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Legislative standoff ends as water, education appropriations OK'd
Water fund proposal to go to voters to decide; public education gets extra $200M
 The long-anticipated wait is over. Texas lawmakers, in a closing-in-on-an-11th-hour decision, passed legislation late Wednesday that will return some of the millions of dollars in 2011 funding cuts to public education and address the mounting water infrastructure problems plaguing public water systems throughout the state.
It was a stare-down from both sides of the rotunda that could have resulted in a special legislative session if non-passage had held up the state's budget bill. But, both HB 1025 and SJR 1 passed, clearing the way for further negotiations on the budget.
 SJR 1, authored by State Rep. Jim Pitts (top left) proposes a constitutional amendment that would go before Texas voters to create a State Water Implementation Fund and HB 1025, shepherded to passage in the Senate by Sen. Tommy Williams (bottom right) appropriates $2 billion from the state's rainy day fund to that account, if voters approve its creation. The house bill will also appropriate $200 million in additional dollars for public schools.
Action on SJR 1 was completed first and its passage was announced to members of the Senate by Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst before the Senate brought up HB 1025 for a vote for final passage. (As of press time, HB 1025 was on the House calendar for today, Friday.)
As Pitts sought passage of the resolution on the House floor, he was asked by another member of the House if Pitts had not in the past said he was against government being run by referendum. Pitts responded that he indeed is against government being run and money appropriated by referendum. But, he added, "In this instance, there's no money."
Pitts said the SJR simply would "create a constitutionally dedicated account."
The House Appropriations Committee chair said passage of the joint resolution was "creating an account that at this time has no money in it," adding that "before this session is over you will see a bill with an appropriation to this account, contingent on this bill passing. HB 1025, if we pass it, will fund this account.
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Strategic Partnerships salutes Texas' Lone Stars
 Brian Engle, chief information security officer, Texas Department of Information Resources (DIR)
Career highlights and education: I have been fortunate and blessed with tremendous opportunities throughout my career to work on solving complex and difficult challenges. As an information security and risk management professional, I consider myself a bridge builder attempting to span the gap between perception and reality for security and privacy in a world where change is constant and risk is ever present. Over the past 20 years, I have worked in many aspects of information technology and information security within government, health care, financial services, manufacturing, high tech, telecommunications and retail verticals. I have a Bachelor of Science degree in management/computer information systems and hold the Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) and Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) credentials.
What I like best about my job is: I enjoy exploring problems that include complex dynamics. Technology risk is a fascinating topic that is intertwined with societal, emotional, interpersonal and economic aspects that continue to evolve. Much of what is done in technology, and certainly within the information security fields, has not been done before. So, there is a degree of creativity that is also involved. I like the fact that nothing is ever as simple as it seems.
The best advice I've received for my current job is: People matter most. I cannot say that someone pulled me aside and gave me that advice directly. But what I have learned through trial and tribulation has manifested itself into this simple premise that I consider one of the most important things to keep in mind. Customers, their customers, peers, partners and co-workers are all vital, and they matter most in everything you do.
Advice you would give a new hire in your office: There is always some piece of technology to help solve a problem, but without people that care and work as hard as they can, that technology will not achieve much.
If I ever snuck out of work early, I could probably be found: Sneaking back to work, or working on some security community initiative. But, if I could really get away, you might find me running somewhere in Austin.
People would be surprised to know that I: enjoy photography. My favorite thing to do is travel, sightsee and take pictures. I will spend hours photographing architecture and sights, waiting for lighting to be just right or positioning for the perfect angle, so much so that I have been called a "tedious traveler." If you travel with me, you had better have a lot of patience.
One thing I wish more people knew about my agency: DIR has a great team of competent, knowledgeable and dedicated professionals that are devoted to serving customers. DIR is really focused on a number of areas designed to help agencies improve security for the citizens of Texas. There is a blossoming security community that DIR strives to foster and lead to provide collaborative solutions for the state. The community includes a Statewide Information Security Advisory Committee that helps drive the agency's security service offerings, a number of workgroups that include the security officers and agency personnel formulating effective security solutions and collaborative efforts between the Data Center Services, Network Security Operations Center and Texas.gov service delivery groups to ensure that security objectives are met. And lastly, that DIR is integral to the statewide coordination effort for Texas Cybersecurity, Education and Economic Development initiatives to position the state as a national leader in cybersecurity.
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UNT board approves hiring consultants for student housing plans
 The University of North Texas Board of Regents is planning for an influx of students on campus by 2015. The Board approved hiring consultants to advise on the addition of 600 to 800 new student beds. To fund the measure, money allocated from housing and auxiliary services will be reimbursed with $1.2 million in bond funds.
UNT President Lane Rawlins (pictured) said on-campus housing provides a better educational environment, "not only as just where somebody is going to sleep, but as part of the future of UNT."
In coming months, consultants will conduct market research and financial analysis as well as weigh in on the architectural design of the new student housing.
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Deal close for contributions to Kyle Field upgrade project
Two Brazos County entities - the city of College Station and the county - are nearing an agreement that would result in spending $36 million toward the redevelopment of Kyle Field on the Texas A&M campus. In return, Texas A&M will grant the two entities use of university meeting space. The agreement could be finalized within a month.
The tax funds would come from a proposed increase in the county hotel occupancy tax (HOT). The proposed increase would expire in 30 years. That is when the debt on the stadium is expected to be retired. College Station would also contribute some of it excess HOT funds. The goal of the funds is to contribute to the planned $450 million overhaul of the stadium.
Before the deal is finalized, the College Station City Council must approve diversion of the surplus HOT funds, which could happen within a month.
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UT-A&M planning $6.3 million joint library
Two of the state's flagship university systems - Texas A&M and The University of Texas - are planning a new joint library facility. The Associated Press is reporting that the $6.3 million, 18,000-square-foot facility would house close to a million general and reference materials from the two universities and make them available to other academic and medical institutions for their use.
A&M and UT have in the past shared library storage at the J.J. Pickle Research Camps in Austin that had to be stored under strict environmental controls to preserve some of the materials. The new facility will keep the two universities from having to shoulder storage costs at their respective campuses.
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Tech regents look to develop student housing to tune of $54.8M
 The Texas Tech System Board of Regents met recently to address a growing student body as well as a potential bed and housing shortage.
Tech President-elect Duane Nellis (pictured) said the university would need 300 to 350 beds to supply the needs of applicants and those of current students.
At the meeting, Michael Molina, the Tech System's vice chancellor of facilities planning and construction, gave an updated presentation of a projected $54.8 million budget to fund a new student housing residence designed to appeal to upper-grade students and graduate students. The plan calls for a village-style complex with 455 beds in 71 one-bedroom units, 42 two-bedroom units and 75 four-bedroom units. Construction is set to begin in June with completion set for August 2014.
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Wildenthal new president of Children's Medical Center Foundation
 Former UT Southwestern Medical Center president and former chief fundraiser, Dr. Kern Wildenthal (pictured), is taking on the post of president of the Children's Medical Center Foundation and executive vice president of Children's Medical Center, effective May 28.
Wildenthal gave up his two high-level posts at UT Southwestern in April. He will be responsible for the fundraising programs for the not-for-profit pediatric hospital.
Christopher J. Durovich, president and CEO of Children's Medical Center, said Wildenthal "shares our vision for making Children's one of the top five pediatric health care systems in the nation," Christopher J. Durovich, president and CEO of Children's Medical Center, said in a written statement. "Our progress involves new initiatives that require additional sources of funding."
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Texas Tech establishes fourth freestanding university in El Paso
 The fourth university under the Texas Tech University System - the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center at El Paso - has been established. The university is the result of legislation from the current legislative session and will be a freestanding institution, joining Texas Tech University, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in Lubbock and Angelo State University as part of the TTU System.
"Establishing an independent health sciences university is a significant milestone for the Texas Tech family and the result of so many people's hard work," said Mickey Long (pictured), chairman of the Board of Regents. "We are thrilled to complete the process of adding a new university to the TTU System and continue the momentum in the El Paso region."
Preparations for the transition from a regional campus to a freestanding university with degree-granting authority have been underway since 2011. The TTU System Board of Regents gave its approval for undertaking this initiative in May of last year. TTUHSC at El Paso will promote access to health care while seeking to attract more doctors and health care professionals to the area.
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UTSA announces Zenteno as newest faculty member
 Dr. Rene M. Zenteno (pictured), former undersecretary of population, migration and religious affairs at the Ministry of the Interior of Mexico, is the latest addition to the faculty of The University of Texas at San Antonio. He will serve as a professor in the Department of Demography.
Zenteno helped craft Mexico's population, migration and refugee policy and helped write and enact the 2011 Mexican immigration law.
In addition to serving in the Ministry of the Interior, Zenteno also served as provost and professor in the department of population studies at El Colegio de la Frontera in Tijuana. He also is the former executive director of the Center for U.S.-Mexican Studies at the University of California, San Diego.
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West Lake Hills to accept bids this June for wastewater construction
The City of West Lake Hills will take bids from construction companies in June for a $1 million project that will finally give northeastern residents access to the city's septic system. The city has already spent about $95,000 on engineering and construction drawings, which have gone to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and the City of Austin for approval.
Wastewater commission Chairman Steve Hudson said West Lake Hills had enough interest to justify paying to extend sewer lines into the area, where at least 25 of the area's 51 residents have confirmed they will plan to build pipe on their property to connect to the wastewater line upon its completion.
"It really became feasible last year when we got permission from the city of Austin to put sewage into their entry point on Westlake Drive," Hudson said.
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Houston ISD awarded for fleet-fuel sustainability
 Houston Independent School District (HISD) is the proud recipient of the Excellence in Public Fleet Sustainability award for 2013 from the National Association of Fleet Administrators (NAFA). The award recognizes documentation of key performance measurements, including fleet composition of conventional-fueled vehicles versus alternative-fueled vehicles, which rely on cleaner-burning and cost-saving fuels such as biodiesel and propane.
"This award is a great recognition of the drive and determination of the entire transportation team," said HISD Transportation General Manager Nathan Graf (pictured).
HISD added 27 propane school buses to its fleet in 2011 and since then has added an additional 58 propane buses and 20 propane vans.
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Cedar Park, Leander submit parks, road projects for possible bond
Cedar Park and Leander officials have sent a list of assorted road and park projects to Williamson County for a possible spot on an upcoming bond election ballot. If commissioners approve, the projects will go before voters in November.
Projects include extensions and improvements for both roads and walking trails. The Cedar Park City Council approved five road and two parks projects for submission, totaling more than $59 million in costs, while the Leander City Council submitted three road and two parks projects for a combined estimated cost of $26 million.
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Huntsville ISD may call bond issue again in May or November
 In a recent address to the Huntsville Independent School District (HISD) school board, Superintendent Steve Johnson (pictured) said another bond issue may be held in May or November.
The new bond vote is set to arrive on the heels of a recent bond that failed with 63 percent of voters rejecting the measure.
Johnson said state funding for public education may increase by $3.2 billion this year, which would mean about $1.3 million in additional funding for HISD. |
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Leander ISD approves $1.5M for new teaching positions, equipment
The Leander Independent School District has appropriated $1.5 million in funds for new teaching positions and equipment for the 2013-2014 school year.
- City staff requested bond savings be added to the school year budget to fund equipment and furniture, including: $149,717 for classroom and cafeteria furniture, safety equipment and curricula items;
- $795,000 for technology equipment, including server replacements;
- $188,000 for buses; and
- $23,000 for a grounds truck.
Ellen Skoviera, assistant superintendent for business and operations, said staff reviewed capital outlay requests to decide which items were most pressing.
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Corsicana ISD considers hiring architectural firm for school plans
 The Corsicana Independent School District (CISD) Board of Trustees may select an architectural firm to begin designs on a new middle school.
The middle school project was initially scrapped as part of a rejected bond package, which failed before voters in May. Susan Johnson, spokeswoman for the district, said the district will move forward with hiring the architectural firm to draw up preliminary plans anyway.
CISD Superintendent Diane Frost (pictured) said the district plans to resubmit the bond package to voters in November.
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Odessa OK's money for downtown hotel/convention center study
To determine if a new downtown hotel convention center would be viable, an Odessa nonprofit is conducting a study, funded by the city, as part of an effort to revitalize downtown, City Attorney Joel Roberts said.
"We're going to try to create a development for hotels, entertainment, apartments and retail for downtown," Roberts said.
The Odessa City Council last year authorized $16,500 toward a downtown hotel study for the 2012-2013 fiscal year. Though the location and total cost of the facility is not yet known, the hotel would comprise about 12,000 square feet of meeting space with a ballroom.
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Dallas adopts master plan for aquatics facilities
 Dallas city officials have adopted a master plan to address the need for family aquatic centers and replacing and upgrading the city's pools. Part of the cost of the projects could be paid for with proceeds from the voter-approved sale or exchange of the Elgin B. Robertson Park.
"It is not prudent to keep patching a costly and antiquated system of pools that serves very little constituency," said Dallas Park and Recreation Department Director Willis Winters. The master plan calls for replacing aging and obsolete swimming pools with family water parks and splash pads. Park and Recreation officials said they know the new facilities will provide a uniform level of aquatic service citywide and maximize overall aquatic attendance. |
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Sweetwater gives go-ahead for bids for constructing police station
The Sweetwater City Commission has given city personnel permission to obtain bids for the construction of a new police station.
The architect hired to draw up plans for the station is almost finished with the proposal. Upon completion of the plans, bids may officially be accepted.
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Gladewater ISD board retains architect firm for bond election
 Gladewater Independent School District (GISD) board members have retained an architect firm to assist with bond planning and related architectural services, and filled a new administrative post, according to Superintendent J.P. Richardson (pictured).
The school board has not yet authorized a bond election, but will likely do so in January or February, depending on community response. Richardson said he is still negotiating an amount for the bond election with the architectural firm.
In order to focus on the administrative wrangling associated with bond elections, Richardson reopened the formerly vacant post of assistant superintendent of curriculum, instruction and assessment, naming Darryl Dans to the role. Dans, principal at Deweyville High School, will assume his new duties July 1.
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Premont ISD gets new life thanks to TAMU-Kingsville
An academic partnership with Texas A&M University-Kingsville approved by Commissioner of Education Michael Williams has breathed new life into the Premont ISD, which was facing possible closure because of poor academic and financial performance.
"The leaders at Premont ISD, Texas A&M University-Kingsville and The Texas A&M University System are taking a bold approach to assuring academic excellence for students in this important part of our state," said Williams. TAMU-Kingsville President Steven Tallant called the initiative "groundbreaking" for both the university and the school. He said it provides the university the opportunity to work together with a local public school to provide "quality educational experiences for future generations."
The initiative includes a steering committee to monitor a district improvement plan. It focuses on learning systems, educational environment, assessment and accountability and post-secondary preparation for PISD students.
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Grapevine gets spot on Fort Worth Transportation Authority board
The City of Grapevine will officially have representation on the Fort Worth Transportation Authority's (FWTA) board following the state's recently passed legislation.
The new law allows representation for entities that pay a sales tax for transportation services but are not members of the Authority.
Previously only representatives from cities that allocated at least a half-cent in sales tax revenue to the FWTA were allowed to serve on the board. Grapevine, which participates in the TEX Rail commuter project, is contributing $50 million to the project with a 3/8-cent sales tax that voters approved six years ago.
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AC President Larry Phillips wins East Texan of Year award
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Angelna College President Dr. Larry Phillips (right) accepts the Ralph W. Steen Award from DETCOG Executive Director Walter Diggles. |
Angelina College President Dr. Larry M. Phillips has been named the 2013 Ralph W. Steen Memorial East Texan of the Year. The award is announced annually at the Deep East Texas Council of Governments (DETCOG) annual membership meeting, held this year in Lufkin.
Phillips, a graduate of The University of Texas at Austin, began his education career as a history teacher and coach. He is now the chief executive officer of Angelina College in Lufkin, where he is responsible for the operation, development and promotion of the college. Phillips has been instrumental in opening new AC campuses throughout the DETCOG region including Crockett, Jasper, Livingston and Nacogdoches.
The Ralph W. Steen Memorial East Texan of the Year Award has become one of the most prestigious and longest running recognitions bestowed in Deep East Texas. Each year past recipients cast ballots to select who will receive the award from nominations received from the 12 county DETCOG region.
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Jim Wells commissioners weigh options for courthouse renovations
Jim Wells County commissioners met recently to discuss ways to pay for an estimated $7 million in courthouse renovations. The county would be responsible for covering 15 percent of costs.
There are at least three means of funding the renovations available to the county, which including applying for a grant (which would call for the courthouse to be returned to its original design, thereby eliminating two wings), issuing certificates of obligation (COs) and/or holding a bond election.
Representatives from an investment firm recommended certificates of obligation to commissioners as the COs have a quicker turnaround time, taking 60 to 70 days to complete, than a bond election. During the amount of time it would take to hold a bond election, construction prices and interest rates could potentially increase.
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Harlandale ISD board OK's spending $2.9M in leftover bond funds
Harlandale Independent School District (HISD) trustees have approved facility upgrades, primarily for athletics and extracurricular activities, using $2.9 million of roughly $4 million in funds left over from two bond programs.
HISD board members have feuded in the past over how to allocate the leftover funds from bonds issued in 2006 and 2009, but came together unanimously to approve the measure.
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UT-Arlington names graduate Lemaux as its new police chief
 The University of Texas at Arlington has tapped Kim Lemaux (pictured), an Arlington police veteran, to serve as its new campus police chief. Replacing Ricardo Gomez, Lemaux will be the first female to hold the position in the campus' history.
Lemaux led 121 staff members with a $14 million annual budget as deputy police chief in Arlington. She joined the Arlington Police Department in 1982 as a dispatcher.
In her new role, Lemaux will oversee a staff of dozens of officers, guards, communications officials and emergency management staff at the university, her alma mater.
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College Station school officials study new elementary school
Members of College Station's Long-Range Education Planning Committee are looking to have a ninth elementary school built.
The 36-member Committee, spearheaded by Superintendent Eddie Coulson and Deputy Superintendent for Administrative Services Clark Ealy, has identified more than 17 needs within the district, placing high priority on a new elementary school, safety upgrades and the creation of an alternative learning center. The addition of a natatorium also made the Committee's needs list.
Additions and upgrades are pending bond-election approval in November if approved for the ballot by the school board in late August.
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CCC Fair, HUBZone, Matchmaking event set June 20
The San Antonio SCORE Chapter and the U.S. Small Business Administration are hosting a Capital, Contracting and Counseling (CCC) Fair, HUBZone and Matchmaking Event on Thursday, June 20, at the Hipolito F. Garcia Federal Building, a historical building located next to the Alamo. Registration starts at 8 a.m. and the event will kick off with a special welcome and segment on the HUBZone Program at 8:30 a.m. Doors to the Fair and Matchmaking open to the public at 9:30 a.m. and will run until 12:30 p.m. The event is designed to reach out to small business men and women who need guidance and access to SBA's many services and programs. Those attending will have the opportunity to visit with prime contractors seeking subs, lenders seeking borrowers, surety bond agents, federal procurement specialists and business advisors in one of the three designated "C" venues - Capital, Contracting Opportunities and Counseling Resources. The event is free. Register by email to daniel.delrossi@sba.gov no later than June 11.
TASSCC 2013 Annual Conference dates set for Aug. 11-14
"TASSCC Lucky 13 - Betting on It" is the theme for the Texas Association of State Systems for Computing and Communications (TASSCC) annual conference. Registration is now open, with reduced rates for early bird registration ending July 17. The event is slated for Aug. 11-14 at the Westin La Cantera Resort in San Antonio. A variety of speakers will provide those attending with innovative tools and insight to help them address pressing technology challenges. Keynote speakers include Mark Milliron, chancellor, WGU Texas, professional triathlete and speaker Patricia Walsh and Ken Weitzel, director, Executive Education, the Corporate Executive Board. Among the topics to be discussed are data management and analytics, application and modernization, leadership and human capital and managing enterprise services. CPE credits are also available for those attending. More information, including the agenda, is available for those seeking to attend.
Texas Rural Challenge event planned June 18-19 in San Marcos
The UTSA Institute for Economic Development's Rural Business Program will host the 4th annual Texas Rural Challenge conference on Tuesday and Wednesday, June 18 and 19, at the Embassy Suites in San Marcos. The conference will focus on the challenges facing rural Texans. The goal of this event is to spur small business and economic growth in rural communities across Texas by providing leaders with practical and proven approaches to rural development. There will be sessions on business and economic development, community development and rural statewide issues. Keynote speaker for the Tuesday luncheon is Candace Klein, Founder and CEO BG Ventures, SoMoLend. She will be followed by an afternoon keynote by Dr. Vaughn Grisham, professor emeritus, University of Mississippi, director, George McLean Institute for Community Development. Wednesday's morning keynote will be delivered by Javier Moren, assistant director, Corporate and Product Communications, Toyota Motors North America Inc. and Texas Secretary of State John Steen will be the afternoon keynote speaker. This is a statewide conference hosted by the Governor's Office, Texas Economic Development Council, Texas Department of Agriculture, USDA-Rural Development, Texas Association of Regional Councils and the UTSA Institute for Economic Development-Rural Business Program. Registration is now open and the agenda is available for viewing.
SBIR/STTR Summit, Conference slated for June 12 in Austin
The Texas SBIR/STTR Summit and Conference is planned for June 12. The event, sponsored by the Texas Foundation for Innovative Communities, will be from 8:15 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the AT&T Executive Education and Conference Center on The University of Texas at Austin campus. Those attending will hear from federal program managers about their priorities and hear National Tibbets Award winner Ray Friesenhahn, who has helped win 300 SBIR/STTR awards in 12 states. There will be one-on-one sessions with prime contractors, investors, university partners and program managers from major federal agencies and time to network with industry experts, entrepreneurs, contractors and technologists who know how to win SBIR/STTR awards, along with potential research partners and investors. Those attending will learn how SBIR/STTR can provide financing for their product development, the status of current program and eligibility issues, proposal requirements and approach, success factors and how grant funding can lead to follow-on funding, investments and procurement advantages. Registration is now open and more information is available on the Web site.
TSABAA 44th Annual Summer Conference slated in July
The annual Administrator of the Year award will be presented at the Texas State Agency Business Administrators' Association (TSABAA) 44th Annual Summer Conference, scheduled for Thursday and Friday, July 25 and 26, at the Sheraton Austin Hotel at the Capitol. The award presentation is one of a number of highlights of the annual gathering. Among the topics for the event are "Cybersecurity," "Controlling IT Costs" and "Fostering the Privacy Perimeter." An employee benefits panel including officials with the Employees Retirement System of Texas and the Texas Public Employees Association is also scheduled. There will also be a session involving a legislative update. Approximately 12 hours of CPE credit can be earned during the conference. Registration forms and the agenda are now available.
