Texas Government Insider
Volume 9, Issue 18 - Friday, May 6, 2011

Early voting in upcoming bond elections statewide ends May 10

 

$2.56 billion in bond issues for roads, schools, infrastructure projects at stake

Road Projects
Road projects are among the $2.65 billion in local bond issues slated throughout Texas on May 14.

Voters throughout Texas are heading to the polls early, in advance of the upcoming May 14 elections. Early voting ends Tuesday, May 10. Some $2.56 billion in local bond issues are at stake.


The majority of the bond elections are for public school districts. There are more than 60 school bond issues on tap for next Saturday's election. They range from $1 million for new HVAC units for a school in a town of fewer than 300 to $297 million for a school district in West Texas with more than 40,000 students. That multi-million-dollar bond vote would  build two new elementary school campuses, provide for renovations to existing schools, fund $6 million worth of new science labs, $6 million in technology upgrades and more.


Successful school bond issues across the state would mean new construction, renovation of existing facilities, technology upgrades, new science labs, HVAC systems, new sports stadiums, school bus purchases, classroom updates, security projects, Americans with Disabilities Act compliance upgrades and more. 


But school projects are not the only bond issues being decided. Many of the bond issues are transportation-related. In an East Texas city, a $52.6 million bond proposal would pay for much-needed street improvements.

 

[more]  

 

DPS awards $1.94 million homeland security grant to three counties

 

Funds will be used to upgrade emergency communications systems along border

Steve McCraw

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) recently awarded a $1.94 million homeland security grant to pay a pilot project to expand and upgrade the emergency communications systems of three border counties - Hidalgo, Willacy and Cameron.


The goal of the Rio Grande Valley Border Interoperability Regional Project funded by the grant is to allow Border Patrol agents, emergency health responders and law enforcement officers to access a communications network designed to increase circuit reliability, said Steve McCraw (pictured), director of DPS. The city of McAllen will act as the project leader and work with officials in the three counties to improve emergency communications throughout the area, including law enforcement authorities in Mexico, he said.
 

Current communications systems and practices do not facilitate direct and instant communication between local, state and federal law enforcement personnel, noted the chair of the Texas Border Coalition. This grant will pay for new communications equipment and to develop an effective communications plan to improve security in border cities. The grant also will be used to find new methods to distribute information during emergency situations such as national or natural disasters and to make sure communications outlets are available for low-population areas located very near the border, McCraw said.

 

Strategic Partnerships salutes Texas' Lone Stars

 

Michael ReidMichael Reid, Vice President for Finance and Administration, Angelo State University
  
Career highlights and education: After receiving my BS degree in finance and while working on my MBA, I started my career in higher education in Utah as a materials manager at Utah State University.  From there, I worked as a purchasing director at both Dixie State College and Southern Utah University, where I gained valuable experience in contract management and real estate procurement. While at Southern Utah University, I also received valuable experience dealing with capital construction and facility master planning.  I left Utah to work in Colorado as the Vice President for Administration and Finance at Pueblo Community College and then headed east to Pennsylvania where I served as the Vice President for Finance and Administration at Mansfield University of Pennsylvania.  Although no longer seeking an additional, formal degree, I continue to seek educational opportunities by enrolling in different courses of interest.  Before moving to Texas I just finished a physics class and I look forward to exploring the educational selections at Angelo State University.

What I like best about my job is: The ability to openly debate ideas and strategies with a group of people that challenge each other professionally, in a sincere effort to ensure the best outcome for both the students and the state of Texas.

The best advice I've received for my current job is: Without a doubt, the best advice I've received was to "clear my plate" of the day-to-day minutia and make sure I stay focused on the strategic priorities that will have positive, long-term benefits.

Advice you would give a new hire in your office: For people in my department, I would counsel them to keep a  broad view of how their function impacts the entire efforts of the institution. We can't effectively serve our stakeholders unless we truly understand the "ripple effect" of our decisions.

If I ever snuck out of work early, I could probably be found: Outside!  I would be riding my mountain bike, running, water skiing, hiking or anything else as long as it was outside.  Thankfully San Angelo, Texas, provides a lot of beautiful sunny days.

People would be surprised to know that I: rode bareback in the rodeo.  People seem to think I was born in a suit and can't picture me in boots, jeans and a hat.

One thing I wish more people knew about my agency: I wish people outside of Angelo State University could see how really caring everyone here is about helping students be successful.  People here really care about student success and have a true desire to see these students complete their degrees and succeed in life.  I've worked at a lot of other colleges and universities and am amazed at the individual interest in people I see here.
  

 

Texas Water Development Board elects Crutcher vice chairman

Joe CrutcherThe Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) recently named Palestine resident Joe Crutcher (pictured) vice chairman of the board to replace Jack Hunt.


Crutcher, co-chairman of East Texas National Bank, was appointed to the board in 2008 by the governor. Crutcher, a University of Houston graduate, is a former Palestine City Council member and has served as an appointee to the Upper Neches River Municipal Water Authority since 1995.


The TWDB is the state agency charged with collecting and disseminating water-related data, as well as planning for the development of the state's water resources. 

 

State makes TEF investment in plastics recycling company

The state government plans to invest $550,000 - through the Texas Enterprise Fund - to bring a plastics recycling company to Waco.


The company, Coll Materials Exchange, expects the expansion into Waco will create 111 jobs and generate nearly $6 million in capital investment.


The Texas Enterprise Fund has invested more than $434 million since it was created by the legislature in 2003.

 

Interim dean of University College selected at Texas Tech

Valerie PatonValerie Osland Paton (pictured), who currently supervises Texas Tech's institutional effectiveness infrastructure and serves as the university's accreditation liaison, has been selected to serve as interim dean of the University College, effective June 1.

 
Paton was assigned oversight of the University College when Matt Baker announced his plans to step down from the dean's role. Her interim appointment could last up to one year and she will be eligible to apply for the position full-time when the search officially begins.
 

Paton, who currently serves as vice provost for planning and assessment, holds a bachelor's degree from San Jose State University, a master's from Santa Clara University and a doctorate in education from the University of Southern California.

 

TDA awards federal funds through Texas Capital Fund

Two Texas cities, Bellmead and Gonzales, recently were awarded $150,000 each in federal funds, which are provided by U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for infrastructure improvements.

 

The money flows through the Texas Department of Agriculture, which makes the awards through the Texas Capital Fund program. Each year, the program provides more than $10 million to small Texas communities.
 

In both cities, the money will help pay for upgrades to make city sidewalks compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. In Gonzales, the money will also go toward curbs and gutters. 

 

May 2011 Tx Bond Election

Three finalists announced in race to lead M.D. Anderson 

Ray DuBoisCheryl WillmanRonald DePinhoThe University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center officials have selected three finalists - M.D. Anderson provost Ray DuBois (left), University of New Mexico Cancer Center director Cheryl Willman (center) and Harvard cancer biologist Ronald DePinho (right) - to become the Houston hospital's new president.


The three candidates are vying to succeed John Mendelsohn, who will retire this year after serving 15 years.


UT System regents will interview the finalists in the coming weeks and narrow the list to one finalist by early June.

 

Finalists selected to fill seat on CPS Energy board

Ed KelleyYvonne KatzThree finalists have been selected to fill a CPS Energy board seat that was vacated by Charles E. Foster for health reasons.


Trustees will interview the three finalists this week. They are:

  • Ed Kelley (right), retired president and chairman of USAA Real Estate;
  •  William J. Regan Jr., retired CFO of the California Independent System Operator, which runs the state's electric grid; and 
  • Yvonne Katz (left), a retired school superintenden

The San Antonio City Council is scheduled to OK the chosen candidate by May 19.

 

Viramontes lays out goals of HISD school district on technology

Arnold ViramontesHouston ISD Chief Technology Information Officer Arnold Viramontes (pictured) isn't wasting any time getting his feet wet just one month after being hired. Viramontes recently briefed the school board regarding the technology needs of the district. His recommendations for bringing HISD students into the 21st century technologically, were a result of about a month's seeking of information and input on the school district's computer needs.

 

Viramontes was one of a nine-member panel who served on the Council of Great City Schools' "Schools Helping Schools" operation that reviewed the district's technology needs. "This network needs to be completely revamped and the technology department needs to be completely retooled," said Viramontes after the study. Viramontes is still putting together a comprehensive proposal regarding the technology needs in the schools.
 

Among the suggestions are revamping the IT department's organizational structure, creating more consistencies across all HISD campuses in terms of quality of technology services and their availability, increasing focus on more instructional technology, upgrading the district's network security system and creating a data warehouse. He said bringing the system up to snuff would take both time and money.

 

Three finalists for SHSU provost, vice president of academic affairs

Ralph RascatiJaimie HebertDale OstlieSam Houston State University leaders have selected three finalists for the positions of provost and vice president of academic affairs.

 

The candidates are Ralph J. Rascati (right) of Kennesaw State University in Georgia, Dale A. Ostlie (center) of Weber State University in Utah and Jaimie L. Hebert (left) of SHSU.


Rascati, who holds a bachelor's degree from Rennselaer Polytechnic Institute in New York, currently serves as associate vice president for Advising, Retention and Graduation Initiatives at KSU. Ostlie, who has served as WSU's College of Science dean since 2003, holds a bachelor's degree from St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minn., and a Ph.D. from Iowa State University. Hebert, dean of SHSU's College of Arts and Sciences since 2005, holds a bachelor's, master's and Ph.D. from the University of Louisiana in Lafayette.

 

Brown appointed as University College dean, PACE director

Leaders of Texas State University-San Marcos recently announced the appointment of Daniel Brown to director of the Personalized Academic and Career Exploration (PACE) Center for freshmen students and dean of University College for undeclared majors.


For the last six years, Brown has served as dean of University College at Texas A&M University-Kingsville. Previously, he was a faculty member, program coordinator and administrator at Eastern New Mexico University.


Brown holds both a bachelor's degree and master's degree from Pittsburg State University in Kansas and a Ph.D. from Oklahoma State University.

 

TWU names Philip Trammell as development officer

Philip TrammellLeaders at Texas Woman's University in Denton recently named Philip Trammell (pictured) the development officer for major gifts and planned giving.


Previously, Trammell served as director of development at the University of Dallas.


Trammell, who earned a bachelor's degree from DePauw University, is a member of the Denton Economic Development Partnership and serves on the Boy Scouts of America National Alumni Relations Committee.

 

State agency reinstates $5.2 million grant to Willacy County

After rejecting a $5.2 million grant application from Willacy County, Texas Department of Rural Affairs (TDRA) officials recently agreed to reinstate the grant to pay for drainage improvements in the Raymondville area.


County officials applauded the decision to restore the $5.2 million grant as the drainage work needs to be completed before hurricane season arrives in late summer, the county judge said.


When rejecting the grant, TDRA officials claimed the agreement between Willacy and Hidalgo counties made Hidalgo County the lead sponsor of the project and allocated the funding to Hidalgo County. Willacy County officials, however, met with state officials in Austin to explain the agreement for the drainage project was with the Hidalgo Drainage District No. 1, a different legal entity than Hidalgo County, the Willacy county judge said.

 

P3 Opportunities

Schamber hired for role as acting dean of College of Information

Linda SchamberLeaders at the University of North Texas in Denton recently named Linda Schamber (pictured) acting dean of the College of Information. Schamber, who has served as associate dean since 2005, replaces Herman L. Totten, who has been appointed interim vice president for university and community affairs.


Schamber, who directs the information science Ph.D. program, came to UNT in 1991 from Syracuse University, where she taught communications and information studies.
 

She received her bachelor's and master's degrees from The Ohio State University and her doctoral degree from Syracuse University.

 

Rathindra Bose is VP/VC for Research, Technology Transfer at UH

Rathindra BoseUniversity of Houston leaders have named distinguished scholar and professor Rathindra N. Bose (pictured) the new vice chancellor/vice president for research and technology transfer, effective Aug. 1.


Bose, who currently serves as vice president for research and dean of the Graduate College at Ohio University, replaces interim vice president Stuart Long, who will resume his responsibilities in the Cullen College of Engineering.
 

Bose, who has received four distinguished teaching awards and a distinguished scholar award, earned his bachelor's and master's degrees from Rajshahi University in Bangladesh and a Ph.D. from Georgetown University.

 

Rhodes selected as lone finalist for ACC president/CEO

Richard RhodesAustin Community College trustees recently named Richard Rhodes (pictured), president of El Paso Community College, the lone finalist for ACC president and CEO.


ACC trustees had also considered Katherine Persson, president of Lone Star College's Kingwood campus, and Donald Doucette, who withdrew after accepting another job.
Rhodes will succeed Stephen Kinslow, who has served in the top spot for six years and plans to retire this summer.
 

Rhodes' salary and start date are under negotiation.

 

Longtime president of TCC South Campus takes voluntary buyout

Ernest ThomasTarrant County College South Campus President Ernest L. Thomas (pictured), who has been on personal leave, recently announced that he will take a voluntary buyout package that provides 80 percent of his base year salary.


Thomas, who has been president of the campus since 1998, made nearly $200,000 this year, which includes base salary plus other compensation.
 

Before joining the South Campus, Thomas served at Brookhaven College in the Dallas County Community College District and at Evergreen State College in Olympia, Wash.
He will be replaced by Vice Chancellor for Student Success Joy Gates Black, who will serve as interim president while campus leaders search for a permanent replacement.

 

Port commissioners approve contract for Naval Station Ingleside

Port of Corpus Christi commissioners recently OK'd a $75.8 million deal that allows a Houston company to buy most of the former Naval Station Ingleside.


The company plans to build an offshore oil service complex, which would create up to 5,000 jobs, on the former base that closed in 2010 as a result of the Base Realignment and Closure Act.


The company will have 10 days to pay $1 million and has until Sept. 15 to pay the remaining $24 million of the down payment.

 

Subscribe

Beutler returning to UT Southwestern as director of center

Bruce BeutlerDr. Bruce Beutler (pictured), a recognized leader in immunology, has been appointed founding director of a new Center for the Genetics of Host Defense at The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. Beutler chairs the Department of Genetics at Scripps Research Institute in California.


Beutler began his scientific career at UT Southwestern as an internal medicine intern and neurology resident. He served on the faculty from 1986 to 2000 and was an investigator for the Howard Hughes Medical Institute at UT Southwestern during that time.


Beutler earned his undergraduate degree from the University of California, San Diego and his medical degree from the University of Chicago. Following postgraduate training at UT Southwestern, he completed a two-year fellowship at Rockefeller University.

 

Kilgore seeking alternate funding for sewer repairs

Kilgore City Council members recently agreed to forgo a loan from the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) to pay for repairs to the Rabbit Creek sewer trunk main. Instead, city officials will dip into the city's general fund to pay for the repairs or issue revenue bonds to pay for the sewer project.


While TWDB has committed to loan the funds, the agency also requires a series of environmental studies and engineering work that will delay the badly needed repairs on the sewer main built in the late 1980s, the city manager said. Because waiting for the repairs could be costly, the city manager urged council members to use city cash reserves to pay for the project and repay the general fund, along with interest, from revenues or to sell revenue bonds to allow the repairs to be made in a more timely manner.

 

Oak Cliff looking for grant to move forward with streetcar system

The Oak Cliff community hopes to secure a $23 million federal grant and about $16 million in local funds to move forward on a proposed streetcar project. Those initial funds would buy the cars and build a 1.5-mile starter line.


The project - a joint effort of City of Dallas, North Central Texas Council of Governments and Dallas Area Rapid Transit - is projected to cost $20 million per mile with annual operations and maintenance running about $1 million per mile per year.


To secure the federal grant, the line must be operating by the end of 2013.

 

El Campo moving closer to reducing bus service

Mark PoolLooking to trim about $3 million from their 2011-2012 budget, El Campo Independent School District trustees recently continued discussions on eliminating bus service for students living within two miles of their school. The district currently spends about $1.07 million for busing and received only $311,591 from the state transportation allotment program, Superintendent Mark Pool (pictured) said.


Eliminating bus service to students who live within two miles of their campus would eliminate almost half of the 2,121 students who now ride buses to class in the district, Pool said. Cutting bus service also would save $209,196 immediately, not including the yearly purchase of two new buses, he said. An additional $32,956 in savings could come from cutting service for 99 students who live within the hazardous zone, but are considered ineligible for the service. Board members took no action on the bus service discussion.

 

Floresville postpones vote on proposed parks fee

Floresville City Council members recently agreed to postpone a vote on a proposed $1 per month fee to pay for park maintenance, recreational facilities and open areas of the city. City officials now expect council to vote on the proposed park fee at their meeting on May 19.

 

Nueces Co. Sheriff's Office to use wireless fingerprint scanners

The Nueces County Sheriff's Office is now using wireless fingerprint scanners to run criminal background checks in the field.

 
The devices, which cost an estimated $4,000 each, let deputies take prints and run them through the Nueces County Sheriff's Office's database. The system is expected to expand to the Texas Criminal Information Center and the Texas Department of Public Safety, Chief Deputy John Galvan said.

 

Officers in the Criminal Warrants Division, Criminal Investigation Division and the jail transportation department will use the device. 

 

Kilgore appoints Williams as interim city manager

Kilgore leaders recently hired Tony Williams, who has worked as city manager in several Texas cities, to serve as an interim city manager and also help them find a permanent city administrator. Williams will be paid $70 an hour.


City leaders hope that Kilgore's strong financial position, spurred by the city's oil economy, will help draw in many good applicants. 


He replaces Jeffrey Howell, who privately reached an agreement with council last month to step down after five years in the top spot.

 

Marble Falls asks service clubs for help on three major projects

George RussellMarble Falls City Council members recently met with representatives from services clubs and the Economic Development Corporation to explore ways to enlarge a vocational-technical school, build a new athletic complex and a new visitor's center.


Citizens of Marble Falls identified the three projects as a priority, Mayor George Russell (pictured) told representatives from two local Rotary clubs, the Kiwanis Club, Lions Club, Highland Lakes Sertoma Club and the Highland Lakes Service League.
 

One council member noted that the current vocational-technical school only offers culinary classes and city leaders would like more classes such as welding, law enforcement, computer and automotive classes to meet workforce needs. After a tour by interested citizens of a sports complex in Taylor, the group noted that the sports complex brings in enough revenue that it paid for itself in less than a year and a half rather than the five years predicted. Supporters suggested Marble Falls use that facility as a model for a similar facility there. Service club representatives said they would meet with members of their groups to discuss the projects and how each group can support the projects through contributions, sponsorships or helping with maintenance.

 

Laid-off constables could be hired by Harris Co. sheriff's office

Harris County commissioners recently OK'd hiring 60 deputy constables, who were laid off due to budget cuts, to staff the county jail.


The move is expected to cut overtime costs, keeping the sheriff's department within its $392.5 million budget. Sheriff Adrian Garcia has often asked for more detention officers, which would help cut overtime costs that reached $19 million in the jail last fiscal year.
 

Commissioners will further discuss hiring the deputies at a meeting later this month.

 

Did you miss S&L Pipeline?

Selma joins new Cibolo Valley regional water group

Ken RobertsSelma city officials recently agreed to spend $20,000 to join with four other area cities to form the Cibolo Valley Local Government Corporation (CVLGC), a new regional water supply corporation.


