Accessibility regulations for local government Web sites considered

Changes could be costly, forcing some smaller entities to close down their sites

Local government Web sites such as this one could be facing new regulations affecting accessibility.

Local government officials are closely watching for proposed regulations that could have significant effects on local government entities that host Web sites. The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is considering regulations that would ensure that certain government Web sites meet certain requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

The proposals would mandate those regulations for cities, counties, school districts and possibly even some other public entities such as special districts, said Elna Christopher, spokesperson for the Texas Association of Counties (TAC). 

The DOJ notes, "For years, businesses and individuals with disabilities alike have urged the Department to provide guidance on the accessibility of Web sites of entities covered by the ADA. While some actions have been brought regarding access to Web sites under the ADA that have resulted in courts finding liability or in the parties agreeing to a settlement to make the subject Web sites accessible, a clear requirement that provides the disability community consistent access to Web sites and covered entities clear guidance on what is required under the ADA does not exist." 

The proposed regulations will seek to provide that guidance.

[more] 

TWDB's Ward new manager at TRA after Vance steps down
Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) Executive Administrator Kevin Ward (right) has been appointed general manager of the Trinity River Authority (TRA). He replaces Danny Vance (left), who after 31 years of service, recently announced he is stepping down from the TRA post.

Ward joined the TWDB in 1987 and has since served the agency as a financial analyst, finance section chief and development fund manager. He was deputy executive administrator for the Office of Project Finance and Construction Assistance from 1996 to 2002. Before joining the agency, he was an officer and controller at management consulting firms in Austin. Ward holds a bachelor's degree from The University of Texas at Austin.

Created in 1955 as a conservation and reclamation district for municipalities within the Trinity River Basin, the TRA operates five water treatment and supply facilities, five wastewater treatment plants, a recreation project and a reservoir along the river as it flows from Fort Worth/Dallas to Lake Livingston. The river authority, which controls assets of about $1.7 billion, currently has an operating budget of about $199 million annually.

With Vance's guidance, the TRA has become the largest wholesale provider of wastewater services in the state, with five regional wastewater systems that serve more than 40 cities and other government entities whose collective populations top 1.4 million. 

Gumbert leaves post as chief information officer for HHSC
Gary Gumbert (pictured), chief information officer for the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, has resigned. Before joining HHSC, Gumbert worked in both the public and private sectors working with information systems. He was also chief financial officer for another private sector firm.

TABC wins national award, observes 75th anniversary
The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) recently won a 2010 Best Practices award from the National Association of Licensing and Compliance Professionals.

The award recognized the commitment to innovation and outstanding customer service of the Licensing Division of the TABC, said TABC Administrator Alan Steen (pictured).

The agency also observed its 75th anniversary at a recent meeting.  

Want to double local government sales revenue in 2011?

Attend SPI's 'Selling to Local Government in Texas' workshop Dec. 14

Interested in doubling your local government sales revenue in 2011? You can "learn from the experts" by attending Strategic Partnerships Inc.'s "Selling to Local Government in Texas" workshop on Tuesday, Dec. 14. The half-day workshop (1-5 p.m.) will be at the SPI Training Facility in Austin.

Participants will hear from and interact with former public officials, procurement consultants and researchers charged with identifying upcoming 2011 opportunities. The SPI Team has been helping clients find and capture government contracts over the last 15 years.

Experts will share time-tested strategies for winning new government business from cities, counties, school districts, colleges, universities, etc.  And, participants will benefit from learning about a number of upcoming opportunities that will be analyzed and discussed.

For more information and to register online, click here. 

Texas wins $997,014 grant to build workforce databases
Texas recently was one of 13 states to share in $12.2 million in grants to build or expand longitudinal databases of workforce data that also link educational data. The Texas Workforce Commission won a $997,014 grant to expand and improve linkages between education and employment in its existing longitudinal databases.

Two states, Louisiana and Minnesota, won funding to develop and implement new workforce databases, with Louisiana netting $999,863 and Minnesota $1 million. The U.S. Department of Labor also awarded grants to Florida, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Missouri, North Dakota, Ohio, South Carolina and Virginia.

The goal of the workforce database effort is to increase the availability and use of high-quality data so that states will help those seeking training make better informed decisions, said the Secretary of Labor.

Texas DPS graduates 39 from Training Academy
The Texas Highway Patrol received 39 new troopers after a recent Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Training Academy graduation ceremony.

The troopers, who finished the 18-week training academy, will now spend six months training with a senior trooper. Of the 39 troopers, 18 have served in the U.S. military and 22 have college degrees.

Anyone interested in becoming a state trooper can call the toll-free line, 1-866-TXTROOP (898-7667), or visit the DPS Web site, www.joindps.com, for more information.

Report cites youth safety improvements at TYC
The Texas Youth Commission, which operates juvenile correctional facilities in the state, was recently praised for improving youth safety after a child sex scandal broke three years ago.

The Washington, D.C.-based Moss Group, Inc., renowned for its criminal justice and sexual abuse incident expertise, were contracted in May to conduct safety assessments of TYC's 10 secure facilities and nine halfway houses. The group conducted numerous interviews and reviewed all issues related to preventing, detecting and then responding to sexual abuse.

The group's report notes that TYC has made numerous reforms to better protect children, such as increasing staff training, implementing a hotline for abuse reporting and installing a video monitoring system. The group recommended that TYC provide more mental health services.

To view the Moss Group report, click here. 

Bank of America donates $1 million for new Parkland Hospital
The Bank of America Charitable Foundation recently donated $1 million to the campaign to build a new Parkland Hospital in Dallas. The Parkland Foundation has set a goal of raising $150 million in donations toward the projected $1.27 billion cost of the 862-bed hospital.

Sam Houston State University to install Gibson as new president
Officials of Sam Houston State University (SHSU) recently scheduled the installation of their 13th president, Dana L. Gibson (pictured), for March 8, 2011. The academic investiture ceremony will begin at 3 p.m. with a reception scheduled to begin at 6 p.m.

 
Gibson replaced James Gaertner, who retired on Aug. 31. She previously served in several positions at Texas Woman's University, including vice president for academic and information services. Gibson also was vice president for finance and administration of the YMCA of Metropolitan Denver, vice chancellor for administration and finance at the University of Colorado at Denver, vice president for business and finance at Southern Methodist University and president of National University in California. She joined SHSU as vice president for finance and operations in 2009.

She has a bachelor's degree and a master's degree from Texas Woman's University and a Ph.D. from The University of Texas at Arlington. 

Texas Woman's University awarded $3.7 million for literacy program
Texas Woman's University (TWU) recently won a $3.7 million federal grant to pay for an early literacy intervention program. The grant will pay for training 250 teachers during the next five years to work with the lowest performing first grade students and 10,000 other students in classrooms or small groups, said Dr. Anne Simpson, the director of the Reading Recovery program at TWU.

The U.S. Department of Education awarded the grant that will be used to train teachers in schools throughout a six-state network in Texas, New Mexico, Colorado, Oklahoma, Louisiana and Washington operated by TWU. 

UTMB garners $1 million in grants from UT system program
The University of Texas System Chancellor's Health Fellow program recently awarded two $500,000 grants to The University of Texas Medical Branch to pay for improvements to health information technology with a goal of upgrading clinical care quality and outcomes.

Regents approve new doctoral program for Texas State
Leaders of the Texas State University System recently OK'd a new doctoral program - a mash-up of science, engineering and business - that aims to produce scientists who can move innovations from the lab to the masses. Coursework for the Materials Science, Engineering and Commercialization doctorate program will begin next fall.

Coers chosen as Sul Ross provost, VP for academic, sudent affairs
Sul Ross State University officials recently hired Donald Coers as the permanent provost and vice president for academic and student affairs, a position he has held on an interim basis since May.

Previously, Coers served nine years as the vice president for academic affairs at Angelo State University. Coers began his academic career at Sam Houston State University, where he taught English for 30 years. He holds a bachelor's degree from The University of Texas and a master's and PhD from Texas A&M University. 

Markwood new provost, VP for Academic Affairs at TAMU-Corpus
Christopher L. Markwood (pictured) was recently named provost and vice president of academic affairs at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi.

Daudistel appointed senior executive vice president at UTEP
Dr. Howard Daudistel, who has been serving as interim provost at The University of Texas at El Paso, has been appointed senior executive vice president of the university, effective Feb. 1, 2011. He will oversee Development and Alumni Relations, Advancement Services and Scholarships, University Communications, University Relations and Human Resource Services.

Before being named interim provost, Daudistel held a number of positions with UTEP during his 35-year career there. He has served as Liberal Arts dean, chair of the Departments of Sociology and Anthropology, Social Work and Criminal Justice, interim chair of the Department of Communication and Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs.

Daudistel is a graduate of the University of California-Santa Barbara and joined the UTEP  Department of Sociology and Anthropology in 1974.

Finalists named for vice president position at Angelo State
Four finalists will vie for the position of vice president for finance and administration at Angelo State University. The finalists include: Dr. Greg Gunderson, assistant vice chancellor for business and operations, academic affairs, University of Nebraska at Lincoln; Wanda Hill, vice president for administration and treasurer, Washburn University, Topeka, Kan.; Andrea Jaeckel, associate vice president for finance, Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti; and Michael Reid, vice president for finance and administration, Mansfield University of Pennsylvania.

Gonzales will serve as provost at University of Texas-El Paso
Dr. Junius Gonzales (pictured), professor and dean of the College of Behavioral and Community Sciences at the University of South Florida, has been chosen to serve as the next provost and vice president for academic affairs at The University of Texas at El Paso. Gonzales will be responsible for helping UTEP attain nationally recognized research and academic excellence

While at USF, Gonzalez was dean of the college that comprises eight departments and schools and includes a number of top 50 nationally ranked graduate programs. He is also executive director of the Louis de la Parte Florida Mental Health Institute, the largest of its kind in the nation. Before joining USF, he was principal and scientist for one of the largest for-profit government and business research firms in the world. He also was at the National Institute of Mental Health for six years, holding the title of director of the Division of Services and Intervention Research. He also previously served as clinical professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at George Washington University and deputy chair and clinical associate professor in the Department of Psychiatry there. 

Gonzales earned his undergraduate degree from Brown University, his MBA from the University of Maryland and his M.D. degree from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine.

President to nominate Bush School dean to public diplomacy post
Ambassador Ryan C. Crocker (pictured), dean of the Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University, will be nominated to serve on the United States Advisory Commission on Public Diplomacy.

Awards presented to Texas Forest Service workers
Dozens of Texas Forest Service employees were recently honored with awards during the annual meeting in Crockett. Director Tom Boggus was honored with the Bronze Smokey Bear Award, given by the National Association of Foresters and U.S. Forest Service for making an impact within the state.

Employees honored as Good Samaritans include: Rich Dottellis, Wes Moorehead, Randy Havard, Bobby Sides, Mike Kuhnert, and Jimmy Caldwell. Additionally, Phil Gates received an award for Service Programs Resulting in Increased Efficiency, while Jeff Durant took home the Director's Award, Field Technician. Director's Awards were also given to support staff: Janet Helms, Field; Dian Melton, Office; and Les Rogers, Professional. Director's Awards for team effort went to Keith Skinner, Sam Lewis, Gerald Lively, Charlie Ramsey, Justin Jansky, Mike Summers and Michael Batton.

Blinn officials considering closing Sealy campus
Confronted with declining revenues, regents of the Blinn College System recently began discussions on whether to renew the lease for a shopping center that now serves as the Sealy campus for Blinn College.

The college system is anticipating an $8.5 million cut in revenue and the $100,000 annual lease of the shopping center space is one area that could be cut, said Daniel Holt (pictured), president and chief executive officer of Blinn College. About 175 students are enrolled at the Sealy campus and some classes have just one or two students, Holt said.

Following pleas from Sealy city officials and residents to keep the Sealy campus operating, Blinn officials said they are exploring a less expensive space to lease for a campus in Sealy.

Texas announces start date for new appliance rebate program
Texans who purchase energy-efficient Energy Star appliances beginning Dec. 20 may be eligible for mail-in rebates up to $1,000. 

Rebates totaling about $10 million are available in eight categories, which range from $40 on room air conditioners to $1,000 on air-source heat pumps. The program, which will stay open until all funds are distributed, is funded through unclaimed stimulus funds from the April 2010 program.

