MINUTES

Regular Meeting - Board of Trustees

December 3, 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, December 3, 2001, at 6:00 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; Allen Kaplan; Barbara Mink; Carol Nasworthy [arrived at 6:10 p.m.] and Rafael Quintanilla. Trustees Beverly Watts Davis and Della May Moore were 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.

 

Recognitions

Mike Dellens, Austin Community College math instructor, and Edwina Carrington, Chair of the Austin Community College Foundation Scholarship Committee, recognized student winners in the recent regional math competition.  Awards were presented to the following students in attendance at the meeting: 

         1st Place – Charles Meeks ($500)

         2nd Place (tie) – Natalia Ivanova ($350)

         2nd Place (tie) – Si Chon Lao ($350)

         4th Place (tie) – Yeunchul Park ($150)

 

Citizens Communications

§       John Cise, ACC faculty, expressed appreciation for increased compensation and spoke regarding College facilities.

§       Myra Bradley, ACC/AFT, spoke regarding the presidential evaluation.

§       Mark Goodrich, ACC/AFT, spoke regarding staffing/ACC campus police.

 

Reports from Employee Associations

·      Adjunct Faculty Association - Kitty Henderson, President, expressed appreciation to the Board for approval of the target adjunct faculty compensation numbers and urged the Board to continue the commitment to full implementation of the compensation policy.  She also expressed appreciation to Trustees and administrators for participation in Adjunct Faculty Association activities and provided suggestions from adjuncts regarding College needs.

·      Classified Employees Association - Mark Goodrich, President, expressed appreciation for the support of College administrators regarding College rules for work during the upcoming winter holidays and spring break.  He requested a moratorium by the administration on changes in any job description until after the latest compensation consultant provides recommendations. 

·       Full-Time Faculty Senate - Laura Ore, President, spoke regarding the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Alternative Self-Study, compensation for full-time faculty, and a resolution passed by the Senate on November 30, 2001, regarding the Rio Grande Campus.

·       Professional/Technical Employees Association - Karen Anderson, President, provided information on the first installment of the association’s self-study on compensation for professional/technical employees regarding workloads.  She indicated that the complete information will be available on the Association’s web site along with the comparison of two years ago.

·       Student Government Association - Jose Contreras, President, spoke regarding parking issues and separation of College monies designated for parking.  Lisa Worth, Chair of the Student Government Association Issues Committee, provided comments from a recent student survey regarding campus issues including:  campus safety; more and better computers; bigger libraries; more information; class scheduling; and lack of/need for improved food offerings at all campuses.  She stated the Committee’s desire to work with campus managers regarding the need for improved enforcement of the smoking ordinance at all campuses.  Mr. Contreras introduced Desiree Mata, member of the Student Government Association, and expressed appreciation to the current officers of the Student Government Association and the ACC Student Life office for the services provided. 

 

Trustee Report(s) to the Board

·       Executive Women in Texas Government – Carol Nasworthy

Dr. Nasworthy stated the Executive Women in Texas Government is an organization of women at the executive level of State government and colleges and universities in Texas.  It was founded to assist women in advancing to higher career levels and positions.  Some of the activities of the organization include:  networking--monthly luncheon meetings, committee activities, special events, and the membership directory provide opportunities to network with women from many organizations and professions; training—special programs and seminars offer opportunities for management and leadership development; speakers; conferences and seminars designed to meet the specific professional development needs of women; contacts, mentoring, and scholarship opportunities; and the overall visibility for innovation and change in Texas government.  The state conference for Executive Women in Texas Government features speakers who are nationally recognized as experts.  During this year’s recent conference, one of the main key speakers was Trustee Barbara Mink—who was back by popular demand.  Also attending in the conference this year were many women from Austin Community College.

·       Luling and Lockhart ISDs – John Worley

Dr. Worley stated that in late October he and Dr. Luanne Preston, Director of the Early College Start Program at ACC, visited with the superintendents of Luling ISD and Lockhart ISD. 

Luling ISD -  Dr. George Bujnoch, superintendent of Luling ISD, stated he was very pleased with ACC’s dual credit programs at Luling High School and would like to see ACC offer programs through Luling.net—a special internet network set up by Luling.  Dr. Worley stated the superintendent urged them to visit the internet site, which they did.  The superintendent urged ACC to offer distance learning courses via Luling.net.  He also indicated that it would be helpful for ACC to provide assistance with their professional development programs for all of the Luling schools through distance learning.

Lockhart ISD – Dr. Worley and Dr. Preston visited with Dr. Tony Jones, Superintendent of Lockhart ISD.  Dr. Jones indicated that he was very pleased with the night courses offered at Lockhart and the dual credit courses provided in the high school. 

Dr. Worley expressed appreciation to Dr. Luanne Preston for the courtesies extended to him.

 

Report to the Board

Report of Achievements and Recognitions

Dr. Kinslow, Executive Vice President, distributed kudos information and acknowledged:

·       ACC’s Record Management office was recognized in the October/November 2001 issue of Community College Journal.

·       ACC’s Marketing and Public Information staff won eight medallion awards at the District IV Conference of the National Council for Marketing and Public Relations in October.

·       ACC’s Culinary Arts program was selected as a nominee for the national Bellwhether Award given annually at the Community College Futures Assembly.

·       C-SPAN visited ACC on November 15 and taped Dr. Eun Y Kim, author of The Yin and Yang of American Culture:  A Paradox.  This will be part of C-SPAN’s Book TV series.

·       Lori Bowman, OSD Supervisor (Office of Students with Disabilities) was awarded the TRAN Award by the Texas Rehab Action Network (TRAN).

·       The ACC building and grounds staff who worked hard to restore campuses affected by winter storms.

·       TESOL—Sharon Bailey will co-present with Mary Corredor at the TESOL (Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages) 2002 Convetion.

·       The Voces Americanas Exhibit on display in the HBC Lobby through December 20 brought to ACC by Tina Buck, Instructional Design Specialist.

 

Items for Discussion/Possible Action:

 

Agenda Item 7449

Proposed Approval of the Minutes of the November 5, 2001, Regular Meeting; November 19, 2001, Board Briefing and Work Session; and November 26, 2001, Special Meeting of the Austin Community College Board of Trustees.

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

 

Agenda Item 7450

Proposed Approval of ILCOR Contract – Portable Buildings

Recommendation:  That the Board of Trustees approve a contract with Industrial Laminates Corporation (ILCOR) for the construction of two modular buildings—Cypress Classroom and Eastview Faculty Offices.  The total value of the contract is $207,138.

 

 

Agenda Item 7451

Proposed Approval of Property and Liability Insurance

Recommendation:  That the Board of Trustees approve the following insurance purchases:

·       Automobile Liability and Damage from Texas Association of Public Schools (TAPS) through William Gammon Insurance, at a cost of $35,607.

·       General Liability, Educators Liability, and Police Liability from Texas Association of Public Schools (TAPS) through William Gammon Insurance, at a cost of $26,058.

·       Property Damage from Federal, through Frost Insurance, at a cost of $215,049.

 

Agenda Item 7452

Proposed Authorization for Approval of Sole Source Purchase of Fire Truck for Fire Technology Program

Recommendation:  That the Board of Trustees authorize the administration to purchase as a sole-source item a water pumper fire truck in support of the Fire Protection Technology program in the amount of $57,000.  Funds to cover this expense are included in the College budget.

 

Agenda Item 7453

Proposed Approval of South Austin Campus Resolution

Recommendation:  That the Board of Trustees approve a Reimbursement Resolution for purchase of South Austin property.

 

Agenda Item 7454

Proposed Approval of Food Services Contracts

Recommendation:  That the Board of Trustees approve the District-wide Food and Vending Services contractors and authorize the administration to negotiate best and final offer/contract with Simon’s Café as the food service vendor and Sawyer’s Vending Services as the vendor for vending services.

 

Agenda Item 7455

Proposed Approval of Videoconference Expansion and Upgrade

Recommendation:  That the Board of Trustees award a contract to VideoCall for videoconference classrooms at Fredericksburg, San Marcos, Manor, and Lexington, and a Multiple Control Unit (video bridge) to be located at the Pinnacle Campus in the amount of $576,722.

 

Dr. John Worley requested Agenda Item 7453, Proposed Approval of South Austin Campus Resolution, be pulled for discussion.

 

Trustee Rafael Quintanilla moved and Beverly Silas seconded that Agenda Items 7449, 7450, 7451, 7452, 7454, and 7455 be approved as presented.

