REGULAR MEETING
OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
HOUSTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE
June 21, 2012
Minutes
The Board of Trustees of Houston Community College held a Regular Meeting on
Thursday, June 21, 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
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
Margaret Ford Fisher, President, Northeast College
Fena Garza, President, Southwest College
Maya Durnovo for Zachary Hodges, President, Northwest College
Irene Porcarello, President, Southeast College
Betty Young, President, Coleman College
Winston Dahse, Chief Administration Officer
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 4:08 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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Regular Meeting – June 21, 2012 – Page 2
PRAYER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mr. Austin led the prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
(Mr. Schechter joined the meeting at 4:12 p.m.)
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Approval of Minutes from Academic Affairs/Student Services Committee Meeting of
May 10, 2012, Audit Committee Meeting of May 10, 2012, Board Governance
Committee Meeting of May 10, 2012, Budget Committee Meeting of May 10, 2012,
Committee of the Whole Meeting of May 10, 2012, and Regular Meeting of May 24,
2012
Motion – Ms. Mullins moved and Mr. Austin seconded to approve the minutes. The
motion passed with a vote of 6-0.
AWARDS, PRESENTATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS
Dr. Spangler noted that over 230 faculty, staff, administration and students participated
in the 2012 March of Dimes March for Babies campaign on Sunday, April 29, 2012 at
the University of Houston Robertson Stadium. She presented Ellen Efsic, Executive
Director of March of Dimes Houston Chapter with a check in the amount of $43,000,
which is one of the largest in the history of HCC’s 20-year support.
Dr. Spangler announced that the college raising the most funds and winner of the
President’s Trophy for the 9th consecutive year is Central College.
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
•
Board Retreat
The Board Retreat will be held on Friday and Saturday, June 22-23, 2012 at The
Houstonian, 111 North Post Oak Lane, 3rd Floor in the Camelia Room.
CHANCELLOR’S REPORT
•
Leadership Houston 2011-2012
Daniel Arguijo, Jr. was selected and completed the Leadership Houston 20112012 Class XXX. Leadership Houston selects a class of leaders who have
demonstrated community involvement and commitment. The class is given a
project as a graduation requirement that benefits the greater Houston
community. Class XXX raised $151,000 to enhance the Memorial Silver Triangle
into a green conscience plaza that overlooks Buffalo Bayou.
•
National Association for Foreign Student Advisors (NAFSA)
Dr. Parvin Bagherpour, Associate Vice Chancellor, International Student
Services received a Certificate of Achievement for her poster presentation
entitled Filling the Gaps in College Success Model at the NASFA Annual
Conference and Expo in Houston. Daniel Haas and Angela Ebrahimi of the
Office of International Student Services designed the poster.
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Regular Meeting – June 21, 2012 – Page 3
(Mrs. Flores joined the meeting at 4:21 p.m.)
•
RecycleMania 2012
HCC participated in the Gorilla category of RecycleMania 2012, an 8 week
period every Spring, which 605 colleges and university across the United States
and Canada are ranked in various categories. HCC collected over 62 tons of
paper and other recyclable materials and placed 144th out of 296.
•
HCC Ranked #1 in Texas for Awarding Associate Degrees
Community College Week issued its top 100 Associate Degrees Producers list,
an annual analysis of the top associate degree-awarding institutions in the nation
and Houston Community College is # in Texas, #8 nationally and second highest
in the United States for two-year institutions.
•
Chancellor’s Innovation Fund Awards 2012-2013
Dr. Mary Spangler announced the three recipients for Cycle Five of the
Chancellor’s Innovation Fund Award (CIFA) competition. HCC's faculty and staff
has responded for the fifth year to a challenge from the chancellor and submitted
new and exciting approaches to student recruitment, retention and completions.
o The Engineering Advising App Project
The Engineering Advising App project will develop an application for
students’ iDevices that will facilitate increased ease of advising,
enrollment and completion of engineering coursework. The project will
also explore incorporation of the Career Coach advising program into its
format. Dr. Bart Sheinberg is the Project Principal.
o The PRIME Project (Pre-Registration Math Enrichment)
The PRIME project will conduct demonstrations of the effect of retesting
alone and retesting plus student-directed preparation on scores for
college-readiness tests and will determine the protocols and conditions
necessary for such retesting strategies to accelerate completion of the
development sequence of courses. The project will also monitor the
development of the new THECB TSI test. Dr. Susan Fife is the Project
Principal.
o The STEM Fair Project
The STEM Fair project will determine the protocols and conditions
necessary to conduct a STEM-focused student competition and use social
media strategies to improve the perception by students regarding STEM
careers, degrees and course work. The student competition event will be
conducted in the 2013 spring semester. Stephanie Jones, Regina Wilson
and Chris Bourne are Project Principals.
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Regular Meeting – June 21, 2012 – Page 4
The projects will commence on September 1st with a concluding date planned for
August 31, 2013. The projects represent the best selections of the latest round of
the Chancellor’s Innovation Fund Award competition.
Dr. Spangler thanked Dr. David Joost for managing the competitive process. She
also thanked the Board for continuing to support the Innovation Fund and
apprised that this year a request for more dollars was submitted to encourage
faculty and staff to work collaboratively across the colleges to support STEM
projects and QEP. The Board will receive brief reports on the 4 projects selected
from last year’s competition.
•
Coleman College Grants
Coleman College was awarded a Skills Development Fund Grant from Methodist
Hospital in the amount of $900,000 dollars. The grant will provide a variety of
mission critical education and training opportunities.
Coleman College received a $700,000 grant from the Nursing Shortage
Reduction Program. The grant also has an additional $20,000 for students.
•
Faculty Senate Report
Dr. Thomas Urban noted that his address in May left with the message of the
faculty doing their best to doing better. He wished everyone a happy and safe
Independence Day.
CONSENT AGENDA
LIBRARY SYSTEM UPGRADE AND RECONFIGURATION
Motion – Mr. Austin moved and Mr. Robinson seconded to approve.
Mr. Robinson noted that he is requesting that all items with a contractual signature be
reviewed by General Counsel.
Vote –The motion passed with vote of 7-0.
PROPOSED REVISIONS TO BOARD BYLAWS AND POLICIES
Motion – Mr. Robinson moved and Mr. Schechter seconded to approve.
Mr. Robinson inquired if the item would be approved in its entirety or if it would be
approved in sections.
Mr. Robinson apprised that the Board reviewed the revisions which require prohibition
of business participation with vendor regarding relationship of family members of the
Board and senior staff members. He noted that as a part of the overarching of the item,
there is a recommendation to revise the bylaws regarding the campaign finance
contributions. Mr. Robinson apprised that he is thankful to the Board for their support
and expressed appreciation to the Board and Committee Chairs for their efforts.
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Regular Meeting – June 21, 2012 – Page 5
Mr. Schechter expressed appreciation to Mr. Robinson for bringing the item forward and
to Mr. Austin for his efforts as Committee Chair and Board as well as General Counsel
for their efforts in writing the proposed policy.
Mr. Schechter inquired which Article of the bylaws the item will be included. Mr.
Hollingsworth noted that the procurement item will probably be a part of the Board
Finance policies.
Mr. Schechter offered an amendment to the revised bylaws Article A, Section 6 and
noted that the amendment will require a renumbering of the bylaws as proposed. Mr.
Schechter informed that he was not present at the committee meeting during the
discussion but apprised that his amendment would limit campaign contributions to
$5,000 per election from an individual or any contribution from an entity or family to an
aggregate of $10,000.
Mrs. Sane recommended sending the amendment back to the committee for further
vetting.
Motion - Mr. Schechter moved and Mr. Robinson seconded to accept the amendment
presented by Schechter.
Mr. Robinson clarified that the amendment calls for a cap on contributions for $5,000.
Ms. Perez recommended allowing further discussion at the committee meeting.
Mr. Austin clarified that the amendment would bifurcate the motion.
Mr. Robinson withdrew his second on the amended motion but advised that he supports
the amendment.
Mr. Schechter apprised that the revisions presented for action by the Board are
regarding prohibited contract purchases and revision to Article A of the bylaws that
revises section 5 regarding prohibition during blackout period.
Ms. Mullins inquired if notification will be provided to the Board regarding the beginning
and ending of the blackout period. Mr. Hollingsworth apprised that the Executive
Director of Procurement will provide a written notice to the Board regarding the
beginning and ending of the blackout period.
Mr. Robinson informed that the blackout period information is provided on the college
website but requested that it be placed on the front of the website for better
accessibility.
The amendment motion died, the Board concluded the item should be revisited through
the committee.
Vote on the original motion – The motion passed with vote of 7-0.
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Regular Meeting – June 21, 2012 – Page 6
ENGAGEMENT PROPOSAL WITH QATUS ADVISORS
Motion – Mr. Austin moved and Mr. Robinson seconded.
Mr. Robinson requested that General and Board Counsel review and approve the
contract prior to finalizing. He also requested that a quarterly report be provided to the
Board regarding the status.
Mrs. Flores inquired what advising and best practices will be provided to the Board.
Dr. Tyler informed that there are numerous other universities globally where best
practices can be retrieved. He informed that the advisors will provide insight based on
critical observations with senior persons and those matters that the Board requests. He
noted that given the training and experience of the advisors, they will provide the Board
with another level of assurance.
Ms. Mullins inquired who the group will report to. Ms. Perez apprised that they would
report to the Board. She noted that the contract is for one year and the renewals will
have to be approved by the Board.
Mr. Robinson informed that there are still study abroad implications and noted that the
Board should be fully abreast of these issues. He apprised that there needs to be
someone who is consistently involved. He also apprised that the contract is driven by
Qatar law and that there is a need for representation.
Mr. Schechter noted that the effort is due diligence. He inquired if the term of the
contract will be negotiated because it is stated three years in the proposed
engagement. Ms. Perez apprised that the revised item states the terms of the contract.
Mr. Austin apprised that the Board is trying to ensure preventive measures. He
expressed appreciation to the Board Chair for bringing the item to the Board.
Vote – The motion passed with a vote 7-0.
(Mr. Schechter stepped out at 5:03 p.m.)
DIGITAL COPIER PROGRAM (PROJECT NO. 12-39)
Motion – Mr. Austin moved and Mr. Schechter seconded.
Vote – The motion passed with vote of 6-0.
AUTHORIZATION TO AMEND AND RENEW THE INTERLOCAL COOPERATION
AGREEMENT FOR THE COLLECTION OF TAXES BETWEEN FORT BEND
COUNTY, TEXAS (FORT BEND) AND HOUSTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE (HCC)
Motion – Mrs. Flores moved and Ms. Mullins seconded. The motion passed with a vote
of 6-0.
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Regular Meeting – June 21, 2012 – Page 7
FURNITURE AND RELATED SERVICES (PROJECT NO. 12-38)
Motion – Mrs. Sane moved and Ms. Mullins seconded.
Mr. Robinson inquired if someone would apprise of the level of furniture purchasing. He
noted that the contract is for a ten-year term.
Ms. Mullins inquired if there is an explanation for such a long term contract. Dr. Tyler
informed that the contract is two five-year terms. He noted that the term is negotiable
based on the RFP.
Mrs. Flores inquired about the small business participation. Dr. Tyler noted the prime
can identify sub-contractors to utilize for the small business participation.
Vote – The motion failed with vote 4-2 with Trustees Flores and Robinson opposing.
ANNUAL CONTRACT RENEWAL FISCAL YEAR 2013
Motion – Mr. Robinson moved and Mr. Austin seconded.
Mr. Robinson inquired of the college plans for a parking garage near 3100 and inquired
of the possibility of a garage in the medical center.
(Mr. Schechter returned at 5:17 p.m.)
Dr. Tyler noted that it would be more feasible to build the garage near 3100 Main. He
informed that a survey has not been conducted.
Vote – The motion passed with vote of 6-0-1 with Mr. Schechter abstaining.
TOPIC FOR DISCUSSION AND/OR ACTION
Motion – Ms. Mullins moved and Mrs. Sane seconded to approve the following items as
a consent agenda:
•
•
Renewal of North Forest Facilities Use Agreement
Personnel Agenda for June 2012
Vote – The motion passed with vote of 7-0.
PRINT SERVICES (PROJECT NO. 12-22)
Motion – Mr. Robinson moved and Mrs. Sane seconded.
Ms. Mullins inquired if the item is a budgeted item. Dr. Tyler apprised that it is a budget
item.
(Mr. Schechter stepped out at 5:21p.m.)
Ms. Mullins inquired about the differences in the price. Dr. Tyler apprised that the
amount is based on historical figures.
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Regular Meeting – June 21, 2012 – Page 8
(Mr. Schechter returned at 5:22 p.m.)
Mr. Robinson inquired why there was not a print-wide system package with everything
grouped together as one item. Mr. Bill Carter informed that print services can be
expensive and noted that when spread out; it is more cost efficient regarding specialty
items.
Mr. Robinson clarified that his inquiry was utilizing print solutions that allows one vendor
to provide all the printing services. Dr. Tyler apprised that procurement did review the
option. Mr. Rogelio Anasagasti noted that for such items as stationary, business cards,
etc. items, print services would be managed well with utilizing one vendor for print
solutions; however, in this case the nature of services needed require specialization.
He apprised that vendors that provide those types of services as mentioned were
invited to bid but noted that they did not respond to the bid.
Vote – The motion passed with vote of 7-0.
INVESTMENT REPORT FOR APRIL 2012 AND FINANCIAL REPORT FOR MAY
2012
Motion – Ms. Mullins moved and Mrs. Sane seconded.
Dr. Tyler apprised that he is happy to report that the investments are healthy.
Mr. Austin inquired if there is an entity to deal with continuous improvement that would
provide an analysis regarding how the organization is tweaked with some type of TQM
process. Dr. Spangler apprised that not necessarily in terms of TQI or TQM; however,
the college is constantly trying to identify measures for improving in terms of facilities,
staffing, and leadership development.
Mr. Austin noted that the Board often makes budgetary recommendations and inquired
if there is a tracking system of recommendations made the Board. Dr. Tyler informs that
Board Services tracks recommendations made by the Board. Mr. Austin recommended
implementing a process that will review those recommendations.
Dr. Tyler provided a report on the financial status of the college. He apprised that the
college will be very healthy due to efforts of the presidents, faculty, and staff. He noted
that efficiencies continue to be identified.
Mr. Robinson inquired how much funds are available in the Capital Improvement Plan
(CIP) funds that are unspent and unencumbered. Dr. Tyler apprised that $26 million is
unencumbered and unspent. He noted that there are some expenditures that are not
included in the report and that a better statement of the figure should be available by
end of June. Dr. Tyler informed that the balance will be expended by the end of the
year.
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Regular Meeting – June 21, 2012 – Page 9
Ms. Perez inquired if there are any funds expended from the budget regarding the
Minority Male Initiative (MMI) program. Dr. Tyler apprised that the funds for MMI are
mostly from donations or the Chancellor’s contingency budget.
Vote – Motion passed with vote of 7-0.
ADJOURNED TO CLOSED SESSION
Ms. Perez adjourned the meeting to Executive Session at 5:40 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 6:28 p.m. and entertained
motions on pending matters.
(Present: Trustees Austin, Flores, Perez, Robinson, Sane, and Schechter)
HEARING OF CITIZENS
The following citizen(s) spoke before the Board:
(Mr. Schechter stepped out at 6:29 p.m. and returned at 6:33 p.m.)
•
•
•
•
•
Martha Scribner
Orell Fitzsimmons
John Reno
Conrado Acevedo
Daniel Arp
The following citizens requested to speak in closed session:
•
•
•
Reynaldo Garay
Luciano Salinas
Jesus Cantu Medel
Motion – Mr. Robinson moved and Mr. Schechter seconded to recall the item relating to
Furniture and Related Services (Project 12-38). The motion passed with vote of 6-0.
Motion - Mr. Robinson moved and Mr. Austin seconded to approve Furniture and
Related Services (Project 12-38).
Motion to Amend – Mr. Robinson moved and Mr. Schechter seconded to amend the
term for up to five years with one base year and year-to-year option to renew up to five
years. The motion passed with vote of 6-0.
Vote on Original Motion – The motion passed with vote of 6-0.
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ADJOURNED TO CLOSED SESSION
Ms. Perez adjourned the meeting to Executive Session at 7:06 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 7:25 p.m. and entertained
motions on pending matters.
(Present: Trustees Austin, Perez, Robinson, Sane, and Schechter)
ADJOURNMENT
With no further business coming before the Board, the meeting adjourned at 7:26 p.m.
Minutes recorded, transcribed & submitted by:
Sharon Wright, Manager, Board Services
Minutes Approved as Submitted: