MEETING OF THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
HOUSTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE
November 10, 2011
Minutes
The Board of Trustees of Houston Community College met as a Committee of the
Whole on Thursday, November 10, 2011, at the HCC Administration Building, 2nd Floor,
3100 Main in Seminar Room A, Houston, Texas.
COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT
Richard Schechter, Chair
Mary Ann Perez, Vice Chair
Bruce Austin
Christopher W. Oliver
Sandie Mullins
Neeta Sane
Dr. Michael P. Williams
ADMINISTRATION
Mary S. Spangler, Chancellor
Art Tyler, Deputy Chancellor/COO
Renee Byas, General Counse
Shantay Grays, Interim Executive Assistant to the Chancellor
William Carter, Vice Chancellor, Information Technology
Charles Cook, Vice Chancellor, Instruction
Diana Pino, Vice Chancellor, Student Success
Daniel Seymour, Vice Chancellor, Planning and Institutional Effectiveness
Margaret Ford Fisher, President, Northeast College
Fena Garza, President, Southwest College
Zachary Hodges, President, Northwest College
Irene Porcarello, President, Southeast College
Michael Edwards for Betty Young, President, Coleman College
Willie Williams, Jr., Chief Human Resources Officer
Remmele Young, Executive Director, Government Relations and Sustainability
OTHERS PRESENT
Jarvis Hollingsworth, System Counsel, Bracewell & Giuliani
Thomas Urban, President, Faculty Senate
Lisa Eason, President, COPA
Other administrators, citizens and representatives from the news media
CALL TO ORDER
Mr. Schechter, Chair, called the meeting to order at 4:29 p.m. and declared the Board
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 10, 2011 - Page 2
Mr. Schechter congratulated Mr. Oliver on his successful re-election. Mr. Oliver thanked
everyone and noted it is good to be back. Mr. Schechter noted that Dr. Williams did not
run and that the Trustee Elect is Carroll G. Robinson. Mr. Oliver congratulated Mr.
Schechter on his return to the Board by being re-elected as well.
STAFFORD CAMPUS RENOVATIONS BUILDING B
Dr. Tyler noted that Building B has been long overdue for renovations. He apprised that
Miner-Dederick is the recommended vendor from the bidding process.
Mr. Schechter inquired what authority the Board has on this. Mr. Hollingsworth noted
that administration is obligated to negotiate with highest-ranking competitor and then go
down the list.
Mr. Oliver inquired if this was the lowest bidder. Dr. Tyler noted that price is a
component of the ranking order and the highest ranking represents the best overall
value.
Dr. Williams noted that he has some legal questions that will need to be discussed in
closed session and asked the Board to delay voting until all questions are answered. He
also asked Rogelio Anasagasti to provide the Board with evaluation criteria. Mr.
Anasagasti informed that he did not have the exact criteria on hand; however, he
apprised that the criteria includes past performance; references, firm experience, staff
experience, price, and small business.
Mr. Oliver asked if it is more efficient to use Job Order Contracts (JOC) or is it an issue
of fairness. Ms. Mullins inquired if it is the scope that determines the method. Mr.
Hollingsworth apprised this is beyond .the limit of a JOC.
Ms. Perez inquired about the price of the other firms. Mr. Anasagasti noted that the
number one firm is $70,000 below the number two and that the job completion is
51 days sooner.
(Mr. Oliver stepped out at 4:40 p.m.)
Mrs. Sane inquired of the Board's role and asked if they are required to approve the
recommendation. Mr. Hollingsworth noted that by statute, administration has to
negotiate with the number one ranking firm.
(Mr. Oliver returned at 4:41 p.m.)
Mrs. Sane inquired of the procurement method approved by the Board. Mr.
Hollingsworth noted that the method of procurement chosen for the project is the
competitive sealed bid, which dictates the role of the Board after the evaluation is
completed.
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Committee of the Whole – November 10, 2011 - Page 3
ADJOURNED TO CLOSED SESSION
Mr. Schechter adjourned the meeting to Executive Session at 4:44 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 5:11 p.m. and
entertained motions on pending matters.
(Present: Trustees Austin, Mullins, Perez, Oliver, Sane, Schechter, and Williams)
METHOD OF PROJECT DELIVERY FOR CONSTRUCTION OF NEW PARKING
GARAGE (SOUTHEAST CAMPUS)
Dr. Tyler informed that this action allows the Board to select one of the six options as
the methods of delivery for the construction of the new parking garage at the Southeast
campus. He noted that the parking structure is needed due to the enrollment growth at
the Southeast campus.
Motion – Dr. Williams moved to approved and Ms. Perez seconded.
Dr. Tyler apprised that the recommendation is the design build method because speed
is the principle factor. He asked Counsel to explain the responsibilities of each
component of the procurement process, procurement department, and administration.
Mr. Hollingsworth noted that the District would be required to negotiate with the selected
firm and if unable to reach an agreement, move to the next firm on the list.
Ms. Perez noted that it is a parking garage and she apprised that she does not want to
lose sight of price.
Mr. Schechter informed he would like to see other uses of the structure be reviewed
such as offices on the first and second floors.
Vote -The motion passed with a vote of 7-0.
STAFFORD CAMPUS RENOVATIONS BUILDING B
Mr. Schechter informed that he would revisit the Stafford Campus renovations.
Motion - Mrs. Sane moved to authorize the Chancellor to negotiate and execute a
contract with Miner-Dederick Construction for the Stafford Campus renovations building
B and Mr. Schechter seconded. The motion passed with a vote of 5-1-1 with Dr.
Williams opposing and Ms. Mullins abstaining.
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Committee of the Whole – November 10, 2011 - Page 4
PUBLIC HEARING SENATE BILL 1, ADMENDMENTS TO PROPERTY TAX CODE
11.253 FOR GOODS-IN-TRANSIT
Dr. Tyler noted that each year the Board must decide whether or not to tax goods-in
transit. He apprised that last year the Board approved the goods-in-transit tax, which
brought in revenue of approximately $1.3 million.
Remmele Young apprised that Senate Bill 1 requires the Board to take official action
regarding the taxing of goods-in-transit and apprised that the action must be done in a
public hearing setting.
Mr. Schechter invited the public to share comments in regards to HCC taxing of goodsin-transit. He announced that no citizens expressed a desire to speak on the issue.
Motion - Dr. Williams moved to approve the resolution to tax goods-in-transit and Ms.
Perez seconded.
Vote -The motion passed with a vote of 7 - 0
ACCEPTANCE OF GIFTS AND DONATIONS FROM CISCO
Motion - Dr. Williams moved and Mr. Oliver seconded to approve acceptance of gifts
and donations from Cisco. The motion passed with a vote of 7-0.
PROPOSED OPERATING BUDGET (UNRESTRICTED FUNDS) FOR 2012-2013
Motion - Dr. Williams moved and Mr. Oliver seconded to ·approve the proposed
operating budget (unrestricted funds) for 2010-2013.
Mr. Schechter reiterated that the college has a policy to adopt biennium budgets similar
to the legislature; which allows administration to begin planning for the next fiscal year.
Dr. Tyler provided the forecast assumptions for 2012-2013. He noted that the Board has
already addressed taxation; however, it is assumed that there will be some devaluation
this year.
Dr. Tyler apprised that expenditure increase is expected in benefits and energy and
noted that it is imperative that the budget is balanced. He informed that the budget was
built around the needs of the colleges.
Dr. Tyler recommended the following for consideration by the Board:
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Maintaining step and column pay increase for faculty and clerical staff
Increase the rate for adjunct hourly and semesterly pay
Differential tuition for health sciences
Increase repeater fee based on number of times class is taken
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Committee of the Whole – November 10, 2011 - Page 5
Mr. Austin recommended utilizing a cost allocation plan. This provides an inventory of
relative cost.
Ms. Mullins asked for clarification of the requested approval. Dr. Tyler informed that the
recommendation is to approve $296 million as the operating budget for fiscal year 20122013. Mr. Schechter noted that the recommendations from administration
presented for consideration by the Board would be reviewed separately at a later date.
Mr. Austin recommended establishing a policy requiring a mid-year review.
Mrs. Sane inquired if this is a prelirninary budget, which will be updated as formal
numbers become available. Mr. Schechter noted that this is the recommended
budget for approval; however, the opportunity to review the budget for necessary
adjustments would be available to the Board.
Mr. Schechter asked Dr. Tyler to explain the rate adjunct faculty is paid compared to
neighboring colleges and why it is important to raise pay rate for adjunct faculty.
Vote -The motion passed with a vote of 7-0.
SIGN LANGUAGE INTERPRETER SERVICES (MODIFICATION ADDITIONAL
FUNDING)
Motion - Dr. Williams moved to approve .and Mr. Oliver seconded.
Dr. Pino informed that the recommendation is to authorize the Chancellor to negotiate a
modification to the existing contract. She noted that there has been an increase in the
need for interpreters. She noted that currently alternatives are being reviewed.
Vote – The motion passed with a vote of 70.
COPY CENTER SERVICES CONTRACT EXTENSTION (NOT TO EXCEED 6
MONTHS)
Motion - Mrs. Sane moved to approve copy center services contract extension and Mr.
Oliver seconded.
Ms. Mullins inquired why the recommendation included not to exceed 6 months. Dr.
Seymour informed that the reason for 6 months is to align all contracts with the
amended expiration date and will allow procurement time to put out a Request for
Proposal (RFP) within 6 months. He noted that there were several amendments to the
contract.
Vote -The motion passed with a vote of 7-0.
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Committee of the Whole – November 10, 2011 - Page 6
CHARTER BUS SERVICES
Motion - Mr. Oliver moved and Dr. Williams seconded to approve.
Ms. Mullins inquired of the use of the charter bus services. Mr. Anasagasti apprised
that the use would include transportation for in-district and state-wide student activities
as well as possible shuttling students from parking lots to campuses.
Vote - The motion passed with a vote of 7-0.
MARKETING AND COMMUNICATION SUPPORT SERVICES (PROJECT NO. 12-05)
Motion - Mrs. Sane moved to approve and Ms. Perez seconded. The motion passed
with a vote of 7.0.
WELDING EQUIPMENT (PROJECT NO. 12-06)
Motion - Dr. Williams moved to approve and Mr. Oliver seconded. The motion passed
with a vote of 7.0.
ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31, 2011
Dr. Tyler informed that the external auditors presented at the Audit committee meeting
and noted that the audit received an unqualified opinion, which is the best opinion
possible.
Mrs. Sane provided an overview of the report presented at the Audit Committee
meeting.
Motion – Dr. Williams moved to approve and Mrs. Sane seconded to accept the annual
financial report for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2011. The motion passed with a
vote of 7.0.
MONTHLY FINANCE REPORT FOR SEPTEMBER 2011
Mr. Schechter noted the monthly finance report would be presented at the Regular
Board Meeting on November 17, 2011.
INVESTMENT REPORT FOR MONTH OF SEPTEMBER 2011
Dr. Tyler noted. that investments are strong and continue to generate revenue.
Motion – Mr. Oliver moved to accept the investment report and Dr. Williams seconded.
The motion passed with a vote of 7.0.
UPDATE ON STRATEGIC PLANNING PROCESS
Dr. Seymour provided an updated on the strategic planning process, which included:
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Review of the last strategic plan
Appreciative exercise to capture what is working
Environmental scan
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Committee of the Whole – November 10, 2011 - Page 7
Dr. Seymour noted that a draft of the strategic plan would be completed within the next
couple of months.
Dr. Williams inquired if transfers and certificates are included in completion rates. Dr.
Cook stated that the issue is often only associate degrees are considered in
completion rates. Ms. Mullins apprised that HCC provides more than associate
degrees.
Dr. Seymour informed that studies demonstrate that the longer a student takes to earn a
degree, the less likely they are to complete. He noted that time is the enemy and focus
needs to shift from recruitment to retention.
Dr. Williams noted that all issues should be factored in, including the challenges of first
generation college students. He apprised that it is imperative to get the full story out to
the public.
Dr. Williams informed that students arrive at HCC and are not college ready but the
college gets the blame for the developmental education issues. Mr. Austin noted that
there needs to be a distinction between students that need intervention to move
forward and students that graduate from high school, but have not met the minimum
requirements.
Dr. Seymour informed that performance based funding is in the future and it will
require investment in student success. He provided the following strategies:
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Transforming developmental education
Shift from getting people in the front door to retention
Create culture of completion
Improve student engagement and persistence
Work with school districts and public
Ms. Mullins recommended collecting data on students that transfer to four-year
institutions. Dr. Cook informed that some of the data has been gathered through
Achieving the Dream.
Dr. Williams noted that HCC has made a substantial investment in recruitment but now
is the time to make a comparable investment in retention. He noted that retention is
the key and it includes advising, counseling and investing in students.
Mr. Austin noted that there is a need to develop strategic partnerships to form
strategic alliances within the District.
FINANICAL AID REPORT FOR 2010-2011
Dr. Pino provided a report on the financial aid for 2010-2011 and informed that financial
aid students and disbursements have increased by 37% since 2007.
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Committee of the Whole – November 10, 2011 - Page 8
ADJOURNED TO CLOSED SESSION
Mr. Schechter adjourned the meeting to Executive Session at 6:44 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 7:14 p.m. and
entertained motions on pending matters.
(Present: Trustees Austin, Mullins, Perez, Oliver, and Schechter)
ADJOURNMENT
With no further business, the meeting adjourned at 7:15 p.m.
Recorded and Submitted by:
Sharon R. Wright, Manager, Board Services
Minutes Approved: ______________________