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  Volume 8, Issue 11 · March 19, 2010
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Community colleges: long on students, short on funds

Satellite campus requests spike; new federal funds address training

College

Last summer, community colleges officials were applauding a proposed $12 billion federal investment in campuses throughout the country. The money was to come from savings from changes in federal student loan subsidies. Eight months later, the funding has vanished - the victim of a growing multi-trillion-dollar national debt.

Efforts were made in Congress to keep alive the funding in the American Graduation Initiative that would set aside $2.5 billion of the $12 billion for construction and renovation at the nation's community colleges. Those colleges were having trouble keeping up with an ever-increasing student population. More and more students turned to two-year campuses trying to avoid increasing tuition rates at four-year institutions and many of the nation's jobless opted to attend community colleges for training for new careers.

An attempt was made to resurrect the initiative by making it part of the health care bill currently being debated in Congress, according to Dr. Rey Garcia, president and CEO of the Texas Association of Community Colleges (TACC). Garcia and several representatives of the 50 Texas community college districts in TACC were in D.C. recently to visit with members of the Texas congressional delegation - hoping to have the funding restored.

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Renewable energy projects to begin across Texas

$32 million in federal funds to support dozens of proposals

Solar Power

Nearly $32 million in renewable energy projects will get under way soon throughout Texas after the award this week of federal funding in the form of grants through the Distributed Renewable Energy Technology Program. These awards - all relating to solar power - mark the first round of grants to cities, school districts, colleges, universities and other local and state government entities. This week's grants, administered by the Comptroller's State Energy Conservation Office, ranged from $95,000 to $2 million.

Among the public school recipients were Carroll ISD, Grapevine-Colleyville ISD, Hutto ISD, Shallowater ISD, Munday ISD and the Fort Worth ISD.

Carroll ISD received a grant of $2 million toward a $3 million project to install roof and carport photovoltaic (PV) arrays at its middle school. More than $1.7 million was awarded to Grapevine-Colleyville toward its $2.1 million project of a solar PV system on a parking canopy over 120 spaces at the high school. It will represent the largest solar installation in a K-12 district in Texas. Hutto ISD will use its more than $617,000 toward its more than $985,000 project to install a solar PV panel on one of its elementary schools.

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Strategic Partnerships salutes Texas' Lone Stars

Eric Potts

Eric R. Potts, interim director, Houston Airport System

Career highlights and education: As the interim director of aviation, I'm responsible for the overall management of the Houston Airport System's three aviation facilities - George Bush Intercontinental Airport, William P. Hobby Airport and Ellington Airport - and its workforce of 1,573 employees. Before I was appointed in June of 2008, I was the airport system's Deputy Director of Planning, Design and Construction, overseeing extensive multi-million-dollar projects. Prior to my aviation career I served the nation for more than 27 years and I'm a decorated Colonel of the United States Army. As the executive director of civil works for the Army Corps of Engineers, I supervised Civil Works for 38 districts across the country and was heavily involved in the implementation of a $4 billion program that helped Americans with flood damage reduction and environmental restoration. I earned a Master of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College, and a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from the University of Missouri-Rolla. I was also inducted into the university's Athletic Hall of Fame and the Academy of Civil Engineers.

What I like best about my job is: The interaction with the approximately 1,573 dedicated professionals at the Houston Airport System as we strive to make the gateway to the city all it can be. I also like being a problem-solver.

The best advice I've received for my current job is: The Houston Airport System is about its people; take care of the people and they will be effective, efficient and mission-oriented.

Advice I would give a new hire in my office: Be a team player, learn your job and be focused on accomplishing your mission.

If I ever snuck out of work early, I could probably be found: I love my job, I wouldn't sneak out, but you can catch me in yoga class about three times a week. I've been practicing for nearly six years.

People would be surprised to know that I: enjoy giving back to my community, serving in many events around the state of Texas including volunteering at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, changing lives one-bike-at-a-time with Elves and More and riding for a cause in the MS-150 bike ride.

Book, magazine or newspaper article I've read recently that really influenced my thinking: We are dedicated to customer service and being the best that we can be, 24 hours a day and 365 days a year. We take pride in an operational system that is consistent and professional.

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.


Texas awarded $28.8 million for health IT

Part of $5 billion for electronic information exchange

Health Records

Texas has been awarded $28.8 million in Recovery Act funds as part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' efforts to help states move toward an effective and efficient way to exchange health information and advance health information technology (health IT). Texas drew the lion's share of this $162 million installment of funds. These awards - to states and state-designated entities - are part of the $5 billion in funds made available for health IT through the stimulus bill. The goal of the program is incorporate electronic health records for every citizen in the country by 2014.

HHS is working with the states through cooperative agreements - partnerships - to impress on them that they use the national standards put in place and that they are comparable with HHS rules. HHS is creating tools that will enable the exchange of information and will also provide guidance and technical assistance.

Every state and eligible territory has now been allocated funds under this program. In February, $385 million was awarded to 40 states and state-designated entities.

Second to Texas was the Florida Agency of Health Care Administration, which garnered an award of more than $20.7 million.

