January 18, 2011 Minutes of Regular Meeting

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

Cheryl Roelfsema, Gary Johnson, and Dominick Demonica have submitted a grant application to the Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation for $90,000 to help offset some of the costs associated with the closed-loop geothermal system to be installed in the Community Technology Center, and are optimistic about the likelihood of the proposal being viewed favorably. Dr. Corcoran thanked Cheryl, Gary, and Dominick for their hard work on IVCC’s behalf, and thanked the IVCC Board of Trustees for allowing the College to incorporate a number of energy-efficient features into the new building, which sends a clear message across the District about the College’s commitment to sustainability. Dr. Corcoran was happy to report the College has been advised by the Capital Development Board that the Community Technology Center project was included on the list approved by the legislature last week for construction bonds. Thus, everything is still on schedule. Cheryl Roelfsema also reported that the College has received a $6,000 grant from the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) for the lighting upgrades recently made to the gymnasium. Paul Basalay and his staff took the lead on this project along with Gary Johnson and their hard work paid off.  At last month’s meeting, instead of voting on a contract with Demonica Kemper Architects for updating the master plan, the Board tabled the proposal with the hope being the administration could scale back the role of the architects and still meet the minimum requirements by ICCB.  After several discussions with Dominick Demonica, the contract now stands at approximately $9,800; thus, Mr. Demonica has been directed to begin his work, and the administration will begin arranging meetings with stakeholders in the near future. Each Board member received a memo prepared by Reed Wilson with an update on the LaSalle County Broadband Initiative-implementation schedule. Dr. Corcoran noted the work that is underway by Northern Illinois University, on the College’s behalf, attempting to bring high schools in the College’s district but outside of La Salle County, into the network so two goals that were set for the administration this fiscal year can be achieved: (1) strive for improved transitions for high school students to college; and (2) stretch the presence of the College by developing partnerships with all educational entities.

Dr. Corcoran congratulated Heidi Molthen and the entire IVCC-Ace Learning Ladder staff on having their accreditation renewed.  This accreditation is valid until February 2016 and means that the Learning Ladder has met all of the accrediting body’s Early Childhood Program Standards.  Marianne Dzik also reported that the Illinois Network of Child Care Resources and Referral Agencies (INCCRRA) has approved IVCC’s Early Childhood Education Program as a Gateway to Opportunity-Entitled Institution for the Infant Toddler Credential Level 4.  This credential allows IVCC students to qualify for the Infant Toddler Credential as they successfully complete the Early Childhood Education Program.  The credential is valid through December 2015.  Dr. Corcoran commended Jeanne Hayden and Bob Hunter for their work on posting the revised Board Policy and Procedures Manual on the Board of Trustees website. Soon the administration will be asking for the Board’s Planning Committee to meet and review a draft of Section 4 of the revised manual along with a number of reports from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System, National Community College Benchmarking Project, Noel Levitz Student Satisfaction Inventory, and our own Student Transfer Patterns report prepared by our Institutional Research office using the Student Tracker tool from the National Student Clearinghouse.  Also, in an effort to reduce costs associated with copying Board agendas and packets, all of the information for tonight’s meeting was posted on the intranet for employees and the administration would like to post it on the Internet beginning next month.  It is important that everyone understands that the agenda and minutes have not yet been approved. If no one sees a problem with that plan, the administration will implement it next month.  Dr. Corcoran noted that a former administrator asked a few months ago about the Board’s interest in adopting a policy that would award emeritus status and when he brought that request forward, he stated that the administration would like some time to look into how other community colleges address this matter before making a recommendation. The administration’s recommendation is not to pursue awarding emeritus to anyone at this time. The Foundation is already doing a fine job of recognizing outstanding retirees for their service as well as those who have stayed connected to the College to help carry out the College’s mission. Unless Dr. Corcoran is directed otherwise, he will get back to the individual that requested this appointment with a letter informing him of the decision. Dr. Corcoran thanked the members of the Board of Trustees and Foundation Board of Directors who were able to attend the holiday luncheon on December 21. IVCC’s food service provider, Country Catering, did an excellent job of preparing the meal, and with Norm Engstrom leading everyone in the singing of Christmas carols, a good time was had by all. The Institutional Research office is reporting that credit enrollments for the fall semester ended approximately 2 percent higher on headcount and 3 percent higher on credit hours. Early numbers for the spring semester indicate a slight decline from one year ago, however, this may be a timing issue and Bob Mattson expects credit hours to end up being flat when compared to spring 2010. Enrollments at the Ottawa Center are outstanding; the total unduplicated headcount should exceed 500.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

None.

COMMUNITY INSTRUCTIONAL CENTER PROJECT PHASE 2 CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS

It was moved by Mr. Setchell and seconded by Dr. Huffman to authorize Basalay, Cary & Alstadt to proceed with the Community Instructional Center Phase 2 Construction Documents to 50 percent completion at an estimated cost of $210,000.  Mr. Mallery questioned approval of 75 percent of the costs for 50 percent of the work.  Cheryl Roelfsema noted that Mr. Basalay will incur 75 percent of the costs but will be paid 50 percent from the Capital Development Board.  It was suggested to only authorize the completion of 50 percent of the documents.  The motion was changed to authorize Basalay, Cary & Alstadt to proceed with the Community Instructional Center Phase 2 Construction Documents to 50 percent completion.  Motion passed by voice vote.

TRANSFER OF FUNDS

It was moved by Ms. Olivero and seconded by Dr. Driscoll to transfer $15,000 within Fund 06 (Restricted Purposes Fund) from the ICCB Workforce Development Grant to the Small Business Development Center.  In past years, $25,000 has been transferred.  The grant period changed from July 1 fiscal year to January 1 calendar year.  The SBDC has incurred $15,000 in expenditures from July 1 to December 31.  If the grant is approved for calendar year 2011, an additional transfer of $10,000 will be made.  Motion passed by voice vote.

INTERIM DIRECTOR OF PURCHASING APPOINTMENT – LAURIE PITTMAN

It was moved by Dr. Huffman and seconded by Mr. Mallery to appoint Laurie Pittman as the Interim Director of Purchasing at an annualized salary of $33,550 effective from January 5, 2011 until the Director of Purchasing position can be filled.  All other benefits would remain the same.  Motion passed by voice vote.

FACULTY RETIREMENT – JANICE W. SHARP, CWT/BRIDGE INSTRUCTOR-SHERIDAN

It was moved by Ms. Olivero and seconded by Ms. Englehaupt to accept with regret Janice W. Sharp’s request for retirement effective April 30, 2011 and wish her a long, happy, and healthy retirement.  Motion passed by voice vote.

IBEW AGREEMENT

It was moved by Ms. Englehaupt and seconded by Dr. Driscoll to approve, effective immediately, the new Contractual Agreement between the Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee (JATC) Local 176, as presented.  Motion passed by voice vote.

ITEMS FOR INFORMATION

A revised sabbatical leave application process has been added to the faculty handbook.  Faculty and administrators on the Educational Excellence Committee (EEC) used the interest-based bargaining model to develop a new application process.  The faculty union has been involved and approves of the new process.

TRUSTEE COMMENT

None.

CLOSED SESSION

It was moved by Ms. Englehaupt and seconded by Dr. Huffman to convene a closed session to discuss 1) the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees of the public body; 2) imminent litigation; and 3) closed session minutes. 

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

The Board recessed at 7:02 p.m. The Board entered closed session at 7:15 p.m. On a motion by Dr. Huffman and seconded by Dr. Driscoll, the regular meeting resumed at 8:35 p.m. Motion passed by voice vote.