Fish kill was observed this week at the Fort Scott Community College campus lake.
Walkers around Fort Scott Community College campus lake have noticed many dead fish.
A call with photos of the fish to the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks gave the answer.
“The fish that are in the picture are gizzard shad,” said Lucas Kowalewski, Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks Fisheries-Region 2 Supervisor. “Gizzard shad are very sensitive to cold water conditions and it is very common in waterbodies where they are present to see winter-time kills. Especially in extended periods of extreme cold and periods where water temperatures fluctuate rapidly up and down (which we have experienced both this winter). ”
“That species is very common to see in the wintertime,” he said. “We are on the northern edge of their species distribution. They are very sensitive to cold.”
“This process can be important for other species, such as blue catfish, which will feed heavily on these winter die-offs of gizzard shad on our larger reservoirs, and I have seen migrating bald eagles key in on waterbodies where this is occurring,” he said. Leaving them for the birds and raccoons will clean them up, in time. If the smell gets bad, you might clean them up, but leaving them is OK, too.”
When there are fish kills, biologists look at two things.
Is it one species or multiple?
“If it’s one, is it something specific about that species at this time of year?” he said. “Or is it illness or disease?”
“If multiple species, is it something going on in the environment?” he said. “For example in summer there are low dissolved oxygen fish kills, due to weather patterns and dying plant materials.”
A Gizzard Shad fish kill at Fort Scott Community College lake on February 15, 2024, is the result of fluctuating weather, said a Kansas Fish Biologist.
A sign in front of the Bourbon County Courthouse in November 2021.
Two elections will take place this spring, a presidential preference one on March 19 and one on April 16, for a question on whether a one-quarter cent sales tax would be imposed locally to partially fund health care services, including emergency (ambulance) services.
The following is provided by Bourbon County Clerk Jennifer Hawkins.
March 2024 election
This is a Presidential Preference Primary.
“A presidential preference primary takes an act by the Kansas legislature to be conducted. The enactment takes the responsibility from the two-state parties (Republican and Democrat) in Kansas from conducting a caucus, and instead, having the state of Kansas conduct a primary election. It is a “preference” primary because it is an election where the vote totals are given to a political party to allocate delegates to candidates at the national convention. This is not a primary where the voters select the party candidate. This year, the state legislature decided to resurrect the state-run presidential preference primary, which had only been used in Kansas in 1980 and 1992,” according to the Kansas Secretary of State website.
Early voting will take place at the courthouse and begin on March 12 and run until Monday, March 18 at noon.
Residents will be able to vote at their normal polling place from 7:00 am-7:00 pm on March 19.
The list of candidates is located below.
The Democrat-filed candidates are:
Dean Phillips
Jason Michael Palmer
Joseph R Biden Jr.
Marianne Williamson
The Republican-filed candidates are:
Donald J. Trump
Nikki R. Haley
Ron DeSantis
Ryan L. Binkley
April 2024 election
The sales tax question will be the only thing on the ballot in April, Bourbon County Clerk Jennifer Hawkins said.
The one-quarter cent sales tax would be imposed to partially fund health care services, including emergency (ambulance) services.
“Right now, the question is still being drafted with the two attached questions being submitted by County Counselor Justin Meeks at the last commission meeting as possible options and are drafts that are subject to change,” she said.
The election will be held on April 16 with early voting beginning on April 9.
This is a draft of the tax question, subject to change:
Patty LaRoche. 2023. Author: A Little Faith Lift…Finding Joy Beyond Rejection www.alittlefaithlift.com AWSA (Advanced Writers & Speakers Assoc.)
Dave and I have two new houseguests. In the beginning, I enjoyed their company, but recently I’ve become annoyed with them. Hubby finds them kind and cooperative. Probably because his wish is their command. He makes a request, and they speedily comply. He’s loving it and appears overly grateful and mannerly when these womenfolk respond.
“Siri, please set my alarm for 6:30”
“Okay. Your alarm is set.”
“Thank you.” (Dave seriously thanks her. He thanks a robot, and it responds with “You’re welcome” or “My pleasure.”)
The other night, when he asked her to set his alarm, he altered his request.
“Thank you, Sweetie,” he said, thinking himself funny.
She did not answer. Dave waited, staring at his cellphone.
“Dave,” I said, “You ticked her off when you called her ‘Sweetie.’ You crossed a line.”
“I did not. She appreciated me being nice to her.”
This scenario was repeated the following night. Still no “Thank you” from Siri.
“Told you,” I said.
When Hubby tried it with Alexa, she, too, failed to appreciate his term of endearment.
“You haven’t earned the right to call her “Sweetie,” and you don’t live in the South where everyone calls everyone “Sugar,” “Honey,” or “Sweetie.”
When I realized I was lecturing him on how to talk to a robot, I knew that we both were in mid-stages of brain decline.
Dave decided to trick Alexa to determine if she really was listening to our conversations, whispering to me ahead of time what he was doing before saying loudly, “Patty, I think we should buy a new vacuum,” pointing his face towards our new friend. Within minutes, Dave’s iPad lit up with ads for vacuums.
Personally, I found that alarming.
We are entering a world where AI (Artificial Intelligence) is causing us to question where we are headed. We appreciate that it directs our driving routes, screens job applicants and has tremendous potential in medicine and science, but we must ask where it all ends.
Today, I asked Alexa if we humans are special among other living things. She said that we were because we can think and be creative. I was glad she didn’t lump us in with vegetables and animals.
In Linda Kinstler’s article “Can Silicon Valley Find God,” she wrote about Rob Barrett, a researcher at IBM in the ’90s.
One day, he was outlining the default privacy settings for an early web browser feature. His boss, he said, gave him only one instruction: “Do the right thing.” It was up to Mr. Barrett to decide what the “right thing” was. That was when it dawned on him: “I don’t know enough theology to be a good engineer,” he told his boss. He requested a leave of absence so he could study the Old Testament, and eventually he left the industry.
Recently, I read that AI writes sermons and that there is an AI Jesus app where the app speaks to you as if it’s Jesus talking to you. “What is going to be created will effectively be a god,” engineer Andrew Levandowski forewarned and continued, “It’s not a god in the sense that it makes lightning or causes hurricanes. But if there is something a billion times smarter than the smartest human, what else are you going to call it?”
Certainly, not God, Mr. Levandowski.
My God is eternal, omnipresent and omniscient. He created the person who programs the AI system, and He not only offers us eternity, He delivered it by sending His son, Jesus Christ, to die for us, something AI can only imagine doing.
He is the only god I will call “God.” I am concerned for those who do otherwise.
The agenda was amended due to an error under the consent agenda for Resolution No. 6-2024. The wrong address was submitted from the Codes Inspector.
NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR REGULAR
MEETING OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION
CITY HALL COMMISSION ROOM – 123 SOUTH MAIN ST.
February 20, 2024 – 6:00 P.M.
Call to Order
Roll Call – M. Guns, M. Wells, T. VanHoecke, D. Olson, T. Dancer
III. Pledge of Allegiance
Invocation
Approval of Agenda
Consent Agenda:
Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1354-A – $772,929.91
Request to Pay – Invoice #17109 – Project No. 23430 – South Industrial Park Waterline Extension – Earles Engineering and Inspection – Inspection Fees – $10,596.05
Consideration of Resolution No. 6-2024 – RESOLUTION AND NOTICE OFHEARING WITH REFERENCE TO ALLEGED UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE AT 314 W. WALL ST. – L. Kruger/Codes
Consideration of Resolution No. 7-2024 – RESOLUTION AND NOTICE OFHEARING WITH REFERENCE TO ALLEGED UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE AT 110 W. OAK ST. – L. Kruger/Codes
Consideration of Resolution No. 8-2024 – RESOLUTION AND NOTICE OF HEARING WITH REFERENCE TO ALLEGED UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE AT 1801 E. WALL ST. – L. Kruger/Codes
January Financials
VII. Public Comment:Sign up required. Comments on any topic not on agenda and limited to five (5) minutes per person, at the Commission’s discretion.
VIII. Appearances:
Mary Wyatt – Grant Update requested by M. Guns
Cory Bryars/Care to Share – Temporary Street Closure and Temporary Park Closure for Fort Fest 2024
Diane Striler – Ice Skating Rink
Deb Needleman – Repairs to Senior Citizens’ Building
Kendall Schoenrock – DCF Building Update
Old Business:
Suggested Street Advisory Board Ordinance Changes – D. Olson
SEKLS Library Board Charter Ordinance – M. Wells
New Business:
Public Hearings:
RESOLUTION NO. 9-2024 A RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE REPAIR OR REMOVAL OF AN ALLEGED UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE AT 922 E. WALL ST. – Codes Department
RESOLUTION NO. 10-2024 A RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE REPAIR OR REMOVAL OF AN ALLEGED UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE AT 515 S. HEYLMAN – Codes Department
Action Items:
Consideration to purchase (4) Dura Tracker Portable Flow Monitors with sensors and applicable cipher, software and training for Wastewater Collections System – B. Lemke
Consideration to purchase Lexipol Policy Writing Service for Police Department – $14,126.40 – J. Pickert
Consideration to purchase wide-area batwing mower for Woodland Hills Golf Course – M. Wyatt and D. Fowler
Consideration to purchase (3) skid steers for Streets, Wastewater and Water Distribution Departments – T. Coffman
Consideration of Change Order No. 4 – Project No. 21-074 – 17th St. andEddy St. Drainage Improvements Phase I – J. Richardson Construction –Final Measured Quantities – Decrease of $3,320.00.
Request to Pay – Project No. 21-074 – 17th St. and Eddy St. Drainage Improvements Phase I – J. Richardson Construction – FINAL withCertificate of Substantial Completion $14,453.15
Consideration of Change Order No. 1 – Gunn Park Shower House andRestroom – Hofer-Hofer & Associates – Creation of footing for stabilization – additional cost of $2,640.00.
Consideration of Quit Claims Deed – William L. Brittain and Michelle M.Brittain – B. Farmer
Consideration to renew Arnold Schofield’s term to Design Review Board
A business that provides personalized print services opened an office in August 2023 at 201 E. National, Fort Scott.
Global Print Brokers. Submitted photo.Darrin Gauthier. Submitted photo.
Global Print Brokers owner is James Stewart Gulager and there are two other employees: Darrin Gauthier and Paul Studyvin.
Stewart Gulager, from his Facebook page.
“We specialize in a variety of products, including stock products for forms, labels, and more promotional,” Darrin Gauthier said. “Our goal is to offer our clients the best of the best when it comes to print solutions, and we have the expertise to provide the best cost evaluations to ensure that your business operates smoothly. Reach out today to learn more about how we can help your business thrive.”
Paul Studyvin. Submitted photo.
“The business was started to help the end user find a better product and save them money in the process,” Gauthier said.
“We provide all kinds of custom printed forms and labels,” Gauthier said. “Along with supplying stock forms and labels. We also help out on promotional and plastic items.”
Forms they provide with some examples:
Pressure Seal
Integrated Labels
Joined Webs
NCR products
Cutsheets
Multi-Part forms
Medical / Lab / Pharmacy Forms
Letterhead
Envelopes
Business/Appointment Cards
Custom printed
Stock
Many more products
Labels:
Shipping Labels
Roll labels
Static cling label
Decal
Stickers
Tire
Industrial Labels
Window Labels
Water bottle labels
Asset tags
Many other items
Plastics:
Gift Cards
Loyalty cards
Mailers
Key tags / any other combination
Etc
Promotional items:
Pens
Signs
Rugs
Tents
Banners
Posters
Mugs
etc.
Hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
The business phone is 913-285-5774
To reach the staff: Stewart Gulager – 620-215-4464; Darrin Gauthier – 620-215-6298; and Paul Studyvin – 620-215-2523.
TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Transportation announces a call for Electric Vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure projects statewide before proposals are accepted for these projects.
Nearly $16 million in National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula funds are available for DC Fast-Charging projects along federally designated EV Charging Alternative Fuel Corridors in Kansas. All awarded projects are required to provide a minimum 20% cash match.
The call for EV infrastructure projects requires a Project Interest Form to be submitted online before the formal proposal process begins.
“This allows KDOT to verify eligibility and receive feedback on locations of interest,” said Tami Alexander, KDOT Transportation Electrification Manager. “The forms will help us to determine support for EV charging in locations around the state.”
A brief overview of the application process is below –
Request for Interest (RFI)
A Project Interest Form is required. To submit a project and for more details, go to the Charge Up Kansas webpage at https://ike.ksdot.gov/charge-up-kansas.
Project Interest Form deadline – forms must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. CST on March 19.
Review of forms – March-April.
Request For Proposals details distributed to eligible RFI respondents – April 11.
Deadline to submit proposals – 11:59 p.m. CST on June 21.
TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced that the Kansas Department of Commerce is now accepting nominations for the 2024 Governor’s Exporter of the Year Award.
The Governor’s Exporter of the Year Award is a prestigious honor given by the Governor to best-in-class Kansas companies involved in international trade. These businesses are honored as examples of Kansas’ excellence in exporting to countries worldwide.
“Kansas businesses create outstanding products sought around the globe, and we’re proud to share those creations with people worldwide,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “The Governor’s Exporter of the Year Award is given to companies that demonstrate unique creativity, innovation and success in this critical sector of the state economy.”
To nominate a business, including your own, click here.
The Kansas Department of Commerce’s International Division and the Kansas International Trade Coordinating Council coordinate the selection process.
“The strength of our exporters is helping fuel the current significant increase in our state’s gross domestic product (GDP),” Commerce International Director Laura Lombard said. “This is the highest award our state offers to exporters. If you know one of these superior businesses, please nominate them.”
To be eligible, companies must be in good standing with the state and currently operating in and exporting from Kansas. Nominations must be received by April 1, 2024.
There are no restrictions on who may nominate a company for the award, and self-nominating is acceptable. For more information on the Governor’s Exporter of the Year Award, including past winners and notable anniversaries, click here.
About the Kansas Department of Commerce:
As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas was awarded Area Development Magazine’s prestigious Gold Shovel award in 2021, 2022 and 2023, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.
The Board of Trustees of Fort Scott Community College will meet in regular session on Monday,
February 19, 2024. The meeting will be held in the meeting room of Ellis Fine Arts Center at Fort
Scott Community College.
5:30 p.m. Regular monthly Board meeting
THE AGENDA
5:30 ROLL CALL, 3
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
CALL TO ORDER, 4
A. Comments from the Chair, 4
B. Comments from the Public, 4
C. Review of Programs – Volleyball, 4
CONSENT AGENDA, 5
A. Approval of Agenda, 5
B. Approval of Minutes of previous Regular Board Meeting conducted on January 29,
2023, 6
C. Approval of Treasurer’s Report, Bills, and Claims, 10
D. Ratification of Contracts, 45
E. Approval of Personnel Actions, 5
F. Approval of Gordon Parks Center Policy Revisions, 48
DISCUSSION ITEMS, 50
A. First Reading of Policies, 50
1. Board Member Conflicts of Interest, 50
2. Board Meeting Rules of Order, 50
3. Employee Tuition Scholarship, 51
4. Campus Closings Due to Weather, 51
B. Five Year Financial Plan, 52
C. 2024-25 Academic Year Fees, 59
D. FSCC Hall of Fame Guidelines, 60
ACTION ITEMS, 61
A. Resolution 2024 – 1: Approval of Petty Cash Increase, 61
B. Resolution 2024 – 2: Consideration of Sycamore Grove Apartments Lease Agreement, 62
C. Resolution 2024 – 3: Approval of Bank Signee Resolution, 63
REPORTS, 65
A. Higher Learning Commission, 65
B. Gordon Parks Museum, 661
C. Foundation, 65
D. Administration, 68
EXECUTIVE SESSION
ADJOURNMENT, 71
UPCOMING CALENDAR DATES:
• February 19, 2024 Board Meeting
• March 11 – 15, 2024 Spring Break, Campus Closed
• March 18, 2024 Board Meeting
• April 15, 2024 Board Meeting
• May 20, 2024 Board Meeting
• May 27, 2024 Memorial Day, Campus Closed
• June 17, 2024 Board Meeting
Sincerely,
Bryan Holt, Chair
Jason Kegler, President
FSCC’s vision for the future is to support “Students First, Community Always” through a
central focus on teaching and learning; advancing strong, innovative programs and
departments; maximizing and leveraging opportunities; initiating efficient and effective
processes; and developing the region’s workforce.2
ROLL CALL
_____ Ronda Bailey
_____ John Bartelsmeyer
_____ Jim Fewins
_____ Bryan Holt
_____ Chad McKinnis
_____ Doug Ropp3
CALL TO ORDER
A. COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIR
B. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
C. REVIEW OF PROGRAMS – VOLLEYBALL
CONSENT AGENDA
A. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
B. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS
Attached are the minutes of the Regular Board Meeting conducted on January 29, 2024.
C. APPROVAL OF BILLS and CLAIMS
Attached are the Treasurer’s Report, Bills, and Claims Report.
D. RATIFICATION OF CONTRACTS
Attached are contracts for amounts less than the threshold required for Board approval.
E. APPROVAL OF PERSONNEL ACTIONS
1) Additions
a) Karl Hubig, Harley-Davidson Custodian, effective February 15, 2024
2) Separations
a) Luke Demko, Associate Dean of Students/Athletic Director, effective January 31, 2024
3) Transfers
a) Allie Birket, from Instruction Office Assistant to Kansas Migrant Office Assistant, effective February 19, 2024
F. APPROVAL OF GORDON PARKS CENTER POLICY REVISIONS
Attached are policy changes presented by the Gordon Parks Center.
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the Consent Agenda items be approved as
presented.
BOARD ACTION: MOTION _____ SECOND _____ VOTE _____
DISCUSSION:
VOTE: Bailey Bartelsmeyer Fewins
Holt McKinnis Ropp
FORT SCOTT COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Minutes of the Board of Trustees Meeting
January 29, 2024
PRESENT: Ronda Bailey, Jim Fewins, Bryan Holt, Chad McKinnis, and Doug Ropp
ALSO PRESENT: Jason Kegler-President, Juley McDaniel-Board Clerk, faculty, staff, community members
Board Clerk McDaniel called the meeting to order at 12:02 pm in the meeting rooms of the Ellis Fine Arts Center.
A motion was made by Fewins seconded by Bailey and carried by unanimous vote to appoint Bryan Holt as chair pro tem.
COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIR: Chair pro tem Holt stated Chair Bartelsmeyer was sick and unable to attend.
He then led the room in the Pledge of Allegiance.
COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC: Steve Anthony spoke to the Board about his desire to be able to get former FSCC players who are now playing in the NFL inducted into the FSCC Hall of Fame. He volunteered to lead whatever work is required to allow the induction of those 4 former students who are now playing professional football. If a policy is preventing the induction, he advocated for a change of policy.
REVIEW OF PROGRAMS – JOHN DEERE: John Deere Technology instructors Kent Aikin and Dale Griffiths presented an update about FSCC’s John Deere program. They provided a history of the program and offerings, adding that twenty-one other institutions offer the program. John Deere Corporate makes annual contributions to
FSCC’s program with training aids, new machines, instructor education, and budgetary assistance for classroom learning, banquets, and recruiting assistance. Last year this amount was near $19,000. Ninety-five percent of graduates are hired full time at their sponsoring dealership, and their salaries can range from $50,000 – $100,000 annually. FSCC’s program provides required certifications for these students to work in the industry, as well as an
Associate of Applied Science Degree, which can be used to obtain a bachelor’s degree at Pittsburg State University
or Kansas State in Salina by way of a 2+2 agreement. The proposed changes to FSCC’s program will easily double the number of students graduating every year, and FSCC is serving as the pilot school for this change in every other school in the country. Currently there are 21 freshmen, 17 sophomores, and a waiting list for the beginning of next semester. FSCC will increase enrollment from 22 new students to 48 new students per year, and up to 68 new
students per year in five years. The increased enrollment would require a third or even a fourth instructor. Students in John Deere are eligible for FAFSA and Kansas Promise Act.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST DISCLOSURE: Dr. Kegler reviewed a Conflict of Interest Disclosure form with the Board requesting the Board to identify their conflicts of interest. A blank form will be posted to the website. Signed documents should be returned to Juley McDaniel. Should the board approve an upcoming policy in next month’s meeting, all employees will be asked to complete a Conflict of Interest Disclosure in the future.
AFFIRMATION OF SERVICE: Dr. Kegler reviewed an Affirmation of Service form. One form will be signed by all Board members. Signed documents should be returned to Juley McDaniel, and the signed document will be posted to the website.
EXECUTIVE SESSION: A motion was made by Fewins, seconded by Ropp, and carried by unanimous vote to adjourn to executive session for 5 minutes beginning at 12:40 pm for the purpose of discussing non-elected personnel as it relates to appointment of officers, positions, and officials with action expected to follow in the
appointment of officers, positions, and officials. The Board invited Dr. Kegler to join.
OPEN SESSION: A motion was made at 12:46 pm by Fewins, seconded by McKinnis, and carried by unanimous
vote to return to open session.
ELECTION OF OFFICERS:
A motion was made by Fewins, seconded by Ropp, and carried by unanimous vote to appoint Bryan Holt as Board Chair.
A motion was made by Fewins, seconded by McKinnis, and carried by unanimous vote to appoint Doug Ropp as Board Vice-Chair.
APPOINTMENT OF OFFICERS, POSITIONS, AND OFFICIALS FOR 2024:
A motion was made by Fewins, seconded by Ropp, and carried by unanimous vote to approve appointments below for 2024.
INFORMATION OFFICER Juley McDaniel
CLERK OF THE BOARD Juley McDaniel
TREASURER Gina Shelton
KPERS REPRESENTATIVE Juley McDaniel
KACCT REP AND COUNCIL OF PRESIDENTS REPRESENTATIVE Chad McKinnis, Ronda Bailey
GREENBUSH REP John Bartelsmeyer
DESIGNATED BANK FOR GENERAL FUND Landmark National Bank
DESIGNATED ATTORNEY Zackery Reynolds
OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER Fort Scott Tribune
CONSENT AGENDA: A motion was made by Fewins, seconded by Bailey, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the consent agenda.
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
A. Foundation Donation – Dr. Kegler reported the Foundation Board has given FSCC a very generous donation. The gifted funds are to be used at the discretion of administration who will meet with Sarah
Smith in the Foundation Office to determine how the funds will be distributed. Dr. Kegler said the funds are being considered for use toward operational expenses, and some will go to payments of COPs and lease payments. Dr. Kegler stated the donation takes some of the stress and pressure of trying to make some of
the decisions currently being made. An upcoming meeting with the Foundation will be held on February 1.
There was additional conversation about the ongoing audit process and recently receiving state aid and property tax. Fewins requested the board receive an outline of when the college receives funding from various resources.
B. Institutional Workstudy – Dr. Kegler informed the Board a determination has been made that institutional workstudy being received by baseball and softball students could be eliminated. He acknowledged the decision impacts seventeen students receiving $3,200 per academic year, but it is an opportunity for
expenses to be reduced. Students employed as an institutional workstudy on the academic or student services departments would not be impacted. He cited the need to look at other cuts such as personnel or deeper budget cuts if institutional workstudy is not cut. Board members asked questions about how many
students currently on institutional workstudy qualify for federal workstudy, and Dr. Kegler reported the Financial Aid office indicated a handful of those students would qualify for federal workstudy funds. Dr. Kegler also addressed having those students report to the athletic director as opposed to their coaches so it
appears cleaner. The baseball and softball institutional workstudies are reportedly for field maintenance, and Dr. Kegler said he has offered to reassign an employee from maintenance to take care of those facilities.
Board members Bailey, Fewins, and McKinnis expressed concern about impacting students this semester by eliminating funds students were under the impression they would receive. Dr. Kegler said alternative action can certainly be considered, but FSCC needs to reduce its payroll, as the monthly payroll is too much. The Board reiterated their hope is that workstudy students be a last resort to be cut, and agreed that set guidelines need to be defined for institutional workstudy in the future.
C. Five Year Financial Plan – Dr. Kegler informed the Board that Carolyn Sinn is working on a 5-year plan of the last 5 years. He says it will give administration the ability to see increases to salaries and benefits.
D. Administrative Restructure – Dr. Kegler explained the revised organization chart proposed to be effective 7/1/24, saying the revised structure is a model many institutions already have or are putting in place. He noted many institutions are faulted in the accreditation process for having too many vice presidents. FSCC
has had three to four vice presidents in recent years, and Dr. Kegler reported reducing the amount of vice presidents will make FSCC’s structure more in line to other institutions who have gone to a provost-type model. The proposed organization chart would create a Vice President of Student Development. This
position would oversee all functional areas that impact students at FSCC. Dr. Kegler stated the current vice presidents would become Deans or Associate Deans in the proposed organization chart, and salaries will be aligned with responsibilities. Dr. Kegler cited a need for consistency in how things are being done and how the student experience is flowing. He stated the restructure will also bring some salaries into line with responsibilities. Dr. Kegler added it is important to minimize some of our administrators and
administrative titles, stating the same work is going to be done, just not at the level it is currently. He stated an internal search would be conducted to fill the new Vice President of Student Development, saying he didn’t think it would be necessary to do an external search.
ACTION ITEMS:
A. A motion was made by McKinnis seconded by Ropp, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the John Deere Certificate as described.
B. A motion was made by Fewins, seconded by Ropp, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the revision to the Associate of Applied Science in Agriculture Technology for John Deere as described.
C. A motion was made by Ropp, seconded by McKinnis, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the Heavy Equipment Operation Program.
There was consensus of the board to take a five-minute recess at 2:06 pm. The meeting resumed at 2:13 pm.
D. A motion was made by Bailey, seconded by Ropp, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the Mission, Core Values, and Vision Statements as presented.
E. A motion was made by Fewins, seconded by McKinnis, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the 2024-25 academic calendar as presented.
F. A motion was made by Fewins, seconded by McKinnis, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the bank signer resolution, listing John Bartelsmeyer as the board appointed signature.
ITEMS FOR REVIEW: The Board reviewed items of appreciation and correspondence.
REPORTS:
• HLC – Dr. Kegler described the process the HLC preparation committee is going through in preparation for HLC’s upcoming visit October 13 – 14, 2025. The group is meeting weekly to review each criterion and will be spending the next year and a half writing the document. Sara Sutton is co-chairing the committee.
• GORDON PARKS MUSEUM – The Board reviewed a report provided by the Gordon Parks Museum.
• FOUNDATION – Dr. Kegler said he has asked the Foundation Board to come to a Board of Trustees meeting quarterly. He stated the Foundation has committed to being more of a supporter and partner of the college, including agreeing to help FSCC with the funding for the Foundation Director position.
• ADMINISTRATION – The Board reviewed and heard updates from Miami County, Academic Affairs, Finance and Operations, Student Services, and President.
The Board requested an opportunity to evaluate Hall of Fame requirements for the next meeting.
Chairman Holt suggested sending the employee satisfaction survey now, as it would send the message that the board cares what employees are thinking. He recommended the executive team discuss and determine if it should be sent now.
EXECUTIVE SESSION: A motion was made by Fewins, seconded by Ropp and carried by unanimous vote to adjourn to executive session for 10 minutes beginning at 4:15 pm for the purpose of discussing non-elected personnel as it relates to performance evaluations and discussion of identifiable personnel information of non- elected personnel with no action expected to follow. The Board invited Dr. Kegler and Gina Shelton to join.
OPEN SESSION: A motion was made at 4:27 pm by Fewins, seconded by Bailey, and carried by unanimous vote to return to open session.
EXECUTIVE SESSION: A motion was made by Fewins, seconded by Ropp and carried by unanimous vote to adjourn to executive session for 10 minutes beginning at 4:30 pm for the purpose of discussing non-elected personnel as it relates to performance evaluations and discussion of identifiable personnel information of non-
elected personnel with no action expected to follow. The Board invited Dr. Kegler and Gina Shelton to join.
OPEN SESSION: A motion was made at 4:45 pm by Fewins, seconded by Ropp, and carried by unanimous vote to
return to open session.
ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to come before the Trustees, a motion to adjourn was made at
4:46 pm by Ropp, seconded by McKinnis, and carried by unanimous vote.
Chairman Clerk
