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| Volume 6, Issue 30 · Friday, July 25, 2008 | |
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Texas facing loss of millions in federal highway fundsHighway Trust Fund being depleted as motorists buy less gasFacing as much as a $5 billion shortfall in the federal Highway Trust Fund that could dramatically impact transportation funding for Texas and other states, the U.S. House earlier this week passed legislation that would pump $8 billion in general revenue into the fund, despite the threat of a presidential veto.
The current shortfall for 2009 is estimated at $3 billion, but new estimates in the $5 billion to $6 billion range are expected to be released next week. While some officials say losses to states could be one-third of their federal funding, a spokesperson in the office of Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, said it is "very unlikely we'd lose one-third of Texas funding." He said that the state could stand to lose approximately 8 percent of the national shortfall, meaning Texas losses could be up to $400 million based on a $5 billion shortfall. Unless more revenue is infused into the fund, hundreds of projects authorized in the 2005 Highway bill would be postponed and some already under construction would have to be stretched out over a longer period of time. In Texas, like across the nation, "People are driving less and the number of miles traveled per month is starting to go down," said Chris Lippincott, spokesman for the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). He said a new word may well make its way into the next version of the dictionary - "staycation" - where people stay home on their vacation or take their vacation closer to home to save on gas costs. "People are cutting down on their discretionary travel," added Lippincott, because of the increased price of gas. [more] Comptroller revises controversial contracting planTXMAS contractors' outcry heard; NFIB to seek legislative remedyThe State Comptroller's Office (CPA) this week revised its plans to replace Texas Multiple Award Schedule (TXMAS) contracts with term contracts on at least two current RFPs - one for office furniture and one for office supplies. Earlier, at a pre-proposal conference on July 8, officials with the comptroller's office got an earful from small business representatives relative to the RFP for office furniture. The RFP stated that the CPA administers numerous furniture contracts through the TXMAS program, and added, "It is the CPA's intent to replace these contracts with the contract resulting from this RFP." While the CPA said it was just trying to comply with a legislative mandate for a strategic sourcing initiative's goal to save the state money, small business owners said it would lead to term contracts that could cause them to lose business with the state. Thus on Wednesday, the CPA issued an addendum to the RFP with the language regarding replacing TXMAS contracts struck from the document. The addendum also notes that the CPA "has decided that TXMAS contracts will not be phased out due to the RFP." Instead, the TXMAS contracts "will run parallel to the term contracts." [more]Strategic Partnerships salutes Texas' Lone Stars
Susan Lodge, deputy director of human services, Alamo Area Council of GovernmentsCareer highlights and education: I graduated from Alamo Heights High School in San Antonio where I was a National Merit Semi-Finalist. I attended Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, New York, where I pursued a B.A. in geography/anthropology. After graduation, I worked in the public school system in Poughkeepsie for two years before returning home to San Antonio. I became the Director of Telecommunications for a private consulting firm, and oversaw 150 telephone operators administering a federal employment tax credit program. This experience led me to the employment and training world, and for 10 years after that I worked as a planner for the local Workforce Board, then known as the Private Industry Council, and as the director of education for Project QUEST, a ground-breaking job training program that was established with a special grant from Gov. Ann Richards. In 1998, I came to the Alamo Area Council of Governments as the manager of their Workforce programs. Since that time, our staff has expanded from 12 employees in eight offices to 75 employees in 11 offices, bringing much needed workforce and child care services to every county in the Alamo region. In February 2008, I became deputy director of human resources for AACOG, and now oversee the Alamo and Bexar Area Agencies on Aging, the Bexar Mental Retardation Authority, 11 Rural One-Stop Workforce offices and the Housing and Weatherization program. In 2003, I was named Community Champion of the Year by the San Antonio Women's Chamber of Commerce; and in 2002 and 2005, our Alamo Workforce Development Area programs were recognized as the best in the state for large board areas by the Texas Workforce Commission. What I like best about my job is: helping to improve and enhance the services available in all corners of our region, from job training and employment to weatherization of homes to meals on wheels programs. The best advice I've received for my current job is: always greet every day with hope and enthusiasm. Advice I would give a new hire in my office: there is no more valuable work than public service; the rewards of our work make our communities better places to live and work. If I ever snuck out of work early, I could probably be found: with my daughter or my son, enjoying their late teen years to the fullest. People would be surprised to know that I: was a professional clown for 15 years in my youth, and performed at a Miss San Antonio pageant. Book, magazine or newspaper article I've read recently that really influenced my thinking: I read everything I can get my hands on, and find inspiration in almost everything I pick up. Each week, the Texas Government Insider profiles a key government executive or decision-maker. If you would like to suggest a "Lone Star," please email us at editor@spartnerships.com. South Texas declared federal disaster areaFlooding, wind damage, electrical outages in wake of Hurricane DollyFifteen counties impacted by Hurricane Dolly have been declared a federal disaster area by President George W. Bush. Urging the declaration were Gov. Rick Perry and the entire Texas congressional delegation. With the declaration, federal dollars and assistance can be directed for recovery efforts in the impacted South Texas area. Perry and U.S. Sen. John Cornyn toured the area Thursday. Officials estimate that damages could reach $1 billion.
