Kimbrough returns to Governor's Office as chief of staff

Newby leaving post to co-chair hurricane recovery effort with Eckels

Jay Kimbrough (left) is returning to Gov. Rick Perry's office as chief of staff after the governor this week named current chief of staff Brian Newby (bottom left) co-chair of the Hurricane Ike Recovery and Coordination Effort along with former Harris County Judge Robert Eckels (bottom right).

Kimbrough currently serves as deputy chancellor and general counsel of the Texas A&M University System. He was twice deputy chief of staff to Perry and also previously served as the state's homeland security director. Most recently, Kimbrough was named by Perry as a conservator at the Texas Youth Commission after allegations of abuse arose within the agency. Kimbrough also is a former deputy attorney general for criminal justice with the Texas Attorney General's Office, where he continued to coordinate homeland security efforts for the state. He also is a former director of the Governor's Criminal Justice Division and served as executive director of the Texas Commission on Private Security and the Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse. Kimbrough will assume his duties on Monday.

Kimbrough was hired by the TAMU System in 2006 as deputy general counsel and kept that position while serving as conservator of the TYC. TAMU System Chancellor Mike McKinney named Deputy General Counsel Scott Kelly to serve as interim general counsel succeeding Kimbrough until a new general counsel is named. McKinney indicated he will not name a new deputy general counsel, eliminating that position.

The announcement of the appointment of Kimbrough came one day after Perry named Newby and Eckels to co-chair the hurricane recovery and coordination effort. The initiative will involve residents, business leaders and local and federal officials to help ensure that Texas communities devastated by Hurricane Ike have the resources made available to them that they will need to rebuild.

Local governments release 2009 legislative agendas

Priorities for many include transportation, higher ed, environment

Ready or not, the 81st Session of the Texas Legislature is set to convene in January 2009. Because the Texas Legislature plays a defining role in many areas that affect local governments, many cities, counties, schools districts and other agencies develop legislative agendas in advance of the session to outline their most important policy priorities. Some entities have already prepared their proposals, while others are expected to do so over the next few months.

A few generalities can be made regarding the legislative agendas that have been put forth to date. High priority city and county issues for the upcoming session include transportation, air quality, water initiatives, higher education programs, economic development and film production incentives.

For school districts, the school finance formula structure remains the number one priority as it was last session. Other priority areas include increases in technology/transportation allotments and adjustments to the state accountability system.

The following are highlights from a sampling of local government legislative agendas from around the state:

City of San Antonio

• The city supports renewed funding of $30 million for the Defense Economic Adjustment Assistance Grant (DEAAG). This grant program helps defense-dependent communities recover from base closure or military mission realignment by providing needed infrastructure improvements and creating economic development opportunities.

TYC out of conservatorship; Townsend to head agency

The state's troubled facility that houses juvenile offenders is out of conservatorship and has a new executive in charge.

Gov. Rick Perry this week issued a proclamation removing from conservatorship the Texas Youth Commission, which was put under conservatorship 18 months ago following widespread allegations of physical and sexual abuse of juvenile residents. He also named Cherie Townsend (pictured) executive commissioner of the agency.

"This has been a long and difficult road for the agency, but the culture at TYC today is substantially different today than it was 18 months ago when we placed TYC in conservatorship," said Perry. He said the agency has followed the direction of Conservator Richard Nedelkoff in implementing a reform plan for the agency passed during the 2007 legislative session.

Townsend, who began serving as executive director of the agency on Oct. 1, boasts more than 30 years experience in juvenile justice, most recently as director of the Clark County Juvenile Court Services in Las Vegas.

The agency has been operating without an advisory board since shortly after the allegations of abuse arose - with some executives and board members either being fired or quitting. The agency operated under a conservator and two executive directors prior to Townsend's arrival. Perry is expected to name a new board soon.

CPA's Gonzalez honored with 2008 Visionary Award

Victor Gonzalez (pictured), director of innovation and chief technology officer for the Comptroller of Public Accounts, has earned the 2008 Best of Texas Visionary Award from the Center for Digital Government. The award is given to "individuals with a vision of government made more accessible, more efficient, more open and more accountable through the use of technology."

Gonzalez was presented the honor for his work on the Texas Comptroller's nationally recognized Web site, an online check register outlining state agency expenditures, and for his role in revamping the comptroller's Crude Oil and Natural Gas tax system. (The tax system now has the capability to correct taxpayer errors as they occur.) Gonzalez is also being recognized for his membership on the Enterprise Resource Planning advisory council.

The Center for Digital Government, a national research and advisory institute, focuses on state and local government information technology practices. The Best of Texas awards are held in Austin.

Darby new commissioner at Texas Facilities Commission

William D. Darby (pictured) has been appointed the Texas Facilities Commission's newest commissioner. He will replace former Commissioner Jim Duncan, who stepped down in August.

Darby, a partner in a commercial real estate law firm, practices in commercial and residential real estate law. He holds a bachelor's degree from Angelo State University and a doctor of jurisprudence degree from South Texas College of Law.

Darby is a member of the State Bar of Texas and a host of other bar associations, including the Texas Young Lawyers Association and the Houston Bar Association.

O'Connell picked as director by Comptroller

Former Travis County criminal prosecutor Ann O'Connell (pictured) is set to take over as new special counsel and Director of Criminal Investigations for the State Comptroller's Office. O'Connell has more than 12 years experience as a prosecutor in Travis County. Her job as director began Oct. 13.

For her prosecution of child abuse cases, she has been recognized nationally and statewide. Austin Police Department's Organized Crime Division has also commended O'Connell for her legal counsel regarding narcotics conspiracy, gangs and other issues.

O'Connell received her bachelor's degree from Smith College before graduating from The University of Texas School of Law.

TCEQ officials meet with Mexico counterparts

Officials from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) recently met with leaders of their counterpart organization from Tamaulipas, Mexico, to discuss environmental concerns of both regions. New appointee Trevino Garza met with TCEQ Chairman Buddy Garcia (pictured) to learn how the agency implements environmental policy along the border.

Garcia said working with Mexico is a priority of his and added, "Environmental planning between our states is crucial for sustainable development...and important to future generations." Surface water monitoring along the Rio Grande and air-quality forecasts were among the topics discussed. Chairman Garcia and Garza concluded their meeting with discussions of a possible joint environmental plan between Texas and Tamaulipas.

TSLAC grant program to help storm-damaged libraries

To assist public and academic libraries that suffered damages during Hurricane Ike, the Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC) is granting $200,000 to restore library services through the Texas Responds grant program. The grants, funded by the federal Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) through the Institute of Museum and Library Services, are geared toward restoring or replacing equipment, furniture, library materials and supplies.

Peggy D. Rudd (pictured), TSLAC director and librarian, said helping libraries recover is "one of the best ways we can help their communities recover."

To apply for one of the grants, libraries must be located in a Texas county declared a disaster area. To apply contact TSLAC by Oct. 29. Application deadline is 5 p.m., Friday, Oct. 31. Fax applications to 512-463-8800, or for more information, contact Stacey Malek, TSLAC library development program coordinator, at (800) 252-9386.

Recipients named for Emergency Tech Fund investments

Gov. Rick Perry has announced the state will invest $4.5 million to help create the Texas Analog Center at The University of Texas at Dallas and a total of $1.75 million in three companies for the development and commercialization of their innovative technologies. The funding comes from the Texas Emerging Technology Fund.

The Texas Analog Center at UT-Dallas will focus on research related to analog and digital technologies to enhance the function of integrated circuits that utilize both signals. Codekko Software Inc. of Dallas will receive $1.5 million of the tech funds to improve the function and performance of computer servers. DentLight, based in Richardson, is geared to split $250,000 with Waco's Environmental Quality Management Associates for the companies' respective ventures in cutting-edge dental diagnostic technology and industrial waste-to-fuel transformation technology.

TEA sending ESCs funds to deal with BRAC

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) is bracing for student enrollment surges due to the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) that will bring thousands of new families to the El Paso, San Antonio and Killeen areas. Fort Bliss in El Paso alone is expected to triple in growth with an estimated 37,000 soldiers by 2012.

To fund additional field service agents - liaisons for school districts - Commissioner of Education Robert Scott (pictured) announced TEA's intent to transfer upwards of $300,000 to three Education Service Centers. "Any time there is a movement this large, there are bound to be issues," he said.

The state funds will be allocated to districts affected by BRAC in the following education service center areas: Region 12 (Waco), Region 19 (El Paso) and Region 20 (San Antonio).

TEF grants aviation and marine training company $116M

The Texas Enterprise Fund (TEF) will be granting FlightSafety International Inc. $116 million for the expansion of its Dallas/Fort Worth training facility. The venture is expected to generate 125 jobs and $100 million in capital investment.

Across North America and Europe, FlightSafety - the world's leading aviation and marine training company - prepares more than 75,000 aviation mechanics, attendants, dispatchers and ship operators each year.

The TEF was created in 2003 and has since become one of the most competitive bolsterers of business growth and recruitment in the state. So far the TEF has invested more than $364 million, generated more than 50,000 new jobs and reaped $13.6 billion in capital investment in the state.

TPWD looking to revamp parks, assist employees

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is working toward revamping state parks ravaged by Hurricane Ike and assisting displaced park employees. TPWD Deputy Executive Director Scott Boruff (pictured) said the agency is working aggressively to rebuild "in light of funding issues and other limitations."

The total cost of cleanup and repairs to Galveston Island State Park and Sea Rim State Park - two parks pounded hardest by the storm - is unknown still. "Right now we're still in the assessment phase," Boruff said.

TPWD is also working to aid more than 60 park employees left unemployed by the storm. The workers may apply for aid from the TPWD Employee Hurricane Relief Fund, according to Al Bingham, human resources director for the department. So far the TPWD Foundation and others have donated $110,000 to the relief effort.

September sales tax revenues up slightly from last year

September sales tax revenues for the state rose 3.7 percent from 2007, according to State Comptroller Susan Combs. The state took in $1.68 billion last month. Combs said that while growth "remains positive" overall, construction, retail trade and restaurants are showing signs of slowdown.

Sales tax allocations to Texas cities total $305.1 million, a 1.4 percent higher average than last year. Meanwhile, Combs sent $452.7 million in monthly sales tax payments to Texas cities, counties, transit systems and special purpose taxing districts, a 2 percent increase from 2007. For the year, local sales tax allocations are 6.2 percent higher than last year, and city sales tax allocations are up by 7.4 percent.

To view the allocations by city, click here. To view the allocations by county, click here.

College presidents to mentor community college leaders

Across the country, African-American college presidents and chancellors are working together to pass forward their knowledge to a new generation of successors through a venture known as the Thomas Larkin Institute for Mentored Leadership. As the number of college presidents retiring continues to increase in the face of a dwindling successor rate, the group has made it its mission to cultivate a crop of new leaders.

The committee, comprised of more than 25 percent of the nation's African-American college presidents, will focus on "Mentoring African-American Future Leaders in Education" at a national summit hosted by the Dallas County Community College District (DCCCD) in Dallas from Oct. 19-24. There mentors will meet with 12 of the country's community college leaders to address issues related to preparedness and readiness to head a four-year college or university.

Texas members in this year's highly selective class of proteges includes: Dr. Joy Black (top left), vice president of student success and enrollment management, Eastfield College (DCCCD); Vernon Hawkins (top center), associate vice president for workforce and continuing education, Mountain View College (DCCCD); and Zena Jackson (top right), executive dean of liberal arts, North Lake College (DCCCD).

Dr. Andrew Jones (bottom right), executive vice chancellor for educational affairs at DCCCD, is coordinating the initiative. Jones said the group of mentors is driven to "provide the next generation of African-American leaders in higher education with the knowledge, tools and skills that they will need to succeed."

Juvenile delinquency programs receive nearly $4M

Some 70 programs around the state are set to receive more than $3.9 million in allocated funds to prevent juvenile delinquency and improve the juvenile justice system. The grants, awarded through the federal Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act Fund (JJDP), are distributed by the Governor's Criminal Justice Division (CJD).

JJDP's focus is fixed on holding juvenile offenders accountable in addition to criminal prevention, intervention, juvenile rights protection and positive youth development. The funds are geared toward improving the juvenile justice system by developing education, training, treatment and rehabilitation programs.

The CJD allocates more than $113 million each year in state and federal grants to support juvenile criminal justice measures.

Brownsville ISD wins $1 million education prize

The Brownsville Independent School District recently won the $1 million 2008 Broad Prize for Urban Education, one of the most prestigious education awards in the United States. The district was chosen as being the most improved urban school district in the country.

The award, announced by the Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation in New York, will provide $1 million in scholarships for the district's graduating seniors. Scholarship recipients who enroll in four-year colleges will receive as much as $20,000 paid out over four years at $5,000 per year. Those who enroll in two-year colleges receive up to $5,000 scholarships paid out over two years at $2,500 per year. The scholarships are awarded to students with significant financial need and who show a record of academic improvement during their high school career.

Superintendent Hector Gonzales (pictured) expressed gratitude to teachers, parents, administrators and the community who helped the district win over several other school districts, including Aldine ISD in Harris County. Four finalists, including Aldine ISD and school districts in Broward County, Florida, Long Beach, California, and Miami-Dade County, will each receive $250,000 for college scholarships.

Regional COGs receive $2.5 million in funding

The Governor's Criminal Justice Division (CJD) has awarded $2.5 million to 24 regional councils of government to pursue locally based economic development initiatives and facilitate intergovernmental policies and procedures.

The funds, awarded through the State Planning Assistance Grant Program Fund, are geared to provide resources that will ensure community prosperity for future generations, according to Gov. Rick Perry.

