NORTHWESTERN MICHIGAN COLLEGE
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
MONDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2007, OLESON CENTER

CALL TO ORDER — Chair Walter J. Hooper called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.

MOMENT OF SILENCE – Chair Hooper asked everyone to spend a moment in silence in memory of Gordon Niemi and Jim Valovick, faculty members who passed away unexpectedly in the last week. 

APPROVAL OF AGENDA – Bill Myers moved to approve the agenda.  Seconded by Elaine Wood, the motion carried.

SCHOLARSHIP CRITERION REPORT – Vice President Stephen Siciliano responded to trustees’ questions about Gen Ed Outcomes target (100%), critical thinking assessment and infusion into the curriculum, future report timing, and graduate employment in their field of study.

AVIATION REPORT – Vice President Marguerite Cotto updated trustees on the status of redeveloping the single engine training fleet in collaboration with Suburban Aviation, Inc.  She commended Aaron Cook and his team in the Aviation Discipline for their excellent work in bringing this proposal through its test phase on schedule.  Doug Bishop asked the status of the Advisory Board.  Marguerite indicated a preliminary list has been developed and they expect to have it to the board for action in February. 

FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP REPORT – Kathleen Guy provided an overview of privately donated scholarship support for NMC students through the NMC Foundation.  She stated that donated scholarships continue to be a point of pride for all of us at NMC.  Trustees had no questions about the report.

MONTHLY FINANCIAL REPORT – Cathy Jones asked if there were any questions regarding the monthly report. Cheryl Follette asked about the status of looking at alternative models for delivery of employee health insurance. Cathy responded that the project has begun, but it is a very involved process.  Results will be reported to the board.

FOUNDATION FINANCE AND AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT – Representative Ross Childs reported that at the NMC Foundation Finance and Audit Committee meeting on December 5th, the Committee:

• Heard a presentation on the NMC Foundation portfolio investment performance from Fifth Third Bank.  Investments produced a rolling 12 month rate of return of 14.54% as of October 31, 2007.
• Formed a task force to revise the Foundation’s Gift Acceptance Policy.  This task force will also review the Foundation’s terms for acceptance of Gift Annuities.
• Moved to consider the $1,073,766 estate gift from Margaret Furney as follows:
  • $1,000,000 to establish a quasi-endowment with earnings to be used for the Margaret Furney Scholarship for single parents who are attending NMC and/or the University Center, as the donor has designated.
  • Residue of gift to establish a restricted scholarship to be immediately awarded for the Margaret Furney Scholarship for single parents who are attending NMC and/or the University Center, as the donor has designated. 

FOUNDATION REPORT – Cheryl Follette reported that the Foundation met for their regular bi-monthly meeting last Wednesday, December 12th. 

• With the help of 93 community volunteers, the Annual Campaign has reached 51% of goal. Gifts have come in from 388 donors totaling more than $166,982.  The Faculty/Staff portion of the campaign is at 77% of its $35,000 goal with 37% participation.
• The Foundation Board approved and is recommending your support for the slate of new and reappointed members for 2008 through 2010, including three new members and eleven reappointed members. This is on our agenda for Board action this evening.
• The Foundation elected its officers for 2008.  The new officers will be:
• Jim MacInnes—Chair
• Bruce Byl—1st Vice-chair
• Tim Nelson—2nd Vice-chair
• Jim Beckett—Secretary and
• Bob Boeve—Treasurer

• This was Barb Benson’s last meeting as chair and she was recognized with a resolution of appreciation and a standing ovation by the Foundation Board.
• The NMC Children’s Chamber Choir performed during our “focus on NMC” portion of the agenda.
• The Foundation’s next meeting will be in late February.

BOARD POLICY COMMITTEE REPORT – Committee Chair Jay Hooper reported that the Policy Committee did not meet last month.

BOARD CHAIR REPORT – Chair Hooper said the Board Retreat Planning Committee will be meeting tomorrow to plan the Annual Board Retreat scheduled for January 24-25.  He asked trustees to provide their suggestions to committee members Elaine Wood, Bill Myers or himself. 

PRESIDENT’S REPORT – President Nelson reported that Marguerite Cotto, John Tanner and he will be traveling to Delta Community College on Thursday to sign an articulation agreement for GLMA, the second one signed this year.

PUBLIC INPUT – There was no public input.

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

• Minutes of the November 19, 2007 meeting
• Amended minutes of the August 28, 2007 meeting
• Contributions for November 2007 totaling $884,440.26
• Summary Report for General Fund Accounts as of November 30, 2007 (attached).

SUMMER TAX RESOLUTION – Ross Childs moved to adopt a resolution to impose a summer property tax levy of 50% of the College property taxes, including debt service. Seconded by Doug Bishop, the motion carried.

FOUNDATION BOARD APPOINTMENTS – On a motion by Bob Brick, seconded by Bill Myers, the following NMC Foundation Board of Directors appointments were approved:
Appointed to new three-year terms:  J. Kermit Campbell, Thomas C. Jones, Terence S. Malone
Reappointed to three-year terms: Barbara Benson, Mel Cooke, John Dancer, Don Good, Jay Hook, Chuck Judson, Jayne Mohr, Dick Redmond, Art Schmuckal, Mark Lundmark.  Named as Honorary Members for three year terms beginning January 2008: David Gray and John Pelizzari.

BIEDERMAN ELEVATOR UPGRADE – Bob Brick moved that the administration be authorized to contract with Michigan Elevator Service, Inc. for the Biederman Tanis elevator upgrade in the amount of $52,500, to be funded from the FY08 plant fund.  Seconded by Ross Childs, the motion carried.

PRESIDENT’S CONTRACT – Doug Bishop moved that the board take action on notice for renewal of the President’s contract pursuant to Paragraph 2B in President Nelson’s Employment Contract dated February 26, 2006.  With this action the contract will automatically roll for one more year, until 2011.  Seconded by Ross Childs, the motion carried.

DISCUSSION ITEMS

Tennis Facility – A request was received from a community member that NMC consider building an indoor tennis facility that would be open to the community and also house a branch for Ferris State University’s Professional Tennis Management Degree.  NMC was approached about this issue a few years ago and decided at the time that it was not something the college could dedicate resources to.  Following discussion, it was suggested that President Nelson communicate with the requestor and make sure that the needs are captured as part of the county's master plan for recreation.

Resource Guidelines – Board approval of resource guidelines is part of the budget development process.  A draft of NMC Resource Guidelines for 2008-2009 was discussed. All reserve categories are currently funded and none were touched this fiscal year.  Trustees asked to see a version of the guidelines showing what has changed.  Further discussion will take place prior to taking action at the January meeting.  Questions and concerns can be directed to Stephen Siciliano and Cathy Jones.

ADJOURNMENT – The meeting adjourned at 7:28 p.m.

Recorded by Karen Sabin