REGULAR MEETING
OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
HOUSTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE
August 16, 2012
Minutes
The Board of Trustees of Houston Community College held a Regular Meeting on
Thursday, August 16, 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
Eva Loredo
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
Margaret Ford Fisher, President, Northeast College
Fena Garza, President, Southwest College
Zachary Hodges, President, Northwest College
Irene Porcarello, President, Southeast College
Betty Young, President, Coleman College
Remmele Young, Executive Director, Government Relations & Sustainability
Winston Dahse, Chief Administration Officer
Willie Williams, Chief Human Resources Officer
OTHERS PRESENT
Jarvis Hollingsworth, System Counsel, Bracewell & Giuliani
Lisa Eason, President, COPA
Thomas Urban, Faculty Senate President
Other administrators, citizens and representatives from the news media
Houston Community College
Regular Meeting – August 16, 2012 – Page 2
CALL TO ORDER
Ms. Perez, Chair, called the meeting to order at 4:01 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.
(Mr. Schechter joined the meeting at 4:12 p.m.)
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Approval of Minutes from Facilities Sub-Committee Meeting of June 7, 2012, Strategic
Planning Committee Meeting of June 7, 2012, Academic Affairs/Student Services
Committee Meeting of June 14, 2012, Board Governance Committee Meeting of June
14, 2012, Budget Sub-Committee Meeting of June 14, 2012, Committee of the Whole
Meeting of June 14, 2012, Regular Meeting of June 21, 2012, and Special Meeting of
June 22, 2012.
Motion – Mrs. Sane moved and Ms. Mullins seconded to approve the minutes. The
motion passed with a vote of 6-0.
AWARDS, PRESENTATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS
Mr. Don Smith, Chairman of the Missouri City Juneteenth Foundation presented a
trophy to Trustee Neeta Sane and Southwest College as the winners of the “Mile of
Smiles” parade.
(Mr. Schechter arrived at 4:08 p.m.)
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
•
Special Meeting Held on August 9, 2012
Ms. Perez announced that the HCC Board of Trustees held a Special meeting on
Thursday, August 9, 2012 to approve the resolution adopting an Order Calling a
Special Election to be held Tuesday, November 6, 2012 for the purpose of
submitting to qualified electors of the territory within Houston Community College
System, a proposition for or against the issuance of $425 million bond for the
construction and improvement of facilities for HCC and making other provisions
related to the subject.
CHANCELLOR’S REPORT
•
SACS Reaffirmation Appreciation Reception
A reception was held to recognize all those who played an active role in the
successful completion of the SACS accreditation process. Dr. Spangler gave
special recognition to Dr. Charles Cook for his role as SACS Liaison and Dr.
Judy Cantwell, Accreditation Compliance Director. She also thanked Dr. Fena
Garza and Dr. Butch Herod for their leadership in the Quality Enhancement
Houston Community College
Regular Meeting – August 16, 2012 – Page 3
Program (QEP) and Tineke Berends in her new role as QEP Director. Dr.
Spangler expressed special thanks to the Board of Trustees for their support and
work in meeting with the SACS visiting team.
•
State of the College
The 5th Annual State of the College will be held on Friday, October 19, 2012 at
the Junior League of Houston. The annual event provides important information
to elected officials, business leaders, stakeholders and community members on
the significant achievements of the institution.
•
Faculty Senate Report
Dr. Thomas Urban noted that his address three months ago pointed to the
importance of passion. He noted that the relation of passion to vision and into
doing what is right shows an overarching need to always be mindful that we
dwell in a community with others. He noted that leadership’s challenge is how to
engage these traits of character across HCC district and beyond. Dr. Urban
informed that it is easier to legislate immorality with adoption of bad policy and
rules than it is to cultivate a general sense of well-being. He announced that Tod
Bisch will begin his term as the new Faculty Senate President next month.
(Mrs. Flores arrived at 4:20 p.m.)
CONSENT AGENDA
Motion – Mr. Robinson moved and Mr. Austin seconded to approve the consent agenda
with the exception of items A.2 and A.3. The following consent agenda items were
approved:
•
Purchase of COMPASS Units
•
Contract Modification with Moodlerooms Learning Management System
•
Proposed Revisions to Board Bylaws and Policies
•
Property and Casualty Insurance Program Services
•
Permanent Funding of Minority Male Initiative
ASSOCIATE IN APPLIED SCIENCE (AAS) IN ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY
Motion – Mr. Robinson moved and Mr. Schechter seconded to approve.
Mr. Austin provided a presentation regarding the need for efforts to keep Houston
working and congratulated the college regarding the efforts in the applied science in
engineering technology.
Mr. Schechter expressed appreciation to Mr. Austin for his efforts and also to those
involved in bringing forth the recommendation.
Houston Community College
Regular Meeting – August 16, 2012 – Page 4
Mr. Robinson informed that it is an important item. He expressed that additional
Corporate Training (CT) education and funding are needed for dual credit in Alief and
Coleman as well as other areas. He apprised that there is a group of individuals
interested in discussing the option of turning Jack Yates to a full dual credit high school
and he noted that this is his reason for pressing the issue of charter schools.
Mrs. Sane suggested holding a discussion on the issue.
Ms. Mullins inquired of the schedule for expanding the programs.
Mr. Schechter noted that there are six high schools involved in the program and asked
Dr. Cook to elaborate on the programs. Dr. Cook apprised that the schools participating
are Furr, Kashmere, J.D. Long, Madison, Scarborough, and Sterling.
Mr. Austin noted that the Medical Center and North Forest were also to be included. Dr.
Cook apprised that as high schools request, there will be the possibility of expansion.
Vote – The motion passed with a vote of 8-0.
COURSE FEE FOR PREP COURSES
Motion – Ms. Mullins moved and Mr. Austin seconded to approve.
Mr. Robinson inquired if the course would be an accelerated developmental course. Dr.
Cook informed that the effort is to accelerate the students to get them involved and
move forward faster.
Mr. Robinson noted that the efforts are to move the students forward and not to slow
them down. Dr. Cook apprised that the course serves as a prep course for students.
Mr. Robinson asked that an effort be made to communicate the effort across the
community that the resource is available and that it should not be kept as a secret.
Dr. Cook announced that the link to the course is: http://hccs.edu/hcc_prep. Mr. Austin
recommended that Board Services email the link to the full Board.
Dr. Spangler noted that she would like to provide an overview to the Board of online
information which is available to students at no charge.
Mrs. Flores inquired regarding the comment on the free prep course. Mr. Robinson
informed that he was referring to the website regarding the prep courses available.
Ms. Mullins inquired if the prep course is free. Dr. Cook noted that the online prep
course is free; however, the course with a fee is open to students who test within a
bubble to take an accelerated course.
Vote – The motion passed with a vote of 8-0.
Houston Community College
Regular Meeting – August 16, 2012 – Page 5
(Mr. Oliver arrived at 4:55 p.m.)
TOPIC FOR DISCUSSION AND/OR ACTION
Motion – Mr. Austin moved and Mrs. Sane seconded to approve the following topics for
discussion as a consent agenda:
•
10 and 20 Year Levy Write-Offs per Texas Property Tax Code Section 33.05
Regarding Limitation on Collection of Taxes for Stafford and Missouri City
Jurisdictions
•
Personnel Agenda for August 2012
•
Full-Time Administrative Employee Annual Contracts for Fiscal Year 2013-2014
•
Full-Time Faculty Employee Annual Contracts for Fiscal Year 2012-2013
SECURITY GUARD SERVICES (PROJECT NO. 12-16)
Motion – Ms. Mullins moved and Mr. Oliver seconded.
Dr. Tyler provided an overview of the current and additional needs for security officers
at 3100 Main. He elaborated on the concept including the estimated savings. He
apprised that the recommendation is to replace the ten reception stations at 3100 Main
with security officers and noted that there would be a savings of approximately
$400,000 that could be converted to hiring additional police officers. Dr. Tyler noted the
program needs to be started as soon as possible as it would (1) reduce the cost of
overtime and (2) increase security throughout the district.
Mr. Oliver inquired of the prevention of someone authorized on behalf of HCC to
exposing the college to liability. Dr. Tyler noted that the contract does not provide for
hiring armed security officers. He informed that the uniform officers will be trained to
keep calmness and order. He apprised that they are an extension of the police
department and their first efforts will be to contact the police department.
Mr. Robinson inquired if the base contract will provide an effort to add to the force. He
inquired if the college is at a point that it can attract trained police officers. Dr. Tyler
apprised that the college is not at a level to match Houston Police Department (HPD)
salary but could match that of some of the surrounding colleges.
Mr. Robinson inquired of the possibility of offsetting the gap with technology
improvement. Dr. Tyler noted that the college is in the process of rebuilding technology
in the police department. Mr. Robinson recommended reviewing the camera system in
New Jersey and Chicago.
Mr. Robinson noted that he would move to amend the item to approve for up to $1
million.
Mr. Oliver inquired of clarity for the recommendation. Dr. Tyler noted that the effort is to
add additional security officers.
Houston Community College
Regular Meeting – August 16, 2012 – Page 6
Mr. Oliver inquired of the goal as it relates to hiring of additional officers. Dr. Tyler
apprised that the recommendation would allow for an increase of 10 officers bringing
the total to 81 officers.
Mr. Oliver informed that he would be more inclined to see the addition of police officers
as well as security officers. He apprised that it could mean increasing equipment, such
as security scanners. Dr. Tyler apprised that the effort is to hire more police officers;
however due to requirements, such as extensive background check, the process could
be lengthy.
Ms. Perez informed that she would be more apt to seeing the item amended for a oneyear contract as opposed to a three-year contract.
Mr. Austin noted that the Board has the option to limit the contract term with the opt-out
clause. Mr. Austin also inquired of the possibility of strategic integration and
recommended a three-year contract.
Dr. Tyler apprised that the advertising was for three years with two one-year options;
however, an option to terminate was inclusive.
Ms. Mullins inquired how difficult is it to hire armed officers. Dr. Tyler noted that the
process is lengthy and that armed officers are at the various campuses as well as
rolling security.
Ms. Mullins inquired if there is a plan to have armed officers at all forty-one campuses.
Dr. Tyler noted that it is a goal.
Amended motion – Mr. Robinson amended to cap expenditures at $1 million and Mr.
Oliver seconded.
Mr. Robinson recommended that administration provide a review of the savings at the
budget review.
Mr. Schechter inquired if the amendment would be $1 million annually. Mr. Robinson
conferred.
Mrs. Flores inquired of the review benchmark for the effectiveness of the contract. Dr.
Tyler noted that there will be a review according to the performance through the police
department and the college presidents. Mr. Rogelio Anasagasti informed that the review
and evaluation would be every four months.
Vote on amendment – The motion passed with a vote 9-0.
Vote on original motion – The motion passed with a vote of 9-0.
TUITION AND FEES FOR NON-CREDIT CLASSES
Motion – Mr. Robinson moved and Mr. Oliver seconded.
Houston Community College
Regular Meeting – August 16, 2012 – Page 7
Vote – The motion passed with a vote of 7-2 with Trustee Robinson and Flores
opposing.
(Mrs. Sane stepped out at 5:30 p.m.)
INVESTMENT REPORT FOR THE MONTH OF MAY 2012
INVESTMENT REPORT FOR THE MONTH OF JUNE 2012
MONTHLY FINANCE REPORT FOR JUNE AND JULY 2012
Motion – Mr. Robinson moved and Mr. Oliver seconded to approved Investment
Reports for May and June 2012 and the monthly Financial Reports for June and July
2012.
Dr. Tyler apprised that the college continues to do well by making smart decisions and
leveraging every dollar received.
(Mrs. Flores stepped out at 5:32 p.m.)
Mr. Robinson inquired if technology funding was budgeted outside the standard
equipment such as security technology. Dr. Tyler noted that $2.4 million is expended
regarding security technology items.
(Mrs. Sane returned at 5:34 p.m.)
Mr. Robinson inquired of the unrestricted fund balance. Dr. Tyler referenced page 30 of
the July 2012 financial statement and apprised that the balance is currently $10.5
million.
Vote – The motion passed with a vote of 8-0.
(Mrs. Flores returned at 5:36 p.m.)
HEARING OF CITIZENS
The following citizen(s) spoke before the Board:
•
Daniel Arp
Ms. Perez announced that a student at Southeast College passed away during an
automobile accident. Dr. Irene Porcarello conferred and announced that the services
were held on August 16, 2012.
ADJOURNED TO CLOSED SESSION
Ms. Perez adjourned the meeting to Executive Session at 5:44 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.
Houston Community College
Regular Meeting – August 16, 2012 – Page 8
Ms. Perez reconvened the meeting in Open Session at 7:16 p.m. and entertained
motions on pending matters.
(Present: Trustees Austin, Loredo, Mullins, Perez, Oliver, Robinson, and Schechter)
PROPOSED SETTLEMENT BETWEEN DANIEL SEYMOUR AND HCC
Motion – Mr. Austin moved and Mr. Oliver seconded. The motion passed with a vote of
7-0.
ADJOURNMENT
With no further business coming before the Board, the meeting adjourned at 7:17 p.m.
Minutes recorded, transcribed & submitted by:
Sharon Wright, Manager, Board Services
Minutes Approved as Submitted:
September 20, 2012