Ogden addresses economy; upcoming legislative session

Senate Finance chair among speakers for legislative conference

"We are blessed here in Texas," said Sen. Steve Ogden of Bryan, addressing a standing-room-only crowd at the 6th Biennial Legislative Communications Conference in Austin this week. Saying it is a "difficult time" for the American economy, Ogden (shown on the left in the accompanying photo with Strategic Partnerships Inc.'s Lynn Nabers) addressed the recent $700 billion bailout by Congress of American financial firms, and then followed with his take on the issues facing the upcoming 81st Texas Legislature. Ogden was one of a number of legislators and government officials who addressed the Strategic Partnerships, Inc. and The University of Texas LBJ School of Public Affairs-sponsored conference.

"Many of you saw the bailout legislation as an effort to hold rich Wall Street types harmless," he said, adding that the bailout was necessary because many of the country's large financial institutions were "essentially bankrupt." He said without the bailout of those institutions, "the entire nation would have suffered along with them."

Chisum addresses vacancies in government workforce

Watson: more Tier 1 schools; Ellison: innovation key to prosperity

Vacancies in the workforce in Texas state agencies are an ongoing problem for state government and State Rep. Warren Chisum (pictured), chair of the House Appropriations Committee, hopes to address that problem when the 81st Texas Legislature meets in January 2009.

Chisum was among a number of speakers to address the 6th Biennial Legislative Communications Conference this week, sponsored by Strategic Partnerships, Inc. and The University of Texas LBJ School of Public Affairs. The chair of the House budget-writing committee said many of the state agency vacancies are in the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and the Texas Railroad Commission. He said there are a lot of FTE spots in those agencies that can't be filled "because you can get a better job in the private sector."

Chisum added that the problem is not just better pay in the private sector, but also better places to work. He also said a review is in order for executive compensation at state agencies. "You've got to have a good guy at the top," he said, "but it won't be done at the expense of the employees of the state."

Justice O'Conner heads class

New members inducted into Women's Hall of Fame

Former Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor (top left), Louise Hopkins Underwood (top center), Elsa Murano (top right), Carolyn Peterson (bottom right) and and Huda Zoghbi (bottom left) were inducted into the 15th class of the Texas Women's Hall of Fame in a recent ceremony at Texas Woman's University. This year marked the first time the event was held at the university, home to the hall since 2003. These women are an inspiration to future generations, said Gov. Rick Perry, echoing his wife's statement she is "remarkably proud" to live in a state where women are recognized and honored. Following are this year's inductees.

Justice O'Connor from El Paso earned a bachelor's degree and a law degree from Stanford University before serving as an Arizona state senator. She was appointed by President Reagan in 1981 as the first woman justice to the U.S. Supreme Court, a capacity she served in for 25 years before retiring in 2006.

Underwood of Lubbock was honored for her contribution to the arts, having founded the Louise Hopkins Underwood Center for the Arts in 2007, an inexpensive professional space for nonprofit organizations, classes, exhibitions and meetings.

Voter registration: High November turnout expected

This year, 200,000 more Texans are registered to vote than in the last presidential election - and that was only as of Monday morning, according to the latest registration tally from the Secretary of State's office. That figure is up from 13.1 million in 2004 to 13.3 million this year.

"We're still getting tons - buckets full - of mail two days past deadline," said Tina Morton, director of public information for the Travis County Elections Office. The deadline for registering to vote was a postmark of Oct. 6 or earlier.

"On our end, we've had more people come in for data entry based on what happened in the primaries," Morton said.

Paul Bettencourt, tax assessor and voter registrar for Harris County, said his office is currently handling a backlog of more than 92,000 registration applications. Despite the havoc recently wreaked by Hurricane Ike to the county, the 1.971 million registered voters so far marks only a slight decrease from the record 1.942 million set in 2004. Bettencourt said the system is working as it should despite the catastrophic storm.

Williamson appointed to Lottery Commission

Mary Ann Williamson of Weatherford, wife of the late Texas Transportation Commissioner Ric Williamson, has been appointed to the Texas Lottery Commission. Williamson is a Certified Public Accountant and owner of MKS Natural Gas Company.

The newest member of the Lottery Commission holds a bachelor's degree from The University of Texas at Austin and a master's from Texas Christian University. She replaces Fernando Reyes of San Antonio and her term expires Feb. 1, 2011.

Despite lawmakers' support, UTMB facing layoffs

Hurricane forces hospital, revenue generators out of commission

An onslaught of phone calls to state and federal lawmakers temporarily thwarted plans by The University of Texas Medical Branch - Galveston's single largest employer - to lay off a third of its employees this week. Lyda Ann Thomas, mayor of the hurricane-ravaged city, called State Rep. Craig Eiland of Galveston, who contacted Texas lawmakers about the projected layoff, which would have left some 4,000 workers unemployed.

Thomas said if lawmakers didn't extend any help, "then Galveston and Galveston County will find someone who will." While lawmakers promised support for funding for the $750 million in losses UTMB faces due to Ike, $100 million of which is covered by insurance, UT Interim Chancellor Dr. Kenneth Shine (left) later this week predicted that a significant number of the institution's workforce still will likely face layoffs.

UTMB President Dr. David Callender (right) had already made plans to announce the possibility of layoffs before lawmakers intervened, according to Eiland. Shine, meanwhile, said UT system regents have not voted on a plan yet and that the mass layoff was just one of many options being considered. He called deliberations "a very challenging situation."

Callender said the medical center continues to lose money in what he termed an "extremely dynamic situation," however. John Sealy Hospital, the center's main source of revenue, has been out of commission since the storm hit Sept. 13, resulting in a $276 million loss. The hospital will eventually house 200 beds, Callender said - less than half of the 500 it contained before the hurricane.

For a number of workers left without a home, the additional prospect of unemployment is a daunting one. Eiland and Thomas expressed disappointment at UTMB's possible decision to lay off workers so soon after the storm.

House committee created to review hurricane response

A House Select Committee monitoring Hurricane Ike storm devastation to the Gulf Coast has been created with the charge of reviewing state and local government response and identifying natural disaster preparation issues.

Rep. Sylvester Turner (pictured) of Houston will chair the committee appointed by Speaker Tom Craddick. Rep. John Davis, also of Houston, will serve as vice chair. The speaker also appointed Reps. Dennis Bonnen of Angleton, Joe Deshotel of Beaumont, Harold Dutton of Houston, Craig Eiland of Galveston, Mike Hamilton of Mauriceville, Patricia Harless of Spring, Dora Olivo of Rosenberg, Debbie Riddle of Tomball, Wayne Smith of Baytown, Larry Taylor of Friendswood and public member, A.R. "Babe" Schwartz.

Turner said he is honored to "take on the task of reviewing the complex issues which surfaced during and as a result of Hurricane Ike." He said he looks forward to implementing "responsive, inclusive and efficient" measures to help communities impacted by Ike.

TETF invests $750K in three technology companies

Through the Texas Emerging Technology Fund (TETF), the state will invest $250,000 each in three technology companies leading the way in commercialization, research and development: BetaBatt Inc., Cormedics Corp. and Sunrise Ridge Algae Inc.

BetaBatt Inc. has partnered with Rice University and Cypress Semiconductor to develop a nuclear decay energy transformer, while Cormedics has developed a minimally invasive instrument that provides safe access for medicine to reach the heart in a joint venture with the Texas Heart Institute and Fairway Medical Technologies. Sunrise Ridge, in conjunction with The University of Texas at Austin, has developed a convertor that transforms wastewater and carbon dioxide into renewable energy and animal feeds.

The TETF, a $200 million initiative created by the Texas Legislature in 2005, has so far allocated $109 million in funds to Texas companies and universities. A 17-member panel of technology leaders, entrepreneurs and research experts comprise the advisory committee.

Director, additional funding cited at UTMB center

A new director and an additional $5 million in federal funding were recently announced for a training center at The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston dedicated to preparing infectious disease scientists in high-containment research laboratories.

Dr. Thomas G. Ksiazek (pictured), an internationally renowned virus expert, will head the center. Ksiazek is currently director of the Special Pathogens Branch at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta. In addition to his new charge as director, Ksiazek will also serve as a professor in pathology, microbiology and immunology.

The funds for the new National Biodefense Training Center (NBTC) located on the UTMB campus are necessary to bolster a response to terrorist attacks using biological weaponry. The funds come as part of the federal Fiscal Year 2009 Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance and Continuing Appropriations Bill signed into law this month.

DPS to enforce new driver's license, ID policy

The Texas Department of Public Safety has introduced new guidelines requiring non-U.S. citizens to present proof of legal United States status before they are issued an original, renewal or duplicate Texas driver's license or identification card. The measure, implemented Oct. 1, requires applicants to present acceptable documentation to confirm their lawful status.

In the interim before verification is made, the applicant will receive a "temporary visitor" designation with an expiration date on the face of the card. If the cardholder cannot present valid documentation beyond the status date, the license or ID card will be canceled.

The cards also look markedly different from standard-issue licenses and ID cards, making them immediately recognizable to law enforcement officers.

Railroad Commissioners on 'Breathe Easy Tour'

Texas Railroad Commissioner Michael Williams and other RRC officials recently visited several Texas school districts to encourage more districts to trade in old diesel school buses for cleaner propane-fueled school buses. "If you make this decision now, it will be a cheaper cost to taxpayers, and cheaper for the school district because it costs less to run a bus on propane than it does on diesel," Williams said.

Not only will propane reduce costs, it also reduces exposure to air pollutants, RRC officials said on stops in Edinburgh, Victoria, Corpus Christi, Huntsville and Waco. An added bonus, Williams noted, is that the propane is produced in Texas. About 36,000 buses transport students back and forth to school and of these, only 1,500, or 4 percent, are fueled by propane. Denton ISD, Dallas County schools, Alvin ISD and Northside ISD in San Antonio are among the 35 Texas school districts that use propane-fueled school buses.

School districts in coastal, Central and North Texas can receive a reimbursement of $7,000 for each propane bus purchased before Jan. 31, 2009, under the federal Alternative Motor Vehicle Tax Credit. Additionally, the district can save about $1,500 annually from a federal 50-cent-per-gallon rebate on propane motor fuel.

Governor, leaders assess national economy

Gov. Rick Perry met with leaders of key state agencies this week to assess the impact of the current national economic situation on their agencies. Texas continues to be a leader in job creation with an unemployment rate below the national average, maintains some of the lowest levels of mortgage defaults among the 10 most populous states and is home to the most Fortune 500 headquarters in the nation.

"Although our economy remains one of the strongest in the nation, it is still interlaced with economies of other states that are suffering, and we must continue to monitor the current financial situation closely," Perry said.

The governor was joined by representatives from several state agencies, including the Office of the Comptroller of Public Accounts, Texas Pension Review Board, University of Texas Investment Management Company, Teacher Retirement System of Texas, Texas Department of Transportation, Texas Workforce Commission, Texas Water Development Board, Texas Permanent School Fund, Employee Retirement System of Texas and Texas Workforce Commission.

Maldonado selected TSTC-Harlingen president

Cesar Maldonado (pictured) has been named the fourth president of Texas State Technical College Harlingen, effective Oct. 16. Maldonado, who holds both bachelor's and master's degrees, is also a doctoral candidate. He currently serves as vice president of Systems Development, Maverick Engineering, Inc.

Maldonado was chosen after the college began a search to replace Gilbert Leal, who retired in July after 30 years with TSTC Harlingen. Among the other finalists was Pat Hobbs, interim president and vice president for student learning at TSTC Harlingen.

"Given Cesar Maldonado's 30 years of industry experience, service to secondary education and tech prep, and Pat Hobbs' 38 years of higher education experience, TSTC has the unique opportunity of having highly qualified complementary leaders to synergize TSTC into the future," said TSTC Chancellor Bill Segura. The Board is expected to confirm Maldonado's appointment at a called Executive Committee meeting next week.

Perry ups ante on lab; pledges $56 million

Texas' leadership - the governor, lieutenant governor and House Speaker - have pledged to secure $56 million through the legislative appropriations process in the upcoming session to help San Antonio's chances of landing a $500 million federal research lab that would study agricultural diseases. The funding would come from a variety of sources, including the Texas Enterprise Fund, Texas Emerging Technology Fund and the Texas Workforce Commission.

In San Antonio this week, local and state officials gathered for a pep rally to show their support for the project. The $56 million pledge from the state, along with other pledges, brings the total of pledged funding to $100 million.

San Antonio is one of six cities that are finalists for the lab location, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security plans to make its choice before the end of the year. "San Antonio provides unique advantages, including its skilled workforce, scientific community and transportation infrastructure that will provide the facility the resources it needs to fulfill its vital role in our national defense," said Perry at the gathering.

Other sites being considered for the 500,000-square-foot facility are in Mississippi, Kansas, Georgia and North Carolina, as well as the existing laboratory site in Plum Island, N.Y.

Texas A&M System communications director steps down

Rod Davis (pictured) will be replacing Frank Griffis as head of communications at Texas A&M University System this fall, though he has not officially assumed the title of director.

Details of Griffis' departure remain unclear, and A&M System administrators said they are prevented from discussing any related details. Griffis, a former newspaper editor, graduated from A&M in 1971.

Deputy Chancellor and General Counsel Jay Kimbrough, who supervises the communications department, said the A&M System is evolving, and officials there are "adapting to find the best solutions to moving the system forward."

Texas Tech, Angelo State receive defense grant money

The Texas Tech University System has received a federal award totaling $6.8 million as part of a Department of Defense project. Angelo State University also received $2.4 million of the research award, part of a massive year-end spending bill.

The bill marks the largest amount of defense funding ever received by TTU, which Chancellor Kent Hance (pictured) called "great news." Hance said system officials are grateful for the legislative support they've received getting these projects funded.

The allocations will cover a spectrum of initiatives and developments - from electromagnetic-pulsed power used to detonate roadside bombs to a regional geospatial mapping center at TTU, part of a joint venture with Stephen F. Austin State University.

Angelo State's appropriation will be utilized at its Center for International Studies, where instruction in Mandarin and Arabic languages as well as a degree-completion program for Goodfellow Air Force Base personnel will be offered.

NCTCOG funding $1.2 million in grants for idle-reduction

The North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) will soon fund $1.2 million in grants for engine idle-reducing measures. The funds will be available for projects that reduce idling from heavy-duty diesel engines in the Dallas-Fort Worth non-attainment area.

Auxiliary power units and electrification devices are among the projects available for funding, which will be released this fall. NCTCOG encourages any innovative, idle-curbing technology within the public and private sector be submitted, including devices that address emissions from utility trucks and emergency response vehicles.

For more information about the grants and submission deadlines, click here.

Arlington propositions totaling $140M draw opposition

Arlington Alliance for Responsible Government (AARG), a political action committee, has emailed Arlington City Council members, asking them to postpone the Nov. 4 election. A $140.8 million bond package is at stake in the election, one which the PAC defines as "ill-conceived and untimely." AARG Is arguing the public was not educated about the proposals in the package - the biggest proposal in the city's history - and that the city is already $1 billion in debt. Another PAC, Citizens for Arlington, is campaigning in support of the propositions.

The proposal includes money for roads, parks and flood-prevention measures along Rush Creek. The general obligation bonds, if approved, would be sold over a five-year period and repaid with property tax revenue. Arlington Mayor Robert Cluck (pictured) stands in opposition to AARG. He said that while it's true the bond markets are seized up right now, officials would not sell the bonds until the economy is better.

Propositions include: $15.5 million for 21 parks, open space and recreation improvements; $103.7 million for street improvements; $500,000 to expand the East Branch Library on New York Avenue; $9.09 million to rebuild Fire Station No. 9 and remodel stations No. 11, No. 10 and No. 12; and $12 million for improvements along Rush Creek, which has twice flooded since 2004.

Groundbreaking set for border fence at UT-Brownsville

A groundbreaking for the border fence at The University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College is set to take place this week. The federal government recently struck a deal with the university that will leave the campus mostly unscathed. Some fencing will be heightened while other sections will be replaced entirely - a far different arrangement than the 18-foot steel structure the U.S. Department of Homeland Security had originally planned for the campus.

Six construction firms submitted bids for the project. UTB-TSC has awarded a $1.04 million contract to a Thrall company. The project manager said the upgrades are expected to be completed by the end of the year. Plans for the university to extend security fencing are estimated to cost $380,000 in addition to $250,000 the university will spend to enhance security technology.

The resolution struck between the federal government and UTB-TSC has been hailed as a model for other contested border fence cases, but so far the agreement has not been replicated.

UT-Pan American receives record number of grants

The University of Texas-Pan American has received a record number of grants totaling more than $2 million for community engagement work.

UTPA President Dr. Blandina Cardenas (pictured) said the university community is excited to be able to contribute to the economic momentum in the communities, "particularly when the rest of the nation is facing severe economic hardship." Cardenas said the community has the desire to keep the economy strong and growing.

More than $1 million of the funds will be used to develop businesses in the South Texas region through UTPA's Small Business Development Center, which has secured funds from the U.S. Small Business Administration. Three other grants will be utilized for business-development assistance for veterans, assistance for businesses negatively affected by NAFTA and procurement assistance for South Texas businesses.

More than $400,000 in grant funding will be used by UTPA for rural development, and $600,000 will be geared toward enhancing the university's Mobile Community Development Initiative. Cardenas said the university has matched this funding with $140,000 of additional resources "to ensure the success of the programs."

Sul Ross gets nearly $1.5M for water quality research

To continue its water quality research, Sul Ross State University's Rio Grande Research Center at the Earth and Physical Sciences Department has been awarded $1,429,491 by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The grant - awarded through an Agriculture Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service (CSREES) program - will be used to continue the Sustainable Agricultural Water Conservation (SAWC) in the Rio Grande Basin research project. Other major universities both in and outside of Texas are also involved in the project. Sul Ross' share of the award is $633,057 for six projects, all of which are focused on resources within the 335,000-square-mile boundary of the Rio Grande Watershed. The university's location in Alpine near the center of the watershed makes it ideal for coordinating research.

This marks the fourth year of funding for the biophysical assessment of the Rio Grande Basin.

Five researchers at UTHSC-Tyler earn grants

Grants totaling more than $1.2 million were recently awarded to five biomedical researchers at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler.

Recipients include Dr. Murty Madiraju, associate professor of biochemistry, who received a $351,042 bridge grant to continue investigation of how tuberculosis bacteria duplicate their DNA. Dr. Hua Tang received $140,000 from the American Heart Association to study how inflammation of blood vessel walls is regulated by a specific group of enzymes. Dr. Steven Idell received $50,000 from The University of Texas System to support the manufacture and commercialization of a drug that clears scarring in the area between the lungs and the inside of the chest wall. Dr. Ramakrishna Vankayalapati, associate professor of microbiology and immunology, was awarded a two-year, $368,750 NIH grant to investigate how certain immune cells inhibit the immune system's response against tuberculosis bacteria. Dr. Sharmila Shankar, assistant professor of biochemistry, received a three-year, $300,000 grant to explore how some molecules bind to receptors on the surface of cancer cells and force them to die.

For Fiscal Year 2008, which ended Aug. 31, UTHSCT received more than $5.2 million and some 61 grants for its world-class research programs focusing on lung disease, tuberculosis, diabetes and aging.

City of Navasota accepted into VIP program

The City of Navasota is one of just three cities in Texas that has been accepted into the Visionaries in Preservation (VIP) program of the Texas Historical Commission (THC) for 2009. VIP is the community planning program of the THC based on visioning - creating a forum for citizens to brainstorm about what makes communities a special place to live and how to protect and develop those attributes. Communities' VIP organizations plan how to use their historic resources to support community values, attract investment and enhance quality of life.

The city's effort will address historic preservation issues, growth and change, heritage tourism, public policy, education and preservation economics. Earlier this week, an introduction meeting was held in the city with approximately 20 people attending, including city staff, city council members and citizens. The program will kick off in February 2009 with monthly community meetings - open house and overall discussion of preservation, kickoff with community members and creation of task forces, workshops with experts, planning and adoption of final preservation plan. One of the first actions will be to identify specific locations for addressing preservation - whether downtown, neighborhoods, special districts or other areas. Once the process is completed in August 2009, there will be a clear directive for implementation.

"Community involvement is imperative, so we hope that those interested in preservation issues in Navasota will come forward and participate," said Mayor Bert Miller (pictured). "Protecting our historic resources attracts investment and assures that our community's unique assets will be around to enjoy and appreciate for many years to come." Questions about the program can be directed to City Manager Brad Stafford at 936- 825-6408.

TxDOT, Corpus Christi discuss options for Harbor Bridge

Officials of the Texas Department of Transportation and transportation groups from Corpus Christi recently discussed how to get the Harbor Bridge project off the ground.

Since 2001, TxDOT has considered replacing the nearly 50-year-old bridge spanning Corpus Christi Bay at an estimated cost of $500 million to $700 million. Budget problems earlier this year, however, stopped an environmental impact study for a new bridge as federal rules require that projects under study have a reasonable expectation of being funded. Recently it was announced that local transportation officials announced a new policy that may allow the environmental impact study to continue.

Tom Miskala, transportation planning director for the Metropolitan Planning Organization, said the project may be done one bite at a time instead of looking at the cost of the entire project. Beginning about five years ago, TxDOT spent about $800,000 on route feasibility studies and $2.8 million on the environmental impact assessment. Local officials had hoped construction on the new bridge could begin as early as 2012. Transportation officials agree the bridge built in 1959 needs replacement and are considering raising, widening and changing its route. The bridge receives maintenance and repairs of about $2 million a year and is considered safe, TxDOT officials said.

Nueces County takes $236K from reserve funds

Nueces County commissioners voted this week to move $236,430 out of various county contingency reserve funds to pay for Richard M. Borchard Regional Fairgrounds bills and repairs to the county's baseball stadium. The money was needed to cover losses of $1.28 million that accrued this past fiscal year.

"We had (higher) costs associated with fuel increases...electricity," County Judge Loyd Neal (pictured) said. "The budget for the fairgrounds this year was (roughly) $780,000 and in the last three months we funded $300,000 and $219,000. That's $519,000 extra."

County Auditor Peggy Hayes said the $200,000 was available in the county's budget but added that it was not earmarked to pay for overages at the fairgrounds. The county's contingency fund was roughly $1 million this year. Hayes said Wednesday that it was depleted by the latest transfer.

Texas A&M-Commerce wins grant to improve math skills

Texas A&M University-Commerce recently received a $992,663 grant from the National Science Foundation to use gaming, 3-D visualization and other gaming strategies to teach abstract math and science concepts.

The university will partner with middle schools in Northeast Texas next summer to train the students, said Dr. Gil Naizer, program director and interim assistant dean of the College of Education and Human Services. Projects include measuring the velocity of a toy car through physics and learning how to replicate that movement realistically on a computer screen, he said.

Fostering interest in students in science, math, technology and engineering while in middle school should encourage students to pursue those studies in college, said Naizer. A minimum of 108 students and 18 teachers from various middle schools will participate in the two-week summer camp with continuing follow-ups throughout the three-year grant.

NASA awards PVAMU $5 million grant

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) recently awarded $5 million to a research team at Prairie View A&M for research regarding astronauts' safety and delicate instruments' protection from harmful radiation during flight departure on future exploratory interplanetary missions, such as to Mars.

NASA selected Prairie View A&M as one of seven institutions that were awarded University Research Center (URC) grant funds aimed at achieving a competitive aerospace research and technology development capability among Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and other minority institutions. Through its contribution to PVAMU's Center for Radiation Engineering and Science for Space Exploration (CRESSE), NASA strives to further its capabilities in this research field while also attracting more of the nation's underrepresented minorities in multi-disciplinary scientific and engineering disciplines.

"CRESSE will support three doctoral, 12 masters and approximately 20 undergraduate researchers," stated Dr. Kelvin Kirby, the center's deputy director and educational coordinator.

VP for Development and Alumni Relations named at UTD

The University of Texas at Dallas selected Dr. Aaron T. Conley (pictured) as its vice president for development and alumni relations. Conley currently serves as the executive director for development and alumni relations at the University of Pittsburgh's Swanson School of Engineering. His new appointment is effective Oct. 13.

"Aaron Conley is a personable, dedicated, proven development professional," said Dr. Calvin Jamison, UTD's vice president for business affairs. "He is a student of philanthropy and will do well working with all members of this university as well as present and future friends. His experience in closing major gifts will be extremely valuable to UT Dallas."

UTD selected Conley because of his experience with personally handling many major gift solicitations, creating innovative programs for donor cultivation and stewardship and for his academic specialty in philanthropic studies. At Pittsburgh's Swanson School of Engineering, Conley managed a comprehensive development program that raised more than $92 million toward a $175 million capital campaign goal.

Tarleton names three new department heads

The College of Liberal and Fine Arts at Tarleton State University named three new department heads, Dr. Malcolm Cross, head of the department of social sciences; Professor Kelli Styron, head of the department of social work, sociology and criminal justice; and Dr. James Vardalis, criminal justice coordinator.

Cross previously was an assistant professor of political science at Northeastern University before coming to Tarleton in 1987. Styron, a recipient of the Barry B. Thompson Service Award and the March 2004 recipient of the O.A. Grant Excellence in Teaching Award, began teaching at Tarleton as an adjunct professor in 1997. Vardalis arrived at Tarleton in the fall of 2008 from Florida International State University in Miami, Fla. Vardalis recently published a book on criminal justice and has had his research appear in numerous journal publications.

"It is indeed an honor and a pleasure to work with such talented public intellectuals as these leaders," said Dr. Dean Minix, dean of the College of Liberal and Fine Arts. "Their talents will energize and embolden our programs for current students and those to come."

Kerr County authorizes match for Center Point grant

Kerr County commissioners recently authorized the county to provide a 25 percent match to a proposed $385,000 grant from the Texas Water Development Board for a wastewater plant in Center Point.

The county applied for the grant in June 2007 to pay for facilities planning and engineering for the proposed $12.6 million project, said Precinct 2 Commissioner Bill Williams (pictured).

The project consists of 400 to 600 sewer line hookups to replace individual septic systems now used in Center Point. Once completed, this will be the first time that sewer service will be available in that area of the county, Williams said. Half of the 25 percent match can be in-kind services and cash in-kind services, including administration and local coordination of activities, Williams said. If TWDB approves the full grant request, the county will pay a maximum of $48,000 in matching funds.

Texas Tech at Fredericksburg receives USDA grant

Texas Tech University at Fredericksburg was recently awarded a $281,500 grant from the Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grant Program administered by the United States Department of Agriculture's Rural Development program. The university will apply the funds to interactive video conferencing rooms at the new Hill Country University Center, said James Morris, director for the Fredericksburg site.

"This equipment will be installed in the university center and used by Texas Tech University and our academic partners to deliver collaborative degree programs to students throughout the region," Morris said.

The center is a 25,000-square-foot classroom facility for higher education that is slated to open in 2010. It will house programs from Texas Tech University at Fredericksburg and four partner schools including Austin Community College, Angelo State University, Concordia University and Schreiner University.

UT Center for Science, Math Education wins $2M grant

The University of Texas Center for Science and Math Education recently won a $1 million grant from the National Science Foundation.

The grant will be used to fund Building BLOCKS for Science, a program begun in September to determine what young people should know about science by the time they begin kindergarten, said James Barufaldi, director of the College of Education's Center for Science and Mathematics Education. The study will be done in public and private preschool classrooms, head start programs and day care facilities, he said.

The information is needed, Barufaldi said, because very little research exists on the how young children can relate to science and mathematics. The goals are:

• To determine what children entering kindergarten know and should be able to do in science;
• To explore whether structured, hands-on instruction improves children's knowledge and conceptual understanding; and
• To determine whether teaching can be improved using a handheld electronic device and assessment software to assess and track student mastery.

Leander ISD explores plans for school designs

Trustees for Leander Independent School District recently authorized district staff to negotiate contracts with two architectural firms and two construction companies to begin a redesign process similar to the process used for its two newest elementary schools.

After getting great reviews for its innovative designs for Parkside and Westside elementary schools, Superintendent Bret Champion (pictured) said the district should use the same process of hiring construction managers and the "charette" process to develop the design for a new high school, two elementary schools and a middle school.

The charette committee comprised of educators and community members will begin meeting soon to develop plans for the new high school. The charette process for the middle school will begin in January or February, depending on when the high school process is completed, Champion said.

Denton Municipal Electric may give solar incentives

A City Council committee recently began discussions on a plan that would allow Denton Municipal Electric (DME) to create a new rebate for solar panels. The committee also is studying whether to provide the same incentives for existing homes as well as new construction.

Currently, the only rebate available to existing homes is one for upgrading air conditioners, said William Bunselmeyer, a DME official. About 44,000 existing homes would be eligible for incentives to reduce energy consumption under the plan being discussed, he said.

The plan includes rebates for high-efficiency air conditioners and heat pumps, radiant barriers, solar window screens, windows, attic insulation, solar water heaters and solar panel systems. If the plan is adopted, homeowners who install solar panel systems could earn rebates of up to $13,000 while customers who insulate their attics would be able to recoup up to 30 percent of the cost, or a maximum of $300. A home solar panel system can cost from about $30,000 and up to install, depending on the size and type, Bunselmeyer said. The committee is charged with recommending a plan to city council members, who would be required to vote on the plan before any incentives are available.

Abilene officials improve public institution security

Abilene government officials recently agreed that improving security by using the latest technology to protect city and county facilities as well as public schools and university campuses will remain a high priority. The perception that terrorism happens only in big cities has changed as shootings in schools and courthouses caused great damage and Abilene is no exception, said Jimmy Ellison ([pictured), the Abilene Christian University police chief.

The City of Abilene, for instance, plans to install a card-reading system for employees to use identification badges to access City Hall during off hours and in selected parts of the building during work hours. Taylor County officials recently unveiled an upgraded security system with metal-detectors and a closed-circuit camera system as judges, prosecutors and other criminal justice officials saw courtroom violence increase in other cities and counties. Abilene city officials also are exploring the installation of surveillance cameras and placing a receptionist on the first floor to screen visitors.

Abilene Independent School officials last year implemented a program that scans all visitor's identifications through a sex offender database and has installed alarm systems for after-hours security, said Steve Post, the director of student services. The district has no plans to install metal detectors at campuses and a bond proposal to install security cameras at AISD campuses failed. Abilene Christian College has increased the number of emergency call phones and installed more security cameras around campus, Ellison said. The university also instituted an emergency text messaging system in February to warn students of crime and weather emergencies, he said.

South Padre birding center facing decision

Officials of the South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center must decide whether to repair or rebuild a four-story observation tower that was scheduled to open just weeks after Hurricane Dolly sent waves crashing through the facility.

Storm water got into the building and damaged electrical wiring and soaked metal supports that have begun to rust, said Cate Ball, manager of the birding center. Center officials are discussing with the builder, architect and insurance company about how to address the rusting metal supports, he said.

The birding and nature center is adjacent to the South Padre Island Convention Centre and is the final piece in the World Birding Center, a network of three state parks and six municipal facilities stretching from Roma to South Padre Island. Once completed, the 34-acre SPI birding center will consist of a $5.2 million building and three inter-connected boardwalks that takes visitors over a cattail march containing clapper rails, soras, pied-bill grebes, great blue herons, marsh wrens and tri-colored herons. The inside-outside observation tower was designed to give visitors a sweeping view of the boardwalks, ponds and the many birds that thrive in the Laguna Madre.

Houston speeds up roof repairs following Hurricane Ike

In an attempt to prevent further damage in the city's first major rainfall since Hurricane Ike, the city of Houston recently approved $1.5 million to pay roofing contractors to patch hurricane-damaged roofs with plywood and shingles.

The city's goal is to repair up to 1,000 roofs in several low-income neighborhoods, said Richard Celli, director of Houston and Community Development. Because the Federal Emergency Management Agency refused to reimburse the city for its payments to contractors, the city requests homeowners to sign a note agreeing to pay the city back with their FEMA benefits, Celli said.

The importance of repairing roofs as quickly as possible became clear after Hurricane Rita. Some homes with roof damage were covered with tarps for three years. The lack of protection from tarps caused some homes with initial damage that would have cost only a few thousand dollars to later be demolished. City inspectors will accompany the contracting crews and estimate the costs before the crews begin work, Celli said.

Brownsville to build $7.5 million stadium

Over the objections of the mayor, the Brownsville City Commission recently agreed to issue $7.5 million in bonds to build a $7.5 million stadium for a minor league baseball team.

Under the agreement, the city will enter into a lease-management contract with a private company that will manage the stadium, which is located on city property, and the minor league baseball team, the Brownsville Charros, a member of United League Baseball. In return, the city agreed to issue $7.5 million in bonds to build the stadium. The investment group would be responsible for commercial development on city property next to the stadium, the city attorney said.

While a majority of council members argued that the new stadium would increase tourism and create more jobs, Mayor Pat Ahumada Jr. (pictured) opposed the agreement saying that the joint venture with the private sector reduces the risk for the private sector while increasing the risk for taxpayers. The investors agreed to pay the city's $650,000 of bond debt per year if it equals 20 percent of net revenues. If not, the group will pay a minimum of $325,000 per year as up to 40 years. The city will control the stadium's use when minor league baseball is not played.

Coalition says border fence not needed

The Texas Border Coalition argued this week that a $2 billion border fence between Mexico and the United States is unnecessary and wasteful because of a large decline in illegal crossings, down 50 percent in the past four years, according to Customs and Border Protection data from 2005 to 2008.

"In Texas, we are securing the border with more Border Patrol and smarter enforcement," said Eagle Pass Mayor Chad Foster, chairman of the Texas Border Coalition. "We don't need a fence." In the U.S. Border Patrol sector, which includes Hudspeth and El Paso counties and all of New Mexico, apprehensions fell about 75 percent, data analysis showed. In 2005, the region saw more than 122,000 apprehensions, and in 2008 the number shrunk to about 31,000. In areas of California where border fencing exists, there has been an increase in illegal crossings of 28 percent. Meanwhile, supporters argue that the fence will prohibit traffic and prevent attacks on border agents.

State surplus, federal grant funds lead to opportunities

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

While the economy falters in the private sector, in Texas, government is fortunate to have a surplus going into a legislative session. There will be spending and there will be opportunities.

Not only is it good that we have a surplus, but we also have funding flowing into the state from the federal government. State and local governments will benefit as billions in grant monies began flowing from the federal government following the recent signing of a consolidated federal appropriations act that includes Homeland Security and Disaster Assistance funding.

Some examples of the federal grant funding available include:

• State Homeland Security Grant Program - $950 million will be channeled to states through this grant program. Includes $60 million for the four-year-old Operation Stonegarden project, which assists border law enforcement authorities with operational costs and equipment purchases that contribute to border security.

Gladewater ISD narrows superintendent search

J.P. Richardson (pictured) stands as lone finalist for superintendent of Gladewater Independent School District as chosen by the district's board of trustees. According to state law, the candidate must wait 21 days before the decision is finalized.

Richardson currently serves as director of human resources and community relations at Tatum ISD. He will replace Mike Morrison, who announced in June he would retire this December. The decision to hire Richardson may not be finalized until Oct. 23.

New superintendent takes reins at Detroit ISD

Morris Lyon has taken the helm as superintendent of Detroit Independent School District, currently held by interim Curtis Barnett. Lyon transferred from Campbell Independent School District, where he served as elementary school principal, high school principal and interim superintendent.

Joyce Hagler, school board president, said Lyon's knowledge of how small schools operate and his experience teaching agriculture was imperative to their decision to hire him at their small rural district.

Federal funds approved
to rebuild Presidio levees

A bill recently passed by Congress and signed by the president includes $57.5 million to help repair levees along the Rio Grande River in Presidio that were weakened in recent floods.

The legislation includes $11.9 million for disaster relief in Texas, including more than $8 million for Homeland Security disaster relief projects. The bill also included $6.3 million for a community block grant program for disaster areas and $498 million for direct loans to small businesses affected by recent natural disasters.

Land site chosen for new Fulton Mansion Center

The new Fulton Mansion Education and History Center will be erected on two city lots adjacent to the mansion's historic site. The Texas Historical Commission (THC) has partnered with The Trust for Public Land (TPL), a national land conservation nonprofit organization, to acquire the land for the building through a Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) Enhancement grant.

The new center will be occupied by permanent and rotating exhibits, and will also feature a multi-purpose room for educational programs and community events. Donna Williams, the THC's Historic Sites Division director, said the Fulton Mansion "tells the real story of an affluent Texas family in the late 19th century in the real place where they lived and worked." She said the division is especially grateful to the TPL and Friends of Fulton Mansion for their assistance and expertise.

Copperas Cove to apply for grant to improve system

The Copperas Cove City Council recently approved a resolution authorizing city staff to apply for funding from the Office of Rural Community Affairs for water system improvements. Council members also approved a $50,000 local match required if the funding from the Community Development Block Grant program is approved.

The maximum funding available through the grant is $250,000 said Andrea Gardner, city manager for water system improvements. The funding should be available for the 2009-2010 funding cycle, she said.

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Nolen recommends Holden
for Cleburne position

Cleburne City Manager Chester Nolen (pictured) recently requested city council to approve his appointment of Rick Holden as the new assistant city manager.

Holden, who became the city's public services director in June, replaces Adams Miles, an assistant manager who resigned to become the city manager in Hewitt. Council members are scheduled to vote on whether to approve Holden's appointment on Oct. 16. Holden began his career in Cleburne in the 1970s in the health and sanitation departments, moved to the private sector for several years and then returned to Cleburne in June to serve as public works director.

Pharr-San Juan ISD
retrofits school buses

Using funding from the Texas Clean School Program, the Pharr-San Juan Independent School District recently retrofitted 42 older school buses with devices that can reduce polluting emissions by 70 to 80 percent.

The Texas Clean School Program has about $8 million in grant funding available to Texas school districts. The deadline for applying for the grant is December 2008.

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.

Cyndi Taylor Krier served in the Texas Senate for two terms, from 1984 through 1992. In 1992, she became the first woman and first Republican to be elected Bexar County Judge. She was re-elected in 1994 and 1998. In 2001, she was appointed to The University of Texas System Board of Regents and was named Vice President of Texas Government Relations for USAA, a financial services company. Last week she announced she would be leaving USAA to become a business and government consultant.

Charlie Wilson was elected to the Texas House of Representatives in 1961, serving 12 years. In 1972, he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. He was re-elected 11 times and resigned in 1996 after deciding not to seek re-election. Wilson is now a highly sought-after speaker on the lecture tour.

El Paso approves $1.2 million for airport security cameras

The El Paso City Council recently agreed to spend $1.2 million to buy new security cameras for El Paso International Airport. The new cameras will be installed in the Transportation Security Administration area of the airport.

Victoria approves $6.5M in bonds for sewer, water

Victoria City Council members recently authorized the sale of $6.5 million in revenue bonds to replace old water and sewer lines in the downtown areas. Some of the sewer and water lines in the downtown area date back to the 1930s and 1940s, said Tom Halepaska, a council member. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality also requested that the city replace some old concrete sewer lines and cast iron water lines that have corroded, he added.

Forest Service team
readies for action

Texas Forest Service Lone Star State Incident Management Team (LSSIMT) has been activated by the Governor's Division of Emergency Management in advance of Hurricane Norbert and will be in place at flood-prone Presidio by Monday.

Since late August, flood conditions have existed on the Conchos River, a Mexican tributary that flows into the Rio Grande at Presidio, Texas, and Ojinaga, Chihuahua, Mexico. Dams along the Rio Grande and its tributaries are at flood capacity - some up to at as much as 140 percent capacity. "Presidio is again at high risk from floodwaters," said Mark Stanford, Fire Operations Chief at the Texas Forest Service. "LSSIMT will assist locals in preparing and responding to the situation."

El Paso approves $36 million bond sale to refinance debt

In a narrow 3-2 vote, El Paso City Council members recently authorized the issuance and sale of up to $36 million in bonds to refinance existing debt for water and sewage capital improvement projects overseen by the Public Service Board. Council members set an interest rate cap of 5.5 percent on the bonds.

Voting against the sale while citing the instability of financial markets were South-West city Rep. Beto O'Rourke (pictured), and Rep. Eddie Holguin. O'Rourke said that it was irresponsible for the council to vote such a large amount of money with three council members and the mayor out of town.

La Vernia ISD approves
new events center

Trustees for the La Vernia Independent School District recently approved the design for a new special events center. The center, which will be located adjacent to the junior high, will include a combined auditorium that will seat almost 1,000 and a junior high gymnasium.

The two facilities in the events center will share a main entry plaza, restrooms, concession stands and parking lots. The facility will be one of the few venues in the area that will be suitable for University Interscholastic League competition events that require an auditorium or gymnasium.

Miller to retire from Whitehouse ISD

Dennis Miller, the superintendent of Whitehouse Independent School District, recently announced his retirement, effective Dec. 31. Miller served as a teacher and administrator during his 40-year career with the district.

Commerce ISD names Cooper as lone finalist

Trustees for Commerce Independent School District recently selected Blake Cooper as the lone finalist for superintendent. Cooper currently serves as an assistant superintendent at Kaufman ISD and was a teacher and principal at Edgewood ISD. He graduated from Texas A&M University-Commerce.

Rising prices threaten cutbacks for Burleson park

Due to rising prices of fuel, concrete, steel and other building materials, Burleson officials were recently forced to scale back on several park improvement projects approved in an $18.7 million 2007 bond election that called for new baseball and softball fields with covered seating, hiking trails and a new soccer field.

When cost estimates came in, however, estimates for improvements at Chisenhall Park jumped from $12.5 million to $17.5 million, with much of that increase coming from the increased cost of building materials. For example, Krause said, the price of steel posts increased from $50 to $150 each.

As a result, city officials reduced the softball fields from seven to three, cut back the number of baseball fields from 11 to 10 and completed only a 1.5-mile segment of the planned 3.67-mile hiking trail. The cost for the revised plan for improvements to Chisenhall Park is now $14.7 million. Construction of the sports complex is scheduled to begin in February or March 2009.

Corpus Christi narrows
city manager list

Corpus Christi officials recently selected five candidates as finalists for city manager to replace Skip Noe, who resigned this summer.

The finalists are Pamela Brangaccio, a consultant for Sarasota and Surfside, Fla.; Michael C. Cernech, a deputy city manager of Tamarac, Fla.; Scott Moore, the interim city manager/assistant city manager of operations in Wichita Kan.; Florencio Pena, a fleet services director for San Antonio; and Marsha Segal-George, who is on special assignment for Orlando, Fla. Corpus Christi Mayor Henry Garrett said a selection of the new city manager should be made by Oct. 28.

Hubert selected as city manager in Aransas Pass

Aransas Pass officials recently selected Kandi Hubert as the new city manager to replace Tom Ginter, who resigned in May. Hubert, who previously served as a city manager in Balch Springs and Winnsboro, as city administrator in Electra and Gun Barrel City and as interim city manager in Crowley, is a graduate of the University of North Texas.

Deer Park library offers free wireless Internet access

Library patrons in Deer Park now have free access to the Internet when using their library card number, said Rebecca Pool, the library director. The library recently purchased a hardware/software package that provides Internet access through Wi-Fi hot-spots. Following Hurricane Ike, the new program was unveiled early and immediately put into action, Pool said.

About 20 to 30 patrons a day visited the library following the storm to use the Internet and records indicate an average of 26 persons per day accessed the Internet using their own computers and a library card, Pool said. It seemed a perfect time to do the rollout so people could use their own computer and extend the library resources at that critical time, said Pool. Funding for the new service came from a $10,000 Loan Star Libraries Grant from the Texas State Library and Archives Commission.

TEA rejects DISD plan
for using fed money

The Texas Education Agency rejected the Dallas school district's plan this week to decrease its $84 million budget deficit by using federal grant money - which would save 300 jobs and an estimated $15 million in payroll costs. The district began its 1,100 layoffs Thursday in order to save $30 million.

TEA abided by the government's rules which prohibit districts from using federal grant money to make up for local spending cuts, when refusing to sign off on the request. The district has already laid off 63 central office workers and eliminated about 100 vacant positions. In addition to the roughly 550 workers losing their jobs Wednesday, about 550 teachers will be pink-slipped next week. These cuts will save the district around $30 million in payroll costs.

Freeport suspends Beverly from city manager post

Members of the Freeport City Council recently voted to suspend City Manager Gary Beverly with pay following a two-hour executive session. A hearing is scheduled for Oct. 20 where council will decide whether to retain or terminate Beverly. Beverly joined the city as its finance director seven years ago and assumed the duties of city manager following the resignation of former City Manager Ron Bottoms.

UT Southwestern Hospital wins $3 million grant

The Southwestern Medical Foundation recently received a $3 million grant from the Harry W. Bass Jr. Foundation for the Clinical Center for Heart, Lung and Vascular Disease at UT Southwestern University Hospital. The center will now be known as the Doris and Harry W. Bass Jr. Clinical Center for Heart, Lung and Vascular Disease.

The grant will improve research and clinical care programs at the hospital, including its internationally acclaimed heart and lung transplant program, said Dr. Daniel K. Podolsky (pictured), president of UT Southwestern. The center provides care for adult congenital heart disease, cardiac imaging, cardiovascular and thoracic surgery, electrophysiology, lung and heart transplants, pulmonary hypertension and vascular and endovascular surgery, he said. The center is the crown jewel of the hospital, Podolsky said.

Copperas Cove approves water-system improvements

Copperas Cove City Council members have approved a resolution presented by City Manager Andrea Gardner for water system improvements.

In addition to applying for a Community Development Block Grant from the Office of Rural Community Affairs, the measure authorizes Mayor Pro Tem Robert Reeves to designate a local matching commitment of $50,000. The maximum amount of funding made available through the grant will be $250,000, giving the council $300,000 for water improvements in the 2009-2010 cycle.

Recent Reports

• An Audit Report on Performance Measures at the Board of Nursing
• Long-Term Care Partnership Report – September 2008, HHSC
• A Follow-up Audit Report on the Health and Human Services Commission's Texas Integrated Eligibility Redesign System (TIERS)
• SPI's May 2008 Municipal Bond Elections Report
• SPI's November 2007 Bond Election Results Report

Event Links

• Texas Lyceum Public Conference
• Partnership in Transit workshop
• South Texas Border Business Contracting Expo
• 5th annual Tee IT Up Texas golf tournament
• Executive Women in Texas Government 22nd Annual Professional Development Conference
• Texas GIS Forum 2008
• Texas State University Small Business Development Center training schedule
• TWC Texas Business Conferences
• LBJ School Professional Development Calendar
• Upcoming Executive Women in Texas Government events

Texas Government Insider Archives

Volume 1 - 6 Archives · 11/7/03 - 10/3/08

Friendswood approves $2.5 million contract for new park

Friendswood city leaders recently finalized a $2.5 million contract to purchase 60 acres of land in Brazoria County for a sports park.

Mayor David Smith (pictured) said the city plans to build four baseball fields and multiuse fields for the 30-acre first phase of the park. The new sports fields, which are located just outside the city limits, should be open in about a year, Smith said. Four additional baseball fields and multiuse fields will be built on the remaining 30 acres of the park when funding is available.

Governor's appointments

Gov. Rick Perry has made the following appointments:

• Jess A. Fields of Kingwood, Texas Funeral Services Commission

Navarro ISD names Carter as interim superintendent

The Navarro Independent School District board of trustees recently appointed Dee Carter to serve as the interim superintendent. Carter, who served as superintendent at Sequin ISD until 2004, replaces David C. Harringer who recently left the school district.

Dallas hotel petition likely
to trigger referendum

In an effort to block construction of a publicly owned Dallas Convention Center hotel, The Citizens Against the Taxpayer-Owned Hotel, a small coalition of area hoteliers and real estate executives, submitted 60,000 petition signatures to City Hall this week. The action is thought to ensure a citywide referendum in May on the $500 million hotel construction.

The group says a publicly funded convention center hotel is sure to lose money and ultimately jeopardize taxpayer money. Hotel supporters disagree, saying the hotel is vital to the Dallas economy. After submitting the petition, the city secretary's office will verify all of the signatures to confirm that 20,000 of them are valid signatures from Dallas voters, an action necessary to trigger a referendum.

Temple College wins $399,254 grant from TWC

Temple College recently received a $399,254 Skills Development Fund grant to provide training for 400 workers. The grant will be used to create or upgrade positions such as machinists, maintenance workers and mechanical engineers.

Once training is completed, workers are expected to receive an average hourly wage of $15 per hour, said Mayor Bill Jones (pictured) of Temple. Temple College formed a partnership with a local employer to receive the grant.

Kerrville city council narrows search for city manager

Kerrville City Council members recently adopted a search and selection process to find a new city manager to replace Paul Hofmann, the former city manager. The council authorized a five-person selection committee to interview candidates in person or on the phone. Council members also authorized council to interview two or three applicants.

Interim City Manager Don Davis said the process was unusual, but several council members said they supported interviewing some candidates more than once because it would make the search more thorough.

The council authorized the search firm to advertise, screen applicants and then send the chosen applicants to the city's human resources manager, who will also review the applicants and eliminate some applicants before sending others to the selection committee.

Panel downsizes plan for Henderson civic center

A citizen's committee in Henderson recently voted to recommend a downsized plan for a proposed civic center after being unable to find funding for the proposed 27,000-square-foot, $4.4 million facility.

The plan supported by the committee is a 21,000-square-foot, $3.8 million civic center. The scaled down center will house 1,500 people and also will be used as an emergency shelter during natural disasters or other emergency situations, said David Hill, president of the civic center committee. Construction is expected to begin on the center before Christmas, said Rusk County Judge Sandra Hodges.

City officials raised about $4 million for the civic center, including $1 million from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, $1 million from the Henderson Economic Development Corp., $1.5 million in private donations and approximately $300,000 in grants from the Texas Office of Rural Community Affairs. Rusk County also provided $200,000 toward the new convention center/emergency shelter. Committee members plan to compile and send information packets for prospective construction firms and plan to choose the top three contractor bids by Nov. 10.

Annual progress report delayed for schools

Due to a processing lapse, the public release of Texas public schools' 2008 Adequate Yearly Progress results, which charts data to be compiled by the Texas Education Agency, has been delayed until Oct. 14. The processing issue centers on a small number of TAKS-Modified (TAKS-M) tests in some fourth and seventh grades.

The final TAKS-M data provided to the TEA did not include these results, although the results for these students were accurately reported to districts last May. Only a few districts should be affected by the AYP status. Due to the lapse, the deadline for all districts submitting an appeal has been extended from Oct. 17 until Oct. 24.

San Benito unveils solar powered water facility

San Benito city officials recently unveiled its new $325,000 solar panel array that will use energy from the sun to produce about 10 percent of the power used to filter up to six million gallons of water a day.

The 45 kilowatt-hour photovoltaic solar project, which was partially funded with a grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, is the largest project of its kind along the Texas-Mexico border, said Mayor Joe Hernandez (pictured). The solar power array will help the city as energy costs continue to climb, he said. Hernandez estimated the solar energy will save the city about $10,000 a year in energy costs. City officials said they are exploring the possibility of adding more solar panels in the future.

San Benito's city manager list narrowed down to six

San Benito Mayor Pro Tem Victor Garza has moved to pull six candidates out of a pool of 22 applicants be interviewed for the vacant San Benito city manager position. Finalists include Fabio E. Angell, Eliud Garcia, Edward Gil de Rubio, K.M. Hubert, Manuel Lara and Victor C. Pena.

Gil de Rubio, former county manager for Sullivan County, has also worked as a municipal manager for Northfield, Vt. Lara has worked as city manager of Mathis, near Corpus Christi. Pena is a former city manager of Huntsville and Hubert is a former city manager for Balch Springs, near Dallas. Garcia is a former assistant and interim city manager for San Benito. Angell is the current Pharr downtown manager and former urban planner for Edinburg.

UT-Pan Am to receive
$2.4M, two-year grant

The U.S. Department of Education recently awarded the University of Texas-Pan American a $2.4 million grant as part of the Hispanic-Serving Institutions Program under the College Cost Reduction and Access Act.

