In accordance with the terms and provisions of the Texas Open Meetings Act, Chapter 551 of the Texas Government Code, the Board of Trustees of the Austin Community College District convened in public session at 5:40 p.m. at the Alternative Learning Center of the Austin Independent School District located at 900 Neal Street, Austin, Texas 78702, with the following members present: Carol Nasworthy, Chair/Presiding Officer; Lillian J. Davis, Secretary; Beverly Watts Davis; Hunter Ellinger; Sharon Knotts Green; Allen Kaplan; Della May Moore; and John Worley. Mack Ray Hernandez was absent.

It is further found and determined that in accordance with the policies and orders of this Board, the notice of this meeting has been posted and return thereof made pursuant to the terms and provisions of the Texas Open Meetings Act, Chapter 551 of the Texas Government Code, and there has been full compliance with the terms and provisions of said act, including the timely posting of the subjects of this meeting.

Report from Employee Associations

Full-Time Faculty Senate - No report was presented.

Adjunct Faculty Association - No report was presented.

Professional-Technical Employees Association - Rod Fluker indicated that the Association will be meeting on March 18 to discuss several issues including a proposed policy regarding reassignment of staff to a lower position/salary and salaries and compensation budgets for employee groups.

Classified Employees Association - No report was presented.

Agenda Item 6776 Consideration of Vacancy on the Austin Community College Board of Trustees, Place 7

Dr. Nasworthy indicated that there was a request for Agenda Item 6776, Consideration of Vacancy on the Austin Community College Board of Trustees, Place 7, to be considered first on the agenda to allow a Board member to vote prior to leaving for another hearing. No opposition was expressed; therefore, Dr. Nasworthy introduced the item and stated that Mack Ray Hernandez submitted his resignation from the Board on March 3, 1997. She stated that the resignation was received too late and there were to many obstacles to include on the City of Austin ballot for a May vote. Board members discussed the $120,000 cost estimate for an election and probable low voter turnout if an election were held in August. It was moved by Della May Moore and seconded by Hunter Ellinger that:

MOTION: the Board consider the appointment process and filling the vacancy for Place 7 on the Austin Community College Board of Trustees to include a public hearing to be held at the April 21 Board meeting and the interim appointment to be made at the May 5, 1997, Board meeting.

VOTE: The motion passed on a unanimous vote. Mack Ray Hernandez was absent for the vote.

Jerry Miller, Associate Vice President for Business Services, will coordinate the candidate applications.

Agenda Item 6771 Presentation and Hearing on the East Austin Campus

Dr. Nasworthy introduced the item and asked Donetta Goodall, Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs, to present information. Ms. Goodall discussed the process for research and information gathering and provided an overview regarding the East Austin Campus (Attachment A).

Board members discussed the anticipated needs of the East Austin Campus.

(Della May Moore left the meeting at 6:39 p.m)

Citizens' comments were received from: Parissee Robinson, Director of Community Development for the Housing Authority, City of Austin; Norma Garza, a Commissioner for the Housing Authority, City of Austin; Darrell West, staff member from Community Development, City of Austin; Bennie Hawkins, Chairman, BLGY Architects; Lillie Sosa, Board of Directors, Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce; J. R. Gonzales, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce; Hector Ortiz, Community Liaison, Neighborhood Longhorns Program, The University of Texas at Austin; and Robert Gomez.

Dr. Nasworthy expressed appreciation for the comments provided by the individuals and Donetta Goodall.

(Allen Kaplan left the meeting at 7:15 p.m.)

Agenda Item 6772 Consideration of Waiver of Tuition and Fees to Senior Citizens

Dr. Nasworthy introduced the item and called upon Dr. Frank Friedman, Executive Vice President. Dr. Friedman and Board members discussed the proposed process for granting a waiver of tuition and fees to senior citizens, age 65 and older, up to a maximum of six (6) credit hours per semester based on space availability.

Dr. Nasworthy stated that this item will be on the agenda for action at the April 7 regular meeting of the Board of Trustees.

Agenda Item 6773 Consideration of Property Tax Exemptions

Dr. Nasworthy introduced the item and asked Jerry Miller to provide information. Mr. Miller discussed the options available for establishing a percentage exemption for residential homesteads; a flat rate exemption for elderly and disabled residence homesteads; and discontinuing the optional historic property exemption. Mr. Miller discussed the need for action to be taken on this item prior to April 30, or the current rates will continue. Mr. Ellinger indicated that a Board policy to address this item would be appropriate.

Dr. Nasworthy noted that this item will be on the agenda for action at the April 7 regular meeting of the Board of Trustees.

Agenda Item 6774 Consideration of Tuition Rate for Economically Disadvantaged Students

Dr. Nasworthy introduced the item and President Fonte provided information concerning the possibility of a differential tuition rate for out-of-district students who are economically disadvantaged or Pell eligible and a proposed scholarship program. Dr. Fonte responded to questions from Board members concerning the proposed scholarship program, tuition rates for in-district and out-of-district students, and the Austin Community College service area.

Board members requested information concerning revenue implications. Dr. Fonte indicated that this will be researched and additional information provided.

Agenda Item 6775 Quarterly Internal Audit Report to the Board of Trustees

Dr. Nasworthy introduced the item and Dr. Fonte called attention to the schedule for regular and follow-up reporting to the Board on audits. Larry Bassett, Director of Internal Audit, noted the audits which have been completed. Dr. Fonte stated that a response from management will be included in the future with follow up regarding the action taken.

President's Report

Dr. Nasworthy called upon Dr. Fonte for a report. He stated:

• he has reviewed the use of contract labor for Austin Community College through temporary employment agencies and advised that ACC will cease use of employment agencies and will determine how ACC will hire hourly labor independently.
• the present College information system is ineffective and inefficient and a new administrative and student services computer system will be sought for the College which will perform the tasks identified in the financial audit and which is needed by the College for retention and proactive student services. The system will be based upon certain principles: (1) is currently operational in Texas and runs all of the Texas reports, (2) that it will integrate human resources, student services, and financial data; and (3) is a system in which users are participating and effectiveness can be demonstrated at another community college in Texas. A proposal, with a time table, will be presented to the Board and the cost will be included in the budget. Lou Herman, Associate Vice President for Information Services, discussed issues of the present system and stressed the need for a new system.
  

Adjournment

The March 17, 1997, meeting of the Committee of the Whole of the Austin Community College Board of Trustees adjourned at 9:00 p.m.

Approved By

Dr. Carol Nasworthy, Board Chair

Dr. Lillian J. Davis, Board Secretary

Comments, suggestions? Posted to the Web July 2, 1997.