Keeping water flowing in Texas is a priority as the state budget battle continues.

As the state budget drama continues at the Texas State Capitol today, concern is mounting over the fate of billions of dollars in the state's rainy day fund that may - or may not - be appropriated for the state's water needs. Lawmakers initially were considering moving $2 billion from that fund to help initiate a fund to assist with much-needed water projects statewide.

But, the legislative session ends in 10 days and a source close to the issue said today that there is now concern that instead of legislators making that appropriation from the rainy day fund, they could instead put the issue before Texas voters to decide.

With Texas enduring almost three years of drought conditions, water issues are front and center in many parts of the state. However, some areas that were suffering from drought conditions are beginning to recover, thanks to cooler temperatures and some heavy rainfall. Those areas could come out of drought conditions and might then see investing $2 billion of taxpayer funds for assistance in other areas of the state as an issue on which they would vote "no."

Convincing voters in those areas of the state to vote for using rainy day funds will be a hard sell, and negative results could be disastrous.

"We need to make sure we're planning appropriately," said Bryan Shaw, chair of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) in an agency video regarding drought conditions in Texas. "Getting ahead of the drought is critical. It's kinda' the same thing (as) with managing our finances. By the time that there's no money in the bank, it's a little late then to start thinking about saving money."

Nine game wardens with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) have been assigned to the newly formed Marine Investigations Unit. The new unit is charged with combatting boat theft, personal watercraft theft and related fraud. The new unit is part of the TPWD Law Enforcement Division's Special Operations section and will operate statewide.

Assigned to the unit are: Ryan Hunter, Region I; Mike Stephens and Clint Borchardt, Region II; Turk Jones and Tracy Large, Region III, Alan Biggerstaff and Robbie Smith, Region IV; and Derek Reeder and Michael McCall, Region V.

Kitzman likely out as Texas Insurance Commissioner

What is said to be the final agenda posting for the Senate Nominations Committee will apparently not include the name of Texas Insurance Commissioner Eleanor Kitzman. Although appointed to her post two years ago, Kitzman, like many other gubernatorial appointees, must be confirmed by the Senate before the appointment becomes official.

Kitzman, after being appointed to her first term, began serving because the legislature was not in session to confirm her. That term expired earlier this year, and she was not reappointed by Gov. Rick Perry.

$1 million in TEF funds awarded to Houston tech company

The state is offering up $1 million through the Texas Enterprise Fund (TEF) to close on the expansion of a major technology facility in Houston. Emerson Process Management's new Americas headquarters for valve automation technology and its new manufacturing facility are the recipients of the award. The expansion stands to create 126 new jobs and reap $9.5 million in capital investment.

The facility expansion will serve as headquarters for a 175-employee manufacturing facility for valve automation technology.

Greater Houston Partnership (GHP) President and CEO Bob Harvey (pictured) said the tech company, with its 1,000-plus employees in Houston, stands as "a key partner in strengthening our region's extraordinarily dynamic growth and quality of life."  

A 35-year career with the city of Dallas is coming to a close for City Manager Mary Suhm (pictured). Suhm, who has served the last eight years as city manager, this week announced her resignation.

In a memo to the mayor and city council on Thursday, Suhm said she will resign from her post once the city budget process is finalized. "Spring 2013 marks my 35th year with the City of Dallas, eight years as city manager" Suhm wrote in the memo. "As a newly elected and returning council, led by an experienced mayor, prepares to take its seats, I am giving notice that following preparation of the upcoming budget, I will be leaving my position as city manager."

Suhm was appointed city manager in June 2005. Prior to her appointment as city manager, she served as interim city manager, first assistant city manager, assistant city manager, executive assistant director of Dallas Police, director of courts, assistant to the mayor and branch library manager for the city of Dallas.

Bill ensures preference for state buying Texas manufactured goods

A bill is headed to the Governor's desk that would ensure that state agencies not only give preference in purchasing goods produced and grown in the state, including agricultural products, but also to goods "manufactured" in the state.

