The Board of Trustees of the Houston Community College System held a R...HCCS Administrative Center, Board Room, 22 Waugh Drive, Houston, Texas
REGULAR MEETING
OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
HOUSTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE SYSTEM
December 7, 2000
Minutes
The Board of Trustees of the Houston Community College System held a Regular Meeting on December 7, 2000 at
the HCC John B. Coleman Center Auditorium, 1900 Galen Drive, Houston, Texas
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT
Bruce A. Austin, Chairman
James R. Murphy, Vice-Chairman
Herman Litt, Secretary
Michael P. Williams, Deputy Secretary
Abel Davila
Herlinda Garcia
Christopher W. Oliver
W. F. Russell
Carol H. Smith
ADMINISTRATION
Bruce H. Leslie, Interim Chancellor
Sue Cox, President, HCC-Southwest
Jack E. Daniels, President, HCC-Central
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The Board of Trustees of the Houston Community College System held a R...HCCS Administrative Center, Board Room, 22 Waugh Drive, Houston, Texas
Margaret Forde, President, HCC-Northeast
Zachary Hodges, President, HCC-Northwest
Jose Villarreal, Vice Chancellor, Economic Development
Pat Williamson, Vice Chancellor, Institutional Development
Stephen Gonzalez, Exec. Director, Marketing & Public Information
Milton Milstead, Exec. Director, Materials Mgmt.
Gloria Walker, Exec. Director, Accounting & Finance
Brenda Cox, Interim Asst. to the Chancellor
OTHERS PRESENT
Arturo Michel, Bracewell & Patterson
Other administrators, staff, representatives of the news media and interested citizens
CALL TO ORDER
Mr. Austin 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 notice.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion Mr. Murphy moved approval of the minutes of the Finance Committee Meeting of August 14; Special
Meeting of August 14 and the Chancellor Search Committee Meeting of August 19, 2000. Mr. Oliver seconded.
Motion carried 7-0 (Trustees Garcia and Smith had not yet arrived).
AWARDS AND PRESENTATIONS
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Staff Recognition Award Dr. Leslie presented the outstanding service award to Sylvia Blomstrom, Manager
of Publication Services, Marketing & Public Information. Mrs. Blomstrom has coordinated the design and
printing of HCCS publications and print material for the past 25 years. Most recently she has employed web
technology in producing the Systems catalog and class schedules. Over the years Mrs. Blomstrom has
received numerous accolades from professional organizations for her creative design work.
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The Board of Trustees of the Houston Community College System held a R...HCCS Administrative Center, Board Room, 22 Waugh Drive, Houston, Texas
HEARING OF CITIZENS
Mr. Austin gave preface to the Hearing of Citizens and invited duly registered speakers to present their comments.
There was no one present to speak and the meeting continued.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
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Chancellor Search Committee Dr. Williams reported that the Board would hold a special meeting with the
search consultants to solidify the direction of the chancellor search.
Joint Finance & Facilities Committees - Dr. Williams reported that todays agenda incorporates items
discussed in committee.
Legislative Advisory Committee - Mr. Austin reported that the committee had discussed the HCCS
legislative agenda for 2001.
APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA
Motion Mr. Russell moved to consider the consent agenda and Dr. Williams seconded. Motion carried 7-0
(Trustees Garcia and Smith were not present). Dr. Williams then moved for approval of the consent agenda with the
exception of Item Nos. B-6, B-9, B-12, C-14, D-20, D-22 and D-23 which were set aside for further discussion or
consideration following closed session. Mr. Davila seconded. Motion carried 7-0. The following items were approved
by consensus:
Instructional Matters
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Approved Health Careers Affiliation Agreements, Southeast College;
Approved 2000-01 federal TANF literacy contracts with various agencies to provide services to the Adult
Education & Adult Literacy Program under federal TANF funding and authorized the Chancellor to execute
same on behalf of the System;
Approved the 2000-01 state literacy agreement with various agencies to provide services to the Adult
Education & Adult Literacy Program under state funding and authorized the Chancellor to execute same on
behalf of the System;
Approved site license renewal with Cambridge Knowledge Systems for the second year of a three-year
contract, Health Careers, Southeast College;
Purchasing of Materials and Services
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Approved payment to Bracewell & Patterson for professional services for the period September 14 October 15, 2000;
Approved the purchase of instructional workbooks and manuals for the Electrical Apprenticeship Program
contracted by Central College;
Approved an additional one-month extension from December 1 - December 31, 2000, for housekeeping
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The Board of Trustees of the Houston Community College System held a R...HCCS Administrative Center, Board Room, 22 Waugh Drive, Houston, Texas
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contracts for the System;
Approved an Interlocal Agreement with Harris County Department of Education to serve as the Records
Management Cooperative for 2000-2001;
Approved the purchase of microform serial backfiles;
Leases or Construction
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Renewed the sublease agreement with the City of Missouri City for 5,600 sq. ft. within the center located at
1661-1681 Cartwright Road (Missouri City Adult Learning Center) for the period December 1 - August 31,
2000, and authorized the Chancellor to execute same on behalf of the System;
Authorized the Chancellor to execute a design-build contract with Pin Oak Interests for the construction of
pre-engineered buildings and site work at Central College;
Authorized the Chancellor to execute a contract with Sterling Structures for the construction of preengineered buildings and site work at Katy Mills, Northwest College;
Approved and ratified the Chancellors authorization of $90,000 for Southwest Construction to proceed with
emergency repairs of defective drainage at Central College;
Approved a competitive bid contract method as the format that provides the best value in procurement of
roofing services for the Business Careers Buildings I and II for Central College;
Fiscal Matters
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Approved the Investment Report for the month of October 2000;
Other
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Adopted a resolution for review and approval of the HCCS investment policy; and
Authorized the Chancellor to execute contracts for maintenance services with various contractors for
Central, Northeast, Northwest, Southeast and Southwest colleges.
CONTRACT FOR CHANCELLOR SEARCH SERVICES WITHDRAWN
Motion Dr. Williams moved to withdraw the item concerning the contract with Gold Hill Associates and hold for
discussion at the next meeting. Mr. Oliver seconded the motion. Motion carried 8-0 (Mrs. Garcia not yet arrived).
CONSIDERATION OF HOUSEKEEPING CONTRACTS DEFERRED
Mr. Russell moved approval of new contracts for housekeeping services for the five colleges and System
administrative building and Dr. Williams seconded the motion.
Milton Milstead explained the contracts would run through the close of the fiscal year, with four one-year options to
extend services. Discussion took place on minority participation and the matter was deferred for consideration
following closed session.
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The Board of Trustees of the Houston Community College System held a R...HCCS Administrative Center, Board Room, 22 Waugh Drive, Houston, Texas
AGREEMENT FOR PRINTING MOVIN ON MAGAZINE APPROVED AND RATIFIED
Motion Dr. Williams moved to approve and ratify the renewal of an agreement with Venture Publications for the
printing of Movin On magazine used in recruiting high school juniors and seniors. Mr. Oliver seconded the motion.
Motion carried 9-0.
ALIEF CENTER LEASE
The recommendation was withdrawn for consideration following closed session.
AUDITING PROJECT APPROVED FOR 3100 MAIN PROJECT
Motion Mr. Murphy moved approval of the use of contingency funds within the operating budget to pay for the
internal auditing services provided by Mir, Fox & Rodriguez, P.C. on the 3100 Main project; estimated cost not to
exceed $150,000. Mr. Davila seconded the motion.
The Board engaged the services of Mir, Fox & Rodriguez in September, but had not identified a source of funds.
Gloria Walker reported there was $4.5 million in the contingency fund to cover the costs. Dr. Leslie stated that the
firm would provide a final accounting at the end of the project. Motion carried 6-0, with Trustees Litt, Murphy and
Oliver abstaining.
EMPLOYEE PARKING FEE PROGRAM APPROVED
Motion Mr. Oliver moved approval of a parking fee program for all employees of HCCS. Dr. Williams seconded the
motion. Mr. Villarreal responded to questions and the possibility of utilizing a parking management firm. Motion
carried 9-0.
CHANCELLORS REPORT
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Financial Report Mrs. Walker reported the budget was balanced at $170 million by taking $1.5 million from
planned contingencies, until cost savings measures are implemented. The Board will be provided with a
graphic depiction of the previous years expenditures and revenues on a monthly basis.
Student Recruitment and Retention Fena Garza, Associate Vice-Chancellor for Educational Development,
reported that HCCS has responded to a Coordinating Board mandate to develop a recruitment and
retention plan that reflects the diverse population of the state. A steering committee was formed to conduct
internal and external student assessments and develop measurable goals and objectives, a marketing plan
and a data management system to track student success and to plan initiatives and actions to improve
diversity. The plan will be submitted to the Board in June, 2001and to the Coordinating Board in the fall.
Spring Registration Campaign Stephen Gonzalez reviewed the spring registration campaign aimed at
strengthening communication at the grass roots level. Television and radio spots will air in both English and
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The Board of Trustees of the Houston Community College System held a R...HCCS Administrative Center, Board Room, 22 Waugh Drive, Houston, Texas
Spanish. Ads will also appear in community newspapers and publications and an expanded mailout of
"HCC and Community" is planned. A phone survey conducted by independent research firms will assess
the effectiveness of the campaign.
PRESENTATIONS FROM VENDORS
The Board heard presentations from Carl Amelang, Amelang Partners, Inc.; Don Dennis, Simpkins Group and Mike
Surface, Keystone on their bid for the Alief Center project. The vendors also responded to questions from the Board.
CHAIRMANS REPORT
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Houston Endowment Grant - The Houston Endowment has awarded a $1 million grant for need-based
scholarship monies to be shared by Lee College, San Jacinto College, North Harris/Montgomery College
and the HCCS Foundation. The funds will be apportioned based on enrollment, with HCCS receiving
$500,000.
ADJOURNMENT TO CLOSED OR EXECUTIVE SESSION
Mr. Austin adjourned the meeting to Executive Session at 6:10 p.m., notice having previously been given, and
reiterated by him, in accordance with the Open Meetings Law. He 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. He
reconvened the meeting in Open session at 7:50 p.m. and entertained motions on pending matters.
RESOLOUTION AND ORDER ADOPTED FOR 3100 MAIN PROJECT
Motion Dr. Williams moved approval of the Resolution and Order presented to the Board by its attorneys and a
copy of which is before us regarding the obligations and rights of the parties to the construction contract for the
3100 Main project. Mr. Oliver seconded. Motion carried 6-0, with Trustees Davila and Garcia abstaining. Mr. Russell
had left the meeting.
TERMINATION UPHELD IN PLEUSS MATTER
Motion Mr. Litt moved that the Board deny the grievance of Linda Pleuss and uphold the prior decision to terminate
her employment. Mr. Murphy seconded. Motion carried 7-0, with Dr. Williams abstaining.
PERSONNEL AGENDA APPROVED AS AMENDED
Motion Mr. Oliver moved approval of the Personnel Agenda with the exception of Item 10.A.4 regarding the
termination of Linda Pleuss. Motion carried 8-0.
NEW CONTRACTS FOR HOUSEKEEPING SERVICES APPROVED
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The Board of Trustees of the Houston Community College System held a R...HCCS Administrative Center, Board Room, 22 Waugh Drive, Houston, Texas
Motion Mr. Davila moved approval of Agenda Item No. 7.B.9 subject to the Chancellor negotiating a price. Mr.
Oliver seconded. Motion carried 7-0 with Trustee Oliver abstaining.
SETTLEMENT APPROVED IN C. A. NO.
H-99-2053
Motion Mr. Murphy moved approval of the settlement on the terms proposed by our attorneys in closed session for
C.A. No.
H-99-2053. Mr. Oliver seconded. Motion carried 8-0.
LEGISLATIVE AGENDA APPROVED AS AMENDED
Motion Mr. Murphy moved approval of the HCCS legislative agenda for 2001, substituting the following language
for No. 4: "Support legislation that results in improved commercial trucking safety by encouraging
the adoption of continuing education requirements for commercial truck drivers and by
encouraging the judiciary to prescribe truck safety training in adjudicating moving violations by
commercial truck drivers. Trucking safety is an important issue in the Greater Houston area. In
the last few years, truck collisions have taken a number of lives on Houston area streets and
freeways. This problem can be addressed by increasing the amount of safety training available
to truck drivers. Continuing education and defensive driver training are two such options."
Dr. Williams seconded the motion. Motion carried 8-0.
SECOND REGULAR MEETING CONVENED
Motion Mr. Litt made a motion to recess the regular meeting and convene a second regular meeting to consider an
exchange of property. Dr. Williams seconded the motion. Motion carried 8-0. Mr. Austin recessed the regular
meeting and called to order a second regular meeting at 8:44 p.m.
EXCHANGE OF PROPERTY AT STAFFORD CAMPUS APPROVED (#25)
Motion Mr. Litt moved approval of an exchange of land at the Stafford Campus and authorized the Chancellor to
execute any and all documents or instruments necessary to consummate such transactions. Dr. Williams seconded
the motion. Motion carried 8-0.
ADJOURNMENT AND RECONVENING OF REGULAR MEETING
Mr. Austin adjourned the second regular meeting and reconvened the regular meeting at 8:45 p.m.
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The Board of Trustees of the Houston Community College System held a R...HCCS Administrative Center, Board Room, 22 Waugh Drive, Houston, Texas
ADJOURNMENT TO CLOSED OR EXECUTIVE SESSION
Mr. Austin adjourned the meeting to Executive Session at 8:45 p.m., notice having previously been given, and
reiterated by him, in accordance with the Open Meetings Law. He 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. He
reconvened the meeting in Open session at 9:36 p.m. and entertained motions on pending matters.
ALIEF CENTER LEASE APPROVED
Motion Mr. Murphy made a motion to authorize the Chancellor to execute an agreement to lease the property
located at 13855 Bissonnet in the Alief Independent School District for the purpose of opening an education center.
Motion carried 8-0.
Motion Mr. Oliver made a motion to accept the Keystone Group proposal for the Alief Center project. Dr. Williams
seconded the motion. Motion carried 8-0.
EXTENSION OF HOUSEKEEPING SERVICES APPROVED
Motion Dr. Williams moved to amend the motion adopting Agenda Item 7.B.8, regarding extension of housekeeping
services. Mr. Oliver seconded. Motion carried 8-0.
Motion Dr. Williams moved to adopt Agenda Item 7.B.8 with the substituted Action Item page. Mr. Oliver seconded.
Motion carried 8-0.
ADJOURNMENT
With no further business to come before the Board, Mr. Austin adjourned the meeting at 9:40 p.m.
Minutes Prepared By:
______________________________
Linda Gray, Administrative Assistant
Reviewed and Submitted by:
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The Board of Trustees of the Houston Community College System held a R...HCCS Administrative Center, Board Room, 22 Waugh Drive, Houston, Texas
______________________________
Herman Litt, Secretary
Board of Trustees
Minutes Approved as Submitted:
_______________________________
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