El Paso Community College enrollment up significantly

Dramatic growth at Fort Bliss leads to proposal of campus on base

Although many community colleges in Texas are experiencing only moderate growth, El Paso Community College (EPCC) has seen a "significant increase" in enrollment in recent years, according to Dr. Ernst Roberts (pictured), executive assistant to the president at EPCC, and with the announced influx of 20,000 to 25,000 new troops headed to Fort Bliss by 2011, the student population is likely to increase even more.

The "dramatic growth" in Fort Bliss is one of the biggest factors in student enrollment, according to Roberts. As the El Paso area and Fort Bliss prepare for an influx of military troops as a result of the recent Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) action, Roberts said that the thousands of new troops transitioning to Fort Bliss will bring family members - spouses and children - many of whom will be seeking a place to continue their post-secondary education.

Roberts said estimates are that by 2011, federal expenditures related to the influx of troops with be approximately $2.9 billion for related buildings, infrastructure, etc. "We're living in a very dynamic community."

With five campuses, EPCC's infrastructure already is "in most cases stressed to the max," said Roberts. Thus the college has submitted a proposal to the U.S. Department of Defense and is currently "in conversations" with DOD to build a new EPCC campus on Fort Bliss property. EPCC officials ideally would like a 70-75 acre site. Because the U.S. military cannot give away land, EPCC is hoping for a low-cost, long-term lease "that would allow us to go to our board and justify putting up the facility."

Most community colleges facing moderate growth rates

Most Texas community colleges over the last three years have experienced a "fairly moderate growth on average" in their student populations, said Dr. Rey Garcia, president and CEO of the Texas Association of Community Colleges. Garcia also predicted a continued growth but at a more moderate rate for the future, with community colleges likely to see student population increases of 3-5 percent per year over the next four years.

"We have a small number of schools with big growth, some with pretty flat enrollment and a few with declining enrollments," said the TACC official, "but there are also a few places where new economic activity or shifting population has an effect." Garcia cited Navarro College, which from fall 2005 to fall 2006 led the nation in student enrollment among colleges with student populations of 5,000 to 9,999. For that period, Navarro experienced a 14. 8 percent student population increase, according to Community College Week.

"Navarro serves Ellis County, which is rapidly becoming a suburb of Dallas." Garcia said while some rural areas are experiencing "flat" enrollment figures, Navarro is actually building new buildings to help meet the needs of a burgeoning student population.

Strategic Partnerships salutes Texas' Lone Stars

This week's salute is to Barry Smitherman, chair, Public Utility Commission of Texas

Career highlights and education: Chairman of PUC; Harris County Prosecutor and Dad. He is a product of Texas public schools, having graduated from Ross Sterling High School in Baytown. Barry continued his education at Texas A&M University receiving a BBA summa cum laude. He then received his J.D. from The University of Texas School of Law while working at the State Capitol for (the late) Sen. Lindon Williams. Afterward, he attended Harvard University where he received an M.P.A. and was awarded the first Joel Leff Fellowship in Political Economy by the John F. Kennedy School of Government.

What I like best about my job is: I like working with other stakeholders toward promoting competitive solutions to the challenge of adequate supplies of electricity in Texas at reasonable prices. I also enjoy watching competitive forces at work in the telecommunication and home video industries.

The best advice I've received for my current job is: Follow the law and let the free market work.

Advice I would give a new hire in my office: Work hard; read everything you can about the industries we regulate; treat everyone with dignity and respect; follow the law and let the free market work.

If I ever snuck out of work early, I could probably be found: Exercising, or watching one of my children's artistic or athletic endeavors.

People would be surprised to know that I: am an avid fan of ballet, especially Ballet Austin.

Book, magazine or newspaper article I've read recently that really influenced my thinking: From the Energy Forum at the James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy at Rice University, a paper entitled "Natural Gas in North America; Markets and Security," published November 2007.

Each week, the Texas Government Insider profiles a key government executive or decision-maker. If you would like to suggest a "Lone Star," please email us at editor@spartnerships.com.

Williamson death leaves transportation seat open

The sudden death early this week of Texas Transportation Commission Chairman Ric Williamson (pictured) leaves a vacancy that Gov. Rick Perry will have to fill on the five-member panel. Williamson, who also served as a member of the Texas House in the 1980s and early 1990s, died of an apparent heart attack in his hometown of Weatherford. He was appointed to the commission by Perry in 2001, and became chairman in 2004.

Perry will now have the task of replacing Williamson. Although a replacement could begin serving on appointment, he or she would have to be approved by the Texas Senate when the legislature meets again in 2009.

Ballard appointed to Office of Public Utility Counsel

Don Ballard (pictured) has been appointed as public counsel to the Office of Public Utility Counsel for a term to expire Feb. 1, 2009. The counsel represents Texas consumers in utility proceedings that come before state and federal regulatory agencies and courts.

Ballard was formerly general counsel to the Texas Workforce Commission and also previously served as a policy attorney to the Public Utility Commission and as deputy chief of the Texas Attorney General's Office Open Records Division.

Ballard received a bachelor's degree from Baylor University and a law degree from The University of Texas at Austin. He replaces Suzi McClellan of Austin.

Murano takes over as Texas A&M president

It's official! Dr. Elsa Murano, sole finalist for the position of president of Texas A&M University, Thursday was named the university's 23rd president. She is a former vice chancellor and dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Texas A&M. She holds a bachelor's degree from Florida International University and a master's and Ph.D. from Virginia Tech University.

Board of Regents Chair Bill Jones called Murano "an extraordinary public servant with the academic, research and management credentials needed to lead a major public institution entrusted with an annual budget of more than $1 billion."

"Dr. Murano is the right choice to lead Texas A&M into a new era of academic and research excellence," said Dr. Michael D. McKinney, chancellor of the A&M System. "She has years of experience managing large public organizations, handling difficult issues and providing a clear vision focused on results. As chancellor, I look forward to working with her as the president of Texas A&M University, our System's flagship."

New spending bill increases Homeland Security grants

The $550 billion 2008 omnibus spending bill passed by Congress and signed by President George W. Bush in December includes more than $145 million in increases over 2007 for Department of Homeland Security grants available to fire departments, according to the International Association of Fire Chiefs.

It also includes $2.8 billion for preventing and fighting wildfires. Grant programs getting an increase over 2007 funding levels include $75 million for the DHS' SAFER grant program, $13 million for the FIRE grant program, $50 million for the Urban Area Security Initiative and $7.5 million for Urban Search and Rescue Teams.

The $2.8 billion in wildfire prevention money includes $300 million for emergency funding and $6 million for the Rural Fire Assistance program at the U.S. Department of the Interior.

Hixon, Shaw on Environmental Flows Advisory Group

Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission member Karen Hixon (left) and Texas Commission on Environmental Quality Commissioner Bryan Shaw (right) have been named by Gov. Rick Perry to serve on the Environmental Flows Advisory Group.

The advisory group will make policy recommendations to the 81st Texas Legislature relating to environmental flow standards and balancing the demands on Texas' water resources with a growing population.

Hixon holds a bachelor's degree from Smith College and Shaw earned a bachelor's and master's degree from Texas A&M University and a doctorate from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Bonner was among finalists for Texan of the Year

A successful campaign for last November's Proposition 15, that would provide $3 billion for the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas, landed Austinite Cathy Bonner (pictured) on the finalists list for the Dallas Morning News' recent "Texan of the Year" award.

Bonner, a longtime marketing executive and political insider, started KillCancer.org and secured the support of fellow Austinite and seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong and other major cancer research organizations in ensuring the passage of Proposition 15. She was bolstered in her support for increased cancer research in the state by the deaths from cancer of her father and her longtime friend - former Gov. Ann Richards. Bonner was a member of the Richards administration, serving as executive director of the Texas Department of Commerce.

Bonner has long been involved in civic endeavors. She has served as president of the board and is founder of The Women's Museum: An Institute for the Future, as board president for the Foundation for Women's Resources and as a founding member of the Lance Armstrong Foundation and the Child Advocacy Center.

Accessible parking courtesy reminders now available

Courtesy reminders for motorists who inappropriately park in spaces reserved for people with disabilities are now available from the Texas Governor's Committee on People with Disabilities.

The reminders may be placed under the windshield wiper of vehicles parked inappropriately in parking spaces reserved for persons with disabilities, said Pat Pound, executive director of the committee. The courtesy reminders contain information on state law, fines, curb ramps and eligibility. An estimated 4 million Texans with disabilities depend on accessible parking in order to work, shop and attend to business.

The reminders may be ordered online by clicking here or by calling the Governor's Committee at 512-463-5739.

DSHS to help reunite adoptees, birth parents, siblings

While adoption records in Texas are confidential and sealed, adults who were adopted can receive help from the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) to learn more about or reunite with birth parents and siblings.

The help is available from the Texas Vital Statistics Central Adoption Registry if all parties sign up for the chance to be matched with family members, said Patricia Molina, DSHS program administrator for the registry. The registry has the authority to view sealed files and confidential records without a court order only if an adopted person and the birth parent or a biological sibling voluntarily register, Molina said.

All parties are notified if a match is made. More than 8,100 people, including adoptees, birth mothers, birth fathers and siblings, are registered and about 20 to 30 matches a year are made. To register with Central Adoption Registry, individuals must have been adopted in Texas, have been born in Texas and adopted in another state or be the birth parent or sibling of an adoptee. To get an application, call the registry at 512-458-7388 or download an application here.

Rusk County seeking ways to pay for jail addition

Rusk County officials are hopeful that housing other entities' inmates will help the county come up with the additional funds it needs to expand its own jail.

Rusk County Sheriff Glen Deason (pictured) is looking at a third-floor jail addition that would allow the county to house nearly 300 more inmates. Deason said the additional space will eventually be needed by Rusk County, but for the time being, cells can be rented out - with the income helping pay for local jail construction costs. County officials also are looking at moving quickly on any construction, as construction costs continue to increase. Estimates are that the addition could cost up to $16 million. Officials hope to clear $4-$10 profit per day per cell that is rented out to other entities.

Border fence construction to begin in Texas

Construction on more than 80 miles of a proposed fence along the Texas-Mexico border is scheduled to begin in early 2008, according to U.S. Homeland Security officials.

Congress recently approved $1.2 billion for 700 miles of fencing along the 1,200-mile United States-Mexico border in an effort to decrease the flow of illegal immigrants into the United States. Current plans also call for about 330 miles of "virtual fence" - a network of underground sensors, radar, cameras and other technology.

Approximately 380 miles of the fence project should be completed by the end of 2008 despite protests from some border residents and public officials who have denied access to the federal government to perform environmental and engineering studies for the fence, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials in Washington, D.C.

Federal officials plan to build 26 proposed sections of 15-foot-high, two- or three-layer fence that can withstand being hit by a 10,000-pound vehicle going 40 mph. In the last year, the government built more than 76 miles of new fencing in Arizona, California and New Mexico.

Curiel director of cancer therapy, research center

Tyler J. Curiel, M.D., MPH, (left) a medical oncologist and cancer researcher, has been named the director of the newly merged Cancer Therapy & Research Center (CTRC) at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio.

Frank Giles, M.D., M.B., FRCPI, FRCPath, (right) will serve as deputy director and continues as director of the CTRC Institute for Drug Development and experimental therapeutics programs.

The CTRC of San Antonio recently merged with The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio to become Cancer Therapy & Research Center (CTRC) at the UT Health Science Center of San Antonio.

Previously, the two institutions were partners in the San Antonio Cancer Institute, one of the three National Center Institute-designated Cancer Centers in Texas. The San Antonio Center Institute name was discontinued. The CTRC at the UT Health Science Center is now the NCI-designated Cancer Center. The University of Texas System Board of Regents authorized the acquisition of the CTRC earlier this month. It is expected to handle more than 120,000 patient visits each year.

New joint reserve centers set for Houston, Fort Bliss

The Texas Army National Guard and the U.S. Army Reserve will construct a new joint reserve center in northwest Houston and another at Fort Bliss in El Paso as part of the Base Realignment and Closure 2005 initiative.

The Houston center will provide a regional base for three Texas Army National Guard units and nine U.S. Army Reserve units from the surrounding communities whose older facilities no longer provide adequate infrastructure to meet the training needs of the units. The $31-million project includes construction of a more than 135,000-square-foot reserve center and a 22,000-square-foot joint vehicle maintenance facility.

The $49 million Fort Bliss project includes a 179,000-square-foot center and an 81,000-square-foot unit training equipment site and joint vehicle maintenance facility. It will provide a regional base for five Texas Army National Guard units and nine U.S. Army Reserve units.

Both projects are under design and expected to be advertised for bid from July to August of this year. Construction should begin in the fall of this year if federal funding is made available. The target completion date for both projects is mid-summer 2010.

City of Southlake planning to install red light cameras

The City of Southlake has begun the process to install red light cameras at intersections. Under a contract approved in August 2007, the city agreed to allow a private company to install and operate the cameras in addition to notifying and collecting fines from motorists who run red lights.

The contract also requires the company to be responsible for the cost of all equipment involved in the installation and maintenance of the cameras.

Southlake Mayor Andy Wamgbanss (pictured) said the cameras are needed because red light runners endanger other drivers.

Military communities get economic development grants

Five Texas military communities have been awarded more than $2.5 million in grants for economic development through the Defense Economic Adjustment Assistance Grant program.

• In San Antonio, Port San Antonio gets nearly $1.3 million to rehabilitate and refurbish runway ramps, install lighting and improve drainage at former Kelly Air Force Base, and the Brooks Development Authority gets $125,000 to repair and replace an animal research building on Brooks City Base.
• In Bee County, the Bee Development Authority receives $400,000 to construct a building to house Sikorsky helicopters being painted at former Navy Chase Field near Beeville.
• Bowie County will receive $348,000 to upgrade buildings, repair streets and extend gas lines at the Red River Redevelopment Authority's Commerce Park in Texarkana.
• In San Patricio County, Ingleside has been awarded $386,000 to upgrade the city's wastewater treatment plant.

Johnson County receives funding for road repairs

Although it isn't mandatory, oil and gas companies are reimbursing Johnson County for road and bridge repairs that have resulted from the use of county roads by their heavy equipment. County Judge Roger Harmon (pictured) said the county has received more than $826,000 from the companies, while the county has spent more than $1.4 million on repairs.

The trucks are hauling water and drilling and pumping equipment to the Barnett Shale formation area and are causing damage to the infrastructure. The companies are not required to reimburse for damages, but are doing so on their own. When damages are reported, said Harmon, the roads are surveyed and damage estimates are sent to the gas companies. The companies then write the county a check. Expenditures by the county that are not reimbursed by the companies are paid by local taxpayers.

Hillcrest delays decision on sale of Medical Tower

Officials with the Hillcrest Health System in Waco have extended the deadline on making a decision on what they will do with the Hillcrest Medical Towers Building. Until October, Hillcrest had been negotiating with the City of Waco to use the tower as a new police headquarters once it is vacated.

However, Waco physician B.B. Chang has made a proposal to Hillcrest to buy the tower and turn it into a medical research facility. According to Hillcrest officials, Chang's bid for the facility is higher than the city is willing to pay. The tower is up for sale because Hillcrest is building a new hospital campus at Loop 340 and Interstate 35. Hillcrest officials expect to make a decision on the property soon.

Abilene ISD considering possible May bond election

The Abilene Independent School District is considering asking voters to approve an $85.2 million bond election in May.

AISD Superintendent David Polnick (pictured) said the bonds are needed to provide more technology improve security, implement more career education and complete building renovations started in 2004.

Little Elm to study feasibility of new public safety center

The Little Elm Town Council recently agreed to spend $35,000 to conduct a feasibility study for a new public safety center.

A new public safety center is needed because the current fire station will be forced to move when Eldorado Parkway is expanded into a six-lane divided highway.

The proposal will include a cost study to give the Texas Department of Transportation a more accurate estimate of what the cost of replacing the fire station will be when the road is expanded and the cost to replace the Little Elm Community Center, as most fire department training sessions and meetings occur there.

CAPCOG elects slate of new officers for 2008

San Marcos Mayor Susan Narvaiz (pictured) was elected 2008 Chair of the Capital Area Council of Governments at the recent annual meeting of the 10-county regional agency. Narvaiz has served on CAPCOG's Executive Committee since she was elected San Marcos mayor in 2004 and has been an Executive Committee officer for three years.

Others elected as CAPCOG officers were Travis County Judge Sam Biscoe, first vice chair; Bee Cave Mayor Caroline Murphy, second vice chair; and Hays County Commissioner Will Conley, secretary.

CAPCOG is one of 24 regional councils of government designated by the Governor's Office as state planning regions and oversees programs that include emergency 9-1-1, criminal justice planning, law enforcement training, homeland security, solid waste planning and funding, services for seniors, GSI mapping, air quality monitoring and economic development.

Van Beck to lead Houston A+ Challenge program

Scott Van Beck (pictured), superintendent of Houston Independent School District's West Region, has resigned that job to lead Houston A+ challenge, a Houston nonprofit agency that works toward improving public schools. Van Beck, a 23-year HISD veteran, said one of his first priorities would be to develop an academy to train aspiring principals.

Van Beck served two and one-half years as regional superintendent of one Houston school district's five regions, where he was responsible for 60 schools, 3,200 teachers and 54,000 students. Van Beck replaces Michele Pola, who left Houston A+ Challenge in August to become chief of staff for HISD Superintendent Abelardo Saavedra.

City of Austin planning for zero waste by 2040

The City of Austin is aiming at generating Zero Waste by 2040 by dramatically reducing garbage and boosting recycling. The city has hired a California firm to spend six months writing a long-term strategy to reduce to zero the amount of garbage sent to landfills by reusing, recycling and composting materials instead.

A number of cities, including Seattle and San Francisco, are currently writing zero-waste plans. Zero Waste plans take a holistic view of trash reduction, focusing not just on recycling but on keeping garbage out of landfills in the first place. The goal of Austin's plan will be to reduce the garbage sent to landfills by 20 percent per capita by 2012 and to achieve Zero Waste - an international standard set by the U.N. Environmental Accord - by 2040.

In addition to writing a Zero Waste plan, Austin will take a big step toward boosting recycling with the opening of a single-stream recycling facility in Southeast Austin in 2008 or 2009. That program will let homeowners place various recyclable materials in one big curbside bin rather than having to sort them.

ASU names director for Teaching, Research Center

Dr. Patricia L. (Trish) Hutchinson (pictured) has been named as the first director of Angelo State University's new Center for Innovation in Teaching and Research. She will be responsible for setting up and coordinating the center's start-up program.

Established to provide services to enhance teaching and research skills of the ASU faculty, the center will include workshops, continuing education seminars, teaching performance reviews, instruction on research methodologies and one-on-one consultations for new faculty and administrators.

Hutchinson holds bachelor's and master's degrees from Western Carolina University and her doctorate from the University of Georgia.

Fort Worth Library hires collection agency

The Fort Worth Public Library has hired an Indiana-based collection agency to help collect overdue fines and encourage patrons to return materials checked out of the library.

Under the agreement, the collection agency will not begin efforts until 60 days after the library has notified patrons of overdue materials. The collection company will then notify patrons to return merchandise and add a $10 charge to the account to pay for the collection program. Once the material is 164 days overdue, the collection agency will report the unpaid accounts to credit bureaus.

Library officials will try out the program for 90 days to determine whether the collection agency can maintain good customer relations and increase the return of overdue books, DVDs and videocassettes.

UT-PanAm selects Rios for business affairs position

Francis A. Rios (pictured) has been named assistant vice president for Business Affairs and director of human resources at the University of Texas-Pan American. Rios previously had served 19 years as director of materials management.

Rios earned her bachelor's degree from UTPA and a Lifetime Certified Purchasing Manager certification from the Institute for Supply Management.

Bexar County approves $415 million venue tax projects

Civic improvement projects totaling $415 million were approved by Bexar County commissioners Thursday and will now go to a public referendum in May. The funds for the proposed projects come from the county's venue tax. Among the projects approved by the county were: $125 million in river improvements; $80 million for amateur sports venues; $75 million for the AT&T Center; $4 million for the Dolph and Janie Briscoe Western Art Museum; $6 million for the Alameda Theater; $100 million for a new performing arts center; $15 million for the stock show and rodeo grounds; $10 million for the Freeman Coliseum; and $15 million for a new sports complex at the University of Texas at San Antonio.

City of McKinney hires new city manager

The City of McKinney has hired Frank Ragan (pictured), the deputy city manager for operations for the city of Aurora, Colo., to serve as McKinney's new city manager. Ragan brings an extensive parks and recreation background and 30 years in municipal government to his new post. He will begin in late February or March.

In his 16 years in Aurora, Ragan managed development of the city's first comprehensive facilities master plan, and supervised police, fire, neighborhood services, recreation and cultural services and libraries departments. Ragan succeeds Larry Robinson, who is retiring after serving as city manager since 2000. His last day will be Jan. 31.

NanoHealth consortium awarded $2.2 million in funds

The Alliance for NanoHealth, a consortium comprised of seven Houston-area research institutions, has been awarded $2.2 million in new federal funding. The funds will be used for research in nanotechnology, the science of building materials and devices from single atoms and ultra-small molecules. The funding was part of a spending package passed by the U.S. Congress and then sent to the president for his signature.

Members of the Alliance for NanoHealth include The Baylor College of Medicine, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, UT Health Science Center at Houston, Rice University, the University of Houston, Texas A&M University and the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston.

Big Spring anticipating possible bond election in May

Residents of the Big Spring ISD could be facing a $34 million bond issue this year, as recent studies point to the need to close two of its oldest elementary schools and build a new facility. Superintendent Michael Downes (pictured) said the earliest a bond election could be held would be in May.

Downes noted that even the newest of the district's elementary schools are more than 40 years old and said they are not equipped to meet today's standards. The needs of the district were assessed by a citizens committee that toured each campus and made recommendations to the board.

Hidalgo to use Transportation Reinvestment Zones

The Rio Grande Valley may be the first Texas region to take advantage of a new state law that allows a portion of increased tax revenues spurred by development along new highways to be used to pay off road construction bonds. Hidalgo County leaders are planning the first phase of a highway project that will loop truck and other traffic around the western end of the county. The loop's first 38-mile section should be finished in about five years, including two years worth of planning, designing and environmental work.

