TxDOT unveils database of reorganization recommendations

Public can view, provide input on proposed agency changes, modifications

In an effort to be more "open and transparent," the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) Restructure Council (TRC) has compiled a searchable database of more than 600 recommendations from multiple sources aimed at an agency-wide reorganization of TxDOT.

At a recent workshop meeting of the Texas Transportation Commission, Jay Kimbrough (pictured), a member of the Council, announced the rollout of the database, which is now online on the TxDOT Web page. Kimbrough, Austin businessman and attorney Howard Wolf and former Texas Transportation Commission member David Laney were selected by the Commission to help implement recommendations with a goal of modernizing and improving TxDOT.

 The database (see illustration below), according to Kimbrough, is designed to consolidate recommendations regarding TxDOT from a recent Grant Thornton independent review of the agency as well as recommendations from previous audits and Sunset reports. The result, said Kimbrough, is a "tool to allow the public to review, search and provide input" on the recommendations.

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Latest round of TETF investments total more than $5.85 million
Another $5.85 million in investments to four companies has been provided through the Texas Emerging Technology Fund (TETF). The investments include:

• $250,000 to Iridescent Networks of Dallas to work with The University of Texas at Dallas to commercialize software allowing high-quality video delivery over the Internet to any device at a lower cost than currently available; 
• $1.5 million to the Neuro Resource Group of Dallas to work with The University of Texas at Arlington to commercialize and manufacture "InterX," a non-drug pain management therapy; and
• $1.6 million to DataInfoCom of Austin to work with The University of Texas at Austin to commercialize its software that allows companies to predict specific outcomes of valuable business processes.
• $2.5 million to ViroXis to work with The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio to develop botanically based therapies for the treatment of viruses in adults and children. 

Another $350,000 investment was made from the state's Texas Enterprise Fund in Green Star LED, which is relocating its headquarters to Boerne. The company makes energy efficient LED light fixtures.

Reeser named lone finalist for TSTC chancellor position

Michael L. Reeser (pictured), president of Texas State Technical College West Texas, was recently named finalist for TSTC System chancellor.

For more than a decade, Reeser has held executive positions with TSTC that include: vice president and dean of instruction for TSTC West Texas and chief financial officer for the TSTC System.

Early next month, the TSTC Board of Regents may take action on the chancellor position, which became open in August when Chancellor Bill Segura retired after 12 years.

Officials in Arlington break ground on College Park District
Officials from the City of Arlington, The University of Texas at Arlington and Arlington First Baptist Church recently broke ground on the proposed College Park District, a 20-acre development that infuses downtown Arlington with new student housing, shops, restaurants, outdoor spaces, parking and a 6,500-seat events venue.

The mixed-use project aims to revive downtown while growing The University of Texas at Arlington, which hit a record enrollment of 33,000 undergraduate and graduate students this fall.

Key elements of the development include: An $80 million retail and residential area with space for 1,800 vehicles and housing for 600 students; the $78 million events center that will become home to the UT Arlington basketball and volleyball teams; and a $2.8 million outdoor space for recreation. The events center is expected to be complete next year, while the residential development opens 2012.

Grant lets Sul Ross, Midland College partner on transfer project
Sul Ross State University recently received a federal grant for more than $700,000, which pays to create distance learning classrooms so that Hispanic and low-income students can earn Sul Ross degrees from outside university walls.

The project converts 58 Sul Ross courses into a format that students at Midland College, a partner institution more than 160 miles away, can access. Through the program, Midland-based students can earn four-year degrees in fields such as education, kinesiology and criminal justice.

The partnership will reduce financial barriers and "increase cost-effectiveness through resource sharing and collaboration," Sul Ross President Dr. Ricardo Maestas (pictured) said. The approved grant pays for the first year of this five-year, $3.87 million project.

Tarleton State, McLennan Community College renew partnership
Tarleton State University and McLennan Community College recently renewed a partnership that allows students on the McLennan campus in Waco to earn Tarleton bachelor's and master's degrees.

Tarleton offers seven master's programs and 26 degree programs through the University Center at MCC.

At a signing ceremony and celebration, Tarleton President F. Dominic Dottavio (pictured) said he was proud to help MCC meet "the education and work force needs of the community."

UTPA receives federal grant funds to purchase 'manikins'

The University of Texas-Pan American recently received a $278,658 federal grant for eight life-sized, human simulation manikins for nursing students.

With the manikins, students can try out diagnosing health problems, assessing "patients" and practicing skills on plastic people before contacting hospital patients.

"This will definitely help us," said Carolina Huerta (pictured), chair of the Department of Nursing of the College of Health Sciences and Human Services and the Lillian O. Slemp Endowed Professor in nursing. UTPA plans to eventually put many manikins into one large area, a "sim lab," that replicates a hospital.

UTMB announces opening of three clinics in League City
The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston opened three clinics in the League City area this week.

The clinics, which total a combined 15,400 square feet, offer rehabilitation services, oral surgery and ear, nose and throat care.

UTMB is proud to bring in services and treatments such as post-surgical therapy, speech evaluations, dental implants and jaw surgery, said Donna Sollenberger (pictured), executive vice president and CEO of UTMB's Health System.

UT Arlington engineering dean announces he will step down
Bill Carroll (pictured) has announced that he will step down as dean of the College of Engineering at The University of Texas at Arlington next August.

During his decade at the helm, the college has grown by a third to nearly 4,000 students, attracted distinguished faculty and scholars and expanded into new and renovated buildings. The $126-million Engineering Research Building is set to open in January.
 
After a brief leave of absence, Carroll plans to return to UT Arlington to teach computer science engineering and conduct research by September 2012.

 UT Dallas names Brunell, Maxwell as new leaders
Tom Brunell (right) and Sarah Maxwell (left) have been named leaders of the School of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences (EPPS) at The University of Texas at Dallas.

Brunell, EPPS professor of political science with a focus on elections, will serve as associate dean for graduate programs. He wants to attract more students to the master's and doctoral programs, which currently enrolls about 225.

Maxwell, clinical assistant professor in criminology and public policy, will take over as assistant dean for undergraduate studies. Maxwell will help the 1,300 undergraduates with academic issues and career planning, as well as recruit new students through off-campus events.

UNT to build advanced materials analysis lab
Next month, the University of North Texas will begin building a $6 million analysis and research laboratory at the university's Discovery Park, a 290-acre campus that promotes and supports science, technology, engineering and math education and research.

The state-of-the-art lab will allow UNT scientists to make new materials in a 3,000-square-foot clean room, a nearly pollutant-free environment, and then examine the materials at the near-atomic or atomic level at the university's Center for Advanced Research and Technology (CART).  This high magnification, which allows scientists to see interactions among atoms and molecules, helps determine how and why new materials and devices worked or failed.

The new center, which allows students, researchers and visiting scientists to work together, "is a major step toward integrating world-class research into our institution," said Vish Prasad (pictured), vice president of research for UNT.

Officials hear update on Williamson County Emergency Center
Williamson County leaders recently heard updates on the proposed $17.7 million Emergency Operations Center, which is scheduled to open in 2013 off the Georgetown Inner Loop.

During an emergency, the 27,300-square-foot command center will allow disaster responders - law enforcement, EMS workers, firefighters and others - to work efficiently under one roof, said John Sneed, county emergency services director. The new building, funded by certificates of obligation approved in 2006, will permanently house county health department officials, the hazardous materials response team, the emergency management department and a lieutenant and sergeant with the Sheriff's Office.

The new building will be built on county-owned land near the juvenile detention center, which currently serves as a makeshift command center when necessary.

CAPCOG hires John Rees as director of economic development
John Rees (pictured) has been named director of economic development for the Capital Area Council of Governments (CAPCOG), a regional association that deals with the problems and planning needs of 10 Central Texas counties.

Rees will oversee the association's economic data services, demographic analyses and research projects. He will also work with the federal Economic Development Administration to create jobs and spur economic growth, and provide economic development training to government agencies through CAPCOG's Regional Training Center.

Rees, who has worked as an economic development consultant in Austin, has a bachelor's degree from the University of Georgia and a master's degree from Georgia Institute of Technology.

San Antonio wants ordinance to assist more small businesses
San Antonio city staff recently began hosting information sessions about a new ordinance that aims to open up opportunities for small, minority- and women-owned businesses.

The Small Business Economic Development Advocacy ordinance, which goes into effect Jan. 1, 2011, includes the addition of a central vendor registry - an online registration program that ensures the city has up-to-date information on businesses, including the small, minority- and women-owned firms.

