August 20, 2013 Minutes of Regular Meeting

The Board of Trustees of Illinois Valley Community College District No. 513 convened a regular session at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, August 20, 2013 in the Board Room (C307) at Illinois Valley Community College.

PUBLIC HEARING

This being the time and place published for a Public Hearing regarding the FY2014 Budget, Board Chair, Melissa Olivero, called for questions and/or comments from the audience.  Since there were no questions and/or comments, Ms. Olivero called for a motion to close the Public Hearing.  It was moved by Dr. Driscoll and seconded by Ms. Bonucci to close the Public Hearing.  Motion passed by voice vote.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

It was moved by Dr. Huffman and seconded by Ms. Goetz to approve the agenda, as presented. Motion passed by voice vote.

PUBLIC COMMENT

None.

CAMPUS UPDATE – DEVELOPMENTAL EDUCATION (Marianne Dzik)

Dean Marianne Dzik presented an overview of developmental education at IVCC.  The purpose of developmental education is to give students the tools needed to succeed in college level classes.  These tools are not limited to closing subject knowledge gaps but also include college readiness skills, study skills, organizational skills, and personal management skills.  Developmental education is continually monitored and assessed by the Division of English, Mathematics, and Education.  With the assessment results, changes have been made or are being made to the delivery and content of courses.  Flipped classrooms, supplemental instruction, fast- track programs, curriculum adjustments, and tutoring involvement are now a part of developmental education.  Dr. Driscoll had questions on the breakdown of adults, high school graduates, and students with disabilities who are in developmental education.  He also wanted to know what percentage of students who start in developmental education and actually go on to college level courses.  Marianne did not have that information at the time, but will send it to Dr. Driscoll.

CONSENT AGENDA

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

The following items were approved in the consent agenda:

Approval of Minutes - July 16, 2013 Board Meeting

Approval of the Bills - $1,822,284.76

Education Fund - $1,103,626.77; Operations & Maintenance Fund - $102,621.05; Operations & Maintenance Fund (Restricted) - $231,511.68; Auxiliary Fund - $261,407.02; Restricted Fund - $86,832.45; Audit Fund - $9,000.00; and Liability, Protection and Settlement Fund - $27,285.79

Treasurer’s Report

Personnel

Approved the stipends for the pay periods ending June 29, 2013; July 13, 2013; and July 27, 2013.

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

Construction Update: All of the site work is wrapping up, planter curbs having been poured, new sidewalks are finished and the poles for lighting will be installed any day now.  Substantial completion and a walk-through review of architectural, technology and mechanical/electrical/plumbing punch list items will occur August 26 and 27. All of the East Campus work is progressing nicely as well with Phase 2 substantial completion still scheduled for October 22. Portions of Parking Lot No. 7 will be closed the next two weekends (August 31, September 1, September 7 and 8) for resealing and restriping.  New furniture should begin arriving in late September to be installed in October for the November 1^st grand opening. Dr. Corcoran reported everything is on-track and in great shape thanks to Cheryl Roelfsema and her colleagues. Dean Marianne Dzik advised Dr. Corcoran that Judy Mika presented at the 8th International Conference on Higher Education and Disabilities in Innsbruck, Austria on July 25.  "Climbing the Mountain of Success" was the title of her presentation. Dr. Corcoran congratulated Judy.  Also, Diane Christianson is a member of the Early Childhood Advisory Group which has been meeting this summer.  A number of ECE educators and representatives from State agencies are reviewing standards in Early Childhood Education content area, in math, science, special education, and the Common Core.  The July 23^rd LPN pinning ceremony was very well planned and executed thanks to the work of Dean Bonnie Campbell and her Nursing Program colleagues.  Last Friday’s new student convocation and picnic were a great success thanks to Tracy Morris, Cory Tomasson and the large group of faculty and staff who coordinated the day’s activities on behalf of the students.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Dr. Driscoll reported on the Planning Committee meeting held on Wednesday, August 7 at the Ottawa Center.  Items reviewed and discussed were the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), the Personal Assessment of the College Environment (PACE), Student Profile, and Board Policies.  Highlights from the IPEDS were IVCC continues to shine as far as the percentage of students completing degrees (approximately 10 percent above its peer group), continues to trend low in tuition, and work could be done in getting more financial aid for its students. PACE is a questionnaire completed by the faculty, administration, and staff.  There is a strong spirit of teamwork and the College is above the mean as far as the students being satisfied with their experience.  Areas for opportunities to improve included communication and professional development.  The Student Profile indicated an increase in persistence from fall to spring going up approximately two percent each year.  The number of transfer degree graduates has dropped.  The Committee also reviewed four Board Policies.  Mr. Mallery noted that enrollment information was provided on the Ottawa Center.  He would like the administration to find the measure the College used to develop the Ottawa Center and provide the Board with an update as to whether it reached the measure the administration had hoped for.  Mr. Mallery also noted there was dissatisfaction by the administration in the PACE survey.  The study was not statistically valid as there were 22 responses from the administration, but only 18 are in that group.  Communication was perceived as top down instead of bottom up.  This group is small and if a few were disgruntled, this could skew the results.  It was suggested the PACE survey would be a good topic for a Board Retreat.  There was a perception of less professional development.  The budget amount was reduced for professional development, but not less than what had been used in the previous year.  The administration has started directing more money towards professional development. 

Mr. Mallery reported on the Facilities Committee Meeting held on Monday, August 19.  The two Protection, Health, and Safety projects being recommended for Tax Year 2013 were 1) replace chiller and air handler unit in Building A and 2) replace audio system in the Cultural Centre.  Currently there are three speakers and two do not work.  This was a priority by the Operations Committee and the administration.  There was a concern regarding the amount ($691,700).  The architects are doing additional research for other options that are available.  Also discussed at the Facilities Committee Meeting was the RAMP report which requests additions and renovations to the fitness center and the library.  This project is number 39 on the capital waiting list.  Consideration was given to splitting the two projects.  A smaller project might be more palatable because of matching funds.  For right now it is just a place-holder.  The City of Oglesby agreement for an armed police officer was discussed.  The administration had looked into an agreement with the LaSalle County Sheriff’s department, but it was considerably more.  LaSalle County is willing to make more of a presence on the IVCC campus.  The committee supported the presence of an armed police officer on campus for 20 hours per week.  Considerable discussion centered on the conditions of the softball and baseball fields.  If the College wants to continue quality programs in these areas, it needs to focus on these areas.  The City of Oglesby will offer the Dickinson field for $3,250 a year.  Oglesby will maintain the field with their equipment.  The College will be committed to the Dickinson field until the College’s field can be restored.  Fundraising will be used to cover the cost of the Dickinson field.  This is a one-year fix.  Dugouts in the softball field are not suitable.  A plan could be to have volunteers work on the dugouts with a licensed contractor overseeing the project.  Also discussed at the Facilities Committee meeting was the stage extension in the Cultural Centre.  If the Board agrees to this project, it would need to done before the acoustical study of the sound system takes place.

FISCAL YEAR 2014 BUDGET

It was moved by Dr. Huffman and seconded by Mr. Solon to adopt the FY2014 Budget, as presented.

Roll Call Vote:  “Ayes” – Ms. Goetz, Dr. Huffman, Mr. Mallery, Mr. Solon, Ms. Bonucci, Dr. Driscoll, and Ms. Olivero,. “Nays” – None, motion carried.

INSURANCE RENEWALS

It was moved by Mr. Solon and seconded by Dr. Huffman to accept the recommendation of the insurance consultant to renew all coverage with the same carriers at $334,688.  It is the practice of the College to bid insurance every three years.  Everything will be rebid in 2015.  The reason for the large increase in the property premium is due to the addition of the Community Technology Center.  The insurance consultant reviewed the proposals and the Workers’ Compensation decreased with everything else being status quo.  It was noted by board members the next time the insurance is bid to find out what would be more economical, bidding for one year or multiple years.  Motion passed by voice vote with Mr. Mallery and Dr. Driscoll voting “nay.”

BID RESULTS – PROTECTION, HEALTH, AND SAFETY (PHS) PROJECTS

It was moved by Ms. Goetz and seconded by Dr. Huffman to accept the base bid from Vissering Construction Company – Streator, IL, in the amount of $45,990 for the PHS Project for cultural Centre Stage Upgrades (stage floor).  Motion passed by voice vote.

PROPOSAL RESULTS – DEGREE PLANNING/TRANSFER AND RETENTION SOFTWARE OR SOFTWARE AS A SERVICE

It was moved by Mr. Mallery and seconded by Ms. Goetz to accept the proposal from Starfish Retention Solutions in the amount of $7,200 for installation costs and a 36-month contract for the Degree Planning/Transfer and Retention Software or Software as a Service within the William and Dian Taylor Student Development Commons for a three-year total dollar amount of $98,850.  Dr. Morris explained that this software will benefit the students in the area of retention by allowing faculty to see when students are at risk.  Faculty can track their attendance and perform personal intervention.  Motion passed by voice vote.

PROTECTION, HEALTH, AND SAFETY PROJECT – BUILDING G WATER SYSTEM HEAT EXCHANGER REPLACEMENT

It was moved by Mr. Mallery and seconded by Dr. Huffman to approve the Building G Water System Heat Exchanger Replacement Protection, Health, and Safety project for a total cost of $157,000, and authorize submission of the resolution to the Illinois Community College Board.  The Request for Proposal will have the option of bidding for two base bids – one for a single tank and one for multiple tanks with the Board having the option to select one.  Motion passed by voice vote.