Consumers, who must dispose of an old appliance to claim rebates, are eligible for an additional $75 back if they recycle the old appliance. Rebate forms will be available online and more information about the program can be found at www.TexasPowerfulSmart.org. 

Aransas County school group urges  $26.9 million in upgrades
A facilities study committee of the Aransas County Independent School District recently urged the board of trustees to spend about $26.9 million to build new classrooms and other facilities and renovate the Live Oak and Fulton learning center campuses and replace temporary buildings now in use.

The committee said the construction should include classrooms, a cafeteria, administrative space, a library and new parking lot at the Live Oak Learning Center. That project carries an estimated cost of $18.8 million, with new construction and renovations estimated at about $15.9 million and another $3 million for furniture, equipment and contingencies. For the Fulton Learning Center, the new construction should include new classrooms, a bus loop, a student drop-off area and a heating and air conditioning upgrade along with improvements to the roof and renovation of the kitchen. The total estimated cost for the Fulton Learning Center is about $8.1 million, with new construction estimated to be about $4.9 million, renovations and improvements costing about $1.5 million and $1.7 million for furniture, equipment and contingencies.

Harris Co. Hospital District named exemplary site for PT education

The Harris County Hospital District was recently commended for providing an excellent learning environment for physical therapy students.

The Texas Consortium for Physical Therapy Clinical Education awarded its 2010 Exemplary Site Award to the hospital district's rehabilitation department at Quentin Mease Community Hospital. The department was praised for its friendly environment, excellent mentoring and hands-on training.

"It's always great to think you have an outstanding learning environment for students, but it means so much more when your professional peers acknowledge the tremendous value the student program offers," physical therapist Laurie Bramlett said.

Wharton economic group mulling $1.2 million for road project
The board of the Wharton Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) recently began consideration of a proposal by City Manager Andres Garza (pictured) to contribute as much as $1.2 million to help pay for the proposed extension of FM 1301 and a new railroad overpass project with an estimated price tag of about $8.9 million.

Bond defeat forces Judson ISD to rethink growth plans
Following the defeat of a $198 million bond proposal to build three new schools, officials of the Judson Independent School District recently began developing a new strategy to accommodate increasing student enrollment.

Texas State System regents OK proposed building change

A revision of plans for a proposed building near Bowers Stadium at Sam Houston State University was among the items approved by the Texas State University System Board of Regents at their recent regular quarterly meeting. The regents - Sam Houston State University's governing body - met on the campus of Lamar University in Beaumont.

San Antonio city health director will retire Dec. 31
Top San Antonio health official Dr. Fernando A. Guerra (pictured) recently announced that he will retire next month, but will likely continue on as a consultant for the city.

Public safety sales tax proposed at Cleburne workshop
Cleburne city leaders recently discussed a sales tax hike - from 7.75 percent to 8 percent - that would generate more than $1 million for public safety.

The plan would require two elections: one to create a crime control district, another for a fire control district. Each entity would get one-eighth of a cent per $1 in sales taxes, which is estimated to bring in about $700,000 a year for each district.

Officials hope to hold an election in May. If approved, the tax would stay in effect for five years and require another vote if extended. 

Weslaco airport wins $865,000 grant for improvements
The Texas Transportation Commission recently awarded $865,000 in federal funding to the Mid Valley Airport, located on 125 acres next to the city's industrial park in Weslaco.

The federal funding will be used to purchase land and pay for engineering design work for pavement improvements, said George Garrett, airport director. The airport primarily serves corporate and private planes that carry up to 10 passengers and is also used for air cargo shipping, agricultural spraying, military operations and recreational flying, Garrett said.

Austin police monitor finalists narrowed to four
The four finalists recently selected for the Austin Police Department Police Monitor position will appear at a public forum Dec. 7 in Austin.

Boerne seeks more bids for $36 million wastewater plant
After receiving only two bids for a proposed $36 million wastewater plant, Boerne city officials recently agreed to push back the deadline for bids for the project and extend the timeline for construction from 12 to 18 months.

Highland Park town hall project price tag may rise
Highland Park City Council members recently learned that the price tag for renovating the Highland Park Town Hall could increase from $7.6 million to $11.6 million, according to bids submitted by engineers and architects for the project.

Austin Community College adds space to new Hays campus
Austin Community College (ACC) officials recently increased the proposed square footage of the new Hays campus (as seen in accompanying artist's rendering) by 28,000 square feet and increased the budget for the new campus by $10 million.

ACC officials now plan to build a 100,000-square-foot campus costing about $55.8 million instead of the $45.8 million, 72,000-square-foot campus originally planned for a 96-acre site in Kyle.  ACC also is under contract to pay $9.84 million for the campus site located within the commercial portion of a development. ACC will be the first community college to operate in Hays County, although the county is home to Texas State University with an enrollment of about 32,000 students.
 

The new ACC campus in Kyle will house about 2,000 students and the decision to expand the campus was made after voters in San Marcos and Bastrop rejected a proposal to join the ACC college district, ACC officials said.  Many students from San Marcos and Bastrop are expected to enroll at the new campus in Hays County, ACC officials said. Currently about 1,000 students from Hays County are enrolled at ACC. 

Sugar Land names new public works director, city planner
In a move to reduce costs, Sugar Land City Manager Allen Bogard recently selected Mike Goodrum as the new director of public works and Doug Schomburg as director of planning while announcing a reorganization of city staff.

Goodrum, who currently serves as community and environmental director, will maintain that position while also assuming the duties of director of public works, Bogard said. Goodrum has a bachelor's degree from Texas A&M University and is working on a master's degree at the University of Houston.

City officials do not plan to fill the position of assistant city planner when Schomburg vacates that position to become director of planning for the city, Bogard said. Schomburg, who has worked for the city since 1999, previously worked as a planner for Abilene. He has a bachelor's and a master's degree from Texas State University. Eliminating the two management positions along with eliminating a total of 20 city employee positions in 2011 is expected to save $1.4 million, Bogard said. 

Kilgore group urges $55 million bond proposal in May
Members of the facility committee for Kilgore Independent School District recently agreed to recommend that school board members ask voters to approve $55 million in bonds in May 2011 to pay for two new schools and renovations to two existing schools.

Nederland ISD discussing possible bond election in May
Faced with voter rejection last year of a $120 million bond proposal, Nederland Independent School District trustees recently began discussions on whether to ask voters to approve a bond proposal in May 2011 to fund upgrades to district facilities. Capital Improvement Committee members urged trustees to ask voters again to approve bonds, reported Superintendent Robert Madding (pictured).

After being initially passed over for a Qualified School Construction Bond program, Texas Education Agency officials awarded Nederland ISD the opportunity to finance up to $7.3 million of facility improvements, Madding said. The program offers a zero to 2 percent interest rate to school districts to finance school construction, land acquisition and renovations.

Projects that focus on energy efficiency such as replacing single pane windows with energy-efficient windows in all district facilities and replacing outdated heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems with higher efficiency systems are needed to reduce costs, Madding said. Other projects focusing on safety and security include installing fire alarms, classroom locks and security cameras. District officials also recommend updating science labs with safety and protection systems, remodeling the food lab at the high school, adding classrooms to a middle school and building a gymatorium at the Wilson campus. District officials expect to open the responses to a request for qualifications for the energy savings projects on Jan. 5, 2011. If trustees decide to call a bond election in May 2011, Madding said he plans to package the bonds in two or more proposals. 

El Paso moving ahead with $80 million Trans Mountain freeway
Following a delay over environmental concerns, El Paso City Council members recently agreed to release rezoning conditions on land near Trans Mountain Road, a move that permits construction to proceed on the Trans Mountain freeway.

Council members in October postponed the vote to allow Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) officials to present a federal report on the environmental consequences of building the freeway. Although the report is still not available, TxDOT and city staff warned council members that legislators faced with a huge budget deficit could cut funding for the freeway project if council members did not commit to the project before January.

 
The ordinance approved by council, however, will not take effect until March 1 and provides the option of rescinding the vote or postponing the start data if the environmental study recommends a different kind of roadway or if construction plans are changed, noted one council member. 

Boerne reviews pros and cons of proposed event center
A Houston-based tourism consultant recently advised Boerne city officials that a proposed events center could generate as much as $10 million into the local economy. But the consultant also reminded council members that a proposed $14.7 million, 43,000-square-foot events center could cost the city $100,000 per year indefinitely to subsidize its operation.

The consultant said a single-level facility with a 20,000-square-foot carpeted ballroom, a 3,000-square-foot, 20-seat board room and a 400-space parking garage would fill an open niche in the tourism and events market in San Antonio and the Hill County. If an events center were in operation by 2013, it could attract 126 events with more than 66,000 attendees by 2015, the consultant said. Rental revenue could exceed $600,000 and food and beverage sales could approach $2 million annually.

The Kendall County Economic Development Corporation, the Convention and Visitors Bureau and a city department split the cost of the $18,000 study. While some council members raised concerns regarding adding more to the city's current debt load, Dan Rogers (pictured), president of the Kendall County Economic Development Corporation, argued that increased local sales tax and hotel-motel tax revenues could easily offset the predicted operating deficit. Council members took no action on the recommendations. 

Stafford may expand economic development efforts
Stafford City Council members recently asked for public comment on a proposed resolution to hire someone to lead marketing and promotional efforts approved by the Stafford Economic Development Corporation.

The group has set aside $182,000 for the marketing and promotion effort, which includes the membership fee to the Greater Fort Bend EDC, the mayor noted. One council member noted that the city has not seen a return on its investment with the Greater Fort Bend EDC, which has drawn businesses to Missouri City, Sugar Land and Rosenberg, but has not found new businesses for Stafford.

Alvin mayor backs bond proposal for convention center, parks
The mayor of Alvin recently urged council members to consider asking voters to approve bonds to pay for a new convention/community center, more athletic fields, hike and bike trails and new animal shelter facility.

Joe Dan Lee is selected as Georgetown superintendent

Joe Dan Lee has been named Georgetown school district superintendent - again. Lee, who also held the position from 2004 until his retirement in 2007, returned to administration in August as the interim superintendent. He replaced Superintendent Abbe Boring, who resigned in June.

Under Lee's new contract, which expires June 2013, he receives a salary, an annual travel allowance and health insurance benefits.

School trustees asked Lee to return to Georgetown to help pass a $137.3 million bond issue, which voters OK'd last month.

Texas recently awarded

federal child wellness grant
Texas was recently awarded a $1 million grant through the federal Child and Adult Care Food Program that will go toward the health of children in child care settings. The state will give the money to programs that promote nutrition and physical activity in various ways that include outreach campaigns and the innovative use of technology. A total of $7.7 million in funding was awarded to 14 states. 

Cleburne taps Holden as

new acting city manager
Following the announcement of the retirement of Cleburne City Manager Chester Nolen, the Cleburne City Council selected Assistant City Manager Rick Holden to serve as the acting city manager effective Feb. 1, 2011.

Hutto wins $10,000 grant

for fire prevention program
Williamson County Emergency District 3 Hutto Fire Rescue recently won a $10,000 grant awarded by Liberty Mutual Insurance Company.

Hutto Fire Rescue will use the award to upgrade its fire prevention education program, said Fire Chief Scott Kerwood (pictured). More than 5,000 Hutto residents responded to a 10-question quiz to help Hutto Fire Rescue win one of the 10 awards distributed to the 3,100 fire departments that competed in the contest, Kerwood said. 

Pittsburg selects Jackson

as interim city manager
The Pittsburg City Council recently appointed City Secretary Margaret Jackson as the interim city manager. Jackson replaces former City Manager Jim Gibson, whose contract expired without council members renewing it. This is the second time Jackson has served as interim city manager in Pittsburg.

Brewster County sheriff wins $237,650 grant to protect border
The Brewster County Sheriff's Department recently won a $237,650 Operation Linebacker grant to protect the border area.

The grant will be used to buy four patrol vehicles, body armor, night vision goggles and fuel for border-related work, said Chief Deputy Ryan Skelton. The grant also will pay for the salary of one deputy who will work only on Operation Linebacker and border protection, Skelton said.

Winovitch to manage facilities

for Lake Travis school district 
Lake Travis Independent School District trustees recently selected Robert M. Winovitch as Facilities Resources, Compliance and Construction Manager. He replaced Jack Stevens who retired from that position.

Winovitch is a retired major in the Texas National Guard/U.S. Army and worked as a project manager for several architecture firms that worked with numerous public sector clients. He has a bachelor's degree from Texas A&M University. His new duties include developing and implementing action plans to assess and update facilities, ensuring compliance with accessibility and building code standards and developing and implementing plans to reduce energy costs and consumption in district facilities. 

Belton economic group to buy lot, build new office building
Belton City Council members recently authorized the Belton Economic Development Corporation to proceed with purchasing a lot adjacent to the Belton Chamber of Commerce for a new office building.

Plans call for Belton EDC to build a 2,505-square-foot office building with offices, a conference room to seat up to 25 people and two furnished offices for business counseling. 

Calhoun County ISD tags Wiggins as lone finalist for superintendent
Calhoun County Independent School District board members recently selected William "Billy" Wiggins as the lone finalist for superintendent. Wiggins will replace former Superintendent Larry Nichols, who left the district in September.

Wiggins currently serves as superintendent for Salado ISD and previously served as superintendent for Port Aransas ISD. He also worked as a teacher and coach. Wiggins is scheduled to begin his new duties in January. Interim Superintendent Jim Story will then return to his previous position as personnel director for the district.

Burnet selects Vaughn as

interim city manager
Burnet City Council members recently selected David Vaughn (pictured) as the interim city manager. Vaughn will replace former City Manager Michael Steele, who is resigning to serve as city manager in Castle Hills.

Glen Rose picks Ivy as

Oakdale Park manager
Glen Rose City Council members recently chose Gary Ivy as manager of Oakdale Park, a city-owned facility that hosts festivals, camping, family reunions, concerts and family outings.

Ivy, a retired corporate manager from Fort Worth, will move to Glen Rose to manage the park, city officials said. 

Southwest adds fuel-efficient buses to fleet of vehicles

The Southwest Independent School District in San Antonio was recently praised for its efforts to convert its bus fleet to all ultralow-emission vehicles.

New fire station in McDade

could be downsized
To save on construction costs and stay within budget, officials of the Bastrop-Travis County Emergency Services District #1 are considering building a smaller fire station in McDade than originally planned.

The new design for the fire station measures 70 X 100 X 16 feet while the original designed called for 80 X 120 X 18 feet. Construction on the new fire station should begin on Dec. 20 and be completed in about six months. Officials expect that the bids for the smaller fire station will be lower than the estimated $496,333 cost for the larger fire station. 

City Health Director tapped

for role in software conversion
Mike Lester (pictured), health director in Baytown, was recently chosen to lead the city through a software conversion that is expected to take from 12 to 18 months. While Lester serves in the new role, Environmental Health Manager Tony Gray will take over as interim health director.

The new public administration software, described as the most important technological update in Baytown's history, will automate and streamline business for city employees while also providing more online and self-service opportunities to the public. 

Bastrop County gets $130,000 federal grant to upgrade radios
The Department of Homeland Security recently awarded $130,000 to Bastrop County to improve its emergency radio communications system.

Belton agrees to $45,000 study plan for fire and EMS services
Belton City Council members recently authorized spending up to $45,000 for a comprehensive study of the city's fire and EMS services and $5,000 to help find a new fire chief to replace Roy Harmon, who is retiring on Jan. 31.

Charlie Amato elected chair

of TSUS Board of Regents
Leaders of the Texas State University System recently instated a new chairman and vice chairman to lead the Board of Regents. Former Vice Chairman Charlie Amato (pictured) of San Antonio will replace Chairman Ron Blatchley, whose term expires next year, as chairman. Amato, who holds a bachelor's degree from Sam Houston State University, is co-founder and chairman of an 800-employee financial business.

Donna Williams, who was elected vice president of the university system's board, is program manager and vice president of an engineering and construction company. She has a bachelor's from Prairie View A&M. 

Council names Jamie Lee Pettijohn as city clerk
The San Marcos City Council recently appointed a new city clerk, Jamie Lee Pettijohn, to start in early December. Pettijohn, who received a bachelor's degree from Texas State University in 2009, succeeds Sherry Mashburn, who stepped down in August.

After graduation, Pettijohn began working in Gonzales as a public administration intern, and in February was hired to serve as city secretary and zoning administrator. In her new role as city clerk, Pettijohn will oversee city records, elections and provide support services for the council.  

