Is Joe Alaniz buying large amounts of scratch offs with petty cash? NSF'n it there Joe?

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF REGENTS OF THE DEL MAR COLLEGE DISTRICT August 12, 2003 The Regular Meeting of the Board of Regents of the Del Mar College District opened in the Isensee Board Room, Harvin Student Center, Del Mar College East Campus, 101 Baldwin, Corpus Christi, Texas, at 1:15 p.m. on Tuesday, August 12, 2003, with the following present: From the Board: Mrs. Chris Adler, Mrs. Minnie Arriaga, Dr. Haysam Dawod, Mrs. Olga Gonzales, Mr. Bill Martin, Mr. Gabe Rivas, Mrs. Dorothy Spann, Mr. Guy Watts, and Ms. Beverly Winters. From the College: Mr. Jose Alaniz, Acting President and Vice President, Business and Finance; Dr. Rosie Garcia, Interim Vice President of Learning and Academic Affairs; Mr. Jose Rivera, Vice President of Student Development and Community Learning; Ms. Claudia Jackson, Assistant to the President for Community Relations and staff; Ms. Barbara Riley, Executive Administrative Assistant to Vice President of Business and Finance; and other administrators, faculty, and staff. From the Attorney's Office: Mr. Stephen Hilmy. Others: Mr. Bill Wilson and Mr. Dan Talley, WKMC Architects; Mr. Larry Jordan and Mr. Gavino Sotelo, financial advisors with Estrada Hinojosa; Mr. Thomas Spurgeon and Mr. Noel Valdez, bond counsel with McCall, Parkhurst & Horton; representatives from auditing firms; and other interested citizens. Mrs. Olga Gonzales, president of the Board, presided and called the meeting to order. With a quorum present, she requested a moment of silence and asked that Mr. Al Benitez be in their thoughts. RECOGNITION Ms. Claudia Jackson made several announcements: Mr. Jeffrey Ryan Stanley, a student, received a $1,000 Coca Cola Two-Year Colleges 2003 scholarship and had recently been selected for outstanding student achievement at the AACC conference; and, Ms. Diane Guerrero, a student in mechanical engineering, and Mr. Brian Cantu, a student in industrial engineering, were recipients of the Flint Hill Resources Mano-a-Mano scholarship. AWARDS AND INNOVATIONS Mr. Jose Alaniz recognized the College Relations Office, under the direction of Ms. Claudia Jackson, director, as this month’s Program of Excellence and Innovation. Ms. Jackson gave a brief overview of their mission and described the different functions they use in order to keep both the community and the College abreast of issues and communicating. She reviewed many of the publications prepared by the staff in her office, and recognized them at that time. Mr. Alaniz and Mrs. Gonzales and presented a plaque to Ms. Jackson and the College Relations staff. Mr. Guy Watts recognized Mrs. Minnie Arriaga’s grandson, who was in attendance at today’s meeting.
PUBLIC COMMENTS Mrs. Gonzales announced that, because of the number of people that had signed up, comments would be limited to three minutes. She then reviewed the decorum to be used by those making public comments. Mr. Gilbert Garcia Jasso, 4502 Danridge Dr., reviewed his past and present involvement with several organizations, and asked that no action be taken related to Board president Olga Gonzales. Ms. Lenora Keas, chairperson of the Department of Business Administration, commended the Board for their support of the resolutions made by the Chairs and Faculty Council. Mr. Gerald Sansing, 4526 Chevy Chase Dr., requested that the Board approve the videotaping of their meetings in order to keep the community informed. Ms. Tina Butler, president of Texas Association of Black Personnel in Higher Education, commented on the lack of response to their concerns that have been brought forward. Mr. Rolando Garza, 2854 Alvin, provided his opinion of free speech and insisted that Mrs. Gonzales had used her right to free speech and should not be penalized. Mr. Howard Karsh, auditorium supervisor, asked that the Board consider the proposal he had submitted earlier. Dr. Manuel Flores, associate professor of journalism, stressed the need for the College to move forward, and that Ms. Gonzales should not be reprimanded for using her right to free speech. Ms. Diamantina Cisneros, expressed her appreciation for Mrs. Gonzales and asked that the Board retain her as president of the Board. Mr. Carmel Alvarado, from Agua Dulce, asked that all Regents, except Mrs. Gonzales, resign from their positions on the Board. Mr. Butch Escobedo expressed his concern for the expense of hiring a new College president and the effect on the taxpayer. Ms. Gloria Garcia Madrigal spoke on behalf on Ms. Nancy Vera, Lulac Council #4444, and read a prepared statement from Ms. Vera concerning Dr. Valadez’ departure from the College. Mr. Ray Madrigal asked for a clarification of the time limit, which Mrs. Gonzales provided. He then commented on Dr. Valadez’ resignation and evaluation, and expressed his appreciation for Mrs. Gonzales. Mr. Gaylord Hoyt, professor of math, 6002 Pinehurst, expressed his support for the televising of Board meetings, and asked that the Board reconsider changing the time limit on public comments at the time of a meeting, and not in advance of the meeting. Mr. Benito Barrera, 4221 Beard, taxpayer, expressed his concern about the departure of Dr. Valadez and his support for Mrs. Gonzales. Mr. Guillermo Rodriguez, a veteran, urged the Board to work together and ignore the issue of racism as
stated in the newspaper. Mr. Joe O’Brien asked the Board to consider lowering the tax rate since property valuations had risen, and increasing the homestead tax exemption. Mrs. Dorothy Spann commented on the resolution provided by the Executive Chapter of the Corpus Christi Chapter, American Institute of Architects, in which they expressed the need to award more construction projects to local firms. Mr. Arturo Malve asked the Board to let the public know why Dr. Valadez was released from his contract. Mr. Bill Kopecky, 3609 Topeka, commented on the confidentiality agreement as the reason the Board would not release information concerning Dr. Valadez’ resignation. Ms. Laura Parr expressed her support for the Board and commented on the lack of respect for other people’s opinions shown by others. The Board took a break at 2:15 p.m. and reconvened at 2:30 p.m. COMMITTEE REPORTS Audit Committee—Mr. Bill Martin, chairperson, reported that they had met earlier this day and would be recommending the firm of Collier, Johnson, and Wood for auditing services this year. Buildings and Grounds Committee—Mr. Gabe Rivas, chairperson, reported that they had met to discuss auditorium issues and would consider including a theatrical architect/engineer in the RFQ for that project. REGENTS COMMENTS – None STAFF REPORTS – None COLLEGE PRESIDENT’S COMMENTS Mr. Alaniz reminded the Board that commencement exercises would be held that Friday, and convocation was scheduled for August 25th at 8:00 a.m. in the auditorium. APPROVAL OF MINUTES (#1) Mrs. Adler made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Arriaga, to adopt the minutes of the Regular Meeting, July 8, 2003, and the Called Meetings of July 22, 2003; July 28, 2003; and August 5, 2003; as presented, and the motion carried by unanimous vote of those present. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $55,000,000 IN PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF DEL MAR COLLEGE DISTRICT LIMITED TAX BONDS, SERIES 2003; AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A PAYING AGENT/REGISTRAR AGREEMENT; APPROVING AN OFFICIAL STATEMENT (#2) Mr. Larry Jordan provided an update on the sale of the bonds and reviewed the process. He reported that a total of five firms underwrote the bonds. He also explained the ratings process and the effect on the sale of the bonds. Mr. Thomas Spurgeon presented a Resolution to complete the sale of the bond proceeds and to
authorize the issuance of the bonds. Because a copy was not provided in the Board’s packet, it was the consensus of the Board to continue with the agenda until copies could be made, and then return to this item for action. SELECTION OF EXTERNAL AUDITING SERVICES FOR FISCAL YEAR ENDING AUGUST 31, 2003 (#3) Mr. Martin reported that it was the recommendation of the Audit Committee to select the firm of Collier, Johnson & Woods for external auditing services for fiscal year ending August 31, 2003. A second was made by Dr. Dawod, and the motion carried by unanimous vote. REPORT BY COORDINATING ARCHITECT ON THE BOND IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (#4) Mr. Bill Wilson reported that 1/8th of the design contract budget had been awarded, with another 1/8th expected to be presented to the Board soon; interviews will be held with firms responding to the RFQs for engineering services, Health Science building, and Technologies building; contracts for architect selections will be provided to the Board for approval within two weeks; the website should be up soon; and, he will be addressing the issue of minority participation by sharing information with the Minority Business Council. RICHARDSON AUDITORIUM (#5) Mr. Rivas reported that the Buildings and Grounds Committee had met earlier this day and recommended that the RFQ for the auditorium project include a theatrical architect and/or engineer. Ms. Winters provided a second, and after a brief discussion the motion carried by unanimous vote. REPORT REFLECTING ANY AND ALL CHANGES IN ENROLLMENT AND REASONS FOR CHANGES IN ENROLLMENT FOR AND BETWEEN THE YEARS 2001-02 AND 2002-03 (#6) Mrs. Spann reviewed some of the statistics in the report received, and stressed the need to communicate with the public the shortage of funds the College is receiving from the state, and its effect on enrollment. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $55,000,000 IN PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF DEL MAR COLLEGE DISTRICT LIMITED TAX BONDS, SERIES 2003; AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A PAYING AGENT/REGISTRAR AGREEMENT; APPROVING AN OFFICIAL STATEMENT (#2) The Board received copies of the Resolution for review. Mr. Rivas made a motion to adopt the Resolution Authorizing the Issuance of $53,545,000 in Principal Amount of Del Mar College District Limited Tax Bonds, Series 2003, Authorizing the Execution of a Paying Agent/Registrar Agreement, Approving an Official Statement, and Containing Other Matters Related to the Subject, as presented by Mr. Spurgeon. With a second made by Mrs. Spann, the motion carried with Adler, Arriaga, Dawod, Gonzales, Martin, Rivas, Spann, and Winters voting in favor; none opposing, and Watts abstaining. (This Resolution will be recorded as Document #03-15 in the document section of the Official Minutes Book of the Board.)
CLOSED SESSION SETTLEMENT OF LAWSUIT STYLED CAUSE NO. 02-2846-E: CHRISTINA PALACIOS VS. DEL MAR COLLEGE (#11); EMPLOYMENT, EVALUATION, DUTIES AND DISCIPLINE OF PUBLIC OFFICERS OR EMPLOYEES (#12); RECEIVING ADVICE FROM THE COLLEGE ATTORNEY (#13) Mr. Watts made a motion to skip to agenda item #12. It was the consensus of the Board to address the closed session items at this time. Mrs. Gonzales announced that the Board would enter into closed session in accordance with Government Codes 551.071 and 551.074, beginning at 3:11 p.m. The Board ended closed session and reconvened at 5:05 p.m. TELEVISING BOARD MEETINGS AS THE MEETINGS OCCUR ON EDUCATION CHANNEL 19 (#8) The Board discussed the benefits of having their meetings, including committee meetings, taped and televised. Mr. Bud Harris, dean of Workforce, Economic, and Community Development, informed the Board that taping would be provided by current staff, and also used as a learning process for students, thus keeping the cost low. Dr. Dawod made a motion to authorize video recording of the Board meetings with two cameras/videos to be played on Channel 19. Mrs. Minnie Arriaga provided a second, and added “and possibly some committee meetings.” The motion carried by unanimous vote. FINANCIAL STATEMENT FOR JUNE 2003 (#9) Ms. Ruth Cude, Comptroller, presented the financial statement for June 2003. Mr. Rivas made a motion to approve the financial statement for the month of June 2003 as presented. With a second made by Mrs. Spann, the motion carried by unanimous vote. INVESTMENTS FOR JULY 2003 Ms. Cude briefly reviewed the investments for July 2003. Mr. Rivas made a motion to accept the investment report for July 2003, and after a second by Mrs. Spann, the motion carried by unanimous vote. SETTLEMENT OF LAWSUIT SYTLED CAUSE NO. 02-2846-E: CHRISTINA PALACIOS VS DEL MAR COLLEGE, IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF NUECES COUNTY, 148TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (#11) Mr. Rivas made a motion, with a second by Mrs. Chris Adler, to approve the settlement of the lawsuit styled Cause No. 02-2846-E: Christina Palacios vs. Del Mar College, in the District Court of Nueces County, 148th Judicial District, as recommended by College administration. The motion carried by unanimous vote. CHANGE IN BOARD PRESIDENT Mrs. Gonzales announced that she would step aside as president of the Board of Regents at this time. She stated that she had been misinterpreted in the media, and that it was never her intention that race was an issue
(with the resignation of Dr. Valadez). CALENDAR (#14) A called meeting was scheduled for 4:00 p.m. on August 19th, immediately before the public hearing on the budget, to discuss the appointments of Olga Gonzales to Vice President and Gabe Rivas as President of the Board of Regents. Dr. Dawod made a motion, with a second by Mrs. Spann, to approve the calendaring date. (No vote was taken.) Mr. Watts reminded Regents of the scheduled August 18th called meeting to discuss several of his concerns. Discussion for an interim president will also be on the agenda. Because of a recent incident at another college, Mrs. Spann asked that a report on the College’s hiring/background check process be presented to the Board in September or October. With no further business, the meeting adjourned at 5:24 p.m.