MEETING OF THE
BOARD GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE
OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
HOUSTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE
February 19, 2009
Minutes
The Board Governance Committee of the Board of Trustees of the Houston Community
College held a meeting on Thursday, February 19, 2009 at the System Administration
Building, 3100 Main, 2nd Floor, Seminar Room B, Houston, Texas.
COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT
Richard Schechter, Committee Chair
Diane Olmos Guzman, Committee Member
ADMINISTRATION
Mary S. Spangler, Chancellor
Art Tyler, Deputy Chancellor/COO
Renee Byas, General Counsel
Doretha Eason, Executive Assistant to the Chancellor
William Carter, Vice Chancellor, Information Technology
Daniel Seymour, Vice Chancellor, Planning and Institutional Effectiveness
Margaret Ford Fisher, President, Northeast College
Fena Garza, President, Southwest College
OTHERS PRESENT
Kim James, Counsel, Bracewell & Giuliani
Other administrators, citizens, and representatives of the news media
CALL TO ORDER
Mr. Schechter called the meeting to order at 2:57 p.m. and declared the Committee
convened to consider matters pertaining to Houston Community College as listed on the
duly posted Meeting Notice.
TIMELINE FOR REVIEW OF POLICIES AND BYLAWS
Mr. Schechter apprised that the goal is to have the Board bylaws approved. Ms. Kim
James advised that the objective is to review the Board’s policies and bylaws to make
certain there is consistency.
Mrs. Guzman noted that the small business policy needs some revision with
enhancement as a Minority Woman/Minority Business Enterprise Owner (MW/MBEO)
program. Mrs. Byas noted that the item would fall under the college policies. She noted
that all the policies with exception of the Board Governance policies have recently been
reviewed and approved by the Board. She also noted that they are reviewed regularly
to make certain the policies are in accordance with the guidelines of the legislation.
Houston Community College
Board Governance Committee – February 19, 2009 - Page 2
Mr. Schechter noted that the recommendations on the JOC contract and Hurricane Ike
should be included as a part of the policy. Dr. Tyler noted that policies are kept in
conjunction with the department.
Mrs. Byas noted that there are standard operating procedures that are not policies such
as the issue regarding the Hurricane Ike expenses. Mrs. Byas noted that she will
review development of a policy and procedure manual.
Mr. Schechter noted that he is concerned with those issues that are within the Board’s
bailiwick. Mrs. Byas asked what is the desire of the Board. Mr. Schechter requested
that administration provide the best recommendation.
Mr. Schechter requested that the bylaws changes be provided to the Committee prior to
the scheduled meeting to allow time to review before the meeting.
BOARD MONITORING REPORT
Mr. Schechter noted that the goal is to provide a list of monitoring reports for approval
by the end of the year. The committee reviewed the draft list provided and noted the
following changes and/or additions to the listing:
•
•
•
•
Crime and Security Report (Annually)
Small Business Audit (Annually)
Report on CCSSE (Annually)
Report on Strategic Plan to include milestones and next steps (Annually)
Mrs. Guzman noted that the Board should be informed of non-compliance in regards to
prime contractors.
Mr. Schechter inquired of a report that will provide insight to the academia and students.
He recommended discussing the report at the Academic Committee meeting.
Mr. Schechter also recommended a report on the Technology issues. Dr. Spangler
recommended that the Board Governance Committee Chair and Technology Committee
Chair discuss this matter.
ADJOURNMENT
With no further business, the meeting adjourned at 3:34 p.m.
Recorded by:
Sharon R. Wright, Executive Administrative Assistant, Board Services
Transcribed and submitted by:
Sharon Wright, Executive Administrative Assistant, Board Services
Minutes Approved: