MINUTES

Regular Meeting – Board of Trustees

April 2, 2007

 

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, April 2, 2007, 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: Mr. John F. Hernandez, Chair/Presiding Officer; Ms. Nan McRaven, Vice Chair; Ms. Veronica Rivera, Secretary [arrived at 6:06 p.m.]; Dr. James W. McGuffee; Dr. Barbara P. Mink; Trustee Rafael Quintanilla; and Mr. Jeffrey K. Richard [arrived at 6:08 p.m.].  Dr. Lillian J. Davis and Mr. Allen H. Kaplan were 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 – Ms. Gerry Tucker, Associate Vice President, Human Resources,  introduced Ms. Brette Lea, Executive Director of College Marketing and Public Information.

·        Student Profile:  Mr. Mike Midgley, Vice President, Workforce Education and Business Development, introduced Ms. Stephanie McDade-Snallfot, Building Construction Technology student.  Ms. McDade-Snallfot provided information regarding her education and experience.  She expressed appreciation for the smaller classes at ACC and the assistance of the instructors.  Ms. McDade-Snallfot responded to questions from Trustees.

·        Recognition of Mary Kohls – Dr. Stephen B. Kinslow, College President, presented an award to Ms. Kohls, ACC Department Chair for Computer Science and Computer Information System, in recognition of her 20 years of service as an advisor to ACC’s Alpha Kappa Gamma chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa honor society and her many contributions to the students and College.

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

 

Citizens Communication

·        Ms. Becky Villarreal, ACC/AFT, spoke regarding adjunct benefits and House Bill 463.

·        Ms. Maria Lyle, ACC, spoke regarding adjunct benefits.

·        Mr. A. H. Hooser, citizen, spoke regarding tax freeze for seniors.

·        Ms. Christa Rabago, citizen, spoke regarding tax freeze for seniors.

·        Ms. Ollie Besteiro, citizen, spoke regarding tax freeze for seniors.

·        Mr. Larry Garrett, citizen, spoke regarding tax freeze for seniors.

·        Mr. John Cise, ACC Full-Time Faculty, spoke regarding compensation.

·        Mr. Mariano Diaz-Miranda, ACC, spoke regarding Oxford Round Tables.

·        Ms. Evelyn Bowers, AARP, spoke regarding tax freeze for seniors.

 

Reports from Associations

·        Adjunct Faculty Association – Ms. Mary Gilmer, President, Adjunct Faculty Association, acknowledged the passing of ACC instructor Stone Young, 84, and stated he would be missed by ACC and the entire jewelry community.  Ms. Gilmer spoke regarding insurance for adjuncts, compensation, and support for the current Board Policy F-10, Employee Compensation.

·        Classified Employees Association – Ms. Kathy Judge, President, spoke regarding compensation; support for current Board Policy F-10; Employee Compensation; and association activities.

·        Full-Time Faculty Senate – Ms. Linda Welsh, President, spoke regarding reduction of textbook costs; developmental education course work; possible establishment of a Deaf Culture Center at ACC, and inclusion in the College Connection program.

·        Professional-Technical Employees– Ms. Judy Van Cleve, President, spoke regarding proposed legislation; Board Policy E-2, Provision of College Facilities; and professional development.

·        Student Government AssociationMs. Anastasyia Travina, President, spoke regarding activities of the Student Government Association and meeting ACC Police Chief Frankie Waller.

 

President’s Report

There was no report.

 

Reports to the Board

·        Facilities Update – Mr. Bill Mullane, Director of Facilities and Construction, provided a report on current construction and renovation projects.   Mr. Mullane, Mr. Ferrell, Vice President, Business Services, and Dr. Kinslow responded to questions from Trustees.

·        Financial Report – February 2007 – Mr. Ben Ferrell, Vice President, Business Services, called attention to the information provided including:  (1) the College’s budget was on track and projecting approximately $5.1 million increase in Unrestricted Net Assets, and a $5.8 million increase in Total Net Assets; (2) Fall enrollments were up about 4.2%; Spring enrollments were also up by 4.2% which exceeded the original projections of 2% growth, and, therefore, tuition revenues were projected to exceed budget by $2.0 million; and (3) as for expenses, Adjunct Faculty and Overloads were projected to exceed original FY07 estimates due to the increased enrollments and vacancies in Full-Time Faculty Salaries.  This would be offset by increased tuition revenues and lapsed salaries in Full-Time Faculty.  Total salaries were projected to be over budget by about $0.1 million. 

In summary, adjusting revenues by $5.9 million and expenses by $0.8 million, Net Revenues over Expenses projected a budget surplus of about $5.1 million and an increase in Total Net Assets of about $5.8 million.  Cash and investments were in line at approximately $112 million, including $44 million in bond proceeds.  Mr. Ferrell responded to questions from Trustees.

·        Legislative Priorities and 80th Session of Texas Legislature - Ms. Linda Young, Special Assistant to the President for Community and Governmental Relations, provided an update regarding ACC’s legislative priorities and distributed information concerning the status of current legislation.  Dr. Kinslow and Ms. Young responded to questions from Trustees.

·        Update on Board of Trustees Self-Evaluation - Trustee Nan McRaven, Board Vice Chair, provided information concerning the recent evaluation by the Board and issues that impact the College including: 

(1) Vision/Mission of the College - Ms. McRaven stated the Board Officers suggest that Board Policy A-1, Vision/Mission/Values Statement, would be discussed at the June 4, 2007, Board meeting;

(2) Community Outreach - The Board Officers have suggested that four major community forums be scheduled for during Fiscal Year 2008.

(3) Communication between Trustees and with President – The Board Officers suggested that the President communicate, individually, with Trustees regarding discussion of any issues;

(4) Trustee Updates – The Officers suggested that quarterly updates be scheduled on the agenda for Trustees who are involved in major community organizations or major community college organizations.

(5) Preparation for Meetings – Board Officers suggested that Trustees commit to reading the agenda  and backup materials in order to be prepared for discussion of the agenda items.

 

CONSENT ITEMS

 

Mr. Hernandez introduced the items:

 

Agenda Item 8304

Proposed Approval of Minutes of March 5, 2007, Regular Meeting and the March 19, 2007, Work Session of the Austin Community College Board of Trustees

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

 

Agenda Item 8305

Declaration of Program Priorities for Fiscal Year 2008/Resolution

Recommendation:  That the Board of Trustees, as required by Board Policy E-1, Master Planning, approve the Program Priorities for FY2008/Resolution.

 

* * * * * * * * * *

 

PROGRAM RESOLUTION

FY 08 COMMUNITY – PRIORITIES DECLARATION

 

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 with SACS accreditation principles, 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 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.

 

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 need 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 institutional 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.

 

* * * * * * * * * *

 

Agenda Item 8306

Interlocal Agreement with AISD Crockett High School for Parking at the South Austin Campus

Recommendation:  That the Board of Trustees approve the Interlocal Agreement with the Austin Independent School District (AISD) for shared parking at ACC’s South Austin Campus (SAC) and AISD’s Crockett High School.

 

Trustees Barbara P. Mink moved and James W. McGuffee seconded that:

MOTION:  The Board of Trustees of Austin Community College approve Agenda Items  8304, Minutes of the March 5, 2007, Regular Meeting, and the March 19, 2007, Work Session of the Austin Community College Board of Trustees; Agenda Item 8305, Declaration of Program Priorities for Fiscal Year 2008/Resolution; and Agenda Item 8306, Interlocal Agreement with AISD Crockett High School for Parking at the South Austin Campus.

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

FOR:  John F. Hernandez, James McGuffee, Nan McRaven, Barbara P. Mink, Rafael Quintanilla, Jeffrey Richard, and Veronica Rivera.

AGAINST:  None.

ABSENT:  Trustees Lillian J. Davis and Allen H. Kaplan were absent from the meeting.

 

* * * * * * * * * * *

 

INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT FOR SHARED USE OF PARKING FACILITIES

 

                This Agreement (“Agreement)” is an interlocal agreement entered into pursuant to the Texas Interlocal Cooperation Act, Texas Government Code Chapter 791, and is entered into to be effective the 11th day of May, 2007, between Austin Community College District (”ACC”) and Austin Independent School District (“AISD”).

 

RECITALS:

 

                WHEREAS Texas Education Code §11.151 grants public school trustees with general authority to govern and oversee the management of the public schools of the district; and

 

                WHEREAS the Texas Education Code § 130.084 provides that the governing board of a junior college district is “governed in the establishment, management and control of a public junior college district by the general law governing the establishment, management and control of independent school districts…”; and

 

                WHEREAS the Texas Local Government Code § 272.001(j) authorizes a political subdivision to “donate, exchange, convey, sell or lease land, improvements or any other interest in real property to an institution of higher education…to promote a public purpose related to higher education…for less than its fair market value and without complying with notice and bidding requirements”; and

 

                WHEREAS, pursuant to such authorities and duties, the Parties desire to cooperatively share the use of certain parking facilities on the campus of Crockett High School located at 5601 Manchaca Road, Austin, Texas 78745. 

 

                NOW THEREFORE, BY THIS Agreement it is mutually understood and agreed by the Parties as follows:

 

SECTION ONE:  THE PARKING FACILITY LOCATIONS

 

1.1     Crockett High School has a parking area located along Manchaca Road and also has several parking areas located along West Stassney Lane. 

1.2      ACC has a parking garage and parking lot located on the South Austin Campus located at 1820 West Stassney Lane, Austin, Texas 78745.

 

SECTION TWO:  PAYMENT

 

2.1      Neither party will charge for use of the various parking facilities.

 

SECTION THREE:  TERMS OF AGREEMENT

 

3.1     ACC has permission to park south of the midpoint driveway in the south section of the Manchaca Road parking lot beginning approximately May 11, 2007. This parking area will be available for use by ACC faculty, staff and student parking throughout the school year for both day and evening activities at the ACC South Austin Campus.

3.2     ACC has permission to use the parking areas along Stassney Lane for use by ACC faculty, staff and student parking for both day and evening activities at the ACC South Austin Campus during a period limited to the summer of 2007, beginning after May 29, 2007 and ending August 14, 2007.

3.3     Crockett High School may use parking areas located at ACC’s South Austin Campus as available. Use must be requested in writing, security supervision determined, and scheduled in advance with the ACC South Austin Campus Manager.

3.4      ACC may use parking areas located at Crockett High School for special events. Use must be requested in writing, security supervision determined, and scheduled in advance with the Crockett Management Assistant.

3.5     ACC will provide appropriate signage for the parking area located on the Crockett High School campus and will also provide directional signs to the ACC South Austin Campus. The wording and location of ACC signage on the Crockett campus must be approved by the Crockett Management Assistant.

3.6     ACC campus security will provide security personnel and oversight of Crockett High School parking areas used by ACC.

 

SECTION FOUR:  MISCELLANEOUS

 

4.1        The Parties agree to comply fully with all applicable state and local statutes, ordinances, rules and regulations in connection with parking facilities. This Agreement is subject to all applicable present and future valid laws governing such programs.

4.2        Except where oral notice is specifically allowed or required under this Agreement, any notice provided hereunder by any party to the other shall be in writing and may be either (1) delivered by hand to the party or the party’s designated agent; (2) deposited in the United States mail, postage paid; (3) transmitted by telecopy; or (4) delivered by a reputable courier service, to the following address or telecopy number:

         Austin Independent School District

         Dr. Pascal D. Forgione, Jr.

         Superintendent

         Austin Independent School District

         1111 West Sixth Street

         Austin, Texas 78703

         FAX: 512-414-1486

 

         Austin Community College District

         Dr. Stephen B. Kinslow

         President

         5930 Middle Fiskville Road

         Austin, TX 78752

         FAX: 512-223-7158

         Any party may designate a different agent or address for notice purposes by

         giving the other Party ten (10) days written notice in the manner provided

         above.

 

4.3        If changed conditions are encountered during the term of this Agreement, the     Agreement may be supplemented or amended under terms and conditions mutually agreeable to the Parties, provided that all such changes, amendments, supplements or modifications shall be in writing.

4.4        This Agreement contains the entire agreement of the Parties hereto with respect to the matters covered by its terms, and it may not be modified in any manner without the express written consent of the Parties. No other agreement, statement, or promise made by or to any employee, officer, or agent of any party that is not contained in this Agreement shall be of any force or effect.

4.5        If any term(s) or provision(s) of this Agreement are held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, void or unenforceable, the remainder of the provisions of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect and shall in no way be affected, impaired or invalidated, unless such holding causes the obligations of the Parties hereto to be impossible to perform or shall render the terms of this Agreement to be inconsistent with the intent of the Parties hereto.

4.6        No waiver of a breach of any provision of this Agreement shall be construed to be a waiver of any breach of any other provision. No delay in acting with regard to any breach of any provision shall be construed to be a waiver of such breach.

4.7        No Party to this Agreement waives or relinquishes any immunity or defense on behalf of themselves, their trustees, officers, employees and agents as a result of its execution of this Agreement and performance of the functions and obligations described herein.

4.8        The meetings at which this Agreement was approved by the Parties’ governing boards were posted and held in accordance with the Texas Open Meetings Act, Texas Government Code, Chapter 551.

 

                IN WITNESS THEREOF, the undersigned Parties acting under the authority of their respective governing boards have caused this Agreement to be duly executed in multiple counterparts, each of which shall constitute an original.

 

APPROVED:

____________________________________            __________________________

John Hernandez, President, Board of Trustees                                               Date

Austin Community College District

 

APPROVED:

____________________________________            __________________________

Mark Williams, President, Board of Trustees                                                  Date

Austin Independent School District

 

* * * * * * * * * *

 

DISUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION

 

Agenda Item 8307

Approval of Award of the Contract for Expansion of the Parking Garage at South Austin Campus

Chair John Hernandez introduced the item and Mr. Ben Ferrell and Mr. Bill Mullane provided information and recommended that the Board approve award of a contract to expand the South Austin Campus parking garage. 

 

In December 2006, the Board approved the addition of a level and one-half to the parking garage at the South Austin Campus in order to provide for the campus at its full capacity of 3,000 students, which is expected as early as Fall 2007.   The project was approved, and the Design/Bid/Build delivery method was recommended as providing the best value to the District.  Bids were sought, and the bid opening was held on March 29, 2007.  The project cost was estimated at $1.9 million, and would be funded from remaining G.O. bond funds for the South Austin Campus project, and interest earnings thereon.  Construction will occur during the Summer 2007, and will be completed in time for Fall classes. 

 

Staff recommended the contract for expansion of the South Austin Campus parking garage be awarded to SpawGlass Contractors. 

 

Trustees delayed action on this item until later in the meeting.

 

Agenda Item 8308

Texpool Resolution Amending Authorized Representatives

Mr. Hernandez introduced the item and Mr. Ben Ferrell stated that ACC is a participant in the Texpool local government investment fund.  The Board is requested to approve Mr. Neil Vickers, Director of Finance and Budget, as an additional authorized representative to make transactions. 

 

This item will be included on the May 7, 2007, Board agenda. 

 

Agenda Item 8309

Amendment to the Austin Community College Money Purchase Plan

Mr. Hernandez introduced the item and Ms. Gerry Tucker stated the contract for the ACC Money Purchase Plan requires the College to designate trustees to manage the plan.  The ACC Money Purchase Plan is the alternative retirement plan for part-time or hourly employees.  The contract needs to be amended to add the current College President and Vice President of Business Services.

 

This item will be included on the May 7, 2007, Board agenda.

 

Agenda Item 8310

Service Area Boundary Changes

Mr. Hernandez introduced the item and Ms. Linda Young discussed the following proposed changes to the boundaries of the Austin Community College District, as proposed in House Bill 3236, and as supported by Blinn College:  (a) assign the small portion of Elgin ISD which is in Lee County, in Blinn College’s Service Area, to ACC’s Service Area; (b) assign the small lportion of Smithville ISD which is in Fayette County, in Blinn College’s Service Area, to ACC’s Service Area; and (c) assign the small portion of Lexington ISD which is in Bastrop County, ACC’s Service Area, to Blinn College’s Service Area.

 

Trustees Nan McRaven moved and James W. McGuffee seconded that:

MOTION:  The Board of Trustees of Austin Community College approve the following changes to the boundaries of the Austin Community College District:  (a) assign the small portion of Elgin ISD which is in Lee County, in Blinn College’s Service Area, to ACC’s Service Area; (b) assign the small lportion of Smithville ISD which is in Fayette County, in Blinn’s College’s Service Area, to ACC’s Service Area; and (c) assign the small portion of Lexington ISD which is in Bastrop County, ACC’s Service Area, to Blinn College’s Service Area.

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

FOR:  John F. Hernandez, James McGuffee, Nan McRaven, Barbara P. Mink, Rafael Quintanilla, Jeffrey Richard, and Veronica Rivera.

AGAINST:  None.

ABSENT:  Trustees Lillian J. Davis and Allen H. Kaplan were absent from the meeting.

Appreciation was expressed to staff for their excellent work for the good of the public.

 

Agenda Item 8307 (continued)

Approval of Award of the Contract for Expansion of the Parking Garage at South Austin Campus

Trustees discussed the contract and proposed action recommended by staff.

Trustees Nan McRaven moved and Veronica Rivera seconded that:

MOTION:  The Board of Trustees of Austin Community College approve the award of a contract for expansion of the South Austin Campus parking garage to SpawGlass Contractors in the total amount of $2,045,000 to include:  Base bid:  Construction of one additional level of parking (to 4 ½ floors), adding 106 parking spaces; plus Alternate 1:  construction of a hydraulic elevator, including hoistway, landings, electrical and mechanical infrastructure, and security camera system; and plus Alternate 2:  Construction of one half additional level of parking (to 5 floors) adding 53 more parking spaces, plus extension of the elevator and hoistway to the fifth level.

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

FOR:  John F. Hernandez, James McGuffee, Nan McRaven, Barbara P. Mink, Rafael Quintanilla, Jeffrey Richard, and Veronica Rivera.

AGAINST:  None.

ABSENT:  Trustees Lillian J. Davis and Allen H. Kaplan were absent from the meeting.

 

Agenda Item 8311

Fiscal Year 2008 Budget Study:  Facilities (Policy Compliance Report:  E-2, Provision of College Facilities)

Mr. Hernandez introduced the item and Mr. Bill Mullane provided information concerning the Value Statements and responded to questions from Trustees.

 

Agenda Item 8312

Discussion and Possible Action regarding Acquisition of Property in the Vicinity of the Round Rock Higher Education Center

Mr. Hernandez introduced the item.

 

Recess

Mr. Hernandez recessed the April 2, 2007, Regular Meeting of the Board of Trustees of Austin Community College into Executive Session at 8:20 p.m. for consultation with legal counsel regarding the purchase, exchange, lease or value of real property, including possible acquisition of land in the vicinity of the Round Rock Higher Education Center, pursuant to Government Code 551.072.

 

Reconvene

The Board of Trustees of Austin Community College reconvened in public session at 9:21 p.m. on April 2, 2007, pursuant to Texas Government Code 551.

 

Agenda Item 8312 (Continued)

Discussion and Possible Action regarding Acquisition of Property in the Vicinity of the Round Rock Higher Education Center

Trustees Veronica Rivera moved and Rafael Quintanilla seconded that:

MOTION:  The Board of Trustees of Austin Community College authorize staff to proceed with negotiations to purchase land in the vicinity of the Round Rock Higher Education Center as discussed in Executive Session.

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

FOR:  John F. Hernandez, James McGuffee, Nan McRaven, Barbara P. Mink, Rafael Quintanilla, Jeffrey Richard, and Veronica Rivera.

AGAINST:  None.

ABSENT:  Trustees Lillian J. Davis and Allen H. Kaplan were absent from the meeting.

 

Announcements

There were no announcements.

 

Adjournment

Having no motion before the Board, the April 2, 2007, Regular Meeting of the Austin Community College Board of Trustees was adjourned at 9:23 p.m.

 

Approved By          

Veronica Rivera, Secretary