MINUTES

Regular Meeting – Board of Trustees

September 2, 2008

 

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, September 2, 2008, at 6:13 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:, Ms. Veronica Rivera, Board Vice Chair/Presiding Officer; Dr. James W. McGuffee, Board Secretary; Mr. Raul Alvarez [arrived at 6:25 p.m.]; Mr. John-Michael Cortez; Mr. Allen H. Kaplan; Mr. Tim Mahoney; Dr.  Barbara P. Mink; and Mr. Jeffrey Richard [arrived at 6:20 p.m.].  Board Chair Nan McRaven was absent from the meeting.

 

Recognitions

·        ACC Leadership Academy – Ms. Terry Mouchayleh, Program Director, Professional Development and Evaluation, provided information regarding the ACC Leadership Academy and introduced participants.

·        Student Spotlight – Mysti Pride, Associate of Dance Major.  Mr. Mike Midgley, Vice President for Workforce Education and Business Development, introduced Ms. Mysti Pride, ACC student.  Ms. Pride stated that she had always been interested in dance.  While pursuing her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology at The University of Texas she had wanted to pursue dance as her minor, but was unable to do so.  She stated she is now able to be a student in the dance program at ACC.  She is very pleased that the dance program and tuition costs were exactly what she was looking for.  With Round Rock now being in-district, tuition is more affordable for her since the gas prices are so expensive.  She stated that she is an older student and not the prototypical dance student, but the program welcomed her and she has not felt judged.  The experience and training have been phenomenal; there is a nice variety of dance classes, times, and instructors; there is even a fantastic dance scholarship awarded each semester.  She stated that she was pleased to have received the scholarship this semester.  She has learned so much and found a place for herself in the dance world.  The dedication and positive attitude from her instructors has been very inspiring.  She is a creative movement teacher for 3- and 4-year-olds at Ballet Austin, and she loves it.  Attaining her dance degree from ACC has played a big role in building her confidence as a dancer and getting her closer to her dreams.  With the training, support, and encouragement from her professors, she and another ACC student have begun their own dance company called J-Pride Dance Experience.  She will graduate from ACC in December 2008 with her degree in dance and, because of ACC, will continue doing what she has a passion for.  Trustees expressed appreciation and congratulations to Ms. Pride for presenting her wonderful story and for attaining her degree in dance.

·        Dr. Mary Hensley, Vice President, College Support Systems and ISD Relations, expressed appreciation to Mr. Gary Weseman for having served in the Informational Technology Department for 12 years and as Interim Associate Vice President at ACC for the past two years.  Dr. Hensley highlighted the many accomplishments of Mr. Weseman and thanked him for his service as Interim Associate Vice President.  She introduced Mr. Stan Gunn, new Associate Vice President for Information Technology, and provided information regarding Mr. Gunn’s experience before joining ACC. 

 

Citizens Communication

·        No one registered to address the Board of Trustees.

 

Reports from Associations

·        Adjunct Faculty Association – Mr. James Nelson, President, spoke regarding Association officers and discussed Association activities.  He extended an invitation to attend the Fall Meeting.

·        Classified Employees Association – Ms. Suzanne Ortiz, President, spoke regarding activities for the coming year.

·        Full-Time Faculty Senate – Dr. Dan Dydek, President, spoke regarding activities of the Senate and called attention to recently passed resolutions and collaboration.

·        Professional-Technical Employees Association – Ms. Susan Thomason, President, distributed information and spoke regarding activities and projects for the coming year.

·        Student Government Association – Mr. Brad Burnett, President, spoke regarding new Association senators, commented on activities, and discussed upcoming events.

 

President’s Report

Dr. Stephen B. Kinslow, College President/CEO, stated the College had a 6.2% increase, based on preliminary enrollment figures, for the Fall Semester with over 35,000 students enrolled this Fall.  He advised that the 35th Anniversary of the College was being planned and details would be furnished.  Dr. Kinslow noted that Trustees Rivera, McGuffee, Mahoney, and Richard attended  a recent Austin Chamber of Commerce event and the College was presented a Business Award from the Chamber.

 

Reports to the Board

Facilities Update – Mr. Bill Mullane, Executive Director of Facilities and Construction, called attention to current construction and renovation projects, GO Tax Bond Projects, District-Wide Renovation Projects, and Detailed Usage of Interest Earnings.   He noted that the Cypress Creek and Pinnacle parking lot expansions were open; Development Institute was open; and several other projects were completed.

 

Financial Report – July 2008 – Mr. Ben Ferrell, Vice President, Business Services, called attention to the information provided including: 

o       The College’s budget was on track and projecting a positive $5.3 million Net Revenues & Expenses, and a $10.4 million increase in Total Assets.

o       Fall enrollments were up about 2.3%.  Spring enrollments were up 3.6%, and Summer enrollments were up about 5.0%.  This is a combined increase of about 3.3%, which exceeds the original projections of 2% growth, and, therefore, tuition revenues are projected to be slightly above budget. 

o       As for expenses, Adjunct Faculty and Overloads were projected to slightly exceed original 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 under budget by $3.1 million.

In summary, adjusting revenues up by $4.2 million and expenses down by $1.1 million, Net Revenues over Expenses projected a budget surplus of about $5.3 million and an increase in Total Net Assets of about $10.4 million.  Cash and investments were in line at approximately $97 million, including $33 million in bond proceeds.

Mr. Ferrell and Mr. Neil Vickers, Associate Vice President for Budget and Finance, responded to questions from Trustees.

 

Round Rock Campus Update – Mr. Paul Mason, ACC Project Manager, Round Rock Campus; Mr. Stephen Coulston, Broaddus and Associates; and Mr. Tommy Cowan, Graeber Simmons & Cowan Architects, distributed materials; provided information; and responded to questions from Trustees regarding the Round Rock Campus.

 

Report on August ACC Foundation Board Meeting – Board Vice Chair Rivera provided information on the August 27, 2008, Foundation Board Meeting.  She stated that there were several new members of the Foundation:  Mr. Scott Flack, Mr. John Henry McDonald, Mr Corby Jastrow, Mr. John Hernandez, and Mr. Mark Clayton.  Ms Rivera advised that the annual meeting of the Foundation will occur on September 16, noon-1:30 p.m., at the Eastview Campus. Ms. Rivera noted that Chair McRaven and Vice Chair Rivera will be replaced on the Foundation Board by Trustees Raul Alvarez and Barbara P. Mink.  She stated that there were 259 scholarships awarded which totaled $364,000.  There were approximately 600 applicants for scholarships.

 

CONSENT ITEM(S)

Vice Chair Veronica Rivera stated there were no Consent Items on the Agenda..

 

DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION:

 

Agenda Item 8494

Interlocal Agreement, ACC/Del Valle ISD, Coordinator,

Outreach Services, September 1, 2008 – August 31, 2011

Vice Chair Rivera introduced the item and Dr. Mary Hensley, Vice President for School Support and ISD Relations, stated ACC and Del Valle ISD have established several partnerships to increase high school-to-College opportunities for students.  To enhance these efforts, DVISD requested that ACC provide a half-time Coordinator for Outreach Services, who will provide ACC-related college information, coordination, consultation, tours, and/or training as may be necessary for DVISD to offer these outreach services to its students.  DVISD has agreed to provide office space, telephone, computer, and general office support services at Del Valle High School for this position.  The initial term of this Agreement is for three years, from September 1, 2008, through August 31, 2011, and may be extended for additional three-year terms based upon mutual consent.  Contracted amounts for the initial three-year period total $105,510 and would be $33,800, $35,152, and $36,558 respectively. 

 

Dr. Hensley stated the Interlocal Agreement was discussed and approved at the August 19, 2008, meeting of the Del Valle ISD Board of Trustees.

 

Dr. Hensley responded to questions from Trustees.

 

Trustees Allen H. Kaplan moved and Barbara P. Mink seconded that:

MOTION:  The Board of Trustees approve the Interlocal Agreement, ACC/Del Valle ISD, Coordinator, Outreach Services, September 1, 2008 – August 31, 2011, as presented.

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

FOR:  Raul Alvarez, John-Michael Cortez, Allen H. Kaplan, Tim Mahoney, James McGuffee, Barbara P. Mink, Jeffrey Richard, and Veronica Rivera.

AGAINST:  None.

ABSENT:  Nan McRaven.

(See Attachment A.)

 

Agenda Item 8495

Proposed Revisions to ACC Student Payment Plan

Vice Chair Veronica Rivera introduced the item and Mr. Ben Ferrell provided information.  The 80th Texas Legislature amended section 54.007 of the education code, providing greater flexibility in the structure of installment plans.  The ACC administration proposed a new installment plan, which would include the elimination of the $10 installment setup fee effective for the Spring 2009 semester and would increase affordability for ACC students by creating four equal payments, instead of three payments.  Net budget impact would be minimal.  This item will be included on the Consent Agenda for action at the October 6, 2008, Board meeting.

 

Agenda Item 8496

Approval of a Development Agreement with

City of Austin for the Rio Grande Campus

Vice Chair Rivera introduced the item and Mr. Ben Ferrell provided information.  ACC staff and legal counsel have negotiated an agreement with the City of Austin’s legal counsel and staff for current construction projects at the Rio Grande Campus.  If adopted, the proposed agreement will allow known deviations from the current zoning that are necessary to accomplish the educational purposes of the District for these facilities.  The Austin City Council will vote on the agreement on September 25, 2008.

 

Trustees discussed the Agreement.

 

Executive Session

The Board of Trustees of the Austin Community College District recessed into Executive Session at 7:50 p.m. to consult with legal counsel regarding Agenda Item 8496, Approval of a Development Agreement with City of Austin for the Rio Grande Campus, pursuant to Texas Government Code.

 

Reconvene

The Board of Trustees of the Austin Community College District reconvened in public session at 8:29 p.m. pursuant to Texas Government Code Section 551.

 

Agenda Item 8496 (Continued)

Approval of a Development Agreement with

City of Austin for the Rio Grande Campus

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

MOTION:  The Board of Trustees approve the Development Agreement with City of Austin for the Rio Grande Campus subject to revisions made in Executive Session.

Trustees discussed the item and the Agreement.

VOTE:  The Motion passed on a vote of 5-2-1.

FOR:  Tim Mahoney, James McGuffee, Barbara P. Mink, Jeffrey Richard, and Veronica Rivera

AGAINST:  Raul Alvarez, John-Michael Cortez.

ABSTAIN:  Allen H. Kaplan.

ABSENT:  Nan McRaven.

 

Agenda Item 8497

Discussion of Legislative Agenda

Vice Chair Rivera introduced the item and Ms. Linda Young, Special Assistant to the President for Governmental and Community Relations called attention to the Legislative Agenda and provided information.  Development of the legislative agenda, reflecting the goals of the fifty community college districts represented by the Texas Association of Community Colleges, and ACC-specific items are a key part of the Fiscal Year 2009 Board advocacy efforts.  Ms. Young and Dr. Kinslow responded to questions from Trustees.

 

Trustees James W. McGuffee moved and Allen H. Kaplan seconded that:

MOTION:  The Board of Trustees approve the Legislative Agenda as presented.

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

FOR:  Raul Alvarez, John-Michael Cortez, Allen H. Kaplan, Tim Mahoney, James McGuffee, Barbara P. Mink, Jeffrey Richard, and Veronica Rivera.

AGAINST:  None.

ABSENT:  Nan McRaven.

 

Agenda Item 8498

Proposed Revisions to Add Value Statements

to Board Policy Groups E, Planning and Evaluation;

F, Personnel; and G, District Finances

Vice Chair Rivera introduced the item and Dr. James McGuffee, Board Secretary, provided information.  Trustees discussed the proposed Value Statements.  Dr. McGuffee asked Trustees to review the Value Statements and provide any requested changes.  This item will be included on the agenda for action at the October 6, 2008, Board meeting.

Agenda Item 8499

Discussion/Approval of Board of Trustees

Calendar/Work Plan 2008-2009 (FY2009)

Vice Chair Rivera introduced the item and Dr. Kinslow called attention to the Board of Trustees Calendar/Work Plan 2008-2009.  Trustees discussed the Calendar/Work Plan including discussions on transportation and sustainability; the Legislative Forum; and legislative reports to be presented beginning January 2009.

 

Trustees Tim Mahoney moved and Raul Alvarez seconded that:

MOTION:  The Board of Trustees approve the Board of Trustees Calendar/Work Plan 2008-2009 (FY2009) as presented.

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

FOR:  Raul Alvarez, John-Michael Cortez, Allen H. Kaplan, Tim Mahoney, James McGuffee, Barbara P. Mink, Jeffrey Richard, and Veronica Rivera.

AGAINST:  None.

ABSENT:  Nan McRaven.

(See Attachment B.)

 

Agenda Item 8500

Discussion of Personnel Issues

Vice Chair Rivera introduced the item.

 

Executive Session

The Board of Trustees of the Austin Community College District recessed into Executive Session at 9:05 p.m. to consult with legal counsel regarding personnel matters, including personnel issues, pursuant to Texas Government Code 551.074.

 

Reconvene

The Board of Trustees of the Austin Community College District reconvened in public session at 9:34 p.m. pursuant to Texas Government Code Section 551.

 

Agenda Item 8500 (Continued)

Discussion of Personnel Issues

Vice Chair Veronica Rivera introduced the item.

Trustees James McGuffee moved and Jeffrey Richard seconded that:

MOTION:  The Board of Trustees approve the President’s request to make changes at the level of Vice President in accordance with Board Policy F-6, Staffing.

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

FOR:  Raul Alvarez, John-Michael Cortez, Allen H. Kaplan, Tim Mahoney, James McGuffee, Barbara P. Mink, Jeffrey Richard, and Veronica Rivera.

AGAINST:  None.

ABSENT:  Nan McRaven.

 

Adjournment

Having no motion before the Board, the September 2, 2008, meeting of the Austin Community College District Board of Trustees was adjourned at 9:35 p.m.

 

Approved By

James W. McGuffee, Board Secretary