McHenry County College is in the initial stages of expanding the present campus to meet the needs of current and future students. Another report was presented to the Board this past week on architectural firm suggests for expansions.
Concerns noted on expanding the campus include such as the length of time it requires to travel from a parked vehicle to class, locating similar classes in one location, traffic, as well as overall view of the area.
One item not included is a residential area for students, since this is a community college and residential areas for students are not needed. This is a topic that has come up from an unknown source that the area surrounding the college was to be considered for student residence.
Based on the 1968 plans for the college district formation and the authority from the State for the college, McHenry County College was never considered to be a residence college.
We have also listened to discussion regarding the area at Crystal Lake Planning Commission meetings and never heard anything mentioned regarding placing student residence area around Lucas Road.
There may be some changes made regarding the entrance to the College and the location of the smaller parking lot immediately in front of the building. However, none of this has been finalized at this point.
MCC Board Meeting This Evening
The College Board will hear a presentation this evening when it meets at 6:30 p.m. for a regular monthly meeting. The presentation by Leanne Meyer-Smith of Wright & Company, the firm retained to handle design work for the expansion of the campus is one of many that will be provided the board as plans proceed for campus expansion.
Another presentation being provided board members relates to the structure of the McHenry County College Foundation. Bill Brennan, Executive Director of the Foundation is scheduled to provide the presentation.
Necessary Costs To Operate The College
College personnel are continually seeking ways to save money for the operation of the college. One matter in this category to be considered by the Board is the purchase of Natural Gas through an Energy Service Agreement. The College has had an energy service agreement with CenterPoint Energy, Inc. since October 2006. Total usage for the College is about 180,000 therms annually.
The College has an opportunity to enter into a two-year agreement with CenterPoint Energy, Inc. at the rate of $0.409 per therm. This is the lowest rate the market has experienced in ten years with the current contract rate at $0.50 per therm. The Board is being requested to approve a new two-year agreement with CenterPoint.
Another “savings” matter to be handled by the Board, is a Joint Educational Agreement with William Rainey Harper College. This agreement with Harper was first approved in 1982. A review of the joint agreement with Harper is resulting in the addition of an offering, Alternative Electrical Energy Certificate. This allows students to participate in the course work at Harper and pay an in-district rate at Harper College.
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