MEETING OF THE ANNEXATION COMMITTEE
OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
HOUSTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE SYSTEM
March 21, 2006
Minutes
The Board of Trustees of the Houston Community College System held a meeting of the
Annexation Committee on Tuesday, March 21, 2006 at the System Administration Building,
3100 Main, Seminar Room B, 2nd Floor, Houston, Texas.
COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT
Jay K. Aiyer, Chair
Bruce A. Austin
Yolanda N. Flores
James R. Murphy
Richard M. Schechter
ADMINISTRATION
Bruce Leslie, Chancellor
Doretha Eason, Deputy to the Chancellor
Gloria Walker, Vice Chancellor, Finance and Administration
Margaret Ford, President, Northeast College
Zachary Hodges, President, Northwest College
Carole Keeney Harrington, Interim Associate Vice Chancellor, Communications
OTHERS PRESENT
Gene Locke, Government Relations Consultant, Locke Liddell & Sapp, LLP
Maureen Singleton, System Counsel, Bracewell & Giuliani
David Wilcox, President, Faculty Senate
Other administrators, citizens, and representatives of the news media
CALL TO ORDER
Mr. Aiyer, Committee Chair, called the meeting to order at 4:26 p.m. and declared the
Committee convened to consider matters pertaining to the Houston Community College
System as listed on the duly posted Meeting Notice.
DISCUSS STATUS AND MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS RELATING TO
ANNEXATION
Dr. Leslie informed the Committee that a performance chart has been developed based on
recommendations that he is prepared to make to the Board which is to seek an annexation
election in three districts; Alief, North Forest, and Spring Branch in November 2007 and
defer Katy to November 2009. Dr. Hodges will continue to work with Katy to move
forward with annexation in the area.
Houston Community College System
Annexation Committee – March 21, 2006 – Page 2
Dr. Leslie informed that the chart presented is divided in four quadrants which include:
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
Pre-petition
Petitions
Pre-election
Election
The issues listed on the chart are marketing strategy, PAC establishment, organizing
campaign efforts, efforts of the individual colleges, etc. Dr. Leslie summarized the timeline
as follows:
(1) Organize PAC May 2006
(2) Petition Drive November 2006 through May 2007
(3) Campaign August/September 2007 through November 2007
Mr. Murphy asked if the Chancellor was asking the Board to adopt recommendations. Dr.
Leslie informed that he is requesting the Board’s agreement to proceed with three the
communities identified (Alief, North Forest, and Spring Branch).
Mr. Murphy expressed that he is concerned that these areas may not be ready for annexation.
Dr. Leslie informed that there is a built-in process prior to election and petitions will be one
variable. He stated that part of the challenge is that the meetings have been with a selected
group of leaders from the communities. Dr. Leslie noted that there has been discussion with
Richard Murray regarding conducting another survey, and Mr. Murray suggested that a
good time to do the survey would be in May.
Trustee Flores arrived at 4:35 p.m.
Trustee Austin arrived at 4:36 p.m.
Dr. Hodges presented a PowerPoint presentation on results from the visioning meetings. Dr.
Hodges noted that the challenge for Spring Branch is to create a vision that would transform
the Spring Branch community. Dr. Hodges noted that this vision would drive the
annexation with Spring Branch. He stated that the concept has been presented to two
community groups and that they expressed the idea of HCC Spring Branch College. Dr.
Hodges noted that the momentum in the Spring Branch areas can be increased but must
remember that it’s a tax issue (9.4% tax increase).
Dr. Leslie mentioned that one thing that was recommended was to present a model analysis
that shows the cost for building from scratch. Mr. Murphy noted that there is a need to
present benefits that HCC brings to the table.
The Committee discussed whether another survey should be completed and the possible
cost. Dr. Leslie noted that if the survey is conducted it must be determined whether the
survey should be completed before or after the petition.
Trustee Flores stated that she would be more comfortable if the survey is completed.
Houston Community College System
Annexation Committee – March 21, 2006 – Page 3
Dr. Leslie informed that Gene Locke feels that pre-clearance will be successful with the
three recommended areas to come on board.
The Board suggested that an opinion should be provided from Gene Locke on the effects of
moving forward without Katy. Dr. Leslie stated that process needs to begin to increase the
aggressiveness in the Spring Branch areas.
Mr. Aiyer stated that he would take the position to ask Katy and allow them to make the
decision whether they want the annexation since time, funds, and efforts have been invested.
Mr. Austin stated that strategies are different in each of the communities of interest and
recommended that an operative key person should be identified who can push the
educational policy for each particular area.
Dr. Ford provided an overview of the status of North Forest and stated she feels that a
survey would be helpful. She stated that the message of quality education is going well in
the North Forest areas.
Mr. Murphy stated he is ready to see the process move forward in the three areas and would
recommend advisors are present at the next meeting to address the Board concerns.
Mr. Aiyer stated that the survey should be completed. Dr. Leslie noted that the petition is
the first major milestone which should start in October/November 2006.
ADJOURNMENT
With no further business, Mr. Aiyer declared the meeting adjourned at 5:31 p.m.
Minutes transcribed, recorded & submitted by:
Sharon Wright, Executive Administrative
Assistant, Board Services
Minutes approved as submitted:
April 27, 2006