February 25, 2010 Minutes of Regular Board Meeting

The Board of Trustees of Illinois Valley Community College District No. 513 convened a regular session at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, February 25, 2010 in the Board Room (C307) at Illinois Valley Community College.

Members Physically Present

Dennis N. Thompson, Chair
Thomas C. Setchell, Vice Chair
David O. Mallery, Secretary
Michael C. Driscoll       
Leslie-Anne Englehaupt
Larry D. Huffman
Melissa M. Olivero
Cheyanne Smith, Student Trustee

Members Absent

Others Physically Present

Jerry Corcoran, President
Cheryl Roelfsema, Vice President for Business Services and Finance
Rick Pearce, Vice President for Learning and Student Development
Walt Zukowski, Attorney

MOMENT OF SILENCE

Dr. Corcoran led a moment of silence for Dorothy Strack, mother-in-law of Dr. Larry Huffman; Helen Johnson, mother-in-law of Mr. Dennis Thompson; and Ray Brolley, IVCC faculty member for over 20 years.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

It was moved by Dr. Driscoll and seconded by Dr. Huffman to approve the agenda, as presented. Dr. Corcoran asked that Information Item 21.3 be replaced with a revised sheet. Motion passed by voice vote.

CAMPUS UPDATE – BUDGET TO ACTUAL COMPARISONS

C. Roelfsema reported IVCC has three major sources of revenue – local tax revenues (36 percent), state funding (11 percent), and tuition and fees (22 percent).  In FY2010, the Illinois Community College Board directed IVCC to classify Corporate Personal Property Replacement Tax (CPPRT) as local revenue rather than state revenue.  This reclassification lowered the percentage of revenue even more from the State of Illinois.  The LaSalle County Board of Review met on February 22 to hear Exelon Generation Co. LLC’s real estate assessment complaint.  The LaSalle County Assessor set the EAV of the plant at $501,000,000.  An EAV of $325,000,000 was used for the budget.  Collections for the CPPRT have decreased significantly due to the slow economy and the projected shortfall will be over $300,000.  The equalization grant was reduced by $300,000, but the CTE Formula Grant was increased based on high enrollments in the career and technical education courses.  The Department of Correction revenues and expenditures are lower because fewer programs are being offered.  Although IVCC was only expected to receive two of the four quarter payments, the third quarter payment was received last week.  State funding for FY2011 is expected to decrease by two percent. 

CONSENT AGENDA

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

The following items were approved in the consent agenda:

Approval of Minutes – January 28, 2010 Board Meeting

Approval of the Bills - $2,013,345.35

Education Fund - $742,371.85; Operations and Maintenance Fund - $91,204.95; Operations and Maintenance (Restricted Fund) - $594,353.72; Auxiliary Fund - $429,072.07; Restricted Fund - $146,995.45; Liability, Protection and Settlement Fund - $9,347.31.

Treasurer’s Report

Personnel

Approved the stipends for the pay periods ending January 16, 2010 and January 30, 2010.

Bid Results – Biology Lab Remodel-Building A

Accepted the bid from Vissering Construction – Streator, IL in the amount of $526,000 for the Biology Lab Remodel – Building A.

Purchase Request – Biology Laboratory Casework

Approved the purchase of Fisher-Hamilton laboratory casework in the amount of $307,804.00 from Thermo-Fisher Scientific using the Educational & Institutional Cooperative Purchasing Service, Inc.

Bid Request – Ottawa Center Audio-Visual Equipment

Approved to seek bids for audio-visual equipment at an estimated cost of $53,000.

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

Dr. Corcoran thanked representatives from the board, faculty, and administration honoring four valued members of the faculty being recommended for tenure at the recognition dinner that preceded the Board meeting.  The awarding of tenure is a very serious matter and often one of the highlights in a new faculty member’s career. Dr. Corcoran noted all the changes that have occurred in the past several years and at the same time the enrollments have grown to all-time highs.  The College will continue to make all kinds of wonderful improvements, but the College is known for the quality of its faculty.  Dr. Corcoran is very proud of the faculty and that includes the four being recommended for tenure – Bonnie Campbell, Christine Dove, Julie Hogue, and Betsy Klopcic.  They have worked hard to position themselves for this appointment and he is looking forward to each of them doing their very best to carry on the excellent reputation of the faculty for many years to come.  Dr. Corcoran thanked Cory Tomasson and the IVCC Student Government Association for meeting with the president’s council to report on progress being made on achieving SGA goals, to allow the administration to discuss the college’s budget and matters pertaining to the financial forecast, and to talk about the challenges the administration is facing with facility improvements.  He has been pleased with the leadership shown by officers of SGA which includes Cheyanne Smith, Tiffany Bruch, Kyle Wineinger, Kati Tunget, Jake Sonnenberg, Eric Kurkowski, Brad Cockrel, Caitlin Rinker, Katie Brodzik, Christina Derango, and Eman Said.

The goals of SGA include more student involvement in activities on campus; sharing positive study tips; supporting the underprivileged; making more people aware of financial aid; supporting the Special Olympics; raising money for the organization called Pennies for Peace (which helps build schools and libraries in war-torn countries in the Middle East); raising money for the March of Dimes; coordinating intramural flag football; and creating entertainment events for youth in the community.  The SGA, Cory Tomasson and Tracy Morris, are working together on increasing the number of students that participate in the IVCC commencement program. Dr. John Peters, president of NIU, has agreed to deliver this year’s commencement address, so the administration wants to ensure an excellent turnout for this very special event on May 21^st.

Dr. Corcoran congratulated NIU and others in DeKalb County for receiving an $11.9 million broadband infrastructure grant for the DeKalb Advancement of Technology Authority Broadband project. This project will enable the deployment of a 130-mile fiber network across DeKalb County and northern LaSalle County providing high-speed Internet connections to at least 60 anchor institutions like schools, hospitals, libraries, public safety entities, and a number of government agencies. At the IVCC Audit/Finance Committee meeting held on February 12^th, Reed Wilson presented the LaSalle County Broadband Initiative. Reed and a team from the North Central Council of Governments are working on a $21 million project which will mirror the DeKalb County/NIU project. The top two NIU employees that coordinated their proposal are working on the LaSalle County project.  Included in the Board’s packet was a letter of support from the administration for the LaSalle County project and in order to have a solid chance at getting the project funded a 30 percent match is needed. Reed Wilson is coordinating that effort and will discuss how IVCC would benefit by having this project funded and IVCC’s share of the matching funds.

IVCC has been asked to participate in the Validity Study of College and Career Readiness Standards of the Common Core State Standards Initiative. The study is designed to collect information on entry-level postsecondary courses to determine if the College and Career Readiness Standards, soon to be adopted in Illinois, represent the knowledge and skills necessary for postsecondary readiness. Professor Amanda Bigelow has been selected to work with the project to examine U.S. government courses.

VITA is an acronym that stands for the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program coordinated by the United Way of Ottawa.  The program provides income tax preparation assistance primarily to low-income elderly in the IVCC district.  Rick Shields, an IVCC part-time accounting instructor, and many of his students have been working to provide tax return filing assistance to local residents which has helped capture $35,000 in federal tax refunds and $2,700 in state tax refunds, while saving participants in the program $6,400 in preparer fees.

Last Saturday, IVCC's Math Department hosted the annual Illinois Council of Teachers of Mathematics Region 7 High School Math Contest.  Students from nine high schools competed in written and oral exams, calculator competitions, and team competitions.

On March 3rd, the Mathematics Department will host its annual meeting with high school math teachers, Let's Talk About Math.  The topics of the meeting will be The Culture of Math Phobia.

Tomorrow IVCC's English Department will host its annual writing competition for area high schools.  Students will participate in writing and journalism competitions.  The annual meeting between IVCC English faculty and high school English teachers will also take place.

Seventeen new students have been accepted into IVCC's Honors Program and are currently enrolled in the Honors Orientation course.

Two hundred ninety two students (unduplicated) received assistance at the Writing Center during the fall semester and 87% of the students seeking help received a grade of C or better in the course for which they sought assistance.

Five hundred seventy seven students (unduplicated) received assistance at the Peer Tutoring Center during the fall semester and 83% of the students seeking help received a grade of C or better in the subject in which they were tutored; 65% received an A or B.

IVCC received notification that it has been chartered with the Future Educators Association. The FEA is a professional organization that provides students interested in education-related careers with activities and materials that help them explore the teaching profession in a variety of ways. Dr. Corcoran congratulated Jill Urban-Bollis and the IVCC students who took the initiative to launch the local FEA chapter.

IVCC librarian Frances Whaley is one of 30 Illinois librarians selected to participate in Synergy: The Illinois Library Leadership Initiative, a yearlong program designed to develop future leaders in the library professions and in the Illinois community. The Illinois State Library and the Illinois Library Association sponsor the program.

Dr. Manuel Gomez was recently elected President of the Illinois Valley Hispanic Partnership Council.

The Continuing Education Center staff recently assisted Dr. Lori Scroggs in facilitating a Streator Chamber of Commerce Strategic Planning Session.

Fran Brolley, Kim Stahly, and David Dodge were recognized for the great job they did on this year’s edition of Career Focus.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Melissa Olivero reported on the Audit/Finance Committee meeting held on February 12, 2010.  A Financial Forecast for FY 2011-2015 was presented.  The administration recommended an increase in tuition from $62.50 to $68.36 per credit hour.  The Illinois Community College Board advised IVCC to raise tuition by $5.86 in order to qualify for equalization.  The Student Government Association supported the increase along with a $.14 increase in the universal fee from $7.25 to $7.39.  Over the past 15 years, the student activity portion of the universal fees has only increased by a total of 25 cents, but the number of student organizations has nearly doubled.  The Committee also reviewed the recommendation to adjust 182 course fees and increase the Truck Driver Training tuition by $193 from $3,207 to $3,400.   The Committee discussed the financing of the Community Technology Center.  IVCC’s match is $7,614,900.  The balance in the Building Reserve fund is $3,946,170, which leaves a balance of $3,668,750 needed for the match.  If the administration continues to transfer $400,000 annually over the time of the project, this would amount to another $1.2 million, leaving $2,468,750 needed for the match.  Options discussed included: 1) issuing debt certificates, 2) issuing bonds, 3) pledging a revenue stream, 4) proposing a building fee as part of the universal fee, and keeping the tax rate level.  Discussion will begin to take place on these options before September 1. 

Reed Wilson reported on the Broadband Grant Application at the Audit/Finance Committee meeting and was also available to discuss it at the Board meeting.  He reported that a total of $7.2 million in federal funding was provided by Congress to bring broadband access to the under-served and un-served portions of the nation.  LaSalle County is designated as under-served in terms of broadband access.  The LaSalle County Broadband Initiative grant led by the North Central Illinois Council of Governments and the City of Ottawa with strong support from IVCC and many other partners will be filed by the deadline date of March 15, 2010.  The application involves a 20 to 30 percent non-federal match.  With a projected budget of $21,323,882 covering 184 miles of fiber, a required match is in the range of $4.3 to $6.4 million.  The higher the amount of provided match, the more competitive the grant application will be.  A non-federal matching grant application from the State of Illinois has been filed, but the results will not be released until March 10.  Commitments have been received covering nearly $1.5 million of in-kind contributions.  Mr. Wilson is currently in the process of seeking contribution pledges from all of its potential partners.  Cash pledges are non-binding.  A study submitted by Harold Barnes projected an annual savings of $30,000 should broadband access be installed.  Based on a standard payback period of seven years, Mr. Wilson indicated an appropriate cash contribution for IVCC would be $210,000 to be paid over the course of two budget years.  Mr. Wilson reported on additional benefits, such as connecting with Northern Illinois University, linking to almost all the schools in LaSalle County, and also in the future connecting to adjoining counties.  Some Board members were concerned with all the other financial obligations IVCC has:  1) the match for the Community Technology Center, 2) the status of the Early Childhood Center, and 3) the additional cost of the Massage Therapy relocation.  Others suggested using technology dollars or TIF revenues as funding sources.  Mr. Wilson will know more by March 11 as to which partners will pledge and how much.  It was the consensus of the Board to write a letter of support with no pledge at this time.

Dennis Thompson reported on the Board Facilities Committee meeting held on February 12, 2010.  The soil borings did not reveal a heavy layer of saturated water.  The clay soil needs to be kept dry during construction.  The Midwest Testing report revealed no issues associated with placing the proposed Community Technology Center where it is planned.  A maintenance program is being developed to clean the drainage pipes, protect erosion, and inspect the slopes semiannually.  The McClure Engineering survey on slope stabilization revealed very little movement of the pins on the hillside.  The geology department was directed to purchase equipment to survey the changes and maintain the hillside.  This is still under pursuit.  The geothermal borings have been completed and installing a geothermal heating and cooling system appears to be viable.  The wells will be in the field across the road from the softball field.  The Community Technology Center (CTC) construction schedule was reviewed.  Massage Therapy will be relocated to the upper gym which will provide better public access.  The schematic design of the CTC was discussed with more options being presented later in the meeting.  Dr. Pamela Dugan, registered professional geologist, reviewed all of the studies and surveys completed on the slopes and she has concluded that the location will support the proposed CTC building.

Dr. Larry Huffman reported on a meeting held to discuss the future of the Early Childhood Education Center.  The time frame for the demolition of the current location has been moved from December 2013 to January 2012.  The committee needs more time to receive answers on questions that relate to what the ECE should be and to meet with prospective agencies who might want to be partners.  The committee is setting up a time to visit the Valeska Hinton Early Childhood Education Center in Peoria.

Ms. Cheyanne Smith reported Eman Said is a new member of the Student Government Association.  At the February 18 basketball game, the SGA raised $210 for Ballin’ for Babies for the March of Dimes. Another fundraiser was held which raised $200 for Pennies for Peace.  The Student Government Association sponsored a performance by a mentalist and hypnosis expert.  The Edible Car Contest was won by Eman Said’s team.

FACULTY TENURE RECOMMENDATION – BONNIE L. CAMPBELL

It was moved by Ms. Englehaupt and seconded by Ms. Olivero to approve tenure for Bonnie L. Campbell, Nursing Instructor.  Motion approved by voice vote.

FACULTY TENURE RECOMMENDATION – CHRISTINE E. DOVE

It was moved by Dr. Driscoll and seconded by Dr. Huffman to approve tenure for Christine E. Dove, Sociology Instructor.  Motion approved by voice vote.

FACULTY TENURE RECOMMENDATION – JULIE A. HOGUE

It was moved by Ms. Englehaupt and seconded by Ms. Smith to approve tenure for Julie A. Hogue, Nursing Instructor.  Motion approved by voice vote.

FACULTY TENURE RECOMMENDATION – ELIZABETH A. KLOPCIC

It was moved by Mr. Mallery and seconded by Dr. Huffman to approve tenure for Elizabeth A. Klopcic, Psychology Instructor.  Motion passed by voice vote.

SCHEMATIC DESIGN AND BUDGET ADJUSTMENTS

Architects, Dominick Demonica and Paul Basalay, reviewed the schematic design and noted changes made after meeting with different groups on campus and discussing the changes at the Facilities Committee meeting.  A cost breakdown of the construction was reviewed.  The current estimated cost is over budget by $347,904. 

