MEETING OF THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
HOUSTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE SYSTEM
June 18, 2003
Minutes
The Board of Trustees of the Houston Community College System met as a Committee Of
The Whole on June 18, 2003, at the System Administration Building, Auditorium, 3100
Main, Houston, Texas.
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT
James R. Murphy, Chair
Herman Litt, Deputy Secretary
Jay K. Aiyer
Bruce A. Austin
Abel Davila
Yolanda Navarro Flores
BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT
Herlinda Garcia, Vice Chairman
Christopher W. Oliver, Secretary
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
Diana Castillo, Interim President, Southeast College
Rosie Barrera, Associate Vice Chancellor, Communications
Miles LeBlanc, General Counsel
Winstorn Dahse, College Operations Officer, Southwest College
Michael Kyme, Executive Director, Purchasing
Karl Lindquist, Executive Director, Facilities
John Ramsey, Executive Director, Foundation
Willie Williams, Jr, Interim Executive Director, Human Resources
OTHERS PRESENT
Arturo Michel, System Counsel, Bracewell & Patterson
Butch Herod, President, Faculty Association
Bob Bellomy, Hermes Architects
Other administrators, citizens and representatives from the news media
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Committee of the Whole – June 18, 2003– Page 2
LEGAL/LEGISLATIVE
CALL TO ORDER
Ms. Navarro Flores called the meeting to order at 4:45 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,
and Murphy.
LEGISLATIVE REPORT
Robert Miller from Locke Liddell & Sapp, LLP, reported on the 78th Session of the Texas
Legislature. The session included a House debate on tort reform, Senate legislation
providing for sweeping changes to the school finance system, and an attempt at
congressional redistricting that was thwarted after 51 Democrats blocked a House quorum.
In the end the Legislature passed a $117.4 billion balanced budget, taxes were not raised,
the civil justice system was overhauled, insurance was reformed and redistricting was left
on the table. A special session on school finance with a restructuring of taxes in Texas is
on the horizon and a select committee studying higher education in Texas is gearing up.
He gave an analysis of the following:
HB 1 – Budget: Relating to the appropriations of money for the 2004-2005 biennium;
$6.4 million obtained over the next biennium for the Highway 288 and Missouri City
campuses and increased funding for growth in contact hours for professional nursing
programs. This shows strong local support for HCCS and the programs that are
offered.
HB 415 – Dual Credit: State funding of courses offered for joint high school and
junior college credit. This bill provides additional funding for high school students
taking college credit courses, resulting in increased enrollment at HCCS.
HB 3015 – Differential Tuition: Allows for differential tuition to be charged to students
of institutions of higher education. Deregulates tuition at all institutions of higher
education and allows a governing board to set tuition at different rates for each
program and course level as appropriate for graduation rates, facility use, and
employee performance.
HB 3223 – Property Tax Cap: Proposal to cap the property tax valuation increase in
the appraised value of real property for ad valorem tax purposes to 5% per year did
not pass. Successfully amended to exclude community colleges, but the bill
subsequently died in the Senate. A close monitor will be kept at any special
sessions to see if this bill comes back up for consideration.
SB 1546 – Lab Fee Flexibility: This bill takes effect immediately. It alters the
laboratory fee cap to be the lesser of $24 per semester credit hour of laboratory
course credit or the cost of actual materials and supplies used by the student. It
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Committee of the Whole – June 18, 2003– Page 3
allows $4 per contact hour for each person registered in an aerospace mechanics
certification course that is not covered by the state funding or the additional flexibility
provided for in HB 3015.
Annexation: General annexation legislation did not pass this session. The Texas
Association of Business is circulating talking points to its members stating if
legislation passes, it will help the other 82 junior colleges in the state pass similar
legislation in the 2005 session. A close monitor will be kept in the Governor’s
decision in this regard in order to plan an effective strategy for HCCS to pursue
favorable annexation legislation in the future.
SB 286 – Continuation of Higher Education Coordinating Board: Lowers the number
of Board members to 9, alters eligibility requirements, provides for training of Board
members, addresses the complaint process and alternative dispute resolution,
reviews the five-year master plan with reports to the legislature, and requires the
Board to collect information on higher education authorities.
SB 976 – Creates a middle college education pilot program for students who are at
risk of dropping out or wish to accelerate high school completion. The course of
study must allow for a combining of high school and college-level courses in grades
11 and 12, allowing for a high school diploma and associates degree at graduation,
matriculation agreements with colleges, universities, and technical schools,
scheduling flexibility and academic mentoring. A student in the program is entitled to
the benefits of the Foundation School Program.
Mr. Miller stated the Governor has called a special session of the legislature to begin on
June 30 and Congressional redistricting is the only matter included in the call, although the
proclamation states that the call may be expanded to include other unfinished business
from the regular session. There will be close monitoring of this special session for any
expansion of the call that could affect HCCS. He stated follow-up would be conducted on
Dr. Leslie’s meeting with Lt. Governor Dewhurst to explore possible state funding sources
for the Institute.
FACILITIES
CALL TO ORDER
Mr. Aiyer called the meeting to order at 5:10 p.m. and declared the meeting convened to
consider matters pertaining to the Houston Community College System as listed on the duly
posted meeting notice. Present were Trustees Austin, Davila, Litt, Murphy and Navarro
Flores.
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Committee of the Whole – June 18, 2003– Page 4
ANALYSIS OF CONSTRUCTION METHODS PROPOSED FOR CENTRAL COLLEGE
Dr. Leslie presented an analysis of two methods of construction for the Central College
project. He explained the pros and cons of the Construction Manger at Risk (CMR) and the
Design Build (DB) methods. Dr. Leslie answered questions from the Board.
FACILITIES ITEMS APPROVED BY CONSENSUS
Motion – Mr. Murphy moved approval of consent agenda. Mr. Davila seconded the motion.
Motion carried 6-0. The following items were approved by consensus:
Approved analysis of construction methods proposed for Central College projects;
Approved Design Build method of construction for Central College plant;
Approved construction of an Oval Walking Track at Codwell Hall, Northeast College;
Approved Texas Medical Center annual assessment fees for fiscal year 200-2004;
Approved vendor to provide outdoor site furnishings for the Courtyard at the System
Administration Building.
CONSIDERATION OF METHOD OF CONSTRUCTION DEFERRED
Motion – Mr. Murphy moved approval of the method of construction for renovations and new
construction at Central Campus and delegation of contract authority to Chancellor. Mr. Litt
seconded the motion; motion carried 4-0. Mr. Davila and Ms. Navarro Flores abstained.
Motion failed and was moved to the June 24, 2003 Regular Board Meeting.
5th WARD COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT CORP. LEASE AGREEMENT
APPROVED
Motion – Mr. Austin made a motion to authorize the Chancellor to negotiate a lease
agreement with the 5th Ward Community Redevelopment Corporation. Mr. Litt seconded
the motion. Motion carried 6-0.
Mr. Austin commented on the importance of the partnership initiative to support lifelong
learning opportunities to prepare individuals from diverse communities.
SERVICE CONTRACTS FOR ELEVATORS, LANDSCAPING, PARKING AND
MAINTENANCE ENGINEERING SERVICES APPROVED
Dr. Leslie presented feasibility assessments of the facilities maintenance program activities
of HCCS. Sodexho, Aramark, ABM, and Johnson Controls conducted assessments and
provided recommendations for enhancing the facilities maintenance program. The analyses
indicated that HCCS could improve services while reducing costs by utilizing various
methodologies described in the reports. Dr. Leslie sought the Board’s intent and directive
on the further development of the facilities maintenance program and recommended that
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Committee of the Whole – June 18, 2003– Page 5
HCCS secure contracts utilizing the Request for Proposal process for elevator, landscaping,
parking and maintenance engineering services.
Motion – Mr. Murphy moved to secure service contracts for elevators, landscaping, parking
and maintenance engineering services. Mr. Davila seconded the motion. Motion carried 6-0.
FINANCE
CALL TO ORDER
Mr. Murphy, acting chair, called the meeting to order at 5:52 p.m. and declared the meeting
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,
and Navarro Flores.
ITEMS APPROVED BY CONSENSUS
Motion – Mr. Aiyer made a motion to consider the consent agenda with the exception of
items set aside for further discussion. Mr. Davila seconded the motion, which carried 6-0.
The following items were approved by consensus:
Approved engineering service agreement with Noslar, TI for Stafford METV, at an
average cost of $6,051;
Approved vendors to provide TIFF Grant LAN upgrades:
a. Gulfton Center
b. Palm Center
c. Missouri City Center
d. Automotive Center;
Approved the investment report for May 2003; and
Authorized payment to Bracewell & Patterson for professional services rendered for
the period May 1, 2003 through May 31, 2003, in the amount of $59,554.87.
PERFORMANCE AUDIT REVIEW CONSIDERED AND TABLED
Dr. Leslie presented an analysis of the recommendations made by Comptroller Carole
Keeton Strayhorn. He explained the Executive Team has reviewed all items and divided
them into four action categories. Category 1 items will be implemented immediately or are
already being implemented, 2 - are to be expanded upon, 3 - are being deferred for further
consideration, and 4 - require no further or different action. The Chancellor explained that
the majority of the recommendations have no immediate financial impact and could be
implemented now. A smaller number of items require further consideration and would
benefit from the implementation of a process to further evaluate whether they are feasible or
appropriate for HCCS; in particular, the recommendation on consolidating colleges.
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Committee of the Whole – June 18, 2003– Page 6
Dr. Leslie recommended that all items, except for those in Category 4, should be pursued
immediately and items in Category 3 should be attended to following the completion of the
proposed bond election. He sought the Board’s direction and assistance from the
Community Commission in the implementation of recommendations.
The Board
recommended further review with a revised matrix and deferred further discussion to the
Regular Board Meeting of June 24, 2003.
PRELIMINARY BUDGET REPORT
Dr. Leslie gave details on the Preliminary Operating Budget for 2003-2004. He stated the
budget and strategic plan are the result of an intensive internal planning process that began
in October 2003 involving all levels of the organization. Budget and strategic planning
processes are linked to ensure that the mission, goals and objectives and Closing the Gaps
projections are accomplished. Dr. Leslie listed 2003-2004 budget priorities. He reviewed
2003-2004 benchmarks identified by HCCS and general enrollment targets for Closing the
Gaps by 2015. Dr. Leslie went reviewed the 2004 revenues, strategies and expenditures.
The HCCS team is diligently striving to achieve the Board’s vision of becoming the best
community college in the nation. The strategic plan/budget incorporates a number of crucial
and creative strategies to achieve this goal. Several questions from the Board were
presented and answered.
Motion – Mr. Austin moved approval of a recommendation to incorporate a system-wide
innovation fund with a yearly event to serve as a fundraiser. Mr. Aiyer seconded the
motion. Motion carried 6-0.
REVIEW OF BOND/ANNEXATION TABLED
The Bond/Annexation review was moved to June 24, 2003 Special Meeting.
STUDENT WAIVERS FOR FY 2003-2004 APPROVED
Gloria Walker reported on the student waivers for the fiscal year 2003-2004. The Board
asked the status of dual credit participation at each college and the Presidents responded.
Motion – Mr. Davila moved approval of student waivers for fiscal year 2003-2004. Mr. Aiyer
seconded the motion. Motion carried 6-0.
RECESS CALLED
Mr. Murphy called a recess at 8:00 p.m.
ACADEMIC AND STUDENT SERVICES
CALL TO ORDER
Mr. Austin reconvened and called the meeting to order at 8:04 p.m. and declared the
meeting convened to consider matters pertaining to the Houston Community College
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Committee of the Whole – June 18, 2003– Page 7
System as listed on the duly posted meeting notice. Present were Trustees Aiyer, Davila,
Litt, Murphy, and Navarro Flores.
PURCHASE OF INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS/SUPPLIES FOR IEC
APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM APPROVED
The IEC Program utilizes textbooks, workbooks, assignment sheets, and examinations to
train electrical apprentices. IEC has contracted with HCCS for approximately 30 years.
Motion – Ms. Navarro Flores made a motion to purchase instructional textbooks for the
Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) apprenticeship program from Independent
Electrical Contracting, Inc., in an amount not to exceed $124,790.49. Mr. Aiyer
seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0 (Mr. Litt was out of the room).
AGREEMENT WITH AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF HOMELAND DEFENSE TABLED
The recommendation to authorize the Chancellor to negotiate and execute an agreement
with the American Institute of Homeland Defense was tabled for the next Board Meeting.
MARKETING
CALL TO ORDER
Mr. Litt called the meeting to order at 8:15 p.m. and declared the meeting 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, Murphy, and Navarro
Flores.
AGREEMENT WITH HCCS FOUNDATION APPROVED
Motion – Mr. Murphy moved approval of the agreement between HCCS and the HCCS
Foundation. Ms. Navarro Flores seconded the motion. Motion carried 6-0.
CONTRACT TO CONTINUE OPERATION OF THE EDUCATIONAL ACCESS
CHANNEL APPROVED
Motion – Mr. Aiyer moved to authorize the Chancellor to approve the contract between
HCCS and the City of Houston for HCCS to continue operations of the City of Houston’s
post-secondary educational access channel, HCCTV, for a two-year extension, effective
July 2003, to allow the City of Houston to return to a five-year contract cycle. Mr. Aiyer
seconded the motion. Motion carried 6-0.
CATALOG VENDOR APPROVED
Motion – Mr. Aiyer moved to approve and ratify Richmond Printing as the vendor to
provide 2003-2004 catalogs at an estimated 125,000 copies of the 320-page catalog not
to exceed $174,000. Mr. Murphy seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0. (Ms.
Navarro Flores abstained).
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Committee of the Whole – June 18, 2003– Page 8
Dr. Leslie stated that HCCS is moving toward a web-based catalog as a more cost
effective alternative to hard copies.
ADJOURNMENT TO CLOSED OR EXECUTIVE SESSION
Mr. LItt adjourned the meeting to Executive Session at 8:20 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. Murphy reconvened in
Open Session at 9:25 p.m. and entertained discussion. Present were Trustees Aiyer,
Austin, Davila, Litt, Murphy, and Navarro Flores.
DEVELOPMENT OF MIDDLE COLLEGE CONCEPT APPROVED
Motion – Mr. Aiyer moved approval of joint HCCS/HISD development and
implementation of the Middle College High School concept. Mr. Davila seconded the
motion. Motion carried 6-0.
CONDEMNATION OF PROPERTY ADJACENT TO TOWN & COUNTRY CENTER
APPROVED
Motion – Mr. Aiyer made a motion for condemnation of an approximately 3.5 acre strip of
property adjacent to Town & Country Center and authorized the Chancellor to execute the
appropriate resolution for condemnation; further, the System attorneys are to take all
necessary legal action to acquire the property through condemnation. Mr. Litt seconded the
motion. Motion carried 6-0.
ADJOURNMENT
With no further business to come before the Board, Mr. Murphy adjourned the meeting
at 8:28 p.m.
Minutes Prepared by:
Erica Carmen DelValle, Secretary
Board Services
Reviewed, Finalized and Submitted by:
Christopher W. Oliver, Secretary
Board of Trustees
Minutes Approved as Submitted:
July 24, 2003
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