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Howard Wolf named to chair TxDOT reorganization committee
Jay Kimbrough will join Wolf in advising agency on implementing changes
 Howard Wolf (left) today was named chair of a yet-to-be-completed committee that will be responsible for advising the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and the Texas Transportation Commission (TTC) on implementing changes and recommendations resulting from a recent review of TxDOT. In a brief, one-item-agenda meeting, the TTC voted to name Wolf chair. In addition to being an attorney and businessman, Wolf also has served the State of Texas through his previous appointments to the Sunset Advisory Commission and as a member of the Texas Tax Reform Commission that was charged with making recommendations for modernizing the state's tax system.  Wolf will be assisted by Jay Kimbrough (right), general counsel for the Texas A&M University System and former senior advisor to Gov. Rick Perry. When the embattled Texas Youth Commission was put under conservatorship, Perry also named Kimbrough conservator of the agency. TTC Commissioner Ned Holmes made the motion for the commission to name Wolf as chair. "Howard Wolf has an extremely impressive resume with both a legal background, a financial background and a corporate restructuring background," said Holmes. He said Wolf has "a very broad perspective and level of experience" necessary for the task.
Moreover, said Holmes, Wolf noted in a previous meeting with the commission "that for any sustainable and significant change to occur in any organization and certainly one with a storied history such as TxDOT, that change has to be embraced by the staff" and that the staff must realize change "is in their interest and the interest of the public...for them to be on board with that change."
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AG sides with teachers regarding annual step increases
Some districts now have to come up with funding to meet salary obligations
 An attorney general's opinion requiring payment of annual "step" increases has Texas classroom teachers breathing a sigh of relief and some cash-strapped school districts scurrying to find additional funding to pay them.
It all stems from legislation passed in 2009 that authorized a pay increase for classroom teachers and some other full-time school employees. That raise was for the 2009-2010 school year. For the upcoming 2010-2011 school year, Attorney General Greg Abbott recently ruled that districts that had salary schedules in place in 2008-2009 must pay classroom teachers the amount they would have expected to be paid under the plan for that year.
The attorney general's opinion was sought by the State Education Commissioner regarding whether a 2009 law requires school districts to continue their regularly scheduled pay increases that were in effect when the law passed.
What some districts advocated would have, in effect, bypassed the step increases, said Clay Robison, spokesperson for the Texas State Teachers Association. "We advocated for the step increases, saying the $800 increase last year would not take the place of step increases in the upcoming year."
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Strategic Partnerships salutes Texas' Lone Stars
 Dustin Lanier, director, Council on Competitive Government
Career highlights and education: Director, Council on Competitive Government, 2007-present; Director of Strategic Initiatives, DIR, 2004-2007; Special Assistant for Technology, Office of the Governor 2002-2003; Austin tech startups 2000-2002; Duke University 1989-1993.
What I like best about my job is: We get to take on an extremely wide array of policy topics and operational issues, from fuel and energy, to print, to managed technology services and more. Each one has its own dynamics and requires a thoughtful solution. There is always the ability to create something new, and that is exciting.
The best advice I've received for my current job is: People have to feel invested in the process before they can be vested in the outcome.
Advice you would give a new hire in your office: We get a unique opportunity through CCG to fix situations that may otherwise never get fixed. It's a great opportunity to get to do the work, and a great responsibility to get the work done.
If I ever snuck out of work early, I could probably be found: With my three boys and my lovely wife.
People would be surprised to know that I: Lived in Santiago, Chile, for almost a year.
One thing I wish more people knew about my agency: The Council on Competitive Government, staffed out of the state Comptroller's Office, sets up managed state services through contracts. A council of state leadership offices, chaired by the Governor's Office, reviews and approves projects that will create cost savings and efficiency. CCG is unique throughout the nation in the way it creates a forum where leadership offices can build consensus on innovative projects and translate that consensus directly into action through binding state procurements.
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Pflugerville could soon be site of state's largest solar farm  The largest solar farm in Texas could be headed to Pflugerville. The city, along with Travis County and the Elgin ISD, are currently working on an agreement with RRE Austin Solar that would have the company installed up to $750,000 in solar panels for City of Pflugerville and Pflugerville ISD public facilities. While the city has signed the agreement, the solar firm is awaiting word from Travis County and the Elgin ISD regarding tax abatements the company says are necessary for the project to get off the ground.
If the agreement is worked out, RRE Austin Solar could break ground on the project at the end of this year. The agreement calls for the equipment to be installed by Jan. 1, 2014 and to be operational Aug. 1 of that year.
Once operational, the plant is expected to produce enough electricity to power every house in the city and its extra-territorial jurisdiction. Pflugerville Mayor Jeff Coleman (pictured) said the project is in keeping with Pflugerville citizens' efforts toward being earth friendly. He said city residents"have a high degree of concern about the environment."
The company would be exempt from property taxes in the city until 2020, when the company would begin paying a yearly fee of five cents per $100 valuation of the property. The city would pay back the cost of equipment and installation annually with interest and would eventually own the panels and turbines. The Elgin ISD would also have access to solar instructors to help teach and promote green energy. The energy produced would be sold through electric providers.
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Three firms submit bids seeking to operate Texas Lottery
Three firms are vying to operate the Texas Lottery. GTECH, INTRALOT Inc. and Scientific Games Corp. have each submitted bids. A decision is expected in September.
Since 2001, GTECH has operated the lottery and claims 2.7 percent of lottery sales, according to Lottery Commission spokesman Bobby Heith. The contract was valued at $99.6 million last fiscal year.
