Texas Government Insider
Volume 9, Issue 21 - Friday, May 27, 2011

TxDOT Pass-through program:

 

More than $173 million approved for 17 projects for entities throughout Texas

Pass Through ProjectsApproximately $173 million in transportation projects were approved Thursday by the Texas Transportation Commission. All of the projects are part of the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) pass-through program.


Pass-through financing allows local or private entities to pay for projects and then be reimbursed for transportation construction costs over a period of time by the state, once the project becomes operational.


"This program plays an important role in transportation infrastructure development," said Amadeo Saenz, TxDOT executive director. "It provides a finance alternative for projects that local communities have decided they are ready to see developed."


Seventeen projects were approved by the commission, pending final negotiations. By participating in the pass-through program, governmental entities can prioritize and accelerate projects that are important to the region.

 

[more]

 

Trail Grant projects throughout state to share $3.3 million

 

Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission awards money for local, state parks projects 

Park ImprovementsTwenty-one National Recreational Trail Grant projects throughout the state will share in the more than $3.3 million awarded this week by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission. In addition to the Trail Grant projects, another $485,000 in re-allocated trail funds were awarded to underwrite trail improvements in seven state parks and three local communities.


There were some 60 projects submitted for new trail funding. Their requests totaled more than $9 million. The proposals were reviewed by the Texas Statewide Trails Advisory Board. Funding winners were selected based on the quality of the project, cost effectiveness, impact on recreational trail opportunities and geographic distribution of funds.


The grants ranged from $552,440 to the Texas Motorized Trail Coalition in Crockett County for erosion control and utilities improvements, addition of storage buildings, restrooms and signs to $14,623 to the Austin Parks Foundation to build a .15-mile crushed granite Montopolis Tributary Trail, install benches, picnic tables and signs. Other projects in other counties include comfort station additions, construction of storage buildings, improved mountain bike trails, bridges, parking lots, fencing, benches, dump stations and more. To view a complete list of the funding, click here and look under "Recent Reports."

 

[more]

 

Strategic Partnerships salutes Texas' Lone Stars

 

Wayne Cooper, Place One member, Pflugerville City CouncilWayne Cooper 

 

Career highlights and education: City Council Person in Pflugerville, Texas, 2007-2010, 2010-2013 (current term); Pflugerville Planning and Zoning Commission, 2004-2007; Capitol Area Planning Commission, 1997-2000, Little Rock Arkansas; Vice President/Regional Director of Landscape Architecture and Planning - Halff Associates; Bachelor of Landscape Architecture, Texas Tech University; Registered Landscape Architect in Texas, Arkansas and New Mexico; Certified Planner (AICP); Licensed Irrigator, Texas.

What I like best about my job as a City Council member is: My job as a Pflugerville City Council person is really a volunteer job. The Council receives no compensation for our services, so we have to really want to be there and work because we want to, and that sets us apart from some other cities. Being a City Council person affords me the opportunity to do something for my community and to help make Pflugerville a better place in which to live. I take the city's business and well-being very seriously, and will do my best to ensure that every decision made by Council is in the best interest of our citizens.

The best advice I've received for my current job as a Council member is: There are actually several best pieces of advice I have received, but the most relevant would include "Everybody has an opinion, and my job is to respond to facts and not emotion when making decisions that affect the city," and "Everybody deserves a right to be heard, and to state their position on a subject." What this boils down to for me is that as an elected official for the citizens of Pflugerville, I have to make sure that I make the right decisions, and that I help educate the citizens about why I made those decisions.

Advice you would give a new hire for he city: Two things: Always do your best work, because somebody is always watching you and taking notes to report the good things you do as well as the bad; and always follow your moral compass when you make decisions.

If I ever snuck out of work early, I could probably be found: In my garden or building "something."
 
People would be surprised to know that I: am a really good cook. My family is from Louisiana (my Mom's family is French), and cooking is a way to share the culture from my childhood and to bring a little happiness to my friends. Everybody I feed is my friend.

One thing I wish more people knew about my city: Pflugerville is a culturally diverse community. We speak over 48 different languages in the schools in Pflugerville, and this diversity is a hidden strength that we have not tapped into nearly enough.
  

 

Peterson leaving Supreme Court for job in private practice

Kennon PetersonLawyer Kennon L. Peterson (pictured), who has been honored by the State Bar of Texas, recently stepped down from her position as the Texas Supreme Court's rules attorney to join an Austin law firm.


Peterson, who began as rules attorney in July 2008, held the position for three years. In the position, she drafted and worked on approving Texas Rules of Civil Procedure and Texas Rules of Appellate Procedure. She earned praise from the State Bar for helping revise the Texas disciplinary rules.
 

Peterson is a University of Texas law graduate and also earned a bachelor's degree from The University of Texas.

 

SHSU names new provost, vice president for Academic Affairs  

Jaimie HebertSam Houston State University officials have named Jaimie L. Hebert (pictured), dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs, effective Aug. 1.
 

Hebert, who has served at SHSU since 1995 and became dean in 2005, will replace David Payne, who is retiring July 31. As dean, Hebert helped establish the Department of Nursing, Office of Medical and Allied Health Professions and a master's degree in music therapy, among other programs.
 

Hebert received his bachelor's degree, master's degree and Ph.D. at the University of Louisiana-Lafayette.

 

Results-oriented Procurements

Crain to serve as TAMU's vice president for finance

B.J. CrainB.J. Crain (pictured), who has served as chief business officer for the Texas A&M University System since 2010, will also now hold the title of vice president for finance at Texas A&M University. She replaces Terry Pankratz, who served in that role until March of last year when he resigned to become vice chancellor for finance for the University of North Texas System.

 

Crain has held a variety of positions in the TAMU System since 1989, including Associate Vice Chancellor for Budgets and Accounting, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Budgets and Accounting, Director of Budgets and Assistant Director of Budgets. She also was Contracts and Budgets Manager for the Texas Agricultural Extension Service and was an accountant in the private sector.

 

Crain holds a bachelor's degree from Texas A&M University and graduated from the Governor's Executive Development Program at The University of Texas at Austin's LBJ School of Public Affairs. 

 

TREC and TALCB planning move to the Capitol complex

The Texas Real Estate Commission and the Texas Appraiser Licensing and Certification Board will move to Austin's Capitol complex in mid-July.


During the three-day move, from July 15 to 17, the state agencies will be closed and unavailable in person, by phone and online. The agency will reopen Monday, July 18 on the fourth floor of 1700 North Congress Ave.
 
All license holders whose licenses are due for renewal before July 31 are encouraged to complete the renewal process by July 14. Renewals can be completed on either the TREC or TALCB Web site by clicking on the "My License Online Services" button at the top of the home page.

 

Texas A&M System to seek $1.2 billion federal biosecurity center

Brett GiroirTexas A&M System officials recently formed a team to compete for a $1.2 billion biosecurity center to create vaccines to fight infectious diseases and other emerging biological threats. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will decide where the facility will be located.


Current plans call for the biosecurity center to contain the manufacturing infrastructure to create at least 50 million doses of a pandemic flu vaccine within four months. It would also help train a workforce to keep the vaccine manufacturing business in the United States, said Brett Giroir (pictured), vice chancellor for strategic initiatives for the A&M System. No final estimates are available on the financial impact of the proposed biosecurity center, but one competitor estimated the facility would create 1,000 jobs directly and an additional 6,000 jobs indirectly.


The centers, which could number from two to three, also would provide services to companies working with the government to create a one-stop facility to manufacture a finished product. A&M System officials are creating a team of more than 20 partners, including vaccine developers, manufacturers and biotechnology equipment companies, Giroir said. The A&M System, the team being created and the federal government plan to share the cost of building the manufacturing facility, he added. The partners and federal government plan to co-own the building while under construction, but ownership would then be turned over to the partners once completed. The proposal for the federal biosecurity center is due in late June and HHS could make a decision by the end of this year, Giroir said.

 

Texas Southmost College opens search for new president

Texas Southmost College recently posted qualifications needed by a candidate for the new president of that college. Texas Southmost College officials withdrew in March from a 20-year partnership with The University of Texas at Brownsville and, for the first time, revealed personnel and financial information previously not released.


The job posting for president revealed that the college will have 92 full-time faculty members, 439 part-time staff and 11 professional and support staff, with an operating budget of $86 million in 2011.


Trustees set a July 1 deadline for applications for president to be submitted and a preferred start date of September 12. The qualifications for president include a proven record of successful experience in fiscal management and resource development and a record of effectively dealing with and implementing change, while protecting the history and traditions of the college. 

 

'The Quad' to get makeover at Texas A&M campus

The QuadA $13.7 million renovation of the Corps of Cadets dorm area at Texas A&M University was approved Thursday by the TAMU System Board of Regents. The project will include rebuilding Harrell Hall into 110 two-bed dorms. The nearby Learning Study Lounge D will be demolished and a new four-story Leadership Learning Center (see accompanying artist's rendering) built in its place. Financing for the project will come from a loan that will be paid back through housing fees.


The renovations are the first in what is expected to be a five-year series of upgrades to the buildings that make up "The Quad," the oldest dorms on campus. The learning center will be patterned after the Bright Football Complex, which opened in 2003 and features 125,000 square feet of locker rooms and training facilities. The learning center will house academic advisers' offices, multi-purpose computer labs, meeting and training rooms and a cadet lounge, with wireless Internet throughout.
 

Harrell Hall will be gutted and new HVAC installed as well as a rewiring of the electrical system. Rooms will get new doors, walls, ceilings and windows.

 

Murphy stepping down as president of Lee College

Michael MurphyDr. Michael Murphy (pictured) recently announced he is not asking for an extension of his contract as president of Lee College in Baytown. Murphy became president in January 2009 and his contract expires on January 4, 2012.
 

Murphy previously served as interim president at three community colleges while consulting with an association based in Texas. He also was president and chief executive officer of the College of DuPage in Illinois, president of St. Louis Community College, and held administrative positions at Harford Community College and at the Towson University's Colleges of Continuing Studies in Baltimore. He holds a bachelor's degree from Towson University, a master's degrees from Loyola College and Indiana University and a Ph.D. from Indiana University.

 

Jones County officials wait to hear about detention facility funding

Officials in Jones County are hoping that the state OKs funding for a $35 million detention facility, which has sat empty in the county since it was completed in May 2010.


Recently, the legislature decided to close a prison in Sugar Land that holds more than 800 inmates. Jones County officials hope those prisoners will be transferred to the 1,112-bed Jones County Detention Center, which will be operated by Community Education Centers. The private contract activates only when inmates are placed in the facility.


Although there are currently no plans to place inmates in the facility, state officials could OK populating the facility next month.

 

May 2011 Tx Bond Election

San Angelo State picks Swets as interim dean of proposed college

Paul SwetsSan Angelo State University officials recently selected Paul K. Swets (pictured) as the interim dean of the proposed College of Arts and Sciences. Swets has headed the Mathematics Department at the college since 2004.
 

Regents of the Texas Tech University System recently approved consolidation of the College of Liberal and Fine Arts and the College of Sciences at San Angelo State to save funding and streamline operations. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board now must approve the new merged college before the new College of Arts and Sciences becomes a reality.


Swets previously taught at Indiana University, Austin Community College and The University of Texas at Austin. He has a bachelor's degree and a Ph.D. from The University of Texas at Austin.

 

Corpus Christi approves $600,000 for $31 million airport upgrade

Corpus Christi City Council members recently approved $600,000 as part of the city's contribution to a $31 million reconfiguration of the Corpus Christi International Airport. The goal is to meet federal safety standards and to better compete for additional cargo business.  Council also awarded a $2 million construction contract with a Longview-based engineering firm.


The local funding will pay for the contract work needed until the Federal Aviation Administration provides grant funds that should pay for 95 percent of the project cost. City officials will pay the remaining $1.6 million needed to pay for about 600 feet of the 1,600-foot runway extension from the aviation capital improvement fund.


Plans call for extending the main runway to 9,200 feet to allow larger cargo planes to land at the airport with a goal of increasing revenue from landing fees. Construction on the runway extension should begin during the summer or fall of 2012 and be finished in 2014, city officials said.

 

SPI Training Services

Sam Houston State gains approval for six-year CIP program

Regents recently approved Sam Houston State University's six-year capital improvements program that includes several new projects and plans.


Proposed projects include building a new athletic office complex, a soccer/track/tennis complex and demolishing the buildings on Sorority Hill.


Projects are typically funded by a variety of bonds, gifts and grants.

 

Texas Tech select Dickerson as new law school dean

Darby DickersonTexas Tech University officials recently selected Darby Dickerson (pictured) as the next dean of the School of Law on July 29.


Dickerson currently serves as dean at Stetson University in Florida and previously clerked for a federal judge and practiced law in Dallas. She joined Stetson in 1995 as an assistant professor and moved up the ranks to assume the dean's position in 2004.


Dickerson has a bachelor's and a master's degree from The College of William and Mary and a doctor of jurisprudence degree from Vanderbilt University School of Law.

 

Travis County pushes back discussion on courthouse project

Travis County officials recently delayed a public discussion on the possibility of entering into a public/-private partnership to build a new $300 million civil courthouse in Austin. The discussion moved to an executive session and no action was taken in open session.


Representatives from about 20 development firms, including companies based in Sweden and Canada, met informally with county officials to discuss working on the courthouse project. This was shortly before commissioners voted to solicit ideas for a public-private partnership from developers interested in the courthouse project, the county judge said. The deadline for submitting proposals for the courthouse project is June 30. Among the firms showing interest in the project are a private consortium with offices in Paris, New York and Toronto currently designing, paying for, building and operating a courthouse in California. Others are a Sweden-based firm with extensive experience in partnerships with public entities and an Austin-based company that led in efforts to create a master plan calling for a 17-story, 500,000-square-foot civil courthouse.


A public-private partnership offers benefits because it allows projects to be developed using private money up front to complete the job more efficiently, the county judge said. Commissioners had scheduled a discussion on how to proceed, whether to seek outside help to help review the proposals from developers and if the county should seek a public-private partnership.

 

Texas State regents approve Center for Research Commercialization

Texas StateTexas State University System regents recently OK'd building plans for a $7 million facility, which will serve as a technology accelerator for start-up companies.
 

The Center for Research Commercialization, located on a 40-acre site in San Marcos, will be funded by Higher Education Assistance Funds, an Economic Development Administration grant and the City of San Marcos.
 

The facility, which will focus on green and bio-technology companies, will provide tenants access to wet labs, clean rooms and office space. 

 

Hager retires as dean of HSU's School of Music

Hardin-Simmons University Dean Lawson Hager plans to retire after serving 38 years at the School of Music.

 

Hager, who earned a bachelor's degree from HSU and a master's from North Texas State University, began teaching at HSU in the early 1970s. He began as director of the Concert Band and The "World Famous" Cowboy Band.
 

During his tenure, he also taught brass and music theory, then moved on to administrative roles and became dean of the School of Music in 2002.

 

Need Federal Contracting?

Williams to direct UTSA's SBDC Contracting Resource Center

Terri WilliamsOfficials at The University of Texas at San Antonio recently named Terri Williams (pictured) director of the Contracting Resource Center at UTSA's Small Business Development Center.
 
In her new role, Williams will work to increase opportunities for small businesses. The Contracting Resource Center, hosted by the Institute for Economic Development, manages programs for veterans, women, emergency preparedness and sustainable business.
 
Previously, Williams has worked for Brooks Development Authority, Port San Antonio and the City of San Antonio.

 

Arlington looking at two transportation master plans

Arlington City Council members recently began a review of two transportation plans with a goal of improving mobility for motorists, pedestrians and cyclists.


The proposed Thoroughfare Development Plan determines roads to be built, extended or expanded during the next 30 to 40 years. The proposed Hike and Bike Master Plan calls the city to add bike paths, bike lanes and new sidewalks to aid pedestrians and cyclists in getting to and from parks, schools and shopping destinations from their neighborhoods. Expanded hike-and-bike trails not only provide opportunities for physical fitness, but also offer alternate transportation modes to residents, city officials said.


The Thoroughfare Development plan, which provides the general alignment and types of road needed to meet future needs, has not been significantly updated since the 1990s. City officials plan to hold a public hearing to gather comment on the two proposed transportation master plans in June.

 

Valenza chosen as new dean of UTHealth Dental Branch

John ValenzaOfficials at The University of Texas Health Science at Houston (UTHealth) Dental Branch recently named John A. Valenza (pictured) the school's dean, effective June 1.
 
Valenza, who currently serves as the school's executive associate dean and associate professor, has served as interim dean since 2009. In his new role, Valenza will oversee the school's patient care, educational and research programs, as well as overseeing the building of the new Dental Branch Replacement Building, which is scheduled to open in 2012.
 
Valenza is a graduate of the UTHealth Dental Branch - the first alumnus to serve as dean in the school's 106-year history. He joined the faculty in 1987, after completing a general practice residency at The University of Tennessee Memorial Hospital.

 

Midland municipal judge prefers new downtown building

After reviewing three options, Judge Robin Smith recently urged Midland City Council members to build a new municipal court building in the core of downtown. His least favorable option is to move municipal court functions into the old Midland County Courthouse, Smith told city council.


A new municipal courthouse in the downtown area would be the best option because it would allow for growth for the next 30 to 50 years, Smith said. A new municipal court building will cost about $7.9 million, $2 million of which is already set aside for the project, Smith added. His second preference is to expand the current municipal court facility. Remodeling the old county courthouse or another older building located next to city hall is at the bottom of his list of preferences, Smith said.


Although the Midland county judge said that remodeling the old courthouse to house municipal court activities is gaining support, the mayor of Midland noted that city officials will make the decision on the municipal court facility. A new building for the municipal court is the likeliest option, the mayor said. A wish to locate municipal court activities closer to downtown will play a major role in that decision as is the possible high cost of remodeling the old courthouse because of the need to provide accessibility for the disabled and to remove possible mold and asbestos, the mayor said. Renovating the current municipal court building also is unlikely because of space requirements, he said.

 

Dallas ISD trustees mull replacement plans for new superintendent

Carla RangerFollowing a recommendation by board member Carla Ranger (pictured), Dallas Independent School District trustees recently began discussing how to replace Superintendent Michael Hinojosa, who is the lone finalist to head the Cobb County School District in Georgia.


Ranger proposed that the district save money by creating an administrative council of top district administrators instead of hiring an interim superintendent to manage the school district while searching for a new superintendent.  Trustees, who agreed they want a new superintendent with knowledge of school finance in Texas and of the city and its schools, showed little support for Ranger's proposal. But they did agree to vote next week on the suggestion.
 

Hinojosa said he plans to stay on the job in Dallas through June. Trustees did not respond to Ranger's request to place Hinojosa on administrative leave because she was concerned about decisions he may make concerning the district's 2011-2012 budget, which is expected to contain deep cuts in state funding. Board members discussed finding an interim superintendent who could hold that position from six months to one year, but took no action on appointing an interim superintendent.

 

Austin-Bergstrom airport offers complimentary Wi-Fi to travelers

Leisure travelers at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport can now access 30 minutes of free Wi-Fi service, thanks to a new City of Austin initiative. The city will continue to provide business travelers with reliable access.
 
The Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal and, after 30 minutes, users can continue to use free Internet at kiosks located at five designated gates and in baggage claim.
 
Travelers can also purchase extra time from the airport's service provider or one of the provider's roaming partners. For example, one extra hour of service costs $4.95, a day pass costs $7.95 or a month of unlimited access is $9.95.  

 

Subscribe

Delay in rebuilding Galveston public housing raises concerns

A Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) official recently raised concerns over the delay by the Galveston Housing Authority to rebuild 569 units of public housing to replace four public housing developments destroyed by Hurricane Ike.


The legal counsel for TDHCA said he is waiting for the release of plans to rebuild public housing to be sure the plans meet fair housing requirements, which will permit the city to continue to be eligible for the second round of Community Development Block Grants. To remain eligible for the housing grants, Galveston officials cannot replace all public housing north of Broadway and must "further fair housing," the legal counsel said.
While admitting to missing the April deadline for submitting plans for public housing to TDHCA, a housing authority official said the agency will meet all necessary federal and state requirements. He also noted that construction on the 40-unit Oaks IV should be completed in June. Housing authority officials also began a search in March for a master developer to manage rebuilding between 282 to 479 public housing units at the sites of two former public housing developments and other new sites in the city. Construction on the mixed income homes could kick off as early as next year.


Housing authority officials do not have an estimate on the total cost for rebuilding the new public housing units, but have requested a two-year extension to spend the $25 million from the first round of community development block grants. That funding must be used only for construction costs. TDHCA board members are expected to decide on the request for an extension by the Galveston Housing Authority at their meeting in June.

 

Gonzales selects Voigt as municipal judge

Deidre VoigtGonzales City Council members recently selected Deidra D. Voigt (pictured) as the city's municipal judge. She will replace Gary J. Schroeder, who resigned from that post in early May.
 

Voigt currently serves as justice of the peace and is a former member of the city council in Gonzales.

 

Voigt said she plans to continue with her duties as justice of the peace along with her duties as municipal judge.

 

Online program gives active military, veterans nursing credit

Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi will soon launch a new online program that allows Texas active military or veterans to earn college credit toward a nursing degree.


The eLine Military program (ELM), offered through the College of Nursing and Health Sciences, will hold registration June 1 to Aug. 1.


"The ELM program will increase access to quality health care in Texas by developing a qualified, culturally competent health workforce and strengthening and expanding the nursing workforce," said Dr. Mary Jane Hamilton (pictured), dean of the College of Nursing and Health Sciences. For more information, click here.

 

Part of Bush airport will finally get major upgrade

A $1 billion expansion and renovation project at Terminal B of Houston's Bush Intercontinental Airport is expected to begin by year's end.


The public-private project between United Continental Holdings and the Houston Airport System will be completed in three phases that are projected to take seven to 10 years.
 

The first phase will consist of a new Terminal B south concourse, which will upgrade and add more gates, restrooms, lounge space and concessions.

 

Allen, Plano to wait before acting on Arts of Collin County project

Bob BaggettFollowing a revocation by Frisco voters of $16.4 million in bond funds committed to the Arts of Collin County project, city leaders in Allen and Plano recently said they plan to wait until the Frisco city council takes official action at their meeting on June 7 to make further statements on the future of the proposed mixed-use project to highlight the arts. The statement followed a private meeting with city leaders from all five participating cities and officials of the Arts in Collin County Commission to discuss the next steps necessary to move forward with the proposed arts facility.
 

Bob Baggett (pictured), president of the Arts of Collin County Commission, said officials of the participating cities plan to give the commission direction on developing a comprehensive plan as part of the next step of the project.

 

Tarrant County may spend $10.4 million on road projects

Pointing to 10 roadway projects that came in at a total of $1.4 million under budget and another $9 million they expect to save on other ongoing construction projects, Tarrant County officials recently proposed spending those savings from these projects to build and improve roads.


County Administrator G. K. Maenius told commissioners that a total of 71 transportation projects will be funded by $200 million from a bond issue approved in 2006. That bond issue included building a new jail, medical examiner's office and civil courts building. More competition and lower construction bids have resulted in about $10.4 million in savings the county administrator proposed to spend on road projects. About 50 percent of the cost of the proposed transportation projects could come from federal and state grants, Maenius said. The county judge noted that voters approved $200 million for transportation projects and county officials plan to fulfill that goal.

 

Gonzales sheriff to spend $87,264 for 15 new laptop computers

Glen SachtlebenGonzales County commissioners recently authorized Sheriff Glen Sachtleben (pictured) to buy 15 new laptop computers at a cost of $87,264. The new computers will replace the county's traffic stop recording system, he said. An $80,000 federal grant from the Community Oriented Policing program will reimburse the county for most of the cost of the new computers.


Plans call for providing 11 laptop computers that can be removed and returned to the station to fit into vehicles driven by deputies, Sachtleben said. Two chief investigators, the chief deputy and the sheriff will use the remaining four new laptop computers.

 

Did you miss S&L Pipeline?

Wilbarger County wins $750,000 federal grant for agriculture

Wilbarger County recently won a $750,000 federal grant to help pay for construction and road improvements to a company that manufactures wind turbines for generating electricity. The Federal Community Block Grant program provided the grant through the Texas Capital Fund.
 

The new wind turbine manufacturer and the road construction are expected to create 50 to 70 new jobs, county officials said. The Texas Capital Fund provides funding for four different programs, infrastructure development, real estate development, main street improvements and downtown revitalization. The Texas Capital Fund is housed under the Rural Economic Development division of the Texas Department of Agriculture and administered in cooperation with the Texas Department of Rural Affairs.

 

Court says only part of tax can be used for Irving center

Herbert GearsA Dallas appeals court recently ruled that Irving can use only part of the state tax rebates that city officials expected to use to back bonds to be sold to pay for a proposed $250 million Las Colinas entertainment center.
 

The proposed 600,000-square-foot entertainment center is located near the Irving Convention Center at Las Colinas. The facility is designed to include an outdoor pedestrian plaza and a concert hall with a 7,000 seats surrounded by restaurants and clubs.


The ruling by the 5th District Texas Court of Appeals reversed a previous ruling that would have permitted the city to use the state's portion of alcoholic beverage tax rebates to help finance the project. Those rebates could total as much as $70 million over 10 years, said Mayor Herbert Gears (pictured). The next step, Gears said, is for city council members to discuss whether to continue efforts to reach an agreement with the state on using state tax rebates to back the bonds for the entertainment center.

 

Fort Worth group urges study on changes at civic attractions

A committee appointed by the Fort Worth city manager recently urged city leaders to conduct a study on possible changes in operations at the Fort Worth Botanic Gardens, the Nature Center and Log Cabin Village to determine if the city would benefit by seeking additional revenue from outside sources to operate the facilities.


City leaders last year partnered with the Texas Workforce Commission to keep a branch library open that had been on the list to shut down because of budget problems and some have discussed forming public-private partnerships to increase funding to operate some of the city's recommendations.


City officials also have discussed closing a golf course which is not self-supporting and transforming it into a public park with walking trails, picnic areas, pavilions, playground, athletic fields and an off-leash dog park. The city manager will decide whether to include the recommendation for the study of park operations in 2012 or 2013 budget discussions.

 



Brazos Valley COG hosts municipal law, procedure workshop

A Texas Municipal Law and Procedure Workshop is planned for Friday, June 17, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Bryan. Sponsored by the Brazos Valley Council of Governments (BVCOG), the event will be held at the BVCOG offices Board Room at 3991 E. 29th Street. The workshop will cover budgets, code enforcement, ethics, open meetings/open records, personnel, elections, economic development, purchasing, zoning and more and is aimed at giving elected city officials a better understanding of state and federal laws affecting day-to-day operations of cities. The course will also be of interest to attorneys and non-attorneys as they seek to navigate administrative rules, statutes, court cases, attorney general opinions and government agency rulings. Anyone interested in learning more about city government - city officials, city managers/administrators, city secretaries, city department employees, cit attorneys and others should attend. Elected officials will earn 6.9 CEU's through the Texas Municipal League for completing this workshop. The workshop will be conducted by Alan J. Bojorquez, of Bojorquez Law Firm, PLLC, author of the Texas Law and Procedures Manual. For more information, contact David Partlow, at opartlow@austin.rr.com.

 

SAePS - doing business with City of San Antonio just got easier

The City of San Antonio is offering training seminars for vendors interested in registering in the San Antonio electronic Procurement System (SAePS). All vendors and suppliers interested in doing business with the City of San Antonio must register in SAePS. This system electronically notifies business of contracting opportunities and allows vendors to submit bids electronically. Training sessions will also take place at the Alamodome (100 Montana St., San Antonio, TX) on June 21 at 9 a.m. and June 15 at 6 p.m. To learn more about SAePS, please click here, call (210) 207-0118, or email vendors@sanantonio.gov.  

 

San Antonio Hispanic Chamber hosts small business symposium

The San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (SAHCC) will host its 2nd Annual Small Business Symposium  today, Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, 200 E. Market Street, San Antonio, in the ParkView area on the second floor. This day-long event will include learning sessions for small business owners from all industries to enhance their competiveness and long-term sustainability. A panel on the most recent census and demographic data is also planned. Registration includes breakfast and lunch and access to all speakers, sessions and the floor displays. Corporate sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information, click here. To register for the Small Business Symposium and to inquire about sponsorship and display opportunities, please click here or contact Regina Peņa at (210) 208-8219 or email: reginap@sahcc.org.

 

TxDOT San Antonio 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.

 

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
When disaster strikes, private sector plays key role
  

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

 

A catastrophe, like the massive tornado that ravaged Joplin, Missouri, makes all Texans realize that it could happen here. The state sits squarely in the tornado zone. 

 

During any natural disaster, local and state governments are almost always the first line of emergency response. However, because public sector workers don't deal with massive relief efforts on a regular basis, they usually reach out immediately to private sector partners for assistance.  

In just five days - on June 1 - the Atlantic hurricane season begins. Government contractors should make time in the next few weeks to reconnect with Emergency Response executives at all levels of government. 

  

In Texas, just the mention of Katrina, Rita and/or Ike brings back memories of three major hurricanes. Hurricane Katrina in August 2005 was the costliest natural disasters in the nation's history. The property damage alone totaled $81 billion. One month later, Hurricane Rita came ashore between Texas and Louisiana, causing $11.3 billion in damages. And in 2008, Hurricane Ike made landfall near Galveston and became the third costliest in American history with a price tag of $29.6 billion for damages.

 

The upcoming hurricane season lasts six months and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts 12-18 named storms.  The agency also predicts that 6-10 of the storms could become hurricanes, including three to six major Category 3, 4 or 5 hurricanes with winds of 111 miles per hour or higher.  

 

  
  
Follow Mary on Twitter
  
Lone Star Auctioneers

Georgetown officials seek feedback on $14.1M in projects

City of Georgetown officials want feedback on the 2012 Capital Improvement Plan, which has been posted on the city Web site. The plan includes $14.1 million in projects that include curb and drainage improvements, water line upgrades and electric system improvements.

 

The plan, which is part of the 2010-2012 budget, is scheduled for review and approval by city council next month. The city Web site is: cip.georgetown.org. Comments can be emailed to: cipcomments@georgetown.org.

 

Vaughn selected as Athens interim superintendent

Athens Independent School District trustees recently named Vance Vaughn interim superintendent of the district.

 

Vaughn also served as interim superintendent in 2006, before Fred Hayes was hired. Hayes is leaving the district June 8 to take over the Nacogdoches district.

 

Birdville ISD tags Brown

as new superintendent

Darrell BrownBirdville Independent School District board members recently selected Darrell Brown (pictured) as the new superintendent.  

 

Brown, who is superintendent at Forney ISD, will replace Jay C. Thomas, who will retire on June 30 as interim superintendent. The district's associate superintendent for finance also is leaving Birdville ISD to accept a position at Lewisville ISD.

 

HDI Solutions

Kilgore selects search firm to help find new city manager

Kilgore City Council members recently selected a search firm based in the Dallas-Fort Worth area to help find a new city manager to replace City Manager Jeffrey Howell, who resigned in April.

 

The agreement calls for the search firm to spend about 45 days to compile a list of candidates and then narrow that list by examining the families, the character of Kilgore and an analysis of leadership styles before narrowing the list for finalists to be interviewed by council members. Tony Williams, a former city manager in Marshall, is serving as interim city manager in Kilgore until a new city manager is hired.

 

Edgewood selects Cervantes

as lone finalist to lead district

Jose CervantesAlpine ISD Superintendent Dr. Jose A. Cervantes (pictured) has been named the lone finalist to become the leader of the Edgewood Independent School District in San Antonio. Cervantes was one of 25 applicants that were reduced to six and then to three finalists.


Cervantes is a native of Alpine. He holds bachelor's and master's degrees from Sul Ross State University and a Ed.D. from The University of Texas at Austin. He began his more than 20-year education career as a teacher and coach. Cervantes will replace Elizabeth Garza, who resigned as superintendent last June. The new superintendent is expected to be on the job on July 1.

 

Ezell to be new finance

director in Bay City

Bay City officials recently selected Kathy Ezell, the city secretary/finance director in Columbus, as the new finance director. Columbus city officials then appointed Assistant City Secretary Linda Lakich as the new city secretary to replace Ezell, who had held the post since August 2010.

 

Ezell has worked 12 years as the assistant finance director in Rosenberg. Lakich had served as assistant city secretary in Columbus for six years.

 

At&T

Legislators reject proposed

North Texas pharmacy school

A conference committee of the Texas Legislature recently rejected a proposal to permit the University of North Texas and its Dallas branch campus to jointly establish a pharmacy school.


All House members on the budget conference committee and three Senate members voted to remove a Senate provision that would have allowed UNT to establish the new pharmacy school.

 

Farler named finalist for superintendent at Pine Tree ISD

Teresa FarlerTrustees for the Pine Tree Independent School District recently selected Dr. Teresa J. Farler (pictured) as the lone finalist for superintendent. She will replace former Superintendent Marian Strauss, who resigned in February. 

