The Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College Board of Trustees convened a meeting on Monday, December 5, 2022, at 3:06 p.m., in The Brumit Center for Culinary Arts and Hospitality. Dr. Theresa Banks, Vice Chair, presided.
The following members of the Board participated: Theresa Banks, Joe Barwick, Michael Garrison, Tommy Justus, Himanshu Karvir, David King, Judy Lewis, Roger Metcalf, John Parham, Frances Ramsey, and Ryan Adams-Clark, Ex-Officio. Trustees Joe Brumit, Matt Kern, and Libby Kyles were absent.
Others present for the meeting included: Deborah Wright; Acting President and Vice President of Economic & Workforce Development and Continuing Education, Kerri Glover; Executive Director of Community Relations and Marketing, Chris Campbell, College Attorney; and Carolyn Rice, Secretary to the Board.
Call to Order
Vice Chair Banks read the ethics statement. No conflicts of interest were reported. Ms. Rice called roll; a quorum was present.
Consent Agenda
At 3:08 p.m., Vice Chair Banks asked for a motion to approve the Consent Agenda.
Dr. Parham moved to approve Consent Agenda items: 1. A. November 7, 2022, Board Meeting Minutes; and 1. B. Personnel Actions.
The motion to approve the Consent Agenda was seconded by Mr. Walls. The motion passed unanimously.
Resolution/Action Items
2. A. Ms. Wright informed the Board that Chef Chris Bugher was invited to compete in the Culinary World Cup in Luxembourg, and asked the Board if they would approve Chef Bugher’s Educational Leave with Pay request. Chef Bugher’s request meets the requirements of Board Policy, 507: Educational Leave.
Dr. Justus moved to approve the Educational Leave with Pay request. Mr. King seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
2. B. Mr. Chris Campbell discussed the changes to the Interlocal Agreement between the County of Buncombe and the Board of Trustees regarding the construction of a College Work-Force Training Center and the use of the one-quarter cent Article 46 County Sales and Use tax. Although Pratt & Whitney no longer requires a workforce center with designated space, the College still has $10 million to spend on a building. The $10 million ($5 million from the General Assembly, and $5 million from the Article 46 tax funds) must pay for everything building related, including site preparation, design, and architect fees to soft costs and contingencies. The vision for the future of the College is to have a training center established in south Buncombe county to support future manufacturing businesses that come to our area, regardless of Pratt & Whitney’s involvement in the center.
The Board discussed the pros and cons of going forward with the Work-Force Training Center, legal obligations, borrowing money toward future Article 46 funds, the lack of a deed to the property, and the benefits of having Buncombe County build and own the building.
Dr. Barwick moved to approve the Interlocal Agreement between the County of Buncombe and the Board of Trustees of Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College Regarding the Construction of a College Work-Force Training Center and the Use of the One-Quarter Cent Article 46 County Sales and Use tax. Mr. Walls seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
Trustee Business
The Trustees requested an update on Article 46 funds, discussed the option of borrowing money from future Article 46 funds, and asked the College to start planning for a 2023 Board Retreat.
President’s Report
On behalf of Dr. Gossett, Ms. Wright shared the following information with the Board:
- On Veterans Day, Ms. Liverett was awarded an honorary Associate of Applied Science degree in Culinary Arts. Ms. Liverett is a Veteran currently residing in the State Veterans Home in Black Mountain.
- National Apprenticeship Week was celebrated on the A-B Tech Madison County campus. Madison County is the only county eligible for state-funded apprenticeships in our service area at the moment.
- Pratt & Whitney had a ribbon-cutting ceremony at their new plant. Many people were in attendance, including the Governor. Everyone who spoke at the ceremony praised A-B Tech for all we do and have done to help train current and future workforce employees.
- The College received two “Best of Asheville” awards. A gold for being the best vocational school, and a silver for being the best college in the area.
- Our Basic Law Enforcement Training Program graduated 17 students, who have all passed the required state exam.
- The State Employees Credit Union Foundation donated $18,000 to the College which will be used to award scholarships in continuing education programs.
SGA Report
SGA President, Ms. Adams-Clark shared that November has been busy with a clothing and food drive for the Beloved Community and Manna Foodbank. SGA is also sponsoring gift boxes for Meals on Wheels recipients, Angel tree gifts for the Salvation Army, and Christmas stockings for pre-kindergarten children. Our students are doing well, and interest is growing in the SGA.
Closed Session
At 3:40 p.m., Dr. Parham moved that the Trustees enter closed session pursuant to G.S. 143-318.11 (a) (1) and (3) in order to discuss confidential personnel matters pursuant to G. S. 115D-27-29 and to discuss matters protected by the attorney-client privilege. The motion was seconded by Dr. Metcalf and was approved unanimously.
Return to Open Session
At 3:45 p.m., Dr. Parham moved to return to Open Session. Ms. Lewis seconded the motion which passed unanimously.
Handouts
Divisional Updates, the State and County Budget Report as of October 31, 2022, and the November 2022-2023 Student Success Scorecard are in the Handouts.
The next Board meeting will be on Thursday, February 2, 2022, at Noon at the Brumit Center for Culinary Arts.
Adjourn
On a motion properly made, the meeting adjourned at 3:46 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Carolyn H. Rice
Board Secretary