AUDIT COMPLETED AT IOWA LAKES

The Board of Trustees of Iowa Lakes Community College received the annual audit for the 2006-2007 college year at their meeting late Tuesday afternoon in Estherville.    

The audit, completed by Williams and Company received an ‘unqualified opinion’ which means the college financial operations were considered in compliance.  The audit was then accepted by the board.

The Iowa Lakes Report featured the Marine and Small Engine Technology program which started in 1969.  It educates students for employment in the recreational and small engine industries through both laboratory experiences and classroom theory.  Students going through the three term program receive a diploma in marine skills.  Those successfully attending five terms receive an Associate in Applied Science degree with an emphasis in the second year in business applications.  The program is also considering a second year with a marine emphasis.  It is the only Marine program in the state of Iowa.

Also, the Trustees were given several updates from Delaine Hiney, Executive Director of Facilities Management.  First, the Regional Emergency Response Training Center at the Emmetsburg campus is progressing.  The Trustees approved the listed expenses which are completely covered by a grant the college received from the State of Iowa.  Second, a change order was approved for the Wind Energy/Sustainable Energy Education Center which saved the college just over $4,000.  And, the Trustees approved an agreement for sharing the college softball field with Estherville Lincoln Central Schools which is similar to the agreement the two agencies have on the shared baseball field in Estherville.  The agreement still needs an official endorsement from the ELC schools.

An agreement was OK’d with ACT of Iowa City.  It’s part of an arrangement with all community college presidents in the state where ACT will conduct a study to provide data on the success of students enrolled in dual credit classes – receiving both high school and college credit. There is no charge for the agreement.

The Trustees also spent time discussing Iowa’s open meetings laws with attorney Harold White to ensure that the college is in compliance.

In other business, the Trustees approved new hires and early retirements; heard reports from fellow members on committees and councils; as well as other routine reports from staff.

The next meeting will be held Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2008, in Estherville.