MINUTES

Regular Meeting - Board of Trustees

August 7, 2000

 

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, August 7, 2000, at 6:05 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: Lillian Davis, Chair/Presiding Officer; Beverly Silas, Vice Chair; John Worley, Secretary; Beverly Watts Davis; Allen Kaplan; Della May Moore [arrived at 6:05 p.m.]; Carol Nasworthy; and Rafael Quintanilla.

 

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.

 

Recognitions

The Chair recognized:

·        Stephanie Diina, Resource Development, and Robert Rutishauser, Chair of ACC Foundation, introduced Ray Solano from Kinetics, Inc.  Mr. Solano presented a check in the amount of $32,600 to the Austin Community College Foundation for the SEMI-Frank Squires Scholarship Fund.

·        Trustee Beverly Watts Davis recognized Pat Stubbs and presented her with a floral bouquet for assistance to Ms. Davis during her tenure as Board Chair and for continuing assistance to the Board.

·        The following new employees were introduced:  Raquel Whitney, Grant Writer, Grant Development and Governmental Relations, Highland Business Center; Barry Silverberg, Grant Writer, Grant Development and Governmental Relations, Highland Business Center; Paula Bennett, Budget Coordinator, Business Services, Highland Business Center; Jim Walker, Research Initiatives Coordinator and Sustainability Indicator Project Director, Highland Business Center; and Stephan Sanchez, Webmaster, Open Campus.

 

Citizens Communication

No one addressed the Board.


Reports from Employee Associations

·        Full-Time Faculty Senate - No report was presented.

·        Adjunct Faculty Association - John Herndon, President, spoke in support of the FY 2001 budget with pay increases and instructional associate positions for adjunct faculty with health benefits.  Trustees recognized the leadership of John Herndon.

·        Professional/Technical Employees Association - Sonia Koerner - No report was presented.

·        Classified Employees Association - Judy Doyen, President, spoke regarding the association's support of the College President and Board; Board Vice Chair Beverly Silas was recognized for participation in a recent association meeting; classified employees requested inclusion in the early retirement plan; and new association officers were named:  Barbara Dickey, President; Rebecca D'Amico, President-Elect; Tracy Miller Thompson, Secretary.

·        Student Government Association - No report was presented.

 

Reports to the Board

·        Tyra Duncan-Hall, Provost of Eastview and Riverside Campuses, presented a video and discussed a summary of activities of the Summer Youth Academy.  She recognized the partnership with AMD and presented a plaque to Mike Johnson and Carol Dicks of AMD in recognition of support of the Summer Youth Academy.

·        Carole Arredondo, ACC Director of Community Programs, called attention to a video and spoke regarding curriculum of the Voyager program for kindergarten through sixth grade students.

·        Jerry North, College Internal Auditor, called attention to the April 1-June 30 Internal Audit Report and responded to questions from Trustees.

·        Jerry Miller, Vice President for Business Services, introduced Jolene Lampton, College Controller, reviewed the Quarterly Financial Statement and Investment Report and responded to questions from Trustees.

 

ITEMS FOR CONSENT

 

Agenda Item 7258

Minutes of July 10, 2000, Regular Meeting; July 24, 2000 Work Session of the Board of Trustees

Recommendation:  That the Board of Trustees approve the minutes as presented.

 

Agenda Item 7259

Board Planning Activities for Next Six Months

Recommendation:  That the Board of Trustees approve the activities and goals which are desirable for the Board during the next six months.

