MEETING OF THE
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
HOUSTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE
October 18, 2012
Minutes
The Committee of the Whole of the Board of Trustees of Houston Community College held
a meeting on Thursday, October 18, 2012 at the HCC Administration Building, 3100 Main,
2nd Floor, Seminar Room A, Houston, Texas.
COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT
Mary Ann Perez, Chair
Bruce A. Austin, Vice Chair
Eva Loredo
Christopher W. Oliver
Carroll G. Robinson
Richard Schechter
ADMINISTRATION
Mary S. Spangler, Chancellor
Art Tyler, Deputy Chancellor/COO
Renee Byas, General Counsel
Shantay Grays, Chief of Staff
William Carter, Vice Chancellor, Information Technology
Charles Cook, Vice Chancellor, Instruction
Diana Pino, Vice Chancellor, Student Success
Margaret Ford Fisher, President, Northeast College
Julian Fisher for Fena Garza, President, Southwest College
William Harmon, President, Central College
Virginia Parras for Zachary Hodges, President, Northwest College
Irene Porcarello, President, Southeast College
Betty Young, President, Coleman College
Remmele Young, Executive Director, Government Relations & Sustainability
Willie Williams, Jr., Chief Human Resources Officer
OTHERS PRESENT
Tod Bisch, President, Faculty Senate
James Walker, President, COPA
Other administrators, citizens and representatives from the news media
CALL TO ORDER
Ms. Perez, Chair called the meeting to order at 4:50 p.m. and declared the Committee
convened to consider matters pertaining to Houston Community College as listed on the
duly posted Meeting Notice.
Houston Community College
Committee of the Whole – October 18, 2012 - Page 2
CONTRACT EXTENSTION FOR EXTERNAL AUDIT SERVICES FROM JULY 13, 2012
TO DECEMBER 31, 2013
Motion – Mr. Austin moved and Ms. Loredo seconded.
Dr. Tyler apprised that the contract for the external auditor will expire on July 13, 2013. He
informed that the request is asking the Board to waive the current “5-year limit” requirement
in Board policy 3.1.2.4 and to extend the contract to Gainer, Donnelly & Desroches, LLP
through December 31, 2013 to allow for the completion of fiscal year 2013 financial audit.
Vote – The motion passed with a vote of 5-0.
ELECTRICAL POWER SERVICES
Motion – Mr. Oliver moved and Ms. Loredo seconded.
Dr. Tyler apprised that Reliant was the firm used to procure electrical and gas power. He
noted that all four recommended firms would be given the opportunity to provide their best
and final offer.
Mr. Austin informed that his concern is that there is some public/private mix. He apprised
that the state law allows for securing joint contracts with other state agencies. Dr. Tyler
noted that the intent is to allow the firms to compete to provide the best price.
Vote – The motion passed with a vote of 5-0.
INVESTMENT REPORT FOR THE MONTH OF AUGUST
Motion – Mr. Oliver moved and Mr. Robinson seconded.
Dr. Tyler provided an update on the monthly investments and noted that the college
continues to make sound investments in a down economy.
Vote – The motion passed with a vote of 5-0.
MONTHLY FINANCE REPORT FOR SEPTEMBER 2012
Motion – Mr. Robinson motion and Ms. Loredo seconded.
Mr. Robinson asked Dr. Tyler to speak to the current enrollment. Dr. Tyler informed that the
enrollment continues to grow; however, the continuing education enrollment is down. He
noted that there could be several contributing factors; however, there has not been an
analysis to determine for certain the cause. He apprised that the current enrollment as of
today is approximately 68,000.
Mr. Robinson inquired if there are any additional starts. Dr. Tyler noted that there is an
eight week and holiday mini term. He informed that those starts will possibly increase
enrollment to 70,000 or 72,000.
(Mr. Schechter joined the meeting at 5:11 p.m.)
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Committee of the Whole – October 18, 2012 - Page 3
Dr. Tyler apprised that there are various factors that drive the numbers up or down such as
the college is no longer offering late enrollment and students from four-year institutions
attending holiday mini term. There are also students that drop in and take a class for
personal growth and not to obtain a degree.
Dr. Tyler noted that approximately ten percent of the students are not successful; however,
efforts are underway to see how to assist those students in being successful.
The Board concluded that the enrollment discussion be continued at the Regular Board
meeting.
Vote – The motion passed with a vote of 6-0.
ADJOURNMENT
With no further business, the meeting adjourned at 5:17 p.m.
Recorded, transcribed and submitted by:
Sharon R. Wright, Manager, Board Services
Minutes Approved:
November 15, 2012