January 12, 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, January 12, 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

William F. Hunt

Maureen O. Rebholz

Members Virtually Present

Ashton F. Dille, Student Trustee

Members Telephonically Present

Members Absent

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

Kathy Ross, Controller               

Tracy Morris, President-Elect

Walt Zukowski, Attorney

Others Virtually Present

BOARD CHAIR – OPENING REMARKS

Mr. Solon 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. McCracken to approve the agenda.

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

PUBLIC COMMENT

None

CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS

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

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

The following items were approved in the consent agenda:

Approval of Minutes – December 1, 2022 Special Board Meeting; December 8, 2022 Board Meeting; and December 20, 2022 Special Board Meeting.

Approval of Bills - $1,124,423.43

Education Fund - $787,262.66; Operations & Maintenance Fund - $142,592.56; Auxiliary Fund - $60,562.96; Restricted Fund - $98,814.28; Audit - $2,500.00; and Liability, Protection & Settlement Fund - $32,690.97.

Treasurer’s Report

Personnel

Approved stipends for pay periods ending December 3, 2022 and December 17, 2022 & Part-time Faculty and Staff Appointments December 2022.

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

Dr. Corcoran welcomed everyone to our first board meeting in 2023. He noted that he hoped folks being here in person are as pleased as the administration is with the changes we have made to the board room. He added that he thought the table and chairs looked great. Dr. Corcoran noted that kudos are in order to the business services and finance division staff for making it happen; specifically, vice president Dr. Matt Seaton, director of purchasing Michelle Carboni, director of facilities Scott Curley, and facilities supervisor Gerilynn Schultz. He added to stay tuned for more in the way of technology to come. Dr. Corcoran informed that we had a nice turnout at the holiday luncheon on December 16. Dr. Corcoran extended thanks to the many trustees and foundation directors who were able to join us. He noted that the meal provided by Arbor Food Management was terrific. Dr. Corcoran thanked Jennifer Scheri for co-presenting with him to this year’s class of participants in the Illinois Valley Area Chamber of Commerce’s Community Leadership Academy on Thursday, December 22 (Jennifer’s birthday!). He extended congratulations to Bill Zens, IVAC’s executive director, for bringing the program back to support the district’s up-and-coming leaders. Dr. Corcoran noted that he is delighted that Dr. Patrice Hess and Eric Johnson are members of the first year’s cohort. He added that with this being the first week of classes, it was great on Dr. Patrice Hess’s part to organize everything relative to last Friday’s all-staff in-service which turned out well with a full day’s worth of activities. Dr. Corcoran noted that the campus looks outstanding, enrollments are strong and everyone seems to be happy to be back, especially our students.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

None

PROPOSAL RESULTS – USED AMBULANCE

It was moved by Ms. Stevenson and seconded by Dr. Boyles to accept the proposal for a used 2008 Chevrolet 4500 Ambulance from Bill Walsh Ford Lincoln Kia, Ottawa, Illinois, at a cost of $42,987.24. Dr. Boyles noted that this purchase will be paid for by the Pipeline for the Advancement of the Healthcare Workforce (PATH) grant funds. Dr. Boyles extended thanks to everyone who worked on this grant.

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

AUDIT REPORT – SIKICH

There was no action on this item. Mr. Solon noted that an Audit Finance Committee meeting has been scheduled on Thursday, February 9 at 4:00 p.m. and the audit will be presented at that time.

ITEMS FOR INFORMATION

Mr. Solon pointed out the information items on pages 35-46 of the Board book. Dr. Corcoran noted that the Business Office has again earned the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the Government Finance Officers Association. Dr. Corcoran extended thanks and congratulations to Ms. Kathy Ross and the entire Business Office team for this achievement.

TRUSTEE COMMENT

Dr. Rebholz noted that while there are several staff resignations in the Items for Information and we prefer that people not leave, it appears that the individuals involved are moving on to other opportunities for greater achievement. This also opens opportunities for new staff to join us.

Mr. McCracken shared exciting news that the La Moille School District has received a five-year mental health grant for over six million dollars that will help provide school-based mental health providers and increase access for youth for appropriate mental health intervention throughout the seven school districts in Bureau and LaSalle counties. Mr. McCracken acknowledged the work of Katie Skevokas, school counselor for her work in securing the grant. He added that this news has just become available and more on the grant will be forthcoming. The Board extended congratulations to Mr. McCracken and the La Moille School District.

CLOSED SESSION

Mr. Solon requested a motion and a roll call vote at 5:40 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 official or employee of the public body; and 3) closed session minutes.  Motion made by Ms. Stevenson and seconded by Ms. Goetz to enter into a closed session.

Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Dille.  Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Dr. Rebholz, Dr. Boyles, Ms. Goetz, Mr. Hunt, Ms. Stevenson, Mr. McCracken and Mr. Solon.  “Nay” – none.  Motion carried. The Board immediately entered closed session at 5:42 p.m.

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

Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Dille.  Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Dr. Rebholz, Dr. Boyles, Ms. Goetz, Mr. Hunt, Ms. Stevenson, Mr. McCracken and Mr. Solon.  “Nay” – none.  Motion carried. The regular meeting resumed at 6:24 p.m.

CLOSED SESSION MINUTES

It was moved by Mr. McCracken and seconded by Mr. Hunt to approve and retain the closed session minutes of the December 1, 2022 Special Board Meeting; December 8, 2022 Board Meeting; and the December 20, 2022 Special Board Meeting.

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

OTHER

Mr. Solon noted the document, “5 Keys to a Successful Transition Year” available at the table for the Trustees. This article is an ACCT guide for community college boards and CEOs.

ADJOURNMENT

Mr. Solon declared the meeting adjourned at 6:25 p.m.