SPECIAL MEETING
OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
HOUSTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE SYSTEM
December 26, 2008
Minutes
The Board of Trustees of the Houston Community College System held a Special
Meeting on Friday, December 26, 2008 at Bracewell & Giuliani, 711 Louisiana, Suite
2300, Houston, Texas 77002
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT
Yolanda Navarro Flores, Chairwoman
Bruce Austin, Vice Chair
Diane Olmos Guzman, Secretary
Abel Davila
Neeta Sane
Richard Schechter
ADMINISTRATION
Mary Spangler, Chancellor (via conference call)
Art Tyler, Deputy Chancellor/COO
William Harmon, President Central College/Interim President Coleman College
Julian Fisher for Fena Garza, President Southwest College
Maya Durnovo for Zachary Hodges, President Northwest College
Irene Porcarello, Interim President Southeast College
Remmele Young, Executive Director Government Relations
OTHERS PRESENT
Jarvis Hollingsworth, Counsel, Bracewell & Giuliani
Maureen Singleton, Counsel, Bracewell & Giuliani
Catherine Campbell, Consultant, Yaffe|Deutser
Other administrators, citizens and representatives from the news media
CALL TO ORDER
Mrs. Flores, Chairwoman, called the meeting to order at 10:25 a.m. and declared the
Board convened to consider matters pertaining to the Houston Community College
System as listed on the duly posted Meeting Notice.
DISCUSS PRESIDENT ELECT OBAMA’S INFRASTRUCTURE STIMULUS
PACKAGE AND APPROVE HCC’S PROPOSED INFRASTRUCTURE AND CAPITAL
PROJECTS.
Dr. Tyler introduced Remmele Young to present HCC proposals relating to President
Elect Obama’s $850 billion stimulus package that is scheduled to be approved on
January 30, 2009. The following construction projects were recommended to be
submitted: (1) HCC-Central San Jacinto Restoration (2) HCC-Coleman (3) HCCNorthwest.
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Special Meeting – December 26, 2008 – Page 2
Mr. Young apprised that HCC could receive funds through competitive grants,
earmarks, and/or state allocations. He noted that the potential problem for state
allocation is that the state only provides funds for instructional and HCC would be
responsible for building the structure.
Mr. Young noted that additional projects could be added at the Board’s discretion and
noted that HCC could request earmarks.
Mr. Young apprised that he would continue to monitor the stimulus package proposal.
Mrs. Flores expressed appreciation to Mr. Schechter for advising of the stimulus
package opportunity.
Mrs. Flores advised that she spoke with her congressional representative who informed
her that the focus is more on public education rather than higher education; however,
she noted that HCC does have some public education partnerships. She apprised that
the information would need to be submitted by next week for review.
Mr. Young informed that the focus should be on new construction projects as opposed
to projects that have already been funded and noted that capital improvement projects
are the main focus.
Mrs. Sane asked if the proposal will be submitted to different individuals. Mr. Young
apprised that typically we identify members that represent the area and their interest.
He noted that once a project is selected, the area representative will be contacted for
support.
Mrs. Sane asked about partnerships with Alief ISD to start programs in Southwest, such
as nursing. Mr. Young informed that the nursing program is a high priority nationally.
Mr. Schechter inquired if Representative Culbertson’s interest would be considered
before presenting the request to Congress and recommended concentrating on the
HCC Central San Jacinto remodeling project because it is unfunded and not complete.
Mr. Schechter asked if there is an interest with HISD for an early college at Coleman.
Dr. Spangler informed that there has been some discussion with HISD and noted that
the stimulus package might assist in advancing the effort.
(Mr. Austin arrived at 10:40 a.m.)
Dr. Spangler apprised that the purpose of the stimulus package is to put people to work
and inquired whether the projects mentioned should be included in the stimulus or the
next bond election.
Mr. Davila asked if we know what types of projects will be funded. Mr. Davila supports
the three projects presented, but believes we should not limit ourselves. The stimulus
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Special Meeting – December 26, 2008 – Page 3
projects can be treated like a wish list. Mr. Davila stated that the opportunity is now to
work with our federal advisory group to develop a plan.
Mr. Davila asked if the federal advisory team would be present at this meeting. Dr.
Spangler apprised that they were informed of the meeting.
Mrs. Guzman clarified that the Southeast Workforce project would be similar to the
Drennan Project and would involve the infrastructure of the building that will house the
programs.
Mr. Davila noted that all projects mentioned are good, but apprised that the focus should
be on which ones would be acceptable under the stimulus package.
Mr. Schechter asked if it is better to submit the proposal with one project or would it be
better to have multiple projects.
Mr. Young apprised that it is always better to have projects that are likely to pass and
noted that having additional projects would not hurt; however, he noted that the projects
need to be prioritized. Dr. Spangler apprised that the additional projects must have the
necessary information to ensure there is substance.
Mrs. Flores noted that some of the projects should have already been on the table.
Mr. Davila informed that it is important that we work with several congress members on
the package and apprised that several projects were submitted for the CIP bond, but the
final projects were identified after it was funded.
Mr. Austin asked if medical facilities are distributing throughout the city. He noted that it
would be prudent for the college to also distribute its medical programs throughout the
city as well. Mr. Austin stated that HCC has already prepared a detailed analysis of CIP
projects and noted that HCC should be attacking both education and job development.
Dr. Harmon noted that although technology can always be utilized, it is the clinical
technology that is needed for Coleman College expansion.
Mr. Sane suggested that each college should submit a project and noted that limiting to
one or two proposals is not sufficient.
Mr. Schechter asked if the purpose of the stimulus package is to provide immediate jobs
and infrastructure and if there are any projects ready to break ground. Dr. Tyler
informed that other projects, such as the early college can be developed and noted that
every time a 400-student early college is developed at least twenty-six jobs are created
within the college.
Mr. Austin stated that it is essential to get people started, but also how to do the job
such as, engineering management and construction management. Dr. Tyler responded
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that HCC is currently working with four-year institutions in the development of STEM
education.
Mr. Schechter associated with Mrs. Sane’s suggestion of one project for each college.
He suggested that administration be responsible for developing the proposal.
Mrs. Flores apprised that the motion should include directions to the administration. Mr.
Davila suggested that administration present the plan to the Board in January.
Mrs. Guzman mentioned that the proposals need to be conducive to the community and
noted that partnerships will be extremely important to add value to the projects.
Ms. Porcarello noted that the action plan could include the CAN Academy and the
economic part of it the sustainable short-term training.
Mr. Schechter noted that HCC should utilize both the federal and state government so
that no one is left out of the picture. He also noted that there needs to be research to
see if any statue exists that prevents the state from providing funding for infrastructure
and if an exception can be made.
Motion – Mrs. Sane motioned that HCC submit six projects one for each college for the
Federal Economic Stimulus package and each president develop their proposal. Mr.
Davila seconded the motion. Motion passed 7-0
ADJOURNMENT
With no further business coming before the Board, the meeting adjourned at 11:21 a.m.
Minutes recorded and transcribed by:
Melinda Davila
Submitted by:
Sharon Wright, Executive Administrative Assistant, Board Services
Minutes Approved as Submitted: