2010 census count important to government entities

$10,000 in federal funding lost for every person not counted

As the 2010 Census Portrait of America Road Tour - a cross-country interactive experience designed to draw awareness to the once-a-decade population count - makes its way through the United States, officials in Texas are preparing to make sure every resident is accounted for.

"We want everybody counted," Polk County Judge John Thompson (pictured right) said, noting accurate census counts are particularly important to local governments. After nearly two decades in county government, Thompson knows the importance of an accurate census count.

The Census Bureau has estimated approximately $10,000 is lost in federal funding for every resident not counted.

"It's a direct correlation," Thompson said. "Nearly every funding source, state or federal, considers population as one of the primary criteria for distribution allowance." Those figures determine how much a city gets in community development block grant dollars and other funds.

Population count has far-reaching effects, Thompson said, determining in some instances how much a county or city receives for school districts, roads and airport improvements - which is why census workers are determined to raise awareness of the importance an accurate count bears.

'Together We Care'

State employees donate more than $9.58M to charitable campaign

Last year, Texas state employees returned more than $9.58 million to residents of their communities. It wasn't in change for a driver's license renewal or payment for a barber's license, nor was it money collected for a child support payment.

It was from their own paychecks - collected through the State Employee Charitable Campaign (SECC) - and earmarked for a variety of charities that every year help people these thousands of state employees may not know, but whose lives their donations touch.

Throughout Texas, state employees have donated millions of dollars to charities through the SECC campaign, which began in 1994. That first year, the campaign raised a little over $2 million. Partly because most state employees are in the Austin area, the capital area campaign historically tops the giving figures, at $2.2 million last year, but other highly successful campaigns are also held in other areas of the state, such as Houston and San Antonio and smaller cities statewide.

Sales tax collections continue downward trend

Sales tax collections in Texas continued to slide, according to figures released today, Friday, by State Comptroller Susan Combs. The state collected $1.65 billion in sales tax revenue in December, down 11.6 percent compared to the previous year.

Cities, counties, transit systems and special purpose taxing districts got their first sales tax allocations of 2010 - $405.2 million, down 11.8 percent compared to January 2009. Another $274.4 million went to Texas cities, down 11.4 percent compared to January 2009. Texas counties received sales tax payments of $24.3 million, down 16.1 percent compared to last January. In addition, $16.2 million went to 163 special purpose taxing districts around the state, down 11.5 percent compared to last January. Ten local transit systems received $90.1 million in sales tax allocations, down 11.6 percent compared to a year ago. To view the allocations by city, click here. To view the allocations by county, click here.

Preservationists oppose Governor's Mansion addition

A proposed new building on the Governor's Mansion campus has some historic preservationists outraged. Preservationists told Gov. Rick Perry recently the "unsightly appendage" would cause visitors to the mansion - which is undergoing a $26 million renovation after a 2008 arson attack - to gasp in disapproval. Perry said he is staying out of the taste debate surrounding the proposed addition to the Greek Revival-style home.

Dealey Herndon (pictured), mansion project manager, said the need for additional space on the campus is one position that is "immovable."

The construction would also destroy a large live oak tree on the mansion grounds, according to preservationists.

Arctic weather prompts activation of state resources

A cold arctic weather system that entered Texas earlier this week prompted the governor to activate state resources to help Texans through the cold snap. The help includes military personnel and high-profile vehicles to assist Texas communities that may face emergencies such as dangerous road conditions and power loss during the severe cold weather.

The governor directed 77 Texas military personnel and 36 high-profile and other support vehicles to preposition in Corsicana, Huntsville, Lufkin, Marshall and New Boston, where icy conditions and several days of freezing weather were expected. He also asked all district offices of the Texas Department of Transportation to stand at a high level of readiness to assist motorists and de-ice and clear roads. The Texas Department of Public Safety also received an order to fully activate and support their districts.

Lottery approves rules for new POWERBALL game

Texans should be able to buy Powerball lottery tickets as soon as Sunday, Jan. 31, following the recent approval by the Texas Lottery for the game to begin in Texas. The first Powerball drawing will be on Wednesday, Feb. 3, said Gary Grief (pictured), deputy executive director of the Texas Lottery.

An October 2009 agreement between Mega Millions states and the Multi-State Lottery Association allowing the sale of both Mega Millions and Powerball tickets in all United States lottery jurisdictions was the first step in bringing the two multi-jurisdictional lottery games played in the United States and its territories to Texas. Mega Millions is currently played in 12 states, including Texas, while 31 states, the District of Columbia and the U.S. Virgin Islands participate in Powerball.

So far, the largest advertised jackpot for Powerball occurred in February 2006 with a $365 million winning prize while the record payoff for Mega Millions occurred in March 2007 with a $370 million prize. The addition of so many players in Texas and other states could significantly increase those jackpot prizes, Grief said. Increased sales of Powerball and Mega Millions lottery tickets would also bring additional revenues to the Foundation School Fund, which supports public education in Texas, he said.

Burbach chosen general counsel for Governor's Office

Caren Burbach has been named general counsel for the Office of the Governor, effective Jan. 11. Burbach, an attorney with The University of Texas System Office of General Counsel, replaces David Cabrales.

At the UT System, Burbach is responsible for special projects and specializes in intellectual property matters and business law. She is a former president, vice president of business affairs, general counsel and secretary for a technology development and marketing company and held several positions with a leading technology provider to the travel and tourism industries. She holds a bachelor's degree from Texas A&M University and a law degree from the Baylor University School of Law.

SPI takes training program to Virginia Fortune company

Three members of the Strategic Partnerships, Inc. training team were in Virginia this week conducting a three-day training session for internal sales representatives of a large Fortune company based there. Conducting the training were SPI Senior Vice President Tommy Huntress (left), SPI Senior Managing Consultant Deborah Giles (middle) and David Robinson (right), director of training, who represent an SPI staff that for the last 15 years has been successful in guiding vendors through the public sector procurement process.

The training program, which focuses on the sometimes unique sales processes involved in selling to various government entities, relates first-hand experiences of SPI team members who are former C-level government executives who have expertise in both dealing with vendors and in procurement. The trainers teach sales representatives how to effectively maneuver the public sector and how to identify and close more business with government entities.

Among the topics for the training are how to shorten sales cycles, how to gather intelligence and qualify leads, how to position effectively, how to overcome obstacles, how to interact with government decision-makers, best practices for closing business and how to assess opportunities, develop a strategy and create opportunity capture plans.

SPI offers customized delivery service for its training programs. Training is available on-site at the SPI offices in Austin, or SPI will send a team of trainers to a client's location. See the ad below for more information.

UT-Pan Am awarded $3.4 million in TETF money

The University of Texas-Pan American has been named the recipient of $3.4 million in Texas Emerging Technology Fund (TETF) money for creation of its Rapid Response Manufacturing Center that will reduce the lead time in a product's life cycle between its inception and delivery to the consumer. The center is expected to provide greater commercialization opportunities in South Texas by keeping all product development, design, testing and distribution in one location.

Additionally, $250,000 in TETF funds was awarded to Photon8 Inc. for the development of its commercially viable algae bio-fuel technology. The funds will help the company enhance the performance of the algae and advance its extraction technology. ScanTech Sciences Inc. will receive $2 million to develop and commercialize food sterilization technology that uses electronic pasteurization to ensure food safety and freshness by allowing safer importing of food through the removal of more insects, bacteria and toxins without using chemicals.

The TETF awards were followed by the announcement by National Instruments that its new Texas Emerging Technology Grant Program will provide software and training services to companies that are funded with TETF money. The software is expected to help new companies better make the transition from the university lab to the marketplace.

WTAMU receives $75K grant to move Wind Test Center

West Texas A&M University has received a $75,000 grant from the Amarillo Economic Development Corporation (AEDC) to help rebuild the institution's Wind Test Center. The university will move the center to a 40-acre site at Nance Ranch with plans to begin testing wind turbines before the end of the month.

David Carr (pictured), associate director for testing and resource assessment, said officials hope to "build the new test center bigger and better than ever," adding the facility will be built specifically for testing small wind turbines, working within international and national standards.

The current center is valued at an estimated $750,000. Carr said it will take a while to build the new facility to that level. When completed, the center will have the capacity to test up to 14 turbines. The site is expected to be fully operational later this year.

City of Austin receives $7.5M for energy upgrades

Austin Energy will manage $7.5 million in federal funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to improve energy efficiency in City of Austin municipal buildings and facilities. The company will work with other departments, including Austin Water Utility, Police, Fire, and Parks and Recreation, to jumpstart the initiatives.

Projects include the installation of interior lighting upgrades and automatic lighting controls, the replacement of aged generators with modern biogas generation equipment and increases in insulation, seal ducts and other energy improvements. The upgrades could save more than 5 million kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, enough to power 400 homes year round, according to Austin Energy projections.

UT-Austin releases campus iPhone application

The University of Texas at Austin has introduced its free iPhone application. As part of an ensuing communications effort to provide alumni, faculty, staff and students with the latest news from all the university's campuses, the app features news, sports, events, campus maps, shuttle bus information, a campus directory, videos and more.

President William Powers Jr. said the university is always "looking for new ways to engage members of the UT family."

There are plans to introduce more features in the coming months.

TYC introduces remedial reading curriculum

The Texas Youth Commission (TYC) recently launched "Rewards and Rewards Plus," a three-tiered program designed to improve the reading ability of incarcerated youth across the state. Each tier is tailored to include students with similar reading abilities, allowing for more individualized reading instruction.

The Texas Legislature last year appropriated $750,000 to pay for improvements, including research-based assessment, instruction and specialized training for TYC students, most of whom face considerable educational deficiencies. These youth are five years behind their peers in reading scores on average, and more than a third require special education services. TYC has hired 10 additional teachers to advance the new reading curriculum.

UT-Arlington names first director of sustainability

Meghna Tare (pictured) has been named The University of Texas at Arlington's first director of sustainability. In her new role, Tare will lead and coordinate programs in utility efficiency and management, recycling and waste reduction, environmentally preferable purchasing and more.

Tare served three years as environmental manager with the City of Dallas' Office of Environmental Quality (DOEQ). Prior to that charge, she taught environmental studies at California State University at Hayward and worked for the Institute of Environmental Science and Policy at Stanford University.

Tare holds a bachelor's degree from San Jose State University and a master's degree from the University of San Francisco.

UTPA GEAR UP program earns $590K grant

Grant funding totaling more than $509,000 from the Michael and Susan Dell Foundation has been received by The University of Texas Pan-American. The funds are dedicated to the university's GEAR UP program to expand its Advancement via Individual Determination (AVID) program. AVID promotes college readiness and is currently in more than 60 middle and high schools in the Rio Grande Valley.

Dr. Martha Cantu (pictured), director of UTPA GEAR UP, said the school's proposals to the foundation have been approved in each of the last seven years one has been submitted. "The new grant award will be used as seed money for the AVID program in all the Harlingen Consolidated Independent School District secondary schools as well as seed money for Lasara Independent School District," she said. The program encourages middle achievers in grades four through 12 - B, C and D students - to earn better grades in more rigorous courses.

UTEP leads System in most online program students

The University of Texas at El Paso now boasts the largest UT Telecampus enrollment of all System institutions with 1,906 students. The UT Telecampus (UTTC) works with all 15 UT System institutions to develop online courses, degree programs and support services for distance learners.

Other campuses also facilitate large numbers of distance learners through UTTC, including UT Arlington (1,888), UT Permian Basin (1,537) and UT Brownsville (1,015). Meanwhile UTTC enrollments are up some 30 percent from fall 2008 with a total of 7,714 students enrolled.

UTTC, launched in 1998, has served more than 86,000 students so far, offering more than 30 online degrees and certificate programs.

UNTHSC announces Ghorpade as department chair

Dr. Anuja Ghorpade (pictured), professor of cell biology and anatomy at the University of North Texas Health Science Center, has been appointed chair of the department.

Ghorpade joined the UNT faculty in 2007 to establish research programs in HIV/AIDS, glial biology and neurodegeneration disease. Before joining UNT, she established an independent research program and a Brain Bank at the University of Nebraska Medical Center.

Ghorpade holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Bombay, a master's degree from M S University of Baroda and a doctorate from the Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi.

CPS Energy board narrows search for new chair

Four finalists have been named to replace CPS Energy board Chairwoman Aurora Geis, who has agreed to resign following a miscommunication between the utility's nuclear team and the board of trustees.

Retirees Nancy R. Kudla and Charles E. Foster, along with Gary Cram, president of a private roofing company, and Brian Herman, vice president for research at The University of Texas Health Science Center, have been chosen finalists from 15 applicants in line for the position.

The board is looking to name the new member next week. The City Council would ratify the selection in the following few days.

TWU, DISD awarded for teacher-certification efforts

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) has awarded the Dallas Independent School District, in conjunction with Texas Woman's University Partnering for Teachers program, with a 2009 Star Award. TWU ranked among six institutions in the state to win the award recognizing contributions toward achieving the goals of THECB's Closing the Gaps initiative. The program aims to bolster student participation, success, academic excellence and scholastic research, increasing the number of certified math, science and bilingual teachers in Texas.

TWU and DISD have trained more than 6,000 new teachers through the Dallas Alternative Certification Program since its inception in 1986.

Dr. Barbara Lerner (pictured), director of academic outreach at TWU, said the recognition "highlights the value of collaboration in helping the state meet its education goals."

Texas State unveils human power plant at rec center

Texas State University-San Marcos recently unveiled the world's largest human power plant at its Student Recreation Center. The event marked the university's attempt to foster greater awareness regarding environmental sustainability. In doing so, 30 elliptical exercise machines in the student recreation center were retrofitted to convert human energy into electricity.

The project, which cost $19,750, was funded by TSU's environmental service committee and the Department of Campus Recreation with support from the Associated Student Government.

During the process, a 30-minute workout generated about 50 watt hours of clean, carbon-free electricity - roughly enough energy to power a laptop computer for one hour.

UNT vice president steps aside for reorganization

Bonita Jacobs (pictured) has resigned from her post as vice president of student development at the University of North Texas. She will continue to serve as director of UNT's National Institute for the Study of Transfer Students. Elizabeth With, associate vice president for student development, will serve as interim vice president.

Officials hope the shift will help align student development programs, such as math and writing learning labs, with academic goals the university has set.

A national search to replace Jacobs is under way. The university plans to fill the post's vacancy next spring.

Bexar Co. OKs road plans despite lack of state funds

Bexar County commissioners have decided to move forward on much needed roadway projects despite a lack of state funds. Officials say they can expedite three road-expansion projects in traffic-heavy areas of the county under a unique agreement with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT).

Commissioners agreed to put up $55.6 million for more than seven miles of new road construction, including a second phase that would expand a 4.7-mile stretch of road from two lanes to four lanes on Texas 211. The state has agreed to pay back the county over the next 10-20 years.

Two other major road projects will be financed with similar funding.

Million leaving UT-Arlington for Georgia State

Christina Million (pictured), executive director of The University of Texas at Arlington Alumni Association, will leave that post at the end of this month to head to Atlanta, Ga., to become the Georgia State University Alumni Association's assistant vice president. She joined UTA in 2004 and since then has increased the association's membership by 400 percent.

The Association has named Amy Schultz interim executive director of the UTA association. Schultz is currently associate vice president for communications and community relations at UTA. A search committee is currently being drafted to find a new executive director.

TWU closer to fundraising goal for health institute

Texas Woman's University is one step closer to its fundraising goal for the new TWU T. Boone Pickens Institute of Health Sciences-Dallas Center thanks to a $50,000 grant from the Unrestricted Fund of The Dallas Foundation. So far, the university has raised $53 million toward a $55.5 million goal for the structure, scheduled to open in 2011.

Construction on the 190,000-square-foot, eight-story building is currently under way. Once completed it will house the renowned TWU Stroke Center, a mock ICU, nursing simulation labs and physical and occupational therapy labs.

Amarillo group wins $100,000 grant for wind center

The Amarillo Economic Development Corporation recently approved a $100,000 grant to help Texas Tech University build a National Wind Resource Center.

Once approved by city commissioners, the grant also will help develop the National Institute for Renewable Energy, a public-private partnership created in December to build and operate wind research farms and other renewable energy research facilities, said David Miller (pictured) vice chancellor for commercialization and economic development at Texas Tech.

The Austin-based institute hopes to use the start-up funding to begin construction as early as 2011 on a small wind research farm on 5,800 acres of property owned by Texas Tech in Carson County, near the Pantex facility, Miller said. Once completed, the proposed wind research farm is expected to cost from $20 million to $30 million and create about 100 jobs, with as many as 30 to 40 jobs created by the end of 2011, he added.

Rockwall approves $7 million more for courthouse

Rockwall County commissioners recently approved an additional $7 million for a new courthouse, bringing the new price tag to $37.2 million.

Money to pay for the additional courthouse costs will come from the county reserve fund, said County Judge Chris Florance (pictured). Commissioners approved tax notes totaling $30 million in 2008 to pay for the project, but changes in the design plan, new estimates for fees, furniture and equipment for the new courthouse increased the cost, Florance said.

The new courthouse grew from 110,000 square feet to 134,000 square feet and now features a public lobby and expanded space for jurors. One of the four floors in the new building will be left vacant for a while, but will allow for expansion, county officials said.

Waco to apply for $3.6M in TxDOT funds for walkways

Waco City Council members recently authorized staff to apply for grants from two Texas Department of Transportation programs for a total of $3.6 million to pay for expanding walkways along the Brazos River.

The city will seek $2.63 million from TxDOT to pay for extending the walkway at Brazos Park East and $926,000 to pay for extending a portion of the walkway near Ferrell Center at Baylor University.

Each of the projects will require the city to provide a 20 percent match that can be provided from a variety of sources, including the city's general fund, the tax-increment finance district fund and Baylor University, said Assistant City Manager Wiley Stern (pictured). City officials hope to begin construction on the river walkway extensions in 2011, Stern said.

Brownsboro ISD kicks off assessment of future needs

Trustees for the Brownsboro Independent School District recently hired a consultant to evaluate each of its campuses and determine which facilities need improvements.

With East Texas expected to be the next area in the state to experience high growth, the district needs to look at facilities - such as the Brownsboro Elementary School that has no room for expansion - and determine if a new facility should be built on another site, said Assistant Superintendent Vicki York. The middle school also could pose a problem, York said.

Once the assessment is completed, district officials plan to appoint a 50-member committee comprised of teachers, community leaders, parents and administrators to help explain a possible bond proposal to taxpayers, she said.

Big Spring ISD exploring $60M bond election in May

Officials of Big Spring Independent School District recently met to discuss their options for holding a bond election in May to ask voters to approve from $40 million to $60 million to pay for construction projects throughout the district.

The district needs to address leaky roofs, inadequate restrooms and aging buildings and should consider demolishing and rebuilding two elementary schools and renovating another elementary school, said Assistant Superintendent Danny Ferrell (pictured).

Michael Stevens, a former superintendent and adviser to the district, urged the board to explore a $60 million bond proposal to pay the estimated $42 million cost to upgrade the three elementary schools, the $12 million price tag to renovate the high school and the $1.75 million needed to add sixth grade to the junior high school.

$12M stimulus grants awarded to Texas programs

The U.S. Department of Labor recently awarded $12 million in federal stimulus grants to three programs to train workers for jobs in the wind and solar power industries and other energy efficiency fields. The grant is a part of the $100 million in stimulus funding awarded throughout the United States for green job training, federal officials said. While exact award amounts have not yet been determined, two programs in El Paso will receive funding for training programs, as will similar programs in Lubbock and Arlington.

The International Training Institute for the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Industry will receive almost $5 million for its offices in Missouri, Ohio, Michigan, California, New Mexico and Texas (El Paso and Lubbock), while the Austin Electrical Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee will receive about $4.8 million for its offices in Arizona, Oklahoma, Kansas, New Mexico and Texas. The National Ironworkers and Employers Apprenticeship Training and Journeyman Upgrading Fund won a $1.9 million award that will benefit its office in Arlington.

The electrical apprenticeship program in El Paso should train between 400 to 500 workers in solar and wind energy technologies, said Mike Waldo, director of the El Paso committee. Students in the five-year program work 40 hours a week and attend classes twice a week, he said. Apprentices in their 4th and 5th years of training will receive instruction in photovoltaic solar energy and wind energy, he said.

Sinton wins $840K grant to improve science, math

The Texas Education Agency recently awarded Sinton Independent School District an $840,000 Science, Technology, Engineering and Math grant to help improve the math and science skills of students.

The STEM grant will permit Sinton ISD to create a science and math academy open to all students in San Patricio County and to help pay for the technology, equipment and staff development needed for a successful program, said Superintendent Steve VanMatre (pictured). The grant will allow students to take part in field trips and gain access to such learning aids as engineering computer programs. The goal is to encourage those students to aim for careers in science and math, he said. The grant also will allow the district to hire three additional teachers for related subjects, such as pre-engineering courses.

Once academy students are in the 11th grade, those students will be bused to Del Mar College so they can enroll in pre-engineering and advanced math, VanMatre said. The goal is to have 100 middle school and 100 high school students participate in the program during the next school year.

Galveston hoping for economic boost from UTMB work

Galveston city officials and business owners are optimistic that almost $1 billion in hurricane repairs and new construction planned at The University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) over the next five years will boost the island's lagging economy.

UTMB officials recently awarded contracts totaling $667 million to three companies that will work on health care, research and academic buildings flooded during the storm surge of Hurricane Ike. Additionally, UTMB officials have sought approval for $30 million for improvements to the medical library, a $90 million research building and a $450 million surgical tower from the board of regents of The University of Texas System.

Business owners are hoping as many as 1,000 construction workers who will eventually be needed for the projects at UTMB will help replace business lost when tourism slowed down following Labor Day. Funding for the construction work is being provided by several sources, including insurance, the state, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and philanthropy.

Jacksonville officials may relocate fire department

The Jacksonville City Hall may soon be converted into a new fire station, replacing a structure that is too old and inadequate to house department equipment.

Jacksonville Fire Chief Paul White (pictured) said the city hall building could easily serve as a fire station. He said the facility's long bays would house the station's trucks and that none of the major structural factors would have to be changed.

Officials have already applied for a grant to help cover expenses related to the possible renovation. White said firefighters are prepared to perform the majority of the remodel. The Jacksonville City Council will revisit the idea of a new city hall building during the first quarter of 2010.

TDHCA awards $10M to Orange for hurricane repairs

The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) has awarded $10 million to the City of Orange to repair houses damaged by Hurricane Ike.

Michael Gerber, TDHCA executive director, said that as portions of the state face a shortage of affordable rental housing due to the September 2008 storm, "We stand ready to address this need." He said officials anticipate the award to generate construction jobs as they work toward bringing a higher quality of life to low-income residents in Orange.

The award arrives as part of a $1.3 billion federal hurricane disaster recovery package allocated to the state by the U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) just over seven months ago. Conditionally, developers must set aside at least 51 percent of recovered units for tenants earning less than 80 percent of the area median family income.

City of Edna awarded $40K grant from SECO

The City of Edna has received a $40,000 stimulus grant from the State Energy Conservation Office as part of the Energy Efficiency Block Program. The funds will be used to install air conditioning in the city hall annex and replace outmoded A/C units in city buildings.

According to Mayor Joe Hermes (pictured), the award hinged on whether or not officials planned to install energy-saving devices. Plans to remodel the city hall annex are set to begin this month.

Galveston families sought to apply for recovery grants

Fewer than 350 Galveston families have applied for disaster recovery assistance following Hurricane Ike in September 2008. The city has set aside enough funds to assist 1,100 families in rebuilding their homes with $104 million in Community Development Block Grant dollars.

The city plans to spend up to $75,000 to repair homes and $125,000 to rebuild houses ravaged by the storm. Renovation is set to begin by March or April.

In a bid to raise awareness of the grant funds, city workers plan to travel door-to-door in the coming weeks to tell homeowners about the program. Homeowners may also pick up applications and instructions for applying in the Housing Assistance Center at city hall.

Houstonians may face fines without biodegradable bags

Beginning Feb. 1, Houston solid waste workers will only pick up lawn trimmings and leaves placed in biodegradable, starch-based bags that decompose within six weeks. Otherwise noncompliant residents will be subjected to a maximum penalty of $2,000 after a grace period and initial warning.

According to Solid Waste Director Harry Hayes (pictured), the fines will more likely run $50 - $100. Recipients can appeal to the municipal judge for extenuating circumstances.

Hayes said the new regulations stand to save the city $2 million in waste-disposal fees annually.

Corpus Christi to decide coliseum future soon

Corpus Christi City Council members are set to decide the future of the Memorial Coliseum on Jan. 12, the deadline for a national swim group to reveal if they raised $5 million in funding needed to develop the aging coliseum into a national swim center.

Council members said if the funding issue is not resolved by the deadline, they plan to proceed with demolishing the facility, a process begun in November by council. Officials of the swim group originally asked the city to match $7 million of the $20 million needed to convert the facility into a mixed-use development with a swimming facility. City officials, however, offered only $2 million toward the project and urged the Austin-based nonprofit swim group to close the $5 million funding gap by the Jan. 12 deadline.

Supporters of the project, including a council member who is a part owner of a ice hockey team, said they believe the company should rework its estimate of the renovation cost based on lower construction costs now available. The group would need to replace the roof, upgrade the building's electrical and plumbing systems and replace the air conditioner of the bay front coliseum, which opened in 1954 and closed in 2004.

Canyon group approves $850K for park improvements

The Canyon Economic Development Corporation recently approved $850,000 to pay for park improvements at three city parks during the next five years.

The city has worked with an architect for designs for a $610,000 project for additions to the baseball complex at Southeast Park, including restrooms, a concession stand and safety netting, said City Manager Randy Criswell (pictured). City officials also plan to spend about $250,000 to add a pavilion and restroom to Conner Park and about $440,000 to expand the soccer complex and add a restroom and a concession stand.

The city has earmarked $450,000 to pay the remaining costs of the three projects, Criswell said. City officials hope to begin work on the projects in the spring and for them to be completed within two years.

Ingleside wins $1M in federal funds for base planning

The Ingleside Local Redevelopment Authority recently received notice of $1 million in federal funding to allow the group to continue planning on how to reuse 155 acres of mostly submerged land that is part of the former Naval Station Ingleside.

The Navy turned over the majority of the Ingleside base property to the Port of Corpus Christi, the property's previous owner. The Ingleside redevelopment authority was running out of funding and threatened with discontinuing operation if the funding had not been approved, said Rosie Collin, executive director.

The planning group expects the majority of the funding will be spent for engineering and design of a highway relief route around Ingleside to link the base property, said San Patricio County Commissioner Jim Price, who is also a member of the planning board.

Huntsville group eyeing new expo center/arena

The Huntsville Hotel Occupancy Tax board recently urged city council to appoint a 12- to 15-member committee to study the feasibility of building an expo center/indoor arena.

Mayor Pro Tem Lanny Ray (pictured) proposed the idea of building the expo center/ indoor arena in October and the tax board is seeking potential candidates to serve on the committee, including participants from Sam Houston State University. Ray said he plans to finalize membership on the committee this month.

An examination of other cities that have built similar facilities indicates that the cost to build the expo center/indoor arena would be between $7 million to $15 million, with operating costs ranging from $100,000 to $250,000 annually, Ray said.

Azle ISD forms committee to study need for bond vote

Officials of the Azle Independent School District recently began organizing a long-range facilities committee to study the possibility of holding a bond election with an estimated price tag of about $63 million.

So far, district officials have selected 18 members of the proposed 24-member facilities committee, said Superintendent Ray Lea (pictured). Plans call for the committee to be a cross-section of the community and to stage from eight to 10 meetings before June, when the committee will present a recommendation on whether to hold a bond election and if so, when to schedule the election.

An architectural firm proposed two plans for improving school facilities. The first plan proposed $62.28 million for improvements to Azle High School, including more classroom space, a competition gym and improvements to the football stadium. The second plan with an estimated price tag of $63.45 million calls for improvements to Azle Elementary Schools, changes to Walnut Creek and the same improvements for the high school in the first proposal.

Millions more flow to Texas for construction projects

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

Construction opportunities are abundant in Texas and most of the funding is coming from the federal stimulus act. Texas has received stimulus funds for everything from new classrooms and academic buildings to street repairs. Now, there is even more good news for the construction industry with the passage of the federal 2010 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Bill.

Included in the bill is more than $134 billion for construction projects nationwide that will support veterans, military troops and their families. The bill includes $53 billion for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for discretionary funding and another $56.6 billion for mandatory programs. Nationwide, $23.3 billion has been designated for military construction and housing while another $1.4 billion has been set aside for military construction projects in support of the war in Afghanistan.

Texas was one of the big winners. Fort Bliss was approved for more than $220 million in funding. The largest expenditure is $86.975 million which will be used toward replacement of a hospital on the base. Other construction projects include $24.6 million for a health and dental clinic, $2.4 million for a light demolition range, $17 million for a gunnery complex, $23 million for a simulation center, $31 million for a vehicle maintenance and company operations facility, $9.5 million for an Army Reserve center and a combined total of $36 million for two vehicle maintenance shops.

Lufkin eyeing $375,000 emergency alert system

Lufkin city officials are exploring the possibility of purchasing an emergency alert system, estimated to cost about $375,000, to warn residents of dangers such as tornadoes, chemical spills and other emergencies.

The emergency warning system was one of the projects on the city's capital improvement program. A recent tornado in the area significantly increased interest in using a warning system to notify citizens of emergencies, said City Manager Paul Parker (pictured). He noted that nearby Nacogdoches installed emergency sirens in 2003 and now has nine stations placed strategically around the city to notify citizens of severe weather, train derailments and other emergencies.

Lometa ISD to hold meeting to discuss bond election

Trustees for the Lometa Independent School District recently scheduled a county town hall meeting to discuss the possibility of scheduling a $4 million to $4.8 million bond election.

The bonds, if approved, would be used to build a new gymnasium and to renovate current dressing rooms into classrooms, said Superintendent David Rice.

El Paso exploring capture of methane gas at landfills

El Paso is using $250,000 from a $1 million federal stimulus grant to explore how to use methane gas being produced at landfills. The study will look at how to capture the methane gas produced and whether the gas could be used to produce electricity, be converted to natural gas to power engines or sold to a private company with a use for methane produced from the breakdown of garbage.

The city received $5.8 million in federal stimulus funding for environmental projects, including $1 million for converting methane gas at landfills. That leaves about $750,000 remaining for the landfill project, city officials said. The recommendations from the study are to be presented to council members in June, said Ellen Smyth, the director of environmental services for the city. The next step will depend on the recommendations in the study and their cost, Smyth said.

Oak Ridge North advertises for new city manager

Oak Ridge North city officials recently began advertising for a new city manager to replace former City Manager Paul Mendez, who was terminated in early December.

Council members decided against appointing an interim city manager and instead will advertise for candidates for the permanent city manager position. The mayor said he hopes city officials will hire a new city manager by the end of January.

Austin Co. moves forward with $4.5M jail expansion

Austin County officials expect to receive a final cost estimate in February for a planned $4.5 million jail expansion to relieve overcrowding.

The jail project includes a 48-bed addition, a new kitchen, a multipurpose room, more isolation cells, a padded cell and a negative pressure cell to isolate inmates with infectious diseases, said County Judge Carolyn Bilski (pictured). County officials are hoping the cost of the project will be less than the budgeted $4.5 million as construction costs generally have fallen since the project was first discussed. Construction on the project should begin in early spring and be completed in 18 months, Bilski said.

Washington County to begin renovation of health clinic

Washington County commissioners recently authorized staff to seek bids to convert a former police station into the Washington County Health and Human Services building.

The project calls for replacing doors, renovating floors and ceilings and other upgrades needed for the facility, including a clinic. The facility upgrades are being paid for with a grant from the Texas Department of Rural Affairs and a partnership with Trinity Medical Center and Faith Mission. Bids for the renovation are due on Jan. 19, county officials said.

Where are they now?

Where do folks go when they leave state government? Some go to work in the private sector or for nonprofits. Some transition to executive-level positions in higher education while others may seek elected local government positions. And some just retire and spend a lot of time with their grandkids at the fishin' hole. This column focuses on where former state government officials and employees are now.

Dr. Barbara Bolin served as chair-elect of the Capital Area Workforce Development Board in Austin from 1995 to 1997, working closely with the governor's office on initiatives such as the Texas School to Work Grant. She served as associate vice president for Workforce Education at Austin Community College from 1997 to 1999 and in 1998 was appointed by then-Gov. George W. Bush to represent all Texas community colleges on the Texas Science and Technology Board. She moved to Michigan and served as the director of the state's Department of Career Development from 1999 to 2002 and then moved to Virginia to serve as special advisor for Workforce Development from 2003-2005. Bolin currently lives in Michigan, where she is founder and president of the National Organization for Career Credentialing and is a math professor and business trainer at Lansing Community College, having held all three positions since 2007.

John Montford is a former Texas State Senator, having served in that capacity from 1983 to 1996. Upon leaving the Senate, he was named chancellor of the Texas Tech University System, a job he held from 1996 to 2001. From 2001 to 2005, he was senior vice president of governmental and external affairs for a major communications company and was the company's senior vice president of Western Region Legislative and Regulatory Affairs from 2005 to 2007. He served as president - Western Region from 2007 to 2009 and then moved this year to senior vice president - State Legislative Affairs. Montford recently was named senior adviser to the chief executive officer of General Motors, with responsibility for governmental relations and global public policy.

Taylor ISD reviewing design plans for new high school

School officials of Taylor Independent School District recently began finalizing the design plans for the district's new $35.9 million high school. Architects recently presented the plans that are about 95 percent complete to district officials to gain feedback so that a cost estimate can be prepared.

The new high school plans include features previously requested by trustees, including the addition of seven more classrooms to bring the total to 57 classrooms, the architects said. If no major changes are made to the plans, school officials expect the final plans should be completed in mid- to late January, and the project bid in time for a March groundbreaking.

Bastrop ISD selects Murray as new superintendent

Trustees for the Bastrop Independent School District recently selected Steve Murray (pictured) as superintendent. Murray, who formerly served as superintendent for La Vernia ISD and Little Elm ISD and as a deputy superintendent for Del Valley, replaces former Superintendent Roderick Emanuel, who resigned in the fall of 2009. Murray will begin his new position on Feb. 1.

City of Navasota designated film friendly through TFC

Navasota has joined the ranks of 29 other Texas cities certified as Film Friendly by the Texas Film Commission (TFC).

Navasota Economic Development Corporation (NEDC) Executive Director Steve Maddox attended a Film Friendly Texas workshop in Corpus Christi as the first step in the certification process, followed by a submission of photographs of potential filming locations in the city and the adoption of several guidelines imposed by the TFC. The guidelines protect residents' interests while filmmakers utilize a public area or street for filming.

McKinney bond would be for technology, renovations

Trustees for the McKinney Independent School District recently agreed to postpone a bond election planned for May 2010 until November 2010. Slower growth in enrollment at middle and high schools made a bond proposal at an earlier date unlikely, district officials said. The district is still experiencing a significant growth in the number of elementary students.

A committee comprised of community members and district personnel decided that they needed additional direction as to the future of the high schools before going forward with a bond election in May, said a spokesman for the district. While trustees must still decide what projects to include in the proposed bond election, the district spokesman said the projects most likely would be renovation and technology upgrades.

Norman selected as new Chillicothe superintendent

Coby Norman (pictured), former principal of Big Spring Junior High School, recently began his new job as superintendent for Chillicothe Independent School District.

Norman, who also served as a junior high principal for Olton ISD, has a bachelor's degree from Texas Tech University, a master's degree from The University of Texas at the Permian Basin and his superintendent's certification from Angelo State University.

Corsicana to sell $4M in bonds for utility upgrades

Corsicana City Council members recently authorized the city to sell up to $4 million in revenue bonds to pay for a series of utility upgrades.

The majority of the funding from the revenue bonds will be used to pay for relocating utilities along Seventh Avenue to address drainage problems, said City Manager Connie Standridge. Another portion of the bond funding will pay for a water booster station, relocating a water line and rebuilding a sewer line, Standridge said.

Wichita Falls OKs $3.985M to purchase water park

Wichita Falls City Council members recently authorized the issue and sale of combination tax and revenue certificates of obligation to pay for the purchase of a water park.

The investor group for the water park last summer requested the city to take ownership of the park and erase the $4.3 million in debt services obligations that had placed a significant financial strain on its investors. Wichita Falls city officials countered with a $3.9 million offer to buy the park and 49 acres of undeveloped land and the investors agreed. The board of the 4B Sales Tax Corporation agreed to finance the debt for the city, said City Manager Darron Leiker. He expects the sale of the water park to be final in mid-February.

SCUC ISD selects Gibson
as superintendent

Trustees for the Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City Independent School District recently selected Dr. Greg Gibson as the district's new superintendent. Gibson, who previously served as superintendent for Crowley ISD, replaces Dr. Belinda Putska, who is retiring. He had previously been named the lone finalist.

Gibson holds a bachelor's and master's degree from Midwestern State University and his Ph.D. from the University of North Texas. For the last six and one-half years, he has been superintendent of the Crowley ISD.

West Rusk County CISD picks Alexander as leader

Trustees for the West Rusk County Consolidated Independent School District recently chose Tommy Alexander as the lone finalist for superintendent. Alexander, who has served as interim superintendent for the West Rusk County CISD since Dec. 1 of last year, is expected to begin as superintendent on Jan. 25 and replace former Superintendent Mike King, who resigned in mid-November.

With a 37-year career in education, Alexander previously served as a teacher for Sulphur Springs ISD, and as superintendent for Sabine ISD and Henderson ISD. He retired from Henderson ISD in 2007.

Southlake HR director leaving for Wichita Falls

Southlake Human Resources Director Kevin Hugman (pictured) is leaving his post to work as assistant city manager in Wichita Falls. Stacy Black will serve as interim human resources director.

Hugman, who has worked for the City of Southlake for 16 years as community services director and in other posts, was instrumental in opening Phases I and II of Bob Jones Park, converting the city to a new payroll software and developing the Southlake Public Library, among other accomplishments. The search for a new human resources director is under way.

Howard College wins $400K to grow technology classes

Officials of Howard College in Big Spring recently won a $400,000 grant to help train more students to work in the energy sector. The college will work with area school districts to help students prepare and train for jobs in wind technology, welding and hydraulics. said a spokesman.

The grant will help pay for instructors, a program director, computers and tool kits. The Big Spring Economic Development Corporation also provided $225,000 to buy equipment for the program, which expects to offer dual credit courses to area high school students by the fall semester, the spokesman said.

FEMA awards state of Texas $103M for floodplain

The Federal Emergency Management Agency recently awarded nearly $103 million to the state of Texas to purchase and demolish 759 structures located in the 100-year floodplain. The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program will require the state to contribute about $33 million to the project, the largest mitigation project FEMA has funded in this region, said Tony Russell, Region 6 regional administrator.

The grant also calls for the state to set aside about 300 acres of land protected from development. Numerous homes in Galveston County, including much of Bolivar Peninsula, experienced extensive damage from the winds and flooding accompanying Hurricane Ike. Criteria for structures to be bought and demolished include the owner's interest in selling the property, prior flood losses, the depth of the property in the floodplain and substantially damaged determinations by Galveston County, Russell said.

Recent Reports

• "In Touch," newsletter of the Health and Human Service Commission
• "TDInSight," newsletter of the Texas Department of Insurance
• Draft 2010 State of Texas' Low Income Housing Plan and Annual Report (SLIHP)
• Alamo Area Council of Governments Region Newsletter

Texas Government Insider Archives

Volume 1 - 8 Archives · 11/7/03 - 12/31/09

Green Corridor Collaborative wins $1.13 million grant

The Green Corridor Collaborative recently won a $1.13 million federal stimulus grant to develop curriculum in new green economy fields. The collaborative is comprised of Austin Community College (ACC), the Dallas County Community College District, the Alamo Colleges and several other institutions in Texas.

The Texas Workforce Commission will administer the grant that will be used to develop curriculum with the help of industry experts in the fields of construction, HVAC, power systems and electrical systems, said Mike Midgley (pictured), vice president of Workforce Education and Business Development at ACC. The participating schools will share some of the curriculum, which should be developed and in place by 2011, Midgley said.

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Madisonville selects Butler as new city manager

Madisonville City Council members recently selected Jody Butler as the new city manager. Butler will replace Interim City Manager Judi Miller, who resigned to become the city manager in Sonora.

Butler, who served as city manager in three small Panhandle cities before joining a private utility firm about 20 years ago, holds a bachelor's degree from Texas A&M University.

Navasota ISD to name Gesch new superintendent

Trustees for the Navasota Independent School District are expected to name Rory Gesch as the district's new superintendent during their special called meeting on Saturday.

Gesch began his career with Navasota ISD as assistant superintendent in 2006 and began serving as interim superintendent when former Superintendent Jennings Teel resigned last summer.

Johnson Co. approves $750K grant for new center

Johnson County commissioners recently agreed to accept a $750,000 Homeland Security grant to help pay for construction of an emergency operations center. The county will be required to contribute $250,000 toward the cost of the proposed 2,500- to 4,000-square-foot emergency operations center. That match can include in-kind donations such as land, said County Judge Roger Harmon (pictured).

The emergency management coordinator and staff will share the new facility with the Johnson County Medical Examiner's Office. Commissioners approved a maximum of $1 million to be spent on the emergency operations center.

Wichita Falls officials eye temporary vendor sales tax

Wichita Falls city officials recently decided to take a look at whether out-of-town vendors pay the appropriate sales tax on goods sold in that city. Following a question by a resident about temporary vendors and how the city collects sales taxes from out-of-town vendors, council members are now looking at reviving an old program that requires vendors to apply for a temporary permit showing proof of a Tax ID number and verifying the vendor has no problems on record with the Better Business Bureau.

Lake Dallas reviews ideas for proposed rail station

Lake Dallas council members recently met with a planner to discuss a proposed rail station along the A-train railway planned by the Denton County Transportation Authority (DCTA). The slideshow presentation focused on the economic possibilities of the rail station project, possible sites for the station and the demographics of the area, including the possibility that the rail station could attract transit-oriented development in nearby areas.

Corrections, clarifications

In the last edition of the Texas Government Insider, a story on the Trust Fund total for the Teacher Retirement System noted the fund has risen from $67 million in March to more than $91.4 million at the end of September. The correct figures should reflect an increase from $67 billion to $91.4 billion.

The Texas Government Insider is a free weekly e-newsletter detailing important happenings throughout the state and summarizing current political issues relevant to individuals interested in government.

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Statewide 2010 Conference on Aging set in March

The statewide 2010 Conference on Aging will be held Sunday through Wednesday, March 21-24, at the Inn of the Hills in Kerrville. The conference, whose 2010 theme is "Deep in the Heart of Aging," is designed for professionals who deal with aging with both administrative and direct service responsibilities and who work in a broad range of community-based settings. The conference features technical assistance, best practices and management tools sharing to help promote service delivery excellence. The conference is hosted by the Texas Association of Area Agencies on Aging, the Texas Association of Aging Programs and the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services. Sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information, click here. To register online, click here.

TxDOT targets small, minority, women-owned firms

A new series of webinars targeting small, minority and women-owned businesses in construction and professional services in Texas will begin Feb. 3, 2010, through the Texas Department of Transportation's (TxDOT) Business Outreach and Program (BOP) Services branch. These webinars are an extension of the external online 2009 TxDOT seminars that cover topics ranging from how to become a pre-qualified bidder on TxDOT contracts to online access of bid lettings and contract plans and more. Each session provides information to contractors, suppliers and small businesses relating to how TxDOT operates with external parties, how to better understand these processes and procedures and how to improve opportunities and obtain contracts at TxDOT. The webinars are open to potential contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, DBEs and other small businesses. Each webinar is limited and registration slots are on a first-come, first-served basis. More information will be available after Jan. 15, 2010, at www.txdot.gov. Questions may be forwarded to TxDOT-BOP-Webinars@dot.state.tx.us or by calling 1-866-480-2518, Option 2. Applying for the webinars does not guarantee a spot to participate.

Last two BOP sessions with TxDOT are announced

The last two sessions of the Texas Department of Transportation's (TxDOT) Business Outreach and Program (BOP) Services Small Business Briefing conferences have been announced for April 1, 2010, in Dallas and June 15, 2010, in Texarkana. The conference goal is to provide small and minority-owned business communities an opportunity to learn more about contracting opportunities with TxDOT. Information will be available to help them do business with the agency and the State of Texas. The sessions not only allow small businesses to be introduced to TxDOT and other state agencies, but also allows them to learn more about the economic development opportunities in their regions. It also allows the agencies to show the myriad of opportunities available for small and minority businesses in the state. For more information, click HERE or call 1.866.480.2518, Option 2.

TSABAA planning 30th Mid-Winter Conference

The Texas State Agency Business Administrator's Association's 30th Mid-Winter Conference is planned for Wednesday through Friday, Jan. 13-15, 2010, at the YO Ranch Resort and Conference Center in Kerrville. John O'Brien, director of the Legislative Budget Board, will highlight Thursday activities with a report on "The Economy, Revenue Projections and the Budget." Other activities include presentations on effective communication for state leaders and a legislative outlook. Nine continuing education credits can be earned by attending the conference. To view the agenda, click here. For registration information, click here.

Notary law, procedure seminar offered by AACOG

Current, new and non-notary participants who would like to earn their Texas notary public commission can attend the Alamo Area Council of Governments' upcoming three-hour quarterly Notary Law and Procedure seminar. The seminar is slated for Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2010 from 9 a.m. to noon at AACOG, 8700 Tesoro Drive, Suite 165 (Classroom 6, 1st Floor) in San Antonio. Dixie Lucey, director of education for the State Notary Commission, will teach the seminar. For more information on the seminar and how to register, click here.