SPECIAL MEETING
OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
HOUSTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE
October 6, 2011
Minutes
The Board of Trustees of Houston Community College held a Special Meeting on
Thursday, October 6, 2011 at the HCC Administration Building, 3100 Main, 2nd Floor,
Seminar Room A, Houston, Texas.
COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT
Richard Schechter, Chair
Mary Ann Perez, Vice Chair
Eva Loredo, Secretary
Bruce Austin
Sandie Mullins
ADMINISTRATION
Mary Spangler, Chancellor
Art Tyler, Deputy Chancellor/COO
Renee Byas, General Counsel
Shantay Grays, Interim Executive Assistant to the Chancellor
Fheryl Prestage for 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
Irene Porcarello, President, Southeast College
Virginia Parras for Zachary Hodges, President, Northeast College
Willie Williams, Chief Human Resources Officer
Remmele Young, Executive Director of Government Relations and Sustainability
OTHERS PRESENT
Jarvis Hollingsworth, System Counsel, Bracewell & Giuliani
Thomas Urban, President, Faculty Senate
Other administrators, citizens and representatives from the news media
CALL TO ORDER
Mr. Schechter, Chair, called the meeting to order at 3:40 p.m. and declared the Board
convened to consider matters pertaining to Houston Community College as listed on the
duly posted Meeting Notice.
THIRD PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED TAX RATES
Mr. Schechter informed that the meeting is to discuss proposed rates and asked if there
were any citizens wishing to speak.
Houston Community College
Special Meeting – October 6, 2011- Page 2
Ms. Alice Torres spoke regarding the increase in taxation. She brought several letters
to read to the Board from residents. Mr. Schechter asked for copies of the letters for
official records.
Mr. Fonza Smith expressed his concerns regarding the increase in tax rate and noted
that it is becoming more difficult to own a home.
Mr. Schechter asked the Board to stay in session until 4:00 p.m. to allow other persons
to arrive and speak before the Board.
Ms. Helen Jordan inquired about exemptions. Dr. Tyler informed that the exemptions
approved by the Board apply to HCC taxes payers only and noted that the exemption
applies to homestead owner over 65 years and informed that residents get a 10% or
$5000 exemption whichever is greater, if a homeowner is over 65 years, they will
receive $90,000.00 exemption plus the regular exemption.
Ms. Jordan also inquired about HCC campuses not in taxing districts. Mr. Schechter
informed that the State legislature determines the service area and that out-of-district
students are charged higher tuition than in-district students.
Ms. Lupe Juarez expressed concern regarding out-of-district students registering as indistrict students. Dr. Cook informed that documentation and identification must be
submitted by students to verify residency.
Ms. Norma Harvard spoke regarding seniors struggling in today’s economy.
Mr. Schechter thanked the citizens for coming to speak to the Board. He announced
that the Board would adopt the tax rate at the Regular Board meeting scheduled for
Thursday, October 20, 2011 at 4:00 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT
With no further business, the meeting adjourned at 4:09 p.m.
Minutes recorded, transcribed & submitted by:
Sharon Wright, Manager, Board Services
Minutes Approved as Submitted: