REGULAR MEETING
OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
HOUSTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE SYSTEM
October 28, 2004
Minutes
The Board of Trustees of the Houston Community College System held a Regular
Meeting on Thursday, October 28, 2004, at the System Administration Building, Second
Floor Auditorium, 3100 Main, Houston, Texas.
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT
Herman Litt, Chair
Michael P. Williams, D.Min., Vice Chairman
Yolanda Navarro Flores, Secretary
Diane Olmos Guzman, Deputy Secretary
Jay K. Aiyer
Bruce A. Austin
Abel Davila
James R. Murphy
Christopher W. Oliver
ADMINISTRATION
Bruce H. Leslie, Chancellor
Doretha Eason, Interim Deputy to the Chancellor
Irene Porcarello, Interim Vice Chancellor, Institutional Development
Jose Villarreal, Vice Chancellor, Economic Development
Gloria Walker, Vice Chancellor, Finance and Administration
Diana Castillo, Interim President, Southeast College
Sue Cox, President, Southwest College
Margaret Forde, President, Northeast College
Zachary Hodges, President, Northwest College
Patricia Williamson, Interim President, Central College
Rosie Barrera, Associate Vice Chancellor, Communications & Marketing
Charles Hebert, Associate Vice Chancellor, Workforce Development
Willie Williams, Interim Executive Director, Human Resources
Miles LeBlanc, General Counsel
Michael Kyme, Executive Director, Purchasing
OTHERS PRESENT
Jarvis Hollingsworth, System Counsel, Bracewell & Patterson
Other administrators, citizens and representatives from the news media
CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Litt called the meeting to order at 4:32 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.
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Regular Board Meeting – October 28, 2004 – Page 2
PRAYER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mr. Austin led the prayer and pledge of allegiance.
AWARDS AND PRESENTATIONS
Purchasing Awards - Dr. Leslie announced that Michael Kyme and the Purchasing
Department were recognized by the Southwest Supply Chain Forum with the
Excellence in Innovative Supply Management Award. HCCS is one of only five
organizations in the country to receive this award. In addition, HCCS received the
National Institute of Governmental Purchasing Outstanding Agency Accreditation
Achievement Award. Dr. Leslie recognized Gloria Walker, Michael Kyme and the
Purchasing team for their excellent performance.
CHANCELLOR’S REPORT
Houston’s Best - HCCS and the Greater Houston Partnership are co-sponsoring an
initiative called “Houston’s Best,” which is designed to recognize top companies in
Houston for their contributions. Voting may be done online at www.houston.org. A
reception and dinner will take place on November 4 at the Hilton Americas Hotel.
Dr. Stuart Rosenfeld, a national leader in the industry cluster model, recently visited
HCCS to participate in a workshop. Trustees Murphy and Olmos Guzman were in
attendance, along with Mr. Austin who introduced Mr. Rosenfeld.
Financial Report - Ms. Walker presented the financial report for the month ending
September 30, 2004. Revenues for the first month of the fiscal year totaled
$33,876,572, 2.51% above last year, and expenses were $18, 429,305, or 13% lower
than the same time last year. Revenue indicators and expense factors came in as
expected for September; therefore it was projected that the fiscal year would end on
plan. Ms. Walker responded to questions from the Trustees.
Mr. Austin raised the issue of the security of funds and discussion ensued on appointing
either an ad hoc or standing technology committee to study the issue.
(Ms. Navarro Flores arrived at 4:50 p.m.)
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion – Mr. Austin moved approval of Minutes from the Audit Committee of August 30,
2004; Marketing Committee of August 30, 2004; Facilities Committee of August 31,
2004; Legal/Legislative Committee of August 31, 2004; Board Operations Committee of
September 15, 2004; Committee of the Whole of September 21, 2004; Regular meeting
of September 30, 2004; and the Public Hearing of October 5, 2004. Mr. Oliver
seconded the motion.
Ms. Navarro Flores made a correction to the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of
September 30, 2004 to change the amount of funds raised by the Hispanic Education
Leadership Committee over the last three years from $125,000 to $272,500.
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Regular Board Meeting – October 28, 2004 – Page 3
Motion carried 9-0, with the minutes of the Regular Meeting of September 30, 2004
approved as corrected.
APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA
Motion – Mr. Austin moved approval of the Consent Agenda, which was previously
considered by the Committee of the Whole on October 21, 2004. Mr. Oliver seconded
the motion. Motion carried 9-0.
•
Approved the renewal of the Texas Medical Center parking agreement for Fiscal
Year 2004-2005;
•
Approved the purchase of a SimMan Patient Simulator from Laerdal Medical
Corporation, for the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Initial and Continuing
Education program, at a total cost of $36,000.00;
•
Approved the Investment Report for the month of September 2004;
•
Approved the financial statement for the period ending August 31, 2004;
•
Authorized the Chancellor to negotiate a contract with E & W Diversified Services to
provide parking lot and garage cleaning services to HCCS in an amount not to
exceed $56,443.00;
•
Approved a contract with Tire Distribution System (TDS) to purchase tires for the
HCC Northeast Commercial Truck Driving Program;
•
Approve the purchase of a load testing service for the new version of PeopleSoft
V8.X at a cost estimated not to exceed $200,000 (this was included in the existing
project budget);
•
Authorized the Chancellor to increase the budget of the PeopleSoft 8 upgrade
project b $400,300 resulting in a total budget of $3,292.349. The increase in budget
will be used to extend the contracts of the existing PTG, IMS, CSI and Synaptis
consultants on the PeopleSoft 8 Upgrade project and hire other consultants as
needed; and authorized the Chancellor to extend the contracts of the existing
consultants and hire other consultants as needed up to the amount allowed by the
project budget;
•
Authorized the administration, via the Chancellor, to proceed with a Request for
Proposals (RFP) or Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for maintenance engineering
services to include the following: General Maintenance, Electrical, mechanical, and
elevator systems; HVAC systems; Building automation systems. Authorized the
administration, via the Chancellor, to establish several maintenance engineering
staff positions with functions and duties aligned with quality assurance to ensure
services delivered by the chosen maintenance engineering services firm.
•
Approved the competitive sealed proposal (CSP) as the method of construction for
the Challenge Early College High School located at the West Loop Campus;
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Regular Board Meeting – October 28, 2004 – Page 4
•
Ratified and approved the agreement with the Lighthouse of Houston in the amount
of $65,000 to commence September 1, 2004 through August 31, 2005; to provide
Braille transcription and other specialized services to approximately 200 students
who are visually impaired. In addition, The Lighthouse supplies specialized
counseling, evaluation and placement services to the legally blind;
•
Approved the offering by HCCS of a new academic degree, the Associate of Arts in
Teaching (AT), beginning in December 2004; and
•
Approved a Resolution submitted by the Hispanic Educational Leadership
Scholarship Committee and the students of HCCS to recognize Dr. Marta Tienda for
her contributions to the success of the Hispanic Educational Leadership
Committee’s scholarship efforts.
TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION AND/OR ACTION
Motion – Mr. Murphy made a motion to approve Topics for Discussion and/or Action by
consent, with the exception of topics withdrawn or set aside for further discussion. Mr.
Oliver seconded the motion. The following topic was approved by consensus:
•
Approved payment to Bracewell & Patterson for professional services rendered for
the period through September 15, 2004, in the amount of $143,182,76
APPROVAL OF NON OPPOSITION RESOLUTION FOR FOREIGN TRADE ZONE
DESIGNATION
Motion – Mr. Oliver made a motion to approve a non-opposition resolution regarding a
foreign trade zone application before the Foreign Trade Zones Board, U. S. Department
of Commerce, by Cardinal Health, Inc., a major medical distribution company, that is in
the process of exploring options for relocation to Stafford, Ft. Bend County, Texas, and
to authorize the Chancellor to provide written documentation to the Foreign Trade
Zones Board reflecting HCCS’ non-opposition to the company’s foreign trade zone
application. Mr. Aiyer seconded the motion.
Ms. Olmos Guzman asked for clarification of the recommendation. Winston Dahse,
College Operations Officer at Southwest College, explained that Cardinal Health plans
to relocate and it would be advantageous to HCCS if they relocated to Stafford, which is
part of the HCCS tax base. HCCS is estimated to receive an average of $88,400 over
the next ten years and a minimum $50,587 in any given year beginning in 2006.
Motion carried 9-0.
ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION TO CREATE HCCS PUBLIC FACILITY
CORPORATION
Motion – Dr. Williams moved approval of the adoption of a Resolution to create the
HCCS Public Facility Corporation, the Articles of Incorporation and the Bylaws. Mr.
Davila seconded the motion.
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Regular Board Meeting – October 28, 2004 – Page 5
Mr. Murphy asked for a report on the income streams for the Public Facility Corporation.
Ms. Navarro Flores requested clarification of the intent of the corporation and assurance
that all regulations of the Education Code would be met.
Motion carried 7-2, with Trustees Aiyer, Austin, Litt, Murphy, Oliver, Olmos Guzman and
Williams voting in support; and Trustees Navarro Flores and Davila opposed.
APPROVAL OF METHOD OF CONSTRUCTION FOR PHASE I OF THE PUBLIC
SAFETY INSTITUTE
Motion – Mr. Oliver moved approval of Design-Build construction as the method of
construction for Phase 1 of the Public Safety Institute that will include the construction of
a firing range, burn building and fire tower. Mr. Austin seconded the motion.
The Chancellor responded to questions from Mr. Murphy regarding facilities space
programming and designing/building. Ms. Navarro Flores had further questions on the
amount of the contract for Development Strategies Group, the facilities space
programmers, and the next step, which under design-build would be a competitive bid
process.
Motion carried 9-0.
APPROVAL OF EVALUATION TEAM AND PROCESS OF AWARDING CONTRACTS
FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES RELATED TO CIP
Motion – Mr. Oliver made a motion to approve the evaluation team and process of
awarding contracts for professional services including architects and other related
services for the Capital Improvement Program (CIP). Mr. Austin seconded the motion.
The Chancellor clarified for Mr. Murphy that the Board would be the selecting entity for
the evaluation team. In reply to concerns expressed by Mr. Davila, Dr. Leslie stated
that the team would be expected to ensure that diversity was achieved in all projects
undertaken. Additionally, the HUB/Small Business firm would soon be under contract
and their charge was to ensure that diversity objectives were achieved. Dr. Leslie
added that the Board had the right to accept or reject any recommendation for contracts
or professional services. Ms. Navarro Flores requested clarification of “other 2004 CIP
related services,” as mentioned in Dr. Leslie’s memorandum to the Board.
Motion carried 7-0, with Trustees Aiyer, Austin, Davila, Litt, Murphy, Oliver, and Williams
voting in support; and Trustees Navarro Flores and Olmos Guzman abstaining.
APPROVAL OF LEASE WITH OPTION TO PURCHASE PROPERTY LOCATED AT
6714 LARIMER
Motion – Mr. Murphy made a motion to authorize the Chancellor to negotiate and
approve a contract to lease, with the option to purchase, property located at 6714
Larimer to serve as HCCS’ Service Center. Mr. Oliver seconded the motion.
Mr. Murphy called for a space audit on 3100 Main to determine if additional space
should be leased or if more efficient use could be made of space at 3100 Main. Dr.
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Regular Board Meeting – October 28, 2004 – Page 6
Leslie replied that a space audit was already in progress and certain reconfigurations
were being made. Mr. Murphy asked for a copy of the report when it is finished.
Motion carried 9-0.
APPROVAL OF AGREEMENT WITH THE CENTER FOR THE HEALING OF RACISM
Motion – Mr. Murphy made a motion to authorize the Chancellor to negotiate and
approve a Memorandum of Understanding with the Center for the Healing of Racism to
locate the Center of Central Campus in exchange for providing workshops and training
for students and staff. Dr. Leslie introduced Co-Directors Cherry Steinwender and
Sandy Boyd.
Motion carried 9-0.
APPROVAL OF HCCS – HOUSTON ROCKETS MARKETING PARTNERSHIP
Motion – Mr. Murphy moved to authorize the Chancellor to enter into a contract with the
Houston Rockets and the Toyota Center to establish a HCC – Houston Rockets
marketing partnership at an estimated cost of $114,000. The cost of the joint marketing
program includes HCCS’ presence at the Toyota Center during Rocket games,
marketing rights, consumer research, partnership connections, a student internship
program and expenses related to holding HCCS’ 2005 Commencement at the Toyota
Center. Mr. Oliver seconded the motion.
Motion carried 8-0. Dr. Williams abstained from voting, noting a Conflict of Interest
affidavit on file.
BOARD ETHICS RESOLUTION APPROVED
The Trustees discussed a Resolution on Board Ethics submitted by Mr. Austin. Mr.
Austin stated the Resolution clarified the intent of the Board in terms of standards of
conduct and performance. There was consensus to adopt the Resolution, with further
discussion on ethics to take place in the Board Operations and Ethics Committees.
Motion – Mr. Austin moved approval of the Ethics Resolution for the HCCS Board of
Trustees. Mr. Oliver seconded the motion. Motion carried 9-0.
APPROVAL OF COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT PROGRAM FOR ANNEXATION
Motion – Mr. Oliver made a motion to authorize the Chancellor to award a contract to
Yaffe/Deutser for Phase 1 of the community engagement program for annexation.
Phase 1 will include research and analysis of psychographic data (household
preferences, lifestyles and habits) obtained from national databases, message
development/staff training, and creative development. The contract for Phase I should
not exceed $95,000. Mr. Murphy seconded the motion.
Ms. Olmos Guzman stated she supported the recommendation but would like to see the
community outreach effort in place in all areas to strengthen recruitment and retention.
Ms. Navarro Flores expressed her objections to awarding a contract without following
an RFP process.
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Motion carried 6-0. Trustees Austin, Aiyer, Davila, Litt, Murphy and Williams supported
the motion; Trustee Navarro Flores was opposed; and Trustees Olmos Guzman and
Oliver abstained.
ADJOURNMENT TO CLOSED OR EXECUTIVE SESSION
Chairman Litt adjourned the meeting to Executive Session at 6:20 p.m., notice having
previously been given and reiterated by him in accordance with Sections 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 7:50 p.m. and
entertained motions on pending matters.
Present were Trustees Aiyer, Davila, Litt, Murphy, Navarro Flores, Olmos Guzman and
Williams.
PERSONNEL AGENDA APPROVED AS SUBMITTED
Motion – Mr. Austin moved approval of the Personnel Agenda as submitted. Ms. Olmos
Guzman seconded the motion. Motion carried 7-0.
BOARD RETREAT
Ms. Olmos Guzman introduced Dr. Narcisa Polonio, ACCT Director of Board
Leadership Services. Dr. Polonio will serve as facilitator at the Board Retreat, which will
take place Friday and Saturday at the Woodlands Conference Center.
ADJOURNMENT
With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:52 p.m.
DINNER
Following adjournment, the Board of Trustees met for dinner in the Chancellor’s
Conference Room on the 12th floor, where they may discuss System business but will
not take action on such business.
Minutes Prepared by:
Linda Gray, Board Services
Reviewed and Submitted by:
Yolanda Navarro Flores, Secretary
Board of Trustees
Minutes Approved as Submitted:
December 9, 2004