Tale of the toll:

Motorists traveling roadways faster, but can't escape tollway rate increases

Some motorists in Texas will be able to get where they're going faster in 2013, but on some routes it's going to cost them a little more.

In October, Texas set another first, becoming the first state in the nation to approve a speed limit of 85 miles per hour. It may not be warp-speed, but the 41-mile stretch of toll road on State Highway 130 between Austin and San Antonio allows the fastest speeds in the nation. Not only was that tollway the first in the state to post an 85 miles per hour speed limit, but it was also the state's first public-private partnership transportation project that resulted in a privately financed and operated toll road. The road was built by a consortium that not only financed the project, but will also maintain the roadway in exchange for a portion of the tolls collected.

Since the federal government repealed the nationwide 55 mph speed limit in 1995, Texas joined nearly three-dozen other states to set speed limits of 70 mph or higher on some of its roadways. The Texas Transportation Commission previously OK'd speed limits of 75 miles per hour on nearly 1,500 miles of interstate highway throughout 60 counties in the state, bringing the number of highway miles zoned 75 miles per hour or higher to close to 3,600.

The higher speed limits were a result of legislation from the 82nd Texas Legislature that allowed the change if a Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) study in the areas in question could show an increase in the speed limit could be implemented without negatively affecting the safety of the motoring public.

But no matter how fast Texas motorists drive, they will not be able to escape increasing tolls on some tollways across the state, particularly in Central Texas. Four Central Texas toll roads will see increases in toll rates, including Texas 130. That roadway will see tolls increase 25 percent for drivers with a toll tag. Non-toll-tag-bearing motor vehicles will be charged more. Increases on toll portions of Texas 45 North and Loop 1 will increase about 50 percent.

[more]

Randy Watson, chairman and CEO of Justin Brands, Inc., has been named by Gov. Rick Perry as a member of the Texas Public Safety Commission.The commission formulates and oversees policies for the Texas Department of Public Safety.

A resident of Burleson, Watson has been in the western industry for more than three decades, 20 years of that time with Justin Brands. Watson joined Justin Brands, a Berkshire Hathaway subsidiary since 2000, in 1993. In May of last year, he was named president and CEO of the company.

He received an associate's degree from Wharton Junior College and attended the University of Houston.

CPRIT picks Roberts as interim director, Hamilton as advisor

Wayne Roberts will serve as interim executive director of the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) until a permanent replacement can be found. Meanwhile, former Texas Deputy Comptroller Billy Hamilton has agreed to take on the role of senior advisor to the CPRIT Executive Director and CPRIT Oversight Committee.

Roberts previously served as associate vice president for public policy at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHSC-Houston) and is a member of the State Pension Review Board, which oversees all Texas public retirement systems. Hamilton, a private consultant, specializes in issues related to tax and fiscal policy and previously served as Chief Deputy Comptroller of Public Accounts of Texas.

The announcement arrives as CPRIT attempts to dig its way out of a deep hole of public distrust after it was revealed recently that the agency awarded an $11 million grant without going through the proper scientific review process.

Huston-Tillotson's Earvin elected to SACSCC board

The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC) recently elected Huston-Tillotson University (HTU) President Larry Earvin (pictured) chair of the board of trustees.

Earvin has served as president of HTU since 2000 and holds a bachelor's degree from Clark College, a master's degree from Georgia State University and a doctorate from Emory University. He previously served as assistant director of the Atlanta Housing Policy Study in addition to holding several administrative and academic positions at Clark Atlanta University and Clark College.

The SACSCC aims to make sure higher-learning institutions meet certain academic standards while addressing students' needs. 

Texas College nets grant to bolster science, technology majors

To help remedy a statewide deficit in science, math and technology majors, Texas College has introduced plans to upgrade and recruit more students for those degree plans, thanks to a $250,000 federal grant. The funding from the United States Department of Education is one of 14 grants aimed at promoting long-term improvements in science and engineering education at predominately minority institutions.

U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan said the grants will help "support the expansion of America's scientific and technological capacity to build global competitiveness by increasing minority graduates in the STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) fields."

Texas College officials will use the money to upgrade biology and chemistry labs in addition to student recruitment for math, biology and computer science majors.

UNTHSC president Scott Ransom ousted by regents' vote

 The University of North Texas (UNT) Board of Regents has voted to remove Scott Ransom (pictured) as president of the UNT Health Science Center (UNTHSC). Regent Michael Williams will take over as interim president, although a contract with him has not yet been negotiated.

The termination follows Ransom's alleged interference with the discussion of a study that would weigh the pros and cons of merging the Health Science Center and UNT under one academic umbrella, according to a letter from Jack Wall, chairman of the board.

The UNTHSC, with its main campus in Fort Worth, operates independently from UNT in Denton. According to UNT Chancellor Lee F. Jackson, merging the two schools would benefit research.

The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents has named Dr. Emily Fourmy Cutrer (pictured) sole finalist for the position of president of Texas A&M University-Texarkana.

Cutrer is provost and vice president for academic affairs at California State University-San Marcos, where she has worked since 2006. Before that role, she held a number of administrative posts at Arizona State University beginning in 1990 before she was named dean of the New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences in 2001.

Cutrer holds bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees from The University of Texas at Austin.

North Central Texas College board approves new midyear positions

The North Central Texas College Board of Regents recently approved the employment of new midyear personnel to help the school keep track of its expanding enrollment.

The board appropriated approximately $70,000 in funds for full-time positions, including those for librarian, custodian, business office personnel, admissions personnel, administrator and dual-credit coordinator.  

Regents also recently approved the employment of Michelle McLaughlin as a librarian and Melinda Carroll as associate registrar.

DCCCD's Lassiter appointed chairman of Parker University

Dallas County Community College District (DCCCD) Chancellor Wright Lassiter Jr. has been elected chairman of Parker University by its board of trustees. He will serve a two-year term. He was initially appointed to the Parker University board as treasurer in 2007.

Lassiter previously served as president of DCCCD's El Centro College for more than 20 years.

Provost Gery Hochanadel said Lassiter is a "great fit" for the role as Parker University enters a dramatic five-year strategic plan that calls for 12 new degree programs and seeks to boost enrollment to 2,500 students from its current 850-member student body.

LeGrande named dean of Enrollment Management at UH-Downtown

Tomikia LeGrande (pictured) has joined the University of Houston-Downtown (UHD) faculty as dean of Enrollment Management.

LeGrande previously served as associate vice chancellor of enrollment management, director of undergraduate admissions and director of graduate enrollment management at Winston-Salem University (WSSU). Prior to her tenure at WSSU, LeGrande worked as an adjunct chemistry professor at North Carolina A&T State University's pre-college program for middle and high school students.

LeGrande holds a bachelor's degree from Savannah State University and a master's degree from North Carolina A&T State University.

Fredericksburg City Council look at bids for bridge, drive projects

Bids for Fredericksburg's Austin Street Bridge and Morning Glory Drive projects have come in significantly over budget, according to City Manager Kent Myers, prompting city officials to delay action on the latter. The Austin Street Bridge project bid was prepared for the council.

The lowest bid for the bridge project came in at almost $100,000 more than the $316,000 allocated by the city in the 2012 Fiscal Year budget. The other four bidders all submitted proposals for more than $645,000.

Willacy County officials planning courthouse renovations

Plans are under way for an extensive $4.5 million renovation project for the Willacy County Courthouse. Official say that the renovations to repair brick walks, plaster problems and leaking windows and walls will take three to four years.

Officials say water damage has caused mold in the building and the plumbing and wiring in the structure are outdated. Before renovations can begin, the building must be vacated, so officials are currently renovating the former jail and sheriff's office into temporary space for courthouse workers. In addition, a new computer network system will be installed to connect all county offices to the system. Also included in the project is reroofing the former jail and sheriff's office, according to County Judge John F. Gonzales, Jr.

Willacy County seeking proposals to design $2 million storm shelter

Willacy County commissioners recently agreed to seek proposals from architects and engineers to design a proposed $2 million storm shelter that can withstand winds of up to 200 miles per hour.

County officials plan to reserve up to $2 million in funds the Federal Emergency Management Agency awarded to the state to pay for the new shelter, the county judge said. The county risked losing the federal grant if commissioners had not agreed to move forward with the design process and reserve funds for the storm shelter, he added.

Originally planned as a 20,000-square-foot domed structure that would be shared by the Raymondville school district and the city of Raymondville, the proposed shelter was downsized to between 8,000 square feet and 12,000 square feet after school district and city officials decided against partnering on the shelter project. The new shelter will not be required to be dome-shaped, the county judge said.

Studying the political landscape important part of selling to government...

Eagle Lake seeks funding for Airport Weather Observing System

Eagle Lake City Council members are looking at ways to fund an Airport Weather Observing System (AWOS) for the city airport. The AWOS would provide weather reports to pilots flying through the area.

City Manager Keith Webb has met with Bill Macke, a representative of the Texas Department of Transportation-Aviation (TxDOT-Aviation), about the AWOS grants. Macke advised city leaders to immediately submit a letter of interest for a 25 percent-to-75 percent split grant. Eagle Lake council members granted Webb authority to submit the letter of interest to TxDOT-Aviation.

Ector County ISD approves $8.125 million to design new facilities

Following the approval in November of a $129.75 million bond proposal to build and expand facilities, trustees for the Ector County Independent School District recently approved using $8.125 million from the district's current budget to pay for planning and design for three new elementary schools and for expansion of two high schools.

Proceeds from the bonds are not expected to be available until March and H.T. Sanchez (pictured), ECISD chief of staff, said district officials do not want to delay planning for the new facilities until then. Once bond funds are available, the bond money will be used to repay the amount spent from the general fund for planning and design of the new and renovated facilities.

District officials also launched an online survey to gather information on what residents want in the three elementary schools to be built on the west and north sides of Odessa. They will also seek input on proposed additions to Permian High School and Odessa High School to make room for freshman students now that the district is using the middle school concept rather than junior high schools, Sanchez said.

Alamo Area Council of Government elects chair, vice chair for 2013

The Alamo Area Council of Government (AACOG) has selected its 2013 board. The Council appointed Karnes City Mayor Don Tymrak as chair and Bexar County Commissioner Kevin Wolff as vice chair.

Tymrak and Wolff began their tenure January 1, after being sworn into office by 2012 Board Chair Katie N. Reed, a trustee of the Northside Independent School District.

Giudice to lead Dallas Public Library System as director

Mary Jo Giudice will head the Dallas Public Library System as director. Giudice most recently worked as interim assistant director of the Library System and replaces interim Director Kris Sweckard, former managing director of the city's Office of Environmental Quality. She previously served as the System's youth services manager and earned the System's prestigious Lillian M. Bradshaw Award for exemplary service.

Giudice holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Florida and master's degree from the University of South Carolina.

After rejecting a proposal to pay $80,000 for developing a master plan for public libraries responding to the digital age, Lubbock City Council members recently began organizing town hall meetings to gather information on possible locations to build or buy an alternative to the Godeke Library branch.

The city's $25,000-a-month lease of the Godeke Library site expires in a year and one-half and Councilman Victor Hernandez (pictured) proposed replacing the current Godeke facility with one similar in size, layout and design as the 10,500-square-foot Groves and Patterson branches.

Currently, the city has estimated it has about $3 million to pay for building a new library branch facility, he said.

Plano eyeing $50 million bond proposal in 2013

Plano City Council members recently agreed informally to support 10 capital improvement projects with a $50 million price tag to place as propositions on a possible bond election in May.

The projects under consideration range from a $7.5 million renovation of Jack Carter Pool, $2.5 million to upgrade the High Point Tennis Center and a $2.5 million project to add special events facilities, upgrade parking lots and build new recreational trails at the Nature Preserve on Los Rios Blvd. and Oak Point Park. City officials also are considering proposals for street repairs and other projects for the possible bond election. Council is expected to vote on the projects to be included in the bond proposal later in early spring.

Brownsville ISD to cover school buses with ads

Brownsville Independent School District (BISD) is poised to join a host of other districts that have earned advertising revenue for school bus ads. BISD may be on track to reap $735,000 annually in revenue.

A representative of the advertising firm that won the bid said he is confident his company could sell ad space for all of the approximately 300 buses the school owns. So far, the firm has lined up about 100 potential advertisers which must first be approved by BISD.

Catalina Presas-Garcia, the chairwoman of BISD's budget committee, said she and other committee members were impressed with the winning firm's locally owned status and offer to split profits at 60 percent to 40 percent to BISD's advantage.

Arlington kicks off design work on $2.1 million park upgrade

Arlington city officials recently agreed to begin design of a $2.1 million project to replace the office and activity room at Richard Simpson Park at Lake Arlington. The new facility will be located on higher ground to prevent flooding.

Voters approved $1 million in bonds in 2008 to replace those rooms. City officials plan to use $1.1 million from natural gas revenue to pay for unplanned improvements to drainage, the parking lot and outdoor restrooms at the park, said Pete Jamieson (pictured), director of parks and recreation.

Plans call for the new park facility to feature a main room that can be rented for parties and events such as weddings and reunions, two smaller meeting rooms, a flower garden, two pavilions and an overlook at the lake. Council members are expected to vote soon on a contract for architectural and engineering services for the project that won approval of the Parks and Recreation Board in December.

El Campo City Council eyes plans for park complex

El Campo City Council may be asked to vote on designs of the West Loop Park master plan after getting a sneak peek of the city-requisitioned project. The design includes three park phases - Little League ball fields, El Campo High School ball fields and a community park - all situated on approximately 50 acres of donated land located off West Loop near the West Jackson intersection.

The city park portion of the plan would serve as home to an amphitheater with a pavilion, trails, picnic areas, a water-play area, skate park, two ponds that double as water-retention areas and patches of open land.

The El Campo Little League must have its portion of the park near completion by the end of June to capture $500,000 in voter-approved funds from the City Development Corporation. Ballpark construction is set to start in January.

Jourdanton weighs options for new city hall structure funding

The Jourdanton City Council recently worked through a series of upcoming agenda items, including plans on how to fund a new city hall.

The council declined the United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) offer of a 40-year loan at 3.5 percent interest, which would have cost the city $5.887 million for a $3 million amount, according to a representative from a private firm. That firm's projected savings of $1.8 million would derive from a 2.6 percent interest rate of a 20-year public debt.

Schertz city and school district officials may partner on pool

Schertz city officials and Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City Independent School District leaders are close to forming a partnership for a $6.62 million upgrade to the city pool to create a community natatorium.

Board members recently expressed support to form a partnership with the city to develop the natatorium at the city's recreational center on Schertz Parkway, Superintendent Greg Gibson (pictured) said. Three trustees are reviewing a draft agreement between the city and school district for trustees to consider, he added.

The preliminary agreement calls for the school district to pay about $1 million in upgrades including additional bleachers, locker rooms and shower facilities, upgrades to the scoreboard, new meeting rooms and changing the depth of the pool. The agreement also calls for swim teams from two high schools to use the natatorium for swim tournaments and competitions, Gibson said. Board members are expected to vote on the natatorium project once the agreement has been negotiated, he added.

Kyle weighing options for bond election to upgrade roads

Kyle City Council members are weighing options for a proposed May bond election to pay for road improvements and are expected to make a decision this week.

City Council and Mobility Committee members earlier ranked highest an almost $52 million option to build and improve Marketplace Ave., Bunton Creek, Burleson, Goforth and Lehman roads. Council and committee members ranked last a proposed $13.8 bond issue to pay for construction and upgrades to Bunton Creek Road and design services for Marketplace Ave. and Burleson and Lehman Roads.

Join educational leaders from across Texas for Leadership Fusion 2013 - Learning in the 21st Century, Leading in Tomorrow's World. Each year, Leadership Fusion focuses on topics that are relevant to current educational trends. This year, the summit explores how emerging technology is motivating and engaging students, how brain-based research can impact higher learning and how the universal principles of exemplary school leadership can accelerate student success. Participants will gain best practices and innovative strategies to help them excel as educational leaders. Featured speakers include: Eric Jensen, a leading authority on the science and applications of brain research in education; Alan November, international leader in educational technology; and Lonnie Moore, leadership development expert and author of The High-Trust Classroom. Visit www.leadershipfusion.net to learn more or e-mail solutions@esc4.net.

Mineral Wells approves $1.23M

in airport lighting upgrades

Mineral Wells City Council members have approved $1.23 million in renovations to the runway lighting at Mineral Wells Municipal Airport. The approval follows a request submitted by city staffers to participate in the capital improvement project through Texas Department of Transportation Aviation (TDTA).

The funding for the project, plus engineering costs, would be derived from the airport fund balance and a 10-percent match from the city.

According to City Manager Lance Howerton, the upgrade will make Mineral Wells home to one of the first municipal airports with LED lights illuminating its runway.

Experience Arlington's Burress

will step down as president

Experience Arlington President and CEO Jay Burress (pictured) has announced plans to resign from his post to accept the same position at the Anaheim/Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau.

Burress has served in his current role at Experience Arlington (formerly the Arlington Convention & Visitors Bureau) since 2008. He previously served 20 years at the Dallas Convention & Visitors Bureau, where he held positions in convention sales and tourism sales at the executive level.

Officials at Experience Arlington will conduct a nationwide search for Burress' replacement.

Enriquez elected to El Paso

ISD board of managers

Dr. Blanca Enriquez has been appointed the fifth and final member of the board of managers for El Paso Independent School District (EPISD). The board is comprised of members of the El Paso community and, once operational, will oversee EPISD management concerns, assuming all responsibilities of the elected board of trustees for up to two years.

Enriquez is executive director of the Region 19 Education Service Center Head Start Program in El Paso and has more than 40 years' experience in education as a teacher, teacher leader and teacher's aide. 

Aransas Pass city manager

Sylvia Carrillo starts today

Sylvia Carrillo is set to become city manager for Aransas Pass as announced after a recent city council meeting. Her new duties begin today.

Carrillo serves as assistant director of Development Services for the City of Corpus Christi. She holds a master's degree and bachelor's degree as well as management-level certifications from the State of Texas and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Carrillo replaces interim City Manager Mike Sullinger, who has vowed to work with her in her first post as a city manager to help ensure a seamless transition. 

Jacksonville moving forward on proposed $3 million civic center

A group appointed by the Jacksonville City Council recently agreed on a concept drawing and floor plan for a proposed new $3 million civic center.

The five-member committee, each appointed by a council member, expects to make a recommendation in the first quarter of 2013, said Jeff Austin Jr., who chairs the group.

City officials are considering two locations in Nichols Green Park area for the new civic center. No construction timeline or cost estimate for the new civic center will be available until city officials have a final design, Austin said. Council members will make the final decision on whether to build the new civic center, he added.

Hays CISD expected to select search firm for superintendent

Hays Consolidated Independent School District trustees are expected to begin interviewing search firms at their meeting on Jan. 8 to select a search firm to help find a new superintendent.

The new superintendent will replace Jeremy Lyon, who resigned after being selected as superintendent at Frisco ISD. Trustees appointed Carter Scherff as interim superintendent until a new superintendent is selected.

Plainview ISD names

Kirk new superintendent

Plainview Independent School District alum Rocky Kirk (pictured) has been named lone finalist for the role of superintendent at his former school district. He will replace Ron Miller, who is retiring after 40 years with the Hale County district.

Kirk previously served nine years as superintendent of the Lake Travis ISD and has, since 2011, served as founding president of an Austin-based executive and organizational-development consulting firm. He has worked as a teacher, assistant principal, principal and assistant superintendent at Spring ISD.

Kirk holds a bachelor's degree from Texas Tech University and a master's degree and doctorate from Sam Houston State University.

City of Weimer officials

approve new purchasing policy

Weimer City Council members recently approved a new purchasing policy that requires competitive bids and council approval for all purchases exceeding $10,000.

The new purchasing policy also requires that any purchases from $10,000 to $49,999.99 will require a purchase order authorized by the city manager or designee that will require three bids, with at least one of those bids from a local vendor, if available. City officials also are required to publish the notice of the bid competition in the newspaper two times at least 14 days prior to the date the bids are to be publicly opened and read. Council also must approve all purchases of more than $10,000.

Previously, city officials were not required to seek bids or seek council approval for purchases less than $25,000.

Troup ISD names Bird as

its new superintendent

Stuart Bird (pictured) will head Troup Independent School District as superintendent.

Bird previously served 10 years as the band/fine arts director at Carthage ISD before becoming principal there. Prior to his stint at Carthage, he taught in Sabine Parish for 10 years. In 2000, he became principal at Jacksonville High School and was named superintendent of Jacksonville ISD in 2003. He retired from Jacksonville in 2008.

Bird holds a bachelor's degree from Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, La.

Check the GOVERNMENT NEWS

section of the SPI Web site for these and other press releases.

• Evans named president-elect of APPAM

• Prairie View names Cooperative Extension leaders

• Tudor named chair of Rice Board of Trustees

• Fisher honored by CAPCOG

Lampasas City Secretary, Asst. City Manager Brack retiring  

Stacy Brack (pictured) is set to step down from her roles as city secretary and assistant city manager of Lampasas after almost 25 years working for the city.

Brack began her career as a City of Lampasas staff member after high school, when she joined the utility department, followed by charges working for public works, code enforcement, customer service and parks and recreation. She was eventually named city secretary and filled in as city manager during times when the position was vacant.

Timpson selects Barbara

Hunt as new city secretary

Timpson City Council members recently selected Barbara Hunt as the new city secretary. The former voter registration clerk in Panola County, Hunt was selected from a field of 40 applicants.

Bowie reviewing 49 applications for candidates for city manager

Bowie City Council members recently began reviewing the qualifications of 49 candidates who applied to become the new city manager. The new city manager will replace James Cantwell when he retires in May.

The mayor and two council members plan to narrow down the field to a smaller group of applicants for all council members to review from the 45 candidates she said were qualified to serve as city manager. The mayor also said she hopes to begin scheduling interviews with the top candidates soon so that the new city manager can work with Cantwell before he retires.

• Terry Henley of Meadows Place, Commission on State Emergency Communications
• Bob Yancy of College Station, Statewide Health Coordinating Council
• Lewis White of Humble, Texas State Board of Dental Examiners

Bise resigns as community and development director in Goliad

Bridgette Bise, community and development director in Goliad, recently resigned, effective Jan. 16. Previously the executive director of the Victoria Convention and Tourist Bureau, Bise began her job in Goliad in February 2012.

Interim City Administrator Larry Zermeno said city officials most likely will begin the search for a new community and development director following a discussion with city council members.

McCarthy to take over

as Alamo chief of development

Miki McCarthy, the former San Juan Economic Development Corp. director, will take over as chief of development in Alamo. A start date has yet to be determined and contract items still need to be ironed out.

McCarthy, who serves as special events coordinator at the McAllen Convention Center, said she applied for the Alamo post to return to economic development work. At her previous post in San Juan, she was instrumental in bringing luxury car dealerships to town.

McCarthy replaces former Alamo Chief of Development Robert Diaz De Leon, who left in January 2012.

Reese Briggs named interim superintendent at Kountze ISD

Reese Briggs (pictured) will take over as interim superintendent at the Kountze Independent School District following the resignation of Kevin Weldon.

Weldon, who began his charge as district leader at Kountze in July 2011, has been named lone finalist for the superintendent post at Tarkington ISD in Liberty County.

Elgin agrees to transfer land to Bastrop Co. for new county annex

Elgin City Council members recently approved an agreement to transfer two acres of land to a business park in Bastrop County with the goal of the county building a new county annex in the business park.

As part of the agreement, Elgin agreed to participate in the Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone project that will use funding from increasing property value to pay for a new road to serve a new commercial business building and the expansion of another commercial building.

The county judge and the commissioner representing Precinct 4 said the new annex to house the justice of peace for that precinct and possibly other county services most likely will be built within five years, although the transfer agreement provides the county an unlimited time to build the county annex.