Texas Government Insider

Volume 8, Issue 17 - Friday, April 30, 2010

TxDOT planning statewide hearings on 'Plan 2035'

Citizens have opportunity for feedback on state's transportation needs

Texans interested in having a say in the state's future transportation plans will have an opportunity to be heard beginning next month. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is planning public meetings in each of its 25 districts throughout the state, and those meetings get under way beginning March 5 in Amarillo, Childress, Laredo, Odessa an Yoakum. Meetings in the remaining 25 TxDOT districts will be held later in the month. The second set of meetings will be in August.

At the meetings, the public will have the opportunity to offer feedback on TxDOT's Statewide Long-Range Transportation Plan 2035, the foundation for the state's transportation needs for the future.

"It's important that we take this opportunity to reach out to citizens so they may be a part of shaping the future of transportation in Texas," said Amadeo Saenz (pictured), TxDOT's executive director. Plan 2035 will be at the center of planning for future transportation needs, said Saenz. "This plan will provide a framework for developing and implementing a multi-modal transportation system through 2035."

At the informal hearings, citizens will see videos and exhibits that explain the statewide initiative. They will be allowed to ask questions about the plan and provide written comments on it. Following the hearings, the plan is expected to be completed, with the Texas Transportation Commission expected to adopt it in the fall.

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Strategic Partnerships salutes Texas' Lone Stars

Carlton Schwab, president and CEO, Texas Economic Development Council

Career highlights and education: I have a diverse work background that includes jobs in state government, management consulting and academia. BA, Austin College, Sherman, Texas; MPA, The University of Texas at Austin.

What I like best about my job is: That every day is different and that I get to work with people from every corner of our great state.

The best advice I've received for my current job is: That changes and improvements would come incrementally and that there would be plenty of ups and downs - at least in the early years.

Advice you would give a new hire in your office: Be ready to work hard, to be a part of a team and to have fun. That's the environment we have tried to create at the TEDC.

If I ever snuck out of work early, I could probably be found: at one of my kids' events, likely a baseball game or whatever my daughter is doing at the time.

People would be surprised to know that I: own about 20 registered Texas longhorns.

One thing I wish more people knew about my agency: That we have nearly 900 members, which makes us the largest state economic development association in the country.

TRS executive director Ronnie Jung retiring

Ronnie Jung (pictured) has notified the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS) board of his plans to retire as the agency's executive director. He will step down this July, enough time to work through one more legislative session.

The TRS member-benefit pension fund grew $48 billion during Jung's tenure. He also oversaw the implementation of a new statewide health care program for active school employees.

Jung will work with the new executive director to ensure a smooth transition of leadership overseeing retirement benefits for nearly 1.3 million Texas public educators.

David Brown announced as new Dallas police chief

After what she called an "extensive and thorough" search, Dallas City Manager Mary Suhm has named Dallas Police Department First Assistant Chief David Brown (pictured) as chief of the Dallas Police Department, effective May 5. Brown has been a member of DPD for 26 years, having worked in four of the six patrol bureaus, in Internal Affairs, Legal Services, SWAT and Communications. Suhm praised Brown for his "educational background, experience and proven track record with the City of Dallas and its residents" in making her announcement.

Brown worked his way up the ranks, having served as an officer, senior corporal, sergeant and lieutenant between 1983 and 2004. He was named deputy chief and then first assistant chief during the period of 2004-2007. He served as interim Dallas assistant city manager from 2007-2008 and in 2008 was named to his current position of first assistant chief. Assistant Chief Charlie Sato will take over the first assistant chief duties when Brown becomes chief.

Brown attended The University of Texas at Austin and earned his bachelor's degree from Dallas Baptist University and his master's from Amberton University.

Energy symposium open to public sector officials

Officials of government entities who deal with energy issues are invited to a unique energy symposium in Austin on Monday, May 10. Slated to begin at 11 a.m. at the AT&T Conference Center on the University of Texas campus, the conference will feature former Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham (left) as the keynote luncheon speaker and State Senator Kirk Watson (right) as the afternoon featured speaker. There is no charge for attending the conference, including the luncheon.

Topics include renewable energy, energy efficiency, green buildings and hybrid and advanced technology vehicles. Participants will be informed about federal incentives and upcoming initiatives, trends, programs and other funding.

"Energy Evolution: Transforming the Future of Power" will offer participants a unique opportunity to hear from key policy makers and elected officials as well as subject matter experts from throughout the country. Discussions will focus on managing energy needs while saving money through efficiency.

There are still limited openings for this exclusive opportunity. Public sector officials interested in attending the symposium need only to contact Strategic Partnerships (SPI) at

events@spartnerships.com, or at (512) 531-3905. Event attendance requires an invitation and registration, which SPI will handle for you expeditiously as soon as you contact us.

$2.3 BILLION in new bond funding
for Texas projects!!!!

Click here

Texas A&M names associate VP for graduate studies

Dr. Karen Butler-Purry (pictured) has been named associate vice president for graduate studies at Texas A&M University. In her new role, she will oversee more than 9,000 doctoral and master's degree candidates and more than 2,000 graduate faculty members.

Butler-Purry serves as associate department head and professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at TAMU, where she formerly served as assistant dean for graduate programs in the Dwight Look College of Engineering. She joined the TAMU faculty in 1994 and has secured more than $12.8 million in funding during her tenure.

Butler-Purry holds a bachelor's degree from Southern University at Baton Rouge, a master's degree from The University of Texas at Austin and a doctoral degree from Howard University in Washington, D.C.

Brisco will serve HSU as provost, chief academic officer

Dr. Tommy Brisco (pictured) will serve as provost and chief academic officer at Hardin-Simmons University. He replaces Dr. Bill Ellis, who stepped down to become president of Howard Payne University last fall.

Brisco - a published author, professor, minister and archeologist - has served as dean of HSU's Logsdon School of Theology and Logsdon Seminary since 2003. Previous to that charge, he taught in the department of religion at Baylor University and at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, where he also served as the associate dean for the Doctor of Philosophy program.

Brisco earned his bachelor's degree at Ouachita Baptist University, and both his master's and doctoral degrees at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.

Texas Southern University selects general counsel

Andrew Clayton Hughey (pictured) has been tapped to serve as general counsel to Texas Southern University.

Hughey has served the past 12 years as general counsel and secretary to the board of trustees at Central State University, a historically black university in Wilberforce, Ohio. He has also held tenure as an associate general counsel at the University of Pittsburgh.

Hughey holds a doctor of jurisprudence degree from Duquesne University Law School.

TWU doctoral program in women's studies approved

Texas Woman's University has become the first university in Texas, the only university in the south central region and one of only a dozen institutions in the country to offer a Ph.D. in women's studies beginning in the fall. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board this week gave approval for the new doctoral program.

"This new doctoral program will enhance TWU's role as a leader in women's studies education," said Dr. Claire L. Sahlin (pictured), chair of the TWU Department of Women's Studies. "Graduates of the program will be prepared to meet the growing regional, national and international needs for professors of women's studies and leaders of nongovernmental, social service and research agencies that address women's issues."

The new program is one of a long line of first for the university relative to women's studies. TWU had the first freestanding women's studies program, was the first university to offer full-time faculty positions specifically in women's studies, had the first tenured faculty members in women's studies and the first department of women's studies.

UTSA students approve green fee for energy projects

Students at The University of Texas at San Antonio have approved a $5-per-semester "green" fee to cover costs for sustainable energy initiatives. The measure, which stands to generate up to $145,000 per semester, now goes before the UT Board of Regents.

UT-Austin, UT El Paso, Texas A&M University, Texas State University and Austin Community College have each approved similar green measures.

All public colleges and universities can implement green fees if supported by the student body, according to a bill passed in 2009.

Ransom Center director to step down next year

Thomas F. Staley (pictured), director of the Harry Ransom Center at The University of Texas at Austin since 1988, has announced plans to retire in August 2011.

Staley ranks the Ransom Center in the top tier of the literary archives, having raised more than $100 million in donations and collection materials since his tenure began. The center's archival holdings - which includes major works from literary icons such as David Foster Wallace and Normal Mailer as well materials from actors and filmmakers, including Robert DeNiro and Woody Allen - are insured for billions of dollars.

A timeline of major acquisitions made during Staley's tenure can be found here.

Stevens withdraws from Eastern District selection

John B. Stevens Jr., a state judge in Beaumont and President Obama's top choice to oversee prosecutions in Texas' Eastern District, has withdrawn his bid for the position. The district encompasses Plano and Tyler and extends to the Gulf Coast.

Stevens cited the protracted confirmation process and an impending November re-election referendum as reasons for his departure.

"I have to think about my family, me and my political future," Stevens said, referring to the lengthy confirmation.

Rice University selects new dean of humanities

Nicolas Shumway (pictured) has been appointed dean of humanities at Rice University. He will replace interim Dean Allen Matusow.

Shumway serves as chair of the Department of Spanish and Portuguese at The University of Texas at Austin, which he joined in 1993. During his tenure at UT, he was awarded Fulbright honors twice, which allowed him to teach at Universidade de Sao Paulo in spring 2000 and serve a five-year appointment as a Senior Fulbright Specialist in American Studies. He previously served on the faculty of Yale University from 1978 to 1993 in a variety of administrative capacities.

Shumway holds a bachelor's degree from Brigham Young University, and both a master's and doctoral degree from the University of California at Los Angeles.

Jamail donates $1 million to Baker Institute of Public Policy

Joseph D. Jamail, an attorney from Houston, recently contributed $1 million to the James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy at Rice University.

The contribution will permit Rice University to expand space for the fellows, scholars and students of the Baker Institute and expand research programs and activities throughout the campus, said a spokesman for the university. A gala celebrating the birthday of the former U.S. Secretary of State also raised $2 million for the Baker Institute. Rice officials will name the west wing of the James A. Baker III Hall to honor Jamail and his wife, Lee.

SAISD trustees approve first phase of major restructure

San Antonio Independent School District trustees have voted to move forward with phase one of a major district restructure that could close up to 13 schools. Austin Academy, Brewer Elementary, Nelson Elementary, Smith Elementary, Steele Elementary and W.W. White Elementary schools would be closed in the first round.

No facilities are set to close before the 2013-2014 school year, however, since schools designated as "receiving" must first be renovated. The upgrades - contingent on a bond issue in November - are estimated to take up to three years to complete.

School board President James Howard (pictured) said the measure marks "the beginning of a new SAISD."

Austin announces new assistant parks, recreation directors
Two new assistant Parks and Recreation directors have been appointed by the City of Austin - Kelly Snook, director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Missouri City and Kimberly McNeeley, director of the Recreation Services Division of the Palm Beach County, Florida, Parks and Recreation Department. Snook's first day on the job will be May 26 and McNeeley will report to work June 21.

"Their joint experiences in areas ranging from project management and facilities to wellness programs and community partnerships can only enhance what we are doing," said Parks and Recreation Department Director Sara Hensley. The two were picked from some 270 applicants.

Air Force takes over Fort Sam Houston garrison

The Air Force has officially taken over Fort Sam Houston's 502nd Mission Support Group/Garrison. Nearly 900 garrison employees will now become employees of the Air Force.

The Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA) will officiate Fort Sam's logistical services and handle logistics at Lackland and Randolph bases, as ordered by the 2005 Defense Base Closure and Realignment Commission Law. JBSA will funnel a projected $850 million a year in goods, services and salaries into all three installations.

Air Force Brig. Gen. Len Patrick (pictured), commander of the wing, said "San Antonio's a winner in this when it comes to the military relationships and the military community."

Assistance to Firefighters grant offers $339.4M in funds

Texas fire departments and emergency medical service (EMS) organizations are eligible to apply for $339.4 million in grant funding from the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program. The funds can be used to assist in the purchase of new vehicles, equipment and to conduct training exercises.

The AFG Program's primary goal is to provide emergency first-responders with the tools and resources needed to best serve and protect their communities.

The deadline to apply for funds is Friday, May 28, at 5 p.m. EDT. For more information, click here.

CAPCOG's economic development director stepping down

Brian Kelsey (pictured), Capital Area Council of Governments Community and Economic Development director, will step down from his post May 14.

Kelsey serves as principal for economic development consultancy, Civic Analytics, which he also founded. He previously worked as a research associate for the Council of Competitiveness and as a research analyst for Strategic Partnerships, Inc.

Kelsey holds degrees from The University of Texas at Austin and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

McKinney approves issue of $31.33M in bonds for upgrades
McKinney City Council members recently approved the issuance of $31.33 million in bonds to pay for improvements to streets, parks, the airport and the municipal government center.

Council members authorized $10.025 million in certificates of obligation for capital projects at the airport, the municipal center, to purchase a county building and parks equipment and for professional services for each project.

The council also approved the issuance of $15.27 million in general obligation bonds for improvements to parks and recreation facilities and streets and $6.035 million in revenue bonds to improve the city's water and sewer system.

Fort Worth ISD transitions to hybrid bus fleet

The Fort Worth Independent School District unveiled a hybrid school bus fleet of 25 "green" vehicles - the largest of it kind in the nation -- this past Earth Day.

Though the vehicles cost twice as much as traditional units, a federal stimulus grant helps fund the measure, along with funds from a 2007 bond package. Each hybrid bus costs roughly $146,000. The buses will also save the district money since they require less fuel and overall maintenance.

Additionally, Superintendent Melody Johnson (pictured) said the hybrid buses emit about 30 percent less pollution than standard models.

Southlake delays sewage lift station project
Following complaints about the location of a new sewage lift station on Creekside Drive, Southlake City Council members recently postponed plans approved in November 2009 to build the new lift station. After residents expressed concerns over odor and noise that might be caused by the sewage lift station, city officials began looking at an alternate location. The lift station is part of a $3.2 million project to extend sewer services to residents of two subdivisions and along Dove Road.

Relocating the lift station to the new site would require the city to make roadway and drainage improvements, extending electricity to the site and making the lift station deeper, said Public Works Director Bob Price. The relocation would most likely delay the project by at least 12-15 months and add an additional $400,000 to $750,000 to the cost of the lift station, he said.

Council members instructed city staff to explore the cost of building an all-weather gravel road to the proposed location and any other additional costs that may occur if the location is moved. Staff will present their findings at a future council meeting.

Missouri City ready to upgrade Texas Parkway corridors

City Council members for Missouri City recently approved a resolution to enlarge Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ) #1 to pave the way for improvements to the Texas Parkway/Cartwright Road corridors.

The expansion of the TIRZ will permit the city to perform infrastructure improvements, buy rights-of-way and reimburse landowners for making tracts development-ready, said City Manager Frank Simpson (pictured). City officials expect the first phase of the corridor project to go out for bids this week and to begin construction by the end of May. The city will begin the second phase of the project in the summer, Simpson said.

Phase I of the project includes improving an intersection at Texas Parkway and three corridor roads. Adding sidewalks to a part of Texas Parkway and at the entrance to city hall, and improving medians along Cartwright Road also will be done during Phase 1, he said. Phase 2 of the project include signage and improvements to the Highway 90A/Texas Parkway gateway entrance to the city, including a 28-foot tower with LED lighting and an arch-shaped wall with the city's name and logo in mosaic tile inserts to be built at the intersection. The expanded TIRZ also will permit the city to complete sidewalks along Texas Parkway, improve sidewalks along Cartwright Road and build trailheads and small plaza areas along the two corridors during Phase 2 of the project.

Boerne ISD eyeing $86 million bond election in 2011
Trustees for the Boerne Independent School District recently reviewed a list of $86 million in recommended additions, upgrades, repairs and renovations to the nine campuses in the district.

District staff recommended that trustees include funding for a new $18 million elementary school, $12.5 million for a new athletic stadium at the high school, $8 million to upgrade and buy new technology equipment for the district, $3 million to buy land for a future school site and $1.5 million to purchase new buses. The recommendations also included $11.5 million for improvements to Boerne High School, $11.2 million to upgrade Curington Elementary and $11.15 million to renovate Fabra Elementary.

Improvements recommended for the high school include a new competition gymnasium and band rehearsal hall. Curington Elementary improvements include adding more classroom space to eliminate the need for portable buildings and renovations to the library, restrooms, kitchen and administrative areas. Staff urged trustees to include funding to replace the north and east wings of Febra Elementary, move the library to the east wing, relocate the playground and add more parking spaces. The wish list also urges trustees to spend about $749,000 to improve building security at all district campuses, $2 million to upgrade roofs and $505,000 to paint, replace carpets and add new window treatments to all campuses except Champion High School. Staff recommended upgrading wiring for technology, adding wireless capabilities at all campuses at a cost of $1.866 million, spending $800,000 to add 400 new Smart Boards, $500,000 for a records imaging program, upgrading servers at the room in which it is served at a cost of about $500,000 and adding 15 mobile labs for about $375,000. Trustees took no action on the recommendations.

Conroe asks county to help pay for FM 3083 overpass
Mike Meador

Conroe city officials recently met with Montgomery County officials to ask for help to pay for a $15 million overpass over a railroad crossing on FM 3083. The overpass is needed to make the FM 3083 corridor attractive for development, said a spokesperson for the Conroe City Council, the Conroe Industrial Development Corporation (CIDC) and city staff.

County officials, including Commissioner Mike Meador (pictured) and the county judge, provided little hope for the city representatives, stating that the county does not have the money to contribute even though county officials support the overpass project. A proposed $250 million to $300 million bond election now being considered by commissioners will focus on county roads, Meador said.

The city's downtown manager suggested the city, county and CIDC each contribute $100,000, but a CIDC representative said that group would contribute only $55,000. City officials said they would settle for $300,000 to keep the project on track by completing the engineering design. Officials of the Texas Department of Transportation have agreed to complete the engineering design for $300,000 even though the actual cost for the design is $500,000 and to complete the environmental work, which is now only 30 percent complete, at no additional cost, city officials said.

Odessa awards almost $1.4M in community block grants

Odessa City Council members recently awarded almost $1.4 million in Community Development Block Grants to pay for housing rehabilitation, demolition and improved safety and security at O'Conner Park. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development provided funding for the grants.

Council members allotted $957,615 for housing rehabilitation, demolition, code enforcement and administration. The council also awarded $56,600 to pay for new playground equipment, safety surfaces and security lighting at O'Conner Park.

The HUD HOME Investment Partnership Program, which funds projects such as homebuyer assistance, rehabilitation and reconstruction of single-family, low-income residences, received $494,925 from the grant.

Corpus Christi approves $5.5 million upgrade to airport

Corpus Christi City Council members recently agreed to sell $5.5 million in bonds to pay for building a new facility for rental car companies at the Corpus Christi International Airport.

The bonds are backed by a new $3.50 surcharge for renting vehicles at the airport, also approved by council members. Once the debt for the new rental car facility is paid, the city will discontinue the surcharge to rental vehicle customers, city officials said.

The city does not yet have a design for the proposed 16,000-square-foot building to accommodate seven rental car companies, but plans call for the new facility to have more fueling stations, more maintenance bays and more space for employees.

Corpus Christi could have career, technical high school

Janis Jordan (pictured), an assistant superintendent for the Corpus Christi Independent School District, recently outlined plans proposed by a citizen's group to build a new career and technical high school that would align its curriculum with Del Mar College.

A committee of industry leaders, community members, college and school district officials developed the curriculum, design concept and timeline for the new campus recommended to be built near the West Campus of Del Mar College. The course work will meld high school and college, giving dual-credit opportunities, industry certification or associate's degrees, Jordan said.

Rusk to partner with hospital, college for nursing program
The City of Rusk recently began discussions with Tyler Junior College and the Rusk State Hospital to open a new school to train licensed vocational nurses by August of this year.

The new LVN training program will be funded with a $245,000 contribution from the Rusk Economic Development Corporation (REDCO) and $95,000 from the Rusk Industrial Foundation during its first 18 months of operations. City, hospital, and college officials plan to seek state funding to pay for the new nursing school during its second year of operation. The new program will be housed in a facility at the Rusk State Hospital previously used by Stephen F. Austin State University to train licensed vocational nurses.

The city will no longer provide financial assistance for the LVN program during its third year of operation as more state funding becomes available, said Paul Monagan, dean of the School of Allied Health and Nursing at Tyler Junior College. Council members are expected to hear the finalized proposal for the partnership at the council meeting next week.

Grapevine-Colleyville ISD delays bond, property tax vote
At the urging of the board president, trustees of the Grapevine-Colleyville Independent School District recently delayed until 2011 a proposed $125 million bond election and a tax ratification election planned for November of this year.

Delaying the election will give more time to allow the new superintendent and chief financial officer to build relationships and communication with community members and for the economy to improve, said Charlie Warner (pictured), board president. Warner also said he did not want the local election overshadowed by national politics when recommending delaying the two proposals.

Trustees approved a new timeline of May 2011 for the bond election and another election in June 2011 asking voters to approve a 13-cent tax increase. Trustees also agreed to review and update the list of facility and technology improvements included in the rescheduled bond election.

Tyler to use $542K in grants for public transportation

Tyler City Council members recently agreed to accept $542,499 in federal grant funds to help pay for public transportation services.

The grant from the Federal Transit Administration will help the Tyler Transit System operated by the city of Tyler, with assistance from the Texas Department of Transportation and the FTA, to pay part of the cost of operating eight fixed-route buses and three para-transit service vehicles. This is being done to comply with the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA). The city will receive 80 percent reimbursement, or $217,000, for vehicle maintenance; 50 percent reimbursement, or $271,249, for operating expenses; and 80 percent reimbursement, or $54,250, for ADA expenses, said Transportation Manager Davis Dickson.

The Tyler Transit Department also received $776,000 in federal stimulus funding to buy five new transit vehicles, build additional transit shelters and improve accessibility to existing shelters. The stimulus money also will be used for security fencing, lighting for parking lots near transit offices, drainage and site improvements to transit offices and to buy and install security cameras for all fixed-route vehicles, city officials said.

Collin County approves $11.8 million to expand courthouse
Collin County commissioners recently approved $11.8 million to add another 170,000 square feet to Bloomdale courthouse.

The courthouse expansion project will consolidate the University Drive Courts Facility Courthouse into the expanded Bloomdale Courthouse. A new on-site cafeteria also will be added.

Staff of adult probation, county courts of law, probate court, county courts at law clerks, court collections, transfer and holding cells, courthouse security and the law library will move to the expanded space. Construction on the expansion project is expected to be complete in 30 months, county officials said.

Plans for Austin-San Antonio commuter train unveiled

Lone Star Rail District officials recently presented their vision of a 12-car passenger train to run between Austin and San Antonio to members of the New Braunfels City Council. San Marcos and New Braunfels will be the two primary stops on the proposed 120-mile rail route planned between Williamson County and South San Antonio, said the chairman of the Lone Star Rail District.

The rail station in New Braunfels could be located in the New Braunfels Municipal Building or at Landa Plaza, which the city is currently in the process of buying, said City Manager Mike Morrison (pictured). The mayor noted that the new rail line could bring significant benefits to tourism and business in New Braunfels.

The latest cost estimate to build the commuter rail is between $600 to $800 million and the rail district has raised a little more than $200 million to build the rail line and relocate the freight lines, the chairman of the rail district said. The group is also seeking federal grants and private partnerships to help pay for the proposed Austin-San Antonio commuter train. As currently planned, the commuter train will operate on existing railroad tracks and the majority of freight now using those tracks will be diverted to new railroad tracks to be built outside of the major cities, he said. Environmental studies along the proposed corridor already are being conducted, he said.

Capital Metro approves $1.7 million to replace bridge

The board of Capital Metro recently approved $1.7 million to replace a rail bridge near Manor. The new concrete bridge over Gilleland Creek, a part of the agency's Llano-to-Giddings rail freight line, will replace a 400-foot, 80- to 100-year-old wooden bridge currently used by the freight line.

Construction on the new bridge should begin in May and be completed in about 150 days, said John Almond, vice president for engineering and construction. Capital Metro plans to eventually replace all of the bridges on its line, including 41 within the agency's new MetroRail that currently operates a commuter train between Leander and downtown Austin, Almond said.

Most of those bridges will be less expensive to replace than the bridge over Gilleland creek because the bridges are shorter, he added. However, a new bridge over the San Gabriel River north of Leander could cost more than $2 million to replace, he said.

Rosenberg eyeing old city hall for fire department office

Rosenberg City Council members recently began reviewing a plan to convert the old city hall once used as a police station into administrative offices for the fire department.

Preliminary plans indicate the first phase of the renovation will cost between $300,000 to $400,000, said City Manager Jack Hamlett (pictured). Built in the 1930s as a Works Progress Administration project, the building's interior remains intact and has "good bones." The old jail cells, which still have operating locks, can be used to store records, fire evidence and other items, he said.

The city also would need to use city-owned land across the street for parking and install a sidewalk to connect the parking lot to the renovated building, Hamlett said. The cost of the renovation is comparable to the lease payment the city now pays for administrative offices, he said.

Bryan, Brazos Co. move forward on industrial park plans

Officials from the City of Bryan and the Brazos County Economic Development Foundation Inc. plan to move forward on a proposed industrial park after receiving a $1.5 million federal grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration.

The park, which has several companies expressing interest in relocating to the region, is set to bring light-industrial and manufacturing jobs in addition to tax revenue to the Brazos Valley.

The complex will be located off the east side of Texas 6, north of F.M. 2818, along a railroad line.

Conroe selects Virgadamo as new city administrator

Conroe City Council members recently selected Paul Virgadamo, Jr. as the new city administrator to replace Jerry McGuire, who is retiring today (April 30).

Virgadamo has served as assistant city administrator since 2005 and previously was a parks director for Conroe and an administrative superintendent for Harris County.

Corpus Christi to use leftover funds to spur local economy

Corpus Christi City Council members recently agreed to use savings from several capital projects that ran under budget to spur the local economy. City staff reported that the city awarded projects between January 2009 and March 2010 with the estimated costs totaling $152.6 million and received bids totaling $104.6 million, which created a 31 percent - or $48 million - savings for the city.

Because of the lower costs for such items as iron and concrete, the cost to expand Yorktown Boulevard was estimated to be $8.4 million, but cost only $6.3 million when completed. The council then voted to use that $2 million in savings to extend the project even further, noted City Manager Angel Escobar (pictured). Another project to repair streets ran 38 percent under budget and saved the city $1.6 million, he noted.

A committee of business leaders has urged the city, county and school districts in the area to fast-track their construction projects in order to capture the savings and boost the local construction industry, he noted. Council members are expected at a June planning session to discuss ways to spend any leftover funding from projects to improve the local economy, Escobar said. Projects under consideration include drainage improvements near the Leopard Street corridor, street improvements in the Lindale subdivision and on Golihar Road, Ayers Street and Kostoryz Road.

Barrerra chosen as new UTSA chief of police
Former San Antonio Police Department deputy chief Steve Barrera has been named police chief for The University of Texas at San Antonio. Barrerra will replace David Herndandez, who resigned last July. Dan Pena has been serving as interim chief. Barrera recently retired from his position of deputy chief, service and support division, with the SAPD.

Barrera, a UTSA alumnus, earned his bachelor's degree from the San Antonio university. He also holds a master's degree from Texas State University.

TSABAA plans golf tourney, annual conference in June

The Texas State Agency Business Administrators' Association will host its 41st Annual Summer Conference on Monday and Tuesday, June 7 and 8, at the United Heritage Conference at the Dell Diamond in Round Rock. Monday's keynote address will be by a representative of the University of Phoenix. Among the other topics during the two-day event are a Sunset Commission process overview and panels to address Legislative Appropriations Requests and state audits. There will also be an update on the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The Third Annual Golf Tournament is set for Sunday, June 6 at Shadow Glen Golf Course in Manor. The conference registration deadline is May 8. To view the draft agenda for the conference, click here. For registration forms and vendor registration information, click here.

Last BOP session with TxDOT is announced
The last session of the Texas Department of Transportation's (TxDOT) Business Outreach and Program (BOP) Services Small Business Briefing conferences has been announced for June 15 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. To register, click here.

Austin awards event to honor government employees
The CenTex Chapter of the American Society for Public Administration (ASPA) will host its Public Service Recognition Banquet and Awards Ceremony on Friday, May 7, from 6:15 to 9 p.m. at the DoubleTree Guest Suites in Austin. Keynote speaker will be Travis County Commissioner Sarah Eckhardt. The event is being held in conjunction with Public Service Recognition Week, May 3-9. It is a nationwide observance and public education campaign to honor federal, state, county and local government employees nationwide who put service above self. The local banquet's theme is "Journey to Public Service." The activities will begin with registration at 6:15 p.m., followed by dinner at 7 and presentation of awards at 7:30. The keynote address begins at 8 p.m. The cost to attend is $40 for ASPA members, $50 for non-members and $35 for students.

More than $40 billion spent in '09 with private sector contractors!

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

Ever wonder how big the public sector marketplace really is? Well, think about this...there are approximately a dozen governmental jurisdictions in every state - cities, counties, state agencies, school districts, public universities and hospitals, federal agencies, community colleges, transit authorities, water districts and more. And, in Texas, in only one jurisdiction, more than $40.7 billion was spent with private sector contractors last year.

That's the value of the 18,036 contracts issued by Texas state agencies and institutions of higher education during the last fiscal year.

Not surprisingly, the lion's share of those contracts was issued by agencies that serve the most people. Ten agencies alone accounted for $35.8 billion - or 88 percent - of the contracts.

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) ranked number one among the top three agencies in dollar amounts of contracts with $14.5 billion. Not unusual for a state with 79,000 miles of highways, more than a half million traffic signs and more than 1,000 rest stops, picnic areas and scenic turn-outs. Texas has more highways than any other state.

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Crowley ISD signs interim superintendent to contract

Dan Powell (pictured) has signed a four-year contract to serve as interim superintendent of Crowley Independent School District. He replaces Greg Gibson, who resigned after a six-year tenure to head the Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City district near San Antonio.

Powell will continue to serve as an associate professor of education at Texas Christian University, a post he has held since 2004. Powell previously served 23 years in the Fort Worth district, including seven years as superintendent of Everman ISD.

Comal ISD to purchase
land for two school sites
Trustees for the Comal Independent School District recently approved the purchase of two parcels of land to serve as sites for two new schools. Board members agreed to buy a 20-acre site on SH 46, just east of SH 280, which likely will be used for a new elementary campus, and an 88-acre site off of Interstate 35, near FM 482.

Frost chosen superintendent for Corsicana school district

Corsicana Independent School District Board of Trustees recently chose Dr. Diane Frost (pictured) as the lone finalist for superintendent. Frost, who currently is a deputy superintendent at Lake Travis ISD, will replace Superintendent Don Denbow, who is retiring on June 30.

Dr. Frost also served as an interim superintendent at Carroll ISD and as a teacher and administrator. She has a bachelor's degree from Athens State College in Alabama, a master's degree from the University of Tennessee and a Ph.D. from the University of North Texas.

Byrd to retire as deputy city manager in Arlington

After nearly 25 years in Arlington city government, Deputy City Manager Bob Byrd (pictured) has announced he will retire on May 31. Byrd managed the city's street maintenance program, the animal services division and health inspection before being appointed as deputy city manager in 2007.

City Manager Jim Holgersson said the duties performed by Byrd will be divided among three other deputy city managers and the position Byrd held will be eliminated.