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Topics for Board Discussion

 

 

A.         Planning Topics

 

1. Budget for FY 2000-2001

2. Master Plan/Facilities Plan

3. Health Services Facility

4. Annexation Strategies and Timing

5. Building Bond Refinancing--$20 million

 

 

B.         Board Relations with Community

 

1. Community Relations involvement of Board member and review of Administrative plans

2. Legislative meeting with local legislators (identification of legislative priorities)

3. Community Dialogues at Board meeting

            Topics:

·         Partnerships with ISD-CATF, ECP partnerships, others

·         Meeting Workforce needs—Chambers, AARO, CAWB, AFL-- Central Labor Council, Building Trades Council

·         ACC advisory Committee—workforce

·         Social Equity-CAN, Austin Interfaith, Urban League, CAWB, etc (Welfare to Work Discussion)

·         Manor ISD

4. Televising (Video streaming) of board meetings

5. Use of electronic media (internet, e-mail)

 

 

C.         Student Issues

 

1. Tuition Waivers, Scholarships, Fees

2. Facilities for Students (Student life of Campus)

3. Early College Start, Working with Youth to increase college orientation.

4. Student recruitment of Disadvantaged Populations—

5. At Risk populations, (Welfare to Work, Adult Basic Ed, inadequately prepared students)

6. Foundation Role in scholarships, financial support for students.

7. Customer Service orientation of ACC (getting service and questions answered)

 

 

D.         Board Monitoring of Policy and Administration operations

 

1. Review of Purchasing Policy Reporting for level of detail

2. Create schedule of Policy reports from Administration

3. Review of Salary Comparison groups for use in 2001.

4. Internal Customer Service (Baldridge, Internal Satisfaction Survey)

5. Reports of External consultants on Process issues, payroll, hiring, accounting systems

6. Citizens' Economic Advisory Committee

 

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Proposed Community Dialogues

 

               I.      September 18, 2000, Board Work Session - Cypress Creek Campus

·         Discussion of Partnerships with ISDs
Topics to be included are:

        a.  Increasing college-going rates (The K-16 vision)
        b.  Tech-prep, Early College Start, middle school connections
        c.  Facility sharing, faculty sharing
        d. The concept of  the “seamless system”—the early building of the pipeline

Dialogue with Community Boards of The Education and Careers Partnership & CATF, superintendents from taxing district plus several others

 

             II.      October 16, 2000, Board Work Session - Highland Business Center

 

·         Discussion of ACC role to facilitate workforce to meet the needs of employer community
Use of  internships, corporate funding, etc.
Dialogue discussion with Chamber, AARO, CAWB, Capitol City Chamber, Hispanic Chamber, Asian Chamber, AFL, Central Labor Council, Building Trades Council

 

           III.      November 6, 2000, Regular Meeting - Highland Business Center

 

·         Progress of ACC in meeting the workforce needs of community--dialogue with all ACC advisory board chairs

 

          IV.      November 20, 2000, Board Work Session -  Eastview Campus

 

·         Social Equity Discussion-- Dialogue of ACC role on Welfare to Work, unemployed adults, etc.
Dialogue with representative of CAN, CAWB, Austin Interfaith, Urban League, possible others such as Social Equity Committee of AARO, Austin Interfaith

            V.      December 11, 2000, Regular Meeting - Manor

·         Review of Grants and External private funding-- Possible discussion with Foundation Executive Committee along with report on grant strategies and objectives

·         Review of Services to Manor—progress since annexation—Dialogue with Manor ISD Superintendent and other interested parties


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BOARD WORK PLAN

NEXT SIX MONTHS

 

1.         Review and Discussion of FY 2001 Budget  (A-1)

 

·         1st and 2nd July meetings, with vote scheduled for 1st meeting in August

 

2.         Discussion of Legislative Priorities, TACC priorities, and ACC priorities (B-2). 

            One session with legislators (non-board meeting night, possible breakfast)

 

·         2nd July meeting

3.         Discuss schedule for community dialogues and meetings with outside groups that would be held in conjunction with a board meeting  (B-3)

 

·         2nd meeting in July

4.         Bond re-financing presentation by Financial Consultant - timetable, mechanics, etc.  (A-5)

 

·         1st meeting in August

 

5.         Tuition waiver/Fee Policy review (C-1)

 

·         1st meeting in August

6.         Finalize Community Dialogue plan of Trustees and Board work plan for next six months  (B-3)

·         1st meeting in August

 

7.         Board Retreat Discussion (August 18-19)

 

·         Discussion of community relations strategies, Trustees' role, review community surveys  (B-1) (B-5)

·         Master/Facility Planning and use of $20 million bond re-financing  (A-2)

·         Annexation strategies, timetables - Round Rock, etc.  (A-4)

·         Review of last six months at ACC

 

9.            Pending Resolutions of Annexation

·         1st meeting in September  (A-4)

 

 

10.        Tuition Waiver expansion and Fee policy  - Final action, if any are identified in August meeting  (C-1)

 

·         1st meeting in September

 

11.        Discussion of resolution supporting Master Plan  (A-2) (C-2)

 

·         1st meeting of September (for hearing only) with final resolution at 1st October meeting

 

12.        Purchasing Board Policy - Review of level of detail of reports  (D-1)

 

·         1st meeting in September

 

13.        Discussion of Televising (and video streaming) regular board meetings  (B-4)

           

·         1st meeting in September

14.               Discussion of Partnerships with ISDs  (C-3) (B-3). 

Topics to be included are:

            a.  Increasing college-going rates (The K-16 vision)

            b.  Tech-prep, Early College Start, middle school connections

            c.  Facility sharing, faculty sharing

            d. The concept of  the “Seamless system”—the early building of the pipeline

Dialogue with Community Boards of The Education and Careers Partnership & CATF, superintendents from taxing district plus several others

 

·         2nd meeting in September  (to be held at Cypress Creek Campus)

 

15.        Health Science Building—bonding—review of plan—report of administration  (A-3)

·         1st meeting in October

 

16.        Review of Salary Comparison groups for employee groups- finalize salary comparison groups for use in Spring 2001  (D-3)

 

·         1st meeting in October

 

17.        Review of Internal Customer Service - Result of internal satisfaction survey, review of Baldridge results, review of management process reports from outside consultants (C-7) (D-4) D-5)

 

·         1st  meeting in October

           

18.          Citizen's Economic Advisory Committee--Discuss purpose and use  (D-6)

 

·         1st meeting in October

 

19.        Review of Student Service-oriented board policies and results  (C-4) (C-6)

a.  Retention and Recruitment strategies, annual report, proposed outreach strategies to reach disadvantaged populations

b.  Student Aid promotion, alternative funding sources for aid

 

·         2nd meeting in October (to be held at Highland Business Center)

 


20.        Discussion of ACC role to facilitate Workforce to meet the needs of employer community   

            Use of  internships, corportate funding, etc.  (C-5)

Dialogue discussion with Chamber, AARO, CAWB, Capitol City Chamber, Hispanic Chamber,             Asian Chamber, and AFL

 

·         2nd meeting in October (to be held at Highland Business Center)

 

21.     Board revisions in Policy, potential directives in any area of retention, recruitment,

outreach etc.  (C-4) (C-6)

 

·         1st meeting in November

 

 

22.        Progress of ACC in meeting the Workforce needs of community—Dialogue with all ACC advisory Boards chairs  (C-4) (C-5)

 

·         1st meeting in November

 

23.        Discussion of other Board Policy reports, schedule of administrative reports- level of detail (D-2)

 

·         1st Meeting in November

24.     Social Equity Discussion-- Dialogue of ACC role on Welfare to Work, unemployed

          adults, etc.

