr. Scroggs drafted a board self-assessment document by comparing evaluation criteria categories from the ACCT Guide to Self-Assessment, the IVCC Presidential Evaluation Form and the GGTS, LLP Bulletin on Public Relations and Development for Higher Education Institutions.  The document is quite long and Dr. Scroggs would like the Board members to review it, delete items that are redundant, and return comments and suggestions to her by January 15, 2009.  Next steps are for the Board to assess their performance and establish Board goals that align with the strategic planning process and the president’s goals.  A copy of the president’s evaluation was distributed with revisions that were agreed upon at the last Board retreat.  Dr. Scroggs would like to start the evaluation process in February or March so that the president’s evaluation can be completed in April.

TAX LEVY

It was moved by Mr. Thompson and seconded by Mrs. Sweeden to adopt the Tax Levy Resolution, Certificate of Tax Levy, Resolution of Intent, and Notice of Intent to Increase Tax Levy, and Certificate of Compliance with the Truth in Taxation Act, as presented.  It was noted for the past seven years, IVCC’s tax rate has been reduced.  While the tax levy is higher than the previous year’s tax extension, the tax rate is again expected to be slightly less than that of the previous year. Motion passed by voice vote.

REQUEST FOR BOARD APPROVAL ON RELOCATION OF AT&T CABLE

It was moved by Mr. Thompson and seconded by Mrs. Endress to approve the payment of $9,363.57 to AT&T for the relocation of a cable for the new truck driver training facility.  Motion passed by voice vote.

FACULTY APPOINTMENT – BONNIE L. CAMPBELL, NURSING INSTRUCTOR

It was moved by Mrs. Endress and seconded by Mrs. Sweeden to approve the appointment of Bonnie L. Campbell as the Nursing Instructor assigned to the Division of Health Professions, with placement on the salary schedule at Step D-8 $48,567 as per the 2008-2009 contract agreement.  Motion passed by voice vote.

FACULTY APPOINTMENT – MATTHEW D. MOYES, EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES INSTRUCTOR AND PROGRAM COORDINATOR

It was moved by Mr. Mallery and seconded by Mrs. Endress to approve the appointment of Matthew D. Moyes as Emergency Medical Services Instructor and Program Coordinator in the Division of Health Professions, with placement on the salary schedule at Step A-8, $42,941 as per the 2008-2009 contract agreement.  Motion passed by voice vote.

SCHEDULE OF REGULAR MEETING DATES AND TIMES

It was moved by Mr. Thompson and seconded by Dr. Scroggs to approve the following dates for 2009 and will provide public notice of this schedule.  All meetings will take place at 7 p.m. in Room C307, the Board Room, on the campus of Illinois Valley Community College, 815 North Orlando Smith Avenue, Oglesby, Illinois.  Motion passed by voice vote.

            Wednesday, January 28, 2009                        Wednesday, July 22, 2009

            Wednesday, February 25, 2009                      Wednesday, August 26, 2009

            Wednesday, March 25, 2009                          Wednesday, September 23, 2009

            Wednesday, April 22, 2009                            Wednesday, October 28, 2009

            Wednesday, May 27, 2009                             Wednesday, November 18, 2009

            Wednesday, June 24, 2009                             Wednesday, December 16, 2009

The Board recessed at 7:45 p.m.  The Board entered closed session at 7:55 p.m.  On a motion by Mr. Thompson, seconded by Dr. Scroggs and carried unanimously, the regular meeting resumed at 8:44 p.m.

STAFF APPOINTMENT – VICE PRESIDENT FOR BUSINESS SERVICES & FINANCE

It was moved by Mr. Mallery and seconded by Mrs. Sweeden to appoint Ms. Cheryl Roelfsema as Vice President for Business Services and Finance at an annual salary of $95,000.  Motion passed by voice vote.  Cheryl thanked the Board for their confidence in her.  She stated she was proud to be associated with such a fine institution for the last nine years and she is looking forward to taking on a greater role in the operations of the College.

STAFF RESIGNATION – VALERY A. CALVETTI, DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY RELATIONS AND MARKETING

It was moved by Mrs. Endress and seconded by Dr. Scroggs to accept with regret the resignation of Valery A. Calvetti, Director of Community Relations and Marketing in order to accept the position of Counselor, Project Success effective January 21, 2009.  Motion passed by voice vote.  Mrs. Endress thanked Valery for all that she has done.  She always put the college in a good light and it was appreciated.

CLOSED SESSION MINUTES

It was moved by Mr. Thompson and seconded by Dr. Scroggs to approve and retain the closed session minutes of the November 19, 2008 Board meeting.  Motion passed by voice vote.

ADJOURNMENT

It was moved by Mr. Thompson, seconded by Dr. Scroggs, and carried unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 8:48 p.m.  Motion passed by voice vote.