MINUTES

Regular Meeting - Board of Trustees

April 2, 2001

 

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, April 2, 2001, 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: Lillian Davis, Chair/Presiding Officer; Beverly Silas, Vice Chair; John Worley, Secretary; Beverly Watts Davis [arrived at 6:15 p.m.]; Allen Kaplan; Barbara Mink; Della May Moore [arrived at 7:40 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.

 

Agenda Item 7342

Internal College Community Dialogue with Employees

Dr. Davis introduced the item and stated the purpose of the dialogue session with faculty and staff was to personalize and provide additional focus on input received through the College's  annual employee surveys.  She stated that participants who responded to the invitation to dialogue were selected on a first-come, first-serve basis with representation from full-time and adjunct faculty members, administrators, classified, professional-technical, and continuing education employees.  Participants were divided into nine groups, with each group appointing a recorder and a facilitator.  Participants wrote down personal responses to each of the following questions:

 

1.      What works well at Austin Community College in helping you to perform your responsibilities effectively?  What areas could be enhanced?

2.      What communication vehicles work well within the College, and what things could be enhanced?

3.      Regarding shared governance, what works well?  What could be improved?

4.      What services to students work well, and what areas could be enhanced?

 

Responses were discussed in each group and presented to the entire audience. 

 

Dr. Davis and Trustees expressed appreciation for the opportunity to dialogue with employees and for the valuable information presented.

 

Recognitions

Dr. Gerry Tucker, Associate Vice President for Human Resources, introduced new employees: Marcia Babin, Facilities and Operations Department, and Susan Hammond, Senior Staff Development and Training Coordinator, Human Resources Department.

 

Citizens Communications

§         Steven Bradley, Austin Community College Faculty, spoke regarding sale of Riverside Golf Course.

§         Stacey Thompson, Assistant Professor of Developmental Writing, Austin Community College, spoke regarding the African American Student Association.

 

Reports from Employee Associations

·        Adjunct Faculty Association - Kamil Jbeily, President, commended the Board for dialogue with employees and spoke regarding the recent meeting of the Adjunct Faculty Association, expressed appreciation for participation of administrators, and urged implementation of the three-year compensation policy.

·        Classified Employees Association - Barbara Dickey, President, spoke regarding custodial staff and services versus out-sourcing and invited attendance at the upcoming association meeting on April 10.

·        Full-Time Faculty Senate - Paula Robertson-Rose, President, distributed handouts and spoke regarding comments received from faculty on the questions discussed during the dialogue session; proposed revision of the administrative rule on single-college concept; and distributed a handout and addressed needed revisions on current forms.

·        Professional/Technical Employees Association - Linda Morrison, President, spoke regarding concern of out-sourcing custodial services; upcoming association meetings on April 11 and future meetings/events; and interest of members in receiving information on salary/compensation survey.

·        Student Government Association - Dawn Shestko, President - No report was presented.

 

Reports to the Board

Report of Achievements and Recognitions - Dr. Elva Allie, Executive Vice President, recognized: 

·        Cary Sowell, head librarian at Northridge Campus, won ESBCO Community College Learning Resources Leadership Award for 2001.

·        Yvonne Van Dyke, vocational nursing professor at Riverside Campus, achieved a 100 percent pass rate for first time students in the year 2000 from Board of Vocational Nurse Examiners.

·        Austin Community College Police Department selected for Agency Partnership Award from Travis County Attorney's Office through its Travis County Comprehensive Underage Drinking Prevention and Education Program.

·        Diane Whitely Bogard, English professor at Eastview Campus, recognized at Conference for College Teachers of English for creative essay, Cafι y Galletas".

·        National Institute for Staff Development Excellence Award was presented to:  Doug Beran (English); Dan Dydek (Psychology); Jeanelle Bolton (English); Brian Voss (Accounting); Gerry McCallion (Management); Virginia Stipp-Lawrence (Hospitality Management); Marilyn Burke (Reading); Bob German (Writing); and David Lydic (English).

