MEETING OF THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
HOUSTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE
November 16, 2010
Minutes
The Board of Trustees of Houston Community College met as a Committee of the Whole
on Thursday, November 16, 2010, at the HCC Administration Building, 2nd Floor, 3100
Main in Seminar Room A, Houston, Texas.
COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT
Dr. Michael P. Williams, Board Chair
Neeta Sane, Vice Chair
Sandie Mullins, Secretary
Bruce Austin
Yolanda Navarro Flores
Eva Loredo
Richard Schechter
ADMINISTRATION
Mary S. 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
Cheryl Peters for William Harmon, President, Central College
Butch Herod for Zachary Hodges, President, Northwest
Irene Porcarello, President, Southeast College
Mike Edwards for Betty Young, President, Coleman College
Willie Williams, Chief Human Resources Officer
Remmele Young, Executive Director, Government Relations
OTHERS PRESENT
Kim James, Counsel, Bracewell & Giuliani
Alan Ainsworth, President, Faculty Senate
Clarence Grier, Financial Advisor, RBC Capital
Other administrators, citizens, and representatives
CALL TO ORDER
Dr. Williams called the meeting to order at 4:24 p.m. and declared the Committee
convened to consider matters pertaining to Houston Community College as listed on the
duly posted Meeting Notice.
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Committee of the Whole – November 16, 2010 - Page 2
CONSIDER AMENDMENT TO BOARD MEEETING DAYS
Motion – Mrs. Sane moved and Ms. Mullins seconded.
Dr. Spangler informed that the Board currently meets on the fourth Thursday, which
conflicts with the Coordinating Board monthly meetings. She noted that there are some
appropriations and legislature issues that may be addressed at the Coordinating Board
meetings and providing an opportunity for HCC presence.
Vote - Motion passed with vote of 6-0.
CONSTRUCTION INSPECTION SERVICES (PROJECT #11-08)
Motion – Mrs. Sane moved and Mr. Schechter seconded.
Dr. Tyler informed that administration is recommending a panel of five firms to provide
services from time-to-time.
Mr. Austin inquired if the list would be considered a master bidders list. Dr. Tyler noted
that the recommendation is to retain the firms for three years.
Ms. Loredo asked if the firms are local and if they have previous experience with HCC.
Dr. Tyler informed that they are local and the majority of the firms have worked with HCC.
Dr. Williams asked if the inquiries posed by Ms. Loredo should be provided to the Board
as a part of the normal presentation. Mr. Austin recommended that administration be
prepared to provide the information and not necessarily enclose with the item.
Mr. Schechter asked for the average inspection service cost. Reynaldo Pradia informed
that the average cost for inspection services is approximately $200,000.
Vote – The motion passed with vote of 6-0.
RENEWAL OF UTILITIES BROKERAGE SERVICE CONTRACT
Motion – Mr. Austin moved and Ms. Loredo seconded.
Dr. Tyler informed that McClain Energy Advisors have assisted the college in savings
regarding utilities. He noted that the expertise is not available in-house; however, the firm
is able to continue to identify savings for the college.
Vote – The motion passed with vote of 6-0.
METHOD OF PROJECT DELIVERY FOR 3601 FANNIN BUILIDING RENOVATION
(CENTRAL COLLEGE) AND CENTRAL PLANT TIE-IN (SOUTHEAST COLLEGE)
Motion – Mr. Austin moved and Ms. Loredo seconded.
Dr. Tyler apprised that a JOC has the capability to complete the project; however, the
amount is over the approved JOC amount. Dr. Tyler mentioned that the objective is to
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Committee of the Whole – November 16, 2010 - Page 3
complete the project to vacant the 811 Dallas building by the end of the year in order to
utilize the lease expense from 811 Dallas.
Mr. Schechter asked why the project did not go out to bid. Dr. Tyler informed that the
period for going out to bid would be longer than the period for opting from the lease at 811
Dallas.
Dr. Williams inquired about the process for JOC bidding. Mr. Pradia provided an overview
of the process for receiving bids from the JOC. He noted that the only way to make
certain the vendor remains within the estimated cost is based on the information provided
to the City of Houston.
Mrs. Sane asked why the existing JOC could not be utilized for the project. Dr. Tyler
informed that the recommendation is to use one of the approved JOCs; however, the
amount exceeds the limit approved by the Board.
Dr. Williams asked if Mr. Schechter’s general premises is to bid out the items. Mr.
Schechter informed that is his thought.
Mr. Pat Pollan informed that the property owner has informed that the lease expires
December 31, 2010 with no exceptions.
Ms. Loredo asked if there is a possibility for the cost to be more than the estimated cost.
Mr. Pradia informed that there is a possibility.
Mr. Austin informed that there should be latitude to make an exception; however, the
Board should make the decision.
(Mrs. Flores arrived at 4:43 p.m.)
Vote - The motion passed with vote of 6-0-1 with Mrs. Flores abstaining.
SHORT-TERM FINANCING OF PROJECTS
Motion – Mr. Austin moved and Mrs. Flores seconded.
Dr. Tyler referenced the attachment included with the action item and informed that
administration was asked to provide the project time-line, estimated cost and possible
funding mechanism. He apprised that the Board has the option of approving the
maintenance tax notes and informed that the item is not asking the Board to vote on a tax
rate, but to redistribute part of collected taxes. Dr. Tyler informed that the projects are
those that did not get full funding from the bond passed for CIP Projects. He noted that
the Board approval would allow the project plan to go to the city. Dr. Tyler informed that
the city will probably adopt the plan once Board support is confirmed via approval of the
item.
Mrs. Sane asked for the timeline requirements in regards to the city of Houston approval.
She also noted that the during the Master Plan presentation it was stated that the plan
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Committee of the Whole – November 16, 2010 - Page 4
was a project in progress and the residents would meet for discussion. She also iterated
that the financial advisors recommended borrowing no additional funds. She noted that
she did not get any information from the workshop that it was recommended to borrow
funds.
Dr. Williams informed that the Board has the option to approve or not approve. He noted
that there are some uncompleted projects and issues that must be addressed.
Mrs. Sane informed that she has not seen cost for future plans and informed that the
questions were provided to administration. She noted that it appears that the land
purchases will be made without a clear understanding of the usage for the properties.
Mr. Austin informed that the San Jacinto building was part of the projects under the bond.
He noted that the project was tabled in order to complete other projects; however, the
project needs to be completed.
Mrs. Flores informed that projection regarding the funding of projects was previously
requested from the Financial Advisors.
Dr. Williams informed that some of the information would be helpful for decisions making
regarding future bond measures. He noted that although he is not prepared to make a
decision today; it has to be discussed.
Mr. Schechter informed that there are nine projects listed and noted that the San Jacinto
project will need to be completed. He noted that the previous discussion of each project
was helpful.
Mr. Austin noted that HCC has been behind on purchasing land because of utilizing the
pay as you go process.
Mr. Schechter recommended discussing the issue at a workshop prior to the end of the
year. Dr. Williams noted that if the item is not discussed prior to the end of the year, it
should certainly be a priority for discussion in January 2011.
Mrs. Sane informed that a discussion was recently held during the Master Planning
workshop to meet with the presidents for input. She recommended waiting until the
discussion is completed with the presidents and Master Planner.
Dr. Williams informed that he does not see the necessity of holding off the discussion
because this would allow the Board to be prepared to make some definitive decisions.
Dr. Tyler informed that the San Jacinto Building Renovation is a priority issue for
discussion.
The Board concluded that a workshop should be held for further discussion.
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Committee of the Whole – November 16, 2010 - Page 5
REFUNDING EXISITING JR. LIEN REVENUE DEBT
Motion – Mrs. Flores moved and Ms. Loredo seconded.
Dr. Tyler informed that the Financial Advisors have apprised that refunding the bonds
would save the college approximately $300,000 annually.
Mr. Schechter inquired when the current 2001 bonds will mature. Mr. Clarence Grier
informed that the bonds mature in 2025 and noted that the action would not be extending
the maturity.
(Ms. Loredo stepped out at 5:22 p.m.)
Mr. Grier informed that the present time is not a good time to be in the market. He noted
that the market should be more acceptable at the first of the new year.
Dr. Tyler noted that the administration would like the authority to move forward at the
appropriate time.
Vote – Motion passed with vote of 6-0.
DEPOSITORY BANK SERVICES (PROJECT #10-36)
Motion - Ms. Mullins moved and Mrs. Sane seconded.
Mr. Defalco informed that the recommendation is to have a pool of banks given the
banking industry.
