IHL Dec. 2005 meeting highlights

http://www.ihl.state.ms.us/ADMIN/downloads/BdDec05.pdf

Mr. Roy Klumb was absent. (p.1)
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EXECUTIVE SESSION

On motion by Ms. Robinson, with Mr. Klumb absent and not voting, the Board voted to close the meeting to determine whether or not it should declare an Executive Session. On motion by Ms. Whitten, seconded by Mr. Colbert, with Mr. Klumb absent and not voting, the Board voted to go into Executive Session for the reason later reported by the President in Open Session and stated in these minutes, as follows:

Discussion of real estate issues, legal issues and personnel issues.

On motion by Mr. Blakeslee, seconded by Dr. Davidson, with Mr. Klumb absent and not voting, the Board voted to return to Open Session.

The Board discussed real estate issues, legal issues and personnel issues. No actions were taken. (p. 1)
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ANNOUNCEMENT

Ms. Newton advised the Board that Mr. Roy Klumb has respectfully submitted his resignation from the Board effective immediately. Citing personal and professional reasons, Mr. Klumb indicated that he no longer has the time required of him for the appointed position.

Ms. Newton further commented that Mr. Klumb has often presented a different point of view, and his voice will be missed in our deliberations. He has served the state well for nearly a decade as a champion for a quality education at an affordable price. It is with deep regret that we accept his resignation.

...Ms. Robinson will replace Mr. Klumb on the Mississippi State University Presidential Search Committee. (p. 1)
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4. USM - Approved the request to purchase a high-frequency microwave radar system for the Department of Marine Science at the Stennis Space Center. The cost is $293,550 including installation and shipping and handling. Funds are available from the Central Gulf of Mexico Ocean Observing System grant. A copy of the purchase order is included in the December 15, 2005 Board Working File.

5. USM - Approved the request to enter into a contract with the Hattiesburg Coca-Cola Bottling Company. The contract is for the exclusive beverage/concession service on campus. The contract period is from January 1, 2006 to December 31, 2015. The revenue is made up of sponsorship fees and commissions. A copy of the contract, which was reviewed and approved by the Attorney General’s Office, is included in the December 15, 2005 Board Working File.

6. USM - Approved the request to renew a license agreement with International Sports Properties, Inc. The contract period is from July 1, 2004 through June 30, 2011. The revenue is a percentage of cash collected or a flat fee whichever is greater. A copy of the agreement, which was reviewed and approved by the Attorney General’s Office, is included in the December 15, 2005 Board Working File.

7. USM - Approved the request to enter into a contract with WorldClaim to assist in the measurement and documentation of USM’s losses at the Hattiesburg campus, the Long Beach campus, the Ocean Springs Facility, and any other USM facility, resulting from losses incurred as a result of Hurricane Katrina. The contract also provides for assistance in the claim recovery process. The fees to be paid will be 4.5% of the first $200,000,000 of claim recovery, 6.5% of the next $100,000,000 recovered, and 7% of all the claims recovered over $300,000,000. A copy of the contract, which was reviewed and approved by the Attorney General’s Office, is included in the December 15, 2005 Board Working File. (p. 4)
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7. USM – Approved the initiation of IHL #108-242, Roof Repairs for several buildings and the appointment of Allred-McNabb as the project professionals. This project is part of the ongoing roofing maintenance and repair program for the Hattiesburg campus. The project budget for the repairs is $850,000. Funds are available from S.B. 2010, Laws of 2004 (R&R Funds). (p. 6)

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23. USM – Approved Change Order #2 in the amount of $1,668,557 for IHL #208-251, Trent Lott Center for Excellence in Economic Development and Entrepreneurship. The change order will restore scope and finishes that were deleted at the time of contract award. Funding is available from University sources to allow restoration of these items of work. (p. 8)

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Payment of legal fees for professional services rendered by Adams & Reese (Statements dated 9/30/05, 9/30/05, 9/30/05, 10/18/05 and 1/7/05) from the funds of The University of Southern Mississippi. (These statements, in the amounts of $1,137.50, $7,824.30, $202.74, $89.50 and $2,505.50, represent services and expenses in connection with the Servedio, Brewer, DePree, DePree and Brewer cases, respectively.) TOTAL DUE.....................................................$10,759.54 (p. 9)

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3. System Administration - Approved, as amended, the proposed changes to the Board Policies and Bylaws – 201.0608 Institutional Executive Officer Search Process – for first reading. (See Exhibit 4.) (p. 14)

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COMMISSIONER’S REPORT
Presented by Dr. Thomas Meredith, Commissioner

Dr. Meredith advised the Board that the search for the next Mississippi State University president is underway after a tremendously successful day of meetings with different university constituencies on the Mississippi State campus. Ms. Newton noted that Ms. Robinson will replace Mr. Klumb on the Mississippi State University Presidential Search Committee.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Ms. Newton again expressed her regret over Mr. Klumb’s resignation from the Board. She thanked Mr. Klumb for his years of service on the Board. On motion by Mr. Patterson, seconded by Dr. Neely, with Mr. Colbert, Mr. Klumb, Mr. Ross and Ms. Whitten absent and not voting, the Board authorized the preparation of a resolution commending Mr. Roy Klumb for his professional contributions and dedication to the Board of Trustees. The resolution will be spread upon the January 19, 2006 minutes. (p. 15)

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UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI

The Board Staff approved the University’s request to reject all the bids on the Reed Green Multipurpose Facility Improvements, Phase II, GS #108-229, and to have the professional prepare a new scope of work and prepare the documents through the construction phase. Funds are available in the project budget in the amount of $6,500,000 from Senate Bill 2988, Laws of 2003, and Senate Bill 2010, Laws of 2004. (p. 23)

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[Many proposed changes to 201.0608 Institutional Executive Officer/Commissioner of Higher Education Search Process (pp. 24-26). Worth reading in full. Here are a few...]

The search committee may select a search consultant to assist with the search >>> The Commissioner may select a search consultant, with the Board’s approval, to assist with the search ...

[second level amendment to proposed new passage]As part of the initiation of the IEO search process, the Commissioner and Board Search Committee will consider the input of constituents regarding desired characteristics of a new IEO. The Board shall also consider input from constituents regarding the desired characteristics of a new Commissioner. >>> As part of the initiation of the IEO search process, the Commissioner and Board Search Committee may consider the input of constituents regarding desired characteristics of a new IEO. The Board may also consider input from constituents regarding the desired characteristics of a new Commissioner. ...

[strike] In a search for an Institutional Executive Officer, the Board Search Committee shall consult with the Campus Advisory Committee on position criteria. In a search for a Commissioner, the Board Search Committee may consult with appropriate individuals or groups on position criteria....

Advisory Committee >>> Campus Screening Committee
A Campus Advisory Committee shall be created to advise the Board in a search for an Institutional Executive Officer. >>> In a search for an IEO, the Commissioner shall appoint a Campus Screening Committee, as well as a chair of such committee....

[add]The Campus Screening Committee shall narrow the field of applicants to no less than five candidates for an IEO position. Those names shall then be submitted unranked to the Commissioner. ...

[strike] In a search for an Institutional Executive Officer, the Campus Advisory Committee will be requested to develop a campus interview schedule for the candidates selected for final interviews....