Two construction projects approved for UT Austin

The University of Texas at Austin will replace its tennis center that is being replaced by facilities that will be part of the Dell Medical School. UT System regents Thursday approved an allocation of $15 million for the new tennis center. Regents also approved allocation of $12 million from endowment funds to build an annex on the Texas Advanced Computing Center, reports the Austin American-Statesman.  

Texas State University System reappoints Williams to chair regents

Regents for the Texas State University System recently reappointed Donna N. Williams (pictured) of Arlington as chairwoman of the system's Board of Regents, who oversee eight institutions of higher education.

A vice president for an engineering and construction company, Williams has served as chairwoman of the Board of Regents since November 2012 and has served on the board since 2008.

Regents also re-elected Ron Mitchell of Marble Falls, manager and vice chairman of a resort development, as the vice chairman of the board. Mitchell has served on the board since his appointment in 2009. 

Developer may seek incentives from Arlington for student housing

A developer who had won approval and incentives from Arlington city officials to build an apartment complex to attract young professionals to the downtown area now plans to ask the city council to approve a revamped plan. The new plan calls for construction of a student housing complex near The University of Texas at Arlington.

Preliminary plans call for building a four-story apartment complex designed to serve 750-800 college students rather than the previously planned five-story apartment complex to attract young professionals that stalled when it was unable to secure financing. The Las Colinas-based developer is expected to present the redesigned high-density student housing project to the City Council in December.

The developer had secured $2.15 million in economic incentives including a $1,165,514 grant and $650,000 in city funding to pay for demolition and site preparation in addition to waiving $342,000 in fees related to construction. City officials expect a new incentive agreement with the developer must be negotiated and win council approved as the student housing project is significantly different than the original housing plan. 

Austin Community College completing Hays County campus

Austin Community College (ACC) officials recently received certificates of completion from Kyle, noting that construction on its new campus (as seen in accompanying photo) in Hays County is substantially complete.

Only a few items still need corrective actions to satisfy ACC officials and that work should be completed very soon, according to an ACC spokesperson. The next step is to move in about $4 million in furniture and equipment to the facility beginning this month.

Current plans are to allow faculty and staff into the facility in early January and to open for classes on Jan. 13. 

New clean energy refueling station begins operation in Dallas

As part of a national effort to expand natural gas refueling infrastructure across the nation, a new clean energy station recently opened in Dallas. The station provides a convenient refueling point for motorists in the public and private sectors. Several private companies in the area such as FedEx Freight, Frito-Lay and Central Freight Lines operate vehicles fueled by natural gas, as do Dallas County and the city of Arlington, according to officials of the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG).

NCTCOG and PAM Transport Inc. received a $736,500 grant to help pay for the Dillon Clean Energy Station. It is one of 13 alternative fuel stations and 290 alternative fueled vehicles paid for using the $13.2 million in grant funding provided from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

Clean Energy, in a partnership with Dillon Transport, operates the new refueling station as part of a project entitled America's Natural Gas Highway by the U.S. Department of Energy. It permits motorists using natural gas vehicles to have adequate opportunity to refuel their vehicles. The Dillon Clean Energy location in Dallas is the only public-access station in the area funded by the grant, NCTCOG officials noted. 

Baylor appoints Starr as chancellor, Leeper as new vice president

The board of regents for Baylor University recently appointed President Ken Starr (left) to an additional role of chancellor while remaining as president. He will be the first in the university's history to serve as both president and chancellor at the same time, according to a spokeswoman for Baylor.

Regents also extended Starr's contract and added promotion of the university's brand and mission to his responsibilities. The last chancellor at Baylor was Robert B. Sloan Jr., who left that post in 2005.

Regents also appointed Karla Leeper (right), who previously was chief of staff to Starr, as the new vice president for board and executive affairs. 

A new replacement high school, a new field house and additional tennis courts are in talks relating to a possible $25 million bond election in the White Oak ISD. The existing high school was built in 1976 and had additions made in the 1980s. Questions to be ironed out include deciding if the school will be built on the same site as the old high school or buy land for a new location. Superintendent Mike Gilbert said he expects such questions to be answered later this month and then a public information campaign will be launched to ensure community questions are answered.

A 28-member committee appointed by trustees of Hays County Consolidated Independent School District recently agreed to move forward with their activities toward recommendation of a possible $64 million bond election. If approved, the bond vote could pay for a new middle school east of Interstate 35, technology and security upgrades and new bus purchases.

Committee members plan to release a final ranking of 19 capital improvement projects on Nov. 21 and to present a final recommendation to trustees in early December on whether to hold a bond election and which projects to include.

Trustees will then make the final decision on whether to schedule a bond election in 2014. Hays County voters last approved $86.7 million in bonds in 2008. 

Parkland board adds two appointed by Dallas County commissioners

Dr. Paula C. Dobbs-Wiggins (left) and Stephanie L. Woods (right) were recently named appointees by the Dallas County commissioners to the Parkland Memorial Hospital Board of Managers. Both medical professionals, Dobbs-Wiggins is a psychiatrist in Dallas and Woods is a registered nurse and an associate dean and associate professor at Texas Woman's University.

Both women will serve the 14 months remaining on the two-year terms of Dr. Roberto de la Cruz and Eddie Reeves, both of whom resigned in August. The board is responsible for setting policies for Parkland, the county's public hospital. It also approves the annual budget and hires the CEO. The board is also supervising the construction of the new $1.3 billion Parkland facility that will open in 2015.

Woods, who formerly worked for Children's Medical Center Dallas and the Nix Healthcare System in San Antonio, holds a doctorate in nursing administration from The University of Texas at Austin. Dobbs-Wiggins has operated a private psychiatric practice in Dallas since 1996. She holds a medical degree from Harvard Medical School. An ordained minister, she as an adjunct professor at the Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University. 

Texas 360 lane project with possible higher tolls nears approval

Motorists traveling between south Arlington and Mansfield may soon find traffic congestion mitigated - but at a price. Officials have announced that construction of Texas 360 main lanes on that route will be addressed during a Dec. 5 meeting of the Regional Transportation Council. The deal being considered would build main lanes in an area currently served only by constant slow traffic caused by motorists trying to access major highways from residential areas.

The main lanes would be operated by the North Texas Tollway Authority, and higher tolls are being considered for those lanes. The project will have to be approved by both the tollway authority and the Texas Department of Transportation. Tolls would be set higher in anticipation of realizing more revenue quicker.

The project will rely on a TxDOT loan of $300 million to the project, which would be repaid by the tollway authority using proceeds from tolls on the road. If toll proceeds are not sufficient to meet the 35 years of payments, the Regional Transportation Council will use its federal road funds to supplement the tolls, with its money to be repaid with interest.

Bellaire to begin planning on $16.5 million in bond projects

Bellaire City Manager Bernie Satterwhite (pictured) recently said that city officials will immediately begin planning for a new $11 million city hall/civic center and police and courts building approved by voters earlier this month.

The planning includes a focus on replacing the new facilities in their current locations and a look at the pros and cons of combining the facilities or separating them, Satterwhite said. City officials expect to seek requests for proposals for design and engineering for the city hall and police facilities in early 2014.

No timeline has been established for planning to begin for a $5 million park project or for $500,000 in upgrades at the Nature Discovery Center, also approved by voters.

Marshall ISD officials beginning talks on possible bond vote

Officials in the Marshall ISD are starting conversations regarding a possible upcoming bond election. The conversations began following a study on school campuses in the district and the need for improvements. School facilities in the district are aging, with the newest school a high school that was built in 1980. The last time a bond issue was passed in the district was 1988.

Superintendent Dr. Marc Smith (pictured) said the first discussions regarding a possible bond vote were held last month to look at the facilities review presented by architectural advisors. Another report is due next month. "We'll have our architecture advisors give us an update," Smith said. "We'll also hear from our financial advisors again. There we'll move from the initial big-picture idea towards a more tailor-made plan for our district."

The board has until the end of February to call a spring bond election next year. Smith pointed out that the average age of buildings in the district is 57 years.

Paris eyeing $3 million in upgrades in new master plan for parks

Paris city officials recently began creating a new master plan for parks, recreation and open space. The plan calls for renovations and upgrades to four city parks and building a spray ground at another city park in the next 10 years.

A consulting firm led the planning effort using surveys of residents, focus groups, public meetings and working with a citizens advisory committee. Residents indicated support for an indoor recreation center, small water parks, playgrounds and flower gardens. The next step is to hold another public hearing in December to reveal the new master plan.

Three of the 10 proposed projects included in the master plan for parks are renovating Wade Park in 2014, Leon Williams Park in 2016 and Culbertson Park in 2019 by adding spray grounds at two parks in addition to building new playgrounds, walking trails, adding landscaping and other amenities at all three parks. Those three proposed park upgrades alone are expected to cost about $500,000 each. 

Bonham ISD preparing to spend $3 million on capital improvements

Nineteen projects approved in October by the Bonham ISD school board and prioritized are expected to get under way soon after BISD is preparing for $3 million in capital improvement projects. Bids will be sought for the various projects.

One of the high-priority projects includes locks and air conditioning at the L.H. Rather Junior High. But, if construction projects cost more than budgeted, the priority list could change. BISH Superintendent Marvin Beaty (pictured) said he is confident the projects will serve the needs of the students. "Better facilities will increase the marketability of BISD and draw more families into our District," he said.

Other approved projects vying for funding will be resurfacing of the high school stadium, improvements to sports facilities, new band instruments for the high school, a new ag studies department barn and a new marquee for the high school. Taxes did not have to be raised to fund the projects.  

Kilgore partners with LeTourneau University for HR program

Kilgore city officials recently proposed a partnership with LeTourneau University to develop a new human resources management program for the city. City officials expect to pay the university $14,000 for study expenses for the project in which five students will work 20 hours per week and earn a three-credit internship.

The proposal calls for city staff members to work with LeTourneau faculty members and students for a semester to study human resource issues. They will then present recommendations to the city council to revise the city's performance appraisal system and develop a job analysis with job descriptions and specifications.

Council members also discussed buying a $16,000 software package designed to reduce costs while assisting staff in making decisions by providing accurate and timely human resources data.

Pflugerville approves $23.5 million water park project

Pflugerville city officials recently approved a public-private partnership to build a new $23.5 million water park expected to operate throughout the year. It will offer such features as kayaking, rafting and a ropes course in cooler weather.

Pflugerville Community Development Corporation officials agreed to borrow the funding to purchase the site and build the proposed 23-acre Hawaiian Falls Water Park in addition to contributing $125,000 to promote the water park over the next five years. The new park is expected to create about 20 full-time jobs with benefits and employ from 100 to 300 part-time workers, depending on the season, said a spokesperson for Horizon Family Holdings, which has developed water parks in several other cities. The city's community development corporation, however, will retain ownership of the park while the developer will lease and operate the water park.

Current estimates are that the water and adventure park, due to open in Spring 2014, will provide $700 million in increased property and sales tax revenue to the city and attract more hotels to the area over the next 30 years. The agreement also includes a $40,000 payment to move a historic home from the site to Heritage Park and for the developer to pay the development corporation about $100,000 a year in lieu of property taxes. The city also will be responsible for any remaining debt if the current developer pulls out of the project and also will be responsible for finding another company to operate the water and adventure park if the current company withdraws from the project. 

Irving selects Stopfer to serve on board of DART

Irving City Council members recently appointed Rick Stopfer (pictured), a former council member, as the city's representative to the board of Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART).

A retired automotive consultant, Stopfer also served as mayor pro tem in Irving. He replaced John Danish, who resigned from the board of DART after winning election to City Council.

Stopfer is appointed to a term expiring in 2015. He also was liaison for city council to the Dallas Regional Mobility Coalition, TEX 21 and the Regional Transportation Council.

Rockwall approves up to $100,000 to upgrade city swimming pool

The Rockwall City Council recently agreed to spend up to $100,000 to repair the community swimming pool at Harry Myers Park. Council members, however, declined to approve a more extensive renovation that had been recommended.

Current plans are to install a new pump, larger filters and new decking in the new filter area, according to Brad Griggs, the assistant city manager. City officials are working with a company based in Manor to produce a design concept for the pool renovations, Griggs said.

Dallas offers pay-by-phone parking to drivers with smartphones

Dallas city officials recently kicked off a new initiative to allow drivers with a smartphone to pay for metered parking using credit or debit rather than cash at the meter.

Motorists without a smartphone also will be permitted to open an account to pay for parking with a credit or debit cards, said Paul Curington, manager of parking enforcement for the city.

To assist motorists in avoiding parking fines, the pay-by-phone program also sends the driver a text message to warn that their meter will expire in five minutes to allow the drivers to extend their parking time using their smartphone, Curington said. The pay-by-phone parking program can be downloaded free using the smartphone application and supports IOS, Android and Blackberry or at paybyphone.com, he added. 

Highland Park ISD unveils new master plan to meet enrollment growth

Highland Park Independent School District officials recently unveiled the first draft of a master plan developed to address growing enrollment and to assist board members in deciding whether to schedule a bond election.

Enrollment in the district increased by 62 percent since 1990 and six of the district's seven campuses are at or above capacity, noted Superintendent Dawson Orr (pictured). The draft plan calls for classroom additions at all campuses and an option to build a new facility for kindergarten and early childhood programs that would require acquisition of land, Orr noted. Because the district is so small and high property values make it very difficult to buy land for new schools, another option is to expand each campus to allow seven classes per grade instead of six per grade.

The proposed draft plan also calls for adding 12 new classrooms at the intermediate school and 19 new classrooms at the middle school. At the high school, architects suggested adding 24 new classrooms and expanding space for fine arts programs and athletics. The plan suggests adding additional floors to buildings or building underground to expand facilities, Orr said.

Texas Council of HUBS to hold first seminar on Dec. 12

The Texas Council of HUBs (TCH), a newly formed nonprofit focused on helping historically underutilized businesses (HUBs) obtain government contracts, will holds its first seminar from 1 to 3 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 12 at the Texas State Capitol Auditorium. This seminar, "Strategies for Success in Competing for Texas Public Sector Business as a HUB," is offered free to members and non-members, although future seminars will be for members only. Speakers for the seminar include: Brian Rawson, former executive director and CIO of the Department of Information Resources (DIR) and former CIO for the Texas Education Agency; Paul Gibson, statewide HUB program manager, Texas Comptroller's Office; Dan Contreras, former director of ICT Cooperative Contracts at TIR and deputy executive director of the Texas Building and Procurement Commission; Glenn Hagler, Texas Department of Transportation Department HUB director; and Robert Hall, Texas Health and Human Services Commission HUB director. Seating is limited, so those planning to attend should RSVP to info@txhubcouncil.org with the number in your party attending, or telephone TCH at (512) 368-3915. For more information, contact Faye Nichols, executive director of TCH, at Faye.Nichols@txhubcouncil.org or at (512) 368-3915.

Leadership Fusion Summit opens Early Bird registration for event

Join together with inspirational leaders to impact higher learning and leadership in the 21st century at Leadership Fusion Summit 2014, Inspire. Lead. Transform. Discover engaging strategies that fuse rigorous instruction, motivation and achievement to produce transformational results that prepare students to excel at all levels of school, college and careers. This year's presenter line-up features nationally recognized experts on addressing underserved students, understanding student motivation and resilience and transforming challenging schools! Early bird registration ends Dec. 18. For more information on the Feb. 12. 2014 event, click here.

TSABAA planning annual Mid-Winter Conference in Kerrville

The 34th Texas State Agencies Business Administrators' Association (TSABAA) Mid-Winter Conference is set for Jan. 8-10, 2014, at the YO Ranch Hotel and Conference Center in Kerrville. Keynote speaker will be Jim Gentil (Mr. Positive), who will address "Pumping Up the Positive." Topics of discussion for the three-day event will be TINS "7" Number Conversion/CAPPS Governance and Update, Employee Assistance Programs, an Employees Retirement System of Texas update, How Health and Wellness Impact Work and Productivity and Succession Planning for an Aging/Retiring Workforce. There will also be a legislative panel discussion with representatives from the Governor's Office, Lt. Governor's Office, House Speaker's Office and the Legislative Budget Board. CPE credits are also available. The agenda and registration information are now available.

Four UT System institutions get funds, research incentives OK'd

Nearly $70 million in Permanent University Fund (PUF) money has been approved for four institutions of The University of Texas System institutions. The UT System regents approved the following:

• $50 million toward the first phase of a UT Southwestern Medical Center West Campus building project in Dallas, which when complete will include an 11-story, 275,000-square-foot facility, a high-tech simulation center and an expansion of the out-patient clinic;
• $10 million as a match to a challenge grant for UT Austin to design and build an annex to the Texas Advanced Computing Center;
• $9.6 million for capital support for a regional data center at UT Arlington and the UT MD Anderson Cancer Center.

Additionally, the regents approved beginning a program to increase research funding at the System's four comprehensive universities - UT Brownsville, UT Pan American, UT Permian Basin and UT Tyler. Regents authorized $1 million in PUF funds to begin the UT System Research Incentive Program. The funds will be used to augment gifts made to support research at the universities with a percentage match that does not exceed $250,000.

Brownwood ISD eyeing $618,000

for new turf, ag pavilion, new roof

Brownwood Independent School District trustees recently began consideration of a staff recommendation to spend $618,000 to install new turf at the high school stadium, build a new agriculture pavilion and install a new roof on a gymnasium.

Installation of the new turf is expected to cost about $430,000 and should be completed by February of next year, in time for the start of soccer season, said Kevin Gabaree (pictured), deputy superintendent. Small sections of the old turf may be reused at the agriculture show barn pavilion to be built by district employees at a cost of about $153,000, he said.

Funding for the three capital improvement projects would come from the district's $4.7 million fund balance, Gabaree said. Board members are expected to vote on whether to proceed with the projects at their board meeting on Dec. 9.

UT System OK's lease

of land in northwest Austin

More than 100 acres of land owned by The University of Texas will be leased for commercial development, following action Thursday of the UT System Board of Regents. The Austin American-Statesman reports that the land, located in northwest Austin, will be developed to include retail space, offices and apartments. To be called the Shops at Arbor Walk, the land is located next to the J.J. Pickle Research Center. Hines Interests LP will be the master developer for the development.

RFP issued for utilization

of Brackenridge campus

Central Health has issued a request for proposals for possible uses for the University Medical Center Brackenridge campus in Austin. Planning and development consulting firms are being sought to offer ideas for how the 14-acre campus can be utilized when the new Seton Healthcare Family's teaching hospital at the Dell Medical School campus opens. Proposals are due Jan. 2, 2014. View the RFP.

Lubbock seeking bids

for $37 million sewer project

The Lubbock City Council recently agreed to seek bids for a $37 million project to upgrade the Southeast Water Reclamation Plant to improve the removal of solid materials with a goal of recycling sewer water. Bids for the sewer plant project are due on Dec. 18. City officials expect to select a contractor for the project in February 2014.

The sewer plant improvement project is the third phase of a plan to be completed in four phases, according to Lubbock city officials. Current plans are to produce stream-quality effluent to be discharged into the north fork of the Double Mountain fork of the Brazos River for potential reuse.

Rosenberg taps Robert

Gracia as new city manager

Rosenberg City Council members recently selected Robert Gracia (pictured) as the new city manager effective on Nov. 19.

Currently the chief of police, Gracia has served as interim city manager and as an assistant city manager for public safety in 2003. He joined the city as a dispatcher in 1980 and became police chief in 1988. He has served as interim city manager on two previous occasions, the mayor noted.

Texas City ISD selects Miller

as new assistant superintendent

Texas City Independent School District officials recently selected Karin Miller as the new assistant superintendent of support services. She replaces Terri Watkins, who resigned to serve as superintendent for La Marque ISD.

Previously an assistant superintendent at Cleveland ISD and an administrator and teacher for Brazosport ISD and Arlington ISD, Miller has a bachelor's degree from Texas A&M University and a master's degree from the University of Houston-Clear Lake. She also earned certification as a principal and a superintendent.

Huntsville seeking bids for rehabilitation of water tanks

Bids are being sought by the city of Huntsville for construction rehabilitation of two half-million-gallon water tanks. One of the tanks is an elevated tank and one is a ground tank. The biggest portion of the project will be replacing the protective coating systems of the interior and exterior of both of the structures. Other work on the interior and exterior of the tanks is also planned. The estimated cost of the rehabilitation of the two tanks is about $700,000.

Sealed bids will be accepted until Nov. 20, with separate bid packages for the two tanks. One tank is expected to be completed in 60-75 days and the other in 120 to 140 days. The rehabilitation is needed to ensure water quality.

Greenwood ISD taps Ariel

Elliott as superintendent

Greenwood Independent School District board members recently tapped Ariel Elliott (pictured) as superintendent.

A 21-year employee of the school district, Elliott began his career as a teacher and coach. He agreed to serve as interim superintendent following the resignation of former Superintendent Doug Young.

Elliott earned a bachelor's degree from Sul Ross State University and a master's degree from the University of Texas-Permian Basin.

Arlington, Dallas County win

honors for natural gas vehicles

Railroad Commissioner David Porter recently honored the city of Arlington and Dallas County for their use of vehicles powered by natural gas. The commissioner cited cost savings, less pollution and quieter operation as the benefits of using natural gas vehicles. So far, the commission has received 35 applications for more refueling infrastructure to serve vehicles that operate with natural gas, Porter said.

Arlington, which operate six city-owned natural gas vehicles and contracts with a company operating 39 trash trucks fueled by natural gas, also received a $20,805 grant to repay the city for three of the natural gas vehicles through the Texas Railroad Commission.

Dallas County, which operates 15 vehicles using natural gas, received a check for $39,600 to be used to buy three new pickup trucks powered by natural gas.

Marlin to seek bids for next

phase of sewer, water projects

Marlin City Manager William McDonald recently told City Council members that he expects to seek bids soon and begin work in April 2014 to upgrade water meters in conjunction with a project to replace water lines along 14 streets.

City officials are using performance-based contracting for the water and sewer projects so that the expertise of the companies bidding for the water meter/sewer line project is considered along with the cost of the bid, McDonald said. Once city officials decide on which requirements to place on the bids for the water meter project and new billing software, Texas Water Development Board officials also must approve the specifications for the bid request. That agency is providing a loan to pay for the water and sewer upgrades, McDonald said.

The engineering consultant said he expects to provide some recommendations on bid specifications, such as the addition of an alert to warn customers of abnormal water usage later this month.

Obregon resigns as interim superintendent at San Benito ISD

Interim Superintendent Alfonso Obregon (pictured) recently resigned from his post at San Benito Independent School District. He also urged trustees to appoint Celeste Sanchez, an assistant superintendent, to replace him when his resignation becomes effective on Nov. 27.

Obregon had agreed to serve three months as interim superintendent when he joined the district in May 2013 and then agreed to a three-month contract extension in August. While recommending Sanchez, Obregon noted she had gained his respect with her ability to handle daily operations. He said her appointment would save money because the district no longer would be paying his salary.

Sanchez has served as an assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction for the San Benito district since 1998. She previously was an assistant superintendent at Edgewood ISD.

Houston could share in

$1 million as competition finalist

The city of Houston is among 13 cities named as US2020 City Competition finalists from 52 applicants nationwide.  The US2020 City Competition supports the role of cities as innovators in efforts to build Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) mentoring capacity at the local level. The first round of applicants represented more than 500 organizations, including nonprofits, school districts and businesses from 29 states. 

"The honor reflects the work we've been doing to engage diverse groups of stakeholders to promote education in the sciences, technology, engineering and math," said Mayor Annise Parker. "Ultimately, our goal is to create a pipeline for Houston's future STEM workforce."

The finalists will join peers and STEM experts in Boston for "Ideas Camp" in early December. During that time, teams will devise concept implementation plans and collaborate with experts and peers to refine their strategies.  Applications for the second round of the competition are due in January and winning cities will be announced in February.  The winners will share nearly $1 million in resources from US2020. 

City of Austin names three

finalists for innovation officer

Three finalists have been named for the post of Chief Innovation Officer for the city of Austin. They include Jon Kolko, vice president of Production Innovation and Design at MyEdu and founder and director of the Austin Center for Design; Doug Matthews, chief communications director, Office of the City Manager at the city of Austin; and Kerry O'Connor, Innovation Catalyst, Research and Design Center, Executive Secretariat, Office of the Secretary, U.S. Department of State.

While the new city position will work across city departments, the CINO will also work to establish relationships with universities, members of the community and businesses and representatives of the technology field.

City residents can participate in a meet-and-greet with the finalists on Nov. 18. Once named, the CINO will report to the city manager.

Plano appoints Jack Carr

as director of engineering

Plano city officials recently appointed Jack Carr (pictured) as the new director of engineering. Effective on Dec. 2, Carr will manage the engineering department, which includes design, construction, operations and maintenance of all city facilities.

Carr will report to Deputy City Manager Frank Turner and will manage private development projects and transportation systems. He joined the city of McKinney in 1980 and became director of engineering in 1985, serving 33 years with the city.

A licensed professional engineer since 1985, Carr holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Illinois.

HISD board agrees to sell high

school campus for $60 million

The Board of Education for the Houston ISD Thursday approved the sale of the district's campus that includes the High School for Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice. The campus was sold to St. Thomas High School for $60 million.

As promised to voters, HISD officials plan to build a new High School for Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice using funds from the sale of land and/or any surplus bond dollars. A location for the new campus has not yet been determined.

Richardson wins 2013 Working

for Clean Air Award from NTC

Richardson city officials recently won the 2013 Working for Clean Air Award in the best large fleet category for outstanding efforts to reduce emissions in city vehicles.

The North Texas Commission (NTC) administers the Working for Clear Air Awards program, recognizes governmental entities, nonprofit groups, universities and business for efforts to improve regional air quality. The announcement came at a reception held at the Corporate Aviation Facility at DFW International Airport.

While NTC received 25 applications for the Clean Air Award, Richardson was one of two cities in the Metroplex to receive the Clean Air Award.

• J.D. Jacobs, Jr. of Rockwall, Sabine River Authority Board of Directors;
• David Koonce of Center, Sabine River Authority Board of Directors;
• Clarence "Earl" Williams of Orange, Sabine River Authority Board of Directors;
• Leanne Johnson of Beaumont, justice of the Ninth Court of Appeals

Lockhart ISD Board hears

task force recommendations

(EDITOR'S NOTE: In the Nov. 8 edition of The Texas Government Insider, we erroneously reported that a task force recommended a bond election in the Lockhart ISD. The task force recommended renovation of the high school. Below is a corrected version of the story. We regret the error.)

Members of the Facilities Review Task Force of Lockhart Independent School District recently urged trustees to build a new elementary school, renovate the current high school and undertake capital improvement projects at all other campuses. Additionally, the task force recommended possible land purchases for future schools. The Task Force also discussed the feasibility of relocating the high school into the more modern campus of Lockhart Junior High School and using the former high school as a junior high school, but there was more support for renovating the current high school instead.

The LISD Board also heard a presentation from the Texas Association of School Boards regarding the possibility of calling a bond issue, how it would be promoted and other issues related to bond referendums. The board took no action on either issue, but will meet later this month to formally consider and/or accept the Task Force recommendations, according to LISD Superintendent Jose Parra.