December 8, 2022 Minutes of Regular Meeting
The Board of Trustees of Illinois Valley Community College District No. 513 convened a regular session at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, December 8, 2022 in the Board Room (C307) at Illinois Valley Community College.
Members Physically Present
Everett J. Solon, Chair
Jay K. McCracken, Vice Chair
Angela M. Stevenson, Secretary
Amy L. Boyles
Jane E. Goetz
William F. Hunt
Maureen O. Rebholz
Members Virtually Present
Members Telephonically Present
Members Absent
Austin F. Dille, Student Trustee
Others Physically Present
Jerry Corcoran, President
Matthew Seaton, Vice President for Business Services & Finance
Mark Grzybowski, Vice President for Student Services
Mary Beth Herron, Director of Human Resources
Walt Zukowski, Attorney
Others Virtually Present
PUBLIC HEARING
This being the time and place published for a Public Hearing regarding the FY 2022 Tax Levy, Mr. Solon called for questions and/or comments from the audience. Since there were no questions and/or comments, Mr. Solon called for a motion to close the Public Hearing. It was moved by Ms. Stevenson and seconded by Mr. McCracken to close the Public Hearing.
Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Ms. Stevenson, Mr. McCracken, Dr. Rebholz, Dr. Boyles, Ms. Goetz, Mr. Hunt and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
BOARD CHAIR – OPENING REMARKS
Mr. Solon informed of the following: Provisions within Section 7(e) of the Open Meetings Act, allowing for Board meetings to be virtual and without requiring the physical presence of a quorum of the members, continue to apply to our Board meetings due to (a) Governor Pritzker’s most recent disaster proclamation; and (b) my determination that in-person meetings are not practical or prudent (for all board members and members of the public) because of the disaster. It is the custom and practice of the college to record Board meetings and the meeting was being recorded both audio and video. Anyone joining the meeting virtually, please mute until you are ready to speak.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
It was moved by Mr. McCracken and seconded by Dr. Boyles to approve the agenda.
Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Ms. Stevenson, Mr. McCracken, Dr. Rebholz, Dr. Boyles, Ms. Goetz, Mr. Hunt and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
PUBLIC COMMENT
None
CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS
It was moved by Ms. Stevenson and seconded by Ms. Goetz to approve the consent agenda, as presented.
Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Ms. Stevenson, Mr. McCracken, Dr. Rebholz, Dr. Boyles, Ms. Goetz, Mr. Hunt and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
The following items were approved in the consent agenda:
Approval of Minutes – November 3, 2022 Special Board Meeting; November 10, 2022 Board Meeting; November 15, 2022 Special Board Meeting; November 16, 2022 Special Board Meeting; and November 21, 2022 Special Board Meeting.
Approval of Bills - $3,482,960.17
Education Fund - $2,683,111.57; Operations & Maintenance Fund - $77,674.76; Operations & Maintenance (Restricted Fund) - $499,934.69; Auxiliary Fund - $153,317.59; Restricted Fund - $33,474.20 Audit - $13,561.00; Liability, Protection & Settlement Fund - $21,313.84; and Grants, Loans & Scholarships - $572.52.
Treasurer’s Report
Personnel
Approved stipends for pay periods ending November 5, 2022 and November 19, 2022 & Part-time Faculty and Staff Appointments November 2022.
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
Dr. Corcoran reported that he had mentioned last month that Fran Brolley and his excellent Foundation and Community Relations staff were pleased with the response to the Annual Appeal at that point in time. We now have an update: Dr. Corcoran was pleased to announce that the appeal has attracted 98 donors and exceeded $31,000 in giving as of Wednesday. Special thanks to the trustees who have contributed so generously. Dr. Corcoran extended thanks as well to Jayna Leipart-Guttilla, Dr. Kim Radek, Delores Robinson, Dr. Lirim Neziroski, Kirk Lockwood and Fran Brolley for organizing such a wonderful event in honor of the incomparable Ed Krolak on Tuesday of this week. He noted that it is easy to see why Ed is in the IVCC Hall of Fame. Dr. Corcoran added that Ed and his loved ones were touched by the group’s thoughtfulness. Dr. Corcoran informed that on November 14th, outstanding instructors Dawn Chambers and Rick Pretzsch presented a program about their experience as being part of a team that went to Estonia and Finland this past spring, paid for by a grant partnership with Indiana University and awarded by the Midwest Institute for International/Intercultural Education. He added that Dawn and Rick attended a cybersecurity conference and many cultural outings. Dr. Corcoran noted that everyone in attendance enjoyed hearing about their experience. This program is open to faculty and staff only as part of International Education Week. He advised that the college’s coordinator for International and Multicultural Education and study abroad opportunities is Amanda Cook-Fesperman. Dr. Corcoran noted that she does a great job and we thank her for her leadership. Dr. Corcoran informed that his family and he attended the IVCC Theatre Department’s presentation of the musical “Mame” on Sunday, November 20th. He noted that there was a wonderful turnout and everyone really enjoyed themselves. Dr. Corcoran offered congratulations to director and choreographer Don Grant Zellmer, the cast and production team on a job done!
COMMITTEE REPORTS
None
TAX LEVY 2022
It was moved by Ms. Goetz and seconded by Mr. Hunt to adopt the Tax Levy Resolution, Certificate of Tax Levy, Resolution of Intent, Notice of Intent to Increase Tax Levy, and Certificate of Compliance with the Truth and Taxation Act, as presented.
Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Ms. Stevenson, Mr. McCracken, Dr. Rebholz, Dr. Boyles, Ms. Goetz, Mr. Hunt and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
OTTAWA CENTER LEASE AGREEMENT
It was moved by Dr. Boyles and seconded by Dr. Rebholz to approve the four-year lease with the City of Ottawa, as presented.
Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Ms. Stevenson, Mr. McCracken, Dr. Rebholz, Dr. Boyles, Ms. Goetz, Mr. Hunt and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
OTTAWA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE LEASE AGREEMENT
Motion made by Mr. Hunt and seconded by Mr. McCracken to approve the four and ½ year lease with the Ottawa Chamber of Commerce beginning January 1, 2023, as presented.
Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Mr. McCracken, Dr. Rebholz, Dr. Boyles, Ms. Goetz, Mr. Hunt and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. “Abstain” – Ms. Stevenson. Motion carried. Ms. Stevenson noted that while she is supportive of the agreement, as a member of the Chamber she elected to abstain.
INTERACT DIGITAL MARKETING CAMPAIGN
It was moved by Dr. Rebholz and seconded by Dr. Boyles to approve a five-month digital marketing campaign with Interact Communications for $49,999.13, as presented.
Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Ms. Stevenson, Mr. McCracken, Dr. Rebholz, Dr. Boyles, Ms. Goetz, Mr. Hunt and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
BOARD TRAVEL
Motion made by Ms. Stevenson and seconded by Dr. Boyles to approve the reimbursement of expenses in the amount of $75.00 incurred by Ms. Goetz for attending the ICCTA meeting on November 11 and 12, 2022.
Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Ms. Stevenson, Mr. McCracken, Dr. Rebholz, Dr. Boyles, Mr. Hunt and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. “Abstain” – Ms. Goetz. Motion carried.
PURCHASE REQUEST – FABRICATION EQUIPMENT
It was moved by Ms. Goetz and seconded by Mr. McCracken to approve authorization to seek bids to purchase two pieces of manufacturing equipment needed for the Welding, Fabrication and Manufacturing programs at an estimated cost of $124,000, as presented.
Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Ms. Stevenson, Mr. McCracken, Dr. Rebholz, Dr. Boyles, Ms. Goetz, Mr. Hunt and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
FACULTY RESIGNATION – CHARLES RAIMONDI – ELECTRONICS INSTRUCTOR
Motion made by Dr. Boyles and seconded by Mr. Hunt to accept the resignation of Charles Raimondi, Electronics Instructor, effective December 17, 2022.
Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Ms. Stevenson, Mr. McCracken, Dr. Rebholz, Dr. Boyles, Ms. Goetz, Mr. Hunt and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
ITEMS FOR INFORMATION
Mr. Solon pointed out the information items on pages 63-73 of the Board book.
TRUSTEE COMMENT
Dr. Boyles noted that the November Financial Highlights indicate the headcount for Fall 2022 has 116 students more than at this same point in time last year. In addition, the credit hours for Fall 2022 have an increase of 7.04 percent from one year ago.
Mr. McCracken expressed appreciation to the IVCC team for the support of high school student opportunities. Speaking as a superintendent, he noted that we are most grateful for that work from the College.
Ms. Goetz informed that she attended the IVCC theatre production, “Mame” and it was terrific with a lot of talent on display. She noted that it is not too late to donate to the Foundation.
CLOSED SESSION
Mr. Solon requested a motion and a roll call vote at 5:45 p.m. to enter into a closed session to discuss: 1) the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees of the public body; 2) collective negotiations; and 3) closed session minutes. Motion made by Ms. Stevenson and seconded by Mr. McCracken to enter into a closed session.
Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Ms. Stevenson, Mr. McCracken, Dr. Rebholz, Dr. Boyles, Ms. Goetz, Mr. Hunt and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried. The Board immediately entered closed session at 5:47 p.m.
Motion made by Dr. Boyles and seconded by Ms. Stevenson to return to the regular meeting.
Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Ms. Stevenson, Mr. McCracken, Dr. Rebholz, Dr. Boyles, Ms. Goetz, Mr. Hunt and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried. The regular meeting resumed at 7:28 p.m.
APPROVAL – MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
It was moved by Dr. Boyles and seconded by Ms. Goetz to authorize Dr. Corcoran to sign the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) regarding health insurance, as presented.
Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Ms. Stevenson, Mr. McCracken, Dr. Rebholz, Dr. Boyles, Ms. Goetz, Mr. Hunt and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
CLOSED SESSION MINUTES
It was moved by Mr. McCracken and seconded by Dr. Rebholz to approve and retain the closed session minutes of the November 3, 2022 Special Board Meeting; November 10 Board Meeting; November 15, 2022 Special Board Meeting; and November 16, 2022 Special Board Meeting; and approve and retain the minutes, as amended of the November 21, 2022 Special Board Meeting.
Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Ms. Stevenson, Mr. McCracken, Dr. Rebholz, Dr. Boyles, Ms. Goetz, Mr. Hunt and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
OTHER
A Special Board Meeting was tentatively scheduled for Monday, December 12 at 4:00 p.m. (The meeting was later rescheduled to Tuesday, December 20 at 5:30 p.m.)
ADJOURNMENT
Mr. Solon declared the meeting adjourned at 7:30 p.m.