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Wilson wastes little time in putting together administrative team
LCRA organizational structure features new appointees as well as holdovers
  Making what he called "high-level changes that more closely mirror the services LCRA (Lower Colorado River Authority) provides," new LCRA General Manager Phil Wilson has wasted little time in announcing a new organizational structure that he says will make the agency more responsive to its customers. The changes at the senior management level include some holdover LCRA employees as well as the addition of a handful of new employees.
The newbies: Clint Harp (top left), special assistant to Wilson; John Hofmann (top right), executive vice president of water; Bill Lauderback (bottom right), executive vice president for public affairs; John Miri (bottom left), chief administrative officer; Ken Price, chief commercial officer; and Richard Williams, chief financial officer. The holdovers: John Rubottom, general counsel; Ross Phillips, executive vice president   of transmission; Charlie Johnson, general auditor; and Julie Eby, executive assistant to the general manager and Board of Directors.
Harp will serve as consultant to Wilson and will work with Wilson and the administrative team to coordinate special projects. He is the former director of business development within the Governor's Office's economic development division and was an executive aide and special advisor to Gov. Rick Perry. Harp also was an appointed board member to the Texas Economic Development Corporation. Harp holds a bachelor's degree from Pepperdine University in California.
Hofmann will oversee water, river, irrigation, dam and hydroelectric operations, water surface management, water resource planning, conservation, water quality protection, water customer services and environmental laboratory services. He is a former regional manager for the Brazos River Authority and also has served as the Authority's manager of government and customer relations. He is a former Perry liaison to the Texas House and worked in the commissioner's office of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. Hofmann holds a bachelor's degree from The University of Texas at Austin.
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Strategic Partnerships salutes Texas' Lone Stars
 Harold Nolte, District President, Blinn College
Career highlights and education: I've had the opportunity to work at four diverse colleges in two states. I began my career as a director of student activities at South Plains College and worked my way up through the administrative ranks. I was vice president of student services at Navarro College, Edison College in Florida and Kilgore College. I then returned to Navarro College's Ellis County Campuses and became a campus president. The greatest highlight of my career took place in 2011, when I was named the 14th president of Blinn College. At a time when many community colleges face an uncertain future, I am fortunate to lead a college that has seen 31.1 percent growth since 2006 and has opportunities for continued expansion. I earned my associate's degree at McLennan Community College, and my bachelor's and master's degrees are from Baylor University. I earned my Ed.D. in educational leadership from Mississippi State University, and also went to Harvard for post-doctoral studies and was named an American Council on Education fellow.
What I like best about my job is: The best part of my job is the opportunity to frequently interact with students from many places and backgrounds who are fulfilling their dreams. On any given week, I have the opportunity to see a top notch theatre performance, an athletic event, a breathtaking music program, an ag judging contest, students being inducted into an honor society or incredible student artwork. As our students take advantage of the myriad extracurricular activities on our campuses, I get many opportunities to see our students succeed, both inside and outside the classroom.
The best advice I've received for my current job is: Always be fair to people and make myself accessible. The only way to understand what's taking place at an active institution is to truly listen to people and use every conversation as an opportunity to learn - about yourself, about the College and about the students you serve.
Advice you would give a new hire in your office: Leadership means looking into the future and seeing an organization not as it is, but as it should be.
If I ever snuck out of work early, I could probably be found: alongside my wife Lynn at one of my daughter Kathryn's basketball games.
People would be surprised to know that I: am very spiritual. My family and I attend First Baptist Church and I participate in a small Bible study group every Friday.
One thing I wish more people knew about my agency: We continue to expand and see even more opportunities for growth, including building upon our relationship with Texas A&M and other top-tier universities and expanding our workforce education offerings to provide quick, job-focused skills training.
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Brooke selected as interim director of juvenile justice agency
After 19 years with the Texas Juvenile Probation Commission and two years as chief of staff for the Texas Juvenile Justice Department (TJJD), Linda Brooke has been named interim director of the agency. She will take over following the recent resignation of Director Mike Griffiths, effective March 31.
Brooke began her career in juvenile justice as a detention officer and probation officer in Montgomery County. She later spent nearly two decades with the Probation Commission. When the Texas Juvenile Probation Commission and the Texas Youth Commission were combined into the TJJD, Brooke was named director of governmental relations at the new agency. She holds a bachelor's degree from Sam Houston State University.
Scott Fisher, chairman of the TJJD board, said no timeline has been established for hiring a new executive director.
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Texas DPS creates new investigative center to protect children
 Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) officials recently created the Texas Crimes Against Children Center (TCACC) to help protect children through collecting and disseminating of intelligence, supporting investigations and cooperating with counselors who provide assistance to children who are victims.
To be located within the Texas Rangers Division, TCACC will provide officers with training and resources to identify and rescue missing children, the trafficking of children, child abductions and other risks to children, said Steven McCraw (pictured), DPS director.
TCACC also will support local, state and federal authorities by providing coordination between multiple agencies and in identifying investigative resources, McCraw said. The new center also will work to identify known child victims or at-risk children using reports or ancillary investigations, he said. |
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TWDB approves more than $64 million in financial assistance
The Texas Water Development Board recently announced the approval of $64,489,690 in financial assistance for water-related projects in Texas.
Approved were:
- $1,744,690 to the Mooreville Water Supply Corp. in Falls County that includes a grant from the Economically Distressed Areas Program. The assistance will help to develop a long-term reliable water supply. Failure of the corporation's single water well has failed, leaving the community without a reliable source of water. This grant will help the community develop additional water supplies and replace water meters to address water loss issues.
- $38.26 million to the city of San Antonio, acting by and through the San Antonio Water System, consisting of a loan from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund to rehabilitate existing sewer lines, construct a new sewer line and reduce sanitary sewer overflows.
- $22.4 million to the city of San Antonio, acting by and through the San Antonio Water System, consisting of a loan from the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund for water main improvements that will provide additional water distribution capacity and fire flow capabilities by increasing the size of water mains. Funds will also be used to replace approximately 38,000 water meters.
- $2.085 million to the Greater Texoma Utility Authority on behalf of the City of Krum (Denton County) from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund to build a larger capacity wastewater treatment plant to improve its ability to serve existing and new customers.
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UNT students can graduate in four years - and earn $1,000
Here's a novel idea...you finish up your four-year college education not thinking about what you owe, but what you get back!
The University of North Texas System Board of Regents this week approved what they're calling the new Eagle Express tuition plan. Under the guidelines of the proposal, incoming freshmen and new transfer students to the University of North Texas (UNT) beginning in fall 2014 can sign up for a new flat-rate tuition plan. The plan offers students graduating in four years a $3,000 reduction in tuition and fees - plus a $1,000 bonus! Under the plan, students who sign up for the Eagle Express plan and who earn graduation incentives could pay the same price for four years of tuition and fees as they would pay if this year's rates were locked in.
UNT President Neal Smatresk called the plan new, innovative and student-friendly. "The Eagle Express plan gives our students a strong impetus to graduate in four years," he said. "It gives students and their families an opportunity to plan their budgets for four years. And it will allow UNT to continue to offer a high-quality education at an affordable rate."
Academically talented students who receive a merit scholarship will be eligible for the plan in addition to their scholarship, potentially allowing them to pay little to nothing in tuition and fees for their education. Students who choose not to participate in the plan will face a 3.9 percent per increase in academic costs over the next four years. This fall, continuing students at UNT will be offered a one-time opportunity to sign up for the Eagle Express Tuition Plan. Continuing students will not be allowed to join the plan after fall 2014.
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Castille resigns as president of University of Houston-Victoria
 President Phil Castille (pictured) of the University of Houston-Victoria recently resigned from that post, effective immediately.
Castille is returning as a tenured faculty member in the School of Arts and Sciences. He previously was a special assistant to the chancellor of the University of Hawaii and also worked at UH-Downtown from 1981 to 1994. He joined UHV in August 2011.
Chancellor Renu Khator, chancellor of the University of Houston System, also appointed Wayne Beran, the vice president of administration, as the acting president. Khator said she plans to appoint an interim president for UHV in two to three weeks and then begin a search for a new president. |
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Lone Star College System hires firm to help find new chancellor
Lone Star College System officials recently selected a search firm based in Oregon to assist in its search for a new chancellor. The new chancellor will replace Richard Carpenter, who retired in February.
Plans call for representatives from the search firm, which specializes in finding leadership for community colleges, to meet with students, faculty and staff at the six campuses operated by LSCS to hear their recommendations. LSCS trustees plan to meet with search firm representatives on May 1 to select semi-finalists to consider for chancellor. |
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Dickinson moving on as air defense commander of Fort Bliss
 Brig. Gen. James H. Dickinson (pictured) recently turned over his duties as commander of the 32nd Army Air and Missile Defense Command at Fort Bliss after 20 months in that job. Brig. Gen. Donald G. Frye is slated to take over command of the Air Defense Command on March 21.
Previously the commander of the 94th Army Air and Missile Defense Command in Hawaii, Dickinson has been stationed at Fort Bliss on six occasions. He is leaving to become deputy to the Inspector General of the Army in Washington, D.C.
Dickinson has a bachelor's degree from Colorado State University, a master's degree from the Colorado School of Mines and a master's degree from the U.S. Army War College. |
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Newspaper names candidates for UT-Rio Grande Valley leader
Although neither confirmed nor denied by officials of The University of Texas System, The Monitor, the local newspaper in McAllen, says it has identified four of the five candidates being considered to become the first president of The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.
The four reported candidates include UT Pan American President Robert Nelsen, Georgia Regents University President Ricardo Azziz, former University of Alabama and Texas Tech President Guy Bailey and former Secretary of the Army Louis Caldera. The fifth candidate was not identified by the newspaper.
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UT System issues RFP for site of new university headquarters
Where the administrative headquarters for The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley will be located is still up in the air. The University of Texas System is hoping to narrow the choices down after releasing a request for proposals (RFP) seeking offers from cities. The new campus will combine the resources and assets of UT Brownsville and UT Pan American and, for the first time, make it possible for residents of the Rio Grande Valley to benefit from the Permanent University Fund. The university will also feature a school of medicine.
The city of Harlingen already is being suggested by some supporters as the best possible location for the headquarters. Randy Wittington, president of the South Texas Medical Foundation and a former Harlingen mayor, said it is more logical to have the location in Harlingen because Harlingen is centrally located between McAllen and Brownsville and Harlingen has 35 acres of land to offer.
The administrative headquarters must be able to accommodate some 100 employees, including staff, professional-level and executive-level personnel. Also to be considered are access to amenities and major highways and access to the new university's campuses. The proposals will be reviewed and evaluated, with the UT System Board of Regents making the final decision on the site. |
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Houston to save $200 million by refinancing $1.3 billion in bonds
 Controller Ronald Green (pictured) of the city of Houston recently announced plans to refinance $1.3 billion in bonds from the city's Combined Utility System and save about $207.5 million.
"The substantial savings generated from this refunding bolsters the System's ability to carry out its mission to provide clean and safe water to our citizens," noted Green.
The city was able to achieve an interest rate of 3.15 percent on the re-issue of tax-exempt bonds and 3.59 percent on taxable bonds. The interest rates were because of a significant demand for the bonds as a result of the city's expanded investor outreach program, Green said. |
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Sherman eyeing proposal to expand water treatment plant
The director of utilities for Sherman recently urged city council members to spend about $15 million to expand the current water treatment plant in order to process water from Lake Texoma to meet growing demand.
The water treatment plant now has the capacity to treat about 10 million gallons a day of water using a conventional treatment process. But, by using a microfiltration process followed by reverse osmosis, the new system would be more efficient and use less space while doubling the plant's treatment capacity, said Mark Gibson, the director of utilities. The expansion project would take about three years to complete if council approves the proposal to upgrade the treatment plant, he said. |
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Mitchell latest appointee to Cap Metro board of directors
 Local developer Terry Mitchell (pictured) is the newest appointee to the Capital Metro board of directors, after having been named to the post by the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (CAMPO). Mitchell replaces Frank Fernandez, who resigned from the board when he accepted a new position in Atlanta, Georgia.
Mitchell's career in real estate financing and development spans more than three decades. He is currently president of Momark Development LLC.
Mitchell holds a bachelor's degree from The University of Texas at Austin, an MBA from St. Edward's University and a Doctor of Jurisprudence with Distinction from St. Mary's University in San Antonio. |
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Lubbock group looks at rail to connect Texas Tech, downtown
A developer with contracts with the city of Lubbock, Marc McDougal, recently began a study on the feasibility of a light rail project to connect Texas Tech University with the downtown area to help revitalize the city's center.
According to the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal, McDougal Companies plans to pursue federal grants rather than use tax dollars to pay for the light rail project to move passengers 1.5 miles from Texas Tech to the downtown area. The developer has hired a Dallas-based company to prepare presentation materials to help win grant funds, according to McDougal, a former mayor of Lubbock and official of McDougal Companies. |
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Houston OK's agreement for $70M joint inmate processing center
The Houston City Council recently approved an agreement with Harris County to begin the design of a center to process inmates. Voters approved $70 million in bonds in November after rejecting a previous bond proposition in 2007 asking for $100 million to pay for a joint center to process inmates to be shared by the city and county law enforcement officers.
Under the agreement, city officials agreed to pay 30 percent of the cost and the county agreed to pay 70 percent of the cost of the project proposed to reduce the cost and speed up the booking and release of inmates. County officials approved the agreement earlier this month.
In addition to allowing the arresting officers to return to patrol more quickly, the joint inmate processing center should more effectively connect outgoing inmates with existing services such as mental health care or substance abuse treatment, said Harris County Sheriff Adrian Garcia. |
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Western Governors University Texas nabs $500,000 grant
 The Greater Texas Foundation recently awarded Western Governors University-Texas a three-year, $500,000 grant to help expand partnerships with community colleges in Texas.
The first phase of the plan will focus on community colleges in the Permian Basin region of West Texas and in East Texas near Tyler and Longview. The plans is to build agreements for guaranteed pathways for students desiring an associate degree or bachelor's degree, said Chancellor Ray Martinez (pictured) of WGU-Texas in an interview with the Midland Reporter-Telegram. WGU-Texas officials plan to focus on South Texas and the El Paso area during the second phase and the Panhandle region and the area north of Dallas during the third phase.
The WGU System was founded in 1997 by governors of 19 states. WGU-Texas is an accredited nonprofit, online university in the WGU System. WGU-Texas now has about 4,500 students in Texas who pay $6,000 to take as many courses as they want during that year, Martinez said. The focus is on students who live outside of major metropolitan areas in Texas, he added. |
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El Paso County eyeing $17 million for Aguilera Highway
El Paso County commissioners recently discussed using money from bonds approved in 2012 and vehicle registration fees to pay the $17 million needed for the second phase of the Manuel Aguilera Highway. The new highway will connect the Tornillo-Guadalupe International Port of Entry with Interstate 10, at a cost of about $133 million for the road and bridge project on this side of the border.
Designed to replace the Fabens port of entry in the eastern portion of the county, the new port of entry bridge is expected to be completed in July and operational by the end of this year. The connecting highway, designed with a toll way, could be a source of revenue with the county operating toll facilities or contracting with a private company to collect tolls, design, install and maintain the toll operation, noted one commissioner.
This new phase of the project includes building a highway and bridge over railroad lines from Alameda Road to I-10. County officials also are planning to demolish the Fabens-Caseta Bridge by late 2015. The timing for the bridge opening still hinges on whether Mexico completes its side of the bridge on schedule, county officials said. |
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Travis County allots $15 million to build $100 million toll road
Despite strong opposition from environmental groups, Travis County commissioners recently agreed to spend $15 million to build a toll road, Texas 45, over a sensitive aquifer to connect Hays County commuters to the southern end of Loop 1 and relieve heavy traffic congestion in that area.
County officials plan to send the $15 million to the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority no later than October. Voters in 1997 approved $3.5 million to buy land for the highway, which was originally planned with no toll, but changed the plan into a toll road. Hays County officials have pledged $5 million and the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization and the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) have promised to contribute $32 million. The mobility authority also plans to borrow $48 million to be repaid by toll revenues from the new toll road.
Because the proposed two-lane, divided highway would be built over a portion of the Edwards Aquifer providing drinking water for more than 50,000 people, officials are waiting for the completion of an environmental review of the project. TxDOT officials plan to complete the environmental review in late 2014 or early 2015. If TxDOT decides the highway is environmentally safe, construction could begin in 2015 and a new toll road could be in operation by 2017, county officials said. |
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Killeen approves $140,000 contract for solid waste master plan
 Killeen City Council members recently approved a contract with an engineering firm to create a solid waste master plan and conduct a rate study.
The master plan and rate study are needed to provide council members with better information on a proposed recycling program, including whether to adopt a mandatory recycling system or a voluntary system, said City Manager Glenn Morrison (pictured).
The study will look at single-stream recycling using a single cart system and using a multi-cart system as well as reviewing existing and future rates, city officials said. |
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Check out our Public-Sector Job Board!
Dozens of public-sector jobs available. New jobs added this week: Graphics Designer II at Texas Legislative Council, Attorney and Acounts Payable Accountant at Public Utility Commission of Texas and Program Specialist I for the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. Click here to view jobs. Free job postings for state and local governments, nonprofits and other public-sector entities. Send your posting to editor@spartnerships.com. |
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Victoria County eyeing $6.5 million to upgrade roads, facilities
 Victoria County commissioners recently began discussion on issuing $6.5 million in new debt to pay for rebuilding roads, renovating facilities and expanding courtrooms. County Judge Don Pozzi (pictured) urged commissioners to approve the issue of the $6.5 million in debt by June.
Current plans are to spend $2.5 million to remodel a fire station and $1.46 million to rebuild Canal and Old Bloomington roads. Other projects are a $600,000 renovation of a newly purchased building into office space and to create a courtroom for the Precinct 1 Justice of the Peace, expand the courts located in the courthouse on Bridge Street and buy a new generator for the emergency operations center, Pozzi said. |
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Willow Park approves $685,000 to replace water lines
Willow Park City Council members recently approved issuing $685,000 in certificates of obligation to pay for replacing aging, cast iron water lines. City officials are obtaining a loan with an interest rate of only 1.25 percent from the Texas Water Development Board to replace the water lines, many of which are leaking.
The loan will pay for the first six of the nine water line replacements planned by city officials, The cost to replace all nine water lines is an estimated $920,000, city officials said. |
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New Braunfels wins $1.25 million federal grant for tech center
 New Braunfels city officials recently won a $1.25 million grant from the Economic Development Administration of the U.S. Department of Commerce for a $6.2 million project to expand the Central Texas Technology Center (CTTC).
The cities of New Braunfels and Seguin, the New Braunfels Industrial Development Board, the Seguin Economic Development Corporation and Alamo Colleges are collaborating on the project, said Robert Camareno (pictured), city manager in New Braunfels. Plans are to double the size of the facility to serve more students from Comal and Guadalupe counties, he said.
Voters in 2013 approved $4 million in funding for the expansion project. The Seguin EDC committed $600,000 to the expansion project and the New Braunfels IDB pledged $320,000. The project adds more general instruction space, laboratories for biology and chemistry labs and areas for student support and faculty offices to the technology center. |
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Abilene approves study of public safety communications
Abilene City Council members recently approved a contract with a consultant to study the needs of the city's public safety communication system.
The study is needed, said Assistant Chief Doug Wrenn, because the company that supports the current communications operating system no longer will provide support for the software and state officials will not be able to certify information from the outdated system. The old communications system also has problems with interoperability with other communication systems and radio frequencies, he said.
The study, expected to cost about $80,000, should be completed in two to three months, he said. |
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El Paso names Stresow to lead International Bridge Department
 El Paso city officials recently selected Paul Stresow (pictured) as the new director of the International Bridges Department, to manage three international ports of entry and the Parking Meter Division.
Currently serving as director of parking at the University of Texas-El Paso, Stresow previously worked for the city for nine years, including stints in human resources, public works and at Sun Metro.
Stresow has a bachelor's degree and two master's degrees from UTEP. |
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Round Rock kicks off design work on three park projects
The Round Rock City Council recently approved three contracts to develop designs to expand Heritage Trail, improve the multipurpose complex and soccer complex at Old Settlers Park and expand the Rock 'N River Family Aquatic Center funded by $123 million in bonds approved in November 2013.
City officials received the first $71 million in bond funds this month and plan to begin work on other projects at a later date, such as a public safety training facility, libraries and new fire stations approved in the bond proposition. |
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Orange begins plans for $150,000 project to upgrade Navy Park
Orange city officials recently began developing plans to upgrade Navy Park to meet requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act and make other improvements to the park.
Rehabilitation of a walking track, upgrades to a recreational facility, installation of new play structures and a possible new "squirt park" also are planned for the park, said City Manager Shawn Oubre. City officials are developing cost estimates for the projects and requested release of federal funding promised to help pay for the park improvements, he said. |
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McAllen merging Metro McAllen, airport into one department
 McAllen City Manager Mike Perez (pictured) recently announced plans to merge Metro McAllen, the city department that manages bus service and a parking garage, with the McAllen-Miller International Airport to create one entity, the Transportation Department. The merger should produce cost savings for the city, Perez said.
Once merged, the new department will have 130 employees and an annual budget of about $8.8 million, Perez said. The action follows the resignation in December of former Aviation Director Phil Brown after release of a critical audit and the later resignation of the assistant director of aviation to accept a new job in Killeen.
City officials are advertising for a new director of the transportation department and seek applicants with certification and 10 years experience with airports or public transportation. |
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Harlingen appoints Rubio as interim fire chief
After Harlingen city commissioners voted to abolish the position of public safety director, commissioners appointed Rojelio "Roy" Rubio as the interim fire chief. An earlier proposal to hire a public safety director to lead both the police department and fire department had raised heated opposition.
Rubio previously was fire chief in McAllen from 2006 until 2012 and worked for the Weslaco Fire Department from 1981 through 1999, the last six years as fire chief. He currently is employed at South Texas College.
City officials said they plan to advertise for a new fire chief at a later date. |
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Lewisville agrees to help develop restaurants in Old Town
Lewisville City Council members recently approved agreement with the Old Town Development Lewisville LLC to provide up to $500,000 in grant funds to develop three "high quality" restaurants on city property in the Old Town area. The developer pledged to invest $2.5 million to develop the 1.76-acre site. |
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Austin Business Journal hosts 'Meet Your Mentor' event
Austin will be among 40 cities throughout the country to host a "Meet Your Mentor" Bizwomen Mentoring Monday event on April 7, hosted locally by the Austin Business Journal. Billed as the "first event of its kind and the beginning of an annual tradition that brings women together in a casual, fast-paced coaching atmosphere," participants will choose from 40 mentors who are among the most influential women in the community and spend five minutes with them for one-on-one coaching. The Austin event will be from 7 to 9 a.m. at the Westin, 11301 Domain Dr., 78758. Participants in all of the Business Journal markets - from Sacramento to Houston to Washington, D.C. - will see a broadcast keynote address from Lori Greiner, a "shark" on ABC's hit entrepreneurial business show, Shark Tank. She also has had her own show on QVC TV for the last 16 years. The attendees will stand in line and wait for a particular mentor or move to the next mentor available, with expectation of each attendee having the opportunity to meet up to seven mentors. Among the dozens of mentors already confirmed for the Austin event are: Chris Plonsky, Women's Athletic Director/Executive Sr. Associate Athletic Director for men's and women's athletics external services, The University of Texas at Austin; Mary Scott Nabers, president and CEO of Strategic Partnerships Inc. and co-founder of the Gemini Global Group; Elizabeth Christian, president, Elizabeth Christian & Associates Public Relations; Cindy Matula, president - Austin Region, JPMorgan Chase Bank; Debbie Bresette, president, United Way of Greater Austin; Amy Simmons, owner, Amy's Ice Creams; Lorrie Schultz, executive director, Dell; and Catherine Morse, general counsel and director of public affairs, Samsung. Registration is now open.
Governor's Small Business Forum focuses on Eagle Ford Shale
The 2014 Governor's Small Business Forum: Opportunities of the Eagle Ford Shale is set for Tuesday, March 25. The forum will be from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the La Vernia High School Auditorium, 221 FM 775, La Vernia, 78121.This forum brings resources to small business owners seeking to grow their company in the region most impacted by the Eagle Ford Shale. Industry experts will be on hand to answer questions on government procurement opportunities, workforce, gaining access to capital and social media techniques. The event is free and open to the public, but those planning to attend must register.
School for Local Government HR employees set in College Station
The School for Local Government HR Professionals continuing education conference, sponsored by the V.G. Young Institute of County Government, will be held April 8-10 at the Hilton College Station and Conference Center in College Station. The conference is open to any individual who performs human resources-related duties in a local government environment - such as payroll and benefits, recruiting and training, conflict resolution, risk management, employment law, strategic planning, health and safety, policy development and performance management. Some of the session topics will include an update on the Affordable Care Act, advice on working with employees who have lifelong illnesses or mental disorders, best practices related to HR records management, dealing with the ADA, FMLA and Workers Comp overlap and more. Attendees can earn 14 hours of PHR/SPHR credit. A draft agenda and information on registration are now available and exhibitor space is available. For more information on the conference, click here or call 979-845-4572.
21st Annual HUB/Small Business Vendor Fair set for April 22
The University of Texas at Austin and The University of Texas System will host their 21st HUB/SB vendor fair April 22 at the Frank Erwin Special Events Center, 1701 Red River, Austin, TX 78701. The vendor fair is designed to give Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) owners an opportunity to market their products and/or services to the many departmental purchasing representatives on The University of Texas campus, UT System component institutions and to other State of Texas agencies. HUB and small business vendors will exhibit from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Workshops and other networking opportunities will occur throughout the day. This year's HUB/SB Vendor Fair will also include a business-matchmaking session where HUB and SB vendors can present their qualifications to prime firms and agency representatives in one-on-one meetings. The vendor fair is FREE for exhibiting vendors and open to the public. More information is available here.
Eagle Ford Consortium planning third annual conference
The Third Annual Conference of the Eagle Ford Consortium is planned for April 21-23 at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio. "Driving the 21st Century Texas Economy: Sustainable Oil and Gas Communities" is the theme for this third annual event. Consortium members address issues that are the result of the economic impact of the oil and gas exploration that is taking place within the Eagle Ford Shale. The event features keynote speakers at conference luncheons, informative breakout sessions, power networking, receptions and more. Sponsorship opportunities are available and exhibitor reservations are being accepted. Online registration is now open. For more information or for sponsorships, contact Cindy Taylor at cindy@cindytaylorgroup.com or 210-912-5868. |
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How much should you know about drones? As much as possible!
 By Mary Scott Nabers, CEO of Strategic Partnerships, Inc.
Picture this - unmanned aerial vehicles delivering pizzas to your doors, depositing pharmacy prescriptions and/or transporting books and tapes from a commercial online vendor to your home. Like the convenience? Probably - but do you understand the technology behind unmanned aerial vehicles - more commonly called "drones?"
Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), usually referred to as drones, may become common delivery vehicles in the not-too-distant future. In the competitive space where war is being waged between Amazon, UPS and established retail outlets, speed and efficiency are winning.
In commercial applications, most people are likely to accept the concept of drone deliveries. But, when it comes to the use of drones by the government, there are immediate negative vibes that trouble people. Most think of drones that hover and collect information or data as being harbingers of "Big Brother." They fear an infringement of the privacy rights of Americans.
But, if the negative perception of drones can be overcome, drones might well become a multi-billion-dollar industry in America. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued fewer than 400 permits for drones, but that number is expected to increase to more than 30,000 over the next 20 years..
Texas is in the forefront of the trend toward commercialization of drone technology. Texas A&M-Corpus Christi was selected by the FAA to be one of the sites in only six states chosen for testing of drones. A&M-Corpus Christi has been involved in drone research for a couple of years at its Lone Star Unmanned Aircraft Systems Center.
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Hewitt eyeing new $4.5 million building for city hall, library
Hewitt City Council members recently began studying the feasibility of building a new $4.5 million building to house city hall and a public library.
Preliminary plans are to build a 26,000-square-foot facility with 9,000 square feet set aside for the city hall with space for a council chamber, workroom, municipal court and administrative offices. The library will occupy the remaining 17,000 square feet of space, said an architect presenting design plans to council members.
If approved by council, the new city hall/library facility would be located next to a new $3.6 million, 22,000-square-foot public safety building now under construction. It would house the police and fire departments. |
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Kelley selected as new
city manager in Jasper
 Denise Kelley (pictured) recently won selection as the city manager for the city of Jasper. She has served twice as interim city manager of the city.
Previously the finance director, Kelley replaces former City Manager Tommy Boykin, who resigned in April 2013. |
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Diboll plans to remodel city
hall, public safety building
City council members in Diboll recently authorized the city manager to begin plans to remodel the public safety building and expand the city hall by 1,390 square feet. Work on the public safety building will begin once the fire department moves to a new metal building, said City Manager Dennis McDuffie. The council also authorized McDuffie to proceed with bidding for the two remodeling projects once design plans are secured. |
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Most of advisory group for Travis County courthouse approved
Travis County commissions recently approved 28 members to serve as an advisory group to help in developing plans for a $300 million civil and family courthouse in downtown Austin.
Responding to a request at a public meeting, commissioners, who expanded the proposed advisory group from 15 to 30, may appoint two more members to balance the ethnicity of the advisory panel with the county's population.
County officials have hired a North Carolina-based consultant to oversee development of the proposed new downtown courthouse to be located south of Republic Square in addition to setting a goal of completing the project by 2018. Members include: Laura Wolf, Julia Spann, Linda Phan, Mia Sneed, Michael J. Whellan, David Courreges, Martha Dickie, Cookie Ruiz, Michael McGill, Michael Kennedy, Larry Graham and Rajina Pradham. Also Lynelle McKay, Christopher Kennedy, Brian East, Bob Binder, Nancy Burns, Socar Chatmon-Thomas, Frank Fuentes, Richard Moya, Bill Oakey, Frank M. Rodriguez, Kenneth D. Thompson, Sr., Jeffrey W. Travillion, Sr., Rosa Rios Valdez and Melvin Wrenn. |
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LCRA approves $17 million
toward new reservoir
A new downstream reservoir got a $17 million boost from the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) this week to fund the final reservoir design, the infrastructure to pump water into the reservoir from the Colorado River and relocation of an electric transmission line. The $17 million is part of the overall cost of $215 million.
LCRA General Manager Phil Wilson said the reservoir will provide a reliable source of water to the drought-stricken area of Highland Lakes. Last year, the LCRA approved spending $18 million for the land and initial design work for the project. LCRA officials are seeking other funding for the project from grants, loans and possibly part of the $2 billion voter-approved funding from the state's rainy day fund that was set aside for water projects statewide. |
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Longview appoints Bonds
as assistant city manager
 The Longview City Council recently approved a reorganization of city staff by selecting Keith Bonds (pictured), previously the director of public works, as an assistant city manager. Council members also appointed Mary Ann Miller, previously an assistant to the city manager, as director of administration to oversee information services and human resources. Rolin McPhee, currently the assistant director of public works, was named the director of public works to replace Bonds. Also winning promotions were Shawn Hara, previously the public information officer, who is slated to replace Miller as assistant to the city manager and Terri Fields as the new human resources and risk manager.
Bonds joined the city in 1999 as an engineer and won promotion as director of water utilities in October 2000 and as director of public works in April 2002. The reorganization was necessary because of two vacancies when an assistant city manager left his post and the director of human resources retired, the city manager said. |
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East Central ISD taps Toscano
to be new superintendent
East Central Independent School District board members recently tapped Rolando Toscano to become the new superintendent, effective in July.
Currently a high school principal, Toscano will replace Superintendent Gary Patterson, who plans to retire from the San Antonio school district this summer. Joining East Central in 1997 as a student teacher, Toscano has served as principal of East Central High School for seven years.
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. |
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Houston ISD taps Hare as
new chief of major projects
 Houston Independent School District officials recently tapped Don Hare (pictured) as the new chief of major projects to lead efforts in guiding low-income students who are high achieving into good colleges and other special initiatives such the new Futures Academy at Jones High School.
A former teacher and superintendent for schools in North Carolina and Ohio, Hare also has worked as an educational consultant on federal title programs, vocational and technical education.
Hare has a bachelor's degree and a master's degree from East Carolina University in addition to a Ph.D. from Vanderbilt University. |
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Baskett new executive director
for Johnson County ESD
Burney Baskett is the new executive director of the Johnson County Emergency Services District. Baskett has served as fire chief twice in his career, most recently from 2008-2013 in South Padre and from 2002-2008 in Hillsboro. He began his firefighting career in 1982 with the Arlington Fire Department. |
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Hardcastle to serve as business development group director
Former State Rep. Rick Hardcastle has been chosen director of the Vernon Business Development Corporation. The corporation has been negotiating with Hardcastle since January to fill the position and recently tied the knot. Hardcastle has been involved in consulting and lobbying since leaving the legislature. He will replace former Director Sean Stockard, who resigned in December 2012. |
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College Station ISD names Ealy
lone finalist for superintendent
 College Station Independent School District officials recently named Clark Ealy (pictured) as the lone finalist for superintendent. He replaces Superintendent Eddie Coulson, who is retiring on June 27.
Currently the deputy superintendent for administrative services for the district, Ealy now oversees transportation, child nutrition, maintenance and operations, technology, growth, construction, accountability and assessment. Ealy joined the district in 2000. |
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Texarkana selects Jaster
as assistant city manager
Texarkana city officials recently promoted Shirley Jaster, currently the executive director of community and public works, to serve as an assistant city manager. Jaster originally joined the city as a planner. |
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Greenville to begin search
for new public works director
Greenville City Manager Massoud Ebrahim of Greenville recently said he plans to begin seeking applicants for public works director on April 1.
Ebrahim, who has continued serving as public works director since being named as interim city manager in May 2013, replaced former City Manager Steven Alexander after council members terminated his contract. Ebrahim won selection as city manager in August and has continued performing his duties as public works director. City officials have now identified funding to hire a new public works director, he said. |
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Veteran Don Daniel will serve Cleburne as interim leader
 Don Daniel (pictured) has been hired as interim superintendent of the Cleburne ISD. He succeeds Tim Miller, who stepped down from heading the school on March 5. Miller, a former Aledo ISD superintendent, will serve until a full-time replacement is named.
Daniel served as head of the Aledo ISD for 12 years, retiring in 2011. Prior to joining the Aledo district, he was an assistant superintendent, assistant principal and principal in the Crowley ISD. He holds an associate of arts degree from Ranger Junior College, a bachelor's degree from Texas Wesleyan University and a master's from Tarleton State University. |
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Chambers selected economic development director in Lufkin
Following a 16-month search, Thad Chambers recently won selection as the new director of economic development in Lufkin. He began his new duties on March 5. He has 12 years experience in economic development and plans to focus on helping Lufkin become a regional leader in attracting large manufacturers to the city. |
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Knight tapped as new interim
city attorney in Corpus Christi
Barney Knight, a former city manager in Temple, recently won selection by the Corpus Christi City Council as the new interim attorney. He also served as a city attorney and as an acting city manager in Austin during his 40 years in municipal government.
Knight replaces Roxann Cotroneo, who withdrew her acceptance to serve as the interim city attorney in February. City officials expect to select a new city attorney in three to four months. |
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McAllen selects Rodriguez
as interim city manager
 The McAllen City Commission recently selected Roy Rodriguez (pictured), currently the public utility general manager, as the new interim city manager. He will replace City Manager Mike Perez on April 1.
Commissioners also plan to search for a new city manager, and for candidates to replace Finance Director Jerry Dale and Deputy City Manager Brent Branham, who are retiring. The Utility Board also may appoint an interim general manager for public utilities to allow Rodriguez to focus on his duties as city manager, city officials said.
After earning a bachelor's degree from Texas A&I University, Rodriguez also received a master's degree from The University of Texas-Pan American. |
Texas Government Insider Archives
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Governor's appointments
Governor Rick Perry has announced the following appointments:
- Carmen Pagan of McAllen, State Health Services Council;
- Nancy Townes of Granbury, State Health Services Council;
- Jay Zeidman of Houston, State Health Services Council;
- Harold Berenzweig of Fort Worth, Correctional Managed Health Care Committee;
- Steff Campbell of Manvel, Correctional Managed Health Care Committee;
- Margarita de la Garza-Grahm of Tyler, Correctional Managed Health Care Committee;
- Annette Gary of Lubbock. Correctional Managed Health Care Committee;
- Elizabeth Linder of Lubbock, Correctional Managed Health Care Committee;
- Edward Sherwood of Lago Vista, Correctional Managed Health Care Committee;
- Stacy G. London of Houston, Finance Commission of Texas;
- Lori McCool of Boerne, Finance Commission of Texas;
- Larry Patton of El Paso. Finance Commission of Texas;
- Paul Plunket III of Dallas, Finance Commission of Texas;
- Mike Cox of Driftwood, Texas School Safety Center Board;
- Dawn DuBose Randle of Houston. Texas School Safety Center Board;
- Garry Eoff of Brownwood, Texas School Safety Center Board;
- Evan Gonzales of Giddings, Texas School Safety Center Board;
- Daniel R. Griffith II of Pflugerville, Texas School Safety Center Board;
- Michael Lunsford of Cypress, Texas State Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners;
- Joe E. Martin Jr. of College Station, Texas State Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners;
- Mike Miller of Aledo, Texas State Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners;
- Chakilla Robinson of Katy, Texas State Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners;
- Bill Campbell of Fort Worth, Texas Radiation Advisory Board;
- Steve Harris of Bartonville, Texas Radiation Advisory Board;
- Johnny Johnson of San Antonio, Texas Radiation Advisory Board;
- Mitch Lucas of Granbury, Texas Radiation Advisory Board
- Darlene Metter of San Antonio. Texas Radiation Advisory Board;
- Kevin Raabe of Floresville, Texas Radiation Advisory Board;
- Darshan Sachde of Austin, Texas Radiation Advisory Board;
- John Cuellar of Dallas, chair, Aging and Disability Services Council;
- Edward Yosowitz of Houston, Aging and Disability Services Council;
- Mike Burke of Austin, OneStar National Service Commission;
- Larry Goddard of Tyler, OneStar National Service Commission;
- Mary Grace Landrum of Houston, OneStar National Service Commission;
- Lisa Lucero of Austin, OneStar National Service Commission;
- Amber Wall of Pflugerville, OneStar National Service Commission.
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Reynolds resigns as director
of visitor bureau in Cleveland
Robert Reynolds, director of the Cleveland Convention and Visitors Bureau, recently resigned from that job to accept a new position in the private sector.
Reynolds joined the city about two months ago and previously worked in the construction industry as a self-employed contractor and for a private company.
City officials established the convention bureau in 2012 and combined the positions of CVB director and civic center director prior to hiring Reynolds and plan to meet with members of the Cleveland Economic Development Corporation to discuss a plan to fill the post vacated by Reynolds. |
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Squyres retiring as public
works director in Odessa
Matt Squyres, the director of public works in Odessa, recently announced plans to retire at the end of this month after 30 years with the city.
Squyres previously was employed by the Texas Department of Transportation. He joined the city of Odessa in 1984 as an assistant city engineer and won appointment as the director of public works in 1994. He has a bachelor's degree from The University of Texas at Austin. |
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The Texas Government Insider is a free weekly e-newsletter detailing important happenings throughout the state and summarizing current political issues relevant to individuals interested in government.
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