Texas Government Insider

Volume 8, Issue 28 - Friday, July 16, 2010

DPS preparing for 75th Diamond Jubilee anniversary

Events will kick off with 13-day motorcycle ride across Texas to six agency facilities

In less than 10 days, nearly three dozen motorcyclists will participate at various stages of a 13-day tour of Texas with stops at each of the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Regional Headquarters facilities. It is the start of the 75th Diamond Jubilee anniversary celebration of the state's law enforcement agency.

The Texas Department of Public Safety was formed in 1935 when the motor officers of the State Highway Patrol were combined with the Texas Rangers. In the accompanying photo, an early day motor officer is shown exiting his motorcycle to talk to a motorist.

Although the actual date of the 75th anniversary of the agency is not until Aug. 10, the celebration will begin

with the motorcycle ride. The ride participants will carry with them a DPS Diamond Jubilee flag that will be flown at celebrations at each regional headquarters. The riders also will carry with them uniform items from two motor patrolmen who graduated in the 1930s State Highway Patrol academy class, one of the items from Arthur Fischer, the first Texas Highway Patrolman killed in the line of duty. The ride will both pay tribute to the agency and honor those officers who lost their lives in the line of duty.

The motorcyclists will leave Austin's DPS Headquarters on Sunday, July 25. Their first stop will be Monday, July 26, in Houston for the regional office celebration there. On Tuesday, July 27, the riders will arrive at the Garland regional headquarters and they will be in Lubbock on Wednesday, July 28. Two days later, on Friday, July 30, the motorcyclists will participate in a regional celebration in El Paso. The McAllen regional celebration is set for Tuesday, Aug. 3, followed by a gathering in San Antonio on Thursday, Aug. 5 and culminating in the 75th Anniversary celebration at the Austin DPS Headquarters on Friday, Aug. 6.

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ETF officials hoping for $46 million FEMA reimbursement

Fund reportedly almost out of money for startups, emerging technology research

State officials are hoping for a $46 million reimbursement check from the Federal Emergency Management Agency that will cover a projected shortfall in the state's Emerging Technology Fund (ETF) for the next six months. The fund was created in 2005 with $200 million reserved to grant to companies attempting to launch innovative technologies developed in Texas. The goal was creating jobs and investments in the state.

State officials had recently announced the ETF, which received a $203 million appropriation for the current two-year budget cycle, was almost out of money and would no longer take applications for future awards. An adviser to the governor blamed a $50 million discrepancy in the state appropriations process and slow federal payments totaling $50 million for the $100 million budget shortfall.

Thirty companies that filed applications are still eligible for the $64 million still in the fund and the federal payment will now allow the fund to continue making from $20 million to $30 million in grants each quarter, said Alan Kirchoff, director of the ETF. The Department of Public Safety and the Comptroller's Office must approve before the FEMA reimbursement is distributed to the ETF, Kirchoff said.

Strategic Partnerships salutes Texas' Lone Stars

Debbie Cartwright, director, Property Tax Assistance Division, Office of the Comptroller of Public Accounts

Career highlights and education: My career has been a fulfilling journey that is ongoing and full of highlights. There is a constant - an interest in public policy - which ties my career together. Before earning my law degree, I was honored with an acceptance to the graduate studies program at The University of Texas Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs and received a master's degree two years later. The program helped to shape my life and career, but what I learned later from one of my professors was truly inspirational. The professor who interviewed me for admission told me that I was accepted because I was a smart, determined person from rural Texas interested in public policy and the future of the state and nation. The compliment was flattering, but was overshadowed by my professor's revelation that the acceptance was also based on his belief that I was precisely the type of student that President Johnson would have wanted in the program. I have never forgotten that moment and have not lost my interest in public policy and the future of our state and nation.

What I like best about my job is: I enjoy tremendously being part of a team that is dedicated to the State of Texas. Comptroller Susan Combs has assembled a group of managers and employees who believe that we can do more to assist our citizens and to make government work better. The Property Tax Assistance Division is able to accomplish that mission by helping property owners, local taxing entities, county appraisal districts, appraisal review boards and other groups involved in local property tax administration.

The best advice I've received for my current job is: When I was exhibiting a lot of stress at a meeting one day, the deputy chief appraiser of Taylor County told me not to lose my joy. What great words of encouragement! His advice was directed at the need for all of us to enjoy our work, our lives and our colleagues. I have taken the advice to heart and attempt to look at every situation positively and happily.

Advice you would give a new hire in your office: The same advice that is the best advice that I've received - don't lose your joy!

If I ever snuck out of work early, I could probably be found: enjoying a massage, getting a facial or having my nails done!

People would be surprised to know that I: enjoy attending and participating as a musician at funerals. The ritual of honoring family members and loved ones at their deaths is important, and I believe that it is a privilege to be a part of that experience.

Book, magazine or newspaper article I've read recently that really influenced my thinking: An article in the May 24, 2010, edition of the Wall Street Journal entitled "In With the New" provided me with great insight concerning how to help employees let go of the past and accept change.

Hermes retiring from OCA after nearly 30-year state career

Bruce Hermes (pictured) will close out a nearly 30-year career in state government at the end of August when he retires from his position of chief information officer at the Texas Office of Court Administration. Hermes has served the Office of Court Administration since 2005.

Hermes began his career with the state in 1981 as a software developer at the then-Texas Department of Health (TDH). He spent 19 of his nearly 30-year state career at TDH. Hermes has held a variety of IT management positions in state agencies and began working with the court system in August 2005. He says he plans to return to government IT sometime after his retirement from state service.

Division of Workers' Compensation selects new medical advisor

Dr. Donald Patrick (pictured) has joined the Division of Workers' Compensation as medical advisor, where he will oversee investigations and sanctions of physicians who work in the Texas workers' compensation system. He replaces Dr. Howard Smith, who stepped down earlier this year.

Patrick previously served as executive director of the Texas Medical Board. He retired in August 2008 after seven years. From 1969 until 2001, he practiced neurosurgery in Austin.

Patrick holds a medical degree and a doctor of jurisprudence degree.

State may sell $2B in debt to replenish unemployment funds

State officials are looking to possibly sell $2 billion in debt later this year to refill the state's unemployment coffers and cut borrowing costs. It's a strategy that worked during the last economic downturn.

Texas paid $4 billion in unemployment benefits last year, a three-fold increase from 2008, according to Ann Hatchitt, a spokeswoman for the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC). To compensate, the state has borrowed $38.9 billion from the federal government - which will start charging interest at the end of this year - and increased the minimum worker tax from $23.40 per employee to $64.80 per employee.

The state's own debt, issued through the Texas Public Finance Authority, could have lower interest rates than the federal government provides.

Watson among keynote speakers for legislative conference

Legislators, key staff, political wonks to offer insight prior to upcoming session

Sen. Kirk Watson (pictured) will be one of the keynote speakers for the 7th Biennial Legislative Communication Conference set for Tuesday, Oct. 5, and sponsored by Strategic Partnerships, Inc. and The University of Texas Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs.

Watson will begin his third term in the Senate when the legislature meets again in January 2011. In his first session as a member of the Texas Senate, he was named Legislative Rookie of the Year by Texas Monthly magazine. The following session he was named to the magazine's list of the 10 Best Legislators.

Always entertaining, Watson will share his personal insight on the upcoming session, where legislators will once again tackle redistricting and face a budget deficit some have predicted will be upwards of $18 billion. In the recent shakeup of Senate committees, Watson retained his vice chair position with the Senate Transportation and Homeland Security Committee and was for the first time named to the Higher Education Committee, a plum assignment for a senator whose district includes The University of Texas at Austin.

In addition to Watson's keynote address, the biennial conference will also feature other speakers and panels whose input is designed to assist agency officials, board members and senior state officials prepare for the upcoming legislative session. Those attending will hear from budget gurus from the state's leadership's offices, hear tips on how to deal with government leaders and hear from legislators directly involved in the state budget process. A panel of media and political wonks will also offer their predictions for what the session will hold.

For more information and to register, click here.

Water Development Board local assistance totals $20.52 million
The Texas Water Development Board has announced its approval of $20.52 million in financial assistance to help fund water-related projects throughout the state.

The projects and the amount of financial assistance approved include:

Bluebonnet Water Supply Corporation (Bell and McLennan Counties) - $1.5 million from the Rural Water Assistance Fund to finance water system improvements;
Caney Creek Municipal Utility District (Matagorda County) - $5.27 million from the Texas Water Development Fund to finance water and wastewater system improvements;
City of East Tawakoni (Rains County) - $1 million from the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund to finance water system improvements;
Durham Park Water Supply Corporation (Williamson County) - $600,000 from the Rural Water Assistance Fund finance water system improvements;
Eastland County Water Supply District (Eastland County) - $11.65 million from the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund-Disadvantaged Community Program to finance water system improvements; and
Town of Buffalo Gap (Taylor County) - $500,000 from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund-Disadvantaged Communities Program to finance development costs for a wastewater project.

Tech's Hall Institute to create HIT center with $6.6 million in funds
Billy Philips

Physicians and primary care health providers will soon get assistance as they prepare to adopt and use electronic health records in their practices. The Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center F. Marie Hall Institute for Rural and Community Health has been awarded $6,666,296 from the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Management. The funds will be used to establish the West Texas Health Information Technology Regional Extension Center (West Texas HIT Center). The program is aimed at helping physicians enroll for incentive payments to help with the costs of the systems. Electronic health records are being touted by the federal government as a way to provide more efficient health care delivery with fewer errors and less reliance on paper files that can be lost or stolen.

The Obama administration's goal is to have electronic medical records for all Americans by 2014. The HIT Center will help modernize records in physician offices to help meet that goal, according to Billy Philips, Ph.D. (pictured), vice president of the Hall Institute. "We hope to use the funds to make the technology easier to learn and use as well as to build an ongoing relationship with practitioners," said Philips. "This will make for a more effective system and we think it will bring better health outcomes to our region."

The funding will bring together expertise from all TTUHSC schools and will involve its regional campuses. The regional extension center was one of only four in Texas and 28 nationwide named by the Department of Health and Human Services nationwide and will serve up to 1,022 priority primary care providers. Philips said electronic records would help streamline administrative duties of physicians allowing them to spend more time with their patients.

Former administrator named to interim VP position at TAMU
Thomas H. Taylor, who spent nearly 36 years at Texas A&M University before his retirement in 2005, has been named interim senior vice president for administration at the university. He will succeed Alexander Kemos, who resigned last month after it was revealed information on his resume regarding his military experience and educational background were falsified, and H. Russell Cross, who took the position after Kemos' departure only to step down after it was revealed that he had not gone through the nomal hiring process at TAMU when Kemos was hired.

In his new post, Taylor will serve as the top adviser to TAMU President R. Bowen Loftin and will have oversight of non-academic operations including facilities, dining services, transportation services, environmental, health and safety, university police and risk and compliance. Taylor, a TAMU graduate, served as the university's chief budget officer, associate vice president in the finance division and treasurer for TAMU's Mexico City Center. He has continued to work part-time for the university after his retirement, assisting with special projects for the division of finance. In 2007, he served as assistant dean for finance and administration at the Qatar branch campus.

Witherspoon will take on dual roles at UTEP in September

Dr. Patricia Witherspoon (pictured), current dean of the Graduate School at The University of Texas at El Paso, has been named acting dean of the College of Liberal Arts at the university, effective Sept. 1. Witherspoon has previously served as chair of the Communications Department as well. Her new position is an additional commitment during the administrative transition.

Witherspoon will lead the college while it current dean, Dr. Howard Daudistel, will serve as UTEP's interim provost. Witherspoon began her career at UTEP in 2000 as chair of the Department of Communication and director of the Donaldson Center. In 2008, she was named dean of the Graduate School and continues to oversee the Donaldson Center. Before coming to UTEP, Witherspoon was Assistant to the Vice Chancellor/Executive Vice-Chancellor for Academic Affairs in The University of Texas System, associate dean for Academic Affairs in the College of Communication and chair of the Department of Communication Studies at The University of Texas at Austin.

Howard Payne University announces faculty promotions
Paul Dunne has been named vice president of development at Howard Payne University with a start date in mid-July.

Dunne previously served as vice president for development and communications at Bethel, Connecticut-based nonprofit Ability Beyond Disability.

Other promotions at HPU include: Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. William Mark Tew to provost and chief academic officer; Vice President for Finance Brenda Pena to senior vice president for finance and administration; Vice President for Enrollment and Student Services Dr. Brad Johnson to senior vice president for institutional advancement; Assistant Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students Dr. Brent Marsh to vice president for student life and dean of students; and Director of Facilities and Planning Stan Pena to assistant vice president for facilities and planning.

UT-Dallas names Baylor as vice president for business affairs

Martin V. Baylor (pictured), associate vice president for budget and resource planning at The University of Texas at Dallas, has been selected to serve as vice president for business affairs at The University of Texas-Pan American. He will oversee the financial needs of the university and a $243.8 million budget in his new role as head of UTPA's Division of Business Affairs.

Baylor, a certified Transactional Lean Facilitator, previously held posts in business and financial departments at UT-San Antonio, Baylor College of Dentistry and UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas. He holds a bachelor's degree from Illinois State University and a master's degree from Baylor University-Dallas Campus.

Baylor will replace James R. Langabeer, who is set to retire Aug. 31.

Texas A&M lays off 66 employees of Operations Division
As part of a restructuring effort, officials of Texas A&M University recently announced the elimination of 66 employee positions in the Division of Operations, primarily in physical plant operations.

The terminated employees will be offered two months salary, an additional month of benefits coverage and assistance in finding another job, said Lallah Howard, an executive associate vice president of the Division of Operations.

The restructuring will permit the division to change its primary focus from construction to preventative maintenance for existing facilities and infrastructure, Howard said. The university also plans to expand its engineering capabilities and rely more on outsourcing major, complex building-related projects and functions such as moving services and major construction.

UT-El Paso selects Daudistel as interim provost

Officials of the University of Texas-El Paso recently selected Dr. Howard Daudistel (pictured), dean of the College of Liberal Arts, to be the Interim Provost effective September 1. 2010.

