Texas Government Insider
Volume 9, Issue 17 - Friday, April 29, 2011

For 82nd Texas Legislature, clock is ticking 

 

Many bills - including budget - awaiting action; could special session be looming?

Time Crunch
Time is running out on the state budget bill and other legislation as the 82nd Legislature will  end on May 30.

For those who are counting, the 82nd Texas Legislature will end in just 31 days, on Monday, May 30.


Or will it?


With bills still being shuffled in and out of committees, legislators keeping late hours on floor debate and the challenges of writing a budget bill both chambers can agree on, there already is talk of the possibility of a special session.


As most know, the only bill that HAS to pass during the session is the budget bill. The House has already passed its version - which makes $23 billion in cuts. The Senate version makes $17 billion in cuts. For several days this week, the Senate did not have enough votes to bring the bill up for discussion on the Senate floor.


And then there's the Rainy Day fund. Will it be used to help bridge the budget gap? And if so, how much of its $6 billion will be used?

 

State agencies, officials of higher and public education and other entities that depend on state funding are wringing their hands, waiting on the budget outcome to see what effects the budget cuts will have on them. Public schools are looking at every way possible to make their own budget cuts and to get the most out of their dollars. Hundreds of teachers throughout the state already have been given pink slips. Coaches are being asked to drive school buses. Administrators are being told they may find themselves in the classroom filling in when teachers are absent. On the higher education level, officials are hiking tuition and fee increases to help make up for the loss in state funding that they are expecting.

 

[more]

 

Combs shoulders responsibility for data breach

 

Announces numerous additional steps agency taking to address incident

Saying she takes "full responsibility" for a data breach that left personal information of some 3.5 million Texans on a publicly accessible server for about a year, State Comptroller Susan Combs Thursday announced additional steps her office is taking to address the incident.


Starting today, Friday, those affected by the unauthorized posting of their personal information, which included Social Security numbers, will be eligible for a free year of credit monitoring and Internet surveillance. Additionally, Combs has offered to pay out of her personal campaign fund for identity restoration services for anyone whose personal information is misused as a result of the Comptroller's Office's inadvertent posting of that data.


"This incident has affected the lives of Texans that I have dedicated my life to serving, and I am determined to restore their faith in the Comptroller's office," said Combs. 


The data that was involved includes information that was being transferred to the Comptroller's Office by the Teacher Retirement System, the Employees Retirement System and the Texas Workforce Commission.

 

[more]

  

Strategic Partnerships salutes Texas' Lone Stars

 

Walter DigglesWalter G. Diggles, Sr., executive director, Deep East Texas Council of Governments
  
Career highlights and education: Currently serving as executive director of the Deep East Texas Council of Governments after my appointment in 1990. I have been employed by DETCOG since 1982. After graduating from Kirbyville High School, I attended Dallas Baptist University for three years majoring in history and political science and received my B.S. degree from La Salle University.  I also have a Certificate of Achievement from the LBJ School of Public Affairs at The University of Texas at Austin. I was appointed chairman of the OneStar National Service Commission for two terms by Gov. Rick Perry. More recently, I was appointed to the CHIP (Children's Health Insurance Program) and Medicaid Regional Advisory Council by Health and Human Services Commissioner Tom Suehs.

What I like best about my job is: The privilege of managing a large rural organization with so many different programs devoted to helping every person residing in our 12-county region has been richly rewarding. From providing a meal to an elderly senior citizen to helping mentor a child whose parent(s) are in prison to responding to Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Ike, all have proven to be challenging and quite rewarding.

The best advice I've received for my current job is: "Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap," and "Without a vision, the people perish."

Advice you would give a new hire in your office: Public service is a public trust. As public servants, we take pride in the service we provide to our fellow citizens. We will operate efficiently and spend the public's money wisely. We will be open, ethical, responsible and accountable and dedicated to the public we serve. We will foster a working environment free of bias and respectful of the individual.

If I ever snuck out of work early, I could probably be found: volunteering with seniors at the church activity center or tutoring/mentoring the kids at the after-school program.

People would be surprised to know that I: was featured in an article on the front page of The Wall Street Journal in 1998.

One thing I wish more people knew about my agency: That we do so many different things here at DETCOG.  We are one of the largest rural Councils of Government in the nation and we provide more than 30 different programs on behalf of our membership. We are a political subdivision of the state, but have no taxing authority.
  

 

Cafferty chosen as general counsel to Texas Supreme Court

Jennifer CaffertyThe Texas Supreme Court recently appointed Jennifer Cafferty (pictured), a staff attorney for the Court since 2009, as general counsel.


In her new role, Cafferty will coordinate Court initiatives and also advise the Texas Judicial Council.


She holds a bachelor's degree from Rice University, where she was named Scholar Athlete of the Year and Outstanding Female Athlete for her basketball play. She also attended The University of Texas School of Law.


Cafferty succeeds Alice McAfee, who is leaving for private practice at the end of April.

 

TSTC West Texas announces two finalists for president

A Texas State Technical College System search committee recently named two finalists for president of TSTC West Texas, which is made up of four campuses in Abilene, Breckenridge, Brownwood and Sweetwater.


The former president, Mike Reeser, now serves as system CEO and chancellor.
 

The two finalists are:

  • Irene Cravey, vice president of student learning at TSTC Marshall, who earned a bachelor's from Texas Wesleyan University, a master's from The University of Texas at Tyler, and a doctorate from Stephen F. Austin State University; and
  • Paul Gasparro, vice president for academic affairs of Seminole State College, Okla., who holds a bachelor's from Colorado Technical College, a master's from Webster University, and a Ph.D. from Nova Southeastern University.

Obama taps Bush School's Crocker as ambassador to Afghanistan

Ryan CrockerRyan Crocker (pictured), dean and executive professor at the George Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University and a longtime diplomat, has been chosen by President Barack Obama to serve as the next U.S. ambassador to Afghanistan.
 

Crocker retired from the Foreign Service in 2009 after a nearly four-decade career. He has served as an Ambassador to Iraq, Pakistan, Syria, Kuwait and Lebanon. Crocker in 2009 received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, America's highest civilian award.
 

Crocker was a member of the faculty at the National War College from 2003 to 2004 and served in Baghdad as the first Director of Governance for the Coalition Provisional Authority from May to August of 2003. He also has served as Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs. Crocker holds a bachelor's degree and an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from Whitman College in Washington.

 

May 2011 Tx Bond Election

Baker heads Environmental Excellence Awards cited by TCEQ

Carole BakerEight projects that have resulted in positive effects on air, water and land resources have been named winners of the 19th annual Texas Environmental Excellence Awards, announced this week by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. The awards honor individuals, organizations and businesses that protect the state's human and natural resources while ensuring clean air and water and safe management of waste.
 

"The voluntary efforts made by these winners highlight just a few of the many examples of how Texans take care of Texas," said TCEQ Chair Bryan Shaw. "It is a pleasure to honor their service to our state."

 
This year's Gregg A. Cooke Memorial Award for Exceptional Environmental Excellence will be presented to Carole D. Baker (pictured), director of intergovernmental relations for the Harris-Galveston Subsidence District. She also chairs the National Alliance for Water Efficiency, is a director on the board of the Texas Water Conservation Association and the Texas Water Foundation and is a founding member and director of the Texas Water Wise Council.


The other winners include: Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston - Union Pacific Railroad in the Technical/Technology category; El Paso - U.S. Army, Fort Bliss Directorate of Public Works, Environmental Division in the Pollution Prevention category; Harlingen - Harlingen Irrigation District, Cameron County No. 1 in the Agriculture category and Valley Proud Environmental Council in the Civic/Community category; Rockport - Fulton 4-5 Learning Center in the Youth and Education category; San Antonio - San Antonio Water System in the Innovative Operations/Management category; Wimberley - David Baker in the Individual category; and Wylie - North Texas Municipal Water District in the Water Conservation category.

 

Arriaga announces plans to retire as executive director of AACOG

Dean DanosGloria ArriagaGloria C. Arriaga (left), executive director of the Alamo Area Council of Governments (AACOG), has announced her retirement, effective June 1. AACOG is a voluntary association of cities, counties and special governmental districts serving the Alamo Area/State Planning Region 18, which covers 12 counties and 11,354 square miles.


AACOG Board of Directors Chair and Wilson County Judge Marvin Quinney, said Arriaga informed him and the agency's Management/Audit Committee on April 20 of her decision. Arriaga drew praise from the board for her nearly 40 years of service to AACOG and the Alamo Area region.


The board has appointed Dean Danos (right), deputy director of Government Services, as interim executive director, effective immediately.

 

O'Neal appointed interim TEES deputy director

Dennis O'NealOfficials at the Texas Engineering Experiment Station have named engineering professor Dennis O'Neal (pictured) associate dean for research and interim deputy director, effective May 1.
 
O'Neal joined the Texas A&M University faculty in 1983 and was appointed to head the department in 2004. He has been awarded several teaching awards including the mechanical engineering department's outstanding undergraduate teaching award.


O'Neal holds a bachelor's degree from Texas A&M, a master's degree from Oklahoma State University and a Ph.D. from Purdue University.

 

Results-oriented Procurements

UT dean to step down, lead National Math, Science Initiative

Mary Ann RankinThe University of Texas at Austin dean of the College of Natural Sciences, Dr. Mary Ann Rankin (pictured), will step down to take over at the National Math and Science Initiative (NMSI), a nonprofit organization that aims to raise math and science achievements in the United States.


Rankin succeeds retiring President Tom Luce at the organization, which she has been partnering with to promote the replication of successful UT science programs.
 

Rankin received her bachelor's degree from Louisiana State University, was a pre-doctoral fellow at the University of Iowa and Imperial College Field Station in England, and earned a Ph.D. from the University of Iowa. She was a post-doctoral fellow at Harvard University until joining The University of Texas at Austin in 1975. She was appointed dean of the College of Natural Sciences in 1994.

 

SHSU College of Fine Arts, Mass Communication selects Sloan

Roberta SloanSam Houston State University officials recently named theater professional Roberta Sloan the new dean of the College of Fine Arts and Mass Communication, effective Aug. 1.
 

Sloan, who has directed and acted in more than 200 productions, currently teaches at Temple University in Pennsylvania, where she served as chair of the theater department from 2006 to 2010. Sloan has also worked at the University of Central Florida Conservatory Theatre, The Orlando Repertory Theater and University of Central Oklahoma.
 

She received her bachelor's degree in drama education from Northwestern University and her master's and doctoral degrees from the University of Michigan.

 

Blanton Museum of Art director resigns, Wicha appointed

Ned RifkinOfficials at The University of Texas at Austin recently announced that Simine Wicha, deputy director of the Blanton Museum of Art, has been named director, effective June 1.
 

Wicha, who came to the museum in 2006 as director of development, succeeds Ned Rifkin (pictured), who is resigning to pursue teaching and research full-time.
Before The Blanton, Wicha worked at the Isamu Noguchi Foundation and Garden Museum in Long Island City, Queens, and the Julliard School in New York City.
 

She holds a bachelor's degree from The University of Texas at Austin, and completed the Institute of Arts Management Certificate Program at The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

 

MD Anderson will celebrate 70th anniversary in May

John MendelsohnCreated by the Texas Legislature in 1941 as part of The University of Texas System, the MD Anderson Cancer Center will mark its 70th anniversary celebration next month. The MD Anderson Foundation put up matching funds to help build a cancer hospital and bought a seven-acre site as the temporary  home for the facility. The cancer hospital and research center later provided a permanent building site in the Texas Medical Center.
 

Today, MD Anderson occupies more than 11 million square feet and provides the latest technology and facilities for outpatient and inpatient care, research, prevention and education. Its employees work in more than 50 facilities in the Houston area and in Central Texas. It is the largest freestanding cancer center in the world.
 

