November 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, November 9, 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

Rebecca Donna

Jane E. Goetz

Maureen O. Rebholz

Elizabeth G. Boyles, Student Trustee

Members Virtually Present

Members Telephonically Present

Members Absent

Others Physically Present

Tracy Morris, President

Gary Roberts, Vice President for Academic Affairs

Mark Grzybowski, Vice President for Student Services

Kathy Ross, Vice President for Business Services and Finance

Mary Beth Herron, Director of Human Resources

Walt Zukowski, Attorney

Others Virtually Present

MOMENT OF SILENCE

There was a moment of silence to remember Anna Martin of Streator, a student in our Adult Education program; Douglas Abbott of Oglesby, who worked for IVCC from 1991-1997 in the Physical Plant; Mary Ann Loebach, 86, of Oglesby, who worked in Registration and Records for 21 years; Shirley Ann Davey, mother-in-law of Barb Davey-Utility Assistant; Derek Sheaves of Mendota, who was a former student of Dr. Morris at Mendota High School and an IVCC graduate; Gayle Pasieka of Tonica and more recently Peru, whose family has reached out to start a scholarship in her memory; LaVerne Gatto of Pontiac, grandmother of Paige Brower Taylor, the wife of Jacob Taylor in IT; and for all of the victims of violence here in the United States and abroad.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

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

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

PUBLIC COMMENT

None

Dr. Donna entered the meeting at 5:35 p.m.

STUDENT DEMOGRAPHIC AND EMPLOYEE DEMOGRAPHIC REPORTS

Mark Grzybowski and Mary Beth Herron reported we are holding steady with the distribution between full-time and part-time students and the average credit hours taken per student by status are 14.15 for full-time and 5.8 for part-time. Ottawa has the largest number of enrolled students followed by Streator, Peru, and LaSalle. Enrollment is up 2.5% from Fall 2022 and we are still working to reach pre-pandemic numbers. 36% of our total student headcount and 83% of FAFSA filers who enrolled received either a scholarship, loan, or grant. IVCC’s employee count as of 10/31/2023 is 355 with a breakdown of 21% full-time Faculty, 5% Administration, 25% full-time Support Staff, 31% part-time Faculty; and 18% part-time Support Staff. The distribution of males and females across the student population is very even and the employee distribution is also even and reflective of the student population. Age distribution shows over half of IVCC employees fall between the age of 41-60, while 20% of employees are over the age of 60. According to SURS, 44 active employees qualify for SURS retirement by 12/31/2023. The average age of our students is 22, compared to 21 in 2022. Race/Ethnicity distribution among students and employees are predominantly White and the second highest being Hispanic. Students and employees self-identify in this category. A five-year lookback at turnover was reviewed with 25 resignations and 13 retirements to date in 2023. Internal movement in FY 2023 and FY2024 have created vacancies on a full-time or part-time basis. Movement from within the institution supports succession planning initiatives.

Requests for additions to future presentations included Mr. McCracken asking enrollment data by county and Dr. Donna asked for a five-year comparison for Employee Counts.

CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS

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

The following items were approved in the consent agenda:

Approval of Minutes – October 12, 2023 Planning Committee Meeting and October 12, 2023 Board Meeting.

Approval of Bills - $1,694,813.20

Education Fund - $964,374.67; Operations and Maintenance Fund - $175,874.63; Operations and Maintenance (Restricted Fund) - $196,129.37; Auxiliary Fund - $80,860.39; Restricted Fund - $200,207.23; and Grants, Loans, and Scholarship Fund - $77,366.91.

Treasurer’s Report

Personnel

Approved stipends for pay periods ending October 7, 2023 and October 21, 2023.

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

Dr. Morris highlighted events and updates that included the lighting updates in the Cultural Centre; 100^th Anniversary display cases, and Halloween displays and contests; student pass rates for the LPN students was 100% and 91% for RN students with the remaining RN students passing 100% on their second try; the IVCC Choir has been invited to participate in the IL-ACDA Two-Year College Festival in February; Terror in the Aisles was almost exclusively made up of students; Red Cross Blood Drive was made up of student and staff volunteers; Art Teachers Moving Forward Art show featured current and retired IVCC instructors Shannon Slaight-Brown, Rachael Olson, Karen Zielman, and Dana Collins; Human Resources’ annual Benefits Fair and Open Enrollment sessions were held for employees; Criminal Justice Association presented “The Jane Doe Case” featuring Dr. Matthew Johll, IVCC Chemistry instructor; One Book, One College held a presentation by Dr. Jennifer Timmers on climate change; Crystal Credi was elected as President Elect for ICCAROO; an Ag Job Internship Fair was held today; and many high school visits and program days have occurred. Mary Black completed the ION Master Online Teaching program; Eagles Peak and the YMCA Little Eagles numbers continue to grow and the Basic Needs Drive was a great success; IVCC received the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting; Explore IVCC had 86 participants; IVCC was represented at the Streator Incubator sessions; Foundation Scholarship Reception was held; Manufacturing Expo brought 180 high school students to campus in October; and a presentation for Native American History Month by Gerald Savage.

Dr. Morris stated since 2020, 7 students have studied abroad and four students have been awarded the prestigious Gilman Scholarship to offset the cost. IVCC has been a member of the Midwest Institute for International/Intercultural Education for 25 years and gave a history of our participation over the last several years, including hosting the Midwest Conference in October 2023 with representatives from 8 states. Dr. Morris reported our ICISP Exchange visitors from the Netherlands were on campus for two weeks in October learning about all aspects of American community colleges and sharing the work they do on their campuses.

Dr. Morris’ monthly updates included the presentation of the mission, vision, and core values voted on by employees and students for affirmation from the Board; requested affirmation on a new way of presenting staff separations each month; discussed Board meeting dates for 2024; and informed the Board that IVCC has been selected for a $1,023,372.44 grant under the FY 2023 Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grant Program administered by the Rural Utilities Service. IVCC will receive $889,855 and will have to provide a 15% cash match of $133,517.44. This grant will provide technology for 9 distance learning classrooms at IVCC, a huddle room for telehealth, and a classroom at 10 partner schools.

STUDENT TRUSTEE’S REPORT

Ms. Boyles highlighted the newly elected Freshman Representatives for the Student Government Association who are Avah Moriarty, Emma Garretson, and Cooper Spears. Men’s Soccer ended their season 11-6-1. Four players were named to the Arrowhead Conference All-Conference Team for the 2023 season. Colin Hart earned first team honors while Tyler Marconi, Francisco Pereira, and Tyrese Baijnath were earned second team honors. Women’s Volleyball ended their season 13-9. Camryn Piscia was second in the region in hitting percentage while Katie Bates was 9^th in the region in assists per set. Cross Country finished 6^th in the Region IV meet with Christian Yepsen leading IVCC with a time of 35:29 in the meet. Women’s Tennis ended their season 4-4 and finished 4^th at the Region IV tournament. The fall season for Men’s Golf wrapped up in early October and they are working toward a successful spring season. Men’s Basketball started off their season 1-2. The latest edition of the IV Leader was released with another article by Ms. Boyles.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Ms. Goetz reported the Planning Committee met last month to review policies that are on the agenda this evening. Mr. McCracken reported the Audit Finance Committee met today and the agenda included a presentation on the IT Strategic Plan, a FY23 Audit Update, information on the 2023 Tax Levy which was a balanced approach and mindful of taxpayer dollars, and a portfolio update presentation from PMA Investments.

PROTECTION, HEALTH, AND SAFETY PROJECTS FOR TAX YEAR 2023

It was moved by Ms. Goetz and seconded by Dr. Boyles to approve the three Protection, Health and Safety Projects for Tax Year 2023, as presented for a cost of $1,995,305 and authorize the administration to levy accordingly for the projects in coordination with the Tax Levy resolution.

2023 TENTATIVE TAX LEVY

It was moved by Mr. McCracken and seconded by Dr. Rebholz to adopt the Resolution approving a Tentative Tax Levy and Tentative Certificate of Tax Levy, as presented.

REQUEST FOR EQUITY INCREASES (APPROVAL)

It was moved by Ms. Stevenson and seconded by Ms. Goetz to approve equity increases for two individuals, as presented.

RESOLUTION FOR EMERITUS STATUS – DR. THOMAS J. MCCORMACK

It was moved by Mr. McCracken and seconded by Dr. Rebholz to approve the Resolution for Emeritus status for Dr. Thomas J. McCormack to be awarded posthumously, as presented.

RESOLUTION FOR EMERITUS STATUS – DR. FRANK JENSEN

It was moved by Dr. Boyles and seconded by Ms. Stevenson to approve the Resolution for Emeritus status for Dr. Frank Jensen to be awarded posthumously, as presented.

RESOLUTION FOR EMERITUS STATUS – DR. FRANICS H. DOLAN

It was moved by Ms. Goetz and seconded by Dr. Rebholz to approve the Resolution for Emeritus status for Dr. Francis H. Dolan to be awarded posthumously, as presented.

BOARD POLICY 01.21 POLCY FORMULATION AND ADOPTION

It was moved by Ms. Goetz and seconded by Dr. Boyles to approve the Board Policy, as presented.

BOARD POLICY 02.08 CHRONIC COMMUNICABLE DISEASES

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

Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Boyles. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Ms. Goetz, Dr. Donna, Ms. Stevenson, Mr. McCracken, Dr. Rebholz, Dr. Boyles, and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried. Dr. Morris noted this policy is being moved from Section 2 to Section 6 as it affects students and employees.

BOARD POLICY 06.02 ANIMALS/PETS ON CAMPUS

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

REQUEST FOR INACTIVATION – FORENSIC SCIENCE CERTIFICATE

It was moved by Dr. Rebholz and seconded by Ms. Stevenson to approve the inactivation of the Forensic Science Certificate with no need for the one-year teach-out, as no students have declared it as their program of study.

CHANGE ORDER FOR SITE LIGHTING AND SECURITY UPGRADES

It was moved by Ms. Goetz and seconded by Dr. Boyles to approve the change order to the Site Lighting and Security Upgrades project not to exceed $100,000. This will come from the PHS fund balance.

Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Boyles. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Ms. Goetz, Dr. Donna, Ms. Stevenson, Mr. McCracken, Dr. Rebholz, Dr. Boyles, and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried. Dr. Morris stated this change order is a result of conduit issues.

FACULTY APPOINTMENT – CHRISTIAN CARBONI, WELDING INSTRUCTOR

It was moved by Mr. McCracken and seconded by Ms. Goetz to approve the appointment of Christian Carboni, Welding Instructor effective November 13, 2023 at Step A-5 (+1%) on the 2023/2024 faculty salary schedule, at an annualized salary of $49,981.00.

STAFF APPOINTMENT – ERIC JOHNSON, CONTROLLER

It was moved by Dr. Rebholz and seconded by Mr. McCracken to approve the appointment of Eric Johnson as Controller, at an annualized salary of $88,500.00, effective November 13, 2023.

ITEMS FOR INFORMATION

Mr. Solon pointed out the information items on pages 86-99 of the Board book.

TRUSTEE COMMENT

None

CLOSED SESSION

Mr. Solon requested a motion and a roll call vote at 6:35 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; and 3) closed session minutes.

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

It was moved by Mr. McCracken and seconded by Ms. Stevenson to return to the regular meeting.

CLOSED SESSION MINUTES

It was moved by Dr. Rebholz and seconded by Dr. Donna to approve and retain the closed session minutes of the September 14, 2023 and October 12, 2023 Board Meeting.

OTHER

Dr. Donna stated the definition she found of Emeritus status indicated those with the designation would maintain an office on campus to do research. Dr. Morris asked Dr. Donna to send her the link to the definition so it can be reviewed.

ADJOURNMENT

Mr. Solon declared the meeting adjourned at 7:13 p.m.