Call to
Order
The meeting was
called to order at 5:07 p.m.
Roll Call
Present: Laverty,
Murray, Proctor, Rasmusson
Absent: Brannan,
Canady, Pelleran
Trustee Pelleran
arrived at 5:15 p.m.
Trustee Canady
arrived at 5:16 p.m.
Additions/Deletions to the Agenda
There were no
additions or deletions to the agenda.
Limited
Public Comment Regarding Agenda Items
Chairperson Laverty
stated that based on a conversation he had with Mr. Steve Bennett he has
given him a waiver to talk about CTU negotiations.
Steve Bennett -
Good evening, my name is Steven Bennett. I am the President of the
Part-Time/Clerical Technical Union, otherwise known as the CTU here at
Lansing Community College. I come to
you tonight representing more than 200 employees at this college who
have been without a contract for nearly six months now. The CTU has
been in contract negotiations with the College, as you all are aware of,
since May of this year and (inaudible) to make some progress on language
and other non-budget, non-economic type items. However, we have not been
able to make the kind of progress that the CTU has expected in terms of
dollars. Specifically referring to wage, paid-time off, and tuition
benefits. I will be honest in saying to you that I am concerned at this
point about our position at the table. We've been told that the College
is attempting to improve this contract in terms of finances; however,
when we compare ourselves to other institutions across the state we see
a dramatically different story. In the document I've just given you
there are three graphs that are of importance. First on page 12, this
is on slide twelve for those of you in the audience who have it as well,
we?ll see a comparison of total paid-time off at a first year 30-hour
employee would receive at one of the 12 institutions that is
highlighted. As you can see, a part-timer at LCC would receive only 40
hours of paid time-off for the year. Meanwhile, a part-timer at Mott,
Schoolcraft, Kellogg, Muskegon, and St. Clair County Community College
would all receive over 200 hours of actual paid time-off which includes
time off for holiday pay, sick leave, vacation leave, and personal
leave. Part-timers at Grand Rapids and Mid-Michigan
Community Colleges would receive
over 190 hours. Once again a part-timer at LCC would only receive 40
hours of paid time-off. This in itself does not begin to cover all of
the days the College is closed throughout the year. Let alone any time
for sickness or vacation. Thus, many employees?or excuse me part-timers
go without a week?s worth or more of pay during the winter break because
they do not have enough hours to cover for those days. At a time when
paychecks are so important during the holiday season we have people
struggling to make ends meet. If you refer to page 26 of the document
for a comparison of negotiated wages. Let me make it clear that in
saying this there are part-timers who make more than $9.25 an hour.
What I'm comparing here is the actual negotiated wage range that are in
effect at each of these institutions. In other words, each of these
other institutions employ a process where part-timers know exactly how
they will advance in the pay scale. At LCC part-timers have no
guaranteed opportunity to advance their pay. For example, part-time
employees at Grand Rapids Community College start at a
minimum $11.85 pay rate. Part-timers at Oakland start out at a minimum
$11.71 pay rate. And part-timers at Washtenaw
Community College start out at a
minimum $11.37 pay rate. I want to make it known that the association
has proposed a wage schedule that is well below the starting rates at
these three institutions. In fact, we have proposed a wage schedule
that keeps the base rate at $9.25 per hour the same it's been since July
1, 2003. Finally, I would direct you to page 29 that shows healthcare
benefits offered by various community colleges. I will say that the
association has conceded a major portion of their proposal for
healthcare in recognizing that this is an enormous cost to the College.
But it should be known that at least seven institutions throughout this
state offer a generous portion of the premium paid for their part-time
employees of those, Henry Ford, even pays for 100% of the healthcare
premium of their 30-hour-plus employees. I am limited in time tonight
so I would ask that you please take a look at the other items that are
included in this packet afterwards. I understand that the process of
creating a contract that is fair and equitable among our counterparts
and our colleagues across the state and at this institution itself is
quite a lengthy endeavor. I do not expect that we will have the funding
to rectify every issue with a year-one contract; however, I must report
to you tonight that the proposals made by the Office of Human Resources
on your behalf do not come anywhere close to sending us down the path
towards equity. I myself committed to our President last spring that I
would be open to a contract that brings in benefits over a period of
time. Recognizing that there would be added costs to the College for
negotiating a contract with all the benefits available right away.
However, I made that commitment only (inaudible) I would need to see a
contract that aggressively and progressively adds benefits to my members
(inaudible). As of yet, I have not seen that progressive contract. I
will end tonight by saying this. Our issue is not just about money nor
is it just about paid time off, or tuition benefits, or healthcare. Our
issue really is bigger than that. It is about respect. We are at a
crossroads here. Today we have the opportunity to decide how we are
going to treat and employ our part-time employees. This association is
the second largest union on this campus, so we are an integral part of
the daily operations of this institution. we're not asking for the
world or for more that is due to us. We are simply asking to be
regarded as basic citizens and agents of this college. We serve all of
our 19,000 plus students day in and day out just as every other employee
does. We are part-time employees because we work less than 40 hours not
because we deserve less respect. I'm asking for your support, for your
respect, and for your recognition that these employees are an important
fundamental aspect of this institution. With your support we can work
together and do the good work that needs to be done. Thank you.
(Applause)
Chairperson
and Board Member Reports
Chairperson
Laverty
Board
Development Session - Policy Governance Process
Chairperson Laverty reported that the Board had its third session on
December 6. He thanked all the Board members that attended. The
sessions have established increased trust and communication among the
Trustees, but also the Board is moving toward the Policy Governance
process. Policy Governance is an approach that emphasizes the values,
vision, and empowerment of both the Board and staff in the strategic
ability to lead leaders. He stated that the Board will be moving
towards voting to approve the governance policies at a future meeting.
The Board will then begin governing by new policies and each year the
Board will renew its understanding and commitment to an educational
orientation. Over time the methods, processes, and structures of
governing with Policy Governance will become the culture of our Board
and ultimately the College.
Chairperson Laverty stated that the following items were reviewed at the
December 6 development session: the system map, a new agenda format,
decision log, parking lot, road map to strategic thinking and decision
making, and writing ends statements. An annual calendar and a self
evaluation tool will be developed and brought to the Board for their
approval. He asked all the Trustees over the next month to review the
draft governance policies in their packet and provide feedback prior to
the January 18, 2005 meeting. The
policies may not be approved in January, but he would like the Board to
be ready to discuss Policy Governance.
President's
Contract
In reviewing former minutes it is customary that after the President's
evaluation is submitted and approved the President's contract is
reviewed and approved. According to the current contract, the
President's salary should be reviewed on an annual basis.
IT WAS MOVED by Trustee Proctor and supported by Trustee Rasmusson to
authorize the chairperson to review the President's contract
specifically regarding salary and present to the full Board a
recommendation at the January Board meeting.
There was no discussion.
Roll call vote:
Ayes: Canady, Laverty, Murray, Proctor, Rasmusson
Nays: None
Absent: Brannan
Trustee Pelleran abstained from voting.
Motion carried.
Workforce
Development Board
Chairperson Laverty gave an update on the Workforce Development Board on
behalf of Trustee Proctor who was unable to make the last meeting due to
being out of town. He reported that the Workforce Development Board had
a presentation on the Prisoner Re-entry Program, which is a new
initiative from the State. There was also a Manufacturing Council
Update given at the meeting.
Other
Chairperson Laverty
reported on the following activities he attended:
- Capital Area
Michigan Works! Annual Alumni dinner on December 9. President
Cunningham and Congressman Mike Rogers spoke at the dinner.
- LCC Jazz
Ensemble/Jazz Combo performance.
- 77th
Police Academy Graduation on December 10.
Board Member
Reports
Trustee Canady -
Japan Adventure Program Recognition
Trustee Canady
presented the resolutions in honor of Mr. Megumi Shigematsu and Dr. Tai
Sung Kim (the resolutions are on file with the official Board
materials.)
IT WAS MOVED by
Trustee Canady and supported by Trustee Pelleran to approve the
resolutions in honor of Mr. Megumi Shigematsu and Dr. Tai Sung Kim.
There was no
discussion.
Roll call vote:
Ayes: Canady,
Laverty, Murray, Pelleran, Proctor, Rasmusson
Nays: None
Absent: Brannan
Motion carried.
Trustee
Rasmusson - Audit Committee
Trustee Rasmusson
reported that after the audit was approved last month he spent some time
speaking with Mr. Bruce Dunn, the auditor, in how the rules will play
out in future years. He was happy with the discussion he had with Mr.
Dunn and stated that ends this year?s audit process.
Trustee Murray -
Foundation Update
Trustee Murray
reported that she attended the Foundation Holiday Open House on November
30 that was held at the West Campus. She stated that it was a lovely
event and very well organized. Trustee Murray thanked Ms. Sue Fisher,
Ms. Bonnie Steljes, Ms. Pam Schmidt, Ms. Beth Vanderlip, Ms. Laurie
Brunin, Ms. Golala Arya, and Vice President Borger among others who
worked hard at making this event a success.
President's
Report
Informational
Items
College
Spotlight - Learning & Leading Collaborative
President
Cunningham stated that the Learning and Leading Collaborative at Lansing
Community College is a program
for employees by employees. She asked Ms. Chris Hollister, Ms. Linda
Birchmeier, and Ms. Sue Mutty to share with the Board where we are with
this initiative.
Ms. Hollister, Ms.
Birchmeier, and Ms. Mutty provided a PowerPoint presentation regarding
the Learning and Leading Collaborative initiative which is an effort to
build a stronger employee development environment (the presentation is
on file with the official Board materials.)
Chairperson Laverty
thanked them for a job well done. He stated that this initiative is in
line with Policy Governance.
President
Cunningham stated the Center for Teaching Excellence has also been
involved in this initiative. This effort has polled everyone across the
College to look at what our colleagues would like offered to them.
Human Resources
- New Hires, Leaves and Sabbaticals
Administrative Appointments--
Sylvia Wood, Finance Director, Accounting,
Administrative Services
Ian Diem, Hospitality Faculty, Business, Business, Media, and
Information Technologies
Budget Update
Vice President
Larson reported that they are keeping a close eye on discussions at the
State level. The community college presidents, in working with the
Michigan Community College Association, have been exploring the funding
for Michigan community colleges. A formula exists that hasn?t been used
for a number of years. Currently, the community colleges receive across
the board increases or decreases; however, if any portion of the funding
formula was reinstated, it would benefit the College beyond the state
average. She stated this is something the College would like the
legislature to consider in the future.
Vice President
Larson also reported that the College's capital outlay request for
renovations to the Gannon Vocational Technical building vacated space
was struck from the bill. She stated that there were no community
college projects funded.
St. Johns -
Expanded Service Area
President
Cunningham asked Vice President Ruth Borger to provide an update on the
St. Johns Expanded Service Area initiative and an update on House Bill
6242.
Vice President
Borger reported that House Bill 6242 was a legislative initiative that
the College had asked Muchmore Harrington to assist the institution
with. This house bill is crucial to the future governance of the
College. In the community college act there was a recent amendment to
change the number of elected officials on the Board if a community
college was to annex a school district. The annexed school district
would be able to elect two trustees to the Board of Trustees. Based on
legal counsel?s advice, that amendment would give a certain community
more representation than the rest of the community college district.
This is important to the College since it is exploring expanding its
service district into the St. Johns
School District. She shared
that with the assistance of Muchmore Harrington legislation was passed
and is now with the Governor. The new legislation stated that any
election after July 1, 2004 would not have to increase the members of
its Board if a school district is annexed to a community College's
service district. If the February 2005 election in St. Johns is
successful that will not change the Board composition.
Vice President
Borger provided a PowerPoint presentation on the information campaign
strategy that is being implemented in the community of St. Johns (the
presentation is on file with the official Board materials.)
Legislative
Tribute
President
Cunningham shared that the College received a legislative tribute from
Senator Virg Bernero and Governor Jennifer Granholm in celebration of
the grand opening of the West Campus and the M-TEC. She read a portion
of the tribute out loud.
IT WAS MOVED by
Trustee Pelleran and supported by Trustee Canady to frame the
legislative tribute and have it placed in the M-TEC.
Ayes: Canady,
Laverty, Murray, Pelleran, Proctor, Rasmusson
Nays: None
Absent: Brannan
Motion carried.
Entrepreneurial
Studies Program
President
Cunningham asked Mr. Chris Holman to further address this agenda item.
Mr. Holman reported
that the College received a grant in the amount of $46,100 from the
Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Growth. This grant will go
towards developing an entrepreneurial studies program, which will help
small businesses to reverse the unemployment trend. There will be a
partnership with Lansing Community College, Junior Achievement, Star
Institute, and Region 14 which are all the local high schools and career
centers to develop this program. Mr. Holman shared that the Director of
the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Growth stated that the
proposal submitted by the College, which was written by Ms. Toni
Glasscoe on behalf of the curriculum committee, was held as a model of
how grant proposals should be submitted. Mr. Holman stated that Vice
President Gary VanKempen, Dean Gary Knippenberg, Mr. Bo Garcia, Ms. Toni
Glasscoe, Mr. Mark Cleavy from the Small Business Association of
Michigan, Dr. Karen Bentall from the University of
Michigan, and himself all served on the curriculum committee for this program.
Trustee Rasmusson
stated that Michigan State University
DCL Law School has a clinic for
entrepreneurs, which may serve as a great resource for the College.
Chairperson Laverty
requested a future spotlight on this program.
President
Cunningham shared that Governor Granholm and the Lieutenant Governor
have promoted throughout Michigan that the entrepreneurial studies
program is an important area to be involved with in terms of promoting
businesses.
Action Items
Approval of
Minutes - November 15, 2004 Regular Meeting and November 17, 2004
Strategic Planning Work Session
The Board had no
changes to the minutes.
Annual Results
Inventory Report - Financial Responsibility
Cunningham stated that the annual results inventory reports are part of
the yearly monitoring process of the College's finances and student
access to financial aid. She asked Vice President Larson to present the
report.
Vice President
Larson reviewed the Annual Results Inventory Report - Financial
Responsibility with the Board (it is on file with the official Board
materials.)
There was a
question and answer period throughout the presentation.
Chairperson Laverty
thanked Vice President Larson and her staff, on behalf of the Board, for
doing an outstanding job.
IT WAS MOVED by
Trustee Canady and supported by Trustee Pelleran to approve the action
items of the President's Report.
There was no
discussion.
Roll call vote:
Ayes: Canady,
Laverty, Murray, Pelleran, Proctor, Rasmusson
Nays: None
Absent: Brannan
Motion carried.
Closed
Session
The Board did not go into closed
session.
Public
Comment
There were no comments from the public.
Trustee
Pelleran wished everyone a happy holiday.
Adjournment
IT WAS MOVED by
Trustee Canady and supported by Trustee Rasmusson
for the meeting to adjourn.
Roll call vote:
Ayes: Canady,
Laverty, Murray, Pelleran, Proctor, Rasmusson
Nays: None
Absent: Brannan
Motion carried.
The meeting
adjourned at 6:24 p.m.
