The Board of Trustees of Illinois State University met July 21 at the Bone Student Center. During their session, the Board took action on several items, including approving:
Naming of Dobski Conference Room
The Board of Trustees of Illinois State University approved the naming of a conference room in the Bone Student Center for Bob and Julie Dobski, in recognition of their financial gift in support of the Bone Student Center.
The room, formerly the East Conference Room, has been named the Dobski Conference Room in honor of the long-time supporters of Illinois State University. Julie Dobski, who was presented with an honorary doctoral degree during the University’s Founders Day in 2016, currently serves as chair of the College of Business Advisory Council. Bob Dobski serves as a member of the Board of Trustees and is a member of the University’s Foundation Board.
Contracts for fire services and Foundation
The Board approved an agreement with the Town of Normal for fire protection services and authorized the renewal of a contract with the Illinois State University Foundation.
The intergovernmental agreement between the Town of Normal and Illinois State provides fire protection services for the University for FY2018 at a cost of $569,631. The agreement is modified each year to require a new reimbursement rate that reflects the higher municipal costs associated with providing fire protection services. The Town of Normal uses a price index to calculate the new reimbursement rate that is determined by the Illinois Municipal League and used in other university communities across the state.
Board members also authorized the extension of a contract with the Illinois State University Foundation for development and fundraising services for FY2018. The contract stipulates that services will be provided for cash and in-kind consideration not to exceed $2,595,000. The Foundation, a private corporation, works to solicit, secure, and manage private gifts and other resources to support Illinois State’s educational and research mission.
Food vendor agreement
The Board of Trustees of Illinois State University approved a 10-year contract with Gordon Food Services as the food prime vendor for Illinois State University.
Illinois State is a participating member of the Illinois Public Higher Education Cooperative (IPHEC), which also includes Eastern Illinois University, Northern Illinois University, University of Illinois Springfield, Southern Illinois University Carbondale, and Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. After completing an analysis, IPHEC announced the bid award to Gordon Food Services.
The initial term of the IPHEC contract with Gordon Food Services is July 1, 2017, through June 30, 2027, with four two-year renewals thru June 30, 2019, for an amount not to exceed $100 million over the life of the contract.
Insurance contracts to cover University property and student athletes
The Board of Trustees authorized the University to purchase property insurance for FY2018 at a premium not to exceed $580,000. Illinois State owns and maintains property valued at approximately $1.72 billion. Through its membership in the Midwestern Higher Education Compact, the University is able to purchase coverage from Lexington Insurance Company and Zurich Insurance Company, through the insurance broker Marsh USA, Inc.
Board members also approved a contract for insurance to cover student athletes and cheerleaders. The policy will cover injuries that occur during practice, conditioning, competition, and travel to and from competitions. Board members approved the contract for a five-year term with five, one-year renewals at a premium cost not to exceed $600,000.
