REGULAR MEETING
OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
HOUSTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE SYSTEM
December 6, 2005
Minutes
The Board of Trustees of the Houston Community College System held a Regular Meeting on
Tuesday, December 6, 2005 at the System Administration Building, Second Floor Auditorium,
3100 Main, Houston, Texas.
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT
Michael P. Williams, Chairman
Diane Olmos Guzman, Secretary
Bruce Austin, Deputy Secretary
Abel Davila
Herman Litt
James R. Murphy
Christopher W. Oliver
BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT
Yolanda Navarro Flores, Vice Chairman
Jay K. Aiyer
ADMINISTRATION
Bruce H. Leslie, Chancellor
Doretha Eason, Deputy to the Chancellor
Charles Cook, Vice Chancellor, Educational Development
Irene Porcarello, Vice Chancellor, Student Success
Gloria Walker, Vice Chancellor, Finance and Administration
Sue Cox, President, Southwest College
Margaret Ford, President, Northeast College
Fena Garza, President, Southeast College
Cheryl Peters for William Harmon, President, Central College
Zachary Hodges, President, Northwest College
Marsal Stoll, President, Coleman College
Patti Carlton, Interim Executive Director, HCC Foundation
Willie Williams, Associate Vice Chancellor, Human Resources
Carole Keeney Harrington, Interim Assoc. Vice-Chancellor, Communications
OTHERS PRESENT
Jarvis Hollingsworth, System Counsel, Bracewell & Giuliani
Randhir Sahni, Facilities Programming Consultant, Llewelyn-Davies Sahni
Suewan Johnson, Bond Counsel, Vinson & Elkins LLP
David Wilcox, President, Faculty Association
Other administrators, citizens and representatives from the news media
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Regular Meeting – December 6, 2005 – Page 2
CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Williams called the meeting to order at 4:22 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.
PRAYER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mr. Oliver led the prayer and pledge of allegiance to the flag.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion – Mr. Litt moved approval of the minutes from the Special Meeting of October 13, 2005;
Board Governance and Operations Committee Meeting of October 13, 2005; Academic and
Student Services Committee Meeting of October 13, 2005; Legal/Legislative Committee
Meeting of October 13, 2005; Special Meeting of October 20, 2005; Academic and Student
Services Committee Meeting of October 20, 2005; Legal/Legislative Committee Meeting of
October 20, 2005, Meeting of the Committee of the Whole of October 20, 2005 and the Regular
Meeting of October 27, 2005. Mr. Davila seconded the motion, which carried 7-0.
HEARING OF CITIZENS
Dr. Williams gave preface to the Hearing of Citizens and asked if anyone were present to speak.
Holly Caughron encouraged HCC to participate in the State Employee Charitable Campaign.
Employees can make donations through payroll deductions to over 600 charities. Alex Warren is
the campaign manager for HCC.
Linda Burch, Intensive English Instructor/Northwest College and member of the Compensation
Committee, urged the Board to make faculty salaries a top priority. She stated that a survey of
eight Texas community colleges indicated that HCC faculty salaries were not commensurate
with peer institutions.
AWARDS, PRESENTATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS
Star Award Breakfast – The Greater Houston Partnership will recognize the Boards of HCC and
three other community colleges at a breakfast on December 7. The colleges are recipients of the
prestigious Star Award presented by the Coordinating Board to colleges that demonstrate best
practices in recruitment and retention.
Institute for Civic Engagement Workshop- Dr. Leslie recognized Trustee Austin for his
participation in the Institute for Civic Engagement workshop held last week. Dr. Robert Putnam,
Harvard Professor and social capital advocate, was the keynote speaker. Mr. Austin also
participated in a follow-up meeting with Dr. Putnam at Rice University.
Institutional Merit Award – Connie Stone and Debbie Sharp received the Institutional Merit
Award from the National Council for Staff Program and Organizational Development. HCC was
recognized as having one of the top staff development programs in the nation.
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Regular Meeting – December 6, 2005 – Page 3
Advocate of the Year Award - The Houston Minority Business Council awarded the
distinguished Advocate of the Year Award to Michael Kyme, Executive Director of
Procurement.
Pinnacle Award – HCC received the Pinnacle Award from AARP at a recent event honoring
individuals and organizations that assisted in the Hurricane Katrina relief effort.
United Student Council Report – Tracy Ann Livingston-Sterling, President of the United Student
Council, reported that the USC recently hosted the First Annual HCC Chancellor’s Cup
Competition in Memorial Park. All six colleges participated in the competition, which included
volleyball, soccer and basketball. She announced that Southwest College was the winner in all
three events. The Council plans to make this a yearly event on the weekend after spring semester
finals. Ms. Livingston-Sterling thanked administration, staff and students for their support. The
USC conferred honorary membership on the Chancellor and Board of Trustees and dedicated the
first Chancellor’s Cup victory to Dr. Sue Cox, President of Southwest College.
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
Recognition of Trustee Litt - Dr. Williams gave a moving tribute to Trustee Herman Litt whose
term ends this month. Mr. Litt was elected Trustee for District V in 1999 and served as
Chairman in 2004. Dr. Williams characterized Mr. Litt as a leader of great distinction who was
at times “the conscience of our Board who in times of great stress and difficulty forced us to look
at the human element in what we do.” He was presented with a Waterford crystal Eagle on
behalf of the Chancellor and Board. Marilyn Litt joined her husband on stage for pictures. The
other Trustees and the Chancellor spoke of their respect and admiration of Mr. Litt’s service and
leadership. Mr. Litt received a standing ovation from the Board and audience.
Mr. Litt expressed his appreciation to the Chancellor and Trustees for their support and
friendship over the past six years. He also thanked his wife for her patience during his tenure as
Trustee. He remarked that faculty and staff make Houston Community College what it is and
thanked them for their dedication to student success. In his opinion, the most important thing
we have is human capital and HCC must always be an integral part in developing that human
capital. He pledged to remain available to help in any way possible. He also voiced his
confidence in Trustee Elect Richard Schechter. Mr. Litt plans to remain on the HCC Foundation
Board to raise funds for the scholarship program so that no student is ever denied a college
education.
APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA
Motion – Mr. Oliver moved approval of the Consent Agenda and Mr. Davila seconded. Motion
carried 7-0. The following items were approved:
1. Chancellor authorized to negotiate and extend the contract for the joint venture team of
Facilities Programming, Perspectiva and Llewelyn-Davies Sahni, to master plan the
Drennan property
2. Chancellor authorized to extend the contract with DeerWinn Solutions Group,
Inc./Suilenroc Tax Systems, LLC, to provide mailing-filing services (1098-T reporting)
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Regular Meeting – December 6, 2005 – Page 4
to the IRS at a cost not to exceed $1.34 plus postage per transaction. The extension is for
one year
3. Changes to the HCC Investment Policy and Resolution, list of qualified brokers and
authorizing the HCC Investment Officer to add or delete qualified brokers as deemed
appropriate
4. Payment to Bracewell & Giuliani for professional services for the period October 1
through October 31, 2005
5. Policy waiving full tuition and fees (excluding out-of-district) for Dual Credit students in
private and home schools
6. MOU between HCC, University of Houston and City of Houston to facilitate future
development of a world-class, professionally trained workforce for the City of Houston
7. Waiver of testing fee for pilot implementation of College Connections
8. Purchase of property located on Dixie Drive to serve as HCCS’ Service Center
9. Purchase of property located around and on Northline Mall
10. Investment Report for the month of October 2005
11. Policy on Contributions, Gifts and Solicitations by HCC
12. Appointment of Craig Presley to the Land Assemblage Redevelopment Authority
(LARA) Board
13. Amended Special Warranty Deed for previously owned HCC property
(Trustees Oliver and Davila left the meeting at 5:08 p.m.)
CHANCELLOR’S REPORT
MOU with Harris County Precinct One and Pearland EDC – Dr. Ford explained she was
approached by the Pearland Economic Development Corporation and Harris County Precinct
One about developing a partnership with HCC and other colleges to provide education and
training in biotechnology and related science technology. Counsel advised that the MOU was
not posted as an action item and could not be voted on at this meeting.
The Chancellor was asked to provide a report with specific details about the partnership
including service area issues, the Cluster concept, and the relation to programs in the Medical
Center and at HCC Coleman College. The Chairman asked that HCC legal counsel review all
agreements before presentation to the Board. The MOU was referred to the Academic and
Student Services Committee for further discussion.
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Regular Meeting – December 6, 2005 – Page 5
Faculty Senate Report - David Wilcox reported that Trustee Elect Schechter recently attended
the Chancellor’s Executive Team and heard presentations from the team. Mr. Wilcox spoke
about the primary mission of the college, which is educating students. He felt there should be
faculty representation on all standing and college committees.
Dr. Wilcox introduced six faculty members from Central College and described their
achievements:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Dr. Mary Carol Work – Music Professor
Dr. Roger Wood – English Professor
Kay King – Fashion Design Professor
Eddie Van Damme – Culinary Arts Professor
Edward Muth – Drama Professor
Dr. John Moretta – History Professor
Financial Report - Gloria Walker presented the financial report for the month ending October 31,
2005 and responded to questions from the Board.
Mr. Murphy asked the Chancellor to present recommendations to reduce expenses in light of the
anticipated $6 million shortfall in revenues at the next meeting of the Committee of the Whole.
Dr. Leslie acknowledged the request.
INTRODUCTION OF TRUSTEE ELECT
Dr. Williams introduced Trustee Elect Richard Schechter who was seated in the audience. Mr.
Schechter was given a round of applause.
TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION AND/OR ACTION
Motion – Mr. Litt moved approval of the Regular Agenda with the exception of items set aside
for further discussion or held for consideration following closed session. Mr. Murphy seconded
the motion, which carried 5-0. The following items were approved:
1. Audited Annual Financial Report for the Fiscal Year ended August 31, 2005, as prepared
by the auditing firm of McConnell Jones Lanier & Murphy, LLP
2. Resolution for lease transactions with HCC Public Facility Corporation for the Northeast
College Public Safety Institute
3. Negotiation of loan and execution of all necessary loan documents with JPMorgan Chase
to finance the purchase of the property designated for the Northline Mall campus and
ratification of any prior actions taken regarding same. The loan will be for an amount not
to exceed $12 million plus accrued interest and closing costs with terms not to exceed
one year
4. Reimbursement Resolution to finance acquisition and construction of the Central Plant on
the Central College Campus
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Regular Meeting – December 6, 2005 – Page 6
5. Resolution for the abandonment, closure and acquisition of Austin Street and LaBranch
Street located on the campus of Central College
6. Payment to Bracewell & Giuliani for professional services rendered for the period
November 1 – November 30, 2005
APPROVAL OF CONTRACT FOR INGRESS, EGRESS AND RETENTION STUDY
FOR CODWELL ROAD
Motion – Mr. Murphy moved to authorize the Chancellor to execute a contract with the joint
venture of Llewelyn-Davies Sahni and ESPA to perform ingress, egress and retention study for
Codwell Road and U. S. Highway 90 on the Northeast College Campus. Mr. Litt seconded the
motion.
Mr. Murphy asked if an agreement had been reached with TXDOT to modify plans for U.S.
Highway 90 and grant HCCS’ access needs should HCC perform the study. Dr. Leslie replied
that TXDOT has indicated they would work closely with HCC and would respond to our
recommendations. Congressman Gene Green has offered to try to obtain additional federal funds
for the project. Mr. Sahni added that after viewing plans for construction and learning of
Congressman Green’s efforts, TXDOT agreed to add another access road to Highway 90.
Motion carried 5-0.
APPROVAL OF CONTRACT FOR ELECTRICAL ENERGY AND ENERGY
CONSULTING SERVICES
Motion – Mr. Austin made a motion to authorize the Chancellor to negotiate and execute a
contract with Choice Energy Services to supply electrical energy to HCC for a term not to
exceed 24 months and to negotiate and execute a contract with Choice Energy Services to
provide energy consultant services and act as a broker for HCC for a term of two years with a
one-year option. Ms. Olmos Guzman seconded the motion.
Ms. Olmos Guzman wanted to know if energy costs had risen since the last discussion of this
issue. Ms. Walker replied that energy costs are steadily rising; however, the Finance team is
watching the market continually in order to decide how much energy to purchase. The current
rate is $.0499/kwh, although the market is asking as much as $.11/kwh. Administration
anticipated an increase and budgeted accordingly.
Motion carried 5-0.
ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION APPROVING UTILIZATION OF TWO HCC
PARKING SPACES
Motion – Mr. Litt made a motion to adopt a Resolution approving the two winning bids for HCC
parking spaces at the Bedichek/Orman Development Fund Auction held on November 18, 2005.
Mr. Murphy seconded.
Counsel had earlier cautioned that using funds collected at the Bedichek/Orman auction for two
parking spaces could be construed as a gift of public funds. The Resolution proposed a one-year
lease of the two parking spaces for one year for the bid amounts received at the auction.
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Regular Meeting – December 6, 2005 – Page 7
Motion carried 5-0.
ADJOURNMENT TO CLOSED OR EXECUTIVE SESSION
Dr. Williams adjourned the meeting to Executive Session at 6:00 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.
Dr. Williams reconvened the meeting in Open Session at 7:11 p.m. and entertained motions on
pending matters.
Present were Trustees Williams, Austin, Litt, Murphy and Olmos Guzman
APPROVAL OF PROPOSAL TO BID FOR PROPERTY IN SERVICE DISTRICT
Motion – Mr. Austin moved approval of Item 8 authorizing HCCS’ real estate broker, Yancey
Hausman, to make a proposal to bid on property located in the service district in anticipation of
annexation, according to the terms discussed in closed session. Mr. Litt seconded the motion,
which carried 5-0.
PERSONNEL AGENDA APPROVED AS SUBMITTED
Motion – Mr. Litt moved approval of the Personnel Agenda as submitted. Ms. Olmos Guzman
seconded. Motion carried 5-0.
CLOSING REMARKS
Chairman Williams wished everyone a happy holiday season.
ADJOURNMENT
With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:12 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 Recorded & Submitted by:
Sharon Wright, Executive Administrative
Assistant, Board Services
Minutes Transcribed by:
Linda Gray, Records Officer, Board Services
Minutes Approved as Submitted: