'We have met the challenge'

TxDOT obligates all of $2.25 billion in Recovery Act funding

"We have met the challenge," said John Barton (pictured), Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) Assistant Executive Director for Engineering Operations. The challenge, according to Barton, was issued by the U.S. Congress to obligate all of the $2.25 billion in Recovery Act funds allocated to Texas. Barton reported Thursday that just one week after the first anniversary of the signing of the act, TxDOT and the state's Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) have met the March 1 deadline to obligate all the funds.

Barton said a collaboration with the MPOs and the Federal Highway Administration "were key to helping to reach this milestone."

Texas split the $371 million in stimulus funds it received for transit - giving the bulk ($301 million) for urban area projects. Another $42 million went to rural providers and another $28 million was allocated to cities based on a formula relating to areas of high growth and high density.

Lawmakers to begin work on identifying budget cuts

House Speaker says biggest task will come for 2012-2013 budget

Lawmakers will begin in earnest their efforts to plug state budget gaps on Monday, March 8, with the first interim hearing of the House Appropriations Committee. Chaired by Rep. Jim Pitts, the committee will begin discussion of the state's current budget outlook and state agencies' plans to reduce an additional 5 percent from General Revenue funding in their 2010-2011 budgets.

Agencies were charged by the state's leadership with finding an additional 5 percent they could cut from their budgets. Those reduction proposals have been submitted and proposed cuts ranged from reductions in postage costs to hiring freezes to postponing capital projects.

House Speaker Joe Straus (pictured) told the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal editorial board in a recent interview that lawmakers are trying to identify $1 billion in possible cutbacks and efficiencies in the current biennial budget. He admitted the task will not be easy, adding that the $1 billion is "only a drop in the bucket" in relation to future needs.

Committee to increase transportation accountability

A newly appointed House Select Committee on Transportation Funding has been created to increase transparency and accountability in Texas transportation. The committee will develop transportation proposals for the next legislative session and include a study of ways to increase accountability in transportation planning.

Representatives Larry Phillips (Sherman) and Eddie Rodriguez (Austin) were named by House Speaker Joe Straus to serve as chair and vice chair of the committee, respectively.

The committee will oversee two subcommittees on Funding and Planning & Accountability.

Capital Metro vice president leaving post for TxDOT

Capital Metro Vice President and Chief of Staff Andrea Lofye is leaving her post to begin work at the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). Lofye, a former spokeswoman for the organization, rose through the ranks to become executive vice president and interim chief operating officer before Elaine Timbes took over the charge last year.

Lofye will serve as TxDOT's congressional analyst/liaison on the state agency's government affairs team. Capital Metro will have eight executives at the level of vice president or higher once Lofye leaves.

A search committee has been hired to find a new leader for the agency.

FCC rules schools can give community access to Web

The Federal Communications Commission recently agreed to permit school districts that receive money from the federal E-Rate program to offer community residents access to the school district's Internet connections.

The $2.25 billion E-Rate program is part of the federal Universal Service Fund that subsidizes communications services in poor and rural areas using a surcharge on long-distance bills. The program includes funds that provide libraries with Internet access. Prior to the FCC ruling, however, the FCC had required schools to use the Internet connections only for educational purposes, leaving the Web mostly unused at night or during weekends and school holidays.

FCC commissioners are slated to present Congress a set of policy recommendations on how to make affordable broadband connections available to all Americans with goals including producing jobs, producing educational opportunities, increasing smart-grid energy technology and enhancing medical care by using technology.

Expected to be included in the recommendations are:

• Offering online job training and placement services and expanding technology training for small businesses;
• Modernizing rural telemedicine programs to provide more health clinics with online options;
• Developing advanced emergency 911 networks and emergency alert systems;
• Publishing more government data online; and
• Building a nationwide wireless broadband network to allow police, fire fighters and other emergency responders to directly communicate.

TML Executive Director Sturzl announces retirement

Frank Sturzl, executive director of the Texas Municipal League (TML), is calling it a career after more than three decades with the organization. "After 22 years, it is simply time to do this and move on," Sturzl said in announcing his retirement.

Sturzl, who has held the executive director position for 22 years, began working with TML as a research assistant and over the years held a number of other positions, including being part of departments relating to federal and state policy analysis and insurance services. He served as assistant director from 1986 to 1988 and was then elected executive director. His retirement is effective Oct. 31.

Sturzl holds a bachelor's degree from Angelo State University and a Master of Public Affairs from the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs at The University of Texas at Austin. He has served as a board member of various entities, including the National League of Cities, Southern Municipal Conference and Texas Civil Justice League.

Enterprise Fund invests in SIPCO in Cuero

An investment of $300,000 from the Texas Enterprise Fund will help SIPCO open a manufacturing facility in Cuero. SIPCO produces high-precision gear products for motion control, power transmission equipment and hydraulic systems, specializing in custom engineered products and high-volume production. Their products are used in many industries, including energy (wind, solar and oilfield), robotics, packaging, printing, energy and material handling.

According to the Governor's Office, the investment will create 100 jobs in Texas with a $6 million capital investment in Cuero.

TWU's Clayton will retire; McFarland named interim

Citing health reasons, Texas Woman's University Provost Dr. Kay Clayton (right) has announced she will retire at the end of August from the position she has held there since July 2008. Clayton will be on medical leave beginning March 1.

Clayton, a graduate of TWU, earned her Ph.D. from the university and came home to the university in 2008 to serve as provost and vice president for academic affairs. Chancellor Ann Stuart praised Clayton for her "many accomplishments and excellent service while at TWU, including her academic leadership and preparing for our reaffirmation of accreditation."

Dr. Keith McFarland (left), retired president of Texas A&M University-Commerce, will serve as acting provost beginning March 1. McFarland served the institution as president for 10 years, before his retirement in 2008. He had previously served the university in a number of different roles for 38 years, including as a history professor, department chair and dean of the graduate school. A national search for a new provost will begin in March.

TABC, Licensing Division, Enforcement offices move

The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission's (TABC) Fort Worth Office has closed and will reopen in Arlington this month, along with the Dallas Licensing Division and Enforcement Captain Charlie Cloud's offices.

Both offices closed Feb. 19 and were reopened this week in their new locations.

Some staff will remain in Dallas at Cloud's offices to assist with walk-in traffic. The entire division is set to move to Arlington by spring next year.

Sippial leaving Texas A&M for System office

Texas A&M University's Vice President for Facilities, Chuck Sippial (pictured), will be transitioned to the Texas A&M University System. Sippial will serve as special assistant to Vergel Gay, chief facilities planning and construction officer at the System. Sippial's old position is being abolished. A new position, senior vice president for administration, will be created to oversee the facilities department, said Texas A&M University President Bowen Loftin.

The person in that position will serve as senior advisor to the president and will manage non-academic operations. A search committee will be announced to find someone to fill the position.

In the face of budget cuts, Loftin said his focus will be more on improving and upgrading existing buildings instead of building new facilities. Sippial was hired in 1995 as assistant vice president for physical plant, was named vice president for administration in 1995 and in 2005 was named to his current post. Executive Associate Vice President Lallah Howard will oversee facilities until a new vice president is named.

San Antonio College exploring unique partnership

The Buildings, Grounds and Sites Selection Committee of San Antonio College recently proposed a survey of surrounding neighborhoods to explore the creation of a public-private land partnership with Tobin Hills businesses to develop mixed-use facilities to benefit the college and surrounding neighborhoods.

The proposed partnership would be a contractual agreement between the college and private sector entities that would meet some of the college's needs and some of the needs of the neighborhood, said Diane Snyder (pictured), vice chancellor for finance and administration. The public-private partnership would give the college an option of moving forward with mixed-use development without selling bonds, Snyder said.

A San Antonio City Council member has expressed interest in creating another parking garage at one site that would have 1,000 parking spaces, offices, classrooms, a bookstore and coffee shop, college officials said. The proposed facility would offer more parking for students during the day and parking for neighboring businesses at night. The college has similar arrangements with several neighboring clubs allowing students to use their parking lots during the day in exchange for the college permitting club patrons to use college parking lots at night, she said. The college has grants to pay for some of the potential projects, especially projects that would revitalize the neighborhood, Snyder said. SAC officials also must present the proposal and gain support of board members of the Alamo Community College District before moving forward with the proposed plan.

Four hospitals in Big Country to share medical records

Doctors at four hospitals in the Big Country should soon have the ability to access medical records of patients treated at all four facilities.

The four hospitals, Anson General Hospital, Stamford Memorial Hospital, Throckmorton County Memorial Hospital and Stonewall Memorial Hospital in Aspermont, are working with a Houston-based company to integrate the records into a regional health information system accessible to all four facilities.

The new system, estimated to cost a little more than $1 million to install, should be available for use in October and the entire system should be paperless by 2012 or 2013, said Ted Matthews of Anson General Hospital. Once the integrated medical system enters the "meaningful user" stage, the four hospitals will be eligible for federal stimulus funding to repay the cost of initiating the system, Matthews said.

State to invest $1M in LegalZoom business in Austin

The state is set to invest $1 million in Texas Enterprise Funds (TEF) to LegalZoom.com for the relocation of certain office functions from Los Angeles to Austin. The move stands to create up to 600 jobs and provide more than $11.7 million in capital investment.

LegalZoom, based in Los Angeles since its inception in 2000, provides online legal documents, such as last wills, living trusts and copyright materials. The Austin office will include sales staff in addition to customer service and technical support personnel.

The company plans to hire immediately and become fully operational in the coming months.

Tyler charter to unveil new campus, learning model

Cumberland Academy, a charter school in Tyler, is set to unveil its new $7 million campus this fall as it prepares to transform to an all-digital format as a so-called iSchool, the second institution in the nation with such a designation. The new campus will include technology and performing arts classes.

Students will receive required reading materials for download on school-issued laptops and iPod Touch devices. Cumberland Academy board member Teresa Farish said the school's learning model will likely be replicated across the state.

The academy serves more than 200 students, and the new campus will be able to accommodate as many as 400 pupils, according to Principal James Moyers (pictured).

Texas State regents approve $50M residence hall

Texas State University System Regents have approved the development of a $50 million, 612-bed residence hall for the San Marcos campus. Construction on the 189,450-square-foot facility, part of the System's Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), is slated to begin in the fall and become fully operational in 2013.

Other Texas State CIP projects include renovations of the Academic Services Building-North ($985,000), the Department of Housing and Residential Life office building ($15.8 million), the Mitte Clean Room ($1.1 million), Lampasas Hall ($1.7 million) and the Multipurpose Educational Facility site ($2.2 million). The initiative also calls for the addition of a rescue house and climbing tower for the Advance Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training (ALERRT) program ($950,000).

Eastfield College celebrates two new building openings

Eastfield College celebrated the grand opening of two new, state-of-the-art facilities this week: the Workforce and Criminal Justice building and the Center for Child and Family Studies. Both facilities arrive as part of the Dallas County Community College District's $450 million bond program, approved by voters last May.

The 31,000-square-foot Workforce and Criminal Justice Building opened last month, housing Eastfield's workforce/community education staff and the Criminal Justice and Police Academy programs.

The 20,800-square-foot Center for Child and Family Studies (pictured) features learning studios, faculty offices and a child care laboratory school.

Sam Houston to upgrade building with local funds

The Texas State University System Board of Regents has approved Sam Houston State University for renovations to the Katy and E. Don Walker Sr. Education Center. Upgrades will begin in June and are set to be completed by the end of the summer.

SHSU President Jim Gaertner (pictured) said the center serves as "a portal to the Sam Houston Memorial Museum and is visited by thousands of citizens each year."

The university recently received $560,000 from the Cultural Activities Foundation of Huntsville/Walker County to renovate and expand the meeting space on the lower level of the facility. The project will approximately double the size of the activity area, allowing up to 250 attendees for seated meals.

$40 M grant to help TAMU with vaccine facility

Texas A&M University and a private sector firm will soon begin construction on a vaccine manufacturing facility thanks to a nearly $40 million federal research grant. The goal is to use proteins from tobacco plants to produce a large amount of vaccines in a short amount of time. Their first project will be to produce a large supply of swine flu vaccines in 12 months. Production of 100 million vaccines per month is a long-range goal.

The private sector firm plans to build a 145,000-square-foot facility that will house some 100 new employees by 2013 and will boast a payroll of about $6 million.

WTAMU selects new director for Cornette Library

Shawna Kennedy-Witthar (pictured) has been named director of information and library resources at West Texas A&M University's Cornette Library. She joined the library staff as a special services reference librarian in 1993 and has served as interim director since May, when she replaced Paul Coleman.

Kennedy-Witthar earned a bachelor's degree and two master's degrees at Indiana University. She received her certification as an archivist in 2003.

Verstuyft lone finalist for Southwest ISD superintendent

Lloyd Verstuyft (pictured) has been named the lone finalist for superintendent in the Southwest Independent School District in San Antonio. He currently serves the district as assistant superintendent for administration and human resources, a post he has held since 2005.

He has held other positions with the district, including executive director of Administration and Pupil Services, principal of Southwest High School and McAuliffe Junior High, assistant principal at McAuliffe and teacher and coach at McNair Junior High. He holds a bachelor's degree from The University of Texas at San Antonio and his master's from Texas A&M University. He is currently working toward an Ed.D. from Texas A&M.

Nash will serve as UNTHSC associate dean of programs

Lisa Nash, D.O., (pictured) has been named associate dean of Educational Programs at the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine at the University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth.

Nash previously served as a faculty member and program director for the Family Medicine Residency Program at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, where she helped develop a rural medicine training track.

Alamo Colleges students look forward to renting books

Some students of the Alamo Colleges are looking forward to saving close to half the cost of college books when next fall they will be able to rent selected textbooks from campus bookstores. Pressure from students, parents and lawmakers has opened up the book rental business as an alternative to purchasing the always-expensive books used in today's classrooms.

The private sector company that rents the books last semester had a pilot program on rented books and found out the savings to students totaled around $2 million.

Textbook costs are estimated to make up 72 percent of the cost of attending college and can average $1,000 per year.

Corpus Christi approves funds to demolish coliseum

After almost seven years of debate on the future of Memorial Coliseum, Corpus Christi City Council members recently rejected a last-minute proposal to convert the building to an open-air pavilion and approved $585,303 to demolish the coliseum located on prime bay front property.

The contract with the demolition company does not include the cost of the city's engineering work or disposal costs that will increase the total expenditure to $861,500, city officials said. The vote followed a proposal to spend $2.9 million to renovate the roof of the building and convert it into an open-air pavilion.

During the last few years, council members negotiated with five developers to convert the property for a number of uses, including a national swim center. Council members rejected several of those proposals, while some developers withdrew their plans. The demolition is planned for the end of May.

Grayson County judge nixes bond election for new jail

Grayson County Judge Drue Bynum recently announced he has ended efforts to hold a bond election this year to ask voters to approve funding for a new county jail. A bond issue to build a public jail is now off the table, Bynun said.

Bynum called a news conference following a heated debate at the commissioners meeting in which several commissioners said they did not plan to support the bond issue and suggested the county remodel the existing jail using funding that will be available after the county pays off several debts.

Mayor Bill Magers of Sherman said city officials will work with the county and the sheriff to find a way to improve the downtown jail facility and ensure it remains close to the courts and is operated by the sheriff's office. The county previously considered and rejected a plan for a private firm to build and operate the county jail.

El Paso to apply for $115,000 state grant for park

El Paso City Council members recently authorized Parks and Recreation Department staff to apply for a $115,000 state grant to pay for upgrades to Jorge Montalvo Park in the northeastern area of the city. City officials will be required to match the grant with $115,000 in local funds.

Plans call for the city to add grass, watering systems and landscaping to three acres of land the city plans to purchase from El Paso Water Utilities to almost double the park's current size. A decision on the grant application should be made in August, city officials said.

Beaumont judge nominated for U.S. Attorney

State Judge John B. Stevens, Jr. (pictured) of Beaumont has been nominated to serve as U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District, from Plano and Tyler to the Gulf Coast.

Stevens is a graduate of the University of Houston law school. He received his undergraduate degree from Lamar University in Beaumont. From 1985 to 2005, he was an assistant U.S. attorney.

Abilene moving forward with $2.2M in park projects

Abilene city staff is moving forward with plans to ask council members to approve $2.2 million for upgrades to Johnson and Seabee city parks, located near Lake Fort Phantom Hill.

Staff plans to present contracts for the park improvements to be considered by city council members in April, said Tony Neitzler, assistant director of community services. The park improvements are being funded by bonds approved by voters in addition to a $500,000 state grant awarded to the city, he said.

Improvements for Johnson Park include a new pavilion for large groups, an outdoor classroom, playground, sand volleyball court, picnic sites, barbecue facilities, a disc golf course, open play field, sidewalks and trails, restrooms, a new park road, parking and lighting, Neitzier said. The improvements for Seabee Park include a new pavilion for large groups, picnic sites, barbecue facilities, trails, sites to view nature, lighting and parking areas. The city also plans to improve the north boat ramp area by extending the ramp for low-water access and improving parking, paving, security lighting and picnic areas. Construction should be completed in about one year after contracts are awarded and construction begins, he said.

San Marcos begins drive for local campus of ACC

San Marcos ACCess, a steering committee created to win support for Austin Community College to build a new campus in that city, recently began a petition drive to place the annexation issue on the ballot in November.

Five percent of registered voters in San Marcos would need to sign the petition asking for a vote on whether San Marcos should be annexed into the ACC district. The signatures must be turned in on May 3 to meet the criteria for an election in November, said Kim Porterfield (pictured), a member of the city council and of San Marcos ACCess.

Because ACC is prohibited from building outside its district boundaries, voters must decide whether to join the ACC district to permit college officials to build a campus in San Marcos on 72 acres of land located near SH 123, Porterfield said. If voters agree to be annexed into the ACC district, students living in San Marcos will receive a drop in tuition from $137 per credit hour to $39 per credit hour at any ACC campus they attend, Porterfield said. If voters approve the annexation, the tuition savings will begin almost immediately although the new San Marcos campus will be not completed for two years.

Big Spring ISD mulling $60 million bond election

Trustees for the Big Spring Independent School District are considering asking voters to approve $60 million in bonds to pay for several new schools and upgrade existing facilities. Two facilities studies completed in 2006 and 2007 recommended two elementary schools and one intermediate school be closed and replaced with new buildings.

If trustees vote to schedule a bond election in May, voters will consider proposals for:

• $42 million to replace two elementary schools and one intermediate school in addition to renovating and adding on to an elementary school;
• $12 million to renovate Big Spring High School, including science rooms, lighting, roofing and a fire-suppression/safety system;
• $1 million to renovate and update an elementary school;
• $2.5 million to add 11 classrooms to Big Spring Junior High; and
• $2.5 million to improve grounds, parking and driveways.

Corpus Christi officials studying plans for new S. Loop

Officials of the Corpus Christi Metropolitan Planning Organization recently announced plans to begin environmental studies to determine the exact route for a proposed South Loop to alleviate traffic using South Padre Island Drive.

Plans for the proposed South Loop could move forward years sooner than expected if state officials agree to partner with a San Antonio-based engineering firm to develop the first part of the proposed Interstate 69 from Corpus Christi to the Rio Grande Valley, said Tom Niskala, transportation planning director for the Corpus Christi MPO. The proposal also includes plans to develop toll roads in Corpus Christi and Cameron County to generate revenue to pay for the private company to upgrade US 77.

Preliminary plans now indicate the 53-mile new roadway would begin on US 77 between Odem and I-37, connect to I-37 and extend to the south of Corpus Christi, Niskala said. The proposed South Loop would provide a new bridge over the Nueces River and an alternate route to North Padre Island. The Texas Attorney General's Office is currently reviewing the development agreement for Interstate 69 and if the agreement is cleared and approved by the transportation commission, the study for the South Loop could begin, he added.

Athens ISD hires construction manager for new center

Trustees for the Athens Independent School District recently agreed to hire a construction manager at-risk for the new Career and Technology Center at the high school.

The district plans to remodel the Athens Annex to house health science, agriculture, journalism, printing, culinary arts and auto mechanics programs, said Assistant Superintendent Mike Green (pictured). The four-phase project calls for the new agricultural and auto mechanics shop to be built onto the north end of the building and the cafeteria to be remodeled for the culinary arts program, Green said. The first two phases are projected to cost about $1.3 million, including equipment and machinery.

The second phase, estimated to cost about $1 million, calls for remodeling rooms to accommodate a mock hospital room, business school and journalism and print shop.

Charter director rejects bid for HISD position

Terence Johnson, senior director of leadership for the KIPP charter school chain, has declined a job offer to oversee middle schools in the Houston Independent School District middle schools. The former HISD principal had verbally accepted the offer but had not signed a contract for the post.

KIPP spokesman Steve Mancini said Johnson decided to stay because of his passion for the school's mission "and the relationships he has forged with KIPP educators across the country." Johnson began working for KIPP in 2006.

HISD Superintendent Terry Grier said he looks to hire a new chief middle school officer soon.

Pine Tree ISD studies $20 million bond election in May

Trustees for the Pine Tree Independent School District recently received an architect's cost estimate of $20.7 million to pay for projects to be included in a possible bond proposal in May.

Board members have not yet decided which proposals to include, said Gil Gillam (pictured), board president. The proposed cost of a new, 7,500-seat athletic stadium is estimated at $14.6 million, while renovations to the high school are estimated to cost about $4.7 million and maintenance costs should come in at about $1.4 million, he said.

Other possible projects also include building an indoor practice facility, expanding two practice football fields to full size, adding a new field house for soccer, tennis and softball programs as well as repairing or building a new track. Trustees must still vote on whether to call the bond election by March 8 for the proposal to be placed on the May 8 ballot.

Friendswood ISD to sell ads on school buses

In a bid to increase revenue, trustees for the Friendswood Independent School District approved a two-year agreement to place advertisements on school buses operated by the district.

Allowing advertising on school buses is a win-win situation as it provides the district with needed revenue and allows local business owners to display their messages in new places, said Assistant Superintendent George Rodgers, who cited Pearland ISD and Humble ISD as districts that now allow advertising on their buses.

