MEETING OF THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
HOUSTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE SYSTEM
May 18, 2006
Minutes
The Board of Trustees of the Houston Community College System met as a Committee of the
Whole on Thursday, May 18, 2006, at the System Administration Building, Seminar Room A,
Second Floor, 3100 Main, Houston, Texas.
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT
Jay K. Aiyer – Chairman
Bruce A. Austin
Abel Davila
Yolanda Navarro Flores
Diane Olmos Guzman
James R. Murphy
Christopher W. Oliver
Richard M. Schechter
Dr. Michael P. Williams
ADMINISTRATION
Bruce H. Leslie, Chancellor
Doretha Eason, Deputy to the Chancellor
Charles Cook, Vice Chancellor, Instruction
Irene Porcarello, Vice Chancellor, Student Success
Jose Villarreal, Vice Chancellor, College Advancement & Performance
Gloria Walker, Vice Chancellor, Finance & 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
Marsal Stoll, President, Coleman College
Carole Keeney Harrington, Interim Associate Vice Chancellor, Communications
William Mack, Associate Vice Chancellor, Facilities and Construction
Willie Williams, Associate Vice Chancellor, Human Resources
Remmele Young, Executive Director, Government Relations
Miles LeBlanc, General Counsel
OTHERS PRESENT
Jarvis Hollingsworth, System Counsel, Bracewell & Giuliani
Dwight Boykins, Federal Government Relations Consultant, Boykins & Schneider
David Wilcox, President, Faculty Senate
Other administrators, citizens, and representatives of the news media
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Committee of the Whole – May 18, 2006 – Page 2
CALL TO ORDER
Mr. Jay Aiyer, Chairman, called the meeting to order at 4:10 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.
FACILITIES
REVIEW 2004 CIP AND OTHER PROJECTS PROGRESS REPORT
Report was postponed for discussion at a later time.
APPROVE CONTRACT FOR ARCHITECT AND ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR
THE NORTHEAST COLLEGE-NORTHLINE CAMPUS (PROJECT 06-23)
Each of the top five firms was given five minutes to present their schematic of the Northline
Campus.
Morris Architect
Mrs. Flores asked who will be in charge of the intern program. Morris noted that two of
the firms will be selected to handle the intern program.
Page Southerland Page (PSP)
Mrs. Flores asked PSP to elaborate on fast track plans. Page Southerland noted that they
currently have a program running where the foundation page is designed while still
designing above ground which allows for a head start on the construction.
Mrs. Guzman mentioned that no percentages have been presented for small business
participation. PSP noted that the small business is 33.5%.
Kirksey Architect
Mr. Aiyer noted that there is a unique footprint for the Northeast Campus. Kirksey noted
that they will provide a new and unique design for the Northline Campus.
Natex with Shaw
Mr. Oliver asked when College has to be out of Northline. Mr. Mack stated contract ends
January 31, 2008; however, extension of the contract is under negotiation.
Mr. Hollingsworth noted that any further discussion on the lease contract is to be held in
closed session.
Mrs. Guzman asked if internships will be available. Natex noted that internships will be
offered.
HOK
Mr. Oliver asked how soon project could be completed. HOK stated can complete within
the College’s timeframe in accordance with CMAR and estimated ten to twelve months
from the date of ground break.
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Committee of the Whole – May 18, 2006 – Page 3
Mrs. Guzman asked will HOK give work to small business HUBs. HOK noted that they will
give some of the disciplines 100% of their work.
Mr. Murphy requested additional information from Staff. He would like to hear the staff opinion
with their engagement with the various architects.
Gloria Walker asked Bill Mack to provide an overview of the work experience with the firms on
various projects. HOK and Morris did work;
Motion – Mrs. Flores moved to approve the proposal by HOK. Mr. Davila seconded the motion.
Motion passed 6-3.
Discussion: Mrs. Flores noted that she spent hours reviewing the proposals and the grading
process. She provided her notes from the review and noted that all the firms have good prior
experience. She reviewed their references, small business participation, and what would affect
Northline Project in particular the Fast Track.
Her review showed that the HOK has over 51 years of experience and that they were not afraid
to give a start and ending date. They also provided a letter certifying their expenses. They also
had a history of internship as well as nice designs. They were the only ones with a mentorship
protégé program which provides development to small business. She feels that this was the best
proposal.
Mr. Schechter asked how many members were on the committee and how many picked Morris.
Mike Kyme and Bill Mack stated that there were five team members and all five picked Morris.
Mr. Oliver asked how there is such huge point differential between the five individuals judging.
Mr. Mack noted that from his prospective that the process is the most specific and objective.
Five experts spent two full days reviewing proposals. Mike Kyme noted that all committee
members come from specified fields; therefore, from the team of experts determined
unanimously that Morris was the most qualified firm.
Mr. Oliver noted he was not questioning the procedure; however, was commenting from the
point of a Trustee. Mrs. Guzman noted that an email was sent that the proposals were in the
Board Services Office and she reviewed them and concluded the same basis that Mrs. Flores
represented. Mr. Austin commented that Mr. Oliver was correct and does not think Staff would
have brought anyone that does not meet the qualifications. Mr. Austin stated he reviewed the
scoring and would agree with Trustee Flores due to the fast track items, firm capacity to get the
job completed, etc. Mr. Mack answered that the individuals on the review committee looked at
the skill sets and not just the firm’s name.
Mr. Mack noted that names on each of the proposals were familiar with the individuals on the
evaluation team. Mr. Mack stated that Fast Track is not the only thing that is important because
the cost and quality is important. Also, he noted that campus has opportunity to be the flagship.
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Committee of the Whole – May 18, 2006 – Page 4
Dr. Williams asked for clarification of the difference between experience and past experience is.
Bill Mack noted that the extension is the past experience is specifically HCC experience. Dr.
Williams noted that the fundamental problem is that the Board is accused of bias, compromises if
they are not choosing the Administration’s recommendation. He stated he is tired of being
blamed for making decision based on the information given and not accepting the judgment by
Administration.
APPROVE CONTRACT FOR STRATEGIC LAND/GROWTH/UTILIZATION
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
Motion – Mr. Aiyer moved to approve the contract for strategic land/growth/utilization
development services. Mrs. Flores seconded the motion. Motion passed 9-0.
Mr. Murphy asked if a budget is associated with this project. Ms. Walker noted that the rate will
be provided after negotiation and that the baseline for the project depends on the complexity of
the project.
FINANCE
APPROVE CONTRACT FOR IT BUSINESS TRANSFORMATION SERVICES
(PROJECT #06-21)
Motion – Mr. Austin motioned to approve the contract for IT Business Transformation Services.
Mr. Aiyer seconded the motion.
Discussion
Dr. Leslie proposed to hire a firm to assist in completing the fast track. The project moves the
governance and IT plan forward.
Mrs. Flores asked if there is an ongoing relationship with Campus Works. Dr. Leslie noted that
Campus Works will bring in a team to assist.
Mr. Davila asked how many other institutions in Texas are doing this contract. Dr. Leslie stated
he didn't know of any in Texas but did mention Bunker Hill.
Mr. Austin noted he didn't have a problem with approving but needs a CIO to lead this process or
will have an external person guiding technology process.
Mrs. Guzman noted that Campus Works will hire the CIO.
Mr. Schechter noted he doesn't want to see the process out sourced but asked for the time frame
to bring HCC up to speed. Dr. Leslie noted that contract is for 13 months and hopes to be done
in one year.
Mr. Austin stated he does not oppose to the process but must accompany process with first
priority of selecting a CIO. Recommend the Board charge the Chancellor to first select a CIO.
Mrs. Flores asked where we stand with proposal and evaluation of how works with IT. Ms.
Porcarello noted that there is a need for a CIO. He stated that in order to implement the plan a
CIO must be in place to provide leadership and direction.
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Committee of the Whole – May 18, 2006 – Page 5
Mr. Austin noted that there is an IT Department; however it has been stagnant and he further
noted that the students and College deserve to have the right technology and processes. He is
suggesting that the Chancellor provides a work plan to include the selection of a CIO as first
priority. Mr. Aiyer noted that he agrees with Mr. Austin.
Dr. Leslie noted that the College currently has a head hunter on board to assist with finding a
CIO; however, the charge to Campus Work will be to (a) implement strategic plan, (b) assist
with integration of the software, and (c) to change some of the administrative structures of IT.
Motion - Mr. Austin motioned to establish a work plan with timelines on the hiring of a CIO and
how it will be integrated with Campus Works. There was no second; therefore, the motion died.
Motion - Mrs. Flores motioned that a CIO is hired prior to bringing on Campus Works. There
was no second; therefore, the motion died.
Mr. Austin reiterated that his motion was to establish a work plan after approval of Campus
Works which will require the hiring of a CIO before implementing work with Campus Works.
He further clarified that there may be work that can be done prior to hiring a CIO.
Motion - Mr. Austin moved to proceed with the Campus Works contract but as soon as
practicable a CIO is hired to lead the process. Dr. Williams seconded the motion. The motion
passed with a vote of 6-2-1(In Favor: Trustees Aiyer, Austin, Murphy, Oliver, Schechter, and Dr.
Williams; Opposed: Trustees Flores and Guzman; Abstain: Trustee Davila).
APPROVE STUDENT ACTIVITY FEE
Motion – Mrs. Flores motion to approve student activity fee. Mr. Austin seconded the motion.
The motion passed with a vote of 8-1 (Mr. Murphy opposed).
Mr. Schechter noted that he had concern on the student fee schedule because this fee will be tact
onto the student tuition fee.
Mr. Murphy noted that the students want to pay, but not in favor of using funds with Board’s
approval. Ms. Porcarello noted that the law states that the recommendation must be presented
for Board approval.
Mr. Austin commended the students voicing their need for student fee.
The following items were tabled for discussion at the Regular Board meeting under topics for
discussion and/or action:
1.
Approve Web Content Equipment
2.
Approve Extension of Contract with SUMA Partners, LP
3.
Approve Payment to Bracewell & Giuliani for Professional Services
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Committee of the Whole – May 18, 2006 – Page 6
4.
Approve Investment Report for April 2006
The following items were pulled by Administration:
1.
Approve the Operating Budget for Fiscal Year 2006-2007
2.
Approve Recommendations from the System Compensation Redesign Committee
3.
Approve Recommendations from System Performance Management Advisory
Committee
ADJOURNMENT TO CLOSED OR EXECUTIVE SESSION
Mr. Aiyer adjourned the meeting to Closed Executive Session at 6:11 p.m., notice having
previously been given and reiterated by him in accordance with Sections 551.071, 551.072, and
551.074 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.
Mrs. Flores reconvened the meeting in Open Session at 8:37 p.m. and entertained motions on
pending matters.
(Present were Trustees Austin, Flores, Guzman, Murphy, Schechter, Oliver, and Dr. Williams.)
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Mr. Aiyer declared the meeting adjourned at
8:37 p.m.
Minutes recorded, transcribed, & submitted by:
Sharon Wright, Executive Administrative Assistant, Board Services
Minutes Approved as Submitted: