HCCS Board Minutes
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REGULAR MEETING
OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
HOUSTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE SYSTEM
May 25, 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
Abel Davila
Herlinda Garcia
Christopher W. Oliver
W. F. Russell
Carol H. Smith
ADMINISTRATION
Ruth Burgos-Sasscer, Chancellor
Sue Cox, President, HCC-Southwest
John O'Malley for 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
OTHERS PRESENT
Rob Mosbacher, Greater Houston Partnership
Ken Lovett, Greater Houston Partnership
Ron Lee, Missouri City Annexation Committee
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Jerry Wright, Missouri City Council President
Kelly Frels, Bracewell & Patterson
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 4:00 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 Mrs. Smith.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion - It was moved and seconded (inaudible) that the minutes from the Regular
Meeting of March 23 and the Special Meeting of March 23, 2000 be approved as
submitted; and that the record designate the Facilities Committee Meeting of April 18,
2000 as a Special Meeting. Motion carried 9-0.
CRITICAL ISSUES AND THE ROLE OF COMMUNITY COLLEGES
Dr. Burgos-Sasscer gave a presentation on the role of community colleges and critical
issues facing community colleges in the 21st century. Workforce preparation is becoming
more important as business and industry face a shortage of skilled workers. In todays
world almost all workforce preparation is based on technology. Students must be taught
to process and apply information. More and more jobs will require a college education,
and Texas lags in higher education enrollment and graduation. These numbers must be
increased and therefore access becomes a priority in the 21st century. We must provide
educational opportunities for all persons regardless of their background, academic
preparation or economic situation.
Another challenge is to help students develop a global and multicultural perspective on
life. We must provide a seamless education that will produce and support a nation of
learners. Our programs and services must respond to change in a responsive, proactive
and creative manner. In this fast-changing environment, we must develop partnerships
with public schools, businesses, community-based organizations and other community
colleges. Taxpayers want to see results and employers want workers who will meet their
needs.
Robert Mosbacher, Greater Houston Partnership, emphasized that community colleges
must be responsive to the needs and demands of business and industry. There must be
an ongoing exchange of information so that the colleges can develop programs that are
responsive to the real-world needs.
ORDER OF ANNEXATION OF MISSOURI CITY APPROVED
Motion - It was moved and seconded to approve the Order concurring in the Order of the
Fort bend Commissioners Count and attaching the annexed territory to HCCS (motion
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and second were inaudible). Motion carried 8-0.
Ron Lee, Chairman of the Missouri City Citizen Annexation Committee and Gary Wright,
Missouri City Council President acknowledged their confidence in the ability of HCCS to
serve their community. Dr. Burgos-Sasscer welcomed the residents of Missouri City into
the HCCS family and commended Dr. Sue Cox for the leadership she provided in the
annexation effort.
AWARDS AND PRESENTATIONS
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Faculty Recognition Award - Dr. Burgos-Sasscer recognized Linda Webb, Director
of the Missouri City Center, Southwest College. Ms. Webb received a master's
degree in political science from Ball State. At HCCS, she was the founding
president of the Bedichek Faculty Fund which has raised over $200,000 in grants
and awards for faculty. In 1989 she received the HCCS outstanding teacher award
and was elected president of the Association of Women Administrators in 1998.
Ms. Webb spearheaded the HCCS volunteer effort for successful passage of the
Stafford bond initiative which resulted in the construction of the Science and
technology Center. She was also in the forefront of the volunteer effort as advisor
to the Citizen's Committee which helped bring Missouri City into the System.
HEARING OF CITIZENS
1. Gloria Barrera addressed the Board in regard to in-state tuition for international
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students
David Johnston addressed the Board concerning in-state tuition for undocumented
students.
Elizabeth Mendoza Macias, Immigration Attorney, addressed the Board regarding
in-state tuition for undocumented students
Juan Rene Rodriguez addressed the Board regarding matters pertaining to in-state
tuition for undocumented students.
Gary Bilendy, student, addressed the Board regarding conditions at Central
College.
Christopher A. Jones addressed the Board regarding concerns with the Institute for
Excellence and a grievance he has filed.
Josephina Gonzales - addressed the Board regarding educational opportunities for
undocumented students.
APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA
Motion - Dr. Williams moved approval of the Consent Agenda with the exception of
certain items pulled for further discussion or consideration following executive session.
Mr. Murphy seconded the motion. The following items were approved:
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Approved Health Careers Clinical Affiliation Agreements for Southeast College;
Approved payment to Bracewell & Patterson for professional services;
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Approved the purchase of EMT On-Line Continuing Education Courses for Houston
Fire Department students enrolled at the Coleman Health Science Center,
Southeast College;
Approved Hermes Reed Architects to prepare a Master Plan for the refurbishment
and reconstruction of the HCCS Central Campus and that the Board direct
administration to negotiate the total fees for such plan;
Approved the lease of an additional 6,600 sq. ft. of space at 13645 Murphy Road,
Stafford, Texas from Park Greenbriar, Ltd., and authorized the Chancellor to
execute the lease on behalf of the System;
Authorized the Chancellor to execute job order contracts with various contractors
for terms not to exceed two (2) years, but renewable for two additional one (1)
year periods;
Authorized the Chancellor to execute a job order contract with W. A. Robbins
Construction for an amount not to exceed $215,837 for repairs to roofing and
waterproofing of the Heinen Theatre, Theatre One and the Fine Arts Building at
Central Campus;
Authorized the Chancellor to execute job order contract with Pin Oak Inc. for an
amount not to exceed $235,571 for installation of mechanical system controls for
the J. Don Boney Building, the Business Careers Center II Building, the Heinen
Theatre and the Theatre One Building;
Authorized the Chancellor to execute a job order contract with Southwest
Construction for an amount not to exceed $217,260 for repairs of the Cosmetology
area of the San Jacinto Building, Central Campus;
Authorized the Chancellor to execute a job order contract with Southwest
Construction for an amount not to exceed $818,931 for structural and other
repairs at the J. B. Whiteley Building, Central Campus;
Accepted the Investment Report for the month of April 2000;
Approved Order and Resolution in support of the January 20, 2000 Board vote for
an amended lease agreement with an option to purchase System facilities at Town
& Country Center, Northwest College; and
Accepted the gift of certain refrigerated display cases from Whole Foods for the
Culinary Arts program.
ITEM TABLED FOR CONSIDERATION FOLLOWING CLOSED SESSION
Motion - Dr. Williams moved approval of the award of contract for the printing of the
2000-01 HCCS catalog to Von Hoffman Graphics. Second was inaudible. The Board
questioned administration on why this contract was not bid. It was explained that the
Marketing Division was in transition at the time and there was not sufficient time. Dr.
Williams stressed the importance of following bid procedures to promote participation
and competitive pricing. The item was tabled for consideration following executive
session.
EXPANSION OF CONSULTING SERVICES FOR PEOPLESOFT PROJECTS AND
REVISION OF EMPLOYEE REQUEST FOR TRANSFER OF EQUIPMENT POLICY
APPROVED
Motion - Dr. Williams moved approval of the expansion of the original contract signed in
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October 1999 with Interface Management Services (IMS) to provide additional resources
to the PeopleSoft implementation projects through August 31, 2000 at a cost not to
exceed $182,400. The motion also included the recommendation to approve the revised
"Employee Request for Transfer of Equipment" policy. Mr. Oliver seconded the motion.
Dr. Williams asked for a status report on the PeopleSoft implementation. Dr. Williamson
explained that the Human Resources project went live on January 1, 2000. At this time
they are working on getting all Phase 1 processes operational which should be
completed within the month. With Phase 2, self-service and additional services will be
operational. The finance project is currently underway and will go live on September 1,
2000. By the end of August we will be off the Legacy System for both human resources
and finance. The first phase of the admissions process was implemented last fall. In July
this will be extended to enrollment, so students will be able to enroll via PeopleSoft. By
fall, grading and transcripts will be operational and by November, students will be able
to pay on PeopleSoft. Dr. Williamson indicated that the project is on schedule and under
budget.
Concerning the transfer of equipment, Dr. Williams asked if the use of equipment by
Board Members would fall under the broad mission of the College System and not strictly
within the academic context. Mr. Fenninger answered that any use of equipment loaned
to Board Members that would advance and benefit the mission of the College System
would be considered appropriate.
Motion carried 9-0.
MATERIALS MANAGEMENT REQUISITIONING PROCEDURES AND PURCHASE
ORDER ADMINISTRATION PRINCIPLES APPROVED
Motion - Dr. Williamson moved approval of the Materials Management Requisitioning
Procedure and the Purchase Order Administration Principles. Mr. Oliver seconded the
motion.
The Board asked for clarification of the revisions. Mr. Fenninger explained that only
procedures were being revised, not policy. Mrs. Garcia asked legal counsel for
clarification. Mr. Michel advised that the revisions do not violate competitive
procurement laws, but only clarify internal processes on how to function within those
restrictions
Motion carried 9-0
PROPOSED REVISIONS TO BOARD MINUTES PUBLIC RECORD PROCEDURE DEFEATED
Motion - Mr. Murphy moved approval of a revision to the minutes procedure adopted on
October 28, 1999 to allow for the inclusion into the minutes a summary of Board
Members' comments when, in the judgment of a majority of the Board, the issue
addressed and ensuing discussion are of such unusual importance as to warrant
inclusion. Second was inaudible.
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The Board Members discussed various means of transcribing minutes and whether the
minutes should be minimal or more detailed. Mr. Austin stated that in the past, Board
Members were provided with minutes prior to the meetings in order to make necessary
corrections. Both Dr. Williams and Mr. Oliver were satisfied with the approved
procedures and opposed a change. Mr. Murphy felt that minutes should be limited to
action taken since meetings are now video taped. Mr. Russell suggested summarizing
committee minutes and transcribing regular meeting minutes in more detail. Mrs. Garcia
asked the Chairman to follow up with administration to ensure that the Board minutes
and tapes are housed in a protected environment.
Motion failed 9-0.
CHANCELLOR'S REPORT
Introduction of New Staff - Dr. Burgos-Sasscer introduced Dr. David Ugwu, Director of
Institutional Research, and Stephen Levey, Director of Distance Education.
Graduation Ceremonies - The Chancellor expressed appreciation to Trustees Austin, Litt
and Oliver for their participation in commencement activities.
Financial Report Æ Mr. Fenninger gave the financial report for April 2000. He reported
that tuition was up $1.5 million over last year. Mrs. Garcia stated that it was critical that
the Board be informed early in the budgeting process on how funds are being
appropriated to the colleges and suggested that critical issues and the effect on the
operational budget should be addressed by committee. She asked that Board Members
receive a schedule of budget deadlines three months in advance.
Strategic Plan 2000 - 2003 - The Chancellor's report was tabled for a future meeting
Marketing Plan - Mr. Gonzalez discussed the results of a study conducted by Gelb
Consulting Group which included a random sampling of 300 households about their
perceptions of HCC. Instead of being the best kept secret in Houston, he characterized
HCCS as the "least understood asset." A successful marketing campaign must raise the
level of public awareness. He found that people who have attended HCC have much
higher opinions than those with no experience with HCCS. One point brought out by the
survey is the perception that "community college" equates to lower quality. For that
reason, Mr. Gonzalez plans to stress "quality" in the marketing plan - quality of facilities,
faculty, students and education.
ADJOURNMENT TO CLOSED OR EXECUTIVE SESSION
Mr. Austin adjourned the meeting to Executive Session at 6:32 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.
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RECONVENING OF OPEN MEETING
Mr. Austin reconvened the meeting in Open Session at 8:55 p.m. and entertained
motions on pending matters.
ACTION DEFERRED REGARDING ARCHITECTURAL CONTRACTS FOR THE
HIGHWAY 288 PROJECT
Dr. Williams moved to defer action on Items 19 and 19b concerning the contract for
architectural services for the Highway 288 project. Mr. Davila seconded the motion.
Motion carried 8-1. Mr. Oliver cast the dissenting vote.
POLICY TO ALLOW CERTAIN UNDOCUMENTED STUDENTS TO PAY IN-DISTRICT
TUITION AND FEES APPROVED
Motion - Mr. Davila moved that HCCS adopt a policy effective fall semester 2000
allowing undocumented students who otherwise satisfy HCCS admission and residency
requirements to register and pay in-district tuition and fees. Dr. Williams seconded the
motion. Mr. Murphy wanted to know if the Board could rescind this action later on if it so
chose. Dr. Burgos-Sasscer replied it could. Motion carried 9-0.
RECOMMENDATION FOR PRINTING OF THE HCCS CATALOG WITHDRAWN BY
THE CHANCELLOR
The Chancellor withdrew the recommendation to award a contract for the printing of the
HCCS catalog for 2000 - 2001 and referred it to the RFQ process. Dr. Williams asked
that Board Members be notified when RFQs are released.
PERSONNEL AGENDA APPROVED
Mr. Oliver moved approval of the Personnel Agenda as submitted, including the
employment of Vice Chancellor for Economic Development. Mr. Litt seconded the motion.
Motion carried 9-0.
ATTORNEYS AUTHORIZED TO FILE SUIT AGAINST LOUPOT'S BOOKSTORE
Motion - Mr. Litt moved that the Board authorize the attorneys to file suit against
Loupot's Bookstore with respect tothe use of HCCS' name and issues related thereto and
that the attorneys look into either trademarking or copywriting the name so it cannot be
used by anyone else. Second was inaudible. Motion carried 9-0.
ADJOURNMENT
With no further business to come before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 9:05
p.m.
Minutes Prepared By:
Linda Gray, Administrative Assistant
Board Services
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HCCS Board Minutes
Minutes Approved as Submitted on August 21, 2000
HCCS Home | Board of Trustees
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