The state has specific guidelines that districts must follow and district officials have final authority on which advertising is placed on the buses, Rodgers said. Ads for tobacco and alcohol products and political campaigns are not allowed. Each bus has space for one large ad and two small ads, with a potential to earn as much as $700 per bus, and the district has the potential of earning $14,700 monthly from the advertising program, he said. The district will receive 60 percent of revenue raised from advertising on its fleet of 50 buses.

Sugar Land begins talks on minor league baseball

Sugar Land City Council members recently approved a memorandum of understanding with a private company to establish a 90-day negotiation period to pave the path for a more formal agreement. The agreement sets a May 18 deadline for the city and company to reach a binding agreement to develop a ballpark and create a minor league team.

The goal is to have a stadium in place and a minor league team ready to play ball by the spring of 2012, said Mayor James Thompson (pictured). Work will begin immediately on planning, scheduling and the budget process required for the proposed minor league and ballpark, said City Manager Allen Bogard.

City officials hope the facility will offer multi-uses such as entertainment in addition to serving as a regional venue for minor-league baseball, Bogard said. Voters in November 2008 approved bond funding that helped create the entertainment district at the intersection of US 59 and University Boulevard, he noted.

Terrell adopts clean fleet policy for city vehicles, drivers

Terrell City Council members recently approved a resolution adopting and implementing a clean fleet policy to improve the city's transportation program.

The clean fleet policy requires the city to buy the newest vehicle models available rather than buying older vehicles and ensures that all vehicles with more than 100,000 miles are checked every 25,000 miles for emissions. The policy also includes allowing idling only for safety and emergency responses and training all drivers on appropriate air quality operational requirements for the vehicles they operate, said Dan Abell, public works superintendent.

Adopting the clean fleet policy fulfills one of the requirements for $20 million for regional transportation projects, Abell said. Much of the policy fell within guidelines the city already followed by requiring emission checks every 25,000 miles after reaching 100,000 miles and buying new vehicles, he added.

Killeen ISD looks to relieve overcrowding at high schools

Trustees for the Killeen Independent School District recently began discussions on how to reduce overcrowding at most of the district's high schools after receiving a warning that all of those schools except Killeen High School will be over capacity next year.

District officials should consider eliminating transfers to Harker Heights and Ellison High School to control overcrowding, said Mike Helm (pictured), a board member. Trustees also are considering building a fifth high school as early as 2013 that would require voters to approve a bond issue.

Trustees also reviewed a preliminary design for a proposed $30 million career academy slated to be open in fall 2012. Plans call for the two-story, 184,000-square-foot career academy building to house 59 teaching stations and accommodate 1,200 students. The first floor will feature information technology, cosmetology and a media technology department with a television studio and graphics lab. The second floor will have a health science department with 12 hospital beds. A separate building will house agriculture, automotive, welding and construction classes. District officials plan to begin construction on the career academy this summer and complete the facility by March 2012.

Seguin wins $150,000 grant for sidewalks, lights

The Texas Capital Fund of the Texas Department of Agriculture recently awarded $150,000 in federal funding to Seguin to pay for sidewalks and lighting for the city's Main Street project.

The $150,000 will pay to install sidewalks on the east side of the new Guadalupe County Justice Center and a new sidewalk to be built along the south side of West Donegan Street. The new sidewalks will connect the downtown area to the Walnut Branch linear park, the Memorial Rose Garden and the new Justice Center and parking garage, city officials said. Funding from the Community Block Grant program of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development is designated to projects that help eliminate existing slum or blight conditions.

The grant requires a 10 percent cash match from the city, which will pay for surveying, electrical work and installation of historic light fixtures along the new sidewalks. The city also will provide staff services at an estimated cost of $44,000 to perform project engineering and grant administration.

El Paso to apply for $115,000 state grant

El Paso City Council members recently authorized Parks and Recreation Department staff to apply for a $115,000 state grant to pay for upgrades to Jorge Montalvo Park in the northeastern area of the city. City officials will be required to match the grant with $115,000 in local funds.

Plans call for the city to add grass, watering systems and landscaping to three acres of land the city plans to purchase from El Paso Water Utilities to almost double the park's current size. A decision on the grant application should be made in August, city officials said.

Northside ISD may join with county to build pool facility

Trustees for the Northside Independent School District recently moved forward with plans to partner with Bexar County to build an Olympic-size outdoor swimming pool to accommodate 2,400 spectators and the capacity to handle 1,200 athletes and 400 coaches.

District officials are asking voters to approve a $535 million bond proposal in May and have proposed that $7 million of the bonds be used to pay for the swim center adjacent to the Northside Natatorium on Loop 1604. If voters approve the bond issue, Bexar County officials have indicated they will match the district's $7 million contribution to build the proposed $15.2 million swim stadium with covered seating, locker rooms and a diving warm-up pool. Bexar County voters in 2008 approved extending the venue tax, after which commissioners accepted a proposal from the school district to partner in a swim center that supporters said would attract as many as 8,000 visitors annually to Bexar County to attend large regional and state swimming competitions.

As is its current practice, Northside ISD will open its swim facilities to swim clubs, public recreational programs and other Bexar County schools, said Superintendent John Folks (pictured). At present, only three competition-size swim centers are located in the United States, two in California and one in Florida. District officials plan to use the remaining bond funds to pay for six new schools, additions to other schools and maintenance and renovation projects if voters approve the proposal.

Nueces County appraisal district nixes new building

Officials of the Nueces County Appraisal District recently decided to repair and maintain their current facility rather than building a new $7.4 million building as previously discussed. Appraisal district officials will be limited to $79,500 in funding earmarked in its annual budget to pay for the maintenance and repairs, said Chairwoman Sandra Billish.

