MEETING OF THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
HOUSTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE
May 10, 2012
Minutes
The Board of Trustees of Houston Community College met as a Committee of the
Whole on Thursday, May 10, 2012, at the HCC Administration Building, 2nd Floor, 3100
Main in Seminar Room A, Houston, Texas.
COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT
Mary Ann Perez, Chair
Bruce Austin, Vice Chair
Eva Loredo
Sandie Mullins
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 for Health Sciences
Remmele Young, Executive Director, Government Relations and Sustainability
Karen Edwards for Willie Williams, Chief Human Resources Officer
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
Ms. Perez, Chair, called the meeting to order at 4:00 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 – May 10, 2012 - Page 2
CHANGE ORDER FOR STAFFORD CAMPUS RENOVATIONS – BUILDING B
(PROJECT NO. 11-38)
Motion – Mr. Schechter moved and Ms. Mullins seconded.
Dr. Tyler apprised that the change order item was not included in the original scope
because another option was identified for fire suppression. He noted that the City of
Stafford code and comments received from the Fire Marshal after the project bid award
date, required that a fire sprinkler system be added. He apprised that the change order
in an unanticipated requirement specified by the code.
Ms. Perez inquired of the project method of delivery. Dr. Tyler apprised competitive
sealed bid was the method of delivery.
(Ms. Loredo joined the meeting at 4:04 p.m.)
Ms. Perez inquired what the price of the other bidders was. Dr. Tyler noted that none of
the other vendors provided a bid on the sprinkler system as it was not part of the
original scope of work.
Ms. Mullins requested that the bottom line be included under the fiscal impact.
Vote – The motion passed with vote of 6-0.
METHOD OF PROJECT DELIVERY FOR ROOF REPLACEMENT AT 3100 MAIN
SYSTEM ADMINISTRATION BUILDING
Motion – Mr. Austin moved and Ms. Loredo seconded.
Dr. Tyler apprised that the item was a part of the assessment provided by the Master
Planner. He noted that the maintenance items were identified according to priority and
informed that the roofing items are high priority. Dr. Tyler noted that the roof has
reached its shelf life.
Mr. Austin apprised that the original condition of the roof is not known and inquired of
the material condition of the building. Dr. Tyler informed that all facilities including 3100
Main have been inspected during the master planning assessment.
Mr. Austin inquired if a maintenance plan process has been implemented. Dr. Tyler
informed that staff reviews the maintenance items as part of the annual budget.
Vote – The motion passed with vote of 6-0.
INVESTMENT REPORT FOR MONTH OF MARCH AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
OF APRIL 2012
Dr. Tyler apprised that at the request of Mr. Austin, the auxiliary fund has been included
in the financial report.
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Committee of the Whole – May 10, 2012 - Page 3
Motion - Mr. Schechter requested that the items be deferred to the Regular meeting to
allow time for the Board to review. Ms. Loredo seconded. The motion passed with a
vote of 6-0.
SMALL BUSINESS REPORT
Remmele Young apprised that the report is an amended report based on modifications
made regarding information received from certain vendors. Mr. Young informed that a
more robust system will be implemented. He noted that a system has been purchased
to allow for automation regarding the reporting mechanism as opposed to the manual
process currently undertaken.
Mr. Young provided an overview of the reports. He noted that an exceptional item
identified in the original report has been cleared. He apprised that the deficiency has
been revamped to include failure to report and failure to comply in regards to Small
Business. He noted that endnotes have been included to apprise of information that
may not have been included in the report.
Mr. Young informed that there were a couple of items that are considered notable
mention. He apprised that there will be a discussion with procurement for further
clarification of facts and discrepancies. He informed that most vendors are tracking
towards compliance. He informed that a vendor reported an item in error and that issue
has been cured. Mr. Young informed that the exception is seven vendors who have not
complied with the documentation.
REPORT ON EDUCATIONAL ENGAGEMENT IN QATAR
Ms. Perez apprised that Mr. Jim Fonteno and Mr. Chase Untermeyer with Qatus
Advisors were present to provide an overview of services provided by Qatus Advisors.
Mr. Untermeyer informed that he collaborated with Mr. Fonteno in 2007 to form Qatus
Advisors, which helps American entities who are interested in during business in Qatar
as well as Qatar institutions doing business with the United States. He apprised that
Qatar is a small country where relationships matter. Mr. Untermeyer believes that his
experience would be of value to HCC.
Mr. Fonteno presented his understanding of the issues raised with respect to HCC’s
involvement in the Community College of Qatar (CCQ) and provided insight in which
Qatus Advisors could be of assistance to HCC. He informed that the efforts would be to
work with the staff and primarily provide services to the Board to give oversight
regarding operations in Qatar. He noted that they would report to the Board to keep the
Board informed of activities and minimie reputational risks. Mr. Fonteno informed that
the efforts would be to make certain HCC and CCQ business relationships are
managed as seamless as possible and noted that advice on best practices regarding
Qatar could also be identified as well as allow HCC students to benefit.
Mr. Austin noted that fiduciary responsibility and reputational risks were mentioned. Mr.
Fonteno apprised that Qatus Advisors could assist the Board with the reputational risks
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Committee of the Whole – May 10, 2012 - Page 4
mentioned in the newspaper by managing oversight and guidance in working directly
with the Board.
Ms. Mullins noted that the presentation alluded that there are issues regarding HCC in
Qatar. Mr. Untermeyer noted that it is only based on what has been read in the
newspaper and mentioned that it is fully up to the Board to determine if there is a need.
Mr. Robinson informed that everyone knows that Qatar is a concern for him; therefore,
the more individuals that he is able to discuss with, the better and noted that he is more
interested in the dialogue to engage the Board and overall experience in high-level
relationships.
Ms. Perez apprised that this is why she asked that they make a presentation to the
Board.
Mr. Austin expressed appreciation to the Board Chair because foresight and prevention
may cost, but can be worth its weight in gold.
ADJOURNED TO CLOSED SESSION
Ms. Perez adjourned the meeting to Executive Session at 4:46 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 4:57 p.m. and entertained
motions on pending matters.
(Present: Trustees Austin, Loredo, Mullins, Perez, Robinson, and Schechter)
ADJOURNMENT
With no further business, the meeting adjourned at 4:58 p.m.
Recorded and Submitted by:
Sharon R. Wright, Manager, Board Services
Minutes Approved:
June 21, 2012