December 17, 2009 Board Meeting Minutes
The Board of Trustees of Illinois Valley Community College District No. 513 convened a regular session at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, December 17, 2009 in the Board Room (C307) at Illinois Valley Community College.
Members Physically Present:
Dennis N. Thompson, Chair
Thomas C. Setchell, Vice Chair
David O. Mallery, Secretary
Michael C. Driscoll
Leslie-Anne Englehaupt
Larry D. Huffman
Melissa M. Olivero
Cheyanne Smith, Student Trustee
Members Absent:
Others Physically Present:
Jerry Corcoran, President
Cheryl Roelfsema, Vice President for Business Services and Finance
Rick Pearce, Vice President for Learning and Student Development
Lori Scroggs, Vice President for Planning and Institutional Effectiveness
Walt Zukowski, Attorney
PUBLIC HEARING
This being the time and place published for a Public Hearing, Board Chair, Dennis N. Thompson, called for questions and/or comments from the audience regarding the proposed property tax levy increase for Illinois Valley Community College District No. 513. Hearing no questions and/or comments, Mr. Thompson called for a motion to close the Public Hearing. It was moved by Mr. Setchell and seconded by Dr. Driscoll to close the Public Hearing at 6:35 p.m. Motion passed by voice vote.
MOTION OF SILENCE
Mr. Thompson led a moment of silence for William A. Strong and Walter R. Zukowski.
Mr. Strong passed away on Sunday, November 29. He served for 6 years as an IVCC Board member from 1970-1975 and was a longtime member of the IVCC Foundation Board.
Mr. Zukowski, father of IVCC Board Attorney Walter J. Zukowski, passed away on Friday, December 11.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Parents of children who attend the Early Childhood Education Center were present at the meeting to comment on the Center not being included in the budget of the Community Technology Center. Dr. Corcoran had a few words to say before the parents began their comments. He wanted to make it clear that the matter to be voted on by the Board of Trustees is if the childcare center should or should not be included in the Community Technology Center budget. He stressed the fact the no one is questioning the value of the early Childhood Education Program – the administration is committed to the program and no one is questioning the value of childcare, or the quality and commitment of the faculty and staff. The real issue is should the childcare center, presently located in a temporary building that has been used for 41 years, be moved to a new location as part of the CTC budget considering the costs associated with this action. The architects have estimated the cost for renovating the upper gym to be approximately $400,000 plus A & E fees. The only question that needs to be answered is should the college spend over $400,000 to move the program to a less-than-ideal location, or is this a chance to explore partnership opportunities with other entities with whom the College shares common goals.
Ms. Olivero stated many district residents expressed concerns to her of the decision to seemingly close the Early Childhood Education Center. Accessible, quality, and affordable education is an important concern in the district. She believes IVCC should take the lead in continuing the current program or expanding it to meet the needs of the community, students, and employees. She believes the Board as a whole should provide the proper attention it needs and determine the center’s future and explore every option for its expansion or continuation. She believes IVCC now has the opportunity to become a leader in the community in early childhood education.
Parents of students spoke individually and shared their successful experiences with the Early Childhood Center at IVCC. Faculty members were also present to share their thoughts on the Center. The parents are impressed with the stimulation the center provides and that fact that their children are challenged. The hard-working, caring and dedicated staff provides a solid foundation and a firm structure which is important to the children’s future educational goals. They asked the Board not to lose sight of how important a good beginning is to children. It is an investment in the future of the district’s children. They asked the Board to consider the long-term commitment, future enrollment, and the public perception of commitment to education. They also asked that the teachers of the Center be involved in the decisions made regarding the Center.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
It was moved by Ms. Olivero and seconded by Mr. Mallery to approve the agenda, as presented. Motion passed by voice vote.
CAMPUS UPDATE – TAX LEVY
Cheryl Roelfsema, Vice for President for Business Services and Finance, presented an update on the tax levy to be adopted. The levy has been prepared with the intent to capture the tax dollars that are available based on the growth in the equalized assessed valuation (EAV) of property in the College’s district. The College is not asking for more than what is needed. Property tax revenues in FY2009 account for 31.6 percent of the total revenues. Tuition and fees account for 18.2 percent and state funding at 17.3 percent. The EAV is estimated to increase by 11.7 percent in FY2009. A significant increase in LaSalle County is due to the increase in valuation of the LaSalle Exelon Generating Plant. For the past four years the EAV has been $235 million. This year an independent appraisal determined the EAV to be $736 million and Exelon provided an appraisal at $325 million. Ms. Roelfsema has used an estimate of $500 million for the tax levy. The LaSalle County Supervisor of Assessments has not set the value of the Plant yet. The proposed tax rate for 2009 is $.3464, down $.0091 or 2.6 percent from tax year 2008. The decrease in the tax rate is largely due to the Bond and Interest levy. With a higher EAV, a lower rate still gives the College the needed extension to meet the debt needs. Tax year 2010 is the last year for the current bond and interest levy. This could be an opportunity to issue new bonds and not impact the tax rate. The estimated total property taxes to be levied for 2009 are $11,095,071. This represents an 8.8 percent increase over the previous year.
CONSENT AGENDA
It was moved by Ms. Englehaupt and seconded by Ms. Smith to approve the consent agenda as presented. Motion passed by voice vote.
The following items were approved in the consent agenda:
Approval of Minutes – November 10, 2009 Facilities Committee Meeting and November 19, 2009 Board Meeting
Approval of the Bills - $1,067,510.87
Education Fund - $775,595.95; Operation and Maintenance Fund - $39,452.55; Operation and Maintenance (Restricted Fund) - $128,821.92; Auxiliary Fund - $59,448.99; Restricted Fund - $39,256.67; Audit Fund - $5,000.00; Liability, Protection and Settlement Fund - $19,934.79.
Treasurer’s Report
Personnel
Approved the stipends for the pay periods ending November 7, 2009 and November 21, 2009.
Truck Driver Training – Sauk Valley Community College Agreement
Approved the agreement to provide a Truck Driver Training program at Sauk Valley Community College.
Bid Results – Emergency Medical Services Training Equipment
Approved to award items 8 and 10 to Moore Medical, Farmington, CT, in the amount of $3,394.98; items 12 and 13 to Progressive Medical, Vista, CA, in the amount of $2,970.00; items 1 through 7, items 9, 11, and 14 to Enerspect, Henderson, NV, in the amount of $14,166.50 for a total of $20,531.48.
Bid Request – Air-Cooled CO2 Laser Engraver
Approved to seek bids for an Air-Cooled CO2 Laser Engraver at an estimated cost of $12,000.
Bid Request – Rigging System Trainer
Approved to seek bids for a Rigging System Trainer at an estimated cost of $16,500.
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
Dr. Jerry Corcoran received confirmation from Congresswoman Debbie Halvorson that a $200,000 special appropriation to be used for equipment in the Community Technology Center was included in the Financial Services Appropriations Bill approved by the Senate over the weekend. The bill is now on its way to President Obama’s desk for his signature. Dr. Corcoran was very appreciative of the congresswoman’s efforts regarding this matter. He was also appreciative of the work done by the Board, Reed Wilson, and other members of the IVCC staff who took the time to meet with Congresswoman Halvorson and state legislators earlier in the year and explain why the College needed support for a Community Technology Center.
Reed Wilson, Dr. Rick Pearce, and Dr. Corcoran met recently with Laura Pastirik, assistant principal of curriculum and instruction at Ottawa Township High School (OTHS), regarding several matters including strong OTHS interest in strengthening its certificate programs, particularly in welding; expansion of our dual credit program; exploration of a CNA partnership, especially since the Ottawa Center facility will be supporting this program; discussion of the IVCC coursework to be offered initially at the Ottawa Center with Dr. Pearce emphasizing the fact that an Ottawa student preparing to transfer to a four-year institution could do all of his/her general coursework at the Ottawa Center; discussion of cooperation in developing a senior math class at Ottawa High School; considerable discussion of the need for developmental courses in math, reading and writing; and a strong interest in everyone working together to strengthen the high school’s horticulture program. These partnership opportunities with Ottawa High School await the College because of the new satellite center.
Jamie Gahm and Dr. Rick Pearce brought together key representatives of local law enforcement, public safety, first responders, and utility providers to receive training over two days on threat and risk assessment. The goal is to review and improve IVCC’s comprehensive plan for responding to emergency situations. Representatives from the Texas Engineering Extension Service and the National Emergency Response and Rescue Training Center joined Illinois Emergency Management Agency personnel in delivering the training. There was no cost to the College and the response was very positive.
The administration and staff met recently with the architects to view the draft schematic design for the new Community Technology Center. The administration would like for either the Facilities Committee or the full Board to hear about some of the challenges the architects are facing with the design of the building and provide feedback on questions being posed. Paul Basalay would like for that meeting to be held on Thursday, January 7th, if possible. He and Dominick Demonica want to present three schematic designs dealing with square foot issues – 1) reduction in programs to meet square footage; 2) reduction in circulation to meet square footage; and 3) the design that exceeds overall square footage. Paul and Dominick also want to present two exterior design options. The goal is for the Board to select a schematic design and an exterior design so that they can be presented to the CDB by February 1. The architects estimate three more weeks of design work after the schematic and exterior designs are chosen.
The Board’s Planning Committee also needs to meet for at least two purposes: (1) review the recommended changes that have been made by the administration to the Board policy manual, and (2) review the IPEDS and National Community College Benchmarking reports.
Dr. Corcoran reminded the Board of the annual Holiday luncheon to be held on December 18, beginning at noon. All staff, members of the Board of Trustees, and the Foundation Board of Directors were encouraged to attend.
Emily Vescogni, director of learning technologies, has reported that seniors from Fieldcrest High School visited IVCC recently and learned to research their sociology topics using Jacobs Library's resources. The artwork in over 900 libraries (including Jacobs Library) was photographed and will soon be made available in a database. In January, the library will officially launch a service (called Text a Librarian) in which students, faculty, & staff may send questions to and receive answers from librarians at Jacobs Library by using the text message feature on their cell phones.
Dr. Corcoran recognized the following staff:
Congratulations to Fran Brolley, Sue Monroe, and Donna Swiskowski on last week’s retirees’ reception. Approximately 35 attended the event, down a little bit from last year, probably due to the weather. Thus, a decision to move next year’s event up on the schedule to October was made.
Mark Brown's creative writing students recently teamed with Francie Skoflanc's graphic arts students on a project for the City of LaSalle entitled “Letters from the Lock”, which was well covered by the local news media. Mark Brown is the sponsor of a new student organization for writers called Dead Poets’ Society.
Dawn Wiggins is the faculty sponsor of the newly formed IVCC Math Club, called Indefinite Limit. She is leading a NSF-sponsored program in Ottawa for girls aged 9-14. The purpose of the group is to instill a desire to learn and study mathematics. Some of the activities the girls will be doing include soda geysers, volcanoes, and an Edible Car Contest.
Koshu Jagasia's English students recently presented their international projects to the community in a program called “India: Food, Water, and Energy.” This, too, was well covered by the district’s outstanding news media.
Jill Urban-Bollis and Tina Hardy are co-sponsors of a new organization for students who have a career goal of working in the education field. The group is named TEACH (Tomorrow's Educators: Aware, Connected, and Hopeful) and recently sponsored a workshop for students preparing for the required Basic Skills Test.
Cathi Nelson, Peer Tutoring Coordinator, reports that 68% more students (210) have used the services of peer tutoring so far this fall semester than the entire fall 2008 semester.
The Geological Society of America recently asked Mike Phillips to serve on the Geology and Public Policy Committee as the North-Central Section Representative for a three-year term. Also, Professor Phillips has been asked to serve on Congresswoman Debbie Halvorson's Education Advisory Committee. The role of the committee is to provide feedback on federal education legislation, inform her about local education issues, and act as a liaison to education stakeholders in the 11th Congressional District.
Ryen Nagle’s Honorspalooza, an event that highlights this semester's work of the Honors Program student, was held this week. First semester Honors students presented their Honors Plans, students from Dr. Jason Beyer's Honors Ethics and Merri Mattison's Honors Sociology classes discussed their Capstone Projects, and December graduates of the IVCC Honors Program presented Honors Portfolios. It was very well done. Ryen has done a wonderful job developing the honors program.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Ms. Smith attended the ISAC meeting on December 5 and 6th. Discussion regarding additional requirements such as merit base on the MAP grant took place. The advisory committee did not make any recommendations at this time because merit base is completely opposite of the original purpose of MAP. Upcoming fundraisers include the Polar Plunge and Ballin’ for Babies. The Student Government met with the College’s architects on the space for the student center.
2009 TAX LEVY
It was moved by Mr. Setchell and seconded by Dr. Huffman to adopt the Tax Levy Resolution, Certificate of Tax Levy, Resolution of Intent, Notice of Intent to Increase Tax Levy, and Certificate of compliance with the Truth and Taxation Act, as presented. Motion passed by voice vote.
OTTAWA CENTER AGREEMENT
It was moved by Mr. Setchell and seconded by Dr. Driscoll to approve the Ottawa Center Lease agreement, as presented. Motion passed by voice vote. Nay votes – Ms. Englehaupt and Ms. Olivero.
Dr. Corcoran reported the Ottawa City Council approved the agreement as presented contingent upon the approval of the IVCC Board. Dr. Corcoran noted the changes in the agreement. 1) maintenance, repair and janitorial services on the premises and natural gas service to the premises were deleted from the lessor’s obligations; 2) natural gas was added to the lessee’s obligations; and 3) the statement that the parties agree to work together to determine terms for janitorial services to the building was added under miscellaneous. The addition of the natural gas cost is estimated at $61 per month, but the College is optimistic that the estimated cost could be less. Mayor Eschbach stated the deadline date for exercising the option to purchase the building for the Ottawa Center is December 18, 2009. He stated he enjoyed working with the staff at IVCC for the past year on this project. The City of Ottawa is very committed to the success of this project and will be very aggressive in the marketing process. He believes this to be the beginning of a long partnership between IVCC and the City of Ottawa.
CHILD CARE CENTER
It was moved by Mr. Setchell and seconded by Mr. Mallery to approve the relocation of the childcare center not be included in the Community Technology Center construction budget. Motion passed by voice vote. Nay votes – Ms. Englehaupt and Ms. Olivero.
Dr. Driscoll was concerned with the misinformation of the child care center. He stated the discontinuation of the Early Childhood Program has never been discussed and suggested a fact sheet be prepared to eliminate misperceptions. It was noted during public comment that people were concerned with returning money to the State. Mr. Thompson stated the notion of returning money to the State is hard to define. A ten percent contingency is built into the project which amounts to $2.5 million. It is hard to know what the bids will be and what change orders will take place. The contingency is used as a safety net for incidentals. Potentially these dollars may not be used. In 2013 the temporary buildings will be demolished. The Early Childhood Center was an alternate in the building project but the upper gym is not the best location for dropping off children. The deadline date for demolishing the building forces the administration to look at all the options in a timely manner. Dr. Huffman stated there is every intention for the administration to work with the Board on a solution to the child care center issue. Whether or not it is in the CDB project is insignificant. By not having it in the project, there is an inference drawn that there will be no center in 2013. The upper gym location is a poor alternative if it is included in the project. How the Board votes on whether the center is included in the budget does not make any difference in terms of the long-term future of the center. Mr. Thompson noted that a special meeting is scheduled for January 7, 2010 on the Community Technology Center. He asked that the child care center be added to the agenda for this meeting. He also asked that Board members bring suggestions or ideas to the meeting.
COMMUNITY TECHNOLOGY CENTER – THIRD-PARTY COMMISSIONING
It was moved by Mr. Setchell and seconded by Dr. Driscoll to direct the Capital Development Board not to solicit proposals for a four-phase full commissioning of the approximately 76,000 sq. ft. LEED silver Community Technology Center (CDB Project #810-046-016). Motion passed by voice vote. Mr. Basalay noted the purpose of the third-party commissioning is to check to see that everyone has done their job. It would be an outside party involved in the design development, through construction, and into the maintenance period. The CDB asked that the Board consider third-party commissioning, but it is not mandatory. This adds an additional $175,000 to the project cost and adds additional work for the architectures, engineers, and the College. It adds to the scope of the project and insures that when the building is complete everything is operating the way it was designed. The third party would follow through with the warranty period and set up an educational program for IVCC staff to be trained on the operation of the equipment. Dr. Driscoll stated this is a large sum of money and feels this to be frivolous and would like to see better use of the money. Paul Basalay would consider third-party commissioning with the geothermal heating and air conditioning. The College would conduct a quality-based selection process and when this is complete a fee would be negotiated. The Capital Development Board has not commissioned a project from beginning to end. They have only commissioned a project after it has been completed.
STAFF APPOINTMENT – MICHAEL E. GORMAN, DEAN OF HEALTH PROFESSIONS
It was moved by Dr. Huffman and seconded by Mr. Mallery to approve the appointment of Michael E. Gorman as the Dean of Health Professions at an annual salary of $75,000. Motion passed by voice vote.
STAFF RETIREMENT – CATHY BANGERT, DIRECTOR OF INSTITUTIONAL RESEARCH
It was moved by Ms. Olivero and seconded by Dr. Driscoll to accept, with regret, Cathy Bangert’s request for retirement effective March 31, 2010 and wish her a long, happy, and healthy retirement. Motion passed by voice vote. Dr. Lori Scroggs noted that Ms. Bangert was very instrumental in the environmental scanning process and also worked on the institutional research committee, KPI action plan, measures and targets. She will be missed.
FACULTY RESIGNATION – RYEN NAGLE, ENGLISH INSTRUCTOR & HONORS PROGRAM LEADER
It was moved by Mr. Setchell and seconded by Dr. Huffman to accept, with regret, the resignation of Ryen Nagle, English instructor & Honors Program Leader, effective December 18, 2009. Motion passed by voice vote. Ms. Marianne Dzik spoke very highly of Ryen Nagle. The first time she met him she knew he was a special person. His insight into teaching, learning and assessment was incredible at such a young age. He is a phenomenal teacher. When he came to IVCC, the honors program was being reorganized and the hope was to have eight students the first semester. The honors program currently has 80 students. She stated these are big shoes to fill.
BOARD POLICY 3013 – FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE
It was moved by Dr. Huffman and seconded by Mr. Setchell to approve the revised Board Policy #3013 Family and Medical Leave as follows:
It is the policy of the Board of Trustees of Illinois Valley Community College to fully comply with the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993, in its original form and as amended by law.
Procedures regarding the Family and Medical Leave Act are available in the Human Resource Office or on the intranet under Administrative Procedures.
SCHEDULE OF REGULAR MEETING DATES AND TIMES
It was moved by Dr. Huffman and seconded by Dr. Driscoll to approve the following dates for 2010 and will provide public notice of this schedule. All meetings will take place at 6:30 p.m. in Room C307, the Board Room, on the campus of Illinois Valley Community College, 815 North Orlando Smith Avenue, Oglesby, Illinois.
Thursday, January 28, 2010 Thursday, July 22, 2010
Thursday, February 25, 2010 Thursday, August 26, 2010
Thursday, March 25, 2010 Thursday, September 23, 2010
Thursday, April 22, 2010 Thursday, October 28, 2010
Thursday, May 27, 2010 Thursday, November 18, 2010
Thursday, June 24, 2010 Thursday, December 16, 2010
Motion passed by voice vote.
TRUSTEE COMMENT
Dr. Huffman wished Ryen Nagle well, but was disappointed that a full-time faculty member would leave in the middle of the academic year. In the future he wondered if IVCC could work with the other colleges and request that they give some leeway for the candidate to finish out the academic year.
ADJOURNMENT
It was moved by Mr. Setchell, seconded by Dr. Huffman, and carried unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 8:48 p.m. Motion passed by voice vote.