Texas Government Insider
Volume 8, Issue 45 - Friday, November 19, 2010

Austin puts funds into TFC's Capitol complex expansion planning

 

Current study 'step one' in assessing exactly what changes can be made

 

Terry KeelThe Austin City Commission Thursday approved putting up as much as $200,000 of city money toward a study that could lead to a myriad of changes to Austin's Capitol area complex. But don't expect to see bulldozers doing site work for new buildings on state-owned land just yet.


The proposal of Texas Facilities Commission (TFC) Executive Director Terry Keel (pictured) is still in the planning stages, according to TFC real estate specialist and public liaison Aundre Dukes. The city's involvement at this stage can pretty much be described as helping pay for a feasibility study, he said.

 

Sheryl ColeThe $200,000 from the city is part of a "coordinated planning effort," said Dukes. He called it "step one" in assessing what can occur or what could be done. The funding in no way obligates the city, he said.

 

What can occur and what could be done center around Keel's proposal - which at first blush could possibly triple the size of the Capitol complex area downtown, save big money in the long-term for the state by moving state employees out of millions of square feet of leased space into new state buildings downtown, create a new source of revenue for the state through public/private development partnerships that could also mean increased tax revenue for the city.

 

Austin City Council Member Sheryl Cole (right) drafted the resolution that passed authorizing the city manager to execute an Interlocal Agreement with the TFC (not to exceed $200,000) to partner with the state agency in its planning efforts for the project. 

 

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Sunset says replace Railroad Commission, appoint new officials

  

Seven new staff reports made available, including TxDOT, TCEQ, other agencies

 

Seven new Sunset Advisory Commission staff reports were released this week. The reports were for the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), the Texas Railroad Commission, the Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation, the Texas Racing Commission and the Texas Youth Commission/Texas Juvenile Probation Commission. A supplemental report was also released on the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC). For a link to each report, click here.

 

Among the notable recommendations by the Sunset staff were: doing away with the three-member commission that has oversight of the Railroad Commission and appointing - not electing - five commmissioners to oversee a new Texas Oil and Gas Commission; moving regulation of gas utilities and water and wastewater utilities from TCEQ to the PUC; and doing away with the Texas Transportation Commission and replacing it with an appointed Texas Commissioner of Transportation.

 

TCEQ - "TCEQ's public assistance functions occur among several different agency programs with overlapping duties and without specific statutory direction, contributing to a lack of focus and prioritization. At the same time, however, Sunset Staff found that significant opportunities could be realized from realigning the regulation of gas utilities and water and wastewater utilities at PUC."
 

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Strategic Partnerships salutes Texas' Lone Stars

Wright LassiterDr. Wright L. Lassiter, Jr., chancellor, Dallas County Community College District 

Career highlights and education: My entire professional career of five decades has been in the field of higher education. It began with my employment as a summer instructor at my alma mater immediately following graduation. I earned my bachelor's degree in business from Alcorn State University. After a year of advanced study in college business management at Tuskegee University, I was employed as an accountant at Hampton University, followed by service in the military. After military service, I returned to Tuskegee University, where I joined the accounting staff and began the journey seeking to become a college or university chief financial officer. Three years into that experience, I entered Indiana University's MBA program and earned that degree. My journey resumed at Tuskegee University, and I advanced through promotions to the post of business manager. I also earned my doctoral degree in higher education and finance from Auburn University. One year following that achievement, I was appointed vice president for finance and management at Morgan State University (Baltimore, MD) and realized my objective of rising to the level of CFO. After four and one-half years in that role, I was elected president of Schenectady County Community College (NY). I subsequently have served as the president of Bishop College (Dallas) and El Centro College of the Dallas County Community College District. After 20 years as El Centro's president, I was named the sixth chancellor of the Dallas County Community College District in 2006.

What I like best about my job is: the opportunity to impact the lives of students in the largest community college system in the state of Texas.  We serve more than 100,000 students. In addition to making a difference in the lives of our students, we also serve as a vital cog in the "economic engine" for Dallas County. I also play a major role in the transformation of the seven colleges that comprise our district. Finally, I enjoy working with my colleagues and the unique opportunity to display my commitment to being a servant leader.

The best advice I've received for my current job is: You enter this role as chancellor with a vast amount of "earned capital;" use it well.

Advice you would give a new hire in your office: Adherence to our core values is a fundamental requirement for success. Additionally, all employees must embrace the imperative of collaboration and not competition. Practice being a servant-leader. My mantra to everyone is: "The largest room in any house is the room for improvement."

If I ever snuck out of work early, I could probably be found: in either my home office or library reading, writing commentaries for my weekly news organs or thinking about finishing the writing my ninth book.

People would be surprised to know that I: I am an ordained Baptist minister; have served as a senior pastor; and currently serve as the teaching pastor at my church. They also would be surprised to know that I retired from the U.S. Army Reserve with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

One thing I wish more people knew about my agency is: Employees work at the Dallas County Community College District because they want to be a part of an organization committed to "changing lives." They choose to work and serve because of the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of students and to enhance workforce development for the communities that we serve.

 

Debbie Irvine appointed Legislative Council executive director

Debbie IrvineThe Texas Legislative Council's governing body has named Debbie Irvine executive director, a position she has temporarily held since September. 


Irvine, a Rice University graduate, has directed three divisions - redistricting, documentation and research - during her 36 years with the Council. 


The Council is a nonpartisan legislative agency that investigates state agencies, conducts research and provides bill drafting for the Texas Legislature.


House Speaker Joe Straus said he is looking forward to working with Irvine. "Through many years of service, she has proven her dedication to the Council's mission and to the work of the Legislature," he said.

