Minutes 08/14/2003

A retreat of the Maricopa County Community College District Governing Board was scheduled to be held at 5:00 P.m. at the District Support Services Center in Tempe, Arizona, pursuant to A.R.S. §38-431.02, notice having been duly given.

PRESENT

GOVERNING BOARD

Ed Contreras, President
Linda Rosenthal, Secretary
Donald R. Campbell, Member
Gene Eastin, Member
Nancy Stein, Member

ADMINISTRATION

Rufus Glasper, Acting Chancellor
Steve Helfgot
Anna Solley
Ron Bleed
Jose Leyba
Debra Thompson
Art DeCabooter
Phil Randolph
Maria Hesse
Larry Christiansen
Gene Giovannini
Ken Atwater
Homero Lopez
Corina Gardea
Paul Dale for Gina Kranitz
Linda Thor
Members of Capital Planning

CALL TO ORDER

The retreat was called to order at 5:05 p.m. by Dr. Rufus Glasper.

Retreat Purpose
The purpose of the retreat was to provide an update on the current status of the Capital Planning Initiative being considered for 2004. Presentations pertaining to population growth and allocation of capital funds, technology, the Downtown Phoenix Center, and the Downtown Mesa Center were included, as well as open, honest discussion to facilitate clear direction for planning next steps.

Introductory Remarks by Dr. Rufus Glasper, Acting Chancellor: Dr. Glasper welcomed everyone to the retreat and spoke about the timeframe for the evening. The retreat was intended to bring everyone together to speak about their needs in an effort to be able to plan for next steps. He stated that there is nothing certain about the bond, however, there is a need to consider outreach and communication with those in the community who will help with the bond program.

Comments by Ed Contreras, Board Chair: Mr. Contreras commented that the format of the retreat was planned to facilitate an honest discussion about issues and be able to conduct due diligence about all issues. The Board encouraged everyone to be open because they want to know that all homework has been done before going out to the public.

Comments by Vice Chancellor Steve Helfgot: Dr. Helfgot commented that Board Members had received information on set asides through either phone calls and white papers. He briefly summarized contents of the retreat notebook. Under section 2 there are a set of principles underlying capital planning efforts and desired outcomes. He commented that to date there have been a wide range of meetings and activities including the fall retreat regarding planning and allocations. In addition, meetings of the special advisory council (CPAC) have also been held. Decisions to date include agreement on the aforementioned principles, an amount totaling $950 million needed by the different colleges, a formula for allocating dollars, and the set asides. As a result of this retreat, he indicated the committee would like to see a consensus on set asides, next steps, and a timeline.

Comments by Lionel Diaz, Facilities Planning & Development Director: Mr. Diaz spoke about population growth projections and allocation of capital funds. The basis of this information was contained in section 3 of the retreat notebook. Although the source of these projections (MAG) may be off by 15-20% in some cases, for the most part age spread and family spreads are just about the same. Although penetration rates vary by zip code, the average penetration rate for adults over the age of 18 in Maricopa County for the Maricopa Community Colleges is 8%. What is known is that growth is happening and allocations need to be based on both the present and the future. In summary, the 2004 proposed bond initiative totals out to $950 million.

Comments by Rich Marmon, Director of Planning and Technology : Mr. Marmon based his presentation on the theme "I don't know exactly what it is, but I know we need some." Mr. Marmon posed the questions: Why is technology so important to the Maricopa Community College District, and how does technology support Maricopa's strategic directions? He stated that technology is pervasive. Students expect technology since they are growing up with it and it is assumed it will be there. Technology allows students to learn more effectively. It allows faculty to teach more effectively and staff to work more productively. Technology must be there, work well, keep up with growth, and be maintained. Technology maximizes access, promotes hybrid learning (in class and on-line), maximizes collaboration through e-mail and calendaring systems, promotes growth and cost effectiveness through alternative learning environments, wireless networking, recruitment and retention of quality workforce, databases, web outreach, and promotes strong identity. Anytime, anywhere access is a consumer priority. The key is keeping the focus on what technology can do for students and faculty.

Comments by Gene Giovannini, President of GateWay Community College: Dr. Giovannini spoke about the negotiations that have been underway for a presence in the Downtown Phoenix area, specifically in partnership with the TGen organization, ASU, UofA, NAU, City of Phoenix, and Phoenix Union High School District. The proposed site of this Downtown Center is bordered by Filmore Street, Van Buren, 7th Street and 5th Street. The current plan is that MCCD could occupy up to 50,000 square feet consisting of two floors and would include twelve 1000 square foot classrooms, six 2,000 square foot health/science labs, ten 200 square foot offices, two 1000 square foot flexible meeting spaces, two 500 square foot conference/meetings rooms, and a 3000 square foot computer commons. This is a district-wide initiative, therefore, any college could participate in the establishment of programs.

Comments by Larry Christiansen, President of Mesa Community College: Dr. Christiansen provided a snapshot presentation on the proposal brought forward by the City of Mesa. The intent of this proposal is to maximize on the centralized location of existing facilities in an effort to revitalize the heart of Downtown Mesa by means of creating an urban village with a focus on the arts, leisure, and learning. The presentation included commentary by Mayor Keno Hawker, Lead Architect for BPLW Ron Peters, Mesa Public Schools Superintendent Debra Duval, and Teresa Brice-Heames, Vice President of Mesa Association of Hispanic Citizens. Dr. Christiansen explained that currently MCC leases 80,000 square feet of space at County Club and Brown, as well as the Rendezvous Center and serves a total of 4,702 credit students and 3,600 non-credit students. The proposal from the City of Mesa would offer donated land with existing facilities needing remodeling. These would include the Business & Industry site (17,000 s.f.), The Mesa Arts Center (23,650 s.f.), and the Rendezvous Center (13,800 s.f.). The partnership with the City of Mesa would provide increased educational access for students and would enable MCC to have an ever-greater presence in the revitalization and redevelopment of downtown Mesa.

Open Discussion: President Contreras encouraged college presidents to be more aggressive in seeking partnership with their community leadership. Just as the City of Mesa has agreed to donate property to Mesa Community College, other cities should be encouraged to consider doing the same. The Maricopa Community Colleges can then avail themselves of the partnerships and provide the facilities and faculty. President Contreras also stressed the requirement for operating funds before constructing new buildings.

It was agreed that better numbers need to be provided for full buildout of the Downtown Phoenix proposal. There was consensus reached on permitting the total for the proposed 2004 bond initiative to increase up to $965 million (Mrs. Stein indicated she was in favor of $950 million). Some discussion was held pertaining to the Ahwatukee facility, property for Laveen, the Rio Seventh Avenue site, the use of revenue bonds for parking garages, and budget allocated for the GCC North expansion.

Next Steps: Lionel Diaz reminded everyone that a September 26 deadline has been set for colleges to submit the final drafts of their college projects. Members of the Board and CEC will then agree to these college project and district-wide items within the limits of capital and operating funds. A board retreat has been scheduled for October 22 to further discuss strategic and capital planning for 2004. College proposals will be submitted for informal Board approval at this time.

ADJOURNMENT

The retreat adjourned at 7:02 p.m.

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Linda Rosenthal
Governing Board Secretary