March 9, 2017 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 Thursday, March 9, 2017 in the Board Room (C307) at Illinois Valley Community College.

Members Physically Present

Melissa M. Olivero, Chair
Larry D. Huffman, Secretary
Jane E. Goetz
David O. Mallery
Everett J. Solon
Sarah J. Tipton, Student Trustee

Members Absent

Michael C. Driscoll, Vice Chair

Others Physically Present

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

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.

CAMPUS UPDATE – FALL 2016 STUDENT DEMOGRAPHIC REPORT

Mr. Mark Grzybowski presented the Fall 2016 Student Demographic Report.  He shared information on Fall 10^th day enrollment by enrollment status, residence, college-bound seniors, location, gender, age group, percentage of students receiving financial assistance, number of students receiving Foundation assistance, ethnicity, educational goal, and employment status.  Student demographic metrics for Fall 2016 remained consistent compared to those at the same point in time during the 2014 and 2015 fall semesters.  Mr. Grzybowski noted that students aged 18 accounted for over 20 percent of IVCC’s enrollment as of the 10^th day.  He concluded that strong recruitment practices at the local high schools remain effective and that the nontraditional adult learners have not continued to enroll at the same pace.  The College has partnered with INTERACT Communications, a post-secondary education marketing consultant, to assist in developing enrollment strategies targeted towards the adult learner. 

CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS

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 – February 9, 2017 Board Meeting and February 27, 2017 Special Board Meeting

Approval of Bills - $2,177,478.38

Education Fund - $1,695,517.86; Operations & Maintenance Fund - $81,062.67; Operations & Maintenance (Restricted Fund) - $176,656.82; Auxiliary Fund - $163,450.59; Restricted Fund - $2,231.41; and Liability, Protection & Settlement Fund - $58,559.03

Personnel

Approved the stipends for pay periods ending February 4, 2017 and February 18, 2017

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

Dr. Corcoran commended Steve Swett, one of IVCC’s longtime instructors and current point man for the American Red Cross in our area, for a fabulous job of assisting in relief efforts for people in Ottawa and Naplate who were affected by the tornados that struck on February 28. Kudos to Steve and his team on a job well done.  Dr. Corcoran also commended David Kuester, Don Grant Zellmer, Betsy Klopcic and Matt Boehm who have begun working once again with Horizon House staff on disabilities awareness programs to be brought to local elementary schools this spring semester. This is the sixth year for such a program and it has always been very well received in the community.  IVCC Lady Eagles basketball team has had a great season so far no matter what happens when they play for the chance to win their conference and move on to the national tournament next Saturday afternoon at Waubonsee Community College. Dr. Corcoran plans to invite the team to join the next regularly scheduled board meeting on April 13. Next Tuesday, March 14, several members of the IVCC staff will be at the L-P High School career fair in the morning, then IVCC’s spring open house will be that evening from 5 - 7:30 p.m.  Along with April 4 being Election Day, the PTK awards banquet will be in Springfield that evening. IVCC’s two students who will be recognized for their academic excellence are Aelsa Butler and Trevor Finnan.

The following night, April 5, is IVCC’s student academic awards ceremony in the IVCC gym. Board members were asked to advise Jeanne Hayden if they will be able to attend.  April 6, will be IVCC’s Ag Open House in the morning and IVCC’s first-time-ever Foundation Giving Day.  Fran Brolley prepared a schedule for the day’s activities to share with the Board; it should be both interesting and entertaining. Dr. Corcoran reminded everyone, this is the Foundation’s one-big-ticket fundraiser for the year, taking the place of Irish Night, 70s Night, and the golf outing. Dr. Corcoran encouraged everyone to help the Foundation if they can. 

COMMITTEE REPORTS

None.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES APPOINTMENT

It was moved by Ms. Goetz and seconded by Mr. Solon to appoint Dr. Amy Sipovic to the Board of Trustees to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Ms. Laurie A. Bonucci.  Applications were received for the position and the Board interviewed everyone who applied and wished to be interviewed.  All three candidates were outstanding.  Ms. Olivero noted Dr. Amy Sipovic’s qualifications were superior and she had a great interview.  Mr. Mallery will go with the majority and support Dr. Sipovic, but he had concerns regarding the geographic representation.  Motion passed by voice vote.

TENURE RECOMMENDATION

It was moved by Mr. Solon and seconded by Dr. Huffman to approve the tenure of Tracy Lee, English Composition and Creative Writing Instructor.  Dr. Anderson noted the tenure process extends for three years.  Over the course of three years, the faculty member is evaluated and observed 11 times.  Dr. Anderson pointed out IVCC’s brand new faculty were present to observe this celebration.  She noted Tracy Lee and Emily Lesman are two of the best and brightest instructors and represent the future of IVCC.  Dr. Schiffman noted there is something very special about instructors who start their educational journey at a community college and then come back to give back.  Emily is an alumnus of IVCC and Tracy is an alumnus of Muskegon Community College.  Tracy has done wonders for the creative writing program.  The enrollments have tripled.  The care, concern, and compassion she displays for her students is remarkable.  Motion passed by voice vote. 

It was moved by Mr. Solon and seconded by Ms. Tipton to approve the tenure of Emily Lesman, Laboratory Instructor and Developmental Mathematics.  Dr. Schiffman noted that Emily started her life here as a student worker in the math learning center.  She is passionate and patient, always with a smile on her face.  She is always ready to volunteer to help solve problems.  She is a dean’s dream.  Motion passed by voice vote.

STAFF RETIREMENT – GLENNA JONES, DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES

It was moved by Ms. Goetz and seconded by Ms. Tipton to accept with regret the retirement of Glenna Jones, Director of Human Resources, effective April 28, 2017.  Motion passed by voice vote.

FACULTY RESIGNATION – ERIS SIMONS, NURSING INSTRUCTOR

It was moved by Dr. Huffman and seconded by Ms. Goetz to accept the resignation of Eris Simons, Nursing Instructor, effective March 8, 2017.  Motion passed by voice vote.

BID RESULTS – BUILDING D CHILLER/AIR HANDLER REPLACEMENT ANDBUILDING G CONTROLS

It was moved by Mr. Solon and seconded by Dr. Huffman to accept the base bid from The PIPCO Companies, Ltd., Peoria, Illinois, in the amount of $1,064,000 for the Building D Chiller/Air Handler Replacement & Building G Controls.  Motion passed by voice vote.

ILLINOIS CENTURY NETWORK (ICN) CONTRACT

It was moved by Ms. Goetz and seconded by Dr. Huffman to enter into a three-year contract with ICN for broadband service for a total cost of $54,000, payable monthly at $1,500.  Motion passed by voice vote.

FY2018 IVCC BOARD OF TRUSTEES BUDGET

It was moved by Ms. Goetz and seconded by Ms. Tipton to approve the tentative FY2018 Board of Trustees Budget, as presented, contingent upon receiving an appropriate level of state funding.  Dr. Corcoran believes the College could be well served by rejoining the ICCTA.  ICCTA is providing the mandated trustee training. The cost for the training is $150 per person if the College is a member of ICCTA.  Nonmembers would pay the full cost of the training, but this has not been determined. There is a training session in June and if IVCC was pending a decision to be a member, the trustees’ cost would be considered as members. The question was asked how an appropriate level is measured.  The appropriate level is 80 – 90 percent of the 2015 state allocation.  If the College only receives 27 percent like last year, Dr. Corcoran could not, in good conscious, support the membership fee.  With the desperate position the State has put community colleges in at this time, Ms. Goetz feels IVCC really needs the support of ICCTA.  IVCC is one of only two community colleges that are not members.  If IVCC wants to do what is right for the students and the faculty, it should be a member. IVCC cannot nominate its faculty and students for state-wide awards.  Mr. Mallery does not believe the nonmember cost of the training will amount to the membership fee.  Mr. Mallery would rather give the membership fee to the Foundation or faculty development.  It is a huge cost and he doesn’t know if the College received the full value from being a member.  Dr. Huffman would oppose it, but as long as it is a tentative budget and subject for review, he will vote for the tentative budget depending on what is received from the State budget. 

Student Advisory Vote:  “Aye” – Ms. Tipton.  Roll Call Vote:  “Ayes” – Dr. Huffman, Mr. Solon, Ms. Goetz, and Ms. Olivero.  “Naye” – Mr. Mallery.  Motion carried.

ITEMS FOR INFORMATION

Jill Urban-Bollis and Dr. Promise Yong were selected as the 2017 co-recipients of IVCC’s Stephen Charry Memorial Award for Teaching Excellence and Ms. Wendy Lamboley was selected as the 2017 IVCC Outstanding Part-time Faculty member.  Dr. Huffman noted that even if the College cannot submit names for the ICCTA awards, it is always good to recognize and acknowledge teaching excellence. 

TRUSTEE COMMENT

Ms. Laurie Bonucci was present at the meeting and Ms. Olivero noted she was a fantastic addition to the Board and will be missed.  She represented her constituents very well, generously supported the Foundation, advocated for the Ag Program, and was engaged in all discussions.  She did not hesitate to reach out with her concerns.  Ms. Olivero said she would miss her a lot and wished her the best in her exciting adventure of retirement.  Ms. Bonucci said it was an honor to be on the Board.  She went on to say that the College has an incredible staff and a fantastic Board with integrity and intelligence. IVCC has the best president and the best secretary ever.  She thanked everyone for the honor of being able to serve and she will continue her support of the Foundation and watch as it continues to grow.  She was elected and not selected and thanked the voters for giving her the privilege of working with the College.

CLOSED SESSION

It was moved by Dr. Huffman  and seconded by Mr. Solon to convene a closed session at 7:08 p.m. to discuss 1) the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees of the public body; 2) litigation; and 3) closed session minutes.  Motion passed by voice vote. 

After a short break, the Board entered closed session at 7:15 p.m.  On a motion by Mr. Solon and seconded by Ms. Goetz, the regular meeting resumed at 8:24 p.m.  Motion passed by voice vote.