REGULAR MEETING
OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
HOUSTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE
August 18, 2011
Minutes
The Board of Trustees of Houston Community College held a Regular Meeting on
Thursday, August 18, 2011 at the HCC Administration Building, Second Floor
Auditorium, 3100 Main, Houston, Texas.
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT
Richard Schechter, Chair
Mary Ann Perez, Vice Chair
Eva Loredo, Secretary
Bruce A. Austin
Sandie Mullins
Christopher Oliver
Neeta Sane
Dr. Michael P. Williams
ADMINISTRATION
Mary Spangler, Chancellor
Art Tyler, Deputy Chancellor/COO
Renee Byas, General Counsel
Doretha Eason, Executive Assistant to the Chancellor
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
Remmele Young, Executive Director, Government Relations
Kelly Zuniga, Executive Director, HCC Foundation
OTHERS PRESENT
Jarvis Hollingsworth, System Counsel, Bracewell & Giuliani
Alan Ainsworth, President, Faculty Senate
Lisa Eason, President Elect, COPA
Other administrators, citizens and representatives from the news media
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CALL TO ORDER
Mr. Schechter, Chair, called the meeting to order at 4:10 p.m. and declared the Board
convened to consider matters pertaining to Houston Community College as listed on the
duly posted Meeting Notice.
PRAYER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Dr. Michael P. Williams led the prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
AWARDS AND PRESENTATIONS
A. Recognition of Harriet and Joe Foster Scholarship Program
Motion – Dr. Williams moved and Mr. Austin seconded to approve the resolution
honoring the Fosters. The motion passed with a vote of 7-0.
(Mr. Oliver arrived at 4:14 p.m.)
B. Presentation by Ms. Catherine Mosbacher, CEO, Center of Houston’s Future
ADJOURNED TO CLOSED SESSION
Mr. Schechter adjourned the meeting to Executive Session at 4:38 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. Mr. Schechter 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.
Mr. Schechter reconvened the meeting in Open Session at 4:48 p.m. and entertained
motions on pending matters.
(Present: Trustees Austin, Loredo, Mullins, Oliver, Perez, Schechter, Sane and
Williams)
RESCIND ACTION TAKEN AT MAY 19, 2011 REGULAR BOARD MEETING
Motion – Mr. Schechter moved to rescind the action taken at the May 19, 2011 Regular
Board meeting regarding acquisition of 21.86 acre tract of land in District VI. Mr. Oliver
seconded. The motion passed with a vote of 8-0.
APPROVE PURCHASE OF 21.86 ACRE TRACT ON WESTHEIMER ROAD NEAR
ELDRIDGE
Motion – Mr. Schechter moved and Dr. Williams seconded to approve the purchase of
21.86 acre tract located on the north side of Westheimer Road between Eldridge
Parkway and Highway 6 for Houston Community College’s public purposes for a
purchase price in an amount not to exceed $8,300,000.00 based on the appraisal
conducted by an independent appraiser, CB Richard Ellis, and that the administration
use non-debt dollars in the general unrestricted funds for the purchase, and authorize
the Chancellor or her designee to take any and all further action necessary to close the
transaction, including negotiating and executing a purchase and sale contract,
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Regular Meeting – August 18, 2011 – Page 3
proceeding with due diligence on the property, and executing any other documents for
the transaction and closing.
Mr. Schechter informed that this is approving the purchase only and that no intent to
build a campus exists.
Mr. Schechter asked Mr. Pat Pollan with Pollan & Hausman, Mr. Phillip Saddler with
CBRE, and Mrs. Maureen Singleton with Thompson & Horton to address how the value
for the property was determined.
Mr. Schechter asked Mr. Saddler if there is a professional organization or professional
standard set forth how an appraiser should go about appraising a property. Mr. Saddler
informed that there the USPAP (Uniform Standard of Professional Appraiser Practices)
and noted it is actually a standard established not only for real property appraisal but
also for personal property appraisal. He noted that as a member of the appraisal
institute, CBRE always follows the USPAP standards. He noted that the USPAP
standards are accepted by federal government and by all the banking institutions.
Mr. Schechter asked Mr. Saddler if those particular practices, procedures, and
standards were followed in conducting the appraisal on this property. Mr. Saddler
acknowledged that USAP Standards were followed.
Mr. Schechter also inquired of an explanation as to why the Harris County appraised
value was less than the approved purchase price. Mr. Saddler elaborated that there are
several factors are involved in the appraisal process and provided an explanation,
which also included a note that the property has an agriculture exemption, which
significantly lower taxes paid.
Mrs. Singleton noted that the property is not evaluated annually because it has been
family owned, so the appraisal has not been updated.
Mr. Schechter asked how the process would work if asked to condemn the property.
Mrs. Singleton informed that there is a specific procedure in the Texas Property Code
regarding condemnation. She noted that the first thing one would have to do is get an
appraisal like HCC engaged and present it to the property owner. She noted that you
cannot present the tax appraisal as the appraisal to the property owner because it is
inadmissible hear-say in a condemnation hearing.
Mr. Schechter inquired if the value has declined or increased in respect to the location
of the property. Mr. Pollan informed that the population in the area has more than
increased and referred to Mr. Saddler to elaborate on the property value. Mr. Saddler
informed that continuous redevelopment of areas of vacant and older properties
demonstrate increasing values.
Mr. Schechter inquired with Dr. Tyler as to why he chose CB Richard Ellis and the
source of funds for purchasing the property. Dr. Tyler informed that we have used them
in the past for other purchases and appraisals; they are a national known firm; their
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Regular Meeting – August 18, 2011 – Page 4
quality have been consistently higher in terms of their appraisal reports; and they are a
recognized leader in their industry.
Dr. Tyler informed that the property would be purchased out of the general unrestricted
funds.
Mr. Schechter asked if Mr. Wallace evaluated rather the land can be purchased from
the general revenue unrestricted funds. Mr. Wallace stated that based on what he is
aware of the college could. Mr. Schechter asked if that would be a legal action. Mr.
Wallace stated it would.
Mrs. Singleton informed based on her review, the purchase price is fair market value for
the property.
Vote – The motion passed with a vote of 8-0.
PROPOSED OPERATING BUDGET (UNRESTRICTED FUNDS) FOR 2011-2012
Motion – Mr. Schechter moved and Mr. Oliver seconded to approve the proposed
operating budget (unrestricted funds) for 2011-2012, including ratifying and approval of
the Resolution Approving Houston Community College Maintenance Tax Notes, Series
2011 and Order Approving Houston Community College General Obligation Refunding
Bonds, Series 2011. The motion passed with a vote of 8-0.
Dr. Williams inquired if the Board previously adopted the procedure to receive
recommendation from Bond Counsel in writing. He noted that the process of receiving
opinion from Bond Counsel should be consistent. Mr. Wallace informed that Counsel
would submit the recommendation in writing.
PROPOSED OPERATNG (RESTRICTED FUNDS) FOR 2011-2012
Motion - Mr. Oliver moved and Dr. Williams seconded.
Dr. Tyler informed that the unrestricted budget provides the most latitude regarding
utilization of funds; however, the restricted budget, which covers such funds as financial
aid and grant funds are designated and their use, is restricted.
Vote – The motion passed with vote of 8-0.
REMAINING CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS
Dr. Williams moved and Ms. Mullins seconded to approve. The motion passed with vote
of 8-0. The following items were approved:
•
MOU Between HCC and HISD for Operation of a South Early College High
School
•
Revision of Board Policy on Intellectual Property
•
Acceptance of Gifts and Donations
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Regular Meeting – August 18, 2011 – Page 5
•
Parking Lot Improvements Central Campus (Project No. 11-26)
•
Northline Parking Infrastructure Improvements Northline Campus (Project No.
11-35)
AWARDS AND PRESENTATIONS CONTINUED
Dr. Spangler announced that all senior-level executives— presidents, vice chancellors,
and deputy chancellor joined together 100% (15 strong) to pledge voluntarily our
modest contractual raises (1.6%) totaling $33,241 to the HCC Foundation and create an
Executive Challenge Fund that will be used for awards for needy students for whom the
increased tuition and fees make college attendance an inaccessible burden.
FACULTY SENATE REPORT
Dr. Alan Ainsworth expressed appreciation to the Board and Administration for their
efforts to resolve the budget issues without laying off faculty. He provided an overview
of the accomplishments during the year and apprised that his term as Faculty Senate
President has ended. He acknowledged that in honor of the 40th Anniversary, a plaque
in recognition of the past Faculty Senate Presidents will be placed on the 11th Floor
near the Faculty Senate office.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Approval of Minutes from Academic Affairs/Student Services Committee Meeting of
June 9, 2011, Board Governance Committee Meeting of June 9, 2011, Committee of
the Whole Meeting of June 9, 2011, External Relations Committee Meeting of June 9,
2011, Budget Committee Meeting of June 16, 2011, Redistricting Committee Meeting of
June 16, 2011, Regular Meeting of June 16, 2011, and Facilities Committee Meeting of
June 21, 2011
Motion – Ms. Perez and Ms. Loredo seconded to approve the minutes. The motion
passed with a vote of 8-0.
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
Mr. Schechter acknowledged Trustee Neeta Sane on recognition by State of Texas
House of Representatives for her outstanding contributions in making quality education
accessible and affordable for students on behalf of the HCC and the people of Fort
Bend County.
Mr. Schechter expressed appreciation to Dr. Michael P. Williams for arranging a
meeting with the representatives at Rice University to allow Central Honor College
students the opportunity to have possible enrollment in Rice University.
CHANCELLOR’S REPORT
Dr. Spangler provided the following information and recognitions:
•
The summer, 2011 enrollment has been finalized at an increase of 3.9% over the
previous year. Currently, overall enrollment is up 40% over the same time from last
year. The major reason driving this increase is demand and the knowledge among
students that classes are filling.
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Regular Meeting – August 18, 2011 – Page 6
•
With the growth in enrollment in the west corridor of Houston, a strategic decision to
divide the responsibilities of the colleges in that region was made. Southwest
College's Alief Hayes and Bissonnet campuses are moving to President Zachary
Hodges at NW effective September 1. President Fena Garza continues to head the
Gulfton, Stafford, Missouri City and West Loop campuses. Both presidents and
college teams are working to ensure faculty and staff have the information and
resources needed to complete the transition and support students and services.
•
Over 2000 entries were received from faculty, staff, students and alumni to name the
HCC mascot. The selection committee chose the top five names: ELI, EDDIE, ORO,
SWOOP and ZOOM. Online voting opened this week on the HCC Alumni website to
select the final name. The winner will be announced at the HCC Pep Rally on
Wednesday, September 14th.
•
On August 3rd, 100 invited community leaders attended "A Conversation on College
and Community", a key part of our strategic planning information gathering event.
Participants were escorted through a gallery walk at West Loop and participated in
an exercise to immerse them in several issues before the dialogue began.
The information will be digested along with other input as we move to the next stage in
the strategic planning process. Thanks to everyone who participated and to the Board
Steering Committee, Trustees Austin, Sane, Mullins, and Schechter.
•
Leadership Houston—Dan Arguijo, Exec Director of Communications, will be a
member of this year’s Leadership Houston class.
•
Foundation Executive Director Dr. Kelly Zúñiga has been appointed to serve on the
national board of the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education. She is
one of only two community college representatives on this important national board
serving educational institutions and the advancement professionals who work on
their behalf.
•
16 Medical Assistant students and their instructors from Coleman College were in
the “Immunization Zone” at the HISD Back to School Fest at the Convention Center
assisting the Texas Children’s Pediatric group by giving over 80 children
immunizations and were responsible for patient education, screening, monitoring
and drawing medications.
•
HCC’s Corporate College has partnered with Chef Polo Becerra, La Camara
de Empresarios Latinos de Houston, and our Southeast Campus to offer a small
business management course in Spanish titled Curso de Capacitacion
de Empresarios (Business Owners Training Course). Twenty-five students
graduated with certificates and the knowledge and tools to develop a business plan,
a finance plan, and a marketing plan to better compete for bank financing through
Small Business Administration, conventional loans, and have the foundation to bid
on government contracts. HCC continues to reach out to all of Houston’s unique
business communities.
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Regular Meeting – August 18, 2011 – Page 7
•
Dr. Spangler announced that HCC is the official education partner of the Houston
Texans. The Texans have committed to support education and HCC through our
initiatives. This partnership includes the “HCC Smart Decision” to be televised
during games.
(Dr. Williams stepped out at 5:34 p.m.)
(Dr. Williams returned at 5:38 p.m.)
ORDER CALLING FOR TRUSTEE ELECTION TO BE HELD ON TUESDAY,
NOVEMBER 8, 2011; AND MAKING OTHER PROVISIONS RELATED TO THE
SUBJECT
Motion – Dr. Williams moved and Mr. Oliver seconded. The motion passed with a vote
8-0.
(Mr. Oliver stepped out at 5:43 p.m.)
INVESTMENT REPORTS FOR MAY 2011 AND JUNE 2011
Motion – Dr. Williams moved and Ms. Perez seconded. The motion passed with vote of
7-0.
(Oliver returned at 5:45 p.m.)
MONTHLY FINANCIAL REPORT FOR JULY 2011
Motion – Dr. Williams and Mr. Oliver seconded. The motion passed with a vote of 8-0.
HEARING OF THE CITIZENS
The following citizens requested to speak before the Board:
•
Daniel Arp
ADJOURNED TO CLOSED SESSION
Mr. Schechter adjourned the meeting to Executive Session at 5:54 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. Mr. Schechter 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.
Mr. Schechter reconvened the meeting in Open Session at 6:40 p.m. and entertained
motions on pending matters.
(Present: Trustees Austin, Mullins, Oliver, Perez, and Schechter)
ADJOURNMENT
With no further business coming before the Board, the meeting adjourned at 6:40 p.m.
Minutes recorded, transcribed & submitted by:
Houston Community College
Regular Meeting – August 18, 2011 – Page 8
Sharon Wright, Manager, Board Services
Minutes Approved as Submitted: