MINUTES

Regular Meeting – Board of Trustees

May 11, 2009

 

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, May 11, 2009, at 6:05 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. Nan McRaven, Chair/Presiding Officer; Ms. Veronica Rivera, Board Vice Chair; Dr. James W. McGuffee, Board Secretary; Mr. Raul Alvarez [arrived at 6:25 p.m.]; Mr. John-Michael Cortez [arrived at 6:15 p.m.]; Mr. Allen H. Kaplan; Mr. Tim Mahoney; Dr. Barbara P. Mink; Mr. Jeffrey Richard; and Ms. Veronica Rivera. 

 

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

·        Student Spotlight - Mr. Mike Midgley, ACC Vice President and Interim Provost, introduced Mr. Tommy David, former Medical Coding and Certified Nursing Assistant (CAN) Certification program.  He spoke regarding the need for a two-year degree program in medical coding which current employers are seeking in Austin. 

·        Check Presentation by Grainger Foundation to ACC Foundation - Ms. Stephanie Dempsey, Executive Director of the ACC Foundation, introduced members of the Grainger Foundation.  A check in the amount of $15,000 was presented to the ACC Foundation for ACC scholarships. Trustees expressed appreciation to the Grainger Foundation for their generous contribution to scholarships for ACC students.

 

[Trustee John-Michael Cortez arrived at the meeting at 6:15 p.m.]

                                                                 

·        Math Student Contest Winners - Ms. Stephanie Dempsey introduced Mr. Tony Vance, ACC Math instructor.  Mr. Vance stated the ACC math students scored #1 in the Southwest Region of the National Math Competition for Spring 2009.  He introduced and presented checks to:  Mr. Benjamin Abot (1st Place); Mr. Austin Arlitt (who placed in the Fall National Math Competition and in the Spring National Math Competition); Mr. Frederick Barrett; Mr. Daniel Miller; Mr. Michael Newburger; Mr. Brian Shultz; Mr. Cory Thornton; and Mr. Zach Wegner.  Trustees expressed congratulations and appreciation for the students’ achievements.

 

Citizens Communication

The following individuals were registered to address the Board:

·        Mr. Juan Oyervides, U. S. Hispanic Contractors Association, spoke regarding a pilot program and entry skills in an English-as-a-Second Language Construction project.  He expressed appreciation for the assistance of ACC staff.

·        Ms. Devorah Feldman, ACC instructor, spoke regarding compensation.

 

[Trustee Raul Alvarez arrived at the meeting at 6:25 p.m.]

 

·        Mr. Jon Luckstead, ACC faculty, spoke regarding compensation.

 

Reports from Associations

·        Adjunct Faculty Association – Mr. Don Morris, President, spoke regarding support of a Resolution calling for an ombudsman at ACC; apologized for omission at the April 13 meeting of a donation; and called attention to Board Policy F-10, Employee Compensation for Adjunct Faculty.

·        Classified Employees Association – Ms. Suzanne Ortiz, President, spoke regarding her service as the President of the Classified Employees Association; shared governance; and the process for participation in College surveys.

·        Full-Time Faculty Senate – Dr. Dan Dydek, President, spoke regarding carrying concealed weapons on ACC campuses; budget concerns and compensation proposals; and the timeless value of ACC through compensation.

·        Professional-Technical Employees Association – Ms. Susan Thomason, President, provided updates regarding Association activities; the Association’s “You Rock ACC” project; Association elections; and shared governance.

·        Student Government AssociationMr. Joshua Bacak, President, expressed appreciation for support of the Student Government Association and for participation in the Student Forums.  He spoke regarding Association activities; SGA elections; and expressed appreciation for attendance and participation in SGA activities and events.

 

President’s Report

Dr. Stephen B. Kinslow, College President/CEO, provided information regarding participation by an ACC team composed of Mike Midgley, Kathleen Christensen, Soon Merz, faculty members, and Dr. Kinslow in the Entering Student Success Initiative (ESSI).  This was a 3-day conference held on April 26, 27, and 28 in Albuquerque, New Mexico.  He reminded Trustees of the ACC 2009 Graduation to be held on Thursday, May 14, at the Frank Erwin Center.

 

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 responded to questions from Trustees.

·        Financial Report – March 2009 – Mr. Ben Ferrell, Executive Vice President of Finance and Administration, called attention to the information provided including: 

o       Based on current information, the College’s budget was on track and projecting a positive $5.0 million in Net Revenues & Expenses, and an $10.6 million increase in Net Assets.

o       Spring enrollments were up 12.5%.  Fall SCH enrollments were up about 5.0%.  This exceeded the original projections of 2% growth, and therefore tuition revenues were projected to be 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 $1.5 million.

In summary, adjusting revenues up by $4.4 million and expenses down by $0.6 million, Net Revenues over Expenses projected a budget surplus of about $5.0 million and an increase in Total Net Assets of about $10.6 million.  Cash and investments were in line at approximately $222 million, including $125 million in bond proceeds.  Mr. Ferrell responded to questions from Trustees.

·        Legislative Report – Ms. Linda Young, Special Assistant to the President for External Affairs, distributed information and provided comments regarding current Federal and State Issues.  She responded to questions from Trustees.

·        Report on April ACC Foundation Board Meeting – Trustees Barbara Mink and Raul Alvarez reported on the April meeting of the ACC Foundation Board.

·        Trustee Reports on Community Engagements:

o       Trustee Barbara Mink reported on attendance/participation at student events, Envision Central Texas Awards, Austin ISD Partners in Education as well as Leadership Austin.  She is also teaching a class at the University of Texas at Austin in the doctoral program for students who will become school superintendents.

o       Trustee Alvarez commented on attendance/participation at Leadership Austin meeting on the sustainable economy.

o       Trustee Veronica Rivera reported on participation in Experience Austin; welcome remarks and translation at De la Familia, and Travis County Model Court for foster children and families.

o       Trustee John-Michael Cortez reported on attendance/participation in recent Student Forums at the Rio Grande Campus, Riverside Campus, and Northridge Campus.

o       Trustee Allen Kaplan advised that 7 ACC Trustees attended a recent meeting of the Envision Central Texas Awards Luncheon.

o       Trustee Mahoney distributed disks to Trustees which are shows in cooperation with KOOP Radio 91.7 regarding the economy.

o       Trustee McGuffee reported on a recent Interfaith Economic Summit; the ACC Adult Education Honor Society; and comments he received regarding the Rio Grande Parking Garage.

 

CONSENT ITEM(S)

Chair McRaven introduced the Consent Agenda.

 

Agenda Item 8582

Minutes of the April 13, 2009, Regular Meeting

of the Austin Community College District Board of Trustees

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

 

Agenda Item 8583

Declaration of Program Priorities for Fiscal

Year 2010/Resolution

Recommendation:  That the Board of Trustees, as required by Policy E-1, Master Planning, declare its Community Priorities Declaration via the attached Resolution.

 

Agenda Item 8584

FY2010 Out-of-District Tuition Rate

Recommendation:  That the Board approve the Out-of-District Tuition rate for FY2010.  Staff are not recommending any In-District Tuition increases, but are recommending Out-of-District tuition increase from $127 to $137 (an increase of $10 per semester hour), per Board Policy G-9, Tuition Rates, for May adoption.

 

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

MOTION: The Board of Trustees approve Consent Agenda Item 8582, Minutes of the April 13, 2009, Regular Meeting of the Austin Community College District Board of Trustees; Agenda Item 8583, Declaration of Program Priorities for Fiscal Year 2010/Resolution; and Agenda Item 8584, FY2010 Out-of-District Tuition Rate.

VOTE:  The motion passed on a vote of 9-0.

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

AGAINST:  None.

 

DISCUSSION/POSSIBLE ACTION

 

Agenda Item 8585

Renewal of Lockhart ISD Interlocal

Agreement – Career and Technical

Education Program

Chair McRaven introduced the item.  Dr. May Hensley, Executive Vice President, introduced Annette Gregory, Executive Director, College and Career Preparatory Program, and provided information.  ACC and Lockhart ISD have established a strong partnership in which ACC serves as the contractor for LISD’s Career and Technical Education Program.  Because the partnership has been highly satisfactory to both institutions, ACC and LISD propose to renew the Interlocal Agreement in the amount of $24,500 for the period of September 1, 2009, through August 31, 2010.  The Interlocal Agreement may be extended for additional one-year terms based upon mutual consent of both institutions.  This will be the fifth continuous year in which ACC has served as the contractor for LISD.  The proposed Interlocal Agreement requires approval by both institutions’ Boards of Trustees.  This Interlocal Agreement was reviewed and approved by the Lockhart ISD Board of Trustees on April 27, 2009.

 

Trustees Barbara Mink moved and Jeffrey Richard seconded that:

MOTION:  The Board of Trustees approve the renewal of an Interlocal Agreement between Austin Community College District (ACC) and the Lockhart Independent School District (LISD) to continue operation of the school district’s Career and Technical Education program (CTE) for FY 10.

VOTE:  The motion passed on a vote of 9-0.

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

AGAINST:  None

 

Agenda Item 8586

Selection of Delivery Method and

Delegation of Authority to Enter into

Contracts for Miscellaneous Campus

Improvement Construction Projects

·        Repairs to exterior stairs at the Riverside
Campus – Interlocal Contract Delivery Method

·        Renovation of the Learning Lab at
Pinnacle Campus – Interlocal Contract
Delivery Method

 

Chair McRaven introduced the item and Mr. Ben Ferrell provided information.

 

Trustees Veronica Rivera moved and Tim Mahoney seconded that:

MOTION:  The Board of Trustees select the Interlocal Contract Delivery Method and delegate authority to the President to enter into a contract for Repairs to Exterior Stairs at the Riverside Campus.

VOTE:  The motion passed on a vote of 9-0.

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

AGAINST:  None.

 

Trustees Veronica Rivera moved and Barbara Mink seconded that:

MOTION:  The Board of Trustees select the Interlocal Contract Delivery Method and delegate authority to the President to enter into a contract for Renovation of the Learning Lab at the Pinnacle Campus.

VOTE:  The motion passed n a vote of 9-0.

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

AGAINST:  None.

 

Agenda Item 8587

Update on Policy C-9, Sustainable Practices, and American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment

Chair McRaven introduced the item and Mr. Ben Ferrell, ACC Executive Vice President, provided information.  He advised that Mr. Andrew Kim is the ACC Director for Environmental Stewardship.

  

Mr. Ferrell introduced Mr. Justin Gadd and Mr. Arnold Perez of the student-led Carbon Assessment Committee.  A pilot carbon assessment of the South Austin Campus was performed and the results of the study were presented.  Signing the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment (ACUPCC) demonstrates ACC’s commitment to join over 600 colleges and universities in addressing the potentially harmful effects of global warming.

Dr. Kinslow stated that the College’s administrative rules would be reviewed by ACC’s Administrative Services Council in June and placed on the website.  Faculty, staff, and students will continue to monitor these activities.  Trustees expressed appreciation to faculty, staff, students, and Trustee Rivera for their work on Board Policy C-9, Sustainable Practices, and pilot carbon assessment study.

 

Agenda Item 8588

Update on Campus Advisory Committees

Chair McRaven introduced the item and Dr. Kinslow provided Campus Advisory Committees Membership Lists.  He stated that additional information was needed and asked that Trustees submit all information during the current week. 

 

Agenda Item 8589

Policy Compliance Report: 

A-5, Service Area Responsibilities

·        Service Area Demographics

·        Out-of-District Activities

·        Cost Analysis – ACC Centers

·        ISD/Service Area Discussion

Chair McRaven introduced the item and Ms. Soon Merz, Associate Vice President, provided a report on the Austin Community College service area including:  Comparison of Services Offered for In-District and Out-of-District Areas; ACC Service Area, Campuses, Centers, School Districts; Student Headcount in Credit Programs by County Map, Fall 2008; Out-of-District Demographics; Enrollment by Region and Zip Code, Fall 2004-2008; ACC County Population Projections to 2040; ACC Service Area Potential for Tax Revenues to 2040; ACC Centers, FY2008 Financial Analysis; Independent School District/Service Area Summary; and Board Policy A-5, Service Area Responsibilities.  Ms. Merz and Dr. Kinslow responded to questions from Trustees.

 

Agenda Item 8590

Compensation and Benefits

Chair McRaven introduced the item and Ms. Gerry Tucker, Vice President of Human Resources, distributed information regarding the College’s FY10 Compensation and Benefits and presented an overview of the current Compensation and Benefits programs for all employee classifications.  Ms. Tucker discussed the annual compensation survey process.  Budget recommendations regarding compensation and benefits will be presented at the June Board meeting.  Ms. Tucker responded to questions from Trustees. 

 

Executive Session

There was no Executive Session.

 

 

Announcements

·        ACC Graduation on May 14, 2009, 7 p.m., Frank Erwin Center, Austin.

·        Trustee Jeffrey Richard invited Trustee participation in the June 10, 2009, 6:00-9:00 p.m., Urban League Equal Employment Opportunity Day Banquet at the Omni Austin Hotel at Southpark, 4140 Governor’s Row, Austin.

 

Adjournment

Having no motion before the Board, the May 11, 2009, meeting of the Austin Community College District Board of Trustees was adjourned at 8:51 p.m.

 

Approved By          

Dr. James W. McGuffee, Board Secretary