The two-year grant will be used toward increasing the number of Hispanic and low-income students to obtain degrees in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, said Dr. Blandina Cardenas, president of UTPA.

Sul Ross wins grant for study of Davis Mountain quail

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department recently awarded an $111,870 grant to Sul Ross State University for a three-year study on the ecology of Montezuma quail in the Davis Mountains. Montezuma quail, one of four quail species found in Texas, have been protected from hunting for more than 30 years.

The protected quail attract thousands of bird watchers to the Davis Mountains each year, said Louis Harveson, a professor of natural resource management at Sul Ross. Harveson and David Holderman, a TPWD wildlife diversity biologist, will lead the study with a focus on determining population characteristics such as sex and age, survival rates, causes of mortality, habitat use and describing reproductive strategies and nesting ecology.

The study will be conducted in the Davis Mountains Preserve, owned by the Nature Conservancy of Texas. Only two small studies have been published on the quail and knowledge on Montezuma quail life now depends on anecdotal observations dating back to the 1950s, he said.

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Federal grant to help SAC, Texas State University

The U.S. Department of Education recently awarded San Antonio College a two-year, $2.4 million grant to boost the number of low-income and Hispanic students earning degrees in science, technology, math and engineering.

SAC will use the money in partnership with Texas State University-San Marcos to build a greenhouse for the biology department, increase classroom and lab space, pay for tutors and boost faculty training, said Robert Zeigler, president of SAC. The program will assist some 3,000 Hispanic students a year, of the 10,000 attending SAC each semester.

Harlingen Police to get $112,459 STEP grant

The Harlingen Police Department recently received notice it is the recipient of a $112,459 Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) grant from the Texas Department of Transportation. The goal of the year-long program is to reduce traffic-related injuries and deaths through public education and increased enforcement activities. The funds will be used to hire officers on overtime pay to enforce seatbelt, driving-while-intoxicated and speeding laws, said Sgt. Andy Muntz Jr., coordinator for the STEP program.

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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Texas Lyceum hosts annual public conference

The Texas Lyceum will host its 23rd Public Conference, "Transportation Infrastructure: Establishing Public Policy Priorities" from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 3, at the Reliant Center in Houston. Elected officials, transportation policy experts and stakeholders from throughout the state will attend to discuss and prioritize transportation policy issues prior to the 81st Legislature convening in January 2009. Those attending will hear from four panels and participate in interactive sessions after each panel. The event provides an opportunity for the Lyceum Directors, its alumni and the public to interact with policy makers, policy advocates and each other and actively engage in the discussion. For more information and to register, click here.

'Partnership in Transit' workshop set Oct. 22-23

"Partnerships in Transit," a workshop designed to outline utilization of public-private partnerships to help deliver transit projects, will be held Oct. 22-23 at the Radisson Hotel Central Dallas. The workshop is sponsored by the Federal Transit Administration and the National Council for Public-Private Partnerships. The first evening will feature a networking reception and the opportunity to meet James Simpson, administrator of the U.S. Dept. of Transportation, and other workshop speakers. Among the workshop topics are fundamentals and issues, local and national statutory perspective, case studies, generating private sector financing, transit-oriented development and joint development and more. For more information, click here. To register, click here.

S. Texas Business Contracting Expo slated

The 2008 South Texas Border Business Contracting Expo (STBBCE), is set for Thursday and Friday, Oct. 16 and 17, in McAllen. The expo is designed for small business owners, manufacturers and suppliers interested in doing business with the government or the private sector. Some 500 government agencies, corporations, small business owners, purchasing agents, procurement decision-makers, vendors, suppliers and manufacturers will be on hand to discuss opportunities. The event is sponsored by the McAllen Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the STBBCE Planning Committee. Keynote speakers include Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, U.S. Congressmen Henry Cuellar and Ruben Hinojosa and federal agency and corporate officials. For more information, click here. To register, click here.

South Texas Nonprofit Summit slated for Oct. 15

The South Texas Nonprofit Summit, sponsored by The Texas Valley Communities Foundation, the Texas State Technical College Nonprofit Resource Center, the American Association of Grant Professionals (Rio Grande Valley Chapter) and the congressional offices of U.S. Congressmen Henry Cuellar and Ruben Hinojosa, will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 15, at the Texas State Technical College Harlingen campus. The free conference is sponsored by a variety of community groups interested in investing in the nonprofit sector of South Texas. One-on-one dialogue with foundations will be available, as will breakout sessions and sessions relating to information sharing, resource expansion, technical assistance and more. Interested parties may register by calling 956-630-3331.

TML's annual conference, exhibition slated Oct. 28-31

"Texas Cities - Innovation Meets Progress" is the mantra for the upcoming Texas Municipal League 96th Annual Conference and Exhibition. The event is set for Oct. 28-31 at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio. The event kicks off with registration on Oct. 28 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday will feature the TML Board of Directors meeting, the Exhibit Hall grand opening and the opening General Session and presentation of awards. Tours of the San Antonio River Improvements Project and the San Antonio Emergency Operations Center highlight the Thursday agenda, along with a luncheon keynote speaker by "Freedom Writer" Manuel Scott. Friday features a Women in Government breakfast, a downtown San Antonio tour via Segway and a delegate luncheon with keynote speaker "attitude kicker" Sam Glenn. Concurrent sessions will be held throughout the conference addressing issues such as energy conservation, workforce development, leadership, media relations, several legislative topics and more. For more information and registration forms, click here. There is a discount for early registration and a discount for online registration.

Tee IT Up Texas government IT tourney set Oct. 24

The Fifth Annual Tee IT Up Texas! Texas government IT customer appreciation golf tournament is set for Friday, Oct. 24, at the Lions Municipal Golf Course in Austin. Check-in and lunch will begin at 11:30 a.m. A shotgun start will begin at 1 p.m. and the awards ceremony is slated for 6 p.m. The format is a four-person scramble with awards to the first and second place teams and individual contest winners for longest drive and closest pin. Door prizes also are available. The maximum number of teams for the tourney has sold out, but companies can still register for the few remaining sponsorships. For more information, click here.

Executive Women in Texas Government set conference

The Executive Women in Texas Government 22nd annual Professional Development Conference will be Monday, Nov. 24, at the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort in Lost Pines, Texas. Hailed as a meeting of "ideas, solutions and connections," this year's event will feature keynote speakers Dr. Tina Dupree (AKA as the Chicken Lady) and Major General K.C. McClain, Commander Air Force Personnel Center, Randolph Air Force Base, Texas, and workshops relating to development of executive level management skills, expanding leadership capabilities and networking and mentoring. The event will begin with a 7 a.m. registration. The first keynote speaker will be heard during the opening general session at 8:30 a.m. followed by two morning workshops and breaks for exhibits and networking. The EWTG Woman of the Year presentation will be made during lunch, with another afternoon workshop on tap and the closing general session and second keynote speech at 3:15 p.m. Sponsorships are available and exhibitors are also being accepted. For more information on the conference and registration, click here.

Texas GIS Forum 2008 slated for Oct. 27-31

The Texas Natural Resources Information System, a division of the Texas Water Development Board, is hosting the Texas GIS Forum 2008 on Oct. 27-31 at the J.J. Pickle Research Campus in Austin. The forum is billed as the "largest Geospatial Technology forum in Texas." Sponsorships are available and the forum will also feature exhibitors. To register, click here. For information for sponsors and exhibitors, click here. Registration for the forum is available to individuals from government agencies (federal, state, local), universities, industry representatives, sponsors and exhibitors. The group is expecting presentations on issues such as innovative uses for GIS, alternative GIS environments, budget GIS projects, Web-based GIS advancements, GIS or remote sensing for emergency response, etc.