Illinois Community College District No. 521 Board of Trustees met July 14.
Here is the minutes provided by the board:
Online Zoom Meeting
(as authorized by Executive Order 2020-07)
CALL TO ORDER Chairman Randy Rubenacker called the regular Board of Trustees meeting to order at 6:35pm.
ROLL CALL Mr. Brian Dorris, Secretary, called the roll.
Those present were:
Dr. David Asbery
Mr. Randall Crocker
Mr. Brian Dorris (left the meeting at 8:20pm)
Mr. Jeff Jones
Mr. John Kabat
Mr. Larry Manning (arrived at the meeting at 6:47pm)
Mr. Randy Rubenacker
Those absent were:
Mr. Dakota Tate (Student Trustee)
Others present were:
Mr. Terry Wilkerson, Mrs. Angie Kistner, Mrs. Lori Ragland, Mr. Chad Copple, Mrs. Kim Wilkerson, Mr. Henry “Buster” Leeck, Mrs. Kay Zibby-Damron, Mr. Nathan Wheeler, Mr. Brett Herrmann, Mr. John Gulley, Mrs. Amy Newell, Mr. Donnie Millenbine, and Mrs. Cathy DeJarnette, Mr. Joe Irvin, Mr. Rob Little
Under authority of Executive Order 2020-07 President Wilkerson announced that he has determined an in-person meeting is not practical or prudent at this time, due to the
COVID-19 pandemic and recent increases in local positive cases.
GENERAL INFORMATION
ANNOUNCEMENTS
1. Thursday, September 10, 2020 *tentative Annual RLC Foundation Golf Outing
Rend Lake Golf Course
MOTION FOR EXECUTIVE SESSION
Chairman Randy Rubenacker asked for a motion to move into Executive Session pursuant to Section 2 (c)(1)(21). Dr. David Asbery motioned; seconded by Mr. Randall Crocker. On a roll call vote, all voted yes. The board went into executive session at 6:40 PM.
RESUME OPEN MEETING
Chairman Randy Rubenacker asked for a motion to reopen the public meeting; Mr. John Kabat motioned; seconded by Mr. Randall Crocker. On a roll call vote, all voted yes. At 7:32PM, Chairman Rubenacker reconvened the open session of tonight’s meeting.
CONSENT AGENDA
Mr. Wilkerson recommended approving the Consent Agenda, which included the following items:
1. June 9, 2020 Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes;*
2. June 9 , 2020 Executive Session Meeting Minutes;*
3. Permission to Create Rend Lake College Policy & Procedure 3.1016 – Terms of Working Remotely for Full-Time Employees (SECOND READING);*
4. Approval of Revisions to Rend Lake College Policy 3.1110 - Computation of Hourly Rate of Pay for Part- Time Employees (SECOND READING);*
5. Approval to Destroy Closed Session Tapes;*
6. Approval to Release Closed Session Minutes*
Dr. David Asbery made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda as recommended; seconded by Mr. Brian Dorris. On a roll call vote, those present voted yes. Those items marked with an asterisk (*) are a part of these minutes.
NEW BUSINESS
RATIFY APPROVAL OF REND LAKE COLLEGE COVID-19 PLAN
Mr. Wilkerson recommended to ratify approval of the
Rend Lake College COVID-19 Plan as presented and authorize Administration to temporarily suspend programs and activities when appropriate in responding to COVID-19. It is understood that this plan is fluid and may change based on new guidance or developments with the pandemic, effective July 14, 2020.
Mr. Wilkerson and Lori Ragland reviewed the COVID- 19 Plan details with the Board of Trustees.
As recommended, Mr. Jeff Jones made a motion to grant permission to ratify approval of the Rend Lake College COVID-19 Plan, as presented, and authorize Administration to temporarily suspend programs and activities when appropriate in responding to COVID- 19. It is understood that this plan is fluid and may change based on new guidance or developments with the pandemic, effective July 14, 2020. The motion was seconded by Mr. Larry Manning. On a roll call vote, those present voted yes.
APPROVAL OF REVISIONS TO COLLEGE GENERAL EDUCATION STATEMENT
Mr. Wilkerson recommended to review and accept the College General Education Statement as presented, effective July 14, 2020.
As recommended Mr. Larry Manning made a motion to review and accept the College General Education Statement as presented, effective July 14, 2020. The motion was seconded by Mr. Jeff Jones. On a roll call vote, those present voted yes.
ANNUAL REVIEW AND ACCEPTANCE OF COLLEGE MISSION STATEMENT AND MISSION DOCUMENT
Mr. Wilkerson recommended to review and accept the College Mission Statement as well as the Mission Document, as provided, effective July 14, 2020.
As recommended, Mr. Brian Dorris made a motion to review and accept the College Mission Statement as well as the Mission Document as provided, effective July 14, 2020. The motion was seconded by Dr. David Asbery. On a roll call vote, those present voted yes.
APPROVAL OF 2020 – 2021 HANDBOOKS (TO BE PROVIDED)
Mr. Wilkerson recommended to approve the 2020- 2021 handbooks listed below as provided, effective July 14, 2020.
Police Department JCA Compliance Policy Handbook
Student Athlete Handbook
Intercollegiate Club Athletics Handbook
As recommended, Dr. David Asbery made a motion to approve the 2020-2021 Handbooks, as provided, effective July 14, 2020. The motion was seconded by Mr. John Kabat. On a roll call vote, those present voted yes.
APPROVAL OF JOINT AGREEMENT FOR DUAL CREDIT EDUCATIONAL COOPERATION BETWEEN REND LAKE COLLEGE, DISTRICT #521 and JOHN A. LOGAN COLLEGE, DISTRICT #530
Mr. Wilkerson recommended to approve the updated Joint Agreement for Dual Credit Educational Cooperation between Rend Lake College, District #521 and John A. Logan College, District #530, effective Fall 2020 Semester.
As recommended, Mr. Larry Manning made a motion to approve the updated Joint Agreement for Dual Credit Educational Cooperation between Rend Lake College, District #521 and John A. Logan College, District #530, effective Fall 2020 Semester. The motion was seconded by Mr. Randall Crocker. On a roll call vote, those present voted yes.
APPROVAL OF REVISIONS TO REND LAKE COLLEGE POLICY AND PROCEDURE 2.1200 – ADDRESSING
DISCRIMINATION AND HARASSMENT (TO INCLUDE SEXUAL ASSAULT, SEXUAL MISCONDUCT, SEXUAL VIOLENCE, DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, DATING VIOLENCE AND STALKING)
(FIRST READING)
Mr. Wilkerson recommended to approve revisions to Rend Lake College Policy and Procedure 2.1200 – Addressing Discrimination and Harassment (to Include Sexual Assault, Sexual Misconduct, Sexual Violence, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence and Stalking), First Reading, as presented, effective August 11, 2020
As recommended Mr. John Kabat made a motion to approve revisions to Rend Lake College Policy and Procedure 2.1200 – Addressing Discrimination and Harassment (to Include Sexual Assault, Sexual Misconduct, Sexual Violence, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence and Stalking), First Reading, as presented, effective August 11, 2020. The motion was seconded by Mr. Randall Crocker. On a roll call vote, those present voted yes.
PERSONNEL
RATIFY THE ACCEPTANCE OF RESIGNATION, HEAD SOFTBALL COACH
Mr. Wilkerson recommended to accept with deep regret, the resignation of Mr. Dave Ellingsworth, Head Softball Coach, effective July 17, 2020. Dave has been a staple at Rend Lake College for over 43 years both as a faculty member and as Head Softball Coach for 27 seasons.
As recommended, Mr. John Kabat made a motion to accept with deep regret the resignation of Mr. Dave Ellingsworth, Head Softball Coach, effective July 17, 2020. Dave has been a staple at Rend Lake College for over 43 years both as a faculty member and as Head Softball Coach for 27 seasons. A motion was seconded by Mr. Jeff Jones. On a roll call vote, those present voted yes.
PERMISSION TO CREATE THE POSITION, APPROVE THE JOB DESCRIPTION, ADVERTISE FOR AND RATIFY THE APPOINTMENT OF APPRENTICESHIP COORDINATOR
Mr. Wilkerson recommended to grant permission to create the position, approve the job description, advertise for and ratify the appointment of Apprenticeship Coordinator at the August 11, 2020 board meeting, effective July 14, 2020.
As recommended, Dr. David Asbery made a motion to grant permission to create the position, approve the job description, advertise for and ratify the appointment of Apprenticeship Coordinator at the August 11, 2020 board meeting, effective July 14, 2020. The motion was seconded by Mr. Brian Dorris. On a roll call vote, those present voted yes.
APPROVAL OF RENEWAL OF PRESIDENT’S CONTRACT (FIRST READING)
Mr. Wilkerson recommended to renew his contract as President of Rend Lake College at the terms and length agreed upon between the President and the Board of Trustees per 110 ILCS 805/3-65 (FIRST READING). The contract represents a four-year term from June 30, 2020 to June 30, 2024. Per 11/3-70 ILCS, the contract in its entirety is attached for review.
As recommended, Mr. Randall Crocker made a motion to renew the contract of Mr. Terry Wilkerson as President of Rend Lake College at the terms and length agreed upon between the President and the Board of Trustees per 110 ILCS 805/3-65 (FIRST READING). The contract represents a four-year term from June 30, 2020 to June 30, 2024. Per 11/3-70 ILCS, the contract in its entirety is attached for review. The motion was seconded by Mr. Jeff Jones. On a roll call vote, those present voted yes.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
RATIFICATION OF THE PAYMENT OF COLLEGE EXPENSES INCLUDING TRAVEL EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENTS
Mr. Wilkerson recommended to ratify the payment of college expenses including travel expense reimbursements as presented effective July 14, 2020.
As recommended Mr. Brian Dorris made a motion to ratify the payment of college expenses including travel expense reimbursements as presented effective July 14, 2020. The motion was seconded by Mr. Larry Manning. On a roll call vote, those present voted yes.
REPORTS
ACADEMIC COUNCIL
Mr. Joe Irvin had no report because there had been no meetings.
ACADEMIC COUNCIL
Mr. Joe Irvin had no report because there had been no meetings.
ICCTA REPRESENTATIVE
Mr. John Kabat reported colleges are getting their plans together to resume school in the fall and RLC has worked hard putting together a solid COVID-19 plan for fall 2020. He also reported seeing information at the state level regarding FASFA and a lower number of student applications.
REND LAKE COLLEGE FOUNDATION
Mrs. Kay Zibby-Damron sadly reported the loss of Steven Beal, a Rend Lake Foundation Board Member. There are currently no funeral arrangements at this time. She will be working with Marketing to put a press release out regarding Steven’s contribution to Rend Lake Foundation and the College.
The Annual Rend Lake Foundation is tentatively being planned for September 10, 2020 at Rend Lake Golf Course. There will be extra steps taken to address participant’s safety in the light of Covid-19.
Bid opening day for the LRC building’s remodel project will be July 21, 2020.
ACCREDITATION
Mr. Chad Copple introduced Mr. Rob Little to speak regarding his report due to the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) on Sept 1, 2020. Mr. Rob Little is drafting the report on the role of Rend Lake College in a multi-cultural world. He has collected over 30 pieces of evidence for the report. He expects a positive outcome.
PUBLIC COMMENT
None.
PRESIDENT’S COMMENTS
Mr. Wilkerson highlighted that there are plans to move forward with the annual Board of Trustee’s retreat November 6th – 8th, 2020. Mrs. Cathy DeJarnette said she has contacted two locations in St. Louis, Missouri (The Four Season and The Chase Park Plaza) both places will accommodate their needs, have specified disinfecting/good health practices in place for retreats and also both offer a COVID-19 clause to allow a refund for cancelation if needed.
Mr. Wilkerson commented that the Aquatic Center pool has been drained since closing in April due to COVID-19. The intent is to look at the 22-year-old pool this summer and assess the cost to maintain and repair it for future use. Mrs. Angie Kistner supplied a financial overview of the Aquatic Center pool’s cost vs revenue. Over the last 4-5 years the pool has lost over $100,000.00 each year. The loss of funds has been contributed to a smaller population of students using the pool, and ICCB no longer allowing credit hour reimbursements. The swim team Rend Lake Otters dismantled a few years back as well. It is currently used through Community Education classes such as water aerobics. Mrs. Angie Kistner pointed out she didn’t have an exact cost for the insurance to share, but not having a pool would save Rend Lake College additional money on their insurance. Mr. Donnie Millenbine added that he has taken a good look at the Aquatic Center and pool since the pool has been drained and has found several items that would need to be addressed before opening it up again.
• Valves to drain the pool are rusted/broke and will need to be replaced.
• Sand was found on the bottom of the pool that had come from the filtration system, so new sand will need to be added.
• The 3 main pumps which are original to the pool are rusted and will need to be replaced – costing close to $50,000.00
• Cosmetically, the pool and the aquatic center area would need to be repainted, window seals are going bad, dressing rooms would need to be updated, including the rusting lockers. Most of this cosmetic work is needed due to damage from humidity and chlorine.
Overall Mr. Donnie Millenbine summarized that it could take $200,000 - $250,000 to bring the Aquatic Center and pool back up to working condition for the next ten years.
Mr. Wilkerson expressed to the board, they should start looking and discussing the future of the Aquatic Center and pool and what direction Rend Lake College wants to take going forward. He mentioned that the college has had an increase in demand from the community to use our facilities for events and has been hosting more events on campus. He suggested the Aquatic Center area could be utilized as an event center. He appreciates Rend Lake Foundation’s commitment to support the Aquatic Center and pool through the years. Mrs. Angie Kistner advised she would try to get some numbers together on how many students and community members utilize the Aquatic Center pool.
Mr. Wilkerson also wanted the Board of Trustees to be aware he would be having conversations in the near future with coaches and athletes about the challenges they may face with COVID-19 restrictions. He plans to encourage coaches to have serious conversations with their student athletes that if there are no sports, we will honor their scholarships and if they want to leave to go play for another school, we will release them from their contract.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no other business, at 8:26 PM all trustees present voiced aye in favor of adjourning.
The motion to adjourn was made by Mr. Randall Crocker and seconded by Mr. Larry Manning.
https://www.rlc.edu/downloads/file/1287-july-2020
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