Electronic records: Parkland wireless 'second to none'

Hospital system hopes to roll out to 120 off-site clinics next year

Parkland Health & Hospital System in Dallas has taken another step in revolutionizing information technology (IT) in the medical industry.

The hospital recently went live with an electronic medical records system for all inpatient files within the main hospital campus. The electronic system is set to launch at Parkland's 120 off-site clinics throughout the next year.

Texas boasts a number of hospital systems utilizing advanced IT systems, according to Chief Information Officer Jack Kowitt (pictured), but Parkland's launch marks one of the first times a hospital has implemented a completely wireless network. In the photo at right, Dr. Ruben Amarasingham, Parkland's associate chief of medicine services, explains the system to hospital staff.

"I like to say we're second to none on that front," Kowitt said.

"Patients' information is now available at the stroke of a key from anywhere in the hospital," he said, adding Parkland's goal is to have electronic records for all of Parkland's clinics implemented by October 2010.

Kowitt said less than 4 percent of hospitals in the country have fully electronic records.

Management, organizational review of TxDOT ordered

Transportation Commission selects private firm, outlines goals

An immediate top-down management and organizational review of the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) was approved Thursday by the Texas Transportation Commission. A private consulting firm was chosen to conduct the review, which is expected to take six months. Following the review, the firm will offer recommendations aimed at increasing efficiency and cutting costs.

Goals of the review include: optimizing the department's performance, improving transparency and accountability, promoting effective and efficient use of resources and helping identify future resource needs. The review will include input from TxDOT employees, members of the Texas Legislature, Metropolitan Planning Organizations and other stakeholders. The results of the survey are expected to be presented to the commission in early 2010.

"It is our expectation that this firm will report directly to the commission," said Ed Serna, TxDOT assistant executive director for support operations. "Neither the staff or administration will filter the recommendations. The staff's role will be to make sure this project stays on a specific timeline."

Governor calls special session for Wednesday, July 1

Legislation will address five agencies under sunset review

A special session of the Texas Legislature has been called by Gov. Rick Perry for Wednesday, July 1, beginning at 10 a.m. The session will address extending five state agencies that were subject to sunset review during the 81st Regular Session. Without legislative approval, those agencies will be abolished.

Only the governor can set the "call" for the session - the list of items that will be considered. Following are the items Perry included for the special session:

• Legislation extending the existence of five state agencies that were subject to sunset review by the 81st Legislature that would otherwise be abolished without legislative action, and to change the review schedule for certain state agencies to balance the Sunset Advisory Commission's workload. These agencies include the Texas Department of Transportation, Texas Department of Insurance, Texas Racing Commission, Office of Public Insurance Counsel and Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation.
• Legislation allowing the Texas Department of Transportation to issue general obligation bonds, which have already been approved by voters, for highway improvement projects, and for the creation, administration, financing and use of a Texas Transportation Revolving Fund to provide financial assistance for transportation projects.
• Legislation extending the authority of the Texas Department of Transportation and a regional mobility authority to use comprehensive development agreements to design, finance, build and maintain transportation infrastructure.

Although a special or "called" session of the legislature can last up to 30 days, Perry has indicated he is hopeful this first called session will be over quickly. "I think they’ll be in and out in three to four days," he said Thursday.

Addie Horn announces retirement from DADS

Commissioner ending three-decade public service career

After three decades of public service, Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) Commissioner Adelaide "Addie" Horn (pictured) has announced her retirement, effective Aug. 31. Horn began her career in government as a direct care worker to individuals with intellectual and other disabilities. That work included managing vocational rehabilitation, regulatory and quality assurance programs, policy initiatives and direct management of services.

Horn was named commissioner at DADS in February 2006, after having served as the director of long-term care services at the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and then as first deputy commissioner at DADS. "Addie's tenure as DADS Commissioner has been one of strong leadership on behalf of individuals who need her agency's services, no matter the setting or disability," said HHSC Executive Commissioner Albert Hawkins. "She has always placed their interest first in making decisions for DADS."

"It has been my privilege, and one that I have never taken for granted, to have served individuals who are aging and have disabilities," said Horn. "As commissioner, to have been able to work under the leadership of Executive Commissioner Albert Hawkins, to work with such dedicated staff, the leadership of our state, our many partners and stakeholders, and to know the many families and individuals who receive our services, has been a great source of inspiration."

HHSC awards $6.77 million grant to TTUHSC Institute

Access, research program to study pediatric telemedicine

Future expansion of telemedicine for providing health care for children in rural communities in West Texas is getting a $6.77 million boost in funding from the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. The funding, spread over 26 months, will be used to establish 30 patient sites in West Texas to expand and study access to pediatric primary and specialty care for Medicaid-enrolled children.

Recipient of the funding - Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center's (TTUHSC) F. Marie Hall Institute for Rural and Community Health - has already been working on advancing telemedicine in West Texas, according to TTUHSC President Dr. John C. Baldwin. He said the funding will be a "very positive program for communities lacking adequate connection to specialized pediatric care."

The money will fund Project CHART (Children's Healthcare Access for Rural Texas), according to Dr. Billy Phillips (pictured), vice president of the Institute. "We are extremely energized by the many potential opportunities it will bring to the region," he said. Members of the four TTHSC Schools of Medicine campuses are beginning to assess the needs of communities in the region to determine the best locations for the 30 sites.

In addition to many areas of West Texas being medically underserved, there is also a severe shortage of general pediatricians and pediatric specialists. That can lead to lengthy travel for pediatric care, said David Lefforge, COO of the Institute. That can be costly - both in money spent on travel and time lost from work and/or school - and those costs are more than some families can afford. "Project CHART may be the means by which communities can increase access to medical specialty care while reducing the demands on individuals and families," said Lefforge.

Governor announces Sullivan as new chief of staff

Ray Sullivan (pictured) has been named chief of staff for the governor's office, effective July 1. He replaces Jay Kimbrough, who will remain on staff as senior advisor to the governor.

Sullivan has operated an Austin-based public and government relations firm since 2002, when he left the public sector after 22 years of state government service. He previously worked as Gov. Rick Perry's deputy chief of staff, lieutenant governor's communications director and communications director.

Sullivan holds a bachelor's degree from San Diego State University.

Community, technical colleges form green collaborative

Five Texas community and technical colleges and systems along the I-35 corridor this week signed an agreement relating to regional job training for "green" economy careers. The group plans to share curriculum, eliminate duplication of programs and expand its training capabilities.

Calling itself the I-35 Green Corridor Collaborative (GCC), the five entities will seek federal economic stimulus funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) for workforce training in green economy fields such as solar power technology, conservation and sustainability of existing resources and alternative energy development. Member of the coalition are the Dallas County Community College District (DCCCD), Alamo Colleges, Austin Community College District (ACC), Temple College and the Texas State Technical College System.

Austin Community College District has taken the lead in the endeavor and plans to seek stimulus money as well as funding from other federal organizations and the Texas Energy Conservation Office. The ARRA includes $42 billion for energy-related projects and $20 billion for green jobs. Because community colleges generally are the primary trainers of a region's workforce, it was only natural that the collaborative seek funds to become part of the training for high-demand green jobs.

Dr. Wright Lassiter (pictured), DCCCD's chancellor, said the DCCCD has been educating skilled workers for the emerging green industry. "Sharing resources will enhance each member college's ability to develop and expand expertise more quickly and to support this diverse industry," he said. Lassister said the collaborative will allow for training of this emerging industry's workforce and provide new jobs. The GCC may eventually add partners in industry and four-year colleges and universities to assist with research.

TCEQ ramps up dam inspection efforts after funding

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has announced considerable progress toward efforts to inspect all of the state's 1,735 high- and significant-hazard dams. Thanks to increased funding from the State Legislature and recent rules changes, agency officials will be able to hire more inspectors and ramp up education efforts. The agency so far has held nine dam safety workshops and six rules-related workshops this year.

TCEQ Executive Director Mark Vickery (pictured) said the added funding and changes in dam-safety rules "will allow us to increase our efforts in keeping vital infrastructure sound." Some 550 high- and significant-hazard dams have been inspected across the state so far this year, compared to 316 inspected last year.

August sales-tax holiday will include school supplies

The annual August sales-tax holiday will include school supplies this year for the first time since the event began in 1999. State Comptroller Susan Combs said more than two dozen school supply items will be sold tax free during the weekend of Aug. 21-23.

Per House Bill 1801, school supplies priced less than $100 - including pens, pencils, crayons, calculators and notebooks, among other items - will be exempt from state and local sales tax in addition to backpacks, clothing and shoes priced less than $100 during the weekend. Combs said a lot of families look forward to saving their money during the yearly event.

"Now they can make their back-to-school budgets stretch even further," she said.

TEA takes applications for employer excellence awards

Applications for the Texas Education Agency's (TEA) 2009 Employers For Education Excellence (EEE) Awards - created by the Texas Legislature in 2007 to recognize employers who encourage and support employees' participation in school activities - are being accepted through July 31. All public and private sector employers are eligible to receive awards at the bronze, silver or gold level.

Robert Scott, commissioner of education, said the awards represent a "small way to say thank you to companies and organizations that encourage employees to make such an important contribution to student achievement."

To submit an application, click here.

TxDOT partners with NTEMP for infrastructure

Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) officials have executed a comprehensive development agreement (CDA) with the NTE Mobility Partners (NTEMP) to operate and maintain 13 miles of Northeast Loop Interstate 820 and SH 121/183 in Tarrant County. A $570 million state investment will provide needed infrastructure to the Fort Worth area in addition to operations and maintenance costs.

Texas Transportation Commissioner Bill Meadows (pictured) said the agreement will bring "the North Texas region one step closer to reduced congestion, improved air quality and speedier access to the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport."

UT's Roberts resigns information technology post

Brian Roberts (pictured), vice president for information technology at The University of Texas at Austin since 2006, has resigned and will return to the faculty in the College of Liberal Arts, effective immediately. Kevin Hegarty, vice president and chief financial officer, will oversee the Information Technology Services division.

According to UT President William Powers Jr., Hegarty will head up implementation of a new plan for information technology outlined by the Strategic Information Technology Advisory Committee. Powers had praise for Roberts, saying he "helped shape an ambitious agenda and a new framework for information technology services at the university."

Roberts previously was an associate dean in UT's College of Liberal Arts and has been involved in key information technology positions for the last 15 years. He joined UT in 1985 as a professor of government and economics in the Government Department. He holds a bachelor's degree from Trinity College and a doctorate from Washington University in St. Louis.

TxDOT to break ground on Burleson Co. upgrades

As one of 29 shovel-ready projects approved by the Texas Transportation Commission (TTC), Texas is set to break ground on its first major mobility project with funds made available from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. The Texas Department of Transportation will break ground next week to launch the project just outside Bryan in Burleson County.

The $7.5 million initiative includes upgrading FM 60 from two lanes to four lanes, which will be divided by a grass median. Improvements to 2.8 miles of road between FM 50 and Old River Road are also slated as part of the project, which will take about two years to complete.

So far, Texas has received more than $2.25 billion in ARRA stimulus funds for transportation projects.

UTHSC-Tyler officials outline $100M expansion plans

Dr. Kirk Calhoun (pictured), president of the University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler (UTHSCT), has announced a $100 million expansion plan of the center's facilities over five years.

Calhoun said UTHSCT leaders are still awaiting final approval and funding for the expansion project, which would include an 85,000-square-foot academic center for physician training and an expansion of the cancer treatment center. He said officials will likely know the status of the project by fall. Meanwhile, UTHSCT regents have approved the donation of 20 acres of land for an $18 million veterans' extended care facility funded by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the Texas Veterans Land Board.

Calhoun said these projects will likely attract more business growth along U.S. Highway 271 and Texas Highway 155.

Texas A&M looks to scale back $20M for FY 2010

Texas A&M University interim President R. Bowen Loftin plans to slash administrative costs by $20 million this year. His plan calls for scaling back the university's merit increase program, among other measures and solicitations. As officials look to merging functions between Texas A&M and its governing 11-university system, Loftin has set a deadline of July 9 for the 13 vice presidents to submit recommendations about where to cut back.

"I am charging each vice president with preparing a proposal to reduce FY 2010 operating costs, beginning with a review of administrative salaries and operating costs," Loftin wrote in a memo titled Administrative Operating Expense Reductions.

The plan outlines a series of measures, including the elimination of merit increases for non-faculty employees who make more than $175,000. It also calls for reducing the pool set-aside for the merit program from 3 percent to 2 percent of total faculty and staff salaries.

Edinburg hospital helps endows chair at UTHSCSA

The Doctor Hospital at Renaissance in Edinburg has endowed The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UTHSCSA) with a $2 million chair in support of Dr. Dipen Parekh (pictured), a urologic oncologist who uses robotic technology to remove kidney, prostate and bladder cancers. The gift will help sponsor a Distinguished University Chair - the highest endowed faculty position at UTHSCSA.

Parekh practices at UTHSCSA in addition to traveling to the lower Rio Grande Valley twice a month to perform these highly advanced, minimally invasive procedures in which he extracts tumors through tiny incisions, reducing pain, blood loss and risk of infection.

Dr. Glenn A. Halff, acting dean of the School of Medicine at UTHSCSA, said endowed chairs help "attract and retain the best and brightest physician-scientists."

Texas bypasses national standards for public schools

State Education Commissioner Robert Scott has declined an invitation to work with 46 other states in adopting uniform standards for English and math instruction in public schools. The common core standards adopted by most other states outline what students at all grade levels should be taught in those subjects.

Debbie Ratcliffe, a spokeswoman for the commissioner and the Texas Education Agency, said Texas has not historically "been supportive of the idea of national standards for our schools."

Although the standards will be voluntary, Texas may be forgoing federal aid for not participating in the initiative, along with Alaska, Missouri and South Carolina. The U.S. Education Secretary has suggested federal funds might be attached to adopting the standards.

Most of Austin ISD superintendent's requests granted

Incoming Austin Independent School District Superintendent Meria Carstarphen's (pictured) proposal to eliminate 12 jobs and add six positions has been approved by school trustees. Board officials withheld support to eliminate a diversity director position, however. Trustees have delayed voting on Carstarphen's request to cut the post.

Carstarphen's proposal also nixes seven executive principal jobs, created to provide additional support at the district's highest-needs schools, and increases the number of chief officers from three to seven. Chief officers earn a salary range of $155,000 to $185,000.

The administrative shakeup of top personnel is projected to yield a net savings of $380,000.

Tarrant Co. approves up to $2 million for courthouse

Tarrant County commissioners recently approved spending from $1 million to $2 million to repair the top two square towers and the dome of the historic Tarrant County Courthouse after a cast-iron plate fell off the building. Commissioners previously budgeted about $300,000 for some minor repairs to the courthouse.

The vote to authorize the new repairs followed a report by the county facilities director who said the extent of damage became even more visible as county workers inspected the area in the process of bidding a project to replace bolts. The inspection, however, indicated that the top sections are leaky, need new paint and repairs to cast-iron and wooden decorative pieces, the facilities director said.

The repairs to the courthouse, which was built to resemble the Texas State Capitol, are expensive because the job requires scaffolding and replicating historic architecture, the facilities director said.

New chief of cardiology named at LBJ Hospital

Dr. John P. Higgins (pictured), assistant professor of medicine at The University of Texas Medical School at Houston, has been named chief of cardiology at Lyndon B. Johnson General Hospital, part of the Harris County Hospital District.

Higgins, who is board-certified in cardiovascular disease and internal medicine, served as an instructor in the Department of Medicine at Harvard Medical School before joining the UT medical school faculty in 2007. A principal investigator in the Houston Early Age Risk Testing and Screening Study (HEARTS) program, designed to reduce sudden cardiac death in Houston sixth graders, Higgins has authored or co-authored 22 published papers.

Higgins received his medical degree from the University of Queensland, Australia. He completed his residency at the University of Missouri-Columbia and a fellowship at Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School.

UT-Arlington to establish nursing education center

Thanks to a $5 million infusion of state funds, The University of Texas at Arlington's School of Nursing is set to establish the UT Arlington Regional Nursing Education Center. The program, aimed at students earning their bachelor's degree in nursing who will become registered nurses, will double the number of undergraduate nursing students by 2012.

"UT Arlington will be able to play a major role in training the numbers of highly skilled, registered nurses that Texas needs to meet the health care demands in our communities," President James D. Spaniolo said.

The state funds will allow students to complete up to half of their clinical hours at a simulation-based teaching facility known as the Smart Hospital, reducing pressure on area hospitals to provide on-site clinical instruction. The money will also increase the number of faculty members graduating from the Master of Science Nurse Educator program.

Interim dean named to permanent post at UNT

Michael Monticino (pictured), interim Dean of the University of North Texas Robert B. Toulouse School of Graduate Studies, has been named to the position's permanent post effective July 1. He has served as interim dean since Jan. 1.

Monticino previously served as associate dean for administrative affairs at UNT's College of Arts and Sciences and as a mathematics professor. He joined the UNT faculty in 1990 and was appointed associate dean in 2004. He also serves as an adjunct professor at the UNT Health Science Center at Fort Worth.

Monticino earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Florida and a doctoral degree from the University of Miami.

UTSA names vice provost for information technology

Kenneth R. Pierce (pictured) has been named vice provost for information technology and chief information officer at The University of Texas at San Antonio, effective July 27.

Pierce previously served as chief information officer at UT-El Paso, where he supervised a staff of more than 115 employees.

Pierce holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Houston and a master's degree from Capella University.

UT-Arlington School of Social Work dean announced

Dr. Scott Ryan (pictured), the Jeanene M. Janes Endowed Professor in Child Welfare at Florida State University, has been named dean of The University of Texas at Arlington School of Social Work. He also serves as associate dean for research at FSU's College of Social Work. He begins his new charge Sept. 1.

Ryan directs the Institute for Social Work Research. He is a senior research fellow at the Evan B. Donaldson Adoption Institute in New York City and edits the journal, Adoption Quarterly.

Dr. Donald R. Bobbitt, UT Arlington provost and vice president for academic affairs, said Ryan's position was filled after an extensive national search of "many exceptional candidates."

UT-Brownsville/Texas Southmost names alumni director

Marisa Campirano (pictured) has been named The University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College's first full-time director of alumni relations. She will work with the university's 150,000-plus graduates and former students in her new role.

Campirano, who is enrolled in the master of public policy and management degree program at UTB/TSC, holds a bachelor's degree from Southwestern University in Georgetown.

Medical College expansion draws additional funds

The Texas A&M Health Science Center (TAMHSC) is set to receive more state funds for the expansion of the TAMHSC-College of Medicine at campuses in Bryan-College Station, Temple and Round Rock. The funds totaling $16 million (part of a $45 million initiative) will be appropriated to sustain the college's projected growth rate over the next biennium and supplement a $33 million infusion approved in 2007.

The legislature has also slated $1 million in funds for the creation of a biosecurity initiative in the Rio Grande Valley known as the Biosecurity and Import Safety project, which will be be operated from the TAMHSC-South Texas Center in McAllen. The measure will address public health concerns along the biosecurity-sensitive region of the Texas-Mexico border.

Dr. Scott Lillibridge (pictured), executive director of the A&M System National Center for Emergency Medical Preparedness and Response (NCEMPR) and assistant dean of the TAMHSC-School of Rural Public Health, said the border region faces an array of public health challenges, including drug-resistant strains of influenza and tuberculosis.

UTEP partners with agencies for security-prep program

The University of Texas at El Paso has teamed with the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) and the University of Southern California Information Sciences Institute to form a new cooperative education program allowing students future careers in intelligence and national security workforce. The Information Operations Workforce of the 21st Century program will train students in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and other fields for careers in the executive branch. Both master's and bachelor's degrees will be offered.

Ricardo Pineda (pictured), director of UTEP's Research Institute for Materials and Engineering Systems (RIMES), said the 21st century has brought with it "a knowledge-based society, where multi-disciplinary efforts are critical for the future workforce." He said he foresees participation from a broad range of majors at UTEP.

Six to eight students will be selected for the first funded co-op internships, beginning this fall, in which they will spend six months of the program studying specialized coursework and the second six months working for Intelligence Community agencies.

Denton ISD planning for new $43 million middle school

Denton Independent School District officials recently began design plans for a new $43.3 million middle school adjacent to the elementary school in Shady Shores. Voters approved funding for the new middle school in a $282 million bond election.

The district is finalizing design plans for the new middle school currently being designed to accommodate 1,000 students, said Sharon Cox, the director of communications and community relations for the district. School officials also plan to build two new elementary schools and renovate Denton and Ryan high schools along with several middle and elementary schools and to improve technology and add security measures with proceeds from the bonds approved in 2007, she said.

Tarrant County College chancellor resigns after 12 years

Leonardo de la Garza (pictured), longtime chancellor of Tarrant County College, has announced he is resigning after 12 years.

De la Garza leaves with a board-approved $700,000 compensation package amid spiraling costs for a new downtown campus. (The 132,000-square-foot bluff buildings for the downtown campus are expected to cost $203 million.) Board Vice President Bobby McGee said the deferred compensation issue and criticism resulting from the downtown projects "worked to make this a good time to part company" with de la Garza.

De la Garza leaves TCC on what he calls a high note. When he joined the TCC ranks as chancellor in 1997, the institution had a debt of $147 million. As he prepares to leave office, that deficit has shrunk to $49 million.

Tyler reviews long-range master plan for Lake Bellwood

Tyler city council members recently reviewed the first draft of a long-range master plan for Lake Bellwood that calls for the city to develop the area in a "state park style." The lake, which was formed in 1894 by the city and served as a source of water supply until the 1950s, is located on 160 acres of property that is mostly in its natural state, city officials said.

The study, which was authorized by council in April 2007, recommends that the park at Lake Bellwood feature walking trails, an improved swimming area, a playground and spray ground, a boardwalk area across the water, large pavilions, restrooms and a flagstone patio to hold events. The master plan also recommends that powerboats and personal watercraft be banned from the lake, but would permit boats such as canoes and kayaks.

Residents will have 30 days to comment on the proposed master plan before council members take a vote on it at their July 22 scheduled meeting.

Temple may be not ready to apply for stimulus funding

Temple Mayor Bill Jones III (pictured) has warned that local high-speed rail efforts may not meet required guidelines to apply for federal stimulus funds by the July 10 deadline. The impending railway known as the Texas T-Bone, connecting Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston and San Antonio, would create a transportation hub that would t-bone in Temple. Jones has been a strong proponent of the railway, but said it doesn't look likely the city will be able to meet the required deadline.

"It doesn't look like we're going to be able to meet the required environmental and feasibility studies for the pre-application process," Jones said, adding city officials are trying to acquire funds to have the studies conducted.

"Once you apply for those (stimulus) funds, you have to be able to show that you will use them in a fairly short period of time - and we're just not prepared for that," Jones said.

Amarillo to use $1.7M in stimulus funds for traffic lights

Amarillo city commissioners plan to use about $1.7 million in federal stimulus dollars to update traffic lights.

Approximately $733,000 will be geared to replacing traffic lights with LED lights, which use less energy and last longer than incandescent models, according to Assistant City Manager Vicki Covey. The switch will save the city a projected $220,000 a year.

City staff members have also proposed allocating $588,000 in stimulus funds to outfit sewer lift stations with variable frequency drives to reduce wear on motors. That move stands to save the city $13,000 a year.

Mansfield backtracks, approves $38,000 grant allocation

Less than 24 hours after voting to reject a $38,000 federal stimulus grant for the police department, Mansfield city council members held an emergency meeting to backtrack on that vote and accept the grant to pay for a part-time crime analyst.

After a warning from Public Safety Director Bill Lane that rejecting one grant could cost the city approval of two other related grants of $300,000 to upgrade communications, Councilman Cory Hoffman (pictured), who led the charge to send a message to Washington by rejecting the grant, said he changed his mind because the city could not afford to lose the larger grants.

The $38,000 grant requires no local matching funds and does not require the position to be funded locally after four years, Lane said.

Greenville approves grant application for new fire station

Greenville city council members recently authorized the Greenville Fire-Rescue Department to apply for a Fire Station Construction grant from federal stimulus funds to pay for a combined fire station and administration building and for a grant to pay for additional equipment.

The combined fire station and administration building is estimated to cost about $5 million and stimulus funding could pay 100 percent of the construction-related cost, said Fire Chief Doug Caison (pictured).

Council members also approved matching funding for two other grants for which the fire department applied. The two grants are an Assistance to Firefighters Communication grant to purchase an updated communications system and a grant to pay for a diesel exhaust removal system to improve safety for firefighters at fire stations, Caison said.

Dallas ISD to add 75 recent college grads to teaching

Dallas Independent School District is set to welcome 75 recent college grads to its faculty as part of the Teach for America program, an initiative designed to deploy new teachers to needy urban-area schools around the nation. DISD is the third district in Texas to take part in the program; the others are in Houston and the Rio Grande Valley. The new teachers are currently participating in a five-week training course and student teaching in Houston as they prepare to embark on their new careers.

DISD Superintendent Michael Hinojosa said almost half of the teachers recruited as part of the program will be assigned to the district's most challenging and hard-to-staff campuses.

"I think they can handle it," Hinojosa said, adding he feels "very confident" about the recent grads' track records.

HHS grant provides TAMUI nursing program assistance

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has granted $152,031 to Texas A&M International University's Disadvantaged Nursing Student Scholarships program. The funding will allow TAMIU to financially assist as many as 30 full-time, economically disadvantaged students from underrepresented backgrounds who are already enrolled in the university's nursing program.

TAMIU President Ray Keck (pictured) said the grant will allow the university to invest in Laredo and surrounding communities as the school's "well-prepared, culturally sensitive nurses enter the workforce."

Recipients of the scholarship may receive full financial assistance as determined by TAMIU's Office of Financial Aid.

Conroe may build eco-friendly park on city hall roof

With the help of a $539,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Energy, Conroe city officials are considering building a $700,000 eco-friendly park on the roof of the first-floor wing of the City Hall.

The proposed rooftop park would generate energy savings and well as provide a potential revenue source for the city, said City Planner Luis Nunez. Preliminary plans call for spreading a soil mixture 8 inches deep on top of a waterproof membrane covering the 12,000-square-foot roof. Growing vegetation in the soil will insulate the roof and result in about $50,000 a year in energy savings, he said.

The city also could install benches, tables and a water feature to the park and use the rooftop to host outdoor functions such as tours by school children and other city events, Nunez said.

Amarillo College acting president named to post

Amarillo College acting President Paul Matney (pictured) is set to become the school's 13th official head.

Matney was named acting president in May 2008, replacing Steven Jones, who stepped down due to illness.

Matney joined the AC faculty in 1980 as division chairman and professor of language, communications and fine arts. He has also served as vice president, dean of instruction and associate vice president of instruction throughout his tenure at AC.

Corpus Christi goes green with new energy plan

The Corpus Christi City Council has approved a resolution that sets a goal to reduce the city's energy consumption by 5 percent every year.

The City Green program will begin by asking employees who drive city vehicles to combine driving routes and by replacing old or broken equipment with renewable counterparts. Major green initiatives including the installation of wind turbines and solar-powered panels will also be considered. The city has received $2.7 million in federal stimulus dollars to implement the measures. A request for an additional $500,000 in federal grants is pending.

Councilman Larry Elizondo (pictured) said the comprehensive plan to go green will spark a tremendous transition. "It's the thing to do now," he said.

Victoria approves $962,300 grant application for radios

The Victoria City Council recently authorized city staff to apply for a $982,300 grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to buy approximately 375 new radios for city, county and volunteer fire departments.

The grant will help the city meet the requirement to switch from analog to digital by 2012, said David Yates, who oversees the city's radio system. The city will be required to match about $192,500 if the grant application is approved. The city and county plan to split the match based on the number of radio each entity purchases, Yates said.

The total cost to replace the current radio system is expected to be from $4.2 million to $6.7 million, depending on which options are selected, said Captain Jesse Turner of the Victoria Police Department. No date has been set for the complete conversion.

Harris Co. approves ship channel district for security

The Harris County Commissioners Court has approved the creation of the Houston Ship Channel Security District, a public-private joint effort that will increase and enhance security technology and infrastructure. The initiative will work to deter terrorism as well as theft and other security and safety issues.

The district's servicing area will include the Port of Houston and more than 100 refinery, chemical and marine facilities in the area, which will pay operations and maintenance assessments to the district as a supplement to $31 million in Homeland Security Grants.

Harris County Sheriff Adrian Garcia (pictured) said the measure will "facilitate communication and cooperation among local law enforcement jurisdictions and the private sector to better protect this vital area of our community."

Rockwall announces bond sales for justice center, roads

Rockwall County commissioners recently approved the sale of $24.7 million in limited tax refunding bonds to cover issuance of short-term bonds approved earlier to pay for a new Justice Center. Commissioners also approved $10.62 million in road bonds to pay for several roadway improvements.

The $24.7 million in bonds will cover all but $5 million of the original issue of short-term debt totaling $30 million that commissioners authorized in May to fund a proposed new Justice Center, said County Treasurer Bill Sinclair. Commissioners agreed to leave $5 million at the variable interest rate bonds until final cost estimates for the new Justice Center come in later this year.

The $10 million in bonds, which are part of two bond proposals totaling $117.5 million voters approved in 2004 and 2008, will pay for planning and engineering for interchanges with Interstate 30 from FM 549, FM 551 and FM 740, the county's $5 million commitment to the city of Rockwall for improvements to John King Boulevard and for planning and engineering on SH 66, SH 276 and FM 549.

Fort Worth moves ahead with plan for joint facilities

Fort Worth city council members recently authorized city staff to begin negotiations with the Fort Worth Independent School District to build a joint community center and elementary school in Rosemont Park.

Despite objections from some residents that they will have less park space for youth sports, the cooperative agreement will allow the city and school district to construct a larger building with more amenities than either could afford separately, said Councilman Joel Burns (pictured).

The plan calls for the city abandoning 1.5 acres of Rosemont Park on the north side of Seminary Drive and the school district to lease 6.7 acres of open land on the south side of Seminary Drive to the city for use as a park, he said.

Northwest ISD high school students to get new laptops

Students at both high schools in the Northwest Independent School District will be issued mini-laptop computers to access software, documents and the Internet.

The students will be issued the new laptop computers early in the fall semester to use for homework and in classrooms, said Kitty Poehler, executive director of personnel services. Because the laptops are portable, students will be able to work on homework, papers and projects on the laptops between practices for athletics or band or during other breaks, she said. The district plans to issue the laptop computers to middle school students in 2010.

District officials still have not decided how much to assess students for an annual usage fee. The computers will remain school property and families will be charged a fair-market replacement cost if the unit is lost or damaged. An optional insurance program will be offered, she said. Funding for the laptop computers was provided by a bond proposal approved by voters in 2008.

Williamson County names new director of infrastructure

Robert "Bob" Daigh (pictured) has been named director of infrastructure for Williamson County, effective Sept. 1. In his new job, he will direct administrative work related to county infrastructure issues.

As former Austin district engineer with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), Daigh oversaw administration, planning, environmental clearance and right-of-way acquisition, as well as the construction and operation of state and federal highways in 11 Central Texas counties.

Daigh holds a bachelor's degree from The University of Texas at Austin.

Hutto seeks citizens for bond election committee

Hutto City Council members are looking for several citizens to serve on a bond election committee to consider capital projects to include in a possible Nov. 3 bond proposal. The committee will meet several times in July to review potential projects including parks, open spaces, facilities, streets and drainage to recommend to council members for addition to a possible Nov. 3 bond election. Those interested in serving on the committee must submit an application to the city secretary's office 5 p.m. on July 1. The council will announce appointments to the bond committee on July 2, said Finance Manager Micah Grau.

Arlington adds four temporary Title I schools

Trustees for the Arlington Independent School District recently designated four additional schools as Title I campuses for the next two years as a way to maximize $10.8 million in federal stimulus funding. Title 1 schools receive extra federal funding based on the percentage of students on free and reduced-price lunches. Arlington ISD receives about $12.6 million in Title 1 funds annually and already has 37 schools designated as Title 1. The additional $10.8 million from the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act will be used over the next two years.

The funding can be used to buy computers and other equipment and to provide additional services such as tutoring and staff development that will benefit students in the Title 1 schools, said Superintendent Jerry McCullough (pictured). Of the four schools that received temporary designation as Title 1 schools, Sam Houston High School will receive an additional $2 million over the two-year period, the largest share of the additional funding. The other schools to be temporarily designated as Title I schools are Gunn Junior High School and Bryant and Starrett Elementary schools, which will each receive between $110,000 and $160,000 a year.

Several other school districts in Texas also are temporarily designating as Title I schools to maximize the federal stimulus funding. More than 4,000 public and charter schools in Texas, or about half of the schools in the state, are currently designated as Title 1 schools, according to the Texas Education Agency. TEA officials will not know how many more Title I schools will be added until September, when school districts must apply for the stimulus and Title I funds.

Stimulus results in creative energy efficiency solutions

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

Sometimes solutions to problems are so simple they get overlooked. Here's an example. With summer temperatures climbing to triple digits, an individual could get relief simply by standing in the shade of a tree. And, some governmental entities are seeking solutions to high energy costs in just the same way...by creating more shade from trees.

Cities in at least two states will spend federal stimulus funds on trees - with the objective of increasing energy efficiency. Nurseries and tree farmers should love this concept. Environmentalists and beautification experts will also be happy.

One city in Idaho hopes to purchase 250 trees for planting, noting the city's current tree population provides $14.26 per tree per year in energy savings, from shade, of course! And in Wisconsin, officials in one city hope to use federal funds to plant trees downtown to replace ones that have died because officials can point to significant energy savings that will occur.

Other requests for funding from the Recovery Act are more conventional, with millions of stimulus dollars dedicated to energy efficiency programs, rebates for energy efficient appliance purchases and home weatherization projects. Almost every city is targeting energy efficiency projects in subsidized housing units.

Marion ISD to buy four
new propane buses

Trustees for the Marion Independent School District recently authorized the purchase of four new propane buses and the addition of a filling station on district property.

The district plans to purchase three 71-passenger buses and one 47-passenger bus that will operate cleaner than diesel buses and that offer rebates on the cost of the buses and the fuel, said Superintendent James Hartman (pictured).

Hidalgo Co. school districts' nutrition programs funded

Three school districts in Hidalgo County will receive almost $500,000 for food and nutrition programs from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. The funding is to be used to buy equipment and other supplies for the day-to-day operation of school cafeterias.

Those districts receiving nutrition grant funds are Hidalgo County ISD with $109,000, McAllen ISD with $237,000 and Mission Consolidated ISD with $111,000.

Texas Government Insider
will not publish next week

Strategic Partnerships, Inc. will be closed Friday, July 3, for the long July 4th weekend, and will not publish the Texas Government Insider next week. We will resume publication on Friday, July 10. Have a safe and happy Fourth of July.

Greenawalt to retire as director of Region 18 ESC

Charles Greenawalt, executive director of the Region 18 Education Service Center, recently announced his retirement from that position. The Region 18 Education Service Center serves 33 school districts in West Texas.

An educator for 40 years, Greenawalt previously served as a teacher and administrator for Alice Independent School District, Joshua ISD, Hereford ISD and Kingsville ISD. He became executive director of Region 18 Education Service Center eight years ago. He has a bachelor's and a master's degree from Texas A&M University-Kingsville.

Former Superintendent John Thompson of Friendship ISD has been selected to replace Greenwalt as executive director for the Region 18 Education Service Center on July 1.

Huntsville to apply for $2.1 million grant for fire station

Huntsville city council members recently authorized the city manager to apply for a grant of no more than $2.1 million from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to build a new fire station on SH 75N.

The new station is planned to replace a fire station located at the City Service Center that no longer has living quarters or bathroom facilities after a portable building that served that purpose was sold due to mold problems, said Fire Chief Tom Grisham. Currently, volunteer firefighters must go to the service center and get their firefighting equipment to respond to fires, he said. If the new station is built, the city can run a bunker program to house firefighters on nights and weekends who will be able to respond more quickly to emergency calls. The federal grant is available to fire departments specifically for construction of fire stations to replace current stations that are in bad condition, Grisham said. That grant does not require the city to match any of the funding.

Navarro College authorizes $4 million bond issuance

Trustees for Navarro College recently authorized the issue of $4 million in revenue bonds to build a new classroom building at the college's Midlothian campus.

Trustees also authorized staff to negotiate the fee for architectural drawings for the new building from the three bids submitted by architects.

Nassau Bay starts over in search for new city manager

Nassau Bay city officials recently had to start over in a search for a new city manager after the candidate selected for the position, former U.S. Army Colonel Scott Larese, retracted his acceptance of the position on the day before he was to begin his new duties.

Mayor Don Matter (pictured) said Larese cited family-related reasons for withdrawing from the city manager position. Assistant City Manager Deborah Pattison will remain as the interim city manager until council members select a new city manager, Matter said. Council members are reviewing the applications of the 49 men and women who applied for the position along with Larese and will advertise the opening again to attract more applicants.

New Braunfels approves $9.5 million for projects

The New Braunfels City Council recently agreed to publish a notice of intention to issue $9.6 million in certificates of obligation to pay for several new projects, including $3.5 million to build a new fire station. Council members, however, declined to include a request for a new human resources and finance software system to be included in the projects.

Other projects included in the list to be funded include new police vehicles, parks and recreation equipment, improvements to the police station, property purchases and public works projects. Council members expect to issue the certificates of obligation in late July.

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.

Ace Pickens served in the Texas House of Representatives from 1964-1973. He also was general counsel for the Texas State Board of Nurse Examiners. He is currently partner in a prominent Austin law firm.

Glen Maxey served as chief legislative aide to State Sen. Oscar Mauzy before being elected to the Texas House in 1991. He served six terms, ending his legislative career in 2003. He currently is a lobbyist and public affairs consultant.

Commerce to apply
for funds for fire station

Commerce City Council members recently agreed to apply for a federal stimulus grant to pay for refurbishing and expanding a fire station in the Norris community.

The total cost for rebuilding the 2,000-square-foot fire station is estimated to be between $1.2 million and $1.5 million, said Fire Chief Brian McNevin. The new station will be staffed and serve as a training and decontamination location, McNevin said.

City manager Cheatham
of The Colony resigns

Dale Cheatham (pictured), city manager of The Colony, has announced plans to resign after eight years. He will remain in the post throughout the upcoming budget process, with his resignation effective Oct. 12.

Cheatham joined the City of Dallas as a budget manager in 1991. He was eventually named budget supervisor and, in 1994, became deputy finance director of Greenville, where he went on to serve as director of finance and administrative services.

Edinburg CISD selects Gutierrez as superintendent

Trustees for the Edinburg Consolidated Independent School District recently selected Rene Gutierrez (pictured) as the district's new superintendent. Gutierrez currently serves as the assistant superintendent for administration and finance for La Joya ISD. He has previously served as a teacher, counselor and administrator. Gutierrez will replace Superintendent Gilberto Garza, Jr., who has announced his retirement. Trustees are still negotiating a final contract with Gutierrez, the board president said.

Roosevelt ISD names Parker lone superintendent finalist

Trustees for the Roosevelt Independent School District recently chose Jimmy Parker as the lone finalist for superintendent. Parker, who currently serves as superintendent of Tahoka ISD, will replace Berhl Robertson Jr., who resigned from Roosevelt ISD to accept a position with Texas Tech University. Parker has a bachelor's degree and a master's degree from Tarleton State University. He previously served as a principal for Clyde ISD.

Meanwhile, the president of the Tahoka ISD board of trustees said that board members have not yet decided whether to name an interim superintendent or who to name if board members decide to appoint an interim superintendent. The board most likely will discuss the issue at its meeting scheduled for July 14.

Grayson County to upgrade hangar at regional airport

Grayson County commissioners recently approved a plan to upgrade the largest hangar at North Texas Regional Airport. The plan calls for spending about $475,000 to upgrade the electrical system, replace four hangar doors and repair the exterior of the building and its concrete floors, said Airport Director Mike Shahan. The upgrades, which are not currently in the current budget, will be paid for with savings from several other projects, he said.

Commissioners also authorized staff to apply for a state grant to help pay for rehabilitating a taxiway, marking all other taxiways, installing new taxiway signs, installing temporary lighting and replacing the visual approach slope indicators for one of the runways.

Huntsville city secretary resigns after one week

Beth Greenwell has resigned from her post as Huntsville city secretary after one week on the job. As part of a verbal resignation to Mayor J. Turner, she cited personal issues as reasons for leaving the post.

Kristin Edwards has been appointed to serve as interim city secretary in Greenwell's stead. Edwards previously served as the post's interim two weeks prior to Greenwell's appointment. Turner said the position will be posted for 30 days as applications are accepted.

Owens, Cardenas join SPI as consultants

Strategic Parnterships, Inc. this week announces the addition of two new members of its consulting team, with six decades of experience between them.

Mike Owens is a specialist in public education. Owens brings to SPI nearly three decades of experience of working with Texas schools as a former superintendent of schools in Dripping Springs ISD and executive director of human resources in La Porte ISD.

Owens also has held administrative leadership roles at the Texas Education Agency, was associate executive director with Region IV Education Service Center and assistant superintendent for instruction with Friendswood ISD. Owens also has experiencein private sector technology product sales, working with private sector technology product sales, serving as a consultant for charter schools and public schools looking to make changes in current technology systems.

Technology expert Gus Cardenas brings more than 30 years of experience in the technology industry to SPI, with an emphasis in communications solutions.

In addition to working for the U.S. Department of Defense in satellite, radio and telephone communications, Cardenas also has served as part of the communications coordination group for the Governor's Division of Emergency Management in Texas working particularly on interoperability issues. Cardenas has worked closely with first responders, law enforcement officials and the military.

Laredo to receive $2.5M grant to repair runway

The Laredo International Airport recently received a $2.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation to help pay for rehabilitating the airport's primary runway. Funding for the grant is from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

Reconstructing the 5,900-foot-long runway is needed to enhance safety, reduce operational and maintenance costs and enhance fleet capacity, airport officials said. Construction on the nearly $10.6 million runway project is scheduled to begin in early July and be completed in November 2009.

El Paso approves $900,000 study for point of entry

Despite opposition from residents of the Lower Valley and the Ysleta Independent School District, El Paso city council members recently approved a $900,000 study on whether to build a new port of entry bridge for the Border Highway between the Bridge of Americas and the Zaragoza Bridge.

The new commuter bridge could relieve 60 percent of the non-commercial traffic on the Zaragoza Bridge, city officials said.

Midland contributes $50,000 to Sibley Nature Center trail

Midland city council members voted recently to create a development fund at the Sibley Nature Center and then approved a $50,000 contribution to the fund to be used for a trail project east of the city.

The development fund, which already has $1 million in contributions and funding from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, will be used for the Sibley Nature Center Trail Project at Hogan Park.

SPI opportunities:

• K-12 consultants

SPI is hiring individuals with subject matter expertise and well-established credentials in the K-12 school district sector. Applicants for K-12 consultants should have well-maintained relationships and a strong background in K-12 administration, such as a former top-level decision-maker, i.e., a superintendent, deputy superintendent or administrative executive (CFO, HR Director, CIO) in one of or several regions of the state - Houston, Dallas/Fort Worth, San Antonio, El Paso or the Valley. Ideal candidates are retired or seeking part-time consulting along with other existing employment.

• Houston-area consultants

SPI is also hiring individuals to be regionally based Houston-area local government consultants. Applicants should have expertise and relationships with executive-level decision-makers in the Houston area in one or more of the following: K-12 public schools, higher education, city government, county government, healthcare and the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO). Ideal candidates are retired or seeking part-time consulting along with other existing employment.

To apply for these consulting positions at SPI, please send a brief cover letter and a copy of your resume to Anna Cook at acook@spartnerships.com and put "Application for K-12 Consultant," or "Application for Houston Area Consultant" in the subject line, or for more information, send an e-mail to the same address.

Mercedes ISD selects Gonzales as superintendent

Trustees for the Mercedes Independent School District recently selected Beto Gonzalez (pictured) as the new superintendent to replace Walter Watson, who is resuming his position with the district as a federal program director.

Gonzalez previously served as deputy superintendent of the Brownsville ISD and as the chief executive officer of the Temple ISD.

Marble Falls to seek federal funds for new fire station

The Marble Falls City Council recently authorized city staff to apply for a federal grant to build a second fire station on U.S. 281 North.

The mayor, who opposed applying for the federal stimulus funds, said council members can still deny the grant funding if it is awarded. The new station soon will be necessary for the safety of the community because of mandated response times, supporters said.

Recent Reports

• An Audit Report on the Board of Professional Engineers: A Self-directed, Semi-independent Agency
• SPI's May 2008 Municipal Bond Elections Report

Event Links

• Emergency Management Association of Texas "Make it Happen" symposium
• Texas Citizens Corps Conference
• TxDOT Small Business Briefings
• Texas State University Small Business Development Center training schedule
• TWC Texas Business Conferences
• LBJ School Professional Development Calendar
• Upcoming Executive Women in Texas Government events

Texas Government Insider Archives

Volume 1 - 7 Archives · 11/7/03 - 6/19/09

Spring Branch ISD to buy land for new elementary

Trustees for the Spring Branch Independent School District recently entered into an agreement to buy 15 acres of land at the intersection of Kempwood and Hollister road to rebuild Edgewood Elementary School.

The district now has 90 days in which to conduct a feasibility study for rebuilding the school at the site. Trustees are expected to vote on the agreement at their meeting on July 27. Voters approved the relocation of Edgewood Elementary School in a November 2997 bond election.

Governor's appointments

Gov. Rick Perry has made the following appointments:

• F. Liles Arnold of Plano, Council on Sex Offender Treatment
• Joseph Gutheinz of Houston, Council on Sex Offender Treatment
• Holly A. Miller of The Woodlands, Council on Sex Offender Treatment
• Paul Braden of Dallas, State Pension Review Board
• Wayne R. Roberts of Austin, State Pension Review Board
• Scott D. Smith of Cedar Park, State Pension Review Board
• Glynda Corley of Round Rock, chair, Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors
• Brenda "Brandi" Buckner of Weatherford, Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors
• Karen R. Burke of Austin, Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors
• Steven D. Christopherson of Pasadena, Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors
• Brenda S. Compagnone of Carrizo Springs, Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors
• Michelle A. Eggleston of Amarillo, Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors
• Leslie F. Pohl of Austin, Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors
• Jaa A. St. Julien of Houston, Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors
• Maria F. Teran of El Paso, Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors
• Les Bunte of Bryan, Texas Fire Protection Commission
• Yusuf E. Farran of El Paso, Texas Fire Protection Commission
• Carl "Gene" Giles of Carthage, Texas Fire Protection Commission
• John W. Green of San Leon, Texas Fire Protection Commission
• Steven C. Tull of Valley Mills, Texas Fire Protection Commission
• Kimberley Shambley of Dallas, Texas Fire Protection Commission

Midland will apply for $26,000 grant for police

Midland city council members recently authorized the Midland Police Department to apply for as much as $26,000 for a Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) from the U.S. Department of Justice.

The Midland County Sheriff's Department also is eligible for up to $18,000 in funds from the JAG grant, said Midland police officials.

San Angelo City Council approves $14.6M in bonds

The San Angelo City Council has approved issuance of $14.6 million in bonds to pay for renovations to City Hall, the construction of two new fire stations and a centralized maintenance facility, a new fire truck and street improvements. The council has also voted to refinance about $4.6 million in old bonds to capitalize on lower interest rates, saving the city about $28,000 per year for the remainder of those bonds.

Elizabeth Grindstaff (pictured), assistant city manager, said about $11.1 million in total will be spent in City Hall Plaza renovations, making the building compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. About $7.5 million of those funds will come from the bonds; the remainder will come from grants and additional funding. Some $5 million of the new bonds will go to build two new fire stations, which will replace two former stations. The locations of the new stations have not been determined yet.

Lampasas ISD picks Hoyer as new superintendent

The Lampasas Independent School District recently picked Randall J. Hoyer as the district's new superintendent to replace Brant Myers, who resigned to be superintendent of the Jim Ned Consolidated ISD.

Hoyer has served as superintendent for Columbus ISD for the past five years and previously served as a principal and assistant superintendent for the district. He has a bachelor's degree from Texas State University and a master's from Prairie View A&M University. He is currently pursuing a doctorate degree from Lamar University. He is scheduled to begin his new job in July.

Henderson approves $1 million meter system

Henderson city council members recently approved issuing tax notes totaling $1,067,513 to buy a new automated water meter reading system. The notes are being issued by a local financial institution which offered a lower interest rate than several out-of-state financial institutions, said City Manager Randy Freeman.

The new computerized water meters with wireless access will be installed within days, city officials said. The city expects an initial 1 percent savings over current meter reading costs, but expects more savings in the future, the city manager said.

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Cherokee County, area departments get $2.6M

Cherokee County and area water corporations and fire departments are set to receive more than $2.6 million in Texas Community Development Block Grant (TCDBG) funds earmarked for damages following Hurricane Ike last September.

Cherokee County will receive $1,258,228 in funds. Other allocations include: Earle's Chapel Volunteer Fire Department, $112,625; Blackjack Water Supply Corporation, $136,121; Afton Grove Water Supply Corporation Well Site No. 1, $136,121; Alto Volunteer Fire Department, $112,625; Alto Community Fellowship Church, $185,893; North Cherokee Volunteer Fire Department Station No. 1, $112,625; North Cherokee Volunteer Fire Department Station No. 2, $112,625; Forest Water Supply Corporation, $137,866; Wells Elementary School for shelter, $185,733; and Dialville-Oakland Water Supply Corporation Center No. 1, $126,326. Of the approved funds, $25,994 remains unallocated.

Shepherd ISD to sell $2.6M in bonds this summer

Shepherd Independent School District is set to sell $2.6 million in remaining bonds this summer. In order to be eligible to receive funding from the Economic Development Administration (EDA), the district has to sell the bonds before Sept. 1. The EDA funds will help supplement construction costs. Meanwhile, construction on the Shepherd Middle School has entered the asbestos abatement phase. Workers will replace flooring and ceilings and renovate restrooms.

Burnet accepts federal grant to improve airport

The Burnet City Council recently approved Phase One of the master plan to improve the municipal airport. The plan calls for purchasing land contiguous to two sides of the airport and performing the engineering necessary to move the taxiway, said Christa Bromley, director of economic development for the city.

Council members also designated the Texas Department of Transportation as its agent for handling federal funds for improvements to the airport and approved acceptance of the federal grant money and the 10 percent, or $141,000, in matching funds required from the city.

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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Emergency Management Association plans symposium

"Make It Happen," the 3rd Annual Emergency Management Association of Texas (EMAT) symposium is slated for Aug. 30-Sept. 2 at the Omni Corpus Christi Hotel Bayfront Tower in Corpus Christi. A limited number of rooms have been secured for $85 per night, so attendees are urged to make reservations early. Attendees will have the opportunity to attend a refresher course and take the exam for Texas Floodplain Mangers Certification. The general membership meeting will include board elections, 2009 EMAT awards and recognition of Texas Emergency Manager certification recipients. For more information, click here. Online registration will be available soon.

Texas Citizens Corps Conference dates announced

The Texas Citizens Corps Conference will be held June 30-July 1 at the Omni Houston Hotel, Four Riverway, in Houston. Dr. David H. McIntyre, director, Integrative Center for Homeland Security at Texas A&M University, is the invited speaker for the first day's luncheon. Some of the conference topics will include starting and maintaining a CERT program, using technology to recruit and maintain volunteers, neighborhood watch and fire corps. To view the draft agenda, click here. For more information and to download a registration form, click here.