Dialogue with representative of CAN, CAWB, Austin Interfaith, Urban League,  possibly others such as Social Equity Committee of AARO  (C-4) (C-5) (B-3)

 

·         2nd meeting in November (to be held at Eastview Campus)

 

25.      Board review of Health Science Building Bids—Presentation by Bidders (A-3)

 

·         1st meeting in December (to be held in Manor)

26.        Review of Grants and External private funding-- Possible discussion with Foundation Executive Committee along with report on grant strategies and objectives  (C-1) (C-6)

 

·         1st meeting in December (to be held in Manor)

 

27.             Review of Services to Manor—progress since annexation—Dialogue with Manor ISD Superintendent, other interested parties  (B-3)

 

·         1st meeting in December (to be held in Manor)

 

 

Agenda Item 7260

Proposed Approval of Legislative Priorities

Recommendation:  That the Board of Trustees review/discuss/adopt the list of proposed legislative priorities of the College for the Seventy-Seventh Legislative Session of the Texas Legislature.

 

Agenda Item 7261

Fiscal Year 2001 Budget

Recommendation:  That the Board of Trustees adopt the proposed balanced budget for FY 2001 in the amount of $93,860,074.

 

Trustee Carol Nasworthy moved and Allen Kaplan seconded that: 

MOTION:  The Board of Trustees approve Consent Agenda Items 7258, 7259, 7260, and 7261. 

 

Trustee Della May Moore requested Consent Agenda Item 7260, Proposed Approval of Legislative Priorities, be pulled for discussion and Board Secretary John Worley requested Consent Agenda Item 7261, FY 2001 College Budget, be pulled for discussion.

 

VOTE:  The motion passed by a unanimous vote of 8-0 to approve Consent Agenda Items 7258 and 7259. 

The Chair did not vote.

 

Agenda Item 7260

Proposed Approval of Legislative Priorities

 

Trustees discussed legislative priority #8 of Agenda Item 7260 and the need for language revisions, prioritization of the listing, and reversal of #7 to #6 and #6 to #7.

 

Trustee Beverly Watts Davis moved that:

MOTION:  The Board of Trustees approve the legislative priorities with omission of #8.

The motion failed for lack of a second.  

 

Barbara Mink requested the following amendments to ACC-Specific Priorities:

FRIENDLY AMENDMENTS:  #3 "…(potential ACC co-location)…"; #4 "Explore expansion of  Expand Tuition Waivers for recent high school …"; priority order be changed to list #7 as #6, and list #6 as #7.

 

Trustee Rafael Quintanilla moved and Carol Nasworthy seconded that: 

MOTION:  The Board of Trustees approve the legislative priorities as amended.

 

John Worley requested friendly amendments to ACC-Specific Priorities:

FRIENDLY AMENDMENTS:  Add to first sentence of #8 "Allow community college boards to go to single-member districts (in whole or part) without requiring …" and

add at end of #8, "unless two or more board members choose the same service area."

 

Rafael Quintanilla and Carol Nasworthy accepted the friendly amendments.

 


VOTE:  The motion to adopt the following legislative priorities passed on a vote of 7-1.

FOR:  Allen Kaplan, Barbara Mink, Della May Moore, Carol Nasworthy, Beverly Silas, Rafael Quintanilla, and John Worley

Against:  Beverly Watts Davis

The Chair did not vote.

 

 

TACC LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES

1.      Support the 5-biennium phase-in plan for reaching state formula obligation for appropriations for community colleges.

2.      Expansion/increased funding of the Skills Development Fund.

3.      Merger of the Smart Jobs Fund into the Skills Development Fund.

4.      New funds set-aside for "High Priority Program" category, to allow colleges to access funds for program startup in order to offer training in new technologies as workforce needs initiative.

5.      K-16 Partnerships.

6.      Employee Benefits-Short Fall Funding.

7.      Student residency issues.

 

ACC-Specific LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES

1.      State Financial Aid for the Most needy:  provides funding for the most disadvantaged students, those with no personal or family "Expected Contribution" (Financial term "Zero EFC")

Subcategory could be funding to target students entering career training programs, offering opportunity to those most negatively impacted by the digital divide who fall into the "Zero EFC" category.

2.      Tuition flexibility to offer discounted or reduced tuition, with community college boards of trustees allowed broader powers for determining.  Community colleges should also have the same rate reduction flexibility as universities.  One example of flexibility would be to charge lower tuition for courses scheduled in the least popular time slots, in order to most efficiently use existing space, facilities, and equipment.

3.      Williamson County higher education facility for Southwest Texas State Universisty (ACC co-location

4.      Expand Tuition Waivers for recent high school or GED TANF recipients (more legal flexibilities for waivers)

5.      Expansion of Adult Education funding for those on TANF by establishing set-asides of available TANF funds.

6.      Health insurance under Teacher Retirement System for adjunct faculty members.

7.      Option to offer In-District tuition for students in specialized technical programs from higher education institutions in Mexico (or other countries, possibly) to attend certain ACC programs (such as Semiconductor Manufacturing) where the college has agreements with those partner institutions, making possible not only better opportunities for their students but also expanding the potential for stronger/improved relationships with our international partners.  This wold be somewhat like the existing exemptions for those colleges along the border, but our request (at least for Mexico) would be narrower in scope of exemption as described.

8.      Allow community college boards to go to single-member districts (in whole or in part) without requiring the entire board to run (complete the trustee terms); this would change the current language which requires that single-member district elections involve all board members to run for election at one time, to allow staggered terms to be completed.  Additionally, candidates would be allowed to select their service area rather than draw lots, unless two or more board members choose the same service area.

 

Agenda Item 7261

Fiscal Year 2001 Budget

Carol Nasworthy moved and Allen Kaplan seconded that:

MOTION:  The Board of Trustees approve the FY2001 Budget.

 

Rafael Quintanilla moved and Carol Nasworthy seconded that:

SUBSTITUTE MOTION:  The Board of Trustees approve the FY2001 Budget with a $1 tuition increase istead of a $2 increase for the Spring 2001 semester.

 

Trustees discussed the proposed budget, including salaries for approximately six classified employees who have not received a salary increase for five years because the salaries for these positions were found to be above market average during the reclassification study.  Dr. Elva Allie, Executive Vice President, responded to questions from Trustees regarding the Adult Basic Education program.

 

Beverly Watts Davis requested a friendly amendment to add to the Substitute Motion:  FRIENDLY AMENDMENT:  That a cost of living adjustment be made to the salaries of these 5 or 6 employees.

Rafael Quintanilla and Carol Nasworthy accepted the friendly amendment.

VOTE:  The Substitute Motion with Friendly Amendment passed on a vote of 6-2.

For:  Beverly Watts Davis, Allen Kaplan, Della May Moore, Carol Nasworthy, Beverly Silas, and Rafael Quintanilla.

Against:  Barbara Mink and John Worley.

The Chair did not vote.

 

Items for Discussion/Possible Action

 

Agenda Item 7262

Service Center/Warehouse Building Purchase

Dr. Davis introduced the item and Dr. Steve Kinslow, Executive Vice President for College Operations, Student Affairs, and School Relations, provided information concerning the review process and the review committee's recommendation that Austin Community College enter into a contract with Kennedy-Wilson, International of Austin, Texas, in the amount of $4,633,167 for the purchase of approximately 53,000 square feet in office and warehouse space as a design-build, turn-key process.

 


Carol Nasworthy moved and Della May Moore seconded that:

MOTION:  The Board of Trustees enter into a contract with Kennedy-Wilson, International of Austin, Texas, for the purchase of office and warehouse space.

 

Allen Kaplan moved and Beverly Watts Davis seconded that:

SUBSTITUTE MOTION:  The Board of Trustees reject all proposals and restart the bid process.

VOTE:  The motion failed on a vote of 3-4.

For:  Beverly Watts Davis, Allen Kaplan, and Beverly Silas.

Against:  Barbara Mink, Della May Moore, Carol Nasworthy, and Lillian Davis.

Trustees Rafael Quintanilla and John Worley were absent for the vote.

 

Allen Kaplan moved and Beverly Silas seconded that:

MOTION:  The Board of Trustees table Agenda Item 7262.

VOTE:  The motion failed on a vote of 4-5.

For:  Beverly Watts Davis, Allen Kaplan, Barbara Mink, and Beverly Silas.

Against:  Della May Moore, John Worley, Rafael Quintanilla, Carol Nasworthy, and Lillian Davis.

 

Carol Nasworthy moved and Della May Moore seconded that:

MOTION:  The Board of Trustees accept the staff recommendation and begin negotiations with Kennedy-Wilson, International of Austin, Texas, with the understanding that the final purchase dependent upon a satisfactory environmental study.

 

Allen Kaplan moved and Beverly Watts Davis seconded that:

SUBSTITUTE MOTION:  That the Board of Trustees reject all proposals and to restart the process.

VOTE:  The motion failed on a vote of 4-5.

For:  Beverly Watts Davis, Allen Kaplan, Barbara Mink, and Beverly Silas.

Against:  Della May Moore, John Worley, Rafael Quintanilla, Carol Nasworthy, and Lillian Davis.

 

Dr. Nasworthy requested a vote on calling the question. 

VOTE ON CALLING THE QUESTION:  The motion failed on a vote of 2-6.

For:  Carol Nasworthy and Barbara Mink.

Against:  Beverly Watts Davis, Allen Kaplan, Della May Moore, Rafael Quintanilla, Beverly Silas, and John Worley.

The Chair did not vote.

 


Carol Nasworthy moved and Della May Moore seconded that:

MOTION:  The Board of Trustees have staff to enter into negotiations with Kennedy-Wilson, International of Austin, Texas and that the actual purchase of the building include an environmental assessment.

VOTE:  The motion passed on a vote of 5-4.

For:  Barbara Mink, Della May Moore, Carol Nasworthy, John Worley, and Lillian Davis

Against:  Beverly Watts Davis, Allen Kaplan, Rafael Quintanilla, and Beverly Silas.

 

The agenda was reordered.

 

Agenda Item 7265

Presentation on Refinancing of Bonds

Chair Davis introduced the item and Jerry Miller and Jorge Rodriguez, Vice President of Coastal Securities, presented information concerning refinancing of the bonds and responded to questions from Trustees. 

 

 

Della May Moore moved and Beverly Watts Davis seconded that:

MOTION:  The Board of Trustees adopt the bond financing timeframe.

VOTE:  The motion passed by a unanimous vote of 7-1.

For:  Beverly Watts Davis, Allen Kaplan, Barbara Mink, Della May Moore, Carol Nasworthy, Beverly Silas, and Rafael Quintanilla.

Against:  John Worley

The Chair did not vote.

 

Agenda Item 7263

Tax Rate Planning Calendar and Scheduling of a Public Hearing for Proposed Tax Rate on September 5, 2000

The Chair introduced the item.

Allen Kaplan moved and Barbara Mink seconded that:

MOTION:  The Board of Trustees approve the proposed 2000 Property Tax Rate Planning Calendar including a five cent tax rate, record a vote, and schedule a public hearing for September 5, 2000.

VOTE:  The motion passed on a unanimous vote of 9-0.

 

Agenda Item 7264

Discussion of Tuition Waivers and Fees

The Chair introduced the item and Dr. Richard Fonte, College President, called attention to the information provided in the agenda on waivers and fees.  He stated that this item would be included on the agenda for the September 5 Board meeting.  Dr. Fonte asked that comments be forwarded to him.

 

President's Report

No report was presented.

 

Meeting Review

No review occurred.

 

Executive Session

There was no Executive Session.

 

Announcements

Trustees were reminded of the August 11 event at the Speakeasy in honor of Carol Nasworthy's birthday and to benefit the ACC Student Emergency Assistance Fund

 

Adjournment

Having no motion before the Board, the August 7, 2000, regular meeting of the Austin Community College Board of Trustees was adjourned at 9:55 p.m.


Approved By

John Worley, Secretary