REGULAR MEETING
OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
HOUSTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE
December 2, 2010
Minutes
The Board of Trustees of Houston Community College held a Regular Meeting on
Thursday, December 2, 2010 at the HCC Administration Building, Second Floor
Auditorium, 3100 Main, Houston, Texas.
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT
Dr. Michael P. Williams, Chair
Neeta Sane, Vice Chair
Sandie Mullins, Secretary
Bruce A. Austin
Yolanda Navarro Flores
Eva Loredo
Christopher W. Oliver
Mary Ann Perez
Richard Schechter
ADMINISTRATION
Mary Spangler, Chancellor
Art Tyler, Deputy Chancellor/COO
Doretha Eason, Executive Assistant to the Chancellor
Renee Byas, General Counsel
William Carter, Vice Chancellor, Information Technology
Charles Cook, Vice Chancellor, Instruction
Diana Pino, Vice Chancellor, Student Services
Daniel Seymour, Vice Chancellor, Planning and Institutional Effectiveness
Margaret Ford Fisher, President, Northeast College
Fena Garza, President, Southwest College
William Harmon, President, Central College
Zachary Hodges, President, Northwest College
Irene Porcarello, President, Southeast College
Betty Young, President, Coleman College
Dan Arguijo, Chief Communications Officer
Willie Williams, Chief Human Resources Officer
Remmele Young, Executive Director, Government Relations
Kelly Zuniga, Executive Director, HCC Foundation
Houston Community College
Regular Meeting – December 2, 2010 – Page 2
OTHERS PRESENT
Jarvis Hollingsworth, System Counsel, Bracewell & Giuliani
Alan Ainsworth, President, Faculty Senate
Laura Garcia, President, COPA
Other administrators, citizens and representatives from the news media
CALL TO ORDER
Dr. Williams, Chair, called the meeting to order at 4:30 p.m. and declared the Board
convened to consider matters pertaining to Houston Community College as listed on the
duly posted Meeting Notice.
(Mr. Schechter arrived at 4:30 p.m.)
PRAYER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mrs. Perez led the prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Approval of Minutes from Committee of the Whole Meeting of October 27, 2010 and
Regular Meeting of October 28, 2010.
Motion – Mr. Oliver moved and Mr. Schechter seconded to approve the minutes. The
motion passed with a vote of 8-0.
HEARING OF CITIZENS
There were no citizens requesting to speak before the Board.
AWARDS, PRESENTATIONS, AND RECOGNITIONS
• Special Bedichek-Orman Auction Presentation for funds raised to support
professional development
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
Dr. Williams apprised that this is the final Regular meeting of the Board of Trustees for
the year and took a moment of personal privilege to acknowledge the Board,
administration, faculty, and staff for the accomplishments of the year.
Mr. Schechter recognized the Board officers who served with Dr. Williams for the year
and expressed appreciation to Dr. Williams for his leadership as the Board Chair for
2010. He noted that Dr. Williams was a true statesman in assisting the Board to move
forward in the mist of situations and circumstances that emerged throughout the year.
Dr. Williams acknowledged the Chancellor for her leadership to the college and noted
that she is a true visionary. He also expressed acknowledgement to the Board Counsel
for his leadership, wisdom, and good advice.
Houston Community College
Regular Meeting – December 2, 2010 – Page 3
CHANCELLOR’S REPORT
Dr. Spangler provided the following information and recognitions:
•
HCC’s program Exporting Houston Community College was selected as one of
the 10 Bellwether Award Finalists in the Workforce Development category. As a
Bellwether Finalist, HCC’s program will be presented at the Futures Assembly in
January. The 2011 Bellwether Award Winners will be announced at the Closing
Session & Bellwether Awards Luncheon on February 1, 2011.
(Mrs. Sane stepped out at 4:48 p.m. and returned at 4:49 p.m.)
•
As a signatory of the American College and University Presidents’ Climate
Commitment, HCC will formally implement a recycling program that is part of the
Cost Savings initiative. As part of the Phase 1 rollout, implementation of the
program will begin at 3100 Main, HCC Northline and HCC Alief Hayes Road.
•
HCC’s new interactive academic dashboard was demonstrated several weeks
ago at the Board’s Academic Affairs Committee meeting. The dashboard is now
live on the webpage at “About HCC” and has received national recognition. SYSCON had an article featuring the dashboard and Computer World interviewed Bill
Carter and Dr. Martha Oburn for a feature article in next month’s issue.
•
Congratulations to Robert Sims, Director of the HCC Corrections Education and
the entire Team on the successful program reaccreditation and for accomplishing
100% of the required standards set by the Correctional Education Association
(CEA) for reaccreditation. This is the third time the program has met the rigorous
standards set forth by the CEA, which includes reviewing the program’s
curriculum, faculty, classrooms and the facilities at the Harris County Sheriff's
Office. In February 2004, HCC became the first community college in the nation
to have an accredited Correctional Education Program in a county jail setting.
•
The total cost savings from 2007 - 2010 is $9.7 million and the one-time revenue
effort for the same period $72,000,276. The initiative is an in-house, hands-on
program run and monitored by the Chancellor’s Cabinet.
(Mrs. Flores arrived at 4:51 p.m.)
•
The Foundation received a gift of $20,000 from the Institute of Mexicans Abroad
and the University of California Binational Education Initiative. The funds will be
awarded as scholarships to high-achieving low-income HCC students of Mexican
origin. HCC is one of 34 recipients from across the United States, one of only
four recipients in Texas, and the only recipient in Houston.
•
The PR People Awards, which celebrate annually the innovators who are making
communications matter in the marketplace, honor top individuals across
categories ranging from Account Supervisor of the Year and Social Media
Houston Community College
Regular Meeting – December 2, 2010 – Page 4
Leader to Measurement Expert/PR Analyst of the Year. Dan Arguijo, HCC Chief
Communications Officer, was one of three finalists for the PR Professional of the
Year, Academic Division. Houston Community College was the only community
college finalist among several four-year universities and national companies such
as Coca Cola, Pizza Hut, and GE Corporate.
•
Fall 2010 unduplicated headcount is currently 72,300 as of November 2010,
which represents an increase of 6.5% over the Fall 2009 enrollment. Distance
Education is up 20.3%) and Continuing Education is up 6.5% while Dual Credit is
flat. If enrollment continues at the current pace, the final Fall 2010 enrollment
should be over 74,000.
•
Larry Kellner, former CEO of Continental Airlines will speak on organizational
change and creating a culture of excellence at the Executive Leadership Institute
Speakers Series on Friday, December 17, 2010.
Dr. Spangler acknowledged Dr. Williams and expressed gratitude for his board
leadership and the opportunity to work with him.
FACULTY SENATE
Dr. Alan Ainsworth, President, Faculty Senate, extended an invitation to the faculty
conference on Saturday, February 26, 2011 at the Downtown Doubletree hotel. Dr.
Ainsworth thanked Dr. Williams for his leadership and expressed that the faculty looks
forward to working with the new Chair in the New Year.
CONSENT AGENDA
Motion – Mr. Schechter moved and Mrs. Perez seconded to approve the following
consent agenda items:
•
Approve Northwest College Chinese Study Tour
•
Approve Full Service Bookstore Retail Services
•
Approve Expanded Definition of Academic Freedom in Board Policy
•
Approve Creation of an Institutional Review Board and Process
•
Approve Revision of Policy on Intellectual Property
•
Approve Board Expense and Travel Reimbursement Policy
•
Approve Revisions to Human Resources Policy
•
Approve Proposed 82nd Legislative Session Legislative Priorities
•
Approve Amendment to Board Meeting Days
•
Approve Construction Inspection Services (Project #11-08)
•
Approve Renewal of Utilities Brokerage Service Contract
Houston Community College
Regular Meeting – December 2, 2010 – Page 5
•
Approve Method of Project Delivery for 3601 Fannin Building Renovation
(Central College) and Central Plant Tie-In (Southeast College)
•
Approve Depository Bank Services (Project #10-36)
•
Approve Investment Report for the Month of September 2010
Vote – The motion passed with a vote of 9-0
Dr. Williams acknowledged that the following individuals were celebrating birthdays in
the month of December:
•
Dr. Mary Spangler – December 16, 2010
•
Dr. Michael P. Williams - December 18, 2010
•
Trustee Christopher Oliver – December 31, 2010
ADJOURNED TO CLOSED SESSION
Dr. Williams adjourned the meeting to Executive Session at 5:06 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
or decision on any item discussed in Executive Session would be taken up in Open
Session or in a subsequent Public Meeting.
Dr. Williams reconvened the meeting in Open Session at 6:44 p.m. and entertained
motions on pending matters.
(Present: Trustees Austin, Loredo, Mullins, Oliver, Perez, Sane, Schechter, and
Williams)
Dr. Williams informed that one of the scholarship recipients of the Dr. Michael P.
Williams Scholarship was in attendance of the meeting earlier, however had to leave.
He noted that scholarships were presented to Tamika Louise and Cheston Oliver.
(Mr. Schechter arrived at 6:45 p.m.)
APPROVE ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT FOR FISCAL YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31,
2010
Motion – Oliver moved and Mr. Schechter seconded.
Ms.Leslie Berardo with Gainer, Donnelly, & Desroches, LLP apprised that the System
received and unqualified opinion which means that the statements are clean and are
stated within the guidelines of the General Acceptance Auditing Standards (GAAS).
Ms. Berardo informed that there was an increase of the net assets. She noted that the
American Recovery Reinvestment Act funds awarded were required to be included in
the single audit and noted there were no findings regarding these funds.
Houston Community College
Regular Meeting – December 2, 2010 – Page 6
Mr. Schechter inquired if there was review of internal controls. Ms. Berardo informed
that controls were reviewed; however, not every control was reviewed.
Mr. Schechter inquired about the student funds and grants and asked if those areas
were reviewed. Ms. Leslie informed that those were one of the areas audited and there
were no issues.
Vote – Passed with vote 8-0.
APPROVE REVISIONS TO FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION POLICY
Motion – Mr. Schechter moved and Mr. Oliver seconded.
Mr. Schechter requested to amend the motion regarding change orders as listed on
page 33. He requested to retain current policy that any contract over $100,000 should
be approved by the Board.
Amendment – Mr. Schechter moved and Mr. Austin seconded to amend the policy to
state that any change order in excess of the Chancellor’s signature authority shall be
approved by the Board prior to executing any changes to plans, constructions, or costs.
The motion passed with vote 8-0.
Vote – The motion passed with vote of 8-0.
APPROVE REVISIONS TO BOARD GOVERNANCE POLICY
Motion – Mr. Schechter moved and Mrs. Sane seconded.
Mrs. Sane referenced the session regarding the proposed changes relating to request
for information by a Trustee and noted that she confers with Dr. Spangler’s
recommendation that she would assess the request and determine how the request
should be handled. Dr. Spangler noted that the language was recommended in
discussing with Board Chair and Board Counsel.
Dr. Williams informed that the purpose is that once requests are made and
administration feels that the matter is a fishing expedition, the requests should be
forwarded to the Board Chair to prevent from placing the Chancellor in a position of not
releasing the information.
Mrs. Perez informed that the requests will go to the Board Chair and the Board will have
the option to decline receiving the information.
Mr. Austin noted that the committee discussed what is considered a reasonable
request.
Dr. Williams informed that all information available to Trustees will eventually be
available to the public.
Houston Community College
Regular Meeting – December 2, 2010 – Page 7
Mr. Hollingsworth informed that the policy does not restrict the ability of the public or
Trustees from receiving the information.
Vote – The motion passed with vote of 8-0.
APPROVE REVISIONS TO STUDENT SERVICES POLICY
Motion – Mr. Schechter moved and Mrs. Perez seconded.
Mr. Schechter inquired of the current maximum amount of $12.00 to be collected for
fees. Dr. Pino apprised that the cap is $12.00.
Vote – The motion passed with vote of 8-0.
APPROVE REVISIONS TO BOARD BYLAWS
Motion – Mrs. Sane moved and Mr. Schechter seconded.
Mrs. Sane requested additional information regarding conflict of interest. Mr.
Hollingsworth informed that the SACS requires that the Board has a Code of Conduct
and noted that the information was already included; however, all items were not listed.
Vote – The motion passed with a vote of 8-0.
APPROVE REAL ESTATE TRANSACTION LOCATED AT OR NEAR ROSALIE AND
MAIN STREET
Motion – Mr. Schechter moved and Mrs. Sane seconded.
Ms. Mullins requested specifics regarding the utilization of the property. Dr. Tyler
advised that the primary purchase of the building is to provide space for power
generation.
Mr. Oliver conferred with counsel and Dr. Tyler and informed that he is comfortable with
the item.
Dr. Tyler apprised that negotiations have taken place.
Mr. Schechter withdrew the original motion and Mrs. Sane the second.
Motion – Mr. Schechter moved and Ms. Mullins to approve the purchase as negotiated
by the administration. The motion passed with a vote of 8-0.
APPROVE PROPOSED SETTLEMENT BETWEEN JAMES DOBBINS AND HCC
Motion – Mr. Schechter moved and Mr. Austin seconded to approve up to the amount
discussed in closed session. The motion passed with a vote of 8-0.
APPROVE REFUNDING EXISTING JR. LIEN REVENUE DEBT
Motion – Mr. Schechter moved and Mrs. Perez seconded. The motion passed with vote
of 8-0.
Houston Community College
Regular Meeting – December 2, 2010 – Page 8
TOPIC FOR DISCUSSION AND/OR ACTION:
FINANCING OPTIONS FOR SAN JACINTO BUILDING RENOVATION
Motion – Mr. Oliver moved and Mr. Schechter seconded. The motion passed with vote
of 8-0.
AMEND CONTRACT WITH COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF QATAR
Dr. Spangler apprised that the item is presented to inform the Board of the need to
amend the contract with Qatar.
Ms. Mullins asked if discussions regarding the usage of funds will take place. Dr.
Spangler informed that there will need to be discussions regarding the best usage to the
community.
Mr. Austin asked if the item will be another budget item in terms of resources and how
they are expended similar to allocation of other resources of the college. Dr. Spangler
informed that the funds generated will be viewed as investment money.
Mr. Austin noted that when allocation of resources is discussed regardless of the
funding, it should all be decided by the Board.
Mr. Oliver associated with Mr. Austin and informed that a monthly report will assist in
keeping the Board informed.
Dr. Williams noted that a report on all global initiatives should be provided to the Board.
Ms. Loredo inquired if the additional twenty-two faculties will be from within HCC. Dr.
Spangler noted that anyone could apply. Ms. Loredo informed that her inquiry was to
make certain there are no vacancies within the HCC staff.
FINANCIAL REPORT FOR MONTH OF OCTOBER 2010
Motion – Mr. Schechter moved and Mr. Oliver seconded.
Dr. Tyler noted that despite some challenges and possible cuts from State Legislature,
the financials remain stable. He noted that the reduction by the State was anticipated
and noted that a decision was made by State to reduce funding by fifty percent.
Mr. Austin asked which percentage of higher education students are attending
community colleges and if a white paper has been developed similar to closing the gap.
Dr. Tyler informed that the percentage is more than fifty percent.
Vote – The motion passed with a vote of 8-0.
REVIEW CHANCELLOR’S CONTRACT
Motion - Mr. Schechter moved and Mrs. Perez seconded to extend the Chancellor’s
contract until March 4, 2013. The motion passed with a vote of 7-0.
Houston Community College
Regular Meeting – December 2, 2010 – Page 9
PERSONNEL AGENDA FOR NOVEMBER 2010
Motion – Mr. Oliver moved and Mrs. Perez seconded. The motion passed with vote of
8-0.
The Board concluded to consider the following items jointly:
•
Approve Payment to J’s Quality Construction, Inc for Professional Services
Rendered
•
Approve Payment to Fort Bend Mechanical for Professional Services Rendered
(Mr. Oliver recused himself from voting on the matters and left at 7:33 p.m.)
Mr. Hollingsworth apprised that Bracewell and Giuliani provided a written opinion on the
matter and recommended approval of the items.
Motion – Mr. Schechter moved and Ms. Mullins seconded. The motion passed with a
vote of 7-0.
ADJOURNMENT
With no further business coming before the Board, the meeting adjourned at 7:38 p.m.
Minutes recorded, transcribed & submitted by:
Sharon Wright, Manager, Board Services
Minutes Approved as Submitted: