February 12, 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, February, 2015 in the Board Room (C307) at Illinois Valley Community College.

Members Physically Present

Melissa M. Olivero, Chair (entered the meeting at 6:16 p.m.)
Michael C. Driscoll, Vice Chair
Larry D. Huffman, Secretary
Laurie A. Bonucci
Jane E. Goetz
David O. Mallery
Everett J. Solon
Amy M. Rogowski, Student Trustee

Members Absent

Others Physically Present

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

In the absence of Melissa Olivero, Dr. Driscoll called the meeting to order.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

Mr. Mallery requested to amend the agenda by moving Action Item 14. – Staff Appointment of Mr. Mark J. Grzybowski, Associate Vice President for Student Services after closed session.  It was moved by Mr. Solon and seconded by Dr. Huffman to approve the amended agenda, as requested.  Motion passed by voice vote with Dr. Huffman voting “naye.”

PUBLIC COMMENT

None.

CONSENT AGENDA

It was moved by Mr. Mallery 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 – January 15, 2015 Board Meeting; January 26, 2015 Facilities Committee Meeting, and January 27, 2015 Audit/Finance Committee Meeting

Approval of Bills - $1,452,209.49

Education Fund - $1,041,062.88; Operations & Maintenance Fund - $93,679.91; Operations & Maintenance (Restricted Fund) - $16,704.00; Auxiliary Fund - $215,316.29; Restricted Fund - $48,963.95; and Liability, Protection and Settlement Fund - $36,482.46

Treasurer’s Report

Personnel

Approved the stipends for the pay periods ending December 13, 2014; December 27, 2014; January 10, 2015; and January 24, 2015

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

On January 29, Dr. Corcoran received an email from Bonnie Campbell, dean of health professions and director of nursing, which began with the statement, “I’m doing the big happy dance because our site visit team is recommending full, eight-year accreditation status with no reporting.” What she was referring to was the very good news that the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing had just wrapped up 2.5 days on campus after reviewing the 340-page self-study report and interviewing faculty and staff which concluded that Nursing at IVCC—our flagship program, is in very good “health.”  It was then very fitting that a few days later, February 4 to be exact, Bonnie informed Dr. Corcoran the RN and LPN NCLEX pass rates for 2014 are 96 percent each, which compares very favorably to the national average of 82 percent and state average of 84 percent. All in all, it was a big week for Bonnie and the Nursing faculty.  Dr. Corcoran congratulated them on a job very well done. On February 3, Dr. Anderson and Dr. Corcoran visited with three members of the interim board of directors for the Economic Development Corporation of North Central Illinois. They were given a tour of the area now occupied by the Small Business Development Center which is much larger than what is needed for SBDC purposes; thus, the College would support a partnership with this group that would include their renting 443 square feet at an annual cost of $14 per square foot, i.e., $6,202/year. The space would include three offices, utilities, telephone and security. As the board will recall from past correspondence, the EDCNCI is a not-for-profit agency that has been established to conduct programs of development and improvement of trade, commerce, and industry in Bureau, LaSalle and Putnam Counties. There is no action being recommended tonight. Dr. Corcoran’s purpose in bringing this matter up is simply to make everyone aware of these discussions and receive any feedback anyone might offer if the agency decides there is enough momentum underway for having the program up and going on the campus for a June 1, 2015 start. And finally, on January 30, Glenna Jones and Paula Hallock announced this year’s group of nominees for the Stephen A. Charry Memorial Award for Teaching Excellence: the nominees were Steve Alvin, Sue Caley-Opsal, Dr. Rebecca Donna, Keith King, Betsy Klopcic, Steve Nett, Adam Oldaker, and Kimberly Radek. The votes are in and Dr. Deborah Anderson, vice president for academic affairs made the announcement. Dr. Rebecca Donna is the recipient of the 2015 Stephen A. Charry Memorial Award for Teaching Excellence.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Mr. Mallery reported the Facilities Committee met on January 26, 2015 with the Oglesby, LaSalle, and Peru Police Chiefs and LaSalle Fire Chief to discuss the location of a Regional Dispatch Center.  Mr. Doug Bernabei, Peru Police Chief, gave a summary of the meeting with the Facilities Committee.  Currently, the cities of LaSalle, Peru, and Oglesby operate their own independent 911 dispatch centers.  In recent years the centers have been faced with major technology upgrades and are being mandated to migrate to “next generation” 911, which is extremely expensive.  Dispatch centers across the state are being encouraged to consolidate when practical and appropriate.  The three communities came together and an Illinois Valley Regional Dispatch Center (IVRD) Planning Board was formed with LaSalle, Peru, Oglesby police chiefs, fire chiefs, mayors, and Joe Hogan, Don Aleksy, and Oglesby Commissioner Tom Porter as members.  Consolidation would provide a more affordable service and a better public safety service.  IVRD met with a 911 outside consulting firm and the recommendation was to pursue a regional dispatch center.  The local police departments are not big enough or new enough to handle a dispatch center.  The IVRD board lobbied for funds from the state and was awarded a $1.5 million grant to construct a regional dispatch center.  With the change in governor, the IVRD board has been assured that it is a public safety grant and the money should still be there.  The board started looking for a location and the IVCC campus and grounds seemed to be ideal.  The IVRD board met with the Facilities Committee and asked for IVCC to partner with them. Mr. Bernabei formally asked the IVCC Board to enter into a partnership and continue working together to make this a reality.  He believes that this will not only be for LaSalle, Peru, and Oglesby but wide spread across the IVCC district.  He has received inquiries from other communities.  He asked the IVCC Board for available land to proceed with the construction of a new Regional Dispatch Center.  The construction project would bring water and sewer to the site and then this would be accessible to IVCC.  The site that is being considered is on the south side of the campus where the barn is located.  The IVRD has toured other facilities to see what space would be needed and it was determined a free-standing building, approximately 5,000 square feet, would house the Regional Dispatch Center.  Along with an operations room/dispatch room, office space, break room, restrooms, public lobby, classroom facility, technology-based control room, and a sally port garage space, there will be a prisoner booking room and prisoner holding room until the prisoner can be transferred to a jail.   Mr. Bernabei reassured the Board that this will not be a jail, just a holding room until the prisoner can be transferred to a jail.  The state is currently considering legislation to increase the requirements to be a tele-communicator.  This could potentially lead to the College offering classes for tele-communicators.  A map of the campus was distributed with how the building would fit into the Master Plan.  A child care center has a place holder around that area.  Diane Christianson provided information that it is unlawful for a child sex offender to knowingly reside within 500 feet of a playground, child care institution, day care center, part-day child care facility, day care home, group day care home, or a facility providing programs or services exclusively directed toward persons under 18 years of age.  Mr. Mallery would welcome all stakeholders of the College to address their concerns.  Mr. Bernabei would like a commitment from the College in 30 days.  He realizes it would not be a final commitment.

Mr. Mallery noted that a movement is underway due to one community college’s issues with their president’s compensation package.  Legislation is being introduced to form a committee to look into salaries and benefits for all presidents and vice presidents at Illinois community colleges and universities in the state.

TENURE RECOMMENDATIONS

Dr. Deborah Anderson explained that the tenure process is a rigorous and comprehensive process which requires three years of employment with the option of a one-year extension.  All three instructors being recommended for tenure have served three years and served them admirably with the components of the IVCC tenure process.  Their portfolios were on display this evening.  The instructors were observed 11 times by their deans, vice president, and associate vice president.  They have the option of having a peer come to observe them, also.  They are evaluated by their students every semester.  They are required to complete professional development coordinated with their dean.  They are asked to serve on committees and various projects.  The tenure process is a highpoint in a teaching career.  Dr. Anderson had the opportunity to observe the three instructors and noted that all are outstanding and excellent and the instructors speak well to the future of teaching and learning at IVCC.

It was moved by Ms. Bonucci and seconded by Dr. Larry Huffman to approve tenure for Mary A. Black, Laboratory Instructor in Developmental Mathematics.  Dr. Robyn Schiffman, Dean of English, Math, and Education introduced Ms. Mary A. Black.  Dr. Schiffman noted she has written many letters, memos, and emails since she has been at IVCC, but the best letter she wrote was the one about Mary Black.  Tenure is a highpoint of a dean’s life.  Dr. Schiffman did not want to talk about Math, but wanted to mention a few funs items about Mary.  She likes to vacuum, an obsessive compulsive disorder habit.  Mary and her husband, Wes, will be celebrating 20 years of wedded bliss this year and will be vacationing in Hawaii.  On April 19, Mary will be making her debut at Stage 212 in “Always a Bridesmaid” which speaks well of her interest and support of the community.  With a recent teenage driver in their family, Mary has displayed a calmness and ability to manage her anxiety during this transition.  Mary recently was voted “Mother of the Year” as she was able to secure Idina Menzel tickets for her family.  Dr. Schiffman highly recommended tenure for Mary Black.  Motion passed by voice vote.

