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| Volume 6, Issue 47 · Friday, November 21, 2008 | |
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Baylor College of Medicine president to step downMerger talks continuing between med school, Rice University
Just weeks after talk of a possible merger between Baylor College of Medicine and Rice University, Dr. Peter Traber's (left) more than five year term as president of the Baylor medical school was ended Wednesday. He will step down as president and CEO on Dec. 1, but will remain as president emeritus and professor of medicine. Dr. William Butler (right) will serve as interim president and a national search for a permanent replacement for Traber will begin soon. Butler is chancellor emeritus of Baylor College of Medicine after serving as chancellor from 1996 to 2004. He has served the college as associate dean, Dean of Admissions, acting vice president and executive vice president. In 1999, he was named president and chief executive officer, serving in that capacity for nearly 17 years. Preliminary talks of a merger between the Baylor College of Medicine and Rice University continue, according to Rice President David Leebron. But he indicated that a series of practical issues might need to be ironed out before the two elite institutions can be brought together. [more]Heiligenstein named new commissioner of DFPSHelped lead reform in child, adult protective services programs
Anne Heiligenstein (pictured) has been named commissioner of the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS). The announcement was made Thursday by Health and Human Services (HHSC) Executive Commissioner Albert Hawkins. Heiligenstein, who currently serves as deputy executive commissioner for social services at HHSC, will take on her new assignment Dec. 1. DFPS oversees the state's child and adult protective services programs, licenses day-care centers and other child-care facilities and supports programs to prevent abuse and neglect of Texas children, elderly adults and persons with disabilities. Heiligenstein brings more than 30 years of human services experience to her new position. She is a former director of policy and projects for First Lady Laura Bush in Washington, D.C., former director of health and human services policy for then-Gov. George W. Bush and assistant deputy commissioner and director of protective services at the former Department of Human Services. The new commissioner holds a bachelor's degree from The University of Texas at Austin and a master's from Trinity University. She joined HHSC in 2004 and her expertise led to the recommendation of reforms for the state's Child Protective Services and Adult Protective Services, many of which were passed by the State Legislature in 2005. Hawkins had high praise for his new commissioner, saying Heiligenstein knows DFPS programs "inside and out." Strategic Partnerships salutes Texas' Lone Stars
LuAnn Roberts Morgan, commissioner, Texas Department of Licensing and RegulationCareer highlights and education: I received my BS from Texas Tech University, MBA from The University of Texas of the Permian Basin (UTPB), completed Texas A&M Ag Extension Agency Economic Development, and met requirements as a doctoral candidate in psychology from Kennedy-Western University. In 1977, I began my career with Texas Electric Service Company (aka TXU) and served as TXU Electric and Gas Western Region District Manager in Midland from 1992 until 1999. After TXU, I turned my interests to politics and, in 2000, was elected to the Midland City Council where I currently serve as Councilmember and Mayor Pro Tem. I have taught marketing and statistics at UTPB, worked in marketing at Warren CAT, and currently assist the United Way of Midland with the annual campaign. In 2003, Gov. Rick Perry appointed me to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) as commissioner. As vice-chair, duties include representing the chair in his absence, assist and approve the agency's strategic plan, budget and request funding, policy guidance, review and adopt rules to implement laws, impose fines and sanctions against those who violate laws, deliver judgment on final orders in contested cases, set fees to cover program costs and hire and supervise the executive director. What I like best about my job is: the professionalism, teamwork and efficiency of the management, staff and commissioners and how we are able set the standard for innovation, customer service, cost effectiveness, staff efficiency and public trust. I believe it's the reason TDLR is a model state agency. The best advice I've received for my current job is: Be prepared for a dynamic environment. TDLR regulates a diverse variety of businesses, industries, trades and occupations. The mission is to honor public trust, ensure public safety and foster a fair and efficient regulatory environment. The agency efficiently uses public resources, provides the highest level of customer service, exemplifies a culture of change and innovation and respects its employees. TDLR studies all rules and how they impact consumers and licensees, protects the public and uses funds prudently (reducing license fees $3,338,085 over the last 4 years). Advice I would give a new hire in my office: Take the initiative, accept change and be willing to grow. This is a vibrant agency and a great opportunity to gain a diverse set of skills from customer service to teamwork to leadership. If I ever snuck out of work early, I could probably be found: at Lake Texoma. My hometown is Sherman. My Mother, sister and I have a lake house where we continuously work. That's the great value in having a vacation home, more work. People would be surprised to know that I: have a great technical and mechanical knowledge. Thus, being appointed to TDLR was a precise match to my interests. One thing I wish more people knew about my agency: is the history. It first began in 1909 as the Bureau of Labor Statistics enforcing labor laws and collecting data. The name changed to Texas Department of Labor & Standards in 1973 and in 1989 became the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, focusing on licensing and regulating a variety of businesses, trades and occupations. TDLR's responsibilities have expanded at a rapid rate over a short period of time, and it is the state's umbrella licensing agency - 26 programs with 125 license types and 543,142 licenses. No other state commission regulatory agency has the diversity, number of programs or regulates such a diverse array of occupations. Each week, the Texas Government Insider profiles a key government executive or decision-maker. If you would like to suggest a "Lone Star," please email us at editor@spartnerships.com. UT System hires consulting firm to assist in UTMB effortsFirst round of layoff notifications to nearly 3,000 under wayAs plans to reconfigure the clinical enterprise at The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston (UTMB) move forward, the UT System has contracted a consulting firm to assist in its efforts. Since the devastation of Hurricane Ike two months ago, UT System and UTMB officials have considered several options to address financial losses and exigencies, including staff reductions of up to 3,800 full-time positions. Earlier this week, UTMB officials began notifying close to 3,000 faculty and staff members that their jobs were being terminated. That is slightly under the 3,800 layoffs authorized by the UT System Regents last week. All classified employees received 60 days notice with full pay and benefits while administrative and professional employees will receive a minimum of 60 days notice with full pay and benefits. Non-tenured faculty will receive six months notice with full salary and benefits and tenured and tenure-track faculty will receive full salary and benefits through the end of the fiscal year, Aug. 31. UT System Interim Chancellor Dr. Kenneth Shine said the board is committed to and working diligently to restore its education, research and clinical care activities. Retaining the search firm, he said, "will allow UTMB to address the immediate financial crisis while at the same time outline plans for the institution's future." Future Texas teachers could soon be going high-tech
The State Board of Educator Certification (SBEC) is looking to advance the means by which future Texas teachers are trained and certified. New guidelines for teaching certifications were proposed last spring and are scheduled for consideration by the SBEC on Nov. 20. If approved, the guidelines will take effect Jan. 1. As outlined in the proposal, students will be offered an opportunity to clock up to 15 of their 30 required field hours through video, Internet or other technology-based methods. Online testing for teaching certification has been available in Texas since 2004-2005. There are some 20 tests available via the Internet currently, and as many as 34 of all 78 certification tests will be available online by the 2010-2011 school year, according to SBEC spokeswoman Sheila Allee. This is good news for late hires, who are required to have 80 coursework hours completed before beginning their teaching careers. [more]Eight companies get investments from TETF fundsSix Central Texas companies have been selected for a total of more than $10 million in funding from the Texas Emerging Technology Fund as announced this week by Gov. Rick Perry. Two other companies garnered a total of nearly $750,000 in funding. The companies and the amount awarded include:
Request for opinion on license checkpoints withdrawn
Texas Department of Public Safety Chairman Allan Polunsky (pictured) has withdrawn a request for Attorney General Greg Abbott to issue an opinion on the legality of driver's license checkpoints. Polunsky's request drew the ire of some lawmakers who intimated that DPS was attempting to target undocumented workers, thereby enforcing immigration policy. Last August, the Public Safety Commission issued new regulations for driver's license applicants to prove legal American residency.
The Mexican-American Legal Defense and Educational Fund was among the groups contending DPS' proposed driver's license checkpoints in conjunction with the new guidelines instituted in August could lead to racial profiling. OAG issues human trafficking reportA new report from the Office of the Attorney General indicates state laws need bolstering to effectively deal with human trafficking. The report, issued by Attorney General Greg Abbott and State Sen. Leticia Van de Putte, examines how legislative changes could affect and deter the recruitment, harboring, transporting or obtaining of a person for labor or involuntary servitude, slavery or forced commercial sex acts. Abbott defined human trafficking as "a horrible crime that deprives its victims of basic human rights." About one in five of the thousands trafficked into the United States each year occurs in Texas. Houston and El Paso rank among the U.S. Department of Justice's "most intense trafficking jurisdictions in the country," according to Abbott. The 57-page report titled "The Texas Response to Human Trafficking" fulfills the requirements of Senate Bill 11, which was passed in the 80th Legislature. To view the report in its entirety, click here. Texas Board of Nursing receives $50K grant
The Texas Board of Nursing (BON) has been awarded a $50,000 grant by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) for criminal background screenings of new enrollees. Based on facility requirements, students' criminal backgrounds may impede their clinical experiences. Since some criminal records disqualify students for nursing licensure, the early screenings will also help facilities avoid utilizing educational resources in instances where a criminal background exists. The BON is allowed to conduct FBI criminal background checks on all licensure applicants. The grant will allow the agency to conduct early checks as opposed to the singular one currently administered just prior to a student's graduation. In Fiscal Year 2007, the BON experienced a 12.27 percent criminal history rate for RN students and an 18.3 percent rate for VN students, prompting a licensure eligibility investigation for more than 1,332 students. The NCSBN grant will help curb those costs and endeavors by funding two staff positions for one year to assist with the background checks. The BON will evaluate the effectiveness of the measure at the end of the grant-funding period. Until then, the BON is seeking legislative funding for early background checks for fiscal years 2010 and 2011. DADS launches new consumer portalSimplified text, streamlined navigation and Spanish translation of basic information are part of the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services' new Web site homepage design and consumer portal unveiled this week. The new consumer portal is called "Help for Texans" and can be accessed from the DADS homepage. Other parts of the Web site will be modified soon. The Spanish translation is in progress as is a contact page for Vietnamese speakers. State Conservation Office grants funds to TAMUI
The State Energy Conservation Office of the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts has granted funding to Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) for phase two of a community energy conservation program. The funds will be used to launch the Utility Resource Education Network, a collaborative effort among TAMIU, the Texas A&M College of Architecture's Center for Housing and Urban Development (CHUD), the Colonias Program and local energy providers. The network's mission will be to promote proper energy use by providing educational and supportive services. The network will also offer two free courses aimed at educating residents and local building contractors, materials suppliers and builders. The residents' class will offer instruction about cost-effective energy conservation measures, while the builders' class will focus on code requirements and recent "green" technological advancements. Mary Trevino (pictured), associate vice president for academic affairs at TAMIU, will head the project. DSHS hosts emergency medical services conferenceMore than 2,500 emergency care workers from throughout the state are in Fort Worth today through Wednesday of next week for the Texas Emergency Medical Services Conference 2008. The event, sponsored by the Texas Department of State Health Services, will allow emergency medical technicians, paramedics, emergency department physicians, trauma nurses, firefighters and law enforcement officers to learn the latest in emergency patient care in more than 150 classes. A Texas EMS Awards Luncheon honoring EMS leaders will be held Tuesday, with Jack Colley, chief, Governor's Division of Emergency Management, as keynote speaker. Among the highlights are a helicopter operations at EMS incidents class, a class in high angle rescue techniques and rappelling and more. Dr. John Griswell, medical director of MedStar Emergency Medical Services, will speak Monday on ethics in medicine. For more information, click here. West Texas ranch acquired, transferred to TPWD
The Nature Conservancy of Texas has purchased 7,000-acre Fresno Ranch in far West Texas for about $2.6 million and plans to transfer the land to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD). The acquisition will effectively remove the largest remaining in-holding in Texas' largest state park, giving park goers free access to anywhere in the pastoral Fresno Canyon with its cottonwood trees, desert springs and majestic views - in addition to freeing up 8.5 miles of unbroken Rio Grande frontage to the public. Scott Boruff (pictured), TPWD deputy executive director for operations, said the purchase marks "the most important land acquisition at Big Bend Ranch since the department bought General Land Office in-holdings in 1991." Laura Huffman, state director of The Nature Conservancy of Texas, echoed Boruff's sentiment, stating the group is "thrilled to be able to make this important addition to Big Bend Ranch State Park a reality to allow Texas residents and visitors greater opportunities to enjoy this beautiful and fascinating natural resource." Governor appoints disaster advisory commission
The Governor's Commission for Disaster Recovery and Renewal, an advisory panel of public and private sector experts who will create a plan to assist Texas communities after a natural disaster, was announced Thursday in Houston by Gov. Rick Perry. The commission will be charged initially with finding ways to deal with housing shortages caused along the Texas Coast by Hurricane Ike. The commission will also help seek full federal reimbursement for recovery, including debris removal. The commission, to be chaired by former Harris County Judge Robert Eckels (pictured), will include 31 members appointed by the governor representing the private sector, foundations and local and state government. Ex officio members will include the county judges of Aransas, Brazoria, Calhoun, Cameron, Chambers, Galveston, Harris, Hidalgo, Jackson, Jefferson, Kenedy, Kleberg, Liberty, Matagorda, Nueces, Orange, Refugio, San Patricio, Starr, Victoria and Willacy counties. The commission will develop processes, protocols and standards to prepare for disasters as well as strategies to rebuild communities affected by disasters. Throm leaving Austin ISD for Dallas ISDLarry Throm, chief financial officer for the Austin Independent School District, will resign his post in mid-December to accept the Executive Chief Financial Officer position with the Dallas ISD. Austin ISD Superintendent Pat Forgione said Thom is widely recognized as "the finest school finance officer in Texas today," adding that the Austin district's financial stability is due in large part to Throm's expertise. Throm previously served as finance officer/budget director in the Lubbock and Victoria school districts. AISD officials said Throm's last day in the district will be Dec. 19. A search is already under way to identify an interim CFO until a full-time successor to Throm is hired. Sul Ross awarded $60K grant for chemistry research
The Welch Foundation of Houston, one of the oldest and largest funding sources for basic chemical research in the United States, has awarded a three-year, $60,000 Chemistry Departmental Research Grant to Sul Ross State University. The grant will fund six undergraduate scholarships per year as well as faculty stipends for summer research from June 2009 through May 2012. Sul Ross President R. Vic Morgan (pictured) said in a letter to Welch Foundation President Norbert Dittrich the funds will "have a significant impact on our students...empowering them to utilize the principles of scientific research in their studies." According to the terms of the grant, the university will supply a progress report by July 31 each year. $2.4 million grant funds Center for Security StudiesA record $2.4 million Department of Defense grant issued to Angelo State University will provide funds for infrastructure needs for a new Center for Security Studies, a joint venture with Goodfellow Air Force Base in San Angelo. The grant, along with $1.66 million for an intelligence training facility at Goodfellow, has been signed into law. The Center for Security Studies will offer a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Cultural Fluency, which will focus on languages and cultures of the Middle East, Europe, Africa and China. The program will target Goodfellow AFB faculty who hold associate's degrees but will also be available to ASU students, creating a unique degree opportunity to bolster ASU's recruitment and retention numbers. Of the grant monies, $1.02 million has been allocated for furniture and fixtures; $400,000 for information technology equipment; $400,000 for advanced hall technology; $250,000 for video smart conference room; $230,000 for language instructional labs; and $100,000 for communication/data support. UNT names Carranza assistant vice provost
Dr. Gabriel Carranza (pictured) will take over as assistant vice provost of international cooperation at the University of North Texas (UNT) beginning Jan. 6, 2009. Carranza, former director and creator of the Office of Latin American programs at Texas A&M University (TAMU), will develop, coordinate and manage the academic centers, institutes and programs that have an international focus at UNT. Carranza established the TAMU University Center in Mexico City and served as its executive director since 1993. There he oversaw the implementation of the Digital Imaging Diabetes Research Laboratory and the Faculty Abroad Seminar, an international faculty development program. Carranza has served as assistant professor at the National Autonomous University in Mexico City and as head and program coordinator of the Department of Experimental Pathology of the National Center of Animal Parasitology of Mexico. Carranza holds a doctoral degree from the National Autonomous University of Mexico in addition to a master's degree and another doctoral degree from TAMU. President Bush expected to appoint Ruth to IBWCCornelius William Ruth, a La Feria High School graduate, is expected to be appointed by President George W. Bush as the U.S. commissioner of the International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC). The president this week announced his intent to appoint Ruth to replace Carlos Marin, who was killed with three others in a plane crash in September near Presidio. Ruth, a former principal engineer for the special projects department at the IBWC, retired in 1998 after 25 years with the commission. He also served as manager of the Lower Rio Grande Flood Control Project during his tenure at the agency. Ruth's appointment is not subject to U.S. Senate confirmation. Texas educators in running for Teacher of YearTeachers across the state are gearing up for education's equivalent of the Oscars. The Teacher of the Year awards will be presented Saturday at the Connally Banquet Hall at The University of Texas Etter-Harbin Alumni Center in Austin. The luncheon will begin at 11:30 a.m. with recognition awards to follow. Six exemplary Texas educators have been selected as finalists for Elementary Teacher of the Year and Secondary Teacher of the Year. The top two teachers will receive a $5,000 cash prize, a trophy and a $15,000 technology package, and one winner will go on to compete in the National Teacher of the Year awards. Finalists for the Teacher of the Year awards include:
UTEP receives $1.5 million grant for technology training
The School of Nursing at The University of Texas at El Paso recently received a $1.5 million grant to help train nursing students using an interactive patient simulator that can present various symptoms. The Paso del Norte Health Foundation awarded the grant that will equip a 16,000-square-foot simulation laboratory that will provide a new level of critical thinking and training for students, said Kathleen Curtis (pictured), dean of the UTEP College of Health Sciences. The lifelike mannequins are interactive and allow students to ask questions as they determine a diagnosis and also allow students to practice procedures in a safe way, Curtis said. The simulation lab will be in the new $40 million College of Health Sciences and School of Nursing Building that is currently being built. TAMUHSC names director for Coastal Bend centerGuadalupe Reyes Jr. has been named director of Texas A&M Health Science Center's Coastal Bend Health Education Center, where he says he plans to advance the reputation of the school. A Corpus Christi native, Reyes returns to the Coastal Bend after serving as dean of technical and workforce education at Blinn College in Bryan. He has also served in administrative leadership positions at community and technical colleges in Seattle; Chicago; Kirkland, Wash.; Florence, S.C.; Moline, Ill. and Sugar Grove, Ill. Reyes holds a bachelor's degree from Aurora College in Aurora, Ill., and a master's degree from Northern Illinois University. Landscaping initiative under way at UT-Dallas
A major landscaping initiative is under way at The University of Texas at Dallas with the goal of shaping the campus "to reflect the quality of the people and programs already here," President David E. Daniel (pictured) said. The yearlong project will be carried out in four phases made possible by a lead gift from philanthropist Margaret McDermott. Phases of the project include: overhauling the perimeter and entrance roads to the campus and central plaza, planting up to 6,000 native trees, installing a new roundabout driveway, constructing a small amphitheater and stage and implementing a greenery-lined waterway. A groundbreaking and reception for the campus enhancement project took place this week. Conroe ISD approves $984,000 land purchase for schoolTrustees for the Conroe Independent School District recently approved entering into a $984,000 contract to purchase 24 acres near Texas Highway 105 West for a new junior high school campus. The contract is pending the outcome of a 90-day feasibility study on whether the property meets the district's needs. School officials anticipate finding no reason to cancel the contract, said Dan Cox, the chief financial officer. Construction on the 210,000-square-foot campus for 1,500 students is scheduled to begin in fall 2009 and be open to students in August 2011. The district also is building a new elementary school in the area scheduled to open in August 2009 and plans to build another new elementary scheduled to open in 2012, Cox said. Voters this year approved $526.7 million in bonds for two new junior high schools, a new intermediate school, four new elementary schools and renovations to six other campuses. University of Dallas unveils first pharmacy program
The University of Dallas has announced plans to institute the first doctor of pharmacy (PharmD) degree program in North Texas. The Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area, the fourth-largest in the nation, remained the largest market in the country without an academic pharmacy program. Dr. George E. MacKinnon III will spearhead the program as founding dean and professor of the School of Pharmacy. His leadership "will prove instrumental in building the infrastructure (of the school)...ultimately positioning it as one of the most innovative schools of pharmacy in the country," UD President Dr. Frank Lazarus (pictured) said. MacKinnon served as vice president of academic affairs at the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy prior to his charge at UD. Despite its position as the second most populated state, Texas ranks 42nd in meeting the demand for new pharmacists. As determined by a six-month feasibility study commissioned by UD, capacity at pharmacy schools nationwide remains competitive with 10,000 first-year candidates accepted from some 95,000 applicants. Andrews ISD nixes search firm for superintendentTrustees for Andrews Independent School District recently voted to conduct their own search for a new superintendent rather than hire a search firm to help with finding qualified candidates to take over following the retirement on June 30, 2009, of current Superintendent David Mitchell. The district will advertise for candidates through the Region 18 Education Service Center and other Web sites sponsored by education-related associations, said Board President Charles Mohr. The board will accept applications through Dec. 12 and meet on Dec. 16 to decide which candidates to interview. Mohr also said the district would like to select a candidate by February or March so the new superintendent can help with the transition, if possible. Judges explore judicial uses for visual communications
Nearly 20 Texas judges, clerks and technology officials from a dozen Texas counties were on hand for a recent technology preview in Collin County to see the benefits visual communications can bring to the judicial process. Those attending heard about video conferencing and audio visual systems and how some courtrooms throughout the state are using visual communication technologies for video pleas, remote magistration, arraignment and competency hearings, attorney consultation and expert witness interviews. State District Judge John Roach, Jr., (pictured) of Collin County explained how progressive his county is in the use of visual communications. In addition to describing the applications that are specific to the judicial process, Roach also explained the system's benefits, how it was funded and what the county's plans are for future expansion of its system. Those attending viewed live video plea hearings, justice of the peace proceedings and had time for a question and answer session afterwards. Judges attending in addition to Roach were Judge Andy Rash of Hood County, Judge Paul Lovier of Mt. Vernon, Judge Harris Blanchett of San Jacinto County, Judge Gene Stapleton of Grimes County, Judge Roger Towery and county judges from Archer, Clay and Montague counties and Judge William C. Bosworth, administrative judge from Johnson County. Taylor ISD seeks project manager for new high schoolTrustees for the Taylor Independent School District recently voted to keep all options open in their search for a project manager for building a new $38 million high school. Board members signed a temporary contract with a project management company for the design and planning stages of the new high school and renovations to other district facilities. Board members now must decide whether to retain the same company or find another management company to serve as project manager, said Superintendent Bruce Scott. A construction manager is necessary, Scott said, because district staff do not have the necessary construction expertise for such a large project. Also on the board's next agenda is hiring a financial consultant to manage distribution of bonds and arranging the funding necessary to begin construction on the new high school. Corpus Christi ISD may break ground on two schools
Construction on two schools approved by voters in a November bond election could begin as early as this summer, said Scott Elliff, superintendent of the Corpus Christi Independent School District. Voters approved a $192 million bond proposal that called for construction of four new elementary campuses and other improvements. While no final decisions have been made, Elliff said he is pretty sure that construction of a campus for students who attend Lexington and Zavala elementary schools is a top priority and a new Southside elementary campus will be scheduled later within a four-year timeline. Trustees will have the final say on the construction schedule, he said. District officials also plan to build a new career and technology high school near the west campus of Del Mar College, spend $32 million on bringing additional technology into classrooms and increase security throughout the district. Under the district's current plan, six of the 40 elementary campuses in the district will be consolidated into three and three new campuses will be built for those schools. Lamar, Central Park, Casa Linda and Carroll Lane elementary schools, along with Zavala and Lexington elementary schools, are being consolidated because of low enrollment. Texas City to add nearly 250 acres of parklandsThree new park ventures set to be under way soon in Texas City will vault the city's total park space to 3,000 acres. Plans call for a 200-plus-acre environmental park, a 45-acre sports complex and the "greening" of the Sanders/Vincent Community Center, which will be outfitted with solar panels to help power the city. The environmental park will include wetlands, an open range and a number of hike and bike trails with some parkland set aside for future development, according to Mayor Matt Doyle. The sports complex known as Magnolia Park will be housed on a tract of land near 34th Street once used for trench burning of Hurricane Ike debris. Galveston city budget still reeling from Hurricane IkeThe cost effects of Hurricane Ike still linger in Galveston, where city officials expect to spend most of 2009 paying more for daily operations than is generated in revenue. Repair costs are estimated at nearly $128 million, which may result in layoffs, according to City Manager Steve LeBlanc. The Federal Emergency Management Agency will reimburse the city for 75 percent of repair costs, but the city has to come up with $27.4 million of its own money, according to LeBlanc. To balance this deficit, LeBlanc has activated a $20 million loan designed to help cover weather-related emergencies. Although the city ended the fiscal year in the best possible financial shape, according to LeBlanc, the $14.2 million fund balance won't last long in the face of this year's projected revenue losses. Nederland ISD to look at 2009 bond election
Trustees for Nederland Independent School District recently scheduled a December workshop meeting to explore whether to call for a bond election next year. The board in September canceled a proposed $126 million bond election because of heavy damage to the area by Hurricane Ike and the failing economy. Superintendent Gail Krohn (pictured) told trustees that to have a bond proposal on the May ballot, the board will be required to call for the election no later than March 1. Trustees requested district staff to have new pricing and figures available to trustees by January or February. The canceled bond proposal called for construction of three new elementary schools, a new middle school, heating and air conditioning upgrades at Central Middle School, modernization at Nederland High School, a new press box and turf for Bulldog Stadium and modifications to alternative education facilities. McLennan County delays construction of new county jailMcLennan County commissioners recently agreed to delay for a third week the issuance of project revenue bonds to pay for a new county jail. County Judge Jim Lewis said county officials are waiting to determine whether financial markets will stabilize and allow for lower interest rates on bonds than are currently available. County officials had planned on breaking ground on the new jail this month, but Lewis said he does not know when the project will begin. The new 816-bed jail, which will be operated by a private corporation, is expected to cost about $37.4 million and take 12 to 14 months to complete once ground is broken. Hidalgo County to spend $26 million for improvements
The Hidalgo County commissioners recently agreed to issue up to $26 million in certificates of obligation to pay for improvements to drainage and roads, county buildings and for equipment purchases. Damage from the hurricane prompted the county to move forward as soon as possible with the drainage and road projects, said Commissioner Sylvia Handy (pictured). Handy said she expects funding from the certificates to be available in January, but the county already is proceeding with some road and bridge projects and will repay its road and bridge fund with revenues from the certificates. Currently, each commissioner will be allocated $5 million for road and drainage improvements in their precincts and another $6 million will be spent on renovations to county buildings, planning for a new courthouse and a new county morgue. They county also plans to issue more certificates of obligation in 2011 to pay for more drainage improvements, county officials said. Carthage ISD creates task force to study building needsTrustees for the Carthage Independent School District recently created a task force to study the district's facilities needs. The task force of between 40 to 60 members will include community and business leaders, teachers and school administrators, said Superintendent Glenn Hambrick. The task force is charged with providing information to the board on the pros and cons of calling a bond election to pay for facility improvements. Voters earlier this month approved a $15 million bond to pay for maintenance of district facilities, including installation of a new air conditioning system at the high school, buying additional buses and upgrading athletic facilities. Some district facilities are close to 50 years old and their condition must be addressed, Hambrick said. Angleton considering plan for city hall renovation
Angleton City Council members recently got a look at a preliminary plan for renovations to the city hall that features a modernized emergency operations center. The plan also includes more office space, a larger council chamber and a more open lobby, said City Manager Greg Smith (pictured). The new plan moves the code enforcement department into the current council chambers and moves the municipal court from the police station to city hall and creates an emergency management center that can withstand a 150 mile-per-hour windstorm to be built behind the city hall. The emergency center also will serve as council chambers and the municipal court, Smith said. The renovations will add about 5,000 square feet to the city hall and is estimated to cost about $650,000. The city issued $1.5 million in certificates of obligations last summer to pay for this project, expansion of the downtown fire station and moving the animal shelter to an improved building. Work on the fire station and animal shelter should begin by spring and be completed in fall 2009. UTEP College of Education earns $50K grantThe University of Texas at El Paso College of Education has received a State Farm Insurance Companies $50,000 grant to continue the El Paso Teacher Residency Induction. The induction program emboldens educators with less than four years teaching experience through mentoring and professional development exercises. Nearly 160 novice teachers have benefitted from the program so far, impacting some 15,000 students throughout El Paso County. Funds from the grant will also be administered to support other professional development activities, such as the Better Beginning Conference and Saturday Solutions Seminars. Cedar Point ISD picks Turner for interim position
Scott Turner (pictured) has been named interim superintendent of the Cedar Point Independent School District, replacing Donna Smith, who retired after 17 months in the position. Turner, former director of student services, said he hopes to eventually secure the district's top post, removing the "interim" tag from his title. Trustees, meanwhile, have voted to retain a committee to conduct a new permanent superintendent search. Brownsville state park set to open in coming weeksBrownsville's Resaca de la Palma State Park will host a grand opening celebration Saturday, Dec. 6, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. A ribbon-cutting ceremony, raptor show, archery demonstrations, guided walks and bike tours, art contests and more will be included in the festivities. The wildlife-rich Rio Grande Valley plays host to the 1,200-acre park close to the southernmost tip of the state. Resaca de la Palma State Park stands as the largest of nine sites comprising the World Birding Center that stretches more than 100 miles along the Texas-Mexico border from Roma to South Padre Island. The final wing of the birding center - South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center - is set to open in spring 2009. Eschewing the traditional trappings of a state park, Resaca de la Palma will cater to bird watchers, butterfly collectors and enthusiasts and nature lovers of every stripe. The park's most significant feature is a six-mile resaca, a former channel of the Rio Grande, which park staff worked for many months clearing in order for it to be refilled. Other features include more than eight miles of hiking trails and a paved 3.5-mile tram loop. The park boasts five natural habitats. Santa Fe bans cell phone use in school zones
The Santa Fe City Council has voted to ban cell phone use in school zones after reported accidents triggered by drivers distracted by the devices. Mayor Ralph Stenzel (pictured) said those who voted against the measure questioned how the law would be enforced. Stenzel said that while the city does not have the manpower to patrol all school zones, the school district will use its police to issue tickets to violators. Motorists are required to refrain from cell phone usage while traveling through a school zone when lights are flashing. Fines could result in fees of up to $200. Rockdale identifies $5.8 million in infrastructure needsRockdale needs to replace its old cast iron water lines and increase water well capacity at a cost of about $5.8 million to comply with state rules, a consulting engineer recently told the Rockdale City Council. The city's aging infrastructure also is creating potential problems with fire protection, the consultant said. He suggested the city look into applying to the Texas Water Development Board for a loan to make well improvements and replace old water pipes. Mayor John Shoemake noted that the city has only $900,000 budgeted for improvements to its water supply system and would discuss the city's options on how to best raise funds with its financial advisers. The council voted that its first priority is to increase pumping capacity to the east side to bring it into TCEQ compliance and improve fire protection. Henderson ISD looks at $50M cost for facilities
Trustees for the Henderson Independent School District recently received a preliminary glance at an analysis of the district's facilities that placed a $50 million cost on bringing district facilities back to first class status. A final report on suggested renovation projects will be made in December, said Superintendent Bobby Brown (pictured). Board members will then need to establish priorities and develop a plan on how to accomplish the improvements. District officials had planned on asking voters to approve a bond proposal to pay for improving district facilities, but Brown conceded the nation's current economic situation could affect those plans. Most of recommendations included renovating existing space to repair damage from use and bring buildings up to code. The cost of removing the Henderson Middle School is estimated to cost about $10 million while the study recommended a new middle school be built at a cost of $26 million. The study also includes $11.6 million for a new football stadium and $3.7 million for a competition gym. The district already has begun the first phase of the plan and expects bids for adding classrooms, laboratories and a computer room to be opened on Dec. 2. Freeport extends search for city managerFreeport city officials have extended the search for a new city manager beyond Police Chief Jeff Pynes, whom some council members argue is the best candidate for the position. Pynes was appointed as top city administrator in October but is effectively removing his name from consideration. The city has posted the opening online at the Texas Municipal League Web site with a Dec. 1 deadline. The city is searching for a candidate with a bachelor's or master's degree in business or engineering who has experience as a city manager or planner. Salary will depend on experience. Former City Manager Gary Beverly earned $110,000 annually, which is what Pynes is earning in Beverly's stead. Officials expect the search for a new city manager to take anywhere from two to six months. McKinney delays construction of new ice rink
As costs for the Dr Pepper StarCenter rose to more than $1.8 million over budget, McKinney city officials recently agreed to delay construction on the ice rink for as long as a year. The city also recently stopped work on a hotel and convention center after the developer asked the city to contribute more to the cost of the convention center. City Manager Frank Ragan (pictured) said that despite delays in both projects, he is confident the city will complete both city-sponsored facilities. Construction on the ice skating facility was scheduled to begin this month and be completed by the fall of 2009. City officials had approved a contract with the Dallas Stars hockey organization in September to build a 95,000-square-foot facility and blamed delays on bad timing. The contract calls for the city to pay $6 million from city-issued bonds, $5.5 million from the Community Development Corporation and $1.5 million from property taxes collected in a special zone at Craig Ranch. The Stars organization would build, lease and manage the city-owned facility. Ragan said officials decided to slow down the process to determine if economic conditions could work to their advantage as steel prices have come down in the last few weeks and demand is slowing down. UTEP unveils Ride Share online carpool projectParking and Transportation Services at The University of Texas at El Paso has implemented Ride Share - an online service designed to match students, staff and faculty with carpool rides. The free service only displays pertinent carpool information and does not disclose individuals' private information, such as home addresses. Parking and Transportation Services Director Paul Stresow said the environmentally sound, cost-effective measure "gives our UTEP community a great alternative for traveling to campus and allows them to save some money." Ride Share is offered in addition to the traditional carpool program that allows students, staff and faculty to share the cost of parking decals and park in special carpool zones. Azle ISD approves funding for campus improvements
Trustees for the Azle Independent School District recently approved $274,050 for Phase 1 of the district's plan to update playground equipment at six campuses. The board also approved $36,878 for improvements to the high school baseball and softball fields. Upgrading the playgrounds was necessary to meet state and federal requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act, said Skip McCambridge (pictured), director of student services. Under the new plan, each campus will have at least one large covered component system for students from age 2 to 5 years and one large system for students from age 5 to 12 years. Phase 1 of the project includes removing all unsafe playground equipment, installing pea gravel and installing the new components, while adhering to accessibility requirements, McCambridge said. Under Phase 2, which is expected to cost an additional $30,000, the district plans to remove more outdated equipment and compress new equipment into one fall zone, while Phase 3, expected to cost about $40,000, includes removing curbs, enlarging fall zones and replacing pea gravel. Because voters rejected a bond proposal in May to fund the improvements, district officials are paying for the projects from the district's $17 million reserve fund. Brazoria County plans repairs on Bluewater HighwayBrazoria County commissioners recently approved delaying a $25,000 environmental assessment of the process of laying a temporary 15-foot-wide roadway of crushed concrete until a more permanent solution can be made. Temporarily replacing 12 miles of the Bluewater Highway that links the Surfside Beach village limits to the San Luis Pass Bridge will cost about $1.9 million, said Donald Payne, precinct 1 commissioner. Although precinct 1 employees have covered about a mile of the roadway with crushed concrete, Payne said he is preparing to ask for bids from contractors to get the road open. Hurricane Ike left miles of CR 257, known as the Bluewater Highway, destroyed. Completely rebuilding the highway will cost between $50 million and $100 million. Payne said he hopes that the Federal Emergency Management Agency will eventually pay all of the county's expenses to rebuild the road. Get your free copy of the Texas Government InsiderThe Texas Government Insider is a free weekly newsletter. If you are not a subscriber, or if you would like to tell your friends or co-workers how to receive a free copy, click here. Permission to reproduce, reprintThis newsletter may be reproduced, and all articles within may be reproduced and/or reprinted without permission when credit is given to the Texas Government Insider, a publication of Strategic Partnerships, Inc. Note to media:Need expert commentary on procurement issues relating to state government, city and county government, K-12 public schools, higher education or healthcare? Our consulting team has more than 300 years of high-level experience in decision-making among these government entities. Give us a call at 512-531-3900 and we'll arrange an interview for you with one of our experts. |
