February 9, 2017 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, February 9, 2017 in the Board Room (C307) at Illinois Valley Community College.

Members Physically Present

Melissa M. Olivero, Chair
Larry D. Huffman, Secretary
Jane E. Goetz
David O. Mallery
Everett J. Solon (entered at 6:35 p.m.)
Sarah J. Tipton, Student Trustee

Members Absent

Michael C. Driscoll, Vice Chair

Others Physically Present

Jerry Corcoran, President
Cheryl Roelfsema, Vice President for Business Services and Finance
Bonnie Campbell, Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs
Mark Grzybowski, Associate Vice President for Student Services
Walt Zukowski, Attorney

MOMENT OF SILENCE

Berneice Huffman, mother of Dr. Larry Huffman, passed away on February 1 at the age of 102. Ms. Olivero invited everyone to join her in a moment of silence in memory of Berneice Huffman.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

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

PUBLIC COMMENT

An agenda item for the meeting was a recommendation to close the Reading, Writing and Study Skills Lab.  Two people spoke at the meeting in defense of the Lab.  Daniel Sack reported on his experience with the English Lab.  English classes in high school were a nightmare for him.  Thanks to the English Lab he can now express himself the way he wants.  Stephanie Castaneda also spoke in support of the Lab.  She worked as an aide for her sister Natalie who is wheelchair bound and needs assistance.  Stephanie told the Board the Lab has been essential for Natalie’s education.  The Lab hours make it easy to fit into a schedule for student aides that work.

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 – January 12, 2017 Board Meeting; January 24, 2017 Audit/Finance Committee Meeting; and January 24, 2017 Closed Session Minutes Committee Meeting

Approval of Bills - $2,223,037.92

Education Fund - $1,336,361.44; Operations & Maintenance Fund - $138,456.22; Operations & Maintenance (Restricted Fund) - $576,449.50; Auxiliary Fund - $133,194.19; Restricted Fund - $712.61; and Liability, Protection & Settlement Fund - $37,863.96

Personnel

Approved the stipends for pay periods ending January 7, 2017 and January 21, 2017

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

Dr. Corcoran reported the Annual Academic Challenge was held Friday, February 3.  Eleven high schools and 238 of the best and brightest academic students competed.  In alphabetical order, the schools that participated were: Division 1500 – LP, Ottawa, Streator; Division 700 – Hall, Mendota, Seneca; Division 300 – LaMoille, Marquette, Midland, Putnam County, St. Bede.  Teams and individual students finishing first or second advance to the U of I sectional on March 20.  In addition, students finishing first in each division in each of the seven testing areas (English, engineering graphics, biology, chemistry, physics, computer science and math) are eligible for a $300 scholarship from the IVCC Foundation.  These scholarships are awarded to students who attend IVCC in the fall semester of the year they graduate.  Ron Groleau once again served as the site coordinator for the IVCC regional competition. Quinton Overocker and Aseret Loveland gave an excellent ten-minute presentation on the advantages and benefits of attending IVCC.  Polly Ragazincky and Karen Talsky, Overocker and Loveland assisted with the Awards ceremony. Dawn Watson was invaluable in coordinating and running the software to score the exams and determine the competition results.  Wes Black checked calculators to make sure they met competition specifications.  Due in large part to the efforts of all people mentioned, the day went off without a hitch and many positive comments were received by the coaches of each school. Dr. Corcoran congratulated Ron and his team on a job very well done.  Bonnie Campbell, Mark Grzybowski and Dr. Corcoran were scheduled to visit with Dr. Joe Rives, vice president for Quad Cities and Planning for Western Illinois University (WIU). Dr. Rives had asked for the meeting in order to discuss the possibility of new partnerships with Western Illinois University, including dual enrollment, honors articulation agreements, hosting WIU’s general studies program, and reverse transfer agreements. Although the weather forced Dr. Rives to reschedule, it sounds like lots of partnership opportunities with WIU lie ahead.  The IVCC Foundation will host its first Giving Day on April 6. ‘OneIVCC’ Giving Day replaces previous fundraisers such as 70’s Night, Irish Night and the golf outing. The day will include challenges and contests with employees and students--all proceeds will benefit the Foundation’s mission: Providing access to IVCC for every student seeking it.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

The Audit/Finance Committee met on Tuesday, January 24, 2017.  Dr. Huffman noted the three-year financial plan discussed at the meeting was mailed to each board member. The plan shows a similar dismal outlook due to the lack of the state’s ability to put together a budget.  At some point in time if the picture would change, the plan would be updated.  The other items discussed at the committee meeting are in the packet for approval – adjustment of tuition for the next fiscal year, typical course fees and adjustments.  Most significantly are the fee increases in the nursing courses due to the mandated low student/faculty ratio.  A potential contract with Ferrilli for Information Technology support services was discussed and the committee thought it was reasonable and is being brought to the Board for their consideration.

The Closed Session Minutes Committee meeting met on Tuesday, January 24.  Mr. Solon noted the committee reviewed the closed session minutes and the report is in the board book for action.

IVCC BOARD OF TRUSTEES RESIGNATION – LAURIE A. BONUCCI

It was moved by Ms. Goetz and seconded by Mr. Solon to accept with regret the resignation of Ms. Laurie A. Bonucci as a member of the IVCC Board of Trustees, effective January 25, 2017.  Dr. Corcoran noted that Laurie was phenomenal to work with.  She and her husband, Steve, were always there to help out with the Foundation activities.  It was fun to watch her be engaged in so many things across the campus particularly her involvement in the agriculture program.  The College will miss her and he thanked her for her leadership.  Motion passed by voice vote.

STAFF RETIREMENT – DR. BRIAN HOLLOWAY, DEAN OF HUMANITIES, FINE ARTS, AND SOCIAL SCIENCES

It was moved by Mr. Mallery and seconded by Dr. Huffman to accept with regret the retirement of Dr. Brian Holloway, Dean of Humanities, Fine Arts, and Social Sciences, effective March 31, 2017.  Dr. Corcoran wished Brian and his wife a great retirement and thanked him for his many years of great service.  Motion passed by voice vote.

CLOSURE OF READING, WRITING, AND STUDY SKILLS LAB AND REASSIGNMENT OF JENNIFER BUBB, READING, WRITING, AND STUDY SKILLS LAB INSTRUCTOR

It was moved by Mr. Mallery and seconded by Dr. Huffman to close the Reading, Writing, and Study Skills Lab beginning the summer 2017 semester and the needs of the students served by the Reading, Writing, and Study Skills Lab be met through additional developmental course offerings.  Mr. Mallery noted the two people who spoke about the closing of the Lab, but the Board was presented with lengthy assessments on outcomes, results, and costs.  He is confident that the administration has done their diligence in that regard.  Mr. Mallery asked if there would still be a student support with regard to peer tutoring and instructor tutoring available to students.  Ms. Campbell reported the College has a peer tutor coordinator and services will be available to students as they are right now. Dr. Corcoran noted that Jennifer Bubb has been employed at IVCC for 18.25 years, Janice Skeen – 2.5 years, Kathryn Gibbs – over 15 years and Stephanie Brady-Crite for 6.5 years for a total of 43 years of dedicated service to IVCC.  The closing of the lab is by no means to be viewed as a negative reflection of their work.  Dr. Corcoran hopes they will continue to be important contributors in carrying out the college’s mission as they have been.  Dr. Huffman expressed his dislike in making these types of decisions but looking at the finances, IVCC has done well managing the College the last couple of years with declining revenues.  The College has not had to lay off 50-60 full-time staff like many other colleges.  With the options that the College has available, the Board has no other choice.  Motion passed by voice vote.

It was moved by Ms. Goetz and seconded by Dr. Huffman that the Reading, Writing, and Study Skills Lab instructor, Jennifer Bubb, be reassigned as a Developmental Instructor for Reading, Writing, and Study Skills.  Motion passed by voice vote.

RESOLUTION DESIGNATING THE FISCAL YEAR

It was moved by Ms. Goetz and seconded by Mr. Solon to adopt the resolution designating the fiscal year be from July 1, 2017 to June 30, 2018 and approve the budget calendar, as presented.  Motion passed by voice vote.

TUITION ADJUSTMENT

It was moved by Dr. Huffmanand seconded by Ms. Goetz to increase tuition by $6.00, from $116.60 to $122.60 per credit hour beginning with the summer 2017 semester. Dr. Huffman noted again the College only has three sources of revenue – property tax which is maximized, state revenues which the College is only receiving 60 percent of what it should be receiving, and tuition.  No one likes to raise tuition, but to keep quality staff, pay competitive salaries and fringe benefits, and provide quality education, tuition needs to be increased.  Dr. Huffman heard a personality on a local radio station say that IVCC is the greatest thing in this area because of its quality.  The Board has a fiduciary responsibility and it has no choice. Ms. Olivero noted that IVCC is still a great savings compared with other universities. Mr. Mallery believes the College needs additional sources of income to continue a quality education.  With basic economics, if the price of services is raised, there will be a decrease in the quantity of people going to be served.  The College has raised tuition every single year in the last five and the College has seen a decline in enrollments and credit hours.  If the College continues to raise the price, there will be fewer consumers that will purchase it and that is why Mr. Mallery will continue to raise opposition to raising tuition.  Dr. Huffman noted from the radio station that San Francisco Community College offered free tuition and the enrollment dropped by 40 percent.  Just because the tuition is free or at a lower cost does not mean the demand will increase.  Ms. Goetz noted Dr. Corcoran met with students and discussed increasing tuition.  Ms. Tipton noted the students understood the situation the College is in with the State not having a budget.  Motion passed by voice vote with Mr. Mallery voting naye. 