Commission consultant Gartner Inc. has disclosed it also has a consulting contract with GTECH. The new contract has been extended twice as a result of the conflict. An investigation has not turned up any evidence that indicates influence or bias in GTECH's bid request, however.
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Daudistel takes over as UTEP interim provost
 Howard Daudistel (pictured) has been named Interim Provost at The University of Texas at El Paso, effective Sept. 1. Daudistel currently serves as dean of the College of Liberal Arts at UTEP. A national search will be undertaken for a permanent provost, with that appointment expected by the end of the fall 2010 semester.
As chief academic officer for the university, Daudistel will be responsible for leading UTEP's efforts to achieve a nationally recognized academic program and research excellence while providing higher education access and opportunities. The new interim provost joined the UTEP Department of Sociology and Antrhopology in 1974. He has held numerous administrative posts at the university, including chair of the Department of Sociology and Anthropology, chair of the Social Work Department, chair of the Department of Criminal Justice, interim chair of the Department of Communication and assistant vice president for Academic Affairs. Daudistel is a graduate of the University of California-Santa Barbara.
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Gates Foundation awards TSLAC $192K grant for broadband access The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has awarded the Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC) a $192,000 Texas Opportunity Online grant to improve broadband Internet access in public libraries across the state.
TSLAC Director Peggy Rudd said in some communities, the Internet serves as "the only freely available technology lifeline." She said high-speed transmission is essential for information access and exchange in an era of instant communication.
In addition to bolstering Internet connectivity, the grant will include technical support and training for resource programs such as the Federal Communications Commission's E-rate program, which offers discounted telecommunications products and services.
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Alamo Area Agency on Aging announces new director
 Gloria Vasquez (pictured) has been named director of the Alamo Area Agency on Aging. She will oversee an 11-county service area, including Atascosa, Bandera, Bexar, Comal, Frio, Gillespie, Guadalupe, Karnes, Kendall, Kerr, Medina and Wilson counties.
Vasquez, who holds a bachelor's degree from Southwest Texas State University, most recently served as director of operations at nonprofit Positive Beginnings, Inc., where she was charged with overseeing an afterschool program and pre-school center. Before that role, she worked in various posts at the YMCA of Greater San Antonio. Vasquez's resume includes more than 18 years of nonprofit experience.
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Finalist for Austin Energy general manager drops out
 One of three final contenders for the position of Austin Energy general manager has dropped out. Ronald Davis (pictured) has decided to stay at his post as general manager of Burbank Water and Power in California.
Larry Weis and David Wright are still in the running for the position. The finalist will succeed Assistant City Manager Robert Goode, who has filled the role since late February. Both Weis and Wright were slated to appear in a community forum this week.
Austin Energy officials have not said whether a replacement finalist will be named. In the meantime, the citizen group that was designated to conduct interviews with the candidates has indicated it will ask the city to look further for a new general manager. The panel of citizens said they do not feel either of the remaining two candidates have the experience and skills necessary to lead the utility.
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Midwestern State University names West College of Education dean
 Dr. Matthew Capps (pictured) has been named dean of the West College of Education at Midwestern State University.
Capps currently serves as associate professor of Educational Leadership and Technology and NCATE Coordinator/Assessment Software Coordinator at MSU. He taught in the Wichita Falls Independent School District before serving as assistant principal at Kate Burgess and principal of Selman Intermediate School in Sealy. He worked as an assistant professor at the University of Arkansas and came to MSU in 2006.
Capps holds a bachelor's degree from MSU and a doctorate from Texas A&M University.
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Texas Southern University chooses Alumni Relations director
 Connie Cochran (pictured) has been named director of Alumni Relations at Texas Southern University.
Cochran previously oversaw Alumni Relations and Special Events at the University of Illinois at Chicago's College of Medicine. She has also served as senior manager at a Chicago-based youth guidance agency and as director of International Programs/Communications for Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.'s corporate headquarters.
Cochran graduated from Texas Southern University and holds a master's degree from Chicago State University.
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Texas Tech announces line-up changes at wind science center
 John Schroeder (pictured) has taken over as director of the Wind Science and Engineering Research Center (WISE), replacing Andy Swift, who has transitioned to another role, at Texas Tech University.
A professor of civil engineering, Swift will help grow workforce training programs in wind energy at Texas Tech's Texas Wind Energy Institute in his new role.
Schroeder, an associate professor of atmospheric sciences, previously directed Texas Tech's hurricane research program and the West Texas Mesonet, a collaboration of the university's Atmospheric Science Group and WISE.
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UTPB announces College of Arts and Sciences dean
 Dr. Mylan Redfern (pictured) has been selected to serve as dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at The University of Texas of the Permian Basin. She will replace Dr. Lois Hale, who is returning to teaching.
Redfern most recently served as professor and head of the Mathematics and Computer Science department at Valdosta State University in Georgia. She has also served as a math instructor at the University of Southern Mississippi and Louisiana State University.
Redfern earned a bachelor's degree from Augusta College, a master's degree from Florida State University and a doctoral degree from LSU.
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UTMB grant aims to reduce nursing shortage
A $4.7 million Recovery Act grant, aimed at reducing the shortage of nurses in the state and nation, has been awarded to The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston (UTMB). The Nursing Education and Placement Program will pay for tuition, books and fees for various nursing programs and help graduates with placement among participating employers. The program is mostly geared toward the unemployed and underemployed, those displaced by Hurricane Ike and veterans and their spouses.
The program is a partnership among UTMB, the Gulf Coast Workforce Board, community colleges, universities and health care providers. The goals are to reduce the nursing shortage in high demand areas, increase incomes for workers unemployed or underemployed and to expand access to nursing career ladders.
Those who qualify can work toward becoming certified nurse assistants, licensed vocational nurses, registered nurses and can advance from registered nurse to a bachelor's degree in nursing. For more information about the program and requirements for eligibility and application, click here.
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McMurry University officials paving way for green expansion
 McMurry University officials are paving the way for an expansion near campus. Several properties along South 16th Street in Abilene are being torn down and converted into green space for the university's expansion.
To facilitate what President John Russell (pictured) calls "natural expansion," school officials have bought numerous properties, including a nearby Chinese restaurant, as they have come up for sale over the past six years.
The university's long-term goal is to provide perimeter parking around campus, though no short-term plans for the lots have been announced.
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Midwestern State University names new provost
 Dr. Alisa White (pictured) has been named provost of Midwestern State University.
White has served as professor and dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at The University of Texas at Tyler since 2005. There she helped develop a Master of Arts degree in Communication. She has taught mass communications courses at several institutions, including the University of Alaska Fairbanks, Louisiana State University, the University of West Georgia and The University of Texas at Arlington.
White holds a bachelor's degree from Lee University and master's and doctoral degrees from the University of Tennessee.
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A&M, Animal Health Commission create emergency-response unit
 To respond to disasters involving pets and livestock across the state, the Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences has teamed with the Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) to create a mobile Veterinary Emergency Team (VET).
The VET (pictured) is comprised of A&M faculty members and students, along with resident veterinarians and veterinary technicians who are deployable per the state's animal response plan.
"The Texas Animal Health Commission has done an outstanding job of developing one of the premiere animal issues in disasters plans in the country," said Dr. Wesley Bissett, who is leading the VET effort. He said the TAHC partnership has provided A&M with an opportunity "to increase our efforts in teaching emergency response in the veterinary medical curriculum," boosting the number of trained, emergency-response veterinarians statewide.
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Department of Education awards $800K to UTMB-Galveston
 The U.S. Department of Education has awarded $800,000 to The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston in a move to prepare licensed occupational and physical therapists to work with children with disabilities. The funds will help mobilize a four-year program known as Specialized Training of Occupational and Physical Therapists in Early Intervention and Related Services (STAIRS).
STAIRS offers online courses designed "to enhance the professional expertise of licensed occupational and physical therapists working in pediatric settings," said Christine P. Baker (pictured), associate professor in the UTMB School of Health Professions.
Stipends for $6,500 are available as incentives for students, especially those from "culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and those who have disabilities," according to Baker.
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UT School of Law announces Tarlton Law Library director
 Officials at The University of Texas School of Law have named Barbara Bintliff (pictured) as director of the Tarlton Law Library and Jamail Center for Legal Research, and the Joseph C. Hutcheson Professor in Law. She begins her new charge in September, succeeding Roy Mersky, who died in 2008, and Interim Director Terry Martin.
Bintliff (pictured), a member of the American Law Institute, serves as the law library director at the University of Colorado at Boulder. Her research interests includes the use of print and electronic media resources for legal inquiries and how different methods can produce different or contradictory results.
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College of Mainland committee outlines bond projects
 College of the Mainland's (COM) community advisory committee recently outlined a series of bond projects to COM's finance committee.
Top priority projects, including an $8.75 million health science center and $12.9 million to renovate the college's technical and vocational building, were included in the first proposition proposal totaling $60.8 million. A second proposition totaling about $48.7 million included renovations and expansions to the student center, wellness center and physical education building.
COM President Michael Elam (pictured) said $7.34 million in projected costs to expand and renovate the college's work force training facilities had been omitted from the first proposition, pushing the proposals' total past $109.553 million, the previously announced bottom line figure. Elam said he would push to find cuts to keep spending below that amount.
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Energy Dept. awards UH $2.3M for wind technology testing facility
 The U.S. Department of Energy has awarded the University of Houston $2.3 million to establish an offshore wind technology testing facility. The National Wind Energy Center (NWEC) will be housed at the UH Energy Research Park and will serve as a testing site for composite materials and components for large offshore wind turbines.
UH Cullen College of Engineering Dean Joseph Tedesco (pictured) said the Center will help "propel this region to the forefront of U.S. offshore wind development" and advance UH to become known as "The Energy University."
"Federal goals call for technology development to generate 30 percent of the nation's electricity needs through wind power," said Ray Flumerfelt, professor of chemical and biomolecular engineering and associate director of NWEC. He said Texas' wind makes the state "a natural fit" for the development and testing of the huge turbine components.
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UH System names Long as interim vice chancellor
 Stuart Long (pictured) has been named interim vice chancellor of the University of Houston (UH) System and vice president of Research and Technology Transfer (RTT) at UH.
Long currently serves as a professor of electrical and computer engineering at UH, where he is also associate dean of The Honor's College.
Meanwhile UH President Renu Khator has appointed a 14-member search committee, chaired by Provost John Antel, charged with selecting a permanent UH System vice chancellor and RTT vice president.
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Panhandle group seeking to build $42 million Internet system
The Coalition of Health Services, the Amarillo Area Foundation and AMA TechTel Communications recently unveiled a plan to form a public-private partnership to build a $42 million high speed Internet system that will link 27 health care institutions and 123 other public entities such as schools, cities, counties, economic development corporations and emergency services in the Panhandle and High Plains areas of the state.
The plan presented to the board of directors of the Panhandle Regional Planning Commission calls for installing 1,422 miles of high-capacity fiber-optic cables that could carry thousands of times more information than typical fiber-optic cables, said a representative from the nonprofit coalition comprised of hospital administrators in 32 counties in the Panhandle and South Plains.
If local entities are able to raise about $8 million in cash or in-kind contributions for the project, the group expects to receive about 80 percent of the required funding from an economic stimulus grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce, said Angela Lusk, senior vice president of he Amarillo Area Foundation. The Harrington Foundation also pledged $2 million to the project if the group receives the federal grant, Lusk said.
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Texas Tech wins $280,000 grant to study hurricanes
 Texas Tech University recently won a $280,000 federal grant to study how communities revive following hurricanes.
The National Science Foundation awarded the grant to be used to study economic resilience and long-term impact of hurricane damages on communities, said Daan Lian (pictured), an assistant professor of construction engineering at Texas Tech.
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Cisco College officials move forward with plans for new lab
Cisco College officials are preparing to accept construction bids, beginning in July, for a new 8,000-square-foot laboratory at their Abilene campus.
The State Comptroller recently awarded the college a $135,300 grant for equipment in the new biology technician and biotechnology laboratory technician programs. Paired with a $1.56 million capital campaign effort, the grant helped spur the expansion.
The multi-disciplinary lab will be designed to give nursing students an authentic hospital experience with robotic mannequins, which look like they are breathing. "We are able to emulate a realistic aspect of a hospital," said Audrey Baxter, a professor in the associate degree nursing program, adding Cisco faculty members are "putting together all kinds of scenarios" for the new space.
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ACC District purchases $9.84M land tract in Kyle
 While Hays Independent School District voters consider joining the Austin Community College District (ACCD), the college's officials have entered into a contract to buy approximately 96 acres of land in Kyle at the Plum Creek area. Total cost for the land is $9.84 million.
Dr. Stephen B. Kinslow (pictured), ACC president and CEO, said acquiring the land now is a good investment. ACC - the fastest-growing higher education institution in Central Texas - must "proactively plan for the future in order to continue meeting the vast and growing educational needs of the region we serve," he said.
The acquisition marks just one purchase in a series of land-banking efforts outlined in ACC's Master Plan, which also calls for the construction of campuses in Bastrop, Elgin and San Marcos.
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College Station approves $2 million for pedestrian project
College Station City Council members recently approved a $2 million pedestrian safety project that will transform two streets in the Northgate area into a pedestrian mall.
City officials plan to close Houston Street and College Main at University Drive, turn parking places along University Drive into loading and unloading zones, modify ramps at Wellborn Road and University Drive to slow traffic and install traffic signals at University Drive and Boyett Street. The city also will install raised medians on University Drive to improve pedestrian safety.
The project is a joint effort by the city, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and Texas A&M University. City officials are using funds from a $7 million bond election approved by voters in 2007. Future phases of the project will extend to South College, a city official said.
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Whitley elected chair of NCTCOG Executive Board
 Tarrant County Judge B. Glen Whitley (pictured) was recently elected chair of the Executive Board of the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG). Whitley, who has served as Tarrant County Judge since 2006, is a former Tarrant County commissioner, being first elected to that post in 1996.
Prior to being elected chair of the Executive Board, Whitley served the COG as a director, secretary/treasurer and vice president.
Five new members were also elected to the Executive Board, including Grand Prairie Mayor Pro Tem Ron Jensen, Wise County Judge Bill McElhanney, Cedar Hill Council member Cory Spillman, Grapevine Mayor Pro Tem C. Shane Wilbanks and Mayor Pro Tem Holly Gray-McPherson from the City of Roanoke.
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Wharton Council approves quarter-million in tax anticipation notes
The Wharton City Council has approved arrangements for more than a quarter of a million dollars in tax anticipation notes.
The notes issued include $265,000 to repair the Wharton Police Department air conditioning system and finance a fire station addition needed to house equipment.
City Finance Director Joyce Vasut said city leaders looked at a variety of financing plans for the first station project. "Because it is an addition, we couldn't do a lease-purchase agreement. And we couldn't include it in the proposed refunding of existing bonds," she said, leaving tax anticipation notes as the city's only option.
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Upshur County auditor moves to Gilmer business manager post
Upshur County Auditor Gary Smith is stepping down from his post to take over as business manager for the City of Gilmer. He begins his new duties July 12.
Smith, appointed by District Judge Lauren Parish, has served as Upshur County auditor for the last three years. Carolyn Rominger resigned a few weeks ago after a 15-month tenure as Gilmer's business manager.
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UTHSCSA to host Improvement Science Summit
 The inaugural Improvement Science Summit, which will set the national research agenda for improving health care quality and patient safety, will be held next week in San Antonio. The Wednesday summit, to be held at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, is sponsored by the Academic Center for Evidence-Based Practice (ACE) at the HSC and will focus on front-line hospital care provided by nurses and interprofessional teams of care providers.
The network is funded by a $3 million National Institutes of Health grant led by Dr. Kathleen R. Stevens, RN (pictured), who is a professor of acute nursing care and director of ACE. "Although patient safety and quality improvement in bedside care are clearly stated national priorities, improvement science is still in the developmental stage, particularly in the care provided by multidisciplinary teams in hospitals," Stevens said. The network's goal is to accelerate the development and testing of ideas on a national scale so they can be put into practice quickly. A number of national health care experts will also be featured speakers. The summit will be at the Hyatt Regency on the Riverwalk in San Antonio. For more information, click here.
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Boerne to seek $1 million federal grant for pedestrian walkway
City council members in Boerne recently agreed to seek federal grant funds to widen an existing bridge on Main Street to create an 8- to 10-foot-wide pedestrian walkway over Cibolo Creek and another grant to pay for extending the River Road Trail from South Main Street to City Park. The city will apply for Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grants from the U.S. Department of Transportation to help pay for the bridge project and another grant program for the trail improvements.
The proposed bridge extension is expected to cost about $600,000 compared to the $1 million estimate to build a separate pedestrian bridge, said Assistant City Manager Jeff Thompson. This would leave about $400,000 for improvements to paving, lighting and landscaping further north and south on Main Street. If the grant is approved for the pedestrian bridge, the city may be required to allocate $200,000 to $300,000 in matching funds, he added.
City staff also plan to request $898,728 in grant funds to combine with $224,682 in local funding to help pay for the $1.1 million trail extension project.
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University Health System moves forward on $900 expansion project
 Officials of the University Health System recently requested Bexar County commissioners to approve the final sale of $215 million in certificates of obligation to complete the financing of a $900 million expansion project.
Moving the schedule forward will allow the University Health System to take advantage of federally subsidized Build America Bonds that are set to expire in December 2010, said Peggy Deming (pictured), chief financial officer of the system. Using Build America Bonds could save the health system as much as $20 million in interest over the cost of tax-exempt bonds, Deming said.
Bexar County commissioners two years ago approved a plan calling for three rounds of financing to expand and renovate University Hospital and its clinics with a 3/4-cent increase in the tax rate. Falling property values, however, may require a 1-cent tax increase to pay the bonds, county officials said. Commissioners are expected to consider the bond sale later this summer and a new tax rate in September.
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Beaumont public works director announces retirement
Longtime Beaumont Public Works Director Tom Warner, 55, has announced plans to retire, saying he "always planned to retire at about that age." He has held the title for 24 years.
During his tenure as director, Warner has overseen numerous street projects, the Calder Drainage Project and renovations to the Tyrrell Historical Library, Energy Museum and community centers.
"He's done a fantastic job for us," said City Manager Kyle Hayes. "[He] will be sorely missed."
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Clarendon College kicks off search for new president
 The board of regents of Clarendon College recently kicked off their search for a new president by approving a list of qualifications and characteristics the new president should have and content for a brochure to be provided to prospective applicants for the position. Regents also appointed a search committee comprised of three regents, the president of the faculty senate, college staff, alumni and community members.
Plans call for college officials to advertise the position for 30 days and the search committee to begin screening applicants on July 29, said President Bill Auvenshine (pictured), who is resigning in December 2010 after serving three years as president of the college. Search committee members plan to select 10 finalists in August and narrow to five finalists in September, with interviews with those five candidates to be held in October.
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Point Comfort approves $250K for streets, $54K for water project
Point Comfort City Council members recently agreed to spend $250,000 to resurface several streets and $54,480 to design a new 10-inch water line from the water tower to the Calhoun Port Authority line. The council also authorized $13,500 to install roofs on six cabanas and picnic tables near a new gazebo at a bay-front park.
The port authority and two corporations agreed to pay for the construction of the new water line and then purchase potable water from the city, a city official said. Council members also expect to open bids for the street resurfacing projects on July 13 and begin work on the resurfacing project shortly after that.
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Harker Heights looking at $11.3 million in capital projects next year
 Harker Heights city staff recently compiled a list of 13 capital improvement projects totaling $11.3 million for city council to consider when adopting the city budget for the 2010-2011 fiscal year.
The projects recommended by staff include a $4.54 million expansion of the maintenance yard pump station, $1.85 million for residential drainage projects, $1.19 million to develop Purser Park and $1 million for street projects, said City Manager Steve Carpenter (pictured).
Rebuilding and expanding the maintenance yard pump station is the most critical project, as adding a new 1-million-gallon storage tank, a larger water line and a new pump station will increase the flow of water from the plant to consumers, Carpenter said.
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McKinney ISD to mull two options for high schools
McKinney Independent School District trustees recently agreed to consider two options for the future of high schools in that district. The first option calls for three equal capacity high schools to be maintained and the other option is to create a Career and Technology Education Academy (CTE).
Under the first option, which could be completed by August 2013 at a cost of about $35 million, the district would retrofit McKinney North and McKinney High School to accommodate as many students as McKinney Boyd High School. CTE classes would be available at each campus. However, a new high school would still need to be built to meet enrollment projections in 2018, district officials said.
The second option calls for creating a CTE Academy to accommodate about 1,500 students at a cost of about $58 million. The CTE Academy would offer only upper-level coursework and would require the district to transport students to other high schools in the district for fine arts and athletics courses. A public hearing and committee recommendations will precede any trustee decision.
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Killeen to apply for $116,209 criminal justice grant
Killeen City Council members recently authorized city staff to apply for a $116,209 grant from the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program.
The grant will be divided by the Killeen Police Department, the Temple Police Department and the Bell County Sheriff's office, with Killeen receiving $67,401 of the funding, said City Manager Connie Green. Temple and Bell County officials will each receive a little more than $24,404, Green said.
If the grant is approved, city officials plan to use the grant funding to purchase air cards and the associated service to complete implementation of field reporting, a multiplex video conference system and desktop and laptop computers, city officials said.
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Johnson County approves $108,300 to improve Market Square
 Johnson County commissioners recently approved $108,300 to help pay for renovations to Market Square in Cleburne.
The improvements include adding a restroom facility at a cost of $96,000 to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act, installing water and sewer lines at a cost of $6,000 and installing 650 feet of split rail face on the north, east and west sides of the courthouse square.
Cleburne city officials have applied for a $141,250 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to improve an area next to Market Square by adding sidewalks, handicap ramps and thermoplastic crosswalks to accommodate more visitors and vendors who use the courthouse square, said Commissioner Rick Bailey (pictured).
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Grayson County College approves $879,000 to upgrade parking
Trustees for Grayson County College recently approved $879,000 to expand parking and upgrade lighting at all parking lots. Funding to expand one parking lot and add three more lots is part of a $45 million bond package approved by voters, said Giles Brown, vice president for business services. Work on the parking lot project is expected to begin this month and be completed by the beginning of the fall semester.
With about $300,000 in contingency funds remaining, Brown said he is considering recommending that money be spent to rehabilitate elevated walkways and to help replace the heating and cooling units at Viking Hall or to repaint the water tower on the campus.
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Nacogdoches County approves $500,000 for training center
 Nacogdoches County commissioners recently agreed to pay $500,000 for 4.5 acres of property and two buildings to serve as a new technical training center.
The technical training center, a joint effort by the county, the Nacogdoches Economic Development Corporation, Angelina College, Stephen F. Austin State University, several local school districts and businesses, is designed to provide a higher level of training for residents who are not seeking college degrees, said County Judge Joe English (pictured).
Current plans are for Angelina College to operate and maintain the facility, which will offer training ranging from welding and automotive technology to hydraulics.
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Pine Tree ISD eyeing plan to repair football stadium
Trustees for the Pine Tree Independent School District recently agreed to seek a variance from state officials that would allow the district to make minor repairs to the football stadium to allow games to be played at the facility this fall. District officials also told state officials they plan to fully repair the stadium to meet state regulations or build a new stadium in the near future.
An earlier report on the stadium indicted that neither the visitor nor home bleachers, the press box, the concession stands or restrooms were in compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act. The proposed plan calls for the district to spend about $90,000 this year on maintenance to the press box and to install some handrails.
Currently the district has scheduled Pine Tree athletes to play home games at stadiums in Longview and Kilgore at a cost of about $45,000. Trustees also plan to hold community meetings to discuss a possible bond election in May 2011 to pay for a new football stadium or renovate the old stadium.
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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. |
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Texas schools embracing technology - a trend that must continue!
 By Mary Scott Nabers, CEO of Strategic Partnerships, Inc.
Technology has revolutionized how education is delivered. Nothing has changed the education landscape more than technology. No surprise there...technology has changed how almost everything functions. Now comes even more data that ties lower drop-out rates and higher student achievement to the increased use of technology in public and private schools.
Results of a recent survey justify increased technology spending by Texas school districts. The major finding in a survey by educational executives is that technology-assisted classes reduce drop-out rates significantly. And, when technology is used in the classroom, there is an increase in student improvement.
School districts are spending more each year for technology, but for good reason. The ROI can be benchmarked. Many Texas school districts are committed to creating 21st Century Classrooms, a type of workroom designed to ensure that students leave high school prepared for college and a competitive workplace.
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Decatur ISD picks Townsend
as sole finalist for school chief
 Trustees for the Decatur Independent School District recently selected Rod Townsend (pictured) as the lone finalist for superintendent. Townsend previously served as a teacher at Rochester ISD and as a teacher and superintendent at Hico ISD.
He replaces former Superintendent Gerard J. Gindt, who resigned to serve as assistant superintendent of administrative services for Northwest ISD.
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Tom Greene County using $57,000 for energy efficiency
Tom Greene County commissioners recently accepted a $47,000 federal stimulus grant to install digital controls to the heating and cooling system at the county courthouse. The State Energy Conservation Office administers the federal grant.
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West Texas A&M wins $497,350 energy grant for renewables
The Alternative Energy Institute of West Texas A&M University recently won a $497,350 grant administered by the State Energy Conservation Office. The grant will be used to install two renewable energy systems to help the college reduce energy consumption.
The federal stimulus grant is part of a program designed to increase the use of renewable energy in Texas public facilities.
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Stockdale selects Akin
as new city manager
Stockdale City Council members recently selected Banks Akin as the new city manager. Akin, who was selected from a field of more than 30 applicants, assumed his new position on July 1.
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Glen Rose ISD to seek construction manager for arena
Glen Rose Independent School District trustees recently agreed to seek a construction manager at risk to oversee construction of a new 2,000-seat, $16.9 million sports arena, renovate the existing gym into a band hall and expand the agricultural barn. The projects will be paid for with almost $20 million in bonds approved by voters in May 2009.
District officials plan to begin advertising for the construction manager job next week and select the construction manager in July. Each phase of the construction projects will require competitive bidding for subcontractors who do electrical, concrete and other work, district officials said. Construction should begin in December and be completed by May 2012.
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USDA Rural Development to grant $2.4M in REAP awards
The United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Rural Development is accepting applications to help rural small businesses and agricultural producers who want to reduce energy cost and consumption. About $2.4 million in funding from the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) is available for Fiscal Year 2010.
"We're pleased to offer this program to those who want to save money and conserve energy," said Paco Valentin, Texas State Director of USDA Rural Development. To learn more about REAP, click here.
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Hafley interim superintendnet
at Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD Trustees for the Eagle Mountain-Saginaw Independent School District recently selected Weldon Hafley as interim superintendent to replace Cole Pugh, who recently retired.
