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Texas citizens, businesses gear up for health care Marketplace
New law promising quality, affordable health insurance throughout country
 When the Health Insurance Marketplace opens Oct. 1 as a result of passage of the national health care law, the Affordable Care Act, small businesses in Texas and across the country will have a variety of choices to make to participate in the Small Business Health Option Program (SHOP). Similarly, individual consumers in Texas should find more affordable health care because of the competition the new program is expected to cause in the Marketplace.
SHOP, designed for small employers with 50 or fewer full-time employees, offers quality brand name health insurance plans and lets small employers make side-by-side comparisons that will help them pick the best health care option for their needs. And, individual citizens and families in Texas will have more than 50 health plans from which to choose for their health care needs.
 The SHOP program and the federal health care overhaul and how it will affect Texans were topics of discussion for U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius (pictured) when she visited Dallas this week to discuss how best to inform communities and businesses about the new health care program.
With less than a week to go before the new health insurance Marketplace opens and Texans and others across the country will be able to shop for the plan that best fits their needs and their financial situation, Sebelius said that the increased competition among providers in Texas is driving down costs.
"We are excited to see that rates in the Texas Marketplace are even lower than originally projected," said Sebelius. "In the past, consumers were too often denied or priced out of quality health insurance options, but thanks to the Affordable Care Act, consumers will be able to choose from a number of new coverage options at a price that is affordable."
Sebelius said Gov. Rick Perry's refusal to expand the Medicaid program in Texas means the state is leaving $79 billion in federal money on the table. She ssid that expansion would be fully paid for with federal funds and without it, 2.5 million Texans will not have access to affordable health care. Unless Perry and lawmakers change their minds, Texas - the state with the highest rate of uninsured in the country - people who would have been eligible for Medicaid coverage will be left out.
But Texans can still purchase health insurance through the federal health care exchanges. A six-month open enrollment period in the nationwide health care program resuliting from the Affordable Care Act will start Oct. 1 and run through March of next year for individuals. Coverage begins as early as Jan. 1, 2014. Texans will be able to pick from three different plans - gold, silver or bronze - and young adults will also have the option of purchasing a "catastrophic" plan, increasing their number of choices. In Texas, the average premium for the lowest-cost silver plan will be $287 and for the lowest cost bronze plan it will be $211. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services notes that the majority - about six out of 10 - of the individuals who are uninsured today will be able to find coverage for $100 or less per month in the Marketplace, taking into account premium tax credits and Medicaid coverage.
Texas businesses will get some help from a consortium of federal agencies and private-sector organizations as those businesses search for a suitable health insurance plan. HHS will be working with the U.S. Small Business Administration, the Small Business Majority, Main Street Alliance, Business Forward and the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce on an education and outreach campaign to help small employers.
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New Supreme Court Justice:
14th Court of Appeals Justice Jeff Brown of Houston appointed to post
 Jeff Brown of Houston, justice of the 14th Court of Appeals, has been appointed by Gov. Rick Perry as a justice of the Supreme Court of Texas. He fills a vacancy left by Justice Nathan Hecht, who was recently named Chief Justice when former Chief Justice Wallace Jefferson retired.
Brown has served the 14th Court of Appeals since his appointment in December 2007. He is also presiding judge of Harris County Success Through Addiction Recovery Drug Court No. 1. Brown previously served as judge of the 55th Judicial District Court in Harris County and is a former associate attorney at Baker Botts LLP.
Brown served as law clerk to Texas Supreme Court Justices Jack Hightower and Greg Abbott. He is vice chair and past president of the Houston Law Review Board of Directors, treasurer of the Texas Supreme Court Historical Society and past president of the Texas Association of Civil Trial and Appellate Specialists.
Brown received a bachelor's degree from The University of Texas at Austin and a law degree from the University of Houston Law Center. His term will expire at the next general election.
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Strategic Partnerships salutes Texas' Lone Stars
 Rhonda Fleming, inspector general, Texas Department of Public Safety
Career highlights and education: University of Louisville, 1997 - Executive Police Management, Administrative Officers Course, Southern Police Institute, 4.0 GPA - Dean's Scholar. The Southern Police Institute consistently is ranked among the top law enforcement educational and training schools in the nation. The University of Texas at Austin LBJ School of Public Affairs, 2005, Governor's Executive Development Program. Angelo State University, 1984, BA, major in psychology, minor in political science. Master Peace Officer; certified Equal Employment Opportunity instructor.
What I like best about my job is: helping citizens and fellow employees resolve issues they have related to our department. I assist them in exercising their right to file a complaint with the department, and then analyze these issues and draw factual conclusions. I consider it a privilege to have the opportunity to ensure that employee rights are vigorously protected and that we insulate agency members from false or erroneous allegations, while at the same time making sure that those in violation of law and/or policy are appropriately disciplined. This position is one of public trust, and it is my goal to cultivate trust and confidence among our employees and the citizens we serve by striving to be neutral, responsive and accurate.
The best advice I've received for my current job is: There are many individuals at this agency who supported my nomination for this position and who gave me wonderful advice and guidance. However, the most common advice I received was to just keep doing what I have been doing at the agency. That is, maintaining positive working relationships, open communication and striving for the same agency goals.
Advice you would give a new hire in your office: That's a great question since we are currently interviewing for several vacancies. I tell anyone interested in working in the IG's office to be prepared for several constants. The first being that we are essentially Internal Affairs, so there's a bit of contention that automatically comes with the position. It's not a reflection on you as a person, but on what you represent, which is typically having to interview employees about possible policy violations. Secondly, new hires should be ready to work. We have a heavy case load and limited investigation timelines. We are a high-functioning team, we have fun, but we expect results. This is a wonderful job if you are dedicated to the mission of OIG. Lastly, I hope you like traveling! Texas is a big state, and because our employees are stationed all over, we must travel a lot. It's just the "nature of the beast."
If I ever snuck out of work early, I could probably be found: at the gym or taking my puppies to the lake. The only reason I leave work early, to be quite honest, is to spend more time at home. I drive quite a distance to work each day, so by Friday, I'm feeling it. Time away from work means family and fun outside.
People would be surprised to know that I: sing at weddings occasionally. I can carry a tune, so I typically do this for family and friends. My mother sang all the time, and we grew up with music in the house. Singing and playing instruments come naturally. I am very grateful to my mom for these memories!
One thing I wish more people knew about my agency: The Texas Department of Public Safety's reputation is one of excellence, integrity and commitment to its employees and the citizens and visitors of this state. I know without a doubt that we live up to that reputation. Are we perfect? Of course not, but what I do know is that this agency, especially the directors, strive to always do the right thing. My bosses, Chair Cynthia Leon of the Public Safety Commission and DPS Director Steve McCraw, have the utmost integrity. In my position as Inspector General, I sometimes only see the "negative" comments about employees, but I can assure you the vast majority of DPS employees are hard-working and have a true commitment to serving the public with honor and dedication. As a member of this organization for the past 29 years, it has been my privilege and honor to contribute to this agency's stellar reputation.
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DonCarlos, Mease appointed as Houston Port Commissioners
  Stephen H. DonCarlos (left) and Roy Mease (right) recently won appointment for two-year terms as commissioners of the Port of Houston Authority.
The Harris County Mayors and Councils Association appointed DonCarlos, an attorney from Baytown, to a two-year term to replace former Commissioner Jimmy Burke. Elected mayor in Baytown in May 2006, DonCarlos is an attorney at a law firm. He has a bachelor's degree from Texas Tech University and a J.D. degree from The University of Texas at Austin.
The City of Pasadena appointed Mease to replace former Commissioner Steve Phelps. Mease, who is in private law practice, also served eight years on the Pasadena City Council. He has a bachelor's degree from The University of Texas at Austin and a law degree from South Texas College of Law. |
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Texas Parks and Wildlife to hold meetings regarding grants
Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission officials recently scheduled a series of statewide public meetings to gather information on what grant recipients need and want from grants and other funding.
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department scheduled the meetings after legislators restored about half of the Texas Recreation Parks Account and the Large County & Municipality Recreation and Parks Account funding for fiscal years 2014 and 2015. That action requires that program rules such as award ceilings, criteria for scoring
The scheduled meetings include:
- Wed., Oct. 2, 9 a.m. - 12 noon, TPWD Headquarters, 4200 Smith School Rd., Austin, Texas 78744;
- Wed., Oct. 16, 9 a.m. - 12 noon, Municipal Court and Theatre Building, 1302 Center Street, Deer Park, TX 7753;
- Thurs., Oct. 17, 1 p.m. - 4 p.m., Quinta Mazatlan, 600 Sunset Drive, McAllen, TX 78503;
- Tues., Oct. 22, 1 p.m. - 4 p.m., The Summit, 2975 Esplanade, Grand Prairie, TX 75053;
- Thurs., Oct. 24, 9 a.m. - 12 noon, Sherwood Community Center, 4819 N. Everglade, Odessa, TX 79761; and
- Urban Summit - for those who qualify under the Urban Recreation Grant guidelines. Tues., Nov. , 1 p.m. - 4 p.m., TPWD - Ed Werland Training Room, 1340 Airport Commerce Drive, Building 6, Suite 600B, Austin, TX 78741.
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Harper chosen as new president of McMurry University
 Our Lady of the Lake College President Dr. Sandra Harper (pictured), who has served the Baton Rouge university since 2006, has been selected as the next president of McMurry University in Abilene. She is no stranger to McMurry, after having served there previously as both a professor and dean.
Before taking on the presidency of Our Lady of the Lake, Harper was provost and vice president for Academic Affairs and professor of communications at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. Other previous higher education experience includes having served as vice president for Academic Affairs at Oklahoma City University and as dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at McMurry.
Her previous tenure at McMurry includes beginning with the university in 1985 as an assistant professor of communications and later was named full professor. Harper holds a bachelor's degree from Texas Tech University and a master's and Ph.D. from the University of North Texas. She completed the Harvard Management Development Program and the Governor's Executive Development Program at The University of Texas at Austin's LBJ School of Public Affairs. |
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North Central Texas Community College wins $4.6 million award
 North Central Texas Community College recently won $4.6 million in federal funding to be paid over a four-year period to upgrade its information technology programs.
NCTC officials teamed with three other colleges in Minnesota to ask for a total of more than $18 million in federal funding, said Dr. Eddie Hadlock (pictured), president of the college.
The $4.6 million in federal funding will be used to offer state-of-the-art teaching at the college, Hadlock said.
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San Jacinto College, N. Central Texas College win grants
The Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College and Career Training program of the U.S. Department of Labor recently awarded $5.2 million in grant funds to assist skills training in Texas, with San Jacinto Community College and North Central Texas College among the award winners.
The grants will be used to expand training programs in growing industries and encourage geographic and industry partnerships by developing statewide and multistate college consortia. Institutions can use the grants to hire or train instructors, buy equipment and machinery to enhance career training, expand the number of courses in demand, expand online learning to help students attain skills and to develop new curricula and training programs to add more classes and certifications.
The U.S. Department of Education is coordinating with the Department of Labor to help develop course materials and the U.S. Department of Commerce, which is urging employers to work with local colleges to create the most needed training programs, said a spokesperson for the Department of Labor. |
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Burdine to serve on state health services funding, policy committee
 Dr. James Burdine (pictured), interim dean of the Texas A&M Health Science Center School of Rural Public Health, recently won selection as a member of the Public Health Funding and Policy Committee of the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS).
Burdine earned his bachelor's degree from San Fernando Valley State College, a master's degree from California State University and a Ph.D. from the University of North Carolina School at Chapel Hill.
Created by legislators in the 82nd Legislative Session, the committee is tasked with making recommendations focusing on funding and communications with DSHS officials to local health entities such as health departments and public health districts.
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Attorney General's Office sets record for child support collections
The Child Support Division of the Texas Attorney General's Office has set a new annual collection record with its $3.6 billion collections for the fiscal year that ended Aug. 31. Some 900,000 families benefitted from the multi-billion-dollar collections.
The Child Support Division has ranked first in the country for each of the last six years for the amount of child support collected. Since 2006, the Texas program has received the highest incentive payment in the country based on its overall performance on a variety of measures the federal government uses to rate each state's child support enforcement program. By collecting $11.11 for every dollar spent, the Texas program ranked second only to South Dakota, and surpassed the national average for cost effectiveness by 105 percent. |
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M.D. Anderson Cancer Center wins $48.6 million grant
 The M.D. Anderson Cancer Center of The University of Texas recently won a $48.6 million grant from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) along with an "exceptional" ranking through the organization's peer-review process.
M.D. Anderson officials plan to use $9.7 million a year from the grant to support 19 research programs and 16 shared resources that serve the entire institution, said Dr. Ronald DePinho (pictured), president of the cancer center. Research funded by the grant ranges from clinical trials of new cancer therapies to basic science research, he said.
Renewal of the five-year Cancer Center Support Grant from NCI continues the status of M.D. Anderson as a comprehensive cancer center, a designation the hospital and research center has held since being one of three centers first recognized in 1971, he added. |
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TxDOT issues contract for state toll road management
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has signed a contract with a private-sector firm for management of toll road operations throughout the state. Under the terms of the five-year, $100 million contract, the private firm will open a customer service operations center in Austin that will be responsible for handling the more than 8 million toll transactions every month. Among the responsibilities of the firm will be to review license plate images and handle collections.
The contract also calls for the private firm to maintain toll plaza buildings and manage fleets previously maintained by TxDOT to provide roadside assistance on toll roads in Austin.
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DPS using mobile stations for Election Identification Certificates
 Commissioners of the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) recently agreed to dispatch 25 mobile stations to help provide Election Identification Certificates (EICs) to voters in need of the identification now required to vote in Texas.
The mobile stations, which will only provide EICs and offer no other services, will begin operating on Oct. 1 in locations selected by the Office of the Texas Secretary of State, said Cynthia Leon (pictured), chair of the Texas Public Safety Commission. The EICs also are available at more than 220 driver license offices operated by DPS during regular business hours, Leon said. DPS will charge no fee to qualified applicants for the EIC, which will be valid for six years. Those with a valid Texas driver's license or personal ID card from DPS will not need an EIC.
The current schedule locations of EIC mobile stations and updates to the schedule can be found at www.VoteTexas. And for more information on requirements, exemptions and the process for obtaining an EIC, click here. |
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Leander ISD to sell $206M in bonds for school, security upgrades
Leander Independent School District trustees recently agreed to sell $206 million in bonds approved in 2007 to pay for a new $109.5 million high school, a new $26 million science lab at Leander High School and security upgrades costing about $15 million.
Trustees also plan to spend $24.7 million on major renovations and $2 million to furnish Reed Elementary School, a new facility that has been unoccupied for three years to save money. Reed Elementary now is expected to be open next year, district officials said. |
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TDHCA's Cameron Dorsey singled out for national recognition
 Cameron Dorsey (pictured) of the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) was recently named by Affordable Housing Finance magazine as a 2013 Young Leader in the housing industry. Dorsey, Director of Multifamily Finance at the agency, was recognized nationally as one of seven individuals under age 40 who are having a positive impact on the housing industry.
Dorsey was singled out for his technical understanding of complex federal housing programs, innovative program design and the ability to mentor, empower and develop his staff. In his position with TDHCA, Dorsey oversees some of the largest housing programs in Texas and in the nation. Dorsey is the second TDHCA employee to be so honored in the last five years. Brooke Boston, current Deputy Executive Director for Program Planning, Policy and Metrics for TDHCA, also received this recognition in 2009.
The TDHCA employee began his career with the agency in 2006 as an associate underwriter. He was promoted to Home Investment Partnerships (HOME) Program manager in 2009 and in 2011 was named Manager of Real Estate Analysis. He was appointed to his current position the following September. |
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San Marcos CISD plans major construction projects this month
Trustees for San Marcos Consolidated Independent School District recently began seeking bids on four major construction projects scheduled to break ground this fall.
District officials plan to hire a contractor on Oct. 7 to oversee construction of a $28 million athletic stadium and activity center at San Marcos High school. With bids due in mid-October, trustees also plan to hire a contractor this month for a $15 million project to build a pre-kindergarten facility and Phoenix campus, an alternative high school program designed to serve 250 students.
Other construction projects set to begin this fall include the new prekindergarten campus with 27 classrooms, computer labs and a music room at the site of the Old Bowie Elementary School. The new facilities should be completed in time for the 2014-15 school year. District officials also expect to begin renovations and building additions for an elementary school, middle school and support services facilities early next year. |
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Kinney earns accolades from engineering examiners group
 Lance Kinney (pictured), executive director of the Texas Board of Professional Engineers, has been awarded the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) Meritorious Service Award for his service to the engineering profession. The award was presented at the 92nd NCEES annual meeting in August in San Antonio.
Kinney, who has served as executive director of the Texas board for the last three years, has been with the agency since 2002. He has long been a supporter of advancing the engineering profession and as executive director of the Texas board, has worked to improve board practices and improve cooperation with other licensing boards.
Kinney has been responsible for championing licensing process improvement, including increased automation and online services. He also has helped develop an outreach team that makes presentations to professional engineers, students and societies in Texas. Kinney also worked with the Software Engineering Examination Consortium on developing the NCEES PE Software Engineering Exam, was involved in the transition to computer-based testing for the NCEES exam and has served on two related task forces. |
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VIA approves streetcar route in downtown San Antonio
VIA Metropolitan Transit trustees recently approved a 5.9-mile route for a proposed $280 million streetcar system in downtown San Antonio. VIA officials also requested staff to return to them with a phased plan to determine how the new rail system will be built.
Currently, VIA officials have set aside only $210 million for the streetcar project and plan to seek federal funding for about $70 million.
The approved streetcar route runs north and south along Broadway, St. Mary's and Navarro streets and east and west on Martin and Pecans streets and Cesar E. Chavez Boulevard, but could be changed in the future, a spokesperson for a consulting firm said. Construction on the streetcar project should begin in 2015 and be completed by late 2017. |
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Houston ISD first two-time winner of annual Broad Prize
 The Houston Independent School District this week became the first school in the country to twice win the Broad Prize for Urban Education. This most coveted award in public education not only carries prestige for the recipient, but also comes with $550,000 in college scholarships for graduating seniors in the school district. The award is based on a school district's strong student academic achievement over a four-year period.
HISD also won the Broad Prize in 2002. The award annually recognizes the public school system that has demonstrated the greatest overall performance and improvement in student achievement while reducing achievement gaps among poor and minority students. HISD Superintendent Dr. Terry Grier (pictured), in accepting the award from U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan in Washington, D.C., praised the district's teachers and school administrators for their commitment to the district's students and to education. "Our teachers in the classroom have stepped up. We have the best teacher corps and the best principals and support staff in the country," he said.
America's 75 largest school districts are eligible for the Broad Prize. Four finalists were identified last spring based upon the findings of a wide-ranging review of student achievement data from the 2008-2009 school year through the 2011-2012 school year in an effort to reward consistency. This year's other finalists were the Corona-Norco Unified School District in Riverside County, Calif., Cumberland County Schools, N.C., and the San Diego Unified School District, where Dr. Grier served as superintendent before coming to Houston in 2009. |
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TxDOT designates part of US59 in Texarkana as the new I-369
The Texas Department of Transportation, in a partnership with the Alliance for I69 Texas, recently designated 3.5 miles of US59 as the new I-369 spur.
TxDOT officials plan to add new signage to the new I-369 spur that is eventually to become a part of a proposed I-69 being developed on existing highways to improve the flow of freight between Canada and Mexico. The goal is for the 1,600-mile highway to stretch from Texas to Michigan.
In Texarkana, the new I-369 spur will run alongside the existing US59 beginning at I-30 and continuing to SH93. The new highway is expected to increase the ability to attract more industries to compete in the global market in addition to improving mobility for the growing population in the area, supporters said. |
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Amarillo eyeing purchase of $2.6 million historic depot building
 Amarillo City Commissioners recently began considering whether to buy the former Santa Fe Depot for $2.6 million. The purchase price includes six acres of land and several other buildings on property just east of the civic center, said Commissioner Ellen Robertson Green (pictured).
Built in 1910, the mission-style depot building is on the National Register of Historic Places and important to the development of downtown, Green said.
The proposed purchase negotiations include a provision that the current owner, a real estate investor and auction operator, can lease the building for three years, but also provides the city an immediate take-back clause, she added. |
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New state agency jobs added this week: Comptroller - HR Assistant Manager; PUC - Information Specialist. Numerous county government jobs. Click here to view jobs. Free job postings for state and local governments, nonprofits and other public sector entities. Send your posting to editor@spartnerships.com. |
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Port San Antonio names Cox as VP for asset development
 Port San Antonio officials recently selected Adrienne Cox (pictured) as the new vice president of asset development for the industrial park.
A real estate professional for more than 20 years, Cox previously managed two million square feet of commercial space for a real estate services firm in San Antonio.
Her duties at Port San Antonio include overseeing nearly 13 million square feet of commercial facilities at the 1,900-acre industrial park created from a former Air Force base. The facilities include hangars, warehouses, secure offices and residential units. Tenants include aerospace companies, businesses involved in logistics and manufacturing as well as military and government organizations. |
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Pearland moves forward to replace fire station
Pearland City Council members recently agreed to include a new $3 million fire station as part of its five-year capital improvement plan. The new fire station will replace Station 3, which has no space for emergency medical services personnel or space for a dormitory and meetings.
City officials expect to use certificates of deposit to pay for the new fire station and are considering plans for other fire station projects after the review of the five-year plan in 2014. |
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Conroe approves $2 million to upgrade radio communications
 Conroe City Council members recently approved $2 million to upgrade the city's emergency radio communications system. The new system is needed to allow different agencies and other departments to communicate with each other in major emergencies and disasters, said Fire Chief Ken Kreger (pictured).
The city is partnering with the Montgomery County Hospital District in sharing the cost to upgrade the emergency radio system, Kreger said. Each organization owns three radio towers that will be upgraded, he said.
New equipment also will be installed, Kreger said. The new system is expected to be operating in about six months.
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Commerce eyeing new $4 million recreation center and pools
Commerce City Council members recently began considering a recommendation from local swim team members to ask voters to approve bonds to pay for a new recreation center with both indoor and outdoor pools.
Former council member Tony Henry said the new pool and recreation center would serve as a replacement for a city pool closed in 2012 because of broken equipment too expensive to repair. Residents could use the outdoor pool for recreation and the indoor pool for swim meets throughout the year, Henry said.
The proposed recreation center would include a gymnasium and meeting rooms for senior citizens, he added. The city also would be eligible for up to $800,000 by using the New Markets Tax Credit program, a tax incentive for investors to develop in low-income, rural communities to help economic growth, Henry said. He also plans to present a petition to the Commerce Economic Development Corporation in the next two weeks requesting assistance in funding the recreation center and pool project.
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Temple moves forward with redevelopment of hotel, theatre
 Temple City Council members recently authorized a non-binding letter of intent between the city and a management group to redevelop the Hawn and Arcadia Theatre properties in the downtown area.
The agreement allows the management company to lock in financing and finalize the design for renovating the buildings into a mixed-use facility featuring retail and restaurant space, residential units and possibly an arts venue and common areas available to the public and residents, said Mayor Danny Dunn (pictured).
Following the end of the eight-month negotiation period, officials of the city and the Temple Historic Arcadia Theatre, Inc. expect to convey the property to the management company for $1 with the company agreeing to maintain the historical integrity and appearance of the exteriors of the Hawn and Arcadia Theatre buildings.
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Potter County agrees to build new fire station
Potter County commissioners recently agreed to proceed with building a new fire station even though no companies responded to the request for proposal for a contractor to manage the project.
County officials now plan to seek bids for a design of the new fire station and then ask for construction bids for the new facility, said Fire Chief Richard Lake. The new fire station will be located on the site of an existing station in the Cliffside area, Lake said. |
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Houston expands fleet sharing program to second location
The Fleet Management Department of the city of Houston recently expanded its FleetShare program to a second location at the City Hall Annex Garage by installing six electric vehicle-charging stations to allow both electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles at that location.
Houston partnered with Zipcar, Inc. for its FleetShare in July 2012 to provide 50 city-owned, electric and hybrid vehicles for city employees at the Tranquility Garage. The Fleetshare Program expanded to the annex because of a 72 percent increase in enrolled participants that represented more than 7,000 reservations to use the environmentally friendly, fuel-saving vehicles. |
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Telecom Corridor in Richardson recognized as 'Area of Innovation'
 The Telecom Corridor area in Richardson recently gained membership as an "Area of Innovation" with an international group, the International Association of Science Parks (IASP). The award recognizes leadership in using science and technology parks to fuel growth and economic development.
The award recognizes that Telecom Corridor shares many similarities with science and technology parks, but adds new elements and ideas that enrich the concept, said Bill Sproull (pictured), chief executive officer of the Richardson Economic Development Partnership, a joint effort by the city and the Richardson Chamber of Commerce. The Telecom Corridor is one of the first organizations from the United States invited to join IASP, he noted.
Dating back as early as the establishment of Texas Instruments in the 1950s and The University of Texas at Dallas in the 1960s, technology companies such as AT&T, Cisco, Fujitsu, Hitachi, Rockwell Collins, Samsung, VCE and ZTE have established research and development facilities or located their national or regional headquarters in the Telecom Corridor, Sproull said. |
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Houston OKs $4.76 million renovation of Miller Outdoor Theatre
Houston City Council members recently agreed to add $2.79 million to the city's capital improvement funds to pay for a $4.7 million renovation of Miller Outdoor Theatre, a city-owned performing arts venue created in 1923.
Last renovated at a cost of $6 million in 1996, this repair and renovation project addresses roofing problems and lack of storage space. The project includes replacing the main sloped roof with a copper roof and building a storage area on the mezzanine level of the facility, said Mario Ariza, chief operations officer for the theatre district department of Houston First Corporation.
Other recent improvement projects at the outdoor theatre include the installation in 2010 of a $1.5 million sound system and a $1.2 million project to improve accessibility in 2008. |
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San Antonio group hosts Energy/Water Nexus Forum on Oct. 15
The San Antonio Clean Technology Forum announces the Energy/Water Nexus Forum on Oct. 15 in San Antonio at the historic Pearl Stable. The event begins at 10 a.m. with exhibits and a luncheon panel to follow at 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. There will be an notable panel of San Antonio leaders discussing the energy/water nexus and its impact on the San Antonio region's future. On the panel are: Mayor Julian Castro, Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff, Doyle Beneby-CEO of CPS Energy, Robert Puente-CEO of SAWS and State Rep. Lyle Larson. Bob Rivard will be the moderator. For more information, please go to www.sacleantech.org or contact Scott Storment at scott@missionverde.org.
Water technology, policy conference available on-site and online
The University of Texas at Austin's Center for Lifelong Engineering Education will host a Water Technology & Policy conference on Tuesday and Wednesday, Oct 22 and 23. The event, which is available both on-site and online, will be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. The conference will provide participants an overview of water and its role in society. The program includes an introduction to quantitative concepts in water, including an introduction to the hydrological cycle (including sources and types of water, flows/fluxes and basics of hydrogeology); differences among treatment methods and technologies; water infrastructure; and societal aspects such as culture, economics, war and international affairs. The course will cover brief snippets of water history, use real-world examples and look toward the future. Emphasis will also be given to the role of water in Texas. Cost for groups of three or more from the same company is $400. Government and senior costs are $400 and the interactive online video fee is $250. Registration is now open.
Project management, planning, design part of conference
"Construction Industry Institute Project Management: Planning and Design" is the topic for a conference sponsored by The University of Texas at Austin's Center for Lifelong Engineering Education. Set for Monday through Thursday, Oct. 7-11, from 8 a.m. to noon daily, the conference covers the following topics: Front End Planning and Project Definition Rating Index (PDRI), Scope Control and Change Management, Development and Alignment of Project Objectives, Team Building, Project Constructability, Prefabrication, Preassembly, Modularization and Off-Site Fabrication (PPMOF). For more information and to register, click here.
Conference to address construction project construction, startup
The University of Texas at Austin's Center for Lifelong Engineering Education will host "Construction Industry Institute Project Management: Project Construction and Startup," a conference to address these topics: Managing the Small Project, Planning for Startup, Project Delivery and Contract Strategies, International Project Risk Assessment (IPRA), Construction Safety: Zero Accidents, Materials Management. The conference is set for Monday through Thursday, Oct. 14-18. The Monday through Thursday sessions will be from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and the Friday session is from 8 a.m. to noon. The conference will be in the Thompson Conference Center, 2405 Robert Dedman Dr., Austin, TX 78712. For more information and to register, click here.
Fourth Annual Texas Unites Conference planned Oct. 21-23
The Fourth Annual Texas Unites Conference: Navigating the Future Together conference is set for Oct. 21-23 at the Galveston Island Convention Center. The conference, a joint effort of the Texas Citizen Corps Program and the Texas Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters, attracts emergency response volunteers from throughout Texas. It offers a unique opportunity to interact with a diverse group of volunteers and emergency management professionals working on preparedness issues throughout the state. Attendees will receive training, discuss best practices and share experiences so they may provide the best response possible in the wake of disaster. Sponsorships and exhibitor space are available. More information, including the draft agenda and registration information are now available.
EWTG's annual professional development conference in November
The Executive Women in Texas Government (EWTG) announces its 27th Annual Professional Development Conference on Nov. 24 and 25! The theme for the conference this year is, "EWTG: A Community of Women Leaders" and the entire conference is focused on providing a venue for expanding your professional network, elevating your ideas, embracing new solutions and connecting with other women across the state. Early Registration is open so members can reserve their seat now for only $179 (non-members are $209) through Nov. 15. After Nov. 15, the rate for members increases to $209; $259 for non-members. Hope to see you at the Embassy Suites in San Marcos...in November!
P3C 2014: Public-Private Partnership Conference, Feb. 24-25, 2014
The annual P3C conference hosted by the Public-Private Partnership Alliance is scheduled for Feb. 24-25, 2014 in Dallas at the Sheraton Downtown Hotel. The event brings together real estate community development professionals and municipal leaders to highlight the latest development trends and opportunities involving public-private partnerships across the Country. The conference is a high-profile setting for municipalities to announce, unveil and discuss upcoming development projects. More than 30 cities and public agencies from across the country will take the stage next year at P3C to showcase their capital projects to a nationwide audience of developers, builders, architects and investors. P3C attendees participate in multiple networking elements within the conference, which provides presenters broad industry exposure to their projects. The agenda is designed to touch upon the most relevant and pressing issues vital to today's successful public-private partnership ventures. The event will bring together more than 100 thought-provoking and engaging speakers to exchange valuable insights with the country's leading development organizations. For more information and to register, visit www.P3C2014.com
BiGAUSTIN hosts energy, transportation summit in October
BiGAUSTIN, a nonprofit dedicated to the growth of small businesses, will host an upcoming Energy and Transportation Economic Development Summit to facilitate economic growth and business opportunities in the energy and transportation industries. The summit will be in conjunction with numerous Texas energy and transportation organizations and businesses and will be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Oct. 10 in the Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Road in Austin. The event will showcase energy and transportation contracting opportunities, business financing options and workforce development initiatives. It will provide information for small businesses on how to do business in these industries. The summit will also provide a platform for discussing the future of energy and transportation and the role small businesses will play as these industries become the leading economic development resource in Texas and the nation. In addition to several energy and transportation workshops, the event will feature The Zone, Small BiZ to BiG BiZ one-on-one business meetings to facilitate business connections for future contract opportunities and financial options. Information is available at info@bigaustin.org and registration is now open.
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.
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.
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Government shutdown would
be very costly to Texas...and
to thousands of Texans
 By Mary Scott Nabers, CEO of Strategic Partnerships, Inc.
In late 1995, the unthinkable happened. The federal government shut down for a record 26 days. Hundreds of thousands of government workers were furloughed, national museums were shuttered and services for some of the nation's most vulnerable citizens were curtailed. According to the Congressional Budget Office, the cost of the shutdown totaled $1.4 billion.
The 1995 shutdown was not the first, but Americans hoped it was the last. Today, however, the federal government is on the verge of what would be the 18th shutdown. If the U.S. Congress does not pass a budget bill by midnight on Monday, Sept. 30, the federal government will shut down.
A shutdown affects more than federal employees and federal agencies. The trickle-down effect to the states is huge. It will touch military veterans who may see benefits curtailed or delayed, families planning vacations that require passports or visits to national parks that will be closed.
Essential and emergency functions cannot be shut down so law enforcement, safety and security workers will remain on the job - police, firefighters, EMS, air traffic controllers, Border Patrol agents and the U.S. Military.
But, here are other ways Texas would be affected by the threatening federal government shutdown:
- There are more than 160,000 federal employees who work in Texas. During the 1995 shutdown, the total number of federal workers who were furloughed was approximately 800,000. All federal workers in Texas who are not involved in public safety and/or security could expect to be similarly furloughed or asked to work without pay during a shutdown. And though in the past furloughed federal workers eventually received their pay, there's no guarantee of that.
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Houston firm to redevelop
Pickle Center property at UT
A Houston-based firm has been selected to redevelop property on the J.J. Pickle Research Center, operated by The University of Texas. The more than 100-acre tract of land includes the West Pickle Research Building and the Imaging Research Center building. A lead architect firm in Connecticut has also been chosen for architectural needs of the project. The selection of the developer must be approved by the UT Board of Regents. |
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Belton awarded almost $3
million to lengthen road
 The board of the Killeen-Temple Metropolitan Planning Organization recently allotted $2,990,610 in transportation funds to the city of Belton to extend 9th Avenue to connect to Loop 121 and SH317 (Main Street).
This most recent funding award allows the city to pay for the almost $6 million project city staff has pursued for six years, said Mayor Jim Covington (pictured). The extension of 9th Avenue should ease congestion along Main Street and improve emergency response times by about two minutes, he said.
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Perry, Dewhurst cite members
of CPRIT Oversight Committee
Three new members were recently appointed by Gov. Rick Perry to the Cancer Prevention Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) Oversight Committee - Angelos Angelou, Gerry Geistweidt and William Rice. Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst's appointees include Ned Holmes, Dr. Craig S. Rosenfeld and Amy Mitchell.
Holmes is a businessman whose career in finance and real estate covers more than 40 years. He is a former Port of Houston Authority commissioner and chair and served on the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission and the Texas Transportation Commission. He holds a bachelor's degree from The University of Texas and a law degree from The University of Texas School of Law. Rosenfeld is a physician with expertise in biotechnology and oncology. He currently serves as CEO at Collaborative Medical Development, a firm pursuing therapies for neurogenerative and psychiatric diseases including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's & ALS. Mitchell is an Austin attorney and has legal expertise in areas ranging from alternative energy and capital markets to health care and global infrastructure. She holds a bachelor's degree from Princeton University and a JD from The University of Texas at Austin.
Angelou of Austin is founder and principal executive of AngelouEconomics, and former vice president of economic development for the Austin Chamber of Commerce. He holds a bachelor's degree from The University of Texas and a master's degree from St. Mary's University. Geistweidt of Mason is an attorney in private practice, and a former member of the Texas House of Representatives. He holds a bachelor's degree from Texas A&M University and a law degree from The University of Texas School of Law. Rice of Austin is a physician and senior vice president of clinical innovation for St. David's Healthcare, and the Central and West Texas Division of the Hospital Corporation of America. Rice received a bachelor's degree from the University of Michigan and a medical degree from The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, and surgical training at St. Joseph Medical Center in Houston. |
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Brownsville accepts $7.9
million to upgrade airport
Brownsville City Commission members recently agreed to accept a $7.9 million grant to upgrade the Brownsville South Padre Island International Airport.
Current plans call for the grant from the Federal Aviation Administration to be used to repair and repave a taxiway, upgrade signage to inform pilots of the new latitude and longitude of the airport and repair another runway damaged by lightning strikes.
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Connally ISD stalled in search
for new superintendent
Connally Independent School District trustees recently tabled indefinitely their search to find a new superintendent to replace Superinendent Frances Penland, who retired in July.
Trustees also appointed Wes Holt, the former director of human resources, as the interim superintendent to replace Penland. Holt has said he plans to apply for the superintendent's job.
Board members have not decided whether to conduct the search for a new superintendent themselves or hire a search firm to assist, said Susan Thames, president of the board of trustees. She did not know when that item would be placed on the agenda for trustees to decide.
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Midlothian ISD taps Frazier as community relations coordinator
 Trustees for Midlothian Independent School District recently selected Chelsi Frazier (pictured) as the new coordinator for education foundation and community relations effective on Sept. 30.
Frazier previously was a marketing coordinator for a local bank, an adjunct instructor at Navarro College and risk management coordinator and social coordinator at Tarleton State University.
As part of her duties at the school district, Frazier will be responsible for developing new sources of funding and more volunteers to expand education resources. This includes coordinating partnerships with community members and businesses as well as increasing grant funding. |
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McAllen rejects only bid
to operate private jail
McAllen city commissioners recently voted to reject a proposal by GEO Group of Florida to operate a private jail after the police chief advised city officials against opening the only sealed proposal received.
Following a year-long discussion of operating a private jail, city officials in July had requested proposals from companies to operate the jail for inmates covered under a contract with the U.S. Marshals Service. Opening the proposal would make the information public, the police chief said. City commissioners estimated the potential revenue from the private jail could range from $3 million to $5 million a year.
City officials asked for bids on the cost to build and operate the jail on city-owned property with McAllen supplying federal inmates for the jail from its contract with the U.S. Marshals Service. The proposal also called for the city to receive a part of the daily per-inmate payment from the Marshals Service. |
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Frisco ISD to accelerate construction of new schools
Citing rapid enrollment growth, trustees for Frisco Independent School District recently agreed to accelerate plans to build four new schools in 2014, rather than building two new schools as originally planned. The school district is adding between 2,000 and 3,500 new students each year and many campuses are reaching capacity, district officials said.
Additionally, board members already have begun work on a future bond election tentatively scheduled for May 2014. Committee members are reviewing the results of a 2006 bond program, enrollment projections, facility needs and cost estimates to help make a recommendation to board members in January on whether to schedule and which projects to include in a May bond election. |
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Harlingen ISD taps Cavazos
as interim superintendent
 Harlingen Independent School District recently appointed Art Cavazos (pictured), a deputy superintendent, to become the interim superintendent when Superintendent Steve Flores leaves the post at the end of this month.
Flores, who led the Harlingen district for five years, resigned to become superintendent for Round Rock ISD.
Cavazos has applied for the superintendent's job, which trustees expect to fill by Nov. 1, the board president said. |
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Chapa retires as city
secretary in Corpus Christi
City Secretary Armando Chapa of Corpus Christi recently retired after 35 years in city government.
Chapa joined the city as a department head in 1978 and became city secretary in 1985. |
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New Braunfels selects three
finalists for city manager
New Braunfels City Council members recently selected three finalists for city manager who they plan to interview on Oct. 29. The three finalists are:
- Robert Camareno, an assistant city manager serving as the interim city manager in New Braunfels who previously was city manager in Buda;
- Gary Jackson, an assistant city manager in Deer Park who previously served as city manager in Baytown; and
- Jared Miller, an assistant city manager in North Richland Hills who previously was city manager in Snyder.
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Lorenzo ISD to partner on
new career technology center
 Trustees for Lorenzo Independent School District recently agreed to partner with Texas State Technical College in Sweetwater to build a new career technology center to expand job training.
Current plans are for the first building to focus on diesel technology to graduate students with 13 hours of credit toward diesel certification, said Superintendent Jerrod Pickering (pictured). The two-year program should help students who want to begin work as a diesel technician or for those who want to continue their education at a four-year college, he said. The new building should be open for students in August 2014. |
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Bonham airport wins $40,000 grant for maintenance, new fuel pump
Bonham city officials recently agreed to accept a $40,000 federal grant to perform maintenance and install a new fuel pump at Jones Field.
A majority of the $40,000 routine airport maintenance program, or RAMP grant, will be used for maintenance of the facility and to seal cracks in the runway. An additional $18,000 of the grant will be used to purchase a new fuel pump and new paint to upgrade runway safety and hangars, airport officials said. |
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Carroll ISD taps Miller as
assistant superintendent
 Matt Miller (pictured) was recently appointed as the new assistant superintendent in the Carroll Independent School District, to replace Derek Citty, the former assistant superintendent for administrative services.
Miller, who joined the district in 1998, has served as a teacher and coach before becoming an assistant principal and a principal in 2007. |
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Templin chosen as new city
manager for College Station
Kelly Templin, city manager in Seabrook since 2011, has been chosen as the next city manager of the city of College Station. Templin will be returning to College Station's city government after having served as director of development services for the city from 2002 to 2004. Templin also was the director of planning for Auburn, Ala., another college town, from 1996 to 2002, and in Oxford, Ohio, from 1994 to 1996. He was the planning director in Seabrook from 1993 to 1994.
Templin also served as director of planning for the city of Auburn, Alabama, from 1996 to 2002 and in Oxford, Ohio, from 1994 to 1996. Before taking over as city manager in Seabrook, he served that city as planning director from 1993 to 1994. He holds bachelor's and master's degrees from Texas A&M University.
Templin replaces former City Manager Frank Simpson, who died in April. Interim City Manager Kathy Merrill is expected to return to her position as deputy city manager. |
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Marshall may hire architect
for Memorial City Hall project
Marshall city commissioners recently decided to consider at their next meeting an agreement with an architectural firm to perform design services for the first phase of the Memorial City Hall Project.
The project had stalled while a committee created to help develop the project had problems in finding a qualified architect to head up the project, city officials said. |
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Porterie selected as lone finalist
for Port Arthur superintendent
 Port Arthur Independent School District recently selected Dr. Mark Porterie (pictured) as the lone finalist for superintendent to replace former Superintendent Johnny Brown, who in July was released from his contract.
An educator for 20 years who previously was a teacher and principal, Porterie has served as interim superintendent at the district since the end of June.
Porterie has a bachelor's degree from NOVA Southwestern University in Florida, a master's degree from Prairie View A&M University and a Ph.D. from Lamar University. |
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Corinth to seek bids for $3
million road extension project
Corinth City Council members recently agreed to seek bids for a $3 million project to extend Lake Sharon Dr. to 2499 in conjunction with a state highway department plan to extend FM2499 to I-35E.
The design and bid process of the road extension project should take about a year and the extension should be completed about nine months after construction begins, said Public Works Director Justin Brown. Council members allotted more than $1.5 million to the road project expected to cost about $3 million. Denton County officials also have committed $300,000 to the project that includes design, acquisition of right-of-way, building a four-lane divided thoroughfare with sidewalks and a storm sewer system. |
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Moffeit retiring as city
administrator in Chandler
 City Administrator Jim Moffeit (pictured) recently announced he is retiring on Oct. 2 after eight years in that post. Moffeit also said he plans to work part-time as the executive director of the Economic Development Council after he retires.
City officials also appointed John Taylor, an assistant city administrator, as the new city administrator to replace Moffeit. Taylor previously served as an assistant city manager in Midlothian. |
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La Marque ISD taps Watkins as
lone finalist for superintendent
La Marque Independent School District trustees recently selected Teri Watkins as the lone finalist for superintendent. Watkins currently serves as the assistant superintendent for support services for the district. |
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Cooke County appoints panel
to find new technology director
Cooke County commissioners recently appointed a selection committee to help find a new director of information technology. The new director will replace Dana Sons, who is resigning as director of information technology for the county on Nov. 1. |
Texas Government Insider Archives
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Burkburnett selects Whaley
as assistant city manager
 Burkburnett city commissioners recently selected Mike Whaley (pictured) as an assistant city manager until he receives more training to take over as city manager.
Whaley, who previously was director of public works for the city, will replace former City Manager Tim James, who resigned to become director of Public Works in Mesquite.
During the training period for Whaley, interim City Manager Chester Nolen will continue in that position for six months and work with Whaley while he is in training. Nolan works for the search firm hired by the city to help find a replacement for James when he resigned. Whalen and Nolen also plan to work together to find a new public works director. |
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Governor's appointments
Governor Rick Perry has announced the following appointments:
- Terry Henley of Meadows Place, Commission on State Emergency Communications;
- William "Randy" McDaniel of Montgomery, Texas Crime Stoppers Council;
- Susan Rogers of Odessa, Texas Crime Stoppers Council;
- Devon Anderson of Bellaire, district attorney of Harris County;
- Kem Thompson Frost of Katy, chief justice of the Fourteenth Court of Appeals.
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Duncanville terminates its
contract with Fort as city attorney
Duncanville City Council members recently terminated the contract of Julie Fort as city attorney. Fort began working for the city in December 2011.
Council members also approved a new contract with a Dallas-based law firm to perform the functions of city attorney. Council members also discussed hiring a permanent city manager, but took no action on the appointment. |
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Hodges retires as district
clerk in Rusk County
 District Clerk Jean Hodges (pictured) of Rusk County recently told commissioners she plans to retire on Dec. 31. Hodges served as district clerk for 11 years.
District Judge J. Clay Gossett plans to appoint a new district clerk to fill the post until a new clerk can be elected in November 2014 and assumes office in January 2015.
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Smathers resigns from Denison economic development agency
Scott Smathers, vice president of the Denison Development Alliance, recently resigned to accept a new job in Kansas. His resignation is effective on Oct. 1.
Tony Kaal, president of the development agency for the city, said he plans to accept resumes from qualified candidates to replace Smathers through the end of October.
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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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Austin, Texas 78746
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