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| A TIGER by the tail: this one may be running on empty
TxDOT spokesman says don't have high expectation for transportation funding
 "We're trying to make sure folks have their expectations appropriately managed," said Chris Lippincott, Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) spokesman as the agency prepares to submit applications for the second round of federal transportation funding. The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) this week announced it is making an additional $600 million in TIGER (Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery) grants available for competitive applications nationwide.
The grant funding is part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which set aside $1.5 billion for the program. During the initial round of applications, USDOT received more than 1,400 applications requesting more than 40 times the $1.5 available in the entire program. Thirty-one of those applications came from Texas, and brought $5.35 million to only two recipients. The North Texas Transportation Association received funding of $20 million and the North Central Texas Council of Governments was awarded $23 million.
"We will compete - with expectations as modest as the amount of money we're competing for," said Lippincott. The TxDOT spokesman reminded that the pool is $600 million, which might sound a little bigger if it were not to be distributed throughout the entire country. Lippincott said that is "about one-fourth of all the Recovery Act money that has come into Texas, and that's a nationwide pool."
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'Safe Routes to School' applicants awarded $54.1 million
Federal funds will pay for projects to encourage kids to walk, bike to school
 Many Texas children who walk or ride their bikes to school will have a safer route soon, after the Texas Transportation Commission approved $54.1 million to fund 200 "Safe Routes to School" projects. The money will be used in local communities for both educational programs and infrastructure improvements.
The federally-funded awards will be used for projects such as new construction or upgrades to sidewalks, improved crosswalks and traffic signals and new or improved bicycle lanes. It also will provide funding for public outreach programs to educate children and raise public awareness of the benefits of walking and bicycling.
Commission members point out that the number of children who walk or bike to school has declined over the last four decades. They are hopeful these projects will encourage children to walk or ride their bikes to school - encouraging a healthier lifestyle choice.
The Safe Routes to School program encourages children, including those with disabilities, to walk or ride their bikes to school. The funds from the program allow communities and schools to make their routes to school safer.
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) received more than 280 project applications that together totaled $78.7 million. The applications were reviewed by TxDOT staff and the Bicycle Advisory Committee. Two hundred of the requests were approved for funding. To view the list of projects seeking funding, click here.
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Strategic Partnerships salutes Texas' Lone Stars
 Terry Keel, executive director, Texas Facilities Commission
Career highlights and education: Executive director, Texas Facilities Commission, 12/31/09 - present; Parliamentarian, Texas House of Representatives, 2007 - 2009; State Representative, Austin, 1997 - 2007; Sheriff, Travis County, 1992 - 1997; Assistant district attorney, Travis County, 1984 - 1992. University of Houston, J. D. 1983; The University of Texas, B.A. 1980.
What I like best about my job is: The multidisciplinary composition of the staff and the enthusiasm they show for their work.
The best advice I've received for my current job is: From my father, regarding all government positions I've held: recognize and nurture talent.
Advice you would give a new hire in your office: You will be occupying a position of trust that requires you to put public service over self service. Be honest and ethical at all times. When you err, don't try to cover it up - instead learn from your mistakes.
If I ever snuck out of work early, I could probably be found: hanging out with my one-year-old grandson, Jason.
People would be surprised to know that I: own the entire Beatles recording catalogue, including all the original vinyl records.
One thing I wish more people knew about my agency: We do it all - from fixing toilets to constructing magnificent granite buildings...and everything - and I do mean everything - in between.
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Lehrmann appointed as new Texas Supreme Court justice
 Debra Lehrmann (pictured) of Colleyville has been appointed justice to the Supreme Court of Texas beginning June 21 until the next general election.
Lehrmann, a judge of the 360th court, has served more than 22 years in judiciary law. She is a former associate family law judge in Tarrant County and current chair-elect of the American Bar Association Family Law Section. Lehrmann is a member of the Judicial Section of the State Bar of Texas, a fellow of the American and Texas Bar foundations and a charter member of the Tarrant County Bar Foundation.
She holds a bachelor's degree and doctor of jurisprudence degree from The University of Texas at Austin. |
TEA matches funds for high school dropout prevention
The Corporation for National Community Service has awarded the Texas Education Agency (TEA) a two-year, $50,000 grant through the OneStar Foundation to expand high school dropout-prevention efforts. TEA will match $85,000 in funds.
The money will go toward designing a prevention model that identifies potential dropouts using assessments and an early-warning data system. AmeriCorps volunteers will serve as mentors to those identified as potential dropouts.
The TEA has so far allocated about $250 million in state and federal funding for dropout prevention and recovery initiatives.
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UT System chancellor announces staff cuts, realignment plans
 The University of Texas System Chancellor Dr. Francisco G. Cigarroa (pictured) has announced the System's strategic realignment plans for administrative offices and personnel. The move will curb costs and allocate resources to critical services within the System's nine academic and six health-related institutions.
"We must embody a spirit of creative renewal and continual improvement to maximize excellence and productivity in our mission," Cigarroa said, adding that while a staff reduction is always difficult, "I believe it is incumbent on the UT System to continually maximize our organizational effectiveness aimed at benefitting the students."
The measure will eliminate 119 full-time positions and consolidate others to generate $2.2 million in recurrent cost savings. Click here to download a summary of the staff reduction. |
City of Austin narrows chief sustainability officer search to six
The City of Austin has chosen six semi-finalists in the running to become the next chief sustainability officer. The new officer will oversee the city's environmental initiatives.
After a round of interviews with various city staff and management officials, two or three of the semifinalists will move on to vie for the post as finalists.
The semifinalists include: - Lucia Athens, senior sustainable futures strategist for an architecture, planning and interior design firm based in Seattle;
- Brandi Clark, founder of several Austin-based networks;
- Natalie Marquis, general manager of a hotel and executive director of Texas Solar Energy Society in Austin;
- Dennis Murphey, chief environmental officer for the City of Kansas City, Mo;
- Beth Pratt, director of Environmental Affairs at Xanterra Parks & Resorts at Yellowstone National Park, Wyo.;
- Matt Watson, energy policy specialist for the Environmental Defense Fund in Washington, D.C.
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Tyler District of TxDOT to begin five new highway projects
The Tyler District of the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) recently announced that five new highway projects are approved to begin construction in June.
The approved highway projects are:
- Repair and resurface US 69 between South Loop 323 and Cumberland Road at a cost of $2.6 million;
- Repair SH 31 between South Broadway Avenue and East Loop 323 at a cost of $996,000;
- Resurface US 69 in Lindale between IH 20 and FM 1804 at a cost of $1.5 million;
- Add shoulders to FM 14 between North Loop 323 in Tyler and IH 20 at a cost of $1.5 million; and
- Resurface Spur 502 in Longview between US 80 and Pegues Street at a cost of $210,000.
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Good Shepherd, UT-Arlington to partner to train nurses  The Good Shepherd Health System recently received a two-year, $770,000 award to help increase the number of graduates in its nursing program.
The Hospital-Based Nursing Education Partnership Grant program awarded the grant that will help 80 additional nursing students earn a bachelor's degree within 15 months through The University of Texas at Arlington's combination of online curriculum delivery with on-site clinical simulation and instruction, said Dr. Beth Mancini (pictured), associate dean of nursing at UT-A. The grant was created in 2007 to increase the number of enrollees in professional nursing education programs.
The Good Shepherd Health System partners with the Regional Nursing Education Center of UT-A to offer a 15-month, online, modular bachelor degree program that delivers course content through several media-formats, including a new simulation lab. The 5,000-square-foot simulation lab will be equipped with full body interactive simulators that breathe, talk, bleed, cough and wheeze as well as having a blood pressure, heartbeat and pulse. The new lab will include functioning critical care, medical/surgical and maternal/child suites. |
Texas receives more than $18M in student data system grant funds
Texas has been awarded a three-year, $18.2 million federal grant to build on the Texas Student Data System, a longitudinal data system that delivers data to parents and educators and removes the burden of school districts collecting it themselves. So far, more than 2,000 Texas educators have participated in requirements for the system.
Texas is set to receive the second-highest Statewide Longitudinal Data Systems (SLDS) grant, funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, in the nation.
Robert Scott, Commissioner of Education, said the initiative marks "the next step in our ongoing efforts to ensure that Texas students and educators have every resource available to succeed."
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OLLU offering computer information systems degree online
 Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) has launched an online master's degree in computer information systems and security that can be completed in as little as one year.
The degree is aimed at working adults with busy schedules, but for those with an undergraduate degree in a non-technical field, OLLU is offering a one-semester cyber-security boot camp that acquaints students with programming, computer security, systems analysis and design, database analysis and design and networking technology.
Ted Ahlberg (pictured), a computer information professor at OLLU, said the degree has the elements "needed for the professional to prepare to protect organizational information from theft, corruption and natural disaster."
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Cameron County to possibly net $96M in federal funds
Cameron County is set to receive an influx of federal funding for wastewater projects, highway expansion and roadway projects.
More than $46.4 million would be issued to improve roadways such as highways 77 and 83, and $46.1 million would be awarded to the Public Utilities Board for new wastewater infrastructure. About $3.6 million would go toward the continued development of the Brownsville Urban System multimodal terminal if the funds are approved.
A local representative called the $96 million in funds "economic nutrition" for the area.
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Developers pull back from plans to build apartments near UTSA
 A company that had planned to build a 580-bed apartment complex near The University of Texas at San Antonio has pulled its application to rezone a lot on UTSA Boulevard. Residents had complained about the possibility of more traffic on UTSA Boulevard and the look of the proposed structure.
District 8 City Councilman Reed Williams (pictured) said he had not heard of much acceptance for the "four-story, big-box apartments" among area homeowners.
A spokesperson for the developers said the company did not plan to abandon the project entirely, but would be willing to negotiate with neighbors to make the project more attractive to them.
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DOE awards Texas Tech natural resources department $223K grant
The U.S Department of Energy (DOE) has awarded Texas Tech University's Department of Natural Resources $223,322 to study the response of grassland avian species to wind farm construction in the Texas Panhandle. The funds arrive as part of a $3 million grant to advance the work of 16 institutions conducting wind-power research.
Matthew Butler, a research assistant professor, and professor Warren Ballard will serve as investigators on the project.
The research will identify important habitat conditions for grassland birds and provide wind energy developers with information needed for responsible siting, Butler said. |
UT-Austin opens pediatric research institute thanks to grant funds
 The University of Texas at Austin's Dell Pediatric Research Institute (DPRI) has opened at the site of the former Robert Mueller Airport. The 150,000-square-foot facility will house faculty, graduate students, research scientists, staff and administrators in their bid to advance understanding of childhood diseases and disorders.
UT Provost Steven Leslie (pictured) said the unit will "help take pediatric care in Central Texas to a new level" with research aimed at critical areas such as childhood obesity and cancer.
The DPRI arrives as a result of a $38 million challenge grant from the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation.
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Teacher Education director at Sul Ross steps down
 Dr. Tyra Manning (pictured) has stepped down from the role as director of Teacher Education, requesting her assignment be changed to a half-time teaching position effective in the upcoming fall semester. She will teach one class as she assists in the transition of directors.
Dr. Jim Hector, associate professor of Education at Sul Ross University, has been named interim director of Teacher Education. A national search for a permanent replacement is under way.