Hafley, who retired as superintendent of the Eagle Mountain-Saginaw school district in 2006, began his career in that district as a teacher. He also served as a teacher and administrator at Azle ISD and Boswell ISD. Following his retirement, Hafley served as interim superintendent for Azle ISD in 2008.
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USDA Rural Development awards $45.1M to microentrepreneurs
The United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Rural Development is accepting applications to help rural microentrepreneurs and microenterprises develop and sustain their industries.
A total of $45.1 million in fixed-interest loans and grants will be made available from the Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program (RMAP), authorized by the 2008 Farm Bill. For more information about RMAP grants and loans, click here.
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Lake Jackson to issue $3 million in bonds for capital projects
Lake Jackson City Council members recently approved the issue of $3 million in bonds to pay for street improvement projects and drainage repairs. The bonds are part of the $7 million bond proposal voters approved in May.
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Coldspring-Oakhurst CISD selects new special programs director
Trustees for the Coldspring-Oakhurst Consolidated Independent School District recently selected Donna Thompson as the new special programs director for the district, where she will oversee administration of all special programs such as the Gifted and Talented program and At-Risk Services.
Thompson previously served as an assistant principal and teacher for the district, where she has worked for 20 years.
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| Waco ISD selects Womack
as assistant superintendent
Waco Independent School District trustees recently chose Jennifer Womack as the assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction. Trustees also selected Elaine Botello as the director of human services.
Womack previously served as director of curriculum, instruction and assessment at Bastrop ISD. She will replace former Assistant Superintendent Marsha Ridlehuber, who will retire this summer. Botello now serves as director of risk management and benefits for the district. She has served as acting director of human resources since Robbie Edwards Maness took a leave of absence from that position this spring.
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Carrollton moving forward
on city's new fire station
 Carrollton city officials recently said they plan to begin the design phase for a new fire station in the northwestern area of the city in 2012 and begin construction in 2013 or 2014.
While taxpayers approved bond funds to pay for the new fire station, city officials decided against beginning construction this year because of concern over the estimated $1 million a year it will cost the city to maintain the station, said Fire Chief John Murphy (pictured). Funding to build the new station must be included in the city's next capital program, he said. The new fire station should be in operation by 2015, he added.
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Texas Government Insider Archives
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Hunt ISD supports new band hall/multipurpose room
Hunt Independent School District trustees recently indicated their support for a plan to add a new 2,000 to 3,000-square-foot multi-purpose band room expected to cost between $193,000 and $261,000.
Board members also requested revised designs and funding plans. Trustees also said that funding for the new band hall would need to come from a grant, bonds or another form of outside revenue since the proposed operating budget for next year contains no funding for the band hall project, Kelm said.
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West Rusk CISD postpones building renovations
West Rusk County Consolidated Independent School District trustees recently postponed plans to renovate the former home of the superintendent to create a new administrative building.
District officials said they plan to reduce the cost of the renovations by as much as $30,000 to $40,000 by performing some of the work in-house and to possibly take over the duties of the general contractor, said Superintendent Tommy Alexander. Acceptance of bid proposals for interior renovation for the project is now scheduled for July 19, he said.
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| Waller ISD names three
new administrators Trustees for the Waller Independent School District recently selected three new administrators as part their recent restructuring. Board members selected Troy Mooney as the new assistant superintendent for administration. Mooney previously served as a principal for Fort Bend ISD and at Waller ISD. Kelly Baehren, who previously served as a high school principal for the district, is the new director of curriculum and instruction. Trustees selected Joy Kanyo as the new director of federal programs, grant writing and staff development. Kanyo previously served as director of curriculum and instruction and as a teacher for the district.
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SPI seeking additional outside consultants
SPI is seeking additional consultants who have experience in county government in Texas.
Currently, there is a need for procurement consultants who are retired or former county elected officials in the DFW, Houston, San Antonio and El Paso areas.
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Wichita Falls assistant superintendent eyes N.M. job Assistant Superintendent Tim Powers of the Wichita Falls Independent School District recently said he is being considered for the position of superintendent of schools in Clovis, New Mexico.
Powers, who has been with Wichita Falls ISD since 2003, said he is returning to Clovis for a second interview for the new job after receiving a request from district officials in Clovis who requested that he send an application for the position.
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| USDA accepting applications
for rural job creation grants
 The U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development is accepting grant applications to assist rural businesses and create job opportunities through cooperative development centers. This funding is being made available through the Rural Cooperative Development Grant program.
Paco Valentin (pictured), USDA Rural Development Texas State Director, said the grants " will increase technical and educational assistance available to rural business owners through cooperative development centers and in turn, promote job creation and improve rural business operations." Grants of up to $225,000 may be awarded to colleges, universities and nonprofit groups to create and operate centers that help individuals or groups establish, expand or operate rural businesses, especially cooperatives. For more information, click here.
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McKinney ISD approves timeline for November bond election
Trustees for the McKinney Independent School District recently approved a timeline for a bond election proposed for Nov. 2. The approved timeline calls for the bond committee to hold three public meetings in July and present those findings to board members on Aug. 17. Board members face an Aug. 24 deadline to adopt a resolution ordering the bond election.
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| Beeville ISD tags Thomas as
lone finalist for superintendent
Trustees for the Beeville Independent School District recently chose Sue Thomas as the lone finalist for superintendent. Thomas has served as superintendent for Aransas Pass ISD since 2007. She previously served as a principal and human resources director for Aransas Pass ISD and as a teacher for Sinton ISD.
Thomas has bachelor's and master's degrees from Texas A&M University-Kingsville and a Ph.D. from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi and Texas A&M University-Kingsville.
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Governor's appointments
Governor Rick Perry has announced the following appointments:
- Betty Wu Adams of Austin, OneStar Foundation
- Danny Vines of Lufkin, Bioenergy Policy Council
- Diane Stoebner-May of Montgomery, Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists
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| Amarillo plans to recruit new
city manager via search firm
A City of Amarillo committee will soon award a search firm contract to recruit a new city manager. The committee is looking at a firm based in Keller, one of 12 that submitted proposals after City Manager Alan Taylor retired last May.
Assistant City Managers Vicki Covey and Dean Frigo, Assistant Purchasing Agent Trent Davis and Human Resources Director Lori James comprise the committee. Based on their evaluation of the proposals, the Keller firm stood out based on experience, warranties, cost, anticipated timelines and methodology. The firm has proposed a 16-week timeline to hire a new city manager.
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Shenandoah selects Bevers as new public works director
Shenandoah city officials recently selected Byron Bevers as the new director of public works. Previously employed by an engineering firm, Bevers has a bachelor's degree from Texas A&M University.
In his previous position, Bevers acted as a liaison for the engineering firm and is knowledgeable about the needs and requirements of Shenandoah, said City Administrator Greg Smith. As the new public works director, Bevers will oversee all operations of the department, water and wastewater, facilities, maintenance, streets, parks, right-of-way maintenance and community development. He reports directly to the city administrator.
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San Jacinto County accepts $86,365 energy grant
San Jacinto County commissioners recently agreed to accept a $86,365 grant to improve energy efficiency in county buildings.
County officials plan to use the grant to buy new, more energy-efficient air conditioners to replace existing air conditioners in county buildings. County commissioners also agreed that the county is willing to spend as much as $15,000 to replace the air conditioning system if the grant does not cover the entire cost of the project.
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Dallas County health dept. medical director leaving
 Dr. John T. Carlo (pictured), medical director and health authority for Dallas County Health and Human Services, is leaving his position to head to the University of Minnesota. At UM, he will direct the BioWatch Program, funded by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Office of Health Affairs. The program is designed to serve as an early-warning system for bioterrorism attacks.
Carlo has been with the county health department since 2004, when he began as a physician epidemiologist for bioterrorism prevention and response. He was later named the county's chief epidemiologist. Dr. Steve Wilson, the department's medical director for sexually transmitted diseases and HIV, will serve in the interim until a replacement is found for Carlo.
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San Antonio group to seek $15 million for performing arts center
Board members for the Bexar County Performing Arts Center Foundation recently began a campaign to raise private donations to match a $15 contribution by the Tobin Endowment for Arts. Funding raised from the fundraising drive will be used to transform and renovate the old Municipal Auditorium into the Tobin Center for Performing Arts for use by local arts organizations. San Antonio is one of the largest cities in the United States without a large performing arts center.
Voters in 2008 approved extending the hotel and car rental tax to secure $100 million in public funding to pay for renovating the old municipal auditorium into a performing arts center. Officials plan to leave the facade of the auditorium in place, but will divide the interior into a series of smaller halls to host events such as ballets, rock concerts, local theater productions and recitals. Officials also plan to build a plaza with seating for 600 that will lead to the River Walk to provide space for outdoor concerts and events. Supporters expect to begin construction on the project during summer 2011.
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Lone Star College wins $1.4 million grant for training center
The Lone Star College System recently received a $1.4 million grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration to help pay for the Aldine Workforce Solutions Center and LSC-Victory Center at the LSC-North Harris campus near Aldine.
Plans call for the 85,000-square-foot facility to provide training for workers in basic and advanced skills in heating, air conditioning, electrical, plumbing and general building trades as well as facilitate economic and community development. The Victory Center is designed to house as many as 3,500 students as well as provide citizenship training for area residents. College officials plan to begin construction on the project this summer and complete the center in time for the fall 2010 semester.
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| Clarendon to conduct survey for grant to improve sewer service
Clarendon city officials, along with the Panhandle Regional Planning Commission, recently agreed to conduct a door-to-door survey as part of the application process for a Community Development Block Grant.
The survey will include questions on the number of persons living in the housing unit, the number of families living in the unit and their income levels, but does not require respondents to identify themselves by name. The grant program, which will pay for improvements to sewer lines that primarily serve low- to moderate-income families in rural communities, requires the survey to determine the income level of families in the area to receive the sewer improvements.
If the grant is approved, city officials plan to replace the main sewer line and a lift station in 2011-2012, said Phyllis Jeffers, the interim city administrator.
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Tyler airport wins $2.5 million federal grant to improve runway
The U.S. Department of Transportation recently awarded a $2.5 million grant to the Tyler Pounds Regional Airport. The grant will be used to improve runway safety and to purchase safety equipment, airport officials said.
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Corrections, clarifications
In last week's Texas Government Insider, Terri Vela was erroneously identified as the new city manager for the City of Richardson. Vela is the new city manager for the City of Richmond.
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The Texas Government Insider is a free weekly e-newsletter detailing important happenings throughout the state and summarizing current political issues relevant to individuals interested in government.
Publisher: Mary Scott Nabers
The Insider is published by Strategic Partnerships, Inc. (SPI), a research and consulting firm. Founded in Texas in 1994 by former government executives and public sector experts, SPI has developed a national reputation as the premier marketing partner dedicated to helping companies secure contracts in the $1.5 trillion state and local government marketplace.
To learn more about SPI services click here or contact our sales department at 512-531-3900.
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