2-1-1 program in Texas expanding
The state's highly successful 2-1-1 program is going high-tech. By the end of the summer, the public-private partnership that has been providing information and referrals to individuals across the state seeking assistance for anything from food, housing and child care to transportation, legal help and financial assistance will have yet another tool to enhance the system - a new interactive web site.
The web site, 211texas.org, is available now but still under construction, according to 2-1-1 State Coordinator Beth Wick, and is expected to be fully functional by the end of the summer. It will offer those seeking 2-1-1 assistance another option - finding available health and human services resources online instead of by phone. The online system, like the live operator-based system, will include information from the more than 6,000 agency databases of 25 local Area Information Centers across the state.
The 2-1-1 program, begun in 2002, is a collaboration between the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), the Texas Alliance of Information and Referral Systems (TAIRS), and community-based organizations throughout the state - from non-profits to government entities. The system is available 24/7 in more than 90 languages to individuals seeking assistance or to those seeking help for others. Callers speak to a live, trained and certified operator and get immediate information from a statewide network of assistance available from both state agencies and community resources. HHSC touts the program as, "2-1-1, the number to call when you don't know who to call."
Wick said she has been "pleasantly surprised" by the number of professionals using the 2-1-1 system. "It saves them time and energy," she noted, using the example of a social worker at a hospital probably knowing where to find a wheelchair for someone being discharged who could not afford one. Often that same individual might need other help - such as car repairs or help with child care or with paying a utility bill. Wick cited a recent study that addressed the time savings when those social workers are not "running and looking for all those resources," but instead simply calling 2-1-1. "I think that validates that this (2-1-1) is a useful tool," she said.
Another "Power Panel" set for Legislative Conference
Adding to four previous announcements about the "must attend" 5th Biennial Pre-session Legislative Conference, the sponsors are today announcing a panel of three extremely experienced public servants for some "been there, done that" advice.
Billy Hamilton has served as Deputy Comptroller under elected Comptrollers from both political parties and has provided substantial advice to several other states. Barry McBee, who will serve as the participating moderator, has held more key staff positions than most anyone you can think of. Can you think of a thornier issue than the one John Sharp just helped solve by building consensus among many competing interests?
These three sages of Texas government will share their insights, based heavily on audience questions.
 Billy Hamilton is Chief Deputy Comptroller of Public Accounts, the agency's chief administrator under the elected Comptroller. He served in that position for seven years under a previous Comptroller and, after spending a year in the private sector, was appointed again to that position in January 1999 by the current Comptroller. Hamilton also served on special assignment as co-Executive Director of the California Performance Review for Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. The CPR's 2,500-page assessment of California government was released in July 2004. Hamilton is a fellow of the National Academy of Public Administration and was recognized as the first recipient of the LBJ School's Distinguished Alumni Award in 1987.
 Barry McBee began his role as the UT System's vice chancellor for governmental relations in June. Prior to joining the UT System, he was first assistant attorney general, the agency's chief administrator under the elected State Attorney General. Previously, McBee served as chief of staff for Rick Perry in both the Governor's and the Lt. Governor's offices. McBee was appointed by then-Governor George W. Bush to the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission where he served as chairman from 1995 to 1998. He served as deputy commissioner of agriculture from 1991 to 1995 and was a special assistant to the secretary of the cabinet of President George H. W. Bush from 1989 to 1991.
 John Sharp is a principal at Ryan & Company, a Dallas-based tax consulting firm. He was recently appointed by Governor Perry to serve as Chair of the Texas Tax Reform Commission. In 1990 Sharp was elected Comptroller of Public Accounts. During his eight years in that office he initiated many innovative programs, including the Texas Performance Review, the Texas School Performance Review, the Texas Tomorrow Fund and the Lone Star Card. He served in the Texas House of Representatives, representing Victoria and Calhoun counties, and was later elected as a state senator from South Texas. In 1985 he was elected to the Texas Railroad Commission where he served a four-year term.
The conference is sponsored jointly by SPI and UT's LBJ School of Public Affairs and will be held on October 10th at UT's J.J. Pickle Research Campus in Austin. Registration information will be available in a future issue of the Texas Government Insider. For further information, contact lriley@spartnerships.com.
State defendants submit redistricting plan
"State defendants have submitted a remedial plan that would correct the Supreme Court's legal concerns regarding District 23, and otherwise fully respect the legislative preferences of the already enacted congressional map," said Texas Solicitor General Ted Cruz today regarding congressional redistricting. Cruz said the proposed plan leaves 28 congressional districts completely untouched, and alters only District 23 and three adjoining districts. It also does not pair any incumbent congressional members and leaves "the existing partisan balance of the four altered districts (2 Democrats and 2 Republicans) undisturbed."
To read the attorney general's brief on redistricting, click here. To view the new proposed map, click here.
The state plan comes on the heels of submission of proposed maps Thursday by one of the plaintiffs in the redistricting case, the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC). The Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund is also expected to offer a proposal before today's deadline.
Hutchison introduces bill to repeal Wright amendment
Looking for a solution that "benefits all of Texas," U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison Thursday introduced legislation that would repeal the Wright amendment. The amendment was part of a 1979 law put in place six years after the opening of Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) that blocked long-haul flights out of the nearby Love Field Airport.
The June agreement among officials of the cities of Dallas and Fort Worth, Southwest Airlines and American Airlines upon which Hutchison's bill is based will "achieve a balance" between Love Field and the Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, said the senator, and will repeal the Wright amendment over eight years.
The legislation allows air carriers to provide tickets from Love Field to any United States or foreign destination through any point in Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Kansas, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri and Alabama; repeals the remaining provisions of the Wright amendment eight years after date of enactment; enacts a 20-gate cap; prohibits non-stop international flights from arriving or departing from Love Field; allows charter flights to continue with their current rights and privileges; and specifies that it will only apply to Love Field. "The agreement upon which this legislation is based represents a commitment by local officials and members of the Texas delegation to work together in the best interest of the Dallas and Fort Worth communities and the state of Texas," said Hutchison.
Influenza pandemic preparedness funds head to Texas
More than $15 million in additional federal funding for state and local preparedness for an influenza pandemic has been earmarked for Texas. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services this week announced an additional $225 million in funding for state and local entities, part of $350 million included in recent emergency federal appropriations to address the problem.
In February, the first phase of $100 million was awarded to states for planning and exercising of pandemic response plans and to identify gaps in preparedness. Texas garnered more than $5.8 million in phase one funding. Another $15.4 million in phase two funding is allocated to Texas as part of funding to all 50 states. This money will help address the gaps in preparedness that were identified in phase one.
Audit reports released on Texas Lottery Commission
The State Auditor's Office this week released two reports on the Texas Lottery Commission, one identifying seven instances in which the commission has not always accurately advertised Lotto Texas Jackpot amounts. That report, An Audit Report on Workforce Management at the Texas Lottery Commission also found a "significant number" of instances in which agency management did not comply with policies and procedures related to jackpot estimates.
The other report, An Audit Report on Lotto Texas Activities at the Texas Lottery Commission concluded that there are "significant weaknesses" in its employee relations practices, including no grievance or complaint policy, inconsistent disciplinary actions and inconsistent employee performance evaluations.
Southern Governor's Association meets this weekend
Where better to discuss strategies for dealing with future catastrophic events than in Hurricane Katrina-ravaged New Orleans? That's where the 72nd annual Southern Governor's Association meeting will be held beginning Saturday. Texas Gov. Rick Perry is among the organization's members.
Experts in disaster preparedness, emergency management, civil disturbances and terrorism will be part of the three-day program. The sticky problems that arose during last year's tragic hurricane season - state-based health information systems, regional interoperability and privacy and security of electronic medical records - will be discussed during the meeting. The region's governors also will hear recommendations relating to resources and logistical support that can be provided by the private sector during emergencies and disasters. U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Mike Leavitt will be among the featured speakers.
Central Texas cities form economic partnership
The cities of Seguin, New Braunfels and San Marcos are pooling their resources and their talents to form the Economic Development Partnership of Central Texas. The coalition hopes to use its collective bargaining power to encourage logistics/distribution, avionics, automotive suppliers and telecommunications/information industries to the region, rather than the three cities competing against each other. The trio of cities will tout their collective workforce, highway accessibility, airport access, higher education institutions, water and other resources as incentives for industry to locate in the region.
Texas can apply for HUD emergency housing funding
One billion dollars will be spread among hurricane-ravaged areas of Texas, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida in the form of Community Development Block Grants (CDBGs) administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Affairs (HUD), it was announced this week. These Gulf Coast states are being asked to detail their unmet housing and community development needs after last year's devastating hurricane season to assist HUD officials in determining how to allocate the funding.
In January, HUD allocated $11.5 billion in CDBG funding among the above Gulf Coast states and Louisiana, with Louisiana - hardest hit by hurricanes last year - getting the lion's share of $6.2 billion. Congress last month approved an additional $4.2 billion in emergency funding for Louisiana, and an additional $1 billion to be allocated to the other four Gulf Coast states. The funding will be used to rebuild homes, restore infrastructure and rebuild communities hardest hit by Hurricanes Rita and Katrina.
Oil, gas production in Gulf of Mexico could expand
Texas could benefit from a plan to reduce the nation's dependence on foreign oil by opening more than eight million new acres in the Gulf of Mexico to oil and gas production. U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison of Texas this week announced an agreement among Gulf Coast senators to open the new offshore drilling production area. The plan now faces reconciliation with the House offshore drilling plan.
"We can no longer stand by and neglect our own oil and gas reserves as we depend upon foreign sources of energy," said Hutchison, adding that the additional acreage would not only increase domestic oil and gas supplies, but also help drive consumer prices down. The areas off the western coast of Florida, Lease 181 and the lease area south of 181, could provide more than 1.3 billion barrels of oil and six trillion cubic feet of gas. Hutchison said the oil that could be produced from this area is more than the proven reserves in Wyoming and Oklahoma combined, while the gas that would be provided is six times the amount of liquefied natural gas that the nation imports each year. Texas would receive 10 percent of the eligible 37.5 percent in revenues from Lease 181 and the area south of 181 for the life of production after 2007. Beginning in 2017, Texas would receive 21 percent of the eligible 37.5 percent in revenues that would be allocated for new Outer Continental Shelf production outside Lease 181 and the southern lease block.
BRAC hearing in Corpus Christi to be rescheduled
This week's scheduled meeting to discuss Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) in Corpus Christi has been rescheduled for August. The Senate Subcommittee on BRAC was scheduled to meet Wednesday, but will now be scheduled for sometime next month. The date was moved in anticipation of allowing more area leaders, elected officials and citizens to speak on how to move forward following the scheduled closing of Naval Station Ingleside in 2010.
Brownwood Chamber hires new executive VP
Laura Terhune has been hired as the new executive vice president of the Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce. She replaces LaNita Richmond, who retired in May. The executive VP position is equivalent to the executive director in most chambers of commerce.
Terhune, a Perryton native, has a dozen years experience in chamber work at Salado, Bastrop and Granbury. She is a graduate of Abilene Christian University. At the Brownwood chamber, she will be involved in tourism as well as recruiting of business and industry.
Price named for interim post at UT-San Antonio
Kevin Price has been named interim vice president for student affairs at the University of Texas at San Antonio, effective Aug. 3. Price will take over for Ysabel Trinidad, who recently resigned to accept the position of vice chancellor for administration at the University of Washington, Tacoma.
Price is currently the university's assistant vice president for student life. He holds bachelor's and master's degrees from Auburn University and a law degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He came to UTSA in 2005 after having served at Louisiana State University as dean of students and at the University of Texas at Austin as assistant and associate dean of students.
AISD program aimed at saving environment, money
All 74 campuses of the Arlington ISD are becoming involved in a paper recycling project aimed at saving the district nearly $100,000 this year in trash removal costs. The district is hopeful to reduce those costs by as much as 35 percent over the next three years. In addition to saving on trash collection costs, the district also plans to make money by selling some of its waste paper to a local paper recycler.
While this year's recycling program is aimed only at recycling of paper, the district plans to expand the program to include plastics and cans in the second year of the program, with a goal of saving $121,000 more. The public is being invited to participate by dropping off old catalogs, newspapers, magazines and phone books at the recycling bins on AISD campuses. The salary of the district's recycling coordinator, who is instituting the changes, is funded by a solid waste management grant from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.
Bowie residents to get break on summer electric bills
The City of Bowie has a unique problem - and one other cities throughout Texas would love to have - a budget surplus. And for City of Bowie electric customers, part of that $570,000 surplus translates into a nearly 14 percent reduction in their summer electric rates. The new rates couldn't come at a better time as Bowie residents face another scorcher of a summer in Texas. The new rates began July 7 and will run through September. Bowie residents who had a $100 per month electric bill will see their bill lowered to $86.48 next month.
