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Community colleges preparing students for high-demand jobs
HCC, UT Tyler partner to help ensure pipeline of engineering graduates
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Students at Houston Community College can participate in a four-year engineering program with UT Tyler that will prepare them for an abundance of jobs in the industry. (HCC photo) |
There's a new pipeline being built in Texas. But, what's coming through this pipeline is a steady supply of much-needed engineers to take their place in an industry with an abundance of employment prospects in the state with very attractive salaries.
In recent years, community colleges throughout the country have begun partnering with industry representatives to prepare students with the skill sets necessary not only to prepare them for the workforce, but also to help bridge the gap between qualified workers and the workforce needs of local and regional industries. These programs are often funded by state and local grant money as well as funds from a variety of industries in the form of everything from scholarships for students in the program to providing equipment on which these students can be trained.
But, Houston Community College (HCC) and The University of Texas at Tyler are going a step farther - partnering on an innovative program to help meet the nation's critical shortage of engineers.
  "We are excited about building 'the New Texas Pipeline,' which produces a highly educated workforce based on access and opportunity for all," said Zachary R. Hodges (right), president of HCC Northwest. To reach that goal, HCC has created the first academic associate degree program that does not require core completion. HCC front-loads the math, physics and engineering part of the program and then postpones some of the core requirements until the student transfers to UT Tyler, which has facilities located on the second floor of one of the HCC campuses. Mark Tiller (left), associate dean of instructional support at HCC, says this arrangement "addresses a long-standing problem for engineering students who are not truly ready - in terms of prerequisites - for the third year of engineering because they had to take all of the core first."
The four-year engineering degree program is currently part of the HCC campus in Alief. It allows students to obtain an engineering degree in the normal four-year time period from UT Tyler, without leaving the HCC Alief-Hayes Campus. Students also can save nearly 50 percent on tuition costs. Not only does the program benefit the student, but it also is designed to support the engineering field and the businesses which need to fill highly skilled job openings.
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Newest Texas Game Wardens have a 'nose' for their work
Department's first-ever, full-time, five-member, statewide K9 team announced
 There are five new members of the corps of the Texas Game Wardens. They're Game Wardens of the four-legged, wet-nose kind. The Texas Game Wardens, for the first time in their history, now boast a full-time, statewide canine team (as seen in accompanying TPWD photos). The five dogs and their handlers recently completed eight weeks of training at the Utah Post canine facility in Salt Lake City. The second group of dogs and handlers will attend the course next January.
"The K9 program has been a long time coming, and we are extremely proud of our handlers for their hard work - an effort which resulted in a 100 percent pass rate," said Grahame Jones, Chief of Special Operations for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) Law Enforcement Division. Funding for the purchase of dogs and travel to and from Utah was provided by the TPW Foundation through a private donor. Utah Post provided the training at no cost with the exception of a minimal administrative fee, also paid for by the private donor.
The dogs will be used for various TPWD functions - detection of illegally taken or smuggled game and fish, search and rescue, cadaver search and narcotics enforcement. "Most of the dogs will have dual functions such as wildlife detection and search and rescue," said Game Warden Capt. Kevin Davis, who oversees the canine program.
"We cannot thank Utah Post enough for their partnership and professionalism," said Col. Craig Hunter, LE Division Director. "The department is extremely excited to see the Texas Game Warden K9 team become a reality."
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Strategic Partnerships salutes Texas' Lone Stars
 Amanda Arriaga, assistant director, Texas Department of Public Safety
Career highlights and education: Arriaga received a B.B.A. in business management from Texas A&M University in 2001 and a J.D. from The University of Texas School of Law in 2004. Upon graduation from law school, she was selected to serve as a policy advisor on border issues for Gov. Rick Perry. She is currently the Assistant Director of Administration/Chief Administrative Officer for the Texas Department of Public Safety. She is active in the community and currently serves as president-elect of the Austin Young Lawyers Association, is a Texas Bar Fellow, an Associate of the Robert W. Calvert Inn of Court and co-chair of the Texas Association of State Systems for Computing and Communication (TASSCC) Special Interest Group for Project Management. Arriaga is also a graduate of the Governor's Executive Development Program.
What I like best about my job is: It's constantly evolving. Over the course of the past four years at DPS, I have been able to learn a variety of different skill sets that allow me to best serve the agency.
The best advice I've received for my current job is: New ideas and hard work will make a difference.
Advice you would give a new hire in your office: Learn everything that you can and volunteer for every new assignment.
If I ever snuck out of work early, I could probably be found: at the Austin Bar Association offices.
People would be surprised to know that I: sing and dance in a lawyer musical every year.
One thing I wish more people knew about my agency: Even though we are an agency with over 75 years of traditions, we are still open to new initiatives, innovations and are able to adapt to changes.
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TxDOT going after top violators with unpaid toll road fees
Here's one place vehicle owners probably don't want to see their names in print
 Didn't pay your toll fees? You could soon be hearing from the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), particularly if you are among the top toll violators. Those violators will soon be notified of a deadline for paying overdue tolls or their names will show up on a list TxDOT plans to publish within the next couple of weeks.
TxDOT reports that drivers using Texas toll roads owe more than $27 million in unpaid tolls. The agency was given the authority to report publicly the names of violators through legislation from the last legislative session. The first target for toll collections will be owners of the 28,000 vehicles that have each recorded at least 100 unpaid tolls in a 12-month period. Those individuals are currently being contacted by TxDOT and reminded of what they owe. Those who do not respond will have their names listed on TxDOT and TxTag Web sites and reported to the media. The Web listings will include the violator's name, city and state or residence, number of unpaid tolls and total owed in tolls and fees.
Those who don't pay the tolls once listed can be banned from using Texas toll roads and ticketed and their vehicles impounded if stopped by law enforcement and can potentially have their vehicle registrations blocked. Violators can contact the TxTag Customer Service Center at (888) 468-9824 between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. weekdays. Some may qualify for a negotiated settlement amount of payment plan.
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Children's health coverage applicants should apply through state
 Plagued by literally millions of hits on the first day of pre-registration, the federal health insurance exchange Web site quickly became overwhelmed when it opened on Monday. But, that wasn't the only glitch in the system.
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) this week advised families with children who might qualify for Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) to apply for that coverage through the state of Texas and not through the federal government. By applying through the state, applicants can avoid a delay because of problems with the new federal health insurance exchange.
The way the system is supposed to work is for applicants to apply with the federal government and then the feds will notify the states and forward information to them. However, the federal system reportedly is not yet able to do that.
HHSC Executive Commissioner Kyle Janek (pictured) said the problem at the federal level could delay children getting health coverage. "We've let workers in our offices around the state know about this issue so they can make sure families have accurate information," he said.
YourTexasBenefits.com, the state's Web site, has added a page to help applicants understand what help they may qualify for and the best place to apply. Users will see the new page after they click on "Apply for benefits" on the home page.
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RFP issued by Capital Metro for Plaza Saltillo redevelopment
 To be developed as a transit-oriented development (TOD), a request for proposals (RFP) was issued this week by Austin's Capital Metro for redevelopment of Plaza Saltillo in East Austin. Ten of the 11 acres on the site will be redeveloped as a TOD and the remaining one-acre Plaza Saltillo will continue to be a MetroRail station. The RFP allows for the development of eight contiguous blocks of undeveloped land.
Capital Metro President and CEO Linda Watson (pictured) said developers are being asked to identify the best possible use of the land, keeping in mind the neighborhood in which it is situated. "Improving neighborhood quality, maximizing long-term value and increasing ridership will be a main focus in evaluating proposals," said Watson. She said the goal is to include features that will benefit the surrounding community based on input from community members in recent years.
Capital Metro's Red Line serves Plaza Saltillo. Since its inception in 2010, the Red Line rail service has tripled its ridership. The property is zoned for high-density and transit-friendly mixed use development. The proposals will be reviewed by Capitol Metro and finalists chosen. Those finalists will be asked for additional information if necessary and the proposals will be subject to public commentary. A developer is expected to be chosen by the Capital Metro board in mid-2014.
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New justice, chief justice sworn in on Texas Supreme Court
 As his wife Susannah holds the Sam Houston Bible (in accompanyng photo), new Texas Supreme Court Justice Jeff Brown (right) takes his oath of office, administered by new Chief Justice Nathan Hecht, who was earlier sworn in by outgoing Chief Justice Wallace Jefferson.
Brown, from Houston, was serving as justice of the 14th Court of Appeals, a position he has held since being appointed in December 2007, when he was on Sept. 26 named by Gov. Rick Perry as a Supreme Court Justice.
Jefferson's recent resignation from the court left the Chief Justice post open. Hecht, who has served as a Supreme Court Justice since 1988, was appointed the 27th Chief Justice by Perry on Sept. 10. Federal Court of Appeals Judge Priscilla Owen held the Sam Houston Bible on which Hecht placed his hand during the swearing-in ceremony.
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M.D. Anderson to open joint cancer center in New Jersey
Officials of the MD Anderson Cancer Center of The University of Texas and Cooper University Health Care recently signed an agreement to open a joint, comprehensive cancer center and co-branded satellites in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
Plans called for the MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper to open on the Cooper Health Sciences Campus in Camden, New Jersey, on Oct. 2. The MD Anderson facility is designed to provide outpatient cancer care using the multidisciplinary approach to cancer care, including medical, radiation, surgical oncology, pathology, imaging and laboratory services. The new center will be a full clinical extension of Houston's MD Anderson and will provide the same care provided at the main campus.
Cooper University Health Care operates Cooper University Hospital with 600 beds in Camden and more than 100 outpatient facilities in southern New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
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E. Williams County higher education center to open in Hutto
 Officials of the East Williamson County Higher Education Center (EWCHEC) plan to hold a grand opening on Oct. 13 of the 112,000-square-foot, multi-institutional teaching center (as seen in the accompanying artist's rendering) in Hutto.
Officials of Texas State Technical College in Waco and Temple College are working with communities in east Williamson County to provide residents with new opportunities for higher education at EWCHEC.
The higher education center will offer associate degrees and certificate programs in air conditioning, building construction, culinary arts, industrial systems, engineering technology, electrical construction, welding, plumbing and pipefitting.
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UT-Permian Basin approves new $32.5 million dormitory project
While almost completing a $19 million project to provide housing for nearly 1,000 students, regents for the University of Texas-Permian Basin (UTPB) recently approved $32.5 million to build a new dormitory and dining hall in the fall of 2015. All of the new housing units were filled this year and the university has more students in need of student housing, said UTPB officials.
Plans call for the new 115,000-square-foot, three-story, dormitory-style facility to have 300 beds and a dining hall with the capacity to seat 350 students and serve 750 people.
UTPB officials also expect to complete a $19 million housing project to add 198 additional beds in six apartment-style buildings in the fall of 2014. Plans call for each unit to contain four bedrooms, two bathrooms and a kitchen, said the project manager for the university.
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Kilgore tapped as vice chancellor for Texas State Technical College
 The chancellor of Texas State Technical College (TSTC) recently selected Jeff Kilgore (pictured) as the new vice chancellor of institutional advancement.
His duties include leading fundraising efforts throughout the technical college system and increasing efforts to build relationships with alumni, business and industries as well and local, regional and statewide leaders.
Most recently the chief executive officer of the Baylor Alumni Association, Kilgore has a bachelor's degree and a master's degree from Baylor University. He also served as an assistant baseball coach and adjunct professor at Baylor.
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TAMU System announces new posts; Williams could be next
  Guy Diedrich (left), vice chancellor of federal and state relations at the Texas A&M University System, will leave that post to become acting vice chancellor of strategic initiatives. The change is a result of the appointment of Brett Giroir, current vice chancellor of strategic initiatives, as interim executive vice president for Texas A&M Health Science Center.
 The Texas Tribune this week reported that State Sen. Tommy Williams (bottom right) is being considered for the government relations post being vacated by Diedrich, but A&M officials were mum on that rumor. The speculation was fueled when Williams Thursday announced he would resign from his Senate post and not return for the 2015 legislative session.
Jenny Jones (right), vice president for governmental affairs for Texas A&M Health Science Center, will retain her current position and also assume the role of acting director of state relations and Scott Sudduth will continue in his role as director of federal relations. These changes are subject to approval by the A&M System Board of Regents during their upcoming October meeting.
"We are fortunate to have qualified people within this organization and I am confident that Dr. Diedrich will build on his success to date," said Sharp. "Ms. Jones has been a major contributor to our legislative success and we look forward to continued development in her position." |
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National nursing group selects Thomas for board of directors
National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) delegates recently elected Katherine Thomas, executive director of the Texas Board of Nursing, to represent Area III on the board of directors of the national nursing organization.
Thomas has been the executive director of the Texas Board of Nursing since 1995. She previously served as a director-at-large on the NCSBN board of directors. The states in Area III are Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia.
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Tau Kadhi chosen as WTAMU VP for learning assessment  Dr. Tau Kadhi (pictured) is the new assistant vice president for learning assessment at West Texas A&M University. Kadhi comes to TWAMU from Texas Southern University, where he was director and assistant dean of the TSU Northwest campus and assessment director of program effectiveness and statistical consultant at the university's Thurgood Marshall School of Law. His new role at WTAMU will make him responsible for oversight of all learning assessment activities on campus. He will assist departments in the collection and assessment of data and prepare and analyze learning assessment reports for programs, departments, colleges, the university, the Texas A&M University System, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and SACS. Before joining TSU in 2009, Kadhi spent more than 10 years at Prairie View A&M University serving in a variety of jobs, including graduate assistant, academic enhancement coordinator, adviser and instructor for developmental mathematics and assistant professor in mathematics and in curriculum and instruction. He also was an adjunct professor at Houston Community College and the Lone Star College System. Kadhi holds bachelor's and master's degrees from Prairie View A&M and his Ph.D. from Texas A&M University. |
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Houston ISD selected for $12 million grant for magnet schools
The Magnet School Assistance Program of the U.S. Department of Education recently awarded Houston Independent School District $12 million to help pay for six magnet programs focusing on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) instruction.
Middle school STEM programs are available at two schools, the Baylor College of Medicine Academy at Ryan Middle School and the Engineering Academy at M.C. Williams Middle School. The four other STEM programs are the Green School at Furr High School, the Chemical and Process Technology Institute at Kashmere High School, the Energy Institute High School and the Advanced Technology Institute at the South Early College High School.
The new STEM magnets are whole school programs designed to align with local and global industry demands and will offer field-based learning experiences, lectures and demonstrations by experts in STEM, district officials said. Robotic programs for middle school students, work-based learning for high school students, distance learning and dual credit courses through local college partners also will be available in the new STEM magnet programs.
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Public-private partnership to bring residential loft to Midland
 A $12.8 million urban loft project is going up in Midland, Texas, as developers seek to help the city deal with a housing shortage resulting from the oil and gas boom in West Texas.
A public-private partnership, the deal includes a developer building the residential housing facility, the Wall Street Lofts. The city, in turn, is constructing a parking garage adjacent to the building that will be used for both public and private parking. The residential facility is the first for downtown Midland.
The developers, from Dallas, are planning a four-story, 108-unit building (as seen in the accompanying artist's rendering). It also will include 5,000 square feet of retail space on the ground floor. A trio of developers are building the facility with bank financing and a real estate firm as part of the project to lease and manage the facility. Officials expect the project to be completed in December of next year.
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Edinburg to partner with team to build sports, wellness center
Edinburg city commissioners recently approved a public-private partnership agreement with the Rio Grande Valley Vipers, part of the NBA Development League. The agreement calls for building a new 84,000-square-foot sports and wellness center to replace the current 20,000-square-foot recreation center built in 1983.
The new sports and wellness center will have multiple basketball courts, gymnasiums, a dance studio, a boxing gym, game room, computer room and library along with three restaurants, the mayor said. The agreement also calls for replacing existing baseball fields next to the facility at a cost of about $7.5 million.
Funding from the sports and wellness center project is being provided by the city and Edinburg Development Corporation, including $1 million in federal funding as the facility also can be used as a shelter during emergencies and disasters. The baseball team has agreed to lease the facility as a permanent practice home and establish an office at the center. City officials and Viper representatives, however, are still negotiating the long-term lease agreement. The next step is to complete engineering plans for the sports and wellness center, the mayor said.
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 Looking for a job? Got a job opening?
Check out our Public-Sector Job Board!
The PUC is looking for a Chief Information Officer; DPS has posted a Contract Specialist IV job; Ector Co. has openings for an asst. county attorney and a maintenance worker. 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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Solis wins appointment to board of Port San Antonio
Juan F. Solis III, a former member of the San Antonio City Council and the Texas House of Representatives, recently won appointment as a member of the board of Port San Antonio.
Council member Shirley Gonzales, who represents District 5, appointed Solis to the Port San Antonio board.
Currently a vice president and branch manager for Citibank N.A. in San Antonio, Solis also was an advertising executive and the tri-chair of the Initial Base Adjustment Strategy Committee created to develop a plan for Kelly Air Force Base and its transition into Port San Antonio.
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Choti to be chief surgeon at Clements University Hospital
 An internationally recognized surgical oncologist from Johns Hopkins University, Dr. Michael Choti (pictured) recently won selection as chair of the Department of Surgery and surgeon-in-chief at William P. Clements Jr. University Hospital at the UT Southwestern Medical Center.
Acclaimed for his ability to treat liver, pancreatic and other gastrointestinal cancers, Choti also will provide clinical care, research and education to UT Southwestern, according to the dean of the medical school.
During his 21 years at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Choti was vice chair of the department of surgery and a professor in the Whiting School of Engineering. He is a graduate of the Yale School of Medicine and received surgical training at the University of Pennsylvania and at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. He also has a master's degree from Johns Hopkins.
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Gonzales considering request for $840,000 to restore Alcalde Hotel
Members of the Gonzales Economic Development Corporation recently began considering a request by former State Rep. Rick Green for an $840,700 loan/grant to pay for a proposed $1.86 million restoration of the historic Alcalde Hotel along with an accompanying restaurant.
Before the application can be approved, however, the EDC will hold a 60-day comment period for the public to express their opinions on the proposed hotel restoration project. If EDC members decide to recommend the loan/grant, City Council members also must approve the request before a loan or grant is finalized. Green pledged to contribute cash and equipment plus conventional financing to match any loan/grant approved by Gonzales city officials.
The former state representative also estimated the hotel would generate about $28,000 per month and the restaurant $24,000 per month in revenue in addition to contributing to the city's hospitality industry by attracting more visitors to the city.
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Texas A&M-Corpus Christi eyes new center for drone technology
 Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi officials recently formed a public-private partnership in an effort to be selected as the new unmanned aerial vehicle command center in Texas. The Lone Star Unmanned Aircraft Systems Initiative is part of the university's effort to be selected as one of six test range sites the Federal Aviation Administration is considering for drones, said Dr. Luis Cifuentes (pictured), vice president of research, commercialization and outreach for the university's Coastal Bend Business Innovation Center.
The Lone Star Unmanned Aircraft Systems Initiative is in the first phase of the development of the university's command and control center for drones. It features 6,000 square miles of airspace, said Cifuentes. The economic impact from drones in Texas could generate as much as $8 billion over the next 10 years, according to a report cited by Cifuentes.
The goal is for the control center in the Coastal Bend area to oversee all of the six test sites for unmanned aircraft systems to be operated in Texas by the FAA. The federal agency is expected to make a formal announcement concerning the project in December. Once the FAA announces the six sites in Texas, each test site will be given six months to become operational, Cifuentes said.
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Austin ISD eyeing $500,000 to study minority contracting
Austin Independent School District trustees are closer to approving a $500,000 contract to pay for a study of minority contracting along with the city of Austin and Travis County. Board members approved the scope of work for the study to determine whether businesses owned by minorities and women receive their fare share of construction, consulting, maintenance and other contracts from the school district, city and county, but must still approve the contract.
Currently, the district has a community bond oversight committee providing reports to trustees on which businesses obtain contracts only on bond projects. No one tracks results of minority contracting efforts in other contracts issued by the district. To track the status of minority contracting and establish a more structured outreach program, a Supreme Court ruling requires the district to study all contracts. Joining with the city and county saved the school district about half the price of the $1 million original cost estimate if the study was conducted with no partners.
The study, which should be completed in 18 months by a consulting firm selected by the city of Austin, is exploring whether a disparity exists between the number of businesses owned by women and minorities and the number of those with which the district contracts. The study also is expected to produce a chart identifying which businesses the school district, city and county hire for construction, consulting, maintenance and professional services contracts along with a review of current procurement policies and information on how state laws governing competitive bidding impact that minority outreach.
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Wallace Jefferson signs on for position with Austin law firm
 Former Texas Supreme Court Chief Justice Wallace B. Jefferson (pictured), who recently resigned from the court, is entering private practice in a newly created law firm, Alexander Dubose Jefferson and Townsend LLP.
Rachel Ekery, Jefferson's staff attorney at the Supreme Court, will join Jefferson at the law firm. They both will enter their new jobs on Nov. 18.
Alexander Dubose Jefferson and Townsend LLP specializes in appellate law and has offices in Austin, Dallas and Houston.
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Keller ISD looking at 2014 bond election to upgrade facilities
 Trustees for Keller Independent School District recently began discussion on whether to ask voters to approve a bond proposal in 2014 to pay for upgrading aging buildings and meet enrollment growth.
District staff members plan to present the findings of an infrastructure assessment conducted by a Plano-based consultant to board members at the next meeting of trustees, said Superintendent Randy Reid (pictured). The assessment will look at buildings, handicapped accessibility, equity in technology and security needs in addition to providing cost estimates to address the problems, Reid said.
The bond proposal most likely will ask voters to approve funding to build one new school, buy a site for a new elementary school and renovate several older schools, including Keller High School. District officials also are exploring establishing a new career and technical education center. The district last passed a $142 million bond in November 2008, said Reid, who predicted the cost of all the needed upgrades to infrastructure would be very high.
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Plan approved to replace HOV lanes on I-30 with toll lanes
Texas Transportation Commissioners recently agreed to replace high-occupancy vehicles lanes on I-30 in Arlington and Dallas with toll lanes. The action was the last hurdle to overcome before opening a toll lane on the federal interstate highway, said a spokeswoman for the North Central Texas Council of Governments.
The new toll lanes will use "variable pricing" with rates set according to the amount of congestion on the interstate highway. Current plans are to charge single-occupant vehicles on the I-30 toll lanes the full toll during peak travel hours; however, vehicles with two or more occupants will be charged only half the normal toll to encourage carpools, the spokeswoman said.
The new toll lanes are scheduled to open in 2015 and will operate from west of Fielder Road in Arlington to Sylvan Avenue in Dallas. No tollbooths are planned so tolls will be collected electronically. Vehicles without Toll Tags will be sent a bill for the toll charge. Motorcycles are expected to pay half-price and buses and other transit vehicles will be allowed to use the lanes free. Trucks and other vehicles with more than two axles will be charged a higher rate. None of the toll rates have been announced yet.
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Free contracting conference for SMWVBs planned in San AntonioThe 13th Annual Bexar County and University Health System Small, Minority, Women and Veterans Business Owners (SMWVB) Contracting Conference is planned in San Antonio for Wednesday, Dec. 11, at the Freeman Expo Hall. Among the speakers for the event aimed at increasing contracts for commodities, services and construction contracts for SMWVBs will be former Dallas Cowboys Hall of Fame running back Emmitt Smith, principal in the EJ Smith Construction Co. The event will kick off with a networking breakfast from 7:30 to 9 a.m. and the exhibit hall open from 9:30 a.m. to noon and 1:30 to 4 p.m. The event allows attendees to connect with hundreds of buyers from public and private organizations who want to do business with small, minority, women and veteran-owned businesses. This half-day conference features workshops, vendor education and access to the Procurement Technology Center. The event is free to the public. Sponsorships and exhibit space information is available at rwatson@bexar.org or by calling 210-335-2478. The agenda is available and registration is now open.
Eagle Ford Shale Consortium plans Fall Conference this monthRegistration is now open for the Fall 2013 Eagle Ford Shale Consortium Conference, "Where the South Texas Energy Triangle Meets the World." The event is scheduled for Oct. 28-30 at the Omni Corpus Christi Hotel. Among the speakers for the event are Curt Anastasio, president and CEO of NuStar Energy; Christi Craddick, commissioner, Texas Railroad Commission; John LaRue, executive director, Port of Corpus Christi; and Phil Wilson, executive director of the Texas Department of Transportation. For more information and to register, click here. Some of the issues to be discussed in breakout sessions include: health care challenges, environmental and infrastructure impact, foreign direct investment, workforce and education update, industry development and infrastructure impacts and more.
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!
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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Here's a trend to watch!
 By Mary Scott Nabers, CEO of Strategic Partnerships, Inc.
The trend toward renewable energy is gathering speed as public officials move quickly to pursue options and test new solutions
The move to solar energy appears to be gaining acceptance quickly now. Solar panels are not a new option, but demand for them is higher than ever. Usage is expected to surge 20 percent this year alone. Last year, utilities in America installed 1.8 gigawatts of solar power generating capacity, nearly 60 percent more than was installed in all prior years. That statistic comes from a recent Solar Energy Industries Association report.
The report also indicated that during the first three months of 2013, solar panels accounted for nearly half of all electric generation capacity. And, during the same three-month period, solar panels were installed at a much faster rate than the first three months of 2012, in spite of 2012 being a record installation year for the industry.
Demand is being primarily driven by California, Arizona, New Jersey and North Carolina. But, Texas is also listed among the states driving solar power growth. The Electric Reliability Council of Texas reports that electrical generation from renewable sources increased 7 percent in Texas in 2012 and solar power had the largest growth rate.
Some of the growth can be attributed to utilities opting for solar energy as a source of electric generation, but there appears to be a mass movement to solar power by public school officials.
In 2011, Irving ISD installed nearly 3,000 solar panels on one school building. The result was that the school became the nation's largest and the state's first net-zero public school. A net-zero designation means that a facility consumes no more energy than it produces.
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Longview approves $117.5 million for capital improvement projects
Longview City Council members recently approved $117.5 million to pay for several capital improvement projects that include road upgrades, almost $6 million in water and wastewater improvements and upgrades to parks.
Projects budgeted for the 2013-2014 fiscal year include an extension of Fourth Street, improvements to two digesters to increase efficiency of sludge treatment and installing 500 feet of water mains in the south central area of the city. Improvements to the Greggton Lift Station also are planned for the city's new fiscal year, city officials said. |
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Lubbock appoints Loomis
as new city manager
 Lubbock City Council members recently appointed James Loomis (pictured), who had served as interim city manager since July, as the new city manager.
Loomis said he would serve while council members continue to search for a new city manager, but still plans to retire as he previously planned. He most recently served as the executive director of the Lubbock International Airport. The mayor said the city manager search process could take a year to complete and expects the new city manager will be selected no later than October 2014. |
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Tyler eyeing high-speed rail
system along Interstate 20
In response to regional discussions to establish a high-speed rail system connecting Dallas with Shreveport, a group appointed by the Tyler City Council recently agreed to explore how that city can take advantage of the possibility of a high-speed rail system along I-20.
Created to examine long-term regional development issues, the group said its goal is to be ready with a plan if the proposed high-speed rail along I-20 becomes a reality. A grant is providing money to pay for the study of a high-speed rail system.
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Del Rio wins $500,000 grant
to Del Rio International Airport
Del Rio recently won a $500,000 federal grant to help the Del Rio International Airport restore air service to the Dallas/Fort Worth area following strong efforts by a public-private partnership created by city officials. More than 40 business owners and residents joined the public-private partnership and committed to providing funding for the required local contribution required by the grant.
The Small Community Air Service Development Program from the U.S. Department of Transportation awarded the grant designed to assist small communities to address air service and airfare issues. |
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Garza announces he is
leaving post at Central Health
 Although Juan Garza (pictured) says he is not retiring, he this week announced his resignation from his post as vice president for finance and development at Central Health, a job he has held for one year. Garza is a former personnel director for the city of Austin, was general manager of Austin Energy and chief of the Pedernales Electric Cooperative.
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Important dates relating
to Nov. 5 Texas elections
Monday, Oct. 7 - last day to register to vote
Monday, Oct. 21 - First day of early voting
Friday, Oct 25 - Last day to apply for ballot by mail (received, not postmarked)
Friday, Nov. 1 - Last day of early voting
Tuesday, Nov. 5 - Election Day; last day to receive ballots by mail unless overseas deadline applies
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San Antonio water system allots $310,000 to upgrade security
San Antonio Water System (SAWS) trustees recently approved $310,000 to buy security cameras and recording devices.
The security equipment is needed at properties acquired in January by SAWS to protect resources in light of a recent incident involving theft of copper wire from a water station. The theft caused $100,000 in damages and interrupted water service for thousands of customers, a spokesperson for SAWS said.
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Dallas selects three finalists
for city attorney position
Dallas City Council members recently began interviewing three finalists for city attorney to oversee 90 attorneys in that department. The three finalists are:
- Warren M.S. Ernst, the interim city attorney, who has served since the retirement of the former city attorney earlier this month. Ernst was in private practice prior to joining the city in 2003;
- Russell F. Coleman, a senior vice president and general counsel of Belo Corporation, who also was employed 18 years by a Dallas law firm; and
- Angela K. Washington, who is currently employed by a law firm, but in 1998 served as interim city attorney for Dallas to replace former City Attorney Sam Lindsey, resigning from the department after another candidate was selected as city attorney.
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Vote fails to fire superintendent
of Dallas school district
 A recent vote by Dallas Independent School District trustees to terminate the contract of Superintendent Mike Miles (pictured) failed. Board members, however voted to issue a letter of reprimand to Miles, place him on an employee improvement plan for 90 days and eliminate a contract clause that allows a one-year contract extension if Miles receives a performance evaluation of proficient.
Miles joined the district in July 2012 and thus far, seven of his executive staff left the district during the first 11 months under his leadership. Board members also cited an internal audit that found that some administrators had not followed rules and Miles had paid several of the first executive staff, or "cabinet," salaries that were too high. |
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N. Texas Regional Airport wins $950K grant to upgrade facilities
The North Texas Regional Airport-Perin Field recently won a $950,000 grant from the Texas Transportation Commission to pay for airport upgrades that include engineering and design for pavement and improvements to drainage and fencing.
The Grayson County Regional Mobility Authority Board is expected to vote whether to accept the grant and approve a local match of about $95,000, or 10 percent, at the board's next scheduled meeting.
Airport officials expect to select a project consultant this winter with Grayson County and the Aviation Facilities Grant Program providing funding for the project. Texas Department of Transportation officials expect to provide about $60 million in funding to help pay for planning, construction and maintenance at the approximately 295 community airports eligible for grant funding.
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TxDOT approves $839,985 grant
to Harrison County Airport
Texas Transportation Commissioners recently approved an $839,985 grant to the Harrison County Airport to pay for construction of new T-hangars.
The Aviation Facilities Grant Program requires the county to provide $84,000 as a 10 percent matching contribution from the airport's maintenance fund, while the new hangars are expected to provide $30,000 annually in rent to increase airport revenue, the county judge said. County officials expect to request bids for the engineering phase of the project later this year or in early 2014. Engineering is expected to cost about $50,750.
Once the engineering is completed, county officials expect to seek bids for the construction phase of the project once commissioners approve the engineering plan. While preliminary plans called for building a 10-unit T-hangar, county officials plan to use the engineering phase to decide whether to build a facility with fewer smaller units and two larger units to allow larger aircraft to be accommodated at the airport. |
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Gjolberg appointed as new administrator for Cuero hospital
 Officials of Cuero Community Hospital recently selected Ivar "Skip" Gjolberg (pictured) as the new administrator to replace Darryl Stefka, the former administrator who had worked at the hospital since it first opened in 1970.
Currently the chief administrative officer at Prairie du Chien Memorial Hospital in Wisconsin, Chien also was employed at Associated Health Focus in Temple, the St. Joseph Health System in Bryan and was an administrator for several hospitals in Wisconsin.
Gjolberg has a bachelor's degree from Texas State University and a master's degree from Texas A&M University. |
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Eagle Lake to accept
$105,000 grant for airport
Eagle Lake City Council members recently voted to accept a $105,000 grant from the Aviation Division of the Texas Department of Transportation. The council also instructed the interim city manager to seek bids for an airport weather observing station for the airport.
City officials also agreed to provide a $35,000 matching contribution to the project as required by the federal grant.
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Glen Rose restarts search
for new city administrator
Glen Rose City Council members recently restarted their search for a new city administrator after one finalist turned down their offer and council members rejected the second finalist. Mayor Dennis Moore noted that reposting the city administrator position and selection process would most likely be completed late this year or early 2014. |
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Northwest ISD selects Caley
as director of human resources
 Board members for Northwest Independent School District in Fort Worth recently selected Kim Caley (pictured) as the executive director of human resources.
Most recently an elementary school principal for the district, Caley joined the district in 1999. She previously was an administrator and teacher at school districts in Denton and Grapevine/Colleyville. She plans to begin her new duties once district officials select a new principal to take over her duties at Schluter Elementary School in Haslet.
Caley has a bachelor's degree and a master's degree from Texas Woman's University and is expected to earn a Ph.D. from Nova Southeastern University in the summer of 2014. |
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Eagle Lake taps Rucka
as its interim city manager
Eagle Lake City Council members recently selected Sylvia Rucka as the new interim city manager. Rucka, who previously served as city secretary, replaced former City Manager Keith Webb. |
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Weslaco appoints city manager
to lead Development Corp.
 Weslaco City Council members recently appointed City Manager Leo Olivares (pictured) to the temporary post of director of the Economic Development Corp.
Council members also removed Alicia Aguilar as the interim director of the Economic Development Corp. Aguilar, who returned to her previous position as director of business retention and marketing for the corporation, was appointed interim director in June following the resignation of the former director, Hernan Gonzalez. A search committee is in the process of evaluating candidates to consider for the new economic development director.
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Bastrop selects Minnie Lopez
as new city secretary
Bastrop City Council members recently appointed Elizabeth "Minnie" Lopez as the new city secretary.
Lopez previously was employed at the Monterey County Probation Department in California and in administrative positions for the cities of Harlingen and South Padre Island. She obtained public management certification after returning to Texas. |
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Groth announces retirement
from city manager post in Waco
 City Manager Larry Groth (pictured) of Waco recently said he plans to retire, effective March 1, 2014. He joined the city in 2003 and will retire after 33 years of city government service.
A graduate of Texas A&M, Groth oversaw several major construction projects during his tenure with Waco, including a new $19 million, low-water dam on the Brazos River, a new $48 million water treatment plant, a $40 million project to renew neglected neighborhoods in the 1980s and the construction of Cameron Park Zoo in the 1990s.
Groth served as director of the zoo in 1993 and later became an assistant manager. |
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Corsicana taps King as director
of development corporation
Corsicana City Council members recently appointed William "Bill" King as the new director of economic development for the city and Navarro County.
King will replace Lee McCleary, who resigned in May to become the economic development director in Red Oak.
A former chief executive officer and president of the economic development board in Nacogdoches, King will assume his new duties following confirmation by Navarro County commissioners. |
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Torrez begins duties as new superintendent at Pflugerville ISD
Board members for Pflugerville Independent School District recently approved a three-year contract with Alex Torrez to serve as the new superintendent, effective immediately.
Previously an assistant superintendent at Clear Creek ISD, Torrez replaces former Superintendent Charles Dupre, who resigned in April to accept a post as superintendent for Fort Bend ISD. |
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Copperas Cove ISD names Ryan as new deputy superintendent
 Copperas Cove Independent School District recently named Catherine Ryan (pictured) as the new deputy superintendent for curriculum and instruction.
Previously the superintendent at Fairfield ISD, Ryan also was a teacher, principal and superintendent at Rogers ISD.
Ryan has a bachelor's degree from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, a master's degree from Tarleton State University and a Ph.D. from Texas A&M University.
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Lake Dallas taps police chief
Ristagno as city manager
 Lake Dallas City Council members recently selected Police Chief Nick Ristagno (pictured) as the new city manager. Ristagno, who has served as interim city manager for almost a year while maintaining his duties as police chief, will remain as police chief during his two-year contract, the mayor said.
Ristagno has worked 20 years for the city and has served in the dual position at least four times in the past. The goal is to reinstate the two positions when the city's financial situation is better, said the mayor. Ristagno signed a two-year contract. |
Texas Government Insider Archives
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Governor's appointments
Governor Rick Perry has announced the following appointments:
- Mary Murphy of Dallas, presiding judge of the First Administrative Judicial Region
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Magnolia selects Hanson
as new court administrator
Magnolia City Council members recently approved Victoria Hanson as the new court administrator. Her duties include processing warrants, helping defendants and handling complaints and dismissals. Hanson most recently was the executive assistant to the city administrator and also worked as a warrant clerk and in the utilities and permit department. She also was a deputy court clerk for Oak Ridge North and employed by a law firm. |
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Bernard resigning as city
attorney in San Antonio
 Michael Bernard, the city attorney in San Antonio for the last eight years, recently said he plans to resign from that post at the end of this year and return to private practice.
Previously a lead assistant district attorney in Bexar County for six years, Bernard also was in private practice at a large law firm in San Antonio prior to entering public service. Bernard plans to join a law firm when he leaves his city post.
Under the city charter, City Manager Sheryl Sculley recommends a candidate for city attorney and city council members confirm the selection. |
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Fate selects Griffith as city's
chief administrative officer
Fate City Council members recently selected Brian Griffith, director of the city's Department of Public Safety, as the administrative officer of the city until an interim city manager is selected.
Council members also approved a contract with a search firm to help find an interim city manager, but did not discuss the process for finding a permanent city manager. |
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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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