Other recipients include: the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene - $9,313,924; New Jersey Health Care Facilities Financing Authority - $11,408,594; South Carolina Department of Health & Human Services - $9,576,408; Iowa Department of Public Health - $8,375,000; Idaho Health Data Exchange - $5,940,500; State of North Dakota, Information Technology Department - $5,343,733; State of Alaska - $4,963,063; Nebraska Department of Administrative Services - $6,837,180; South Dakota Department of Health - $6,081,750; Department of Public Health, State of Connecticut - $7,297,930; State of Mississippi - $10,387,000; Indiana Health Information Technology, Inc. - $10,300,000; HealthShare Montana - $5,767,926; and Louisiana Health Care Quality Forum - $10,583,000.


Comptroller allots $32.1M for Super Bowl XLV costs

Super Bowl

The Texas comptroller has agreed to set aside $32.1 million from the state's Major Events Trust Fund for police, fire-safety and other costs related to hosting Super Bowl XLV next year in Arlington. The funds are derived from hotel, sales, alcohol and rental car taxes.

Some of those funds will help offset bid-related costs that can be reimbursed, said Bill Lively, chief executive for the North Texas Super Bowl Committee. The money will help bridge the gap between the host committee's budget and commitments under its bid.

The host committee's budget stands at $40 million. Lively said he expects about $600 million of economic impact to stem from the event.


Texas school fund sees gain of more than $4 billion

Textbooks

The Texas Permanent School Fund (PSF) - the largest public endowment for public schools in the nation - was recently valued at $22.2 billion. That figure represents an increase of $4.1 billion from the previous year.

The fund provides textbook purchases for the state's 4.7 million kindergarten through 12th grade students and guarantees school district bonds, allowing districts to net AAA ratings for bonds and save millions in interest and insurance costs.

Gail Lowe, chairman of the State Board of Education, said taxpayers save money, and public schools are better equipped because of the strong-performing PSF, "a tremendous asset benefitting the schoolchildren of Texas."


Hecht appointed as new Access to Justice liaison

Nathan Hecht

Texas Supreme Court Justice Nathan Hecht (pictured) has been named by Chief Justice Wallace Jefferson as the court's Access to Justice Commission and Access to Justice Foundation liaison. He replaces Justice Harriet O'Neill, who announced in August she will not seek another term on the court.

The Texas Access to Justice Commission was created by the Supreme Court in 2001 to expand access to and enhance the quality of justice in civil legal matters for low-income Texans. The foundation was created in 1984 as the major funding source for legal services for Texas' poor. It helps finance more than 40 Texas nonprofit organizations, including legal aid and pro bono programs, shelters, domestic violence projects, bar associations, law schools and immigration programs.


TxDOT seeks input on transportation system plans

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is seeking public input on its proposed revisions to department transportation planning and programming rules. Last June, the Texas Transportation Commission created an 11-member Transportation Planning and Project Development Rulemaking Advisory Committee. It includes members of metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs), local governments, transit organizations, tolling authorities and the Federal Highway Administration.

Since that time, TxDOT and the committee have been working on draft rules to establish a transportation planning and project development program. Now the agency is seeking public input to help in the development of the proposed rules. The new rules are in four subchapters:

  • Transportation Planning includes requirements for the development of long-range 20+ year transportation plans for all modes of transportation;
  • Transportation Programming includes requirements for the development of financially constrained four- and 10-year programs that identify and authorize construction of specific transportation projects;
  • Transportation Funding includes requirements for long-term funding assumptions applicable to both TxDOT and MPOs, extended cash flow forecasting, classification of TxDOT's program-funding categories, establishment of certain funding formulas and the allocation of funds to TxDOT districts and MPOs; and
  • Project and Performance Reporting includes requirements for the establishment of an information system that will quantify and report the on-time and on-budget delivery status of individual transportation projects.

After public comments are received, TxDOT will present draft rules to the Texas Transportation Commission for review. Final approval is expected later this year. To view the draft rules, click here. To fill out an online comment form, click here. Comments are due by 5 p.m. on Monday, April 19.


Webinar

TWU new regional home to science education center

Ann Staton

Officials at the National Center for Science and Civic Engagement (NCSCE) recently selected Texas Woman's University as the home for the Science Education for New Civic Engagements and Responsibilities (SENCER) Center for Innovation - Southwest, one of six sites in the country.

Dr. Ann Q. Staton (pictured), dean of the TWU College of Arts and Sciences and co-director of the SENCER Center for Innovation - Southwest, said the selection "speaks to the quality of TWU's science curriculum, students and faculty."

SENCER, a faculty development and science education reform project funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF), is geared toward improving undergraduate science education and encouraging civic engagement.


Howard Payne introduces advising center, director

Dr. Wendy McNeeley, dean of advising and general education at Howard Payne University, has been tapped to lead the institution's newly created University Advising Center.

The Center is designed to bridge the transition from high school to college for students and offer consistent support services. Faculty members serving as mentors will facilitate and guide students with academic, personal and career goals.

McNeeley holds a master's degree from Tarleton University and a doctoral degree from Capella University.


A&M-Kingsville names dean of College of Arts, Sciences

Scott Hughes

Dr. Scott Hughes (pictured) has been selected to serve as dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Texas A&M University- Kingsville. He begins his new charge July 1, pending approval from the TAMU System Board of Regents.

Hughes has served as interim dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Idaho State University since June 2008. There he helped implement a Master of Science degree in Historical Resources Management and developed a doctoral program in English. He has also worked as division chief and assistant professor for the Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology at Montana Tech and as a NASA research associate at Oregon State University.

Hughes holds a bachelor's degree from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, a master's degree from Northern Arizona University and a doctoral degree from Oregon State University.


Pipeline

PVAMU picks Grimes to head Foundation efforts

Clifford Grimes

Clifford Grimes (pictured), a United Way of America and Annie E. Casey Foundation Fellow at Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government, has been appointed executive director of the Prairie View A&M Foundation. He will spearhead efforts relating to contributions to the university for education, research, service and athletics.

In his position, Grimes will be responsible for revenue growth for the foundation, organizational development, volunteer and donor relationships, talent development and management, strategic positioning and governance supporting the Prairie View A&M Board of Trustees and coordination among the foundation, the university, the Texas A&M University System, donors and alumni.

Grimes holds a bachelor's degree from Indiana State University.


UNT-Dallas selects school's first budget director

Ginnie Cary

Ginnie Cary (pictured) has been named the first budget director of the University of North Texas - Dallas.

Cary has more than 25 years of financial and account management experience. She previously served as vice president of finance at Wichita Area Technical College in Wichita, Kan., where she led a separation from the local school district in 2005. She has also worked as controller at a privately owned software/service company in Wichita.

Cary, a member of the National Association of College and Business Officers, holds a bachelor's degree from Friends University and a master's degree from Tabor College in Hillsboro, Kan.


UTMB names leadership team for national laboratory

James LeDuc

Scott Weaver

Officials at The University of Texas Medical branch have announced a new leadership team for UTMB's Galveston National Laboratory.

Dr. James D. LeDuc (left) will serve as director of the GNL and Scott C. Weaver (right) will serve as scientific director of the GNL and as director of the Institute for Human Infections and Immunity. LeDuc and Weaver respectively serve as professor in the department of microbiology and immunology and professor in the department of pathology.

Before coming to UTMB in 2006, LeDuc directed the division of viral and rickettsial diseases at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Weaver formerly served as vice chairman for research in UTMB's Department of Pathology. He holds the John S. Dunn Distinguished Chair in Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases. He joined the UTMB faculty in 1994.


Director chosen for Cancer Therapy & Research Center

Ian Thompson

Dr. Ian Murchie Thompson Jr. (pictured) has been named executive director of the Cancer Therapy & Research Center (CTRC) at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio after serving as the post's interim for the past five months.

Thompson will continue to lead the Department of Urology as chairman and direct the genitourinary cancer clinic at the Medical Arts & Research Center (MARC), where he has a busy clinical and surgical practice.

Thompson said his first charge as director will be to renew the National Cancer Institute's P30 grant, which makes CTRC a National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center.


Austin Energy CIO heads to software firm

Andres Carvallo

Austin Energy Chief Information Officer Andres Carvallo (pictured) has accepted a position as executive vice president and chief strategy officer with a San Francisco-based software company.

Carvallo, who has worked for the past seven years at the Austin utility company, has held several executive-level management posts at various electronics and software corporations. Greentech Media recently named him one of the nation's top 100 names to know in smartgrid. He recently managed more than $1.3 billion in revenue - serving 410,000 properties and 1.2 million customers - through Austin Energy's smartgrid effort, The Pecan Street Project.


Trinity University officials announce retirement plans

Craig McCoy, vice president for fiscal affairs, and Marc Raney, vice president for advancement, have announced plans to retire from their posts at Trinity University. Both plan to step down in May at the end of the spring semester.

McCoy joined the Trinity faculty in 1980 as associate vice president for fiscal affairs and comptroller. He was named vice president in 1983.

Raney joined the Trinity ranks in 1980 as well. He began serving as vice president for advancement in 1984.


Texas Trade Up appliance rebate program set in April

Energy Star

The Texas Trade Up appliance rebate program is set to kick off April 16, according to the State Comptroller's Office. Participating consumers can receive rebates on selected Energy Star appliances purchased until April 25.

A toll-free number and online reservation system will be available for state residents beginning April 5. Guaranteed rebates will be issued on reserve before consumers are put on a waiting list to receive rebates on a first-come, first-serve basis. Consumers must have their rebates reserved or have their name on the waiting list to be able to print or receive the forms they will mail in to claim rebates. Texas residents will have 60 days from their reservation date to install appliances and submit paperwork for the rebates.

For more details about the program, click here.


Government officials pull funds on virtual fence

United States government officials have halted work on the "virtual fence" meant to secure stretches of the United States-Mexico border, pulling $50 million in Recovery Act funding from the measure and freezing future funds until a review is conducted. The fence combines radar, sensors, video cameras and other technologies to detect smugglers.

The project, begun in 2006, has so far been beset by technical glitches, missed deadlines and ballooning costs.

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano said the agency will redeploy $50 million of Recovery Act funding originally allocated for the virtual initiative to other "tested, commercially available security technology along the Southwest border."


UNT System announces new vice chancellor for finance

Terry Pankratz

Terry Pankratz (pictured), vice president and chief financial officer at Texas A&M University, will become the vice chancellor for finance for the University of North Texas System.

Pankratz became associate vice president and controller at Texas A&M in December 2005. Prior to that charge, he had served as vice president for business and administration and chief financial officer for Texas A&M University-Commerce, beginning in March 2004.

Pankratz holds a bachelor's degree from TAMU and a master's degree from TAMU-Commerce.


UH vice chancellor moves to Penn State campus

Donald Birx

Donald Birx (pictured) has been named chancellor of Penn State Erie, The Behrend College, beginning July 1. He currently serves as vice chancellor for research and vice president for research at the University of Houston.

Birx helped grow the research enterprise at UH to more than $100 million during his tenure. Before joining the UH faculty, he served as interim vice provost/president for research and professor of physics at New Mexico State University while acting as president of a corporate entity focused on technology development and incubation at the university.

Birx holds a bachelor's degree from the University of California, Berkeley, two master's degrees from Miami University in Ohio and a doctoral degree from the University of Dayton.


May ISD voters to decide fate of $3.6M school bond

Voters in the May Independent School District will consider a $3.6 million school bond package in two months to fund the construction of a new gymnasium and classroom.

Superintendent Don Rhodes said the district plans to apply for a low-interest Qualified School Construction Bond through the Texas Education Agency (TEA). Interest rates vary for districts, ranging from zero percent to 1.5 percent. Rhodes said he did not know whether May ISD would qualify for a zero percent interest bond.

School officials plan to hold public hearings to garner input from residents and provide information about construction plans.


Sealy starts process to issue $6 million in certificates

Sealy City Council members recently began the process of issuing $6 million in certificates of obligation to pay for a new police station and other improvements to city infrastructure. The council is scheduled to decide on March 23 whether to approve a notice of intent to issue the $6 million in debt.

If council approves, city officials plan to use the funding to pay for design and construction of a new police station, preliminary design of a new city hall, outdoor lighting for a park, building trails in several neighborhoods and creating a quiet zone to reduce train noise in several neighbors, city officials said.

Other projects to be funded include upgrading the sanitary sewer system, street improvements, constructing a lift station, creating a water distribution system loop on FM 3538, buying improved communication devices for police and emergency management and providing some funding on the I-10 frontage road paving project. The funding should be available in June if city officials agree to issue the certificates of obligation, the city manager said.


Terrell Hills considers $8M bond election in November

Mark Browne

Terrell Hills City Council members recently began preparations to call an $8 million bond election in November to fund road repairs and upgrades to city hall facilities.

Council members also approved a $61,000 agreement with an architectural firm to create a schematic design of new city hall facilities that will include floor plans, elevations, three-dimensional renderings and the relationship among departments created digitally. The schematic can be used in public meetings held to educate the public on the need for improvements to city hall, a council member said.

The other option to a bond election is slowing down on critical road maintenance projects, said City Manager Mark Browne (pictured). Some roads in the city have not been worked on since 1962 even though the city spends between $50,000 to $60,000 annually on road maintenance. Roads that are regularly maintained usually hold up better than roads that are not well-maintained, he added.


Fort Worth wins $400,000 grant for 'brownfields'

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently awarded a $400,000 grant to Fort Worth to pay for the city to identify and inventory "brownfields," vacant abandoned and under-used properties throughout the city that are often contaminated with pollutants.

The grant will be used for environmental site assessment and community outreach activities that should lead to both economic and environmental benefits as the properties are cleaned and redeveloped, city officials said. The city will spend about $200,000 to conduct petroleum assessment activities and $200,000 to conduct hazardous substances assessment activities.


Hutto ISD eyes Round Rock partnership for buses

With the contract with a private firm for school bus services set to expire on July 31, Hutto Independent School District officials recently authorized the Round Rock Independent School District transportation district to conduct a study on the Hutto school district's transportation needs. The district currently spends about $2 million annually for the buses, maintenance and fuel costs to run 32 regular and eight special education routes.

School Bus

RRISD transportation officials will study cost-cutting initiatives, bus routes, the bus fleet, staffing, maintenance, driver training, student discipline and inefficiencies with an eye toward the district purchasing buses run completely or partially on propane, said Ed Ramos, business manager for the Hutto district. The advantage of using propane include lowering emissions from 83 to 99 percent and reducing dependence of foreign oil - as 80 percent of propane is produced in the United States, Ramos said.

While the district has the option to renew the contract with the private bus company for another five years, Ramos said district officials should consider buying a new fleet of buses for about $4.5 million and spreading the payments over a longer time period. The district also could receive an $8,000 tax credit from the State Energy Conservation Office and an additional $7,000 tax credit for the purchase of each propane-fueled bus at a cost of about $99,980 each. The district also could pursue funding from the U.S. Department of Energy to build a propane fueling station that could generate more revenue for the Hutto district if other school districts in the area switch to propane-fueled buses. Hutto trustees are expected to make a decision on the transportation issue at their meeting on May 14.


El Paso OKs $500,000 to upgrade parks, signs, walks

El Paso City Council members recently agreed to spend approximately $500,000 on 12 neighborhood improvement projects under the city's Neighborhood Improvement Program. Council members selected the projects from a list of 24 projects submitted by recognized neighborhood groups.

Projects winning approval are $62,600 for a canopy to cover a playground at Pebble Hills Park, $62,000 to build decorative sidewalks, a landscaped parkway and install a watering system along La Morenita Circle and $53,300 for a park table, benches, play area and trash containers for Summit/Fillmore Park. City officials also approved $14,800 for a new sign to mark the entrance of Newman Park, $29,400 to add a picnic table with covered shelter, a ground-mounted trash container and wood chips for the playground at Little River Park and $3,600 for trail markers at the Valley Creek Bridle Trail.

Other projects approved are $42,700 to install four new picnic tables with covered shelters, two park benches and four ground-mounted trash containers at McArthur Park, $33,500 to add three tables, two benches and trash containers near the tennis courts at Milagro Park, $37,700 for four tables and four trash containers at Todd Ware Park, $33,300 to install sidewalks in front of Santa Lucia Church, and $74,000 toward a $133,000 project to build a lighted handball court at Boys Club Park. Council members agreed to seek a federal grant for the $59,000 in remaining costs to complete the handball court project.


Galveston mayor selected for federal disaster task force

Lyda Ann Thomas

Officials of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security recently selected Galveston Mayor Lyda Ann Thomas (pictured) as a member of a federal task force that will make recommendations about federal policies on disaster preparedness and response.

Thomas, who was mayor in Galveston during both Hurricane Rita and Hurricane Ike, will serve on a committee examining federal policies and making recommendations on which policies and disaster preparedness guidance should be updated, which grant programs are the most efficient and the most appropriate methods to assess the federal government's strengths and weaknesses in disaster preparation.

The task force is comprised of decision-makers for local, state, tribal and federal governments, elected officials and representatives from fire departments, law enforcement, health care, public works and information technology. The first meeting of the task force is scheduled for April 13 in Boston.


Big Bend National Park to undergo $10.5M facelift

Big Bend National Park is set to receive a major overhaul and facelift thanks to $10.5 million in federal stimulus money, part of $129 million made available to 30 high-priority National Park Service (NPS) projects.

NPS Director Jon Jarvis said the projects "represent critical priorities for us that will also benefit the economy and create jobs in the near term." The projects at Big Bend include the treatment of 123 miles of paved road, rehabilitation of officers' quarters and repairs needed following recent flooding.

The park comprises 801,000 acres and attracts 364,000 visitors annually.


Tyler ISD board reviews district's facility needs

Therelee Washington

Superintendent Randy Reid recently outlined to board members his assessment of facility needs for Tyler Independent School District, but Reid did not urge a bond proposal or offer a specific price tag for the recommended projects.

District facilities in need of renovations or replacements include two overcrowded schools, Rice and Dixie elementary schools, that need to be remodeled with an improved floor plan or replaced with new buildings, Reid said. All six middle schools are outdated and pose handicap-accessibility concerns, said Reid, who suggested trustees considering building three or four new middle school to replace the six schools. Fewer campuses that serve more students could save the district in personnel staffing costs and provide a wider range of programs for students. Reid also urged the creation of intermediate schools for fifth- and sixth-graders to allow teachers to better focus on struggling students. It would also allow offering more choices to high school students by including science, technology, engineering and math academies, early college high school programs, magnet programs and career and technology education programs.

After the presentation, board member Therelee Washington (pictured) urged district leaders to support changes by focusing on overcrowded high schools and middle schools, but trustees took no action on the recommendations.


Harrison County earns $85,086 grant for airport

The Texas Department of Transportation recently awarded an additional $85,086 grant to Harrison County to expand a proposed T-hangar project at the Harrison County Airport from six to 10 T-hangars. The county will be required to contribute $17,017 to qualify for the grant, said County Judge Richard Anderson.

Because of the additional state grant and a decline in construction costs, county officials now plan increase the number of T-hangars it planned for the airport. The county currently owns only two old hangars at the airport so this project will be the county's first experience at building and leasing hangars to create a revenue stream for airport operation, he noted. In the past, private owners paid for and built the majority of hangars at the airport.

County officials expect to begin construction on the hangar project soon and complete the project in August of this year.


New Braunfels ISD to call $45.25M bond election

Randy Moczygemba

Trustees for the New Braunfels Independent School District recently agreed to schedule a scaled back $45.255 million bond election in November to pay for a new middle school and remodeling other district facilities.

Board members, who originally considered a $55 million bond proposal, also approved $1.7 million to pay an architectural firm to design a new middle school building near Klein Road to be built with proceeds from the proposed bond sale if voters approve.

The new facilities are needed to meet growth, especially at New Braunfels High School, said Superintendent Randy Moczygemba (pictured). Current plans call for the new middle school building to eventually serve as a second high school for the district, and the current middle school to become a ninth grade center by 2012, he said.


Tarrant County College eyeing new campus in Benbrook

Officials of Tarrant County College (TCC) recently said they are considering Benbrook in southwest Tarrant County as the possible site for a new campus. The college currently is formulating its strategic growth plan for the next five years and the Vision 2015 plan is expected to be presented to the board of trustees on April 15.

Representatives from the Benbrook Economic Development Corp. approached the college several years ago to propose the college build a campus in that city, according to TCC. College officials are not actively looking for a new campus site in Benbrook, he said, but consider a campus in the southwest area of the county the next logical step for TCC. The college was established in 1965 as Tarrant County Junior College and now operates the South Campus, the Northeast Campus, the Northwest Campus and the Trinity River Campus in downtown Fort Worth.

Ron Rainey, executive director of the Benbrook economic development group, said the corporation has identified several large tracts of land available, but the number of large land parcels available has grown smaller as the area has grown. A spokesman for TCC said he does not expect a campus in Benbrook to be a part of the Vision 2015 plan, but may be considered in a later plan.


