MINUTES
Regular Meeting - Board of Trustees
October 4, 1999
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, October 4, 1999, at 6:25 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 Chair/Presiding Officer; Allen Kaplan, Vice Chair; Hunter Ellinger, Secretary; Lillian Davis; Della May Moore [arrived at 6:50 p.m.]; Carol Nasworthy; Beverly Silas, Rafael Quintanilla; 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.
Work Session: Strategic Plan - Student Services
(6:25-7:20 p.m.)
Ms. Davis opened the Work Session with the following participants in attendance: Richard Fonte, Elva Allie, Belinda Aleman, Yolanda Chapa, Maggie de la Teja, Tyra-Duncan Hall, Maggie Culp, Deborah Duval, Monica Loera, Cha Guzman, Janis Koenig, Lou Levy, Louella Tate, and Myrna Villaneuva.
Dr. Maggie Culp, Associate Vice President for Student Services and Retention, distributed the Strategic Plan - Student Services and information on student success at Austin Community College. Deborah Duval, Coordinator for Student Life, provided an overview of recommendations presented to the Citizens' Advisory Committee and discussed funding including student life.
The following student life needs were identified by participants:
- Food and eating areas at all campuses;
- Space for student activities, clubs, and organizations including record storage areas at each campus;
- Student study space at every campus;
[Trustee Della May Moore arrived at 6:50 p.m.]
Dr. Guzman, Executive Vice President for Administration, Institutional Advancement, and Community Relations, and Myrna Villanueva, Director of Community Relations and Outreach, distributed and discussed the 1999-2000 Student Recruitment and Outreach Plan and provided information regarding descriptions of activities and recruitment of students. Participants discussed: initial recruitment activities; follow-up recruitment activities; internal recruitment; outreach at junior high schools, area high schools, college nights, college fairs, and conferences; and gathering of data to determine success of recruitment activities. Needs identified included: incentives for student ambassadors; inclusion of Manor and Leander as Tier I schools; capacity to serve all students; broadening diversity of students; ability to be creative in scheduling of classes--i.e., weekend College, etc.
Ms. Davis expressed appreciation to the participants for the valuable information provided during the work session.
Reconvene
Ms. Davis reconvened the Board meeting at 8:20 p.m.
Recognitions
Dr. Gerry Tucker, Associate Vice President for Human Resources, introduced and Trustees welcomed new employee: Jim Burgess, Benefits Supervisor, Human Resources.
Citizen's Communication
The following persons addressed the Board of Trustees:
- Sam Allison, representative of the Downtown Austin Alliance, read a resolution passed by the Executive Committee of the Board of the Downtown Austin Alliance on October 1, 1999, supporting the proposed Austin Community College tax increase phase-in over the next four years.
- Catherine Watson, ACC adjunct faculty member, spoke regarding the "1000 hour rule" for hourly employees.
- Joe Quintero, Greater East Austin Neighborhood Assn., spoke in opposition to the ACC Service Center location at 411 Chicon Street.
- Gavino Fernandez, El Concilio, spoke regarding relocation of the ACC Service Center to another site.
- Robert Donley, El Concilio, spoke regarding relocation of the ACC Service Center and rezoning of proposed site.
The Board of Trustees reordered the agenda to consider items 7141, Proposed Amendment to Policy E-7, Property Taxes; and 7108, Real Estate-Central Warehouse Facility.
ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION/POSSIBLE ACTION
Agenda Item 7141
Proposed Amendment to Policy E-7, Property Taxes
Beverly Watts Davis introduced the item and Dr. Fonte, College President, called attention to revised information regarding this item. Trustee Hunter Ellinger discussed the proposed tax phase-in.
Carol Nasworthy moved and Allen Kaplan seconded that:
MOTION: The Board of Trustees approve the amendment to Policy E-7, Property Taxes, to imply a multi-year phase-in of the College's use of any increase in taxing authority.
VOTE: The motion was passed by a unanimous vote.
Agenda Item 7108
Real Estate - Central Warehouse Facility
Della May Moore moved and John Worley seconded that:
MOTION: The Board of Trustees reconsider and direct the administration to continue a search for a facility/warehouse/service center/office site other than the current site located in East Austin.
Dr. Fonte called attention to information provided to Trustees regarding the terms of the agreement with Brown Distributing Company and a letter from the City of Austin. Trustees discussed the site, rezoning of the property, facility use, and comments received from the neighborhood associations. Board members discussed the need for Trustees and appropriate staff to meet with the community when decisions of this type are intended.
Hunter Ellinger requested an amendment to the Motion to include:
FRIENDLY AMENDMENT: That the administration be directed to withdraw the current offer to purchase the Brown Distribution Warehouse located at 411 Chicon Street.
The Friendly Amendment was accepted by Della May Moore and John Worley.
VOTE: The motion, with the Friendly Amendment, passed on a vote of 7-1-1.
For: Lillian Davis, Hunter Ellinger, Allen Kaplan, Della May Moore, Carol Nasworthy, Rafael Quintanilla, John Worley.
Opposed: Beverly Silas
Abstaining: Beverly Watts Davis
Reports from Employee Associations
Full-Time Faculty Senate - Joe Lostracco, President, recognized Dr. Hazel Ward as the new ACC Dean of Communication; spoke regarding administrative services issues; possible removal of student change fees; and instructional responsibilities.
Adjunct Faculty Association - John Herndon, President, discussed the Association's newsletter and continued work by the Association on recognitions.
Professional/Technical Employees Association - No report was presented.
Classified Employees Association - Judy Doyen, Vice President, stated the Association's president will be absent for some time. She reported that morale is high among Classified employees; asked for the Association to be included in the next two meetings regarding the Citizens' Advisory Committee report and special Board meetings; provided information regarding the T-Shirt contest; and expressed appreciation to Trustees for attendance and participation in the recent Retirement Reception.
Student Government Association - Monica Loera, Vice President, reported on induction of new members; attendance at an upcoming national conference in El Paso; C. J. Winkler is the new Secretary of the Student Government Association; approval for the Association to campaign/run for the Texas Junior College Student Government Association; recruitment campaign in October; visibility of Association at all campuses; evaluation of current membership to provide representatives to several College-wide committees; participation of 35 ACC student leaders at the Student Leaders Action Conference at St. Mary's University in San Antonio.
Report to the Board
Report on Group F Board Policies -
Dr. Fonte, College President, stated that information was provided to Trustees regarding all College Administrative Rules concerning Group F Board Policies. The Executive Summary highlighted items of achievement and items requiring additional work. He stated two other reports on Board policies will be forwarded within the next few weeks.
ITEMS FOR CONSENT
Agenda Item 7138
Minutes of Board of Trustees Meetings: September 7, 1999, Regular Meeting of the Board of Trustees, and September 20, 1999, Committee of the Whole Meeting
Recommendation: That the Board of Trustees approve the minutes as presented.
Agenda Item 7139
Diagnostic Cardiac Sonography Program
Recommendation: That the Board of Trustees approve the resubmission to add an Associate of Applied Science in Diagnostic Cardiac Sonography.
Agenda Item 7140
Proposed Amendment to Policy C-12, Open Communication and Information
Recommendation: That the Board of Trustees approve the proposed amendment.
Allen Kaplan moved and Della May Moore seconded that:
MOTION: The Board of Trustees approve Consent Agenda Items 7138, 7139, and 7140 as presented.
VOTE: The motion passed on a unanimous vote of 8-0-1.
The Chair did not vote.
Items for Discussion/Possible Action
Agenda Item 7142
Proposed Policy on Harassment and Discrimination
Ms. Davis called attention to the item and Allen Kaplan advised that College Legal Counsel had reviewed the proposed policy. He stated that comments from faculty and employee associations are welcomed. Action on the proposed policy will occur in November.
{Lillian Davis left the meeting at 8:45 p.m.}
Agenda Item 7143
Proposed Policy on Economic Analyses
Beverly Watts Davis introduced the item and Trustee Hunter Ellinger stated the proposed policy mandates an annual review by a committee external to the College. Dr. Fonte asked the three executive vice presidents to review the proposed policy and provide specific comments. He stated the proposed policy would affect a number of planning mechanisms.
Agenda Item 7144
Proposed Policy C-8, Resource Development
Ms. Davis introduced the item and Dr. Fonte stated comments were received from the ACC Foundation. Trustees discussed the proposed policy and stated it will be on the agenda for action at the November meeting.
Agenda Item 7145
Discussion of Contract for Office Supplies, District-Wide
Beverly Watts Davis introduced the item and Elvis Eaglin, Purchasing Manager, responded to questions from Board members. The item will be included on the agenda for possible action at the November meeting.
Agenda Item 7146
Discussion of Software Lease Maintenance Agreement
Ms. Davis introduced the item and Bill Carter, Associate Vice President for Information Technology, responded to questions from Board members. The items will be included on the November agenda for possible action. Faculty and staff were commended for their dedication in working to ensure that the Datatel system works effectively.
Agenda Item 7147
Discussion of Property and Casualty Insurance Renewed
Beverly Watts Davis introduced the item and Michelle Faust, College Risk Manager, presented information and responded to questions from Board members. This item will be included on the November agenda for possible action.
Agenda Item 7148
Discussion of Purchase of Workers' Compensation Insurance
Ms. Davis introduced the item and Michelle Faust discussed the information and responded to questions from Trustees. This item will be included on the November agenda for possible action.
Agenda Item 7149
Discussion of Board Resolution to Participate in an Inter-Local Agreement Authorizing Cooperative Purchasing with the Texas Cooperative Purchasing Network
Beverly Watts Davis introduced the item and Dr. Guzman and Elvis Eaglin provided information regarding the proposed agreement. This item will appear on the agenda for possible action at the November meeting.
Agenda Item 7150
Matters Related to the Conduct of the November 2, 1999, Special Election
Myra McDaniel provided a proposed Order Amending Polling Places and Election Officials for the November 2, 1999, Special Election. The proposed order amends the original order by adding additional polling places and amends the list of individuals designated to fill the election official positions in Travis and Williamson Counties.
Della May Moore moved and Allen Kaplan seconded that:
MOTION: The Board of Trustees approve the proposed Order Amending Polling Places and Election Officials for the November 2, 1999, Special Election, as presented.
VOTE: The motion passed by a unanimous vote of 8-0-1.
The Chair did not vote.
Agenda Item 7151
Real Estate
Beverly Watts Davis called attention to the item.
Informational Items
An informational item was included in the printed agenda.
Tyra Duncan-Hall, Provost, ACC Central Austin Campuses, distributed information and stated that the Austin Community College Eastview Campus was picked by the critics as the 1999 "Best New Public Building" by the Chronicle newspaper.
President's Report
There was no report presented.
Executive Session
The Board of Trustees recessed into Executive Session at 9:20 p.m. pursuant to Government Code 551.072, consultation with legal counsel regarding the purchase, exchange, lease, or value of real property.
Reconvene
The Board of Trustees reconvened in public session at 10:05 p.m. pursuant to Government Code 551.
Announcements
There were no announcements.
Adjournment
Having no motion before the Board, the October 4, 1999, regular meeting of the Austin Community College Board of Trustees was adjourned at 10:05 p.m.
Approved By
Hunter Ellinger, Secretary