The anniversary celebration will be May 5 at Minute Maid Park and will honor John Mendelsohn, M.D. (pictured), president of MD Anderson, and his wife Anne. Masters of ceremonies will be CBS News Chief Washington Correspondent Bob Schieffer and ABC News and Good Morning America weather anchor Sam Champion. Also on the program will be Luci Baines Johnson, System Chancellor Francisco Cigarroa, M.D.,UT System Board of Regents Chair William Eugene "Gene" Powell and former Secretary of State James A. Baker, III and his wife, Susan Baker.

 

Dorsey appointed president of Texas Lutheran University

Stuart DorseyLeaders at Texas Lutheran University in Seguin recently appointed a new president to begin in the summer. Stuart Dorsey (pictured), former president of the University of Redlands in California, replaces interim president Robert Vogel.


Dorsey, who studied economics, worked for the federal government before transitioning to higher education. He has served as faculty at several universities and held leadership positions at the University of Evansville in Indiana and Baker University in Kansas.


Dorsey holds a bachelor's degree from the University of South Dakota, as well as a master's and Ph.D. from Washington University in St. Louis.

 

Tarleton program awarded $90,000 grant to help nursing students

Tarleton State University recently received a $90,000 grant to help nursing students who have been identified as at-risk of failure or low performance.


The Nursing Innovation Grant Program, which comes through the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, will fund tools to help reading comprehension, time management, critical thinking and test-taking skills.


"At-risk" students are identified by their reading comprehension, math scores, anatomy and physiology grades, family support and number of hours worked per week. 

 

Frank Phillips College names Hicks as new president

Jud HicksFrank Phillips College officials recently appointed Jud Hicks (pictured) as the new president of the community college with campuses in Borger and Perryton. Hicks became interim president in December 2010.


A nine-year employee, Hicks served as vice president of administrative services beginning in 2002. He has a bachelor's degree from West Texas A&M University, a master's degree from Wayland Baptist University and a Ph.D. from Texas Tech University.
 

His father served as president of Frank Phillips College from 1981 to 1988.


The college, with about 1,250 students enrolled, was one of three community college legislators said would lose all state funding in the upcoming state budget, but legislators then gave the college, which receives about a quarter of its funding from the state, a reprieve shortly after announcing the potential funding loss.

 

New School of Music, Fine Arts dean named at HSU

Leaders at Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene recently named Robert Brooks, a former HSU music professor, dean of the School and Music and Fine Arts. He replaces Lawson Hager, who has held the position for 38 years.


Brooks comes to HSU - where he will oversee the music, art and theater departments starting June 1 - from Dallas Baptist University, where he has held several leadership positions including dean of fine arts.


Previously, Brooks has taught at The Julliard School in New York, served as the minister of music at two Dallas-area churches, and been involved with various music organizations such as the Dallas Symphony Chorus. He earned two bachelor's degrees from Baylor University, as well as a master's and Ph.D. from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth.

 

Moody Foundation gift to drive major Moody Coliseum renovation

R. Gerald TurnerThe Moody Foundation, established in 1942 to benefit all Texans, recently donated $20 million toward renovating the Moody Coliseum on the Southern Methodist University campus.
 
The Dallas landmark, home to the SMU commencement, is scheduled to receive $40 million in renovations, which includes new seating, technology improvements and renovation of the entry lobby and concourses. Although the construction date has not been set, project planning will begin immediately.

 

"With this generous gift from the Moody Foundation, the coliseum will be ready for the future," said SMU President R. Gerald Turner (pictured).

 

TSTC adds Mike Harder to Resource Development  

Texas State Technical College (TSTC) officials have put new emphasis on increasing donations, which will be used to help more students complete courses and enter the Texas workforce.
 
The Waco college added Mike Harder, who joined TSTC in 2005, to the resource development effort that aims to raise funds for the campus' culinary arts, aviation and workforce advancement programs.
 
Harder will work with Tara Odom to lead the workforce advancement element of the effort. They will focus on building The TSTC Fund - Textbooks, Scholarships, Tools, and Cash, a key component of the Waco campus development effort.

 

Tyler approves Lake Tyler Master Plan

Mark McDanielTyler City Council members recently approved a new master plan for Lake Tyler, Lake Tyler East and surrounding properties that includes a new corporate center, nature trails and bike path. Two years ago, city officials hired a Fort Worth-based consultant, a Tyler-based planning firm and involved a group of civic leaders to develop a plan to turn Lake Tyler and surrounding properties into a destination for recreation and eco-tourism, said City Manager Mark McDaniel (pictured). 

 

The adopted plan consists of 19 recommendations with 60 sub-recommendations that include water quality, citizen benefits, public-private partnerships and recreation opportunities, he said. The plan also features a church, a camp and petroleum club and calls for redevelopment of Lake Tyler Marina and the Hill Creek recreation area as well as areas for launching canoes or kayaks and bird watching at Chapman Park. Public-private partnerships and developing the marina are possible funding sources along with selling property at market rates and eliminate any new lease agreements, McDaniel said.

 

Elgin approves $9.6 million debt to buy wastewater treatment plant

Elgin City Council members recently agreed to issue $9.6 million in certificates of obligation to pay for an $8.44 million wastewater treatment plant the city is buying from the Lower Colorado River Authority.  

 

City officials plan to spend the remaining funds on several other projects, including:

  • Improve the Morris Park hospital building and build a service building with restrooms, changing rooms and concession facility for the pool for $400,000;
  • Relocate the public works yard to an industrial park next to the city water department at a cost of $240,000;
  • Upgrade safety, lighting and wiring issues at two parks;
  • Purchase land for park for $228,000; and
  • Build a pavilion for a farmer's market at Veterans Memorial Park.

Rice University awarded $3.2M grant to study hurricane preparation

Jim BlackburnThe Houston Endowment, a private foundation that supports nonprofits and educational institutions that benefit the Houston area, recently awarded Rice University a $3.2 million grant to research hurricane preparation.


The grant comes in the aftermath of Hurricane Ike, which flooded the Galveston area in 2008 and caused an estimated $29 billion in damage. It has been labeled the most expensive natural disaster in state history.
Numerous ideas, ranging from flood warning systems to a gate across the Houston Ship Channel, will be researched.

 

Jim Blackburn (pictured), co-principal investigator on the project and professor in the practice of environmental law at Rice, said, "Our next phase of work will focus on developing options that have a chance of being implemented in a time of limited federal, state and local money.

 

Two finalists for Code Compliance Director named in Austin

Austin city officials have named two finalists for the position of Code Compliance Director, both of whom met with the public this week  at Austin City Hall.

 
The new director will be responsible for about 60 employees who ensure city codes are being met.
The two candidates are Kathleen Davis, who has 18 years experience in Dallas and South Bend, Ind., code departments and Carl Smart, who has 27 years experience in Fort Worth, Atlanta and Gainesville, Fla., Code and neighborhood conservation departments.

 

AISD board approves purchase of land for performing arts center 

Meria CarstarphenDespite a debilitating financial crisis, the Austin school board recently voted 8-1 to purchase 4.5 acres of land, which will be the future home of a much-anticipated district-wide performing arts center.
 

The board OK'd the $4 million purchase because the money, which comes from a 2008 bond election, can't be used to save teacher positions, Superintendent Meria Carstarphen (pictured) said.


Construction on the center will not begin until the district can afford to maintain the building, which is estimated at about $250,000 a year.

 

County bond issue to pay for lot that is site of proposed courthouse

Travis County commissioners recently OK'd the sale of $49.5 million in bonds, which will go toward projects that have already been approved.
 

The largest chunk, $22.5 million, will pay for a downtown lot that is the site of a proposed new courthouse. Other projects include $4.1 million toward a new financial system; $3.7 million for road improvements, $3 million for renovation projects and $1.8 million for parks and open space.

 
The county secured a low average interest rate of 3.44 percent.

 

LCRA's permit may mean additional future water supply

Tom MasonThe Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA), which manages water supplies along a 600-mile stretch from San Saba to the Gulf Coast, was recently granted a permit to capture water downstream of Austin during high-flow times.
 

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality granted the permit 11 years after LCRA applied in 1999. In a year, the LCRA can capture more than 853,000 acre-feet of water - an acre-foot is 325,851 gallons - and store it in a series of reservoirs in Wharton, Colorado and Matagorda counties.
 

"This is a historic moment for LCRA and its customers," said LCRA General Manager Tom Mason (pictured).

 

New $2.3 million fire station slated for Sealy ESD #2

New Fire StationOfficials of Emergency Services District (ESD) No. 2 recently unveiled preliminary plans of a new fire station  (as seen in accompanying architect's rendering) in Sealy to be staffed by members of the Sealy Volunteer Fire Department.


The new fire station is to be built on land donated by the city and will replace the city's vintage fire station built in 1949. ESD No. 2 officials have set aside $285,000 for the new fire station and have budgeted another $221,000 next year.


Officials plan to seek financing for the remaining building costs and seek bids for the new fire station in a few weeks, a spokesman said. The goal is to begin construction in a few months, he added.

 

Tucker resigns position as Bandera County sheriff 

Richard SmithBandera County Chief Deputy Richard Smith (pictured) will become interim sheriff May 5, the same day that Sheriff Weldon Tucker resigns and is scheduled to appear in court as a criminal defendant. 

 

Tucker has been charged with abuse of official capacity for allegedly misusing the county's rescue boat. The charges have been reduced from a felony to a misdemeanor.
Smith, who has worked for Bandera County since 2008, will serve as interim sheriff until county commissioners appoint a new sheriff. Persons interested in the position should submit resumes to County Judge Richard Evans by May 16.

 

Coryell County to ask voter approval of $21.9 loan for new jail

Coryell County commissioners recently agreed to accept conditions for a $21.9 million loan to build a new jail and law enforcement center. County officials also will ask voters in November to decide whether to accept or reject the loan.


The U.S. Department of Agriculture is offering the 40-year loan with an interest rate of 4.6 percent or less, county officials said. The new jail is needed to ease overcrowding at the current jail to meet state jail standards and to eliminate payments to other county jails to house prisoners from the overcrowded Coryell County facility, the county judge said.


Preliminary plans call for building a new 64,000-square-foot jail and law enforcement center on 33 acres of county-owned land in Gatesville. The new facility will accommodate 240 beds, county officials said. The county is not required to decide on accepting the loan until April 2012, the county judge said.

 

El Paso to build new fire station and shutter two others

Otto DrozdEl Paso City Council members recently agreed to close two fire stations on Alameda Ave. and Trowbridge Dr. to merge into the city's new Central Fire Station just south of I-10.
 

Fire Chief Otto Drozd (pictured) said consolidating the two shuttered fire stations into the new facility will save money and shorten response times. The consolidated fire station is expected to cost about $3.7 million, while expanding the two existing stations and upgrading needed services would cost $5.9 million, Drozd said.
 

In response to opposition, the fire chief said even though 85 percent of emergency calls in the area are for medical emergencies, the two stations being closed do not have ambulances. The old fire stations also have bi-living facilities for women. The new central fire station also will have a hazardous material response team.

 

Subscribe

Nueces County agrees to final phase of study of old courthouse

Mike PusleyAfter years of studies and discussions on what to do with a once-ornate crumbling county courthouse built in 1914, Nueces County commissioners recently agreed to fund the last $9,525 of a structural analysis to determine the building's final fate.


The $62,000 engineering study should be completed within 30 days and results reported to commissions in June, said Commissioner Mike Pusley (pictured). Once the study is complete, Pusley also plans to meet with Texas Historical Commission representatives about the old courthouse near downtown Corpus Christ. Crumbling concrete and asbestos now make the building unsafe, Pusley said. Since 2000, the county has garnered more than $2.8 million in grants to study and redevelop the courthouse and all development plans have failed, he noted.


The first phase of the latest study was a visual inspection of the building's exterior, interior and roof, while the final phase will include sampling the concrete slab of the building to test structural stability. The study also will determine the cost to restore the building that has sat empty since the 1970s. If the tests determine the building is unsafe, county officials may petition to demolish the building now protected from being razed until 2027 because of a stipulation of state grant funds accepted by the county in 1978. Earlier estimate have placed the cost of fully restoring the landmark building at $30 million, with supporters proposing using it as an education center, housing for college students or a county annex.

 

Navarro County mulling upgrades to courthouse security

Navarro County commissioners recently approved hiring a new peace officer to help improve security at the courthouse and began discussions on further security upgrades.


Commissioners discussed installing metal detectors, instituting pat downs, creating a single entry point into the courthouse, installing magnetic locks on all other courthouse entrances and increasing surveillance with cameras. The new security procedures will take several months to implement and will be instituted one step at a time, county officials said.

 

New plans unveiled for upgrades to San Jacinto Plaza in El Paso

Deborah HamlynA group of volunteer landscape architects and urban designers from El Paso recently unveiled a revised plan to upgrade San Jacinto Plaza, also known as Plaza de Los Lagartos because it once featured a pond stocked with live alligators.


The new design for the two-acre plaza in downtown El Paso replaces the live alligators with large alligator sculptures made of local plants and flowers, other new sculptures and several water features. While council members may approve the new design plan, Deputy City Manager Deborah G. Hamlyn (pictured) said city officials have not set aside funding for the project and most likely will need to issue bonds to pay for the project.


Plans also call for creating walking paths, lawn areas, a landscaped arroyo, a stage area with amphitheater-style seating and planting more trees and relocating some older trees to create shade canopies near the paths and seating areas.

 

New Braunfels moves forward on $18.2 million in capital projects

New Braunfels City Council members recently approved the issue of $18.2 million in certificates of obligation to pay for nine capital improvement projects. The projects range from $5.4 million to widen Walnut Avenue and $7.2 million for the North Tributary Flood Control Project.


Council members also plan to spend $2 million to buy the Landa Plaza property, $1.2 million for the Gruene Crossing drainage project and $847,000 to repair flood damage at Landa Dam. Other approved projects are $700,000 to replace or repair Landa Park bridges washed away in a June 2010 flood, $280,000 for sirens to warn of flooding, $150,000 to replace lighting at Fredericksburg Field and a $70,000 cash match to lengthen a runway at the city-owned airport to allow larger air craft to land and depart.

 

Did you miss S&L Pipeline?

Midland to seek bids for upgrades to Ward Street Bridge

Midland City Council members recently agreed to seek bids for a project to upgrade the Ward Street Bridge by replacing the deck and other improvements. The estimated cost of the bridge project is about $570,827, the city engineer said. Construction on the bridge upgrade should begin in June and the bridge should open for use again at the beginning of the school year as it serves a junior high school and an elementary school. Plans also call for improving the sidewalk to meet requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

 

San Antonio mulling major revitalization of HemisFair Park

Lila CockrellSan Antonio city leaders recently held a third public meeting to discuss a proposed plan to revitalize the 78-acre HemisFair Park, originally built for the 1968 World's Fair. The recommendations include demolishing part of the Convention Center and relocating the Institute of Texas Cultures to another location in the park to create more green space and open the park to downtown and the San Antonio River as part of a public-private partnership.


City leaders hired a consultant to help develop a plan to revitalize the park and attract more visitors. Former Mayor Lila Cockrell (pictured) said supporters of the redevelopment project are looking at substantial public investment in the revitalization plan. The redevelopment corporation is expecting to get funding from a 2012 bond issue and city leaders have pulled together about $20 million for redeveloping the park. Plans also include expanding the Convention Center and developing retail space and a marketplace to draw more shoppers.


No estimates are available on the cost of the HemisFair revitalization plan, but officials expect it will be expensive considering the cost to expand the Convention Center was $315 million in 2001. A draft master plan of the project should be available in two to three months, officials said.

 

El Paso approves $64 million in capital projects

The El Paso City Council recently approved $64 million in capital improvement projects, including $27 million in street improvements and $21.5 million for an information-technology center the city is partnering with the county to build. The projects also include $7.6 million for fire department upgrades, with $3.1 million set aside to build a new fire station on the city's east side.


Council members expect to issue between $50 million to $60 million in certificates of obligation to pay for the capital improvement projects, the deputy city manager said. The capital improvement projects should be completed in the 2012 and 2013 fiscal years, he said.

 

San Antonio may use extra $36 million to widen I10

Keith ParkerAfter realizing a $36 million increase in state and federal transportation funding is available, officials of the Texas Transportation Commission and a San Antonio-Bexar County planning group are expected to use that money to widen Interstate 10 from Huebner Road to Loop 1604.


Board members for the San Antonio-Bexar County Metropolitan Planning Organization rejected a proposal to ask for other "shovel-ready" projects to fund with the newly located funding. That rejection included a recommendation by VIA Metropolitan Transit to use some of the funding for a transit hub at the medical center and for a west side multimodal center to serve as a transportation hub for bus and other transportation choices. "We're going to make the pitch that some of those dollars be utilized for public transit," said VIA President and CEO Keith Parker (pictured).


The funding was identified after Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) officials reviewed agency funding and found that more money was available for some regions of the state than previously budgeted, said Mario Medina, a district engineer for TxDOT. The newly identified funding includes $9.85 million for state projects that must be committed by Nov. 20 and $15.7 million from the federal Surface Transportation Program-Metro Mobility Program that must be committed by 2012, Medina said.

 

Oak Point to build new city hall, demolish old building

After a year of discussion, Oak Point City Council members recently agreed to build a new city hall in the same location as the old city hall that was closed down due to water damage and mold. Council members also authorized the city manager to enter into an agreement for architectural services to prepare building plans and bid documents for the new city hall. In the summer of 2009, city officials relocated city staff to portable buildings in the city parking lot because of the mold damage to the old city hall, which is now slated to be demolished in September.

 

Greenville seeks bids for $3 million Traders Road project

Massoud EbrahimGreenville city officials are seeking bids to upgrade Traders Road, an estimated $3 million project to widen and add shoulders to the heavily traveled roadway.


The deadline for submitting bids is 3 p.m. on May 11, said Massoud Ebrahim (pictured), director of public works for the city. Council members will then open and read the bids, which will then be evaluated before making a decision on the contractor, Ebrahim said.


Plans call for adding one 12-foot lane in both directions and a 10-foot improved shoulder on either side. The project should be completed within 12 to 18 months after the bid is awarded, he added.

 

Sundseth retiring as EMS director for city of Pearland

Pearland city officials recently began a search for a new director of emergency management services after Jeff Sundseth announced plans to retire, effective today, Friday. City officials appointed Kelly Sears to serve as interim director of EMS until a new director is selected. City officials are looking for a candidate with a bachelor's degree and supervisory experience in 911 emergency services or an EMS department. 

 

McKinney city officials to consider smaller aquatic center

McKinney city officials are looking at a scaled-down aquatics center after McKinney school district officials withdrew from a $44 million joint project to build a 145,000-square-foot natatorium announced in 2009. City officials expected to contribute $29 million and the school district to pay $15 million for the aquatics facility featuring a competition pool with viewing area, two outdoor recreational pools, an indoor track, fitness area, coaches offices and meeting spaces.


City council members plan to review nine alternative design plans ranging from a $15 million to a $25 million facility during the next three to five months. Council members will focus on features that will bring in the most revenue, but may be rethinking building a pool large enough to attract high school competitions. More discussions are needed on whether to include a fitness center, gymnasium, running track and multi-purpose rooms, city officials said. 

 



TxDOT Ft. Worth Small Business Briefing conference

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) Business Outreach and Program (BOP) Services reaches across Texas to provide small and minority-owned business communities an opportunity to learn more about contracting opportunities with state entities. The final Small Business Briefing conference for FY2011 is set for July 20 in San Antonio. Information will be available to help small business owners better understand how to 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 allow them to learn more about the economic development opportunities in their regions.  It also gives agencies a chance to show the myriad of prospects available for small and minority businesses in the state. For more information and to register, click here or call 1.866.480.2519, Option 2. Planning for the 2012 fiscal year events is under way.  Please visit www.txdot.gov for updated information.

 

Texas State HUB Outreach Program hosting afternoon event in May

Texas State University's HUB Outreach Program will host an informative session to allow attendees to network and meet with decision-makers, Texas State general contractors, job order contractors and other state agency, university and minority organizations. The event is scheduled for Tuesday, May 24, from 1 to 4:30 p.m. at the Embassy Suites Hotel in San Marcos, 1001 E. McCarty Lane. Attendees may also participate in HUB-focused educational seminars. The event is hosted by the Texas State HUB Outreach Program. Office of Facilities Planning Design and Construction, Small Business Development Center and U.S. Hispanic Contractors Association. Light refreshments will be served. For questions or additional information, contact Yolanda Strey, HUB specialist, at 512-245-2523 or email at ys12@txstate.edu

 

County, district clerks group planning annual conference June 12-16

The 116th Annual County and District Clerk State Conference will be held June 12-16 at the Hilton Garden Inn Conference Center in Lewisville. A Sunday, June 12, welcome reception with live music and barbecue will be held at the Texas Motor Speedway. The district and county clerks of the year will be presented at the Wednesday, June 13, night Gala, and 2011-12 officers will be installed. On the agenda for the five-day event are technical, professional development, legislative, public relations, social media and other issues. Attorney Richard Hayes will discuss Robert's Rules and Denton County Auditor James Wells will address auditing issues. The keynote speaker for the Tuesday events will be Brent Strehlow, owner of TMI, Inc. Exhibitor space is available. For a registration form, hotel information, exhibitor information, agenda and contact information, click here.

 

How helpful is this?

Subscribe to TGI Note to Media
Don't take technology
funds from schools

 

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

 

Cyber schools...distance learning...virtual education! Public education was once somewhat simple, and even occasionally dull. And then, along came technology.
  
Public schools continue to increase the role of technology as they strive to provide learning opportunities that are dynamic, engaging and fun.  And in so doing, they have found that technology actually saves money.
  
Not so many years ago, technology was new and expensive and few schools could afford it. Today, schools cannot afford to be without it!
  
Public schools and institutions of higher education in Texas are waiting anxiously for the end of the current legislative session to see how deep state budget cuts will be and how each campus will be affected. Many are already bracing for the worst - the possibility of losing millions of dollars in state funding.
 
  
Follow Mary on Twitter
  
Northrop Grumman

Belton ISD approves sale of $2 million in bonds for sports facility

Trustees for the Belton Independent School District recently approved the sale of $2 million in revenue bonds to pay for a new multi-sport facility.


The new facility, which will be funded through a guarantee of ticket receipts and future ticket revenues, will include locker rooms, a training room, a weight room and offices for coaches, school district officials said. Trustees expect to consider the guaranteed maximum price for the facility in May.

 

Louise ISD superintendent indicates he may resign

Andrew PetersLouise Independent School District Superintendent Andy Peters (pictured), who has lead the district since 2004, recently said that he will likely leave Louise ISD before next school year.
 

Officials in another district, which remains unnamed, have selected Peters as their top choice for superintendent. He will not resign until he signs a contract with the other district, around May 15.

 

Columbia-Brazoria ISD tags Galloway superintendent finalist

Trustees for Columbia-Brazoria Independent School District recently selected Assistant Superintendent Steve Galloway as the lone finalist for superintendent.  Galloway will replace Superintendent Carol Berthoff.

 

At&T

Lufkin ISD may buy laptop computers for maintenance staff

Lufkin Independent School District trustees recently began a discussion on a proposal to buy 16 new laptop computers to increase productivity of maintenance staff in fulfilling work orders.


Maintenance employees now may travel to office three or four times a day to pick up work orders, the maintenance director said. Having a laptop computer in maintenance vehicles would permit staff to receive work orders without returning to the facility, thus saving time and energy costs, he said. Trustees took no action on the recommendation.

 

LeBlanc leaving position

as city manager in Galveston

Steve LeBlancGalveston City Council members recently voted to remove City Manager Steve LeBlanc (pictured) from that top position. Council members also selected Assistant City Manager Carolyn Cox and Assistant City Manager Brian Maxwell as co-acting city managers. LeBlanc, who joined the city in 1995, became the acting city manager in 1997.

 

Sugar Land looking for official for economic development post

Sugar Land officials are looking to fill a new position, assistant director of economic development, and will begin reviewing applications May 27.


Officials are seeking applicants who have a bachelor's degree in finance, economics, business administration or a related field. Also, the applicant should have at least seven years experience in economic development, with some management experience.


The person hired will be responsible for business retention, expansion and recruitment.

 

Lone Star Auctioneers

Young takes over as president, CEO of McKinney EDC

Jim YoungJim Young (pictured) this week took over as president and CEO of the McKinney Economic Development Corp. following the resignation of outgoing President David Pitstick. Young is the entity's former director of business development.
 

Pitstick notified the board several months ago of his intentions of leaving the EDC. He became president of the organization in 2001 after 11 years as president of the Allen Economic Development Corp.

 

Sugar Land hires Brown as manager to promote tourism

Sugar Land city officials recently hired Jessica D. Brown to head a new tourism marketing program, which aims to pull more conventions, meetings, events and tourists to the Houston-area city. 


In her new role, Brown will develop a branding and marketing initiative for the city, support and market local events and promote teamwork among community partners. The program is funded through the city's Hotel Occupancy Tax.

 

Brown comes to Sugar Land with 14 years experience in destination sales and marketing.

 

State to invest $2.5 million in medical devices company

The state will invest $2.5 million in Texas Emerging Technology Funds with Speer Medical Devices for the deployment of its point of injury trauma care technology. Speer is developing a lightweight, portable vital sign monitor that can be used in the field by military medics It uses non-invasive measurements to track eight vital signs. The company is working with The University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston to conduct clinical trials on the technology.

 

Baytown to construct sidewalks with federal grant funds

Construction will begin soon on more than three miles of federally funded sidewalks in Baytown.


The walkways, estimated to cost $672,300, are funded through the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program, part of the U.S. Department of Energy.

 

The sidewalks, which are expected to take five months to complete, qualify for grants because residents who forgo their car for the sidewalk could reduce emissions by more than 300,000 pounds a year.

 

Montgomery ISD residents to see advertising on school buses

Jim GibsonThe Montgomery school board recently OK'd a money-making plan to put commercial advertising on school buses, athletic facilities and school Web sites.


Montgomery is the 21st district in Texas to form a partnership with a Houston-area media company that expects to sell advertising on 20 percent of the bus fleet for the 2011-12 school year, said Superintendent Jim Gibson (pictured).


The company, which will solicit local and national advertisers, expects to generate $20,000 to $30,000 for the district. By the program's fifth year, revenue is expected to exceed $100,000. 

 

Boerne ISD group urges $94.5 million bond issue for 19 projects

The Long Range Planning Committee of the Boerne Independent School District recently recommended that trustees ask voters to approve $94.5 million in bonds to pay for 19 capital improvement projects, including a new $20.6 million elementary school if property near the current campus is available. If the property is not available, committee members recommended an $11.9 million renovation to the Fabra Elementary.
 

The group, comprised of community

members, teachers, parents, administrators and board members, conducted a 10-month facility study prior to making the recommendation. Committee members also urged trustees to spend about $9.7 million to add classroom wings to two middle schools to allow sixth grade students to move from the elementary campus.

 

West Oso ISD selects Saenz

as new superintendent

Elizabeth SaensWest Oso Independent School District trustees recently selected Elizabeth Saenz (pictured) as the lone finalist for superintendent to replace Mike Sandroussi, who is retiring on June 30.
 

Saenz, who currently serves as superintendent of Cotulla ISD, is expected to begin her new duties with the West Oso district in early June. She previously served as superintendent at Balmorhea ISD, as an assistant principal and teacher and as an executive assistant for a state association.

 

Brownsboro ISD tags Moran as lone finalist for superintendent

Trustees for the Brownsboro Independent School District recently selected Dr. Christopher Moran as lone finalist for superintendent. Moran currently serves as a principal for the Clear Creek ISD. He has a master's degree from The University of Texas at Tyler and a Ph.D. from Stephen F. Austin State University.

 

VIP Consulting

Bryan ISD selects Wallis

as new superintendent

Trustees for Bryan Independent School District recently hired Thomas Wallis as the new superintendent to replace Mike Cargill, who is retiring at the end of the school year. Wallis was previously named the lone finalist for the job.


Wallis, who currently is superintendent at Palestine ISD, will assume his new duties on July 1. He has a bachelor's degree from Angelo State University, a master's degree from Texas A&M-Commerce and a Ph.D. from Stephen F. Austin State University.

 

Brownsville school chief up for job in Huntsville, Alabama

Bret SpringstonOfficials of the Huntsville City School System in Alabama recently selected Superintendent Brett Springston (pictured) of Brownsville as one of seven finalists for superintendent of schools in that city. 

 

Springston, who has served as superintendent of the Brownsville school district since 2009, plans to travel to Huntsville to meet with school officials and determine if the position is a good fit.

 

Conroe ISD to buy 25 new propane buses, build new station

The Conroe Independent School District recently won state and federal grants to help pay for 23 new propane buses and to build a new propane fuel station. The U.S. Department of Energy awarded the school district a $407,900 grant and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality gave the district a $1.5 million grant as part of its Clean Fleet Program to reduce ozone levels throughout the state.


District officials had expected to replace diesel buses next year with 25 new diesel buses at a cost of about $2.25 million, but using the two grants to buy the propane buses this year will save the district about $1.4 million, the district's chief financial officer said. The district will need to spend about $857,603 for the propane buses, he added.

 

Clifton Gunderson LLP

Kuempel begins new duties as superintendent at Winters ISD

Following the approval of a three-year contract by Winters Independent School District trustees, Don Kuempel Jr. recently began his new duties as superintendent of that district. He replaced former Superintendent David Hutton, who ended his duties with the district on March 20, following a voluntary separation agreement.
 

Kuempel, who spent 19 years of his 24 years in education at Hutto ISD, has worked as a teacher, a principal and most recently as director of career and technical education for Hutto ISD. Kuempel holds a bachelor's degree and a master's degree from Texas A&M University.

 

Worley tagged as director

of Smith County juvenile center

Ross WorleyRoss Worley (pictured) recently began his new duties as director of the Smith County Juvenile Attention Center. Worley, who has a bachelor's degree from East Texas Baptist University, has served as assistant director of the juvenile center since 2006.

 

 
Want to
advertise
in this
space?

Click here.

 

Humble ISD garners $394,000 grant to prepare for emergencies

Humble Independent School District officials recently won a $394,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Education to help the district better prepare for emergencies.
 

The grant from the Readiness and Emergency Management in Schools grant program will be used to buy an emergency communications console to allow the district's emergency operations dispatch center to communicate with neighboring emergency agencies, said Steve Cooper, the director of safe schools and project director for the program.
 

The grant also will pay for the district to update the district and campus emergency operations plan and the district's food defense and infectious disease plans, Cooper said. District officials also will use some of the funding to train administrators, nurses and support staff in emergency response guidelines, he said.

 

Wright to leave position as superintendent of Hallsville ISD

Greg WrightTrustees for the Hallsville Independent School District recently approved a voluntary separation agreement with Superintendent Greg Wright (pictured). After serving as superintendent for the district in 2003, Wright agreed to resign effective June 30, two years before his contract was to expire.
 

Board members also appointed Deputy Superintendent Paula Rogers to lead the district until a new superintendent is selected.

 

United Brownsville tags

Gonzalez as executive director

The United Brownsville Coordinating Board, created to assist in implementing a new strategic plan for the city, recently selected Miguel "Mike" Gonzalez Jr. as the new executive director of the group.
 

Gonzalez, a former mayor of Kyle, has a bachelor's degree from Texas State University-San Marcos. He previously worked for a financial firm in Houston, was an examiner for the Texas Department of Banking and also worked for an engineering firm. Gonzalez also attended Trust School at the Federal Reserve in Washington, D.C.

 

SPI on Twitter

Dodson resigning from job as planning director in El Paso

Kathy Dodson, the director of Planning and Economic Development for the City of El Paso, recently resigned to accept a position as manager of the Economic Development Department in Carlsbad, California. Dodson became the city's economic development director in 2006. City officials merged the planning and the economic development departments in September 2010.
 

City Manager Joyce Wilson said city officials expect to name an interim director to take over Dodson's duties when she leaves on May 5, but will wait until after the city election on May 14 to begin a search for a new director of Planning and Economic Development.

 

Bastrop mulls $2.5 million price tag to paint old iron bridge

Bastrop City Council members recently began discussion on spending about $2.5 million to improve the appearance of a 1935 iron bridge spanning the Colorado River near downtown.


City Manager Mike Talbot said that just painting the bridge would cost about $2.5 million or more. Replacing the water line piping and decorative lighting on the bridge is not included in that estimate. A recent preliminary inspection of the bridge revealed the visible portion of the bridge is in good condition, but that the protective coating should be replaced in two years to prevent corrosion damage, Talbot said.


A more in-depth study of the bridge must be done before an estimate is available on the cost to repair the infrastructure of the bridge, he added. Talbot also said he is working on securing a contract to provide a more in-depth bridge inspection focusing on structural issues.

 

Hooks to join Texas Department of Emergency Management

Richard HooksCorpus Christi Fire Chief Richard Hooks (pictured) recently announced he is leaving that position to become the regional coordinator for Region 7 with the Texas Department of Emergency Management. A firefighter for more than 30 years, Hooks became fire chief in Corpus Christi in 2006.
 

Corpus Christi city officials have not yet announced who will serve as fire chief when Hooks leaves that position.

 

Recent Reports
Texas Government Insider Archives

 

Volume 1-8 Archives -1/8/04 - 4/21/11
 
Governor's appointments
Governor Rick Perry has announced the following appointments:
  • Robert L. Bowling IV of El Paso, Texas Industrialized Building Code Council;
  • Roland Brown of Midlothian, Texas Industrialized Building Code Council;
  • Scott McDonald of Canyon, Texas Industrialized Building Code Council;
  • Doug Robinson of Coppell, Texas Industrialized Building Code Council;
  • Rolando Rubiano of Harlingen, Texas Industrialized Building Code Council;
  • Larry Wilkinson of Friendswood, Texas Industrialized Building Code Council;
  • Amy L. Clapper of Georgetown, Texas School Safety Center Board;
  • Carl A. Montoya of Brownsville, Texas School Safety Center Board;
  • Adelaida Olivares of Austin, Texas School Safety Center Board;
  • James R. Pendell of Clint, Texas School Safety Center Board;
  • Ruben Reyes of Lubbock, Texas School Safety Center Board;
  • Ida Louise 'Weisie' Steen of San Antonio, State Preservation Board
Job Board

Taylor approves position

for new assistant fire chief

Taylor City Council members recently agreed to create the position of assistant fire chief to allow the fire chief to focus on areas that need more attention.


After studying the situation for about a year, Fire Chief Pat Ekiss said he believes the department needs a fire marshal and an assistant fire chief to act when the chief is out of town or is otherwise unavailable to respond. Ekiss said he spends too much time reviewing plans, visiting contractors and new businesses that should be the work of a fire marshal. As a result, he hasn't been able to focus on enhancing public safety programs for children, seniors and businesses, Ekiss said.

 

Floresville ISD selects Barber

as interim superintendent

Ken BarberBoard members of the Floresville Independent School District recently selected Deputy Superintendent Ken Barber (pictured) as the interim superintendent.

 

Barber replaces former Superintendent David Vinson, who accepted employment with Wylie ISD.

 

Help us share this message, please...
To ensure delivery and proper formatting of the newsletter, be sure to add editor@spartnerships.com to your safe senders list. Otherwise, the newsletter may be flagged as spam and automatically routed to your junk e-mail folder.
 

 

Barbara Long retiring as city secretary in League City

Barbara LongCity Secretary Barbara Long (pictured) of League City recently announced she plans to retire on June 30.

 

Long, who has worked for the city for 20 years, became city secretary in February 2005. Plans call for Long to work with the city's human resource group to select a new city manager.

 

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.
Barton Oaks Plaza One, Suite #100
901 S. Mopac Expressway
Austin, Texas 78746