The repairs and maintenance will not be addressed for at least six months even though a recent architect's report classified some needed repairs as life safety hazards. The two major repairs needed total about $1.7 million and include replacing air handler units, improving exit routes, hallways and stairs, adding a fire alarm system, replacing the elevator and buying a new backup generator. Replacing the air handling system is the most critical, appraisal district officials said. District officials will present a plan for the needed repairs and maintenance projects to county commissioners in July after property values are certified for the year, Billish said.

More money on its
way to Texas

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

Few, if any, would disagree...we are living through challenging economic times. Even Texas, though not as significantly impacted as other states, is feeling the pain.

Economic conditions have created a public sector environment that is difficult to navigate. State agencies are being asked to cut budgets by at least 5% while being required to serve more citizens. School districts are struggling, cities and counties are looking at consolidation as a way to reduce expenses and community colleges cannot secure the funding they need to expand in spite of educational demands.

Businesses are also struggling and many hope that government will provide contracting opportunities for them as the nation struggles to find its economic footing.

If ever there was a time when the public and private sectors need to be working together, surely it is now. Perhaps that will happen as a result of new federal funding, which will begin flowing to Texas soon. As a result of 418 earmarks in the new federal appropriations bills, $426 million will soon find its way to Texas.

Wendell Brown to retire
as Uvalde superintendent

Superintendent Wendell Brown (pictured) recently announced plans to retire from the Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District, effective June 15.

Trustees most likely will name an interim superintendent to work with Brown before he retires and will work with a search firm to select a new superintendent by mid-June, said Alan Mize, president of the board of trustees.

Dallas to open renovated, expanded fire station

The City of Dallas' newly expanded and renovated Fire Station #10 will be officially opened at 11 a.m. Saturday with tours and refreshments. The $4.35 million renovation doubled the size of the station and added a workout room, three new offies and a study room. It also features updated living quarters and kitchen area. The 11,897-square-foot facility will house a new fire truck in addition to the current fire engine and rescue unit. Thirty firefighters serve the station, with 10 on duty each day.

The renovations meet Silver Rated Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards. Some of the environmentally friendly additions are energy-efficient light fixtures, day lighting strategies that reduce energy consumption and high-efficiency mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems. The city's Green Building program requires all new city-owned structures more than 10,000 square feet to be built to Silver LEED standards.

Bullard ISD mulling rollback election to up state funding

With an eye toward increasing state funding to the district by as much as $500,000 annually, Bullard Independent School District officials are considering a rollback election to ask voters to move as much as 13 cents from the interest and sinking tax rate to the maintenance and operations tax rate. Redistributing those taxes could bring the district from $400,000 to $500,000 in additional state funding, said Superintendent Keith Bryant.

Currently, the district has a rate of $1.47 per $100 valuation, with $1.04 for maintenance and operation and 43 cents for interest and sinking tax rate. The additional funding could be used for teacher and staff raises or to pay for long-term capital improvement projects, Bryant said. The election most likely will be held in the fall if trustees decide to pursue the recommendation. The district receives about 35 percent of its funding from local taxpayers, 60 percent from the state and about 5 percent from the federal government, the superintendent said.

Beeville to buy new police gear with federal grant

Beeville police officials plan to buy 10 new computer systems, six electronic ticket writers, a computer-assisted dispatching system and other security items with a $120,587.36 grant from the U.S. Justice Department. Police officials also plan to purchase eight new Kevlar helmets, six new armored vests and a ballistic shield for the department's Special Weapons and Tactics Team, said Chief Joe Trevino.

The new computerized dispatch system will permit officers in the field to check information from the National Crime Information Center and the Texas Crime Information Center as well as run driver's license checks and vehicle registration information without assistance from dispatch personnel, Trevino said. The chief also said he plans to apply for federal grants to help the department buy an armored vehicle.

Alice ISD schedules $31 million bond election in May

Trustees for the Alice Independent School District recently voted to hold a $31 million bond election on May 8. The bonds, if approved by voters, will be used to build a new elementary school and a natatorium, district officials said.

Hale Center EMS group
wins grant for firefighters

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, through its U.S. Fire Administration, recently awarded a $118,750 grant to the Hale Center EMS Association to improve training and support operations for emergency responders.

EMS officials plan to use the funding to buy safety and rescue equipment as well as provide training for firefighters and emergency services personnel.

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.

Edwin Dorn's public service career began as a member of President Jimmy Carter's administration in 1977. He later served two nonprofit organizations that deal with public policy - one as a senior staff member and one as deputy director for research. In 1993, he was confirmed by the U.S. Senate as an Assistant Secretary of Defense and a year later was confirmed as the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness. Dorn returned to Texas to serve as dean of the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs at The University of Texas from 1997 to 2004. Today, Dorn is a professor of public affairs at the LBJ School.

Dave Wanser spent the first 15 years of his public service career at the former Texas Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation, where he was director of Behavioral Health Services and director of the NorthSTAR Managed Behavioral Health program and held other management posts. In 2001, he was named executive director of the Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, a position he held for three years. After the creation of the Texas Department of State Health Services in 2004, Wanser served the agency as deputy commissioner for Behavioral and Community Health until 2007. He currently is executive director of the National Data Infrastructure Improvement Consortium.

Pecan Grove VFD nets $53,675 federal grant

The Pecan Grove Volunteer Fire department recently netted a $53,675 grant from the U.S. Fire Administration in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The grant will be used to buy safety and rescue equipment and to provide training and support for firefighters who perform rescue operations.

Hays ISD OKs changes
to reduce staff positions

Trustees for the Hays Independent School District recently agreed to reorganize the district's central office to save as much as $350,000 annually. The staff reorganization, effective on July 1, eliminates an assistant superintendent position, an executive director position and nine coordinator positions in math, science, social studies, language arts, career and technology and dyslexia.

Reeves County to join with Pecos to create venue tax

Officials of Reeves County and the City of Pecos recently began exploring whether to ask voters to approve 2 percent of the hotel/motel tax to be used for improving sites in the city and county.

Revenue from the proposed Buck Jackson Venue Tax will help restore historical markers and developing more tourism attractions in Pecos and Reeves County. Reeves County commissioners and Pecos city council members both scheduled discussions of the proposed venue tax on their meeting agendas.

Kevin Lopez joins SPI as member of consulting team

Kevin Lopez has joined Strategic Partnerships, Inc., as a senior consultant, specializing in state and local government. He has worked with city, state and federal officials during his nearly 15-year career in dealing with a variety of government issues.

Lopez is well-versed in technology issues, media relations and public affairs and has worked with elected officials in all levels of government.

Dayton ISD begins search for new superintendent

Trustees for the Dayton Independent School District recently met with consultants to set up a timeline for a search for a new superintendent. District officials plan to begin reviewing applications on March 25, and interview six to eight candidates during the first week in April. The following week, trustees plan to interview two to three finalists and to select a new superintendent by May 1.

El Paso to sell $40M bonds for streets, technology

El Paso City Council members recently authorized the sale of $40 million in bonds to pay for street improvements, technology upgrades and new fire stations.

City officials plan to use $15 million to build two new fire stations, rehabilitate deteriorating buildings and to improve dozens of streets, said Assistant City Manager Pat Adauto (pictured). The city also will build bus shelters for Sun Metro, install traffic lights and signs, spend $14 million in technology upgrades, use $10 million to buy land and use $1 million for bond administration, she said.

Midland selects Turner
as new city secretary

Midland City Council members recently selected Amy Turner as the new city secretary to replace Kaylah McCord, who is scheduled to retire on March 31. Turner, who currently serves as the city clerk in La Puenta, California, will begin her new duties in Midland on March 15. Turner also served as a deputy city clerk in Covina, California.

Richardson slates $66 million bond election in May

Richardson City Council members recently approved setting a $66 million bond proposal for a May 8 ballot to pay for capital. The ballot will include four propositions asking voters to approve the issue of bonds to pay for park projects, street improvements, drainage upgrades, neighborhood improvements and renovating public buildings.

Elgin selects Bratton as interim city manager

Elgin City Council members recently selected Police Chief Chris Bratton as the interim city manager. Bratton then appointed the assistant police chief as the new interim police chief.

Council members agreed to appoint a committee to review applicants for the city manager position and to present the names of candidates selected to be interviewed at the council meeting on March 2.

Houston ISD's Wilson not picked for Arizona post

Cynthia Wilson (pictured), superintendent of Houston Independent School District's north region, was one of four finalists for the position of superintendent at the Flagstaff Unified School District in Arizona, but was not chosen for the post.

Wilson supervises about 40,000 students in her current capacity. Her role as a regional superintendent has been eliminated in a round of job cuts at HISD. She will still be eligible to apply for other positions within HISD, however.

Corpus Christi hires consultant for health plan

Corpus Christi City Council members recently approved a $48,000 contract with a consulting firm to review the city's health care plan to determine where the city can cut costs. The consulting firm also will explore whether the city should open a clinic for city employees. Council members have said a private health clinic could be open as early as fall if the consultants recommend that option and it is approved by the city.

McKenzie retiring as city secretary in Friendswood

After serving 26 years as city secretary in Friendswood, Deloris McKenzie recently retired from the position. McKenzie began her career in city government in 1977 when she served as city secretary for Manvel. She began her employment in Friendswood in 1984.

Oak Ridge North selects Rudy as new city manager

Oak Ridge City Council members recently selected Vicky Rudy, currently a city administrator in Rollingwood, as the new city manager to replace former City Manager Paul Mendez. Rudy also served as the city administrator in Montgomery from 2003 to 2007.

Council members selected Rudy from a field of five finalists, including Brant Gary, a city administrator in Montgomery; Thomas Winder, a former city manager in Marlin; Andrea Gardner, a city manager in Copperas Cove; and Kerry Lacy, the city manager in Watauga.

Peace chosen as city administrator in Granger

Granger City Council members recently selected Dianne Peace, the former city secretary for Jarrell, as the new city manager to replace former City Administrator Margaret Doss. Peace is in the process of earning certification as a city secretary although that certification is not a requirement for the position, said the mayor pro tem.

Recent Reports

• DADS presentation to Senate Committee on Health and Human Services, 2/23/10
• TDInsight newsletter, Texas Dept. of Insurance
• Fort Worth State of the City address

Texas Government Insider Archives

Volume 1 - 8 Archives · 1/8/04 - 2/19/10

Grapevine-Colleyville names interim boss

Jim Chadwell has been named interim superintendent of Grapevine-Colleyville Independent School District. He replaces Superintendent Kay Waggoner, who is leaving to head Richardson ISD.

Chadwell, deputy superintendent of the district, has served in his current capacity for two years. Prior to that role, he worked for the Northwest school district. Waggoner's last day in her post is March 19.

FEMA allocates $27K
grant to Merkel VFD

The Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), in cooperation with the U.S. Fire Administration, has awarded the Merkel Volunteer Fire Department a grant totaling $27,983 for new radios and safety equipment, including wildland fire gear.

The department applied for the grant last spring, according to Steve Cochran, chief of the Merkel VFD, who said the new radios "will drastically improve the communication aspect of our jobs, and the wildland gear will improve firefighter safety."

Whitehouse narrows search for new city manager

Whitehouse City Council members recently selected 16 candidates from a field of 60 applicants for city manager. The 16 candidates include applicants from both out of state and from Texas, including one candidate employed by a neighboring city, said Mike Jeter, a council member. Each of the 16 candidates will receive a questionnaire with questions such as if they are still interested in the position, what prompted them to seek the position, salary requirements and any recommendations for changes or improvements they would make, Jeter said.

Council members will then interview candidates who are interested in the position by telephone or in person, he said. The new city manager will replace former City Manager Ronny Fite, who resigned in September.

Waskom VFD/EMS wins $39,900 federal grant

The Federal Emergency Management Agency of the Department of Homeland Security recently awarded a $39,900 grant to Waskom VFD/EMS Services. The grant will be used for training and support operations as well as for buying safety and rescue equipment.

Harker Heights Fire Department gets $105K

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), in cooperation with the U.S. Fire Administration, has awarded Harker Heights Fire Department $105,705 in federal grant money aimed at bolstering the capabilities of emergency first-responders. The city plans to match $11,745 in funds to change traffic signals to green as emergency vehicles near the lights.

The maneuver will mitigate traffic in favor of ambulances and fire trucks, allowing the lights to turn green "so the other cars before us get through the intersection," Deputy Chief Glen Gallenstein said. Installation of the signaling devices will take about six months and cost roughly $6,000 per intersection.

Farmersville VFD receives DHS grant for firefighters

The Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), in cooperation with the U.S. Fire Administration, has awarded Farmersville Volunteer Fire Department $29,925 to support firefighters in their duty as emergency first-responders.

The Office of Grants and Training, a component of the DHS Preparedness Directorate, partners with state and local governments to provide these awards to first responders with funding for training exercises, equipment and technical assistance.

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Richardson ISD announces its new superintendent

Kay Waggoner will serve as superintendent of Richardson Independent School District with a three-year contract and succeeding David Simmons, who resigned last August.

Waggoner previously served as superintendent of Grapevine-Colleyville ISD, beginning in 2004. Before that charge, she led the Red Oak school district, starting in 1997. She has also worked for districts in Nacogdoches, Eanes (near Austin) and Joshua in Johnson County. Waggoner begins her new tenure March 22.

Crane ISD sets $7 million bond election in May

Trustees for the Crane Independent School District recently agreed to place a $7 million bond proposal on the May 8 ballot. If voters approve, the bond funds will be used to complete construction on the elementary school, build a new cafeteria and remodel an older cafeteria, district officials said.

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.

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TASSCC to host one-day 2010 TEC Conference

The Texas Association of State Systems for Computing and Communications (TASSCC) and the Texas Department of Information Resources will host the TASSCC Technology Education Conference (TEC) on Wednesday, March 10, at the AT&T Executive Education and Conference Center in Austin. Early registration is available until Wednesday, Feb. 24 for "Results 2.0 - Delivering & Communicating IT's Business Value." The TEC 2010 will focus on improving output and obtaining results in a complex and cost-conscious work environment that is becoming more virtualized. The one-day event includes technology directors from Texas state agencies and institutions of higher education as they review specific topics of interest. To register online, click here.

AACOG to host five-day grant training workshop

The Alamo Area Council of Governments is hosting a Grantsmanship Training Monday through Friday, March 1-5. The training, presented by the Grantsmanship Center, will be in the Northeast Community Learning Center, 8750 Tesoro Drive in San Antonio. The five-day workshop features hands-on learning covering all aspects of researching grants, writing grant proposals and negotiating with funding sources. Those attending will learn how to locate new funding sources for their organizations and will work with a team to prepare an actual proposal for funding. To register, click here. For more information, click here.

TML sets March date for Economic Summit

M. Ray Perryman, president of The Perryman Group, and Billy Hamilton, consultant and state revenue expert, will be among the featured speakers at the Texas Municipal League's Economic Summit, set for Friday, March 5, at the Dallas Marriott Las Colinas. Perryman will address "The Economic Outlook for Texas" while Hamilton will address "Texas Revenue Sources and the Economy." This educational opportunity for both elected and appointed city officials is designed to help them better understand the future economic outlook in the state, to learn about the state budget and how it affects cities, to find out about Texas revenue sources and to study regional plans for economic development. There is a discount for early registration and elected officials can earn Texas Municipal League Institute (TMLI) credits. For more information, click here. To register online, click here.

Statewide 2010 Conference on Aging set in March

The statewide 2010 Conference on Aging will be held Sunday through Wednesday, March 21-24, at the Inn of the Hills in Kerrville. The conference, whose 2010 theme is "Deep in the Heart of Aging," is designed for professionals who deal with aging with both administrative and direct service responsibilities and who work in a broad range of community-based settings. The conference features technical assistance, best practices and management tools sharing to help promote service delivery excellence. The conference is hosted by the Texas Association of Area Agencies on Aging, the Texas Association of Aging Programs and the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services. Sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information, click here. To register online, click here.

Last two BOP sessions with TxDOT are announced

The last two sessions of the Texas Department of Transportation's (TxDOT) Business Outreach and Program (BOP) Services Small Business Briefing conferences have been announced for April 1, 2010, in Dallas and June 15, 2010, in Texarkana. The conference goal is to provide small and minority-owned business communities an opportunity to learn more about contracting opportunities with TxDOT. Information will be available to help them do business with the agency and the State of Texas. The sessions not only allow small businesses to be introduced to TxDOT and other state agencies, but also allows them to learn more about the economic development opportunities in their regions. It also allows the agencies to show the myriad of opportunities available for small and minority businesses in the state. For more information, click HERE or call 1.866.480.2518, Option 2.