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Texas General Land Office expanding investment focusGLO's real estate ventures feed Permanent School Fund
The Texas General Land Office, tasked with managing millions of acres of land, has formed numerous public-private partnerships to benefit the state's public school students. The agency is looking for new opportunities daily. Today, the GLO's Asset Management Division (AMD) plays a vital role in managing much of the state's real property, and its "sole focus is to provide funding for public education, the school kids sitting at desks in classrooms," according to Bo Tanner (pictured), deputy commissioner of the Asset Management Division. His agency ensures a consistent revenue stream from oil and gas leases and real estate trades and sales to the Texas Permanent School Fund, a $21 billion dollar fund that supports K-12 public schools throughout the state. When Tanner came on board in 2000, he said the GLO was "buying property, mostly rural land, about $1 million a year, and there was not a lot of income coming off of property." Since then, the agency has "changed its assessment mix . . . over the years the Legislature has allowed us to grow and use external resources." Legislative and other changes since 2001 have allowed the Land Office to become even more active in expanding its portfolio by investing some oil and gas earnings in real estate. Always looking for high-return, low-risk real estate investments, the AMD continuously reviews land held by other state agencies and, when warranted, liquidates land determined to be underutilized. In 2002, the real estate market value was in the $200 million range, Tanner said, and it's $1.3 billion today. Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson is focused on finding funding sources other than oil and gas revenues, such as the wind power industry in the Gulf, Tanner said, because "at some point as these oil resources keep depleting, we will need sustainable funding." The GLO's real estate revenue is on the increase; in 2001, it was 2 million, and last year it was $80 million. Tanner hopes by 2010, it will be $150 to $180 million per year. It's still a far cry from oil and gas investments that earn the state about $300 million a year. In 2005, the GLO entered into a contract to lease 75 acres of sandy land at the north end of the JFK Causeway in Corpus Christi for the next 40 years, with the potential to earn $25 million. That same year in Baytown, Wal-Mart leased a 4-million-square-foot facility on a 238-acre site from the Permanent School Fund, paying $238 million over the 30-year lease. As the oldest state agency in Texas, the GLO is unique, Tanner says, because it's a dedicated land trust that includes 43 million acres, and it uses an internally managed portfolio. Tanner's office reviews approximately 200 deals a year, and commits to 10 percent. He said there are 15 deals on his desk now. Bill requires background checks for educators
The School Safety Act - SB 9 - which was passed in the Texas Senate this week, aims to remove child predators and sex offenders from employment in schools. The bill, authored by Sen. Florence Shapiro, requires national criminal background checks of all school employees; prohibiting anyone convicted of a sex offense or felony against a child from being employed at a public school; flagging an educator's certificate for such misconduct, to alert other potential employers; improvement of communication between state and local school officials and law enforcement agencies through timely sharing of information; and the creation a statewide clearinghouse of criminal background information available to state agencies and school districts. Under the bill, all Texas teachers must agree to fingerprinting and other national background checks. All non-professional employees hired after Sept. 1 - such as aides and custodians - would also be subjected to background checks. Texas is one of the 43 states that requires national background checks for certified teachers; however, teachers certified before 2003 are currently exempt from the requirement. The bill has been referred to the House Committee on Public Education. Strategic Partnerships salutes Texas' Lone Stars
This week's salute is to Mark M. Ellison, director of the Emerging Technology Program for the Governor's Office of Economic Development and TourismCareer highlights and education: BS in Agriculture from Texas A&M University, class of 80; former partner in Investment Banking Firm; former Assistant Commissioner of Agriculture, for Rick Perry; former partner in a government affairs consulting firm in Washington, D.C., focused in international trade policy issues and represented both U.S. and foreign clients; former international trade specialist for U.S. Wheat Associates in Washington D.C. and Casablanca, Morocco, and former Congressional staffer for Congressman W.R. "Bob" Poage of the 11th district of Texas. What I like best about my job is: Helping build new technology companies in Texas that provide rewards for the entrepreneurs that start them and the employees they hire. Also, the fact that these companies are providing products and services that improve the quality of life for all Texans. The best advice I've received for my current job is: When seeking to solve problems, look first to the marketplace for a solution before calling on the government. Advice you would give a new hire in your office: Move the ball forward everyday!!!! If I ever snuck out of work early, I could probably be found: At my ranch. People would be surprised to know that I: Love to cook and am even good at it, sometimes. Book, magazine or newspaper article I've read recently that really influenced my thinking:: The recent Time magazine cover story on Ronald Reagan and the state of the Republican Party. Each week, the Texas Government Insider profiles a key government executive or decision-maker. If you would like to suggest a “Lone Star,” please email us at editor@spartnerships.com. Twenty-one appointed to Commission for College Ready Texas
Twenty-one members were appointed this week by Gov. Rick Perry to the Commission for a College Ready Texas. The commission will provide leadership and guidance to the State Board of Education to improve college readiness programs by aligning high school curriculum with college standards. Starting this month, the commission will hold public meetings that will continue through the fall. After considering public testimony from these meetings, the commission will make recommendations to the State Board of Education, which has the authority to adopt, align and define college-readiness standards for Texas. Sandy Kress (pictured) of Austin will serve as chair of the commission. Kress is a partner in the law firm of Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer & Feld, L.L.P., where he focuses on public law and policy at the state and national levels. He served as senior advisor on education to President George W. Bush and as president of the board of trustees of the Dallas Public Schools. Kress currently serves on the Education Commission of the States. Additionally, the following business, education and community service leaders were appointed to the commission: Albert Black, President, On-Target Supplies and Logistics of Dallas; Barbara Cargill, Member, State Board of Education; Jose Cuevas Jr., Founder and CEO, JumBurrito; Dr. Robert Duron, Superintendent, San Antonio Independent School District; Linda Evans, President of Grants and Planning, The Meadows Foundation of Dallas; Bruce Esterline, Vice President of Grants and Planning, The Meadows Foundation of Dallas; Larry Faulkner, President, The Houston Endowment; and former President, The University of Texas at Austin; David Garcia, CEO, CEDRA Corporation of Austin; Bill Hammond, President and CEO, Texas Association of Business; Dr. Eric Hanushek, Paul and Jan Hanna Senior Fellow, Hoover Institution of Stanford University; Woody L. Hunt, former Chairman of the Board of Regents, The University of Texas System; Jodie Jiles, Managing Director, RBC Capital Markets of Houston; Charles E. McMahen, Chairman, Governor's Business Council; George McShan, former President and President-elect, Texas Association of School Boards; Sonya Medina, Executive Director, AT&T Foundation; Elaine Mendoza, Member, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board; David Merrill, Vice President-Investments, AG Edwards & Sons, Inc.; Dean Nafziger, Ph.D., CEO , Edvance Research, Inc.; Dr. Richard M. Rhodes, President, El Paso Community College; Dr. Ricardo Romo, President, The University of Texas at San Antonio, and Zeynep Young, Michael and Susan Dell Foundation. Also included as members of the commission are eight co-chairs who oversee the four subject-specific teams: Dr. Linda Ferreira-Buckley, Chair, Department of Rhetoric and Composition English, The University of Texas at Austin; Selina Jackson, English Teacher, Wall Independent School District; Linda Gann, Mathematics Instructional Specialist, Northside Independent School District; Dr. Selina Vasquez-Mireles, Associate Professor of Mathematics, Texas State University; Mercedes Guzman, Science Teacher, El Paso Independent School District; Dr. C. O. Patterson, Professor of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station; Larry Garibaldi, Instructional Team Leader, Houston Independent School District, and Dr. Jonathan Lee, Associate Professor of History, San Antonio College. De-facto members of the commission include: Commissioner Shirley Neeley, Texas Education Agency; Commissioner Raymund Parades, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board; Susan Combs, Texas State Comptroller, and John Fitzpatrick, executive director, Texas High School Project - Communities Foundation of Texas. Red-light cameras get Senate approvalThe Texas Senate has passed two bills that set guidelines for the use of red-light cameras in Texas cities. One bill requires that a traffic engineering study be conducted to determine what intersections need the cameras. The second bill sets the maximum fine for violations at $75, with profits to be split between the city and the state. Cities would be required to use the funds for public safety and traffic improvements, while the state's share of revenue would go toward trauma centers in the regions where the fines were collected. Twenty-one cities, mostly in North Texas, already use red-light cameras, which were illegal until an obscure provision in a 2003 law indirectly allowed them to be installed. The current legislation is an effort to set guidelines for their use. The bills have gone to the House for consideration. Mental healthcare pilots receive $13.7 million grantsUnder the Texas Mental Health Transformation Project, six collaborative organizations in Texas will receive funds for pilot programs aimed at integrating mental health care with physical health care and other social services. The $13.7 million grant funds from the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration are awarded by the Texas Department of State Health Services and the Governor's Office. The participating organizations, selected from a pool of 20 applications, are:
The collaborations will each develop a program that integrates mental health care with other health services, allows for early mental health care intervention, and works to better meet clients' needs for a wide variety of social services. Ashley named Vice Chancellor for Texas A&M
Dr. Frank B. Ashley III last week was named vice chancellor for academic affairs by the board of regents of the Texas A&M University System. On May 15, he will begin work in his new position, coordinating academic and student affairs program development, implementation and accountability, including performance-based funding. Ashley currently serves as interim provost and vice president for academic and student affairs at Texas A&M University-Commerce, where he was previously dean of the College of Education and a professor of health kinesiology and sports studies. For 18 years, Ashley served in various positions at Texas A&M University in College Station, including interim assistant provost for enrollment, director of admissions and associate dean for undergraduate studies and teacher education in the College of Education. As vice chancellor, Ashley will also work with academic councils, graduate deans, enrollment managers and others to lead collaborative degree programs at system universities, expand enrollment of community college transfer students to system universities and lead development of comprehensive distance education initiatives. Ashley earned a bachelor's degree in health, physical education and safety from Louisiana College, a master's in health, physical education and recreation from the University of Alabama, and a doctorate degree in physical education from the University of Alabama. He currently serves on a task force for access to higher education for low-income students for the College Board, and is past chair of the board's Southwest Regional Committee. TCEQ accepting new clean air grantsTexas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) announced this week that approximately $60 million in grants to help clean the air are now available. Emissions Reduction Incentive Grants (ERIG) are part of the TCEQ's Texas Emissions Reduction Program (TERP), which provide incentives to eligible local governments and businesses to reduce emissions from polluting vehicles and equipment. Applications for the ERIG program are due by June 1. In addition, TCEQ will allocate funding through TERP Rebate Grants for smaller projects. That deadline is June 29, subject to availability of funding. Eligible regions include Tyler-Longview, Austin and San Antonio, in addition to the Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston-Galveston-Brazoria, and Beaumont-Port Arthur areas. Since 2001, the TERP has awarded more than $406 million in contracts, reducing more than 100,500 tons of ozone-forming nitrogen oxides from the air in Texas. Grants fund projects for leasing or purchasing new clean-emitting vehicles or equipment; retrofitting emissions-reduction systems; or electrification or idle reduction infrastructure. Workshops are planned to provide application assistance and information about grant contract requirements. For more information, visit www.terpgrants.org or call 800-919-TERP (8377). San Marcos plans for citywide wireless Internet
San Marcos has hired a consulting firm to make plans for a high-speed wireless Internet network that will cover the city's 25 square miles. The firm will issue requests for proposals and negotiate a contract with a vendor to build and operate the network. Citywide wireless networks allow Wi-Fi equipped cell phones, laptops and other devices access to the Internet without cable or telephone connections. It is estimated that San Marcos will spend between $2.5 and $5 million to set up the network, which will feature wireless radios installed on light poles to relay wireless signals between Wi-Fi devices and the Internet. The city expects the network to be in operation next year. City Manager Dan O'Leary said the wireless network will enable San Marcos to use automated meter reading for electric and water utilities, and allow police and fire departments to connect to data and applications while on patrol. said the wireless network will enable San Marcos to use automated meter reading for electric and water utilities, and allow police and fire departments to connect to data and applications while on patrol. First responder agencies receive equipment grantsFirst responder agencies, including local law enforcement, in Texas last week received funds from $34.6 million in grants from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Commercial Equipment Direct Assistance Program. The El Cenizo Police and Webb County Sheriff's departments received two federal grants for more than $45,000 to buy new video and radio equipment. Three first responder agencies in the Brazos Valley, The Washington County Sheriff's Office, Jewett Police Department and Brazos County Precinct 4 Volunteer Fire Department, were also among more than 2,000 agencies nationwide that received part of the grants. Kingsville Specialized Crimes and Narcotics Task Force as well as the Port of Corpus Christi Authority also received grant funds for security equipment. Texas State plans for new facilities
Texas State University officials say new buildings are needed to ease overcrowded classrooms. The Legislature authorized $47.7 million for a new 170,000-square-foot undergraduate academic building during a special session last summer. To pay for it, lawmakers have to appropriate money in the current budget for the next two fiscal years. The undergraduate building and a second building for Texas State's Round Rock campus are included in both the House and Senate budget bills, said William Nance, the university's finance and support services vice president. Texas State has previously asked the state for $50 million for a performing and fine arts complex and $45.8 million for deferred maintenance and upkeep, but the funds were not approved. University officials have said they will seek private donations to build the center. In June, the university will start a $25.2 million addition to and renovation of the campus recreation center, which includes a natatorium, rock climbing wall, weight rooms, an office and four basketball courts. Port Arthur ISD to consider new bond
Port Arthur ISD officials are discussing a November bond election to fund the construction of an auditorium and a Career And Technology Education center. Groundbreaking for the new $56 million Memorial High School is set for April 19 and a bond election workshop will take place later that afternoon, according to Superintendent Johnny Brown. A survey conducted by Lamar University several years ago showed that at the time citizens supported another bond package as long as it is used for facilities improvements. Borger ISD, college to build welding facilityThe Borger ISD will assist Frank Phillips College in its construction of a $1.27 million welding facility. The new facility will be 9,841 square feet and provide modern technologies for students enrolled in the program. The college will continue to partner with the district to provide welding courses for high school students. Borger ISD Superintendent Cliff Stephens said he thought it is a good investment, and the partnership would benefit students by teaching workforce skills. Plano deputy superintendent to retire
Deputy Superintendent Danny Modisette (right) will retire in June and pursue other job options after 28 years in the Plano ISD. Jeff Bailey (left), east cluster area assistant superintendent, has been named Modisette's replacement by Superintendent Doug Otto. Bailey has also worked in the district 28 years. During the past seven years as deputy superintendent overseeing human resources, student services and area superintendents, Modisette said his focus has been on school financing from the legislature, eliminating achievement disparities and preparing students for college. Pilot Point ISD to hire new chiefThe Pilot Point ISD will offer a superintendent's contract this month to Glenn E. Barber, currently the superintendent of the Greenwood school district near Midland. Mandated by state law, Pilot Point ISD, which is in Denton County, has to wait 21 days after making a final candidate announcement before it can officially hire Barber. Superintendent Cloyce Purcell, who has served the district nine years, will resign at the end of this school year. Barber holds a bachelor's degree in music education and master's degree in educational administration from the University of North Texas, and is a doctoral candidate at the university. He has been with Greenwood ISD for almost 10 years. Dallas City Manager named Administrator of the Year
Dallas City Manager Mary K. Suhm has been named "North Texas Public Administrator of the Year" by the North Texas Chapter of the American Society for Public Administration (NTASPA). Suhm was appointed Dallas City Manager in June 2005. As the chief executive officer for the city, she is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the municipal organization, including implementing an annual budget totaling $2.35 billion and overseeing 13,000 employees. Some of her recent accomplishments include establishing a permanent "Efficiency Team" to streamline city processes, generate revenues and reduce costs as well as coordinating state and federal lobbying efforts related to the $1.2 billion Trinity River Project. Since joining the city in 1978, Suhm has also served as executive assistant director of the Dallas Police Department (the first female non-sworn executive in DPD history); director of court services; assistant to the city manager; assistant to the mayor; and as manager of three Dallas branch libraries. The American Society for Public Administration's national conference will be held in Dallas, March 8 -11, 2008. Washington County looks to add EMS to police stationWashington County officials have approached the city of Brenham about adding a new Emergency Medical Services headquarters on a five-acre site where the city plans to build a new police station and a fire department substation, starting in early 2008. City officials are looking at options to accommodate the county, including a two-story police station, but have said the area may not be large enough to house an EMS building. A 25,000 square-foot police station and a vehicle impound yard, along with a fire department substation, is already planned for the site. County Judge Dorothy Morgan said the county may be able to purchase adjacent land if it cannot make a deal with the city, but stressed that having all three public safety entities in one area would be an asset to the community. She has offered a 1,600-square-foot area in the new EMS headquarters as a meeting place/emergency management headquarters for the city to use when needed. Commerce superintendent leaves for Connally ISD
After six years of leading the district, Commerce ISD Superintendent Keith Boles resigned last week to take the superintendent's position at Connally ISD near Waco. He has already begun his new job. Buddy Echols¸ who was Coppell ISD superintendent before retiring in 2002, was hired as Commerce ISD interim superintendent. Since his retirement, he has served as interim superintendent at the Royse City, Celina and Greenville school districts. The district has hired a consulting firm to find a permanent replacement. Emergency communication channel to be launchedFort Bend County by the end of the summer will be able to use an AM radio frequency during emergencies. The Sugar Land City Council recently approved an agreement with Fort Bend County to install a radio frequency signal repeater at Fire Station No. 1. The 20-foot signal tower is one of 10 planned throughout the area to facilitate emergency broadcasts on an AM frequency. The new system was funded through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and will be used during weather-related and other emergencies. University of Houston System opens new tech center
The University of Houston System is beginning a new research and technology center with the intent of strengthening the university's research ties with local businesses and industries. The Center for Industrial Partnerships will promote cooperative initiatives between companies and the university's research and educational resources to help solve technological challenges within the commercialization process. Donald Birx, vice chancellor for UHS, said the center will "build value because technologies will be incubated and developed in concert with market-driven companies . . . The types of partnerships this center will facilitate to speed the translation of research into commercial applications are of the type being stressed by national research funding agencies such as the National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health." Health Foundation awards grantsThe San Angelo Health Foundation recently awarded $540,455 to four nonprofit organizations. The health foundation provides grants to local nonprofit organizations and public entities every quarter, accepting applications for funding on an ongoing basis. Howard College-San Angelo received $446,048 to relocate facilities and renovate the Anatomy/Physiology, Microbiology and Distance Learning labs. LeAnne Byrd, the campus's chief academic officer, said the renovation project at the West Texas Training Center is estimated at $1 million, so additional funding sources will be pursued. The work will likely be finished by the spring 2008 semester. The City of Robert Lee Volunteer Fire Department received funds to be applied to the purchase of a new fire truck for its station in Coke County. The Concho County Hospital District also received $36,830 to upgrade and digitize its radiography equipment. New associate dean named at West Texas A&M
Angela Spaulding, a professor of educational leadership, is the new associate dean of the College of Education and Social Sciences at West Texas A&M University. "I am pleased that Dr. Spaulding has accepted the appointment as associate dean," said Eddie Henderson, the college's dean. "She has an exemplary record of teaching effectiveness, scholarship and service to the university." Spaulding has been a professor at the university since 1995. She received both her bachelor's and master's degrees from West Texas A&M University and also holds a doctoral degree in educational leadership from Texas Tech University. UT receives $1.3 million in medical research grantsFaculty members from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, the University of Texas at Arlington and the University of Texas at Dallas have received $1.3 million for collaborative medical research. The researchers have formed 13 teams that will work on a variety of projects, including a study of the enzymes and proteins involved in DNA repair; examining ways to remove bacterial biofilm from cochlear implants without antibiotics; developing technology for retrieving kidney stone fragments; and studying the neurology behind self-harming behaviors in depressed pediatric patients, among others. Each team will receive up to $100,000. The grant money came from philanthropic and state funding sources. Nueces Courthouse may become school
One developer is working to turn the 1914 Nueces County Courthouse, which has been vacant for 30 years, into a law school. The county does not have immediate plans to restore the building, although the most recent proposal was turning the building into a science and technology museum. County Judge Loyd Neal said the county has instead been committed to spending money on the fairgrounds complex in Robstown and will have to consider other capital projects, like repairs to the jail and the occupied courthouse, as it goes into the next budget cycle. In 2005, commissioners declined to put up $1.76 million to match state grant funds to continue renovation. The old courthouse cannot be demolished until 2025 because of a restriction placed on the building when the county accepted grants for restoration from the Texas Historical Commission. The commission also prohibits any exterior changes, and would likely be involved in any reuse plans. Henderson school district may change building plansIn November, voters in the Henderson Independent School District approved a $22 million bond for a new kindergarten-through-second-grade campus. This week, district officials discovered that modifications to the original building plans might save enough money to allow construction of two campuses - a 102,000-square-foot first-through-third-grade campus and a 67,000-square-foot pre-kindergarten and kindergarten campus. The original campus costs had been estimated at $17.9 million. However, reducing the square footage of non-classroom space, such as the gym and cafeteria, could save up to $4 million on the project. This led to discussion of expanding the project to two campuses, which would cost approximately $25 million. In addition to the $22 million bond, the district has $2 million that was set aside for construction contingencies. School board President Michael Bell said a decision on the project will be made after the district receives construction bids from contractors, who have yet to be interviewed. ETCOG executive director finalist selectedDavid A. Cleveland, a Kansas state planning and business director, will be offered the job of leading the East Texas Council of Governments, after Glynn Knight retires next month. As soon as June, Cleveland is likely to succeed Knight, who has been in the executive director position 26 years. Cleveland has served as a research analyst, workforce training specialist and business finance manager for the Kansas Department of Commerce, and later became president of Logos Enterprises, providing marketing training for a legal services group in Nebraska. Last year, he was named director of strategic planning and policy analysis for the Kansas Department of Commerce. ETCOG serves the growing 14-county East Texas planning region, an area of 10,021 square miles with a population of more than 700,000. UTSA's new mobile lab to educate Texans about health
The University of Texas at San Antonio's College of Education and Human Development recently unveiled a new Mobile Health Lab, which will travel to inner city and remote areas of South Texas to educate Texans about health and nutrition, chiefly obesity and diabetes. The Mobile Health Lab is being organized by UTSA Department of Kinesiology chairman Zenong Yin and it is the only one of its kind in Texas, according to UTSA officials. The new lab includes a reception area, an enclosed area for physical exams, an area for blood collection, a fitness testing station, a kitchen area for healthy cooking sessions, computers for both instruction and survey research and an area for body composition analysis. Lake Jackson to expand court, make city improvementsThe City of Lake Jackson is issuing $7.3 million in bonds to expand the municipal court, rebuild streets and upgrade its water system. The city will receive the funds in approximately 30 days, said Assistant City Manager Modesto Mundo. Approximately $2.8 million will go toward repairing and improving the streets, water and sewer lines and sidewalks that are deteriorating, according to city officials. The project, expected to begin in early fall, could take more than two years. The remainder of the bond money will go to convert the old fire station at City Hall to the municipal court; the current court will be renovated as well. The second floor of the old fire station will be made into an emergency command center to house the police and fire dispatch. The project is expected to take 12 to 18 months. Repairs to lift stations and a utility line relocation, set to begin within the next two months, will be funded with the city's $2 million waterworks and sewer system revenue bonds. |
Fingerprinting is no longer the wave of the future
By Mary Scott Nabers, CEO of Strategic Partnerships, Inc. Access management is finding a growing governmental marketplace. While we marvel at the benefits of the wonderful worldwide Web, we struggle daily with numerous challenges that accompany the benefits of instant and universal information access. Identity theft, computer viruses, innovative scams of every imaginable type and background checks have become a part of our daily lives. Access management solutions, including biometrics and other types of security technology, have entered the picture and appear poised to help governmental institutions deal with Internet crimes, information access and other security and public safety issues. Just as there are various types of access management solutions, there are likewise various types of biometrics including iris scans, facial recognition and palm prints, but fingerprinting is the most common. In years past, biometric technology was a part of science fiction movies and spy thrillers. But, there is nothing fictional about the biometric systems that exist today. In fact, implementation of such technology is on the increase among states and municipalities. One biometric solution, fingerprinting, is commonly used to protect both public agencies and private sector firms from potential frauds. Fingerprint biometric systems work like this. Fingerprints are collected through optical scanners. Then, the data is processed by software so that a match can be checked against databases. Governmental and law enforcement agencies build and make available numerous databases. Current systems have the capacity to read a fingerprint's ridge patterns regardless of imperfections like dirt or cuts. Querying a database to see if there is a match takes only minutes and is very accurate. Automated systems that match a previously scanned image to a person's fingerprint are highly accurate and don't require massive computer power to function effectively. Systems that match an unknown fingerprint against a database of fingerprints, like you see on "CSI," are much more sophisticated and often involve a human analyst to determine if a match really exists. The Port of Houston Authority's port commission last week approved approximately $5 million for security upgrades. Some of their funding is allocated for fingerprint ID cards. To comply with the Maritime Transportation Security Act, the Houston Port will enroll in the Transportation Worker Identification Credential program. Identification credentials are now required for personnel requiring access to secure areas of MTSA-regulated facilities and all mariners holding Coast Guard-issued documents. Workers will be given a tamper-resistant "Smart Card" that contains individual fingerprints to verify a link between the card and the individual. The overall market for technology such as this is expected to grow immensely over the next several years. Demand is at an all time high. Not only is access management a deterrent to identity theft, it is a critical component for companies concerned about data security. The use of biometrics is also being driven by laws that mandate background and criminal checks related to employment. Schools, healthcare facilities, public safety and other public institutions are often required to do background checks. Biometric technology enables agencies to retrieve a high volume of background data quickly and accurately. The Florida Department of Financial Services last month decided to use biometrics to perform background checks on the state's insurance agents. In Texas, the Health and Human Services Commission for years has fingerprinted applicants for the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program and food stamps. The use of fingerprinting in public schools will greatly expand if The School Safety Act, (Senate Bill 9) which was passed in the Texas Senate this week, becomes law. The bill requires national criminal background checks of almost all school employees. There appears to be a very large market sector for this type of technology in the immediate future. Save June dates! SPI to host two vendor seminars Wright joins SPI Research Team
As a new research consultant, LaDair Wright brings a wealth of public sector experience to Strategic Partnerships, Inc. Previously, Wright had a long career with the Texas Health and Human Services Commission and the Texas Department of Human Services. In his more than 16 years with those agencies, he worked as Business Reengineering Manager, developing recommendations for business reengineering initiatives for the HHSC; executive assistant to the Deputy Commissioner, administering support services for a state agency with 16,000 employees; Director for Human Resources Staff Services; and Human Resources Field Services Manager. In recent years, he has assisted several public sector companies with implementing programs for state agencies. Prior to his stint with HHSC and TDHS, Wright worked as Human Resources Director for the Austin State Hospital, a facility of the then-Texas Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation, and as Deputy Human Resources Director for the City of Austin. A graduate of Southwest Texas State University, Wright also earned a master's degree in business administration from St. Edwards University. Concordia relocation moving forwardConcordia University last week purchased a 385-acre site in Northwest Austin, and sold its current 22-acre downtown campus on the same day. The $90 million relocation deal includes approximately 200,000 square feet of renovations at the new campus, in addition to 200,000 square feet of planned new construction in the first phase. Concordia officials hope to increase student enrollment from 1,300 to 2,000 during the next several years. The college's current home will become a mixed-use residential and commercial development. Rec center to be built in north Fort WorthConstruction of a $5 million recreation center in far north Fort Worth is expected to begin late this year. The city and the YMCA of Metropolitan Fort Worth are expected to agree on a contract in the next few weeks. The center, projected to open in late 2008, will likely include swimming pools, a child care program and exercise, workout and meeting rooms. The city and YMCA plan to split the project's cost. Architect to assess future of museumThe Houston Museum of Natural Science satellite in Sugar Land is set to become a city capital improvement project. Sugar Land City Council recently authorized spending $100,000 to hire an architectural firm to start the process, receiving approval from the three partners on the project: Telfair, Houston Museum of Natural Science and city staff. Architects will be looking to modernize the building with public restrooms, addressing requirements of the disabilities act and safety issues. Gift shops and classrooms are also being considered. Gray County to modernize recordsGray County is planning to copy old deed records and field notes onto compact discs and microfilm. The project will involve 31,950 photostatic images and 6,942 non-photostatic records. New Caney ISD approves construction projectsThe New Caney Independent School District board has approved the construction of a school district police department facility, a transportation center and a child nutrition building. The costs for the project will total approximately $1.8 million. The transportation center, which includes two acres of paving and lighting, will cost $793,244. The child nutrition facility's price tag is $508, 672 and the police facility will cost $487,267. Burnet County seeks state land for jailBurnet County is hoping to solve the problem of its overcrowded jail by replacing the existing 98-bed facility with a new 500-bed county jail. County officials have testified before the state Senate in support of a bill that would give the county about 70 acres of state land for the new jail. The county currently has 22 inmates housed at other facilities due to overcrowding problems at the current facility. If everything goes as the officials hope, a new jail could be operational in 2009. Southside Place considers options for city facilitiesThe City of Southside Place is weighing options for the future of its City Hall complex, and town center, including the police and fire stations. The city is in Harris County. City Manager David Moss said infrastructure issues regarding water and sewer lines could cost the city $3 million. Building a new city hall would cost $2 million. The council could either decide to borrow the money or propose a bond to voters. Life-safety issues are a concern if the city continues to use the current buildings for any length of time. Concerns include a 30-year-old generator that needs replacing, non-working smoke alarms, lack of an exhaust system in the fire station, the need for a place for police to store ammunition, and the need to secure the dispatch center from criminals in the jail. Contract approved for new Waxahachie fire house
The Waxahachie City Council this week agreed on a contract with local architect to design a $2 million fire station to be located off of U.S. Highway 287. Mayor Joe Jenkins's only criticism of the planned Station No. 2 is that there is no "great pole to slide down anymore." The new facility will be one story. Appointments by the GovernorGovernor Rick Perry this week announced the following appointments:
Terrell city manager to retireTerrell City Manager Gordon Pierce announced this week that he will retire, effective June 30. Assistant City Manager Torry Edwards will act as city manager after Pierce leaves and until a permanent replacement is chosen. Pierce has served as city manager of Terrell for 10 years. Construction of new Plano ISD school to start in JuneConstruction of a $14 million elementary in Plano Independent School District is expected to start in June and be complete for fall 2008. Rather than undergoing an exhaustive renovation of Meadows Elementary - built in the 1960s as the second Plano elementary school - the district will use land at the current campus to build a new facility. Total renovation cost estimates were $10-$12 million. Planning for the project is under way. Meadows, a kindergarten through fifth grade campus, also houses the district's federally-funded Head Start program. Hempstead ISD hires interim superintendent
Hempstead ISD has hired Betty Vines as interim superintendent of the district, which is in Waller County. She has been an elementary teacher and administrator with the district since 1969, and currently serves as assistant superintendent. Vines is replacing Superintendent Anneta Buenger (pictured) who resigned in March after 22 months on the job. A graduate of Southwest Texas State, Vines has a master's degree in education administration from Prairie View A&M University. Grants at a Glance Job OpportunitiesStrategic Partnerships, Inc. (SPI) is actively involved in training corporate sales executives throughout the country who seek to better understand all levels of the public sector marketplace. SPI is now hiring subject matter experts and individuals with governmental backgrounds who are interested in assisting in the training. To apply, please e-mail a resume and cover letter explaining your background and qualifications to jobs@spartnerships.com and type "TRAINING" in the subject line. SPI is seeking researchers and research assistants for short-term engagements. The researcher should have experience in IT concepts and solutions and the assistant should be comfortable making calls. Time commitments and tasks will vary. Please send résumé and/or cover letter to jobs@spartnerships.com. For more details on each position, please view the job descriptions at job descriptions. Recent Reports
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Texas Government Insider ArchivesVolume 1 - 5 Archives · 11/7/03 - 3/30/07 Resources
Strategic Partnerships, Inc. (SPI) is a research and consulting firm offering business development and public affairs services. |
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Workshop teaches Texans how to reduce energy costsTexas A&M University's upcoming workshops titled "Cutting Energy Bills in Texas: Developing an Energy Risk Management Strategy" is open to private companies, government and nonprofit organizations. The workshops will be held Wednesday, April 11, at the JJ Pickle Research Campus of the University of Texas at Austin, and Wednesday, April 25, at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston. Related workshop information can be found at http://cuttingenergybills. AGA to hold monthly luncheonThe Association of Government Accountants (AGA), Austin chapter, will hold its monthly luncheon Thursday, April 12, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:50 p.m. at Dan McKlusky's Restaurant, on the second floor, 301 E. 6th Street in Austin. Todd Shaw, Office of the Inspector General, will present a program entitled "Surviving the Maze." The meeting will begin promptly at 11:50 a.m. For more information, click here. TDI offers online demonstrations on work guidelinesThe Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers' Compensation, will offer online vendor demonstrations on the use of vendor treatment and return-to-work guidelines for disability management in the Texas workers' compensation system on Tuesday, April 10, and Tuesday, April 24. Two online demonstrations, lasting about two hours each, will be offered on each date at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. The demonstrations are free for all workers' compensation system participants. Registration is required prior to the demonstration date; click here. For more information, contact Janice Pousson, at 512-804-4845 or by e-mail at janice.pousson@ tdi.state.tx.us. UT Austin presents 14th annual HUB Vendor FairThe University of Texas at Austin's Historically Underutilized Business and Small and Disadvantaged Business Office (HUB/SADBO) is hosting its 14th Annual Vendor Fair Wednesday, May 2, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Frank Erwin Center in Austin. The Vendor Fair is an opportunity for Historically Underutilized and Small Businesses to display their products and distribute information about their companies to University procurement personnel and representatives from other state agencies and corporations. Attendance is free. For more information, contact Annette Smith at 512- 471-2850 or click here. |
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