DeKalb Times

Kishwaukee College Board of Trustees Met Dec. 8.

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; Chase Budziak, Dean; Niki Criswell Faculty; Barbara Leach, Associate Dean; Bill Nicklas, City Manager of DeKalb (left meeting at 6:17 pm) ; Jud Curry, Assistant Vice President of Instruction; Anne-Marie Green, Dean; Pernevlon Ellis, Interim Associate Dean; Ahmed Elfaki, Student

1. Opening of the Meeting

Procedural: A. Call to Order

Mr. Johnson called the meeting to order at 5:30 pm.

Procedural, Information: B. Roll Call

Ms. Ohlinger did roll call.

2. Public Comment

Information: A. Public Comment

3. Communications

The Board received a thank-you card from outgoing student trustee, Dakota Montavon.

4. Presentations

Presentation: A. FY20 Databook- M. Crull

Mr. Crull presented an overview of the FY20 Kish Databook.

Dr. Borowicz stated that the Databook is our driver, and identifies areas where we need to continue to improve, and where we do well at Kish. The information helps set our College goals.

The Board was presented with the FA2011 to FA2020 enrollment change. Overall, the College declined over the last 9 years by approx. 50%. The majority of the decline (68.7%) has occurred within our students that have graduated in out-of-district schools. This has been especially significant for Kish as we are unable to recruit outside our district.

5. Committee Reports

Report: A. Audit Committee

Report: B. Executive Committee- Minutes of October 27, 2020 Meeting

Report: C. Finance Committee

Report: D. Advisory Committee

The Board was provided with advisory committee minutes.

Ms. Watkins was very impressed with the concern and care after reading the advisory committee meeting minutes.

Report: E. Foundation Liaisons

Dr. Hamel provided the Foundation Liaisons report.

Scholarships for the Spring 2021 semester have been awarded. The Foundation received 323 unduplicated applications, down just over one percent from last year. Overall, 212 students were awarded at least one scholarship, totaling $184,284.

The Fundraising & Events Committee will be meeting on December 10 to review and discuss the 2021 calendar of events and fundraising initiatives.

Dr. Hammon noted communication in the local newspaper and congratulated the Foundation on 50 years.

The Foundation Board recognized Dr. Nicklas for serving on the Foundation Board. Mr. Johnson thanked Dr. Nicklas for everything he has done for our students and the Foundation.

Dr. Hamel gave kudos to Tricia Meyers, and the great work she is doing with the Foundation scholarships and the further development of the program.

In appreciation of Dr. Nicklas's time and schedule, Mr. Johnson made a recommendation to the Board, to reorientate the agenda item- New Business: Agenda A. Approval of Intergovernmental Agreement Relating to Tax Increment Financing Districts- City of DeKalb, to follow Report: E. Foundation Liaisons

Action: A. Approval of Intergovernmental Agreement Relating to Tax Increment Financing Districts- City of DeKalb

Dr. Nicklas presented the Intergovernmental Agreement relating to tax increment financing districts- City of DeKalb. Dr. Nicklas mentioned how valuable Mr. Johnson's participation was in the draft of the Intergovernmental Agreement for the City of DeKalb. His support for consensus made a big difference.

The IGA proposes what is to come with the new TIF 3. There is to be a revenue sharing agreement. TIF 3 is a shadow of the original TIF. The College receives approx. 5.5% of the total tax bill, and the idea is to fairly distribute the surplus of TIF 3 beginning in 2022.

Mr. Johnson stated that there have been conversations with Kish's legal counsel and as Chairman of the Board of Trustees, I want the public to know that our College Administration, our College Attorneys and members of our Board have reviewed the IGA and the extensive exhibits which include a forensic assessment report of the City of DeKalb’s TIF districts by the accounting firm, Ernst and Young. In this Report, Ernst and Young identifies and discusses many irregularities with the City’s TIF districts. We also have participating in many meetings with the City and other taxing districts about these TIF districts. We want the public to know that our Administration and the Board are aware of the irregularities discussed in the Ernst and Young report. However, we are making a decision to move forward in the interest of intergovernmental cooperation and the good of our taxpayers by recommending approval this IGA. We seek to put past problems behind us and proceed with the TIF districts and the development opportunities within the TIF district that ultimately will benefit the College and its taxpayers. Going forward, we and the other taxing districts will carefully monitor the City’s administration and operation of these TIF districts to make sure that the City is complying with all the legal requirements for the TIF districts.