Judson ISD tags Gonzales

as new campus police chief
Officials of the Judson Independent School District recently appointed Teresa Gonzales (pictured) as chief of the Judson ISD Police Department. She is the first female chief for the school district's police department.

During her 16 years in law enforcement, Gonzales held positions with the San Antonio Police Department, Alamo Community College Police Department and the Northside ISD Police Department. A 1990 graduate of Harlandale High School, Gonzales also served as interim chief for the Judson ISD Police Department.

Belton to study whether to preserve historic bridge
Belton city officials recently agreed to spend $10,000 for a study of two bridges the Texas Department of Transportation is considering for replacement.

While city officials agree that the Toll Bridge Road bridge spanning the Lampasas River should be replaced, they want to further study whether the historic Central Avenue bridge that crosses Nolan Creek should be preserved. The city will be expected to contribute about $100,000, or 10 percent of the total cost, for each bridge that is replaced.

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

Lone finalist named for Round Rock city manager position
Steve Norwood (pictured), city manager of Prescott, Ariz., was recently named the lone finalist for the Round Rock city manager position.

Norwood, top executive for several Dallas-area cities from 1992 to 2003, will replace Jim Nuse, who took a job as San Marcos city manager.

Houston finance director

Mitchell resigns from post
City of Houston Finance Director Michelle Mitchell is leaving her position with the city. Officials say Mitchell offered her resignation Wednesday and said she will return to the private sector. Mitchell was hired in 2006 by then-Mayor Bill White. 

Rusk County agrees to support grant for library group
Rusk County Commissioners recently agreed to sign a letter of support for Friends of the Library to submit grant applications to help pay to complete construction of a new public library in Henderson.

• A Summary Report on Full-time Equivalent State Employees for Fiscal Year 2010 
• An Audit Report on Medical Quality Reviews at the Division of Workers' Compensation within the Texas Department of Insurance
• Texas State Agency Business Administrators' Assn. newsletter
• An Audit Report on the Texas Emissions Reduction Plan Program at the Commission on Environmental Quality

Noel to serve City of Canyon

as director of parks, recreation
Officials of the City of Canyon recently named Brian Noel the new director of parks and recreation. Noel, who worked 18 years for a large manufacturer of turf maintenance products, beat out about 50 other applicants for the job.

Noel wants to beautify parks with flowers and landscaping, but also has larger plans for two new pavilions - one at the Brown Road soccer fields and another at Conner Park. 

Camp County wins $28,728

grant to buy mobile radios
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security recently awarded $28,728 to Camp County to buy more mobile radios to improve interoperability with other law enforcement agencies in the area.

Aransas County Airport wins $715,000 for airport upgrades
The Texas Transportation Commission recently awarded $715,000 to the Aransas County Airport to pay for the engineering design for fencing improvements and other upgrades to the airport.

A growing population of deer, coyotes, rabbits, raccoons and feral hogs prompted the need to install a game fence around the airport to avoid hazardous situations, said Gene Johnson, airport manager. Plans call for building an eight-foot-tall fence with a six-foot section of mesh extending down about two inches and then four inches out to prevent burrowing under the fence. A cattle guard device also will be installed at the SH 35 entrance to the airport. The airport is required to pay $71,500 toward the fence project. 

Maxwell leaving county

for new position with city
Long-time Galveston County employee Brian Maxwell recently accepted a position as the City of Galveston's assistant city manager and will start Jan. 3.

Maxwell, a Galveston native, is the first high-profile county staffer to leave after the recent election, when County Judge Jim Yarbrough was defeated. County Judge-elect Mark Henry has said he has no plans for a staff overhaul, yet asked all workers to submit applications for their current posts. Maxwell earned a bachelor's degree from Texas A&M University. 

Greenville hires engineer

to design parkway project
The Greenville City Council recently hired an engineering firm to design the Monty Stratton Parkway, which is expected to ease congestion between Interstate 30 and the campuses of Greenville High School and Paris Junior College.

Council members earlier agreed to sell $5.89 million in bonds to pay for the parkway project and for improvements to Traders Road.

Texarkana ISD to buy land

for new elementary school
Trustees of the Texarkana Independent School District recently agreed to pay $520,000 to buy 34-acres of land for a new elementary school. The property is located near US 67 and FM 2148, district officials said.