Study Session. Roll Call. The following members of the Board were absent: Ms. Candace Clark and Mr. Rick J. Johnson

Transcription

1 Study Session The Meeting of the Board of Trustees of Community College District No. 511, Winnebago, Boone, DeKalb, McHenry, Ogle, and Stephenson Counties, Illinois, convened in the Woodward Technology Center, Room 141, on the main campus, on Tuesday, February 27, 2007, at 5:20 p.m. Chairperson Randy J. Schaefer called the meeting to order. Roll Call The following members of the Board were present: Mr. Ted Biondo Ms. Chris Beck Ms. Katherine Kelley Mr. Ken Nelson Dr. David Powers Mr. Randy J. Schaefer The following members of the Board were absent: Ms. Candace Clark and Mr. Rick J. Johnson Dr. Jack Becherer, Ms. Amy Diaz, Dr. Ricky Streight, Ms. Suzanne Berger, Mr. Sam Overton, Jr., and Ms. Janna Shwaiko were also present Dr. Becherer announced that he would be leaving for a trip to India on Tuesday, March 6, Suzanne Berger will be coordinating activities and will be working with Nancy Chamberlain. The agenda for the evening s meeting was discussed. Dr. Becherer reported that following the April election, Pete Kostantacos would be briefing the Board on the Illinois Open Meetings Act. Dr. Ricky Streight distributed a revised fee schedule for BR #6406, to replace the original schedule which had been included in the packets. Discussion followed regarding the process used to determine lab fees, which included input from academic directors, deans, and Mr. Sam Overton. Dr. Becherer began discussion on tuition, stressing that the college was in the process of developing a balanced budget, and is committed to additional programs such as the Literacy development, Honors, and Foundations of Excellence. Mr. Ken Nelson shared some comments from Mr. Rick J. Johnson, who was unable to attend tonight s meeting: The Board did not have enough time for review of the increase; He did not want to see a price increase in tuition, but wants to see leadership make some cuts. Further discussion followed regarding the proposed tuition increase. Board of Trustees - Minutes of February 27, 2007 Page #1 of 9 pages

2 The meeting was recessed at 6:01 p.m. Recess Regular Meeting At 6:10 p.m. Chairperson Randy J. Schaefer convened the regular meeting in WTC 117/119. Roll Call The following members of the Board were present: Mr. Ted Biondo Ms. Chris Beck Ms. Katherine Kelley Mr. Ken Nelson Dr. David Powers Mr. Randy J. Schaefer The following members of the Board were absent: Ms. Candace Clark and Mr. Rick J. Johnson Dr. Jack Becherer, President; Ms. Suzanne Berger, Vice President of Institutional Advancement and Executive Vice President of the RVC Foundation; Ms. Amy Diaz, Assoc. Vice President for Student Development; Mr. Pete Kostantacos, College Attorney; Mr. Chuck Martin, Managing Director, Human Resource Services; Mr. Mike Mastroianni, Associate Vice President, Outreach and Planning; Mr. Sam Overton, Jr., Vice President of Administrative Services; Ms. Janna Shwaiko, Office Tech; and Dr. Ricky Streight, Vice President of Academic Affairs, were also present. Minutes On a motion by Mr. Ken Nelson, seconded by Ms. Katherine Kelley, and unanimous voice vote, the minutes of January 23, 2007, and February 13, 2007, were approved. Communications and Petitions There were no communications or petitions. There were no comments to the board. Comments to the Board Recognitions Welder Donation Ron Schulz and Mike Merriman Dr. Becherer welcomed Mr. Schulz and Mr. Merriman, explaining that a piece of welding equipment had been donated which would have cost about $6,000 to purchase. Board of Trustees - Minutes of February 27, 2007 Page #2 of 9 pages