The ordinance was prompted by a 2009 study that showed disparities in city contracts to minority groups including Asian-Americans and women.

CAMPO replaces executive director
Maureen McCoy was recently named director of the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (CAMPO), a group that approves federal transportation funding for five Austin-area counties.

McCoy, former assistant director of CAMPO, has served as interim executive director since June. Before coming to CAMPO in 2001, she worked as a liaison for the Texas Department of Transportation.

McCoy has a master's degree from Auburn University.

Collin County airport wins $120,000 grant for update plan
The Texas Transportation Commission recently awarded a $120,000 grant to the Collin County Regional Airport in McKinney. The funding will be used to update the Airport Layout Plan.

The Airport Layout Plan is a part of the overall master development plan used by state, federal and airport officials to plan future infrastructure developments and facilities development that may require state and federal financial help.

The current plan was developed in 2004 and included a $71 million capital improvement program that will be completed when a current runway project is finished in late 2012, noted John W. Wroten Jr., chairman of the McKinney Airport Development Corporation. The new Airport Layout Plan represents the opportunity to outline and guide airport expansion through the next 10 years, he said.

Bay City adds municipal airport to city's strategic plan
Council members in Bay City recently appointed the mayor to serve as the point person in developing the Bay City Municipal Airport as part of the city's strategic plan to increase revenues at the facility.

The city should look at other municipal airports, such as the one in Lake Jackson that operates a restaurant that attracts business to the facility, said Joe Enoch (pictured), a council member. In the past, city officials have shifted airport management between the parks and recreation department and the sanitation department with personnel who had little training in operating an airport, he noted.

Council members also discussed hiring a private contractor as a fixed base operator to provide a wide range of airport services, and agreed that customer service is the key to a successful airport operation.

State Teachers of the Year to be named today
Two from a field of more than 330,000 teachers in the state were to be named today as the 2011 Texas Teachers of the Year.

The three finalists for Elementary Teacher of the Year are: Rachael Brunson of Great Oaks Elementary School in the Round Rock Independent School District, Daniel Leija of Esparza Elementary School in San Antonio's Northside ISD and Donalyn Miller of Trinity Meadows Intermediate School in Keller ISD.

Finalists for the Secondary Teacher of the Year are: chemistry teacher Jane Dunn of Little Cypress-Mauriceville High School in the Little Cypress-Mauriceville Consolidated ISD, biology teacher Beth Huckabee of Flour Bluff High School in the Flour Bluff ISD and English teacher Melissa Wafer-Cross of Lubbock High School in the Lubbock ISD.

Judges were to select one teacher to compete for the national Teacher of the Year award.

Bellaire High School upgrades awaiting city council decision
Bellaire City Council members are considering a request for approval for a proposed plan to build a $9 million, 55,000-square-foot new science wing and perform $1.8 million in renovations to Bellaire High School.

Houston Independent School District officials proposed the project to bring the facility up to code and provide more science labs at the high school. The plan calls for building a two-and-a-half story wing with a maximum height of 40 feet. 

If city council approves of the proposed plans, school district officials plan to ask Houston ISD trustees to approve final plans in January and begin construction in December. The new science wing should be completed in about one year, with the renovations to the existing building taking an additional six months, the architect for the project said.

Abilene ISD approves land swap to expand campus
Trustees for the Abilene Independent School District recently approved an agreement with the city of Abilene to finalize a 1.558-acre land swap to proceed with a $2.5 million expansion of Bowie Elementary School. City council members approved the agreement in September.

Once the school district determines the exact arrangement of classrooms, restrooms, library, entryways and other facilities, officials plan to place the $2.5 million project out for bids, said Joe Humphrey, construction coordinator for the district. The new wing will include 12 classrooms, a library, teacher workroom and a computer lab.

The tentative time scheduled calls for opening bids in February and beginning construction on the expansion in March, he said. The new addition should be completed in the fall of 2012, Humphrey said.

Corps pledges speedy analysis of levee soil on Trinity River project
A representative of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers recently pledged to work quickly to analyze results of additional soil testing required before levees on the Trinity River can be restored to 100-year flood protection.

The Corps should have enough data in January to determine if the design submitted by the city of Dallas is acceptable, said Col. Richard J. Moraski Jr., commander of the Fort Worth district of the corps. This past summer, corps officials required additional soil testing that resulted in about a six-month delay on the levee restoration project. Dallas city officials are rushing to meet the deadline for the Federal Emergency Management Agency to redraw city flood maps. If the levee improvements are not completed in time, the city flood maps will not reflect the existence of the levees, placing billions of dollars in property into the flood plain.

The latest soil testing should be completed in March 2011 and the new flood maps should be finalized in December 2011, which is the deadline for the city to complete levee upgrades to keep property along the river out of the flood plain. If the new soil testing requires only minor changes to the remediation plan, the city should meet the December 2011 deadline, said Assistant City Manager Jill Jordan (pictured).

Aransas County to apply for $100,000 grant for nature trail
Aransas County commissioners recently approved applying to the Texas General Land Office for a $100,000 grant from the Coastal Management Program to build a live oak nature and education trail.

The trail is being developed in partnership with the Aransas County Independent School District to protect a 13.4-acre tract of live oak woodland area. The group already received a $58,000 grant from the Coastal Bend Bays and Estuaries Program for the project.

The trail project is designed to improve storm water management along the Tule Creek watershed, protect the habitat, improve water quality and preserve the integrity of the Live Oak peninsula, county officials said. The county will be required to provide a 40 percent match, or about $66,667, if the grant is approved.

Roanoke approves design

for library upgrades
Roanoke City Council members recently approved a design plan for a proposed $4 million renovation of the city library and community center.

The plan calls for adding 1,000 square feet to the existing community center and expanding the current library to 14,000 square feet. The upgraded facility, which will be a combined library and community center, should be completed by mid-2012, said City Manager Jimmy Stathatos (pictured).

Willis ISD kicks off search

for new superintendent

Trustees for the Willis Independent School District recently set a goal of March 1 to find a new superintendent to replace Brian Zemlicka, the former superintendent who left the district in August.
 
A search firm is scheduled to present a list of applicants and its recommendation for candidates to interview on Dec. 1, while trustees set a goal of selecting a finalist on Dec. 15. It is hoped that the new superintendent can begin work in March.

Trophy Club selects Slye as

lone finalist for town manager
The town council of Trophy Club recently selected Michael Slye (pictured) as the lone finalist for town manager. Once the contract is finalized, Slye will replace Brandon Emmons, who resigned as town manager in March to accept another position.

Slye, who served as city manager in Burkburnett since 1999, is scheduled to begin his duties in Trophy Club on Nov. 8. Stephen Seidel, who has served as interim town manager, will resume his duties as assistant town manager.

Chester Nolen resigns as city manager in Cleburne
Chester Nolen recently resigned as city manager in Cleburne. His resignation is effective on January 31, 2011. He became city manager in 2001. Nolen previously served as a city manager in Hereford and as an administrator in Harlingen, Odessa and Bloomfield, New Mexico. City officials currently are discussing the best method for finding a new city manager.

Midlothian ISD green lights proposed $97.3 million bond

Trustees for the Midlothian Independent School District recently gave the superintendent a green light to proceed with actions necessary to call a proposed $97.3 million bond election in May 2011.

Trustees plan to ask voters to approve funding to pay for a new elementary school, additions to a middle school and phase one of a new high school. 

Palestine terminates Dale

Brown as city manager
Palestine City Council members recently terminated the employment of Dale Brown, who had served as city manager since January 2005. Council members are scheduled to meet today to appoint an interim city manager.

Buda road improvements

due thanks to state funding
Buda was recently awarded state funds of $750,000 to upgrade roads for a proposed $50 million U.S. Foodservice Inc. headquarters. The 290,000-square-foot project, which broke ground last month, is expected to employ 250 workers at onset, with the possibility of adding another 157 during the next decade.

James leaving Port of Houston Authority for new career
Argentina James (pictured) recently announced her resignation as vice president of public affairs for the Port of Houston Authority. James plans to start up a public relations firm and continue her eight-year relationship with the Port Authority as a consultant.

During her time with the Port Authority, James developed the award-winning public awareness campaign, "The Port Delivers the Goods," and helped create maritime education programs like Texas Southern University's Maritime Transportation Management and Security degree program.

San Antonio to use HUD funds

to fuel local development
San Antonio will use more than $24 million in federal grants to fuel community development and help low-income residents.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has awarded the city $15.8 million in community development block grants, $7 million toward affordable housing, $1.1 million to help AIDS patients and more than $600,000 toward emergency shelters.

Jones earns promotion as VP management at Port San Antonio
Danny Jones was recently promoted to Port San Antonio's vice president for management. 
 

In his new position, Jones will oversee industrial airport Kelly Field, 350-acre East Kelly Railport and all security functions.  Jones was previously airport manager of the port, which is the former Kelly Air Force base.

Lockhart officials moving

forward on library project
Lockhart City Council recently decided to move forward on a $1.3 million project to renovate and expand the adjacent Masonic Building and Dr. Eugene Clark Library. The project, mostly funded by certificates of obligation approved in 2009, is expected to triple the city library's current useable space. 

In the Masonic Annex, the first-floor children's area will be expanded, the second floor will hold most books and the third floor will house city council chambers. The historic Clark Building will return to its initial purpose as a community study and meeting area. Renovations are expected to begin in 2011, with local bidders receiving help preparing their bids.

Burkburnett appoints Don Ives

as interim city manager
Leaders of Burkburnett recently appointed Don Ives to become interim city manager, a change that takes effect early next month. Ives, the current director of administration, will replace Mike Slye, who has accepted a job as city manager of Trophy Club near Dallas.

Burkburnett city leaders plan to hire an outside firm to help search for a permanent city manager. The position may not be filled for several months.

Wichita Falls ISD mulling

$45 million bond election
Wichita Falls Independent School District trustees recently began considering whether to ask voters to approve $45 million in bonds to upgrade the district's secondary facilities without approving a tax increase. Tim Turner, the chief financial officer and a financial advisor also presented other options that would require increasing taxes.

Turner advised board members that they must consider the timing of an election and create a financial strategy to gain the benefits of the Existing Debt Allotment state assistance available to the district. He also urged trustees to seek Instructional Facilities Allotment funding to maximize state assistance. Two board members expressed support for having a plan for a bond proposal completed by December 2012. Superintendent George Kazanas (pictured) said he plans to ask trustees to grant authority to begin a secondary facilities study.

Aransas County seeking grant

to upgrade Tule channel
Aransas County commissioners recently agreed to submit a $353,400 grant application to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to pay for about $589,000 in improvements to the upper Tule Creek channel to prevent or reduce water pollution. The county will be required to contribute 40 percent, or $235,600, to qualify for the grant.

The channel area is a principal source of erosion problems and sediment discharged into Little Bay, county officials said. The plan calls for providing vegetated slope protection and widening to reduce erosion runoff and downstream sedimentation.

Tyler group reviews city's

proposed Master Plan
The Half Cent Sales Tax Corporation of Tyler recently began a review of the proposed Tyler Parks Master Plan consisting of 33 parks and recreation projects that would qualify for funding by the half-cent sales tax.

Members of the Tyler City Council and Park Board previously approved the plan, which presents a 30-year guideline for parks and recreation needs. The proposed plan includes many new hiking trails, more land acquisition and real neighborhood parks, said Stephanie Rollings, parks director for the city. The master plan also addresses a sports facility and aquatic center and upgrades to existing parks.

Killeen ISD approves

$267.3 million facilities plan
Trustees for the Killeen Independent School District recently approved a Strategic Facility Plan calling for $267.3 million in spending in the next seven years.

The newly adopted plan includes plans to spend $1.6 million for a new fire alarm system, $4 million for cabling and wiring for technology, $2.6 million for a synchronized clock and bell schedule system and $2.4 million for a voice-over-Internet protocol project. The plan, which is a guideline that can be changed by trustees, also calls for building a fifth high school.

Tyler group approves funding

for Tyler regional airport
The board of the Half Cent Sales Tax Corporation of Tyler recently agreed to help pay for a $74,520 wildlife hazard assessment and for part of a $150,318 project to improve security at the Tyler Pounds Regional Airport.

The corporation will provide $3,726 for the wildlife hazard assessment while the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will pay for the bulk of the $74,520 study mandated by the FAA, said Davis Dickson, airport manager. The Half Cent Sales Tax Corporation board members also agreed to pay $7,516 of the $150,318 cost of engineering services for upgrades to the airport. The upgrades include new electronic gates and other security devices and a grant from the FAA will pay the remaining costs, he said. Construction on the project should begin in early 2011.