REGULAR MEETING
OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
HOUSTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE
January 19, 2012
Minutes
The Board of Trustees of Houston Community College held a Regular Meeting on
Thursday, January 19, 2012 at the HCC Administration Building, Second Floor
Auditorium, 3100 Main, Houston, Texas.
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT
Mary Ann Perez, Chair
Bruce A. Austin, Vice Chair
Neeta Sane, Secretary
Eva Loredo,
Sandie Mullins
Christopher Oliver
Carroll G. Robinson
Richard Schechter
ADMINISTRATION
Mary Spangler, Chancellor
Art Tyler, Deputy Chancellor/COO
Renee Byas, General Counsel
Shantay Grays, Interim Executive Officer 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
Betty Young, President, Coleman College
Willie Williams, Chief Human Resources Officer
OTHERS PRESENT
Jarvis Hollingsworth, System Counsel, Bracewell & Giuliani
Thomas Urban, Faculty Senate President
Other administrators, citizens and representatives from the news media
CALL TO ORDER
Ms. Perez, 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.
Houston Community College
Regular Meeting – January 19, 2012 – Page 2
PRAYER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mr. Robinson led the prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
INTRODUCTION OF BOARD OFFICERS FOR 2012
Ms. Perez introduced the Board Officers elected for 2012 as follows:
Chair:
Mary Ann Perez
Vice Chair:
Bruce A. Austin
Secretary:
Neeta Sane
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Approval of Minutes from Academic Affairs/Student Services Committee of December
8, 2011, Board Governance Committee Meeting of December 8, 2011, Committee of
the Whole Meeting of December 8, 2011, Special Meeting of December 13, 2011, and
Regular Meeting of December 15, 2011.
Motion – Mr. Oliver moved and Mr. Austin seconded to approve the minutes.
Mr. Schechter noted a clarification on page 9 of the minutes for the Special Meeting of
December 13, 2011; the motion was to replace Pinemont Facility with a new facility to
be located after consultation with the community.
(Mr. Oliver stepped out at 4:12 p.m.)
Vote - The motion passed with a vote of 7-0 with the noted clarification regarding the
minutes of the Special Meeting of December 13, 2011.
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
A. Birthday Wishes
Ms. Perez expressed birthday wishes to Trustee Eva Loredo.
B. Introduction of Newly Elected Trustee
Ms. Perez introduced Trustee Carroll G. Robinson as the newly elected trustee
representing District IV. Ms. Perez welcomed back Trustees Christopher W.
Oliver re-elected in District IX and Richard Schechter re-elected in District V.
C. Recognition of Immediate Pass Chair
Ms. Perez paused to recognize Trustee Richard Schechter for his leadership as
Board Chair for 2011 and provided an opportunity for the Board to express
comments to Trustee Schechter.
Mr. Schechter expressed appreciation to his colleagues for their support and
willingness to work as a team to accomplish the milestones that were facing the
Houston Community College
Regular Meeting – January 19, 2012 – Page 3
Board in 2011. He provided an overview of accomplishments and milestones
established during 2011.
CHANCELLOR’S REPORT
Dr. Spangler provided the following information and recognitions
•
Black History Gala
Mr. Robinson requested that the resolution presented to the Board be passed
through the appropriate committee for consideration of support of the Black
History Gala.
Dr. Harmon provided information regarding the Black History Gala scheduled for
February 25, 2012 at the Hilton Americas Hotel with a VIP Reception at 6:00
p.m. and the gala program starting at 7:00 p.m. Dr. Harmon noted that the
speaker will be actress Vanessa Williams and apprised that the theme is Black
Women in American Culture and History.
Dr. Harmon noted that the Co-Chairs for the gala are HCC Trustees Bruce
Austin, Christopher W. Oliver, and Carroll G. Robinson. He informed that the
honorees scheduled to receive the Lifetime Achievement Awards are: Dr.
Michael P. Williams, former HCC Trustee for District IV; Harris County
Commissioner El Franco Lee; and Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee.
•
Executive Speakers Series
The third speaker for 2011-2012 Speakers’ Series is Dr. Peter Bishop, University
of Houston Associate Professor of Strategic Foresight. The event is scheduled
for 10:30 a.m. Friday, January 20, 2012 at the West Loop Campus. Dr. Bishop
will speak on the challenges of change and the leaders’ role in confronting a
future that is decidedly different.
•
The University of Texas at Austin Gulf Coast Partners Achieving Student
Success Grant
HCC will receive $1.75 million dollars in grant funding over the next three years
from the Houston Endowment. HCC will partner with Houston ISD (HISD) and
Spring Branch ISD to increase the number of students who achieve college
readiness while still in high school and ensure students who need developmental
education achieve higher rates of success.
•
Houston Innovative Learning Zones (HILZ)
HCC has worked with HISD over the past year to formulate a partnership. The
plan includes HISD, HCC and area universities to provide students with an
opportunity to obtain certification and an AAS degree in specific technical areas
at five high schools. HCC would receive $600,000 over next three years for
administering the program. An update will be provided once the plan is officially
approved by HCC and HISD Boards.
Houston Community College
Regular Meeting – January 19, 2012 – Page 4
•
Great Grown Up Spelling Bee
In continuous support to literacy and the Houston Read Commission, HCC is
fielding two teams to participate in the 20th Annual Great Grown Up Spelling Bee
on January 28, 2012.
•
Student Services by the Numbers
Dr. Diana Pino provided a video and overview of Ask HCC and Financial Aid TV;
both are new student service tools to helps students work their way through the
financial aid challenges.
•
Faculty Senate Report
Dr. Thomas Urban congratulated Trustee Mary Ann Perez on her election as
Board Chair for 2012, and he expressed comments of welcome to newly elected
Trustee Carroll G. Robinson as well as congratulations Trustees Oliver and
Schechter on their re-election.
Dr. Urban announced that the All Faculty Conference will be held on Saturday,
February 25, 2012 at the Downtown Double Tree Hotel.
Ms. Perez recognized Senator Royce West, District 23 in Dallas, Texas.
(Mr. Oliver returned at 5:05 p.m.)
CONSENT AGENDA
Motion – Mr. Austin moved and Mr. Oliver seconded to approve the consent agenda
with the exception of item A.2. The motion passed with a vote of 8-0. The following
consent agenda item(s) was approved:
•
Construction Manager-At-Risk Services, San Jacinto Memorial Building
Renovation, Central College (Project No. 11-39)
LEGAL SERVICES FOR BOND COUNSEL
Motion – Mr. Robinson moved and Mr. Oliver seconded.
Mr. Robinson apprised that the item was vetted at the Committee of the Whole meeting
and noted that an inquiry was asked regarding the Bond Counsel. He noted that the
inquiry was not to be mistaken as a trick question but was only an attempt to figure out
if a bond is doable without raising taxes.
Mr. Schechter apprised that he is confused regarding the information presented by Mr.
Robinson since a response to the inquiry was provided during the Committee of the
Whole.
Mr. Schechter referred the inquiry to the cost for Bond Counsel to Ron Defalco. Mr.
Defalco informed that the cost for Bond Counsel is 1- 1.5 basis point per hundred
dollars, which equals $1 per thousand. Dr. Tyler apprised that the Bond Counsel only
gets paid if the bond is issued.
Houston Community College
Regular Meeting – January 19, 2012 – Page 5
Mr. Oliver apprised that Mr. Robinson agreed to support the item; however, he is not
aware of the information presented by Mr. Robinson. Mr. Oliver noted that necessary
documentation should be provided to answer questions.
Ms. Mullins noted that it was discussed and the percentage was presented at the
Committee of the Whole. She requested the numbers regarding where the funds will be
spent.
Mr. Robinson noted that the synchronized association between Mr. Schechter and Dr.
Tyler will not be accepted. He noted that his question is how much the Bond Counsel
will cost the college. He noted that he is aware that Bond Counsel has always been
engaged; however, he is inquiring about the cost. He noted that his secondary question
was if a payment schedule existed.
Mrs. Sane asked if there is historical information regarding the cost of the last Bond
Counsel that can be reviewed and asked that the information be provided to the full
Board.
Mr. Schechter apologized and informed that it was not his intent to insult anyone. He
noted that the item is to hire Bond Counsel in case the college decides to proceed with
a bond.
Mr. Oliver called for the question.
Vote – The motion passed with vote of 8-0.
TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION AND/OR ACTION:
ASSOCIATE IN APPLIED SCIENCE (AAS) IN ALLIED HEALTH
Motion – Mr. Oliver moved and Mrs. Sane seconded to approve.
Mrs. Sane inquired if the program is system-wide. Dr. Cook noted that the courses
needed to complete the degree will be offered throughout the district.
Vote – Motion passed with vote of 8-0.
REPORT ON MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING FOR MULTI-INSTITUTIONAL
TEACHING CENTER AT HCC-NORTHEAST CAMPUS
Motion – Mr. Austin moved and Mr. Oliver
Mr. Robinson informed that he has signed the appropriate document in case Texas
Southern University is participating regarding the partnership.
(Mr. Oliver stepped out at 5:31 p.m.)
Houston Community College
Regular Meeting – January 19, 2012 – Page 6
Dr. Ford Fisher provided an overview of the anticipated partnership under the MultiInstitution Teaching Center (MITC) agreement. She noted that a template has been
developed as a guide for the program.
(Mr. Oliver returned at 5:33 p.m.)
Dr. Ford Fisher informed that the intent is to submit a proposal to the Coordinating
Board to begin courses by the fall of 2012.
Mr. Austin informed that the college is looking forward to similar participation with fouryear institutions.
Mr. Austin requested that the Board work towards holding a joint meeting with HISD
regarding career academies to raise the bar.
EMPLOYMENT OF INTERNAL AUDITOR
Motion – Mr. Austin moved and Mr. Oliver seconded.
Ms. Perez informed that the Ad Hoc Audit Committee met prior to the Regular Meeting
to interview the three finalists for the position. She asked Mr. Austin, Chair of the Ad
Hoc Audit Committee to provide a report regarding the recommendation from the
Committee.
Mr. Austin informed that the Committee recommended Ms. Belinda Brockman.
Ms. Perez asked Dr. Spangler if administration had a recommendation.
Dr. Spangler informed that the recommendation from administration is also Ms.
Brockman.
Vote – The motion passed with vote of 8-0 to accept the recommendation of Ms.
Belinda Brockman.
INVESTMENT REPORT FOR THE MONTH OF NOVEMBER 2011 AND MONTHLY
FINANCE REPORT FOR DECEMBER 2011
Motion – Mr. Oliver moved and Mr. Austin seconded.
Dr. Tyler informed that compared to the marketplace, HCC is performing well. He
informed that investments are safe. Dr. Tyler commended the investment team for
doing an outstanding job.
(Mr. Oliver stepped out at 5:51 p.m.)
Vote – The motion passed with vote of 7-0 to accept the investment report presented.
Dr. Tyler noted that the college continues to perform above the reserves rate set by the
College.
Houston Community College
Regular Meeting – January 19, 2012 – Page 7
Dr. Tyler apprised that thanks to the Board’s leadership, there are more revenues in
terms of taxes, fees, and tuition.
(Mr. Oliver returned at 5:52 p.m.)
Mrs. Sane referenced page 1 under expenditures and inquired if there is a rationale for
the expense. Dr. Tyler informed that this is a recommendation by the Budget Task
Force referenced as “the chill”. He noted that the goal is to save $4.5 million dollars
under the cost reduction efforts and noted that approximately $1.6 million has been
saved as a result.
Mrs. Sane inquired of the rationale regarding instructional and other material expenses.
Dr. Tyler noted that currently instructional materials are moving online, which will allow
for purchasing in bundles and lowering costs.
Mr. Robinson inquired if the system can afford to carry a $400 or $500 million bond
without raising taxes. Dr. Tyler informed that there are several things that could be done
regarding the bond; one would be to have taxpayers approve a bond. He noted that the
payment for the previous General Obligation (GO) Bond did not come out of operational
funds. He noted that in the case of making a decision about issuing debt, the Board also
has several options.
Mr. Austin informed that the operational costs must be included as part of the debt.
Mr. Oliver inquired of the net difference in percent for 2010 and 2011. Dr. Tyler informed
the percentages are located on page 1 of the financial report.
Ms. Perez moved the question.
Vote – The motion passed with a vote of 8-0.
ADJOURNED TO CLOSED SESSION
Ms. Perez adjourned the meeting to Executive Session at 6:09 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. Ms. Perez 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.
Ms. Perez reconvened the meeting in Open Session at 6:38 p.m. and entertained
motions on pending matters.
(Present: Trustees Perez, Schechter, Mullins, Austin, Loredo, and Sane)
PERSONNEL AGENDA FOR JANUARY 2012
The personnel agenda item was pulled at the request of administration.
Houston Community College
Regular Meeting – January 19, 2012 – Page 8
HEARING OF CITIZENS
The following citizens requested to speak before the Board:
•
Daniel Arp
Mr. Arp requested that the Board consider letting the citizen speak at the beginning of
the meeting.
(Mr. Oliver and Mr. Robinson arrived at 6:42 p.m.)
ADJOURNMENT
With no further business coming before the Board, the meeting adjourned at 6:45 p.m.
Minutes recorded, transcribed & submitted by:
Sharon Wright, Manager, Board Services
Minutes Approved as Submitted:
February 23, 2012