March 2007 Board Meeting Report

The Illinois Valley Community College Board of Trustees, at Wednesday night’s meeting, approved an agreement with Streator Unlimited, Inc. for the college’s use of Streator Unlimited, Inc. facility for the newly approved warehousing courses.

IVCC’s administration has been working with representatives from Streator Unlimited, Inc. regarding the use of their facility and equipment for the college’s new warehousing courses. Terms of the proposed agreement include the provision that IVCC will pay a $25 per student, per course lab and equipment usage fee for two warehousing courses for each scheduled series. Further IVCC will agree to reserve two seats for qualified Streator Unlimited, Inc. clients or staff who enroll in the courses. Tuition for Streator Unlimited clients or personnel will be waived for the warehousing courses; however students will be required to pay the college fees.

In another agreement, the board approved a partnership with LaSalle County Health Department on the development of a business continuity agreement that would provide temporary physical facilities as alternative offices if either entity’s primary office were to be destroyed or disabled. The college’s administration anticipates similar agreements will be negotiated with other entities in the future.

The IVCC board approved a nomination to be submitted to the Illinois Community College Trustees Association for the state Business/Industry Award. This nomination recognizes the partnership between IVCC and the six local hospitals; Community Hospital of Ottawa, Illinois Valley Community Hospital, Mendota Community Hospital, Perry Memorial Hospital, St. Margaret’s Health and St. Mary’s Hospital. This partnership began in the fall of 2003 and continued for three years. The area hospitals paid the salary of an additional Masters prepared nursing instructor for three years. The partnership allowed 15 additional students to be admitted to the associate degree nursing program in fall 2003, increased the business opportunities between the two parties and in May 2005 increased nursing graduates by 36.5% from the previous year.

The 2007 ICCTA Lifelong Learning Award was approved by the board with the nomination of Jo Anne Walden of Cedar Point. The award celebrates the accomplishments of community college student’s over the age of 50. Walden began taking classes at IVCC over 40 years ago and continues to serve as an inspiration for younger students. In addition the board learned that Merri Mattison, professor of Sociology and Anthropology was named as Outstanding Faculty Member and student trustee Megan Guilfoyle, from Mendota was the winner of the Paul Simon Student Essay Contest.

The board authorized the business office to seek the following bids:

To purchase, replace and install carpeting at an estimated cost of $8,700.
For electrical work to install electrical wiring to accommodate wireless technology at an estimated cost of $15,000.
For window blinds at an estimated cost of $25,000 to replace torn window shades throughout campus.
For a Haas Horizontal Machining Center at an estimated cost of $125,000 for students enrolled in the manufacturing technology program.

In other action the board approved:

Stipends for the pay periods ending Feb. 10 and Feb. 24.
The college to participate in the U.S. Communities Government Purchasing Alliance.
The placement of 17.83 acre plots in farm lease 8842
An increase of $2 for the truck driver training program fees.
The purchase of seating and tables for lecture room D225 from KI University Furniture Solutions through the Illinois Public Higher Education

The board heard:

A presentation on the Project Success Program by Loar Wells, director.
Of the retirement of Carol Jo Finley, physical plant.