MINUTES

Regular Meeting – Board of Trustees

June 6, 2005

 

 

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, June 6, 2005, at 6:04 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: Dr. Barbara P. Mink, Chair/Presiding Officer; Mr. John F. Hernandez, Board Vice Chair; Mr. Jeffrey Richard, Secretary; Dr. Lillian J. Davis; Mr. Allen H. Kaplan; Mr. Rafael Quintanilla; Ms. Veronica Rivera; and Dr. 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.

 

Election of Board Officers

Dr. Mink introduced the item.

Trustees Lillian Davis moved and Rafael Quintanilla seconded that:

MOTION:  That the Board of Trustees of Austin Community College re-elect the current slate of Board Officers:  Dr. Barbara P. Mink, Chair; Mr. John F. Hernandez, Vice Chair; and Mr. Jeffrey Richard, Secretary.

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

FOR:  Lillian J. Davis, John F. Hernandez, Allen H. Kaplan, Barbara P. Mink, Rafael Quintanilla, Jeffrey Richard, Veronica Rivera, and John Worley.

AGAINST:  None.

ABSENT:  Trustee Nan McRaven.

 

Recognitions

·        There were no new employees.

·        Report on Achievements and Recognitions – Dr. Richard Smith, Interim Associate Vice President, presented the Kudos Report and called attention to recent awards/recognitions received by faculty/programs, staff, students, and Austin Community College.

 

Citizens Communication

·        Kyla Myers, student, distributed information and spoke regarding the upholstery program.

·        Sara Farrell, student, spoke regarding the upholstery program.

·        Lyman Grant, faculty, spoke regarding full-time compensation.

·        John Cise, faculty, distributed information and spoke regarding full-time compensation.

·        Mark Goodrich, employee, spoke regarding FY06 budget.

 

Reports from Associations

·        Adjunct Faculty Association – Mr. John Herndon, President, spoke regarding adjunct faculty compensation.

·        Classified Employees Association –Sue Bloodsworth, President, spoke regarding compensation for classified employees and the upcoming ACC blood drive.

·        Full-Time Faculty Senate – Mr. Larry Willoughby, President, spoke regarding Faculty Senate activities, compensation, and a motion passed by the Faculty Senate on June 2..

·        Professional-Technical Employees Association – Ms. Linda Morrison, President, spoke regarding Association activities and compensation for professional-technical employees.

·        Student Government AssociationMr. Michael Sanchez, President, introduced new officers of the Association:  Charles Maddox, Vice President; Missy Chisholm, Secretary; Nick Schneider, Treasurer; Mandy Core, Director of Communications; Jasmine Core, Parliamentarian; A. J. Dennis, Senate Chair, and spoke regarding Association activities.

 

Agenda Item 8072

Discussion and Possible Action on Appointment of Dr. Stephen B. Kinslow as President of Austin Community College

Dr. Mink introduced the item.

Trustees Rafael Quintanilla moved and Jeffrey Richard seconded that:

MOTION:  The Board of Trustees of Austin Community College appoint Dr. Stephen B. Kinslow as President of Austin Community College and that the Board authorize the Board Chair to negotiate the terms of the contract in accordance with the Board’s previous discussions, that being the two-year term, and that the contract should generally follow the terms of former President Aguero’s contract in terms of pay, benefits, and all the accruements of the job.

VOTE:  The motion passed on a vote of 6-2.

FOR: Lillian J. Davis, John F. Hernandez, Barbara P. Mink, Rafael Quintanilla, Jeffrey Richard, and Veronica Rivera.

AGAINST:  Allen H. Kaplan and John Worley.

ABSENT:  Trustee Nan McRaven.

 

Dr. Kinslow stated he was very pleased to be appointed as President of the College and looked forward to the challenges and opportunities.. He said he believes everything is the result of teamwork and looked forward to continuing to collaborate and work with all of the constituencies of the College.  He stated he was extremely excited to have the opportunity to advance the Mission of the College.  He said that Austin Community College was at an interesting time in its development and a lot of wonderful community momentum that is a testament not only to the quality of ACC’s faculty and staff and programs, but also the fact that the messaging of the unique role of ACC is getting through to the larger community.  He stated that this is really exciting in a community where the community college is often overshadowed by a university presence.  He said he was very excited to get to help advance the College’s Master Plan initiatives.  He expressed appreciation for the confidence expressed and stated the College would do a good job.

 

Recess

Dr. Mink recessed the June 6, 2005, Regular meeting of the Board of Trustees of Austin Community College at 6:40 p.m. for a brief reception for President Kinslow in the back of the Board Room.

 

[Trustee Rafael Quintanilla left the meeting.]

 

Reconvene

The Board of Trustees of Austin Community College reconvened in public session at 7:00 p.m. on June 6, 2005, pursuant to Texas Government Code 551.

 

President’s Administrative Report

Dr. Stephen B. Kinslow, President, provided information on the next steps of Austin Community College including:  plans for a minor reorganization; committee review of the Facilities Master Plan; future meetings with employee and student government associations for the coming year with topics focused on student success factors.  He expressed appreciation to the associations for their work with the administration to clarify compensation methodology.  He advised that he had met with Michael Sanchez and there would be a summer seminar with the new Student Government Officers regarding Austin Community College.

 

Reports to the Board

·        Monthly Construction Update – Mr. Ferrell provided an update on current construction and renovation projects including a Major Facilities Projects Summary, a facilities update regarding Eastview Campus – Health Sciences Building ($15,450,000); Eastview Campus – Environmental Testing; South Austin Campus ($21,500,000); Cypress Creek Expansion ($25,000,000); Northridge Parking Lot ($580,000); Pinnacle Parking Lot ($650,000); Rio Grande Campus ($33,950,000) – negotiations continue with the City regarding the parking garage area; San Marcos/Hays County – amendments to the transfer agreement were being finalized; Riverside Zoning – discussions were continuing; Riverside Renovations – options were being discussed; and Northridge Student Service Renovations – were nearing completion and should be referred to the architects/engineers this month.  Information was also provided regarding the expansion of US 290 at Oak Hill and the ACC Facilities Master Plan.  He stated eleven planning firms responded to the Request for Proposals on the Facilities Master Plan, a selection committee was formed, and evaluation of the proposals would be completed in June.  He said the project should take a year to eighteen months after the planning firm is selected.  Mr. Ferrell and Mr. Bill Mullane, Interim Director of Facilities and Construction, responded to questions from Trustees regarding renovations to Northridge Student Services, Riverside zoning, San Marcos/Hays County, and the parking garage for the Rio Grande Campus.

 

·        Financial Report – April 2005 -- Mr. Ben Ferrell, Vice President for Business Services, called attention to the April 2005 Financial Statement and noted:  the successful City of Austin annexation reduced out-of-district tuition revenues for the Summer Semester by about $300,000 and, based on current information, the College’s budget was on track and projecting approximately $300,000 revenues over expenses.  Mr. Ferrell indicated that revenues were $1.1 million under budget and expenses were $1.4 million under budget.  Therefore, Net Revenues over Expenses project a surplus of about $300,000.  Cash balances were in line at approximately $110 million, including $78 million in bond proceeds.  Mr. Ferrell responded to Trustees regarding calculation of students, Spring versus Fall enrollments, and unrestricted funds.

 

CONSENT AGENDA

 

Chair Mink introduced the Consent Agenda:

 

Agenda Item 8073

Approval of Minutes of the of the May 2, 2005, Regular Meeting; May 11, 2005, Special Meeting; May 16, 2005, Special Meeting; and May 16, 2005, Work Session of the Austin Community College Board of Trustees

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

 

Trustees Allen Kaplan moved and Veronica Rivera seconded that:

MOTION:  The Board of Trustees approve the Minutes of the of the May 2, 2005, Regular Meeting; May 2, 2005, Special Meeting; and May 16, 2005, Special Meeting; and May 16, 2005, Work Session of the Austin Community College Board of Trustees as presented.

The motion passed on a vote of 8-0.

FOR:  Lillian J. Davis, John F. Hernandez, Allen H. Kaplan, Barbara P. Mink, Rafael Quintanilla, Jeffrey Richard, Veronica Rivera, and John Worley.

AGAINST:  None.

ABSENT:  Trustee Nan McRaven.

 

Discussion/Possible Action:

 

Old Business:

 

New Business:

 

Agenda Item 8074

Discussion of Student Success

Dr. Mink introduced the item.  Dr. Kathleen Christensen, Associate Vice President for Retention and Student Services, advised that promoting access to higher education and helping students to achieve their diverse educational goals were the primary goals of the College.  She stated that as the FY06 budget was developed, it would be appropriate to discuss student success factors and to clarify goals which may impact college priorities and resource allocation.  is development presented student success factors including enrollment:  Dr. Christensen discussed student enrollment which included Closing the Gaps, continued outreach, continued outreach to independent school districts, and budget implications.  She also provided information on student success including:  career planning; developmental education, distance learning, transfer planning, Student Life expansion, faculty advising system, early alert system, Academic Standards of Progress, degree completion, improved telephone service, and increasing processing efficiencies in Admissions and Records and in Financial Aid.  Dr. Christensen responded to questions from Trustees regarding expansion of Student Life, continued outreach, financial aid counseling, early alert system, faculty follow up, relationship of increased tuition to student dropouts, withdrawal rate in distance learning, and Closing the Gap report.

 

Agenda Item 8075

Fiscal Year 2006 Budget Discussion

Dr. Mink introduced the item.  Dr. Kinslow stated staff had presented a preliminary view of the Fiscal Year 2006 Budget containing assumptions, revenue and expense estimates, and requests related to capital Outlay/technology, staffing, and facilit9ies improvements.  He said this meeting would focus on Compensation, Facilities, and Tuition and Fees.  Dr. Kinslow called attention to the information provided regarding Fiscal Year 2006 Budget Assumptions, Value of One Reference Guide; History of Average Compensation Increases/Fiscal Year 2006 Compensation Information; ACC Tuition Compared to Other Local Institutions; Cost Savings Actions in Previous Budgets; Summary of Preliminary Fiscal Year 2006 Budget Revenues and Expenses; Capital Outlay/Technology Budget; Facilities Improvements Budget; and Extra Services Categories.

 

Dr. Gerry Tucker, Associate Vice President for Human Resources, distributed information on employee compensation and introduced the compensation staff:  Vickie West and Sherry Rodriguez.  Ms. Tucker discussed cost of living information including the Consumer Price Index and living wage information.  She presented the results of the annual survey of compensation data for the classified and professional-technical employees, adjunct faculty, and full-time faculty,  She stated that the community colleges surveyed were Alamo Community College, Collin County Community College, Dallas Community College, Houston Community College, North Harris Montgomery County Community College District, San Jacinto Community College, and Tarrant County Community College.  Lee College declined to participate in this year’s survey.  She discussed classified and professional-technical recommended market adjustments, FY 2005 salary scales, and FY 2006 salary scales with a 3.5 percent increase.  Ms. Tucker also discussed salary comparison points for adjunct faculty, benchmarks for data comparison for full-time faculty, and market adjustment recommendations/budget implications.  Ms. Tucker responded to questions from Trustees.

 

Mr. Ben Ferrell responded to questions from Trustees regarding the Facilities Improvements Budget and ACC tuition.

 

Dr. Kinslow stated the June 20 Board Work Session would concern these topics and asked Trustees to identify any additional information which might be needed regarding the proposed Fiscal Year 2006 budget.

 

Agenda Item 8076

Discussion of Proposed Interlocal Agreement with Austin Independent School District (Education Affiliation Agreement)

Dr. Mink introduced the item.  Mr. Mike Midgley, Interim Associate Vice President for Workforce Education, stated the proposed Interlocal Cooperation Agreement (Educational Affiliation Agreement) with Austin Independent School District would allow pediatric clinical replacements at Rosedale School for ACC nursing students.  He stated Government Code 791.011 required approval of Interlocal Cooperation Agreements.  Mr. Midgley responded to questions from Trustees.  This item will be included on the July 5, 2006, agenda for possible action by the Board of Trustees.

 

Agenda Item 8077

Discussion of Proposed Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Degree in International Business

Dr. Mink introduced the item and Mr. Mike Midgley and Dr. Val Cantu, Dean of Business Studies, provided information concerning the proposed degree, AAS in International Business, and stated it would provide a course of study specifically designed to prepare students for positions in international business.  Need for the degree was established with both local and national Labor Market Information data.

 

This item will be included on the July 5, 2005, agenda for possible action by the Board of Trustees.

 

Agenda Item 8078

Discussion of Proposed Continuing Education Medical/Clinical Assisting Certificate

Dr. Mink introduced the item.  Mr. Mike Midgley and Ms. Sandy Gaskin, Dean of Continuing Education, provided information concerning the proposed Continuing Education certificate, Medical/Clinical Assisting, and stated it would provide a course of study specifically designed to prepare students for entry-level positions in clinical assisting.  Need for the degree was established with both local and national Labor Market Information data.

 

Mr. Midgley and Ms. Gaskin responded to questions from Trustees.  This item will be included on the July 5, 2005, agenda for possible action by the Board of Trustees.

 

Agenda Item 8079

Discussion of Proposed Move of ACC Fire Academy from Taylor to Pflugerville

Dr. Mink introduced the item and Mr. Mike Midgley and Dr. Gary Hampton, Dean of Applied Technologies, Multimedia, and Public Service, stated ACC was contacted by Pflugerville residents regarding their interest in moving the Fire Academy from Taylor to Pflugerville.  They stated the move would allow an additional thirty cadets to be trained and would include one night class.  Dr. Hampton  indicated that Fire Academy would be an attachment to the current Pflugerville Fire Department.  He said the proposed move would:  locate the academy within ACC’s service area; allow an expansion of the program, and address high-demand/turn-aways; consolidate our activities at one location (we currently lease the Pflugerville Fire Burn Training Facility for all live burns); eliminate the need for dormitories; and provide space to add related Continuing Education and credit classes.  Mr. Midgley and Dr. Hampton responded to questions from Trustees.

 

This item will be on the July 5, 2005, agenda for possible action by the Board of Trustees.

 

[Trustee Richard left the meeting at 8:55 p.m.]

 

Agenda Item 8080

Consideration of Vendors for Environmental Services

Dr. Mink introduced the item.  Mr. Ben Ferrell stated the College has need for environmental services vendors in the course of its operations in order to comply with various federal, state, and local environmental considerations and requirements.  Requests for Proposals were sent out by the Purchasing and Environmental Health and Safety departments to solicit firms to provide various environmental services as needs arise.  In accordance with Board policy and administrative efficiencies, the contract term for each recommended firm would be for two initial years with three one-year renewals.  He stated bid proposals were submitted from eight (8) firms and four firms were recommended:  Baer Engineering and Environmental Consulting (HUB); Burcham Environmental Services; Geomatrix Consultants; and Zephyr (HUB).  Mr. Ferrell responded to questions from Trustees.

 

This item will be included on the July 5, 2005, agenda for possible action by the Board of Trustees.

 

Executive Session

There was no Executive Session.

 

Adjournment

Having no motion before the Board, the June 6, 2005, Regular Meeting of the Austin Community College Board of Trustees was adjourned at 9:00 p.m.

 

Approved By          

Jeffrey Richard, Secretary