3 Mr. Ron Schulz introduced Mr. Mike Merriman who explained how Rock Valley College was fortunate enough to obtain this welder from Lincoln Electric, used for welding exotic metals. Mr. Ron Schulz updated the Board about the welding programs. Ms. Suzanne Berger commended Mr. Merriman, on behalf of the Foundation, for his efforts in receiving this donation. General Presentations Media Production Specialist Curriculum Brian Shelton Dr. Ricky Streight introduced Mr. Brian Shelton, who is the Chair for Mass Communications. Mr. Brian Shelton thanked Paulette Gilbert, Marjorie Oliver, Paula Grueder, and Greg Wear for their assistance in formulating this curriculum. This certificate is comprised of seven existing courses already included in the Associate Degree. This was the first liberal arts certificate offered at Rock Valley College. Dr. Becherer noted that certificates, imbedded in degree programs, provide an additional way for students to complete an academic program. Student Profile Report Amy Diaz Ms. Amy Diaz reviewed the spring 2007 Arts, Sciences, & Career Education (ASCE) Student Profile Report, provided by Sharla Parsons. Enrollment for daytime students was higher, and there was a slight decrease in nighttime enrollment from spring Opportunity for growth exists in on-line and weekend courses. Dr. David Powers asked about tools for student success. Ms. Amy Diaz reported that Rock Valley College now has a mandatory educational planning session. Approximately 850 individuals attended the planning session, and of those, 697 students enrolled at the college. This information will be tracked in Foundations of Excellence. Reports Vital Signs Discussion took place regarding health benefits claims, which continue to be higher than budgeted. Board Reports Board Report #6397 Claims Sheet #616 It is recommended that the Board of Trustees approve the claims sheet, from Datatel, dated February 1, 2007, totaling $1,418, Items included in the Checks Over $10,000 Report are as follows: $ 15, Ballard Companies $ 13, CDL Training Services Consulting Board of Trustees - Minutes of February 27, 2007 Page #3 of 9 pages

4 $ 12, Com Ed $ 45, Blackhawk Energy Services $ 23, CDL Training Services Consulting $ 19, Illinois Public Risk Fund $ 81, Johnson Controls $ 23, BR Bleachers $ 42, Johnson Controls $ 39, LaSalle Bank $ 47, Legat Architects $ 31, M M Computers $ 51, Norstar Heating Cooling $338, Sjostrom Sons $ 31, Target Commercial Interiors $ 51, White Industries $ 12, Com Ed $ 19, Gateway Companies $ 22, HMO Illinois $ 33, Kimco $955, TOTAL Approved on a motion by Mr. Ken Nelson, seconded by Mr. Ted Biondo, and unanimous roll call vote. Board Report #6398 Purchase Report #593 It is recommended that the Board of Trustees approve the marked items for purchase, totaling $185, Mr. Randall J. Schaefer asked about the number of contracts secured for the Starlight Theatre. Mr. Mike Mastroianni replied that we had three of the four. Approved on a motion by Ms. Katherine Kelley, seconded by Mr. Ken Nelson, and unanimous roll call vote. Board Report #6399 Personnel Report #582 It is recommended that the Board of Trustees acknowledge the items of personnel, as listed. Discussion followed regarding the length of time to reach tenure. The report was acknowledged and entered into the record. Board Report #6400 Revised Banking and Investment Policy It is recommended that the Board of Trustees approve the banking and investment policy. A motion was made by Mr. Ken Nelson to approve the banking and investment policy and seconded by Mr. Ted Biondo. Mr. Sam Overton, Jr., explained that the revised policy followed state statute. After discussion, the motion was approved by unanimous roll call vote. Board of Trustees - Minutes of February 27, 2007 Page #4 of 9 pages

5 Board Report #6401 Approval of College Master Plan It is recommended that the Board of Trustees adopt the College Master Plan. Dr. Becherer stated that Mr. Mike Mastroianni had led the college through this plan. Mr. Mike Mastroianni pointed out that this had been reviewed during the study session on January 23, Approved on a motion by Mr. Ted Biondo, seconded by Ms. Katherine Kelley, and unanimous voice vote. Board Report #6402 Student Center Improvements (second floor) It is recommended that the Board of Trustees approve the use of $100,000 RVC FY 07 Surplus/Contingency for these Student Center Improvements. Dr. Becherer explained that this was a continuation of the process, specifically addressing improvement of access for students. A motion was made by Dr. David Powers to approve the use of $100,000 RVC FY 07 Surplus/Contingency for Student Center Improvements and seconded by Mr. Ted Biondo. After discussion, the motion was approved by unanimous roll call vote. Board Report #6403 Curriculum Approval Media Production Specialist It is recommended that the Board of Trustees approve the submission of a proposal to the ICCB to approve the Media Production Specialist Certificate. A motion was made by Dr. David Powers to approve the submission of a proposal to approve the Media Production Specialist Certificate and seconded by Ms. Katherine Kelley. Dr. David Powers stated that this was a very positive thing and was much appreciated. After discussion, the motion was approved by unanimous roll call vote. Board Report #6404 Proposed Tuition Increase for FY 08 & FY 09 It is recommended that the Board of Trustees approve a $2.00 per credit hour tuition increase beginning the Interim I Session, summer 2007 and a $2.00 per credit hour tuition increase beginning the Interim I Session, summer A motion was made by Dr. David Powers to approve the recommended tuition increases for FY 07 and FY 08 and seconded by Mr. Ken Nelson. Mr. Ted Biondo reported that the Audit and Finance Committee supports this recommendation. The revenue generated is needed due to a commitment to the Honors Program, the current job study, and the increase in health care costs. Rock Valley College also ranked the second or third lowest for tuition costs compared to comparable colleges in Illinois. Mr. Ted Biondo further explained that the budget could turn negative without the tuition increase. Mr. Ken Nelson also commented that the college could be facing a budget deficit without the increase. Dr. David Powers indicated that he was not surprised by this request. Rock Valley College is attempting to be responsible in requesting gradual increases, rather than seeking a large increase at one time. Mr. Randall J. Schaefer explained his concerns: 1. Percentage of Rock Valley College graduates is decreasing; 2. The headcount/enrollment and been decreasing in the last three years; and 3. There has been no input from the students. Board of Trustees - Minutes of February 27, 2007 Page #5 of 9 pages

6 Ms. Katherine Kelley stated she saw an increase in tuition rates by 50% in the last 20 years and recommended tabling this item. Ms. Chris Beck made a motion by table this motion. Ms. Beck explained that a course schedule could be printed, saying the tuition is subject to change. This would give the Board time to receive student input and determine if a tuition increase of less than 3% is reasonable statewide. On roll call vote to table: Dr. David Powers voted no. Mr. Ken Nelson voted no. Mr. Ted Biondo voted no. The motion failed. Ms. Chris Beck voted yes. Mr. Randall J. Schaefer voted yes. Ms. Katherine Kelley voted yes. On roll call vote to approve: Dr. David Powers voted yes. Mr. Ken Nelson voted yes. Mr. Ted Biondo voted yes. The motion failed. Ms. Chris Beck voted no. Mr. Randall J. Schaefer voted no. Ms. Katherine Kelley voted no. Dr. Becherer stated that we will prepare a budget for the coming year assuming there will be no tuition increase. Board Report #6405 SSB Business Services Renovation It is recommended that the Board of Trustees approve the use of $20,000 RVC FY 07 Surplus/Contingency for these Support Services Building 1 st Floor Business Service renovations. Approved on a motion by Mr. Ken Nelson, seconded by Mr. Ted Biondo, and unanimous roll call vote. Board Report #6406 Revised Fee Schedule It is recommended that the Board of Trustees adopt the revised fee schedule for FY 08. Dr. Ricky Streight noted that he had provided an updated schedule to replace the one included in the packets. A motion was made by Mr. Ken Nelson to adopt the revised fee schedule for FY 08 and Mr. Ted Biondo seconded. After discussion the motion was approved by unanimous roll call vote. Attorney s Reports AR #176 Resolution in Support of Appeal to the State of Illinois Property Tax Appeal Board Mr. Pete Kostantacos explained that this resolution would show support to the consortium of public agencies who receive the taxes, and that this action would not cost the college money. Board of Trustees - Minutes of February 27, 2007 Page #6 of 9 pages

7 Approved on a motion by Ms. Katherine Kelley, seconded by Dr. David Powers, and unanimous roll call vote. There was no unfinished business. There was no unfinished business. Unfinished Business New Business Student Trustee Report Ms. Amy Diaz explained that Ms. Candace Clark had gone home ill for the day. Ms. Clark would present her report at the March 27, 2007, Board Meeting. Board Committees Reports Ms. Chris Beck reported on behalf of the Human Resource Committee that Mr. Scott Dettmann had explained the job study process, and was discussed at the last Human Resource Committee meeting. Ms. Chris Beck discussed Mutual Aid Agreements between Rock Valley College and municipal police departments. Ms. Chris Beck explained that the Committee met with Joe Drought to understand Rock Valley College s public safety involvement off campus and what impact that may have on campus security. She stated that she learned that if we had received a call for help, and there was only one officer here on duty, we do not respond because of our own department s needs. Ms. Chris Beck noted Mr. Rick J. Johnson s concerns, as well. Ms. Chris Beck stated that the Human Resources Committee could not make a recommendation at this time. ICCTA Report Dr. David Powers reported that the senate majority leader proposed that Board members are units of local governments and not employees. He encouraged everyone to communicate with our legislators in support of this legislation. Mr. Ted Biondo reported that, in speaking with Senators Burzynski and Syverson, he learned that the lawsuit regarding ethics may only affect DuPage County, since that s where the lawsuit was filed. There were no comments from Trustees. Trustee Comments Board of Trustees - Minutes of February 27, 2007 Page #7 of 9 pages

8 President s Comments Dr. Becherer reported: Mr. Biondo and college officials recently met with Congressman Manzullo and had an excellent discussion. A similar meeting was held with Senators Burzynski and Syverson, focusing on ACCT agenda items, AIC, Illinois Veterans Grants, and state funding support. Highlighted two newspaper articles about Rock Valley College from the Rockford Register Star, which had been distributed to the Board members. Dean Cayman, originator of the segue human transporter, will be speaking at this year s Svenson lecture Thursday, April 19. The social begins at 5:00 p.m., followed by the lecture at 6:00 p.m. This will take place at the SCCE in order to accommodate the large crowd. Trustees are encouraged to attend. Leadership is working hard on the job study, and will bring recommendations to the Board on March 27, Accolades: Accolades were distributed to the Board members. Announcements from Members of the Cabinet Mr. Sam Overton, Jr., reported that we recently received an air quality report and there have been noticeable improvements in the classrooms. Mr. Mike Mastroianni referenced the segue and explained that Dean Cayman has also invented other useful items such as IV pump for drugs and dialysis, and a wheelchair to climb stairs. Ms. Amy Diaz reported that Ms. Candace Clark would be reporting on Black History Month and Rock Valley College s Women s History Month Committee at the meeting in March. Ms. Amy Diaz noted that Spring Break will be the week of March 12, Ms. Amy Diaz reported that the Student Government Association is working well, and students are stepping up. Martha Vang is doing a great job. Ms. Suzanne Berger reported that Starry, Starry Night will be held Friday, March 16, We have received over $100,000 in sponsorship. Ms. Suzanne Berger thanked all her colleagues and the Board of Trustees for their support. Ms. Suzanne Berger also reported that the Alumni Hall of Fame will be held Sunday, April 22, 2007, to induct three people. This will be held in the PAR, from 2:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m. Next Meeting The date of the next regularly scheduled meeting is Tuesday, March 27, (business) beginning at 5:15 p.m. in the WTC in Room 141. Board of Trustees - Minutes of February 27, 2007 Page #8 of 9 pages

9 Adjournment On a motion by Mr. Ted Biondo, seconded by Dr. David Powers, and unanimous voice vote, the meeting was adjourned at 7:58 p.m. Submitted by Janna Shwaiko. Ms. Chris Beck, Secretary Mr. Randall J. Schaefer, Chair Board of Trustees - Minutes of February 27, 2007 Page #9 of 9 pages