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| Transportation Commission OKs $250 million in highway contracts
Another $76 million approved to fund 54 transportation-enhancement projects
 The Texas Transportation Commission (TTC) Thursday approved $250 million in highway construction contracts and $76 million in funding for transportation-related enhancement projects throughout the state.
The construction projects are the first awards from the $2 billion in highway projects approved from Proposition 12 funding authorized last year. Among the 16 projects are a dozen rehabilitation projects with a combined price tag of $84 million. Another three projects are safety projects and one is a corridor mobility project. To view the complete list of projects approved, a description and the contract amount, click here and look under "Recent Reports."
 TTC Commissioner Fred Underwood (pictured) said voter approval of the Prop 12 bonds showed Texans place a "high priority on improving transportation." He added that the funding provides "an opportunity to advance badly needed safety, rehabilitation and mobility projects."
The largest contract award of Prop 12 funds approved Thursday is for more than $165 million to expand Interstate 35 from four to six lanes from Hilltop Road north of Waco to the city of West. More than $21.7 million in Prop 12 funds went into a contract to rehabilitate freeway mainlines in Ellis County while a contract worth more than $15.2 million was awarded to rebuild roadway in Carson County. The largest safety contract was for more than $390,000 to resurface part of a Ranch to Market road in Blanco County to improve skid resistance.
Prop 12 was approved by Texas voters in 2007 and allowed the Texas Legislature to authorize up to $5 billion in general obligation bonds to be spent on transportation projects. The Legislature then passed legislation authorizing $2 billion of those bond proceeds to be spent on non-toll highway projects.
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| FHA declares Trans-Texas Corridor proposal officially dead
Latest I-35 project includes expansion to six lanes through areas of Central Texas
 The death certificate for the Trans-Texas Corridor (TTC) has officially been signed. The oft-maligned TTC project pushed by Gov. Rick Perry would have routed traffic around population centers and provided a broad corridor to link major cities. It also would have included toll roads for cars and trucks, space parallel to the corridor for utilities and tracks for freight and passenger trains.
The demise of the project began when public hearings were held throughout  the state. Thousands of citizens voiced their opposition to the TTC, citing the fact that too much private property would be taken for the project. Others objected to plans to involve a consortium that included a Spanish company for part of the $175 billion, 4,000-mile network and wanted more of the proceeds from any toll roads to go into state coffers. After hearing the complaints, Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) Executive Director Amadeo Saenz, in 2009 declared, "The Trans-Texas Corridor as it is known, no longer exists." And just last week, the Federal Highway Administration (FHA) issued an official decision of "no action" on the TTC proposal, which prevents the project from going forward. It also cancels the planning comprehensive development agreement between TxDOT and the Spanish construction company.
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Strategic Partnerships salutes Texas' Lone Stars
 Hugh Miller, chief technology officer, City of San Antonio
Career highlights and education: Hugh Miller joined the City of San Antonio in July 2004, after tenure at Priceline.com and the San Antonio Water System. He has spent most of his career in information technology leadership in several places throughout the country. Serving as the chief technology officer, Miller is responsible for providing IT services to all City of San Antonio departments on a daily basis. ITSD also provides leadership, vision and support for all technology functions throughout the city organization. Miller has overseen the redesigning and rebuilding of all the voice and data networks, most of the business systems, redundant datacenters and the IT service catalog. He worked with the city's energy company to build a fiber optic wide area network spanning throughout San Antonio. Additionally, he and his staff deployed an award-winning public wireless network that runs in all of the library branches and the Riverwalk. He has helped ITSD in implementing best practices through the utilization of Information Technology Infrastructure Library and by building a service-based technology organization. On Dec. 10, 2007, Miller's hard work and leadership were honored by being selected as one of Computerworld's Premier 100 IT Leaders for 2008. Computerworld's Premier 100 IT Leaders Awards Program honors executives who show exemplary technology leadership in resolving pressing business problems. Miller sits on several organizations' advisory boards and has been asked to speak at many conferences throughout the United States. Miller's education includes, electrical engineering - The University of Texas at San Antonio, computer engineering - Iowa State University and Graduate courses - The University of Texas San Antonio.
What I like best about my job is: Helping people effectively use technology to improve the quality of life and the cost-effectiveness of government. The best advice I've received for my current job is: Listen to what people are saying and learn to adjust to dynamics of business. Advice you would give a new hire in your office: If you would like to work at the city, you will have high performance expectations. So, get a deep understanding of who we are and what we do, in IT and the city, before you apply. If I ever snuck out of work early, I could probably be found: spending time with my kids, who are currently 4 and 6 years old. People would be surprised to know that I: ...never intended to be in an executive leadership role. My passion lies in the learning, engineering and deployment of new technologies, but management came naturally, so it has been leveraged in every place that I have been employed. One thing I wish more people knew about my agency: The City of San Antonio is one of the most unique and pleasant cities in the United States. It has a great mix of culture, attractions and people. We are building a city government that emphasizes these aspects of the city to attract visitors, businesses and residents, yet also keeping it desirable for those who have already chosen to make San Antonio their home.
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$8.4M in TETF funds to two wind-power research institutions
 The Texas Emerging Technology Fund (TETF) has awarded Texas Tech University and the National Institute for Renewable Energy (NIRE) $8.4 million to help resolve scientific and technology-related issues facing the wind power industry.
The wind research organizations at Tech are set to receive $6.4 million of the award, while the remainder of the funds will go to NIRE. Tech System Chancellor Kent Hance (pictured) said consumers will benefit more quickly thanks to the funding award. NIRE officials plan to continue its design, construction and operation of research-wind farms with the TETF gift.
Plans for the funds call for the institutions to facilitate technology development in an effort to decrease wind energy costs, hire more world-class scientists to direct research and purchase mobile equipment to map wind flows, among other ventures.
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Marshall to be new director of Texas State History Museum
State Preservation Board officials recently selected Joan Marshall as the new director of the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum in Austin. Marshall, the executive director of the Pacific Asia Museum in Pasadena, California, will begin her new duties in August. She replaces former director Nashid Madyun, who resigned to accept employment in Tennessee.
Marshall previously held posts at the Autry Museum of Western Heritage and the Museum of Contemporary Art, both in Los Angeles. She has a bachelor's and a master's degree from The University of Texas at Austin. She also completed the executive program at the Graduate School of Business at Stanford University.
The Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, a division of the State Preservation Board, tells the story of Texas using historical exhibits, interactive exhibits and an IMAX Theatre spread over three floors in a building located near the capitol building. The museum, created by former Lieutenant Governor Bob Bullock, opened in 2001.
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| Van de Putte, Kolkhorst to offer tips on working with officials
Veteran legislators part of 7th Biennial Legislative Communications Conference
  Nearly half the seats for the 7th Biennial Legislative Communications Conference are already filled, and insight from two veteran Texas lawmakers on working with state government is likely to make the remaining seats fill up fast. Sen. Leticia Van de Putte (left) and State Rep. Lois Kolkhorst (right), who between them have almost three decades of experience in the Texas Legislature, will be part of numerous panels at the conference, co-sponsored by Strategic Partnerships, Inc. and The University of Texas at Austin's Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs. The conference is set for Tuesday, Oct. 5, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at The Commons of the J.J. Pickle Center at UT-Austin. The conference features panels of legislators, budget writers, legislative staff and political wonks addressing issues from the multi-billion-dollar budget deficit to tips on working with the state's leadership. Van de Putte and Kolkhorst are repeat presenters at the conference and sharing their legislative and committee experiences through tips on how to work with government leaders is always well received. Seating for the conference is limited, so those planning to attend are encouraged to make their reservations now. This is an event those who follow the legislature won't want to miss. For more information, click here.
(Sponsorships are available. Contact Reagan Weil or Brooke Hollimon at 512-531-3900 or rweil@spartnerships.com and bhollimon@spartnerships.com.)
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Texas Parks & Wildlife graduates 55th game warden class
 The 41 cadets of the 55th Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) Game Warden class have graduated and will soon report for duty at stations ranging from East Texas to El Paso. A ceremony marking the event was held this week in the E1 auditorium of the Capitol building in Austin.
This marks the second class to be trained in the new, $20 million Texas Game Warden Training Center in Hamilton County.
The class brings the total number of game wardens in the state to 532. Game warden services began in 1895 in Texas.
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State's Sales Tax Holiday weekend approaching in August
Consumers are gearing up for Texas' 11th annual Sales Tax Holiday weekend from Aug. 20-22.
"Shoppers will pay no state or local sales tax on many school supplies, school backpacks and most children's and adults' clothing and shoes priced at less than $100," Texas Comptroller Susan Combs said.
For a list of tax-free apparel and supplies, click here.
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Lamar University set to join coalition dedicated to Gulf cleanup
 Lamar University will join a coalition of scientists, policy experts and researchers working to protect the Texas economy and environment after the Deepwater Horizon rig explosion in the Gulf of Mexico. The university is well-positioned to assist in the endeavor, known as the Gulf Project, as it is equipped to respond to maritime oil spills with remote-sensing, GPS and GIS technology that can identify and map the spills' impact.
Stephen Doblin (pictured), LU provost and vice president for academic affairs, said Lamar's engineering and science faculty "have extensive and long-term experience in research and planning with respect to issues that impact timely and effective response to maritime oil spills in the Gulf of Mexico."
LU, in addition to its status as a leading research institution, produces the most chemical engineering master's degrees in the nation.
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Baylor University announces three new faces in leadership posts
   Baylor University has announced the appointment of three key leadership assignments.
Dr. Elizabeth Davis (right), a professor of accounting in Baylor's Hankamer School of Business, is set to become the first woman in the school's 165-year history to serve as executive vice president and provost. She succeeds Dr. J. Randall O'Brien, who left Baylor to assume the presidency of Carson-Newman College. Davis first joined the provost's office in 2004 as vice provost for financial and academic administration.
Vice President for Development Dr. Dennis Prescott (center) will transition to a new role as vice president and special advisor to the president for advancement. Prescott has led the development office at Baylor since 2007. He previously served as vice president for external affairs and chief executive officer of the Mississippi State University Foundation.
Kathy Wills Wright (left) has been named to the newly created position of senior vice president for strategic initiatives and partnerships. Wright previously served as a fundraising consultant in the Washington, D.C., area and has more than 25 years experience in communications, marketing, fundraising and government relations.
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TAMU-San Antonio announces key leadership roles filled
   Texas A&M University-San Antonio has announced three key leadership appointments. The TAMU System Board of Regents confirmed the appointments July 23.
Dr. Brent Snow (left) has been appointed provost and vice president of academic affairs. He previously served as associate vice president for academic affairs at the University of West Georgia. Snow holds a bachelor's degree from Brigham Young University, a master's degree from Oklahoma State University and a doctoral degree from the University of Idaho.
Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Charles G. Rodriguez (center) has been named vice president for strategic initiatives, institutional advancement and military affairs. Rodriguez, who is retired from the U.S. Army, most recently served as executive director of institutional advancement at TAMU-SA. He earned a bachelor's degree from the U.S. Military Academy, West Point, N.Y., two master's degrees from Keller Graduate School of Management and Wheaton College Graduate School and doctoral degree from the Union Institute and University.
Kenneth Mitts (right) has been confirmed as chief financial officer and vice president for finance and administration. Mitts served 20 years in the U.S. Air Force before retiring in 2006, when he was tapped to lead as Deputy Program Manager for the Defense Enterprise Accounting and Management System (DEAMS) Air Force Functional Program Management Support Service Team. He holds a bachelor's degree from Texas State University and master's degree from Barry University.
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TAMU Regents name Shomaker HSC College of Medicine dean
 The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents has approved Dr. Thomas (Sam) Shomaker (pictured) as The Jean and Thomas McMullin Dean of Medicine for the Texas A&M Health Science Center (HSC) College of Medicine. He will also serve as the vice president for clinical affairs at the HSC. He begins his new roles Aug. 1, replacing Dr. Christopher C. Colenda.
Shomaker is a professor of anesthesiology at The University of Texas Medical Branch and Chancellor's Health Fellow in Healthcare Reform/Reimbursement at The University of Texas System. From 2006 until 2009, he served as dean of Austin Programs at The University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston. A former lieutenant commander in the U.S. Navy Reserves, he has also served as president of the Central Texas Institute, an academic-medicine advocacy and support group in Central Texas. He has held tenures at the University of Utah and the University of Hawaii.
Shomaker earned his doctor of jurisprudence degree from Georgetown University School of Law and his medical degree from the University of Hawaii. He holds a bachelor's degree from St. Louis University.
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Wendt to serve UNT as assistant VP for Advancement Services
 George Wendt (pictured) has been tapped to serve as assistant vice president for Advancement Services at the University of North Texas, joining Advancement Vice President Lisa Baronio in leading the university's fundraising efforts.
Since 2005, Wendt has served as associate vice president of development at the Oklahoma State University Foundation. There he managed academic fundraising operations for Oklahoma State's College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology, raising a record $18 million for the school. He served at the University of Nebraska as director of corporate and foundation relations for 14 years. He also served as assistant vice president of the UN Foundation.
Wendt holds a bachelor's degree from Northern Michigan University.
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Prybutok chosen for post in UNT's graduate school
 Victor Prybutok (pictured) has been named interim associate dean of academic affairs at the University of North Texas Robert B. Toulouse School of Graduate Studies.
Prybutok currently serves as a regents professor in UNT's College of Business. He joined the UNT faculty in 1981 and has since served as doctoral program director of the College of Business and as coordinator of the ITDS Department Doctoral Program, among other roles.
Prybutok holds his bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree from Drexel University in Philadelphia.
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EPA awards $1M to University of Houston researchers
 The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has granted $1 million to the Texas Diesel Testing and Research Center at the University of Houston to retrofit school buses with systems that diminish diesel emissions.
Workers will retrofit 10 area buses, and UH researchers will analyze the fleet's ability to reduce smog-causing Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) and sooty particles over the next two years.
Rachel Muncrief (pictured), the lead investigator on the grant and a research assistant professor of chemical and biomolecular engineering at UH, said retrofitting buses marks a "cheaper alternative to completely replacing dirty diesel engines that contribute to non-attainment areas, such as Houston."
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ACC District enters into 72-acre contract in San Marcos
The Austin Community College District has entered into a contract for 72 acres of land - 21 acres to be purchased by the college and 51 acres that will be donated - in San Marcos. Total cost of the property in the Cottonwood Creek development on State Highway 123 is $2.28 million.
The contract hinges on annexation of San Marcos Consolidated Independent School District into the ACC District. SMCISD residents are weighing whether to join the district.
"Acquiring the land now is a smart strategy," said Dr. Stephen B. Kinslow, ACC president/CEO. "It allows us to proactively plan for growth in order to continue meeting the wide-ranging educational needs of our ... service area."
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NIH awards Baylor, Texas Children's funds for research institute
 The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has awarded Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital with $14.85 million in grants to complete two floors of the Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital.
Dr. Huda Zoghbi (pictured), professor in the departments of molecular and human genetics at Baylor COM, said the percentage of funding for neurological research is minimal compared to the "magnitude and societal impact" of the disorders. More than 300 million children suffer from some form of neurological deficit, Zoghbi said.
NIH funds will be used to create office and laboratory space in addition to space for Nuclear Magnetic Resonance equipment that will help researchers identify various neurological disorders.
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Alamo University Center celebrates grand opening in Live Oak
 The Alamo University Center recently celebrated its grand opening in Live Oak. The Center is a collaborative between the Alamo Colleges and five area universities: Texas State University-San Marcos, St. Mary's University, Texas A&M University-San Antonio, the University of the Incarnate Word and Wayland Baptist University.
The 75,000-square-foot facility houses classrooms, labs and offices in addition to the district's Student Financial Services office and the Center for Student Information. Partner universities will offer classes at the Center in more than 20 programs of study beginning with the fall semester.
Texas State President Denise Trauth (pictured) said the university has the experience "necessary to make a multi-institution teaching center work." Texas State operates a similar initiative in Round Rock and will open a second permanent building there next month.
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UTHSC-SA named Musi founding director of Center for Health Aging
 Dr. Nicolas Musi (pictured) will serve as founding director of the new Center for Health Aging at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UTHSC-SA).
Musi is a diabetes researcher at UTHSC-SA's School of Medicine. He received his medical degree from the Universidad Anahuac in Mexico City in 1995 and completed his residency at the University of Miami-Jackson Memorial Medical Center in 1998. He joined the faculty of Harvard University after completing a clinical fellowship in endocrinology and metabolism at the Joslin Diabetes Center-Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School in 2001.
Musi's research focuses on aging, insulin resistance and exercise physiology.
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TxDOT plans for 38-mile stretch of improvements on U.S. 290
Some improvements for a 38-mile stretch of U.S. 290 between Waller and Houston could be under way by next summer. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has projected $4.6 billion for the total cost of needed upgrades.
Meanwhile Chappell Hill Chamber of Commerce recently sponsored a forum to discuss plans to help improve traffic flow along the highway. Several sections of the roadway are ranked in the top 30 most congested areas in Texas, including the U.S. 290 and Interstate 10 interchange - No. 8 on the list - where more than 250,000 vehicles are on the highway daily.
Plans include expanding the section of highway extending from Waller to the 610 Loop to five lanes in both directions, among other measures. So far, TxDOT has $314 million earmarked for the highway's improvements as part of a $5 billion transportation bond package approved by voters in 2009.
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HUD awards El Paso agency $10.3M grant for capital improvements The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is set to award the Housing Authority of the City of El Paso (HACEP) $10.3 million in capital improvement money for the 2010 fiscal year. The funds will be used to maintain and improve 6,044 public housing units throughout the city.
According to one U.S. representative, the funds will help address El Paso Housing Authority's most pressing needs.
HACEP funds are used for large-scale upgrades for the replacement of roofs, plumbing and electrical systems in a bid to make them more reliable and energy efficient.
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Big Spring ISD office finalizes plans for funds from recent bond sale
 Big Spring Independent School District officials have agreed to construct three new elementary campuses to replace existing campuses at Washington, Marcy and Goliad with proceeds from recent bond sales. Funds will also be used to renovate Big Spring High School and Moss Elementary, and add more classrooms to the Moss campus junior high.
Proceeds from recent bond sales - $53.26 million - should be in district coffers by late August. The money will be placed in interest-bearing accounts until it is disbursed.
BSISD Superintendent Steven Saldivar (pictured) said district officials are in talks with architects to finalize construction plans. The projects are scheduled to break ground next April or May, according to Saldivar.
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Medina County considers how to pay for jail expansion
Medina County officials are looking to double the size of the county jail and construct an office building in Hondo. The projects, which may cost more than $15 million, are slated to be finished by early 2012.
County Judge Jim Barden said he would prefer issuing certificates of obligation to holding a bond election. "We've got wonderful interest rates and good prices on construction," he said. "An election would probably end up delaying it."
The 96-bed jail opened in 1999 and has experienced overcrowding, leaving the county to pay about $200,000 to house overflow prisoners elsewhere.
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DETCOG agrees to apply $1.5M toward technical-training center
 The Deep East Texas Council of Governments (DETCOG) board has passed a resolution to apply a $1.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Agency (DCEDA) toward a proposed training center. The application of those funds leaves about $2.1 million to be raised to open the Nacogdoches Technical Training Center.
Nacogdoches County Judge Joe English (pictured) said the grant money will make a $500,000 former warehouse the county purchased "school-ready."
Angelina College will run the facility once it's opened, according to English.
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Jacksonville ISD may try again on $49.8 million bond proposal
The superintendent of Jacksonville Independent School District recently urged trustees to consider asking voters to approve an almost $49.9 million bond proposal to pay to build two new elementary schools and renovate other district facilities. Voters have rejected three previous bond proposals.
The two new elementary schools are estimated to cost about $33.4 million while adding a new food service area and new classrooms to the Douglass campus are estimated to cost about $4.5 million, said Superintendent Joe Wardell. Adding an enclosed corridor to connect buildings at the high school is estimated to cost about $12 million.
The district's financial adviser told trustees that stable construction rates and low interest rates make it a good time to meet the district's need to improve facilities and meet the educational needs of students. He also said that approval of $49.9 million in bonds could increase the current tax rate by about 19 cents. The bonds could be sold as early as January or February 2011 if trustees decide to call a bond election in November, he said. |
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Wichita Falls ISD to seek $12 million federal loan for construction
Trustees for the Wichita Falls Independent School District recently authorized staff to apply for a $12 million loan from the federal Qualified School Construction Bond program to pay for several renovation projects.
Included in the proposal are plans to spend $5.49 million for a new parking lot, turf and renovations to Memorial Stadium, $3.12 million for a new gymnasium and renovated athletic fields at Wichita Falls High School, $605,000 to renovate the stands and locker rooms at Hoskins Field, $687,500 to renovate athletic facilities at Hirschi High School, $187,500 to replace a track, $275,000 each to install new roofs at three schools and $250,000 to add a new roof to Kirby Junior High School.
The federal bond program, which offers zero interest, must be used for building public school facilities, acquiring land for a public school or renovating or repairing a public school.
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Arts of Collin County leaders mull best strategy to raise funds
 The board of the Arts of Collins County (ACC) recently met to discuss funding options for 2011 and possible benefits to city budgets to stagger funding options for a proposed arts center.
Plano Deputy City Manager Frank Turner (pictured) told board members that Plano city officials have no plans to release any more bonds until ACC officials approve a contribution agreement with the other two participating cities, Frisco and Allen. Officials in Frisco, who approved the sale of $19 million in bonds to help pay for the project, indicated they are not yet ready to sell bonds. ACC recently received bids which lowered the cost of the first phase of the construction from $86 million to $66.1 million.
The construction company has said the estimated construction costs will stay in line with current bids through December. ACC leaders also are meeting with officials of McKinney, Prosper, Celina and Collin College to explore the possibility of becoming partners in the agreement. McKinney city leaders had originally planned to participate in the project, but withdrew when taxpayers voted against a proposal to build and maintain a new arts center. ACC officials also are in discussion with a naming donor who is considering contributing $10 million to the arts center project.
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Mexia to appoint group to study new city hall/civic center
Mexia City Council members recently agreed to appoint a committee to study whether the city should proceed with a proposed city hall and civic center building.
Some city officials would like to demolish the current structure and move to another building or construct a new building while others support renovating and preserving the current city hall as a historic landmark. Council members said they plan to vote next week on appointing a representative to the committee from each of the seven districts in the city and having City Manager Larry Brown serve as the at-large representative on the committee that will study the best option to proceed.
One council member expressed concern that the current civic center poses a safety risk and is rented for events through December. Council members also discussed the possibility of buying the former National Guard armory from the state and pay $100 a month to lease the facility until the purchase is finalized.
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Amarillo College wins $789,000 grant for solar energy training
 The National Science Foundation recently awarded Amarillo College a $789,424, three-year grant to pay for a training program for solar energy technicians.
The new solar energy training program will complement the current wind energy technician program as part of the college's renewable energy program, said Jack Stanley (pictured), chairman of the science and engineering division of the college. The proposed solar program will prepare students as certified installers, as solar system designers, for manufacturing components for solar installations and maintaining solar installations.
The two-year program will cover all facets of solar energy, including the use of photovoltaic generation to using rays of sun to heat water, he said. The program will not create experts in the field, but will prepare attendees to get a good start in the field, he said. The college also received a $414,000 grant in May from the Office of the Texas Comptroller to buy and equip two 44-foot trailers to serve as self-contained classrooms for wind and solar training on the road.
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Southlake finalizing design for new multipurpose facility
Southlake City Council members recently met with architects to discuss priority items for a proposed multipurpose facility and agreed to let taxpayers get their first look at the preliminary plans at a meeting on Aug. 17.
Council members listed a 300-seat performing arts center, a recreation and community center with a space that would attract pre-teens and teenagers, a new library and a senior center as items most critical to the facility. Council members also said a community room that could be rented for weddings, luncheons or reunions and a gymnasium with a full-length basketball court and an elevated walking track also would be important to the project. Projects considered unnecessary for the proposed facility were a swimming pool and facilities for physical therapy or rehabilitation classes.
The architect told the council that if the city won approval of a bond election in May 2011, design and construction would take another two and one-half years. He also said some citizens were concerned about the possibility of renovating existing facilities now being considered because of concerns that one former church being considered would be more appropriate for a gymnasium than for a performing arts center because of acoustics.
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Henderson ISD may reduce bond proposal to $45 million
 Superintendent Keith Boles (pictured) of the Henderson Independent School District recently urged trustees to consider reducing a bond proposal under consideration for November from $55 million to $45 million.
Building a new $26 million middle school and expanding and renovating Northside Intermediate School remain the top priorities for the district, Boles said. Projects he proposed to be eliminated are $1.7 million in roof repairs for Henderson High School, an $800,000 practice field at the middle school, a $150,000 roof repair project at Northside and $101,500 for expanding parking at the high school field house. He also said he would cut an $824,400 renovation of the field house, $960,000 for improving the façade of the high school and delaying $1.4 million in improvements to the football stadium from the bond proposal.
Boles also urged trustees to retain a $3.8 million project for a new gymnasium to seat 1,000 attendees and a $5.25 million auditorium. Trustees took no action on the recommendation, but the board president noted that keeping the bond proposal under $50 million could make the issue more palatable to voters. Trustees have an Aug. 24 deadline to call a bond election for Nov. 2.
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TWC awards company $200K to help veteran entrepreneurs
The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) has awarded Momentum Texas Inc. (MTI) a $200,000 grant to kick-start a program designed to assist returning Afghan and Iraqi veterans who are looking to start a business. The initiative arrives as part of the Dallas-Fort Worth Veterans Business Assistance Program (DFWVBAP).
As part of a no-cost assessment, MTI staff will meet with interested veterans to evaluate their business acumen. Based on that evaluation, veteran entrepreneurs will be allowed to attend one of three business-training programs, valued at $200 to $400, for no charge.
Veterans interested in the program should contact MTI President Jim Reid at 214-421-3771 or click here.
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Harker Heights to seek $500,000 grant for new park
Harker Heights City Council members recently authorized staff to seek grant funding from the Texas Department of Parks and Wildlife to help pay for developing Purser Family Park.
Engineering for the 32-acre park on Mountain Lion Road is almost finished and waiting for the grant process could delay construction by three to four months. The city also will be required to match the grant, which has a maximum award of $500,000. The city already has set aside $1 million to pay all costs for the park, which is a "low-impact" park, said City Manager Steve Carpenter. Winning grant funding would allow the city to offset some of those costs and use that funding elsewhere, he added.
Plans call for the park to include a 0.3-acre area for small dogs and a 0.8-acre area for larger dogs, an 18-hole Frisbee golf course and a one-mile walking and jogging trail. The park also will have picnic tables placed throughout the area and a parking lot for visitors, Carpenter said.
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Tom Green County wants San Angelo to share camp cost
 Commissioners for Tom Green County recently authorized the director of facilities maintenance to negotiate with San Angelo city officials to explore the possibility of the city and county splitting the cost of maintaining a state inmate work camp in San Angelo.
The city and county shared in the cost of building the work camp and should share maintenance costs, said Commissioner Ralph Hoelscher (pictured) of Precinct 1. He said the city and county should each pay a certain amount per prisoner into the maintenance fund to share maintenance costs. The state pays for utilities for the work camp, he added.
In 2009, the county spent about $30,300 on maintenance and has spent $15,000 so far this year out of the $38,000 budgeted for repairs and maintenance, said Don Killam, the county facilities maintenance director. The county also plans to re-roof a portion of the building and add a storm cellar to another building. Killam also suggested that the county ask the city to reimburse the county for some of the cost of maintenance performed in the past.
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Brazos Co. officials apply for $2M state grant for biomedical facility
 The Brazos County Commissioners Court has submitted an application for a $2 million grant from the Texas Military Preparedness Commission to help with the construction costs of a biomedical building. Massive quantities of vaccines will be produced at the 145,000-square-foot facility.
Commissioner Kenny Mallard (pictured) said the Court is eligible for the grant since "we would be capable of providing huge quantities of vaccine throughout the world and not just Texas."
The City of Bryan has entered into an agreement with Texas A&M University to allow 21 acres on which the facility would be built. The city has also agreed to construct a road leading to the facility, which is valued at a minimum of $30 million.
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Montgomery County to sell $112 million in bonds
Montgomery County commissioners recently approved the sale of three bond issues totaling $112 million to pay for a mental health facility, build new roads and refinance $43 million in existing road bond debt. County officials plan to sell $33.5 million in bonds for the mental health facility and $36.1 million for the "pass-through toll" road program with the Texas Department of Transportation in August and September.
The county has a $7.5 million contract with the Department of State Health Services to build a secure, 100-bed mental health facility to house criminal offenders throughout the Houston region who are committed by courts, including those incompetent to stand trial or found guilty by reason of insanity. Legislators also will consider a $15 million annual appropriation to operate the facility, which is expected to alleviate overcrowding at the Rusk and Vernon state psychiatric hospitals. County officials are negotiating with a private company to manage the facility.
Under the "pass-through toll" program, the county agreed to pay for road projects and be reimbursed by the state based on the number of vehicles that use the new roads. County officials have agreed to pay $186 million of the $219 million pass-through toll project, which will expand FM 1314, FM 1485 and FM 1458, realign FM 1484 and build director connector ramps from SH 242 to I-45. Voters approved $160 million in road bonds in 2005, of which $100 million was obligated to the pass-through toll program. This latest $36.1 million issue is the last of the county's commitment to the pass-through toll program. The state should begin to repay the county in 2012.
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Coryell County postpones design contract for jail project
 Citing budget concerns, Coryell County commissioners recently agreed to postpone a decision on whether to hire an architect to help find a solution to jail overcrowding.
Whether deciding to build a new 240-bed facility to meet long-term space requirements or to renovate the existing facility to accommodate 144 beds, the county does not have the funding to pay for either choice without raising property taxes, said County Judge John Firth (pictured).
Officials of the USDA Rural Development said some stimulus funding could be available next year to help the county and the Rebuild America bonds could cover about 31 percent of the cost of a new jail, Firth said. When considering a solution to jail overcrowding, county leaders will need to balance the price of a new jail with the current costs of transporting inmates to jails in other counties, he added.
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Opening of new international bridge in Donna postponed
Because of delays in construction on the Mexican side of the new Donna International Bridge, officials now plan to open the new 8-lane, $50 million bridge in November rather than in June as originally planned.
Recent flooding on the Rio Grande contributed to the delay, said City Manager Oscar Cuellar of Donna. The bridge, which will be named "Revolucion," will be open before Dec. 31 when the governor of Tamaulipas is scheduled to leave office, Cuellar said. City officials in Donna borrowed about $50 million to pay for the new international bridge, which is expected to generate enough toll revenues to pay for its construction and operating costs. Officials expect about 2,500 vehicles per day to pay a $2.50 toll to use the new bridge.
Workers still must complete about 400 feet of pavement on the bridge in Mexico before the project is completed, but cameras and radiation detectors are already installed and the Customs and Border Protection buildings are complete, Cuellar said. Large trucks will not be able to use the new bridge until federal funding is approved to build inspection stations, he added.
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Aledo officials reject proposed merger of six Parker County cities
 Mayor Kit Marshall (pictured) and Aledo City Council members recently rejected a proposal by the mayor of Willow Park to merge six small cities in eastern Parker County into one city named Aledo. The Willow Park mayor proposed merging Aledo, Willow Park, Hudson Oaks, Annetta North, Annetta South and Annetta to save money and improve services.
Aledo council members, however, made it clear that they will not participate in talks about the proposed merger, Marshall said. And the city will continue to move forward with major projects such as a feasibility study for a regional wastewater treatment plant in Aledo, she said. Council approved an agreement calling for each of the cities to share in the cost of the study based on population, she added. In this instance, Hudson Oaks officials agreed to pay 21 percent of the cost of the feasibility study for the regional wastewater treatment plant under consideration.
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Clean School Bus Program awards $775K in grants to districts
The North Central Texas Clean School Bus Program has awarded eight area school districts more than $775,000 in grants to replace 21 high-polluting school buses with a cleaner fleet. The school districts slated to receive funds, which are administered through the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG), include: Birdville, Castleberry, Crandall, Ennis, Glen Rose, Kennedale, Mabank and Wylie.
Those districts comprise a nine-county area (Collin, Dallas, Denton, Ellis, Johnson, Kaufman, Parker, Rockwall and Tarrant) in nonattainment for ozone, which means they do not comply with federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations designed to protect public health.
Funding for the grants is made possible by the EPA and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality's Supplemental Environmental Projects (SEP) program. This marks the first time NCTCOG has received an SEP grant.
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Registrations being accepted for CATEE Conference set Aug. 24-26 in Austin Register for the seventh annual Clean Air Through Energy Efficiency Conference (CATEE) which is being co-staged with the 17th Symposium on Improving Building Systems in Hot and Humid Climates. Both conferences are hosted by the Energy Systems Laboratory of the Texas Engineering Experiment Station, a division of the Texas A&M University System. In addition, the Energy Systems Laboratory is partnering with the regional working group of the HUD-DOT-EPA Interagency Partnership for Sustainable Communities to highlight national and regional joint initiatives. Keynote speakers include Mayor Lee Leffingwell, City of Austin; C. Donald Babers, Regional Administrator for Region VI, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development; Chairman Barry Smitherman, Public Utility Commission of Texas; Mike Savonis, Team Leader, Federal Highway Administration; Guy Donaldson, Section Chief, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency - Region 6 and James M. Crites, Executive V.P., Operations, Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport. Register at http://catee.tamu.edu.
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.
CEVS 2010, 'Re-Imagining the Built Environment' in Austin
Austin Energy and the Clean Energy Incubator announce the fourth annual Clean Energy Venture Summit on September 29-30, 2010. Early stage clean-energy companies will audition their technologies for inclusion in Austin's $10.4M DOE smart-grid/smart-home demonstration project, a product of the Pecan Street Project, the nation's most ambitious city-wide clean-energy laboratory. "The feedback EcoFit Lighting received during the 2009 conference helped us refine our investor pitch, leading to the close of a $2M round of funding," said Cason Coplin, CEO of 2009 CEVS winner Ecofit Lighting, a Kansas-based firm.
National Association of Social Workers, Texas plans annual conference
The 2010 National Association of Social Workers, Texas Annual Conference is slated for Oct. 8-10 at the Westin Galleria in Houston. Houston Mayor Annise Parker will be the opening plenary speaker and will address "Inspiring Community Action for a Better Quality of Life." Some of the pre-conference sessions planned, for which continuing education hours can be earned, include topics such as suicide prevention and postvention, overview of psychotropic medication for treating mental illness and teaching the next generation of social workers. inspiring community action for a better quality of life. There will also be numerous break-out sessions during the three days that cover everything from motivational interviewing to challenges facing children with incarcerated parents. The closing plenary session will feature Vicki Hansen, LMSW-AP, ACSW addressing "Advancing the Profession: Inspiring Social Workers. The closing plenary will provide attendees with a "State of the Chapter" to bring you up to date with NASW/Texas challenges and accomplishments. For more information on the conference schedules, click here. For registration information, click here.
'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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State's checkbook is an interesting read...
 By Mary Scott Nabers, CEO of Strategic Partnerships, Inc.
Public entities in Texas spend billions each year for products and services. Their purchasing history is an open book...and government contractors should periodically take a look at what is being purchased.
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), one of the state's largest agencies, reported expenditures of more than $7.9 billion in 2009. While it's true that the agency spends billions for roads and infrastructure, TxDOT also wrote checks for pest control, locksmith services, fencing, security, landscaping, lawn mowing, dirt hauling, advertising and consulting.
Every state agency purchases thousands of different types of services and products each year. In looking at the state's checkbook, here are some common types of entries:
- The Texas Public Finance Authority awarded a contract to a firm for executive search services when the board was seeking an executive director. Most public entities employ an outside search firm when there are job openings in the executive ranks.
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Beard a finalist to head Region 20 Education Service Center
 Superintendent Ronny Beard (pictured) of the Cleburne Independent School District recently confirmed he is one of three finalists in the search for an executive director of Region 20 Education Service Center (ESC) in San Antonio.
Beard said he plans to remain in Cleburne if he is not chosen for the position at the Region 20 ESC. He also said he applied for the job because of the great opportunities it offered, not because he was dissatisfied in Cleburne. Beard joined the district in 2008 and is credited with bringing Cleburne ISD into compliance with state regulations. He previously served as a superintendent at Sweetwater ISD.
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Cogburn is new chief financial officer at Grapevine-Colleyville
Trustees for the Grapevine-Colleyville Independent School District recently selected Elaine Cogburn as the new chief financial officer. She replaces Hank Johnson, who resigned in January to join Fort Worth ISD. Cogburn, who is the accounting services manager for Dallas ISD, previously served as chief financial officer for Frenship ISD and an accountant for Lubbock ISD.
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Lake Travis ISD selects Contreras maintenance, operations head
Trustees for the Lake Travis Independent School District recently selected Frank Contreras as the director of maintenance and operations. Contreras joined the district in 2001 as a Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning technician and later won promotion to maintenance supervisor. He is certified in numerous areas, including indoor air quality, integrated pest management and asbestos control. He will direct and manage the custodial program and maintenance of all schools and facilities in the district.
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Del Rio council ousts city manager Frances Rodriguez
 Del Rio City Manager Frances Rodriguez (pictured) has been terminated from her post following a vote from the city council last week. The council has since turned its attention to looking for Rodriguez' replacement.
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Greenville to sell $5.89 million
in bonds to improve roads
City council members in Greenville recently authorized the sale of $5.89 million in bonds to pay for improvements to Traders Road and the construction of the Monty Stratton Parkway .
Plans calls for spending about $3 million to upgrade Traders Road between FM 1570 and SH 34 and to add two lanes with a raised median and open ditches to Monty Stratton Parkway to connect with I-30 and Lions Lair Road near Greenville High School and a campus of Paris Junior College.
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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.
 David Gragan was a signals intelligence officer in the U.S. Marine Corps before beginning a career as a public sector contracting professional in 1993. That year, he was named chief procurement officer for the State of Indiana. He later served in that same capacity for the State of Texas. Gragan then entered the private sector as a consultant on public procurement best practices and strategic sourcing. In 2007, he was appointed chief procurement officer for the District of Columbia, a position he still holds. |
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Texas Department of Public Safety touts new licensing site
The Texas Department of Public Safety recently unveiled an improved driver license Web site to provide more convenience to users. The upgraded Web site will help users more quickly and efficiently find driver license information by providing easy-access links to the most-visited portions of the driver license Web site. DPS officials last redesigned the driver license Web site in early 2001.
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| San Marcos selects search
firm to find new city manager
San Marcos City Council members recently selected a search firm to help find a new city manager to replace former City Manager Rick Menchaca, whose contract was terminated on June 24. The search firm is one of seven search firms that submitted proposals to the city, the mayor said.
Interim City Manager Laurie Moyer also will begin work to find an interim city clerk to replace City Clerk Sherry Mashburn, who is resigning to accept a position in College Station. Mashburn previously served as city secretary in Bee Cave.
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Alvin ISD hires search firm to help find new superintendent
Board members for Alvin Independent School District recently hired a search firm to help find a new superintendent. Trustees also adopted a timeline with a goal of hiring a new superintendent in early December.
The position already is being advertised on the Internet through professional organizations and Web sites, said Interim Superintendent Tommy King. District officials also agreed to hold several meetings with the public, teachers, staff and other stakeholders to gather more information on the leadership qualities and characteristics they seek. The district will accept applications until early October, perform initial interviews with applicants by mid-October and name a finalist for the position in mid-November.
Aransas Pass ISD tags Helms
as interim superintendent
Aransas Pass Independent School District trustees recently selected Crawford Helms, who retired as superintendent of West Oso ISD in 2009, as the new interim superintendent. Helms replaced former Superintendent Sue Thomas, who left the district at the end of June. Helms previously held positions at La Marque ISD, Brenham ISD and North Zulch ISD.
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Mercedes ISD announces Trevino as lone finalist for superintendent The Mercedes Independent School District has named Dan Trevino as sole finalist for the position of superintendent. He will replace Beto D. Gonzalez, who has resigned to become head of the education/kinesiology division of Texas A&M-San Antonio.
Trevino currently serves as assistant superintendent for La Feria ISD. He graduated from Mercedes ISD and eventually taught in the district. Trevino will be the fifth superintendent at Mercedes ISD in as many years.
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| London ISD names Roberts
as new superintendent
 London Independent School District board members recently selected Hal Roberts (pictured) as the new superintendent. Roberts takes over for former Superintendent Charley McMath, who died last year.
London previously served as an principal for Longview ISD, principal for West Orange-Stark ISD and as an assistant superintendent for Bay City ISD. He has a bachelor's degree from the University of Houston and a master's degree from Stephen F. Austin State University.
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Vidor ISD selects Croak as director of business and finance
Vidor Independent School District board members recently selected David Croak as the new executive director of business and finance. Croak replaces David Edgar, who resigned in May to accept a position with Hallsville ISD.
Croak previously worked for Vidor ISD as a math teacher and an assistant principal before accepting employment with an energy company where he is currently employed.
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Yselta ISD announces administrative appointments
Yselta Independent School District officials have named Ricardo Lopez as Area I associate superintendent and Susanna Russell as Area II associate superintendent.
Former Del Valley High School Principal Lopez will oversee the Del Valle, Yselta and Riverside high school campuses in his new charge. Russell, a former administrator with the Lake Travis school district in Austin, will be charged with overseeing the Bel Air and Eastwood areas in her new role.
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| Bryson ISD mulling calling
$12 million bond election
Trustees for the Bryson Independent School District recently discussed asking voters to approve $12 million in bonds to pay for upgrading district facilities.
Part of the renovations may include changing the school's heating and cooling system to make it dependent on a geothermal system, which Superintendent Jack Coody said would pay for itself in 12 to 13 years. District officials also plan other renovations, some new construction and demolition, Coody said. No decision has been made on when trustees will schedule the bond election.
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| Laredo attorney nominated
for federal judge position
 Laredo attorney Marina Garcia Marmolejo (pictured) has been nominated by President Barack Obama to be federal judge for the U.S. Southern Judicial District of Texas. She becomes the second nominee for two open federal judge spots in Laredo.
Marmolejo is a partner in a Laredo law firm and a former assistant U.S. attorney. She began her legal career as an assistant federal public defender. She holds a bachelor's degree from the University of the Incarnate Word, a master's from St. Mary's University and her law degree from St. Mary's University School of Law.
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| Lamar County to continue
with courthouse repair Lamar County commissioners recently authorized staff to seek bids for resealing and repainting windows on the remaining two sides of the building and to repair the roof of the courthouse and on the courthouse annex.
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| Upshur County selects Tucker
as interim county auditor
Upshur County officials recently appointed Janice Tucker as the interim county auditor. Tucker, who previously was assistant county auditor, replaces Gary Smith, who resigned in July to accept a position as business manager for the city of Gilmer.
Tucker has served as assistance auditor since December 2008. County officials said they are not sure when a permanent county auditor will be appointed.
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DSHS awards San Marcos Animal Shelter $20K grant
The Texas Department of State Health Services (TDSHS) has awarded the San Marcos Animal Shelter a $20,000 grant for its spay-and-neuter program. The initiative assists low-income residents with payments for the operations to prevent overpopulation and reduce the number of abandoned cats and dogs in the area.
The shelter was also recently awarded a $7,500 grant from the Petfinder.com Foundation to fund a series of feline vaccinations.
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| UTMB-Galveston names
Engells as police chief
Thomas E. Engells has been named chief of police at The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston.
Engells has served as assistant chief of police at the UT M. D. Anderson Cancer Center and at the UT Health Science Center at Houston since 2005. Engells begins his new charge as police chief Aug. 16.
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Texas Government Insider Archives
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Fireman's Fund awards Avalon VFD $22K for equipment
The Fireman's Fund, in conjunction with a prominent insurance company, recently awarded the Avalon Volunteer Fire Department $22,874 to purchase a thermal-imaging camera and turnout gear.
Assistant Fire Chief Mark Alaniz said the funds "will provide our firefighters and volunteers with updated equipment, so that we are properly prepared to respond to all emergency situations."
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Cypress-Fairbanks ISD names Morua to assist superintendent
Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District officials recently selected Alejandro Morua as the new assistant to the superintendent. Morua previously served as the program coordinator for the Houston A Plus Challenge.
Morua will replace Dr. Cheryl Salyards, who retired as associate superintendent for governmental relations and communications in June. He has bachelor's degrees from the University of Pennsylvania.
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Company partners with UT, A&M to offer team merchandise
Branded Retail Energy Co. is partnering with The University of Texas and Texas A&M University to create an affinity program that will designate a monthly portion of customers' electricity bills to either school. In return, patrons will receive school-related T-shirts, water bottles, game ticket coupons and other gifts, similar to the perks affinity credit card holders receive.
Both universities will net a fee for each customer who signs up, resulting in annual, six-figure licensing funds for the schools, according to Chris Plonsky, women's athletic director at The University of Texas at Austin. Those funds will go to the university's athletic departments and also be used for environmental projects on campus, Plonsky said.
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| Waco ISD accepts resignation
of Hernandez as superintendent Trustees for the Waco Independent School District recently accepted the resignation of Superintendent Roland Hernandez. Hernandez resigned to accept a position as chief administrative officer for Corpus Christi ISD.
Board members, however, delayed in appointing an interim superintendent, but said they hope to appoint someone to serve as interim superintendent before school begins in August.
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Governor's appointments
Governor Rick Perry has announced the following appointments:
- Callie Vivion-Matthews of Fort Worth, Council on Autism and Pervasive Developmental Disorders
- Pam Rollins of Dallas, Council on Autism and Pervasive Developmental Disorders
- Glenn Roque-Jackson of Plano, Council on Autism and Pervasive Developmental Disorders
- Stephanie Sokolosky of Lubbock, Council on Autism and Pervasive Developmental Disorders
- James Wade Birdwell of Mansfield, judge, 342nd District Court in Tarrant County
- Robert Davis Jr. of Coppell, Texas Appraiser Licensing and Certification Board
- Malachi Boyuls of Dallas, Texas Appraiser Licensing and Certification Board
- Sheryl Swift of Galveston, Texas Appraiser Licensing and Certification Board
- Robert J. Choate of Wiergate, Newton County Criminal District Attorney
- Laura Duran of Austin, Communities in Schools Advisory Committee
- Diana Juarez of Laredo, Communities in Schools Advisory Committee
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Tyler ISD mulling $100 million bond election for November
 Trustees for the Tyler Independent School District recently discussed scheduling a $100 million bond election in November to build a new middle school and renovate two elementary schools.
Superintendent Randy Reid (pictured) told trustees that passing the $100 million bond proposal would not require a tax hike. District officials recently approved the purchase of a 29-acre tract in the southwest area of the city for a new middle school to house as many as 1,200 students. If the bond proposal is approved in November, the new middle school could be open as early as 2012. If a bond proposal is approved in May 2011, the new intermediate school could be open in 2013.
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Bee Cave selects Garza
as new municipal judge Bee Cave City Council members recently selected David L. Garza as the new municipal judge. Garza will replace Jack Stick, who said he is not seeking reappointment when his term expires at the end of July.
Garza, a licensed attorney, worked five years at the Texas Attorney General's Office, five years as chief of the public integrity unit of the Travis County District Attorney's Office and as a part-time municipal judge in Austin.
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Pinehurst negotiating for building for new city hall
Pinehurst City Council members recently agreed to include a provision to divide closing costs with the seller in negotiations to buy a $747,000, 6,000-square-foot facility to serve as a new city hall.
The new facility is needed to replace the current building that is no longer suitable to serve as city hall, said Mayor T.W. Permenter. The next step, the mayor said, is to pursue funding for the property.
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Cypress-Fairbanks ISD picks Frankel as new director
Trustees for the Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District recently selected Nancy Frankel to serve in a new position of director of federal programs. Frankel's duties include monitoring special grant programs, acting as a grant liaison between program coordinators, administrators and federal agencies and training special program coordinators to ensure the district complies with all requirements of federal grants.
Frankel has a bachelor's degree from Minnesota State University-Moorhead and a master's degree from the University of Houston. A 21-year employee of the district, Frankel previously served as a curriculum coach and reading specialist.
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| Aztec MSD approves sale
of $12.2 million in bonds
Board members of Aztec Municipal School District recently approved the sale of $12.2 million in bonds to pay for renovation of a middle school.
The district is using a provision of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to sell the bonds. This will cost the district just slightly more than $1 million in interest as compared to the estimated $3.6 million in interest that would be paid using a traditional bond program, the district's financial adviser said. Renovations at Koogler Middle School will occur in phases, said Deputy superintendent Tania Prokop.
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Seguin approves plan for new west side community park
Seguin City Council members recently approved a master plan for a new 47-acre community park on the city's west side.
The new heavily wooded community park will feature an aquatic center with swimming pool, a pedestrian bridge, restrooms, a playground area and walking trails. The plan calls for 1.5 miles of paved trails accessible to persons with disabilities and 1.5 miles of unpaved trails. Only a few trees will be removed, the architect said.
While voters approved $600,000 in a 2006 bond to pay for a new park on the city's west side, city officials spent most, or about $500,000, to buy the property and the remaining to pay other expenses such as the cost of the master plan and the cost of issuing the bond, leaving no funding to develop the proposed park. City officials hope to develop the park in phases, using the master plan to help attract grants to help pay for the new community park, said Assistant City Manager Rick Cortes.
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San Antonio Police Department announces key appointments
Police Chief William McManus has appointed Jose L. Banales as assistant chief of the San Antonio Police Department's (SAPD) investigation division and Anthony R. Muro as deputy chief of the Department's south patrol unit.
Banales, a 26-year SAPD veteran, replaces Harry Griffin, who retired recently. He most recently served as deputy chief of the terrorism and criminal intelligence division. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and holds a bachelor's degree from Texas State University and a master's degree from Webster University. Muro has been with the SAPD since 1987, previously holding the rank of captain and serving as commander for the professional standards section. He holds a bachelor's degree from The University of Texas at San Antonio.
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| Corrections, clarifications
In a story regarding the change of command at William Beaumont Army Medical Center in the Friday, June 23, edition of the Texas Government Insider, an accompanying photo was incorrectly identified as Major General Ted Wong. We regret the error.
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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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