Manning joined the Sul Ross faculty in 2008. She holds a bachelor's degree from Washburn University in Kansas, and both a master's degree and Doctor of Education degree from the University of Kansas.
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Nelson approved by TAMU regents as WTAMU dean
 Dr. J. Dirk Nelson (pictured) has been approved by the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents as dean of the College of Nursing and Health Sciences at West Texas A&M University.
Nelson currently chairs the Departments of Kinesiology and Nutrition and serves as a professor of kinesiology at the University of Central Missouri. He begins his new charge at WTAMU on July 1.
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Kerrville to hear convention center recommendation on June 8
A five-member committee charged with evaluating four proposals to build a convention center is expected to make a recommendation to city council members at their meeting on June 8 on how to proceed with that project.
Four developers submitted proposals recommending multiple sites for the proposed convention center, the size of the multi-use facility and possible hotel partnerships. One developer proposed six possible locations ranging from a site north of Interstate 10 to the site of a former hospital, while another developer recommended two sites, the former hospital site and a location at River Hills Mall. Another developer proposed building the facility in phases on downtown property while another developer proposed a site south of Interstate 10.
Committee members evaluated the proposals based on best value for the city, the financial strength and stability of the developer, previous experience with similar projects, creativity and ability to minimize the risk to the city, said Kristine Ondrias (pictured), the assistant city manager. Supporters said building a new multi-use facility with a ballroom could double the $14 million per year that conventions now bring to the city.
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Houston Baptist University wins $1.5 million to upgrade technology
 The Cullen Trust for Higher Education recently awarded $1.5 million to Houston Baptist University (HBU) to upgrade information technology and communications infrastructure over the next three years.
The grant will allow the college to implement recommendations from a civil engineering infrastructure study of the campus conducted in 2009, said Robert B. Sloan Jr. (pictured), president of HBU. The upgrades include a new fault-tolerant topology that uses recently built facilities as hubs for the college's communication infrastructure, Sloan said.
College officials also plan to install new equipment to upgrade wireless communications on campus and to migrate all telephones on campus to a Voice over Internet Protocol that operates on the computer network's fiber cables, he said. Upgrading technology will improve network reliability and enhance wireless access to ensure students and faculty will have improved access to the latest Web-based educational resources, he said.
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Brazosport College wins $2.2 million for workforce training
Brazosport College officials recently agreed to use two grants totaling $2.2 million to provide workforce training. The Texas Workforce Commission Skills Development Fund awarded a $1 million grant and the U.S. Department of Labor awarded a $1.2 million High Growth Initiative Grant to the college.
Several refineries and other businesses in the area are partnering with the college in the TWC grant. That grant provides customized job training projects including process plant science, crane training, troubleshooting, learning specialist, electrical foundational skills, learning frameworks and critical software training, said Rebecca Shawver, director of grant administration.
The grant from the Department of Labor is a collaborative grant with San Jacinto College and Lee College, with Brazosport College providing high-tech training in high-demand occupations including system and refinery operators, instrumentation and automation. The grant calls for giving priority to low-income, unemployed or displaced workers, with a special emphasis on Hispanics and women, Shawver said. Each of the programs funded by the grants offers a certificate or leads to an associate degree, she said.
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Beeville City Council approves master plan for city parks
 Beeville City Council members recently approved a city park master plan prepared by a Corpus Christi-based consultant that recommends the city spend $1 million to upgrade its parks and recreation facilities.
Despite some comments over the lower priority given to a proposed skate park, Mayor Santiago "Jimbo" Martinez Jr. (pictured) said he agreed with the proposed priority list that urged city officials to focus first on improving baseball and football facilities because those parks attract more visitors to the city for athletic tournaments. The parks master plan recommended upgrading Veterans Memorial Park and the Carlos Reyes B. Park within the first three years of the plan because baseball and football facilities already are located in those parks.
The parks master plan, however, placed a new skate park higher in priority. The approved city park master plan will be a part of a $500,000 grant application to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. The mayor proposed providing the parks projects with $500,000 from the city's general fund, $200,000 in 4B sales tax funds from the Beeville Economic Improvement Corporation and the remaining $50,000 to be raised through private donations and fundraising events.
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Tyler Junior College to open nursing school at Rusk State Hospital
The board of trustees of Tyler Junior College (TJC) recently agreed to create a licensed vocational nursing (LVN) program at Rusk State Hospital.
The new LVN program will begin in late August for 20 students at the Rusk State Hospital, which will provide about 4,500-square-foot of space for the program, said Dr. Homer Hayes, provost at TJC.
The new nursing program will have use of a 20-station computer lab, a 32-station classroom, a two-bed nursing skills lab, kitchen, restroom, faculty lounge and offices for two professors and a secretary. About $330,000 in local funding for start-up costs and the first two years of operation were underwritten by the Rusk Economic Development Corporation, the city of Rusk, the Rusk Industrial Foundation and Rusk State Hospital.
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Bastrop to sell $10.8 million in bonds for capital projects
Bastrop County Commissioners recently agreed to sell $10.8 million in certificate of obligation bonds to pay for a $4 million office building and $5.5 million for road and bridge improvements and to upgrade the sheriff's office and jail.
The new office building will be located near the sheriff's office complex and provide space for the county's developmental services and tax assessor office to ease overcrowding at the county courthouse, county officials said.
The projects are part of those included in the $30 million 2010-2015 Capital Improvement Plan. County officials expect to issue certificate of obligation bonds to pay for the remaining projects in the capital improvement plan.
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Burke retiring as community services director in Amarillo
Monette Burke, the director of community services in Amarillo, recently announced her retirement from the post she has held since 2001. Amarillo city officials also named Tina Sanders Jaux, the city's public information officer and assistant to the city manager, as the assistant community services director pending Burke's retirement, which is effective on December 31, 2010.
Burke, who joined the city in 1982 as an assistant recreation superintendent, has a degree from Texas A&M University. The director of community services in Amarillo oversees parks and recreation; health and animal services, a golf course, a sports complex and a community center.
Juaz, who joined the city in 1995, has a bachelor's degree from Texas Tech University and a master's degree from Sul Ross University.
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Lubbock saves $36,000 annually with new hybrid buses
After six months of using six new hybrid-electric buses, Lubbock city officials recently revealed the city is saving a little more than $36,000 a year in fuel costs. City Council members also approved the purchase of a new 35-foot hybrid bus that will be paid for using federal stimulus funds.
The fuel savings average about $3,000 per month for each of the 30-foot hybrid buses now in use, said John Wilson, the general manager of Citibus. The agency also expects to save money on brakes for the hybrid buses because once the drivers lets off of the gas pedal, the bus automatically starts slowing down, which results in less wear and tear on brakes, Wilson said.
The new buses also feature a camera that records the roadway and the interior of the bus. The cameras are automatically downloaded each night and can be used to investigate complaints or accidents, said Wilson, who said he plans to use additional grant money to buy another 35-foot hybrid bus later this year.
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Williamson County to issue $35 million in bonds for roads
 Williamson County commissioners recently authorized the county's bond counsel to proceed with issuing $35 million in pass-thru toll bonds and pass-thru tax-exempt road bonds rather than accepting Build America Bonds (BAB) authorized by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
Even though the county judge and others argued that the BAB option could save the county about $120,000 annually, several commissioners expressed concern over the political and logistic implications of the BAB option and specifically excluded pursuing them when issuing bonds, noted Precinct 3 Commissioner Valerie Covey (pictured).
The BAB program, which subsidizes 35 percent of the interest payment on bonds, now accounts for about 21 percent of the municipal bonds market, according to the U.S. Treasury. Bonds totaling about $97 million have been issued under the BAB program since April 2009.
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Elgin ISD awaiting official proposal on solar energy farm
A solar energy farm within the Elgin school district is getting closer as school officials are awaiting a formal proposal from the group seeking to build the farm. EISD Superintendent Bill Graves met recently with the investors. He said the solar farm is expected to be a 600-acre array of solar panels and it could increase to 1,000.
Graves said it is anticipated that the farm would be in Travis County in the northwest portion of the school district. He said the school district would consider a tax abatement when the proposal is formally issued.
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El Paso eyeing improvement of two international bridges
El Paso City Council members recently instructed staff to begin negotiations for a $22 million project to help two international bridges become friendlier to pedestrian traffic.
The beautification projects on the Stanton and Paso Del Norte bridges could include shade canopies, restrooms, water fountains, public art and modernized toll features, said City Engineer Alan Shubert.
To pay for the bridge improvements, city officials plan to use a mix of federal stimulus funds, bond funds and low-interest loans. Any debt incurred will be repaid with bridge tolls, Shubert said.
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Nueces County groups nab $68.5 million in stimulus funding
Several organizations in Nueces County have received a total of $68.5 million in federal stimulus funding to pay for projects ranging from buying new buses to maintenance of the port.
Nueces County officials are slated to receive $21.2 million to spend on highway projects and $6.5 million to buy a new ferry, while the Corpus Christi Transit Authority will receive $6 million in stimulus money to repair existing buses and buy new buses, according to county officials.
The Port of Corpus Christi will receive $5 million in stimulus funds while the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway is slated to receive $29.7 million for operation and maintenance, county officials said.
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Bryan ISD wins $625,000 grant to upgrade sidewalks at schools
 The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) recently awarded $625,000 to the Bryan Independent School District to improve pedestrian and bicycle safety at four elementary schools. The grant is from TxDOT's Safe Routes to School project.
District officials plan to spend $205,410 at Navarro Elementary, $160,603 at Bonham Elementary, $141,091 at Johnson Elementary and $118,857 at Crockett Elementary, said Mike Cargill (pictured), superintendent of Bryan ISD.
The upgrades include improving sidewalks, crosswalks and adding pedestrian lanes and bike lanes near schools to encourage more children to walk or ride a bicycle to school.
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FEMA awards Austin Fire Department $611K grant
The Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), in coordination with the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), has awarded the Austin Fire Department $611,360 to support firefighters in their work as emergency first responders. The money will be used to support operations and purchase firefighter safety and rescue equipment.
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TxDOT approves $17.5 million to expand SH26 in Grapevine
Commissioners for the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) recently approved $17.5 million in unused federal stimulus money to expand SH 26 from four to six lanes in Grapevine. The stimulus funds were unallocated funds from the Texas share of the 2009 federal Recovery Act. Work on the expansion project will most likely begin by late summer, a TxDOT official said. A criteria of the award is that the funding must be spent by a certain date and the SH 26 project is ready to begin, said Jerry Hodge, the transportation projects director in Grapevine.
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Lower prices mean more jail improvements in Tarrant Co.
 Since construction bids for Tarrant County Jail came in $9 million cheaper than expected, the facility is set to receive added kitchen amenities, improved security and an extra holding area for the same $92 million price tag, which means officials will not have to raise taxes or dip into general budget coffers.
Because construction costs are coming in about 10 percent lower than forecast, "we're going to be able to get a lot more accomplished with their (taxpayer) dollars and not have to raise any tax dollars," said Tarrant County Judge Glen Whitley (pictured).
The savings have prompted Tarrant County officials to consider speeding the bidding process for proposed civil courts and juvenile justice centers to capitalize on cheap construction costs.