 

HHSC's health information exchange proposal approved
The strategic and operational plans for the Texas Health and Human Services Commission's health information exchange (HIE) program have been approved by the Office of National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC). The plan resulted from a January to August process this year that involved all stakeholders in the proposal. The result was a plan that addresses the governance, finance, technical infrastructure, business operations and legal needs that would lead to the ability to exchange health information among state and federal programs and other states.

 
The goal is to improve health care quality and efficiency by providing infrastructure for the private and secure exchange of health care information for patients and health care providers. The approval of the plan means that the $27.8 million in federal funds remaining as part of Texas' allotment to implement its plan over the next three years will now be made available.

 

"The creation of the exchange will allow for the secure sharing of vital information among health care providers within Texas," said HHSC Spokesperson Stephanie Goodman. "This will help improve the coordination and quality of care as well as the efficiency in the health care system." 

 

Levine chosen to serve as Sunset Commission executive director

Ken LevineKen Levine (pictured), who has been serving as interim executive director for the Sunset Advisory Commission for more than a year following the departure of former long-time director Joey Longley, was this week named executive director of the commission. In his full-time capacity, he is responsible for all operations of the Sunset Commission, including direction and approval of all staff analysis, evaluations and reports and physical operations.


Levine has previously served eight years as Sunset deputy director, six years as assistant director and 14 years as policy/senior analyst. He has almost three decades of experience covering 14 Texas legislative sessions in developing proposals to improve government operations and programs through Sunset recommendations.

 
Levine studied political science at Rider University. He holds a bachelor's degree from The University of Texas at Austin and a master's from The University of Texas at Austin's LBJ School of Public Affairs. He is also a Fellow of the Public Policy Dispute Resolution Center of The University of Texas School of Law, served three terms on the National Legislative Program Evaluation Society Executive Committee with one term as chair and has served the National Conference on State Legislatures as a member of the Legislative Staff Coordinating Committee and as vice chair of the standing committee on Budget and Revenue. 

OAG Child Support Division earns Outstanding Program award
Alicia KeyThe Child Support Division, part of the Texas Attorney General's Office, recently collected several awards - one for group work and a couple for individual employees.

 

The office received the annual "Outstanding Program" award, which the Western Interstate Child Support Enforcement Council (WICSEC) gives to a state, regional, county or tribal program that shows excellence in child support enforcement.

 

For three years, the Texas program has collected the most child support money in the nation and also had the largest growth rate - 4.4 percent from 2008 to 2009, while national collections showed a 4 percent decline.


Deputy Attorney General Alicia Key (pictured) accepted the award on behalf of the Child Support Division. In addition, Assistant Attorney General Barry Brooks was inducted into the child support council's Hall of Fame and Phyllis Jefferson was honored for her achievements in management. 

 

December Workshop

TDI Deputy Commissioner retires after 23 years with state
Matt RayAfter 23 years working for the state, Matt Ray recently retired from the Licensing Division at the Texas Department of Insurance. He had served as deputy commissioner since 1998.

 

Ray, who attended Baylor University, has won several awards for his service, including the Financial Services Regulator of the Year from the  Securities and Insurance Licensing Association in 2006. No one has been named to replace Ray.

 

More than 300 attend Texas State Library, Archives ceremony
TSLACAfter two years and almost $21 million, renovations of the Lorenzo de Zavala State Archives and Library Building in Austin were celebrated at a recent rededication ceremony.


More than 300 people attended the event that was kicked off by keynote speaker H.W. Brands, a two-time Pulitzer Prize finalist who has spent many research hours inside the building. In the accompanying photo by the TSLAC, Brand (left) is joined by TSLAC Director and Librarian Peggy D. Rudd (right) and Commission Chair Sandra Pickett in cutting the ribbon opening the renovated facility.


Rudd said the building is one that is "designed to inspire, in which researchers, authors, illustrators and lovers of Texas and her incomparable history will mine valuable archival collections for years to come. I believe that if the Texas State Library and Archives did not exist, Texas would be poorer."

 

Ceremony attendees were invited to an open house where they could tour the Archives, the new Conservation Lab, the Texas Family Heritage Research Center and Talking Book Program recording studio.

 

Comal County awarded $10 million grant to help with flooding
Comal County has been awarded a more than $10 million federal grant to help with the reduction of flood levels of Dry Comal Creek in the southern part of the county. Comal County Commissioner Jan Kennady said the funding will "enable us to reduce the impact of flooding" in the county "and save lives."


The structure to reduce flooding will be built on a tributary of Dry Comal Creek to reduce flooding levels on downstream waters, in particular Dry Comal Creek and the Guadalupe River. The funding is administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Management Agency.

 

Texas November Bond Election

Nicolay to serve as interim dean at Sam Houston State University
Dana NicolayOfficials of Sam Houston State University recently appointed Dana Nicolay (pictured) as the interim dean of the new College of Fine Arts and Mass Communications.

 

Nicolay, who currently serves as associate dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, will assume his new duties on Jan. 1. He has a master's degree from Texas Christian University and joined SHSU in 1987.

 

The new College of Fine Arts and Mass Communications will include the departments and programs for art, music, dance, theatre and mass communications studies in print and broadcast journalism and public relations. The change will take effect on June 1, 2011.  The former College of Arts and Sciences will become The College of Sciences. 

 

Weiss picked as dean of Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences
David WeissNeuroscientist and pharmacology professor David Weiss (pictured) was recently named dean of the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio.

 

Weiss, who is known for his study of brain disorders, will step into his new role Dec. 1. Weiss will oversee the physiology, pharmacology, pathology, biology, microbiology, immunology and molecular medicine departments, as well as hold the Dielmann Chair in Basic Biomedical Investigation.

 

Weiss holds a bachelor's degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, a Ph.D. from Baylor College of Medicine and completed his postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Miami School of Medicine. He has served on the faculty at the University of South Florida School of Medicine, the University of Alabama at Birmingham and currently serves as chairman of physiology at the Health Science Center. 

 

TCU vice chancellor to transition to faculty position
Don MillsTexas Christian University recently announced that Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Don Mills (pictured) will step down from his executive post May 31 to take on a faculty position.

 

Mills, who has worked at TCU more than 40 years, will become the Distinguished Professor of Educational Leadership within the College of Education. In his new role, Mills will oversee the development of the Higher Education Ed.D. program.

 

TCU officials will hold a national search to find a new vice chancellor. 

 

2011 Planning

UT Tyler names director of enrollment services
Rosemary CooperRosemary Cooper (pictured) was recently named the new director of enrollment services at The University of Texas at Tyler, which has an enrollment of more than 6,400 students at three campuses. She is currently UT Tyler's assistant director of financial aid and scholarships.

 

In her new position, Cooper will oversee the central location where students come to manage their admissions, financial aid and registrar needs.


Cooper, who has both bachelor's and master's degrees from UT Tyler, has worked at the university for more than 10 years as a secretary, financial aid officer and scholarship coordinator.

 

UNT approves $2 million budget for wind turbine project
Regents for the University of North Texas (UNT) recently approved a $2 million budget and agreed to hire an architect or engineer for a project to construct three 125-foot wind turbines to provide some of the electricity for a new stadium currently under construction.

 

The State Energy Conservation Office awarded UNT a $2 million grant to pay for the project estimated to save the university about $16,000 a year in energy costs. UNT used $200,000 of the funding to conduct a feasibility study that indicated the noise level of the turbines would be 55 decibels, within the 65-decibel level of a normal conversation, said Richard Escalante (pictured), vice chancellor for administrative services.

 

County wants comptroller to make public all revenue sources
Veronica EscobarIf El Paso county leaders get their way, the Texas Legislature will require that the source of all local money going to the state be published online.


That would mean that the Texas Comptroller would publish the amount of sales, hotel, sin, gas and other taxes that come in from every county, city and other taxing entity in the state. Although much of that information is already available, part of the data is in incompatible forms while some, like oil and gas numbers, are completely unavailable.


El Paso Commissioner Veronica Escobar (pictured) believes this data will help both local and state governments. The entities can make more educated policy decisions if officials can see where money is coming from, she said. 


UNT Dallas pre-law students get first look at new law school
Pre-law students at The University of North Texas at Dallas recently were privy to a 60-minute presentation about their new law school, which is on track to open August 2012 in downtown Dallas.

 
Initially, the law school will operate from an interim location: the UNT System Building, where UNT offices are located. Eventually, the UNT-Dallas College of Law will make a permanent home in historic Old City Hall, which needs repairs worth an estimated $56 million.  The city donated the downtown building and also $16 million toward repairs.


The pre-law students also learned that a nationwide search is under way for the school's founding dean. Once hired, the dean will oversee all recruiting of faculty and staff. 


New leader to assume command of Wilford Hall
Byron HepburnBrig. Gen. Byron C. Hepburn (pictured) recently took command of the Air Force's largest medical wing, Wilford Hall Medical Center at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio. The 59th Medical Wing has a staff of 6,010 civilian, military and contract employees, residents and students.


Hepburn is trading positions with Maj. Gen. Thomas Travis, who will become deputy surgeon general at Bolling Air Force Base in Washington, D.C.


Hepburn, the most recent deputy surgeon general for the Air Force Surgeon General, is one of 15 U.S. Air Force physician-pilots. He is a distinguished graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy, earned a master's degree from the University of Geneva in Switzerland and attended medical school at the Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences School of Medicine.

 

TWU receives national recognition for grounds management
The landscape department of Texas Woman's University recently received a star - a green star - from the Professional Grounds Management Society for exceptional grounds maintenance.


The 270-acre campus is one of 14 universities in the country to receive the 2010 Green Star Honor Award, a recognition the Denton campus also received in 2007.


The university landscape department consists of 22 employees.


UT Tyler selects Sonja Morale as its interim registrar
Sonja MoraleSonja Morale (pictured) was recently elevated from associate registrar at The University of Texas at Tyler to interim registrar, a position that became available after LaTonya McCoy announced her resignation.

 

In her new position, Morale will manage the registration period, academic records, commencement activities and the publishing of class schedules. She will continue in the position until a permanent registrar is hired.

 

Morale holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Houston and is currently working toward a master's at UT Tyler, where she has worked since 2006.  

 

TAMU-Kingsville awarded $3.8M grant to address student needs
Texas A&M University-Kingsville will be awarded more than $3.8 million over the next five years to help enhance student retention and develop student employment as part of overall student success. The funding is provided by the U.S. Department of Education's Strengthening Institutions-Hispanic Service Institutions Program. This year's funding amount will be $760,000.


The funds will allow the university to continue its relationship with Del Mar College as they work toward student success, said Dr. Dann Brown, dean of University College at TAMU-Kingsville. "Our two institutions  share a common commitment to student success and the programs we will be able to support with this grant will help students achieve their dream of obtaining a college degree and entering the workforce in their chosen career field."


The first of the two programs are aimed at helping students overcome obstacles to success as early as their freshman year by offering supplemental instruction and more. The second is a student internship program in which 15 students will be helped to develop skills necessary for their chosen profession and to learn more about job opportunities in that area. Del Mar officials, too, say the program is important to help students achieve their educational goals.

 

Sugar Land unveils drawings of new $30 million stadium
Sugar Land StadiumSugar Land city officials recently unveiled an artist's rendering (pictured) of a new $30 million minor league baseball stadium to be built in the city.

 

The new stadium, located at the intersection of SH 6 and US 59, will be the home of a professional minor league baseball team.

 

Construction is scheduled to begin in the spring of 2011 and be completed for opening day in April 2012. A portion of sales tax revenues dedicated to economic development projects will be used to pay for the new stadium.

 

A recent cost-benefit analysis indicated the new stadium is expected to provide an annual economic benefit of $7.7 million to Sugar Land, or a 30-year return of $169 million.

 

TWDB announces $17.9M in assistance for water-related projects
Financial assistance of more than $17.9 million for water-related projects has been approved for four governmental entities by the Texas Water Development Board. The funding includes:


  • City of Bogata (Red River County) - $955,000 from the Texas Water Development Fund to finance water system improvements;
  • Sunbelt Fresh Water Supply District (Harris County) - $10.44 million from the Texas Water Development Fund to finance wastewater system improvements;
  • North Forest Municipal Utility District in Harris County - $6.43 million from the Texas Water Development Fund to finance water and wastewater system improvements; and
  • El Paso Water Utilities Public Service Board on behalf of the Turf Estates Water System Receiver (El Paso County) - $81,000 from the Economically Distressed Areas Program to finance the planning, acquisition and design of a water system improvement project. 
Opportunity Identification

City of Austin launches 'eCheckbook' on Austin Finance Online
Marc OttThe City of Austin took a leap toward transparency with the recent launch of "Austin Finance Online," a Web site that lets anyone browse through city purchasing contracts and financial documents.


The Web site, which will be refreshed Monday mornings by city staff, features "eCheckbook," which details city expenditure information down to the purchase order number. For example, visitors can see exactly how much money the city paid for vaccines in July, or how much the city paid for uniform rentals worn for street cleaning - plus the company paid.


City Manager Marc Ott (pictured) said he wants to take the mystery out of local government, and "a big part of that is opening up our finances and budget."


Open government conference will be held in Austin
The Office of the Attorney General will soon host the statewide 2010 Open Government Conference, where the general public, media, government employees and public officials will learn about and discuss open meetings, open records and more.


The Austin-based conference, which takes place Nov. 22 and 23, will feature topics such as government transparency, ethical dilemmas, developments in records management and contract bidding. During the second day, attendees will attend specialized sessions in law enforcement, school districts and general record information.


Presenters include officials with the Office of the Attorney General of Texas as well as Jan Ferrari, director of state and local records at the Texas State Library & Archives Commission.

 

Athens ISD mulling options to ease school overcrowding
Mike GreenFollowing defeat of a $6.5 million Qualified School Construction Bond election, trustees for Athens Independent School District recently chose two options from the four options discussed to pursue in an effort to ease overcrowding at Bel Air Elementary School.


As outlined by Assistant Superintendent Mike Green (pictured), the two viable options are to continue to use four portable buildings and the eight classrooms at the elementary or to seek an extension on the Qualified School Bond of $6.5 million and schedule another bond election in May to again ask voters to approve issuing interest-free bonds to pay for enlarging the elementary school.


Board members agreed to continue discussions on whether to schedule another bond election.

 

Lometa boasts first solar-powered wastewater treatment plant
Lometa, in Lampasas County, this week became the first city in the state to use the sun to power its wastewater treatment plant. The more than 440 solar panels are expected to reduce energy costs for the plant by $13,000.


A grant administered by the Texas Department of Rural Affairs (TDRA) provided for the solar power system for the plant, which is owned by the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA). TDRA awarded grant funds of more than $488,000 and the LCRA put up another $51,000. The grant was for a pilot program that allowed the use of solar, wind or other renewable energy sources. Any excess power generated by the system will be purchased by the Hamilton County Electric Cooperative.  


Arlington tags Payne as manager for economic development office
Bruce PayneArlington city officials recently selected Bruce Payne (pictured) the manager of the Economic Development Office for the city.  Payne has served as interim manager for the office since Robert Sturns resigned from that position earlier this year.


A six-year city employee, Payne previously served as assistant director in community services and assistant director in community development and planning in Arlington. He also worked as a planning director in Southlake.

 

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San Marcos terminates Healey as capital improvements director
David HealeyLaurie Moyer, interim city manager in San Marcos, recently terminated the services of David Healey (pictured), who served as the capital improvements director for the city. Healey had served as director of capital improvements since March 2009.


The management of the capital improvements projects department needs to be under the supervision of a registered professional engineer, Moyer said, and Healey lacked that certification. The department managed $140 million in projects after being created in October 2008 by the former city manager. Healey previously worked as public works director in Fresno, California, a maintenance director in Austin and an assistant public works director in Houston.

 

Draft report released on dissolving Bexar County water district
A legislative committee charged with overseeing operation of the Bexar Metropolitan Water District recently issued the first preliminary report outlining how the utility district can be dissolved. One water district official was recently indicted for reportedly wiretapping employees and thousands of complaints on inadequate service, excessive rates and unsafe water conditions have reportedly been received from customers of the water district.


The report is an initial step in introducing legislation that would place a conservator to advise the board until residents can vote in 2011 or 2012 on whether to join another water utility and dissolve the water district. The conservator would oversee the transfer of the district's function to another utility. If residents of the water district vote to keep the board and water district in operation, the legislative report suggested the conservator remain in place until the state determines the board is able to manage the water district without a conservator, the report advised.


The report also concluded the board of directors of the Bexar Metropolitan Water District is incapable of functioning as a policy-making body because of its actions violating its own covenants in the past four years. San Antonio River Authority officials estimate the price tag for appointing a conservator for the water district will be between $1.7 million to $2.7 million, depending on how voters decide to proceed. 

 

Canutillo schools seek facilities maintenance committee
Damon MurphyIn an effort to become more community-oriented, the Canutillo school trustees recently decided that half of the members of the new Facilities Stakeholder Committee should be district taxpayers.

 
The committee, made of 12 to 20 members, will be charged with looking for ways to handle district growth and improve school facilities, which might include building renovations, wastewater treatment plant improvements and new school buses.

 
"It will be the voice of the people," Superintendent Damon Murphy (pictured) said of the committee, which will also include local business owners and district employees
.

 

Dallas ISD sells $950.3 million in school construction bonds
Dallas school district officials believe they created a new state record during the recent sale of nearly $1 billion in school bonds, likely the largest ever for a Texas district.

 

The $950.3 million in bonds - part of a $1.35 billion construction plan that voters OK'd in 2008 - will be used to build 14 new schools and renovate others.

 

The district needed to make the big sale now because the bonds were issued as federal Build America Bonds, issued as part of a stimulus act program that ends Dec. 31.


Bryan's CFO Charles Cryan says he will step down
Charles CryanCharles Cryan (pictured), the city of Bryan's chief financial officer, recently announced that he would step down from his position. With the city finalizing the 2010 budget and beginning the audit process, Cryan has agreed to continue on as a consultant until February. Bob Shultz, internal auditor for the city, will serve as interim chief financial officer.

 

Cryan's resignation makes the third high-level vacancy for the city. The city manager and city communications director positions are both being held by interim staff members. 

 

TMISD approves $1.4 million in renovations for district
The Tuloso-Midway school board recently OK'd $1.4 million for infrastructure improvements that include upgrades to two school parking lots, and the high school track and field facilities. The money is from a former bond election.
 

 

Lone Star colleges participating in emergency exercises
Denise WalkerThe Lone Star College System (LSCS) is playing a key role in ensuring that in the event of a disaster, the surrounding community is prepared. LSCS, several government agencies and nonprofits have been working together to conduct emergency exercises to ensure proper responses to emergency situations.


"As our partnerships evolve with local and state agencies, LSCS benefits as a whole because we are taking necessary steps to ensure that we and the community are prepared for almost anything from a hurricane to a terrorist attack," said Dr. Denise Walker (pictured), chief of emergency management for the LSCS. "Our partnership with these diverse entities is essential to our security and emergency management strategy."


Outcomes of the exercises help officials see where emergency response plans should be updated. The participants already have held one exercise with a hurricane scenario and other exercises will cover other potential hazards that might occur in the region. The exercises are conducted on each LSCS campus.

 

Gun Barrel City mulling new convention/civic center
Officials of Gun Barrel City recently held a town hall meeting to gather public input on building a new convention/civic center.


Preliminary plans call for a 45,000-square-foot building that would be paid for as part of a proposed $22 million bond that also would contain $6 million for a new road from Harbor Point to SH 198 to ease traffic congestion on Main Street. Supporters of the convention center, including the mayor, said the center should help attract shows, graduation ceremonies, business meetings, religious revivals and other gatherings that will cause sales tax revenues to the city to increase. Opponents argued building a facility in the current economy is risky and that road and safety issues must be resolved before such a facility is built.

 

A committee appointed to study the feasibility of a community center is scheduled to report to city council in December with a recommendation on whether to pursue the convention center project or not. Council members will then decide whether to ask voters to approve a bond issue to pay for it and other projects.

 

Nederland ISD group urges bond proposal for nine priority projects
Gavin BruneyThe Capital Improvements Committee of the Nederland Independent School District recently unveiled a priority list of nine projects to be included in a possible bond election in 2011.

 

To meet the needs of students and reduce some costs, the district should replace all single-pane windows throughout the district with energy-efficient windows, update or replace heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems throughout the district and replace inefficient lighting with more energy-efficient lighting, said Gavin Bruney (pictured), chair of the committee. The district also needs to install fire alarms, door locks and surveillance cameras at district facilities, replace asbestos tile, upgrade the science lab with safety protection systems and remodel food labs at Nederland High School. Other projects include installing vents to increase fresh air in bathrooms without vents, upgrading shops to industry/safety standards and renovating the social studies department at the high school, according to the committee recommendation.

 

Committee members also recommended 15 other projects to be considered, including a new gymatorium, enlarging the band room and renovating an annex at an elementary school. Trustees are scheduled to discuss the proposed bond election at a special meeting on Nov. 29. 

 

Did you miss S&L Pipeline?

Houston ISD OKs establishment of all-girls school
Paula HarrisThe Houston school board recently decided to establish a sixth- through ninth-grade all-girls school, which will open next year.


In future years, grade levels will be added to the Houston school, which any girl in Houston ISD can apply to get into through an application process.


"I am confident that the all-girls school at HISD will be a place where parents of high-achieving students from all over the district will want to send their kids," said board trustee Paula Harris (pictured).


The district is partnering with the Foundation for the Education of Young Women, which will invest $1 million to help start the program. In Texas, the foundation has five exemplary-rated schools, including the Dallas campus, where 100 percent of students were accepted to a college or university for the past two years.

 

McAllen, Mission school districts consider ads on school buses
Seeking to increase revenue, officials of the McAllen and Mission school districts are considering selling advertising space on school buses.

 

McAllen and Mission school officials plan to accept proposals from advertising vendors who will arrange, sell and install the advertisements on the top and back portions of district school buses, said Craig Verley, spokesman for Mission Independent School District.

 

The success of similar programs used by school districts near Houston prompted the decision to allow advertisements on school buses, Verley said. Humble ISD, for example, earned nearly $180,000 for the advertisements during the first year of the program. The first ads could be on school buses in Mission and McAllen by early 2011, but both school districts plan to begin adding self-promotion ads for the district to buses within a month, officials said.

 

Plano agrees to pay $7.5 million for 51 acres for park property
Phil DyerPlano City Council members recently agreed to pay $7.5 million for a 51-acre land tract to be used for a city park.

 

The proposed park property, a family farm since 1856, is located amid several subdivisions and has been sought by the city for some time, said Mayor Phil Dyer (pictured).

 

Under the agreement, the city will take ownership only after the current descendant of the Haggard family no longer resides on the farm. City officials also still must create a plan for a park, but currently have no funding set aside to pay for developing a design, said the director of city parks and recreation.

 

Carroll ISD unveils expansion plans for two of its schools
Carroll Independent School District officials recently unveiled expansion plans for a middle school and an intermediate school. City council members, however, still must approve the projects before construction can begin.

 

Plans call for building a two-story, 8,000-square-foot addition to Dawson Intermediate School to add six new classrooms and allow expansion of two existing science labs, said Dr. Derek Citty, the assistant superintendent for administrative services. At Eubanks Intermediate School, plans call for a two-story, 13,500-square-foot addition featuring 12 new classrooms. District officials also plan to add swing gates to the parking lot at each campus to provide better traffic control when students are being dropped off or picked up.

 

If city council approves the plans, construction should begin in February and be completed by the beginning of the 2011-2012 school year, district officials said. 

 

Three McAllen leaders named to local transportation board

Sworn In

Alonzo Cantu (left) and Forrest Runnels were recently sworn in by Sen. Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa (right) as the newest members of the Hidalgo County Regional Mobility Authority Board of Directors.

Three McAllen leaders, including construction magnate Alonzo Cantu, were recently appointed to the Hidalgo County Regional Mobility Authority Board of Directors.


The board, created by Hidalgo County officials and the Texas Transportation Commission, is known for its long-range plan of building a highway loop that would shuttle commercial trucks to and from the border. 

The loop - expected to cost hundreds of millions of dollars - will take at least 10 years to complete.

 

McAllen businessmen Forrest Runnels and R. David Guerra were also named to the board. 


University Medical Center faces fiscal strain; taxes could rise
The community-owned University Medical Center of El Paso faces financial cutbacks that might force hospital officials to reduce care or hike taxes.


While the hospital district finished this budget year with a $6 million profit, state and federal funding cuts next year are expected to leave the medical center with a $9 million deficit.

 

State leaders, who face a $25 billion budget deficit, have asked Texas agencies to cut 10 percent off their budgets. The cuts come as the number of uninsured patients rises.


"The math doesn't work," said Michael Nunez, interim chief financial officer. "We can't continue at this pace."

 



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. 

 

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.usor 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.
 
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State, local government officials thinking 'lean'


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


Budget deficits and declining tax revenues are leading to a new trend in government. Public officials are moving to "lean government" in large numbers. Lean thinking is the new terminology for stretching tax dollars and eliminating waste.
Lean thinking may be a new term, but it is not a new concept. It's just a more trendy way of saying doing more, doing it faster and doing it for less. Government entities across the country are examining their operations and looking for ways to be more efficient and thus more effective. Their focus is on the timely delivery of the most important services they are mandated to provide.

Although lean thinking began in the private sector with a major automobile manufacturer, its adaptation to government has resulted in a growing number of lean, high-performance entities.

The basis for most lean thinking is that 95 percent of activities that are part of a process do not offer any value to the taxpayer. That means lots of  time and resources are wasted on less important tasks. Lean thinking seeks to eliminate that waste - of either products or time.

 
 
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LCRA announces it will sell its

32 water, wastewater systems
The Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) has announced it will sell its more than 30 water and wastewater systems located throughout Central Texas. The systems collectively serve approximately 125,000 customers. The decision leaves approximately 70 LCRA employees at risk of losing their jobs.
 

  

Texas schools to benefit from transfer of Land Board funds
Texas schools may have a little more jingle in their pockets after Texas Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson approved transferring $500 million from the School Land Board to the state's endowed Textbook Fund. In the past, the transfer has only been $300 million. The additional funds will be added to the $1.58 billion that is being made available by the State Board of Education for the 2012-2013 budget. It's a small amount in the overall scheme of things as the state faces a budget deficit some say is approaching $25 billion. The transfer will not be official until it is approved by the board. 

 

Seguin ISD to appoint committee to help with bond proposalIshmael Flores

The vision proposal calls for using more technology to help students learn more successfully and to add career and technology courses to the curriculum, said Ishmael Flores (pictured), a board member.

 

After hearing a report from a committee formed to help the district identify long-term goals, Seguin Independent School District trustees recently agreed to appoint an advisory committee to help the district gain support for a bond proposal to move forward with meeting those goals.

 

Texas Government Insider

will not publish next week

In observance of the Thanksgiving holidays, the Texas Government Insider will not publish next week. We will resume our regular Friday publication dates on Friday, Dec. 3. Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving! 

 

Denison narrows search for new city manager to 17 candidates
Denison City Council members recently narrowed their search for applicants for city manager to 17 candidates. The new city manager will replace City Manager Larry Cruise, who announced in September that will retire in February.

 

The city received 81 applications from qualified candidates from 26 states, a consultant from the search firm said. Council members are scheduled to meet with the consultant several more times to further narrow the field of candidates and should begin interviews with finalist candidates in January 2011, city officials said.

 

21st Century Technologies

Socorro to hire consultant

to help find new city manager
Socorro City Council members recently agreed to hire a search firm to help find a new city manager.

 

The search for a new city manager could take up to five months, said Interim City Manager Manny Soto. The new city manager will replace former City Manager Carol Garcia, who left that post in June 2008. Since 2008, council has terminated two interim city managers, including Soto, who agreed to return to the interim position after council voted to terminate services of former Interim City Manager Lorenza Fraire. Soto said he has not ruled out applying for the permanent position. 

 

Jacksonville to use construction manager for bond projects
Trustees for the Jacksonville Independent School District recently agreed to use the construction manager-at-risk method for the construction projects included in the bond proposal voters approved in November.

 

The construction manager-at-risk construction method allows more flexibility in construction, the contractor handles bids from subcontractors and guarantees a maximum price for the project, said Dr. Joe Wardel, the superintendent.

 

Maximus

Lambert choice of Kyle officials to become next city manager
Lanny LambertLanny Lambert (pictured), city manager in Leon Valley, has been chosen by the City of Kyle to become its next city manager. He replaces James Earp, who has been holding the position on an interim basis following the resignation last spring of former City Manager Tom Mattis. Mattis had been city manager for eight years. Earp was one of the four finalists for the position and will remain in his assistant city manager position.

 

Lambert has been city manager in Leon Valley since 2007. Prior to that service, he was city manager in Brownsville.

 

LeFleur

St. Philip's College using $75,000 grant for green job training
St. Philip's College recently won $75,000 in federal funding to pay for a green job training program to allow high school students from the Harlandale, Comal and North East school districts to earn a college degree and a high school diploma at the same time.

 

The duel credit program is free and the students will study alternative energy sources such as wind, solar and hydrogen fuel cells, college officials said. 

 

Dallas ISD chief to begin

interviews for new CFO

 The superintendent of Dallas Independent School District will begin interviewing six candidates for new chief financial officer beginning the first Monday in December.

The new chief financial officer will replace Larry Throm, who is leaving the district on Dec. 17. Superintendent Michael Hinojosa said he expects to hire a new chief financial officer a few weeks following conclusion of the interviews.

 

Hill & Wilkinson

Monkres is lone finalist for

Bowie ISD superintendent
The Bowie school board recently chose Interim Assistant Superintendent Steven Monkres as the lone finalist for superintendent, a move they can make official 21 days after naming the finalist.

 

The board only opened the job, vacated by Greg Evans, to district employees. Just two people had the proper credentials: Monkres and Interim Superintendent Lisa Gonzales, who will return to her position as assistant superintendent.

 

Monkres, who has worked 13 years in Bowie schools and is a graduate of Bowie High, has also worked in Bellevue, Stephenville and Jacksboro districts. He received a bachelor's from Midwestern State University, a master's from Texas Woman's University and is currently working on his superintendent certificate at The University of Texas at Tyler. 

 

Deficit, bond election could

be in Rockwall ISD's future
Jeff BaileyDuring recent discussions of a possible budget deficit, the Rockwall school trustees floated the idea of a 2012 bond election. The district will face economic struggles next year when $3.9 million in federal funds are no longer available through the Economic Stimulus Act.

 

"And so for the 11-12 year, we have to figure out how to replace that money," said Superintendent Jeff Bailey (pictured).

 

The money would help the district pay for technology, new transportation and land acquisition. Several schools, including Celia Hays Elementary and Amy Parks-Heath Elementary, need upgrades.
 

VIP Consulting

Marshall ISD school board

hears about funding needs
Bruce GearingMarshall school district Superintendent Bruce Gearing (pictured) recently gave the school board a lengthy list of needs that add up to about $5 million. That list includes: $3 million to update facilities, about $500,000 for technology infrastructure, $1 million for library book upgrades and another $500,000 for six new buses.

 

Gearing, who did not ask the board for commitment or action, recommended the board consider moving $3 million out of the fund balance. 

 

Fred Brent is lone finalist

for Alvin ISD Superintendent
Fred BrentAlvin school district trustees recently named Fred Brent (pictured) the lone finalist for the superintendent post, which can become official after Dec. 3.


Brent began his teaching career in Oklahoma City, then moved back to his hometown in Orange County, Texas, to teach in Little Cypress-Mauriceville schools. He served as principal in Orangefield and Navasota school districts, and for the last five years has been superintendent of Anderson-Shiro Consolidated in Anderson.

 
Brent holds a bachelor's degree from Oklahoma City University, a master's from Lamar University and an Ed.D. from Texas A&M University.

 

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Citizen requests recount

in bond election in Liberty ISD
A resident of the Liberty Independent School District recently requested a recount of votes on proposition 1 on a bond election defeated by four votes in the Nov. 2 election. District officials did not request the recount and are prohibited by law from paying for the recount and an $1,100 deposit is required when a formal request for a recount is filed, said an attorney for the school district.

 

Proposition one called for issuing $12 million in bonds to pay for improvements and new construction, with 1,007 voters rejecting the proposition and 1,003 voters supporting it. The county clerk's office will assist with the recount, the attorney said. 

 

The Colony approves new site plan for public services complex
The Colony council members recently approved a new site plan for a public services complex with a fleet services facility and a new administration building to be completed in phases.

 

The new fleet maintenance building is designed to accommodate work on any city vehicle whether a dump truck or a fire truck, said Assistant City Manager Tony Johnston. City officials have not set a definite date for construction on the new complex to begin, but the maintenance building will be in the first phase of the construction, Johnston said.

 

Travis County makes organizational moves
Travis County officials recently created several new leadership roles, including a management team, an information technology advisory board and a new executive position to oversee information systems and communications.


Commissioner Ron Davis did not want to establish a new executive position, explaining that he would rather fill the opening for an executive manager of administrative operations. 

 

SPI to offer legislative tracking, analysis for upcoming session
Dave HortonDuring the most recent Texas legislative session, legislators filed more than 12,000 bills and resolutions.

 

Projections are that even more statutes will be filed in the next few months.

 

Each new bill filed affects some industry group or governmental entity or firm that sells to government. It is not wise to be ambivalent about the process.

 

SPI's Dave Horton (pictured), a former public executive, has an abundance of experience in tracking and monitoring bills during legislative sessions. Dave's keen insight into the legislative process coupled with his first-hand experience make him particularly suited to lead SPI's legislative monitoring services.

 

SPI offers expert bill-tracking services and analysis during the upcoming session. For more information, contact Reagan Weil at 512-531-3917 or rweil@spartnerships.com. 

 

 

Williams named interim superintendent at Italy ISD
Charlie WilliamsCharlie Williams (pictured) recently took over as interim superintendent of the Italy school district in Ellis County.

 

Williams began his career in Van Alstyne, his hometown, where he was a teacher and coach. He went on to become elementary principal in the Allen district, and then superintendent of Van Alstyne schools. Williams attended Austin College in Sherman, the University of North Texas and Texas Tech University.  

 

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

 

 
Recent Reports
Texas Government Insider Archives

Volume 1-8 Archives -1/8/04 - 11/12/10

Governor's appointments
Governor Rick Perry has announced the following appointments:

  • Jeff L. Rose of Austin, Justice, Third Court of Appeals;
  • H. Wallace Jr. of Keller, Judge, 96th District Court in Tarrant County;
  • Debbie Montford of San Antonio, Texas Tech University System Board of Regents;
  • Bill D. Hicks of El Paso, Judge of the 243rd District Court in El Paso County

Hitchcock ISD considering

new middle school plan
After shelving plans to build a new $16 million high school, the superintendent of Hitchcock Independent School District recently urged trustees to use funds remaining from a $40 million bond proposal approved in 2008 to build a new middle school.


The new middle school is needed to move students from an aging Crosby Middle School into a new facility, said Superintendent Michael Bergman. He also urged trustees to considering using some of the bond funds to upgrade science labs at the high school. Trustees agreed to discuss the proposal during a workshop meeting, but took no action on the recommendation. 


City manager, mayor and council member in Lucas all resign
Following the recent resignation of City Manager Robert Patrick in Lucas, Mayor Bill Carmickle and City Councilman Don Zriny also announced they are resigning from their posts.

 

The resignations came after allegations arose that some elected officials have not yet accepted the home rule charter giving city staff responsibility for day-to-day operations of the city. Patrick's resignation is effective at the end of the year and Zriny's resignation is effective on Jan. 31. The mayor's resignation is to be effective on Dec. 3.  

 

Mark Stroebel named as

DISD superintendent
Mark StroebelMark Stroebel (pictured), the Dumas school district's assistant superintendent of six years, will step into the top position on Jan. 1, when Superintendent Larry Appel retires.
The assistant superintendent title will be eliminated and two new executive positions - assistant superintendent for instruction and assistant superintendent for personnel - will stand in its place.

 

Stroebel holds a bachelor's degree from Texas Tech University, a master's from West Texas A&M University and received a superintendent certificate from Sul Ross State University.

 

Quintanilla resigns from Mercedes school board
The Mercedes school board recently accepted the resignation of district employee Joel Quintanilla, who has been elected Hidalgo County Precinct 1 commissioner.

 

Quintanilla, the former mayor, oversaw the district's facilities and buildings. The district, located in the Rio Grande Valley, is accepting applications for the position, Superintendent Daniel Trevino said. 

 

Job Board

El Paso to proceed with solar power for water treatment
The Public Service Board of El Paso recently agreed to hire an engineering consultant to lead the utility's efforts on an $8 million project to use solar power to operate three of the five treatment tracks at the city's desalinization plant.

 

The utility board plans to work with agencies such as El Paso Electric, Fort Bliss, the Texas Water Development Board and the North American Development Bank to seek state and federal grant funding for the project, said a spokeswoman for El Paso Water Utilities.

 

Nicoletti resigns as city

manager in Lacy Lakeview
Mike NicolettiMike Nicoletti (pictured) recently resigned as city manager in Lacy Lakeview. His resignation was effective on Nov. 16.
Council members appointed Keith Bond, the public works supervisor, to act as interim city manager until the council hires a new city manager.

 

Burkburnett ISD to use new 3-D projectors for science classes
Burkburnett ISD officials recently unveiled new teaching carts featuring projectors that use three-dimensional illustrations to help teach complicated subjects such as math and science to students.

 

District officials bought 200 3-D content chips that contain lessons covering topics in physics, chemistry and biology for middle and high school students. District officials now hope to include mathematics instruction using the 3-D carts, the director of technology services for the district said. Each cart, which costs about $6,000, comes with a 3-D projector, a DVD player, a laptop computer and 3-D glasses. The district used federal stimulus funding to buy the 3-D carts.

 

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Deer Park eyeing new contract for roof maintenance
Deer Park City Council members recently agreed to renegotiate a contract with a construction company to perform rooftop maintenance on aging city buildings.

 

A previous contract with the construction company for roof top maintenance on city buildings lapsed earlier this year. City officials estimate the new contract could save the city about $3,000 on a roof project that already has been approved for rehabilitation.

 

Alvin kicks off first-round interviews for new parks director
Alvin city officials recently kicked off the first round of interviews in their search for a new director of the Parks and Recreation Department.

 

A committee comprised of the president of the senior board, the president of the parks and recreation board, the athletic director of the school district and the director of the YMCA are conducting the interviews with the six finalists selected from the 21 applications received by the city. Following the interviews, the committee will narrow the field to three applicants and perform background checks before selecting a director of parks and recreation.

 

Farmers Branch to privatize public library operations
Tim O'HareIn a cost-savings move, Farmers Branch City Council members recently voted to outsource operation of the city's Manske Library to a private company. The private company proposed operating the library with 15 full-time staff members while the plan proposed by the library director called for 17.3 positions. The private operator plan cost  is $225,127 a year less than the library plan, noted Mayor Tim O'Hare (pictured.)


The mayor also argued that the nearly $917,774 the city expects to save under the three-year contract with the private firm will be better spent by investing in economic development than in city personnel, which he said accounts for 79 percent of the city's operating costs.

 

Officials of the private company pledged that all current library employees will be interviewed and considered for a position and proposed to open the library at 10 a.m. rather than noon on Friday. The company also urged city officials to increase to $250,000 the budget to buy new materials.

 

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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