December 14, 2023 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, December 14, 2023 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

Maureen O. Rebholz

Elizabeth G. Boyles, Student Trustee

Members Virtually Present

Members Telephonically Present

Members Absent

Rebecca Donna

Others Virtually Present

MOMENT OF SILENCE

There was a moment of silence to remember Russell Greene of Peru, who was a mathematics faculty member for over 30 years plus time as a tutor; Joan Moyle of Oglesby, who worked as a Division Secretary for three divisions until her retirement; Edmund Herrmann of Spring Valley, who worked in the IT department until his retirement in 2001; and Gerald Scott of Oglesby, a longtime mayor of Oglesby.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

It was moved by Ms. Goetz and seconded by Dr. Rebholz to approve the agenda.

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

PUBLIC COMMENT

None

CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS

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

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

The following items were approved in the consent agenda:

Approval of Minutes –November 9, 2023 Audit Finance Committee Meeting and Board Meeting.

Approval of Bills - $1,376,748.72

Education Fund - $837,905.85; Operations and Maintenance Fund - $84,461.22; Operations and Maintenance (Restricted Fund) - $15,453.75; Auxiliary Fund - $195,659.39; Restricted Fund - $120,848.40; Audit Fund - $28,000.00; Liability, Protection, and Settlement Fund - $97,347.58; and Grants, Loans, and Scholarship Fund - $72.53.

Treasurer’s Report

Personnel

Approved stipends for pay periods ending November 4, 2023 and November 18, 2023 and Part-Time Faculty and Staff Appointments November 2023.

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

Dr. Morris highlighted the holiday displays around campus with hopes of expanding these in the future. Our food bank continues to grow and thank you to Ronnie Uebel, who donated a refrigerator in memory of her husband, Bill Uebel, for our students to have access to more healthy foods. Two displays for the 100^th Anniversary have been created to highlight the areas of athletics and academic and curriculum based information. Student research posters on antibiotics were recently presented in Green Bay, Wisconsin by two of our students. Project Success led a drive to collect items for animal shelters with 166 items as well as monetary donations, including donations by the Sigma Kappa Delta, the Hispanic Leadership Team, and the Project Success Leadership Team. Numerous musical performances took place in the last month.

Congratulations to the 21^st Century Scholars, who are amazing group of students and thank you to the Foundation for a job well done on this event. IVCC faculty members Sue Caley-Opsal, Lauri Carey, LeeAnn Johnson, and Keith King attended the Illinois Association of Community College Biologists (IACCB) meeting recently at Starved Rock Lodge. IVCC Agriculture Faculty Jennifer Timmers, was one of 6 speakers at the event.

The campus continues to celebrate retirements, core values, and the faculty and staff recognized in the Thank a Teacher, Thank a Staff initiative. The food box drive, with the help of employees and the Men’s Baseball team, created 100 boxes of food before Thanksgiving with over 60 boxes distributed. Dr. Morris also highlighted the impact Eagles Peak and YMCA Little Eagles is having on our students and their families. Kudos to Mike Phillips for being a local earthquake resource; Jay McCracken for being named Interim Executive Director of the Ottawa Area Chamber of Commerce; and Lirim Neziroski, Dean of Humanities, Fine Arts, and Social Sciences for being a guest in the Intercultural Communications course. Dr. Morris noted all the events and happenings in the last month as well as the upcoming holiday brunch, Jingle All the Way performances, and the State of Illinois Capital Development Board general information outreach session being held at IVCC on January 11, 2024. IVCC donated unused desks and chairs to district schools.

Monthly updates highlighted that enrollment is looking very strong. Headcount from spring to spring is currently up 43.46%; credit hours are up 23.34%; and the Ottawa Center is down slightly. Dr. Morris announced the spring tuition deadline has been extended to January 3, 2024, giving students nearly three additional weeks to make financial arrangements. Strategic Planning update shared that the Institutional Goals are with the Strategic Leadership and Planning Council (SLPC); Policy 01.06 will come forward for a vote in January and will include the mission, vision and values; goals will be the frame of the strategic plan; purposes will be evaluated further; and principles of work will be discussed at a later date. SWOT results for weakness and threats have been shared with SLPC. The Employee Giving campaign has already raised over $11,000 and continues to grow. The campus closes for the holiday break at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, December 19^th.

STUDENT TRUSTEE’S REPORT

Ms. Boyles highlighted that the Student Government Associated provided free drinks and snacks for all students throughout final exams. Coach Herman, the Men’s Basketball team, and the Men’s Baseball team participated in the Oglesby Holiday Parade. Men’s Basketball is currently 5-6 with a game tonight at College of DuPage and Saturday at home. Cross Country runner, Christian Yepson and coach Matt Baker ran in the annual Oglesby Thanksgiving Turkey Trot. Women’s Volleyball players Katie Bates and Ella Sibert were named to the Arrowhead Conference All-Conference Team for the 2023 Season. Congratulations to this year’s 21^st Century Scholars. Andrew Knipper was the winner; Logan Brandner, Caleb Savitch, and Elizabeth Boyle were finalists; and merit award winners were Elizabeth Browder, Madeline Klicker, Isabella Lambert, Erick Lockwood, and Earl Pantig. Finally, the latest edition of the IV Leader is available electronically.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

None

2023 TAX LEVY

It was moved by Mr. McCracken and seconded by Ms. Goetz 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. Boyles. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Ms. Stevenson, Mr. McCracken, Dr. Rebholz, Dr. Boyles, Ms. Goetz, and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried. Mr. McCracken thanked Kathy Ross and her team for all their work in preparing the tax levy.

BOARD POLICY 03.16 FAMILY MEDICAL LEAVE

It was moved by Dr. Boyles and seconded by Dr. Rebholz to approve Board Policy 03.16, as presented.

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

Dr. Morris noted the policy is high level and Mary Beth Herron and her team has done a tremendous amount work on procedures as we roll this out. Changes are highly tied to the Paid Leave for All Act and will have significant impact for some of our staff. It does not apply currently to anyone in a corrective bargaining agreement. The procedure drafts were shared with the Board Planning Committee for feedback.

BOARD POLICY 03.30 VACATION REGULATIONS

It was moved by Ms. Stevenson and seconded by Ms. Goetz to approve Board Policy 3.30, as presented.

BOARD POLICY 06.13 SEXUAL MISCONDUCT, SEXUAL AND OTHER HARASSMENT

It was moved by Dr. Rebholz and seconded by Dr. Boyles to approve Board Policy 06.13, as presented.

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

BUSINESS OFFICE REORGANIZATION – DIRECTOR OF AUXILIARY SERVICES AND PURCHASING

It was moved by Mr. McCracken and seconded by Ms. Goetz to approve the reorganization in the Business Services and Finance division that includes the appointment of Michelle Carboni as Director of Auxiliary Services and Purchasing at an annualized salary of $81,705, retroactively effective September 24, 2023.

Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Boyles. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Ms. Stevenson, Mr. McCracken, Dr. Rebholz, Dr. Boyles, Ms. Goetz, and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried. Dr. Morris stated this position is a result of what we have learned over the last 9-10 months, it leans to Michelle’s strengths and she has done a tremendous job in this role. Ms. Carboni expressed her appreciation.

STAFF APPOINTMENT – HEATHER SEGHI, DEAN OF HEALTH PROFESSIONS

It was moved by Dr. Rebholz and seconded by Ms. Stevenson to approve the approve the appointment of Heather Seghi as the Dean of Health Professions at an annualized salary of $87,303, effective December 31, 2023.

Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Boyles. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Ms. Stevenson, Mr. McCracken, Dr. Rebholz, Dr. Boyles, Ms. Goetz, and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried. Dr. Morris stated Heather has been holding this position on an interim basis. She has grown tremendously and given stability the division. Dr. Morris is very pleased with the work she has done and is very excited to make this recommendation.

STAFF RETIREMENT – RETIREMENT PLANNING PROGRAM

It was moved by Dr. Rebholz and seconded by Dr. Boyles to approve the retirement as submitted through the Retirement Planning Program and reported on the memorandum.

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

APPROVAL TO SUBMIT LETTER FOR ICCB RECOGNITION

It was moved by Mr. McCracken and seconded by Ms. Stevenson to approve the letter to ICCB, which is the first requirement for the ICCB recognition process. The administration will complete and submit the self-assessment, as required.

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

2024 BOARD MEETING DATES AND TIME

It was moved by Ms. Goetz and seconded by Ms. Stevenson to approve the meeting dates for 2024 and will provide public notice of this schedule. All meetings will take place at the designated time in Room C-307 (the Board Room) on the campus of Illinois Valley Community College, 815 North Orlando Smith Road, Oglesby, Illinois.

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

FARM TILING PROJECT

It was moved by Dr. Rebholz and seconded by Ms. Goetz to approve McCoy and Sons LLC for the additional costs associate with the Farm Tiling at a cost not to exceed $30,000. Any funding not obtained in FY24 will be taken from surplus O & M funds currently held by the district.

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

ITEMS FOR INFORMATION

Mr. Solon pointed out the information items on pages 59-76 of the Board book.

Dr. Morris noted 01.16 does not have the correct date but it will be updated, she is very excited about the ICCB approval of the AAS Paramedic degree, and the Employee Separations Report is being used for the first time.

TRUSTEE COMMENT

Dr. Boyles gave an update from the ICCTA meeting in November. Governor Pritzker received an award from the ICCTA for helping with budgeting and funding for higher education. Secretary of State, Alexi Giannoulias, spoke about Illinois being the first in the nation with a law that prohibits state funding for any library that bans books. There is a new branding campaign for the ICCTA and ICCB, which is For Every Student, For Every Community. The Professional Learning focus this month was on enterprise resource planning where the acronym LEFT (Lifelong Learning, Earn It vs. Learn It, Fit for Purpose, and Timeless) was introduced. The next meeting will be held in Washington, DC.

CLOSED SESSION

Mr. Solon requested a motion and a roll call vote at 6:05 p.m. to enter into a closed session to discuss: 1) the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees of the public body; 2) pending or imminent litigation; 3) collective negotiations; and 4) closed session minutes.

It was moved by Ms. Stevenson and seconded by Dr. Boyles to enter into a closed session.

Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Boyles. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Ms. Stevenson, Mr. McCracken, Dr. Rebholz, Dr. Boyles, Ms. Goetz, and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried. The Board entered closed session at 6:08 p.m.

It was moved by Ms. Goetz and seconded by Dr. Boyles to return to the regular meeting.

CLOSED SESSION MINUTES

It was moved by Ms. Goetz and seconded by Ms. Stevenson to approve and retain the closed session minutes of the November 9, 2023 Board Meeting.

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

OTHER

Dr. Morris stated the annexation for the Ag complex is being discussed at the Oglesby Planning Council meeting next week. Mr. Zukowski is having conversations with the Oglesby attorney on issues with the annexation. The location for the building needs to be annexed into Oglesby and the draft agreement is being negotiated.

ADJOURNMENT

Mr. Solon declared the meeting adjourned at 6:33 p.m.