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HOUSTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE SYSTEM
REGULAR MEETING OF
THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
May 28, 1998
Minutes
The Board of Trustees of the Houston Community College System held a Regular Meeting on April
29,1998, at the Central Administrative Center, 22 Waugh Drive, Houston, Texas.
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT
M. James Henderson, Chairman
Christopher W. Oliver, Vice-Chairman
John Fonteno, Jr., Secretary
Bruce A. Austin
Abel Davila
Herlinda Garcia
James R. Murphy
BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT
Carol H. Smith, Deputy Secretary
W. F. Russell
ADMINISTRATION
Ruth Burgos-Sasscer, Chancellor
Elaine Adams, Vice-Chancellor, Educational Development
Patricia Fairchild, Vice-Chancellor, Workforce Development
Margaret Forde, President, HCC-Northeast
Zachary Hodges, President, HCC-Northwest
Sylvia Ramos, President, HCC-Southeast
Diana M. Taylor, Chief Operations Officer
Tom Kennedy, Executive Director, Public Information
OTHERS PRESENT
Arturo Michel, Bracewell and Patterson
Other administrators, staff, representatives of the news media and interested citizens
CALL TO ORDER
Mr. Henderson called the Meeting to order at 4:25 p.m. and declared the Board convened to consider
matters pertaining to the Houston Community College System as listed on the duly-posted meeting
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notice.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mr. Henderson congratulated Mr. Davila on his graduation from Texas Southern University on May 16,
with a Bachelor's Degree in Pharmacy.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM PREVIOUS MEETINGS.
Motion No. 791 - Mr. Austin moved to approve the minutes as submitted from the Strategic Financial
Planning Workshop of April 2 and the Regular Meeting of April 29, 1998. Mr. Davila seconded the
motion. Motion carried 5-0 (Trustees Fonteno and Garcia had not yet arrived).
APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA
Motion No. 792 - Mr. Austin moved approval of the consent agenda, with the exception of certain items
set aside for discussion or consideration following executive session. Mr. Oliver seconded the motion.
Motion carried 5-0. The following items were approved:
I. Instructional Programs
● Approved an AAS degree in Emergency Medical Services;
●
Adopted a resolution endorsing the HCCS Workforce Development Division application
RFP 09-03 to the Houston-Galveston Area Council for targeted occupational skills
training, customized training and job placement
●
Approved affiliation agreements with various providers for the clinical education of
students in Health Careers Programs, Southeast College, including Youth and Family
Counseling Services; Associated Catholic Charities; Lifeway; The Turning Point;
Volunteers of America; Cornelia Trejo, D.D., Vosswood Nursing Center; Gulf Coast
Orthopedic and Spine Association; St. Mary's Hospital; and Cooper Institute of Advanced
Reproductive Medicine;
II. Purchasing of Materials and Services
●
Approved Drymalla Construction Inc., as contractor for the construction of the HCCS
Northeast College Truck Driving Center and Harry Golemon, architect, to replot and
redesign site work;
●
Awarded contract for housekeeping service for the new Stafford Campus, Southwest
College, to Deama Services;
●
Approved various companies to participate in the HCCS Furniture Standards Program for
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classroom and office furniture for the period June 1, 1998 through May 31, 1999;
●
Approved the purchase of a truck for the Safety and Loss Control Department from
Helfman Ford;
●
Awarded a contract for vending services to G.L.E. Enterprises, Inc., for the period July 1,
1998 through June 30, 1999, at a rate of 31.9% of gross sales;
●
Approved an Inter-Local Agreement with the City of Stafford and authorized the
Chancellor to execute same on behalf of the System. The City of Stafford agrees to give
the College $100,000 for the purchase of television equipment and $6,000 a month as
payment for cable television services;
●
Approved payment for professional services rendered by Bracewell and Patterson for the
period March 16 through April 15, 1998;
III. Fiscal Matters
●
Accepted the Investment Report for the month of April 1998;
●
Approved and ratified expenditures for the month of May 1998 for the purchase of
equipment for use by Board Members in carrying out activities of the System
IV. Other
●
Approved and ratified the acceptance of gifts and donations received to-date;
●
Authorized the Chancellor to negotiate and execute a contract with Oracle Corporation to
provide Oracle database administration and support services for administrative
information systems and academic computer science programs at a cost not to exceed
$3,424,000, through August 31, 2001;
●
Approved the draft of the General Information and Policies sections of the HCCS catalog;
and
●
Approved proposed amendments to the Sabbatical leave Policy for HCCS faculty.
CONSULTANT CONTRACTS TABLED FOR EXECUTIVE SESSION
Question arose regarding several consultant contracts and the matter was tabled for discussed in
executive session.
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AWARDS AND PRESENTATIONS
a. Faculty Award - Dr. Burgos-Sasscer presented the ChancellorÕs Medallion to Judy Cantwell,
Department Chair, Learning Resources Centers, HCC-Southeast. Since assuming the department
chair last August, Ms. Cantwell has established policies and procedures required for a separate
HCC-Southeast library system and has worked with architects in designing the library for the
new health science center in the Texas Medical Center. She has begun preliminary discussions
with architects on renovating and expanding the Eastside Campus LRC. Ms. Cantwell holds a
Bachelor of Arts degree in history and a Master of Science in Library Science from Louisiana
State University.
Mr. Oliver commended the Chancellor for recognizing outstanding faculty, noting this
strengthens morale and encourages instructors to excel in their field.
CHANCELLOR'S REPORT
a. Financial Activity Report - Diana Morales Taylor answered questions about long-term
investments, pointing out that long-term investment are not always advantageous because of low
interest rates. She reported that $30 million of ad valorem taxes was budgeted, with $32 million
collected to date. This includes past due accounts and is due in part to increased collection
activity.
b. Report on Adult Basic Education
Dr. Burgos-Sasscer reported that the National Literacy Act (NLA) contracts are reviewed by state
agencies and sub-contractors. The HCCS internal auditor routinely reviews the operations for
fiscal responsibility. Recommendations are made to the agencies if necessary, with subsequent
reviews to ensure compliance. Although HCCS is the fiscal agent for the agencies, they also
receive money from other agencies which also provide monitoring.
Mrs. Garcia asked if the Chancellor had an opportunity to review the internal audit reports and
what was being done to transition students to HCCS. Dr. Burgos-Sasscer replied that she had not
yet reviewed the audits and we are just beginning to do this sort of tracking in conjunction with
the strategic plan. She added that recruitment specialists routinely visit the GED centers to recruit
students into HCCS programs.
Administration was asked to provide an executive summary on the fiscal accountability of the
programs for which HCCS is the fiscal agent.
c. Institute for Excellence
Dr. Burgos-Sasscer reported that planning for the workforce symposium and the Institute for
Excellence is underway. The symposium will probably take place in October. She asked for
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volunteers from the Board to serve on the steering committee for the symposium.
d. TIF Grant - A Telecommunications Infrastructure Fund (TIF) grant for $789,000 has been
awarded to HCCS to provide 20-30 networked computers for eight sites among the Colleges. The
sites must be located adjacent to libraries and must offer full service morning, day and evening
classes.
e. Commencement Activities - The Chancellor expressed appreciation to the Trustees and staff who
participated in graduation ceremonies. There were approximately 300 graduates in the GED
program and 700 in degree programs. Administration was asked to look into purchasing
standardized graduation robes for the Board Members.
f. Class Schedule - Dr. Burgos- Sasscer displayed the newly-published class scheduled, which is
both colorful and user-friendly. She commended Mark Tiller, Tom Kennedy and Sylvia
Blomstrom for designing the new format.
COMMENTS FROM MR. FONTENO
a. Jail Program - Mr. Fonteno asked for information on the status of the jail program. Dr. Margaret
Forde explained that HCCS has a very viable program with the County Jail. The Atascocita
facility will be closing soon and moving the inmates downtown. One area of concern has been
the office occupations program. Dr. Forde has met with the jail administrators and has assured
them that this program will continue. Her team is working with the County to develop an
inventory of equipment. She reported they seem very pleased with the service HCCS is
providing.
Dr. Forde noted that the SheriffÕs Department recently held an open house at the county jail and
invited the Board, Chancellor and administrators. They proudly showcased the work the inmates
are doing as a result of the quality training they are receiving. The Chancellor and Executive
Team have also been invited to visit the new location where County administrators would like to
see the GED program expanded. A full-time vocational counselor will be on board before the end
of summer to work with the inmates. Dr. Burgos-Sasscer noted this came as a result of a request
from Mr. Fonteno. A coordinator of correctional education is working with the jail administrators
and they are very pleased with that arrangement.
Mr. Fonteno felt that news releases would be a good way to publicize the jail program. Dr. Forde
noted that the public information officer at Northeast College is presently working on a story
highlighting these programs. The Chancellor also asked Tom Kennedy in the Public Information
Office to follow up on Mr. FontenoÕs recommendation.
b. Staffing Chart - Mr. Fonteno requested a staffing chart to determine which positions remain
unfilled. Manning Tables will be provided to all Trustees.
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c. "Fact Cards" - Mr. Fonteno asked that miniature Ò fact cardsÓ be developed with statistics and
facts about HCCS to be used for recruitment and community outreach purposes. The Chancellor
acknowledged his request.
d. Houston Housing Authority - Mr. Fonteno asked for clarification of the Housing AuthorityÕs
involvement with the Institute for Excellence. Dr. Fairchild explained the Houston Housing
Authority is ready to approve a contract for a transfer of $240,000 which they have received in
grants to HCCS to provide workforce training through the Institute. It is expected that the
Housing Authority will eventually enroll people in the institute. Mr. Fonteno noted that
transportation and day care are key elements of a successful program. Dr. Burgos-Sasscer assured
him that these services are key components in all requests for grants.
CHAIRMAN'S REPORT
a. Mr. Henderson expressed his disappointment at not being able to attend graduation ceremonies
this year. A prior commitment prevented him from attending for the first time in several years.
He remarked that graduation is a gratifying experience that he looks forward to each year. Mr.
Fonteno observed that Mr. Oliver did an outstanding job in presiding over the ceremonies.
b. Elizabeth Rockwell Roundtable
Mr. Henderson reported on the recent Elizabeth Rockwell Roundtable held in Austin. This yearly
roundtable provides a forum for discussion on the future of education. Mr. Henderson
commented that the presenters were very good and the group discussed challenges and
opportunities for the future. Significant discussion took place on the benefits of traditional
learning environments vs. alternative settings. The Roundtable is sponsored by the Institute for
the Future of Higher Education at the University of Houston and is underwritten by Elizabeth
Rockwell. The published proceedings from the Roundtable will be distributed to the Board once
they are received.
Dr. Burgos expressed her disappointment that the panel overlooked the contribution of
community colleges and she brought this up with the directors. They acknowledged the oversight
and will take steps to include community colleges in upcoming roundtables.
c. ACCT Videoconference - Mr. Henderson attended a teleconference sponsored by ACCT on
Board -CEO Relations, which featured a panel discussion with leaders from community colleges
across the country. Mr. Henderson shared several significant points which emerged from the
dialogue:
1. The single most effective element in Board-CEO relations is trust, beginning in the search
process;
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2. Consider holding orientation sessions for all candidates for trustee positions;
3. Everything that a board says sends a strong message to a wide audience;
4. Before saying or doing something, ask yourself, Òwill what I am about to do or say make
more potential students take advantage of the educational opportunities we offer;Ó and
5. Board discipline is a board responsibility; not the CEOs.
AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS
a. Finance - Mr. Austin reported the committee discussed future expansion needs and debt
financing and Bond Counsel was directed to prepare a legal memorandum for review by the
committee. The committee also considered the process for selecting legal representation.
Administration was asked to develop an RFP for the selection process for the next meeting. The
committee discussed the feasibility of assigning routine matters to smaller legal firms, while
maintaining a lead firm for major litigation. Mr. Austin added that suggestions from Board
Members are welcomed. He cautioned Trustees to avoid any lobbying efforts by potential firms.
Mr. Henderson reminded the Board Members they are welcome and encouraged to attend any
committee meeting.
b. Naming of Buildings - Northeast Subcommittee Mr. Davila reported that flyers have been mailed
to members of the community and HCCS employees seeking nominations for naming the Truck
Driver Training facility in the Northeast sector. The committee will meet June 18 to review the
responses. He expressed appreciation to Dr. Forde, President, HCC-Northeast, for the use of
facilities at the Northline Mall Center for committee meetings.
c. Naming of Buildings - SoutheastMrs. Garcia requested that the Òbuy a brickÓ program be
replicated at Southeast College for the expansion project. Administration acknowledged the
request.
d. Facilities - Mr. Murphy noted that the Facilities Committee will meet on June 15. Mr. Henderson
appointed Mr. Fonteno as a to the committee and asked that all Board Members be notified of all
ad hoc committee meetings.
ADJOURNMENT TO CLOSED OR EXECUTIVE SESSION
Mr. Henderson adjourned the meeting to Executive Session at 5:25 p.m., notice having been previously
given, and reiterated by him in accordance with the Open Meetings Law. He stated 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. Mr. Henderson reconvened the meeting in Open Session at 6:45 p.m., and
entertained motions on matters pending.
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CONSULTANT CONTRACTS APPROVED AS AMENDED
Motion No. 793 - Mr. Austin moved to amend Agenda Items 17 - 20 (regarding consultant contracts for
Lee Murdy, Dianne Kirsch, Betty Korman and Ginger Bertrand) by setting a term for the agreement not
to exceed July 31, 1998. Mr. Fonteno seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-1, with Trustees Austin,
Fonteno, Garcia, Henderson, and Murphy voting affirmatively and Mr. Davila opposed. (Mr. Oliver left
the meeting during executive session)
CONTRACT FOR FACILITIES CONSULTANT APPROVED AS AMENDED
Motion No. 794 - Mr. Austin moved to amend Agenda Item 21, regarding a consultant contract for Mr.
Ken Leach, by setting a term for the agreement not to exceed August 31, 1998. Mr. Fonteno seconded
the motion. Motion carried 6-0.
PERSONNEL AGENDA APPROVED AS SUBMITTED
Motion No. 795 - Mr. Davila moved approval of the Personnel Agenda as submitted. Second was
inaudible. Motion carried 6-0.
SCHEDULING OF NEXT MEETING
The next regular meeting will be held at 4:00 p.m., on Thursday, June 25, 1998, at 22 Waugh Drive.
ADJOURNMENT
With no further business to come before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 6:58 p.m.
Minutes Prepared By:
Linda Gray, Administrative Assistant
Board Services Office
Reviewed, Finalized and Submitted By:
John Fonteno, Jr., Secretary
Minutes Approved as Submitted on June 25, 1998
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