A complaint by the DOJ that alleged that more than 2,000 illegal overflows by SAWS between 2006 and 2012 allowed 23 million gallons of raw sewage to overflow into the environment was confirmed by field inspections in 2011. The EPA says those sewer spills are in violation of the Clean Water Act. San Antonio is not alone. Nearly three-dozen other cities across the country also are working under EPA consent decrees to reduce sewer spills.

As a result, SAWS has agreed to invest about $492 million more that it had intended to spend to reduce sewer spills and maintain its sewer system infrastructure. The work will occur over the next 10 to 12 years and is aimed at reducing sewer spills. That means system-wide inspections, cleaning and evaluation of sewer pipelines and replacement and rehabilitation of the 5,200 miles of pipes in the SAWS sewer system.

Greg Flores, SAWS vice president of communications, said that over the last 10-15 years, more emphasis by SAWS and the city of San Antonio was directed to investment in water supplies, and that little was invested in sewer lines. He said in a television interview that the payment of the fine and the rehabilitation and replacement of pipes will be a "costly endeavor for us and for the city."

SAWS President and CEO Robert Puente (pictured) said the costs of the settlement are already built into the SAWS rate increase projections. "While these are costly and necessary investments, SAWS bills will remain among the lowest in Texas," he said.

According to SAWS, the work to be performed under the settlement includes:

• Regularly scheduled inspections, cleaning and emergency repairs;

• Visual inspections that include use of cameras, sonar or laser imaging, smoke or dye testing, cleaning findings or mechanical proofing will be required of all of the 5,200 miles of sewer pipe over the next 4-10 years;

• Sewer pipe capacity will be assessed to determine if the size of pipe being used is sufficient to accommodate the flow of wastewater, with pipes that are too small likely to require replacement;

• Pipes determined to be in poor condition or too small that may cause sewer spills will have to be repaired or replaced; and

• If necessary, aging lift stations that move wastewater uphill will either be repaired or eliminated.

TWDB approves $96 million in water project assistance

More than $96 million in financial assistance has been approved by the Texas Water Development Board for the following entities:

• City of Rio Grande City - $1.93 million from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund to rehabilitate seven lift stations within its collection system;
• San Antonio River Authority - $4.3 million from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund to finance planning costs to develop a watershed master plan for Karnes and Goliad Counties and to conduct a nutrient study in Bexar County;
• San Antonio Water System - $60.1 million from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund to finance the rehabilitation of sanitary sewer and interceptor lines within its system and also to replace a portion of the sanitary sewer main;
• City of Hico - $3,035,893, including a $1.52 million loan and $1,515,893 in loan forgiveness from the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund to address issues with its water distribution system;
• San Antonio Water System on behalf of the city of San Antonio - $26.37 million from the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund to rehabilitate the Nacogdoches and Basin Pump Stations. The funds will also be used for a new 7.5-MG storage tank at the Nacogdoches Pump Station; and
• Greater Texoma Utility Authority on behalf of the city of Ector - $340,000 from the Texas Water Development Fund to address issues with the city's elevated and ground storage tanks.

TAMU System looking for more efficiencies through various audits

On the heels of the recent inking the largest outsourcing contract by a public university, Texas A&M University System Chancellor John Sharp says he's not through looking for efficiencies. That resulted in the outsourcing of dining, landscaping, maintenance and custodial services. This time, according to the Bryan College-Station Eagle, Sharp will be leading an internal audit to look at the System's information technology, airport operations and every administrative position.

Consultants have been hired, according to the local newspaper, to examine information technology and communications staff. The System also is exploring the possibility of outsourcing the management of Easterwood Airport to a private manager. Administrative audits will examine in an administrative audit of all of the System's 17,000 employees at 11 Texas universities and nine state agencies that are part of the A&M System. 

Victoria College prepares for groundbreaking for new center

Officials at Victoria College are preparing to host a groundbreaking for the college's Emerging Technology Center on Tuesday, July 30. The Center (as seen in the accompanying artist's rendering) will be located on 16 acres of land donated by the City of Victoria and the Victoria Sales Tax Development Corporation in the Lone Tree II Industrial Park.

The Center will prepare students for jobs in the South Texas area and will meet the training needs of regional business and industry. It will feature specialized training labs for industrial applications, computer labs, traditional classrooms for instruction, meeting rooms and flexible-use rooms for large-scale corporate events.

"The Emerging Technology Center will allow us to expand our industrial training, which will strengthen an already solid partnership with area business and industry," said Dr. Tom Butler, Victoria College president. The center was paid for in part by a $22 million, voter-approved general obligation bond, a $2.5 million grant from the M.G. and Lillie A. Johnson Foundation and a $30,000 gift from INVISTA. It will offer workforce training in such areas as industrial systems mechanic, machinist, oil and gas technicians and logistics and operations management.

The 120,000-square-foot facility includes two structures - an Industrial Training Building and Conference & Classroom Building - connected by a second-floor walkway. It is expected to open in spring 2015.

Up to $2.5M being awarded from Emerging Technology Fund

The companies are helping develop technologies to purify water and diagnose infection.

HydroLogic Industries Inc. has received $340,000 of an award up to $1 million for the development of a water purification system that separates pure water from salt, hydrocarbons and other substances. Because of its efficient operation, the system will produce potable water at competitive prices. The system can be used for water desalination of brackish and sea water, hydraulic fracturing water treatment and in other industries offering water recovery opportunities. The company will collaborate with the University of Texas at El Paso on this technology.

Telemedicine Up Close Inc., also known as DxUpClose, has received $280,000 of an award of up to $1.5 million for the commercialization of a rapid and low-cost bacteria diagnostic kit to identify bacterial infections and determine optimal antibiotic treatment. The company will collaborate with Texas A&M University and Texas State University on this technology.

Plano city staff urges $17 million in city budget to upgrade streets

City Manager Bruce Glasscock (pictured) of Plano recently proposed City Council approve $17 million in the city budget for fiscal year 2013-2014 to spend for upgrading streets and improving related infrastructure.

Glasscock also urged council to approve $5 million to build a new visitors center at Oak Point Park and Nature Preserve to expand meeting space, house parks and recreation staff and provide more recreation opportunities. The budget recommendation from city staff to council also includes $2 million to renovate athletic fields.

Included in the street upgrades are changing ramps along the Dallas North Tollway, upgrades to intersections at several major surface roads and $12 million to resurface or repair existing roads.

A $3 trillion opportunity your company

Conroe city staff urge new $20.5 million police headquarters

Conroe city staff recently placed the construction of a new $20.5 million police headquarters as the top capital improvement priority for city council to include in the proposed 2013-2014 city budget.

The new 76,000-square-foot police facility is needed to meet current needs and current growth that the current 40,000-square-foot police station off of Old Montgomery Road does not meet for the department, which has 128 police officers and 50 administrative staff in addition to 15 municipal court employees, Police Chief Philip Dupuis told the council. The city owns an 11-acre site north of the downtown area on Plantation Dr. and Drennan Road that also offers police a more efficient and direct access to major roads such as I-45 and SH75, he said.

Dupuis urged city council to issue certificates of obligation and to use about $300,000 from the Police and Courts Building Fund to pay for the new police headquarters. If council members approve the new police facility, construction could be completed as early as September 2015, the police chief said.

Sugar Land city manager proposes $37M for capital projects

The city manager of Sugar Land recently urged City Council to approve $37.05 million to pay for capital improvement projects in the city budget for 2013-2014.

The recommendation includes the construction of a new performing arts center to be funded by an economic development sales tax approved in 2008. City Manager Allen Bogard (pictured) also asked Council to spend remaining capital improvement funds on maintaining existing facilities and infrastructure, such as street repairs and maintenance, drainage upgrades, sidewalk improvements and water and wastewater projects.

Bogard said he did not recommend projects included in a $50 million November bond election in his budget recommendation, but that those projects, which focused on park improvements, could be added if voters approve the bonds.

