V. Approval to Enter into an Agreement with The Cooper Group
When the Committee reconvened after the closed session, Chair Dukes called for a motion to enter into an open session:
MOTION by Regent Hatchett:
Move the Committee to enter into open session.
Seconded by Regent Moyer, and passed without dissent.
When the Committee entered into open session, Chair Dukes stated that no action had been taken during closed session, and then asked Interim President Ronald Johnson to present this agenda item.
President Johnson stated that the Cooper Group contract would be for strategic consulting services to assist with specific mandates of HB 250 regarding the removal or termination of individuals who are under-performing, or who are in areas no longer needed at the University, or who are too expensive to continue spending money on.
MOTION by Regent Moyer:
Move the Committee to approve entering into an agreement with The Cooper Group.
Seconded by Regent Hatchett, and passed without dissent.
VI. Approval to Fill a Temporary Contracted Media Relations Specialist/Spokesperson Position
Interim President Johnson presented this agenda item, the purpose of which was related to HB 250, Section 1. Under the contract, the University would engage a PR communications specialist who would serve as a University spokesperson.
MOTION by Regent Moyer:
Move the Committee to approve the filling of a temporary contracted Media Relations Specialist/Spokesperson position.
Seconded by Regent Hatchett, and passed without dissent.
VII. Approval for Additional Funding to Pay Unbudgeted APA Special Examination Expense
This agenda item was presented by Interim President Johnson, who stated that the General Assembly had provided $250,000 to cover the cost of the APA audit, with the provision that KSU would pay the difference for any amount exceeding $250,000. As the cost of the audit exceeded the funding by the General Assembly by $60,526, approval was being sought from the Board to pay this unbudgeted amount.
Regent Hatchett noted that the request that Interim President Johnson verbally presented was different than the written language of this action item. Therefore, Regent Hatchett requested clarification that approval was being sought for Interim President Johnson’s oral presentation. President Johnson replied that he believed the only difference between the written and verbal statements were his comments as to the APA’s experience and Regent Hatchett’s history with them; essentially, however, he was seeking to fund the shortfall relative to what was provided to the APA through the General Assembly’s action.
MOTION by Regent Hatchett:
Move the Committee to approve additional funding to pay the unbudgeted APA Special Examination expense. Seconded by Regent Moyer, and passed without dissent.