REGULAR MEETING
OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
HOUSTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE SYSTEM
April 27, 2006
Minutes
The Board of Trustees of the Houston Community College System held a Regular Meeting on
Thursday, April 27, 2006 at the System Administration Building, Second Floor Auditorium,
3100 Main, Houston, Texas.
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT
Jay Aiyer, Chair
Yolanda Navarro Flores, Vice Chair
Diane Olmos Guzman, Secretary
Bruce A. Austin, Deputy Secretary
Abel Davila
James R. Murphy
Christopher W. Oliver
Dr. Michael P. Williams
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
Winston Dahse, Interim President, Southwest College
Margaret Ford, President, Northeast College
Fena Garza, President, Southeast College
William Harmon, President, Central College
Zachary Hodges, President, Northwest College
Willie Williams, Associate Vice Chancellor, Human Resources
William Mack, Associate Vice Chancellor, Facilities and Construction
Carole Keeney, Interim Associate Vice Chancellor, Communications
Patti Carlton, Interim Executive Director, HCC Foundation
Remmele Young, Executive Director, Government Relations
Mike Kyme, Executive Director, Purchasing
Becky Giot, Executive Director, Financial/Budgetary Control
Miles LeBlanc, General Counsel
OTHERS PRESENT
Jarvis Hollingsworth, System Counsel, Bracewell & Giuliani
Suewan Johnson, Bond Counsel, Vinson & Elkins
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Regular Meeting – April 27, 2006 – Page 2
Mark Nitcholas, Financial Advisory, RBC Capital
Dwight Boykins, Federal Government Relations Consultant, Boykins & Schneider
David Wilcox, President, Faculty Senate
Other administrators, citizens and representatives from the news media
CALL TO ORDER
Mrs. Flores, Vice Chair, called the meeting to order at 4:20 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
Trustee Guzman led the prayer and pledge of allegiance to the flag.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Approval of Minutes from the Special meeting (Board Retreat) of March 10, 2006, Special
meeting (Board Retreat) of March 11, 2006, Annexation Committee meeting of March 21, 2006,
Special Finance Committee meeting of March 22, 2006, and Regular Board meeting of March
29, 2006.
Motion – Mr. Murphy moved approval of Minutes from the Special meeting (Board Retreat) of
March 10, 2006, Special meeting (Board Retreat) of March 11, 2006, Annexation Committee
meeting of March 21, 2006, Special Finance Committee meeting of March 22, 2006, and Regular
Board meeting of March 29, 2006. Mr. Austin seconded the motion. Motion carried 6-0.
HEARING OF CITIZENS
Mrs. Flores gave preface to the Hearing of Citizens and asked if there were any registered
speakers to come forward. Tracy-Ann Sterling spoke on behalf of the United Student Council
(USC) and introduced other representatives from various colleges. She spoke on the subject of
the implementation of a Student Activity Fee for HCC which would provide students the
opportunity to financially support and participate in campus activities as well as enhance the
student out-of-classroom experiences. She expressed appreciation to the Board on behalf of the
USC for allowing them the opportunity to speak. Ms. Sterling informed the Board that the USC
conducted a five question survey to 1209 of the currently enrolled students as it relates to the
implementation of a Student Activity Fee. The results of the survey showed that 78% of those
surveyed were in favor of a student activity fees, 16% were neutral, and 6% were unfavorable.
USC estimates the fee to generate approximately $700,000 in revenues. They recommend that a
student advisory committee is implemented and that a portion of the revenues from the fee is
allocated for the students. United Student Council provided the Board with a draft proposal and
requested that consideration be given as it relates to the Student Activity Fee.
Trustee Oliver arrived at 4:29 p.m.
Dr. Leslie informed that Irene Porcarello and Dr. Harmon have been working with the students
and noted that the structure and process to be used for the Student Activity Fee will be presented
at the next Committee of the Whole meeting on May 18, 2006. Mr. Austin recommended that
legal counsel provide the Board’s legal responsibility and requirements on the issue.
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Regular Meeting – April 27, 2006 – Page 3
AWARDS, PRESENTATION, AND RECOGNITION
The following awards, presentations, and recognitions were acknowledged:
•
HCC was recognized by the Investment Policy Committee of the Government Treasurers
Organization with the Certificate of Distinction for its outstanding investment policy.
•
HCC received recognition from the Government Procurement Connection 2006.
•
Miguel Maldonaldo with the Northline Student Government Association presented a
historical overview of Cinco De Mayo Day in recognition of Cinco De Mayo. Trustee
Flores also recognized the other students with the Northline Student Government
Association attending. Mr. Austin provided additional comments on the relevance of
Cinco De Mayo to the United States. A reception was held in recognition of Cinco De
Mayo.
•
Don Brown with the Texas Go Foundation (College for All Texans) presented the keys to
the Mobile Go Center to HCC from the AT&T Foundation. Alice Ansby with AT&T
provided an overview of the Mobile Go Center concept. The Mobile Go Center is funded
in part by an $800,000 grant from the AT&T Foundation to the College for All Texans
Foundation. The centers are part of the College for Texans Campaign, which aims to
close the gaps in Texas college participation and success by 2015. The initiative is part of
the state’s higher-education plan. The Mobile Go Center is a vehicle equipped with
computers and equipment, which will be used by HCC on a one year lease for
recruitment and enrollment efforts throughout the Houston communities and the Gulf
Coast communities. Laurie Bricker with the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
provided comments on HCC’s efforts in closing the gap. She noted that the dual credit
and early college programs have set the precedent for other institutions. She expressed
appreciation to HCC and AT&T for their efforts to assist with “Closing the Gap”. She
introduced the three field specialist assigned to assist with efforts for student success.
She also expressed thanks to Dr. Leslie for his participation as facilitator in the program
held last month. Dr. Cook noted that Irene Porcarello assisted in the effort.
Mrs. Flores informed that the Board would adjourn for recess at 4:58 p.m.
Mr. Aiyer arrived at 5:20 p.m.
Mr. Aiyer reconvened the meeting at 5:26 p.m.
(Present: Trustees Aiyer, Austin, Davila, Flores, Guzman, Murphy, Oliver, and Dr. Williams)
APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA
Motion – Mrs. Flores moved approval of the Consent Agenda with the exception item C-2. Mr.
Davila seconded the motion. Motion carried 7-0. (Dr. Williams was not present at the time of
vote.)
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Regular Meeting – April 27, 2006 – Page 4
The following items were approved:
1. Approve Adult Education Grant Funded Subcontracts for Fiscal Year 2005-2006
(Increases)
2. Approve Nominees for Honorary Degree from HCC for the 2006 Academic Year
Graduation Ceremony
3. Approve Change Order for West Loop Build-out
4. Approve Resolution Providing for Imposition of an Additional Penalty on Delinquent
Taxes Section 33.07 and 33.08 of the Texas Property Tax Code
5. Approval to Finalize Purchase of Drennan Property Including Additional Costs for
Associated Improvements
6. Approve Motion Camera System - Project 06-16
7. Approve Radiography Imaging System - Project 06-14
8. Approve Annual Microsoft Site License Campus Agreement Renewal
9. Approve Increase in Student Tuition for Three-Peaters
10. Approve Increases in Student Fees for Technology and Instructional Equipment Uses
11. Approve Payment to Bracewell & Giuliani for Professional Services
12. Approve Executive Leadership Transformation Institute Sponsored by the Board of
Trustees
13. Approve Renewal of Lease Agreement for Applied Technology Center (Stafford, Texas)
14. Approve the Addition of Sterne, Agee & Leach, Inc. to the List of Qualified Brokers,
Investment Advisors and Banks
APPROVE REDUCTION IN SCOPE OF WORK FOR THE PRINCIPAL PARTNERING
GROUP
Motion – Mr. Murphy motioned to approve the reduction in scope of work for the Principal
Partnering Group. Mr. Oliver seconded the motion. The motion passed 6-0 (Trustee Davila and
Flores were not present for the vote).
Mrs. Guzman asked Dr. Cook how the interns are recruited for the program. Dr. Cook noted
inquiry for interns are conducted as they are needed. He noted that the program would be setup
so that recruitment and interview is completed at the same time because of concern with sending
someone into a work situation who is not equipped for the position. Mrs. Guzman asked if the
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Regular Meeting – April 27, 2006 – Page 5
allocated amount is sufficient for completing the internship. Dr. Cook noted that he did not
assess the cost; however, he thought that the assessment presented by Gloria Walker sounds
appropriate.
Mr. Davila asked if the contracts for construction included the internships. Mrs. Walker stated
that this is a part of the Request for Proposals process with the contractors and informed that a
meeting is scheduled with PPG as it relates to the intern program.
Mrs. Guzman asked if the small business program will be enhanced internally. Mrs. Walker
stated that it is the intent to enhance the program.
TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION AND/OR ACTION
APPROVE RECIPIENT OF HCC HONORARY DEGREE AT 2006 ACADEMIC YEAR
GRADUATION CEREMONY
Motion- Dr. Williams moved to approve the awarding of an Honorary Degree to the
Commencement Speaker for 2006 Academic Graduation Ceremony. Trustee Flores seconded the
motion. Motion passed 8-0.
APPROVE THE INVESTMENT REPORT FOR MARCH 2006
Trustee Aiyer asked Ms. Walker to combine the overview of the investment report with the
Finance Report. Dr. Williams motioned to approve the investment report for March 2006. Mrs.
Guzman seconded the motion. The motion passed 6-0 (Trustee Flores and Trustee Davila were
not present at the time of the vote).
Gloria informed that the CIP budget has been added as a tracking mechanism for CIP projects.
Ms. Walker entertained questions from the Board.
The Board requested that Mr. Oliver (Chair of the Finance Committee) meet with Finance and
Administration to provide an abbreviated version of the financial statement.
Mr. Murphy asked for clarifications relating to the increase in benefits by 50%. Mrs. Walker
noted that the actual costs are higher; however, the costs were anticipated when budgeting. She
also noted that the state is not funding the first three months of the employee’s hire and has been
placed on the institution to cover that expense.
Mr. Murphy asked for clarification relating to contracted services. Ms. Walker noted that the
fare value of contracted services is decreasing. The Board asked Ms. Walker to provide a
calculated number on savings as it relates to contracted workers.
Mr. Murphy asked for an explanation on the operating fund expenditures. Ms. Walker noted
when budget is placed for position control; the number of positions is prorated at a 6% rated;
however, the number is off-set by fair amount attrition. She noted it is prorated because contract
workers will not be present the entire year. The attrition rate is skewed because not as many
employees are leaving. She noted that there is a semi-freeze meaning no hiring for new
positions.
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Regular Meeting – April 27, 2006 – Page 6
Mr. Murphy asked about the unexpended plant fund and asked if the five projects add up to $9
million of the fund balance. Ms. Walker stated that the policy of financial stability allows to
bank in fund balance ten percent of earnings and if the number is calculated at this time it would
be at 14% and if kept at this percentage by year end will decrease down to the 10% and be able
to use the surplus. Mr. Austin noted that Wall Street recommended that a certain amount of
liquidity is available and should be added into the fund balance scenario. Mr. Murphy stated that
it is noted whether or not the funds balance is being used.
Mr. Murphy requested that the note on page 13 referencing the Board approved funding shortage
should read that the Board approved a strategy for funding the shortage.
Mr. Austin noted that CIP was predicated on head count increases; therefore he emphasized the
need to increase the head count and must be diligent about the process because the CIP Program
is depending on it.
Ms. Walker provided an overview of the investment report for March 2006.
Mr. Davila left at 5:51 p.m.
ADJOURNED TO CLOSED SESSION
Mr. Aiyer adjourned the meeting to Executive Session at 5:52 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 6:43 p.m. and entertained motions on
pending matters.
(Present: Trustees Aiyer, Austin, Flores, Guzman, Murphy, Oliver, and Dr. Williams)
Motion – Mr. Guzman moved approval of the Personnel Agenda. Dr. Williams seconded the
motion, which carried 7-0.
ADJOURNMENT
With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 6:41 p.m.
DINNER
Dinner was not served after the meeting.
Minutes recorded, transcribed & submitted by:
Sharon Wright, Executive Administrative Assistant, Board Services
Minutes Approved as Submitted: