October 14, 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, October 14, 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

Amy L. Boyles

Jane E. Goetz

William F. Hunt

Maureen O. Rebholz

Members Virtually Present

Madison N. Miranda, Student Trustee

Members Telephonically Present  

Members Absent

Others Physically Present

Jerry Corcoran, President

Matthew Seaton, Vice President for Business Services & Finance

Deb Anderson, Vice President for Academic Affairs

Leslie Hofer, Director of Human Resources                  

Walt Zukowski, Attorney

Others Virtually Present

Mark Grzybowski, Vice President for Student Services

Bonnie Campbell, Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs

 

Mr. Solon informed of a couple of 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

It was moved by Ms. Stevenson and seconded by Mr. McCracken to approve the agenda, as presented.

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

PUBLIC COMMENT

Delores Robinson, Instructor provided a “spotlight on the classroom” presentation and shared information on the college’s Center of Accessibility and Neurodiversity (CAN) and the One Book, One College program. Ms. Robinson reported that CAN provides students accommodations, coaching and study skills support. She informed that One Book, One College, a community reads program is discussing Eric Eyre’s “Death in Mud Lick: A Coal Country Fight Against the Drug Companies that Delivered the Opioid Epidemic.” Ms. Robinson noted that Death in Mud Lick Discussion Part 3 is set for Wednesday, October 20 at 6:00 p.m. and will be held in person at the IVCC Ottawa Center and the Perfectly Flawed Foundation in LaSalle and via Zoom.

Tracy Lee, Instructor and President of Local 1810 noted that the faculty union wholeheartedly supports reopening IVCC’s Fitness Center and returning Tony Ruda to Fitness Center director. Mr. Ruda,  Instructor addressed the Board and informed that the center has a long-standing history and been a fixture at the college. He encouraged communication on both sides for a resolution to reopening the center.

CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS

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

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

The following items were approved in the consent agenda:

Approval of Minutes – August 30, 2021 Special Board Meeting; September 2, 2021 Special Board meeting; and September 9, 2021 Board Meeting.

Approval of Bills - $3,613.956.38

Education Fund - $2,971,018.04; Operations & Maintenance Fund - $134,236.85; Operations & Maintenance (Restricted Fund) - $21,669.51; Auxiliary Fund - $262,689.82; Restricted Fund - $71,711.79; Audit Fund - $1,500.00; Liability, Protection & Settlement Fund - $146,645.37; and Grants, Loans & Scholarships – $4,485.00.

Treasurer’s Report

Personnel

Approved stipends for pay periods ending August 28, 2021; September 11, 2021; and  September 25, 2021 & Part-time Faculty and Staff Appointments September 2021.

Request for Proposal – Learning Management System (LMS)

The Board authorized seeking proposals for a Learning Management System (LMS).

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

Dr. Corcoran reported that last week the college received good news that the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Profession has determined that our annual report on the status of our Paramedic Certificate program met all thresholds in the three key areas of written exam, retention and positive job placement. Dr. Corcoran noted that Nicholas Fish, our program coordinator and Dr. Shane Lange, dean of workforce development, have done fine work and he was proud of them. He added that Emergency medical technicians who want to move into the Paramedic field have a great local option for doing so at IVCC.  Dr. Corcoran offered kudos to Dr. Anderson and AVP Bonnie Campbell on their recommendation to launch and support this growing career field.  Dr. Corcoran reported that the Agriculture Program field day activity held in the morning on September 17th was well attended by our ag students along with guest speakers from Stoller International, Sun Ag, and Illinois Extension. He noted that everyone who attended enjoyed themselves. Dr. Corcoran added that Willard Mott and Caitlinn Hubbell did a wonderful job. He noted that speaking of Illinois Extension, this event was the last one where our friend Russ Higgins would be able to join us and talk about the state of crop conditions in the IVCC district, so before he sails away Dr. Corcoran wanted to be sure to publicly thank Mr. Higgins, Daryle Wragge and Jill Guynn for their support of the partnership we have had since the moment we decided to relaunch the ag program at IVCC. Dr. Corcoran reported that enrollments appear to be trending in a more encouraging direction: As of Monday, the 36th day into the fall term, Headcount is up almost 4% and Credit Hours are down a bit over 2%. He noted that thankfully, every week things look better. As Dr Corcoran informed last month, IVCC’s Vaccination and Testing Protocol Plan continues to evolve and he felt comfortable saying that based on feedback from other community colleges, we are doing a fine job of handling the matter responsibly and in-step with ICCB expectations. He noted that thankfully, we know we can rely upon Walt Zukowski to guide us on how to handle unique circumstances in the area of compliance. Dr. Corcoran noted that as you may recall, the ICCB recently published the Economic Impact and Student Employment Outcomes for the Illinois Community College system, but you may not be aware of the reports that were published for each specific community college district. Dr. Corcoran reported that a few of the takeaways from IVCC’s report include:

