MINUTES

Regular Meeting – Board of Trustees

February 3, 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 on Monday, February 3, 2003, at 6:02 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; Allen H. Kaplan, Secretary; Lillian J. Davis; John F. Hernandez; Nan McRaven; Beverly Silas [arrived at 8:35 p.m.]; and John Worley.  Board Vice Chair Barbara Mink and Trustee Beverly Watts Davis 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

Dr. Gerry Tucker, Associate Vice President for Human Resources, introduced and welcomed the following new employees:

·        Dr. Kathleen Christiansen, Associate Vice President for Student Retention and Services;

·        Dr. Baba Adam, Associate Vice President for Institutional Effectiveness; and

·        Cile Spelce, Communications Executive.

 

Citizens Communication

·        Myra Bradley, ACC/AFT, spoke regarding priorities for Board and President.

·        John Cise, Full-Time Faculty, spoke regarding faculty/compensation.

·        Joe Napolitano, ACC Building and Grounds Department, spoke regarding environmental health and safety.

 

Reports from Associations

·        Adjunct Faculty Association – Don Morris, President, introduced Laura Hague, Secretary of the Association, who spoke regarding compensation and Association activities.

·        Classified Employees Association – Judy Doyen, President, spoke regarding Association activities.

·        Full-Time Faculty Senate – Stacey Thompson, President, distributed information and spoke regarding Senate activities and Board Policy F-10, Employee Compensation.

·        Professional-Technical Employees Association – John Kennie, President-Elect, spoke regarding Association activities and presented a snapshot profile of John Kennie.

·        Student Government Association – No report was presented.

 

Trustee Community Organization Reports to the Board

·        Trustee Lillian Davis provided information on a recent meeting of the Castlewood/Oak Valley Neighborhood Association.

 

Reports to the Board

·        Report on Achievements and Recognitions – Dr. Steve Kinslow, Executive Vice President, distributed information and recognized recent awards/recognitions received by faculty/programs, staff, students, and Austin Community College.

 

CONSENT AGENDA

 

Agenda Item 7639

Proposed Approval of Resolution for Austin Community College to Participate in Cooperative Purchasing

Recommendation:  That the Board of Trustees approve resolutions authorizing Austin Community College’s Purchasing Department to participate in the Texas Local Government Purchasing Cooperative and U.S. Communities:  Government Purchasing Alliance.

 

Agenda 7640

Proposed Approval of Audit Report for Fiscal Year 2002

Recommendation:  That the Board of Trustees approve the Audit Report for Fiscal Year 2002.

 

Agenda Item 7641

Proposed Approval of Program Cost Analysis/Program Priority Declaration

Recommendation:  That the Board of Trustees accept the program costs analysis report, and adopt the Resolution on program priorities declaration as required by Board Policy

 

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RESOLUTION 7641

FY O4-06 PROGRAM PLANNING PRIORITIES

 

WHEREAS, Austin Community College has updated its Master Plan to identify program priorities that fulfill its mission statement of expanded educational opportunity for the community, and

 

WHEREAS, Austin Community College has engaged both the internal and external community in a dialogue to develop its Master Plan to meet the future needs of the College, and has linked master planning and SACS reaffirmation of accreditation efforts, and

 

WHEREAS, Austin Community College desires to achieve and to maintain a balance between the transfer, workforce and foundation skills missions, and

 

WHEREAS, Austin Community College has been unable to meet the full demonstrated needs of the community under the current Master Plan, and turns away approximately 4,000 students a semester despite very efficient use of space, and

 

WHEREAS, Austin Community College must carefully balance limited resources to support a wide variety of instructional programs which respond to community needs

 

BE IT RESOLVED THAT AUSTIN COMMUNITY COLLEGE WILL WITHIN AVAILABLE RESOURCES:

 

1.        Continue to fund the programs shown in Attachment A.

 

2.        Offer a varied instructional curriculum which meets the legal mandate for public community colleges to offer vocational and technical (workforce) programs; freshman-and sophomore-level academic courses; continuing adult education for academic, occupational, professions, and cultural enhancement; special instructional programs and tutorial services to assist under prepared students and others who wish special assistance to achieve their educational goals.

 

3.        Continue to offer general education core curriculum and specialized workforce education courses in support of the programs and certificates listed in the current institution’s catalog.

 

4.        Continue to offer a strong developmental education program to assist under-prepared students in entering academic and workforce programs.

 

5.        Continue to support adult education programs at the current level of institutional funding beyond that provided by grants, to promote access to education.

 

6.        Continue to expand education and training in health careers and programs which enhance the life and safety of the community, as a commitment to a quality way of life.

 

7.        Support the expansion of existing programs and addition of new programs as outlined in the Comprehensive Master Plan.

 

PASSED AND APPROVED this 3rd day of February, 2003.

 

Chair, Board of Trustees

Austin Community College

 

ATTEST:

Secretary, Board of Trustees

Austin Community College

 

[Seal]

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Trustee Lillian Davis moved and Trustee Nan McRaven seconded that:

MOTION:  The Consent Agenda be approved as presented.

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

FOR:  Lillian Davis, John Hernandez, Allen Kaplan, Nan McRaven, Rafael Quintanilla, and John Worley

AGAINST:  None.

Trustees Barbara Mink, Beverly Watts Davis, and Beverly Silas were absent from the meeting.

 

Items for Discussion/Possible Action

 

Agenda Item 7642

Health Sciences Building – Phase II

Chair Quintanilla introduced the item and Bronson Dorsey, Associate Vice President for Facilities and Operations, provided information regarding Phase II design and construction services.  He stated that no additional solicitation for architectural and engineering services is required; however, the College would need to issue an RFP for construction management services for Phase II.

Trustee Allen Kaplan moved and Nan McRaven seconded that:

MOTION:  The Board of Trustees go out with an RFQ/RFP for Contractor at Risk process for Phase II Health Sciences Building and the $358,000 for design and permitting fees for Phase II construction.

Trustees discussed the cost and financing of Phase II, and refinancing of bonds.

Allen Kaplan withdrew his original motion.

 

Mr. Kaplan moved and Nan McRaven seconded that:

NEW MOTION:  That the Board of Trustees proceed with a Request for Proposal for Construction Manager At-Risk for Phase II of the Health Sciences Building and that the  contract with Graeber Simmons & Cowan, Architect/Engineer be continued; however, no expenditure of funds is authorized at this time.

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

FOR:  Lillian J. Davis, John Hernandez, Allen Kaplan, Nan McRaven, Rafael Quintanilla, and John Worley.

AGAINST:  None.

Trustees Barbara Mink, Beverly Watts Davis, and Beverly Silas were absent from the meeting.

 

Agenda Item 7643

Proposed Adoption of Austin Community College Comprehensive Master Plan for Fiscal Years 2004-2006

Mr. Quintanilla introduced the item and Dr. Steve Kinslow, Executive Vice President, provided an updated overview of the Master Plan, 2004-2006 financial projections, facilities priorities, and discussed elements of the Master Plan.  He asked that Trustees identify any needed changes and vote on the Master Plan, with the suggested changes, at this meeting. 

 

Nan McRaven moved and Lillian Davis seconded:

MOTION:  The Board of Trustees adopt the Master Plan for Fiscal Years 2004-2006.

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

FOR:  Lillian Davis, John Hernandez, Allen Kaplan, Nan McRaven, Rafael Quintanilla, and John Worley

AGAINST:  None.

Trustees Barbara Mink, Beverly Watts Davis, and Beverly Silas were absent from the meeting.

 

John Worley requested Friendly Amendment #1 of the Master Plan:  Amend Fiscal Resources Recommendation 6 (page 12) to read, “The College will meet compensation goals as established by the Board of Trustees within 3 years if the referendum increasing the tax cap is successful.

Friendly Amendment #1 was accepted by Nan McRaven and Lillian Davis.

 

John Worley requested Friendly Amendment #2:  Delete Fiscal Resources Recommendation 7 (page 12), “In recognition that ACC’s out-of-district tuition rate is the highest in Texas, the College should strive to minimize increases to be more competitive with other area community college rates.” 

Trustees discussed the proposed Friendly Amendment #2.

John Worley requested the following Substitute for Friendly Amendment #2:  In recognition that ACC’s in-district and out-of-district tuition rates are among the highest in Texas, the College should strive to minimize both in-district and out-of-district tuition increases.” 

Substitute Friendly Amendment #2 was accepted by Nan McRaven and Lillian Davis.

 

John Worley requested Friendly Amendment #3 to delete the second paragraph on page 46:  Extremely high out-of-district tuition rate:  ACC’s out-of-district tution rates jeopardize the College competitiveness with other colleges in the region.  There is evidence in enrollment trends that this high differential is lowering out-of-district enrollments rather than encouraging communities to consider annexation.”

Friendly Amendment #3 was accepted by Nan McRaven and Lillian Davis.

 

John Worley requested Friendly Amendment #4 to reverse the order of items 6 and 11 to make item 6 11—Rio Grande Parking, and item 11 6 --RGC Offices on page 49.

Friendly Amendment #4 was accepted by Nan McRaven and Lillian Davis.

 

John Worley requested Friendly Amendment #5 to amend Facilities Recommendation 10 (page 53) to read:  “ACC should expand parking at most campuses and should explore the possibility of constructing parking garages at some campuses, using a funding mechanism other than tax-supported bonds.  Parking increases at the Pinnacle should conform to the City of Austin’s SOS ordinance, without taking advantage of grandfathering.

Friendly Amendment #5 was accepted by Nan McRaven and Lillian Davis.

Allen Kaplan requested Friendly Amendment #6 to Instructional Programs Recommendation 2 (page 31) to add a clause: “The College should impose a moratorium on offering any new instructional programs until its tax base and tax rate are expanded and increased unless there is a demonstrated need and the documentation that the program can be self-sufficient.”

Friendly Amendment #6 was accepted by Nan McRaven and Lillian Davis.

 

Allen Kaplan requested Friendly Amendment #7 to External Partnerships and Collaborations Recommendation 5 (page 45) to add a clause:  “ACC should continue to facilitate communication and collaboration with appropriate external organizations by leasing HBC facility space to allow their alignment with College workforce staff if demonstrated benefit can be shown for both parties”.

Friendly Amendment #7 was accepted by Nan McRaven and Lillian Davis.

 

Lillian Davis requested Friendly Amendment #8 to Facilities Recommendation 3 (page 52) to add a clause:  “The College should complete the upgrade of all security, access control and fire alarm systems at all campuses and in all buildings and a process to test emergency procedures on a regular basis.”

Friendly Amendment #8 was accepted by Nan McRaven and Lillian Davis.

 

John Worley requested Friendly Amendment #9 to place a footnote to the Professional Development numbers and a footnote to say that these figures will be assessed by the shared governance process and/or the Citizens Advisory Committee on Finance and Budget.

Friendly Amendment #9 was accepted by Nan McRaven and Lillian Davis.

 

VOTE:  The motion, as amended, passed on a vote of 6-0.

FOR:  Lillian Davis, John Hernandez, Allen Kaplan, Nan McRaven, Rafael Quintanilla, and John Worley.

AGAINST:  None.

Trustees Barbara Mink, Beverly Watts Davis, and Beverly Silas were absent from the meeting.

 

Agenda Item 7644

Consider 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 an Election

Mr. Quintanilla introduced the item.

Allen Kaplan moved and Nan McRaven seconded that:

MOTION:  That the Board of Trustees approve the 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 an Election on May 3, 2003.

Trustees discussed the proposed ballot language.

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

FOR:  Lillian J. Davis, John F. Hernandez, Allen H. Kaplan, Nan McRaven, Rafael Quintanilla, and John Worley.

AGAINST:  None.

Beverly Watts Davis, Barbara Mink, and Beverly Silas were absent.

 

Agenda Item 7645

Resolution Concerning State Comptroller’s Review of Austin Community College

Mr. Quintanilla introduced the item.  Richard W. Fonte, College President, and Ben Ferrell, Vice President for Business Services, discussed the proposed resolution and the process and schedule for response to the Comptroller’s recommendations.

Allen Kaplan moved and Nan McRaven seconded that:

MOTION:  The Board of Trustees approve the Resolution Concerning State Comptroller’s Review of Austin Community College with the following amendment to the last paragraph:

“The Austin Community College Board of Trustees requires that a full status report on implementation be provided at the meeting on March 31, 2003, and subsequently every two months for the next year.  This report shall provide both summarized information for each recommendation, and but the full minutes of the relevant committee deliberations on all recommendations and any other written backup material discussed by the committee or considered by the administration.”

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

FOR:  Lillian J. Davis, John F. Hernandez, Allen H. Kaplan, Nan McRaven, Rafael Quintanilla.

AGAINST:  John Worley

Beverly Watts Davis, Barbara Mink, and Beverly Silas were absent.

 

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Resolution 7645 Concerning State Comptroller’s Review

of Austin Community College

 

Whereas, Austin Community College is deeply committed to providing increased access to educational excellence for all residents in our service area with particular emphasis on serving under-served populations,

 

Whereas, Austin Community College serves its students with passion and commitment,

 

Whereas, Austin Community College operates on the belief that open access to quality post-secondary education is vital to a rapidly changing democratic society,

 

Whereas, Austin Community College wishes to expand the number of courses and programs available to the local community to meet the needs of this area,

 

Whereas, Austin Community College currently has limited financial resources to carry-out its critical services,

 

Whereas, Austin Community College recognizes that it must organize its activities so as to produce as high a level of overall value for the community as possible in the most efficient  and effective manner, and

 

Whereas, Austin Community College recognizes that responsible and accountable fiscal stewardship should be demonstrated by the Board of Trustees and the administration of the college through their actions and decisions.

 

Therefore, Be it Resolved that:

 

The Austin Community College Board of Trustees recognizes the valuable service that has been provided our college and community by State Comptroller Carole Keeton Strayhorn by sponsoring a Performance Review of the functions and services of Austin Community College.

 

The Austin Community College Board of Trustees directs the administration to develop a plan to recognize the areas of commendation at upcoming board meetings and through other communication vehicles.

 

The Austin Community College Board of Trustees directs the administration to develop 1) a review strategy and 2) an implementation plan for the recommendations contained in the performance review and that such a plan be carried out in full consultation with the Faculty and Staff through our shared governance structures.

 

The Austin Community College Board of Trustees will assume responsibility for monitoring implementation of eight recommendations that relate directly to board policy or responsibilities and that these will be placed on the agenda of the board during the next six months.

 

The Austin Community College Board of Trustees asks that the Internal Budget Committee and other relevant shared governance committees of the college seriously review the recommendations of the report and develop and recommend priorities for implementation to the President and Board of Trustees.

 

The Austin Community College Board of Trustees requires that a full status report on implementation be provided at the meeting on March 31, 2003, and subsequently every two months for the next year. This report shall provide both summarized information for each recommendation, and the full minutes of the relevant committee deliberations on all recommendations and any other written backup material discussed by the committee or considered by the administration.

 

PASSED AND APPROVED THIS __________day of _______________2003.

 

________________________

                          Rafael Quintanilla

           Chair, ACC Board of Trustees

           Austin Community College

ATTEST:

 

__________________________

Allen Kaplan

Secretary, ACC Board of Trustees

Austin Community College

 

[Seal]

**********

 

Trustees agreed to reorder the agenda.

 

Agenda Item 7648

Selection of Construction Delivery Method – South Austin Campus

Mr. Quintanilla introduced the item.  Trustees discussed construction delivery methodologies.  This item will be included on the agenda for action at the March 4, 2003, Board meeting.

 

Agenda Item 7646

Facilities Assessment Audit

Mr. Quintanilla introduced the item and Ben Ferrell provided information concerning the Request for Proposal process; potential vendors, including HUB participation; makeup of the evaluation team, and the scoring. 

Allen Kaplan moved and Nan McRaven seconded that:

MOTION:  The Board of Trustees approve a contract to 3D/I  - Austin & Houston for a Facilities Assessment Audit of Austin Community College not to exceed $130,000.

[Trustee Beverly Silas arrived at 8:35 p.m.]

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

FOR:  Lillian Davis, John Hernandez, Allen Kaplan, Nan McRaven, Rafael Quintanilla, Beverly Silas, and John Worley.

AGAINST:  None.

Beverly Watts Davis and Barbara Mink were absent.

 

Agenda Item 7647

Financial Report – State Reductions/Austin Community College Options

Mr. Quintanilla introduced the item and Ben Ferrell discussed the Financial Statement for December 2002, anticipated funding decreases, and proposed budget reductions.  Trustees agreed to include on the agenda for the Work Session of the Board of Trustees on February 17, 2003, a public hearing to receive comments from citizens regarding budget options.

 

President’s Administrative Report

No report was presented. 

 

Executive Session

There was no Executive Session.

 

Announcements

There were no announcements.

 

Meeting Review

Trustees commented regarding the meeting: 

What we did well:  liked the discussion of the Master Plan, feel a sense of closure there, good meeting, missed having a Student Government Association report;  a lot was  done in a relatively short period of time,  closure on Master Plan was very important;  discussion of 7% State allocation cut was important,  is really what we need to think about,  we need to have everybody participate in this; missed hearing from Student Government Association; good meeting; moved quickly; good meeting.

What we can do better:  No comments.

 

Adjournment

Having no motion before the Board, the February 3, 2003, Regular Meeting of the Austin Community College Board of Trustees was adjourned at 9:20 p.m.

 

Approved By

Allen H. Kaplan, Secretary