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| 'Big D' area growing: Census Bureau cites 2009 population figures
Latest numbers come while 2010 decennial count still under way nationwide
 "Big D" is getting bigger! According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau figures, the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex has added more residents in the last 10 years than any other area in the country. The area's population grew by about 25 percent, or 1.3 million people from April 2000 to July 2009.
In fact, four of the state's cities - Austin, Fort Worth, Houston and San Antonio - were among the top nine cities throughout the country with the largest population increases during the year beginning in July 2008. The city with the largest population gain nationwide was once again Houston.
 Don't confuse these figures with the decennial census which is currently under way. Those numbers are still being tabulated. While the U.S. Census Bureau in many cases mailed more than one census form to many residences across the country in an effort to have every resident counted, the bureau also sent census workers door-to-door to households that did not respond to the mailed forms.
Just this week, the Census Bureau reported that 98 percent of the 47 million households that failed to return their census forms have now been contacted in person by a census worker.
"Census numbers govern the distribution of more than $400 billion in federal funds each year and serve as the baseline for future post-census population estimates," said Census Bureau Director Robert Groves (pictured). Groves explained that local governments use census data to plan infrastructure, schools and emergency services while businesses use the data to develop new economic opportunities. The data is also used to apportion seats in the U.S. House of Representatives.
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UT chair Walter Bumphus selected president/CEO of AACC
 Walter G. Bumphus (pictured) has been selected to serve as the next president/CEO of the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC). The announcement followed a special called meeting of AACC's board of directors in Washington, D.C. In his new role, Bumphus will head the organization that represents more than 1,200 accredited, public, two-year colleges.
Bumphus, a professor in the Community College Leadership Program (CCLP), chairs the Department of Educational Administration at The University of Texas at Austin. His resume boasts more than 38 years of experience with tenures as a senior administrator, community college president, system chancellor and private sector executive.
Bumphus holds a bachelor's and master's degree from Murray State University and a doctoral degree from UT-Austin.
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Strategic Partnerships salutes Texas' Lone Stars
 Dr. James M. Simmons, president, Lamar University
Career highlights and education: Named Lamar's 10th president on Sept. 1, 1999. Thirty-nine year veteran of the faculty and leadership team at Lamar. Served as dean of the College of Fine Arts and Communication from 1992 to 1999. In 1996, began serving concurrently as interim executive director of university advancement. Began career with Lamar in 1970 after joining the faculty as an instructor and director of the marching band. Later served as director of bands and as chair of the Department of Music and Theatre before being appointed as dean. Previously taught and served as orchestra and band director in the Beaumont school district and as assistant director of bands and woodwind instructor at Memphis State University. Earned a Bachelor of Science in music in 1964, master's degree from the University of Houston in 1969 and doctorate from McNeese State University in 1979.
What I like best about my job is: Working with so many professionals who really put the students first. There have been a lot of tough choices to make along the way, but we've always been able to sharpen our focus when we look through the lens of student success. That has helped us weather the storm and kept us moving forward together. Joining my colleagues in leaving a legacy of learning that will be a powerful influence on region, the state, nation and the world through the professional and personal lives of the thousands of Lamar University alumni. And finally, being a part of a community that has really embraced the university. The people of Southeast Texas have stepped up time and again to help us be successful. That kind of support makes a real difference.
The best advice I've received for my current job is: Of course, I knew the university very well having been on faculty, serving as dean and in the advancement area, but I did benefit greatly from some wonderful been-there, done-that mentors in the early days of my presidency. Keep a sense of wonder and hang onto the things you love. For me, that is music. The grand piano in my office isn't a prop.
Advice you would give a new hire in your office: Plan carefully, but be flexible. You never know when life will throw a hurricane (or two) at you, literally and figuratively. When it does, you will have opportunity to see who can handle the storm. Finally, take care of yourself and your relationships; you're in a marathon not a sprint.
If I ever snuck out of work early, I could probably be found: At the lake house with my wonderful wife, Susan, enjoying the grandchildren or playing jazz with friends.
One thing I wish more people knew about my agency: What a gem of a university we have. I am continually amazed at the depth and breadth of talent we have in our faculty - world-class scholars and researchers who are doing some amazing things. Likewise, there is an excitement on campus that you won't find many other places - that's part of what makes Lamar such a wonderful place to be - and the students are so much fun to be around. I encourage people to visit the campus if they haven't been here in a while just to see all the changes that have taken place. And, of course, we are excited to be making plans to see the Cardinals play football this fall!
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Just how big is the state's budget deficit?
Appropriations Chair Pitts to share insight at October Legislative Conference
 State agencies and state institutions of higher education are preparing their legislative appropriations requests for the next biennium that include a state-mandated 10 percent cut from their previous budget. And as they are doing so, estimates are swirling regarding just how big the deficit will be when lawmakers return to Austin in January to write the next biennial budget. Some estimates of the deficit are as high as $18 billion.
One lawmaker keeping his finger on the pulse of the state budget is House Appropriations Committee Chair Jim Pitts (pictured) of Waxahachie. Pitts will be one of the keynote speakers at the 7th Biennial Legislative Communications Conference, hosted by Strategic Partnerships, Inc. and The University of Texas at Austin's Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs.
Set for 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 5, the event will be held at The Commons, J.J. Pickle Center at The University of Texas at Austin. Panels of legislators and legislative staff have been invited to address everything from the budget to working with the state's leadership. Members of the legislature and executives from state agencies will offer their insight into the upcoming legislative session. This is a must-attend event for those who follow the legislature and state government. For more information, and to register, click here.
(Sponsorships are available. Contact Reagan Weil or Brooke Hollimon at 512-531-3900 or rweil@spartnerships.com and bhollimon@spartnerships.com.)
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Every litter bit helps:
State agency employees to be part of reducing waste stream, promoting recycling
Change is in the air...er, can...for Texas state office buildings.
State employees are being advised that the Texas Facilities Commission (TFC) will soon be changing the janitorial contracts for all state buildings. Their goal? Reduce costs, promote recycling and gain efficiencies.
 Beginning in mid-July for some agencies and in early September for others, information will be distributed to state employees regarding the changes in service. Among the provisions - staff will be asked to put their individual trash in smaller plastic cans with liners (see accompanying photo). The trash cans are smaller than current receptacles, which TFC expects will help reduce the amount of waste and promote recycling. Staff will then be required to empty these smaller trash cans at centralized locations in the buildings as necessary. The more trash you discard, the more trips to the trash collection location. The new contract will also require daytime office and building cleaning instead of evening cleaning. Why turn the lights and air conditioner on at night just for the cleaning crew? You have to hand it to the TFC...chipping away at a reported $18 billion budget deficit...one trash can at a time! Every litter bit helps! |
TxDOT approves 11 pass-through financing projects
 Approximately $280 million in pass-through financed transportation projects throughout the state were approved this week by the Texas Transportation Commission. The program allows local municipalities and private entities to pay transportation project costs up-front and then be reimbursed a portion of the project costs by the state when the projects are complete and operational. A fee is paid for each vehicle using the roadway.