Vote – The motion passed with a vote of 6-0.
INVESTMENT REPORT FOR THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER 2010
Motion – Mrs. Flores moved and Mr. Austin seconded.
(Ms. Loredo returned at 5:29 p.m.)
Vote – The motion passed with vote of 7-0.
REPORT ON COST SAVINGS AND REVENUE GENERATING INITIATIVES (PHASE 3)
Dr. Spangler informed that the cost savings initiative is a part of the efforts to save money
and generate revenues. She noted that the savings for Phase 3 is approximately $1.4
million and total revenue is $1 million for the year. Dr. Spangler informed that Phase 4
will be discussed at the next cabinet meeting to select the top priorities.
REPORTS FROM APPOINTED AND AD HOC COMMITTEES
A.
Academic Affairs/ Student Services
Mr. Austin informed that the following items were discussed during the Academic
Affairs/Student Services Committee:
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Committee of the Whole – November 16, 2010 - Page 6
1. Overview of Chancellor’s Innovation Projects
2. Northwest College Chinese Study Tour
3. Status Report on Honors College Program (Central College)
4. Athletics Program Update
5. Technology Report
6. Community College Survey of Student Engagement (CCSSE)
7. Academic Dashboard Update
Mr. Schechter congratulated Dr. Peters on the success of the Honors College
program and recommended that the summary of the program be forwarded to
former HCC Trustee Jay Aiyer who was instrumental in getting the program
approved. He recommended that Dr. Peters get with Communications to publicize
the program success.
Mr. Austin recommended that the CCSSE Report be presented at the Regular
meeting scheduled for December 2, 2010. Dr. Williams also recommended that the
Academic Dashboard be presented at the regular meeting and noted that the
dashboard would be ideal regarding the financial material for the college.
B.
Audit
Mr. Austin informed that the Audit Committee received the Annual Financial Report
for Fiscal Year Ended August 31, 2010 from the external auditors and apprised that
the college received a clean unqualified audit. He noted that the auditors will present
at the Regular meeting scheduled for December 2, 2010.
C.
External Relations
Ms. Mullins informed that the External Relations Committee discussed the Proposed
82nd Legislative Session Legislative Priorities.
Remmele Young provided an overview of the five priorities representing the principal
items that will likely be faced in the legislature. He noted that the priorities include: 1)
appropriations, (2) employee benefits, (3) nursing, (4) securing state funds for the
purpose of mitigating the nursing shortage and (5) addressing concerns relating to
end-of-course exams.
Dr. Williams asked Mr. Young to provide the date for the Trustees’ visit to Capitol in
Austin. Mr. Young informed that the proposed date would be some time in January
2011.
Mr. Schechter noted that student textbook cost should be a priority as a means for
saving students money. Mr. Young informed that Mr. Austin has previously testified
on the item.
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Committee of the Whole – November 16, 2010 - Page 7
Mr. Paul Miller informed that there are thirty-seven new members elected in the
November 2010 election who will take office in January 2011 and noted that the time
frame for meeting visiting with legislators would be around January 24, 2011 through
February 2, 2011.
Mr. Miller informed that he would arrange meetings according to the date selected
by the Board.
Dr. Cook informed that HCC was featured on a webinar regarding textbooks due to
the college’s new request for proposal for the bookstore.
ADJOURNED TO CLOSED SESSION
Dr. Williams adjourned the meeting to Executive Session at 5:57 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 7:48 p.m. and entertained
motions on pending matters.
(Present: Trustees Austin, Loredo, Mullins, Schechter, and Williams)
Motion - Mr. Schechter moved and Ms. Loredo seconded to authorize payment of
outstanding invoices for work previously performed by Ft. Bend Mechanical and J’s
Quality Construction based on the advice received from Counsel. The motion passed with
a vote of 5-0.
Proposed Settlement Between James Dobbins and HCC
Motion – Mr. Austin moved and Ms. Mullins seconded to approve. The motion passed
with a vote of 5-0
Real Estate Transaction Located at or Near Rosalie and Main Street
Motion – Ms. Mullins moved and Loredo seconded. The motion passed with vote of 5-0.
ADJOURNMENT
With no further business, the meeting adjourned at 7:52 p.m.
Recorded by:
Sharon R. Wright, Manager, Board Services
Transcribed and submitted by:
Sharon Wright, Manager, Board Services
Minutes Approved: