MINUTES

Regular Meeting - Board of Trustees

February 4, 2002

 

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, February 4, 2002, 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; Beverly Watts Davis; Allen Kaplan; Barbara Mink; Della May Moore [arrived at 7:30 p.m.]; and Rafael Quintanilla.  Trustee Carol Nasworthy was 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

There were no recognitions.

 

Dialogue:  Social Equity Commission Report/Role of ACC

Dr. Davis introduced Dr. Ray Marshall, Chair of the Austin Equity Commission.  The following individuals participated in the dialogue session with Dr. Marshall:  Trustees Lillian Davis, Beverly Watts Davis, Allen Kaplan, Barbara Mink, Della May Moore, Rafael Quintanilla, Beverly Silas, and John Worley; College President Richard Fonte; Executive Vice President Steve Kinslow; Associate Vice Presidents Ron Brey and Alan Rasco; Sandy Gaskin, Dean of Continuing Education; and Penny Green, member of the Austin Equity Commission.  Dr. Marshall expressed appreciation for having been invited and stressed the importance of the community college in the educational system as well as the workforce system.  He provided information regarding the findings of the Commission and complimented Austin Community College on the vital role it plays in education and workforce development.  Dr. Marshall responded to questions from Trustees and encouraged Austin Community College to continue to expand to meet the workforce needs of the Austin community and service area.

 

Dr. Davis and Trustees expressed appreciation to Dr. Marshall for the valuable information presented.

 

Citizens Communications

·        Joe Lostracco, ACC/AFT, spoke regarding proposed fee increase and fiscal management of College.

·        Keith Parker, citizen, spoke regarding proposed City of Austin Resolution/free tuition for undocumented workers.

·        Fred Dupuy spoke regarding proposed City of Austin Resolution/free tuition for undocumented workers.

·        Myra Bradley, ACC/AFT, spoke regarding Board Policy C-1.1 and distributed information.

·        Mark Goodrich, ACC/AFT, spoke regarding fiscal responsibility and accountability for the College.

·        Guadalupe Sosa, citizen, spoke regarding the South Austin Campus and support for the College.

 

Reports from Employee Associations

·        Adjunct Faculty Association - Kitty Henderson, President, spoke regarding budget deficits and adjunct compensation.

·        Classified Employees Association - Mark Goodrich, President, spoke regarding Human Resources Department practices and distributed information.

·        Full-Time Faculty Senate - Laura Ore, President, introduced John Cise, ACC faculty, who spoke regarding salary deficiencies and distributed information.

·        Professional/Technical Employees Association - Karen Anderson, President, distributed information and asked the Board to make a good faith effort to remedy some of the issues emphasized in the compensation study.  She presented snapshot reviews of the 35 professional-technical positions at the Pinnacle Campus.

·        Student Government Association – No report was presented.

 

Trustee Report(s) to the Board

·        Dripping Springs ISD – Lillian Davis

Dr. Davis stated that she, Sandy Gaskin and Mike Midgley participated in a meeting with the Superintendent of Schools at a Dripping Springs ISD meeting.  They expressed interest in four categories:  community interest—would like ACC to be more involved; Tech-Prep—would like to see more from ACC in this area; Dual Enrollment—very interested in this; and Continuing Education for staff—very positive, like what they get from ACC, and would like to get more.

 

Report to the Board

Report of Achievements and Recognitions

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

·        Pam Sutton for new web page for DRAFT administrative rules;

·        Ed Osborn has been asked to serve as a consultant on a Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board project.

·        Alan Rasco received a Certificate of Appreciation from Governor Rick Perry in recognition of service to the State of Texas as a member of the 2000-2001 Texas Skills Standards Board’s Competency-Based Curriculum Task Force.

·        Bill Carter, for the smooth transition of services to the College as IT moved to the Service Center Building.

·        $2,610 grant awarded to Environmental Sciences Department to support development of a Tech-Prep articulated career pathway.

·        In Round 1 of a recent Math Student Competition, ACC was #8 in the nation of 150 community colleges participating, with one student, Charles Meeks, #12 in the nation of 5,000 students participating.  Mike Dellens is the ACC Math professor.

·        The mural at the Capitol of Texas Workforce Center, located at ACC’s Eastview Campus, was featured in an article in the Community College Times, January 8, 2002.

·        Phi Theta Kappa Chapter at ACC (Alpha Gamma Pi) received a 2001 Pinnacle Scholarship Award that recognizes chapters that implement successful recruitment strategies.  Mary Kohls is the ACC Chapter Advisor.

 

Consent Agenda

 

Agenda Item 7475

Proposed Approval of the Board Work Plan for Next Six Months

Recommendation:  That the Board of Trustees approve the activities which are desirable to place on the agenda of the Board during the next six months, February through July 2002.

 

Board Work Plan

February 2002 - July 2002

(As approved by the ACC Board of Trustees on February 4, 2002)

 

 

February

Monday, February 4, 2002 - Highland Business Center

·         Dialogue:  Social Equity Commission/Digital Divide--Role of the Community College [Discussion with Ray Marshall/Community Leaders]

·         Minimum Reserves Board Policy

·         Bonds Refinancing

·         FY 2001 Audit

·         Trustee School/Community Organization Reports

Monday, February 18, 2002 - Work Session at Eastview Campus

5:45 Briefing:  Board Policies - Group F (Personnel)

·         Community Hearing--Master Plan - How well is ACC serving the Eastview community?

·         Matters Related to Conduct of May 4, 2002, Election

·         Adult Education, Literacy--Presentation by Literacy Coalition, Rhetta Kelly

·         Marketing/Communications Plan

·         Current Year Financial Report

·         Preliminary Projections - Budget 2002-2003

 

March

Monday, March 4, 2001 - Highland Business Center

·         Continuing Education--Enrollment Trends, Long-Term Needs and Demands for Service

·         Matters Related to Conduct of May 4, 2002, Election

·         Shared Governance - ACC/Community College Models

·         Board Policy C-5, Open Communication and Information

·         Trustee School/Community Organization Reports

Monday, March 18, 2002 - Work Session at Cypress Creek Campus

5:45 p.m. Briefing Topic:  Board Policies - Group A (Institutional Effectiveness--

Results to be Produced)

·         Community Hearing--Master Plan - How well is ACC serving the Cypress Creek community?

·         Tech Prep Model--Effectiveness - Workforce Program Linkages to ISDs

·         Board By-Laws on Voting

·         Board Policy - Secretary's Role on Policy Monitoring

 

Visit Student Government Association Meeting during March.

April

Monday, April 1, 2002 - Highland Business Center

·         Meeting with Workforce Board Members, CATF Board Members (atypical--back of room or in Room 502--start regular meeting at 7 p.m.

·         2nd Quarter Financial Report

·         Internal Auditor Report

·         External Financial Analyses

·         Process of Presidential Evaluation

·         Advisory Group Meetings--Workforce Areas [Midgley & Hampton]

 

Friday, April 12, 2002-Saturday, April 13, 2002 - Retreat (location to be determined)

·         Scheduling of Implementation of Master Plan and Facilities Implications

 

Attend hearing/hearings (?) of Mission Statement at Campuses during April.

 

May

Monday, May 6, 2002 - Highland Business Center

5:45 p.m. Briefing:  Implementation of College Organizational Policy

·         Internal Customer Service Satisfaction Survey

·         Discussion/Dialogue with Internal College Community--Charette Style

·         Trustee School/Community Organization Reports

Monday, May 20, 2002 -Work Session at Rio Grande Campus

5:45 p.m. - Board Briefing:  ACC Program Review Process/THECB Requirements

·         Presentation by Dean-Area of Proposed Master Plan Objectives with Taskforce Chairs and Program Coordinators

·         Rio Grande Facilities Discussion      

·         Strategic Master Plan--Discussion

·         Out-of-District Tutition Policy Review

·         Community Priorities Declaration for Subsidized Programs

 

June

Monday, June 3, 2002 - Highland Business Center

·         Fiscal Year 2003 Budget

·         South Austin Committee Report

·         Trustee School/Community Organization Reports

Monday,June 17, 2002 - Work Session at Riverside Campus

5:45 p.m. - Board Briefing:  New GASB Financial Reports

·         Community Hearing--Master Plan - How well is ACC serving Riverside community?

·         Fiscal Year 2003 Budget

·         Advisory Group Meetings--Workforce Areas [Cantu and Van Dyke]

 

July

Monday, July 1, 2002, Highland Business Center

·         Fiscal Year 2003 Budget

·         Trustee School/Community Organization Reports

 

Monday, July 22, 2002 - Work Session at Northridge Campus

Possible cancellation of this meeting (as in past years)

 

Agenda Item 7476

Proposed Approval of the Student Travel Policy

Recommendation:  That the Board of Trustees approve Student Travel Policy A-8 which must be on file with the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board General Counsel by August 1, 2002.

 

A-8: Student Travel

 

Austin Community College will adhere to the highest standards of safety in all activities which require student travel.

 

[1]      The College will establish rules and procedures in compliance with all Texas Education Code to emphasize the safety of students and to comply with all applicable statutes and guidelines.

 

[2]      The rules and guidelines will be posted in appropriate student publications.

 

[3]      Faculty and staff responsible for student activities and events which require students to travel will be trained to fulfill their responsibilities.

 

Agenda Item 7477

Proposed Approval of the New Program:  A.A.S. in Jewelry

Recommendation:  That the Board of Trustees approve a new workforce education program leading to an A.A.S. degree in Jewelry.

 

Agenda Item 7478

Proposed Approval of Workers Compensation Proposal

Recommendation:  That the Board of Trustees approve the purchase of Worker’s Compensation Insurance from Deep East Texas Self Insurance Fund through Frost Insurance.  Included in this plan is a three-year rate guarantee with a 3% price increase for each year at the following costs:  1st year - $280,000; 2nd Year - $288,000; and 3rd Year - $297,000.

 

Agenda Item 7479

Proposed Approval of Contract for Jorge Rodriguez, Coastal Securities

Recommendation:  That the Board of Trustees approve the extension for three years (September 1, 2002 – August 31, 2005) of the “Financial Advisory Contract” with Coastal Securities of San Antonio, Texas.

 

Agenda Item 7480

Proposed Approval of the Audit Report

Recommendation:  That the Board of Trustees accept the Audited FY 2001 Annual Financial and Compliance Report as presented by Garza/Gonzalez & Associates, Certified Public Accountants.

 

Agenda Item 7481

Proposed Approval of the Bond Refinancing

Recommendation:  That the Board of Trustees approve Bonds Refinancing to refinance existing debt and provide $5.8 million in new bond money funded by a $1 building use fee increase, and approve the Preliminary Official Statement and approve the resolution to appoint the underwriters.

 

Allen Kaplan requested that Item 7481 be pulled from the Consent Agenda and action taken after Item 7483.  Beverly Watts Davis requested Item 7475 be pulled from the Consent Agenda; and Barbara Mink asked that Items 7477 and 7478 be pulled from the Consent Agenda.

 

Beverly Watts Davis moved and Allen Kaplan seconded that:

MOTION:  The Board of Trustees approve Consent Agenda Items 7476, 7479 and 7480 as presented.

VOTE:  The motion passed by a vote of 7-0.

Trustee Carol Nasworthy was absent from the meeting.

The Chair did not vote.

 

Items for Discussion/Possible Action:

 

Agenda Item 7475

Proposed Approval of the Board Work Plan for Next Six Months

Trustees discussed the need for a financial report to be presented each month.  Trustee Worley suggested a policy change to ensure that a financial report is presented to the Board each month.  Trustees John Worley and Beverly Watts Davis will work on this.

Allen Kaplan moved and Della May Moore seconded that:

MOTION:  The Board of Trustees approve the Board Work Plan for February – July 2002, including addition of the proposed policy on financial reporting at the next Board meeting.

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

Trustee Carol Nasworthy was absent from the meeting.

The Chair did not vote.

 

Agenda Item 7477

Proposed Approval of the New Program:  A.A.S. in Jewelry

Trustee Barbara Mink asked when there would be a Board Briefing on the ACC program review process and requirements of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.  Dr. Fonte stated a Board Briefing was listed on the Board Work Plan for May 20, 2002.  Associate Vice President for Workforce Education Alan Rasco and Gary Hampton, Dean of Applied Technologies, Multimedia and Public Services, introduced Program Coordinator Warren Donworth and Bill Evans, program instructor, and responded to questions from Trustees regarding the proposed program.

Della May Moore moved and Beverly Watts Davis seconded that:

MOTION:  The Board of Trustees approve a new workforce education program leading to an A.A.S. degree in Jewelry.

VOTE:  The motion passed by a vote of 7-0.

Trustee Carol Nasworthy was absent from the meeting.

The Chair did not vote.

 

Agenda Item 7478

Proposed Approval of Workers Compensation Proposal

Beverly Silas moved and Rafael Quintanilla seconded that:

MOTION:  The Board of Trustees approve the purchase of Worker’s Compensation Insurance from Deep East Texas Self Insurance Fund through Frost Insurance.  Included in this plan is a three-year rate guarantee with a 3% price increase for each year at the following costs:  1st year - $280,000; 2nd Year - $288,000; and 3rd Year - $297,000.

Trustees discussed the item, and staff responded to questions from Trustees.

VOTE:  The motion passed on a vote of 5-1-1.

FOR:  Beverly Watts Davis, Allen Kaplan, Rafael Quintanilla, Beverly Silas, and John Worley.

AGAINST:  Della May Moore

Abstaining:  Barbara Mink

Trustee Carol Nasworthy was absent from the meeting.

The Chair did not vote.

 

Agenda Item 7482

Board Policy on Fund Balance and Operating Reserves Strategy

Dr. Davis introduced the item and Dr. Fonte provided information concerning the proposed options for change of Board Policy G-6, Fund Balance.

Della May Moore moved and Allen Kaplan seconded that:

MOTION:  The Board of Trustees approve Option 4 of the change to Policy G-6, Fund Balance: 

“Austin Community College shall seek to achieve maintain at the end of each fiscal year, a Fund Balance adequate reserves including Retirement of Indebtedness, equal to an amount not less than 15% and not greater that 25% of the unrestricted current fund expenditures plus mandatory transfers 1.80 months of current operating expenses and not greater than 3 months of current operating expenses.  If the Unrestricted Fund Balance is outside this percentage  range reserves fall below this level, the President shall present a corrective plan to the Board of Trustees.”

Trustee John Worley requested a Friendly Amendment to the Motion:

FRIENDLY AMENDMENT:  In Option 4:  replace “shall seek to maintain at the end of the fiscal year” with “shall seek to maintain at all times; and replace “equal to an amount not less than 15%” with “equal to an amount of at least 1.80 months of current operating expenses and not greater than 3 months".

Della May Moore and Allen Kaplan accepted the Friendly Amendment.

Trustees discussed the proposed Friendly Amendment.

Beverly Silas proposed a revision to the Friendly Amendment:

PROPOSED REVISION TO FRIENDLY AMENDMENT:   If, for four (4) consecutive months, the Fund Balance has been below the level established, then at that time the President would provide the Board with a plan for corrective action to be taken.

Della May Moore did not accept the revision to the Friendly Amendment.

Trustees discussed the Motion, Friendly Amendment, and proposed changes to Board Policies G-1 and G-6.

Della May Moore requested that action be delayed on the motion, and Allen Kaplan agreed. 

Additional information was requested by Trustees.  This item will be discussed at a future Board meeting.

 

[Trustee Barbara Mink left the meeting at 9:10 p.m.]

 

Agenda Item 7483

Proposed Sale of Real Estate Property – Riverside Golf Course

Dr. Davis introduced the item and Steve Kinslow provided information. 

Allen Kaplan moved and Rafael Quintanilla seconded that:

MOTION:  The Board of Trustees direct the administration to approach and negotiate with the City of Austin the sale of the Riverside Golf Course to the City of Austin, that it remain a golf course, and be dedicated parkland.

Rafael Quintanilla requested a Friendly Amendment.

FRIENDLY AMENDMENT:  Addition to motion  …negotiate for a reasonable price…”

Allen Kaplan accepted the Friendly Amendment to the Motion.

Trustees discussed the item, including any need to declare the property as surplus.

VOTE:  The motion failed on a vote of 3-1-2.

FOR:  Allen Kaplan, Rafael Quintanilla, John Worley

AGAINST:  Della May Moore

ABSTAINING:  Beverly Watts Davis and Beverly Silas

ABSENT FOR THE VOTE:  Barbara Mink and Carol Nasworthy

The Chair did not vote.

 

Agenda Item 7481

Proposed Approval of the Bond Refinancing

Dr. Davis introduced the item and Jerry North, Interim Business Services Administrator, introduced Jorge Rodriguez, Vice President of Coastal Securities.

Beverly Silas moved and Della May Moore seconded that:

MOTION:  The Board of Trustees approve Bonds Refinancing to refinance existing debt and provide $5.8 million in new bond money funded by a $1 building use fee increase, and approve the Preliminary Official Statement and approve the resolution to appoint the underwriters.

VOTE:  The motion passed on a vote of 5-2.

FOR:  Beverly Watts Davis, Lillian Davis, Della May Moore, Rafael Quintanilla, and Beverly Silas

AGAINST:  Allen Kaplan, John Worley

ABSENT FOR THE VOTE:  Barbara Mink and Carol Nasworthy.

 

Agenda Item 7484

Proposed Sale of Parking Lot – Former Eastridge Campus

Dr. Davis introduced the item and Steve Kinslow provided information.

Beverly Silas moved and Della May Moore seconded that:

MOTION:  The Board of Trustees authorize the administration to sell the approximately 1.5 acre lot located at 6103 Techni Center Drive.

VOTE:  The motion passed on a vote of 5-0-1.

FOR:  Allen Kaplan, Della May Moore, Rafael Quintanilla, Beverly Silas, and John Worley

ABSTAINING:  Beverly Watts Davis

ABSENT FOR THE VOTE:  Barbara Mink and Carol Nasworthy

The Chair did not vote.

 

Agenda Item 7485

Board Self-Evaluation

Dr. Davis stated that this item would be postponed until another meeting.

 

President's Administrative Report

Dr. Fonte stated that he understood the concerns expressed and the desire for fiscal information.  He stated that a system of indicators would be put in place to get the requested fiscal information to the Board, and that he would work closely with the Board.

 

Quick Meeting Review

Trustees commented regarding the meeting: 

What we did well rated as 1-5 (with 5 being very satisfied):  good meeting; appreciate the dialogue and it was a good meeting; talked about many things, and talked about them in a professional way; good meeting; good meeting; good meeting.

What we can do better:  (no comments)

 

Announcements

There were no announcements.

 

Adjournment

Having no motion before the Board, the February 4, 2002, regular meeting of the Austin Community College Board of Trustees was adjourned at 9:59 p.m.


Approved By
John B. Worley, Secretary