SPECIAL MEETING
OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
HOUSTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE SYSTEM
May 15, 2004
Minutes
The Board of Trustees of the Houston Community College System held a Special
Meeting on Saturday, May 15, 2004, at The Houstonian Conference Center, Willow
Room, 111 North Post Oak Lane, Houston, Texas.
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT
Herman Litt, Chairman
Michael P. Williams, D.Min., Vice Chairman
Yolanda Navarro Flores, Secretary
Diane Olmos Guzman, Deputy Secretary
James R. Murphy
Jay K. Aiyer
Bruce A. Austin
Abel Davila
Christopher W. Oliver
ADMINISTRATION
Bruce H. Leslie, Chancellor
Gloria Walker, Vice Chancellor, Finance and Administration
Miles LeBlanc, General Counsel
Doretha Eason, Deputy to the Chancellor
Michael Kyme, Executive Director of Purchasing
OTHERS PRESENT
Jarvis Hollingsworth, System Counsel, Bracewell & Patterson
Jorge Rodriguez, Financial Advisor, Coastal Securities
Dr. Richard Murray, University of Houston
Gene L. Locke, Special Counsel, Andrews & Kurth LLP
Robert Miller, Government Relations Consultant
Other administrators, staff, representatives of the news media
and interested citizens
CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Litt called the Meeting to order at 9:08 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.
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Special Board Meeting – May 15, 2004 – Page 2
ELECTION/CAMPAIGN DISCUSSION
The Board discussed annexation issues with Dr. Richard Murray and Robert Miller
present to advise the Trustees and answer questions.
Dr. Murray reported on results of a survey to determine support for annexation of Katy,
Spring Branch, Alief and North Forest independent school districts into the existing
HCCS district. Based upon the survey he predicted that a countywide election held in
November 2004 would likely be successful, with approximately 60% of voters in the
existing district voting in favor. He added that endorsements from the Greater Houston
Partnership and the Houston Chronicle would strengthen voter support.
The Board adopted a resolution in February 2004 to proceed with annexation, but had
not decided upon the method of election. Discussion followed on whether to hold a
countywide election or call individual elections in each district. In an individual election,
residents of the district would petition for annexation and an election would be called for
that district. Both methods are permissible under the Texas Education Code. Mr.
Murphy voiced his opposition to the Section 130.073 countywide method of annexation.
Mr. Murphy further stated that he did not want members of the communities subject to
HCCS annexation to feel that they were being forcibly annexed.
Mr. Litt reported that community leaders in Katy supported annexation, but had voiced
concern with a countywide election. Rep. Bill Callegeri has stated his intention to file
legislation to change the statutes to prevent a countywide election. Spring Branch
generally supports annexation, although some community leaders have also voiced
concern with a countywide election. Alief and North Forest were perceived as receptive
to annexation.
The Board agreed that an aggressive education campaign should be launched
immediately to reinforce HCCS’ commitment to the inner city and outlying districts. Mr.
Miller advised the Board to communicate a state-wide vision, focusing on the Closing
the Gaps initiative and the critical educational mission of community colleges.
Residents of the outlying districts would realize a significant reduction in tuition costs.
COUNTYWIDE ANNEXATION ELECTION METHOD APPROVED
Motion: Mr. Aiyer made a motion to utilize a countywide election method in November
2004 to annex Katy, Spring Branch, Alief and North Forest independent school districts,
contingent upon Department of Justice clearance. Dr. Williams seconded the motion.
Motion carried 6-2 with Trustees Litt and Murphy opposed and Trustee Navarro Flores
abstaining.
RECESS CALLED
Mr. Litt called a recess at 10:55 a.m. The meeting was reconvened at 11:07 a.m.
(Mr. Aiyer left the meeting at 11:06 a.m.)
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Special Board Meeting – May 15, 2004 – Page 3
CAPACITY ANALYSIS BASED ON ANNEXATION
Jorge Rodriguez, financial advisor, presented a financial model to address facilities
development within the proposed annexed areas while maintaining appropriate
operating budget support and credit quality. Annexation would significantly change
HCCS’ long-term financial picture, however, Mr. Rodriguez advised that revenue would
more than offset any concerns from rating agencies.
ETHICAL DUTIES OF ELECTED OFFICIALS
Special Counsel Gene Locke gave a presentation on ethical responsibilities of elected
officials. He advised that violations carry serious legal penalties and could also result in
removal from office. He encouraged the Trustees to carefully review the guidelines. Mr.
Locke noted that the Board previously adopted an ethics policy to address trustee
responsibilities. He advised Trustees to seek legal counsel on any question concerning
ethics.
(Mr. Murphy left the meeting at 12:26 p.m.)
RECESS
Mr. Litt called a recess at 1:10 p.m. for lunch in the Elm Room where the Board may
generally discuss System business, but will not take action on such business.
(Mr. Oliver left the meeting at 2:00 p.m.)
MEETING RECONVENED
The meeting was reconvened at 2:34 p.m., with Trustees Litt, Austin, Davila, Navarro
Flores, Olmos Guzman, and Williams present.
BOARD OPERATIONS
The Trustees discussed several issues regarding general Board operations.
Orientation - There was general agreement that a more comprehensive Trustee
orientation program was needed. Mr. Litt recommended that Mr. Locke participate in
Trustee orientation in view of his legal expertise and institutional perspective as a
former Board member. Mr. Locke indicated he would be glad to do so. Mr.
Hollingsworth discussed a model in which shorter orientation sessions are held
quarterly with attorneys, outside experts, and former trustees. Ms. Olmos Guzman
stated she had participated in orientation sessions with various departments and had
gained valuable insight into policy implementation.
Mr. Litt felt that visits to college facilities should be included in orientation. Dr. Leslie
advised there were plans to visit the colleges with the Foundation Board in the fall and
invited the Trustees to take part.
Information Tracking - The Board felt administration should do a better job of tracking
Board recommendations, initiating action and implementing policy decisions. Dr. Leslie
explained that a tracking chart is created following each Board meeting and staff
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Special Board Meeting – May 15, 2004 – Page 4
assignments are made from this list. A copy is also sent to the Trustees. Additionally,
the Board Operations Committee was appointed to monitor policy development.
Dr. Leslie acknowledged that administration needs to develop a better process to bring
policy and procedural changes to the Board. He has asked Mr. LeBlanc to prepare a
Chancellor’s Directive to ensure that issues are encapsulated into policy or brought to
the Board for consideration.
Professional Development - Trustees agreed to participate more fully in professional
development activities, especially with national organizations such as ACCT. These
conferences provide excellent opportunities for continued training in trusteeship.
Board Vision - Mr. Davila urged the Board to develop a “vision” that would define the
Board locally and at the state and national level.
Committee Structure - Discussion was held on whether to hold separate committee
meetings or meet as a Committee of the Whole. Ms. Navarro Flores raised the question
of whether by-laws were being followed. Mr. Hollingsworth advised that meetings of the
Committee of the Whole were properly posted and open to the public, so no violation of
policy had taken place. Mr. Litt explained that the Board began meeting as a
Committee of the Whole during Mr. Murphy’s tenure as chairman to give more Board
Members the opportunity to hear issues.
He recommended a chapter from John Carver’s book, “Boards That Make a Difference,”
dealing with committees. Dr. Carver makes the argument that small boards do not need
to divide into smaller groups, but should work as a committee of the whole. Other
Trustees felt that individual committees provide a better opportunity for presentations on
important issues.
(Dr. Williams left the meeting at 3:15 p.m.)
Operations - Mr. Austin raised the issue of streamlining operations within the
organization. Dr. Leslie pointed out that administration has made efforts to increase
operational efficiency. The numbers of consultants and staffing levels in Information
Technology have been reduced, resulting in a savings of $1 million to be reinvested in
PeopleSoft8. Administration is now in the process of reviewing proposals for
outsourcing or modifying Information Technology.
Mr. Austin distributed a paper presenting his views on procedures to ensure that the
Board is adequately informed about the financial condition and stability of the institution.
He recommended using a cost-benefit matrix to analyze issues.
Personnel Agenda - The Board asked Dr. Leslie to revise the Personnel Agenda to
include only dean-level and above positions. Lower-level positions would be presented
in summary form, including ethnicity. Dr. Leslie stated he would review the policy and
return to the Board with a proposal.
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Special Board Meeting – May 15, 2004 – Page 5
ADJOURNMENT TO CLOSED OR EXECUTIVE SESSION
Chairman Litt adjourned the meeting to Executive Session at 4:00 p.m., notice having
previously been given, and reiterated by him, in accordance with Section 551.071 of 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. He reconvened the meeting in Open session at 4:13 p.m. and
entertained motions on pending matters.
ADJOURNMENT
With no further business to come before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 4:14
p.m.
Reviewed, Finalized and Submitted by:
___________________________________
Yolanda Navarro Flores, Secretary
Board of Trustees
Minutes Approved as Submitted:
___________________________________
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