MINUTES

MINUTES

Regular Meeting – Board of Trustees

March 6, 2006

 

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, March 6, 2006, at 6:01 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 [arrived at 7:10 p.m.]; Mr. Allen H. Kaplan; Ms. Nan McRaven [arrived at 6:50 p.m.]; Mr. Rafael Quintanilla; and Dr. John Worley.  Trustee Veronica Rivera 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

·        New Employees – There were no new employees.

·        Report on Achievements and Recognitions – Ms. Linda Young, Special Assistant for Governmental and Community Relations, presented the Kudos Report and called attention to recent awards/recognitions received by faculty/programs, staff, students, and Austin Community College.

 

Citizens Communication

·        Mr. Bill Cheek, ACC/AFT, spoke regarding the silent auction.

·        Mr. Clyde Wilson, citizen, spoke regarding tax freeze.

·        Mr. Ray Cowperthwaite, AARP/Tax payer, spoke regarding property tax “cap”.

·        Ms. Lucille Turner, citizen, spoke regarding property tax freeze.

·        Mr. h. Keith Sterzing, citizen, spoke regarding property tax cap.

·        Mr. James McGuffee, SACAC/citizen, spoke regarding naming of South Austin Campus.

·        Ms. Guadalupe Sosa, SACAC, spoke regarding naming of South Austin Campus..

·        Mr. Benny Hawkins, Manor Education Foundation, presented a Foundation Award in the amount of $603.33.

·        Ms. Gloria Salazar, San Marcos ACC-Yes!, spoke regarding San Marcos-ACC.

 

Reports from Associations

·        Adjunct Faculty Association – John Herndon, President, spoke regarding Association activities, proposed changes to Compensation Plan, and reminded all to participate in primary elections.

·        Classified Employees Association –Mr. Tobin Wiegand, President, spoke regarding Association activities.

·        Full-Time Faculty Senate – Mr. Al Purcell, President, expressed appreciation for the participation of Trustees and College President in their recent Association meeting, and invited attendance of other Trustees.

·        Professional-Technical Employees Association – Mr. Jerry North, President, spoke regarding Association activities.

·        Student Government Association – Charles Maddox, President, spoke regarding April elections; an informal survey for naming of South Austin Campus; and other Association activities.

 

President’s Administrative Report

Dr. Stephen B. Kinslow, College President, spoke regarding the upcoming election for annexation of the San Marcos Consolidated Independent School District and the San Marcos land donation.  He expressed appreciation to Mr. Albert Sierra, Ms. Gloria Salazar, faculty, staff, and students, and all individuals for their dedication and hard work during the past two years.

 

Reports to the Board

·        Facilities Report – January 2006 – Mr. Bill Mullane, Director of Facilities and Construction, highlighted current construction, Facilities Master Plan, and district-wide renovation projects, and Environmental Health Safety and Insurance Activities Report.  He responded to questions from Trustees regarding the proposed sale of the Eastridge parking lot, and the Rio Grande Campus.

·        Financial Report – January 2006 – Mr. Ben Ferrell, Vice President for Business Services, stated  that the College’s budget was on tract and projecting approximately $900,000 increase in Unrestricted Net Assets, and a $350,000 increase in Total Assets.  Total Revenue was projected at approximately $143.3 million or $1.7 million over original projects due to increases in enrollment.  Total expenses were projected at $142.4 million or about $0.8 million over budget.  Cash and Investments were in line at approximately $113 million, including $67 million in bond proceeds. 

 

CONSENT AGENDA

 

Chair Mink introduced the Consent Agenda.

 

Agenda Item 8190

Proposed Approval of Contract for Election Services with Williamson County

Recommendation:  That the Board of Trustees approve the proposed contract for election services for the May 13, 2006, Board of Trustees election in Williamson County.  The election area covers those portions of Williamson County within the ACC taxing authority, which include areas within the City of Austin boundaries.

 

Agenda Item 8191

Proposed Approval of Community Priorities Declaration for Fiscal Year 2007

Recommendation:  That the Board of Trustees, as required by Board Policy E-1, declare its Community Priorities Declaration through Resolution 8191. 

 

Legal Counsel Myra McDaniel distributed information to Trustees and stated the information  included updated attachments to the Contract for Elections Services with Williamson County.

 

Trustees Rafael Quintanilla moved and Allen Kaplan seconded that:

MOTION:  The Board of Trustees approve Agenda Item 8190, Contract for Election Services with Williamson County, and Agenda Item 8191, Approval of Community Priorities Declaration for Fiscal Year 2007 – Resolution 8191.

John Worley requested a Friendly Amendment to 8190.

FRIENDLY AMENDMENT:  To include adoption of revised Attachments.

Trustees Rafael Quintanilla and Allen Kaplan accepted the Friendly Amendment.

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

FOR:  John F. Hernandez, Allen Kaplan, Barbara P. Mink, Rafael Quintanilla, Jeffrey Richard, and John Worley

AGAINST:  None.

Trustees Lillian J. Davis and Nan McRaven were absent for the vote.  Trustee Veronica Rivera was absent from the meeting.

 

Discussion/Possible Action:

 

Old Business:

 

Agenda Item 8192

Calling the San Marcos Election

Dr. Mink introduced the item and Ms. Linda Young, Special Assistant to the President for Governmental and Community Relations, presented information concerning the item.

 

Trustees John Worley moved and Allen Kaplan seconded that:

MOTION:  The Austin Community College Board of Trustees approve A RESOLUTION ORDERING A SPECIAL ELECTION TO BE HELD MAY 13, 2006 WITHIN THE TERRITORY OF THE SAN MARCOS CONSOLIDATED INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT FOR THE ANNEXATION OF THE TERRITORY OF THE SAN MARCOS CONSOLIDATED INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT INTO THE AUSTIN COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT FOR JUNIOR COLLEGE PURPOSES, MAKING PROVISION FOR THE CONDUCT OF THE ELECTION AND RESOLVING OTHER MATTERS INCIDENT AND RELATED TO THE HOLDING OF SUCH ELECTION, including Exhibits A, B, C, and D as attached.

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

FOR:  John F. Hernandez, Allen Kaplan, Barbara P. Mink, Rafael Quintanilla, Jeffrey Richard, and John Worley.

AGAINST:  None.

Trustees Lillian J. Davis and Nan McRaven were absent for the vote.

Trustee Veronica Rivera was absent from the meeting.

 

[Trustee Nan McRaven arrived at 6:50 p.m.]

 

Agenda Item 8193

San Marcos Land Donation

Dr. Mink introduced the item.

Trustees Allen Kaplan moved and Nan McRaven seconded that:

MOTION:  The Board of Trustees accept an offer to donate land to the ACC District for a campus in San Marcos, including the option to purchase an adjacent tract of land.

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

FOR:  John F. Hernandez, Allen Kaplan, Nan McRaven; Barbara P. Mink, Rafael Quintanilla, Jeffrey Richard, and John Worley,

AGAINST:  None.

Trustee Lillian J. Davis was absent for the vote. 

Trustee Veronica Rivera was absent from the meeting.

 

Agenda Item 8194

Adoption of Name for South Austin Campus

Dr. Mink introduced the item.

Trustees Allen Kaplan moved and Jeffrey Richard seconded that:

MOTION:  The Board of Trustees officially name the new campus South Austin Campus.

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

FOR:  John F. Hernandez, Allen Kaplan, Nan McRaven, Barbara P. Mink, Rafael Quintanilla, Jeffrey Richard, and John Worley,

AGAINST:  None.

Trustee Lillian J. Davis was absent for the vote. 

Trustee Veronica Rivera was absent from the meeting.

 

Agenda Item 8195

Calling the Election for ACC Board of Trustees

Dr. Mink introduced the item Ms. Linda Young provided information concerning the item and responded to questions from Trustees.

 

Trustees Nan McRaven moved and Jeffrey Richard seconded that:

MOTION:  That the Board of Trustees call an election for May 13, 2006, for Board of Trustee Places 7, 8, and 9.

The motion passed on a vote of 7-0.

FOR:  John F. Hernandez, Allen Kaplan, Nan McRaven; Barbara P. Mink, Rafael Quintanilla, Jeffrey Richard, and John Worley,

AGAINST:  None.

Trustee Lillian J. Davis was absent for the vote. 

Trustee Veronica Rivera was absent from the meeting.

 

New Business:

 

Agenda Item 8196

Request for Freeze on Homestead Tax for Elderly and Disabled

Dr. Mink introduced the item and Ben Ferrell provided information on Comparison of Exemption Practices; Data Pertinent to Exemptions for the Elderly or Disabled; Chart - Cost of Possible ACC Senior/Disabled Exemption 2005 to 2025; Travis Central Appraisal District 2005 Tax Rates.  Mr. Ferrell distributed information on Tax Freeze – Texas Public Community Colleges.  Mr. Ferrell and Mr. Neil Vickers, ACC Director of Budgeting, responded to questions from Trustees.

 

[Trustee Lillian J. Davis arrived at 7:10 p.m.]

 

This item will be brought back to the Board for possible action at the April 3, 2006, meeting.

 

Agenda Item 8197

Discussion:  Legislative Work Plan

Dr. Mink introduced the item and Ms. Linda Young called attention to the legislative work plan for the College for 2006-2007.  Dr. Kinslow and Ms. Young responded to suggestions from Trustees regarding utilization of Trustees to participate in meetings and scheduling an ACC meeting with elected officials.

 

Dr. Mink stated the proposed Legislative Work Plan will be reviewed and included on the Board agenda for possible action at the April 3, 2006, meeting.

 

Agenda Item 8198

Policy Compliance Report:  C-6, College Community Linkages

Dr. Mink introduced the item and Dr. Kinslow called attention to the external partnerships.  He stated the linkages were not just with Austin community partners, but were service area partners.  Dr. Kinslow responded to questions from Trustees.

 

Agenda Item 8199

Policy Compliance Report on Student Success

Dr. Mink introduced the item and Dr. Kathleen Christensen, Vice President, Student Support and Success Systems, provided information concerning Student Success Factors; Closing the Gaps, Adjusted Targets, and ACC OIE Measures.  Dr. Christensen and Dr. Kinslow responded to questions from Trustees regarding Pell awards and financial aid.  Dr. Kinslow expressed appreciation to Dr. Christensen; Terry Bazan, Director of Student Assistance; Linda Kluck, Director of Admissions and Records; and Dwayne Cox, Executive Director, Public Information and Marketing, for their combined efforts to bring about enhancements.

 

Executive Session

There was no Executive Session.

 

Announcements

There were no announcements.

 

Adjournment

Having no motion before the Board, the March 6, 2006, Regular Meeting of the Austin Community College Board of Trustees was adjourned at 8:11 p.m.

 

Approved By

Jeffrey Richard, Secretary