CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 5:06 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Present: Laverty, Pelleran, Proctor, Rasmusson
Absent: Brannan, Canady, Murray
Trustee Canady arrived at 5:10 p.m.
Trustee Murray arrived at 5:12 p.m.
Trustee Brannan arrived at 5:17 p.m.
ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA
There were no additions or deletions to the
agenda.
LIMITED PUBLIC COMMENT REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS
Joe Warren – My name is Joe Warren, Lansing
Community College, Department of Humanities and Performing Arts. Just
wanted to thank Paula for the efforts to get rid of the smokers. But
we’re still lagging way behind. I don’t know why it takes so much
administrative brain power. But why can’t we delineate the spots for
smokers? Mark it and then put the ash trays there. Not under the no
smoking signs and not by the front or back doors. The smokers just
don’t seem to learn. I like the nice touch of an armed police officer
at night after everybody’s gone home. If we could get him moved down
to the five o’clock and at the peak times, I think we could probably
put a dent in this and get them trained for next semester. Thanks
much.
Gene Hayhoe – My name is Gene Hayhoe. When this
Board went to the public to present itself for election, it sent a
message that supported the legitimate rights of the employees of this
College. The victory of this slate was welcomed by the employees of
the College because of the egregious abuser who employs in the capital
area. A more egregious abuser of employees in the capital area than
Lansing Community College; I do not know who it is. And it is in the
position of management that they are beyond question about it.
Something near 80% of the faculty at Lansing Community College are
part-time with no benefits. As best I can tell the average faculty
member at this school earns substantially less than $10,000 a year
that’s based on (inaudible), for the best I can get from the
administration, course loads of approximately 4 hours a week at a rate
of approximately $33 per hour, which is not a whole lot of money to
put it mildly substantially from the poverty level even for a single
person. It is the position of management that they have the right to
plagiarize from a faculty member to create work which is then assigned
to someone with no background in that curriculum area. And again,
that’s something I can speak from first hand experience and with the
College’s own documents in support of that. Management claims that
it’s their right to eliminate secular curriculum so they can market
the religious beliefs of administrators. They feel it’s acceptable
for administrators to go to DPS and file false reports against faculty
members. They may tell you otherwise but their own documents show
that they are not being truthful. Board members, I encourage you to
do the job the public elected you to do. President Cunningham is
undoubtedly capable of being charming, but the fact remains that she’s
done nothing about the open and pervasive corruption at this college.
She has stepped up the VanKempen and Knippenberg war of terror against
the faculty. And she has encouraged the on-going waste of public
money defending the corrupt and illegal shenanigans of LCC
administrators. To the best of my knowledge somewhere in the vicinity
of half a million dollars in the past two years. Again, I would give
you more specific numbers, but Mr. Davidson tried to charge me $1200
for a FOIA request when I asked him for that information, which on a
faculty salary is beyond anything I can afford. But these numbers and
actions speak for themselves. Thank you.
Sally Pierce – Good evening, my name is Sally
Pierce and the President of LCC MAHE. I’d like to update you tonight
on the Mitzi Carol recall situation. Tonight I sent a response to
Dave Davidson, Executive Director of Human Resources, and Gary
Knippenberg, Dean of Liberal Studies Division, in response to what
they sent me in late November about the courses they feel Mitzi Carol
is qualified to teach in LCC’s Dance program. I’m giving you a copy
of that response and the letter they sent to me in response to my
request (she distributed the documents, which are on file with the
official Board materials.) The support staff apologized to me that
they only had 3-hole punched paper, but I think it’s actually a good
thing because it will fit in your binder. And my comments are less
than half a page, so I think even with leaf leading. I may be able to
do this in three minutes. It’s the position of LCC MAHE and of Ms.
