MEETING OF THE
EXTERNAL RELATIONS COMMITTEE
OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
HOUSTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE
September 16, 2010
Minutes
The External Relations Committee of the Board of Trustees of Houston Community
College held a meeting on Thursday, September 16, 2010, at the HCC Administration
Building, 3100 Main, 2nd Floor, Seminar Room A, Houston, Texas.
COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT
Sandie Mullins, Committee Member
Eva Loredo, Committee Member
Richard Schechter
ADMINISTRATION
Mary Spangler, Chancellor
Art Tyler, Deputy Chancellor/COO
Renee Byas, General Counsel
Charles Cook, Vice Chancellor, Instruction
Daniel Seymour, Vice Chancellor, Planning and Institutional Effectiveness
Margaret Ford Fisher, President, Northeast College
Fena Garza, President, Southwest College
William Harmon, President, Central College
Willie Williams, Chief Human Resources Officer
Remmele Young, Executive Director, Office of Government Relations
OTHERS PRESENT
Jarvis Hollingsworth, Board Counsel, Bracewell & Giuliani
Alan Ainsworth, President, Faculty Senate
Michael Harris, Locke Lord Bissell & Liddell
Other administrators, citizens, and representatives of the news media
CALL TO ORDER
Ms. Mullins, Committee Chair, called the meeting to order at 1:15 p.m. and declared the
Committee convened to consider matters pertaining to Houston Community College as
listed on the duly posted Meeting Notice.
STATE GOVERNMENT RELATIONS SERVICES CONTRACT WITH LOCKE LORD
BISSELL & LIDDELL
Motion – Ms. Loredo moved and Ms. Mullins seconded.
Remmele Young apprised that nine firms responded to provide government relations and
noted that the firms sought to provide state and/or federal government relations services.
He noted that the process provided that five representatives from HCC college
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External Relations Committee – September 16, 2010 - Page 2
operations served as the evaluation team based on the criteria specified in the
solicitation documentation.
Mr. Young apprised that the recommendation regarding the term of the contract is a
year-to year term not to exceed three years with satisfactory performance.
Ms. Loredo asked if the firms who apprised that they could provide both federal and state
services were considered. Mr. Young apprised that the firms proposing to provide both
services did not accumulate the necessary numbers for consideration.
Mr. Young introduced Michael Harris with Locke Lord Bissell & Liddell to address any
concerns of the committee.
Ms. Mullins asked if there are any foreseen hot topics that the firm will be able to assist
the college. Mr. Harris apprised that state appropriations are always a hot item and noted
that the firm would review areas to assist the college.
Ms. Loredo asked if the Board would have an opportunity to provide input regarding
federal and state concerns for consideration. Mr. Young apprised that the administration
along with the External Relations committee would develop the policy agenda for both
state and federal levels.
Dr. Spangler apprised that there might be opportunities for the Board to testify before the
legislation. She noted that the Board Chair normally suggests who should attend on
behalf of the Board.
(Mr. Schechter arrived at 1:31 p.m. and stepped out at 1:32 p.m.)
Vote – The motion passed with a vote of 2-0.
FEDERAL GOVERNMENT RELATIONS SERVICES CONTRACT WITH BOYKINS
SCHNEIDER, JV
Motion –Ms. Loredo moved and Ms. Mullins seconded.
Mr. Young apprised that the same process was utilized as that of the State Government
Relations. He noted that the criteria was the same and apprised that Boykins Schneider
received the highest score.
Mr. Young apprised that Mary Schneider, a member of the Boykins Schneider team, was
present to address any concerns.
Ms. Loredo asked how well the firm did in representing the college last year. Ms.
Schneider informed that the college fared well considering the legislative issues in the
past year. She informed that Houston Community College is often mentioned in
discussions and informed that one line item has been appropriated but is waiting to be
signed off on as funded.
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External Relations Committee – September 16, 2010 - Page 3
Vote – The motion passed with a vote of 2-0.
ADJOURNMENT
With no further business, the meeting adjourned at 1:43 p.m.
Recorded by:
Sharon R. Wright, Manager, Board Services
Transcribed and submitted by:
Sharon Wright, Manager Board Services
Minutes Approved: