REGULAR MEETING
OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
HOUSTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE
June 25, 2009
Minutes
The Board of Trustees of Houston Community College held a Regular Meeting on
Thursday, June 25, 2009 at the HCC Administration Building, Second Floor Auditorium,
3100 Main, Houston, Texas.
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT
Abel Davila, Chair
Neeta Sane, Vice Chair
Christopher Oliver, Deputy Secretary
Bruce A. Austin
Mills Worsham
ADMINISTRATION
Mary S. Spangler, Chancellor
Art Tyler, Deputy Chancellor/COO
Doretha Eason, Executive Assistant to the Chancellor
William Carter, Vice Chancellor, Information Technology
Charles Cook, Vice Chancellor for Instruction
Daniel Seymour, Vice Chancellor, Institutional Planning and Effectiveness
Cheryl Sterling, Interim Vice Chancellor, Student Services
Margaret Ford Fisher, President, Northeast College
Julian Fisher for Fena Garza, President, Southwest College
Cheryl Peters for William Harmon, President, Central College
Zachary Hodges, President, Northwest College
Irene Porcarello, President, Southeast College
Betty Young, President, Coleman College of Health Science
Willie Williams, Chief Human Resources Officer
OTHERS PRESENT
Jarvis Hollingsworth, System Counsel, Bracewell & Giuliani
Mary Page, Faculty Senate President
Other administrators, citizens and representatives from the news media
CALL TO ORDER
Mr. Davila, Chair, called the meeting to order at 4:34 p.m. and declared the Board
convened to consider matters pertaining to Houston Community College as listed on the
duly posted Meeting Notice.
PRAYER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mr. Oliver led the prayer and the pledge of allegiance to the flag.
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Regular Meeting – June 25, 2009 – Page 2
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Approval of Minutes for Academics/Student Services Committee Meeting of April 16,
2009, Communications/Community Outreach Committee Meeting of April 16, 2009,
Committee of the Whole Meeting of April 16, 2009, Finance Committee Meeting of April
16, 2009, Legislative Committee Meeting of April 16, 2009, Technology Committee
Meeting of April 16, 2009, Special Meeting of April 16, 2009, Board Governance
Committee Meeting of April 23, 2009 and Regular Meeting of April 23, 2009
Motion – Mrs. Sane moved and Mr. Worsham seconded. The motion passed with a vote
of 5-0.
AWARDS, PRESENTATION, RECOGNITION
•
Central College was awarded the trophy for raising the most funds in the March of
Dimes campaign for HCC.
HCC presented a check for the college-wide March for Babies campaign for 2009
in the amount of $40,000 to the March of Dimes, the largest amount in the history
of HCC.
•
British American Foundation of Texas presented a check to HCC Foundation in the
amount of 18,000 to establish the BAFTX scholarship fund.
HEARING OF CITIZENS
The following citizen(s) requested to speak before the Board:
•
Ava Cosey requested to speak in closed session.
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
• Mr. Davila announced that public hearings will be held in North Forest on Tuesday,
July 7, 2009 and Tuesday, July 14, 2009 @ 6:30 p.m. at Shadydale Elementary
located at 5905 Tidwell and in Spring Branch on Thursday, July 9, 2009 and
Thursday, July 16, 2009 @ 6:30 p.m. at HCC Spring Branch Campus located at
1010 W. Sam Houston Parkway North in Theater II.
CHANCELLOR’S REPORT
Dr. Spangler provided the following information and recognitions:
•
HCC in the News for June 2009:
o News segment on KHOU Channel 11 recognizing the purchase of desolate
big box store facilities that have been transformed into HCC campuses.
o HCC signed agreement with Rydah College in Saudi Arabia.
o HCC received a $1 million donation from the John P. McGovern Endowment
for Opportunity 14
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Regular Meeting – June 25, 2009 – Page 3
o HCC is recipient of a Gates Foundation grant in the amount of $743,000
Mr. Austin recommended that policy engagement takes place on behalf of the Board of
Trustees when developing programs. Dr. Spangler apprised that the Board is definitely
involved especially from the standpoint of the Innovation Fund and CurricuNet.
Mrs. Sane commented that she is pleased to see the college moving in the right direction
to provide educational opportunities for all. Mr. Worsham noted that the leadership
provided by the Chancellor is being recognized nationally.
Dr. Spangler acknowledged that there is a great team in place who assists in the effort to
move the items forward.
Mr. Davila noted that working as a team proves that things can be moved forwarded.
(Chancellor’s Report Continues)
•
HCC kicked off the “Partners for Jobs” Campaign at a press conference held on
June 3, 2009.
•
HCC was named in the June 20, 2009 issue of US News and World report in an
article identifying “10 Reasons to Pick Community Colleges”.
•
HCC project “College Connection” was approved for funding in the amount of
$81,593 during the 2009-10 year through the TG’s.
•
Faculty Senate – Mary Page, President of Faculty Senate noted that this will be her
last meeting as Faculty Senate president and apprised that Gisela Ables is the
President Elect who will begin presiding in August 2009.
Mrs. Page expressed appreciation to the Board for moving several concerns
forward. She expressed appreciation to Renee Byas, HCC General Counsel for
providing an overview on legal issues at the last Faculty Senate meeting as well as
Bill Carter and his staff for their assistance provided to faculty. She thanked Dr.
Spangler and Dr. Tyler for their support of the Faculty Senate and attentiveness to
issues presented.
CONSENT AGENDA
Motion – Mr. Austin moved to approve the consent agenda with the exception of items
#14 and #15. Mr. Worsham seconded the motion.
Amendment to motion - Mrs. Sane moved to amend the motion to include the topics for
discussion items. Mr. Worsham seconded. The motion passed with a vote of 5-0.
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Regular Meeting – June 25, 2009 – Page 4
The following items were approved:
1.
Approve Purchase of Gas Chromatograph Mass Spectrometer (Project #09-29)
2.
Approve Digital Diagnostic Ultrasound Machine and Associated Accessories
3.
Approve EMS Department SimMan 3G Manikin
4.
Approve Ultrasound Machine and Related Accessories
5.
Approve Memorandum of Understanding Between HCC and Spring Branch
Independent School District for TEA Dropout Reduction Grant
6.
Approve International Travel for Student Chamber of Commerce Turkey Trade
Mission
7.
Approve Resolution Supporting Proposed Federal Legislation Entitled
Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act
8.
Approve Lease Agreement Between HCC Central and Buffalo Soldiers National
Museum
9.
Approve Hardware Replacement and Software Site Licensing Contracts for
Information Technology
10. Approve Television Production Equipment (Project #09-34)
11. Approve Payment to Bracewell & Giuliani for Professional Services
12. Approve Investment Report for the Month of April 2009
13. Approve Settlement of the Litigation Matter, No. 2008-34057; Gilda McFail vs.
Houston Community College; in the 152nd Judicial District Court of Harris
County, Texas
14. Maintenance Painting Services
15. Personnel Agenda for June 2009
Operating Budgets (Unrestricted Funds) for Fiscal Years 2009-2011 and Operating
Budget (Restricted Funds) for Fiscal Year 2009-2010
Motion – Mr. Austin moved and Mr. Worsham seconded to approve
Mr. Davila noted that there was not an item in the budget for educational engagement.
Dr. Tyler recommended amending the proposed budget approval includes an allowance
of expenditures up to $400,000 for educational engagement for the fiscal year 2009-10.
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Regular Meeting – June 25, 2009 – Page 5
Mr. Austin asked for the schedule that backups the tax revenue. Dr. Tyler noted that it is
$98 million for one year and $100 million for the next. He noted that there is a schedule
that could be provided to the Board.
Mr. Austin noted that a tax calculation worksheet has been presented in the past. Dr.
Tyler noted that the rate sheets are normally provided by the tax assessor’s office in
September or October.
Mr. Oliver inquired how the 2009 - 2010 projects were determined. Dr. Tyler noted that the
assumption on the revenue side relating to enrollment is projected at a conservative figure
of 3.5% although the goal is five percent. He noted that the required reserve of ten
percent is anticipated to be exceeded. Dr. Tyler noted that there is always an assumption
based on anticipated growth.
Dr. Tyler noted that if the Board approves the plans provided by the master planner, a
new financial plan will need to be developed to provide funding for new projects.
Mr. Austin suggested that a review of the impact of climate changes in terms of insurance,
preparation and preservation of building structures. He noted that he also has concerns
regarding the reserve and noted that the Financial Advisor should provide advice on the
use sinking funds for equipment/building replacement. He noted that approximately $22.5
million was borrowed from the student revenues and noted that some of the student
revenues should be replenished to provide more support to the students.
Mr. Oliver noted that there will need to be a decision regarding the obligation bonds and
apprised that he is somewhat uncomfortable with passing a two-year budget. Dr. Tyler
noted that the schedule has been developed before the budget in the previous years;
however, the aim is to make certain that the Chancellor has the authority to set the class
schedule that is in line with Board policy. Dr. Tyler added that there will be multiple
opportunities to amend the budget; however, an approval today will provide the
Chancellor the opportunity to move forward with certain tasks.
Mr. Oliver asked if the other Board members had the opportunity to review and provide
input on the budget process. Dr. Spangler apprised that there have been four budget
workshops and apprised that Dr. Tyler has indicated a conservative approach. She noted
that the opportunity to allow for input from the Board will remain.
Mr. Davila noted that a process may need to be implemented as to how often the budget
is presented to the Board for review to allow adjustments.
Amendment to Motion – Mr. Austin recommended amending the original motion to include
a mid-year budget review in seven months (January) and approval of $400,000 for
educational engagement for fiscal year 2009-2010. Mr. Oliver seconded.
Mr. Worsham noted that the budget projection based on assumptions and noted that
approving a mid-year review would resolve the concerns of approving a two- year review;
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Regular Meeting – June 25, 2009 – Page 6
however, the two-year budget will allow the college to be on the same bi-annual budget as
the state.
Vote on the original motion – The motion passed with a vote of 5-0.
Vote on the amended motion – The motion passed with a vote of 5-0.
ADJOURNED TO CLOSED SESSION
Mr. Davila adjourned the meeting to Executive Session at 5:42 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. Mr. Davila 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. Davila reconvened the meeting in Open Session at 6:35 p.m. and entertained motions
on pending matters.
(Present: Trustees Austin, Davila, Oliver, Sane, and Worsham)
ADJOURNMENT
With no further business coming before the Board, the meeting adjourned at 6:35 p.m.
Minutes recorded, transcribed & submitted by:
Sharon Wright, Executive Administrative Assistant, Board Services
Minutes Approved as Submitted: