Quincy Reporter

The Board of Trustees meeting was called to order at the Student Administrative Center, Board Room, 1301 South 48th Street, Quincy, IL 62305 at 6:00 p.m. by Mr. Andrew Sprague, Board secretary. Mr. Sprague appointed Ms. Benz assistant secretary.

2. Roll Call

Ms. Benz called roll:

Attendees: Mr. Michael Elbe, Ms. Leah Benz, Mr. Josh Welker, Ms. Tracy Orne, Ms. Tracy Hagman Dr. Laurel Klinkenberg, Mr. Bob Gough from Muddy River News, Ms. Charity Bell from WGEM, and Mr. Mike Sorensen from the Quincy Herald Whig, Mr. Phil Steinkamp, Mr. Chris Koetters, Mr. W. Dave Hetzler, Ms. L. Lewis, Ms. Kelly Lewis, Ms. Rachel Hansen, Mr. Bill LaTour, Dr. Laurel Klinkenberg, and Dr. Angela Provart, Pauley Group consultant (by Zoom).

3. Pledge of Allegiance; Mission Statement – Pledge of Allegiance was said; the mission statement of JWCC enriches lives through learning by providing accessible educational opportunities and services at an exceptional value was read by student trustee Ms. Lauren Archer.

4. Introductions - No introductions were done.

4.1 Advancement of Item 12.1 (First Closed Session)

Mr. Sprague stated Business agenda item 12.1 was being moved under item 4.1. The statement below was read:

Closed Session

A closed session will be necessary to consider the appointment and employment of a specific employee of the district, namely, the president of the College to succeed President Elbe.

Moved by: Mr. Hess

Seconded by: Ms. Hawley

Upon returning into open session Business Agenda item 12.1 was presented as a motion.

Dr. Byran Renfro joined the meeting by Zoom.

12.1 MOTION: Consideration and action on a motion to select the President of John Wood Community College to succeed President Elbe and approval of the Employment Contract of the President as presented – Dr. Bryan Renfro as the 7th president of John Wood Community College

Moved by: Dr. Greenwell

Seconded by: Ms. Hawley

Discussion:

Mr. Sprague, on behalf of the board, welcomed Dr. Bryan Renfro as the 7th president of John Wood Community College. Congratulations was extended to Dr. Bryan Renfro from all Board of Trustees and on behalf of the college community.

Dr. Renfro thanked President Elbe for his leadership of the College. He expressed it will be an honor and privilege to build upon the progress of President Elbe and the Board of Trustees. He thanked the presidential selection advisory committee, Board of Trustees and everyone who participated in the process. He stated he will work to validate their faith and earn the trust of the faculty, staff, and students.

Dr. Angela Provart and Dr. Bryan Renfro left the Zoom meeting.

5. Special Report – Truck Driver Training (TDT) report by Phil Steinkamp.

A brief informational piece was included in the table folder outlining Mr. Steinkamp’s comments below regarding the truck driver training program.

First, on February 7, 2022, regulation changes by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration were implemented on new entry level requirements for individuals seeking to obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL). These changes were made to create a baseline for all new drivers. The new regulation no longer allowed an individual to go directly to the DMV to obtain a CDL license. Further explanation of the regulation changes was shared.

Second, due to this regulation JWCC restructured our TDT program. It was recognized that a quicker option was needed for students who may already have prior experience, therefore, it was decided a change in class structure be made.

A change to the theory portion of the course from a structure to hybrid class created more time for behind the wheel training within the timeline.

Also, permitting students to progress through the class faster allows students who already have experience with driving to not be tied down for the full length of the course.

Testing of road and range skills was revised to accurately reflect what a student will experience at the DMV when testing.

Changes allowed to go from an 8-week to a 6-week course. – Success test rate at DMV increased to 83%.

Addition of a new simulator which teaches safety and wear and tear on equipment.

Third, enrollment numbers have increased 78% compared to the previous five years. Classes are being restricted to 15-18 students.

Business partnerships have also increased who are calling to train their employees.

The Board heard that future plans for the program would be to include the addition of a night/weekend class. Limited instructor hours/availability is still a major factor to add these additional classes. Refresher courses will continue to be offered for license transfers as well as offering service to other driver programs.

6. Consideration of Items from the Floor

7. Public and/or Employee Comment - None

8.1 ICCTA/West Central Region Report – Ms. Paula Hawley, ICCTA representative, Mr. Don Hess, alternate. No report. ICCTA sent an October newsletter that was included in the table folder.

8.2 Board Executive Committee Report – Ms. Diane Ary, Mr. Bob Rhea, Mr. Larry Fischer. The Executive Committee met on Thursday, October 13, 2022, at 1:30 p.m. in room C252. Mr. Bob Rhea, and Mr. Andrew Sprague, trustees participated via Zoom; Mr. Michael Elbe president, and Ms. Leah Benz, note taker were in-person. Ms. Diane Ary and Mr. Larry Fischer were absent.

October Board of Trustees Agenda items

Business items included:

Board policy revisions

Health insurance premiums

Resolution/Certificate Abating Taxes for Debt Service

Resolution/Certificate to ratify approval of and to levy tax for Protection, Health, and Safety projects

Notification of Intent to Levy Equity Adjustment

Approval of a 5-year agreement with Refreshment Services - Pepsi

Grants

Four grants included:

Illinois Community College Board grant for Adult Education & Literacy acceptance of $274,439

Illinois Green Economy Network grant for IGEN Security Lighting Upgrade project acceptance of $4,350

Illinois Board of Education grant application for GAST – Grant of Agriculture Science Teachers for $20,000

U.S. Department of Labor for Strengthening Community College Training acceptance of $540,000 over a 4-year period

Personnel items were discussed.

The committee finalized the Board retreat agenda, discussed the Board participation regarding the HLC visit on October 24 and 25, and heard TDT was the special report for October.

8.3 Board Curriculum Committee Report – No curriculum committee meeting was held for October.

8.4 Board Finance and Audit Committee Report – Dr. Randy Greenwell, Mr. Don Hess - The Finance and Audit Committee met on Thursday, October 13, 2022, at 8:00 a.m. at John Wood Community College, room, C240. Present were Dr. Randy Greenwell, and Mr. Don Hess, trustees, Mr. Josh Welker, Dean of Business Services & Institutional Effectiveness, Mr. John Reinhardt, Director of Fiscal Services, Mr. Mike Elbe, President, and Jenny Venvertloh, note taker.

Bills for Payment, Out of District Travel request, financials, board budget, president’s expense account, and investments were reviewed.

Board items discussed included the tax levy, abatement, PHS projects and health insurance premiums. The audit will be presented in November.

8.5 Student Trustee Report – Ms. Lauren Archer – Ms. Archer reported that students attended the presidential forums and participated in the feedback. L.B. Cornwell presented information to students on investments that was well received; Diversity, Equity, Inclusion week held several events; students heard a speaker from Quanada; also they visited Denman elementary school, and heard the results of the climate survey.

SGA will hold their annual “haunted trails” on October 29.

8.6 Administration Report - Mr. Elbe – The HLC reviewers were on campus Monday and Tuesday. Representatives met with trustees. In their exit interview with Cabinet Administration received good feedback. It is anticipated the College will receive a report in the next couple of months. The reviewers shared complimentary remarks from all sessions. President Elbe shared there was great attendance at the forums and good representation. Special thanks went out to student groups for their participation. Acknowledgement was given to Dr. Laurel Klinkenberg and Mr. Josh Welker as the co-chairs as well as to all who spent many hours in preparation. Many employees worked long hours to ensure this was a successful visit.

President Elbe shared two good events were held highlighting the College; Makerfest at the Workforce Development Center on October 20 and the Foundation Scholarship Banquet on October 25.

9. Consent Agenda

Consent business

9.1 Request approval of 09.21.22 regular meeting minutes, 10.03.22, 10.10,22, and 10.12.22 presidential meeting minutes, and 10.17. 22 retreat minutes

9.2 Request approval of bills for payment for September payment Finance and Audit Committee

9.3 Request approval of monthly financial statements for September Finance and Audit Committee

9.4 Request approval of trustee and employee travel expenditures for September Finance & Audit Committee

9.5 Request approval of an Agreement and Mortgage relating to the Workforce Development Center as required by the United States Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration (EDA), Chicago Regional Office, grant under the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. § 3121 et seq.) (PWEDA) pursuant to a Financial Assistance Award dated May 27, 2021 and bearing EDA Award No. 06-79-06291

MOTION: Request approval of the consent agenda items

Moved by: Mr. Bob Rhea

Seconded by: Dr. Randy Greenwell

Discussion: Item 9.5 was discussed in length. Mr. Rapp, legal counsel, shared that this request and document was dictated by the EDA per the grant and related statutory and regulatory provisions. This is a lien for the grant plus interest. If the property is sold, a prorated amount must be repaid based on the property value. After 20 years, the lien is released as stated in the Mortgage document.

10. Grant Items - All grants were proposed in one motion item 10.

10.1 MOTION: Authorization of acceptance of grant funds from Illinois Community College Board for Adult Education and Literacy grant RE: AMOUNT: $274,439

Moved by: Ms. Hawley

Seconded by: Mr. Hess

Discussion: Adult Education & Literacy grant provides instruction and support services that create pathways for adult learners to obtain knowledge and skills necessary for employment and self-sufficiency; attain a high school equivalency credential and transition to post-secondary education and training; and assist English language learners in improving their reading, writing, speaking, and math skills.

10.2 MOTION: Authorization of acceptance of grant funds from Illinois Green Economy Network (IGEN) for IGEN Security Lighting Upgrade project RE: AMOUNT: $4,350

Discussion: Security Lighting Upgrade Project- Exterior Security Lighting Upgrade Project will include new efficient LED wall pack security lights, under-canopy security LED lights in the loading dock area, and exit door LED security lights.

10.3 MOTION: Authorization to submit a grant application to Illinois Board of Education for the (GAST) Grant of Agriculture Science Teachers RE: AMOUNT: $20,000

Discussion: This grant application is for a 1 year $20,000 grant to be used to recruit, develop, and retain high school-based agricultural education teachers. Funds can also be used for faculty education and other training for students that will enhance their interest in pursuing careers in AG education. Funds also cover travel for student ambassadors to attend job fairs or other AG events where high school student recruitment is possible.

10.4 MOTION: Authorization of acceptance of grant funds from U.S. Department of Labor for Strengthening Community College Training Grants RE: Amount: $540,000 over a 4-year period for JWCC

Discussion: The second round of the Strengthening Community Colleges Training Grants Program (referred to as Strengthening Community Colleges or SCC2) builds the capacity of community colleges to address identified equity gaps and meet the skill development needs of employers in in-demand industries and career pathways leading to quality jobs. The focus of the Illinois grant application will be competency-based education for information technology and advanced manufacturing.

11. Personnel Items

11.1 MOTION: Authorize to employ new staff and faculty, accept resignations, retirements, terminations, and implement status changes as presented

Moved by: Ms. Hawley

Seconded by: Dr. Greenwell

Discussion:

12. Business

12.1 MOTION: Selection of a President and Employment Contract – see item 4 on agenda

MOTION: Request authorization to remove item 12.2 from the September Board of Trustees meeting off the table in regard to Board policy revisions.

Moved by: Dr. Greenwell

Seconded by: Mr. Hess

Discussion:

12.2 MOTION: Request approval to revise Board policies presented (tabled from September 2022) which includes the recommendation that all policies be reviewed every three years – Mr. Fischer, Ms. Hawley, Dr. Greenwell – 2022 sub-committee members

Moved by: Dr. Greenwell

Seconded by: Ms. Hawley

Discussion: The Board of Trustees formed a sub-committee to complete a comprehensive review of the College’s Board Policy Manual. This committee, Included Larry Fischer, Dr. Randy Greenwell, and Paula Hawley who worked with president, Michael Elbe, and Executive Assistant Leah Benz. This review process has taken over a year and was completed this past month. At the September Board of Trustees meeting the entire Board reviewed the proposed changes. Additional revisions were proposed and therefore the item was tabled to the October regular meeting. The policy changes were reviewed by legal counsel to ensure relevancy.

Administration also brought forth Board Policy 421 – Transcripts. Recently, the Student Debt Assistance Act (Public Act 102-0998) law changed on releasing transcripts. Administration made the revisions to comply with this new law which was included in the October recommendation.

12.3 MOTION: Request adoption of a resolution and certificate abating the tax levied for the year 2022 to pay debt service on the General Obligation Refunding Bonds (Alternate Revenue Source), Series 2021C

Moved by: Dr. Greenwell

Seconded by: Mr. Hess

Discussion: The College has sufficient funds from operations for the payment of the principal and interest on these bonds. This resolution directs the County Clerks to abate the tax levied for the year 2022 to pay debt service on the General Obligation Refunding Bonds (Alternate Revenue Source), Series 2021C.

12.6 MOTION: Request approval of a 16% increase to our health insurance premiums

Moved by: Mr. Hess

Seconded by: Ms. Ary

Discussion: After receiving input from the Office of Human Resources, American Central Insurance Services, and Blue Cross Blue Shield representatives, the recommendation was an increase in premium costs to John Wood Community College and its employees of approximately 16%. This increase is needed to cover the rising costs of services while maintaining the College’s insurance fund balance. This increase will become effective on January 1, 2023.

12.7 MOTION: Request approval to enter into a five-year exclusive pouring agreement with Refreshment Services Pepsi

Moved by: Dr. Greenwell

Seconded by: Ms. Hawley

Discussion: John Wood Community College has had an exclusive pouring agreement with Refreshment Services Pepsi (RSP) since 1997. RSP beverage products have had exclusive rights on beverages being sold on campus including our bookstore, cafeteria, vending machines, and concession stands. This agreement expired, and we have been working on a new updated agreement.

13. Discussion Item

Calendar of Events

14. Notices and Communications

December 1- honoring President Elbe at a reception

15. Other Items

16. Closed Session

17.1 A closed session will be necessary to consider the appointment, employment, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees of the public body, to consider collective bargaining matters, and to review closed session minutes and authorize destruction of closed recordings per state statue according to the Open Meetings Act by audio recording.

Moved by: Dr. Greenwell

Seconded by: Mr. Hess

18.1 MOTION: Resume to Open Session

Moved by: Mr. Hess

Seconded by: Dr. Greenwell

MOTION: Authorize the release of closed session minutes of January 2022 - June 2022 with noted redactions and the destruction of the audio - recordings of closed sessions as follows: February 16, 2022, March 16, 2022, April 20, 2022, and May 19, 2022. No closed session for January of 2022 or June of 2022. Closed session recordings were November 2020-March 2021.

Moved by: Dr. Greenwell

Seconded by: Mr. Hess

Discussion: The Board reviewed the closed session minutes as presented.

19. Adjournment

19.1 MOTION: Adjourn the October 26, 2022, Board of Trustees regular meeting

Moved by: Dr. Greenwell

Seconded by: Mr. Hess

20. Approval:

Approved the 16th day of November 2022, at a meeting of the Board of Trustees of Community College District No. 539, meeting at the Student Administrative Center, 1301 South 48th Street, Quincy Il 62305 at which ________voting members were present, constituting a quorum by a vote of ___ayes and ________nays.

CHAIR:X____________________________SECRETARY:X__________________________________