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MEMBERS PRESENT
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OTHERS
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ROLL CALL
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Cynthia
Mares, Vice President
Belinda
Guerra, Secretary
Carlos Carranco, Jr. (arrived at 6:10 p.m.)
Hilario Cavazos III
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Juan L. Maldonado
Daniel
Flores Jr
Federico Solis, Jr.
Francisco Martinez, Jr.
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Leonides G. Cigarroa, Jr.
Rene De La Viña
Alfonso
Martinez, Ex-officio
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Blas Castañeda
Rusty
Meurer, College Attorney
Lee
Spain
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MEMBERS ABSENT
Pete Saenz, Jr., President
Edward
C. Sherwood
Mercurio Martinez, Jr.
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CALL TO
ORDER
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Ms.
Mares called the meeting to order. Ms.
Guerra called the roll and a quorum of the members was present.
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MINUTES
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Mr. De La Viña moved to approve the
minutes of May 20, 2008, as presented.
The motion was seconded by Ms. Guerra; the motion carried.
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PUBLIC TESTIMONY
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No one signed up for public
testimony.
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COMMUNICATIONS/ INTRODUCTIONS/ RECOGNITIONS
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Dr.
Maldonado, President, reported the following:
·
Introduced the
following new employees: Pablo D.
Morales – Community Outreach Coordinator – Title V, Carlos Miller - Video
Network Specialist, and Cecilia Salinas – Academic Advisor – Upward Bound.
·
Referred to the
LMT Business Journal article featuring the North American Advanced
Manufacturing Research and Education Institute, a coalition that stretches
from Laredo to Brownsville. Mr. Blas Castañeda and his division for
economic development spearheaded this project. Additionally, the Future of the Region
Conference is scheduled during August in Laredo.
Ms. Mares and Mr. Cavazos indicated they were very impressed with the
reception hosted by LCC.
·
Mr. Francisco
Martinez, Jr. – Provost of LCC South, reported on the work during the past
two years on the center, which has been funded through grants from the
Martinez Foundation. He reported the
Foundation has issued a check for $120,000 to help LCC continue these efforts
in Zapata. Two classes have been
offered per semester for the high school students. Project Jump Start is on-going in Zapata
for in-coming freshmen. The ultimate
goal is to provide them the opportunity to enroll and get credit for 12
college level courses and be able to graduate with distinguished
achievement. Currently the program
consists of thirty seven students. He
extended an invitation to the July 7th Closing Ceremony for the
Jump Start Program.
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FACULTY
ASSEMBLY REPORT
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Dr. Alfonso
Martinez, Faculty Assembly President, thanked Mr. Flores
for his help on the question of the book prices. He reported the Assembly is working on
finance issues (budget), faculty is gone for the summer, and Dr. Maldonado has been very cooperative. Ms. Mares thanked him for his work on
matters being reviewed by the Assembly.
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BOARD
COMMITTEES ASSIGNMENTS FOR 2008-2010
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Ms. Mares indicated the Board
has certain standing committees and accordingly to policy a recommendation must
be made by the Board President to the Board for its consideration and
approval. She indicated the agenda
item is the result of input from the Board to the Board President. Mr. Cavazos moved that the committee
appointments be approved as presented.
The motion was seconded by Mr. De La Viña. Dr. Maldonado
requested specific guidelines and parameters be prepared for the Contract
Review Board by Administration and Mr. Meurer in order to adhere to all contracts
guidelines, codes, and laws as mandates by the education code. The motion carried.
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RESOLUTION AWARDING
LAREDO COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT BOARD OF
TRUSTEES EMERITUS STATUS TO:
MR. J.C. TREVIÑO, JR AND MS. RAQUEL
GONZALEZ
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Ms. Mares presented the next item
that consisted of a request for approval of a resolution
awarding Laredo Community College District Board of Trustees Emeritus Status
to: Mr. J. C. Treviño, Jr. and Ms.
Raquel Gonzalez. Dr. Cigarroa so moved. Mr. De La Viña seconded the motion. Ms. Mares asked that the resolution be read
for the record to acknowledge what is being highlighted about these two very
valuable individuals who gave a lot of their time to Laredo Community College. The motion carried. Ms. Guerra, Board Secretary, read the
resolution recognizing Mr. J. C. Treviño, Jr.
Ms. Mares read the resolution recognizing Ms. Raquel Gonzalez. Dr. Maldonado
mentioned that both of these individuals left a legacy behind of hard work,
commitment, and dedication to this institution and community. He indicated he would schedule, upon Ms.
Slaughter’s return, a special function honoring both individuals.
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BUILDING
COMMITTEE REPORT
REPLACEMENT
OF AIR HANDLERS PROJECT PROGRESS REPORT
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Mr. Daniel
Flores, Jr., Chief Financial Advisor, reviewed the revised
agenda item that includes Change Order Number 2 that reduces the total cost
by $1,766.00. Mr. Robert Sepulveda, College Architect, provided a
summary on the status of the project, which is 100% complete at final cost of
$4,204,610. Dr.
Cigarroa moved to approve Change Order Number 2 reducing
the total cost of the Air Handler Replacement Project by $1,766.00. Mr. De La Viña seconded the motion;
discussion followed. The motion
carried.
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RESTROOM
REMODELING PROJECT FINAL REPORT
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Mr. Sepulveda reported this is the
final report for the acceptance of all the work. It includes Change Order Number 1 that reduces
the total cost of the restroom remodeling project by $30, 832.90 that reduced
the project by four restrooms to be included in the master plan. He reported the contractor, Zertuche
Construction, did an excellent job.
Mr. De La Viña moved to approve item 9.b. The motion was seconded by Mr.
Cavazos. The motion carried.
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FACILITIES
MASTER PLAN PROGRESS REPORT
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Mr. Sepulveda reported he is
working on assessing the building. An
outline was provided in draft form for information purposes. The average cost per home is in the low
$90,000. Mr. Cavazos indicated the cost
of restoration of historical buildings is high. No board action needed at this time.
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PRIVATE
DAVID B. BARKELEY CANTU MEMORIAL CHAPEL EXTERIOR RESTORATION AND INTEREIOR
REMODELING PROJECT
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Dr.
Cigarroa mentioned the committee was given a report on the
project and can the accomplished without having to split it as previously recommended;
however, there will be a revenue shortfall of $409,082. The shortfall can be covered with funds in
the Deferred Maintenance Projects Fund and value engineering. The committee evaluated, ranked, and scored
the proposals received for this project as follows: 1st: RM Techcon Construction, LLC and 2nd
Zertuche Construction, LLC and recommend entering into negotiations with RM
Techcon to complete both the interior and exterior of the Memorial Chapel
project. Mr. Carranco indicated the
College followed the State mandates for competitive bid proposals. Discussion followed. Dr. Cigarroa
moved that the Board approve the ranked proposals recommended by the
committee as follows and go into negotiations:
1st: RM Techcon Construction, LLC
2nd: Zertuche
Construction, LLC
Mr. Cavazos seconded the
motion; motion carried. Dr. Maldonado requested that the Board approve the
transfer of the total unspent Deferred Maintenance Projects Fund revenue to
the Private David B. Barkeley Cantu Memorial Chapel Exterior Restoration and
Interior Remodeling Project. Mr.
Cavazos so moved and it was seconded by Mr. De La Viña. The motion carried.
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LAMAR-BRUNI
VERGARA ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
CENTER ENHANCEMENTS
PROJECT
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Dr.
Maldonado reported the Committee met and went through the
process of evaluating, scoring, and ranking both proposals for the
project. He requested that the Board
approve the ranked proposals recommended by the committee as follows:
1st: Rhino Builders,
Ltd. and 2nd: Zertuche Construction,
LLC. Mr. Carranco so moved to approve
the ranking as presented and go into negotiations with the first ranked
proposer. Mr. De La Viña seconded the
motion. The motion carried.
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STUDENT
DORMITORIES ADA
COMPLIANCE PROJECT
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Dr.
Cigarroa reported the Committee reviewed the proposal to
remodel student dorms to make them ADA
compliant. Ms. Mares indicated the
Finance & Audit Committee was also given a presentation of this
project. Mr. Sepulveda asked
permission from the Board to prepare the construction documents for this
project and approval to request
competitive sealed proposals. Dr. Cigarroa moved that the Board authorize the
Administration to issue a “Request for Competitive Sealed Proposals” to
refurbish 2 student dormitory units to comply with Americans with
Disabilities Act Requirement. The
Board has determined that this purchasing method provides the best value to
the district. Mr. Cavazos seconded the
motion. The motion carried.
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FINANCE
& AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT
ADMINISTRATIVE
COMPUTER SYSTEM REPORT
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Ms. Mares reported the Committee
received a report from Mr. Joe Peña, IT Director, on the status of the BANNER
project. The budget includes backfill
positions to help departments meet the needs accordingly. However, in the HR backfill position the
date of January 15, 2009 needs to be changed to August 31, 2009 to coincide
with the fiscal year. This is part of
the budget and the project remains within the budget and on time. Mr. Carranco inquired about implementation
surprises. Dr.
Maldonado indicated that administration had anticipated
this project to be a labor intensive project but had not factored time. Another surprise was that BANNER has opened
the door for other automated technology processes and current employees will
need to be retrained. Discussion
followed. Ms. Mares moved that the
Board approve a budget modification to Backfill Salaries-Professional budget
to extend the temporary HR Coordinator backfill position through August 31,
2009. Mr. Carranco seconded the
motion; motion carried. Ms. Mares
moved that the Board approve a budget modification to the Contract Services
budget to fund the purchase of an Employment Applicant Tracking/Position Management
Web-based service at an approximate cost of $45,500 for Year 3 2007-2008,
$35,175 for Year 4 2008-2009, $36,934 for Year 5 2009-2010. Mr. De La Viña seconded the motion. Discussion followed. Mr. Lee Spain,
HR Director, explained the use of this service. The motion carried.
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FY 2009 NEW
INSTRUCTIONAL FEES
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Mr. Fred
Solis, Jr., Interim Associate Vice President for Instruction
and Student Development, reported the $6.00 fee is for ACT/Compass English as
a Second Language Placement Test to determine accurate placement. Mr. Cavazos mentioned for the record that
the tests were scored here. The fee is
the standard fee for all placement tests.
Discussion followed. A $10.00
lab fee per course for the new Computer Technology Courses, EEIR 1391 and
EEIR 1491, is to recuperate the cost associated for expendable supplies used
in those courses. After further
discussion, Ms. Mares reported the Committee recommended that the Board
approve the new instructional fees for FY 2009: $6.00 for ACT/Compass English as a Second
Language Placement Test and $10.00 for new Computer Technology Courses as
outlined. She so moved. Mr. Carranco seconded the motion. The vote was 4 in favor and 2 against;
motion dies for lack of a quorum. The
Board reconsidered and after additional discussion, Mr. Cavazos mentioned he
usually is against fees but in order to expedite it he moved to bring the item
back for another vote. Mr. Carranco
seconded the motion; motion carried.
Ms. Mares indicated that now the Board is again faced with the a
request for approval of both instruction fees as recommended by staff for the
placement test and the Computer Technology courses ($6.00 and $10.00
respectively). She so moved; Mr.
Carranco seconded the motion. The
motion carried with five votes in favor.
Mr. Cavazos stated for the record, “try to keep down student fees in
the future.” Mr. De La Viña voted against.
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FINANCIAL
AUDIT SERVICES CONTRACT REVEWAL
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Ms. Mares reported the Committee reviewed
the recommendation to renew the Financial Audit Services Contract with the
Firms of J. Clayton Baum and Associates.
It is a matter of making modification to the current contract by
adding the CPI (Consumer Price Index), which is about 4.6%. It takes the current fee of $45,000 to a
proposed fee of $47,070. Mr. Carranco
mentioned that staff has worked diligently and professionally with this firm. Being that the case, he moved to renew the
financial audit services contract with the firm of J. Clayton Baum for a fee
not to exceed $47,070 for the audit of fiscal year 2008. Mr. De La Viña seconded the motion; motion
carried.
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PURCHASE OF
FURNITURE FOR STUDENT DORMS
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Ms. Mares reported the Committee
heard a presentation from Dr. Maldonado
and Ms. Suzanne Ramirez. The
recommendation discussed by the Committee is to accept the proposal from KLN
Steel Co. for the purchase of dorm furniture
for 120 units. Dr.
Maldonado reported the dorm furniture has been in place for
20 years and is in dire need of replacement.
Two bids were considered and administration, given the specifications that
required metal and strong wood furniture, recommended that KLN Steel Co. be
the one to get the contract for this furniture. Discussion followed. Mr. De La Viña moved to approve that the
Board authorize administration to accept the proposal from KLN Steel Co. for
the purchase of furniture for 120 units in the Student Dormitories for
$182,315.20 as the bid that provides the best value for the institution. Discussion continued. Mr. De La Viña called for the
question. Mr. Cavazos seconded the
motion; motion carried.
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NEW
EQUIPMENT PURCHASES
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Mr. Solis presented the item to
request the purchase of equipment for the Distance Learning department (to
increase work efficiency) and the Zaffirini Library (to provide safety). Mr. Cavazos moved to approve the request to purchase the following new
equipment: 1) TriCaster Pro Video
mixer for the Distance Learning department and 2) GeoVision Video
Surveillance System for Zaffirini Library, not to exceed $12,636.01. The motion was seconded by Mr. De La Viña;
motion carried.
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APRIL AND
MAY MONTHLY FINANCIAL REPORTS
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Ms. Mares reported the Committee
reviewed the May report, as per the presentation by Ms. Lynda Gomez.
Ms. Mares indicated there is nothing out of the ordinary to report at
this time. No action is required this
month.
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PRESIDENT’S
REPORT
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The report was presented for
information purposes. Dr. Maldonado reported that administration is
working with Chief Cortez to be extra vigilant on parking lot vehicle
break-ins. He expressed concern on a
missing Harp, since 2005, which had not been reported. Discussion followed. Ms. Mares reminded Dr.
Maldonado about previous discussions the Board stressed the
College needs to stream-line and tighten the inventory recordkeeping methods.
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EXECUTIVE
SESSION
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Ms. Mares mentioned the procedure
followed for a grievance hearing requires that she inquire if parties want
the grievance heard in open or closed session. She inquired who was representing Mr.
Leija. The attorney identified himself
as Mr. George Altgelt and indicated they wanted the hearing in open
session. She asked Dr. Maldonado about his preference of an open or
closed session to which he indicated he preferred closed session but did not
have any objections to an open session.
For the record, Mr. Cavazos mentioned that Mr. George Altgelt is the
attorney for Texas State Teachers Association. TSTA is an organization in which he is a
very active member as a secondary officer at large and also the Region 1C
President. Mr. De La Viña mentioned
that he is part-time staff of TSTA, thus resulting in a conflict of interest. Ms. Mares indicated the Board would go into
executive session for a closed session consultation with the Laredo
Community College District’s attorney regarding legal issues concerning the
Level III grievance hearing of Calixto Leija pursuant to Texas
Government Code Section 551.071.
On a separate issue Dr.
Cigarroa asked permission to mention the following: “There isn’t a single Board member who is
in favor of increasing student fees.”
He referred to an institution by the name of Mercy Hospital
that gave millions of dollars in charity care for this community. Mercy had to close its doors because they
could not afford to give any more due to lawsuits. He quoted a saying of Sisters of Mercy, “No
damos servicio para cobrar, pero tenemos que cobrar para dar servicio.” He stressed and asked that everyone
understand that the Board does not want to raise fees but the reality is that
we are an economy where we live in a State that has dramatically reduced the
amount of money to the College and the money has to come from somewhere.
Mr. Altgelt asked to address
the Board before going into executive session because he would raise a couple
of legal issues that the college’s legal counsel would be able to consult
with the Board. Mr. Meurer clarified
that the Board could go into executive session under item 12 to discuss legal
issues related to this grievance. The
grievance is requested under open session.
He stated the Board and the attorney would not be deliberating about
the subject matter of the grievance but he would bring up legal issues under
closed session to protect the communication with the attorney/client
privilege.
At 7:55, Mr. De La Viña so
moved that the Board go into executive session. The motion was seconded by Mr. Carranco;
motion carried. The Board reconvened
from executive session at 8:20 p.m.
Ms. Mares indicated that no action was taken.
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LEVEL III
GRIEVANCE HEARING OF CALIXTO LEIJA
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Ms. Mares indicated the Level
III grievance hearing of Calixto Leija allowed for a possible closed
session pursuant to Texas Government Code Sections 551.074 and 551.082. Both participants agreed they wanted an
open session. Mr. Altgelt mentioned
that after discussing the issue with Mr. Meurer,
college attorney, it was determined that four Board members could actually
entertain a decision on this issue. He
concluded there was no quorum and requested a special called meeting with a
quorum present. Mr. Carranco moved
to defer this item for the next Board meeting. Ms. Guerra seconded the motion; motion
carried.
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NEXT
MEETING DATE
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To be announced.
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ADJOURNMENT
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At 8:25 p.m., Dr. Cigarroa moved to
adjourn the meeting and was seconded by Ms. Guerra; motion carried.
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