MINUTES

Regular Meeting – Board of Trustees

August 1, 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 Monday, August 1, 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; Dr. Lillian J. Davis; Mr. Allen H. Kaplan; Ms. Nan McRaven; Mr. Rafael Quintanilla; Ms. Veronica Rivera; and Dr. John Worley.  Trustee Jeffrey Richard, Board Secretary, 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.

 

Recognitions

·        There were no new employees.

·        Report on Achievements and Recognitions – Dr. Donetta Goodall, 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

·        Colleen Nance, member of South Austin Community Advisory Committee, spoke regarding continuation of the South Austin Community Advisory Committee.

·        Betty Edgemond, member of South Austin Community Advisory Committee, spoke regarding continuation of the South Austin Community Advisory Committee.

 

Reports from Associations

·        Adjunct Faculty Association – Mr. John Herndon, President, was unable to attend the meeting.  Dr. Mink read comments from Mr. Herndon including:  appreciation for recent budget process and support by the Board; Board Policy F-10, Employee Compensation, the adjunct faculty supports paying adjunct faculty based on a percentage of pay for full-time faculty;  inclined to support the draft that references years of experience and education because they feel they can use that policy direction in future deliberations; they pledge to work closely with the Administration to develop a simple, clear and equitable pay system; and they continue to support provision 10 which provides policy protection for compensation.

·        Classified Employees Association – Mr. Tobin Wiegand, President-Elect, spoke regarding Board Policy F-10, Employee Compensation.

·        Full-Time Faculty Senate – Mr. Larry Willoughby, President, spoke regarding Board Policy F-10, Employee Compensation; and requested the addition of “and the Board” in the proposed revisions to section [10]; the Ethics and Fraud hotline and “whistleblower” statement; and thanked the Trustees who voted for the 1 percent increase.   Mr. Willoughby stated this meeting was the last in which he would provide the President’s Report and advised that Al Purcell, current President-Elect would begin reporting for the Full-Time Faculty Senate.  He expressed appreciation to other Association presidents, Board Chair Barbara Mink, Trustees, and the Administration for their work and cooperation during the past year.

·        Professional-Technical Employees Association – Mr. Jerry North, President-Elect, spoke regarding Board Policy F-10, Employee Compensation, including the need to  replace the 95% with 100% of market average compensation; stated Association officers would be elected during August and would be reported at the September Board meeting..

·        Student Government AssociationMr. Michael Sanchez, President, spoke regarding Association events and activities.

 

President’s Administrative Report

Dr. Stephen B. Kinslow, College President, reported on the College reorganization effective August 1, 2005, including the Administration’s request at this meeting to convert two Associate Vice President positions to Vice Presidents; reminded Trustees of the August 12-13, 2005, Board Retreat noting the change in location to meet in the location of the Austin Area Urban League at 1033 La Posada Drive, Austin; and advised that the Fall General Assembly would be held at the Red Lion Hotel on August 26.

 

Dr. Davis advised that Dr. Faulkner, University of Texas; Dr. Paredes, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board; and Dr. Kinslow would be on the program of the August 26, 7:30 a.m., meeting hosted by the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and IBM to discuss higher education.

 

Reports to the Board

·        College Connections Program Update – Dr. Luanne Preston, Executive Director, provided an update on the College Connections program including Fiscal Year 2005 participation.  She stated Austin Independent School District, Bastrop Independent School District, Del Valle Independent School District, Leander Independent School District and San Marcos Consolidated Independent School District participated in the program during Fiscal Year 2005.  She stated there were 21 high schools and 6,771 seniors in the five school districts.  Of these, 871 seniors waived or did not participate in the program, leaving 5,901 seniors eligible to participate.  Of these, 5,236 completed the ACC admissions application and, during high school graduation ceremonies, received an acceptance letter to ACC along with their high school diploma.  Dr. Preston stated that these five school districts would continue to participate in the program in Fiscal Year 2006.  She stated that Hays Consolidated Independent School District, Manor Independent School District, and Pflugerville Independent School District would also participate in Fiscal Year 2006.  The total enrollment for the program in Fiscal Year 2006 could be estimated at10,153 students.  Trustees expressed appreciation for the program and staff.

·        Monthly Construction Update – Mr. Ben Ferrell, Vice President for Business Services, provided an update on current construction and renovation projects including a Major Facilities Projects Summary, including: 

§         Eastview Campus – Health Sciences Building ($15,450,000) which has been completed as has the parking lot;

§         Eastview Campus - Environmental Work – Work was continuing pursuant to State and City of Austin initiated reviews of former landfill sites;

§         South Austin Campus ($21,500,000) - Construction continues and the first classes should be scheduled for Fall 2006;

§         Cypress Creek Expansion ($25,000,000) – The architects were completing the Design Development Phase for the campus expansion, the Guaranteed Maximum Price was received in July, site construction was estimated to begin in early August 2005, with classes beginning in the new building in Spring 2007; and renovation of the existing building would occur during the Spring semester of 2007;

§         Northridge Campus Parking Lot ($580,000) – Construction of the 156 additional parking spaces was completed and in use.

§         Pinnacle Parking Lot ($650,000) – Funding for an additional parking lot at the Pinnacle Campus was originally part of a proposed agreement with a developer adjacent to the Campus.  The developer would construct a parking lot on their land and sell it to ACC in return for an easement allowing access to and from Highway 290 through a Pinnacle driveway.  Staff renewed discussions with the developer and ascertained that the developer’s current schedule for the project which would include this parking lot indicates that it is unlikely that the project will have an approved site plan before Summer 2006.

§         Status of Expansion of US 290 at Oak Hill – This project includes construction of frontage roads and main lanes of US 290 from the existing end of the expressway at Joe Tanner Road to approximately El Rey Boulevard.  This will include an intersection with Texas 71 at the “Y”, and will extend past the driveway to the Pinnacle Campus and RM1826.  The main lanes of US 290 will be continuous at all intersections via grade separation.  The Texas Department of Transportation anticipates approving a contract for construction of this segment in January 2006.  The construction period is expected to be approximately three years.  Construction of frontage roads will precede construction of the main lanes.  Staff continues to monitor the development of land use plans as well as transportation plans in the Oak Hill area.

§         Rio Grande Campus ($33,950,000) – The Campus was purchased from Austin Independent School District in April 2004 for $4.75 million.  The feasibility study is nearing completion using the various scenarios provided to the architects by ACC.  These scenarios include the construction of the parking garage and offices for faculty, as well as options on how best to use the $11 million designated for program and renovation projects.  In addition, internal and external focus groups were held to gather input for future planning at the Campus.  Negotiations with the City of Austin and AISD on joint use of the land upon which the $15 million parking garage would be located are in progress.  The  negotiations are proceeding with no major obstacles to date, and a proposed agreement for Board review is expected in Fall 2005.

§         San Marcos/Hays County – A feasibility study commissioned to study the donation of land pursuant to a possible annexation of San Marcos ISD was completed.  The work was performed by Graeber, Simmons, and Cowan.  ACC counsel is finalizing the development agreement and amendments to the conveyance agreement with the developer.

§         Riverside Zoning – The City of Austin is pursuing a planning process in the area surrounding the Riverside Campus.  The City recommended originally that the area be re-zoned “P” for public use.  ACC believes that this is not in ACC’s best interest due to the potential for substantially increased costs to develop the Campus  and impairment of asset values.  ACC Counsel drafted a response in December 2004 to the City’s original survey requesting that ACC zoning be left as is until ACC has had time to study the matter and conduct master planning for the College.  The City staff is now recommending General Office (GO) zoning for the campus which is considered more appropriate zoning for ACC, and consistent with other institutions of higher education in the city.  Neighborhood groups still support “P” zoning, with the golf course use to remain in perpetuity.  Staff continues to work with the City and neighborhood groups on this matter.

§         Riverside Renovations – Student Services and other renovations are being reviewed for feasibility and budgetary considerations.

§         Northridge Student Services Renovations – Planning for the Student Service renovations were referred to the architect/engineers in early July.  In order to renovate this space without interrupting operation of Student Services, the renovations will occur in five phases, and last approximately one year overall.  Construction of the first phase is scheduled to begin in August 2005.

§         Facilities Master Plan – Eleven planning firms responded to the College’s Request for Proposals (RFP).  A selection committee representative of the College was formed, and evaluation s of the proposals completed in June.  Five finalists were interviewed in July, and one team was recommended for selection.  After the selection of a planning firm, the project should take a year to eighteen months.

§         District-Wide Renovations – The following work is included in the category of District-Wide Renovations of the 2003 General Obligation bond package:

Ø      Parking Study  (Completed) – $76,875

Ø      Parking Study--Part 2 (Completed) - $20,000

Ø      Parking Study--Part 3 (Completed) - $925

Ø      Facilities Audit (Completed) - $140,050

Ø      Facilities Audit--Impact. & E-Manual (In progress) $97,620

Ø      Riverside Campus Tennis Courts (Completed) - $55,381

Ø      Rio Grande Campus Access Ramp - $43,320

Ø      Replace Transfer Switches at Pinnacle Campus (Completed) - $44,006

Ø      Service Center Maintenance Shop - $202,398

Ø      Equipment for DW Cooling Towers (Completed) $34,262

Ø      Highland Business Center, Third Floor Breakroom (Completed) - $14,323

Ø      Riverside Student Services Renovations - $1,300,000

Ø      Northridge Student Services Renovations - $1,000,000

Ø      Unallocated DW Renovations - $141,839       

Totals:  $3,170,000

Monthly Financial Report – June 2005 – Mr. Ben Ferrell provided information concerning the June 2005 Financial Report. He stated Summer 2005 enrollments were complete and there was 0% growth compared to Summer 2004, and based on current information, the College’s budget was on track and projecting approximately $300,000 revenues over expenses.

Revenues – Total revenue was projected at approximately $129.6 million, or $.08 million below original projections.

Expenses – Total expenses were projected at $1.1 million under budget.

Summary – In summary, revenues were under budget by $0.8 million and expenses were under budget by $1.1 million; therefore Net Revenues over Expenses projected a surplus of about $300,000.  Cash balances were in line at approximately $103 million, including $76 million in bond proceeds.

 

Consent Agenda

 

Chair Mink introduced the Consent Agenda:

 

Agenda Item 8094

Proposed Approval of Minutes of the of the July 5, 2005, Regular Meeting of the Austin Community College Board of Trustees

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

 

Trustees Allen Kaplan moved and Nan McRaven seconded that:

MOTION:  The Board of Trustees approve the Minutes of the July 5, 2005, Regular Meeting 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, Nan McRaven, Barbara P. Mink, Rafael Quintanilla, Veronica Rivera, and John Worley.

AGAINST:  None.

ABSENT:  Trustee Jeffrey Richard

 

The agenda was re-ordered.

 

Discussion/Possible Action:

Old Business:

 

Agenda Item 8095

Adoption of Master Plan, Fiscal Years 2006-2008

Dr. Mink introduced the item and Ms. Soon Merz, Associate Vice President, distributed a summary of new recommendations in the Fiscal Year 2006-2008 Master Plan and provided information concerning the Master Plan.

 

Trustees Nan McRaven moved and Lillian Davis seconded that:

MOTION:  The Board of Trustees adopt the Master Plan for Fiscal Years 2006-2008 as presented.

Trustees John Worley moved and Allen Kaplan seconded:

AMENDMENT TO MOTION:  That number 6 on page 34 of the Master Plan be amended to read:

“6.  In recogition that ACC’s in-district and out-of-district tuition rates is are among the highest in Texas, the College will should strive to minimize both in-district and out-of-district tuition increases.  In accordance with the Board’s tuition policy, the College will eliminate, within a reasonable time, the tax subsidy for out-of-district students.

Trustees discussed whether Austin Community College’s in-district tuition rate was among the highest in Texas.

Trustee Rafael Quintanilla proposed a FRIENDLY AMENDMENT.

FRIENDLY AMENDMENT:  That item 6 not be included in the Master Plan for 2006-2008 at this time and that it be put aside so that a vote can occur on the remainder of the Master Plan 2006-2008 at this meeting.  A definite time should be scheduled for number 6 to come back to the Board so that a vote can occur on the remainder of the Master Plan 2006-2008. 

Dr. Worley accepted the Friendly Amendment to postpone the vote on  item 6 at this time.

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

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

AGAINST:  None.

ABSENT:  Trustee Jeffrey Richard

 

Agenda Item 8096

Revisions to Board Policies F-5, Advancement and Placement; F-10, Employee Compensation; and G-2, Purchasing

Dr. Mink introduced the item and stated discussion of this item would be postponed until the September 6, 2005, Board meeting.

 

Agenda Item 8097

Approval at First Reading:  Tax Rate Planning Calendar, Proposed 2005 Tax Rate, and Scheduling Public Hearings on August 25, 2005, and September 6, 2005, for Proposed Tax Rate for Austin Community College

Dr. Mink introduced the item and Mr. Ben Ferrell provided information concerning the Tax Calendar and the new law which required two Public Hearings on the proposed Tax Rate for Austin Community College.

Trustees Rafael Quintanilla moved and Veronica Rivera seconded that:

MOTION:  The Board of Trustees adopt the 2005 Property Tax Planning Calendar, the Proposed 2005 Property Tax Rate of $0.0900 for M&O and $0.0091 for I&S, and the scheduling of two public hearings on August 25, 2005, and September 6, 2005.

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

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

AGAINST:  None.

ABSENT:  Trustee Jeffrey Richard

 

The agenda was re-ordered.

 

Agenda Item 8101

Approval at First Reading:  Interlocal Agreement for Bus Service with Leander Independent School District

Dr. Mink introduced the item.and Mr. Ben Ferrell provided information concerning the Interlocal Agreement with Leander Independent School District to provide bus service and parking for ACC during the development of new facilities at the Cypress Creek Campus.  Mr. Ferrell responded to questions from Trustees regarding a Memorandum of Understanding with the City of Cedar Park for temporary parking at Milburn Park and the Interlocal Agreement with Leander ISD to provide additional off-site parking spaces and bus transportation services for students, faculty, and staff of the ACC Cypress Creek Campus while the site development component of the construction activities are being conducted on the Campus.

 

Trustees Nan McRaven moved and Lillian Davis seconded that:

MOTION:  The Board of Trustees approve the Interlocal Agreement for Bus Service with Leander Independent School District.

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

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

AGAINST:  None.

ABSENT:  Trustee Jeffrey Richard

 

Agenda Item 8102

Consideration and Possible Action at First Reading:  Acquisition of Property Listed as Travis County Foreclosure Control No. 18 (2711 Goodwin Avenue), and as Travis County Foreclosure Control Nos. 19 and 20 (2700 block of Goodwin Avenue)

Dr. Mink introduced the item. 

 

Executive Session

The Board of Trustees of Austin Community College recessed into Executive Session at 7:10 p.m. to consult with Legal Counsel regarding the purchase, exchange, lease or value of real property pursuant to Government Code 551.072.

 

Reconvene

The Board of Trustees of Austin Community College reconvened in public session at 7:52 p.m. pursuant to Texas Government Code 551.

 

Agenda Item 8102 (continued)

Consideration and Possible Action at First Reading:  Acquisition of Property Listed as Travis County Foreclosure Control No. 18 (2711 Goodwin Avenue), and as Travis County Foreclosure Control Nos. 19 and 20 (2700 block of Goodwin Avenue)

 

Trustees John Worley moved and Rafael Quintanilla seconded that:

MOTION:  The Board of Trustees authorize the staff to negotiate a purchase along the lines discussed in Executive Session.

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

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

AGAINST:  None.

ABSENT:  Trustee Jeffrey Richard

 

Agenda Item 8098

Selection of a Vendor for Facilities Master Planning

Dr. Mink introduced the item.  Mr. Ben Ferrell stated the selection process was undertaken to provide the College with professional services for updating the current facilities master plan.  The updated facilities master plan will focus on a regional and strategic analysis for advising the Board on the location, size, and general physical characteristics ACC facilties may require for the future.  Planning will involve assessing and updating information on external trends, including demographics, economics, transportation, technology, educational needs, and other relevant factors.  The College received 11 bid proposals.  The proposals were rated by a selection committee and five finalists were selected for interviews.  Based on the interviews, the committee selected Sasaki Associates, Inc., to provide regional facilities master planning activities.

 

Mr. Ferrell responded to questions from Trustees regarding the cost, accountability, information from the previous study, scope design, needs, and emphasis of the proposal.

 

This item will be included on an agenda for a future meeting.

 

Agenda Item 8099

Request to Convert Two Associate Vice President Positions to Vice President Positions

Dr. Mink introduced the item and Dr. Stephen B. Kinslow, President, stated that as a part of Phase I of the district-wide reorganization the Administration requested approval from the Board to convert, per Board Policy F-6, Staffing, [2] two Associate Vice President Positions to Vice President positions: 

 

·        Associate Vice President for Academic Transfer to Vice President, Academic Transfer and General & Developmental Education; and 

·        Associate Vice President, Retention and Student Services, to Vice President, Student Support and Success Systems.

 

Dr. Kinslow stated that converting these positions would result in a small salary increase for one position to bring that position in line with other Vice Presidents. 

 

This item will be included on the September 6, 2005, Board agenda for possible action.

 

Agenda Item 8100

Request to Convert South Austin Community Advisory Committee to Campus Advisory Committee

Dr. Mink introduced the item and Dr. Kinslow provided information regarding completion of the charge to the South Austin Community Advisory Committee and the need to shift the focus to community outreach regarding the new campus, a role consistent with other ACC Campus Advisory Committees, and which would report to the Administration as other Campuses do.  Dr. Kinslow responded to questions from Trustees.  Mr. Jim Walker, ACC Liaison to the South Austin Community Advisory Committee, and Mr. James McGuffee, South Austin Community Advisory Committee, provided information and responded to questions from Trustees

 

Trustee Rivera suggested that the Board may need to approve a Resolution based upon Board Policy B-7, Board Advisory Committees.  Chair Mink requested that Trustee Rivera draft a resolution regarding the scope of the Committee.

 

This item will be included on the agenda of a future Board meeting.

 

Adjournment

Having no motion before the Board, the August 1, 2005, Regular Meeting of the Austin Community College Board of Trustees was adjourned at 8:35 p.m.

 

Approved By

Jeffrey Richard, Board Secretary