September 2009 Board Report

By combining the best of two building projects into a Community Technology Center, Illinois Valley Community College will save local taxpayers nearly $6 million in matching funds, President Jerry Corcoran said Thursday at the monthly board meeting.

Having applied for a total of $37.7 million in state funding for two projects — a Technology and Workforce Development Center and a Community Instructional Center — the local matches would have totaled $13.2 million, Corcoran said.

After conferring with Sen. Gary Dahl, Rep. Frank Mautino, Congresswoman Debbie Halverson, former congressional aid Reed Wilson and representatives from the Illinois Community College Board and Illinois Economic Development Administration, IVCC chose another route.

"We decided to aggressively pursue funding for one building that would incorporate the most critical features of both buildings into the Community Technology Center," said Corcoran.

"And now, because of the leadership demonstrated by Sen. Dahl, Rep. Mautino, the board and administration, we find ourselves nailing down plans for one carefully-crafted building and construction plan that is both cost effective and strategic, with the local obligation being $7.4 million, a savings of $5.8 million," Corcoran said before adding, "Keep in mind friends, the funding is limited."

Dahl and Mautino attended the meeting and each received a certificate of appreciation.

The board’s facilities committee will meet with the college’s architects at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 13 to sort through options and prioritize needs for the CTC.

The board heard a "campus update" on Project Success, IVCC’s federally-funded program serving 160 low-income, first-generation and learning or physically disabled students. Program coordinator Chris Herman said the program provides counseling, academic workshops, visits to state universities and one cultural event trip each semester.

The board later approved a $10,000 annual commitment to support the program from 2011 to 2016.

The board also approved:

  • A resolution urging Gov. Pat Quinn and the General Assembly to restore full funding for the Illinois Monetary Award Program (MAP) for the spring semester. With 727 IVCC students qualifying for MAP awards this fall, the proposed cuts could cost those students $400,000 in spring aid. However, Corcoran said he is confident full funding will be restored due to an unprecedented groundswell of support across the state.
  • The purchase of 200 tons of rock salt, elevator maintenance and janitorial and print supplies from various vendors for a total of $99,075 and the seeking of bids for a 36-month lease on a 12-passenger athletic van.
  • Reinstated eight full-time instructors and staff at Sheridan Correctional Center following confirmation of funding from the Illinois Department of Corrections. In addition, the board ratified a one-year contract with the American Federation of Teachers Local 1810 representing the Sheridan employees.
  • Upgrading the training specialist position within the Business Training Center from part-time to full-time.
  • Protection, Health and Safety projects totaling $1.76 million for remodeling of the 36-year-old biology lab and the replacement of aging aluminum wiring, electrical panels and transformers.