Texas Government Insider
Volume 12, Issue 19 - Friday, May 9, 2014

Fate of more than $6.8 billion in bond projects in hands of voters

 

Texas referendums will result in millions of dollars in contracting opportunities

Vote Voters throughout the state will go to the polls Saturday to decide the fate of close to $6.8 billion in bond projects affecting public school districts, cities, hospital districts and one community college. Nearly 90 government subdivisions are holding elections and those bond elections that are successful will result in millions of dollars' worth of contracting opportunities for private-sector firms. 

 

The referendums center on issues that range in price from a $600,000 bond issue being held in a small East Texas school district to purchase buses, to a $1.2 billion election in a large suburban school district near Houston that would result in new schools, a variety of campus-wide renovations, new buses and security and technology upgrades.

 

Nine cities and towns in Texas are holding bond elections Saturday, seeking to finance projects with a combined total value of $402.7 million. Three hospital districts are holding bond referendums, valued at a total of $102.2 million, two of which will build new hospitals. The greatest numbers of bond issues to be decided Saturday are school district referendums - more than 70 of them - with a combined total value of more than $6 billion.

 

Many of the municipal bond elections are for projects such as road and street construction, public safety needs, drainage projects, new construction, security and technology. School projects seeking funding include safety and security issues, new campuses, renovations, expansions, new buses and more.

 

Here are some examples of the bond issues that will be decided:

  • A city near Dallas is hoping to pass a $23.5 million bond election, the proceeds of which would be dedicated solely to street improvements;
  • A hospital district in the west central portion of the state is seeking approval of an $18 million bond package that would provide for renovations of some existing departments while adding other new departments;
  • A Central Texas school district is seeking approval of a $6.55 million bond vote, a major portion of which would go toward technology upgrades along with numerous renovation and repair projects that include roofs, lighting and air conditioning;
  • A city in the Houston metropolitan area is putting a $40 million bond ballot before voters that includes drainage and mobility improvements and a new fire station; and
  • A school district near Dallas is asking voters to approve a $775 million bond package that includes 14 new campuses.

Strategic Partnerships, Inc. has for sale its May 2014 Texas Bond Package. The bond package covers every bond proposal on local ballots and includes a list of every public entity sponsoring a bond election, project information, details and data related to initiatives proposed in each bond package. Once the voting is completed May 10, SPI will deliver election results as part of the bond package. Purchasers will also receive an outline of bond proposals under discussion for November 2014 and beyond. 

 

New Mounted Horse Patrol Unit assigned to Capitol Complex

 

Increased visibility on patrol will enhance safety, security for visitors, workers

Mounted Patrol
The new four-member Mounted Horse Patrol Unit of the Texas Department of Public Safety will help ensure safety and security in the State Capitol Complex..

It's only fitting that the State Capitol of Texas - in keeping with the state's legendary cowboy culture - is now patrolled by gun-toting law enforcement officers on horseback. But, these lawmen aren't from the Wyatt Earp era. They're members of the newly organized Mounted Horse Patrol Unit (MHPU) of the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS).

 

The four-member mounted unit will be assigned to the Capitol Complex to enhance security and law enforcement capabilities.

 

"This new law enforcement capability throughout the Capitol Complex will prove to be a valuable resource in keeping the public safe," said Public Safety Commission Chair Cynthia Leon at a ceremony announcing the new unit. Leon stressed that the increased law enforcement presence will help ensure the safety not only of the more than 1 million guests at the State Capitol every year, but also for the thousands of state and civilian workers who are at the Capitol area daily.

 

The unit includes four Texas State Troopers and three horses. Their role is to increase the visibility of law enforcement while patrolling the Capitol Complex. The troopers in the unit are trained in both urban and rural police techniques and can be deployed to other areas of the state if needed.

 

The MHPU joins other special DPS units assigned to the Capitol Complex, including the bike patrol, motorcycle unit and explosive-detection canine teams. 

 

Strategic Partnerships salutes Texas' Lone Stars

 

Noel Sloan Noel Sloan, Chief Financial Officer and Vice President for Administration and Finance, Texas Tech University 

 

Career highlights and education: I received my Bachelor of Business Administration in accounting and Juris Doctorate degrees from Baylor University. Prior to coming to Texas Tech, I practiced law at Congdon, Ward and Walden law firm in Waukesha, Wisconsin, focusing on corporate, tax, real estate, estate planning and bankruptcy; served as a tax manager in the Private Client Services area of Arthur Anderson; and practiced law in the area of estate planning at Michael, Best & Friedrich law firm in Milwaukee. I joined Texas Tech University in 2006 and have held positions as Tax Director, Interim Managing Director for Student Business Services and Managing Director for Financial Services & Tax. I assumed my current duties as Chief Financial Officer and Vice President for Administration and Finance in January 2014, following four months as the interim CFO.

What I like best about my job is: The team of people in Administration and Finance that I get to work with every day. There are so many people that contribute above and beyond to provide the best service for our campus and students and I appreciate the opportunity to work with them.

The best advice I've received for my current job is: Throughout my career I have had the privilege to work for some very effective leaders. It is not so much any particular words of advice as much as what I have learned by watching others, whether it was successful business owners that I served in the law firm or supervisors that I worked under during my career. What can be learned by watching how others communicate and treat others is key in personal as well as team development.

Advice you would give a new hire in your office: Work hard, be a team player and ask questions.

If I ever snuck out of work early, I could probably be found: at a school or athletic event with one 

of my children.


People would be surprised to know that I: truly believe that Disney World is the happiest place on Earth. It is my favorite destination spot.
 
One thing I wish more people knew about my university: There is a commitment to the success of students, faculty and staff that is an honor to be part of and a great place to work.

Faith Johnson appointed to Public Safety Commission

Faith Johnson Former State District Judge Faith S. Johnson (pictured) has been appointed by Gov. Rick Perry to the Public Safety Commission. The commission originates and oversees policy of the Texas Department of Public Safety.

 

Johnson currently is managing attorney of Faith Johnson and Associates LLP. She previously served the 363rd Judicial District Court in Dallas County. She was the first African-American female to become Chief Felony Prosecutor in the Dallas County District Attorney's Office. Johnson served as State Criminal District Judge for more than 17 years. She later served as an attorney with a nonprofit law firm for two years. In 2008, the veteran attorney established her own law firm. She also has served as a committee member for the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute.

 

Johnson earned her bachelor's and master's degrees from Georgia State University and her law degree from the Thurgood Marshall School of Law at Texas Southern University. Her term on the Commission will expire on Dec. 31, 2019.

Al Davis chosen to serve as new deputy director of TEEX

Al Davis Al Davis (pictured), who has been serving as interim Deputy Director of the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX) since the March 31 retirement of Sue Shahan, has been named full-time deputy director. His appointment was approved by the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents at its recent meeting.

 

Davis is the former director of the TEEX National Emergency Response and Rescue Training Center, where he had oversight of the agency's Homeland Security National Training Program Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

 

Davis has been with TEEX since 2004. He is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran of 27 years and holds a bachelor's degree from Southern University, an MBA from Averett University and a master's degree from National Defense University, Industrial College of the Armed Forces. 

 

2014 Texas Women's Hall of Fame inductees
Inducted into the 2014 Texas Women's Hall of Fame by Gov. Rick Perry were nine outstanding Texans honored for their significant contributions in areas such as business, education, philanthropy, military and public service. Shown at the induction ceremony are (back row from left): Retired Col. Kim Olson, Texas First Lady Anita Perry, Gov. Perry, Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Fort Worth President Lillie Biggins, Texas Secretary of State Nandita Berry and Chief Justice Carolyn Wright of the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. Front row (from left) are: Texas Woman's University President and Chancellor Dr. Ann Stuart, businesswoman and philanthropist Joanne Herring, National Center on Domestic and Sexual Violence founder Deborah Tucker and State Rep. Senfronia Thompson. (Governor's Office photo)
 

Mclane picked as new director for state's sex offender unit

Marsha Mclane, a program specialist with the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles, has been appointed director of the Office of Violent Sex Offender Management. A 30-year veteran of the state's criminal justice system, Mclane will take over for former director Allison Taylor, who resigned. Taylor, who was picked to lead the agency in 2003, was embroiled in a controversy after it was alleged that some sex offenders had been relocated to areas of Houston without first contacting lawmakers and the residents in the neighborhoods where the offenders would be living.

 

Mclane, a former assistant district attorney and victim's advocate for the Tarrant, Ellis and Brazos County District Attorney's offices, was appointed the agency's board chair last month after former board chair Dan Powers resigned. 

Elliston retires from position with Department of Motor Vehicles

Rand y Elliston Randy Elliston (pictured), who left a 30-year career in law enforcement to join the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV), has retired from his post at the agency. Elliston has been director of the agency's Vehicle Titles and Registration Division at TxDMV since 2010. The division he directed was in charge of vehicle titling, registration and license plate-related functions in the state.

 

Prior to joining TxDMV, Elliston spent three decades in law enforcement with the Texas Department of Public Safety. His experience in law enforcement included organizational structure, strategic planning, parking management, emergency management, training and professional development, staffing, personnel management and disciplinary processes and budgeting. He retired as chief of the Texas Highway Patrol.

 

Elliston holds a bachelor's degree from Baylor University. He is also a graduate of the Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command and holds a Master Peace Officer License through the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officers Standards and Education. 

 

May 2013 Texas Bond Results

Texas Education Agency launches school district locator

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) Information Technology Services has launched the new School District Locator (SDL) on the TEA Web site. The site provides basic information for Texas schools, including boundaries for each county, school district and education service center in map format.  It also provides school district information, District Accountability Ratings, enrollment and performance reports in text format. 

 

Among the features are contact information for districts, trustees and staff, links to TEA school district reports, links to school district and Education Service Center Web sites and more.

