Call to Order
The meeting was called to order
at 6:11 p.m.
Roll Call
Present: ;Brannan, Canady,
Laverty, Pelleran, Proctor, Rasmusson, Smith
Absent:; None
Trustee Proctor was present
telephonically.
pledge of allegiance
Trustee Brannan led the pledge of allegiance.
ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA
There were no additions or deletions to the agenda.
Limited Public Comment Regarding Agenda Items
Lynn Savage - Good evening, my
name is Lynn Savage and I'm speaking to you once again tonight as
Chair of the LCC Labor Coalition.; As you know the Labor Coalition
represents all labor unions on campus as we negotiate healthcare
including LCC MAHE, which is the faculty association; LCCAA, which
is the administration association; LCC ESP for full-time support;
the Part-time Clerical Technical Union; AFSCME; FOP;; and HERE, the
hotel and restaurant employees.; Once again we are asking for your
help.; As I stated in December, we've worked long and hard to reach
an agreement.; It is now February and we've been negotiating without
success for a year.; This evening we have submitted a proposal to
the management team which we believe is fair and equitable.; One
which addresses the commitment to making benefits at LCC comparable
to other community colleges in the state while remaining of
reasonable costs to the College and to the community.; It addresses,
for example, dental and vision benefits that have not been changed
for at least 20 years.; We have included a spreadsheet with that
proposal that we believe will assist in cost comparisons across the
various recent proposals.; There are larger issues here.; We remain
concerned and somewhat frustrated about the actual direction of the
College with respect to long-term equitable human resources planning
versus the direction we seem to see at the table.; The Coalition is
committed to supporting long range planning for Human Resources for
the College in the same vain that the Strategic Plan and the
Facilities Master Plan address those
particular areas.; We encourage the idea of taking stock of our
current practices and policies; looking at comparable institutions
in direction of higher education; and following through with the
commitment to making LCC comparable with our fellow institutions
with respect to human resources issues.; We urge you as Board
members to support a fair and equitable agreement in healthcare that
reflects this value of a commitment to long-term human resources
planning for the College.; We hope that you will have an opportunity
to review our entire proposal with your management team and we
remain willing to meet with you to discuss our position, if that
would be helpful.; Thank you for your attention.
Sally Pierce - Hi, I'm Sally
Pierce.; President of LCC MAHE, the faculty association and a
Lansing tax payer.; The Board members have a hard copy of this; I
think.; Except Bob.; Good evening, Board members.; MAHE knows you
set parameters for our negotiations and last Thursday we worked with
numbers supplied by management to fit all the faculty we represent
into those parameters.; Thursday afternoon we were told that the
costs of the raises we're proposing slightly exceed your parameters,
but Tim Zeller told us he would ask you to expand your parameters
slightly so that we can achieve those raises.; Today in our MAHE
caucus, we worked with this spreadsheet data some more and though we
support the process we engaged in Thursday, we suspect that the
numbers and the data we are working with are fuzzy and don't give
either side an accurate picture of the cost.; If the spreadsheet and
your parameters are correct, then LCC MAHE will remain at the bottom
of our comparable community colleges, even though LCC is in the top
tier of Michigan community colleges.; We ask that you support the
process we engaged in Thursday and we bring some good news this
evening.; We think the actual cost may be lower than the spreadsheet
indicates for the percentage raises we are discussing and that are
needed to approach both internal and external salary equity for all
classifications of faculty.; We want to continue working with HR
representatives and the available data to accurately refine our
proposals in light of the financial facts.; Please let your
bargainers know if you can support the costs they bring tonight and
understand that we stand ready to continue to negotiate.; I don't
know if the dates have been sent, but we've identified a series of
dates when we're available to negotiate.; Thank you.
CHAIRPERSON AND BOARD MEMBER
REPORTS
Chairperson Laverty
Presidential Search Process
Chairperson Laverty reported
that he's asked Vice President Larson and Ms. Beckie Beard to assist
in creating a request for proposal to hire an executive search
firm.; Once the search firm is selected a presidential profile will
be created to assist in identifying potential candidates.; The
college community will be involved in creating the profile.;
Chairperson Laverty pledged that no decisions will be made during
the summer months in consideration of faculty.; It is anticipated
that a timeline and a list of activities will be created and posted
on the College's web page by mid-April.; The Board would need to
determine how the search committee will be structured and selected.;
Chairperson Laverty stated once the request for proposal is
developed the Board will work on reviewing the proposals and select
the search firm.; He explained that with the assistance of the
search firm the process would include developing and approving the
profile, interviewing the candidates, and selecting the president.;
Trustee Pelleran was supportive
of the request for proposal process.
Trustee Smith also was
supportive of using the request for proposal process.; She stated
the Board work closely on deciding the composition of the search
committee to ensure an inclusive process.
Trustee Canady shared that he
prefers having the Board as a whole be involved in the selection
process rather than a committee.; He felt that it is their
responsibility as Board members to select the president and should
be involved every step of the way.
Chairperson Laverty invited
those trustees interested in participating in the request for
proposal process.; The process will be conducted in an open
setting.; Considering he's never been through a presidential search
process, he's looking for all the guidance he can get.; He agreed
that full Board participation is important.
Workforce Development Board
Chairperson Laverty reported
that construction is continuing on the roof of the Capital Area
Michigan Works! building.; He asked Trustee Brannan for an update on
the Healthcare Regional Skill Alliance.
Trustee Brannan reported that
the kickoff event will be held on March 2nd at Ingham
Regional Medical Center.; The Alliance is looking at the tri-county
needs for healthcare concentrating on workforce development and a
closer connection with the K-12 arena.; There's been discussion with
the Human, Health and Public Service Careers division about other
innovative events to ensure the College's involvement.
Chairperson Laverty also
reported that Capital Area Career Connections, which is a
subcommittee of the Capital Area Michigan Works! Agency has lost its
funding, but they are working towards resurrecting the program
again.;
Foundation Board of Directors
The Foundation Board of
Directors met on January 17 and the main topic of discussion was
what's going on at the College and how it may affect the capital
campaign.; Trustees Laverty, Proctor, and Pelleran met with the
Executive Committee of the Foundation regarding how to work together
and move forward.; Chairperson Laverty felt there are many things
the Board needs to focus on.
Information and Announcements
Chairperson Laverty had no
additional information or announcements to give.
Board Members
Trustee Rasmusson -
Audit Committee Report
Trustee Rasmusson reported that
Ms. Michelle Gallagher is looking at a number of requirements from
the Government Accounting Standards Board related to the 2004-2005
Financial Audit.; He doesn't expect anything will come out of that
except that we're doing our due diligence.;
Policy Review and Analysis
Preliminary Report - Jan Lazar
Trustee Rasmusson introduced Ms.
Jan Lazar.; He shared that Ms. Lazar is reviewing the budgeting and
financial rules. ;;
Ms. Lazar presented a
preliminary report.; (The report is on file with the official Board
materials.)
Trustee Smith - ACCT
Trustee Smith reported that she
attended the ACCT Legislative Summit.; She serves on the ACCT
Diversity Committee and they had an executive board meeting.; A lot
of information was shared regarding tribal governance, which she
felt was beneficial to Michigan considering there are many tribal
colleges.; Trustee Smith shared that she met with the Executive
Secretary for Education regarding the minority issues that the
country is facing and what other countries are doing in terms of
higher education.; All of the Michigan Trustees in attendance met
with Senators Debbie Stabenow and Carl Levin and Mr. John Engler
regarding workforce development.
President's REPORT
Informational Items
College Spotlight -
Alternative Energy/Grant Program Update
Vice President Borger, Ms.
JaNice Marshall, Ms. Annette Parker, and Mr. Howard Dillman provided
a PowerPoint presentation regarding the Alternative Energy/Grant
Program.; (The presentation is on file with the official Board
materials.);
There was a question and answer
period after the presentation.
The Trustees expressed their
appreciation for the hard work that faculty and staff have done in
this area.
Budget Update
Vice President Barbara Larson
provided a PowerPoint presentation regarding the fiscal year 2007
preliminary budget projections.; She referenced the material
provided in the Board packet (it is on file with the official Board
materials.)
There was a question and answer
period after the presentation.
Financial Aid Update
President Cardenas reported that
the financial aid staff, under the leadership of Dr. Rebekah Woods,
have developed short-term and long-term staffing proposals that will
be put in place immediately.; Everyone is working diligently in
addressing all student needs as they arise considering financial aid
issues are complicated and not one solution fits every student.;
Work is in progress to complete a compliance review to identify
additional areas needing attention.; Staff are working in
conjunction with ISCD staff to identify a list of issues needing to
be addressed prior to September 2006.
Trustee Proctor asked when all
of the systems dealing with financial aid may be fixed.;
President Cardenas responded
that we are working on a timeline of September 2006 to identify the
critical areas needing to be addressed directly related to
registration and financial aid.; Those issues will be address first.
Tribute to Paula D.
Cunningham
President Cardenas reported that
a committee has been formed to develop a proposal to pay tribute to
Paula Diane Cunningham.; Mr. Bill Motz has accepted to chair the
committee, and volunteers will be solicited to offer ideas.; A
proposal will be brought before the Board at the March 20 meeting.
Oracle Student System
President Cardenas stated that
staff in the Student and Academic Support (SAS) and Information
Services and College Development (ISCD) divisions are reviewing all
the reports and audits.; They are identifying the critical areas
needing to be addressed focusing on registering students and
providing financial aid in a successful manner.; She further stated
that a project management system is being implemented and Ms. Nancy
Lombardi is providing leadership to this group which will identify
milestones, create key areas of focus, and create backup plans.
;President Cardenas introduced Dr. Rebekah Woods and Dr. Stephanie
Shanblatt to further address this item.
Dr. Woods pledged her support
and commitment in working with President Cardenas as well as the
Board of Trustees.; A collective collaboration from everyone is
imperative as we move this institution forward to provide solutions
to the challenges that the College faces.; She acknowledged both the
ISCD and SAS staff for their dedication.; No matter what the issues
are no one can deny the absolute commitment that all parties
involved have in resolving this issue.; Everyone strives to provide
a superior level of customer service to all students in every facet,
and will continue to work toward eliminating all potential barriers
to the success of all students at Lansing Community College.
Dr. Shanblatt stated that her
remarks were on behalf of the entire ISCD leadership team.; The last
several months have been challenging for the staff in ISCD and they
acknowledge that there are always challenges with a new
implementation.; They recognize that there is much yet to be done.;
The ISCD division is committed to doing their best to meet the needs
of students, faculty, and staff.; They are committed to open
dialogue and communication across campus and to building trust in
their abilities.; They are also committed to moving forward using
best practices, project planning and management, and IT governance.;
Dr. Shanblatt shared that they look forward to working
collaboratively with President Cardenas and with the Board of
Trustees so collectively we can serve the needs of the students.
Action Items
Approval of Minutes - January
13, 2006 Special Meeting; January 17, 2006 Regular Meeting; February
1, 2006 Special Meeting
President Cardenas presented the
January 13, 2006; January 17, 2006; and the February 1, 2006 meeting
minutes for the Board's review.
There were no changes.
Human Resources -
Administrative Appointments and Terminations
Administrative Appointments-
Catherine Fisher,
CPA, Director of Accounting and Payroll, Accounting and Payroll
Department, Administrative Services Division
H. Thomas Klever,
Chairperson, Language Skills, Language Skills, Student and Academic
Support
Jan Danford, Dean,
Technical Careers, Technical Careers
Terminations-
Firmesk Silevany, Dispatch Police Officer
(Part-Time), Police and Public Safety Department
Trustee Canady asked for Ms.
Danford's appointment to be voted on separately.; He stated that he
has nothing against Ms. Danford; however, there has been a growing
trend at the College where qualified Black applicants for positions
have ultimately resulted in failed searches after their names were
announced.; He further stated that it happened to Ms. Addie Morrow,
Mr. Stan Chase, and Ms. Delores Eiseler.; He also shared that Ms.
Annette Parker was recommended for this position three times by the
search committee and when her name came up, it resulted in a failed
search.; Trustee Canady felt that this creates an atmosphere for
people to not trust the process and it reflects poorly on the goals
of increasing diversity at the College.; This makes it difficult to
recruit qualified Black applicants.; He shared that he would not be
voting for Ms. Danford's appointment.
Trustee Pelleran supported
Trustee Canady's recommendation to vote on the appointment
separately.
There was brief discussion
regarding what a failed search meant.
Course Fees
Vice President Howard presented
the course fees for the Board's approval, which were included in the
Board materials.
There was no discussion.
Tentative Agreement -
Education Support Personnel
President Cardenas thanked the
negotiation teams and Ms. Terry Wellman for her leadership on the
Education Support Personnel bargaining unit.; The tentative
agreement was ratified by the union on February 14, which was
included in the Board packet.
There was brief discussion
regarding the tentative agreement.
Joint Capital Outlay
Subcommittee Resolution
Vice President Larson presented
the Joint Capital Outlay Subcommittee Resolution, which was part of
the Board packet.; The Subcommittee will be meeting on Wednesday,
February 22 and is eager to receive all resolutions from the
community colleges.
Trustee Pelleran stated that she
will be voting in support of this resolution and will be making a
motion that Chairperson Laverty sign the resolution in Trustee
Proctor's absence.
There were no objections from
the Board to have Chairperson Laverty sign the resolution in order
to ensure the resolution is delivered as soon as possible.
Finance - Approval of Bids
Ms. Beckie Beard presented the
following bids for the Board's approval:
- Upgrade to AAFS and
Delivery Tracking System.; The recommendation was to award the
bid to BAM 1, Inc., from Adrian, Michigan.
- Apple Training Services.;
The recommendation was to award the bid to Apple Computer from
Austin, Texas.
- Flash Over Chamber Units.;
The recommendation was to award the bid to Youngstrom
Contracting, Inc., from Ionia, Michigan.
- Arts & Sciences Building
First Floor-Vacated Spaces Renovation; Travel & Tourism and
Mixology Labs.; The recommendation was to award the bid to Moore
Trosper Construction from Holt, Michigan
- Math Lab Consulting
Services.; The recommendation was to award the bid to Ms. Denise
Griffey of Shawnee Mission, Kansas.
There was discussion regarding
the bids.
IT WAS MOVED by Trustee Pelleran
and supported Trustee Smith to approve the President's Report except
for Ms. Jan Danford's administrative appointment.
Roll call vote:
Ayes:; Brannan, Canady, Laverty, Pelleran, Proctor, Rasmusson, Smith
Nays:; None
Absent:; None;
Motion carried.
IT WAS MOVED by Trustee Pelleran
and supported by Trustee Brannan to approve Ms. Jan Danford's
administrative appointment.
Trustee Smith referred to
Trustee Canady's concerns.; She asked if any grievances have been
filed.
Staff responded that none have
been filed.
Trustee Canady believes that
grievances may not have been filed because of fear of retaliation.
Roll call vote:
Ayes:; Brannan, Laverty, Pelleran, Proctor, Rasmusson, Smith
Nays:; Canady
Absent:; None
Motion carried.
CLOSED SESSION
IT WAS MOVED by Trustee Pelleran
and supported by Trustee Brannan that the Board go into closed
session for the purpose of discussing strategy connected with the
negotiations of a collective bargaining agreement.
Roll call vote:
Ayes:; Brannan, Canady, Laverty, Pelleran, Proctor, Rasmusson, Smith
Nays:; None
Absent:; None
Motion carried.
The Board entered into closed
session at 7:50 p.m.
IT WAS MOVED by Trustee Canady
and supported by Trustee Pelleran that the Board return to open
session.
Roll call vote:
Ayes:; Brannan, Canady, Laverty, Pelleran, Proctor, Rasmusson, Smith
Nays:; None
Absent:; None
Motion carried.
The Board returned to open
session at 8:14 p.m.
PUBLIC COMMENT
There were no comments from the
public.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 8:14
p.m.
