February 14, 2019 Minutes of Regular Meeting

Members Physically Present

Jane E. Goetz, Chair
Everett J. Solon, Vice Chair
Amy L. Boyles
Melissa M. Olivero
Angela M. Stevenson
Joseph M. Marenda, Student Trustee

Members Absent

Jay K. McCracken

Members Telephonically Present

David O. Mallery, Secretary

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
Leslie Hofer, Director of Human Resources
Walt Zukowski, Attorney

APPOINTMENT OF SECRETARY PRO-TEM

Ms. Goetz appointed Ms. Stevenson as secretary pro-tem in the physical absence of Mr. Mallery.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

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

PUBLIC COMMENT

Cynthia Freeman, a second-year student in Human Services, addressed the Board and asked the members to reconsider inactivating the program. Ms. Freeman was accompanied by students Jennifer Brown, Patricia Dillard and Fredrick Ralrick. She noted that inactivation of the Human Services program is not only a loss to the current students but a loss for the entire Illinois Valley community. Ms. Freeman shared that the program produces individuals “who mend the broken back to wellness.”  She left a written statement and a list of questions for the Board’s consideration and review.

CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS

It was moved by Ms. Stevenson 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 10, 2019 Facilities Committee Meeting; January 10, 2019 Board Meeting; January 29 Closed Session Minutes Committee Meeting; and January 29, 2019 Audit Finance Committee Meeting.

Approval of Bills - $1,680,799.25

Education Fund - $1,320,687.93; Operations & Maintenance Fund - $62,442.84; Operations & Maintenance (Restricted Fund) - $74,481.97; Auxiliary Fund - $95,411.66; Restricted Fund - $62,368.62; Audit Fund - $2,000.00; and Liability, Protection & Settlement Fund - $63,406.23.

Treasurer’s Report

Personnel

Approved the stipends for pay periods ending January 5, 2019 and January 19, 2019 and part-time faculty and staff appointments January 2019.

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

Dr. Corcoran reported that a few days after our January 10^th board meeting, a colleague sent him a congratulatory note and link to a story that appeared online by Niche.com that had ranked IVCC No. 7 out of 48 in Illinois community colleges and No. 105 out of 868 for best community colleges in the nation based on professors, value, diversity, student life, safety and location. He pointed out that if you go to the story, you will find 180 reviews to back up that high rating. Dr. Corcoran informed that like our board chair, he read every one of them and found them to be gratifying. Dr. Corcoran commented, “Nice job by every IVCC employee who works so hard and plays an important role in helping us to carry out the college’s mission.”  Dr. Corcoran reported that we received from the Higher Learning Commission official notice that our interim report had been reviewed and matters pertaining to our strategic plan; academic program review; use of data; and retention, persistence and completion rate met all HLC requirements and no further reports would be required. He noted that our Open Pathway assurance review is scheduled for 2020-2021 and our next affirmation of accreditation is scheduled for 2026-2027. Overall the HLC review team spoke highly of the quality of the report and he credited the leadership of Dr. Anderson on this effort. Dr. Corcoran thanked Dr. Anderson for a job well done. Dr. Corcoran reported that Dr. Anderson has been on a role lately with another project: She met recently with our high school superintendents regarding our plan to market the IVCC Ottawa Center as a Transfer Academy, and the response was very positive. Dr. Corcoran noted that in the same way it is no coincidence that wherever Trustee Jay McCracken goes these days (e.g., Putnam County, Hall and La Moille), we are seeing more high schools being receptive to releasing their students early in the afternoon so that they can enroll in college classes; thus, we want to do everything we can to incentivize all of the high schools on the east side of the IVCC district to do the same. Dr. Corcoran informed that our academic and student services staff are working together on a fall semester schedule that will meet that objective and we are optimistic about what impact we think it will have on enrollments.  Dr. Corcoran reported that Kevin Hermes, our excellent new program coordinator for criminal justice, is going to be holding a meeting of his program’s advisory committee in late March, plus, he announced recently that the Illinois Valley Crime Prevention Commission will begin holding advanced law enforcement classes for Illinois Valley police officers at IVCC beginning in November. The commission’s goal is to offer courses for current police officers who want to become field-training officers in their respective departments. The Commission will bring their own instructors and IVCC will supply the classroom. Dr. Corcoran noted that hopefully, this will cultivate an improved partnership with the training commission and local law enforcement personnel, and incentivize officers who are interested in furthering their education to do so at IVCC. Dr. Corcoran shared that Mark Grzybowski has reported that the annual local area hospital recruitment day was held on January 28^th.  The event was coordinated and administered by Lisa Witalka from the Career Services Department and Julie Hogue, Director of Nursing.  This employment recruitment event introduced 53 of IVCC’s soon-to-be-graduating RN students to 12 representatives from local area hospitals and produced outstanding reviews.  Everyone felt that our students were professionally prepared and were enthusiastic about attending. Dr. Corcoran extended kudos to Lisa, Julie, our Nursing faculty and our students on a job well done. Dr. Corcoran reported that approximately 225 students participated in the annual IVCC Regional Academic Challenge on Friday, February 8.  The competition is now sponsored by Eastern Illinois University.  Students participated from 11 high schools which included Hall, La Moille, LaSalle-Peru, Marquette Academy, Midland, Mendota, Ottawa, Putnam County, St. Bede Academy, Seneca, and Streator.  Dr. Corcoran noted that Ron Groleau once again served as the site coordinator with great help from Dawn Watson, Polly Ragazincky and Karen Talsky. Dr. Corcoran added that the IVCC Foundation donated IVCC sweatshirts and T-shirts as prizes for a raffle drawing.  Dr. Corcoran noted that thanks to Fran Brolley, the Foundation also continues to offer scholarships to first-place finishers who attend IVCC the fall semester after graduation. He reported that Quintin Overocker, Aseret Loveland, Graceland Quesse handled the Awards Ceremony.  Dr. Corcoran added that Nick Bollis did a nice job of addressing the students about his positive experience.  He noted that Steve Gillio assisted with Cultural Centre set-up and take down, and Matt Boehm did his typically-fine job as sound coordinator. Dr. Corcoran commented that to quote Ron, “the work of all of these people led to a very successful day.” Dr. Corcoran reported that Sara Escatel has announced that the annual Adult Education recognition event will be held on Wednesday, May 15 at 6 p.m. in the Dr. Mary Margaret Weeg Cultural Centre. He advised to mark your calendars and join us if you can. Dr. Corcoran noted that this is always a special event where we honor three groups of students: those who recently passed their high school equivalency exam; have become US citizens; and completers of the bridge to healthcare/manufacturing program. Dr. Corcoran informed that Representative Lance Yednock spent a few hours with us on Tuesday and had a great time.  He noted that like those who preceded him as well as our current legislators, Mr. Yednock was very clear in his appreciation for IVCC Dr. Corcoran added that he knew that Rep. Yednock will do a fine job of taking care of our interests.  Lastly, Dr. Corcoran informed that it is IVCC’s turn to host a meeting of the colleges ICCTA NW Region and we have nailed down three dates that we hope can work for our trustees and visitors from Highland, Kishwaukee and Sauk Valley colleges: Wednesday, March 20; Wednesday, April 3; and Thursday, May 2. Dr. Corcoran added that our guest presenter that evening will be Dorene Data, who just returned from conference where our MIMIC program was nominated for national recognition; she will also talk about the trend we have  seen locally where women are pursuing the field of technology for careers. Dr. Corcoran advised to stay tuned for more to follow on feedback regarding the dates of March 20, April 3, and May 2.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

The meeting minutes of the Facilities Committee, Closed Session Minutes Committee and Audit Finance Committee were included in the Board book.

RESOLUTION DESIGNATING THE FISCAL YEAR

It was moved by Ms. Olivero and seconded by Mr. Solon to adopt the resolution designating the fiscal year be from July 1, 2019 to June 30, 2020 and approve the budget calendar, as presented.  Motion passed by voice vote.

COURSE FEES/ADJUSTMENTS

It was moved by Dr. Boyles and seconded by Ms. Stevenson to change 86 course fees: 62 increases, 2 new courses, 15 decreases, plus the assignment of a course fee to 7 existing courses, as presented. Motion passed by voice vote. 

MASTER PLAN

It was moved by Mr. Solon and seconded by Ms. Stevenson to accept the December 2018 Master Plan, as presented.  Motion passed by voice vote.

TRANSFER OF FUNDS – CDB TRANSFER

It was moved by Dr. Boyles and seconded by Ms. Stevenson to approve the transfer of $450,000 to the Capital Development Board trust account at Midland States Bank to cover anticipated costs for Project No. 810-046-018 to continue design development.  Motion passed by voice vote with Mr. Solon abstaining.

REQUEST FOR INACTIVATION – GRAPHIC DESIGN TECHNOLOGY DEGREE & CERTIFICATE

It was moved by Mr. Solon and seconded by Ms. Stevenson to inactivate the Graphic Design Technology degree and certificate and to include a one-year teach-out for students currently enrolled in the program.  Motion passed by voice vote.

REQUEST FOR INACTIVATION – HUMAN SERVICES DEGREE & CERTIFICATES

It was moved by Ms. Olivero and seconded by Ms. Stevenson to inactivate the Human Services degree and certificates and to include a one-year teach-out for students already enrolled in the program. Dr. Anderson advised that the decision for inactivation was based on the administration’s annual review of program viability. She noted that both the GDT and Human Services programs had previously gone through enhancement plans in an attempt to generate enrollment. Dr. Anderson added that Human Services’ duplicated headcount fell from 140 in 2012 to 61 in 2018 and credit hours generated from 420 to 180.  The program had 13 graduates earn the A.A.S. or a certificate in 2016 and only three students complete in 2018. Dr. Corcoran credited Jean Batson-Turner and Francie Skoflanc for their commitment to the college and students.  Dr. Corcoran noted that Ms. Batson-Turner and Ms. Skoflanc have been wonderful representatives of the college across the community in their many years of employment.  He added that they are well respected professionals among their peers and have never given less than 100 percent to their students. Motion passed by voice vote.

SEMI-ANNUAL REVIEW OF CLOSED SESSION MINUTES

It was moved by Dr. Boyles and seconded by Mr. Solon to approve the release of the closed session minutes from October 12, 2017, as presented.  Motion passed by voice vote.

EVENT REQUESTING TO SERVE ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES

It was moved by Mr. Solon and seconded by Ms. Stevenson to grant permission for the Illinois Native Plant Society to host its June 21-22 meeting using college facilities and serving alcoholic beverages during the specified hours.  Motion passed by voice vote.

INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT WITH THE CITY OF STREATOR

It was moved by Mr. Solon and seconded by Ms. Stevenson to approve the intergovernmental agreement with the City of Streator, as presented.  Motion passed by voice vote with Dr. Boyles abstaining.

OTTAWA DOWNTOWN TIF EXTENSION

It was moved by Ms. Stevenson and seconded by Mr. Solon to approve the intergovernmental agreement with the City of Ottawa, as presented and to authorize the administration to send letters of support to Representative Yednock and Senator Rezin.  Motion passed by voice vote.

TRUSTEE COMMENT

Ms. Goetz pointed out the Student Activities budget in the information items and noted the support of 45 student organizations for 2018-2019.

CLOSED SESSION

It was moved by Ms. Stevenson and seconded by Dr. Boyles to convene a closed session at 7:07 p.m. to discuss 1) the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance or dismissal of specific employees of the public body; 2) collective negotiations; and 3) closed session minutes.  Motion passed by voice vote.

The Board immediately entered closed session at 7:07 p.m. On a motion by Ms. Stevenson and seconded by Mr. Solon the regular meeting resumed at 7:48 p.m.  Motion passed by voice vote.

EMPLOYEE TERMINATION

It was moved by Dr. Boyles and seconded by Mr. Solon to terminate the employment of Colleague ID# 0120243 effective immediately.  Motion passed by voice vote.

APPROVAL OF CLOSED SESSION MINUTES

It was moved by Ms. Olivero and seconded by Mr. Solon to approve and retain the closed session minutes of the January 10, 2019 Board Meeting and the Closed Session Minutes Committee Meeting of January 29, 2019.  Motion passed by voice vote.

OTHER

Ms. Goetz read the following response from the Board to the AFT Local 1810 regarding a faculty request to tie overload rates to the percentage increase that is approved for part-time faculty. 

As a follow-up to our review of the complaints voiced by the Federation on October 11, 2018, the Board and Administration remain convinced that the collective bargaining agreement ratified on September 13, 2018 was negotiated in good faith, followed fair and transparent discussions during the entire process, and resulted in salaries and benefits overall that are favorable when compared to peer community colleges.  As Dr. Corcoran communicated to Mr. Alvin on the night of November 8, 2018, no changes will be made to the contract at this time.

There is absolutely no doubt about our commitment of making IVCC a wonderful place in which to work and where every employee is valued.  Our hope is that we can now move forward together and focus our efforts on what we can do to boost enrollments and grow the local economy for the betterment of the entire district.

Ms. Goetz reminded the Board that the President’s evaluation and the Board’s self-assessment are due on February 27, 2019.  The evaluations will be compiled for the March 14^th Board meeting.

ADJOURNMENT

Ms. Goetz declared the meeting adjourned at 7:52 p.m.