Secretary of State Williams to speak at TBPC seminar
Texas Secretary of State Roger Williams (left photo) will kick off the Texas Building and Procurement Commission's Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) Procurement and Buyer Connection on Tuesday, July 25. The seminar will be from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Employees Retirement System Building, 1801 Brazos, in Austin.
The free event is focused on: identifying business opportunities at TBPC; showing business leaders how to do business with the state; on-site HUB certification and CMBL/CISV information; HUB Subcontracting Plan; TxMAS; and the Department of Information Resources. Registration is limited to 150. Continental breakfast and lunch will be provided. To register, click here.
Other participants in the seminar will include representatives of the Governor's Office and the following TBPC officials: Executive Director Edward Johnson (right photo); Interim Deputy Director of Procurement Skip Bartek; Procurement Operations and Customer Service Manager Ted Maddry; and HUB Director/Internal Procurement Manager Richard Ehlert.
Benbrook Lake to be developed for recreational use
The City of Benbrook in Tarrant County is moving forward on its plans to create a recreational area on the northwest shore of Benbrook Lake. The 10-year plan calls for the development of some 200 acres in the Dutch Branch area, with hopes for a restaurant, hotel, wildflower center, nature trail, soccer fields and picnic and camping areas. The city council recently approved a land-use plan for the recreational area, in accordance with an agreement with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, from whom the city leases the land.
TASBO seeks proposals for upcoming conference
The Texas Association of School Business Officials (TASBO) has issued its Call for Presentations for educational sessions for its 61st Annual Conference and Exhibits. The event will be Feb. 14-15, 2007, at the Dallas Convention Center.
Partnerships with school districts are encouraged. The TASBO Research Committee will evaluate the proposed presentation at their fall meeting, and those who submitted successful proposals will be notified in December. Deadline for submitting proposals is Aug. 25. Some of the topics for proposals include accounting and finance, information technology, governmental relations, transportation, safe schools, school nutrition and others.
For more information on the call for presentations, including guidelines, the selection process, and the form for submitting a proposal, click here.
Economic Opportunity Forum scheduled at TAMU
Gov. Rick Perry will deliver the keynote address at the Regional Economic Opportunity Forum at Texas A&M University on Aug. 3. The forum is the third in a series of small business summits hosted by the governor. Perry will address the business climate in Texas and the role small businesses and entrepreneurs play in the continued growth of the state's business economy.
The forum is aimed at small, minority and women-owned businesses, particularly those seeking to do business with federal, state and local governments. Procurement officers from more than four-dozen city, state and federal agencies and institutions of higher education will provide information on bidding on government contracts. Other speakers include Texas Workforce Commission's Ron Lehman (pictured), commissioner representing employers; John White, chairman of the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents; and Robert McTeer, chancellor of the Texas A&M University System.
The event will be held at Reed Arena on the TAMU campus with registration beginning at 8 a.m., and sessions throughout the day until the forum concludes at 4 p.m. Click here for the agenda, pre-registration form, maps and more information about the forum - including sponsorship opportunities.
Report outlines role of state CIOs regarding security
As more and more security breaches are being reported by governments, education and other entities, the threat of identity theft is increasing. Some of the most notable recent exposures of millions of individuals' records have been through breaches of computers at the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, the U.S. Department of Energy, the University of Texas at Austin, Stanford University, San Diego State and the Texas Guaranteed Student Loan Corp.
That makes the role of chief information officers in state agencies more accountable for IT security. The National Association of State Chief Information Officers recently released a research brief outlining CISOs' responsibilities to ensure adequate funding for security needs to protect personal information.
Bryan looking for cost cuts for justice center
Increasing construction costs have City of Bryan officials looking for ways to trim costs and rework their budget for the additional $3 million needed to build a justice center complex. The center will include space for the police department, municipal court, animal control and code enforcement. While the city budgeted $14.7 million for the project, the lowest bid came in at $17.7 million.
City officials have identified close to $1.7 million in cuts they can make on the project, such as cutting plans for vinyl walls, terrazzo flooring and a police officer memorial as part of the center. But Police Chief Michael Strope says he would not recommend reducing the size of the center. "If sufficient funds don't exist, I would say delay the project," he said. "I don't feel comfortable reducing it any more."
Midland ISD to begin search for new superintendent
With the resignation of Superintendent Robert Nicks effective in November, the search for a replacement in the Midland ISD is under way. Officials note that a candidate brochure will be distributed and posted on the MISD Web site next week, with screening of applicants to start Aug. 23. Applications will be taken until the position is filled. Candidates nominated for the position will be presented at a Sept. 13 school board meeting and the first round of interviews will begin Sept. 18-21. The board expects to appoint a new superintendent by Oct. 16.
Pottsboro city manager leaves for school job
It's been a whirlwind of activity for Tony Daugherty. Daugherty resigned his post as superintendent of the Tioga ISD and was to have taken over as Pottsboro's city manager on July 24.
Then came a call from the Hugo school district in Oklahoma, offering Daugherty the superintendent's job with a significantly higher compensation package than the city manager's post he had accepted but for which he had not yet inked a contract.
Pottsboro is now advertising for another city manager.
Florida project could set bar for other states
Possibly taking a page from Texas state government's own Performance Reviews, the Florida House of Representatives will host an August Statewide Policy Summit based largely on the state's "100 Innovative Ideas for Florida's Future." The initiative's goal is to have government leaders outline policy goals for the state for the next decade. Not only does the "100 Innovative Ideas…" book detail lawmakers' vision for the future based on concerns of their constituents, it also provides plans for making that vision become a reality. Citizens also are encouraged to submit their ideas online, and "idea raisers" are held at meetings throughout the state. For more information, click here.
Willis ISD calls for nearly $40 million bond election
Two propositions will be part of a nearly $40 million bond election slated for November in the Willis ISD. Referendum one will include: a new school, two school properties, renovations and classroom additions at the elementary level; renovations, a new school property and football field lighting at the middle school level; and additions, renovations and property for a practice field and track and a ninth grade center at the high school level. Referendum two includes parking, lighting, renovations and security improvements at district-wide facilities.
San Antonio ISD names Duron new superintendent
Robert Duron, superintendent of the Socorro school district, has been named to the top spot in the San Antonio Independent School District. He is expected to begin his new job in the Alamo City on Aug. 1.
Duron, the youngest of three finalists for the SAISD superintendent job, has served as Socorro superintendent since 2003. He replaces outgoing Superintendent Ruben Olivarez, who had been at SAISD since 2000.
Hale County Judge Bill Hollars resigns
After 27 years in office, Hale County Judge Bill Hollars this week announced his resignation. Hollars previously announced he would seek re-election, but now that he has resigned only a successful write-in candidacy will prevent his Republican opponent Dwain Dodson from becoming the county's next judge after the November General Election. Hollars said he will remain in office until an interim replacement is named. The long-time judge cited family health problems as his reason for his resignation.
Ports-to-Plains Coalition gauging expo interest
A survey of some 3,500 businesses and government leaders in Mexico, Canada and the nine states that make up the Great Plains International Trade Corridor is being conducted to determine interest in a possible Great Plains Corridor Conference and Expo in 2007. Officials of the Ports-to-Plains Trade Corridor Coalition, the southern portion of the Great Plains corridor running from Laredo through the Texas Panhandle to Denver, are conducting the survey, which they envision could helping accelerate ability of business to truck products from Mexico to Canada, where more than $30 billion in trade was reported in 2005. Some topics that might be discussed in a conference would be how to establish a free trade zone, necessary infrastructure improvements and licensing and trade regulations.
Last year, $24 billion of the $84.1 billion in trade through the Mexico border ports of Laredo, Eagle Pass and Del Rio traveled by truck through the nine Great Plains corridor states, and nearly $5 billion in trade trucked with Canada went through the nine states in 2005. The conference could help generate more interest in developing the entire route to its fullest extent, according to officials.
SFA names Pattillo interim president
Dr. Baker Pattillo, vice president for university affairs at Stephen F. Austin State University since 1982, has been named interim president of the university after the board of regents formally accepted the resignation of President Dr. Tito Guerrero III, who stepped down from the top spot at SFA on June 30.
The appointment is for 12 months with an option to serve for another 12 months. The position could become permanent for Pattillo, as one member of the board of regents replied was asked if the president's position would be posted and a search for a candidate conducted, "The appointment speaks for itself."
Sweetwater tries to attract private prison facility
Sweetwater officials are hoping to attract a company to operate a private prison at the city's former juvenile facility. Anticipating such a move would create up to 200 jobs in two to three years, the Sweetwater Enterprise for Economic Development Corp. is taking a proposed incentive package for the company to city officials. The juvenile facility closed a half dozen years ago. As a private facility, it not only would offer new jobs, but also would add to the county's property tax rolls. The company has estimated that some $1.5 million in security upgrades would be necessary. The facility could house prisoners from other states, federal inmates and even county prisoners.
Taylor County jail wing could house 212 more inmates
Nearly $6 million in leftover funds and interest from a 1993 jail expansion bond election is being proposed for use to add a $7 million expansion to the Taylor County Jail. The additional $1 million in funding needed would likely come from a certificate of obligation. The proposed new wing would add 212 beds. The current facility has a capacity of 662, with a little more than 520 average inmates per day. However, officials note that number is steadily increasing.
Bell tax notes to fund jail addition, center renovation
Bell County officials have approved the sale of $48.4 million in limited tax notes to be used to finance renovation of the county expo center and a new jail addition. Another $25 million in limited tax notes also was approved to finance construction of a new district courts building. In a local referendum three years ago, voters said no to a proposal for jail expansion, a new district courts building and new county courtrooms. Because the projects were deemed in the public's best interest, commissioners were not required to hold the referendum. After it failed on the first go-round, commissioners decided to forgo a vote this time. Property tax rates in the county are expected to climb by 3.5 cents per $100 valuation to fund the projects.
Proposed DHS rule could affect commercial airlines
A new rule proposed this week by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that addresses pre-departure Advance Passenger Information System (APIS) requirements could affect the time within which commercial carriers must submit that data. While commercial airlines already must transmit APIS data before arriving in or departing from the United States, the proposed rule affecting air and sea carriers would allow DHS to collect passenger information for flights and cruises bound for the United States before they depart from foreign ports. The data collected, such as that on a passport - name, gender and country of issuance - could conceivably allow DHS to identify potential threats and then coordinate with airlines and foreign law enforcement to block a suspect person from boarding or remove them before the plane leaves the ground. Some international carriers could provide manifest information up to 15 minutes before departure while air and sea carriers could submit the information to authorities an hour prior to departure.
Lens on Government: Budgeting Process Begins
In May and June, this column gave an overview of agency-level planning and budgeting processes and then focused on the planning processes that precede the preparation of agencies' appropriations requests.
That series included:
The focus will now shift to agency-level budgeting processes, beginning with today's overview. Future articles will further discuss the processes that occur prior to the proposed state budgets being formally submitted to the legislature by both the Governor and the Legislative Budget Board. That will occur in January when the 80th session convenes. The legislative budget processes following those submissions will be covered in this column as part of a future legislative series.
Click here to read the rest of the article.
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Got GPS?
By Mary Scott Nabers, CEO of Strategic Partnerships, Inc.
Most people are familiar with GPS - or global positioning technology. However, it may surprise some to know that government has embraced this technology in hundreds of ways and is eager to find more options for using it. GPS technology is saving lives, decreasing costs, and increasing efficiency according to all reports. Innovative firms with GPS technology should love the public sector marketplace and the insatiable demand for GPS systems that governmental entities throughout the country are exhibiting.
GPS technology has been used by government for many years, but in the past most usage included mapping street lines and keeping track of stationary features. Now, governments are using GPS for tracking all types of moving targets.
Numerous states currently track sex offenders with tracking devices. In Florida, sex offenders can expect to spend the rest of their lives wearing high-tech bracelets on their ankles. And, law enforcement agencies feel more comfortable knowing that they are able to pinpoint every individual's location at any moment. GPS monitoring has proven to be so effective, the federal government is expected to begin issuing grant funding to states specifically for GPS technology.
In Texas, the Governor's Criminal Justice Advisory Council on Sex Offenders Solutions Committee has recommended that the state approve and fund GPS monitoring for at least three years. Many seem to believe that the federal government may pick up the costs after that. The Texas Department of Criminal Justice has for some years now monitored dangerous individuals (not sex offenders) who are released to supervision.
Local governments have been aggressively adding GPS monitoring technology in numerous ways. Some use it for automatic vehicle location for city/county fleets and transportation agencies. This allows staff to view the exact location and continual movement of vehicles in real-time and has proven to dramatically reduce costs. The City of Dallas currently uses GPS monitoring on some waste collection vehicles to increase route efficiency and decrease overtime usage.
Throughout the country, as jails reach capacity, many less dangerous individuals are released with tracking bracelets. And, some states currently use GPS tracking for domestic violence stalkers. In Oregon, juvenile delinquents are occasionally required to wear tracking devices. Judges decide which offenders are eligible for such monitoring.
The City of El Paso has announced plans to implement a standard GPS system for city vehicles in public safety and public works. The City of Allen recently released a bid for a GPS Fleet Management System. Watch for numerous instances where sheriff's departments move to GPS tracking of employees. When local enforcement officers are tracked, it allows for more efficient dispatch of first responders in any region. Response time is shortened and efficiency and productivity are dramatically increased.
The applications for GPS monitoring at the local levels of government include, but are not limited to the following: city transportation systems, public school buses, vehicles used for transporting Medicaid patients and prisoners or young offenders in a juvenile justice system. GPS may also be used when hazardous waste is moved from one place to another.
Healthcare facilities use GPS tracking devices for Alzheimer's patients. There is even talk in some parts of the country about the possibility of equipping cars with GPS technology so that local taxing districts can charge drivers by the mile for road usage with the thought of increasing the tax during peak hours.
As stakeholders in private corporations demand more return on investment from their executive leaders, taxpayers accordingly expect the same from government. The public at large responds favorably when governmental entities use technology to cut costs and improve services. GPS technology has established its value in a number of ways, not the least of which is tied to ROS in government.
Yelverton joins SPI as Communications Manager
Dee Dee Yelverton has joined Strategic Partnerships, Inc., as Communications Manager. An award-winning marketing and communications expert, Yelverton has been published in magazines, journals and other print and online publications. She has developed communications products, plans and campaigns and is an accomplished Web content designer and developer.
Yelverton comes to SPI after nine years with Dell, Inc., where she began as a communications account representative and Web administrator for the corporate internal Web site. She advanced to managing editor of the company's bi-monthly employee magazine and also assisted with corporate communications. Prior to her association with Dell, Yelverton served as managing editor for a monthly magazine for a non-profit association.
In her new position at SPI, Yelverton will handle state and national communication responsibilities for SPI and assist with client communications, PR and media needs. In addition to heading up SPI's marketing and communications efforts, Yelverton also will edit SPI's weekly online newsletter, the Texas Government Insider.
New hospital planned in southwest Fort Worth
A new general acute-care, doctor-owned hospital is being planned for southwest Fort Worth. Construction of the proposed facility is expected to begin in August and the hospital should be completed in the summer of 2007. Medical services will include women's services, such as treatment of cancer and urological conditions; numerous surgical specialties; pediatrics; and an emergency department. A building permit issued calls for a 45,000-square-foot building with construction costs of $9 million.
Dyes named superintendent at Bandera ISD
Dr. Kevin Dyes, former superintendent at Cranfills Gap in Central Texas, has been named the lone finalist for the superintendent's job at Bandera ISD. A native of Nacogdoches County, Dyes has spent numerous years as an educator in East Texas. He was an elementary principal for three years with Garrison ISD, and a secondary principal for grades six through 12 in Cushing ISD. For 10 years he was an agri-science teacher at both Nacogdoches and Apple Springs ISDs.
Gov. makes several appointments
Governor Rick Perry recently made the following appointments:
- Raymond J. Graham of El Paso; Texas State Board of Acupuncture Examiners;
- Dr. Shirley Neeley, Austin; Southern Regional Education Board;
- Fred W. Heldenfels IV of Austin; Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board;
- Robert Gary Gray of Midland; Texas Board of Physical Therapy Examiners;
- Daniel Reyna of Waco; Texas Board of Physical Therapy Examiners;
- Gigi Edwards Bryant of Austin; the Family and Protective Services Council.
Corinth extends deadline for city manager applications
Hoping to attract more impressive applicants, the City of Corinth has extended its deadline for applications for city manager to Aug. 1. In the meantime, former City Manager Olen Petty (pictured), who has been on medical leave since January, has returned as interim city manager until a new candidate is found. Petty's return has allowed retired Denton City Manager Mike Conduff, who served as interim city manager in Corinth, to go back to his consulting business. Petty is now managing the search for his permanent replacement. City officials are hoping to have the position filled by September.
Osborne named executive director for business group
Donna Osborne of Pflugerville has been named executive director for the Concho Valley Center for Entrepreneurial Development's small business incubator. One of five candidates for the position, Osborne currently serves as Director of Administrative Services for the Texas State Library and Archives Commission. She is a graduate of Southwest Texas State University, now Texas State University. Osborne also previously worked as a research and information specialist and then deputy director in the Office of Community Assistance and Small Business.
Boenigk named to National Women's Business Council
Rebecca Boenigk of Bryan has been appointed to a three-year term on the National Women's Business Council. Boenigk is CEO and chair of the board of a Bryan-based ergonomic seating manufacturing company that she and her mother started 17 years ago. The National Women's Business Council is a bipartisan federal government council that advises the president, Congress and the U.S. Small Business Administration regarding economic issues of importance to women business owners. Boenigk's business is the only certified female-owned business to trade on a public stock exchange.
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Q: What are some common mistakes that vendors make during the bidding process?
A: There are several issues that are common to competitive procurements issued by Texas state agencies that present challenges to vendors seeking to do public sector business for the first time.
1. Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUBs) - State agencies require that a "good faith effort" be made to identify and utilize HUBs in performing the work being procured. The instructions are very much the same on all procurements but new vendors do not realize the importance of following the instructions and devoting the time and resources necessary. If these good faith effort requirements are not met, the response can be determined to be non-responsive and disqualified.
2. Terms and Conditions, including liquidated damages - a generally uniform set of terms and conditions has evolved over the years in Texas state government and vendors are asked to comply with such and/or note any comments they have regarding these "standard Ts and Cs." New public sector vendors often want to substitute the terms and conditions they are accustomed to working with in the private sector rather than responding to those identified by the state agency/institution.
3. Comprehensive and concise - all vendors deal with this issue. The mistake is that the response is sometimes more on the comprehensive side of the equation as opposed to the concise. If the vendor is not very careful, the response can trend toward a regurgitation of the vendor's marketing materials rather than a well thought out response/solution to the needs of the public sector entity. A common mistake of not just vendors...we all need to do a better job of listening!
-Roy Hogan,
Senior Consultant, Strategic Partnerships, Inc.
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San Angelo seeking new chamber president
The San Angelo Chamber of Commerce is seeking a new president, following the resignation of Michael Dalby, who has accepted a position in Indiana. A search process to find a replacement for Dalby could take several months, according to Peggy Arnold, Vice President for Chamber Operations.
Roberts named dean of students at McMurry
Vanessa Roberts has been named dean of students at McMurry University. Roberts, who is the university's former director of student activities and orientation, succeeds Lecia Hughes, who had served as dean of students since 2001, and who left that position this month.
Seabrook looking to fill city manager position
The City of Seabrook has already received five applications for the position of City Manager, and a national search for a replacement for former City Manager Bo McDaniel is under way. McDaniel submitted his resignation late last month after serving in the position since 2000. Seabrook Police Chief Nona Holomon is currently serving as interim city manager until the position is filled.
Perry signs bill authorizing $1.9 billion in TRBs
Construction projects on 48 college and university campuses throughout the state will be funded after Gov. Rick Perry this week signed HB 153, authorizing nearly $1.9 billion in tuition revenue bonds for construction projects. Perry called the $1.9 billion investment "an important step in ensuring that more children have access to a college education, that our future workforce has the skills to compete in the marketplace of tomorrow, and that Texas remains a leading destination for high-tech employers and job expansions."
Smith named new Corpus Christi police chief
Commander Brian Smith, a member of the Corpus Christi Police Department since 1981, this week was named the city's new chief of police. He replaces former Police Chief Pete Alvarez.
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Should the state's D.C.-based Office of State-Federal Relations be closed and its functions reorganized into the Governor's Office?
(Non-scientific results next week)
Last week, 91% of respondents said the state should invest more money in maintaining and improving state parks.
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Albright returns to service on Port of Port Arthur Commission
Long-time board member Morris Albright, Jr., has returned to service on the Port of Port Arthur Commission. Albright, who spent 18 years on the Commission before losing a bid for re-election in 2001, was elected by the Commission to fill the unexpired term of Pat Wood Jr., who resigned in late May. Albright was sworn in on July 7.
Job Opportunities at SPI:
Strategic Partnerships, Inc., is seeking consultants with subject matter expertise in public school grades K-12. For a full job description, click here.
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