More criticism falling on Texas Water Development Board

Criticism of officials of the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) is continuing, with the flames fanned this week after the release by the Associated Press (AP) of a TWDB list of priority water projects throughout the state totaling $8 billion. State Sen. Troy Fraser has locked horns already with the TWDB and told AP, who secured the list after an open records request, that he had asked the TWDB to create such a list three years ago.

With the state's population expected to increase more than 80 percent between 2010 and 2060, lawmakers are faced with hard decisions about what projects should be implemented to find new water sources to meet the expected 8.3 million acre-feet of additional water supply needed by 2060. They were looking to TWDB to provide input regarding which projects should be top priorities to help attain that goal.

Fraser told AP that he received a list in February, but only after telling TWDB officials he planned to file legislation changing operations at the agency.

And file he did.

Fraser filed SB 22 on Jan. 17. While the legislation addressed moving $2 billion from the state's Rainy Day Fund to provide assistance with projects in the State Water Plan, it also proposed changes that the TWDB be composed of three, rather than the current six, members and that they be appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the Senate. It also would require board members to serve on a full-time basis. That bill has been scheduled for a hearing by the Senate Finance Subcommittee on Fiscal Matters for March 11.

Subsequent to that, Fraser filed SB 4 on Jan. 23. That bill proposed creating the State Water Implementation Fund of Texas to allow for funding the State Water Plan. It, too, included a restructuring of the TWDB to a three-member, full-time board, but it also had another provision addressing the executive administrator position currently held by Melanie Callahan. The language of the bill notes that anyone serving as executive administrator on Jan. 1, 2013, would not be eligible for appointment as executive administrator. That would put Callahan out of a job. That legislation was heard by the Senate Natural Resources Committee, and left pending on Feb. 19.

State sales tax revenues climb again, but at 'moderate pace'

Calling sales tax revenue growth in Texas "a more moderate pace" than other recent months, State Comptroller Susan Combs this week announced that state cities, counties, transit systems and special purpose taxing districts will share $531.3 million in local sales tax allocations.

The funding resulted from $2.08 billion in sales tax revenue statewide for February. That represents an increase of 3.7 percent compared to February 2012. The allocations to local government entities represent a 12.2 percent increase compared to march 2012.

Texas cities will share $348.7 million in their March allocations, up 11.5 percent from March 2012. Counties will share $34.2 million, up 8.8 percent. An increase of 13.3 percent over March 2012 resulted in revenues of $120.7 million being shared by transit systems in Texas, while special purpose taxing districts will share $27.7 million as their March allocation, up 20.7 percent.

The sales tax figures represent January sales reported by monthly tax filers as well as sales by businesses that report tax on a quarterly or annual basis. The allocations may be viewed by county and by city.

Lawmakers file public-private partnerships legislation

Whitmire's bill would prohibit only P3s in Capitol Complex area

Texas.gov customer service department earns honors

Texas.gov, the official Web site of the State of Texas, was recently awarded a Silver StevieŽ Award for Customer Service Department of the Year in the Public Services & Education category. The Texas.gov team was chosen for providing outstanding customer service and support to thousands of Texans and more than 240 state and local government partners.

"As more Texas government business is conducted online, it is important to have a strong customer service team there when you need them," said Karen Robinson, executive director of the Texas Department of Information Resources and chief information officer for the state of Texas, in congratulating the Texas.gov Service Desk team.

The Stevie Award is an international customer service award. Texas.gov receives an average of more than 500,000 monthly visits and more than 68,000 financial transactions processed daily, translating to high demands on the Texas.gov customer service team. They provide 24/7/365 assistance via multiple channels, handling more than 23,000 telephone calls, 3,700 live chats and 2,100 emails.

Tech approves design budget for TTU Research, Technology Park

A single 125,000-square-foot building and a budget of $1.2 million will ensure the first phase of the project to develop a research and business campus - the Texas Tech University Research & Technology Park - after Texas Tech System regents recently approved the design budget for the facility.

Tech Interim President Lawrence Schovanec said the park will bring a different concept to the university by accommodating multidisciplinary research. "We envision that this will be occupied by people from many different disciplines, promote the opportunity to collaborate with the Health Sciences Center," he said. "It will accommodate both new faculty and the relocation of certain research groups already on campus." The site will serve as the location for the university research facilities and research-related commercial businesses. The facility will encourage interaction between university faculty and students, as well as commercial industries.

The entire cost of the first phase will be presented for board approval at the next regents meeting in May, according to Tech officials. That total will include equipment, fixtures and furniture. But, the infrastructure will have to be in place to support what Tech executives expect to grow to a million square feet of buildings over the next several years to support up to 40,000 students by 2020.

Angelou, Geistweidt named to cancer research oversight committee

Angelos Angelou of Austin and A. Gerry Geistweidt of Mason were recently appointed by the governor as members of the oversight committee of the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT). The oversight committee guides the agency charged with awarding grants to expedite innovation in cancer research and to expand prevention and treatment of cancer.

Angelou, who has a bachelor's degree from The University of Texas and a master's degree from St. Mary's University, is founder and principal executive of AngelouEconomics in Austin and a former vice president of the Austin Chamber of Commerce. His term will expire on Jan. 31, 2019.

An attorney in private practice, Geistweidt is a former member of the Texas House of Representatives. He has a bachelor's degree from Texas A&M University and a law degree from The University of Texas School of Law. His term is set to end on Jan. 31, 2015. The Texas Senate must confirm both nominees before the appointments are final.

Longview ISD in line for $3M in athletic complex upgrades

The Longview ISD is preparing to spend about $3 million to upgrade the high school athletic complex, including Lobo Stadium and the baseball and softball fields. Funding for the project will come from the district's general fund. Among the upgrades are new restrooms and restroom renovations, new sidewalks, fencing, concession stand renovations, accessibility upgrades and new dugouts for the softball field.

Board President Ted Beard (pictured) said safety and accessibility were the prime factors in approving the renovations. He also pointed out that no bond package funds will be used for the various projects on tap.

Restroom renovations for both sides of the stadium are expected to cost about $2.7 million. Bleacher restoration will carry a price tag of about $306,000, the dugouts are expected to cost $100,000 and $15,000 will be needed for concession stand upgrades.

Eltife bill would increase sales tax to address TxDOT debt

A bill proposing a constitutional amendment to raise the state sales tax - temporarily - has been filed by Sen. Kevin Eltife. The proceeds from the tax increase would be used to pay down the debt for the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). The legislation calls for an increase of the current 6.25 percent tax rate to 6.75 percent until the state raises enough money from the tax increase to satisfy the accrued debt of the state's transportation agency.

Eltife's legislation could mean TxDOT's annual $1 billion it dedicates to debt service could be used instead for maintenance projects and new construction related to the state's transportation system. TxDOT officials previously told lawmakers that the agency needs $4 billion more per year in revenue to meet the state's road and highway needs and to address increasing congestion.

TxDOT currently carries about $13 billion in debt. Eltife says dedicating some sales tax revenue from a temporary increase in the rate will allow for paying off the debt faster, thus also avoiding paying billions of dollars in interest. His proposal is one of many being discussed by lawmakers, including everything from increases of transportation-related fees to dedicating portions of the existing sales tax to transportation needs to increasing the gas tax.

Texas Tech health center bill wins approval by Senate panel

A bill to designate the Texas Tech Health Sciences Center at El Paso as a separate regional campus under the Texas Tech System recently won approval by the Higher Education Committee of the Texas Senate. The legislation still must win approval by the Senate and the Texas House of Representatives and signed by the governor.

The Texas Tech Health Sciences Center in El Paso has a different mission from the center in Lubbock and warrants two separate universities under the same system as proposed in the legislation, noted Kent Hance (pictured), chancellor of Texas Tech University. The campus in El Paso serves a young, Hispanic community while the campus in Lubbock serves a rural community by focusing on general practice health care, Hance said.

As proposed, the legislation establishes formula funding received by the Texas Tech Health Sciences Center for its campus in El Paso would be sent directly to the El Paso campus beginning in 2016. It also would permit the El Paso center to participate in the Higher Education Fund, which assists health-related institutions in acquiring funding to buy land, rehabilitate, repair and build facilities and purchase library materials and capital equipment as well as qualify for funding through the Research Enhancement formula, Hance said.

Tyler ISD eyeing bonds for new, non-traditional high school

Tyler Independent School District officials recently said they plan to create a new, non-traditional open high school if voters approve a $160.5 million bond proposal in May.

District officials plan to demolish and replace Stewart Middle School with the new high school offering a non-traditional approach to education. Stewart Middle School students would attend a new school planned in southwest Tyler or an existing middle school, district officials said. Plans call for the new, non-traditional academy to open in the fall of 2015.

Arlington studying projects for $20 million bond sale

With plans to sell $20 million in bonds this summer, Arlington City Council members recently began a review of capital improvement projects to pay for with proceeds from the bond sale.

Among the projects under consideration to fund with bond proceeds are $12.9 million in upgrades to streets and sidewalks and $7.8 million in drainage projects to address flooding from storm water runoff, said Kathryn Wilemon (pictured), a council member.

Wileman noted the city is being fiscally responsible for maintaining its debt ratio of $842 per capita, which is lower than a cap of $1,060 per capita agreed upon by council members to help maintain a good bond rating and lower interest rates.

Texas State University System regents adopt fixed-rate tuition plan

The Texas State University System's senior institutions - Lamar University, Sam Houston State University, Sul Ross State University and Texas State University - will begin developing four-year, fixed-rate tuition plans as an option for students who enroll beginning in fall 2014. The action comes following a recent vote by the System's Board of Regents to develop an optional fixed-rate tuition plan so that students and parents will have a better idea of what they will be paying for college costs. The plans offered by the universities will be discussed at the November meeting of the Regents.

TSUS Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Perry Moore said the fixed-rate tuition plans should include an academic progress requirement to ensure students have an incentive to complete their degrees on time. "These optional plans will assist students and their families in financial planning and will also encourage more timely graduation within the four years of fixed tuition," said Moore. This will be an option for students, but not a requirement.

Students who choose not to participate in the fixed-rate tuition plan can continue to pay standard tuition, which varies from institution to institution, but traditionally has been below the state average.

"The college is reaching a point in its life where there is a tendency for some elements of a building's systems begin to fail," said Al Erdman, CTC's deputy chancellor of resource management. "In the 40- or 50-year range, that's when you start to notice those types of repairs that need to be made, no matter how well things have been kept up." Many of the buildings on the Killeen campus were built in the mid-1960s and early 1970.

The report also looks ahead 10 years, and recommends an order in which the projects should be undertaken, so the college can anticipate what work needs to be done as it budgets for future years. Any repair costs would have to be approved by the board of trustees.

DCCCD appoints Ferguson to chair chancellor search group

The Dallas County Community College District (DCCCD) has taken its first steps toward seeking a replacement for Chancellor Dr. Wright Lassiter, Jr., who previously announced his intention to retire at the end of the year.

The board of trustees of DCCCD recently elected board member Bob Ferguson (pictured) to serve as chair of a search committee, with the board serving as the executive committee for the larger search committee. Board members will meet to discuss the search process and who will serve on the full search committee before their regular meeting in April.

A national search for a new chancellor is expected. Lassiter has indicated that he is willing to remain chancellor until his successor is chosen.

Buffalo Gap to vote on moving forward on $4 million sewer project

Buffalo Gap City Council members plan to vote on March 14 on whether to move forward with a sewer project they hope will be paid for with a $4 million grant and/or loan from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Utilities Service.

City officials are confident the USDA will approve the grant and loan combination for the new sewer system to replace septic tanks now used by residents of Buffalo Gap, the mayor said. Once the application is approved, the city will receive notification from USDA officials on how the loan/grant award will be divided and decide if rates for water and sewer service must be increased, he said. Construction on the sewer project should begin about a year after the grant and/or loan is awarded, the mayor added.

Sugar Land names co-chairs of citizens bond committee

Sugar Land City Council members recently named Dr. Betty Bairland and Jarvis Hollingsworth as co-chairs of a citizen bond committee created to help prioritize projects for a proposed bond election in November. The referendum would ask voters to approve $50 million to fund a variety of quality of life projects. Council members also appointed citizens to serve on subcommittees to focus on each of the proposals.

Projects being considered for the bond proposal are to develop land along the Brazos River into a park with kayak launches and other features, build hike and bike trails throughout the city, and to develop a festival site to host cultural and entertainment events to benefit the local economy. Council members also discussed building a multi-use sports park featuring areas for lacrosse, tennis, cricket and other sports.

Bairland was superintendent at Fort Bend Independent School District and left in 2006 after five years in that job and then as interim superintendent for the Stafford Municipal School District in 2011. Hollingsworth is an attorney for a law firm that provides counsel to government agencies, educational institutions and private companies on their duties, liability matters and corporate governance. Committee members have agreed to meet every two to three weeks through May to prioritize projects, consider the timelines and evaluate funding before making a recommendation to the city council on which projects to include in a proposed $50 million bond election in November.

Keller bond group eyeing transportation projects in Old Keller

At a recent public meeting in Keller, members of the Transportation Bond Program Advisory Committee began prioritizing transportation projects in Old Town Keller to include in a future bond election.

The Old Town Keller area is home to 29 percent of new and expanded businesses in the city in 2012 and 25 percent in 2013. It needs improved streets for better traffic flow, more parking and more lighting for streets and sidewalks, said DeAnna Beseda Reaves (pictured), the economic development coordinator.

Projects under consideration for the possible bond election are expanding Lamar, Pecan and Olive Street and adding sidewalks, street lighting and drainage upgrades at a cost of $1.4 million and a $1.3 million project to add sidewalks, street lighting and drainage improvements on Elm and Pecan streets.

Sugar Land Regional Airport may close control tower

Sugar Land City officials recently cited the federal sequester forcing across-the-board budget cuts as the reason to consider closing the air traffic control tower at the Sugar Land Regional Airport on April 7.

The municipal airport now has about 250 takeoffs and landings daily that make a big economic impact on the city, said Doug Adolph, a spokesperson for the city. The loss of federal funding could translate into the elimination of six air traffic controllers that will end operations such as radar and weather systems in the control tower and slow the city's economy, Adolph noted.

City officials are considering options, including operating the tower without air traffic controllers and a proposal to funding the air traffic control if the Federal Aviation Agency will allow that option, Adolph said. The deadline for the city to make its case with the Federal Aviation Administration for the city to pay for air traffic control is March 13, he added.

Two airports in San Patricio County garner $1.7 million in grants

The Aviation Facilities Grant Program of the Texas Department of Transportation recently awarded two grants to airports in San Patricio County, a $1 million grant to the T.P. McCampbell Airport in Ingleside and a $670,500 grant to the Mustang Beach Airport in Port Aransas.

Officials of the McCampbell Airport in Ingleside plan to use the grant for planning and construction of as many as 15 new hangars to rent to owners of private planes. Construction should begin as early as August and the hangars ready to rent in October, said Jim Price, the airport manager and commissioner for Precinct 4.

Mustang Beach Airport officials plan to use their grant funding to replace outdoor lights and improve the runway to prepare for an expansion of the airport in the future, said Randy Hansen, the airport manager. While airport officials have not decided on a timeline for the expansion, current plans are to add 500 to 600 feet of runway to the nearly 3,500-foot runway to more safely accommodate larger airplanes.

Plano approves resolution supporting Cotton Belt Corridor

Plano City Council members recently approved a resolution to continue working on creation of the Cotton Belt Regional Passenger Rail Service. Plans call for the special district be comprised of 13 cities planning to enter a public-private partnership to build a passenger railroad along the proposed 62-mile corridor.

The resolution, previously approved by Richardson, Addison, Coppell and the Dallas Area Rapid Transit officials, only signifies the city's interest in continuing efforts to create a municipal management district and does not support specific legislation, City Manager Bruce Glasscock (pictured) explained.

The proposed Cotton Belt Rail Corridor would run from Wylie through Tarrant, Dallas and Collin counties. Using a public-private partnership to create the rail corridor could move the project up 25 years ahead of the current schedule, said an official of the North Texas Council of Government, which will act as a representative for the special municipal management district for the participating cities if the plan moves forward.

Denison approves land swap for new fire station

Denison City Council members recently approved an agreement to exchange 4.2 acres of city-owned land for 0.628 acres of church property owned by a church to help reduce the cost of a new fire station on the south side of the city.

The land swap should save the city about $220,000 in construction costs as the property previously purchased by the city requires about $380,000 in site work to prepare for construction, said City Manager Robert Hanna. The newly obtained property from the church is located next to the current site and requires much less site work, Hanna said.

Council members authorized Hanna to finalize negotiations with church officials, who already agreed to the land exchange that will result in a 1.5-acre site for the new Southside Fire Station.

Frisco ISD gets first look at preliminary designs for school

Trustees for Frisco Independent School District recently took their first look at preliminary designs for a new high school, but failed to reach a consensus on the interior design of the school.

After examining previous facilities in Dallas, Fort Worth and several area colleges designed by the architect, board members agreed on a two-story design used for other high schools in the district and the current layout used by the district for athletic facilities around existing schools.

The district, one of the fastest growing in the nation between 2005 and 2010, expects to eventually have nine or 10 high schools if the city continues to develop at this rate, noted Richard Wilkinson, deputy superintendent for business and operations. Current plans are to open the new high school in August 2015 with a capacity of 2,100 students.

Sunland Park backs federal proposal for new port of entry

Sunland Park City Council members recently approved a resolution supporting a new port of entry to provide a direct line in New Mexico from Albuquerque to Juarez, Mexico.

The new port of entry project most likely will take three to five years to complete and promote more business from increased traffic to and from El Paso from Las Cruces and Albuquerque, said Roberto Diaz de Leon, project manager for the U.S. Department of State.

TxDOT to host Small Business Briefings across Texas

It's baaaaaack... Daylight

Savings Time begins on Sunday

It's time to prepare to lose an hour of sleep for most Americans, when clocks will be set forward an hour on Sunday thanks to Daylight Savings Time.

If you're annoyed by this biannual "spring forward, fall back" ritual, you might want to consider moving to Arizona. The federal government does not mandate that states observe Daylight Savings Time, so the folks in Arizona don't...and haven't for decades.

There's also a petition that has popped up on the White House's "We the People" platform. Daylight Savings Time opponents can go to the site and sign the petition, which requires 100,000 signatures before it will be considered by the White House.

In the meantime...spring forward one hour at 2 a.m. Sunday. 

Ysleta ISD to seek study for possible outsourcing of some jobs

The Yseleta ISD administration is continuing its plans of studying outsourcing some administrative jobs, despite opposition from school trustees and others. One board trustee said the district superintendent is looking at spending $100,000 for a study to see if outsourcing four jobs in the district's Operations Department is feasible, and more economical.

A previous solicitation for a qualified bidder to perform the study drew only one bid. Officials said some of the specifications from the first bid will change in the second one. Officials have not indicated when a request for proposals will be released.

Burgdorf resigns from post

as UT System vice chancellor

Barry Burgdorf (pictured), The University of Texas System's vice chancellor and general counsel, has resigned, effective at the end of April. Burgdorf has held that position since 2005 and was responsible for managing all of the UT System legal affairs and managing the three-dozen attorneys in the Office of General Counsel. He also worked with all of the 15 UT System institutions to provide for their legal needs.

