April 16, 2025 Minutes of Regular Meeting
The Board of Trustees of Illinois Valley Community College District No. 513 convened a regular session at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 16, 2025 in Room CTC-206 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, 2024-2025 Student Trustee
Danica E. Scoma, 2025-2026 Student Trustee
Members Virtually Present
Members Telephonically Present
Members Absent
Angela M. Stevenson, Secretary
Others Physically Present
Tracy Morris, President
Kathy Ross, Vice President for Business Services and Finance
Vicki Trier, Vice President for Academic Affairs
Mark Grzybowski, Vice President for Student Services
Mary Beth Herron, Director of Human Resources
Walt Zukowski, Attorney
Others Virtually Present
MOMENT OF SILENCE
A moment of silence was held to remember Kathy Baker of Mendota, a former adjunct faculty and continuing education instructor; Fred Thatcher, formerly of LaSalle, a retired maintenance employee; and Jean Forst of LaSalle, a dedicated and passionate faculty member.
APPOINTMENT OF SECRETARY PRO TEM
It was moved by Dr. Boyles and seconded by Mr. McCracken to appoint Dr. Rebholz as secretary pro tem in the absence of Ms. Stevenson. Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Garretson. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Ms. Goetz, Mr. McCracken, Dr. Rebholz, Dr. Boyles, and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
It was moved by Ms. Garretson and seconded by Ms. Goetz to approve the agenda.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Garretson. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Ms. Goetz, Mr. McCracken, Dr. Rebholz, Dr. Boyles, and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
PUBLIC COMMENT
None
INTRODUCTION OF 2025-2026 STUDENT TRUSTEE
Dr. Morris introduced Danica Scoma as the incoming Student Trustee.
CLOSED SESSION
Mr. Solon requested a motion and a roll call vote at 4:37 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 Mr. McCracken and seconded by Ms. Garretson to enter into a closed session.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Garretson. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Ms. Goetz, Mr. McCracken, Dr. Rebholz, Dr. Boyles, and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
The Board entered closed session at 4:44 p.m.
It was moved by Ms. Goetz and seconded by Ms. Garretson to return to the regular meeting.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Garretson. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Ms. Goetz, Mr. McCracken, Dr. Rebholz, Dr. Boyles, and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
The regular meeting resumed at 4:49 p.m.
CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS
It was moved by Mr. McCracken and seconded by Dr. Rebholz to approve the consent agenda, as presented.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Garretson. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Ms. Goetz, Mr. McCracken, Dr. Rebholz, Dr. Boyles, and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
The following items were approved in the consent agenda:
Approval of Minutes – March 19, 2025 Board Meeting,
Approval of Bills - $1,772,651.62
Education Fund - $894,494.80; Operations and Maintenance Fund - $271,901.72; Operations and Maintenance (Restricted) - $170,436.92; Auxiliary Fund - $348,848.47; Restricted Fund - $36,361.14; Liability, Protection, and Settlement Fund - $50,608.57.
Treasurer’s Report
Personnel
Approved stipends for pay periods ending February 8, 2025, February 22, 2025 and Part-Time Faculty and Staff Appointments for February 2025.
Insurance Renewals
Accept the recommendation of the insurance consultant and proceed with a negotiated renewal for FY2026 coverage.
STUDENT TRUSTEE’S REPORT
Ms. Garretson highlighted the Student Government Association 2025-2026 Sophomore Election results included Danica Scoma, Student Trustee; Litzy Lopez, President; Cassie Zimmerman, Vice President; Peter Wilcox, Treasurer; Michael Peters, Secretary; Clare Phillips, Sophomore Representative, and Cheyenne Hoffman and Shae Simons, Sophomore Programming Representatives.
Student Government members along with Professors Cory Tomasson and Mike Phillips attended the annual Student Advocacy Day in Springfield. Meetings were held with Senator Sue Rezin and Representative Murri Briel. Students were able to connect with legislators and lobbyists and tour the State Capitol.
Student Activities is hosting a Spring Picnic on April 30. Students can participate in activities hosted by IVCC organizations the week before final exams. There will be a St. Baldricks table supporting childhood cancer awareness. A few individuals will shave their heads as part of the fundraiser to show their support.
The International Student Organization will host an International Fair on April 23. The fair will be a celebration of diverse cultures, featuring food, games, crafts, and music from around the world and an opportunity to learn about different cultures while engaging with the campus community.
Wellness Day will be held on April 22 to support health and well-being. Student Government will provide bags filled with hygiene products to students. The Art Club will travel to Chicago to take an education tour of the Chicago Art Institute Museum on April 24. The annual SciFest held on April 11 was a great hit, drawing in lots of excitement and participation.
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
Dr. Morris highlighted the Student Art Show held from April 7-18 featuring artwork from IVCC students and local high school students. The IT Department has relocated in order to prepare for the new microbiology lab. Dr. Morris showcased CTC 206, the Distance Learning Grant classroom, being used for the meeting this evening and demonstrated the types of furniture and their and mobile options.
IVCC students Emily Tran, Violet Krider, and Odin Klotz presented a poster project on IVCC’s SciFest at the American Chemical Society national meeting in San Diego. Health Professions staff and students participated in the Oglesby Public School Career Fair. Nora Villarreal’s English Composition students actively support Eagles’ Peak Food Bank by donating items, unloading deliveries, organizing shelve, and greeting students as they shop. Project Success TRiO students also volunteer twice per month to unload the truck, unbox goods, and stock shelves.
Jacobs Library held events last week to celebrate National Library Week. Explore IVCC attendees included 39 potential students and 80 total participants. Putnam County Junior High School brought 40-50 8th grade students for a campus visit. SciFest was well attended and included numerous demonstrations. Other events included an explorative day of photography led by retired faculty member Randy Rambo on April 8 and MIMIC, Making Industry Meaningful in College, held today. The Annual Welding Competition was held for local welding students and included activities and two welding scholarships from AWS. The Recognition Event was held in early April with 170 individuals in attendance to celebrate and recognize 93 total honorees. The production of Hello Dolly was fantastic. Congratulations to Dr. David Kuester and Don Grant Zellmer on decades of excellence in theatre. Dr. Morris expressed how impressed she was with the Gala. It was an incredible evening of generosity and giving.
Monthly updates an enrollment update included very early numbers for Summer. At this point, there is an increase of 11.22% in headcount and 12.96% in credit hours compared to Summer 2024. We are at 77.1% of budgeted hours and 72.53% of actual prior 10th day hours. Fall enrollment, also very early, show an increase of 38.14% in headcount and 46.44% in credit hours compared to Fall 2024. We are at 23.51% of budgeted hours and 22.29% of actual prior 10th day hours.
Federal Legislative Updates included continued monitoring of executive orders, funding impacts and DOE impacts, and communication regarding visa revocations and processes. State Legislative Updates included HB 3717 Community College Baccalaureate discussions still in process, Senate and House bills on Dual Credit Courses for community colleges and K-12, and Dr. Morris was invited to testify at the Appropriations Hearing for the Higher Education Committee. Strategic Planning continues with Key Performance Indicators being reviewed, working on next year’s objectives, and an update on the Strategic Plan and Marketing Plan will be given in May or at the Board Retreat.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
None
APPROVAL – RESOLUTION HONORING STUDENT TRUSTEE EMMA GARRETSON
It was moved by Mr. McCracken and seconded by Ms. Goetz to approve the resolution for Student Trustee Emma Garretson, as presented.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Garretson. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Ms. Goetz, Mr. McCracken, Dr. Rebholz, Dr. Boyles, and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
APPROVAL – RESOLUTION HONORING TRUSTEE DR. AMY BOYLES
It was moved by Ms. Goetz and seconded by Mr. McCracken to approve the resolution for Trustee Dr. Amy Boyles, as presented.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Garretson. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Ms. Goetz, Mr. McCracken, Dr. Rebholz, Dr. Boyles, and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
APPROVAL – RESOLUTION HONORING TRUSTEE JANE GOETZ
It was moved by Dr. Rebholz and seconded by Dr. Boyles to approve the resolution for Trustee Jane Goetz, as presented.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Garretson. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Ms. Goetz, Mr. McCracken, Dr. Rebholz, Dr. Boyles, and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
Trustee Donna entered the meeting at 5:23 p.m.
APPROVAL – TECHNOLOGY REPLACEMENT
It was moved by Dr. Rebholz and seconded by Ms. Garretson to approve the proposal from the IT Department for purchase of technology refresh at a cost not to exceed $206,036.57. It will be funded out of the FY2025 IT Budget.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Garretson. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Ms. Goetz, Dr. Donna, Mr. McCracken, Dr. Rebholz, Dr. Boyles, and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
PURCHASE REQUEST – MIDWEST ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTING SERVICES
It was moved by Mr. McCracken and seconded by Ms. Goetz to authorize the administration to enter into an agreement with Midwest Environmental Consulting Services for the asbestos project management and air quality testing for the 2025 Campus Renovation project in the amount of $31,302.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Garretson. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Ms. Goetz, Dr. Donna, Mr. McCracken, Dr. Rebholz, Dr. Boyles, and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
BID RESULTS – ASBESTOS ABATEMENT
It was moved by Dr. Rebholz and seconded by Ms. Garretson to accept the Base Bid from M & O Environmental Company, Mokena, Illinois, in the amount of $287,000 for the Asbestos Abatement for the 2025 Campus Renovations.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Garretson. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Ms. Goetz, Dr. Donna, Mr. McCracken, Dr. Rebholz, Dr. Boyles, and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
BID RESULTS – 2025 CAMPUS RENOVATIONS
It was moved by Ms. Goetz and seconded by Dr. Rebholz to accept the base bid from Vissering Construction company, Streator, Illinois, in the amount of $3,891,400 for the 2025 Campus Renovations to be paid from Protection, Health, and Safety (PHS) funds and fund balance reserves from the Education and Operations and Maintenance (O&M) funds in accordance with Board Policy, 04.09 Fund Balance.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Garretson. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Ms. Goetz, Dr. Donna, Mr. McCracken, Dr. Rebholz, Dr. Boyles, and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
APPROVAL – VOLUNTARY RETIREMENT INCENTIVE PROGRAM – APRIL 2025
It was moved by Dr. Rebholz and seconded by Ms. Garretson to approve the 2025 Voluntary Retirement Incentive Program effective April 16, 2025.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Garretson. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Ms. Goetz, Dr. Donna, Mr. McCracken, Dr. Rebholz, Dr. Boyles, and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
FACULTY RETIREMENT – DR. DAVID KUESTER, SPEECH AND THEATRE INSTRUCTOR
It was moved by Mr. McCracken and seconded by Dr. Rebholz to accept the retirement of Dr. David Kuester, Speech and Theatre Instructor, effective June 12, 2025.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Garretson. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Ms. Goetz, Dr. Donna, Mr. McCracken, Dr. Rebholz, Dr. Boyles, and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
FACULTY RETIREMENT – DR. RICHARD MANGOLD, PSYCHOLOGY INSTRUCTOR
It was moved by Ms. Goetz and seconded by Dr. Boyles to accept the retirement of Dr. Richard Mangold, Psychology Instructor, effective May 17, 2025.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Garretson. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Ms. Goetz, Dr. Donna, Mr. McCracken, Dr. Rebholz, Dr. Boyles, and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
FACULTY RESIGNATION – CHRISTIAN CARBONI, WELDING TECHNOLOGY INSTRUCTOR
It was moved by Ms. Garretson and seconded by Ms. Goetz to accept the resignation of Christian Carboni, Welding Technology Instructor, effective May 17, 2025.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Garretson. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Ms. Goetz, Dr. Donna, Mr. McCracken, Dr. Rebholz, Dr. Boyles, and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
ITEMS FOR INFORMATION
Mr. Solon pointed out the information items on pages 78-79 of the Board book.
TRUSTEE COMMENT
Mr. McCracken thanked Trustees Boyle and Goetz for the work they’ve done and for being amazing Board members. Mr. McCracken congratulated the newly elected Board members and looks forward to having them on the Board.
CLOSED SESSION MINUTES
It was moved by Dr. Rebholz and seconded by Ms. Goetz to approve and retain the closed session minutes of the March 19, 2025 Board Meeting.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Garretson. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Ms. Goetz, Dr. Donna, Mr. McCracken, Dr. Rebholz, Dr. Boyles, and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
OTHER
Dr. Morris stated a letter sent extending the Farm Lease for the second year will be shared at the May meeting as well as a few updates to the agreement. Ms. Ross stated the changes will make Mr. Holly aware that we are moving forward with the Ag building and will show what acreage will be used for the building.
Dr. Morris stated the Board Organizational Meeting will be held next Tuesday, April 22 at 5:30 p.m. in CTC 206. There will be two action items on the agenda.
ADJOURNMENT
Mr. Solon declared the meeting adjourned at 5:51 p.m.