Wilhelmina Delco wins appointment to Texas Ethics Commission

Former State Rep. Wilhelmina Delco (pictured) of Austin was recently named the lieutenant governor's appointment to the Texas Ethics Commission to fill a vacant spot for a Democrat on the eight-member commission. Commissioners are charged with overseeing campaign finance and the state's lobby system.

Delco replaces Paula Mendoza, who resigned from the commission in October to accept a post as regent for the University of Houston System.

Previously serving as a trustee for Austin Independent School District, Delco won election to the Texas House of Representatives in 1975 and served for 20 years before retiring. She also was the first woman appointed to serve as Speaker Pro Tempore of the Texas House of Representatives.

Ballard to lead Fort Worth Transportation Authority

Fort Worth Transportation Authority officials recently selected Paul J. Ballard (pictured), chief executive officer of the Nashville Metropolitan Transit Authority, to take over the helm of the transportation authority, effective on April 14.

Ballard has served as CEO of the Nashville transit authority since 2002 and was critical in establishing a commuter rail service that began in 2006, according to Scott Mahaffey, chairman of the Fort Worth Transportation Authority. The transportation group is supporting a commuter rail service, TEX Rail, that would connect downtown Fort Worth with Grapevine and the Dallas/Fort Worth Airport. The project, however, is behind schedule in the planning process and unlikely to meet its goal of operating by 2017.

Ballard will replace former President Dick Ruddell, who retired in October. Ballard has a bachelor's degree from Indiana University and a master's degree from Webster University in St. Louis.

Round Rock ISD group urges $289 million bond election in May

A citizen's bond committee for Round Rock Independent School District recently recommended asking voters to approve $289 million in a bond proposition to be divided into three separate propositions.

The first proposition, at $225.8 million, would include funding for a new elementary school, a new classroom wing at Round Rock High School, upgrades at existing schools, improvements to the video surveillance systems, new school buses and development of a design plan for a sixth high school.

At $22 million, the second proposition includes funding to expand technology throughout the district by purchasing additional laptop computers and pilot projects for digital classrooms. Proposition 3 calls for spending $38.9 million to build another performing arts center or build new auditoriums at two high schools. 

Texas A&M's Tribble chosen for position with Brookhaven Lab

Texas A&M physicist Robert Tribble (pictured) has been chosen as deputy director for science and technology at Brookhaven Lab.

As a physicist, Tribble studies nuclear science. He will take on his new role at the lab next week.

TWDB OK's $9.8M in financial assistance for water projects

More than $9.8 million in financial assistance for water and wastewater projects statewide, $92,800 of which is dedicated to rural areas, has been approved by the Texas Water Development Board. This round of funding is going to small and mid-sized towns. The funding will be used to address drought-related water shortages, to upgrade infrastructure and reduce water loss.

Among the allocations are:

• Aqua Special Utility District (Hidalgo County) - $3.565 million loan to finance wastewater system improvements. The district intends to use the funds to finance planning, acquisition of land and easement, design and construction of an intake structure at the Rio Grande, a raw water pump station and 11,000 linear feet of water transmission lines.
• City of San Juan - $135,000 grant and a $135,000 loan to finance wastewater system improvements. The city currently relies on septic tanks, pit privies and drain field systems for wastewater treatment. The funding will be used to evaluate wastewater collection system alternatives and determine the most cost-effective option to provide this first-time wastewater service.
• Airline Improvement District (Harris County) - $5,084,916 grant and $277,000 loan to finance wastewater system improvements. The money will be used to provide first-time water and wastewater service to approximately 109 water connections and 200 wastewater connections.
• City of Moulton - $92,800 loan to finance water system improvements. The funds will be used to finance planning and design costs relating to implementing a comprehensive asset management program to address system deficiencies. The project will address water quality, capacity issues and water loss.
• Skyline Ranch Estates Water Supply Corporation (Hays County) - $340,000 loan and $200,000 in loan forgiveness to finance planning, design and construction costs relating to a new well and upgrades to the system.

North Texas toll group approves $300 million highway extension

North Texas Tollway Authority (NTTA) officials recently approved the NTTA's part of a three-way agreement to provide financing for a new $300 million project to extend Texas 360 through Mansfield.

The agreement with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and the Regional Transportation Commission permits TxDOT to lend $300 million to the toll authority to pay for building a four-lane divided highway from south of Interstate 20 for 6.3 miles into Mansfield and then to continue with a three-lane highway for 3.7 miles to US287, said Chairman Kenneth Barr (pictured) of the NTTA. In return, the toll authority agrees to repay the loan from revenue derived from tolls paid at the extension over the next 35 years.

If TxDOT officials approve the final agreement as expected, construction on the 10-mile extension of Texas 360 should begin in 2015 and be opened to traffic in 2018. Long-term plans, which are not yet funded, call for widening the highway to eight lanes north of Broad Street and to six lanes in the southern section, including a new interchange at US287 expected to cost about $625 million, according to a spokesperson for TxDOT.

Donna approves engineering contract to repair water plant

Donna City Council members recently approved an engineering contract to begin repairs on a water plant heavily damaged nearly six years ago by a hurricane.

City officials plan to use $446,000 awarded from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to replace three water pumps, install new electrical wiring, a new air compressor and new hardware and software for the control system of the water treatment plant, said City Manager Oscar Ramirez.

Following a recent FEMA assessment of the water plant that revealed more damage than the original assessment, city officials are considering asking FEMA for additional federal funding to complete the repairs at a cost of about $1.2 million, Ramirez said. City officials will be required to contribute 25 percent toward the cost of the repairs if FEMA approves the city's request for additional funding, he added.

Pleasant Grove ISD approves $16.6 million bond election in May

Trustees for Pleasant Grove Independent School District recently approved a $16.6 million bond election in May to pay for a new elementary school. Trustees also agreed to build a new technology building if voters approve the proposed bonds.

Superintendent Todd Williams (pictured) recommended using about $4.5 million from the district's fund balance to pay for the two new facilities expected to cost up to $17.8 million.

Current plans call for the new elementary school with a capacity to house 660 students to open for classes in two years if voters approve the proposed bonds, Williams said.

Dripping Springs ISD mulling $92 million bond election in May

Board members for Dripping Springs Independent School District recently identified the need to ask voters to approve $92 million in bonds in May. Bond proceeds would pay for two new schools, upgrade technology and build new sports fields.

Trustees originally considered proposing $130 million in bonds, but removed a project to upgrade heating and air conditioning systems as well as the roofs at many schools when the co-chair of the bond committee said it was difficult to excite voters about those improvements.

With enrollment growing at about 7 percent a year, district officials plan to build a new elementary school and new middle school at a cost of about $64.9 million and new sports fields costing about $19 million. The proposed bond proposition also will include $8.5 million to create a data center, improve wireless access and replace aging computers if trustees schedule the bond election and voters approve the bonds.

Navasota seeking approval for $60 million bond proposal

Seeking to upgrade and expand existing schools and improve technology and security, Navasota Independent School District trustees recently scheduled a $60 million bond election with two separate propositions for May 10.

The first proposition calls for approving $26.8 million in bonds to renovate the junior and high school campuses with the addition of a new, shared cafeteria and meeting spaces. It also asks for $5.7 million to upgrade the career and technology and fine arts programs at the junior and high school campuses, noted Tom Seymore (pictured), assistant superintendent for business and operations. Proposition 1 also calls for replacing roofs and renovating restrooms at intermediate, junior and high schools and spending $1.8 million for an addition of eight classrooms and a new security entry vestibule at an elementary school, Seymore said.

Trustees are asking approval of $3.8 million in the second bond proposition to pay for renovations to an auditorium built in the 1940s and the administration building built in the 1920s.

Marshall ISD panel asks trustees to approve $165M bond election

A 30-member bond committee for Marshall Independent School District recently recommended trustees schedule a $165 million bond election in May to pay for four new schools and renovations at existing campuses.

Created in January, the bond committee urged trustees to build four new elementary schools, a new junior high school to replace a middle school and renovate Marshall High School. Panel members also recommended upgrades to technology, stadium renovations and building a new agriculture facilit. Trustees face a Feb. 28 deadline to call a bond election for May 10.

Live Oak in negotiations with partner for hotel, convention center

Officials with the Live Oak Economic Development Corp. have executed a memorandum of understanding with the Phoenix Hospitality Group to allow the private-sector firm to begin moving toward building a five-story hotel with a convention center in the city.

City officials set aside the $1.62 million garnered from the sale of the former Live Oak Civic Center property, and held it back in anticipation of partnering with a private-sector developer for a hotel-convention center. The city will also include some hotel occupancy tax (HOT) funding in the deal. The new hotel will be full-service and include a bar, restaurant, room service, catering and more, according to Assistant City Manager Scott Wayman. "It's all HOT money, money from the industry, going back into the industry, to promote the industry," Wayman explained.
 

Bids to be sought for $73.7M in Fort Worth bridge projects

Fort Worth city officials expect the Texas Department of Transportation will seek bids in May to build three new bridges after the city council approved $6.63 million to pay for their share of the $73.7 million project. The bridges are part of the first phase of the Trinity Uptown project that includes a 1.5-mile channel to form a lake and an island designed to spur waterfront development along the north side of the city.

Construction on the three new bridges on Henderson Street, North Main Street and White Settlement Road should begin as soon as July and be completed in about three years, city officials said. Local leaders are looking to attract federal funding to provide about half of the $910 million cost of the entire Trinity Uptown project.

Funding from the city's share of the cost is from a 2008 bond program, while regional toll revenues along with federal, state and other local funds will pay for the new bridges. The Trinity River Vision Authority, which manages the project under the Tarrant Regional Water District, has acquired approximately 95 percent of the land needed to complete the project.

Gladewater ISD schedules $35 million bond election in May

Trustees for Gladewater Independent School District recently scheduled a bond election on May 10 to ask approval of $35 million in bonds to upgrade facilities.

Mayor Harold Wells (pictured) told trustees that the district needs to build a new $27 million middle school and about $8 million to renovate an existing intermediate school to attract more residents to the school district and retain the district's good teachers.

District officials plan to hold open house events at district facilities to permit voters to see the condition of those facilities.

Marble Falls ISD to try again with $6.55 million bond election

After the defeat of a similar bond issue in November, trustees for Marble Falls Independent School District recently agreed to try again to win voter approval for about $6.55 million in bonds to improve technology and upgrade career and technology programs.

Bond approval would allow trustees to spend $2.4 million for career and technology programs at the high school level, $2 million for maintenance projects to avoid paying "Robin Hood" payments to the state and $1.4 million to upgrade technology throughout the district.

District officials also plan to spend $450,000 to address drainage issues at the high school and $300,000 to buy new band instruments if the bonds are approved.

Abernathy eyeing lease for new solar energy farm

Abernathy city officials recently began finalizing plans for a five-year lease option for 1,300 acres of land to build a new solar energy project.

A North Carolina company, Duke Energy, is interested in developing the solar farm capable of producing about 130 megawatts of power and is looking at buying land owned by the city and two private individuals in Lubbock, said City Manager Mike Cypert. Duke Energy supplies and delivers energy to about 6.2 million customers in the Southeast and Midwest. Currently in the process of building three new solar farm projects, a subsidiary of Duke Energy will operate 20 solar farms and 15 wind farms in 12 states that generate about 1,700 megawatts of electricity once the three new solar farms begin operation, according to company officials.

A key factor in finalizing the proposed solar farm project is accessibility to Sharyland's CRUZ lines, including the line from Abernathy to Floyd County, Cypert said.

Cypress-Fairbanks ISD looking a $1.2 billion bond election in May

Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District recently began considering a recommendation by a bond committee to ask voters in May to approve $1.2 billion in bonds to pay for six new schools (see accompanying artist's rendering of middle school), other new facilities and renovations to several existing campuses.

Bond committee members estimated the cost to build three elementary schools, a new middle school and two high schools at $197 million and renovations to three older schools with a price tag of about $666 million.

Other projects backed by the bond panel are $72 million for a new transportation center, new buses and the addition of video surveillance and GPS on existing buses, upgrades to security, a new agriculture center and building an additional natatorium.

Pflugerville postpones bond election planned in May

Following a recommendation by Mayor Jeff Coleman, Pflugerville City Council members recently agreed to postpone a bond election previously planned in May until a later date. Council members, however, agreed to begin the design process for improvements planned for three streets.

The city is holding an election for city council members in November and can place the bond proposal on the ballot at no additional cost while county officials estimated the city would need to spend about $50,000 to hold an election on May 10, the mayor said.

Katy ISD mulling calling bond election in November

To meet quickly growing enrollment, trustees for Katy Independent School District recently began considering a recommendation by Tom Gunnell (pictured) to schedule a bond election in November to pay for building up to eight new schools and upgrading technology throughout the district.

Enrollment in the district is expected to increase from 70,000 students expected in the 2014-2015 school year to about 100,000 students expected by 2023, noted Gunnell, the chief of operations for the district.

Gunnell recommended building a new elementary, junior and high school in the northwest area of the district, two new elementary schools in the southwest and two elementary schools in other areas of the district.

Greenville ISD asking voters to approve $72 million in bonds in May

Greenville Independent School District trustees recently voted to schedule a $72 million bond election on May 10. If voters approve the bond proposal, trustees plan to build a new elementary school, add a career and technology academy to the high school, upgrade safety and security at all district facilities and improve technology at all campuses.

Fort Bend ISD considering bond election to upgrade facilities

Trustees for Fort Bend Independent School District recently began discussions on scheduling a bond election later this year to upgrade and expand district facilities.

Superintendent Charles Dupre told trustees the district is in the process of conducting an inventory of schools and other district facilities and seeking more community input prior to reaching a final decision on scheduling a bond election. An engineering group conducting the five-year facilities assessment has identified about $449 million in repairs and replacement buildings that are needed.

Board members also delayed a vote on a strategic plan and facilities master plan until April to allow for more input from community members. The bond committee also plans to stage two more meetings to discuss the feasibility and projects to include in a bond proposal, conduct a telephone survey and hold two meetings to encourage community dialogue by April, Dupre said.

Over 30 cities, public agencies and universities will be presenting at the Annual Public-Private Partnership Conference (P3C) in Dallas Feb. 24-25.  P3C is one of the largest gatherings of economic development professionals in the world. The two-day conference is convened to discuss cutting-edge programming covering a wide spectrum of public-private partnership topics and partnership opportunities. The conference brings together public leaders and development professionals in the architecture, engineering and construction industry active in the P3 community. P3C has become a major platform for raising awareness, exchanging knowledge and promoting significant upcoming development and procurement opportunities. Municipalities and authorities from across the country will take the stage to announce, unveil and discuss major capital projects. The nation's top developers, builders, architects, financiers and consultants will also be in attendance to address fresh innovations for accelerating public-private partnerships. "There is a large and growing appetite for P3 projects across the country. P3 projects are important vehicles for public agencies to bring essential real estate projects to fruition," said Eric Iravani, executive director for The Public-Private Partnership Alliance (P3A). "Our event is designed to inaugurate relationships through uniquely topical networking events and provide attendees with valuable insight into prospective public-private partnership possibilities across the country." The conference is presented by P3A, which is dedicated to moving public-private partnerships forward by partnering governments with private-sector expertise and investment, broadening networks for cities and municipalities and promoting best practices. P3A creates industry events designed to promote investment tools and approaches that assist governments in transforming neighborhoods into economically vibrant and sustainable communities. For more information, visit www.P3C2014.com. Strategic Partnerships Inc. will have a delegation at the P3 conference and the organizers will be providing a copy of Mary Scott Nabers' book Collaboration Nation to all attendees.

Graham moving ahead with plans for new visitor center

Graham City Council members recently authorized city staff to proceed with hiring an architect to obtain a preliminary estimate on the cost to create a one-stop center to host tourists, city organizations and businesses.

The vote was a good first step toward a proposed merger of the Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Graham Chamber of Commerce, the mayor said.

Preliminary plans call for renovating the American Legion Building to create a multi-media room and a meeting room to host gatherings and provide office space for organizations, said David Casteel, the public works administrator for the city. An architect will determine the feasibility of renovating the facility into a visitor's center, provide a cost estimate for renovating the facility and report back to council members, who then will decide whether to move forward with the project.

Killeen developing plans for two new regional parks

Killeen city officials recently agreed to add a new regional park category to the city's park classification.

City officials also are working on plans to build a new 407-acre Northwest Regional Park and a new regional park to serve the southern corridor of the city, according to City Manager Glenn Morrison (pictured).

The two new regional parks would double existing park space with the addition of 777 acres of new parks, Morrison said. Providing public recreation is essential in every community, he noted.

Llano ISD sets $33 million

bond election in May

Llano Independent School District trustees recently scheduled a May bond election to ask voters to approve $33 million in bonds to improve district facilities.

If voters approve the bonds, district officials plan to spend a majority of the funding to upgrade an elementary and high school. Other upgrades to facilities throughout the district also are planned, said Superintendent Casey Callahan.

Fort Worth selects four finalists

for city manager position

Fort Worth City Council members recently selected four finalists from a field of 35 applicants for city manager. The new city manager will replace City Manager Tom Higgins, who  is retiring after almost 30 years as a city employee.

The four finalists for city  manager are: Joyce Wilson (top left), currently the city manager of El Paso with 25 years of government service, including stints in Virginia and Arizona; Mark McDaniel (top right), the city manager in Tyler since 2009, who also was an assistant city  manager and economic development director in Corpus Christi; Milton R. Dohoney, Jr. (bottom left), a former city manager in Cincinnati, Ohio, with 25 years in government, including administrative posts in Louisville, Kentucky, and as a faculty member at three universities; and Craig Malin (bottom right), a city administrator in Davenport, Iowa, since 2001. He also has administrative experience in county government, a regional planning commission and three other cities. 

Robinson ISD asking voters to approve $19.5 million in bonds

Robinson Independent School District board members recently scheduled a $19.5 million bond election on May 10 to pay for a new intermediate school. This bond election will be the third attempt by district officials to win voter approval of bonds to upgrade a 50-year-old intermediate school.

District officials propose to build an 85,000-square-foot intermediate school to house fourth through sixth grade students after reducing the number and size of classrooms to cut costs by $1.3 million. District officials also plan to spend $300,000 to upgrade the roof and the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system at an elementary school.

Missouri City schedules

$40 million bond election

City council members in Missouri City recently voted to schedule a $40 million bond election in May to pay for transportation projects, drainage improvements and new facilities. The four proposals on the ballot are $22.8 million to pay for mobility and transportation projects (including roads, bridges and sidewalks), $6.5 million for drainage projects, $6.7 million to upgrade city facilities and $5 million to build a new fire station

Fernandez leaving CapMetro

board to take job in Atlanta

Frank Fernandez (pictured), who has served as secretary of the Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority, has announced he is leaving that position as he heads for Atlanta, Georgia. He has accepted a position as vice president of community development for the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, which addresses neighborhood needs and quality of life.

Now, the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (CAMPO) is accepting applications for an Austin-area appointee to the board to replace Fernandez. Cap Metro board member Ann Stafford will take over the secretary post being vacated by Fernandez. A nomination committee will make the final selection. The ideal candidate will have at least 10 years of experience as a financial or accounting professional.

