Introductory Items
  1. Call to Order and Roll Call

Board President Davis called the meeting to order at 11:27 am.

Board President Davis called roll:

Ken Brenner

Pat Chlouber

Charles Cunniffe (via IVS)

Glenn Davis

Mary Ellen Denomy

Kathy Goudy (via IVS)

Patty Theobald

All Trustees were present.

  1. Pledge of Allegiance

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

  1. Approve Agenda

The Trustees agreed to move the housing discussion to 1:30 pm.

Trustee Goudy objected to item number 9, stating it was not noticed correctly. Counsel assured the board that the agenda was posted 24 hours prior to the meeting, therefore was noticed in accordance with the open meetings law. Trustee Goudy said there wasn’t enough information posted.

  1. Approve Minutes

ACTION: Trustee Theobald Moved to Approve the May 19 and May 20 Minutes; Trustee Cunniffe Seconded the Motion and it carried 6-0 with one abstention.

Trustee Goudy abstained from the vote stating there were parts where she would not have worded the minutes the way they are written, but the minutes are probably accurate so she is abstaining from the vote.

  1. Public Comment

Adjunct Faculty Representative Susie Leesonstated that President Hauser is doing wonderful work on behalf of our students, faculty and staff and that she encourages celebration for the good work being done.

  1. Campus Update

Breckenridge Campus Vice President Dave Askeland was available for questions about his written campus update.

President’s Report and Agenda Overview

President Besnette Hauser’s written report was included in the packet. She made introductions of those not at prior trustee meetings.President Hauser gave an update on the interim campus dean for Rifle; Richard Maestas will fill in for that role.

Chief Operating Officer Matt Gianneschi is working on the opportunity for staff to earn their Ph.D. with University of Denver. Matt has more details.

Trustee Comments

  • Board Conduct:

Trustee Theobald made a statement about board duties and responsibilities (see attached statement).

Board President Davis reminded the Board that these policies were approved by this sitting board (other than Trustee Theobald) and the Board owes it to the organization to be responsible to the document.

Trustee Chlouber reminded the Board of some of the hallmarks of highly effective boards:

  • Engage in governance, not management.
  • Operate with a high level of trust and candor.
  • Focus on strategic issues that matter most.
  • Do not tolerate personal agendas.
  • Take time to listen to opposing views.
  • Recognize the student and the quality of education as the highest priorities.
  • Impose and insist on the highest ethical standards.
  • Openly debate important issues but speak with one voice once decisions are made.

Trustee Goudy requested that the above written statements be entered into the record.

Trustee Brenner stated that these are appropriate things to include in the board retreat to help develop a good synergy between board members.

Board President Davis stated that this has been covered in prior retreats and that trustees need to honor commitments made during the retreat in order for the Board to become more functional.

Action Items

  1. Final Budget Hearing

Vice President of Fiscal Affairs, Linda English presented a summary of the final budget.

There were two changes since the May budget hearing; projected FTE for the current year and 5 new grants were solidified. $1,058,000 was added to the sponsored program budget with no net change to the final budget. Trustees mentioned there are good federal sources for grants for IT and that the College should review IT master plansannually. There are many grants that are funneled through the foundation as a 501C3 is needed for them.

ACTION: Trustee Chlouber Moved to Approve the Resolution to Adopt the Budget for FY2016-17; Trustee Cunniffe Seconded the Motion. There was a roll call vote andthe Motion carried 5-2

Ken Brenner - Aye

Pat Chlouber - Aye

Charles Cunniffe - Aye

Glenn Davis - Aye

Mary Ellen Denomy - Nay

Kathy Goudy - Nay– due to the rise in administrative costs and FTE loss

Patty Theobald - Aye

ACTION: Trustee Theobald Moved to Approve the Resolution to Appropriate Funds $102,686,279 for the FY2016-17 Budget; Trustee Chlouber Seconded the Motion. There was a roll call vote and the Motion carried 5-2.

Ken Brenner - Aye

Pat Chlouber - Aye

Charles Cunniffe - Aye

Glenn Davis - Aye

Mary Ellen Denomy - Nay

Kathy Goudy - Nay– due to the rise in administrative costs and FTE loss

Patty Theobald - Aye

  1. Year-end Supplemental Appropriation

Linda English presented the Supplemental Appropriation, which is a true up of expenditures. The College received additional grants (that hadn’t been budgeted); and the student government funds received more funds than budgeted this year.

ACTION: Trustee Denomy Moved to Approve Year-end Supplemental Appropriation; Trustee Goudy Seconded the Motion and it carried unanimously.

  1. Board Conduct & Trustee Censure

Trustee Theobald read a statement requesting the censure of Trustee Denomy. (see attached) Trustee Brenner asked that we table this and have a discussion about how the Board can function more appropriately at the retreat. Board President Davis stated that in order for him to table this until the retreat, he would need a commitment from Trustee Denomy that she would not write any more letters to the editor. Board President Davis asked Trustee Denomy if she was video-taping and recording the meeting. She stated that she was doing so and had not informed the other trustees.

Trustee Denomy stated that writing letters to the editor is her 1st amendment right and was not inclined to make this commitment. Board President Davis stated that the Board is not trying to take away Trustee Denomy’s first amendment rights, but that she had violated Board policies. Trustee Goudy asked which policies had been violated and Board President Davis cited the following policies:

2.1.10

The Board Supports and advocates for the College. The Board recognizes its role as an essential link between the College and the communities it serves. The Board promotes the College in the community, and seeks support for the College from local, state, and national policy makers. The Board of Trustees supports the CMC Foundation through participation in giving and community fundraising activities.

2.1.7

Board Members and others who participate in executive sessions shall maintain confidentiality regarding discussions that occur during executive sessions.

3.1

Public confidence in the integrity of Colorado Mountain College (CMC) demands that all employees and Trustees demonstrate high ethical standards at all times. Trustees and employees should serve CMC with integrity and honesty, and should discharge their duties in an independent and impartial manner. In order to fulfill this trust, all CMC employees and Trustees:

1. Shall serve the College with respect, concern, courtesy, and responsiveness.

2. Shall demonstrate high standards of personal integrity, truthfulness, and honesty and shall, through personal conduct, foster public confidence and trust in the College.

2.1.6

The Board Employs, evaluates, and supports the College President. The Board promotes successful governance by fostering a strong relationship of mutual trust and respect with the College President. The partnership between the Board and the College President is based on open communication, trust, and support.

2.1.7

The Board Acts as a unit. Expression of individual thoughts, ideas, and points of view is to be respected and encouraged as integral to the Board's ability to forge its collective values. However, each Board Member supports the final determination of the Board concerning any particular matter, regardless of the Member's personal position concerning such matter.

2.1.8

Makes informed decisions on behalf of its constituents. Decisions made by the Board are a result of analysis and group deliberations. Pertinent information provided by the community and College staff through the College President form the basis for decision making. While contributing to informed decisions by bringing forth concerns and issues from their respective communities and/or special interest groups, Board Members are expected to act on behalf, and in the best interests, of the entire College District and service area.

Action: Trustee Theobald re-read the petition statement of official censure (attached) as a motion; Trustee Cunniffe Seconded the Motion.

Trustee Goudy requested the Motion to be struck stating it was not properly noticed and not provided in the board packet materials.

General Counsel Richard Gonzales stated there is precedent for censure of an elected official and that he thinks the opportunity to respond would be appropriate. He recommendedgiving Trustee Denomy a chance to prepare a defense.

Action: Trustee Brenner Moved to table the censure until the next agenda after a discussion has been had during the retreat; Trustee Goudy Seconded the Motion.

Trustee Cunniffe stated that discussions with the board haven’t happened prior to Trustee Denomy’sgoing to the press.

Trustee Theobald requested to call the original motion as the stated behavior is causing serious damage to the College and the duty of the Board is to protect the college.

Board President Davis again asked for a commitment from Trustee Denomy not to place any more letters to the editor before the retreat. Trustee Denomy stated that she should have the opportunity to defend herself against the allegations and feels she should have that time. Trustee Theobald stated there was nonotice to the Trustees or the College and therefore, no opportunity for the College to defend itself against Trustee Denomy’s statements.

Trustee Denomy stated that she will not write any letters to the editor until after a discussion has taken place during the retreat.

A roll call vote was taken on the Motion to Table the Censure of Trustee Denomy and it carried 4-2 with one abstention:

Cunniffe - Nay

Theobald - Nay

Brenner – Aye

Chlouber – Abstained as she is torn on the subject

Goudy - Aye

Denomy - Aye

Davis – Aye- due to the commitment given until after the retreat.

This will be revisited at the next regular session.

After the vote, Trustee Theobald requested to make a statement. She stated that the bullying by Trustees Goudy and Denomy is disruptive to the College administration, staff, faculty and the Board.

Board President Davis stated that the pattern towards bullying has been in place for some time starting with SourceGas, Dr. Jensen, Glenn Davis, Alpine Bank, The CMC Foundation, the president and the administration. He would like to see this stop and come together and work together; this is imperative for the success of the organization.

President Hauser also reminded the board of Policy 3.4 – which addresses the role of the Public Information Officer.

Discussion ensued about the vote for President Hauser’s contract. A special meeting will be scheduled on Monday, June 27, 2016 via telephone to vote on President’s contract.

Information/Discussion/Updates

  1. Reduction of COP Interest Costs

Linda English informed the Board that Management is looking at ways to reduce interest costs.

  1. Summary of Capital Planning Discussions

Housing philosophy:

Matt Gianneschi informed the Board of College Council discussions and their outcomes about housing, stating that CMC should be at the table, but should not take this on alone. There is a universal shortage of housing throughout the district that can change and hurt the mission of the College. This is not just about out-of-state students, but local students and employees.

Some ideas for discussion:

  • Cornell University has a separate real estate division which might be an idea for CMC.
  • Going to city councils for possible partnerships - when colleges, come to them, they tend to listen more.
  • This may be an opportunity for the College to be the convener for the many groups looking at this to come together.
  • We have land – maybe use some of our land for a partnership – Spring Valley, Edwards, Summit County
  • Be creative - we may need to take the lead.
  • Some opportunities have short windows - so need to move quickly on some of them and not be too timid
  • Maybe assign a division and a person in charge of that with a budget –
  • Contact each community town planner. Some approvals may still be out that didn’t happen due to recession.

The Board generally supports looking into housing. The discussion in August will take this into consideration.

The Board requested a list of policy solutions, possibly for the retreat, including demographic growth projections and enrollment projections, and percentage of students and staff, in district vs. out of state.

At this point, Board President Davis excused himself from the meeting and Board Secretary Pat Chlouber chaired the meeting.

President Hauser stated that management produced a strawman agenda for the August workshop. More informationwill be sent up front and she requested that board members let management know if they have questions.

Board President Davis and Trustee Brenner will take the first step in putting together an agenda for the retreat.

  1. Summary of 2015-16 Legislative Session

Matt Gianneschi gave a recap of the Government Relations meeting that was held on June 23, 2016.

  • Hospital provider fee bill failed. This could change next year due to elections.
  • Projected State revenues are down $65 million but the State set aside $115 million for the severance tax case and will only need ½ that to settle, so the rest will be available to plug the revenue hole of $65 million.
  • Revenues are expected to worsen the following year. Job slowdown due to lack of housing.
  • Management is looking for guidance to give to staff about annexation into district. (August discussion)
  • Possible Amendment – single payer health system – all employers will be affected.

Eagle County has asked CMC if the College would partner to create a career and technical site at Eagle Valley High School. The District is requesting a $140 million bond for capital in the November election. They would pay for the space as long as CMC would staff it. There are two questions:

  1. Shouldthe Board take a position on local bond issue? Or does it cross a line?
  2. Is the Board comfortable with Eagle county schools using CMC’s name in a campaign?

Ballots will be printed in September so a decision needs to be made soon.The Board requested Management to bring back an MOU to the August meeting so they will know exactly what it means to support or take a position on the bond issue.

  1. Board Effect Trial

Richard Gonzales explained that the company has agreed to give the College a trial period from June 30 to September 10 at no charge. Trustees Denomy, Goudy, Theobald and Brenner agreed to try the product for the August meeting.

  1. Preview of a Potential Partnership for Housing in Steamboat Springs

Steamboat Springs Campus Vice President Kathy Kiser-Miller gave an overview about a potential partnership. A third party approached the campus for a housing partnership. It is a lease option, CMC would manage the property (financial aid could be applied) and there is room for 48 students. It would be transitional housing for upper class students. (there are 140 or so students right now without housing for fall)

They have been remodeled with kitchenettes. Students also work in community and have no place to live when dorms close. The College has not had a chance to do due diligence as of yet; management will bring more detailed information to the Board. The campus is hoping to have this housing available in the fall.

Supplemental Information (written reports)

  1. Human Resources/Personnel Update
  2. Academic Affairs Update
  3. Facilities Update – Vet tech building structure issues
  4. Purchasing Update
  5. Community Survey Draft

New Business

Next Meeting

Wednesday, August 31, 2016 – Steamboat Springs

  • 9:00 am | Local/Campus and Community Meet & Greet
  • 10:00 am | Trustee Meeting
  • Accept 4th quarter Financials
  • Appoint members to CMC Garfield County Library Condo Association (as needed)
  • Summary of Student Surveys
  • noon | Capital Planning Work Session (working lunch) (see separate proposed agenda)
  • 6:00 pm | Board Dinner

Thursday, September 1, 2016

  • 8:00 am – 4:00 pm | Work Session, continued & Annual Planning Retreat

The meeting was adjourned at 2:53 pm.