Texas jails: state population increases fuel hike in crime

Growing need for more space strains local government budgets

As the Texas population continues to spike, so too will the increase in crime - and the need for more jail and prison space, according to Adan Munoz (pictured), executive director of the Texas Commission on Jail Standards. Munoz attributes the increased number of inmates in county jails and state prisons to a number of factors.

"I've seen an influx in the past 23 years due to counties and cities striving for economic development, and more people moving to urban areas," Munoz said. Texas has the highest incarceration rate in the nation, according to Munoz.

To deal with this influx, county jails across Texas have historically paid other jail facilities per-day fees to house inmates or held bond elections to provide funds for new construction. Both Midland and Smith counties are holding bond elections this year. If Midland County's election passes, some 288 beds will be added to the existing facility. Smith County, meanwhile, is planning for a new jail if its bond election passes.

Record numbers turn out for early balloting in Texas

Andrade says 13.4 million registered to vote in General Election

Record numbers of Texans turned out to cast their ballots Monday on the first day of early voting in the state for the upcoming November General Election. A record 13.4 million Texans are registered to vote in the election in which voters across the country will elect a new president and vice president. Early voting ends Friday, Oct. 31.

"I encourage voters to take advantage of the convenience afforded by the early voting period," said Texas Secretary of State Hope Andrade, the state's chief election official. "We anticipate a large voter turnout for the General Election." Andrade said by going to the polls early, voters can avoid the long lines expected on Election Day.

Andrade said her office has worked with county officials across the state, saying, "They are definitely prepared for such an important election." Some 190,000 first-day early voters were recorded during the 2004 election.

Two appointed to Texas Public Safety Commission

John Thomas Steen, Jr. (left) of San Antonio and Ada Brown (right) of Dallas have been appointed by Gov. Rick Perry to serve on the Texas Public Safety Commission. The commission has oversight of the Texas Department of Public Safety, the state's chief law enforcement agency.

Steen, a private practice attorney, is a former appointee of the Texas Commission on Economy and Efficiency in State Government and is a former chair of the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission. He earned his bachelor's degree from Princeton University and his law degree from The University of Texas. He fills a position newly created on the commission during the last legislative session.

Brown is an attorney at a Dallas law firm. She is a former Dallas County Criminal Court judge and prosecutor with the Dallas County District Attorney's office. She is a board member of the Dallas Bar Association and also teaches trial advocacy as an adjunct professor at Southern Methodist University's School of Law. Brown holds a bachelor's degree from Spelman College and a law degree from Emory University School of Law. She replaces Elizabeth Anderson.

UTEP garners TETF funds for desalination center

The University of Texas at El Paso Thursday was awarded $2 million from the Texas Emerging Technology fund to establish a desalination and water management research program. Officials are hopeful the project will lead to commercial ventures and help solve water shortage problems throughout the world. The grant will be matched with $2 million from UTEP and The University of Texas system. Another $2 million will be raised by UTEP in sponsored research from industry partners, bringing the total funding to $6 million.

UTEP's Center for Inland Desalination Systems will use existing research produced at the university and El Paso's desalination plant to establish the university as a leader in the field. The center will be led by Tom Davis (pictured), a nationally recognized expert in desalination technology who comes to UTEP from the University of South Carolina. The center will be housed in the university's planned 85,000-square-foot engineering and science building, which should open in 2010.

The center will partner with El Paso's desalination plant, which uses reverse osmosis to treat brackish groundwater, producing 27.5 million gallons of water per day.

DADS grants more than half million to various centers

The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services has awarded grants totaling nearly $540,000 to five select agencies around the state for the implementation of respective Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRC). Following is information on the awards.

• MetroCare Services has been awarded $99,720 for an ADRC servicing Dallas County, which will provide information and assistance to individuals needing resources from the public or private sector.
• The City of Houston has been awarded a $110,000 grant for an ADRC servicing Harris, Austin, Brazoria, Chambers, Colorado, Fort Ben, Galveston, Liberty, Matagorda, Montgomery, Walker, Waller and Wharton counties.
• The Lubbock Mental Health Mental Retardation Center has been awarded a $110,000 grant for an ADRC to serve Lubbock County.
• The North Central Texas Council of Governments has been awarded $110,000 for its ADRC servicing Collin, Denton, Hood and Somervell counties.
• The Sabine Valley Regional Mental Health Retardation Center is also set to receive a $110,000 grant for its ADRC servicing Gregg, Harrison, Marion, Panola, Rusk and Upshur counties.

TABC targets underage drinking on 6th Street

Underage drinkers beware. That is the message driving the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission's (TABC) Operation Fake Out, a cooperative venture implemented along Austin's 6th Street, a locale known for its bevy of bars, live music venues and nightclubs.

Tonight, inside these venues, doormen will conduct cursory visual scans of patrons' identification cards before a TABC official or peace officer inspects the ID more thoroughly using a magnetic strip reader. If the ID passes muster, the officer will scrutinize and compare the physical similarities of the ID photo with the person presenting it. Those presenting false or forged information will be arrested and charged with the appropriate ID-related offense.

Operation Fake Out is taking place in entertainment districts in most of the state's metropolitan areas and around college campuses. The effort allows retailers to work with law enforcement officials in curbing underage drinking and helps identify national security risks by signaling manufacturers of high-quality fake IDs.

Texas to get $96.4M to repair roads, bridges

More than $96.4 million in funding is being made available to Texas by the U.S. Department of Transportation to cover costs of repairing roads and bridges damaged by three hurricanes and two flooding events in the state. The emergency relief funds help pay for repairing or replacing damaged highways and bridges, establishing detours, removing debris and replacing signs, lighting and guardrails. The bulk of the Texas funding - $70 million - will be used for damages caused by Hurricane Ike.

The funds are part of the federal 2008 Disaster Relief and Recovery Supplemental Appropriations Act that included additional emergency relief funds. A breakdown of the funds allocated for Texas includes:

• September 2005, Hurricane Rita (additional request) - $3,460,240;
• July 2006, El Paso flooding - $14,947,260;
• May through August 2007 flooding - $6,087,304
• July 2008, Hurricane Dolly - $2,000,000; and
• September 2008, Hurricane Ike - $70,000,000.

More than 600 firefighters gathering in Bastrop

Bastrop will be the home for more than 600 firefighters from local fire departments and state and federal agencies across the country through Nov. 3 as the 11th Annual Capital Area Interagency Wildfire Academy got under way this week. "We're expecting a great response to this training as it is now the second largest in America," said Rich Gray (pictured), academy founder.

Students will participate in courses in helicopter operations, wildland power saws, dozer operations, ignition operations, emergency vehicle operations, fire investigation, incident command system, fire prevention education, tactical decision making in wildfire and basic wildland firefighting.

The academy is a coordinated effort by the Texas Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service, Texas Army National Guard, National Weather Service, Bastrop County Office of Emergency Management, The Nature Conservancy and local fire departments. Active fire seasons and multiple hurricanes in recent years have highlighted the need for specialized training for responders at all levels. A memorial service will be held to honor the 95 firefighters who lost their lives in the line of duty this year.

TCEQ awards RR Commission additional $12 million

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has awarded the Texas Railroad Commission an additional $12 million to help fleet operators in 34 counties replace forklifts, school buses and high-emission medium-duty trucks with propane-fueled, ultra-low emission equipment. The amount marks a total of $24 million the TCEQ has granted the Railroad Commission, the state's chief energy agency, for propane equipment replacements since 2004.

Commissioner Victor G. Carrillo (pictured) said the first $12 million has been geared toward reducing the amount of oxides of nitrogen (NOx) emissions by 2,314 tons, and the new funds will "help many more fleet operators clean up Texas air." Results have so far been excellent, he said.

For more information about the initiative, click here or call the Railroad Commission's Alternative Fuels Division at 800-64-CLEAR.

Five Texans up for AgriLife Extension/TPWD awards

Five Texas residents are set to receive the President's Volunteer Service Award on Oct. 25. The recipients are honored for donating more than 5,000 hours of service to the Texas Master Naturalist Program, a joint effort of the Texas AgriLife Extension and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Recipients of the Certified Master Naturalists awards include Steve Houser of Wylie, Jim Varnum of Farmers Branch, Sara Beckelman of Irving, Phill Huxford of Brazoria and Tracie Teague, also of Brazoria.

The Texas Master Naturalist Program was created to help both agencies meet their natural resource conservation, education and research missions, according to TMN Program Coordinator Michelle Haggerty. By providing more than 160,000 hours of service annually last year - valued at $2.8 million - Haggarty said the Master Naturalist volunteers are making "huge impacts."

The award was created in 2003 by the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation to honor those who actively engage in volunteer efforts with a demonstrated commitment to serve. All TMN volunteers receive the award when they reach the 5,000 hours of service milestone.

Cell phones confiscated from Texas death row inmates

The Texas Board of Criminal Justice amped up prison security after a death row inmate and other convicts made several hundred threatening cell phone calls to the public on cell phones apparently smuggled in to inmates. Gov. Rick Perry ordered the security measures, which included a lockdown of the entire prison system and a search of inmates, staff and visitors.

Since the search and seizure, more than a dozen cell phones have been discovered in the possession of inmates, adding to the growing total of retained contraband this year. Meanwhile, Texas prisons remain on lockdown in a sweep for any remaining cell phones. At least 10 inmates placed more than 2,800 cell phone calls over the past 30 days, including some to Houston Sen. John Whitmire. Whitmire, who chairs the Senate Criminal Justice Committee, has since demanded officials electronically block all cell phones in prisons despite a lack of permission from the Federal Communications Commission to do so, which is lawfully required beforehand. There is no indication yet if prison officials have planned to block cell phone reception from their units.

"Anyone who delivers or attempts to deliver cell phones or any other contraband to prisoners will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law," said Perry. "Let there be no doubt about how seriously we take this security breach."

Harris approves $1M for area law enforcement

Harris County commissioners recently approved nearly $1 million from the county's asset forfeiture fund to pay for upgrades to several area police agencies. Area agencies receiving funding include:

• Seabrook Police Department, which got $146,000 for audio-visual equipment to assist investigations;
• Constable Precinct 7, which received $134,700 for camera equipment and evidence lockers;
• Houston Police Department, which received $128,700 for drug analysis equipment;
• Memorial Villages Police Department, which got $124,400 for advanced fingerprint equipment, infra-red cameras, computers and software;
• Constable Precinct 1, which was awarded $119,500 for bulletproof vests and patrol car cameras; and
• West University Police, which was awarded $98,300 for digital car equipment, a portable automated fingerprinting system and bulletproof vests.

The Harris County DA's office also retained $111,800 of the fund to pay for interview equipment upgrades, $84,000 for scanners to reduce records storage needs and $48,000 for two investigation vehicles.

UNT approves fee for sports, entertainment venue

University of North Texas students have voted to help fund a new football stadium and entertainment venue through an unprecedented athletic fee. A Student Government Association referendum shows that 2,829 students voted in favor of the fee, and 2,038 students voted against the expense. The vote will allow for a $10 per credit hour fee (capped at 15 semester hours) to be tacked onto tuition costs once the project has been completed.

UNT Athletics Director Rick Villarreal (pictured) thanked students for support that "put us in a position to bring to fruition a project that I believe will have a positive impact on the entire university." Villarreal said he hopes to move the process along in an expedient manner so everyone can enjoy the facility as soon as possible. The sports and entertainment venue, which will replace the 56-year-old Fouts Field, is expected to open in the fall of 2011.

Because Texas law forbids state funds to be applied toward athletics construction, and student fees can fund no more than 50 percent of the cost, the facility can only be built with funds from private donors. As a result, UNT is committed to working with alumni and friends to see the venture through.

UTSA library dean interviews run through end of month

Three candidates are set to be interviewed during the remainder of the month for the library dean position at The University of Texas at San Antonio. The interviews are held as an open forum with the community invited to attend the sessions.

Interviewees include: Michael Binder, dean of libraries at Western Kentucky University; Krisellen Maloney, associate university librarian for digital services and technology planning at Georgetown University; and Sharon Weiner, dean of library services at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth.

Harlingen board member to oversee North Forest ISD

George McShan (pictured), president of the Harlingen Independent School District school board, was recently appointed by the Commissioner of the Texas Education Agency to serve as chairman of the Board of Managers for the North Forest Independent School District.

TEA Commissioner Robert Scott also previously selected Adrian Johnson, TEA's associate commissioner for accreditation, to serve as the new superintendent for North Forest ISD, which has an enrollment of about 7,800 students.

TEA took over operation of the district after it recorded a budget deficit of about $13 million and students scored low in testing. McShan said he is honored to be chosen from 7,000 school board members from across the state to help reorganize the district.

Nonprofits garner $50,000 grants from TSAHC

Five Texas nonprofits have each been named recipients of the first grants from the Texas Foundations Fund of the Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation. The funds - $50,000 to each entity - will be used for housing projects. The grant recipients include:

• Affordable Homes of South Texas will use its grant funds to construct one single-family home in rural Hidalgo County, provide more than 40 hours of homebuyer education and to leverage other government and private sources of funding.
• Foundation Communities will use its grant to fund supportive services for the residents of seven multi-family apartment complexes in Austin. The grant will leverage more than $372,000 in private, government and earned income funding.
• Midland Habitat for Humanity will use its funds to construct one single family home and 2,500 volunteer and sweat equity hours from the homeowner will leverage the grant award.
• Brazos Valley Affordable Housing Corporation will use the grant for the rehabilitation and/or critical repair of owner-occupied homes for the elderly or persons with disabilities in rural Brazos, Burleson, Grimes, Leon, Madison, Robertson and Washington counties.
• United Cerebral Palsy of Texas will use the funding for its Critical Home Accessibility Modifications Program (CHAMP) to help secure critical home rehabilitation assistance for homeowners who have family members with disabilities.

SHSU VP for finance, operations retires after 40 years

Jack Parker (pictured), vice president for finance and operations at Sam Houston State University, has retired after more than 40 years of financial leadership at the institution. Parker, in his four decades of service, has been a motivating factor in much of the campus' physical growth and improvements. Throughout his tenure with the university, Parker was instrumental in the acquisitions of the Sam South Complex, Gibbs Ranch and the property on which almost the entirety of the university's sports facilities and intramural fields sit.

Parker, a 1964 SHSU graduate, served as a Rotary International Fellow in Birmingham, England, before obtaining his master's degree at Texas A&M University. Parker later worked as a Certified Public Accountant and served as a Medical Service Corps Officer in the United States Army Reserve for 14 years, attaining the rank of major.

Parker saw to it during his time as chief financial administrator for the university that no personnel were laid off amid budget constraints. Parker said his mentor advised him to "put people first, money second and things third" and to never miss a payday.

Concordia to dedicate new campus on Sunday

After 80 years of serving students at its downtown location in Austin, Concordia University Texas this weekend will dedicate its new 400-acre campus in West Austin. The new campus features a 250-acre nature preserve and innovative architecture and design. In 2002, officials began developing the university's vision and strategic plan, realizing that future growth would have to be accommodated. Expansion of the downtown campus proved to be more difficult than would relocating the main campus. Thus, in 2005, the Board of Regents voted to relocate.

In 2006, negotiations began on property. The purchase of the Austin Hill Country Reserve was finalized in March of last year. A master site plan was created that included the six buildings on the property. The existing space was turned into classrooms, a library, student services space and a cafeteria. New construction included a performing arts auditorium, athletic field house, science facilities, dorms and sports venues.

Concordia President Tom Cedel (pictured) noted when the property was purchased, "This is the beginning of an exciting new chapter in Concordia's history."

That new chapter will culminate with the dedication service at 5 p.m. Sunday in the gym, with activities throughout the new campus. Campus tours and entertainment will be featured from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Following the 5 p.m. dedication services, free barbecue will be served.

Diboll council interviews 5 candidates for city manager

Diboll City Council members recently began interviewing five candidates for city manager, including two co-interim city managers who assumed the duties of Kenneth Williams, who resigned in August to assume the city manager's position in Buda. The five candidates being interviewed by the Diboll City Council include:

• Kent Havard, who currently serves as a co-interim city manager and police chief in Diboll;
• Elvia Estevez-Garza, who currently serves a co-interim city manager and finance director in Diboll;
• Victor Pena, an administrative services director for the city of Huntsville;
• Stephen Barnes, assistant to the city manager and economic development program manager for the city of Fort Worth; and
• Dennis McDuffy, city manager in McGregor.

San Angelo to upgrade to attract Little League tourney

The San Angelo City Council recently agreed to $233,000 in improvements to expand a ball field with the goal of attracting the Texas West Little League State Tournament. City Manager Harold Dominguez (pictured) said the organizing committee for the tournament expects to make a decision on the location by the end of this week, but insisted that ball field improvements must be made for the city to be eligible to host the tournament.

The tournament, with nearly 500 competitors and their families, could generate $2 million in economic activities for the area, by increasing sales tax revenues, hotel/motel tax revenues and boosting income for the city's restaurants, hotels and other retailers, Dominguez said. The tournament, currently played in Waco, is looking for a long-term agreement for a venue for the event that attracts teams from Texas, Oklahoma, Colorado, Louisiana, New Mexico, Mississippi and Arkansas.

The city's new $9-million, 80-acre Rio Concho Sports Complex, with its 15 ball fields, is expected to be completed in early 2009, Dominguez said. The Texas Firefighters Olympics already has signed an agreement to use the facility in July 2009, he said. The council agreed to expand a field for senior-level play to 325 feet and add a warning track and to use sod instead of grass sprigs to prepare the field for play.

SWTJC garners $1.7 million cost-reduction grant

The Southwest Texas Junior College (SWTJC) is set to receive a $1.7 million federal College Cost Reduction Act Grant over the next two years. Dean of Institutional Advancement and Technology Blaine Bennett said the grant will be used in conjunction with The University of Texas at Austin to implement high-level math and science courses in addition to lab-based science courses for area high school students.

Bennett said the school's goal is to make it possible for the region's high-ranking students to complete courses for an associate's degree within a year of completing high school.

College trustees commended Bennett on his work securing grant monies to expand SWTJC's services across the 11-county service area.

New director appointed for A&M System's AVSI

Dr. Lee K. Peddicord, director of the Texas Engineering Experiment Station (TEES), has appointed David Redman (pictured) director of the Aerospace Vehicle Systems Institute (AVSI).

AVSI, a research center administered by TEES and a member of the Texas A&M University System, is a cooperative venture between leaders in the industrial, governmental and academic sectors focused on developing aerospace systems technology.

Redman previously served as an engineer of special projects and engineering director for a major aerospace/aviation corporation. He has also served as an adjunct professor of physics at Idaho State University.

TAMU-Kingsville, Del Mar College awarded $2.3M grant

Texas A&M University-Kingsville has been awarded a two-year, $2.3 million grant to partner with Del Mar College to develop a services and strategies initiative that will enhance and promote student-engineering success. The grant is awarded by the U.S. Department of Education through the Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSI) program to serve Hispanic and other low-income, underrepresented students. HSIs are nonprofit institutions with a 25 percent or higher Hispanic enrollment.

Dr. Dann Brown, dean of University College at TAMU-Kingsville and author of the grant proposal, will oversee the grant project housed on both campuses. Brown said helping students achieve a degree from TAMU-Kingsville's Frank H. Dotterweich College of Engineering "is going to be the priority of our work together."

Initiatives supported by the grant include enhancing student success in engineering through transformative technology and promoting awareness of the engineering program. Brown and other faculty members are hoping the measure will increase the number of community college students transferring to TAMU-Kingsville for an engineering degree. Del Mar, previously named one of the nation's Top 100 associate degree producers, is recognized as one of the nation's leading community colleges. Another goal is to provide students opportunities to engage in undergraduate research TAMU-Kingsville's engineering college, working with faculty mentors on real-world applications of engineering concepts and principles.

UNT researchers gain funds to study jet engines

The University of North Texas has received a multi-million dollar government contract that will allow UNT scientists to study the causes of jet engine failure and how to develop stronger, more durable engines. UNT will garner $2.2 million in the current year and another $6.36 million next year from the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory in Ohio to fund the new Institute for Science and Engineering Simulation.

UNT Associate Professor Raj Banerjee (pictured), director of the ISES, said the research at UNT will help "maintain and extend the life of aging aircraft, prevent catastrophic engine failure and aid the Air Force in developing better materials for the next generation of aircraft."

Two existing and nationally recognized centers at UNT will contribute to ISES - the Center for Advanced Research and Technology and the Center for Advanced Scientific Computing and Modeling. Although the work is being funded by the military, findings may be applicable to the entire aerospace industry, including commercial airlines.

Boerne City Council approves $21 million capital plan

Boerne City Council members have approved a five-year capital improvement plan, the first of its kind for the city. The plan, presented in a workshop session before the start of a recent council meeting, was approved shortly thereafter.

The city's finance director, Sandy Mattick, outlined the $21 million proposal, which includes funding from other sources, such as the $10 million Herff Road and connector proposal, and $2.3 million from the Esperanza development. Other parts of the improvement plan are funded by the bond construction fund. Mattick in his proposal identified specific improvement needs, including $2.1 million for city pool and bathhouse renovations and $875,000 to develop a second city cemetery. City Manger Ron Bowman said the city has about 100 burials per year, too many for the space allotted at the current seven-acre city cemetery.

Other highlights in the plan include $150,000 for a compressed natural gas facility to fuel some of the city's vehicle fleet and $4.4 million for road improvements.

S. Texas Border Training Institute gets federal funds

The proposed South Texas Border Training Institute is set to receive an additional $1.2 million in federal funds to lay groundwork for the initiative. Federal and state law enforcement officials have partnered with the Texas National Guard, Texas A&M International University and Laredo Community College to form the effort's coalition. The center will train future border officials and help promote homeland security efforts.

For TAMIU President Ray Keck (pictured), that means improving "the way we understand each other within our country."

The program is geared toward developing a broader, more comprehensive - "and ultimately far more effective" - definition of what "homeland security" means. It's not about who has the biggest guns or the meanest people, Keck said.

College Readiness Standards meetings begin

The College Readiness Standards (CRS), as mandated by the 79th Texas Legislature, recently have been developed to bolster expectation and achievement levels for high school students across the state. The collaborative effort between the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB), the Texas Education Agency and secondary and postsecondary educators seeks to offer students a more seamless transition from high school to college or the skilled workforce.

Throughout October and November, the THECB alongside the Educational Policy Improvement Center (EPIC), will host a series of statewide meetings to increase awareness and support of the CRS venture.

For more information, including dates, times and locations for meetings, click here.

A&M Memorial Student Center to close for renovations

Texas A&M University officials recently announced the Memorial Student Center will close next summer for three years while a massive renovation takes place.

Kevin Jackson (pictured), assistant vice president for student affairs, said that closing the student center was more cost effective than the original plan for the renovation to take place in phases over a five-year period to allow the student center to remain open. Plans for the renovation are not yet complete, but should be ready by December 2008. A critical part of the renovation is updating the building's electrical and mechanical systems to bring those areas up to code, Jackson said.

Closing the 280,000-square-foot center could save 15 to 20 percent on the estimated $100 million to $122 million cost of the renovation project, Jackson said. University officials do not yet have a plan on where to locate the services offered to students, he said, but staff is identifying space across campus and in the community to house activities such as choral practice, club meetings and other student-related functions. Officials hope the renovations will be complete in May 2012.

Escamilla returns to Del Mar College as president

Dr. Mark Escamilla (pictured), a Del Mar College student from 1987 to 1990, returned to the campus this month as its new president. Escamilla, who previously was provost and chief academic officer at Tyler Junior College, completed his lower division coursework at Del Mar and then attended Texas A&M University, where he earned his bachelor's and master's degrees. He earned his Ph.D. from The University of Texas at Austin.

"I'm humbled and honored to begin serving the college that gave me the foundation for my professional life," said Escamilla. "I'm also thrilled to have the opportunity to positively affect the lives of students who grew up where I grew up. This is my dream come true!" Escamilla has promised a leadership style based on inclusion and accountability, and hopes to establish partnerships with organizations in the community.

Prior to his working at Tyler Junior College, Escamilla served TAMU-Commerce as assistant to the Dean of Students in 1997 and then became Interim Assistant Dean of Students in 1998. He also was the District-Associate Director of Enrollment Services with the Tarrant County College District in Fort Worth. While at Morton College in Cicero, Illinois, Escamilla first served as vice president of administration and later became executive vice president to serve as both chief academic and chief operations officer.

TEEX, TAMU win grant to study manufacturing climate

The Texas Engineering Extension Service in partnership with Texas A&M University recently received a $350,000 grant to study the critical success factors for manufacturing along the Texas-Mexico trade corridor.

The U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration awarded the grant to determine whether manufacturers who chose to stay in the United States rather than move operations overseas have the upper hand in the future. Preliminary results of the study suggest that manufacturers who moved operations to China and Southeast Asia are now confronting difficulties with quality assurance, increased inventory in the supply chain, currency risks and more logistical problems because of the great distance from the manufacturer to markets.

The study is part of Texas A&M University's Global Manufacturing and Distribution Research Initiative. The study will focus on the role of the region's ports, transportation routes and maquila industries in establishing the trade corridor of choice for targeted industries. When it is completed, results will be delivered in a series of conferences targeting industry and economic developers in South Texas and Northern and Central Mexico. The Mexico-Texas Trade Corridor Consortium comprised of major manufacturers and logistics providers also contributed more than $150,000 to the study.

Beaumont approves scaled-down recycling program

Following a pilot project, the Beaumont City Council recently approved a recycling program that will place a recycling bin in each of the city's four wards rather than curbside recycling as originally discussed.

Curbside recycling would increase solid waste fees by at least $4 a month, which along with the budget deficit in the solid waste budget caused by Hurricane Ike, would cause the city to have to increase fees by another $1.25, council members said.

Placing recycling containers in neighborhoods improves the city's effort to be green, encourages citizens to participate in keeping the city and environment clean and reduces the shock to taxpayers' wallets by lowering the cost, said Ward 1 Councilman Alan Coleman (pictured.) More bins may be added if the need arises, he said. The bidding process for a company to provide and collect from the bins could be completed in about six weeks, said Tom Warner, the Public Works director.

Regional Transportation Council cites outskirt plans

The North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) is set to receive a $3 million grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to redevelop brownfields, which are contaminated or unused properties. The grants were announced at a public hearing in which part of the Regional Transportation Council's (RTC) long- and short-term plans for quality-of-life projects along the outskirts of the Dallas-Fort Worth area were addressed.

A major goal of the RTC yet to be funded is construction of an outer loop corridor or rail bypass system around Interstate 35 to alleviate traffic congestion. Principal Transportation Coordinator Jeffrey Neal said NCTCOG is trying to accommodate and provide for the rapid growth of rural communities such as Johnson and Ellis counties.

Among other ventures in the works, Dallas-Fort Worth area residents can expect a larger transit system and more parking spaces at area train stations. According to Senior Program Manager Dan Lamers, more than 9,000 people utilize the transit system daily.

Lee College approves environmental program

Lee College officials recently approved a contract to significantly reduce energy use and fight carbon emissions following a recent announcement that it is the first institution of higher education to sign the Clinton Climate Initiative.

The contract with a Wisconsin-based energy consulting company calls for the college to reduce its total electric consumption by 35 percent and decrease its energy and water costs by 32 percent, said Interim President Dennis Topper (pictured). Improvements include adding a building management system and installing energy efficient heating, ventilation, air conditioning and lighting products.

Topper said the upgrades should enable Lee College to meet the energy consumption reduction requirements of SB 12, which requires each political subdivision, institution of higher learning and state agency to establish a goal of reducing electric consumption by 5 percent each year for six years beginning in September 2007. The college will meet the goals of SB 12 in 2009. Work begins this month and, when complete, all 35 of the college's facilities will be retrofitted, Topper said.

TxDOT, NTTA partnership to advance projects

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and the North Texas Tollway Authority (NTTA) have entered into a partnership that will advance three mobility projects in the North Texas area. NTTA will develop State Highway 161 for TxDOT to provide a toll equity loan to guarantee payment of eligible costs that are part of the development, operation and maintenance of the toll project.

The partnership also allows for the waiving of market valuation on Chisholm Trail and combining this project with Southwest Parkway, which is expected to speed up its completion. The NTTA's establishing feasibility and previously programmed Regional Transportation Council funds remaining committed to these projects means the NTTA will deliver the entire project and TxDOT will be relieved of its financial commitment to build major interchanges on the Southwest Parkway.

NTTA will commit an equity contribution of $400 million to be used on the development of these projects but also has the discretion to not undertake the project for any reason. The SH 161 project is an approximately 11.5-mile link in the loop around Dallas County. Designed as a limited access toll road, it will open as an all-electronic toll road on a phased basis starting in August 2009. Southwest Parkway and Chisholm Trail form a 28-mile roadway that will extend from the Fort Worth Central Business District in Tarrant County to northern Johnson County.

UTHSC-San Antonio tops $200M in external funds

For the first time in its history, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio has topped the $200 million mark in external funding from grants, contracts and other awards. The funding includes $107.2 million in research dollars from the National Institutes of Health and tens of millions of research program dollars. The Fiscal Year 2008 totals are 18 percent higher than the previous year.

UT-Dallas registrar Jarrell adds to duties

Dr. Karen Jarrell (pictured) will soon add a new title to her charge as registrar for The University of Texas at Dallas - assistant vice president for student financial aid and academic records. Jarrell, who has been with the university since 1997, will advise students as they apply for financial aid as well as manage various financial aid programs and staff in her new role. Additionally she will help facilitate financial aid and student records as they are transitioned to a new software system.

In her continuing role as registrar, Jarrell is responsible for registering students and maintaining academic records, which includes posting grades, changing majors and conferring degrees, among other duties.

Jarrell holds a master's degree from Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, where she has also served as registrar, and a doctoral degree from The University of Texas at Dallas.

Azle ISD planning increases to campus security

Officials of the Azle Independent School District recently agreed to increasing campus security with the addition of a computer check-in system for visitors, updating fire alarms and installing more security cameras.

By updating the District Safety Action Plan, Azle ISD should be able to meet state safety standards when district facilities are inspected again, said Ray Ivey (pictured), the district's director of administration. The district already has installed new fire extinguishers and soon will improve exit lighting at school campuses, said Skip McCambridge, director of student services. The new computer-based security system will require all visitors and employees to check their identification against a nationwide database to determine if a reason exists for the person to be refused access.

District staff also plan to ask the board to pay for replacing classroom doorknobs with ADA compliant safety levers, noting it will cost $20,000 just to replace the door knobs in one elementary school. The success of the 107 security cameras at the high school has prompted district staff to install more cameras at several elementary and junior high campuses. District staff will prepare an estimate of costs before presenting the proposal to board members for approval, Ivey said.

McKinney panel recommends extra $5M for center

The McKinney Community Development Corp. recently agreed to provide an additional $5 million for a convention center and hotel project. The recommendation was sent to the McKinney City Council, which must vote on the recommendation.

The city's sales tax-funded development corporation already had pledged $16.2 million to the multi-use project at Central Expressway and State Highway 121. The developer of the Bridge Street Center, which included a spa, offices, retail shops, restaurants, a movie theater and the Collin College Higher Education Center, suspended construction in early October.

Construction began on the hotel, convention center and college in February, but the spa and theater are on hold and the developer requested a one-year delay on the retail sites. The development board placed several conditions such as requiring the developer to secure a construction loan by mid-November, and any work stoppage without city approval would constitute a default on the entire financial agreement. If council approves the additional funding, construction on the project could begin about two weeks after the approval, a representative for the developer said.

McLennan hospitals will increase indigent care funds

A move by the McLennan County Commissioner's Court this week will result in an additional $1.2 million in federal funding making its way to hospitals in the county.

Commissioners agreed to pay $66,666 to the Medicaid Upper Payment Program which earns federal matching funds of $2.50 for every $1 invested by the county in support of local hospital Medicaid services.

This is the first time for the county to participate in the program and two hospitals in the county have entered into an indigent care agreement with the county and will split the funding. The agreement was in effect Sept. 1, and the payment by the court is for the third quarter.

The federal funds will bring the contribution for indigent care at the local hospitals to about $2 million per year. County Judge Jim Lewis said the county will spend about the same as in years past, but added the federal match will mean "a lot more money" for the hospitals.

Instant outbound message systems becoming the norm

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

As technology advances, "realtime" information is being pushed to citizens from many different sources. And in many cases, the information is sent to save lives.

Fear of campus violence has led many universities to implement emergency communication systems. Governmental agencies, fearing another terrorist attack, have implemented warning systems that push emergency information to employees. Cities, school districts and counties also have automatic messaging systems.

With leading edge technology related to mass notification systems, government and educational entities are becoming much more efficient - and effective - in sharing information "realtime" with citizens and students.

One popular notification program being implemented by governments, schools and institutions of higher education is a system that allows for outward bound pushed messages during emergencies. This particular program delivers outbound messages by telephone, e-mail or text messaging. The program includes a database of users and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) mapping to target a particular geographic area to which messages will be delivered.

El Paso approves master
plan for medical center

The El Paso City Council recently approved the master plan for the Medical Center of the Americas that will house the Texas Tech Paul L. Foster School of Medicine and the Thomason Hospital, which is part of the El Paso County Hospital District.

The plan includes the framework for the area between Interstate 10 and Alameda that will also house other tenants such as Texas Tech University, said Jim Valenti (pictured), chief executive officer of Thomason Hospital. In response to opposition from two council members who were concerned that the development would hurt existing homes and businesses in the neighborhood, Valenti pledged the hospital district would use eminent domain only as a last resort to implement the master plan.

Rockdale looking at future with closing of major plant

Rockdale city, county and business leaders are moving forward for a plan on how to deal with the loss of hundreds of jobs following an announcement of the closing of a plant by Alcoa, the city's largest employer.

The city must take steps to recruit other businesses that will be attracted to the city's skilled workforce, said Jim Reed, executive director of the Central Texas Council of Governments in Belton. Reed also advised the area's leaders to consider spending economic development funds to build a new office park rather than placing all hopes on a new manufacturing plant. He also recommended job fairs, a new marketing campaign and business incentives to lure new jobs into the area.

Salvato resigns as city manager in Taylor

City Manager Frank Salvato recently announced he is resigning from that position to be the city administrator in Bee Cave. Salvato, who served 10 years as city manager in Taylor, is slated to begin his new job in Bee Cave on Nov. 1. The Taylor City Council has not yet selected an interim city manager.

City of Houston may
face employee layoffs

Possible job cuts loom for Houston city employees. Jeff Miller, city finance director, said the city's sales tax revenues for Fiscal Year 2009 so far do not look encouraging, which means some city employees may be out of a job as early as next year. The new fiscal year began Oct. 1.

Miller said he is less concerned about the city's pension fund, though it has taken a hit from stock market fluctuations. He said contribution increases, approved by the council, should offset losses. Some council members have said they want to cut into other city expenses before laying off a single employee, although Hurricane Ike obliterated the need for some positions, such as the city's parking meter enforcement team.

Gilmer to spend $90,000
to repair fire hydrants

The Gilmer City Council recently authorized spending $90,000 to repair or replace 12 fire hydrants. City workers most likely will repair or replace the valves on existing fire hydrants, said City Manager Jeff Ellington (pictured).

City workers will not know which hydrants can be repaired and which must be replaced until the 12 hydrants are dug up and inspected. Replacing a fire hydrant can cost thousands of dollars, he said. The repairs will begin immediately.

Texas elections Web site ranked among nation's best

Texas is outranked only by Iowa for having the best state-run election Web site in the nation, according to a Pew Center on the States study released recently. The Texas site scored 75 of 100 points in the research study to determine which sites are the most user-friendly and offer the best information for voters.

The report is a result of the Pew Center's research on voter issues for the upcoming General Election. Texas' election site is run by the Secretary of State.

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to our subscribers

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Bangs ISD seeks grant
for video surveillance

Bangs Independent School District is seeking a state grant to fund a security video-camera system following a vandalism incident last month, which resulted in thousands of dollars worth of damage. Superintendent Bill Foster (pictured) said Bangs police are following up on leads, but no arrests have been made. Cameras were initially included in estimates for the new facility - the centerpiece of a $9.25 million bond issued passed in 2005, which had just opened for the fall semester - but were curbed due to expense.

In addition to extensive library damage, officials are unsure as to whether an egg-stained wall in the school's cafeteria will need to be replaced. More than $8,000 worth of food from the school's cafeteria had to be discarded after the vandalism incident.

NCTCOG surveying transit vehicle passengers

In an effort to learn more about travel patterns and demographics, the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) is surveying passengers of transit vehicles operated by the Fort Worth Transportation Authority (otherwise known as The T) and Denton County Transportation Authority. The survey will be conducted through November.

The survey's methodology includes trained surveyors on board-selected transit vehicles on almost all bus routes. Signs notifying passengers of the survey have been posted on each vehicle at least a week in advance. Survey results will be geared toward planning future service improvements and ensuring efficient use of public funds. The data being generated will also provide updated commuter travel information for NCTCOG's Dallas-Fort Worth Regional Travel Model.

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.

Patricia Gray was first elected to the Texas House of Representatives in 1991 and served until 2003. She was a practicing attorney for 22 years and served as a Special Assistant for Health Policy at The University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, also serving as a special member of the graduate faculty at the Institute for the Medical Humanities. She currently is Director of Research and External Affairs for the University of Houston Health Law and Policy Institute.

Sarah Weddington was elected to the Texas House of Representatives in 1972 and was twice re-elected. She resigned her House seat in 1977 to become general counsel for the U.S. Department of Agriculture. She later served as a special White House advisor to then-president Jimmy Carter. Weddington is best known for representing "Jane Roe" in the Roe v. Wade case in the U.S. Supreme Court. She currently is an adjunct professor at The University of Texas at Austin, teaches leadership courses at universities and travels the world on speaking engagements.

Alamo Community Colleges to receive $1.5 million

Methodist Healthcare Ministries is donating $1.5 million to Alamo Community College nursing schools at San Antonio and St. Philip's to address the local nursing shortage. Officials said the amount could triple over the next three years. The funds will be used to add 13 faculty members that, in turn, will allow the school to admit an additional 80 students. The two schools currently graduate about 267 registered nurses a year but the grant is expected to bolster that number to 316 by 2012.

Alamo Community Colleges' Director of Nursing Lula Pelayo said that although the colleges generally require master's level faculty, the new program will allow nurses with a bachelor's degree to train students on simulators while working on their own master's degrees.

Grant to El Paso police
will fight gang activity

Grant funds of $500,000 to the El Paso Police Department will go toward fighting gang activities. El Paso is the first of 13 Texas cities that together will benefit from $4 million in federal funds to fight gangs such as Barrio Azteca, the Mexican Mafia, the Texas Syndicate and MS-13.

The federal dollars allow law enforcement offices to pay overtime for officer patrols in areas where gangs are known to operate. Some of the gangs reportedly control the sale of cocaine, heroin and marijuana in El Paso. El Paso also was chosen because it is close to Juarez, Mexico, where crime and violent deaths are being reported. El Paso officials say money already coming in to the city for border operations has helped stave off crime and violence from Mexico and the new funding will further those goals.

Plano ISD may postpone $180M bond sale

Trustees for the Plano Independent School District may delay a $180 million bond sale planned for November because of the current economic downturn. Richard Matkin (pictured), the associate superintendent for finance, recommended the district sell only $17 million of the bonds in November. With interest rates increasing from 4.6 percent in late September to 6.1 percent in mid-October and few buyers in the market for bonds, Matkin said the district should wait until spring to sell the remaining bonds and hope that the current economic climate improves.

The district is still meeting its timetable for construction, but some projects may be delayed if the economy does not rebound by spring and cause another delay in selling bonds, Matkin said. Board members will vote on Nov. 4 whether to approve the $17 million bond sale.

City of Clarksville appoints Hobbs interim city manager

Pennye Hobbs has taken over as Clarksville interim city manager, replacing Doug Smith, who resigned last month. Hobbs has previously worked as a teller and loan officer, secretary and payroll coordinator in addition to her charge as Clarksville city secretary for the past four years. She attended business school at Texas Southern University before finishing her associate's degree at Paris Junior College.

Hobbs had filled in Smith's position as city manager numerous times, Clarksville Mayor Ann Rushing said, adding the transition has been a smooth one. Rushing said the city will begin interviewing soon for Hobbs' permanent replacement.

Freeport terminates
Beverly as city manager

In a 3-2 vote, Freeport City Council members recently fired City Manager Gary Beverly and appointed Police Chief Jeff Pynes as acting city manager.

Beverly had worked for the City of Freeport for six years before being appointed as city manager when former City Manager Ron Bottoms resigned. Beverly served as city manager for one year. Council members said they would begin a search for a new city manager soon.

Seguin EDC completes sale on Crossroads building

The Seguin Economic Development Corporation recently sold the 1001 Crossroads Building for $894,512.22 to a metal stamping manufacturer based in New Braunfels and Converse.

The SEDC had been negotiating the sale of the building after it took over a defaulted loan to a San Antonio-based communications company. The sale price of the building was $100,000 more than the balance of the loan, said Ramon Lozano, director of the Seguin EDC. The original loan amount was $1.1 million, which had been reduced to $766,745, he said. The owner of the metal stamping manufacturer said he planned on closing his operations in New Braunfels and Converse and moving 41 employees to the new facilities once the carpet is replaced and the building repainted.

Santa Rosa ISD confronts $800,000 budget shortfall

Trustees for the Santa Rosa Independent School District are targeting expenses and programs that can be cut to make up for an estimated $800,000 budget shortfall. Superintendent Heriberto Villarreal (pictured) blamed decreasing enrollment and the higher cost of fuel, electricity and food for the revenue shortfall. The district lost about $65,000 in state funding as a result of a drop in enrollment after 13 students left schools when their families moved out of the district.

The district budgeted an additional $140,000 to pay for increases in electricity costs, as well as $48,000 to cover projected increases in fuel costs and $62,000 for increases in food costs. Board members agreed to review other options for reducing expenses such as canceling field trips and reducing funding for classroom supplies before cutting staff.

Mitchell announces retirement at Andrews ISD

Superintendent David Mitchell recently announced his retirement from Andrews Independent School District. Mitchell, who had served three years as superintendent and three years as an assistant superintendent at Andrews ISD, said he plans to stay on the job until June 30 and then retire.

Brenham ISD looks at search for new superintendent

Trustees for the Brenham Independent School District took their first step in a search for a new school superintendent by listening to presentations from consultants who want to direct the search. The district is looking for a new superintendent to replace Superintendent David Yeager, who announced his retirement at the end of the school year.

Yeager, who has served as superintendent for almost nine years, said he expects board members to vote in November on whether to hire a private consulting firm, use the services of the educational service centers or conduct the search themselves. The cost of a search firm is about $7,000, he said.

The benefit of hiring a search firm is that the district is able to maintain confidentiality for those who apply for the job, Yeager said. Many applicants do not want their identity revealed because it can cause problems with the applicant's current employer, he added.

Recent Reports

• An Audit Report on Campus Safety and Security Emergency Management Plans at Texas Public Universities
• An Audit Report on Bexar Metropolitan Water District Expenditures
• An Audit Report on Performance Measures at the Department of Transportation
• SPI's May 2008 Municipal Bond Elections Report
• SPI's November 2007 Bond Election Results Report

Event Links

• TxDOT small, minority business briefings
• The Texas Public Purchasing Association Fall Workshop
• Texas Lyceum Public Conference
• Executive Women in Texas Government 22nd Annual Professional Development Conference
• TML Annual 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 - 10/17/08

Dallas ISD job fair draws nearly 600 unemployed

Nearly 600 individuals laid off by the Dallas Independent School District as part of its efforts to deal with a multi-million-dollar deficit showed up for a job fair held earlier this week. Many were disappointed that most employers at the job fair were not conducting on-site interviews, but accepting resumes instead. Among those laid off by DISD were approximately 375 teachers.

Education Commissioner Robert Scott was expected to visit the DISD today, Friday, for an update on the district's financial problems and the steps the district is taking to alleviate them.

TCEQ announces Texas Recycles Day on Nov. 15

Texas Recycles Day, a statewide campaign to raise public awareness of recycling, will be held on Saturday, Nov. 15, according to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. Texas communities, citizens, businesses, civic organizations and schools across the state will be helping to educate Texans on the environmental and economic benefits of recycling and reducing waste. The State of Texas Alliance for Recycling (STAR) serves as the lead coordinator for the event. Contact STAR for resources and information at www.recyclingstar.org.

Lee College picks four president finalists

Four finalists have been named by the Lee College Board of Regents in the college's search for a new president. The new president will replace former Lee College President Martha Ellis, who resigned after leading the college for six years. The finalists include: Dr. Michael Murphy, former president of the College of DuPage in Illinois, campus president at St. Louis Community College in Missouri and consultant to the Association of Community College Trustees; Dr. Anne McNutt, current president of Technical College of the Lowcountry in South Carolina; Dr. Lee Sloan, campus dean and dean of business, professional and technology education at Del Mar College in Corpus Christi; and Dr. Harold E. Nolte, Jr., president of the Ellis County campus of Navarro College in Waxahachie and former executive in student services at Kilgore College, Edison Community College in Fort Myers, Fla., and South Plains College in Levelland.

Jasper ISD selects Jon Whittemore as lone finalist

Trustees for the Jasper Independent School District recently selected Dr. Jon F. Whittemore (pictured) as lone finalist for superintendent. Whittemore has served as superintendent at Santa Fe ISD since 2001.

Whittemore also was superintendent at Bells ISD, and Healdton Public Schools, a principal at Commerce High School and at Wills Point Middle School, an instructional coordinator, a teacher and a coach. He has a Ph.D. from the University of North Texas. The appointment will not become final until after a required 21-day waiting period.

Three Texas cooperatives qualify for USDA loans

Three Texas electric cooperatives are among 33 rural utilities and cooperatives in 26 states to share in $1.8 billion in loans from the U.S. Department of Agriculture for building and repairing 7,600 miles of distribution and transmission lines that serve more than 90,000 rural customers.

The Brazos Electric Power Cooperative, Inc. received more than $695.6 million, the Deep East Texas Electric Cooperative, Inc. received more than $25.5 million and the Bartlett Electric Cooperative, Inc. received more than $7.2 million.

The loans are provided by USDA's Rural Development's Utilities Programs that seek to ensure delivery of affordable, reliable electric power to rural communities.

Lara selected by San Benito as new city manager

The San Benito City Commission recently appointed Manuel Lara as the new city manager. Lara has served as city manager in Mathis for 10 years. No decision has been made on when Lara will begin the new job.

Corpus Christi adding
more red-light cameras

Corpus Christi city officials recently said the city will add six more red-light cameras at several busy intersections.

City officials will select the intersections to get cameras in late November and the new cameras should be operational in January, said Captain Robert MacDonald, the photo enforcement project manager. The city already has 10 cameras leased from an Arizona-based company photographing vehicles that run red lights and issuing a $75 citation to the owner of the vehicle caught in the photograph. The citations have contributed about $10,000 in revenue since the first red-light camera was installed in April 2007, MacDonald said.

Royce City begins search
for new city manager

Royce City council members recently began looking into the process of finding a new city manager to replace former City Manager Karen Philippi, who was recently terminated. Interim City Managers Jason Day and Larry Lott are currently performing the duties of city manager.

Council members should appoint a committee to choose which search firm to use for the selection process and to review potential candidates for the job, Lott advised.

UH-Clear Lake may seek
4-year academic program

Officials with the University of Houston-Clear Lake are exploring the possibility of expanding the university to a four-year program that would include freshman and sophomore classes.

A feasibility report has been sent to UH System Chancellor Dr. Renu Khator (pictured). The proposal for the Clear Lake campus follows recent action allowing UH-Victoria to expand to become a four-year university. The two UH campuses are among the last four upper-level universities across the nation.

Aransas Pass on short list
for $400,000 grant

Aransas Pass appears to be on the short list for a $400,000 grant that will be used to repair boat ramps in Conn Brown Harbor, said Interim City Manager Mike Sullinger.

The city is first in line for that grant, Sullinger said, as no other cities seem to be in competition for the grant. If TPWD approves the grant, the city may have enough funding left after repairing the boat ramps at each end of the harbor to make other minor improvements around the harbor, he added.

Mexia bans cell phone
use in school zones

The Mexia City Council recently banned the use of hand-held cell phones by motorists in school zones. The ordinance instituting the ban is very similar to ordinances recently approved in Dallas and San Antonio, said Mike Clemonts of the Mexia Fire Department, who recommended the ban.

The ordinance will allow hands-free devices to be used by motorists. However, the device must require no buttons to be pushed, he said. The ordinance also provides an exception when a cell phone is used to call a doctor or 911 in emergency situations. The ban will be enforced only when school zones are active and warning lights are flashing, Clemonts added.

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Dallas approves pre-design contract for proposed hotel

Dallas City Council members this week approved a $4 million outlay for pre-design work on a publicly owned hotel to support the city's convention center. The $500-million hotel will be primarily funded by revenue bonds. The proposed project has not been without controversy, but council members continue to move forward on it.

Freeport interim doesn't want manager job

Freeport Interim City Manager Jeff Pynes, who is also the city's police chief, says he is not interested in taking over the manager's job permanently. Pynes is temporarily filling in the top administrator position following the firing earlier this week of City Manager Gary Beverly.

City officials expect the search for a full-time city manager to replace Beverly will take at least two to three months. In the meantime, Pynes will continue in his interim manager role and his full-time police chief position.

Belton approves $50,000 as matching share of grant

The Belton City Council recently agreed to contribute $50,000 for the city's match for a $300,000 grant from the Office of Rural Community Affairs.

If Belton's grant application is approved, the funding from the Texas Community Development grant program of ORCA will be used to pay for upgrading a septic pipe that will improve service to 1,748 residents along Sharon Road to Briggs Drive. The current pipe cannot provide services to all residents in the area, city officials said.

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

Publisher: Mary Scott Nabers

The Insider is published by Strategic Partnerships, Inc. (SPI), a research and consulting firm. Founded in Texas in 1994 by former government executives and public sector experts, SPI has developed a national reputation as the premier marketing partner dedicated to helping companies secure contracts in the $1.5 trillion state and local government marketplace.

To learn more about SPI services click here or contact our sales department at 512-531-3900.

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TxDOT hosting small, minority business briefing in Austin

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) will host a series of briefings throughout Texas to provide small and minority-owned businesses with information on how to do business with TxDOT. The briefings will offer information regarding how TxDOT procures services and purchases products. General Industry Sessions will include an overview of TxDOT toll projects and contracting opportunities on toll way projects, professional services consulting contracts and state contracting for information technology products and services. Several breakout sessions will be conducted on Small and Minority Business Certifications, Resources for Small Business Development and Marketing Your Business to the State. Each briefing will conclude with an industry networking session and reception. The first briefing will be held in Austin on Nov. 18 and 19 at the Omni Southpark Hotel. For more information, click here or call the Business Opportunities Programs Office toll free at 1-866-480-2518, option #2.

TxPPA plans Odessa 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.

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.

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.