Texas Government Insider
Volume 11, Issue 44 - Friday, Nov. 8, 2013

Texas voters approve $3.92 billion in bond issues throughout state

 

Millions of dollars' in contracting opportunities will result from referendums

Bond Construction
Many construction projects will begin soon as part of the $3.92 billion in bond issues that passed throghout the state Tuesday.

Voters in cities, counties, community college districts, hospital and other special districts Tuesday approved $3.92 billion in bond issues throughout the state. Of the 92 bond issues totaling $5.26 billion that were held in every corner of the state, 62 passed, representing a 75 percent pass rate.

 

These bond issues include projects such as new construction and renovations in public school districts and technology and security upgrades. Cities and counties approved bond votes that will provide for road projects, public safety buildings and restoration of public buildings. Bonds will also pay for new and renovated health care facilities.

 

Two important issues were decided in metropolitan areas. Voters in Austin passed a $65 million bond issue for affordable housing, just a year after an affordable housing proposition was the only proposition to fail in the city. And in Harris County, a $217 million bond proposal that would have spared the "Eighth Wonder of the World" - the Houston Astrodome - and converted it to a convention and exhibit hall was defeated.

 

The more than 60 bond issues that passed will result in millions of dollars' worth of contracting opportunities for private-sector firms of all sizes. And those issues that failed could be prime opportunities for public-private partnerships, as many of the entities with failed bond issues will be looking for other revenue sources.

 

Strategic Partnerships Inc. is offering for sale its 2013 Bond Package, that includes all of the bond issues held, which ones passed and a detailed description of the projects that will result from those bond proceeds. The document also includes a preview of the millions of dollars' worth of bond issues being talked about for 2014 and beyond. This document is available for sale now.

 

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State voters overwhelmingly pass Prop. 6 aimed at state water needs

WaterTexas voters this week took the first step toward financing for much-needed water-related projects statewide that will help Texas deal with serious water needs. The goal is to provide enough water to meet the state's needs over the next five decades. Passage of Proposition 6 on the Tuesday ballot will allow the state to take $2 billion from its rainy day fund to create a low-interest loan fund. Loans will be made from the fund to help defray the costs of projects in the State Water Plan. And, as loans are paid back, the fund will be replenished and can be used for future projects. Some experts predict the initial $2 billion investment could fund as much as $25 billion in projects over the next 50 years.

 

The next step for the program will take some time, but there will be ample of that, as the actual appropriation of loan is not scheduled until 2015. Prior to that time, the projects in the State Water Plan will be prioritized. These projects include issues such as conservation and reuse projects, desalination projects, new pipelines, reservoirs and more. The funds will be managed by the Texas Water Development Board.

 

According to the 2012 State Water Plan, 83 million acre feet of additional water supply will be needed in the state by 2060. Municipal water providers in the state are expected to need nearly $27 billion in state financial assistance to implement recommendations in the plan.  

 

 Strategic Partnerships salutes Texas' Lone Stars

 

Ronnie McDonaldRonnie McDonald, Executive Director of Community Relations and Strategic Partnerships, TAMU AgriLife Extension Service

 

Career highlights and education:  After graduating from Texas A&M University, I served five years as an executive assistant to then-Texas Comptroller John Sharp, helping to develop and oversee the Family Pathfinders program. Recognized with the Points of Light award and cited by Presidents Clinton and Bush, the program connected mothers with churches and other groups for support in transitioning from welfare.  In 1998, at age 27, I was sworn in as the first African-American commissioner's court judge of Bastrop County. As a motivational speaker, I've presented at churches, high schools and service organizations across the state of Texas, focusing on empowerment and excellence in academia, business, politics, character and religion. Since earlier in 2013, in my current position, I've worked primarily with the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and Texas A&M Forest Service.

What I like best about my job is: The ability to work directly with communities to help build better foundations for economic health and growth.

The best advice I've received for my current job is:  Always look for the best in individuals.
 
Advice you would give a new hire in your office:  You are only as strong as the people around you. "Build teamwork."

If I ever snuck out of work early, I could probably be found: with my family

People would be surprised to know that I: was a yell leader at Texas A&M (1991-1993), the first African-American elected.
  
One thing I wish more people knew about my agency: The service and extension education programs of Texas A&M AgriLife reach into every county of the state, directing trusted research and local educators to address the needs of Texas residents and their communities.
  

Texas cancer agency looking at Roberts for new executive director

Wayne Roberts After serving as interim executive director during an investigation into mishandling of $11 million in cancer research funds, Wayne Roberts (pictured) looks to be the favorite for executive director of the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute (CPRIT) of Texas. The agency is charged with overseeing about $3 billion in funding to fight cancer.

 

Roberts, who previously was budget director for the governor, became the interim executive director of CPRIT in December 2012 after executives in charge of the agency resigned when prosecutors began investigation allegations of grants improperly awarded and questionable spending. While the investigation is still under way, the governor, lieutenant governor and speaker of the Texas House of Representatives lifted the almost yearlong moratorium on the agency awarding grants to cancer researchers. Roberts credited a higher level of transparency, improved processes and more accountability to taxpayers for the decision to lift the moratorium on awarding grants, Roberts said. 

  

"The agency has taken action to implement all 41 of the State Auditor's January 2013 recommendations," Roberts added.

 

TEF investment in Oracle will mean Austin expansion

An expansion by Oracle of its Austin operations is expected to add office space and create 200 jobs. The company expansion was facilitated in part by a $1 million investment from the state through the Texas Enterprise Fund (TEF). As a result, the company plans to invest $5.4 million in the project.

 

"We are expanding our presence in Texas because we've been impressed with the quality workforce and growth opportunities here," said Oracle Vice President of Real Estate and Facilities Randy Smith. "With this new investment we will be better equipped to meet customer demand while bringing new technology jobs to the state of Texas."           

 

Oracle provides hardware and software engineered to work together to meet customer business needs. The company employs workers throughout Texas, including many based in Austin, in sales, marketing, management, data center operations and software development roles. Sales and marketing personnel will be added to Oracle's Austin workforce as a result of the expansion.

 

State sales tax revenues boosted by telecommunications sector

DishForty-three consecutive months...that's how long state sales tax revenue has increased in Texas. State Comptroller Susan Combs this week announced that October state sales tax revenue was up $2.14 billion, 5.4 percent higher than October 2012 and the 43rd consecutive month for an increase.

 

Combs said October figures were led by collections from the telecommunications sector and by significant gains in the construction sector. As a result, cities, counties, transit systems and special purpose taxing districts in Texas will share $654.6 million as November payment for their share of the tax revenues, up 7 percent over what they received collectively compared to November 2012.

 

Cities in Texas will share $431.9 million, up 6.8 percent from November of last year. Counties will share $41 million, up 2.4 percent over 2012 November figures. Transit system saw their revenues increase 8.1 percent over last November figures, sharing $147 million, and special purposed taxing districts will share $34.7 million, up 7 percent from last November's amount. The allocations may be viewed by city and by county

 

Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX)

 

Tyler Junior College approves new dorm, energy center

Tyler Junior College officials recently approved a contract with the Smith Group to build a new dorm to house 250 students and to expand the Energy Center at the West Campus of TJC.

 

City officials in Tyler and the Tyler Economic Development Council each provided $550,000 in funding to expand the Energy Center that provides skills training needed by employers in the area, noted Dr. Mike Metke, president of the college.

 

TCC adds Jackson, Leffler to Southeast campus administration

Zena JacksonLyvier_LefflerZena Jackson, Ph.D. (left) and Lyvier Leffler, Ph.D. (right) have been added to the administration of Tarrant County College's (TCC) Southeast campus. Jackson will take on the role of vice president of academic affairs and Leffler is the new vice president of student development services.

 

In her new role, Jackson is responsible for fostering and sustaining an academic culture that promotes collaboration, innovation and excellence in teaching and learning. She also will participate in teaching and learning policy and program review. Jackson comes to TCC from Dallas County Community College District's North Lake College, where she most recently served as executive dean of liberal arts. During her 28-year DCCCD career, she also held the positions of director of the career center and the adult center, as technical dean and instructional dean of business at North Lake and as interim vice president of instruction at Eastfield College. Jackson holds a bachelor's degree and Ph.D. from the University of North Texas and a master's degree from The University of Texas at Arlington.

 

As vice president of student development services, Leffler provides administrative leadership and creates and coordinates a system of programs and services designed to support student success and retention while working with the campus president to ensure effective campus services. She comes to TCC from Indian Hills Community College in Ottumwa, Iowa, where she served in various roles, including dean of academic services, associate dean of academic and student services, department chair of Housing and Counseling Services and as director of counseling services. Leffler holds a bachelor's degree and Ph.D. from Iowa State University and a master's from the University of Houston-Clear Lake.

 

UT investment group approves 8 percent pay increase

The University of Texas Investment Management Co. (UTIMCO) board members recently approved an 8 percent raise for investment staff. UTIMCO is a private nonprofit company created to manage investments of about $30 million to benefit The University of Texas and the Texas A&M systems.

 

Board members also approved a 9 percent raise for Bruce Zimmerman, the chief executive officer whose salary is now $655,000 a year. A recent salary survey indicated that salaries at UTIMCO are less than investment staff at other large universities, Zimmerman said.

 

Regents for the UT System, who approve the annual budget for UTIMCO, are expected to vote on the proposed salary increases on Nov. 13. UTIMCO staff members also are eligible to receive bonuses each year based on the return on the investments that are calculated in December following final reports on investment results.

 

 

Texas Woman's University allots $1.5 million to renovate dorms

Texas Woman's University regents recently approved $1.5 million to renovate two residence halls, Guinn and Stark halls.

 

Current plans call for officials to seek bids for the two projects and begin renovating rooms on five to seven floors of the residence halls in May, said Richard Nicholas, vice president of student life at TWU.

 

From five to seven floors are set to be renovated this summer by replacing floors, removing built-in furniture, refinishing walls and upgrading lighting, depending on the cost of the remodeling effort. The college was able to renovate three floors in Guinn Hall this past summer, Nicholas said, but about a dozen floors still need renovations. Those renovations must be phased in because some residence halls are partially occupied during summer semesters, he said.

 

University of North Texas taps Schultz as associate vice president

David SchultzUniversity of North Texas (UNT) officials recently selected Dr. David Schultz (pictured) as the new associate vice president for research and economic development.

 

Currently chair of the Department of Physics, Schultz joined UNT in 2011 after working as a researcher and research manager for the Oak Ridge National Laboratory. His areas of research include atomic, molecular and optical physics, plasma science and astrophysics.

 

In addition to helping faculty and staff in research, academics and economic development pursuits, Schultz also will oversee shared research facilities including the Center for Advanced Research and Technology at Discovery Park.

 

Texas Emerging Technology fund awards $1 million to CANES

Officials of the Texas Emerging Technology Fund (TETF) recently awarded $1 million to the Center for the Advancement of Non-Metallics in Energy Sectors (CANES).

 

A collaboration involving Texas A&M University, the Consortium for Advancing Performance Polymers in Energy Applications at the Texas A&M Polymer Technology Center and Clement Materials Technology Hitchin, CANES is exploring research and commercial developments of high-performance polymers in energy sector applications.

 

The grant will allow CANES to ensure that all members of the consortium have access to the latest cutting-edge technology research into high-performance polymers, such as recent applications used in off-shore energy projects exposed to extremes in pressure or temperature. Researchers also plan to identify non-metallic, non-corrosive materials to use in extreme conditions to ensure that Texas keeps pace with increasing technical demands in the energy sector, said Dr. Tim Bremner, chair of the board for CANES.

 

Gemini Global Group

Austin Community College selects architect for mall renovation

Austin Community College regents recently selected an Austin-based architecture firm, O'Connell Robertson & Associates, to finalize the master plan to renovate a former shopping mall into a new campus that will also feature housing and retail stores.

 

The four architects submitted statements of qualification, but did not submit initial plans or concepts for transforming the 1.2-million-square-foot shopping mall into an academic facility in addition to creating residential office and retail space at the site. Regents expect to negotiate the cost of the master plan this month with the plan to be completed by June 2014, according to ACC officials. 

 

Cibolo to request $16.4 million in federal funds to extend FM1103

Robert HerreraCibolo city officials recently agreed to request $16.4 million in federal funding from the San Antonio-Bexar County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) to help fund a $24 million project to extend FM1103.

 

MPO officials expect to have $55 million in federal funds available for regional road projects such as extending FM1103, a joint project between the city and the Texas Department of Transportation, City Manager Robert Herrera (pictured) said.

 

If MPO funding becomes available, plans call for the city to pay 11 percent, or about $2.6 million, of the project cost, in addition to paying for acquisition of right-of-way, Herrera said.

 

City of El Paso to post bid packets, information online

The City of El Paso is now posting bid packets for construction projects online. These documents that describe specifications and requirements to bid on city construction projects were previously only available to would-be bidders who personally picked them up at city offices.

 

The information will now be available on the city's Web sites. Users will have to create a user name and password to begin accessing the information. Officials say that in the past, the Web site did not have enough space for posting the voluminous documents. Now that the information will be available online, city officials are hopeful more contractors will compete for and participate in city construction projects. 

 

Bexar County allots $3 million for medical center in San Antonio

Pat DeGiovanniBexar County commissioners recently approved $3 million in economic development grants to the University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) to help pay for a new downtown medical center. UIW officials expect to spend about $25 million of their own funds on the medical center project.

 

The $3 million from the county will be paid over a six-year period to UIW, which is required to spend the money for economic development and job creation related to the medical center.

 

UIW is working with a health magnet school operated by the San Antonio Independent School District and located adjacent to the medical center, noted Pat DeGiovanni (pictured) of CENTRO San Antonio.

 

Contracting Opportunities

 

Grady ISD eyeing four options for bond election in 2014

Trustees for Grady Independent School District recently kicked off a series of meetings to gain public input on four options for bond proposals ranging from $8 million to $29 million to upgrade facilities and enhance safety and technology.

 

Superintendent Leandro Gonzales outlined the four options for the bond proposal that ranged from $8 million to remodel some facilities to a more ambitious plan with a $29 million option to demolish some facilities and build new facilities. The superintendent also said the bond could include about $1 million to renovate and expand teacher housing for the district. 

 

Loan approved for second causeway to S. Padre Island

Pete SepulvedaThe Cameron County Regional Mobility Authority (CCRMA) was recently awarded $10 million in loans following approval by the Texas Transportation Commission. The money will be used toward a second causeway project in Cameron County to provide another vehicle access point to South Padre Island.

 

The loans include a $5 million financial assistance request from the CCRMA for pre-development environmental studies, design, legal services and other development costs for the Outer Parkway project. That highway is expected to be a toll road beginning at I-69E/Expressway 77 north of Harlingen and then headed east to connect with the second planned causeway.

 

Additionally, a $5.1 million CCRMA request for funding will provide for the study and development of the Second Causeway Project. "They are two different projects," said CCRMA Coordinator Pete Sepulveda Jr. (pictured), "but the funds will allow us to review and complete the environmental process in the same timeframe for clearance on the causeway. The two different projects go hand in hand."

 

Pinehurst agrees to replace bridge, but delay sewer upgrades

After receiving bids for capital improvement projects higher than budgeted, Pinehurst City Council members recently agreed to move forward with replacing Lexington Street Bridge, but to delay planned upgrades to sewer lift stations.

 

City staff recommended council approve the bridge replacement project and wait on approving the sewer project because city officials are seeking additional grant funds to help pay for those upgrades and expect to receive that additional funding, said Joe Parkhurst, the city administrator. 

 

 

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Dozens of public-sector jobs available. New jobs added this week: Purchaser V with State Comptroller, Telecom Billing Analyst in Fort Bend County and more. 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

 

Amarillo to partner in $69.3 million convention center hotel project

Directors of the Local Government Corp. of Amarillo recently selected a master developer, Wallace Baijali Development Partners, to manage an estimated $69.3 million public-private project to build a new downtown convention center hotel.

 

Current plans call for building the new convention center hotel to be part of the first phase of a $113 million plan to develop a convention hotel on city-owned land located across from city hall. City Commissioners also have charged the Local Government Corporation with overseeing construction of a new parking garage with retail space and a ballpark able to host other outdoor events in their effort to upgrade the downtown area of the city.

 

Clint ISD downsizes office staff to invest $1 million for smaller classes

Juan MartinezSuperintendent Juan Martinez (pictured) of Clint Independent School District recently announced plans to invest $1 million to reduce class sizes and provide a better learning experience for students.

 

To fund the initiative, Martinez downsized the number of central office employees and staff in other departments and, in some cases, reassigned those employees to campuses.

 

When Martinez became superintendent, he told trustees his goal was to reduce class sizes throughout the district, after learning that the middle school had already exceeded 30 students per class. The ratio for classrooms now is 22 students or fewer for each teacher, he said. The district also was able to add a new counselor to help the one counselor at the middle school, who previously was responsible for assisting 800 students, Martinez said.

 

Austin ISD plan to build new sports field on parking lot wins support

Sunset Valley City Council members recently approved a preliminary site plan submitted by Austin Independent School District to build a new multi-purpose sports field on the parking lot of Toney Burger Center. While this vote allows the sports field project to move forward with final site design plans, council members also will need to approve the final site plan prior to work on the sports field beginning.

 

Current plans are to relocate 60 buses from the current bus facility to make room for a stadium with bleacher seating for 800, artificial turf, a press box, landscaping, fencing, restrooms and a concession stand. Voters in 2004 approved bonds to pay for the sports field project designed to host soccer games and tournaments, football games and lacrosse games.

 

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Williamson County officials agree to simplify bid process

Williamson County commissioners recently instructed the head of the purchasing department to begin work to simplify the bid process for county projects.

 

Bob Space, the purchasing agent, provided commissioners with a prototype of a shortened bidding packet. He said he also has plans to further decrease paperwork with a new, three-step bid process in which interested companies would first submit a cost estimate, but would not submit other documents such as proof of insurance until the second stage.

 

The goal is to develop an improved, user-friendly bid process that should save costs for companies bidding for county projects, which could result in better and lower bids for those projects, Space said.

 

Tarrant County permits Arlington to retain $4.5 million for road project

Keith MeltonTarrant County commissioners recently voted to allow Arlington to retain $4.5 million in bond funding to widen Stadium Drive in spite of a decision to omit an expensive underpass at a rail crossing near AT&T Stadium.

 

Arlington city officials had planned to widen Stadium Drive from four lanes to six between Abram and Division streets and build an underpass to ease traffic congestion, reduce air pollution and alleviate the risk of collisions between trains and vehicles.

 

After Union Pacific requested a wider railroad bridge that would have increased the cost of the project by $5 million, city officials decided to complete the project with at-grade improvements such as enhanced railroad signal arms at a cost of about $13.3 million. Work on the road-widening project is set to begin in summer 2014, said Keith Melton (pictured), the public works director.

 

Lockhart group urges school district to hold bond election next year

Members of the Facilities Review Task Force of Lockhart Independent School District recently urged trustees to schedule a bond election as early as next year to renovate and update existing facilities and possibly build a new elementary school.

 

Task force members also recommended an extensive renovation of Lockhart High School or studying 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.

 

Following the presentation by task force members and a presentation on how to best promote a bond election, trustees agreed to move forward with efforts to determine the feasibility of asking voters to approve bonds to upgrade district facilities as early as next year.

 

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El Paso County to build new satellite office on east side

El Paso County commissioners recently approved plans to build a new 18,000-square-foot satellite office on the east side to provide marriage licenses, death certificates, birth certificates and other county services for residents of that area. County officials budgeted $3.2 million for the project from the proceeds of a bond proposal and plan to build a similar satellite office in the western area of the county.

 

Current plans call for construction on the east side office annex to break ground in February 2014 and be completed in fall 2014, according to Ernie Carrizal, the director of public works. The new county annex also will have a community room for public meetings in addition to providing office space for a justice of the peace, a constable and the clerk's office, he said.  

Eanes ISD delays decision to appoint bond advisory committee

Eanes Independent School District trustees recently delayed a vote on whether to create a bond advisory committee. The action followed a long discussion on who should serve on the committee to help determine whether to schedule a bond election in 2014 and which projects to include in the bond proposal.

 

District staff members expressed support for appointing the architects, parents, students, teachers and principals who had worked eight months to create a 10-year master plan. Because these planners already are knowledgeable about the issues, appointing a bond advisory committee without those planners could cause the district to fail to meet the 2014 deadline, noted Superintendent Nola Wellman, who suggested that the committee be comprised of about 90 percent who helped draft the master plan and 10 percent new members.

 

One board member, however, argued that those involved in developing the master plan could be too invested in that plan and hesitate in questioning projects. Trustees then agreed to table action on appointing a bond advisory committee until the next regular board meeting. 

Waelder to seek loan to build new fire department facility

Waelder City Council members recently voted to apply for a $256,800 bank loan to help pay for a new fire department facility expected to cost about $321,000.

 

Bank officials agreed to waive a $2,580 fee for originating the loan and to help city officials apply for a $25,000 federal grant to help fund the new fire department building. The new facility is needed to house vehicles and equipment now kept outside and exposed to damage, according to the fire chief.

 

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.

 

Defense Energy Summit planned in Austin for November 11-13

The 2013 Defense Energy Summit, aimed at accelerating the discovery, development and deployment of new energy and infrastructure solutions for installations and operational branches of the United States military, is planned for Nov. 11-13 in Austin, Texas. It features the nation's energy, business and defense leadership as they focus on the foundation for a new Defense Energy Center of Excellence. The summit's focus will center on this proposed initiative and how to accelerate clean energy and infrastructure solutions for the Department of Defense. Among the keynote speakers will be William Bryan, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Infrastructure, Security and Energy Restoration, U.S. Department of Energy; Joseph Kopser, chair, Defense Energy Summit; and Sharon Burke, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Operational Energy Plans and Programs, U.S. Department of Defense. The summit delivers the entire defense energy ecosystem, focusing on the needs and solutions of energy providers, project finance sources, early stage companies, defense contractors, military installations and purchasing agents. The agenda is available and registration is now open. To learn more about the Defense Energy Summit or the Defense Energy Center(s) of Excellence Initiative, please contact Jennifer Rocha at jrocha@techconnect.org. For support and sponsorship interests please contact Chris Erb at cerb@techconnect.org.

 

Free contracting conference for SMWVBs planned in San Antonio
The 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 at rwatson@bexar.org or by calling 210-335-2478. The agenda is available and registration is now open.
  
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!
  
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.

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Texans want, expect good roads

 

By Mary Scott Nabers, CEO of Strategic Partnerships, Inc.

 

Every state in America has critical needs related to roadway repair and expansion. Texas is no exception.

 

Transportation needs are not new and state leaders are gravely concerned. But, the funding needed to adequately maintain and expand many Texas highways is simply not available. And, the severity of the problem increases each year.

 

More than 60 years ago, Congress established a fund known as the Highway Trust Fund. It was designed to provide funding for the network of America's interstate highways. The federal-state partnership has always been funded by a federal gasoline tax, a pay-at-the-pump fee that motorists remit when purchasing gasoline in any state.

 

The fund is still in existence, but the tax rate levied on motorists has not increased in the last 20 years. And, with more efficient vehicles and fewer motorists on the roads, funding is far from adequate today. It can no longer cover the cost of upkeep for the network of America's interstate highways.

 

Most of the initial interstate roadways were designed with a life expectancy of 50 years. We are a decade beyond that now and many highways will need total reconstruction soon. According to a recent Reason Foundation report, the interstate highway system handles 25 percent of all vehicle miles traveled. Should some of the roadways become obsolete or unsafe enough for vehicles, transportation in America will be impacted in a most negative way. Government leaders are scrambling to find remedies.

 

The Reason Foundation study analyzes the cost of reconstruction and assigns a cost estimate on corridors that need to be widened. Reconstruction costs are estimated at $589 billion and lane additions are estimated at $394 billion. The total cost is a staggering $983 billion.

  
  
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Collaboration Nation

Fredericksburg ISD pondering

$1.6 million agriculture barn

Fredericksburg Independent School District trustees expect to decide soon whether to spend $1.6 million for a new agriculture barn and $1.2 million to buy synthetic turf for the stadium and add a new track lane.

 

At their next meeting, board members are expected to approve the purchase of a 3.5-acre lot two blocks south of the high school to locate the new barn that will be used to house show animals and expand the Future Farmers of America program. Enrollment in the agriculture program at the school district has increased from 87 students to 400 students in the last three years, district officials said.

 

Trustees also are expected to approve upgrades to the football stadium at their next scheduled meeting on Nov. 11.

Alice Owen chosen to lead

Texas K-12 CTO Council

Alice OwenDr. Alice Owen (pictured), recently retired from Irving ISD's Division Director of Technology, has been named executive director of the Texas K-12 CTO Council, a statewide nonprofit organization comprised of school district technology leaders. Owen was one of the founding officers of the Texas K-12 CTO Council and served as secretary and chair for the organization. She began her duties as executive director on Nov. 1.

 

The primary purpose of the Texas K-12 CTO Council is to assist Texas K-12 school districts in understanding how to plan for the use and successful implementation of information technology in Texas school districts and to advocate for district technology needs to improve student learning. The Texas K-12 CTO Council was organized in 2003 as the first state chapter of the Consortium for School Networking (CoSN) and is comprised of chief technology officers in school districts from around the state.

 

Owen joins the organization after spending 38 years in public education. She holds bachelor's and master's degrees from Austin College in Sherman and a Ph.D. from the University of North Texas.

 


Burk to retire as county clerk

in Anderson County

Wanda BurkAnderson County Clerk Wanda Burk (pictured) recently announced she plans to retire at the end of this year. Burk, who worked 20 years for the county, served as county clerk for nine years after being appointed to that post in 2004. She previously was secretary to a former county judge and an employee in the office of the county auditor and in the office of the county clerk. Burk also was a city secretary in Elkhart prior to joining Anderson County.

Roberts, Blackketter named

to new posts with city of Galveston

Galveston City Council members recently selected Jon Roberts as the new deputy city manager and Ross Blackketter as the new city engineer.

 

Roberts, who previously served as city manager in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, and as city manager and city engineer in Victorville, California, will oversee the city's public works and utilities departments in efforts to complete recovery from Hurricane Ike. He has a bachelor's degree from California State Polytechnic University.

 

Blackketter previously was director of public works in Port Arthur and also was employed several years for engineering projects in the private and public sectors. He has a bachelor's degree from Texas A&M University.

Weaver joins Prosper Economic Development Corporation

Garrett WeaverA former real estate manager at national housewares retailer Tuesday Morning, Inc. has joined the staff of the Prosper Economic Development Corporation (PEDC). Garrett Weaver (pictured), recently joined the PEDC as economic development specialist. Executive Director Robert Winningham said the addition of Weaver will provide PEDC with better analysis of contract development and a sharpening of the organization's negotiation posture.

 

In his last position with Tuesday Morning, Weaver was responsible for managing and overseeing the company's decisions for more than 200 locations on the West Coast and the Northeast. Before taking his position as legal analyst with Tuesday Morning, Weaver served the company as development coordinator.  

A former intern with the Allen Economic Development Corp., Weaver holds a bachelor's degree from Texas Christian University.

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La Vernia ISD selects Bettin

as interim superintendent

Linda BettinTrustees for La Vernia Independent School District recently appointed Linda Bettin (pictured) as the interim superintendent to replace Dr. Tom Harvey, who retired in October.

 

A former assistant principal for the La Vernia school district, Bettin also was superintendent for Falls City ISD before she retired.

 

Bettin has a bachelor's degree and a master's degree from Texas State University and is certified as a superintendent.

Hondo ISD taps A'Lann Truelock

as its new superintendent

Hondo Independent School District trustees recently selected A'Lann Truelock as the new superintendent.

 

Previously an assistant superintendent at Johnson ISD, Truelock replaced Clay Rosenbaum, the former superintendent who left that district in June and now serves as an assistant superintendent at Floresville ISD. Ann Dixon has served as interim superintendent for Hondo ISD since June.

League City officials select Baumgartner acting city manager

John BaumgartnerCouncil members in League City recently selected John Baumgartner (pictured) as the acting city manager to replace former City Manager Mike Loftin, who resigned last week.

 

Previously the deputy city manager, Baumgartner joined the city in August 2012 where he oversaw administration and operation of the public works department.

 

Baumgartner, who is a registered professional engineer in Texas, has a bachelor's degree from the University of Idaho and attended the Public Executive Institute IX at the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs.

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Willow Fork Drainage District

taps Arceneaux as park director

The board of the Willow Fork Drainage District recently tapped Yvonne Arceneaux as the new parks director for the district.

 

Her duties include overseeing and organizing about 200 events held throughout the year at Central Green in addition to managing marketing, public relations and programming for future park projects for the drainage district, which owns the multipurpose public venue that includes an outdoor stage, large trees and seating along with retail shops and restaurants.

 

Arceneaux previously was director of business development for the Amobi Okoye Foundation and is a member of the Katy Area Chamber of Commerce and INHOUSTON Katy Business Networking. She attended Middle Tennessee State University and earned a certification in grant writing from the University of Houston.

Mitchell tapped as new city manager in Harker Heights

David MitchellDavid Mitchell (pictured) recently agreed to serve as the new city manager in Harker Heights. Mitchell, who is the city manager in Hutto, will succeed Steve Carpenter, who is retiring as city manager at the end of this year.

 

Set to begin his new duties on Jan. 2, 2014, Mitchell previously served as the director of planning and development and an assistant city manager in Harker Heights before joining the city of Hutto in 2009.

New Braunfels picks Camareno

for city manager position

Assistant City Manager Robert Camareno has moved up the ladder and has been selected as New Braunfels' new city manager. Camareno was assistant city manager for the last five years and has served as interim city manager following the departure in March of former City Manager Michael Morrison. Camareno was employed in the private sector as an accountant before entering the public sector in municipal government work in 1996.

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Bellaire narrows list to six candidates for city manager

Bellaire City Council members recently narrowed the list of applicants for city manager to six candidates. One of the finalists, however, withdrew from the selection process, leaving five candidates vying to replace City Manager Bernie Satterwhite, who is retiring in March 2014.

 

The five remaining finalists are:

  • Ben Thatcher, an assistant city manager in Southlake who also was employed by the city of Denton;
  • David Harris, an assistant city manager in Schertz who has worked for municipalities since 1996;
  • Mike Castro, a city manager in Jersey Village since 2005;
  • Diane White, an assistant city manager in Bellaire who joined the city in 2002 as director of budget and special projects; and
  • Paul Hoffman, city manager in Castroville who previously was an assistant city manager in Sugar Land.

Contreras resigns as financial director for city of Dayton

Chris ContrerasFinance Director Chris Contreras (pictured) of Dayton recently resigned from that post to accept a job at Hardin Independent School District.

 

Dayton city officials also agreed to hire Contreras as a contract consultant until a new finance director is selected.

Corsicana ISD taps architect to assist in bond election process

Corsicana Independent School District trustees recently selected an architectural firm to assist in planning for a possible bond election next year. Voters in May defeated a $53 million bond proposal to upgrade facilities.

 

SHW Group will provide both design services for facility projects and bond election consulting services, but city officials are still in the process of determining the scope of work and finalizing terms of the contract, said Susan Johnson, a spokesperson for the school district.

Corpus Christi taps Huerta

as its new city secretary

Rebecca HuertaCorpus Christi City Council members recently selected Rebecca Huerta (pictured) as the new city secretary to replace Armando Chapa, who is retiring from that post.

 

Currently the assistant city secretary for the city, Huerta is scheduled to begin her new duties on Jan. 6, 2014. She has worked for the city for 15 years.

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Blaziek retiring as manager

of El Paso convention bureau

Bill Blaziek, who has served more than 12 years as the general manager of the El Paso Convention and Visitors Bureau, recently announced he is retiring from that job effective on Nov. 15.

 

Blaziek previously served as a marketing executive for a private company in Atlantic City, New Jersey, and as vice president of marketing for the Atlantic City Convention and Visitors Authority. 

NASW/Texas announces Nisenbaum as executive director

Mirian NisenbaumMiriam Nisenbaum, LMSW, ACSW (pictured) has been named the new executive director of the Texas Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers. In her new role, Nisenbaum will advocate for social workers, advance the social work profession and promote public policy regarding meeting human needs. She began her newposition on Nov. 1.

 

Nisenbaum recently served as the vice president of Children and Family Services with Easter Seals Central Texas in Austin. She has also served as the executive director of the National Alliance on Mental Illness in Dallas and of H.O.P.E. (Honoring of Peoples Everywhere) in Dallas. She holds an MSSW degree from The University of Texas at Arlington and a bachelor's degree from The University of Texas at Austin. She has a proven record as a policy advocate for improved human services at the state and federal levels.

Recent Reports
Texas Government Insider Archives
  
Volume 1-11 Archives - 11/7/03 - 11/1/13
  
Governor's appointments
Governor Rick Perry has announced the following appointments:
  • Jana Burns of Saginaw, Continuing Advisory Committee for Special Education;
  • Monica Hamby of Amarillo, Texas Board of Nursing;
  • Phil Worley of Hebbronville, Texas State Board of Public Accountancy;
  • Buford T. Abeldt Sr. of Lufkin, Texas State Board of Pharmacy;
  • L. Suzan Kedron of Dallas, Texas State Board of Pharmacy;
  • Christopher Dembny of Richardson, Texas State Board of Pharmacy;
  • Bradley Miller of Austin, Texas State Board of Pharmacy;
  • Dennis F. Wiesner of Austin, Texas State Board of Pharmacy;
  • Helen Soto Knaggs of Austin, OneStar Foundation;
  • Mary Louise Garcia of Fort Worth, Texas County and District Retirement System Board of Trustees;
  • Deborah Hunt of Georgetown, Texas County and District Retirement System Board of Trustees;
  • William "Bill" Elliott of Ravenna, North Texas Tollway Authority Board of Directors;
  • Mike Lewis of Newton, Sabine River Compact Administration;
  • Sina Nejad of Beaumont, Texas Board of Professional Engineers;
  • Elvira Reyna of Little Elm,Texas Board of Professional Engineers;
  • Daniel Wong of Missouri City, Texas Board of Professional Engineers;
  • Dale Hahn of Bulverde, Dental Hygiene Advisory Committee;
  • Carolyn Jackson of Spring, Dental Hygiene Advisory Committee;
  • Efrain Avila Jr. of Universal City, Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors.

D'Armond chosen as president,

CEO of W. Houston Association

Perri D'ArmondPerri D'Armond (pictured), vice president of governmental relations for the Greater Fort Bend Economic Development Council, will take over as the new president and chief executive officer of the West Houston Association on Nov. 11. She succeeds former association head Roger Hord, who retired.

 

With the Fort Bend Council since 1998, D'Armond monitored and planned for regional issues including mobility, education, air quality and other environmental issues. She also formed strategic partnerships with many Fort Bend stakeholders, including the West Houston Association. D'Armond is an eight-year member of the Houston-Galveston Area Council technical advisory committee and is a committee member and recent vice chair of the council's transportation air quality committee. She is a board member of the Alliance for I-69 Texas, the Texas Good Roads/Transportation Alliance and the Fort Bend Regional P-16 Council. She holds master's and bachelor's degrees from Texas A&M University.

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