Texas Government Insider
Volume 9, Issue 31 - Friday, Aug. 5, 2011

Pass-through transportation projects approved for funding

 

TxDOT to begin negotiations on $157.2 million in construction throughout state

Road SignsMore than $157.2 million in highway construction projects throughout Texas have been approved for funding from the Texas Department of Transportation's (TxDOT) pass-through toll program. TxDOT officials will be negotiating with the various entities for construction of their respective projects.

 

Under the pass-through program guidelines, those entities will pay up-front for the costs of their projects and then a portion of the project costs will be reimbursed over time by TxDOT based on an agreed-to rate for each vehicle that drives on the new highway.

 

Fourteen projects throughout the state were recently approved by the Texas Transportation Commission for the pass-through program and TxDOT will be negotiating and executing the agreements with the entities supporting the projects. (To view the complete list of projects, click here and look under "Recent Reports.")

 

The largest among the more than a dozen projects is a project of the Cameron County Regional Mobility Authority involving US 77. The $27.7 million project includes construction of two tolled direct connector ramps. Each will carry two lanes from US 77/83 at SH 550 to 200 feet east of Baker Lane and then continue with four main lanes to 2,800 feet east of Old Alice Road. The project length is just over two miles.

 

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Strategic Partnerships salutes Texas' Lone Stars

 

Joe JaworskiJoe Jaworski, mayor, City of Galveston

 

Career highlights and education: Third generation Texas lawyer licensed in 1991. Law clerk to Hon. John R. Brown, United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit (1991-1992); Associate, Griggs & Harrison, P.C. (1992-1998); Partner, Simpson, Beeton, Finegan & Jaworski, L.L.P. (1998-2002); Trial Lawyer, Buzbee Law Firm (2002-2007); Attorney and Mediator, Jaworski Law Firm (2007-present). District 3 Councilmember, City of Galveston (2000-2006); Mayor Pro Tem, City of Galveston (2004-2006); Mayor, City of Galveston (2010-present).
  
What I like best about my job is:  Exceeding people's expectations.

The best advice I've received for my current job is:  No good deed goes unpunished. Seriously, as mayor, the best advice I have received is don't be dismayed by people's complaints. People are supposed to complain. That's how the system works. My job is to address complaints positively and promptly.

Advice you would give a new hire in your office:  Always aspire to greatness.
 
If I ever snuck out of work early, I could probably be found: driving around Galveston, Texas.
 
People would be surprised to know that I:  used to be a rock and roll drummer.
 
One thing I wish more people knew about my city: The City of Galveston is business friendly! Come check us out!

 

 

Warren retires from Texas Commission on Fire Protection

Gary WarrenThe head of the Texas Commission on Fire Protection, Gary L. Warren (pictured), will retire Aug. 31 after more than 15 years as executive director.

 

The agency's standards division director, John Soteriou, will serve as interim director during a search for Warren's successor.

 

Commission officials will begin reviewing applications at a meeting on Oct. 5.

 

Lori Person chosen as chief administrative officer for DIR

Lori PersonLori Person (pictured), director of Governmental Relations, Planning and Communications at the Texas Youth Commission, has been named the new chief administrative officer for the Texas Department of Information Resources (DIR), effective Aug. 15. Person brings more than two decades of Texas state government experience to her new post.

 

Person has worked in a variety of positions in the state, including working in the Texas Senate and working in state agency planning and government relations in the Office of Public Insurance Counsel. She has also served at the Texas Workforce Commission, the Texas Department of Insurance and the Office of the Attorney General, mostly in management positions.

 

Person brings to her new job experience in strategic planning, internal and external communications and media relations as well as being well versed regarding legislative testimony, bill analysis and reporting. 

 

Texas Water Board OKs loans to cities of Keller, Burnet

The City of Keller recently secured a $5,835,000 state loan to build sewer lines in three locations and the City of Burnet was awarded a loan of $1.905 million from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund-Disadvantaged Communities to finance wastewater system improvements. In Keller, the funds will allow many residents of North Keller to decommission their individual septic systems. Granted through the Texas Water Development Board, the loan will pay for more than 13,000 feet of sewer line and a lift station.

 

The City of Burnet plans to use its funds to rehabilitate three segments of its collection system that are subject to significant amounts of inflow and infiltration. Approximately 10,000 linear feet of line will be rehabilitated or moved and replaced, and approximately 3,400 linear feet of reclaimed water main will be installed.

 

Three UTHealth deans take on new administrative roles

Roberta NessPatricia StarckGeorge StancelThree deans at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston recently took on new administrative roles that come with expanded responsibilities. All will continue in their roles as deans.

 

George Stancel (left), dean of The University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, will also serve as executive vice president for academic and research affairs.

 

Patricia Starck (center), dean of the UTHealth School of Nursing, will expand awareness of UTHealth as senior vice president for community affairs.

 

Roberta Ness (right), dean of The University of Texas School of Public Health, will work to develop novel curricula as vice president for innovation. 

  

TEF investment will allow Office Depot to create more than 200 jobs

Office Depot Inc. will collect $300,000 in state funds to create a new Austin-based sales group that is expected to generate 203 jobs.

 

The state money comes through the Texas Enterprise Fund (TEF), which was created by the Legislature in 2003.

 

The inside sales group will manage the accounts of small- and medium-sized business customers.

 

Reduced-rate Consulting

State leaders announce Western Governors University Texas

State leaders recently established Western Governors University Texas, an online college that leaders say will give Texans an affordable and flexible path to a higher education degree.

 

The university will offer bachelor's and master's degrees in key workforce areas including nursing, education and information technology.

 

WGU Texas is a subsidiary of Western Governors University, which was founded in 1997 by governors in 19 states, including Texas. More than 25,000 students across the nation are enrolled at WGU, which has grown more than 30 percent annually.

 

While more than 75 percent of students are low income, minority, rural or the first generation to attend college, the university is self-sustaining and does not collect money from the state. Tuition costs about $5,780 per 12-month year.

 

New simplified vehicle registration fee structure starts in September

A new vehicle registration system that drastically reduces the number of fee categories - from 1,745 to nine - will begin Sept. 1.

 

The simplified structure, which is based on weight classifications, is far more user friendly for both individuals and businesses that previously needed tax office personnel to navigate the convoluted system.

 

Under the new system, owners of cars and trucks that weigh 6,000 pounds or less will pay a base registration fee of $50.75. Owners of heavier vehicles will pay fees that fall into seven weight classifications, instead of the previous 1,600 categories. Owners of trailers that weight less than 6,000 pounds will pay a base fee of $45.

 

Fees from the 21 million registered state vehicles contribute more than $1 billion to the state highway fund annually.

 

SPI Training Services

Lamar-Port Arthur looks at possibility of building student dorms

Officials at Lamar State College-Port Arthur are looking at the possibility of building a student housing facility, which would be the first provided since 1967.

 

The city of Port Arthur will perform a feasibility study, paid for with Economic Development Corporation funds, to determine if the college can support a dormitory. A previous plan for a 60-bed housing unit was turned down by the developer who found it too small to turn a profit.

 

Another developer believes a 112- to 120-bed dorm would turn a profit, said Floyd Batiste, president of the Port Arthur Economic Development Corporation. The feasibility study will find out if the college can fill the beds.

 

UT System approves $31 million residence hall at UT-Dallas

Phase TwoRegents for the University of Texas System recently approved plans for a new $31 million, 404-bed residence hall (pictured) to accommodate growing enrollment at the University of Texas-Dallas.

 

This Phase III portion of the complex will be an exact replica of the University's recently completed second hall. The housing complexes began with the opening of UT Dallas' first residence hall in 2009.

 

The 151,000-square-foot, four-story residence hall will feature a 1,800-square-foot, glass-enclosed rotunda, a lounge and recreations area, kitchen, laundry room, mailroom, study room, classroom, restrooms and offices on the first floor. Plans call for additional study areas and a media room on the second floor.

 

Gray-Vickrey to be provost and VP for TAMU-Central Texas

Texas A&M University System officials recently named Margaret Gray-Vickrey provost and vice president of academic and student affairs for Texas A&M University-Central Texas.

 

During the last 15 years, Gray-Vickrey has worked at Florida Gulf Coast University, where she moved up the ranks from associate professor to associate provost. Before joining Florida Gulf Coast, Gray-Vickrey worked for many years as a nurse, including six years as a Captain in the Army Reserve Nurse Corps.

 

Gray-Vickrey holds a bachelor's degree from the State University of New York at Plattsburgh; a master's from Northern Illinois University and a D.N.S., Doctor of Nursing Science, from the University of Buffalo.

 

UH System taps Walker as new VP for student affairs

Richard WalkerThe University of Houston System recently selected J. Richard Walker (pictured) as the new vice chancellor/vice president of student affairs at UH. Before the appointment is finalized, however, regents must approve the selection. Once his contract is finalized, Walker will replace Michael Lawrence, who served as UH vice chancellor/vice president for student affairs since March.

 

Walker now serves as the associate/assistant vice president for student affairs at the University of Miami, his employer since 1987. He previously worked at Central Missouri State University and Middle Tennessee State University. He has a bachelor's degree from Middle Tennessee State, a master's degree from Memphis State University and an Ed.D. degree from the University of Miami.

 

Results-oriented Procurements

Advanced wind energy test facility moving to Texas Tech University

John SchroederSandia National Laboratories, one of the country's premier research and engineering facilities, will partner with Texas Tech University and a clean energy company to operate a wind energy test facility at Tech's Reese Technology Center.

 

The initial installation includes two wind turbines and three anemometer towers, which researchers will use to examine how wind farms can be more productive and collaborative. The facility is expected to be in use next year.

 

The third partner, Group NIRE, will provide pathways for transferring the research and technology to industry, said John Schroeder (pictured), director of Texas Tech's Wind Science and Engineering Research Center (WISE). 

 

UT Student Affairs Vice President González returning to teaching

Juan GonzalezAfter two decades as a university administrator, The University of Texas at Austin's Juan González (pictured) will return to the classroom as a College of Education lecturer in January.

 

González serves UT-Austin as vice president for student affairs, a position he has held at five major universities in 21 years. During his six years as UT-Austin administrator, González has launched numerous initiatives and overseen a variety of programs designed to enhance the academic careers of more than 50,000 undergraduate and graduate students. His achievements include: planning and construction of the university's second student union, planning a year-long celebration of the Texas Union's 75th anniversary, and providing support to struggling student services like the Gender and Sexuality Center and the Center for Students in Recovery.

 

González earned a bachelor's degree from Texas Tech University, a master's from The University of Texas at San Antonio and a Ph.D. from the University of Illinois.

 

UNT Dallas hires Moss as first education division chair

Glenda MossOfficials at the University of North Texas at Dallas recently hired Glenda Moss (pictured) as the university's first teacher education and administration chair, effective July 1.

 

Moss most recently served as associate dean in the College of Education at Pacific University in Oregon, and previously taught at Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne. Before entering higher education, Moss taught 13 years in Tyler middle schools.

 

Moss earned a bachelor's degree from East Texas State University (now Texas A&M Commerce), a master's from The University of Texas at Tyler, and an Ed.D. from Stephen F. Austin State University. She also holds an associate's degree from Tyler Community College and a teacher's certificate from Abilene Christian University.

 

TAMHSC College of Medicine names first administrator of diversity

Leila DiazOfficials at the Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine recently appointed Leila Diaz (pictured) to a new position, assistant dean of admissions and diversity.

 

In her new role, Diaz, who previously served as the college's director of admissions, will oversee programs that promote and develop diversity as a pathway to excellence. Before joining Texas A&M Health Science Center, Diaz worked for the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine in Fort Worth for six years.

 

Diaz holds two master's degrees, one from New Mexico State University in 2003 and another from the University of North Texas in 2006.

 

SFA executive director of marketing resigns; Luna steps in

Shirley LunaStephen F. Austin State University official Bob Wright recently stepped down as executive director of marketing and public affairs. He had served SFA since 2009.

 

University officials selected Shirley Luna (pictured), associate director of media affairs, to serve as interim executive director of marketing.

 

Luna came to the Office of Public Affairs in 1998 as an editorial coordinator, and later rose to assistant and then associate director. Before joining SFA, Luna worked as a freelance writer.

 

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TCEQ cites 2011 South Texas passive infrared aerial survey

During the next few weeks, the state will look for volatile organic compounds, which lead to ground-level ozone, over six South Texas counties, said officials of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ).

 

A helicopter equipped with an infrared camera that can "see" air pollution will hover over and near pipelines, oil and gas production facilities and other industrial facilities in the following counties: DeWitt, Dimmitt, Webb, Karnes, Live Oak and McMullen.

 

TCEQ officials said information gathered from these flights could potentially identify unreported pollution sources. The flights will end Aug. 24.

 

Ector County ISD shuffles some administrative jobs

Ector County Independent School District trustees recently eliminated some positions, combined other positions and created some new titles in response to losing about $16.8 million from state and local revenues.

 

Trustees selected Carolyn Gonzalez, a principal at Hays Elementary School, as the new director of curriculum and instruction, a combination of coordinator and paraprofessional duties, said H. T. Sanchez, chief of staff and assistant superintendent of accountability and special populations.

 

Board members also agreed to replace the position of assistant superintendent of secondary operations with an executive director of student services job during this upcoming academic year, said Sanchez, who also took on new duties in the restructuring. When deciding to cut the budget, district officials took the position of eliminating central administration positions before cutting jobs on campuses, he said.

 

Bids for new downtown Orange project exceed $7 million budget

Outdoor PavilionAll of the bids received recently to develop a proposed downtown redevelopment project in Orange (artist rendering pictured) went over the proposed $7 million budget limit. The project featured riverfront development and boardwalk, an outdoor performance pavilion and an entry plaza with an interactive fountain.

 

City staff plan to provide council members and officials of the Orange Economic Development Corporation (OEDC) with the details of the bids at a joint public meeting on Aug. 9, said Jay Trahan, director of the OEDC.

 

Following a review of the submitted bids, council members and OEDC officials have the option of approving both the total base bids and alternates, approving the total base bid and rejecting the alternates or approving the alternate bids and rejecting the total base bid, he said. City officials also have the option of rejecting all bids and beginning a re-bid process, he added.

 

Keller planning to keep funding for street improvements

Keller City Council members recently informally agreed to continue placing about $900,000 generated from the city's portion of sales tax revenue into street improvements. In previous discussions, the council discussed splitting the one-quarter cent 4B sales tax between street maintenance and economic development.

 

Of the 2 percent received by the city from the 8.25 percent sales and use tax, the city directs one percent into general fund operations and a half-cent into the parks and recreation fund. The 4B sales tax, the remaining half-cent, is split between street maintenance and the Keller Crime Control Prevention District. While council considered asking voters to decide whether to use the 4B sales tax funding for economic development activities, council members were concerned that option would restrict their ability to decide how those funds could be used.

 

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Lake Travis library solicits donation for naming rights to new facility

A business or family that has placed qualified bids of $500,000 by Aug. 31 will share naming rights for a new 11,000-square-foot library in Lakeway. The rights would be shared with the developer who donated the land for the library site. Full payment for the bid would need to arrive by Sept. 30.

 

So far, Lake Travis Community Library District (LTCLD) and Friends of the Lake Travis Library (FLTL) have accrued more than $1 million to apply to the project, but need a boost in funds to fully realize the venture. The library board will not name the facility for anyone should a business, family or individual fail to step forward.  

 

The District needs about $580,000 to cover additional costs associated with parking lot construction, landscaping, furniture, computers, security, telephone systems and architect's fees. LTCLD looks to collect $100,000 from the Lakeway Civic Corp. and about $50,000 from its second annual Dancing with the Stars gala to be held Oct. 2. 

 

Three women, three men on short list for TSC president

Texas Southmost College trustees have narrowed the search for a new president to six candidates from a field of 52 applicants. The new president will lead the college through a split from the University of Texas at Brownsville.

 

The six finalists, who all hold doctorates and have had experience in Texas, are:

  • Karen Bleeker, former president of the Community College of Denver;
  • Nora Garza, vice president for resource development at Laredo Community College;
  • Robert Gutierrez, vice president for academic affairs at Rhodes State College in Ohio;
  • Daniel Holt, former president and CEO of Blinn College in Brenham;
  • Robert Munoz, vice president for continuing education services at Tarrant County College; and
  • Lily Tercero, chief budget officer at Alamo Community College District. 

Trustees are expected to pick a finalist by the August board meeting.

 

Alamo Heights weighs options for renovating, expanding facilities

As Alamo Heights officials mull a fall bond election, architects have unveiled five conceptual designs for a renovated City Hall and police and fire stations. In total, the architects have proposed a 3,338-square-foot expansion of city facilities with greater parking access. To make way for more parking at City Hall, three houses near the southeastern part of the building would be demolished.

 

Costs range from $6.4 million to $6.9 million for the five separate plans. Architects laid out each plan as an aerial schematic featuring different views of how the existing and rebuilt facilities would appear should a bond pass.

 

The City Council will decide by Sept. 7 whether to table the issue or put it on a ballot for November.

 

Did you miss S&L Pipeline?

Work kicks off on $151.5 million Houston freeway project

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) recently kicked off work on a $151.5 million freeway project to improve safety at the intersection of US 290 and North Loop 610 in Houston.

 

Plans call for building a new inbound connection from US 290 and the 610 North Loop to the Katy Freeway to eliminate traffic weaving across Loop 610 to exit to US 290. The goal is to reduce an average of 200 traffic accidents a year by motorists attempting to exit to US 290, a TxDOT spokeswoman said.

 

This freeway improvement is part of a $2.8 billion US 290 Corridor Program funded by Proposition 12 authorizing TxDOT to contract out about $2 billion of bond funds for non-tolled highway projects. Plans call for the Loop 610 and SH 190 project to be completed in January 2015, she said.

 

Shenandoah teams with The Woodlands for full-time fire protection

Garry WattsAn agreement between the City of Shenandoah and The Woodlands Township will provide full-time fire protection for the city. Per the agreement, The Woodlands Fire Department will offer its services - including fire protection, rescue and first responder emergency medical services - around the clock for a yearly base rate of $655,000. The firefighting facilities will be housed inside Shenandoah's new $2.1 million municipal complex, scheduled to be complete in February.

 

The 10-year agreement has been approved by The Woodlands Township Board of Directors and the Shenandoah City Council.

 

Shenandoah Mayor Garry Watts (pictured) said having one fire service with dedicated firefighters is key to the city's safety.

 

Cass County seeking $270,323 refund from Historical Commission

Cass County commissioners recently agreed to seek a $270,323 reimbursement from the Texas Historical Commission (THC) to replace grant funds for renovating the courthouse previously taken away because of a miscalculation.

 

The original budget for the courthouse restoration project was about $5.1 million and county officials awarded the bid for $4.75 million with the understanding that the THC grant would total about $4.1 million and the Cass County Conservancy would pay the remaining costs of the courthouse restoration project. A THC project manager, however, recaptured $270,323 of the award, which subsequently reduced the grant award for the courthouse project. THC officials failed to include environmental costs and architectural fees in their calculation that caused a budget shortfall for the restoration project, county officials said.

 

Commissioners agreed to send a letter to THC asking for a $270,000 reimbursement, leaving the county to pay $40,548 with the THC share being $229,775.

 

The Woodlands considers $300,000 in additional park improvements

Officials in The Woodlands recently agreed to put $460,000 toward renovations to Sawmill Park and might tack on $300,000 in additional improvements.

 

The additional construction includes $206,000 to move the basketball court and build an additional tennis court at that location; and about $94,000 to replace the roof of the park pavilion.

 

Improvements OK'd by the board include: $42,000 to give the pavilion skylights and remove the surrounding fence, $87,000 for pool features, $193,000 for a sprayground, $58,000 for upgrades to 20 parking spaces, $47,000 for playground improvements, $33,000 for tennis court improvements and $35,000 for restroom improvements.

 

The board is requesting construction bids for all projects, will review the bids in October, and plan to begin construction in November.

 

Arts of Collin County may team with private fundraising firm

Mike SimpsonArts of Collin County (ACC) Executive Director Mike Simpson (pictured) and Board President Bobby Baggett are looking to hire a private firm to solicit donations on ACC's behalf. The move arrives as part of ACC officials' plan to meet fundraising goals for the next six months. The firm would be paid $4,100 per month.

 

ACC previously teamed with a firm to conduct a pro forma and economic impact study, and may work with them again. The company obtains sponsorship and long-term naming rights deals for arts halls and sports teams across the United States, according to Simpson.

 

Plano Mayor Phil Dyer said he and his council are looking to see "real progress in replacing Frisco's financial commitment" totaling $16 million or $17 million in addition to the city's share of ACC's operational shortfall. Maintenance and operations at ACC will be funded by private donations and cash on hand in 2011-2012, according to a budget approved by the ACC Board of Directors.

 

Ector County approves $1.6 million technology upgrade

Ector County commissioners recently began a discussion on a proposal to spend an additional $3 million in fiscal year 2012 to upgrade technology and rebuild networks throughout the county. When the dust finally cleared, the spending approval totaled $1.6 million.

 

A recent study by a consultant indicated the worst case scenario calls for the county to spend $3 million in 2012 and a total of $10 million through 2017 to rebuild the network, buy new hardware to allow the county to operate from server rooms located offsite. The county now has 26 server locations and few of those servers are connected to each other, a concern the proposed changes would address, officials said. The study also indicated other counties have invested almost twice as much money for technology infrastructure as Ector County. Another concern is that Ector County also allows each department to control its own technology rather than having a centralized system.

 

The study recommended wiring the annex and the sheriff's office with long-term plans to add on to those facilities to accommodate services. The ultimate goal would be housing all county servers off-site. While some commissioners raised concerns over the high cost of the technology upgrades and questioned where funding could be found, the county judge joined with another commissioner in saying that improving and connection technology are critical. County officials also may consider less expensive products than the higher-priced products recommended in the report, which could reduce the cost to $2 million.

 

Panhandle group moves forward on automated message system

Officials of the Panhandle Regional Planning Commission recently began implementing an $800,000 automatic message system to warn citizens about emergencies such as tornado warnings, school closing due to weather conditions and other activities that impact the Panhandle area.

 

Plans call for the notification system to perform 27,000 calls a minute and send text messages even more quickly to warn citizens of emergencies or other activities, said John Kiehl, the regional services director. The new system will deliver the messages by voice, text messages, e-mail, fax or paging. Cities, counties, first responders and school districts within the Panhandle Regional Planning Commission must purchase a license for access to send notice of emergencies, he said. The notification system is available throughout the Panhandle area and should assist cities, counties and law enforcement agencies to improve communications during emergency events, officials said.

 

The 250 available licenses will cost about $200 each with a $120 renewal fee due each year. Those fees will supplement a $600,000 grant from the Texas Division of Emergency Management to help pay for the notification system. Residents who wish to receive messages from the notification system will be able register to receive those notifications at the end of October, Kiehl said.

 

Transportation Improvement Program call for projects

San Antonio agencies with transportation wish lists can now apply for federal funding through the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), which is allocated locally through the San Antonio-Bexar County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO).

 

Funds can only go toward public roadways; projects on local or residential streets do not qualify.

 

Much of the funding requires a minimum 20 percent local match and every project proposal must include a commitment of the local match. The match amount varies by program and project type.

 



2011 SABOC Conference in San Antonio on Aug. 9

The San Antonio Business Opportunity Council (SABOC) will host the 2011 Annual SABOC Conference - "Small Business is Big Business in Government Procurement" - on Tuesday, Aug. 9. The conference will be at the Henry B. Gonzales Convention Center in San Antonio from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The focus of the one-day conference will be on small business concerns seeking guidance and direction on government procurement. The conference will offer small business and large business networking opportunities and insight into federal contracting. It will also address current legislation and new programs that impact the small business community. Training sessions will focus on how to market a small business to government agencies and how to target clients. There will be an expo that includes contractors and government agencies. To register, click here or contact Nancy Villarreal at 210-221-4267 or Pat Barber at 210-652-7084.  

 

UTA hosts 15th Annual Government Procurement Conference

The 15 Annual Government Procurement Conference, hosted by the ARRI Extension Centers at The University of Texas at Arlington, is planned for Wednesday, Aug. 10, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event, whose focus is to provide small businesses an opportunity to meet local, state and federal buyers and their prime contractors, will be held at the Arlington Convention Center, 1501 Convention Center Drive in Arlington. Billed as the most important and largest procurement conference in North Central Texas, the event last year had more than 1,000 attendees. This year, the event will feature local, state and federal government buyers along with major prime contractors and their sub-contractors. There will be a variety of free educational workshops available, along with access to resource and assistance agencies. The luncheon keynote speaker will be  Margot Dorfman, CEO, U.S. Women's Chamber of Commerce and Vice President, National Association of Small Business Contractors. For more information, click here.

 

Texas Municipal League Conference, Exhibition set Oct. 11-14  

Sure to be a home run, the Texas Municipal League will hold its 99th Annual Conference and Exhibition - "Winning Game Plans for Texas Cities" - on Oct. 11-14 in Houston. Hear from the experts, such as the Opening General Session keynote speaker Dr. Lowell Catlett, a futurist and economist based out of New Mexico State University, who will reveal tomorrow's new economy and the role Texas is uniquely positioned to play. Up to the plate are concurrent sessions on budgeting, code enforcement, leadership, ethics, environmental programs, tourism marketing and much more. And not to be missed is a walk through the exhibit hall, where delegates will find more than 350 vendors equipped with services and products to help public servants serve better. Eager to get out and about the city? Sign up for a mobile workshop - tour Space Center Houston, City Hall's Farmer Market or Minute Maid Park. So what are you waiting for? To register, click here.
 

TASSCC  Annual Conference scheduled Aug. 7-10 in San Antonio
"Reboot Camp - Strengthening the Core" is the theme for the Texas Association of State Systems for Computing and Communications (TASSCC) 2011 Annual Conference. This year's event is slated for Aug. 7-10 at the Westin Riverwalk Hotel in San Antonio. This year's conference will feature numerous speakers who will provide information and insight on how to address today's pressing technology challenges. There will also be session tracks focusing on security, leadership, managing IT services and infrastructure costs effectively and enabling mobility, transparency and social media. The keynote lunch speaker on Monday, Aug. 8, will be Beverly Chiodo, who will address "Character-Driven Success." Invited to address the General Session is Joe Jarzombek - Director for Software Assurance, National Cyber Security Division, U.S. Department of Homeland Security. For more information, click here. To register, click here. To view the agenda, click here.

 

National Assn. of Social Workers/Texas Chapter plans conference
The National Association of Social Workers/Texas Chapter has announced its 35th Annual State Conference, slated for Oct. 8-10 at the Sheraton Dallas Hotel. Billed as the largest social work conference in the Southwest, this year's conference features features former college athlete Brent Rasmussen speaking on "Changing the Future: The Power of Attitude, Hope and Help," and NASW/TX Government Relations Director Sue Milam addressing "The Need for 'Boot Straps' in a Texas Tough Environment." Numerus breakout sessions are available, covering issues from building an ethical private practice to navigating the maze of long-term care. This year's conference features the folllowing tracts: behavioral and mental health; health/medical; child, family and schools; professional/career; community; social work education and aging/disabilities. More than 16 hours ofContinuing Education Credit are available. The organization is currently seeking exhibitors and sponsors. For more information, click here. To register, click here.

 

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In spite of fears of another recession, government spending likely to increase

 

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

 

Amid worldwide economic fears about another recessionary downturn, a strange fact is emerging that should be noted. Government spending is likely to increase significantly and soon. That news may shock some who watched as Congress raised the debt ceiling and reached consensus for $1.5 trillion in spending cuts. However, here are just a couple of reasons:

  • Technology spending is destined to increase. Members of Congress who approved the cuts have stated publicly that they believe investments in new technology, which is essential, will be recouped through increased efficiencies. Agencies and public entities at all levels of government are currently seeking technology that allows them to be more productive and reduce costs.
  • There is a high likelihood that an Infrastructure Bank, which is being aggressively pursued by a number of influential congressional men and women, will become a reality as Congress launches initiatives to create jobs. Economists and historians are in agreement that government needs to launch something akin to the WPA which put millions of people back to work after another serious economic downturn. If this happens, government will have an abundance of money to launch projects throughout the nation.
  
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LeFleur Transportation

ACCD moves forward with Hays County annexation after ruling The Austin Community College District (ACCD) is moving forward with annexation into the Hays Consolidated Independent School District (HCISD) despite legal challenges filed by a Hays County resident.

 

Although approved by voters by a 59 percent margin, moves to annex the District have been delayed by legal obstacles posed by a resident who filed suit against the measure. The most recent court decision dismisses the resident's last appeal, allowing ACCD to move forward with the bond issuance process. (Bonds could not be issued while the appeal was ensuing.)

 

Meanwhile ACC is working with an architect to develop design plans for the Hays Campus and the ACC board has hired a company to serve as construction manager-at-risk for the project.

 

Travis County Tax Assessor

Nelda Wells Spears to retire

Nelda Wells SpearsTravis County Tax Assessor-Collector Nelda Wells Spears (pictured) announced that she will step down at the end of 2011, a year before her term expires.

 

She has held the office, which registers vehicles and collects property taxes for 107 jurisdictions, since 1991. Commissioners will appoint a replacement for the last year of her term.

 

Jefferson Co. seeks proposals

for venue management

Jefferson County officials are soliciting requests this week for proposals to manage the entertainment venue Ford Park. Though expenses for the facility have been curbed, the current management company has struggled to bring in revenue. The management contract is set to expire in March.

 

Meanwhile, some commissioners are looking for more cuts to the current facility's requested $1.6 million in funding for next fiscal year, which is already $10,000 less than the current budget year. General manager of the park, John Hughes, said more cuts to funding could sacrifice customer service.

 

Northrop Grumman

Anonymous buyer nabs

Littlefield prison for $1M

Following a series of unfortunate turns, the Bill Clayton Detention Center, a minimum-security prison in Littlefield, has sold for $1 million to the opening bidder. The sale arrives after a number of inmate escapes, charges of alleged corruption, a canceled contract with the facility's operator and the reported suicide of an inmate who was placed in solitary confinement for about a year.

 

Littlefield Mayor Shirley Mann said residents knew "something good would come from our detention center someday." To pay for the 373-bed facility, the city had to slash its budget and restrict raises to city employees, among other measures.

 

The buyer, who will remain anonymous until closing, nabbed the facility at half of its appraised value, allowing Littlefield city officials to get back on track with its debts. The move also stands to create 75 jobs in the area. 

 

Tyler ISD names Jackson as director of communications

Laura JacksonLaura K. Jackson (pictured) is poised to take over as director of communications for the Tyler Independent School District (TISD) beginning Aug. 15.  

 

Jackson currently serves as the legislative liaison for The University of Texas at Tyler. Prior to that charge, she worked as a field coordinator and legislative assistant for a state senator and as campaign manager for another Texas senator and representative. She has also served as a political consultant to a Supreme Court justice, eight legislators and an attorney general.

 

Jackson holds a bachelor's and master's degree from Texas A&M University.

 

Plastic Medicaid cards going

out to Texans this week

The state recently replaced paper Medicaid cards with a more durable plastic card, which only needs to be replaced if the client changes health plans or loses the card.

 

Previously, the 3.4 million Texans covered by Medicaid would receive a new paper card each month.

 

The new Your Texas Benefits Medicaid cards, which will come with a flyer that explains how to use the card, will go out before the end of August.

 

Lone Star Auctioneers

New Aransas County treasurer

begins unexpired term

Aransas County Treasurer Alma Cartwright began serving in her new position Aug. 1. She replaces Dee Oliver, who held the post about two years. 
 

Cartwright will serve out the final year of an unexpired term that ends in 2012. If she wants to continue as treasurer, Cartwright must seek election next year.


Cartwright, who holds an associate's degree from Del Mar College, has worked in the treasurer's office since 2009. Previously, she worked in the Aransas County auditor's office for three years and also worked as an accountant in the private sector.

 

Rivera takes over as director

of Austin/Travis Co. HHS

Carlos RiveraAustin officials recently named Carlos Rivera (pictured), chief of the Hartford, Conn., health department, director of the Austin/Travis County Health and Human Services Department.

 

He replaces Shannon Jones III, who has served as interim director since January and will return to being assistant health director.

 

Rivera, who has 14 years of public health management experience, has earned three master's degrees, two from the University of Connecticut and one from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. He is also a doctoral candidate at the University of Illinois at Chicago.

 

HDI Solutions

New London ISD mulling

$15 million bond issue

Tommy AlexanderNew London Independent School District officials recently began deciding whether to ask voters to add $5 a month to their property tax bill to pay for $15 million in proposed bonds to build new classroom space, a cafeteria and a new football stadium.

 

Many of the district's schools are 40-50 years old with little done to renovate them during that time, noted Superintendent Tommy Alexander (pictured). If voters approve the bonds, district officials plan to increase cafeteria capacity from about 470 to about 750-900 students and build a multi-purpose events center that includes six additional classrooms, athletic dressing rooms, an office complex for coaches and a 400-seat junior high gym with concession stands, Alexander said.

 

Trustees scheduled a public hearing on the proposed bond issue on Aug. 8 and must call the bond election by Sept. 7 to include the proposition on the ballot on Nov. 6.

 

Jim Ned CISD selects LeFevre

as interim superintendent

Kent LeFevreBoard members for the Jim Ned Consolidated Independent School District recently returned to a familiar figure when selecting former Superintendent Kent LeFevre (pictured) as the interim superintendent.

 

Trustees also identified Hunter Cooley, a former teacher and coach who now is the business manager and assistant superintendent for the district, and Bobby Easterling, a principal at Jim Ned Middle School, as the two finalists for superintendent. Trustees gave no date on when they plan to make a decision on the new superintendent.

 

LeFevre, who retired as superintendent of the CISD in 2009 after spending 14 years in that position, replaces former Superintendent Brant Myers, who recently resigned from his position after two years on the job.

 

Limestone County to lose its Workforce Solutions Center

The Waco-based Heart of Texas Work­force Development Board recently announced that two of the six regional workforce centers, which help find jobs and training for the unemployed, will close by the end of the month.

 

The Bosque County Center and the Limestone County Center will close, while the remaining three satellite centers in Hill, Falls and Freestone counties and the full-service center in McLennan County will remain open.

 

Officials, who blame significant funding cuts for the closures, will employ a new strategy that includes more online, self-directed services.

 

VIP Consulting

Liberty County selects Rick Brown tax assessor-collector

Liberty County commissioners recently appointed Rick Brown, a member of the Dayton City Council, as the new tax assessor-collector to replace Mark McClelland, who retired from that post. Commissioners also considered the current chief deputy of the tax assessor-collector office for the position of tax-assessor-collector.

 

Brown recently retired from a farm credit organization after 35 years on the job and has been a city council member in Dayton for six years. He plans to attend classes to learn the required information to perform the duties of the tax-assessor collector.

 

El Paso superintendent Garcia

arrested, put on leave by board

Lorenzo Garcia

The El Paso school board has put Superintendent Lorenzo García (pictured), who was recently arrested by FBI agents at the district's central offices, on unpdaid administrative leave. He was released on bond earlier this week.

 

García, superintendent since 2006, faces corruption charges for allegedly scheming to direct a $450,000 no-bid contract to a friend.

 

The school board recently extended García's contract to 2014 and OK'd his annual salary of $280,314. The board can terminate the contract if García is convicted of a felony or crime involving moral turpitude.

 

El Paso ISD school board members have appointed Chief of Staff Terri Jordan interim superintendent.

 

 
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MEDCO chair resigns; Harris picked for new position

The Marshall Economic Development Corporation is losing Chairman Keith Purvis, who is stepping down to spend more time with his family, and gaining Rush Harris as director of business services.

 

Harris, who began Aug. 1, will oversee MEDCO's development and properties. 

 

Proposed city budget in Lubbock would close health department

Lubbock officials, faced with reduced funding through state grants, have proposed a budget that solves the financial dilemma by axing the city health department.

 

City officials would like to transfer grant money to other clinics that can provide the services to the public. The health department building would be closed.

 

TxDOT awards funding for two North Texas airport projects

The cities of Desoto and Dallas were awarded a total of more than $715,000 through the Texas Department of Transportation for improvements at local airports.

 

Desoto received $555,556 for engineering, design and construction of a heliport. Dallas captured $160,000 for an airport pavement evaluation.

 

The local governments must meet federal funds with a 10 percent local match.

 

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Legislature provides funds for courthouse preservation program

The Texas Legislature, which recently adjourned, put $20 million in bond money toward a popular program that funds the restoration of historic county courthouses.

 

Since the Texas Historic Courthouse Preservation Program was created in 1999, the Texas Historical Commission has awarded $227 million to counties that have preserved buildings designed by prestigious architects such as Alfred Giles and J. Riely Gordon.

 

These renovation projects have created more than 8,500 jobs in the state and more than $19 million in local taxes.

 

Randy Brown resigns as superintendent of Coahoma ISD

Randy BrownDr. Randy Brown (pictured) recently resigned as superintendent of the Coahoma Independent School District to be the new superintendent at Snyder ISD. Brown plans to begin his new duties in Snyder on Aug. 22. He will replace Superintendent Mark Eads, who resigned to be superintendent of San Marcos ISD.

 

Texas Government Insider Archives

 

Volume 1-8 Archives -1/8/04 - 7/29/11

 

Governor's appointments
Governor Rick Perry has announced the following appointments:
  • John Paul "J. Paul" Oxer of Sugar Land chair of the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs
  • Gwyn Boyter of Austin, Continuing Advisory Committee for Special Education;
  • Susan "Stormi" Johnson of Palestine, Continuing Advisory Committee for Special Education;
  • Melissa Columbus Keller of Lakeway, Continuing Advisory Committee for Special Education;
  • Geralda Morales-Whittemore of Brownsville, Continuing Advisory Committee for Special Education;
  • Nagla Moussa of Plano, Continuing Advisory Committee for Special Education;
  • Heather Pulido of Fort Worth, Continuing Advisory Committee for Special Education;
  • Myeshi Williams-Briley of Spring, Continuing Advisory Committee for Special Education 

Bay City court clerk Adelfa

Lucio retires after 17 years

Bay City Municipal Court Clerk Adelfa Lucio, who has held the position for 17 years, recently retired to open a café in Markham with her husband. Friends, family and coworkers attended a recent retirement ceremony in Lucio's honor.

 

"I've enjoyed my time here with the city," she said. "It's the most wonderful job you could have, the best ever and working with the best employees."

 

Kilgore officials to narrow

search for new city manager

The Kilgore City Council recently got a first look at the 60-plus applications for city manager. A search firm divided the candidates into four ranked groups and focused on applicants in the top division. The field will soon be narrowed to 15 top candidates.

 

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Irving ISD board to air workshop sessions live on TV, online

Ronda HuffstetlerTrustees for the Irving Independent School District recently agreed to broadcast workshop sessions by streaming the sessions online and on television. Trustees also will continue broadcasting all of the regular board meetings.

 

Broadcasting the workshop meetings will provide citizens with more opportunity to see how items come to a vote at the regular meetings and the time spent on those discussion. That could help dispel the perception that trustees sometimes "rubber stamp" staff proposals, said Ronda Huffstetler (pictured), president of the board.

 

Rockport reviews plan to search for new city manager

Rockport city council members recently reviewed a plan for hiring a new city manager to replace Tom Blazek, who is retiring at the end of this year. The mayor said he prefers to hire a new city manager by Dec. 1 to provide an overlap period for the current and new city managers to work together.

 

Preliminary plans call for a citizen committee to select a list of the top 10 most qualified candidates after reviewing all the resumes submitted. City council will then review that recommendation and decide whether to add or subtract candidates to the recommended list. The 10 candidates will be asked to Rockport to interview with the committee and visit with heads of city departments. After receiving feedback from the committee and city department heads, council members will select a list of the top five candidates and proceed to select a new city manager.

 

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
 
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