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Texas' potential for health e-records incentives set at $2.37 billion
Federal officials say switch could save nation's health care industry $10B annually
 With a call for computerized medical records to be implemented by doctors and hospitals nationwide by 2015, the federal government is preparing to begin next year offering federal incentive programs to help see that the deadline is met. There is much at stake, as health care providers who do not comply by 2015 will face cuts in Medicare payments. The changeover can be costly, and thus federal funds will be welcomed as providers begin to implement the new records system. Some hospitals can face costs in the millions of dollars. In Texas, the federal government last week made available a grant of more than $6.6 million over four years to the Texas Tech Health Sciences Center's F. Marie Hall Institute for Rural and Community Health. The funds will be used to establish the West Texas Health Information Technology Regional Extension Center. The center will help doctors select a system of e-records best suited to their particular practice. The center will be available to help doctors, nurse practitioners and physician assistants in 108 West Texas counties. The center is one of only four in Texas and one of 60 nationwide named to provide assistance to primary care providers.
Officials are predicting that the switch to e-records can save the $2.5 trillion health care industry as much as $10 billion per year. In addition to cost savings, federal officials also say the switch will reduce medical errors. The federal government is expecting the payout for doctors and hospitals to help them switch to a computerized records system could reach $27 billion over 10 years. Doctors who install e-record systems that meet federal standards stand to receive up to $44,000 through Medicare and $63,750 through Medicaid.
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Strategic Partnerships salutes Texas' Lone Stars
 Susan Narvaiz, mayor, City of San Marcos
Career highlights and education: While serving for three terms as mayor of San Marcos there have been many great highlights: The Transformation of Rio Vista Dam to the Falls; the preservation of Springlake Preserve (over 250 acres of park and open space); the successful negotiations and completion of the San Marcos Conference Center and Embassy Suites Hotel; job creation at Central Texas Medical Center, Grifols and CFAN; the expansion of both Prime and Tanger Outlet Malls; the completion of the first railroad overpass at Wonder World Drive followed by the second overpass at Yarrington Road two years later; and most recently, the completion of the Wonder World Extension (the largest transportation project in the history of the city) and new Central Fire Station and Administration Building. To name a few...
What I like best about my job is: That you can make real, sustaining, positive differences as a local elected official.
The best advice I've received for my current job is: Don't take it personal and you cannot make everyone happy at the same time so do what is right in each situation and stand firm! Also when you start to think that you deserve special parking (or anything more than those you serve) you should get out!
Advice you would give a new hire in your office: Read and understand the Charter of San Marcos. It holds the guiding principles laid out by the people you serve. Understand that the democratic process must be preserved. When the body determines how you go forward, even when you voted or felt differently, let it go, move on, do more good!
If I ever snuck out of work early, I could probably be found: at the local movie theater with my husband Mike and a tub of buttered popcorn.
People would be surprised to know that I: love to sing and I enjoy camping.
One thing I wish more people knew about my city: San Marcos is the place you come to enrich your life. Where you can come to learn about our history and our heritage. Where you can stand on the same ground as where the oldest known inhabitants in North America stood over 12,000 years ago. That we are more than the outlet malls, although we are blessed by their presence. We have the longest established Manufacturer's Association in the state and manufacture more products for the aircraft industry than many realize. That we are sophisticated in a quiet charming way. That the San Marcos River is a jewel and we have more parkland per capita than most cities on the I-35 Corridor. That we are the home to Texas State University, the Rising Star of Texas. That we are a people who embrace new ideas and have high expectations. That San Marcos is a community that has great debate to ensure that what we do for our future builds upon our rich past.
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City of Austin chooses Weis as Austin Energy general manager
 Larry Weis (pictured), general manager of the Turlock Irrigation District in Turlock, California, has been selected as the new general manager for Austin Energy. Weis was originally one of three finalists for the spot, but when one dropped out, City Manager Marc Ott had to pick between Weis and fellow Californian David Wright, general manager of the City of Riverside Public Utilities. Weis joined the Turlock district in 2000, directing the daily operations of the district's irrigation water storage and delivery system and the generation, transmission and distribution of electricity in the more than 600-square-mile service area. He brings to his Austin job nearly three decades of experience in the electric and water utility business. He began his public sector career at Snohomish Public Utility District in Washington State, where he worked 10 years in supervisory and senior management roles in electric utility operations. In 1990, he became general manager and CEO of the Pend Oreille Public Utility District in Washington State, where he spent 10 years prior to being hired by Turlock. He holds a bachelor's degree in industrial technology from Western Washington University.
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Doyle Beneby to assume CEO post at San Antonio's CPS Energy
 Doyle Beneby (pictured) has been named CEO of San Antonio's CPS Energy, replacing Milton Lee.
Beneby, who holds more than 25 years experience in the electric industry, currently serves as president of Exelon Power and senior vice president of Exelon Generation. There he oversees generation from coal, natural gas, hydroelectric and other renewables. He joined the Chicago-based Exelon in 2003, holding several leadership positions since. Before joining Exelon, he worked 17 years for a Florida-based electric company.
Beneby holds a bachelor's degree from Montana Technical College and a master's degree from the University of Miami.
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| Budget experts to offer insight into upcoming legislative session
Legislative conference panel to address 'balancing act' for lawmakers in 2011
  The 2011 state budget and the balancing act it will require from state legislators facing a multi-billion-dollar shortfall will be the topic for a panel of three experts who will offer their insight in October at the 7th Biennial Pre-Session Legislative Conference. Long on state budget experience and ready to share information on where state dollars might fall in the biennial budget works will be Mike Morrissey (left), senior advisor to Gov. Rick Perry; Don Green (right), director of Intergovernmental Relations for Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst and Andrew Blifford, senior budget advisor to House Speaker Joe Straus. The biennial conference, co-sponsored by The University of Texas at Austin's Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs, is slated for Tuesday, Oct. 5, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at The Commons of the J.J. Pickle Center at The University of Texas at Austin. The conference, held before each biennial session of the Texas Legislature, features numerous panels that address issues from the state budget to other hot-button items for the session. In the past, conference attendees have heard insider budget information from the chairs of the Senate Finance and House Appropriations committees and tips on working with the state's leadership from representatives of the governor's, lieutenant governor's and House Speaker's executive staffs and media gurus.
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Saenz honored by road, transportation builders association
 Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) Executive Director Amadeo Saenz, Jr. (pictured) has been named Public Sector Entrepreneur of the Year by the American Road and Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA). He was honored for his strategies to both improve transportation infrastructure in the state and relieve traffic congestion. His award was presented at the 22nd Annual ARTBA P3s in Transportation Conference this week in Washington, D.C.
Saenz was named TxDOT executive director in 2007. He was also recently elected president of the Western Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials.
In addition to Saenz being honored for the individual award, the ARTBA chose to honor the LBJ Express and North Tarrant Express (NTE) comprehensive development agreement projects in the Dallas-Forth Worth region as the Public-Private Partnership (P3) Projects of the Year.
Addressing traffic congestion on the NTE and LBJ, both among the state's most congested roadways, has been a regional transportation priority for some time. The NTE financial close came in late 2009 and the LBJ closed in June. The private developers will provide more than $4 billion in infrastructure to the Dallas-Fort Worth region for less than $1 billion in public investment.
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Carrollton company receives $750K in Texas Enterprise Funds
Vendor Resource Management (VRM) is set to receive $750,000 in Texas Enterprise Funds (TEF) to expand its Carrollton headquarters. The move stands to create 275 jobs in North Texas and generate $4.6 million in capital investment.
VRM provides valuation, property management, asset marketing and closing services for corporate real estate holders. The company's parent unit, PCV Murcor Real Estate Services, has provided collateral valuations for the real estate industry for almost 30 years. |
Funding to put body scanners at three major Texas airports
Three Texas airports were announced this week as among 28 nationwide that will be receiving funding from the federal Recovery Act for state-of-the-art advanced imaging technology (AIT) aimed at strengthening airport security. The Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, Houston's Bush Intercontinental Airport and the San Antonio International Airport (left) have all been notified regarding the AIT funding.  Administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, they will help protect the traveling public and detect the threat of terrorism. "The deployment of advanced imaging technology demonstrates TSA's ongoing commitment to stay ahead of evolving threats to aviation security and protect the traveling public," said Transportation Security Administration Administrator (TSA) John Pistole (pictured). The new technology is aimed at allowing the government to stay ahead of threats to aviation security. This is the second round of funding for AITs at American airports. Other airports receiving the funding in this round are Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, Bradley International Airport, Chicago Midway International Airport, Dulles International Airport, Fresno Air Terminal, General Mitchell International Airport, Gerald R. Ford International Airport, Greater Rochester International Airport, Harrisburg International Airport, Honolulu International Airport, Indianapolis International Airport and Jacksonville International Airport. Also John F. Kennedy International Airport, McCarran International Airport, Miami International Airport, Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport, Nashville International Airport, Palm Beach International Airport, Philadelphia International Airport, Richmond International Airport, Saipan International Airport, Salt Lake City International Airport, San Francisco International Airport, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and Tampa International Airport. More airports will receive funding in the near future. Advanced imaging technology improves security by providing full-body screening of passengers for metallic and non-metallic threats - including weapons, explosives and other objects concealed under layers of clothing. The new machines will include the latest security enhancements to detect new and evolving threats. TSA plans to deploy 450 Recovery Act-funded units this year.
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Philanthropist awards $1M to Trinity University health care program
Wayne T. Smith, president and CEO of a leading operator of acute care hospitals, has pledged $1 million to support Trinity University's Health Care Administration program and Center for Leadership Development in Health Management.
The school is currently raising funds for its graduate program in health care administration. Officials also plan to allot campaign funds to support curriculum development, faculty needs, fellowships and financial aid for students.
Citing the need for innovative health care leaders, Trinity President Dennis A. Ahlburg said the Smiths' gift will "go a long way to help Trinity prepare these future professionals."
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Stephen F. Austin approves new $37 million residence hall
 The Stephen F. Austin University Board of Regents recently approved construction of a new $37 million freshman residence hall and parking garage.
Regents also reviewed the 2010-2011 capital infrastructure budget, which includes renovating a television studio and renovations to the nursing building to make space for the Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics Center. The plan also calls for $300,000 to renovate the Twilight Ballroom at the student center and $240,000 each to renovate restrooms at Griffith and Kerr Halls.
The new residence hall and parking garage will be paid for with $35 million in bond proceeds and an additional $2 million from other sources, said Danny Gallant (pictured), vice president of finance and administration.
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| UTHSC-San Antonio may offer new nursing doctorate
The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio may soon offer a doctorate in nursing practice. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board must first approve the move. UT regents have already approved the degree plan, which will replace the advance practice concentrations in the master's degree program.
The nursing practice doctorate will provide a contrast to the research-focused doctorate by preparing students for advanced-level practice in addition to administrative or public health leadership roles. The three-year program stands to draw students and faculty to underserved regions in South Texas.
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UTMB-Galveston awarded $4.4M grant to help fund center
 The Health Research Services Administration (HRSA) has awarded The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston a $4.4 million grant to help fund the Hispanic Center of Excellence Medical Careers Diversity Program.
The program - which supports the recruitment, training and retention of Hispanic faculty - partners with six undergraduate institutions to foster a greater number of competitive applicants for medical careers. To date, the School of Medicine has graduated the highest number of minority physicians in the state.
Dr. Garland Anderson (pictured), provost and dean of the School of Medicine, called the grant "a critical step in the continuation of the pipeline programs that have garnered UTMB a national reputation for diversity and education of underrepresented and minority students."
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Plantes chosen new VP at UT Southwestern Medical Center
 Regents for The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center recently selected Dr. Peter J. Plantes (pictured) as the vice president for medical affairs and executive director of the medical service, research and development plan. Plantes will replace Dr. Bruce A. Meyer, who accepted a position as executive vice president for health system affairs at UT Southwestern.
Plantes currently serves as senior associate dean for clinical affairs at Medical College of Wisconsin and is chief executive officer for Medical College Physicians, the faculty's practice plan. He formerly served as vice president of clinical affairs of VHA Inc., and as vice president and senior medical director at United Healthcare of North Carolina.
He has a bachelor's degree from Georgetown University and earned his medical degree at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine.
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Vogel to serve as interim president of Texas Lutheran University
 Robert Vogel (pictured) has been appointed interim president of Texas Lutheran University. He replaces Ann Svennungsen, who stepped down in May.
Vogel is the former president of Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa. He retired from that post in 1998 and has since served as interim president at three Lutheran colleges: Grand View College in Des Moines, Iowa; Waldorf College in Forest City, Iowa; and Bethany College in Lindsborg, Kansas.
Texas Lutheran regents plan to conduct a national search for the institution's next president.
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South Texas College unveils $134M in expansion plans
To make way for a soaring student enrollment projected to continue growing over the next 10 years, South Texas College officials are looking to spend more than $134 million in expansion costs. Details for academic, financial and construction strategies are outlined in the college's 2010 District-Wide Campus Expansion Master Plan.
The STC Board of Trustees is charged to come up with financing mechanisms to pay for the expansion plans. Major sources of revenue for the project will likely include bonds, property taxes, student tuition and fees, federal and state revenues, grants and financial contributions from public and private entities.
The school is projected to enroll 30,000 students this fall, a number expected to climb to 45,000 by 2020.
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Angelo State tabs Ehlers as director of Center for Security Studies
 Angelo State University officials have named Dr. Robert S. Ehlers Jr. (pictured) as director of the new Center for Security Studies. Pending approval from the Texas Tech University System Board of Regents, Ehlers will also serve as a professor in the Department of Political Science and Criminal Justice.
Ehlers, a U.S. Air Force colonel, works as a professor of airpower history at the School of Advanced Air and Space Studies at Maxwell Air Force Base. His retirement from the Air Force becomes effective Sept. 1. He completed his first Air Force assignment in 1988 at Goodfellow AFB, where he graduated from the intelligence officer fundamentals course. He returned to Goodfellow on two occasions to serve as commander of the 17th Training Support Squadron and then as deputy commander of the 17th Training Group. He has held assignments at Minot AFB, ND; Scott AFB, Ill; Camp H.M. Smith, Hawaii; and Ramstein AB, Germany.
Ehlers earned his bachelor's degree and doctorate from The Ohio State University and holds a master's degree from the University of Florida.
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Blinn College picks Raspiller as provost for Brazos Co. campuses
 Regents for Blinn College recently selected Dr. Ted Raspiller (pictured) as the provost for its campuses in Brazoria County. When he begins his new duties in September, Raspiller will be chief operating officer and manage all operational activities for Blinn campuses in Brazoria County.
Raspiller now serves as chair of the Educational Foundations and Leadership Department and director of the Community College Leadership graduate program at Old Dominion University in Virginia. He previously was a vice president at Waukesha County Technical College in Wisconsin and a dean at Blinn College. Raspiller has a bachelor's degree from Governors State University in Illinois and a master's degree and a Ph.D. from Northern Illinois University.
Brownsville pushes back public hearing for $11.3M in COs
 The Brownsville City Commission has, for now, tabled a public hearing and the issuance of $11,310,000 in certificates of obligation for city projects. Deputy City Manager Pete Gonzalez, the city's finance director, requested the action, asking the possible authorization date be pushed back to Aug. 10 since the proposal had undergone several changes. The Commission plans to use the funds to relocate rail lines, improve the city's landfill, buy patrol vehicles and ambulances, purchase traffic-control equipment and purchase rights-of-way for highway construction projects, among other infrastructure improvements and upgrades.
Commissioner Charlie Atkinson (pictured) voted against removing $3.3 million slated for the Brownsville Sports Park. The funds have since been eliminated from the package, leaving "a million-dollar soccer field with no seating," according to Atkinson, who has vowed to finish the already costly project. |
El Paso narcotics officer to head U.S. Marshals Service office
 Longtime El Paso narcotics officer Robert Almonte (pictured) has been named head of the U.S. Marshals Service for the Western District of Texas.
In his new role, Almonte will help protect judges and others within the district's federal court system, which includes San Antonio, Waco, Austin, Del Rio, Alpine, Midland and El Paso. He will oversee 194 deputy U.S. marshals and 50 administrative personnel.
In 2003, Almonte retired from the El Paso Police Department as deputy chief over major crimes after 25 years on the task force. He later served as a law enforcement consultant and as executive director of the Texas Narcotics Officer's Association.
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| Grants will be used for border gang prevention efforts
The Governor's Criminal Justice Division has allocated more than $3.1 million in grants to expand juvenile gang-prevention efforts along the Texas-Mexico border.
The Texas Border Gang Prevention Coordination Assistance Program bolsters gang-suppression efforts and mobilizes criminal justice professionals and residents to involve at-risk youths in anti-gang strategies.
Recipients of the awards include:
- Cameron County's Juvenile Justice Border Gang Prevention/Intervention Program ($102,211);
- The City of Brownsville's Gang Prevention and Coordination Initiative ($251,990);
- The City of Harlingen's Gang and Street Crime Training, Neighborhood Surveillance and License Plate Readers Project ($350,000);
- The City of Pharr's Border Gang Reduction Project ($167,350); Dimmit County's Texas Border Gang Prevention Assistance ($424,148);
- El Paso County's SHOCAP (Serious Habitual Offenders Comprehensive Action Program) Enhancement Project ($1,183,211);
- The City of Houston's GREAT (Gang Resistance Education and Training) Program Initiative ($165,335);
- Victoria County's Gang Prevention Education and Intervention Program ($101,795); and
- Webb County Sheriff's Office Border Juvenile Gang Prevention/Intervention Program ($387,091).
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Tarrant County Judge Whitley honored as County Leader of Year
 Penton's American City and County Magazine has honored Tarrant County Judge Glen Whitley (pictured) as 2010's County Leader of the Year. Whitley was feted at the National Association of Counties in Reno, NV, and sworn in as the Association's president-elect this week.
For the magazine's current issue, the publication praised Whitley for his consensus building on transportation projects and other North Texas issues: "Whitley's ability to bring together diverse groups to resolve issues is the hallmark of his leadership style," the article reads.
As county judge, Whitley represents Tarrant County's 1.8 million residents.
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Elgin City Council weighs installation of red-light cameras
The Elgin City Council is considering installing red-light cameras along Highway 290.
Interim City Manager Chris Bratton has authorized a feasibility study of the cameras on five major intersections along the highway.
Part of the funds collected from the cameras would help support a state fund for automobile accident and trauma victims. The maximum penalty for a violation caught using the camera's surveillance is $75 dollars and is considered a civil as opposed to criminal violation.
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Possible police, sheriff's deputies merger gains traction in El Paso
 To contend with a $10 million budget hole, El Paso city and county leaders are considering merging police officers and sheriff's deputies into a single administrative unit. City Manager Joyce Wilson estimated the move would save at least 25 percent in law enforcement costs, around $800,000 a year.
Meanwhile the idea is gaining traction. Sheriff Richard Wiles (pictured) said El Paso is probably the place for such a consolidation to happen first in Texas, and a nominee for county judge wants leaders of both units to propose ways to consolidate operations with the goal of a joint agency. She has called for the proposal before the start of the new fiscal year, if possible.
Opponents are voicing reservations of merging the county and city departments. El Paso Mayor John Cook (pictured) said he doesn't want city government to cede authority over policing to a county official, calling the measure a "bad move."
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Transportation Commission denies funds for Sealy frontage road
Texas Transportation Commission (TTC) officials have declined to reimburse the City of Sealy $1.4 million for a proposed Interstate Highway 10 frontage road. The city has applied and been rejected twice for the project's funding. City Manager Chris Coffman said officials will likely apply again.
The city had hoped to partner the funds with those of a local developer, which plans to develop a retail center along the road, and the Sealy Economic Development Corporation. Instead, the city may look to its own coffers, including a $6 million bond issue city council members recently approved.
The Federal Highway Administration, which has yet to approve the project, must do so before construction can begin.
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Marshall ISD to supply laptops to junior high students
 Marshall Independent School District staff members will begin implementation of a new plan to issue laptop computers to junior high school students and their teachers. The district is using an almost $1 million grant to pay for the technology upgrade aimed at helping students meet the education needs of the 21st century, said Superintendent Bruce Gearing (pictured).
The new technology plan includes a Skyward Family Access program that allows parents to view current grades and attendance and permits students to access e-mail for homework assignments, internal Web sites maintained by the district and some external district Web sites, Gearing said.
The program requires students to check out the computers and contains safeguards to ensure the students cannot use the computers inappropriately, Gearing said. The laptops will be issued to eighth grade students to take home and use for peer communication, course work completion and submitting assignments, he added.
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San Antonio, Judson school districts may opt for bond elections
San Antonio and Judson school district voters will determine the fate of increased property taxes in exchange for improved schools in a possible November bond election. Citizens committees in both districts are calling for trustees to approve the elections. Both districts have until Aug. 24 to decide.
The SAISD group plans to recommend a $502 million bond, the largest in the district's history, to provide safety and technology upgrades, funds for career and magnet programs and improvements to campuses set to absorb incoming students from schools that will be closing as part of the district's long-range plan.
The Judson committee is recommending a bond from $150 million to $200 million culled from a $341 million wish list, according to Daniel Kershner, the district's executive director of operations.
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Conroe ISD to seek bids to add lighting, improve tennis courts
 Trustees for the Conroe Independent School District recently authorized staff to seek bids to add lighting at tennis courts at each of the district's high schools and reorient the tennis court at The Woodland College Park High School (TWCPHS).
Preliminary estimates indicate that lighting eight tennis courts at each high school and the reorientation of the court at TWCPHS will cost about $1.2 million, while the price tag for lighting five courts at Caney Creek High School (CCHS), six courts at the other high schools and reorienting the TWCPHS court would be about $810,270.
The board requested three sets of bids. They asked for a bid for lighting eight tennis courts at each high school, a second for lighting five courts at Caney Creek High School and six courts at the remaining four high schools and a third bid for reorientation of the TWCPHS courts. Trustees can make a decision once the bids are opened and the cost estimates are available said Superintendent Don Stockton (pictured).
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Willow Park mayor urges joining six Parker County cities into one
The mayor of Willow Park recently recommended that the cities of Aledo, Willow Park, Hudson Oaks, Annetta North, Annetta South and Annetta merge into a single city.
The six municipalities are located near Interstate 20 in eastern Parker County. In the proposal published in a local newspaper and sent to the mayor of each of the cities, Mayor Ken Hawkins of Willow Park recommended naming the new entity Aledo, using the city hall in Hudson Oaks for the new city and using the facilities of the Willow Park police and fire services as staging locations for centralized law enforcement and fire services.
The benefits of merging the cities are that residents can better oversee development and prevent the poor planning and traffic jams that occur when neighboring cities do coordinate planning. Merging the cities also would streamline city government. The six cities now have about 32 to 39 city administrative staff employed by the six towns, including six city administrators and six city secretaries, Hawkins said.
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Caddo Mills to test four-day work week for city employees
Caddo Mills City Council members recently authorized a 90-day trial of having city employees to work four days per week rather than five. Employees of the police department are not included in the 90-day trial period. For the next three months, city employees will work from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. from Monday through Thursday with a one-hour lunch break, said City Administrator Mike Jump.
City officials will use the trial period to determine if the public benefits from the city hall being open for business earlier and later in the day and if the city saves on energy costs. Residents will be advised of the temporary schedule change via an automated message on the city's phone system and a notice will be mailed with water bills, city officials said.
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SAISD voters may face $502M bond election this fall
 San Antonio Independent School District voters may face the largest bond election in the district's history this fall if trustees go along with an advisory committee's recommendation of a $502 million bond. The SAISD board will vote whether to call for the November election on Aug. 16.
Trustee Ed Garza (pictured) called the bond issue "critical."
The bond, if approved, would arrive as the first of three potential bonds totaling $1 billion, all part of a long-range plan to overhaul facilities. More than 12 SAISD schools will possibly close over the next decade. The bond would allow schools to absorb students from closed schools by providing for needed renovations and upgrades.
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City of Palestine to create comprehensive public safety department
Palestine City Council members recently agreed to create a public safety department led by a director who will oversee operation of the city's police and fire departments. Council members selected Fire Chief Henry York to be director of the new department.
City Manager Dale Brown told council members that the merger of the two emergency response departments will save the city between $80,000 to $85,000 a year by allowing the city to collapse four positions into three positions. York will oversee both the police and fire departments, but each will have an operations chief to handle most day-to-day activities of each department, Brown said.
York is expected to name his choice for operation chief of the fire department and operation chief of police department within two to three months.
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Smith County residents urge vote on $33 million jail plan
 At a recent public hearing on a proposed $33 million plan to upgrade the Smith County Jail into a 384-bed facility, residents expressed support for the new jail. However, some taxpayers also urged county officials to ask voters to approve bonds to pay for the jail rather than issue certificates of obligation as recently discussed. Voters rejected three previous bond proposals presented since 2006 to upgrade the county jail.
The new proposed jail plan includes the addition of 384 high-security, double-occupancy beds, installing video visitation for inmates, creating an infirmary, renovating the book-in area, and moving the laundry and kitchen to the facility housing low- to-middle risk inmates.
Two commissioners, JoAnn Hampton (pictured) and Bill McGinnis, said they understand the position of taxpayers urging a bond election, but would support the court if commissioners decided to issue certificates of obligation. The deadline for authorizing a November 2010 bond election on the jail proposal is Aug. 24, but the last day commissioners can state their intent to issue certificates of obligation to pay for the jail upgrade is today, Friday.
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ETCOG awards solid-waste grants to Overton
The East Texas Council of Governments (ETCOG) has awarded the City of Overton $2,084 in solid-waste grant funding. The ETCOG Executive Committee will next approve which projects selected by the Solid Waste Advisory Committee will be funded.
Once approval from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality is met, ETCOG Environmental Manager Rick McKnight said he will contact each grant recipient to draw up interlocal contract agreements.
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Elgin looks to narrow city manager candidates
 A search for Elgin's new city manager is under way as city council members sort through and review some 102 resumes. Mayor Marc Holm (pictured) said he would like to find someone people- and community-oriented to serve as the city's next manager.
"We're also looking for someone with knowledge and experience dealing with growth in a major metropolitan area," Holm said of the applicants, who range from forklift drivers to people with 20 years of city manager experience.
The goal is to narrow those 102 applicants to three or four finalists for the position. The candidates will then be brought in for closed-door and public meetings, including a likely meet-and-greet session.
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Bastrop County to seek grant to upgrade low-water crossings
Bastrop County commissioners recently agreed to seek a $1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation to improve safety at low-water crossings throughout the county. The grant is part of the second round of stimulus funding, also known as TIGER II grants.
The county will need to contribute about $250,000, or about 25 percent, if awarded the $1 million grant, said Rachel Clampffer, assistant planning and project director for the county. The grant funds, if awarded, will be used to build new low-water crossings and box culverts throughout the county, she said. In the past, federal funding would pay only for improving existing low-water crossings.
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Canyon seeking permit for $600,000 baseball complex
 Canyon city officials recently began seeking approval from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to add a $600,000 diamond-shaped facility to the Southeast Park Baseball Complex.
Funded by the city and the Canyon Economic Development Corporation, the new addition will provide restrooms, a concession area and changing rooms for game officials, said City Manager Randy Criswell (pictured). Because the new facility will be located inside a floodway, the city must submit a plan to FEMA and a flood plain administrator must approve the plan before work can begin on the new addition to the baseball complex, Criswell said.
City council members also recently approved the final design to add restrooms, a concession area and storage rooms to the Brown Road Soccer Complex. The city also will triple the size of the complex from 12 to 37 acres and add field space to the complex. Council members also approved the addition of a pavilion at Conner Park.
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Montgomery County to use $3.2 million grant to save energy
Montgomery County officials recently began a $3.2 million energy-saving initiative using funding from a federal grant to pay for the improvements.
County officials plan to equip five county facilities with new lighting, light sensors and solar panels that are expected to reduce energy usage in the five facilities from about 219,143 watts to 127,320 watts.
The county courthouse and juvenile detention center lighting will use sensors that will turn off lights when no one is in the room. The county also plans to install LED lights and solar panels on the parking garages that will generate enough power to handle the energy needs of those facilities, said Mark Bosma, director of infrastructure for the county.
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El Paso wins $10 million in grants to fight gang, border crime
 The U.S. Department of Homeland Services recently awarded $9 million in grants to law enforcement agencies in El Paso County, which will be used along with a $1 million state grant to combat border crime and gang activity in the area.
El Paso Sheriff Richard Wiles (pictured) said he will use the federal and state funds to pay for overtime and new equipment for officers. Wiles plans to use the $300,000 his department will receive from the grant to pay for two investigators and for overtime pay. The sheriff's office joined with the El Paso Police Department, the El Paso Independent School District, the Adult Probation Department and the Juvenile Probation Department to apply for the $1 million Texas Border Gang Prevention Coordination Assistance grant administered by the governor's office, he said.
The city of El Paso, Ysleta del Sur Pueblo and the county will all receive funding from the Urban Area Security Initiative program to assist communities in protecting, responding to and recovering from acts of terrorism. The city of El Paso won $5.3 million for planning or preventing and responding to terrorist attacks, for training emergency personnel and for buying equipment. El Paso County won $3.4 million in federal funding for the security initiative and the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo won $250,000 from the Operation Stonegarden program.
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Rusk County may rent space in new jail to other agencies
Rusk County is looking for a way to cover the increased cost of operating a new 292-bed jail currently under construction. County commissioners recently asked the sheriff's office to survey counties that house inmates from other counties and the U.S. Marshal's Service for county officials to study.
Some county officials are considering leasing jail space with beds and meals to other counties and law enforcement agencies. However, those agencies would be required to pay for all mental health, medical services, transportation and other expenses incurred by the inmates. The county's current jail houses only 96 inmates and the new jail will more than double that capacity to 292 inmates.
The sheriff's office recently asked for a nearly 50 percent increase in funding to operate the jail in 2011, with a request for $737,000 for jail operations alone, said Chief Deputy Ron Duncan. If the jail reaches full capacity, the cost to operate the facility could double from $1.54 million in 2010 to $2.275 million in 2011, Duncan said.
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Beaumont Army Medical Center names Wong new commander
 Col. M. Ted Wong (pictured) is set to take the helm as major general and head of the Beaumont Army Medical Center. He replaces Col. James Baunchalk beginning Aug. 6.
In his new and recently expanded role, Wong will serve as deputy commander for readiness with the Army's Western Regional Medical Command and direct the Fort Bliss health services. He will also serve as chief of the Army Dental Corps.
Wong currently serves as commander of the U.S. Army Dental Command in San Antonio, where he presides over the Army's dental missions and international clinics.
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Jacksonville ISD approves 10-year facilities master plan
Trustees for the Jacksonville Independent School District recently approved a 10-year facilities master plan calling for a new school and extensive renovations to existing facilities.
The adopted facilities plan calls for construction of a new elementary on the east side, a new wing at an intermediate school, building a new cafeteria at Jacksonville High School and converting that building into a new band hall. The plan also calls for renovations to classrooms and the auditorium and building a new multipurpose facility with a larger gymnasium, dressing areas and storage areas for sports at the high school.
District officials said board members will need to ask voters to approve a bond proposal to pay for the projects included in the newly adopted 10-year facilities plan.
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Corpus Christi voters could face $90M school bond election
 Trustees for the Corpus Christi Independent School District recently heard a recommendation from Superintendent Scott Elliff (pictured) to ask voters to approve $80 million to $90 million in bonds to build a new high school on the city's fast growing south side.
In addition to the cost of building the new high school, district officials also should count on spending another $2.8 million a year to operate the new high school and an additional $1.6 million to pay for personnel costs for the new school, Elliff said. He also presented other options such as replacing Carroll High School with a high school on the far south side and using the Carroll facility to accommodate two middle schools that could be consolidated. The district will be able to issue bonds without a tax increase, Elliff said.
If voters approve the bonds, the new school could be built in 2014. Trustees took no action on the recommendation, but agreed to discuss the recommendation and at a meeting in August will consider calling a bond election.
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San Jacinto County planning to upgrade voting system
San Jacinto County Commissioners recently agreed to use a $26,000 grant from the federal Help America Vote Act to upgrade the county voting system.
Commissioners plan to purchase new voting machines, new laptop computers to allow the scanning of state-issued photo identification at each polling place and to train election voters with the grant funds.
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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 AustinAustin 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. '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 public officials watch Washington funding debates with interest
 By Mary Scott Nabers, CEO of Strategic Partnerships, Inc.
Billions of dollars flow from Washington, D.C., into Texas each year. The funding either goes to state agencies or is routed directly to local government jurisdictions throughout the state. And, currently in Washington, Congress is debating a dozen bills that will significantly impact every public entity in Texas.
The state's 2010 budget included more than $65 billion in federal funds. And, although there is no current accounting of exactly how many billions flowed from Washington, D.C., to local entities in Texas, the cumulative total is staggering to say the least.
Although most of the 12 appropriations bills are still in committees, they provide an interesting peek at what might be expected. Both the House and Senate will have their own versions of spending bills but the committees are laying the ground work for the version that goes to both chambers for approval.
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New Braunfels City Secretary Resendez resigns position
 New Braunfels City Secretary Michael Resendez (pictured) has announced plans to step down from his post after more than eight years. In a letter to Assistant City Manager Robert Camareno, Resendez said he wished to pursue other job opportunities
Resendez began his tenure with the city in 1996. Deputy City Secretary Danny Batts will take over as interim city secretary.
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| Grayson County to spend
$500,000 to improve jail security
Grayson County commissioners recently authorized spending $500,000 to retrofit the county jail to improve security and the communications system. County officials plan to seek proposals from various contractors rather than relying on information provided by one company.
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Hutto ISD selects Killian as lone finalist for superintendent
Hutto Independent School District trustees recently selected Doug Killian as the lone finalist for superintendent. Killian will replace David Borrer, who retired in April. Ed Ramos has served as interim superintendent since Borrer retired.
Killian currently serves as superintendent for Huffman ISD and previously was superintendent at Poteet ISD. A former U.S. Marine, Killian has a Ph.D. from Texas A&M University. He plans to begin his new job in August after trustees wait the required 21 days to vote on the appointment.
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Shackelford Co. hosts meetings to weigh benefits of new jail
The Shackelford County jail fails to meet state standards and should be replaced, according to Sheriff Ed Miller. The topic of a new, $5.4 million jail has taken precedence at recent town hall meetings. A third meeting is scheduled to take place July 29 at the Hamby Fire Department.
Miller said the jail can house 10 inmates for a maximum of 24 hours, "but after that we have to go back to six." He said that if the county doesn't construct a new facility, officials will have to contract with Taylor and other counties to house inmates. After a period of 25 years, he said the new jail would prove to be the more cost-effective measure.
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Newcastle ISD mulling
$2 to $4 million bond election
Newcastle Independent School District officials are considering asking voters to approve from $2 million to $4 million In bonds to make critical repairs to district facilities.
Superintendent Gordon Grubbs noted that shifting and cracked foundations have damaged the roof of the school building and the foundation needs to be repaired and the roof replaced. The water and septic lines, which are more than 50 years old, also should be replaced, Grubbs said. Trustees will hold a meeting on July 27 to gather public input on the bond election under consideration.
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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.
 Roland Hernandez has served as superintendent of the Waco Independent School District since June 2006. He came to Waco after serving as deputy superintendent in the Tyler Independent School District from 2003 to 2006. He was deputy superintendent of the Belton Independent School District from 2001 to 2002. His educational experience in public schools also includes teaching, coaching and administrative positions in the Spring Branch and Angleton school districts. Hernandez was also one of six members of the "No Child Left Behind" National Advisory Board, was state director of the National Assessment of Educational Progress and program coordinator for The University of Texas at Austin's Charles A. Dana Center. Hernandez recently announced that he would leave the Waco ISD to become chief administrative officer for the Corpus Christi Independent School District in early August. |
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Midland selects Watts and
new public information officer
Midland city officials recently selected Tasa Watts as the city's new public information officer. Watts replaces Tina Jauz, who was selected as assistant director of community services. In her new position, Watts will head media relations, internal and external communications, produce brochures and work closely with council members.
Watts, who previously worked as a director of marketing for a regional medical center, has a bachelor's degree from West Texas State University.
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| Corsicana ISD chooses Young
as assistant superintendent
 Trustees for the Corsicana Independent School District recently selected Dr. Joe Young (pictured) as assistant superintendent for special programs. Young, who currently serves as executive director for athletics and UIL/student services, replaces Dr. Keith Moore, who resigned that position to become superintendent at Crosby ISD.
District officials are now developing a job description to fill the job duties performed by Young, but have not yet set a timeline to hire a new executive director of athletics and UIL/student services, said Superintendent Diane Frost. Young previously served as an administrator and a coach at Grapeland ISD. He will begin his new duties as assistant superintendent when the 2010-2011 school year begins, Frost said.
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| Robstown ISD selects Obregon
as its new superintendent Robstown Independent School District board members recently selected Alfonso Obregon as the district's new superintendent. Obregon has served as interim superintendent for Robstown ISD since November 2009.
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Cedar Park Library earns $50,000 grant promoting literacy, reading
The Dell Foundation recently awarded a $50,000 grant to the Cedar Park Public Library from its Equipping Youth: Literate Communities program.
The two-year grant will be used to buy supplies such as books and prizes and to pay guest speakers, musicians and artists to help promote literacy and reading. Library officials also plan to buy audio-visual equipment, computers and printers with the grant money.
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Waco ISD may choose interim superintendent on Tuesday
Trustees for the Waco Independent School District recently said they plan to discuss the appointment of an interim superintendent at a special called meeting scheduled for Tuesday. The new interim superintendent will replace Roland Hernandez, who recently resigned to accept a position with Corpus Christi ISD.
Board members began discussions with district staff about candidates for interim superintendent as soon as they learned Hernandez had accepted the post in Corpus Christi, the board president said.
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Huntsville selects contractor for new bond-approved city library
 Huntsville City Council members recently selected a contractor based in Spring to renovate and expand the Huntsville Public Library. Voters approved $3.5 million in bonds in November 2009 to pay for the library renovations and expansion. However, the contractor's estimate is lower than the funding budgeted for the project, said Lanny Ray (pictured), mayor pro tem.
Plans call for the 22,000-square-foot library to feature a larger area for young children and teenagers, a meeting space and a larger genealogy room. The renovations should be completed in about a year, Ray said.
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Polk County awarded $1.7 grant for center to serve as shelter
The Community Block Grant program of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development recently awarded a $1,675,800 grant to Polk County to pay for the Polk County Commerce Center. The 30,000-square-foot economic development and education center also will serve as a shelter during emergencies. The funding is part of federal disaster funding to Texas from Hurricane Ike.
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Corpus Christi port wins
$1 million grant from EPA
The Environmental Protection Agency recently awarded a $1 million grant to the Port of Corpus Christi with a goal of saving energy.
The grant will be used to replace a 1,000-horsepower engine on a locomotive with two 700-horsepower engines, said Sarah Garza, environmental compliance manager for the port. The upgraded engines are expected to extend the life of the locomotive built in 1940 by 10 to 15 years, to reduce overall emissions by 80 percent and to improve fuel efficiency by 25 to 50 percent, Garza said.
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| Alvin council selects Lucas
as interim city manager Alvin City Council members recently selected Terry Lucas as the interim city manager. Lucas is a lieutenant in the Alvin Police Department. He will replace former City Manager Paul Horn, who recently announced his retirement, until council members select a new city manager.
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Ingram wins $3.77 million in federal funds for sewer system
Ingram city officials recently received notice they will receive $1.2 million in loans and $2.57 million in grants to pay for the second phase to expand sewer service to 260 more residents and two commercial users in western Kerr County. The U.S. Department of Agriculture awarded the grant through its rural development program.
Installation of 4.1 miles of collection lines to tie into a 15-inch gravity line built during the first phase of the sewer expansion project will begin in about six months, said Bill Shey, the project inspector. The gravity line will link to a treatment center in Kerrville, he said. The USDA also provided a $3.1 million grant and loan package to Ingram to pay for the first phase of the project, he said.
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EDA awards Bee group $1M to upgrade industrial park
The U.S. Economic Development Authority (EDA) has awarded the Bee Development Authority a $1 million grant to make improvements to aircraft hangars at the former Naval Air Station Chase Field. The site now operates as an industrial park.
Upgrades are expected to create 100 to 200 jobs and support business expansion. Plans calls for the renovation of two hangars and the addition of a small adjacent warehouse. The project also includes the remodeling of workshops and office spaces.
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Texas Government Insider Archives
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Texarkana airport to seek $200,000 grant for wash station
Texarkana Regional Airport officials recently authorized staff to seek $200,000 in grant funds from the Texas Department of Transportation and the Arkansas Department of Aeronautics. The grant funds will be used to build a wash station required after the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality denied a request for a waiver of the airport's washing practices.
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Italy City Council announces public works director
Dean Carrell of Lone Oak has been named public works director by the Italy City Council. Carrell will earn $50,000 annually in his new role.
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| McKinney ISD selects Clark
as new deputy superintendent  Trustees for the McKinney Independent School District recently selected Mary Clark (pictured) as the new deputy superintendent for the district. The district has not had a deputy superintendent position for several years. After a former superintendent urged trustees to hire a deputy superintendent to relieve the superintendent from directly supervising so many departments, however, board members created the position after an assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction retired.
Currently an associate superintendent for learner services at Allen ISD, Clark has worked as a school administrator for 21 years. She also was a teacher at Calcasieu Parish Schools in Louisiana and at Richardson ISD. She has a bachelor's degree from McNeese State University, a master's degree from Columbia University and a Ph.D. from the University of Phoenix. |
San Marcos moves to privatize management of city airport
San Marcos City Council members recently authorized city staff to negotiate a management contract with an Austin-based company to take over administration, operations, maintenance, repair and development of the San Marcos Municipal Airport.
The city will retain its ownership of the airport, but the management firm will oversee all airport operations, said Laurie Moyer, interim city manager. Council members also directed staff to include language in the contract allowing for early termination by both parties.
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| South San Antonio ISD
to sell $58 million in bonds Trustees for the South San Antonio Independent School District recently agreed to sell $58 million in bonds to pay to replace a high school and develop a new Academy of Science.
Trustees plan to sell the bonds on Aug. 3. The package includes $30.7 million in unlimited school building bonds subsidized by Build America Bonds, $17.5 million in school building bonds and $9.8 million in qualified school construction bonds.
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| Walker County officials
mulling new county jail At a recent special session of the Walker County Commissioners Court, county officials discussed the possibility of building a new jail to accommodate inmate growth and to meet state codes and standards for jails.
The current jail has too few beds and too many inmates to ensure that the county meets requirements for housing males, females and maximum security inmates as required by the state, said Captain Steve Fisher of the sheriff's office. The old jail also has foundation problems and the floor plan is not efficient, Fisher added. The jail averages about 150 inmates a day, which is near capacity if requirements for segregating prisoners are met, he said.
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Galveston picks Nichols as lone finalist for superintendent post
 Larry W. Nichols (pictured) has been named lone finalist for the position of superintendent at Galveston school district. He replaces Lynne Cleveland, who left to become superintendent in Little Elm.
Since 2000, Nichols has served as superintendent of Calhoun County public school district. From 1989 until 1992, he served as superintendent of Thorndale Independent School District before taking the same post at Caldwell ISD. He has also served as a teacher, special education liaison, counselor, administrative assistant, elementary principal, coach and transportation director for various districts. Nichols holds a bachelor's and master's degree from Texas A&M University.
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The Woodlands unveils $12 million plan for capital projects
Officials of The Woodlands recently proposed spending more than $12 million on capital projects during 2011. This plan represents a 5.7 percent increase in capital spending when compared to 2010 funding, township officials said.
The capital improvement plan calls for spending $3.4 million to build two fire stations, $1.7 million for improvements to parks, pathways and aquatic facilities, $1.6 million for Creekside Park projects and $1.4 million for pedestrian projects in Town Center. The plan also sets aside $1.3 million to buy vehicles and equipment for law enforcement personnel and $1 million for the fire department.
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Wichita Falls puts final touches on $1.5 million housing plan
Wichita Falls city officials are planning a public hearing in late July on a $1.5 million plan to improve housing and neighborhoods for low-income families and to offer more affordable housing options to the homeless population.
The Consolidated Plan and the Annual Action Plan under consideration will be funded by several block grants, city officials said.
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Setzer to lead Corpus Christi transit authority as interim CEO
Corpus Christi Regional Transit Authority directors recently selected Michael Setzer, vice president of an Ohio-based contract management company, to be the new interim chief executive officer of the transit agency.
Setzer will replace acting interim CEO Jorge Cruz-Aedo, who took over the position when Ed Carrion resigned as CEO in May. Under the agreement, the transit authority will pay nearly $126,000 to the consulting company for the next six months and Setzer will work in Corpus Christi on weekdays and return home on weekends.
The management company also agreed to assist in developing policies, assessing the budget and reviewing the agency's community relations program as well as assessing human resources, safety regulations and maintenance procedures. Board members are expected to select a new CEO by the end of this year.
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| Alvin selects Terry Lucas
as interim city manager  Alvin City Council members recently selected Terry Lucas (pictured), a captain in the Alvin Police Department, as the interim city manager. Lucas, who has served in the police department for 27 years, will begin his new duties as interim city manager on July 26. He will replace City Manager Paul Horn, who is retiring from that position. Lucas agreed to serve as interim city manager until a new city manager is hired.
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Abilene ISD $2.5 million school wing designed for expansion
Superintendent Heath Burns of the Abilene Independent School District recently assured taxpayers that the new $2.5 million addition to Bowie Elementary School is designed for expansion. The new wing is part of a $14 million plan trustees authorized using remaining funding from a 2004 bond election.
The addition to Bowie Elementary includes 12 new classrooms, a library, a workroom for teachers and a computer lab that all comply with the district's master plan, Burns told residents attending the first of three public meetings on the new renovation and improvement plan approved by trustees. The renovation also includes upgrades to Bowie's electrical system.
District officials also plan to spend $9.6 million to build a facility to consolidate two elementary schools planned for closure, $1.9 million to renovate a former middle school to accommodate students from the Houston Student Achievement Center and Travis Opportunity and Reassignment Center, Burns said. Trustees expect to begin accepting bids for work on the building projects in October and November and to begin construction as early as December 2010.
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Upshur County looking
for new road engineer
After operating several years without a road engineer, Upshur County Commissioners recently agreed to hire a road engineer at a cost of about $70,000 annually. For the last few years, the county has used a road administrator rather than an engineer to manage road projects under the county's Unit Road System.
Commissioners will accept applications for the road engineer position through Aug. 13 and begin interviews on Aug. 16. Commissioners hope to hire a road engineer by Aug. 31 in order to place funding for the position in the county's budget that becomes effective on Oct. 1.
Plymale likely to be Trinity
ISD's next superintendent
Dave Plymale has been announced as lone finalist for the position of superintendent at Trinity Independent School District. Plymale has served as superintendent of Waelder ISD since July 2006. The district earned its highest TAKS scores in 2009 under his leadership. Prior to that role, he served as a principal at Yorktown, Coolidge and Prairie Lea ISDs. He has also taught and coached at schools in Novice, Splendora, Abilene, Calhoun County (Port Lavaca), Refugio and Jourdanton. MOUTD moving forward with
$8M multimodal center plans
With the approval of an architectural-engineering contract, plans for the Midland Odessa Urban Transit District's (MOUTD) new $8 million multimodal center are under way. The board signed a $640,500 agreement with the architectural-engineering firm for planning services and two to three years of construction. The MOUTD panel has purchased 8 ½ acres and started planning for the project with a combined $1,050,199 in state transportation development credits and federal funds. |
| Corrections, clarifications
In last week's edition of the Texas Government Insider, a headline noted that Martin Baylor was named vice president for business affairs at The University of Texas at Dallas. The headline should have read that Baylor was named vice president of business affairs at The University of Texas-Pan American.
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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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