It was moved by Dr. Huffman and seconded by Mr. Solon to approve tenure for Carmen N. Hartford, Anatomy and Physiology Instructor.  Mr. Ron Groleau, Dean of Natural Sciences and Business introduced Ms. Carmen Hartford.  Ms. Hartford is active in the IVCC community and college.  She serves on the curriculum committee and is the Phi Theta Kappa faculty advisor.  She is active in a professional society, Human Anatomy and Physiology Society known as HAPS.  She attended the HAPS conference and has incorporated case studies and also implemented the use of flip classroom techniques into her classes.  As an adjunct and now a full-time faculty member, Carmen has worked as a laboratory supervisor.  She teaches environmental biology, taught micro lab, currently teaches second semester of general biology and primarily teaches anatomy and physiology.   When students are in the lab, she can help with a variety of disciplines.  She is current in her discipline and in the pedagogy in delivering her discipline.  She is excellent as a smart classroom user.  With pleasure, Mr. Ron Groleau recommended Ms. Carmen Hartford for tenure.  Motion passed by voice vote.

It was moved by Ms. Goetz and seconded by Dr. Driscoll to approve tenure for Shane W. Lange, Automotive Technology Instructor/Program Coordinator.  Sue Isermann, Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of Workforce Development, introduced Shane W. Lange.  Sue was fortunate to serve on the selection committee which was instrumental in the hiring of Shane.  Shane is an IVCC graduate earning an AAS in the auto department.  He earned his bachelor’s degree from Southern Illinois in automotive technology. He then worked as a service technician at a Chrysler/Chevrolet dealership and as a quality control engineer for a tire manufacturer.  He then jumped ship to teach science to junior high school students specializing in STEM.  That is what has impressed Sue the most about Shane.  His teaching ability is phenomenal.  You can tell he is a trained teacher.  Since coming to IVCC, he has completed his master’s degree in education. This came about as Shane was actually educating his advisor in how to turn things to a career and technical focus.  He has embraced technology in his classroom.  His students are using online textbooks, completing activities and practicing online before going into the live lab.  His teaching is enthusiastic and infectious.  Sue Isermann has had the pleasure of evaluating all the tenure recommendations.  They are the cream of the crop.  Shane plans to start a student auto club on campus.  Sue was happy and proud to recommend Shane Lange for tenure. Motion passed by voice vote.

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

It was moved by Mr. Solon and seconded by Dr. Huffman to adopt the resolution designating the fiscal year be from July 1, 2015 to June 30, 2016.  Motion passed by voice vote.

It was moved by Dr. Driscoll and seconded by Ms. Goetz to adopt the resolution designating Dr. Jerry Corcoran as the District’s officer appointed to prepare the tentative budget.  Motion passed by voice vote.

It was moved by Mr. Solon and seconded by Mrs. Goetz to approve the budget calendar, as presented.  Motion passed by voice vote.

TUITION ADJUSTMENT

It was moved by Dr. Huffman and seconded by Dr. Driscoll to approve to increase tuition by $8.00 from $103.60 to $111.60 per credit hour beginning with the summer 2015 semester.  Mr. Mallery noted an increase of $7.00 would result in a balanced budget if all projections are correct.  Dr. Huffman expressed the concern of the members of the Audit/Finance committee on whether the College could rely on state money and the assessed valuation of the district.  In the budget last year there was no contingency and if needed would have to tap into the reserves.  The $8.00 increase provides a little cushion.  The Audit/Finance did not want to compromise the quality of the institution.  Mr. Mallery noted that revenue is going down because of lower enrollments.  Tuition increases could be affecting the enrollments.  Mr. Mallery is concerned about the middle class students who do not receive financial aid. Mr. Mallery noted if the recommended tuition is approved, the College would be above its peer group and ahead of its super peer group.  Motion passed by voice vote with Mr. Mallery opposed.

EARLY ENTRY COLLEGE (E²C) TUITION ADJUSTMENT

It was moved by Dr. Driscoll and seconded by Ms. Goetz to increase tuition for Early Entry College (E²C) dual credit high school students to 75 percent of the standard tuition rate, effective with the summer 2015 semester.  Mr. Mallery stated the dual credit for high school students is an opportunity to introduce students to IVCC.  It is one of the tools of increasing enrollment.  He suggested having the IVCC Foundation help to keep the percentage lower.  Dr. Huffman noted that last year the tuition increased from 50 percent to 60 percent with the intention of slightly increasing it again.  It is still a good deal.  The students do not have to pay the activity fee.  The Audit/Finance Committee did not feel the increase was significant enough to be a detriment.  The College needs to look at every cost with a fair and equitable eye.  The Board has made a lot of tough financial decisions.  They have taken a hard look in balancing the budget with the financial situation across the state and country to keep IVCC as a first class institution.  To maintain what IVCC has, there is a need to increase revenues.  Motion passed by voice vote with Mr. Mallery opposed.

COURSE FEES/ADJUSTMENTS

It was moved by Dr. Driscoll and seconded by Dr. Huffman to increase fees for 122 courses and decrease fees for 47 courses plus the assignment of a course fee to two existing courses, as presented.  Motion passed by voice vote.

BID RESULTS – BUILDING A CHILLER/AIR HANDLER REPLACEMENT

It was moved by Mr. Solon and seconded by Ms. Goetz to allow Amber Mechanical, Inc. to withdraw their bid with no penalty. Mr. Mallery noted the College has other options and withdrawing a bid with no penalty is uncommon in the industry.  The bid bond is to insure that the company does accurate work and able to perform the job for the bid amount stated.  There is a difference of $237,000 which the College could save.  If Amber Mechanical refused to do the job, they would lose $56,000 which would go a long way for the College.  Mr. Mallery believes it is important to consider this option.  He went on to say that the College has professionals that charge a percentage of the bid to perform work.  If the price increases, their revenue increases.  When the professionals are a part of the decision making, they are going to make about $20,000 more.  He suggested keeping the bid bond or asking Amber Mechanical to do the work.  Ms. Olivero expressed her opinion.  She does not believe that Basalay, Cary & Alstadt would make a recommendation for their own gain.  When you call a bid bond and force a company to do work, it is not always of the highest quality and creates bad feelings with the contractor.  This appears to be an honest mistake and she does not want to penalize the company.  Dr. Driscoll believes it would be a disastrous project and would create an adversarial relationship.  It would not be good business.  Motion passed by voice vote.

It was moved by Ms. Bonucci and seconded by Mrs. Goetz to accept the base bid and Alternate No. 1 from Dodson Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning, Pontiac, Illinois, in the amount of $799,100 for the Building A Chiller/Air Handler Replacement.  Motion passed by voice vote.

REQUEST FOR FULL-TIME BUSINESS SPECIALIST POSITION, SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER

It was moved by Mr. Solon and seconded by Ms. Goetz to approve the recommendation that the temporary full-time business specialist position in the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) become a regular full-time position, contingent upon grant funds.  Motion passed by voice vote.

APPROVAL OF EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION CERTIFICATES

It was moved by Dr. Huffman and seconded by Dr. Driscoll to approve the Early Childhood Education Gateways Credential Level 2 Certificate and the Early Childhood Education Gateways Credential Level 3 Certificate, as presented.  Motion passed by voice vote.

ITEMS FOR INFORMATION

It was noted that Heather Seghi was omitted from the list of non-tenured faculty for renewal of their contracts for 2015/2016.

TRUSTEE COMMENT

None.

CLOSED SESSION

It was moved by Ms. Bonucci and seconded by Dr. Driscoll to convene a closed session at 7:15 p.m. to discuss 1) the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees of the public body; 2) student discipline: 3) collective negotiations; 4) pending litigation; and 5) closed session minutes.  Motion passed by voice vote.

After a short break, the Board entered closed session at 7:20 p.m.  On a motion by Dr. Huffman and seconded by Dr. Driscoll, the regular meeting resumed at 8:55 p.m.  Motion passed by voice vote.

STAFF APPOINTMENT – MR. MARK J. GRZYBOWSKI, ASSOCIATE VICEPRESIDENT FOR STUDENT SERVICES

It was moved by Mr. Mallery and seconded by Ms. Bonucci to appoint Mark J. Grzybowski as the Associate Vice President for Student Services with an annualized salary of $78,500, effective February 13, 2015.  Motion passed by voice vote.