January 27, 2003

In accordance with the terms and provisions of the Texas Open Meetings Act, Chapter 551 of Texas Government Code, the Board of Trustees of the Austin Community College District convened in public session at a Board Work Session on Monday, January 27, 2003, at 6:00 p.m. in the Board Room (201) of the Highland Business Center of Austin Community College located at 5930 Middle Fiskville Road, Austin, Texas, with the following members present: Rafael Quintanilla, Chair/Presiding Officer; Barbara Mink, Vice Chair; Allen Kaplan, Secretary; Beverly Watts Davis [arrived at 6:35 p.m.]; Lillian J. Davis; John Hernandez; Beverly Silas; and John Worley. Trustee Nan McRaven was absent from the meeting.

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.

Items for Discussion/Possible Action

Agenda Item 7633

FY02 Fiscal Year Audit Report

Chair Quintanilla introduced the item and Ben Ferrell, Vice President for Business Services, introduced College external auditors Renee Gonzalez and Mark Sewell of Garza/Gonzalez & Associates. Mr. Gonzalez emphasized that the format of the report is different than past audit reports since it now complies with General Accounting Standards Board (GASB) 34 and 35 requirements. He discussed the audit and stated that there were no material instances of noncompliance nor any material weaknesses in the internal controls of Austin Community College. He said there were no findings or questioned causes as related to material instances. He discussed the recommendations and responded to questions from Trustees. This item will be included on the agenda for action at the February 3 Board meeting.

Agenda Item 7634

Resolution for Austin Community College to Participate in Cooperative Purchasing

Mr. Quintanilla introduced the item and Ben Ferrell stated that this item would authorize the Purchasing Department to participate in the Texas Local Government Purchasing Cooperative and U.S. Communities: Government Purchasing Alliance. He discussed the benefits that would be derived from participation. This item will be included on the agenda for action at the February 3 Board meeting.

Agenda Item 7635

Program Cost Analysis/Program Priority Declaration

Chair Quintanilla introduced the item and Dr. Steve Kinslow, Executive Vice President, stated that the master planning process includes a review of revenues and expenses for all instructional programs. He stated the information was provided for the Board to use in reviewing the program costs for the Master Plan. Dr. Kinslow stated a proposed Resolution was attached to declare community priorities. Trustees suggested revisions to the proposed Resolution. This item will be presented for action at the February 3 Board meeting.

[Beverly Watts Davis arrived at 6:35 p.m.]

Agenda Item 7636

Facilities Assessment Audit

Mr. Quintanilla introduced the item and Ben Ferrell provided information concerning the proposed audit. He stated that this contract would provide a complete condition audit of all Austin Community College facilities and support systems, to include professional inspections and provide accurate analysis of all visible components and elements requiring maintenance or planned action. Mr. Ferrell, Gilbert Rodriguez, Purchasing Manager, and Rodney Wheeler, Contract Coordinator, responded to questions from Trustees.

Agenda Item 7637

South Austin Campus Community Advisory Committee

Jim Walker, Coordinator, Institutional Effectiveness, introduced Guadalupe Sosa, Chair of the South Austin Campus Community Advisory Committee. Ms. Sosa called attention to the work of the Curriculum Sub-Committee and the recommendations provided. She expressed appreciation to Donetta Goodall, Bronson Dorsey, Jim Walker, and other staff for the continuing assistance provided to the Committee.

Agenda Item 7638

Consideration of Order Calling an Election Within the Austin Community College District for Voter Approval to Modify the Existing Cap on the Ad Valorem Maintenance Tax and Calling a Bond Election

Mr. Quintanilla introduced the item. Dr. Richard Fonte, College President, discussed the proposed Order and Trustees suggested wording changes.

Executive Session

There was no Executive Session.

Announcements

· Barbara Mink stated she would attend the 2003 Futures Conference in Orlando, Florida, February 2-4, 2003, where Austin Community College was nominated to receive a Bellwether Award.

Meeting Review

Trustees commented regarding the meeting:

What worked well rated as 1-5 (with 5 being very satisfied): liked backup on items, especially on the program priorities; appreciated the conversation regarding the purchasing concerns; thought discussion on program priorities was very good--since it is an important matter, it deserves that kind of discussion; liked particularly the discussion on the priorities item and the resolution and coming forward on our strengths; liked the priorities discussion, looking at it from the negative money programs to say this is where we spend tax monies because we believe that the community needs this and it is a very important perspective that Dr. Fonte brought to us, thought discussion of early voting and ballot was important and needs to come to fruition shortly, and, overall, it was a very good meeting; ditto; really appreciate the financial work—great work.

What we would like to change: Would like to see more backup on Purchasing item; needed more backup on Purchasing item;

Adjournment

Having no motion before the Board, the January 27, 2003, Work Session of the Austin Community College Board of Trustees was adjourned at 7:08 p.m.

Approved By

Allen H. Kaplan, Secretary