June 6, 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, June 6, 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
Emma J. Garretson, Student Trustee
Members Virtually Present
Members Telephonically Present
Members Absent
Others Physically Present
Tracy Morris, President
Vicki Trier, Vice President for Academic Affairs
Mary Beth Herron, Director of Human Resources
Walt Zukowski, Attorney
Others Virtually Present
Kathy Ross, Vice President for Business Services and Finance
MOMENT OF SILENCE
A moment of silence was held to remember Mary Kathryn Thompson Carey, mother of biology faculty member Lauri Carey; Patricia Reneer, retired Supervisor of Records and Registration; Fran Carruthers of Seatonville, mother of retired counselor Gary Carruthers; Marlene Warnell of LaSalle, aunt of biology faculty member LeeAnn Johnson; and Joan Hammitt of Spring Valley, mother of Heather Hammitt, intern in the President’s Office this coming fall.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
It was moved by Ms. Stevenson and seconded by Mr. McCracken to approve the agenda.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Garretson. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Dr. Donna, Ms. Stevenson, Mr. McCracken, Dr. Rebholz, Dr. Boyles, Ms. Goetz, and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
PUBLIC COMMENT
None
CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS
It was moved by Ms. Goetz and seconded by Dr. Rebholz to approve the consent agenda, as presented.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Garretson. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Dr. Donna, Ms. Stevenson, Mr. McCracken, Dr. Rebholz, Dr. Boyles, Ms. Goetz, and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
The following items were approved in the consent agenda:
Approval of Minutes – May 9, 2024 Board Meeting.
Approval of Bills - $1,328,491.41
Education Fund - $857,059.82; Operations and Maintenance Fund - $83,674.76; Operations and Maintenance (Restricted Fund) - $149,040.00; Auxiliary Fund - $90,553.04; Restricted Fund - $84,151.25; Liability, Protection, and Settlement Fund - $62,346.56; and Grants, Loans, and Scholarship Fund - $1,665.98.
Treasurer’s Report
Personnel
Approved stipends for pay periods ending May 4, 2024 and May 18, 2024 and Part-Time Faculty and Staff Appointments for May 2024.
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
Dr. Morris spotlighted the success of the Men’s Tennis team. They finished 6-2 in Region IV, finished 3rd place overall in Region IV, qualified for Nationals, and finished 27th overall in the nation. Coach Julie Milota was present with players Ethan Krafft (captain) and Logan Goetz.
Other student highlights included the Automotive Technology A/C students worked on air condition systems during the Summer A session; the Project Success Recognition Event was a great success and Isamar Taylor, Director of Financial Aid, did a great job as the speaker; three students from the Running Start program at Marquette Academy graduated with their high school diplomas and an IVCC degree or certification; and the Hispanic Leadership Team participated in community events in Mendota in May. Dr. Morris highlighted the Nurse Pinning, Commencement, and Adult Education Recognition Event. We are very proud of our student athletes as the Athletic Department reports the overall GPA for athletes was 3.11.
The new solar bench arrived on campus and once it’s fully installed, small devices will be able to be charged. The Facilities Department does a wonderful job making the campus look beautiful, especially for Commencement and Dr. Morris noted the salt shed is now complete.
Dr. Morris welcomed Dr. Vicki Trier, Vice President for Academic Affairs. Dr. Trier thanked the Board, is very excited to be here, noted everyone has been great, and is looking forward to getting started. Other highlights included recognition from the Ottawa Chamber of Commerce as a 50-year member; Jill Urban Bollis earned her Master Online Teacher certification; work with Prior Learning Assessment awarded 8 AAS degrees in paramedics this semester with 2 more anticipated for summer; and Dr. Morris thanked Ron Groleau for 25 years of service as the Coordinator of the First Responders on campus.
Crystal Credi presented at the HOUSE Summit on IVCC’s experience with Single Stop; Employees Sara Fitzpatrick and Jill Hejl are vying for the national competition title of Favorite Chef; Spirit Awards were given to the Self-Service Team; Tracy Beattie, Executive Director of the Foundation, is making the rounds at Rotary meetings; and Continuing Education is offering dozens of enrichment camps for youth this summer, both online and in-person on main campus and at Nell’s Woodland in Ottawa.
IVCC was able to donate 70 band stands to district schools. Eagles Peak and the YMCA Little Eagles numbers were still strong for May even though students were only here for part of the month; the Ottawa Chamber of Commerce Dinner on May 16th was a tremendous success; the Fike Family Scholarship will support neurodiverse students; Dr. Morris spoke at the Oglesby Memorial Day ceremony, and the Pistol Shrimp event was a great success. Dr. Morris noted numerous events and happenings in the new two months.
Enrollment update for summer shows across the board increases of 7.45% in headcount and 5.99% in credit hours compared to Summer 2023. The total budgeted hours are at 117.37% for summer. Enrollment update for fall currently shows across the board increases of 34.46% in headcount and 24.77% in credit hours compared to Fall 2023. About 1,000 hours is dual credit which were entered earlier than in the past.
Nora Villarreal’s ENG 1002 classes completed service learning projects based on the One Book, One College novel Parable the Sower. The projects addressed a local community need and all the writing in the course was inspired by their chosen project.
STUDENT TRUSTEE’S REPORT
Ms. Garretson highlighted men’s golfer Jonathan Cooper, who competed at the NJCAA National Tournament in Joplin, Missouri and stated the men’s tennis team competed at the NJCAA National Tournament in Plano, Texas. Student athletes for academic excellence in the Arrowhead Conference totaled 54 with 27 earning NJCAA Academic Honors, 8 achieving first-team status, 11 achieving second-team status; and 8 achieving third-team status. Women’s tennis, volleyball, and softball were nominated for the NJCAA Academic Team of the Year. Finally, women’s softball won the Arrowhead Conference with a record of 13-3. This is the sixth conference win in Coach Cory Tomasson’s tenure. Players Katie Bates, Ella Sibert, Maddy Klicker, and Hailey Rakers were named to the Arrowhead Athletic Conference All-Conference Team.
Mr. Zukowski entered the meeting at 5:57 p.m.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Ms. Stevenson stated the Facilities Committee met on Monday and a great report and tour was given. Dr. Morris stated Dominick Demonica’s presentation showed the process for getting to this point and framed recommendations for the master plan. Ms. Stevenson noted he gave options, and they were explored as the facility was toured. The committee asked Mr. Demonica to make some tweaks and get costs in time for the Audit Finance Committee meeting at the end of the month. Mr. McCracken stated the overall take was that we want to look at the safety issues first and prioritize them. Dr. Morris noted the goal is the Audit Finance Committee will look at the financing and the whole Board will approve the master plan.
AUTHORIZATION TO CONTINUE PAYMENT FOR STANDARD OPERATING EXPENDITURES
It was moved by Ms. Goetz and seconded by Dr. Rebholz to authorize the operation of the College by making those expenditures required for normal operations, including salaries, approved contracts, utilities, maintenance, supplies, and regular activities for the period of July 1, 2024, through budget adoption.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Garretson. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Dr. Donna, Ms. Stevenson, Mr. McCracken, Dr. Rebholz, Dr. Boyles, Ms. Goetz, and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
INSURANCE RENEWALS
It was moved by Ms. Goetz and seconded by Dr. Donna to accept the recommendation of the insurance consultant to renew all coverages with the same carriers at $313,459.00.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Garretson. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Dr. Donna, Ms. Stevenson, Mr. McCracken, Dr. Rebholz, Dr. Boyles, Ms. Goetz, and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
BID RESULTS – LOADING DOCK UPGRADES
It was moved by Dr. Boyles and seconded by Dr. Rebholz to accept the base bid from Berglund Construction Company, Chicago, Illinois, in the amount of $199,900 for the Loading Dock Upgrades to be paid from fund balance.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Garretson. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Dr. Donna, Ms. Stevenson, Mr. McCracken, Dr. Rebholz, Dr. Boyles, Ms. Goetz, and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
BID RESULTS – STRUCTURAL REPAIRS AND WATERPROOFING
It was moved by Ms. Stevenson and seconded by Mr. McCracken to accept the base bid from Berglund Construction Company, Chicago, Illinois, in the amount of $235,900 for the Structural Repairs and Waterproofing to be paid from fund balance.
PURCHASE REQUEST – ELLUCIAN IT APPLICATIONS
It was moved by Ms. Goetz and seconded by Dr. Rebholz to approve the renewal of the Ellucian Colleague Cloud Agreement in the amount of $442,871.00.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Garretson. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Dr. Donna, Ms. Stevenson, Mr. McCracken, Dr. Rebholz, Dr. Boyles, Ms. Goetz, and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
It was moved by Mr. McCracken and seconded by Dr. Boyles to approve the renewal of Ellucian Payment Center in the amount of $28,328.00.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Garretson. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Dr. Donna, Ms. Stevenson, Mr. McCracken, Dr. Rebholz, Dr. Boyles, Ms. Goetz, and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
It was moved by Dr. Boyles and seconded by Dr. Rebholz to approve the purchase of the Ellucian Colleague Insights reporting agreement in the amount of $24,380 in year one, $13,250 in year two, and $14,045 in year three for a total cost of $51,675.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Garretson. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Dr. Donna, Ms. Stevenson, Mr. McCracken, Dr. Rebholz, Dr. Boyles, Ms. Goetz, and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
It was moved by Ms. Goetz and seconded by Dr. Rebholz to approve the renewal of the Ellucian Colleague on-premise maintenance agreement in the amount of $187,457.00.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Garretson. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Dr. Donna, Ms. Stevenson, Mr. McCracken, Dr. Rebholz, Dr. Boyles, Ms. Goetz, and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
PURCHASE REQUEST – MODERN CAMPUS IT SUBSCRIPTION RENEWALS
It was moved by Mr. McCracken and seconded by Dr. Rebholz to approve the renewal of Modern Campus Lumens Pro in the amount of $31,131.73.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Garretson. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Dr. Donna, Ms. Stevenson, Mr. McCracken, Dr. Rebholz, Dr. Boyles, Ms. Goetz, and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
It was moved by Ms. Stevenson and seconded by Ms. Goetz to approve the renewal of Modern Campus Omni CMS in the amount of $37,509.06 in year one, and $36,354.94 in year two for a total cost of $73,864.00.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Garretson. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Dr. Donna, Ms. Stevenson, Mr. McCracken, Dr. Rebholz, Dr. Boyles, Ms. Goetz, and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
Dr. Donna asked if this can be done in-house. Dr. Morris stated not with the amount of programming required to build the infrastructure. Beginning late summer or early fall, a website philosophy will be discussed.
PURCHASE REQUEST – SLATE RENEWAL
It was moved by Ms. Goetz and seconded by Dr. Rebholz to approve the FY2025 expenses of $50,000.00 for Slate by Technolutions.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Garretson. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Dr. Donna, Ms. Stevenson, Mr. McCracken, Dr. Rebholz, Dr. Boyles, Ms. Goetz, and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
Dr. Morris stated this is recruitment prospect management approved by the Board in 2021. It is providing a much more personalized contact with applicants and students and helps enrollment.
FACULTY APPOINTMENT – KORA JONES, DENTAL INSTRUCTOR
It was moved by Dr. Rebholz and seconded by Mr. McCracken to approve the appointment of Kora Jones as Dental Instructor effective August 13, 2024 at Step A-6 (+2%), an annualized salary of $52,139.00 on the 2024/2025 faculty salary schedule.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Garretson. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Dr. Donna, Ms. Stevenson, Mr. McCracken, Dr. Rebholz, Dr. Boyles, Ms. Goetz, and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
Dr. Morris noted Ms. Jones is an IVCC graduate and was born and raised in the community. Ms. Jones stated it has always been a dream of hers to be a dental instructor in the Illinois Valley. She wants to give back to her students and is eager to learn from them too.
BOARD POLICY 04.04 CONTRACT AUTHORIZATION
It was moved by Dr. Rebholz and seconded by Dr. Donna to approve the Board Policy, as presented.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Garretson. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Dr. Donna, Ms. Stevenson, Mr. McCracken, Dr. Rebholz, Dr. Boyles, Ms. Goetz, and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
BOARD POLICY 04.20 TEMPORARY TRANSFER FROM WORKING CASH
It was moved by Ms. Goetz and seconded by Mr. McCracken to approve the Board Policy, as presented.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Garretson. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Dr. Donna, Ms. Stevenson, Mr. McCracken, Dr. Rebholz, Dr. Boyles, Ms. Goetz, and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
ITEMS FOR INFORMATION
Mr. Solon pointed out the information items on pages 81-90 of the Board book.
Dr. Morris noted item 21.5 Certificate of Achievement for the CNA program received a perfect score. Kudos to Chris Blaydes in the way she has developed the program. Chris is retiring in December.
TRUSTEE COMMENT
Ms. Goetz asked if the Stoller Case IH tractor is still being used on campus. Dr. Morris will find out and will include it in next month’s report.
Ms. Stevenson announced Dr. Morris has agreed to be in the Ottawa Chamber’s Rock the Block dunk tank on July 31st.
CLOSED SESSION
Mr. Solon requested a motion and a roll call vote at 6:20 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.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Garretson. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Dr. Donna, Ms. Stevenson, Mr. McCracken, Dr. Rebholz, Dr. Boyles, Ms. Goetz, and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
The Board entered closed session at 6:22 p.m.
It was moved by Ms. Goetz and seconded by Dr. Donna to return to the regular meeting.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Garretson. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Dr. Donna, Ms. Stevenson, Mr. McCracken, Dr. Rebholz, Dr. Boyles, Ms. Goetz, and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
The regular meeting resumed at 6:51 p.m.
POSSIBLE STAFF APPOINTMENT – DIRECTOR OF MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS
No action taken on this item.
FY2025 COMPENSATION INCREASES NOT INCLUDED IN THE MAY 9, 2024 REPORTS
It was moved by Ms. Stevenson and seconded by Mr. McCracken to approve the recommended FY2025 increases for three identified Support Staff employees not affected by a negotiated labor agreement or contract and the increase for one Administrator not affected by a negotiated labor agreement.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Garretson. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Dr. Donna, Ms. Stevenson, Mr. McCracken, Dr. Rebholz, Dr. Boyles, Ms. Goetz, and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
CLOSED SESSION MINUTES
It was moved by Dr. Donna and seconded by Dr. Boyles to approve and retain the closed session minutes of the May 9, 2024 Board Meeting.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Garretson. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Dr. Donna, Ms. Stevenson, Mr. McCracken, Dr. Rebholz, Dr. Boyles, Ms. Goetz, and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
OTHER
None
ADJOURNMENT
Mr. Solon declared the meeting adjourned at 6:53 p.m.