·        Dr. Tim Altanero, Technical Communication Department, will be featured in Multilingual Computing & Technology.

·        $25,000 Planning Grant from Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board was received by Academic Programs to design/develop an alternative teacher certification program.

·        $783,346 Grant from Telecommunications Infrastructure Fund Board for Texas Educational Streaming Media Collaborative, with Austin Community College the lead college and project director Ron Brey (Associate Vice President of Instructional Resources and Technology).  Other colleges are:  Blinn College, Brazosport College, Laredo Community College, Navarro College, South Plains College, and Texas State Technical College in Waco.

·        John Herndon, adjunct English professor, had a second edition of his book Road Trip Through Four Spheres, published; his new television series Poetry Journal debuted in November and December and a one-hour special of Texas Nafas on the Centrum Port Townsend Literacy Festival for which he wrote the script that aired in March.

·        Mariano Diaz-Miranda will take group of students to Piedras Negras to participate in international student exchange program, April 4-8.

·        Julie Wauchope, Susan Jones, and Julie Ruggeri presented a session at the National Association of Development Education entitled "Instructional Associates:  The Link Between Learning Centers and Instruction".

·        Donnetta Goodall, Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs, presented "Diversity in Developmental Education:  Improving the Climate for Minorities" at the National Association of Developmental Education Conference.

·        Dr. Julie Todaro, Dean of Library Services and President of the Texas Library Association, has been asked to attend the First Lady Laura Bush's ribbon cutting public relations campaign for National Library Week.  The ceremony will take place at the White House during National Library Week, the first week in April.

·        Austin Community College's Library Services was asked to present a 21st Century College Library Services program for Cedar Park High School seniors this spring (sixty-one percent of the 600+ seniors at Cedar Park High School indicated on a recent survey that they plan to attend ACC).

 

Trustee Report(s) to the Board

Dr. John Worley, Austin Area Urban League board member, stated the Urban League was formed in New York City in the early 1900s to assist African Americans who had moved from the South to the North, hence the name Urban League to help people adjust to urban life.  Later its mission broadened and it become a civil rights organization which was also interested in economic development.  Recently, its mission was further broadened to assist other disadvantaged citizens with economic development in particular.  Dr. Worley said the stated mission of the Austin Area Urban League is to assist African Americans and disadvantaged citizens in achievement of social and economic equality through advocacy, education, youth development, workforce training/career development, housing, and emergency home repair.  He stated the oldest and largest program of the Austin Area Urban League is the emergency home repair program which helps senior citizens and low-income citizens with home repairs, including weatherization.  Another program is the "Dream Team" which provides after-school tutorials for approximately 50 students between the ages of 9-18, and also all-day summer academic achievement program.  A number of scholarships are awarded throughout the year.  A youth diversion program was recently begun to work with the Department of Criminal Justice in assisting youth who have been put on criminal supervision to become productive citizens.  He reported on other programs offered by the Urban League, including access and use of computers. Dr. Worley stated that the Urban League has outgrown its present location and is interested in perhaps locating at the Eastview Campus, but is also exploring other options.  Vice Chair Beverly Silas commented that the Urban League also has a program  called Teens-at-the-Mall  which has adults who go the malls on Saturdays and distribute information to teens, which is appreciated and supported by the administration of the malls.

 

ITEM(S) FOR CONSENT

Dr. Davis introduced the Consent Agenda:

 

Agenda Item 7343

Minutes of the March 5, 2001, Regular Meeting, and the March 19, 2001, Board Work Session

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

Carol Nasworthy moved and Della May Moore seconded that:

MOTION:  The Board of Trustees approve the minutes as presented.

VOTE:  The motion passed unanimously on a vote of 8-0. 

The Chair did not vote.

 

DISCUSSION/POSSIBLE ACTION

 

Agenda Item 7344

Proposed Approval of Purchasing Policy, G-2

Dr. Davis introduced the item and Dr. Richard Fonte, College President, provided information concerning an additional change to delete the term "design-build" from the policy since there are two additional types of construction contracts.

Beverly Watts Davis moved and Beverly Silas seconded that:

MOTION:  The Board of Trustees approve the proposed amendments to Board Policy G-2, Purchasing.

VOTE:  The motion passed on a vote of 6-2.

FOR:  Beverly Watts Davis, Barbara Mink, Carol Nasworthy, Rafael Quintanilla, Beverly Silas, and John Worley

AGAINST:  Allen Kaplan and Della May Moore

The Chair did not vote.

 


G-2. PURCHASING

A. General Objectives
[1] To support the instructional mission of the College by procuring in a timely manner the specific equipment, services, and materials needed for effective College operations.

[2] To secure work and materials at the best value for the College.

[3] To provide opportunities for individual vendors, contractors, historically underutilized businesses, and small/local businesses to compete for College purchases/contracts in a fair and competitive environment, and to create an open process for procurement through competition.

B. Board Approval: The requirement for specific Board approval of vendor and price for purchasing, consulting, or contracting expenditures or commitments for related groups of items depends on the cost and on the extent of prior Board review. During any fiscal year, the stated limits apply to the aggregated expenditures with any single vendor. During any fiscal year, the stated limits apply to the aggregated expenditures with any single vendor. When the aggregated expenditures to any single vendor would exceed the stated limits, specific Board approval for any new expenditures to that vendor is required. In addition, for multi-year purchases the stated limits apply to total costs.

[1] Expenditures costing less than $25,000 never require such approval.

[2] Expenditures costing over $100,000 always require such approval.

[3] Expenditures costing between $25,000 and $100,000 require such approval unless either:
[a] the Board has previously approved, after a public review period of a month or more, a budget or other written plan listing the items and their approximate cost, or
[b] the expenditure is primarily to repair or replace an existing capability that has been unexpectedly lost, or
[c] the expenditure is necessary to meet an emergency and is reported to the Board at its next meeting.

For construction procurement services which require Board approval below $500,000, the administration shall provide a summary and evaluative judgments of vendor responses with a recommendation of a single vendor. Such items should be submitted to the Board early enough that it does not have to make its final decision at its first consideration of the item if it has unresolved questions or decides not to accept the administration's recommendation at the first meeting the item is on the agenda. In cases where the administration's recommendation is not accepted, consideration of alternatives shall occur at a subsequent meeting.

For construction procurement services in excess of $500,000, a limited number of well-qualified vendors shall make presentations to the Board. The administration shall provide the Board with appropriate evaluative criteria or questions for use by the Board in the review process. The administration shall provide a summary of the proposals and provide evaluative judgment concerning strengths and weaknesses of these well-qualified vendors.

The Board shall generally assess the administration's recommendation by whether it and the process leading to it are in accord with Board policy and the General Objectives set forth in Section A of this policy, giving due deference to the administration’s expert judgment on whether a recommendation will meet General Objectives [1] and [2].

C. Reports: The administration shall provide quarterly reports and annual summaries on purchasing activities. Such reports shall include:
[1] purchase orders and contracts summarized by vendor (detail listing for orders and contracts greater than $25,000) awarded to HUBs;
[2] purchase orders and contracts summarized by vendor(detail listing for orders and contracts greater than $25,000) awarded to local vendors;
[3] state contract and state catalog purchases made summarized by vendor;
[4] all contracts over $10,000; and
[5] an explanation of consulting fees in excess of $5,000 to a single vendor in a fiscal year.
[6] a listing of any expenditures directly for administrative officers that exceed $5000 or are unusual.

D. Responsible Contracting Practices

[1] In all purchasing and contracting decisions, employees shall make diligent efforts to include historically-underutilized-business (HUB) vendors and shall, where practicable, avoid practices that tend to exclude HUB vendors. ACC shall develop, maintain, and enhance the participation of minority-owned and women-owned firms in all phases of its procurement processes, supporting their efforts to compete for College business.

[2] The College shall encourage all vendors, suppliers, contractors, and professionals with whom it does business to support the common goal of equal opportunity and economic participation for all citizens. In expenditure of College funds, neither the College nor its contractors and suppliers shall discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, age, or sexual orientation, or on the basis of disabilities that do not significantly effect the quality of work.

[3] In deciding which functions to accomplish via external contractors, the administration shall take care not to support patterns of employment that fail to meet community compensation standards.

[4] Contracts shall be reopened on an equal basis to all qualified vendors at least once every five years (or on completion for contracts longer than five years).

E. Routine Real-Estate Items

The President is authorized to approve, and sign on behalf of the College, easements, covenants, restrictions, waivers, and other agreements regarding real property owned or leased by the College, provided they are minor in nature and reported promptly to the Board. This authorization does not extend to the purchase or sale of real property.


 

Agenda Item 7345

Health Careers Building Design and Construction

Dr. Davis introduced the item and Steve Kinslow, Executive Vice President, provided information concerning the scope of administrative authority/evaluative criteria for selecting professional services and responded to questions from Trustees.

 

Rafael Quntanilla moved and Carol Nasworthy seconded that:

MOTION:  The Board of Trustees authorize the appropriate administrative staff to do the following on planning and construction of the new Health Careers Building:

§         Designate and work with college committee of faculty, staff, and students to identify programs, support services, and other space needs.

§         Serve as a primary/first contact with all external professionals who may be hired for this project.

§         Develop and publicize scope of project and evaluation criteria for selection of architectural and construction services (to be reviewed by and subject to Board approval);

§         Submit rankings of respondents to the Board of Trustees for final selection and approval;

§         Arrange for professional respondents' (finalists) presentations to the Board;

§         Serve as contact and in oversight role throughout the planning and construction phases;

§         Monthly update the President and Board on progress, timeline, and budget (including any change orders).

Values to guide this project will include:

§         Responsible use of public funds;

§         Compliance with all State law and Board of Trustees policies;

§         Neutrality and objectivity in selection of all professional services providers;

§         Maintenance of the general design elements fundamental to the Eastview Campus;

§         Outreach to diverse professional service providers.

VOTE:  The motion passed on a unanimous vote of 8-0.

The Chair did not vote.

 

Allen Kaplan and Della May Moore seconded that:

MOTION:  The Board of Trustees approve the following criteria and weight for evaluating professional services:

 

 

Criteria and weight for evaluating professional services will include:

                                                                                                                                                                Weight:

Demonstrable recent experience in the design and construction of health science

       educational facilities of a similar size and complexity ;………………………………….              35

Demonstrable recent experience in providing services in the delivery method

       selected by the Board;……………………………………………………………………..               10

Professional references :……………………………………………………………..…….              30           

1.        quality of work                                       (10)

2.        keeping within established budget    (10)

3.        completing project on time; (10)

The financial stability of the Service Providers ;………………………………………….           10

Prior satisfactory service to Austin Community College ……………………………………...          5

HUB participation …………………………………………………………………………….. 10

 

                TOTAL POSSIBLE SCORE                                                                                                                100

 

VOTE:  The motion passed on a vote of 7-0

Trustee Beverly Watts Davis was not present for the vote.

The Chair did not vote.

 

Dr. Kinslow and Bronson Dorsey, Associate Vice President of Facilities and Operations, provided information concerning the delivery methods, including staff's recommendation that either the Design-Build or Construction Manager At-Risk method be selected.  Dr. Kinslow and Mr. Dorsey responded to questions from Trustees.

 

Allen Kaplan moved and Barbara Mink seconded that:

MOTION:  The Board of Trustees select Design-Build as the Project Delivery Method.

Trustees discussed the Project Delivery Methods.

Della May Moore moved and Beverly Watts Davis seconded that:

SUBSTITUTE MOTION:  The Board of Trustees select the Construction Manager At-Risk as the Project Delivery Method.

VOTE:  The Substitute Motion passed unanimously on a vote of 8-0.

The chair did not vote.

 

Agenda Item 7346

Facilities Management Software Tracking System

Dr. Davis introduced the item and Dr. Kinslow provided information concerning the proposed purchase of the MS2000 facility software from MicroMain Corporation, and amendment of the FY2001 Facilities Capital Improvement Priorities to include this item.  He indicated that $49,229 funds for this item are identified in the current FY2001 budget from reductions in maintenance agreements and responded to questions from Trustees.

Beverly Watts Davis moved and Beverly Silas seconded that:

MOTION:  The Board of Trustees authorize the administration to purchase the Facilities Management Software Tracking System.

VOTE:  The motion passed on a vote of 8-0.

The Chair did not vote.

 

Agenda Item 7347

Proposed Amendment to Board Policy E-6, Investments

Dr. Davis introduced the item and Dr. Fonte provided information concerning the overnight investment program. Trustees discussed the proposed amendment. 

 

Allen Kaplan moved and Beverly Watts Davis seconded that:

MOTION:  The Board of Trustees approve the proposed amendment to Board Policy E-6, Investments, to allow Austin Community College to continue the "overnight" investment program.

Trustees discussed the proposed approval on first reading, and agreed that action would not be taken on this item since this was the first reading.

 

Dr. Nasworthy suggested calling a special meeting on Monday, April 9, 2001, 7:30 a.m., in the Board Room (201) of the Highland Business Center. 

 

Agenda Item 7348

Proposed Approval of Chase Vista Funds as Authorized Broker

Dr. Davis introduced the item and Dr. Fonte provided information concerning authorization of Chase Vista Funds as the authorized broker for overnight investing and responded to questions from Trustees. 

 

This item will be considered at a special Board meeting on Monday, April 9, 2001, 7:30 a.m., in the Board Room (201) of the Highland Business Center.

 

Agenda Item 7349

Proposed New Program:  A.A.S. in Environmental Technology and an Advanced Technical Certificate in Environmental Technology

Dr. Davis introduced the item and Dr. Elva Allie, Executive Vice President, introduced  Austin Community College Professors Ron Johns and Bob Blodgett.  They distributed additional information concerning the proposed program and responded to questions from Trustees. 

 

This item will be on the agenda for action at the May 7, 2001, Board meeting. 

 

Agenda Item 7350

Proposed Approval of Sun Microsystems Hardware

Dr. Davis introduced the item and Elva Allie provided information concerning the proposed purchase of Sun Microsystems Hardware in the amount of $46,583.90.  In order to receive and install the equipment prior to semester start date, approval was requested at first reading by the Board.  Dr. Allie and Mike Midgley, Dean of Computer Science and Advanced Technology, responded to questions from Trustees.


Beverly Watts Davis moved and Della May Moore seconded that:

MOTION:  The Board of Trustees authorize Administration to purchase Sun Microsystems Hardware from Sun Microsystems.

VOTE:  The motion passed on a vote of 8-0

ABSTAINING:  Dr. Lillian Davis

 

[Trustee Beverly Watts Davis left the meeting at 9:25 p.m.]

 

Information Items

There were no informational items.

 

President's Report

§         Dr. Kinslow provided information regarding a student's concern regarding services for students with disabilities at Riverside Campus;

§         Dr. Kinslow provided information concerning custodial services;

§         Dr. Allie stated she will present a full report at the next Board meeting of unresolved issues from the Faculty Senate.

 

Executive Session

The Austin Community College Board of Trustees recessed into Executive Session at 9:30 p.m. to consult with legal counsel regarding Texas Government Code 551.074 related to personnel matters including the President's evaluation and employment contract.

 

Reconvene

The Board of Trustees of Austin Community College reconvened in public session at 9:39 p.m. pursuant to Texas Government Code 551.

 

Meeting Review

Trustees commented regarding the meeting: 

What we did well:  Trustees indicated they were satisfied with the meeting.

What we can do better:  (there were no comments)

 

Announcements

There were no announcements.

 

Adjournment

Having no motion before the Board, the April 2, 2001, regular meeting of the Austin Community College Board of Trustees was adjourned at 9:39 p.m.


Approved By

John B. Worley, Secretary