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.
TxDOT Tyler Small Business Briefing rescheduled
The Texas Department of Transportation's (TxDOT) Office of Civil Rights Business Development Section-Supportive Services Section Small Business Briefing planned for June 11 in Tyler, has been cancelled and will be rescheduled at a later date. Please call 1-866-480-2518, Option 1, or visit our Web site (www.txdot.gov) more information and questions regarding the Small Business Briefings and other Office of Civil Rights Business Development Section programs.
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 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. |
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Texas voters should support funding for critical water projects
 By Mary Scott Nabers, CEO of Strategic Partnerships, Inc.
American taxpayers invested approximately $1.77 trillion in water and wastewater projects between 1972 and 2010. While the data is somewhat old, it points to a critically dangerous trend that only grows stronger each year. The nation's water infrastructure is in an "end of life" cycle and continued investments to upgrade and renew it are required.
Of the $1.77 trillion in spending, $981.4 billion was required for water supply and $796.4 billion for wastewater systems. According to a recent report by the U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM), local government spending for public water supply and wastewater management in 2010 reached an annual high of $111.4 billion.
There is no argument about whether or not continued spending is necessary. But continued investment by local governments has become impossible in some regions primarily because of the lack of local revenue. That dilemma makes a compelling case for the use of public-private partnerships and low-cost loans as viable options for financing water projects.
The Texas legislature just this week passed a joint resolution that will result in a proposed constitutional amendment related to water spending. Voters will be asked to authorize a state fund that offers low-cost financial assistance to local and regional water providers for projects in the 2012 State Water Plan. Legislation was also passed that will dedicate $2 billion to that fund. Passed in the House, HB1025 was amended in the Senate. Final legislative approval is still needed on the measure and that could come as early as today, with the bill set on the House calendar.
There are many aspects of the problem, but, inflation is an issue that all taxpayers understand. The recent report notes that a $1 million capital investment in wastewater in 2001 cost $1.45 million in 2010. The $8.8 billion in spending in 2001 increased to $20.6 billion in 2010 and costs continue to increase in 2013.
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Greenville accepting bids from vendors for water tower repairs
The City of Greenville is seeking bids from companies to rehab the city's 1-million-gallon Webb Street water storage tank. Sealed bids will be accepted through May 30. The City Council approved $42,800 for engineering services for the project's design last March.
According to a memo from Public Works Director Massoud Ebrahim, two inspections by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) turned up recommendations for rehabilitation of the storage tank.
"The 2009 report clearly notes the need for rehabilitation in the near future and that delaying the rehabilitation beyond three years could result in the need for extensive [rafter] repairs," Ebrahim said.
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Nabers named to Clinton
Global Initiative work group
Mary Scott Nabers, president and CEO of Strategic Partnerships, Inc., has been named to a Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) working group that is an offshoot of the Infrastructure Financing for Cities Task Force, chaired by Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, that will participate in CGI America 2013's annual meeting scheduled for June 13-14 in Chicago. The work group will continue to discuss this important topic after the annual meeting and into next year.
CGI America 2013 will bring together leaders from business, foundation, non-governmental organizations and government sectors to promote economic recovery. The infrastructure finance working group will feature mayors and senior city officials as well as national experts, leaders from financial institutions and organized labor, project developers and urban planners.
Established in 2005 by President Bill Clinton, the Clinton Global Initiative brings together leaders from around the globe to devise and implement innovative solutions to some of the world's most pressing challenges. CGI America is the first Clinton Global Initiative meeting focused exclusively on the United States. It seeks to not only share new ideas, but also to highlight programs that can be replicated and scaled. Read the press release.
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McDonald returns as president, chief executive officer of NEDCO
 A familiar face will be back at the helm of the Nacogdoches Economic Development Corp. Judy McDonald (pictured), who served as president and CEO of NEDCO for 11 years before retiring in 2008, will serve in that same position until a replacement is found for former NEDCO President and CEO Bill King, who resigned last week.
McDonald served as a Nacogdoches city commissioner for 10 years and for eight additional years as the city's mayor. She also has finance and health care experience, having served as community relations director for a local hospital and as vice president of marketing for a decade with a Nacogdoches financial institution. She is a former appointee to the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs Board, the Governor's Commission for Women, the Criminal Justice Advisory Committee and the then-Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission Advisory Committee.
McDonald holds a bachelor's degree from Stephen F. Austin State University and is a graduate of the Economic Development Institute.
