REGULAR MEETING
OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
HOUSTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE SYSTEM
January 26, 2006
Minutes
The Board of Trustees of the Houston Community College System held a Regular Meeting on
Thursday, January 26, 2006 at the System Administration Building, Second Floor Auditorium,
3100 Main, Houston, Texas.
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT
Michael P. Williams, President
Yolanda Navarro Flores, Vice-President
Bruce A. Austin, Treasurer
Diane Olmos Guzman, Secretary
Jay K. Aiyer
Abel Davila (arrived at 4:28 p.m.)
Richard Schechter
James R. Murphy
Christopher W. Oliver
ADMINISTRATION
Bruce H. Leslie, Chancellor
Doretha Eason, Deputy to the Chancellor
Charles Cook, Vice Chancellor, Educational Development
Irene Porcarello, Vice Chancellor, Student Success
Jose Villarreal, Vice Chancellor, Economic Development
Gloria Walker, Vice Chancellor, Finance and Administration
Sue Cox, President, Southwest College
Margaret Ford, President, Northeast College
Fena Garza, President, Southeast College
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, Interim Associate Vice Chancellor, Communications
William Mack, Associate Vice Chancellor, Construction
Remmele Young, Executive Director, Government Relations
Mike Kyme, Executive Director, Purchasing
Becky, Giot, Executive Director, Financial/Budgetary Control
Miles LeBlanc, General Counsel
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Regular Meeting – January 26, 2006 – Page 2
OTHERS PRESENT
Jarvis Hollingsworth, System Counsel, Bracewell & Giuliani
Suewan Johnson, Bond Counsel, Vinson & Elkins
Dwight Boykins, Federal Govt. Relations Consultant, Boykins & Schneider
David Wilcox, President, Faculty Association
Other administrators, citizens and representatives from the news media
CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Williams called the meeting to order at 3:42 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
Dr. Williams led the prayer and pledge of allegiance to the flag.
ELECTION OF OFFICERS FOR 2006
Trustee Jay K. Aiyer Elected Chairman
Motion – Mrs. Flores nominated Mr. Jay Aiyer for Chairman. Mrs. Guzman seconded the
nomination. Mr. Aiyer was elected by acclamation.
Mr. Aiyer took the chair.
Trustee Yolanda Navarro Flores Elected Vice Chairman
Motion – Mrs. Guzman nominated Mrs. Yolanda Navarro Flores for Vice Chairman and Mr.
Austin seconded the nomination. Mrs. Flores was elected by acclamation.
Trustee Diane Olmos Guzman Elected Secretary
Motion – Dr. Williams nominated Mrs. Diane Olmos Guzman for Secretary and Mr. Schechter
seconded the nomination. Mrs. Guzman was elected by acclamation.
Trustee Bruce A. Austin elected Deputy Secretary
Motion – Mr. Flores nominated Mr. Bruce Austin for Deputy Secretary and Dr. Williams
seconded the nomination. Mr. Austin was elected by acclamation.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion – Dr. Williams moved approval of Minutes from the Special Meeting of October 13,
2005, Board Governance and Operations Committee Meeting of October 13, 2005,
Academic/Student Services Committee Meeting of October 13, 2005, Legal/Legislative
Committee Meeting of October 13, 2005, Special Meeting of October 20, 2005,
Academic/Student Services Committee Meeting of October 20, 2005, Legal/Legislative
Committee Meeting of October 20, 2005, Committee of the Whole Meeting of October 20, 2005,
Regular Meeting of October 27, 2005. Mr. Austin seconded the motion. Motion carried 7-0.
(Trustee Schechter abstained). Motion carried 6-0 for December 6, 2005 minutes (Trustee Flores
and Trustee Schechter abstained).
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Regular Meeting – January 26, 2006 – Page 3
HEARING OF CITIZENS
Mr. Aiyer gave preface to the Hearing of Citizens and asked if there were any registered
speakers to come forward. There were no citizens to come before the Board.
AWARDS, PRESENTATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS
•
Dr. Williams was recognized for his outstanding leadership as 2005 Chairman of the
Board of Trustee.
Trustees expressed their appreciation to Dr. Williams for the leadership he demonstrated
over the past year as Board Chair. He was commended for his leadership, inspiration to
move to the next level, and his strong sense of commitment to the community.
Dr. Williams extended his sincere congratulations to Trustee Aiyer as the new Chair and
expressed his appreciation to the HCC Board of Trustees and noted that he has the utmost
respect for the Board. He noted that he was appreciative of Dr. Leslie and his staff and
stated that they are a group of hard working and dedicated people. He expressed his
desire for this year to be one of the most successful years of Houston Community
College.
•
Dr. Leslie recognized Dr. Sue Cox, President of Southwest College for her outstanding
service of 32 years and contribution to HCC.
•
Dr. Leslie acknowledged the proclamation from the City of Houston to HCC for Rosca
de los Reyes Day on Saturday, January 7, 2006. He recognized Trustee Guzman who
was instrumental in organizing the event. Trustee Flores and Trustee Austin were also
present at the event. There were over five thousand individuals in attendance and
approximately 80 scholarships of $250.00 each were given to individuals who found a
cherry in the cake. He acknowledged that over $13,000 had been received towards the
scholarships. The Rosca cake was the largest of record.
Mrs. Guzman acknowledged HCC staff that assisted in putting the event together. She
noted that HCC has energy comprised of staff, faculty and students and commended the
Foundation on its efforts.
Trustee Flores commended Trustee Guzman on an outstanding effort with the Rosca de
los Reyes event.
Dr. Leslie requested Trustee Flores assistance in recognizing two students who received
scholarships with the assistance of Mr. Henry De La Garza and his firm’s relationship
with Imperial Sugar. Dr. Leslie acknowledged Mr. George Moya who was present
representing Mr. De La Garza. Imperial Sugar sponsored a celebration of Hispanic
culture by inviting high schools students from all of the high schools served by HCC who
were interested in culinary and hospitality careers to participate in scholarship contest.
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Regular Meeting – January 26, 2006 – Page 4
The scholars were presented to Diana Rezio from Jefferson Davis High School in the
amount of $2,000 to attend HCC and another $1,000 to Anthony Granado from Westside
High School.
•
Dr. Leslie acknowledged HCC’s On-line Student Service Program for its recognition as
one of the top ten finalists for the Bellwether Award out of all Community Colleges
across the country. HCC did not receive the final award but received an award as one of
the top ten finalists and an invitation to resubmit. Also, an article will be generated in the
Community College Journal about the project. Trustees Austin and Aiyer attended the
conference.
APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA
Motion – Dr. Williams moved approval of the Consent Agenda, with the exception of items
pulled for further discussion or tabled for discussion in future meetings: A.2-Approve Interlocal
Agreement with HCC and AAMA/George I. Sanchez High School; B.1-Approve Report on HCC
Technology Action Plan; C.2-Approve Revision to Article 8 to Include Section 9 to Provide for
an Annual Assessment of the Strategic Plan a Chancellor; D.3-Approve Development and
Installation of an Academic and Scheduling Software Application. Mrs. Guzman seconded the
motion. Motion carried 7-0. (Trustees Murphy and Davila were not present for the vote)
The following items were approved:
1. Approved Memorandum of Understanding with Houston Community College and
Pearland Economic Development Corporation
2. Approved Board Retreat Dates for March 3 and 4, 2006
3. Approved Resolution on Committee Meeting Day
4. Data Sharing Agreement with HCC service area high schools
5. Approved Street Name for the Northeast College Campus
6. Approved Revision to Financial Stability Policy
7. Approved Modification of Contract with Gartner, Inc.
8. Approved Investment Report for the Months of November and December 2005
APPROVE INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT WITH HCC AND AAMA/GEORGE I.
SANCHEZ HIGH SCHOOL
Administration requested to pull the item. The item will be presented for approval at a later date.
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Regular Meeting – January 26, 2006 – Page 5
APPROVE REVISION TO ARTICLE 8 TO INCLUDE SECTION 9 TO PROVIDE FOR
AN ANNUAL ASSESSMENT OF THE STRATEGIC PLAN A CHANCELLOR:
Motion – Mr. Austin motioned to approve with the amendment that the Board will conduct an
annual assessment of the strategic plan and Chancellor. Motion was seconded by Dr. Williams.
Motion carried 8-0.
APPROVE REPORT ON HCC TECHNOLOGY ACTION PLAN
Mr. Austin stated that the report was to inform the Board; no action is being requested of the
Board.
Dr. Williams noted that there has not been an opportunity to have dialogue with staff referencing
technology.
The Board concluded that the issue should be placed on the Board Retreat agenda scheduled for
March 2006.
APPROVE DEVELOPMENT AND INSTALLATION OF AN ACADEMIC AND
SCHEDULING SOFTWARE APPLICATION:
Motion – Mrs. Flores made a motion to approve the development and installation of an academic
and scheduling software application. Mr. Schechter seconded the motion.
Mrs. Flores noted that the Request for Proposal was for best overall value; however, when she
reviewed the strength and weaknesses, she didn’t see a form of uniformity. She questioned
whether there should be some type of template when evaluating vendors because she only saw
one difference but the justification doesn’t state that academic scheduling should be part of the of
the software program.
Ms. Walker deferred the question to Michael Kyme, Executive Director of Purchasing. Mr.
Kyme informed that best overall value is comprised of price, experience, small business activity,
etc. The ratings were close on all four companies evaluated. The evaluation team felt that the
firm chosen offered the best value and benefit to HCC.
(Trustee Davila arrived at 4:28 p.m.)
Trustee Flores noted that the justification doesn’t show whether the request was both academic
scheduling and event management or just event management. Julian Fisher informed that both
academic and event scheduling was requested.
Mr. Schechter asked if the evaluation team contacted the universities listed as references.
Mr. Kyme noted that high and low scores were removed. The RFP process deemed that this firm
provided the best overall value. Mr. Kyme also apprised the Board that he would consult with
the evaluation team to make certain the reference checks were completed. Dr. Williams asked for
clarification on the normal procedure for completing reference checks. Mr. Kyme noted that
procurement has a referenced checklist with questions such as their experience with other
schools, whether the project was successful, and if the firm is recommended for the job. He
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Regular Meeting – January 26, 2006 – Page 6
noted that the reference checks are conducted via telephone. Mr. Kyme stated he would provide
the documentation on the reference checks relating to this vendor evaluation.
Mrs. Guzman requested that the Board is provided with all information including the small
business name and the type of services or supplies to be provided in context of contract.
Dr. Williams motioned to withdraw the item until staff provides the reference check information.
Mrs. Flores withdrew her motion and Mr. Schechter withdrew the second. Item was tabled.
TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION AND/OR ACTION
Dr. Williams moved to approve the Topics for Discussion and/or Action as a Consent Agenda
with the exception of items pulled for discussion or tabled for discussion in the future: A.1Report on HCC Cluster Model; A.4-Report on Enrollment, Tuition, and Out-of-District Fees;
B.1-Report on Small Business Development Policy; C.1-Review Status of 2004 CIP; D.1Approve Resolution Authorizing Preliminary Official Statement for Maintenance Tax Notes for
Central Plant; D.2-Approve Purchase of Property Located Near Northline; D.3-Approve
Resolution for Loan from JPMorgan Chase for Northline Campus; and D.4-Approve Payment to
Bracewell & Giuliani. Mr. Austin. Motion passed 9-0.
The following items were approved:
1. Approve Resolution on College and Career Transition Initiatives
2. Approve Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Academy License Renewal 2006-2011
Basic Peace Office Program
REPORT ON HCC CLUSTER MODEL
Mr. Austin requested to table for discussion at the next Academic/Student Success meeting.
REPORT ON SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT POLICY
Trustee Guzman requested to table for discussion at the next Board Governance and Operations
Committee meeting.
REPORT ON ENROLLMENT, TUITION, AND OUT-OF-DISTRICT FEES
Administration requested to table for discussion at later time. Mr. Murphy requested that
Administration retrieve information from surrounding community colleges on how they calculate
their level of subsidy, methods used to finance expenses, and income streams? The information
should be provided on a spreadsheet in order to do a comparison.
Mr. Schechter mentioned the budget bill passed by the United States Senate, which has been sent
to the House of Representatives, that includes grant money for low income students for their first
year of college. He informed that due to timing issues, the grants may be available to any school
and since HCC is going into schools to recruit students for enrollment, he would like to see HCC
prepared to offer students the opportunity to receive the grants.
Dr. Williams requested that the retreat agenda consist of one or two items.
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Regular Meeting – January 26, 2006 – Page 7
The Board recommended that the item be placed on the agenda for discussion at the Board
Retreat scheduled for March 2006.
REVIEW STATUS OF 2004 CIP AND OTHER ASSOCIATED PROJECTS WITH
FINANCIAL STRATEGIES
Motion- Mrs. Flores motioned to approve the review status of 2004 CIP and other associated
projects with financial strategies. Mr. Davila seconded the motion.
Ms. Walker presented the Board with an Executive Report on the 2004 Capital Improvement
Program projects. Dr. Leslie noted that the Board requested an assessment with several variables
such as ethnicity and education level within a certain mile radius and consider whether there
were revenue opportunities resulting from expanding classrooms both direct and State revenues.
Ms. Walker elaborated on the results from the ranking requested by the Board. The Board also
requested Administration to look at revenue generating opportunities from the new buildings as
possible ways to defray cost if buildings are completed. It is estimated that there would be about
106 new classes throughout the CIP yielding approximately 300,360 additional seating capacity.
If held to mandate of having 23.5 seating capacity per course/per class and all the classrooms are
filled, this could generate approximately $16.7 million in revenue and tuition at today’s cost and
State reimbursement could generate another $12 million annually.
Mr. Aiyer opened the floor for questions from the Trustees:
Mr. Oliver commented that last week the Board was informed that the gap was $83 million and
this meeting the gap has decreased to $78 million. What is the actual funding gap and how was
the ranking summarized for the CIP projects?
Dr. Leslie noted that the difference was HISD’s portion for the Early College cost. It was
calculated in the information provided on last week. Dr. Leslie informed that Board asked to use
social index to determine ranking; therefore, the rankings presented were calculating using levels
given by the Board.
Mr. Schechter asked if the gap was based on the estimated construction cost and does it include
the bids received from contractors and subcontractors? Ms. Walker noted that all professional
services have been selected; therefore the budget to complete the CIP is $258 million.
Mr. Murphy commented that he was glad to finally receive the information which provides some
insight of CIP status; however, having just received the information makes it difficult to make a
decision. The assumptions made financially bear re-examination because it assumes every
classroom would be filled, every seat occupied, and everyone would be paying for college. He
noted that the phasing and timing issue needs to be addressed and he would like to see
recommendations from Administration.
Mr. Austin requested that the issue of data readiness is reviewed as it relates to the Coordinating
Board’s concern with two populations needing more attention. Mr. Austin stated that he is very
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Regular Meeting – January 26, 2006 – Page 8
concern and cognizant of the Workforce needs across the city, especially in the underserved
communities; however, he doesn’t see the connection between the learning HUB and educational
readiness of the people.
(Mr. Murphy left at 5:08 p.m.)
Mr. Aiyer noted that because the Board just received the information, there are many questions
and there needs to be more discussion about the issue once the Board has had an opportunity to
review the material submitted.
Dr. Williams commented that everyone is aware that there would be a shortfall due to rising
costs; however, the Board needs to know the connection between the bond amount and initial
CIP Plan. The issue will definitely define the year for the College and there some serious
decisions will have to be made; however, he is not in favor of solving the issue on the backs of
the communities that have been historically underserved. Administration must make initial
parameter apart from other considerations.
Mrs. Guzman reiterated that at the Committee of the Whole it was mentioned that Southeast
College showed a million dollar savings just by realigning where the building would be placed.
She challenged the other Administrators to develop the same type of scenario. She also noted
that because of the million dollars saved and there has not been a building erected at the
Southeast College in 15 years, she recommends that the funds remain in Southeast.
Mr. Davila requested maps indicating (in the last five years) what buildings have been built, the
actual cost in spending in colleges, where clusters are located (by zip codes) and what students
are attending the clusters? He would like more data to better analyze the situation. He also
requested a 3 to 5 year plan on CIP.
Mrs. Flores asked that in additional to Mr. Davila’s request that the information shows the
buildings acquired in the last couple years.
Mr. Austin stated that there needs to be reassess of fiscal decisions made.
Mr. Aiyer stated that a meeting should be scheduled to discuss the CIP status specifically in
order to conduct a comprehensive discussion on the status and financing options.
Mr. Schechter recommended looking at rational approaches that immediately allow the start and
delivery of services to every community and keep the faith of tax payers within the constraints
what the taxpayers approved.
Mr. Aiyer noted that the College made a commitment to public and it will be honored.
Mr. Schechter asked whether Administration is asking authorization to move forward with the
minimum request recommended.
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Ms. Walker stated that the information provided to the Board a couple weeks ago was the status
of the CIP; therefore, the information presented today is an addendum that shows which projects
that are ready to move into the construction phase.
Mr. William Mack, Associate Vice Chancellor of Construction noted that the projects are ready
to enter the construction phase. He mentioned two things need to happen (1) the general
contractors need to be brought on board because they are a key component in assuring the
success of the projects as it relates to cost estimates and (2) constructability review needs to take
place because it will improve the efficiency as to how to design and build the projects. He stated
that delaying this process risks stalling the projects since a good cost estimate is not viable until
the contractors are engaged.
The Board recommended Administration schedule a meeting within two weeks to discuss the
projects at which a decision as can be made as it relates to financing options; the financial
advisors and CIP consultants should attend the meeting. Mr. Schechter requested that the
lawyers as well as Mr. Locke and Mr. Miller are present at the meeting.
CHANCELLOR’S REPORT
Dr. Williams asked if Dr. Ford would be allowed to present the Black History Gala update.
Dr. Ford provided a brief overview of activities outlined for the Black History Celebration
planned for the month of February. She mentioned that the celebration is a vision of Dr.
Williams with support of Mr. Austin. The Trustees requested that the Black History Celebration
should focus on several areas: (1) Common Book (2) Film and Lecture Series and (3) the
culminating Gala. Dr. Ford recognized the Black History Committee members present and
introduced the theme for this year’s celebration “Celebrating Community: A Tribute to Fraternal,
Social and Civic Institution” which is the national theme for Black History month. The
culmination event will be the Black History Gala to be held on Saturday, February 25, 2006 at
the Hilton Americas Houston.
Dr. Ford also announced the groundbreaking for the Public Safety Institute at Northeast College
scheduled for Friday, January 27, 2006 @ 10:00 a.m.
ADJOURNMENT TO CLOSED OR EXECUTIVE SESSION
Mr. Aiyer adjourned the meeting to Executive Session at 5:57 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.
Mr. Aiyer reconvened the meeting in Open Session at 7:19 p.m. and entertained motions on
pending matters.
(Trustees Aiyer, Austin, Davila, Flores, Guzman, Schechter, and Dr. Williams)
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The Board approved the following item after reconvening to open session:
1. APPROVE RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING PRELIMINARY OFFICIAL
STATEMENT FOR MAINTENANCE TAX NOTES FOR CENTRAL PLANT AND
ASSOCIATED INFRASTRUCTURE COST LOCATED ON CENTRAL COLLEGE
Motion- Dr. Williams motioned to approve. Mrs. Guzman seconded. Motion carried 7-0.
2. APPROVE PURCHASE OF PROPERTY LOCATED NEAR NORTHLINE MALL
CAMPUS (NORTH AND SOUTH TRACTS OF VERSAILLES APARTMENTS)
Motion- Dr. Williams motioned to approve. Mrs. Guzman seconded. Motion carried 7-0.
3. APPROVE RESOLUTION FOR THE LOAN FROM JPMORGAN CHASE FOR
NORTHLINE CAMPUS PROPERTY
Motion- Mrs. Guzman motioned to approve. Dr. Williams seconded. Motion carried 7-0.
4. APPROVE PAYMENT TO BRACEWELL & GIULIANI FOR PROFESSIONAL
SERVICES
Motion- Dr. Williams motioned to approve. Mrs. Guzman seconded. Motion carried 7-0.
5. PERSONNEL AGENDA APPROVED AS SUBMITTED
Motion – Dr. Williams moved approval of the Personnel Agenda. Mr. Davila seconded the
motion, which carried 7-0.
Mr. Shippy provided additional information on the Black History Celebration:
(1) Film Series - February 1st – will be shown at all six colleges. The dates will be posted on
the HCC news and community newspapers.
(2) Lecture Series – will be held at Alief Center on February 23, 2006.
(3) Common Book – “Mis-Education of the Negro” by Carter Woodson will be held on
February 23, 2006
ADJOURNMENT
With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:24 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, Transcribed & Submitted by:
Sharon Wright, Executive Administrative Assistant, Board Services
Minutes Approved as Submitted: