In addition, water legislation leaders Sens. Troy Fraser and Tommy Williams have been named honorary co-chairs of H204TEXAS' TXwaterPROPYes campaign, funded by the H2O4TEXAS PAC. The PAC is an arm of the H204TEXAS Coalition, a group of water providers and water customers across Texas that will support a statewide speaking tour to talk to Texans about the state's water needs and the importance of passing the constitutional amendment in November.

Byrd to retire as provost of Howard College San Angelo campus

Provost LeAnne Byrd of the San Angelo campus of Howard College said she plans to retire on Aug. 31 after 10 years in that job.

As provost, Byrd is credited with leading the relocation of the campus to the West Texas Training Center and for developing the St. John's campus for health professional programs, noted Dr. Cheryl T. Sparks, president of Howard College.

Officials of WGU Texas recently tapped Ray Martinez (pictured) as the new chancellor of the state's online university that was created in 2011. He will replace former Chancellor Mark Milliron when he begins his new duties on Aug. 5.

Martinez previously worked at Texas A&M International University and Rice University in their governmental relations offices. He also worked as a legislative aide to members of the Texas House and Senate, in the administration of former President Bill Clinton and as a member of the U.S. Election Assistance Commission appointed by former president George W. Bush.

A branch of Western Governors University, WGU Texas is a nonprofit institution formed in 1997 by governors in 19 states, including Texas. The online university, which has 3,700 students enrolled, primarily offers higher education access to adults who require flexibility to pursue a college degree.

Gulley steps down from Edwards Aquifer Habitat Conservation Plan

Robert Gulley recently stepped down as the executive director of the Edwards Aquifer Habitat Conservation Plan. About 40 representatives ranging from farmers to chemical companies on the Gulf Coast created the conservation plan following disputes on how to share water from the aquifer while protecting endangered species and maintaining springs.

Conservation plan officials appointed Nathan Pence, currently a director, as the interim executive director of the organization. State and federal regulators had threatened to impose their own conservation plan for Edwards Aquifer if local officials failed to agree on a plan. The aquifer provides the water supply for cities such as San Antonio and San Marcos as well as water to farmers and business users.

Houston ISD issues RFQ for construction manager-at-risk

A construction manager-at-risk is being sought by the Houston Independent School District for the nearly two-dozen school and athletic facility projects that were approved as part of a voter-approved 2012 bond issue. The projects represent more than $1 billion in construction work contracts that will be available.

One construction manager-at-risk will be chosen for each project, but any company may submit a response to the request for qualifications for more than one project. "These contracts are vital to ensuring a construction program that delivers quality work within budget and on schedule," said Robert L. Sands Jr. (pictured), HISD's Officer of Construction and Facilities Services. "We hope this RFQ will bring us general contractors who know how to collaborate, innovate and come up with the best construction solutions."

There are more than 20 school projects and district-wide upgrades to athletic facilities. Officials note that using a construction manager-at-risk will likely mean more subcontracting opportunities. Deadline for responding to the RFQ is Aug. 22 and a pre-submittal conference is slated for Aug. 5.

Corpus Christi approves $44.6 million bond proposal for park

Corpus Christi City Council members recently agreed to ask voters to approve $44.6 million in bonds in November to pay for the first phase of Destination Bayfront, a proposed 34-acre park to be located on reclaimed land in the downtown area.

Council members included a requirement in the bond proposition that supporters of the project must raise an additional $15 million in private donations before construction of the proposed bay front park can begin.

If approved, the Destination Bayfront project is planned for an area reclaimed from a rebuilt road and the seawall with a goal of providing retail shops and kiosks in the future to attract more visitors to downtown.

Ector group to unveil recommendation on future of courthouse

Members of the Ector County Courthouse Evaluation Committee are scheduled to unveil their recommendation on Aug. 6 regarding whether to build a new county courthouse. The recommendation will come after months of study by community members, business owners and attorneys appointed by County Judge Susan Redford (pictured).

Committee members are expected to present the results of their studies on whether to rehabilitate the current county courthouse or build a new facility. County commissioners would then be required to vote on a plan for a new courthouse before further planning and construction can begin. Security concerns and the critical need to repair or replace plumbing, electricity, elevators and air conditioning prompted the most recent study on the future of the courthouse. A new courthouse also would allow the county to create a fifth felony court to help alleviate the backlog of cases against accused felons, supporters said.

In a 2008 study by a previous committee, Redford estimated a new courthouse would cost $55 million for a very utilitarian building difficult to expand. New estimates place the cost of a new courthouse in a range from $60 million to $70 million or even higher, the county judge said. County officials would most likely need to ask voters to approve bonds to pay for a new courthouse, according to Commissioner Greg Simmons.

Hunt County hospital district eyeing bond election for new facility

Hunt County Hospital District officials are expected to decide soon whether to ask voters to approve bonds in November to pay for a new building in Commerce to house emergency department operations.

The hospital district's current facility on Sterling Hart Dr. in Commerce is not adequate to operate an emergency department, a spokeswoman for the hospital district said. District officials currently are considering land parcels along SH24 for the freestanding emergency room, she said. Hunt Regional Healthcare is considering construction of a $4 million outpatient facility in Commerce, with construction scheduled to begin in the summer of 2014.

Hospital board officials face an Aug. 26 deadline to officially call a bond election on Nov. 5 to ask voters to approve funding for the new hospital facility.

Fort Worth ISD eyeing possible $785 million bond package

Fort Worth Independent School District trustees recently began considering whether to schedule a $785 million bond election after a consultant reported on facility needs, security upgrades and technology improvements needed in that district.

The projects recommended include building a performing and fine arts academy, a multipurpose event center, a facility for a science, technology, engineering and math program, three new schools and classroom additions for pre-kindergarten students. The package also includes buying new buses, classroom furniture and equipment and new student uniforms and instruments.

The consultant studied all district facilities, enrollment projections and needs of academic programs before identifying $755 million in construction projects in addition to $30 million for other projects, said Superintendent Walt Dansby (pictured). Trustees plan to review the recommendations, prioritize and decide which projects to include in a bond proposition before voting on Aug. 13 on whether to schedule a bond election in November.

Tyler ISD issues $160.5 million in bonds for projects

Trustees for Tyler Independent School District recently sold $160.5 million in bonds to begin paying for six projects, including a new career and technical education center.

Other projects to be paid for by the bonds include two new middle schools and renovations and additions to two elementary schools. District officials plan to begin construction of the career and technical education center in August. Plans call for construction on the other new facilities and renovations to begin early in 2014.

Amarillo group urges partnership for $36 million recreation facility

Amarillo Area Foundation officials recently urged city officials to consider using a public-private partnership approach to build a new recreation complex to serve residents of the southeast area at a cost of about $36 million.

The group that includes organizations such as the Amarillo Family YMCA, private businesses and individuals, proposed raising $6 million toward the project by asking for pledges. Foundation officials also urged city officials to ask voters to approve bonds to raise the remainder of funding needed to build the recreation complex that would include facilities for basketball, volleyball, aquatics, baseball, softball, soccer and trails for hikers and bikers.

Beaumont OKs $42M in bonds for capital improvement projects

Beaumont City Council members recently approved $42 million in bonds to fund several capital improvement projects.

Current plans are to ask council to approve a 5-cent property tax increase in September. 

That would back the bonds planned to fund upgrades to streets, a new public health department, new fire station and park improvements, City Manager Kyle Hayes (pictured) said.

Plano agrees to expand Oak Point Park, Nature Preserve

Plano City Council members recently agreed to pay $327,000 to an architectural design firm to design an addition and upgrade to Oak Point Park and Nature Preserve.

Plans call for building a new center for retreats and nature classes at the 81-acre park at an estimated cost of $5 million. A 2005 bond election provided the funding for the new park facility, that also will serve as the headquarters for the parks and recreation department.

El Paso may allow RMA group to manage city street projects

El Paso City Council members recently agreed to explore the option of allowing the Camino Real Regional Mobility Authority (RMA) to manage the city's street capital improvement plan that includes street and road construction projects already in planning.

Raymond Telles (pictured), executive director of the Camino Real RMA, noted that the RMA is able to cross-jurisdictional boundaries and procure contracts more quickly than cities because the RMA is an extension of the state. RMA officials also have a record of completing projects on time and within or under budget.

Council members also agreed to explore the possibility of hiring the RMA to manage international bridges now overseen by a city department. City officials recently began exploring methods to charge a fee at the Bridge of the Americas, a move the RMA has authority to do, a council member said.

Frisco ISD moving forward with bond election in May 2014

Frisco Independent School District trustees recently voted to begin planning for a bond election in May 2014 to expand district facilities to handle expected growth in enrollment.

Superintendent Jeremy Lyon (pictured) noted that a bond committee also is beginning to prioritize projects and expects to unveil their recommendations to trustees in early 2014 and ask voters to approve bonds in May.

District officials estimate nine new schools - five elementary, two middle and two high schools - will be needed to meet the needs of the 62,000 students expected to enroll during the next four or five years. Other projects for the bond proposal under consideration are a new stadium and expansion of the Career and Technical Education Center and Lone Star High School, Lyon said.

Amarillo Area Foundation raising funds for athletic facility

The Amarillo Area Foundation is seeking financial and other support from the community to be able to petition the city for a new recreation facility in the southeast area of the city. Foundation members realize they will need part of the finances in hand or pledged before the city will entertain their request.

The facility would include an indoor aquatics center, bike trails, baseball fields and other amenities. It would serve 30,000 to 40,000 families in the area and is expected to cost around $35 million to $38 million. The group is seeking private investors so it does not have to ask the city to fund so much of the project. If the city agrees to fund part of the project, it could put a bond issue before voters in November.

Williamson County group urges hike and bike trails for two cities

An advisory committee in Williamson County recently urged county commissioners to hold a bond election to pay for $345 million in park projects, including expansion of hike and bike trails in Cedar Park and Leander and $24 million to purchase more land for parks.

Advisory committee members also recommended allotting $65 million from the bond proposal for road projects to be divided equally among four precincts. Commissioners agreed to schedule a workshop session to discuss and decide priorities and projects to include in a bond election.

County Judge Dan Gattis (pictured) pointed out that the proposed bonds would be issued in phases and county officials would provide residents numerous opportunities to discuss projects before commissioners approve projects.

Irving to partner with developer on $165M entertainment complex

Irving City Council members recently approved an agreement with a private developer for a public-private partnership to build a new $165 million entertainment complex to help revitalize its urban center.

The agreement calls for the city to provide $84 million to ARK Group to help pay for construction of a concert hall and dining complex and permits the developer to operate and manage the city-owned center for up to 100 years.

A 5-4 vote narrowly approved the project despite opposition from the mayor, who reminded city officials of a similar partnership to build an entertainment complex that failed a year ago and left the city owing millions of dollars in debt.

Pilot Point working with UT-Arlington to develop master plan

Pilot Point City Council members recently agreed to pay the University of Texas-Arlington to develop a comprehensive master plan for that city. Four graduate students and planning professionals from the University are expected to complete the master plan by the end of December.

City and university officials are finalizing a contract that calls for the Institute of Urban Studies at UTA to complete a comprehensive master plan for the city. Established in 1967, the institute has assisted cities such as Arlington, Burleson, Fort Worth, DeSoto and Kaufman develop solutions to challenges such as economic development and master planning.

Counties view new road-building process utilizing reused tires

A road crew secures tires during the road building process.

It's being called a "game changer" for counties in South Texas that are seeing their roads suffering heavy damage from an increase in traffic as well as an influx of trucks with heavy loads in relation to the economic boom in the Alamo region. Officials with the Alamo Area Council of Governments, Guadalupe County and a private-sector firm involved because of its expertise in engineering held the first demonstration in Texas of an innovative new road-building process using reused motor vehicle tires.

The inventor of the process, Samuel G. Bonasso, was on hand for the demonstration to show how the system creates rut- and pothole-resistant roads. In addition, the program reduces road maintenance and is environmentally friendly.

Road repair workers, elected officials and other staff from Comal, Frio, Guadalupe, Karnes, Kendall and Kerr counties attended the demonstration. Officials say the process not only provides counties with a new, more efficient process to repair damaged county roads, but also gives counties a viable solution for reusing the hundreds and thousands of discarded tires counties collect each year from county roads. It is said to simplify and speed up road construction and maintenance, triple the load supporting capacity of aggregates and reduces the thickness of topping materials such as asphalt, concrete, etc.

10th Annual CATEE Conference to be held in San Antonio

Registration is now open for the Clean Air Through Energy Efficiency (CATEE) Conference 2013, an educational conference and business exhibition to connect public- and private-sector decision-makers. Set Dec. 16-18 in San Antonio at the Hyatt Regency in San Antonio. The conference is geared toward helping communities improve decisions that determine the energy and water intensity of the built environment and reduce related emissions. This 10th conference is co-hosted by the Energy Systems Laboratory of the Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station (TEES) and the Texas Chapters of the U.S. Green Building Council. Keynote speaker for this year's event is Bill Ritter, Jr., director of the Center for New Energy Economy at Colorado State University. More information and a draft agenda are now available.

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.

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.

TxDOT awards $1.25 million

grant to Belton for new bridge

Texas Department of Transportation officials recently awarded a $1.25 million grant to Belton to help pay for a bridge over Nolan Creek. The bridge project is part of a 2.1-mile hike and bike trail system connecting three parks along Nolan Creek.

San Marcos selects Hurlbert

as new finance director

San Marcos city officials recently appointed Heather Hurlbert (pictured) as the new director of finance.

Hurlbert replaces Steve Parker, the former director of finance who won promotion to an assistant city manager. Hurlbert was previously employed in the private sector in New Braunfels and San Antonio.

A member of Government Finance Officers of Texas, Texas Women in Public Finance and Government Treasurers of Texas, Hurlbert earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Texas-San Antonio and her license as a Certified Public Accountant in 1996.

Wharton looking at $5 million

to upgrade wastewater system

Wharton City Council members recently agreed to issue up to $5 million in certificates of obligation to pay for upgrades to the wastewater treatment system and other capital projects. Council also agreed that no more than $3 million of the bond proceeds would be allotted to the water and sewer fund.

Current plans are to buy a new $1.5 million clarifier for one treatment plant to ensure the wastewater system will meet state regulatory standards needed to renew permits for its wastewater treatment system, said City Manager Andres Garza Jr. Permits for the wastewater system are due to expire soon, Garza said.

Medina begins duties as asst. superintendent at Richardson

Fernando Medina (pictured), currently director of human resources for elementary schools for Richardson Independent School District, recently began his new duties as the new assistant superintendent for human resources for the entire district.

A 16-year employee of the district, Medina also was a principal and an assistant band director for the Richardson district.

Port San Antonio hires three business development pros

Port San Antonio has announced three experiences business development experts to oversee the redevelopment of the former Kelly Air Force Base.

Joining the port in top roles are: Robert Peche, former construction and grants project manager for the U.S. Economic Development Corp., named vice president of economic development; Ramon Flores, former real estate investment firm owner, named vice president for real estate development; and German Rico, former director of business development for the Port of Brownsville, named East Kelly Railport general manager.

Stathatos to serve as new

city manager in Justin

Ashley Stathatos, currently the interim city manager in Justin, recently agreed to serve as the new city manager. Stathatos previously worked as an administrator for the cities of Haslet, Oak Point, Flower Mound, Southlake, Lancaster and North Richland Hills. She also has served as an economic development consultant for several cities in North Texas.

Stathatos has a bachelor's degree from Virginia Tech University and a master's degree from the University of North Texas.

Humble resigns as city

manager in Rowlett

City Manager Lynda Humble (pictured) of Rowlett recently resigned from the post she held from more than four years.

Rowlett City Council members appointed Brian Funderburk as the interim city manager to replace Humble while city officials search for a new city manager.

San Antonio public works director accepts new job in California

Majed Al-Ghafry (pictured), director of public works in San Antonio, recently accepted a new job as the assistant city manager in El Cajon, California.

Previously employed as a public works director in North Las Vegas, Nevada, and in Lemon Grove, Al-Ghafry also worked as an engineer for the city of Chula Vista, California. He has a bachelor's degree from Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts, and is a registered civil engineer.

Cameron Economic Development Corp. officials recently selected a Houston-based company to oversee construction of a new $2.6 million event center to be located on SH77. The firm, selected from the four proposals submitted, previously managed projects such as Minute Maid Park and Reliant Stadium in Houston, Cameron EDC officials said.

EDC officials are using a $1 million federal economic development grant to help fund construction of the new event center. City Council members must still approve the proposed $2,685,129 budget for the proposed event center before construction can proceed.

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

• Bowersox appointed head of A&M Department of Aerospace Engineering
• Dallas' improved Citizen Request Management System debuts Aug. 5
• HISD announces new Health Science Futures Academy
• Geneticist Andrew Zinn to lead Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences

Falls City ISD appoints Chaplin

as its new superintendent

Falls City Independent School District trustees recently appointed Tylor Chaplin (pictured) as the new superintendent. He replaces former Superintendent Linda Bettin, who retired this summer.

Chaplin began his career as a teacher and coach for Stephenville ISD, where he also served as a principal before becoming principal of Huckabay School in a rural community near Stephenville.

Gregg County to serve

as pilot for e-file court system

The Office of Court Administration in Texas recently requested Gregg County to serve as the pilot for an electronic filing system program that Texas Supreme Court justices ordered implemented in all counties by 2015.

Electronic filing will be limited to civil and family court filings that account for about two-thirds of paperwork in the district clerk's office, according to Barbara Duncan, Gregg County district clerk. While 50 counties, the Texas Supreme Court and nine appellate courts already use some form of electronic filing, this pilot e-file program is the first in the electronic filing system now mandated for use in county clerk offices throughout the state.

Commissioners allotted $75,000 to buy software to enable judges to electronically sign documents. County officials last month accepted their first e-filed civil cases, Duncan said.

Galveston asks developer

for details on $4B water project

Galveston City Council members recently asked a developer who proposed creating an authority with a goal of raising money and developing a combined desalination and power plant on Pelican Island to return to the council with a more detailed proposal.

The proposed plan to develop the small island located on Galveston Bay also would include a rail and vehicular bridge and new ship slips and terminals. The developer said the Pelican Island project would create millions of dollars in revenue for the city. 

Blankinship, Hobbs nominated

for U.S. Marshal positions

Gary L. Blankinship (pictured) has been nominated by President Barack Obama to be the U.S. Marshal for the Southern District of Texas. Blankinship is retired from the Houston Police Department and is the former president of the Houston Police Officers' Union.

Blankinship retired from HPD last year as a senior police officer. He was previously nominated for the same post in May of last year, but was not confirmed before the end of that session of Congress.

In addition to Blankinship, another Texan was also nominated for a marshal spot. Federal prosecutor Robert L. Hobbs of Beaumont was nominated for the Eastern District of Texas.

Lee to replace Tucker

as Upshur County auditor

Upshur County commissioners recently appointed former County Clerk Brandy Lee as the new county auditor. Lee replaces Janet Tucker, who resigned from the position she had held since 2008.

Lee previously was a jailer, a clerk in an attorney's office and a clerk for a justice of the peace before winning election as county clerk in 2010. County officials plan to appoint a new county clerk soon to replace Lee, a commissioner said.

• Thomas G. Prothro of Tyler, chair, Texas State Board of Public Accountancy;
• Robert "Bob" McAdams of San Antonio, Texas State Board of Public Accountancy;
• Jesus "Jesse" Nevarez Jr. of Keller,  judge of the 231st Judicial District Court in Tarrant County;
• Rusty Reid of Fort Worth, University of North Texas System Board of Regents;
• Gwyn Shea of Irving, University of North Texas System Board of Regents;
• B. Glen Whitley of Hurst, University of North Texas System Board of Regents;
• Robert Thomas of Austin, Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs.

Clarke resigns as city manager

post in South Padre Island

City Manager Joni Clarke (pictured) of South Padre Island recently resigned from that job, effective on Aug. 30.

City officials also appointed Sylvia Soliz as the director of the Convention & Visitors Bureau. Soliz, a 16-year city employee, has served as interim director of the visitor's bureau since March 1. She previously was the sales manager for the Convention Centre.

Schertz-Cibolo ISD selling

$75.47 million in bonds

Trustees for Schertz-Cibolo Independent School District recently agreed to sell $75.47 million in bonds to pay for several capital improvement projects and reduce interest cost of previous bonds.

District officials plan to use the bond money to build a new elementary school, expand several existing schools and upgrade technology throughout the district.

Westwood ISD taps Folmar

as new technology director

Westwood Independent School District trustees recently tapped John Folmar as the new technology director.

Folmar previously was employed at Trinity Valley Community College and as technology director at LaPoynor ISD.

Anthony ISD taps Saldivar

as lone finalist for superintendent

Anthony Independent School District trustees recently selected Steven Saldivar (pictured) as the lone finalist for superintendent. Saldivar had served as superintendent for Big Spring ISD since 2008, but recently resigned from that job.

Trustees for Anthony ISD expect to finalize a contract with Saldivar once the required 21-day waiting period expires.

Barker takes reins as new

city secretary in Killeen

Dianna Barker recently took over the reins as city secretary in Killeen. She replaces former City Secretary Paula Miller, who retired from the post she had held since 1993. Barker is from Salado.