The first phase will cost an estimated $650 million, with about $200 million coming from the new Transportation Reinvestment Zone concept, which allows for a portion of the enhanced tax base from development along the highway to be used for paying off bonds. Money used for such projects will not be available for a county's general-purpose use for 25 years, or whatever the life of the bond. But proponents of the plan say without the development that new highways bring, those additional tax revenues would not be there at all. Hidalgo County residents also will pay a $10 surcharge for vehicle registrations to help finance the transportation loop. Tolls also will be part of the financing mix.

Early plans new football facility, school construction

The Early Independent School District Board of Trustees will open bids on Feb. 11 for construction on the new football field complex. Board President Shawn Russell (pictured) said. Construction will begin almost immediately.

A $2.8 million renovation of the high school, along with the construction of the new sports complex and an elementary school and the renovation of the primary school are all part of a successful $17.5 million bond package. Voters approved the bond in 2005, but since state funding was not made immediately available, the board pared down the original plan so as not to raise taxes.

Matagorda County officials to explore desalination

Matagorda County officials are exploring the possibility of converting brackish water and sea water for drinking and agricultural purposes. Brackish water is a mix of saltwater and fresh water found underground and on the surface. Jorge Arroyo, director of the Texas Water Development Board's (TWDB) Seawater and Brackish Water Desalination Initiatives, said that some grants are available through TWDB to build a plant, but the majority of the cost would be to participating counties. TWDB is expected to ask the legislature for more funding for desalination projects, he added.

Florida and Australia already practice desalinization and a plant in Brownsville is set up to further study the process in Texas. Currently, desalinization is considered too costly, and uses too much energy, Arroyo said. But as population grows, water demand and water supply costs increase and price of desalinization declines, the need for desalinization will rise. The cost for a desalination plant ranges from $2 million to $26 million, depending on the capacity of the plant. The water would cost about $1.30 per 1,000 gallons, he said, which is about the same cost as fresh water.

Peck to begin duties as SFASU dean of Student Affairs

Dr. Adam Peck (pictured) will begin his duties as dean of Student Affairs at Stephen F. Austin State University on January 7. Peck will report to Vice President for University Affairs Steve Westbrook.

His responsibilities include development and management of staff and programs in Counseling and Career Services, Disability Services, Health Services, Judicial Office, Multicultural Center, Office of Student Activities and the Office of Student Life. He formerly served as director of Student Life at Saint Louis University. Peck earned a Ph.D. from The University of Texas at Austin, a master's degree from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville and a bachelor's from Lewis University in Illinois.

Katy ISD awarded by Environmental Protection Agency

The Environmental Protection Agency has awarded the Katy ISD maintenance and operations department the EPA Indoor Air Quality Tools for School National Model of Sustained Excellence award. The award recognizes the school's exemplary indoor air quality program. The Katy program, which was implemented in 2002, was one of five winners selected from schools and districts nationwide. The district also won the National Sustained Mentorship award mentoring other districts nationally and internationally in Arizona, Canada, Oklahoma and Texas.

ESC Region 12 employees garner national awards

Two Educational Service Center Region 12 employees recently won national awards in distance learning activities from the Center for Interactive Learning and Collaboration (CILC).

The awards went to Roxanne Glaser (right), the distance learning coordinator, and Shane Howard (left), a technology specialist in Videoconference Services. Glaser and Howard support nearly 60 school districts in their efforts to improve education through distance learning. The awards were announced as part of the CILC Symposium in Indianapolis.

Two grants totaling $1.1 million going to Del Mar College

Del Mar College plans to use two grants totaling $1.1 million to develop new programs to introduce students to careers in biotechnology and agricultural sciences. Biotechnology is a rapidly developing field using biological modifications to improve medicines and agricultural products.

A National Science Advanced Technology Education grant of $831,532 will be used to start a biotechnology program to begin in fall 2008. It will pay for summer internships to provide research opportunities at universities in Texas and California, for salaries for mentors and to fund experiments aimed at recruiting high school students to the biotechnology field.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture Hispanic-Serving Institutions Education Grants Program awarded the Natural Sciences Department of Del Mar $230,000 to help attract students to enhance the nation's food and agricultural scientific and professional work force. The grant is designed to expose college students to careers in agricultural sciences by introducing them to career paths they might not have considered. It also will fund undergraduate research experiences for 15 second-year students interested in agricultural technology.

City, county to receive payback funds from TxDOT

Officials with the city of Brenham and Washington County are set to receive at least $2.5 million per year from the state as reimbursement for their financing of a portion of U.S. 290 improvements in the county.

Brenham City Manager Terry Roberts (pictured) said the city and county will provide $15 million of the project financing and will be reimbursed by the Texas Department of Transportation on a payback schedule.

The project includes a 2.5-mile section of U.S. 290 and will cost more than $30 million. The city and county will obtain $15 million in financing and be repaid that amount by TxDOT with the two local entities paying the interest. Total costs for the project eventually are expected to be $3.5 million, which will be split between the city and county. Repayment by TxDOT is based on a formula using a vehicle count, and payments will be made twice a year.

BCSMPO approves $46 million in transportation projects

The Bryan/College Station Metropolitan Planning Organization has approved a $46 million Transportation Improvement Plan. The plan includes 22 new road projects, making them eligible for state and federal funds over the next three years.

The proposals include a $2.34 million plan to rehabilitate and add signals along University Drive and a $1.76 million paving project along Earl Rudder Freeway, both in College Station. The BCSMPO plan includes paving projects throughout Brazos County and $1.4 million worth of communications technology for the Texas Transportation Institute's TransLink Research Center.

BCSMPO Executive Director Linda LaSut told the agency's policy committee that most of the projects would be paid for with federal and state funds. However, Texas Department of Transportation Engineer Bryan Wood said recent federal cutbacks could affect some of the project timelines. A complete listing of BCSMPO's TIP projects is available here.

DISD plans online class for students deficient in English

The Dallas Independent School District will offer online courses for secondary students deficient in English beginning this month. The courses, offered under the LUCHA program, include algebra, biology, geometry, chemistry and world history online and in Spanish.

Officials say a new approach is needed because many immigrant secondary school students are not learning quickly enough because they don't fully understand English. DISD uses bilingual education and Spanish to assist immigrant students in elementary schools, however, the lack of qualified bilingual teachers has made it almost impossible to offer those same services at the secondary level. In the 2006-2007 school year, DISD had 49,503 students who were classified as limited English proficient, or about 31.2 percent of the district's entire student body.

The University of Texas at Austin administers the LUCHA program under a partnership with Mexico's education agencies. So far, about 10 Texas school districts, including Houston and Austin, have agreed to participate in LUCHA, which translates into "fight" in Spanish and is an acronym for Language Learners at the University of Texas at Austin's Center for Hispanic Achievement.

College Station asks for input on bond election

Officials of the City of College Station are asking residents to attend public meetings this month to share input on what capital improvement projects the city should undertake if a $60 million November bond election passes. Assistant City Manager Kathy Merrill (pictured) said the city wants all of its citizens involved in the decision-making on projects from parks to transportation infrastructure.

Some of the projects being considered include a $7.4 million senior citizens center, a $6 million fire station, parks improvements totaling $3 million and more than $43 million in street and transportation projects.

O'Neil resigns as Marlin interim city manager

Marlin interim city manager Tim O'Neil has submitted his letter of resignation, saying he will not be seeking appointment permanently to the city manager position. He cited his reason for vacating the post as an opportunity to return to the private sector as a special projects manager. He was serving both as interim city manager and finance director, and will leave both positions this week.

Covering government
news in 2008

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

It's hard to believe that 2007 is history and we are now into a brand new year - 2008!

In 2007, the Texas Government Insider covered news from all sectors of government - state, city, county, K-12 public education, higher education and healthcare. As we begin this new year of publication, with more than 25,000 core subscribers, our pledge is to continue providing news about government - breaking news, hard-to-come-by news, procurement news and information about trends in government.

In addition to covering the movement of people in government in 2007, TGI alerted vendors to business opportunities, tracked bond elections, identified federal funding allocated to Texas, promoted upcoming conferences, covered state, local and legislative news, and introduced readers to the more personal side of many government leaders.

Austin cites city manager list; Garza withdraws

Eight semi-finalists for the city manager position with the City of Austin were reduced to seven Thursday when one of the internal candidates, Juan Garza, accepted the general manager position at Pedernales Electric Cooperative. Garza currently serves as general manager of Austin Energy and could take over his new post as early as next month. He replaces General Manager Bennie Fuelberg, who is leaving the post after more than three decades.

The remaining seven semi-finalists for Austin city manager include:

• Michael Brown, city manager for Savannah, GA
• Jelynne Burley, San Antonio deputy city manager
• Wayne Cauthen, city manager for Kansas City, MO
• Rick Cole, city manager of Ventura, CA
• Rudy Garza, Austin assistant city manager
• Laura Huffman, Austin assistant city manager
• Marc Ott, assistant city manager for Fort Worth

Interviews will be held Jan. 8 and 9 and the candidate list will be narrowed. Final interviews will be on Jan. 16, with finalists to be named. City officials expect on Jan. 17 to authorize the search firm hired to find the candidates to negotiate with the finalists.

City of Lewisville to seek bids for athletic complex

The City of Lewisville will seek bids for a large athletic complex this month, according to Bob Monaghan (pictured), director of parks and leisure services for the city. Lewisville Council members approved more than $18 million for the Railroad Street Athletic Complex last year. The new park is slated to have 10 soccer fields, four football fields, four baseball fields, a skateboard park and a dog park.

Plans call for a general contractor and several subcontractors for specialized facilities such as the skate park. Work is expected to begin in May with completion in late 2009.

Sokoll appointed dean of Austin's DeVry University

Shane Sokoll, who previously served as center director of Concordia University's College of Adult Education, has been appointed as dean of DeVry University in Austin.

As dean, Sokoll will direct the center's operation, develop ties between the school and local employers and steer student recruiting efforts. He replaces Mark Meyer.

Highway signs to be brighter under new federal rules

The Federal Highway Administration has adopted a new rule to require higher performing reflective material and to improve maintenance methods for all highway signs to help make signs more visible.

The new rules should help motorists better see and read highway signs in low-light conditions and help reduce traffic fatalities and injuries, said J. Richard Capka, Federal Highway Administrator.

Hitchcock ISD to hire construction manager

Officials of the Hitchcock ISD, which is planning a $35 million bond election this year, are expected first to hire a construction manager to estimate the construction costs for its planned projects.

Some of the projects that are likely to become part of the bond proposal are a new $18 million high school, a new $14 million elementary school, a $1 million transportation center, a $1.5 million gym addition and $1 million in renovations to the middle school for a central office.

Conroe Parks System to improve, expand parks

The Conroe Parks and Recreation Department is embarking on several major projects this year, including the development of two neighborhood parks and improvements and renovation of several recreational facilities.

Park officials also are considering the acquisition of 25-50 acres of parkland on the north side of Conroe and mapping out trails to connect all the parks in Conroe. The improvements include the expansion of the two-mile multipurpose trail at Carl Barton Jr. Park to five miles. The city also recently awarded a $126,000 contract to design and engineer phase five of the park to include multipurpose athletic fields, four adult softball fields and the installation of additional lighting. The city also plans to renovate the turf, install new irrigation and improve lighting at McDade Park.

Additionally, the city plans to renovate the garage of the Oscar Johnson Jr. Community Center to create more space for growing recreation programs. Conroe City Council also has approved $93,000 for development of two new neighborhood parks donated to the city.

Governor's appointments

Gov. Rick Perry has made the following appointments:

• William Boyce of Houston, 14th Appellate District
• Jeffrey Brown of Houston, 14th Appellate District
• Patricia Kerrigan of Houston, 190th Judicial District Court Judge
• Jeffrey Shadwick of Houston, 55th Judicial District Court Judge
• Don Minton of El Paso, judge of the El Paso Criminal Judicial Court #1

SPI's large, diverse consulting team ready to assist clients

Strategic Partnerships, Inc. has been blessed with much growth in the past few years. The Consulting team is large and diverse and all SPI consultants are available to assist companies or organizations. Watch this space in the coming weeks for a brief overview that describes consultants and their expertise. For more details check the SPI Web site (www.spartnerships.com) or call Reagan Weil at 531-3900.


With more than two decades of experience in city government and city finances, SPI Senior Consultant John Stephens can provide an insider's view of how city government operates.

Stephens, a certified public accountant, not only knows governing processes, but also understands both city finances and purchasing. As the former chief financial officer for the City of Austin for seven years, Stephens had oversight of a number of city financial functions and other programs.

In addition to being the city's CFO, Stephens also previously served as the city auditor, acting city manager, accountant, accounting manager, controller and assistant director for Financial and Administrative Services in a period that spanned 20 years.

Hinojosa appointed interim assistant city manager

Hector Hinojosa has been appointed as an interim assistant manager in Alice, after previously serving as the city's finance director. Hinojosa will fill both positions until a new finance director is found, said City Manager Albert Uresti.

Hinojosa previously served as city manager for the City of Kingsville and as a finance director in the City of Driscoll. In addition to seeking a new finance director, Uresti said he hopes to fill the open positions of human resources director and public works director soon.

Ysleta ISD to discuss new interim superintendent

The Ysleta Independent School District Board of Trustees is expected to decide whether and how to select a new interim superintendent this month, according to president of the Ysleta Board of Trustees Carmen Munoz (pictured). Current Superintendent Hector Montenegro officially leaves the district on Jan. 31 to serve as the superintendent of the Arlington Independent School District.

Montenegro appointed Tom Miller, his chief of staff, as acting superintendent during the months that Montenegro took his compensatory time. The appointment for acting superintendent, however, officially ends on Jan. 31, which requires the board to make a decision about choosing an interim superintendent, according to Munoz.

Gillespie County officials don't want wind farms

Gillespie County commissioners this week passed a resolution opposing wind farms in their county. The action comes after the cities of Llano and Fredericksburg also passed similar resolutions. Commissioners cited property rights, land value impact and wildlife and environmental issues as reasons for saying no to proposed wind turbines in the county.

South Padre Island eyes upcoming dredging project

South Padre Island officials are anticipating a broader beach soon when a dredging project in Brownsville results in more sand being secured for the beach.

Mayor Robert Pinkerton Jr. (pictured) said the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Port of Brownsville are dredging part of the Brownsville Ship Channel and if the contract is amended to include dredging past the jetties, South Padre Island could be included. Officials would have to pay for the cost of pumping sand on the town's beaches. Funding would come from a $3 million federal grand for South Padre's beach restoration efforts.

Katy fire department renovations planned

If a proposed $1.5 million bond package passes in May, Katy Fire Department members could see renovations to their Avenue D station. Included in the bond package will be funding for additional dorm space and repair of driveways around the station. Also included will be a larger upstairs training area.

County could require defensive driving for some

With three sheriff's patrol cars wrecked during 2007, the Jasper County Commissioner's Court is studying whether defensive driving classes should be required for all county employees who operate county vehicles. Although there will be costs associated with the classes, county officials said that cost should be offset by savings on the county's vehicle insurance. A committee has been appointed to look into the matter.

Stocco named VP at Tech Health Sciences Center

Douglas M. Stocco (pictured) has been named executive vice president for research at the Texas Tech Health Sciences Center. An award-winning researcher, Stocco joined the center's department of cell biology and biochemistry in 1974.

The new center executive's duties include recruiting researchers and responsibility for research facilities, policies and regulatory compliance. He also will administer endowments and other funds.

SPI job openings

K-12 public education consultants

SPI has immediate need for individuals with well-established credentials who are interested in assisting its consulting teams throughout Texas. SPI has immediate openings for subject matter experts who can assist part-time in the K-12 education arena in Texas, particularly in the Dallas area. Applicants should have a strong background in public school education, either as a former top-level decision-maker for a school district, or through experience in other venues such as regional service centers or statewide public education associations. To apply for these part-time consulting positions at SPI, please send a brief cover letter and a copy of your resume to J. Lyn Carl at jcarl@spartnerships.com and put "Application for K-12 Consultant" in the subject line, or for more information, send an e-mail to the same address.

Healthcare consultants

SPI is in need of individuals with subject matter expertise and well-established credentials in the healthcare arena (particularly in the Dallas and Houston areas) who are interested in part-time work assisting its consulting teams throughout Texas. Applicants should have well-maintained relationships and a strong background in healthcare, either as a former top-level decision-maker for a hospital (such as an administrator, CEO, CFO, COO, etc.), or through experience in other venues such as statewide hospital or healthcare associations or agencies that deal with healthcare entities throughout the state. To apply for these part-time consulting positions at SPI, please send a brief cover letter and a copy of your resume to J. Lyn Carl at jcarl@spartnerships.com and put "Application for Healthcare Consultant" in the subject line, or for more information, send an e-mail to the same address.

Federal government consultants

SPI has immediate need for individuals in Texas with well-established credentials who are interested in assisting its consulting teams throughout the state. SPI has immediate openings for subject matter experts who can assist part-time in the federal government procurement arena. Applicants should have a strong background in federal procurement practices and be prepared to assist private sector companies in understanding how to do business with the federal government. To apply for these part-time consulting positions at SPI, please send a brief cover letter and a copy of your resume to J. Lyn Carl at jcarl@spartnerships.com and put "Application for Federal Government Consultant" in the subject line, or for more information, send an e-mail to the same address.

Executive vice president named at TAMU-Galveston

Dr. Rodney P. McClendon (pictured) has been named executive associate vice president and chief operating officer for Texas A&M University at Galveston.

McClendon will serve as the second in command and have overall responsibility for the Division of Student Affairs and the Division of Administration. Currently serving as chief of staff for the President of Texas A&M University, McClendon will begin his duties on March 1, 2008.

Bastrop considering
local ACC campus

Continued growth in Bastrop County has led officials in the growing area near Austin to consider the possibility of bringing an Austin Community College campus to the county. ACC would have to annex part of the county into its taxing district before a campus could be instated. That decision would ultimately be up to voters in the area to be annexed.

Fadden promoted to Weatherford city manager

Jennifer Fadden has been named Weatherford City Manager after a unanimous city council vote recently. Fadden was Weatherford's Assistant City Manager, but was named Acting City Manager in April when City Manager Bill Davis was seriously injured in an auto accident.

Davis resigned in December due to his injuries. Fadden worked for the City of Arlington as assistant director of parks and recreation and assistant to the city manager before coming to Weatherford. Fadden also worked for the City of Fort Worth as a financial and management analyst and an assistant to the mayor. She is a 1995 graduate of the University of North Texas.

Recent Reports

• Texas Medicaid Management Information System, Cost Benefit Analysis, HHSC
• A Report on the Audit of the Department of Transportation's Central Texas Turnpike System Financial Statements for the Fiscal Year Ended August 31, 2007
• A Report on the Audit of the Department of Transportation's Texas Mobility Fund Financial Statements for the Fiscal Year Ended August 31, 2007
• HHSC's "In Touch" newsletter
• SPI's Defense Appropriations Bill Earmarks Report
• SPI's November 2007 Bond Election Results Report

Event Links

• TWC Texas Business Conferences
• LBJ School Professional Development Calendar
• Upcoming Executive Women in Texas Government events

Texas Government Insider Archives

Volume 1 - 5 Archives · 11/7/03 - 12/21/07

Colorado County EMS gets rural education grant

Colorado County Emergency Medical Services has received a Rural EMS Education Grant to improve the training of emergency medical technicians. The grant was awarded by the Texas Department of Transportation and The Texas Engineering Extension Service Emergency Services Training Institute.

The training will focus on how to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of jurisdictional responses to highway-based incidents and will include patient assessment and care, vehicle extrication anatomy and physiology, CPR, trauma care, hazardous materials and response to terrorism events.

Houston green lights
really are 'green'

The City of Houston will soon install traffic lights that are 'green,' as in environmentally friendly, according to Houston Mayor Bill White (pictured). The city has installed LED (light-emitting diode) traffic signals that use less electricity than regular lights and thus pollute less.

White this week accepted a rebate check for $148,000 from a local energy provider once the LED lights were ordered. It is the first installment of $1 million in rebates the city will garner for the installation of 2,400 LED traffic signals in the next 18 months. The rebates are part of the electric provider's incentive for large users of electric power to reduce their energy consumption.

Frisco approves public-private sports venture

The Frisco City Council has approved an agreement with a private company to jointly create a sports facility that will contain basketball and volleyball courts, two soccer fields, locker rooms and a spectator mezzanine. The facility, to be built near Frisco's multi-field soccer complex, will be able to host indoor football games.

The facility is the latest in a series of public-private ventures for Frisco in the last few years, including Pizza Hut Park, Dr Pepper Ballpark and the StarsCenter, where the Dallas Stars train. To build the facilities, Frisco issues certificates of obligation to borrow money to build the facility, which it will own. The private partner will operate the center and make lease payments to pay off the debt.

The city will provide a total of $12.5 million for construction and the developer will pay any cost overruns.

S. Texas school districts consider new cameras

Three South Texas school districts - Donna, South Texas and Sharyland - are considering the installation of surveillance cameras to deter unsafe activities on their campuses.

Donna ISD is expected to decide next month who will install cameras at its five secondary school campuses, said Superintendent Roberto Loredo (pictured). Plans call for each of the secondary schools to have six cameras, both inside and outside the schools, and at least one camera will be able to pan, tilt, zoom and pick up images in the dark.

In February, South Texas ISD is slated to decide whether to install 32 cameras at three of its magnet schools. If approved, the cameras should be in operation during the spring semester, she said. The Sharyland district already has several surveillance cameras in non-student areas, such as the exterior of an elementary school, but the district is considering adding cameras to student areas such as school bus pickup areas where students gather.

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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.

Publisher: Mary Scott Nabers

The Insider is published by Strategic Partnerships, Inc. (SPI), a research and consulting firm. Founded in Texas in 1994 by former government executives and public sector experts, SPI has developed a national reputation as the premier marketing partner dedicated to helping companies secure contracts in the $1.5 trillion state and local government marketplace.

To learn more about SPI services click here or contact our sales department at 512-531-3900.

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