It was moved by Mr. Setchell and seconded by Ms. Smith to approve the following adjustments to the Community Technology Center budget:

1. Replacing the fire alarm panels at the same time as relocating the security office would result in $100,000 savings.
2. Replace the elevator in Building B to the alternate bid no. 1.

Motion passed by voice vote. 

It was moved by Dr. Huffman and seconded by Mr. Mallery to approve the schematic design for the CTC and authorize the architects to proceed to the design phase.  Motion passed by voice vote.  The Board was in unanimous agreement with the design of the CTC (rooflines – swooping on both the west and east sides with stone on the student services area only)

RESOLUTIONS DESIGNATING THE FISCAL YEAR AND A PERSON TO PREPARE THE TENTATIVE BUDGET

It was moved by Ms. Englehaupt and seconded by Ms. Olivero to adopt the resolution designating the fiscal year be from July 1, 2010 to June 30, 2011, adopt the resolution designating Dr. Jerry Corcoran as the District’s officer appointed to prepare the tentative budget, and approve the budget calendar as presented.  Motion passed by voice vote.

TUITION AND UNIVERSAL FEE RATE ADJUSTMENT

It was moved by Mr. Setchell and seconded by Ms. Englehaupt to increase tuition by $5.86, from $62.50 to $68.36 per credit hour beginning with the summer 2010 semester and increase the universal fee rate by $.14, from $7.25 to $7.39 beginning with the summer 2010 semester.  Motion passed by voice vote.  Mr. Setchell noted the 85 percent rule (community colleges’ tuition must be 85 percent of the average state tuition to qualify for equalization) forces community colleges to raise tuition.  He would like to see the Illinois Community College Trustees Association work on changing this rule.  Dr. Huffman noted this is a large increase, but colleges the same size as IVCC are discussing raises of $12 to $15 per credit hour.  Mr. Mallery would like the variable rate tuition approach to be enacted at IVCC.  The administration did not have time to look into this approach this fiscal year, but will be considered for next year. 

COURSE FEES ADJUSTMENTS

It was moved by Mr. Setchell and seconded by Ms. Olivero to approve adding fees for four new courses, increasing fees for 101 courses, and reducing fees for 77 courses, as presented.  Motion passed by voice vote.

TRUCK DRIVER TRAINING TUITION ADJUSTMENT

It was moved by Dr. Driscoll and seconded by Mr. Setchell to approve increasing the Truck Driver Training Program tuition by $193, from $3,207 to $3,400 per student, beginning with the summer 2010 semester.  Motion passed by voice vote.

It was moved by Mr. Setchell and seconded by Dr. Huffman to transfer $20,000 within Fund 06 (Restricted Purposes Fund) from the ICCB Workforce Development Grant to the Small Business Development Center and transfer $5,000 within Fund 06 (Restricted Purposes Fund) from the Illinois Manufacturing Extension Center to the Small Business Development Center.  Motion passed by voice vote.

TRUSTEE COMMENT

None.

CLOSED SESSION

It was moved by Ms. Olivero and seconded by Dr. Huffman to convene a closed session to discuss 1) the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees of the public body and 2) closed session minutes.  Motion passed by voice vote.

The Board recessed at 9:24 p.m.  The Board entered closed session at 9:30 p.m. 

On a motion by Dr. Huffman, seconded by Ms. Smith, and carried unanimously, the regular meeting resumed at 10:40 p.m.

CLOSED SESSION MINUTES

It was moved by Ms. Englehaupt and seconded by Ms. Smith to approve and retain the closed session minutes of the January 28, 2010 meeting.  Motion passed by voice vote.

ADJOURNMENT

It was moved by Dr. Driscoll, seconded by Ms. Olivero, and carried unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 10:41 p.m.  Motion passed by voice vote.