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 on Monday, May 3, 1999, at 6:02 p.m. in the Board Room (201) of the Highland Business Center of the Austin Community College located at 5930 Middle Fiskville Road, Austin, Texas, with the following members present: Beverly Watts Davis [arrived at 6:08 p.m.]; Allen Kaplan Vice Chair/Presiding Officer; Hunter Ellinger, Secretary; Lillian Davis; Della May Moore [arrived at 6:06 p.m.]; Carol Nasworthy; Rafael Quintanilla; Beverly Silas; and John Worley.  

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.

• Gerry Tucker, Associate Vice President for Human Resources. Dr. Tucker stated there were no new employees to be recognized.
• Mike Dellens, Math Instructor at Austin Community College, spoke regarding ACC students who participated in a three-part mathematics contest sponsored by the American Mathematical Association of Two-Year Colleges. He acknowledged other math instructors: Clarence McGuff, Kimberly Kelton, Leonor Eklund, and Paul Wright, and Deb Duval, ACC Student Activities Office. The following students were introduced and presented with an award certificate/gift certificate to the ACC bookstore: Joseph Lee, Teguh Mualim, I-Ning Wang, and Nara Kann.

[Beverly Watts Davis, Chair, became Presiding Officer.]

Allen Kaplan, Vice Chair, expressed appreciation for the attendance of participants to discuss areas of mutual interest to the Alliance and Austin Community College. He stated the Board of Trustees has recently participated in dialogue sessions with business leaders, workforce development representatives, and community organizations in an attempt to determine how Austin Community College can be more responsive to the needs of the community.

President Fonte distributed dialogue information including: ACC Planning Principles, Environmental Technology Program [proposed], and Light Rail. He stated that the College has a vital role along with the SOS Alliance. He suggested that these topics are suggested for opening dialogue and could be discussed. Dr. Fonte stated the College is interlocked with the community in social equity issues and economic development issues, and is interested in environmental issues. Ms. Davis stated the Board of Trustees is proud of the fact that the College realizes the importance of being a good partner in environmental concerns, social responsibilities, and quality of life.

Trustee John Worley spoke regarding a plaque presented to the Board last Fall by the Save Barton Creek Association. He called attention to Board Policy E-2, Provision of College Facilities, item [7] which states: "College facilities-development activities shall be conducted so as to respect other community priorities, including environmental protection and respect for the City of Austin's desired development zone." He stated support for the impact that he believes this Principle will have in terms of planning and location of facilities. He called for comments from SOS members regarding suggestions for other environmentally sensitive needs from the College. Comments included:

• Praise for Austin Community College's taking the initiative to include a College Principle regarding sensitivity to environmental issues and the desire for other agencies/institutions to follow this guide;
• Appreciation for the Save Barton Creek Association's recognition of Austin Community College's interest in protecting the environment;
• Challenge of incredibility fast growth of the community and the critical importance of education in all issues;
• Desire for movement by all jurisdictions to adopt policies, in a formal way, to sensitivity issues;
• Suggested need of a map regarding where the community was in the last twenty years in collecting taxes and the regions in which the funds were actually spent--who got what?
• Possibility of research by SOS/ACC faculty on City's tax collections/spending over past several years;
• Appreciation for participation of ACC students in an earlier water watch;
• Acknowledgment that there are environmental needs along with industry and students needs: pond maintenance, erosion control in parks, rainwater harvesting, zeiroscapes, and other important environmental needs.
• Gratitude was expressed regarding the College's environmental sensitivity at the Eastview Campus (to be featured in a special computer story);
• Significant stops near ACC campuses in any proposed light rail plans, including campus-to-campus, filling workforce needs of the community, access to higher education, etc.;
• Care in College growth plans;
• Need for dialogue with other constituencies of SOS;
• Additional programs--i.e., golf course management/turf management--will require additional resources;
• Light rail versus additional parking needs of College campuses;
• Greater air and water protection possible with a better mass transit system;
• Support by SOS for continuation of Capital Metro's shuttle bus pilot program for ACC;
• Resolution by SOS to be taken to Capital Metro at next meeting;
• Greater partnerships with industries/high tech companies to preserve the quality of life here;
• Importance of decisions of companies as to where the facilities are located; and
• Review of growth--where it happens and why it happens.

Bill Bunch provided copies of the S.O.S. Alliance Newsletter for information.

Ms. Davis and Mr. Kaplan expressed appreciation to participants for the very useful information provided regarding College needs.