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

Members Physically Present

Everett J. Solon, Chair

Jay K. McCracken, Vice Chair

Amy L. Boyles

Rebecca Donna

Jane E. Goetz

Maureen O. Rebholz

Emma J. Garretson, Student Trustee

Members Virtually Present

Angela M. Stevenson, Secretary

Members Telephonically Present

Members Absent

Others Physically Present

Tracy Morris, President

Kathy Ross, Vice President for Business Services and Finance

Vicki Trier, Vice President for Academic Affairs

Mary Beth Herron, Director of Human Resources

Walt Zukowski, Attorney

Others Virtually Present

MOMENT OF SILENCE

A moment of silence was held to remember former Mayor of Oglesby, Anthony Torres, Jr.; Barbara Johll, mother of chemistry professor Matthew Johll and grandmother of Ben Johll, an IT summer employee; Roy “Sonny” Sorenson, Jr., father-in-law of Bookstore Assistant, Gabby Sorenson; and Joel Rangel, cousin of Director of Financial Aid, Isamar Taylor and an IVCC student this past spring and was enrolled for the upcoming fall.

Trustee Angela Stevenson was determined to be eligible to participate in tonight’s meeting electronically in accordance with the Open Meetings Act and Board Policy.

APPOINTMENT OF SECRETARY PRO-TEM

Mr. Solon appointed Ms. Goetz as secretary pro-tem as Ms. Stevenson could not be physically present.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

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

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

PUBLIC COMMENT

None

CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS

It was moved by Dr. Boyles and seconded by Dr. Rebholz to approve the consent agenda, as presented.

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

The following items were approved in the consent agenda:

Approval of Minutes – June 3, 2024 Facilities Committee Meeting, June 6, 2024 Board Meeting, and June 26, 2024 Audit Finance Committee Meeting.

Approval of Bills - $1,531,031.29

Education Fund - $946,447.78; Operations and Maintenance Fund - $155,485.26; Operations and Maintenance (Restricted Fund) - $70,743.33; Auxiliary Fund - $56,657.13; Restricted Fund - $169,150.67; Liability, Protection, and Settlement Fund - $131,296.70; and Grants, Loans, and Scholarship Fund - $1,250.42.

Treasurer’s Report

Personnel

Approved stipends for pay periods ending June 1, 2024, June 15, 2004, and June 29, 2024 and Part-Time Faculty and Staff Appointments for June 2024.

Purchase Requests

• Consortia Purchase for Elevator Maintenance Supplies
• Consortia Purchase for Janitorial Supplies
• Fuel for Truck Driver Training Program
• ICCTA Dues

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

Dr. Morris spotlighted the landscaping work completed at the Ottawa Center. The solar table near the front entrance is now operational. The metal IVCC shield, creating by the Welding Department, will be added to our Festival of Lights display this year. The mural created by Westclox Studios, was recently honored at a very personal dedication. Dr. Morris and award nominees Martha Hoffman Kerestes, Lynn Keyt, and Fran Brolley, attended the ICCTA Awards Ceremony on June 7.

Nurse pinning was held last night and was a touching, beautiful ceremony. An orientation for dual credit instructors was held on June 8 and was the first event in the new CETLA space. Kudos to payroll, business office, and purchasing for the end of year on the budget and audit and facilities, admissions/records/cashier/financial aid/foundation/counseling for all their work getting ready for the fall semester.

IVCC is one of five colleges selected for Round 2 of the REV Up Grant for research and training related to electric vehicles. Professor Mike Phillips participated in the Ocean Observing Institute Initiative in June. Kudos to the Ottawa Center for supporting the We the People exhibit on display at the Ottawa Center through July. IVCC and the Illinois Developmental Education Equity in Action Network (IDEEA) are working together to continue to transform developmental education to help students more successful. Our Transitional English course was approved for Seneca High School and allows students who complete the course to come into college-level English. Numerous Kids Camps are underway. Starved Rock Media held IVCC Day on July 1 that included an interview with Dr. Morris and testimonials that were aired throughout the day. Dr. Morris noted numerous events and happenings over the next several months.

Summer enrollment shows across the board increases of 9.02% in headcount and 5.11% in credit hours compared to Summer 2023. The total budgeted hours are at 113.6% for summer. Fall enrollment shows across the board increases of 26.05% in headcount and 19.65% in credit hours compared to Fall 2023. The total budgeted hours are at 84.77% for summer. Dr. Morris highlighted the targeted efforts to reach out to students about payment options before the drop for non-payment date. Financial Aid applications for 2024-2025 as compared to 2023-2024 currently total 1,718 unduplicated applicants (-34%) of which 1,104 (-29.5%) Pell Grant eligible. Continued issues with the FAFSA delayed the ability for schools to make manual corrections to applications and was only recently made available on July 3. Batch corrections for schools will not be made available until August.

STUDENT TRUSTEE’S REPORT

Ms. Garretson highlighted IVCC Athletics is partnering with OSF Healthcare to provide a location for sports physicals for all area schools on Friday, July 12 in the IVCC Gym. Spring 2024 graduates included 573 degrees and certificates awarded to 444 students compared to 520 degrees and certificates awarded to 395 students in Spring 2023. Ms. Garretson noted Fall 2024 classes begin on August 15.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

None

FY2025 TENTATIVE BUDGET

It was moved by Mr. McCracken and seconded by Dr. Boyles to adopt the Resolution approving the FY2025 Tentative Budget as presented.

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

Mr. McCracken thanked Kathy Ross and her staff for a tremendous job. The detail provided by Kathy and her staff to the Audit Finance Committee was incredible and provided a great understanding for all regarding this tentative budget.

It was moved by Ms. Goetz and seconded by Dr. Rebholz to authorize publication of the Notice of Public Hearing for the FY2025 Tentative Budget.

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

FY2025 RAMP Capital Requests

It was moved by Ms. Goetz and seconded by Dr. Rebholz to approve submittal of the Academic Support Center/Library RAMP for a total cost of $7,113,600 with local funding of $1,778,400.

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

Dr. Morris noted these are the same RAMP projects submitted for several years. There are no changes other than the escalation of costs.

It was moved by Dr. Rebholz and seconded by Mr. McCracken to approve submittal of the Nursing Program Expansion RAMP for a total cost of $2,947,400 with local funding of $736,900.

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

STUDENT ATHLETIC INSURANCE RENEWALS

It was moved by Dr. Boyles and seconded by Ms. Goetz to accept the proposal from Wellfleet Insurance Company for the blanket student athletic insurance coverage at $69,216.00.

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

It was moved by Dr. Rebholz and seconded by Dr. Boyles to accept the recommendation of the insurance consultant to accept the renewal from Gerber Life Insurance Company for the student athletic catastrophic insurance coverage with Zevitz Student Accident Insurance at $4,500.

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

CHANGE ORDER FOR SALT STORAGE FACILITY – END INFILL

It was moved by Ms. Goetz and seconded by Dr. Donna to approve the change orders to the Salt Storage Facility project of $37,118. This will come from the PHS fund balance.

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

PRESIDENT’S CONTRACT ADDENDUM

It was moved by Mr. McCracken and seconded by Dr. Donna to approve the addendum to the employment contract for President Dr. Tracy Morris. The President’s annual salary for the period of July 1, 2024 - June 30, 2025 shall be increased by 3.75%, which is in alignment with all employees for the fiscal year, to $212,687 per annum, as well as benefits and other conditions presented in the original contract.  This increase will be made retroactively to July 1, 2024.

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

BOARD POLICY 01.25 PRESIDENTIAL SUCCESSION

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

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

BOARD POLICY 03.03 BACKGROUND CHECKS

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

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

BOARD POLICY 03.19 HIRING PROCESS: ADMINISTRATORS AND STAFF

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

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

STAFF APPOINTMENT – REBECCA ZAMORA, DEAN OF WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

It was moved by Mr. McCracken and seconded by Dr. Boyles to approve the appointment of Rebecca Zamora as Dean of Workforce Development at an annualized salary of $84,556, effective July 29, 2024.

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

Dr. Morris congratulated Ms. Zamora and is excited to see what her degree in Strategic Innovation and Change can bring to Workforce Development. She has a strong background in grant writing, administration, and she will be a fantastic leader and addition to our team.

Ms. Zamora stated it is a pleasure to meet all the Board today and thanked everyone for the opportunity to serve the IVCC family and shared community.

ITEMS FOR INFORMATION

Mr. Solon pointed out the information items on pages 65-75 of the Board book.

Mr. Solon commented on the great report from the IT area which was very well written. Ms. Ross stated this is a new requirement from GLBA that must be presented to the Board each year and will be added to the IT Strategic Plan presented annually. Feedback on this report will be sought from our auditors.

TRUSTEE COMMENT

Mr. McCracken gave kudos to Jeannette and the Ottawa Center staff for working closely with the Visitor’s Center and the Ottawa Chamber of Commerce on the “We the People” exhibit. The work done by the IVCC staff to go above and beyond is just absolutely amazing.

Dr. Rebholz stated the LPN Pinning last night was very meaningful. It was great how Dr. Morris connected her mom’s experience as an LPN, her as a child, and watching her mom graduate.

CLOSED SESSION

Mr. Solon requested a motion and a roll call vote at 6:08 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; and 4) closed session minutes. 

It was moved by Ms. Goetz and seconded by Dr. Rebholz to enter into a closed session.

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

The Board entered closed session at 6:11 p.m.

It was moved by Ms. McCracken and seconded by Dr. Rebholz to return to the regular meeting.

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

The regular meeting resumed at 6:45 p.m.

POSSIBLE BOARD ACTION REGARDING INITIATION OF SUIT AGAINST FORMER TENANT

It was moved by Dr. Donna and seconded by Ms. Goetz to approve the filing of a complaint for the Initiation of a Suit against the identified Former Tenant to Collect Sums due to College pursuant to Cash Farm Lease dated October 14, 2021 and Mutual Termination and Release Agreement dated August 17, 2023.

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

CLOSED SESSION MINUTES

It was moved by Mr. McCracken and seconded by Dr. Rebholz to approve and retain the closed session minutes of the June 6, 2024 Board Meeting.

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

OTHER

None

ADJOURNMENT

Mr. Solon declared the meeting adjourned at 6:48 p.m.