While state agencies generally are looking for procurement opportunities that offer the best value to the state, current law provides that preference must be given to Texas-grown or produced goods when the cost and quality are equal to the products of other bidders. And among Texas bidders, businesses owned by a disabled veteran who is a Texas resident receive first preference.

Under the language of HB 535, which has been passed in both the House and Senate, the same criteria for giving preference to goods produced or grown in the state would apply to goods manufactured in the state. The goal is to keep Texas dollars in Texas while promoting Texas producers and manufacturers, thus boosting the state's economy.

Texas Tech Provost Smith steps down from post

Texas Tech University Provost Bob Smith (pictured) has stepped down from his post, according to newly appointed president Duane Nellis. Interim President Lawrence Schovanec will take over as interim provost when Nellis' formal start date of June 15 begins. A national search for a new provost will take place this fall.

Smith served as provost and vice chancellor for Academic Affairs and professor of chemistry at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville and as vice provost for Research and Graduate Education and dean of the Graduate School at the University of Connecticut before his charge at Texas Tech. He began his academic career as an associate professor in medicinal chemistry at the University of Iowa.

Smith earned his doctoral and master's degrees at the University of Michigan and his bachelor's degree at St. John's University in New York.

UTPB may add $32M residence/dining facility to campus

The University of Texas System Board of Regents recently added a new residence-and-dining hall project to the UT-Permian Basin's Capital Improvement Plan. The facility would house up to 300 students.

UT-Permian Basin (UTPB) President David Watts said although the project is in its nascent stages, if funding is granted by November, occupancy should be ready by fall 2015. Watts said funding for the $32 million building had not yet been appropriated.

Watts said some students were unable to attend UTPB last fall when housing reached capacity. 

Victoria College Tech Center looking forward to groundbreaking

Victoria College's proposed Emerging Technology Center

Students at Victoria College will soon have a new facility to help prepare them for in-demand jobs.

Groundbreaking for the new 12,000-square-foot, two-building Emerging Technology Center (as seen in accompanying artist's rendering) is slated for later this month or in June.

Officials are shooting for a completion date of early 2015.

The city of Victoria has donated 16 acres for the project, which will include a three-story Conference and Classroom Building and an Industrial Training Building. The Conference and Classroom Building will include a banquet room to accommodate up to 400 and that can be divided into four smaller rooms, breakout rooms, conference and board rooms, a corporate training room, general classrooms, computer labs, faculty and staff offices, a catering kitchen and large student lounge. The Industrial Training Building will feature six high-bay training labs and six classrooms on the mezzanine level. It also includes faculty and staff offices and a student lounge. The facility will also house the college's data backup center.

Workforce and Continuing Education will be housed in the new Center and will expand courses and training opportunities, according to Jennifer Yancey, vice president of College Advancement and External Affairs. New credit programs in areas such as oil & gas technician, industrial maintenance mechanic and machining will be researched and developed.   

The center is being paid for with $22 million in voter-approved general obligation bonds and a $1.98 million donation from the M.G. & Lillie A. Johnson Foundation. Donors are being sought and naming and sponsorship opportunities have been established.

EB-5 regional center formed to serve eight S. Texas counties

San Antonio's American Regional Center LLC is partnering with Encore Global Investment Management LLC, a division of the Dallas-based Encore Enterprises Inc., for management and operation of Encore's recently approved regional center. The center, part of the federal government's EB-5 program that allows foreign investors visas for themselves and some family members in exchange for qualified investments in businesses in this country, covers eight South Texas counties.

The counties participating are Frio, Atascosa, Bexar, La Salle, Medina, Uvalde, Webb and Zavala. The American Regional Center plans to develop, construct, operate and manage commercial real estate projects, mainly commercial, institutional buildings and hotels.

The EB-5 program requires a foreign investment of between $500,000 and $1 million that will create a minimum of 10 full-time jobs in exchange for U.S. residency status by offering visas for permanent residency status for the investors and their immediate families.

Cameron OK's contract bids for new courtroom at detention center

The Cameron County Commissioners' Court has authorized officials to begin work with contractors to construct a courtroom at the Carrizalez-Rucker Detention Center. The new courtroom will alleviate security concerns about driving inmates to Brownsville for court appearances, according to Sheriff Omar Lucio.

Budget concerns originally kept the courtroom from being constructed when the Olmito facility was built in 2000.

County Administrator Pete Sepulveda Jr. (pictured) said his staff will most likely begin the search for contractors and offer a recommendation to the court within 30 days.

Farmers Branch OK's $6.5M in certificates for new aquatic center

The Farmers Branch City Council has approved $6.5 million in certificates of obligation at a rate of 2.25 percent for construction on a new aquatic recreation area to replace Don Showman Pool, which turned 50 this year.

The aquatic facility is set to include a 25-yard indoor lap pool and indoor therapy pool, an outdoor pool with lazy river, water slide, a lagoon pool and a children's area. Construction is slated to begin after the demolition of Don Showman Pool in August, according Parks and Recreation Director Jeff Harting.

The new aquatic recreation center's outdoor facility will open by Memorial Day next year with the indoor pools scheduled to open the following fall.

Fort Worth Water Utility Task Force studies possible P3

Fort Worth's volunteer Water Utility Task Force will consider four different approaches - including the possibility of a public-private partnership - in determining which, if any, aspects of the city's water department should be privatized or outsourced. The task force, which ruled out a full-scale sale of the water department, plans to submit a request for information (RFI) to vendors this spring.

So far, four models have been proposed as the task force considers its options. These include leasing the utility to a public-private partnership, contracting out the management for a majority of the department, outsourcing specified services and seeking ideas for new revenue streams and businesses.

The task force will hold its third public workshop May 20, at which time it will schedule dates for advertising and complete details related to the RFI.

Consulting firm suggests P3 to Goliad to bolster local economy

Representatives from a consulting firm have suggested public-private partnerships to Goliad City Council as a means to reach the city's economic development goals.

The representatives recently visited Goliad to seek out areas of development opportunity, such as the Eagle Ford Shale. They suggested adding walk and bike lanes that lead to different sites of Goliad's historic square. The representatives cited 289 acres of vacant or underutilized land that could be built on, which could be used to address the city's housing shortage.

Other proposed ideas included adding more boutique hotels, as opposed to corporate chains hotels, and developing a lodging facility near the San Antonio River using both private and public funds.

Fate Council approves new city hall project architectural contracts

The Fate City Council has approved contracts with a private firm for architectural services, professional services and a construction manager, effectively moving forward a new City Hall building project.

The Council chose a construction manager-at-risk method, which allows council members to personally select who manages the project on a day-by-day basis. The construction manager will be involved in planning, coordinating and controlling the project from conception to completion.

The head architect of the selected firm specializes in the design of municipal government facilities, including those in Garland, Allen, Sunnyvale, Addison, Hurst, Sachse and Fairview. 

Irving's Gonzalez among finalists for Florida water board post

Irving City Manager Tommy Gonzalez (pictured), scheduled to step down from his post Oct. 1, has made the short list of 10 finalists for the general manager position of the Tampa Bay Water Board, beating out more than 50 other candidates.

Gonzalez pulled out of the running for the Florida job, according to Ted Schrader, a Pasco County commissioner, following questions posed by water board officials about media reports accusing Gonzalez of influence peddling in Irving. Schrader said he wasn't certain why Gonzalez removed his candidacy - whether it was the questioning or perhaps to vye for another Tampa Bay administrator post that offers more salary. Schrader said he spoke with Irving officials who assured him of Gonzalez' integrity.

Schrader and other commissioners meet soon to whittle the list of candidates down to five. If Gonzalez makes the final cut, he will presumably fly down in May for a day-long interview.

Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport upgrades to add new debt

Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFWIA) is primed to sell $366.5 million in new debt to help fund $2 billion in terminal renovations.

The new figure will bring the airport's outstanding debt to $5.69 billion, according to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, which also reported the bonds will have maturities from 2026 to 2050.

DFWIA reportedly has an A+ rating from Standard & Poor's, the firm's highest rating.

