May 28, 2008 Board Meeting Minutes

The Board of Trustees of Illinois Valley Community College District No. 513 convened a regular session at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 28, 2008 in the Board Room (C307) at Illinois Valley Community College.

Members Physically Present

David L. Wilcoxson, Board Chair
Dennis N. Thompson, Vice Chair
Lori E. Scroggs, Secretary
Paula J. Endress
David O. Mallery
Thomas C. Setchell
Cassie Fuller, Student Trustee

Members Absent

Deborah L. Sweeden

Others Physically Present

Jerry Corcoran, President
Cheryl Roelfsema, Interim Vice President for Business Services and Finance
Sue Isermann, Interim Vice President for Academic Affairs
Walt Zukowski, Attorney

MOMENT OF SILENCE

Mr. Wilcoxson led a moment of silence for Melissa Juergensen who passed away on May 3, 2008 in an automobile accident. Melissa was attending IVCC as a freshman. 

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

It was moved by Dr. Scroggs and seconded by Mr. Setchell to approve the agenda as presented.  Motion passed by voice vote.

CONSENT AGENDA

It was moved by Mr. Thompson and seconded by Mrs. Endress to approve the consent agenda as presented.  Motion passed by voice vote.

The following items were approved in the consent agenda:

Approval of Minutes –Board minutes of the April 23, 2008 meeting

Approval of the Bills - $1,504,078.62

Education Fund - $895,249.71; Operation and Maintenance Fund - $120,682.60; Operation and Maintenance (Restricted Fund) - $120,883.92; Auxiliary Fund - $23,182.57; Restricted Fund - $120,096.24; Liability, Protection and Settlement Fund - $223,983.58.

Treasurer’s Report

Personnel

Approved the stipends for the pay periods ending April 19, 2008 and May 3, 2008 as presented.

Bid Results – PHS Project – Computer Server Room Improvements

Accepted Basalay, Cary & Alstadt Architects’ recommendation to accept the bid of $317,499 from JB Contracting, LaSalle, IL for improvements to the computer server room.

Bid Results – Vehicle Exhaust Removal System

Approved to accept the bid in the amount of $34,000 from Hastings Air-Energy Control, Inc. for a vehicle exhaust removal system.

Proposal Results – Food Vending Services

Accepted Tri-City Vending’s proposal for food vending services for a term of five (5) years.

Bid Request – Industrial Maintenance Equipment Support Materials

Approved to seek bids for industrial maintenance equipment support materials at an estimated cost of $12,000 in accordance with the bid document and specifications.

Bid Request – Rigging System Trainer

Approved to seek bids for a Rigging System Trainer at the estimated cost of $14,000.

Request for Proposals – Bank Depository for Operating Funds

Granted permission to seek proposals for banking services for the Operation Account.

Request for Proposals – Bank Depository for Trust and Agency Funds

Granted permission to seek proposals for banking services for the Trust and Agency Accounts.

Purchase Request – Industrial Maintenance Hands-On Training Packages

Approved to purchase instructional packages from Design Assistance Corporation for a total of $13,590.

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

Dr. Corcoran informed the Board he had received notification from Warden Rothwell of the Sheridan Correctional Center that the A⁺ Certification program would be discontinued at the end of this fiscal year.  Warden Rothwell’s goal is to expand the Warehouse/Shipping and Receiving program and the Cooperative Work Training Bridge program to add more students and increase the likelihood of employment upon release. Warden Rothwell then directed Ms. Peggy Blair to add another Warehouse instructor and Bridge instructor to the contract to be submitted to the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC).  Dr. Corcoran is looking forward to receiving IDOC’s response. The nurses pinning ceremony, commencement, and GED graduation were great events and Dr. Corcoran was appreciative of everyone’s efforts to make each event memorable for the students, family, and friends.  Cassie Fuller, Student Trustee, is working with the Student Government Association on a plan to encourage students to participate in these ceremonies.  Two of IVCC goals are to enable all students to identify and achieve their educational and career goals and promote the value of higher education.  Dr. Corcoran plans to do everything he can to boost participation in these events to celebrate the accomplishments of our student body.  Dr. Corcoran commended Ryen Nagle on expanding the IVCC honors program.  The honorspalooza event held recently was a huge success in which a number of students presented their capstone projects.  With the help of Valerie Calvetti and Jeanne Hayden, Dr. Corcoran has been reaching out to honor students in the high school district to encourage them to continue their postsecondary education at IVCC.  IVCC received a plaque from the Voluntary Action Center (VAC) in recognition of IVCC’s dedication to the mission of their program.  IVCC also received a note from Representative Bob Pritchard thanking IVCC for caring and making a difference in supporting such programs as VAC.   Lobby Day was held in Springfield on Wednesday, April 30.  Dr. Corcoran met with Representatives - Frank Mautino, Keith Sommer, Bob Pritchard, Don Moffitt, and Senators - Gary Dahl and Tim Bivens.  Once they adjourn for the summer, Dr. Corcoran plans on inviting all of them out to the College to brainstorm on how to support each other.  Dr. Corcoran was contacted about a public television series called the “Learning Curve” as part of the National Education Report by Hugh Downs to highlight a handful of community colleges across the country on the programs and services offered.   He was flattered until he found out it came with a price of $25,000.  Dr. Corcoran believes the College can do something similar in getting the word out to the community at a much more affordable price.  With the passing of House Bill 6485, the higher education budget included an increase of $10 million in the base operating grants, $5 million in student success grants, and maintained $7.2 million in veterans’ grants.  With the passing of SB 1130, there was a recommendation of 2.8 percent increase for public universities but community colleges were only recommended for level funding.  The Governor’s office of Management and Budget has asked the ICCB to delay payment for 1/12 of the FY08 budget ($25.4 million) for community colleges.  This has been stated as a delay instead of a rescission.  The Mayor of Oglesby has asked Dr. Corcoran to serve on the City of Oglesby Economic Development Committee and Welcoming Committee.  Dr. Corcoran agreed and is looking forward to serving on these committees.

TRUSTEES’ REPORT

Cassie Fuller reported the Student Government Association (SGA) organized dunk tanks as an activity to benefit the Steve Charry Foundation fund.  She distributed the latest edition of the IV Leader with many interesting articles. Cassie will be attending the IBHE-SAC meeting and also the ICCB-ISAC Student Leadership Institute next month.  The SGA participated in the Special Olympic games on May 3 and will also be participating in the Special Olympics summer camp at ISU.  Cassie along with Ryan Siska, SGA Vice-President, will be the Special Olympic recruiters for IVCC.  Student ambassadors have been very busy with new student orientations.

Mr. Thompson reported on the Facilities Committee meeting held on May 13, 2008.  The Energy and Thermographic Study Phase I report indicated the buildings’ roofs, walls, doors and windows were not very efficient with little or no insulation around them.  These inefficiencies will be taken care of as the buildings are updated and remodeled.  Other steps have been taken to save energy through the boilers, lighting and lighting controls.  IVCC’s square foot cost for energy usage as compared to other community colleges is difficult to measure.  The buildings have inherent differences.  The College is aware of it and wants to be cost effective.  Work needs to be done to correct some of the controls in the buildings where the heat and air conditioning are working against one another.  The priority list included: 1) control systems; 2) electrical testing and replacement of the feeder lines; 3) re-insulation of the buildings; and 4) testing of the voltage equipment. The Protection, Health, and Safety (PHS) project list included:  Improving drinking fountains and restrooms, ramp access to main entrance, music room accessibility, additional proximity readers and surveillance cameras, and facility-wide, re-keying needs.  These projects will need to be prioritized and based on the need to stay within the annual levy budget.   The maintenance contract on the chillers is due to expire and the administration was asked to prepare proposals and then the Board would decide whether to continue with the current contract, accept another contract, or service the chillers by the facilities staff.  The committee discussed the purchase of electricity and recommended the administration analyze what the savings were from last year comparing Sempra over Ameren and to compare prices with large businesses in the college district and not other community colleges.  An information technology security audit to assess the vulnerability level of the IVCC network infrastructure was presented to the committee.  The committee decided to move forward with the purchasing of a new phone system all at once versus phases.  The committee received the State Capital Project List with IVCC’s CIC building at #12, Renovations to Bldgs. B, C, & D at #21, and the Additions/Renovations to Buildings C & G at #56.  RAMP reports for these projects will be brought to the June Board meeting with an allowable inflationary increase of four percent plus an increase of six percent for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) costs.

Mr. Wilcoxson noted that the ICCTA Recognition Event will be held in Springfield on the evening of Friday, June 6.  He encouraged all IVCC nominees to attend the ceremonies.

STAFF RETIREMENT – MARY H. GROSS, DIRECTOR OF ADULT EDUCATION

It was moved by Dr. Scroggs and seconded by Mr. Wilcoxson to accept Mary H. Gross’s request for retirement effective October 1, 2008 and wish her a long, happy, and healthy retirement.  Motion carried by voice vote.

FACULTY RETIREMENT – KENNETH W. CAROTHERS, CULINARY ARTS INSTRUCTOR AT SHERIDAN CORRECTIONAL CENTER

It was moved by Dr. Scroggs and seconded by Mrs. Endress to accept Kenneth W. Carothers’s request for retirement effective June 1, 2008 and wish him a long, happy, and healthy retirement.  Motion carried by voice vote.

STAFF RESIGNATION – LOAR WELLS, DIRECTOR OF PROJECT SUCCESS

It was moved by Mr. Mallery and seconded by Dr. Scroggs to accept with regret the resignation of Loar Wells, Director of Project Success, effective May 20, 2008.  Motion carried by voice vote.

INTERIM DIRECTOR OF STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES

It was moved by Mr. Thompson and seconded by Dr. Scroggs to appoint Mr. Chris Herman as Interim Director of Student Support Services with an annualized salary of $47,800 effective immediately.  Motion carried by voice vote.

FACULTY RESIGNATION – JANE BATTLES, NURSING INSTRUCTOR

It was moved by Mrs. Endress and seconded by Mr. Thompson to accept with regret the resignation of Jane Battles, Nursing instructor, effective August 8, 2008.  Motion carried by voice vote.

FACULTY APPOINTMENT – RICHARD J. SERAFINI, ACCOUNTING INSTRUCTOR

It was moved by Dr. Scroggs and seconded by Mrs. Endress to approve the appointment of Richard J. Serafini as the Accounting Instructor assigned to the Division of Natural Sciences and Business for the 2008-2009 academic year, with placement on the salary schedule at Step C-8 - $45,867, based on the 2007-2008 salary schedule, terms of the 2008-2009 salary to be approved.  Motion carried by voice vote.

FACULTY APPOINTMENT – PROMISE K. YONG – CHEMISTRY INSTRUCTOR

It was moved by Dr. Scroggs and seconded by Mr. Thompson to approve the appointment of Promise K. Yong as the Chemistry Instructor assigned to the Division of Natural Sciences and Business for the 2008-2009 academic year, with placement on the salary schedule at Step F-8 - $52,114 based on the 2007-2008 salary schedule, terms of the 2008-2009 salary to be approved.  Motion carried by voice vote.

DOWNSIZING OF DISLOCATED WORKERS CENTER

It was moved by Mr. Thompson and seconded by Mrs. Endress to approve the termination of Jennifer Uzella, Case Manager, effective June 30, 2008, reduce the employment of Sarah Price, Case Manager, from full-time to part-time status effective June 30, 2008 due to the reduction in funds for the Dislocated Workers Center and effective January 1, 2009, terminate the employment of Ms. Sarah Price.  Dr. Corcoran read a letter written by Jennifer Uzella in which she thanked the Board and the Dislocated Workers Center for the opportunity to work as a Case Manager for the past five years.  She now looks at this as being an opportunity to continue her education in the Registered Nursing program through the Dislocated Workers Center. Motion carried by voice vote.

TECHNOLOGY PURCHASE:  IP PHONE SYSTEM

It was moved by Mr. Thompson and seconded by Mr. Setchell to approve the purchase, installation and implementation of the new Cisco IP phone system from the Burwood Group for $303,000.  The funds will come from the ITS 05 Fund Balance.  This approval will be contingent upon ICCB’s approval of this change to the PHS project.  The original PHS project to move the computer server room was approximately $1 million.  The revised plan is to rebuild the server room which will reduce the space and replace the aging telephone switch with a more compact system. The new phone system will provide an integrated emergency notification solution.  The cost of the revised PHS project will be approximately the same as the original project but will include the additional equipment.  Motion carried by voice vote.

TECHNOLOGY PURCHASE:  NETWORK HARDWARE UPGRADE

It was moved by Mr. Setchell and seconded by Dr. Scroggs to approve the purchase and installation of the Cisco network hardware upgrades from the Burwood Group for $227,000.  The funds will come from the ITS 05 Fund Balance.  Motion carried by voice vote.

TUITION WAIVER – BASIC COMPUTER SKILLS FOR COLLEGE SUCCESS PILOT

It was moved by Mrs. Endress and seconded by Dr. Scroggs to approve to waive tuition for students enrolling in CSP1206:  Basic Computer Skills for College Success on a pilot basis for the summer 2008 term.  One of the College’s initiatives is to target students who need to upgrade their computer skills. This pilot program will be taught by College staff this summer for students right out of high school. Students will have been tested at student orientations and will be retested after the course is completed as a measurement of the success of the course.  It was noted that another segment of the student community, the non-traditional student, lacks basic computer skills. If this pilot program is successful, Emily Vescogni will search for ways to tap into the non-traditional students.   Motion carried by voice vote.

TUITION WAIVER – STRATEGIES FOR COLLEGE – HIGH SCHOOL PILOT

It was moved by Mr. Setchell and seconded by Mrs. Endress to approve waiving the tuition and fees for students enrolling in Strategies For College 1000 offered on a pilot basis at district high schools during FY09.  This pilot program will involve training faculty at the high schools to teach this course to help high school students who have an interest in attending IVCC but no clear educational or career goals and also those who do not plan to continue their education and lack career and college goals.  These students are not the typical tech prep or E²C students.  It was noted that Mark Grzybowski has been hired to market IVCC’s occupational programs and to expand the E²C program in the high schools. The numbers have grown significantly.  Three additional high schools are offering E²C and existing programs have been expanded.  Putnam County High School has not yet offered E²C courses and Mr. Mallery offered to help encourage them to do so.  Motion carried by voice vote.

TAXING BODIES INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT

It was moved by Mr. Setchell and seconded by Mr. Thompson to approve the Intergovernmental Agreement for Joint Action in Regard to Certain Real Estate Valuation Proceedings, as presented.  Motion carried by voice vote.

PUBLIC COMMENT

No comments.

TRUSTEE COMMENT

No comments.

On a motion by Mr. Thompson, seconded by Mr. Setchell and carried unanimously, the regular meeting resumed at 11:37 p.m.

ADJOURNMENT

It was moved by Mr. Setchell, seconded by Mrs. Endress, and carried unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 11:38 p.m.  Motion passed by voice vote.