Government spending: the check could be in the mail

Transportation, public safety, tech, other stimulus funding sought

If local government officials in Texas have their way, a lot of federal dollars will be spent in their cities early in the upcoming new year.

In fact, local officials who recently participated in a U.S. Conference of Mayors survey say that a federal investment of a little over $1.7 billion in just over two dozen Texas cities would both stimulate local economies and create nearly 20,000 jobs – welcome news in a state where unemployment climbed to 5.6 percent in October and is expected to continue to increase in coming months.

"It appears that most spending in the first part of 2009 will be done by government," said Mary Scott Nabers, president and CEO of Strategic Partnerships, Inc., an Austin-based state and local government consulting firm. "A survey of just 28 Texas cities indicates that an investment of more than $1.7 billion in projects in categories that include energy, transportation infrastructure, housing, technology, school modernization, public safety, water and wastewater could not only provide jobs, but be completed within two years. These are the anticipated projects that could become part of the federal government's economic stimulus plan." (To view all of the projects listed by the cities nationwide, including those in Texas, click here and choose a city from the list.)

Montford, Cigarroa: Next UT chancellor?

Yudof replacement to head nine universities, six health institutions

Word is spreading that AT&T Senior Vice President John Montford (left) and University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio President Dr. Francisco Cigarroa (right) are the two finalists for chancellor of The University of Texas System.

Montford is a former prosecutor and Texas state senator from Lubbock, serving in the Senate from 1983 to 1996. He became the Texas Tech University System chancellor in 1996 and was named chancellor emeritus in 2001. He was named president of SBC Southwestern Bell in San Antonio in 2002 and appointed senior vice president of AT&T following the merger of SBC and Southwestern Bell. He holds his bachelor's degree and his law degree from The University of Texas at Austin.

Cigarroa, from Laredo, is a pediatric and transplant surgeon. He earned a bachelor's degree from Yale and received his medical degree from The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas. He was chief resident at Harvard's teaching hospital, Massachusetts General in Boston and completed a fellowship at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore. In 1995, he joined the UTHSC faculty in San Antonio and prior to becoming president, served as director of pediatric surgery and director of abdominal organ transplantation. In October, he announced he would step down after the 2009 legislative session.

Whoever is chosen will replace Dr. Mark Yudof, who resigned from the UT post in June to accept the chancellor position at the University of California System. The UT System regents have a meeting slated for Dec. 18, apparently to interview chancellor candidates.

Sales tax revenue for FY 2008 at $5.9 billion

Sales tax collections for the first three months of the state's 2009 fiscal year have continued to grow, according to sales tax allocation figures released today, Friday, by State Comptroller Susan Combs. The state collected $1.98 billion in sales tax in November, up 4.7 percent compared to November of last year. Combs noted that although there is growth, the increase is less than in the past three years and collections in retail trade and construction declined slightly.

Despite the economic slowdown, local governments collected $5.9 billion in sales tax this year, 6.3 percent more than in 2007. City sales tax allocations during calendar year 2008 totaled $4 billion, up 5.6 percent compared to 2007. Counties' December sales tax allocations totaled $30.8 million, up 11.8 percent compared to December 2007. Counties received $365.8 million in sales tax during calendar year 2008, up 7.9 percent compared to last year.

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

TCEQ cites changes to agenda meeting format

Participation by John Q. Public in meetings of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) is about to get easier. TCEQ officials this week announced that beginning Jan. 14, 2009, their twice-monthly meetings (called agendas) will be re-ordered, with proposals for decision (PFDs) from the State Office of Administrative Hearings, hearing requests and items of public interest being moved to the beginning of the meetings.

Noting that PFDs and hearing requests usually garner the most public participation at these meetings, TCEQ Commissioner Larry Soward (pictured) noted, "Citizens who want to attend the meetings to participate in the process can come at the beginning of the agenda and in most cases, their item will come up within a reasonable amount of time." Enforcement orders and rules, which usually get less participation from the general public, will take place after the PFDs, hearing requests and miscellaneous items are finished. The agendas will also no longer have separate morning and afternoon sessions. There will be one continuous agenda with no break unless needed.

To facilitate easier access to information, TCEQ meetings on the Internet have now been put into categories: agenda meetings, work sessions, advisory/stakeholder groups and special meetings. The agenda meetings are webcast free to the public at www.texasadmin.com.

Kirk could be up for Cabinet position

Former Texas Secretary of State and former Dallas Mayor Ron Kirk (pictured) has been interviewed by the transition team for President-elect Barack Obama for a possible Cabinet post in the Obama administration. Political insiders speculate that Kirk is being vetted for either secretary of transportation, education or Housing and Urban Development.

Kirk was Obama's point person in Texas during the presidential campaign. He currently is a partner in the Dallas office of a global law firm.

DISD superintendent's contract not extended

The Board of Trustees of the beleaguered Dallas Independent School District Thursday decided Thursday not to extend the contract of Superintended Michael Hinojosa (pictured). The school is in the throes of a financial crisis that resulted in hundreds of employees, including some teachers, being laid off.

Hinojosa's contract ends in 2012. DISD officials are anticipating a deficit of approximately $30 million in the 2008-09 budget, despite layoffs and other budget cuts. Hinojosa indicated that despite not having his contract extended, he does not plan to resign.

Buckner to chair Edwards Aquifer Authority

Luana Buckner (pictured) has been named chair of the board of directors of the Edwards Aquifer Authority, following the resignation of Chair Doug Miller, who will soon be sworn in as a member of the Texas Legislature.

Buckner has served on the board since 1996 and currently serves as vice chair. Susan Hughes of Bexar County will become vice chair, while Enrique Valdivia of Bexar County was elected secretary and Mark Taylor, representing Hays and Caldwell counties, was named treasurer.

Buckner, who hails from Medina County, is only the board's third chair since it was created in 1995.

State employees plan CapMetro legislative agenda

Two issues for Central Texas state employees are likely to be presented to the Texas Legislature when it convenes in January 2009, both dealing with Capital Metro initiatives.

An upcoming meeting is being planned to discuss the possibility of a payroll deduction for CapMetro passes to be paid for with pre-tax funds from state employee paychecks and to discuss a pilot project for Central Texas state employees to fund corporate bus and rail passes at a discount rate.

Representatives of CapMetro, the Employees Retirement System, the State Comptroller's Office and the office of Rep. Dawnna Dukes will be on hand Monday, Dec. 15, at 1:30 p.m. in Room E1.014 of the State Capitol Extension to discuss the initiatives. There will be a period for question and answer and to discuss support for the initiatives.

Seating is limited, so those attending should RSVP to Mark Majek, chair, Texas Small State Agency Task Force, at Mark.Majek@bon.state.tx.us.

DHS favors Kansas site for agro-defense lab

San Antonio's lack of agriculture college, low incentives cited

Manhattan, Kan., is apparently favored over San Antonio and a handful of other cities as the preferred site for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF). The city may soon be named home to the facility, which will be dedicated to the study of foreign animal and zoonotic (transferable from animal to human) diseases that can impact livestock.

Design and planning for the laboratory will be under way next year, with the facility slated to be operational by 2015. Homeland Security Under Secretary for Science and Technology Jay Cohen said the NBAF will help "protect our livestock industry, food supply and public health from the accidental or intentional introduction of a foreign animal or zoonotic disease in the U.S."

San Antonio was originally considered as one of six potential sites for the NBAF, along with the Kansas site and Athens, Ga.; Flora, Miss.; Butner, N.C. and Plum Island, N.Y.

In March, DHS asked each of the six possible sites to provide a list of projected construction costs officials could contribute to the project. The Texas Legislature was not in session during the 30-day time frame DHS allotted for the projection. The Kansas Legislature was and offered incentives totaling $105 million for construction costs. Texas only offered $44 million and because the Legislature could not convene, could not up its offer. Even so, San Antonio's offer was said to have the second-highest marks of the cities under consideration.

Another thing San Antonio lacked was a major agriculture college. But the site ranked high for its available workforce and the close proximity of research facilities.

Although the recommendation has been made, the final decision will not be official until Jan. 12, 2009.

Rowe elected chair of AACOG board of directors

San Antonio City Council member Louis Rowe (left) this week was elected chair of the Board of Directors of the Alamo Area Council of Governments (AACOG), while Comal County Commissioner Jay P. Millikin (right) was named vice chair.

Also at the semi-annual meeting at which they were sworn in, a Rural Planning Organization (RPO) was approved and AACOG will begin working toward establishing a policy board and committees for the new RPO next year. The RPO will allow local leaders from the counties surrounding Bexar County to develop transportation plans and programs for their specific service areas, provide input into transportation plans of the Texas Department of Transportation and allow the public direct input during the RPO planning process and selection of major transportation projects.

The Board also discussed changes to Chapter 418 Emergency Management provisions for local disaster declarations by Senate Bill 11 relative to fireworks and the possible options for counties for the fireworks season.

TEA names five finalists for math/science grants

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) recently named five school districts as finalists for state grants to improve math and science education, especially for at-risk students. The five school districts selected as finalists are:

• Abilene Independent School District;
• Austin Independent School District;
• Freer Independent School District;
• Texarkana Independent School District; and
• Ysleta Independent School District.

The grants, which will begin on March 1, 2009, and end on Feb. 28, 2011, are meant to help school districts develop a rigorous "academy" that will keep students in school and help them become ready for college, said Donnell Bilsky, grant manager for TEA.

Students of the new academies will be introduced to innovative science and math instruction programs while the academies also will act as demonstration sites to upgrade math and science teaching and learning statewide, Bilsky said. About $3 million was allocated for the program and the maximum grant award is $840,000. School districts have the option of establishing a new campus for the academy or establishing an academy within an existing school. The program requires a great deal of financial commitment by the school districts that accept the grants, she added.

Authority to prosecute those who fail to pay 183A toll

The Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority has contracted with a private sector firm to handle billing and violation enforcement for drivers' unpaid fines for the 183A toll road in Williamson County. Beginning in January, the Williamson County Prosecutor will initiate proceedings against motorists who have repeatedly ignored toll costs.

Mike Heiligenstein (pictured), executive director of the Mobility Authority, said the majority of motorists who routinely pay their toll "expect that we are enforcing the law."

Motorists who do not pay the toll and do not have valid TxTags are sent a bill in the mail through the Pay-by-Mail program. Tolls unpaid for 30 days are converted to violations and if a violation is unpaid, vehicle owners can be charged with a misdemeanor and face fines and fees in excess of $250.

Coastal areas eyeing federal grant dollars

Galveston County city officials are urging state officials to spend the more than $1.3 billion in federal funds allocated for recovery from Hurricanes Ike and Dolly on infrastructure repair, rebuilding of homes and assisting businesses affected by the storms.

The funds being made available through the Office of Rural Community Affairs and the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs through Community Development Block Grants will be divided among 68 counties suffering damages. Some 77 percent of the funding is expected to be spent in Houston-Galveston Area Council counties.