The CJD allocates more than $113 million each year in state and federal grants to support criminal justice measures and victim services programs.

Port of Corpus Christi names new deputy director

Army Maj. Gen. Maynard "Sandy" Sanders (pictured) has been named deputy director of the Port of Corpus Christi. Sanders will supervise external operations in his new position, which is part of the port's long-range succession plan. His new charge begins Nov. 3.

Sanders is familiar with the Gulf Coast area. From 2003 until 2007, he oversaw military equipment headed to and from Iraq as colonel and commander of the 1192nd Transportation Terminal Brigade. Sanders said he got to know "the town, civic leaders and port officials" then. He has since lived just outside Washington, D.C., as an active reservist.

The port's executive director, John LaRue, said the newly created deputy director position would help scale back the number of people reporting to him. He and Sanders are looking to focus on two major projects -- the reversion of Naval Station Ingleside property to the port and the development La Quinta Gateway Trade Container Terminal in Ingleside.

Houston looking to new emergency radio system

Houston is readying for a $107 million emergency radio system that will allow rescue officials to contact one another in the event of a natural or man-made catastrophe. The city may approve Mayor Bill White's contract - which will mean more than 10,000 new radios for police, firefighters and other emergency workers - with a major communications company by next week. If approved, the move will be the largest equipment purchase in the city's history.

White (pictured) said the effort, which has the capability to combine all emergency departments into one channel, would make law enforcement and public works emergency functions more reliable. Many cities have upgraded radio communications since the Sept. 11 attacks; the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has awarded billions in grants for such security measures.

The recent devastation of Hurricane Ike threw the need for a new radio system into sharp relief. White said phone service was so sporadic in the wake of the storm that he often resorted to police radios for communication.

Brazos County withdraws from convention center deal

Brazos County commissions recently withdrew from an arrangement with College Station to use $25 million in county tax revenue to help pay for a convention center in the Northgate area.

The county had agreed to create a tax increment financing district to permit the city to issue $25 million in debt to fund the conference center and then retire the debt with a portion of future property taxes on the areas. The developer was to have contributed $37.5 million to the project. The county dropped out of the deal, said County Judge Randy Sims, because College Station was at a standstill on the project after negotiations with three developers fell through.

David Gwin, director of economic and community development in College Station, said the project is still a high priority for the city, which continues to devote resources to it. He said city officials are considering options, including building on Northgate and in other areas in town. He expects College Station officials will again approach the county about renewing the partnership once plans are further along. Texas A&M University also has preliminary plans to develop a conference center complex that would feature a hotel, a convention center, residential units, retail and open spaces and expects to complete a development by the end of 2008.

Harrison County approves $107,776 for Karnack ISD

Harrison County commissions recently authorized allocating $107,776 to the Karnack Independent School District. The county received the money from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in lieu of taxes on the Caddo Lake Wildlife Refuge. Federal law exempts federal agencies from paying taxes, but provides for payment of a sum that is more or less equal to the assessed taxes to taxing agencies.

Cozzetta Robinson (pictured), superintendent of Karnack ISD, said the funds will be used for a distance learning center for faculty and staff, replace school buses, update the school library and incorporate Wildlife Service activities on Caddo Lake into the district's curriculum.

The $107,776 represents the school district's share of funds from timber sales in 2004 and other revenue paid in lieu of taxes in the years following 2004, the county judge said. While the county receives the funding, it has an obligation to share that revenue with other taxing entities in the county by basing shares on the rate at which taxes are assessed.

Federal funds available to reduce pollution in NE Texas

Federal funds totaling about $400,000 are available to school districts, schools and bus operators in 16 Northeast Texas counties to reduce emissions of nitrogen oxides. The funding is available through the Regional Transportation Council and consists of federal air quality money and grants from the Environmental Protection Agency.

Bus operators may use the funds to replace buses, replace the engine or retrofit buses, said Amanda Brimmer of the North Central Texas Council of Governments. This program is separate from the diesel idling reduction program and the state's clean bus program that is focused on reducing fine particulate matter in diesel exhaust.

This program focuses on reducing nitrogen oxides, a precursor to low-level ozone. Bus operators in Collin, Dallas, Denton, Ellis, Johnson, Kaufman, Parker, Rockwall and Tarrant counties are eligible as are seven other outlying counties that adopt the council's Clean Fleet Vehicle Policy by Nov. 14.

Jim Ned ISD looks to wind farms for revenue

To take advantage of revenue from wind farms and to relieve overcrowding, trustees for the Jim Ned Independent School District are considering building more facilities. A study conducted last year found that elementary schools in Lawn and Buffalo Gap do not meet state standards for space per student or technology and that all four campuses in the 1,000-student district are overcrowded. The study also recommended that the district create a facilities plan.

Superintendent Kent LeFevre (pictured), who will soon retire, told board members he would like to be part of the planning and construction process. The district is collecting more revenue from wind farms within the district and the board allocated $2 million for construction in the 2008-2009 budget. The district's business manager said that revenue should be spent as a possibility exists that legislators will again change the state's school finance law. A bond election would likely be required, the business manager said.

Board members requested architectural firms to submit qualifications by Oct. 31. The firm chosen then would provide several proposals to give board members and taxpayers more choices. The district acquired 55 acres outside of Tuscola earlier this year.

State's unclaimed property list in Sunday papers

The annual Unclaimed Property List will be published in more than 30 Texas newspapers Sunday, and some 130,000 Texans may find they have money waiting to be claimed. The property includes forgotten funds held by banks and businesses that were turned over to the state when owners of the funds could not be found.

The list which will appear in Sunday newspapers includes only names of owners of at least $250 in unclaimed property reported within the last year. Those whose names do not appear in the list in the newspapers can check the Comptroller's Office master list at www.ClaimItTexas.org.

The Comptroller's office is holding nearly $2 billion in unclaimed property, in amounts ranging from less than $1 to more than $1 million. Some of the property has remained unclaimed for many years and includes such items as forgotten bank accounts, uncashed paychecks, dividends, insurance proceeds and abandoned safe deposit box contents.

UTPA announces new VP of university advancement

Janice Odom (pictured) has been appointed vice president of the Division of University Advancement at The University of Texas-Pan American after a nationwide, eight-month search. Odom previously served as interim and assistant vice president for Advancement Services at The University of Texas at San Antonio. She begins her new charge Nov. 1.

The move marks Odom's return to UTPA, where she had previously held director positions in University Relations, Stewardship and Annual Giving, and Alumni Relations and Special Events. During her five-year tenure as a development officer, Odom raised more than $5 million in gifts.

Odom earned her bachelor's degree at North Texas State University (now University of North Texas) and master's degree from New Mexico Highlands University.

Texas principals gear up for leadership conference

Public school principals and administrators for a second consecutive year are invited to participate in the Texas Principal Excellence Program, an in-depth, two-day orientation designed to improve leadership skills and professional development. So far more than 300 principals from across the state have signed up for the program, which kicks off this month in Arlington, Dallas, San Antonio and Houston.

The program, developed in collaboration by the Texas Education Agency and the University of Houston-Victoria School of Business, is geared toward integrating business and management training while staying focused on educational leadership. The initiative was created in 2006 by the Texas House of Representatives in an effort to bolster school performance through student achievement, graduation rates and teacher retention.

Goals for this year's orientation include increased understanding of the correlation between a principal's demonstration of effective leadership and high levels of student achievement, and an improved ability to network with other school leaders.

UTSA security center earns DHS grant funds

The University of Texas at San Antonio's Center for Infrastructure Assurance and Security will add to its coffers with $3.5 million from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The effort is geared toward protecting communities from cyber-related attacks. The cybersecurity think tank has received $26 million from the federal government since 2003.

CIAS Director Greg White (pictured) said students often do not get a chance for hands-on opportunities such as this and past CIAS ventures, including the nation's first "dark screen" mock network-hijacking exercise in 2002. In 2006, UTSA created the first annual collegiate cyberdefense competition, wherein students worked in teams to protect a computer network against actual hackers.

In an effort to bolster UTSA's premiere reputation as a leading research authority in cybersecurity, the university has also lured computer security expert Ravi Sandhu away from George Mason University with an endowed chair. Sandu has so far landed a million dollars in grants from the Department of Defense to develop and test government data-transfer models.

North Texas funding cuts may affect road projects

The Regional Transportation Council in North Texas has scaled back a version of the state's Unified Transportation Program that includes funding cuts to long-delayed projects such as the expansion of Loop 820 in North Richland Hills, Interstate 35W in north Fort Worth and Texas 114/121 in Grapevine. Unfunded projects such as these have been moved to a backlog list until more funds are flowing again.

Officials have predicted for weeks the economic crunch will temporarily impair projects, although Texas Department of Transportation representatives are optimistic. According to Maribel Chavez, a Fort Worth district engineer, shortfalls can be made up with alternative sources to the funds normally propelled by gas taxes, including toll financing and private developer contracts.

Tarrant County Judge Glen Whitley (pictured) said a decision "about whether we're going to build a whole bunch of half roads or we're going to build a couple of full roads" would have to be made.

UTSA cites new College of Public Policy interim dean

Dennis Haynes (pictured) has been appointed to serve as interim dean of the College of Public Policy at The University of Texas at San Antonio. Haynes, chair of the Department of Social Work, will occupy Jesse Zapata's position as Zapata takes on additional charges at the university.

Haynes holds a bachelor's degree from Brigham Young University, a master's degree from California State University and a Ph.D. from Florida State University. He has been with UTSA since 2003. A professor of social work, Haynes also serves as co-chair of the UTSA Department Chair Council and is a member of the outreach council.

A search committee will convene this fall semester to begin a nationwide search for Haynes' permanent replacement.

Tech president selects search committee for VP post

The search for a new vice president of research is under way at Texas Tech University. President Guy Bailey has appointed a 10-member panel comprised of university faculty, students, staff and community leaders to assist in the search. The committee will be chaired by Board of Regents member Bob Stafford (pictured).

Bailey said the vice president of research position is "extremely important" for the university as the institution advances toward Tier One designation. Bailey added research - "the creation of new knowledge," as he put it - is a priority at the university.

The vice president of research supervises initiatives to bolster external funding for the university's research mission in addition to overseeing a number of departments, including the Northwest Texas Small Business Development Center and the Center for Biotechnology and Geonomics.

Three new hires announced for SFA office

A new fundraising team made up of three new employees has been added to Stephen F. Austin University's Office of Development. The team's charge is to secure funding for the university through major gifts.

The team is comprised of prospect research analyst Greg Garcia (center) and major gift officers Craig Turnage (left) and Trey Turner (right).

Turnage said he is looking forward to giving back to the institution and "supporting the Office of Development's efforts to raise needed funds for programs and services." Turnage and Turner are both SFA alums.

Lackland AFB expands with $900M training complex

Lackland Air Force Base is set to break ground on the military branch's largest venture anywhere over the next six years - the $900 million Airmen Training Complex, a dining hall and dormitory complex to be completed in 2014. The project is set to start in May, just months after the base institutes a two-week lengthier basic training course for new recruits.

Col. Robert LaBrutta said San Antonio's latest investment in a big-ticket military project is something to feel good about "because we're going to be here to stay."

Some 20 new structures will be erected for the project, including eight 1,200-person training complexes with four dining halls. Two campuses with dorms will be built in phases with move-in dates expected as early as 2011. The facilities will replace complexes built in the 1960s and 1970s.

Texas Tech, El Centro College recipients of $4.9M grant

The U.S. Department of Education has funded El Centro College in Dallas and Texas Tech University a joint $4.9 million dollar grant to establish a partnership fostering degree and career opportunities in environmental science for underrepresented students. The Trinity River Audubon Center in Dallas, whose mission is to connect people to nature through conservation and education programs, will offer classroom and laboratory space for the venture.

The initiative will afford the increasing number of students beginning their education at community colleges a smoother transition to four-year science, math and engineering programs, according to TTU President Guy Bailey. "There is a great need in our state for people with degrees (in these fields)," Bailey said.

Valerie Paton (pictured), vice provost for planning and assessment, said the partnership she helped develop "is a testimony to Tech Tech's commitment to the state's increasing number of transfer students." Paton worked in tandem with John Zak, chairperson of the Department of Biological Sciences at TTU, and Tom Arsuffi, director of the Llano River Field Station in Junction, to bring the project to fruition.

Arlington may spend $2M to buy foreclosed homes

Arlington city officials are considering using $2 million in federal funds to buy foreclosed homes and resell those homes to low- and middle-income families - the first time the city has taken such action.

Under terms of the grant from the Housing and Urban Development Department's new Neighborhood Stabilization Program, the city may use the money to offer down payment and closing cost assistance up to $30,000 to assist buyers in getting favorable mortgage rates when buying foreclosed houses. Most of the funds will be spent in neighborhoods significantly impacted by foreclosures, said city officials, who expect to select the area as soon as next month. Arlington has an average of 100 foreclosures a month, primarily in the east by southeast areas of the city.

About $1.3 million will be available for middle-class families, for instance a family of four earning $77,500 a year, and $511,000 will be available to low-income families, where a family of four earning $32,000 would qualify, city officials said. The city has four years to use the grant and must resell the house for the amount it paid to buy, rehabilitate and sell the property, said the city's community services assistant director.

Bryan approves security cameras for downtown building

Bryan City Council members recently approved the installation of $103,000 in security cameras at the city-owned La Salle Hotel on Main Street to allow officers to review footage if a crime occurs.

The six high-quality digital video surveillance cameras will record 24 hours a day each day of the week, said Police Chief Ty Morrow (pictured). The city will contribute $80,000 of the total and a Bureau of Justice Assistance Grant and police department funds will pay the remaining $12,000 cost. Police officials also recommended installing more cameras in the next five years in high crime and busy commercial areas.

Morrow also said he hopes to purchase technology using unsupervised cameras to read licenses plates to track down stolen cars and identify people's faces to find fugitives as well as use portable cameras to watch areas where informants could tip off police to future illegal activities.

Sul Ross wins federal grant for water quality research

The Rio Grande Research Center at Sul Ross State University was recently selected to receive a portion of a $1,429,491 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to continue research on water quality.

The grant from the Agriculture Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Services program will continue a project which is studying sustainable agriculture water conservation in the Rio Grande Basin, said Kevin Urbanczyk (pictured), director of the Rio Grande Research Center of the university's Earth and Physical Science Department. Projects include education and outreach, mapping and monitoring of native and exotic vegetation in the Trans-Pecos, restoration of Kokernot Springs, evaluation of source of spring flow from cretaceous aquifers along the Rio Grande, the impact of upland areas near drainages on water quality in the Terlingua Creek Watershed and studying wintering grassland birds as bio-indicators of the basin's health, he said.

The $1.4 million grant will be shared by Texas State University, Lamar University, Angelo State University and Sam Houston State University. The University of Texas-Pan American, Utah State University and the Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory are also involved in the project, Urbanczyk said. Sul Ross will receive $633,057 to fund six projects. Since the program began in 2004, Sul Ross has received $3,120,824 in federal funding for the biophysical assessment of the Rio Grande Basin.

'Green' power plant planned for Henderson

The Henderson Economic Development Corp. (HEDCO) and Sunmark Energy of Dallas could soon break ground on a new $160 million "green" power plant in Henderson that will run on wood by-products. It marks the largest deal ever for HEDCO, which will put up $130 million in bonds toward the project.

Sue Henderson, general manager of HEDCO, said area officials are "very excited" about the project. "It does not affect the emissions in our air and it will allow us to have a big major project in Henderson without taking away from our environmental issues."

The plant is expected to mean 60 new jobs for the area and to produce enough electricity to power 40,000 homes. Officials hope for a construction start date of late 2009.

SFA among nine institutions chosen for economic summit

To address the current economic crisis, Stephen F. Austin State University was recently selected among eight other higher education institutions to participate in an initiative known as America's Future: Protecting the Fiscal Health of Our Democracy. The program is part of the American Democracy Project, a national effort to promote bipartisan civic engagement and efficacy among students.

Dr. Steven Galatas (pictured), SFA's program coordinator, said the project is timely in the midst of a fumbling economic system. The time to solve these matters "is not 20 to 30 years from now when things get worse. The time is now to have a dialogue...and offer solutions," he said.

Campuses will create and implement existing programs, monitor results and share research findings with leaders and universities in Washington, D.C. To prepare, SFA faculty and staff members will add discussions of fiscal challenges to their core curriculums.

UT-San Antonio receives $400,000 in federal grants

The University of Texas at San Antonio recently won two grants totaling $400,000 to improve mathematics and science education and for an HIV prevention program.

A $300,000 grant was awarded to the San Antonio Mathematics and Science Education Partnership to help the university attract the best professors, offer merit scholarships to attract top students and build more facilities for students and faculty.

An $83,333 grant will be used to establish a program targeting women attending minority institutions to educate those students on preventing HIV.

Richland Hills studies withdrawal from transit authority

Richland Hills city officials are considering withdrawing from the Fort Worth Transportation Authority and looking for a new bus provider. About 40,000 passengers from Richland Hills used The T, operated by the transit authority, last year.

The city pays about $750,000 to the transit authority annually with a half-cent sales tax voters first approved in 1992. Council member Larry Marrs (pictured) made the proposal, noting that the number of passengers using the bus service is low and that that money may be better directed to police and fire positions.

A spokeswoman for the transportation authority said authority officials would work with the city to maintain the service. The T offers Richland Hills riders a unique service where buses pick up passengers at their homes and take them to other locations in Richland Hills, including the TRE station. Residents also have access to T's Mobility Impaired Transportation Service for disabled services and service to and from the Dallas/Fort Worth Airport. Council members plan to review information provided by other transportation companies that would be willing to provide service to the city before reaching a decision.

College Station will improve area traffic signals

To improve traffic flow and safety, the College Station City Council agreed to support a multi-agency partnership to improve management of area traffic signals.

Coordinated by the Texas Transportation Institute, the project plans to coordinate traffic signals at intersections throughout Bryan and College Station, provide residents access to traffic information, permit officials to change light cycles for accidents and special events and maintain traffic information in a database for future research, said Terry Childers, assistant director of the institute.

A $1 million federal earmark and annual contributions from all partner agencies will fund the initiative, which could cost between $200,000 to $500,000 a year to operate. In addition to Bryan and College Station, Texas A&M University, Brazos County, the Texas Department of Transportation and the Texas Transportation Institute will contribute funding, Childers said. Each agency's share of the cost will be based on a formula, but the cost to College Station could be as much as $20,000 per year, he said. The funding plan should be available for review by January.

Linden-Kildare proposing $15M in bonds for expansion

Linden-Kildare Consolidated Independent School District officials are asking voters to support a $15 million bond proposal to build a new elementary school that conforms with state building requirements.

Superintendent Clint Coyne (pictured) said the bond proposal will pay for a new elementary school housing grades two through five. The current school was built in 1950 and does not meet modern requirements on classroom space and cannot support the technology used in education today, Coyne said. The new classrooms will be around 840 square feet to more than meet a Texas Education Agency requirement that require at least 700 square foot rooms in elementary schools starting in the second grade. Pre-kindergarten through first grade classrooms must be at least 800 square feet.

The proposed 72.000-square-foot building will be built next to the existing elementary school, which will be demolished or sold once the new school is built. The new building also would include a cafeteria and gym to be used by all grade levels.

Kilgore receives $50,000 grant for sports field

Kilgore recently won a $50,000 grant from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to transform a landfill area into practice sports fields.

The closed landfill at Synergy Park will feature movable soccer goals and walking trails to allow turning the closed landfill into usable space. The city will match the grant, said City Manager Jeff Howell.

Currently, Kilgore has six baseball fields, four softball fields and six soccer fields, but they are unavailable for practice while games are being played, said Howell. The fields need to be interchangeable so that many people and sports groups can use them, he added.

Midland ISD considering restructure of grades

Midland Independent School District trustees are studying two plans that would convert the district's grade structure to a middle school and a ninth through 12th-grade high school. A planning committee is working on a 10-year plan and a 20-year vision for the district and is expected to present the results to board members in Spring 2009. The committee recently narrowed its efforts to two scenarios.

With an estimated cost of almost $90 million, scenario A calls for grade levels to remain the same, with elementary campuses for students from pre-kindergarten through sixth grade, grades seven and eight in junior high, the ninth grade at freshman campuses and grades 10 through 12 remaining in high school, said Sylvia Garza (pictured), an assistant superintendent. Under this plan, a new elementary school would be built, classrooms and portable buildings would be added to elementary and junior high schools, Coleman High School would be expanded to accommodate 400 more students and an elementary school would be converted into an early childhood center that would house 500 students.

In scenario B, the district would also add classrooms to several elementary and junior highs as well as convert West into a historic center, build a new elementary school to replace Burnet and add 40 classrooms each to Lee and Midland High Schools and expand Coleman High School to accommodate 400 more students. The price tag for this scenario is almost $159 million.

Henderson spending $1.2 million to improve Fair Park

Henderson city officials recently announced they will spend nearly $1.2 million to renovate and improve Fair Park.

Three grants totaling approximately $660,000 from the Texas Department of Parks and Wildlife and matching city funds will be used to install park equipment, pavilions, a skate park and additional parking spaces, said Assistant City Manager Mike Barrow.

The city has almost completed the installation of cement walking trails in the downtown park and also expects to refurbish tennis courts in the park, Barrow said.

Governments turn to social networks, other online tools

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

Many employers may cringe at the thought of their employees logging on to social networks during work hours, but...as strange as this will sound to some...government agencies are beginning to see networking and other online tools as ways to communicate and share information.

The importance of these tools - whether a MySpace or Facebook or simply a blog - is that they connect people. And agencies are realizing that using them is an easy, inexpensive way to promote government services or to distribute government information to the public.

Numerous federal agencies are taking advantage of theses public "communities" created on social network sites. The Environmental Protection Agency's Facebook network includes more than 700 members, including all persons with EPA e-mail addresses. The Central Intelligence Agency has used Facebook to advertise job openings at the agency and to encourage students to apply. It is just another way the agency recruits college students.

City of Dallas meetings
to be broadcast online

City of Dallas meetings have gone digital, and now residents can watch the assemblies from the convenience of their computer screens online at the city's Web site. The site's development will continue in stages over the next several months. City Manager Mary K. Suhm (pictured) said city staff is excited by the new Web feature "as a further example of our ongoing efforts to increase public input and involvement in government." Suhm said the City of Dallas has made open government a priority.

The cutting-edge site will eventually include a keyword search and the video player window will include information about the meeting's agenda with direct access links to related agenda item discussions. Meanwhile, city meetings will still be cablecast on the Dallas City Channel.

Southside Place to hire architect for new complex

The Southside Place City Council recently directed a committee to report within a month with recommendations on hiring an architectural firm to create detailed drawings for a new municipal complex. Voters approved $4.5 million in bonds to build a municipal complex to replace the existing town hall, fire and police stations. A financial adviser said the sale of the bond could be completed by May 2009.

Council members also approved a $468,561 contract to replace several 50-year-old waterlines. They expect the work to begin in January 2009 and be completed in May. This is the city's first part of its $2.5 million water and sewer line replacement project.

Beckville ISD proceeds with plans for school expansion

Trustees for the Beckville Independent School District recently agreed to request competitive sealed bids for expansion of Sunset Elementary School.

Bidding is scheduled to begin Nov. 6, said Superintendent Devin Tate. Voters approved a $2.3 million bond to add four classrooms to the school and pay for technology and transportation upgrades. The goal is to complete the project in August.

Victoria Transit looking at cutbacks, rate increases

The rising cost of fuel has prompted Victoria Transit to consider cutting back on routes and increasing fares. Transit officials requested an additional $231,000 in funding to cover the increased fuel expense, but council denied the increase and instructed transit officials to reduce costs instead. Last year, Victoria Transit received a little more than $121,000 from the city.

The proposed changes include eliminating the Orange Line that travels along Business 59 , Highway 87 and Loop 463 and increasing by 25 cents the fare for adults and by 15 cents for the elderly, Medicaid recipients and children, said Les Garcia, the operations manager. Transit officials also may eliminate service from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. and the 10 p.m. to 11 p.m. nightly run, he said.

Dallas County awarded
$2 million Clean Air Grant

Dallas County recently received a $2 million grant to be used to reduce illegal vehicle inspections and fake inspection stickers in an effort to improve air quality.

Vehicles that cannot pass inspections often contribute more to air pollution than other vehicles. The regional council of government estimated that about 19 percent of vehicle inspections in Dallas County are improper or fraudulent.

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Marshall Fire Department awarded SAFER grant

A grant for $316,275 from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security will be awarded to the Marshall Fire Department to help pay for three new firefighter/paramedic positions. The Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) funds will allow the fire department to increase much-needed staff at a reduced cost to the city, Fire Chief Kenneth "Buzz" Snyder said.

The SAFER grant - awarded annually to career, volunteer and combination departments - was also, in part, allocated to Marshall to help meet nationally recognized staffing standards, Snyder said. To lessen local government reliance on federal government spending, communities that benefit from SAFER funds are required to provide an increasing grant match - from 10 percent to 70 percent within four years.

Marble Falls approves $13.5M public safety facility

The Marble Falls City Council recently approved a budget that includes a $13.5 million public safety facility.

The council authorized $11 million for a new police station next to the existing fire department and $2.5 million to expand and renovate the fire station despite objections from two council members who recommended smaller stations spread across the city. Council members also approved funding for a new water tower and water line to serve the new Scott & White regional medical center.

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.

Mark White served as the 43rd Governor of Texas from 1983 to 1987. He began his public service career with the state as an assistant attorney general and was appointed Texas Secretary of State by then-Gov. Dolph Briscoe in 1969. He resigned from that post in 1977 to run for Texas Attorney General, a post he held until 1983. His first run for governor was in 1982, beating incumbent Bill Clements. He lost to Clements in 1986 and then ran again unsuccessfully for a second term in 1990, losing in the primary to eventual gubernatorial winner Ann Richards. White currently is chairman of a Houston global security products company.

William P. "Bill" Hobby served as lieutenant governor from 1973 to 1991. He began his long career in government in 1959 as parliamentarian of the Texas Senate. In 1969, he was named to the Texas Air Control Board, a position from which he resigned in 1971 to seek the lieutenant governor's position. He was elected in 1972 and served five consecutive terms. In 1987, he announced he would not seek re-election, leaving office in 1991. Hobby then served as Chairman of the Board of H&C Communications in Houston until he retired in 1996. Hobby served as interim chancellor of the University of Houston from 1995 to 1997. He currently is an Adjunct Professor and Radoslav A. Tsanoff Professor of Public Affairs at Rice University and teaches a course in statistics at the University of Michigan's Inter-University Consortium for Political and Social Research summer program. He also continues to write columns for The Houston Chronicle.

Yandell resigns as finance director for Marshall ISD

Kevin Yandell, director of financial services for Marshall Independent School District, recently resigned to serve in a similar position at Humble ISD. Yandell served as director of financial services at Marshall ISD for a little more than 12 years.

Jefferson County seeks
funds for Ford Park roof

The Jefferson County Commissioners Court recently authorized staff to seek state-administered funds to improve the roof at Ford Park, which was damaged several times in the last few years by two hurricanes and several high-wind storms.

Human Resources and Risk Management Director Cary Erickson told commissioners that $10 million in funding is available statewide from a Federal Emergency Management Administration grant program to improve infrastructure that has been damaged repeatedly in past disasters.

TAMU official on National Security Education Board

David McIntyre (pictured), director of the Integrative Center for Homeland Security at Texas A&M University, recently won U.S. Senate approval to serve on the National Security Education Board. McIntyre also serves as director of the graduate level certificate for homeland security at the George Bush School of Government and Public Service.

The board oversees the National Security Education Program, which administers grants and programs to encourage international students. Its goal is to enhance the nation's ability to deal with foreign cultures and languages by educating more workers who are skilled in these areas. Seven cabinet-level representatives from the Departments of Defense, State, Education, Commerce, Energy, National Intelligence and National Endowment for the Humanities and six non-federal members appointed by the president comprise the board.

Amarillo PD gets federal grant to battle DWI

The Amarillo Police Department recently received a $120,000 grant to be used to catch drunk drivers and speeders. The city will contribute $13,000, as required by the grant. So far, 17 people in Amarillo have died in car accidents, five of those involving drugs or alcohol, police said.

Paris seeks ban on cell phones in school zones

The Paris City Council is studying a proposal to ban hand-held cell phones in school zones. Following a proposal by Councilman Edwin Pickle (pictured), council members asked that an ordinance be drafted that will prohibit motorists from using a cell phone to make a call or text message while holding the device at or near the ear while in a school zone. Motorists would be permitted to use hands-free devices and motorists calling 911 would be exempted from penalties, Pickle said. He also requested that areas around Paris Junior College be included in the proposed ordinance.

Pickle said he has spoken to school superintendents in Paris, North Lamar and Chisum and they were unanimous in their support of limiting cell phone use in school zones. Officers will write warnings the first month after the ordinance is in effect and signs will be posted warning of the cell phone ban, he said.

UT-Arlington raises free tuition cap on earnings

The University of Texas at Arlington is increasing the cap on what families can earn in one year in order to qualify for free tuition. The higher income limit has risen from $40,000 this fall so that any family earning less than $65,000 will be covered starting in January. The number of students covered by the plan is expected to increase from an estimated 550 to around 775. The Maverick Promise free tuition program will apply to all students enrolled at least half-time provided they qualify for a federal Pell grant.

The program began two years ago in an effort to help undergraduate students obtain a degree without the prohibitively expensive financial constraints associated with higher education. The income level cap increase is expected to cost UT-Arlington an additional $300,000 to $500,000 per year, Provost Donald Bobbitt said.

Taylor may delay bond sale until economy improves

The financial adviser for the Taylor City Council recently advised the city to pull back for a while on pursuing bond financing for city projects.

With interest rates increasing substantially, using municipal bonds at current interest rates would be nearly 1.5 percent higher than when the city last sold bonds, said Jennifer Douglas, the city's financial adviser. She recommended waiting until after the election to sell $17 million in bonds to pay for water and wastewater improvements and a regional park in Eastern Williamson County. She also suggested splitting the bond into two bond issues as bonds more than $10 million often lead to a higher interest rate. City Manager Frank Salvato (pictured) suggested creating a $10 million bond package in the near future and floating a $7 million bond issue later.

Lancaster bans cell phones
in active school zones

Members of the Lancaster City Council recently approved an ordinance prohibiting the use of hand-held cell phones in active school zones. Police Chief Keith Humphrey said the police found that motorists using cell phones are often distracted, which increases the possibility of an accident.

The city will observe a 30-day grace period and will alert residents by placing notices in water bills and asking the media to broadcast and print stories on the ban, Humphrey said. Motorists in violation of the law are subject to a fine of no more than $200.

Jacksonville moving forward with new municipal building

The Jacksonville City Council recently authorized architects to proceed with construction plans for the new $2.5 million City Municipal Building. The building will have block masonry construction, large glass windows and walkways and will use natural lighting so the building will be energy efficient. It will house the City Council chambers, municipal court, the city secretary's office, the finance department and the water department, said City Manager Mo Raissi (pictured).

The city will ask for bids on the project in about two months after city staff has processed the construction documents, Raissi said. He anticipates construction can begin in early 2009 and be completed in February 2010.

Federal mandates cited
for new school buses

U.S. Secretary of Transportation Mary E. Peters has announced a new federal regulation mandating the nation's new school buses be equipped with safety-enhanced features, including higher back seats, and lap and shoulder belts on small buses. The commission has also set safety standards for seat belts on new large school buses.

The new regulations will require that all new school buses weighing less than five tons have three-point seat belts and that all buses come equipped with 24-inch-high back seats instead of the current 20-inch requirement, which will prevent larger children from being thrown over the seat in front of them during a crash. For more information about the new mandates, click here.

Oak Ridge North approves new emergency alert system

The Oak Ridge City Council recently authorized the purchase of a new emergency alert system to notify residents of bad weather, missing children, evacuations and other emergencies.

The system will be programmed to call homes, businesses and cell numbers registered with the program and provide a recorded message of the warning, said City Manager Paul Mendes (pictured). The program costs $5,000 a year for 12,500 system minutes, or about 25,000 connected calls.

New academic adviser
at UT-Tyler announced

Dana Welch, academic success director at The University of Texas at Tyler has announced Renee Lampkin (pictured) will join the university staff as an academic adviser. Lampkin, a 2005 graduate of UT-Tyler, will work with freshmen students in the College of Nursing and Health Sciences to assist them in course selection and registration. She will also implement retention plans and work directly with other academic departments to ensure student success as part of her new charge.

Lampkin previously served as an admissions counselor for the university. Welch said this experience will serve her as she continues to work with students in this new capacity.

Recent Reports

• An Audit Report on Performance Measures at the Structural Pest Control Service
• SPI's May 2008 Municipal Bond Elections Report
• SPI's November 2007 Bond Election Results Report

Event Links

• The Texas Public Purchasing Association Fall Workshop
• Texas Lyceum Public Conference
• Partnership in Transit workshop
• 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 - 10/10/08

Governor's appointments

Gov. Rick Perry has made the following appointments:

• Jeffrey R. LaBroski of Richmond, presiding officer, Private Sector Prison Oversight Authority
• Sarah Abraham of Sugar Land, Private Sector Prison Oversight Authorityt
• Randall Henderson of Austin, Private Sector Prison Oversight Authority
• Rigoberto Villareal of Mission, Private Sector Prison Oversight Authority
• Larry Jacobs of Montgomery, Soil and Water Conservation Board
• Frederick Liles Arnold of Plano, presiding officer, Council on Sex Offender Treatment
• Ronnie Fanning of Woodway, Council on Sex Offender Treatment
• Alida S. Hernandez of McAllen, Council on Sex Offender Treatment
• Dan Powers of Carrolton, Council on Sex Offender Treatment
• Paul Glen Heller of Mission, Rio Grande Regional Water Authority Board of Directors

UTEP Center awarded additional $1.6M

The University of Texas at El Paso's Center for Defense Systems Research (CDSR) has been awarded an additional $1.6 million to fund research in defense systems and border issues. The award comes as part of the recently approved 2009 Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance and Continuing Appropriations bill. Vice President for Strategic Initiatives Jose Riojas (pictured) is working to synthesize efforts from the CDSR and the recently developed National Center for Border Security and Immigration.

UTEP's location, renowned research centers and collaboration with Mexican institutions primes the institution for its role as the National Center for Border Security and Immigration, as it was designated in February 2008. The center will receive $6 million over six years to address immigration challenges and long-term border security issues with other leading universities.

TCEQ gives Temple natural gas plant the go-ahead

Panda Energy International Inc. has received an air permit from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality for its natural gas power plant in Temple. The permit is the first to be granted under the commission's new, more stringent air quality standards.

Construction on the facility will take about two years. Once completed, the 1,000 megawatt plant will generate enough electricity for 750,000 homes.

Lancaster ISD places superintendent on leave

Trustees for the Lancaster Independent School District recently placed Superintendent Larry Lewis (pictured) on paid administrative leave. The board also appointed Assistant Superintendent Eugene Young as interim superintendent.

The Texas Education Agency in July assigned a conservator to the district after finding problems in the district's finances. Because of a projected $2 million shortfall, the school district is faced with a choice of employees taking a pay cut or laying off employees. The school board president said the shortfall may rise to as much as $4 million based on enrollment projections that were too high.

TCEQ extends environmental award nominee deadline

Nominations for the 2009 Texas Environmental Excellence Awards have been extended until Oct. 31. Each year the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality presents the awards recognizing waste reduction and natural resource conservation efforts in 11 categories. This year's new category for water conservation seeks to recognize innovations that address the state's long-term water needs in relation to its expanding population.

To nominate an individual, community, company or organization, apply online by clicking here.

North Central Texas College regents eyeing new facilities

Enrollment increases and continued growth at the Gainesville campus of North Central Texas College prompted college officials to develop a plan for campus improvements. NCTC President Dr. Eddie Hadlock (pictured) said he and the administration focused on the needs of the Gainesville campus first even though other campuses also have important needs. The most critical need is enlarging the health science facility and finding space for a Student Services building, Hadlock said. Normal infrastructure issues such as drainage and parking lots also are on the list of proposed improvements.

The estimated cost for a Health Science Center renovation or a new building could be as much as $8 million, officials said Options for funding include general obligation tax bonds, use of reserve funds, budget funding or finding external sources for the funding. Regents took no action on the report and Hadlock said he expected more discussion at the next meeting of the regents.

New Texas City bus
fleet ready to roll

To allow people to test the new Texas City Connect bus service, the city is waiving its $1 fee until Nov. 1. More than 30,000 potential riders could utilize the service during its first year, with rides to the city's commerce center likely boosting the city's economic revenues. The city is also considering expanding routes off Palmer Highway and providing a route to The University of Texas Medical Branch in nearby Galveston.

According to Mayor Matthew T. Doyle (pictured), two buses will run in 45-minute intervals Monday through Friday. Doyle said high fuel prices may spur ridership. The cost of running the fleet runs about $336,000 annually but with state and federal funds, the city will only foot about $79,000.

Carrollton-Farmers Branch superintendent on leave

Annette Griffin (pictured), superintendent of the Carrollton-Farmers Branch Independent School District, recently took a voluntary long-term leave of absence. A spokeswoman for the school district said she did not know how long the leave of absence would extend or the reason for the request.

Dr. Griffin previously served as superintendent at Duncanville ISD and Carroll ISD. Board members will meet this week to discuss appointing an acting superintendent.

Killeen ISD selects Muller as interim superintendent

Trustees for the Killeen Independent School district recently selected Dr. Robert Muller as the interim superintendent while a search is being conducted for a new superintendent.

Muller currently serves as deputy superintendent and will temporarily replace Dr. Jim Hawkins, who announced he will leave the district in December. Muller will begin his duties immediately.

Judges rules Dallas ISD can sell $1.3 million in school bonds

A Dallas judge recently ruled that the Dallas Independent School District can proceed with selling $1.3 billion in school construction bonds which had been blocked when a group of parents and community leaders filed a civil rights lawsuit against the district in July. Voters approved the bonds in May.

State District Judge Martin Hoffman issued the district an expedited declaratory judgment it had sought since September. While district leaders cheered the ruling as a victory for the district, they also acknowledged that even municipal bonds with a desirable bond rating are not finding many buyers in the current economic climate.

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Unpaid red-light camera citations draw action

Houston officials are looking to ramp up enforcement of the city's red-light cameras by denying vehicle registration renewals to drivers who have not paid fines after multiple warnings. The plan could be implemented before the end of the year if approved. More than $7 million in unpaid fines have resulted from offenders' unwillingness to pay the $75 fine for violating red-light laws.

Harris County Tax Assessor Paul Bettencourt (pictured), whose office handles vehicle registration, said there are a number of technical obstacles the city must hurdle before implementing the measure. "We've given the city a long list of items to consider," he said, adding the department has not heard back from city officials.

Joseph Fenniger, chief financial officer for the Houston Police Department, said the measure will finally give the city's two-year-old red-light camera policy some "teeth." As it stands, arrest warrants cannot be issued for those who do not pay the fine and the citations do not appear on motorists' driving records.

Dallas City Council: no tax
or ban on plastic bags

Despite pleas and recommendations from staffers, the Dallas City Council appears unwavering in its decision to not ban or tax plastic shopping bags. Environmental advocates have urged the council's Transportation and Environment Committee to consider a five-year reduction plan, if not eliminate plastic bag use entirely. Often the convenient bags end up as landfill refuse.

Eric Griffin, interim director of the city's Office of Environmental Quality, sees the bags as "a poster child for a consumer-based economy that values convenience above consequence." Both the bags' production and disposal create significant environmental problems, Griffin said. The council quickly eschewed Griffin's suggestion to levy a 5-cent-per-bag fee on Dallas customers. Members have agreed to focus on recycling measures instead.

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.

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TxPPA plans Midland fall workshop Nov. 5-7

The Texas Public Purchasing Association (TxPPA) will host its fall workshop Wednesday through Friday, Nov. 5-7, at the MCM Elegante Hotel in Odessa. Among the features of the workshop are roundtable discussions on excellence in public purchasing, innovation, best practices and leadership. There will also be sessions on the federal surplus program and escalation clauses. Basic purchasing track sessions will include basic terms and conditions, RFP negotiations, contract administration and more. The advanced purchasing track will feature sessions on real performance measures, leadership versus management, paperless purchasing, social responsibility and more. For more information, click here.

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.

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.