John Barton (pictured), assistant executive for Engineering Operations at the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) said the projects are a huge benefit to the state transportation system and are "very helpful in stretching our limited funding further to do more work for Texas." The result of pass-through agreements generally is that projects are completed faster than they would be if traditional funding were used.
Among the locations approved and the state investment are a $34.5 million project on State Highway 32 in Cameron County and a $10.9 million northbound frontage project on Interstate 35 in Williamson County. To view the complete list of pass-through financing projects approved, click here and look under "Recent Reports."
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Sunset Advisory Commission set to meet in early July
The Sunset Advisory Commission is set to meet Tuesday, July 6, to issue decisions related to the Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority, the Public Utility Commission, the Office of Public Utility Counsel, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, the Texas Department of Insurance's Division of Workers' Compensation, the Office of Injured Employee Counsel, the Texas Department of Insurance and the Office of Public Insurance Counsel.
The Commission will meet at 9 a.m. in the Senate Finance Committee Room of the Capitol Extension, 1400 Congress Avenue. |
DSHS awards $74M in substance abuse services contracts
 Close to 90 providers of community-based substance abuse services will share nearly $74 million in contract awards from the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS). The funds are a combination of state and federal money and will provide substance abuse treatment and assessment services to more than 45,000 people in Texas next year. The grants include $8.3 million in state funding and $65.6 million in federal money.
"This funding helps individuals get needed substance abuse treatment to help them recover and live productive lives," said Dr. David Lakey (pictured), DSHS commissioner. Lakey said thousand of Texans and their families are affected by alcohol and drug abuse each year.
For a complete list of award recipients, click here and look under "Recent Reports."
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TxDOT division recognized for innovative customer service
 The Texas Turnpike Authority (TTA) Division of the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has been named to receive the International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association's 2010 Toll Excellence Award. The award honors innovations in customer service and toll operations.
The TTA is being recognized for its In-Lane Tag Sales Program and TxDOT officials will accept the award in San Diego in September. The program being honored made TxTag toll transponders available for purchase in the attended, cash collection lanes at all mainline toll plazas on the Central Texas Turnpike System. Motorists were allowed to pay cash for a TxTag from a toll booth attendant, install the tag and use it immediately. The $20 was applied to future tolls.
More than 120,000 TxTags have been distributed through this program. TTA Division Director Mark Tomlinson (pictured) said that as tolling agencies around the country increasingly move to all-electronic toll collection, "The re-purposing of cash collection facilities to distribute toll transponders is an innovative approach that can be leveraged by other agencies." He said it is the "affordable, safe and convenient way" for motorists to pay tolls.
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Laura Doll selected to serve on ERCOT board
Laura R. Doll has been nominated to serve as an independent board member of the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT). Her nomination is subject to approval by the Public Utility Commission of Texas and the vote of the ERCOT membership. Doll has served on the California ISO Board of Governors after being appointed to a three-year term in 2008. She will be one of five independent directors - those not affiliated with ERCOT market participants - on the 16-member board. She replaces Jan Newton, who resigned in May.
Doll is a former vice president of governmental and public affairs for a Santa Monica-cased natural gas company and has also served as deputy executive director for policy for the California PUC. She also is a former chief executive officer for the California Consumer Power and Conservation Authority. She began her professional career with Austin Energy and eventually was named chief administrative officer. She has also worked as director of customer service for a communications company, was director for a consulting firm and senior vice president of an energy management company, all in Austin.
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Garcia appointed as interim general manager for PEC
 The Board of Directors of the Pedernales Electric Cooperative recently appointed Luis Garcia (pictured) as the interim general manager. effective July 1.
Garcia currently serves as general counsel for PEC, where he began his employment in 2002. Garcia is credited with creating the legal department at PEC and previously served as human resources manager and IT manager for the electric cooperative. He has a bachelor's degree from The University of Texas at Austin and a law degree from St. Mary's University in San Antonio.
Garcia said he would like to continue as general counsel once a new general manager is selected. PEC board members plan to conduct a national search for a new general manager. |
Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas awards $142M
The Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas has awarded $142 million in grants to fund cancer research and prevention efforts across the state. In all, grant recipients matched more than $300 million in funds in a dedicated effort to mobilize cancer research and prevention measures.
Among the recipients, the largest amounts went to The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center and Baylor College of Medicine, both in Houston. They got $19.7 million and $18.4 million, respectively. Other Houston recipients were The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston with $7.84 million, Rice University with $3.7 million, the University of Houston with $2.4 million and the Methodist Hospital Research Institute with $200,000. The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio received two grants totaling $4.7 million for cancer research and training. The University Health System got a $285,706 grant to help provide mammograms to low-income women.
To view a complete list of awards, click here and look under "Recent Reports." |
City of Austin names first Chief Sustainability Officer
 Lucia Athens (pictured) has been selected to serve as Austin's first Chief Sustainability Officer. An internationally recognized expert on green building practices, Athens will help steer the city's environmental initiatives in her new role.
Athens spent 10 years as an administrator with the City of Seattle's sustainability programs, where she led policy development efforts. Her 25 years of experience also include time spent as a board member of the U.S. Green Building Council and the International Green Building Certification Institute.
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State Operations Center for former TDEM assistant director Colley
The Texas Public Safety Commission has voted to name the State Operations Center (SOC) in honor of the late Jack Colley, the former assistant director of the Texas Division of Emergency Management, who died of a heart attack last May. The unit will now be known as the Jack Colley State Operations Center.
The SOC serves as emergency-response headquarters for the state when a disaster strikes.
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McKinney working to attract University of North Texas to city
 McKinney city officials recently stepped up discussions with senior administrators at the University of North Texas (UNT) to establish a campus in that city. They offered to give the former Collin County Courthouse to UNT along with as much as $10 million to renovate the facility if college officials agree to establish a campus in McKinney, said a former president of UNT.
McKinney city officials bought the old county courthouse in 2006 and planned to renovate it into a municipal center. Those plans were dropped when estimates for the needed renovations and demolition indicated it would cost twice as much to renovate the old courthouse as to build a new facility, said Councilwoman Geralyn Kever (pictured). City officials are waiting for a response on whether college officials will decide to renovate the old courthouse into a campus before ordering its demolition, Kever said.
University officials already have eliminated one structure from consideration and most likely will decide a new building is best for a campus in McKinney, she said. And city staff plans to continue discussion of other possible sites for a UNT campus.
City of Austin approves study on financing urban rail system
The Austin City Council this week approved a $100,000 study aimed at determining how to pay for a proposed urban rail system. The council also approved a measure that will likely delay a rail bond election until 2012. The rail finance study is expected to be completed in the fall. It will examine several options for paying for the rail plan - general obligation bonds, federal funding, fares and increased property taxes from development along the rail line.
Council members are looking at a nearly 17-mile-long line with approximately 34 miles of track. It would run from the Mueller neighborhood in East Austin, past The University of Texas, the Capitol complex and downtown area and following Riverside Drive to the Bergstrom International Airport. The project is expected to cost $1.3 billion to build and have operating costs of up to $25 million per year. |
Klotman to serve Baylor College of Medicine as president/CEO
 Dr. Paul Klotman (pictured) has been named Baylor College of Medicine's new president and CEO. He will take over the post Sept. 1, succeeding interim President Dr. William Butler, who took over for President Dr. Peter Traber.
Klotman, chairman of medicine at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City, practices as a nephrologist and is a leading expert on kidney disease associated with HIV. At Mount Sinai he recruited six new division chiefs and grew clinical revenue by 15 percent in addition to implementing a new faculty compensation plan and zero-based budgeting system.
Klotman said he would do his best to make Baylor a top-tier medical school, vowing to "make it a better place."
DFW Airport planning to sell $2 billion in bonds to finance projectsThe Dallas/Fort Worth Airport is expected to sell up to $2 billion in bonds later this year to help pay for planned renovations at four of its terminals. The project includes demolishing the center parking lot at Terminal A to create premium parking in a garage. The garage will expand the center's parking lot from 1,400 to as many as 4,500 spaces. As part of the terminal renovation project, the airport plans to tear down the center parking lot at Terminal A to create a "premium" parking garage. The new garage will expand the center parking lot from 1,400 spaces to potentially 4,500. |
Texas Tech selects Dickey as College of Engineering dean
 Elizabeth "Beth" Dickey (pictured) is set to become dean of the Edward E. Whitacre Jr. College of Engineering at Texas Tech University.
Dickey currently serves as a professor of materials science and engineering and as associate director of the Materials Research Institute at The Pennsylvania State University. Before that role, she served on the faculty at the University of Kentucky until 2001.
Dickey holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Kentucky and a master's degree from Northwestern University.
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UTHSC-San Antonio picks Breast Health Clinic director
 Dr. Peter Ravdin (pictured) has been named director of the Breast Health Clinic at the Cancer Therapy & Research Center (CTRC) at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio.
Ravdin previously worked independently developing a computer application that gauges and weighs the benefits and risks associated with chemotherapy treatment after breast cancer surgery. After eight years of work on the device, he received the 2010 "Pathfinder" award from the American Society of Breast Diseases, which recognizes innovators who have somehow advanced the fight against breast cancer and disease. From 1987 until 2002, he directed major clinical trials at UTHSC-San Antonio.
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San Antonio ISD advised to hold $503M bond election in November
 A 35-member, community-based citizens' group has recommended the San Antonio Independent School District hold a $502 million bond election in November. The group advised all schools not slated for closure should receive technology upgrades and security improvements.
Trustees have until Aug. 24 to decide whether to hold the bond election. Meanwhile board members have decided to move forward with a plan calling for the closure of some schools and the renovation of others, contingent on the passage of a bond.
Referring to a previous bond, trustee Carlos Villarreal (pictured) said he didn't want a repeat of that election, "where we feel like we have to touch every school."
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USDA releases Recovery Act funds to three Texas cities
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) will fund three Texas projects with American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) dollars. The funds arrive as part of the USDA's Rural Development's Water and Environmental Program.
The Green Springs Water Supply Corporation is set to receive $1.31 million for improvements, which include the installation of a new high service pump and storage tank and upgrades to undersized pipelines.
The City of Roma will receive $6.323 million to improve storm-water drainage and the City of Hockley will net $4,992,500 for water-system improvements that stand to increase water quantity and reduce water losses.
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UTPA chooses David Allen as new dean of engineering school
 Dr. David H. Allen (pictured) has been named dean of the College of Engineering and Computer Science at The University of Texas-Pan American.
Allen currently serves in the same post at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. There he tripled external research funding from $11.7 million per year to $35 million per year and more than doubled the number of female faculty members. He also increased college revenues by $2.1 million per year during his tenure at UN-Lincoln. |
Los Angeles-based lawyer to head Texas public defense office
Brad D. Levenson, a deputy federal public defender based in Los Angeles, has been tapped to serve as head of Texas' first-ever public defense office for death row appeals. The office was created by the Texas Legislature after a series of ill-prepared defense lawyers assigned to handle writs of habeas corpus made several mistakes regarding documents and deadlines.
Levenson and a small team of lawyers will oversee the office and handle the state writs of habeas corpus, considered a death row inmate's best chance to raise final arguments.
Levenson has worked as a deputy public defender in the capital habeas unit of the Office of the Federal Public Defender in Los Angeles for the last five years.
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City Management Association picks Keffler for president
 Richardson City Manager Bill Keffler (pictured) has been elected to serve as president of the Texas City Management Association (TCMA). In his new role, Keffler will preside over the state's 844 city managers and TCMA's 17-member board of directors.
Keffler has served as Richardon's city manager since 1995. Before that charge, he joined the city's staff as an administrative assistant in 1975. In 1981, he was named to the assistant city manager post and served as deputy city manager for 10 years starting in 1985.
Keffler earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Notre Dame and a master's degree from Texas Tech University.
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Southlake mulling options for new community center
City officials in Southlake are mulling two options for a new recreation and community center. The city council, along with other city boards and commission members, has identified a new community center as the top priority park project for the city.
After council approved a study to determine whether the city should open a community center, a Southlake-based corporation proposed a plan calling for the city to build a multi-purpose complex to be operated by the corporation under a lease agreement. The corporation's proposal includes six acres of land near Dragon Stadium for a park and several buildings to be used for stage presentations, sporting events, dining, retail space and administrative space. The city would build the facility, which would be operated by the corporation.
City officials are awaiting the results of a feasibility study due in September. The report should include recommendations on whether the city should build a new multi-purpose complex or convert a former church into a multi-purpose facility for recreation, a senior citizen center and as a performing arts center.
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South Texas Technology Management names executive director
 South Texas Technology Management (STTM) officials have named Arjun Sanga (pictured) as executive director and assistant vice president for technology transfer. In his new role, Sanga will take over operations of the regional technology transfer office that serves four University of Texas institutions. He replaces interim director Dr. John Cole.
Sanga currently serves as vice chancellor for research and technology transfer at The University of Texas System. Prior to that role, he served as corporate counsel for the University of Kansas Center for research. He also works as assistant vice president for metrics and surveys of the Association of University Technology Managers and as editor of the association's annual licensing survey.
Sanga holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Washington and a doctor of jurisprudence degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City.
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UTPA selects dean of new College of Science, Mathematics
 Beginning this fall semester, The University of Texas-Pan American will split the College of Engineering and Computer Sciences into two colleges, including a new branch for the College of Science and Mathematics. Dr. John Miller Trant (pictured) will serve as dean of the new school.
Trant currently serves as the associate vice president of the University of Maryland Biotechnology Institute in Baltimore, where he has overseen faculty and academic affairs within the Office of Education, Professional Advancement and Training since 2007. He has served as an assistant professor in the Department of Zoology and Physiology at Louisiana State University, beginning in 1995, and as an associate professor at UMBI's Center for Marine Biotechnology.
Trant earned his bachelor's degree at Virginia Polytechnic Institute, his master's degree from Texas A&M University and a doctoral degree from The University of Texas at Austin.
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Port San Antonio appoints first chief operating officer
Michael LeMaire has been appointed chief operating officer of Port San Antonio (PSA).
For the past two years, LeMaire has served as senior vice president of real estate management at PSA, overseeing operations at the port's various airplane hangars, warehouses, manufacturing facilities, offices and residences. Prior to that charge, he spent seven years as managing director of asset services at a private sector real estate agency.
LeMaire is a licensed Texas Real Estate Broker and a certified property manager by the Institute of Real Estate Management.
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UTHSC-Houston announces senior vice president for health policy
 Arthur "Tim" Garson Jr. (pictured) has been selected to serve as senior vice president for health policy and health systems at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. In his new role, Garson will direct the Institute for Health Policy and serve as a primary faculty member at the UT School of Public Health.
Garson has served as president of the American College of Cardiology and currently chairs its healthcare workforce committee. He was named Baylor College of Medicine's chief of pediatric cardiology in 1988 and has served as a visiting professor at more than 100 institutions.
Garson earned his bachelor's degree at Princeton University, his master's degree from the UT School of Public Health and a medical degree from Duke University. He completed his pediatric cardiology fellowship at Baylor College of Medicine.
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Corpus Christi backs planning for park complex on bay front
Corpus Christi City Council members recently supported a plan submitted by a group of local business leaders that will begin the planning process for a proposed entertainment park complex on the site of the former Memorial Coliseum, which was recently demolished.
The civic group, Destination Bayfront, raised more than $100,000 to pay for the planning phase of the project and has hired a New York-based consultant to lead the planning process. The group agreed to present a site plan to council members that will identify specifically what the organization would like to do with the coliseum site and the two city parks on either side of that property.
A spokesman for the civic group said the organization will hold several citywide meetings and make presentations at any church, civic or communication organizations that requests more information on the proposed entertainment park complex. |
HISD announces assistant superintendent of Special Education
 Sowmya Kumar (pictured) has been named assistant superintendent of Special Education at the Houston Independent School District. There she will oversee the Office of Special Education Services as she succeeds Carolyn Guess, who retired this year.
Kumar has spent the last 13 years as an education specialist with the Region 4 Special Education Services Department. Before that role, Kumar served as director of special services in New Jersey for 13 years and as a teacher and diagnostician for students with disabilities.
Kumar earned her bachelor's degree from Queens College of the City University of New York and a master's degree from Columbia University's Teachers College.
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UTPA continues interviews for business affairs vice president
Officials at The University of Texas-Pan American will continue with interviews this week to hire the school's next vice president for business affairs.
A search committee has narrowed the list of finalists to four, including: Chet Lewis, associate vice president for business affairs, The University of Texas at Brownsville; Dr. Greg Gunderson,assistant dean for business & fiscal affairs, College of Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln; Andrea F. Jaeckel, associate vice president for finance, Eastern Michigan University; and Martin V. Baylor, associate vice president for business affairs - budget and resource planning, The University of Texas at Dallas.
The sole finalist will lead UTPA's Division of Business Affairs and oversee a $243.8 million budget. |
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Electra hospital to spend $10.6 million to expand facility
Officials of Electra Memorial Hospital plan to begin construction next year on a $10.6 million project to renovate and expand hospital facilities.
Plans call for the hospital to build a new patient wing and renovate other areas of the hospital that are now too small to accommodate the current patient load, said Jan Reed, chief executive officer of the hospital. The mechanical and electrical systems also will be upgraded and a new canopy and parking lot will be built, Reed said.
Hospital administrators are applying to the U.S. Department of Agriculture for a long-term loan from the Community Facilities Loan and Grant Program. Construction should begin in early 2011 and be completed by 2013, Reed said.
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No. 3 A&M administrator resigns amid scrutiy over resume
 Alexander Kemos (pictured) has resigned from his position as top adviser to Texas A&M University President R. Bowen Loftin.
According to records obtained by the Bryan-College Station Eagle, Kemos is not, as he declared, a former Navy SEAL and, according to A&M officials, does not have a master's degree or a doctorate from Tufts University, as his resume noted.
Loftin said, upon learning of questions surrounding Kemos' background, he immediately contacted the Office of General Counsel and initiated an investigation for verification of Kemos' credentials.
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Beaumont council approves land purchase for Amtrak station
The Beaumont City Council has approved the purchase of a 4.5-acre parcel of land that will be used for an Amtrak station. The federal Recovery Act provided funding of close to $1.2 million for improvements to the current Amtrak location off Cedar Street. Amtrak is planning a new shelter station, an Americans With Disabilities Act-compliant concrete platform and station platform display sign. The city will construct a police substation and parking lot.
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University of North Texas wins $1.6 million rural library grant
 The University of North Texas recently won a $1.6 million grant to begin a three-year project to improve small, rural libraries throughout Texas. The Robert and Ruby Priddy Charitable Trust awarded the grant.
The Department of Library and Information Sciences of the College of Information will oversee the three-year project, Promoting & Enhancing the Advancement of Rural Libraries (PEARL), said Dr. Yunfei Du (pictured), an assistant professor of library and information sciences and principal investigator for PEARL. The program will target 105 libraries in towns with populations of 25,000 or fewer that are located in 83 counties.
Under the program, library staff will receive training and mentoring from five UNT students enrolled in the College of Information's Certificate of Advanced Study Program. An outreach coordinator also will work with the students and library staff members to design customized community outreach plans to partner with local government agencies, civic organizations and community leaders to improve services offered by rural libraries. The program also will offer a Web site with a social networking component for librarians in rural areas to connect with each other and stage two workshops and two forums each year. |
Hidalgo County to issue $28 million in debt for capital projects
 Hidalgo County commissioners recently agreed to issue $28 million in certificates of obligation to fund several improvements to county facilities.
The funding includes $7.1 million to remodel the county courthouse and administrative building in Edinburg to create additional space for courtrooms. Plans call for spending $3.5 million to renovate the first three floors of the old administration building to house the district attorney's office and another $3.6 million to clean and renovate the courthouse space vacated by the district attorney's office to create new courtrooms, said County Judge Rene Ramirez (pictured).
Each commissioner also will receive $4 million to spend in their precincts, primarily for road improvement projects, said Ramirez. County officials also plan to spend $2 million on a sheriff's office substation and a county morgue, Ramirez said.
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CPS Energy to discuss search for new chief executive
Trustees for CPS Energy recently scheduled a closed session meeting during the first week of July to discuss the laws and rules under which they select a new chief executive officer.
The meeting was prompted after trustees declined to release the names of three finalists for the position following an information request from a San Antonio newspaper. The Texas attorney general's office has not yet released an opinion on whether the request is an exception to the open records act for public utilities regarding competitive matters.
Trustees plan to update the utility's transparency report, which was postponed from March, said Charles E. Foster, chairman of the board of trustees of the city-owned utility in San Antonio. The board does not expect to announce a hiring decision, Foster said. |
San Marcos group urges $122 million in capital improvements The San Marcos Planning and Zoning Commission (P&Z) recently approved a list with a $122 million price tag of capital improvement projects to be completed in the next three years. The group recommended spending $31.9 million in 2011, $57.5 million in 2012 and $32.4 million in 2013 for capital projects such as drainage, public safety, water/wastewater, the airport, parks and public buildings, electrical and street improvements, said Matthew Lewis (pictured), the assistant planning director for the city.
Among the projects recommended by the P&Z commissioners are:
- $1.2 million in 2011 to upgrade the parking lot, lighting, playground structures and basketball court at City Park;
- $360,000 in 2011 and $2.4 million in 2912 to relocate the Holland/Academy Street fire station;
- $1 million in 2011 and $800,000 in 2012 to replace lighting, an entry road and parking along C.M. Allen Parkway and adding a basketball court, lighting and trail work at Rio Vista Park;
- $400,000 in 2011 and $1.8 million in 2012 to stabilize the San Marcos River at several access and exit points and to replace concrete with natural rocks;
- $1.66 million in 2013 to renovate the city softball complex;
- $150,000 in 2011 and $750,000 in 2012 to upgrade the Hays County Combined 911 Communications Center; and
- $250,000 in 2011 and $675,000 in 2012 for a new public safety radio communications system.
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Coryell County seeks grant, designer for new jail
Coryell County Commissioners recently requested architects and engineers interested in designing a new jail to send their qualifications to the county Web site. Commissioners also agreed to apply for $21 million in grants or loans from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to help pay for the new jail and possibly a new sheriff's facility.
The county judge said he hopes to build a jail in the near future with 240 beds with a price tag between $17 million to $18 million if the application is approved. Due to jail overcrowding, the county now must lease space from other counties to send 30-50 inmates a month to jails in other counties due to overcrowding.
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Denison moves forward on library/learning center, museum
 Denison City Council members recently authorized the mayor to sign a nonbinding memorandum of understanding with the Lacey J. and Dorothy Harber Foundation to provide at least $3.3 million toward the construction of a library/learning center and $6 million toward the cost of a museum. While the agreement is not yet finalized, the pact represents a very positive step for downtown Denison, said Mayor Robert Brady (pictured).
Under the preliminary agreement, the city agreed to provide the land for the library/learning center and be responsible for maintenance and day-to-day operation of the learning center and common areas of the facility. The foundation agreed to pay for museum maintenance and operation and all of the construction costs. Foundation officials will select the designers and buildings for the project, which will fill an entire block on West Main Street. Officials expect the new library/learning center and museum will be open in two years.
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Richardson financial director named to city manager post
Terri Vela has been named Richardson's new city manager. She will replace Glen Gilmore, who will continue to work on special projects for the city as an assistant to Vela.
Vela currently works as the city's finance director, a post she has held for six years. For the past two years, she has also served as assistant city manager. Gilmore has announced plans to fully retire in 2013.
Houston public works director Marcottee resigns Michael Marcotte (pictured), director of the City of Houston's Department of Public Works and Engineering, has resigned, effective July 12. Marcotte reportedly resigned after substantial city water and sewer rate increase proposals were upheld by a Travis County judge. Mayor Annise Parker is expected to name a replacement later this summer. |
Houston to build new $3.3 million community center
Houston City Council members recently approved a plan to build a new 13,500-square-foot, $3.3 million community center on the site of the former Kingwood Library, which is now being demolished.
Plans call for the community center to feature a gymnasium-sized room to seat as many as 300 people. The large room also can be divided into smaller rooms using movable partitions. The new community center also will feature two smaller activity rooms, a commercial kitchen and an administrative office.
Construction on the new community center is expected to begin in September 2010 and be completed in about one year.
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Coryell County to move county offices to ease overcrowding
 Coryell County commissioners recently approved a plan to relocate the adult probation, the crime victims' and district clerk's offices to ease overcrowding at the county courthouse in Gatesville. Commissioners also agreed to provide updates on grants and programs regarding the overcrowded county jail.
The plan calls for moving the adult probation offices to the 71-year-old, county-owned Mental Health and Mental Retardation services building in Gatesville even though County Judge John Firth (pictured) noted that the move could make it more difficult to carry out legal processes. The crime victims' office waiting room will be moved to the courthouse basement and the district clerk's office will take over a portion of the crime victim's office. Some crime victims' staff also will move to the third floor of the courthouse.
Commissioners also decided to expand two offices to house adult probation and move teleconference equipment to the court-at-law jury room. Two commissioners also will relocate to the MHMR building under the approved plan.
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Dallas-based foundation awards Alpine Public Library $25K grant
The Carl B. & Florence King Foundation of Dallas has awarded the Alpine Public Library a $25,000 grant, according to library Director Paige Delaney. The funds will be designated for the construction of a courtyard and children's area.
Delaney said the capital campaign for the construction of a new building is about halfway toward its $1.4 million goal.
The Alpine Public Library serves Brewster County with its main branch and a branch in Marathon.
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Robstown ISD selects Obregon as new superintendent
Trustees for the Robstown Independent School District recently selected Alfonso Obregon as the sole finalist for superintendent. Obregon has served as interim superintendent for Robstown ISD for almost seven months.
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AACOG hosting workshop for elected officials
A one-day workshop regarding the duties and responsibilities of elected officials, sponsored by the Alamo Area Council of Governments, will be held Thursday, July 29, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The workshop will be in the Al J. Notzon III Board Room, 8700 Tesoro Drive, Suite 700, San Antonio. Among the topics to be covered are introduction to city government, budget and financial management, roles of mayor and council members and council procedures and legal issues. For more information and to register, click here.
CEVS 2010, 'Re-Imagining the Built Environment' in Austin
Austin Energy and the Clean Energy Incubator announce the fourth annual Clean Energy Venture Summit on September 29-30, 2010. Early stage clean-energy companies will audition their technologies for inclusion in Austin's $10.4M DOE smart-grid/smart-home demonstration project, a product of the Pecan Street Project, the nation's most ambitious city-wide clean-energy laboratory. "The feedback EcoFit Lighting received during the 2009 conference helped us refine our investor pitch, leading to the close of a $2M round of funding," said Cason Coplin, CEO of 2009 CEVS winner Ecofit Lighting, a Kansas-based firm.
National Association of Social Workers, Texas plans annual conference The 2010 National Association of Social Workers, Texas Annual Conference is slated for Oct. 8-10 at the Westin Galleria in Houston. Houston Mayor Annise Parker will be the opening plenary speaker and will address "Inspiring Community Action for a Better Quality of Life." Some of the pre-conference sessions planned, for which continuing education hours can be earned, include topics such as suicide prevention and postvention, overview of psychotropic medication for treating mental illness and teaching the next generation of social workers. inspiring community action for a better quality of life. There will also be numerous break-out sessions during the three days that cover everything from motivational interviewing to challenges facing children with incarcerated parents. The closing plenary session will feature Vicki Hansen, LMSW-AP, ACSW addressing "Advancing the Profession: Inspiring Social Workers. The closing plenary will provide attendees with a "State of the Chapter" to bring you up to date with NASW/Texas challenges and accomplishments. For more information on the conference schedules, click here. For registration information, click here.
AACOG among sponsors of commercial propane landscaping event
Landscape contractors, purchasing managers, transportation directors, fleet managers, school boards members, electric utilities, water companies, officials of county and city governments and others are invited to commercial propane landscaping event on Wednesday, June 30, in San Antonio. The event will be from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park Visitor Center at Mission San Jose. Those attending can test drive and demo commercial-grade propane mowers and lawn equipment, electric vehicles and electric vehicle supply equipment. The event is free with lunch from Rudy's BBQ, but attendees must RSVP to attend. Contact Chris Ashcraft at 210-362-5228 or cashcraft@aacog.com. For more information, click here.
2010 NTEC MedVentures Conference slated for July 21
The 2010 NTEC MedVentures Conference, hosted by the North Texas Enterprise Center (NTEC) is slated for July 21 at the Embassy Suites - Frisco Conference Center. The annual event is an early stage investment conference and company showcase that focuses on the medical technology sector. That includes medical instruments and devices, diagnostic equipment, medical therapeutic devices, medical monitoring equipment and other health-related products. The program will include an industry panel discussion, venture capital panel discussion and a showcase of eight emerging medical technology companies. Emerging medtech companies seeking capital will network with investors that focus on their industry sector. MedVentures also provides a "trade show" venue for vendors and service providers. For more information on the conference and registration, click here.
'Cowboy I.T. Up' theme for August TASSCC conference
"Cowboy I.T. Up" is the theme for the Texas Association of State Systems for Communication and Computing (TASSCC) 2010 Annual Conference, set for Sunday through Wednesday, Aug. 1-4, at the Westin Park Central Hotel in Dallas. The event, open to public sector employees only, will feature keynote addresses, a variety of breakout sessions and a Tuesday awards luncheon. CPE credit is also offered. Early registration ends July 5. Among the speakers will be research firm owner Gordon Graham, will address preventing mistakes through a risk management-based training program in his "The Five Concurrent Themes for Success" presentation. Addressing how companies can make decisions and execute on corporate strategies will be Jeff Tobaben, managing partner of a consulting firm. He will address "Where Does Employee Engagement Happen," stressing leveraging human capital through applied behavioral economics. Click here for more information, and click here to register. |
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Millions in grant funding still flowing into Texas
 By Mary Scott Nabers, CEO of Strategic Partnerships, Inc.
Governmental entities rely heavily on state and federal grant funding. Most could not meet the needs of their constituencies if their only sources of revenue were taxes and fees. As a result, public entities are continually watching and applying for state and federal grant funding. In Texas, most public organizations have been very successful in securing this type of funding. Grant funding is available for all types of government projects. And, the interesting thing is that the projects almost always lead to contracting opportunities for private sector firms. A total of $4.7 billion was made available through the federal government's stimulus program to weatherize homes across the nation. Much of the funding went directly to cities in Texas. However, the Texas Facilities Commission received funding for loans in the amount of $9.6 million. The money was to be used for building retro-commissioning, energy retrofits and capital improvements to replace control systems and building heating and cooling systems in nine state buildings. And, counties received money as well. Nueces County, for instance, was awarded $7.9 million for retrofits and upgrades to the courthouse and jail facilities. [more] |
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Georgetown ISD superintendent Abbe Boring will resign
 Georgetown Independent School District Superintendent Dr. Abbe Boring (pictured) has announced plans to resign from her post, effective July 15. Prior to her tenure as Georgetown's superintendent starting in 2008, Boring served as superintendent in Bartow County, Ga. She also served as chief academic officer and senior advisor to the superintendent for the DeKalb County, Georgia, public school system for three years and spent four years as deputy superintendent of Birmingham, Alabama, public schools. She has worked as an elementary teacher, curriculum writer, assistant principal, principal, interim district superintendent and district executive director for various districts and schools in Texas.
Boring holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Michigan and master's and doctoral degrees from the University of Houston. |
Alvin city manager Paul Horn announces retirement plans
 Paul Horn (pictured) has announced plans to retire after eight years as Alvin city manager.
Horn, a former electrical engineer, said it's time to move on and spend more time with his family. |
Sealy ISD applies for state school construction bond program
Trustees for the Sealy Independent School District recently authorized staff to apply for an $895,000 state school construction loan to pay for improvements to district facilities. The state qualified school construction bond program allows school districts to repay interest-free loans over a 15-17 year period.
If the loan is approved, district officials are considering spending about $400,000 to enclose the front of an elementary school; $100,000 to install electronic door locks at facilities throughout the district and $100,000 to install surveillance cameras at district facilities. District officials also plan to spend $75,000 to replace the roof at the junior high school, $75,000 to install carpet and tile at an elementary school and $50,000 to renovate the gym at a junior high school.
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Whitehouse selects Peterson
as new city manager Whitehouse City Council members recently selected Mike Peterson, who currently serves as interim city manager, to be the new city manager. Peterson began his career 22 years ago in the city sewer plant and served as building inspector and as community development director until appointed as interim city manager.
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Fair Oaks mulling building purchase for police station
Fair Oaks City Council members recently authorized the city administrator to negotiate for the purchase of a 5,500-square-foot building priced at $895,000 for a new police station. Council members also authorized a payment of $20,000 for escrow as part of the negotiation process.
The council previously asked the police chief to seek qualifications from architects to design a 9,000-square-foot facility on vacant land near the municipal complex. The chief, however, said he is delaying that effort until council decides whether or not to buy the two-story building located at the corner of Fair Oaks Parkway and Dietz-Elkhorn Road.
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Crass to serve as interim superintendent for De Leon ISD
Trustees for the De Leon Independent School District recently chose Ray Crass of Cleburne to serve as interim superintendent. Crass will lead the district while Superintendent Randy Mohundro is on medical leave through Aug. 31, 2010.
Crass was employed at Jacksboro ISD prior to his employment as superintendent for Mineral Wells ISD, where he served for more than 10 years. After retiring, Crass also served as an interim superintendent for Grand Prairie ISD. He has a bachelor's and master's degree from Tarleton State University.
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Edmonds to serve again as chairman of Port of Houston
 Members of the Houston City Council and Harris County Commissioners Court recently re-appointed James T. Edmonds (pictured) as chairman of the Port Commission of the Port of Houston Authority. Edmonds has served as chairman of the Port Commission since 2000.
Edmonds also serves as a board member of the Memorial Hermann Hospital System, Gulf Coast Rail District, I-69 TxDOT Advisory Committee and as president of Edmonds & Company, a consulting firm.
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Reorganized Texoma COG selects Wacker as new president
The newly reorganized governing board of the Texoma Council of Governments recently selected Cary Wacker, a Sherman city councilman, as president of the redesigned organization. Board members also elected Al Smith, a commissioner from Cooke County, as the vice president and Johnny Waldrip, a commissioner from Grayson County, as secretary-treasurer.
The community development planner also outlined plans for the Community Needs Assessment to begin in July, the methodology and how that information will be used. Survey forms will be sent to elected officials, community members, service providers and clients in July, analyzed by staff in August and staff will present results of the survey in September.
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Where do folks go when they leave 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 private sector employees are now.
 Harold Hurtt began his career in law enforcement in 1968 as a patrol officer with the Phoenix, Arizona, police department following military service at Arizona's Luke Air Force Base. In 1991, he left Phoenix to take the police chief position in Oxnard, California. Seven years later, he returned to Phoenix as the chief of police there, turning down a finalist position for the chief position in San Jose, California. In 2004, then-Mayor Bill White named Hurtt chief of the Houston Police Department, a position he held until 2009, when he resigned after a new mayor was elected. Hurtt was recently named director for the federal government's Office of State and Local Coordination for Immigration and Customs Enforcement, where he will be in charge of outreach with local and state law enforcement and non-governmental entities. He will start his new job on July 6. |
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College Station still exploring new convention center
Despite delays, College Station city officials are still exploring the possibility of building a convention center off University Drive. Mayor Nancy Berry said she plans to inform residents of the benefits of a convention center and schedule a vote on the proposed project in November.
City officials paid $9.6 million for a shopping center to be the site of a 50,000-square-foot convention center funded by revenues from the city's hotel occupancy tax. Delays in moving forward with the project and inaccurate information have caused some drop in community support for the project, said the director of economic and community development. But the mayor said once residents are informed of the economic benefits that a convention center could bring the city, she expected voters to approve the proposal.
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Northeast Texas Community College receives $85,000 grant
 The Meadows Foundation of Dallas recently awarded an $85,000 grant to Northeast Texas Community College (NTCC) to help pay for a new agriculture complex on the campus farm.
College officials plan to use the grant to help pay for the new 9,000-square-foot, multi-purpose Elizabeth Hoggatt Whatley Agriculture Complex. The multi-purpose LEED-certified building features state-of-the-art green technology, a teaching kitchen and a 13,000-square-foot open-air pavilion for classes and special events as well as classroom space, said Dr. Jonathan McCullough (pictured), vice president for advancement at NTCC.
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Waxahachie approves $140,000 to repair its civic center
Waxahachie City Council members recently agreed to spend $140,000 to upgrade and repair the Waxahachie Civic Center.
The projects include upgrading lighting in hallways, repairing countertops, cabinets, walls and doors as well as replacing carpet in four meeting rooms. The repairs also include installing new tile in the foyer, ceiling tiles and security monitors at the civic center, the director of the center said.
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Nacogdoches approves $114,153 for new air conditioners for jail
Nacogdoches County commissioners recently agreed to purchase 15 new air conditioners for the county jail. The county is paying for the seven 7.5-ton units, seven 4-ton units and a 12.5-ton unit with an $115,153 grant authorized by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
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Olivarez joins Strategic Partnerships as senior consultant
 Specializing in law enforcement and county government, new Strategic Partnerships, Inc. Senior Consultant Larry Olivarez, Sr. is a former sheriff of Nueces County. He brings more than 30 years of law enforcement experience to the SPI consulting team. In addition to his work in county law enforcement, Olivarez also spent more than 20 years in city law enforcement, having served as an officer and sergeant with the Corpus Christi Police Department. He also has been an instructor for the National Crime Prevention Council in Washington, D.C., and participated in training sessions at the National Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Academy. Olivarez has also worked closely with government employees, having served as chair of a city employee credit union board and has worked closely with both city and school leaders on programs relating to youth in the community. In his more than three decades of law enforcement work, he has established relationships with other city and county elected officials, law enforcement officials from college campuses to county sheriffs throughout Texas and with federal law enforcement officials. |
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College Station to vote on proposed transportation fee
 College Station City Council members recently agreed to ask voters in November to vote on establishing a proposed transportation fee to pay for street maintenance. The new fee could raise about $950,000 annually to help the city pay for previously delayed street improvements, said Mayor Nancy Barry (pictured).
The proposal calls for a fee of $1.13 monthly for those in multi-family units and $1.50 a month for single-family units, Berry said. Business owners would be charged $1.18 per 1,000 square feet of space, said the public works director.
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Winnie Community Hospital wins $1.1 million state grant
The Texas Department of Rural Affairs recently awarded the Winnie Community Hospital a $1 million grant to upgrade the facility.
The grant will pay for a new air conditioning system, converting the roof from a flat top to a pitched roof and a centralized oxygen tank, hospital officials said. The hospital serves a medically under-served community, according to officials of TDRA.
Judge Wolff names Webb
as new chief of staff
Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff has chosen Ruby A. Webb, a program manager at the San Antonio Water System (SAWS), as his new chief of staff, effective July 19. Webb currently is manager of the Small, Minority and Women Business Program at SAWS and is a former assistant to San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro and former Mayor Phil Hardberger. Webb replaces Seth Mitchell, who resigned in May. |
Texas Government Insider Archives
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Fausett resigns from his
Cameron ISD position  Superintendent Rodney Fausett (pictured) recently announced his resignation as superintendent of Cameron Independent School District to accept a position as assistant superintendent for administrative services at Bay City ISD. Fausett, who served as the superintendent in Cameron since May 2007, has a bachelor's degree from Stephen F. Austin State University, a master's degree from Texas A&M University-Commerce and superintendent's certification from Texas A&M. He has spent 24 years in education as a teacher, coach, principal, curriculum director and superintendent. |
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SPI seeking additional outside consultants
SPI is adding additional outside consultants.
Currently, there is a need for procurement consultants in the following areas: |
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Alvin ISD names Wells as new director of secondary education
 Trustees for the Alvin Independent School District recently selected Kevon Wells (pictured) as the new executive director of secondary education. He will replace Carla Voelkel, who resigned to accept a position with another school district.
Wells currently serves as principal of Alvin High School, He also was an administrator for West Columbia ISD, Brenham ISD and La Marque ISD and was a teacher at Texas City and Galveston ISDs. He also teaches at College of the Mainland. Wells holds a bachelor's degree from Texas A&M University and a master's degree from the University of Houston at Clear Lake.
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TSTC to phase out marine education programs in Palacios Officials of Texas State Technical College recently announced plans to phase out programs at the Texas State Marine Education Center in Palacios due to reduced funding from the state.
College officials plan to close the center in Palacios by the end of 2010, said President Elton E. Stuckly Jr, president of TSTC in Waco. College staff will work with students at the center to help them complete their academic plans by the end of the year, although some students may need to complete their programs at other TSTC locations, Stuckly said.
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Eanes ISD agrees to place advertisements on 40 buses
In an effort to raise revenue, Eanes Independent School District officials recently agreed to place advertisements on the outside of 40 of its school buses. District officials estimate that if 95 percent of the district buses carry advertisements, the ads will generate about $144,000 over a five-year period.
The district plans to contract with an advertising agency to sell the ads and keep a portion of the proceeds. District officials will review and approve any advertisements to be placed on district buses. A 7-foot by 2-foot advertisement will cost $350 per month while a 7-foot by 1-foot sign would cost $175 a month. Each sign will require a one-time $250 design and installation fee to be paid.
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Summerlin veteran keynote speaker for SPI Special Services
 Terry Summerlin, a veteran speaker in Strategic Partnerships, Inc.'s Special Services division, has been bringing personal experiences to life for the last 15 years as a motivational speaker and trainer. His entertaining but serious keynote addresses provide positive messages to help promote leadership and teamwork. Customized for each audience, Summerlin's addresses are appropriate for employees at all levels, from administrative to management. His motivational addresses include anecdotes and illustrations of good leadership and customer service, stressing enthusiasm, a positive attitude and effective communication.
For a complete portfolio of Special Services division experts and their services, to inquire about specific services or to inquire about becoming a part of the Special Services division, contact Brooke Hollimon at 512-531-3948 or bhollimon@spartnerships.com. For information on other individuals in our Special Services division and their areas of expertise, click here.
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Mendiola resigns position as superintendent of Irion Co. ISD
Brenda Mendiola recently resigned as superintendent of the Irion County Independent School District to accept a position at the University of Alabama. Board members also appointed Bill Barnett, who served as a high school principal for the district, as the new superintendent to replace Mendiola.
Mendiola served as a teacher, a principal and four years as superintendent during her 27 years with Irion ISD. She has a Ph.D. from Texas Tech University and earned her superintendent and principal certificates at San Angelo State University, where she also served as an adjunct professor. |
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Hassan resigns as city
manager in Winters
City Manager Aref Hassan recently resigned as city manager in Winters following a 20-year career with the city. The resignation is effective immediately.
City officials said they are not sure whether council members will hire a new city manager or appoint, hire or elect persons to fill the positions of fire marshal, plumbing and electrical inspector, water plant manager and city secretary that Hassan also filled. Council members will decide when the need arises, the mayor said.
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Permission to reprint
or reproduce
This 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., and the company Web site www.spartnerships.com is listed. |
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Gayle resigns as city
manager in Granite Shoals City Manager John Gayle recently resigned as city manager of Granite Shoals. Gayle, who became the interim city manager in 2006, previously served 30 years as an administrator in Snyder. He cited family medical issues as the reason for his retirement. Gayle was the first city manager to serve in Granite Shoals and led the city as it transitioned from elected officials managing the city's daily operations into a city where council sets policy and the city manager oversees daily operations, said the mayor. The former assistant city manager of Waco, John K. Hatchel of Woodway was selected as interim city manager.
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Sealy ISD applies for state school construction bond program
Trustees for the Sealy Independent School District recently authorized staff to apply for an $895,000 state school construction loan to pay for improvements to district facilities. The state qualified school construction bond program allows school districts to repay interest-free loans over a 15-17 year period.
If the loan is approved, district officials are considering spending about $400,000 to enclose the front of an elementary school; $100,000 to install electronic door locks at facilities throughout the district and $100,000 to install surveillance cameras at district facilities. District officials also plan to spend $75,000 to replace the roof at the junior high school, $75,000 to install carpet and tile at an elementary school and $50,000 to renovate the gym at a junior high school. |
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.
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