Minutes 04/22/2003

An executive session and regular meeting of the Maricopa County Community College District Governing Board was scheduled to be held at 5:30 p.m. at the District Support Services Center, 2411 West 14th Street, Tempe, Arizona, pursuant to A.R.S. §38-431.02, notice having been duly given.

PRESENT

GOVERNING BOARD

Ed Contreras, President
Linda Rosenthal, Secretary
Don Campbell, Member
Nancy Stein, Member
Gene Eastin, Member

ADMINISTRATION

Fred Gaskin
Steve Helfgot
Debra Thompson for Rufus Glasper
Anna Solley
Ron Bleed
Pete Kushibab
Gina Kranitz
Larry Christiansen
Ken Atwater
John Neibling for Art DeCabooter
Homero Lopez
Gene Giovannini
Corina Gardea
Linda Thor
Phil Randolph
Maria Hesse

STATE BOARD
Nick Balich

CALL TO ORDER

The executive session was called to order at 5:30 p.m. by President Ed Contreras.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

The Governing Board met in executive session, notice having been previously given.

The executive session recessed at 6:15 p.m.
The meeting convened at 6:40 p.m.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

The assembly pledged their allegiance to the United States of America led by Governing Board Member Gene Eastin.

CITIZEN'S INTERIM

Twelve citizens came forward, however, accepted the option to speak regarding the Salary Schedule Action Item after it was presented for approval.

BOARD MEMBER REPORTS

Mrs. Stein reported that she had attending a luncheon in honor of Adult Women's Week sponsored by the Women's Leadership Group/Adult Re-Entry Group at Scottsdale Community College on March 27 featuring the Make-A-Wish founder Linda Pauling and the Mesa Chief of Police Retired, Jan Straus. Mrs. Stein also toured the area served by the Sun Lakes Educational Center on April 4 and that same day also heard about the tremendous growth being experienced in the South Mountain Area. On April 21 she experienced an outstanding performance at the Scottsdale Community College musical concert.

CHANCELLOR'S REPORT

Dr. Gaskin indicated there would be two announcements and one presentation this evening. He congratulated Dr. Corina Gardea on being honored with the Texas Women's University Distinguished Alumni Award the week previous and noted her numerous accomplishments. Dr. Gaskin invited Donna Schober to come forward to present an honor bestowed to RIO Faculty Member, Laura Helminski, by the Association of Community College Trustees. Both Ms. Schober and RIO President Thor provided commentary pertaining to the prestigious Western Regional Annual Faculty Award and spoke about Ms. Helminski's twenty-six year service as both a full-time and part-time faculty, staff, mentor, and chairperson.

At the request of Dr. Gaskin, Dr. Steve Helfgot introduced members Lauren Shellenberger from EMC, Jane Saldana-Talley from PVC, Sylvia Manlove from GWC, Ginny Stahl from SCC, Debbie Thompson from the District Office, and Jeanette Stephens from the District Office, who prepared and presented a report on Financial Aid (hard copy available). Their presentation included sources and eligibility for financial aid, as well as trends and statistical data on recipients of financial aid. They stated that 36% of all full-time equivalent students at MCCD receive financial aid and this percentage translates to 45,000 financial aid awards totaling $45 million given to 25,000 students. The state contributes $500,000 for the whole district and $2 million for all educational institutions in Arizona. Because greater awareness about financial aid is being made known to students, there is greater need for financial aid. Some students feel the formula does not provide enough funding and look for other avenues of income. It was noted that financial aid people are constrained by the rules and individual colleges keep record of students who are turned down. An amendment to increase Pell Grants to $4,500 was turned down and the limit remains at $4,000. Mrs. Rosenthal commented that nowhere does it state that public education will be completely free because funding is not always available. In reference to Dr. Campbell's question as to how many students work to supplement their education, Dr. Gaskin responded that 75% of students fall into this category.

SECRETARY'S REPORT

There was no report.

FACULTY REPORT

There was no report.

EMPLOYEE GROUP REPORTS

Genevieve Watson came forward on behalf of MCBAA (Maricopa Council on Black American Affairs) to report on their Spring 2003 activities (hard copy available). Some of the highlights included attendance of the NAFEO Conference in Washington, D.C. during April 2003, being featured in the April 2003 NCBAA AACC Convention Newsletter, staffing of the MCCCD booth at the National Association for Equal Opportunity National Conference, and participation on "The Role Community Colleges Played in Black Higher Education" panel. Ms. Watson invited those in attendance to the May 8 Convocation which would recognize the accomplishments of African American MCCCD graduates for 2002-2003 and acknowledge scholarship awardees for 2003-2004.

COLLEGE REPORTS

Numerous college reports were made. These included the following:

GateWay Community College made an announcement that their campus had been selected to do revolutionary building controls training conducted by Johnson Control through their Phoenix Institute of Training. This training will make their students more marketable. GWC President Giovannini also called attention to the Silver Paradigm Award received for the cover design of their 2002-2003 catalog and student handbook. Susie Pulido and Jeanette Rowe did the design depicting the skyline of Phoenix amidst the rising sun in the background.

South Mountain Community College President Ken Atwater introduced the Division Chair of their Math and Science Department, Wilma Patterson, who also administers their Summer Internship Program. Ms. Patterson spoke about student participation in the Bridges to the BioMed Careers Program at ASU, the Science and Internship Program at Pacific Northwest Institute, the Space Flight and Life Sciences Program at NASA, and also the upcoming Cornell University Math and Theoretical Biology Institute. Four students, Ishmael Paredes, Carlos Gonzales, Teresa Drury, and Pita Kirby, presented their research project conducted through the NASA SLSTP Program.

Phoenix College's Athletic Director, Scott Geddis, spoke about the successes experienced by their 14 athletic teams consisting of 300 students. He mentioned that most students have a desire to transfer to a 4- year university on scholarship but need to strengthen their athletic abilities to reach their goal and also need to achieve academic growth and graduation to be eligible to transfer. He stated that it was not the college's responsibility to win sporting events, however, it was their responsibility to guide, mentor, teach, counsel, and educate student athletes in whatever talents and skills they needed not only to transfer but also be academically successful after they do. All students are taking 15 credit hours per semester and are carrying GPA's of 3.0 or better. Of five teams named as Fall Academic Teams of the Year earning the highest team average GPA in their respective sports in the United States, three of the five teams were from PC (Volleyball with a 3.74 GPA, Women's Soccer with a 3.53 GPA, and Men's Soccer with a 3.07 GPA). The Women's Cross Country team, with a 3.16 GPA, was also named an Academic All American Team. The following students representing volleyball, basketball, softball, and soccer were introduced by the Coach of the Year, Liza Oakley, who has posted an overall record of 66 wins and 30 losses: Ruth Cain, Nicole Hommel, Tasha Hollingsworth, Lupe Godinez, Leni Messenger, Shantia Rushing, Kelly Pavlik, Katie Plunkett, Kandra Greer, Megan Mendle, Vernida Harney, and Kelly McRee. Staff members recognized were Jackie Clayton, Morgan Lee, and Lori Demski.

Chandler-Gilbert Community College's Athletic Director, Jeff Mason, and baseball team were present to express their appreciation to the Board and Administration for support of their athletic program. They spoke about their transition from the field at Williams Field Airport to a borrowed field at a local school to their very own at the Pecos Campus. They take great pride in this great addition to their campus. The team's pitcher, Nate Hastings, parent Bert Wooten, and City Council member, Phil Westbrook, came forward to express appreciation for the addition of the athletic facilities at Chandler Gilbert Community College.

Scottsdale Community College's Choir Director, Paula Baack, came forward to express appreciation for the funding provided to allow attendance and participation at a recent choir festival in Salinas, California. This trip provided an opportunity to become adjudicated and also build new relationships between choir members. The trip also provided an opportunity to lay the groundwork for a concert between two colleges later on in the year at El Pedragal.

STUDENT GOVERNMENT REPORT

Three students from Rio Salado College were present to speak about Phi Theta Kappa awards received through the Omicron Beta Chapter. Four students from Mesa Community College were also present to speak about the 14 Phi Theta Kappa Arizona Region awards they received, as well as seven International Convention Hallmark Awards received.

Robert Gayton, President of the Glendale Community College Evening Student Government Organization, expressed appreciation for the opportunity to present their thoughts. He reported that the basketball and football teams did very well this year. He also called attention to the petitions submitted at the meeting last month opposing the proposed tuition and fees increases.

STATE BOARD REPORT

There was no report.

ACCA/AADGB REPORT

Mrs. Rosenthal reported that meetings were held April 10 at Chandler-Gilbert Community College. Presentations were made by the Department of Commerce, Governor's Office Representatives, and the Joint Conference Committee. They had an update from the Arizona Community Foundation, a legislative budget and bill summary update, and they also adopted the ACCA budget for the 2004 year.


LEGISLATIVE REPORT

The Legislative Report was given by Dr. Chris Bustamante who reported that the budget at the State Legislature was beginning to unfold this week. Its fate has a predictable receipt at the Governor's Office. The process was due to begin this week. On the Federal Level, MCCD will have an opportunity to testify at a hearing on homeland security and reauthorization of the Higher Education Act. It is projected that the community college budget will not be much different from the revised estimate of $6.2 billion.

AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS

Glendale Community College reported on the April 10 Water Safety Day attended by approximately 3,500 youngsters, media, firefighters, and voluntary staff. Recognition was provided to Dr. Larry Christiansen for allowing this MCC activity to be held at GCC this year and Carol Achs for coordinating the day's activities.

APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA

President Contreras requested a motion to approve the agenda.

MOTION NO. 9158

Don Campbell moved that the Governing Board agenda be approved. Motion carried 5-0.

CONSIDERATION OF CONSENT AGENDA

President Contreras asked for any requests to remove items from the Consent Agenda. Mr. Eastin requested removal of Item B-2. Dr. Helfgot called attention to the revision of Items V.E.4 and V.E.5, and the newly copied Item V.E.2 which previously did not reflect the last line of the last paragraph.

The following items are included in the Consent Agenda:

(A-1) APPROVAL OF MINUTES of March 13, 2003 Community Listening Session, March 25, 2003 Regular Governing Board Meeting, and April 3, 2003 Special Governing Board Meeting.

(B-1) APPROVAL OF EMERITUS STATUS - DR. HERMAN WALKER - Approval of awarding Emeritus Distinction to Dr. Herman Walker, former Dean of Student Services at Scottsdale Community.

(C-1) APPROVAL OF RECOMMENDED EMPLOYMENTS, RESIGNATIONS, RETIREMENTS AND TERMINATIONS - Approval of personnel actions as presented.

(D-1) APPROVAL OF THE CURRICULUM - Approval of the proposed curricula.

(D-2) APPROVAL OF INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENTS FOR DUAL ENROLLMENT WITH PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICTS - Approve entry into Intergovernmental Agreements between the Maricopa Community College District and the following school districts for their dual enrollment programs:

(D-3) APPROVAL OF INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENTS FOR DUAL ENROLLMENT WITH CHARTER AND PRIVATE SCHOOLS - Approve entry into Intergovernmental Agreements between the Maricopa Community College District and the following private and charter schools:

(D-4) APPROVAL OF INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN SCOTTSDALE COMMUNITY COLLEGE AND MARICOPA COUNTY HUMAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT HEAD START PROGRAM - Approval to continue a working relationship to provide Early Childhood Education related services to low-income and special-needs children of enrolled Scottsdale Community College's Students.

(E-1) APPROVAL OF LEASE OFFICE AND CLASSROOM SPACE TO ARIZONA AGRIBUSINESS AND EQUINE CHARTER SCHOOL AT PARADISE VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE - Approve the renewal of the existing lease of two offices and general classroom space at Paradise Valley Community College to the Arizona Agribusiness and Equine Charter School for the period of January 1, 2003 to June 30, 2004.

(E-2) APPROVAL OF PURCHASE OF BROADCAST TRUCK FOR SCOTTSDALE COMMUNITY COLLEGE - Approve the purchase of a fully equipped used Broadcast Truck from the Scottsdale Unified School District for the sum of $140,333.05.

(E-3) APPROVAL OF CONTRACT AWARD FOR PUBLIC ARTIST FOR NEW PERFORMING ARTS CENTER AT SOUTH MOUNTAIN COMMUNITY COLLEGE - Approve awarding a contract in the amount of $103,896.56 representing 1.04% of the project budget and is consistent with a 1% set aside for public art to Philabaum Glass to create the public artwork for the new Performing Arts Center and Classroom Complex at South Mountain Community College.

(E-4) APPROVAL OF CONTRACT AWARD FOR REPLACEMENT OF HEATING AND CHILLED WATER PIPING IN THE WEST OSBORN CLASSROOM BUILDING AT PHOENIX COLLEGE OSBORN - Approve awarding a contract in the amount of $223,505.00 to Midstate Mechanical, Inc. for replacement of heating and chilled water piping in the West Osborn Classroom Building at Phoenix College.

(E-5) APPROVAL OF CONTRACT AWARD FOR REMODELING THE ASB BUILDING AT MESA COMMUNITY COLLEGE - Approve awarding a contract in the amount of $191,798.00 to Adaptive CM for remodeling in the ASB Building at Mesa Community College.

(E-6) APPROVAL OF UTILITY EASEMENT TO THE CITY OF TEMPE FOR THE NEW RIO SALADO COLLEGE AUXILIARY BUILDING - Approve granting an easement to the City of Tempe for the fire water line for the new Auxiliary Building at Rio Salado College.

(E-7) APPROVAL OF THOMAS ROAD DEDICATION FOR THE CITIES OF GOODYEAR AND AVONDALE - Approve awarding separate dedications of Thomas Road to the Cities of Goodyear and Avondale.

MOTION NO. 9159

Dr. Don Campbell moved that the Consent Agenda be approved. Motion carried 5-0.

(B-2) APPROVAL OF EMERITUS STATUS DISTINCTION AWARD - SCOTTSDALE COMMUNITY COLLEGE FACULTY - Approve awarding Faculty Emeritus Distinction to Scottsdale Community College Retired Faculty. These faculty include:

MOTION NO. 9160

Mr. Eastin commented that MCCCD "hires only the best and the brightest" and in the case of one faculty member whose years of service reflected being from 1968-1987 (19 years), he could not understand how twenty years of service applied. However, it was proven to him that indeed during this time of service calculated from January 1968 through December 1987, there were the required number of semesters necessary to qualify that individual for emeritus status distinction. Mr. Eastin moved that the item be approved. Motion carried 5-0

(C-2) APPROVAL OF PROPOSED TUITION AND FEES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2003-2004 - Adopt the proposed FY2003-2004 Tuition and Fee Schedule as presented, including:

• $5.00 (11%) increase to tuition and fee rate per credit hour.
• The proposed total tuition and fee rate would rise from $46.00 to $51.00 per credit hour.

MOTION NO. 9161

Mrs. Rosenthal proposed a motion that a substitute increase of $4.00 to the tuition and fee rate per credit hour be approved. Motion not approved 2-3 (Eastin, Campbell, and Contreras opposed).

Gene Eastin moved that Item C-2 as originally proposed with a $5.00 (11%) increase to tuition and fee rate per credit hour be approved. Motion carried 3-2 (Stein and Rosenthal opposed).

(C-3) APPROVAL OF PRELIMINARY PROPOSED FISCAL YEAR 2003-04 BUDGET FOR MCCCD - Approve preliminary adoption of the Preliminary Proposed 2003-2004 Budget for the Maricopa Community College District and approve publishing the budget in the Arizona Republic pursuant to legal requirements. Approve Truth in Taxation notices be published. Final adoption of the proposed budget and Truth in Taxation hearing is scheduled for June 10, 2003.

MOTION NO. 9162

Gene Eastin moved that that Item C-3 calling for preliminary adoption of the Preliminary Proposed 2003-2004 Budget for the Maricopa Community College District be approved. Motion carried 4-1 (Stein opposed).

Mrs. Stein commented that once she again she wished to voice her opposition to the approval of the budget. She indicated that nowhere did she see any evidence of efforts on behalf of the colleges to reduce their budgets by 1% or the District by 1 ½%.

(C-4) APPROVAL OF EMPLOYEE GROUP SALARY SCHEDULE ADJUSTMENTS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2003-04 - Approve the following compensation adjustments for employee groups and Skill Center to be effective for FY 2003-2004:

• All employee group salary schedules will be increased by two percent (2%).
• All eligible employees will receive a step payment.
• Y-rated employees (beyond the top of their grid) will receive a one percent (1%) increase.
• The overload rate for residential faculty will be $643 per load hour.
• The rate for adjunct faculty will be $643 per load hour.
  

MOTION NO. 9163

Gene Eastin moved that that Item C-3 calling for preliminary adoption of Gene Eastin moved that Revised Item C-4 authorizing the proposed compensation adjustments for employee group and the Skill Center effective FY 2003-2004 as presented be approved. Motion carried 5-0

The following employees came forward to speak on this item and dissatisfaction with the meet and confer process:

Jan Reily, Co-Chair of Meet and Confer & Faculty Member
Sandra Stuebner, Chandler-Gilbert Community College
Patty Keener, EMC Faculty President
Gail Shay, GateWay Community College Faculty Member
Carmella Arnoldt, GCC Faculty Senate President
Barry Vaughan, MCC Faculty Senate President
Hank Mancini, PVC Faculty Senate
Dennis Shaw, PC Faculty Senate
Hazel Davis, Rio Salado College
Brian Murphy, SMC Faculty Senate President
Jane Moore, SCC Faculty
Alan Haffa, Co-Chair of Faculty Meet and Confer

Comment Summary:

• Faculty feel the meet and confer process should have early and meaningful dialogue. They would like to have the meet and confer process utilize CPI as it related to salary issues.
• Faculty would like to work on resolution of meet and confer issues and process. They propose working together on concerns.
• Faculty would like to see a change in the way business is done. Meet and confer needs to include members.
• Faculty would like to work closely with the Governing Board and Administration to work out a win-win situation. Want all parties to meet with mutual respect.
• Faculty would like to establish a meeting confer process that is mutually beneficial.
  
• Faculty have chosen MCCCD to teach and would like to "come and let us reason together."
• The RFP states that the Governing Board will deliberate with the meet and confer team, however, MCCCD does not have a process in place to deliberate.
• Businesses that forget their frontline employees are those that fail. Is MCCCD becoming one of those organizations?
• Would like to see a refinement of the meet and confer process.
• Would like to see adherence to RFP meet and confer. It is not a deliberation.
• Faculty profoundly saddened by lack of ability to negotiate and support a meet and confer process.
• There has been no process on the meet and confer process or their proposal submitted many months ago.

They request an appointment to meet on the meet and confer process for next year. They would like a process that ensures regular meetings.

MONITORING REPORTS

(VI.A.) Budget Analysis Report Summary
Fund 1 - General Unrestricted Fund
For the Nine Months Ended March 31, 2003

Expenditure analysis indicates 66.2% of the budget has been expended so far this year as compared to 66.5% expended at this same point in time last year. 14.7% of budget remains unexpended or unencumbered and projected expenditures have been reduced and set aside to offset the 4.75% reduction in budgeted revenues from State Aid. Revenue analysis indicates that 72.1% of the budget has been recognized to date. Projected fund balance will increase by about $215 thousand during this fiscal year.

(VI.B.) Revenue Bond Projects
Receipts and Disbursements Analysis
As of March 31, 2003

As of March 31, 2003, about $5.13 million of bond proceeds have been expended for the Chandler-Gilbert PAC, representing 86% of total bond proceeds available. The expenditures for the South Mountain PAC have been about $4.28 million, representing 66% of the total bond proceeds available. About $1,075,000 in interest has been received on invested bond proceeds. About $73,000 has been expended for bond issue costs and professional fees. Remaining earnings of over $1,002,000 are invested and will be used for future professional fees, debt service, or PAC projects.

(VI.C.) 1994 General Obligation Bonds
Series A (1995), Series B (1997), Series C (1999), and Series D (2001)
Receipts and Disbursements Analysis and Capital Development Plan Summary
As of March 31, 2003

As of March 31, 2003, about $364 million of bond proceeds have been expended representing about 94.4% of total proceeds available from the bond authorization and capital development plan. Construction and technology project expenditures have averaged about $1.8 million per month this fiscal year. About $35.2 million in interest has been received on invested proceeds. Approximately $2.6 million of these earnings have been paid to the IRS and another $1.5 million set aside as payable to the IRS for arbitrage purposes. Of the balance of $31.1 million, about $0.6 million was used for bond election and issue costs, $10.6 million for debt service, $5.2 million for the GateWay and Estrella Mountain land purchases, $1.1 million for additional parking at GateWay and Glendale, $0.6 million for Chandler-Gilbert New Construction Building and $3.0 million for Life Without the Bond. Remaining earnings of nearly $10.0 million are invested.

NEXT BOARD MEETING

The next Governing Board Meeting will be a Community Listening Session Thursday, May 1, 2003 at Phoenix College.

ADJOURNMENT

The meeting adjourned at 9:45 p.m.

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Linda B. Rosenthal
Governing Board Secretary