May 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, May 9, 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
Members Virtually Present
Members Telephonically Present
Members Absent
Maureen O. Rebholz
Others Physically Present
Tracy Morris, President
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
None
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
It was moved by Dr. Donna and seconded by Mr. McCracken to approve the agenda.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Garretson. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Ms. Goetz, Dr. Donna, Ms. Stevenson, Mr. McCracken, Dr. Boyles, and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
PUBLIC COMMENT
None
CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS
It was moved by Ms. Goetz and seconded by Dr. Boyles to approve the consent agenda, as presented.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Garretson. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Ms. Goetz, Dr. Donna, Ms. Stevenson, Mr. McCracken, Dr. Boyles, and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
The following items were approved in the consent agenda:
Approval of Minutes – April 11, 2024 Board Meeting.
Approval of Bills - $1,502,183.22
Education Fund - $1,012,655.84; Operations and Maintenance Fund - $98,761.05; Operations and Maintenance (Restricted Fund) - $117,251.34; Auxiliary Fund - $106,045.14; Restricted Fund - $75,693.21; and Liability, Protection, and Settlement Fund - $91,776.64.
Treasurer’s Report
Personnel
Approved stipends for pay periods ending April 6, 2024 and April 20, 2024 and Part-Time Faculty and Staff Appointments for April 2024.
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
Dr. Morris highlighted our beautiful our campus and the pollinator garden near the front entrance. The wellness kiosk, required by Illinois State law, to provide certain personal health items has arrived. The wall wrap highlighting Athletics is being installed in the gym today. The new furniture for the Marketing Office and former CETLA area has arrived.
Dr. Morris reported that a blood drive sponsored by the Red Cross Club was a great success with 9 first time donors and approximately 90 lives saved by our donors on campus. The next blood drive will be on October 26, 2024. The Hispanic Leadership Team worked to draw, paint, and design a mural which has now displayed outside the Student Life Center. Six students attended Lobby Day to meet with Senators and Representatives and had a great experience. River Testing, led by Professor Larry Ault, involved biology, chemistry, and geology students who tested sites on the Little Vermillion and entered their findings into a database.
Numerous wellness events held on campus include Pause with Petals by Peyton, reiki, and Ruby the Therapy Dog. Wes Black organized a 100th Birthday disc golf competition. The Tutoring and Writing Center offered extended hours last week to help students prepare for finals. One book One College partnered with the U of I Extension to present “Help Save Our Pollinator.” CETLA offered grading and end-of-year term support. A welding competition was held on April 13 for high school and college students. The 100th Birthday student picnic was held on May and a Peer Tutoring Conference was hosted on campus on April 26. Our baseball team helped with a local little league welcome ceremony.
Eagles Peak had 46 visits serving 30 unduplicated households, 37 children in the household, and a total of 162 people in the household during April. YMCA Little Eagles had 19 visits from 6 unique students. Performances were held by the IVCC Choir, Jazz Ensemble, student Guitar Recital, and the Wind Ensemble. Project Success took a cultural trip to Chicago, Ag had a plant sale that brought in about $1,000 and leftover plants were donated to the food bank and 18 students were able to take home vegetable plants. ONYX held informational sessions for students about what it takes to be a professional. SciFest was held on April 19 with over 400 in attendance. River Currents relaunched and released old editions that were lost in the breach. Dr. Morris reviewed the numerous events and happenings on campus over the next several months.
Dr. Morris provided an enrollment update for Summer that included an across-the-board increase of 9.69% in headcount and 9.39% in credit hours compared to Summer 2023. Day to day demographics compared to Summer 2023 included an increase in enrollment numbers for traditional, dual credit hours, online web, and online blended credit hours. There was a slight decrease in hours at the Ottawa Center. Fall enrollment included an across-the-board increase of 33.66% in headcount and 21.34% in credit hours compared to Fall 2023.
The 100th Birthday Celebration on April 25 was a great success and Dr. Morris thanked the speakers, planning committee, volunteers, and attendees.
STUDENT TRUSTEE’S REPORT
Ms. Garretson introduced herself to the Board noting she resides in Peru and plays on the volleyball team. She plans on transferring to St. Ambrose University and majoring in Pre-Physical Therapy. Ms. Garretson highlighted that the Student Government sponsored picnic to help celebrate IVCC’s 100th birthday and they provided activities and snacks during final exam week; the Chem Club hosted SciFest in the gymnasium with 400-500 in attendance; student leaders attended Lobby Day in Springfield to meet with Representatives and Senators to discuss issues related to community college students; the men’s tennis team qualified for the NJCAA National Tournament and finished 3rd in the Regional 4 Tournament; men’s golfer, Jonathan Cooper, qualified as an individual for the NJCAA National Tournament and the team finished 4th in the Region 4 Tournament; and women’s softball won the Arrowhead Conference.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
None
BID RESULTS – ROBOTIC WELDER
It was moved by Mr. McCracken and seconded by Ms. Goetz to accept the bid from Aidex Corporation, Rossville, IN for a Robotic Welder System at a cost of $100,400.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Garretson. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Ms. Goetz, Dr. Donna, Ms. Stevenson, Mr. McCracken, Dr. Boyles, and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
Mr. McCracken noted this is fully funded by the ATOMAT grant.
BOARD POLICY 03.05 CERTIFICATION OF HEALTH
It was moved by Ms. Goetz and seconded by Dr. Boyles to approve the Board Policy, as presented.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Garretson. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Ms. Goetz, Dr. Donna, Ms. Stevenson, Mr. McCracken, Dr. Boyles, and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
Dr. Morris noted adding the word qualifying is what will allow this to remain accurate as the laws change.
BOARD POLICY 03.21 MEDICAL-OCCUPATIONAL EXAMINATIONS
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. Goetz, Dr. Donna, Ms. Stevenson, Mr. McCracken, Dr. Boyles, and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
Dr. Morris asked if the Board wants to continue the practice for faculty and administration physicals. The Board agreed it is not necessary unless their job description requires lifting or other physical requirements.
FACULTY RETIREMENT – DR. MARJORIE FRANCISCO, NURSING
It was moved by Ms. Goetz and seconded by Dr. Donna to accept the retirement of Dr. Marjorie Francisco, Nursing Faculty, effective May 31, 2024.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Garretson. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Ms. Goetz, Dr. Donna, Ms. Stevenson, Mr. McCracken, Dr. Boyles, and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
Dr. Morris stated Margie has been a beloved faculty member and we congratulate and thank her for her years of service to the College.
VICE PRESIDENT CONTRACT – KATHRYN ROSS, VICE PRESIDENT FOR BUSINESS SERVICES AND FINANCE
It was moved by Ms. Goetz and seconded by Mr. McCracken to approve the FY25 and FY26 employment contract for Kathryn Ross, Vice President for Business Services and Finance. This results in an annualized salary of $116,200.00 and duties, benefits, and other conditions as presented in the contract. Salary for FY26 will be presented to the Board for approval in May, 2025.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Garretson. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Ms. Goetz, Dr. Donna, Ms. Stevenson, Mr. McCracken, Dr. Boyles, and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
ITEMS FOR INFORMATION
Mr. Solon pointed out the information items on pages 43-56 of the Board book.
Dr. Morris noted the Nursing Fellowship Award is a tremendous honor for Cathy Lenkaitis to learn more on how to continue to build the simulation and skills lab.
TRUSTEE COMMENT
Ms. Goetz was listening to NPR on her way to campus and heard the Paul Simon Essay Contest winner speaking. WCMY online had an article on the signed SIU agreement.
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) collective negotiations; and 4) closed session minutes.
It was moved by Dr. Boyles and seconded by Ms. Goetz to enter into a closed session.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Garretson. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Ms. Goetz, Dr. Donna, Ms. Stevenson, Mr. McCracken, Dr. Boyles, and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
The Board entered closed session at 6:12 p.m.
It was moved by Ms. Goetz and seconded by Ms. Stevenson to return to the regular meeting.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Garretson. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Ms. Goetz, Dr. Donna, Ms. Stevenson, Mr. McCracken, Dr. Boyles, and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
The regular meeting resumed at 6:49 p.m.
POSSIBLE STAFF APPOINTMENT – DIRECTOR OF LEARNING RESOURCES
It was moved by Mr. McCracken and seconded by Dr. Boyles to approve the appointment of Ellen Evancheck as Director of Learning Resources at an annualized salary of $77,000, effective May 13, 2024.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Garretson. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Ms. Goetz, Dr. Donna, Ms. Stevenson, Mr. McCracken, Dr. Boyles, and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
POSSIBLE STAFF APPOINTMENT – INTERIM WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT SUPPORT
It was moved by Ms. Goetz and seconded by Dr. Donna to approve the stipends as presented for Heather Seghi, Dean of Health Professions and for Jennifer Scheri Director of Continuing Education and Business Services, to compensate for temporary duties taken on due to the upcoming vacancy in Workforce Development created by the resignation of Dr. Shane Lange, Dean of Workforce Development.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Garretson. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Ms. Goetz, Dr. Donna, Ms. Stevenson, Mr. McCracken, Dr. Boyles, and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
COMPENSATION FY25 – EMPLOYEES NOT AFFECTED BY A NEGOTIATED LABOR AGREEMENT
It was moved by Dr. Boyles and seconded by Ms. Stevenson to approve the recommended 3.75% increase for employees not affected by a negotiated labor agreement, contingent upon evaluations and grant support in FY2025 and special salary adjustments for employees identified as warranting such an increase in FY2025.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Garretson. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Ms. Goetz, Dr. Donna, Ms. Stevenson, Mr. McCracken, Dr. Boyles, and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
CLOSED SESSION MINUTES
It was moved by Ms. Stevenson and seconded by Mr. McCracken to approve and retain the closed session minutes of the April 11, 2024 Board Meeting.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Garretson. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Ms. Goetz, Dr. Donna, Ms. Stevenson, Mr. McCracken, Dr. Boyles, and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
OTHER
None
ADJOURNMENT
Mr. Solon declared the meeting adjourned at 6:53 p.m.