Government spending, contracting in Texas will exceed most other states
By Mary Scott Nabers, CEO of Strategic Partnerships, Inc. The current economic downturn has caused most private sector firms to think long and hard about spending and purchasing decisions. However, government purchasing and contracting will definitely continue...as it must to ensure that taxpayer and constituent needs are met. The economic vitality in Texas is being noticed throughout the nation. It is hard to find any area in Texas where there is not construction and new projects being announced on a weekly basis. In Brazoria County, work is continuing on the county's juvenile detention center and the adult detention center is expanding. Angleton has projects that include construction of streets, a new park and an expansion of the city hall. Taxpayers in the Angleton ISD recently passed a $140 million bond package that includes construction of a new high school, stadium and an agricultural building as well as upgrades of all campuses in the district. Just recently, San Antonio builders announced they hope to find 2,000 construction employees at a job fair this week to help with multiple upcoming construction projects. The projects include expansion of Fort Sam Houston, a regional medical center and a technical education and training campus. [more]
Vidor takes step forward
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Texas Transportation Forum planned in JanuaryThe Fourth Annual Texas Transportation Forum, featuring high-profile speakers - former U.S. House Majority Leader Dick Gephardt and former Federal Aviation Administration Administrator and Federal Highway Administration Deputy Administrator Jane Garvey - and a keynote address by Gov. Rick Perry, is slated for Monday through Wednesday, Jan. 5-7, 2009. The forum will be at the Hilton Hotel in Austin. The forum brings together both past and future transportation leaders and will feature sessions on Texas' future transportation needs, an overview of state and federal transportation policy and information on state initiatives, regional partnerships and federal initiatives. Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst will speak about transportation issues for the upcoming legislative session. To view the program, click here, and to register, click here. TWC hosting annual Workforce Conference Dec. 3-5The 12th annual Texas Workforce Conference will be held Wednesday through Friday, Dec. 3-5, at the Grand Hyatt San Antonio Hotel on the Riverwalk. The conference will feature nationally known speakers, workshops, exhibits and networking opportunities. The conference offers the opportunity to strengthen partnerships among employers, local workforce development boards, economic development professionals, educators and other state and federal workforce partners. Among the topics to be discussed are the changing face of the Texas labor market, rural community and economic development, regional collaborations, public-private partnerships and more. To view the agenda and for a registration form, click here. TSABAA planning 29th Mid-Winter ConferenceThe Texas State Agency Business Administrator's Association (TSABAA) 29th Mid-Winter Conference is slated for Wednesday through Friday, Dec. 3-5, at the Inn of the Hills Resort and Conference Center in Kerrville. Registration deadline is Friday, Nov. 14. This year's conference will feature speakers from the State Comptroller's Office, the Legislative Budget Board and the Employees Retirement System of Texas. Among the topics to be discussed are how the economy is affecting pension plans, how to prepare for legislative hearings and presentations and an overview of the upcoming Texas legislative session. CPE credits are available. To view the conference agenda, click here. For a registration form, click here. 'Putting America Back to Work' conference plannedThe Texas Workforce Commission will host its "Putting America Back to Work" conference on Jan. 15 and 16, 2009, at the Omni Austin Hotel at Southpark. The two-day conference topics include: The Texas Economic Model, Lessening our Dependency on Foreign Energy, Rebuilding Our Manufacturing Base and Challenges of our Business Tax Structure. Among the confirmed speakers are former Texas Secretary of State Phil Wilson and Barry Smitherman, chair of the Public Utility Commission of Texas. For a registration form and agenda, click here. Texas Lyceum hosts annual public conferenceThe Texas Lyceum will host its 23rd Public Conference, "Transportation Infrastructure: Establishing Public Policy Priorities" from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 3, at the Reliant Center in Houston. Elected officials, transportation policy experts and stakeholders from throughout the state will attend to discuss and prioritize transportation policy issues prior to the 81st Legislature convening in January 2009. Those attending will hear from four panels and participate in interactive sessions after each panel. The event provides an opportunity for the Lyceum Directors, its alumni and the public to interact with policy makers, policy advocates and each other and actively engage in the discussion. For more information and to register, click here. Executive Women in Texas Government set conferenceThe Executive Women in Texas Government 22nd annual Professional Development Conference will be Monday, Nov. 24, at the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort in Lost Pines, Texas. Hailed as a meeting of "ideas, solutions and connections," this year's event will feature keynote speakers Dr. Tina Dupree (AKA as the Chicken Lady) and Major General K.C. McClain, Commander Air Force Personnel Center, Randolph Air Force Base, Texas, and workshops relating to development of executive level management skills, expanding leadership capabilities and networking and mentoring. The event will begin with a 7 a.m. registration. The first keynote speaker will be heard during the opening general session at 8:30 a.m. followed by two morning workshops and breaks for exhibits and networking. The EWTG Woman of the Year presentation will be made during lunch, with another afternoon workshop on tap and the closing general session and second keynote speech at 3:15 p.m. Sponsorships are available and exhibitors are also being accepted. For more information on the conference and registration, click here. |
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