REGULAR MEETING
OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
HOUSTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE
October 20, 2011
Minutes
The Board of Trustees of Houston Community College held a Regular Meeting on
Thursday, October 20, 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
Christopher Oliver
Neeta Sane
Dr. Michael P. Williams
ADMINISTRATION
Mary Spangler, Chancellor
Art Tyler, Deputy Chancellor/COO
Renee Byas, General Counsel
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
William Harmon, President, Central College
Zachary Hodges, President, Northwest College
Irene Porcarello, President, Southeast College
Michael Edwards for Betty Young, President, Coleman College
Willie Williams, Chief Human Resources Officer
Kelly Zuniga, Executive Director, HCC Foundation
OTHERS PRESENT
Derrick Mitchell, System Counsel, Bracewell & Giuliani
Thomas Urban, President, Faculty Senate
Clarence Grier, RBC Capital
Other administrators, citizens and representatives from the news media
Houston Community College
Regular Meeting – October 20, 2011 – Page 2
CALL TO ORDER
Mr. Schechter, Chair, called the meeting to order at 4:06 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
Ms. Perez led the prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
ADOPT 2011 TAX RATE FOR MAINTENANCE AND OPERATIONS AND DEBT
SERVICES
Motion – Mr. Schechter moved and Mr. Austin seconded to approve that the property
tax rate be increased by the adoption of a tax rate of 0.097222, which is effectively a
2.12 percent increase in the tax rate.
Vote - The motioned passed with a vote of 6-0.
REVISIONS TO BOARD BYLAWS AND GOVERNANCE POLICY
Mr. Schechter informed that the item is pulled and will be revisited at the Board
Governance Committee meeting scheduled for November 2011.
INVESTMENT POLICY FOR FISCAL YEAR 2011-2012
Motion – Mrs. Sane moved and Mr. Oliver seconded. The motion passed with a vote of
6-0.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Approval of Minutes from Academic Affairs/Student Services Committee Meeting of
September 8, 2011, Audit Committee Meeting of September 8, 2011, Board
Governance Committee Meeting of September 8, 2011, Committee of the Whole
Meeting of September 8, 2011, Special Meeting of September 8, 2011, Regular Meeting
of September 15, 2011, Special Meeting of September 15, 2011, and Special Meeting
of September 20, 2011.
Motion – Ms. Perez moved and Mr. Oliver seconded to approve the minutes.
Mrs. Sane requested that the following comments be included in the minutes for the
Regular Meeting of September 15, 2011 regarding the agenda item for Construction
Material Testing/Observation and Geotechnical Engineering Services (Project # 11-25):
Mrs. Sane asked administration to confirm that the recommendation is
based on best value for the college and cost savings from not repeatedly
going out for bid. Mrs. Sane noted that she is ready to support 36 months
since the recommendation follows the past practices of the college. Mr.
Dahse noted the recommendation was based on past practices and
provides convenience; however, it is the Board’s decision.
Houston Community College
Regular Meeting – October 20, 2011 – Page 3
Mr. Schechter noted a correction on page 6 under the Investment Report for July 2011
and apprised that the minutes should read that the college has continued to have an
AA+ rating.
Vote – The motion passed with a vote of 6-0 with the noted corrections.
AWARDS AND PRESENTATIONS
•
Check Presentation by State Farm in Support of Minority Male Initiative
Mr. Schechter asked Dr. Tyler to provide an update of the Minority Male Initiative and
the various efforts that are underway to assist minority males through the initiative.
CHANCELLOR’S REPORT
Dr. Spangler provided the following information and recognitions:
•
Milestone- The power of the internet and HCC’s website can be seen in the recent
Google Analytics report. For the one-month timeframe of August/September, the
homepage received a record 1.5 million visits. Last year at this time, HCC had
reached a record 1 million hits. The surge is due to two specific strategies: (1) the
use of print and media to drive people to the website and (2) the use of search
engine optimization techniques to highlight the College.
•
Community Partnership Award- Coleman College is going to be the recipient of a
“Community Partnership Award” for 2012 for students’ work in the federally qualified
health clinic’s (FQHC) around Houston to input immunization records and to do
follow-up with parents to insure children have their follow-up immunizations. It has
been very successful in increasing immunization participation rate.
(Dr. Williams arrived at 4:39 p.m.)
•
Star Awards Finalist- The Centers for Entrepreneurship program and In-house
Online Tutoring program have been selected as 2011 Texas Higher Education Star
Award finalists. The winner(s) will be announced at the conference on November 3,
2011 in Austin where finalists in all 11 categories will also be recognized.
•
Financial Reporting Awards - In September 2011, HCC received the following
awards:
o Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting presented to
Houston Community College by The Government Finance Officers Association of
the United States and Canada (GFOA).
o GFOA award of Financial Reporting Achievement to Ronald E. Defalco,
CFO/Controller of Houston Community College.
Houston Community College
Regular Meeting – October 20, 2011 – Page 4
Those who provide the hands on leadership and expertise that enable these results
are Nandy Baldonado, Daryl Brown, Brian Malone and Frederica Watson.
•
Welcome Reception - Southeast College hosted a reception to welcome and honor
the Consulate General of Mexico, Dr. Luis Malpica y de la Madrid, to Houston who
expressed an interest in meeting with some of the Hispanic community,
business leaders, educators, and public officials. Expression of appreciation to SE
President Irene Porcarello for opening the college as well as Trustees Perez and
Loredo for hosting the event. The Consulate General also provided original art for
the Southeast Gallery.
•
Grant Finalist- HCC has been selected as a finalist to receive a $300k to $500k
grant over 2 years for the Improve Community College Retention and Completion
Initiative. The initiative seeks to improve community college completion rates by
helping students gain access to public benefits and thus close the gap in unmet
financial need beyond financial aid.
•
Financial Awards- The Foundation received the following gifts:
o The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo has gifted the HCC Foundation
$100 thousand in support of the Public Safety Institute at Northeast College.
The gift will be used to purchase state-of-the-art equipment for the medical
simulation lab to train students in emergency medical services, law
enforcement and fire protection technology programs.
o The John McGovern Foundation has awarded $5 million dollars to the
Opportunity 14 Endowed Scholarship Campaign; this effort will assist to
ensure that financial need does not keep high school graduates from
obtaining post-secondary education.
•
Plaques from Governor Perry- Governor Rick Perry and the Texas Skills Standard
Board presented plaques to Northeast College for the work being done at the
Energy Institute:
The Biotechnology Instrumentation Associate Degree Program was recognized by
the State for their integration of biomedical skills standards for research and
development and the integration of technician skills standards for instrumentation
and controls. This recognition allows the college to affix a gold embossed seal to
exit credentials of all biotechnology and instrumentation graduates indicating they
have met the industry skills standards.
•
Phi Theta Kappa- Dr. Benny Ables, Phi Theta Kappa Advisor, informed that this
year’s project is a campaign asking students to sign a commitment contract to
complete college.
Dr. Spangler expressed condolences on behalf of the Board and the administration to
Dr. Betty Young in the passing of her husband of 29 years, Mr. George Gander.
Houston Community College
Regular Meeting – October 20, 2011 – Page 5
FACULTY SENATE REPORT
Thomas Urban, President for Faculty Senate noted that he has met with the Chancellor
in an effort to address issues and concerns regarding shared governance. He provided
an update on the efforts that have been implemented to address the textbook issues
that students have experienced while attempting to purchase textbooks.
(Dr. Williams stepped out at 4:45 p.m.)
Dr. Urban noted that the shared governance discussions will need to continue and
apprised that another area of discussion is the strategic plan for the college. He
announced that the Bedicheck Orman Auction held on October 14, 2011 is a fundraiser
to benefit faculty and adjunct faculty.
Mr. Schechter noted that he did not want to leave an impression that there has not been
active participation from the faculty senate. He provided several occasions where the
faculty senate has provided shared governance.
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
Mr. Schechter asked Trustees Perez and Loredo to provide an overview of the success
of the Hispanic Scholarship Council Luncheon held on October 6, 2011.
Ms. Perez announced that the luncheon honored Jose AdanTreviṅo. She thanked
Minerva Perez, supporters, and those who worked to help make the luncheon
successful.
Ms. Loredo announced that the Hispanic Scholarship Council Luncheon raised
$50,000.50 in scholarships to benefit students.
INVESTMENT REPORT FOR AUGUST 2011
Dr. Tyler provided an overview of the investment status of the college.
Motion – Mr. Austin moved and Ms. Loredo seconded. The motion passed with a vote
of 7-0.
MONTHLY FINANCIAL REPORT FOR SEPTEMBER 2011
Dr. Tyler apprised that the reports provided to the Board are unaudited for August and
September 2011. He noted that the external auditors should be prepared to provide a
report to the Board in November 2011. He noted that the September report reflects that
the numbers are ahead of reserve designated by the Board; however, it is too soon to
make a determination as to the actual reserve.
Dr. Tyler informed that the college was oversubscribed during the bond sale and noted
that the college has maintained a good bond rating.
(Mr. Oliver stepped out at 4:59 p.m.)
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Regular Meeting – October 20, 2011 – Page 6
Mr. Schechter expressed appreciation to Dr. Tyler, Ron Defalco, Financial Advisors and
all those who are a part of the financial management for the college.
(Mr. Oliver returned at 5:00 p.m.)
Mr. Schechter noted that the Board had to make some tough decisions the past year
and noted that the tax rate adopted by the college is extremely low in comparison to
peer institutions in the area. He provided a comparison of the tax rates for peer
community colleges to include Alvin Community College, Brazosport College, San
Jacinto College, Wharton Community College, and Lone Star College System.
Motion – Mrs. Sane moved and Ms. Loredo moved to accept the Financial Report. The
motion passed with a vote of 7-0.
ADJOURNED TO CLOSED SESSION
Mr. Schechter adjourned the meeting to Executive Session at 5:02 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 6:07 p.m. and entertained
motions on pending matters.
(Present: Trustees Austin, Loredo, Perez, Sane, Schechter, and Williams)
PROPOSED SETTLEMENT OF CAUSE NO. 2010-81792; TECHNICAL EDUCATION
SERVICES, INC. D/B/A AVIATION INSTITUTE OF MAINTENANCE V. HOUSTON
COMMUNITY COLLEGE SYSTEM; IN THE 234TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT OF
HARRIS COUNTY, TEXAS
Motion – Dr. Williams moved the settlement of the cause in accordance with terms
discussed in closed session and Ms. Perez seconded.
Vote – The motion passed with a vote of 6-0.
PERSONNEL AGENDA FOR OCTOBER 2011
Mr. Schechter moved to authorize the Chancellor to make the personnel transfer
discussed in closed session and Dr. Williams seconded.
Vote – the motion passed with a vote of 6-0.
RESOLUTION FOR ISSUANCE OF SENIOR LIEN STUDENT FEE REVENUE NOTE,
SERIES 2011 WITH REGIONS BANK FOR CAPITAL RELATED EXPENDITURES
Motion - Mr. Schechter moved that the Board rescind the action approving the loan for
$11 million at the Regular meeting on September 15, 2011 and Dr. Williams seconded.
Motion passed with vote of 6-0.
Houston Community College
Regular Meeting – October 20, 2011 – Page 7
Motion – Mr. Schechter moved and Dr. Williams seconded to approve the resolution for
issuance of a senior lien student fee revenue note, series 2011 with Regions Bank for
capital related expenditures.
(Dr. Williams stepped out at 6:11 p.m.)
Mrs. Sane noted that the item does not specify the utilization of the funds. Dr. Tyler
informed that the funding will assist in needed equipment as well as with the parking
issue at Southeast College.
(Dr. Williams returned at 6:12 p.m.)
Mrs. Sane informed that there needs to be a long-term plan that will address the needs
at all the campuses. She noted that there are needs to a meeting with the Master
Planner to discuss the needs at the other campuses and all the needs must be
addressed not just the needs at one campus. She asked how the budget will be
balanced associated with these needs. Dr. Tyler noted that as reported earlier, there
has been significant windfall in restructuring the debt. He noted that the restructuring
will allow for coverage of the project.
Mr. Schechter informed that a report regarding the master plan should be presented
within the next 30 days by Dr. Karun Sreerama. Mr. Schechter noted that those
recommendations will come before the Board. He noted that the goal is to have a
master plan approved before the end of the year.
Mrs. Sane noted that there needs to be another meeting with the Master Planner to
revisit the needs in regards to the master plan.
Dr. Williams noted that there are needs throughout the system and noted that there
must be a balance in addressing the needs. He noted that there must not be an
appearance that the project just came aboard and give the impression that the Board
has not vetted the issue in the past. He noted that a building is scheduled to be opened
and parking must be addressed.
Ms. Loredo noted that there have been expressions by students regarding the parking
issues at the Southeast campus and noted that the issue has to be addressed.
Ms. Perez noted that the students are being shuttled and noted that the issue is an
urgent need.
Mrs. Sane noted that it is not her intention to appear that there is not a need for the
Southeast College; however, just as this need exists, there are needs at Southwest,
Northeast, Northwest, and the other campuses.
Dr. Williams moved the question.
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Regular Meeting – October 20, 2011 – Page 8
Mr. Schechter noted that the discussion originates the high volume issue at the college.
He noted that currently the enrollment is approximately 80,000 students and the
discussion magnifies the issue that students are being turned away because of the
limits of facility capacities. He noted that the master planning process began under Dr.
Williams and all Trustees have had the opportunity to meet with the Master Planner
individually and that several presentations have been provided to the Board regarding
the master planning.
Mr. Austin informed that the recommendation needs to be supported because it is not
fiscally sound to go out for funding in small increments.
Vote - The motion passed with a vote 5-1 with Mrs. Sane opposing.
ADJOURNMENT
With no further business coming before the Board, the meeting adjourned at 6:25 p.m.
Minutes recorded, transcribed & submitted by:
Sharon Wright, Manager, Board Services
Minutes Approved as Submitted: