REGULAR MEETING
OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
HOUSTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE SYSTEM
August 24, 2006
Minutes
The Board of Trustees of the Houston Community College System held a Regular Meeting on
Thursday, August 24, 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
Richard M. Schechter
ADMINISTRATION
Norman Nielsen, Interim Chancellor
Doretha Eason, Deputy to the Chancellor
Miles LeBlanc, General Counsel
Charles Cook, Vice Chancellor, Educational Development
Irene Porcarello, Vice Chancellor, Student Success
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
Diane Castillo for Marsal Stoll, President, Coleman College
Willie Williams, Associate Vice Chancellor, Human Resources
William Mack, Associate Vice Chancellor, Facilities and Construction
Carole Keeney, Interim Associate Vice Chancellor, Communications
Kelly Zuniga, Executive Director, HCC Foundation
Mike Kyme, Executive Director, Purchasing and Procurement
Becky Giot, Executive Director, Financial/Budgetary Control
OTHERS PRESENT
Jarvis Hollingsworth, System Counsel, Bracewell & Giuliani
Suewan Johnson, Bond Counsel, Vincent & Elkins
David Ross, President, Faculty Senate
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Regular Meeting – August 24, 2006 – Page 2
Other administrators, citizens and representatives from the news media
CALL TO ORDER
Mrs. Flores, Chair, called the meeting to order at 4:31 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. Austin led the prayer and pledge of allegiance to the flag.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Approval of Minutes from the Regular Board Meeting of June 1, 2006, Board Search Committee
Meeting of June 8, 2006, Special Meeting of June 8, 2006, Academic/Student Success
Committee Meeting of June 15, 2006, Board Governance & Operations Committee Meeting of
June 15, 2006, Board Search Committee Meeting of June 15, 2006, Technology Committee
Meeting of June 15, 2006, Committee of the Whole Meeting of June 15, 2006, Special Meeting
of June 22, 2006, Regular Board Meeting of June 22, 2006, Special Meeting of July 5, 2006,
Special Meeting of July 6, 2006, and Special Meeting of July 13, 2006.
Motion – Mr. Murphy moved approval of Minutes. Mrs. Guzman seconded the motion. The
motion carried 5-0.
HEARING OF CITIZENS
Mrs. Flores 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.
Mr. Bill Burch spoke on a proposal to HCCS Board of Trustees to increase property taxes. He
requested that HCC increase property taxes by 1/10 cent per hundred.
AWARDS, PRESENTATIONS, AND RECOGNITIONS
A. Recognition of Students Participating in the Monterrey Tec Summer Program in
Mexico
Mrs. Guzman informed that the program consists of five students who received a
scholarship of $2,400 to attend Monterrey Tec Mexico. The students visited Mexico
for five weeks. The students were presented with awards recognizing their
accomplishment.
(Mr. Davila arrived at 4:39 p.m.)
(Mr. Oliver arrived at 4:42 p.m.)
B. Hispanic Education Leadership Committee (HELC) Scholarship Recognition and
Reception
Mrs. Flores recognized students receiving HELC scholarships for 2006 and informed
that the reception held prior to the Board meeting was in honor of the scholarship
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Regular Meeting – August 24, 2006 – Page 3
recipients. She also recognized those serving on the HELC committee. The
scholarship dinner will be held on Thursday, September 28, 2006 at the J.W. Marriott
Hotel.
ACCT Western Region Award Recipient
Mrs. Flores recognized Dr. Doretha Eason as the winner of the Western Region award.
(Mr. Aiyer arrived at 4:52 p.m.)
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
Mr. Austin transmitted the letter of recommendation for Mrs. Gloria Walker for the Board
Chair’s signature.
A. Recognition of the Board of Trustees from Association of Community College
Trustees (ACCT) on Continued Commitment to Effective Trusteeship
CHANCELLOR’S REPORT
Check Presentation from Washington Mutual
Dr. Harmon introduced Joni Baird with Washington Mutual who presented a check to HCC in
the amount of $20,000. The funds are in support of the small business programs and financial
literacy for middle schools on behalf of Central College.
Faculty Senate Report
Mr. David Ross newly elected President of the Faculty Senate reported on behalf of the Faculty
Senate.
Finance Report
Mrs. Walker presented the financial report for July 2006 and entertained questions from the
Board.
APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA
Motion – Mr. Murphy moved approval of the Consent Agenda with the exception of item A.1.
Mrs. Flores seconded the motion. Motion carried 8-0.
A.1 - Approve Exception to Human Resources Policy C: 5.3 on Leaves and Absences
Motion – Mrs. Flores moved approval. Mr. Austin seconded the motion. The motion passed 7-0
(Mr. Oliver was not present at the time of vote)
Mr. Willie Williams with HR informed that research has been conducted with other institutions;
however, they are awaiting the response of several of those institutions. He further mentioned
that HR will present a revision for the Board’s approval in order to prevent having to bring
similar issues before the Board.
Mr. Austin recommended contacting the Department of Defense to see requirements relating to
this particular issue.
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Regular Meeting – August 24, 2006 – Page 4
The following items were approved:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Approve Exception to Human Resources Policy C:5.3 on Leaves and Absences
Approve Method of Construction for Southeast Workforce Building
Ratify and Approve Network Services Contract Renewal for HCC
Approve Payment to Bracewell & Giuliani for Professional Services
Ratify Acceptance of Gifts and Donations
Approve Renewal of Risk Management Insurance
Approve the Addition of RBC Dain Rauscher Inc and Capital One Investments, LLC to
List of Qualified Brokers, Investment Advisors and Banks
TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION AND/OR ACTION
Mr. Aiyer requested to treat the topics for discussion as a consent agenda.
Motion – Mr. Austin moved and Mr. Schechter seconded to approve the following items:
•
Consider Resolution Expressing Intent to Finance Expenditures to be Incurred for the
Southeast Campus; take appropriate action
•
Approve Resolution and Notice of Intent to Enter into Contract to Lease with Option to
Purchase Southeast Workforce Facility Located on Southeast Campus
•
Approve Investment Report for the Month of July 2006
The motion passed with a vote of 8-0.
APPROVE THE OPERATING BUDGET (UNRESTRICTED) FOR FISCAL YEAR 20062007
Motion – Mrs. Guzman moved approval. Mr. Austin seconded the motion.
Mrs. Guzman commended Dr. Nielsen for providing the requested information in such a timely
manner.
Mr. Austin commended Mrs. Walker on efforts in providing the budget information and
encouraged the College Presidents to continue with the implementation of the Cluster initiatives.
Mr. Schechter commended Mrs. Walker on her efforts of providing the budget. He asked for
clarification on the budget for two of the colleges. Mrs. Walker informed that the two colleges
referenced have large leased facilities; therefore, their budgets were adjusted so that the numbers
are not skewed.
Mrs. Flores informed that she will email Mrs. Walker and Dr. Nielsen with her questions;
however, she supports the budget in order for the college to proceed.
(Mr. Murphy left at 5:15 p.m.)
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Regular Meeting – August 24, 2006 – Page 5
Mr. Davila requested information on how decentralization is viewed at each of the Colleges.
Mr. Oliver commended the staff on their outstanding efforts in providing a balanced budget and
noted that he is concerned with making certain dollars are spent adequately such as in the case of
advertisements. He requested a brief clarification of what the advertising budget consistsof and
asked that this information is provided to the Board.
APPROVE THE OPERATING BUDGET (RESTRICTED) FOR FISCAL YEAR 20062007
Motion – Mr. Austin moved approval of Operating Budget for restricted and unrestricted funds
for fiscal year 2006-2007. Mrs. Flores seconded the motion. Motion passed 7-0.
APPROVE TUITION & FEE EXEMPTION AND WAIVERS FOR FISCAL YEAR 20062007 INCLUDING HURRICANE KATRINA EVAUCEES ACCORDING TO THE
MANDATE ISSUED BY GOVERNOR RICK PERRY IN OCTOBER 2005
Motion - Mrs. Flores moved and Mr. Oliver seconded. The motion passed 7-0.
Amended motion - Mr. Austin moved that correspondence is forwarded to City and State
officials to request for reimbursement for the assistance HCC provided for Hurricanes Katrina
and Rita. Mr. Oliver seconded. The motion passed 7-0.
APPROVE HCC EMAIL SOLUTIONS
Motion – Mr. Oliver moved approval. Mrs. Flores seconded.
Mr. Davila requested a progress report of the project.
Mr. Schechter requested a reference check on this project to determine if other institutions are
satisfied with the software. Mike Kymes provided a list of institutions that have utilized the
software and reported they are pleased with the software.
Mr. Aiyer requested a list of those institutions utilizing the system with over 100,000 users and
requested information on the separation of student and faculty/administration usage. Dr. Neves
informed the solution proposed will serve HCC well and noted that it would provide for a
separation between faculty and staff email.
Mr. Larry Wright apprised that he contacted other peer institutions who informed that they were
satisfied with the software.
Mr. Austin stated that the incoming CIO should provide input on this project.
Mr. Davila noted that the reason for voting against the item was because the CIO should be in
place prior to implementing a project that may need to be changed in the future.
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Regular Meeting – August 24, 2006 – Page 6
Mr. Schechter stated that as it relates to the contracts, he recommends that the person conducting
the background check is not the person assigned to the contract. Dr. Nielsen stated internal
reference checks are appropriate.
Motion passed 5-0-2 with Trustees Flores and Davila abstaining.
APPROVE AUTHORIZATION TO NEGOTIATE CONTRACT FOR STRATEGIC
COMMUNICATION SERVICES WITH LOCKE LIDDELL & SAPP LLP
Motion – Mr. Oliver moved approval. Mrs. Flores seconded. Motion passed 6-0-1 with Mr.
Schechter abstaining.
APPROVE ADDITIONAL SERVICES TO PGAL CONTRACT FOR PROGRAM
MANAGEMENT SERVICES CONTRACT
Motion – Mr. Oliver moved approval. Mr. Davila seconded the motion.
Mrs. Guzman stated that she requested the contract and the extended contract for review. She
noted that based on her review, when Pinemont and San Jac projects were placed on hold,
PGAL’s contract was reduced by approximately $1.3 million (90% reduction in the contract);
however, with the extension and awarding PGAL the IT design and management contract (which
totals approximately $1.3 million) the net loss is $35,000.00. She further stated that $1.3
inclusive of what PGAL is presently handling under construction and program management
services is adequate for one vendor. Mrs. Guzman requested that the project is sent out for a
Request for Qualification. She noted that she is opposing because it is the will of the Board to
spread opportunity among other vendors as opposed to giving the contract to one particular
vendor.
(Mr. Davila left at 5:52 p.m.)
Mrs. Walker informed that Mrs. Guzman is referencing two different types of contracts. She
noted that $6.9 million is for construction management program services for the entire CIP. The
second contract of $1.3 million is the design portion of the IT infrastructure. Mrs. Walker noted
that although it is the same vendor, the IT contract is handled by a different division of the
company. She noted that the recommendation from staff is to take the face value of eliminating
San Jac and Pinemont as it relates to Construction Program Management Service (CPMS)
portion and equate it to the same type of services with Northline Mall project which would be an
even exchange.
Mr. Schechter asked if an evaluation was conducted with the private sector to determine the cost
for a project manager for the project. Mr. Aiyer apprised that the Board reviewed the issue a
couple of years ago and therefore, the question is whether staff contemplated going out for an
RFQ. Dr. Nielsen apprised that the Board approved to utilize a construction manager in
February 2006 and the cost has been negotiated to a lower cost and administration recommended
approval.
Mr. Schechter referenced the list of contractor information provided by administration and asked
whether the contract for PGAL with the Johnson Controls supervision at Central Plant was
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Regular Meeting – August 24, 2006 – Page 7
brought before the Board for approval. Mrs. Walker noted that the Associate Vice Chancellor of
Facilities and Construction wanted to utilized them for oversight because there was no in-house
management capacity; however, she did not have a status at the time.
Mrs. Guzman stated she will be in favor only with this particular item; however, asked that the
following programs are reviewed.
Motion – Mr. Schechter moved to amend the motion to approve additional services for
Northline; however, no further buildings contracts should be awarded until a cost benefit analysis
is completed to determine the cost estimate to manage the projects internally. Mrs. Guzman
seconded the amended motion. The motion passed 6-0.
Mrs. Flores noted that she is concerned with the College utilizing the same vendor for all
projects. She noted that the best benefit of the College must be considered.
ADOPT, APPROVE, AND IMPLEMENT A REINSTATEMENT FEE
Motion – Mrs. Flores motioned. Mr. Schechter seconded the motion. Motion passed 6-0.
Motion – Mr. Schechter moved approval of the following items. Mrs. Flores seconded the
motion. The motion passed 6-0.
•
Consider Resolution Expressing Intent to Finance Expenditures to be Incurred for the
Southeast Campus; take appropriate action
•
Approve Resolution and Notice of Intent to Enter into Contract to Lease with Option to
Purchase Southeast Workforce Facility Located on Southeast Campus
•
Approve Investment Report for the Month of July 2006
REPORT ON STATE AND FEDERAL LEGISLATIVE AGENDA
Mr. Schechter stated that the federal budget will eventually cut discretionary funding which is a
large portion of revenues for the College. He noted that if federal funding is lost, this will cause
some students to not be able to attend college. He solicited the assistance of Dr. Nielsen in the
efforts of raising funds for the Foundation to provide scholarships.
REPORT ON MARKETING/MEDIA CAMPAIGN FOR FALL 2006
Ms. Carole Keeney presented an overview of the marketing/media campaign for Fall 2006.
Mrs. Flores asked Ms. Keeney to elaborate on the savings as it relates to the marketing contract.
Ms. Keeney noted the contract was renegotiated and a savings of approximately $47,000 was
realized.
Mrs. Guzman recommended administration review a cost analysis relating to the internal
marketing staff versus an external firm to be presented to the Marketing Committee.
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PERSONNEL MATTERS
Motion – Mr. Austin moved approval of the Personnel Agenda. Mrs. Guzman seconded the
motion, which carried 6-0.
ADJOURNMENT
With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 6:45 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: