MEETING OF THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
HOUSTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE
April 15, 2010
Minutes
The Board of Trustees of Houston Community College met as a Committee of the Whole
on Thursday, April 15, 2010, at the HCC Administration Building, 2nd Floor, 3100 Main in
Seminar Room B, Houston, Texas.
COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT
Dr. Michael P. Williams, Board Chair
Neeta Sane, Vice Chair
Sandie Meyers, Secretary
Bruce Austin
Yolanda Navarro Flores
Eva Loredo
Mary Ann Perez
Richard Schechter
ADMINISTRATION
Mary S. Spangler, Chancellor
Art Tyler, Deputy Chancellor/COO
Doretha Eason, Executive Assistant to the Chancellor
Renee Byas, General Counsel
Charles Cook, Vice Chancellor, Instruction
Fheryl Prestige for William Carter, Vice Chancellor, Information Technology
Daniel Seymour, Vice Chancellor, Planning and Institutional Effectiveness
Diana Pino, Vice Chancellor, Student Services
Margaret Ford Fisher, President, Northeast College
Fena Garza, President, Southwest College
William Harmon, President, Central College
Butch Herrod for Zachary Hodges, President, Northwest College
Irene Porcarello, President, Southeast College
Betty Young, President, Coleman College
Willie Williams, Chief Human Resources Officer
Remmele Young, Executive Director of Government Relations
OTHERS PRESENT
Jarvis Hollingsworth, Counsel, Bracewell & Giuliani
Bennie Ables, President, Faculty Senate
Carol Clowe, President, COPA
Other administrators, citizens, and representatives of the news media
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Committee of the Whole – April 15, 2010 - Page 2
CALL TO ORDER
Dr. Williams called the meeting to order at 4:46 p.m. and declared the Committee
convened to consider matters pertaining to Houston Community College as listed on the
duly posted Meeting Notice.
CONSENT AGENDA
Motion - Mr. Austin moved and Ms. Loredo seconded to approve the following items as a
Facilities consent agenda. The motion passed with a vote of 7-0.
•
Construction Services for Felix and Angela Morales Building Renovations (Project
#09-58)
•
Change Order to Job Order Contract (JOC) for Pharmacology Tenant Build-Out of
McGovern Building
•
Increase in Janitorial Services Contract to ABM (Project #08-19)
•
Change Order to Job Order Contract (JOC) for Construction of Temporary
Parking Lot (Alief Campus)
Motion - Mr. Austin moved and Mrs. Sane seconded to approve the following items as a
Finance consent agenda. The motion passed with a vote of 7-0.
•
Adoption of Fort Bend County Local Option Exemptions Tax Year 2010
•
Investment Report for the Month of January 2010
•
Investment Report for the Month of February 2010
•
Monthly Finance Report for March 2010
ACADEMIC AFFAIRS/STUDENT SERVICES
Motion - Mr. Austin moved and Mr. Schechter seconded to accept the report from the
Academic Affairs/Student Services committee. The motion passed with a vote of 7-0.
SYSTEM FACILITIES ASSESSMENT REPORT
Dr. Tyler introduced Karun Sreerama, ESPA, Master Planner. Mr. Sreerama presented
an overview of System Facilities Assessment. Mr. Sreerama noted that every college is
experiencing enrollment growth, which drives the concern for classroom and parking
space.
Mr. Sreerama informed that a master plan provides the path by asking where are we,
where do we want to go and how do we get there. He mentioned that Comprehensive
Facilities Condition Assessment was conducted in October 2009.
(Dr. Williams stepped out at 5:01 p.m.)
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Committee of the Whole – April 15, 2010 - Page 3
Mr. Sreerama apprised that the time frame recommended in October 2009 was four
years and noted that there are now other issues that need to be addressed such as:
•
•
•
•
Parking
Building Signage
Campus Entryways
Facilities Assets
Mr. Sreerama noted that the master plan accommodates classes offered through
infrastructure, academics and financial plans. He apprised that the goal is to gather data
and formulate a plan with administration, which would include the collection of data and
board involvement.
Mr. Austin suggested utilizing a SWAT Analysis with district analysis for future planning.
(Dr. Williams returned at 5:11 p.m.)
Dr. Seymour informed that Mr. Austin’s suggestions are being taken into consideration.
Mr. Austin noted that each community has different needs.
Mr. Sreerama noted the goal is to present a document that identifies what needs to be
looked at in the next year and then again in the next five to ten years. He provided an
overview of opportunities for existing facilities.
(Mrs. Flores arrived at 5:15 p.m.)
Dr. Williams noted that all prior work completed by Llelwayn will be in the Trustees mail
packets. He also noted that the decision was previously made to use regional
campuses.
Dr. Williams asked what percentage of student enrollment is using the facilities. Dr.
Tyler noted that physical enrollment growth is about 6,000 students.
Mr. Schechter noted that he would like to see where competitors are located. He
mentioned that out-of-district students might be willing to pay out-of-district fees to attend
schools that are located in an area convenient for them.
Mrs. Flores asked what basis is used for determining the zip code penetration rate. Mr.
Austin noted that attainability is one factor. Dr. Cook informed that the Coordinating
Board has guidelines.
Mr. Schechter noted that students attend campuses out of their area for a variety of
reasons such as employment location and classes offered. Mr. Austin recommended
developing a model between a transient oriented location and a regional concept.
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Committee of the Whole – April 15, 2010 - Page 4
Mrs. Meyers inquired if growth areas are being considered as well as existing campus
growth. Mr. Sreerama apprised that growth for existing areas and new areas will be
considered.
Mrs. Perez noted that a master planning workshop is needed. Dr. Williams informed that
a workshop would be set-up.
INCREASE IN OUT-OF-DISTRICT AND OUT-OF-STATE STUDENT TUITION AND
FEES
Motion – Mr. Austin moved and Mrs. Perez seconded to approve an increase in out-ofdistrict and out-of-state student tuition and fees.
Dr. Spangler informed that research has been conducted to ensure that an increase
would not price HCC out of competition.
Mrs. Flores noted that if increased enrollment adds $7M in student revenues, why is
there a need to increase student tuition.
Dr. Tyler noted that the increase would help cover the cost from the possibility of the
recall of 5% of state appropriations and noted that it is projected that the tax collections
will be short approximately $1.6M and $1.1M in extended learning revenues.
Dr. Williams informed that the goal is to tighten all areas of the budget without a
workforce reduction.
Vote - The motion passed with a vote of 7-0-1 with Mrs. Flores abstaining
INCREASE DISTANCE EDUCATION FEE
Motion – Mr. Schechter moved and Mr. Austin seconded to discuss an increase in
distance education fees.
Dr. Cook apprised that the increase in distance education fee is to cover the cost of
added security to ensure that the enrolled distance education student is actually taking
the course.
Mrs. Sane inquired what system would be upgraded. Dr. Cook noted that this is an addon security system that is being recommended by SACS.
Mr. Schechter informed that the Academic Affairs/Student Services Committee moved
the item to the consent agenda.
ADJOURNED TO CLOSED SESSION
Dr. Williams adjourned the meeting to Executive Session at 6:07 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. Dr. Williams stated that any final action, vote
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Committee of the Whole – April 15, 2010 - Page 5
or decision on any item discussed in Executive Session would be taken up in Open
Session or in a subsequent Public Meeting.
The following items were pulled for discussion in closed session:
•
Hiring of Smyser Kaplan and Veselka, LLP for Legal Services
•
Receive Report from Administration in Regards to Procurement and Compliance
Related Issues and Appropriate Action as Necessary
•
Receive Report from Administration in Regards to Personnel Related Issues and
Appropriate Action as Necessary
Dr. Williams reconvened the meeting in Open Session at 8:20 p.m. and entertained
motions on pending matters.
(Present: Trustees Austin, Flores, Loredo, Meyers, Sane, Schechter, and Williams)
HIRING OF SMYSER KAPLAN AND VESELKA LLP FOR LEGAL SERVICES
Motion – Mr. Schechter moved and Meyers seconded to hire Smyser Kaplan and
Veselka LLP for legal services and to also approve a variance to the bylaws to make the
action immediately effective. The motion passed with a vote of 6-0-1 with Mrs. Flores
abstaining.
Dr. Williams informed that he would not attend next week’s Board meeting. He noted that
he is receiving a lifetime achievement award from Westminster College.
ADJOURNMENT
With no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:21 p.m.
Recorded by:
Melinda Davila, Board Services
Transcribed and submitted by:
Sharon Wright, Manager, Board Services
Minutes Approved: