Texas Government Insider
Volume 11, Issue 6 - Friday, Feb. 8, 2013

Texas Tech System fundraising campaign a $1 billion success

 

Hance credits 'team effort' in reaching goal nearly year ahead of schedule

Successful Campaign
Chancellor Kent Hance (standing) speaks during ceremonies announcing the Apache Corp. $2 million gift to establish the Apache Upstream Research Center in the Bob L. Herd Department of Petroleum Engineering at Texas Tech University.

There's a saying on the Plains of West Texas - "From here, it's possible." 

 

As chancellor of one of the state's most highly regarded university systems, Kent Hance has heard that saying often.

 

So, when the Texas Tech University System Chancellor took on a task only two other institutions in the state have accomplished, "impossible" never came to mind. 

 

Hance instead often quotes the words of Paul W. Horn, president of the then-Texas Technological College, who in 1926 said, "Everything that is done on these West Texas plains ought to be

on a big scale. It is a country that lends itself to bigness." 

 

That "bigness" was evident today, Friday, when Hance announced that the System's capital campaign and most ambitious fundraising effort - "Vision and Tradition: The Campaign for Texas Tech" - has crossed the $1 billion mark - and nearly a year ahead of schedule! 

 

"We set a high goal," said Hance, "and made sure our alums would be enthusiastic about it and help us. And our development team did an outstanding job. It was a team effort."

 

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Key personnel in state agencies reappointed by governor

 

Janek remains to lead HHSC, Krause to serve another term at Lottery Commission

Winston KrauseKyle JanekA number of familiar faces in administrative posts in state government have been reappointed by Gov. Rick Perry, including Kyle Janek (top left) as executive commissioner of the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), J. Winston Krause (top right) to the Texas Lottery Commission, Major Gen. John F. Nichols (bottom left) as Adjutant General and Deeia D. Beck (bottom right) to the Office of Public Insurance Counsel. All are subject to confirmation by the Texas Senate.

 

Janek, who was appointed last September to head up the five health and human services agencies under the HHSC umbrella, is a former member of the Texas Senate and is a board-certified anesthesiologist who was previously director of anesthesia services at Lakeway Regional Medical Center. He holds a bachelor's degree from Texas A&M University, and received a medical degree and completed his residency at The University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston. He will lead a program that includes 55,000 employees and a combined budget of more than $30 John Nichols Deeia Beck billion and the state's Medicaid program. Krause was appointed to another term on the Lottery Commission, which oversees the Texas Lottery and ensures legal and fair operation of state lottery and bingo games. He is a tax, estate and corporate lawyer, a Certified Public Accountant and the principal partner of Krause and Associates Inc. Krause holds a bachelor's degree from The University of Texas at Austin and a law degree from Southern Methodist University.

 

As Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. Nichols serves as commander of the Texas Military Forces, and subordinate only to the governor on issues relating to the Texas Army National Guard, Texas Air National Guard and Texas State Guard. Nichols was first appointed Adjutant General in February 2011 after serving as Assistant Adjutant General for Air and as commander of the Texas Air National Guard at Camp Mabry. He is an active member of the Air National Guard and served as a pilot in the U.S. Air Force. Nichols received a bachelor's degree from the U.S. Air Force Academy, and is a graduate of Squadron Officer School, Air Command and Staff College, Air War College and U.S. Air Force Fighter Weapons Instructor School at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada. Beck was first appointed public counsel for the Office of Public Insurance Counsel in September 2008. The office represents the interests of insurance consumers in regulatory matters relating to insurance rates, rules and forms. Beck received a bachelor's degree, Master of Business Administration and law degree from Baylor University.

 

Strategic Partnerships salutes Texas' Lone Stars

 

Bruce GlasscockBruce D. Glasscock, city manager, city of Plano

 

Career highlights and education: I'm the city manager for the City of Plano (261,900) and was appointed to that position in February 2011.  As chief administrative and executive officer for the City of Plano, I'm responsible for the daily operations of the city. I have oversight of just over 2,000 employees and a total combined budget for FY 2012/2013 of $424.7 million and a General Fund budget of $230.7 million. I began my career with the City of Plano in August 1990 when I was selected as police chief of the Plano Police Department. I was appointed deputy city manager in May 1998. I held dual leadership roles through November 2001; I left the police chief position to devote myself full time to responsibilities as deputy city manager. In 1994, during my tenure as Plano's police chief, I was elected to the Board of Officers of the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), the world's oldest and largest nonprofit organization of police executives. In November 2000, I was inaugurated as the 88th president of IACP. I currently serve as a past president of the prestigious association. Prior to my appointment as police chief in Plano, I served as the chief of police for the City of Ft. Collins, Colorado, from 1984 - 1990.  I also served in the Lakewood, Colorado, Police Department and the St. Petersburg, Florida, Police Department. I hold a bachelor's degree in criminal justice management from Metropolitan State College at Denver, Colorado, and a master's degree in public administration from the University of Colorado at Denver. My wife Memrie and I have two adult sons and three grandchildren. I remain active in the community through membership on local, state and national boards. 
  
What I like best about my job is: The employees in our organization truly want to make an impact and difference in our community and its citizens' quality of life. They are committed to "service excellence." Plano was just recognized for the second year as one of the best run cities in the United States. That is the result of having an outstanding and committed group of employees.
 
The best advice I've received for my current job is: An old saying: "You have two ears and one mouth, so that you can listen twice as much as you speak."
  
Advice you would give a new hire in your office: We are focused on making Plano the best place for our citizens to live, work and play. Your individual actions in interacting with our citizens are critical to that focus. Most citizens have limited contact with their local government, so when they do, we want it to be a positive experience.
 
If I ever snuck out of work early, I could probably be found: at a movie with my wife, Memrie - we are "movie hounds." 
 
People would be surprised to know that: at one time in my career I was a certified hypnotist.
  
One thing I wish more people knew about my city: That Plano is a great place to live, work and play and that our citizens get an outstanding level of services for a very low tax rate. When speaking at various groups, I often compare their average monthly city property tax bill to their average monthly cable bill (City = $79/month vs. Cable = $83/month) and describe what they get for each. It's always an eye opener!!
 

State sales tax revenues increase 6.1 percent for January

Sales TaxSales tax revenue in Texas in January totaled $2.12 billion, according to the State Comptroller's Office, up 6.1 percent over figures for January of last year. State Comptroller Susan Combs notes that this marks the 34th consecutive month for sales tax revenue increases in the state.

 

February checks for local sales tax allocations will be shared by taxing entities throughout the state, to the tune of $741 million, which is 4.6 percent higher than figures for February 2012.

 

The February allocation for cities totaled $486.9 million, up 4.8 percent for the same month in 2011. Counties shared $48.9 million for February, up 11 percent over last February. Transit system allocations were up 5.5 percent over last February, with $167.7 million to be shared by systems throughout the state. Special purpose taxing districts received $37.5 million for February, up $12.2 percent over last February's figures. View the allocations by city and by county.

 

Workforce Commissioner Pauken to step down this month

Tom PaukenTexas Workforce Commissioner Tom Pauken (pictured), the commissioner representing employers, has announced that he is leaving that position at the end of this month, according to the Dallas Morning News. Pauken was appointed commissioner by Gov. Rick Perry in March 2008 and served as chair of the Texas Workforce Commission until April 30 of last year.

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Pauken is a former chair of the Governor's Task Force on Appraisal Reform. He served in the White House Counsel's Office under President Ronald Reagan and was appointed by the President to serve as Director of ACTION (now AmeriCorps), where he founded the Vietnam Veterans Leadership Program.

 

FEMA selects TEEX to provide training for response teams

Robert MooreThe Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX) will provide training for all of the Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) and National US&R Response System, following being awarded a contract by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The training will be provided at various locations throughout the country and at TEEX's Disaster CityŽ training facility in College Station. The one-year contract with option for four additional years totals $9.8 million. This contract marks the first time that FEMA has combined course delivery with curriculum services and an online training portal in a single contract. 

 

"Being selected for this contract will allow us to provide the outstanding training and technical services that we are known for around the world," said Robert Moore (pictured), division director for TEEX. TEEX has provided training for urban search and rescue teams globally since 1997.

 

The FEMA National US&R Response System is comprised of 28 different US&R teams from across the country, all of which receive standardized training in the tactics of urban search and rescue. In addition to delivering US&R courses, TEEX will also be responsible for developing new courses, updating course curriculum and deploying an online Training Portal and Learning Management System for the national FEMA US&R System.

 

The University of Texas at Austin

TWDB awards financial assistance of $43.9M for water projects

Many government entities, particularly local governments, are facing aging and deteriorating water and wastewater infrastructure. The Texas Water Development Board recently announced financial assistance in the form of loans and grants that total more than $43.9 million that will be awarded to cities, water supply corporations and water control and improvement districts.

 

Following is the breakdown of those allocations:

  • City of Carbon - $200,000 loan from the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund to replace an existing old and deteriorated water line along State Highway 6 and to install two water well sites to provide a second source of water to the city.
  • City of De Leon - $80,000 loan and $80,000 in loan forgiveness from the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund to design the replacement of approximately 17,600 feet of deteriorating cast iron pipeline.
  • City of Goldthwaite - $1.48 million loan and $620,296 in loan forgiveness from the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund to construct approximately 70,700 linear feet of raw water line and a water intake structure to convey untreated water purchased from the City of San Saba to the city's existing raw water transmission infrastructure.
  • City of Hondo - $490,000 loan and $43,074 in loan forgiveness from the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund to increase operational efficiency of the water distribution system and reduce water loss due to deteriorating water lines.
  • City of Lawn - $200,000 from the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund to either locate a new source of water through a regional provider or construct a new surface water treatment plant to replace the city's old, deteriorating plant. The city will also plan and design improvements to reduce water loss.
  • City of New Deal - $142,000 loan from the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund to address pressure, water loss and storage issues.

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More existing highway named part of Interstate 69 corridor

Jeff AustinOfficials with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) this week announced that the federal government has designated an additional 28 miles of existing highway as part of the Interstate 69 corridor. The section of highway around Houston that was added now becomes part of what will eventually become a 1,600-mile-long highway that will reach from Michigan to Texas.

 

"Interstate 69 is important in providing safety, mobility and connectivity between rural and urban Texas" said Jeff Austin (pictured) member of the Texas Transportation Commission. "The Interstate links three major east- and west-Texas interstates: I-10, I-20 and I-30, and provides a critical national connection as well."

 

TxDOT Executive Director Phil Wilson said the development of the I-69 corridor will have economic development, commerce, safety and quality of life benefits for Texans, resulting in growth in communities and attracting businesses seeking to move products in the state and across the country. He said the interstate also will be vital for exporting Texas products because it is near the state's sea ports.

 

The first section of I-69 - a 70-mile stretch - has already been designated part of the national Interstate Highway System and another 130 miles are currently under consideration.

 

Texas A&M approves $36 million in building renovations

Texas A&M University Board of Regents recently approved plans to renovate three campus facilities at a total cost of about $36 million. The facility upgrades reflect the university's plan to restore existing facilities when feasible with adding new facilities as necessary at the campus in College Station, A&M officials said.

 

Regents allotted $11.37 million to upgrade the four-story Jack K. Williams Building located at the entrance to the university. Plans call for the 68,000-square-foot building that houses the offices of the president, four vice presidents and associate offices to be completed in October 2014. Renovations to Scoates Hall, a three-story building with about 67,613 square feet of space, are expected to cost about $10.6 million and be completed in November 2013. Plans call for the renovation to include space for the Center for Heritage Conservation, Center for Health Systems and Design along with classrooms and other programs in the College of Architecture.

 

The third project approved is to spend $15.45 million to complete the third phase of a plan to renovate 12 dormitories housing the Corps of Cadets. Current plans are to rebuild one of the dorms to accommodate 220 cadets along with an adjacent leadership learning center to replace a small, outdated lounge.

 

Forest Service, Fort Hood partner to improve wildfire response

Tom BoggusOfficials of Texas A&M Forest Service and Fort Hood recently approved an agreement to partner together to provide faster and more efficient responses to wildfires at the military base and the surrounding area.

 

The new agreement allows the Forest Service and base officials to communicate directly and assist each other in wildfire suppression, training and prescribed burning, said Tom Boggus (pictured), the Forest Service director. In the past, policy guidelines required Forest Service officials to apply to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for assistance and FEMA was required to forward the request to the U.S. Department of Defense and then to Fort Hood officials before Fort Hood officials could respond to wildfire emergencies.

 

The Forest Service also will be permitted to house vehicles and firefighting equipment on the base to battle wildfires. The agreement also allows fire service personnel to directly request personnel, firefighting equipment and other resources from the Fort Hood Emergency Services Division to respond to wildfires in the designated zone. During 2011, wildfires burned almost 19,000 acres in the area.

 

Three companies funded by Texas Emerging Technology Fund

Three companies developing technologies in the state to help treat and diagnose diabetes and heart failure have been awarded funding from the state's Texas Emerging Technology Fund.

 

Xeris Pharmaceuticals will receive $1.9 million for the commercialization of its lead product, the Glucagon Rescue Pen (G-Pen) and a follow on product, the G-Pen Mini, a pre-loaded auto-injector with pre-mixed liquid glucagon. The company is working with Baylor College of Medicine, The University of Texas-Austin Technology Incubator and The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio-Texas Diabetes Center.

 

Admittance Technologies Inc. will get $500,000 of a potential $1.99 million award for the development and commercialization of CaridoVol, which allows for real-time blood volume measurement using existing pacemaker components to detect heart failure. The technology is based on a 13-year collaboration between The University of Texas at Austin and The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio.

 

Procyrion Inc. is receiving $750,000 of a potential $1.5 million award to develop a first-in-class, catheter-deployed circulatory assistance device for treating heart failure and increasing end-organ perfusion. The company is collaborating with the University of Houston and the Texas Heart Institute.

 

SPI Training Services

Hewitt to issue $3.85 million in bonds for police/fire facilities

The Hewitt City Council recently agreed to issue $3.85 million in tax and revenue certificates of obligation to pay for building new facilities for the police and fire departments. A second vote on March 18 is needed before the bond sale proceeds.

 

Plans call for combining the police and fire departments into one facility on city-owned property at Old Temple and Spring Valley Roads. City officials are waiting for a final design before asking for bids for constructing the facility, but preliminary designs show a 25,000-square-foot building with shared lobby space, restrooms, exercise and training areas for the police and fire departments.

 

Little Elm seeking to better engage citizens on its Web site

Matt MuellerCitizens of the town of Little Elm will have the opportunity this month to begin communicating online with city officials, thanks to a revamped Web site. "Little Elm recently unveiled a revamped web site to strengthen the communication bond between the Town and the citizens. We've taken several steps to create a greater flow of communication, and this latest addition to our communication arsenal is something we hope will make it easier for residents to speak with us directly," said Town Manager Matt Mueller (pictured).

 

The city will roll out new software Feb. 15 to allow residents to submit a request for service, ask questions of city staff and learn more about city departments. While the software is designed to provide the tools and information to better serve the needs of residents, it also provides a way to improve accountability, since the town staff will be required to maintain a log of incoming requests and respond via email to the requester.

 

El Paso approves 3-year plan for $473 million in bond projects

El Paso City Council members this week approved a proposed three-year plan for quality-of-life bond projects to be paid for by $473 million in bonds approved in November 2012. About 20 percent of the funds will be spent in the first three years.

 

The proposed plan includes recommendations to spend nearly $27 million on quality-of-life projects in fiscal year 2013-2014, said Irene Ramirez, the interim city engineer. Divided into four groups, the proposed plan allots $20 million this year to upgrade parks and recreation facilities, buy land and pay for design services, while spending $195 million for parks and recreation upgrades over the next three years.

 

The plan also calls for spending $1.3 million this year on the zoo for a new wild dog exhibit, restrooms, educational areas and a reptile building in addition to spending $833,000 to improve several branch libraries. City staff prioritized the projects after considering demand, the ability to complete a project and economic factors, Ramirez said.

 

Mary Scott NabersNumerous diverse stakeholders involved in government purchasing decisions... 

 

"The vendors that government executives like to deal with are  those who identify all the stakeholders and are prepared to build Collaboration Nationthe consensus necessary for success. That includes considering competitors, teaming partners, budget, history of the initiative, and the level of public interest. Nine times out of ten, the team with the most information about a project wins the contract." 

 

- From Collaboration Nation, How Public-Private Ventures Are Revolutionizing the Business of Government, by Mary Scott Nabers, President/CEO of Strategic Partnerships, Inc.  

 

For more information and to order your copy, click here.

Guadalupe County moves forward on $3.2 million justice center

Despite opposition from the county judge, Guadalupe County commissioners recently agreed to begin construction on a $3.2 million project to add court facilities at the county justice center and a $4.1 million project to replace the air conditioning and heating system at the county law enforcement center.

 

Plans call for adding three courtrooms, offices, holding cells and jury rooms in the now-vacant, 25,000-square-foot second floor of the three-story county justice center. District judges, the district clerk and district attorney will relocated to their new second-floor offices at the justice center in early fall once the facilities are complete.

 

Waco seeking developer for riverfront mixed-use complex

Malcolm DuncanWaco city officials recently issued a request for proposals to transform 16 acres of downtown riverfront property into a mixed-use complex. Deadline for developers to submit a proposal is June 7 and council members plan to select the winning proposal. The selected developer will receive a long-term lease in return for developing the property, which now includes a vacant fire station and a farmers market, city officials said.

 

Mayor Malcolm Duncan Jr. (pictured) said that timing is right to develop city-owned property along the Brazos River. The request for proposal contains few specifics regarding city incentives that may be available or on how the property should be used, but calls for the project to meet the goals of the Imagine Waco Plan for Greater Downtown.

 

The Imagine Waco plan calls for pedestrian-oriented, dense development with public spaces along the river along with a nearby plaza surrounded by restaurants, shops and hotels, said Megan Henderson, executive director of the Downtown Development Corp (DDC). The DDC is charged with implementing Imagine Waco and will work with the city to review the proposals submitted for the waterfront project and to recommend a winning proposal for city council members to consider.

 

Fort Worth to replace eight members on transportation authority

Fort Worth City Council members recently agreed to replace eight city-appointed members to the board of the Fort Worth Transportation Authority, known as the T.

 

The new appointees are Neftali Ortiz, a Lockheed Martin engineer; Scott Mahaffey, owner of an industrial pipe company; Ken Newell, a developer; Dennis Duncan, a school district retiree; Jeff King, a banker; Carter Burdette, an attorney; Andre McEwing, a former director of a community organization; and Jeff Davis, a title company executive. The Tarrant County Judge said he believes county commissioners also will replace the county's current lone appointee on the board.

 

The authority is charged with building and managing an $800 million commuter rail line to serve much of North Texas. The commuter rail project is almost four years behind schedule. City officials said they are confident the new leadership will make progress on the project to provide 37 miles of commuter train service to the area.

 

Research Analysts

Huntsville ISD unveils proposed $60 million facilities plan

Huntsville Independent School District officials recently unveiled a proposed $60 million plan to renovate school facilities in a recent meeting with Walker County commissioners and city council members. The proposed facilities plan includes reducing four elementary schools to two schools, building a new middle school and upgrading athletic facilities at Huntsville High School.

 

Long Range Facility Planning Committee members supported an option that would demolish a Pre-K Center and Scott Johnson Elementary School due to the cost of operating the aging and inadequate facilities. Committee members also recommended that Mance Park Middle School be renovated to be the new district administration and support services building and that Huntsville Intermediate and Huntsville Elementary be remodeled to become a school to house full-day pre-kindergarten through 2nd grade.

 

Finally, the committee backed modifying Stewart Elementary and Samuel Walker Houston Elementary into a school for grades 3 through 5. District officials plan a community forum to discuss the proposed facilities plan on Feb. 14.

Alvarado ISD group urges increase in bond proposal to $38.2M

Chester JuroskaA citizen's bond committee for Alvarado Independent School District recently agreed to increase the amount of a May bond proposal to $38.2 million to finish the second floor of the high school into technical training classes. The bonds will also build a new junior high school and pay for other facility upgrades.

 

Committee members previously supported asking voters to approve $36.5 million in bonds to build a new junior high school and upgrade other facilities. Superintendent Chester Juroska (pictured), however, strongly supported bond funding to use at least one-half of the second floor of the high school for technical training classes. More vocational training is neccesary, Juroska said, because 53 to 55 percent of graduates from the district do not attend college and only 50 percent who enroll in college earn a degree.

 

Other projects recommended by the bond committee are to upgrade security at entries, create a computer classroom for each grade level, build a band hall, choir hall, art lab, threater classroom, library, computer research lab and a combination cafeteria and auditorium to seat 750. Committee members also support building a main gymnasium to seat 1,000, a second practice gymnasium and a new area for parents and buses to drop off and pick up students. Trustees are expected to vote on Feb. 11 whether to ask voters to approve $36.2 million in bonds on May 11 to pay for the facility upgrades.

 

El Paso ISD moving ahead with $16.3 million school renovation

El Paso Independent School District officials recently moved forward with a $16.3 million plan to rebuild and expand Logan Elementary School at Fort Bliss. Trustees are expected to select a contractor to upgrade and expand the aging and crowded school on March 12. Deadline for accepting bids is Feb. 15.

 

U.S. Department of Defense officials requested improvements at the campus located on Fort Bliss after a 2011 study indicating Logan Elementary was the third-worst of 160 schools located on U.S. military installations. The Department of Defense set aside $13.2 million for the district to build a new school south of the current facility and to demolish the original building in phases. El Paso ISD is contributing $3.3 million in bond funds approved in 2007 to rebuild and expand the school.

 

Plans call for the new school to have 48 classrooms, a multipurpose classroom, air conditioning, two playground structures and upgraded technology to accommodate 646 students. Construction is expected to begin in mid-April and be completed by fall 2014, said Nick Corona, executive director of facilities, maintenance and construction for the school district.

 

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Harris Co. moves ahead with plans for $25M connector road

Harris County officials recently began the final design stage for a new $20 million to $25 million road to connect State Highway 249 to westbound Sam Houston Tollway.

 

The goal of the new connector road is to alleviate traffic from southbound SH249 to the Sam Houston Tollway, said Commissioner Jack Cagle, who represents precinct 4 in Harris County. Current plans are to seek bids for the connector road project in September and begin construction in late 2013 or 2014.

 

The Harris County Toll Authority is paying for the connector road project, which was added to its Capital Improvement Program during summer 2012.

 

Missouri City kicks off meetings to explore May bond election

The Missouri City Bond Exploratory Committee that includes city council members, city staff and homeowners recently held its first meeting to explore whether to ask voters to approve bonds in May and prioritize projects to include in the bond proposal.

 

Improvements to infrastructure, a performing arts center, a museum, a major medical facility, monument walls citywide and a METRO route were among the projects discussed at that meeting.

 

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San Antonio launches site for small/minority-owned businesses

San Antonio city officials recently launched a new Web site, www.BeSanAntonio.com, aimed at helping minority- and women-owned businesses win more city contracts and assisting small business owners to thrive and grow.

 

The Web site is a partnership between the city, Alamo Colleges and a nonprofit lender, Accion Texas. The site features three programs: a three-month boot camp offering eight courses for owners of small businesses; a mentor-protégé program; and a bonding assistance program, said Laura Welch, a marketing specialist in the economic development department.

 

Business owners who complete the boot camp and meet financial requirements will then be eligible for the bonding assistance programs offered by the nonprofit lender. Once small business owners are qualified, the nonprofit lender will issue a letter of credit to a bonding company for as much as 20 percent of the total bonding amount, Welch said. The lender also will provide a line of credit, if necessary, for a city contract of as much as $600,000.

 

Wichita Falls approves $300,000 for survey of water reuse

Wichita Falls City Council members recently agreed to spend $300,000 to pay for an engineering survey and to develop plans for the Temporary Water Reuse Program to allow the city to recycle waste water as it enters a Stage 3 Drought Emergency.

 

Public Works Director Russell Schreiber said the study will explore the posssibility of treating waste water from the River Road Wastewater Treatment Plan and then recapturing treated waste water to mix with water currently flowing into household taps. Currently, the waste water is returned to the Wichita River, he said.

 

The proposed Temporary Water Reuse Program includes plans to pump treated waste water from River Road to the Cypress water treatment plant where the waste water will undergo reverse osmosis and the same treatment as water from Kickapoo and Arrowhead lakes, Schreiber said. After the water is treated three times, the resulting water is extremely clean, he added.

 

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Education commissioner recommends closing North Forest ISD

A formal recommendation to close the North Forest Independent School District was announced today by Texas Education Commissioner Michael L. Williams. Williams also recommended that the school district be annexed into the Houston ISD, effective July 1. The commissioner said his recommendation is based on poor academic performance in the NFISD during the last year, resulting in low school completion dates and poor statewide assessments.

 

NFISD was able to stave off a previous recommendation to revoke the district's accreditation when it was given a year to show improvement, with conditions and requirements set. The district was not able to meet those requirements. Nor was it able to improve its performance on statewide assessments. Williams said he recognized the efforts of some in the district to turn things around, but added, "The students of North Forest can no longer afford to wait for a strong education they need and deserve."

 

The commissioner's recommendations now go to TEA Chief Deputy Lizzette Gonzalez-Reynolds, who has been designated as TEA's final decision-maker in this matter. If Reynolds approves the closure, the U.S. Department of Justice must pre-clear the merger with Houston ISD.

 

Little Cypress-Mauriceville CISD to discuss campus upgrades

Officials of the Little Cypress-Mauriceville Consolidated Independent School District recently scheduled a public meeting on Feb. 18 to discuss whether to schedule a bond election in May to replace aging facilities.

 

Voters in 2008 rejected a bond proposal, but Assistant Superintendent Greg Perry said facility upgrades are badly needed to replace buildings that are up to 60 years old and unable to support technology critical to current students or to provide adequate security for students and staff. All district campuses will be upgraded if voters approve the bonds, Perry said.

 



Eagle Ford Consortium plans second annual conference in March

"Shaping a Sustainable Pathway" is the theme for the Second Annual Conference of the Eagle Ford Consortium. The event is planned for Thursday and Friday, March 7-8, at the Grand Hyatt Hotel, 600 E. Market, in San Antonio. Keynote speaker is Clarence Cazalot, CEO of Marathon Oil Co. Key topics for the event include South Texas Energy Triangle, Global Outlook and Markets, Community and Workforce Development, How to Do Business with Industry, Managing Road Safety Through Collaboration and Best Practices. Registration is now open. More information is available on the Consortium Web site or at info@eaglefordconsortium.org.

 

TxDOT to host Small Business Briefings across Texas

The Texas Department of Transportation's (TxDOT) Office of Civil Rights-Supportive Services Section will conduct briefing conferences around the state for small, minority- and women-owned businesses providing contract opportunities and information on how to do business with TxDOT and the state. Arlington is the location of the second of four briefings events being offered in fiscal year 2013. The day-long briefings include general industry sessions and specific information on how to do business in the construction, goods and services, information technology and professional engineering service industries. Breakout sessions will cover small and minority-owned business certifications, resources for business development, marketing for state contracts and information on TxDOT toll projects. Each briefing also includes a contracting opportunity fair, industry sessions and a multitude of networking opportunities. Please join us! Briefings include Wednesday, March 20, in Arlington; Tuesday, April 23, in Lubbock and Tuesday, June 11, in East Texas (location to be determined). To register, click here. For more information call 1-866-480-2518, Option 1. For questions regarding the Office of Civil Rights-DBE/HUB/SBE and Supportive Services programs, click here or call 512-486-5510.
  
V.G. Young Institute to host school for local HR professionals
The V.G. Young Institute of County Government will host a School for Local Government HR Professionals on April 2-4 at the Hilton College Station Hotel & Conference Center in College Station. The event is geared to county and city HR professionals who work in payroll and benefits risk management health and safety, recruiting and training employment law policy development and conflict resolution strategic planning performance management. Early registration is under way and will continue through March 2. Application for pre-approval of 13 continuing education hours has been submitted to the Human Resources Certification Institute. The agenda is now available. Registration information is available by searching for "Local" on the site. Exhibitors are being sought.
  
Summer Institutes on Evidence-Based Quality Improvement slated

The 2013 Summer Institutes on Evidence-Based Quality Improvement, hosted by the Academic Center for Evidence-Based Practice (ACE), School of Nursing at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, is planned for Tuesday through Saturday, July 9-13, at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in San Antonio. Specialty pre-conferences are set for July 10. The abstract submission deadline is at 5 p.m. Monday, March 4. The institute provides clinicians, educators and researchers the opportunity to share their EBP successes. The Institute is aimed at building capacity for health care providers to improve quality and safety in health care through translating evidence into practice. Event and registration information is now available or contact Kandice Hall at HallKM@uthscsa.edu.

 

Texas Department of Insurance 15th Annual Fraud Conference

The Texas Department of Insurance will host the 15th Annual Fraud Conference on Feb. 11-12 in Austin. New insurance fraud investigation techniques, changes in fraud laws and an update on various fraud schemes will be discussed. Insurance industry special investigative units, attorneys, legal staff and law enforcement officers are encouraged to attend to network and learn about insurance fraud. Continuing education credits are available. Registration for the TDI Fraud Conference is available now.

 

Leadership Fusion Summit to address educational trends

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.

 

P3C, public-private partnership conference, set in Dallas

P3C, the Public-Private Partnership Conference, is scheduled for Feb. 21 and 22, 2013, at the Sheraton Downtown Dallas Hotel in Dallas, Texas. The event brings together real estate community development professionals and municipal leaders to highlight the latest development trends and opportunities involving public-private partnerships across the United States. The conference is a high-profile setting for municipalities to announce, unveil and discuss upcoming development projects. More than 30 cities and public agencies from across the country will take the stage next year at P3C to showcase their capital projects to a nationwide audience of developers, builders, architects and investors. P3C attendees participate in multiple networking elements within the conference, which provides presenters broad industry exposure to their projects. The agenda is designed to touch upon the most relevant and pressing issues vital to today's successful public-private partnership ventures. The event will bring together more than 65 thought-provoking and engaging speakers to exchange valuable insights with the country's leading development organizations. For more information and to register, visit www.P3C2013.com.

 

Media Notice

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Transportation problems beginning to impact both local, national economies

 

Mary Scott NabersBy Mary Scott Nabers, CEO of Strategic Partnerships, Inc.

 

Headlines on transportation articles throughout the country sound very similar. Every state needs more funding to meet critical infrastructure maintenance needs. And, most states are addressing only immediate problems rather than planning new expansions.

 

Just this week, Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) Executive Director Phil Wilson told a legislative committee that the agency is facing a fiscal cliff of its own. Wilson said TxDOT is "maxed out" on its ability to issue debt. It wasn't his first warning. In January, Wilson said the agency needs an additional $1 billion a year for maintenance and an additional $3 billion per year to address traffic congestion problems throughout the state.

 

The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) predicts that, at the current rate of spending, infrastructure needs nationwide will be underfunded by about $1.1 trillion through 2020. The organization notes that not only does that underfunding affect the quality of the nation's aging infrastructure, but it also has a profound effect on jobs, the gross domestic product (GDP) and other national economic indicators. ASCE reports that if infrastructure investment remains at its current level, the country will, within the next seven years, face losses of $3.1 trillion in GDP, $1.1 trillion in trade and as many as 3.5 million jobs.

 

As a result, many state departments of transportation (DOTs) are looking to private sector investors for funding assistance. Public-private partnerships are more attractive than ever. And, vendors with new and/or innovative strategies for rejuvenating transportation systems are finding themselves welcome in state offices. Some states, like Texas, are also considering increases in taxes and fees as new revenue sources.

 

Nevada recently released a report stating the need for $2 billion just for road repair. Like most states, Nevada is dealing with a growing population and that translates into more miles traveled on the state's highways.

  
   
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Boerne ISD approves $99.5

million bond proposal in May

Trustees for the Boerne Independent School District recently agreed to ask voters to approve $99.5 million in bonds to pay for technology upgrades, a new elementary school and expanding facilities to meet growing enrollment.

 

The bond proposal also includes projects to renovate administrative offices, improve an elementary and middle school and make health and safety upgrades at all campuses. Voters in November 2012 rejected an $87.75 million bond proposal to upgrade facilities.

 

Judge Ed Emmett to chair first Freight Advisory Committee

Led by Harris County Judge Ed Emmett (pictured) as chair and Cameron County Judge Carlos Cascos as vice-chair, the first Freight Advisory Committee has been established by the Texas Transportation Commission. Because the state ranks as the nation's leading exporter with more than $251 billion in goods reaching consumers worldwide, the committee was formed to provide advice and recommendations to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) regarding freight transportation. It will also assist in identifying potential corridors that are critical to the state's economic growth and global competitiveness.

 

TxDOT has invited entities from the port, agriculture, trucking, manufacturing, government, energy, retail and rail industries to be a part of the group. Those confirmed include representatives from the Texas Association of Manufacturers, Texas Port Association, Texas Motor Transportation Association, Texas Farm Bureau, Economic Development and Tourism Division of the Governor's Office, Port of Houston Authority, Texas Economic Development Council and BNSF.

 

The advisory committee will meet regularly to develop recommendations regarding statewide freight transportation policies and performance measures, a comprehensive and multimodal statewide freight transportation plan and to provide assistance in identifying freight-related priorities and funding projections.

 

Denton County approves pact

for $20 million road extension

Denton County commissioners recently approved an agreement with the North Texas Tollway Authority to provide funding for a $20 million extension of the Dallas North Tollway. NTTA officials requested the agreement to avoid delaying the extension linking FM428 to FM455 along the county line, said a transportation consultant for the county.

 

To fund the extension project, commissioners asked the consultant to explore funding remaining from incomplete or unfulfilled past projects included in the Better Safer Roads Project and the Transportation Infrastructure Project and report the results. The consultant advised commissioners to identify any available cash reserves before sceduling a bond election previously discussed by commissioners to fund the road project.

 

McAfee: Connected Security

Northside ISD eyeing

bond election in 2014

Northside Independent School District officials recently began planning to ask voters to approve bonds in 2014 to build new schools, upgrade existing facilities and improve technology.

 

Superintendent Brian T. Woods urged trustees to consider including a proposition in the bond proposal for a new high school to meet growing enrollment. District officials are preparing a list of needed projects and plan to present a prepared bond proposal to trustees this summer, Woods said.

 

Cerda resigning as city

manager in Mission

Julio CerdaCity Manager Julio Cerda (pictured) of Mission recently said he will resign from his post effective on Feb. 28 to open his own business.

 

Cerda joined the city of Mission in 2003 as city engineer and became city manager in 2005. He previously worked for the Texas Department of Transportation, Cameron County and the city of Harlingen. He has a bachelor's degree from Texas A&M-Kingsville and is a licensed Public Engineer.

 

City Council members have not yet selected an acting or interim city manager to replace Cerda.

 

Ector County ISD to buy land

for two new elementary schools

Ector County Independent School District trustees recently approved the purchase of two tracts of land to build new elementary schools paid for with bonds approved by voters.

 

While planning to build three new elementary schools, trustees purchased a tract of land in west Odessa and another track in north Odessa that both offer good access with no easements, a district spokesman said.

 

The next step, he said, is to find property to purchase for the third elementary school approved in the bond election. The goal is to send out requests for qualifications at the end of this month to find contractors to participate in the planning process for the new schools.

 

S.A. development group picks Gawarecki as vice president

Adam GawareckiSan Antonio Economic Development Foundation officials recently hired Adam Gawarecki (pictured) as a vice president who will be responsible for recruiting new businesses to the area.

 

A former vice president of the World Economic Development Alliance in Dallas, Gawarecki is experienced in assisting on site selection, negotiating contracts and coordinating with city managers and company officials.

 

Pflugerville rejects new taxing entity to fund fire/EMS services

Pflugerville City Council members recently rejected a bid to create an additional taxing entity to help pay for fire and emergency medical services, an action that could double the property tax now paid for emergency medical services by residents of the city.

 

The council also instructed staff to research and provide an estimate of the cost of the city providing emergency medical services.

The council was responding to a petition calling for an election to create a second taxing entity called the Pflugerville Fire Department. It would have been located in the same area of Northeast Travis County as the Emergency Services District No. 2 (ESD No. 2).

 

The petition called for the existing emergency services district to continue to provide fire service to Pflugerville and that the newly created taxing district would provide emergency medical services, but no ambulance service, in parts of ESD No. 2 outside of Pflugerville. If the city failed to provide emergency medical services, residents in the city could then petition the new district to provide that service, an action the mayor predicted could provide the service at a lower cost than the cost of the service from ESD No. 2.

 

Gemini Global Group

Abilene ISD selects Owens

as chief technology officer

Trustees for the Abilene Independent School District recently selected Cary Owens, currently the coordinator of instructional technology, as chief technology officer. District officials also named Cynde Wadley as the coordinator of instructional technology to replace Owens.

 

Owens, who began her career as a teacher 18 years ago, replaces Mark Gabehart, who resigned to accept a post with Round Rock. Owens has been the coordinator of instructional technology since 2008.

 

Wadley previously served five years as assistant superintendent of curriculum and technology integration at Wylie ISD and as a technology consultant for the Region 14 Education Service Center.

 

Killeen ISD selects Welch as director of student services

Joseph WelchKilleen Independent School District officials recently selected Joseph Welch (pictured) as the new executive director of student services. Welch, currently a middle school principal, also has worked as a teacher and coach.

 

In his new post, Welch will oversee the development, implementation and coordination of special programs for the district, including athletics, community relations, transportation, health services, student hearings, attendance, grants and fine arts.

 

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Flour Bluff finalizes contract

for Moffett as interim head

Flour Bluff Independent School District board members recently approved a final contract with Carol Ann Moffett, a former superintendent for the district, to serve as interim superintendent effective on March 11. Moffett will replace Superintendent Julie Carbajal, who is retiring in March.

 

Moffett, who served as superintendent for the Flour Bluff district for 10 years, currently owns the search firm that helped the district this year in its search for a new superintendent in addition to assisting other school districts, charter schools and private schools to find qualified personnel.

 

Moffett's contract calls for serving as interim superintendent on a week-to-week basis and being paid only for days actually worked as well as being reimbursed for all out-of-district travel expenses, a district spokesperson said.

 

Ferris selects search firm

to help find new city manager

Eric StrongFerris City Council members recently approved a contract with SGR Executive Search Firm to help find a new city manager to replace Eric Strong (pictured). Strong is resigning on Feb. 15 to accept a post as assistant city manager in Richland Hills.

 

Counciil members appointed Dennis Burns, the public works director, as interim city manager until a new city manager is hired.

 

Government News

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

  • Texas county officials to begin leadership academy
  • Mosby retires from post at Prairie View A&M
  • HISD's Greer delivers State of the Schools address
  • UTHSC-San Antonio gets $3M boost from USAA Foundation
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Bonham wins $1.6M grant to upgrade Jones Field hangars

The Aviation Facilities Grant Program of the Texas Department of Transportation recently approved a $1.6 million grant to the city of Bonham. The grant will be used to pay for engineering and design for improvements to hangars at Jones Field.

 

The grant also requires the city to contribute $160,000, or 10 percent, of the cost to build 14 new hangars and upgrade 4,200 square feet of apron space near the hangars.

 

City officials estimated the new hangars and the decision to restructure rates on the 24 enclosed hangars and 12 open hangars now available at the airport will result in about $8,0000 a year in increased revenue to the airport. City officials expect to select a project consultant this spring to oversee the $1.6 million airport upgrade.

 

El Paso Ballpark investors seek contractors for new stadium

Working with the El Paso Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Jordan/Hunt, investors in the city's new baseball stadium, recently scheduled a business outreach event to help find contractors to become part of the project to build the new baseball stadium in the downtown area.

 

The outreach event will be held on Feb. 13 at chamber offices located at 2401 E. Missouri. Trades needed for the construction project include contractors with experience in retaining walls, security services, fencing, foundation, elevators, mechanical, electrical, plumbing and finishing projects such as drywall, communications, seating and scoreboards.

 

Recent Reports
  • Dot Gov, newsletter of City of San Antonio 

Dan Manning retires as superintendent of Aledo ISD

Dan ManningSuperintendent Dan Manning (pictured) recently cited health concerns when announced he plans to retire from that post on July 1 after 28 years as an educator.

 

District officials said plans are to conduct a search for a new superintendent to be hired before the 2013-2014 school year begins.

 

Texas Government Insider Archives
  
Volume 1-11 Archives - 11/7/03 - 2/1/13
  
Governor's appointments
Governor Rick Perry has announced the following appointments:
  • Michael Welborn of Aransas Pass, district attorney of the 36th Judicial District in Aransas and San Patricio counties;
  • Robert Cadena of Del Rio, judge of the 83rd Judicial District Court in Val Verde, Pecos and Terrell counties;
  • Joel Allison of Dallas, Texas Institute of Health Care Quality and Efficiency Board of Directors;
  • Robyn M. Jacobson. Texas Institute of Health Care Quality and Efficiency Board of Directors;
  • John C. Joe of Houston. Texas Institute of Health Care Quality and Efficiency Board of Directors;
  • Beverly Nuckols of New Braunfels, Texas Institute of Health Care Quality and Efficiency Board of Directors;
  • Thomas Quirk of Dallas, Texas Institute of Health Care Quality and Efficiency Board of Directors;
  • Ben Raimer of Galveston, Texas Institute of Health Care Quality and Efficiency Board of Directors;
  • Shannon Stansbury of Dallas, Texas Institute of Health Care Quality and Efficiency Board of Directors;
  • Judy Chambers of Austin, Texas Optometry Board;
  • Mel Cleveland of Arlington, Texas Optometry Board;
  • Virginia "Ginger" Sosa of Uvalde, Texas Optometry Board;
  • Donna Klaeger of Horseshoe Bay, Commission on Jail Standards;
  • Jerry Lowry of New Caney, Commission on Jail Standards
  • Larry May of Sweetwater, Commission on Jail Standards;
  • Barbara Cargill of The Woodlands, chair, State Board of Education;
  • Ron Ederer of Corpus Christi, Texas Racing Commission;
  • John Steen III of Houston, Texas Racing Commission;
  • Debbie Unruh of Austin, independent ombudsman for the Texas Juvenile Justice Department.

Port Aransas taps Parker

as new city secretary

The Port Aransas City Council recently ratified the appointment of Irma Parker as the new city secretary. City Manager Dave Parson recommended that Parker replace City Secretary Esther Arzola, who is leaving that post.

 

Mansfield selects Vaszauskas

as interim superintendent

Jim VaszauskasTrustees for the Mansfield Independent School District recently selected Jim Vaszauskas (pictured), currently an associate superintendent, as the new interim superintendent. Vaszauskas will replace Superintendent Bob Morrison, who is resigning to serve as superintendent of Garland ISD.

 

With 32 years in public education, Vaszauskas also has been a teacher, coach, principal and assistant superintendent. He has a bachelor's degree from Baylor University, a master's degree from Texas Wesleyan University and a Ph.D. from Stephen F. Austin State University.

 

Madison resigns as CEO of Greater San Marcos Partnership

Amy Madison recently resigned as chief executive officer and president of the Greater San Marcos Partnership, a regional economic development organization she helped create about five years ago. A spokesman for the partnership said Madison resigned to pursue other business opportunities.

 

According to Madison, the partnership helped recruit businesses to Hays and Caldwell counties that created 310 jobs and helped existing businesses expand to create 954 new jobs. Hays County Commissioner Will Conley will chair a committee to lead a national search to find a new president and chief executive officer for the publicly-funded economic development organization. 

 

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Roanoke taps Campbell

as new city manager

Roanoke City Council members recently tapped Scott Campbell, a town manager in Sunnyvale for six years, as the new city manager. Campbell replaces former City Manager Jimmy Stathatos, who resigned to become city manager in Flower Mound.

 

Fort Bend ISD names four new administrative employees

Fort Bend Independent School District board members recently appointed Thomas Cooper as the director of design and construction for the district. Cooper, who has worked 36 years in development and construction, has a bachelor's degree from Rodger Williams University and is a licensed architect in nine states.

 

Trustees also selected Dana DeRouen as the new director of staffing, Michele Forward as director of internal audit, and Susan Voradakis as director of curriculum. DeRouen has a bachelor's degree and a master's degree from the University of Texas at El Paso. Currently working on a Ph.D. at UT-El Paso, DeRouen was executive director of administrative services at Ysleta ISD.

 

Forward joined the district in 2012 as a senior auditor and served as interim director of internal audit for the last six months. She has an associate's degree from West Texas State College, a bachelor's degree from Stephen F. Austin State University and is certified as an internal controls auditor. Voradakis, a former teacher in Dallas and Sugar Land, has a bachelor's degree from The University of Texas at Austin and a master's degree from Houston Baptist University. She has been a member of the district's curriculum department for 13 years.

 

The Texas Government Insider is a free weekly e-newsletter detailing important happenings throughout the state and summarizing current political issues relevant to individuals interested in government.
  
Publisher: Mary Scott Nabers
 
The Insider is published by Strategic Partnerships, Inc. (SPI), a research and consulting firm. Founded in Texas in 1994 by former government executives and public sector experts, SPI has developed a national reputation as the premier marketing partner dedicated to helping companies secure contracts in the $1.5 trillion state and local government marketplace.
 
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