MEETING OF THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
HOUSTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE
January 13, 2011
Minutes
The Board of Trustees of Houston Community College met as a Committee of the
Whole on Thursday, January 13, 2011, at the HCC Administration Building, 2nd Floor,
3100 Main in Seminar Room A, Houston, Texas.
COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT
Richard M. Schechter, Chair
Mary Ann Perez, Vice Chair
Bruce Austin
Sandie Mullins
Christopher W. Oliver
Neeta Sane
Dr. Michael P. Williams
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
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
Jarvis Hollingsworth, System Counsel, Bracewell & Giuliani
James Fox, Fox Lawson and Associates
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
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Committee of the Whole – January 13, 2011 - Page 2
CALL TO ORDER
Mr. Schechter, Chair, called the meeting to order at 4:07 p.m. and declared the Board
convened to consider matters pertaining to Houston Community College as listed on
the duly posted Meeting Notice.
3200 MAIN STREET PARKING GARAGE BUILD-OUT
Motion – Dr. Williams moved and Mr. Oliver seconded.
Dr. Tyler apprised that the build-out is a part of the projects approved by the Board
last year. He noted that the project would allow for expansion of the police and
student services departments. He noted that the expansion will provide more space
for 3100 Main.
Mrs. Sane asked if the project is a part of the deferred maintenance projects
approved and asked if there is a list of projects approved by the Board. Dr. Tyler
noted that the project is a part of the deferred maintenance and noted that the other
projects will be provided once the bids are finalized.
Vote – The motion passed with a vote of 7-0.
Mr. Austin asked if there has been consideration of a nominal fee for the parking
garage that could be contributed to a sinking fund to be used to provide parking on
some of the other campuses.
Dr. Williams inquired of the type of parking contract with the tenants. Dr. Tyler
apprised that parking spaces are included as a part of the lease fee.
Mr. Oliver also inquired if the tenant fee in place is a sinking fund. Dr. Tyler apprised
that the lease contributions assist with expense of the building and maintenance.
Mr. Austin requested that the concept of charging a fee be considered as well as the
concept of an agreement with a parking company. Dr. Tyler apprised that a report
item is on the agenda that will cover some of the issues under discussion.
Dr. Williams informed that consideration should be given to special event parking
given that the garage is on the rail line.
Mr. Schechter asked that administration review possible options and provide a report
to the Board.
2ME MULTI-DEFINITION PRODUCTION SWITCHER (PROJECT #11-14)
Motion – Dr. Williams moved and Mr. Oliver seconded.
Dr. Seymour apprised that the current equipment needs replacing in order to continue
the operation of HCCTV.
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Committee of the Whole – January 13, 2011 - Page 3
Mr. Austin asked if there are possibilities of getting sponsorships for advertising on
the station. Dan Arguijo apprised that there has been discussion regarding
sponsorships.
Vote – The motion passed with vote of 7-0.
POWER GENERATION-PHOTOVOLTAIC WIND AND HYDRAULICS EQUIPMENT
Motion – Mr. Austin moved and Dr. Williams seconded. The motion passed with a
vote of 7-0.
PAYMENT TO BRACEWELL & GIULIANI FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Motion – Mrs. Sane moved and Mrs. Perez seconded. The motion passed with a vote
of 7-0.
INVESTMENT REPORT FOR OCTOBER 2010
Motion – Dr. Williams moved and Mr. Oliver seconded. The motion passed with a
vote of 7-0.
MONTHLY FINANCE REPORT FOR DECEMBER 2010
Motion – Dr. Williams moved and Mrs. Perez seconded.
Dr. Tyler apprised that financial status continues to comply with the Board’s policy
regarding the reserve and informed that the current reserve is 12%.
Dr. Tyler apprised that the monthly financial reports will be provided as quickly as
possible; however, with the change in the meeting dates, there may be some difficulty
in getting the financial statement out for the Board’s review prior to the meeting.
Vote – The motion passed with a vote of 7-0.
RESOLUTION ACCEPTING THE COLLEGE COMPLETION CHALLENGE (A CALL
TO ACTION)
Motion – Mrs. Perez moved and Mr. Oliver seconded.
Dr. Spangler apprised that the action is a follow up to the American Graduation
initiative set in action by the President of the United States. She informed that the
resolution shows that the college supports the actions of the initiative.
Mr. Oliver inquired if funding will be made available in support of the initiative. Dr.
Spangler informed that the college would seek to secure any available funds.
Mr. Schechter informed that the completion challenge is a radical change and noted
that the initiative is an issue that should be reviewed from a Board perspective as an
academic issue that should be explored in more details. He noted that he would pass
the initiative to the Academic committee for more exploration and updates.
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Committee of the Whole – January 13, 2011 - Page 4
Ms. Mullins noted that the efforts should also be for students leave HCC better than
they were when they came.
Vote – The motion passed with a vote of 7-0.
REPORT ON REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP) FOR EXCESS LAND WITH
PUBLIC AND PUBLIC/PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS
Dr. Spangler noted that the item is an innovative entrepreneurial effort that the
college is considering to engage.
Mrs. Sane informed that the participants in the workforce summits have expressed
interest in working with the college. She noted that there is compiled data regarding
the interest of the community leaders.
Dr. Tyler informed that the proposal emerged from discussion with the community. He
noted that the project would require an RFP to identify the best project and best value
to the college. He requested that the Board review the material and provide input.
Dr. Tyler informed that the goal is to put the item out for bid by January 16, 2011. He
noted that the project would be for public/private partnerships as well as public/public
partnerships. He noted that although revenue generation is important, how the project
fits the mission of the college will also be essential.
Mr. Oliver noted that the proposal appears to be no different from a lease purchase
opportunity and noted that the college must be cognizant of public/private
partnerships.
Mrs. Perez associated with Mr. Oliver and noted that the item needs more time for
the Board review.
Dr. Williams noted that the Board must decide what type of projects are beneficial to
the college.
Mrs. Sane noted that there is a legal aspect to consider and noted that it seems there
is a nationwide call for such projects. She inquired if the proposal is to invite the
potential partners for review by the college or to provide an exploration of
opportunities. Dr. Tyler noted that this is the purpose of the proposal.
Mr. Austin mentioned that prior proper planning prevents pitiful poor performance. He
noted that this project now includes reaching out for assistance and noted that the
Board should have a continuous discussion on strategic planning, which will allow
evaluation of the projects with planning as the guide. He noted that the Board needs
a permanent structure to strategic planning.
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Committee of the Whole – January 13, 2011 - Page 5
Dr. Williams noted that since the proposal is new to the college, he is certain that
administration will provide examples of successful projects engaged by other
community colleges.
(Mr. Oliver stepped out at 5:00 p.m.)
Mr. Schechter inquired if the land in the proposal is exclusive of land that would be
needed should the college go out for future bonds. Dr. Tyler informed that the land is
exclusive and noted that there would be a presentation of projects.
(Mr. Oliver returned at 5:01 p.m.)
Mr. Schechter inquired if the process was for actively engaging partnerships. Dr.
Tyler informed that the purpose of the RFP would allow for review of possible
partnership opportunities.
Mrs. Sane informed that there have been discussions with potential partners that
provided input from the community with results showing that there is an interest in
partnerships.
Dr. Williams informed that the initiative should be developed from the top down and
noted that although the proposal presented is acceptable, a workforce effort is
needed throughout the college.
Dr. Tyler noted that he would like to provide an opportunity for input from the Board to
engage in discussions with constituents for a positive response to the RFP.
Mr. Schechter mentioned that he is unclear why there has to be an RFP as opposed
to just meeting with potential partners. Dr. Spangler noted that Dr. Tyler apprised that
the mission is to avoid selecting potential partners but allowing the interested
partners to come to the college.
Dr. Williams noted that Dr. Tyler presented the opportunity to partners relating to
possible land development; however, there is also a need to collaborate with entities
and businesses for training opportunities.
HCC MARKET PAY ANALYSIS
Dr. Tyler informed that Dr. James Fox with Fox Lawson and Associates completed
the compensation analysis for HCC.
(Dr. Williams stepped out at 5:20 p.m.)
Willie Williams informed that Fox Lawson was engaged to review the college’s
compensation and noted that Dr. Fox was present to provide an overview of the
methodology as well as the findings and recommendations.
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Committee of the Whole – January 13, 2011 - Page 6
(Ms. Mullins stepped out at 5:21 p.m.)
Dr. Fox noted that the college has five groups of jobs and apprised that the college is
very close to the markets. He noted that there were some jobs that are below the
market but informed that action has been taken to bring those jobs up to the market.
(Ms. Mullins returned at 5:25 p.m.)
(Dr. Williams returned at 5:25 p.m.)
Dr. Fox noted that there is a recommendation to align the pay for those jobs below
the market with market pay.
FINANCIAL AND BUDGET OVERVIEW
Dr. Tyler provided an update regarding the budget status. He noted that a budget
workshop will be scheduled with the Board for review of the budget year for the next
biennium budget.
Dr. Tyler informed that the state allocation will be reduced again and the college will
probably only receive approximately $65.1 million; however, the tax collection is
currently $5 million ahead of previous tax collections.
Mr. Oliver asked that there is an itemization of other local revenues. Dr. Tyler
informed that a short list will be provided.
Dr. Tyler noted that based on a report from Dr. Seymour, the college has surpassed
the $200 million mark for financial aid. He noted that the report also depicts that the
college has increased its tuition and fees.
Mr. Schechter informed that a sub-committee would be appointed to work with
administration regarding the budget. He noted that this would provide an on-going
relationship and discussion with administration regarding budget issues.
Dr. Spangler apprised that a draft of the annual report was provided to the Board and
informed that any suggestions could be forwarded to her prior to printing.
Dr. Tyler provided draft resolutions for review by the Board regarding the
maintenance tax notes and junior lien bonds. He informed that the resolutions would
be on the agenda for approval at the regular meeting.
ADJOURNED TO CLOSED SESSION
Mr. Schechter adjourned the meeting to Executive Session at 5:38 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.
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Committee of the Whole – January 13, 2011 - Page 7
Mr. Schechter reconvened the meeting in Open Session at 6:36 p.m. and entertained
motions on pending matters.
(Present: Trustees Austin, Mullins, Oliver, Perez, Schechter, and Williams)
ADJOURNMENT
With no further business, the meeting adjourned at 6:36 p.m.
Recorded and Submitted by:
Sharon R. Wright, Manager, Board Services
Minutes Approved: