July 8, 2021 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, July 8, 2021 in the Board Room (C307) at Illinois Valley Community College.

Members Physically Present

Everett J. Solon, Chair

Angela M. Stevenson, Secretary

Amy L. Boyles

Jane E. Goetz

David O. Mallery

Maureen O. Rebholz

Members Virtually Present

Jay K. McCracken, Vice Chair

Madison N. Miranda, Student Trustee

Members  Telephonically Present

Members Absent

Others Physically Present

Jerry Corcoran, President

Cheryl Roelfsema, Vice President for Business Services & Finance

Matthew Seaton, Vice President for Business Services & Finance

Chris Dunlap, Director of Information Technology Services

Leslie Hofer, Director of Human Resources

Walt Zukowski, Attorney

Others Virtually Present

Deborah Anderson, Vice President for Academic Affairs

Mark Grzybowski Vice President for Student Services

Bonnie Campbell, Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs

Kathy Ross, Controller

Mr. Solon informed of a couple of items: 1) The provisions related to the Open Meetings Act allowing for Board meetings to be virtual continue due to Governor Pritzker’s most recent disaster proclamation and 2) it is the custom and practice of the college to record Board meetings and the meeting was being recorded both audio and video.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

It was moved by Ms. Goetz and seconded by Dr. Rebholz to approve the agenda, as presented.

Student Advisory Vote: – “Aye” – Ms. Miranda.  Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Dr. Boyles, Ms. Goetz, Ms. Stevenson, Mr. Mallery, Mr. McCracken, Dr. Rebholz and Mr. Solon.  “Nay” – none.  Motion carried.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Cheryl Roelfsema was honored at her final Board meeting as she is retiring July 31 after thirteen years as Vice President for Business Services and Finance. The Board and all present thanked Ms. Roelfsema for her years of service and congratulated her on her forthcoming retirement.

Jeff Fesperman, instructor at IVCC expressed concern regarding the group who came to the Board meeting in June. He noted that this group was involved in the theft and public distribution of exam questions during a live test yet he has not heard the administration or Board mention that fact. Mr. Fesperman commented that this group is spreading misinformation, not only about this test, but about our college’s instructors and as of yet, their unsubstantiated claims have gone unchallenged. He noted that IVCC faculty members are being accused of failing students solely for their opinions and not based upon the merit of their work. He added that higher education is under attack. We are not here to teach what any fringe group wants us to teach no matter their political orientation. Our faculty are experts in their respective fields and it is insulting that the college would seriously consider granting an unqualified group a say as to how we teach and what we teach. Mr. Fesperman noted that the IVCC administration and the Board should have faith in its faculty and trust them to do their jobs in a professional and ethical manner. This should be your primary concern as the persons charged with the leadership of this institution, rather than delegating your own responsibilities to the loudest crowd of protesters who show up demanding you abdicate your role to them.

CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS

It was moved by Ms. Goetz and seconded by Ms. Stevenson to approve the consent agenda, as presented.

Student Advisory Vote: – “Aye” – Ms. Miranda.  Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Dr. Boyles, Ms. Goetz, Ms. Stevenson, Mr. Mallery, Mr. McCracken, Dr. Rebholz and Mr. Solon.  “Nay” – none.  Motion carried.

The following items were approved in the consent agenda:

Approval of Minutes – June 10, 2021 Board Meeting.

Approval of Bills - $1,485,639.49

Education Fund - $922,940.37; Operations & Maintenance Fund - $95,622.46; Operations & Maintenance (Restricted Fund) - $234,996.54; Auxiliary Fund - $56,356.08; Restricted Fund - $58,854.26; Liability, Protection & Settlement Fund - $115,963.90; and Grants, Loans & Scholarships - $905.88.

Treasurer’s Report

Personnel

Approved stipends for pay periods ending June 5, 2021 and June 19, 2021 & Part-time Faculty and Staff Appointments June 2021.

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

Dr, Corcoran reported that the college received a beautiful certificate of appreciation from our friends at the LaSalle County Health Department as a token of the department’s appreciation for use of the college as a site for mass vaccinations. Julie Kerestes and her LaSalle County Health Department colleagues have been magnificent to work with every step along the way as the college has worked through a number of unforeseen challenges related to the coronavirus pandemic. Dr. Corcoran noted that when our folks told him that the Health Department had dropped off a framed certificate of appreciation, he said it ought to be the other way around, we should be giving them a plaque. Dr. Corcoran added that no matter who gives what to whom, the bottom line is when we take-into-account the number of vaccinations given at the college (23,579) for the community overall, we tip our hats to Julie and her team for a job well done. Dr. Corcoran extended many thanks to Bonnie Campbell, Leslie Hofer, Dr. Jennifer Grobe, Mark Grzybowski, Dr. Matt Seaton and Cheryl Roelfsema for making sure that we had college-wide support. He noted that as he shared with the board yesterday, the partnership the college has had with the local ROE and BEST on what is called the Regional Work Study Program has resulted in 170 students having graduated from their high schools after having dropped out. Dr. Corcoran informed that Steve Malinsky has been our point person for many years after Jim Carlson launched it 11 years ago. Dr. Corcoran noted that we thank everyone for a job well done and commit to going forward for the next 170 students who will benefit from everyone’s collective support. Dr. Corcoran expressed thanks for all of the work that our Business Office personnel put into producing a top-notch tentative budget for FY22. He added that this spring we had a few things come our way that made the process of pulling it together more challenging than ever but the group never missed a beat and we are all proud of the results. Dr. Corcoran noted that Nikki Van Nielen and Kathy Ross do a lot of work behind the scenes for us and he knew he spoke for the Board, Cheryl Roelfsema and Dr. Matthew Seaton when saying we appreciate your hard work and dedication. Dr. Corcoran informed that back by popular demand are the latest IVCC Quick Facts thanks to Matt Suerth, Dawn Watson and Nikki Van Nielen. He added that these facts are a handy reference to keep nearby and to let us know if you need more.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

None

FY2022 TENTATIVE BUDGET

It was moved by Ms. Goetz and seconded by Mr. McCracken to adopt the Resolution approving the FY2022 Tentative Budget and authorize publication of the Notice of Public Hearing, as presented.

Student Advisory Vote: – “Aye” – Ms. Miranda.  Roll Call Vote: “Ayes”– Dr. Boyles, Ms. Goetz, Ms. Stevenson, Mr. Mallery, Mr. McCracken, Dr. Rebholz and Mr. Solon.  “Nay” – none.  Motion carried.

APPOINTMENT – COLLEGE TREASURER

It was moved by Ms. Stevenson and seconded by Dr. Rebholz to appoint Matthew Seaton, Vice President for Business Services and Finance, as the college treasurer effective July 31, 2021.

Student Advisory Vote: – “Aye” – Ms. Miranda.  Roll Call Vote: “Ayes”– Dr. Boyles, Ms. Goetz, Ms. Stevenson, Mr. Mallery, Mr. McCracken, Dr. Rebholz and Mr. Solon.  “Nay” – none.  Motion carried.

STUDENT ATHLETIC INSURANCE RENEWALS

It was moved by Ms. Goetz and seconded by Ms. Stevenson to approve the renewal from Guarantee Trust Life for the student athletic insurance coverage with 1^st Agency at $24,557.

Student Advisory Vote: – “Aye” – Ms. Miranda.  Roll Call Vote: “Ayes”– Dr. Boyles, Ms. Goetz, Ms. Stevenson, Mr. Mallery, Mr. McCracken, Dr. Rebholz and Mr. Solon.  “Nay” – none.  Motion carried.  Ms. Goetz noted that the rate is ten percent less than last year and this is the fourth year of decreasing premiums; well done.

It was moved by Dr. Boyles and seconded by Ms. Stevenson to approve the renewal from Gerber Life insurance Company for the student athletic catastrophic insurance coverage with Zevitz Student Accident Insurance at $2,990.

Student Advisory Vote: – “Aye” – Ms. Miranda.  Roll Call Vote: “Ayes”– Dr. Boyles, Ms. Goetz, Ms. Stevenson, Mr. Mallery, Mr. McCracken, Dr. Rebholz and Mr. Solon.  “Nay” – none.  Motion carried.

SUPPORT STAFF BENEFITS:  PERSONAL DAYS & TUITION REIMBURSEMENT

It was moved by Mr. Mallery and seconded by Dr. Rebholz to approve the award of four personal days per year effective FY2022 for full-time support staff not affected by a negotiated labor agreement.

Student Advisory Vote: – “Aye” – Ms. Miranda.  Roll Call Vote: “Ayes”– Dr. Boyles, Ms. Goetz, Ms. Stevenson, Mr. Mallery, Mr. McCracken, Dr. Rebholz and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.

It was moved by Ms. Stevenson and seconded by Mr. McCracken to approve the award of up to $1,000 per year of tuition reimbursement effective FY2022 for full-time support staff not affected by a negotiated labor agreement provided each employee adheres to the administrative procedures set forth by the Office of Human Resources.

Student Advisory Vote: – “Aye” – Ms. Miranda.  Roll Call Vote: “Ayes”– Dr. Boyles, Ms. Goetz, Ms. Stevenson, Mr. Mallery, Mr. McCracken, Dr. Rebholz and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.  Dr. Corcoran offered kudos to Leslie Hofer, Matt Seaton, and Cheryl Roelfsema for making these recommendations to enhance support staff benefits.

STAFF RESIGNATION – ROBYN SCHIFFMAN, DEAN OF HUMANITIES, FINE ARTS, AND SOCIAL SCIENCES

It was moved by Dr. Rebholz and seconded by Ms. Goetz to accept with regret the resignation of Dr. Robyn Schiffman, Dean of Humanities, Fine Arts and Social Sciences, effective July 5, 2021.

Student Advisory Vote: – “Aye” – Ms. Miranda.  Roll Call Vote: “Ayes”– Dr. Boyles, Ms. Goetz, Ms. Stevenson, Mr. Mallery, Mr. McCracken, Dr. Rebholz and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried. Dr. Corcoran thanked Dr. Schiffman for her seven years of service to the college and wished her well going forward.

BOARD TRAVEL

It was moved by Ms. Stevenson and seconded by Dr. Boyles to approve the reimbursement of expenses in the amount of $67.20 incurred by Ms. Goetz and $67.20 incurred by Dr. Rebholz for attending the 2021 ICCTA Convention and Trustee Leadership Training Sessions on June 4 and 5, 2021.

Student Advisory Vote: – “Aye” – Ms. Miranda.  Roll Call Vote: “Ayes”– Dr. Boyles, Ms. Stevenson, Mr. Mallery, Mr. McCracken, and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. “Abstain” – Ms. Goetz and Dr. Rebholz. Motion carried.

IVCC BOARD OF TRUSTEES RESIGNATION

It was moved by Ms. Stevenson and seconded by Dr. Boyles to accept with regret the resignation of Mr. David O. Mallery as a member of the IVCC Board of Trustees, effective after the Board meeting July 8, 2021.

Student Advisory Vote: – “Aye” – Ms. Miranda.  Roll Call Vote: “Ayes”– Dr. Boyles, Ms. Goetz, Ms. Stevenson, Mr. McCracken, Dr. Rebholz and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. “Abstain” – Mr. Mallery. Motion carried.

Mr. Mallery was thanked by the Board and all present for his sixteen years of service as a Trustee. Mr. McCracken commented that it has been a pleasure serving with David Mallery, the other representative of Putnam County and offered congratulations to Mr. Mallery for his many years of great service. Dr. Corcoran noted that Mr. Mallery championed construction of the Student Center as Chair of the Board’s Facilities Committee. He added that Dave always thought of the students first.

ITEMS FOR INFORMATION

Mr. Solon pointed out the information items on pages 44-51 of the Board book.

TRUSTEE COMMENT

Ms. Goetz recognized that there were 420 spring graduating students earning 520 degrees and certificates, which is up from the 357 graduating students with 421 degrees and certificates from last spring. She noted that the college’s tuition has remained the same for the fourth straight year.

CLOSED SESSION

Mr. Solon requested a motion and a roll call vote at 6:55 p.m. to enter into a closed session to discuss: 1) pending or imminent litigation; 2) complaint lodged against an official or employee of the public body; 3) the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees of the public body; 4) student discipline; 5) collective negotiations; and 6) closed session minutes.  Motion made by Ms. Stevenson and seconded by Dr. Rebholz to enter into a closed session.

Student Advisory Vote: – “Aye” – Ms. Miranda.  Roll Call Vote: “Ayes”– Dr. Boyles, Ms. Goetz, Ms. Stevenson, Mr. Mallery, Mr. McCracken, Dr. Rebholz and Mr. Solon.  “Nay” – none.  Motion carried. The Board immediately entered closed session at 7:00 p.m.

Motion made by Ms. Stevenson and seconded by Ms. Goetz to return to the regular meeting.

Student Advisory Vote: – “Aye” – Ms. Miranda.  Roll Call Vote: “Ayes”– Dr. Boyles, Ms. Goetz, Ms. Stevenson, Mr. Mallery, Mr. McCracken, Dr. Rebholz and Mr. Solon.  “Nay” – none.  Motion carried. The regular meeting resumed at 8:48 p.m.

CLOSED SESSION MINUTES

It was moved by Dr. Rebholz and seconded by Ms. Goetz to approve and retain the closed session minutes of June 10, 2021.

Student Advisory Vote: – “Aye” – Ms. Miranda.  Roll Call Vote: “Ayes”– Dr. Boyles, Ms. Goetz, Ms. Stevenson, Mr. Mallery, Mr. McCracken, Dr. Rebholz and Mr. Solon.  “Nay” – none.  Motion carried.

POSSIBLE EXTENSION OF AGREEMENT WITH AFT LOCAL 1810

No action was taken.

OTHER

None

ADJOURNMENT

Mr. Solon declared the meeting adjourned at 8:50 p.m.