Prior to affiliating with the UT System, Burgdorf was with the Vinson & Elkins L.L.P. law firm, where he was a partner from 2001 to 2005. He holds a bachelor's degree from The University of Texas at Austin and earned his J.D. with honors from the UT School of Law. He also holds an MBA from Southern Methodist University.

Falls City to seek bids

to repair, replace streets

City council members in Falls City recently instructed the city manager to seek bids to replace and repair several busy streets. The mayor recommended replacing Terrell Street from US181 to FM 791 and to repair Merchants Alley to support businesses in that area.

New Braunfels airport wins $5.9 million grant to extend runway

New Braunfels Regional Airport officials recently won a $5.9 million grant to help pay for extending a runway needed for corporate aircraft. The project includes lengthening the main runway at the regional airport from 5,300 feet to 6,500 feet, adding new runway lights, parallel taxiways and drainage improvements around the runway, airport officials said.

Perkins announces retirement

from post as Dallas City Attorney

Dallas City Attorney Tom Perkins (pictured) recently informed city council members he is retiring in August after serving in that post since 2005.

Previously, Perkins was in private practice and worked for the Federal Trade Commission and the Office of the Texas Attorney General before joining the city attorney's office in 1999.

Perkins holds a bachelor's degree from Harvard University and a law degree from Loyola University.

Goliad city administrator appoints Moses as financial specialist

City Administrator Larry Zermeno recently appointed Brenda Moses, a utility billing clerk, as the city's new financial specialist to help oversee city finances with a consultant and the city administrator.

Zermeno, who served two years as the finance officer for Goliad, said he has no plans at the present to fill the position of finance officer. He also said he is exploring options to fill the vacant position of director of economic development.

Victoria seeks $250,000 grant to fund solar energy project for city

Victoria city officials recently applied for a $250,000 grant from the Energy Conservation Office of the Texas Comptroller's Office to install a 40-kilowatt solar energy system to help power a city facility.

The grant from the Innovative Energy Demonstration Program will require a $50,000 matching contribution from the city, said James Foote, director of information technology, who is leading efforts to win the grant.

Foote pointed to the Convention and Visitor's Bureau and Environmental Services Department as a good choice to demonstrate the use of sustainable solar energy and reduce energy costs. The project also could encourage other businesses in Victoria to use solar energy, Foote said. If successful in winning the energy grant, city officials expect to begin design work on the solar energy project in early April and award bids in June with a goal of completing the project by July 31.

Graham approves $2.5 million

to upgrade water system

Graham City Council members recently agreed to issue $2.5 million in bonds to pay for engineering services to design upgrades to the water treatment plant. Council members plan to vote on April 11 on issuing the bonds.

City officials have discussed a $19-million plan to expand and refurbish the water treatment plant, increase storage capacity and add another distribution line from the treatment plant to town. Council members agreed to move forward using a priority system, with the first priority to increase treatment capacity. City officials also plan to replace and repair some existing transmission lines.

Julian Grant resigns from job

as city attorney in Kyle

Julian Grant, the attorney in Kyle, recently resigned from the post he held about three months. Grant was the first full-time city attorney for the city after city council agreed to hire a full-time city attorney rather than contracting with an attorney to perform those duties.

Council members also agreed to appoint Frank Garza, an attorney who had served as the contract attorney prior to the city hiring an in-house attorney, to perform the duties of city attorney until a new one is selected.

Deer Park ISD taps Harrell

as assistant superintendent

Deer Park Independent School District board members recently tapped Stephen Harrell (pictured) as the new assistant superintendent for administration. Harrell will be in charge of discipline for students and district employees, safety and security, facility maintenance and operations, attendance and student services such as handbooks in his new job.

A junior high principal since 2005, he will replace Don Dean, the current deputy superintendent for administration, who is retiring. Harrell was a teacher and coach at Pasadena ISD before joining the Deer Park district in 1996.

Harrell has a bachelor's degree from Sam Houston State University and a master's degree from the University of Houston at Clear Lake.

Premont ISD kicks off search

for new superintendent

Premont Independent School District board members recently asked for help from the community in selecting a new superintendent by asking for response to a survey on the qualifications they want in a leader. The new superintendent will replace Ernest Singleton, who is retiring from that post in May.

Trustees also hired a consultant to help in the search and set a deadline of March 28 for applications to be filed. The financially troubled school district is currently in the process of reorganizing to avoid being merged with another school district as ordered by the Texas Education Agency.

Current plans are to begin the first round of interviews in early April, announce a lone finalist on April 17 and hire a new superintendent in May.

Keene ISD looking over 44 superintendent applications

With a goal of identifying 10 applicants for more study, trustees for Keene Independent School District recently began reviewing qualifications of 44 candidates who applied to be the new superintendent.

The new school chief will replace Superintendent Wanda Smith, who announced she is retiring in June after leading that district for 28 years.

District officials received applications from Louisiana, Oklahoma, Utah and Texas from large and small school districts, according to the vice president of the board.

Springston resigns post as superintendent for Bartlett ISD

Superintendent Brett Springston (pictured) recently resigned from his post at Bartlett Independent School District.

A former superintendent for Brownsville ISD, Springston joined the Bartlett district in August 2011 after serving as interim superintendent. He previously was a principal at Judson ISD, Spring Branch ISD and the Lamar Consolidated ISD.

Springston holds a bachelor's degree from The University of Texas at Tyler and a master's degree from Sul Ross University. He received his certification as a superintendent from Prairie View A&M University and is working to complete a Ph.D.

Belton appoints Huber

as new public works director

The Belton City Council recently appointed Michael Huber as the new public works director for the city.

Selected from a field of 32 candidates, Huber will replace Les Hallbauer, who retired in January. Slated to begin his new duties on April 1, Huber currently is public works director in Aztec, New Mexico.

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

• City of Arlington names new police chief
• Texas Tech regents honor two long-time professors
• Austin to recognize Vietnam veterans
• ACC partners with UT Austin, Texas State for co-enrollment programs
• Texas 10 Most Wanted program marks 20th anniversary

San Antonio taps Davis as director of economic development corp.

San Antonio city officials recently tapped Ed Davis, former assistant director of the Economic Development Department, as the new executive director of the San Antonio Economic Development Corp.

Davis helped create the corporation in May 2010 to invest funds in projects that have the potential to achieve a return on the city's investment by securing an equity position on the project. He plans to serve on a part-time basis where he has agreed to identify and evaluate new opportunities for investment and monitor for compliance all agreements and investments of the corporation.

Cavazos resigns as city

manager in Penitas

Noe Cavazos (pictured), city manager of Penitas, recently cited health concerns for resigning from that post he has held since 2010.

City council members also appointed the chief financial officer for the city, Oscar Cuellar, as the interim city manager to replace Cavazos.

Cuellar previously was a city manager in Penitas before leaving that job in 2008 to accept employment in Donna. Cuellar said he plans to continue his duties as chief financial officer while serving as interim city manager.

Midland city manager urges

new $30 to $40 million city hall

Pointing to crowded conditions that threaten good customer service, Midland City Manager Courtney Sharp recently urged city council members to consider building a new city hall that could cost $30 million to $40 million.

Discussions by the mayor and council members included whether to plan the new city hall as a place for the community to gather and to allow some outside service providers such as cable companies to establish offices to help make city hall a one-stop center for citizens.

Council members plan to meet in the next week and arrive at a consensus on a plan for a new city hall, city officials said.

Kerens ISD to seek approval of $15 million in bonds in November

Citing aging infrastructure, Superintendent Kevin Stanford (pictured) of Kerens Independent School District recently unveiled plans to ask voters to approve $15 million in bonds in November to pay for a new building to replace the current middle and high school buildings.

District officials also plan to build a new gymnasium/choir room and a new field house, renovate entrances to the elementary school and increase security if voters approve the bonds, Stanford said.

Current buildings will be demolished because the single-pane windows leak air and huge air conditioning units located in the corner of classrooms take up too much space, he added. Stanford also proposed building a new elementary school in about 10 years.

• Bill Philibert of Pasadena, Texas Municipal Retirement System;
• Julie Oakley of Spicewood, Texas Municipal Retirement System;
• Beth Ann Blackwood of Dallas, State Securities Board;
• E. Wally Kinney of Dripping Springs, State Securities Board;
• Rob Kyker of Richardson, Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education;
• Alex Meade III of Mission, State Affordable Housing Corporation Board of Directors;
• Norman Darwin of Benbrook, Injured Employee Public Counsel;
• Anna Maria Farias of Brownsville, Board of Regents, Texas Woman's University;
• Nancy P. Paup of Fort Worth, Board of Regents, Texas Woman's University;
• George Schrader of Dallas, Board of Regents, Texas Woman's University;
• Rodrigo Ceballos of El Paso, Texas State Board of Acupuncture Examiners;
• Allen Cline of Austin, Texas State Board of Acupuncture Examiners;
• Jingyu Gu of Austin, Texas State Board of Acupuncture Examiners;
• Rachelle Webb of Austin, Texas State Board of Acupuncture Examiners;
• Jacinto Juarez of Laredo, State Health Services Council;
• Jeffrey Ross of Bellaire, State Health Services Council;
• Maria Teran of El Paso, State Health Services Council.

Rockport taps Brown

as interim city secretary

Rockport City Council members recently tapped Pat Brown, a nine-year city employee, as the interim city secretary. An assistant city secretary for more than a year, Brown will replace Irma Parker, the former city secretary who left that post on Feb. 22.

Goliad appoints Zermeno

as city's new administrator

Goliad city officials recently selected Larry Zermeno as the city administrator. Zermeno has served as the finance officer for Goliad for two years.

Dayton may partner with

company building med center

Dayton City Council members recently began consideration of a proposal by Emergency Hospitals of Texas (EHOT) to build a new 7,000-square-foot to 10,000-square-foot medical center with an emergency room on a site leased from the city of Dayton.

Dr. Kashif Ansari of EHOT told council the company is working on an agreement with the Liberty County Hospital District No. 1 to operate the medical center in Dayton under the license issued to the Liberty hospital. The company currently operates medical centers in Dallas, Channelview and Livingston.

Boyett named communications manager for city of Tyler

Tyler City Council members recently appointed Kristi Boyett as the new communications manager for the city. During her seven years with the city, Boyett managed the employee training program and served as a special projects coordinator for the Solid Waste Department. She also worked for the local newspaper.

Boyett has an associate's degree from Tyler Junior College and a bachelor's degree from the University of North Texas.

Alawneh tapped as chief information officer for Katy ISD

John Alawneh (pictured) recently won appointment as the new chief information officer for Katy Independent School District.

Alawneh previously served as the executive director for information technology for Austin ISD and also has worked in information technology for Plano ISD and for a private employer in Irving.

In his new job, Alawneh will oversee technology programs and services to ensure that campuses have the technology needed to provide the skills to help students succeed, district officials said.

El Paso law enforcement garners more funds for border protection

El Paso County commissioners recently agreed to renew an almost $700,000 federal grant to pay for border security measures under Operation Stonegarden.

The grant will be divided among the El Paso Sheriff's Office, the El Paso Police Department and the Horizon Police Department to assist those law enforcement agencies in providing more protection to border areas.

Granite Shoals taps Townsend

as city's interim city manager

Granite Shoals City Council recently appointed Marvin Townsend as the interim city manager. Townsend previously served as an interim city manager in Sinton and city manager in Corpus Christi.