Strategic Partnerships, Inc. (SPI) and The Ben Barnes Group, two highly successful, Austin-based consulting firms, have announced a new joint venture. The two firms have been working together with clients for the past year and recently announced a newly formed joint venture company, Gemini Global Group. Both existing firms, Strategic Partnerships, Inc. and the Ben Barnes Group, will continue and the new joint venture, with offices in the same location, will focus on business development, government affairs and communication for clients in all 50 states. Gemini Global Group will also specialize in working with firms interested in public-private partnership (P3) opportunities.

"We could not have found a better firm to partner with than the Ben Barnes Group," said Mary Scott Nabers (left), president and CEO of SPI. "The depth and breadth of assistance we can offer by pairing the expertise from both firms makes our service offerings unique throughout the country."

Barnes (right), founder of The Ben Barnes Group and former Texas lieutenant governor, was equally as enthusiastic about the joint venture. "In a very short period of time, we've contracted with numerous new clients," he said. "Our success rate has been good, increasing our optimism about future potential."

Both Nabers and Barnes said that combining the talent of both firms allows a unique pool of talent. Both companies have a proven success rate, they said, and are "uniquely qualified" to meet client needs. The firms have long-standing client relationships with numerous Fortune firms.

Houghton replaces Delisi as chair of Transportation Commission

Ted Houghton (pictured) of El Paso has been named chair of the Texas Transportation Commission, which oversees the Texas Department of Transportation.

Houghton, who was appointed by Gov. Rick Perry, has served on the commission since 2003. He replaces former chair Deirdre Delisi, who recently resigned.

Houghton, who holds a bachelor's degree from The University of Texas at El Paso, is owner of a financial services firm in El Paso. He has served on several boards including the El Paso Civic Center Board, the School Land Board, El Paso Water Utilities Public Service Board and El Paso Electric Company Board of Directors.

The Dallas-based Meadows Foundation will make $850,000 available to help with the recovery effort following the devastation brought by the Bastrop County wildfire that burned much of Bastrop State Park. The funds will be divided among six governmental and nonprofit agencies. "Considering the fiscal constraints facing state government, and the large and unexpected expenses associated with the wildfire, this grant from the Meadows Foundation is particularly welcome and tremendously appreciated," said Carter Smith (right), Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) executive director. Sharing the funding will be TPWD, the Texas Forest Service, the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army, the SPCA of Texas and the Austin Humane Society.

"In Texas, local fire departments are the first line of defense against wildfires. Many operate on little to no money with aging, battle-worn equipment. And they are made up primarily of volunteers; men and women who have other jobs," said Tom Boggus (left), director, Texas Forest Service. "Every penny of the Meadows Foundation's generous gift to Texas Forest Service will see its way to our citizen responders."

In addition to burning 34,000 acres, claiming two lives and destroying some 1,600 residences, 95 percent of the very popular Bastrop State Park was blackened by the fire. Equipment and structures at the regional state park headquarters were also destroyed.  

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Engle to take on role as HHSC CISO, information security director

Brian Engle (pictured), chief information security officer and director of information security for Temple-Inland for the last four years, has been named chief information security officer for the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. He brings more than two decades of information technology leadership experience to his new role, which is the first of several key leadership positions to be filled in the agency's new IT organizational structure.

Engle has also held information security roles in the past as manager of information security assurance for Guaranty Bank and as senior information security analyst for Silicon Laboratories.

The new CISO is a Certified Information System Auditor (CISA) and is a Certified Information Security Systems Professional (CISSP).  He holds a bachelor's degree in management/computer Iinformation systems. 

Funding made available for rural water projects in Texas

Twenty-six states recently were announced as recipients of funding for rural water projects to improve water and wastewater systems. Five of those projects were in Texas.

The announcement of the funding came from the U.S Department of Agriculture Rural Development's Rural Utilities Service. The $66.7 million in loans and $48.9 million in grants distributed nationwide will be used to help rural communities build and upgrade water systems. The money will provide thousands of new connections to water and wastewater facilities and improve water quality and increase the efficiency of water use.

The recipients in Texas include:

• Lake Bonanza Water Supply Corp. - $444,000 loan for water system improvements;
• Leverett's Chapel Water Supply Corp. - $508,000 loan and $257,000 grant for water system improvements;
• Military Highway Water Supply - $2.1 million loan for water system improvements;
• Nueces River Authority - $260,000 loan; and
• Skywater Water Supply Corp. - $272,000 loan and $786,600 grant for water system improvements.

To view the complete list of recipients by state, click here and look under "Recent Reports."

Texas sales tax collections climb for 18th consecutive month

Sales tax collections in Texas have increased for 18 consecutive months, according to figures released this week by the State Comptroller's Office. Sales tax revenue for September totaled $1.76 billion, up 11.8 percent for the same month last year. The sales tax figures represent sales that occurred in August.

Cities, counties, transit systems and special purposes taxing districts will receive $505.2 million, up 13.9 percent compared to October 2010. Cities will share $336.6 million in October allocations, up 12.2 percent from the same month last year. Counties will share $33.7 million, up 25.1 percent from October 2010. Transit system allocations total $11.8 million, up 14.6 percent from October of last year and special purpose taxing districts will receive a total of $22.9 million for October, up 22 percent for the same month last year.

Comptroller Susan Combs said business spending led the sales tax collections, with consumer sectors like restaurants and retail trade also up. However, she warns that the near-term outlook "remains clouded due to the uneven performance of the U.S. economy." To view the allocations by city, click here. To view the allocations by county, click here.

Houston airports among projects being expedited to move forward

The Obama Administration recently selected 14 infrastructure projects around the country - including plans at the two Houston airports - to be expedited through permitting and review processes.

The Administration selected projects that would create a significant number of jobs, that already have funding and that can be completed within 18 months. The effort aims to accelerate job creation while also improving the permitting process.

In Houston, the Federal Aviation Administration will implement Next Generation (NextGen) aviation procedures to increase airspace capacity and efficiency while also improving safety.

Draw-Hood heads 4-H program at PVAMU Coop

Longtime educator Rukeia Draw-Hood (pictured) was recently named the program leader for 4-H and Youth Development at the Prairie View A&M University Cooperative Extension Program.

Previously, Draw-Hood directed the nation's first urban 4-H Community Center in Michigan, for which she was awarded an achievement award from the Michigan Association of Extension 4-H Youth Staff in 2009. She has also served as children's program director for the Mohawk Public Housing Complex in Oklahoma.

Draw-Hood earned a bachelor's degree from Michigan State University, a master's from Oral Roberts University and a Ph.D. from Trinity International University.

Rural Health Institute announces new AHEC Director

Rebecca Conditt (pictured) was recently named director of the West Texas Area Health Education Center (AHEC), which aims to improve health care access in West Texas by developing a strong health care workforce.

Most recently, Conditt served as director of the Capital AHEC and before that director of the Piney Woods AHEC. She also has served as executive director of the Texas Rural Health Association, the advocacy and education organization for rural health issues in Texas.

The West Texas AHEC, a service of Texas Tech University Health Science Center Office of Rural and Community Health, introduces students to health careers, supports rural clinical training for students in health professions and provides practice support to existing health care professionals.

Texas Tech University will join other universities and tribal nations to form the new South-Central Climate Science Center, created by the Department of the Interior to help determine how climate change and other landscape stressors will change the United States.

The South-Central Climate Science Center, one of eight CSCs across the nation, encompasses Texas, Oklahoma and New Mexico.

"I believe Texas Tech brings solid climate science, ecology and conservation and atmospheric science research to the table as the consortium looks at solutions to current challenges facing our region," said Texas Tech President Guy Bailey (pictured).

The Texas Engineering Extension Service (TEEX) will receive $22 million in federal funds for its center that provides specialized homeland security and preparedness training nationwide

The National Emergency Response and Rescue Training Center (NERRTC), which was established by Congress in 1998, trains local, state and tribal agencies to protect against and respond to catastrophic events like natural disasters and terrorism.

TEEX/NERRTC is one of the seven members of the National Domestic Preparedness Consortium involved in the National Training Program. Similar programs are based in Anniston, AL.; Socorro, NM; Baton Rouge, LA; Las Vegas, NV; Pueblo, CO; and Honolulu, HI.

Corpus Christi City Council members recently appointed Al Jones (pictured), to serve on the seven-member Corpus Christi Port Commission. Jones, who is a bank board chairman, will replace Commissioner Francis I. Gandy Jr., who did not seek another term after serving one term on the commission that oversees operation of the port.

Jones, who previously served as chairman of the Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce, the Corpus Christi Convention and Visitors Bureau and Corpus Christi Economic Development Corp., also is chairman of the board for a health system in Corpus Christi.

Of the seven commission members, the city of Corpus Christi appoints three, Nueces County appoints three and San Patricio County has one commissioner, Judy Hawley, serving as a commissioner for the port, the fifth largest port in the United States. Jones will join Chairman Mike Carrell and Commissioner Robert Kosteinik in representing the city on the commission. The terms of two county appointees, Richard M. Borchard and Robert J. Gonzalez Sr., are set to expire in December.

San Antonio city manager appoints new administrators

Sheryl Sculley, city manager of San Antonio, recently selected new people to fill a series of administrative positions in the planning, parks and recreation, human resources and management and budget departments. Sculley selected Lori Houston, who formerly worked as an assistant to Deputy City Manager Pat DiGiovanni, as the new assistant director of the Center City Development Office.

Christopher Looney, who is now the interim assistant director for Planning & Community Development, now serves permanently in that position. John Jacks won selection as the new interim assistant development services director and Justine Tate was named as the interim assistant director of management and budget. Other appointments by Sculley are: Tad Willie, who was named interim grants administrator in the management and budget office; Natalie Balderrama, who previously served as the assistant director for Parks and Recreation, will become assistant director of human resources; and Nikki Ramos, assistant director of human resources, will now serve as the new assistant director of parks and recreation.

Other appointments include Tina Southard, who was the risk manager over workers' compensation and liability programs, is now the assistant human resources director over risk management and Robby Hammond, who was an administrator in the city manager's office, will serve as the interim director of human resources.

$56 million in road projects approved for Central Texas area

Leaders at the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (CAMPO) recently approved $56 million in road projects that include $2.2 million to help rebuild fire-damaged roads in Bastrop County.

The projects will be funded through two sources - $47.6 million from the Texas Department of Transportation and another $78.7 million as federal metropolitan mobility funds.

The CAMPO board did not designate most of the allotted funds to any project after several members raised concerns that too little money was going to area counties and projects other than roads.

"There's a very consistent pattern," said CAMPO board member and Hays County Commissioner Will Conley (pictured). "County governments get hosed."

ASU federal education grant tops $1.1 million for STEM education

Angelo State University was recently awarded nearly $1.2 million in federal grant funding to boost the number of students - particularly Hispanic and low-income students - who complete degrees in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

In the following four years, the university stands to gain an additional $3.9 million, which would be the largest Department of Education grant in ASU history.

Under the grant, ASU will partner with Howard College, a community college that recently received a similar grant for $4.3 million, to award more four-year degrees in STEM fields.

Corpus Christi City Council members recently agreed to coordinate with a local developer on designs for a residential canal system and a new bridge to Padre Island. Voters agreed to fund about $1.4 million of the estimated $8.5 million bridge and canal project.

Under the pact, the developer, who is working with a New Braunfels-based company to develop a water park resort on the property, will be responsible for the design of the canal extension and the city responsible for the bridge design. The city plans to spend most of the approved funding, $1.07 million for the design contract for the new bridge, city officials said.

Preliminary plans indicate a bridge across a 60-foot-wide canal with sidewalks underneath the bridge that will allow small boats, golf carts and pedestrians to pass under it, similar to the River Walk in San Antonio. City staff has urged council to consider using about $6 million in bond funds remaining from bond proposals in 2004 and 2008 and $1 million from the capital improvement fund to pay for the bridge project and utility infrastructure.

UT-Austin to partner in high-rise housing complex on West Campus

The University of Texas at Austin officials recently entered into a public-private partnership with a developer for a new 16-story apartment complex that will feature a total of 622 new beds for students and faculty on West Campus. The new apartment complex, which will have studio and one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom apartments, should be completed by the fall of 2013, university officials said.

While the university will continue to own and lease the land once occupied by the 120-year-old Wooldridge Hall, a private company will manage the building once it is completed. The new project, which will house the UT International Office on the first floor, is a low-risk, low-profit arrangement for the university that is not paying any of the cost of developing the new apartment complex, university officials said. Construction is scheduled to begin this month. 

New executive director selected for Workforce in Alamo

Workforce expert Patrick Newman (pictured) has been named executive director of Workforce Solutions Alamo, a San Antonio-area workforce development agency.

Newman, who has 37 years experience in employment and training, most recently served as the workforce administrator for the Mid-Region Council of Governments of New Mexico.

In his new position, Newman will work to make the San Antonio area a desirable place to work and grow a business.

SHSU Finance, Operations division undergoes reorganization

Sam Houston State University's Finance and Operations division was recently reorganized under Vice President Al Hooten.

Changes include:

• Paige Smith will serve as associate vice president for financial services, a new position. She will oversee the controller, payroll, bursar and budget offices.
• John Hitzeman has been named associate vice president for business services. The former purchasing director will oversee mail services, vending, purchasing and the Sam Houston Press and Copy Center.

 Also, Rita Caso, director for SHSU's Institutional Research and Assessment department, and Brad Blackburn, the ARAMARK resident district manager, will report directly to Hooten.

"I think it's going to be a better structure for what we need to do in the future in moving forward," Hooten said of the changes.

In a recent strategic planning session, Frisco Independent School District trustees began considering a recommendation to schedule a bond election in 2014 to pay for additional schools. The deputy superintendent for business and operations also urged trustees to consider calling an election in 2013 to raise the tax rate to more than the legally allowable amount without voter input.

Superintendent Rick Reedy (pictured) also agreed to report back to trustees in three months on a range of options to raise revenue that include selling advertisements on the district's Web site and on school buses. The superintendent also will report on whether the additional fundraising efforts could disrupt other revenue-generating options for the school district.

Construction to begin on VIA's Medical Center transit facility

San Antonio's VIA Metropolitan Transit recently began construction on a new transit facility that will become the bus-only agency's first move into multimodalism.

The new South Texas Medical Center Transit Center will have a large staging area for the new bus rapid transit line known as VIA Prímo. The center will serve as the northern end of VIA Prímo, which will run through the downtown area to serve the Robert Thompson Transit Station at the Alamodome.

The center, which will include amenities such as an information center and waiting area, is expected to open in October 2012.

Winningham resigns post as director of Allen EDC; Bowman picked 

Robert Winningham (left) recently announced that he would step down as executive director and CEO of the Allen Economic Development Corporation (AEDC), effective today.

Winningham, who has led the AEDC since 2006, helped on several key developments in Allen such as the Allen Event Center and The Village at Allen.

Dan Bowman (right), assistant director of the AEDC, will serve as interim director. Bowman holds a bachelor's degree from Trinity University in San Antonio, and a master's from The University of Texas at Dallas.

Lamar State College-Port Arthur may build student housing

Officials of Lamar State College-Port Arthur recently partnered with the city of Port Arthur to explore whether to add a dormitory to provide student housing near the college. The university already owns land for the student housing to be built and plans for a dormitory are included in the college's 10-year master plan, a spokesman for the college said.

College officials are using a $25,000 grant from the city to hire a private company to survey current students to find out their preferences if dormitories became available on campus, said Sam Monroe, president of the college. Results of that survey will be available at a later date, he said.

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San Antonio College, Sul Ross win $5.5 million grant

The U.S. Department of Education recently awarded a $5.5 million grant to San Antonio College (SAC) and Sul Ross University to upgrade science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education in a partnership to be known as "Adelante Tejas."

The new partnership is expected to upgrade STEM instruction by encouraging more achievement for Hispanic and other under-represented students. It wil also expand science and math facilities at both SAC and Sul Ross and accellerate completion of a baccalaureate degree during the five-year grant period, said the president of San Antonio College.

The grant funding will be used to increase tutoring, establish a minimum of nine STEM articulation agreements between the two institutions, including a joint summer field study experience at Big Bend, and establish an online course and a hybrid upper-level geology and biology course, university officials said. The grant also will provide more scholarships for STEM students at both institutions.

NTTA says it will finance construction of Chisholm Trail Parkway

The board of the North Texas Tollway Authority (NTTA) recently OK'd funding for the Chisholm Trail Parkway, a 27.6 mile toll road that will extend from downtown Fort Worth south to Cleburne.

The parkway, which has been on the drawing board for decades, is expected to open by mid-2014. It has been a collaboration between the NTTA, Texas Department of Transportation, the North Central Texas Council of Governments, Federal Highway Administration, area cities, counties and others.

"The drivers of Fort Worth have waited for this much-needed thoroughfare," said NTTA Chairman Kenneth Barr (pictured). "Today's green light by the Board allows the project to move into full construction."

Two San Antonio Independent School District officials recently resigned after an investigation found they were allegedly channeling contracts worth about $310,000 to companies owned by their wives.

In total, the two men - Eduardo Elizondo, senior director of the federal programs department, and Tony Mayhan, the department's compliance monitor - reportedly funneled about $800,000 in federal funds to friends and family in violation of conflict-of-interest policies and federal regulations. The men may face criminal charges.

District officials are examining contracting policies and have requested an audit from the Texas Education Agency to determine if any vendor payments need to be paid back to the U.S. Education Department.

Midland County commissioners recently agreed to turn over the old county courthouse to the Midland County Historical Society if the group meets certain conditions by the end of May 2012. City officials turned down use of the old courthouse because of the high cost of renovating it into a municipal court facility and are seeking bids for designing a new facility for the municipal court.

The county will transfer the deed to the historical society on the condition that the group can attract enough funding by May 31, 2012, to pay for operational costs of the building for one year, the county judge said. Historical society officials also agreed that if the property is sold, the value of the land must be returned to the county. Current plans are to move or expand the Midland County Historical Museum into the first floor of the former courthouse and then rent office space to nonprofit agencies, said Pat McDaniel, chairman of the historical society.

The group is still studying options for restoring the building and does not yet have an estimate on the amount of funding the group needs to raise, McDaniel said. While the group hopes to secure enough funding to restore the courthouse to its original state by removing the top floor jail and a façade, the first task is to create exhibit spaces in the old courthouse for documents and articles about the area's history, McDaniel said.

HISD transportation ranked top school district green fleet in nation

Houston Independent School District's transportation department has been named one of the year's top 40 "green fleets" and the greenest among school districts, according to the leading transportation industry magazine.

The magazine, Government Fleet, annually selects the most environmentally friendly fleets based on performance measurements such as fuel type, amount of emissions, employee involvement and supporting programs.

"This award is an awesome recognition of the drive and determination of the entire transportation team to maintain and build a green fleet, said HISD Transportation General Manager Nathan Graf (pictured).

Grant money to provide new  software for Prairie View

Prairie View A&M University recently captured $165,050 in grant funding that will be used to purchase computer software. The grant comes through the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, which awards historically black colleges and universities funds based upon need. The date when the software will available to students has yet to be announced.

The U.S. Bureau of Prisons recently moved 200 minimum security prisoners into a domed structure built by Willacy County that under an agreement with a Utah-based company formerly housed illiegal immigrants. Under the old contract, the company operating the facility, also known as a "tent city," did not produce the income county officials expected to receive, said Willacy County Judge John F. Gonzales Jr. (pictured).

A new agreement with the corporation calls for housing minimum-security inmates and includes guarantees to provide more income to the county, Gonzales said. The new contract calls for the federal government to pay $40 a day to house a prisoner, with the facility providing a maximum capacity of 3,117 beds. The county will receive a maximum of $2,844,262 if the facility maintains full capacity, the county judge said. The new agreement requires payments on bonds issued for the facility to be paid first, then for the county to receive $2.50 a day for each prisoner and the private company retaining the balance, the county judge said.

If the county houses 1,380 prisoners or fewer, the county will receive a guaranteed $1,259,250 payment a year, while it will receive $2,266,650 a year if the facility accommodates 1,381 minimum security prisoners, Gonazles said. The previous agreement to house immigrants depended on the number of detainees held at the facility that never reached 50 percent capacity while housing illegal immigrants, he added. 

McMullen County officials recently began discussing a preliminary plan to build a new sewage treatment plant for the Calliham community.

While county officials have not yet approved a final plan for the facility, the new treatment plant is needed because almost half of Calliham residents still must use septic systems that threaten water quality of the Choke Canyon Reservoir, noted the president of the McMullen County Water Control and Improvement District No. 2.

County officials are in the process of acquiring about five acres of land for the proposed treatment plant and exploring the possibility of applying for more grant funding to help pay for the wastewater treatment plant. At least one county commissioner said he would like to have a new wastewater plant in operation by 2015.

The Texas Association of State Systems for Computing and Communications 2011 State of the State Conference will be held Nov. 18 at the Austin Sheraton Hotel. This year, the conference will focus on national and state trends in technology and e-Government as well as the challenges presented by the state's growing population and strained resources. Among the speakers are: Rich Taggart - SHI Partner and Former Disney CIO; Carter Smith - Executive Director, Texas Parks and Wildlife; Dr. Lloyd B. Potter - State Demographer; Dr. Allan Shark - CIO Leadership Council; Dana Debeauvoir - County Clerk, Travis County; and Chief Nim Kidd - Texas Division of Emergency Management. There will also be a Department of Information Resources update. Information Resource Managers (IRMs) can obtain CPE credits for attending. For more information and to register, click here.  

North Texas Water Summit planned for Oct. 20

The North Texas Commission Regional Resource Summit on Water, hosted by The North Texas Commission and the Tarrant Regional Water District, will be Thursday, Oct. 20, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency DFW, Terminal C. As outlined in the Texas Water Development Board's draft 2012 Water for Texas plan, the state could experience economic losses from not meeting water supply needs if the current conditions approach a record drought. The economic implications of such an event and Proposition 2, legislation that would address the need for water infrastructure planning, will be addressed at the summit that addresses North Texas' future water supply. Speakers will include Rep. Jim Keffer, chair of the Texas House Committee on Energy Resources, representatives of the City of Dallas, Tarrant Regional Water District, North Texas Municipal Water District and Heather Harward of the H204TEXAS Coalition. There will also be a panel of representatives of major businesses and industries. Limited sponsorships are available. For more information and to register, click here.

A quarterly Texas Notary Law and Procedures seminar sponsored by the Alamo Area Council of Governments (AACOG) is set for Tuesday, Oct. 18. The seminar will be from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the AACOG offices, 8700 Tesoro Drive, Room #1-01, San Antonio, TX 78217. The training event is specifically for Texas Notaries, current and prospective. The class will cover the following: new legislation from the 81st Legislature, current notary laws, proper record keeping, avoiding official misconduct, administering oaths and acknowledgement, legal procedures and processes of notarization and liability protection practices for notaries and employers. State applications for new applicants and renewing notaries will be available for processing at the seminar. For registration form, click here. For more information, click dixielucey@prodigy.net. 

Executive Women in Texas Government host annual conference

The Executive Women in Texas Government 25th Annual Professional Development Conference will take place Monday, Nov. 21, at the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort in Lost Pines, Texas. This year's theme is "Making History. Creating Leaders. Embracing Challenges." This conference will "make history" by marking the 25th anniversary of the annual event. Laura Liswood, Secretary General, Council of Women World Leaders, will deliver the opening keynote address. As advisor to a prominent global investment banking and securities firm, Liswood's career has focused on globalization issues and workforce diversity. Connie K. Duckworth, founder and CEO of ARZU STUDIO HOPE, will be the luncheon keynote speaker. She will share her philosophy of economic empowerment through ARZU's goal of providing sustainable income to Afghan women by sourcing and selling the rugs they weave. The conference features 34 workshops for developing skills as well as opportunities for networking with attendees and sponsors. A highlight of the conference will be the naming of the Woman of the Year, the award going to a recipient who has demonstrated leadership skills, dedication to service and commitment to community. There is a discount for early registration through Oct. 16. For more information on the keynote speakers, workshops sessions, exhibitors and silent auction, click here.

Hennigan to be interim CEO of Montgomery Co. hospital district

The board of directors of the Montgomery County Hospital District recently selected John Hennigan (pictured), a member of the hospital board, to serve as interim chief executive officer of the hospital district.

Hennigan, a Woodlands resident who owns a marketing company, will replace Kelly Curry, who served as interim CEO following the resignation of Allen Johnson in January. Hennigan has agreed to serve as interim CEO under a four-month contract while board members search for and select a permanent CEO.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency recently awarded a $24,000 grant to Mission to be used to pay salaries for employers to maintain the city's emergency management plan.

The grant for emergency preparations will help city staff meet a new requirement to stage at least three disaster drills a year rather than two drills a year that were previously required, said Richardo Saldana, the fire chief and emergency management coordinator for the city. The emergency preparedness drills include other organizations such as the school district, nonprofit organizations and some private companies that supply equipment and require significant time and resources to stage, Saldana said.

Denton County Sheriff Benny Parkey recently appointed Blaise Mikulewicz, an assistant special agent who heads the Dallas FBI office, as his new chief deputy. Mikulewicz will replace Chief Deputy Lee Howell, who will become the new police chief in Denton.

With 31 years in law enforcement, Mikulewicz began as a police officer in Albuquerque and joined the FBI in 1988, where he became a special agent investigating crimes on Indian reservations in Montana. He oversees nine supervisors and 140 agents in his current position at the Dallas office of the FBI.

Montgomery Independent School District trustees recently selected Reagan Carter "Beau" Rees (pictured) as the lone finalist for superintendent.

Rees, who is the superintendent at Graham ISD, will replace Superintendent Jim Gibson, who is retiring in January 2012.

Rees attended Texas A&M University, holds a master's degree from Abilene Christian University and a Ph.D. from Texas Tech University.

Phase 1 of the park project calls for a $1.7 million youth ball complex with four fields, a concession stand, two T-ball fields, restroom facilities, picnic tables, barbecue pits and additional parking that carries a price tag of about $3.3 million. Phase 2 will feature two high school competition baseball and softball fields and a softball practice field with a projected $941,768 cost. Phase 3, with a $372,744 price tag, features a 10,000-square-foot splash park with restrooms, a dog park and a new swimming pool and walk bridge. With a $1.7 million projected cost, Phase 4 contains plans for a fishing pond, covered pavilion, playground, disk golf course, hike and bike trails, restrooms and an amphitheater.

San Marcos ISD picks Rodriguez as accountability coordinator

San Marcos Independent School District board members recently selected Gregory Rodriguez (pictured) as  Coordinator of Accountability and School Improvement.

Rodriguez previously served as a grant coordinator for Texas State University, an administrator for Austin ISD and San Antonio ISD and as a teacher at Southside ISD, Southwest ISD and Del Valle ISD. He has a bachelor's degree from Southwest Texas State University, a master's degree from Houston Baptist University and is a candidate for a Ph.D. at Texas State University.

Travis County wins $464,733 grant for juvenile mental health

The juvenile probation department of Travis County recently won a $464,733 grant to create an accredited internship program and pay for 13 internships for psychology students seeking a doctoral degree.

The Hogg Foundation for Mental Health at The University of Texas provided the grant as part of a $1.6 million initiative to reduce the statewide shortage of mental health professionals. Interns funded by the grant will provide mental health services to youth in the juvenile justice system and augment work that three full-time psychologists perform, said a spokeswoman for the Hogg Foundation.

Kilgore Council chooses Scott Sellers as new city manager

The Kilgore City Council recently named Scott Sellers (pictured), assistant city manager of Montrose, Colo., the new city manager.

Sellers, who was selected from a pool of 90 candidates, has also served as assistant city manager in Centralia, Illinois.

Sellers holds a bachelor's degree and a master's degree from Brigham Young University.

Sullivan City Commissioners recently narrowed their list of applicants for city manager to three after one applicant withdrew from consideration.

The three finalists are: Joe Cantu, an investigator with the La Joya Police Department who previously worked in city administration in Penitas, Malakoff, Shenandoah, Elsa and Overton; Juan Cedillo, who was a city manager in Taft, Elsa and Floresville and administrator with the Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Council; and Judy Davila, an assistant city manager in La Villa since May 2011.

Council members plan to interview the remaining three applicants recommended by a consultant this week and make a decision soon, city officials said. The new city manager will replace former City Manager Rolando Gonzalez who retired in February. City Secretary Claudia Jimenez has served as interim city manager since Aug. 22, when she assumed the responsibility after council members terminated the previous interim city manager.

After receiving no bids from contractors to restore the Nofsinger House, Elgin City Council members recently agreed to again seek bids to renovate the historic building now used for the city hall. Council members also postponed a decision on whether to accept the only bid received to upgrade the railroad depot building housing the chamber of commerce.

Remodeling the city hall building constructed in 1906 is a priority, city officials said, as wood on the first and second floors is rotting and the brickwork also needs repair. A preservation expert estimated the repairs for Nofsinger House would cost about $50,000. The railroad depot also has problems with rotting wood, the exterior needs painting and some boards on the deck must be replaced. City officials will have some time to decide whether to accept the bid for the depot building, they said.

Round Rock approves traffic

plan for upcoming five years

Round Rock officials have put together a $58 million plan for addressing transportation problems during the next five years.

The plan, initiated by City Manager Steve Norwood (pictured), uses the city's Type B sales tax money to build and improve roads. Under law, the funds can only go toward roads that serve as economic drivers, not residential and neighborhood streets.

The plan examines eight of the city's worst traffic problems.

Beeville City Council members recently agreed to allow city staff to seek proposals to install a new water meter monitoring system. It would transmit data through an antenna system into a central collection system at city hall.

The new metering system, which will eliminate the need for meter readers walking from house to house to record water usage, should save funding as well as provide customers with information on how much water is being used and provide advice for water conservation, said City Manager Tom Ginter. The new meter reading system must be compatible with the software the city uses for utility billing, he said.

Levelland tags Kirkpatrick to lead economic development group

Levelland officials recently selected Shawn A. Kirkpatrick as the new executive director of the Levelland Economic Development Corporation.

Kirkpatrick, who began his new job on Oct. 5, replaced Dave Quinn, who resigned in August to become director of the Bastrop Economic Development Corp. Kirkpatrick has a bachelor's degree and a master's degree from Tarleton State University and previously worked in construction management.

McAllen mayor chosen as chair of Texas Border Coalition

McAllen Mayor Richard Cortez (pictured) was recently named chairman-elect of the Texas Border Coalition, a group of border-area officials and residents who work to help border communities grow and prosper through policies and legislation.

In his new role, Cortez will push the federal government to fund trade-oriented infrastructure at land ports of entry.

Members of the Texas Border Coalition also selected Eagle Pass Mayor Ramsey English Cantu as chairman.

Project Quest in San Antonio awarded $5M federal grant       

A San Antonio job-training program recently captured a $5 million federal grant, one of 36 public-private partnerships across the nation awarded grants through the U.S. Department of Labor.

The city-funded Project Quest, which nearly folded under debt this year, serves about 500 college students a year. The program will receive about $1.25 million in grant funds each year for four years.

The 36 grants that total about $160 million are funded through fees paid by employers for bringing foreign workers to the United States. The grants were created to help improve the technical skills of American workers, so that businesses don't need to hire foreign workers.

University General Health System to develop hospital in Alvin   

Alvin city officials have partnered with the University General Health System to develop a 7,000-square-foot critical care hospital in Alvin.

The City of Alvin will provide $2.5 million for development of the infrastructure necessary for the three-phase project.

The hospital is scheduled to open in early 2013.

Elkhart ISD selects Thompson

as interim superintendent

Elkhart Independent School District trustees recently selected Marvin Thompson as the interim superintendent, effective on Nov. 28. Thompson, who previously served as superintendent for Westwood ISD and as interim superintendent for Palestine ISD, will replace Superintendent Mike Moon, who is retiring Nov. 30.

Board members, who set a goal of finding a new superintendent by January 2012, expect to work with Thompson and former Superintendent Johnnie Keeling to search for a new superintendent.

• Richard C. Adams of Plano, Early Childhood Intervention Advisory Committee;
• Jonel Huggins of Kyle, Early Childhood Intervention Advisory Committee;
• Barbara Knighton of Spring, Early Childhood Intervention Advisory Committee;
• Karen Meyer of San Antonio, Early Childhood Intervention Advisory Committee;
• Rumisha Rice of Spring, Early Childhood Intervention Advisory Committee;
• Patricia Rosenlund of Mission, Early Childhood Intervention Advisory Committee;
• Holly Sanchez of McKinney, Early Childhood Intervention Advisory Committee;
• Joel Richardson of Canyon, chair, Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education;
• Patricia "Patt" Scheckel Hollingsworth of Arlington,Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education;
• James Oakley of Spicewood, Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education;
• Ronald "Ron" Hood of Dripping Springs, Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education;
• Shannon Alexander of Bryan, State Independent Living Council;
• Jim Batchelor of Cooper, State Independent Living Council;
• Crystal Choi of Fort Worth, State Independent Living Council;
• Richard Couder of El Paso, State Independent Living Council;
• Elizabeth Dennis of Austin, State Independent Living Council;
• Lance Hamilos of Austin, State Independent Living Council;
• Saul Herrera of Midland, State Independent Living Council;
• Karen Swearingen of Rowlett, State Independent Living Council;
• Thomas "Tommy" Orr of Houston, School Land Board

Boyle to retire from Dallas Co. Community College District board

Kitty Boyle (pictured) recently announced she will retire at the end of this month after serving 15 years as a trustee for the Dallas County Community College District. Her term was to expire in 2014.

Boyle, who has a degree from The University of Texas at Austin, served as chair of the board of trustees for the community college from 2000 to 2006 during her three, six-year terms on the board. She won recognition for working with the Texas Legislative Community College Caucus to restore funding for employee health insurance funds for the 50 community colleges/systems in Texas.

Clarendon selects Jason Christopher as new code officer

The Clarendon Board of Aldermen recently selected Jason Christopher as the city's new code compliance officer who will also be responsible for animal control.

Christopher said he intends to begin his duties by first enforcing basic ordinances such as those covering tall grass and weeds and then move on to more difficult ordinances such as removing derelict and abandoned vehicles.

Conroe tags Loomis as new

water conservation manager

 Conroe City officials recently selected Chris Loomis, who had served 18 months as the unpaid head of the city's water conservation efforts, to serve as a part-time Water Conservation Manager.

In the new position, Loomis will not receive any benefits from the city, said Dean Towery, public works director. Loomis was selected over two other candidates, Bill Daugette, the former director of public utilities in Huntsville, and Eric Maurer, a licensed irrigator from Montgomery, primarily because of his knowledge of water conservation, city officials said. His duties consist of developing, implementing, promoting and conducting incentive programs to help residents conserve water.

Lewis Treadwell (pictured), the emergency management coordinator in Lubbock, recently said he is retiring from the post he has held for three years. Before assuming responsibility for helping the city prepare, respond and recover from emergencies, Treadwell was a firefighter in Lubbock for 30 years.

Fire Chief Mike Kemp is looking at candidates for the emergency management coordinator position, but the mayor will make the final decision on who will be named to the post.

DISD removes executive director Cynthia Goodsell from her post

Top-ranking administrator Cynthia Goodsell (pictured) was recently removed from her position as senior executive director in the Dallas Independent School District.

Goodsell's position, like hundreds of DISD central staff positions, was eliminated and will not be filled, DISD spokesman Jon Dahlander said.

School principals in the North Secondary Learning Community will now report to Dorothy Gomez, interim division executive-secondary schools division.