North Egypt News

Illinois Community College District No. 521 Board of Trustees met Oct. 20.

Here is the minutes provided by the board:

CALL TO ORDER

Chairman Randy Rubenacker called the regular Board of Trustees meeting to order at 6:37 PM.

Under authority of Executive Order 2020-07 President Wilkerson announced that he has determined an in-person meeting is not practical nor prudent at this time, due to the COVID-19 pandemic and recent increases in local positive cases, as well as additional mitigation efforts from the Governor’s recent announcement for Region 5.

ROLL CALL

Mr. Brian Dorris, Secretary, called the roll.

Those present were:

Dr. David Asbery (joined at 7:10pm, departed at 7:49pm)

Mr. Randall Crocker

Mr. Brian Dorris

Mr. Jeff Jones

Mr. John Kabat

Mr. Larry Manning

Mr. Randy Rubenacker

Mr. Dakota Tate (Student Trustee)

Those absent were:

None

Others present were:

Mr. Terry Wilkerson, Mrs. Angie Kistner, Mrs. Lori Ragland, Mr. Chad Copple, Mrs. Kim Wilkerson, Mr. Henry “Buster” Leeck, , Mr. Nathan Wheeler, Mr. John Gulley, Mr. Donnie Millenbine, Mr. Jaron Hubbard, Kristen Garner, Mrs. Cathy DeJarnette, Mr. Brett Herrmann, Mrs. Margo Wagner, Mrs. Bria Robinson, Mrs. Gabby Farner, Mr. Kevin Heid, Mrs. Debbie Wright, Mr. Mark Ingram, Ms. Diane Metzger, Ms. Christina Adams, Ms. Karen Moore, Ms. Vicki Downen, Ms. Teresa Zuck.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Community Member, Ms. Diane Metzger addressed the board. She stated that she has been a pool patron for several years and has been able to overcome medical issues because of her use of the pool. She emphasized the need to market the pool. She brought up development of a flyer which could be produced by Marketing or Business students. She said that patrons would be willing to do whatever is necessary to help marketing efforts.

Community Member, Ms. Debbie Wright addressed the board. She informed trustees that her group had met with senior administrators last week to discuss their proposed ideas. She elaborated on the list of ideas that the group had put together and which had been shared with the board trustees via email from Cathy DeJarnette. She again stressed the need for marketing efforts.

Community Member, Mr. Mark Ingram addressed the board. He made comments that running the pool was a lot like farming and said that there are times that you will go ahead with operations even though you know that you will lose money.

Nursing Accreditation (ACEN)

President Wilkerson noted the letter in the board packet from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) granting accreditation to the associate nursing program. He acknowledged the work of Nancy Buttry, Bria Robinson, Lori Ragland and Kim Wilkerson in this process. The programs next evaluation visit will be the Spring of 2025.

PUBLIC HEARING

President Wilkerson announced that the next item

on the agenda was a public hearing to receive public comments on the proposal to sell $5,500,000 Funding Bonds for the purpose of repaying claims against the district, consisting of the District’s outstanding Taxable Debt Certificates, Series 2020. He invited any and all public comments during the hearing; there were none. There also were no written testimony or comments provided this evening. Mr. Rubenacker asked for a motion to close the public hearing. Mr. Dorris motioned to close the public hearing, seconded by Mr. Kabat. On a roll call vote, all voted yes; Student Trustee voted yes.

MICRO-SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM PRESENTATION

Ms. Kristen Garner, Community Outreach Specialist & Junior Achievement Program Coordinator, presented materials on a Micro-Scholarship program “Raise A Warrior” that she along with some other RLC employees have been working to develop. The program would allow elementary students to start earning points/dollars, based on achievements, to go towards their college education at Rend Lake College. Parents would be responsible for setting up an account for their student and entering data which would then be confirmed with the child’s school. The tentative timeline for the program is to test the website in November, market the program to in-district schools in December, and go live in January so students can begin registering. President Wilkerson added that the program requires a financial obligation from the college, and permission to implement it would come to the board for approval in the coming months.

MOTION FOR EXECUTIVE SESSION

Chairman Randy Rubenacker asked for a motion to move into Executive Session pursuant to Section 2 (c)(1)(21). Dr. Asbery motioned; seconded by Mr. Crocker. On a roll Call vote, all voted yes. Student Trustee voted yes. The Board went into executive session at 7:28 PM.

RESUME OPEN MEETING

Chairman Randy Rubenacker asked for a motion to reopen the public meeting; Mr. Jones motioned; seconded by Student Trustee Tate. On a roll call vote, all voted yes. Student Trustee voted yes. At 7:47 PM, 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. September 15, 2020 Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes;*

2. Approve Revisions to Rend Lake College Board Policy and Procedure 4.1605 – Credit by Means Other Than Classroom Attendance*

Mr. Crocker made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda as recommended; seconded by Mr. Manning. On a roll call vote, those present voted yes. Student Trustee voted yes. Those items marked with an asterisk (*) are a part of these minutes.

NEW BUSINESS

2020 TAX LEVY (PAYABLE 2021)

Mr. Wilkerson recommended to accept/determine the 2020 Tax Levy (Payable 2021). The proposed tax levy will be filed in accord with the Truth in Taxation compliance laws.

As recommended, Dr. Asbery made a motion to accept / determine the 2020 Tax Levy (Payable 2021). The motion was seconded by Mr. Dorris. On a roll call vote, those present voted yes. Student Trustee voted yes.

APPROVE RESOLUTION SETTING FORTH AND DESCRIBING IN DETAIL CLAIMS HERETOFORE AUTHORIZD AND ALLOWED FOR PROPER COMMUNITY COLLEGE PURPOSES WHICH ARE PRESENTLY OUTSTANDING

AND UNPAID, DECLARING THE INTENTION TO AVAIL OF THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 3A OF THE PUBLIC COMMUNITY COLLEGE ACT OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, AS AMENDED, AND TO ISSUE $5,500,000 FUNDING BONDS FOR THE PURPOSE OF PAYING CLAIMS AGAINST THE DISTRICT, AND DIRECTING THAT NOTICE OF SUCH INTENTION BE PUBLISHED AS PROVIDED BY LAW

Mr. Wilkerson recommended to approve resolution setting forth and describing in detail claims heretofore authorized and allowed for proper community college purposes which are presently outstanding and unpaid, declaring the intention to avail of the provisions of Article 3A of The Public Community College Act of the State of Illinois, as amended, and to issue $5,500,000 funding bonds for the purpose of paying claims against The District, and directing that notice of such intension be published as provided by law, as presented.

As recommended, Mr. Jones made a motion to approve resolution setting forth and describing in detail claims heretofore authorized and allowed for proper community college purposes which are presently outstanding and unpaid, declaring the intention to avail of the provisions of Article 3A of The Public Community College Act of the State of Illinois, as amended, and to issue $5,500,000 funding bonds for the purpose of paying claims against The District, and directing that notice of such intension be published as provided by law, as presented. The motion was seconded by Mr. Kabat. On a roll call vote, those present voted yes. Student Trustee voted yes.

RATIFY MODIFICATIONS OF REND LAKE COLLEGE SPRING 2021 SEMESTER SCHEDULE

Mr. Wilkerson recommended to ratify modifications of the Rend Lake College Spring 2021 Semester Schedule 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 October 20, 2020.

As recommended, Mr. Manning made a motion to ratify modifications of the Rend Lake College Spring 2021 Semester Schedule 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 October 20, 2020. The motion was seconded by Mr. Dorris. On a roll call vote, those present voted yes. Student Trustee voted yes.

PERMISSION TO REPURPOSE THE REND LAKE COLLEGE AQUATIC CENTER

Mr. Wilkerson recommended to grant permission to repurpose the Rend Lake College Aquatic Center into a Conference Center / Multipurpose Meeting Space, as presented, effective October 20, 2020.

Mr. Kabat voiced that he would raise funds and do his part to keep the aquatic center open and operational. He also stated that according to the people from Mt. Vernon area that he has discussed this with, there are people that will use it in the future. He stated that there are ways to increase the usage and that we need to give more time and effort before closing the pool.

Mr. Crocker stated that he appreciated the ideas that the community offered and acknowledged the marketing failure. He stated that although there are a lot of businessmen on the board, the college is not a business. He said that the pool provides a service to the community and profitability should not be the primary reason for continuing to operate it, and he would like to continue to support it.

As recommended, Mr. Manning made a motion to grant permission to repurpose the Rend Lake College Aquatic Center into a Conference Center / Multipurpose Meeting Space, as presented, effective October 20, 2020. The motion was seconded by Mr. Dorris. On a roll call vote, Mr. Dorris, Mr. Jones and Mr. Manning voted yes. Mr. Crocker and Mr. Kabat voted no. Chairman Rubenacker abstained. Student Trustee voted no. The motion carried.

APPROVAL OF RESOURCE ALLOCATION MANAGEMENT PLAN (RAMP FY22)

Mr. Wilkerson recommended to approve the Resource Allocation Management Plan (RAMP FY22), as presented, for transmittal to the Illinois Community College Board effective October 20, 2020.

It was noted that the two projects are; Student Center Addition and Applied Science Center Addition. There is an error in the packet and the Applied Science Center project was erroneously left out.

As recommended and noted, Student Trustee Tate made a motion to approve the Resource Allocation Management Plan (RAMP FY22), as presented and noted, for transmittal to the Illinois Community College Board effective October 20, 2020. The motion was seconded by Mr. Dorris. On a roll call vote, those present voted yes. Student Trustee voted yes.

APPROVAL OF CORRECTED AMENDMENT TO AGREEMENT FOR 457(b) DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN

Mr. Wilkerson recommended to approve a corrected amendment to a 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan, as presented, effective December 1, 2020.

As recommended, Mr. Jones made a motion to approve a corrected amendment to a 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan, as presented, effective December 1, 2020. The motion was seconded by Student Trustee Tate. On a roll call vote, those present voted yes. Student Trustee voted yes.

PERSONNEL

RATIFY ACCEPTANCE OF RESIGNATION – SPECIALIST – PUBLIC INFORMATION

Mr. Wilkerson recommended to accept with regret, the resignation of Mr. Brett Herrmann, Public Information Specialist, as presented, effective October 28, 2020.

As recommended, Mr. Kabat made a motion to accept with regret, the resignation of Mr. Brett Herrmann, Public Information Specialist, effective October 28, 2020. The motion was seconded by Mr. Manning.

On a roll call vote, those present voted yes. Student Trustee voted yes.

RATIFY APPOINTMENT OF SPECIALIST – WEB & SOCIAL MEDIA

Mr. Wilkerson recommended to ratify the appointment of Mr. Sean Carley as Web & Social Media Specialist on a full-time, 50-week, non-tenure track contract at an annual salary of $31,000, effective October 07, 2020, pending a successful background check.

As recommended, Mr. Jones made a motion to ratify the appointment of Mr. Sean Carley as Web & Social Media Specialist on a full-time, 50-week, non-tenure track contract at an annual salary of $31,000, effective October 07, 2020, pending a successful background check. The motion was seconded by Mr. Manning. On a roll call vote, those present voted yes. Student Trustee voted yes.

PERMISSION TO CREATE THE POSITION, APPROVE THE

JOB DESCRIPTION, ADVERTISE FOR AND RATIFY THE APPOINTMENT OF SPECIALIST – RECRUITMENT & STUDENT SUCCESS

Mr. Wilkerson recommended to grant permission to create the position, approve the job description, advertise for and ratify the appointment of Specialist – Recruitment & Student Success at the November 17, 2020 board meeting, as presented, effective October 20, 2020.

As recommended, Mr. Dorris made a motion to create the position, approve the job description, advertise for and ratify the appointment of Specialist – Recruitment & Student Success at the November 17, 2020 board meeting, as presented, effective October 20, 2020. The motion was seconded by Mr. Jones. On a roll call vote, all voted yes. Student Trustee 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 October 20, 2020.

As recommended Mr. Manning made a motion to ratify the payment of college expenses including travel expense reimbursements as presented effective October 20, 2020. The motion was seconded by Student Trustee Tate. On a roll call vote, those present voted yes. Student Trustee voted yes.

REPORTS

ACADEMIC COUNCIL

No Report

ICCTA REPRESENTATIVE

Mr. John Kabat reported reading reports of:

• A cyber-attack at Heartland Community College

• Community College enrollment being down across the state.

• Nursing student enrollment being up at other community colleges.

REND LAKE COLLEGE FOUNDATION

Mrs. Kay Zibby-Damron reported that the foundation office has purchased new scholarship software and is working to get that implemented. November 1 is the target date to start accepting scholarship applications.

Kay also reported that the annual dinner has been cancelled this year due to COVID.

ACCREDITATION

Mr. Chad Copple reported that dates were submitted to HLC for our 4 year assurance review. That will happen sometime in December of 2022 or late Spring of 2023. There has been no word yet on the interim report that was recently submitted.

PRESIDENT’S COMMENTS

President Wilkerson stated once again how great it was to receive the ACEN accreditation, especially since the college had received word of funding for a new allied health building.

Mr. Wilkerson told board trustees that due to COVID concerns and the ever changing situation, the location of this year’s annual retreat had been changed and we would now plan to hold the retreat on campus.

He said that we will continue to evaluate and monitor the situation and may ultimately delay the retreat.

ADJOURNMENT

There being no other business, at 8:17 PM all trustees present voiced aye in favor of adjourning.

The motion to adjourn was made by Mr. Kabat and seconded by Mr. Dorris.

https://www.rlc.edu/downloads/file/1311-october-2020