HCCS Board Minutes
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REGULAR MEETING
OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
HOUSTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE SYSTEM
June 22, 2000
Minutes
The Board of Trustees of the Houston Community College System held a Regular
Meeting on May 25, 2000 at the Heinen Theatre, Central College, 3517 Austin, Houston,
Texas.
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT
Bruce A. Austin, Chairman
James R. Murphy, Vice Chairman
Herman Litt, Secretary
Michael P. Williams, Deputy Secretary
Herlinda Garcia
Christopher W. Oliver
Carol H. Smith
BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT
Abel Davila
W. F. Russell
ADMINISTRATION
Ruth Burgos-Sasscer, Chancellor
Sue Cox, President, HCC-Southwest
Jack Daniels, President, HCC-Central
Margaret Forde, President, HCC-Northeast
Zach Hodges, President, HCC-Northwest
Sylvia Ramos, President, HCC-Southeast
Charles Cook, Vice Chancellor, Educational Development
Pat Williamson, Vice Chancellor, Institutional Development
Joseph A. Fenninger, Chief Financial Officer
Tom Curley, Assistant to the Chancellor
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HCCS Board Minutes
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 4:30 p.m. and declared the Board convened to
consider matters listed on the duly-posted meeting notice.
PRAYER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The prayer and pledge of allegiance to the flag were led by Dr. Williams.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion - Mrs. Smith moved approval of the minutes from the Joint Finance and Facilities
meeting of March 6, 2000. Mr. Oliver seconded the motion. Motion carried 6-0. (Mrs.
Garcia had not yet arrived)
AWARDS AND PRESENTATIONS
Faculty Recognition Award - Dr. Burgos-Sasscer recognized Pearl Pigott, Program
Director for Adult Education and Literacy instruction at Northeast College. Since 1991
Ms. Pigott has served as program director and coordinator for all HCCS Adult Education
and Literacy instruction. In addition, she has coordinated the opening of two ESL
programs at Rice University and has developed a family literacy partnership with HISD
that has offered ESL, GED and adult basic education to 30 HISD schools. She is an active
member of the Texas Association for Literacy and Adult Education and Mission Ministry
President for Bethel Baptist Church.
HEARING OF CITIZENS
1. David Mears addressed the Board regarding removal from class at Southwest
College.
2. Ventura Ramirez requested that Houston TACHE be represented in the Chancellor
search process.
3. The following students addressed the Board regarding their concerns with the
relocation of the Learning Center from the Leeland Center to another location:
Rudy G. Galvan
Alice Cunha
Karla Perez
Ignace Tchamquoe
Joe Carrera
Luis Luque
Olga Garcia
Blanca Rodriguez
Abelina Hernandez
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HCCS Board Minutes
Ismael Cervantes
Eusebia Chay
Martha Cardenas
May Ly
Zsuzsanna Kovats
Wanira Oliveira
Eric Damgnia
APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA
Motion - Mr. Murphy moved approval of the Consent Agenda with the exception of
certain items set aside for further discussion or consideration following executive
session. Mr. Litt seconded the motion. Motion carried 6-0.
The following items were approved:
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Approved a refund policy for continuing education course offerings;
Approved course waivers for Continuing Education courses for employees and
seniors (age 55 and over);
Approved payment to Bracewell & Patterson for professional services rendered for
the period April 16 through May 15, 2000;
Awarded a contract for the printing of the 2000-2001 HCCS Catalog to Von
Hoffman Graphics;
Approved the purchase of an anesthesia machine for the Coleman Health Science
Center;
Approved the purchase of medical equipment for the Coleman Health Science
Center from various vendors;
Ratified expansion of the consulting agreement with PeopleSoft Consulting
Services Group and approved an additional 200 hours to provide additional
support to the PeopleSoft student implementation project through August 31,
2000;
Approved the purchase of Brio Portal Enterprise software and installation services;
Authorized the Chancellor to execute an agreement to lease space at a former
Randall's store in Missouri City;
Approved the renewal of the agreement for bookstore services with Barnes &
Noble College Bookstores, Inc. through February 28, 2001;
Approved funds to relocate the Culinary Arts Program to 3100 Main;
Authorized funds for extra build-out improvements to accommodate the special
acoustical, electrical and heat load requirements for the HCC-TV station and
related functions;
Accepted the Investment Report for the month of May 2000;
Approved the renewal of a Resolution and Ordinance Relating to the Continuation
of Residential Homestead Exemptions for individuals residing in the HCC District.
The resolution grants each residence owner of a homestead an exemption equal to
1% of appraised value of residence homestead (with a minimum exemption of
$5,000) and an exemption of $75,000 for homeowners aged 65 or older, or
disabled;
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Approved changes to the HCCS local policy regarding educational leaves and
absences without pay for full-time employees to authorize the Chancellor to
recommend a second consecutive year of educational leave without pay for fulltime employees; and
Approved the proposed HCCS Strategic Plan for 2000-2003.
CHANCELLOR'S REPORT
Tom Curley, Assistant to the Chancellor, has accepted a position at Berkshire
Community College in Massachusetts. Dr. Burgos and several Trustees expressed
appreciation to Mr. Curley for his outstanding service. Dr. Williams asked that an
appropriate resolution be prepared in recognition of Mr. Curley's accomplishments.
Dr. Earlene Leverett will serve as the Chancellor's new assistant.
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March of Dimes Campaign - Dr. Burgos-Sasscer reported that the HCC System
raised $22,297 for the March of Dimes campaign. Northeast College raised almost
$10,000 of that amount.
Financial Report - Mr. Fenninger reported the closing of the sale of the Armory
Building to the City of Houston. Four additional surplus properties will close in July
- 2720 Leeland, 4310 Dunlavy, 320 Jackson Hill and 3800 Washington. The move
to 3100 Main is scheduled for September.
Mr. Fenninger reported a positive $3 million in projected full year actuals. These
figures indicate that tuition will exceed the budgeted amount by $2.3 million due
to the tuition increase for in-district and out-of-district students. This report also
reflects funds carried forward from last years budget. Mr. Fenninger also provided
the Board with a detailed financial analysis for fiscal year 1999-2000.
Facilities Maintenance Report - Christi Oliver, Executive Director of Facility
Management, explained that a facilities maintenance program is necessary since
HCCS' maintained facilities have increased almost 50% since 1998, while
maintenance expenditures per square foot have decreased. Without a
comprehensive maintenance program, assets will deteriorate. Ms. Oliver
suggested that the best solution is a centralized maintenance plan.
Mrs. Garcia felt the plan should have been presented to the Facilities Committee
and should have involved the System architect. She also felt costs have not been
clearly delineated. She called attention to the number of new positions included in
the plan. Dr. Williams also felt that the immediate budget implications were
unclear. Mr. Austin asked for a comprehensive list of consultants employed by the
System and fees paid to date, to be provided to all Board Members. Mrs. Garcia
requested that copies of the maintenance plan be provided as well. Mr. Murphy
expressed the opinion that the development of this plan was outside the scope of
the Facilities Committee and System architect and commended Ms. Oliver on the
presentation. Mr. Austin concurred that the plan should have been presented to
the Facilities Committee, but felt it was sound in concept. A Facilities Committee
meeting will be called in the near future and will include risk management staff.
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PeopleSoft Report - Dr. Williamson reported that all three PeopleSoft projects are
on schedule and within budget. Since 1993 a total of $6.7 million has been spent
on the projects. This figure includes hardware, software, network, training, and
consultants. She pointed out that the online admissions module implemented last
fall was the first in the nation. On July 5, 2000 the student enrollment phase will
go online enabling students to register over the web. By the following semester
students will be able to make payment online. Dr. Williamson cautioned that this is
a time of great change and problems can be expected as people become
accustomed to the new system. Mrs. Garcia asked if there were a backup plan for
registration. Dr. Williamson responded that a contingency plan is in place. Mr. Litt
requested a copy of PeopleSoft procedures.
Science Lab Experience: Computers vs. Wet Labs - Dr. Carlos Garcia, Academic
Dean, Northwest College, demonstrated how science faculty have transitioned lab
instruction from a traditional approach to a more technologically-driven mode of
instruction. He explained that certain scientific concepts are more easily
demonstrated in this mode. The virtual experience also eliminates the need for live
animals, chemicals, etc., making labs safer and cleaner.
CHAIRMAN'S REPORT - tabled for next meeting.
COMMITTEE REPORTS - tabled for next meeting.
ADJOURNMENT TO CLOSED OR EXECUTIVE SESSION
Mr. Murphy adjourned the meeting to Executive Session at 6:55 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.
RECONVENING OF OPEN MEETING
Mr. Austin reconvened the meeting in Open Session at 9:00 p.m. and entertained
motions on pending matters.
REPAIRS AUTHORIZED FOR SAN JACINTO AND FELIX MORALES BUILDINGS
Motion - Mr. Oliver moved that the Board authorize the Chancellor to enter into a
contract with CST Environmental, Inc., for asbestos abatement at the San Jacinto
Building, Central College, as an emergency measure under the provisions of TEC 44.031;
that the Board ratify the expenditure to Servicemaster for removal of water-damaged
carpet in the San Jacinto Building hallways and associated cleaning of floors; that the
Board authorize emergency funds for Southwest Construction for building repairs from
water damage at the San Jacinto Building; and that the Board authorize the Chancellor
to execute a Job Order Contract with Sterling Constructors for forensic investigation and
initial repairs of water intrusion at the Felix Morales Building, Southeast College. Mrs.
Smith seconded the motion. Motion carried 7-0.
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CHANCELLOR SEARCH PROCESS APPROVED
Amended Motion - Dr. Williams moved that the Board empower the Search Committee to
interview search firms and recommend three firms to the Board at a Special Meeting on
a date to be determined; that the Board approve the composition of the Advisory
Committee as revised; that the Board approve the proposed qualifications for
Chancellor; and that search firms be identified through the RFQ process. Mr. Murphy
seconded the amended motion. Amended motion carried 7-0.
PERSONNEL AGENDA APPROVED AS AMENDED
Motion - Mr. Oliver moved approval of the Personnel Agenda with the exception of Item
11.A.4, concerning the Pleuss matter, to be considered at a later meeting. Mrs. Garcia
seconded the motion. Motion carried 7-0.
Mrs. Garcia requested that the present salary and new salary be included in the
Personnel Agenda for persons transferring to other positions within the System.
ADJOURNMENT
With no further business to come before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 9:10
p.m.
Minutes Prepared By:
Linda Gray, Administrative Assistant
Board Services
Reviewed, Finalized and Submitted By:
Herman Litt, Secretary
Board of Trustees
Minutes Approved as Submitted on September 28, 2000
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