Tyler approves $225,000 for new police substation  

The design plan calls for a 15,000- to 20,000-square-foot police substation to be built on land near Faulkner Park.

The new police facility will include administrative space, interview rooms, locker and shower rooms, work areas for detectives and patrol officers, a dispatch center and a briefing area, according to the plan developed by a Tyler-based architectural firm.

Rockwall kicking off $8.6 million downtown rehab project

Rockwell city officials recently announced plans to kick off work this month on an $8.6 million Downtown Rockwall project to upgrade sidewalks, provide more parking and install new landscaping to attract more visitors to the downtown area.

Plans are to add parking lots with 60 spaces south of Washington and another parking area on North Fannin Street with 18 more spaces for visitors, employees and merchants. City officials also plan to install signs directing motorists to the new parking areas.

Later projects include paving streets, installing additional lighting, adding a courthouse plaza and a pedestrian mall, city officials said.

Fort Bend ISD appoints five new leadership staff

Fort Bend Independent School District officials recently appointed five new administrators. Trustees appointed Dr. Christi Whitbeck, currently an assistant superintendent for Alvin ISD, as the new deputy superintendent. She has a bachelor's degree from Missouri State University, a master's degree from the University of Houston and a Ph.D. from Texas A&M University.

Dr. Phillys Hill won appointment as an associate superintendent to lead the Department of School Leadership and oversee four assistant superintendents. Previously an assistant superintendent for the Fort Bend district, Hill has a bachelor's degree and a master's degree from the University of Mary Hardin Baylor, a Ph.D. from Nova Southeastern University and superintendent's certification from Tarleton State University.

Trustees selected Mark Foust, a former principal for the Fort Bend school district and a former teacher and coach, as an assistant superintendent. He has a bachelor's degree from Texas A&M University, a master's degree from the University of Houston-Victoria and expects to complete a doctorate degree at the University of Houston in 2014. Foust also won certification as a superintendent from the Region 4 Education Service Center.

Xochiti Rodriguez, previously a school improvement officer for Houston ISD, also won appointment as an assistant superintendent. Rodriguez has a bachelor's degree from Texas Tech University, a master's degree from The University of Texas and a doctorate from The University of Texas at Austin. Board members also selected Maria McNeal-Sheppard as an assistant superintendent. McNeal-Sheppard, currently a principal for Houston ISD, has a bachelor's degree from Texas A&M University, a master's degree from the University of Houston and is pursuing a doctorate at the University of Houston.

Keller prioritizing projects for a proposed November bond election

Following a recommendation from a citizens committee and a series of public hearings, Keller City Council members plan to begin discussions to prioritize projects recommended by the citizen's group for a proposed bond election in November.

Among the projects included in the recommendations are to expand Elm and Pecan streets as well as adding new sidewalks, street lighting, parking and upgrading drainage; to extend Lamar Street in addition to installing a new traffic signal, upgrading sidewalks, adding street lighting and parking; and a project to install traffic signals at four intersections.

Lubbock to donate land for performing arts facility

Lubbock City Council members recently authorized the mayor to sign an agreement to donate land for construction of a performing arts facility. Council also accepted a $1.3 million bid to replace the roof on the civic center located near the site for the proposed facility.

City officials agreed to donate a 5-acre parcel now used as the headquarters for the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) to the Lubbock Entertainment and Performing Arts Association to develop the performing arts center. The agreement also calls for the city to pay up to $300,000 toward the $250,000 to $500,000 estimated costs to demolish the DPS facility.

For construction to begin on the performing arts facility, however, supporters must raise $45 million, about half of the $85 million estimated cost of the facility, by the end of December 2017. So far, the group has raised about $20 million in pledges for the project. City officials expect to spend a total about $8.6 million to renovate the downtown civic center and exhibit hall in an effort to attract more visitors to Lubbock.

Kilgore seeks $350,000 for new walking trails

Kilgore City Council members recently agreed to ask the Kilgore Economic Development Corporation to provide $350,000 to create a network of walking trails throughout the city.

City officials expect to have the money for the new walking trails within two months, the mayor said. Plans call for using the trails to link city parks together for use by walkers, skateboarders, bicycle riders and joggers, the mayor said.

El Paso to borrow from transit fund to remodel building for city hall

El Paso City Council members recently agreed to borrow $3.3 million from the Montana Bus Rapid Transit System fund to complete a $13.3 million project to renovate the Luther building. City officials plan to use funding remaining from certificates of obligation or previous bond funding left from projects that came in under budget after agreeing to renovate the entire building rather than the first three floors as originally planned.

The Montana Rapid Transit System (RTS) is a high-speed, elevated bus system featuring more stops and the ability to control green lights. Construction on one of the five RTS routes, the Mesa route, is under way, city officials said. City officials expect to kick off construction on the Montana RTS in 2017 or 2018. City officials also will need to find a way to replenish the funding for transit for which the city issued certificates of obligation. About $5 million remains in the Montana Bus RTS fund, city officials said.

A baseball team owner donated the Luther building to the city to relocate city hall offices after city officials agreed to allow the baseball team to use the city hall site for a new baseball stadium in a public-private partnership. City officials estimate it will cost about $45.8 million to completely relocate city hall as plans call for buying two other buildings, retrofitting those buildings and moving staff and equipment.

Davila-Dunne to be chief communications officer for Houston ISD

Tiffany Davila-Dunne (pictured) recently accepted an offer from Houston Independent School District officials to be the new chief communications officer.

In her new role, Davila-Dunne will oversee media relations, printing and graphics services, multimedia such as television and Internet in addition to bond communications for the school district.

Previously a director of communications for a banking company, Davila-Dunne also worked for Texas A&M University as a research coordinator.

She earned a master's degree from Texas A&M University.

Copperas Cove accepts land donation for new fire station

Copperas Cove City Council members recently accepted the donation of four acres of land from the Copperas Cove Economic Development Corporation as the site for a new fire station to serve residential growth in eastern areas of the city.

With frontage on Old Copperas Cove Road, the land donation will be finalized once the city approves the final plat for a 72-acre subdivision to be built in that area.

City officials expect to vote in August whether to schedule a bond election in November to allow voters to decide whether to build the new fire station. No cost estimates for the new fire station are available yet, city officials said.

Texas Network of Youth Services plans Aug. 13-16 conference

Want to learn about innovative strategies for serving vulnerable youth, their families and their communities? Register today for the Texas Network of Youth Services (TNOYS) conference taking place Aug. 13-16 in San Antonio! Our theme this year celebrates our history and our future: "Celebrating Our Roots and Blossoms: Planting the Seeds for the Next 30 Years." The conference offers training, information and skill building for youth workers; young people; clinicians/therapists; managers, leaders and administrators; board members and other volunteers; public agency and social services personnel; youth leaders; and community advocates. Click here for more information or to register.

Public-private partnerships water conference set in Austin Sept. 11

"Public-Private Partnerships: A Solution for Texas Water Management," an interactive workshop on water issues, is set for Sept. 11 at the Hilton Austin Hotel. Information sessions featuring panels of experts will be held throughout the day. Among the moderators for panels are public-private partnership expert Mary Scott Nabers, president and CEO of Strategic Partnerships, Inc. and co-founder of the Gemini Global Group, and Mark Ellison, special advisor on economic development at the Texas Water Development Board. Nabers, author of Collaboration Nation: How Public-Private Ventures Are Revolutionizing the Business of Government, will both address conference attendees regarding public-private partnerships and then moderate a panel on "When to Use a P3 in Texas." Registration is now open and the agenda is available. The event is organized by the National Council for Public-Private Partnerships.

2013 NASW/Texas State Conference set in Austin over Labor Day

Registration is now open for the 37th Annual State Conference of the National Association of Social Workers - Texas Chapter. Up to 19 hours of CE are available for social workers in Texas and bordering states, as well as for Texas LMFTs and LPCs. The NASW/Texas State Conference is the largest social work conference in the Southwest and is attended by over 1000 social workers each year. Exhibit and sponsorship opportunities available - Social Workers are Decision Makers! Visit www.naswtx.org or call 512-474-1454 for more information.

NASCO 2013 conferences series to be held in San Antonio

Make plans to join us in the historic Alamo City! The 2013 NASCO Conference series enters its ninth year while highlighting a North American Strategy for Competitiveness. The event will be devoted to "Energy, Automotive & Aerospace" and will bring together international leaders from the public and private sectors across North America. The conference will focus on the future of critical North American trading relationships, while commemorating the last 20 years of NAFTA. The event will feature cutting-edge discussions related to freight transport, manufacturing and logistics workforce and include negotiators of NAFTA, leading trade experts, Ambassadors, Ministers and leading business executives in trade and transportation. More general and registration information is now available. Discount fees for early registration are available prior to Aug. 1.

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.

Blooming Grove ISD selects Malone superintendent finalist

Trustees for Blooming Grove Independent School District recently selected Jimmie Malone as the lone finalist for superintendent. Malone has served as interim superintendent for the Blooming Grove district for almost a year.

Previously a teacher for school districts in Aquilla, Whitney, Coppell, Decatur and the Sadler-Southmayd school districts, Malone also worked in private industry and served as an interim superintendent for Italy ISD. He attended The University of Texas at Austin.

Lubbock selects Loomis

as interim city manager

Lubbock City Council members recently selected James Loomis (pictured) as the interim city manager to replace former City Manager Lee Ann Dumbauld, who was terminated from that post following a dispute with a council member.

Currently the aviation director at the airport, Loomis said he is prepared to move forward with preparing the city budget, citing his past experience as an assistant city manager in doing that job. Loomis, who joined the city in 2004, also said he will not apply for the city manager post as he plans to retire in about 18 months.

Loomis has a bachelor's degree from Troy State University in Alabama and a master's degree from Central Michigan University. He also was a helicopter pilot for the U.S. Army during military action in Viet Nam.

City officials also appointed Kelly Campbell, the deputy director of finance and administration at the airport, as the airport director until Loomis returns to those duties. City officials plan to conduct a thorough search for a highly qualified city manager, the mayor said.

Officials in West decide

to hire new city administrator

Confronted with the aftermath of a deadly explosion at a nearby fertilizer plant, West City Council members recently agreed to hire a city administrator to take care of the many responsibilities related to the city's recovery from the explosion on April 17.

Since the death of former City Secretary Joey Pustejoysky in that explosion, council appointed Jennifer Shaffer, a former city clerk, as the new city secretary.

West city officials began advertising for a new city administrator this week, the mayor said.

Beth Nicholas tapped as interim superintendent at Allen ISD

Beth Nicholas (pictured) recently agreed to serve as interim superintendent of Allen Independent School District, following the retirement of Superintendent Ken Helvey on Sept. 27.

Nicholas served as an assistant superintendent and previously was principal and director of curriculum and assessment for the Allen school district. She will continue performing her duties as assistant superintendent while serving as interim superintendent, district officials said.

Trustees plan to begin searching for a new superintendent in August with the selection of a search firm to assist in finding the most qualified candidate, the board president said.

South San Antonio ISD selects Hodge as interim superintendent

Trustees for South San Antonio Independent School District recently tapped Mourette Hodge (pictured) as the new interim superintendent.

Hodge, who was grant manager for the district's Head Start program, has worked for South San Antonio ISD for 31 years. She replaced former Superintendent Rebecca Robinson, who unexpectedly resigned in July after serving one year in that post.

Temple taps Harris as director

of information technology

Temple city officials recently appointed Brandon Harris as the director of information technology.

A city employee since 1997, Harris previously was the assistant director of information technology. In his new post, Harris is in charge of managing 15 employees who work in networking and telecommunications infrastructure, graphic information systems, business applications and desktop support, according to City Manager David Blackburn.

Sprague selected as associate superintendent at Cy-Fair

Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District trustees recently selected Roy Sprague (pictured) as the associate superintendent for facilities. His new duties include overseeing facilities planning, construction, maintenance, custodial services, food service, transportation, acquisition of real estate and purchasing for the school district.

Previously the senior director of facilities planning and construction, Sprague began his career at Spring ISD and joined the Cypress-Fairbanks district in 1997.

Sprague has a bachelor's degree from Louisiana State University.

Salado hires temporary city manager for six-month pilot

The Board of Aldermen in Salado recently approved a $28,800 contract with the Central Texas Council of Governments (CTCOG) to provide a city manager and an assistant city manager for Salado under a pilot program to last six months.

Plans call for Jim Reed, the executive director of CTCOG, to work in Salado about eight hours a week during the six-month trial period.

Jim Martin, an economic development planner for CTCOG, expects to work 40 hours a week in Salado as the assistant city manager on behalf of CTCOG during the pilot program.

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

• Legislative briefing book details new laws

• Redistricting Commission seeks executive director

• Marine scientist to lead UT Austin Marine Science Institute

Peterson retiring as city

manager in Whitehouse

City Manager Mike Peterson (pictured) of Whitehouse recently informed City Council members he plans to retire on Sept. 30.

A city employee for 25 years, Peterson also was the wastewater superintendent, a building inspector, director of community development and an interim city manager before becoming city manager three years ago.

Clint ISD finalizes contract with Martinez as new superintendent

Clint Independent School District trustees recently approved a contract with Juan Martinez to serve as the new superintendent. Trustees selected Martinez as the lone finalist for the post in June to replace former Superintendent Ed Gabaldon, who retired on June 30.

Martinez previously served as the chief human resources officer for Socorro ISD and as a principal. He has a bachelor's degree and a master's degree from The University of Texas at El Paso and holds a superintendent certificate from Angelo State University. He is slated to begin his new duties on Aug. 1.

Rosenberg votes to terminate Hamlett as city manager

In a 4-3 vote, Rosenberg City Council members recently terminated the employment contract of City Manager Jack Hamlett.

Council members also appointed Police Chief Robert Gracia (pictured) as the interim city manager for a third time in his career with the city.

Council members agreed to provide a four-month severance package to Hamlett, who joined the city in February 2008. Council members also plan to discuss soon the process and a tentative schedule for finding a new city manager to replace Hamlett. 

Jefferson ISD taps Barnwell as lone finalist for superintendent

Trustees for Jefferson Independent School District recently tapped Robert Barnwell (pictured) as the lone finalist for superintendent.

Barnwell will replace former Superintendent Sharon Ross, who resigned to be superintendent at Mexia ISD.

Currently serving a nine-year stint as superintendent of Queen City ISD, Barnwell was chosen from a field of six candidates interviewed by trustees. Barnwell is expected to begin his new duties on Aug. 13 after the required 21-day waiting period expires.

• Jim Brocato of Beaumont, State Independent Living Council;
• John Hobgood of Lubbock, State Independent Living Council;
• Amy Kantoff of Austin, State Independent Living Council;
• Laurie Pryor of Fort Worth, State Independent Living Council;
• Debra D. Emerson of Pflugerville, Continuing Advisory Committee for Special Education;
• Julia W. Erwin of Montgomery, Continuing Advisory Committee for Special Education;
• Laurie Goforth of Dickinson, Continuing Advisory Committee for Special Education;
• Robin H. Lock of Lubbock, Continuing Advisory Committee for Special Education;
• Nancy Shugart of Austin, Continuing Advisory Committee for Special Education;
• Jennifer L. Taylor of San Antonio. Continuing Advisory Committee for Special Education;
• Paul Watson of Flower Mound, Continuing Advisory Committee for Special Education;
• Myeshi Williams-Briley of Spring, Continuing Advisory Committee for Special Education;
• Ana Estevez of Amarillo, Crime Victims' Institute Advisory Council;
• Ann Matthews of Jourdanton, Crime Victims' Institute Advisory Council;
• Geoffrey Puryear of Austin, Crime Victims' Institute Advisory Council;
• Stephanie Schulte of El Paso, Crime Victims' Institute Advisory Council;
• Jane Shafer of San Antonio, Crime Victims' Institute Advisory Council;
• Mark Wilson of Brandon, Crime Victims' Institute Advisory Council;
• Stefani Carter of Dallas, Crime Victims' Institute Advisory Council;
• Robert Duncan of Lubbock, Texas state senator for District 28, Crime Victims' Institute Advisory Council;
• Patrick Hernandez of Leander, Peace Officers' Star of Texas Award Advisory Committee;
• Allen D'Wayne Jernigan of Del Rio, Peace Officers' Star of Texas Award Advisory Committee;
• Walter F. "Ted" Nelson of The Woodlands, Real Estate Research Advisory;
• Stephen "Doug" Roberts of Austin, Real Estate Research Advisory;
• C. Clark Welder of Beeville, Real Estate Research Advisory.

Rio Vista kicks off search

for new city secretary

Rio Vista City Council members recently posted a request for applications for city secretary to replace former City Secretary Brenda Marbut, who council voted to terminate from the job she had held for more than 30 years.

The Texas Municipal League staff plans to screen applicants and send the council only qualified candidates to consider for city secretary, the mayor said. Until a new city secretary is hired, City Clerk Esther Landers is performing the duties of city secretary along with her current duties, the mayor said.

Martinez retiring as public

works director in Pleasanton

Johnny Martinez, the public works director in Pleasanton, recently announced he plans to retire at the end of July. Martinez worked for the city for 42 years.

Denbow accepts nod as interim superintendent at Rockdale ISD

Don Denbow (pictured), a former superintendent for Corsicana Independent School District, recently accepted an offer to serve as interim superintendent for Rockdale ISD.

The slot came open after board members selected Vicki Bridges of the Grand Prairie school district as the lone finalist for superintendent and she turned down the offer to remain in Grand Prairie.

Denbow, who has spent 40 years as a teacher, coach and administrator, said he plans to stay at least one semester at the Rockdale district and can remain the entire year if board members take longer than expected to hire a new superintendent.

Gholson resigns as treasurer

of city of Cottonwood Shores

City Treasurer Wendy Gholson recently resigned from Cottonwood Shores to accept a post as treasurer for Granite Shoals.

Current city staff members in Cottonwood Shores have taken on extra duties to perform the duties of treasurer following the resignation of Gholson, the mayor said.

Helvey to retire as superintendent of Allen ISD in September

Superintendent Ken Helvey (pictured) recently told trustees for Allen Independent School District he intends to retire from the job he has held since 2006.

Named by the Texas Association of School Boards as one of the regional winners of the annual Superintendent of the Year Award, Helvey joined Allen ISD as an assistant superintendent in 2001. Helvey said he hopes to teach at the university level following his retirement.

Helvey previously was an adjunct faculty member at the University of North Texas. He also was an administrator for Nacogdoches ISD, Graham ISD and a teacher and coach at S and S Consolidated ISD, Denison ISD, Celina ISD and Anna ISD. Helvey has a bachelor's degree from Tarleton State University, a master's degree from Texas A&M University-Commerce and a Ph.D. from the University of North Texas.

Lucas selects Foerster as public works director, city engineer

Lucas City Council members recently selected Stanton Foerster as the new public works director and city engineer.

Previously president of his own engineering firm, Foerster also served as a consultant to cities, as transportation manager in Allen and as a corridor manager and design engineer for the Texas Department of Transportation.

Grayson County approves

$95K for land to expand airport

Grayson County commissioners recently approved $95,000 required as a matching contribution for a $950,000 grant from the Texas Department of Transportation to purchase land for the county airport and to improve runway safety.

Airport officials plan to buy 38 acres on the north end of the runway to improve safety.