Beaumont ISD superintendent to reorganize top administrators

Superintendent Timothy Chargois of Beaumont Independent School District recently announced plans to reorganize and downsize his executive cabinet.

Chargois appointed Shirley Bonton as the deputy superintendent, Dwaine Augustine as the chief academic officer and Philip Brooks as the chief of operations. He has not yet found a chief financial officer to replace the former director of finance, Devin Wayne McCraney, who resigned after being indicted of charges of fraud and conspiracy.

The decision to reduce the superintendent's cabinet from seven to four members followed a recommendation by the Legislative Budget Board to district officials to "better utilize staffing resources."

East Central ISD selects Toscano

lone finalist for superintendent

Trustees for East Central Independent School District recently selected Roland Toscano (pictured) as the lone finalist for superintendent.

Employed by the district since 1997, Toscano began as a teacher and coach and then won promotions until he became the principal of the high school in 2007.

Toscano has a bachelor's degree from The University of Texas at San Antonio and a master's degree from Texas A&M University-Kingsville. He is completing his study in school district leadership at Texas A&M University-San Antonio. 

Brown retiring as superintendent

of Highland Park school district

Superintendent Mike Brown of Highland Park Independent School District recently announced he plans to retire after spending four years in that post. Trustees have already posted an announcement seeking applicants for superintendent and expect to begin the interview process this month. They would then announce a lone finalist for superintendent by the middle of March, Brown said.

Mesquite ISD selects Bohling

as assistant superintendent

Mesquite Independent School District trustees recently selected Kathryn Bohling (pictured) as the new assistant superintendent for business services.

Previously an elementary principal for the district, Bohling has led the district's special education program for the last seven years. She will replace Assistant Superintendent Richard Koonce, who is retiring in August. Bohling has a bachelor's degree from Southwest Texas State University and a master's degree from the University of North Texas. She also was a teacher for Allen ISD and Dallas ISD.

Laredo Port of Entry to get

$62 million in upgrades

The Laredo Port of Entry that links Mexico and Texas is due for a major makeover at a cost of $62 million. Federal and local officials recently announced plans for upgrades at the crossing.

Congressional funding will provide for upgrades that include expansion and modernization of two of the four ports of entry. The Laredo projects include a facelift for the Laredo Bridge 1, aimed at improving pedestrian flow, and construction of a new auto and bus inspection facility at Laredo Bridge 2. Contracts are expected to be awarded this summer, with construction to be completed by mid-2017.

South San Antonio ISD taps Saavedra for superintendent

South San Antonio Independent School District trustees recently selected Abelardo Saavedra (pictured), currently serving as interim superintendent, as the lone finalist for superintendent. The district has experienced a high turnover of superintendents during the last several years, with some allegations of too much interference from board members.

Previously a superintendent for Corpus Christi ISD and Houston ISD, Saavedra earlier told trustees he would apply for the permanent post if trustees agreed to end the current policy of approving all hiring and firing and adopt a policy of forbidding the hiring of relatives of board members or the superintendent. Trustees voted unanimously to hire Saavedra, who has served as interim superintendent since December 2013.

Clifton ISD eyeing possible

$23 million bond election

Trustees for Clifton Independent School District recently discussed scheduling a $23 million bond election in May to pay for a new elementary school.

Current plans are to build a new two-story elementary school along with an auditorium to seat 750 people on the site of an existing school if trustees schedule a bond election and voters approve.

TEA commissioner appoints

monitor for Beaumont ISD

Commissioner Michael Williams of the Texas Education Agency recently appointed Fred Shafer as a monitor for Beaumont Independent School District to watch over the development of a comprehensive plan to improve the effectiveness of its special education program.

Current plans call for Shafer to be introduced to school trustees during their meeting on March 20. He is charged with assisting the district in identifying barriers to improving special education, reviewing and assessing the need for training school administrators and recommending changes to bring the district into compliance with regulations in its special education program, said Superintendent Timothy Chargois (pictured).

115 acres as suitable for park

College Station City Council members recently identified up to 114 acres of land in the southwest area of the city to build a new city park featuring baseball fields, tennis counts, a skate park, playground and swimming pool.

The new park is part of the city's master plan that calls for building a park similar to the Brian Bachmann Community Park, a spokesman for the city said. The new park also could include a

Current plans are to use existing funds set aside for parks to pay for the new park. City officials identified 16 tracts of land ranging from 50 to 115 acres.

Romo named new chair

of Southwest Research Institute

Ricardo Romo (pictured), president of The University of Texas at San Antonio, recently agreed to serve as the new chairman of the board of Southwest Research Institute.

Romo joined the board of the independent, nonprofit research and development organization in 2006 as the first Hispanic appointed to its board. The institute has an annual research budget of more than $592 million and employs about 3,000 people.

Round Rock ISD bond committee recommends three propositions

A bond committee has recommended a bond issue of around $289 million to trustees of the Round Rock ISD. Trustees now will have to decide if a May bond election will be called. The recommendation includes three propositions.

The first would provide for a variety of construction projects and technology upgrades district-wide at a cost of $225.8 million. Proposition two would include additional technology expansion throughout the district, including more laptops, eBooks in libraries and digital classroom pilots, carrying a cost of $22.2 million. Proposition three, with a price tag of $38.9 million, would provide for construction of either a second performing arts center in the district, or the construction of two high school auditoriums.

Among the recommendations of the bond committee are: a new elementary school and new middle school, a new fine arts facility, an additional wing of classrooms at Round Rock High School, funding for planning and design of a new high school, purchase of 55 buses over three years, technology upgrades and infrastructure projects that include electrical, HVAC, roofing, flooring and plumbing.

Garland ISD postpones $600M

bond election planned for May

Citing the need to gain more support from voters, trustees for Garland Independent School District recently agreed to postpone a bond election previously planned for May. The bond proposal was for between $400 million to $600 million in bonds to improve facilities and technology.

A bond committee recommended trustees seek approval of $135 million in bonds to pay for upgrades to safety and security, $187 million for building maintenance and $74 million to improve technology throughout the district. Trustees said they would consider scheduling a bond election in November. If voters approve the bonds, work on the facility improvements could begin in 2015 and be completed in about five years.

Blankinship confirmed as U.S. Marshal for Southern District

The U.S. Congress recently confirmed the appointment of Gary L. Blankinship (pictured), a former police officer in Houston, as the U.S. Marshal for the Southern District of Texas. President Barack Obama nominated Blankinship for the post in May 2012.

A 35-year veteran law enforcement officer, Blankinship retired as a senior police officer with Houston PD, where he also was president of the Houston Police Officers' Union.

During his four-year term as a marshal, Blankinship will be one of 94 marshals appointed by the president to serve each federal judicial district. His duties include enforcing federal law in federal courts, protecting federal judges and apprehending federal fugitives. Blankinship also will oversee asset forfeiture, the witness protection program as well as prisoner operations and transportation for federal prisoners and aliens.

Galveston fires Kovacs

from city manager position

Galveston City Council members in a 4-3 vote recently agreed to fire City Manager Michael Kovacs (pictured).

Council members also appointed Assistant City Manager Brian Maxwell as the interim city manager until the permanent post is filled.

• Julio Cerda of Mission, Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners;
• David Anthony Garza of San Benito, Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners;
• Ed Thompson of Tyler, Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners

Willow Park appoints Scott

as interim city secretary

Willow Park City Council members recently appointed Candy Scott, currently a budget and financial analyst for the city, as the new interim city secretary. Scott replaces Yael Hoffman, who resigned after serving in that post since 2008.

Council members asked staff to identify candidates for city secretary as Scott indicated she would not pursue the post, but agreed to temporarily serve as interim city secretary as she has experience in holding elections.