February 10, 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, February 10, 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

Madison N. Miranda, Student Trustee

Members Telephonically Present

Members Absent

Others Physically Present

Jerry Corcoran, President

Matthew Seaton, Vice President for Business Services & Finance

Gary Roberts, Vice President for Academic Affairs

Mark Grzybowski, Vice President for Student Services

Leslie Hofer, Director of Human Resources

Shane Lange, Dean of Workforce Development

Kathy Ross, Controller

Walt Zukowski, Attorney

Others Virtually Present

Bonnie Campbell, Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs

Ron Groleau, Dean of Natural Sciences & Business

Brian Hextell, PMA Financial Services

Thomas Lanzara, PMA Financial Services

MOMENT OF SILENCE

Jimmie Lansford, passed away on January 15, 2022. He was appointed to the Illinois Valley Community College Board of Trustees in 1997 and served with distinction for eight years, two terms as chairman. He delivered the commencement address to our graduates in 2016 and was inducted into IVCC’s hall of fame. Mr. Solon invited everyone to join him in a moment of silence in memory of one of the college’s biggest supporters, Jimmie Lansford.

Mr. Solon informed of the following 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 Mr. McCracken and seconded by Mr. Hunt to approve the agenda.

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

PUBLIC COMMENT

Delores Robinson, English instructor featured electronics and electricity instructor and program coordinator Charles Raimondi in her monthly “Spotlight on Faculty and Students.” Ms. Robinson noted that a few years ago Mr. Raimondi began organizing enrichment programs for young people to get them interested in science, technology, engineering and mathematics and founded DeKalb STEM. The goal of DeKalb STEM is to bridge the STEM gap by getting younger kids to engage in various fun activities that are also educational and that given them a sense of the broad application of STEM in the world. Another goal is to get students to think about STEM careers through activities, mentoring and field trips.

CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS

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

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

The following items were approved in the consent agenda:

Approval of Minutes – January 13, 2022 Board Meeting.

Approval of Bills - $1,685,242.30

Education Fund - $1,325,433.61; Operations & Maintenance Fund - $96,250.60; Auxiliary Fund - $164,942.36; Restricted Fund - $42,835.74; Audit Fund - $6,500.00; Liability, Protection & Settlement Fund - $49.279.99.

Treasurer’s Report

Personnel

Approved stipends for pay periods ending January 15, 2022 and January 29, 2022 & Part-time Faculty and Staff Appointments January 2022.

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

Dr. Corcoran reported that Kaity Ritter, medical assistant program coordinator, has rescheduled her Medical Assistant Pinning Ceremony for Friday, March 18 at 6 p.m. in the Dr. Mary Margaret Weeg Cultural Centre. Seventeen graduates from 2020 and 2021 have been invited to participate. He commented to please feel free join us if you can. Dr. Corcoran informed that on January 27 several members of the college’s administration met with representatives of the Ottawa YMCA and University of Illinois Extension regarding new opportunities for partnerships once the new building is ready to go in less than two years. Dr. Corcoran noted that when one considers that the new “Y” will be literally only a stone’s throw away from the IVCC Ottawa Center, it is pretty exciting to think about what could happen as a result of more exposure to IVCC programs by the Ottawa YMCA membership base. Dr. Corcoran commented that this could also serve as a new model for YMCA and IVCC partnerships across the IVCC district. He advised to stay tuned for more to follow on that front. Dr. Corcoran informed that Paula Hallock and Leslie Hofer are happy to report that our annual recognition event is scheduled to take place at Grand Bear Lodge on Friday, April 22 from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. He noted that he realized that is 2 ½ months from now, however, pre-COVID-19, this was always one of our most enjoyable events where we honor employees for their great work, so please consider adding a placeholder to your calendar and hopefully you will be able to join us. Dr. Corcoran reported that Dr. Matt Seaton confirmed for us that the grant application for EDA support of our $4.4 million Phase 2 Agriculture Complex was submitted on February 8^th. (He noted that will be an easy date for him to remember!) With the governor’s budget proposal not including new capital construction, Dr. Corcoran expressed that we are lucky to be working with the North Central Illinois Council of Governments on this particular project, so thanks are in order to Dr. Seaton, Reed Wilson, Duane Calbow and Kevin Lindeman for their fine work on IVCC’s behalf. Dr. Corcoran reported that other highlights for community colleges from Governor Pritzker’s FY23 budget include a 5% increase in funding in base operating and equalization grants, a 5% increase for adult education and CTE education, and more money for MAP grants even for typical, community college students who are enrolled in short-term credential-programs not previously eligible for MAP financial support. Dr. Corcoran noted that although enrollments are not where he wished they were, the drop we have seen in the district population and our high schools, along with ICCB and NIU projections for these declines to continue, coupled with the COVID-19 effect need to be front and center for our planning purposes going forward. He informed, however, he was encouraged by the fine work being done by so many people across the campus, especially those who are new to the IVCC family. Dr. Corcoran noted that always a farmer and optimist at heart, he had no problem saying good things lie ahead for IVCC.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

None

TENURE RECOMMENDATIONS

Dr. Roberts noted that the tenure process requires faculty demonstrate exemplary teaching performance, contributions to the college, contribution to the community and professional involvement. Faculty employed for three consecutive years earn tenure and create a portfolio covering rigorous components of review by administration. Dr. Roberts noted that these candidates come with the unanimous recommendation from the Academic Dean, Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs, and Vice President for Academic Affairs that they be granted tenure: Nick Fish, David Garrison, Richard Marko, Amber Robertson, Tony Sondgeroth, and Stephen Gibson.

Nick Fish – Emergency Medical Services Instructor

It was moved by Ms. Goetz and seconded by Dr. Rebholz to approve the tenure for Nick Fish, Emergency Medical Services Instructor, as presented. Dean Lange informed in his tenure recommendation that Mr. Fish cares about the EMS program, the students and the impact that students have on the community. Dr. Lange noted that Nicholas has made tremendous strides in building a professional, nationally accredited EMS program and challenges students to become caring professionals by facilitating engaging learning opportunities.

Student Advisory Vote: – “Aye” – Ms. Miranda.  Roll Call Vote: “Ayes”– Mr. Hunt, Mr. McCracken, Ms. Stevenson, Dr. Rebholz, Dr. Boyles, Ms. Goetz and Mr. Solon.  “Nay” – none.  Motion carried. Mr. Fish was present virtually to share his portfolio and was congratulated by the Board of Trustees on his tenure appointment.

David Garrison – Mathematics Instructor

It was moved by Dr. Boyles and seconded by Mr. McCracken to approve the tenure for David Garrison, Mathematics Instructor, as presented. Dean Groleau noted in his tenure recommendation that a top priority for David is to ensure students will know how to apply the math being learned to future courses and their eventual professional employment. From creating discipline specific worksheets in technical math, to being the faculty sponsor for Indefinite Limit (student math club), to volunteer work in the community (Nahant Marsh Education Center), Mr. Garrison has demonstrated his commitment to the mission of IVCC, to its students, and to the surrounding community.

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

Motion carried. Mr. Garrison was present remotely to share his portfolio and celebrate his success with the Board of Trustees.

Richard Marko – Automotive Technology Instructor

It was moved by Ms. Stevenson and seconded by Dr. Rebholz to approve the tenure for Richard Marko, Automotive Technology Instructor, as presented. Dr. Lange informed  that Mr. Marko’s evaluations, items of recognition, student feedback, professional development and community service are all outstanding. Dean Lange noted one student’s comment that “it would be hard to find a teacher who is more passionate and loves his job.” Dean Lange noted that this level of passion resonates throughout Mr. Marko’s portfolio.

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

Motion carried. Mr. Marko was present remotely to share his portfolio and was congratulated by the Board of Trustees on his tenure appointment.

Amber Robertson – Nursing Instructor

It was moved by Dr. Rebholz and seconded by Ms. Goetz to approve the tenure for Amber Robertson, Nursing Instructor, as presented. Ms. Campbell noted that Amber has demonstrated that she is a teacher who cares. She cares about the students in her classroom, and she cares about the appropriateness of their education related to current demands and trends in the field of nursing.

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

Motion carried. Ms. Robertson was present virtually to share her portfolio and celebrate her success with the Board of Trustees.

Tony Sondgeroth, Welding Instructor

It was moved by Dr. Boyles and seconded by Mr. McCracken to approve the tenure for Tony Sondgeroth, Welding Instructor, as presented. Dr. Lange informed  that Mr. Sondgeroth revised the welding curriculum, creating short-term credentials for students looking to enter the work force and collaborated with community partners including businesses and labor unions. Dean Lange noted that Tony cares about the welding program, the students, and impact that students have on the community.

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

Motion carried. Mr. Sondgeroth was present virtually to share his portfolio and celebrate his success with the Board of Trustees.

Stephen Gibson – Industrial Maintenance

It was moved by Mr. McCracken and seconded by Mr. Hunt to approve the tenure for Stephen Gibson, Industrial Maintenance Instructor, as presented. Dr. Lange noted that whether it be through the one-on-one guidance that Steve provides his students in the classroom, the level of energy and excitement he brings to a Career or Manufacturing Expo, or the help he lends local industry by developing competency-based tests for their hiring processes, Mr. Gibson has clearly demonstrated his commitment to the mission of IVCC.

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

Motion carried. Mr. Gibson was present remotely to share his portfolio and was congratulated by the Board of Trustees on his tenure appointment.

RESOLUTION DESIGNATING THE FISCAL YEAR

It was moved by Ms. Stevenson and seconded by Dr. Rebholz to adopt the resolution designating the fiscal year be from July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2023 and approve the budget calendar, as presented. Student Advisory Vote: – “Aye” – Ms. Miranda.  Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Mr. Hunt, Mr. McCracken, Ms. Stevenson, Dr. Rebholz, Dr. Boyles, Ms. Goetz and Mr. Solon.  “Nay” – none.  Motion carried.

COURSE FEES/ADJUSTMENTS

It was moved by Mr. McCracken and seconded by Dr. Boyles to approve changing 114 course fees with 59 increases, 7 new courses, and the removal of course fees from 48 courses, as presented.

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

INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT FOR EXELON NEGOTIATIONS

It was moved by Ms. Goetz, seconded by Mr. Hunt to approve the intergovernmental agreement as presented to engage with other taxing bodies for negotiations with Exelon.

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

IT ASSESSMENT

It was moved by Ms. Stevenson and seconded by Dr. Rebholz to approve the bid from Moran Technology Consultants for $79,578 to complete phase 2 of a plan that will provide a robust cybersecurity review and complete programmatic review of all IT services.

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

RFP – INVESTMENT SERVICES

It was moved by Dr. Rebholz and seconded by Dr. Boyles to approve the agreement with PMA Financial Services to manage the college’s investments for an initial period of three years.

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

ITEMS FOR INFORMATION

Mr. Solon pointed out the information items on pages 71-86 of the Board book.

TRUSTEE COMMENT

Mr. Solon reminded that the President’s Evaluation and Board’s Self-Evaluation forms were emailed to Board members this week. The completed forms should be emailed to Judy Day by Friday, February 18.

CLOSED SESSION

Mr. Solon requested a motion and a roll call vote at 6:01 p.m. to enter into a closed session to discuss: 1) complaint lodged against an official or employee of the public body; 2) the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees of the public body; 3) collective negotiations; 4) security procedures, school building safety and security; and 5) closed session minutes.  Motion made by Dr. Boyles and seconded by Ms. Goetz to enter into a closed session.

Student Advisory Vote: – “Aye” – Ms. Miranda.  Roll Call Vote: “Ayes”– Mr. Hunt, Mr. McCracken, Ms. Stevenson, Dr. Rebholz, Dr. Boyles, Ms. Goetz and Mr. Solon.  “Nay” – none.  Motion carried. The Board entered closed session at 6:05 p.m.

Motion made by Dr. Rebholz and seconded by Dr. Boyles to return to the regular meeting.

Student Advisory Vote: – “Aye” – Ms. Miranda.  Roll Call Vote: “Ayes”– Mr. Hunt, Mr. McCracken, Ms. Stevenson, Dr. Rebholz, Dr. Boyles, Ms. Goetz and Mr. Solon.  “Nay” – none.  Motion carried. The regular meeting resumed at 6:35 p.m.

POSSIBLE APPROVAL OF NEGOTIATED RETIREMENT AGREEMENTS WITH FACULTY WHO PROVIDE INSTRUCTION IN THE AREA OF ENGLISH

There was no action on this item.

CLOSED SESSION MINUTES

It was moved by Ms. Goetz  and seconded by Mr. Hunt to approve and retain the closed session minutes of the January 13, 2022 Board meeting.

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

OTHER

Board members voiced that they were encouraged by the formation of the Transfer Advisory Council and looked forward to hearing more about the progress of this workgroup as it moves forward.

ADJOURNMENT

Mr. Solon declared the meeting adjourned at 6:36 p.m.