December 8, 2016 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, December 8, 2016 in the Board Room (C307) at Illinois Valley Community College.

Members Physically Present

Michael C. Driscoll, Vice Chair
Larry D. Huffman, Secretary
Laurie A. Bonucci (entered the meeting at 6:35 p.m.)
Jane E. Goetz
David O. Mallery
Everett J. Solon 

Members Absent

Melissa M. Olivero, Chair
Sarah J. Tipton, Student Trustee

Others Physically Present

Jerry Corcoran, President
Cheryl Roelfsema, Vice President for Business Services and Finance
Deborah Anderson, Vice President for Academic Affairs
Bonnie Campbell, Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs
Mark Grzybowski, Associate Vice President for Student Services
Glenna Jones, Director of Human Resources
Walt Zukowski, Attorney

In the absence of Ms. Olivero, Dr. Driscoll called the meeting to order.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

It was moved by Mr. Solon 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 Ms. Goetz to approve the consent agenda, as presented.  Motion passed by voice vote.

The following items were approved in the consent agenda:

Approval of Minutes – November 10, 2016 Board Meeting

Approval of Bills - $1,216,443.56

Education Fund - $629,130.62; Operations & Maintenance Fund - $64,836.13; Operations & Maintenance (Restricted Fund) - $67,359.72; Bond & Interest - $268,812.50; Auxiliary Fund - $97,389.41; Restricted Fund - $15,296.23; Audit Fund - $4,375.00; and Grants, Loans & Scholarships - $69,243.95

Personnel

Approved the stipends for pay periods ending October 29, 2016 and November 12, 2016

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

Dr. Corcoran reported the November 30 Support Staff Craft Fair fundraiser was a terrific success with over $900 in raffle-ticket sales and $485 in vendor-table-fees received; thus, Support Staff members were able to make a $1,398 donation to the local animal shelters! Dr. Corcoran thanked everyone who volunteered, bought raffle tickets and supported the event. Dr. Corcoran was proud to announce that Kaitlin Raineri, as reported by Board Chair Melissa Olivero, was recently awarded a Jane M. Klausman Women in Business scholarship from Zonta International after receiving the same award from the Zonta Club of LaSalle-Peru Area and Zonta District 6. She is one of only 12 winners of this award worldwide.  Kaitlin is a proud graduate of IVCC and in the same way as IVCC’s mission statement suggests “we teach those who seek and are enriched by those who learn” Dr. Corcoran could not think of a graduate who has had a more profound affect upon IVCC than Kaitlin. Therefore, she has been asked to return one more time and deliver the commencement address to IVCC graduates on May 20 and she has accepted. Dr. Corcoran has heard her speak at just about every level one can imagine and she has always done an excellent job. Her wisdom and experience far exceed her age. Dr. Corcoran encouraged everyone to mark their calendars and attend commencement on May 20.   On November 17, Aseret Loveland and Crystal Credi coordinated the fall 2016 On the Spot Admission Day.  Representatives from NIU, ISU, Bradley, SIUC, EIU, WIU, and UW-Platteville attended and met with 67 IVCC students.  Aseret and Crystal were commended for a job well done.  The Hall of Fame Induction ceremony on November 18 was excellent—a very large turnout of old friends had a chance to reconnect and relive their positive experiences at IVCC because of Donna Swiskoski, Janice Corrigan and Fran Brolley. Dr. Corcoran thanked Trustees Goetz and Solon for attending and representing the Board of Trustees.  Dr. Corcoran reported Tuesday night’s Therapeutic Massage Graduation Ceremony was very well done. He noted that just about everything Cherie Monterastelli handles is going to be top-notch, which is why she is viewed by her peers across the state as a one of the leaders in the field of massage therapy. Yesterday’s Honorspalooza was outstanding. Those attending the event and interacting with the students regarding their capstone projects were treated to a special experience. Dr. Corcoran thanked Adam Oldaker for coordinating IVCC’s extraordinary Honors Program.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Dr. Driscoll reported on the Board Planning Committee which met on Tuesday, November 29, 2016.  Items on the agenda included Program Review Report, Planning and Accreditation Update, National Community College Benchmark Project (NCCBP), Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and Board Policies.  Frances Whaley presented on the overview of the KPIs showing the key metrics of the College.  The number of KPIs was reduced from nine to six.  Features of the updated KPIs were a cohesive grouping, expandable, and able to drill down.  Ms. Goetz noted the team that worked on the KPIs should be commended in posting it on line – very impressive. Dr. Driscoll highlighted the Program Review Report.  IVCC has been experiencing a time of successive drops in enrollments.  This has been a concern.  The Associate of Science degree remains the most sought after degree.  The Paraprofessional Educator program has been moved to Inactive Status and the Process Operations Technology program remains on Inactive Status.  The programs do not seem to generate the interest to fill the classes.  The Truck Driver Training program is a real gem with a 95 percent pass rate on the state exam and a 95 percent job placement rate for students who complete the program.  Dr. Driscoll reported the College is waiting for the final report of the peer reviewers from the Higher Learning Commission for reaffirmation of accreditation.  IVCC will have to select one of two accreditation pathways, the Open Pathway or continue with the Academic Quality Improvement Program (AQIP).  Three action projects were discussed at the meeting.  The National Community College Benchmarking Project (NCCBP) Report was broken down into the top 10-20 strengths and opportunities for improvement.  IVCC’s strengths were persistence and academic course completion, ranking 85 and 93 percent nationwide on both of these areas.  Opportunities for improvement were in enrollments, more specifically distance learning credit hours of total credit hours was low but improving.  The College has a plan to increase credit hours in distance learning.  Mr. Mallery was pleased to see a five-year snap shot on enrollments, credit hours, and number of students.  E²C credits and the success rate of E²C only students.  The students are handpicked by the high school counselors and had phenomenal results.  There was a drastic reduction in the number of students.  How can IVCC do better?  IVCC did have a relatively high number of strengths to the number of opportunities for improvement.  Most community colleges are struggling with enrollments and trying to stay vital particularly during tough times.  Dr. Driscoll reported the proposed and revised board policies were included in the board book and will be discussed later in the meeting.

2016 TAX LEVY

It was moved by Ms. Goetz and seconded by Dr. Huffman to adopt the Tax Levy Resolution, Certificate of Tax Levy, Resolution of Intent, Notice of Intent to Levy an Additional Tax, and Certificate of Compliance with the Truth and Taxation Act, as presented.  Mr. Mallery noted at last month’s meeting he voted against the tentative tax levy, but did not explain his reason.  In regard to the additional tax that is considered the backdoor referendum, he knows the statute allows the College to levy the tax, but the College is not required to do so.  This tax continues to grow.  This year another $250,000 will be added from the tax payers.  Mr. Mallery is concerned with the number of signatures needed to stop this additional tax.  This is why he will vote against it.  Mr. Solon agreed with what Mr. Mallery said but asked where the College would get the money to provide new programs and increase enrollments.  Mr. Mallery suggested doing away with athletics, consultants to the College, and closing the satellite center.  Ms. Bonucci is a supporter of athletics and wanted to look at other ways of cutting.  She feels cutting athletics would be a negative effect.  Motion passed by voice vote with Mr. Mallery voting “naye.”

FACULTY APPOINTMENT – JODY LOWE, NURSING INSTRUCTOR

It was moved by Dr. Huffman and seconded by Mr. Solon to approve the appointment of Jody Lowe as Nursing Instructor at B-6, an annualized salary of $48,307 on the 2016/2017 faculty salary schedule, effective January 10, 2017.  Motion passed by voice vote.

HIGH DEDUCTIBLE HEALTH PLAN/HEALTH SAVINGS ACCOUNTS

It was moved by Dr. Huffman and seconded by Mr. Mallery to authorize the administration to contribute to employee Health Savings Plans (individual - $2,500; employee +1 - $5,000; and family - $5,000) for employees electing the High Deductible Health Plan beginning January 1, 2017.  Motion passed by voice vote.

It was moved by Mr. Mallery and seconded by Dr. Huffman to authorize the administration to contribute to employee Health Reimbursement Accounts (individual - $2,500; employee +1 - $5,000; and family - $5,000) for employees electing the High Deductible Health Plan beginning January 1, 2017.  Motion passed by voice vote.

CONFIRM APPROVAL OF BUILDINGS D AND E EMERGENCY REPAIRS

It was moved by Mr. Solon and seconded by Ms. Goetz to confirm approval of emergency repairs completed by H & H Builders, Inc. in the amount of $23,500.  Motion passed by voice vote.

It was moved by Dr. Huffman and seconded by Mr. Solon to confirm approval of emergency repairs completed by John’s Service and Sales, Inc. in the amount of $23,259.75.  Mr. Mallery was glad they worked on it so quickly.  Dr. Huffman commended Scott Curley on his quickness and noted that when it is fixed quickly, it usually ends up costing less.  Dr. Driscoll was impressed with the communication on this issue – open and direct.  Motion passed by voice vote.

BOARD POLICIES (first reading)

Mr. Mallery referred to Board Policy 6.5 – Drug-Free Work Place.  He indicated the policy is geared toward fundraising and does not change the consumption of alcohol in the student handbook.  He then referred to the new Board Policy – Alcoholic Beverage Sales.  He was concerned about the potential litigation in allowing alcohol to be served or sold at the College.  Mr. Solon noted that this is addressed by insurance.  Walt stated that most places that have alcohol available have a condition to show proof of dram shop insurance.  The expense would be paying for the premium.  An alcohol-related incident would be covered by the insurance, but a work- related incident would be covered under workers’ compensation.  Dr. Huffman stated the only way to avoid any litigation is by no alcohol.  If the College wants to allow it, the policy proposed delineates the responsibility from the organization.  The College will be covered as much as possible.  Mr. Mallery believes having no alcohol at events has served the College well.  He would like to consider a simple policy – no alcohol.  Dr. Driscoll noted the event still has to be approved by the Board of Trustees.  Dr. Huffman wanted to add another paragraph to the Supplier Diversity Policy to emphasize that the College must following the purchasing act for community colleges.  A paragraph was added to the administrative procedure for Board Policy 1.15 – Board Travel, Conference and Meeting Expenses.  New legislation requires travel expenses for any member of the Board of Trustees must be approved by a roll-call vote during an open meeting of the Board of Trustees.

SCHEDULE OF REGULAR MEETING DATES AND TIMES

It was moved by Mr. Solon and seconded by Ms. Goetz to approve the following dates for 2017 and to provide public notice of this schedule.  All meetings will take place at 6:30 p.m. in Room

C307, the Board Room, on the campus of Illinois Valley Community College, 815 North Orlando Smith Road, Oglesby, IL.  Motion passed by voice vote.

Thursday, January 12, 2017                            Thursday, July 13, 2017

Thursday, February 9, 2017                            Thursday, August 17, 2017

Thursday, March 9, 2017                                Thursday, September 13, 2017

Thursday, April 13, 2017                                Thursday, October 12, 2017

Thursday, May 11, 2017                                 Thursday, November 9, 2017

Thursday, June 8, 2017                                   Thursday, December 14, 2017

TRUSTEE COMMENT

None.

CLOSED SESSION

It was moved by Dr. Huffman and seconded by Ms. Goetz to convene a closed session at 7:13 p.m. to discuss 1) the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees of the public body; 2) litigation; 3) collective negotiations; and 4) closed session minutes.  Motion passed by voice vote.

After a short break, the Board entered closed session at 7:20 p.m.  On a motion by Mr. Solon and seconded by Ms. Bonucci, the regular meeting resumed at 7:32 p.m.  Motion passed by voice vote.