April 14, 2022 Minutes of Regular Meeting

The Board of Trustees of Illinois Valley Community College District No. 513 convened a regular session at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 14, 2022 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

Madison N. Miranda, Student Trustee

Austin F. Dille, Student Trustee Elect

Members Virtually Present

Amy L. Boyles

Members Telephonically Present

Members Absent

Others Physically Present

Jerry Corcoran, President

Matthew Seaton, Vice President for Business Services & Finance

Gary Roberts, Vice President for Academic Affairs

Mark Grzybowski, Vice President for Student Services

Leslie Hofer, Director of Human Resources

Walt Zukowski, Attorney

Others Virtually Present

Approval of Agenda

It was moved by Dr. Rebholz and seconded by Mr. McCracken to approve the agenda. 

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, English Instructor shared an AFT Local 1810 “spotlight” on the student organization Gender and Sexuality Alliance. Ms. Robinson noted that GSA serves the interests of the LGBTQIA+ community and is a welcoming and safe space for all people supporting gender and sexual diversity. Ms. Robinson also recognized retiring English Instructor Randy Rambo.  She noted that Professor Rambo developed the first online English courses at the college and during his career he has earned the respect of hundreds of students as well as his colleagues. She closed with a tribute from colleague Dr. Kimberly Radek-Hall: “Randy has proved himself a mentor, a leader, and a good friend, demonstrating his intelligence, professionalism, and caring for others every day, in the classroom and out of it, on campus and off.  The department will be diminished by his absence.” 

Recognitio - Madison N. Miranda Student Trustee

Mr. Solon read a resolution and presented it to Madison Miranda along with a gift on behalf of the Board of Trustees to express sincere appreciation that Madison has given generously of her time, energy, and talents in her responsibilities as Student Trustee to the College during 2021-2022. Board members thanked Ms. Miranda for her fine service and wished her well in her future endeavors.

Consent Agenda Items

It was moved by Ms. Goetz and seconded by Mr. Hunt 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 – March 10, 2022 Board Meeting.

Approval of Bills - $1,532,910.83

Education Fund - $1,024,925.70; Operations & Maintenance Fund - $225,921.51; Auxiliary Fund - $29,404.94; Restricted Fund - $101,468.68; Liability, Protection & Settlement Fund - $48,693.30; and Grants, Loans & Scholarships - $500.00.

Treasurer’s Report

Personnel

Approved stipends for pay periods ending March 12, 2022 and March 26, 2022 & Part-time Faculty and Staff Appointments March 2022.

President's Report

Dr. Corcoran reported that Judy Day and he visited with Austin Dille, our new student trustee, on Monday and we are excited about having him serve in this key role. Our custom and practice has always been to have the outgoing trustee work beside the incoming trustee which works very well to make sure that the transition of authority is seamless. Dr. Corcoran noted that Madison Miranda has been nothing short of outstanding to work with the past year so Austin, you have big shoes to fill however, we also know that you are up to the task and will do a great job! Dr. Corcoran informed that as noted is last week’s press release from Fran Brolley’s office, Nicolette Kendall is the new SGA president; Ty Perin, vice president; Austin Dille, student trustee; Rilan Rosengren, treasurer; Sydnee Wright, secretary; Raven Bridges, sophomore representative; and Lauren Phillips sophomore programming board. Dr. Corcoran thanked our new Student Government members for stepping forward to serve in these leadership positions and to outgoing members Emme Bottom, Caroline Moskalewicz, Raven Bridges, Natalie Orozco, and Madison Miranda for a job well done. Dr. Corcoran expressed that it has been an honor to visit with and work beside all of you.  Dr. Corcoran noted that Cory Tomasson does an excellent job of serving as coordinator of student activities. He reported that the college’s first medical assistant graduation program went well on March 18 thanks to program coordinator, Kaity Ritter with assistance from Bonnie Campbell and Dr. Gary Roberts. Dr. Corcoran extended special thanks to Jane Goetz for her attendance and participation on behalf of the board of trustees. Dr. Corcoran informed that Samantha Manahan, Chad Brokaw, Fran Brolley, Dr. Seaton and David Dodge have all played a role in the behind-the-scenes work that has gone into bringing the electronic digital sign at the intersection of Moyle and Orlando Smith Road back to life. He noted that it looks fabulous. Dr. Corcoran added that the new scoreboard for our softball field is also functioning well, thus our players and coaches are pleased with the results and say thanks to the Board and administration.  Dr. Corcoran reported that our new Viewbook marketing piece is very attractive. He expressed, Good job by the team made up of Aseret Loveland, Samantha Manahan, Jennifer Heredia, SGA president Emme Bottom and IVCC alumnus Kaitlyn Anthony on that project. Dr. Corcoran extended thanks to Lisa Witalka and our friends from the Business Employment Skills Team for partnering with the four area chambers on an April 2 drive-through job fair. He offered kudos to the leadership of IVAC, Ottawa, Princeton and Streator for working with BEST and IVCC to connect with folks from LaSalle, Bureau and Putnam Counties, most of the IVCC district. Dr. Corcoran reported that per Dr. Shane Lange and EMS Program Coordinator Nick Fish, if the weather is permitting, there will be an EMS medevac helicopter landing on the campus near the softball diamond tonight around 7:00 p.m.  He noted that the purpose will be to provide simulation and training for the Paramedic students. The EMR and EMT-B students are invited, as well as some former students and EMS professionals working locally. The paramedic students and working professionals will receive a certificate at the end of the short training toward EMS continuing education. Dr. Corcoran noted that our hope is that we will receive some much-needed attention and increase local partnerships by participating in this kind of activity. Dr. Corcoran reported that around the same time as a nice story went out from Community Relations about fundraising efforts at the Ottawa Center on behalf of victims of the war in Ukraine, Chrissy Boughton and Tracey Antle spearheaded a successful local community service project in response to an Illinois Valley PADS donation drive. Dr. Corcoran extended thanks to students and employees for their generosity and support of the PADS mission to provide shelter, food and services to people in need. He noted that last week’s Giving Day in support of IVCC’s Foundation was a success. Thanks to the generosity of about 90 donors, including trustees, the event raised about $27,000 so far. Dr. Corcoran noted that on behalf of Donna Swiskoski, Janice Corrigan, Samantha Manahan and Fran Brolley, many thanks to everyone who contributed to the cause! He added that Crystal Credi, Karen Gregorich, Kim Herout, Michelle Carboni and Sandy Beard prepared 70 food insecurity boxes that were recently distributed to students in need.  Dr. Corcoran reported that the General Assembly approved HB 900, the fiscal year 2023 budget on Saturday, April 9. Dr. Corcoran informed that the good news for community colleges is it includes a 2022 supplemental 5% increase, which is also now in place for the FY2023 budget; a 5% increase in funding for Adult Education & Career and Technical Education; and more money for MAP grants which will now include students seeking short-term credentials and certificates, as well as increasing the maximum grant award for students. Dr. Corcoran noted that one thing everyone agrees upon in Springfield is the role community colleges play in transforming lives by offering high-quality programs at an affordable price, especially when you consider financial aid that is available, numerous scholarships, and financial-retention-incentives we have built in for those who persevere.

Committee Reports

None

Approval - Resolution Authorizing Participation in ISDLA

It was moved by Mr. McCracken and seconded by Ms. Goetz to approve the resolution authorizing participation by the College in the Illinois School District Liquid Asset Fund Plan (ISDLAF), 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. 

Bid Results - Parking Lot Upgrades

It was moved by Mr. Hunt and seconded by Dr. Rebholz to approve to accept the base bid from Advanced Asphalt Company, Princeton, Illinois in the amount of $446,785 for the Parking Lot Upgrades. 

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 - FTIR and HPLC Systems

It was moved by Ms. Stevenson and seconded by Dr. Rebholz to authorize to purchase an FTIR and HPLC Hemp Analyzer System from Shimadzu Scientific Instruments in the amount of $65,052.66.

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 - Proposal for Technology Replacement of Various Technology Components

It was moved by Dr. Rebholz and seconded by Mr. Hunt to approve the proposal from the IT Department for purchase of technology equipment at a cost not to exceed $453,000, 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.

Purchase Request - Supporting Adult Learner Retention/The Strada Collaborative

It was moved by Ms. Goetz and seconded by Mr. McCracken to authorize the purchase of the Strada Collaborative proposal for $98,000 which includes implementation, support, and three years of licensing for the Credit Predictor Pro, 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 Appointment - Garrick Whitehead, Computer Networking and Information Technology Instructor

It was moved by Ms. Stevenson and seconded by Ms. Goetz to appoint Garrick Whitehead as Computer Networking and Information Technology Instructor effective August 17, 2022 at Step D-13, an annualized salary of $70,232 on the 2021/2022 faculty salary schedule.

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. Whitehead joined the meeting virtually and was welcomed by the Board and congratulated on his appointment.

Staff Retirement - Leslie Hofer - Director of Human Resources

It was moved by Ms. Goetz and seconded by Mr. McCracken to accept with regret the retirement of Leslie Hofer, Director of Human Resources effective August 31, 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. Corcoran and the Board thanked Ms. Hofer for her years of service and wished her well in her retirement.

Board Travel

It was moved by Ms. Stevenson and seconded by Dr. Rebholz to approve the reimbursement of expenses in the amount of $93.60 incurred by Ms. Goetz for attending the ICCTA Seminar and Meeting in March 2022.

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

Items for Information

Mr. Solon pointed out the information items on pages 46-55 of the Board book.

Trustee Comment

Ms. Goetz shared that she will be attending the next ICCTA meeting on April 29 and invited other Board members to join her. She noted that the ICCTA will also meet on June 10 and 11 with the Annual Awards Banquet on the 10th.  Ms. Goetz provided the members with an ICCTA Board Evaluation Form in both a long and short version format for their review and consideration.

Dr. Rebholz noted that Madison Miranda did an exceptionally fine job as Student Trustee during a very difficult year and “Madison, we thank you and wish you the best.”  Ms. Miranda commented that it was a pleasure to work with all of the Board members.

Closed Session

Mr. Solon requested a motion and a roll call vote at 5:55 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) pending litigation; 4) collective negotiations; 5) security procedures, school building safety and security; and 6) closed session minutes.  Motion made by Ms. Stevenson and seconded by Ms. Goetz 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 5:58 p.m.

Motion made by Ms. Goetz and seconded by Ms. Stevenson 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 6:58 p.m.

Closed Session Minutes

It was moved by Dr. Rebholz and seconded by Mr. McCracken to approve and retain the closed session minutes of the March 10, 2022 Board 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.

Other

Dr. Corcoran informed of several items.

  • Our friends from the maintenance and custodial staff have politely asked that we begin meetings to open negotiations on a soon-to-expire contract. 
  • Rep. Lance Yednock will be here to visit with us on Monday, April 25 in the board room 1 – 2:30 p.m.
  • Thursday, April 28 Rep. David Welter will be here from 9 – 10:30 a.m.
  • Monday, May 2 at 2 p.m. Sen Sue Rezin will join us. 

He noted that Board members are welcome to join us informally at these visits as long as we are abiding by the Open Meetings Act.

Adjournment

Mr. Solon declared the meeting adjourned at 7:02 p.m.