Creston— The Southwestern Community College (SWCC) board of directors met Tuesday, April 14, 2015, at 5:30 p.m. in the Administration Center on the Creston campus.
The board set a public hearing for May 12, 2015, at 5:30 p.m., in the Administration Center, to review bids for phase three of the Instructional Center renovation project. Tom Lesan, SWCC vice president of economic development, said this phase of the project will include installing windows and LED lighting in the classrooms in the 200 bay hallway, as well as remodeling the restrooms in the main hallway to be Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessible. The estimated cost for this phase will be $1.375 million.
Next, the board discussed bids received for the equipment for the Allied Health & Science Center’s new simulation lab. Lesan said there was one bid received that met all specifications. Laerdal Medical Corporation’s bid came in at $232,330, which was under the budgeted amount of $310,549. Following discussion, the board voted to authorize administration to proceed with the purchase of simulation lab equipment with Laerdal. Lesan told the board remodeling for the addition of the simulation lab began last month and is expected to be complete prior to the start of the fall semester in August.
The board approved a two-year food service contract with Creston’s Hy-Vee. Hy-Vee provides similar services at Northwest Iowa Community College in Sheldon. The college’s current food service contract with Treat America expires this year and a request for proposal had been sent to seven companies. According to a memo from Randy Cook, SWCC chief financial officer, the bid specifications had no major changes and will continue to include a system for declining balance cards for the students’ meal plans.
In personnel, the board approved early retirement requests from Barb Burkhiser, Red Oak Center secretary; Tom Dunphy, math instructor; and Brenda Sickels, housekeeping staff.
During the President’s Report, Dr. Barb Crittenden, SWCC president, told the board the college’s spring commencement ceremony will be held on Fri., May 8, at 7:30 p.m. in the Student Center gymnasium. She also mentioned the athletics department’s Annual Golf Fundraiser, which will be held on Sat., May 30, at Crestmoor Golf Club.
Jerry Smith, SWCC board member from Osceola and Iowa Association for Community College Trustee’s (IACCT) representative, gave a brief report on the recent IACCT meeting. Smith said the IACCT Board Leadership and Development Committee is asking board members for input for the FY 2016 IACCT Board Development Program by completing an electronic survey. Surveys should be completed by April 23.
The board held a Collective Bargaining Strategy Session following adjournment of the meeting.
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