  • The district lost population each year from 2011 – 2019. The population change was -8,213 or 5.6%.
  • The district population is projected to decline slightly in the next decade. Typical college-aged students will decrease by about 100 and the population ages 20 – 24 is projected to decline by over 600.
  • High-demand occupations in our district for which IVCC can help one obtain a certificate and/or license are truck drivers, manufacturing and auto service technicians, nursing, medical assistants, EMTs and paramedics, computer networking administrators and cybersecurity experts.
  • In 2020 there were over 4,300 different career and technical education program offerings across the Illinois Community College System.
  • In 2010, 33% of the district’s population had some college or an associate degree compared to 9% in 2019.
  • In 2010, 8% had a bachelor’s degree or higher, compared to 18.4% in 2019.
  • More than 80% of completers of long-term certificate programs or AAS programs at IVCC are employed in career jobs within one year of graduation.
  • The net present value of investing in an IVCC associate degree or long-term certificate is more than $240,000 with a return on investment of 26.4 percent.

Dr. Corcoran noted that overall, he thought the report was very positive for IVCC and something we need to keep in mind for planning and marketing purposes moving forward. Dr. Corcoran informed that last but not least, in a few minutes our Board of Trustees will be asked to approve the recommendation to name Dr. Gary Roberts as IVCC’s new vice president for academic affairs. He reported that seventeen people applied for the job, we interviewed five by Zoom, then narrowed the field to three outstanding candidates for a day’s worth of activities. From the three, one emerged as the overwhelming top choice by the selection committee: Dr. Gary Roberts. Dr. Corcoran pointed out that Dr. Roberts’ impressive areas of expertise are noted on page 57 of tonight’s board agenda, so he would not read them, however, he was proud to say that his skills match perfectly what we need and he knew that Dr. Roberts is going to do a great job. Dr. Corcoran extended thanks to Dr. Roberts for applying and his thanks to the selection committee for the way they handled this extraordinary responsibility masterfully. Dr. Corcoran noted that from a succession-planning standpoint, with the team we now have in place, he is very confident in saying that IVCC is in good shape for many years to come.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Mr. Solon appointed Bill Hunt to the Board Facilities Committee and the Closed Session Minutes Committee. He appointed Angela Stevenson Chair of the Facilities Committee. Mr. Solon noted that the Board Planning Committee would meet on Thursday, November 18 at 5:30 p.m. 

STAFF APPOINTMENT – DR. GARY ROBERTS, VICE PRESIDENT FOR ACADEMIC AFFAIRS

It was moved by Ms. Goetz and seconded by Mr. McCracken to appoint Dr. Gary Roberts as Vice President for Academic Affairs at an annualized salary of $130,000, effective January 1, 2022.

Student Advisory Vote: – “Aye” – Ms. Miranda.  Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Mr. McCracken, Dr. Rebholz, Dr. Boyles, Ms. Goetz, Mr. Hunt, Ms. Stevenson and Mr. Solon.  “Nay” – none.  Motion carried.  Dr. Roberts was present virtually and was welcomed and congratulated by the Board on his appointment.

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING PREPARATION OF THE 2021 TAX LEVY

It was moved by Dr. Rebholz and seconded by Dr. Boyles to authorize Dr. Jerry Corcoran to begin preparing the 2021 tax levy.

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

PROPERTY TAX APPEAL RESOLUTION – LA SALLE COUNTY

It was moved by Ms. Goetz and seconded by Mr. Hunt to approve the adoption of the resolution authorizing Robbins Schwartz to represent the college in dispute of the PTAB complaint filed by Kohl’s, as presented.

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

PROPERTY TAX APPEAL RESOLUTION – PUTNAM COUNTY

It was moved by Mr. McCracken and seconded by Dr. Boyles to approve the settlement agreement in the PTAB case, as presented.

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

HIGH DEDUCTIBLE HEALTH PLAN/HEALTH SAVINGS ACCOUNTS

It was moved by Ms. Stevenson and seconded by Dr. Rebholz to approve the authorization to contribute to employee Health Savings Plans for employees electing the High Deductible Health Plan beginning January 1, 2022, as presented.

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

It was moved by Dr. Boyles and seconded by Dr. Rebholz to approve the authorization to contribute to employee Health Reimbursement Accounts for employees electing the High Deductible Health Plan beginning January 1, 2022, as presented.

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

TRiO MATCH FUNDS

It was moved by Ms. Goetz and seconded by Ms. Stevenson to approve the annual $10,000 transfer from the Education Fund (Fund 01) to Restricted Funds (Fund 06) for the Student Support Services (TRiO) grant for FY2022.

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

BID RESULTS – REPLACEMENT OF DIGITAL DISPLAY FOR EXISTING SIGN

It was moved by Dr. Rebholz and seconded by Dr. Boyles to approve to accept the bid in the amount of $47,995.00 from P & D Sign Company, Inc., Peru, Illinois.

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

BID RESULTS – CASH FARM LEASE

It was moved by Ms. Stevenson and seconded by Mr. Hunt to approve to accept the bid in the amount of $287.57 per acre from Kevin Newell, Mendota, Illinois, as presented.

Student Advisory Vote: – “Aye” – Ms. Miranda.  Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Mr. McCracken, Dr. Rebholz, Dr. Boyles, Ms. Goetz, Mr. Hunt, Ms. Stevenson and Mr. Solon.  “Nay” – none.  Motion carried. Mr. McCracken extended thanks to Mr. Luke Holly for the very fine job that he has done with the farm for the past several years.

PURCHASE REQUEST – PALO ALTO FIREWALL SOFTWARE & SUPPORT

It was moved by Ms. Goetz and seconded by Dr. Boyles to authorize the renewal of software and support on the college’s two Palo Alto Firewalls for $51,438.21 for a period of three years from the Burwood Group, Inc.

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

PURCHASE REQUEST – SMART/CATALOG/CURRICULUM BY WATERMARK

It was moved by Dr. Rebholz and seconded by Mr. McCracken to authorize the purchase of the SmartCatalog/Curriculum software for $26,200 which includes licensing and curriculum and catalog implementation to Watermark Insights, LLC.

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

PURCHASE REQUEST – PCS TO REPLACE DATED LAB & OFFICE MODELS

It was moved by Ms. Stevenson and seconded by Dr. Boyles to authorize the purchase of 160 replacement PCs and monitors for multiple classroom labs and staff offices for $149,748.80 from Dell.

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

APPROVAL – INDUSTRIAL MAINTENANCE I CERTIFICATE

It was moved by Dr. Rebholz and seconded by Ms. Stevenson to approve the Industrial Maintenance I Certificate, as presented.

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

FACULTY RESIGNATION – KEVIN HERMES, CRIMINAL JUSTICE INSTRUCTOR & PROGRAM COORDINATOR

It was moved by Dr. Rebholz and seconded by Ms. Goetz to accept with regret the resignation of Kevin Hermes, Criminal Justice Instructor and Program Coordinator effective October 8, 2021.

Student Advisory Vote: – “Aye” – Ms. Miranda.  Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Mr. McCracken, Dr. Rebholz, Dr. Boyles, Ms. Goetz, Mr. Hunt, Ms. Stevenson and Mr. Solon.  “Nay” – none.  Motion carried. Dr. Corcoran thanked Kevin Hermes for his fine work and a job well done and wished him well in his future endeavors.

ITEMS FOR INFORMATION

Mr. Solon pointed out the information items on pages 65-79 of the Board book.

TRUSTEE COMMENT

  • McCracken thanked Dr. Deborah Anderson for her fine work and leadership during her tenure as Vice President for Academic Affairs. He extended special thanks for her great support of the College and Career Start programs.
  • Goetz noted that she appreciated the sabbatical leave report provided by Dr. Jared Olesen.
  • The Board agreed for IVCC Board of Trustee meetings of 2022 to begin at 5:30 p.m.

CLOSED SESSION

Mr. Solon requested a motion and a roll call vote at 7:01 p.m. to enter into a closed session to discuss: 1) pending or imminent litigation; 2) complaint lodged against an official or employee of the public body; 3) collective negotiations; and 4) closed session minutes.  Motion made by Ms. Goetz and seconded by Dr. Rebholz to enter into a closed session.

Student Advisory Vote: – “Aye” – Ms. Miranda.  Roll Call Vote: “Ayes”– Mr. McCracken, Dr. Rebholz, Dr. Boyles Ms. Goetz, Mr. Hunt, Ms. Stevenson and Mr. Solon.  “Nay” – none.  Motion carried. The Board immediately entered closed session at 7:05 p.m.

Motion made by Dr. Boyles and seconded by Ms. Goetz to return to the regular meeting.

Student Advisory Vote: – “Aye” – Ms. Miranda.  Roll Call Vote: “Ayes”– Mr. McCracken, Dr. Rebholz, Dr. Boyles, Ms. Goetz, Mr. Hunt, Ms. Stevenson and Mr. Solon.  “Nay” – none.  Motion carried. The regular meeting resumed at 8:23 p.m.

CLOSED SESSION MINUTES

It was moved by Dr. Boyles  and seconded by Ms. Stevenson to approve and retain the closed session minutes of August 30, 2021; September 2, 2021; and September 9, 2021.

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

OTHER

None

ADJOURNMENT

Mr. Solon declared the meeting adjourned at 8:25 p.m.