Meeting on October 22,1998 HOUSTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE SYSTEM REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES October 22, 1998 Minutes The Board of Trustees of the Houston Community College System held a Regular Meeting on October 22,1998, 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 W. F. Russell BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT Carol H. Smith, Deputy Secretary ADMINISTRATION Ruth Burgos-Sasscer, Chancellor Sue Cox, President, HCC-Southwest Patricia Fairchild, Vice-Chancellor, Workforce Development Margaret Forde, President, HCC-Northeast Zachary Hodges, President, HCC-Northwest Bob Mulcahy, Interim Chief Operations Officer Sylvia Ramos, President, HCC-Southeast Patricia Williamson, Vice-Chancellor, Institutional Development OTHERS PRESENT Arturo Michel, Bracewell and Patterson Other administrators, staff, representatives of the news media and interested citizens CALL TO ORDER file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/hccs/My%20D...d%20of%20Trustees%20%20Minutes%201998/Octmin.html (1 of 13) [3/25/2008 4:30:28 PM] Meeting on October 22,1998 Mr. Henderson called the Meeting to order at 3:20 p.m. and declared the Board convened to consider matters pertaining to the Houston Community College System as listed on the duly posted meeting notice. ANNOUNCEMENTS Mr. Murphy announced he attended a press conference at Bellaire High School where a number of Republicans along with himself teamed up to endorse the H.I.S.D. Bond Issue. H.I.S.D. has done a great job of putting together a solid plan which is supported by their entire board. He wanted to encourage our board and staff to go out and support it for the good of our children. Mr. Fonteno reported he attended the Republican Party's vote analysis with Rod Paige at the Houston Country Club. He would share a few ideas with the Board at a later time. MINUTES APPROVED AS SUBMITTED Motion No. 843 - Mr. Fonteno moved to approve the minutes as submitted from the Regular Meeting of September 17, 1998. Mr. Davila seconded the motion. Motion carried 6-0. ARTICULATION AGREEMENT WITH PRAIRIE VIEW UNIVERSITY Dr. Burgos-Sasscer welcomed and introduced Dr. Charles Hines, President of Prairie View University, Mr. Ronald Jones, Vice-President for Student and Enrollment Services and Ms. Pamela Owens Freeman, Admissions Counselor and Coordinator for Student Transfers and Articulation. They were present for the signing of an articulation agreement between HCCS and Prairie View University. The Chancellor hailed this articulation agreement as being one of the most detailed she has ever seen, and felt it should be almost painless for our students. She lauded Mark Tengler and others from our academic staff who worked diligently with the staff of Prairie View to articulate course by course, program by program, with no glitches. Our students will be able to go from HCC to Prairie View without losing any credit. Dr. Hines acknowledged his gratitude for the work done and indicated it was a great day for Prairie View and for the State of Texas, and for the Texas Legislature that had encouraged this action. Dr. Hines announced he is committing a great deal of money to scholarships for students who will transfer from HCCS to Prairie View University. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity of working with one of the largest community college systems in the country. And, he pledged his continued commitment to "mining" this gold field and doing everything in his power to make the dreams of young people come true. FACULTY AWARD Dr. Burgos-Sasscer presented the Chancellor's Medallion to Marion Cole, who is with the Emergency Medical Services program at Southeast College. She started her career at HCCS as a part-time instructor, and two years later, became full time clinical coordinator. The quality of her work led to her recognition for professionalism by the Emergency Nurses Association. Marion has received nation-wide recognition for her work by Family Time Foundation, a crisis intervention group. She is also the recipient of the Edith Rust Medical Award presented by the Texas Association against Sexual Assault. Marion Cole has file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/hccs/My%20D...d%20of%20Trustees%20%20Minutes%201998/Octmin.html (2 of 13) [3/25/2008 4:30:28 PM] Meeting on October 22,1998 rendered outstanding service to the college and has exhibited dedication and compassion to the community. HEARING OF CITIZENS a. No appearances APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA Motion No. 844 - Mr. Austin moved approval of the consent agenda, with the exception of certain items set aside for discussion or consideration following executive session. Mr. Murphy seconded the motion. Motion carried 7-0, Mr. Oliver had not yet arrived. The following items were approved: I. Instructional Programs ● Approved the 1998-99 National Literacy Act (NLA) contracts with an increase for the Adult Literacy Program under NLA (federal) funding; ● Approved new Affiliation Agreement for Health Careers Clinical Program; II. Purchasing of Materials and Services ● Approved contract with Houston Aeros Hockey Team to promote the college system through a partnership in HISD and other school districts in our service area; ● Approved payment to Bracewell and Patterson for professional services; ● Approved printing of direct mail publication "Movin On" a recruitment magazine targeted toward high school juniors and seniors throughout the great Houston area; ● Approved appointment of firms for media buying services for the 1998-99 academic year; ● Approved printing of registration forms for the 1998-99 academic year; ● Approved continued participation in the Gulf Coast Consortium Marketing Initiative; ● Approved membership fee and STARLINK Telecommunications membership fee to the Texas Association of Community Colleges; ● Approved purchase of the Plato Reading Strategies Program Software, English Studies Program, file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/hccs/My%20D...d%20of%20Trustees%20%20Minutes%201998/Octmin.html (3 of 13) [3/25/2008 4:30:29 PM] Meeting on October 22,1998 Southeast College; ● Approve Automotive Technology Consulting Services; ● Approved renewal of vehicle liability insurance; and III. Fiscal Matters ● Accepted Investment Report for the month of September, 1998. RATIFICATION OF EXPENDITURES FOR ACCOMMODATIONS FOR CRITICAL THINKING CONFERENCE Motion No. 845 - Mr. Fonteno moved approval and ratification of expenditures paid for Critical Thinking Conference. Mr. Davila seconded the motion. Motion carried 8-0. Mr. Austin commented that there seemed to be ample time to have these items pre-approved for consideration by the Board. He was concerned that a pattern of activity is emerging that could be a potential audit finding since there is a continuation of ratifying amounts not presented to the Board properly before they are executed. He cautioned this procedure is not one found in government. When you have a governing board, you get approval for an action. This was not done on two occasions and he felt there was ample time to come before the Board for approval, even if there was only an estimate of the costs. Mr. Davila indicated he had concerns also and wanted clarification of the response he received when he asked for an explanation- even though it is grant-funded and providing some flexibility, he felt the Board needed to approve the expenditures even with a contingency plan. Mr. Austin indicated that he felt the conference was a good one and he supports it. He, however, wants an understanding of whether the board is regarded as a tacit board or whether they are taken seriously. Items should go before the Board prior to executing-that should be the procedure and the rule. He stated only in an emergency situation, defined in the Open Meetings Act, should we do something separate from that. Mrs. Garcia pointed out that this should serve as a directive from the Board beginning with the next meeting that the Administration look at this carefully and prevent it from happening again. RATIFICATION OF EMERGENCY REPAIRS AND ELECTRICAL WORK AT CENTRAL COLLEGE Motion No 846 - Mr. Murphy moved approval of the emergency repairs and electrical work at Central College. Ms. Garcia seconded the motion. Motion carried 8-0. Mr. Davila expressed his support of Central Campus totally; however, he recalled sending an inquiry to file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/hccs/My%20D...d%20of%20Trustees%20%20Minutes%201998/Octmin.html (4 of 13) [3/25/2008 4:30:29 PM] Meeting on October 22,1998 the Chancellor in January dealing with facilities being brought up to standards. He felt the Facilities Committee is doing a good job also but hopes we can avoid other emergencies such as this one in the future. Mr. Austin asked if there is a planned maintenance system. The Chancellor responded that we are presently developing one. Mrs. Garcia indicated that the Board has always been concerned about maintenance at Central College. She added that she would like to make the recommendation that the Board be presented a plan by the next meeting to include safety, security and budget for plant maintenance everything that involves operation and maintenance of that college so that we can take a good look at the budget expenditures and can make necessary decisions involving the safety of that institution and the students, who are the Board's top priority. She reminded the Administration that this issue has been addressed many times; thus she would like a plan to be submitted to the Board. Mr. Murphy reported that the plan is being worked on and his committee is a part of its development. The plan will not only include Central campus but all facilities of HCC. Central is the first one that was targeted for the review, and people are looking at the roof, mechanical system and electrical system as well. He does know it is on a system-wide basis and Ken Leach can expound on the plan in more details. Mrs. Garcia indicated she has not had an opportunity to attend a Facilities Committee meeting but she feels we cannot wait for planning and coordination accomplished by any committee. She stressed it is an issue of safety and security in planned maintenance for one of the oldest buildings that this college has. She respects the work of the committee but is asking that the Administration bring to this Board a strong recommendation of what needs to be done immediately. Ms. Garcia said that from the very legitimate information she has, Central College has an urgent need and we cannot wait. Mr. Henderson recommended that at the next board agenda a status report with a specific plan of action for what is considered acute needs, be presented. That would not preclude a more detailed report that would follow at a subsequent time, but at least the concerns for critical elements that need to be addressed immediately would be prioritized. Mrs. Garcia also requested that at the next board meeting information on what has been appropriated or not appropriated, and what should be appropriated for maintenance and operation of Central be presented. Mr. Henderson confirmed that the Administration will proceed with a sort of emergency short term report on the status of Central at the next meeting, including budgetary considerations as to what is in the current budget and/or what might be initial funding that would be required. And, at the same time the Facilities Committee will continue its work on developing a long term plant maintenance program which we will hear more about in the future. file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/hccs/My%20D...d%20of%20Trustees%20%20Minutes%201998/Octmin.html (5 of 13) [3/25/2008 4:30:29 PM] Meeting on October 22,1998 Mr. Austin stated that this Board is here for public policy reasons and we should get a good handle on what our governmental responsibilities are. As public institutions we have statutory responsibilities as well as common law legal problems. He hoped our counsel would have a session with the Board to go over the governmental responsibilities that we have statutorily. Mr. Henderson mentioned we have had well prepared materials on this subject and Mr. Austin's admonition to all board members is well taken. Mr. Henderson encouraged all board members to read and comprehend the fiduciary responsibilities appropriated to the Board. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE AND INSTALLATION OF A NEW BOILER FOR THE ADMINISTRATIVE CENTER, 22 WAUGH DR. Mr. Austin moved approval of the purchase and installation of a new boiler for the Administrative Center at 22 Waugh Drive. Mr. Davila seconded the motion. Motion carried 8-0. Mr. Austin expressed support for a new boiler but directed questions to the Chancellor regarding the development of a defensible risk management program. Dr. Burgos responded that presently there is a person handling the facilities piece; however, she understands that the Board expects a full-time risk management person and a plan will be presented to them in the near future. Mr. Davila asked if there were any bids taken on the boiler purchase. Mr. Russell noted that since the paperwork states it was a contract service provider, there would normally be a bid. If there was not a bid, it is because this was an emergency. Ms. Garcia asked for a clarification. Mr. Mulcahy, Interim Chief Operations Officer responded that this company is the provider for the maintenance and HBAC system here at the administrative center, and under that contract we are allowed to purchase items over $10,000 without bidding them out. The company has already gone through a bid process approved by the Board to provide the maintenance service. Mrs. Garcia wanted to know if we could have selected someone else. Mr. Winston Dahse, Executive Director of Materials Management, explained that under the provisions of the contract , the company provides maintenance and service throughout the course of the year, and if there is extra work to be done, it can be done under the contract. We could have gone out for bids but because there was an urgent need to get a boiler ordered for the winter, the contract provisions allowing this action were utilized. Mr. Austin recommended that this item be held until after Executive Session since he will be discussing issues dealing with fiscal integrity and related issues. Mr. Henderson said this motion will stand as an open motion until after Executive Session. PURCHASE OF THE PLATO READING STRATEGIES PROGRAM SOFTWARE APPROVED Motion No. 847 - Mr. Murphy made a motion to approve the purchase of the Plato Reading Strategies file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/hccs/My%20D...d%20of%20Trustees%20%20Minutes%201998/Octmin.html (6 of 13) [3/25/2008 4:30:29 PM] Meeting on October 22,1998 Program Software, English Studies Program, Southeast College. Mr. Oliver seconded the motion. Motion carried 7-1, Mr. Fonteno opposed. Mr. Murphy had a question relating to the way we purchase software. If we're purchasing software for Southeast College and if it is software we're using system-wide, shouldn't we be licensing it for the entire system or, are other campuses employing a different program. The Chancellor responded that this is a site license and asked Dr. Ramos to explain the purchase. Dr. Ramos, President of Southeast College, reported that her faculty requested the upgrading of their Plato equipment which they've had for a while. Mr. Murphy expressed support of this purchase and indicated that his question was simply to clarify how software is purchased - whether by individual campuses or system-wide. He thought of the student taking classes at different places from time to time who might not be using the same program. The Chancellor stated she will investigate how computer software is purchased and licensed on a systemwide basis, and will report her findings to the Board. ACCEPT THE INVESTMENT REPORT FOR THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER, 1998 Motion No. 848 Mrs. Garcia moved to approve the acceptance of the Investment Report for the month of September, 1998. Mr. Oliver seconded the motion. Motion carried 8-0. AUTHORIZATION OF DESIGNATION OF UNRESERVED FUND BALANCE. Mr. Murphy moved to approve the designation of Unreserved Fund Balance. Mr. Davila seconded the motion. Mr. Murphy noted that various funds are being apportioned and asked how we ended the 199798 fiscal year. Mr. Austin stated that since he has an accounting question that relates to Mr. Murphy's question, he suggested they be taken together. Mr. Austin wanted to know how funds that are encumbered from one year to the next are accounted for. He cautioned that money can get misplaced when taken from one fund and it is placed into another. He noted that if this million dollars is what we've earned this year, it should be deposited in a particular place first, develop the audit trail, then move it when necessary. Mr. Austin stated that we should move the million dollars into the fund balance and so authorize the Administration to take from the fund balance $2.9 million to cover the cost of the items listed in the justification. Amended Motion 849 - Mr. Henderson summarized the discussion points and stated the amended motion proposes the transfer of unexpended funds out of FY 97-98 budget into the unrestricted fund balance, and designates one million dollars to equip and furnish the administration complex, 320 Jackson Hill, 22 Waugh Drive and 3800 Washington Avenue, out of the unrestricted fund balance. The amended motion was approved by Mr. Murphy, and seconded by Mr. Davila. Motion carried 8-0. APPROVAL OF MANDATORY TRANSFER file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/hccs/My%20D...d%20of%20Trustees%20%20Minutes%201998/Octmin.html (7 of 13) [3/25/2008 4:30:29 PM] Meeting on October 22,1998 Mr. Russell moved to wait to consider with vote the approval of mandatory transfer until after closed session. Mr. Davila seconded the motion. NEW AND UNFINISHED Approval of Mrs. Garcia to attend educational workshops at the Mexican American Legal Defense Education Fund Conference in Los Angeles, Calif., November 12-14, 1998. Motion No. 850- Mr. Murphy moved to approve; Mr. Austin seconded the motion. Motion carried 8-0. CHANCELLOR'S REPORT a. Financial Activity Report - Dr. Burgos indicated that this report details the end of the fiscal year and that this report was prepared by the business office. Celia Gee was present to answer any questions. Mr. Murphy confirmed the amount that was moved to the fund balance this fiscal year; it was $7.8 million. b. Institute for Excellence- We are initiating new institutes at Central, Northeast and Southeast Colleges, and everything is going as planned. The Board will soon receive reports on the outcome of our efforts to increase diversity. Dr. Burgos commented that the Board has been involved and informed of this project since the very beginning and wanted them to know it's on target. CHAIRMAN'S REPORT Mr. Henderson encouraged the Board to utilize electronic mail as it is of tremendous value to them. It is a mechanism by which all nine members can communicate effectively on an ongoing basis. AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS a. Enrollment Enhancement Mrs. Garcia reported the committee has not had another meeting but a final one is forthcoming. She plans to present a final report at the next board meeting. She is reading quite a bit of literature on enrollment enhancement as well as literature from the Association of Community College Trustees. She will present some interesting items at the next committee meeting. She also hopes this committee can come to closure when all research is concluded. Mrs. Garcia reminded all committee members that their role is to formulate policy as it relates to the various committees such as enrollment enhancement, facilities, finance, budget. Therefore, they should stay on track and not lose sight of the intent of the committees. She expressed her concern about committee work. She pointed out that the Administration's job is to understand our policy on enrollment enhancement, facilities, finance, etc., and to implement that policy. Mrs. Garcia noted that these committees were formed as ad hoc committees and we should look file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/hccs/My%20D...d%20of%20Trustees%20%20Minutes%201998/Octmin.html (8 of 13) [3/25/2008 4:30:29 PM] Meeting on October 22,1998 at bringing closure to them after they make recommendations to the Board by this December. We should then delegate to the Administration what they have to do based on what is formulated. Mrs. Garcia expressed concerns that the Board is getting too involved and might even be crossing some lines with the administrative function. She believes that the Finance Committee is in transition and there is a critical situation right now in the area of finance leadership. She felt the Finance Committee should remain in existence longer because of this situation. Mr. Henderson felt that the Board is pretty clear on committee roles. He indicated he does not disagree with anything Ms. Garcia said. He reiterated that the Board has a responsibility for policy and should be proactively pursuing that function. The Board also has a role in terms of being a sounding board and responder to the Administration on programs as they're being developed and brought forward. But it is not a formal role until it comes to this Board for a vote. Mr. Henderson further stated that ad hoc committees were created on an "as needed" basis but when the work is completed, they should cease to exist. As the year ends we should decide which committees need to continue in to the new calendar year. Mr. Austin commented that the purpose of committees is to avoid six hours of discussions at a board meeting. With regards to finance, Mr. Austin interjected that he doesn't think some of the more critical issues relating to fiscal integrity of the college and our future fiscal integrity have been dealt with. Mr. Henderson remarked that there are solid arguments on both sides of the committee issue. He pointed out that there can be more efficiency in terms of dealing with issues in a more detailed format outside the board agenda in a committee structure. However, the counter argument to that is there will only be a subset of the Board dealing with those issues. Therefore, it is a trade-off. Mrs. Garcia reaffirmed her position that as chairman, Mr. Henderson can set those parameters for committees in terms of timelines. She has done her research and a small board of nine need not be involved with so much committee work. Therefore, she would like to discuss this further as a personal issue in another executive session. Mrs. Garcia said that by December the Board should be prepared to let the Administration do the job they were hired to do. Once policy is formulated, the Administration should do their part and the committee work should end. Although she has enjoyed working with her committee, Mrs. Garcia felt it important to speak to the issue that committee work cannot go on forever. Mr. Oliver suggested that we wait until the beginning of the year and as a whole, evaluate and make the decision concerning which committees need to go forward into the new calendar year. Mrs. Garcia's reported to the chairman that she will finalize her committee work by the next Board meeting. file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/hccs/My%20D...d%20of%20Trustees%20%20Minutes%201998/Octmin.html (9 of 13) [3/25/2008 4:30:29 PM] Meeting on October 22,1998 Mr. Henderson requested that each chair of ad hoc committees include in their reports the rationale for terminating or continuing their ad hoc committee at the final Board meeting of this year. b. Facilities - Mr. Murphy announced an extensive presentation is planned for the Board. He also mentioned that the Facilities Committee has had a large charge, and facilities is a topic that everyone, whether student or teacher, feel they have some input and ties to. Therefore, they feel it necessary to have some input in making decisions. Mr. Murphy described the process for preparing the facilities plan. There have been inspections of every campus, every building, architectural reviews and mechanical reviews. Committees at the various colleges have discussed problematic elements, demographics and enrollment issues as well. The Board's role is to provide input to the drafts of the plan and to review, amend, and approve the final plan. And, after the plan is approved, the Board must determine how it will be financed. Thomas McCarthy and Kirk Enbecker from Page Sutherland Page, a firm of architects, engineers and consultants who specializes in educational facilities planning, were the presenters. They indicated the process began in June of 1998. This will be the first of several presentations. The purpose of today's presentation was to cover the process. The contents will be presented at a later meeting. The purpose of a 10 year system-wide facilities plan like this one is to meet the recommendation of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) and Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) reviews, and to provide a basis for making informed decisions regarding the needs of our communities. The overview process includes four phases: Establish Vision and Guidelines, Determine Needs, Assess Options, and Develop the Plan. Throughout the process, colleges and system representatives will have input as well as the community. Benchmarks and guidelines are to be established according to the THECB and Council of Educational Facilities Planners International. Our Texas peers were identified and contacted. Page Sutherland Page has secured good information about numbers dealing with their square footage, square feet per student and enrollment. There are also national comparables that have been identified at other large metro-communities with community colleges. Mr. Enbecker expounded on each phase of the process and answered questions presented by the Board. Mr. Austin asked if the Chancellor worked with them and the college presidents in developing the plan. The Chancellor is on the Facilities Committee and presides over meetings with college presidents at executive team meetings when these priorities and vision for the facilities were file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/hccs/My%20D...d%20of%20Trustees%20%20Minutes%201998/Octmin.html (10 of 13) [3/25/2008 4:30:29 PM] Meeting on October 22,1998 studied and discussed. However, she has not sat in on any meetings when the architects and college presidents met. A board workshop is being proposed for January where input would be secured from board members. A discussion ensued relating to community forums and what information should be presented to the community. Mr. Austin stressed we have an obligation to tell people about our educational mission first, and then discuss the facilities we have to offer. Mrs. Garcia stated that they're all elected board members who represent single member districts as well as the system as a whole. She believes it is critical that the community forums include an agenda that is both political and public. She stressed she wants to meet before any presentation is made to the community she represents. She would want to be present at the forums along with other community leaders. She pointed out that the message sent to the communities must be one that we can substantiate and one that has the Board's support. Mrs. Garcia supports community forums but emphasized the need to proceed with caution as it relates to the message sent, especially if the college system is contemplating a bond election in the future. Mr. Austin concurred with Mrs. Garcia and stated that we are a public institution with the real problem being facilities. He noted that this plan has to be wrapped into an overall strategic plan. He mentioned that he's asked for information concerning specific things we're going to do, for example, a public relations plan or a capital improvements plan update. He feels that all of these elements need to be included in an overall strategic plan. He complimented Mr. Murphy for his work in laying out a good method for gathering input, but felt this information must be put together in a continuum that makes sense. Mr. Austin concluded that the Board is only about policy making - someone has to implement the policy and that is the Chancellor's responsibility. Mr. Murphy responded to Mrs. Garcia's concern that community forums would be held at each of the colleges to discuss plans being formulated for facilities. Mr. Murphy wrapped the presentation up by thanking the Page Sutherland Page staff and the facilities work group. He mentioned that the community forums are standard operating procedures in developing facilities plans. There are many audiences for those forums. Staff, students and faculty who are not happy about some things based on the surveys completed, make up part of those audiences. Mr. Murphy suggested that these forums might send a good message to them that their institution is preparing a plan that will address some of their concerns as it relates to facilities. Mr. Murphy emphasized that we will not go out into the community to hold these forums without the Board's consensus. The scope of the Facilities Committee is limited and many messages must be carried out. We need to inform principally these three audiences: students, faculty and the Administration. Input should then be gathered while informing people that the process is underway. file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/hccs/My%20D...d%20of%20Trustees%20%20Minutes%201998/Octmin.html (11 of 13) [3/25/2008 4:30:29 PM] Meeting on October 22,1998 Mr. Henderson called for a consensus so that Mr. Murphy can go forward with the Board's approval. Mr. Murphy's committee will move ahead taking into consideration information obtained from the Board's discussion. Mr. Fonteno expressed his concern that emergency items such as the ones submitted to the Board by Central Campus have not been resolved and wanted to know who is responsible for their action. The Chancellor responded it was her responsibility, and his concern would be included in the facilities plan presently being prioritized. Mr. Austin recommended that the Chancellor have her information system people develop a data base of all agenda items indicating what action has or has not been taken. A report could than be generated reflecting what action needs to be taken. An agenda-tracking data base could be created in either Access or any other data base program. We have skilled people at HCC to accomplish this. An access code can then be assigned to board members for their use in obtaining status updates. c. Finance Committee - Mr. Austin stated a Finance Committee meeting has to be held to deal with the issues the committee was created for. He mentioned that the Finance Committee must get back on track. d. Revenue Enhancement - Ms. Smith was not present for a report. Mrs. Garcia expressed gratitude to Houston Community College for being very supportive of the East End Chamber efforts. Tonight will be the first time that they will be awarding two scholarships. She is honored to be their honorary chair and she thanked the board members who will be joining her for the dinner and program. Although Mrs. Garcia needed to depart the meeting early, she had some very strong concerns about items on the executive agenda which she discussed with some of her colleagues. She also mentioned an item dealing with real estate that had been on the table for two years which she hopes will be given serious consideration because it affects the southeast campus there. She apologized for leaving early but appreciated the time given.Mr. Henderson again commended Mrs. Garcia on the great honor bestowed to her by the East End Chamber. ADJOURNMENT TO CLOSED OR EXECUTIVE SESSION Mr. Henderson adjourned the meeting to Executive Session at 5:20 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 7:00 p.m., and entertained motions on matters discussed in closed or executive session. ACCOMMODATIONS FOR ADVISORY COUNCIL ANNUAL MEETING file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/hccs/My%20D...d%20of%20Trustees%20%20Minutes%201998/Octmin.html (12 of 13) [3/25/2008 4:30:29 PM] Meeting on October 22,1998 Motion No. 851 - Mr. Austin moved amendment of the motion regarding agenda item 6.B.8 to approve payment only for those items which are within the legal expenditure authority of HCCS. Mr. Fonteno seconded the motion. Mr. Davila opposed. Motion carried 6-1. Motion No. 852 - Mr. Austin moved approval of the purchase of a new boiler for the Administrative Center at 22 Waugh Drive. Mr. Davila seconded the motion. Motion carried 7-0. AMEND APPROVAL OF MANDATORY TRANSFER Motion No. 853 - Mr. Russell moved to amend his motion to read, "subject to the Chancellor providing the Board evidence of a grant covering the funds that are indicated". Mr. Oliver seconded the motion. Motion carried 7-0. APPROVAL OF PERSONNEL AGENDA Motion No. 854 - Mr. Murphy moved approval of the Personnel Agenda. Mr. Oliver seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0, with Mr. Austin and Mr. Davila abstaining. APPROVAL OF SETTLEMENT C.A. H-97-3719 Motion No. 855 - Mr. Oliver moved to approve the settlement in C.A.- H-97-3719 on the terms discussed in the Executive Session. Mr. Russell seconded the motion. Motion passed 7-0. SCHEDULING OF NEXT MEETING The Board agreed to schedule the next regular meeting on December 10, 1998 at 4:00 p.m. ADJOURNMENT With no further business to come before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 7:05 p.m. Minutes Prepared By: Grace Moolchan, Administrative Assistant Board Services Office Reviewed, Finalized and Submitted By: John Fonteno, Jr., Secretary Minutes Approved as Corrected: file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/hccs/My%20D...d%20of%20Trustees%20%20Minutes%201998/Octmin.html (13 of 13) [3/25/2008 4:30:29 PM]