April 9, 2015 Minutes of Regular Meeting

The Board of Trustees of Illinois Valley Community College District No. 513 convened a regular session at 6 p.m. on Thursday, April 9, 2015 in the Board Room (C307) at Illinois Valley Community College.

Members Physically Present

Melissa M. Olivero, Chair
Michael C. Driscoll, Vice Chair
Larry D. Huffman, Secretary
Laurie A. Bonucci
David O. Mallery
Everett J. Solon
Amy M. Rogowski, Student Trustee

Members Absent

Jane Goetz

Others Physically Present

Jerry Corcoran, President
Cheryl Roelfsema, Vice President for Business Services and Finance
Deborah Anderson, Vice President for Academic Affairs
Mark Grzybowski, Associate Vice President for Student Services
Walt Zukowski, Attorney

The meeting was called to order by Ms. Olivero at 6 p.m.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

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

PUBLIC COMMENT

None.

RECOGNITION – AMY M. ROGOWSKI, STUDENT TRUSTEE

Ms. Olivero read a resolution and presented it to Amy Rogowski on behalf of the Board of Trustees to express their sincere appreciation that she has given generously of her time, energy, and talents in her responsibilities to the college as a student trustee.  Ms. Rogowski thanked the Board for the experience and the leadership opportunities that will enhance her education at ISU and in the future.

CAMPUS UPDATE – PROJECT SUCCESS

Chris Herman, Director of Project Success, provided an update on the achievements of a federal TRIO program.  Project Success provides services and programs designed to increase retention and graduation rates, increase the transfer rate of eligible students, and foster an institutional climate to support the success of low-income and first generation college students and individuals with disabilities.  Project Success serves 160 students per year and is funded through a five-year $1.4 million grant with the U.S. Department of Education. 

CONSENT AGENDA

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

The following items were approved in the consent agenda:

Approval of Minutes – March 12, 2015 Board Meeting

Approval of Bills - $868,487.97

Education Fund - $679,184.28; Operations & Maintenance Fund - $86,393.23; Auxiliary Fund - $59,167.53; Restricted Fund - $9,742.01; and Liability, Protection and Settlement Fund - $34,000.92

Treasurer’s Report

 

Personnel

Approved the stipends for the pay periods ending March 7, 2015 and March 21, 2015

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

Dr. Corcoran reported since last month’s board meeting, there have been two very important programs on campus which have highlighted workforce development in the district and Blouke Carus, chairman emeritus from Carus Corporation, has played a role in both of them. On March 23, Developing Local Talent was the topic and all major employers in the district were invited to hear about what major resources are available to Illinois Valley employers. The day’s activities included hearing from a number of speakers, two in particular - Lt. Governor Evelyn Sanguinetti and Dr. Laz Lopez, Governor Rauner’s new chair of the ICCB.  Eight days later, a workforce education strategic planning forum was held thanks to the work of the ICCB, and this time Mr. Carus played an important role in contributing to the discussion regarding what the Community College System and the College’s workforce partners can do by working together to address educational and training needs for the next five years.  The turnout and discussion for both programs was great.  Dr. Corcoran is delighted that everyone realizes the importance of IVCC always being the hub around which such planning must evolve. The opening ceremony for the Lincoln Exhibit took place on March 24 and Amanda Cook Fesperman and Frances Whaley were commended for a job very well done. The exhibit is scheduled to be on campus until early May and for those who have not seen it yet, Dr. Corcoran encouraged everyone to do so and asked everyone to thank Amanda and Frances for their excellent work in bringing the exhibit to campus for the benefit of the entire community. The response has been terrific. On Friday, March 27, the annual career expo was held on campus for the benefit of approximately 1,000 students. Dr. Corcoran thanked the Building Trades representatives, Starved Rock Associates for Vocational and Technical Education, and Danielle Stoddard and her team for their fine work. On Monday, April 6 Dr. Margie Francisco and Pam Mammano handled all of the planning for this year’s Alpha Delta Nu Nursing Honor Society induction ceremony.  Sixteen students were recognized for their outstanding academic work. The Nursing program graduates do very well thanks to the hard work and dedication of the faculty. The annual Student Academic Awards Banquet was held this past Tuesday where 127 students were recognized for academic excellence. Mark Grzybowski and his team, especially Linda Hawkins and Lisa Witalka, were commended for their fine work and Dr. Rebecca Donna delivered the keynote address.  Dr. Corcoran reminded the Board about the April 24 recognition event at Grand Bear Lodge with the presentation of awards beginning at 5:30 p.m. Jane Goetz has indicated that she will be there and other Board members were to let Jeanne Hayden know about their status.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Dr. Driscoll reported the Planning Committee met on Tuesday, March 31.  New and revised board policies were reviewed.   The full Board will no longer continue the custom and practice of two readings.  Board policies will be reviewed by the Committee with comments and then forwarded on with a recommendation to the full Board.  The Planning Committee received a copy of a revised Student Code of Conduct procedure due to events that arose this past year.  The IPEDS Report was discussed and significant items were identified.  Headcount has dropped and this is something that the College and the Board are trying to turn around.  The number of degrees and certificates awarded by IVCC has placed it in the top five.  The net price of attending IVCC decreased in 2013 and is calculated by the cost of grants subtracted from the tuition.  Matt Suerth presented fifteen points and Dr. Driscoll encouraged the Board to take a long look at the report because it tells where the College is going as an institution.  Updates on the Strategic Plan and the Higher Learning Commission activities were presented.  The ivcc.edu email was discussed.   All board members will have an ivcc.edu email address on the Board website.  They will have the option of receiving correspondence from that address or having it forwarded to an email of their choice.