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Manor community testing interactive mass-notification devices
Manor officials are testing a device known as the CivicGuard that will deliver alerts to residents during a crisis and allow them to send information back using smartphones.
The six-month study should determine the usefulness of the system among a select group of residents, according to Dustin Haisler, chief information officer for Manor. The mass-notification system will allow open communication between emergency responders and residents in need during a crisis situation.
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Judson ISD group to begin studying need for bond election
A Judson Independent School District bond committee charged with organizing a bond proposal acceptable to voters in November will begin meeting this week to determine projects to be included in the bond proposal.
The committee plans to study the district's predicted growth over the next 10 years to help determine where and when new schools may be needed, said Steve Slayer, a board member who chairs the bond committee. Some committee members have met with a consulting group that identified the need for a new elementary school in the southern area of the district and new elementary, middle school and high schools in the northern area of the district. Slayer, however, declined to say whether bond committee members agree with the consultant's recommendations.
Because the deadline is Aug. 24 for calling a bond election in November, Slayar said he expects committee members to present their recommendations for a bond package to board members at least two weeks before the deadline.
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Elgin partners with Bastrop, Smithville in transportation plan
 Elgin City Council members recently agreed to accept a five-year Bastrop County Comprehensive Transportation Plan that includes development of a right-of-way list, securing state and federal funds and working with county partners.
The next step is for Bastrop County commissioners to approve the plan, said Councilman Keith Joesel (pictured), who was active in creating the five-year plan drawn up after five public meetings, 34 community meetings, two questionnaires and a public hearing.
The major benefit of adopting the plan is that communities are working together and can join with the Capital Area Council of Governments that could provide a larger pool of assets for road construction, he said. The Texas Department of Transportation also will use the comprehensive transportation plan when deciding on projects to fund, he added.
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Harker Heights eyeing capital improvement projects for 2010-2011
The Harker Heights City Council recently began consideration of a list of potential capital improvement projects recommended by city staff. The largest project on the list of potential projects is a $4.57 million expansion of the maintenance yard pump station. The project is currently being engineered and will feature a 1.5-million-gallon water tank and a new 24-inch water line on Veterans Memorial Boulevard.
The next largest project proposed is $2.24 million for Phase 2 of improvements to Harker Heights Community Park and the addition of four more softball/baseball fields. This project is already under construction.
Also being considered are $1.88 million for two residential drainage projects already under construction; $1.65 million for a new animal control facility now under construction; $1 million to Purser Park for a disc golf course and dog parks; $500,000 for the proposed 14-acre Connell-Goode Park; $310,834 for rehabilitation of the sanitary sewer system; and $275,000 to add lighting to three new soccer fields. |
Austin Community College to buy land in Elgin for new campus
The Board of Trustees for Austin Community College agreed to purchase about 98 acres of land in the Elgin school district in anticipation of voters in that city agreeing to join the community college taxing district in November. The property is located near Elgin High School.
ACC officials plan to officially canvass the signatures of registered voters on petitions to place the issue on the ballot in November. If voters approve the proposal, residents of the Elgin ISD will immediately receive the reduced, in-district tuition rate of $42 per credit hour as opposed to $150 per credit hour for the out-of-district students. Elgin ISD officials also offered ACC the use of a wing of classrooms at Elgin Elementary-South for classroom space until construction on a new facility begins.
Construction on the first phase of the new campus in Elgin should be completed in 2014 if voters approve the annexation proposal in November, ACC officials said.
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Arts of Collin County warns of higher cost for new facilities
 Officials of Arts of Collin County (ACC) recently scheduled a meeting with officials of three participating cities to ask for help in securing funds so that construction on the proposed $66 million performing arts hall and park can begin before building costs rise again. The rising prices of building materials recently increased the estimated project cost from $65.7 million to $66.1 million and prompted ACC officials to schedule a meeting on June 29 with officials of Plano, Allen and Frisco to discuss strategies to raise sufficient funding to begin construction, said Mike Simpson (pictured), executive director of ACC. The construction company is currently working with bidders to extend pricing for the project for another 60 days, he said. While ACC officials understand that cities must decide when it is best to sell bonds and that budgets are strained, Simpson said he will urge participating cities to ensure that construction can begin no later than the end of 2010 and review construction costs, donations, pledges and funding required for the project to proceed. The project became a three-city project after residents of McKinney voted against joining in the ACC project. |
HUD names southwest regional director
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Shaun Donovan has named C. Donald Babers as the agency's acting southwest regional director. In his new role, Babers will oversee a five-state region that includes Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico and Oklahoma.
Babers currently serves as deputy regional director at HUD's regional office in Fort Worth. In his new role, he will serve as a liaison to state and local elected officials, congressional delegations and other stakeholders. He began his career with HUD as an intern in 1970. He has held a number of managerial positions throughout his tenure.
Babers holds a bachelor's degree from The University of Texas at Arlington.
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Wharton approves $2.6 million to expand city's fire station
 Following a recommendation by the Fire Chief Bobby Barnett (pictured), the Wharton City Council recently approved spending $2.6 million to build a new three-bay pre-fabricated building to expand the fire station. Council members also approved a plan to refinance two 1998 bonds and a 2000 bond to pay for the construction project.
The new building with higher bays is necessary because the current facility is not large enough and the bays are not tall enough to accommodate a new heavy rescue truck now in use or a new ladder truck the department plans to purchase, Barnett said.
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Socorro selects Soto to serve again as interim city manager
The Socorro City Council recently selected Manny Soto to serve a second stint as interim city manager to replace former interim city manager Lorenza Fraire, whose contract was terminated last year.
Soto first served as interim city manager in Socorro from June 2008 until September 2009, when his contract was terminated over concerns that the contract allowed Soto to miss one week of work each month to take care of his consulting business in California. The new contract is for five months with employment to be on a month-to-month basis after that time. Socorro city officials plan to begin a search to find a new city manager in August.
Soto previously served as a deputy superintendent for the Ysleta Independent School District and as a deputy superintendent with the Oklahoma City Public Schools system. He said he has no plans to apply for the permanent position of city manager because the law requires the city manager to reside in Socorro within six months of employment and Soto plans to remain at his home in Ysleta.
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El Paso to install traffic cameras to ease traffic congestion
El Paso City Council members recently approved the installation of cameras and fiber-optic cables to be used to detect and help solve traffic congestion. The system will allow staff to use traffic signals and other methods to aid in reliving the congestion, said Alan Shubert, the city engineer. The new cameras, which will be installed in the East-Central and Northeast sections of the city, are part of a $1.9 million expansion of the Intelligent Transportation System, he said.
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Government Fleet Expo, Conference set June 21-23
The Government Fleet Expo and Conference is scheduled for Monday through Wednesday, June 21-23, at the Austin Convention Center. In addition to networking opportunities, attendees will also hear about practical fleet solutions, how to handle budget and staff cuts and the emerging green technology and fuel efficiency. Among the keynote speakers will be Hillsborough County Fleet Director Sharon Subadan and leadership expert Barry Maher. There will be sessions on best ideas from the 100 best fleets, wireless vehicle management, grants and funding and improving safety. To view the program description, click here. To register, 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.
Connect: Business, Career Forum scheduled in Houston
"Connect: Business and Career Forum," a one-day event to cultivate relationships with corporations seeking to increase their diverse supplier spending and to hire new and experienced candidates, will be held Friday, June 18, at the Sheraton Hotel Downtown in Austin. The event, sponsored by the Texas Asian Chamber of Commerce, will be from 12 noon to 6:30 p.m. Parking is free with online registration form. Those attending will participate in 15-minute structured networking sessions that are designed for corporations, small businesses and job seekers. Procurement managers from large companies, state and local agencies will attend. Seats are limited. For more information and to register, 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.
TxPPA to host Annual Momentum Conference in JuneThe Texas Public Purchasing Association (TxPPA) is hosting its Annual Momentum Conference at the Isla Grand Beach Resort on South Padre Island on Wednesday through Friday, June 23 -25. The conference lineup includes sessions for first-time buyers and seasoned purchasing professionals. Click here for program information including hotel, group activities and transportation details.
Last BOP session with TxDOT is announced The last session of the Texas Department of Transportation's (TxDOT) Business Outreach and Program (BOP) Services Small Business Briefing conferences have been announced for June 15, 2010, in Texarkana. The conference goal is to provide small and minority-owned business communities an opportunity to learn more about contracting opportunities with TxDOT. Information will be available to help them do business with the agency and the State of Texas. The sessions not only allow small businesses to be introduced to TxDOT and other state agencies, but also allows them to learn more about the economic development opportunities in their regions. It also allows the agencies to show the myriad of opportunities available for small and minority businesses in the state. For more information, click here or call 1.866.480.2518, Option 2. To register, click here. CAPCOG to host newly elected city official workshop June 18
The Capital Area Council of Governments (CAPCOG) will host a Newly Elected City Officials Workshop on Friday, June 18, from 9 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. in the CAPCOG Pecan Room at 6800 Burleson Road, Austin. The workshop is targeted for newly elected mayors and city council members or aldermen. The workshop will give an overview of the structure of city government, council procedures and actions, roles of elected and appointed staff, duties and responsibilities of Boards and Commissions, municipal annexation and boundary changes, open meetings, open records and ethics. Registration begins at 9 a.m. The workshops have proven to be very valuable to appointed staff and to citizen board, commission, and committee members as well. There will be a $40 fee for the one-day workshop to cover the cost of meals and materials. To register call Linda Crouch at 512/916-6041 or David Partlow, Regional Services Coordinator, at 512/916-6045.
TSABAA plans golf tourney, annual conference in JuneThe Texas State Agency Business Administrators' Association will host its 41st Annual Summer Conference on Monday and Tuesday, June 7 and 8, at the United Heritage Conference at the Dell Diamond in Round Rock. Monday's keynote address will be by a representative of the University of Phoenix. Among the other topics during the two-day event are a Sunset Commission process overview and panels to address Legislative Appropriations Requests and state audits. There will also be an update on the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The Third Annual Golf Tournament is set for Sunday, June 6, at Shadow Glen Golf Course in Manor. The conference registration deadline is May 20. For registration forms and vendor registration information, click here.
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More stimulus money headed to Texas
 By Mary Scott Nabers, CEO of Strategic Partnerships, Inc.
Texas may not receive any "Race to the Top" education funding after the governor twice turned down the opportunity to apply for these funds, but other federal Recovery Act money is making its way to Texas. And there is more to come!
Within the last week, millions of dollars of Recovery Act funding were announced nationwide.
Approximately $83.9 million in grants administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) was allocated to entities throughout the country. This money will help health centers adopt electronic health records (EHR) and other information technology systems. The grants are part of the $2 billion set aside for health care IT expenditures.
Texas entities were awarded nearly $6.9 million of that grant amount. More than $2.9 million went to a community health center in Georgetown that has 16 clinics in Central Texas. Another $980,000 went to a nonprofit in Austin that serves as the primary care association for the state. Another $2.9 million was awarded to a health center in San Antonio.
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Port Freeport to spend $1.02 million to increase security
 Officials of Port Freeport recently agreed to spend $1.02 million to strength security and speed up cargo movement at the port's entrance on the south side.
Plans call for the port authority to add card readers, gate arms, security cameras and an overhead canopy to Gate 4 near State Highway 36, said A. J. "Pete" Reixach (pictured), executive director of Port Freeport. This action will help reduce traffic at the port's main gate on Navigation Boulevard that is already equipped with card readers, gate arms and security cameras, he said. Work on the south side entrance project is scheduled to begin in about 30 days and be completed in about six months. |
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Burnet to replace computer system damaged by outage
City council members in Burnet recently approved $60,000 to pay for a new backup computer system damaged by a storm and learned that city water tanks were damaged more significantly than originally reported. A power outage damaged the servers and resulted in a significant loss of data, city officials said.
Council members also are considering the best response to handle damage to water tanks at the Inks Lake Water Plant. The two options are a short-term fix that would cost as much as $500,000 or building new cement tanks that would last many years longer than the short-term fix, but would cost about $1.2 million. The city currently has about $400,000 available for the water tank repair project and another $200,000 could be raised using impact fees, city officials said.
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Pugh a finalist for superintendent for Louisiana school district
 Superintendent Cole Pugh (pictured) of the Eagle Mountain-Saginaw Independent School District recently was selected as one of three finalists for superintendent of schools in Monroe, Louisiana.
Pugh previously served as a teacher for, La Poynor ISD and Goose Creek Consolidated ISD, a principal at New Summerfield ISD and as a superintendent at Wells ISD, Coldspring-Oakhurst CISD, Hawkins ISD, Sinton ISD, Columbia-Brazoria ISD and San Angelo ISD. He has a bachelor's degree and a master's degree from Stephen F. Austin State University and a Ph.D. from the University of Houston.
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Tyler Junior College to upgrade campus underground utilities
The Board of Trustees for Tyler Junior College recently hired a general contractor to manage $24.5 million in underground utility improvements and hire subcontractors to complete portions of the project. The general contractor will be responsible for working with the college and an engineering firm to ensure the cost of the improvements remains within budget.
The projects include improving underground electrical components on the west and east sides of the campuses and underground improvements to the chilled water system and the heated water system.
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Socorro wins $3.5 million to improve school pedestrian safety The Safe Routes to School Program of the Texas Department of Transportation recently awarded $3.5 million to the city of Socorro for sidewalks in neighborhoods connecting eight school campuses in the city.
The new sidewalks will allow students to avoid walking on busy streets and dodging parked vehicles while going to or returning from school, said a city representative.
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New Braunfels ISD unveils plans for $38 million middle school
 Trustees for the New Braunfels Independent School District recently took their first look at plans for a proposed new $38 million middle school to be built if voters approve a $45 million bond proposal in November.
Plans call for a three-story, 194,000-square-foot campus that could be phased into a second high school if enrollment continues to grow, said Superintendent Randy Moczygemba (pictured). After reviewing the proposed plans, board members requested more data on the merits and functions of a ninth-grade facility.
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San Angelo approves $6.2 million for meter reading system
San Angelo City Council members recently agreed to spend $6.2 million to install 35,000 new fixed-base automatic water meters during the next five years.
The new water meters will free staff from spending time walking to read meters and will allow daily, hour-by-hour water usage breakdowns, said Water Utilities Director Will Wilde. The new meters also are more accurate and will provide more accurate monitoring on whether the city is meeting conservation goals. Installation of the new automated meters will begin in November and be completely implemented by 2015, Wilde said.
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| El Campo hires Snyder
as new city manager
The El Campo City Council recently selected Mindi Snyder as the new city manager to replace John Steelman who is retiring.
Snyder, who currently serves as finance director in Rosenberg, previously served as an assistant city manager in El Campo.
Because Snyder is overseeing a major computer upgrade in Rosenberg, she asked to delay her starting date to September 1. Steelman, who planned to retire on May 31, agreed to remain on the job until Snyder assumes her new duties.
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Texas A&M Regents approve WTAMU residence hall
The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents has approved the construction of a new undergraduate residence hall on the campus of West Texas A&M University.
The new four-story, $32.5 million residence hall will house 340 beds. Construction is set to begin in June with a completion date slated for July 2011.
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Upshur County borrows $1.43M for capital improvements
 Upshur County commissioners have issued a $1.43 million loan to pay for a series of capital improvements. The funds, which will not increase local property taxes, will be used to buy vehicles for the sheriff's office, a control panel for the jail, road and bridge equipment, and computer hardware for the county clerk's office.
County Judge Dean Fowler (pictured) said officials would have to tap into county reserves if they didn't borrow the money now, adding the expenses are already in the budget.
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Elgin interim city manager outlines plans for permanent hire Elgin interim City Manager Chris Bratton said some 80-plus applications have poured in for the city's permanent manager position. At a recent city council meeting, he unveiled the draft of a matrix outlining recommendations from the council at a recent meeting, which includes points for candidates based on experience and certifications.
Bratton said he expects to have the new city manager on board by Aug. 1.
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Wortham ISD agrees to $5.2 million to upgrade high school
Trustees for the Wortham Independent School District recently finalized architectural plans for a $5.2 million high school project expected to begin construction in September.
The plans call for a 33,000-square-foot building to be built across the street from the current high school and upgrades to the library. Voters approved $7 million in bonds, which also will be used to pay for a new $1.1 million running track adjacent to the softball and baseball complex and $600,000 in improvements to the football stadium.
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Van Vleck ISD tags O'Brien as lone finalist for superintendent
Trustees for the Van Vleck Independent School District recently chose John R. O'Brien as the lone finalist for superintendent.
O'Brien currently serves as director of operations for Van Vleck ISD and previously served as a principal for the district. He also worked as a teacher and coach at Bryan-College Station ISD and Bay City ISD.
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Benjamin brings grant writing expertise to SPI division
 As a member of Strategic Partnerships Inc.'s Special Services Division, Ed Benjamin (pictured) combines extensive experience in writing and managing proposals that win contracts. He has led proposal teams to win more than $13 billion in local government and state, federal and international contracts during his career. He has nearly two decades of experience managing more than 50 proposals to 17 different government agencies.
Benjamin is adept in the proposal writing process from start to finish, from researching proposal requirements and establishing outlines to supervising, editing and revising work prepared by other proposal writers. His winning proposals have resulted in contracts of from $450,000 to $1.7 billion. He has written proposals for a variety of entities - from those that provide security guard service to software to provide verification and validation of Health and Human Services Medicare benefits.
SPI's Special Services Division offers a wide array of services from executive coaching, communication and sales training to media/spokesperson training and keynote speakers. For a complete portfolio of experts and the services they offer, to inquire about specific services or to inquire about becoming a part of SPI's Special Services division, contact Brooke Hollimon at 512-531-3948 or bhollimon@spartnerships.com
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Alvin moving forward on proposed convention center
Alvin City Council members recently agreed to begin the process of evaluating locations and conducting a market feasibility study for a new convention center.
Council members agreed to spend about $67,000 for an architecture firm to evaluate potential sites and to complete the market study in about six weeks, said Larry Buehler, the economic development director.
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East Early College High School principal leaves for Lubbock
Joel Castro, principal of top-rated East Early College High School, has announced plans to leave his post to become associate superintendent of teaching and learning in the Lubbock Independent School District.
Karen Garza, former chief academic officer for Houston ISD who left last year to become a superintendent at Lubbock, said she is delighted for Castro - "a very talented and instructional leader" - to join the ranks at LISD.
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Stoddard chosen as new superintendent for San Vicente
 Officials of the San Vicente Independent School District in Big Bend National Park recently selected Eric Stoddard (pictured) as the new superintendent to replace Shirley M. Coleman, who is retiring from the post.
Stoddard previously served as a teacher at Dallas ISD, Garland ISD and Cedar Hill ISD, as principal at Coolidge ISD and Kermit ISD and is now serving as superintendent at Loraine ISD. Coleman had served as superintendent of San Vincente ISD since 1995. |
Trinity school district to kick off superintendent search this week
Trinity Independent School District trustees are slated to meet this week to kick off the search for a new superintendent to replace Dr. Bobby Rice, who left in April to take an administrative position at Gilmer ISD. The district has hired a search firm to help in the process. In the meantime Huntsville-area resident Jacob Sherman will serve as interim superintendent.
The deadline for applications is set for midnight June 22. Interviews have been scheduled for July 12, 13 and 14.
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Uvalde selects Moore as new finance director for city
Uvalde city officials recently appointed Don Moore as the new finance director to replace Jennifer Garver, who is now the city manager.
Moore previously worked in the finance department of the city of Corpus Christi and as a finance director in Port Isabel. He has a degree from the University of Oregon and is a Certified Public Accountant.
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Texas Government Insider Archives
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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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Prairie View A&M University opens new center in Houston
The Prairie View A&M University Northwest Houston Center is set to begin operations this week on Grant Road near Tomball Parkway and FM 1960. The new facility boasts 52,000 square feet of classroom, meeting and student-service space.
The former Northwest Houston Campus will no longer be operational as a result of the move.
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Dallas Housing Authority receives $22 million for Turner Courts
The HOPE VI Revitalization Program of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development recently awarded $22 million to the Dallas Housing Authority to help renovate Turner Courts, a 58-year-old public housing project.
Turner Courts is considered severely distressed from elevated rates of vandalism and criminal activity and requires a major renovation, an official of HUD noted. The funding is targeted for redevelopment of projects with early childhood education.
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Burton eyeing purchase of building for a new city hall
Burton city officials recently began negotiations to buy a 1,000-square-foot building owned by an electric cooperative to expand into a new city hall. It would house city employees, the municipal court judge, the police station and city council meetings.
The current city hall building, built in 1906, does not provide sufficient space and needs major structural repair, said Mayor Peggy Felder. Current plans are to expand the new building if the purchase is completed, she said. The goal is to complete the paperwork for the building by the end of June and begin construction on the addition shortly after the purchase is complete.
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McKinney may opt for private managers for arts center
 With a goal of increasing revenue, McKinney city officials recently agreed to hire a private management company to manage the McKinney Performing Arts Center. Council members also approved $261,750 in improvements to the performing arts center to improve its appeal. The improvements include adding two monument signs to be installed on the grounds, adding sound panels and placing cushions in the wooden seats, he said.
The 427-seat theater, built in 1874 and renovated by the city at a cost of $9 million, still requires the city to subsidize its operation at a cost of about $500,000 annually said Councilman Ray Ricchi (pictured). The facility has faced difficulty booking some events because of its limited seating, Ricchi said. A city employee currently manages the performing arts center.
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Governor's appointments
Governor Rick Perry has announced the following appointments:
- Tony Cortes of San Antonio, Texas Fire Protection Commission
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USDA Rural Development grant to help build childcare center
Some 145 investments in 37 states funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) will help create jobs and improve infrastructure in rural communities across the nation.
In Texas, $465,000 of that funding will help build a new 7,500-square-foot childcare facility in Matagorda County as part of a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development grant.
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Corrections, clarifications
In the May 28 edition of the Texas Government Insider, a story stated that the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) has implemented a measure to suspend driver's licenses of sole proprietors who are more than three months late on their child support. The story should have read that TABC suspends TABC licenses and permits of those sole proprietors.
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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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