"Though some areas in South Texas have incurred significant damage, preparedness efforts on the part of our local, state and federal officials and private sector partners ensured that our number one priority - protecting lives - was successfully met," said Perry. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator David Paulison said federal funding is available to state and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations in Aransas, Bexar, Brooks, Calhoun, Cameron, Hidalgo, Jim Wells, Kenedy, Kleberg, Nueces, Refugio, San Patricio, Starr, Victoria and Willacy counties for emergency protective measures. Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide. Hurricane Dolly picked up steam before landfall at South Padre Island Wednesday, becoming a Category 2 hurricane. Surges of six to eight feet above normal tide levels followed, with sustained winds of more than 100 miles per hour. Weather forecasters said the area could receive from eight to 20 inches of rain. Damages were heavy to buildings in the area, more than 200,000 were left without electricity and widespread flooding was reported. Emergency personnel also reported numerous water rescues. Andrade named 107th Texas Secretary of StateSan Antonio native also chaired Texas Transportation Commission
Hope Andrade (pictured) this week was named Texas' 107th Secretary of State. She replaces former Secretary of State Phil Wilson, who resigned his position for a move to the private sector. Andrade's appointment was effective Wednesday. In making the appointment, Gov. Rick Perry said Andrade would be "an indispensable asset" to the state. As Secretary of State, Andrade is the state's chief elections officer, the governor's liaison on border and Mexican affairs and the state's chief protocol officer for state and international matters. "I am looking forward to my new role in promoting the commerce of Texas and a prosperous working relationship with our neighbor, Mexico," Andrade said. "As the chief elections officer of Texas, I will strive to protect the integrity of elections as part of our democratic process - a process that Texans value and respect." Andrade, an entrepreneur from San Antonio, was appointed in 2003 to the Texas Transportation Commission, which oversees the activities of the Texas Department of Transportation. She also served as interim chair from January to April of 2008. Andrade attended Our Lady of the Lake University, the University of the Incarnate Word and The University of Texas at San Antonio Entrepreneurship Program. Julie Parsley to leave PUC in SeptemberLongest-serving member of current commission resigns
Julie Parsley (pictured), commissioner with the Public Utility Commission of Texas, has announced her resignation, effective Sept. 2. Parsley, appointed by Gov. Rick Perry in November 2002 and reappointed in August 2005, is the longest-serving member of the current commission. "I'm proud of the progress we made in electric utility and telecommunications public policy," said Parsley, "and I believe now is the right time to take on new challenges and move into the next phase of my career." While commissioner, Parsley served as president of the Regional State Committee of the Southwest Power Pool (SPP), and during her term as president, the Regional State Committee developed funding policies for transmission projects, including those that will deliver wind power to that region. Before being named to the PUC, Parsley served as Texas Solicitor General, arguing appellate court cases at all levels including the Supreme Court of the United States. She is also a former adjunct professor at The University of Texas School of Law. She holds a bachelor's degree from Texas A&M University and a law degree from the Texas Tech University School of Law. Texas Legislature Online honored with national award
The Texas Legislative Council's Texas Legislature Online (TLO) Web site has been named winner of the National Conference of State Legislatures' (NCSL) Online Democracy Award. The award was presented this week to the Council's Executive Director, Milton Rister (pictured), at the NCSL Annual Meeting in New Orleans. The TLO Web site is an Internet application that allows the public to view and search the status of legislation as it progresses through the Texas Legislature. "NCSL is one of the leading organizations supporting state legislatures, and we are extremely pleased to have the TLO site recognized as the best legislative Web site in the nation," said Rister. "Our information systems staff is top notch, and their work on this project deserves public recognition." The Online Democracy Award recognizes a state legislative Web site that stands out for making democracy user-friendly. According to the award committee, the TLO site "features a wealth of information on the members' pages, search capabilities, streaming video and audio services and outreach to kids. In addition, TLO is easy to navigate, making it friendly to the novice user yet valuable for the experienced user." TLO, a free service, was first made available by the Council in 1997 for the 75th Texas Legislature and has been enhanced each session since. It provides access to the most current legislative information available from a Texas government portal and also provides links to other legislative and governmental Web sites, offering citizens a "one-stop shopping" experience to see their state legislature at work. This week's award is not the Council's first, as it earned awards last year for TLO from the Center for Digital Government and the Texas Association of State Systems for Computing and Communications. Cathleen Parsley appointed to new post at SOAH
Cathleen Parsley (pictured) has been appointed chief administrative law judge of the State Office of Administrative Hearings. She replaces Sheila Taylor. In her new position, she will oversee hearings in contested cases to make sure they are conducted objectively, promptly and efficiently. Parsley is currently SOAH's general counsel. She is a presenter for the State Bar of Texas and Austin Bar Association. She is also a member of the Austin Lyric Opera Guild. Parsley holds her bachelor's and law degrees from Texas Tech University. Her term will expire May 15, 2010. Tired of unwanted telemarketing calls?May be time to get on PUC-administered Texas No Call List
Texans frustrated by unwanted telemarketer calls at home or unsolicited text or graphic messages on their wireless phones may find additional help by signing up with the Texas Do No Call registry - in addition to signing on to the National No-Call Registry. Created in 2001 by legislators and administered by the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC), the Texas No Call List provides some recourse to those who want to stop annoying telemarketing calls and text messages, said Grace Godines, an analyst with the PUC's Retail Markets-Competitive Markets Division.
Registering on the statewide Do Not Call List notifies telemarketers not to make telemarketing calls or send text messages to consumers who register on the list. Godines also advises Texas residents to sign up for the National No-Call Registry, as the PUC is prohibited from sharing the names on the Texas Do Not Call List with the national no-call list. "It's best to be on both lists as we can sometimes do more for our consumers," Godines said. As of July 1, some 483,959 Texans are registered on the statewide list while 10,697,174 Texans are included on the National No-Call Registry. The Texas No-Call law applies to residential telephones as well as wireless or cell phones, which were added in 2003. Some patience is required as the Texas No-Call List is distributed to telemarketers every three months. For instance, those who register in July will not stop receiving telemarketing calls until December 1. Registration in Texas must be renewed after three years, while registration on the National Do Not Call List remains in effect until removal is requested. [more]State board reduces nursing license renewal feesNurses in Texas are seeing a reduction in their renewal fees, thanks to action from the Texas Board of Nursing (BON). The reduction is due in part to a decrease in the criminal background check fees and a higher number of LVN and RN license renewals. Effective June 29, the Licensed Vocation Nurse (LVN) timely renewal fee was reduced to $55, representing a $3 decrease. The Registered Nurse (RN) fee was reduced to $65, representing a $2 decrease. The board also began allowing late renewals (1-90 days) to be processed online effective July 1. Individuals who renew an expired license online will still have to show proof of having completed the 20 hours of required continuing education (CE) credit. For online renewals that are delinquent 1-90 days only, the BON will send notice to nurses renewing online that proof of completion of the 20 hours of CE must be received in the BON office within 30 days to avoid disciplinary action by the board. BON officials note they will continue to look at internal business processes to keep license fees at the lowest possible amount while still carrying out the agency's mission of protecting the public. RR Commission grant helps NISD add propane buses
Northside Independent School District in San Antonio has added 16 ultra-low-emission, propane-fueled buses to its fleet. The district is the first in the nation to make a purchase of the new buses. The effort continues the school district's tradition of "going green while saving green," Railroad Commissioner Michael Williams said. Northside recently received a grant from the Railroad Commission's OEM School Bus Rebate Program for more than $66,000 to recover 80 percent of the propane option for the buses. In the accompanying photo, Commissioner Williams (left) presents Northside ISD School Board President Katie Reed (center) and Superintendent Dr. John Folks with the rebate check for the purchase. Williams said that by making their "yellow school buses greener," officials have found "the incentives available at the federal, state and local levels make propane and natural gas buses a common-sense option." More than half of Northside's 600 bus fleet is powered by propane, a fuel the district has used since 1981. TDI-DWC conference presentations available onlineThe Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers' Compensation (TDI-DWC) held a three-day Educational Conference in Houston in June. The topics of the presentations at the conference include: Acute Care Hospital Outpatient and Inpatient Facility Fee Guidelines; Anatomy of A Benefit Review Conference (BRC) and Contested Case Hearing (CCH); Claims EDI; Complaint and Enforcement Overview; Compliance Monitoring in the Workers' Compensation System; eBill: Electronic Medical Bill Processing; EDI 101 - The Basics of Electronic Data Interchange' Employee Rights & Responsibilities; Fraud Overview; Independent Review Organizations; Medical and Vocational Case Management: A Success Strategy for Return to Work; Medical Fee Dispute Resolution; Medical Fee Guidelines; Overview of Recent Workers' Compensation Research Findings; Required Forms and Filings; Return to Work - What it Means to You; Using The Medical Disability Advisor, Fifth Edition, in Texas; and Workers' Compensation 101. To view the PowerPoint presentations for each of the above subjects from the conference, click here. Mitchell new to Manufactured Housing Division board
Devora Mitchell (pictured) has been appointed to the Governing Board of the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs' (TDHCA) Manufactured Housing Division. The appointment is subject to Texas Senate confirmation. Mitchell, president and CEO of Winkler County Credit Union, is former president of the Kermit Chamber of Commerce. She said with her background in finance and experience serving on other boards, such as the Permian Chapter of Credit Unions, she hopes to become "an asset to the industry and consumers this department serves." The Manufactured Housing Division of TDHCA is responsible for licensing those who build, install and sell manufactured homes in Texas. The division also inspects installations, maintains ownership records and helps resolve consumer grievances. AG announces charges against Jeffs, five others
Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott (pictured) has announced charges levied against members of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Six men from the polygamist community, including incarcerated sect leader Warren Jeffs, have been indicted by a grand jury. The charges, totaling nine counts, include felony sexual assault of a child, bigamy and failure to report child abuse. Abbott did not name any of the members indicted, aside from Jeffs, saying the indictments were part of an ongoing criminal investigation. Several teenage girls with children of their own were among those who testified, including Warren Jeffs' daughter Teresa, 16, who was married to a 34-year-old man shortly after her 15th birthday. The state, which has spent more than $12.5 million in its raid on the Yearning for Zion Ranch in Eldorado, alleges members there allowed a culture of sexual abuse to thrive as young girls were continually wed to older men in "spiritual" marriages. State agencies to host Northeast transportation forum
Transportation in Northeast Texas will be the topic of a new forum hosted by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), the Northeast Texas Regional Mobility Council (NETMOB) and Texas A&M University-Commerce (TAMU-C), scheduled Aug. 1. Business leaders and government officials from Hunt, Delta, Hopkins and Lamar counties will also take part. The event will be held at TAMU-C's Memorial Student Center. Featured speakers addressing transportation issues include two officials with TxDOT - Chief Financial Officer David Casteel (left) and Assistant Executive Director for Innovative Project Development Phillip Russell (right). Other speakers include: Michael Morris, director of transportation for the North Central Texas Council of Governments; Paris District Engineer Bobby G. Littlefield; and Nick Grant, field intelligence liaison with the Transportation Security Administration Office of Intelligence.Vice-chair of the Texas House Transportation Committee, Rep. Larry Phillips, will provide the keynote address, while NETMOB Chair and Cooper Mayor Scotty Stegall will open and close the forum. Baylor President Dr. John Lilley fired by regents
Baylor University President Dr. John Lilley (pictured) has been fired by the university's Board of Regents. Regent Harold Cunningham has been named acting president until an interim president is named. "The board had hoped to transition to a new president gradually, officially beginning the presidential search in January 2009 and replacing Lilley during the final portion of his five year contract," Baylor officials said in a press release. "Because plans for a gradual transition were rejected by Lilley, the board will immediately seek a new president." The firing comes with two and one-half years still left on Lilley's contract. The regents expect to quickly name an interim president and then begin a search for a new president after talking with various Baylor entities. Lilley was unanimously elected the 13th president of Baylor in November 2005, assuming the presidency on Jan. 1, 2006. He is a Baylor alumnus. El Paso endorses state-backed mobility plan
Members of the El Paso City Council recently endorsed a comprehensive mobility plan that is expected to yield transportation projects totaling about $1 billion beginning as early as next year. Ted Houghton (pictured), an El Paso businessman who serves on the Texas Transportation Commission and is an El Paso resident, said he was surprised but encouraged by the unanimous vote Tuesday. The proposed plan includes completion of Loop 375 around El Paso, launching a bus rapid-transit system, beautifying sections of Interstate 10 and creating two toll roads. Before moving forward, however, the city must approve a transportation reinvestment zone to allow a portion of property taxes collected in the designated areas near roadways to be spent on transportation projects in El Paso. Pickles, condiments cut from Dallas County jail
Dallas County sheriff's office will be cutting free condiments and other foodstuffs for inmates in the Dallas County Jail in an effort to eliminate $6 million from its budget. The county, facing a $34 million shortfall, has requested a 5 percent budget decrease for all departments. Sheriff Lupe Valdez (pictured) estimated the county could save $150,000 by eliminating the free packets of mustard, ketchup, mayonnaise, artificial sweetener and jelly offered to inmates. And by charging inmates for pickles, the department could potentially save nearly $84,000. Other cost-saving measures in her budget include: eliminating pagers, closing one jail, utilizing $250,000 in drug forfeiture money, freezing two clerk positions and eliminating an information systems coordinator position. Valdez' proposed budget cuts, even with those concessions, are still around $5 million to $6 million short. She is fighting to keep $2 million set aside for annual raises, but commissioners at the budget meeting appeared unwavering on that matter. According to Commissioner John Wiley Price, no county employees are slated for raises in the next fiscal year due to budget constraints. UTEP's Smith headed to Saint Mary-of-the-Woods
Maggie Smith, Ph.D., (pictured) has been appointed vice president of academic affairs at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College, effective Sept. 8. Smith brings with her an extensive resume from the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), having served as founding dean of the university college and vice provost of undergraduate studies. While serving as dean at UTEP, Smith fostered a partnership with El Paso Community College, paving the way for a more streamlined student-transfer process between the colleges. She was also instrumental in helping UTEP achieve its enrollment goal of 20,000 for the fall 2007 semester. Smith holds bachelor's and master's degrees from the State University of New York College at Fredonia and a doctorate from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, N.Y. Tarleton State-Central Texas announces new dean
Teresa (Tracy) Teaff, Ph.D., has been named academic dean for Tarleton State University-Central Texas, effective July 1. One of Teaff's commitments will be to help the university achieve stand-alone status through a variety of measures, including increasing enrollment. Teaff's resume includes a 25-year career serving in Texas public schools as a special education counselor, teacher and coordinator. She has also served as interim deputy vice provost, assistant professor and adjunct instructor at the University of North Texas-Dallas. Teaff holds a bachelor's degree from Baylor University, a master's degree in counseling and special education from Texas A&M-Commerce and a doctorate from the University of North Texas's Leadership Program. Texas A&M names Department of Architecture head
Texas A&M University has named Glen Mills (pictured) its Department of Architecture head. In addition to his administrative duties, Mills will teach a course called Social and Ethical Issues. An architect from South Africa, Mills brings with him considerable academic and professional experience. He launched his own architecture firm in Johannesburg, South Africa, where he designed integrated housing for low- and middle-income urban residents. He also taught at Tshwane University of Technology in Pretoria, where he served as executive dean for the Faculty of the Arts. Tom Regan, dean of A&M's College of Architecture, lauded Mills' outstanding credentials. As a practicing architect and former dean who holds a Ph.D., Mills is "a rare commodity in architectural education," Regan said. Mills earned his bachelor's degree at the University of Natal in Durban, South Africa, and his master's and doctorate from the University of Cape Town in Cape Town, South Africa. TAMU-Commerce names interim Arts & Science dean
Dr. David Crenshaw (pictured) has been named interim dean at Texas A&M University-Commerce's College of Arts & Sciences. Crenshaw previously served as a professor and interim head of the Animal Science department. He also recently chaired the Presidential Search Advisory Committee at TAMC. Crenshaw has been a TAMC faculty member since 1984. His previous posts include animal science professor and academic coordinator for the College of Agriculture and Home Economics at Texas A&I University (now Texas A&M-Kingsville). A native of Columbia, Mo., Crenshaw holds a bachelor's, master's and doctorate from the University of Missouri. Texas A&M nursing college gains approval
The Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Nursing is gearing up to welcome its charter class of 44 students this fall after the Texas Board of Nurses and Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board approved the college's proposal. The college met the standards required by the board of nurses for establishing a baccalaureate-degree program. Sharon A. Wilkerson (pictured), acting dean and professor in the HSC-College of Nursing, said the school has "tremendous potential to nourish and develop quality nursing leaders." The college will offer two "tracks" in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree curriculum - one designed for traditional BSN students and another 18-month track for students with bachelor's degrees who wish to pursue a career in nursing. San Angelo board recommends $10 million in bondsThe City of San Angelo Development Corp., which administers the city's half-cent sales tax, recently approved nearly $10 million in bonds to fund the second phase of projects that voters approved in 2005. The recommendation will be sent to the city council for consideration. The recommendation includes nearly $3 million toward improving streets near the San Angelo Coliseum and nearly $4 million to finish work on the Concho Community Park. City council must still approve the bonds before the projects can begin. Voters in 1999 approved the sales tax for five years and extended in 2004 to fund economic development projects, including the San Angelo Convention Center and new facilities at the San Angelo Fairground, which are nearing completion. The third phase includes dredging the North Rio Concho River and stabilizing its banks through downtown. Lamar deaf studies department receives federal grant
Lamar University's Department of Deaf Studies and Deaf Education has been awarded a $760,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Education. The program, one of two in the nation and recognized internationally, will receive funds over a four-year course beginning in 2009. Tony Martin (pictured), chair of the department, said Lamar was in competition with all special education doctoral programs throughout the country, adding the university's was the only deaf education curriculum to receive a grant. With the money, the university plans to award scholarships to doctoral students and master's degree candidates who plan to go into special education administration or supervision. Martin said most people fail to understand "the financial hardship associated with obtaining a higher degree." Funds from the grant will also be applied to research, conference travel and the employment of a grant coordinator. Bellaire city officials seek $18M capital improvement planBellaire city officials recently outlined $18 million in capital improvement projects they recommended that city council fund in 2009. The improvements include $1.45 million for mobility projects, $528,000 in improvements to Bellaire Town Square, $627,000 for general facilities improvements, including citywide security and the recycling center mobility program and Rebuild Bellaire. If the council approves the plan, the city is expected to issue up to $10 million in bonds in the spring of 2009 to complete a renewal program approved in 2000 and continue its Rebuild Bellaire Program. City Manager Bernie Satterwhite also plans to propose revenue bonds to finance $5.7 million toward a $12 million program to upgrade water and wastewater facilities. Dallas County puts Parkland Hospital initiative on ballot
Parkland Memorial Hospital's Board of Managers is looking to endorse a plan to build a new facility in a $1.2 billion proposal. The initiative will be placed on November's general election ballot pending final approval from Dallas County commissioners. If approved, taxpayers will be expected to foot about $750 million of the venture's cost through the sale of general obligation and revenue bonds with other funding provided by philanthropists, hospital cash reserves and other sources. Dr. Ron Anderson (pictured), president and CEO of Parkland Hospital, said at the board meeting this was a very happy day for him. The new 862-bed structure, if approved, would replace the 53-year-old charity hospital's rundown facility on Harry Hines Boulevard and open in April 2014. Supporters have lobbied for years to have the overcrowded hospital rebuilt. Austin director of public works appointedAustin City Manager Marc Ott has appointed Howard Lazarus director of public works after a nationwide search. Lazarus, who will start work on Aug. 18, will replace Joe Ramos, who will continue to serve as assistant director. Lazarus will supervise 517 city employees with a $68 million budget. The New Jersey native has experience designing and developing infrastructure (including water, wastewater and transportation) in addition to supervisory experience. Lazarus is former director of engineering and public works for Newark, N.J., and served as vice president of a housing privatization firm before his new post as public works director. Austin Public Works is responsible for maintaining roadways, sidewalks, bike facilities and street and traffic signs, among other duties. The department is also charged with engineering, construction management and inspection for city projects. AISD superintendent resigns: McCullough named interim
Arlington Independent School District Superintendent Hector Montenegro has officially resigned amid an honorariums investigation. In exchange for the resignation, the inquiry will be dropped. The district named Jerry McCullough (pictured) as interim superintendent. The district's board of trustees voted to accept Montenegro's resignation after voting last week to place the superintendent on paid administrative leave. Montenegro will be required to reimburse the district for outstanding travel expenses, according to Board President Jim Ash. Houston gains in anti-terrorism funding; others get lessWhile Houston is slated to receive a 50 percent increase in federal funding for anti-terrorism this budget cycle, at least 43 United States cities will receive less federal funding for anti-terror programs this year than they received during the previous budget cycle. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) also granted New York and San Francisco more federal funding in the Urban Area Security Initiative funded by DHS and added 14 cities to the list. DHS recently awarded Houston $37.5 million, a 50 percent increase from the 2007 DHS grant. Dallas, Detroit, Los Angeles, Seattle and St. Louis are among the 43 cities slated to receive less anti-terrorism funding this new budget cycle, with Los Angeles slated to receive $70.4 million in anti-terrorism funding, $2 million less than in 2007. Travis County looking at fuel-saving options
Travis County commissioners are considering a variety of fuel-saving measures amid a scramble to fund an additional $950,000 to fuel their 1,200-vehicle fleet this fiscal year. Commissioners have approved pulling half the money needed from their $3 million general fund. The other portion will likely come from department cuts. County Judge Sam Biscoe (pictured) admits the commissioners "saw this coming" but didn't expect fuel costs to rise so sharply. But, Biscoe adds, with as many employees and vehicles as Travis County employs, "little things ... can add up to big savings." Bracing for huge fuel-cost increases in its 2008-09 budget, the sheriff's department is looking to implement gas-saving steps ranging from cutting vehicle idling time to having deputies patrol nearer their homes. The department is also shifting more employees to four-day work weeks to save on utility costs. However, Travis County Sheriff Greg Hamilton said the department would not approve any initiative that would diminish the quality of service it provides. Nederland bond committee changes prioritiesA bond committee for the Nederland Independent School District recently changed priorities for new projects by placing a new middle school in Phase One of its proposed bond project and kicking a proposed athletics stadium down into Phase Two of the bond proposal. Placing the middle school in Phase One will increase that bond proposal from $118 million to almost $125 million. The bond committee recommended building three new elementary schools, air conditioning a middle school, renovating the high school and the stadium press box as well as spending $34 million for a new middle school. The previous plan included $4 million for maintenance work on the old middle school that will not have to be done if the new school is approved. UTMB receives $1.25 million grant for study of elderly
Researchers at The University of Texas Medical Branch recently received a five-year, $1.25 million grant from the National Institute on Aging. The grant will support research on the influence of psychological well-being on the functional status of patients during hospitalization, said Glenn Ostir (pictured), the principal investigator for the grant. The study will explore how elderly hospitalized patients of different ethnicities and genders make decisions about their medical care and how they communicate those decisions to doctors and other health care providers. The study will also include follow-up interviews for up to one year after release from the hospital. The medical community is aware that some patients over 65 lose some ability to function after being hospitalized and this grant should help learn why that may happen, Ostir said. Midland officials mulling community center renovationMidland City Council members are mulling a proposed $24 to $38.8 million in community center renovations and additions that would feature an arts center, recreation facilities and meeting rooms for the Boys and Girls Club the city purchased in the 1970s. The recommendation included naming the facility the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center. Consultants recently unveiled two options for the community center. Renovation, demolition and construction for the existing building would cost between $4.1 million to $5 million, the consultant said. The proposed plan adds space to the existing theater, converts the gym into an open art studio, and adds a gallery, a senior center, meeting rooms, a commercial kitchen, a computer room, video room and music room to the Arts Center portion of the project. Two options were presented for the recreation center portion of the project to be built north of the park. Option one, at an estimated cost of $24 million to $27 million, is a 39,200-square-foot structure featuring a climbing rock wall, an indoor basketball court, an indoor running track, fitness areas, offices, locker rooms, a lounge, an indoor leisure pool and an outdoor water park. Option two, a 66,000-square-foot structure, would cost an estimated $34.2 million to $38.8 million, and would include two more indoor basketball courts. The consultants said they will present a final plan after receiving comments on the preliminary plan from city leaders and the public. Henderson to downsize its new civic centerConfronted with spiraling costs for steel, asphalt and other building materials, planners for the Henderson Civic Center have downsized the facility to bring construction costs within budget. The architect cited a 67 percent increase in the cost of steel since last year. While city hall space inside the civic center will remain at 9,000 square feet, planners made changes in materials and building methods to bring down projected costs. Size of the overall building, however, has been reduced from 20,000 square feet to 18,000 square feet, with most of the space taken from the lobby, restrooms, storage areas and meeting and conference rooms. Funding for the center, which is provided by the city, Henderson Economic Development Corporation, private donations and some state and federal funds, is fixed at $3,891,166, the architect said. City officials hope to award a contract in about three months. The civic center committee, architect and construction manager will decide on which bids from subcontractors to accept. Veribest ISD names new superintendentMichael Steck has been named the new superintendent at Veribest Independent School District, replacing Jeffrey Brasher, the new superintendent at Brady Independent School District. Steck served as principal at Hawley Independent School District before his new post. Veribest, located 15 miles east of San Angelo, is home to about 280 students. W. University moving closer to November bond election
West University Place City Council members recently moved closer to asking voters to approve $13.8 million in bonds in November for park improvements by asking staff to prepare an ordinance in conjunction with the General Election. Mayor Bob Kelly (pictured) said he supports a Nov. 4 bond proposal because he expects a large voter turnout due to interest in the presidential election. City Council members are expected to consider the ordinance at their meetings on July 28 and August 11. Trimmed by more than $1 million by the parks board after some council members said the proposal was too expensive, the reduced proposal recommends $3.9 million for a seasonal pool and new bathhouse/recreation center at Colonial Park. It also recommends $9.9 million for a new building, a new indoor/outdoor fitness and competition pool and additional playing fields and parking at the West University Recreation Center. Gladewater ISD to conduct own superintendent searchTrustees for the Gladewater Independent School District recently decided to handle the search for a new superintendent rather than hire a search firm. The new superintendent will replace Mike Morrison, who served as the superintendent for more than two years and as an assistant superintendent for six years. Morrison agreed to stay until the end of the year, Dec. 19, to give the board sufficient time to find a new superintendent. Board President Garth Cockerell said the board will accept applications from applicants from inside and outside the district. Board members will also seek dialogue with district staff, parents, students and community members to learn more about what they are looking for in a superintendent. Irving eyes complex next to convention center
Irving city leaders are eyeing a plan for a 600,000 square-foot, $200-million entertainment complex to be built adjacent to the planned Las Colinas Convention Center. The entertainment complex plan, which was presented by a developer of entertainment venues, features a five-level concert hall to seat 6,000 people, several restaurants, smaller live music venues, retail shops, a polo club and a recording studio. Council member Joe Phillip (pictured) said the combined convention center and entertainment complex will live on its merits and provide benefits to the city. Council members are expected to vote this week on whether to allow city staffers to begin working out details with developers of construction and operation agreements on the entertainment side of the complex. The Irving Convention Center at Las Colinas, a 275,000-square-foot building, is scheduled to open in November 2010. Falls County to expand park on Brazos RiverUsing a $100,000 grant from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, commissioners for Falls County will soon expand camping facilities at the Falls on Brazos Park. The expansion will include 10 primitive campsites, a bird-watching platform overlooking the river, a 400-yard nature trail and an improved playground. The county agreed to perform the construction work, which should be completed by Aug. 31. The new primitive campground, which is located across the street from the existing campground, will have picnic tables, tent pads and fire rings, but no electricity or running water. The existing campground has seven recreational vehicle and eight tent sites, all with running water and electricity. Streubert chosen as OLL vice presidentHelen Streubert has been named vice president for academic affairs at Our Lady of the Lake University. She comes to OLL from Misericorda University in Dallas, PA., where she was chair of the nursing department, director of service leadership and special assistant to the president for sponsored research. At Misericordia, Streubert helped the university successfully improve its declining enrollment, and OLLU officials are hopeful she can help their university, which also has faced an enrollment decline. Get your free copy of the Texas Government InsiderThe Texas Government Insider is a free weekly newsletter. If you are not a subscriber, or if you would like to sign up your friends or co-workers to receive a free copy, click here. Permission to reproduce, reprintThis newsletter may be reproduced, and all articles within may be reproduced and/or reprinted without permission when credit is given to the Texas Government Insider, a publication of Strategic Partnerships, Inc. Note to media:Need expert commentary on procurement issues relating to state government, city and county government, K-12 public schools, higher education or healthcare? Our consulting team has more than 300 years of high-level experience in decision-making among these government entities. Give us a call at 512-531-3900 and we'll arrange an interview for you with one of our experts. |
Have you heard about this yet? If not, watch for it coming soon to your hometown
By Mary Scott Nabers, CEO of Strategic Partnerships, Inc. It's being touted as "the most fundamental change public sector organizations have made in more than a century." Yet, most Texans have not yet noticed and will be surprised to realize that government is actually laying the groundwork to implement significant changes in the way it reaches and serves citizens. The "digital revolution" is here and it came in with such a significant and impactful force that government, if it keeps up with the trends, will never be the same. Services to citizens of all ages will be permanently altered. This new revelation is called by many names but one of the most common is "Government 2.0." It's all about e-Government, providing transactions, registrations and services while interacting with citizens via the Internet. The trends are being driven by many things, not the least of which is consumers who want to be totally connected, expect the convenience of shopping via the Web and are accustomed to instant responses. Other factors include cost savings, demographics, population growth and transportation costs. [more]
Nacogdoches approves $1 million grant request
Nacogdoches County Commissioners recently authorized County Judge Joe English (pictured) to apply for a $1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Funding from the DHS Emergency Operations Center Grant program will be used to build a county emergency operations center if approved. The county will be required to match 25 percent, or $250,000, toward the grant, English said. The grant also may not require an all-cash match, but the county could use property it already owns for the required match, said County Auditor Keith Barber.
Bailey officially Texas
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Texas GIS Forum 2008 slated for Oct. 27-31The Texas Natural Resources Information System, a division of the Texas Water Development Board, is hosting the Texas GIS Forum 2008 on Oct. 27-31 at the J.J. Pickle Research Campus in Austin. The forum is billed as the "largest Geospatial Technology forum in Texas." Sponsorships are available and the forum will also feature exhibitors. To register, click here. For information for sponsors and exhibitors, click here. Registration for the forum is available to individuals from government agencies (federal, state, local), universities, industry representatives, sponsors and exhibitors. The group is also seeking presentation proposals, with an Aug. 15 deadline. Some of the topics sought in the proposals include innovative uses for GIS, alternative GIS environments, budget GIS projects, Web-based GIS advancements, GIS or remote sensing for emergency response, etc.
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