LAREDO COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT

Laredo, Texas

The regular meeting of the Laredo Community College Board of Trustees convened on

Thursday, June 22, 2006, beginning at 6:07 p.m. in Kazen College Center 121.

	MEMBERS PRESENT	OTHERS
ROLL CALL	Pete Saenz, Jr., Vice President	Ramon H. Dovalina
	Cynthia Mares, Secretary Carlos Carranco, Jr.	Daniel Flores, Jr. Juan L. Maldonado
	Rene De La Viña Raquel Gonzalez Belinda Guerra Mercurio Martinez, Jr. (Arrived at 8:30 p.m.) J. C. Trevino, Jr.	John Kazen, College Attorney Steve Mon Dragon, CE Director Roger Johnston, A. M. Mendiola Joe Peña, Mark Eckhard
	James Newton, Ex-officio
	MEMBERS ABSENT Leonides G. Cigarroa, Jr.
CALL TO ORDER	Vice President Saenz called the meeting to order. Ms. Mares called the roll and a quorum of the members was present.
MINUTES	Mr. Carranco moved to approve the minutes of May 18 and 29, 2006. Ms. Gonzalez seconded the motion. Mr. Saenz noted that a correction to the adjournment time needed to be made. Mr. Carranco accepted that correction to the minutes as well. The motion carried
PUBLIC TESTIMONY	Rep. Richard Raymond mentioned he would try to seek more funding and is concerned about making schools safe. He requested input on how could the legislature help and mentioned he would seek funds from the State for assault leave for school employees. A group of parents and relatives of persons with mental retardation and physical disabilities addressed the Board seeking support for the College to implement a program to help educate their sons/daughters and relatives to allow them the opportunity to go to College. The list of names is available upon request. Mr. Hilario Cavazos, L. I. S. D. educator, asked to go on record for his support of item 2.b Program to educate adult students with mental retardation. He noted Martin High School was one of the first campuses to implement inclusion of this program. He mentioned that faculty and clerical salaries should be brought up to par. He offered constructive criticism about getting better meeting facilities.
FACULTY SENATE REPORT	Mr. James Newton, Faculty Senate President, mentioned the following: Faculty members are saddened by the death of Mr. Humberto Herrera; he will be missed. Faculty members want to know about the status of a salary increase. He mentioned that a committee set up by Dr. Dovalina will report at the Board meeting. Faculty want to know who will be the Vice President for Instruction; when will the person be hired? The Senate continues to work on the reorganization of the Faculty Senate, the Faculty Procedures Manual, and the development of a policy for distance education courses.
COMMUNICATIONS/ INTRODUCTIONS	Dr. Dovalina reported as follows: He commended Ms. Minerva Ibarra and her staff, Mr. Gilbert Gonzalez, Mrs. Martha Salas, and Ms. Erica Molina, for the outstanding work in regards to the Veteran Records Audit, which resulted in a perfect audit. A report from The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists indicates a 100% pass rate of examinees. The College received a notice from Congressman Henry Bonilla that $100,000 have been secured for the Zaffirini Library at the South Campus. A note of thanks for the prayers and flowers was received from the family of Mr. Humberto Herrera. He introduced the following new employees: Ms. Consuelo Moreno – Physical Therapy Assistant Coordinator/Instructor; Mr. Carlos Vargas – Assistant Director for Upward Bound, and Ms. Belinda Mendez – Teacher Certification Program Director.
PROGRAM TO EDUCATE ADULT STUDENTS WITH MENTAL RETARDATION	Mr. De La Viña made a motion to bring this item up from the agenda for discussion. The motion was seconded by Ms. Mares. The motion carried. Mr. De La Viña reported that currently the federal law pertaining to special education students requires that they graduate by age 21. He asked that the Board support the development of a program to give students the opportunity to continue studying and working. He mentioned he was the president of Mental Health Mental Retardation; “I am the Chairman.” He noted that representatives from MHMR were also present. He distributed a brochure of a program offered at Houston Community College. Mr. Steve Mon Dragon, CE Director, made a PowerPoint presentation about Vocational Advancement and Social Skills Training (V.A.S.T.) program, funding and implementation needs. Dr. Dovalina mentioned that all College programs have certain State requirements. ADA makes allowances for students with physical disabilities. Discussion followed. Mr. De La Viña moved for Dr. Dovalina to begin the review process of developing a program and present a recommendation to the Program/Policy Committee. Ms. Guerra seconded the motion. Mr. Treviño suggested that the City and the County should be included and made aware of this great need. The motion carried. Ms. Guerra left the meeting at 7:45 p.m. The Board took a three minute break.
BUILDING COMMITTEE REPORT AWARDING OF CONTRACT FOR MAIN CAMPUS CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS	Mr. Flores reviewed the revised agenda item for the awarding of a contract for main campus construction projects. Discussion followed. Mr. Trevino moved to approve the amount of $1,901,321 for the six construction projects. Ms. Gonzalez seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
STORM DAMAGE REPORT	Mr. Flores reported that during the time used to dry out the building, asbestos containing material was found in the floor tile glue, which caused us to halt the process. An Environmental Engineer has been hired, a report to the State was made, and authority was obtained from the State to remove the asbestos. The asbestos removal is expected to begin on Monday, June 19, and be completed within ten days. A professional moving company was hired to remove all the furniture from the building. The repair project of Laird Hall is expected to be finished by July 31^st. No Board action was required.
PROGRAM/POLICY COMMITTEE REPORT CLOSING OF LCC’s TRAINING PROGRAM AT JOB CORPS CENTER	Dr. Maldonado recommended that the College formally close the training program that we offer at the Laredo Job Corps Center. On May 15, 2006, LCC received a letter from Mr. John Bruce, Job Corps Director, indicating that due to changes from the U. S. Department of Labor, the Job Corps staff is required to provide their own training; they will no longer be sub-contracting with LCC. The contract ends on June 30, 2006. We will continue to provide the GED testing and are negotiating the possibility of offering the Welding program. Dr. Maldonado reviewed the status of the eighteen employees assigned at the Job Corps Center. Discussion followed. Dr. Maldonado pointed out that employees hired with federal funds are informed that when the funds cease, their employment ends. Ms. Mares made the motion to formally close the training program that we offer at the Laredo Job Corps Center. Ms. Gonzalez seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously.
LCC EMPLOYEES’ ABILITY TO COMMUNICATE WITH ANY LCC BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEMBER WITHOUT FEAR OF RETALIATION	Mr. De La Viña claimed that this is an issue that exists but it cannot be proven. Employees have approached him and conveyed to him that faculty has had a difficult time scheduling a town hall meeting because they were given a directive that they were not allowed to talk to Board members. Mr. De La Viña asked Dr. Dovalina if he ever told employees that they were not allowed to talk to Board members. Dr. Dovalina stated he had not. He does not allow any kind of retaliation. Discussion followed. Mr. De La Viña mentioned that he would bring this issue up month after month if necessary. Mr. Treviño mentioned to the Board that employees with concerns should address the Board because if there is something to correct, the Board is not aware of what needs to be corrected. Mr. De La Viña made a motion that Policy DGBA (LOCAL) be enforced as it pertains to FREEDOM FROM RETALIATION when employees approach Board members. Mr. Treviño seconded the motion. The motion carried.
APPOINTMENT OF ADDITIONAL MEMBERS TO THE CITIZENS ADVISORY COMMITTEE	Ms. Mares reported that the Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) is not to full capacity. This opens the opportunity for Board members to submit the names of nominees. Mr. De La Viña moved to appoint Mr. Hilario Cavazos and Dr. Hector Farias as members of CAC. Mr. Treviño seconded the motion. Discussion followed. Mr. Treviño withdrew his second. Mr. De La Viña withdrew his first motion. Dr. Dovalina mentioned that the Board has the final authority to appoint the CAC members but normally the CAC reviews recommendations and submits to the Board their recommendation for Board approval. Mr. De La Viña moved to appoint Mr. Hilario Cavazos as a member of CAC and was seconded by Mr. Treviño. The motion passed unanimously. Ms. Gonzalez made a motion to appoint Mr. Ramiro V. Martinez as member of CAC and was seconded by Mr. Treviño. The motion passed with six votes. Mr. De La Viña voted against. Mr. De La Viña moved to appoint Dr. Hector Farias as member of CAC. There was no second to this motion; motion died for the lack of a second.
CONCERNS FROM LCC STUDENTS DURING A TOWN HALL MEETING WITH BOARD MEMBERS RENE DE LA VIÑA	Mr. De La Viña reported about the issues discussed during a town hall meeting he scheduled with a group of students. Mr. Porras expressed concern about the high cost of books. Mr. Carranco suggested that the other venues of purchasing books at a lower cost be shared with students. Mr. Kazen, College Attorney, pointed out that an extensive discussion on each issue is not recommended since it was not posted on the agenda. He suggested that a list of concerns can be presented for information purposes. The other issues include teleconference courses at LCC South, no follow-up after town hall meetings, grant money used to purchase unnecessary items at bookstore, no wireless network at student center, request for faster internet services at the library, students want a jogging track, and start a unisex softball and soccer team. No Board action was required. This item was for information purposes.
FINANCE & AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT UPDATE ON PENDING AUDITS	Ms. Mares reported that the Committee reviewed the Internal Auditor’s report. Three audits have been completed – Access to Student Information System, Human Resources on Personnel, and the Optional Retirement Plan Audit. The Committee requested that she follow up on report two, page two, the eight items listed under “Items Found During The Time Of The Audit Are As Follows:” on a quarterly basis. Mr. Carranco expressed concern about the time elapsed between the time the audit began and the time the audit was completed. Dr. Dovalina explained that changes in the administration in a particular area caused the delay. Ms. Mares moved that Ms. Stewart provide a quarterly report to the Board on the eight items listed on Report 2. Ms. Gonzalez seconded the motion. The motion passed. Mr. Saenz mentioned that audits to be performed should be presented through the Finance & Audit Committee.
SALARY SCHEDULE FOR FACULTY AND CLASSIFIED STAFF	Ms. Mares mentioned that this is the first step of a positive dialogue during the budget process as it pertains to salaries. The Committee was presented with an informational report made by Mr. Johnston and Mrs. A. M. Mendiola that will be presented to the Board via PowerPoint. Dr. Dovalina reported that about seven weeks ago he appointed a committee of faculty members to develop and present their recommendations. Mr. Treviño asked that the committee consider the tax valuation and the student tuition rate for those colleges which the committee surveyed and also consider the benefits offered by LCC as compared to the school districts. Discussion followed. No Board action was required.
UPDATE ON ADMINISTRATIVE COMPUTER SYSTEM AND REQUEST FOR ADDITIONAL TEMPORARY STAFF	Ms. Mares reported that the Committee considered the request to make changes to the temporary personnel for the Administrative Computer System. Mr. Peña reported that the requested transfer would not exceed the allocated budget for the project. The transfer of funds from the unallocated budget to the salaries budget is needed due to the competitiveness of those positions in the Laredo market. Mr. Peña mentioned that he had not calculated the benefits for those positions. Ms. Mares mentioned that the Committee was informed that these positions are for a one- and/or two-year term only. Discussion followed. Mr. Treviño made a motion to have Mr. Peña recalculate the costs and present to the Board next month. Mr. Carranco seconded the motion. The motion carried.
APPROVAL OF TAX REFUND	Ms. Mares reported that Board approval is needed for a tax refund to Texas A&M University System in the amount of $6,500.40. Mr. M. Martinez, Jr., moved that the refund be approved. Mr. Treviño seconded the motion; motion carried.
ANNUAL BOOKSTORE REPORT	Mr. Mark Eckhard, Regional Mgr. for Barnes & Noble, reviewed a booklet reporting the campus bookstore sales, buyback process, special events/activities, and bookstore participation in graduation, LCC Expo, March of Dimes, and donations. He explained that the cost of textbooks is determined by the publishing companies. He noted that textbook markup is standard industry wide according to the National Asso. Of College Booksellers and per their contract with the College. The faculty plays a vital role in controlling the cost by using the same book multiple semesters. No action needed.
ANNUAL CAFETERIA REPORT	Mr. Flores reviewed the cafeteria report and reported that the Board waived the commission fee for the second campus to allow them to determine if a profit would be gained. Mr. Ricardo Sambrano’s report indicates a loss of $1,900.00 in operation expenses for the South campus compared to a $60,000 profit for the main campus operations. The commission of sales is $30,005.05 or 8.00 % for the main campus, which translates to a 6.67% on the total operation for both campuses. Mr. Carranco made a motion not to charge a commission to Cindy’s Catering for the South campus, that the commission remain at 8% for the main campus for FY 2007 to allow for growth; the Board will review this again next year. The motion was seconded by Mr. Mercurio Martinez, Jr. Mr. Sambrano expressed his appreciation to the Board on behalf of Cindy’s Catering. The motion carried.
MAY MONTHLY FINANCIAL REPORT	Mr. Flores reported that the summary indicated the revenue collected in the general fund is $31,278,542 as of May 31, 2006, or 87.2% of the budget. The expenses are $25,625,000 or 71.5% of the budget. As of May 31, 2006, the College shows revenue over expenses by $5,653,477.00. He mentioned that there is an indication that there will be surplus revenue to add to the fund balance at the end of the year. Modifications to the budget have been made as required by some expense items being over-spent, one of them was the elections budget. No Board action was required.
ADMINISTRATIVE DECISIONS	Mr. Treviño reported, “during election I inquired as to perhaps what we might do different on campus as far as overall administration. For more than one person, the answer was that we should make sure that any decisions reached by people who do not have the authority to do it or who make it unwisely, if you will, that there be some consequences paid for it. And in the last . . . In May there are two situations that I definitely don’t agree with and should be looked into.” · Instructors were mandated to change the date to submit grades. It was changed from Friday to Wednesday before graduation. Dr. Maldonado reported that the need to confirm requirements for graduates required this action. The elimination of invocation and benediction at the graduation ceremonies, something that had been done for sixty years. Who took it upon themselves without at least mentioning it to the Board? Dr. Dovalina reported that the decision was made on the basis of a recommendation by Planning Council. Discussion followed. Mr. Saenz asked counsel if this is a legitimate concern that the Board should be concerned about? Mr. Treviño stated, “If it is let them sue us. Don’t waste any time, don’t bill the College, let them sue us.”
ELECTION OF OFFICERS AND COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS FOR 2006-2008	Ms. Gonzalez moved to elect by acclamation Mr. Pete Saenz, Jr., as President of the Board. The motion passed Ms. Gonzalez moved to elect by acclamation Ms. Cynthia Mares as Vice President of the Board. The motion passed. Mr. Saenz appoint members to the committees as follows:
	FINANCE & AUDIT COMMITTEE: Cynthia Mares, Chair Mercurio Martinez, Jr., Co-Chair J. C. Treviño, Jr. Rene De La Viña BUILDING COMMITTEE: Leonides G. Cigarroa, Jr., Chair Carlos Carranco, Jr., Co-Chair Belinda Guerra Rene De La Viña PROGRAM/POLICY COMMITTEE: Belinda Guerra, Chair Leonides G. Cigarroa, Jr., Co-Chair Raquel Gonzalez Rene De La Viña
PENDING BUSINESS CONTINUED	Dr. Dovalina mentioned work continues on the two pending items.
PRESIDENT’S REPORT	The Board reviewed the president’s report.
NEXT MEETING DATE	The meeting for the canvassing of the election is scheduled for Tuesday, June 27, 2006, at noon.
ADJOURNMENT	Ms. Mares made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 10:35 p.m. It was seconded by Ms. Gonzalez; motion carried.