Dr. Huffman reported the Audit/Finance Committee met on Tuesday, March 31.  The committee discussed the request for proposals for auditing services and the agreement with the City of Ottawa on the extension of a TIF district which are both in this month’s board book.  The Committee received an update on the five-year financial forecast based on estimates that are known today.

FACULTY RETIREMENT – STEVE NETT, BIOLOGY INSTRUCTOR

It was moved by Dr. Huffman and seconded by Mr. Solon to accept Steve Nett’s request for retirement effective May 31, 2015 and wish him a long, happy, and healthy retirement.  Motion passed by voice vote.

FACULTY RETIREMENT – DAVID BERGSIEKER, ART INSTRUCTOR

It was moved by Dr. Driscoll and seconded by Ms. Bonucci to accept David Bergsieker’s request for retirement effective May 31, 2015 and wish him a long, happy, and healthy retirement.  Motion passed by voice vote.

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

It was moved by Mr. Mallery and seconded by Dr. Huffman to accept the base bid from TSI Commercial Floor Covering – Champaign, IL in the amount of $41,105 for PHS Project – Cultural Centre Carpet Replacement.  Mr. Mallery asked if attic stock was included.  Scott noted it was not provided in the proposal, but he will look into it.  Motion passed by voice vote.

PURCHASE REQUEST – ADDITIONAL FIBER OPTIC CABLE INSTALLATION

It was moved by Ms. Bonucci and seconded by Dr. Driscoll to authorize the administration to contract with Seamless Cellular for the installation of larger fiber optic cables in the amount of $16,872.53.  Motion passed by voice vote.

PURCHASE REQUEST – WIRELESS (Wi-Fi) NETWORK EXPANSION

It was moved by Mr. Solon and seconded by Ms. Bonucci to authorize the administration to contract with Seamless Cellular for the installation of additional cabling and the mounting of Wi-Fi access points in the amount of $55,415.49.   It was also approved to purchase Wi-Fi access points and associated hardware and software from the Burwood Group for $104,424.02.  Motion passed by voice vote.

FY2016 BOARD BUDGET

It was moved by Dr. Huffman and seconded by Ms. Bonucci to approve the tentative FY2016 Board of Trustees Budget, as presented.  Motion passed by voice vote.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL RESULTS – AUDIT SERVICES

It was moved by Dr. Huffman and seconded by Dr. Driscoll to accept the proposal of Wipfli, LLP for audit services.  Motion passed by voice vote.

INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT WITH THE CITY OF OTTAWA

It was moved by Mr. Solon and seconded by Ms. Bonucci to approve the intergovernmental agreement with the City of Ottawa, as presented.  The original agreement did not provide for tax loss.  With this agreement, IVCC will receive approximately 75 percent of any lost property tax revenues due to the extension.  Motion passed by voice vote.

BOARD POLICIES

It was moved by Dr. Driscoll and seconded by Ms. Bonucci to approve Board Policies – Animals/Pets on Campus, Parking and Traffic Control, Concealed Carry and Weapons, Medical Cannabis, Return to Work of SURS Annuitant, and Smoking/Tobacco Use, as presented.  Motion passed by voice vote.

TRUSTEE COMMENT

Amy Rogowski reported the SGA recently approved the creation of a Chess Club and an Automotive Club.  Amy attended the Midwest Regional Human Services Conference in Iowa and IVCC hosted a workshop.  Many students learned from the workshop and plan to take it back to their schools and present it to their Human Services organization.  For the Day of Service for the outreach committee with ICCB and ISAC, a Dr. Seuss reading night was held on campus.  It was a huge success and a great job by the TEACH and Chem clubs and SGA members.

Melissa Olivero encouraged everyone to attend the IVCC Foundation ’70s night or the “Scifest” event at IVCC with a demonstration by Dr. Matt Johll.

CLOSED SESSION

It was moved by Dr. Driscoll and seconded by Dr. Huffman to convene a closed session at 6:45 p.m. to discuss 1) the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees of the public body; 2) collective negotiations; 3) pending/imminent litigation; 4) hearing testimony on a complaint lodged against an employee;  and 5) closed session minutes.  Motion passed by voice vote.

After a short break, the Board entered closed session at 6:55 p.m.  On a motion by Dr. Driscoll and seconded by Ms. Bonucci, the regular meeting resumed at 9:28 p.m.  Motion passed by voice vote.

PUTNAM COUNTY/MARQUIS ENERGY, LLC

It was moved by Ms. Bonucci and seconded by Dr. Driscoll to confirm dismissal of Putnam County, Illinois Circuit Court Case Number 11-MR-4 subject to satisfactory resolution on all outstanding issues. 

Student Advisory Vote:  “Aye” – Ms. Rogowski.  Roll Call Vote:  “Ayes” – Mr. Mallery, Dr. Driscoll, Mr. Solon, Ms. Bonucci, Dr. Huffman, and Ms. Olivero.  “Naye” – None.  Motion carried.

It was moved by Mr. Solon and seconded by Ms. Bonucci to confirm withdrawal of Illinois Property Tax Appeal Board appeals concerning Marquis Energy, LLC.

Student Advisory Vote:  “Aye” – Ms. Rogowski.  Roll Call Vote:  “Ayes” – Mr. Mallery, Dr. Driscoll, Mr. Solon, Ms. Bonucci, Dr. Huffman, and Ms. Olivero.  “Naye” – None.  Motion carried.

It was moved by Dr. Driscoll and seconded by Mr. Solon to confirm withdrawal as intervenor in Illinois Property Tax Appeal Board appeals concerning Marquis Energy, LLC.

Student Advisory Vote:  “Aye” – Ms. Rogowski.  Roll Call Vote:  “Ayes” – Mr. Mallery, Dr. Driscoll, Mr. Solon, Ms. Bonucci, Dr. Huffman, and Ms. Olivero.  “Naye” – None.  Motion carried.

Melissa Olivero read the following statement:

“In 2011 IVCC made the decision to attempt to correct a perceived ambiguity regarding a June 2006 enterprise zone agreement. This was the College’s first attempt to engage in an Enterprise Zone.  At the time, the College made it as clear as they thought it could that IVCC would only abate taxes for property developments in the Bureau/Putnam Area Enterprise Zone that began construction after July 1, 2007. Construction of the Marquis Energy ethanol plant was underway by then and would have been ineligible for the abatement according to the College’s thinking.

After trying for more than six months to resolve the dispute amicably, the college was left with no choice but to go to court to correct the situation. There was a mistake and the college tried to get it corrected.