SPECIAL MEETING
OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
HOUSTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE
November 9, 2010
Minutes
The Board of Trustees of Houston Community College held a Special Meeting on
Tuesday, November 9, 2010, at the HCC Administration Building, 3100 Main, 2nd Floor,
Seminar Room A, Houston, Texas.
COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT
Dr. Michael P. Williams, Chair
Neeta Sane, Vice Chair
Sandie Mullins, Secretary
Bruce Austin
Eva Loredo
Mary Ann Perez
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
Willie Williams, Chief Human Resources Officer
OTHERS PRESENT
Kim James, System Counsel, Bracewell & Giuliani
Clarence Grier, Financial Advisor, RBC Capital
Karun Sreerama, Master Planner, ESPA
Alan Ainsworth, President, Faculty Senate
Other administrators, citizens and representatives from the news media
CALL TO ORDER
Mrs. Sane, Vice Chair, called the meeting to order at 10:30 a.m. and declared the Board convened to consider matters pertaining to Houston Community College as listed on the duly posted Meeting Notice.

Houston Community College
Special Meeting – November 9, 2010- Page 2
MASTER PLANNING WORKSHOP
Dr. Spangler apprised that the Master Planning workshop has been in the planning process for several months. She noted that each Trustee met with the Master Planner and a report has been provided for the Board’s review.
Dr. Tyler introduced Dr. Karun Sreerama with ESPA and informed that the Financial
Advisors are also present to review the financing options. He informed that the Master
Planner will provide an overview and then the Financial Advisors will provide a summary of the financing options available.
Dr. Sreerama informed that the focus is to provide a twenty-five year plan from 2010 through 2035. He informed that the agenda would consist of an overview of the process, which includes (1) data gathering, (2) analysis, (3) interpretation, (4) interactive, workshop, (5) recommendations, and (6) implementation plan.
Dr. Sreerama informed that the workshop would consist of a discussion with the
Trustees and college presidents with the opportunity to review the campuses. The information will be utilized to develop a list that will be published as the master plan. He noted that nothing discussed today will be considered final, as the plan is an ongoing development to enhance the institution.
Mr. Austin asked for the bases for the information provided. Dr. Sreerama informed that the information is based on the census.
(Dr. Williams arrived at 10:47 a.m.)
Dr. Sreerama informed that there are three drivers (1) demographics, (2) accessibility/transportation, and (3) origination of students (high school located in the district).
He noted that the curriculum attracts students and the location of the building, as well as, the look is second to the curriculum. Dr. Sreerama noted that students are willing to travel the distance to take classes at campus locations not near their residence. He noted that if the facility was not secure or if there was no public access, the students would not travel the distance to take the classes.
(Dr. Williams stepped out at 10:54 a.m. and returned at 10:55 a.m.)
(Mrs. Perez stepped out at 10:55 a.m. and returned at 10:56 a.m.)
Dr. Williams asked for the percentages and asked if the shift is significant. He noted that he would like to know what would cause a student to travel a distance to take the class.
Dr. Cook noted that the students could be taking on-line classes.

Houston Community College
Special Meeting – November 9, 2010- Page 3
Dr. Williams informed that he would be interested in reviewing the data. Dr. Harmon noted that one of the driving variances is that the student may work near a particular campus. Dr. Williams requested empirical data to support the need.
Mrs. Sane asked how the academic plan will be merged with the master plan. Dr.
Sreerama informed that the plan is strictly a facilities master plan and noted that no curriculum items will be included in the facilities portion; however, discussions will be conducted with Planning and Institutional Effectiveness.
Dr. Williams noted that the Board must reach a consensus as a clear and precise guiding philosophy. He noted that it is an opportunity for the community college to be significant catalyst in rural areas; however, a precise view must be taken as to where buildings will be placed. He noted that if curriculum is the driving force than the data must be provided to support case.
Mr. Austin informed that the Houston started late regarding community colleges and informed that there is opposition due to the confusion of what community colleges should be doing.
Dr. Sreerama informed that the Board has the responsibility to establish the philosophy.
Dr. Spangler informed that the guiding philosophy and the incorporation of all pieces must be identified. Dr. Williams informed that this will be the call for skillful leadership from administration and the Board. He noted that the decisions must be driven by data.
He mentioned that the Board must establish an on-going conversation to develop the philosophy.
Mr. Austin asked if consideration is given to the fact that there are many land locked areas in Houston. Dr. Sreerama informed that this will be considered.
Dr. Tyler informed that Mr. Austin’s inquiry centers on the expansion of current campuses.
Dr. Sreerama provided the college-wide recommendations. He noted that the presentation will be provided to the Board.
(Dr. Williams stepped out at 11:37 a.m. and returned at 11:40 a.m.)
The recommendations are as follows:
•
Optimize current facilities
•
Improve transit access
•
Integrate buildings and landscape to identify facilities as part of HCC
•
Utilize existing site to maximize capacity
•
Parking garages with adequate lighting and way finding signs
•
Green spaces, common area, recreation and athletic facilities
•
Implement maintenance programs

Houston Community College
Special Meeting – November 9, 2010- Page 4
•
Develop campuses
•
Secure college borders
•
Align strategic and facility plans
Dr. Williams informed that accessibility is imperative especially if it is assumed that everyone has access to transportation.
Mr. Austin informed that the college should possibly provide a report to the city council as well as METRO. He noted that public transportation becomes a pivotal issue.
The meeting recessed at 11:54 a.m. and reconvened at 12:38 p.m.
(Present: Trustees Austin, Loredo, Mullins, Perez, and Dr. Williams)
Mr. Clarence Grier provided a review of remaining short and long-term projects. He noted that the main key from Moodys was that the ratings are strong; however, any additional borrowing should be a dollar for dollar match. He noted that the goal is to maintain the AA ratings.
Mr. Grier provided a snapshot of the $80 million in projects and apprised that the goal is to focus on short/long-term projects. He noted that the Board is requested to provide guidance regarding the remaining short-term projects.
Dr. Tyler informed that a commitment is needed from the Board regarding the San
Jacinto building and informed that the city is seeking assurance that all the ADA code issues will be addressed. He also noted that Mr. Austin inquired regarding the project for Acres Home area and noted that this is outstanding from the last bond measure.
Dr. Williams requested a summary of the projects with need, cost, time frame, and financing options. He noted that decisions will need to be made as to how to address the issues.
Dr. Williams requested holding discussions with the rating agency to provide explanation of options. Mr. Grier informed that options are possible. Mr. Austin iterated that enrollment targets are needed in order to serve as a driver and consumer base. He noted that the bond will require selling the needed to the public.
Mr. Austin noted that a strategic initiative needs to be identified for the west area regarding competitors.
Mr. Grier mentioned that the PFC would be an excellent vehicle regarding the $44 million in new construction to avoid any possible downgrades with the revenue bonds.
Mr. Grier noted that the 2001 revenue bonds could be refunded. Dr. Tyler apprised that administration will provide a recommendation to the Board at the Committee of the
Whole.
Mr. Grier provided a summary of bond election tax rate impact.

Houston Community College
Special Meeting – November 9, 2010- Page 5
Mr. Austin noted that special care must be given to forming the case. He mentioned that there should be a strategic plan in place regarding the bond.
ADJOURNED TO CLOSED SESSION
Dr. Williams adjourned the meeting to Executive Session at 1:04 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 announced that the meeting officially adjourned due to the lost of quorum.
ADJOURNMENT
With no quorum, the meeting adjourned at 1:45 p.m.
Recorded by:
Sharon R. Wright, Manager, Board Services
Transcribed and submitted by:
Sharon Wright, Manager, Board Services
Minutes Approved: