October 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, October 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

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 Tracy Allen Smith of Marseilles, sister of Dr. Shane Lange, Dean of Workforce Development; Ron Lindner, a longtime adjunct faculty in the Business and Engineering Division; former Project NOA employee, Rose Smith; and former Senator Gary Dahl, who has been a 21st Century Scholar Society member since 2007 and generous scholarship donor.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

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

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

PUBLIC COMMENT

None

CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS

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

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

The following items were approved in the consent agenda:

Approval of Minutes – September 14, 2023 Board Meeting.

Approval of Bills - $2,826,977.53

Education Fund - $2,343,089.02; Operations and Maintenance Fund - $125,640.31; Operations and Maintenance (Restricted Fund) - $94,803.57; Auxiliary Fund - $142,834.70; Restricted Fund - $54,731.55; Liability, Protection and Settlement Fund - $64,878.38; and Grants, Loans, and Scholarship Fund - $1,000.00.

Treasurer’s Report

Personnel

Approved stipends for pay periods ending September 9, 2023 and September 23, 2023 and Part-Time Faculty and Staff Appointments September 2023.

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

Dr. Morris reported recent displays on campus include the Hispanic Heritage Month display, the second annual Celebration of Day of the Dead Altar dedicated to loved ones, and the annual Clothesline Project display for Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Dr. Morris highlighted the Hispanic Leadership Team and their work on the Hispanic Heritage Month activities, noted Ms. Boyles did an amazing job at the Investiture, stated over 200 students voted for vision and core values, and shared that the recent IBEW graduation had 21 graduates.

Dr. Morris noted financial aid of almost $2.8 million to 1,282 students was disbursed. Our Financial Aid department has implemented the College Cost Transparency Initiative. The IBHE Faculty Advisory Council recently held a meeting on campus. Two car shows were held on campus in September and October. This year marks the 50th College Night, which served over 130 students and prospective students.

Dr. Morris recognized Human Resources, Professional Development Committee, Counselor Connection planning group, and Faculty Development work group for all their hard work in organizing great events and activities for Development Day held on October 6. Additional efforts on campus include partnering with Single Stop in effort to ensure students basic needs are fulfilled to help them persist in college, the continued success of Eagle’s Peak Pantry, the average utilization rate for the Tutor and Writing Center is 65.4%, and reviewed the Tutor and Writing Center’s two initiatives that include a tours and visits program and chemistry study groups.

Dr. Morris congratulated Director of Continuing Education and Business Services, Jennifer Scheri on being named an IVAC inaugural Community Cornerstone award recipient.

Dr. Morris’ monthly updates included continued work on the Strategic Plan, ICCB release of its updated allocations and IVCC received a slight increase of just over $14,000, and updates that our financial aid default rate has gotten smaller over the last 5 years because of initiatives such as additional communication and steps in the process.

STUDENT TRUSTEE’S REPORT

Ms. Boyles’ presentation highlighted that the newest issue of the IV Leader was released and their social media presence is growing. Ms. Boyles updated the Board on the achievements of the men’s golf, women’s tennis, women’s volleyball, men’s soccer, and cross country teams. Events that have been held and those coming up for Hispanic Heritage Month and LGBTQIA+ History Month were detailed. The IVCC Theatre Department announced a one night only performance of Terror in the Aisles on October 28.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Ms. Goetz reported the Planning Committee met today and reviewed some policies and procedures and they will be presented to the Board of Trustees for approval at the November meeting.

RESOLUTION FOR EMERITUS STATUS – DR. ALFRED WISGOSKI

It was moved by Dr. Boyles and seconded by Dr. Rebholz to approve the Resolution for Emeritus status for Dr. Alfred Wisgoski, as presented.

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

RESOLUTION FOR EMERITUS STATUS – DR. JEROME CORCORAN

It was moved by Mr. McCracken and seconded by Ms. Goetz to approve the Resolution for Emeritus status for Dr. Jerome Corcoran, as presented.

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

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING PREPARATION OF THE 2023 TAX LEVY

It was moved by Ms. Stevenson and seconded by Dr. Donna to authorize Dr. Tracy Morris to begin preparing the 2023 tax levy.

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

HIGH DEDUCTIBLE HEALTH PLAN/HEALTH SAVINGS ACCOUNTS

It was moved by Ms. Goetz and seconded by Dr. Rebholz to authorize the College to contribute to employee Health Savings Plans as stated for employees electing the High Deductible Health Plan, beginning January 1, 2024.

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

It was moved by Mr. McCracken and seconded by Dr. Donna to authorize to contribute to employee Health Reimbursement Accounts as stated for employees electing the High Deductible Health Plan, beginning January 1, 2024.

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

BID RESULTS – SALT STORAGE FACILITY

It was moved by Dr. Boyles and seconded by Ms. Stevenson to accept the base bid from Vissering Construction Company, Streator, Illinois, in the amount of $299,980 for the Salt Storage Facility to be paid from fund balance.

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

PURCHASE REQUEST – FURNITURE UPGRADES FOR VICE PRESIDENT OFFICES IN BUILDING C

It was moved by Ms. Goetz and seconded by Dr. Rebholz to approve the purchase of furniture for the three Vice President offices in C building not to exceed $33,000.

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

APPROVAL – MICROSOFT OFFICE SPECIALIST CERTIFICATE, THE ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE SUPPORT CERTIFICATE, AND THE OFFICE MANAGEMENT CERTIFICATE

It was moved by Mr. McCracken and seconded by Dr. Donna to approve the Microsoft Office Specialist Certificate, the Administrative Office Support Certificate, and Office Management Certificate, as presented.

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

CONFIRMATION OF STAFF APPOINTMENT – TRACY BEATTIE, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE FOUNDATION

It was moved by Ms. Stevenson and seconded by Mr. McCracken to approve the appointment of Tracy Beattie as Executive Director of the Foundation at an annualized salary of $88,347, effective October 16, 2023.

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

ITEMS FOR INFORMATION

Mr. Solon pointed out the information items on pages 53-59 of the Board book.

TRUSTEE COMMENT

Dr. Rebholz read a letter from Cathy Lenkaitis, IVCC Nursing Lab Instructor. The letter expressed her gratitude for the Board’s support in building a simulation room for the Nursing Program. Ms. Lenkaitis said, “Adding this active learning resource to the curriculum will enhance the nursing student’s comprehension and promote the delivery of safe competent patient care when the students graduate and enter the workforce.” Student comments included in the letter were overwhelmingly positive.

CLOSED SESSION

Mr. Solon requested a motion and a roll call vote at 6:09 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. Goetz and seconded by Dr. Boyles to enter into a closed session.

Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Boyles.  Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Dr. Boyles, Ms. Goetz, Dr. Donna, Ms. Stevenson, Mr. McCracken, Dr. Rebholz, and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried. The Board entered closed session at 6:13 p.m.

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

Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Boyles.  Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Dr. Boyles, Ms. Goetz, Dr. Donna, Ms. Stevenson, Mr. McCracken, Dr. Rebholz, and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried. The regular meeting resumed at 6:54 p.m.

OTHER

Dr. Morris reported the College was made aware of changes to the Illinois Paid Leave for All Act during a recent Robbins Schwartz conference. This is required by law and it will have an impact on our institution. Possible solutions to address the changes are being vetted and a proposal will be presented to the Board in November or December.

ADJOURNMENT

Mr. Solon declared the meeting adjourned at 6:56 p.m.