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Strategic Partnerships to close
for Memorial Day holiday Monday
The offices of Strategic Partnerships, Inc. will be closed Monday, May 27, in observance of Memorial Day. We will reopen at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, May 28. Have a safe and happy holiday.
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McKinney to add third deputy
city manager position to staff
A third deputy city manager will be added to the staff for the city of McKinney, following action this week by the City Council. City Manager Jason Gray had asked for a third deputy because of his and Deputy City Manager Rob Daake's growing workload.
A second deputy's spot was left empty following the reassignment of Joe Williams to head the city's police department.
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Kinchen named sole finalist for superintendent post at Tomball ISD
 Huey Kinchen (pictured) has been named sole finalist for the position of superintendent at Tomball Independent School District (TISD), chosen from a field of 34 applicants. He will replace Dr. John Neubauer, who is resigning after 16 years.
Kinchen has worked for TISD for 13 years, five of which were spent as principal of Tomball High School, five as assistant superintendent of administrative services and three as deputy superintendent. Prior to his charges at TISD, he worked for Humble ISD and Spring ISD.
Kinchen holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Louisiana Lafayette and a master's degree from Southeastern Louisiana University.
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Mathis City Manager, Police
Chief Whittington resigns
Mathis City Manager and Chief of Police Larry Whittington voluntarily resigned at a recent City Council meeting. Whittington and the city attorney's office are working together to finalize the agreement.
The Mathis city attorney said she is not at liberty to disclose why Whittington resigned.
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Killeen Principal Sibberson sole finalist to lead for Hawley ISD
Killeen High School Principal Michael Sibberson has been named sole finalist for the position of superintendent at Hawley Independent School District (HISD). The district, about 12 miles from Abilene, has approximately 720 students enrolled.
Sibberson has spent the last 25 years working for the Killeen school district, where he has served as principal for the last 11. He has also worked as an assistant principal and physics teacher at the district.
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SAISD Interim Superintendent Perez named to lead district
 Sylvester Perez (pictured), who has been serving as interim superintendent of the San Antonio Independent School District since March of last year, has been named the district's new superintendent. Perez has been serving in an interim role since the resignation of former Superintendent Robert Duron.
Perez boasts more than 38 years of service in public schools, including having served as superintendent in Mathis, Clint, San Marcos and Midland. Before his first job as a superintendent, he was a principal, assistant principal, athletic director, teacher and coach. He has served as an adjunct professor with The University of Texas at Austin's Cooperative Superintendent Program and has served as an adjunct professor at Texas A&M University-Kingsville and at The University of Texas of the Permian Basin.
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La Marque ISD board appoints
Allen interim co-superintendent
La Marque Independent School District board members have named Thomasine Allen interim co-superintendent of the district.
Allen previously served as the assistant superintendent of educational support services and school operations, while Dr. Joanie Y. Hudson has been serving as interim superintendent.
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Irving ISD's Bedden up for North Carolina superintendent post
 Irving Independent School District Superintendent Dana Bedden (pictured) stands as one of three finalists for the same position at the Wake County Board of Education and its 150,000 student body in North Carolina.
In a written statement, Bedden made clear he is not yet resigning from his current position nor has he been offered the Wake County position.
Bedden is expected to return to Wake County to face a public forum and further interviews soon. Wake County officials hope to fulfill the superintendent position by July 1.
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Government News
Check the GOVERNMENT NEWS section of the SPI Web site for these and other press releases.
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Texas Tech will not increase tuition for 2013-2014 -
Transportation expert recommends changes to Capital Metro's fare structure -
ACC's Center for Public Policy hosts Tom Pauken at annual fundraiser -
DPS increases patrols for Memorial Day weekend -
Williams joins in TTM presentation to American Red Cross West Relief Fund -
Bryan FD, Forest Service collaborate on wildfire plan
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Comal school district announces
recent changes in school staff
Lori Montelongo, an assistant principal at Mountain Valley Middle School, is set to join the Comal Independent School District's (CISD) legal services department as part of a series of recent staff changes.
Canyon Lake High School Principal Cheryl Koury will also join CISD in the Community Education department, part of the district's Support Services office.
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Texas Government Insider Archives
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Governor's appointments
Governor Rick Perry has announced the following appointments:
- Sharon Breckenridge Thomas of San Antonio, Commission on Human Rights;
- Don Hase of Arlington, Governing Board of the Texas Indigent Defense Commission;
- Anthony Odiorne of Georgetown, Governing Board of the Texas Indigent Defense Commission;
- Barry L. Anderson of Grand Prairie, Aging and Disability Services Council;
- Sheri Harmonson of El Paso, Aging and Disability Services Council;
- J. Russell Shannon of Andrews, Aging and Disability Services Council;
- Donna Stauber of Waco, Aging and Disability Services Council;
- Lee Chayes of El Paso, Assistive and Rehabilitative Services Council;
- Amanda Davis of Buffalo, Assistive and Rehabilitative Services Council;
- Donald Roy of Mount Pleasant, Assistive and Rehabilitative Services Council;
- Kathy Shipp of Lubbock, chair, Texas Board of Nursing;
- Nina Almasy of Austin, Texas Board of Nursing;
- Patricia "Patti" Clapp of Dallas, Texas Board of Nursing;
- Marilyn Davis of Sugar Land, Texas Board of Nursing;
- Michael Bleier of Montgomery, San Jacinto River Authority Board of Directors;
- Mike Arismendez Jr. of Littlefield, chair, Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation;
- Thomas Butler of Deer Park, Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation;
- Deborah Yurco of Austin, Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation;
- Bobby Druesedow of Aledo, Governing Board of the Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired;
- Michael E. Garrett of Missouri City, Governing Board of the Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired;
- B. Lee Sonnenberg of Lubbock, Governing Board of the Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired.
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Greenville Public Works Director Ebrahim is interim city manager
 Greenville Director of Public Works Massoud Ebrahim (pictured) has been named interim city manager following a recent City Council vote. Police Chief Daniel J. Busken and Director of Human Resources Barry Robinson both declined the job.
Ebrahim will take over for Steven Alexander, who transferred control of the Animal Control department and the venue manager duties of the Greenville Municipal Auditorium before he stepped down. The City Council has indicated it will wait until a full-time city manager is located before deciding whether those transitions of power will be permanent.
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College Station brings in Merrill
to assist with manager duties
College Station Interim City Manager Kathy Merrill has brought in assistance to help navigate the responsibilities of the City Manager's Office following the April death of former City Manager Frank Simpson. James "Rod" Hogan, a retired former assistant and deputy city manager for the City of Plano, has stepped in to temporarily manage the areas of Planning & Development Services, Public Works and the electric and water utilities.
Hogan served 35 years with the City of Plano in the departments of Public Works, Utility Operations and Parks and Recreation. He has completed temporary assignments similar to his new role in College Station for the cities of Celina and Argyle.
Mayor Nancy Berry said the College Station City Council will hire a search firm to expedite the search for a new city manager, though a timeline for completing the task has not yet been set.
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Rogers ISD Superintendent Callaghan to step down
As Rogers Independent School District (RISD) Superintendent Bob Callaghan prepares to step down, Rogers High School Principal Jason Gilstrap is set to replace him as lone finalist for the position.
Callaghan has spent the past four years at Rogers ISD. He has accepted a new position in Iowa with the Newton Community School District, close to Des Moines.
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Matagorda County selects Strotheide as EDC director
Michael Strotheide has been named executive director of the Matagorda County Economic Development Corporation. He replaces Owen Bludau, who announced his retirement last December after eight years at the helm.
Bludau will remain in his position through the end of June to help ensure a smooth transition for Strotheide, a 25-year economic development veteran, who took over his new role this week.
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Lubbock Libraries Board recommends new facility
The Lubbock Libraries Board will recommend renegotiating the current Godeke Branch Library leased facility while another structure is either built or purchased for the library in southwest Lubbock. The board is expected to make its recommendation at the City Council's June 13 meeting.
The board recommends the purchase of an existing building or building a new library on city-owned property.
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Key China Grove city staff
join in resignation exodus
Key members of the City of China Grove staff - including Municipal Court Judge Lawrence G. Morales, City Attorney John Mead, a city administrator, municipal court staff and the administrative assistant to the police department - resigned during an unofficial meeting recently, according to the San Antonio Express-News. Members left their posts in protest over how they alleged having been treated by the China Grove City Council.
Mayor Eugene Ripps answered questions about the city's future at the meeting, saying he would like to see China Grove "move into the 20th Century [and] improve its Web site so people can go on there and get the information they need."
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Ozuna, Marks retiring from
Wichita Falls city clerk posts
Lydia Ozuna and Myrna Marks, city clerk and deputy city clerk, respectively, for the City of Wichita Falls, are stepping down from their positions.
Ozuna has served as city clerk for 20 years, and Marks has been in her position for two years.
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Williamson County's Barron announces resignation
Williamson County Election Administrator Rick Barron has submitted his resignation saying he has been hired as election administrator for Fulton County, Georgia.
Barron's last day with Williamson County will be June 7. His job in Georgia begins June 19. Barron was embroiled in 2012 election controversy, which he said contributed to his decision to leave the Williamson County post.
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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.
To learn more about SPI services click here or contact our sales department at 512-531-3900. Barton Oaks Plaza One, Suite #100
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