MEETING OF THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
HOUSTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE SYSTEM
April 17, 2003
Minutes
The Board of Trustees of the Houston Community College System met as a Committee Of The
Whole on April 17, 2003, at the System Administration Building, Executive Conference Room
12D11, 3100 Main, Houston, Texas.
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT
James R. Murphy, Chair
Herlinda Garcia, Vice Chairman
Christopher W. Oliver, Secretary
Herman Litt, Deputy Secretary
Jay K. Aiyer
Bruce A. Austin
Abel Davila
Yolanda Navarro Flores
BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT
Michael P. Williams, D. Min.
ADMINISTRATION
Bruce H. Leslie, Chancellor
Charles Cook, Vice Chancellor, Educational Development
Jose Villarreal, Vice Chancellor, Economic Development
Gloria Walker, Vice Chancellor, Finance and Administration
Irene Porcarello, Interim Vice Chancellor, Institutional Development and
Deputy to the Chancellor
Margaret Forde, President, Northeast College
Zachary Hodges, President, Northwest College
Sue Cox, President, Southwest College
Diana Castillo, Interim President, Southeast College
Rosie Barrera, Associate Vice Chancellor, Communications
Miles LeBlanc, General Counsel
Michael Kyme, Executive Director, Purchasing
Willie Williams, Jr, Interim Executive Director, Human Resources
OTHERS PRESENT
Arturo Michel, System Counsel, Bracewell & Patterson
Dale Foster, President, Faculty Association
Other administrators, citizens and representatives from the news media
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Committee of the Whole – April 17, 2003 – Page 2
MARKETING
CALL TO ORDER
Mr. Litt called the meeting to order at 2:15 p.m. and declared the Board convened to consider
matters pertaining to the Houston Community College System as listed on the duly posted
meeting notice. Present were Trustees Litt, Aiyer, Garcia, Murphy and Austin. Trustees Davila
and Oliver arrived at 2:40 p.m.
QUEST CAMPAIGN UPDATE
Al Vera with the Quest Agency gave an update on the advertising campaign. He reported that
the campaign had been running for approximately nine months and has generated positive
results in terms of program message awareness, local and national recognition and media
cooperation and support. Mr. Vera stated that phase one of the campaign focused on
enhancing public recognition and phase two would target long-term enrollment goals.
The Trustees discussed the effectiveness of the campaign. Mr. Vera recommended conducting
more frequent research and budgeting additional funds for research and tracking. Mr. Murphy
asked the Chancellor to evaluate Mr. Vera’s recommendations. Dr. Leslie will prepare a
package of information requested by the Trustees, Including cost, project timelines,
advertisement schedules, documentation of increases in enrollment, tie-in with financial aid,
profile of target population, Gant outline, breakdown of college advertising budgets and a
comparison of advertising budgets with the Port of Houston and Metro. Dr. Leslie will meet with
Ms. Barrera and Mr. Vera to discuss the future direction of the advertising campaign.
ADJOURNMENT TO CLOSED OR EXECUTIVE SESSION
Mr. Litt adjourned the meeting to Executive Session at 3:00 p.m., notice having previously been
given, and reiterated by him, in accordance with the Open Meetings Law. He stated that any
final action, vote, or decision on any item discussed in Executive Session would be taken up in
Open Session or in a subsequent Public Meeting. Mr. Litt reconvened the meeting in Open
Session at 4:15 p.m. and entertained motions on pending matters.
BOARD OPERATIONS
CALL TO ORDER
Mrs. Garcia called the meeting to order at 4:15 p.m. and declared the Board convened to
consider matters pertaining to the Houston Community College System as listed on the duly
posted meeting notice. Present were Trustees Aiyer, Austin, Davila, Garcia, Litt, Murphy and
Oliver.
PAYMENT FOR CONSULTANT SERVICES APPROVED
Motion – Mr. Aiyer moved to authorize the Chancellor to expend up to $67,500 for payment to
Guadalupe Rangel for consultant services to be rendered (up to 500 hours at $125/hour) and
expenses (up to $5,000.00) for completion of the HCCS policy project. Mr. Austin seconded the
motion. Mr. Davila asked questions about the timeframe of the project. Dr. Leslie responded
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Committee of the Whole – April 17, 2003 – Page 3
that the General Counsel is responsible for ensuring that timelines are met and that Mrs. Rangel
will have adequate time to spend with the Board Members.
1
Motion carried 7-1 [see footnote].
HONORARY DEGREE NOMINATIONS ACCEPTED
Motion – Mr. Oliver moved approval of nominations for honorary degree recipients, pending
acceptance by the nominees. It was further moved that the nominees would not be named at
this time. Mr. Austin seconded the motion, which carried 7-0.
Mrs. Garcia left the meeting at 3:20 p.m., and Mr. Aiyer took the Chair.
MESSENGER SERVICES
Mr. Aiyer initiated discussion on the expense of delivering mail to Trustees using a messenger
service and asked the Board to consider alternatives to cut costs. Mail is currently delivered to
the Board on a semiweekly basis. Mr. Austin suggested utilizing electronic mail and PDF
transmission of documents. Dr. Leslie stated that administration is studying the matter and a
recommendation will be forthcoming.
MARKETING COMMITTEE RECONVENED
Mr. Litt reconvened the Marketing Committee at 4:25 p.m. to consider remaining items. Present
were Trustees Aiyer, Austin, Davila, Litt, Murphy and Oliver.
WILLIE LEE GAY HALL UPDATE
Dr. Williamson introduced Jean Walke who presented an update on plans for the grand opening
of Willie Lee Gay Hall at Hwy. 288 @ Airport. The event is planned for August 14, from 4:00 –
6:00 p.m., as requested by Mrs. Gay. An estimated 3,000 persons will receive invitations,
including community, business and religious leaders; elected officials; media representatives
and the educational community. Mr. Oliver requested that the event be held at 10:00 a.m. to
avoid afternoon traffic and Dr. Williamson stated she would make that recommendation to the
committee. She is seeking media coverage for the event and Ms. Barrera is arranging for
placement of billboards in the community to publicize the new center.
INTRODUCTORY BIOS
The Board reviewed introductory bios developed by the Communications Office as a means of
recognizing Trustees at meetings and events. Dr. Leslie asked the Board Members to review
the bios and provide feedback.
FINANCE
CALL TO ORDER
Mr. Oliver called the meeting to order at 4:40 p.m. and declared the Board convened to consider
matters pertaining to the Houston Community College System as listed on the duly posted
meeting notice. Present were Trustees Aiyer, Austin, Davila, Litt, Murphy and Oliver. Ms.
Navarro Flores arrived at 5:00 p.m.
1
At the Regular Board Meeting of April 22, 2003, Trustee Navarro Flores asked that the record reflect her
vote against the motion. Ms. Navarro Flores was not present when the vote was taken.
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Committee of the Whole – April 17, 2003 – Page 4
CONSIDERATION OF FINANCE AGENDA
Motion — Mr. Austin made a motion to consider the Finance Agenda, with the exception of
items set aside for further discussion. Mr. Litt seconded the motion. Motion carried 6-0.
The following items were approved:
•
Approved the investment report for March 2003;
•
Approved exemption of Harris County from taxation and assessment of value on the
Sweeny and Pillot Buildings in Houston, Texas;
•
Approved and ratified acceptance of gifts and donations;
•
Approved payment to Bracewell & Patterson for professional services rendered for the
period March 1, 2003 in the amount of $39,371.57;
•
Approved payment to Bracewell & Patterson for government relations services rendered
for the period January through April, 2003 in the amount of $41,000;
•
Approved payment to Rolando L. Rios for professional services rendered for the period
January 7 through March 27, 2003, in the amount of $11,111.66;
•
Approved payment to Feldman and Rogers for professional services rendered for the
period January 1 through February 28, 2003, in the amount $4,344.92;
•
Approved payment to Locke Liddell & Sapp for professional services rendered for the
month of February 2003, in the amount of $15,089.75;
•
Approved payment to Brackett & Ellis for professional services rendered through March
25, 2003, in the amount of $4,327.31; and
•
Approved payroll and holiday schedules for fiscal year 2003-2004.
SYSTEM ARCHITECT CONTRACT EXTENDED FOR SIX MONTHS
Motion – Mr. Murphy moved approval to extend the system architect contract with Hermes
Architects for six months. Mr. Litt seconded the motion.
The Board considered a recommendation to authorize Chancellor to extend the System
architect contract with Hermes Architect up to six months, with an increase in the principal
architect hourly rate from $100 to $150, in order to give sufficient time to fill an in-house system
architect position. Dr. Leslie explained that hiring an in-house system architect would result in a
savings of approximately $50,000 annually on current projects, with that amount increasing as
we continue the deferred maintenance plans.
The In-house architect would be responsible for architectural projects including the contracting
of external architect services anticipated in the capital improvement plan and other projects that
cannot be handled internally. Additionally, the system architect would continue to contract with
external engineers on an as-needed basis. In the interim, Hermes Architects has agreed to
extend its contract as long as it can increase the fee for the Principal Architect and be able to
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Committee of the Whole – April 17, 2003 – Page 5
bid on additional architectural projects. Mr. Oliver suggested hiring a new person for the
architect position instead of assigning someone already employed by the system.
Motion carried 6-0.
CONSIDERATION OF ADDITIONAL PENALTY ON DELIQUENT TAXES DEFERRED UNTIL
REGULAR BOARD MEETING
The Board considered resolutions providing for the imposition of an additional penalty on
delinquent taxes, Sections 33.07 and 33/08. Ms. Navarro Flores stated there were legal issues
that needed to be addressed. The resolutions were deferred to the Regular Board Meeting of
April 24, 2003.
ADJOURNMENT TO CLOSED OR EXECUTIVE SESSION
Mr. Aiyer took the chair and adjourned the meeting to Executive Session at 5:05 p.m., notice
having previously been given, and reiterated by him, in accordance with the Open Meetings
Law. He stated that any final action, vote, or decision on any item discussed in Executive
Session would be taken up in Open Session or in a subsequent Public Meeting. Mr. Aiyer
reconvened in Open Session at 5:15 p.m. and entertained motions on pending matters. Mr.
Oliver recused himself from participation.
CHANCELLOR TO NEGOTIATE HOUSEKEEPING SERVICES CONTRACT
Motion - Mr. Murphy made a motion to authorize the Chancellor to negotiate with ABM Janitorial
to provide consolidated housekeeping services. Mr. Litt seconded the motion, which carried 60. Mr. Oliver recused himself from participation.
FACILITIES
CALL TO ORDER
Mr. Aiyer called the meeting to order at 5:16 p.m. and declared the Board convened to consider
matters pertaining to the Houston Community College System as listed on the duly posted
meeting notice. Present were Trustees Aiyer, Austin, Davila, Litt, Murphy, Navarro Flores and
Oliver.
CONSIDERATION OF FACILITIES AGENDA
Motion — Mr. Murphy made a motion to consider Facilities Agenda items 24, 25 and 26. Mr.
Austin seconded the motion, which carried 6-0. Mr. Litt was out of the room.
The following items were approved:
•
Approved an Interlocal Agreement with the City of Stafford to resurface the student
parking lot at 9910 Cash Road, at a cost not to exceed $50,000;
•
Approved the proposed Master Plan for Central College construction plan; and
•
Authorized the Chancellor to negotiate on behalf of the System, a thirty-three month
renewal of the lease at Palm Center, from April 1, 2003 until December 31, 2005.
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Committee of the Whole – April 17, 2003 – Page 6
LEASE OF MODULAR BUILDINGS FOR SOUTHEAST COLLEGE APPROVED AS
EMERGENCY ITEM
Upon the advice of Mr. Michel, System Counsel, the recommendation was withdrawn and
declared an emergency, determining that the delay posed by newspaper notice for bids or
proposals would prevent or substantially impair the conduct of classes or other essential college
activities.
Motion - Mr. Murphy made a motion to authorize the Chancellor to approve the lease of four
modular buildings from Resun Leasing and Construction for the contingency construction plan
at Southeast College, at a cost of $44,800. Mr. Oliver seconded the motion, which carried 7-0.
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN
Mr. Aiyer expressed appreciation to Ms. Walker and her team for their efforts in finalizing the
Capital Improvement Plan. The plan will be discussed at the Regular Board Meeting on April
24, 2003.
LEGISLATIVE
CALL TO ORDER
Ms. Navarro Flores called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. and declared the Board convened
to consider matters pertaining to the Houston Community College System as listed on the duly
posted meeting notice. Present were Trustees Aiyer, Austin, Davila, Litt, Murphy, Navarro
Flores and Oliver.
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
Mr. Villarreal presented a status report on legislation introduced in the 78th Legislative Session.
The following bills are of importance to HCCS:
Dual Credit/Dual Enrollment - financially supports a change in the Texas Education
Code to allow community colleges and school districts to jointly offer and receive full
funding for workforce dual credit courses;
Lab Fee Legislation - supports a change in the Texas Education Code to allow
community colleges to raise the cap of $24,000 per semester;
Telecommunication Infrastructure Fund (TIF) - financially supports continued funding of
the Telecommunication Infrastructure Fund (TIF) and telecommunications infrastructure
projects through libraries, schools, higher education and health care facilities;
Baccalaureate Degree Pilot Program - supports a pilot program that would allow three
but no more than five community colleges selected by the Higher Education
Coordinating Board, to offer baccalaureate degrees in applied science;
Texas Next Step - supports the creation of the Texas Next Step program that would help
pay for the community college education of students who meet eligibility requirements
necessary to receive federal student financial aid. Texas Comptroller Strayhorn
supports this program; and
Bills Relating to Annexation - would amend current law to allow all or portion of a school
district, city, town or village to be annexed. Currently, only all of a city, town or village
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Committee of the Whole – April 17, 2003 – Page 7
could be annexed. Turner HB 2330 would give HCCS the flexibility to annex all or part
of its service area. Turner/Ellis HB 2331 prevents the need for the entire Board of
Trustees to undergo re-election as a result of annexation when using certain statues and
Turner/Ellis HB 2332 would allow for the inclusion of that part of the Ft. Bend
Independent School District which includes Missouri City, to become a part of the HCCS
service area and prevents incursions from other community college districts and allows
the service district to expand as the city expands.
The Board discussed various bills and debated whether HCCS should support the bill to offer a
baccalaureate degree. The Trustees emphasized that HCCS needs visibility and representation
in Austin during legislative sessions and Trustees need to be kept apprised of relevant
legislation and critical votes. Dr. Leslie was directed to develop a legislative policy for the next
session, to include a timeline and plan to make Trustees knowledgeable of relevant bills. He
also indicated he would arrange an event to honor the Harris County delegation. Ms. Navarro
Flores requested that a bill analysis be sent to the Board Members and asked Trustees who
attended the ACCT Legislative Conference in Washington D.C. to give a report.
CHANCELLOR AUTHORIZED TO TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION TO ADD FT. BEND ISD
TO THE HCCS SERVICE AREA
Motion — Mr. Murphy made a motion to add the Fort Bend Independent School District to the
HCCS service area (if it is an undesignated area) and directed the Chancellor to take
appropriate action. Mr. Litt seconded the motion, which carried 6-0 (Mr. Austin abstained).
ACADEMIC & STUDENT SERVICES
CALL TO ORDER
Mr. Austin called the meeting to order at 6:05 p.m. and declared the Board convened to
consider matters pertaining to the Houston Community College System as listed on the duly
posted meeting notice. Present were Trustees Aiyer, Austin, Garcia, Litt, Murphy, Navarro
Flores and Oliver.
CONSIDERATION OF ACADEMIC & STUDENT SERVICES AGENDA
Motion — Mr. Aiyer moved approval of the Academic and Student Services Agenda with the
exception of items set aside for further discussion. Mr. Davila seconded the motion. Motion
carried 7-0.
The following items were approved:
•
Approved the awarding of an AAS degree in Culinary Arts; and
•
Approved subcontracts between HCCS and designated community partners to provide
adult education services to eligible clients through the Federal, Corrections and TANF
Adult Education programs.
CERTIFICATES AND AAS DEGREE IN PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION APPROVED
Motion — Mr. Austin moved approval of awarding a level one certificate in Public Administration,
a level one certificate in Public Administration Budgeting and an AAS degree in Public
Administration. The motion was seconded by Mr. Litt.
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Committee of the Whole – April 17, 2003 – Page 8
Dr. Forde and Dr. Cook explained that the program would train students for entry-level
employment in governmental agencies and public and private sector service organizations. The
instruction prepares students to focus on and provide for constituent needs. The curriculum
requires the student to complete 60 semester credit hours for the AAS, 30 for the Public
Administration Certificate, and 21 for the Public Administration Budgeting Certificate. Articulation
agreements have been established with all Texas baccalaureate institutions. Anticipated
enrollment for 2003-2004 is 40 enrollees (based on currently offered stand-alone course
enrollment) and an additional 20 by the second year. Mr. Murphy suggested this program be
offered System-wide.
The motion carried 7-0.
REVIEW OF LEGAL OPINIONS
Mr. Austin urged Trustees to review legal opinions from the firm of Bracewell & Patterson on a
variety of issues including board member authority, relationship with staff, role of the chancellor
and governing board and board/chancellor authority.
ADJOURNMENT
With no further business to come before the Board, Mr. Austin adjourned the meeting at 6:20
p.m.
Minutes Prepared by:
Reviewed, Finalized and Submitted by:
Erica Carmen DelValle, Secretary
Board Services
Christopher W. Oliver, Secretary
Board of Trustees
Minutes Approved as Corrected:
June 24, 2003
Reviewed and Revised
5/13/03 lg