Kishwaukee College Board of Trustees met Oct. 13.
Here is the minutes provided by the board:
Members present
Ken Doubler, Linda Mason, Kathy Watkins, Kathy Spears, Bobbi Burke, Robert Hammon, Robert Johnson, Dakota Montavon
Others present
Laurie Borowicz, President; Kayte Hamel, Executive Director of College Relations & Foundation; Jill Hansen, CFO; RJ McGarry, Executive Director of IT; Michelle Ohlinger, Executive Administrative Assistant to the President & Board of Trustees; Michelle Rothmeyer, Vice President of Student Services; Joanne Kantner, Vice President of Instruction; Dave Dammon, Executive Director of Campus Operations; Matthew Crull, Director of Institutional Research; Tim Anderson, Associate Professor; Chase Budziak, Dean; Barbara Leach, Associate Dean
1. Opening of the Meeting
Action, Procedural: A. Call to Order
Mr. Johnson called the meeting to order at 5:30 pm.
Procedural: B. Roll Call
Ms. Ohlinger did roll call.
2. Closed Session
Action: A. Move into Closed Session
Motion to move into closed session. Closed session began at 5:34 pm.
Motion by Bobbi Burke, second by Linda Mason.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Those voting “aye”: Ken Doubler, Linda Mason, Kathy Watkins, Kathy Spears, Bobbi Burke, Robert Hammon, Robert Johnson, Dakota Montavon
3. Public Comment
Information: A. Public Comment
None.
4. Communications
None.
5. Presentations
Presentation- Fall 2016- Fall 2020 Local High School Grad Transition Data- M. Crull
Mr. Crull shared information on the high school graduates transition rates to Kish. While the numbers are down, we continue to be approximately 3% ahead of the national benchmark.
Information: A. Audit Committee-September 24, 2019 Meeting Minutes
Mr. Johnson stated that for 3 years in a row, the College has not had any adjusting entries. Mr. Johnson stated that this is a real plus and gave kudos to Ms. Hansen and her team on a job well done. The Comprehensive Annual Financial Report will be provided at the November Board meeting.
Information: B. Executive Committee- August 25, 2020 Meeting Minutes
Information: C. Finance Committee
Report: D. Foundation Liaisons
Dr. Hamel provided the Foundation Liaison report.
Dr. Hamel shared that the Foundation received a clean audit and commended Ms. Hansen and her team on a successful audit.
The College is in the middle of the scholarship application period for Spring 2021. Currently, the Foundation has 887 applications for spring scholarships.
The Foundation sent approximately 550 targeted solicitation letters to four different audiences: current donors; fund owners; advisory committee members; and annual sponsors. The Foundation has been receiving checks from the solicitation that has been sent. The next step will be to make follow-up phone calls in the coming weeks. Dr. Hamel stated that so far the response has been very positive.
In addition, last week the Foundation mailed a thank-you card to past Gala attendees to continue to keep the event and the Foundation top of mind for this time of the year. The card provides a "gift card" to a local confectionary or bakery for them to stop in and pick up a sweet treat on us. The Foundation will share a small video on November 7th in lieu of the live Gala event.
Mr. Johnson shared a letter the Board received in regard to the Board of Trustees Endowment and the recipients that received the award. The letter will be provided to the Board at the November Board meeting.
7. Information & Reports
Report: A. Comparison of Education Fund Revenue & Expenditures: FY'20 and FY'21
Ms. Hansen stated that year-to-date revenue is ahead of year-to-date FY21 budgeted revenue, by $833,092. Year-to-date expenses are under FY21 budget.
Report: B. Dashboard Report
The Board was provided with the Dashboard report. Dr. Rothmeyer shared that 25 new applications have come in since the report.
Report: C. Facilities Report
Mr. Dammon provided the facilities report.
Mr. Dammon shared that the locker room renovations will be completed in the beginning of November. The Board will tour the new locker rooms at the November Board meeting.
Mr. Dammon updated the Board on the campus water drainage improvement project. On October 21st, Kish will be meeting with Eriksson Engineering to discuss the process of examining and engineering the water drainage on our campus and to create and bring forward design improvements to the drainage plan and system.
The Board was provided with an update on the sewer plant project. The Board was provided with a memo from Derek Wold, Baxter and Woodman Consulting Engineers, that summarizes the condition of our current sewer plan.
