July 23, 2009 Minutes of Regular Meeting

The Board of Trustees of Illinois Valley Community College District No. 513 convened a regular session at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 23, 2009 in the Board Room (C307) at Illinois Valley Community College.

Members Physically Present:

Dennis N. Thompson, Board Chair
David O. Mallery, Board Secretary
Leslie-Anne Englehaupt
Michael C. Driscoll
Melissa M. Olivero
Thomas C. Setchell
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
Walt Zukowski, Attorney

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

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

CAMPUS UPDATE – FY2010 TENTATIVE BUDGET

Cheryl Roelfsema, Vice President for Business Services and Finance, and Patrick Berry, Controller, presented an FY2010 budget summary.  The budget was built upon the commitment of three main goals:  1) balance the FY2010 budget except for tort liability expenditures; 2) increase the reserve for building projects by $400,000; and 3) maximize services to students by funding for technology, instructional equipment and other capital needs.  The FY2010 budget has an increase of 6.2 percent in revenues over the FY2009 budget and an increase of .2 percent in expenditures.  The budget includes $1,722,101 for capital improvements and equipment.  The PHS tax levy will provide funds to renovate science labs, complete electrical upgrades, and complete phase II of the restroom renovations.  These projects are all subject to board approval.  Other projects include building and grounds improvements, instructional and service equipment, and technology improvements.  Two items in progress are the Ottawa Center and the Community Technology Center.  Both projects will have no FY2010 budget implications.

CONSENT AGENDA

It was moved by Ms. Olivero and seconded by Ms. Englehaupt to approve the consent agenda as presented. Motion passed by voice vote.

The following items were approved in the consent agenda:

Approval of Minutes – June 15, 2009 Facilities Committee Meeting; June 15, 2009 Planning Committee Meeting; June 22, 2009 Audit/Finance Committee Meeting; and June 25, 2009 Board Meeting.

 

Approval of the Bills - $1,400,733.30

Education Fund - $862,641.18; Operation and Maintenance Fund - $155,171.97; Operation and Maintenance (Restricted Fund) - $213,692.03; Auxiliary Fund - $79,348.61; Restricted Fund - $78,730.98; Liability, Protection and Settlement Fund - $11,148.23.

 

Treasurer’s Report

 

Personnel

Approved the stipends for the pay periods ending June 13, 2009; June 27, 2009; and July 11, 2009. 

 

IRC 403(b) Third Party Administrator

Approved entering into a contract with Great American Plan Administrators, Inc. as a third party administrator (TPA) for the Illinois Valley Community College 403(b) Plan.

 

Bid Results – 2008 Protection, Health, and Safety Projects

Approved the architect’s recommendation to accept the bid in the amount of $610,500 for Restroom Modifications – Phase 1; accept the bid in the amount of $62,000 for Building G Exterior Door Replacements; accept the bid in the amount of $61,600 for Security Surveillance Improvements, and accept alternate bid #1 in the amount of $11,500 for security cameras at the Truck Driving Training area from Vanguard Contractors, Inc. – Pekin, IL, for a total of $746,200.

 

Bid Results – 2009 Protection, Health, and Safety Project, Replace Medium

Voltage Transformers at Buildings D & E

Approved the architect’s recommendation to accept the base bid of $353,031, alternate bid #1 of $9,048, and alternate bid #2 of $17,095 for a total of $379,174 from JB Contracting – LaSalle, IL.

 

Bid Request – Biology Instructional Supplies

Approved to seek bids for biology instructional supplies at an estimated cost of $15,500.

 

Sheridan Faculty Negotiations

Authorized the administration to begin negotiations with the American Federation of Teachers, Local 1810 for the faculty at the Sheridan Correctional Center for the contract year 2009-2010.

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

Dr. Corcoran reported that on July 6th Centrue Bank and the City of Ottawa agreed on a price for a facility to be purchased and renovated by the City for the purpose of establishing a proposed IVCC satellite center to be up and running in the fall semester 2010.  The turnout at the grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new truck driver training facility and the new parking lot on July 8th was great despite the rain. The governor’s signature on the capital bill on July 13th will now result in IVCC receiving $23 million to be used towards a new $30 million Community Technology Center project. Not only is this great news for the students, but it is exciting news for the community in terms how it will affect the local economy.  The Capital Development Board estimates seven construction jobs for every $1 million of construction.  The $30,000,000 project could lead to approximately 210 construction jobs. Also, according to the University of Illinois, every $1.00 of construction spending generates $2.30 in economic activity. The $30 million project could generate approximately $69 million in activity.  Dr. Corcoran is delighted with the fact that the IVCC board of trustees agreed to roll the 52,000 square foot technology and workforce development center and the 75,000 square foot community instructional center into one 75,000-78,000 building, a community technology center that will serve both functions.  Dr. Corcoran heard from Samantha Warren, the regional director for Congresswoman Halverson’s office, that Congresswoman Halverson was able to secure $200,000 in the financial services appropriations bill for IVCC’s community technology center. The bill needs to pass through the senate and be signed by the president, but things look very promising. On July 14th, Dr. Corcoran met with two gentlemen from the LaSalle County Board, chairman, Jerry Hicks, and chairman of the coroner’s committee, Randy Freeman, regarding the County’s interest in establishing a county morgue, or perhaps even a regional morgue, and the potential for partnerships with IVCC.  There could be some potential for educational benefits for students and staff in the college’s Criminal Justice and Forensics programs. More discussion will follow on this proposal in the months ahead.  Dr. Corcoran recognized the following individuals for their recent accomplishments:

  • Senator Gary Dahl and Representative Frank Mautino for an outstanding job of positioning the college well for State funding, specifically $550,000 in capital renewal funds for the east campus improvements as well as funding for the community technology center project. The college is planning to have them attend either the September or October meeting of the Board to properly show them the college’s appreciation.
  • Reed Wilson for preparing and carrying out the strategy for securing State funding and community support. The college owes Reed a debt of gratitude for being so committed to helping the College achieve its mission and goals.
  • Dr. Lori Scroggs for publishing another article published in the School and Community Journal entitled Spirituality and Respect:  Study of a Model School-Church-Community Collaboration.
  • Jamie Gahm reported a number of great things taking place in the Continuing Education Department:
    • Jennifer Scheri for her work in the Business Training Center and the number of employers she has been working with in the college’s district.  Due to the great work done by Jennifer and her colleagues, IVCC was awarded an additional $35,000 of Employer Training Investment Program Funds (ETIP) for training projects through September 30, 2009 through DCEO.
    • The dislocated workers center met with 95 employees laid off from Vactor Manufacturing, 38 from O’Neal Steel, and 44 from LCN.  They were also recently told of a Johnson Controls facility in Dixon that will be closing in September affecting 200 employees.
    • Summer youth camps have resulted in well over 200 students on campus.   
  • Emily Vescogni, Carey Burns, Ken Sangston, Gary Johnson, Cheryl Roelfsema, and Jeanne Hayden for the great job they have done modernizing the main entrance of the facility. The new reception and information desk looks terrific!
  • Gloria Bouxsein for the LPN pinning ceremony for the 33 graduates from the nursing program. The nursing program is the hallmark of IVCC and there’s no doubt that Gloria has given her heart and soul to the program.

TRUSTEES’ REPORT

Mr. Mallery noted the LPN Pinning ceremony was very nice.  Mr. Thompson expressed his appreciation to those who organized the truck driver training open house and to those who welcomed everyone out of the rain.

FY2010 TENTATIVE BUDGET

It was moved by Mr. Setchell and seconded by Dr. Driscoll to adopt the Resolution approving the FY2010 Tentative Budget and authorize publication of the Notice of Public Hearing.  Motion passed by voice vote.

CAMPUS UPDATE – OTTAWA CENTER

Dr. Rick Pearce, Vice President for Learning and Student Development, presented the programming plan for the Ottawa Center.  The Ottawa Center is designed to be a full-service center serving the population in the eastern portions of the district.   The Ottawa Center is expected to attract underserved groups who might otherwise not have seen post-secondary education, lifelong learning, youth enrichment, or career advancement through education as options.  Course offerings will target specific local demand and will provide opportunities for students to complete all or most of the Illinois Articulation Initiative’s General Education Core Curriculum.  Credit courses will only be offered in Ottawa when there is sufficient demand and enrollments to justify offerings in addition to those offered on the Oglesby campus.  The Center (10,000 s. f.) will have three general purpose classrooms with wireless access, a computer lab, a multi-purpose classroom, a CNA lab/classroom, Assessment/Testing Center/Registration, Student Services Office (Financial Aid, Counseling, Disability Concerns), Board Room/Meeting Room, Administrator’s Office, and reception.  Shared expenses for equipment and furnishings will total approximately $183,325.  The tentative lease agreement is based on a four-year commitment with the first year’s rent waived.  The lease terms are not to exceed $10 per square foot.  Success of the Center will be measured by baseline data, comparison of new students at both sites, comparison by section and headcount for courses offered at both sites, survey of students and informal survey of faculty, comparison of demographics for both sites, comparison of new adult and continuing education students for both sites, and number of low-income, first-generation, and single parent students enrolled.  Mr. Mallery asked if four years would be enough time to measure the success of the Center and the response was “yes.”  Dr. Driscoll stated that he strongly supports this initiative and commended the people who brought it to light.  He commended Mayor Eschbach for his vision and understanding of the link between higher education and economic opportunity and for Dr. Corcoran’s and Dr. Pearce’s dedication for making it happen. 

OTTAWA CENTER

It was moved by Dr. Driscoll and seconded by Mr. Setchell to approve the business plan for the Ottawa Center as presented so that both parties can move forward with finalizing all of the details pertaining to a formal binding agreement to be developed and approved by the City of Ottawa and IVCC Board of Trustees.  Motion passed by voice vote.  Mr. Thompson stated the Board realizes the scope of work that needs to be done on the Ottawa side and the IVCC side before the doors are open and he appreciates all the work by everyone.  Mayor Eschbach stated this has been a real joy and an exciting project.  It has been fun working with Dr. Corcoran, Dr. Pearce, Cheryl Roelfsema, and Sue Isermann.  The City of Ottawa has hired an architectural firm and the process of preparing an application for grant funds for securing clean energy grant money for renovations incorporated into the building has begun.  The City of Ottawa is also looking for funding resources to help with the renovations and hopes to have the plans finalized in the next 30-60 days as stated in the agreement.  Mayor Eschbach plans to end up with a facility that the College will be very proud to be housed.  He stated it is the beginning of a very long presence in the Ottawa community.  Mr. Thompson noted the letters of support from Illinois State University and Northern Illinois University.   

ARCELOR MITTAL STEEL MILL RESOLUTION

It was moved by Mr. Mallery and seconded by Ms. Smith to adopt the resolution pertaining to the closing of the Arcelor Mittal Steel Mill as presented.  Motion passed by voice vote.

Mr. Thompson stated that this is not typical for the Board to do a resolution of this regard, but it does affect a number of employees across the IVCC district and the Board supports the working population across the district and hopes this helps.  This has been an awkward struggle and needs to come to a resolution.  Mr. Mallery stated the community asked us to do this, not a labor group or company and he believes this action distinguishes it between labor disputes and other issues.  He noted that this affects everyone, not only labor but salaried employees.  Representatives of the Mittal Steel employees thanked the trustees and stated that every little bit helps.

NOMINATION OF THE IVCC BOARD VICE-CHAIR

It was moved by Mr. Mallery and seconded by Dr. Driscoll to nominate Mr. Setchell as Vice-Chair of the IVCC Board of Trustees.  Nominations were closed.  It was moved by Mr. Mallery and seconded by Dr. Driscoll to appoint Mr. Setchell as Vice Chair of the IVCC Board of Trustees.  Motion passed by voice vote.

APPOINTMENT OF BOARD PLANNING COMMITTEE CHAIR

Due to the resignation of Mrs. Endress last month, Mr. Thompson appointed Dr. Driscoll as chair of the Planning Committee. 

PUBLIC COMMENT

None.

TRUSTEE COMMENT

Dr. Driscoll thanked the administration for a great job done on the LPN Pinning and GED graduation. He expressed his enjoyment in attending these events.

CLOSED SESSION

It was moved by Mr. Setchell and seconded by Ms. Englehaupt to convene a closed session to discuss 1) the selection of a person to fill a public office; 2) collective negotiating matters between the public body and its employees or their representatives; and 3) closed session minutes.  Motion passed by voice vote.

The Board recessed at 7:32 p.m.  The Board entered closed session at 7:45 p.m. 

On a motion by Ms. Englehaupt, seconded by Ms. Smith, and carried unanimously, the regular meeting resumed at 9:02 p.m.

CLOSED SESSION MINUTES

It was moved by Mr. Mallery and seconded by Dr. Driscoll to approve and retain the closed session minutes of the May 27, 2009 meeting.  Motion passed by voice vote.

OTHER

Mr. Mallery conducted a survey with the last four student trustees on student space.  He distributed the responses and asked the board members to read it before the retreat on Saturday when discussion will take place regarding the Community Technology Center.  He does not believe that student space is needed in the new building.  He believes it should be in the highest traffic area of the college and suggested the counseling center.  Ms. Smith expressed the need for student space and thought the counseling center would be great.

ADJOURNMENT

It was moved by Mr. Mallery, seconded by Ms. Englehaupt, and carried unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 9:10 p.m.  Motion passed by voice vote.