Texans dealing with icy conditions on roadways after storm

From Houston to Austin to Fredericksburg and Georgetown, public schools and institutions of higher education are closed today, Friday, as are many government offices following a winter storm that resulted in icy conditions in many areas of the state.

The Texas Department of Transportation reports more than 100 trucks in nearly a dozen Texas counties have been working since Thursday night to treat icy conditions on roadways to make driving less hazardous.

Public schools from Austin to Houston are closed and classes have been canceled at college campuses such as The University of Texas at Austin and Lone Star College and Houston Community College in Houston. City of Austin and Travis County government offices are closed as are those in Williamson County. Others are opening late. Many Texas state government offices in Austin have been closed for the day.

Travel is discouraged until temperatures rise to above freezing and ice on roadways thaws.

Plans for Travis County courthouse project delayed - again

The on-again, off-again pursuit of a new Travis County courthouse is apparently off again, at least temporarily. At a Travis County Commissioner's Court meeting this week, commissioners voted to delay until 2015 a bond issue that was expected to go before voters this year. Commissioners decided to hold off a year because of other big-ticket funding items expected to be on a May ballot in Austin and Travis County this year.

Originally, the structure, which will be located just south of Republic Square at West Fourth Street and Guadalupe Street, had a price tag of $300 million. Had there been a successful bond issue this year, the project could have been completed in 2018. That completion date will now likely be pushed back. Commissioners also voted this week to include underground parking in the project.

Last July, commissioners voted to abandon a public-private partnership as a means of financing and building the facility and instead chose the traditional design-build contracting method.

Foundation pledges $60 million for buildings at UT

The Mulva Family Foundation has pledged $60 million to The University of Texas to help defray the cost of engineering and business buildings. James Mulva and his wife Miriam have previously donated $15 million to UT. James Mulva holds bachelor's and master's degrees from UT.

This new pledge makes the Mulva Foundation among UT's top donors. The gift will be paid out at a rate of $3 million per year for 20 years. The funds will contribute to UT's campaign to raise $3 billion in donations and pledges by the end of August. Some $20 million of the Mulva Foundation gift will be dedicated toward the $310 million Engineering Education and Research Center and the remaining $40 million will go toward renovation of two buildings at the McCombs School of Business.

Meadows likely to be picked to head high-speed rail commission

Bill Meadows (pictured), former Fort Worth City Council member and former commissioner of the Texas Transportation Commission (TTC), is expected to be named the presiding officer of the high-speed rail commission that is likely to be created next week by the TTC.

The Commission will meet Thursday, Jan. 30.

A high-speed rail commission would explore the use of bullet trains to connect Houston, Dallas, Arlington and Fort Worth. If chosen as presiding officer, Meadows would oversee a future high-speed rail line being proposed in a possible partnership that Central Japan Railway and a private company hope to build by 2021.

TWDB approves financial assistance for water, wastewater projects

The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) this week approved financial assistance totaling $157,962,462 for water and wastewater projects in Texas, with more than $2 million of that amount earmarked for rural water projects. The following assistance was approved:

• City of Dell City - $191,223 - including a $75,000 loan and $116,223 in loan forgiveness from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund to finance planning and design of a land application disposal system near the city's wastewater treatment plant. The project will enable the city to address the need for expanding the current land disposal area by installing pumps and piping.
• Angelina & Neches River Authority - $674,013 - including a $205,000 loan and $469,013 in loan forgiveness from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund to finance planning and design costs related to wastewater collection improvements that will provide sewer service to approximately 105 connections within the service area.
• City of Houston - $55,005,000 loan from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund to finance the rehabilitation of approximately 650,000 linear feet of sanitary sewer pipe.
• City of Houston - $70,754,904 - including a $70,580,000 loan and $174,904 in loan forgiveness from the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund to finance water main replacement, replacement of 50,000 obsolete meters and the installation of an automatic meter reading program.
• Pleasant Springs Water Supply Corp. - $1.135 million loan from the Rural Water Assistance Fund to finance additional water well and storage capacity for the existing system.
• City of McAllen - $30,202,322 - including a $30 million loan and $202,322 in loan forgiveness from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund to finance construction costs related to upgrading an aging wastewater treatment plant.

Elgin, Bastrop partner with ACC for Early College High School

The Elgin and Bastrop school districts are partnering with Austin Community College to offer Early College High School programs. The programs will allow students to earn a two-year college degree while still in high school. Under the program guidelines, students in the two school districts can take high school and college classes at the same time, earning college credits while doing so. If they earn enough credits, they can earn an associate degree or career and technical certificate before they graduate from high school.

The Early College High School programs are generally funded through public-private partnerships, grants and shared-cost agreements. Thus, the classes can be offered to students at no charge. "Early College High School will lead to a higher educated populace and produce more individuals who are ready for successful careers," said ACC President/CEO Dr. Richard Rhodes (pictured).

ECHS programs generally serve a broad range of academic backgrounds and reach students often under-represented in college, including minorities, those from low-income families and those who are first in their family to attend college. The college classes will be held at ACC's Elgin Campus. ACC will offer program support and professional development opportunities for school district faculty and staff and access to ACC advising, libraries, learning labs and free tutoring.

Longview places proposed conference center and hotel on hold

Longview city council members recently ended negotiations with a developer on a proposed public-private partnership to build a $5.5 million conference center and $14 million hotel south of Interstate 20. Council members, however, voiced support for a conference center and agreed the proposal needs more study before moving forward.

The council agreed to evaluate the proposed plan for the 25,500-square-foot conference center to be built by the city and the proposed150-room hotel to be built by a private developer before moving forward with the project, according to a spokesman for the city. Council members had discussed using funding from hotel taxes to pay for the conference center project.

Wichita Falls ISD panel eyes plans for up to $125M bond proposal

A panel appointed by trustees for Wichita Falls Independent School District recently began studying the feasibility of asking voters to approve from $90 million to $125 million in bonds to upgrade facilities this year.

The study includes a survey of 300 voters who were asked about supporting four possible plans for proposals to include on a bond ballot. The first propsal includes two new high schools, converting an existing campus into a 9th grade center and the addition of a career technology education center at a cost ranging from $126 million to $153 million.

The second option, estimated to cost between $154 million to $179 million, calls for three high schools with two new schools for 9th through 12th grade, while the third option is similar to the first option, but calls for a new high school to house 3,200 students while omitting a ninth grade center at an estimated cost of $161 million to $192 million. The fourth plan calls for building two new high schools and a career technology education center to be built at a cost of between $191 million to $224.5 million. Members of the Community Facilities Action Team are scheduled to present their recommendation on the bond to trustees on Feb. 11.

Lewter wins appointment to Houston's METRO Board

Houston city officials recently appointed Diann Lewter (pictured) as a member of the board of directors of Houston's METRO. Lewter replaces Carrin Patman on the board.

Previously serving as a vice president for a real estate firm, Lewter also has been the director of the business development program for Central Houston and economic development director of the Downtown District. Lewter attended Louisiana Polytechnic Institute and also graduated from the Realtor Institute.

Lawsuit dropped; AISD now prepares to begin bond projects

A lawsuit against the Austin Independent School District that has stymied $490 million in approved bond projects throughout the district has been dropped. As a result, AISD can now begin work on many of those projects. Many immediate-need projects, such as leaky roofs and other critical problems, already have been undertaken by the district. But, other projects that were approved may end up having been pushed back by up to a year.

Architects, engineers and other consultants needed for many of the voter-approved bond projects have already been chosen for planning, but no money has been paid out to any of them because of the suit. The suit was filed by the Travis County Taxpayers Union, which claimed the school district did not specify in the ballot propositions how passage would affect the local school tax rate. The taxpayer group dropped the lawsuit, according to its attorney, when AISD brought a motion to recover damages from the group if AISD won the suit.

Texas A&M officials pushing to upgrade football complex

Texas A&M University athletic officials recently began a push for a $15 million renovation of Bright Football Complex. If approved, this project along with a $450 million renovation of Kyle Field and a $25 million parking garage project would push construction costs for football at the university up to $490 million.

Athletic officials are urging upgrades to football locker rooms, training rooms, meeting rooms and coaches' offices at the 125,000-square-foot football complex opened 11 years ago. The plan, which still must be approved by the Board of Regents of the Texas A&M System, also would add 500 square feet of new office space, new furniture for coaches, a complete remodel of locker rooms and an upgrade of the current classroom-style auditorium into a theater-style auditorium, according to Jason Cook, associate athletic director.

The plan is to provide a seamless connection to the stadium and upgrade the utilitarian design to attract recruits and motivate athletes, Cook said. If regents approve the proposal to upgrade the Bright Football Complex, construction on the project will begin very soon and be completed by this fall, he said.

Woodlands group to partner in $19 million mobility project

Three groups from The Woodlands recently agreed to partner in a $19 million project to pay for short-term road upgrades to address traffic congestion in that area.

Officials of The Woodlands Township, The Woodlands Road Utility District No. 1 and Precinct 3 of Montgomery County plan to use existing funds to pay for lane improvements at 37 intersections, synchronizing traffic signals at 39 intersections and new grade separations on two roads.

Current plans call for construction to begin late this year on the proposed lane improvements and synchronizing of traffic signals. The projects should be completed in 18 months to two years, said a spokesman for the road utility district.

Port of Corpus Christi selects Hawley as new chairwoman

Commissioners for the Port of Corpus Christi recently elected Judy Hawley (pictured) as the new chair of the port commission. Commissioners also selected Richard Borchard as the vice chairman and Charles Zahn as secretary.

Representing San Patricio County on the port commission since 2004, Hawley previously served four terms in the Texas House of Representatives and was a teacher and coach.

Borchard has served as Nueces County judge, a Nueces County commissioner and currently is director of client relations for a law firm. A representative for Nueces County on the commission since 2009, Borchard has a bachelor's degree and master's degree from Texas A&I University. Zahn, who was appointed to the commission in 2012 by Nueces County commissioners, is a partner in a law firm. He has a bachelor's degree from Texas A&M University and a law degree from Baylor University.

Mission CISD to make improvements to two athletic facilities

Trustees for Mission Consolidated Independent School District recently agreed to move forward with three projects to enlarge the press box at the football field and to upgrade the baseball field to meet requirements of the Americans With Disabilities Act.

Board members agreed to spend $1.2 million for a prefabricated press box at Tom Landry Stadium, replace bleachers at the stadium at an estimated cost of about $500,000 and replace wooden planks and floorboards used on bleachers at the baseball field with aluminum planks and floorboards. District officials expect to seek bids soon for the upgrades to the football stadium and baseball field.
 

Lockhart Independent School District trustees recently began exploring a number of options for a major renovation of Lockhart High School and whether to ask voters to approve $62 million in bonds to pay for that and other capital improvement projects.

Consultants and architects who worked with a facilities assessment task force also urged trustees to consider building a new elementary school as current elementary facilities are over capacity.

Included in the options being considered is a plan to move freshman students to another facility and repurpose the campus at ML Cisneros, which has served as the freshman campus since 2000.

Preliminary plans for the high school include adding more classrooms, building a performing arts center, expanding the career and technology education wing and improving sports facilities.

Austin transit system introducing new high-tech bus service

Capital Metro of Austin recently announced the launch of MetroRapid, a new high-capacity transit service in areas of the city that are the most densely populated and have the highest ridership.

The new bus service, which offers increased frequency, fewer stops and free Wi-Fi, will be available on Jan. 26 along four major thoroughfares in the city - Lamar, Guadalupe, Lavaca and South Congress - with the service operating on weekdays from 5 a.m. to 1 a.m. and more limited hours on weekends.

The new 60-foot long buses with a capacity for 101 passengers will provide free onboard Wi-Fi and free apps for passengers to purchase bus passes with their smart device and then use that same device as their pass.

A Federal Transportation Administration program provided about $38 million, or 80 percent, of the $47.6 million cost of the MetroRapid project.

Dallas ISD delays action on buying downtown high-rise

Trustees for Dallas Independent School District recently began looking at the feasibility of combining the district's administrative offices, including its headquarters building, into a downtown building priced at about $13 million. However, the issue was delayed duriing the late-night meeting Thursday after the school board voted instead to seek a presentation from the school superintendent regarding all consolidation options.

