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  Volume 8, Issue 10 · March 12, 2010
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Proposals could curb, eliminate congressional earmarks

Allocations often draw ire, but important to recipients in states

Federal Cash

Congressional earmarks are in the news again, but this time it's not the usual list of which lawmakers got how much "pork" allocated for pet projects in their districts. For starters, the U.S. House Appropriations Committee this week announced that it will not approve requests for earmarks that are directed to for-profit entities. It will also require agency inspectors general to audit at least 5 percent of all earmarks channeled to nonprofits. The audit, according to Committee Chair Rep. Dave Obey, is designed to prevent for-profits from masquerading as nonprofits to garner funds.

Obey said that had this rule been in effect last year, approximately 1,000 earmarks would have been culled - many of them non-competitive, multi-million-dollar defense contracts. Earmarks for universities, research organizations and other non-profit groups would still be allowed under the new rule.

Additionally, the committee plans to establish a link online that will list all House members' earmark requests and make that information available to the public. And finally, a program will be set up so that businesses (especially small start-ups) with no inside-the-agency connections will have the opportunity to present their goods and services in a competitive process based on merit.

Of more interest to the states is a proposal asking that the House GOP adopt an immediate moratorium on all earmarks. In the current budget alone, Texas was allocated $426 million in earmarks.

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Some Texas Government Insider readers may have noticed a change in the formatting of the newsletter in recent weeks. We apologize for the inconsistencies and hope by next week's edition to make the newsletter more compatible with most major e-mail clients. Thank you for your patience.

Gary Grief selected to head Texas Lottery Commission

Takes over at helm after nearly two decades serving agency

Gary Grief

Gary Grief (pictured), who has served as deputy executive director of the Texas Lottery Commission since October 2008, this week was named executive director of the agency.

The action was by a unanimous vote of the three-member Lottery Commission. Commission Chair Mary Ann Williamson said that she and Commissioners J. Winston Krause and David Schenck "weighed our options carefully, and we are confident that Mr. Grief is the right choice to lead this agency." She said Grief has displayed the knowledge, leadership and decision-making ability necessary to take on the role of executive director.

Grief has a long history with the agency since its birth in 1992. He served as statewide manager of claim centers from 1992 to 1999, and then became director of lottery operations. He was named deputy executive director in 2003 and was acting executive director in 2002 and 2005. Grief was also a member of the lottery task force that originally was assigned to research and launch the Texas Lottery.


Strategic Partnerships salutes Texas' Lone Stars

Drew DeBerry

Drew DeBerry, deputy commissioner, Texas Department of Agriculture

Career highlights and education: While attending Texas Tech University, Sen. Robert Duncan and his excellent staff afforded me an internship that was full of experience and opportunity during the 76th Legislative Session. After graduating from Texas Tech in 2000 with a degree in agricultural economics, Susan Combs, who was then Texas Commissioner of Agriculture and national agriculture chairwoman for the George W. Bush presidential campaign, hired me as the national director of the agriculture coalition for the presidential campaign. This led to two positions in Washington, D.C., as the White House Liaison and also the Deputy Chief of Staff for the U.S. Department of Agriculture from 2001 through 2006. In 2007, newly elected Texas Commissioner of Agriculture Todd Staples hired me as the Deputy Commissioner at the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA). My wife, Gayle, and I have three children - Austin (6), Parker (5) and Jessica (3).

What I like best about my job is: TDA works with a diverse array of stakeholders ranging from farmers and ranchers to parents and school teachers. This stakeholder diversity mirrors the range of responsibilities TDA has - from rural economic development and urban consumer protection to improving the health of all Texans. In addition to the invigorating energy that comes from such diversity, it is truly rewarding to work alongside such dedicated public servants who are so committed to the future of Texas. The TDA team is professional, highly competent and passionate about their responsibilities.

The best advice I've received for my current job is: Listen and follow through. Before he hired me, Commissioner Staples impressed upon me the importance of following through on responsibilities. As simple as that advice sounds, it is one of the most important things for public servants to do. Accountable government is essential; and a government that's accountable depends on public servants who do what they say they will do and proactively explore opportunities to serve the taxpayer.

Advice I would give a new hire in my office: Don't miss the opportunity to learn from your co-workers. The range of perspective among TDA employees is wide, which is one of the agency's biggest strengths.

If I ever snuck out of work early, I could probably be found: Not that I would EVER leave work early, but IF that were to happen, I would imagine I'd be at an event with one of my three kids such as a tee-ball or soccer game, or on the golf course.

People would be surprised to know that: I'm an open book. No surprises here.

Book, magazine or newspaper article I've read recently that really influenced my thinking: There have been numerous articles in the last couple of years comparing the Texas economy to other economies around the world. I find an infectious and energizing pride in these reports. For example, in one such article I discovered that in California, the state and local governments spend almost twice as much per person as those in Texas (http://www.city-journal.org/2009/19_4_california.html). I am proud that Texans pay an average of $3,235 per person in state and local taxes compared to $4,517 in California and the national average of $4,001. But as that statistic reveals, it's not just about our status relative to the West Coast. In 2008, as the current economic downturn began to hit its stride, Texas led the nation in job creation. Statistics like these remind me that Texas' economic prosperity is not coincidental; this good fortune is shaped by our citizens demanding low taxes and electing leaders who deliver a predictable regulatory environment and fair civil justice system in which economy-boosting investors can thrive. Reading these reports serves to re-emphasize what we've known all along at TDA - we must always listen to our constituents and create policies that will not only further the production of Texas agriculture, but also foster a healthy economy for all Texans. That's the principle upon which Commissioner Staples built his Partners for Progress initiative and it's a principle our Texas government should always live by.

Each week, the Texas Government Insider profiles a key government executive or decision-maker. If you would like to suggest a "Lone Star," please email us at editor@spartnerships.com.


Gavia elevated to executive director of TMRS

David Gavia

David Gavia (pictured), who has been serving as acting executive director of the Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS) since August of last year, today was named executive director. Gavia was moved from his general counsel spot to the acting executive director role last year after the departure of former TMRS Executive Director Eric Henry, who left to pursue another job opportunity.

Gavia joined TMRS as general counsel in 2001. He had previously served as assistant general counsel in the benefits/tax area of the Employees Retirement System of Texas. He holds a bachelor's degree from Trinity University and his law degree from The University of Texas at Austin School of Law. He is also a Certified Public Accountant.


SBA proposes rule to help women-owned businesses

Would make it easier to compete for federal contract work

Small women-owned businesses in the United States seeking to do business with the federal government have found a friend in the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). The SBA recently identified more than 80 industries in which women-owned small businesses were under-represented or substantially under-represented in the federal government contracting arena. The result is a proposed SBA rule that will expand federal contracting opportunities for those businesses.

Mary Scott Nabers of Austin is president and CEO of Strategic Partnerships, Inc., a woman-owned business that has been partnering public and private entities for the last 15 years. "The federal government has long had a publicized goal of awarding at least 5 percent of its contracts to small women-owned businesses," said Nabers. "Since it has never reached that goal, it seems prudent to either find ways to make it happen or to quit publicizing it."

The SBA is looking for the way to make it happen.

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Holt taking over as DIR deputy executive director

Doug Holt

Doug Holt (pictured) has been named Deputy Executive Director for Statewide Technology Services at the Texas Department of Information Resources (DIR). Holt will replace Ginger Salone, who is retiring later this month.

Holt previously served as the director of the e-Government and Web Services Division at DIR. He has served as an agency CIO and an IT manager. Prior to his public service career, Holt was a manager for a leading professional services organization and was superintendent for a construction-related company.


Moore chosen for TYC's independent ombudsman

The Texas Youth Commission (TYC) new independent ombudsman, as Gov. Rick Perry has chosen Denison's John Moore for that slot. His term will expire Feb. 1. 2011. Perry also appointed Toni Sykora of San Antonio to the TYC Board, with her term to expire Sept. 1, 2011.

Moore is a former U.S. Marshal, having retired after 25 years of service. He also is a former Texas Department of Public Safety trooper and a former Amarillo Police Department officer. He is a U.S. Army veteran and served in the Texas National Guard and Texas State Guard. He holds a bachelor's degree from Wayland Baptist University.

Sykora is a certified public accountant and is controller for a development firm. She holds bachelor's and master's degrees from The University of Texas at San Antonio.


Andrade to serve as Texas Census Ambassador

Hope Andrade

To promote Texans' participation in the 2010 Census, Gov. Rick Perry has named Secretary of State Hope Andrade (pictured) the Texas Census Ambassador. Forms for the Census are being delivered this month to state residents.

Andrade joins Census officials and other partners in Austin this week to encourage residents' participation. The event kickstarts a series of engagements across the state in which Andrade will speak before the April 1 Census deadline.

For more information about the 2010 Census, click here.


Some Water Development Board offices move

Some of the offices at the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) have moved. The Executive, Legal, Operations and Administration, Project Finance and Construction Assistance offices have been moved from the fifth to the sixth floor of the Stephen F. Austin Building.

The Finance office has moved to the fourth floor with the Water Science and Conservation and Water Resources Planning and Information. The fifth floor is being remodeled and TWDB officials expect the offices currently housed on the fourth floor will be moved to that floor in October.


Webinar

Aldredge will serve in government relations for THC

Austin advocate Vaughn Aldredge has been named government relations specialist for the Texas Historical Commission. Aldredge has served on the board of directors of Preservation Texas since 2008.

Aldredge is a former lobbyist and director of government relations for a major communications company and provided media and community and public relations expertise. He is the former executive director of a Texas communications industry trade association and was information officer to the state department of education and a writer and columnist for an Austin newspaper. Aldredge holds a bachelor's degree from The University of Texas at Austin.


CPRIT funds 12 cancer prevention programs

Rebecca Garcia

Twelve new cancer prevention programs in Texas will share more than $6.8 million in funds awarded this week by the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT). The programs will be administered by clinics, health districts, community-based organizations and academic institutions. The 12 were chosen from among 56 applications.

The grants will be used for services and programs that range from screenings for a variety of cancers to health promotion and educational programs to increase screening and vaccination rates.

"CPRIT's prevention efforts are encouraging unique and innovative partnerships among service providers, academic institutions and community organizations that will put Texas on the map for advancing cancer prevention and control, and will improve the health of many Texans," said CPRIT Chief Prevention Officer Dr. Rebecca Garcia (pictured). The money awarded is part of $3 billion in bonds approved by Texas voters in 2007 to fund CPRIT and cancer research and prevention programs and services in the state.


Combs: State sales tax revenues moderating

Sales tax revenues have begun to moderate, according to State Comptroller Susan Combs. Combs recently announced that the state collected $1.6 billion in sales tax revenue in February, down 8.8 percent from the same month last year.

Sales tax payments will be delivered today, Friday, to Texas cities, counties, transit systems and special purpose taxing districts. Local sales tax checks will be 6.7 percent lower compared to March 2009. For the first three months of the year, local sales tax allocations are down 8.4 percent from the same period last year. Combs will send March sales tax payments of $271.3 million to Texas cities, down 6.8 percent compared to March 2009. Texas counties will receive sales tax payments of $24.4 million, down 11.2 percent compared to one year ago. Special purpose taxing districts will get $15.8 million in sales tax revenue, down 8.4 percent compared to last March. Ten local transit systems will receive $92.7 million, down 4.7 percent.

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


Three Texas projects chosen for broadband funding

Texas was among 18 states and territories announced for broadband funding that will ensure improved access to Internet services that will improve communities' local economic and educational opportunities. A total of 11 rural broadband infrastructure projects, three in Texas, were chosen for funding.

Broadband Awards

PRIDE Network, Inc. had two projects funded in Texas. Its Texas South Plains Project garnered a loan of more than $22 million and a grant of more than $21 million to provide an FTTP telecommunications infrastructure, with a WiMAX service-extension overlay that will bring advanced broadband services to rural communities of the Texas South Plains region. The company's Burkburnett and Iowa Park Project received more than $12.8 million in a loan and a grant of more than $6.3 million to provide the same services to the rural communities of Burkburnett and Iowa Park (less than five percent of this network will serve an area in Oklahoma). Additionally, the XIT Rural Telephone Cooperative, Inc.'s FTTP and Very High Speed DSL2 (VDSL2) Combination Application Project was named recipient of a more than $3 million grant and more than $3.1 million in private investment. The funding will provide a FTTP and Fiber-to-the-Node (FTTN) advanced DSL technology within two separate service areas in and around the communities of Dalhart and Stratford.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently approved the Recovery Act funding of $254.6 million. It is part of the $2.5 billion set aside for broadband services to rural unserved and under-served communities. This recent announcement of funding will be matched by $13.1 million in private investment funds as well. As of this most recent announcement, $895.6 million has been allocated for 55 such projects. To view the complete list of projects funded and what the funding is for, click HERE and look under "Recent Reports."

Increased security coming to State Capitol

Increased security is coming to the Texas State Capitol. The state's leadership has authorized the Texas Department of Public Safety to begin a plan that will include more bike patrols, the use of bomb-sniffing dogs, a mass notification system for those who work at the Capitol and additional training for DPS troopers who are on security detail at the statehouse.

Additional security equipment, security kits and emergency medical equipment were also authorized by the governor, lieutenant governor and House Speaker in a letter to DPS Director Steve McCraw. Other security measures suggested by DPS officials require coordination with the State Preservation Board, the entity responsible for the Capitol building. Metal detectors DPS sought were not addressed in the letter.

The security issue arose after a gunman fired off several shots just outside the south steps of the State Capitol in January before he was apprehended by law enforcement officials.


$10.4 million headed to Texas for transit projects

Cap Metro

Four cities in Texas will collectively receive more than $10.4 million for transit projects from $600 million in recently announced Recovery Act funding grants.

Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority in Austin was awarded $7.5 million to purchase seven buses and for operating assistance and pedestrian access walkways. San Antonio's VIA Metropolitan Transit Authority got $1 million for a bus and a park-and-ride lot. The City of Port Arthur was awarded $1.2 million to construct a bus support facility and the City of Tyler netted $776,031 for a bus, shelters, bus parking renovations and to improve the Tyler Transit Depot.

A total of 191 projects in 42 states and Puerto Rico were funded, bringing the total number of transit grants awarded by the Federal Transit Administration to 881 totaling $7.5 billion in funding. All of the stimulus funds for transit projects have now been obligated. Contracts can now be bid, transit-related purchases such as for buses and rail cars can be made and construction on building projects can begin. To view the complete list of all of the awards, click HERE and look under "Recent Reports."


Pipeline

Review allows lottery bidding contract to move forward

A recent review of consultant group Gartner Inc. and Texas lottery operator GTECH Corp. found no evidence of improperly shared information, allowing bidding on a lucrative new lottery contract to move forward.

Deadline for bidding submissions is May 27. The winning company could reap as much as $100 million in state payments.

GTECH has served as the Texas lottery operator for 10 years. Games generate about $3.7 billion in sales per year, of which operators keep a portion. Last fiscal year, GTECH commanded $101 million from the state.


Texas Tech Health Sciences Center picks president

Ted Mitchell

Dr. Ted Mitchell (pictured) has been named sole finalist for the position of president of Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. He replaces interim President Elmo Cavin, who will return to his position as executive vice president for finance and administration.

Mitchell currently serves as president and chief executive officer of the Dallas-based Cooper Clinic, a renowned preventive medicine center. In 2002, he was appointed to the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports by President George W. Bush. He went on to become a member of the American College Sports Medicine Board of Trustees in 2007.


Border Coalition seeks funding for ports of entry

Officials from areas along Texas' border this week visiting with congressional members, seeking $6 billion for infrastructure needs and additional personnel. The group is also asking for an additional 5,000 customs and immigration port agents for both the north and south borders.

Texas lawmakers with border districts and others from Arizona, California, Wisconsin and New York signed a letter to the U.S. House Speaker seeking the funding. While the president's FY 2011 budget includes large amounts for border port improvements in El Paso, Madawaska, Maine, and Calexico, California, Texas border officials say some of the smaller ports in their areas are desperately in need of repairs.

The Texas Border Coalition argues that ignoring these needs of smaller ports - in both employee needs and repair needs - makes them more susceptible to drug cartels using them to smuggle contraband into the United States.


UH names liberal arts, social sciences dean

John Roberts

John W. Roberts (pictured) has been named dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences (CLASS) at the University of Houston.

Roberts serves as dean of arts and humanities and professor of English at Ohio State University, where he helped establish a faculty-mentoring program designed to improve the retention of minority and women faculty in the arts and humanities. He joined Ohio State's faculty in 1996 as a professor of English. Two years later he was appointed chair of the department of African-American and African Studies. During a two-year leave of absence, he served as chairman of the National Endowment for the Humanities in Washington, D.C. He has also taught at the University of Pennsylvania.

Roberts holds a bachelor's degree from Tusculum College, a master's degree from Columbia University and a doctorate from Ohio State.


Texas A&M forms group to find VP for administration

Jeffrey Seeman

President R. Bowen Loftin recently appointed an eight-person committee to search for a new senior vice president for administration for Texas A&M University. The new vice president will act as a senior advisor to the president and will oversee non-academic operations such as the facilities division.

Loftin appointed Jeffrey Seemann (pictured), vice president for research, to chair the committee. He also selected Ron Carter of the University Staff Council, Michele Breaux from student government, Clint Magill of the Faculty Senate, Silvester Mata of the Graduate Student Council, Richard Mercier from the Council of Principal Investigators, David Parrott, the executive associate vice president for student affairs, and Jorge Vanegas, dean of the College of Architecture, to serve on the search committee.


Higher education community service honors announced

This year's President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll, launched in 2006, boasts a number of Texas colleges and universities. The honor roll aims to increase public awareness of contributions these institutions and their students make to their communities.

The following Texas institutions were recently recognized with this year's distinction: Abilene Christian University; Baylor University; Blinn College; Brookhaven College; Collin County Community College; Hardin-Simmons University; Lone Star College, Montgomery; Lone Star College, Tomball; Northwest Vista College; Alamo Community College District; Our Lady of the Lake University; Ranger College; Rice University; Richland College; Saint Edward's University; San Antonio College; Southwestern University; St. Mary's University; Stephen F. Austin State University; Tarleton State University; Texas Christian University; Texas Tech University; Trinity University; Tyler Junior College; University of Houston, Clear Lake; University of Houston, Downtown; University of North Texas; University of Texas at Arlington; University of Texas at San Antonio; University of Texas at Tyler; University of Texas Health Science, San Antonio; and West Texas A&M University.


ACC set to open Round Rock campus in five months

Round Rock Campus

Classes are set to begin in five months at Austin Community College's Round Rock campus. Construction is more than 65 percent complete, including building of ACC Round Rock Building 1000 (pictured right). Phase I of the new campus project encompasses approximately 275,000 square feet, about a third the size of all existing ACC campuses combined. The campus will eventually expand to 10 buildings and 575,000 square feet.

Stephen Kinslow

Dr. Stephen B. Kinslow (left), ACC president/CEO, said the recent merger of Round Rock Independent School District and the ACC District represents "a significant investment in the future of Round Rock and Williamson County," adding the campus will contribute to the economic prosperity of the region.

The new ACC campus will offer a full-range of instructional programs, including core curriculum classes, specialty workforce training, computer science, welding and health sciences.


Dallas Regional Mobility Council selects Rider Scott

Rider Scott

Rider Scott (pictured) has been named executive director of the Dallas Regional Mobility Coalition (DRMC), the leading advocate for transportation policies, funding and solutions.

Before returning to Dallas to enter into private practice, Scott served as first assistant district attorney for Dallas County, as general counsel and chief of staff to Gov. William P. Clements Jr. and as a special assistant to U.S. Attorney General William P. Barr in Washington, D.C. He currently serves as partner of a Collin County law firm, where he specializes in transportation, land use, zoning, condemnation, subdivision development, water and municipal and county representation.

Scott replaces John Carpenter, who recently resigned from the post to pursue other business consulting opportunities.


Austin backs away from November election on rail

Citing too many unanswered questions, Austin City Council members recently decided to no longer push for a November bond election asking voters to approve an urban rail system. The mayor and several council members previously said they would schedule a bond election this year to ask voters to approve an electric light rail system or streetcar system.

The mayor and council members said they now plan to wait until at least 2011 to call a bond election to fund an urban rail system. Council members, however, said they continue to support a bond election in November for transportation projects other than a light rail or streetcar system.


Austin's Chief Acevedo among DPD chief finalists

Art Acevedo

Dallas City Manager Mary Suhm has named six finalists for Dallas police chief, including three internal candidates and the current Austin chief of police.

Finalists include: Art Acevedo (pictured), Austin chief of police; David O. Brown, Dallas first assistant chief; Robert L. Davis, San Jose, Calif. chief of police; Daniel V. Garcia, Dallas assistant chief; Floyd D. Simpson, Dallas assistant chief; and Robert Crump White, Louisville, Ky. police chief.

Acevedo said he did not apply for the position in Dallas, but that he was contacted by officials there. He indicated to Austin officials that he was interested in the job if offered. Austin City Manager Marc Ott folowed up with an offer from the City of Austin in an attempt to keep Acevedo in Austin if he were to be offered the DPD job, but Acevedo declined the offer and will continue with the interview process.


Dallas approves $4.75M for flood control study of Trinity

Members of the Dallas City Council recently approved taking an advance of $4.75 million in bond funds intended for construction of the Trinity Lakes Park project to pay for a study to determine how extensive damage is to levees along the Trinity River. Council members rejected a suggestion to take the funding from the $84 million in bonds approved for the Trinity Toll Road Project rather than from the park project.

The levee feasibility study is needed to ensure the Trinity River levee system is sound enough for the proposed $1.8 billion Trinity Toll Road Project to proceed with construction, supporters said. The levee study, due to be completed in April, should provide more information on the number of leaks to be repaired. Once the estimated cost is determined, city officials may consider asking voters to approve more bonds to pay for levee repairs or use some of the funding voters approved for the Trinity Toll Road Project.


Del Rio Mayor Valdez to lead Texas Border Coalition

Efrain Valdez

Del Rio Mayor Efrain Valdez (pictured) has been appointed chair of the Texas Border Coalition (TBC). He replaces Eagle Pass Mayor Chad Foster, who is ineligible for reappointment since he is not seeking re-election as mayor.

The TBC represents Texas-Mexico border cities and counties from Brownsville to El Paso. Its charge is to focus on border security initiatives and issues, but the agency also covers issues related to healthcare, workforce training and transportation.

Hidalgo Mayor John David Franz will serve as vice chair of the coalition.


Acting Houston chief among applicants at HPD

Charles McClelland

Acting Police Chief Charles McClelland (pictured) is among more than a dozen who have applied for the position of Houston Police Department chief. McClelland has been serving as acting chief since former Chief Harold Hurtt resigned in December.

HPD insiders Capt. Victor Rodriguez and Capt. Douglas Perry have also applied for the position as well as 10 applicants from outside the department, including a private investigator, a former sheriff's deputy and a Houston electronics store employee.

The job, which commands a $150,000 to $210,000 annual salary, calls for the creative deployment of officers, increased community dialogue, a renewed focus on technology in policing and increased accountability in HPD's troubled forensic division.


Tarrant County, Birdville ISD team to offer free tuition

Dolores Webb

Tarrant County College is partnering with the Birdville Independent School District to offer free tuition at the two-year college this fall for the district's high school graduates. More than 1,000 students are expected to graduate from Richland, Haltom and Birdville high schools this year.

Some $7 million in funding from the district's oil and gas proceeds have been set aside to create the scholarship, which will cover a year's tuition for students at any Tarrant County College campus. The districts are expected to sign an agreement March 8.

Birdville school district board President Dolores Webb (pictured) said the board hopes to "impact young lives for years to come" with continued oil and gas proceeds.


San Antonio Alamodome names operations head

American Bank Center General Manager Marc Solis has resigned to head operations of the Alamodome, San Antonio's 160,000-square-foot, 65,000-capacity event center. He begins his new job March 29.

Assistant General Manager Jim Salamenta will supervise operations until Solis' permanent replacement is found.

Michael Sawaya, director of convention and sports facilities for the City of San Antonio, said Solis "has the right kind of experience to lead" the facility.


HISD resolves dispute freeing up technology funding

Greg Meyers

Houston Independent School District officials say they have settled a long-standing dispute with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), clearing the district for nearly $90 million in technology funding this year. FCC funding was frozen in 2006 after three former HISD employees allegedly accepted unauthorized gifts from vendors.

HISD school board President Greg Meyers (pictured) called the move to end the dispute "a sound business decision," and said it will "help level the digital playing field for our students."

Richard Patton, HISD's new compliance officer with 30 years of audit and compliance experience, began his new charge Feb. 11.


El Paso proceeding slowly on regional command center

El Paso police officials recently began looking for an old supermarket, warehouse or other large building to convert into the proposed Far East Side Regional Command Center.

City officials hope to find a 30,000-square-foot building located on four to five acres of land to accommodate about 300 vehicles located within a triangle formed by Zaragoza Road, Joe Battle Boulevard and I-10, said Bill F. Studer Jr., deputy city manager for finance and public safety. The estimated cost of the command center project is $4 million to $5 million, he said.

In the past, the city has been successful in converting old buildings into command centers, Studer said, noting that the Pebble Hills Command Center, the Northeast Regional Command Center and the Police Headquarters in Five Points were formerly department stores. City officials are expected to ask voters to approve bonds to pay for quality of life projects next year.


Bromberg expects to leave Fort Bliss post later this year

Howard Bromberg

Major Gen. Howard Bromberg (pictured) recently said he expects to be transferred to another assignment later this year as his two-year tour of duty at Fort Bliss ended in January.

During his most recent two-year tour of duty at Fort Bliss, Bromberg oversaw nearly $5 million in construction for base expansion. The base is expected to grow from 22,000 active-duty soldiers to 34,000 active-duty soldiers by 2013, due in part to the relocation of the 1st Armored Division from Germany to Fort Bliss. Army officials have not yet announced where Bromberg will be reassigned or who his replacement will be.


Comal County relocating offices during renovation

Comal County commissioners recently agreed to relocate their offices along with 20 more county employees to a former school when work begins in April on an $8 million renovation of the Comal County Courthouse.

Commissioners approved an interlocal agreement with Comal Independent School District to rent seven vacant classrooms at the former Goodwin Primary School to use as office space and to store equipment at a cost of $800 per month.

Besides the commissioners and county judge, employees of the emergency management, human resources, veteran services and purchasing departments also will relocate to the primary school. The county court-at-law, along with its clerks and the elections department, will move from the courthouse into the Commissioners Court building on Main Plaza. The courthouse renovation should be complete in the spring of 2012.


Corpus Christi to spend $1.1 million upgrade to seawall

Mark Scott

Corpus Christi city officials plan to spend about $1.1 million to improve the levee system that helps prevent flooding in the downtown area. The project also includes an evaluation of the need for additional seawall upgrades, said Councilman Mark Scott (pictured).

The city is using a one-eighth-cent sales tax to pay for the seawall improvements. Voters in 2000 approved the sales tax dedicated to seawall improvements. Since its inception, the city has completed $43.4 million in projects rebuilding and restoring the bay front seawall since 2007. The seawall tax will expire in 2026.

While a list of potential projects includes a proposed $7.1 million plan to repair bulkheads near the Art Museum of South Texas, Scott said he has questions about that project and is interested in using any money left over in the seawall fund to pay for street repairs. Voters would need to approve the transfer, which Scott said may not be legally possible. Other projects under consideration include an $8.7 million project to raise the elevation of the barge dock, $7.3 million for a new breakwater at McGee Beach, $3.3 million for a 300-foot gap closure on the breakwater near Sunfish Island, $2.7 million to raise the Salt Flats levee system by two feet, $2.4 million for marina breakwater improvements and $1.6 million for beach restoration at McGee Beach.


Ranger group selects Fredericksburg for museum

Officials of the Former Texas Rangers Foundation recently selected Fredericksburg as the site for a proposed new $6 million heritage center to honor Texas Rangers.

Foundation officials also considered Kerrville and San Antonio as possible sites before choosing land along US 290 after Fredericksburg city officials agreed to offer the nonprofit group a low-cost, 99-year lease on the 7-acre site and extend utilities to the heritage center. City officials also offered the foundation 120 days to complete a feasibility study on the proposed site for the proposed 41,350-square-foot educational center that will have five galleries featuring interactive displays and a library before a final agreement is signed.

The Kerrville-based foundation has raised more than $4.6 million of the $6 million cost estimated to build the facility. The Former Texas Ranger Foundation, which currently displays artifacts at a gallery in cooperation with the Buckhorn Saloon and Museum in San Antonio, is not affiliated with the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum in Waco.


Lewisville police to seek three training grants

Russell Kerbow

Lewisville City Council members recently granted approval to police officials to apply for three grants to improve investigative training.

The first grant application will be submitted to the Texas Criminal Justice Division (TCJD) to request as much as $89,851 to pay for 15 portable radios, forensic examination and testing and criminal investigative training programs to help officers better solve criminal cases, said Police Chief Russell Kerbow (pictured).

The department also will apply to TCJD for a second grant of $101,045 to continue funding for one family violence investigator and a third grant for $99,014 to pay for a victim's assistance officer to coordinate and manage services for victims of crimes, domestic violence, substance abuse, traumatic injury and death. If the grants are awarded, the city will be required to contribute as much as $39,310 to qualify for the first grant, up to $36,828 for the second grant and $19,389 for the third grant, Kerbow said.


San Antonio trying solar-powered parking pay stations

San Antonio City Council members recently agreed to acquire 134 solar-powered parking pay stations for the downtown area. The pay stations will replace the existing single-space, coin-operated parking meters now located in the city's busiest parking zones. The new parking kiosks are designed to reduce sidewalk clutter and improve pedestrian mobility, city officials said.

The new parking kiosks, which comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act, will accept coins, a debit card or a credit card. Installation of the parking pay stations is expected to begin in early May and be completed in June. Some existing parking meters will remain in the downtown area, but may be upgraded to the pay stations later, city officials said.


Bellmead names Karl to oversee public safety dept.

James Karl

Bellmead city officials recently selected Fire Chief James Karl (pictured) to head the newly created Bellmead Public Safety Department, which includes the city's police and fire departments.

Karl, who has served as fire chief for 26 of his 30 years of service with the department, began his duties following the retirement of Police Chief Robert Harold, who retired on February 26. The two departments will remain in separate buildings adjacent to each other in the downtown area. Karl will make administrative, procedural and budget decisions for both the fire and police departments, city officials said.

City Manager Victor Pena suggested using the public safety model after Huntsville used it successfully while he served as an assistant city manager in that city. Karl said he plans to send three police officers to the McLennan Community College firefighters academy to cross-train as firefighters to assist in large structure fires. The police officers will carry their firefighting gear in their police vehicles, he added. The city also plans to hire four new firefighters to bring the total firefighting force to 16.


Grants will install solar panels in San Antonio

Approximately $3.7 million in federal stimulus funds has been allocated to install solar panels at three San Antonio area locations. They will be placed at The University of Texas at San Antonio, St. Philip's College and the Mission Verde Center at Cooper. The grants were awarded through the Texas State Energy Conservation Office. The three sites are expected to triple the city's large-scale solar generation capacity.


Denton Co. OKs six new sheriff's office positions

Denton County commissioners have approved the creation of six new posts for the sheriff's office with the goal of improving communication and response times. The county and several cities will split the costs associated with the measure.

Other departmental improvements include a new computer-aided drafting system and the purchase of a program designed to aid dispatchers with 9-1-1 calls.

Designs for a new communications center are also under way. Officials hope for construction to begin in 2012.


Round Rock approves $4.6 million for land purchase

Steve Sheets

Round Rock City Council members recently approved $4.6 million to purchase 43 acres of land that could be used for a new convention and special events center. The city will have 60 days to inspect the property and ensure it is appropriate for the city's anticipated use, said City Attorney Steve L. Sheets (pictured).

Preliminary plans call for the proposed convention and special events center to have a rectangular floor and feature between 40,000 to 50,000 square feet of space at a projected cost of $12 million to $18 million. Supporters said the convention/special events facility will serve as a multi-use center and host events too small for the Austin Convention Center, but too large for the Dell Diamond or area hotels. A study projected a major event facility could provide economic stimulus by hosting a wide range of events such as youth athletic tournaments, regional sports, consumer shows, concerts, graduations, wedding receptions and corporate events.

The proposed convention and special event center will support the "Sports Capitol of Texas" theme, city officials said. Possible partners in the facility include the Round Rock Express, Round Rock Independent School District and corporate partners. If city officials find problems with the proposed 43-acre land tract, city officials can cancel the contract. Funding for the land purchase is provided by hotel occupancy tax funds. City officials have announced no time frame for the proposed convention and special events center.


El Paso continues four-day week for some employees

El Paso City Council members recently approved a four-day work week for certain city employees for the period between May 1 and Sept. 30. The three-month pilot program in 2009 saved the city about $160,000 and the five-month schedule approved by council could save the city as much as $225,000 a year, said City Manager Joyce Wilson.


Harris Co. upgrading security along ship channel

Harris County recently began using $31 million in federal grants to improve security on the Houston Ship Channel. The Houston Ship Channel Security District, a public-private partnership created with funding from the grant, is charged with protecting the chemical plants and petrochemical refineries that line the channel as well as protecting the Port of Houston.

The county also expects another $100 million in federal grants to increase surveillance, enhance security and establish a command and control center for the Harris County Sheriff's Office, a spokesman for the sheriff's office said. Most of the grant funding will focus on protecting the waterways. The U.S. Coast Guard and Houston Police Department also help the sheriff's office patrol the ship channel.


Houston ISD looks to eliminate more than 250 posts

Terry Grier

As Houston Independent School District officials restructure for the upcoming school year, at least 269 positions will be eliminated, saving the district more than a projected $8.2 million.

HISD's five regional offices will be closed in the shuffle, shifting most employees to campuses or the central office. The move, designed to facilitate services, will help eliminate employment redundancies, according to Superintendent Terry Grier (pictured), who said the district has more employees "than we think is necessary."

The restructuring will scale back some of the autonomy campuses have under the district's current decentralized arrangement. HISD leaders are considering setting minimal staffing standards for schools as opposed to the carte blanche system currently in place. They look to have the reorganization in place by June 15.


Lubbock Co. OKs $26.3M in bonds for medical center

Lubbock County commissioners recently authorized the University Medical Center to issue $26.3 million in bonds to pay for expanding the facility.

The bonds will pay for a little more than half of a $46 million expansion of the East Tower of the medical center, which is scheduled for completion in 2012.

The expansion includes new labor and delivery space, neonatal intensive care, postpartum units and creating space in the main hospital for the region's rapidly aging population, medical center officials said. The bonds will be repaid with hospital revenues or reserves, said medical center officials.


Corpus Christi port considers three for base property

Commissioners for the Port of Corpus Christi recently reviewed proposals from three groups, including the Texas General Land Office, that are interested in leasing or purchasing Naval Station Ingleside property. Two private companies also submitted proposals to port officials or to the master developer, the Texas A&M University System.

The General Land Office expressed interest in buying 30 acres for a wind energy center that could produce renewable revenue for the Texas Permanent School Fund. A Houston-based company proposed a 99-year lease and a maritime fire and security training with a role for Texas A&M as well as research and development for military branches. A spokesperson for the Texas A&M System noted that the system is not interested in acquiring or leasing the property. A second private company also submitted a proposal.

The Port of Corpus Christi will assume control of 576 acres of the former Navy station in Ingleside on May 1 and has hired the A&M University System to oversee redevelopment of that property and 433 acres of neighboring port-owned property.


Everyone should do something to help ensure Texans get counted...billions of $$ are at stake!

Mary Scott Nabers

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

"Snapshot of America" - the official 2010 U.S. Census - begins next week. Millions of forms are being mailed and public officials throughout Texas are hoping for a record response. It is critically important that Texans remember the importance of this process.

The data will be for the next decade to determine how government funds are distributed. Every governmental entity stands to benefit. Ten years ago, only 68 percent of the people living in Texas responded. The state fell below the national average and Texas was denied billions of dollars in much-needed funding.

An accurate count is even more important today. Many communities rely heavily on federal funds for public works projects, transportation infrastructure, education and health care. Texans must respond better in 2010.

[more]

ADP

Debbie Billa to retire
from AACOG in March

Debbie Billa

Debbie Billa, who has served the Alamo Area Agency on Aging as director, is retiring, effective March 31. She came to the agency in 2004 after ending a 30-year career with the Texas Department of Human Services.

Billa has been instrumental in shaping aging services in the region and throughout the state since joining the Alamo Area Council of Governments. She currently serves as vice president of the Texas Association of Area Agencies on Aging, is an appointed aging services representative to the Aging Texas Well Advisory Committee and serves on a variety of other committees and boards.


Maximus

Daingerfield-Lone Star ISD cancels $30M bond election

After discovering a mistake in a meeting agenda, trustees for the Daingerfield-Lone Star Independent School District recently canceled a May bond election. The vote would have asked voters to approve $30 million for a new elementary school and renovations to existing schools.

Superintendent Pat Adams learned shortly before the scheduled board meeting that the agenda item was worded incorrectly even though attorneys had assured him the wording was correct. Adams said he now plans to schedule public meetings with residents to discuss the bond proposal before trustees call a bond election. November 2010 is the earliest the board can schedule a bond election now, Adams said.


Absolute

Longview ISD approves $13.8M to renovate school

Trustees for the Longview Independent School District recently approved $13.8 million to pay for renovations at Longview High School.

The renovations include upgrading a practice facility, installing stadium lighting, building an additional parking lot and re-roofing the high school. A majority of funding for the projects, $10 million, is from proceeds from bonds, but trustees approved almost $3.3 million from the district's fund balance to pay for the practice facility renovation and stadium lighting not included in the bond proposal. The renovations should be completed by January 2011, district officials said.


Pine Tree ISD sets $20 million bond election

Marian Strauss

Trustees for the Pine Tree Independent School District recently agreed to ask voters in May to approve $19.99 million in bonds to pay for a new athletic stadium and maintenance of school facilities.

If voters approve, the majority of bond funds, $15.5 million, will be used to build a new athletic stadium and associated facilities. Remaining bond funding will be spent on renovations and additions to the high school and several maintenance projects throughout the district, said Superintendent Marian Strauss (pictured).


Texarkana ISD lowers bond proposal to $29 million

Trustees for the Texarkana Independent School District recently reduced a bond proposal scheduled for a vote on May 8 from $40 million to $29 million.

The board approved the reduced $29 million bond proposal following feedback from the community expressing concern about raising taxes during the current economy, said Superintendent James Henry Russell.


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.

Rick Flores

Rick Flores served as Webb County Sheriff until losing his re-election bid in 2008. He then went to work for the Webb County Adult Probation Department and put his bachelor's degree in criminal science and master's in arts and sociology to work as a part-time teacher as well. Flores was recently named police chief in San Luis, Arizona.

Jack Ogg

Jack Ogg served as a member of the Texas House of Representatives from 1967 to 1973. He was then elected as a member of the Texas Senate, serving from 1973 to 1983. He is founder and senior partner in his family's Houston law firm, where he currently practices.


LeFleur

Plainview City Council approves grant application

The Plainview City Council has approved a $55,000 grant application for the police department. If awarded, the funds will be applied to the purchase of new equipment, including a forensic portable light system, a DVR recording to document interrogations, a graffiti surveillance system, SWAT team supplies, three LCD monitors for the emergency operations center and a four-way articulating flexible fiber optic scope to help investigators look into buildings before entering.

The Criminal Justice Division grant does not require the city to match any funds. The division does not guarantee awards for the full amount requested.


Powell VFD wins $17,015 homeland security grant

The Powell Volunteer Fire Department recently received a $17,015 federal grant to provide training and safety and rescue equipment for fire fighters.

The grant provided from the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency, in cooperation with the U.S. Fire Administration, will be combined with a $10,000 grant from the Texas Forest Service to buy bunker gear or protective clothing for the 12-person volunteer fire department.


HDI

San Diego ISD schedules $12M bond election in May

Ignatio Salinas

Trustees for the San Diego Independent School District recently agreed to ask voters in May to approve $12 million in bonds to improve school facilities. Because the district is eligible for Instructional Facilities Allotment funding, it qualifies for state funding with 30 percent local funding and 70 percent state funding for facility-related projects, said Superintendent Ignacio Salinas (pictured). Plans call for the district to spend about $6 million through IFA funding that can only be spent on facilities and $6 million with Existing Debt Allotment funds, which can be spent on non-facility related projects and facility projects, Salinas said.

District officials have not selected specific projects to pursue with the bond funding, but noted the old junior high school building is a priority. Trustees are in the process of prioritizing projects and are creating a committee to review the projects and gather public input to help guide trustees to decide on the most critical to pursue, Salinas said.


Abilene ISD approves upgrades to technology

Trustees for the Abilene Independent School District recently approved $800,000 to pay for installation of ceiling-mounted digital projectors, documents cameras and interactive white boards in 10 elementary schools this year.

A Title I technology grant from federal stimulus legislation provided the funding, said Mark Gabehart, chief technology officer for the district. The district plans to install about 190 overhead projectors and document cameras and about 100 interactive whiteboards in classrooms over the next five months, he said.


HID

Contractors sought to rebuild damaged homes

Galveston recently began accepting sealed qualifications for contractors to rehabilitate and/or reconstruct homes damaged by Hurricane Ike.

The city received $160 million in the first round of the Community Development Block Grant disaster grants to its Housing Disaster Recovery Program. More than 1,500 Galveston residents have applied for financial assistance to repair and rebuild their homes.


Taylor approves $3 million bond election on May 8

Jim Dunaway

Taylor City Council members recently agreed to call an election on May 8 to ask voters to approve $3 million in general obligation bonds to pay for a new indoor recreation center.

If voters approve the bonds, city officials plan to issue tax-exempt bonds to build the facility, a move that will save about $1.1 million over the cost of issuing taxable bonds, said City Manager Jim Dunaway (pictured). The proposed 15,000-square-foot recreation center will be located near the Taylor Regional Park and Sports Complex. City officials are looking at a potential partnership with the YMCA to operate the proposed indoor recreation facility.


Strategic Edge 2010

Huntington VFD garners $22,800 federal grant

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency recently awarded a $22,800 grant to the Huntington Volunteer Fire Department.

The grant will be used to pay for updated training equipment to provide better training to firefighters and to buy thermal imaging cameras, said Stephen Davidson, the training officer for the department.


Wharton ISD begins superintendent interviews

Trustees for the Wharton Independent School District recently interviewed a candidate who applied to serve as the new superintendent. Board members, however, declined to identify the candidate. Trustees also said they are considering filling the position with an in-house candidate and have not conducted a search outside of the district yet, said Gary Ward, president of the board. Board members hope to name a new superintendent before the May 8 election, he said.


San Angelo ISD approves $21.6M to upgrade schools

Steve Van Hoozer

Trustees for the San Angelo Independent School District recently approved a guaranteed maximum price of $21.6 million for the second phase of a $117 million bond proposal approved by voters in 2008. Trustees have set aside $47.5 million of the bond funds to upgrade Central High School, including installation of a new central air conditioning and heating system in the school's gymnasiums, said Steve Van Hoozer (pictured), director of bond planning and construction for the district.

The second phase of the high school project includes plans to build a facility at the West Texas Training Center to house the automotive technology, collision repair and building trades education programs. District officials have earmarked $14.5 million to pay for Phase 3 of the high school project, Van Hoozer said.


Services

Beaumont wins $166,400 federal grant for firefighters

The Beaumont Fire and Rescue Department recently received a $166,400 grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency of the Department of Homeland Security.

The grant funding will be used to buy thermal imaging equipment, extractor-washers and a mobile burn training unit that can be taken to fire stations throughout the city to conduct firefighting drills, said Chief Anne Huff.


Carroll ISD gets $2 million grant for solar power

David Faltys

Trustees for the Carroll Independent School District recently agreed to accept a $2 million grant from federal stimulus funds to pay most of the cost to install solar panels to provide power to the district's new middle school. The Texas State Energy Conservation Office will administer the grant.

Plans call for the solar-energy system to be built on top of the replacement campus for Carroll Middle School, which is currently under construction. The goal is to produce 500 kilowatts of capacity. The district is expected to save about $76,000 annually in energy costs after the solar panels are in operation, said Superintendent David Faltys (pictured). A new middle school and elementary school also under construction will have a geothermal system for heating and cooling as part of the district's efforts to reduce energy use and the cost of energy.


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twitter

Harrison County to seek funds for new generators

Harrison County commissioners recently authorized staff to apply for federal funding to pay for emergency generators for water supply corporations that have no stand-by generators. The Federal Emergency Management Agency provides grants for water supply companies so they can continue to operate and supply water in fires and other emergency situations, noted County Judge Richard Anderson.

Several water companies did not receive funding for the emergency generators when the county received $350,000 earlier to buy generators for four water supply companies, Anderson said.


Fannin County voters to decide on college district

The board of trustees for Grayson County College recently called an election to allow voters in Fannin County to decide whether to join the Grayson County Community College District. The college will pay the estimated $20,000 cost of the election, but the Fannin County Clerk will oversee the election on May 8, said a spokeswoman for the community college.

If voters approve, residents of Fannin County will no longer be required to pay out-of-district tuition and fees to attend Grayson County College. College officials also are considering whether to build a campus at an estimated cost of $8 million in Fannin County, the spokeswoman said. A $2 million grant, $2 million in matching funds and revenue generated from the additional property tax rate if Fannin County voters agree to join the education district will almost cover the cost of a proposed new campus in Fannin County, she said.


Kaufman County voters facing $30M school bond

Dwayne Thompson

Kaufman County voters will be asked if they wish to approve $30 million in bonds this May for Forney Independent School District upgrades and additions. The district, one of the fastest-growing in the state, has more than tripled enrollment since 1999. Those numbers have dwindled recently, however, with declines in housing-development employment. Now, three years after its last bond election, the district has needs, said Dwayne Thompson (pictured), the district's chief financial officer.

The $30 million package includes money for a major addition and renovations to Forney High School, a new cafeteria, kitchen and competition gym and classroom renovations. Meanwhile, $45 million in authorized bond money for new school construction will remain unspent until those schools are needed.


Beeville agrees on projects for possible federal funding

Beeville City Council members recently approved a list of projects to be included in a request for federal stimulus funding.

The four projects council members approved are extending the drainage liner of Poesta Creek to improve drainage throughout the city, buying four unmarked vehicles for the police department, purchasing four brush trucks to fight pasture and brush fires and replacing traffic lights on St. Mary's Street in the downtown area. The city should learn by January 2011 if the requests are funded, city officials said.


Houston approves $79,000 to upgrade HPD computers

Houston City Council members recently approved $79,000 for the police department to replace its 25-year-old computer system. The new computer system will allow police to connect into the national database of stolen goods, a task not possible using the old computer system.


Judson ISD to look
at bond for new schools

Willis Mackey

Community members recently met to discuss plans to build new schools in the Judson Independent School District. The district is meeting enrollment capacities across the board. Converse Elementary, one of three new elementary schools paid for by a 2006 bond issue, has capped enrollment, and the recently rebuilt Judson High School is expected to be near capacity when it opens in August.

"We have to start preparing for future growth in this district," Superintendent Willis Mackey (pictured) said. The district, one of the fastest growing in Bexar County, jumped from 17,909 students in the 2003 - 2004 school year to 21,301 students in 2008.


TXPE

Recent Reports


Texas Government Insider Archives

Volume 1 - 8 Archives · 1/8/04 - 3/5/10


Southlake gathering public input on community facility

Southlake City Council members recently received a preview of a feasibility study for a proposed multipurpose facility when Chris Tribble, the city's director of community services, reported on the first round of meetings with stakeholders who provided input on features they want included in the proposed facility. City officials also plan to distribute 1,500 surveys to randomly selected households to gather more ideas and input for the proposed facility, Tribble said.

The meetings indicated that stakeholders foresee a wide variety of activities such as senior fitness sessions, music concerts, a coffee shop and a place for water aerobics, he said. Stakeholders include representatives from the Library Board, the Southlake Arts Council, the Southlake Parks Development Corporation, the Senior Advisory Commission, the Parks and Recreation Board, the Southlake Youth Action Commission an the Apex Arts League.


Willis ISD eyeing $58M bond election tentatively in 2011

Cliff Williams

Trustees for the Willis Independent School District recently began discussions on projects that may be included in a $58 million bond election tentatively scheduled for 2011. The earliest a bond election can be held is May 2011 and could include proposals for a new elementary school with a price tag of about $15.5 million, additions to middle schools at an estimated cost of $11.425 million and a new ninth-grade campus with an estimated cost of $31.5 million. A new high school auditorium also should be considered, said Board member Cliff Williams (pictured).

Other projects discussed included additional parking at several campuses, a career and technology expansion, an agriculture barn and expanding the stadiums and improving accessibility for persons with disabilities.


House Speaker's appointments

House Speaker Joe Straus has made the following appointments:

  • Scott Gordon, Flower Mound, Advisory Panel on Recreational Boating Safety
  • Tim Lindt, Highland Village, Advisory Panel on Recreational Boating Safety
  • Del Waters, Austin, Advisory Panel on Recreational Boating Safety

Lieutenant governor's appointments

Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst has made the following appointments:

  • Alfonso Campos, Maxwell, Advisory Panel on Recreational Boating Safety
  • Janet Caylor, Austin, Advisory Panel on Recreational Boating Safety
  • David Foulkrod, League City, Advisory Panel on Recreational Boating Safety

jobs

Corpus Christi approves $8M to extend pipeline

Corpus Christi City Council members recently authorized $8 million for Phase 2 of the Mary Rhodes Pipeline, a 40-mile extension of the pipeline from Lake Texana east to the Colorado River.

The funding will allow the city to begin the process of designing the pipeline, selecting a final route and obtaining permitting. The goal is for the project to be ready for construction in December 2011. Once the project is complete, the pipeline is expected to provide up to an additional 35,000 acre feet of water annually, city officials said.


Longview to seek aid to buy emergency generators

After Longview experienced power failures to its water and sewer facilities in Hurricane Ike, Longview city officials are looking to the state to provide assistance to buy back-up generators to keep nine water and sewer facilities operating.

City staff requested permission to apply to the Texas Department of Rural Affairs-Disaster Division for Hurricane Ike recovery grants to help pay for the emergency generators, as the city has no other source of revenue to pay for them, said Assistant City Manager Chuck Ewings. The potential for power failures during other catastrophic events represents a threat to public health and safety and the generators are an urgent need, he said.


Commerce selects Clayton as interim city manager

Commerce City Council members recently selected Marc Clayton as the interim city manager to replace City Manager Dion Miller, who was recently suspended from that position. Clayton previously served as director of administrative services for the city.


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Manvel to buy building to serve as new city hall

Delores Martin

Manvel City Council members recently approved the purchase of a building and 1.3 acres of land for a city hall. The 4,000-square-foot building should fit the needs of the city for the next five to10 years as two lots are located in front of the building and four lots are behind the building, said Mayor Delores Martin (pictured).

The newly purchased building, located on Highway 6, will accommodate city administration and the police department will remain at its current location, Martin said. The city plans to move the administrative offices to the new building on May 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.

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AACOG to host benefits counselor training

The Alamo Area Council of Government's Area Agencies on Aging will host Statewide Benefits Counselor 1 Training from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesday through Thursday, April 13-15, at Courtyard San Antonio Northwest at The RIM. Topics will include Medicare Basics and Coverage Options, Social Security, Appeals/Administrative Law, Medicaid, Long-Term Care and Other Health Insurance and Veteran Benefits. For more information, click here. To register online, click here. Deadline to register is March 10.


Texas notary law, procedures seminar set

The State Notary Commission will offer a Texas Notary Law and Procedures Seminar from 9 a.m. to noon on Wednesday, March 24, at the Alamo Area Councils of Governments Homeland Security Classroom Six, 8700 Tesoro Drive in San Antonio. The class will cover new legislation, current notary laws, avoiding official misconduct, administering oaths and acknowledgements, legal procedures and processes of notarization, liability protection practices for notary and employer and applying for commission. For more information, click here.


Parts of Conference on Aging to be on webcast

"Deep in the Heart of Aging," the 2010 Texas Conference on Aging, will be held Sunday, March 21, through Wednesday, March 24 at the Inn of the Hills in Kerrville. Since the Conference has sold out, individuals may still participate by signing up for the webcast on the Conference Web site. Portions of the Conference will be webcast, including the Sunday Ethics intensive and all day Tuesday. The conference is designed for professionals with both administrative and direct service responsibilities who work with seniors in a range of community-based settings. The 2010 Conference will feature a variety of workshops and education sessions organized into the following tracks: Issues in Aging, Senior Safety, Aging in Place, Professional Development and Health and Wellness. The keynote address, "Care at Life's End: The Unintended Consequences of Health Policy in America," will be presented on Monday, March 22, by Jerald Winakur, MD, CMD, FACP.


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.