April 17, 2012 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 Tuesday, April 17, 2012 in the Board Room (C307) at Illinois Valley Community College.

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

Dr. Corcoran reported the process of pouring foundations for the Peter Miller Community Technology Center has begun. Ameren has scheduled an electrical tie-in for Sunday, April 29 –power will be shut down to the entire campus that day. Steel erection for the new building is scheduled to start the week of May 21. Three rigs are drilling in the geothermal field at the rate of one well per day, per rig. An estimated 192 wells will be drilled.  Dr. Corcoran noted if anyone would like to follow the chronology of events and always be apprised of what’s ahead, he encouraged them to visit a link at the college’s homepage which the IVCC staff has developed with pictures, videos and even a live webcam. He thanked Carey Burns, Kim Stahly, David Dodge, Fran Brolley and Cheryl Roelfsema for their fine work on that project. Last week’s Student Government Association elections yielded the following results: Omar Aburomi was elected student body president; Toni Kessel, vice president; Britney Burkart, student trustee; Steffan O’Brien secretary; Nick Finney, treasurer; and Delaney Ridley, Brandon Harmon, and Hailee Brayton as programming board members. Dr. Corcoran congratulated all of the candidates for demonstrating their leadership abilities by stepping forward to serve.  He is looking forward to working with the new officers over the next fiscal year.  The Phi Theta Kappa induction ceremony was held on March 21 and 78 students were inducted into the honor society in addition to the 56 last fall for a grand total of 260 active participants. Dr. Corcoran thanked Chairman Dennis Thompson and Dr. Larry Huffman for attending the program and representing the board of trustees as well as Iner Anderson from the Foundation Board of Directors for being there.  Eric Schroeder and Dr. Corcoran will be attending the PTK Banquet and Recognition Ceremony on April 18 in Springfield where students Oliver Kah and Erin Salz will be recognized for their fine scholastic work. Oliver is from Cameroon and has been accepted to Bradley University where he’ll be majoring in social work.       The building trades expo was held on March 23 and IVCC had nearly 900 students visit the campus and learn more about a number of careers. Dr. Corcoran thanked Jim Conness from the Electrical Workers and representatives of 10 trades for working with the Area Career Center, IVCC faculty and staff on this important annual event. A representative from Interactive Health Solutions (IHS) was on campus on March 23 to present an award to IVCC for being recognized as one of the healthiest companies in America. Out of 1,700 that IHS works with, IVCC was included in a group of 70 based on overall participation in the wellness program and low-risk health-assessment scores. The I-Read Volunteer Tutor Appreciation event was held on March 26 and Angie Dunlap, Sara Escatel, Carol Wheeler, Cindy Lock and Chris Warren were commended for a job well done in organizing the program. Dr. Corcoran believes the program has approximately 70 dedicated volunteers.  The annual staff recognition event is scheduled for Friday, April 20. Ninety-five employees will be recognized for years of service, recently being awarded tenure, excellence in teaching and distinguished service. Regarding the distinguished service award, there were four nominees for recognition this year, Sue Harding, Sandy Kosciewicz, Judy Day, and Dawn Lockwood with Sue Harding ultimately being awarded the honor.  Dr. Corcoran congratulated all four outstanding employees.  The Professional Development Committee and Human Resources organized the annual support staff development day which was well received by 90 support staff on March 28. The theme for the day was “What’s Your Passion?”  Twelve of the fifteen breakout session topics were presented by IVCC faculty, staff and administrators.  Last night’s Alpha Delta Nu Nursing Honor Society induction ceremony was coordinated by Professors Margie Francisco and Pam Mammano under the watchful eye of Nursing Program Director Bonnie Campbell. It was a very nice ceremony with 20 students recognized for their academic achievements. Dr. Corcoran congratulated the Nursing Program faculty and staff for a job well done.  Dr. Corcoran will be attending Lobby Day scheduled for Wednesday, May 2.  Dr. Corcoran reported George Needs, Human Resources Specialist, submitted his resignation, effective May 4 to further his career goals for the betterment of his family.  Dr. Corcoran wished him nothing but the best. 

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Dr. Huffman reported the Audit/Finance Committee met on Tuesday, April 3, 2012 and supported the recommendations of the administration on the proposals for the audit services and banking services.  A budget update was provided on this year’s current budget and where the estimated amounts did not meet the actual and the reasons why.  A budget update and the budget parameters were also given for next year’s budget and the College is basically looking at a budget of $1.1 million below this year’s budget levels.  The administration, faculty, and staff are looking at everything and that is why the recommendation came forward regarding the tennis program.  When 77 percent of the budget is salaries and benefits, there is not much to cut.  The Board will have tough decisions ahead but must act in the best interest of the College.

Mr. Mallery reported the Facilities Committee met on Tuesday, April 3, 2012.  The committee was directed to prioritize the four alternates in the bid documents to utilize the Phase 2 funds.  The four alternates were:  1) Construction of the Maintenance Building; 2) Addition to the Maintenance Building; 3) Replace/pave service drive to Maintenance Building; and 4) Entry towers for additions to the Welding/Auto Shop.  A recommendation to accept the bids will be decided by the whole Board.  Phase 1 was $1.2 million over budget and the College reduced the contingency by 5 percent.  Mr. Mallery is still concerned that when the project gets to Phase 3, there will not be enough money to complete the renovations in the main buildings.  Mr. Mallery noted that Paul Basalay reported the construction has had surprises – some positive and some negative – and it looks like the 5 percent will be enough to cover Phase 1.  A brick paved entryway was discussed as part of the Community Technology Center capital campaign.  This gives stakeholders in the community who are less fortunate to make a large donation to the capital campaign an opportunity to have their named embossed on one of the pavers.   The committee also discussed the University of Illinois Extension program and its location on the IVCC campus.  The Extension office will rent space currently being occupied by the financial aid office.  The capital campaign committee hopes to reach out to prospective donors to cover the cost of this renovation. 

STAFF RESIGNATION – DR. RICHARD R. PEARCE, VICE PRESIDENT FOR LEARNING AND STUDENT DEVELOPMENT

It was moved by Dr. Huffman and seconded by Ms. Olivero to accept with regret the resignation of Dr. Richard R. Pearce, Vice President for Learning and Student Development, effective May 19, 2012.  Dr. Corcoran thanked him for his outstanding service and wished him nothing but the best on his new appointment.  Motion passed by voice vote.

FACULTY RETIREMENT – DANIEL J. O’CONNOR, AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY INSTRUCTOR

It was moved by Dr. Huffman and seconded by Dr. Driscoll to accept Dan O’Connor’s request for retirement effective May 31, 2012 and wish him a long, happy, and healthy retirement. Dr. Corcoran noted that the reputation of the auto program is outstanding in the community and Dan has done a great job.  Motion passed by voice vote.

FACULTY RETIREMENT – DOUGLAS L. STOCKLEY, COMPUTER INSTRUCTOR

It was moved by Mr. Mallery and seconded by Dr. Huffman to accept Douglas L. Stockley’s request for retirement effective June 15, 2012 and wish him a long, happy, and healthy retirement.  Dr. Corcoran commended Doug Stockley’s contribution to the reputation of the College.  Motion passed by voice vote.

SABBATICAL LEAVE REQUEST – STEVE ALVIN

It was moved by Ms. Olivero and seconded by Ms. Englehaupt to approve the sabbatical leave for Steve Alvin for spring semester 2013.  Said leave to be governed by the conditions stipulated in the agreement between the American Federation of Teachers Local 1810 and the Board of Trustees of Illinois Valley Community College District No. 513.  Dr. Corcoran wished Steve nothing but the best and he looks forward to his return.  Motion passed by voice vote.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL RESULTS – AUDIT SERVICES

It was moved by Dr. Huffman and seconded by Dr. Driscoll to accept the proposal of McGladrey & Pullen, LLP for audit services, as presented.  Motion passed by voice vote.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL RESULTS – BANKING SERVICES

It was moved by Dr. Driscoll and seconded by Mr. Thompson to accept the proposal of Centrue Bank for banking services for the College’s operating account, as presented.  Dr. Huffman noted the Audit/Finance Committee supported the recommendation of Centrue Bank because it offered the best interest rate and the lowest fees.  Motion passed by voice vote with Dr. Huffman and Mr. Mallery abstaining.

PROPERTY TAX APPEAL RESOLUTION

It was moved by Dr. Huffman and seconded by Mr. Mallery to adopt the Resolution authorizing the filing of a complaint to the Property Tax Appeal Board, as presented.  The objection is to set the equalized assessed valuation (EAV) of the LaSalle Nuclear Power Station at $704,000,000 versus the $504,000,000 set by the LaSalle County Board of Review.  An independent appraisal authorized by 11 taxing bodies affected by the plant’s EAV set the LaSalle Station’s EAV at $704,000,000.  Motion passed by voice vote.

CIVIL ENGINEERING PROPOSAL – WEST RAVINE EROSION CONTROL

It was moved by Mr. Mallery and seconded by Dr. Huffman to accept the proposal of Chamlin & Associates to perform civil engineering services to investigate and analyze the integrity of the dam on the west ravine at a cost of $22,900.  Dr. Driscoll noted that this is a cost effective way of finding the best solution to a maintenance problem that needs attention.  He commended the administration for their action.  This is an investigative report and a recommendation will be made to the whole board at a later date based on data.  Motion passed by voice vote.

ATHLETIC TUITION WAIVERS

It was moved by Ms. Olivero and seconded by Dr. Huffman to approve the assignment of athletic tuition waivers by credit hour and that the Board set the allowable credit-hour total as outlined, to go into effect immediately.  Board members were concerned with the change if coaches were actively recruiting.  Rick Pearce informed the Board that the coaches are well aware of the pending recommendations and have been directed to honor the tuition waivers that have been promised.  A list of these students has been provided to the administration by the coaches.  Rick Pearce prepared a comparison of the cost of athletic waivers under the current guidelines to the proposed guidelines.  Waivers can only be applied to the student-athlete’s unmet financial needs.  Therefore, the actual cost of athletic waivers varies from semester to semester and year to year.  Changing the number of tuition waivers to credit hours allows the coaches to better utilize the tuition waivers.  Motion passed by voice vote with Ms. Englehaupt voting naye.

TRUSTEE COMMENT

None.

CLOSED SESSION

It was moved by Mr. Narczewski and seconded by Dr. Huffman to convene a closed session at 8:17 p.m. to discuss 1) the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees of the public body; 2) pending litigation; and 3) closed session minutes.  Motion passed by voice vote.

After a short break, the Board entered closed session at 8:25 p.m.  On a motion by Dr. Driscoll and seconded by Ms. Englehaupt, the regular meeting resumed at 8:55 p.m.  Motion passed by voice vote.

OTHER

Dr. Corcoran received a letter from the City of Oglesby requesting Illinois Valley Community College to consider annexing property which it currently owns into the corporate limits of the City of Oglesby. The primary objective of the City is for the Oglesby Electrical Department to extend electrical service to the College.  The City believes they can provide electrical service at a rate lower than the current electrical provider, but there is a question as to whether the City can provide power at a lower rate.  It was noted that the College could consider purchasing electricity from the City of Oglesby without annexing.  There was consensus of the Board that there is no benefit to annex at this time.