MEETING OF THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
HOUSTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE
August 9, 2012
Minutes
The Board of Trustees of Houston Community College met as a Committee of the
Whole on Thursday, August 9, 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
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
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
William Harmon, President, Central College
Zachary Hodges, President Northwest College
Irene Porcarello, President, Southeast College
Betty Young, President, Coleman College for Health Sciences
Willie Williams, Chief Human Resources Officer
OTHERS PRESENT
Derrick Mitchell, 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 4:32 p.m. and declared the Board
convened to consider matters pertaining to Houston Community College as listed on the
duly posted Meeting Notice.
PROPERY AND CASUALTY INSURANCE PROGRAM SERVICES
Motion – Mr. Robinson moved and Mr. Schechter seconded to approve.
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Committee of the Whole – August 9, 2012 - Page 2
Mr. Robinson moved to amend to 36 months and Mr. Austin seconded the amendment.
(Ms. Mullins and Mrs. Sane joined the meeting at 4:33 p.m.)
Mr. Austin inquired of the risk management assessment. Ms. Terry Cook of Risk
Management informed that a short-term policies would not be issued.
Mr. Schechter requested clarification of dates. Ms. Cook informed that the policies run
from September 1, 2012 – September 1, 2013.
Mr. Schechter informed that the contract was previously extended for 18 months and
that he is in favor of extending for one year.
Mr. Boris Miles noted that the policy is not being extended with terms that do not align
with insurance standards. He apprised that constant changing indicates instability.
Mr. Schechter noted that the public was led to believe that an opportunity would be
available for a bid process.
Mr. Austin requested information be provided informing of the effect of the actions. Mr.
Miles noted that a 6-month extension would suffice and the policy would be aligned with
industry standards.
Mr. Robinson withdrew his motion and Mr. Austin withdrew his second.
Amended Motion: Mr. Schechter moved to amend to approve the extension for 6
months and Mrs. Sane seconded.
Vote on amended motion: The amendment passed with a vote of 7-0.
Vote on motion: The motion passed with a vote of 7-0.
ADJOURNED TO CLOSED SESSION
Ms. Perez adjourned the meeting to Executive Session at 4:48 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 5:22 p.m. and entertained
motions on pending matters.
(Present: Trustees Austin, Flores, Mullins, Perez, Sane, and Schechter)
SECURITY GUARD SERVICES
Motion – Mr. Austin moved and Mr. Schechter seconded.
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Committee of the Whole – August 9, 2012 - Page 3
Dr. Tyler noted that assessment was conducted to review the cost effectiveness of
security guards at the HCC District Office.
Mr. Austin inquired what would be changed to allow for the services. Dr. Tyler informed
that the receptionist at 3100 Main would be replaced with the security services on all the
floors except the Human Resources receptionist. He noted that the current receptionist
staff would be re-assigned to other positions throughout the colleges. He mentioned that
the services would provide more security at the 3100, main building.
Mr. Austin noted that he is more concerned with Central campus. Dr. Tyler noted that
the savings will allow for more armed and Texas Commission on Law Enforcement
Standards and Education (TCLEOSE) officers.
Mr. Austin inquired as to what defensible space would be involved to provide a total
package. Dr. Tyler informed that the challenge with defensible space would be to
continue to have an open and inviting environment for students. He apprised that
technology is being upgraded to provide enhanced protection with cameras and the
ability to get information to the police department faster. He noted that staff and faculty
are being trained and noted technology will assist in identifying threats.
Mr. Austin recommended review of Oscar Newman’s proposal for institutions.
Ms. Mullins inquired if the additional funds saved would be used at other campuses. Dr.
Tyler informed that the savings would be distributed throughout.
Ms. Mullins inquired of the cost difference of engaging police officers. Dr. Tyler noted
that there is a different skill set. He noted that there are police officers at the campuses
but the number would increase.
Mrs. Flores inquired of the home office of the company. Rogelio Anasagasti apprised
that he would get the information regardin the home office location. Mrs. Flores asked
where does Houston First Local comes into the evaluation. She noted that some of the
companies are local and requested information that shows how the ranking was
determined. Mr. Anasagasti informed that the evaluation in total involves numerous
activities. He noted that the composite scores are enclosed. He informed that the
college has not adopted the Houston First Local requirement. Ms. Byas noted that
because state funds are received, the procurement process has to be open to all
vendors.
Mr. Austin inquired if Board Counsel has opined on the issue regarding the
procurement. Dr. Tyler noted that the item has been included as a part of the State
Legislative Priorities.
Mr. Austin requested a copy of the opinion.
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Committee of the Whole – August 9, 2012 - Page 4
Mr. Anasagasti provided the requested information regarding the home office location.
He informed that the main office is located in Pennslyvania; however, the operations
and hiring will be with the local office.
Mr. Schechter motioned to adjourn the meeting and move the items to the Regular
meeting scheduled for Austin 16, 2012. Mrs. Flores seconded. The motion passed with
a vote of 7-0. The following items were moved to Topics for Discussion at the regular
meeting:
•
Tuition and Fees for Non-Credit Classes
•
Proposed Settlement Between Daniel Seymour and HCC
•
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
•
Investment Report for the Month of May 2012
•
Investment Report for the Month of June 2012
•
Monthly Finance Report for June and July 2012
ADJOURNMENT
With no further business, the meeting adjourned at 5:40 p.m.
Recorded and Submitted by:
Sharon R. Wright, Manager, Board Services
Minutes Approved:
September 20, 2012