December 9, 2021 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, December 9, 2021 in the Board Room (C307) at Illinois Valley Community College.

Members Physically Present

Everett J. Solon, Chair

Jay K. McCracken, Vice Chair

Angela M. Stevenson, Secretary

Jane E. Goetz

William F. Hunt

Maureen O. Rebholz

Members Virtually Present

Amy L. Boyles

Madison N. Miranda, Student Trustee

Members Telephonically Present

Members Absent

Others Physically Present

Jerry Corcoran, President

Others Virtually Present

MOMENT OF SILENCE

Sylvia (Jackson) Eaton of Ottawa passed away on Sunday, November 21, 2021 at Pleasant View Lutheran Home at the age of 92. She was the mother of Judy Day, executive assistant to the IVCC President and secretary to the IVCC Board of Trustees. Please join me in a moment of silence in memory of Sylvia (Jackson) Eaton.

PUBLIC HEARING

This being the time and place published for a Public Hearing regarding the FY2021 Tax Levy, Mr. Solon called for questions and/or comments from the audience. Since there were no questions and/or comments, Mr. Solon called for a motion to close the Public Hearing. It was moved by Ms. Goetz and seconded by Ms. Stevenson to close the Public Hearing.

Student Advisory Vote: – “Aye” – Ms. Miranda. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Dr. Boyles, Ms. Goetz, Mr. Hunt, Ms. Stevenson, Mr. McCracken, Dr. Rebholz and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.

Mr. Solon informed of the following items: 1) The provisions related to the Open Meetings Act allowing for Board meetings to be virtual continue due to Governor Pritzker’s most recent disaster proclamation and 2) it is the custom and practice of the college to record Board meetings and the meeting was being recorded both audio and video.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

Mr. Solon recommended the postponement of Action Item #14 for the Proposal for Technology Assessment. It was moved by Dr. Rebholz and seconded by Ms. Stevenson to approve the agenda with Action Item #14 postponed.

PUBLIC COMMENT

None

CAMPUS UPDATE – IVCC ONLINE FOOTPRINT – DR. PATRICE HESS

Dr. Hess reported that IVCC is providing new, innovative programs and services for online learners. As a result of remote operations, IVCC provides student technology help desk support, library services, subject tutoring, and writing consultation through virtual services. The programs may serve the needs of online students and are available to all students and to community members. Dr. Hess noted highlights of IVCC’s pre-pandemic and current online footprint during fall 2019 to fall 2021: Increase of 53 percent in online class sections; increase of 86 percent in online enrollments; increase of 83 percent in online credit hours; greater variety in online offerings, such as virtual class meeting classes, flexible delivery classes, and short-term classes; and online/remote academic and technical services for students and faculty. Dr. Hess informed that while it is possible to earn, fully online, an AA or AS from IVCC, there are a number of AAS and Certificate Programs now available in online and/or flexible delivery format. She noted that those programs are listed on the IVCC online learning website, www.ivcc.edu/online. Mr. McCracken inquired about online dual credit course success. Dr. Hess noted that she would get that data and then make it available to the administration to be shared with the Board.

CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS

It was moved by Mr. McCracken and seconded by Dr. Rebholz to approve the consent agenda, as presented.

The following items were approved in the consent agenda:

Approval of Minutes – November 18, 2021 Planning Committee Meeting and the November 18, 2021 Board Meeting.

Approval of Bills - $848,386.77

Education Fund - $674,950.20; Operations & Maintenance Fund - $50,131.07; Auxiliary Fund - $16,970.41; Restricted Fund - $64,073.58; Audit Fund - $11,000.00; and Liability, Protection & Settlement Fund - $31,261.51.

Treasurer’s Report

Personnel

Approved stipends for pay periods ending November 20, 2021 & Part-time Faculty and Staff Appointments November 2021.

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

Dr. Corcoran reported that early feedback on our decision to offer winter intercession classes has been positive. The following classes begin December 21 and run through January 7:

Introduction to Chemistry (CHM1000) with Promise Yong;
Wellness (HPE1000) and First-Aid (HPE1004) with Tony Ruda;
Introduction to Psychology (PSY1000) with Jill Urban-Bollis;
Marriage and Family (SOC1002) with Dr. Rick Mangold; and
Intercultural Communications (SPH1003) with Cory Tomasson.

Dr. Corcoran noted that we are also pleased to be offering late-start 12-week online classes beginning February 7 and running until May 14. The three-hour classes are math for liberal arts, English composition I and II, the global environment, introduction to sociology, music appreciation and human growth & development. Instructors include David Garrison, Randy Rambo, Nora Villarreal, Eric Schroeder, Dr. Rick Mangold and Mike Pecherek. Dr. Corcoran offered kudos to the faculty, staff and administrators who made all of this happen. He added that you know who you are; please know that we are grateful. Dr. Corcoran noted that he was equally happy with the effort that folks have put into negotiating a partnership with the Peru YMCA director for a child care center to be housed in the Community Technology Center. He added that Dr. Seaton and Mark Grzybowski are working out the details on this project and we are optimistic that we can have the center up and going in the spring semester serving no more than 18 children at a time that are 3 years of age or older. Dr. Corcoran informed that our Medical Assisting Pinning ceremony will be held on Wednesday, December 15 at 6 p.m. in the Dr. Mary Margaret Weeg Cultural Centre. As Program Coordinator Kaity Ritter said recently, it has been a challenge creating this program under tough circumstances the last two years but she is proud of our graduates and he noted that we are proud of her. He informed that a zoom link will go out through Community Relations shortly, and we will be happy to pass it along to you. Join us if you can. Dr. Corcoran reported that at the end of business on Tuesday, the Foundation’s 2021 Annual Appeal had raised nearly $30,000 from 92 donors. Fran, Donna and Janice thank everyone who has contributed. Dr. Corcoran informed that last night’s Show and Enroll event at the IVCC Ottawa Center was a success because of some very dedicated folks in our Student Services division. Dr. Corcoran reported that Mark Grzybowski and Dr. Seaton have been finding a number of wonderful uses for HEERF funds and a nice story he heard about today was the preparation of nearly 50 food boxes for students to be given away very soon to those who might have a need over the semester break. He added that there are five meals in each box. Dr. Corcoran informed that the college’s compliance with the Governor’s mandate regarding COVID-19 mitigations has been nothing short of extraordinary. Dr. Corcoran noted that he was really proud of all the work that has gone into publishing our Covid-19 testing and vaccinations protocol and the great response we have seen by our employees. He added that the plan has been to reach 100% employee compliance and it looks like we will be there by the end of the semester. As Deputy Governor Martin Torres told a group of presidents this morning, mitigations are saving lives especially when you compare Illinois to other states. Dr. Corcoran encoruaged to keep up the good work, folks, we are proud of you. Dr. Corcoran noted that although there is no mention of it in tonight’s board meeting agenda, he wanted to recognize Jim Anderson, front desk security officer for G4S/Allied Universal, for his seven years of great service. Dr. Corcoran noted that he has often said, Jim is the guy you want at the front door, a true gentleman. His last day before retiring will be Monday December 20^th. Dr. Corcoran informed that Dr. Gary Roberts plans to join us for a few days next week as our new Chief Academic Officer. Dr. Corcoran thanked Vice President Dr. Deborah Anderson for her seven years of faithful service to the district and wished her nothing but the best as a proud IVCC retiree. He noted that it is fitting that Dr. Patrice Hess handled tonight’s campus update regarding the college’s online footprint, because that was always a priority for Dr. Anderson and thanks to Deb and Patrice, we have made great strides forward in this regard. Congratulations, Dr. Anderson.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Ms. Goetz, Chair of the Planning Committee, noted that the minutes of the Planning Committee Meeting on November 18 are in the Board Book.

TAX LEVY 2021

It was moved by Ms. Goetz and seconded by Dr. Rebholz to adopt the Tax Levy Resolution, Certificate of Tax Levy, Resolution of Intent, Notice of Intent to Increase Tax Levy, and Certificate of Compliance with the Truth and Taxation Act, as presented.

Student Advisory Vote: – “Aye” – Ms. Miranda. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Dr. Boyles, Ms. Goetz, Mr. Hunt, Mr. McCracken, Ms. Stevenson, Dr. Rebholz and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.

BID RESULTS – DENTAL PROGRAM RENOVATIONS

It was moved by Mr. McCracken and seconded by Mr. Hunt to approve to accept the base bid and Alternate No. 2 from Vissering Construction Company, Streator, Illinois, in the amount of $555,200 for the Dental Program Renovations to be paid from fund balance.

MATCHING COMMITMENT – EDA GRANT FOR AGRICULTURE BUILDING

It was moved by Dr. Rebholz and seconded by Ms. Stevenson to approve the match letter, as presented. Mr. McCracken noted that it was an incredible opportunity to have this kind of match from grant funds.

PROPROSAL – TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT FOR STUDENT SUPPORT

This item was postponed.

BOARD TRAVEL

It was moved by Mr. McCracken and seconded by Ms. Stevenson to approve the reimbursement of expenses in the amount of $188.80 incurred by Ms. Goetz for attending the ICCTA Seminar and Meeting November 2021.

Student Advisory Vote: – “Aye” – Ms. Miranda. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Dr. Boyles, Mr. Hunt, Mr. McCracken, Ms. Stevenson, Dr. Rebholz and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. “Abstain” – Ms. Goetz. Motion carried.

STAFF APPOINTMENT – DEAN OF HUMANITIES/FINE ARTS/SOCIAL SCIENCES

It was moved by Ms. Goetz and seconded by Mr. McCracken to approve the appointment of Dr. Lirim Neziroski as Dean of Humanities, Fine Arts, and Social Sciences at an annualized salary of $80,000, effective January 5, 2022.

FACULTY RESIGNATION

It was moved by Dr. Rebholz and seconded by Ms. Stevenson to accept with regret the resignation of Caitlinn Hubbell, Agriculture Instructor and Co-Program Coordinator, effective December 21, 2021.

FACULTY APPOINTMENT – CRIMINAL JUSTICE INSTRUCTOR

It was moved by Ms. Goetz and seconded by Mr. Hunt to approve the appointment of Jonathan Hubbell as Criminal Justice Instructor effective January 7, 2022 at Step D-7, an annualized salary of $58,944 prorated January 7 through May 14, 2022 on the 2021/2022 faculty salary schedule.

ITEMS FOR INFORMATION

Mr. Solon pointed out the information items on pages 52-57 of the Board book.

TRUSTEE COMMENT

Ms. Goetz reminded that there is still time to support the Foundation Annual Appeal and encouraged all to do so.

Dr. Boyles commended all who were involved in Wellness Week and noted that the event showed the commitment of faculty and staff to IVCC students.

Mr. McCracken thanked Dr. Deborah Anderson for her years of fine service as academic leader at the college. Dr. Corcoran noted that it has been an honor and privilege to work with Dr. Anderson these past seven years. All present gave Dr. Anderson a standing ovation.

CLOSED SESSION

Mr. Solon requested a motion and a roll call vote at 7:10 p.m. to enter into a closed session to discuss: 1) complaint lodged against an official or employee of the public body; 2) the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees of the public body; 3) collective negotiations; and 4) closed session minutes. Motion made by Dr. Rebholz and seconded by Ms. Stevenson to enter into a closed session.

Student Advisory Vote: – “Aye” – Ms. Miranda. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes”– Dr. Boyles, Ms. Goetz, Mr. Hunt, Mr. McCracken, Ms. Stevenson, Dr. Rebholz and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried. The Board immediately entered closed session at 7:12 p.m.

Motion made by Dr. Rebholz and seconded by Mr. McCracken to return to the regular meeting.

Student Advisory Vote: – “Aye” – Ms. Miranda. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes”– Dr. Boyles, Ms. Goetz, Mr. Hunt, Mr. McCracken, Ms. Stevenson, Dr. Rebholz and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried. The regular meeting resumed at 7:50 p.m.

POSSIBLE APPROVAL OF RETIREMENT AGREEMENTS

No action was taken on this item.

CLOSED SESSION MINUTES

It was moved by Dr. Rebholz and seconded by Ms. Goetz to approve and retain the closed session minutes of November 18, 2021.

Student Advisory Vote: – “Aye” – Ms. Miranda. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes”– Dr. Boyles, Ms. Goetz, Mr. Hunt, Mr. McCracken, Ms. Stevenson, Dr. Rebholz and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.

OTHER

None

ADJOURNMENT

Mr. Solon declared the meeting adjourned at 7:55 p.m.