February 25, 2009 Minutes of Regular Meeting

The Board of Trustees of Illinois Valley Community College District No. 513 convened a regular session at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, February 25, 2009 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
Deborah L. Sweeden
Cassie Fuller, Student Trustee

Members Absent:

Thomas C. Setchell

Others Physically Present:

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

APPROVAL OF AMENDED AGENDA

It was moved by Mrs. Sweeden and seconded by Mr. Thompson to approve the amended agenda as presented (withdrew action item 16 – Articulation Agreement - Kaplan University).  Motion passed by voice vote.

CAMPUS UPDATE – TECHNOLOGY AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT CENTER

Dr. Jerry Corcoran presented information on the proposed Technology and Workforce Development Center.  During George Ryan’s administration $50 million was approved for capital funding for five years intended to reduce the community college system’s reliance on temporary facilities.  The funding lasted for three years.  IVCC submitted a project proposal but was not funded.  Projects such as the Technology and Workforce Development Center (TWD Center) are kept on an unpublished list, but the administration believes the Center is very high on this list.  IVCC’s Technology and Workforce Development Center would be approximately 52,000 gross square feet and would cost approximately $13 million.  Of this amount, $8 million would come from State funding, with IVCC providing $5 million in local funds.  A Special Appropriations grant is being sought for the additional $2.7 million in technology and equipment.  Dr. Corcoran noted the programs in the 40-year old temporary buildings and identified those that would be relocated to the TWD Center and also programs that would be relocated from the main campus to the TWD Center.  The value of a new Center to the district would better serve current students, attract more students, assist local industry in training, respond to new technology opportunities, be a powerful recruiting tool for economic development, and serve as an incentive for adult students and show them first-hand the technical opportunities that await them.  The College is currently on a published list for state-assisted building projects which include: the Community Instructional Center (CIC) (#12 - $22 million), B, C, & D Renovations (#21 – $11 million), and C & G Renovations (#56 - $16 million).  The administration would like to prioritize the TWD Center because it would boost economic development and create employment opportunities, make use of vacated space, promote alternative energy, incorporate some of the CIC goals, seek federal special appropriations for equipment, and allow room for programs to grow.  The administration recommends the Board authorize to proceed with design development documents, establish a community advisory committee, and establish a steering committee to move forward with the TWD Center.

Mr. David Mallery entered the meeting at 7:30 p.m.

CONSENT AGENDA

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

The following items were approved in the consent agenda:

Approval of Minutes – January 21, 2009 Board Planning Committee Meeting and January 28, 2009 Board meeting.

 

Approval of the Bills - $1,427,014.38

Education Fund - $802,883.06; Operation and Maintenance Fund - $153,787.70; Operation and Maintenance (Restricted Fund) - $215,842.86; Auxiliary Fund - $200,931.88; Restricted Fund - $48,936.18; Liability, Protection and Settlement Fund - $4,632.70.

 

Treasurer’s Report

 

Personnel

Approved the stipends for the pay periods ending January 10, 2009; January 24, 2009; and February 7, 2009.

 

Request for Proposal Results – Learning Ladder Early Childhood Center Catering Services

Accepted the proposal from Orchard View – Princeton, IL for catering services to the Learning Ladder Early Childhood Center.

 

Request for Proposal Results – Copier Rental Agreement

Accepted the proposal from Illinois Valley Business Equipment – Peru, IL for a 36-month rental agreement at an estimated annual cost of $28,958.18.

 

Request for Proposals – Property/Casualty, Workers’ Compensation Insurance, and Public

Official Bonds

Authorized Bushue Human Resources, Inc. to request proposals for the College’s Property/Casualty, Workers’ Compensation Insurance, and Public Official Bonds effective July 1, 2009 to July 1, 2010.   Bonds for the IVCC Foundation Public Officials were removed from the specifications.

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

Dr. Corcoran reported the Academic Quality Improvement Program quality checkup visit went very well.  Dr. Jan Snyder and Mr. Gary Schindler, the visiting team members on behalf of the Higher Learning Commission, were favorably impressed with the action taken by the staff in addressing strengths and opportunities previously noted in the system’s portfolio appraisal.  A few comments made by the team included: “IVCC is a great place to work!” “Serving on action project teams has changed some employees’ lives;” and “Students are very pleased with their decision to attend IVCC because of the relationship they have with the faculty and the fact that they know their voices are being heard by the administration.”  Dr. Corcoran thanked everyone who took the time to meet with the team and share their thoughts.  Representative Frank Mautino, Senator Gary Dahl, and Congresswoman Debbie Halvorson visited the campus over the last month to become more conversant on matters pertaining to the need for retraining dollars for clients being served by the Dislocated Workers Center, appropriate pay adjustments for college employees working at the Sheridan Correctional Center, and support for the proposed technology and workforce development center.  Recognition was given to:

  • Sara Escatel organized the well-attended February 12th Citizenship Ceremony with Dave McClure from the Youth Service Bureau
  • Lauren Sandberg will facilitate a session on the textbook rental program at the Campus Market Expo in Anaheim, CA on March 13.
  • Tommy Canale was congratulated on his appointment as athletic director/retention coordinator/advisor.  His office hours have been posted and evaluation criteria to assess the impact of this position on students and staff over the next year has been established. 
  • Steve Ringenberg demonstrated a roadside inspection of equipment and driver’s log for the IVCC Truck Driver Training students.  Mr. Ringenberg is a Motor Carrier Safety Auditor of the Illinois Department of Transportation.
  • The Nursing Program exam scores were exceptional:

NCLEX PN (LPN)                             NCLEX RN

IVCC              100%                           IVCC              93%

State                  90%                           State                90%

National            86%                           National          87%

  • The IVCC Dental Assisting Program was granted accreditation approval with no reporting requirements by the Commission on Dental Accreditation.
  • Anna Marie Pietrolonardo presented “A Lingua Franca for the 21st Century” as part of the Arts & Letters Series.  Lingua Franca is a common language consisting of Italian, mixed with French, Spanish, Greek and Arabic that was formerly spoken in Mediterranean ports.
  • Marianne Dzik and Sue Isermann conducted a workshop for high school faculty at the Henry-Senachwine High School on “College Readiness – College Success.”
  • Robert Mattson, Manuel Gomez, Elaine Novak, Cathy Bangert, Jean Batson-Turner, Debra Cooper, Marilyn Lange, Betsy Sobin, and Colleen McClure attended the 13th Annual Assessment Fair at Joliet Junior College.
  • IVCC hosted the Region 7 mathematics competition sponsored by the Illinois Council of Teachers of Mathematics.  Cynthia Schultz coordinated the event with math and science faculty and IVCC calculus students assisting with the testing and scoring.
  • Jill Urban-Bollis has been accepted to attend the NASA Cosmic Science Faculty Institute in Earth and Space Science.
  • Ryen Nagle was commended for the job he has done with the Honors Program – 21 new members for spring 2009, 66 students have joined the Honors Program since fall 2007, 51 members are currently active, and 15 members scheduled to graduate in spring 2009 as the first new Honors Program graduates.
  • Sue Isermann has demonstrated tremendous loyalty to IVCC over the last 18 months while serving as interim vice president for academic affairs.  She was commended for a job well done.

TRUSTEES’ REPORT

Ms. Cassie Fuller thanked everyone for being given the opportunity to attend the legislative seminar in Washington, D.C. and found it to be a very positive experience. She attended a lunch with Bob Schaefer from “Meet the Nation,” an ACCT general session, Women in Leadership ICCTA meeting, an open session with Senator Durbin, and a session with Debbie Halvorson. Ms. Fuller reported on a number of activities being conducted by SGA – “Pie your Professor” as a community outreach project and “Ballin for Babies” for March of Dimes.  Ms. Fuller met with Cheryl Roelfsema and discussed food services, redirecting the smoking areas, and a recycling project.  Intramurals in dodgeball and volleyball are underway with plans being made for “Texas Hold’em,” “Polar Plunge,” and a Board of Trustees candidate forum.  Ms. Fuller worked at a table in the lobby to help increase graduation attendance.

Mr. Thompson reported on the Facilities Committee meeting held on Tuesday, February 17.   The committee was in consensus to move forward on replacing medium voltage transformers at Buildings D & E and replace aluminum wire from the transformers to the electrical panels in Buildings D & E and also Buildings A & B.  This project will be funded by using excess funds from previously approved PHS projects.  The Committee also discussed the Truck Driver Training facility fire alarm.  The bid specifications for the fire alarm in the new truck driver training facility included a panel that would provide voice messaging and weather warnings from the main campus. The new panel is digital and the existing fire alarm system is analog; therefore, the new panel is not compatible with the older Notifier system on the main campus and is unable to communicate with the main campus.  The Committee recommended to stay with the base bid.  Since the expectation per the bid document was not met, the committee asked the administration to write a letter to the contractor requesting some accommodation or relief.  The Committee discussed the Technology and Workforce Development Center (TWD Center).  The consensus of the Committee was to move forward with the programming and schematic design phases of the TWD Center.  This would bring the project closer to being “shovel ready” and more likely to be funded with federal and/or state funds.  The College may also have to face the probability of paying for the whole project.  The College has been out of space for many years and so it may become a reality with or without state money.  It was suggested if the College does not receive state money, the College could ask the voters to issue bonds to pay for the facility. 

FACULTY TENURE RECOMMENDATIONS

Ms. Sue Isermann reviewed the tenure process at IVCC.  It is a very rigorous process which includes:  1) classroom observation, 2) faculty self-evaluation, 3) student feedback in all courses taught, 4) a professional development plan, and 5) contributions to the institution and the community.  An overview of these areas culminates in their portfolios.  First and foremost is teaching and learning.  Each respective dean spoke on the attributes of each faculty member being recommended for tenure.

It was moved by Mrs. Sweeden and seconded by Mr. Mallery to approve tenure for Nora B. Bazydlo, nursing instructor.  Motion passed by voice vote.

It was moved by Dr. Scroggs and seconded by Ms. Fuller to approve tenure for Jason A. Beyer, philosophy instructor.  Motion passed by voice vote.

It was moved by Mr. Thompson and seconded by Mrs. Sweeden to approve tenure for Timothy J. Bias, manufacturing technology instructor.  Motion passed by voice vote.

It was moved by Dr. Scroggs and seconded by Mrs. Endress to approve tenure for Delores R. Robinson, English composition instructor.  Motion passed by voice vote.

STAFF RETIREMENT – DR. ROBERT MARSHALL, VICE PRESIDENT FOR STUDENT SERVICES

It was moved by Mr. Thompson and seconded by Mrs. Sweeden to honor Dr. Robert P. Marshall’s request for retirement effective July 1, 2009, and wish him a long, happy, and healthy retirement.  Dr. Marshall stated it has been a great run and he has been blessed to work with many great people.  He said IVCC is a great place to spend one’s career and he is very thankful for that.  Dr. Corcoran stated he has always looked to Bob for his advice, his wit and wisdom, and he will miss him as a friend and colleague.  He thanked him for his 30 years of commitment.  Motion passed by voice vote.

STAFF APPOINTMENT – DR. RICHARD R. PEARCE, VICE PRESEIDENT FOR LEARNING AND STUDENT DEVELOPMENT

It was moved by Mrs. Sweeden and seconded by Mr. Thompson to appoint Dr. Richard R. Pearce as Vice President for Learning and Student Development at an annualized salary of $120,000.  Motion passed by voice vote.

REDUCTION IN FORCE – SHERIDAN CORRECTIONAL CENTER

It was moved by Mr. Thompson and seconded by Mrs. Endress to officially notify the Sheridan Correctional Center instructional and academic support staff (Harry Bell, Jr., Jerry Christensen, Bruce Markwalter, Mary Neps, Suzanne Porter, Janice Sharp, Keith Stevenson, and Steve Swett) of the Reduction in Force.  Motion passed by voice vote.

FY10 BUDGET

It was moved by Mr. Thompson and seconded by Mrs. Endress to adopt the resolution designating the fiscal year be from July 1, 2009 to June 30, 2010; adopt the resolution designating Dr. Jerry Corcoran as the District’s officer appointed to prepare the tentative budget; and approve the budget calendar as presented.  Motion passed by voice vote.

TUITION INCREASE AND COURSE FEE ADJUSTMENTS

It was moved by Mrs. Sweeden and seconded by Dr. Scroggs to increase tuition by $2.00, from $60.50 to $62.50 per credit hour beginning with the summer 2009 semester; increase tuition by $1.00 from $30.25 to $31.25 for students enrolled in Early Entry College courses; and adjust 37 course fees and add fees for 21 new courses, per the schedule presented.  Mr. Mallery noted that he has always been opposed to tuition increases; but after paying higher tuition rates himself this past year, he realizes the value of $62.50 per credit hour and he supports the tuition increase.  Motion passed by voice vote.

AUDIT SERVICES

It was moved by Mrs. Endress and seconded by Mr. Mallery to approve the proposal by Gordon, Stockman & Waugh P.C. to extend their contract for independent audit services for fiscal years 2009, 2010, and 2011.  Motion passed by voice vote.

PRESIDENTIAL EVALUATION FORM

It was moved by Dr. Scroggs and seconded by Mr. Thompson to adopt the presidential evaluation form as presented.  Motion passed by voice vote.

BOARD SELF ASSESSMENT FORM

It was moved by Mr. Thompson and seconded by Mrs. Endress to adopt the Board self assessment form with highlighted changes incorporated in the final document.  Motion passed by voice vote.

TRUCK DRIVER TRAINING FACILITY FIRE ALARM

It was moved by Mr. Thompson and seconded by Dr. Scroggs to recommend that the fire alarm panel as specified in the base bid be installed in the new truck driver training facility. Motion passed by voice vote.  Mr. Mallery voted nay.

The bid specifications called for a digital alarm system that would communicate with the College’s existing analog system. It was discovered through an incident where another building was not communicating that the two systems would not work together.   Due to being misinformed, the College will not receive the performance expected.  This system (Notifier) also has the support services contract with the College.  It was also discovered that Notifier had failed to notify the College of system upgrades.  It was suggested to leave the Truck Driver Training building on a stand-alone system even though in some future date, the fire alarm system across the entire campus will need to be changed to digital.  The Board is concerned with the issues that have occurred with this project.  Mr. Mallery expressed his dissatisfaction with all parties involved.  He expressed concern that it would be difficult to change providers in the future, if the proposed system was installed. The College will take this under consideration when it replaces the entire system.

PROTECTION, HEALTH, AND SAFETY PROJECT – EXCESS PHS FUNDS

It was moved by Mr. Mallery and seconded by Mr. Thompson to approve the Protection, Health, and Safety Project of Replacing Medium Voltage Transformers at Buildings D & E.  Motion passed by voice vote.

FIRE ALARM SYSTEM SOFTWARE UPGRADE

It was moved by Mr. Thompson and seconded by Dr. Scroggs to approve the purchase and installation of the Notifier fire alarm system upgrades at an estimated cost of $9,225.66.  Motion passed by voice vote.  Mr. Mallery voted nay.

The original estimate was higher and included architectural and engineering fees.  The College received a quote which was lower and the architects will not be involved.  The quote was received from Digital Dynamics who also discovered that the College was two upgrades behind.  Mr. Mallery again expressed dissatisfaction with the past performance of Notifier.

ELECTRICITY PURCHASING

It was moved by Mr. Thompson and seconded by Mrs. Sweeden to enter into an agreement with Sempra Solutions for the purchase of electricity for the months of June, July, August, and September 2009 at a price of $60.91/MWh including capacity, transmission, and ancillary charges.  Motion passed by voice vote.

PUBLIC COMMENT

None.

TRUSTEE COMMENT

None.

CLOSED SESSION

It was moved by Dr. Scroggs and seconded by Ms. Fuller to convene a closed session to discuss 1) the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees of the public body; and 2) closed session minutes.

Student Advisory Vote:  “Aye” – Ms. Fuller.  Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Dr. Scroggs, Mrs. Sweeden, Mr. Thompson, Mrs. Endress, Mr. Mallery, and Mr. Wilcoxson.  “Nays” – None, motion carried.

The Board recessed at 9:00 p.m.  The Board entered closed session at 9:14 p.m.  On a motion by Mrs. Sweeden, seconded by Mrs. Endress and carried unanimously, the regular meeting resumed at 9:48 p.m.

CLOSED SESSION MINUTES

It was moved by Mrs. Sweeden and seconded by Mr. Thompson to approve and retain the closed session minutes of the January 28, 2009 board meeting.  Motion passed by voice vote.

OTHER

The administration recommended scheduling a special Board meeting to move forward with the design development phase of the Technology and Workforce Development Center.  The design development will bring this project closer to being “shovel ready” and more likely to be funded with federal and/or state funds.  A tentative meeting date of Tuesday, March 10, 2009 at 5:30 p.m. was discussed.  Cheryl Roelfsema will confirm this date with Paul Basalay, the College’s architect. 

The Presidential Evaluation form and the Board Self Assessment form will be emailed to Board members.  Completed forms for the Board Self Assessment must be returned to Dr. Scroggs by Friday, March 6 and the Presidential Evaluation to Mrs. Paula Endress by Friday, March 20.

Dr. Scroggs left the meeting at 10:05 p.m.

SECRETARY PRO-TEM

In the absence of Dr. Scroggs, it was moved by Mr. Thompson and seconded by Mrs. Sweeden to appoint Mrs. Paula Endress as secretary pro-tem to sign the documents from the meeting.  Motion passed by voice vote.

ADJOURNMENT

It was moved by Mrs. Endress, seconded by Ms. Fuller, and carried unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 10:06 p.m.  Motion passed by voice vote.