The area's economic hope rests mainly in the area's businesses, many of which are struggling and looking for financial assistance. While some have received assistance through the U.S. Small Business Administration, others still need help. Housing dollars, too, are needed to bring the area back to pre-storm living conditions. Public comments will be received until Jan. 5, 2009, on how the $1.3 billion should be distributed.

Dallas moves forward on convention center hotel plan

The Dallas City Council recently authorized city staff to finalize a development agreement with the Dallas-based firm selected to design and build a city-owned hotel next to the downtown convention center.

The proposed agreement caps the city's cost for building the hotel at $356 million, said City Manager Mary Suhm (pictured). Supporters of the proposed hotel say it is critical to the viability of the downtown convention center. Phillip Jones, president of the Dallas Convention and Visitors Bureau, said bookings at the convention center are up from 20 to 25 percent compared to last year on news of progress on the hotel.

FEMA approves $39M to help reconstruction of UTMB

The Federal Emergency Management Agency of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security advanced the state nearly $39 million on future reimbursements to help speed up repairs at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston.

To clean up the medical school from the severe damage from Hurricane Ike, half, or about $20 million of the funding, will be used for moisture control, decontamination, cleaning up heating and air conditioning systems, microbial remediation, telecommunications recovery restoration of electronic and other vital records and equipment recovery and replacement.

FEMA used invoices submitted by consultants hired by UTMB to assess the damage to arrive at the $38.9 million advance, said Joan Haun, state coordinating officer.

Texas Tech, SPC recognized for joint program

Texas Tech University (TTU) and South Plains College (SPC) recently earned a Star Award from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board for partnering to develop a program easing students transferring from SPC to the four-year institution.

The College of Education Partnership Program began in 2004 with the advent of SPC's Associate of Arts in Teaching degree, creating a seamless transition for education students transferring from SPC to TTU.

Sheryl Santos (pictured), dean of the College of Education, said TTU is "honored to be recognized in this way," adding school officials are looking forward to working together in the future. So far 100 students have earned teaching associate's degrees at SPC and transferred to TTU's College of Education, all of whom have either graduated or are currently enrolled.

Nurses program gets funds from Armstrong Foundation

The Nurse Oncology Education Program (NOEP) - a project of the Texas Nurses Association/Foundation funded by the cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas - has been awarded a 2008 Community Program grant from the Lance Armstrong Foundation.

NOEP is geared to equip Texas nurses with skills and knowledge related to cancer survivorship, including pain management, late effects, palliative care, emotional support and other issues. The program also plans to increase nurses' knowledge and use of existing resources such as the Texas Comprehensive Cancer Control Coalition Goal V Survivorship Web portal.

Lamar nursing honor society celebrates 20 years

Lamar University's Kappa Kappa Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau Honor Society of Nursing – the first and only international honor society of nursing - recently celebrated its 20th anniversary, inducting 24 members during a concurrent ceremony.

Leslie Brown, instructor of nursing and Kappa Kappa chapter president, said the ceremony was dedicated to celebrating the achievements of this "distinguished group of nursing students and professionals who...have demonstrated the ideal qualities of excellent nursing." Nursing professionals inducted at the ceremony include Jocelyn Angulo and Anne Fisher Winslow of Beaumont, Melody Antoon of Wildwood and Deborah Marciniak of Orange.

The chapter also honored four charter members who were instrumental in creating the Lamar chapter in 1988, including (pictured from left) Patti Moss, Sandy Boyd and Donna Wilsker, all assistant professors, and Elizabeth "Betty" Hale, a retired nursing faculty member living in Houston.

North Texas Tollway executive director resigns

Jorge Figueredo (left) has announced he is resigning as executive director of the North Texas Tollway Authority (NTTA). He said he wishes to return to Florida to be with family. Figueredo took helm of the rapidly expanding tollway authority in August 2007.

During Figueredo's tenure, NTTA transformed to a proactive agency, urged by local officials to leverage its income from highly profitable and long-operating tolls to help pay for new toll roads.

NTTA Chief Financial Officer Janice Davis (right) will serve as acting executive director in Figueredo's place. Davis has previously served as CFO for the Dallas Independent School District and the City of Atlanta.

Bettencourt re-elected; tenders resignation

A month after being re-elected to a third term as Harris County Tax Assessor-Collector, Paul Bettencourt (pictured) last week announced he would resign to enter into a private sector business venture. His replacement will eventually be appointed by the Harris County Commissioners Court. That replacement will serve until a special election can be held in 2010.

Bettencourt was first elected in 1998, replacing longtime assessor-collector Carl S. Smith, who died in office.

Bettencourt has declined to discuss his impending new job in the private sector. County officials have indicated they have had several people show interest in being appointed to the position, but did not name names.

UT Arlington names assistant VP for media relations

Kristin Sullivan, Arlington newsroom manager and education editor for the Fort Worth Star Telegram, will join The University of Texas at Arlington next week as assistant vice president for media relations. She is an 18-year Star-Telegram veteran and has served as an editor since 2000. She previously covered local government, politics and public safety.

Sullivan holds Bachelor of Arts degrees in political science and journalism from Southern Methodist University. "UT Arlington is at a pivotal point in its development, and Kristin will be a great addition to our staff," said Jerry Lewis, vice president for communications. "She is a respected journalist and communications professional."

Tarleton dean to head national task force

Dr. Don Cawthon (pictured), dean of the College of Agriculture and Human Sciences at Tarleton State University, will chair a U.S. Department of Agriculture task force focusing on the development of a national higher education plan supporting President George W. Bush's bioenergy initiative. He will be working with more than two dozen leaders from across the country to complete their work by 2010.

The task force is charged with developing a higher education plan that: achieves triple the number of students in college- and university-based bioenergy and bioeconomy education programs; ensures a large proportion of high school students are aware of and take action on bioenergy concepts as well as agriculture and natural resource's roles in developing the country's future energy; and develops expertise to implement Cooperative Extension energy programs across the United States.

"Not only is securing the nation's food supply critical to this country, but also securing America's energy future is among the most important challenges and agriculture will play an important role," Cawthon said.

WTAMU cites O'Brien Distinguished Chair in Education

A $1 million gift through the Amarillo Area Foundation to benefit the West Texas A&M University Department of Education and the Amarillo Independent School District has established the John G. O'Brien Distinguished Chair in Education. The gift will be matched by a $250,000 grant from the Don and Sybil B. Harrington Foundation.

The chair will help create a nationally recognized Professional Development School to help prepare teachers for the requirements of secondary education in the Texas Panhandle and will create a partnership between WTAMU and AISD. It will place would-be teachers in AISD classrooms while they are enrolled in education classes at the university. The objective will be to both improve secondary education and retain top students in the Panhandle.

An outstanding faculty member will be recruited to foster improved communications between the university and the public classroom and an education model will be developed. Funding will be from the endowment with additional costs provided by WTAMU.

Hays chosen S. Texas College of Law board chair

Michael S. Hays (pictured) has been named chairman of the South Texas College of Law Board of Directors. Hays is a shareholder in the Houston law firm of Hays, McConn, Rice & Pickering and a South Texas College of Law graduate. He joined the board in April 2005 and has served on the executive committee, audit committee, building and technology committee and the development committee.

In addition to naming Hays as board chairman, a new board member has been named. Margaret B. Shannon, former partner at Andrews Kurth L.L.P. and current general counsel of BJ Services Company, is the newest member of the South Texas Board of Directors.

$3 million Greater Texas Foundation grant goes to Tech

The College of Education and the College of Arts and Sciences and Engineering at Texas Tech University have been awarded a $3 million Greater Texas Foundation grant. The funds will be used for a master's program for middle school math and science teachers and allow those teachers to work on their master's degrees with a minimal on-campus requirement and to complete their degree in three years.

The grant will also provide up to 100 participating teachers with laptop computers and pay tuition and fees, as well as their housing during their face-to-face summer coursework. The goal is to improve math and science education and to provide an investment in the state's science and math teachers.

Pittsburg hires search firm to find new city manager

The Pittsburg City Council recently voted to hire a search firm to conduct a Dallas-based firm to help find a city manager to replace Jim Blanchard, who resigned in November. The city agreed to pay a base fee of $17,500 and up to $7,500 in project-related expenses. Mayor Shawn Kennington (pictured) said the decision was made after council members and city officials weighed the cost of hiring a consultant against the time it would take city officials to find a suitable replacement.

Representatives from the search firm will meet with city officials in January to discuss the qualities that council members are looking for in a city manager and to adopt a timetable for the search, Kennington said. Margaret Jackson, who serves as city secretary, is serving as interim city manager until a new manager is hired.

Houston to switch to LED traffic bulbs

How many people in Houston does it take to change a light bulb? Probably a few when there are 2,381 bulbs. That's how many bulbs the city of Houston will replace in its traffic lights as the city switches to energy-efficient LED (light-emitting diode) bulbs with the expectation of saving $4 million per year in electricity costs.

Although the investment in the bulbs on the front end is higher than the cost of regular bulbs, the lifespan of the bulbs is expected to be six years longer than regular bulbs, resulting in the savings. The change to the energy-saving bulbs is one of a number of energy efficiency initiatives for the city.

The $16.4 million contract will be paid for from the energy savings from the project.

Fort Sam growth could resurrect city agency

A long defunct urban renewal agency of the city of San Antonio could be making a comeback. City officials are studying whether they should bring back the agency to deal with the issues that may arise as a result of the growth of Fort Sam Houston in the city.

Council member Sheila McNeil (pictured) urged the San Antonio Development Agency be restored to help ensure a continued stimulus to the local economy through housing, infrastructure, etc. that will result from Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) efforts at Fort Sam Houston. City officials are seeking $3.6 million in grant funds from the U.S. Department of Defense to assist with developer incentives, education needs, transportation needs, etc.

Orange approves $588,748 for hurricane damages

Orange City Council members recently approved spending another $588,748 to pay for repairing buildings and equipment damaged by Hurricane Ike in September. City officials previously approved $625,000 to pay for hurricane damage, which brings the total cost for repairs from hurricane damage to $1.14 million.

City Manager Shawn Oubre said the most recently approved contract will mean $360,765 in repairs to the city's garage, electrical shop, street and drainage shop, sign shop, carpenter shop and wastewater lab. City officials also approved a $152,729 contract for repairs to the offices of the convention and visitor's bureau, the city's computer offices, animal shelter, water and sewer operations and the park maintenance building. Another $75,254 contract was approved to repair motors and pumps on two lift stations at the sewer plant, Oubre said. The city's insurance is paying for the repairs, he said.

The $625,000 approved in November paid for repairs to the police-municipal court building and the neighborhood facilities building. The city also plans to build a new fire station to replace the Central Station, which was destroyed by the hurricane. Currently firefighters from Central Station have moved to trailers at the port and the city is paying $1,000 a month to the Port of Orange to house fire department offices.

El Paso County tries again to stop border fence

El Paso County has filed an appeal with the U.S. Supreme Court in an attempt to stop construction of fencing along the border between the United States and Mexico. The county alleges that U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff overreached his legal authority by waiving more than three dozen federal laws that could have slowed or stopped construction of the wall, which is aimed at securing the border from illegal immigration.

El Paso County Attorney Jose Rodriguez (pictured) said he believes the 10th amendment, granting states rights to enforce laws neither prohibited by nor delegated to the federal government, protect El Paso County and other jurisdictions from Chertoff's actions. So far, the Supreme Court has declined to hear border fence challenges.

San Angelo ISD to offer new online food payment plan

The San Angelo Independent School District will soon offer parents a new online food service payment program that allows parents to manage their child's meal service plan.

The program, which will begin in January, will allow parents to make prepayments for their child's meals, allows parents to monitor the foods being purchased at the school by their child and receive notification when payment is due, said Kim Carter, the district's food service director. The goal of the program is to reduce problems from lost money, decrease the number of calls from parents trying to obtain information about their child's meals at school and reduce time in serving lines.

Parents are charged nothing for creating a secured account, can check balances, monitor the items purchased in the cafeteria and receive notification when the balance is low. To make prepayments to the student's meal accounts and create a setting that will automatically replenish the account when it gets low, parents will be charged a program fee, Carter said. Parents have the choice of managing the account online or by telephone. Students also may use the traditional method of paying for their meals in cash.

Collier to retire as chief academic officer of Dallas ISD

Denise Collier, who joined the Dallas Independent School District in August 2005, recently submitted her resignation as chief academic officer effective at the end of August when her contract expires.

Collier was recruited by Superintendent Michael Hinojosa to oversee aggressive academic reform efforts in the school district. She is credited with aligning curriculum at all grade levels, which some school officials say is a factor in the district's gains on state tests.

Collier is the third member of a team assembled by Hinojosa to improve Dallas ISD by 2010 to leave the district this year. Eric Anderson, the former chief operating officer, recently resigned after huge budget deficits were discovered and Steve Flores, the former chief of staff, resigned to take the position of superintendent of the Harlingen school district.

Hallsville moves forward on new schools, improvements

Trustees for the Hallsville Independent School District are moving forward with plans to build a new high school, a new elementary campus and renovating the intermediate campus, said Superintendent Greg Wright (pictured). The new construction and renovations are expected to cost about $96.3 million.

Board members recently approved final plans for the new campus of East Elementary School and agreed to renovate the intermediate school campus to house kindergarten through fourth-grade students. School officials removed options of extra parking lots and retractable seating in gyms to keep costs down, Wright said. Construction of a third elementary school called for in the district's master plan is postponed until student growth makes the new building necessary.

Hondo airport to host flight training academy

Hondo Municipal Airport will be the home of the Hondo International Flight Training Academy at least through 2038, following a deal signed recently by the city of Hondo and Wright Flyers.

The flight company will invest $6.9 million in infrastructure improvements and aircraft at the airport over the first five years of the agreement, and another $2 to $3 million in off-airport infrastructure to house and train the domestic and international flight students who will attend classes in Hondo. The deal also is expected to provide jobs for flight instructors and mechanics.

The new 4,000-square-foot facility is expected to open with 25 employees and 10-12 training aircraft, with expansion to 75 employees and 40 aircraft expected. Phase One will include a 15,000-square-foot aircraft hangar with offices and classroom and Phase Two will expand the building to more than 42,000 square feet with student housing to be developed in the city. Eventually, the academy hopes to be able to train 200 students each year. "We are elated," said City Manager Robert Herrera.

Nederland ISD studying bond issue again

Nederland Independent School District Board of Trustees has placed a $126 million bond before financial advisors. The bond was originally postponed in late September, about a week after Hurricane Ike pummeled the area. The Nederland ISD Citizens Bond Committee will determine whether to go forward with a May 2009 bond election after costs have been analyzed.

Meanwhile, Central Middle School is still in need of heating, ventilation and air conditioning repairs, and other schools in the district are still in need of upgrades.

Superintendent Gail Krohn (pictured) was heartened by news of a more stable market expected in the third quarter of 2009, though challenges to the election are expected. The bond must be called by March 1 to be placed on the May ballot.

Spring ISD purchases land for school sites

Trustees for the Spring Independent School District recently agreed to purchase land for two new high schools and an elementary school. District officials are expected to sign a contract soon on a $5.8 million, 109.36-acre tract on Cypresswood Drive that will be used for a high school and another elementary school, said Christine Porter, associate superintendent of finance.

District officials also recently purchased a tract of land adjacent to Lewis Elementary School as a site for another high school. Funding for that purchase was with excess 2003 bond funds, she said. The district is establishing a "true feeder pattern" with strategic land acquisitions to avoid the need of constantly changing boundaries of schools to allow all students at one school to be promoted to the same school at the next level.

Declining land prices presented the district with the opportunity to purchase land at a lower cost than originally estimated, said Porter. District officials have predicted they will need five new high schools by 2015. The district has no firm plans now to begin construction on the proposed new schools.

Humble ISD to begin renovations at stadium

Trustees for the Humble Independent School District recently approved a contract to provide architectural services for the design and construction of Turner Stadium. The stadium, originally built in 1968, will undergo major renovations to improve the stability and appearance of the stadium, said David Martin (pictured), school board president.

The district hopes to attract more major events, such as the 2012 Junior Olympics slated for the stadium once the renovations are complete, Martin said. This event and other major events should bring in additional revenue to the district as well as attract more visitors to Humble who will spend money at local restaurants and hotels.

Harlingen delays repairs to municipal auditorium

Harlingen City Council members recently agreed to postpone repairs to the hurricane-damaged municipal auditorium to give them time for a discussion with the Harlingen Independent School District about sharing a fine arts venue with the school district. Council members also canceled all events scheduled for the 2009 spring season.

City Manager Craig Lonon said that before spending more than $1 million to repair the auditorium, city officials should explore the possibility of a joint facility. Superintendent Steve Flores of Harlingen ISD said district officials previously discussed the need for a fine arts facility and said the proposal to have a facility used by both the city and the school district is in the exploratory phase.

Customer service at its best: Legislative Reference Library

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

Hallways in the State Capitol are almost always noisy. People jam them as they rush to the Senate chamber or the House chamber. But, one short hallway in the State Capitol, between the Texas House and Senate chambers, leads to an altogether different kind of chamber. This chamber is one of quiet repose – quiet as...well, a library!

It is, in fact, the Legislative Reference Library of Texas - known to few in the public, used by many in the legislature - and repository unparalleled for statistics on the Texas Legislature. Director Mary Camp runs an efficient operation, with some of the most knowledgeable folks in the state who can either answer all questions or find answers quickly. And, the questions are never easy – whether it's information on the status of a bill in a current legislative session or information about who served as Lieutenant Governor of Texas in 1970.

Although services and privileges are generally limited to legislators, legislative staff and other agencies, the library stands ready to assist others as well. And the library's Web site provides the public with both free access to information such as legislative reports and government links including agency Web sites, statutes, information about the state's data center and a listing of past and current legislators dating back to 1846.

The library makes it easy for Texans who want to contact government officials. Its Web site also provides names, party affiliation, districts, contact information and Capitol office locations. For a novice planning to follow legislative activities, there is information on how a bill becomes a law, details on the legislative process, a glossary of terms and guidance for following proposed legislation through the entire process. The library also provides assistance for hard-core government-at-work-watchers. There is information on the budget-writing process in Texas, with archives of the state appropriations bills back to the 1998-1999 biennium.

GCEDC picks Lehmberg as new executive director

Tim Lehmberg (pictured) is now sitting at the executive director's desk of the Gillespie County Economic Development Commission, replacing Greg Snelgrove, who announced his retirement in September but stayed on through the end of November.

Lehmberg, who holds a finance degree from Texas A&M University, spent 12 years in the banking industry and then went into private business. He was one of 31 applicants for the position and one of four finalists. He has had business connections in Fredericksburg for several years, recently moving there from New Braunfels.

Lehmberg officially began his work as executive director on Nov. 17, working with Snelgrove until Snelgrove left at the end of the month.

Freeport will upgrade
security at city hall

The Freeport City Council recently agreed to spend about $25,000 of municipal court security funds to add protective glass and security cameras to improve security at the Freeport City Hall.

Acting City Manager Jeff Pynes said the goal is to beef up protection for payment clerks who handle thousands of dollars in cash daily as customers pay their bills. The estimated cost of the security measures is about $19,000, he said. The security fund account, which is fed using court fees from residents paying traffic citations, has a balance of $26,000. Pynes hopes to have the protective glass and security cameras installed by Jan. 1, 2009.

Mount Pleasant names Ahrens as new city manager

The Mount Pleasant City Council recently selected Michael Ahrens from a pool of 63 applicants as the new city manager to replace Courtney Sharp, who resigned in September to become city manager in Midland.

Ahrens, who began his career as a police officer and police chief, has served as the city manager in Atlanta for the last nine years. He also served as assistant city manager in Atlanta for two years. Ahrens is scheduled to assume his new duties in Mount Pleasant on Jan. 5, 2009.

Estrada to retire soon as superintendent of Clint ISD

Ricardo Estrada (pictured) recently announced his retirement as superintendent of the Clint Independent School District. Estrada, a 40-year employee of the district who was recently named as the region's superintendent of the year, cited personal reasons for retiring. Trustees have offered a flexible assignment acting as associate superintendent for legislative affairs, which will extend through the summer.

Trustees also selected Robert Mendoza, currently assistant superintendent for personnel services for the district, as the acting superintendent.

El Paso plans $15M savings from collaborative project

A $15 million collaborative between the city of El Paso and a private energy company is expected to not only reduce the city's energy usage, but also save the city's taxpayers $1.7 million per year. City officials this week announced a plan to install a solar energy system to heat the pool in the Armijo Aquatic Center in South El Paso and seven other pools, as well as investing in retrofits for street lights and for heating, cooling and lighting at city facilities.

The project is expected to reduce the city's energy usage by 18 million kilowatt hours per year and create 110 new jobs.

SPI announces consulting opportunities in San Antonio

SPI is adding more individuals with well-established credentials who are interested in assisting its consulting teams in the San Antonio area. SPI is seeking more part-time consultants with expertise and strong connections and relationships in the K-12 education arena, in healthcare, higher education, community college and local government in San Antonio.

To apply for these part-time consulting positions at SPI, please send a brief cover letter and a copy of your resume to J. Lyn Carl at jcarl@spartnerships.com and put "Application for San Antonio consultant" in the subject line, or for more information, send an e-mail to the same address.

West Oso ISD hires search firm to find superintendent

Trustees for the West Oso Independent School District recently chose a search firm to help find a replacement for Superintendent Crawford Helms, who is retiring. Trustees will pay the Humble-based firm $6,900 for the search. Helms has served as superintendent at West Oso since 2002. He expects the board will select his successor by March.

Wylie ISD approves $2.8 million for renovations

Wylie Independent School District trustees recently approved a $2.8 million contract for construction at Bulldog Stadium. Superintendent Joey Light said the stadium renovations include new field lighting, restrooms on the visitor side and expansion of the field house and dressing rooms. Work is scheduled to begin this week on a new press box, additional home-side bleachers, a concession stand, home-side restrooms and field lighting. Construction on the additional seating on the visitor side is expected to begin in March. Total cost of the stadium upgrades, including work that was previously approved, is $3.5 million. The district has targeted August 31, 2009, as the final completion date.

Cynde Wadley, director of curriculum, also outlined a list of 300 improvements planned under the 2008-2009 District Improvement Plan. These upgrades include video streaming integrated into the curriculum in all grades, interactive whiteboard technology in all classes and enrichments to reading and mathematics classes.

Where are they now?

Where do folks go when they leave state government? Some go to work in the private sector or for nonprofits. Some transition to executive-level positions in higher education while others may seek elected local government positions. And some just retire and spend a lot of time with their grandkids at the fishin' hole. This column focuses on where former state government officials and employees are now.

Dr. Larry Faulkner was the 27th president of The University of Texas at Austin, serving the institution in that capacity from 1998 until he announced his resignation in 2005 and stepped down in 2006. His academic career spanned four decades, including serving on the chemistry faculties of Harvard University, the University of Illinois and The University of Texas. His tenure at UT was the third longest in presidential history at the university. In 2006, he took over as president of the Houston Endowment, where he continues to serve.

Craig Washington was elected to the Texas House of Representatives in 1972 and served until 1982. He was then elected to the Texas Senate, serving from 1983 to 1989. In December 1989, Washington was elected to fill the unexpired term of U.S. Congressman Mickey Leland, who died in office, with Washington serving until January 1995. He has since retired from politics and practices law in Houston and Bastrop.

Anderson County to get federal help for cleanup

Anderson County commissioners recently agreed to accept a federal grant to cleanup up Davey Dogwood Park damages that resulted from Hurricane Ike.

The federal grant will pay for workers for 40 hours a week and pay for safety items such as goggles, boots and hats, said John Valent of Workforce Solutions East of East Texas. The county will hire, supervise and pay workers who clean up trails in the park.

The federal contract is for five months, but county officials expressed hope the clearing and cleanup could be completed in two months, in time for spring visitors, said Randy Watkins, commissioner, precinct 4.

Cherokee County accepts $100,136 grant for security

Cherokee County commissioners recently agreed to accept a $100,136 grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to improve security. The grant, which required no matching funds from the county, will be used for cameras and other security measures for the courthouse, explosive-proof vests for sheriff's deputies and some funding for volunteer fire departments in the county, said County Judge Chris Davis.

Harmony ISD planning
to expand high school

Trustees for the Harmony Independent School District recently approved plans to expand Harmony High School to accommodate student growth.

Superintendent Jed Whitaker (pictured) said the cost of the expansion should range between $790,000 and $995,000 and be completed by next fall. Plans call for expanding the east wing of the high school toward the front of the campus, giving the rectangular-shaped building an L-shaped appearance. Once completed, high school students no longer will take classes in the elementary school as they have for the last four years.

Burnet approves issue of almost $1 million in notes

Burnet County commissioners recently approved issuing almost $1 million in tax notes to ensure the notes will be processed by the end of the year to get a more favorable interest rate.

Funds from the note will be used to purchase a house for the city and to buy city vehicles, including a new vacuum truck to inspect sewer lines during an overhaul of the city's sewer system expected to begin in early 2009. Burnet city officials have approved issuing $11.4 million in bonds to build a new sewer plant and overhaul sewer lines throughout the city. A local bank purchased the notes with a bid offering of 4.02 percent interest.

Lubbock ISD superintendent Wayne Havens retiring

Wayne Havens (pictured), superintendent of Lubbock Independent School District, has announced he will retire after more than five years in his current post. He cited his 41 years as an educator as "long enough," adding it was time to move on.

The board has yet to determine how it will conduct a search for a new superintendent. To smooth the transition, Havens will maintain his current role until a new superintendent is hired.

During his tenure as superintendent, Havens oversaw a $98.8 million bond that voters approved in 2004, which he referred to as his proudest achievement. He has been with LISD a total of 35 years, serving as a teacher, coach, principal and two-time interim superintendent.

Midland approves $2.5M
to upgrade dispatch system

The Midland City Council recently approved $2.5 million to replace its 19-year-old emergency dispatch system.

The new system will include an automated vehicle locator that uses GPS tracking for all 180 police, EMS and fire vehicles. It will allow the city dispatchers to pinpoint each vehicle at any time, which can improve response times, said Eva Luna, the city's communication manager. The new hardware and software for the system should be in place sometime during the next year, Luna said.

Pearland approves almost $1.6M in repairs to city

The Pearland City County recently approved $1,553,563 to pay for repairs to its city hall, community center and library from damages from Hurricane Ike.

Repairing and restoring the city hall at an estimated cost of $774,895 will take the majority of the funds, said Trent Epperson, project director for the city. Repairs to the library are expected to cost $225,303 and the community center will cost $275,919, he said. The city's insurance policy will cover the cost of the repairs, which are expected to take nearly five months to complete.

Council members also agreed to increase by $75,988 the city contract for removing excessive mold in the city hall and community center. More than 10 more areas were identified with mold contamination after the initial inspection, Epperson said.

Fort Worth grants use permit to Crowley for school land

The Crowley City Council recently approved a joint resolution and agreement between Fort Worth and Crowley transferring extraterritorial jurisdiction for a new secondary school for Crowley ISD.

Located near FM1187, half of the proposed campus is located in Crowley city limits and the rest is in the extraterritorial jurisdiction of Fort Worth. Fort Worth officials agreed to grant a permit for all but one corner of the property next to a proposed new road. The land is within the boundaries of Crowley ISD, said Tina Pace, a Crowley council member. That corner could be lucrative for sales tax revenue for Fort Worth once the property is developed and the new road is open, she said. Plans for the new secondary school call for a student capacity of 1,000 students and 380 parking spaces. The new campus will include a combined football and soccer field, an additional football and track field, four tennis courts and discus, shot put, pole vaulting and long jump facilities.

Longview to use federal grant to buy armored vehicle

City and county officials have agreed to use a $275,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to buy an armored vehicle for the Longview SWAT team.

Gregg County Sheriff Maxey Cerliano (pictured) said the vehicle will allow local law enforcement officials to respond better to emergency and tactical situations, including hostage rescues, assessing crime scenes and checking unidentified and suspicious objects because the vehicle has full armor plating and can withstand armor-piercing bullets.

The armored vehicle will cost about $245,000 and may take six to eight months before it is delivered, Cerliano said. He also will spend about $30,000 of the grant for training.

Whitehouse superintendent retiring after nine years

Dennis Miller, Whitehouse Independent School District superintendent, has announced plans to retire Dec. 31 after nine years of service. During his tenure, Miller was involved in the opening of the Stanton-Smith Elementary School and the current Whitehouse High School building. Assistant Superintendent Daniel DuPree has been named the lone finalist to replace Miller.

Miller served as a teacher at Big Sandy High School for two years after graduating from Texas A&M University. In addition to his role as superintendent at Whitehouse ISD, he has also served as teacher and assistant superintendent.

Pleasanton approves site
for center, library

Pleasanton City Council members recently agreed to purchase the site of two former downtown businesses to convert to a community center and public library. Renovating the buildings could help reverse deterioration of the city's downtown and attract more visitors to the city, said Patsy Truell, of a non-profit community group formed to raise funds for the project. Renovating the buildings at an estimated cost of $1.65 million also is less than the estimated $3.53 million cost to build a new community center and library on the outside of the downtown area, as some council members supported.

City Manager Kathy Coronado said that city officials will soon appoint a committee to develop an architectural proposal for renovating the buildings.

Recent Reports

• A Report on the Audit of the Teacher Retirement System's Fiscal Year 2008 Financial Statements
• Texas Youth Commission Final Report on the Implementation of SB 103 Reforms
• Texas Youth Commission Response to Sunset Commission Report
• An Annual Report on Classified Employee Turnover for Fiscal Year 2008
• A Special Investigations Unit Report on the San Felipe-Del Rio Consolidated Independent School District
• SPI's May 2008 Municipal Bond Elections Report
• SPI's November 2007 Bond Election Results Report

Event Links

• DIR e-Learning Forum
• Putting America Back to Work conference
• Texas Transportation Forum
• Texas State University Small Business Development Center training schedule
• TWC Texas Business Conferences
• LBJ School Professional Development Calendar
• Upcoming Executive Women in Texas Government events

Texas Government Insider Archives

Volume 1 - 6 Archives · 11/7/03 - 12/5/08

Governor's appointments

Gov. Rick Perry has made the following appointments:

• Bruce H. Esterline of Dallas, OneStar Foundation
• Joanie A. Haley of Houston, OneStar Foundation
• Rep. Jim McReynolds of Lufkin, Crime Victim's Institute Advisory Council
• Sen. Kel Seliger of Amarillo, Crime Victim's Institute Advisory Council

Gilmer receives state grant to buy bunker gear

The Gilmer Fire Department recently received a $4,350 grant from the Texas Commission on Fire Protection. The grant will be used to buy helmets, boots and coats, said City Manager Jeff Ellington.

SPI seeks E-Rate grant experts

SPI is seeking individuals with expertise and success in understanding, applying for and administering E-Rate program grants. Must be familiar with filing windows, changes that might be made to the program, rules and the competitive grant process. To apply for part-time positions, send cover letter and resume showing prior experience and success in E-Rate grant programs to: jcarl@spartnerships.com.

Westlake fire department
to receive federal grant

The Westlake Community Volunteer Fire Department recently was selected to receive a $206,530 federal grant to buy emergency response vehicles. Awarded by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Office of Grants and Training, the grant also may be used for training and support operations.

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Diana ISD begins search for new superintendent

Trustees for the Diana Independent School District recently opened their search for a new superintendent to replace Superintendent Pat Clark, who recently announced his retirement.

Robert Hunt, the district's transportation director who is assisting school board members in their search for a superintendent, said the district recently posted the job opening and will accept applications through Jan. 31, 2009. Board members will review applications in February, interview candidates through early March and select a finalist who could begin employment between April 1 - June 1.

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

Publisher: Mary Scott Nabers

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

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

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DIR plans e-Learning forum for agencies, universities

A free one-day e-Learning Forum for Texas state agencies and universities only will be held Thursday, Feb. 12, 2009, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the Commons Center of the J.J. Pickle Research Campus in Austin. Sponsored by the Texas Department of Information Resources (DIR), the conference's goal is to share information on what is happening in the industry and specifically in Texas government. Potential topics include tools and trends in e-learning, case studies of successful government e-learning projects with speakers profiling different implementation styles such as simplistic modules requiring little specialized expertise, successfully deploying a subscription-based learning course library, extensive custom development, Web 2.0 and e-learning, collaboration of the IT and training departments and lessons learned and best practices. To register, click here.

Texas Transportation Forum planned in January

The 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.

'Putting America Back to Work' conference planned

The 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.