The Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College Board of Trustees convened a meeting on Monday, April 4, 2016, at 3:30 p.m. in the Magnolia Building. Don Locke, the Vice-Chair, presided.
The following members of the Board were present: Bruce Briggs, Wayne Brigman, Mike Fryar, Richard Hurley, Roger Metcalf, Kaye Myers, John Parham, Frances Ramsey, Mary Ann Rice, Mandy Stone, and Ana Frady, Ex-Officio.
Others present for the meeting included: Dennis King, President, Dirk Wilmoth, Vice President Business and Finance/CFO, Terry Brasier, Vice President Student Services, Melissa Quinley, Vice President Instructional Services, Shelley White, Vice President Economic and Workforce Development/Continuing Education, Brian Willis, Vice President, Information Systems Technology, Kerri Glover, Executive Director, Community Relations and Marketing, Chris Campbell, College attorney, and Carolyn Rice, Secretary to the Board.
Call To Order
Dr. Locke read the ethics statement, and no conflicts of interest were reported. Ms. Rice called roll. A quorum was present.
Consent Agenda
Mr. Hurley moved to approve the Consent Agenda: 1. A. Minutes of March 7, 2016, 1. B. Personnel Actions, 1. C. Financial Statements Year End June 2015, and 1. D. Approval of New Policies.
The motion to approve the Consent Agenda was seconded by Ms. Stone and approved unanimously by the Board.
Resolution/Action Items
2. A.Dr. King informed the Board that upon the recommendation of the Executive Leadership Team and the Faculty Association, the College would like to recognize Ms. Myers’ service to the Board with an honorary degree. Dr. Locke added that Ms. Myers has been a wonderful representative of the College, not only locally but also at the state and national levels. The degree will be an excellent recognition of Ms. Myers’ service.
On a motion by Mr. Fryar, seconded by Ms. Rice, the Board unanimously approved the Resolution of Honorary Degree for Ms. Myers.
2. B. Dr. King discussed the termination of the Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) Program with the Board. The LPN program has been offered at the College for 50 years. Unfortunately, employment requirements for health professionals have changed and employees holding the LPN credential are no longer in high demand. Slots for the LPN students will be filled by students pursuing an Associate Degree in Nursing.
Mr. Briggs inquired if the number of slots for the Associate Degree in Nursing would increase. Ms. Quinley stated that the program will still have 270 seats available for students, but they will all be dedicated to the Nursing program.
On a motion by Mr. Briggs, seconded by Dr. Parham, the Board unanimously approved the termination of the LPN Program.
2. C. Dr. King discussed the demolition of the Haynes (Rhododendron) building with the Board. Dr. King informed the Board that Buncombe County engineers inspected Haynes and recommended that the building be demolished instead of renovated. The county will eventually replace Haynes with a larger and more energy-efficient building, which will be paid for by revenue from the quarter-cent sales tax. As the owners of the Haynes Building, the College administration is seeking permission from the Board to move forward with the demolition of the Haynes building.
Mr. Briggs asked who would own the new building. Dr. King stated that the county would own the building and that all of the new buildings on campus are owned by the county.
Mr. Briggs stated his concern about the county having control over what takes place in the new building, and referred to the county-owned facility in Woodfin. Mr. Fryar replied that the facility in Woodfin has close ties with the county because it is specifically used as a training facility for the county. The county does not mandate how the buildings on campus are used or become involved in curriculum decisions.
Mr. Metcalf asked when ownership of the building would revert back to the College. Mr. Fryar stated that the building would revert back to the College in 20 years.
On a motion by Dr. Parham, seconded by Mr. Fryar, the Board unanimously approved the demolition of the Haynes (Rhododendron) Building.
2.D. Upon receipt of the NC Connect Bond Referendum funds, Dr. King is seeking Board approval to start with the renovation projects listed below, which include their estimated cost:
- Sycamore Greenhouse Wall Renovation, $50,000
- Balsam Stair Repair, $50,000
- Sunnicrest Exterior Repairs, $500,000
- Ivy Renovation, $1,300,000
- Ramsey Gutters, $50,000
- Chestnut Renovation, $200,000
- Advanced Manufacturing Center Renovation, $500,000
- Poplar Renovation, $500,000
Ms. Ramsey stated that she is expecting to have more than $50,000 allocated to the renovation of the A-B Tech Madison, and asked Dr. King for his assurance that Madison County will receive more money. Dr. King assured Ms. Ramsey that there will be more projects completed in Madison County and that Ms. Davis, Director of A-B Tech Madison will be consulted.
Mr. Fryar asked if the renovation projects could be handled by Buncombe County instead of the state. Dr. King informed the Board that all Bond projects must be handled through and approved by the state.
Ms. Stone moved to change the Connect NC Bond Referendum Renovation Projects Resolution to include other projects needed for Madison County. Mr. Briggs seconded the motion.
Dr. Locke asked the Board to approve the Resolution as presented and then move on to discussing Madison County’s needs.
On a motion by Ms. Stone, seconded by Mr. Brigman, the Board unanimously approved the Connect NC Bond Referendum Renovation Projects Resolution as presented.
Ms. Stone then moved that the Board recognize that additional unmet needs at the Madison County campus have been identified and such needs should be given priority consideration by the President for future Bond Referendum projects brought before the Board of Trustees for approval.
Mr. Briggs asked that all of the unexpended funds from the first eight projects listed in the Resolution be earmarked for Madison County.
Dr. Locke expressed his concern that the final costs of these projects could be higher or lower and that any unused funds would go back into the pot of money available for future projects.
Ms. Stone suggested that the project costs be revisited when the College completes the bid process.
Mr. Briggs voiced concern that the Board hasn’t had any input on specific renovation projects and the money to be spent on them. Mr. Briggs is requesting that Madison County be a top priority. Dr. King reminded the Board of their extensive involvement in the approval of the 2015 Master Facility Plan. He also reminded the Board that the Board received a copy of the Ten-Year Capital Improvement Plan. All eight projects came from those two documents.
Ms. Ramsey stated that the citizens of Madison County supported the successful bond passage and she appreciates the desire of the Board to see that critical, unmet needs in Madison County are addressed with bond funds.
Dr. Locke stated that the Board intends to make sure all projects are beneficial to all campuses and asked for a second to Ms. Stone’s motion regarding Madison County. Mr. Hurley seconded the motion.
Ms. Stone added that all needed projects have been presented to the Board in the Master Facilities Plan and that all of the critical needs of the College will be met. Several Trustees requested to see Madison County’s list of projects for future consideration.
Mr. Campbell confirmed that any and all future bond projects recommended by the President will have to be discussed and voted on by the full Board of Trustees and this motion expresses the desire of the Board that the President give priority consideration to critical, unmet needs at the Madison County campus. President King agreed he would do so.
Dr. Locke confirmed Mr. Hurley’s second and stated that the question has been called.
The motion passed unanimously.
Staff Report
Ms. Lisa Bush, Director of Enrollment Services, presented and discussed the 2015-2018 Enrollment Action Plan to the Board:
- The Enrollment Management Action Plan is aligned with and driven by the College’s Strategic Plan.
- The Plan is focused on shared institutional responsibility of marketing, recruitment, retention, and completion.
- Emphasis is placed on the course and resource availability to maximize student access and completion.
- Focus is placed on meeting the employment needs of the region and building relationships with individuals, community partners, and stakeholders.
- Areas that the College is focusing on include:
- Enhancing student systems and technology
- Diversifying the student body
- Optimizing high school connections
- Maximizing pathways from non-credit to credit courses
- Maintaining the College’s vibrant marketing and institutional image
- Increasing program offerings
- Creating reverse transfer opportunities
- Continuing Education Programs, short-term training to employment
- Creating business training opportunities
- Affordability and financial success
- Increasing student persistence and completion
Ms. Bush concluded by informing the Board that the Student Enrollment Plan may be found on A-B Tech’s Admissions web page.
Ms. Ramsey commended Ms. Bush and her staff on all of their efforts with the plan. Ms. Stone added that the action plan recognizes community colleges and what they represent.
President's Report
Dr. King shared the following news with the Board:
- Governor Pat McCrory has appointed Mrs. Robin Ramsey to the Board. Mrs. Ramsey will be sworn in at the May 2 meeting.
- Dr. Don Locke will be the speaker at the 2016 Commencement ceremony. A copy of the article about Dr. Locke is included in the Board packet. Kerri Glover and the Marketing and Communications department are to be commended for keeping the College in the public eye.
- With regard to the financial aid loan default rate, the College has hired a company called Inceptia, whose mission is to help colleges lower financial aid loan default rates. Representatives of Inceptia will speak with students and offer strategies for loan repayment.
- The College recognized all employees who have five years and more of service with an award ceremony. Employees with 15 and more years of service were treated to a culinary dinner with the President and Chair of the Board.
- The College has allocated twelve parking spaces for Veteran parking only in various locations on campus.
- Regarding the recent passage by the General Assembly of North Carolina of House Bill 2, the College will enforce the law to the best of its ability. There are twelve unisex restrooms spread out across campus with locking doors, and all of the College’s new and renovated buildings will have unisex restrooms.
- The outstanding student of each of the College’s 60 programs will be honored at the annual student achievement award ceremony. The students will receive a medallion that may be worn at the commencement ceremony.
- The College is conducting a Ruffalo Noel Levitz survey to measure the satisfaction level of the students. Trustees will receive a copy of the survey and the results.
- The Board is invited to the Stand Against Racism event being held on campus on April 7.
SGA Report
SGA President Ana Frady informed the Board that members of the Student Government have been working on the staffing of College events, looking for volunteers for the Open House, and working on the Earth Day festivities.
Two students are running for President of the SGA for the 2016-2017 school year, and other students are interested in the offices of Vice President and Secretary.
Adjourn
Dr. Locke commended Phi Theta Kappa on continuously winning awards for their Chapter.
On a motion by Ms. Stone, the meeting was adjourned at 5:10 p.m. by unanimous consent.
Respectfully submitted,
Carolyn H. Rice
Board Secretary