NORTHWESTERN MICHIGAN COLLEGE
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Monday, may 7, 2007, Oleson Center

CALL TO ORDER — Walter “Jay” Hooper called the special meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA — Doug Bishop made a motion to approve the agenda.  Seconded by Bill Myers, the motion carried.

EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM UPDATE – John Tanner and Ed Bailey reported on the status of NMC’s emergency response system.  The college is in the process of implementing a “command and control” system modeled after how local, state and federal officials would respond to any major event. Those throughout the college who might be asked to help manage an event are being trained through FEMA, and will participate in a table-top exercise on June 13. The college also continues to explore ways to make sure our communications during any emergency situation are as efficient and effective as possible.

STATE BUDGET UPDATE – President Nelson reported on the status of state budget discussions, which he said change on an almost daily basis. He said the state is expecting a $1 billion structural deficit for the current year. One of the current House options would delay both halves of NMC’s expected state payments that were slated to be received in August. No final actions have been taken, however some colleges are setting tuition later in the year, once they are more certain about state funding levels.  Tim asked trustees to talk with representatives and senators about the need to do more than replace the small business tax, as revenue neutral replacement does nothing to address the structural deficit.  Chery Follette asked if the administration is looking at the expectation that local property tax revenue is going to be reduced; Tim responded that has been reduced in next year’s budget. 

SABBATICAL LEAVE – Doug Bishop made a motion to approve Jackie Shinners' sabbatical request.  Bill Myers seconded the motion.  Stephen Siciliano outlined the sabbatical request and approval process and indicated that this is the first year requests go to the Center for Instructional Excellence for approval.  The board requested that the current requirement of a faculty member to report on the activities of the sabbatical 30 days after completion be augmented to include new guidelines. These guidelines should include the expected outcomes of the sabbatical, the measurements to determine if the outcomes have been achieved, and the time line for submission of this new report.  The faculty member submitting the request should propose the outcomes, the measurements and the time line for reporting on the achievement of the measurements as part of their proposal.  Motion carried.

PUBLIC INPUT – There was no public input.

AVIATION AIRCRAFT SALE – Cheryl Follette made a motion to authorize the administration to accept the recommended bids for completion of the sale of seven aircraft from the Aviation program, which is part of the ongoing fleet realignment. Seven aircraft were sold in a public bidding process to four different bidders, totaling more than $500,000. Each of the bids received was higher than the minimum bids required. Seconded by Doug Bishop, the motion carried.

Purchasers:

Hillsboro Aviation, Inc
3565 NE Cornell Road
Portland, OR 97124
Max Lyons, President

Shamrock Aircraft
1605 Tenth
Monroe, WI 53566
Tom Kelly, Vice President

Christiansen Aviation, Inc
200 Lear Jet Lane
Tulsa, OK 74132
William Christiansen, President

Simon Lowman
35 Harrisons
Birchanger, Essex
Great Britain, CM235QT

DISCUSSION ITEM: DECISION-MAKING STRATEGIC PLANNING INITIATIVE – President Tim Nelson said he has started work on the decision-making initiative by asking questions of different groups.  The Board needs to review Policy A-106.00, Items for Specific Board Approval, and clarify who makes what decisions.  Tim said he would be asking trustees to spend time on this policy at a future study session.

ADJOURNMENT – The meeting was adjourned at 6:55 p.m.

Recorded by Karen Sabin