February 2010 Heartland AEA Board of Directors Meeting Recap

The February 2010 Heartland AEA Board of Directors meeting was held on February 9 but was held electronically due to inclement weather.

Approval of Agenda
The action item related to the Des Moines Area Community College 28E agreement was tabled until the March meeting.

Public Forum
No one was present to speak at the public forum.

Discussion Items
Post-Employment Policy 403.4
Ms. Nola Bond reviewed the history and current state of the Agency’s post-employment policy. The post-employment policy was originally established to show consideration for years of service, to have a benefit that attracts and retains employees and to help the Agency during economic downturns. The changes to the policy over the years were a result of recommendations made from the post-employment committee, which is made up of a cross section of the Agency workforce. Last year the Board approved changes to the policy that go into effect July 1, 2010. These changes were not based on the recommendations of the committee. In lean economic times, a common approach to encourage attrition has been to lower the eligibility age at which employees are eligible for the post-employment benefit. In July, the new policy will actually increase the age requirement from 58 to 60. In addition, the insurance benefits will decrease, especially for spousal coverage. This makes the plan less attractive and lowers the number of eligible employees.

The post-employment committee would like to recommend that the July 1, 2010 changes to the policy not be implemented, that the current policy be extended by one year, to allow reconsideration by those staff members who chose the benefit effective July 1, 2010, and that the post-employment committee examine long-term changes to the plan with an implementation of July 1, 2011.

28E DMACC Intercampus Mail Agreement
Mr. Steve Prall provided information on a request made by Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) to utilize the Agency’s delivery system in providing interoffice letters, books and parcel delivery services. Based on this request, research was done that showed it would be viable and financially beneficial to the Agency. A draft agreement was submitted to DMACC that was very specific and met all Department of Transportation, United States Post Office and other statutory and federal guidelines. This agreement is still in review and will be brought back to the Board at the March meeting for approval. This is a good opportunity for Heartland and DMACC to work together to continue to build a partnership.

Action Items
2009 Amended Budget
A MOTION was made by Ms. Margaret Borgen and seconded by Dr. Steve Rose to approve the 2009-10 amended budget. Motion passed unanimously.

2010-11 Budget
Board member Mr. Cal Halliburton noted that he was uncomfortable spending down the Agency’s reserve. A MOTION was made by Dr. Steve Rose and seconded by Ms. Marcy Sparks to approve the 2010-11 budget. Motion passed unanimously.

Post-Employment Benefit
A MOTION was made by Mr. Cal Halliburton and seconded by Ms. Margaret Borgen to approve the recommendations made by the post-employment committee: 1) The July 1, 2010 changes to the post-employment policy will not be implemented, 2) the current policy will continue for one additional year, 3) reconsideration will be given to those employees who chose the benefit effective July 1, 2010 and 4) the post-employment committee will examine long-term changes to the plan with implementation effective July 1, 2011. Motion passed unanimously.

IKM-Manning Petition
A MOTION was made by Mr. Cal Halliburton and seconded by Dr. Steve Rose that the Board finds the petition is in compliance with the Agency’s Reorganization Plan that outlines the process and expectations concerning school reorganizations. Motion passed unanimously. The actual petition will be approved at the February 15 joint board meeting.

Board Comments
• Board members were sent a draft of new chief administrator Dr. Paula Vincent’s contract. If any board member has questions or concerns, they are to contact Ms. Ann Wilson. Ms. Wilson also commented that she had met with Dr. Vincent on February 6, and she is very excited about coming to Heartland. She will be spending the next two months focusing on her current position as her district looks for a replacement, and then she plans to spend time learning about the Agency. She will visit Ms. Sheila King at the Agency on March 17.