February 9, 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, February 9, 2023 in the Board Room (C307) at Illinois Valley Community College.
Members Physically Present
Jay K. McCracken, Vice Chair
Angela M. Stevenson, Secretary
Amy L. Boyles
Jane E. Goetz
William F. Hunt
Maureen O. Rebholz
Members Virtually Present
Ashton F. Dille, Student Trustee
Members Telephonically Present
Members Absent
Everett J. Solon, Chair
Others Physically Present
Jerry Corcoran, President
Gary Roberts, Vice President for Academic Affairs
Matthew Seaton, Vice President for Business Services & Finance
Mark Grzybowski, Vice President for Student Services
Mary Beth Herron, Director of Human Resources
Ron Groleau, Dean of Natural Sciences & Business
Shane Lange, Dean of Workforce Development
Heather Seghi, Interim Dean of Health Professions
Kathy Ross, Controller
Walt Zukowski, Attorney
Others Virtually Present
OPENING REMARKS
Mr. McCracken informed of the following: Provisions within Section 7(e) of the Open Meetings Act, allowing for Board meetings to be virtual and without requiring the physical presence of a quorum of the members, continue to apply to our Board meetings due to (a) Governor Pritzker’s most recent disaster proclamation; and (b) my determination that in-person meetings are not practical or prudent (for all board members and members of the public) because of the disaster. It is the custom and practice of the college to record Board meetings and the meeting was being recorded both audio and video. Anyone joining the meeting virtually, please mute until you are ready to speak.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
It was moved by Ms. Goetz and seconded by Mr. Hunt to approve the agenda.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Dille. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Dr. Boyles, Ms. Goetz, Mr. Hunt, Ms. Stevenson, Dr. Rebholz and Mr. McCracken. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
PUBLIC COMMENT
None
CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS
It was moved by Dr. Rebholz and seconded by Ms. Stevenson to approve the consent agenda, as presented.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Dille. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Dr. Boyles, Ms. Goetz, Mr. Hunt, Ms. Stevenson, Dr. Rebholz and Mr. McCracken. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
The following items were approved in the consent agenda:
Approval of Minutes – January 12, 2023 Board Meeting
Approval of Bills - $2,007,683.54
Education Fund - $1,407,864.24; Operations & Maintenance Fund - $48,714.47; Operations & Maintenance (Restricted Fund) - $122,078.62; Auxiliary Fund - $56,069.26; Restricted Fund - $319,596.15; and Liability, Protection & Settlement Fund - $53,360.80.
Treasurer’s Report
Personnel
Approved stipends for pay periods ending December 31, 2022; January 14, 2023; and January 28, 2023 & Part-time Faculty and Staff Appointments January 2023.
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
Dr. Corcoran reported that the agriculture job and internship fair held on January 26 was a successful event. He noted that we had 17 actively-hiring companies register and 49 ambitious agriculture students in attendance to meet with them. Along with our ag faculty and staff, Dr. Corcoran recognized Lisa Witalka, Danielle Jackson, and Gerilynn Schultz for their behind-the-scenes support. He added that the lineup of employers in attendance included ADM, Ag View FS, Birddog Workforce Scouting, Corteva Agriscience, DeKane Equipment Corporation, Facilitating Coordination Agricultural Education (FCAE), GRAINCO FS, Marquis Energy – Illinois, LLC, Northern Partners Cooperative, Nutrients Ag Solutions, Prairie State Tractor (John Deere), River Valley Cooperative, Strategic Business Solutions (SBST), Sun Ag Inc., and USDA Farm Service Agency. Dr. Corcoran noted that everyone did a fine job. Dr. Corcoran informed that Congressman Darin LaHood stopped by for a visit on January 18 as part of our effort to meet with legislators who have the ability to consider legislation that could have an effect on IVCC’s ability to carry out its mission. He added that Mike Phillips is in touch with Congresswoman Lauren Underwood’s staff regarding the possibility of her spending some time at IVCC in the future as well. Dr. Corcoran noted that we will keep you posted as that plan comes together. Dr. Corcoran thanked the trustees who were able to attend the Ottawa Chamber of Commerce’s ribbon-cutting event to showcase their new office location within the IVCC Ottawa Center on February 2nd. He noted that the Chamber’s executive director was very complimentary of the folks who worked with him to make this joint-venture proposal become a reality. Dr. Corcoran reported that on February 3rd, the annual Academic Challenge was held on IVCC’s campus like it used to be back in the pre-Covid days. He added that high schools that participated were Hall, Marquette, Mendota, Ottawa, Seneca, St. Bede, and Streator. Dr. Corcoran noted that as he has for many years, Ron Groleau, masterfully took the lead in coordinating the event with great support from Danielle Jackson, Marlene Merkel, Samantha Manahan, Dawn Watson and Chad Brokaw. Dr. Corcoran informed that on tonight’s agenda, we have formal notices of retirement by Judy Day and Fran Brolley. He noted that together, they have given 73 years of their lives to IVCC. They are so much alike: gifted, dependable, professional, respectful, respected, and both with a great sense of humor. Dr. Corcoran added that he would miss them when we all go our separate ways in a few short months, but he would never forget all that they have done to make IVCC a wonderful place in which to work and change peoples’ lives.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Mr. McCracken noted that the Audit Finance Committee met earlier today. Minutes of that meeting will appear in the March Board book.
FACULTY TENURE RECOMMENDATIONS
Dr. Roberts advised that the tenure process requires faculty demonstrate exemplary teaching performance, contributions to the college, contributions to the community and professional involvement. Faculty employed for three consecutive years earn tenure and create a portfolio covering rigorous components of review by administration. Dr. Roberts noted that these three candidates come with the unanimous recommendations from the Academic Dean and Vice President for Academic Affairs that they be granted tenure: Nancy McDonnell, Rick Pretzsch and Kaity Ritter.
Nancy McDonnell – Cybersecurity Instructor
It was moved by Ms. Goetz and seconded by Mr. Hunt to approve the tenure for Nancy McDonnell, Cybersecurity Instructor, as presented. Dean Lange shared that Ms. McDonnell founded the cybersecurity program three years ago and has taken on many computer networking courses. He noted that “Nancy is great at connecting with students.”
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Dille. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Dr. Boyles, Ms. Goetz, Mr. Hunt, Ms. Stevenson, Dr. Rebholz and Mr. McCracken. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
Ms. McDonnell was present to share her portfolio and was congratulated by the Board members on her tenure appointment.
Rick Pretzsch – Economics Instructor
It was moved by Dr. Boyles and seconded by Dr. Rebholz to approve the tenure for Rick Pretzsch, Economics Instructor, as presented. Dean Groleau noted in his tenure recommendation that Rick’s philosophy on his field of study is that “economics is not about selfishness or materialism; it is the study of how people manage their material resources in order to enable them to meet their life goals, whatever those goals may be.” Mr. Groleau credited Rick for his ability to engage students by relating classroom topics to real-world applications. He also credited Mr. Pretzsch for advising the successful student economics club.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Dille. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Dr. Boyles, Ms. Goetz, Mr. Hunt, Ms. Stevenson, Dr. Rebholz and Mr. McCracken. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
Mr. Pretzsch was present to share his portfolio and celebrate his success with the Board. He was congratulated by the Board members on his tenure appointment.
Kaity Ritter – Medical Assisting Instructor
It was moved by Ms. Stevenson and seconded by Ms. Goetz to approve the tenure for Kaity Ritter, Medical Assisting Instructor, as presented. Dean Seghi noted that Ms. Ritter founded the Medical Assistant program three years ago and has voiced that she looks forward to expanding it to offer an associate degree. Ms. Ritter began her college studies at IVCC, went on to earn a bachelor’s in April and will begin pursuit of a master’s.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Dille. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Dr. Boyles, Ms. Goetz, Mr. Hunt, Ms. Stevenson, Dr. Rebholz and Mr. McCracken. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
Ms. Ritter was present to share her portfolio and was offered congratulations by the Board of Trustees on her tenure appointment.
RESOLUTION DESIGNATING THE FISCAL YEAR
It was moved by Dr. Boyles and seconded by Mr. Hunt to adopt the resolution designating the fiscal year be from July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Dille. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Dr. Boyles, Ms. Goetz, Mr. Hunt, Ms. Stevenson, Dr. Rebholz and Mr. McCracken. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
It was moved by Ms. Goetz and seconded by Ms. Stevenson to approve the budget calendar, as presented.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Dille. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Dr. Boyles, Ms. Goetz, Mr. Hunt, Ms. Stevenson, Dr. Rebholz and Mr. McCracken. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
TUITION ADJUSTMENT
This item was tabled.
COURSE FEES/ADJUSTMENTS
Motion made by Dr. Rebholz and seconded by Ms. Goetz to change 186 course fees with 153 increases, 1 decrease, 4 new courses, removal of course fees from 25 courses, plus the assignment of a course fee to 3 existing courses, as presented.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Dille. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Dr. Boyles, Ms. Goetz, Mr. Hunt, Ms. Stevenson, Dr. Rebholz and Mr. McCracken. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
STAFF APPOINTMENT – HEATHER SEGHI, INTERIM DEAN OF HEALTH PROFESSIONS
Motion made by Ms. Stevenson and seconded by Mr. Hunt to approve the appointment of Heather Seghi as Interim Dean of Health Professions with additional compensation as noted on the January 10, 2023 memorandum from Dr. Gary Roberts, as presented.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Dille. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Dr. Boyles, Ms. Goetz, Mr. Hunt, Ms. Stevenson, Dr. Rebholz and Mr. McCracken. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
STAFF RETIREMENT – FRAN BROLLEY – EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY RELATIONS & DEVELOPMENT
Motion made by Dr. Rebholz and seconded by Ms. Goetz to accept with regret the retirement of Fran Brolley, Executive Director of Community Relations and Development effective April 28, 2023, as submitted through the Retirement Planning Program.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Dille. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Dr. Boyles, Ms. Goetz, Mr. Hunt, Ms. Stevenson, Dr. Rebholz and Mr. McCracken. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
STAFF RETIREMENT – JUDY DAY – EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT & SECRETARY TO THE BOARD
Motion made by Dr. Rebholz and seconded by Mr. Hunt to accept with regret the retirement of Judy Day, Executive Assistant to the President & Secretary to the Board effective June 30, 2023, as submitted through the Retirement Planning Program.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Dille. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Dr. Boyles, Ms. Goetz, Mr. Hunt, Ms. Stevenson, Dr. Rebholz and Mr. McCracken. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
RFQ – AGRICULTURE BUILDING ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES
It was moved by Mr. Hunt and seconded by Ms. Goetz to approve the selection of Demonica Kemper Architects as the architect for the Agriculture Facility Phase 2 project funded in part by the grant from the Economic Development Administration.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Dille. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Dr. Boyles, Ms. Goetz, Mr. Hunt, Ms. Stevenson, Dr. Rebholz and Mr. McCracken. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
BID RESULTS – INDUCTIVELY COUPLED PLASMA OPTICAL EMISSION SPECTROMETER FOR AG PROGRAM
Motion made by Dr. Rebholz and seconded by Ms. Stevenson to accept the bid from PerkinElmer Health Sciences, Inc., Shelton, CT for an Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometer at a cost of $92,511.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Dille. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Dr. Boyles, Ms. Goetz, Mr. Hunt, Ms. Stevenson, Dr. Rebholz and Mr. McCracken. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL – WEBSITE CONTENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
It was moved by Ms. Stevenson and seconded by Dr. Boyles to approve authorization to seek proposals for a Website Content Management System.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Dille. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Dr. Boyles, Ms. Goetz, Mr. Hunt, Ms. Stevenson, Dr. Rebholz and Mr. McCracken. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT WITH THE CITY OF MENDOTA
It was moved by Dr. Boyles and seconded by Dr. Rebholz to approve the Intergovernmental Agreement with the City of Mendota, as presented.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Dille. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Dr. Boyles, Ms. Goetz, Mr. Hunt, Ms. Stevenson, Dr. Rebholz and Mr. McCracken. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
ITEMS FOR INFORMATION
Mr. McCracken pointed out the information items on pages 72-81 of the Board book. Dr. Boyles noted the Information Item on page 74 regarding supplemental budget appropriations to help administer supports for student mental health well-being for FY23. She added that it is very impressive securing more funds here for our students.
TRUSTEE COMMENT
Mr. McCracken inquired about an issue that surfaced at a superintendents meeting involving some dual credit students not receiving credit for computer classes. Dr. Roberts advised that we are currently addressing this situation and are working through it with a goal for completion and following through with the superintendents.
Ms. Goetz informed that the ICCTA meeting on March 10 and 11 will be in Lombard and will include training sessions. She noted that she will be attending the March meeting and invited other Trustees to join her. Ms. Goetz added that the annual ICCTA conference is scheduled for June 2 and 3 at Normal and Lobby Day is May 3.
CLOSED SESSION
Mr. McCracken requested a motion and a roll call vote at 6:25 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) complaint lodged against an employee of the public body; and 3) closed session minutes. Motion made by Ms. Stevenson and seconded by Mr. Hunt to enter into a closed session.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Dille. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Dr. Boyles, Ms. Goetz, Mr. Hunt, Ms. Stevenson, Dr. Rebholz and Mr. McCracken. “Nay” – none. Motion carried. The Board immediately entered closed session at 6:28 p.m.
Motion made by Ms. Goetz and seconded by Ms. Stevenson to return to the regular meeting.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Dille. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Dr. Boyles, Ms. Goetz, Mr. Hunt, Ms. Stevenson, Dr. Rebholz and Mr. McCracken. “Nay” – none. Motion carried. The regular meeting resumed at 6:34 p.m.
EMPLOYEE RETIREMENTS – RETIREMENT PLANNING PROGRAM
It was moved by Ms. Goetz and seconded by Mr. Hunt to approve those employees requesting to participate in the Retirement Planning Program, as listed and who submitted a request by the December 31, 2022 deadline as follows:
Full-time Faculty – Margie Francisco, Christine Ann Blaydes, Richard Mangold, and David Allan Kuester.
Full-time Administrative and Support Staff – Fran Brolley, Walter R. Waligora, Judy Day, Matthew Suerth, Cynthia Cardosi, Karen Gregorich, Lynn Moore, Marla Forbes, Marlene Merkel, Mark Quincer, and Steve Gillio.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Dille. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Dr. Boyles, Ms. Goetz, Mr. Hunt, Ms. Stevenson, Dr. Rebholz and Mr. McCracken. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
CLOSED SESSION MINUTES
It was moved by Dr. Rebholz and seconded by Dr. Boyles to approve and retain the closed session minutes of the January 12, 2023 Board Meeting.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Dille. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Dr. Boyles, Ms. Goetz, Mr. Hunt, Ms. Stevenson, Dr. Rebholz and Mr. McCracken. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
OTHER
None
ADJOURNMENT
Mr. McCracken declared the meeting adjourned at 6:36 p.m.