COURSE FEES/ADJUSTMENTS

It was moved by Mr. Solon and seconded by Dr. Huffman to change 61 course fees:  54 increases, 2 new courses, plus the assignment of a course fee to 5 existing courses, as presented. There was a concern with the significant increase in nursing course fees and the College found a way to help with the increase.  The IVCC Foundation has been able to reach their scholarship campaign goal.  One category of students targeted in the campaign is those that barely qualify or do not qualify for financial aid.  The IVCC Foundation is ready to provide funding for the second-year nursing students that will be impacted by the increase - $8,000 is available to these students. Mr. Mallery noted course fees are different from tuition and he will support the increases.  Other community colleges have put variable tuition in place.  Mr. Mallery understands that IVCC is trying to survive and he hopes that something positive will come around.  He suggested to start doing these things earlier so the College does not have to close a lab or lay off people.  Dr. Huffman would support a variable tuition so that MAP grants would cover the cost but he also understands the implications the College’s technology software provides with a variable tuition.  Motion passed by voice vote.

BID RESULTS – CULTURAL CENTRE RENOVATIONS

It was moved by Mr. Mallery and seconded by Mr. Solon to accept the base bid and Alternate No. 1 from Vissering Construction Company, Streator, Illinois, in the amount of $302,700 for the Cultural Centre Renovations.  Dr. Huffman was glad to see an in-district vender receiving the bid.  Ms. Olivero was glad to see the project being funded by the bequest of Durley Boyle.  Motion passed by voice vote.

BID RESULTS – OVERHEAD DOOR REPLACEMENT

It was moved by Mr. Solon and seconded by Dr. Huffman to accept the base bid from Vissering Construction Company, Streator, Illinois, in the amount of $60,135 for the Building J Overhead Door Replacement.  Mr. Mallery wanted to confirm that the scope documents included additional framing and setbacks for the welding lab doors.  Scott Curley confirmed this was included in the scope documents.  Motion passed by voice vote.

FERRILLI SYSTEM SUPPORT CONTRACT

It was moved by Dr. Huffman and seconded by Ms. Goetz to enter into a three-year contract with Ferrilli for IT support services for a total cost of $63,000 payable at $21,000 annually.  Dr. Huffman noted that this company was used on a trial basis and met that demand very satisfactorily.  Dr. Corcoran also noted the contract has an out-clause.  The open position of Systems Administrator will be replaced.  The College needs a person on staff that is in charge of the system.  Ferrilli will do the routine work and the Systems Administrator will do work on the backlog of projects.  Motion passed by voice vote.

PURCHASE REQUEST – FURNITURE FOR JACOBS LIBRARY’S ACTIVELEARNING SPACE

It was moved by Ms. Goetz and seconded by Dr. Huffman to authorize the purchase of furniture for Jacobs Library through the IPHEC (Illinois Public Higher Education Cooperative) at a cost of $19,434.74.  Motion passed by voice vote.

SEMI-ANNUAL REVIEW OF CLOSED SESSION MINUTES

It was moved by Mr. Solon and seconded by Dr. Huffman to approve and release closed session minutes of the June 28, 2016 – Closed Session Minutes Committee meeting.  Motion passed by voice vote.

ITEMS FOR INFORMATION

The North Central Illinois Council of Governments (NCICG) is requesting each taxing body to pass a resolution for the Bureau Putnam County Enterprise Zone to abate taxes for an additional ten years.  Ms. Olivero noted this is for the Board’s information and believes there is no reason that IVCC would want to go back and join the Enterprise Zone.

TRUSTEE COMMENT

Mr. Mallery commented on Steve Alvin’s passionate plea to find creative emergency measures to get through the challenging times.  The union insisted upon transparency and forthrightness as the Board contemplates cost-saving measures.  The union does not want “sacred cows.”  Mr. Mallery has questioned expenses and policies that were championed to head off what the College is facing now.  Certain fund surpluses were depleted or nearly depleted and the College continues to look to property tax, backdoor referendums and increases in tuition as revenues.  Everything needs to be looked at.  The College continues to shelter some “sacred cows” and that is why he voted no to increasing tuition. The administration has been open and forthright while gathering information to make these hard decisions and Mr. Mallery thanked them for their ability to do that.  If there is evidence to the contrary, Mr. Mallery would like to hear about it.  Mr. Mallery extended an invitation back to the Union to be forthright and transparent and openly suggest what those perceived “cows” are.  Mr. Mallery wants to know so that he can make the appropriate decisions.

CLOSED SESSION

It was moved by Mr. Mallery and seconded by Ms. Goetz to convene a closed session at 7:12 p.m. to discuss 1) the selection of a person to fill a public office; 2) litigation; and 3) closed session minutes.  Motion passed by voice vote.  After a short break, the Board entered closed session at 7:16 p.m.  On a motion by Mr. Solon and seconded by Ms. Goetz, the regular meeting resumed at 7:35 p.m.  Motion passed by voice vote.