KIRTLAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE
BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING MINUTES
October 20, 2005
CALL TO ORDER Chair Sally Galer called the meeting to order at 7 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Noting that Jan Keith Farmer submitted his resignation dated October 14, 2005, Chair Sally Galer declared that all current board members were present.
Members Present: Robert Bovee, Sally Galer, Roy Spangler, Richard Silverman, Patricia Webb, Roberta Werle
Members Absent: None
Others Present: Jerry Boerema, Richard Bonk, Irene Borak, Fay Bovee, Jo Ann Comerford, Betty Ehinger, Gene Frazier, Kathy Koch, Ed Koliba, Aaron Linskey, Mari McKenzie, Kathy Marsh, Kyle Morrison, John Petkus, Charles Rorie, Dale Shantz, Rob Wallace
WELCOME
Members and guests were welcomed by Chair Sally Galer.
OPEN DISCUSSION
Special assistance for students displaced by Hurricane Katrina
Charles Rorie referred to a survey of Michigan community colleges and universities which showed that a few have made special arrangements to accommodate students displaced by Hurricane Katrina, but that demand so far has been minimal. His recommendation is to waive out-of-state residency on a case-by-case basis. Since the federal government has announced that tuition will be funded for displaced students, tuition and fee consideration is not required. If the need arises as time goes on, we can readdress the issue.
Student Government
Student Senate President, John Petkus, presented the Student Senate vision to become a continuous organization where although the faces and names of student leaders may change, the purpose and resolve of the Senate will not. The Student Senate shall become a leader-making body where future state and even national leaders can gain experience in leading a group of students and gain a respect for their fellow students. The Student Senate shall become the voice of the student body and to make them aware of their rights and responsibilities. He expressed the desire to promote culture and diversity among the student body.
Trustee Roberta Werle advised that the Mikenauk Chorale will be holding a concert at Roscommon High School on Sunday, Nov. 6 at 4 p.m. Noting that it is one of the classes in Kirtland’s class schedule, she highly recommends the concert as an event that should be of interest to the college community.
Roberta Werle also announced that, as chair of the Gahagan Nature Preserve, she received a check from the estate of Marguerite Wiltse and was aware that the college is also a recipient of a nursing scholarship through the estate. She thought acknowledgment of this gift is in order. Charles Rorie responded that the college did, indeed, receive the legacy and that a press release is in process.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Minutes of the September 1, 2005 regular board of trustees meeting were reviewed and approved as presented with a motion by Vice Chair Roy Spangler, supported by Trustee Richard Silverman.
COMMUNICATIONS
Certificate of Achievement from Michigan Guaranty Agency
Charles Rorie shared a letter and certificate of achievement from the Michigan Guaranty Agency for consistent dedication to the prevention of student loan defaults resulting in a cohort default rate of less than ten percent for three consecutive years.
Franklin University graduate
Charles Rorie shared another letter about a Kirtland student who recently completed a bachelor degree in business administration with Franklin University through the Community College Alliance (CCA) program. The program
allows students to obtain a bachelor degree entirely at Kirtland through a combination of Kirtland classes and online classes through Franklin. So far, Kirtland has had two graduates since becoming a CCA partner.
Special Board Meeting
Charles Rorie proposed a special board meeting on December 1, 2005 at 7 p.m. for reviewing the future of student housing on campus. Roy Spangler offered a motion to hold the special meeting as requested, supported by Roberta Werle. Vote: Ayes, six. The motion was declared carried.
Resignation and replacement of a board member: Jan Keith Farmer
Charles Rorie referred to the letter of resignation dated October 4, 2005 from Jan Keith Farmer citing recent new directions in his personal and professional life. Charles Rorie provided a summary of processes found to be in use to replace Michigan board members who resign, from West Branch-Rose City Area Schools to eight Michigan community colleges. His recommendation was to make a public announcement of a vacancy on the board of trustees and invite community members to express interest in being appointed to fill the vacancy. Since Jan Farmer was the only board member representing Ogemaw County, he stated in his letter a suggestion to consider seeking new representation from Ogemaw County. Rorie provided a draft advertisement for applications for trustee appointment and a suggested calendar for board appointment of a new trustee. It was agreed to make the deadline for candidates to submit a letter of interest by 5 p.m. on Thursday, November 10, 2005. It was also suggested that the advertisement be posted to the college website.
Richard Silverman offered a motion to accept Jan Farmer’s resignation, supported by Robert Bovee. Vote: Ayes, six. The motions was declared carried.
FACULTY/STAFF PRESENTER
Richard (Smoke) Bonk, Automotive Technology Instructor, shared copies of the Speedway Illustrated magazine and the Community College Week publication about the Automotive Students for Success program launched at the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup and Busch Series, New Hampshire International Speedway with a student from Kirtland’s automotive program, Aaron Gemmill. Smoke Bonk gave a brief summary of the evolution of technology in the automotive field, and shared an article from Motor Trend magazine from February 1999 reporting the need for qualified auto repair technicians capable of repairing today’s high-tech vehicles. He cited the growth of the automotive technology program including becoming nationally certified by ASE/NATEF in all eight major areas of training.
Smoke Bonk announced that Bob Shingledecker plans to retire in May 2006 and they are exploring ideas and direction for the future of the automotive department. A parts specialist program and a diesel service class are under consideration. Alternative fuel vehicles are some things that may drive the changes in the industry. Currently the automotive program is growing steadily and the students are entering the program with computer skills.
FINANCIAL REPORT
Edmund Koliba, Chief Business and Financial Officer, provided a 2004-05 year-end financial results report.
BUSINESS FOR BOARD ACTION
1. Resolution to Accept Audit Report
The following preamble and resolution were offered by Trustee Roy Spangler and supported by Trustee Patricia Webb; under discussion, Roberta Werle moved to amend the motion as follows, supported by Richard Silverman:
WHEREAS
The Board of Trustees has been presented with the Annual Financial Statement and Auditor’s Report, the Single Audit Report, and the Management Letter for the period ending June 30, 2005,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT
The Board of Trustees accepts all reports as presented by Yeo & Yeo, PC.
Vote: Ayes, five Nays, zero Abstain, one Absent, zero Resolution declared approved.
2. Second Reading: Resolution to Approve Proposed Discontinuation of Medical Assistant Program
The following preamble and resolution were offered by Trustee Patricia Webb.
WHEREAS
1. The board of trustees has been presented a proposal to discontinue the Medical Assistant Program as a second reading at this meeting, and
2. The college administrative team has reviewed the recommendation and concurs that the Medical Assistant Program should be discontinued,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT
The proposed discontinuation of the Medical Assistant Program be approved.
Vote: Ayes, four Nays, zero Abstain, one Absent, zero Resolution declared adopted.
3. Second Reading: Resolution to Approve POL 4.070 Firearms Revision
Discussion only; deferred for further amendment.
*Richard Silverman asked to take up business for board action out of its proper order, suggesting that the number of first readings are unmanageable. He noted that items H, I, J, and K relate to ethical conduct of either students or employees and some of them are quite long. He made a motion to table those action items to the next regular meeting. The motion was supported by Roberta Werle. Vote: Ayes, six. Opposed, zero. Motion carried.
4. First Reading: Resolution to Move POL 2.015 Official Depositories Revision to Second Reading
The following preamble and resolution were offered by Trustee Richard Silverman and supported by Trustee Roberta Werle:
WHEREAS
The Kirtland Community College Board of Trustees has been presented the proposed revisions to POL 2.015 Official Depositories as a first reading at this meeting,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT
This proposed revision to POL 2.015 Official Depositories be approved.
Vote: Ayes, six Nays, zero Abstain, zero Absent, zero Resolution declared adopted.
5. First Reading: Resolution to Move POL 2.080 Mail Services Revision to Second Reading
The following preamble and resolution were offered by Trustee Roy Spangler and supported by Trustee Robert Bovee:
WHEREAS
The Kirtland Community College Board of Trustees has been presented the proposed revisions to POL 2.080 Mail Services as a first reading at this meeting,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT
This proposed revision to POL 2.080 Mail Services be approved without a second reading.
Vote: Ayes, six Nays, zero Abstain, one Absent, zero Resolution declared adopted.
6. First Reading: Resolution to Move POL 2.095 Authorized Signatures - College Funds Revision
The following preamble and resolution were offered by Trustee Roy Spangler and supported by Trustee Robert Bovee:
WHEREAS
The Kirtland Community College Board of Trustees has been presented the proposed revisions to POL 2.095 Authorized Signatures - College Funds as a first reading at this meeting,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT
This proposed revision to POL 2.095 Authorized Signatures - College Funds be approved without a second reading.
Vote: Ayes, five Nays, zero Abstain, one Absent , zero Resolution declared adopted.
Roy Spangler asked whether employees with college credit cards have the ability to obtain cash advances. Ed Koliba responded that he believes they do. Spangler moved to create a resolution, effective immediately, that no holder of a Kirtland Community College credit cards may obtain a cash advance. Ed Koliba responded that the college is looking at replacing the credit card with a purchasing card which allows the college to control limits from different angles, such as daily limits, types of purchases, monthly limits, raise and lower limits electronically, etc. It will require policies and guidelines which will be brought to the board, hopefully, within the next six months. The motion died from a lack of support.
7. First Reading: Resolution to Move POL 6.125 Rights and Responsibilities of Students Revision
*Deferred
8. First Reading: Resolution to Move POL 5.005 Obligations of Employees Revision
*Deferred
9. First Reading: Resolution to Move POL 5055 Discipline Revision
*Deferred
10. First Reading: Resolution to Move POL 5.095 Acceptance of Gifts or Remuneration Deletion
*Deferred
11. First Reading: Resolution to Move POL 5.370 Longevity Revision to Second Reading
The following preamble and resolution were offered by Trustee Roy Spangler and supported by Trustee Robert Bovee:
WHEREAS
The Kirtland Community College Board of Trustees has been presented the proposed deletion of POL 5.370 Longevity as a first reading at this meeting,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT
This proposed deletion of POL 5.370 Longevity be moved to a second reading at the next scheduled meeting as amended for clarification and addition of elimination of POL 5.371.
Vote: Ayes, six Nays, zero Abstain, zero Absent , zero Resolution declared adopted.
12. First Reading: Resolution to Move POL 5.210 Part-time Faculty Benefits Revision
Deferred for clarification.
REPORTS FOR BOARD INFORMATION
Average Class Size Report
Kathy Marsh, Dean of Instruction, discussed the Average Class Size Summary report as of September 12, 2005. The efficiency rate increased from 17.3 in the Fall 2004 semester to 17.7 for the Fall 2005 semester.
Intranet
Charles Rorie provided a memorandum addressing the decision that any set of information on the Internet and/or Intranet should, by default, be provided on the Internet unless rationale can be established as to why the information should not be public. He provided a list of current contents of the Intranet as of October 14, 2005.
Richard Silverman questioned why Intranet user posting of announcements should not be made available on the Internet. He questioned why employee handbooks are only available on the Intranet because perspective employees might want to look at a handbook. He recognized that some minutes do not need to be made public, but what about results of the curriculum committee, such as programs deleted or added. He also cited AQIP information, which is already on the Internet. Additional discussion is anticipated at a board meeting in the near future after trustees send the President specific concerns.
Other
Irene Borak distributed the Warbler Festival young artists’ calendar. Asked if there is a cost for the calendars, she responded that donations are always accepted.
ADJOURNMENT
With no further business to come before the board, Chair Sally Galer declared the meeting adjourned at 9:50 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Kathy Koch
Recording Secretary