REGULAR MEETING
OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
HOUSTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE SYSTEM
April 24, 2008
Minutes
The Board of Trustees of the Houston Community College System held a Regular
Meeting on Thursday, April 24, 2008 at the System Administration Building, Second
Floor Auditorium, 3100 Main, Houston, Texas.
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT
Yolanda Navarro Flores, Chairman
Bruce A. Austin, Vice Chair
Diane Olmos Guzman, Secretary
Mills Worsham, Deputy Secretary
Abel Davila
Neeta Sane
Richard M. Schechter
Dr. Michael P. Williams
ADMINISTRATION
Mary Spangler, Chancellor
Art Tyler, Deputy Chancellor/COO
Doretha Eason, Executive Assistant to the Chancellor
Charles Hebert for Charles Cook, Vice Chancellor for Instructions
William Carter, Vice Chancellor, Information Technology
Irene Porcarello, Vice Chancellor, Student Success
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 of Health Science
Willie Williams, Associate Vice Chancellor, Human Resources
Daniel Seymour, Associate Vice Chancellor, CTCE
Daniel Arguijo, Associate Vice Chancellor, Communications
Mike Kyme, Executive Director, Purchasing and Procurement
Kelly Zuniga, Executive Director, HCC Foundation
OTHERS PRESENT
Jarvis Hollingsworth, System Counsel, Bracewell & Giuliani
Dr. John M. Rudley, President, Texas Southern University
Linda Koffel, President, Faculty Senate Association
Other administrators, citizens and representatives from the news media
Houston Community College System
Regular Meeting – April 24, 2008 – Page 2
CALL TO ORDER
Mrs. Flores, Chair, called the meeting to order at 5:05 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.
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
Mrs. Flores acknowledged that a special guest was present and asked Dr. Spangler to
introduce Dr. John M. Rudley newly elected President, Texas Southern University. Dr.
Rudley expressed appreciation to the Board and Chancellor for the welcome and
reception, which was held prior to the meeting. He apprised that the effort of
collaborating with HCC is so essential that he brought all the deans of TSU to join the
occasion and noted that he looks forward to working with HCC.
AWARDS AND PRESENTATION
Mrs. Guzman apprised that H-E-B was present for a check presentation for $10,000 to
HCC Foundation to benefit the Southeast Weekend College.
Dr. Garza noted that the proceeds would benefit approximately 200 students who work
during the week and attend college on the weekend to continue their education.
(Dr. Williams stepped out at 5:29 p.m.)
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Approval of Minutes from the Special Meeting of March 3, 2008, Academic
Affairs/Student Services Committee Meeting of March 20, 2008, Annexation Committee
Meeting of March 20, 2008, Athletics Committee Meeting of March 20, 2008,
Communications/Community Outreach Committee Meeting of March 20, 2008, and
Regular Board Meeting of February 28, 2008.
Mrs. Flores noted that revised minutes were presented for the Academic Affairs/Student
Success Committee Meeting of March 20, 2008.
Motion – Mr. Austin moved approval of the minutes as presented. Mrs. Guzman
seconded the motion. The motion carried 7-0.
HEARING OF CITIZENS
There were no citizens signed up to speak.
CHANCELLOR’S REPORT
• Dr. Williams acknowledged that an Educational Summit for District IV was
hosted on April 2, 2008 in collaboration with Mrs. Paula Harris, HISD Trustee
for District IV.
Houston Community College System
Regular Meeting – April 24, 2008 – Page 3
He expressed that it his desired the summit and other meetings will develop a
form of tangible collaboration for his colleagues and their HISD counterparts.
He noted that the efforts are to provide a seamless education for students
throughout the city. Dr. Williams mentioned that workforce programs and
dual credit was discussed as well as best practices.
•
College in the Community events:
o Open House for the Alief Center Continuing Education Center was held on
March 26, 2008
o Community Festival was held in Alief
o International Festival at Central College
o Community breakfast was held at the newly opened Hayes Rd. campus
o Community Reception for Trustee Sane was held on Tuesday, April 22,
2008.
Trustee Sane expressed appreciation to administration for providing a
wonderful reception at the Stafford Campus. She also expressed
appreciation to the Board Staff, Martha Barrera, Public Relations for
Southwest College, and Dr. Hodges for providing students from the music
program who provided the music for the event. She expressed thanks to
Trustee Schechter and Yolanda Navarro Flores for attending.
•
The Ribbon Cutting and Open House for the Hayes Rd. campus is scheduled
for Monday, April 28, 2008 with a press conference at 10:00 a.m.
•
HCC Foundation received a special award at the Annual Awards competition
for the Counsel for Advancement and Support of Education for the
Opportunity 14 brochure in the category of “Brochures, Flyers, and Booklets
of Four or More Colors”
•
HCC Foundation has raised in excess of $1.8 million for fiscal year 20072008 including a gift contribution from the Cullen Foundation for $250,000
•
The Brown Foundation awarded the $100,000 to HCC Foundation for the
San Jacinto High School Alumni Association Restoration Project
•
HCC Annual Report 2007: Highlight to the Community has been published
and will be posted on the college Board website
•
Northwest and Northeast colleges have new formatted websites
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Regular Meeting – April 24, 2008 – Page 4
•
HCC recently participated in the Diversity Job Fair Expo 2008 where the
audience included college graduates, anticipated faculty, and job seekers.
•
HCC participated in the 2008 Recruit Military Job Fair with a target audience
of US Veterans leaving the military
•
Mike Kyme’s, Executive Director, Procurement/Purchasing will be leaving
HCC after seven years of tenure to fulfill a new job opportunity
•
Faculty Senate Report – Ms. Linda Koffel provided a report from the Faculty
Senate and provided information on the quality and caliber of HCC faculty.
She announced the names of the 2008 NISOD winners and the three faculty
members have been selected to attend the Salzburg Seminar.
•
Financial Report – Mr. Schechter expressed appreciation to the Board Chair,
Dr. Spangler, and Dr. Tyler for the budget workshop held on April 18, 2008.
Dr. Williams asked for a status on the bond transactions approved by the
Board and requested that the Standard & Poor’s information submitted offline be included. Dr. Spangler mentioned that the information would be
included in the Board letter to be disseminated on May 2, 2008.
CONSENT AGENDA
Mrs. Flores advised that items B.4, B.5, and B.6 were pulled and noted that Counsel will
work with administration to provide draft policies to be presented to the Board
Governance Committee for discussion.
Motion – Dr. Williams moved to approve the consent agenda excluding items B.4-6, C.7
and C.9. Mrs. Guzman seconded. The motion passed with a vote of 8-0. The
following items were approved:
ƒ
Honorary Degree for Graduation Commencement Speaker
ƒ
Honorary Degree for Miss USA
ƒ
Recommendations Relating to the Independent Audit
ƒ
Renew the Resolution Providing for Imposition of an Additional Penalty on
Delinquent Taxes Section 33.07 and 33.08 of Texas Property Tax Code
ƒ
Investment Report for the Month of February 2008
APPROVE SELECTION OF VENDOR FOR CONTRACT FOR NETWORK
EQUIPMENT FOR CIP PROJECTS
Motion - Dr. Williams moved and Mr. Davila seconded. The motion passed with a vote
of 7-0-1 with Trustee Davila abstaining.
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Regular Meeting – April 24, 2008 – Page 5
APPROVE VIDEO PRODUCTION AND OPERATIONS CONTRACT EXTENSION
Motion - Mrs. Sane moved to approved. Mrs. Guzman seconded.
Mrs. Sane asked if there are programs to highlight high school students currently
enrolled at HCC. Mr. Daniel Arguijo apprised that there is no current program; however,
there has been discussion on programs to address such concerns.
Mrs. Sane asked if there are any real life HCC student success stories being taped that
express how HCC has changed the student lives for the better. Mr. Arguijo expressed
that such stories are run.
Mr. Davila asked if the request for the increase for the current year or is projected years
also included. Mr. Arguijo apprised that the extension request is for this year
programming only; however, the budget is being projected for next year. Mr. Davila
informed that a projected budget should be developed.
Dr. Williams apprised that he voice the sentiments of Mr. Davila. He noted that any
major event that has affects the college should be aired on HCC/TV. He noted that the
footage must be seen by more than the people who are in the room.
Mr. Schechter noted some form of measurement or evaluation needs to be in place for
all programs.
Mrs. Sane mentioned that HCC District VII covers a portion of Houston and Ft. Bend
and inquired as to the range of HCC broadcast band and if it reaches the Missouri City
population. Mr. Arguijo noted that the Stafford campus has its own television station
that broadcasts to that particular area and informed that there is an exchange and
collaboration at times for equipment or technicians; however, there is a separate feed to
that particular area. He apprised that he is not sure if Ft. Bend falls into that category
but thinks it captures the Stafford area.
Vote – The motion passed with a vote of 7-0-1 with Trustee Davila abstaining.
TOPIC FOR DISCUSSION AND/OR ACTION
Motion - Dr. Williams moved to approve item A.1and Mr. Worsham seconded. The
motion passed with a vote of 8-0.
The following item were approved:
•
Payment to Bracewell & Giuliani LLP for Professional Services (March 2008)
STATE AND FEDERAL LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
Mary Schneider provided an update on the federal legislative update and apprised that
the request is in place.
Houston Community College System
Regular Meeting – April 24, 2008 – Page 6
PERSONNEL
Mrs. Guzman commented on the Personnel Agenda and uttered concerns relating to
positions that have been filled. She noted that a realistic view must be given on the
statistic population and the diversity of the workforce at HCC. Mrs. Guzman stated that
she would like to see some parity within the workforce at HCC and noted that she is
sharing her concern that the Hispanic community is not being reflective in positions that
are at the management and decision-making levels.
Mrs. Sane stated she would like to ensure there is competency and diversity across the
board in the employment sector at HCC and that the right steps are taken to make
certain there are competent people from the different ethnic groups.
Dr. Williams apprised that in terms of diversity, it is not possible to institute, legally, a
way that allows for parity base on ethnicity. He noted that it is the policy of the Board to
do everything within the legal limitations to make certain the workforce and upper
management mirrors the constituency. Dr. Spangler noted that the next Board letter
would include a statement on the diversity hiring.
Mr. Davila apprised that the minutes from March 20, 2008 noted that he requested the
breakdown of all colleges. He expressed that while it is not a policy, it is hoped to be
understood that in order for HCC to be successful, everyone must be included and
when you create a perception that people are not being included as a part of the
community college, you have individuals speaking out as they did last month. He noted
to Dr. Spangler that the Board has always stood for diversity, stood for what is right for
the college, and has stood for making sure everyone participates, and hopes that she is
the leader to portray such, and if not, the only thing the Board can do is hire and fire the
Chancellor.
ADJOURNED TO CLOSED SESSION
Mrs. Flores adjourned the meeting to Executive Session at 6:20 p.m., notice having
previously been given and reiterated in accordance with Sections 551.071, 551.072,
and/or 551.074 of the Open Meetings Law. Mrs. Flores 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 7:57 p.m. and entertained
motions on pending matters.
(Present: Trustees Austin, Davila, Flores, Guzman, Sane, Schechter, and Worsham)
Motion – Mrs. Guzman moved to approve the green-sheet personnel item #1. Mr.
Davila seconded. Motion passed 7-0.
Motion – Mr. Austin moved to approve the green-sheet personnel item #2. Mr.
Schechter seconded. The motion failed with a vote of 3-4.
Houston Community College System
Regular Meeting – April 24, 2008 – Page 7
ADJOURNMENT
With no further business coming before the Board, the meeting adjourned at 7:58 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: