Secretary of State Wilson stepping down July 6After less than year in office, heads to private sector positionTexas Secretary of State Phil Wilson (pictured), who has served less than a year after being sworn in on July 1 of last year, this week announced he will step down to pursue other opportunities. The "opportunity" is the chance to join Luminant, the former TXU, as vice president handling community relations, communications, regulatory and government affairs. Wilson announced that July 6 will be his last day in office. "We're excited that Phil Wilson is joining our team," said David Campbell, chief executive officer of Luminant. "He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our leadership team and complements our current efforts in public affairs." He will start with Luminant on July 7. Wilson said he was honored to have served the state and cited as his accomplishments in his nearly year-long term as "overseeing the largest primary in Texas history, being part of bringing thousands of new jobs to Texas and investing in our state's future employers and technologies." Wilson, a former deputy chief of staff to Gov. Rick Perry, was named the state's 106th Secretary of State in mid-June of 2007 and took office the following month, replacing former Secretary of State Roger Williams, who resigned. [more]State's Web portal, TexasOnline, updated, improvedFinding your way around Texas just got easier! The state's official Web site, www.TexasOnline.com, has been updated with a new look, new features and new functions to make it more user-friendly, according to the state's Chief Technology Officer Brian S. Rawson (pictured). The new version includes enhancements that make the site more technologically advanced and provides users with an interactive Web experience. Along with enhanced navigation, layout and design features, the site also offers:
Rawson noted that TexasOnline has been ranked in the top 10 nationally the last two years in services to citizens by Brown University studies. "These latest improvements to the navigation, look and feel and content of the site show we are constantly looking for ways to improve," he said. TexasOnline was developed by the Texas Department of Information Resources and BearingPoint, a private contractor. Since the service began in 2000, TexasOnline has grown to more than 800 online services that allowed its more than 125 million visitors to interact with state agencies and local governments over the Internet. The Web site has allowed for the processing of more than 85 million online transactions, generating more than $7 billion in state and local revenues. Strategic Partnerships salutes Texas' Lone StarsPaul Mallett, executive director, Commission on State Emergency CommunicationsCareer highlights and education: I earned a BBA from The University of Texas at Austin, and then embarked on a 24-year career in the Navy as a surface warfare officer. I served numerous shipboard tours and had the privilege of commanding a frigate. My assignments included duty as an advisor in Vietnam and telecommunications manager for U.S. forces in the Pacific. I earned a Master of Science degree in telecommunications management from the Naval Postgraduate School and completed the Advanced Management Program at the Harvard Business School. After I completed my naval service, I returned to Austin and became executive director of the Commission on State Emergency Communications on Sept. 11, 2001. What I like best about my job is: being involved with services that help save lives and protect property. The best advice I've received for my current job is: Make sure you collaborate with the agency's stakeholders before you do something that could impact them. Advice I would give a new hire in my office: Make sure you collaborate with the agency's stakeholders before you do something that could impact them. If I ever snuck out of work early, I could probably be found: On a boat, somewhere, anywhere. People would be surprised to know that I: was a page in the Texas House of Representatives for a short time when I was in school. One thing I wish more people knew about the Commission on State Emergency Communications: In addition to administering the state's 9-1-1 program, we also jointly administer the Poison Control Program along with the Department of State Health Services (DSHS). I also wish everyone knew the national poison control number - 1-800-222-1222 - and what a valuable service the state's six regional poison control centers provide. Each week, the Texas Government Insider profiles a key government executive or decision-maker. If you would like to suggest a "Lone Star," please email us at editor@spartnerships.com. Fire causes significant damage to Governor's MansionOfficials rule fire arson; Perry says historic building will be rebuiltLocal, state and federal officials continue to investigate an early-morning fire Monday that caused significant damage to the Texas Governor's Mansion, the fourth-oldest continually used governor's residence in the country and a National Historic Landmark. Firefighters are shown at the scene in the accompanying photo by the Governor's Office. The incident is now an arson investigation and officials are continuing to review surveillance video that shows someone in front of the mansion throwing something near the front door that exploded into flames on impact. The fire caused what some officials termed "near catastrophic" damages. However, the age of the building may have saved it from complete destruction as the construction of the more than 150-year-old structure likely withstood more damage than would have a newer building. At a press conference Thursday, State Fire Marshal Paul Maldonado said that the investigation on-site is concluding and the property will be transitioned back to the state. "We do have an arson crime that has been committed," he said, noting that officials "have evidence on video of an individual lighting a material, throwing it, it lands on the porch of the Governor's Mansion and the fire spreads very rapidly." Maldonado said the video has not been made public because officials are still "reviewing, studying and analyzing" it. [more]Texas Youth Commission facing federal lawsuit by ACLUThe American Civil Liberties Union has filed a federal lawsuit against the Texas Youth Commission (TYC), alleging some female offenders are placed in solitary confinement unnecessarily, subjected to routine strip searches and extreme physical force. The suit was filed on behalf of four females in the TYC Ron Jackson facility in Brownwood. TYC officials point to the changes that have been made at their facilities since last year, when allegations of both physical and sexual abuse arose, resulting in the agency being put under conservatorship. A&M-Galveston IT Director survives Gulf accidentSteve Conway (pictured), Director of Computing and Information Services at Texas A&M University at Galveston and board member of the Texas Association of State Systems for Computing and Communications (TASSCC), was among five survivors of a sailboat incident that saw the boat take on water and overturn while competing in the Regata de Amigos race from Galveston to Veracruz, Mexico, last week. Conway, a retired Coast Guard commander, was one of two of the sailboat's safety officers. The other safety officer, Roger Stone, died when he was unable to get out of the boat as it sank, but after pushing two of the four Texas A&M students on the boat through a hatch to safety. The five clung to four life vests for 26 hours some 20 miles off the coast before being rescued by a helicopter crew from Air Station Houston. Amid public pressure, TxDOT changes TTC plansThe Texas Department of Transportation has realized that 28,000 Texans can't be wrong. In response to public comments from throughout the state regarding the I-69/Trans-Texas Corridor Project (TTC), TxDOT officials this week announced they have recommended to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) that the TTC be developed using existing highway facilities when possible and that only new travel lanes added would be tolled. In a letter to the FHWA, TxDOT Executive Director Amadeo Saenz (right) said the comments from 28,000 citizens "focused on the need to improve the existing transportation network." He said these types of upgrades may "fully satisfy the project's need to improve the international, interstate and intrastate movement of people and goods for many decades." In an editorial submitted to state media, Texas Transportation Commissioner Ted Houghton (left) pointed out that some 50 public hearings were held throughout the state during a two-month time period. A total of 28,000 comments resulted from those meetings. "Speaker after speaker told us they wanted a transportation system that preserved private property rights," said Hougton. "They wanted Texas to own and control that system. And Texans were very clear on another point: if I-69/TTC is to be built, they want it along existing facilities, and not on new rights-of-way throughout the state. We heard what Texans said, and we are doing as they requested." [more]LCRA: Texas heat points to need for water conservationTexas is a land blessed with multiple rivers, lakes and aquifers that have helped the state thrive economically throughout its history. However, with demographers projecting that the state's population will double by 2025, pressure on the state's water resources is expected to be intense as demand rises on a finite resource. Water conservation is not a new concept to Texans, who have grown used to alternating seasons of plentiful water and drought. Most water providers, such as the Edwards Aquifer Authority, The Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) or the High Plains Groundwater Control District, have plans in place to have users cut back on water consumption during the dry summer months and other times of shortage. But what if these temporary shortages become a permanent situation? How will Texas deal with too much demand for too little water? Most officials say water conservation is the key, including James Kowis (left) and Bob Rose (right), of the LCRA. [more]Secretary of State warns against mail scamBusinesses in Texas are being warned of a scam involving a company seeking to complete corporate meeting minutes for Texas corporations for a fee. Texas Secretary of State Phil Wilson (pictured) said Texas corporations are not required by law to file corporate minutes with his office. "While the forms used by this company look official, they are not a requirement of this office and in no way affect a businesses filing with the state," said Wilson. He said the solicitation for completing corporate minutes from the State Corporate Compliance firm are presented in a format similar to forms delivered by the Secretary of State's Office and include an official-looking seal. Wilson called the mailing being sent out "misleading," and said any official mailing from his office will include the State Seal and the name of Secretary of State Phil Wilson. The Secretary of State said any businesses that have already purchased the service should file a complaint with the Consumer Protection Division of the Texas Attorney General's Office. Texas Youth Commission develops Parents' Bill of RightsA Parents' Bill of Rights has been developed by the Texas Youth Commission (TYC) and will soon be printed and distributed to all parents of TYC youth, according to Richard Nedelkoff (pictured), conservator for the agency. Nedelkoff said the document was created with input from TYC staff, parents, advocacy groups and incarcerated youth. The Bill of Rights will be printed in handbook form that will include a copy of the document, examples of what the rights mean, copies of TYC policies that apply and other helpful information for parents. Nedelkoff said the Bill of Rights is a "key piece" of TYC reform because "it is our promise to take care of their children, an invitation to be involved and vocal, and a guarantee that time spent in TYC will be meaningful." Nedelkoff was appointed conservator of the troubled agency after allegations of abuse of the youth incarcerated in some of its facilities last February. Sunset Advisory Commission to meet June 24-25The Texas Department of Public Safety, the Private Security Board, the Polygraph Examiners Board, the Texas Department of Insurance and the Office of Public Insurance Counsel will come under the review of the Sunset Advisory Commission during its Tuesday and Wednesday, June 24-25, meeting. The meeting will begin at 9 a.m. on June 24 in Room E1.030 of the Capitol Extension. The Sunset staff presentation on each agency will be heard and will be followed by public testimony. The commission also will make decisions on previous recommendations for the Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation, the Texas Department of Agriculture, the Texas Boll Weevil Eradication Foundation, the Texas Prescribed Burning Board, the Texas-Israel Exchange Fund Board, the Texas Racing Commission and the Equine Research Account Advisory Committee. 6th Biennial Legislative Communications ConferenceHawkins, Fuelberg to address legislative challenges for 2009The head of the Texas state agency that touches nearly every Texan in some way and the head of the agency that touches every state employee and many retired state employees will be speakers in the upcoming 6th Biennial Legislative Communications Conference slated for Oct. 7. Named to a panel to discuss the challenges for the upcoming 2009 legislative session are Albert Hawkins (left), executive commissioner of the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), and Ann Fuelberg (right), executive director of the Employees Retirement System of Texas (ERS). The conference is hosted by Strategic Partnerships, Inc. and The University of Texas at Austin Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs. Hawkins has served as head of the HHSC, overseeing the state's five health and human services agencies, since 2003. There are some 45,000 employees under his supervision with a total annual budget of $25 billion for the agencies. Fuelberg has served as executive director of ERS since her appointment by its board in 2004. She directs the agency that administers retirement benefits for nearly 200,000 state employees and retirees and manages a $23 billion investment portfolio as well as ensuring health coverage for more than 500,000 state and higher education employees, retirees and their families. The conference, held before each legislative session, will be at The Commons, J.J. Pickle Research Center, 10100 Burnet Road in Austin. Cost is $295 per person and a continental breakfast, hot lunch and afternoon snack will be served. The agenda for the event is being finalized as more speakers and panelists are being confirmed to participate. This is a must-not-miss event for anyone who follows the legislative session. Additional speakers and groups of panelists will be announced as the agenda is firmed up. The event is always well attended and in addition to a take-home notebook featuring legislative information, attendees will take home information they hear from government insiders on numerous issues facing the 81st Legislature that will convene in January 2009. Watch TGI weekly for updates on speakers, topics and more! To register, click here. TWU approves projects for renovation, expansionA $26 million renovation and expansion of the science building on the Texas Woman's University (TWU) campus in Denton has been approved by the TWU Board of Regents. The project will be funded through tuition revenue bonds and that $21 million will be added to $5 million previously appropriated for the project, which is expected to be under construction in the fall. TWU Chancellor Ann Stuart (pictured) said the goal of the design is to keep the character of the original building, one of the oldest on campus. The project will include renovating the building to include offices and classrooms and constructing a three-story connector between the old building and the new wing which is to be added. The new wing also will include new laboratories. University officials have instructed architects and contractors in the past to make campus buildings as energy-efficient as possible, and that will be the goal for this building as well. Alamo Regional Mobility Authority OKs U.S. 281 toll pactThe Alamo Regional Mobility Authority recently approved a $328 million design-build contract to rebuild a portion of U.S. 281 into a tollway. Building the tollway would put 600 people to work for the next four years and eventually will give motorists a new express lane that will bring in enough toll revenues to fund other projects, the chairman of the transit authority said. Despite several warnings of more lawsuits from groups opposing the tollway, the president of the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce, Richard Perez (pictured), supported the tollway saying delaying the proposed toll way would be a disservice to residents of San Antonio and surrounding communities. Opponents of the project filed a federal lawsuit in February asking for more detailed study on the financial impact to motorists and the environmental effects to the Edward Aquifer and wildlife in the area. Transit authority officials hope to resolve the lawsuit soon in order to sell bonds and begin construction in October. Plans for the 10- to 20-lane toll way call for replacing existing highway lanes for six miles between Loop 1604 and Comal County. Non-toll access roads will replace the existing highway. Federal grants to help two Laredo area school districtsThe University Service Administrative Company, under the direction of the Federal Communications Commission, has awarded grants to Webb Consolidated School District and the United Independent School District to improve telecommunications services and improved access to the Internet for the two school districts. United ISD will receive a $401,299 grant through the Schools and Libraries Program of the Universal Service Fund, commonly known as "E-rate," while Webb CISD will receive a $73,561 grant from the same federal program. Webb CISD will use the funding for telecommunications and improved access to the Internet. United ISD will use the funding for telecommunications services. Hector Perez, executive director of information technology at United ISD, said the grants allow the district to implement a technology plan that includes fast network access between schools and the central office. It will also allow the district to support different instructional software applications like online testing, he said. TPWD announces 'Texas Outdoor Family' workshopsThe two-year-old Texas Outdoor Family Program of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is expanding, with a series of weekend workshops planned for state and city parks this summer and in the fall. The workshops are held in conjunction with cities, river authorities and others. TPWD State Parks Division Director Walt Dabney (pictured) said the workshops are aimed at reconnecting children with nature. "We want it to become a centerpiece for our outreach and education efforts in state parks." The workshops cost $55 per family of up to eight and include car camping sites, restrooms with hot showers, Park Ranger-led curriculum and state park Junior Ranger certification programs. As an example, one of the upcoming workshops includes such items as pitching tents, starting fires, outdoor cooking, guided talks and tours, fishing, kayaking and trail adventures. The workshops begin in August and run through November and are held in a variety of state parks in various areas of the state. For more information, click here. Pittman to serve as Sweetwater superintendentTerry Pittman will assume his duties as superintendent of schools at Sweetwater ISD on July 1. He will replace Dr. Ronny Beard, who accepted a position as superintendent of Cleburne ISD. Pittman, who was named the lone finalist for the job in May, previously served as a high school principal in Sweetwater before becoming an assistant superintendent five years ago. He served as a coach in Odessa, Midland Greenwood, Stinnett and Hart before accepting employment in Sweetwater. Pittman has a bachelor's degree from New Mexico State University and a master's degree and principal and superintendent certificates from Sul Ross State University. Tarleton chooses dean of enrollment managementTarleton State University has named Denise Groves (pictured) dean of enrollment management and university registrar. Groves has served as interim dean since July 2007. Groves said she hopes to spread the message that quality education is available in the backyard of all Texans in Stephenville. Groves has served in a variety of positions in the enrollment management division at Tarleton. She began her career in 1996 in Tarleton's undergraduate admissions office. In 1999, she was promoted to assistant director of admissions and was later promoted to director of undergraduate admissions. Groves received her bachelor's degree with secondary certification and her master's from Tarleton. Texas City ISD names two as interim superintendentsTrustees for the Texas City Independent School District has named two interim superintendents to serve until a permanent replacement can be found for Superintendent Richard Ettredge, who is retiring on June 30. Dede Heidt, currently deputy superintendent for curriculum and instruction, and Liz Payne, currently the assistant superintendent for business, will share the duties of interim superintendent while trustees continue their search for a new superintendent. Trustees expect to review applications for superintendent on July 7, set up interviews from July 15 through July 31, and name a finalist by August 7. A total of 128 applicants sought the job. Former VP Newsom to retire from Texas StateRollo Newsom (pictured), after 42 years at Texas State University in San Marcos, is retiring from the Sociology Department on Aug. 31. Newsome has served as chair of the department as well as the University's Vice-President for Academic Affairs. He was also the first dean of the University College, then called the College of General Studies, from 1983-1986. Newsom began teaching at Texas State in 1966, when it was called Southwest Texas State College, as an instructor in the sociology department. In 2000, Newsom was named Distinguished Professor of Sociology and Folklore Emeritus by the Texas State University Board of Regents. Newsom plans on spending his retirement participating in organizations like Texas Horned Lizard Conservation Society, Texas Folklore Society and volunteering with Old Tunnel Wildlife Management Area where he gives lectures on the Mexican free-tailed bat. UNT Dallas Campus selects two new administratorsThe University of North Texas Dallas Campus has selected Peter Pincemin Johnstone (left) to serve as its new deputy vice provost. The college also named Maxine Rogers (right) as the campus' first director of finance and administration. Johnstone is currently chief academic officer of Penn State University's Abington College in Philadelphia. Rogers is vice chancellor for administration and finance with the Baton Rouge Community College System. Johnstone, a noted author and professor of criminal justice specializing in white collar crime in Europe, is originally from the United Kingdom. He attended London Guildhall University, where he received a bachelor's degree in legal studies and an earned doctorate in criminal justice. He also attended the University of Sussex and held teaching posts at the University of Northampton and London Guildhall University. Rogers, who has served the community college system in Baton Rouge since 2002, also coordinated and developed a $22 million budget for the campus, which opened its doors in 1998 and now has more than 6,600 students. Rogers earned a bachelor's degree from Prairie View A&M University. She also received an MBA from Amberton University in Garland and attended the College Business Management Institute at the University of Kentucky. College of Pharmacy names director of developmentTexas A&M Health Science Center Irma Lerma Rangel College of Pharmacy has named Kimberlee D. Garza as its director of development. She will be responsible for assisting in the establishment of a development program to cultivate private and corporate donations and government grant opportunities toward attaining funding for scholarships, research and professional development for the college. Previously, Garza was director of estate and asset services for the American Cancer Society. In Kingsville, she has been employed by the Texas Tropical Trail Region as regional coordinator and director and has been affiliated with the South Texas Historical Association, the Texas Association of Convention and Visitors Bureaus and the Go Texan Rural Community Program. San Antonio breaks ground on Mission Reach projectSan Antonio leaders and federal officials recently held groundbreaking ceremonies for the first phase of the Mission Reach segment of the San Antonio River Improvements Project. The project is designed to restore eight miles of the San Antonio River south of downtown into a more natural environment while still providing valuable flood protection. On May 9th, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers awarded a $23.4 million contract for construction of the project with $9.9 million provided by Bexar County, $4.4 million contributed by the City of San Antonio and the remaining $9.1 million provided by the federal government. Commissioner Sergio "Chico" Rodriguez (pictured), who represents the area where the project is located, said the improvement to the Mission Reach encapsulates all the positive changes occurring in southern Bexar County including new opportunities for higher education, housing, tourism and quality of life. The $126.6 million Mission Reach will improve flood control, reduce erosion, reintroduce native vegetation and create an environment more suitable for recreation and wildlife. Highlights of the project include the establishment of 24,000 native trees, 56 acres of native grasses, 113 acres of aquatic habitat, 320 acres of riparian habitat, 33 gradient structures, nine embayment areas, five tributary mouths and the restoration of two river remnants. HISD may open its borders to boost declining enrollmentThe Houston Independent School District is looking to recruit students from outside its district boundaries to boost state revenues. With enrollment dropping, HISD Superintendent Abelardo Saavedra (pictured) wants the school board to open the district's borders and abolish the pricey tuition it charges students who live outside the district. The benefit to Houston schools would be more money. The more students enrolled in the district, the more state dollars HISD receives. Under Texas' complicated funding system, Houston is guaranteed $5,092 per student, so local taxpayers would not pay for any enrollment growth. A few Houston-area districts, including Deer Park and Spring Branch, already accept out-of-district transfers at no cost. Dallas County commissioners seek to close budget gapDallas County commissioners, looking for ways to help close a $34 million budget gap, are looking at cutting fuel costs and downsizing vehicles to cut into that deficit. Commissioners are looking at deputy constables' take-home car privileges. However, those commutes result in higher fuel costs. The county is about $830,000 over budget on fuel this fiscal year. In addition, there is reported evidence that some deputy constables are using their county cars for personal business. Other officials may be getting smaller cars. Constables and sheriff's deputies drive Ford Crown Victorias that get between 13 and 17 miles per gallon. However, the county's midsize cars, which include Ford Fusions, get 21 mpg. The cars also are cheaper to maintain. Budget Director Ryan Brown identified 187 positions that could receive the smaller cars, for a savings of $1.8 million. He recommended that the next 187 cars the county buys are midsize sedans. Watauga expanding, renovating police facilitiesWatauga city officials have begun work on a $3.8 million project to expand and renovate the city's police facility as their final project in a $10.5 million effort to improve the city's municipal complex. Mayor Harry Jeffries (pictured) said once the 7,479-square-foot addition is complete, the police facility will have 16,623 square feet of space. The existing building will be used for administrative offices, a training area and space for investigators. The detention area, dispatch and records are to be moved into the new addition. It will also include a secure area where officers can drop off suspects. The city's public works director said he expects the renovations to the police headquarters to be completed in November. Jeffries said most of the projects were paid in cash, although the city also used general obligation funds to pay for some of the renovations. There has also been some discussion of renovating the fire station, but no formal discussions have taken place. Alvin OKs bonds for various city upgradesThe Alvin City Council has approved certificates of obligation to help fund improvements to the city's water system as well as purchase a new pump truck for the fire department. Council members voted to issue the two certificates of obligation, valued at $1.9 million and $650,000, during last week's meeting. City Manager Paul Horn (pictured) said the certificates do not require voter approval because the bonds will not affect the city's tax rate. He said the amount of debt would not increase. Mayor Gary Appelt said the $1.9 million bond would help provide improvements to the city's aging water treatment plant and replacing cast-iron sewer lines. He said the city's water plant is aging and much of the equipment is old, outdated and needs to be replaced. The $650,000 will go toward paying for a new $475,000 pump truck for the fire department as well as a new generator for the police department. Hallmark named West Texas A&M interim provostDr. James Hallmark (pictured) has been named interim provost/vice president for academic affairs at West Texas A&M University. He began his new duties this week and is expected to remain until a permanent replacement can be found. Hallmark, who joined the WTAMU faculty in 1991, has served as the university's dean of Graduate School and Research since 2001. He will replace former provost Brian R. Chapman, who resigned to accept a position as provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. He received his bachelor's from Oklahoma Christian College and earned both a master's degree and a Ph.D. from the University of Oklahoma. Corpus Christi officials unveil priorities for $102M bondCorpus Christi city staff recently gave council members a packet containing recommendations on projects to be included in a proposed November bond proposal. Mayor Henry Garrett (pictured) instructed city staff to give the packet of recommendations to council members, but postponed discussion until a later meeting, saying he wanted council to be rested before tackling such an important duty. City staff recommended that the majority of funds, $102 million, be dedicated to streets, with $78 million for reconstruction and expansions, $98.1 million for paving assessment and overlays, $5 million for accessibility improvements and $2 million for downtown streets. Also included in the recommendations are $22.55 million to be spent on parks and recreation, including development of Oso Creek/Bay park, renovations and restorations at Cole Park and Heritage Park, replacement of the HEB Pool complex and a Surfside Park Bathhouse at the Lexington. Staff also recommended $9.3 million in public health and safety improvements and $2.55 million in improvements to public facilities. Following feedback from council members and a series of public meetings, city staff is expected to present a second draft of recommendations to council to consider before final adoption. Ballot language, however, must be finalized by August 26 to be included on the ballot in November. Comanche ISD superintendent now heads TASARick Howard (pictured) has assumed the duties of president of the Texas Association of School Administrators. Howard, superintendent of the Comanche Independent School District, will serve through May 31, 2009. He succeeds Thomas E. Randle of the Lamar ISD as the association's president. The Texas Association of School Administrators is the professional organization of more than 2,000 superintendents and administrators, education service center staff, college and university professors and students and others interested in public education. Howard has more than 30 years in public education, 18 of those in administration. He has been superintendent at Comanche ISD since 2000. Before that, he served as superintendent in Ira ISD for nine years. Austin to use federal grant to increase enforcementThe Austin Police Department has received a $600,000 federal grant to go after aggressive drivers and inspect more commercial trucks. Armed with more radar guns funded with the federal grant intended to keep busy roadways moving, Austin police will be targeting trucks and dangerous drivers who tailgate, cut in and out of traffic and drive very aggressively, said Police Chief Art Acevedo. Police also will perform more random safety inspections on big rig trucks, he said. In addition to increasing safety by keeping dangerous trucks off the road, the increased inspections will also reduce the transportation of illicit drugs and other contraband moving through Austin, he said. Dallas officials support demolishing Reunion ArenaThe economic development committee of the Dallas City Council recently recommended that the city close Reunion Arena by the end of June and prepare the 28-year old facility to be demolished. City council members must still vote on the recommendation, but are expected to support demolition as eight council members, a majority, serve on the committee. The arena has lost more than $6 million during the last five years. Council member Ron Natinsky (pictured) said the committee found no way to make the old arena more marketable or useful. The committee also recommended that the city maintain ownership of the underlying land and not immediately deem it "surplus property." The resolution also calls for the city to develop a plan within 50 days to renovate an under-used 9,816-seat arena attached to the Dallas Convention Center to provide more venues for smaller events. City staff is developing a finance plan to pay for the demolition, which is estimated to cost more than $5 million, and is expected to present the plan to the council in August or September. West University council remains split on parks planWhile a majority of the West University Place City Council voiced support of a proposed $15 million plan to place a bond proposal to improve its major parks and recreation center on the ballot in November, council members took no action on the proposal. One council member warned that most citizens oppose spending so much on the project. Voters in 2006 defeated a $25.6 million bond proposal to refurbish the pools and buildings at Colonial Park and the West U. Recreation Center. Since then, council members have created a parks planning subcommittee, hired consulting firms to conduct town hall meetings, conduct a mail survey of residents and create a plan to present to voters. The plan supported by the parks subcommittee and the Parks and Recreation Board features a covered pool with three walls that can be raised like garage doors during good weather. It also calls for renovation of several building. Councilman Michael Talianchich argued that a covered pool is unnecessary in Houston with its brief cold season and suggested demolishing the building at the recreation center and leaving the area as green space, renovating the bathrooms at Colonial Park and offering fewer programs to keep the cost at about $3 million. El Paso officials vote down ban on plastic shopping bagsIn a 4-3 vote, the El Paso City Council recently defeated a proposal to ban the use of plastic shopping bags by supermarkets and other retailers. Eddie Holguin (pictured), a city representative from the East-Valley area, opposed the ban, saying it was another example of government telling the business community what to do. Steve Ortega, who represents the Eastridge/Mid-Valley area, had proposed that the Environmental Services Department devise a plan to reduce or ban plastic bags in three months. As a result of the defeat of the proposal, the Environmental Services Department will continue its yearlong study of how to handle the plastic bags that litter the landscape. Ellen Smythe, director of environmental services, said she expect the study to be completed by the end of the year. Smythe also received council's approval to hold discussions with the city's recycling contractor about adding plastic bags to the list of items included in the city's recycling program. Klein ISD approves design plans for fifth high schoolTrustees for Klein Independent School district recently approved a design plan featuring six core "houses" for the proposed 550,000-square-foot fifth high school. Voters in May approved a $168 million bond package that will fund six new construction projects, several renovation projects and purchase of new computers. Approximately $62 million will be spent on the High School No. 5 project. The new school is designed around a central spine, a main hallway called a "learning stream." The library will be the core area of the north side, with six learning communities equally distributed on the first and second floors of the east and west side of the general administration area. Gymnasiums, athletic areas, a pool and a dance room will be located in back of the building's east wing. The auditorium, cafeteria, choir hall, band hall, orchestra rehearsal area, theater rooms and career and technology classrooms are located in the back of the west wing. District officials expect the bonds will be sold in July and the district will have the funds available by mid-August. The new high school is scheduled to be open for classes in 2011. Gregg County warned of financial burden of coliseumA former commissioner recently warned Gregg County commissioners of the financial burden that could be placed on the county if it joins with the city of Longview to build a new coliseum. County Judge Bill Stoudt (pictured), however, assured voters that the county would not make a decision on participating in building the proposed coliseum until more accurate cost estimates are available. A solid estimate should be available in October, and once that estimate is in, commissioners will make a decision, he said. Preliminary estimates place the cost between $25 million and $28 million. Stoudt also noted that Longview will be responsible for maintaining and operating the coliseum in addition to building costs, while any funding from Gregg County would be used toward construction costs. The Longview City Council has already voted to support the joint venture with Gregg County. Cy-Fair ISD approves $27.5 million in spending cutsTrustees for Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District recently approved $27.5 million in budget cuts for 2008-2009, resulting in the elimination of 456 employee positions. The district is trying to place employees whose positions were eliminated in other jobs, said Stuart Snow, associate superintendent of school business services. Counselors, instructional aides and assistant principals were among the positions eliminated. The board also changed the teacher-to-student ratios, reduced the number of bus stops per route and decided that two transportation department daycare centers for staff members' children will remain closed rather than open in 2008-2009 as planned. School officials blamed the state education funding formula as the source of the district's financial challenges in adopting a $622.9 million budget. The 2008-09 budget is 2.8 percent higher than the district's budget last year at a time when it is opening four new schools that will increase costs for fuel, utilities and insurance, Snow said. The board also voted to authorize the sale of $250 million in bonds approved by voters in the November 2007 bond election. Lee College to begin search soon for new presidentRegents of Lee College in Baytown have taken their first step toward finding a replacement for former President Martha Ellis, who recently resigned to accept the position of Associate Vice Chancellor for Community College Partnerships for The University of Texas System. Regents will work with an organization that helps find and select presidential replacements. A search committee of 18 regents, staff, faculty, community leaders and representatives of African-American and Hispanic organizations will be named to assist in the process which could take up to six months or more. Currently, four of the five deans of the college are either serving on an interim basis or retiring, but all have agreed to stay on until a new president is named. Former Administrative Dean Dennis Topper (pictured) is serving as interim president. Officials expect from 40-50 applicants. The search committee will make its recommendations to the regents, who will select probably 10 semi-finalists for interviews. Either one finalist can be named from that group or the regents can ask several finalists from that group back for more interviews. Family housing at Dyess AFB will be privatizedBy 2010, residents in base housing at Dyess Air Force Base will have to sign a lease with a private company, as the U.S. Department of Defense has announced plans to privatize family housing on bases in the continental United States. Air Force personnel will receive an allowance for housing and pay rent directly to the developer. Air Force officials note that if not enough of the base's military families occupy the housing, civilians might also be allowed to live in the base housing. Those next eligible would be unaccompanied military members, military retirees, reservists, civil service workers and retired federal workers, followed by members of the general public. Dyess AFB is in a three-stage overhaul of residential units, with the final phase of 90 units expected to cost a little over $28 million. Some 400 units were demolished and replaced in the last two years and the second phase is currently under way. The contractor will also be providing maintenance and upkeep of the facilities. UTMB offers businesses health benefits programMore than a dozen small businesses in Galveston County are taking advantage of the 3-Share Health Benefits Plan, a unique health benefits sharing plan being offered by the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston. More are expected to enroll, according to Jim Rodriguez (pictured), executive director of the plan, who called the plan a "fantastic deal." Under the program, employers and employees each pay $60 per month, and UTMB pays $60 from a $1.6 million grant and from institutional funds. Those who enroll can look forward to their new health benefits beginning in July. While only 77 employees in 14 businesses are currently enrolled, Rodriguez has nearly three-dozen more businesses to contact. The Galveston program is expected to serve as a model for other Texas cities. Benefits include primary care, hospitalization, pharmacy and mental health care. College Station board backs $82.5 million bond voteA College Station advisory board recently adopted a list of 28 projects totaling $82.5 million it will recommend for a November bond election. Included in the projects backed by the panel, which was appointed by the city council, are a new fire station, a $7.6 million community center and a skate park. Also on the list are a $3 million addition to the Lincoln Center, a $1.5 million nature center at Lick Creek Park and more than $5.8 million in pedestrian improvements on University Drive. The 28-member advisory panel also backed a proposed $6 million library expansion, a $2.65 million extension of Jones-Butler Road and $10 million to widen Barron Road. The advisory board also removed $14.5 million in improvements to the Rock Prairie Road interchange with Earl Rudder Freeway and recommended placing it as a separate item on the November ballot. Because the project is on state right-of-way, the city could be reimbursed by the Texas Department of Transportation for a portion of the project's cost, said Brian Bochner, a TxDOT engineer who served on the advisory panel. The council is expected to finalize a project list by early August so it can be sent off to the state for inclusion on the November ballot. Alvin city officials turn to Web to assist customersThe Alvin City Council recently approved a software package to upgrade its Web site to allow its 6,000 utility customers pay their water, sewer and trash bills online as well as monitor their usage and file complaints. The new software should be installed and working by October. The utility's Web site will charge customers a $1.25 service charge for using online bill pay while customers currently pay a $3.95 service charge when paying online at the city's Web site, she said. City utility customers will still be mailed a paper bill each month, though the system could allow for sending e-mail notices in the future, said City Manager Paul Horn (pictured). As more customers pay bills online, city workers will spend less time processing checks, he said. San Antonio approves airport terminal higher costsThe San Antonio City Council recently approved contracts that will increase the cost for a new airport passenger terminal by $34 million more than the $100 million estimate in 2006. Rapidly rising costs of labor, materials and fuels are blamed for half of the increases, and the changes to the terminal plan, such as adding more space for tenants, added the remaining cost increase, said Airport Director Mark Webb. The airport will pay the additional costs by shifting money within the airport budget, using reserved funds and savings made by modifying some projects. Canceling plans to consolidate staff offices saved about $13 million. Officials are expected to break ground June 17 on the 251,000-square-foot, eight-gate Terminal B, and are expected to begin work this week on the $41 million elevated road that will run past Terminal B., with completion scheduled for late next year. Along with a planned Terminal C that could start with five gates and go up to 11, airfield improvements, noise insulation for nearby homes, expansion of Stinson Municipal Airport and other projects through 2015, costs for the city's aviation program come to $635 million. UTSA selected for $1 million grant for cyber securityThe U.S. Department of Defense has selected The University of Texas at San Antonio's Institute for Cyber Security to participate in a five-year, research consortium funded by a $7.5 million grant. UTSA will receive a $1 million portion of the grant. Researchers will develop and test security models to safeguard the transfer of data among government agencies, said Ravi Sandhu (pictured), executive director of the institute. The Institute for Cyber Security was created in June 2007 with a $3.5 million grant from the Texas Emerging Technology Fund. Its mission is to conduct world-class cyber security research and to be a catalyst for the commercialization of technologies in the fields of security and privacy. Also working on the grant are the University of Maryland, Purdue University, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, the University of Michigan and The University of Texas at Dallas. Sugar Land finalizing wish list of capital projectsSugar Land city officials have compiled a list of 134 capital improvement projects they hope to have completed or implemented in the next year. City Engineer Christopher Steubing said 71 of the projects already are in the construction or design phase and 42 are newly proposed projects. The proposed wish list, which is still being tweaked by city staff, includes improvements to the municipal airport, drainage, city facility needs, parks and recreation, roadway projects, traffic improvement and fresh and wastewater treatment plants. The projects are needed, Steubing said, to address population growth, rehabilitate existing facilities or comply with federal mandates. Upgrading the traffic signal system along Texas 5 with wireless technology was one of the projects highlighted by the city engineer. The project is to be funded by a $1.5 million grant from the Texas Department of Transportation. Also under consideration is coordinating Sugar Land's traffic signal system with Missouri City to allow more efficient travel. The Houston-Galveston Area Council would pay 80 percent of that cost, he said. The city council is expected to hold public hearings before deciding which projects to fund in 2009. HHS grant will support UTEP researchThe University of Texas at El Paso has been awarded a $266,834 grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Service's National Institute of General Medical Sciences. The grant funds will support scientific research for the "Enhancement of Quantitative Science in Biology Curricula" project directed by UTEP professor Stephen Aley, a biochemist and molecular biologist. Get your free copy of the Texas Government InsiderThe Texas Government Insider is a free weekly newsletter. If you are not a subscriber, or if you would like to sign up your friends or co-workers to receive a free copy, click here. Permission to reproduce, reprintThis newsletter may be reproduced, and all articles within may be reproduced and/or reprinted without permission when credit is given to the Texas Government Insider, a publication of Strategic Partnerships, Inc. Note to media:Need expert commentary on procurement issues relating to state government, city and county government, K-12 public schools, higher education or healthcare? Our consulting team has more than 300 years of high-level experience in decision-making among these government entities. Give us a call at 512-531-3900 and we'll arrange an interview for you with one of our experts. |
Interested in state bargains? Check this site!By Mary Scott Nabers, CEO of Strategic Partnerships, Inc. "Out with the old and in with the new." Ever wonder where the OLD goes when the NEW comes in? In Texas state government, the "old" is likely to end up in the Texas Facilities Commission's (TFC) surplus property program. Because state agencies spend millions of dollars for new goods each year, the new items often cause older items to be retired. And what's old for one agency may be "new" for another. The TFC is responsible for disposing of salvage and surplus property. Surplus property includes office furniture, motor vehicles, computer software, hardware and electronic equipment. Occasionally, there will be more unusual items - such as aircraft! All surplus items are listed on the State Comptroller's Web site and if after 10 days, no state agency, assistance organizations or other political entity offers to purchase the items at the price established by TFC, then the property becomes available to the public and can be purchased by competitive sealed bids, through auctions (live or on the Internet) or at the state's retail "storefront" in Austin. San Antonio and El Paso also have storefronts as well, but these two primarily deal with federal surplus, which is generally not available to the public. [more]Rusk County to hire jail construction managerRusk County commissions recently approved hiring a construction manager to oversee its $16 million jail expansion project and gave a go-ahead for its architects to search for energy-efficient alternatives. County Judge Sandra Hodges (pictured) said the expansion will add 195 beds, increasing capacity to 291 beds in the project to be built across the street from the courthouse. The county is expected to begin procedures soon for accepting bids for the construction manager position, she said. The estimated time of the project, which is being paid for through issuance of certificates of obligation, is 12-14 months. Stephenville ISD appoints Dunnam as new assistantStephenville Independent School District trustees recently approved Carie Dunnam (pictured) as their new assistant superintendent of personnel/instruction. She will replace Debbie Hines, who is retiring from that position after 29 years with the school district. Currently serving as assistant superintendent in Big Spring, Dunnam has worked 19 years in public education. She served as a teacher in Coahoma and Forsan before joining Big Spring ISD. She served as a teacher and a principal at Big Spring before being appointed assistant superintendent in February 2007. Where are they now?Where do folks go when they leave state government? Some go to work in the private sector or for nonprofits. Some transition to executive-level positions in higher education while others may seek elected local government positions. And some just retire and spend a lot of time with their grandkids at the fishin' hole. This column focuses on where former state government officials and employees are now. Pat Wood III began his public service career as legal counsel to Barry Williamson, a then-member of the Texas Railroad Commission. He served as legal advisor for Commissioner Jerry Langdon with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) from 1991-1993 until returning to Texas after being appointed to the Public Utility Commission (PUC) of Texas. He served the PUC as chair until 2001, when he was appointed a FERC commissioner in 2001, and served as chair until 2005. He is now involved in his own Houston-based energy development firm. Robert Eckels served in Texas state government as a member of the House of Representatives for six terms, having been elected in 1982 while still in his 20s. He left the legislature in 1994 to run for and was elected Harris County Judge. Eckels served as judge of the nation's third largest county until 2007, when he chose to leave the public sector for the private sector. He is now a partner in law firm of Fulbright & Jaworski, L.L.P in Houston. If you are a former Texas government official or employee or know someone who has left state government for greener pastures, please let us know so we can feature them in an upcoming column. Send your information to editor@spartnerships.com. Don't miss this special government sales workshop!
If you are a sales rep interested in government contracts, you should not miss SPI's upcoming "Selling to Government" sales training workshop. Taught by members of the SPI team who are familiar with government contracting, the workshop will offer tips and information gained through first-hand experience by our veteran staff, many of whom are former public sector executives and decision-makers. The workshop slated for Tuesday, Sept. 16, is designed specifically to help sales reps increase government sales revenues. It also will allow for one-on-one time with our veteran staff as well as an expanded curriculum. There is an "early bird" discount for early registration. Space is limited. For more information and registration forms, click here. TWU offering culinary bachelor's degreeTexas Women's University is now offering a new bachelor of applied sciences in culinary science and food service management degree. Applications are being accepted for the TWU BAS in culinary science and food service management degree program, which begins at the TWU Denton campus this fall. TWU became the first in the state to offer a culinary bachelor's degree when the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board approved this new degree program in April 2008. Dr. Chandan Prasad (pictured), professor and chair for the TWU Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, said chefs do more than cook. He said they are often responsible for the business side of the food service industry, including marketing, bookkeeping and human resources. Community college students who complete an associate of applied sciences in culinary arts degree from TWU's community college partners are eligible for the program. Currently, TWU is collaborating with the Dallas County Community College District, the Collin County Community College District, Tarrant County College and the Houston Community College System to offer the degree. Interested in upcoming opportunities?
Looking for government sales opportunities? Look no further! Mary Scott Nabers' columns run regulary in the Austin, Houston, San Antonio and Dallas Business Journals and each column features contracting opportunities in all segments of government - state, city, county, K-12 public schools, higher education and healthcare. If you miss them in the journals, go to the SPI Web site, where they're posted regulary and updated often. Midland to demolish old police headquartersThe Midland City Council recently voted to accept bids to remove asbestos floor tile from its old police station and demolish the building. The old headquarters building had served as a records storage area since the new police station was built. City officials have not decided on how to use the land on which the old police station is built, but Mark Phillips, facilities and fleet manager, said the land is close to the municipal court and could be used in several ways. He said the old station could be demolished by the end of August. Phillips estimated it should cost about $150,000 to demolish the building. Williamson County approves grant for drainage, centerThe Williamson County commissioners recently approved $33,000 in federal grant funds for the Dickey Street drainage project and a senior center in Taylor. The funding is of part of the annual Community Development Block Grant program intended for low-income communities. The majority of the funding, $400,000, will be spent on continuing the drainage project intended to reduce flooding that occurs in southern Taylor during heavy rainfalls. The city so far has spent $900,000 in federal funds and $1.1 million total on the project. The remaining funds, $33,000, will be used to bring the senior center at the old middle school into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The funding became available after a Georgetown housing development project was canceled. Spring Valley seeking new bids for park projectThe Spring Valley City Council recently rejected bids for a park project and approved re-advertising for bids that will be closer in costs to the $400,000 budgeted for the project. The Civic Activities Board will meet with a landscape architect to determine ways to reduce the scope of work before the project goes back out to bid, said Mayor Mike Andrews (pictured). Seguin's board suggests aquatic complex, dog parkSeguin's Parks and Recreation Advisory Board recommended $12 million in recreation projects, including an aquatic complex and dog park, to be placed on the list of the city's approved proposed capital improvement projects. The first priority from the board was resurfacing the basketball courts in Manuel C. Castilla Park and at Blumberg Park, at a cost of $15,000. In addition to the aquatics complex and dog park, other projects recommended include resurfacing six tennis courts in Max Starcke Park, a covered pavilion in Castilla Park, a zero turn radius mower, improvements to the amphitheater in Starcke Park, a soccer complex and an indoor recreation center. The recommendations were sent to city council members to consider while adopting the city budget this summer. McAllen airport to receive $75,000 federal grantThe McAllen Miller International Airport has been selected to receive a $75,000 grant to update its master plan. The grant is from the U.S. Department of Transportation - Federal Aviation Administration and will be used to conduct an environmental assessment for future growth and expansion of the terminal, said City Manager Mike Perez (pictured). The McAllen Miller airport serves almost one million passengers annually. East Texas airport to get $3.2 million for upgradesThe East Texas Regional Airport in Longview has been selected to receive a $3.2 million federal grant for runway improvement. Airport Manager Virginia Hall said the funds will pay for rebuilding part of a taxiway and then resurfacing it. Recent Reports
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Texas Government Insider ArchivesVolume 1 - 6 Archives · 11/7/03 - 6/6/08 Katy opts for design-build process for two projectsKaty city officials are opting for a design-build process for their new municipal courts building and the remodeling of the city's fire station. The city will thus hire and work with one firm to perform design and construction tasks for the two projects. Voters approved the $1.5 million renovation of the fire department headquarters and a $1.5 million new municipal courts building in a bond election last year. The fire station project includes driveway repairs and additional space for training and sleeping quarters. Additional bond funding was approved for street repairs, which will begin after the other two projects are started. Socorro ISD superintendent agrees to step downAfter trustees for Socorro Independent School District and Superintendent Sylvia P. Atkinson (pictured) reached a separation agreement this week, Atkinson resigned from her position effective June 30. Trustees agreed to pay Atkinson $205,000 and a year of health benefits after both agreed not to pursue further claims. Atkinson served as superintendent for 18 months. Trustees also appointed Mary Benham, the district's associate superintendent of business services, as the acting superintendent effective June 11. Benham will serve in the acting position until trustees select an interim superintendent. Board President Karen Blaine said she expects trustees to appoint an interim superintendent within a month. It's like a sales encyclopedia!
Information regarding governmental entities that would take a sales staff days to find is now available in one document. SPI offers its Texas Metro Profiles - with information on budget data, decision-maker names and titles, governance structures and more. These profiles are available in individual documents for each of the Houston, Dallas, San Antonio and Austin areas. Each electronic guidebook hyperlinks for one-click access to additional information such as meeting schedules, purchasing overviews and future projects. For more information, a sample page, and information on how to order, click here. Longview ISD to sell
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TSABAA planning annual summer conferenceThe State Agency Business Administrators' Association (TSABAA) will hold its 39th Annual Summer Conference June 30-July 2 at the Sheraton Arlington Hotel. TSABAA provides an arena for issues affecting the business operations of Texas state government. This year's event features a State Board of Public Accountancy-approved ethics class from 8-11:30 a.m. on opening day. Certifications will be issued. The group also will host the 1st Annual TSABAA Golf Tournament on Sunday, June 29, at the Tierra Verde Golf Course in Arlington. The tourney will be a four-person scramble and shotgun start. Among the topics of discussion for the event are: The Expectation of Accountability for Business Administrators, Legislative Perspective featuring Ross Ramsey and Harvey Kronberg, Finance Transformation, Open Government, Performance Benchmarking, Appropriation Control, What's New with the Texas ERP Project, How to Reengineer (Improve) Processes and a legislative review. Twelve hours of continuing education credit can be earned at this event. For more information, to view the tentative agenda and to register, click here. |
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