Under discussion were plans to centralize deparments now located in east and south Dallas in the 20-story building built in 1982 at 1910 Pacific Avenue. District officials are interested in the 354,000-square-foot building because it is only one of two in that area that have at least 300,000 square feet of space available, according to Jim Terry, chief financial officer for the district.

A recent study also found that the buildings now used to house administrative staff are in need of repair estimated to cost about $221 million.

Humble ISD adopts new policy for advertising; issues RFP

Humble Independent School District trustees recently approved a new policy for advertisements that third-party companies select for marketing or advertising programs. The board also issued a request for proposals for Revenue Generating Advertising Program Management Services.

The new policy states that the district must approve advertising and marketing proposals by any third-party vendor or service provider. The policy also states that all contracts for advertisements must be directly between the advertiser and the school district. Third-party advertising agents often act as agents for advertisers.

District officials in 2008 approved a contract with a private company in which the district receives 60 percent of the revenue received through the program, but members of an advertising committee were concerned that the district needed to set guidelines to maintain more control over any advertisements and marketing efforts. Once the company providing program management services is selected through the bid process, district officials plan to work with that company to develop reporting plans and timelines.

Aguirre named director of Region 19 Education Service Center

Officials of the Region 19 Education Service Center recently selected Armando Aguirre as the lone finalist for executive director of the Region 19 Education Service Center in El Paso.

Aguirre will replace the former executive director, Jimmy Vasquez, who retired in 2013 after 16 years leading the center.

Previously serving as a teacher and principal for the El Paso Independent School District, Aguirre became the assistant provost of the El Paso Collaborative for Academic Excellence at The University of Texas at El Paso in 2012. He has a bachelor's degree, master's degree and a Ph.D. from The University of Texas at El Paso.

Katy ISD taking look at possible 2014 bond election

After a recommendation to ask voters in the Katy Independent School District to approve bonds in 2015 to pay for new schools, trustees recently requested the superintendent to develop a timeline for a 2014 bond election instead.

The architect and planner for the district previously provided board members with a projected timeline for nine new elementary schools, four junior high schools and two new high schools to be opened by 2021. He also projected the next bond election to be held in November 2015 to pay for two elementary schools and two junior high schools. District staff also prepared a timeline indicating the opening dates of two elementary schools as August 2014 and new schools opening each year from 2017 to 2021.

Board President Rebecca Fox (pictured), however, questioned whether voters would approve a bond package for four new schools before the district completes its own studies of capacity levels at each campus in the district. Trustees plan further discussions on when and whether to schedule a bond election in 2014 or 2015.

Cano retiring as director of Region III Education Service Center

Julius D. Cano recently announced plans to retire as executive director of the Region III Education Service Center in Victoria on Jan. 31.

Cano, who began work at the service center in 1976, also was a dental technician and a teacher and coach at Bloomington Independent School District. He has a degree from Sam Houston State University.

Following his retirement, Patty Shafer will take over his duties as the executive director of the service center.

El Paso ISD redirecting $80 million to existing high schools

After winning approval of bonds to pay for a new high school to serve students at Fort Bliss, the board of managers for El Paso Independent School District recently agreed to redirect the $60 million in unused bond funds to improve existing high schools. A new high school in the Fort Bliss area that would have been paid for with bond funds is no longer needed because student population near the military base failed to grow as expected when housing developments planned for the area were never built.

Board members allotted $10 million from the leftover bond funds for multi-purpose classrooms at several campuses, $7.9 million to renovate Irvin High School, $17.6 million to upgrade heating and air conditioning systems and $10.2 million to renovate Andres High School. Other projects approved include $4.5 million to upgrade athletic facilities at three schools and $5.9 million for 12 classroom and field additions.

College Station ISD approves $788,420 to buy conference center

College Station Independent School District board members recently voted to spend $788,430 to buy the College Station Conference Center and use the site for the new Center for Alternative Learning.

The center will be used to house Timber Academy High School, the Venture Center and an elementary disciplinary alternative education placement program, noted Superintendent Eddie Coulson (pictured).

The wood-framed, 12,000-square-foot conference center originally served as a school in the 1940s before being acquired by the city for a conference center. The conference center was closed in July 2012 when it was found the roof was at risk of collapsing and walls were shifting. District officials also are designing a new facility to be built once the old building is demolished, Coulson said. Both school district and city officials said the cost to repair the center was more than building a new facility.

Dickinson ISD approves $56 million bond election in May

Dickinson Independent School District trustees recently scheduled a $56 million bond election for May to pay for a new elementary school and intermediate school.

The two new schools, which should be open by 2016, are needed to meet growing enrollment, a spokeswoman for the school district said. In the last 10 years, the district has grown from 6,000 students to 10,000 students expected to enroll next year, the spokeswoman said.

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

There was a time when the mention of "LEED" simply conjured up visions of changing out incandescent light bulbs with LED fixtures. After all, LED (light-emitting diode) bulbs have a lifespan several times that of an incandescent bulb and their costs to operate are much lower.

Today, things have changed significantly. Much more attention is now focused on LEED certification (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) as it applies to government buildings. What has made it newsworthy is the increase in innovation and the fact that government has made a major commitment to sustainability - especially when it comes to the use of scarce resources. It's no longer just about light bulbs.

The U.S. Green Building Council's LEED rating system was launched in the late 1990s and certifications are based on criteria such as how well a building promotes energy savings, reduces air emissions, improves water efficiency, diverts waste from landfills, etc. The rating system applies also to the design, construction, operation and maintenance of public facilities, homes and neighborhoods. Projects earn points to satisfy green building requirements and the points must come from each category and then be totaled to create a final score. The higher the score, the higher the certification level earned - Certified, Silver, Gold and Platinum.

LEED initiatives are now common at the federal, state and local sectors of government. The green building movement is growing and Texas is on the bandwagon. Here are some examples:

• The George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston earned a LEED Silver certification because of numerous innovations. First of all, there was a commitment that tenants would be educated and encouraged to focus on recycling. A paperless filing system was installed, the use of energy-saving light bulbs was adopted and plumbing fixtures that require less water were used. The facility also has a solar energy system on the roof.

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TWDB to host work sessions statewide on funding rules

Before funds from the voter-approved State Water Implementation Fund for Texas (SWIFT) can be released, the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) must develop rules for use of the funds. On Thursday, TWDB Executive Administrator Kevin Patteson made several recommendations for rulemaking that were accepted by the board. Now, TWDB will host a number of meetings throughout the state and invite stakeholders to provide feedback on the recommendations. Those recommendations cover issues such as whether projects meet criteria for rural subdivisions, agricultural conservation or water conservation and reuse.

The first meeting has been scheduled for 10 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 31, in Room 170 of the Stephen F. Austin Building, 1700 N. Congress in Austin. Input by stakeholders will be considered as TWDB develops rules for prioritizing which projects in the State Water Plan will be undertaken. Written comments will also be allowed.

TWDB has a Web site that will have a comment form, provide development timelines, list upcoming meetings and post both proposed and final rules. Stakeholders can also sign up to receive SWIFT-related email updates.

Socorro approves $2 million for new equipment, street upgrades

Socorro City Council members recently approved $2 million to pay for street improvements, equipment to clean up flood damage and to begin planning for a new city hall.

City officials are considering building a new city hall and converting the current city hall, which is designated as a historic building, into a museum or library. While the city council meets in the city hall, most city employees are housed in an administration building. The city hall cannot be expanded because of its historic designation, city officials said. Plans to upgrade neighborhood streets also include installing new traffic signals.

Irving apparently narrows city manager job to lone candidate

A former Bellevue, Washington, city manager is the city of Irving's lone finalist for the position of city manager. Steve Sarkozy (pictured) was one of three finalists for the job who were recently interviewed. Sarkozy was city manager in Bellevue from 2000 to 2013.

There was some concern that the council may have acted outside the laws regarding open meetings by discussing their choice of Sarkozy in an executive session. But, the city's attorney disagreed, saying the executive session agenda allowed the naming of the lone finalist. Some city officials said they would not actually name a city manager until probably February, when a contract will likely be addressed and approved.

Dallas to host U.S. Conference

of Mayors for summer meeting

The city of Dallas will host the 82nd Annual U.S. Conference of Mayors on June 20-23. Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings made the announcement at the group's winter conference this week in Washington, D.C.

More than 300 mayors of cities with populations of 30,000 or more (1,400 members of the group), their families, support staff and corporate sponsors will meet at the Omni Dallas Convention Center Hotel for the four-day June session.

"We are excited to host the country's mayors this summer so we can showcase all our city has to offer, " said Rawlings, "from nationally ranked sports teams to world-class museums and entertainment venues, internationally known restaurants and chefs and a modern approach to solving urban issues through successful public-private partnerships."

The U.S. Conference of Mayors promotes the development of effective national urban/suburban policy, strengthening federal-city relationships, ensuring that federal policy meets urban needs, providing mayors with leadership and management tools and creating a forum in which mayors can share ideas and information.

Highland Village approves

$7.5 million for parks

Highland Village City Council members recently agreed to issue $7.25 million in bonds to pay for upgrades to three parks. Plans call for spending $6.7 million on Doubletree Ranch Park, $250,000 for a new parking lot at Brazos Park and $50,000 for playground equipment for Turpin Park.

Weslaco economic development group taps finalists for director

Weslaco Economic Development Corporation board members recently selected seven finalists for executive director and plan to interview six of those finalists. One of the finalists, Alicia Aguilar, resigned from her job as marketing director for the economic development corporation and withdrew her application.

The finalists include Octavio Saenz, a former news anchor and news director; Robert Tobias, a city manager in Pearsall who has worked in economic development in Pecos, Live Oak and Edinburg; Victor Vasquez, president of a development and marketing company in Mission; Walter Williams, a former director of economic development in Commerce City, Colorado; Ramiro Aleman, a manager for the Harlingen Economic Development Corporation; and Joe Trevino, a director for a McAllen-based design and engineering company.

Board members plan to interview the six finalists for executive director on Jan. 28 and 29.

Fields announces retirement

as city manager in Graham

City Manager Larry Fields (pictured) of Graham recently informed city council members he is retiring on April 2.

Previously a city manager in Abernathy and Panhandle, Fields became city manager in Graham in 1979.

Fields was a member of the Texas Municipal League and the Texas City Managers Association.

City of Bonham searching

for new finance director

Bonham City Council members recently began a search for a new director of finance to manage financial and administrative functions. City officials are now accepting applications from qualified candidates for that post until the position is filled.

Canton economic development group taps Gonzalez as director

Canton Economic Development Corporation officials recently selected Albert Gonzalez as the new executive director. He also will work with the Canton Convention and Visitor's Bureau, the Main Street program and the chamber of commerce.

Previously the director of the Mercedes Economic Development Corporation, Gonzalez also has been a lecturer at several universities in Mexico, a research analyst for an investment firm and a consultant.

Gonzalez earned a bachelor's degree and a master's degree from The University of Texas-Pan American and has a certification in economic development from the International Economic Development Council.

Southside ISD terminates

Jasso as superintendent

Southside Independent School District trustees recently terminated Juan Jasso (pictured) as superintendent after suspending him from his duties in July 2013.

Jasso appealed his termination to the Texas Education Agency (TEA). Following a review, however, the hearing examiner for TEA found reason for the termination, citing that "trust had been destroyed."

Board members have scheduled a meeting this week to possibly select a finalist for superintendent. Interim Superintendent Ricardo Vela will continue in that job until a new superintendent is selected, according to a spokesman for the district. Vela has indicated he is interested in the job full-time.

Foutz resigns as assistant

city manager in Temple

Assistant City Manager Kim Foutz of Temple recently resigned from that post, effective on Feb. 19 after serving for almost eight years.

In her 24 years in city government, Foutz has also held posts in College Station, Midlothian and Lampasas. In Temple, she oversaw planning and development services, human resources, code enforcement, the library, airport and sustainability.

Ector County ISD to buy land to expand parking at high school

Ector County Independent School District trustees recently agreed to purchase land west of Odessa High School. Current plans are to use the land, purchased with bond funds, to build new parking lots for students.

Spring ISD selects Bouillion

as interim superintendent

Spring Independent School District board members recently selected Dalane Bouillion (pictured) as the interim superintendent.

Currently the associate superintendent for academics and administration, Bouillion will replace Superintendent Ralph Draper, who is resigning effective on Jan. 31. Trustees also agreed to hire a search firm to assist the board in finding a new superintendent.

Bouillion previously served as a principal for Galena Park ISD before joining Spring ISD in 2006. She earned a bachelor's degree, a master's degree and a Ph.D. from Stephen F. Austin State University.

Stockdale development group selects Stahl as administrator

Officials of the Stockdale Economic Development Corporation recently selected Johnny Stahl, who previously served as mayor of that city from 2005 until 2013, as the new administrator for the newly created economic development organization.

Mercedes development corp.

selects Aguilar for post

Her duties include creating programs to develop the city as a prime retail destination and the Boot Capital of Texas and to help build on its current Queen City marketing efforts.

Aguilar previously served as director of marketing and business expansion at the Economic Development Corporation of Weslaco.

El Paso ISD, city of El Paso to partner to build indoor pool

Officials of El Paso Independent School District recently approved an agreement with the city of El Paso to build a new 50-meter indoor pool at a high school campus on the city's west side.

Current plans are for the city to pay for building the indoor swimming pool using bond funds approved in 2012, noted City Manager Joyce Wilson (pictured). School district and city officials are considering land east and northeast of the high school and continue to negotiate on an agreement covering maintenance responsibilities and how the city and school district will share operation and maintenance costs, Wilson said.

Wilson expects a finalized agreement to be presented to council and school board members in about two months and construction on the new Olympic-sized pool to begin within a year to 18 months.

Ken Johnson selected

as city attorney in Kyle

Ken Johnson recently won selection as the new city attorney in Kyle. Most recently an assistant city attorney in Waco, Johnson replaces Julian Grant, who resigned in March. Code Faulk, the assistant city attorney, and a contract attorney have shared the duties of the city attorney since March.

Once Johnson begins his new duties, Faulk is planning to leave his post as assistant city attorney, city officials said.

METRO negotiating with Lambert for president/CEO position

Houston's METRO Board of Directors Thursday voted to enter into contract negotiations with Thomas C. Lambert (pictured) for the entity's president and chief executive officer position. Lambert has been serving as the temporary head of the authority since January 2013 following the resignation of then-President and CEO George Greanias.

Lambert has spent 34 years with METRO, including nearly 30 in a public safety role. He was the authority's police chief when he was asked to become the agency's chief administrative officer. He has also served METRO as executive vice president and senior vice president.

Lambert holds a bachelor's degree from Southwest Texas State University and a master's from the University of Houston.

Galveston accepts $89,332 grant

to upgrade police technology

Galveston City Council members recently agreed to accept an $89,332 grant from the Moody Foundation. The grant will be used to purchase laser equipment to assist officers in making precise measurements in reconstructing fatal crashes or describing bullet trajectories, Police Chief Henry Porretto said.

Glora Mejia retires as deputy Atascosa tax assessor-collector

Gloria Mejia recently retired as the deputy tax assessor-collector for Atascosa County. She had served as the deputy tax assessor-collector from November 1977 to September 1989 and from February 1991 to December 2013 - for a total of 34 years.

Amarillo selects Freese

as new aviation director

After a four-month search, Amarillo city officials recently selected Sara Freese (pictured) as the new aviation director for the Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport.

With 14 years of experience in aviation, Freese most recently worked at the Eastern Iowa Airport in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Freese has a master's degree in aviation and a master's degree in business administration.

San Angelo picks Pena as new economic development director

San Angelo city officials recently tapped Roland Pena (pictured) as the new director of economic development.

Previously a public affairs specialist for the Lower Colorado River Authority in Austin, Pena also served in various positions at West Texas Utilities and American Electric Power.

Pena replaces Bob Schneeman, who has served as interim director of the economic development corporation since Shawn Lewis left that post in late 2012. Schneeman is returning to his former position as the development coordinator.

Alpine selects Antrim

as new finance director

Alpine city officials recently selected Megan Antrim, who previously served as deputy county treasurer, as the new finance director.

Antrim will replace Acting Finance Director Deborah Pattison, who has agreed to remain with the city as a short-term project manager to assist state and federal officials investigating alleged financial irregularities.