November 16, 2010 Minutes of Regular Board Meeting

The Board of Trustees of Illinois Valley Community College District No. 513 convened a regular session at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, November 16, 2010 in the Board Room (C307) at Illinois Valley Community College.

Members Physically Present

Dennis N. Thompson, Chair
Thomas C. Setchell, Vice Chair
Michael C. Driscoll
Leslie-Anne Englehaupt
Larry D. Huffman
Melissa M. Olivero
David S. Zallis, Student Trustee

Members Absent

David O. Mallery, Secretary (entered closed session at 8 p.m.)

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

Mr. Thompson requested Mr. Setchell act as Chair Pro-tem for the evening. Mr. Setchell called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.

MOMENT OF SILENCE

Dr. Corcoran led a moment of silence for Mr. Mike Barry who passed away on November 3, 2010. Mr. Barry served as a security guard at the College for 30 years and was a very loyal employee.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

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

PUBLIC COMMENT

None.

CONSENT AGENDA

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

The following items were approved in the consent agenda:

Approval of Minutes – October 19, 2010 Board Meeting

Approval of the Bills - $1,442,491.79
Education Fund - $904,737.51; Operations and Maintenance Fund - $80,816.62; Operations and Maintenance (Restricted Fund) - $211,274.90; Auxiliary Fund - $49,247.99; Restricted Fund - $186,930.28; and Liability, Protection and Settlement Fund - $9,484.49.

Treasurer’s Report

Personnel

Approved the stipends for the pay periods ending October 9, 2010 and October 23, 2010.

Request for Proposal Results – LCD Projectors

Accepted the proposal for (16) Epson 1830 LCD projectors and (1) Epson 460 LCD projector from United Visual, Inc. of Itasca, Illinois in the amount of $15,607.

Request for Proposal – Sound System

Authorized the administration to seek proposals for a sound system at an estimated cost of $25,000.

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

Dr. Corcoran reported fiscal year 2010 unpaid state obligations to the community college system totaled $43 million as of October 31, 2010 and payments due for fiscal year 2011 were at $96 million. IVCC’s share of these amounts is $246,430 for last year and $806,109 for the current year. The Finance and Administrative Services Committee of the Illinois Presidents Council has agreed to survey all of the colleges over the next week and find out how many students have been denied service, how many positions remain unfilled, how many employees have lost their jobs, what programs have been discontinued and placed on-hold, and how many vendors have not been paid. The results of this survey will be presented to the governor’s staff in the month of December. The Dislocated Workers Center (DWC) received official notice on October 25 of an additional $155,090 in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding from the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. This additional funding will allow the DWC to offer support services and training for current enrollees and to enroll possibly up to 50 new clients in training services. Dr. Corcoran congratulated Dr. David Kuester on having won the Certificate of Appreciation Award for his significant contributions to education in the State of Illinois by the Illinois Community College Faculty Association. A special thank you went to Dr. Rick Pearce for submitting Dr. Kuester’s nomination on IVCC’s behalf. According to Connie Skerston, the October 25th annual College Night event was a huge success. Approximately 450 students and parents attended and many of them thanked the college for hosting the event because it gives them the opportunity to visit 48 colleges and universities in one night.

LeeAnn Johnson and Eric Schroeder were recognized for the great job they did of coordinating this fall’s PTK induction ceremony held recently in IVCC's Cultural Centre in which 66 students were honored for their academic achievement. This year’s PTK officers include President Kris Sienza, and Vice-Presidents Cortney Mikesell, Charlotte Piland, Alexandra Jones, Ben Carlson, Caitlin Rinker, Kristin Smith and Marissa Vicich. The IVCC production of “Let the Eagle Fly”, with student trustee David Zallis in the lead role, was a great success. A number of people from outside the Illinois Valley who knew and worked with Cesar Chavez came to the college to see the show and were very impressed. Dr. Corcoran congratulated David and his fellow students on a job very well done. IVCC hosted the Illinois Community College Student Activities Association Student Leadership Conference on November 12 and 13. According to Cory Tomasson, approximately 320 people were on campus and the event was a huge success! Dr. Corcoran thanked the employees in Student Services, Learning Technologies, Facilities, Security, and the College’s food service provider, Country Catering, for doing such a fine job. Dr. Corcoran noted Lisa Cofoid from the DWC department completed the Chicago Marathon in 4:26:46 (in 80 degree heat) on October 10.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Mr. Zallis attended the Illinois Student Advisory Committee meeting in Oak Brook. He attended a meeting on college and career readiness and the importance of the number of students entering into college who need developmental and remedial courses. New requirements for the basic skills test for Illinois teacher certification and looking at the curriculum are two ways of trying to solve this problem. He also attended the awards and recognition committee which recognizes community college student trustees. The legislative committee voted for issues for student advocacy day. Some of these issues were to focus on the mission statement, college and career readiness, MAP grants, and general funding. He would like to encourage as many students as possible to pull together for certain causes and attend the advocacy day.

A memo on the activities of the Early Childhood Education Ad Hoc Committee and the steps the Committee has taken since being formed was presented to the Board. Also included was a memo of understanding with other community partners in pursuing a comprehensive early childhood education center to the district. Dr. Huffman reported the programmatic statement was prepared to share with various legislators in the hopes of obtaining money for the building project. There are plans to meet with the staff from Senator Durbin’s office and pursue various ways of funding for the building. The programmatic statement will also be handed out to various grant agencies that may have money available for the on-going operation of the project.

Mr. Thompson reported the Facilities Committee met on Wednesday, November 10. The slope maintenance capital project application approval process was discussed and is included in the November board agenda. The Art-in-Architecture committee recommended a sculpture to be located on the southeast corner of the east entrance to the Community Technology Center (CTC). The Capital Development Board will solicit the artists and present examples to the Board. The logo and college name originally planned above the entrance of the CTC will be moved to the side of the building since the other location was problematic and the sign will be lit. The master plan needs to be updated every five years. The committee recommended asking the architect to look at the current plan and modify it with the new building. This will be the biggest change in the plan. Dominick Dominica has been asked to submit a proposal on this. The College also needs a landscaping plan and has asked for a proposal on this as a separate plan. Mr. Thompson attended the November ICCTA meeting in Oak Brook. He noted the Illinois Presidents’ Council will pursue legislation to require automatic acceptance of Illinois community college transfer courses. Also, the Illinois Higher Education Finance Study Commission is expected to recommend moving towards performance-based education funding. Mr. Thompson’s concern is how student success will be measured. If it is based on the number of graduates, it may come to the point where the College would not admit students who take developmental courses and Mr. Thompson believes this could become a dangerous slope. Mr. Thompson reported the diversity self-assessment survey has been sent to the trustee representative of the community colleges. Also, college marketing officers will be invited to the ICCTA Public Relations Committee meeting in March 2011. He encouraged anyone who has a “catchy” marketing phrase to send it to Fran Brolley.

RESOLUTION APPROVING 2010 TENTATIVE TAX LEVY

It was moved by Dr. Driscoll and seconded by Mr. Thompson to adopt the Resolution Approving a Tentative Tax Levy and Tentative Certificate of Tax Levy, as presented.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Mr. Zallis. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Ms. Englehaupt, Dr. Driscoll, Dr. Huffman, Ms. Olivero, Mr. Thompson, and Mr. Setchell. “Nays” – None, motion carried.

IRC 403(b) THIRD PARTY ADMINISTRATOR

It was moved by Dr. Huffman and seconded by Ms. Olivero to approve entering into an agreement with VALIC Retirement Services Company (VRSCO) with the Retirement Manager product, as a third party administrator and common remitter for the Illinois Valley Community College 403(b) Plan. Motion passed by voice vote.

MODIFICATION TO 457(b) DEFERRED COMPENSATION RETIREMENT PLAN

It was moved by Mr. Thompson and seconded by Ms. Englehaupt to approve amending the 457(b) plan document to include investment options from two vendors, VALIC and TIAA/CREF. Motion passed by voice vote.

SLOPE MAINTENANCE CAPITAL PROJECT APPLICATION APPROVAL PROCESS

It was moved by Mr. Thompson and seconded by Ms. Olivero to approve the capital project application forms including the use of $133,000 in capital renewal funds for slope repair, as presented. Mr. Thompson noted that this project will be folded into the building project for slope maintenance on the north side of the building. This project is part of deferred maintenance and improvements. Motion passed by voice vote.

FUNDING FOR CDB PROJECT NO. 810-046-702

It was moved by Mr. Thompson and seconded by Dr. Huffman to approve the CDB Project No. 810-046-702, asbestos abatement of 4,850 sq. ft. in Building G, to move forward using IVCC matching funds available in the trust account for the construction of the Community Technology Center. Motion passed by voice vote.

STAFF APPOINTMENT – MS. TRACY L. MORRIS, ASSOCIATE VICE PRESIDENT FOR STUDENT SERVICES

It was moved by Dr. Huffman and seconded by Ms. Englehaupt to approve the appointment of Tracy L. Morris as the Associate Vice President for Student Services with an annualized salary of $66,250, effective December 6, 2010. Motion passed by voice vote. Dr. Pearce stated that Ms. Morris is a life-time resident of the area and a graduate of Illinois Valley Community College. She has been employed at the College for nine years and has served as Director of Admissions and Records. Dr. Pearce is looking forward to having her serve in the position of Associate Vice President for Student Services.

STAFF APPOINTMENT – CONNIE SKERSTON, INTERIM DIRECTOR OF ADMISSIONS AND RECORDS

It was moved by Ms. Olivero and seconded by Dr. Huffman to approve the appointment of Connie Skerston as Interim Director of Admissions and Records, with compensation as noted on the November 2, 2010 memorandum from Dr. Pearce. Motion passed by voice vote. Dr. Pearce noted Connie Skerston had served as interim in this position once before when Ms. Morris was on leave.

TRUSTEE COMMENT

None.

CLOSED SESSION

It was moved by Mr. Thompson and seconded by Ms. Englehaupt to convene a closed session to discuss 1) the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees of the public body; 2) collective negotiating matters between the public body and its employees or their representatives; 3) imminent litigation; and 4) closed session minutes.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Mr. Zallis. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Ms. Englehaupt, Dr. Driscoll, Dr. Huffman, Ms. Olivero, Mr. Thompson, and Mr. Setchell. “Nays” – None, motion carried.

The Board recessed at 7 p.m. The Board entered closed session at 7:05 p.m. On a motion by Dr. Huffman and seconded by Ms. Englehaupt, the regular meeting resumed at 8:50 p.m.

Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Mr. Zallis. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Ms. Englehaupt, Mr. Mallery, Dr. Driscoll, Dr. Huffman, Ms. Olivero, Mr. Thompson, and Mr. Setchell. “Nays” – None, motion carried.

EMPLOYEE TERMINATION

It was moved by Dr. Huffman and seconded by Ms. Englehaupt to terminate employee (#156768) effective immediately. Motion passed by voice vote.

CLOSED SESSION MINUTES

It was moved by Ms. Olivero and seconded by Mr. Zallis to approve and retain the minutes of the Closed Session meeting on October 19, 2010. Motion passed by voice vote.

OTHER

Dr. Huffman gave a brief summary of the origination of the equalization concept. In the earliest years only five to seven colleges were eligible and mostly the southern districts in the State because of lower equalized assessed valuation. The way to give additional money to these colleges that could not generate local tax revenue to support each full-time student to the same level as the richer districts was through the ICCB with separate formulas and separate grants. Over time as the disparity in EAV grew larger between the rich and poor districts, more and more downstate colleges qualified for equalization and the State could not fund it. The Illinois Community College Trustees Association and the Illinois Presidents’ Council approached the legislators and passed the statutory authority that exists now that if the ICCB certified the college as qualifying for equalization, a small portion of funding would be paid by the State and the local boards could adopt a resolution to assess a tax. To help placate the non-equalization districts that said there was no incentive for the equalization colleges to tax their local people and would artificially keep their tax and tuition low, a new provision was added to qualify for equalization and levy the tax. The new provision was the college’s tuition and universal fee rate had to be at least 85 percent of the average tuition and universal fee rate in the State. Because the downstate colleges’ enrollments have increased and the richer districts have raised their tuition, more and more colleges are qualifying for equalization.

ADJOURNMENT

It was moved by Dr. Driscoll, seconded by Ms. Olivero, and carried unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 8:57 p.m. Motion passed by voice vote.