MINUTES

Board Work Session – Board of Trustees

July 19, 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 Monday, July 19, 2004, at 6:00 p.m. in the Board Room (201) the Highland Business Center of Austin Community College located at 5930 Middle Fiskville Road, Austin, Texas, with the following members present:  Dr. Barbara P. Mink, Chair/Presiding Officer; John Hernandez, Board Vice Chair; Jeffrey Richard, Secretary; Lillian Davis; Allen Kaplan; Nan McRaven (arrived at 6:10 p.m.); Veronica Rivera; Rafael Quintanilla, and John Worley.

 

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 7950

Liability Insurance Request for Proposal (RFP) Results and Recommendations

Dr. Mink introduced the item.  Ben Ferrell, Vice President for Business Services, and Rebecca Cole, Environmental Health and Safety and Insurance Manager, provided information regarding the Request for Proposal (RFP) process used to solicit insurance coverage for expiring automobile liability, and crime policies. Cost, coverage, and rating of carrier were used as criteria for recommendation of Texas Association of Public Schools through William Gammon Insurance.  The premium costs of $81,966 were included in the budget for Fiscal Year 2005 and would result in a reduction of $23,713 over the 2004 policies.  Mr. Ferrell, Ms. Cole, and Mr. Robert Reim, Insurance Consultant, responded to questions from Trustees. Mr. Ferrell stated this item would be included on the agenda for the August 2, 2004, Board meeting for action.

 

Agenda Item 7951

Contract for College-wide Custodial Services

Dr. Mink introduced the item and Ben Ferrell provided information concerning the Request for Proposal for college-wide custodial services.  He stated that the Evaluation Committee evaluated eleven (11) proposals and recommended Marcis & Associates as the best value for the College.  Mr. Ferrell advised that the contract calls for annual expenditures of $908,063 and was included in the Fiscal Year 2005 budget.  Mr. Ferrell and Gilbert Rodriguez, Purchasing Director, responded to questions from Trustees including the contract period and consistency in advertising.  Mr. Ferrell stated that this item would be included on the August 2, 2004, Board agenda for action.

 

Agenda Item 7952

Discussion of Fiscal Year 2005 Board Calendar/Work Plan

Dr. Mink introduced the item and stated that the Board Officers would meet with Dr. Aguero on July 26 to provide additional review of the calendar/work plan.  Trustees suggested additions to the work plan including:  legislative recommendations; annexation; report on student services including program, goals, dollars, etc.; meeting with persons who serve on advisory committees/councils; and a meeting with Del Valle ISD.  Trustees expressed concern regarding the proposed cancellation of six (6) work sessions during the year.  Dr. Mink asked for additional comments regarding the proposed calendar/work plan and stated the item would be included on the agenda for the August 2, 2004, Board meeting.

 

Agenda Item 7953

Discussion of 2004 Property Tax Rate Planning Calendar, Proposed 2004 Tax Rate; and Scheduling of a Public Hearing for Proposed Tax Rate

Mr. Mink introduced the item and Ben Ferrell called attention to the calendar.  He stated a vote would be needed at the August 2 meeting to propose a $0.0800 Maintenance and Operations (M&O) tax rate and a $0.009x I&S tax rate, take a recorded vote, and schedule a public hearing for September 7, 2004.  The calendar includes a final vote to set the tax rate at the September 20 Board meeting.  Mr. Ferrell responded to questions from Trustees and stated this item would be included on the agenda for action at the August 2, 2004, Board meeting.

 

Agenda Item 7954

Interview Architects (4) and Construction Managers (3) Finalists for Cypress Creek Expansion

Dr. Mink introduced the item and Bronson Dorsey, Associate Vice President for Facilities and Operations, stated the Cypress Creek Expansion project was budgeted for up to $25,000,000 including the costs of constructing the building and parking; architect/engineer fees; furniture and equipment permits; surveying; and other associated support costs.  Funding for this project was included in the May 3, 2003, capital improvement program bond referendum.  

 

The Administration solicited bids from Architect/Engineer and Construction Manager- At-Risk.  He advised that the solicitation was conducted in two parts between March 20th and June 28th by a representative Evaluation Committee.  The Committee read and scored each proposal.  The finalists in each category were:

 

·        Architects:  Susman Tisdale Gayle (Austin); O’Connell Robertson & Associates (Austin); 3D/I International (Houston/Austin); and Croslin & Associates (Austin)

·        Construction Managers:  Bartlett Cocke (San Antonio/Austin); Spaw-Glass (San Antonio/Austin); and Skanska USA (Temple)

 

Each of the above-listed Architects and Construction Managers provided a fifteen (15) minute presentation followed by a five (5) minute question-and-answer period.

 

Dr. Mink expressed appreciation to the Architects and Construction Managers and advised that the selection of the Architect and Construction Manger for the Cypress Creek Expansion would be included on the agenda for action at the August 2, 2004, Board meeting.

 

Executive Session

There was no Executive Session held.

 

Announcements

Dr. Mink stated:

·        A meeting would be held with each individual Board member regarding professional development needs.  She suggested that Trustees should not register for the Association of Community College Trustees meeting to be held in New Orleans in October until it is determined which Trustees would attend. 

·        Trustees Veronica Rivera and John Worley agreed to serve on the ACC Foundation Board.

·        A policy review would be conducted under the Carver Model and Board Secretary Jeffrey Richard will lead the Board policy review process.  Mr. Richard will consider the process used in 2002 as a possible methodology for this review.

·        John Hernandez will work with Dr. Aguero and Veronica Obregon, Communications Specialist, to arrange community speaking engagements.

 

Adjournment

Having no motion before the Board, the July 19, 2004, Board Work Session of the Austin Community College Board of Trustees was adjourned at 10:01 p.m.

 

Approved By

Jeffrey Richard, Secretary