REGULAR MEETING
OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
HOUSTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE
February 23, 2012
Minutes
The Board of Trustees of Houston Community College held a Regular Meeting on
Thursday, February 23, 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
Yolanda Navarro Flores
Eva Loredo
Sandie Mullins
Christopher W. 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
Virgin Parras for Zachary Hodges, President, Northwest College
Irene Porcarello, President, Southeast College
Michael Edwards for Betty Young, President, Coleman College
Winston Dahse, Chief Administration Officer
Willie Williams, Chief Human Resources Officer
OTHERS PRESENT
Jarvis Hollingsworth, System Counsel, Bracewell & Giuliani
Gene Locke, Andrews & Kurth
Lisa Eason, President COPA
Thomas Urban, Faculty Senate President
Other administrators, citizens and representatives from the news media
Houston Community College
Regular Meeting – February 23, 2012 – Page 2
CALL TO ORDER
Ms. Perez, Chair, called the meeting to order at 4:08 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. Loredo led the prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Approval of Minutes from Committee of the Whole Meeting of January 12, 2012, Special
Meeting (Election of Officers) of January 12, 2012, Special Meeting (Trustee Training)
of January 12, 2012, Audit Committee Meeting of January 19, 2012, and Regular
Meeting of January 19, 2012.
Motion – Ms. Mullins moved and Ms. Loredo seconded to approve the minutes. The
motion passed with a vote of 7-0.
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
A. Recognition of Trustees
Ms. Perez acknowledged Trustees Carroll G. Robinson and Neeta Sane on the
recognitions:
•
Mr. Robinson was recognized at the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo
Black Heritage Committee 19th Annual Western Gala on January 28, 2012
for his significant impact on the growth development of our youth and
community.
•
Mrs. Sane received the Leadership Award from the Asian Houston
Network on January 31, 2012 in recognition and honor of her public
service.
CHANCELLOR’S REPORT
Dr. Spangler apprised that the Board was provided a draft of the Strategic Plan and
noted that the approval has been pulled in order to provide sufficient time for the Board
to review.
Mr. Oliver asked if the Board would have an opportunity to hold a discussion during a
retreat setting. Ms. Perez informed that she has asked Board Services to poll the Board
for a consensus of a retreat.
(Mr. Oliver stepped out at 4:15 p.m.)
•
Phase II HCC Recycling Plan
Phase II HCC Recycling Plan has started and the second week of Recycle
Mania, which focus on participation on the plan.
Houston Community College
Regular Meeting – February 23, 2012 – Page 3
•
National Legislative Summit
The National Legislative Summit was held in Washington D.C. February 13-16,
2012 and Trustees Perez, Loredo, Oliver and Robinson along with senior
administrators and government relations attended. The group met with senators
and representatives of senators to voice message and support for the Pell Grant.
The group also participated with the Texas delegation to review the challenges at
the state level.
(Mr. Oliver returned at 4:16 p.m.)
•
2011 Texas Education Coordinating Board Star Award
The Greater Houston Partnership will host a breakfast on March 13, 2012 to
honor the Star Award recipients from the Houston Region. HCC received a Star
Award for in-house online tutoring program.
•
2012 Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo Award
The Central Culinary Arts was awarded the Uncorked and Best Bites Chairman’s
Award. Congratulations to Chef Christy and her dynamic team for bringing
energy, delectable food and HCC representation to almost 4,000 people
attending the event.
•
Fred and Marble R. Parks Renewal Gift
HCC received a renewal gift from the Fred and Marble R. Parks Foundation in
support of Opportunity 14 Endowed Scholarship Campaign.
•
Black History Gala
The Black History Gala is 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. The keynote speaker will be actress Vanessa Williams.
•
Faculty Senate Report
Dr. Thomas Urban noted that the new instructional materials committee will
assume the task of making certain that students have the best textbooks on
related resources at their disposal at a reasonable cost and in a timely manner.
He apprised that the new committee is the outgrowth of a bookstore workgroup,
which spent last fall reviewing textbook adoption and related timelines.
(Mrs. Flores joined the meeting at 4:18 p.m.)
(Mr. Robinson joined the meeting at 4:19 p.m.)
Dr. Urban announced that the All Faculty Conference will be held on Saturday,
February 25, 2012 at 8:00 a.m. at the Downtown Double Tree Hotel and informed that
the title of the conference is Crossing the Divide Bridging Colleges and Colleagues
which follows the theme that a great institution of teaching and learning is one of great
collaboration.
Houston Community College
Regular Meeting – February 23, 2012 – Page 4
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)
NAMING OPPORTUNITY
Motion – Mr. Oliver moved and Mr. Robinson seconded.
Mr. Oliver rescinded the motion.
Mrs. Flores moved and Mr. Robinson seconded.
Mr. Robinson inquired if there will be a move to change from a department to a school
and if SACS has been informed. Dr. Cook informed that there is not a change in the
program. He noted that it will not be a stand-alone school but will continue to be a part
of Central College.
Mr. Robinson noted that it should be clarified that if it will be a separate school and
remain a part of Central College. He noted that there could be a department within the
school if it becomes separate as the School of Fashion.
Mr. Oliver inquired whose name would be placed on the school. Dr. Seymour noted that
the approval is to request permission to enter into a discussion regarding the naming.
Mr. Oliver noted that he wants to make certain that the donation is a true commitment.
Dr. Seymour apprised that this is the first of other opportunities to name various
buildings.
Mrs. Byas noted that legal will make certain all requirements are followed.
Mr. Schechter inquired if this is a naming of a building or naming of a program. Dr. Cook
informed that the proposal is to name the building. He noted that the concerns noted by
Trustee Robinson will be discussed at the Chancellor’s team meeting.
Mr. Austin noted that there should be a comprehensive review regarding naming of
building and the different opportunity levels.
Mrs. Sane informed that the recommendation is to name the building and not a
program.
Ms. Mullins inquired if the policy discusses the levels of donations. Dr. Spangler noted
that the policy allows for ranges and noted that a donor may not necessarily want a
building named after them but may request a program or classroom.
Houston Community College
Regular Meeting – February 23, 2012 – Page 5
(Mr. Oliver stepped out at 4:33 p.m.)
Mr. Austin noted that there needs to be consistent policies that apply in all instances.
Mr. Robinson noted that the item needs to possibly be Department of Fashion as
opposed to School of Fashions. He noted that he is okay with voting for the item as
long as it does not change the schematics. He noted that he is not opposed to
converting it to a school but wants to make certain legal requirements are met.
Mr. Schechter noted that more consideration may need to be given to percentages of
structural cost. He asked Dr. Cook or Dr. Harmon to elaborate on the makeup of the
Fashion Department. Dr. Harmon noted that interior design is currently located
separately but will eventually be combined. He noted that a request for approval of the
department name change to School of Fashion will be presented in the future.
Vote – The motion passed with vote of 8-0.
TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION AND/OR ACTION:
Ms. Perez reiterated that item A.2 regarding the strategic plan has been pulled as
requested by administration.
Mr. Schechter requested to pull item A.1 regarding educational activities, community
involvement, engagement of services, and development of factual materials relating to
HCC facilities and finance plan be pulled for discussion in Executive Session.
INVESTMENT REPORT FOR DECEMBER 2011 AND MONTHLY FINANCE REPORT
FOR JANUARY 2012
Motion – Mr. Austin moved and Mr. Schechter seconded.
Dr. Tyler noted that the investment continues to be positive. Mr. Robinson requested
consideration be given to increasing the reserve.
Vote – Motion passed with vote of 8-0.
Dr. Tyler provided an overview of the financial statement and noted that the push is for
a bottom-line of approximately $9 million. He noted that the Boards’ decision to
approve the revenue stream is working in the college’s favor as well as the Chancellor’s
commitment to mainstream expenses.
Dr. Spangler noted that the savings from the chill is approximately $1.4 million.
Mr. Robinson inquired if there is the possibility of smoothing out the debt to provide
more revenue for savings. Dr. Tyler apprised that the ad valorem taxes are up slightly.
He noted that approximately $130 million in debt could be restructured to allow for more
programs to be added; and allowing the opportunity to expand more educational
opportunities.
Houston Community College
Regular Meeting – February 23, 2012 – Page 6
(Mr. Oliver returned at 4:48 p.m.)
Mr. Robinson inquired if there could be an opportunity for more seed money. Dr. Tyler
noted that Wall Street would like to see a healthy balance sheet.
Mr. Schechter inquired if there is any other debt that could be refinanced. Dr. Tyler
noted that there is a portion of the debt that could be restructured. He noted that there
are a number of strategies to present to the Board for consideration.
Vote – The motion passed with a vote of 9-0.
PERSONNEL AGENDA FOR FEBRUARY 2012
Motion – Mr. Austin moved and Mr. Oliver seconded.
Mr. Robinson inquired if the personnel items are new hires. Dr. Spangler informed that
they are new hires.
Mrs. Sane inquired if faculty positions are part of the chill positions. Dr. Tyler noted that
the faculty positions are not included as part of the chill positions.
Mrs. Flores inquired if faculty hires are the only ones needing Board action. Dr.
Spangler informed that those listed with the action item require Board approval and
those listed as part of the Appendix B do not require Board approval.
Vote – The motion passed with vote of 9-0.
ADJOURNED TO CLOSED SESSION
Ms. Perez adjourned the meeting to Executive Session at 4:58 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 6:46 p.m. and entertained
motions on pending matters.
(Present: Trustees Austin, Flores, Loredo, Perez, Mullins, Robinson, Sane, and
Schechter)
EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES, COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT, ENGAGEMENT OF
SERVICES, AND DEVELOPMENT OF FACTUAL MATERIALS RELATING TO HCC
FACILITIES AND FINANCE PLAN AND APPROVAL OF BUDGET FOR THE SAME
Motion – Mr. Austin moved and Ms. Mullins to approve.
Houston Community College
Regular Meeting – February 23, 2012 – Page 7
Ms. Mullins inquired as to who will lead the role regarding the efforts. Dr. Tyler informed
that the overall marketing and communications is completed by Dan Arguijo under the
direction of Dr. Seymour.
Ms. Mullins informed that there are two studies scheduled that will be done by outside
sources. Dr. Tyler informed that some of the studies would require outside consultants.
He noted that the proposal calls for engaging approximately three consultants and
noted that the amount is included in the budget regarding the education activities.
Mr. Robinson inquired of clarification regarding the 2012 Economic Impact Study and
inquired if the cost is included in the operational budget. Dr. Spangler informed that in
view of the importance of the educational engagement efforts, it is important to conduct
the Economic Impact Study as part of the educational activities. Dr. Tyler noted that it
was not included in the Board approved budget.
Mr. Austin recommended that item three of the cost summary should read “needs
education document direct mail”.
Mr. Robinson inquired if Yaffe|Deuster will be responsible for the media portion because
there has been previous input regarding the media piece not being broad enough for all
the communities. Dr. Tyler informed that three of the minority communities have been
included as a target.
Mr. Robinson inquired if the strategic plan will be included in the marketing plan that is
already in place. Dr. Spangler informed that the strategic plan will not be marketed and
noted that there will be a dissemination process.
Mrs. Sane inquired if it is correct that there will not be any additional funding for
marketing and educational activities. Dr. Tyler informed that this is a not to exceed
number.
Mr. Robinson inquired of the appropriate methodology to amend that any unspent funds
remaining from the $800,000 be placed in the reserve. Dr. Spangler informed that would
be understood and a report on spending will be provided to the Board.
Amended Motion - Mr. Robinson made a friendly amendment to approve up to
$800,000 and any unspent funds be placed in the reserve. Mr. Austin accepted the
friendly amendment.
Ms. Mullins inquired why the $1.5 million approved with the Yaffe|Deutser contract
could not be used for the educational engagement efforts. Dr. Tyler informed that the
$1.5 million is used for student recruitment advertising and noted that the same amount
of funding is spent annually regarding advertisement.
Mrs. Flores noted that it has been her experience that the current media person is not
truly aware of existing broadcast stations in the Hispanic community and noted that she
will not be supporting the item.
Houston Community College
Regular Meeting – February 23, 2012 – Page 8
Vote – The motion carried as amended with a vote of 6-2 with Mrs. Flores and Ms.
Mullins opposing.
HEARING OF CITIZENS
The following citizens requested to speak before the Board:
•
•
Lorenzo Butler
Daniel Arp
Mr. Robinson informed that there needs to be a better historic overview regarding why
women have not been on the battlefield and noted that he takes pride in the celebration
of women.
•
David Wilson
Mr. Wilson requested an overview of why the college purchased property located on
Westheimer.
Mr. Schechter noted that the Board approved a plan in December to carry to the
community which shows development of the property on Westheimer as a college.
•
Len Swanson
Mrs. Flores noted that she does not feel that it is considerate of the Board to have the
citizens wait three hours to speak and requested that it be moved back to its original
position on the agenda.
Mr. Robinson noted that he understands that the reason for moving to the end of the
agenda is to allow individuals who may have to work ample time to be able to appear
before the Board. He requested that a possible medium time is identified.
Mr. Schechter associated with Mr. Robinson and apprised that his comment is exactly
the reason for moving to the end of the agenda.
ADJOURNMENT
With no further business coming before the Board, the meeting adjourned at 7:23 p.m.
Minutes recorded, transcribed & submitted by:
Sharon Wright, Manager, Board Services
Minutes Approved as Submitted:
April 19, 2012