Chapman to retire from Greater Texoma Utility Authority GM post

Jerry Chapman (pictured), general manager of the Greater Texoma Utility Authority (GTUA), is set to retire after 31 years of service, according to Authority President Don Skelton.

Chapman helped create the GTUA in 1979 in his role as executive director of the Texoma Council of Governments (TCOG) with an aim of assisting area cities in planning, financing and improving their water and sewer infrastructures.

Following a 13-year career with TCOG, he became general manager of GTUA in 1982 and has served in that capacity since.

Street seal-coat bids sought for City of Goliad project

Goliad Public Works Director Cindy Shilinga has been given the go-ahead to solicit bids for a Fiscal Year 2013 seal-coating project for some of the city's streets. Approximately 60,000 square yards of streets have been targeted for seal coating, Shilinga told the Goliad City Council.

About 50,000 square yards of streets were seal coated last fiscal year, Shilinga said. This year, she said, "We're trying to go to more of a systematic approach" by applying the seal-coating in sections of the city as opposed to selection by street.

Shilinga said there are a number of variables to consider as bids come in, such as the going price of seal coat per square yard, adding the price of materials is "really high."

The City of Greenville continues to face wastewater problems in spite of a new sewage reclamation center built to treat up to six million gallons of wastewater a day. Meanwhile, wastewater continues to flow into local rivers and streams.

Director of Public Works Massoud Ebrahim (pictured) told the City Council the problem lies with the city's "very old" collection system, citing an issue known as Inflow and Infiltration (I&I) following heavy rains.

The Council has approved a budget amendment for $137,900 allowing a Fort Worth-based consulting firm to conduct an I&I study. Following the study, the city will solicit bids to repair or replace manholes and pipelines in the northern part of the city. The work will likely be done in stages and cost between $500,000 and $1 million, according to Ebrahim.

The 300-page plan, which the city has been working on for more than a year, analyzes Lubbock's water options over a 100-year span. The plan calls for different ways to conserve water, including adjusting water rates, issuing town ordinances and monitoring water loss.  

 
WRL Director Aubrey Spear, confident the plan will improve water conservation, said the City is still in the search process of finding a consultant.

Governor's Small Business Forum hosts event in Galveston

"Business Without Borders, Marketing in Today's World" will explore the many ways small business owners can grow their business. Presented by the Galveston County Small Business Development Center, the forum is slated for 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursday, May 30, at Moody Gardens Hotel in Galveston. Those attending will learn the latest techniques for Internet marketing, hear from "big businesses" that want to do business with attendees, understand the incentives available for job creation, discover federal and state incentives for exporting and learn how to finance international transactions. Those who should attend include business owners who want to grow sales, CEOs and marketing executives, owners and managers whose companies trade internationally and business owners considering international expansions. Keynote speaker will be Craig Zablocki, top tiers speaker and author of numerous books and articles. Registration is now open. 
 

2013 Clean Fleet Technologies Conference date announced

The Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC) and Houston-Galveston Clean Cities/Clean Vehicles Program will host the Clean Fleet Technologies Conference on Wednesday, June 5, at Constellation Field in Sugar Land. This annual event will highlight opportunities for fleets and drivers to adopt clean alternative transportation fuels and advanced vehicle technologies. Speakers, exhibitors and vehicle displays will highlight the latest technologies, infrastructure and funding for cleaner on- and off-road vehicles and fleets. The 2013 Clean Fleet Technologies Conference keynote speaker is Dan Frakes, Manager of Advanced Technology and Vehicle Fuels Policy at General Motors. The afternoon breakout sessions will highlight local entities that are adopting alternative fuel vehicles and constructing new alternative refueling stations. Sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities are available. Contact Allison Carr at (832) 681-2583 or cleancities@h-gac.com for more information. More information is available and online registration is open now.

Chandler administrator may

take on new role as EDC director

Jim Moffeit (pictured) may soon lead the City of Chandler's Economic and Development Corporation (EDC) as executive director.

The EDC recently approved the part-time executive director position and named Moffeit as a candidate for the title. The city council will decide on the nomination in June. If approved, Moffeit will retire from his current position as city administrator and step down from his charge as chairman of the EDC board.

TxDOT, Cameron EDC will

fund municipal airport

A private engineering firm in Brenham is expected to seek bids in coming days for construction of eight to 10 nested T-hangars at Cameron Municipal Airport.

The Texas Department of Transportation's (TxDOT) Aviation Division will cover 90 percent of costs for the project ($855,000), while the Cameron Economic Development Corporation will match 10 percent of that amount with $85,500.

Cameron's interim City Manager Lambert Little said he expects the hangars to be completed and occupied by late December.

Dallas City Housing Department Director Killingsworth to retire

Jerry Killingsworth, Dallas' City Housing Department director for the last 11 years, has announced plans to retire in September.

During Killingsworth's tenure as director, thousands of new affordable housing units sprang up, including townhouse developments on South Dallas' Bexar Street, downtown high rises and several traditional apartments in underserved areas, such as the one at 1400 Belleview St. in the Cedars, which recently broke ground.

Waco High School principal

to take on technology post

Waco High School Principal Alfredo Loredo (pictured) will step down after two years at the helm. He will be the third principal to leave the school in the past five years.

Loredo will take over as director of technology for the Waco Independent School District when current Director Lisa Walters leaves this summer.

Loredo previously served several years as principal of Waco's Cesar Chavez Middle School and as assistant principal and principal of University Middle School.

Grant-Wells previously served as principal of the School of Science and Engineering at Townview. She has been with DISD since 2007.
 

Grant-Wells' DISD departure for Garland marks the second such in recent weeks, following that of Chief Financial Officer Rene Barajas, who resigned last month.

from ED post at Dallas ISD

Leslie Williams (pictured), executive director of the Carter High School feeder pattern, is set to retire June 30 after 37 years with Dallas Independent School District (DISD). Feeder patterns are the flow of schools students take as they progress through their education.

Williams' departure from his executive director role at DISD marks the fourth such in recent months. Eddie Conger, Dora Sauceda and Jovan Grant-Wells have also left their executive director posts at the district.

Clint ISD board begins

interviews for superintendent

The Clint Independent School District Board of Trustees recently began first-round interviews to find a new superintendent. A total of 19 applicants applied for the position.

Trustees are set to interview candidates in person or by phone and narrow the field to three contenders soon. The board expects to name the sole finalist June 27 with tenure for the new superintendent set to begin July 18.

The finalist will replace Ed Gabaldon, who announced his retirement in February.

The Greenville City Council has approved the contract termination of City Manager Steven Alexander (pictured) after six years in the position. The decision followed a highly charged meeting in which Alexander's supporters spoke out on his behalf. The departure will involve a payout, though an amount has not been disclosed. 

The Council will reconvene in coming weeks in a special session to name an interim city manager.  

The award honors the late former president of Stephen F. Austin State University, Dr. Ralph W. Steen. The award winner will be honored for his or her role in leadership and service to the 12-county area served by DETCOG. DETCOG Executive Director Walter Diggles said the award is the longest running recognition of its type in the region. Other awards will be presented as well.
 

Economist Ray Perryman will be the keynote speaker for the event. For more information, contact the DETCOG office in Jasper at (409) 384-5704.

Conroe City Council changes method of selecting contractors

Conroe City Council has amended the city's bidding method to allow for the best possible value instead of basing the criteria strictly on the lowest bid.

City Attorney Marc Winberry said the new method will allow the council to consider bidders' previous relationship with the city and award projects to Historically Underutilized Businesses and minority-owned businesses. The council has no plans to change how it seeks bids, only in how it selects contractors.

"This will establish our primary method of procurement," Winberry said. 

Tompkins to step down as

Cross Roads ISD superintendent

Clay Tompkins will step down as superintendent of Cross Roads Independent School District (CRISD), but plans to stay on in an advisory role through August 2014.

Tompkins began his tenure at CRISD 28 years ago and in that time has served as a teacher, principal and superintendent. His contract expires next year after 36 years working in public education.

The CRISD school board has appointed a three-member committee, which will accept applications for the vacancy until June 15. School officials hope to make a superintendent selection around July 15.

McCleary has been with the City of Corsicana and Navarro County for seven years. He plans to move closer to family, calling the move to Red Oak "absolutely family-oriented."

McCleary will take over the economic development director role vacated by Red Oak City Manager Todd Fuller, who worked in both positions for a time. The Red Oak City Council approved the creation of a separate economic development director position due to the city's growth.

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

• HISD approves 11 more bond-related contracts

• Customers encouraged to visit Mega Centers for driver's licenses

• DPS announces criminal investigation into West tragedy

• Staples, Cook stress need for conservation in wake of drought

• City of Richardson wins international communications award

The move stands to initially save the school district about $250,000 in personnel salaries and other costs, including supplies, equipment and utilities. The district will pay the county about $70,000 per year for its services.
 

The school district tax office has stopped accepting online payments, but will continue to accept payments in person until May 23.

Wichita Falls Independent School District (WFISD) Assistant Superintendent Dr. Tim Powers (pictured) has announced plans to retire this December after nearly four decades as an educator, the past 10 of which have been spent at WFISD.

Powers twice served as interim superintendent during his tenure at WFISD and says he still has a lot of work to do there. He plans to implement a series of plans and measures over the next seven months, he said. 

• Mike L. Allen of Kerrville, Upper Guadalupe River Authority Board of Directors;
• Claudell Kercheville of Kerrville, Upper Guadalupe River Authority Board of Directors;
• Brian Wright of Center Point, Upper Guadalupe River Authority Board of Directors;
• Zebulun Nash of Houston, Coastal Water Authority Board of Directors;
• Douglas Walker of Beach City, Coastal Water Authority Board of Directors;
• Susan Fletcher of Frisco, Texas State Board of Public Accountancy;
• Donna Hugly of Addison. Texas State Board of Public Accountancy;
• William "Bill" Lawrence of Highland Village, Texas State Board of Public Accountancy;
• Steve Pena of Georgetown, Texas State Board of Public Accountancy;
• Charles W. Beasley of Bellaire, chair, Texas Board of Licensure for Professional Medical Physicists;
• Geoffrey Clarke of Boerne, Texas Board of Licensure for Professional Medical Physicists;
• Douglas A. Johnson of College Station, Texas Board of Licensure for Professional Medical Physicists;
• John R. Leahy of Austin, Texas Board of Licensure for Professional Medical Physicists;
• Teralea Davis Jones of Beeville, Texas Physician Assistant Board;
• Michael Reis of Woodway, Texas Physician Assistant Board;
• Blayne Rush of Frisco, Texas Physician Assistant Board;
• D. Wade Hayden of San Antonio, Texas Private Security Board;
• Charles Crenshaw of Spicewood, Texas Private Security Board;
• Michael Arambula of San Antonio, Texas Medical Board;
• Devinder Bhatia of Houston, Texas Medical Board;
• Frank Denton of Conroe, Texas Medical Board;
• Scott Holliday of University Park, Texas Medical Board;
• Margaret McNeese of Houston, Texas Medical Board;
• Robert B. Simonson of Ducanville, Texas Medical Board;
• Karl Swann of San Antonio, Texas Medical Board;
• Timothy Webb of Houston, Texas Medical Board.

NCTCOG awards $13M in windfall

to pedestrian, bike trails

The North Central Texas Council of Governments' (NCTCOG) Regional Transportation Council has appropriated $13 million for improvements to nearly a dozen hike-and-bike trails throughout Dallas, Collin, Denton and Tarrant counties.

Dallas County's SoPac Trail and Coombs Creek Trail extension netted a combined $5 million of the windfall funds. The Texas Transportation Commission (TTC) will submit final approval for the allocations this summer since the federal funds were secured by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), but officials expect that to be a formality. 

Mely Martinez approved

as city secretary of Karnes City

Amelia "Mely" Martinez has been approved by the city council in Karnes City to serve as city secretary.

Martinez began working for the city in 1985 and has held a variety of positions since then. In March 2011, she was appointed assistant city secretary, when she took over many of the duties she will continue with in her new role.