Daudistel, who joined UTEP in 1974, has since served as chair of the Department of Sociology and Anthropology, chair of the Social Work Department, chair of the Department of Criminal Justice and as assistant vice president for academic affairs. He is a graduate of the University of California-Santa Barbara.

UTHSC-San Antonio picks regional dean of Laredo campus
Gladys Keene

Dr. Gladys C. Cronfel Keene (pictured) has been appointed the inaugural regional dean of The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio's Regional Campus in Laredo.

Since 1993, Keene has served as executive director of the Area Health Education Center of the Mid Rio Grande Border Area of Texas, Inc., working closely with UT Health Science Center programs and serving more than 50,000 participants. She has more than 35 years of patient-care experience with an emphasis in those with allergy and asthma disorders. She is a bilingual diplomate of the American Board of Pediatrics, the American Board of Allergy-Immunology Conjoint and the American Board of Internal Medicine.

Keene earned her bachelor's degree from Our Lady of the Lake University, a master's degree from The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston and her medical degree from The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston.

UTMB's Ottenbacher awarded $4.2M in grant funds
Kenneth Ottenbacher

Kenneth J. Ottenbacher (pictured), director of the division of rehabilitation sciences in the School of Health Professions at The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, has been named recipient of a $4.2 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to help train investigators in the use of large databases related to rehabilitation and disability. The grant will cover a five-year period and will fund the new Center for Rehabilitation Research Using Large Datasets at UTMB, a consortium led by UTMB that includes investigators at Cornell University, the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago and the Uniform Data Systems for Medical Rehabilitation.

Seventeen of the 29 investigators at the center are from UTMB, including Soham Al Snih, Ivonne Berges, Karl Eschbach, Daniel Freeman, Jean Freeman, Anne Frye, James Goodwin, James Grady, James Graham, Yong Fang Kuo, Kyriakos Markides, Glenn Ostir, M. Kristen Peek, Mukaila Raji, Rebeca Wong and Dong Zhang.

The center will train investigators at UTMB and other locations, develop data directories, support pilot studies and facilitate interdisciplinary collaborative research to advance rehabilitation science, inform policy and contribute to evidence-based rehabilitation.

Kerrville council hear details of proposed convention center
Todd Parton

Kerrville City Council members recently learned the first details of a proposed convention center, but most of the information was presented in an executive session closed to the public because of ongoing discussions with the developer.

City staff members are working with the developer to evaluate and rank several sites for the proposed multi-purpose center, including sites downtown, on Interstate 10 and Sidney Baker Street and on the Junction Highway, said a representative of the development company. He predicted a site on I-10 has the best chance to bring more retail activity to the city.

City Manager Todd Parton (pictured) said city staff and the developer also have discussed options for paying for the proposed multi-purpose center by using 4B sales tax, a general sales tax and some property tax revenues as long as the project remains "tax neutral." This means that the project cannot cause the city to increase tax rates to pay for construction of ongoing operations and maintenance costs, Parton said. No site or funding method for the project has been decided yet.

UTPA receives Health and Human Services grants for more than $1M
Bruce Reed

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded the College of Health Sciences and Human Services at The University of Texas-Pan American more than $1 million in grants to help increase diversity in health professions. The funds will provide scholarships to underrepresented minority students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

The funds will be divided between the following programs: Clinical Laboratory Sciences, $122,342; Physician Assistant Studies, $172,043; Nursing, $514,301; Occupational Therapy, $130,000; and Dietetics, $100,000.

Dr. Bruce Reed (pictured), dean and professor for the College of Health Sciences and Human Services, said the funds represent an investment in the next generation of healthcare workers. "More students will be able to fulfill their dreams of working in a rewarding healthcare profession," he said.

Houston ISD selectes new chief high schools officer

Aaron Spence (pictured) has been tapped to serve as chief high schools officer at Houston Independent School District.

Spence previously served as director of curriculum and instruction and most recently as chief academic officer at the Chesterfield County Public School System in Virginia. After teaching French and photojournalism in the Stafford Public School System, he was promoted to assistant principal and finally principal at the Henrico County Public School System in Henrico, Virginia.

Spence earned his bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees from the University of Virginia.

Port of Corpus Christi rejects company's bid for land acquisition
John LaRue

Port of Corpus Christi commissioners have voted against Midland-based Service Marine Group's proposal to buy 483 acres of the former Naval Station Ingleside property and 433 adjacent acres. The company had planned to build a vessel-repair facility on the site and lease the rest of the land.

John LaRue (pictured), the port's executive director, said there were "certain items in the proposal we didn't feel comfortable with," adding the move is only a rejection of the proposal, not of Service Marine Group.

Other proposals on the table include:

N&N Associates LLC for construction of the Ballygle Rehabilitation Campus hospital;
Houston-based Texas General Land Office/Wind Alliance's acquisition of 34 acres for the Coastal Renewable Energy Institute;
Texas Engineering Extension Service's lease of 3 acres for a fire-fighting training facility;
Two private equity firms' acquisition of 15,000 square feet for an intelligence center to support the South Texas Coastal Sheriff's Alliance;
Houston-based Apex Group of Companies' lease of 1,009 acres for shipbuilding operations;
Service Marine Group's lease of 1,009 acres for a feasibility study for offshore-drilling services; and
An unidentified company's acquisition of 1,009 acres for testing a high-speed, elevated rail system.

San Antonio bank to buy $15M, El Paso-based water, sewer bond
A San Antonio-based bank will buy a $15 million water-and-sewer bond issue from the city of El Paso to finance replacement of the 60-year-old Paisiano Valley water-transmission line.

The bonds will be issued through the Build America Bond program as part of the 2009 federal stimulus package. The federal government will reimburse 35 percent of interest payments on the 20-year loan. Bond proceedings will cover 83.3 percent of the project's total cost.

Ed Archuleta, president of the El Paso Water Utilities Public Service Board, said savings from the financing on this project "will have a tremendous impact on our ratepayers."

Corsicana awarded nearly $724K to build new road
C. L. Brown

The state has awarded the City of Corsicana $723,900 to build a road with better access to a new entertainment complex expected to open Labor Day. The project is undergoing preliminary engineering and could be open to bids by this fall, according to City Engineer Elizabeth Borstad.

The project is expected to create about 30 new jobs thanks to the Texas Department of Agriculture's (TDA) infrastructure-development award, allotted through the Texas Capital Fund.

Corsicana Mayor C. L. Brown (pictured) said the TDA program allows cities to encourage economic development and "significantly expand" the city's employment base.

Colleyville to get $11.8M in upgrades over next two years
The City of Colleyville will see $11.8 million worth of projects - ranging from renovating the Colleyville Center to installing sidewalks - completed over the next two years. The city will share costs for many of the projects with the county, state and federal governments.

Street improvements, including the installation of crossing gates at city street-railroad crossings, are set to cost about $6.06 million with the exception of widening Colleyville Boulevard, which will cost about $20.95 million.

In other upgrades, the Colleyville Economic Development Center will pitch in $270,000 to expand the city trail system along Pleasant Run. Work on two other trails is scheduled to begin later this year. The city library plans to move the children's section to its second floor to the tune of $750,000, and city officials plan to build a new playground that meets safety standards for $400,000.

Palestine delays creation of new public safety department

Palestine City Council members recently postponed action on a proposal to create a public safety department that would eliminate the immediate need to hire a new police chief to replace Larry Coutorie, who retired in February.

Mayor Bob Herrington (pictured) asked for the delay after advising council that a representative of the U.S. Department of Justice requested to postpone the decision for one week. The mayor contacted the Justice Department after receiving several complaints about racial tensions in the police department and recommendations to promote a current police lieutenant to police chief in an attempt to address the concerns.

City Manager Dale Brown proposed creating a public safety department led by a director, who would oversee both the police department and the fire department. Having a public safety director would result in the city saving from $80,000 to $85,000 annually, Brown said. Since a public safety director is required to be dual certified as a peace officer and as a firefighter that would narrow the field of local candidates to the current fire chief and fire marshal, Brown said. The public safety department proposal is also added to the council agenda next week and members can decide which action, if any, to take, Herrington said.

McLennan County Sheriff to buy new patrol fleet with leftover funds
With a projected $1 million in savings thanks to a reduced inmate population, the McLennan County Sheriff's Office plans to use $521,000 to purchase 19 new patrol cars and three new copier/fax machines.

The office estimates it will have $784,000 remaining from a total of $1.6 million slated for the outside care of inmates. Inmates are sent to the downtown jail or the Jack Harwell Detention Center if the local jail population becomes too high.

Captain Paul Wash said the reason for the excess in savings is because the jail population did not increase as anticipated this fiscal year. "We have not had to spend the dollars...on placing inmates at the downtown facility," he said.

Smith County moving forward on $33 million jail expansion

Smith County commissioners recently began considering a $33 million plan to expand and improve the county jail. Commissioner Jeff Warr (pictured) prepared and proposed the plan to expand the county jail with 385 beds.

Warr also urged commissioners to consider issuing certificates of obligation to pay for the jail renovation, which should relieve overcrowding, reduce costs and safety concerns, increase efficiency and meet state requirements for jails. Since 2004, the county has spent more than $15 million to house prisoners in jails in eight surrounding counties and those costs do not include fuel and the logistical costs of moving prisoners to and from other counties, Warr said. Voters in the last few years have rejected three bond proposals to expand and improve the jail.

County officials also asked the county auditor to research the costs and savings associated with shipping inmates versus building a jail. Warr also said the efficiencies planned for the book-in area, a new infirmary, a video visitation area and moving the kitchen and laundry area will save money once the renovations are complete. Commissioners are expected to make a decision on whether to proceed with the jail project and how to pay for it by July 23.

Southlake approves expansion, renovation of two schools
Southlake City Council members recently approved a 3,300-square-foot expansion of Johnson Elementary School and improvements to Carroll High School.

The expansion of Johnson Elementary includes new administrative offices, a new security entrance, an improved traffic plan and more parking for staff and visitors.

Renovations to Carroll High School include a 9,500-square-foot art building, a 17,400-square-foot field house/multi-purpose building, 7,700 square feet of additional classrooms and a new pick-up and drop-off lane to prevent the current line of parked vehicles blocking Carroll Avenue, said John Blacker, a civil engineer. A new canopy also will be added at the pick-up and drop-off site.

Chambers County wants to make Cedar Bayou marine highway
Jimmy Sylvia

Chambers County commissioners recently agreed to seek a federal designation to make Cedar Bayou a federal "marine highway" and to request the U.S. Department of Transportation Marine Administration to build a "Green Barge Terminal" on the bayou.

Designating the bayou as a marine highway would take many vehicles off heavily congested area roads and reduce carbon emissions, said a supporter who explained the plan to commissioners. Water traffic in the area is expected to greatly increase once the project to widen the Panama Canal is completed in 2014, said City Manager Garry Brumback of Baytown.

Chambers County commissioners have made no decision on where a terminal should be located and plan to hold several public hearings to gather response to the marine highway plan, said County Judge Jimmy Sylvia (pictured). The U.S. Department of Transportation is currently reviewing applications for the project and will make an announcement when the selection process is completed, said Michael J. Gordon of the Office of Marine Highways and Passenger Services of the Maritime Administration.

Canyon to seek $275,000 grant to replace old water mains
Canyon City Council members recently authorized staff to apply to the Community Development Program of the Texas Department of Rural Affairs for a $275,000 grant to replace water mains in two areas.

If the grants are approved, the city will be required to contribute $65,000 to the project to replace water mains between Eighth and Ninth avenues from 19th to 23rd streets and between Second and Third avenues from 10th to 12th streets, said City Manager Randy Criswell. The Community Development Program provides funding to small, rural cities with populations of fewer than 50,000 and to rural counties with populations under 200,000 and that are not eligible for direct HUD funding, Criswell said.

Henderson ISD mulling November bond election

Officials of the Henderson Independent School District recently began narrowing down projects to be included in a bond election being considered for November. District officials are looking at building a new middle school, renovating an elementary school and Henderson High School if voters approve the bonds, said Superintendent Keith Boles (pictured).

Henderson Middle School and Northside Elementary School both need significant upgrades, Boles said. Renovations under consideration for the high school and Northside Elementary include installing new roofs and heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems at both facilities.

Trustees in August 2009 called a $55 million bond election and then canceled that election in September saying sufficient time did not exist to form a bond committee and educate the public on the issues. Voters last approved $22 million in bonds in 2006, which were used to pay for construction of a new primary and a new elementary school.

El Paso targets 1,700 homes to improve energy efficiency
The Project Bravo program of El Paso recently set a goal of weatherizing 1,700 homes in El Paso County by August 2011 by directing a portion of $9 million in funding from federal stimulus dollars to the project.

The program has at least 600 clients on a waiting list to weatherize their homes at a cost of about $6,500 per home. The program is open to low-income, disabled or senior citizen homeowners, said Mike Martinez, the program manager. Improvements include installing insulation, adding solar screens and patching holes as well as upgrading windows, doors, baseboards and outlet plates to reduce air leakage and improve energy efficiency, he said.

While about 82 homes have been weatherized since the program began in February, program officials need to increase participation and are working on bids to find more weatherization contractors to help meet the goal of improving 140 homes a month, Martinez said.

Montgomery Co. to seek grant for indigent, mentally ill defendants

Montgomery County commissioners recently agreed to seek a $550,000 grant from the Task Force on Indigent Defense to help create a private defender mental health court.

The five-year grant requires a 20 percent match in infrastructure such as office space and personnel, but no financial match, said Genoveva Perez (pictured), director of the Office of Indigent Defense for the county. Under the program, mentally ill, indigent defendants could be placed on a special docket and heard by a judge, Perez said. About 600 of the nearly 1,200 mental health defendants each year in Montgomery County are indigent and the county now spends about $4 million a year on indigent defense, she said.

If the grant is approved, it will act as a pilot program for other counties as this is the first grant of its kind in Texas, said Perez.

Elgin may see ACC operational by January if referendum passes
Provided Elgin Independent School District voters approve a referendum this November, Austin Community College may open its doors there as soon as January. The college would utilize extra space at Elgin Elementary South until the new facility is completed, according to ACC President and CEO Steven Kinslow.
The college would be built using Public Facility Corporation funds, allowing ACC to apply local taxes directly to construction of the new facility. The college system has generally constructed new facilities using approved general obligation bonds or revenue bonds paid by student fees. The tax plan will allow the institution to complete a full campus in as little as three years.

If the referendum passes, ACC plans to construct a $34 million campus at the intersection of County Line Road and Highway 290. Officials have already purchased the property for $3.3 million.

Coastal Bend College wins two grants to offer training

Coastal Bend College (CBC) recently won a $470,000 grant from the Texas Workforce Commission Skills Development Fund and a $447,000 grant from the Texas Military Preparedness Commission.

The grant from the Texas Workforce Commission will be used to pay for industrial emergency response training for new and current employees of a refinery in Three Rivers. The training should help improve safety for residents of the area and travelers on US 281, said Glynis Holm Strause (pictured), continuing education director for CBC.

The grant from the Texas Military Preparedness Commission will be used to provide equipment for training of veterans and residents of defense industry communities impacted by the closure of military bases. The college is located in Beeville, where Naval Air Station Chase Field closed in 1994.

Bexar County to issue $155M in bonds, certificates later this month
Bexar County officials plan to sell $25 million in limited tax general obligation bonds, $95 million in certificates of obligation and $35 million in certificates of obligation backed by Build America Bonds later this month. The bonds and certificates - as well as the county's $728 million in unlimited tax and limited tax bonds - have been rated "AAA" by Fitch Ratings.

The bonds and certificates will finance public safety, park, parking and street improvements.

Officials also plan to issue up to $680 million in certificates of obligation for drainage improvements over a 10-year period.

Nederland city officials discuss $3.9 million water pump project
Chris Duque

Nederland City Council members recently authorized city staff to hire a consultant to develop a strategy for the city to replace four raw water pumps and five high-service pumps estimated to cost about $3.9 million.

The new water pumps are needed to replace the 29-year-old water pumps. These pumps were purchased with bonds sold in the 1990s that were not sufficient to pay for new water pumps, said an engineering consultant. Several mechanical failures at the water plant have prompted city officials to consider replacing the old pumps.

Money to pay for the new water pumps most likely would need to come from the city's water and sewer fund as the city is not eligible for many federal or state grants because of the socio-economic status required for the grants, said City Manager Chris Duque (pictured).

Coryell County to hire architect to design new jail
Coryell County commissioners recently agreed to negotiate with a San Antonio-based architectural firm to draw up plans for a new jail. Commissioners also agreed to look for state and federal grants to help pay for a larger county jail on 33 acres of county-owned land.

An agreement with an architect is required before completing an application to the U.S. Department of Agriculture for a grant or loan, said County Judge John Firth. County officials are considering a new jail because a recent report by the Texas Commission on Jail Standards stated the current 52-bed jail would be insufficient through 2020.

Performance hall backed by Arts of Collin County may face delay

Pat Fallon (pictured), a Frisco City Council member, recently said that other council members in Frisco most likely will not support selling bonds for at least a year for a proposed 2,100-seat multi-purpose performance hall. The proposed facility is backed by the Arts of Collin County organization, a group comprised of representatives from the cities of Allen, Plano and Frisco.

Saying he spoke for other council members, Fallon said no council members or the mayor placed the proposed ACC project as a top five priority at a recent workshop meeting. The city is currently not in a position to sell bonds for their city's share of the cost of the proposed performance hall, Fallon said.

In response, City Manager Tom Muehlenbeck of Plano said it would be difficult for council members in that city to recommend moving forward with the performance hall project if Frisco council members remain uncertain about the project. Frisco Mayor Maher Maso then noted that Frisco city leaders could decide to sell the bonds next summer if the current economic climate improves. Maso also pledged to keep trying to push forward the proposed performance hall project.

Greenville may seek grant for new automated license plate reader
Greenville City Council members recently agreed to hold a public hearing to gather input on whether Greenville police should apply for a federal grant to pay for another infrared automated license plate reader for patrol officers.

The city already has one device capable of automatically reading the license plates of vehicles and another license plate reader could multiply the "eyes" of officers by 100 times, said Interim Police Chief Scott Smith. The system gathers images of license plates, checks for alerts and bulletins while the officer is on patrol. It is capable of processing about 24,000 records per day and notifying officers of outstanding warrants, Smith said.

Greenville city officials usually partner with the Hunt County Sheriff's Office in seeking the grant from the Edward Byrne Justice Assistance Grant program. A recent test of a new plate reading system by the county resulted in recovering two stolen vehicles and the arrest of a wanted felon, Smith said.

Abilene ISD gives thumbs up to $14 million in renovations, additions
Heath Burns

Trustees for the Abilene Independent School District recently approved $14 million in capital improvement projects, including renovation of a former middle school that will allow the district to close two elementary schools to consolidate in the new facility.

While closing two community schools is a difficult decision, Superintendent Heath Burns (pictured) said, the district expects to save at least $400,000 annually in operating expenses by consolidating the two elementary schools and could be more than $500,000 a year once the consolidation of the Houston and Travis campuses occurs.

District officials plan to close College Heights and Fannin elementary schools after the former Franklin Middle School is renovated to accommodate students from those two schools into one facility. The main building at Franklin will be demolished and replaced by a new building, but two gyms and a music building will be retained, district officials said. Trustees also approved construction of a new wing and library at Bowie Elementary School and renovating the former Jefferson Middle School for programs now located at the district's Houston and Travis campuses. These projects are funded from the proceeds of a $76.5 million bond issue approved by voters in 2004.

Willow Park Council votes to expand regional wastewater plant
The Willow Park City Council recently approved an interlocal agreement to expand a regional wastewater plant in that city.

Developed with the assistance of the City of Fort Worth, the Tarrant County Water District and the Trinity River Authority, the agreement calls for surrounding cities in Parker County to proportionately finance the facility according to their population and cost to citizens, said Ken Hawkins, mayor of Willow Park. The new waste treatment facility will be designed to be environmentally friendly, he said.

City officials have scheduled no date for the expansion of the treatment plant to begin and are waiting for the completion of an engineering study of the facility before making a decision, Hawkins said.

Lubbock ISD board considers rebuilding elementary school
Steve Massengale

Lubbock Independent School District officials are considering a plan to rebuild Murfee Elementary School and replace it with a larger facility capable of housing 650 students.

If the plan materializes, students would be moved to Haynes Elementary for a year while Murfee is rebuilt using funds from a $220 million bond election. The move would not call for an increase in taxes. Construction could begin as early as June 2011 if the proposal passes this November.

LISD School Board Vice President Steve Massengale (pictured) encouraged parents to contact Murfee's principal and trustees with any questions. "Everyone's here, available to answer those questions," he said.

Austin city officials add $5M to $85M bond proposal
Austin city leaders have revised a transportation bond proposal that increases funds to road projects, adding nearly $5 million for a total of $90 million. A citizens' task force will review the revised proposal, and the Austin City Council could decide its fate for a November referendum as early as July 29.

The bond proposal now includes $2.3 million to reconfigure entrance and exit ramps where Interstate 35 and East 51st Street meet. It also includes a $1 million city contribution to the Texas Department of Transportation's (TxDOT) traffic analysis of I-35.

Those figures help bring the total amount designated for road, highway and intersection improvements to $51.3 million and $38.7 million for bicycle, pedestrian and transit projects.

Bosque Co. commissioners to let voters decide fate of new $9.5M jail
Cole Word

Bosque County Commissioners are leaving it to voters to decide if they wish to fund a new, $9.5 million jail. The current, 40-year-old facility continues to deteriorate as county officials work with the Texas Commission on Jail Standards to keep the structure in compliance.

"We are in a very critical stage now with our jail, at least according to the jail standards commission," County Judge Cole Word (pictured) said, adding the decision about whether to move forward and issue certificates of obligation was a tough one. "It is hard not to let voters have a say in the largest financial decision we have ever had in the history of the county," he said.

The proposal stands to increase county taxes by 6 cents per $100 valuation, according to Word. Bosque County voters will vote on the proposal this November.

Beaumont Council approves bonds for water, sewer projects
The Beaumont City Council this week approved the issuance of up to $35 million in revenue bonds for the expansion, repair, renovation and improvement of the city's water and sewer system. The city's Water Utility Fund is self-supported by water and sewer payments.

CATEE Conference dates set for Aug. 24-26 in Austin

The 2010 Clean Air Through Energy Efficiency (CATEE) Conference will be held Aug. 24-26 at the AT&T Conference on The University of Texas campus in Austin. It will join the Seventeenth Symposium on Improving Buildings Systems in Hot and Humid Climates. It is the seventh in a series of air quality and energy efficiency stakeholder conferences of the Energy Systems Laboratory, a division of the Texas Engineering Experiment Station and a member of the Texas A&M University System. The conference will feature leading research on building systems and components, equipment advances, design and construction methods and case studies applicable to the hot and humid climate. The symposium provides an opportunity for upper-level energy managers, building managers, architects, designers, engineers, consultants, utility representatives, energy service companies, code officials, suppliers, researchers and others to exchange information on technologies, strategies, and programs to improve the efficiency of building systems in hot and humid climates. The conference includes two days of technical presentations and discussions, speakers and technical sessions with top researchers and practitioners. To view the program, click here. To register, click here.

TxDOT Business Outreach & Program Services hosts webinars

The Texas Department of Transportation's Business Outreach & Program (BOP) Services branch is still conducting its webinars targeting small, minority and women business-owners in the field of construction and professional services in Texas. Only three webinars remaining for the 2010 fiscal year. The external online seminars topics range from how to become a pre-qualified bidder on TxDOT contracts to online access of bid lettings and contract plans and much more. Each session aims to provide valuable information to contractors, suppliers and small businesses on how TxDOT operates with external parties, how to better understand processes and procedures and improve opportunities to bid and obtain contracts with TxDOT. Invited parties include potential contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, DBEs and any other small businesses. Each free webinar is limited and registration slots are on a first-come-first-serve basis. More information on each webinar can be found at www.txdot.gov. Questions should be forwarded to TxDOT-BOP-Webinars@dot.state.tx.us or call 1.866.480.2518, Option 2 for more information.

Newly Elected Officials Workshop to be hosted by AACOG
The Alamo Area Council of Governments will host a one-day workshop from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on July 29 to address the duties and responsibilities of elected officials. Representatives of AACOG, local attorneys and a local elected official will address the participants. The workshop will be in the Al J. Notzon III Board Room, 8700 Tesoro Drive, Suite 700, San Antonio. The workshop will include an introduction to city government, budgeting and financial management, the role of mayor and council members, council procedures and legal issues. For more information, click here.

CEVS 2010, 'Re-Imagining the Built Environment' in Austin
Austin Energy and the Clean Energy Incubator announce the fourth annual Clean Energy Venture Summit on September 29-30, 2010. Early stage clean-energy companies will audition their technologies for inclusion in Austin's $10.4M DOE smart-grid/smart-home demonstration project, a product of the Pecan Street Project, the nation's most ambitious city-wide clean-energy laboratory. "The feedback EcoFit Lighting received during the 2009 conference helped us refine our investor pitch, leading to the close of a $2M round of funding," said Cason Coplin, CEO of 2009 CEVS winner Ecofit Lighting, a Kansas-based firm.

National Association of Social Workers, Texas plans annual conference
The 2010 National Association of Social Workers, Texas Annual Conference is slated for Oct. 8-10 at the Westin Galleria in Houston. Houston Mayor Annise Parker will be the opening plenary speaker and will address "Inspiring Community Action for a Better Quality of Life." Some of the pre-conference sessions planned, for which continuing education hours can be earned, include topics such as suicide prevention and postvention, overview of psychotropic medication for treating mental illness and teaching the next generation of social workers. inspiring community action for a better quality of life. There will also be numerous break-out sessions during the three days that cover everything from motivational interviewing to challenges facing children with incarcerated parents. The closing plenary session will feature Vicki Hansen, LMSW-AP, ACSW addressing "Advancing the Profession: Inspiring Social Workers. The closing plenary will provide attendees with a "State of the Chapter" to bring you up to date with NASW/Texas challenges and accomplishments. For more information on the conference schedules, click here. For registration information, click here.

2010 NTEC MedVentures Conference slated for July 21

The 2010 NTEC MedVentures Conference, hosted by the North Texas Enterprise Center (NTEC) is slated for July 21 at the Embassy Suites - Frisco Conference Center. The annual event is an early stage investment conference and company showcase that focuses on the medical technology sector. That includes medical instruments and devices, diagnostic equipment, medical therapeutic devices, medical monitoring equipment and other health-related products. The program will include an industry panel discussion, venture capital panel discussion and a showcase of eight emerging medical technology companies. Emerging medtech companies seeking capital will network with investors that focus on their industry sector. MedVentures also provides a "trade show" venue for vendors and service providers. For more information on the conference and registration, click here.

'Cowboy I.T. Up' theme for August TASSCC conference

"Cowboy I.T. Up" is the theme for the Texas Association of State Systems for Communication and Computing (TASSCC) 2010 Annual Conference, set for Sunday through Wednesday, Aug. 1-4, at the Westin Park Central Hotel in Dallas. The event, open to public sector employees only, will feature keynote addresses, a variety of breakout sessions and a Tuesday awards luncheon. CPE credit is also offered. Early registration ends July 5. Among the speakers will be research firm owner Gordon Graham, will address preventing mistakes through a risk management-based training program in his "The Five Concurrent Themes for Success" presentation. Addressing how companies can make decisions and execute on corporate strategies will be Jeff Tobaben, managing partner of a consulting firm. He will address "Where Does Employee Engagement Happen," stressing leveraging human capital through applied behavioral economics. Click here for more information, and click here to register.

Millions more headed to Texas for public safety projects

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

Taxpayers and citizens should definitely feel safer today than a decade ago. Billions in taxpayer dollars are flowing to state and local governments for homeland security initiatives.

Nationwide in Fiscal Year 2009, approximately $29 billion was spent. Most of that amount, $15.8 billion to be exact, flowed from the federal government to state and local public organizations. Reports indicate that by the year 2014, government will be spending $85 billion to keep America safe.

Texas competes aggressively for homeland security funding and has been awarded millions at every jurisdictional level of government. An announcement was made yesterday that more than $1.8 billion more is now available nationwide for potential threats, infrastructure protection and initiatives related to terrorist attacks. Texas will receive at least $17.5 million.

The funds allocated for Texas can be used in numerous ways. For example, the money can be spent to enhance local law enforcement efforts, deal with natural or man-made disasters or prepare for emergency situations. Public officials say that the funding comes at an opportune time since many are struggling with budget constraints.

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McDaniel selected as Administrator of the Year

The Texas City Management Association recently selected Tyler City Manager Mark McDaniel (pictured) as the Administrator of the Year in Texas. The award recognizes contributions to local government management in the last 18 months.

McDaniel has served as city manager in Tyler since Jan. 1, 2009, as city manager designate for 10 months and as deputy city manager for four years. He has a bachelor's degree and a master's degree from the University of North Texas and completed the Senior Executive in Local Government Program at Harvard University. Before joining Tyler city government, McDaniel also served as an assistant city manager in Corpus Christi and Lake Jackson, a city manager in Woodway and as budget director for Denton.

El Paso housing authority wins $10.3 million in federal funding
The Department of Housing and Urban Development recently awarded $10.3 million to the Housing Authority of the City of El Paso. The money is awarded through the capital fund program and will be used to maintain and improve the quality of public housing units managed by the housing authority, a spokesperson for the Housing Authority said.

Young County Sheriff wins $64,000 grant for new computers
The Young County Sheriff's Office recently received a $64,000 grant to upgrade technology.

The grant will be used to buy eight laptop computers, eight citation printers and eight other printers and for installing the technology and user fees for the software through September 2011, a spokesman for the sheriff's office said.

Friendswood approves new
$1 million animal shelter

Friendswood City Council members recently agreed to build a new $1 million animal shelter on FM 528 to replace the city's current shelter, which has a history of flooding caused by a nearby creek.

The new site is more accessible and does not have flooding issues, said Mike Barker (pictured), a council member. Council also agreed to allocate an additional $750,000 to the $250,000 already earmarked for the project. City staff also has negotiated a contract to design the new animal shelter.

College Station announces
new city secretary Mashburn
Sherry Mashburn is set to replace Connie Hooks as city secretary of College Station. One of some 178 applicants, she begins her new role Aug. 16.

Mashburn has served as city secretary of San Marcos since 2008. Prior to that charge, she served in the same capacity at Bee Cave beginning in 1999. She is one of the few city secretaries in the state certified as a master municipal clerk by the International Institute of Municipal Clerks.

Mission to seek $250,000 federal energy conservation grant
Mission City Council members recently agreed to apply for a $250,000 federal grant to renovate municipal buildings to be more energy efficient. Council also approved a $24,000 contract with a consulting firm to prepare and submit the grant application, which must be submitted to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency by July 26.

The grant is from the second round of the Climate Showcase Communities program, which is making $10 million available to local and tribal governments to implement projects addressing climate change. If the grant is awarded to Mission, city officials plan to install energy-efficient light bulbs, water pumps and electrical appliances, a spokesman for the city said. The winners of the grant will be announced in February 2011.

Where are they now?

Where do folks go when they leave government? Some go to work in the private sector or for nonprofits. Some transition to executive-level positions in higher education while others may seek elected local government positions. And some just retire and spend a lot of time with their grandkids at the fishin' hole. This column focuses on where former state government officials and private sector employees are now.

Larry L. Palmer is a former assistant to The University of Texas at El Paso President Diana Natalicio. He is also a career member of the U.S. Foreign Service, having served as U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Honduras from 2002 to 2005 and as president of the 41st Senior Seminar before becoming the Charge D'Affaires in Quito, Ecuador, from 1999 to 2002. Palmer served as vice consult in the Dominican Republic from 1982 to 1984 and was personnel officer in Montevideo, Uruguay, and Asuncion, Paraguay, from 1984 to 1986. He is also a former member of the State Department staff, having served as staff assistant to the Assistant Secretary for African Affairs from 1986 to 1987 and as counselor for administration in Freetown, Sierra Leone, from 1987 to 1989. He left Natalicio's staff in 1991 and served as personnel officer in Seoul, Korea, until 1994. He became counselor for administration in the Dominican Republic in 1994, serving until 1998. Palmer is a former assistant director of financial aid at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, was a history professor at Cuttington College in Suakoko, Liberia, and at Wake Forest University in Winston Salem, North Carolina. Palmer was recently nominated by President Barack Obama to serve as the U.S. Ambassador to Venezuela.

Tyler group approves priority list of capital improvement projects
The Half-Cent Sales Tax Corporation of Tyler recently approved a final list of 173 capital improvement projects for city council members to consider and a 2010-11 budget of $11,267.693, or 6.7 percent lower than the $12,081,025 budget for 2009-10. Reports indicate that sales tax revenues in Tyler are down 8.8 percent below last year's sales tax revenues, board members noted.

The ranked projects include capital improvements to traffic signals, drainage, public safety, parks and street improvements, said Carter Delleney, the city engineer.

Angelina County jail going green thanks to energy grant, rebates
Eddie Gray

Angelina County Jail in Lufkin is set to become a little greener this fall thanks to a recently awarded energy grant. Among other measures, the funds will help provide solar panels for the facility, which consumes more energy than any other building in the county.

Energy rebates will also be used to increase the budget for the initiative. Auditor Eddie Gray (pictured) said the rebates will allow the county to "get a much bigger facility, which will generate more electricity, which will save us more money in energy bills."

Marlin ISD selects Casey
as new superintendent
Trustees for the Marlin Independent School District recently selected Dr. Eli Casey (pictured) as superintendent. Casey previously served as interim superintendent for Marlin ISD in 2008.

Casey is a former superintendent of schools in Texas, New Mexico and Arizona, and served as an interim superintendent for five school districts in Texas, as a principal and a teacher. He has bachelor's, masters' and Ph.D. degrees.

New Caney ISD selects new energy education specialist
Trustees for the New Caney Independent School District recently hired Paul Batchelder, a former science teacher at the high school, as the new Energy Education specialist. In the newly created position, Batchelder will receive training to help implement conservation procedures at all district facilities. He will conduct energy audits throughout the year and work closely with the consulting company board members selected to create a customized energy conservation plan to implement.

District officials project the district will experience savings of almost $9.4 million over a 10-year period by instituting new conservation practices and programs.

Ives resigns as city manager
after two years in Alvarado
Don Ives recently resigned as city manager in Alvarado, a post he held for two years. Council members placed Ives on administrative leave on June 21 and selected Kelle Whitfill to serve as interim city manager to replace Ives.

Stephenville ISD looking at $33M bond election in November

Trustees for the Stephenville Independent School District recently began considering whether to ask voters to approve $33 million in bonds this fall to pay for improvements to existing facilities. A consultant recently unveiled a plan to trustees recommending the district transform Chamberlain Elementary School into a campus for early childhood through first grade by demolishing a building opened in 1951 and building new classrooms. The campus now houses first and second grades, said Superintendent Darrell Floyd (pictured). The consultant also urged the remodeling of Gilbert Intermediate School, which now houses fifth and sixth grades, into a school for students in the second through fourth grades. The plan calls for a new wing to be built for second graders.

The plan also calls for moving the fifth and sixth grade students to Hook Elementary School, which currently serves third and fourth graders. The plan includes new construction and upgrades to security, Floyd said.

ACC unveils utility line-worker program to offer students skills
Austin Community College has developed a training program for utility line workers. Students interested will soon be able to enroll in the applied science associates in utility line technology program.

The Texas Workforce Commission projects the need for skilled line workers - those who are sent to frontlines during power outages - to increase up to 20 percent by 2016.

Hidalgo' Franz now heads
Texas Border Coalition

Hidalgo Mayor John David Franz (pictured) is the new chair of the Texas Border Coalition. He succeeds Del Rio Mayor Afrain Valdez, who relinquished his seat in June. Hidalgo City Manager Joe Vera was named vice chair of the coalition whose goal is to bring business and government leaders together to influence policymakers both in Texas and Washington, D.C. The group focuses on issues including education, security and transportation.

Two associate superintendents leaving posts at Ysleta ISD
Officials of the Ysleta Independent School District in El Paso recently learned that two associate superintendents are leaving their positions.

Associate Superintendent Richard Bentley, who has worked for the district since 2004, recently resigned to become superintendent for Norfolk Public Schools in Virginia. The associate superintendent for Area 1, Anna Perez, who has worked for the district since 2003 and as an educator for 41 years, recently announced she is retiring. District officials have not yet announced plans to fill the two positions for associate superintendent.

Brockette brings grant-writing experience to role at SPI

Ann Brockette, Ph.D., brings years of grant-writing experience to SPI. In addition to writing grants for public and private funding, Ann has taught grant writing for more than 10 years. She is knowledgeable regarding public funding requirements, is noted for the accuracy and readability of the documents she produces, and can put together a team of writers with credentials in grant writing. Brockette has drafted grants for education, social services, health care, economic development and law enforcement.

Brockette established a technical writing program for Amberton University in Garland with courses that included Writing Grants and Business Proposals, Technical Writing, and Effective Writing Skills for adult students returning to college after an absence of several years.

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 new Special Services division, contact Brooke Hollimon at 512-531-3948 or bhollimon@spartnerships.com. For information on other individuals in our Special Services division and their areas of expertise, click here.

Saldana first Obama appointee as federal judge in Texas
Judge Diana Saldana, a U.S. magistrate judge in Laredo, has been nominated by President Barack Obama for U.S. district judge in the Southern District's Laredo Division. She faces confirmation by the U.S. Senate and if confirmed will replace Chief Judge George Kazen. Saldana is originally from Carrizo Springs and worked for Kazen as a clerk early in her law career.

Saldana is a former staff attorney for the general counsel of the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice. She also worked in a Houston law firm before joining the U.S. attorney's office. She has been a magistrate judge in the Laredo Division since 2006.

Recent Reports

Texas Government Insider Archives

Volume 1-8 Archives -1/8/04 - 7/9/10

Alice City Council approves USDA grant application
The Alice City Council has approved submitting a U. S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Library Initiative Grant application to purchase technology equipment and furniture for the city's public library.

Those funds, if granted, would also be applied to carpet replacement, an interior paint job and the installation of air-conditioning duct work.

Lakeway MUD general manager announces plans to step down
Richard Eason, Lakeway Municipal Utility District longtime general manager, has announced plans to resign from his post after more than 17 years of service. He has requested approximately $80,000 in severance pay.

Eason reportedly said he felt he was being "forced out" and was not offered any alternative "but to seek other means to protect my future career" in a letter to the District board. The letter arrived little more than two weeks after a Travis County jury awarded Eason $91,900 in damages caused by defamatory statements reportedly made by another board member.

Jasper group recommends $51.7 bond election in November
Jon Whittemore

After studying district facilities for more than a year, members of a bond committee for Jasper Independent School District recently recommended asking voters to approve about $50 million in bonds to pay for improvements and renovations to district facilities.

Committee members were unable to keep the price tag of the recommended projects at their goal of $50 million and recommended $51.7 million in projects for board members to consider, said Superintendent Jon Whittemore (pictured). The group is attempting to identify items to cut from the plan to keep the price tag at less than $50 million, he added.

Marshall ISD selects two
new administrators
Officials of the Marshall Independent School District recently selected Greg Morris as the director of Operations of Student Services and Shelley Yates as the new director of Curriculum.

Morris previously served as principal of Robert E. Lee Elementary and Yates previously served as a principal at J.H. Moore Elementary.

El Oso Water Supply Corporation wins $6.7 million in federal funds
The U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Program recently awarded $6.7 million in grants and loans to the El Oso Water Supply Corporation in Kenedy to replace water lines and upgrade a water plant that services more than 6,000 residents of Bee, Karnes, Live Oak and Wilson counties.

The funding includes a $1.8 million grant and a $4.9 million direct loan from USDA Rural Development. El Oso WSC plans to use the funding to improve two water plants and replace or upgrade 12.4 miles of water lines between the Falls City Water Plant and the Karnes City Water Plant. The improvements should improve the reliability and quality of water service to those rural residents, El Oso WSC officials said.

Katy task force urges $459
million bond election this fall

A planning task force recently recommended that trustees for the Katy Independent School District ask voters to approve $456,791,062 in bonds to improve district facilities, including safety upgrades.

Task force members also urged district officials to complete the Wolfe Replacement project by 2012 rather than 2013 and to replace the turf at Rhodes Stadium by 2012, said Superintendent Alton Frailey (pictured). Board members took no action on the recommendation and will continue their evaluation of the plan before deciding whether to call a bond election. The deadline to call for a school bond election is Aug. 24.

Governor's appointments

Governor Rick Perry has announced the following appointments:

Margaret Barnes of Denton, judge of the 367th District Court in Denton County
Beverly Ashley-Fridie of Edinburg, OneStar National Service Commission
Aranda Cooper of Nacogdoches, OneStar National Service Commission
Charlotte Keany of Colleyville, OneStar National Service Commission
Robert Scott of Austin, OneStar National Service Commission
Charles Wall of San Antonio, OneStar National Service Commission
Nora Castaneda-Rivas of Harlingen, Advisory Council on Emergency Medical Service
Ryan Matthews of Holliday, Advisory Council on Emergency Medical Service
Robert Vezzetti of Austin, Advisory Council on Emergency Medical Service
Gracie Flores of Corpus Christi, State Board of Trustees of the Texas Emergency Services Retirement System
Virginia "Jenny" Moore of Lake Jackson, State Board of Trustees of the Texas Emergency Services Retirement System
Dennis Rice of Canyon, State Board of Trustees of the Texas Emergency Services Retirement System