Carol that there are numerous classes other than the ones that they
have listed that she could teach and is qualified for including course
work outside of the Dance program. It is also our position that if
management would work with us, a load that would satisfy all parties
could be found. We know you don’t want to micromanage your managers
and we don’t want you to, but we need your help. We’re here to ask
you as a Board to instruct your managers to work with us in a timely
fashion before next semester begins. Help us to stop the pettiness
and fighting and put Ms. Carol back to work. She and MAHE want to
move forward, but as long as Mitzi’s arbitrator granted recall rights
are being denied and referred elsewhere the faculty know that we
cannot. We stand ready to help you with documents or timelines. Let
us know what you need to understand the situation and help us all move
forward into a peaceful new year.
Beckie Beard – Hello, I’m Beckie Beard. I’m
Director of Purchasing and Materials Management. And I’m speaking
tonight on the nomination of Barbara Larson for Vice President,
Administrative Services and Finance on the agenda. I would like to
encourage the Board to give their enthusiastic support and approval to
Barbara Larson. Elbert Hubbard wrote “some succeed by what they know,
some by what they do, and a few by what they are.” Knowledge, energy
and integrity: Barbara Larson has all three. It would be a pleasure
to be able to welcome her back to the LCC family. It has been said
that we never wholly leave, there is always a piece of us that is left
behind, and it is wonderful when the two are reunited. Thank you.
CHAIRPERSON AND BOARD MEMBER REPORTS
Chairperson
President’s Contract
Chairperson Laverty reminded the Board that at
the November meeting they unanimously approved President Cunningham’s
performance review. He asked for a motion to enter into discussions
with the President and legal counsel with the intent of bringing forth
an employment agreement for the Board’s review and approval at our
January meeting.
IT WAS MOVED by Trustee Proctor and supported by
Trustee Murray for the Chairperson to enter into discussions with the
President and legal counsel with the intent of bringing forth an
employment agreement for the Board’s review and approval at the
January meeting.
Trustee Rasmusson asked for clarity of the motion
since the President already has a contract.
Chairperson Laverty responded that this would be
a renewal of that contract.
Trustee Rasmusson asked what the agreement would
say because there currently is a rolling agreement.
Chairperson Laverty responded that it’s been
customary that annually, from reading prior Board meeting minutes,
that the President’s contract is reviewed
and brought back to the Board following the performance review.
Trustee Rasmusson asked
for further clarification because the President’s contract does not
need renewing because it renews automatically.
Chairperson Laverty responded that he does not
interpret it that way.
Trustee Rasmusson asked that Chairperson Laverty
show him the portion that leads him to believe that the contract does
not renew automatically.
Chairperson Laverty read the portion from the
contract, which states “subject to the provisions of this agreement,
including but not limited to the provision that the agreement may be
terminated at any time for just cause or non-performance under section
14, the term of the Agreement shall be for five (5) years. The first
five (5) year term shall commence on July 1, 2003 and terminate on
June 30, 2008. Effective July 1 of each year beginning July 1, 2004,
this five (5) year term shall thereafter be maintained by adding one
year, creating a ‘rolling’ five (5) year term. Notwithstanding
anything in this agreement to the contrary, the Board may terminate
this agreement at any time upon written notice and (a) with respect to
the initial term, by payment of the salary which would have been owed
during the remainder of the five-year term, plus payment for any
accrued but unused vacation days; or (b) after the initial term, by
payment of the salary which would have been owed during the remainder
of the additional term, plus any accrued but unused vacation days.”
Trustee Pelleran clarified that the Chairperson
is requesting that the Board authorize him to review the contract with
the President and legal counsel and bring it back for approval.
Trustee Rasmusson asked for further clarification
on the motion and asked that Chairperson Laverty rephrase the motion.
Chairperson Laverty repeated the motion.
Roll call vote:
Ayes: Brannan, Canady, Laverty, Murray, Pelleran, Proctor
Nays: None
Absent: None
Trustee Rasmusson abstained from voting.
Motion carried.
Legal Services
Chairperson Laverty stated that Trustee Rasmusson
requested for this item to be on the agenda for the Board to consider.
Trustee Rasmusson stated that according to the
purchasing policy an expense of $25,000 or more must be bid out. He
distributed a copy of his motion (it is on file with the official
Board materials.) It suggests that the Administration develop a
rational way to bid this out. Trustee Rasmusson stated that it
doesn’t mean the College would change its legal counsel, but it is for
the integrity of the process.
Chairperson Laverty said that this issue was a
concern of his at one point in time. He had a meeting with the
College’s legal counsel, Miller Canfield, in August and he found out
that there is no contract with this firm. The Board has a right to go
to any legal firm as they see fit depending on the particular issue.
Chairperson Laverty stated that the College has used Miller Canfield
for a number of years and there have been several issues that Miller
Canfield has successfully dealt with such as the millage and the
downtown development authority. Chairperson Laverty has been
satisfied with the work and the professional relationship; however,
the Board has the right to use other legal firms and have exercised
that right in different instances. He expressed concern in bidding
out legal services because the College would be locked in with one
firm and it may not always be the best advantage to the College.
Trustee Rasmusson asked if the College is already
spending approximately $700,000 annually on legal services, how this
does not violate the purchasing policy.
IT WAS MOVED by Trustee Rasmusson and supported
by Trustee Pelleran for the purposes of discussion to authorize the
administration to develop a request for proposals respecting legal
services for the College.
Trustee Pelleran felt that the College does not
pay legal fees over $25,000 without the Board’s consent on one issue
and does not feel the purchasing policy has been violated.
Trustee Canady stated that he was not prepared to
vote on this motion since it is the first time he’s seen this. He
said in dealing with legal services there are a number of other
factors that are involved such as sole source procurement. Trustee
Canady would appreciate getting input from the administration prior to
making a decision. Legal services can be very fluid at times and
there isn’t always an opportunity to bid out the services and the
prime example was the issue with the Lansing Township.
Trustee Pelleran agreed with Trustees Canady and
she would also like more information.
Trustee Rasmusson stated that there was no
urgency in voting on this issue.
IT WAS MOVED by Trustee Canady and supported by
Trustee Pelleran to table the motion of bidding out legal services
until the following meeting.
Roll call vote:
Ayes: Brannan, Canady, Laverty, Murray, Pelleran, Proctor, Rasmusson
Nays: None
Absent: None
Motion carried.
Board Conduct
Chairperson Laverty expressed his concern with
things he has observed within the Board over the last several weeks.
He felt it was important that the Board remember their duties. He
read aloud the following Board bylaws: 1.6.1 Authority and Powers
Reserved by the Board; 1.7.1 General Guidelines for Conduct; 1.7.2
Receipt of Confidential Information; 1.7.4 Communications Policy/Board
Members Request for Information, Section E; 1.7.6 Relationship with
the Press; and 1.10.5 Legal Counsel.
Chairperson Laverty felt that Trustees are
getting careless and reiterated that there are Board bylaws to abide
by. He would like the Board to have a retreat scheduled after January
2004. Chairperson Laverty stated that if there is a bylaw that a
Trustee does not agree with then they need to raise the issue, have a
discussion, and determine if the bylaw needs to be changed. Until the
Board bylaws are changed every Trustee should abide by them.
Chairperson Laverty expressed that censuring does not always work as
can be seen with the current lawsuit from a former Trustee that was
censured. He stated that it is important for the Board to reflect
upon the events that have transpired and how to move the College
forward without the constant bickering and turmoil.
Other
Chairperson Laverty reported that he attended the
November 19 Foundation Board of Directors meeting as the immediate
past chair. He apologized to the Foundation about the negative
publicity the College has received, which can affect raising money.
Chairperson Laverty also reported that he
attended the following events: Harvest Holiday Dinner hosted by the
Hospitality Program; the Moods of the Muse which was a dance
program; the Student Advisory Committee to the President meeting on
December 3; the Regional Economic Development (RED) team meeting last
week; and the LCC Jazz Ensemble.
Chairperson Laverty stated that he had consulted
with the College’s legal counsel regarding the pledge of allegiance
and changing the order of business in the Board’s bylaws. He said the
wording of the pledge of allegiance has gone to the Supreme Court.
Chairperson Laverty stated that he would be bringing this issue back
to the Board for their consideration after the first of the year. He
mentioned that several community organizations that he is involved
with begin their meetings with the pledge of allegiance.
Board Members
Trustee Rasmusson – Audit Committee
Trustee Rasmusson distributed suggested rules for
the audit committee (they are on file with the official Board
materials.) The intention of an audit committee would not only be to
review the books and numbers, but also engage in surveying legal
compliance and the effectiveness of the Board as a whole. He asked
that the College’s legal counsel review the rules and for the Board to
vote on these next month.
Trustee Pelleran recommended that if the Audit
Committee were to review the suggested rules, to ask the associations
the College is a member of if they have audit committee draft rules.
Trustee Rasmusson thought Trustee Pelleran’s
recommendation was a good idea.
Trustee Pelleran – Foundation Board of
Directors, Leslie Local Development Finance Authority, Mason Local
Development Finance Authority
Trustee Pelleran reported that the Mason Local
Development Finance Authority approved its budget in November. She
reported that the Leslie Local Development Finance Authority did more
updating. Trustee Pelleran announced that in Leslie there is a
part-time position vacant for the economic development director.
Trustee Pelleran reported that the Foundation
2004 distinguished alumni award nominations are due on January 15,
2004 and applications are available in the Foundation Office. Lip
Sync was very successful and it raised $24,000 of which 50% went
toward Foundation scholarships and 50% went toward the Atlanta
University Colleges scholarships. She recognized Ms. Deb Dolman and
Mr. Charlie Creamer for co-chairing the event. Trustee Pelleran
reported that the Foundation has a new scholarship which is the Robert
E. Schultze Creative Endowed scholarship in the amount of $30,000. It
was established by Ms. Jill Campbell, who worked at the College, in
memory of her father. She stated that the Board member who has been
appointed to fill Mr. George Nugent’s seat is Barb Pohlman, who is the
plant manager of General Motors Service and Parts Operation. There
are now 25 members on the Foundation Board. The Foundation’s annual
appeal will be sent out next week. She encouraged fellow Trustees to
make a contribution. Trustee Pelleran announced the Foundation annual
holiday open house on December 10 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the
Herrmann Conference Center.
President Cunningham added that the Foundation
Board approved the capital campaign of $3.5 million between now and
2007.
Trustee Pelleran recognized Ms. Joan Bauer who
worked hard to strengthen the Foundation Board.
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
Informational Items
President Cunningham asked that the College
Spotlight be moved up on the agenda.
College Spotlight – Women’s Resource Center
Dean Judith Cardenas stated that the Women’s
Resource Center provides valuable and personalized services to
students. She introduced Ms. Linda Minter, Ms. Sheila Schafer, Ms.
Ruthi Bloomfield, and Ms. Kristen Kephart who work at the Women’s
Resource Center.
Ms. Minter, Ms. Schafer, Ms. Bloomfield, and Ms.
Kephart provided a PowerPoint presentation on the services the Women’s
Resource Center provides such as grants, general information
appointments, academic advising based on individual needs of students,
back to school workshops, and Legal Guide to Divorce seminars.
Ms. Minter stated that in 2002-2003 the Women’s
Resource Center received and processed 1,827 grant applications, 856
awards were given to students, the Center paid for over 2,600 credits,
and through the child care grant the Center provided child care
assistance which allowed students to enroll in almost 2,600 credits.
In fall 2002, the Women’s Resource Center assisted 260 students and
201 returned in spring semester 2003 for a retention rate of over 77%.
Ms. Bloomfield provided a letter from a student
named Jamie Burgess. Ms. Burgess was unable to attend the Board
meeting because she is working as a nurse at Ingham Regional Medical
Center. Ms. Bloomfield shared that the Women’s Resource Center
nominated Ms. Burgess for a national award given by the National
Network of Women’s Employment. Ms. Burgess was recently notified that
she is one of 25 recipients. She read portions of Ms. Burgess’s
letter. Ms. Bloomfield introduced two Women’s Resource Center
students, Andrea Thomas and Irina Kemp.
Ms. Thomas is majoring in Accounting and
expressed her appreciation of the Women’s Resource Center for their
assistance and support. She hoped that the scholarships and grants
will continue for future generations.
Ms. Kemp is an oncology nurse at Ingham Regional
Medical Center. She stated that the Women’s Resource Center gave her
back her life and a chance to live again.
Ms. Bloomfield announced that the Women’s
Resource Center will be celebrating their 30th anniversary
on November 4, 2004. The celebration will be a fundraising
dinner at the Grand Ledge Opera House.
Chairperson Laverty stated that Ms. Jamie Burgess
was recognized at the Capital Area Michigan Works! Alumni Dinner last
week. He said she visited the Foundation Board meeting a few months
ago where she sponsored a nursing scholarship for another person who
was in her situation. Chairperson Laverty felt that the Women’s
Resource Center does a lot of good work and encouraged them to
continue their efforts.
Trustee Pelleran said the Women’s Resource Center
does terrific work. She has spoken with many people in the community
who have received assistance from the Women’s Resource Center.
President Cunningham commended the Women’s
Resource Center staff for their exemplary team work and asked them to
stand to be recognized.
Human Resources
Faculty Appointments—
Richard Freedberg, Faculty Member – Nursing, Nursing Human Health &
Public Service
Angela Craig, Faculty Member – Nursing, Nursing Human Health & Public
Service
Technology Infusion Update
President Cunningham stated there has been a lot
of discussion and questions regarding the College’s technology
infusion. She said there would be a formal report from Plante & Moran
given later. President Cunningham had asked Mr. Martin Pennoni to be
the eyes and ears for the College as it went through the technology
conversions. He provides progress reports to the Executive Leadership
Team on a regular basis.
President Cunningham asked Marti Pennoni to
further address this agenda item.
Mr. Pennoni stated that he began serving the role
as liaison in mid-September. His charge was to serve as technology
liaison for the President and if there was a problem not being
addressed by the Help Desk, people could contact him. He broke down
the concerns into the following areas: pay, timesheet, email, voice
mail, and telephone issues. Mr. Pennoni provided various problem
scenarios and the solutions that have been implemented to solve these
problems. He reported that he would be meeting with various people on
campus from December 2 and 12 to determine what is working well, what
is not working, and what suggestions do people have to make it work
better. His next step would be to compile the information and provide
a report to President Cunningham on December 15.
Trustee Pelleran asked if he would share what
people are saying.
Mr. Pennoni responded that there are many things
that people like, things that they are struggling with and people are
offering great ideas; however, he did not want to draw any conclusions
yet.
President Cunningham thanked Mr. Pennoni for his
outstanding work.
Internal Audit Process – Plante & Moran
President Cunningham stated that Plante & Moran
was hired to conduct an internal audit of the process used during the
technology conversion. She introduced Ms. Vicky VanDenBerg from
Plante & Moran.
Ms. VanDenBerg stated that Plante & Moran was
asked by the College to get involved in the payroll project primarily
because the College has experienced a significant change from Banner
to Oracle to essentially a paperless timesheet process. She reported
on the process used in auditing the technology infusion. To establish
the procedures they met with management to review the current system
and what the new system was supposed to be, along with all of the
controls. They separated the project into two components; phase I and
phase II and drafted procedures to be completed. Those procedures
were then discussed and approved by the President. Phase I was to
gain an understanding of the payroll process and to then trace the
different employee types or groups by individual through this
process. Phase II was primarily focused on the conversion from Banner
to Oracle, pay rate changes, and the global analysis comparing two pay
periods; one from the old system and one from the new system at the
same time a year apart. She said most of Phase I was completed in
October and Phase II in November. Ms. VanDenBerg stated that this is
just a preliminary report and she has submitted a draft report to
management. Their recommendations are still preliminary and they
still have open items. Ms. VanDenBerg hopes to get a final report to
President Cunningham in January that would include all of the
procedures, results found, and their recommendations along with
management’s responses and how they would like to address each of the
recommendations.
President Cunningham said Plante & Moran has
agreed to conduct a college-wide forum so people can ask questions of
the process and address process improvement issues. This issue may
not come back to the Board if the written report is sufficient.
Ms. VanDenBerg stated that they work with a lot
of the higher education institutions in Michigan and a third to half
of them are converting to a paperless system. What she has seen so
far is very similar to what she’s seen at other institutions. In her
opinion the conversion has gone very well.
Trustee Pelleran asked of the institutions that
she’s worked with how many are using an Oracle system.
Ms. VanDenBerg responded that most of them are
not using Oracle, but are using different forms of paperless payroll
systems. Some are using the Chrono System which integrates with the
current system they may have in place.
Budget Update
President Cunningham reported that she met with
local legislators, Dianne Byrum, Patricia Burkholz, and Virg Bernero.
She also met with community college presidents where there was a
presentation from the director of the Department of Management and
Budget. The news is not positive. There is a potential 6% cut yet
from this year’s budget and possibly 8% next year. There is a
qualifier on the 6% reduction which is if the community colleges and
universities keep tuition below the CPI then they may see 3% of the
reduction returned to the institution; however, if the institution
raises tuition above the CPI then they would not. President
Cunningham reported that it is the collective opinion of the Michigan
Community College Association for the State to keep the 3% qualifier
because for some institutions that would take them out of business.
The 3% return would not be sufficient to warrant them not to raise
tuition. President Cunningham shared that cost saving measures were
discussed at a quarterly meeting with the College’s administrators on
Thursday. She asked Mr. Glenn Cerny to further address this agenda
item.
Mr. Cerny stated that the appropriation for
2002-2003 was $32,223,000. Today it is $28,989,000 and will
potentially be reduced by 6%, which will then be $27,900,674.
Essentially the appropriation may be reduced by approximately $4.5
million from last year’s appropriation. If you calculate the
potential 8% reduction from 2003-2004, it would be approximately $7.2
million less than the 2002-2003 appropriation.
Trustee Pelleran asked what would the three
percent mean.
Mr. Cerny responded that it would mean $800,000
or $900,000 less.
Washington Avenue
President Cunningham announced that the Lansing
City Council unanimously voted to vacate Washington Mall. She said it
was not without a lot of work and effort on behalf of some City
Council members and Chairperson Laverty. President Cunningham shared
that students and staff made presentations to the City Council
advocating for the vacation of Washington Mall. She thanked those
that helped make our case with City Council.
Chairperson Laverty added that it was an
interesting process. The College has had the potential of Washington
Mall being opened to traffic for over 30 years. He said there is an
issue of fire and utility easements, but that shouldn’t be a problem.
President Cunningham stated that the vacation of
Washington Mall would also include air rights if in the future a
walkway were to be built.
Status Report on
Employee Allegations
President Cunningham stated that the purpose of
this agenda item is to give the Board a preliminary status report on
the investigation of the matter brought to the attention of the Board
regarding employee allegations. This is for information purposes
only. She is neither recommending any formal action from the Board
nor asking the Board to hear or consider any of these allegations at
this time. President Cunningham gave a brief background on Mr. Fred
Todd who conducted the investigation. Mr. Todd is the president of 21st
Century Public Consultants. He is has also been the chief financial
officer for Wayne County, chief administrative officer for Ingham
County, finance director and treasurer for the city of Novi. Mr. Todd
has been an auditor and he is an attorney. President Cunningham read
aloud Mr. Todd’s three recommendations based on his preliminary review
and of documents examined, which are as follows:
-
As it relates to
personnel matters, authorize him to meet with Miller Canfield to
discuss his analysis and findings based on his preliminary review of
the documentation and LCC policies and procedures.
-
Given the nature
and extent of the apparent unauthorized ongoing business activity,
using LCC computers and other resources, consider authorizing Mr.
Todd to submit copies of all documentation generated in the course
of the investigation and to meet with the Ingham County Prosecutor’s
Office and/or State Attorney General’s Office, and/or the Michigan
State Police and/or Federal Bureau of Investigation; asking each
agency for their independent determination as to any possible
criminal wrongdoing.
- Provide the LCC Board with a copy of
this letter, the partial general chronology of public records and a
binder with copies of relevant public documents.
President Cunningham stated that she will be
following all of Mr. Todd’s recommendations.
Trustee Pelleran referred to the last sentence in
recommendation #3, that all relevant information be dealt with. She
felt that there were some issues in this particular document that were
not relevant and that were anonymously distributed and never presented
officially to the Board or to the President. Trustee Pelleran held
that the documents were irrelevant and should not be included.
President Cunningham responded that the report
states that all documentation generated be included and that it is
very important. Information is not withheld during an investigation
whether the information is anonymous or not. She encouraged the Board
to not debate the merits of the report this evening. It is an
operational issue which is why it is part of her informational items
report.
Trustee Pelleran reiterated relevancy as a
question otherwise she would consider the information being turned
over as hostile.
Corrected Entry: Trustee Pelleran reiterated
relevancy as a question; otherwise, she would consider it hostile that
the information is being turned over. (At the January 20, 2004 Board
of Trustees meeting Trustee Pelleran requested that her comments be
clarified to reflect that she did not consider the information to be
hostile, but rather the action of turning it over.)
Action Items
Approval of Minutes – November 17, 2003
Regular Meeting
President Cunningham presented for the Board’s
review the November 17, 2003 regular meeting minutes.
The Board had no changes.
Vice President, Finance & Administrative
Services
President Cunningham announced that the search
committee had unanimously forwarded the nomination of Barbara Larson
for the Vice President of Finance and Administrative Services
position. She referred to the information provided in the Board
packet. President Cunningham stated that without hearing any
objections she is forwarding this recommendation for the Board’s
approval. She thanked Mr. Glenn Cerny who has done an outstanding job
in performing two major roles as Chief Information Officer and Chief
Financial Officer.
Finance
Approval of Bids—
Ms. Beckie Beard presented the following bids for
the Board’s approval:
- Painting/Wall Covering for the M-TEC
and TTC in the amount of $339,485. This bid was awarded to Niles
Industrial, L.L.C. from Flint, Michigan.
- Shop Hydraulic Equipment for the
M-TEC and TTC in the amount of $134,189. This bid was awarded to
Allied, Inc., of Ann Arbor, Michigan.
- Spray Paint Booth for the M-TEC and
TTC in the amount of $174,023. This bid was awarded to Altra
Products of Wayland, Michigan.
- Tile and Terrazo for the M-TEC and
TTC in the amount of $669,424. This bid was awarded to Precision
Ceramic Tile of Burton, Michigan.
- Curriculum Development and
Assessment Services. This bid was awarded to Dr. Katherine Manley.
The estimated cost is $1500 per day and an estimated $311,500 for
the entire project.
President Cunningham stated that the greenhouse
bid for the M-TEC and TTC which was included in the Board packet was
pulled due to unapproved alternate materials that would be used. She
said this project would be bid out again.
Trustee Pelleran requested a presentation on the
greenhouse and the programs that will be used in it. To her knowledge
the greenhouse was not mentioned in the discussions on the development
of the M-TEC. Trustee Pelleran said it was not part of the facilities
master plan nor is any curriculum that she’s seen. She felt that if
the Board is looking at further budget reductions this bid would be
1/3 of the figure that the College has to cut. Trustee Pelleran
referred to the assessment bid that was submitted to the Board late.
She expressed that she will not be supporting the assessment bid due
to not having any opportunity to review it. Having the College face
further budget reductions she doesn’t see sufficient justification to
approve this bid. Trustee Pelleran hoped by the next meeting there
would be justification for this transmittal.
President Cunningham responded that the
greenhouse is a current program. She asked Dean Bill Darr to further
address this bid.
Dean Darr responded that the greenhouse has
always been a part of the M-TEC plans and has the documentation. He
said Ms. Annette Parker is available to speak on this issue.
President Cunningham stated that the greenhouse
is not a new program. She asked if Dean Darr answered her question or
if Trustee Pelleran would prefer a presentation this evening.
Trustee Pelleran responded it did not fully
answer her question and if a presentation could be given at a later
time.
Trustee Rasmusson asked if there would be an
increased cost in delaying this.
Dean Darr responded that there may be a delay in
ordering the siding for the greenhouse. He said there may be an
additional up charge of $53,000 to place the siding order later.
Chairperson Laverty asked if this bid would be
brought to the Board in January because of having to bid it out again
and if it was part of the Landscape and Horticulture program.
Dean Darr responded that was correct and that the
greenhouse is also tied into the National Science Foundation Agri
program with Kirkwood Community College in Iowa. He shared that it is
also a component of the National Science Foundation grant.
President Cunningham addressed Trustee Pelleran’s
concern regarding the assessment bid. She stated that this item,
curriculum development and assessment, is something that several
programs on campus had been working very hard on. The curriculum
would obtain Delphi and DACUM certification which is statewide and
national certification for the entire curriculum that is going to be
presented and proposed inside of the M-TEC.
Chairperson Laverty stated that he is familiar
with the work of Dr. Manley, the DACUM process and the National
Occupational Competency Testing Institute because of having worked
with UAW-GM for over 20 years. He said they are a nationally renowned
organization. Chairperson Laverty stated that he would support
approving the bid and not delaying it.
Trustee Pelleran asked that the assessment bid be
voted on separately.
Electronic Funds Transfer Authorization
Resolution
President Cunningham presented the electronic
funds transfer authorization resolution which was included in the
Board packet. She stated that this was recommended by Mr. Bruce Dunn
of Maner, Costerisan and Ellis that the College identify those
individuals that are responsible for the electronic funds transfer.
Between now and January 20, 2004, those individuals will be Mr. Glenn
Cerny and Ms. Sue Maloney. After January 20 this resolution will be
brought to the Board again to change the name of Mr. Cerny to Ms.
Barbara Larson.
IT WAS MOVED by Trustee Canady and supported by
Trustee Rasmusson to approve the president’s report.
Trustee Pelleran made a friendly amendment to
separate the assessment bid from the report so it can be voted on
separately.
Trustee Canady accepted the friendly amendment.
Roll call vote:
Ayes: Brannan, Canady, Laverty, Murray, Pelleran, Proctor, Rasmusson
Nays: None
Absent: None
Motion carried.
IT WAS MOVED by Trustee Pelleran and supported by
Trustee Canady to approve the Curriculum Development and Assessment
Services bid.
Roll call vote:
Ayes: Canady, Laverty, Murray, Proctor, Rasmusson
Nays: Brannan, Pelleran
Absent: None
Motion carried.
CLOSED SESSION
IT WAS MOVED by Trustee Pelleran and supported by
Trustee Murray for the Board to go into closed session for the purpose
of discussing an attorney client privileged communication.
Roll call vote:
Ayes: Brannan, Canady, Laverty, Murray, Pelleran, Proctor, Rasmusson
Nays: None
Absent: None
Motion carried.
The Board entered into closed session at 6:42
p.m.
IT WAS MOVED by Trustee Brannan and supported by
Trustee Canady that the Board return to open session.
Roll call vote:
Ayes: Brannan, Canady, Laverty, Murray, Pelleran, Proctor, Rasmusson
Nays: None
Absent: None
Motion carried.
The Board returned to open session at 7:36 p.m.
PUBLIC COMMENT
There were no comments from the public.
ADJOURNMENT
IT WAS MOVED by Trustee Proctor and supported by
Trustee Murray to adjourn the meeting.
Roll call vote:
Ayes: Brannan, Canady, Laverty, Murray, Pelleran, Proctor, Rasmusson
Nays: None
Absent: None
Motion carried.
The meeting adjourned at 7:37 p.m.