The demolition of the previous copy center and campus operation's area has begun in preparation for the renovations and move of the Early Learning Center.
Mr. Johnson stated that there has been a lot of effort with Joyce Nardulli and the Kishwaukee Water Reclamation District to try to make something happen quickly in terms of grant money. Grants for budget line items are still a possibility. Mr. Johnson stated that the College is at the point where something needs to be done quickly. Our current plant is over 50 years old, and functioning, but our timeline is reasonably short. The College's does not produce enough flow to DeKalb, to have our own sewer line. We have agreed to a final decision date of June 1, 2020 with KWRD and Village of Malta.
Report: D. Personnel Report
The Board was provided with the personnel report.
Report: E. FOIA Report
The Board was provided with the FOIA report.
Report: F. IT Update
The Board was provided with the IT Update.
The College is currently online and repeating Verizon and US Cellular signals inside the main building. AT&T is working on their system and hope to have that online soon.
Report: G. 4-Year Historical Operating Funds
Ms. Hansen provided a review of the 4-year historical analysis of the end-of-the-year fund balances. The College ended the year with an $8.6 million operating fund balance. The money can be moved from the operating fund balance at any time with Board approval. Mr. Johnson suggested that Ms. Hansen bring forward a request for approval to move the money out of the operating fund balance.
Report: H. COVID-19 Financial Impact Report
The Board was provided with the COVID-19 Financial Impact Report.
Report: I. Instructional Report
The Board was provided with the Instructional Report. Dr. Borowicz stated that she thinks it is important to provide the Board with updates in curricula and program changes at the College.
8. Old Business
None.
9. New Business
Action: A. Notice of Public Hearing for 2020 Tax Levy
The College is required to publish a notice for a public hearing for the upcoming year's property tax levy. This year's public hearing will occur at the November 10, 2020 Board meeting.
Motion to close the public hearing for 2019 Tax Levy
Motion by Kathy Watkins, second by Bobbi Burke.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Those voting “aye”: Ken Doubler, Linda Mason, Kathy Watkins, Kathy Spears, Bobbi Burke, Robert Hammon, Robert Johnson, Dakota Montavon
Action: B. Approval of Audit Contract
The contract with Sikich for auditing services concluded with the FY20 audit. The proposal includes a 1% increase for FY22, and a 1% increase for FY23, with option years in FY24 and FY25 with 2% and 3% respectively. The proposal was reviewed with the audit committee on Sept 29th.
Mr. Johnson noted that it is good practice if you don't change firms, to change members within the firm periodically. Ms. Hansen stated that Sikich will be rotating their audit manager within the firm.
Motion by Kathy Watkins, second by Bobbi Burke.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Those voting “aye”: Ken Doubler, Linda Mason, Kathy Watkins, Kathy Spears, Bobbi Burke, Robert Hammon, Robert Johnson, Dakota Montavon
Action: C. Approval of PHS Project- Campus Wide Pavement Sealing, Striping, and Repairs to Driving Areas
Mr. Dammon shared that the College is in need of campus wide pavement sealing, and striping as well as repairs to driving areas. The price of the PHS project is $559,970.00.
Motion by Robert Hammon, second by Ken Doubler.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Those voting “aye”: Ken Doubler, Linda Mason, Kathy Watkins, Kathy Spears, Bobbi Burke, Robert Hammon, Robert Johnson, Dakota Montavon
Action: D. Approval of RAMP Project
Dr. Borowicz stated that this is approval is a deadline from ICCB regarding getting a project on the RAMP list. Mr. Dammon worked closely with Mr. Demonica to get something put together. In accordance with the long term planning of the College, and the need to reduce the costs associated with the amount of space we maintain and use, the project would; move ART to a remodeling area in the A1200 wing; move FLORAL to a remodeled area in the A1300 wing; and close or demolish all or part of the B1400 wing.
The cost to complete the project would be $1,050,000.00, all of which would be paid through PHS funding.
Motion by Bobbi Burke, second by Ken Doubler.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Those voting “aye”: Ken Doubler, Linda Mason, Kathy Watkins, Kathy Spears, Bobbi Burke, Robert Hammon, Robert Johnson, Dakota Montavon
Action: E. Approval of Employee Health & Dental Plan
Ms. McCluskey brought forward to the Board a recommendation from the insurance committee. The committee is not recommending any changes to the health coverage but recommending an 11% increase in premium rates for the College's medical and vision benefit and no increase to dental rates. The committee is also recommending that we change our dental carrier from Blue Cross Blue Shield to MetLife due to favorable premium and a benefit increase from $1,500 per year to $2,500 per year, as well as adding coverage for dental implants.
The health fund currently is at $1,755,419, which has fallen below the 2.1 million that is recommended for the College. The 11% increase in premium rates is a measure to increase the insurance fund balance closer to the 2.1 million dollar amount.
Motion to approve employee health and dental plan.
Motion by Kathy Watkins, second by Kathy Spears.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Those voting “aye”: Ken Doubler, Linda Mason, Kathy Watkins, Kathy Spears, Bobbi Burke, Robert Hammon, Robert Johnson, Dakota Montavon
Action: F. Approval of Board Appointment
Savannah Ilenikhena, Director, TRiO Student Support Services $41,251.80
Motion to approve employee health and dental plan.
Motion by Bobbi Burke, second by Kathy Spears.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Those voting “aye”: Ken Doubler, Linda Mason, Kathy Watkins, Kathy Spears, Bobbi Burke, Robert Hammon, Robert Johnson, Dakota Montavon
Action: G. Approval of HOR #420 Cannabis and Hemp Cultivation Certificate
Dr. Kantner stated that Sustainable Innovations Inc. located in Rockford, Illinois, invited Kish to create a partnership with our Horticulture program to train their future employees. The Certificate of Cannabis and Hemp Cultivation, stacks into the degree of HOR 402 Horticulture Greenhouse- AAS degree beginning with 2020-2021 Spring 2021 semester, to meet the needs of student in the Kishwaukee College district, as well as the region. Dr. Kantner is hopeful that this will expand enrollments in Hort.
Motion to approve HOR #420 Cannabis and Hemp Production Certificate.
Motion by Robert Hammon, second by Bobbi Burke.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Those voting “aye”: Ken Doubler, Linda Mason, Kathy Watkins, Kathy Spears, Bobbi Burke, Robert Hammon, Robert Johnson, Dakota Montavon
Action: H. Approval of Policy Manual Revision- 2.13.14.01 Sexual Harassment Policy
Dr. Hammon made a motion to approve and waive the 2nd reading.
Motion to approve policy manual revision- 2.13.14.01 Sexual Harassment Policy
Motion by Robert Hammon, second by Bobbi Burke.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Those voting “aye”: Ken Doubler, Linda Mason, Kathy Watkins, Kathy Spears, Bobbi Burke, Robert Hammon, Robert Johnson, Dakota Montavon
Action: I. Approval of Policy Manual Revision- 3.18 Student Harassment/Discrimination
Dr. Hammon made a motion to approve and waive the 2nd reading.
Motion to approve policy manual revision- 3.18 Student Harassment/Discrimination
Motion by Robert Hammon, second by Bobbi Burke.
Action: J. Approval of Travel Expenses for any Member of the Board of Trustees
2020 Virtual ACCT Leadership Congress Registration (Bobbi Burke, $312.25; Kathy Spears, $312.25; Kathy Watkins, $312.25)
Motion to approve travel expenses for any Member of the Board of Trustees.
Motion by Robert Hammon, second by Ken Doubler.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Those voting “aye”: Ken Doubler, Linda Mason, Kathy Watkins, Kathy Spears, Bobbi Burke, Robert Hammon, Robert Johnson, Dakota Montavon
Action: K. Approval of Travel Expenses that Exceed the Maximum Allowable Reimbursement
None.
Action: L. Approval of Reimbursable Expenses Because of Emergency or Other Extraordinary Circumstances
None.
10. Board Member Discussion
Information: A. 2020 ACCT Leadership Summit Debrief (10/5- 10/8)
Ms. Watkins, Dr. Burke, Ms. Spears, Dr. Borowicz provided an update from the 2020 Virtual ACCT Leadership Congress.
Ms. Watkins shared that with the new election approaching in April, a Board retreat would be beneficial for our new trustees.
Information: B. ICCTA Meeting (11/13-11/14)
Ms. Watkins expressed interest in attending the meeting in-person and will notify Ms. Ohlinger if she decides to attend. Ms. Spears suggested asking ICCTA if they would be willing to stream the ICCTA meeting virtually next month. Ms. Ohlinger will reach out to Ms. Spann, to see if that would be a possibility.
Discussion: C. Other
There will be a presentation during the November Board meeting, recognizing the 2020 ICCTA Lifelong Learner award recipient. Representatives from ICCTA, along with the recipient will be in attendance.
Future Board Executive Committee meetings and regular Board meetings will take place in the Conference Center dining room beginning with October 29th.
Kody's Cupboard opened up a month ago, and have weekly drive-up pickups and still accepting donations.
Mr. Johnson shared that Board is pleased to hear that Dr. Borowicz withdrew her application for a Presidency in Wisconsin, and has decided to stay at Kish. The Board is in the process of negotiating a new contract with Dr. Borowicz. The new contract will come to the Board for approval at the November Board meeting.
11. Consent Agenda
Action (Consent): A. Board of Trustees September 8, 2020 Meeting Minutes
Resolution: Motion to approve consent agenda item.
Motion to approve consent agenda item.
Motion by Kathy Watkins, second by Linda Mason.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Those voting “aye”: Ken Doubler, Linda Mason, Kathy Watkins, Kathy Spears, Bobbi Burke, Robert Hammon, Robert Johnson, Dakota Montavon
Action (Consent): B. Summary and Report of Budgetary Revenues and Expenditures
Resolution: Motion to approve consent agenda item.
Motion to approve consent agenda item.
Motion by Kathy Watkins, second by Linda Mason.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Those voting “aye”: Ken Doubler, Linda Mason, Kathy Watkins, Kathy Spears, Bobbi Burke, Robert Hammon, Robert Johnson, Dakota Montavon
Action (Consent): C. Accounts Payable Recap
Resolution: Motion to approve consent agenda item.
Motion to approve consent agenda item.
Motion by Kathy Watkins, second by Linda Mason.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Those voting “aye”: Ken Doubler, Linda Mason, Kathy Watkins, Kathy Spears, Bobbi Burke, Robert Hammon, Robert Johnson, Dakota Montavon
Action (Consent): D. Investment Report
Resolution: Motion to approve consent agenda item.
Motion to approve consent agenda item.
Motion by Kathy Watkins, second by Linda Mason.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Those voting “aye”: Ken Doubler, Linda Mason, Kathy Watkins, Kathy Spears, Bobbi Burke, Robert Hammon, Robert Johnson, Dakota Montavon
12. Student Representative's Report
Report: A. Student Representative's Report
The Board was provided with the Student Representative's Report. The Student Involvement newsletter will be shared with the Board each month.
Mr. Montavon shared that he has decided to graduate in December and end his term as Student Trustee. Mr. Montavon extended a huge thank you to the Board, and shared that he has learned so much during his time on the Board. Dr. Rothmeyer shared that a new student has agreed to take over the role of Student Trustee. The Recognition of Outgoing Student Trustee and Seating of New Trustee will take place during the December Board meeting.
13. President's Report
Report: A. President's Report
The Board was provided with the President's Report.
Dr. Borowicz shared the Equity Statement has been added to the Welcome Signs at door 6 and 61. It is important that everyone recognizes that Kish is committed to our equity initiative.
Dr. Borowicz stated that the Spring semester will look like Fall. We have asked faculty volunteers to pilot 5 entry level math courses in the Spring face-to-face. Specific classrooms, and safety measures will be in place for the piloted classes. We have also reached out to Biology, to see if they would be interested in doing some classes face-to-face as well.
The Senior Leadership Team did a first look at the FY22 budget. One of the first assumptions is no tuition increase. Dr. Kantner and her team are looking at course fees, and making sure that fees that are charged to our students, are warranted. As we have been discussing, we were very conservative in our budgeting this year, especially not knowing what would happen due to COVID. We are going into FY22 budget looking very healthy, which is good news for all of us, our employees and our communities.
14. Adjournment
Action, Procedural: A. End of Meeting
With no further business to discuss, the meeting concluded at 7:42 pm.
Motion to adjourn the meeting.
Motion by Kathy Watkins, second by Linda Mason.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Those voting “aye”: Ken Doubler, Linda Mason, Kathy Watkins, Kathy Spears, Bobbi Burke, Robert Hammon, Robert Johnson, Dakota Montavon
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