Southern Illinois News

Kaskaskia Community College District #501 Board of Trustees met Oct. 23.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

ROLL CALL/ATTENDANCE

Chair Bill Hawley convened a regular meeting of the Board of Trustees (Board) on Monday, October 23, 2023, at 6:30 p.m. in the Wedekemper Board Room on the Kaskaskia College (College) main campus. Trustees present at the meeting in person were Jim Beasley, Craig Finke, Bill Hawley, Bryan Holthaus, Louis Kalert, Linda Stover, Laura Wedekemper and Student Trustee Madison Johnson.

Kevin Noll, Legal Counsel from Robbins Schwartz attended the meeting in person.

College staff members attending in person were George Evans, Shawn Connelly, Cary Day, Joy Fitts, Judy Hemker, George Kriss, Karol Potter, Shawn Richards, Craig Roper, and Amy Zanton.

Media attending in person were Steven Stilt of the Centralia Sentinel and Bruce Kropp from WJBD.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Chair Hawley led in the Pledge of Allegiance.

RECOGNITION

President Evans welcomed and introduced new employees Craig Boehne, Manufacturing & Work-Based Learning Coordinator; Cari Butts, Cosmetology Facilitator; and Rayne Niederhofer, Accounts Receivable Specialist.

President Evans then welcomed and introduced the following individuals who attended the meeting for the presentation and signing of the Resolution of Recognition and Support for National Apprenticeship Week: Tim Benedict, General Manager, Intermountain Electronics; Brenda Malone, Recruiter, Intermountain Electronics; Cory Wellen, Assistant Professor of Welding; Joy Fitts, Dean of Workforce Engagement & Industrial Career Services; Thomas Jones, welding apprentice from Americana; Cayden Harris, welding apprentice from Velocity Metalworks; Logan Smith, welding apprentice from Velocity Metalworks; Shani Smith, Kailey Smith, and Jo Warren.

RESOLUTION 23-58

RESOLUTION OF RECOGNITION AND SUPPORT FOR NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP WEEK

Motion by Jim Beasley to recognize the week of November 13, 2023, as “National Apprenticeship Week” and the value of apprenticeship programs as an effective earn-and learn model for students, workers, and employers; and to support the partnership between apprenticeship programs, workforce development, and career and technical education.

Approved 11/27/23

Roll call:

Jim Beasley yes          Louis Kalert yes

Craig Finke yes           Linda Stover yes

Bill Hawley yes            Laura Wedekemper yes

Bryan Holthaus yes     Madison Johnson yes

Motion was approved.

PUBLIC COMMENT

No public comment.

CONSENT AGENDA

Items on the Consent Agenda included

September 25, 2023 Budget Hearing Minutes

September 25, 2023 Regular Meeting Minutes

Ratification and approval of disbursements and payrolls for September 2023 which includes travel reimbursements for board members and College employees if any requested reimbursement exceeds maximum allowable costs, Treasurer Report, Budget Report, Personnel Report, Foundation Report, and Kaskaskia College Sports Association Report. Administrative Reports include Executive Services Report, Administrative Services Report, Information Technology Services Report, Instructional Services Report, and Student Services Report.

Motion by Linda Stover to accept the Consent Agenda.

Roll call:

Jim Beasley yes          Louis Kalert yes

Craig Finke yes           Linda Stover yes

Bill Hawley yes            Laura Wedekemper yes

Bryan Holthaus yes     Madison Johnson yes

Motion was approved.

OLD UNFINISHED BUSINESS

None

NEW BUSINESS

CLOSED SESSION

Motion by Bryan Holthaus to enter Closed Session in accordance with the Illinois Open Meetings Act, and pursuant to Section 2(c) of the Act, the specific reason for conducting an executive session meeting is as follows:

Litigation, when an action against, affecting or on behalf of the particular public body has been filed and is pending before a court or administrative tribunal, or when the public body finds that an action is probable or imminent, in which case the basis for the finding shall be recorded and entered into the minutes of the closed meeting; 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(11);

Approved 11/27/23

Roll call:

Jim Beasley yes          Louis Kalert yes

Craig Finke yes           Linda Stover yes

Bill Hawley yes            Laura Wedekemper yes

Bryan Holthaus yes     Madison Johnson yes

Motion was approved and the meeting entered closed session at 6:43 p.m.

Motion by Louis Kalert to end closed session and resume open session. Roll call:

Jim Beasley yes          Louis Kalert yes

Craig Finke yes           Linda Stover yes

Bill Hawley yes            Laura Wedekemper yes

Bryan Holthaus yes     Madison Johnson yes

Motion was approved and the closed session ended and open session resumed at 7:13 p.m.

RESOLUTION 23-59

RESOLUTION TO PROVIDE A PUBLIC HEARING AND PUBLISH NOTICE REGARDING AN INCREASE IN THE 2023 AGGREGATE TAX LEVY AS REQUIRED BY THE TRUTH IN TAXATION ACT

Motion by Bryan Holthaus to adopt Resolution 23-59 approving the following:

1. A public hearing shall be held by Kaskaskia College, Community College District #501 on the 27th day of November, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. in the Wedekemper Boardroom in the Lifelong Learning Center Building at Kaskaskia College, located at 27210 College Road, Centralia, Illinois, with respect to the district’s intention to adopt an aggregate tax levy for calendar 2023 in an amount greater than 105% of the amount of property taxes levied for 2022, plus any amount abated, exclusive of election costs.

2. That notice of such hearing shall be published not more than 14 days nor less than 7 days prior to the date of the as prescribed in Chapter 35, ILCS 200, Section 18-80 of the Truth in Taxation Act, in a newspaper of general circulation published in each county in which any part of Community College District #501 is located, and it shall be posted on the Kaskaskia College website.

3. The aggregate amount of money estimated to be levied for the calendar year 2023, exclusive of election costs, is $13,350,469, which is more than 105% of the aggregate amount levied in 2022.

Roll call:

Jim Beasley yes          Louis Kalert yes

Craig Finke yes           Linda Stover yes

Bill Hawley yes            Laura Wedekemper yes

Bryan Holthaus yes     Madison Johnson yes

Motion was approved.

RESOLUTION 23-60

RESOLUTION ON INTENT TO LEVY AN EQUITY TAX PURSUANT TO SECTION 3-14.3 OF THE ILLINOIS PUBLIC COMMUNITY COLLEGE ACT

Motion by Bryan Hotlhaus to adopt Resolution 23-60 approving the intent to levy an equity tax for purposes of a combined educational and operations and maintenance rate of 28.33 cents per $100 of assessed valuation in accordance with the provisions of Section 3-14.3, which represents an equity rate of 3.33 cents as stipulated in the terms set forth in the letter of eligibility.

Roll call:

Jim Beasley yes          Louis Kalert yes

Craig Finke yes           Linda Stover yes

Bill Hawley yes            Laura Wedekemper yes

Bryan Holthaus yes     Madison Johnson yes

Motion was approved.

RESOLUTION 23-61

RESOLUTION TO APPROVE PROTECTION, HEALTH, AND SAFETY (PHS) PROJECTS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025

Motion by Bryan Holthaus to adopt Resolution 23-61 approving the recommended Protection, Health, and Safety Projects for Fiscal Year 2025 for repair and alteration as follows:

Capital Projects Fiscal Year 2022-Fiscal Year 2025 to include main campus classroom modernization and renovations; adult education, admissions, and career services renovation and modernization; business office renovation; heating, ventilation, and cooling upgrades; fine and performing arts renovation; and gymnasium replacement to be funded through a combination of PHS levy, bond proceeds, and other funds.$1,300,734

Roll call:

Jim Beasley yes          Louis Kalert yes

Craig Finke yes           Linda Stover yes

Bill Hawley yes            Laura Wedekemper yes

Bryan Holthaus yes     Madison Johnson yes

Motion was approved.

APPROVAL OF 2024 BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING CALENDAR Motion by Linda Stover to approve the 2024 Board of Trustees Meeting Calendar as presented.

Roll call:

Jim Beasley abstain    Louis Kalert yes

Craig Finke yes           Linda Stover yes

Bill Hawley yes            Laura Wedekemper yes

Bryan Holthaus yes     Madison Johnson yes

Motion was approved.

Approved 11/27/23

RESOLUTION 23-62

RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF EXTENDING SALEM TAX INCREMENT FINANCING (TIF) REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT AREA #2

Motion by Bryan Holthaus to support the City of Salem’s request, and direct President Evans to compose and certify a letter to the Illinois State Legislature in support of the City of Salem’s request to extend the term of the Salem Tax Increment Financing Redevelopment Project Area #2 from twenty-three (23) to thirty-five (35) years.

Roll call:

Jim Beasley yes          Louis Kalert yes

Craig Finke yes           Linda Stover yes

Bill Hawley yes            Laura Wedekemper yes

Bryan Holthaus yes     Madison Johnson yes

Motion was approved.

APPROVAL OF EMPLOYMENT OF DIRECTOR OF FINANCIAL AID

Motion by Linda Stover to hire Sarah Ratermann as Director of Financial Aid at a salary of $70,000 per year with an anticipated start date of November 1, 2023.

Roll call:

Jim Beasley yes          Louis Kalert yes

Craig Finke yes           Linda Stover yes

Bill Hawley yes            Laura Wedekemper yes

Bryan Holthaus yes     Madison Johnson yes

Motion was approved.

APPROVAL OF EMPLOYMENT OF DEAN OF ENROLLMENT SERVICES 

Motion by Linda Stover to hire Staci Palm as Dean of Enrollment Services effective November 1, 2023, at an annual salary of $86,000.

Roll call:

Jim Beasley yes          Louis Kalert yes

Craig Finke yes           Linda Stover yes

Bill Hawley yes            Laura Wedekemper yes

Bryan Holthaus yes     Madison Johnson yes

Motion was approved.

APPROVAL OF EMPLOYMENT OF ACADEMIC ADVISOR (1 OF 2)

Motion by Jim Beasley to hire Linza Brachear as a full-time Academic Advisor at an annual salary of $46,000 per year with an anticipated start date of November 1, 2023.

Roll call:

Jim Beasley yes          Louis Kalert yes

Craig Finke yes           Linda Stover yes

Bill Hawley yes            Laura Wedekemper yes

Bryan Holthaus yes     Madison Johnson yes

Motion was approved.

Approved 11/27/23

APPROVAL OF EMPLOYMENT OF ACADEMIC ADVISOR (2 OF 2)

Motion by Jim Beasley to hire Whitley Wyciskalla as a full-time Academic Advisor at an annual salary of $44,000 per year with an anticipated start date of November 1, 2023.

Roll call:

Jim Beasley yes          Louis Kalert yes

Craig Finke yes           Linda Stover yes

Bill Hawley yes            Laura Wedekemper yes

Bryan Holthaus yes     Madison Johnson yes

Motion was approved.

APPROVAL OF EMPLOYMENT OF PROFESSOR OF HIT

Motion by Linda Stover to hire Kendra Mueller as the Assistant Professor of Health Information Technology position, at a base salary of $48,426 with eligibility for fringe benefits (according to the Collective Bargaining Agreement salary scale of L.T.M. Level 2) and a start date of December 15, 2023.

Roll call:

Jim Beasley yes          Louis Kalert yes

Craig Finke yes           Linda Stover yes

Bill Hawley yes            Laura Wedekemper yes

Bryan Holthaus yes     Madison Johnson yes

Motion was approved.

APPROVAL OF EMPLOYMENT OF ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT EDUCATION PROGRAM CENTRALIA CORRECTIONAL CENTER

Motion by Linda Stover to hire Rachel Johnson as the Administrative Assistant - Centralia Correctional Center, effective upon completion of the IDOC background check, and contingent upon board approval, at an annual base salary of $35,750, with eligibility for fringe benefits.

Roll call:

Jim Beasley yes          Louis Kalert yes

Craig Finke yes           Linda Stover yes

Bill Hawley yes            Laura Wedekemper yes

Bryan Holthaus yes     Madison Johnson yes

Motion was approved.

APPROVAL OF EMPLOYMENT OF NURSING SUCCESS COACH (100% PATHWAY TO HEALTH CARE CAREERS GRANT FUNDED)

Motion by Louis Kalert to Kimberly Basch as the Nursing and Allied Health Success Coach at a base salary of $55,000 with eligibility for fringe benefits and a start date of November 1, 2023.

Roll call:

Jim Beasley yes          Louis Kalert yes

Craig Finke yes           Linda Stover yes

Bill Hawley yes            Laura Wedekemper yes

Bryan Holthaus yes     Madison Johnson yes

Motion was approved.

Approved 11/27/23

SECOND READING – COMPENSATORY TIME FOR POLICE OFFICERS POLICY 4.3003 

Motion by Jim Beasley to approve the second and final reading of the Compensatory Time for Police Officers Policy 4.3003.

Roll call:

Jim Beasley yes          Louis Kalert yes

Craig Finke yes           Linda Stover yes

Bill Hawley yes            Laura Wedekemper yes

Bryan Holthaus yes     Madison Johnson yes

Motion was approved.

SECOND READING – OVERTIME COMPENSATION FOR POLICE OFFICERS POLICY 4.3004

Motion by Jim Beasley to approve the second and final reading of the Overtime Compensation for Police Officers Policy 4.3004.

Roll call:

Jim Beasley yes          Louis Kalert yes

Craig Finke yes           Linda Stover yes

Bill Hawley yes            Laura Wedekemper yes

Bryan Holthaus yes     Madison Johnson yes

Motion was approved.

SECOND READING – REVISION TO FACULTY AND INSTRUCTIONAL STAFF CREDENTIALING POLICY 6.0300

Motion by Louis Kalert to approve the second and final reading of the revision to the Faculty and Instructional Staff Credentialing Policy 6.0300.

Roll call:

Jim Beasley yes          Louis Kalert yes

Craig Finke yes           Linda Stover yes

Bill Hawley yes            Laura Wedekemper yes

Bryan Holthaus yes     Madison Johnson yes

Motion was approved.

SECOND READING – REVISION TO MEDICAL EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS POLICY 2.3010

Motion by Louis Kalert to approve the second and final reading of the revision to the Medical Emergency Preparedness Policy 2.3010.

Roll call:

Jim Beasley yes          Louis Kalert yes

Craig Finke yes           Linda Stover yes

Bill Hawley yes            Laura Wedekemper yes

Bryan Holthaus yes     Madison Johnson yes

Motion was approved.

Approved 11/27/23

FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

A. Approval of Employment of Assistant Professor of Residential and Commercial Electricity

B. Truth-in-Taxation Levy Hearing

C. Resolution to Approve the 2023 Tax Levy – Fiscal Year 2025

D. Resolution to Abate the Tax Levy for Series 2018 General Obligation Refunding Bonds (Alternate Revenue Source) for 2023 Levy, Fiscal Year 2025

E. Resolution for Approval of Commercial Property, Liability, and Workers’ Compensation Insurance Coverages

STUDENT TRUSTEE REPORT

Student Trustee Madison Johnson orally presented a written report to the Board which summarized the following:

• On September 22, 2023, Kaskaskia College held an event for the CEO Programs in the area including Little Egypt, Fayette County, Bond County, and Clinton County CEOs. The number of students participating in the program has grown from 30 students when the program started to 60 students in the current program.

• On September 22, 2023, Zoey Cook of Taylorville signed an apprenticeship agreement with Velocity Metalworks in collaboration with the Welding Program.

• On October 3, 2023, Kaskaskia College held a student forum with President Evans. Over 130 students attended the forum.

• On October 4, 2023, the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program held their annual pinning ceremony.

• During the week of October 2, 2023, the Agriculture Program held a land and soil use competition on main campus with 200 students competing.

• The Kaskaskia College volleyball team held the annual Pink Out game on October 11, 2023.

• The annual fall picnic will be held on October 31, 2023. Several student groups will be sponsoring different booths and games.

• During the month of October, Student Congress has been collecting food for the snack station. Nine different faculty/staff boxes have been placed in the Academic Center for Excellence area. Students and staff are encouraged to donate items for the snack station by filling the boxes. The faculty/staff member whose box weighs the most will get a pie in the face at the fall picnic.

PRESIDENT’S COMMENTS

• President Evans thanked Madison Johnson for her continued enthusiasm serving as the Student Trustee and her leadership and involvement with the student body.

• The student forum held on October 3, 2023, was well-attended. A record total of 127 responses to the student survey were received. Students were very complimentary on the safety and security on campus. Overwhelmingly students commented on the caring and friendliness of faculty and staff and the personal touches they receive as a student.

• President Evans thanked Joy Fitts for spearheading Manufacturing Month and Apprenticeship Week. Under Joy’s leadership, the College has been able to sustain and grow relationships with local manufacturers. The College has received very positive comments from the manufacturing program graduates, Human Resources representatives from the manufacturers, and business owners in the district.

• Enduring Freedom is scheduled for Tuesday – November 7, 2023. Senator Plummer will be the guest speaker. The College will serve breakfast from 7:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. and the program will begin at 9:45 a.m.

• President Evans congratulated Aaron Heinzmann, Associate Professor of Agriculture, and the Agriculture Program for finishing in first place at a recent dairy expo.

ADJOURNMENT

Motion by Jim Beasley to adjourn. All members voted yes by voice vote. The meeting adjourned at 7:44 p.m.

https://www.kaskaskia.edu/media/web-assets/documents/board-minutes-amp-agendas/november/10-23-23-APPROVED-Minutes-w-Resolutions-for-Posting.pdf