April 11, 2024 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, April 11, 2024 in the Board Room (C307) at Illinois Valley Community College.

Members Physically Present

Everett 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

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 DeKalb County Sheriff’s Deputy Christina Musil, who tragically died in the line of duty; and Donna Mueller of Peru, mother-in-law of Mark Grzybowski, Vice President for Student Services.

 

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

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

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.

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 – March 14, 2024 Decennial Committee Meeting and Board Meeting.

Approval of Bills - $1,492,021.30

Education Fund - $816,956.26; Operations and Maintenance Fund - $128,535.66; Operations and Maintenance (Restricted Fund) - $117,622.53; Auxiliary Fund - $313,645.34; Restricted Fund - $47,795.80; and Liability, Protection, and Settlement Fund - $67,465.71.

Treasurer’s Report

Personnel

Approved stipends for pay periods ending March 9, 2024 and March 23, 2024 and Part-Time Faculty and Staff Appointments for March 2024.

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

Dr. Morris highlighted the Art Show on display between Buildings D and E which features artwork from IVCC students and surrounding high schools. The Project Success Leadership Team assembled 100 Easter baskets for Youth Service Bureau children in their care. John Riva, IVCC baseball player, will play for the Pistol Shrimp this summer. The Hispanic Leadership Team’s rummage sale raised nearly $500 for the Youth Service Bureau of the Illinois Valley.

Ms. Boyles entered the meeting at 5:35 p.m.

Two students had the opportunity for an internship on an independent film with Invictus Maneo Entertainment Group. Several other students volunteered during set up, filming, and take down. The Student Academic Awards Banquet was a great evening. The Recognition Event honored 63 individuals with 37 honorees in attendance. Not counting the retirees who were honored, 585 years of service to IVCC was celebrated. The theatre production of Tootsie opens tonight, featuring students, community members, and IVCC staff.

Faculty member Dr. Jeff Spanbauer guest lectured at an Illinois Archaeology class for grads/undergrads at NIU, has submitted a chapter to an edited volume on fortifications and archaeology about the Cultural Affiliation of Artifacts at Fort de Chartres (S. Illinois), is presenting the topic as part of a panel at the Society for Archaeology’s annual meeting, and is volunteering at a dig in the UK in June. Kaity Ritter, Medical Assisting Program Coordinator, was interviewed for an article in the Medical Assisting Today newsletter. The Ag Annual Report is now available.

SABIC Plastics donated 50 lab coats for our science students, the LaSalle County Farm Bureau presented a $400 check to the IVCC Foundation for the campus food pantry, and IVCC employees continue to be active in our State of the City/Cities events.

Eagles Peak had 33 visits serving 21 unduplicated households, 26 children, and a total of 119 people in the household during March. The YMCA Little Eagles had 18 visits and 8 unique students in March. Chris Herman was named the Arrowhead Conference Coach of the Year.  Explore IVCC’s open house was attended by nearly 100 prospective students and their families.  Registration began this week for summer and fall classes. Kudos to the Student Self Service team who have worked tirelessly to covert our existing system to Self Service.

Dr. Morris gave an update from the 2024 Illinois Community College Opening Enrollment Report that included Spring 2024 headcount enrollments were up 5.1 percent and full-time equivalent (FTE) enrollments were up 5.5 percent. IVCC was up 9.4 percent in headcount and 3.1 percent in FTE. Dual Credit enrollments increased 9.1 percent in Spring 2024 compared to Spring 2023 and increased 35.2 percent from three years ago. IVCC was up 41.5 percent year to year and up 34.7 percent since 2021.

The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) in partnership with the LaSalle County Board and the ROE has $250,000 for financial assistance targeting the CNA, EMT-Basic, Paramedic, RN and LPN programs. To date, $110,500 in financial assistance with another $28,000 projected yet this semester. The scholarships will continue to be awarded util the funds are exhausted.

Dr. Morris gave a Strategic Planning Update indicating that employee sessions are completed and option for goals and objectives are being formed; two student sessions will be completed in the next few days; Trustees can provide feedback before Monday; SLPC will determine 3-4 goals and objectives for year 1; SLPC and key stakeholders will determine measurements and KPI’s; and year 2 goal discussions will start in the fall. Alignment and updates based on the Academic Strategic Plan, Facility Master Plan, and IT Strategic Plan will be needed.

STUDENT TRUSTEE’S REPORT

Ms. Boyles updated the Board that the softball team had a successful 4-2 record in Florida and their current record is 15-3. Our baseball team current has a 4-15 record. Jonathan Cooper finished 6th place at the Black Hawk, giving our Purple team an 8th place finish in rough conditions. Our men’s tennis team is 4-2-1 on the season, taking 4 dominant wins with 1 being a conference win. Student Government Association (SGA) is holding a picnic on April 17 in the courtyard with food, games, and prizes! This event will create a little fun for the middle of the semester and to celebrate 100 years. Sophomore SGA members were just elected last week. The Student Success Committee will hold a Wellness Series on April 16 with different events throughout campus such as meditation, guest speakers to help students learn about money and finances, and a therapy dog. Emma Garretson, the newly elected Student Trustee, has agreed to continue writing a column for the IV Leader. Ms. Boyles thanked the Board for always being so welcoming and supportive. This opportunity was everything she hoped it would be and more!

COMMITTEE REPORTS

None

RESOLUTION HONORING STUDENT TRUSTEE ELIZABETH “LIBBY” BOYLES

It was moved by Mr. McCracken and seconded by Ms. Stevenson to approve the resolution, 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.

Ms. Goetz stated she has done a fantastic job and the Board is proud of her. Dr. Morris read the resolution aloud and presented Ms. Boyles with a gift.

CHANGE ORDER – SALT STORAGE FACILITY – RELOCATE WATER MAIN

It was moved by Ms. Goetz and seconded by Dr. Rebholz to approve the change orders to the Salt Storage Facility project of $70,009. This will come from the PHS 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.

Mr. McCracken asked if there was a site study done that did not identify the water main. Mr. Curley indicated the water main was not on the drawings and was discovered when they started digging.

PURCHASE REQUEST – ILLINOIS CENTURY NETWORK (ICN) BANDWIDTH UPGRADE

It was moved by Ms. Stevenson and seconded by Dr. Rebholz to authorize the upgrade/amendment to the Illinois Century Network (ICN) Agreement in the amount of $24,000/yearly for a 3yr term. Doing so will ensure that we can provide the additional bandwidth to help support the Distance Learning environment we will be implementing on premise, maintain operational continuity, and provide a seamless experience for our staff, faculty, and students.

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.

Dr. Morris commended Mr. Denton and his team, as well as Ms. Ross for getting ahead of this to be prepared for the expanded bandwidth needed for this grant.

BID REQUEST – HAAS CNC MINIMILL WITH SIMULATOR

It was moved by Dr. Boyles and seconded by Ms. Goetz to accept the bid from HFO Chicago, LLC, Elk Grove Village, IL for a Haas CNC Mill for MiniMill at a cost of $42,752.96. the CNC Mill will be fully funded by the Perkins Grant.

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.

BOARD POLICY 02.06 ALTERNATIVE CREDIT

It was moved by Dr. Donna and seconded by Ms. Stevenson to approve the Board Policy, 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.

BOARD POLICY 04.01 BUDGET

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

Mr. McCracken asked if this policy was brought to the Audit Finance Committee. Dr. Morris indicated it was not but future Board policies in section 4 will be sent to the Audit Finance Committee using the same process as used with the Planning Committee.

BOARD POLICY 04.02a TAX LEVY

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” – Dr. Boyles, Ms. Goetz, Dr. Donna, Ms. Stevenson, Mr. McCracken, Dr. Rebholz, and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.

Ms. Ross stated policies from other community colleges were reviewed. The goal was to provide more structure for anyone new to explain how the tax levy should really look.

REQUEST FOR INACTIVATION – AAS IN CORRECTIONS/PAROLE OFFICER

It was moved by Dr. Donna and seconded by Ms. Goetz to approve the inactivation of the AAS in Corrections/Parole Officer. A one-year teach-out is not needed as there are no active students in the program.

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.

REQUEST FOR INACTIVATION – AAS IN CORRECTIONS/YOUTH SUPERVISOR

It was moved by Dr. Donna and seconded by Dr. Boyles to approve the inactivation of the AAS in Corrections/Youth Supervisor. A one-year teach-out is not needed as there are no active students in the program.

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 – DECENNIAL REPORT

It was moved by Ms. Stevenson and seconded by Mr. McCracken to approve the Decennial Report, 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.

Dr. Boyles stated she is proud of the work that administration did and the collaboration with other colleges as it was solution focused and was done correctly.

PURCHASE REQUEST – USDA DISTANCE LEARNING AND TELEMEDICINE (DLT) GRANT MOBILE CLASSROOM EQUIPMENT

It was moved by Ms. Goetz and seconded by Dr. Rebholz to approve the purchase of the distance learning grant mobile classroom equipment not to exceed $1,023,372.44 utilizing the USDA DLT Grant in the amount of $889,855 and total match (for all students) of $133,517.44.

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.

Dr. Morris thanked the Board for allowing us to amend the agenda so the equipment can be ordered. Ms. Goetz asked if the match is what each school pays or is it divided among the schools. Ms. Ross indicated it is divided among the schools.

ITEMS FOR INFORMATION

Mr. Solon pointed out the information items on pages 67-79 of the Board book.

TRUSTEE COMMENT

Dr. Rebholz indicated the faculty nominations are wonderful. Dr. Morris noted we nominated in as many categories as possible.

Mr. McCracken thanked the administration for two events last week. They were amazing and perfectly orchestrated.

Dr. Donna asked if all the issues in the science labs will be fixed by the fall semester. Ms. Ross stated she has received a list and the lab came through as part of the master plan. Short-term and long-term solutions need to be decided. A Facilities Committee meeting will be scheduled in May.

CLOSED SESSION

Mr. Solon requested a motion and a roll call vote at 6:16 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) student disciplinary cases; 4) collective negotiations; and 5) closed session minutes. 

It was moved by Ms. Stevenson and seconded by Dr. Donna 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 6:20 p.m.

It was moved by Dr. Donna 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 7:38 p.m.

POSSIBLE APPROVAL – APPOINTMENT OF VICE PRESIDENT FOR ACADEMIC AFFAIRS

It was moved by Dr. Rebholz and seconded by Mr. McCracken to approve the appointment of Dr. Vicki Trier at an annualized salary of $132,000, effective date to be determined but anticipated in late May or early June.

CLOSED SESSION MINUTES

It was moved by Ms. Goetz and seconded by Dr. Boyles to approve and retain the closed session minutes of the March 14, 2024 Board 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.

OTHER

Dr. Morris reminded the Board to RSVP or notify her if they plan on attending the 100th Birthday Bash on April 25. Dr. Morris indicated a Facilities Committee meeting will be scheduled for May.  An Audit Finance Committee and Closed Session Meeting Minutes Committee meetings will be scheduled for June.

ADJOURNMENT

Mr. McCracken declared the meeting adjourned at 7:41 p.m.