NORTHWESTERN MICHIGAN COLLEGE
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Monday, September 24, 2007, Great Lakes Campus

CALL TO ORDER — Chair Walter J. Hooper called the meeting to order at 6:32 p.m.

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

FACULTY COUNCIL REPORT – Mike Surgalski provided the Faculty Council report. NMC faculty sponsored a photo portrait in the Yousuf Karsh exhibition that took place at the Dennos Museum Center on Saturday night. Mike read a message from Steve Drake, who reported that part of the evening’s program was a speech delivered by the president of the Michigan Humanities Council. She spoke of the vital role of the writers, thinkers, scholars, and students working together to create a shared vision of community. Mike and several Maritime Academy Cadets also presented a brief slideshow and video about the spring training cruise.

BOARD POLICY COMMITTEE REPORT – Committee Chair Jay Hooper said the committee met just prior to tonight’s board meeting to consider Conflict of Interest and Donation Acceptance policies, as well as changes to the by-laws regarding filling board vacancies. The October 8 study session will provide an opportunity to discuss these policies in detail before they are offered for approval on a first-reading basis at the October 24 regular meeting. 

FOUNDATION FINANCE AND AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT – Bob Brick provided this report in Ross Childs’ absence. He reported that the NMC Foundation Finance & Audit Committee has not met since the Board of Trustees meeting of August 27, 2007. The next committee meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, October 17, at 7:30 a.m. The annual audit will be reviewed at that meeting with a report expected in October.

FOUNDATION REPORT – Cheryl Follette reported that:

• Susan Sheldon, Vice President of the Trust Department at Northwestern Bank, has joined Foundation member and alumnus Bruce Byl as co-chair of this year’s Annual Campaign. They’re already hard at work, guided on the staff side by Annual Giving Officer Sonia Clem.
• As of June 30, 2007, total Foundation assets have reached an all-time high of $26,846,999. Since its inception, the Foundation has returned almost $40 million in program support, capital dollars and scholarships to NMC.
• One of the most important jobs of Foundation members is to help identify and recruit new members, and that process has begun for 2008. The Foundation Nominating Committee will meet later this week to identify potential new members from throughout our five counties. Prospective members will be identified and cultivated this fall and presented to the Board of Trustees for approval in December.

BOARD CHAIR REPORT – No report.

PRESIDENT’S REPORT – President Tim Nelson reported that:

• The opening reception for the new exhibits at the Dennos Museum Center, sponsored and paid for by former Governor and Janet Blanchard, who were close friends of artist Jousuf Karsh, was very well attended. The donation by Mrs. Karsh of a Hemingway portrait by Yousuf Karsh was announced in a special ceremony preceding the opening program. The Michigan Humanities Council announced their “Michigan Reads” initiative, which coincidentally uses one of Hemingways books in their project. As part of the “Romancing the Automobile” exhibit, Hagerty Insurance provided six vintage vehicles to be included in the show.
• Maritime Academy cadets participated in their first sailing competition in Annapolis, and represented NMC well.
• He has been asked to participate as a “champion” of the Grand Vision process that is underway for the region.

PUBLIC INPUT – There was no public input.

CONSENT ITEMS – On a motion by Elaine Wood, seconded by Doug Bishop, the following items were approved:

• Minutes of the August 27, 2007, special “mini-retreat” meeting and the August 28, 2007, regular meeting.
• Contributions for August, 2007 totaling $261,444.35.
• Summary Report for General Fund Accounts as of August 31, 2007 (attached).

RESOLUTION OF APPRECIATION – Elaine Wood moved to adopt a resolution of appreciation for William Birch for his 24 years of exemplary service as aviation and mechanical safety consultant to Northwestern Michigan College’s aviation program. Mr. Birch accepted the resolution with appreciation and said he especially enjoyed the opportunity to interact with and teach the students.

Benefits consultant contract – Bob Brick moved to authorize the administration to award a benefit consultant contract to Meritain Health Company in the amount of $56,000. Seconded by Doub Bishop, the motion carried.

TANIS CARPET REPLACEMENT – Elaine Wood made a motion, seconded by Bill Myers, to authorize the administration to award a contract for the Tanis Building carpet replacement project to Northern Floor and Tile Service, Inc., in the amount of $24,163.00, to be funded from the FY 2008 plant fund. Motion carried.

OSTERLIN/AUTO TECH BUILDING ROOF REPLACEMENT – Doug Bishop moved to authorize the administration to award a contract for roof replacement on the Osterlin and Auto Tech buildings to Arrow Roofing, in the amount of $53,542, plus a 2.5% contingency, for a total project amount of $55,000.00 to be funded from the FY 2008 plant fund. Seconded by Bob Brick, the motion carried.

UC HVAC UPGRADE – Bill Myers made a motion, seconded by Bob Brick, to authorize the administration to award a contract for the University Center HVAC upgrade project to Arms & Cole, Inc., in the amount of $73,675.00, plus 10% contingency, for a total project amount of $81,000.00 to be funded from the FY 2008 plant fund. Motion carried.

Recorded by Karen Sabin