MINUTES

Regular Meeting – Board of Trustees

April 6, 2004

 

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 Tuesday, April 6, 2004, 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; Barbara P. Mink, Board Vice Chair; Allen H. Kaplan, Secretary; Lillian Davis [arrived at 6:05 p.m.]; John Hernandez; Nan McRaven [arrived at 6:03 p.m.]; Beverly Silas [arrived at 6:08 p.m.]; and John Worley.  Trustee Beverly Watts Davis resigned effective October 1, 2003, and, therefore, did not attend 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.

 

Recognitions

·        Dr. Gerry Tucker, Associate Vice President for Human Resources, introduced new employee Veronica Obregon, Communications Specialist in the Public Information and Media Relations Department; and Andrew Christie who was recently promoted to Director of Applications and Development in the Information and Technology Department.

·        Mary Kohls, Adviser to Phi Theta Kappa, recognized Austin Community College named to the All Academic Team:  Anna Beryl, student in Land Surveying program, and Arthur Vargas, General Studies program student.

                                                                            

Citizens Communication

·        Mark Goodrich, President of ACC/AFT, spoke regarding the Presidential Search; campus police; no reorganizations during the interim presidency; utilization of shared governance process.

 

Reports from Associations

·        Adjunct Faculty Association – Caleb Buckley, President-Elect, expressed appreciation for attendance at forum with Board candidates and Eastview Campus for hosting the meeting; and spoke about  benefits; compensation; budget process/priorities, and the Presidential Search process.

·        Classified Employees Association – Judy Green, President, expressed appreciation for luncheon with Interim President Steve Kinslow; Classified Employee Association activity on April 16, 8:30 a.m., at Highland Business Center.  She stated that the Classified Employees Association does not support a five-year plan for computers replacements.

·        Full-Time Faculty Senate – Daniel Traverso, President, spoke regarding Presidential Search finalists feedback/process for President of Austin Community College; appreciation and support for Interim President Steve Kinslow; Board policies and Administrative Rules; and need for support people in Information Technology.

·        Professional-Technical Employees Association – John Kennie, President, spoke regarding technology/staff support; Presidential Search process/ comments from forums; staffing/distance learning revision to Board Policy E-2, Provision of College Facilities; and expressed appreciation to Trustee Beverly Silas for her service as an ACC Trustee.

·        Student Government AssociationLevi Barnes, Vice President, spoke regarding the educational experience provided to him by the College on committees and in the Association; selection of new officers in the Fall; expressed appreciation to the Board from the Association; stated they are pleased that the in-district priority registration proposal did not pass; stated the Board made a wise decision that ensures recruitment and retention of students at Austin Community College and shows the College’s continued effort for equality and fairness; Association supports current 3-years, or even less, for computer replacement; will poll the Association on other items included in the agenda; and provided a copy of the latest edition of the ACCENT student newspaper; stated that the following students received awards for the publication from the Texas Inter-Collegiate Press Association Conference:  Jorge Valereso, Annie Ybarro, and Jessica Spear.  Other Austin Community College student winners were:  Caroline Rodriguez; Fred Daniels, and Tonya Ginsberg. He expressed appreciation to the Board and faculty for making life at ACC an enjoyable one.  He expressed appreciation for the Student Government Association being included in the Presidential Search process.

 

Reports to the Board

·        John Herndon, faculty member and Associate Director of the newly established Balcones Center for Creative Writing introduced Lyman Grant, faculty member and Director of the Center and Chair of the Department.  Mr. Grant distributed copies of the Rio Review and provided information concerning the program and Center.  Poetry student Shawn Ferguson read a poem she wrote entitled “Flags Could Not Fill” she wrote when her father left for Desert Storm.  The poem will be included in the April 2004 edition of the Rio Review.  Dr. Herndon invited attendance at several events and the grand opening of the Center on Wednesday, April 28, noon.

·        Report on Achievements and Recognitions – Dr. Gerry Tucker distributed the Kudos Report and called attention to recent awards/recognitions received by faculty/programs, staff, students, and Austin Community College.

·        Financial Report – February 2004 – Ben Ferrell, Vice President for Business Services, called attention to the February 2004 financial report noting that (1) due to the purchase of the Rio Grande Campus, budget projections have been adjusted to reflect the facility rent savings for the remainder of the year in the amount of $75,000 and (2) reconciliation of the liability accounts in employee benefits indicate an approximate one-time benefit to the operating budget of approximately $100,000.  However, this will not be incorporated into the budget projections until the details can be reviewed and the impact of other benefit changes are determined.  He predicted that the College will have a positive balance of revenues versus expenditures for the current fiscal year and will meet the expectations of the Minimum Reserves Level policy (G-6) or the corrective action plan requirements.  Mr. Ferrell responded to questions from Trustees.

 

CONSENT AGENDA

 

Agenda Item 7892

Minutes of February 21-22, 2004, Special Meeting; February 25, 2004, Special Meeting; and March 1, 2004, Regular Meeting

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

 

Agenda Item 7893

Proposed Resolution in Support of Equity in Learning

Recommendation:  That the Board of Trustees approve the proposed Resolution in Support of Equity in Learning

* * * * * *

RESOLUTION 7893

IN SUPPORT OF EQUITY IN LEARNING

 

WHEREAS, the Austin Community College District is fully committed to the community college values of open access and opportunity for all; and

WHEREAS, the Austin Community College District fully understands the value of an educational environment that embraces diversity and inclusiveness; and

WHEREAS, the year 2004 marks the 50th anniversary of the Brown v. Board of Education decision – a landmark for equity in public education; and

WHEREAS, the decision reversed the long-standing separate-but-equal doctrine that had governed public education, including community colleges; and

WHEREAS, federal courts and “courts of public opinion” consistently favor desegregation efforts; and

WHEREAS, many states are still struggling with how to remove the vestiges of segregation in education; and

WHEREAS, some school districts and higher education systems are still operating under consent degrees; and

WHEREAS, inequitable school funding or school district configurations have caused de facto segregation;

BE IT RESOLVED, that on the 50th anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education decision, we, the Board of Trustees of the Austin Community College District, pledge our unwavering commitment to providing equal access to higher education; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we support efforts on behalf of local school districts to ensure learning equity for all students through institutional, political, personal and civic engagement.

                PASSED AND ADOPTED this 6th day of April, 2004.

 

                                                                                  Rafael Quintanilla, Chair

                                                                                  Austin Community College Board of Trustees

ATTEST:                                                                                       

Allen H. Kaplan, Secretary

Austin Community College Board of Trustees

 

* * * * *

 

Agenda Item 7894

Selection of Project Delivery Method – Cypress Creek Campus Expansion

Recommendation:  That the Board of Trustees select the Cypress Creek Campus design and construction process, the method of project  delivery, and the scope of administrative authority.  Staff recommends Construction Manager-at-Risk.

 

Agenda Item 7895

Proposed Resolution – Renewal of Investment Policy

Recommendation:  That the Board of Trustees review and reaffirm by resolution the current Austin Community College Policy E-6, Investments.

 

* * * *

RESOLUTION 7895

Renewal of Austin Community College Investment Policy 

 

Whereas, Sec. 2256.005 (e) of the Texas Public Funds Investment Act states:

“The governing body of an investing entity shall review its investment policy and investment strategies not less than annually. The governing body shall adopt a written instrument by rule, order, ordinance, or resolution stating that it has reviewed the investment policy and investment strategies and that the written instrument so adopted shall record any changes made to either the investment policy or investment strategies.”

 

Be it resolved that the Board has reviewed its investment policies and investment strategies as approved under “E-6 Investments” in the Austin Community College Board Policy Manual, and that said policy and investment strategy will continue in force without change.

                                                                                                                                                                                               

                                                                                                Rafael Quintanilla, Board Chair

Attest:                                                                                   

                                                                                               

Allen Kaplan, Board Secretary

 

* * * * *

 

Vice Chair Barbara Mink requested that Agenda Items 7892 and 7894 be pulled for discussion.

 

Trustees Beverly Silas moved and Lillian Davis seconded that:

MOTION:  The Board of Trustees approve Consent Agenda Items 7893, Proposed Resolution in Support of Equity in Learning, and Agenda Item 7895, Proposed Resolution – Renewal of Investment Policy.

.The Motion passed on a vote of 8-0.   

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

AGAINST:  None.

 

Agenda Item 7892

Minutes of February 21-22, 2004, Special Meeting; February 25, 2004, Special Meeting; and March 1, 2004, Regular Meeting

Dr. Mink requested clarification of the minutes of the March 1, 2004, meeting and stated it appeared that a page was missing from the agenda item.  The original copy of the March 1, 2004, minutes, including page 6, were provided to Dr. Mink for Board review.

Board Vice Chair Barbara Mink moved and Board Secretary Allen Kaplan seconded that:

MOTION:  The Board of Trustees approve Consent Agenda Item 7892, February 21-22, 2004, Special Meeting; February 25, 2004, Special Meeting; and March 1, 2004, Regular Meeting of the Board of Trustees.

The Motion passed on a vote of 8-0.   

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

AGAINST:  None.

 

Agenda Item 7894

Selection of Project Delivery Method – Cypress Creek Campus Expansion

Recommendation:  That the Board of Trustees select the Cypress Creek Campus design and construction process, the method of project delivery, and the scope of administrative authority.  Staff recommends Construction Manager-at-Risk.

 

Trustees requested additional information concerning evaluation committee composition and the changes in the grading criteria.  Bronson Dorsey, Associate Vice President for Facilities and Operations, and Ben Ferrell, Vice President for Business Services, provided information and responded to questions from Trustees.

 

Allen Kaplan moved and Trustee Nan McRaven seconded that:
MOTION:  The Board of Trustees select the Cypress Creek Campus design and construction process, Construction Manager-at-Risk as the method of project delivery, and the scope of administrative authority as noted in Exhibit A.

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

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

AGAINST:  None.

 

Items for Discussion/Possible Action

 

Agenda Item 7896

Presidential Search Process and Possible Selection of Austin Community College President

Mr. Quintanilla introduced the item and stated this would be discussed in Executive Session.

 

Executive Session

The Austin Community College Board of Trustees recessed into Executive Session at 7:10 p.m. pursuant to Government Code 551.074, related to personnel matters including personnel matters dealing with the Presidential Search candidates.

 

Reconvene

The Austin Community College Board of Trustees reconvened in Public Session at 7:45 p.m. pursuant to Government Code 551.  

 

[Dr. Barbara Mink, Board Vice Chair, became Chair.]

 

Agenda Item 7897

Proposed Revision of Board Policy E-2, Provision of College Facilities

Dr. Mink introduced the item and Trustee John Worley called attention to the revisions to Board Policy E-2, Provision of College Facilities, and provided information regarding solar energy.

Trustee John Worley moved and Trustee Lillian Davis seconded that:

MOTION:  The Board of Trustees approve the proposed revisions to Board Policy E-2, Provision of College Facilities.

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

FOR:  Lillian Davis, John Hernandez, Allen Kaplan, Nan McRaven, Barbara Mink, Beverly S. Silas, and John Worley.

AGAINST:  None.

Mr. Quintanilla was absent for the vote.

* * * * *

E-2. PROVISION OF COLLEGE FACILITIES

The President, in the context of a multi-year facilities plan updated and submitted for Board approval biennially as part of the integrated Master Plan called for in Policy E-1, shall ensure that facilities are provided and allocated so as to support effective instruction, reflect community needs and declared College priorities, and maximize long-term economic value.

[1] Facilities planning and allocation shall be driven by both economic considerations and responsiveness to the educational needs of students and of College employees engaged in providing services to students, who shall be consulted extensively during planning for facilities they will use. In addition to full provision for needed classrooms, laboratories, and learning resources, adequate space shall be provided for faculty offices, student activities, and administrative functions.

[2] The facilities plan shall discuss the extent of unsatisfied demand due to facilities limitations, especially when related to programs or functions previously identified as College priorities, and any geographic demand/supply imbalances.

[3] Facilities shall be built and maintained so as to give good long-term economic value, with a preference for owned rather than leased space. Care shall be taken to avoid practices (e.g., short-lived components, undersized classrooms) in which reduced initial construction costs are more than offset by increased operational costs. The facilities plan shall describe methods and plans to ensure that use of College space is highly efficient.

[4] The College shall develop analyses, based mainly on data from exemplary comparable institutions, to estimate the amount, type, and distribution of facilities appropriate for current and projected enrollments, program mix, and staffing levels.

[5] As part of the annual facilities plan, the Board shall be provided a report updating these analyses, comparing current College facilities usage with desired patterns, and recommending priorities for facilities development.

[6] The administration shall provide reasonable estimates, suitable for use in economic analyses of programs, of the typical annual costs of the various types of facility space used in College operations, including both operating costs and appropriate amortization of capital costs.

[7] College facilities-development activities shall be conducted so as to respect other community priorities, including environmental protection the City of Austin’s desired development zone.  New construction and renovation shall must make maximum practical use of sustainable building principles, energy conservation, and renewable energy, particularly solar energy, to the extent that:  (a) the economic benefit of a conservation or renewable energy measure will at least match outweigh its cost over its useful life and (b) the cost of such a measure will not impede the accomplishment of other facilities goals included in the master plan.  The master plan must include a discussion of how it is addressing and complying with this requirement policy.

[8] Fundraising for facilities by the College and/or Foundation shall be for projects that have received Board approval. Board approval is required to name facilities after individuals or organizations; they will normally be named with either geographic or systematic designations

* * * * *

 

Agenda Item 7898

Proposed Approval of Resolution – Program Priority Declaration

Dr. Mink introduced the item and Mike Midgley, Interim Associate Vice President for Workforce Education stated the Board had reviewed the information earlier and it was presented to the Board for action. 

 

Dr. John Worley requested that number 1 following “Be It Resolved . . .” be revised to read:  

1. Continue to fund the programs shown in Attachment C (Exhibit B), including those requiring a subsidy of tax dollars.

 

Dr. John Worley moved and Dr. Lillian Davis seconded that:

MOTION:  The Board of Trustees adopt the proposed Resolution, including the addition to 1. . . . including those requiring a subsidy of tax dollars.

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

FOR:  Lillian Davis, John Hernandez, Allen Kaplan, Nan McRaven, Barbara Mink, Beverly S. Silas, and John Worley.

AGAINST:  None.

Mr. Quintanilla was absent for the vote.

 

            * * * *

 

RESOLUTION 7898

FY 05-07 PROGRAM PLANNING PRIORITIES

 

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

WHEREAS, Austin Community College engages 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 many 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 C, including those requiring subsidy of tax dollars.

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 which 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 institutional Master Plan.

 

PASSED AND APPROVED this 6th day of April, 2004.

              

Rafael Quintanilla,  Chair                 

Austin Community College Board of Trustees

.

ATTEST:

 

Allen H. Kaplan, Secretary

Austin Community College Board of Trustees

* * * * *

 

Agenda Item 7899

Matters Related to the Conduct of the May 15, 2004, Board of Trustees Election

Dr. Mink introduced the item and Linda Young provided information concerning changes to the Order Amending Polling Places, Establishing Additional Mobile Early Voting Dates, Times, and Places, Appointing Election Officials and Amending and Adopting Certain Joint Agreements for the May 15, 2004, General Election.  Ms. Young responded to questions from Trustees, including the $500,000 budgeted for the General Election and the date and other details of the run-off election.

