FREMONT-NEWARK COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT
Ohlone College
Room 1216
43600 Mission Boulevard, Fremont, CA
Minutes of Citizens' Oversight Committee
April 2, 2002
Page 1 of 3 Pages UNADOPTED
MEMBERS PRESENT: James Griffin
John Copley
Yelena Abubekerova
Dan Chang
Leo Hinkel
James Laub
George Mathiesen
Emily Sawyer
MANAGEMENT
PRESENT: Dr. Floyd Hogue, President/Superintendent
Dr. Paulette Perfumo, Vice President, Educational Services/Deputy Superintendent
Ms. Deanna Walston, Vice President, Business Services/Deputy Superintendent
OPEN MEETING: The meeting was called to order by Dr. Floyd Hogue at 6:30 p.m.
The pledge of allegiance was led by Dr. Hogue.
All members were present except Arthur Geen.
Communications
from the Audience None
OTHER SCHEDULED
ITEMS
1. (See Attachment 1) Welcome and Introductions
Dr. Hogue led introductions of staff and the new committee members.
The President announced that the District has received official notification of the canvas of the election results.
A general overview of the purpose and activities of this committee was presented by Dr. Hogue. The timing and amount of each of the series of bond issuance, as well as the schedule for the purchase of the Newark land, were discussed. Questions from the Committee involved reporting to the Board of Trustees, legal liability of the group, and the role of the State Architect office in the planning of the projects.
Dr. Hogue discussed the relevancy of the Brown Act in relation to the Oversight Committee, advising the committee members that this organization must follow the requirements of the Brown Act in that it is a public reporting committee and will invite public (audience) participation.
Dr. Hogue stressed to the Committee their legal responsibility to report to the public concerning the expenditures of the bond proceeds. He also maintained that the Committee must make all decisions publicly. In addition, he noted that there may be additional requests of the Committee from the Board of Trustees (i.e., participation in selection of architect). Deanna Walston will provide regular reports on expenditures for the Committee's review. Ms. Walston also stated that much more information will be available concerning plans when the District is able to acquire the services of a facility planner and architects.
2. Selection of a Chair
Several of the Committee members stated that they had served or were currently serving on other oversight committees. John Copley explained his experiences and volunteered to serve as Chair of this Committee if no one else expressed an interest. Dr. Hogue called for a Committee nomination and a vote. Mr. Copley was elected unanimously.
3.Selection of Meeting Time
The Committee considered options for a meeting day and the frequency of meetings. Every first and third Monday will be held open for possible meetings of the Committee, but only the first Monday of each month will be considered a definite meeting date. The meetings will take place in Room 1216 and will begin at 6:30 P.M. It was determined that the next meeting of the Committee will take place on May 6, 2002.
Discussion:
Mr. Griffin asked about information and requests of individual Committee Members. Dr. Hogue suggested that all requests and information requests should be funneled through the Chairman of the Committee, and further stated that matters of this nature coming through the Committee Members should be considered at a meeting of the Committee before presenting the request to the District.
Questions related to estimated costs, reserves, and testing were mentioned. Dr. Hogue stated that all school districts have a similar problem with a major project: they have no up-front money to hire the services of inspectors and planners, and therefore, must use their best estimates in preparing bond information. He also noted that the District cannot fully determine the building costs involved with the new location until testing and soil analysis has been completed. He stated that the last EIR was done on the site in 1984, and while the site appears to have only low concentrations of hazardous materials, there may be an effect from the neighboring company, which is a fabrication plant. He also noted that he believes the plant is in the process of closing.
Simon Barros could be available at the next meeting to further describe project plans.
4. Other Issues
Two more officer positions on this Committee remain to be filled, presumably at the next meeting. The By-Laws also need development.
The possibility of posting meeting notes on the District web site was discussed, and the possibility of televising meetings will be reviewed for costs.
Mr. Ballard requested that a statement of liability be issued, regarding each Committee Member's personal liability while acting in the interests of the Oversight Committee.
5. Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 8:00 P.M.