Lisa Blumenthal

The meeting commenced with a closed session to consult with legal counsel regarding pending litigation, which concluded after approximately 23 minutes. Upon reconvening the regular meeting, the Board adopted a resolution to follow legal counsel's advice concerning a civil matter in Alpena Circuit Court. Key actions included the approval of the agenda and a motion to approve the proposed minutes from the January 15, 2026, regular board meeting. Board reports detailed ACC Foundation activities, including scholarship and fund creation, and updates on campus safety initiatives and strategic planning priorities. The Student Report covered suggestions for improving student recreation space. The President's Report highlighted progress on the $4.7 million student housing addition project, which is scheduled for completion by August 6, 2026. The President also testified before a House Subcommittee in support of state funding for the Next Generation Climbing Range project. Action items approved by the Board included contracting with Juicebox Interactive for website redesign services, authorizing the President to sign agreements for the solar array project, and approving a bid for the World Center for Concrete Technology sidewalk project. The financial report indicated a year-to-date surplus of $2,221,078 through January 2026, noting variance in property tax receipts and tuition revenue. Trustees discussed scheduling a visioning session for funding priorities.

The regular meeting included the approval of the agenda and discussions stemming from board member and subcommittee reports, particularly concerning the ACC Foundation's activities, such as year-end fundraising appeals, newsletter distribution, and significant spending from various student support funds, including the Rosebush Family Support Fund and housing assistance scholarships. The Foundation also resumed management of the ACC Student Food Pantry. The Faculty Report featured new Mathematics instructors discussing their backgrounds. The President's Report detailed a slight decline in Spring Semester enrollment compared to the previous year, despite increases in continuing student retention metrics. Updates were provided on strategic planning and budgeting initiatives, covering resource allocation, infrastructure projects, technology needs, and HLC accreditation work. Furthermore, the board initiated a discussion on advancing campus safety improvements, including physical security enhancements like access control. The financial report covered year-to-date performance through December 2025, noting variances in property tax receipts and tuition/fee receipts, and analyzed General Fund and Consolidated Income Statement activity. The personnel report detailed staff transfers. During Board Discussion, arrangements for tours of the Welding and Manufacturing labs before the next meeting were finalized, and the possibility of a special meeting/workshop to prioritize FY2027 budget funding projects was raised.

The Board of Trustees meeting agenda covered several action items, including the recommended authorization to contract with Juicebox Interactive for website redesign and content management system services, with a first-year cost of $66,285. The board also addressed the authorization for the President to sign agreements related to the Solar Array Project to ensure expeditious completion. Furthermore, approval was sought for the bid from Northern Landscape and Design, not to exceed $109,860, for the World Center for Concrete Technology (WCCT) sidewalk paver replacement. Informational reports included the Financial Report through January 2026, the Personnel Report covering early 2026 activity, and the Gifts and Grants Report for January 2026.

The regular monthly meeting addressed the approval of the agenda and previous minutes. Board reports covered ACC Foundation activities, including fundraising appeals, newsletter distribution, student financial need support through various funds, and resuming management of the ACC Student Food Pantry. The Faculty Report introduced new Mathematics instructors. The President's Report detailed a slight decline in Spring Semester enrollment compared to 2025, noting positive retention efforts among continuing students. Updates were provided on Strategic Planning and Budgeting Committee initiatives, focusing on budget planning, infrastructure projects, and technology needs. A discussion on advancing campus safety included reviewing existing measures and exploring future enhancements like access control via card readers. The Financial Report detailed revenue and expense comparisons through December 2025, noting variances in property tax receipts, tuition growth, and increased institutional administration expenses. The Personnel Report detailed internal transfers. Board discussion concluded with finalizing arrangements for lab tours prior to the next meeting and considering a special meeting to discuss personnel matters and conduct a workshop for Fiscal Year 2027 budget prioritization.

The regular monthly meeting included approval of the agenda and the proposed minutes from the November 20, 2025, meeting. There were no comments during the public comment period. Board reports included significant updates from the ACC Foundation regarding Giving Tuesday success, new funds established, and scholarship application timelines. The Faculty Report introduced new Nursing Director and instructor, acknowledging successful accreditation efforts. The President's Report highlighted the approval of $3,527,100 in federal funding for the Natural Resources and STEM Innovation Center renovation, contingent on finalizing processes with USDA Rural Development. An update was also provided on the campus exterior signage replacement project. Action items included conferring Emeritus Status posthumously to Kathy Vought, and authorizing purchases for a Fiber Laser Marker and Extractor, a semi-automatic mitering bandsaw, and equipment for the Classroom of Tomorrow Framework pilot classroom. The financial report indicated positive year-to-date net income and discussed recent federal interest rate changes affecting interest earnings. The Board Discussion covered progress on new student housing construction and confirmed a tour of the Manufacturing Lab.