February 2000 Minutes
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HOUSTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE SYSTEM
REGULAR MEETING OF
THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
February 24, 2000
Minutes
The Board of Trustees of the Houston Community College System held a Regular Meeting
on February 24, 2000 at the Pinemont Center, 1265 Pinemont @ Ella, 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 (arr. 4:38 p.m.)
Christopher W. Oliver
BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT
W. F. Russell
Carol Smith
ADMINISTRATION
Ruth Burgos-Sasscer, Chancellor
Sue Cox, President, HCC-Southwest
Jack E. Daniels, President, HCC-Central
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February 2000 Minutes
Margaret Forde, President, HCC-Northeast
Zachary Hodges, President, HCC-Northwest
Sylvia Ramos, President, HCC-Southeast
Charles Cook, Vice Chancellor, Educational Development
Patricia Williamson, Vice Chancellor, Institutional Development
Joseph Fenninger, Chief Financial Officer
Milton E. Milstead, Executive Director, Materials Management
Stephen Gonzalez, Executive Director, Marketing
OTHERS PRESENT
Kelly Frels, Arturo Michel, Bracewell and Patterson
Felix Fraga, Board Member of the Institute of Hispanic Culture and Former City
Councilperson
Jim Koaller, Greater Houston Partnership
Other administrators, staff, representatives of the news media and interested citizens
CALL TO ORDER
Mr. Austin called the Meeting to order at 4:34 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.
PRAYER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Dr. Williams offered the prayer. Mr. Oliver led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.
MINUTES APPROVED
Motion No. 1014
Mr. Oliver moved to approve the Minutes from the Regular Meeting of January 20, 2000.
Mr. Davila seconded the motion. Motion carried 6-0 (Trustees Garcia and Russell had not
yet arrived).
AWARDS AND PRESENTATIONS
Faculty Recognition Award &endash; Dr. Burgos recognized Ms. Maria Straus, Chair of
Social Sciences, Northeast College. Ms. Straus, a Fulbright Scholar in 1983, first came to
HCC in 1986 as an administrative assistant in the Upward Bound program, involved in the
recruiting, teaching and counseling of at-risk youth. In 1992, Ms. Straus joined the HCC
faculty; she was appointed department head of Psychology in 1995. As chair, she
supervises nine full-time faculty, 10 adjunct faculty, and a staff. Ms. Straus has received
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numerous certificates of recognition and appreciation during her professional career.
HEARING OF CITIZENS
Mr. Austin gave preface to the Hearing of Citizens and invited duly registered speakers to
present their comments.
a. Helen Orman, President, HCC Faculty Association, addressed the Board to express
faculty support for annexation as well as faculty concern with a perceived delay on this
matter by the Board.
b. Mary Paige, President-Elect of the HCC Faculty Association, addressed the Board to
express faculty support for annexation and to encourage Board support.
c. Larry Gonzalez, HCC professor of Government, Southwest College, addressed the
Board to express faculty support for annexation and discuss its positive affect on Latino
empowerment.
d. Felix Fraga, board member of the Institute of Hispanic Culture, as well as former City
of Houston Council member, addressed the Board to request a 30-day hold on the sale of
the Armory property site at 3816 Caroline, which is included in agenda item C.13.
APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA
Motion No. 1015 - Mr. Austin noted that item C.14.1 has no action item or recommended
action for vote, and is presented only as a topic of discussion as a result of previous
discussion at the recent Board Retreat. Dr. Williams moved approval of the consent
agenda, with the exception of items B6, B9, C12, C13, C14, which were set aside for
further discussion. In addition, items D16 and E17 were pulled from the agenda. Mr.
Murphy seconded the motion. Motion carried 7-0 (Trustee Russell had not yet arrived).
The following items were then approved:
I. Instructional Programs
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Approved Policy Allowing Admission of Undocumented Students and Setting Tuition
Rates and Fees;
Approved Health Careers Clinical Affiliation Agreement;
II. Purchasing of Materials and Services
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Approved Payment to Bracewell and Patterson for Professional Services;
Approved Payment to Feldman & Rogers for Professional Services;
Approved Purchase of Electronic General and Specific Database Subscriptions for
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System Libraries;
Approved Purchase of Miscellaneous Medical Equipment, John B. Coleman Health
Science Center;
Approved Purchase of Pharmacy Technician Medical Equipment for the Pharmacy
Technician Program, John B. Coleman Health Science Center;
Approved Purchase of Audio Equipment for the Performing Arts Center, Town &
Country Center;
Approved Purchase Order Requirements and Forms;
III. Lease or Construction
IV. Fiscal Matters
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Approved Investment Report for the Month of January 2000;
APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEM
NO. B6 APPROVE CONTINUED PARTICIPATION IN THE GULF COAST CONSORTIUM
MARKETING INITIATIVE
Motion No. 1016 - Mrs. Garcia moved approval of consent agenda item No. 6. Mr. Davila
seconded the motion. After discussion, motion carried 7-0 (Trustee Russell had not yet
arrived).
APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEM
NO. B9 RATIFY AGREEMENT FOR TRANSPORTING CLIENTS IN THE KATY MILLS MATCH
PROGRAM, NORTHWEST COLLEGE
Motion No. 1017 - Mr. Oliver moved approval of consent agenda item No. 9. Mr. Davila
seconded the motion. After discussion, motion carried 7-0 (Trustee Russell had not yet
arrived).
CHANCELLOR'S REPORT
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Financial Activity - Joe Fenninger, Chief Financial Officer, presented the financial
activity report for the period ending January 31, 2000.
Mr. Fenninger stated the projected full-year actuals are consistent with the report
made last month, continuing to reflect progress in reducing the $10 million
projected deficit in the operating budget. The deficit, he continued, shows a
reduction to $5.9 million, and in reality has been lowered to $4 million. He
attributed the $6 million swing to both a concerted attitude towards limiting
spending and to an increase in revenues, somewhat due to the recent $5 tuition
increase and half-cent tax increase. He also noted the heavy ad valorem taxes
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received in January, raising the fund balances up to $51.8 million. Trustee Litt
expressed concern about instructional staff shortage systemwide and asked Mr.
Fenninger to investigate the financial feasibility of adding more faculty in order to
increase student enrollment.
Report on International Initiatives -- Juan Perez, Executive Director, International
Initiatives, reported that the American Association of Community Colleges is
recommending to all boards that they include in their mission statements an
acknowledgement of a global citizenry and the economy's dependence on an
international market. He reported on the college's current involvement in
conferences, grants, distance education projects, study-abroad programs, and
exchanges. In November 1999, Mr. Perez coordinated a successful global education
forum at HCC, with participation from 235 faculty and administrators, that dealt
with grant writing, internationalization of curriculum, and student/faculty
exchanges. He also stated that a special project involving a Nigerian faculty
member enabled Mr. Perez to undertake a three-week feasibility study in Nigeria
concerning a partnership involving HCC and afforded him the opportunity to meet
with local government officials who underwrote the trip's expenses. The planned
grant's aim is to establish three different community colleges in Nigeria--a
technically oriented college, a medical college, and a rural college which will seek to
improve conditions through education. Mr. Perez also spoke about budding
partnerships in distance education in China.
Report on Strategic Planning Community Forum -- Dr. Burgos-Sasser commented
on the recent forum and thanked the Board for its participation in bringing together
community representatives from the respective districts to discuss strategic
planning for 2000-2003. The theme of the new plan is "The Power of Learning and
Becoming a Learning College". A number of Board members praised the efforts of
the chancellor and staff, as well as commending the participation of community
members in this activity.
CHAIRMAN'S REPORT
Mr. Austin reported on the recent Board Retreat, stating that it had been a great success,
with a tremendous amount of synergy achieved. He noted that trustees agreed to display
enhanced decorum and respect among trustees in the future. Mr. Murphy summarized
the meeting as being focused and expressed the Board's desire to work as a team and
focus on the college's business. To that end, the Board members agreed to ensure that
they be adequately briefed on the issues that come before them, utilizing regularly
posted briefing sessions as a normal part of business. Trustee Murphy noted also the
Board's plan to work on the Board agenda, coordinated through the Board Chair. He also
noted the Board's intention to minimize the occurrence of surprises to the Board. Lastly,
Mr. Murphy mentioned the Board's desire to honor the role of trusteeship as the policysetting body.
Mr. Austin reported the following committees and assignments (chair named first), which
were made for a 12-month cycle, with a retreat planned every quarter to evaluate the
Board's progress in achieving its objectives:
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Finance Committee -- Trustee Michael P. Williams
Legal Committee -- Trustee Abel Davila
Facilities Committee -- Trustee Herlinda Garcia
Revenue Enhancement -- Trustee Carol Smith
Policy Committee -- Trustees Abel Davila and Christopher W. Oliver
Public Image Program -- Trustee Herman Litt
Signature Events -- Trustee Herman Litt
Worldclass Transportation Program -- Trustee William Russell
Board Protocol -- Open
Professionalization of Board Staff -- Trustee James R. Murphy
Bond Issue Task Force -- Open
Annual Trustee Refresher Training Course -- Open
Mr. Austin noted that most of these committees would disband upon completion of their
tasks.
Trustee Austin concluded that the culminating event of the retreat was the formulation
and adoption of the Institutional Vision, and he gave congratulatory remarks to Dr.
Patricia Williamson and her staff for the recommendations in this matter made to the
Board. Dr. Burgos also applauded the college presidents as a driving force in the
articulation of the new strategic plan and emphasized the vital input of more than 250
faculty and staff in this task.
ADJOURNMENT TO CLOSED OR EXECUTIVE SESSION
Mr. Austin adjourned the meeting to Executive Session at 5:44 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. Mr. Austin
reconvened the meeting in Open session at 8:10 p.m. and entertained motions on
pending matters.
APPROVAL OF PERSONNEL AGENDA
Motion No. 1018
Dr. Williams moved approval of the Personnel Agenda. Mr. Davila seconded the motion.
Motion carried 7-0.
APPROVAL OF MOVING EXPENSES FOR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR/HR SYSTEM
Motion No. 1019
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Dr. Williams moved approval to authorize the chancellor to offer the person approved as
Executive Director, Human Resources, moving expenses of 50% of actual costs up to a
maximum of $3,000. Mr. Oliver seconded the motion. Motion carried 7-0.
APPROVAL OF SALE OF SURPLUS LAND AND BUILDINGS AT: 22 WAUGH DRIVE,
320 JACKSON HILL, 3800 WASHINGTON AVE., 4310 DUNLAVY, 3816 CAROLINE,
2720 LEELAND, AND STATE HIGHWAY 288 AND N. MACGREGOR DR. (LAND)
Motion No. 1020
Mr. Oliver moved that the Board reject all bids on the properties located at the following:
4310 Dunlavy, 3816 Caroline, 320 Jackson Hill, 3800 Washington Ave., 2720 Leeland,
and that the Board authorize the readvertising and rebid of these properties for sale
based upon the recommendation of Cushman & Wakefield. Mr. Davila seconded the
motion. Motion carried 7-0.
APPROVAL OF SALE OF SURPLUS LAND AND BUILDINGS AT: 22 WAUGH DRIVE,
320 JACKSON HILL, 3800 WASHINGTON AVE., 4310 DUNLAVY, 3816 CAROLINE,
2720 LEELAND, AND STATE HIGHWAY 288 AND N. MACGREGOR DR. (LAND)
Motion No. 1021
Mr. Murphy moved that the Board resolve and order the sale of the following property
identified on agenda item 6.C.13: 22 Waugh Dr. and State Highway 288 and N.
MacGregor Dr. (land), and that the HCCS' attorneys prepare this resolution in written
form for signature by the Board Chairman and Secretary to include all necessary recitals,
including the Board's finding that such property is no longer necessary for the operation
of the HCCS, and further authorizing the execution of the earnest money contracts for
such property. Dr. Williams seconded the motion. Motion carried 7-0.
CONSIDERATION OF OFFICE SPACE AND REQUIREMENTS FOR TRUSTEES AT
3100 MAIN BUILDING
Mr. Fenninger presented the blueprint of 2nd floor and 12th floor office space at the 3100
Main Building to the Board, detailing the layout of 1400 square feet of space for
Boardrooms, Executive Session Room, Board Offices for Administrative Assistant and
Secretary and adjacent associated rooms on the 2nd floor. He also discussed the 1250
square feet of dedicated office space for the Board Services staff and Trustee Conference
Room on the 12th floor, adjacent to the chancellor's area.
APPROVAL OF OFFICE SPACE AND REQUIREMENTS FOR TRUSTEES AT 3100
MAIN BUILDING
Motion No.1022
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Dr. Williams moved that the Board take consideration of agenda item C.14.1 to a joint
meeting of the Finance and Facilities Committees, with a presentation for the Board at a
Special Meeting immediately following the joint committee meeting. Mrs. Garcia seconded
the motion. After discussion, motion carried 7-0.
ROTATION OF REGULAR BOARD MEETINGS AT OTHER HCCS FACILITIES
Motion No. 1023
Dr. Williams moved that the Board rotate regular board meetings at various HCCS
facilities. Mrs. Garcia seconded the motion. The motion carried 7-0.
APPROVAL OF SALE OF SURPLUS LAND AND BUILDINGS AT: 22 WAUGH DRIVE,
320 JACKSON HILL, 3800 WASHINGTON AVE., 4310 DUNLAVY, 3816 CAROLINE,
2720 LEELAND, AND STATE HIGHWAY 288 AND N. MACGREGOR DR. (LAND)
Motion No. 1024
Mr. Murphy moved that the resolution and order on agenda item 6.C.13 be amended to
reflect the award to Southeast Houston Community Development Corporation for the
State Highway 288 property and the award to Realty Advisory Group for the 22 Waugh
Drive property. Mr. Litt seconded the motion. Motion carried 7-0.
ESTABLISHMENT OF NEXT REGULAR MEETING
The next Regular Board Meeting will be held on Thursday, March 23, 2000 at 4:00 p.m. It
is scheduled to be held at the Codwell Hall, 555 Community College Dr., Houston, Texas.
ADJOURNMENT
With no further business to come before the Board, Mr. Austin adjourned the Meeting at
8:30 p.m.
Minutes Prepared By: Carolynne Dudley, Administrative Assistant, Board Services
Reviewed, Finalized and Submitted By: Minutes Approved as Submitted:
Herman Litt, Secretary
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February 2000 Minutes
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