Board of Trustees Regular Meeting
Tuesday April 24, 2012 Board Room
MINUTES
1.
General Institutional Functions
1.1
Acting Chairman Gavan called the meeting to order at 5:03 p.m.
1.2
Secretary Vetrano read the Public Statement:
Adequate notice of this meeting has been provided at least 48 hours in advance
of its commencement by posting in at least one public place reserved for such or
similar announcements and by mail, telephone, or hand delivery to all
appropriate parties pursuant to the Open Public Meetings Act, N.J.S.A. 10:4.1.
1.3
Roll Call / Pledge of Allegiance / Welcome to Guests
The following were in attendance: Dr. Andrews, Mr. Aramini, Mrs. Bain,
Mr. Gavan, Dr. Lamonte via phone, Mr. Leppert, Judge Parker, Mr.
Scanlan via phone, Mr. Senker, Mr. Vetrano, Mr. Smith via phone and ExOfficio Member Dr. Mazur.
Also in attendance were: Sr. VP Academic and Student Affairs Harry
Damato, Vice President of Finance and Operations Frank Nocella,
College Attorney Gary Werner and Assitant to the President and Board of
Trustees/Recording Secretary Wendy Fullem
Chairman Gavan welcomed the guests.
1.4
Approval/Acceptance of Minutes and Board Action Resolutions:
1.4.1
Approval of March 27, 2012 Regular Board Meeting Minutes.
Judge Parker moved to approve minutes from the March 27, 2012
Meeting of the Board of Trustees. Mrs. Bain seconded the motion. Dr.
Lamonte abstained from the vote. Motion carried.
1.4.2
Approval of March 27, 2012 Executive Session Minutes.
Dr. Andrews moved to approve minutes from the March 27, 2012
Executive Session. Mrs. Bain seconded the motion. Dr. Lamonte
abstained from the vote. Motion carried.
1.4.3
Acceptance of April 2012 Committee Minutes: Finance and Facilities
Committee, Personnel and Curriculum Committee.
Mr. Senker moved to accept minutes from the April 2012 committee
meetings. Mr. Aramini seconded the motion. Judge Parker abstained from
the vote for the Finance and Facilities Minutes and Mr. Senker abstained
from the vote for the Personnel and Curriculum Minutes. Motion carried.
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Tuesday April 24, 2012
Minutes
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1.4.4
Approval of March 2012 Board Action Resolutions.
Judge Parker moved to approve Board Action Resolutions for
March, 2012. Dr. Andrews seconded the motion. Dr. Lamonte
abstained from the vote. Motion carried.
1.5
Courtesy of the Floor (Public Session)
Hank Pomerantz addressed the Board regarding the passing of Douglas
Hobbs, who was a long-time adjunct professor as well as Vice President
of the Adjunct Faculty Union. He also reminded the Board that the Relay
for Life will take place on May 19th, beginning at 4:00 p.m.
Student May Bee Bee Ng presented to the Board of Trustees, a petition
regarding tuition and fee increases. The petition is signed by approximately
400 students and reads as follows: We, the undersigned students of SCCC,
petition the Board of Trustees of Sussex County Community College and the
Sussex County Board of Chosen Freeholders not to increase college tuition
and fees. Many students and their families are going through a period of
hardship during this time of economic instability. There would be a significant
number of students who would be unable to continue or begin their studies in
the fall if tuition is raised. We appeal to you to reconsider your decision.
Discussion ensued regarding the student petition. Maureen Murphy Smolka
noted that students are not enrolling due to costs of gas and financial burdens.
Board members indicated that the decision to raise tuition and fees was not
done lightly. Reductions in funding and abandonment of the 1/3:1/3:1/3 model
have greatly affected funding, as well as outside factors and rising costs. It was
noted that most County Colleges in the country are experiencing the same
issues. Jean Brine added that the students should also present the petition to
the Freeholders. May Bee Bee Ng indicated that it will be sent to the
Freeholders.
1.6
Acknowledgement of Receipt and Review of March 2012 Financial Statement.
Vice President Nocella presented the March 2012 Financials including:
Dashboard - Improvement year over year, 9% drop in spring enrollment, March
YTD 2012 Operating Statement, March YTD 2012 Operating Statement 3 Year
Trend, March YTD Balance Sheet – trending positive, Operation Projection Full
Year FY 11/12.
Mrs. Bain moved to acknowledge receipt and review of the March 2012 Financial
Statement. Mr. Aramini seconded the motion.
Dr. Andrews, Mr. Aramini, Mrs. Bain, Mr. Gavan, Dr. Lamonte, Mr. Leppert,
Judge Parker, Mr. Scanlan, Mr. Senker, Mr. Vetrano and Mr. Smith voted yes.
Motion carried unanimously.
1.7
The Correspondence File was received, reviewed and filed.
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Tuesday April 24, 2012
Minutes
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2.
Personnel
2.1
Report of the Personnel and Curriculum Chair.
Judge Parker, Chair of the Personnel and Curriculum Committee,
reported that they:
2.2

Reviewed personnel actions, including positions of women‟s basketball
coach, facilities director, I.T. staff and H/R benefits analyst. She indicated that
there are two temporary part-time positions - one that ends this month and
the other that will end by June 30th. She also noted that the committee is
pleased with the promotion of Priscilla Orr to full Professor.

Discussed curriculum and new law enforcement program, which will
commence in September.

Received an update regarding college classes in the high schools.

Reviewed Academic Calendars.
Recommendation: Approval of Montly Personnel Actions – As per the attached
Personnel Action Form.
Judge Parker moved to approve the month personnel actions. Mrs. Bain
seconded the motion.
Dr. Mazur commended Professor Orr for her promotion. He said she is a joy to
work with, a leader in online learning, the only faculty member certified to judge
the quality of online classes, a leader in shared goverance and more.
Professor Orr said she is honored and thanked the Board.
Dr. Andrews, Mr. Aramini, Mrs. Bain, Mr. Gavan, Dr. Lamonte, Mr. Leppert,
Judge Parker, Mr. Scanlan, Mr. Senker, Mr. Vetrano and Mr. Smith voted yes.
Motion carried unanimously.
3.
Curriculum and Instruction
3.1
Academic Affairs Highlights: Maureen Murphy-Smolka, the SCCC Faculty
Coordinator for Service Learning, Priscilla Orr, Joe Gererro, student Katie
Elie and Kathleen Nelson, Assistant Dean, reported on a collaborative
project between the college and the Center for Prevention and Counseling‟s
Circles program. The Circles program provides clients with a series of
workshops and activities designed to help move them and their families out of
poverty. The collaboration resulted in a program yearbook, which was provided
to graduates in a recent ceremony at the Center.
3.2
Recommendation: Approval of New A.A.S. Criminal Justice Degree.
Judge Parker moved to approve the new A.A. S. Criminal Justice Degree. Mr.
Senker seconded the motion.
Debbie McFadden, Ed Lyon and Bill McGovern provided a presentation on the
program.
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Tuesday April 24, 2012
Minutes
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Dr. Andrews, Mr. Aramini, Mrs. Bain, Mr. Gavan, Dr. Lamonte, Mr. Leppert,
Judge Parker, Mr. Scanlan, Mr. Senker, Mr. Vetrano and Mr. Smith voted yes.
Motion carried unanimously.
3.3
Recommendation: Approval of Revised Academic Calendar SP „13 and
Summer ‟13.
Judge Parker moved to approve the revised Academic Calendar SP „13
and Summer ‟13. Mrs. Bain seconded the motion. Motion carried
unanimously.
3.4
Recommendation: Approval of the Number of Sabbatical Leaves available during
the 2013-14 Academic Year, in accordance with Article 23, G, “Sabbatical
Leave,” contained in the current Collective Bargaining Agreement between the
College and the Faculty Federation. Sabbatical Recommendation: One-one full
year @ half pay.
Mr. Scanlan moved to approve the recommended number of Sabbatical Leaves
as noted above. Mr. Smith seconded the motion.
Dr. Andrews, Mr. Aramini, Mrs. Bain, Mr. Gavan, Dr. Lamonte, Mr. Leppert,
Judge Parker, Mr. Scanlan, Mr. Senker, Mr. Vetrano and Mr. Smith voted yes.
Motion carried unanimously.
4.
Student Services Report
All four officers of the SGA provided a presentation to the Board of Trustees regarding SGA and
club activities. Acting Chairman Gavan presented each officer with a gift from the Board for their
excellent service to the College and students.
5.
Community Information and Service Report – No Report This Month
6.
College Facilities
6.1
Report from the Finance and Facilities Committee Chair.
Dr. Andrews, Chairman of the Finance and Facilities Committee, reported
that they:

Discussed Jenzabar upgrade, Datatel and costs to switch.

Discussed security. Looking at grants, our system and crisis management.
There is a meeting set for May 14th that includes participation by college
community, state and local police.

Reviewed SAIF Insurance coverage and renewal.

Received an update regarding the solar project. It is moving forward jointly
with IT Cabling. Making progress and the next meeting is on May 3rd.

Discussed rejection of the electrical contract bid.

Reviewed Capital Projects….Windows/Façade.
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Tuesday April 24, 2012
Minutes
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6.2
Recommendation: Approval to Increase SAIF Insurance Coverage to $15 Million/
+$12,402.
Dr. Andrews moved to approve increasing SAIF insurance coverage as noted
above. Mr. Aramini seconded the motion.
Dr. Andrews, Mr. Aramini, Mrs. Bain, Mr. Gavan, Dr. Lamonte, Mr. Leppert,
Judge Parker, Mr. Scanlan, Mr. Senker, Mr. Vetrano and Mr. Smith voted yes.
Motion carried unanimously.
6.3
Recommendation: Approval to Reject and Rebid SCCC Electrical Contractor Bid.
Mr. Senker moved to approve the rejection and rebid of the SCCC electrical
contractor bid. Mr. Aramini seconded the motion.
VP Nocella noted that there will be approximately a two-week turn around time
for new bid solicitation.
Dr. Andrews, Mr. Aramini, Mrs. Bain, Mr. Gavan, Dr. Lamonte, Mr. Leppert,
Judge Parker, Mr. Scanlan, Mr. Senker, Mr. Vetrano and Mr. Smith voted yes.
Motion carried unanimously.
6.4
Recommendation: Approval to Accept HWQ Engineering Proposal for Windows/
Façade Capital Projects.
Dr. Andrews moved to accept HWQ‟s engineering proposal for windows/façade
capital projects. Mr. Aramini seconded the motion.
Dr. Andrews, Mr. Aramini, Mrs. Bain, Mr. Gavan, Dr. Lamonte, Mr. Leppert,
Judge Parker, Mr. Scanlan, Mr. Senker, Mr. Vetrano and Mr. Smith voted yes.
Motion carried unanimously.
7.
Business and Finance
7.1
Report from the Audit Committee Chair
Mr. Gavan, Chairman of the Audit Committee, indicated that they have not met
since last reported. He welcomed new Trustee Mr. Leppert to the committee.
8.
Courtesy of the Floor (Public Session)
9.
Other Business
Discussion / Reports / Announcements:
9.1
Trustee Activity Update
Dr. Lamonte noted that she participated in the last NJCCC meeting via online
access and it was an excellent way to participate. There were some technical
issues for other Trustees who wished to participate via online, but it appears they
have now been resolved for the future. Dr. Mazur and Mr. Vetrano attended the
meeting in person.
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Tuesday April 24, 2012
Minutes
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Dr. Lamonte noted that she attended Ladies‟ Saturday Retreat and it was
well received and well attended. She commended Barbara Wortmann for
her efforts.
Dr. Mazur, Chairman Smith, Vice Chairman Gavan and Dr. Andrews attended
the ACCT Conference in New York City. Dr. Andrews provided a written report to
the Trustees and indicated that there was a focus on retention. He also indicate
that according to national retention rates, ours is high.
Mrs. Bain noted that the Board is on track to complete the event attendance goal
and all but one Trustee has completed the goal.
Dr. Lamonte left the meeting at 6:30 p.m.
9.2
President‟s Report
Dr. Mazur provided an update regarding statewide nursing and the movement for
more BSN‟s. He noted that the four-year institutions are not producing enough
nurses with four-year degrees. Mr. Senker added that the intent is to move
Associate Degree Nurses toward Bachelors and Masters, and that Atlantic
Health does offer incentives for advancement of education. Discussion ensued
regarding time frame for state implementation as well as our role,
what/how/economy.
We are cooperating with the Department of Labor to offer classes on campus to
people who are unemployed and have run out of 26 weeks unemployment
benefits. In order to qualify for Federal Benefits, they have to take a class. The
State Department of Labor has asked the County Colleges to offer those classes.
Debbie McFadden, Kathleen Scott attended the meeting and were asked to
move forward with the initiative. Debbie McFadden went to meet with DOL to
work out the details. The first class will take place on May 1st. DOL has
estimated around 15 people will go on for centralized training. We will be running
5 classes a week for 40 weeks. The Federal Government pays for the class and
will be reimbursing the County College $50 per person.
On Saturday we had our Spring Open House. Best attendance ever… more than
200 students attended… 75 took the placement test and 46 students registered.
We were set to begin at 9:30. There was a line waiting outside at 9:00.
Open registration for summer and fall sessions opened this week.
On Wednesday we hosted a college fair on campus… more than 50 colleges
attended and we had over 100 area high school sophomores and juniors.
We held a Criminal Justice and Fire Science Transfer and Career Fair last
week… great event with an impressive lineup of speakers and guests including
alumni and reps from local law enforcement agencies.
Hosted Job Fair earlier in month with part time and summer job opportunities for
our students. Great attendance by area employers and our students.
We held another successful Ladies Retreat held on April 14h – 150 ladies
enjoyed a great day on campus – the event featured Tom Chapin as the keynote
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Tuesday April 24, 2012
Minutes
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and had great food workshops and entertainment. Proceeds will support student
scholarships.
Last week we learned that Jumana Hablawi, instructor of biology and anatomy,
has been accepted to attend the prestigious science section of the 12th annual
“Reacting to the Past” (RTTP) institute at Barnard College. At Bernard Jumana
will participate in three educational and elaborate games based off of major
historic events. We‟ll look forward to her sharing information with the faculty next
fall.
Congratulations to Jordan Ray, freshman, softball player - named NJCAA
Softball Player of the Week (week of 4/16). Jordan led the Skylanders into six
challenging games earlier this month proving she could compete with the top
teams in Division III.
The Laramie Project will be presented in the PAC the weekend of May 4th and
5th. Tickets on sale now.
Gearing up for Commencement… looks like we‟ll have close to the number of
graduates as we did last year. Ray Ricafort from Road Trip Nation will deliver the
key note address.
We will graduate our first class of Phlebotomy students on Wednesday.
9.3
Chairman‟s Comments and Board Goals - None
9.4
Commencement is taking place at 6:00 p.m. on May 17th. Please be in the Board
Room by 5:15 p.m. for Robing.
9.5
The Next Meeting of the Board of Trustees Will Take Place on Tuesday
May 22, 2012.
Tuesday May 1st the Scholarship Ceremony is taking place in the Performing
Arts Center at 5:00 p.m.
11.
Adjournment
At 6:45 p.m. Mrs. Bain moved to adjourn from the meeting. Judge Parker seconded the
motion. Motion carried unanimously.
APPROVED:
Board of Trustees Regular Meeting
Tuesday April 24, 2012
Minutes
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