Texas Board of Professional Engineers noted for commitment

Lance Kinney The Quality Texas Foundation has recognized the Texas Board of Professional Engineers (TBPE) for the third time in four years for the agency's commitment to quality in all aspects of its operations. TBPE is the only state regulatory agency to be recognized during the 2014 review cycle.

 

The Quality Texas Foundation encourages the use of the Baldrige Criteria for Performance Excellence and helps businesses, hospitals, schools, government agencies and nonprofits improve performance through education, training and assessment. "This is a strong validation of the ongoing efficiency, effectiveness and quality improvement efforts" of the agency, said Lance Kinney, P.E. (pictured), TBPE executive director.

 

In 2010, TBPE marked the start of its Journey Toward Excellence, an initiative inspired by the Baldrige performance criteria, which steers agency activities and personnel toward process improvements and managing for results. "This is just another milestone on the journey and we are dedicated to continue to improve and be a model state agency," said Kinney. 

Texas sales tax revenue in April climbs from year ago

For the 49th consecutive month, sales tax collections in Texas have increased. The April figures show sales tax revenue in the state at $2.27 billion, up 5.6 percent over April 2013 figures. State Comptroller Susan Combs attributes increases in the telecommunications sector and services sector as contributors to the upward trend in April. She also said increased business in the wholesale trade sector was up.

 

As a result, cities, counties, transit systems and special purpose taxing districts will share May local sales tax allocations of $716 million, an increase of 7.1 percent over May of last year.

 

Cities in Texas will share $471.7 million in the May allocations, up 6.8 percent over the same month last year. An increase of 5.6 percent from May 2013 will result in counties in the state sharing $44.8 million in sales tax allocations. Transit systems, which showed an increase of 6.4 percent over last May, will share $159.4 million and special purpose taxing districts will share $40.1 million, up 17 percent over last May. The allocations may be viewed by city and by county.

Contracting Opportunities

DIR announces changes in numerous staff positions

Several staff changes at the Texas Department of Information Resources (DIR) were recently announced in the agency newsletter. Dana Collins, former director of Procurement and Contract Services at the Texas Department of Public Safety, has joined DIR's Technology Sourcing Office. She is the agency's new manager of Contracts and Vendor Management and will focus on ensuring that contracting through the agency is efficient, effective and focused on customer needs.

 

Additionally, Leah Folgate has been named director of the Project and Portfolio Management Office. She takes that charge after having served for five years as an enterprise relationship manager for the Data Center Services program. She has also been involved in a variety of special projects related to customer engagement. Janet Gilmore, who has served as DIR's eGovernment assistant director responsible for the Texas.gov project, has been named director of Digital Government. 

TDA grants to expand workforce training for rural areas

Todd Staples Meeting the workforce needs of rural Texas communities is the goal of the Texas Department of Agriculture's Parallel Pathways to Success grant program. Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples (pictured) recently announced that funding is available for the program, with grant applications due June 26. The program is intended to develop educational programs that provide workforce skills and job training and allow students to earn their high school diploma and vocational skills certifications at the same time.

 

"Students and our state are more prosperous when Texans learn the skills they need to pursue successful careers, whether that is achieved through direct career training or a traditional college route," said Staples of the program. "By ensuring our future workforce has the skills employers need, we are not only creating a qualified workforce, but encouraging economic development in our rural communities."

 

Grant awards from the program will range from no less than $75,000 to a maximum of $125,000. A dollar-for-dollar match is required from grant applicants. Accredited high schools, institutions of higher learning, chambers of commerce, economic development entities and other similar organizations located in rural Texas communities are eligible for the grants. Rural areas are defined as municipalities with a population of less than 50,000 and counties that have a non-metropolitan population of less than 200,000. For more information, click here. 

Bellaire weighing three options for new civic facilities

Bellaire City Council members recently began studying three options for new city facilities. An architect outlined the three different plans, including a civic campus to add green space and pedestrian links. Voters last November approved $11 million in bonds to pay for new city facilities.

 

The campus option calls for combining city hall and court activities into a two-story building to be built on the current site of city hall and constructing a civic center and separate police station next to the fire station. All three options convert the corner of Jessamine and South Rice from parking to green space and create a gateway to other public facilities.

 

The other options outlined by the architect both feature a single, two-story, 42,000-square-foot building to be located on the site of the existing city hall or two buildings that would include a three-story city hall, police and courts facility also at the current site of the existing city hall and a separate civic center. Council agreed to delay discussion to a later meeting on the architect's recommendation and a decision on whether to seek proposals for architectural and engineering services for the project.

New hospital for El Paso through public-private partnership

Oscar Leeser A public-private partnership will result in construction of a new $120-million, 108-bed, full-service hospital in El Paso that will also be a teaching hospital for medical and nursing students as well as resident physicians and faculty from the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center at El Paso's Paul L. Foster School of Medicine. Ground will be broken soon for the project after the El Paso City Council awarded Tenet Hospitals Limited $14.2 million in incentives.

 

Tenet will run the hospital and invest at least $120 million in construction of the facility. Some $15 million of that amount will be used for a medical office building to accompany the $105 million hospital. Part of the agreement with the city is that the hospital must create and maintain at least 300 full-time jobs that pay an average of $45,000 annually through the end of the 15-year agreement. All of the nearly 3,000 existing full-time positions at the chain's three other hospitals must be retained.

 

The city will award as much as $14.2 million in tax breaks, grants and other incentives.  Mayor Oscar Leeser (pictured) said without the incentives, the hospital probably would not have been built. "With the opportunity we had to provide services to a growing region and establish it as a teaching hospital for Texas Tech, we had to come to the city and do this as a public-private partnership," said Eric Evans, CEO of the Sierra Providence Health Network's hospitals in El Paso.

New Braunfels authorizes study on recycled water system

After hearing a report early this week regarding a proposal to use recycled water in the city, New Braunfels City Council members voted to have city staff begin a preliminary engineering study on the issue. The city is looking at such a program as a source of non-potable water that can be used to irrigate city parks.

 

Officials note that recycled water is not for human consumption, but is treated enough that it is safe for public contact and for watering food crops. Such a system for the city would cost an estimated $4.5 million. The water would be treated and then distributed to city parks. The system would supply a continuing source of irrigation for landscaping and sports fields at the city parks and recreation sites and would not be subject to water-use restrictions.

San Antonio rezones land for new solid waste service center

San Antonio City Council members recently rezoned about 48 acres of land on the city's west side as part of a plan to build a new solid waste service center to clean and maintain service vehicles and heavy equipment.

 

While some area residents expressed concerns over potential odors, heavy traffic and flooding once the new service center opens, council members said the location is part of a plan to place service centers closer to service areas to reduce traffic congestion and deadhead time.

 

Council members plan to purchase the rezoned property and begin construction on the new service center in 2015.

Research Analysts

Ector County ISD cancels apartment complex for teachers

Ector County Independent School District officials recently canceled plans to build an affordable apartment complex to help provide affordable housing for teachers and medical staff.

 

District officials had joined with the Odessa Housing Finance Corporation and the Medical Center Health System to partner in developing affordable apartments in an effort to respond to a shortage of housing for teachers and some medical staff.

 

The district pulled out of the plan after learning designs for the proposed development would have fewer apartments than originally planned and their partners in the plan also had decided to withdraw from the proposal.

Ysleta ISD withdraws request for $155M bond election in July

Xavier De La Torre Ysleta Independent School District trustees recently agreed to withdraw a request to the governor to hold a special election in July to ask voters to approve $155 million in bonds to upgrade district facilities.

 

The governor approved the request from the city for a special election to be held on July 19, but Superintendent Xavier De La Torre (pictured) said district officials need more review and public discussion before holding a bond election. Once a facility and demographic study is released in June, board members may renew discussions on whether to schedule a bond election in November, according to one board member.

 

Board members approved the demographic study in February following reports of declining enrollment in the district. 

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Wichita Falls to retest before approval of water reuse project

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality recently notified Wichita Falls city officials that the city must retest water for 30 days and file a new report with the agency before commissioners can approve the city's request to institute an emergency water reuse project to expand the water supply.

 

New tests on the water for the reuse project should begin in a few weeks. City officials are searching to find additional water as the drought continues in Texas.

El Paso rejects privatization of trash collection services

El Paso City Council members recently rejected a proposal to privatize trash collection services now operated by city employees. The council also instructed the Environmental Services Department to explore cost-saving measures in that department.

 

The vote followed a report indicating the city charges a lower rate for trash collection than eight of the 10 cities included in the $20,000 study performed by a consulting firm. The study also cited several risks of privatizing trash service, including layoffs of city employees and a possibility in the future of losing control of rates for trash collection services.

 

After two council members asked for more information on the cost of establishing privatization or managed competition in a small test area, city officials estimated the cost would be between $50,000 to $80,000 to hire a consultant to conduct a more detailed study and issue a request for proposals. 

Keller ISD pondering $140 million bond election in November

Randy Reid Superintendent Randy Reid (pictured) of Keller Independent School District recently urged trustees to begin serious planning for a bond election in November asking for approval of up to $140 million in bonds.

 

To continue offering quality education and meet space needs, the district needs to convert a current intermediate school into a career and technical training facility. It also needs to move fifth and sixth grade students to a nearby middle school and possibly build a new elementary school west of Interstate 35W and a second early learning center, Reid said.

 

Reid urged bond advisory committee members to complete their study of facility needs in June to provide the public and board members time to finalize a possible bond proposal in November. 

Bryan ISD eyeing four options for bond election

Bryan Independent School District recently began weighing its options for a possible bond election this year after two financial advisers summarized four possible options. Those choices ranged from seeking approval of bonds from $110 million to $132 million with each bond to be issued in equal portions from 2015 to 2017.

 

Trustees previously had discussed two options for a bond election. The first two options were to ask voters to approve $140 million in bonds to pay for building two new schools and to realign grades. The second option called for approval of $153 million in bonds to build a new elementary school and new middle school, but leave current grade alignments in place. Both options call for renovating other campuses, adding classrooms to several elementary schools and renovating a middle school to serve as an administration building.

 

The next step is for the financial advisors to present the four options to members of the long-range facilities committee, who will evaluate each option and make a recommendation on whether to schedule a bond election. They would also decide what projects to include in the bond proposition to trustees in June, said the assistant superintendent for business services.

Collaboration Nation

Keller ISD to spend $2 million to upgrade security at schools

Keller Independent School District trustees recently authorized $2.1 million to pay for upgrades to security at several campuses.

 

The upgrades include replacing fire systems at five schools, replacing cameras at three schools and installing new digital video recorders that allow officials to access video feeds online at 19 district facilities. Voters approved bonds in 2008 to pay for security upgrades at district facilities.

 

The plan is to replace cameras at two high schools and a learning center as well as install more cameras in areas previously not covered by cameras, district officials said. Work on the security upgrades should be completed by the end of summer.

Fort Worth-Houston high-speed rail route in planning stages

Bill Meadows The next 10 years could see high-speed rail running from Houston to Fort Worth, according to Texas High-Speed Rail Commissioner Bill Meadows (pictured). The project is only in the beginning stages, according to the commission for high-speed rail in the Dallas-Fort Worth region, but it is being seriously considered. Also being seriously considered is where the money will come from for the proposed project.

 

Meadows pointed out that funding for all types of transportation projects is drying up, making financing high-speed rail even more difficult. But, officials are hopeful to piggy-back onto a Japanese company's plans to create a high-speed rail route from Houston to Dallas that should be completed by 2021 or 2022. 

Texas Transit Association rates El Paso Sun Metro 'outstanding'

The Texas Transit Association (TTA) recently rated Sun Metro in El Paso as the Outstanding Metropolitan Transit System in Texas. Sun Metro first won the outstanding designation by TTA in April 2008. In 2011, the El Paso transit agency also won Outstanding System of the Year from the American Public Transportation Association.

 

Jay Banasiak, director of Sun Metro, cited the transit system's commitment to innovative improvements such as the use of public-private partnerships, construction of four new transfer centers and the installation of new shelters to improve the experience of passengers for winning the TTA recognition.

 

More than 70 metropolitan transit authorities, small-urban transit districts and rural transit districts throughout the state in addition to other members representing private and public entities in Texas comprise the TTA.

 

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Dozens of public-sector jobs available. New jobs added this week: State Bar of Texas seeks accounting assistant and development director; PUC seeking a network technician; new county jobs. 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

 

Corpus Christi questions $2.1M fire station approved in 2008

A study concluding Corpus Christi needs no new fire stations recently convinced city council members to question whether to redirect $2.1 million approved by voters in a 2008 bond election to another capital project.

 

Released In March, the study found the proposed fire station on Ayers Road is not needed, said one council member who noted the funding should be redirected to upgrading existing fire stations and technology in the fire department. The president of the firefighter's association, however, said his firefighter members support construction of the new Ayers fire station.

 

If council decides to redirect the funding set aside for the fire station to another project, that question most likely will be placed on the ballot in November 2016, a council member said. 

Candelaria elected president of Texas State Teachers Association

Noel Candeleria Noel Candelaria (pictured), a former teacher with the Ysleta Independent School District, recently won election as the new president of the Texas State Teachers Association (TSTA). He replaces former president Rita Haecker from Austin ISD as the president of the statewide association that represents 68,000 teachers in the state.

 

Candelaria currently is vice president of TSTA and will begin his three-year term as president on July 15. He also has served as a member of the strategic planning committee, the advisory committee and board of directors of the teachers organization. 

Corsicana ISD agrees to sell buildings to Navarro County

Corsicana Independent School District board members recently agreed to sell the administration building, a former school building and two warehouses to Navarro County for $350,000.

 

Voters authorized county officials to sell bonds to pay for renovating the courthouse and county officials plan to renovate the buildings and use them as an annex to the courthouse. Construction on the courthouse renovation project should begin later this year, county officials said.

 

School district officials plan to use the proceeds from the sale of the buildings to help pay for renovating a former elementary school to house administrative functions and special needs.

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Longview kicks off search for director of development services

Longview city officials recently began accepting applications from candidates interested in serving as the new director of development services. The new director will oversee building inspection, engineering services, environmental health and planning and zoning.

 

The new director will replace Kevin Cummings, who resigned in April as city council members were considering a recommendation to fire him. Assistant City Manager Keith Bonds also appointed Michael Shirley, a city planner, to serve as interim director of development services until a new director is hired.

 

City officials also agreed that the human resources department would conduct the search rather than hire an outside search company. Qualified candidates must have a bachelor's degree in public administration or a related field and five years of experience in managing development services operations, a spokesman for the city said. The city will accept applications for the position until a new director is hired.

H-GAC announces 2014 Clean Fleet Technologies Conference

The 2014 Clean Fleet Technologies Conference (CFTC) is set for Tuesday, June 10, at Sugar Land's Constellation Field, home of the Sugar Land Skeeters, at 1 Stadium Drive, Sugar Land 77498. The event will be from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on that date. CFTC is a day-long conference highlighting alternative fuels, clean vehicle technologies and vehicle efficiency improvements. Speakers, exhibitors and vehicle displays will highlight the latest technologies and funding for cleaner on- and off-road fleets. This year's keynote address will be provided by John L. Nau III, president and chief executive officer of Silver Eagle Distributors. The early registration deadline is May 13. More information is available here

 

TSABAA's 45th Annual Summer Conference set in San Marcos

The 45th Annual Texas State Agency Business Administrators' Association (TSABAA) Summer Conference will be held June 5-6 at the Embassy Suites Hotel and Conference Center in San Marcos. The agenda is now available and registration is open. A late registration fee will be charged for those who register after May 15. The keynote address on Thursday will be given by John O'Brien, former head of the Legislative Budget Board. There will also be presentations on public works, state demographics, the budget process and effective leadership. The second day of the conference will address issues that include security and data center services and funding water in Texas. A panel of journalists will address "hot topics." Vendor opportunities are also available.

 

E-Learning Symposium scheduled for May 14-15 in Austin

The E-Learning Symposium, an interactive conference hosted by the E-Learning Council and the Department of Information Resources (DIR), is designed to help professionals and key decision-makers learn how to execute E-Learning programs within their organizations. This year's event is set for May 14 and 15 at OMNI Southpark Hotel, 4140 Governor's Row, Austin, 78744. Industry experts from Texas and beyond will be on hand to share their knowledge regarding E-Learning topics, processes and technology. This event is especially important for professionals who manage and design Web-based education programs in health care, government, higher education, energy and corporate settings. In addition to a variety of speakers, a panel discussion is also planned on "Training the Mobile Workforce." The panel will discuss how training strategy and tactics need to evolve to accommodate the movement "away from the desk." Registration is now open and the program is available for viewing.

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Prototype construction 
projects gaining support

  

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


 A new type of government initiative has escaped the notice of most Americans.  It's called prototype construction. But, as the trend becomes more common, it's likely to reach a community where we live soon.

 

Prototype construction projects have become popular because public officials are scrambling to find ways to reduce spending without cutting jobs or constituent services. Benefits related to prototype construction are significant.

 

Prototype construction is a concept that is modeled on replication. However, it is more than just a cookie-cutter approach for buildings or infrastructure. It's the development of prototype designs that retain basic or essential features that are carried for multiple structures.  Because the design remains the same, a government subdivision only has to invest in design costs one time and the replication process allows for significant savings.

 

Officials in Pennsylvania are receiving scrutiny with one such project - the state's Rapid Bridge Replacement Program. Pennsylvania holds the unenviable distinction of leading the nation in structurally deficient bridges, and more than 4,000 bridges are in dire need of repair. State officials decided to try prototype construction to reduce their costs.  Here's how the initiative worked.

 

The first step for Pennsylvania was to find a private-sector partner willing to help finance, design and build 500 new bridges over a six-year period.  Under a prototype construction project, the private-sector partner will also maintain the bridges for the state for up to 40 years.

 

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Angelina/Neches River Authority allots $205K for design contract

Directors of the Angelina and Neches River Authority recently authorized the issue of $205,000 in revenue bonds to pay for planning and design of a new $5 million sewer system. The bonds are from the Texas Water Development Board.

 

The wastewater project is being built to serve the Cedar Grove and Redland Estates communities in Angelina County who are customers of the Angelina County Fresh Water Supply District No. 1.

Fort Worth taps three as

finalists for city manager

Roderick Bremby City council members in Fort Worth recently selected three finalists for city manager. The finalists are Roderick L. Bremby (top), a commissioner for the Connecticut Department of Social Services; David Cooke (middle), a former city manager and county manager in North Carolina; and Penny Postoak Ferguson (bottom), currently a deputy county manager in Johnson County, Kansas.

 

David Cooke Bremby previously was an assistant to the city manager and an analyst for the city of Fort Worth and an assistant city manager in Lawrence, Kansas, before being appointed in March 2011 to manager the social services state agency. He has a bachelor's degree from the University of Kansas and a master's degree from the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs at The University of Texas.

 

Penny Postoak Ferguson Cooke has served in several administrative positions in Charlotte, North Carolina, and Wake County, North Carolina, and currently is a director for a consulting company in Raleigh. He has a bachelor's degree and a master's degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

 

Ferguson also has been an assistant county manager in Johnson County, Kansas, an assistant city manager in San Antonio and in Hays, Kansas, a deputy city manager in Overland Park, Kansas, a budget director in Kansas City and an assistant city manager in Austin. She attended Haskell Indian Nations University and has bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Kansas. 

HDI Solutions

TWDB offers Web update,

info on water demands, needs

Texas Water Development Board officials recently released an update of an interactive Web site that allows easy access to information about water demands and shortages throughout the state.

 

The information, based on the 2012 State Water Plan, provides data on water demand projections users will require in each decade to maintain business as usual during a drought and an additional map layer. The improved Web site also allows users to more easily switch between types of planning data at the same time as viewing each geographic area of interest.