VOTE:  The motion passed on a unanimous vote of 6-0.

Absent:  Beverly Watts Davis and Della May Moore.

The Chair did not vote.

 

Agenda Item 7453

Proposed Approval of South Austin Campus Resolution

Dr. Worley questionned issuance of tax extempt obligations.  George DeTuccio, Vice President, Business Services, responded and provided information regarding the proposed resolution. 

 

Allen Kaplan moved and Beverly Silas seconded that:

MOTION:  The Boad of Trustees approve the Reimbursement Resolution for purchase of the South Austin Campus.

VOTE:  The motion passed by a unanimous vote of 6-0.

Absent:  Beverly Watts Davis and Della May Moore

The Chair did not vote.

**********

RESOLUTION 7453

RESOLUTION EXPRESSING INTENT TO

FINANCE EXPENDITURES TO BE INCURRED

BY THE AUSTIN COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT

FOR THE ACQUISITION OF A BUILDING

  

            WHEREAS, the Austin Community College District (“Issuer”) has been organized, created, and established pursuant to the laws of the State of Texas as a junior college district and political subdivision of the State of Texas and operates pursuant to Chapter 130, Texas Education Code, as amended; and

 

            WHEREAS, the Issuer is authorized to issue obligations to finance its activities pursuant to Chapter 130, Texas Education Code, the interest on which is excludable from gross income for federal income tax purposes (“tax-exempt obligations”) pursuant to Section 103 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”);

 

            WHEREAS, the issuer will make, or has made not more than 60 days prior to the date hereof, payments with respect to the acquisition, construction, reconstruction or renovation of the project listed on Exhibit “A” attached hereto;

 

            WHEREAS, the Issuer has concluded that it does not currently desire to issue tax-exempt obligations to finance the costs associated with the project listed on Exhibit “A” attached hereto;

 

            WHEREAS, the Issuer desires to reimburse itself for the costs associated with the project listed on Exhibit “A” attached hereto from the proceeds of tax-exempt obligations to be issued subsequent to the date hereof; and,

 

            WHEREAS, the Issuer reasonably expects to issue tax-exempt obligations to reimburse itself for the costs associated with the project listed on Exhibit “A” attached hereto.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT:

 

            Section 1.  The Issuer reasonably expects to reimburse itself for all costs that have been or will be paid subsequent to the date that is 60 days prior to the date hereof and that are to be paid in connection with the acquisition, construction, reconstruction or renovation of the project listed on Exhibit “A” attached hereto from the proceeds of tax-exempt obligations to be issued subsequent to the date hereof.  

 

            Section 2.  The Issuer reasonably expects that the maximum principal amount of tax-exempt obligations issued to reimburse the Issuer for the costs associated with the project listed on Exhibit “A” attached hereto will not exceed $2,300,000.

 

            ADOPTED this ______ day of ____________________, 2001, by the Austin Community College District.   

 

AUSTIN COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT

Lillian Davis, President

Board of Trustees

 

ATTEST:

John Worley, Secretary

Board of Trustees

  

EXHIBIT “A” 

DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT 

The acquisitions of a building within the District at 1820 Stassney Lane and construction of repairs to such building.  

Such financing to be in an amount not to exceed $2,300,000 from the General Fund of the Austin Community College District.

 

**********

 

Agenda Item 7456

Presidential Evaluation and Contract Review

Allen Kaplan moved and Carol Nasworthy seconded that:

MOTION:  The contract between the Board of Trustees and Dr. Richard Fonte, College President, be amended to be extended to December 31, 2004, that Dr. Fonte’s salary be increased by eight percent (8%), and that Dr. Fonte’s annuities be increased to $20,000 annually.

Trustees discussed the proposed contract.

VOTE:  The motion passed on a vote of 6-1.

FOR:  Lillian Davis, Allen Kaplan, Barbara Mink, Carol Nasworthy, Rafael Quintanilla, and Beverly Silas.

AGAINST:  John Worley

Absent:  Beverly Watts Davis and Della May Moore.

Trustees commented on the need to review the current presidential process.  Dr. Mink and Ms. Silas will work on the format and process for next year’s evaluation process.

 

Dr. Fonte expressed appreciation to the Board for the very open and meaningful evaluation session held on November 26 and for the confidence expressed in him.  He made a commitment to improve in all areas and to help serve this institution and this community.  He stated that he is excited about the future and looks forward to further service.  Again, he expressed appreciation for the vote of support and the thoughtful evaluation--which are very much appreciated.

 

Agenda Item 7457

Appointment of South Austin Campus Steering Committee

Dr. Davis introduced the item and Trustees discussed the need for postponement of this item until the charge to the committee and balance of composition of the committee persons who represent education, businesses, community leadership, etc., including geographic and ethnic diversity can be formulated.  Trustees discussed the possibility of each Trustee submitting the names of two nominees with the Board Chair providing the names of the remaining three persons after the composition has been determined.  Trustees discussed the charge to the committee and suggested including holding open meetings to ensure that there are opportunities for input, consider the mission and recommendations of offerings at the campus, and climate of the campus.  Carol Nasworthy, Lillian Davis, Martha Oburn, and Steve Kinslow will work on the charge to the committee.  Dr. Davis stated that this item would be delayed until January.  Trustees were asked to provide recommendations for membership to Pat Stubbs.

 

Agenda Item 7458

Report on Professional Development for Faculty and Staff

Dr. Davis introduced the item and Dr. Steve Kinslow, Executive Vice President, introduced Dr. Richard Smith, Dean of Instructional Technology and Faculty Development, and Susan Hamende, Specialist, Human Resources.  Dr. Smith distributed information and provided an overview of the professional development program, including the background and areas of responsibility.  Ms. Hamende provided information concerning the Human Resources programs, training, guidelines, etc.  Dr. Smith discussed information technology and faculty development opportunities, workshops, database, and College-wide goals for professional development.  Dr. Smith and Ms. Hamende responded to questions from Trustees regarding professional development for faculty and staff.

 

Agenda Item 7459

Report on Evaluation System of Full-Time and Adjunct Faculty

Dr. Davis introduced the item and Dr. Fonte introduced Boyd Bush, Director of Faculty Evaluation.  Dr. Bush distributed information on the Faculty Evaluation System and provided information on the faculty evaluation office, in-class evaluations, portfolios, website, future initiatives, and membership of the Faculty Evaluation Advisory Committee.  He also distributed information on the new portfolio process for academic year 2001-2002 and responded to questions from Trustees.

 

Agenda Item 7460

Student Learning Labs and Campus-Based Technology

Dr. Davis introduced the item and Dr. Steve Kinslow advised that Dr. Mary Hensley, Associate Vice President for Instructional Support Services, was participating in a Board meeting of the local school district.  He stated that the learning labs are one of ACC’s critical student retention resources and offer a wide variety of tutoring services and other learning programs which assist students in mastering course content.  Dr. Sharon King, Director, Support Services, provided information regarding the services and programs available.  Dr. Kinslow and Dr. King responded to questions from Trustees.

 

Information Items

There were no informational items.

 

President's Administrative Report

Dr. Kinslow responded to issues brought forward during citizen’s communications and reports from associations at earlier meetings including:  the reported loss of an employee’s application and an inaccurate report of the hiring of a relative over a more qualified applicant; and SACS.  He also advised that information would be provided on December 4 to all supervisors regarding the Rio Grande chemistry lab and lab safety at all campuses.   He stated that he would continue to respond to issues as they are presented.

 

Executive Session

There was no Executive Session.

 

Quick Meeting Review

Trustees commented regarding the meeting: 

What we did well rated as 1-5 (with 5 being very satisfied):  4-5--a lot of information, a lot of reports, a lot of things to further consider; Trustees discussion on topics was concise and efficient, reports were very informational; agree, this was a very good meeting—on information overload, excited about the developmental product and the evaluation product, very pleased that the Executive Vice President has responded to us on previous issues, appreciate the manner in which it was presented, thank you for your report; agree with earlier comments; pretty good meeting with a lot of questions; 4—good meeting.

What we can do better:  No comments.

 

Announcements

·       ACC Holiday party will be held on Friday, December 7, at the Red Lion Hotel.

 

Adjournment

Having no motion before the Board, the December 3, 2001, regular meeting of the Austin Community College Board of Trustees was adjourned at 8:55 p.m.


Approved By
                                                 

John B. Worley, Secretary