 

Allen Kaplan moved and Trustee Beverly Silas seconded that:

MOTION:  The Board of Trustees approve the Order Amending Polling Places, Establishing Additional Mobile Early Voting Dates, Times, and Places, Appointing Election Officials and Amending and Adopting Certain Joint Agreements for the May 15, 2004, General Election.

[Mr. Quintanilla returned as Chair.]

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

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

AGAINST:  None.

 

NEW BUSINESS:

 

Agenda Item 7900

Fiscal Year 2005 Technology/Capital Outlay

Mr. Quintanilla introduced the item and Ron Brey, Associate Vice President for Instructional Resources and Technology, and Ben Ferrell provided information concerning Policy Implications/Set Asides; Capital Equipment Budget for Fiscal Year 2005-2007; Equipment Lease/Purchase; Maintenance/Licensing; Replacement Plan for All Desktop Computers – 3-Year Replacement versus 5-Years.  Mr. Brey called attention to Personal Computer Life Cycles and Total Cost of Ownership; Personal Computer Useful Life Costs; Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) Report 2002 – Infusing 21st Century Innovation into Learning Update; and a Summary Report:  ACC Implementation of Strategic Focus Self-Study Report 2002, “New Technologies”. 

 

Agenda Item 7901

External Partnerships

Mr. Quintanilla introduced the item and Dr. Kinslow called attention to the staff report on external partnerships, including the summary of partnership activities; summary of External Partnerships receiving Austin Community College facilities support; and criteria for staff evaluation of partnership requests.  He stated that staff would like to know the Board’s perspectives on criteria staff intend to use for assessing future partnership requests.  Dr. Kinslow asked for a volunteer from the Board to work with staff on policies.  Trustee Nan McRaven volunteered.

 

Agenda Item 7902

Annexation Strategies Discussion

Mr. Quintanilla introduced the item and Dr. Kinslow provided information and an overview of annexation; annexation support; annexation options – summary; strategies which promote the value of ACC; implementation activities which support annexation strategies, and the challenges.  Dr. Kinslow responded to questions from Trustees and asked for input from the Board.  Trustees provided suggestions.  Dr. Kinslow stated that additional information will be gathered and this item will be brought back to the Board at a future date.

 

Announcements

·        Mr. Quintanilla stated that the Presidential Search firm recommended that part of the process of the Presidential Search would be to send a team to the home campus of each of the two candidates.  He stated that teams composed of Trustees, internal staff, and members of the community would visit the campuses.  Mr. Quintanilla expressed appreciation to those who made recommendations on the process, shared ideas, and provided comments.  He stated that the Board would contact some staff to participate in the team visits to Eastfield College in the Dallas County Community College District and Clovis Community College in Clovis, New Mexico.

·        Dr. Mink stated the Board was moving ahead with a Board Retreat date of June 25-26 pending what is learned from Legal Counsel regarding the date for the run-off election.

 

Meeting Review

Trustees commented regarding the meeting: 

What we did well:  excellent meeting, critical issues with good answers, did it within a fairly reasonable timeframe, I really enjoyed tonight’s meeting; excellent; I think was a really very good meeting, we seem to be really zeroing in on the critical issues that are coming up in the next Master Plan, and I thought it was excellent; I really appreciate the technology/capital outlay presentation, I thought it addressed my questions, I really appreciate it; I like the part too where we had focused questions and so the staff is coming to us asking individual and collective opinions to move forward the work of the College, I thought that was helpful; I particularly like the annexation strategy discussion, it broke new ground. We talked about things we hadn’t talked about before; good meeting; I thought it was good and I just kind of on the timing of it especially the technology thing to be able to do this before we get into the throes of the budget, I appreciate the officers and Steve who are planning these agendas and in this order.

What we can do better:  No comments.

 

Adjournment

Having no motion before the Board, the Tuesday, April 6, 2004, Regular Meeting of the Austin Community College Board of Trustees was adjourned at 8:49 p.m.

 

Approved By

Allen H. Kaplan, Secretary