 

Farler currently is an assistant superintendent at Wylie ISD. She previously served as a principal and teacher at the San Marcos and Austin school districts and as a program specialist with the Texas Education Agency. She holds a bachelor's degree and a master's degree from Wayne State College in Nebraska and a Ph.D. from Texas A&M University-Commerce.

 

Northrop Grumman

Tioga ISD hires Holloway

as new superintendent

Trustees for the Tioga Independent School District recently selected Charles Holloway as the lone finalist for superintendent. Holloway will replace Andy Baker, who is resigning to take a position with Edgewood ISD.

 
Holloway currently serves as superintendent for Callisburg ISD, which he joined in 2003. He also has worked for school districts in Grand Prairie, Keller, Cleburne, Seguin, Groesbeck and several Georgia school districts. Holloway is expected to begin his new duties in late July.

 

Sugar Land long-range

plan for mobility adopted

The Sugar Land City Council recently adopted a long-range plan that addresses a variety of transportation alternatives such as commuter and freight rail, automobiles, cycling and walking.


The plan was developed with extensive community involvement as well as a 15-member advisory committee that guided the project.


A copy of the Comprehensive Mobility Plan can be found at www.sugarlandmobility.com.

 

Clifton Gunderson LLP

Burkburnett selects James

as new city manager

Burkburnett City Commissioners unanimously selected Tim James as the new city manager after he rejected an earlier offer for the position in March. When declining the offer, James cited a split 4-3 vote by city commissioners that he said indicated a lack of support for him from city leaders.
 

James, who currently serves as an assistant city manager in Graham, will replace former City Manager Mike Slye and is scheduled to begin his new duties on June 20.

 

College of Mainland bond vote likely headed for recount

A group that supports College of the Mainland's failed $86 million bond proposal is expected to ask for a recount.

 

The cost of the recount, which must be paid for by the group requesting it, is about $700. 


The bond referendum for the Galveston County community college was 12 votes short of passing. The difference is 0.18 percent of the 6,576 votes cast.

 

 
Want to
advertise
in this
space?

Click here.

  

Malakoff chooses Perry

to head up school district

Malakoff ISD trustees recently tagged Randy Perry, who currently serves as a high school principal for the district, as the lone finalist for superintendent. Perry will replace Superintendent John Spies, who resigned to be superintendent at Alstyne ISD.  He was selected from more than 50 applicants for the post.


Previously serving as a teacher, coach and a principal at Malakoff ISD, Perry worked for Terrell ISD and for two private schools. He has a bachelor's degree from The University of Texas at Arlington and a master's degree from Texas A&M University.

 

Elliott resigns as city administrator in Mount Vernon

Lee ElliottAfter reaching an agreement with city officials, Lee Elliott (pictured) recently resigned as city administrator of Mount Vernon. Elliott began as the city administrator in February 2007 and his contract was to expire in 2012.


The agreement calls for the city to provide Elliott with a positive reference for future employment, state that the resignation was based on philosophical differences with change of council and to pay 12 months of his salary, taxes and retirement contributions.

 

SPI on Twitter

Irving ISD's Powell admitted

to State Bar of Texas

Rick PowellDirector of purchasing for Irving ISD, Richard (Rick) Powell (pictured) was admitted to the State Bar of Texas on March 31 as an Attorney and Counselor at Law. 

 

Powell graduated from LeTourneau University in Longview and South Texas College of Law in Houston.  He also serves as the Vice-Chair of the North Central Texas Regional Certification Agency (RCTRCA) and on the Dallas ISD advisory committee for D/M/WBE contracting.

 

Senate approves operations, policy reviews at Port of Houston

The Texas Senate recently ordered a review of operations and policies of the Port of Houston. The decision, which now must go to the House for confirmation, comes after a series of Port Authority controversies that have included use of a port vessel for a private event.
 

Although the Sunset Commission usually reviews state agencies, it has reviewed other agencies. The commission does not have the power to fundamentally change the agency, which receives funding from the state.

 

Recent Reports
Texas Government Insider Archives

 

Volume 1-8 Archives -1/8/04 - 5/20/11
  
Governor's appointments
Governor Rick Perry has announced the following appointments:
  • Robert "Bob" Long of Bastrop, Texas Ethics Commission
  • Mario Arriaga of The Woodlands, Real Estate Research Advisory Committee;
  • Russell Cain of Port Lavaca, Real Estate Research Advisory Committee;
  • Jacquelyn Hawkins of Austin, Real Estate Research Advisory Committee;
  • Curtis Culwell of Garland, State Board for Educator Certification;
  • Kathryn Everest of Arlington, State Board for Educator Certification;
  • Suzanne McCall of Lubbock, State Board for Educator Certification;
  • Christie Pogue of Buda, State Board for Educator Certification;
  • Grant W. Simpson of Gainesville, State Board for Educator Certification;
  • Charles Beasley of Bellaire, Texas Board of Licensure for Professional Medical Physicists;
  • Douglas A. Johnson of College Station, Texas Board of Licensure for Professional Medical Physicists;
  • James "Jim" Marbach of San Antonio, Texas Board of Licensure for Professional Medical Physicists;
  • Alvin "Lee" Schlichtemeier of Plano, Texas Board of Licensure for Professional Medical Physicists;
  • Kiran Shah of Houston, Texas Board of Licensure for Professional Medical Physicists
  • Wayne Halbert of San Benito, Rio Grande Regional Water Authority;
  • Paul Glen Heller of Mission, Rio Grande Regional Water Authority;
  • Brian Macmanus of Harlingen, Rio Grande Regional Water Authority;
  • Roel 'Roy' Rodriguez of McAllen, Rio Grande Regional Water Authority;
  • Samuel "Bobby" Sparks Jr. of Harlingen, Rio Grande Regional Water Authority;
  • Wally Kraft of Paris, Sulphur River Basin Authority Board of Directors;
  • Michael Russell of Clarksville, Sulphur River Basin Authority Board of Directors;
  • Patricia Wommack of Lone Star, Sulphur River Basin Authority Board of Directors;
  • Jerry Adelman of Palacios, Lavaca-Navidad River Authority Board of Directors;
  • David Muegge of Edna, Lavaca-Navidad River Authority Board of Directors;
  • Terri Parker of Ganado, Lavaca-Navidad River Authority Board of Directors;
  • A. Carlos Barrera of Brownsville, chair, Texas State Board of Public Accountancy;
  • John Broaddus of El Paso, Texas State Board of Public Accountancy;
  • Jonathan Cluck of Fair Oaks Ranch, Texas State Board of Public Accountancy;
  • Rocky Duckworth of Houston, Texas State Board of Public Accountancy;
  • Catherine Rodewald of Dallas, Texas State Board of Public Accountancy;
  • Theresa Argumaniz Gomez of El Paso, Texas State Board of Social Worker Examiners;
  • Nancy Pearson of Burton, Texas State Board of Social Worker Examiners;
  • Denise Pratt of Baytown, Texas State Board of Social Worker Examiners;
  • Mary Chruszczak of The Woodlands, Texas Board of Professional Land Surveying;
  • Gerardo "Jerry" Garcia of Corpus Christi, Texas Board of Professional Land Surveying;
  • Paul Kwan of Houston, Texas Board of Professional Land Surveying;
  • Pamela McAfee of Driftwood, Texas Farm and Ranch Lands Conservation Council;
  • Dave Scott of Richmond, Texas Farm and Ranch Lands Conservation Council 
  • Renee Cornett of Austin, Texas State Board of Dental Examiners;
  • D. Bradley Dean of Frisco, Texas State Board of Dental Examiners;
  • Tammy Gough of McKinney, Texas State Board of Dental Examiners;
  • Christie Leedy of Abilene, Texas State Board of Dental Examiners;
  • Evangelia "Lia" Mote of Cedar Park, Texas State Board of Dental Examiners;
  • Ann Pauli of El Paso, Texas State Board of Dental Examiners;
  • John T. Steen III of Houston, Texas State Board of Dental Examiners;
  • Fredrick "Rick" Rylander of Iraan, Pecos River Compact Commission
  • Cynthia Tays of Austin, chair, Texas Board of Chiropractic Examiners;
  • Patricia Cole of Fort Worth,  Family and Protective Services Council;
  • Anna Jimenez of Corpus Christi, Family and Protective Services Council;
  • Benny Morris of Cleburne, Family and Protective Services Council 

Hallsville ISD selects Dunlap as interim superintendent

Jim DunlapTrustees for the Hallsville Independent School District recently selected former superintendent Jim Dunlap (pictured) to serve as interim superintendent of the district until a new superintendent comes on board.


Dunlap, a former superintendent who led the district from 1994 to 2003, will take over duties of Deputy Superintendent Paula Rodgers, who served as acting superintendent following the departure of former Superintendent Greg Wright in April.

 

Capital Metro officials eyeing

green-light bus service in Austin

Capital Metro officials in Austin recently proposed adding two new bus routes in new Metro Rapid buses that would encounter only green lights throughout the bus route. Rapid transit systems in Eugene, Oregon, Philadelphia and Sacramento have found success using similar green light systems, said Capital Metro officials.


One of the two proposed Metro Rapid routes would run up Congress Avenue from Slaughter Lane, through The University of Texas and northward to Lamar. Another Metro Rapid route would run from north Burnet to south Lamar. Capital Metro officials also spent $9 million in local funding and $38 million in federal funding to buy 40 new buses for the new rapid service system If board members approve the new green-light bus service. Austin City Council members also must approve the project, which transit officials hope will be operating by next year.

 

Job Board

Bill allows use of hotel-motel tax for coliseum construction

Texas legislators recently approved and sent to the governor a bill that will permit Round Rock and Amarillo to use revenue from hotel-motel taxes to build a coliseum or a multi-use facility in their communities.


The legislation allows both cities to facilitate the economic development efforts by using the municipal hotel occupancy tax for capital improvements to and the operation and maintenance of a coliseum or multiuse facility.

 

Palestine ISD adopts timeline

for finding new superintendent

Palestine Independent School District trustees recently agreed to set a goal of July 13 to name a lone finalist for a new superintendent to replace Superintendent Thomas A. Wallis. Wallis is leaving that post to be superintendent of Bryan ISD.

 

Because of the required 21-day waiting period before a school district can formally hire a lone finalist, the earliest start date for the new superintendent would be Aug. 4, district officials said.

 

Austin housing authority nabs $1.7 million federal grant

The Housing Authority of Austin recently won a $1.7 million grant to be used to begin developing an early childhood education and adult training facility for residents of public housing.  The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development awarded $34 million in grants to 10 public housing authorities throughout the United States in this round of awards.

 

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.
 

Correction

In the May 20 edition of the Texas Government Insider, a story regarding voters in the Texhoma ISD approving a bond issue to build six new homes to attract families with children to the district contained an error. The story said that Texhoma ISD Superintendent Hope Appel pointed to the success of a similar program in the Lubbock ISD. The program was at a school in the Lubbock area, not in the Lubbock ISD. We regret the error.

 

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