KIRTLAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE
BOARD OF TRUSTEES MINUTES
March 19, 2009
EDUCATION SESSION, 6:30 p.m.
Video conference motion:
Prior to the regular meeting, Vice Chair Patricia Webb called to order an education session to interview candidates to fill a board vacancy created by the resignation of Sally Galer. Trustee Roberta Werle moved to permit Chair Roy Spangler to participate electronically with the following provisions:
1. This is not setting a precedent.
2. Vice Chair Patricia Webb will preside over this meeting due to Roy Spangler’s physical absence.
3. The board bylaws will have to be amended before such action is allowed in the future.
The motion was supported by Trustee Denis Weiss.
Vote: Ayes, six Nays, zero Abstain, zero Absent, zero The motion was approved.
Four candidates for the position of interim member of the Board of Trustees were interviewed. They were Deborah Van Wert, Detmar Finke, Thomas Dluzen, and Michael Wahl.
REGULAR BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING
CALL TO ORDER
Vice Chair Patricia called the meeting to order at 7:10 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL
Members Present: MaryAnn Ferrigan, Richard Silverman, Roy Spangler (via video conference), Denis Weiss, Patricia Webb, Roberta Werle
Members Absent: None
Others Present: Lisa Balbach, Stacey Barnes, Jerry Boerema, Jo Ann Comerford, Thomas Dluzen, Joe Fields, Anneliese Finke, Carol Finke, Detmar Finke, Mary Ann Frick, Pete Injasolian, Kathy Koch, Ed Koliba, Kathy Marsh, Dennis Mansfield, Mark McCully, Kyle Morrison, Marcell Romancky, Tom Quinn, Ilene Scherer, Shirley Schaffer, Tim Scherer, Dale Shantz, Deborah Van Wert, Mike Wahl, Kathleen Wray
WELCOME
Vice Chair Webb welcomed everyone present.
MINUTES
Minutes from the February 19, 2009 regular meeting were approved as presented, motion by Trustee Silverman supported by Trustee Weiss.
BOARD MEMBER REPORTS/OPEN DISCUSSION
Discussion and consideration of candidates for filling board vacancy
Richard Silverman noted that each of the four candidates brings something different to the board that would be valuable. He spoke in favor of Mike Wahl due to his knowledge of the college as well as other community colleges, and his political connections in Lansing. Patricia Webb commented that the board would like representation from the Houghton Lake area. Denis Weiss said it is important that we maintain a functional board. The board is very functional right now and we need to preserve that balance. The Houghton Lake connection is important and Tom Dluzen has a strong financial background. MaryAnn Ferrigan spoke of how qualified all four candidates are and suggested they all participate as write-in candidates in the coming election on May 5. She said knowledge of legislation and political connections in Lansing is a very strong reason to choose Mike Wahl. Roberta Werle said we are looking for a board member, not a lobbyist or a representative in Lansing. She said Tom Dluzen’s financial background is a valuable resource and that Detmar Finke had made some comments reminding the board of some goals that we have forgotten. We need to reach out more to faculty and students regarding decision making. Although Mike Wahl would make a wonderful trustee, she would hate to see the board become inbred. Werle recommended Deborah Van Wert because she brings a freshness of thought to this board. She also suggested the board needs a diverse background. Roy Spangler said he appreciates the uniqueness of all four candidates. He commented that there might be a potential conflict of interest because he sat on the board at North Central Area Credit Union when Tom Dluzen was hired in Prudenville.
Patricia Webb asked for a motion for Tom Dluzen to fill the vacancy. The motion was offered by Patricia Webb, supported by Denis Weiss.
Poll vote: Richard Silverman, Nay
Denis Weiss, Aye
Patricia Webb, Aye
MaryAnn Ferrigan, Nay
Roberta Werle, Nay
Roy Spangler, Aye
A majority vote was not achieved.
A motion was offered by Roberta Werle to choose Detmar Finke to fill the vacancy, supported by Richard Silverman.
Poll vote: Richard Silverman Aye
Denis Weiss, Nay
Patricia Webb, Nay;
MaryAnn Ferrigan, Nay
Roberta Werle, Aye
Roy Spangler Nay
The motion did not pass.
A motion was offered by Roy Spangler to choose Deborah Van Wert, supported by Roberta Werle.
Poll vote: Richard Silverman, Nay
Denis Weiss, Aye
Patricia Webb, Aye
MaryAnn Ferrigan, Nay
Roberta Werle, Aye
Roy Spangler, Aye
The motion was passed.
A motion was offered by Richard Silverman to choose Mike Wahl, supported by Patricia Webb.
Poll vote: Richard Silverman, Aye
Denis Weiss, Nay
Patricia Webb, Nay
MaryAnn Ferrigan, Aye
Roberta Werle, Nay
Roy Spangler, Nay
The motion did not pass.
Roberta Werle moved to name Deborah Van Wert as interim trustee, supported by Denis Weiss.
Vote: Ayes, six Nays, zero Absent, zero Abstain, zero Motion approved.
Deborah Van Wert was welcomed to the table, and Chair Patricia Webb administered an oath of office.
MCCA Board of Directors Winter Meeting
Richard Silverman gave a report as alternate representative to Michigan Community College Association. Legislative initiatives. MCCA supports community colleges’ ability to provide baccalaureate in vocational and technical areas, not just nursing. MCCA supports a lower than a 50-50 match requirement for capital outlay. MCCA is pursuing not having the open meetings act apply to presidential searches and allowing community colleges to restructure debt to improve cash flow. Community College Day in Lansing is April 2 including lunch with legislators and college presidents are encouraged to bring faculty and students..
NEW BUSINESS/BOARD ACTION
1. Consent Agenda
The following resolutions were offered by Trustee Roberta Werle for this time only as part of a consent agenda because our bylaws would have to be changed to permit it in the future and that we are not setting a precedent. The motion was supported by Trustee Richard Silverman:
a. RESOLUTION TO SUBMIT CIVIL RIGHTS COMPLIANCE PLAN FOR CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS
WHEREAS
1. Kirtland Community College, both as a recipient of Federal Funds, and as a responsible member of the community, has an obligation to fully comply with the regulations and guidelines for assuring equal access for all qualified individuals, and;
2. Following an on-site review, the college has received recommendations from the Michigan Department of Education Office of Career and Technical Education for better assuring access to our programs and facilities, and:
3. The college administrative team has prepared the attached plan to comply with the aforementioned recommendations, and itself recommends submission to the Office of Career and Technical Education for their consideration and response.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT:
The Board of Trustees approves that the attached plan to comply with the recommendations of the Office of Career and Technical Education be submitted to this office for their consideration and response.
b. RESOLUTION TO ESTABLISH THE GENERAL FUND REVENUE ESTIMATE FOR THE 2008-09 FISCAL YEAR
WHEREAS
1. Michigan Public Act 331 of 1966 requires the estimate of general fund revenue for the upcoming year, and
2. The college administrative team is recommending that the board of trustees establish the general fund revenue estimate based on the following assumptions:
Tuition and Fees $ 5,400,000
Property Tax 6,675,750
State Appropriation 2,482,800
Other Income 1,638,250
Total Revenue Estimate $16,196,800
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT
The general fund revenue estimate be established in the amount of $16,196,800 for the 2009-10
fiscal year.
c. RESOLUTION TO ESTABLISH FIFTH THIRD BANK AS A DEPOSITORY
BE IT RESOLVED THAT
1. Fifth Third Bank (“Bank”) is designated a depository of Kirtland Community College (“Company”), with full authority to accept deposits made at any time, by any person, and in any form to the credit of this Company in accounts with Bank, in accordance with the written or verbal instructions of the person(s) presenting the funds for deposit or of any document accompanying said deposits and subject to the rules and regulations of Bank.
2. Bank is authorized to pay or otherwise honor or apply without inquiry and without regard to the application of the proceeds all checks, drafts, and other orders for the payment, transfer and withdrawal of money from any and all accounts maintained by this Company with Bank, including those drawn to the individual order of a signer, when signed, accepted or endorsed by any of the following officers or employees of this Company:
President: Thomas Quinn
Chair, Board of Trustees: Roy Spangler
Secretary/Treasurer, Board of Trustees: Roberta Werle
Chief Business and Financial Officer: Edmund Koliba
3. A facsimile signature of any or all of the above-name signers shall constitute the signature of said signer, regardless of by whom or by what means the actual or purported facsimile signature may have been affixed, if such facsimile signature resembles the facsimile specimen(s) (if any) filed with Bank by the secretary of other officer of this Company.
4. The Bank is authorized to rely upon the foregoing resolution until receipt by Bank of written notice of any change or revocation.
VOTE: Ayes, seven Nays, zero Abstain, zero Absent, zero The resolutions remaining in the consent agenda were approved.
2. RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE WINTER RECESS
The following preamble and resolution were offered by Trustee Denis Weiss and supported by Trustee Richard Silverman:
WHEREAS:
1. The college
administrative team recommends the college be closed from December 24,
2009 through January 1, 2010 to allow employees to spend time with their
families during the holiday period.
2. In addition to the paid holidays (December 25, January 1), administrators and full-time support staff will be required to use two and one-half vacation, personal, and/or unpaid days. In return, two and one-half additional paid days will be granted by the board.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT:
The Board of Trustees approves the winter recess and the college will be closed from Thursday, December 24, 2009 through Friday, January 1, 2010, commencing normal business operations on Monday, January 4, 2010.
Vote: Ayes, seven Nays, zero Absent, zero Abstain, zero Resolution approved.
3. RESOLUTION TO MOVE POL 2.100 BUDGET PREPARATION AND ADMINISTRATION REVISION TO SECOND READING
Richard Silverman questioned whether a balanced budget is a policy of the board; what does that mean? Ed Koliba, Chief Business and Finance Officer, responded that reserves can be used to balance the budget. It does not restrict us from using the fund balance.
The following preamble and resolution were offered by Trustee Richard Silverman and supported by Trustee MaryAnn Ferrigan:
WHEREAS
The Kirtland Community College Board of Trustees has been presented the proposed revision to POL 2.100 BUDGET PREPARATION AND ADMINISTRATION as a first reading at this meeting,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT
This proposed POL 2.100 BUDGET PREPARATION AND ADMINISTRATION be moved to a second reading at the next scheduled meeting.
Vote: Ayes, seven Nays, zero Absent, zero Abstain, zero Resolution approved.
4. RESOLUTION TO APPROVE THE ASSOCIATE IN APPLIED SCIENCE, THREE DIMENSIONAL/PRODUCT DESIGN TECHNOLOGY DEGREE
Lisa Balbach, Instructor of Computer Information Systems, explained that this is the art department’s third transfer degree. It transfers to Kendall College of Art and Design of Ferris State University and the College for Creative Studies. This is repackaging of existing classes and does not require additional costs to the college.
The following preamble and resolution were offered by Trustee Roberta Werle and supported by
Trustee MaryAnn Ferrigan:
WHEREAS:
1. The Curriculum and Instruction Committee and the dean of instruction have recommended the adoption of the Associate in Applied Science, Three Dimensional/Product Design Technology degree, and
2. The College Administrative Team agrees with the recommendation,
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT
The Board of Trustees approves the Associate in Applied Science, Three Dimensional/Product Design Technology degree effective for the Fall 2009 semester.
Vote: Ayes, Seven Nays, zero Abstain, zero Absent, zero Resolution adopted.
3. RESOLUTION TO APPROVE TUITION AND FEES FOR THE 2009-10 ACADEMIC YEAR
The following preamble and resolution were offered by Trustee Richard Silverman and supported by Trustee Denis Weiss:
WHEREAS
1. The college administrative team has requested that the board of trustees establish the rate of tuition and course fees for the 2009-10 academic year.
2. The college administrative team anticipates proposing a balanced budget for 2009-10.
3. The college administrative team has done a thorough review of budget assumptions and requests, and feels that tuition and contact-hour driven fees should remain at 2008-09 rates.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT
1. The rate of tuition for in-district students shall be $77.50 per contact hour.
2. The rate of tuition for out-of-district students shall be $142.00 per contact hour.
3. The rate of tuition for out-of-state students shall be $175.50 per contact hour.
4. The rate of tuition for international students shall be $210.00 per contact hour.
5. The course fees are approved as submitted.
Vote: Ayes, Seven Nays, zero Abstain, zero Absent, zero Resolution adopted.
4. RESOLUTION TO SUPPORT PILOT PROJECT FOR DUAL ENROLLMENT/DIRECT CREDIT
Kathy Marsh, Dean of Instruction, explained the difference between dual enrollment and direct credit. Roberta Werle asked to keep the discussion on dual enrollment separate from direct credit. Carol Finke, Instructor of English, spoke of why she is opposed to direct credit. She said the high school teachers are not Kirtland employees which creates a lack of quality control. Grade inflation is also a concern of hers. Joe Fields, Instructor of English, spoke in favor of direct credit. He said that we have before us an opportunity, but are being held back by old legacies. He urged a decision for change. Kathleen Wray, Assistant Registrar, stated she had surveyed Michigan colleges and 14 had responded they will accept direct credit courses transcripted by Kirtland.
Roberta Werle questioned why we would allow direct credit when so many high school students come to Kirtland needing remedial courses. Kathy Marsh responded that the students would have to take our placement test to assure they are ready for the college classes being offered or they can use ACT scores for placement. Patricia Webb stated that she understands concerns about the high school environment versus the college setting. The common final exam is a means of evaluating the quality of instruction. Denis Mansfield, Director of Public Relations said that we need to serve our customers and if we don’t do it, someone else will.
Pete Injasolian, Superintendent of Houghton Lake Community Schools, spoke of how highly the K-12s value their relationship with the local community college, and with today’s economic challenges, direct credit is an important issue because we already have the resources in place to offer direct credit. This is the right time and the right thing to do, and if KCC doesn’t get involved, they will be ”left at the curb.” There is a private college right now offering to provide direct credit courses. The high schools will promote KCC programs, not the competition’s. Roy Spangler spoke in favor of direct credit as a marketing issue that is very important. Denis Weiss agreed that it is a marketing issue and is cost-driven because of today’s economy. He said we have four options; do nothing; do all direct credit; do only dual enrollment; or compromise with this model. Weiss stated the only choice for Kirtland is to move forward with this model and the curriculum.
Richard Silverman spoke in opposition to giving up control over our most valuable resource, the instructor. He feels this action is panic-driven due to competition. He stated this is a nightmare that will come back and bite us. We are sullying our reputation. Roberta Werle added that if you follow the crowd, you become like the crowd. We either have standards and we follow them, or we become part of the crowd. She said scare tactics do not persuade her. Silverman said that since many of the details are yet to be worked out in a contract, we are making this decision with a lot of un-dotted i’s and uncrossed t’s. He stated that maintaining quality instruction is of utmost importance and this would be compromised with direct credit.
The following preamble and resolution were offered by Trustee Denis Weiss and supported by Trustee Patricia Webb:
Discussion: Roberta Werle requested dividing the motion to separate direct credit from dual enrollment. Denis Weiss refused to amend the original motion. Robert Werle moved to divide the question between direct credit and dual enrollment, supported by Richard Silverman.
Poll vote on motion to divide: Richard Silverman, Aye
Deborah Van Wert, Nay
Denis Weiss, Nay
Patricia Webb, Nay
MaryAnn Ferrigan, Nay
Roberta Werle, Aye
Roy Spangler, Nay
The motion did not pass.
WHEREAS
The Kirtland Community College Board of Trustees has been presented with a pilot project for dual enrollment and direct credit,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT
The Board of Trustees supports the pilot project for dual enrollment and direct credit. The time to measure this pilot program is one year.
Vote: Ayes, four Nays, three Abstain, zero Absent, zero Resolution adopted.
A recess was declared at 9:25 p.m. The regular meeting resumed at 9:43 p.m.
5. RESOLUTION TO APPROVE PROPOSED SUSPENSION OF ENGINEERING AND DESIGN TECHNOLOGY PROGRAMS
Tom Quinn asked whether the board wants to take this resolution from the table. He reviewed the reason for tabling it, that an advisory committee had not met on this issue and that a Michigan Works! survey was in process. Richard Silverman said he is more inclined to move on this issue if advisory committee input was provided. Denis Weiss responded that a committee met and since typically manufacturing people do not show up especially in today’s state of the economy, there were only a few who attended. They discussed the program at length and their feeling was there are no jobs for graduates. When the economy improves to the point that jobs are available they will re-hire those who were laid off first . Weiss stated he is satisfied with the decision to suspend this program. The Michigan Works! survey is months away from completion, so waiting for that is a non-issue.
Roberta Werle asked why we are discontinuing this program but not the construction trades program. The response is that they are totally different programs. It was explained that area school districts want to offer building trades programs and that a new program, Michigan Energy Corps, would provide $4 billion to energy retrofitting construction programs.
Trustee Denis Weiss moved to take the resolution to approve proposed discontinuation of Engineering and Design Technology programs off the table, supported by Trustee Richard Silverman.
Vote: Ayes, seven Nays, zero Abstain, zero Absent, zero Motion approved.
The following preamble and resolution were offered by Trustee Denis Weiss and supported by Trustee MaryAnn Ferrigan:
WHEREAS
1. The data presented in the program review provides the basis for a recommendation to suspend the Engineering and Design Technology programs, and
2. The college administrative team has reviewed the recommendation and concurs that the Engineering and Design Technology programs should be discontinued.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT
The proposed suspension of the Engineering and Design Technology programs be approved.
Vote: Ayes, seven Nays, zero Abstain, zero Absent, zero Resolution adopted.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Upcoming events between now and the next board meeting on April 16, 2009 were listed on the agenda as an information item. No other announcements were made.
ADJOURNMENT
With no further business to come before the board, the meeting was declared adjourned at 10 p.m. by Vice Chair Webb.
Respectfully submitted,
Kathy Koch
Recording Secretary