Selma City Administrator Ken Roberts (pictured) told council members that by joining Schertz, Cibolo, Converse and Seguin in the CVLGC, Selma is assured a seat at the table when securing additional water resources. The pact also could bring in additional revenue to the city, he said. A recent agreement between the Schertz-Seguin Local Government Corporation (SSLGC) secured 800 acre-feet of water rights for Selma. The pact allows the San Antonio Water System (SAWS) to transport water from an aquifer in Gonzales County through a pipeline to be built by SSLGC to supply water to Schertz and Seguin. The pipeline will run across the entire city limits and the possibility exists that Selma could negotiate a pact to charge SAWS a fee for water coming through the city's right-of-way, Roberts added.
 

Once completely formed, CVLGC officials plan to begin negotiations with SSLGC to buy leasing rights for part of the Carrizo Aquifer rights in Guadalupe County that could yield a total of 3,500 acre-feet or more to the water supply corporation. Plans call for the new water supply corporation to begin operation by June.

 

Group exploring possibility of new library for Washington County

Library board members in Washington County recently met with county commissioners to present a proposal for a feasibility plan to expand the library and possibly build a new facility. The current library was last renovated in 1990.


Because the current library needs more space, Library Director Charles Suessmuth told commissioners that his group would like to create a resource center that would include larger meeting rooms and conference rooms to serve all areas of the county.


Last month, Library Board members requested Brenham City Council members allow the board to turn over $25,000 in contributions from the Fortnightly Club to the city to pay for the study. Library board members are not asking Washington County officials for money, but requested their consideration and approval as the library expansion plan moves forward.

 

Colleyville approves $5 million to upgrade SH26

Mike TaylorColleyville City Council members recently approved an $11 million agreement to upgrade and widen SH 26 from Grapevine south past John McCain Road. The agreement calls for Colleyville to contribute a little more than $5 million to the road widening project.
 

Tarrant County commissioners agreed to contribute $4 million, the Regional Transportation Council will pay $1.6 million in federal funds and the Texas Department of Transportation will contribute $402,000 on the SH26 upgrade, said Councilman Mike Taylor (pictured). Plans call for the project to be completed in two phases with Phase 1 to begin from the intersection of SH26 from the Pool Road and Brumlow Avenue intersection in Grapevine to 1,000 feet south of the John McCain intersection. Phase 1 also includes replacing a bridge over Big Bear Creek.
 

Construction on Phase 1 of the project could begin as early as this fall, officials said. With a commitment of more than $13.6 million in federal and state funds expected to be available in 2015, Phase 2 of the project will continue the work to the Hall-Johnson Road.

 

Dislocated teachers get online help from TWC to find jobs

Dislocated teachers seeking a career change or looking for an education job can now visit a new Web page, Teachers in Transition, for guidance.


The Web site, created by the Texas Workforce Commission, helps unemployed teachers file for unemployment insurance, register to look for work, find a new job and get additional help if needed.


Other Web sites that can help displaced teachers include:

  • TheBestTeachInTexas.com, which directly links job seekers to education-related positions found on the Work on Texas Web site, and
  • WorkInTexas.com, a free online job-matching resource that includes job postings from nearly 150,000 employers.

Coppell ISD to accept out-of-district students to raise revenue

Cindy WarnerTrustees for the Coppell Independent School District recently approved a new policy to allow children who live in Coppell but attend schools in neighboring school districts to apply for admission to Coppell ISD under a one-year trial program.
 

Board President Cindy Warner (pictured) said that attracting more students to the exemplary-rated school district could increase state funding to the district. Admitting 100 new students could generate about $370,000 for the district, which now has about 10,217 students enrolled, Warner said.
 

Under the new policy, only schools with low enrollments will be open to new transfer students. To be accepted into the program, transfer students must have passed the most recent TAKS exam, pass all their classes in the last semester and have no disciplinary or attendance problems on their records. The district will not charge tuition to transfer students, but will not provide transportation for those students.

 

Rockport resolution in support of county grant application

The Rockport City Council and Aransas County commissioners recently moved forward on applying for a $500,000 grant, which would be used to provide first-time sewer service to the Smith and Wood subdivision colonia.


The grant, which only the county can apply for, would come through the Texas Department of Rural Affairs under the Colonia Fund. They money would pay to get residents off septic systems, but would not go toward monthly bills. The city can commit $25,000 in cash as well as in-kind services by its utility department.


If approved, the city utility department would oversee the project and also provide required inspections.

 

Dallas moving closer to allowing digital billboards

Ann MargolinDallas recently moved closer to allowing digital billboards after a city council committee agreed on requiring major sign companies to retire six traditional billboards for each digital sign installed. Once the recommendation is forwarded, council members will vote on the issue.


Councilwoman Ann Margolin (pictured) led efforts to limit to 25 the number of digital billboards that can be installed in the next three years. She also convinced committee members to recommend that council approve a three-year pilot program to give residents time to evaluate and determine whether to continue installation of digital billboards. Committee members also will recommend that digital signs be installed only on freeways and the face of the digital sign located at least 1,000 feet from residential properties. Large companies will be required to remove 4,021 square feet of old billboard space for one digital billboard if the committee recommendation is adopted.

 

USDA providing federal grant funding to Bexar County 

Bexar County Emergency Services District No. 6 recently received a $35,000 federal grant to fund an evacuation and training center in rural Bexar County.


The money comes from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development, which administers programs that improve the economic stability of rural communities. 

 

Grayson County to study new dispatch system

Grayson County commissioners recently agreed to appoint a committee to study whether the county needs a new computer-aided dispatch system to increase efficiency.


Sarah Somers, emergency manager for the county, asked commissioners to appoint a committee comprised of the emergency manager, the county purchasing agent, a representative from the sheriff's office and the information technology director to study the county's needs for a completely computerized dispatch system. Commissioners also appointed the county judge to the committee.


The new computerized dispatch system would permit dispatchers to easily view and understand the status of all units being dispatched and to handle calls more efficiently, Somers said. The county has about $180,000 in grant funds to help pay for a new system with an estimated cost of about $250,000, she said.

 



San Antonio Hispanic Chamber hosts small business symposium

The San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (SAHCC) will host its 2nd Annual Small Business Symposium on Friday, May 27, 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 Ft. Worth Small Business Briefing conference

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) Business Outreach and Program (BOP) Services reaches across Texas to provide small and minority-owned business communities an opportunity to learn more about contracting opportunities with state entities. The final Small Business Briefing conference for FY2011 is set for July 20 in San Antonio. Information will be available to help small business owners better understand how to do business with the agency and the State of Texas. The sessions not only allow small businesses to be introduced to TxDOT and other state agencies, but also allow them to learn more about the economic development opportunities in their regions.  It also gives agencies a chance to show the myriad of prospects available for small and minority businesses in the state. For more information and to register, click here or call 1.866.480.2519, Option 2. Planning for the 2012 fiscal year events is under way.  Please visit www.txdot.gov for updated information.

 

Texas State HUB Outreach Program hosting afternoon event in May

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

 

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

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

 

How helpful is this?

Subscribe to TGI Note to Media
IT trend could become new norm of government entities

Mary Scott Nabers

 

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

 

One of the latest trends in information technology is turning the heads of public sector officials. Cloud computing is becoming a very attractive option.
  
With an eye toward increased productivity and better reliability while maintaining data integrity, cloud computing offers governmental organizations a way to organize and use data efficiently and securely. Many public sector e-mail systems and file storage networks are overloaded and lack the capacity to transfer large amounts of information.
  
And as a result, many IT providers are customizing cloud services to meet particular needs of governmental organizations. This new trend is sweeping the country and reaching all levels of government.
  
The city of Buda, near Austin, is a prime example. Although the city's population is fewer than 10,000, the city has the same information technology needs of any major city. Rather than over-burdening the city budget with IT employees, new software and hardware, the city chose a "cloud suite" that included what it needed most - e-mail and collaborative services.
  
[more]    
  
Follow Mary on Twitter
  
  
Northrop Grumman

Haslet approves $30,000

to pay for master park plan

The Haslet City Council recently approved $30,000 to pay for a master park and open-space plan and selected a Tyler-based design firm to design that master plan. Funds remaining from bonds sold in 2007 will pay for the master plan, the mayor said.
 

Council members suggested that the master plan consider the possibility of including a permanent rodeo arena or fairgrounds with an arena in the master plan to serve as a venue for festivals, chili cook offs and rodeos.

 

Stafford MSD selects Hindt

as new superintendent

Lawrence HindtBoard members of the Stafford Municipal School District recently selected Lawrence Hindt (pictured) as the new superintendent.  

 

Hindt, who was chosen from a field of 38 applicants for the position, currently is the assistant superintendent for middle schools at Fort Bend ISD. He has a bachelor's degree from William Penn University, a master's degree from Prairie View A&M and is seeking a Ph.D. at the University of Houston.

 

Round Rock steps forward

on $28 million road project

Round Rock City Council members recently took a step forward on the first phase of a proposed $28 million road project by approving a series of resolutions with an agreement for Williamson County to contribute $8 million to the east-west road project.


Council members also approved resolutions to concurrently build a water line along Kenney Fort Blvd. from Joe DiMaggio Blvd. to Forest Creek Dr., which will be a major north-south arterial roadway.
 

City officials also set a public hearing on June 9 on a proposed road impact fee to be charged to properties impacted by opening access to the new road that will eventually connect Toll 45 to Georgetown east of A.W. Grimes Blvd. The fee, which will affect only six tracts of land south of SH79 and north of Brushy Creek, will help recoup some of the cost to build the new road, city officials said.

 

At&T

Birdville ISD selects Brown

as new superintendent

Darrell BrownTrustees for the Birdville Independent School District recently selected Darrell Brown (pictured) as the lone finalist for superintendent. Brown, who currently serves as superintendent at Forney ISD, expects to begin his new duties in July.
 

Brown previously served as an assistant superintendent for Katy ISD. He has a bachelor's degree from The University of Texas at Tyler, a master's degree from Sam Houston State University and a Ph.D. from Texas A&M University.

 

Interim city manager hired by Rio Grande City Commission

Rio Grande City officials recently named Finance Director Maria Barrera the top city administrator, a position she will hold during an internal investigation of City Manager Juan Zuniga.


Zuniga and police chief Dutch Piper have been suspended with pay while city officials look into sexual harassment accusations against the men. Barrera, who has worked for the city for 10 years, will serve as the acting city manager for up to three months.

 

LeFleur Transportation

Galveston police chief Wiley announces he's stepping down

Galveston Police Chief Charles Wiley has announced that he will step down in July, in part due to the recent firing of the city manager. Wiley's announcement, on top of the city manager's ousting, has caused city employees to speculate about more departures.


Wiley said he did not agree with the council's decision to fire the city manager, who had held the position for 14 years.
 

"It's so much turmoil that it distracts from the mission... That was a defining moment for the city," Wiley said. 

 

Obregon may resign post as superintendent of Robstown ISD

Alfonso ObregonSuperintendent Alfonso Obregon (pictured) recently told trustees of the Robstown Independent School District that he is considering resigning from his position as early as June 3.
 

Obregon joined the district as an interim superintendent in 2009 and his contract is scheduled to expire in June 2012. Two other district officials, the business manager and the curriculum director, submitted their resignations from the district last week.

 

Upshur County officials select

Laminack as new tax assessor

Upshur County commissioners recently accepted long-time Tax Assessor-Collector Mike Smith's retirement notice and appointed Sherron Laminack interim tax assessor-collector.


Smith, who has served the county 28 years as tax assessor-collector, has been out of the office 15 months because of illness. During that time, Laminack has taken up the slack with no additional compensation.
 

Before Laminack can officially assume the role, an audit must be completed.

 

Clifton Gunderson LLP

Gray County Heliport to be built from TxDOT grant funds

The Texas Department of Transportation recently awarded nearly $550,000 to build the Gray County Heliport Facility near the Pampa Regional Medical Center.


The grant was awarded through TxDOT's Aviation Facilities Grant Program, which oversees the state's general aviation system.


A contract for the project will be awarded this summer.

 

Galveston wins $500,000

federal grant to study housing

Joe JaworskiThe U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development recently awarded Galveston a $500,000 planning grant for hurricane recovery. The funding will be used to increase the pace of projects to recover from Hurricane Ike and prepare the city for future storms, said Mayor Joe Jaworski (pictured).


The study also will identify housing and community development projects to support population growth, the mayor said. So far, the city-led recovery program has completed 12 houses and another 79 units are under construction, he said.

 

City of Austin earns International Sustainable Fleet Award

The City of Austin's Fleet Services Office recently won the Sustainable Fleet Award from the world's premier group for fleet management professionals, just the latest honor for the city department that aims to be carbon neutral by 2020.

 

Previously, the city's sustainability efforts have has been featured in USA Today and the Public Broadcasting Service's "MotorWeek" program.
 

In the last three years, the Fleet Office has grown its alternative fuel and hybrid vehicle count from 8 percent to 60 percent - a feat that helped reduce the office's carbon footprint by 16 percent. The City of Austin's Fleet Services Office recently won the Sustainable Fleet Award from the world's premier group for fleet management professionals, just the latest honor for the city department that aims to be carbon neutral by 2020.

 

Sugar Land joins private partner to build new concert facility

James ThompsonJoining with several other Texas cities entering into public-private partnerships, Sugar Land City Council members recently approved an agreement with a private company to begin discussions to build a 6,500-seat concert and performing arts facility.


Voters in a 2008 referendum approved funding for a performing arts facility along with a minor league baseball park and outdoor festival site to attract more visitors and businesses to Sugar Land, noted Mayor James Thompson (pictured).
 

Plans call for the new concert and performing arts venue to be built near the intersection of US 59 and University Blvd. That site also will feature a large office and entertainment-focused, mixed-use development, Thompson said.

 

Garland tags Cheney

to serve as director for DART

Garland City Council members recently selected Michael Cheney to represent the city on the board of directors of the Dallas Area Rapid Transit. Cheney, a current member of the Garland Finance Corp., will fill the vacancy left by the resignation of Tracey Whitaker in December. Council members selected Cheney from seven applicants for the position.

 

VIP Consulting

Conroe ISD seeking bids for student accident insurance

Trustees for the Conroe Independent School District recently began accepting bids to provide student accident insurance for the district. The bids for the one-year contract with options to renew for two more years must be submitted to district officials no later than May 10.
 

The insurance contract will provide accident insurance for six middle schools and nine high schools and includes coverage for grades 7-12 in all sports and activities. District officials also are looking for voluntary and catastrophic insurance to be sold to parents or guardians to cover student athletes. The winning bid will be selected on the purchase price, reputation, quality, long-term costs, warranty, service and any past relationship with the district, Conroe ISD officials said.

 

 
Want to
advertise
in this
space?

Click here.

 

Smith to retire as tax assessor-collector in Upshur County

Micheal L. Smith recently announced his retirement as tax assessor-collector in Upshur County, a post he has held since his appointment in January 1983. Smith won election as tax assessor-collector in 1984 and recently won re-election for a term scheduled to end Dec. 31, 2012. His last day in office most likely will be April 30, due to health problems. 

 

County commissioners have not yet appointed an interim tax assessor-collector, but expect to name a replacement for Smith soon, Commissioner James Crittenden said.

 

South Texas Regional Airport received $3.8 million grant

The South Texas Regional Airport at Hondo recently received a $3.8 million state grant, the latest in a string of awards that total more than $10 million in the last four years.

 

The Texas Transportation Commission grant, which requires a 10 percent match, will pay for drainage upgrades as well as a new taxiway and ramp. 

 

SPI on Twitter

Recent Reports

 

Texas Government Insider Archives

 

Volume 1-8 Archives -1/8/04 - 4/29/11
  
Governor's appointments

Governor Rick Perry has announced the following appointments:

  • Anthony Odiorne of Amarillo, Task Force on Indigent Defense;
  • Olen Underwood of Willis, Task Force on Indigent Defense;

  • Leslie Greco-Pool of Euless, State Pension Review Board;

  • Robert Massengale of Lubbock, State Pension Review Board;

  • Sandra "Sandy" Kibby of New Braunfels, Lower Colorado River Authority Board of Directors;

  • Ravi Shah of The Colony, Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation;

  • Lilian Norman-Keeney of Taylor Lake Village, Commission of Licensing and Regulation;

  • Kirk Aquilla Calhoun of Tyler, State Health Services Council;

  • David Woolweaver of Harlingen, State Health Services Council;

  • Kathleen Angel of Austin, Health and Human Services Council;

  • Maryann Choi of Georgetown, Health and Human Services Council;

  • Karen Harris of Lakehills, Health and Human Services Council;

  • Arthur Matson of Georgetown, Executive Council of Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Examiners;

  • Richard "Rick" Bonner Jr. of Corpus Christi, State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners  

  

New directors for Convention Bureau, public health

San Antonio officials recently named hospitality industry veteran Casandra Brown Matej director of the San Antonio Convention & Visitors Bureau, as well as appointing Thomas Schlenker to public health director. 


Most recently, Matej served as senior vice president of sales and services at the Dallas Convention & Visitors Bureau, where she made changes that resulted in a 40 percent growth of convention room night sales. She holds a bachelor's degree from The University of Texas at Austin.
 

Schlenker, who has practiced and taught medicine for 30 years and has worked in public health for 20 years, most recently served as public health director in Madison, Wis. He will take over the San Antonio health department on June 20.

 

Galveston selects Maxwell

as interim city manager

Galveston City Council members recently appointed Assistant City Manager Brian Maxwell as the new interim city manager. Maxwell will replace former City Manager Steve LeBlanc, who was terminated by city council members in April.

 

Job Board

Lewisville ISD cuts six administrator positions

In a move to save $600,000 a year, the superintendent of Lewisville Independent School District recently announced he is cutting six administrative positions in the superintendent's office.


Superintendent Stephen Waddell said he is eliminating two deputy superintendents, the assistant superintendent for elementary education, the assistant superintendent for student services and the assistant superintendent for facilities and construction. Waddell also reclassified the position of deputy superintendent of finance to be the chief financial officer with a $20,000 pay cut along with the reclassification.


District officials earlier had set aside $3 million to buy out as many as 500 employees by offering first 10 percent and then 15 percent of their annual salary when the resignations occur in May. So far, 186 employees have accepted the buy-outs. Board members are to vote soon on whether to extend the buy out offer to other paraprofessionals such as clerical employees, district officials said.

 

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.
 

 

Kilgore selects Williams

as interim city manager

City Council members in Kilgore recently selected Tony Williams, a former city manager for the city, to serve as the interim city manager. Williams will replace City Manager Jeff Howell, who has resigned.


Williams previously served as city manager in Marshall, Paris, Mt. Pleasant and Gladewater. He also was an interim city manager and city manager in Kilgore until he resigned to become city manager in Paris. Williams said he has no plans to pursue the permanent city manager job in Kilgore.

 

Killeen ISD mulling $3.7 million for upgrades to technology

Trustees for the Killeen Independent School District recently began considering a recommendation by the district's chief technology officer for three projects to upgrade technology that carry a total price tag of $3.7 million.


The technology officer, John Evans, urged board members to approve $1.3 million to renovate the district's future technology center that will be located in a building that formerly housed a call center.  Evans also recommended upgrades to technology cabling and improvements to wireless infrastructure. He provided three options to upgrade the wireless infrastructure with the cost ranging from $1 million to $1.8 million.


District officials also need to address problems in facilities where network electronics are housed as some storage rooms and closets are too warm for the equipment, causing some code violations, he said. Cabling upgrades are needed at nine campuses and should cost about $1.4 million. Trustees took no action on the recommendations although funding for technology upgrades is included in the district's Strategic Facilities Plan.

 

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