 

Also included in the updated information are the only projects eligible for funding from the State Water Implementation Fund for Texas (SWIFT) approved by voters in Texas in November 2013. This data is designed to help communities access important information while planning for projects to submit to receive funding from SWIFT. More information on water needs and demand can be found here.

Leonard to serve as new superintendent for Eanes ISD

Tom Leonard Tom Leonard (pictured), a superintendent for a school district in Barrington, Illinois, recently won selection as the new superintendent for Eanes Independent School District.

 

Trustees also approved the resignation of Superintendent Nola Wellman and agreed to negotiate a retirement agreement with Wellman, who had served 10 years in that post.

 

Leonard previously served as a teacher, principal and superintendent for other school districts in Illinois before beginning his duties as superintendent in Barrington seven years ago. 

Save the date...

Save The Date

 

The Ninth Biennial Legislative Communications Conference is set for Oct. 1. More information will be made available as we get closer to that date.

 

Five Austin ISD administrators 

to join Carstarphen in Atlanta

Five top administrators for Austin Independent School District recently accepted new jobs with Atlanta Public Schools to work with Meria Carstarphen, the former Austin superintendent who agreed in April to be superintendent for the Atlanta school district.

 

Joining Carstarphen in Atlanta are Bill Caritj, the chief performance officer who joined the Austin district in 2009; Pam Hall, executive director of human resources; Skye Duckett, a senior officer in human resources; Timothy Gadson, a curriculum and instruction officer; and Tammie Workman, also a curriculum and instruction officer.

 

To convince more administrators to remain with the Austin district, trustees extended their contracts to three years. Board members also awarded the chief financial officer, Nicole Conley, a 30 percent increase in pay and more responsibilities when her new contract becomes effective in July. Interim Superintendent Paul Cruz also appointed the associate superintendent of high schools, Edmund Oropez, to a cabinet-level post as interim chief of schools during the time Cruz serves as interim superintendent.

Chandler looking for utilities director to replace contractor

After a private company provided Chandler with a notice of its intention to terminate a contract to provide water and wastewater services on May 1, city council members agreed to create a new position of director of utilities to oversee water and sewer services.Council members also plan to hire two licensed operators and a maintenance person to operate the water and wastewater treatment plants.

 

Current estimates are that the city will need to spend about $100,000 to purchase equipment and vehicles and to provide office space for the director and employees of water and wastewater services, city officials said. City officials also are looking for a location for the new water and wastewater administrative offices.

 

Irving narrows search for 

city manager to three finalists

Restarting their search for a new city manager, Irving City Council recently selected three finalists to interview for the job. The new official would replace Tommy Gonzalez, who left that post in fall 2013. An earlier candidate for city manager declined the job in February.

 

The finalists are City Manager Chris Hillman of Surprise, Arizona, former City Manager Randy Oliver of Surprise, Arizona, and James Nichols, a former assistant city manager in Midland. Council members interviewed five new applicants for city manager to select the three finalists.

 

Council members plan to visit Arizona this weekend to learn more about Hillman and Oliver, city officials said.

Lora resigning as assistant superintendent for Dallas ISD

Aurora Lora Assistant Superintendent Aurora Lora (pictured) of Dallas Independent School District recently resigned. She was one of five administrators Superintendent Mike Miles hired when he joined the school district.

 

Previously an administrator with Seattle Public Schools, Lora founded and led the Harriet Tubman Leadership Academy for Young Women in Portland, Oregon, and held several administrative posts with Teach for America. She also has been a teacher and curriculum specialist.

 

Lora has a bachelor's degree from The University of Texas at Austin and master's degrees from the University of St. Thomas and Harvard University.  

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Bryan ISD appoints two 

to director positions

Trustees for Bryan Independent School District recently appointed two persons to director positions. Board members named Nicholas Luggerio to the newly created post of director of fine arts and Kammi Green as the new director of curriculum. Fine arts previously had been administered along with career and technology education under one director.

 

Luggerio currently is director of fine arts for Huntsville ISD and previously was director of bands for Crosby ISD. He has bachelor's degrees from Texas A&M University and Stephen F. Austin State University, a master's degree from Sam Houston State University and a law degree from South Texas College of Law.

 

Green has served as interim superintendent, assistant superintendent and director for Anderson-Shiro Consolidated ISD and as a professional development specialist for the Bryan school district. She has a bachelor's degree and a master's degree from Texas A&M University.

Lockhart ISD selects Trevino as lone finalist for superintendent

Rudy Trevino Lockhart Independent School District trustees recently selected Rudy Trevino (pictured) as the lone finalist for superintendent. He will replace Jose Parra, who resigned as superintendent in December 2013.

 

Currently a school support officer for Houston ISD, Trevino also has been a principal and assistant principal for the Houston school district.

 

Trevino has a bachelor's degree and two master's degrees from Sam Houston University. He plans to begin his new duties in Lockhart by the end of this month once his contract is finalized. 

Strategic Partnerships seeking 

additional outside consultants 

SPI is seeking additional outside consultants who have experience in county/city government in Texas.

 

Currently, there is a need for procurement consultants who are retired or former county or municipal elected officials, experts in health care, K-12 in the DFW, Houston, El Paso, Corpus Christi and South Texas/Lower Rio Grande Valley areas. If you are interested in this opportunity, contact lmatisi@spartnerships.com.

 

Houston ISD appoints five 

new school administrators

Superintendent Terry Grier of Houston Independent School District recently appointed five new administrators for the school district.

 

Grier selected Helen (Olin) Spencer as the new chief of staff to replace Dr. Michele Pola, who is retiring; Jocelyn Mouton as the chief school officer of elementary office Area 2; and Darryl Williams as chief school officer of leadership development. Spencer previously was general manager of communications for the district. Mouton has been a teacher, director and principal for the Houston school district, while Williams was director of schools for a charter school network in New York.

 

Grier also appointed Lance Menster to be the officer of elementary curriculum and instruction and Nancy Gregory as officer of innovative curriculum and instruction. The superintendent also plans to appoint a new officer of secondary curriculum and instruction soon, a spokesperson for the district said.

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Monzingo chosen as new

superintendent for Rockdale ISD

Denise Monzingo Denise Monzingo (pictured) recently won appointment as the new superintendent for Rockdale Independent School District. She will replace Superintendent Howell Wright Jr., who is resigning effective June 30.

 

Monzingo currently works for Pflugerville ISD, where she oversees accountability and assessment, intervention, special education and student services. She also has served as a director for that district. 

Victoria planning to build new wastewater treatment plant

City of Victoria officials have given the go-ahead to plans to build a new wastewater treatment plant. The old plant will be closed and replaced by a new one. The $15.6 million project could take two years to complete. 

City administrator, city 

secretary in Athens to retire

City Administrator Pam Burton and Pam Watson, the assistant city administrator and city secretary in Athens, recently announced plans to retire by the end of the year.

 

Burton, who has served as city administrator more than 10 years, said she is retiring on Dec. 31. Watson, who also worked in her job for more than 10 years, plans to retire on Sept. 30.

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Marble Falls selects seven 

semi-finalists for city manager

Marble Falls city officials recently selected seven candidates for city manager to interview from a field of 58 applications to interview during the week of May 12.

 

The semi-finalists are Shawna Burkhart, city manager in Converse and a former president of the Cibolo Valley Local Government Corporation; Jason Gray, chief executive officer of a consulting company with 15 years experience as a city manager or an assistant city manager; Mike Hodge, an assistant city manager in Pearland; Frank Johnson, a former city manager for Marshall; Lanny Lambert, city manager in Kyle; and, Michael Morrison, the interim deputy city manager in Irving.

 

Council members agreed to interview David Harris, currently an assistant city manager in Schertz, as the seventh finalist. Harris had previously asked to have his name removed from consideration as he thought a new job was imminent. When that job became no longer available, he asked to be reconsidered.

 

Council members plan to conduct a second set of interviews if necessary and select a lone finalist for city manager by the end of this month. The goal is for the city manager to begin work in mid-June, the mayor said.

McKinney selects Muehlenbeck

as its interim city manager

Tom Muehlenbeck McKinney City Council members recently selected Tom Muehlenbeck (pictured) as the interim city manager. He will replace former City Manager Jason Gray, who resigned in February.

 

Council members also voted to appoint one deputy city manager and two assistant city managers rather than three deputy city managers reporting to the city manager. Since Gray's resignation, Deputy City Manager Jose Madrigal has served as acting city manager, but now will be the deputy city manager supervising Rob Daake and Barry Shelton, the two assistant city managers. Muehlenbeck previously served 23 years as city manager in Plano and recently was an interim city manager in Galveston.

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Longview ISD delays decision

on finalist for superintendent

Following more than 20 hours in a closed-door session, trustees for Longview Independent School District recently delayed the selection of a new superintendent.

 

A new superintendent is needed to replace Superintendent James Wilcox, who announced in November that he is leaving the district by January 2015. Board members plan to hold more interviews before selecting a lone finalist for the job, according to the president of the board.

 

Trustees set a goal to hire a new superintendent by July 1, but board members said they are more focused on selecting the best candidate for the job.

Hartman named assistant city manager in North Richland Hills

Paulette Hartman Paulette Hartman (pictured), currently the city manager in Joshua, recently agreed to be an assistant city manager in North Richland Hills.

 

Serving in Joshua since January 2007, Hartman was an assistant to the city manager in North Richland Hills from 1999 until 2004. She also was a city manager in Copper Canyon in Denton County.

 

Joshua city officials plan to discuss the process for finding a new city manager at their next regular council meeting. 

Texas Government Insider Archives
  
Volume 1-12 Archives - 11/7/03 - 5/2/14
  

Huntington selects Brown 

as interim city administrator

The Huntington City Council recently selected Dale Brown as the interim city administrator. Council members also approved a contract with a search firm to help find a permanent city administrator.

 

Brown previously was a city manager in Palestine and in Jersey Village.

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