Taylor picks Straub as interim asst. city manager

Jeff Straub

Taylor City Manager Jim Dunaway recently selected Taylor Police Chief Jeff Straub (pictured) as interim assistant city manager. Straub agreed to fill a long-term vacancy and will oversee several other city departments as well as the police department in his new position, Dunaway said.

Straub, who has spent 28 years in law enforcement, holds a master's degree from Liberty University and a master certification from the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Education. He also is a 1994 graduate of the FBI National Academy.


Fusion centers enhancing law enforcement in Texas

Mary Scott Nabers

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

The last thing a law enforcement officer wants to do when trying to solve a crime or identify a criminal suspect is to search through thousands of bits of information stored in different places. That frustrating task is about to be history. Fusion centers, which hold millions of bits of information in accessible databases, are emerging throughout Texas.

Fusion centers - both local and state - are designed to allow the sharing of information and intelligence among public entities within a geographic area. At the end of 2009, there were nearly 75 such centers throughout the nation, and many in Texas.

The ultimate goal of a fusion center is to provide a central location for information from law enforcement, public safety and private entities. The objective is to make information available to prevent crimes, identify criminal patterns and provide for homeland security.

Databases at fusion centers contain millions of bits of information that can assist law enforcement officers, health authorities, medical examiners, fire officials, arson investigators and emergency managers. Information may also be available regarding energy companies, sports facilities, public schools and hospitals. All information is intended for public safety officials.

The Texas Fusion Center, funded by the state and housed at the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), holds records and information from more than 1,000 law enforcement agencies in Texas. The Center shares information with other states and the federal government.

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ADP

Celli resigns as director of Houston department

Richard Celli

Richard Celli (pictured), who serves as director of the Housing and Community Development Department in Houston, recently resigned from that position, effective March 26. Cellis held that position for three years.

The mayor of Houston said she planned to look beyond traditional candidates for housing and community development candidates to non-traditional candidates to fill the position of director of Housing and Community Development.


Maximus

Breckenridge ISD bond would upgrade schools

Trustees for the Breckenridge Independent School District recently agreed to ask voters to approve $42.68 million in bonds to build a new elementary school, renovate two elementary schools and to combine the junior high and high school into one high school complex.

All of the campus facilities are more than 50 years old, noted Superintendent Jennings Teel. The district plans to spend about $3 million to renovate East Elementary for grades pre-K through kindergarten, build a new $13.3 million elementary school and spend $10.9 million to convert South Elementary into a junior high campus. The district expects to spend $15.3 million to create the new high school complex by combining the former junior high school and high school.


Lone Star to open satellite campus near CyFair

Officials of Lone Star College recently closed on the purchase of a $2.3 million, 11-acre site on Clay Road for a satellite campus for students living in the Cypress-Fairbanks area of northwest Harris County.

College officials plan to build an $18 million, two-story, 84,000-square-foot building for academic courses and workforce programs at the new site. The new LSC-CyFair campus is expected to open in April 2011 with up to 3,000 students enrolling at the new center. LSC also operates another satellite center in northwest Harris County at SH290 and West Little York Road.


Absolute

San Antonio names Cantu
to stand in for Cortez

San Antonio City Council members recently appointed Leticia Cantu, a former council aide, to temporarily replace Councilman Phillip Cortez, a first lieutenant in the Air Force Reserve who was recently called into active military duty. Cantu formerly served as an aide to two council members, Mary Alice Cisneros and Lourdes Galvan.

Cortez is scheduled to return from his military service in May and return to his council seat at that time.


Decature losing Gindt
as its superintendent

Gary Gindt

Superintendent Gary Gindt (pictured) recently resigned as superintendent of Decatur Independent School District, effective June 30, 2010. Gindt has served as superintendent for the district since 2004.

Trustees expect to meet soon with a recruiting firm to find a new superintendent and to discuss the criteria for the job.


Hawkins resigns from
post in Brownsville ISD

Only two days after beginning her new position as assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction, Janna Hawkins recently resigned from that position with the Brownsville Independent School District.

Hawkins previously served as an assistant superintendent at Brownsville ISD and as an executive director of school improvement at the North East Independent School District. Brownsville ISD officials recently reposted the assistant superintendent position and are accepting applications for the post.


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.

Percy Pierre

Dr. Percy Pierre served as president of Prairie View A&M University from 1983-1989. Prior to his presidency, he was a White House Fellow in the Office of the President from 1969-1970 and dean of the College of Engineering at Howard University from 1971-1977. He served the nation as Assistant Secretary of the Army for Research, Development and Acquisition from 1977 to 1981. Pierre was later named vice president of Research and Graduate Studies at Michigan State University, a position he held from 1990 to 1995. He currently serves as a professor in the College of Engineering at Michigan State.

Fred Hofheinz

Fred Hofheinz served as mayor of the City of Houston from 1974 to 1978, following in the footsteps of his father, Roy Hofheinz, Sr., who was mayor of the city from 1953-1955. Fred Hofheinz co-founded a close circuit television company in 1971 and after his stint as mayor, was on the board of a major independent crude oil and gas company. Today, he is of counsel to a prominent Houston law firm.


LeFleur

Blinn College to issue bonds for upgrades on campus

Blinn College officials recently approved the issue of $20.155 million in bonds, of which about $15 million will be spent on construction projects at the Brenham campus of the college.

The bonds will be used to build a new 300- to 350-bed dormitory, a new agriculture building and for renovation and expansion of the band hall, college officials said.


Lake Conroe Fire Dept.
wins $8,415 federal grant

The Lake Conroe Fire Department recently won an $8,415 grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency of the Department of Homeland Security. The grant may be used for training, to support operations or to purchase safety and rescue equipment, fire department officials said.


HDI

SPI adds Dorothy Wing
as new senior consulant

Dorothy Wing

Government and business development expert Dorothy Coleman Wing (pictured) has been added to Strategic Partnerships, Inc.'s team of veteran consultants. Wing boasts more than three decades of working with chief executives, upper management, elected officials and boards of directors and with officials of the federal and state and local governments.

Wing spent 13 years as manager of business development for the City of Fort Worth, where she wrote grant applications, coordinated strategic planning, managed nonprofits, served as a construction project manager and was involved in marketing and fundraising. She also is well-versed in issues regarding the federal government after having spent seven years as chief of staff to a member of the U.S. Congress.


Red Lick considering land purchase for city hall

Red Lick City Council members recently agreed to take a closer look at buying land for a new city hall. Council members agreed to take another look at the potential site before making a final decision on the property to replace the log cabin-style building that now serves as city hall.


HID

Bridgeport selects Emmons as new city administrator

Bridgeport City Council members recently selected Brandon Emmons as the new city administrator to replace Van James, who left that position last year. Emmons currently serves as city manager in Trophy Club.


Strategic Edge 2010

Bay City to issue $3.5M in debt for capital projects

Gary Gratzer

City council members in Bay City recently agreed to issue $3.5 million in certificates of obligation to pay for several citywide capital improvements.

Projects funded by the certificates include completing Nile Valley Dr., purchasing equipment to handle hazardous materials, upgrading drainage and improvements to the airport, parks, civic center, recycling center and service center, said Finance Director Gary Gratzer (pictured). The funding should be available in May and the projects will be completed over the next three years, he said.


Roxton ISD selects Smith
as interim superintendent

Trustees for the Roxton Independent School District recently named William Smith as the interim superintendent to replace Interim Superintendent Dan Pickering, who said he had spent as much time in the interim position as he could without jeopardizing his retirement plan.

Smith, who retired as superintendent at Greenville ISD, said he expects to remain on the job no more than about two months as Roxton officials are expecting to name a new superintendent very soon.


Services

Upshur Co. accepts grant
for courthouse upgrade

Upshur County commissioners recently agreed to accept a $285,333 grant from the Texas Historical Commission to pay for a restoration project to transform the courthouse back to its 1930s appearance.

Once the plans for the courthouse restoration are completed, county officials will need to apply and win grants from the historical commission to pay for construction, said County Judge Dean Fowler. The county most likely will be required to contribute between $2 million to $2.5 million in matching funds to qualify for a construction grant, he said. County officials will need to vacate the courthouse while construction is under way and relocate employees to buildings in the county's four precincts if renovations are approved, Fowler said.


Wharton ISD names lone finalist for superintendent

Kay Shoppa has been named lone finalist for the position of superintendent at Wharton Independent School District. She has served as the district's interim superintendent since James Bartosh announced his resignation in February.

Shoppa served as assistant superintendent for the district from 1994 until 2008, when she was named director of research and development. She began working for the district in 1980 as a special education instructor. She has also served as an adjunct lecturer at the University of Houston-Victoria, University of Houston System at Fort Bend and Wharton County Junior College.


We're 'in the know'...
Now you can be, too!

Approximately $60 million headed to Texas...and we let you know first! When $28 million was announced for Texas to promote health information technology, our "Tweet" went out immediately. And when the State Comptroller announced $32 million for nearly three dozen renewable energy projects in the state, we tweeted that information and followed it with a link to the projects funded. Find out news as it happens...often before major media outlets! Check SPI out on Twitter! Click the blue "Follow us on Twitter" button below.

twitter

FAA allots $1.1M grant
for Texarkana airport

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has authorized a $1.1 million grant for the Texarkana Regional Airport Authority (TRAA) to help complete a public safety building. That figure represents 95 percent of costs associated with the project. The airport will match 5 percent, or $55,000.

With the funds, the former Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting Station will be expanded to allow airport police and other staff members to use the facility.


Martin County sets $23M bond election for hospital

Citing the need to replace the hospital built in 1948, Martin County officials are asking voters to approve $23 million in bonds to pay for a new, 18-bed hospital with updated emergency rooms and an enclosed CT scanner. The new facility will be built on I-20 so that it is more visible than the small county hospital in downtown Stanton.


TXPE

Recent Reports


Texas Government Insider Archives

Volume 1 - 8 Archives · 1/8/04 - 3/12/10


City of Austin purchases
13 acres for park land

The City of Austin has salvaged 13 acres of land slated for commercial development to expand the Barton Creek Wilderness Park. Landowners had planned to build a 300,000-square-foot office building and parking lot on the acreage.

The city, in partnership with the Nature Conservatory of Texas, spent $5.5 million to buy the plot, which includes 1,058 acres of wooded hike-and-bike trails, swimming holes and habitats for endangered birds.


Governor's appointments

Gov. Rick Perry has made the following appointments:

  • Samuel "Phil" Wilson of Austin, Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas Oversight Committee.
  • Margaret K. Bentley of DeSoto, Texas Physician Assistant Board
  • James Clancy of Portland, Texas Ethics Commission
  • Thomas Ramsey of Mt. Vernon, Texas Ethics Commission
  • Justin McNamee of Rowlett, Texas Board of Professional Geoscientists
  • James Oakley of Spicewood, Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education
  • William "Bill" Masterson of Guthrie, Brazos River Authority Board of Directors
  • Patricia Bryant of Amarillo, chair, Texas Commission on the Arts
  • Dale Brock of Wichita Falls, Texas Commission on the Arts
  • Scott C. Sanders of Austin, OneStar Foundation
  • Curtis Culwell of Garland, State Board of Educator Certification
  • Christopher Moss of Lufkin, Teacher Retirement System of Texas Board of Trustees
  • Bryan Tucker of Childress, Texas Department of Rural Affairs
  • Nicole Verver of Austin, State Advisory Council on Early Childhood Education and Care
  • Anna Jimenez of Corpus Christi, Nueces County District Attorney
  • Sarah Abraham of Sugar Land, Texas State Board of Professional Counselors

jobs

The Colony fire department wins $67,000 federal grant

The Department of Homeland Security through the Federal Emergency Management Agency recently awarded a $67,000 grant to The Colony Fire Department to purchase three new heart defibrillators for emergency services.

The new defibrillators and monitors will replace three units currently used that are eight years old and at the end of their lifespan, according to the fire chief. The fire department now will have a total of six top-of-the-line defibrillators and a spare unit if one needs repair, he said.


Rusk ISD to build new entrance, science labs

Jim Largent

Officials of the Rusk Independent School District recently began planning to build a new entry area for the high school and adding new science labs to the junior high school during the summer break.

Surveying and testing is under way at the high school and junior high school, said Superintendent Jim Largent (pictured). A reception area and the principal's office will be located in the new addition at the high school to improve safety and security, Largent said.


Gary resigns position
as city administrator

Montgomery City Administrator Brant Gary recently announced he intends to voluntarily leave the position that he has held since 2007. City council members are scheduled to hold a special meeting today (Friday) to review the resignation letter submitted by Gary and may vote on a voluntary exit agreement to end Gary's employment and responsibilities with the city, said Mayor Travis Mabry.

The mayor said he plans to assume the responsibilities of the city administrator for an interim period of four to six weeks as city officials search for a new city administrator to replace Gary.


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Port Lavaca selects Turner as new city manager

Port Lavaca City Council members recently selected Bob Turner as the new city manager to replace former City Manager Gary Broz, who resigned to serve as city manager in Liberty.

Turner, who formerly served as city manager in Tyler, earned a bachelor's and master's degree from The University of Texas-Tyler and a master's degree from Harvard University.


Jimenez named to Nueces Co. district attorney post

Anna Jimenez of Corpus Christi has been appointed by the governor as Nueces County District Attorney. She replaces District Attorney Carlos Valdez, who has served in the post for 17 years. The final two years of Valdez' term will be up for election this November.




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

Publisher: Mary Scott Nabers

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

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

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Notary law, procedures seminar set by CAPCOG

A three-hour Texas Notary Law and Procedures Seminar for current, new and non-notary participants who want to become notaries is set for Thursday, April 8. Hosted by the Capital Area Council of Governments (CAPCOG), the event will be in the CAPCOG Pecan Room, 6800 Burleson Rd., Austin, from 8:30 a.m. to noon. Dixie Lucey, director of education for the State Notary Commission will conduct the seminar. The course will include information on the application and renewal process, state record keeping requirements, certifications, overview of legislative changes from the 81st Legislature and more. To register for the seminar, contact Dixie Lucey at dixielucey@prodigy.net or 512-497-2253. For registration form, click here.


CAPCOG to host Open Meetings Act workshop

An Open Meetings Act Workshop, sponsored by the Capital Area Council of Governments (CAPCOG), will be held Tuesday, March 30, from 9 a.m. to noon in the CAPCOG Pecan Room, 6800 Burleson Road, Austin. The workshop will be beneficial to elected officials, members of boards, committees, planning and zoning commissions and economic development corporations. Attorney Trish Carls will conduct the workshop. The workshop will open with basics regarding the Open Meetings Act followed by a more extensive look at major open meeting issues. There will also be a session on parliamentary procedures. To view the agenda, click here. To register, click here. For more information, contact David Partlow, Regional Services Coordinator, at dpartlow@capcog.org or 512.916.6045.


Public-private partnerships topic of seminar

The Center for Finance Strategy Innovation at The University of Texas at Dallas (UT-D) and Greg Hirsch of ETB Systems, Inc., will host a half-day leadership workshop on "The Governance and Financial Tools of Public-Private Partnerships" on Thursday, March 25. The event will be from 8 to 11:45 a.m. registration begins at 7:00 AM with a continental breakfast in the UT-D Executive Education Dining Room, Building: SOM 1.606,800 West Campbell Road in Richardson. Information will be shared that leads to exploration of best practices and next steps. Among the guest speakers will be Wes Jurey (President of the Arlington Chamber of Commerce) Paul N. Wageman, (Chair of the North Texas Tollway Association), Michael Morris,P.E. (Director of Transportation for the North Central Texas Council of Governments) and David Leininger (CFO of Dallas Area Rapid Transit). For more information, contact Debbie Davis at 972-883-5941. For more information and to register, click here.


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.