Motion to approve Intergovernmental Agreement Relating to Tax Increment Financing Districts- City of DeKalb with understanding of Board Chair Bob Johnson's statement.

Motion by Kathy Watkins, second by Robert Hammon.

Final Resolution: Motion Carries

Those voting “aye”: Ken Doubler, Linda Mason, Kathy Watkins, Kathy Spears, Bobbi Burke, Robert Hammon, Robert Johnson, Dakota Montavon

Dr. Nicklas left the meeting at 6:17 pm.

6. Information & Reports

Report: A. Comparison of Education Fund Revenue & Expenditures: FY'20 and FY'21

Ms. Hansen provided the comparison of education fund revenue & expenditures for FY'20 and FY'21.

Report: B. Dashboard Report

The Board was provided with the dashboard report.

Report: C. Facilities Report

There was no facilities report.

Mr. Dammon shared that Kish received the Early Learning Center grant in the amount of $225,000 from the State. Due to the fiscal year the grant was approved, we were able to go back to 2019 and apply previous project dollars spent toward the grant.

Report: D. Grant Report

None.

Report: E. Personnel Report

The Board was provided with the personnel report.

Information: F. IT Update

The Board was provided with IT update.

Notification of purchases exempt from Competitive Bid per Purchasing Policy 5.11 exemption f. CDWG – Aruba Core Network Switches - $115,863.04.

Dr. Borowicz stated that IT is working hard implementing additional security measures at the College.

Report: G. FOIA Report

None.

Report: H. Instructional Report/FA20 Overload Compensation

Dr. Kantner stated that ICCB and HLC has approved the HOR #420 Cannabis and Hemp Cultivation Certificate beginning with Spring 2021. This program is designed to prepare students for careers in the cannabis and hemp industry.

Loyola University and Kishwaukee College have approved a new transfer agreement into the music program, including acceptance of Fundamentals of Music, Music Theory, and three applied music instrument performance courses.

The report is for informational purposes only, and is important for Board members to see the status of overloads each semester.

The Board reviewed the FA20 Overload Compensation Report. This will be presented each semester to the Board for information purposes going forward.

Report: I. COVID-19 Financial Impact Report

Ms. Hansen presented the COVID-19 financial impact report. The Board was updated with the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases, as reported on the College website.

Report: J. 3 Year CTE Program Financial Analysis

Dr. Borowicz stated as a follow-up to per last month's discussion, the document is presented for review. The documents provides a three-year trend of revenues for all career technical education programs at the College.

7. Old Business

None.

8. New Business

Action: B. Approval of 2nd Half FY21 ICCTA Dues

FY21 Illinois Community College Trustees Association Dues- 2nd Half $5,342.00

Motion to approve 2nd half FY21 ICCTA dues.

Motion by Robert Hammon, 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: C. Approval of Spring 2021 Relief Scholarship

Dr. Borowicz stated that the Spring 2021 Relief Scholarship is to encourage additional student enrollment. The College is offering a $500 scholarship to any student enrolled in 12 or more credits for the spring semester. Student do not need to apply, but be registered for 12 hours by January 18th.

Mr. Montavon stated that this scholarship would impact his decision and presumably other students decisions on whether to attend Kish or not. Mr. Montavon shared that $500 would go a long way.

Motion to approve Spring 2021 Relief Scholarship.

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: D. Approval of College Calendar 2022-2023

Motion to approve College Calendars 2022-2023.

Motion by Kathy Spears, second by Kathy Watkins.

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 KCSS 2020-2021 MOU Supplemental Retirement Plan- Extension

Ms. McCluskey stated that the College had been requested by KCSS to offer an additional date of retirement. The MOU between Kishwaukee College and the Kishwaukee College Support Staff (KCSS) is to offer an additional incentive to KCSS employees submitting an irrevocable retirement letter by December 9, 2020 and retiring by December 31, 2020 as Option 1, or submitting an irrevocable retirement letter by February 1, 2021 and retiring by June 30, 2021 as Option 2.

Motion to approve KCSS 2020-2021 MOU Supplemental Retirement Plan-extension.

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: F. Approval of KCEA Reimbursement of Expenses Related to Remote Delivery of Instruction for Spring 2021

Ms. McCluskey stated the KCEA has requested a stipend of $75 per month for the period of January 1, 2021 through May 31, 2021 (payable in a one-time lump sum payment of $375.00)

Dr. Borowicz mentioned that previously the agreement was $50 dollars, but due to tax implications, the College agreed to increase the amount.

Motion to approve KCEA reimbursement of expenses related to remote delivery of instruction for Spring 2021

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: G. Approval of KCAEA Spring 2021 Remote Work Expense Stipend

The College agrees to pay KCAEA bargaining unit members a stipend of $50.00 per month for each month they are teaching, for the time period beginning January 19, 2021 and planning through the time period in which the College is operational, but the majority of the unit will be working remotely.

Motion to approve KCAEA Spring 2021 Remote Work Expense Stipend.

Motion by Ken Doubler, 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: H. Approval of Employment Contract

Adam Gisseler, Manager of Financial Aid & Veterans Affairs- $30,275.00

Motion to approve employment contract.

Motion by Kathy Spears, 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 Board Appointment

Joseph Przybyla, Full-Time Tenure Track Criminal Justice Faculty $49,200.00

Motion to approve Board appointment.

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: J. Approval of Travel Expenses for any Member of the Board of Trustees

None

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

9. Board Member Discussion

Discussion: A. ICCTA Meeting Debrief (11/13-11/14)

Ms. Watkins provided an update from the ICCTA meeting debrief.

Information, Discussion: B. 2021 ACCT Legislative Summit (2/8-2/10)- Virtual

Ms. Watkins and Mr. Johnson mentioned that they had interest in attending and will let Ms. Ohlinger know by the January Board of Trustees meeting.

Information: C. Review of ICCTA Awards

The board was provided with a suggested list of ICCTA award nominations.

Discussion: D. Other

None

10. Consent Agenda

Action (Consent): A. Board of Trustees November 10, 2020 Meeting Minutes

Resolution: Motion to approve consent agenda item.

Motion to approve consent agenda item.

Motion by Kathy Watkins, second by Robert Hammon.

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 Robert Hammon.

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 Robert Hammon.

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 Robert Hammon.

Final Resolution: Motion Carries

Those voting “aye”: Ken Doubler, Linda Mason, Kathy Watkins, Kathy Spears, Bobbi Burke, Robert Hammon, Robert Johnson, Dakota Montavon

11. Student Representative's Report

Report: A. Student Representative's Report

The Board was provided with the Student Representative's Report.

Mr. Montavon noted that he attended a virtual painting event, provided by TRiO.

Mr. Montavon thanked the Board, and wished best of luck to new student trustee, Ahmed Elfaki.

12. Seating of New Student Trustee

The Board of Trustees welcomed Mr. Ahmed Elfaki to the Board. Mr. Elfaki and the Board of Trustees exchanged brief introductions. The Board looks forward to working with Mr. Elfaki in his role as the Student Trustee.

13. President's Report

Report: A. President's Report

The Board was provided with the President's report.

Dr. Borowicz shared that on January 11th she will be celebrating 5 years at Kish. Dr. Borowicz will host a Town Hall on January 11th, beginning at 1:00 pm via Zoom.

Dr. Borowicz is proud to continue serving in her role as President at Kish.

14. Adjournment

Action, Procedural: A. End of Meeting

With no further business to discuss, Mr. Johnson asked to adjourn the meeting at 7:17 pm.

Motion to adjourn the meeting.

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