Texas Government Insider
Volume 8, Issue 44 - Friday, Nov. 12, 2010

Texas issues more than $13.9 million in Build America Bonds 

 

Funds used for schools, highway construction, water, sewer, energy projects, more

 

More than $150 billion in bonds have been issued in one of the nation's most successful programs resulting from the federal Recovery Act, with $13.987 million of that total in Texas. The Build America Bond (BAB) program recently released data showing the BABs issued by government entities through the end of October.

 

Road ProjectThese bonds have been designated for use by state and local governments for a variety of projects, among them construction of schools and hospitals, development of transportation infrastructure, water and sewer upgrades, transit projects, electric utility improvements and housing projects. To view a complete list of government entities issuing BABs in Texas and nationwide, the amount and what they will be used for, click here and look under "Recent Reports."

 

Through the end of last month, Illinois led the states in the issue of BABs with 192. California was close behind with 134, followed by Wisconsin with 128, Minnesota with 100 and Texas with 82.

 

The Lone Star State ranked third in total dollar amounts of bonds issued. California was ranked first as its 134 bond issuances totaled $29.655 million. Others that ranked high in total dollars worth of bonds issued included New York, whose 51 issues totaled $17.285 million, Illinois with $9.953 million from its 192 issues, Ohio with $5.58 million total in its 105 issues and Florida, whose 64 bond issuances totaled $5.21 million. 

 

[more]

 

Strategic Partnerships salutes Texas' Lone Stars

John MooreJohn Moore, director, Regulatory Enforcement Division, Texas Workforce Commission 

Career highlights and education: I have been working in state government for over 20 years. I earned a Bachelor of Arts in political science at the University of Missouri at Columbia in 1974 and my law degree from The University of Texas at Austin in 1977. I have been a licensed attorney in Texas since 1977. For the first nine years of my career, I was an attorney in private practice in Austin. In 1986, I went to work for the State Board of Insurance and began my career in public service. Since that time, except for a couple of years back in the private sector, I have worked as an attorney for the following agencies: the Texas Treasury,  the Texas House of Representatives Business and Commerce Committee, the Teacher Retirement System of Texas, the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy and the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC). I have been with the TWC since April 1998. I have been assistant general counsel, acting general counsel and general counsel for TWC. In 2005, I became the director of the Regulatory Enforcement Division of TWC, which is now the Regulatory Integrity Division. I currently oversee the Regulatory Integrity Division of TWC, which is responsible for ensuring compliance with all statutes and rules governing the programs administered by TWC. TWC administers over 25 programs, most of which are funded by federal funds. It is the mission of the Regulatory Integrity Division to protect the taxpayers' money.  Currently, I am also an adjunct professor at Texas State University in San Marcos, teaching in the Master's of Public Administration Program. 
 
What I like best about my job is: the challenges that I face every day. Because of the numerous programs administered by TWC, it is a challenge to keep up with the ever-changing programs and the statutes, rules and regulations that come with them. I work with a talented and hard-working group of people who are dedicated state employees who make it a pleasure to come to work every day.

The best advice I've received for my current job is: Make sure that you communicate with those you work for and with those who work with you. No one wants to be blind-sided. The more you can prepare those who you work for and work with for what is coming, the more prepared one is to address any problems that arise.

Advice you would give a new hire in your office: Be prepared to give your best every day at work. No one is perfect in what they do, but if you give your best, then that is all one can ask for. Mistakes will happen. When they do, admit them, learn from them and then move on. 

If I ever snuck out of work early, I could probably be found: on the golf course, any golf course! A round of golf is my therapy. It allows me to let go of all that is going on at work and to release all the stress that comes from the job. Remember, the worst day on the golf course is better than the best day in the office!

People would be surprised to know that I: like to sing and love opera. I am a cantor in my church and my wife and I are season ticket holders for the Austin Lyric Opera.

One thing I wish more people knew about my agency: That we are recognized nationwide as a leader in providing workforce and unemployment insurance services.  This is because we work as hard as any agency in state government to ensure that our customers receive the services they are entitled to. The agency has the most dedicated and hard-working people in state government. They are passionate about their work and are very innovative in solving problems and providing new and improved programs to the citizens of Texas. The Texas Veterans' Leadership Program, which provides workforce services to returning Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans, is an example of what TWC can do.

Chappell HonoredOrganization names TPWD's Chappell

Officer of the Year
Second-generation Game Warden Sgt. Brad Chappell, who has worked for Texas Parks and Wildlife for more than 20 years, was recently named the 2010 Midwest Officer of the Year.

 

The award is given by the Association of Midwest Fish and Game Law Enforcement Officers, which is made up of 29 agencies from the United States and Canada.


Chappell, who began his career in 1987 in Sabine County, soon moved to Panola County, where he stayed until promoted to sergeant. Chappell has investigated several complex fish and wildlife violations, including the illegal importation of deer into Texas. In the accompanying photo, Chappell (center) is congratulated by Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission Chair Peter M. Holt (left) and TPWD Executive Director Carter Smith.  

 

Brian Lloyd named new executive director at PUC
Brian Lloyd, deputy director of Budget, Planning and Policy in the office of Gov Rick Perry, has been named executive director of the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC), effective Dec. 1. Lloyd will replace former Executive Director Lane Lanford, who left the agency in August to accept a position for a reliability tracking entity.


Lloyd is a former PUC staffer, serving the agency for 10 years, including as director of oversight of the retail electric industry. He has been with the governor's office since 2008 as an advisor on energy and utilities policy. Lloyd holds a bachelor's degree from Louisiana State University and a master's degree from The University of Texas at Austin.

 

Sunset Advisory Commission may name new executive director
Ken LevineAt their Nov. 16 meeting, members of the Sunset Advisory Commission are expected to name a new executive director to replace Joey Longley, who retired from that position after 14 years on the job. Ken Levine (pictured), the deputy director, has been serving as interim executive director since Longley resigned.

 

The executive director is responsible for day-to-day operations of the Sunset Commission and planning the course of agency reviews, producing reports, conducting public hearings and interacting with the Commission and the Legislature.

 

Commissioners also are expected to listen to presentations from Sunset staff and the public on the performances of several state agencies: Texas Forest Service, Texas Department of Information Resources, the Texas Water Development Board, the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs, the State Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology and the State Committee of Examiners in the Fitting and Dispensing of Hearing Instruments.

 

Comptroller sends $541M in sales tax revenue to local governments
Tax RevenueLocal governments across the state will soon receive rebates from October sales tax revenues, which were up $1.62 billion - 6.6 percent - compared to last year.


Comptroller Susan Combs, who said sectors like oil and gas, retail trade and construction posted major gains, will distribute $541.4 million to tax districts.


Texas cities will receive $367.2 million, up 7.2 percent compared to a year ago; Texas counties will get $32.2 million, up 14.2 percent; local transit systems will collect $118.9 million, up 7.7 percent; and special purpose taxing districts will take $22.9 million, up 18.2 percent compared to last November.


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

 

Community colleges participate in grant-funded health care training
Nine Texas community colleges are partnering with Hospital Corp. of America and Universal Health Service to provide job training for health care professionals. The consortium will benefit from a $2.5 million Skills Development Fund grant through the Texas Workforce Commission. Texas State Technical College (TSTC) will administer the grant.


Participating will be Alamo Colleges, Amarillo College, Austin Community College, Grayson County College, Laredo Community College. Lone Star College, San Jacinto College, Tarrant County College and TSTC. The funding will be used for custom training for some 2,500 new and existing health care workers. They will include registered nurses and licensed vocational nurse who will earn certifications in a variety of medical specializations.

 

Texas November Bond Election

UT System approves $23M in computing enhancements
Jay Boisseau The 15 institutions that make up The University of Texas System are in for $23 million in computing enhancements approved this week by the Board of Regents. The enhancements are expected to increase high-performance computer connectivity, support research projects and lead to stronger collaborations among scientists in Texas and throughout the world. 


All of the institutions will be able to transmit and receive data at a much faster speed through an intra-system connection. The upgrades also will allow institutions to conduct projects using shared data storage so that multiple researchers at different sites can access a single data source. The enhancements will affect state-of-the-art communications for distance learning and conferencing.


"We're talking about expanding exponentially our research traffic capacity over a high bandwidth connection, which will facilitate new kinds of collaborations because it will make researchers more productive in their ability to access and transmit information," said Jay Boisseau (pictured), director of UT Austin's Texas Advanced Computing Center. 

 

UH College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics has new dean
Mark SmithRenowned researcher Mark A. Smith (pictured) has been selected to head the University of Houston's College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics. Smith will succeed 18-year dean, John L. Bear, who hands over duties on Jan. 1, 2011.

 

Smith, a former university administrator, will work to make UH a Tier-One institution, which means conducting more research in Houston as well as recruiting top-notch students and faculty. Currently in Texas, just three schools - Rice University, Texas A&M University and The University of Texas at Austin - are Tier-One ranked.

 

Smith, who plans to grow UH's medical and energy sciences, holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Oregon, a master's from Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a Ph.D. from the University of Colorado.  

 

V. Lane Rawlins to take on UNT presidency
Lane RawlinsThe interim president of the University of North Texas, V. Lane Rawlins (pictured), will be named the sole finalist for president of the Denton university.

 

While serving in the interim, Rawlins has moved ahead to better the university by forming four councils, which will oversee the key areas of capital projects, finance, enrollment and public relations. He also created a group to work on a single university strategic plan, which will likely include moves to increase enrollment and diversity, attract intelligent students and grow research funding.

 

Rawlins, who served as president of Washington State University from 2000 to 2007 and president of the University of Memphis from 1991 to 2000, holds a bachelor's degree from Brigham Young University and a Ph.D. from the University of California-Berkeley.  

 

Texas State, UTSA join Western Athletic Conference
Denise TrauthAt a press conference Thursday, Texas State University-San Marcos and The University of Texas at San Antonio became two of three teams to be accepted into membership in the Western Athletic Conference (WAC). The third team accepted was the University of Denver.

 

Ricardo RomoAs the WAC prepares to enter its second 50 years, WAC Commissioner Karl Benson noted, "These three schools will play major roles in repositioning the WAC for the next 50 years." The two Texas schools are currently members of the Southland Conference and will be making the move up from the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) to the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) in 2012. Benson said that puts the schools in post-season bowl games, puts teams in front of big audiences and allows them to win national championships.


At a press conference at Texas State held after the announcement, university President Denise Trauth (left) said, "Speaking for everybody who loves Texas State University, we want to thank our students for making this day possible. The students stepped up and said we want this and we are willing to fund it."

 

"We are very excited about this new partnership, which is a great fit for us and a significant step forward for the university and the entire city of San Antonio," said UTSA President Ricardo Romo (right).

 

$30 million wind farm lease approved by UT System regents
Colleen McHughA lease worth at least $30 million over 10 years for a wind farm operation in West Texas has been approved by The University of Texas System Board of Regents. The System has signed a lease with a private sector energy company that will erect 150 wind turbines on 18,000 acres of UT System land located in Reagan County. 


Regents' Chair Colleen McHugh (pictured) said the agreement "helps demonstrate our commitment to creating clean, sustainable energy" that not only benefits institutions in the UT and Texas A&M University Systems, but also benefits all of the state. Proceeds from the lease will be deposited into the Available University Fund for use by the UT and A&M Systems.  

 

Design of Tarrant County civil courts building is unveiled
Courts BuildingThe hotly-debated design of the $73.6 million Tarrant County civil courts building (pictured in the accompanying architect's rendering), expected to open in 2014, was recently displayed for county officials.

 

The 227,000-square-foot building in downtown Fort Worth spans seven stories, which will contain 12 civil trial courtrooms, one appeals court, a 2,800-square-foot courtroom for multiple-litigant cases as well as district clerk records and jury services for civil proceedings.

 
The environmentally friendly building, which is funded by a 2006 bond issue, has been designed to fit with other downtown buildings. The same sunset-red granite that colors the old courthouse and Family Law Center will again be used for the new courthouse. Other downtown design elements - like red brick pavers at the main plaza - will also be continued.

 

"We wanted a building people would be proud of in 100 years," said County Judge Glen Whitley. 

 

2011 Planning

Austin officials select semifinalists for APD police monitor
Austin city officials recently selected and are in the process of interviewing six semifinalists for the APD Police Monitor position, which drew 66 applicants in a nationwide search.


The monitor is responsible for listening to the public's grievances about police officers, ensuring complaints are managed fairly and working with the Citizen Oversight Panel on disputed Internal Affairs cases.


The six finalists are:

  • Cristina Beamud, executive director of the City of Atlanta Citizen Review Board;
  • Rebecca Bernhardt, policy director of Texas Defenders Service, and contract researcher with the Laura and John Arnold Foundation in Houston;
  • Ann del Llano, family law attorney and owner of Capitol City Solutions in Austin;
  • Margo Frasier, senior associate of Austin-based MGT of America and former Travis County sheriff;
  • Brian Johnson, Texas assistant attorney general and deputy director of the Texas Medicaid Fraud Control Unit; and
  • Renita Sanders, assistant police monitor for the City of Austin.

After all interviews, Austin officials will select finalists to go before a public forum. Officials hope to fill the position by December, when current monitor Cliff Brown leaves to become judge of the 147th State District Court.  


Ethernet inventor Metcalfe to lead innovation initiatives at UT-Austin
Bob MetcalfeRobert M. Metcalfe (pictured), inventor of Ethernet - the most used local-area network technology, was recently chosen to lead innovation initiatives at the Cockrell School of Engineering at The University of Texas at Austin.

 

Metcalfe, who steps into the new position in January, will serve as professor of innovation, electrical and computer engineering as well as fellow of the Clint W. Murchison Sr. Chair of Free Enterprise.

 

Metcalfe, who holds two bachelor's degrees from Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a master's degree and a Ph.D. from Harvard University, began his career at a California information technology company, where he co-invented Ethernet. He went on to co-found a digital electronic manufacturing company, and in the 1990s wrote a popular Internet column. He is now general partner of a venture capital firm that specializes in early-stage, information technology investments

 

"I look forward to helping bring even more innovative thinking into the classrooms and laboratories of the Cockrell School of Engineering," Metcalfe said. "What's more, I look forward to getting the fruits of that innovative thinking out into world markets where it can do some serious good."

 

Bexar County approves $13.8 million for site for new detention pond
Bexar County commissions recently agreed to pay $13.8 million for a shopping center in the northwest to make space for a new floodwater detention pond upstream of Woodlawn Lake.

 

The county will take possession of the flood-prone property in February and perform final environmental assessments and abatements in preparation for demolishing the buildings and constructing a 20-acre detention pond to hold floodwater that in the past has flooded major streets in the area.

 

Design of the retention pond is expected to incorporate public comments on proposed amenities, recreational features, landscaping, lighting, parking and other aspects of the flood-control project. The new retention pond is scheduled for completion by 2013.  

 

UTMB Health awarded grants for technology advances
Steve QuachThe University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston has been awarded $1 million in grants to fund two health information technology projects.

 

The first project aims to help researchers better understand the genetic origins of diseases by giving them access to huge amounts of hospital clinical data - with every patient name removed. The second project will keep tabs on certain chronic heart and lung patients in an effort to keep them out of the emergency room.

 

"We are pleased to be awarded the grants for these two important projects from the UT System," said UTMB chief medical officer Steve Quach (pictured). "Health information technology has great potential to improve health care practice and coordination, which ultimately improves the care we provide our patients." 

 

Smith County considering $33 million bond election in May 2011
Smith County officials recently said they plan to ask voters to approve $33 million in bonds in May 2011 to pay for expanding the jail.


Current plans call for the county to expand jail occupancy from 755 to 1,139 prisoners, said County Judge Joel Baker. This will be accomplished by adding 384 double occupancy, high-security beds, renovating the booking area, moving kitchen and laundry facilities to the low-medium risk facility, adding video visitations with inmates and creating an infirmary to make flow more efficient and help reduce the cost of transferring inmates to other counties. The county has spent more than $16 million to pay for housing inmates at other facilities because of overcrowding and state mandates to transfer prisoners, said Ann Wilson, county auditor.

 

Carolyn Miles Garber named LBJ School director of development
Carolyn Miles GarberCarolyn Miles Garber (pictured) was recently named the new director of development for the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs at The University of Texas at Austin.

 

Garber, who most recently served the same role at UT-Austin's McCombs School of Business, has experience in corporate development, policy research, financial campaigns and nonprofit work.

 

Garber holds a master's degree from Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs. 


Lamar University online nursing program named top bargain
Eileen Deges CurlLamar University in Beaumont has been applauded for offering one of the most affordable online graduate nursing programs in the nation.


A Texas resident can get a master's in nursing administration or education for about $11,000 - the second best bargain available, according to a Vermont-based online education consumer group. Indiana State University in Terre Haute, Ind., which costs about $10 less than Lamar, was named the most economical.


Nursing Department Chair Eileen Deges Curl (pictured) said those advanced-degree nurses are essential because they can become university faculty who teach younger-generation nurses, who will "meet the predicted shortage of nurses in the United States."

 

Opportunity Identification

Elgin ISD and Hays CISD to join ACC district
Voters in Elgin Independent School District and the Hays Consolidated School District recently voted to join the Austin Community College (ACC) District and soon will see the results of those votes. ACC officials expect to begin construction early this year on full-service campuses in both Elgin and Kyle. The campuses are expected to be open for classes in the fall of 2013.

 

Beginning with the semester beginning in January 2011, ACC students who live within the boundaries of Elgin ISD or Hays CISD also are immediately eligible to pay in-district tuition at a rate of $42 per credit hour as opposed to $150 per credit hour for out-of-district students. ACC will reimburse the difference between in-district tuition and out-of-district tuition to students from those two school district that pre-registered and already paid for spring semester classes, ACC officials said.

 

For students living in the three school districts where voters rejected the proposed annexation with ACC, their tuition rates will remain at the out-of-district rate. Because ACC does not plan to build campuses outside of its taxing district, ACC will not proceed with construction of campuses in San Marcos CISD or Bastrop ISD. Students in those school districts as well as those in McDade ISD may enroll at classes at the new campuses in Elgin or Hays County, but will pay out-of-district tuition rates, ACC officials said. 

 

Texas Tech professor Pelley receives teaching award
John PelleyTexas Tech University associate professor John W. Pelley (pictured) is one of 10 people selected to receive a distinguished teacher award from the Association of American Medical Colleges this year.

 

Pelley, who teaches biochemistry and cell biology at the Health Sciences Center School of Medicine, is known nationwide for introducing "concept mapping" - a learning technique that illustrates relationships among concepts like diagnoses, symptoms and test results - to medical and health care students.

 

During his 38-year career, Pelley has created numerous resources to help medical students learn both in school and after graduation.

 

Pelley, who has served as assistant dean for admissions and associate dean for academic affairs, holds a bachelor's degree from the University of South Florida, a master's degree from Texas Tech University, a Ph.D. from the University of North Carolina and postgraduate training from The University of Texas at Austin. 

 

Generation TX launches official Web site
The state program Generation TX, pronounced "generation Texas," recently launched a new Web site that advances the mission of creating a college-going culture in public schools across the state.
 
Generation TX, which was started by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and operated by Texas State University-San Marcos, put together a Web site that students can use to see what steps they must take to start college.

 

The Web site is teen-friendly with bright colors, Facebook and Twitter links, video testimonies, and an easy-to-navigate layout, which was created by the same design team that put together the Lance Armstrong LiveStrong campaign. For more information on Generation TX or to create a profile, visit www.GenTX.org. 

 

Alpine ISD to appoint citizen group to study bond issue
Jose CervantesTrustees for the Alpine Independent School District recently authorized the superintendent and the president of the school board to appoint a citizens committee to explore the possibility of calling a bond election to upgrade schools facilities.

 

The committee also will be charged with the task of determining the estimated cost of any campus upgrades or construction recommended by the group, said Superintendent Jose A. Cervantes (pictured). Trustees in 2009 reviewed a five-year plan for a multi-school campus, but did not schedule a bond election.

 

The architect's 2005 plan indicated the most critical needs for the district were a new high school to replace the 38-year-old high school and an athletic complex with softball and baseball fields included. The architect estimate for constructing two new school buildings, a gymnasium, shops, band hall, field house and upgrades to the softball and football fields would cost between $16.5 million to $19 million.

 

USDA awards $185,000 to Grayson and Fannin County groups
The Rural Development Program of the U.S. Department of Agriculture recently awarded $185,000 to two groups in Grayson and Fannin counties to use in helping improve economic growth in the area.

 

The City of Honey Grove in Fannin County won a $4,450 grant to help buy a jackhammer and backhoe attachments to be used to make repairs to city streets. The Fannin County Multi-Purpose Complex received $80,174 to pave the parking lot at the agency's complex to improve safety and provide a cleaner area.

 

The Gunter Economic Development Corporation won a $99,900 grant from the USDA Rural Business Enterprise Grant program to create a revolving loan fund to help new and emerging businesses in Grayson County. The loans will be available to businesses in Grayson County that generate less than $1 million in annual sales and have fewer than 50 employees. 

 

Subscribe

Fort Worth, Tarrant County join forces on emergency center
Juan OrtizFort Worth will have a downtown state-of-the-art emergency center in place by the time ESPN begins broadcasting Super Bowl coverage from historic Sundance Square next year.

 

Fort Worth and Tarrant County recently agreed to consolidate funds for a new 18,000-square-foot Joint Emergency Operations Center, which allows the county, city and others to join forces during a catastrophic event. The $5.3 million facility - paid for by the county, Fort Worth, suburb cities and Homeland Security grants - includes a command center, media briefing rooms and administration space.

 

"We can see each other and work with each other, which will help with the coordination and logistics," said Juan Ortiz (pictured), Fort Worth's emergency management coordinator.  

 

Round Rock narrows city manager search to five finalists
Round Rock City Council members recently selected five finalists for the city manager position. The new city manager will replace Jim Nuse, who accepted a position as city manager in San Marcos.
The five finalists are Vice Capell, city manager in St. Joseph, Mo.; Cindy Demers, assistant city manager in Round Rock; Jason Gray, city manager in Celina, Tx.; Steve Norwood, city manager in Prescott, Az.; and Frank Robinson, town manager in Apple Valley, Ca.

 

Capell has been at St. Joseph since 1990, the last eight years as city manager. He has also served in a number of executive-level positions there. Demers has been with the city since 1992 and has been assistant city manager since 2008. She has held a number of other positions with the city and is former accounting director for the State Bar of Texas.


Gray has been city manager in Celina since 2007 and previously worked as assistant and interim assistant city manager in Frisco. Norwood has been in his position in Apple Valley since 2008. He was previously president of The Woodlands Township and is a former director of public safety and deputy city manager for the city of West University Place.


Council members are expected to announce a finalist for the position on Nov. 23.

 

Did you miss S&L Pipeline?

Dallas to open two new branch libraries
Dallas residents will soon have two new public libraries, which both have earned LEED gold certification for energy efficiency.


The 18,000-square-foot Prairie Creek Branch Library has areas for both teens and children, public computers, wireless Internet access, laptop rentals and an outside nature area with public art.


The Pleasant Grove Replacement Branch Library dedicates some of its 19,500 square feet to a black box theater and public meeting space that can be accessed after hours. The library also has a 100-space parking lot, wireless Internet and self-checkout stations.

 

Kyle names city manager finalists
James EarpAndres Garza Jr.Lanny Lambert

A Kyle search committee made up of city officials, staff and community members has named four finalists for the city manager position.

 


Those finalists are:

 

  • Dan Brown, who was most recently the city manager of Palestine, and city manager of the City of Jersey Village from 1992 to 2005. Brown has degrees from The University of Texas at Austin and Sam Houston State University.
  • James Earp (left), who was hired as Kyle assistant city manager in 2006, and has been serving as Kyle's interim city manager since April this year. Earp holds two bachelor's degrees from Tarleton State University and a master's degree from The University of Texas at Arlington.
  • Andres Garza Jr. (center), longtime city manager of Wharton and, before 1994, held several administrative jobs with the city of Pearsall, including city manager from 1980 to 1994. Garza holds a bachelor's from Southwest Texas State University, now known as Texas State University.
  • Lanny Lambert (right), city manager of Leon Valley since 2007. Lambert, who has both a bachelor's and master's degree, has also served as city manager in several cities including Brownsville, The Colony, Abilene, Big Spring, Terrell and Seabrook.

Amarillo officials pick city manager finalists

From a field of 75 applicants, Amarillo city officials have selected five finalists for the city manager position and will conduct interviews next week.


The applicants are:

  • Interim Amarillo City Manager Jarrett Atkinson, hired by the city in 2004, ascended to the top position after the retirement of Alan Taylor. Atkinson, who has been heavily involved in the development of downtown Amarillo, holds a master's from Texas Tech University;
  • San Angelo City Manager Harold Dominguez has helped lower that city's tax rate by five cents while completing more than $58 million in capital projects. Dominguez, who oversaw health insurance change that saved the city half a million dollars, earned a master's degree from Tech Tech University; 
  • James Nichols, deputy city manager of Las Vegas, oversees the Building and Safety departments, Field Operations, Fire and Rescue, Public Works and Planning and Development. Nichols, who holds a master's degree from the University of Connecticut, served as the deputy city manager of Goodyear, Ariz., when it was named an All American City and a Most Livable City;
  • Jim Parrish, deputy city manager of McKinney, has served as director of human resources in Amarillo.  Parrish, who earned a master's from West Texas A&M University, served on the McKinney team that developed a $54 million bond package OK'd by voters this year; and
  • Longview City Manager David Willard, who helped improve that city's bond rating, has also served leadership roles in Odessa, Borger and Hutchinson County. Willard, a certified public manager, holds a master's from Sul Ross State University.

Beaumont ISD to proceed with planning for event center
Carrol ThomasA judge recently issued a ruling that Beaumont Independent School District can proceed with plans to gather more information on a proposed hotel and event center.

 

The judge in October had issued a temporary restraining order preventing further action on the project after opponents claimed the trustees were spending funds that were not authorized in a bond election. The judge ruled that no evidence was found that a contract had been signed or will be signed and trustees had not authorized spending bond money on the project. District officials argued that the hotel would not be owned or operated by the school district, but will be a public-private partnership.

 

Funding for the project would come from a private entity and from the general fund balance, Superintendent Carrol Thomas (pictured) said. He also said he expects $10 million in unspent funding remaining from authorized bonds and will check with the Citizens Advisory Bond Committee to inquire if the bond funding can be used for the proposed hotel and event center. The proposed facility will be used for staff development, convocations, basketball games, school carnivals and other special events, Thomas said. Several developers have shown interest in the hotel/event center project.

 

Tatum ISD eyeing $18 million bond proposal in November 2011
Officials of the Tatum Independent School District recently discussed options for asking voters to approve about $18 million in bonds in 2011 or 2012. The bonds could be used to pay for a three-grade, 460-student elementary school and to pay $500,000 a year in maintenance and operations cost until 2019, said Superintendent Dee Hartt.

 

The superintendent, however, urged trustees to wait until at least November 2011 to call a bond election as this would permit district officials to monitor changes in school finance following the legislative session beginning in January 2011.

 
The district can repay an $18 million bond package and sustain teacher raises without an increase to property taxes through the end of the 2018-2019 school year, but trustees would need to add about four cents to the tax rate after that, Hartt advised. Some bond funding also could be used to upgrade roofing or air conditioning at some campuses, Hartt said.

 

Dallas fast tracks $33 million streetcar line to Oak Cliff
A.C. GonzalezIn an effort to meet the requirements for federal stimulus funding, Dallas city officials recently unveiled a plan to fast track a plan to build a $35 million streetcar line from downtown into Oak Cliff.

 
A $23 million federal stimulus grant is providing a majority of the funding to pay for planning, an environment assessment and construction of the streetcar line along the Houston Street Viaduct, said Assistant City Manager A.C. Gonzalez (pictured). The city will combine other transportation funding to paying the remaining $12 million cost of the transportation project that must be completed by the end of 2013.

 

The council should focus on expanding the Oak Cliff street car line into the Bishop Arts district to attract even more riders, a Dallas council member said. Building a system that would serve downtown, Oak Cliff and Bishop Arts would most likely cost between $600 million to $800 million, Gonzalez said.

 

Bonham seeking $50,000 grant to buy police cameras
Bonham city officials recently applied for a $50,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to pay for digital cameras for the police department.

 

Police now use cameras with VHS tapes, but that system takes too long to access and officers must spend time replacing and turning in tapes, said City Manager Corby Alexander. Police also struggle to find new VHS cassette tapes as most outlets no longer sell them.

 

The grant will cover more than half of the cost to upgrade to a digital radio system, Alexander said. A decision on the grant application should be made in January 2011. 

 



TASSCC planning December State of the State Conference
Raymund A Paredes, commissioner of higher education with the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, and former Chief Deputy Comptroller Billy Hamilton will be among the speakers for the Dec. 10 Texas Association of State Systems for Computing and Communications State of the State Conference. The 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. conference will be  held at the Austin Sheraton Hotel. Paredes will discuss higher education in the state and Hamilton will give an overview of what to expect in the upcoming legislative session. There will also be sessions that discuss the value of information technology, communicating in a maritime crisis and e-Health. A panel of experts from the Texas Department of Information Resources will also participate. To view the agenda, click here. To register, click here. 

 

CPRIT plans 2010 Inaugural Conference in November
Join the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) on Nov. 17-19 to participate in a high-level program of insightful presentations and panel discussions about innovative discoveries and practices that are pioneering the fight against cancer. Plenary and breakout sessions will showcase the work and ideas of esteemed cancer specialists from Texas and across the country.  Those attending the conference will learn about the ground-breaking projects that CPRIT has funded in 2010 and how high the bar has been set in the state of Texas. To register, please click here. Texas voters overwhelmingly approved a constitutional amendment in 2007 establishing the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) and authorizing the state to issue $3 billion in bonds to fund groundbreaking cancer research and prevention programs and services in Texas.  CPRIT's goal is to expedite innovation and commercialization in the area of cancer research and to enhance access to evidence-based prevention programs and services throughout the state.  CPRIT accepts applications and awards grants for a wide variety of cancer-related research and for the delivery of cancer prevention programs and services by public and private entities located in Texas.  More information about CPRIT is available at its Web site, www.cprit.state.tx.us.

Registration opens for TSABAA Mid-Winter Conference
Registration is now open for the Texas State Agency Business Administrators' Association's 31st Mid-Winter Conference. The event is scheduled for Wednesday through Friday, Dec. 8-10, at the Y.O. Ranch Hotel and Conference Center in Kerrville. The conference kicks off Wednesday with a welcome reception. The conference program begins Thursday morning and ends before noon on Friday. Deadline for registering is Monday, Nov. 8. Click here for a registration form.

Austin hosts Higher Education Government Relations Conference
The 2010 Higher Education Government Relations Conference is slated for Wednesday through Friday, Dec. 1-3, at the Four Seasons Hotel in Austin, Texas. The conference will provide policy and practice insight on delivering results and building public support for higher education through a focus on partnerships, productivity and public engagement. Among the topics for the conference are: Advancing the Productivity Agenda, Effective Community and Legislative Relations, Third-Party Advocacy Strategies, Navigating State Lobbying Laws, Strategic Messaging, Washington Update and 2010 Election Review and Implications. Speaker for the opening general session on Wednesday will be Dr. Francisco Cigarroa, chancellor of The University of Texas System. Dr. Raymund Peredes, Texas commissioner of higher education, will speak at the Thursday morning session along with Keith Yehle, director of federal relations for the University of Kansas. To view the complete agenda and to view other speakers and their topics, click here. To register, click here.

Executive Women in Texas Government plan annual conference
The Executive Women in Texas Government 24th Annual Professional Development Conference will be Monday, Nov. 22, at the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort in Lost Pines, Texas. This year's theme, "EWTG:  Creating Leaders, Delivering Value," focuses on an investment in yourself.  The event will feature a full day of keynote speakers, workshops and networking to enhance professional development, professional connections and personal growth. The event will begin with a 7:30 a.m. registration. The first keynote speaker, Merrie Spaeth, will be heard during the opening general session at 8:30 a.m. followed by the EWTG Woman of the Year presentation and one morning workshop. The second keynote speaker, Janet Sue Rush, will speak during lunch followed by two afternoon workshops. For more information on the conference and registration, click here.
  
TxDOT Business Outreach & Program Services hosts webinars
In fiscal year 2010, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) Business Outreach & Program (BOP) Services implemented a series of webinars offering technical business development opportunities to small, minority and women business - in the field of construction and professional services in the state of Texas.  The webinar series topics ranged from how to become a pre-qualified bidder on TxDOT contracts, TxDOT Plans Online, How to Market Your Business To Prime Contractors, Construction Industry Bonding and much more.  Each session's goal was to provide valuable information to contractors, suppliers and small businesses on how to do business with TxDOT, how to increase business capacity and improve opportunities to bid and obtain contracts with TxDOT. The final 2010 webinars concluded in August, but the 2011 fiscal year webinar series planning is under way and will be announced later in the 2010 calendar year.  Each free webinar is limited and registration slots are on a first-come-first-serve basis.  More information on each webinar can be found here. Questions should be forwarded to TxDOT-BOP-Webinars@dot.state.tx.us or call 1.866.480.2518, Option 2 for more information.

TxDOT announces three Small Business Briefing conferences
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) Business Outreach and Program (BOP) Services has announced three upcoming FY 2011 Small Business Briefing conferences. A  Nov. 10 conference is set this year in Beaumont, an April 20, 2011, conference is slated in Fort Worth and a July 20, 2011, conference is planned for San Antonio. The conference goal is to provide small and minority-owned business communities an opportunity to learn more about contracting opportunities with TxDOT.  Information will be available to help them do business with the agency and the State of Texas.  The sessions not only allow small businesses to be introduced to TxDOT and other state agencies, but also allow them to learn more about the economic development opportunities in their regions.  It also gives agencies a chance to show the myriad of prospects available for small and minority businesses in the state. For more information and to register, click here or call 512.866.480.2519, Option 2.


How helpful is this?

Subscribe to TGI Note to Media
Visited a library lately? You may be in for a surprise!

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


Libraries are no longer places that simply provide a quiet atmosphere and thousands of hardback and paperback books. Today's libraries are unlike those of the past, both in size and importance. And, libraries are opening up millions of dollars worth of contracting opportunities for more than just book publishers.

Today's libraries are attracting a new segment of vendors. Book and periodical publishers still rank high on the list of contractors, but newcomers to the library marketplace now include firms offering electronic resources. Contractors provide Internet access, computer hardware and software, electronic readers, born-digital content and all things electronic. Many predict "E-Everything" libraries in the not-too-distant future.

The role of libraries, too, is changing. They are growing into centers of activity in their respective communities. Most offer free Internet access that students use for homework and research. Job-seekers use library computers to find and apply for employment. In some areas, the "digital divide" still exists between those who can afford high-speed Internet access and those who cannot. Libraries help close that divide.

[more]

 

Grayson County nets $270,000 grant for emergency services

Grayson County recently won a $270,000 Homeland Security Grant to improve emergency services.

 

The grant will be used to upgrade and maintain public safety communications equipment and for other emergency management projects, said Sarah Somers, the emergency manager for the county. A portion of the funding will be used to maintain the county's emergency notification system in unincorporated areas, Somers said.

 

Dallas eyeing $100 million to upgrade radio communications
Dwaine CarawayTo meet federal homeland security requirements, Dallas will need to spend about $100 million to replace its current analog radios, according to Dwaine Caraway (pictured), chair of the public safety committee.

 

While the city plans to spend about $8 million to purchase about 2,000 new radios in February, the city will need to replace most of 11,000 radios and 700 receivers, Caraway said. Plans call for the city to purchase the remaining 1,150 handheld radios later, said City Manager Mary Suhm. City officials also are considering asking voters to approve $100 million in bonds to overhaul its entire radio system to meet federal standards.

Maximus

Lampasas solar park study

reported lost in the mail
Lampasas City Council members recently learned that an environmental study required by the U.S. Department of Energy before construction of a proposed solar park can begin was lost in the mail.

 

The environmental study, along with paperwork for several other state projects, was mailed to the federal agency for a mandatory federal review, but was not received, an engineering consultant told council members. The review normally takes about 30 days to complete. The environmental study did not identify any concerns about the proposed old landfill site being converted to a solar park, the consultant added. 

 

Killeen city officials cite needs

to congressional delegation
While attending an army conference in Washington, D.C., several Killeen City Council members, the city manager and mayor recently met with members of the Texas congressional delegation to outline the need to widen the Central Texas Expressway and to add a second runway for the Killeen-Fort Hood airport.

 

Building a second runway could help future growth, said Larry Cole, a council member.

 

LeFleur

West Orange-Cove picks Colbert as superintendent finalist
Trustees for the West Orange-Cove Consolidated Independent School District recently selected James Colbert Jr. as the lone finalist for superintendent.

 

Colbert currently serves as assistant superintendent of campus operations at the Hamilton County Department of Education in Tennessee. Previously, Colbert was a teacher and assistant principal for Pflugerville ISD and a principal for Dallas ISD.

 

A former athlete and coach, Colbert has a bachelor's degree from The University of Texas at Austin and a master's degree from Texas State University. He also has a superintendent's certificate from Tennessee.  

 

Cleburne may hire firm to help

in city manager search
Justin HewlettCleburne city officials recently discussed the possibility of hiring a consultant to help find candidates for a new city manager to replace City Manager Chester Nolan, who is retiring on Jan. 31, 2011.

 

The process of selecting a new city manager usually takes from 65 to 90 days, one consultant advised. Because of the time needed for an adequate search, Mayor Justin Hewlett (pictured) said the city most likely will need to hire an interim city manager to assume those duties when Nolan leaves the job.

 

Hewlett also said he has not ruled out city officials conducting their own search, but will make a decision after council members hear from all of the consulting firms interesting in assisting the city with the search.

 

Collin Co. may pay employees

for 'going the extra mile'
Collin County commissioners recently began discussion on adopting a Going the Extra Mile (GEM) program designed to reward county employees who exceed their normal job descriptions.


The program calls for elected officials and department heads to award public recognition and immediate monetary awards to city employees who show extra effort. Revenue for the GEM program will come from the State Procurement Card Rebate Program, the Office Depot Office Supply Rebate Program and 65 percent from the vending machine concession contract, county officials said. Those programs are expected to generate about $18,000 in revenue in 2011. Additionally, the GEM program will be able to award outstanding employees with two economy class airline tickets the county earns for employee business-related travel booked through a designated travel agency, county officials said.

 

Hill & Wilkinson

Wichita County garners $40,000 for emergency equipment
Wichita County recently won a $40,000 Homeland Security Grant to buy emergency equipment.

 

County officials plan to use the funding to purchase a standby generator, new repeaters and radios that will allow the county to continue emergency operations during power outages, said Lee Bourgeoin, coordinator of the county's emergency management office.

 

Dallas County approves $45M

to upgrade jail, courthouse
Dallas County Commissioners recently agreed to borrow $45 million next year to pay for improvements to the jail and courthouse.


Projects included in the improvements are $25.4 million to upgrade the jail infirmary, $7.2 million to improve elevators, $4.2 million for a smoke removal system in jail holding cells, $3 million for a new building control system at the Lew Sterrett Justice Center and $1.3 million to install stainless steel showers in North Tower.

 

Fredericksburg ISD prioritizes projects for May bond election
Trustees for the Fredericksburg Independent School District recently began prioritizing a list of projects to be included in a bond election that officials are considering for May 2011.


Superintendent Marc Williamson advised that when choosing projects to be included in the bond package, trustees should try to stay within an amount that will not require a property tax increase.


Trustees are considering three priority projects submitted by each school in the district, and are expected to decide in early 2011 whether to call a bond election.

 

VIP Consulting

City of Penitas gets first

water treatment plant
Officials in Penitas, a Hidalgo County city that incorporated in 1993, expect to begin construction on the city's first water treatment plant next month.

 

Although the $10 million plant has been needed for years, fundraising struggles delayed a ground breaking. The project should be complete by December 2011.
 
"We're going to create a lot of opportunities for our residents," said Mayor Marcos Ochoa. "There is going to be a whole new chapter in our city's future."
 

 

Houston moves forward on

new $13 million sports complex
Wanda AdamsHouston City Council members recently agreed to create a government corporation to oversee development and management of a sports complex that will provide soccer fields to a soccer team and to the public.

 

No city funding will be used to build park facilities and the Houston Dynamo plans to use one of the fields for practice sessions and pay for the park's operation and maintenance, said Councilwoman Wanda Adams (pictured), who will serve as an ex-officio member of the corporation.


Plans call for phase 1 of the Houston Amateur Sports Park to open in spring 2012 with seven soccer fields at a cost of about $5 million, while phase 2 carries a price tag of about $8 million to build 11 additional fields. Officials also plan to open a medical and training facility in the summer of 2012, Adams said. The Houston Community College (HCC) System also plans to build football, baseball and golf facilities on property HCC owns adjacent to the sports complex. 


Northrop Grumman

Ballí appointed assistant

city manager of Beeville
Beeville city officials recently moved Finance Director Deborah Ballí into the assistant city manager position.
Ballí, a certified public accountant, will replace Tomas P. Saenz, who held the post temporarily.

 

Ballí worked in the Corpus Christi budget department before coming to Beeville. 

 

College Station moving ahead with $1.2 million water feature
College Station City Council members recently agreed to seek bids to build a $1.2 million Wolf Pen Creek water feature and festival site.

 

The proposed project features a circular water feature measuring about 30 feet that will be an interactive splash park as well as a scheduled, lighted water show. When the water is turned off, the water feature area can be used as a plaza, city officials said. 

 

Plans also call for a 20-acre festival ground surrounding the water feature, featuring a half-mile, 10-foot wide concrete walkway, pedestrian lighting, shade structures, parking spaces and restrooms. Construction is expected to begin in March and be completed in October, city officials added.

 

Wichita Falls ISD approves $64,700 for three upgrades
Wichita Falls Independent School District school board members recently agreed to add two new projects at a cost of about $64,700 to improve facilities.

 

Trustees agreed to use a $47,700 utility rebate the district received to help pay for a new $35,000 heating, ventilation and air conditioning system to be installed at an elementary school. The remaining rebate funding will be used to retrofit lighting at the high school gymnasiums at a cost of about $12,700.

 

The board also agreed to spend $17,000 in special education funding to buy a new portable chair lift at a junior high school, said Dan Shelton, facilities director for the district. 


Pine Tree ISD approves $45,000 to help with facilities plan
Trustees for the Pine Tree Independent School District recently approved $45,000 to hire a Houston-based consultant to help develop a facilities plan. The consultant also will act as an advisor if trustees decide to call a bond election in 2011 or 2012, said a spokeswoman for the school district.

 

Voters in Pine Tree in May defeated a $19.99 million bond proposal to pay for a new stadium and renovations to several school facilities. The consultant also will examine the existing stadium and determine whether it will be more cost efficient to use the current stadium site or find a new site for a stadium, to help stage community meetings and to work with a bond committee to gain support for the bonds, the district spokeswoman said.

 

Willacy County to seek

$235,431 law enforcement grant
Willacy County commissioners recently agreed to apply for a $235,431 grant from the Texas Border Coalition to hire three new deputies and the equipment needed for those deputies. Commissioners also accepted a $35,000 Homeland Security Grant to buy portable two-way radios.

 

The grant from the Texas Border Coalition is pre-approved, said Joe Jimenez, the grant officer and deputy for the sheriff's office.
 

Grape Creek ISD selects Hale

as finalist for superintendent
Trustees for the Grape Creek Independent School District recently selected David Hale as the lone finalist for superintendent.

 

Hale currently serves as superintendent at Roby Consolidated Independent School District and previously served as an assistant superintendent for Winters ISD.  He has a bachelor's degree from Angelo State University and earned his superintendent certificate in 2002. 

 

UT regents winding down Brownsville partnership
Francisco CigarroaThe University of Texas System regents recently decided to terminate a 20-year-old partnership between UT-Brownsville and Texas Southmost College, which share a campus in Brownsville.


The UT System tried to revise the outdated agreement as differences in policy, governance and admissions became increasingly evident; but TSC officials never responded.
 
After the partnership is dissolved, which will happen over the next four years, the UT System will continue to serve its students, said UT System Chancellor Francisco Cigarroa (pictured).

 

Desalination plant studies

solar options for project
Officials with El Paso Water Utilities want to equip its desalination plant, which can convert 27.5 million gallons of salty groundwater into drinking water each day, with solar power abilities.


Utility officials would need to hire a consultant to help with the $8 million project, as no one on staff has the necessary level of expertise. "There are a lot of people who claim they have special or unique (solar) products," said John Balliew, the utility's vice president of operations and technical services. "We need someone to sort through the claims."


The $91 million plant, which opened in 2007, would still be able to run on conventional electricity on cloudy days and at night.

 

SPI on Twitter

HUD grant funds smart growth

of Fort Worth military base
The North Central Texas Council of Governments - an association of local governments that work together for regional improvements - recently won a $640,000 grant to study smart growth of the Naval Air Station Fort Worth Joint Reserve Base, home to several branches of the armed services.

 

The Sustainable Community Challenge Grant, awarded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, will help local leaders establish transportation, housing and business plans compatible with military missions while also improving the quality of life for military members and civilians.


The military base, formerly Carswell Air Force Base, brings about $1.3 billion to the North Central Texas region each year. The base now employs more than 11,000 civilians and Texas Air National Guard, while also providing a home to U.S. Navy, U.S. Air Force and U.S. Marine Corps.

 

Shafer to serve as interim superintendent at San Marcos

Patty ShaferSan Marcos Consolidated Independent School District trustees recently asked retiring Superintendent Patty Shafer (pictured) to return as interim superintendent in January.


Shafer plans to retire at the end of November, take time off in December and return as the interim superintendent on a half-time basis in January. She will remain as interim superintendent until a new superintendent begins work, district officials said.


Trustees hired a consulting firm to help find a new superintendent to replace Shafer and expect to begin interviewing candidates in March and chose a new superintendent by the end of March. 


Strategic Partnerships seeking additional outside consultants

SPI is seeking additional outside consultants who have experience in county/city government in Texas.

 

Currently, there is a need for procurement consultants who are retired or former county or municipal elected officials, experts in healthcare, K-12  in the DFW, Houston and El Paso areas. If you are interested in this opportunity, contact Ashley Nauert at anauert@spartnerships.com

 

 
Texas Government Insider Archives
Volume 1-8 Archives -1/8/04 - 11/5/10

Governor's appointments
Governor Rick Perry has announced the following appointments:
  • Jose Cuevas Jr. of Midland, Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission
  • Harvey Brown of Houston, justice, First Court of Appeals
  • David Rakow of Rockwall, judge, 439th District Court in Rockwall County
Job Board

Cleveland officials pushing

for airport expansion
Cleveland Airport Board and Cleveland Economic Development Corporation (CEDC) officials recently proposed developing land adjacent to the Cleveland Municipal Airport into an industrial park.

 

The proposal calls for building additional hangars and industrial space at the 11-acre site adjacent to the airport. The facilities will be named the Cleveland Economic Development Corporation Industrial Park, said Kelly McDonald, city secretary and interim city manager.

 

City officials plan to seek grants from the Aviation Division of the Texas Department of Transportation to help pay for the new hangars and industrial park, McDonald said.

 

Park master plan paves

way for TPWD grants
Rockport city leaders recently adopted a master plan for park development, a move that better positions the city to win grants from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.

 

The plan includes a list of projects - separated into high-, medium-, and low-priority - that were compiled from community surveys, and input from city staff and a parks advisory board.

 

Projects deemed a high priority are more trails for hiking and biking, nature trails for birding, a birding and nature center, increased waterfront access, multi-age playgrounds and a dog park.

 

Next phase of Karnack WSC improvements is approved
Richard AndersonHarrison County officials recently OK'd replacing nearly 23,000 feet of water system line for the Karnack Water Supply Corporation.

 

The upgrades, which will benefit 120 homes, will follow water meter improvements, which are all being replaced now.

 

Harrison County Judge Richard Anderson (pictured) said he was happy to begin on "phase two of the project." 

 

Denton officials make $3

million commitment to shelter
Denton city officials recently decided to spend $3 million in bond sales to help pay for a long-awaited animal shelter that would replace the current 31-year-old facility.
The commitment means the city, strapped from decreased property and sales tax revenues, will likely delay other projects like phase two of a police and fire training building.


The city will share shelter costs with the nonprofit Denton Animal Shelter Foundation Inc., which has collected more than $900,000 from a capital drive. Foundation leaders plan to start construction plans by January 2012 and break ground later that year. 

 

El Campo selects Barbee as community services director
El Campo City Council members recently selected Chris Barbee as the next community services director to manage municipal parks and recreation facilities. Barbee, who currently is the publisher of the newspaper in El Campo, will begin his new job with the city on Jan. 4, 2011. He has a bachelor's degree from The University of Texas at Austin.

 

In his new position, Barbee plans to continue working on a plan approved by council members for the city to partner with El Campo Little League to create a new park and baseball/softball complex west of the city.

 

Crestman retiring as district

court judge in Parker County
District Judge Don Crestman recently announced he will retire from his post in the 43rd District Court in Parker County, effective Dec. 31. 
Prior to his appointment as a district judge in 2000, Crestman was in a private law practice, served on the Weatherford City Council and on the board of trustees of Weatherford College. Following his retirement, Crestman said he plans to serve as a visiting judge in the 8th Administrative Judicial Region comprised of 18 North Texas counties.

 

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.
Barton Oaks Plaza One, Suite #100
901 S. Mopac Expressway
Austin, Texas 78746