Competitiveness Council addresses energy, economy

Education plays key role in ensuring state's future prosperity

"Competitiveness is the edge. It is the advantage. It is the leg up. It is the desire to not just succeed but to surpass others."

With that definition for competition in mind as it relates to Texas' economic positioning, the Governor's Competitiveness Council this week presented its formal Report to the Governor to Gov. Rick Perry and the state's leadership as a guidebook for keeping Texas ahead in the global economy race. Their report to the governor also included a report on the Texas 2008 State Energy Plan.

"Texas should anticipate that competition to attract business and become a global leader in certain industry clusters will increase sharply in the next five to 10 years because the trends that have increased global economic competition thus far are accelerating," reads the report. For Texas to remain competitive, the "level of workforce talent" must be competitive as well. "Ensuring the state has a high-quality education and workforce system is essential to the state's future prosperity." Without a quality workforce, the council notes, "Texas will not remain a high-quality place for doing business." The report outlines a number of ways the state's education system can be improved to produce graduates ready to assume their places in a changing workforce - addressing issues from education funding to curriculum review.

TxDOT seeks public input on draft strategic plan

Delisi: 'Difficult transportation challenges' part of state's future

Public comments are being sought on the Texas Department of Transportation's proposed Strategic Plan for 2009-2013 that outlines TxDOT's mission and the state's transportation challenges in the upcoming five years.

The plan will be available for a 30-day period of public comments and Texans are encouraged to put their two cents in on the draft plan.

Texas Transportation Commission Chair Deirdre Delisi (pictured), in a letter accompanying the draft plan, said Texas faces "difficult transportation challenges" as the state's effort to improve the transportation system in Texas "continues to outstrip our financial resources."

Delisi points out that increased costs for construction, improvements and maintenance as well as increases in prices of supplies such as cement, oil and steel have created a "huge gap that exists between what it takes to efficiently move people and products and the funds available to do so." The Commission chair said the five-year plan "reaffirms TxDOT's commitment to innovation, greater efficiency and cost savings" with a goal of faster completion of projects at less taxpayer expense.

Alcantar appointed to Texas Workforce Commission

Andres Alcantar (pictured) has been appointed to the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) by Gov. Rick Perry. Alcantar, from Pflugerville, is currently the deputy director of the governor's Budget, Planning and Policy division. His focus in that position has been on workforce, business and economic development, competitiveness and public and higher education. He has also served as the liaison to the TWC and other state agencies.

Alcantar was an advisor on workforce and health and human services issues in then-Gov. George W. Bush's Office of Budget and Planning. He is also formerly a director for the state Health and Human Services Commission. The new TWC commissioner holds bachelor's and master's degrees from Texas Tech University.

Alcantar's term will expire Feb. 1, 2013.

TSTA suing TEA to halt dropout recovery efforts

The Texas Education Agency's (TEA) announcement that it plans to fund three private educational organizations has led to the Texas State Teacher's Association (TSTA) suing the state's education agency. The lawsuit contends that agency rules must be in compliance with the authorizing legislation.

The decision to divert funds to private institutions has raised the ire of some officials, including TSTA's President Rita C. Haecker (right). "They went through the back door to divert public dollars to private school programs, even though lawmakers warned them not to," Haecker said. "Diverting public money to private educational programs clearly shortchanges public schools that need it and could effectively use it," she added.

Education Commissioner Robert Scott (left) said he finds it "incredible" that TSTA thinks nonprofits don't play a role in reducing the state's "serious dropout problem" and increasing graduation rates.

"The organization is also wrong if it thinks that this is the first time grant funds have been awarded to nonprofit groups," said Scott, citing previous awards to nonprofits that have included entities such as Communities in Schools, 21st Century Community Learning Centers, Even Start, Adult Education, academic competitions, and career and technology.

TCEQ teams with PTA to help clean air for school kids

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has found an unlikely partner in its efforts to ensure clean air throughout the state. TCEQ will team with the Texas Parent Teacher Association (PTA) to distribute funding for retrofitting school buses in an attempt to protect school children from harmful particulate matter.

"Working with such a strong partner gives each of our organizations a greater positive impact on the air quality of the state and the health of our school children," said TCEQ Commissioner Larry Soward (pictured).

Using funding from TCEQ-assessed penalties that go into the Supplemental Environmental Projects fund, schools can install pollution control devices on diesel school buses to reduce particulate matter that can cause health problems for children riding those buses. Funding may also be available to replace buses model year 1991 or older with 2007 or newer models resulting in a reduction in particulate matter emissions of up to 90 percent or more.

The maximum amount the PTA can receive for these projects is $5 million per year. "We look forward to distributing funds to school districts to reduce these problems through the use of cleaner technology," said Texas PTA Executive Director Kyle Ward. Individual projects are funded based on qualifying enforcement actions taken by the commission.

TPWD commissioners oppose border fence

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission has taken opposition against the federal government - joining a host of landowners, groups and immigration advocates, among others - in a stand against the construction of a border wall along the Texas/Mexico border.

The commission voted to refuse a $105,000 donation from the feds to a nonprofit trust in exchange for more than two acres of land owned by the state. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers says it will take the issue to a federal court to seize the land.

The feds maintain the wall is necessary to thwart illegal immigration and ramp up national security efforts, but some officials with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) say the government isn't taking conservation concerns into account. Ted Hollingsworth, an official with the land conservation program at TPWD, said the construction of a border fence "has impacts to fish and wildlife resources that could not adequately be compensated for by the offer of compensation."

State now offers customized license plates on Web site

Texans bored with traditional white-and-blue license plates now have a smattering of new options to choose from - ranging from colorful designs in Lone Star Pink to cowboy- and football-themed tags. Myplates.com, a collaborative effort between an Austin company and the Texas Department of Transportation, offers 27 styles of plates at a cost of $95 a year.

Most of the designs play on residents' renowned Texas pride, including plates boasting "Texas: Red White & True" and "Texas: Heaven on Earth." The plates, like all in the state, will be manufactured at a prison in Huntsville.

The initiative is expected to net at least $40 million for the state's General Fund.

TFC selects Ramirez as energy management director

Jorge Ramirez (pictured) is the Texas Facilities Commission's (TFC) new Director of Energy Management and will lead the agency in managing and procuring energy as well as increasing energy efficiency.

Prior to joining the TFC, Ramirez was a design engineer with Delphi Automotive. He also has been a manufacturing engineer for Applied Materials and worked as an attorney for Clark, Thomas & Winters. He has experience in state government as well, having worked for the Texas General Land Office.

Ramirez holds an engineering degree from The University of Texas at Austin, a master's from St. Edward's University and a law degree from UT-Austin.

Did you know...

The 10 largest stock holdings for the Employee Retirement System of Texas, according to the agency's 2007 Comprehensive Financial Report include:

• 3,568,144 shares of Exxon Mobil Corporation stock with a fair value of $307,145,836;
• 7,715,188 shares of General Electric Company stock with a fair value of $299,889,358;
• 5,777,000 shares of Cisco Systems, Inc. stock with a fair value of $184,401,840;
• 6,177,400 shares of Microsoft Corporation stock with a fair value of $178,094,442;
• 3,034,000 shares of Bank of America Corporation stock with a fair value of $153,763,120;
• 2,342,000 shares of Proctor & Gamble Company stock with a fair value of $152,956,020;
• 3,245,101 shares of Citigroup, Inc. stock with a fair value of $152,130,335;
• 3,624,800 shares of AT&T, Inc. stock with a fair value of $144,520,776;
• 1,503,800 shares of Chevron Corporation stock with a fair value of $132,845,692; and
• 1,800,205 shares of American International Group, Inc. stock with a fair value of $118,813,530.

The 10 largest stock holdings for the Teacher Retirement System, according to the agency's 2007 Comprehensive Financial Report include:

• 18,052,600 shares of Exxon Mobil Corporation stock with a fair value of $1,547,649,398;
• 32,947,500 shares of General Electric Company stock with a fair value of $1,280,669,325;
• 19,492,356 shares of AT&T stock with a fair value of $777,160,234;
• 26,788,797 shares of Microsoft Corporation stock with a fair value of $769,642,138;
• 15,873,600 shares of Citigroup Inc. stock with a fair value of $744,154,368;
• 13,897,219 shares of Bank of America Corporation with a fair value of $704,311,059;
• 10,024,897 shares of Proctor & Gamble Company stock with a fair value of $654,726,023;
• 19,361,033 shares of Cisco Systems Inc. stock with a fair value of $618,004,173;
• 6,789,365 shares of Chevron Corporation stock with a fair value of $595,834,672; and
• 3,952,791 shares of S&P 500 Depository Receipts with a fair value of $583,392,424.

Andrade helps Operation Lone Star celebrate 10 years

This year marks Operation Lone Star's 10th anniversary, and state officials are celebrating. The annual program provides medical treatment to needy and low-income families along the Texas-Mexico border, as well as emergency preparedness training to military forces and health officials.

Newly appointed Texas Secretary of State Hope Andrade (pictured) said, as grandmother to two young grandsons, "I am especially committed to helping ensure access to basic healthcare and dental services for the children of our state."

Andrade went on to praise Operation Lone Star for the preventative health and wellness care measures it has provided for the past 10 years. Andrade serves as the governor's liaison to the border and Mexico.

Facilities Commission addresses employee travel

The Texas Facilities Commission (TFC) is doing its part to help employees save money in the face of increased gasoline prices. The agency has developed a "commuting resources" page on its intranet so employees can access information regarding travel tips to and from work.

The intranet site includes an agency rideshare forum so agency employees can share tips for lowering travel costs, a commute and trip calculator, listing of current Austin area gas prices and information on public transportation.

Budgets approved for TAMU System entities

The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents has approved a budget of more than $3 billion to fund statewide operations. The approval marks a 3.9 percent ($115 million) increase from the fiscal year 2008 budget.

The A&M university system includes nine universities, seven state agencies, administrative offices and a health science center.

The fiscal year 2009 budget breaks down as follows:

• Prairie View A&M University - $157.9 million;
• Tarleton State University - $118.6 million;
• Texas A&M International University - $65.4 million;
• Texas A&M University - $1,146.5 million;
• Texas A&M University at Galveston - $39.4 million;
• Texas A&M University-Commerce - $100.3 million;
• Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi - $123.8 million;
• Texas A&M University-Kingsville - $106.7 million;
• Texas A&M University-Texarkana - $19 million;
• West Texas A&M University - $98.1 million;
• The Texas A&M Health Science Center - $173.8 million;
• Texas AgriLife Research - $174.2 million;
• Texas AgriLife Extension Service - $113.0 million;
• Texas Forest Service - $55.4 million;
• Texas Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory - $20.6 million;
• Texas Engineering Experiment Station - $108.3 million;
• Texas Engineering Extension Service - $82.6 million;
• Texas Transportation Institute - $52.1 million;
• System Offices Operations - $36.2 million; and
• Debt Service - $248.9 million.

Hagberg new chair of anesthesiology department

Dr. Carin A. Hagberg (pictured), professor of anesthesiology at The University of Texas Medical School at Houston, has been appointed chair of the university's Department of Anesthesiology. Hagberg previously served as interim department chair, a post in which she recruited new faculty and re-established a chronic pain management service. She has also established an alumni association, which will help support the Joseph C. Gabel, M.D. Lecture Series and residents' clinical training.

Hagberg holds a medical degree from UT Medical School at Houston. At Parkland Hospital in Dallas, where she completed her residency, Hagberg focused on cardiovascular anesthesia and neuroanesthesia. She served as Parkland's chief resident her last year in training.

Hagberg's expertise is in the field of airway management; she has had two books published on the subject. She will continue to conduct clinical research in the area of difficult airway management and see patients in addition to serving as chair.

Hearing held on San Antonio site for $500M defense lab

Public comments were heard Thursday by U.S. Department of Homeland Security officials regarding the possibility of locating a new national defense lab in San Antonio. The Alamo City is one of six sites being studied as the possible location for the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility. The new facility would replace the existing center on Plum Island, northeast of New York City.

If San Antonio is chosen as the site, the nearly $500 million high-security agricultural disease laboratory would be located at the Texas Research Park in the western area of Bexar County. Other locations under consideration include Athens, Ga.; Manhattan, Kan.; Butner, N.C.; and Flora, Miss. Federal officials also are considering a new facility on Plum Island, where the Animal Disease Center is located.

While some residents near the proposed site expressed concerns about the facility being located near their homes, experts say any risk would be a very small one. A final decision on the location will be made later this year. Construction is expected to begin in 2010 and the facility would then open in 2015.

TAMU System selects Tallant as Kingsville finalist

Dr. Steven H. Tallant (pictured) has been selected Texas A&M University-Kingsville's sole finalist to become the school's 19th president. Tallant currently serves as provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.

Tallant's resume combines a number of academic posts, including associate vice chancellor and director of graduate programs at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, with more than 20 years of active military service. At UW, Tallant helped establish the College of Education and Human Sciences, and the College of Nursing and Health Services.

If named president, Tallant will supervise some 1,100 employees and manage a budget of more than $106 million at the university. He will replace interim President Dr. Robert H. Strawser, who has been serving in the position since July 1.

Sam Houston establishes rural studies, outreach center

Sam Houston State University has established the Center for Rural Studies: Research & Outreach in an effort to mobilize outreach to rural Texas communities. The center offers policy research and recommendations, and educational as well as technical outreach programs and is headed by Dr. Gene Theodori (pictured), an associate professor in the university's sociology department.

According to Theodori, rural areas, on average, "maintain lower per capita incomes and higher poverty, higher dependency and lower labor force participation rates" than cities. The center will address these issues by focusing on environmental and recreational policy, community-based planning, transportation, health care, law enforcement, ecotourism and collaboration between public and private sectors in rural areas. Potential clients include city governments, chambers of commerce and economic development corporations, among others.

Theodori said he is confident the center will emerge "as the premier teaching, research and outreach authority on rural Texas."

Tarleton president steps down, to return to teaching

Dr. Dennis McCabe (pictured), Tarleton University's 14th president, has stepped down from his post and plans to return to teaching in January. Until then, McCabe's faculty development leave has been approved by the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents. Dr. F. Dominic Dottavio will succeed McCabe as president.

McCabe, who will teach doctoral students at the university's educational leadership and policy studies department, said he is looking forward to going back to the classroom - to teach and to learn. A good teacher is always in "learning mode," he said.

As president, a post he has held since 1991, McCabe managed a $113 million annual budget for Tarleton's 1,000-plus employees and 9,400 students in Stephenville, Killeen, Fort Worth, Granbury and Thurber.

Texas A&M names Vitter new provost

Dr. Jeffrey S. Vitter will serve as provost and executive vice president for academics following confirmation by the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents, effective Aug. 15. Vitter currently serves as dean of science and professor of computer science at Purdue University, a post he has held since 2002.

From 1980 until 1993, Vitter served in a variety of administrative, teaching and research posts at Brown University and Duke University. In addition, he has received a number of fellowships, including the Guggenheim, Fulbright scholar and Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.

Vitter holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Notre Dame and an M.B.A. from Duke University. He received his doctoral degree from Stanford University in 1980.

UT-Tyler appoints Student Life, Leadership director

The University of Texas at Tyler has appointed Ona Tolliver (pictured) director of Student Life and Leadership, effective Aug. 12. She will replace interim director David Hill.

Tolliver has served as associate dean of students at the University of North Texas since 2004. She also served as UNT's student development/staff development committee chair.

Tolliver earned both her bachelor's and master's degrees at UNT.

UTMB hopes new facilities mean more patients

Facing a $35 million budget deficit, Dr. David Callender (pictured), the new president of The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, recently outlined projects in planning that could help reduce the deficit by increasing revenue to the institution by attracting more paying patients and increased funding for research.

The construction projects include:

• A $61 million medical center in League City to attract insured patients who live in the more affluent northern areas of the county. Construction is expected to begin this month on the facility which will offer advanced imaging, pediatric and adult clinics, outpatient surgery and pediatric urgent care, but will not serve as a hospital;
• A $250-million, seven-story, 460,000-square-foot surgical tower with 20 operating rooms and almost 200 beds scheduled to begin construction in the summer of 2010; and
• An $80-million, five-story, 149,000-square-foot research building to house offices and laboratories advanced enough to help attract top scientists, also scheduled to begin construction in early 2010.

UTMB also should focus on several clinical programs such as oncology, transplants, neurology, cardiovascular services and obesity that are in strong demand to attract more paying patients, Callender said. He blamed the budget deficit on an anemic economy, medical inflation, a 27 percent rate increase for electricity, insufficient Medicaid and Medicare reimbursements, a nursing shortage driving up agency expenses and labor costs and a 4 percent decline in inpatients at the medical branch's hospital.

UNT prof leads Internet-based 9-1-1 service changes

As Internet-based telephone providers become increasingly more common, emergency calls to 9-1-1 utilizing the technology can falter. Ram Dantu (pictured), an assistant computer science and engineering professor at the University of North Texas, is working to change that. Dantu is looking to overhaul the 9-1-1 infrastructure, making Internet-based calls more reliable. For his efforts, Dantu has secured more than $2 million in grants from the National Science Foundation.

Voice-over-Internet protocol, or VoIP, is linked to an Internet address rather than a physical location, making it difficult for 9-1-1 dispatchers to track callers.

UNT will lead a collaborative effort between Columbia University and Texas A&M University to perform research utilizing money from the first of two grants. Dantu will conduct additional research that includes securing 9-1-1 call centers from line tie-ups, ensuring service in the event of a major catastrophe and providing notifications to neighborhoods.

AgriLife Extension Service names new executive

The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents has named Kyle Smith, a veteran of nearly 36 years with the System, its new executive associate director of the Texas AgriLife Extension Service. He will succeed Dr. Margaret Hale, who is retiring. Smith has served as associate director of the service since 1993. He previously served as agent for agriculture in Gaines, Crosby and Lubbock counties beginning in 1972.

As executive associate director, Smith will be charged with developing and coordinating staff, and supervising budget recommendations for the agency. In his role, he will also manage several support units and programs, including communications and information technology, among others. Smith said his primary objective will be to "ensure Texas AgriLife Extension Service staff and faculty have the resources they need ... and providing continuing education to improve the lives of Texans."

Smiths holds bachelor's and master's degrees from Texas Tech University.

Fearneyhough tabbed associate director of vet med lab

Malcomb B. "Gayne" Fearneyhough (pictured) has been appointed associate director of the Texas Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory by the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents.

Fearneyhough, who has previously served as agency interim director and head of the agency's diagnostic services since 2002, directed a vaccination program that successfully restricted a new strain of rabies that entered South Texas in the 1980s. The program eventually eliminated the virus from the state.

Fearneyhough earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Texas A&M in 1977.

New Braunfels seeks contractor for airport tower

New Braunfels city officials have agreed to ask for bids from companies to operate the control tower at the New Braunfels Municipal Airport and take over an empty hangar.

Finding a new company to operate the control tower became necessary when the municipal airport's largest tenant unexpectedly filed for bankruptcy, leaving its hangar empty, the airport control tower without staff and the city owing thousands of dollars in unpaid fuel charges, back rent and utility payments.

City officials have paid out about $300,000 to continue operation of the airport and contracted with four air traffic controllers at a cost of $4,000 each week, which has cost the city more than $100,000 to date, said Airport Director Andy Spinks. Utility costs for the hangar and control tower are about $2,500 per month and the city is losing $13,000 per month in revenue from the vacant hangar, he said. Fuel sales fell by one-third and the number of recorded takeoffs and landings fell to just below 4,000 in June from 8,000 in January. A number of tenants have expressed interest in taking over the hangar lease and tower operations, Spinks said.

TAMHSC-Bryan to house new medical school campus

Officials at Texas A&M Health Science Center have unveiled a conceptual master plan for an extensive and architecturally ambitious medical school campus.

Construction has been approved by the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents, but the first building will not be completed for two years. Two buildings totaling nearly $120 million in costs (one for medical research and the other for health professions education), a central plant and a maintenance area comprise the first phase of development.

The city of Bryan has donated a $6 million, 200-acre tract of land adjacent to a golf course for the project. The city is also working to rebuild roads and develop the areas surrounding the pastoral campus, according to Bryan Mayor Mark Conlee. The mayor assured the board of regents of doing "everything we can to be sure your partnership with the city of Bryan will make you proud."

UT-Brownsville College of Liberal Arts picks new dean

Dr. Dan Heimmermann (pictured) has been named dean of The University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College's College of Liberal Arts. Heimmermann, a native of Wisconsin, last served as dean of the Department of History and Political Science at the University of North Alabama in Florence, Ala.

Heimmerman said he enjoys the "challenges of administration" and wants to begin his new charge by looking at the Southern Association of College and Schools' accreditation assessment conducted earlier this year. He also wants to garner input from faculty, students and staff regarding the direction of the College of Liberal Arts.

Heimmerman holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, and earned his master's degree and doctorate at Marquette University in Milwaukee.

Capital Metro board approves price hike for transit fares

A committee of elected officials charged with overseeing Austin's Capital Metro fares has decided to increase fares for all residents except seniors and those who are disabled. In effect, Capital Metro fees will double by 2010, and discounted monthly passes and transit rides will increase more than 100 percent. The first phase of new prices will become effective starting in October. The decision, arrived at after a tumultuous two-year planning process, will be ratified in one last vote before the Capital Metro board later this month.

The price hike has raised the ire of some Austin residents, mostly among the elderly, disabled or poor. To provide for these disenfranchised residents, seniors and disabled persons will continue to ride buses and trains, when they become available, free of charge. The accommodation will result in a $1.2 million revenue loss from Capital Metro's original projection, however.

Under the proposal, by 2010, month-long passes will spike from $10 to $25, the express bus pass will increase from $17 to $48 and base fare will double from 50 cents to $1. Austin's Dillo service, currently free, will cost 50 cents for a two-hour pass.

Texas Tech hires Fraze as new department director

Steve Fraze (pictured) will head Texas Tech University's Department of Agricultural Education and Communications, effective Sept. 1. He will replace Matt Baker, who will serve as founding dean for another college at Tech. Fraze, an expert in agricultural education and a proponent of distance education, currently serves as student services director at the university. He will continue to supervise a distance education initiative for agricultural professionals.

As director of agricultural education and communications, Fraze will oversee several degree programs involving some 215 undergraduate students, 70 graduate students and 10 faculty members. During his tenure at Texas Tech, Fraze has also served as interim chair and taught in the department he is about to lead.

Fraze earned his bachelor's degree from Lubbock Christian College, a master's degree from Texas Tech and doctorate from Texas A&M University.

Capital improvement plan studied in Bridgeport

Following a recent staff presentation offering two options for a proposed five-year capital improvement plan, Bridgeport City Council members are discussing which projects to include in the five-year plan. City staff presented two funding options, the first option placed a proposed $500,000 paving project on hold while option two included the paving project.

While Mayor Donald Majka (pictured) said he supported option one which would not require the city to issue more debt, the council made no decision on the recommendations and plans to hold meetings to gather public input before voting on a final budget and five-year capital improvement plan.

Capital improvement projects in the 2008-2009 fiscal year include installing a new drainage system on six streets, improving a parking lot behind Bridgeport Stage, renovation of the old police department building into a visitor center, museum and offices for civic organizations, installing an ozone system at the water treatment plan, rehabilitating the taxiway and runway at the airport and improvements to several roads. The five-year plan includes projects such as construction of a new library, a multi-purpose event center, a new aquatic park, a youth athletic complex and renovation of the old high school into a recreation center.

UT-Brownsville to act quickly to enhance border fence

Under a recent agreement reached with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), officials of the University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College must begin almost immediately on plans to enhance an existing perimeter fence to improve border security.

In a federal court hearing last week, DHS agreed to drop its plans to build a border fence splitting parts of the campus in return for an agreement that the university heighten existing six- to eight-foot fencing to 10 feet in height in addition to installing sensors and three new cameras to the current chain-link barrier. UTB-TSC has already begun pre-construction tasks, said Michael Putegnat, the university's negotiations manager. The enhanced fence will look something like a baseball field backstop fence with no concertina or barbed wire on top, he said.

Under the agreement, the university must issue requests for proposals by Aug. 15, award all contracts by Sept. 15 and complete the project before Dec. 31. DHS had originally proposed an 18-foot fence that would most likely cut off access to the Fort Brown Memorial Golf Course.

Valley Nature Center to get new $2.2 million facility

The Valley Nature Center is planning to build a new $2.2 million, 7,200-square-foot building that will feature solar panels, a rainwater collection system and other environmentally friendly features, said Martin Hagne (pictured), the center's executive director.

A new building is needed to better serve visitors as the existing, 80-year-old facility lacks air conditioning and heating and leaks during heavy rains, Hagne said. Opened in 1984, the center features about a mile of trails through a six-acre park. About 6,000 students from 50 to 60 schools visit the facility each year. The City of Weslaco has pledged some $500,000 in hotel tax revenues to the project and worked with the center to secure a $400,000 grant from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. The city will continue ownership of the building and lease it to the center at no charge, said Weslaco City Manager Anthony Covacevich.

The new building will be about twice the size of the existing building to better accommodate visitors to the center. Officials envision a facility with a live tree growing through its center, an earthen mound showing root systems, a live animal exhibit and dioramas featuring stuffed animals. The center has raised about half of the funding needed and expects to begin construction within one year.

El Paso medical school proposes smaller budget for 2009

El Paso medical school officials asked for a smaller budget for 2009 after spending most of a cash infusion from the legislature to prepare campuses for medical students in 2009.

The budget for the El Paso medical school is expected to decrease about $10 million, said Dr. Jose Manuel de la Rosa, dean at the Paul L. Foster School of Medicine at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. School officials proposed a budget of about $116 million for 2008-09, compared with about $127 million for the 2007-08 school year. The medical school received approximately $48 million from the legislature last year to get ready for the first class of four-year medical students scheduled to start in fall 2009.

However, the total budget proposal for Texas Tech's health institutions in Lubbock, Abilene, Amarillo, El Paso, Dallas, Odessa and Marble Falls will be about $610 million, some $24 million more than the previous budget, said Elmo Cavin, Texas Tech University executive vice president for finance and administration. The increase is based on receiving increased revenue from patients seen by students and doctors at the schools and from state and federal research grants, especially at the El Paso medical school, he said.

Tyler ISD looking at pared down November bond vote

Superintendent Randy Reid recently presented trustees for Tyler Independent School District with a pared down wish list for a proposed November bond election. He recommended the district replace or renovate six elementary campuses at a cost of $124 million rather than replacing or renovating all of its elementary schools as recommended in its master facilities plan.

When trustees learned in May that the price tag for repairing or replacing all elementary schools would be about $189 million, several board members asked Reid to take another look at the recommendation.

Board President Ron Vickery (pictured) complimented Reid on narrowing down the proposed improvements to the six elementary campuses most in need of updating. Voters likely would vote down a $189 million proposal in light of the current economy, he said. Elementary schools not included on the list for the November bond election will be reevaluated and addressed when the district considers its next bond program. Trustees are expected to vote on Aug. 12 on whether to call the November bond election.

Husband, wife promoted to cabinet-level jobs at DISD

Husband and wife Arnold and Patricia Viramontes have been promoted to chief of staff and information technology executive director of Dallas Independent School District, respectively. Both posts are high-level administrative positions at DISD.

Although some in the Dallas blogosphere have decried Mrs. Viramontes' advancement as nepotism, a DISD spokesman replied she was an alternative choice for the position. The first contender rejected the offer because of pay and relocation factors.

Mrs. Viramontes' resume includes 32 years of information technology experience in public education, including districts in Fort Worth, El Paso and Houston.

San Angelo ISD unveils plans for new schools

Trustees for the San Angelo Independent School District took their first look at architectural plans for nearly a dozen local campuses they hope voters will approve in a November bond election.

Superintendent Carol Ann Bonds (pictured) warned trustees that rising construction costs have increased the original estimates. The Facility Advisory Committee had recommended a bond proposal that would be split into two propositions, with Proposition 1 calling for $69 million to make renovations to eight elementary schools, both high schools and one middle school and Proposition 2 calling for $30 million to build a new high school on the Central High School campus site.

The price tag of Proposition 1 could rise to as much as $116.9 million if inflation continues at its current rate, Bonds said. Board members are expected to vote on Aug. 25 whether to hold the bond election.

Historic Channing landmark wins $50,000 state grant

To help in keeping an historic XIT office building in its original setting in Channing, the nonprofit XIT Central Office Association recently won a $50,000 emergency grant from the Texas Historical Commission. Channing residents also contributed about $50,000 to keep the building built in 1899 in their city.

XIT used the office to manage lands and liquidate assets during the ranch's heyday. The building was occupied until 1912, when the ranch sold the last of its cattle. Efforts to keep the building in Channing began after an Amarillo businessman announced plans to move it to Lubbock to attract more visitors. While the grant and local funds are enough to purchase the building, the businessman also said the Channing group must provide a $2 million endowment to maintain the historic building before he will agree to sell it to the association.

Frank Davis, the superintendent at Channing ISD who is a member of the XIT Central Office Association, said that raising that much money before the Sept. 22 deadline is a challenge, but that he was confident the group would succeed.

Missouri City could have $17.5 million bond election

Missouri City officials are expected to decide on Aug. 18 whether to call a $17.5 million bond election to transform a golf course and country club the city is seeking to acquire through imminent domain into a destination attraction. The city took control of the Quail Valley Country Club in late June following a court hearing where a $3.1 million value was placed on the former country club.

A November election will take advantage of public support of the recently reopened golf course, said City Manager Frank Simpson (pictured). If approved, the bonds would replenish money already spent from previously approved park bond funds plus provide an additional $8 million for a new community clubhouse, course improvements, a golf learning facility and green space improvements.

The previous owner had quit maintaining the course months before the city took over its operation, Simpson said, making it necessary for the city to mow high weeds, replace a bridge and replenish sand traps. He estimated the property will post an operating loss of less than $250,000 during its first year, despite averaging between 190 and 220 golf rounds per day each weekend since July 2. This loss does not include $250,000 in one-time capital expenditures recommended for the property. About $150,000 in improvements already have been made.

Farmers Branch eliminates 28 jobs within city

Citing spiraling fuel prices and shrinking city revenues, Farmers Branch city officials recently announced the elimination of 28 jobs.

While eight of the positions are vacant, 20 employees will lose their jobs, said City Manager Gary Greer (pictured). No public safety positions were affected, he said. Only a few weeks ago, the city eliminated 14 other positions by offering voluntary severance packages that included pay and health care coverage that will expire when the city's fiscal year ends on Sept. 30.

The jobs reductions are needed as the city saw a $430,000 decline in landfill revenues, a $162,000 increase in fuel expenses and a 30 percent rise in electricity costs. Higher health insurance costs, special legal fees and the increased costs of operating a newly opened fire station also strained the city budget, making the job cuts necessary, Greer said.

Rosenberg studies expanded offices, new fire station

After hearing a staff report on the long-range needs of the city, Rosenberg City Council members recently scheduled a series of meetings and workshops to discuss expansion of city offices and the need for a new fire station along with the proposed city budget.

More space for city offices is a key need, reported city staff who said one option was to renovate an existing city building to make more space for offices. Another option is renovating the former city hall to house the fire administration office, which is currently in leased space costing the city $26,000 per year.

City staff also recommended the city officials in the future consider building a third fire station, purchasing a new fire truck and hiring nine new firefighters to staff the new station. Other proposals include hiring more police communications specialists in addition to the one dispatcher, purchasing manager and assistant fire chief positions already proposed in this year's budget.

Jersey Village may expand red-light camera program

Jersey Village officials are exploring the possibility of expanding their red-light camera program, Jersey Village Police Chief Charles Wedemeyer (pictured) recently said. The city currently has cameras installed at three intersections.

Wedemeyer said he expects to look into the feasibility of installing red-light cameras at remaining intersections along U.S. 290 within the next six months. The police chief said the red-light cameras program is intended to reduce the number of red-light runners.

The police chief said he would report on the number of warnings issued during the 30-day warning period for the three intersections with red-light cameras when the data becomes available. Owners of vehicles now caught on camera running a red light receive a $75 fine.

Houston jail issue not likely going to voters

Already turned down once, Harris County commissioners are not likely to have a downtown jail bond issue on the upcoming November ballot. The court discussed the jail project this week and last week but most members are reluctant to take the issue to voters only a year after a $245 million bond issue failed.

The fact that the November General Election is a presidential election is causing some reluctance to put the bond issue on the ballot - a heavy turnout of Hispanic and African-American voters is expected and that is the same group that contributed heavily to the bond's failure last year.

Commissioners also are studying changes in the last proposal, from a 2,500-bed jail, booking center and expanded health and mental health center to a new plan that would cost $144 million less but serve only 1,000 inmates. That plan is estimated to cost $172 million.

Red-light runner warnings to end in Baytown

Baytown officials expect to send out more than 2,000 warnings before closing down the 30-day grace period on Aug. 12 for the 10 most recently installed red-light cameras.

During the 30-day grace period for the city's first red-light camera at Garth and Baker Roads ended in March, the city had issued a little more than 1,000 warnings, said City Manager Bob Leiper (pictured). That the 10 newly installed red-light cameras caught only about twice as many motorists as the first red-light camera the city installed at Garth and Baker roads is a reflection of how many cameras are at each of the new intersections, Leiper said.

Since the warning period for the Baker and Garth Road intersection ended, 2,554 citations have been issued and 327 are currently being processed. City officials expect the number of citations to decrease as motorists become more aware of the need to stop at all red lights.

Huntsville City Council names new city manager

Huntsville City Council has voted William Baine new city manager, effective Aug. 25. He will replace Kevin Evans after a months-long search to find a candidate.

Baine, who is from Huntsville and was most recently employed as vice president of a local bank, served in the military for 20 years and later served as regional vice president of a loan corporation. He holds a bachelor's degree from Sam Houston State University.

Billions in contracting opportunities on horizon

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

There are billions of dollars worth of contracting opportunities on the horizon in Texas! When the 81st Texas Legislature convenes in January 2009, the most important piece of legislation that will come out of the 140-day session is the state's multi-billion-dollar biennial budget. State agencies, state-supported institutions of higher education and the entities in the state's judicial system have for months been preparing their budget requests. These documents, called Legislative Appropriations Requests (LARs), outline each entities' projected revenue needs from the 2010-2011 biennial budget and all must be submitted to the Legislative Budget Board (LBB) by late August.

LARs not only indicate the amount of money that state lawmakers will hopefully fund from state revenue, they also provide a blueprint for what state agencies hope to do in the coming two years. There are literally billions of dollars worth of possible state contracting opportunities among these LARs.

In addition to the LARs, many state agencies and entities will also submit "exceptional items" for funding consideration. These are items to be considered outside the regular budget needs and are subject to approval by the legislature. These funding requests range from such items as a request from the Texas Medical Board for a $300,000 licensure automated system or the Texas Department of Public Safety's (DPS) request for a $15 million in-car computer project.

El Paso museum to apply
for state grant funding

El Paso County Commissioners recently authorized officials of the Los Portales Museum in Elizario to apply for a grant from the Texas Historical Commission to help pay for renovations to bring the museum back to its 19th century position. County officials also authorized $20,000 from hotel occupancy tax funds so the museum will qualify for the state grant. The San Elizario Genealogy and Historical Society operates the museum for the county. The museum was built in about 1865 and previous renovations, including a pitched roof, ignored and altered the museum's historic appearance, Commissioner Veronica Escobar (pictued) said./

The repairs proposed in the grant include restoring the earthen roof, replacing damaged vigas (rafters), repairing water damage to interior walls, leveling the floor and repairing floor cracks, repairing window frames and replacing lighting fixtures and exterior doors with materials more consistent with the building's original construction. The Historical Commission has notified the county that the grant proposal made the first cut of applicants and invited the county to submit a full proposal.

Lubbock CFO leaving for same post in Kansas City

Jeff Yates, Lubbock's chief financial officer since 2005, is leaving his post for the same position in Kansas City, Mo. As the city's CFO, Yates supervised financing, purchasing, risk management, human resources and other departments.

Yates previously served as director of fiscal policy and strategic planning for one year. City Manager Lee Ann Dumbauld praised Yates, according to a news release, saying Kansas City was lucky to be employing "such an accomplished individual."

Hard-to-come-by research data

Need to know more about contracting vehicles or certain types of large contracts about to expire? Interested in competitor intelligence or obtaining contact information for all governmental entities within a region? How about a list of upcoming opportunities matching a specific criteria in other states?

SPI's research teams offer all this...and more. Call for details. Reagan Weil 512-531-3900 or rweil@spartnerships.com.

Where are they now?

Where do folks go when they leave state 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 employees are now.

Mike Moncrief boasts a long career of public service at both the local and state levels. He began his public service career as a member of the Texas House of Representatives, serving from 1971 to 1972. He was then elected Tarrant County judge, a position he held from 1974-1986. He was elected to the Texas Senate and served as a state senator from 1991-2003. Moncrief was elected mayor of the City of Fort Worth in May 2003. He is currently serving in his third term as the city's 43rd mayor.

Camille Miller has spent more than her share of time working for state agencies and state officials. She has long been involved in the state's health and human services issues, having served two governors, two lieutenant governors, a state comptroller and a state senator. She also held executive level positions at the Texas Department of Community Affairs and the Texas Department of Protective and Regulatory Services. She is also a former chief of staff for the Texas Senate Committee on Health and Human Services and previously served as the Texas Hospital Association's Director of Regulatory Affairs. Miller is currently president and CEO of the Texas Health Institute.

Dallas ISD to borrow $125 million to fund operations

Trustees for the Dallas Independent School District recently authorized the district to borrow $125 million to keep the district financially afloat until the district begins receiving state aid this fall.

The district needs the loan because of changes to the school finance structure approved in 2006 that reduced the district-controlled tax rate from $1.50 per $100 in assessed value to just over $1, said Steve Korby, the interim chief finance officer for DISD. This reduced the district's property tax collections by one-third, which left it short on cash until the state sends funding in the fall that is based on enrollment, Korby said. Interest payments on the proposed note will be about $1.24 million, he said.

Tidehaven ISD hires Wesson as new superintendent

Tidehaven Independent School District trustees recently selected Dr. Suzanne Wesson as the district's new superintendent. Wesson, who will be the fifth superintendent to serve the district since it was founded, assumed her duties on July 21.

SPI launches new 'Special Services' division

Strategic Partnerships, Inc., has launched a new Special Services Division, which will include some of the state's premier and most experienced providers of services. SPI, working in conjunction with affiliates throughout the United States, will now offer services that include strategic planning, meeting facilitation, grant writing, keynote speakers, event planning, executive searches, economic development services, strategy development, mediation, customized training, executive coaching and more. Some of the "luminaries" working with SPI will be featured in future issues of the Texas Government Insider... This week we feature Doug Smart.

Doug Smart builds winning teams. He shows directors, department heads, managers and supervisors how to put the right people in the right places to win. As a matter of fact, one of his private sector clients directly credits Smart for increasing his revenue by $3 million because, as the client said, Smart helped him get the right people in the right positions. No one was fired or replaced...just shifted around and slightly adjusted. Smart can show clients how to increase productivity and morale through his training, keynotes and executive coaching. Learn how to save time, energy and money by reducing management headaches. Smart has worked with the Society of Government Meeting Planners as well as local, state and federal agencies and Fortune companies, Texas healthcare institutions and institutions of higher education. Additionally, Smart is the author or coauthor of 25 books. He guarantees a quality program because Doug holds the distinguished Certified Speaking Professional designation, an honor held by fewer than 9% of the 4,000 members of the National Speakers Association.

For a complete portfolio of services offered or to inquire about specific services, contact J. Lyn Carl at 512-531-3936 or jcarl@spartnerships.com.

San Antonio library awarded $1 million for scholarships

The San Antonio Public Library recently won a nearly $1 million grant to help 45 students pay for their education. The Institute of Museum and Library Sciences awarded the grant to help students working toward their graduate degrees in library and information sciences.

Guadalupe County plans
to build new animal shelter

Guadalupe County recently authorized spending $27,000 to hire an architect to design a new 4,000-square-foot animal shelter. Commissioner Jim Wolverton (pictured) praised the action, saying the shelter will benefit residents of the entire county.

The new shelter, expected to cost about $475,000, will be built adjacent to the Guadalupe County Jail and will include kennels for 30 animals, office space, storage areas and treatment and procedure rooms. The county sheriff proposed the shelter as a way to save the $60,000 in annual fees for shelter services the county pays to the City of Seguin and several veterinary centers.

Move ahead of the competition!

In governmental marketplaces, it's important to find and qualify opportunities as soon as possible. SPI researchers analyze budgets, planning documents, appropriations requests and more on a daily basis in order to find upcoming opportunities. As a result, SPI is untouchable when it comes to pointing clients to upcoming opportunities. For details on how to contract with SPI for research only contact Reagan Weil at rweil@spartnerships.com or call 512-531-3900 and ask for Reagan.

Keene city administrator offers his resignation

Keene City Administrator James Minor recently announced his resignation from that position effective Sept. 19. Minor said he is leaving to accept a position with another city, but did not disclose the name of the city. Keene City Council members announced no action on finding an interim administrator or a new city administrator.

Nederland ISD approves $126 million bond issue

Trustees for the Nederland Independent School District agreed at a recent workshop to place a $126,087,200 Phase One bond proposal on the ballot in November in one single proposition. Some bond supporters had urged the board to place projects, such as new turf for the football stadium, into separate propositions to allow voters more choices.

Trustees are scheduled to vote Aug. 18 on whether to place the bond proposal on the ballot in November.

Abilene airport selected for $311,507 federal grant

The Abilene Regional Airport recently was selected to receive a $311,507 grant from the Federal Aviation Administration, which is part of the U.S. Department of Transportation. The funds will be used for terminal and runway improvements, officials said.

Funds will let Bryan ISD
buy new student laptops

The Bryan Independent School District recently received a $500,000 grant from the Texas Education Agency to provide laptop computers to all sixth grade students and teachers at Jane Long Middle School. The funds are provided through the Vision2020 grant program.

Jennifer Bergland (pictured), chief technology officer for Bryan ISD, said she believes the success of the Vision program at two other middle schools in the district helped secure this most recent funding. The grant will pay for a laptop for every sixth grade student as well as pay for staff training, equipment, software and services related to the programs.

Grant will help pay for Midland airport lights

The Midland International Airport recently was awarded an $879,973 grant to pay for improved runway lighting. The Federal Aviation Administration of the U.S. Department of Transportation awarded the grant. The project will replace runway lighting installed in the 1990s with LED lighting that will save on electricity costs and also install a backup lighting feed, said Marv Esterly, director of airports for the City of Midland.

Jasper County seeks grant for lake visitor's center

In an attempt to meet a July 31 deadline, Jasper County Commissioners recently met in special session to hold a public hearing on a proposed visitor center at Lake Sam Rayburn. The county was required to postmark the application by July 31 to qualify for the grant, said Jasper County Judge Mark Allen. The TP&W grant will require a 50 percent match that the county and local supporters will provide in cash or in-kind labor, he said. The county submitted a three-year-old plan that had originally been prepared for a grant from the Texas Department of Transportation that was never awarded because of Hurricane Rita.

The proposal calls for an 8,200-square-foot log cabin that would serve as a tourist information center, a welcome center for the new fish hatchery and an education center for people to learn more about nature, birding, the history and other amenities in the lakes area and surrounding communities. The Jasper County Commissioners agreed to pay all operating and maintenance costs of the center, which will be staffed by volunteers.

Recent Reports

• An Audit Report on Medicaid Fraud Control Activities at the Office of the Attorney General
• A Report on the State's Law Enforcement Salary Schedule (Salary Schedule C) and Law Enforcement Position Parity
• DPS Internal Investigation Report on Governor's Mansion Security Operations
• TDLR 2009-2013 Strategic Plan
• Texas Education Today, TEA newsletter
• HHSC, Quarterly Report on Energy, Water and Vehicle Fuel Conservation - August 2008.
• 'Eye on Government'
• SPI's May 2008 Municipal Bond Elections Report
• SPI's Defense Appropriations Bill Earmarks Report
• SPI's November 2007 Bond Election Results Report

Event Links

• CONSEC 2008
• Executive Women in Texas Government 22nd Annual Professional Development Conference
• Texas GIS Forum 2008
• 6th Biennial Legislative Communications Conference
• Texas State University Small Business Development Center training schedule
• TWC Texas Business Conferences
• LBJ School Professional Development Calendar
• Upcoming Executive Women in Texas Government events

Texas Government Insider Archives

Volume 1 - 6 Archives · 11/7/03 - 8/1/08

El Paso airport to receive $1.3 million federal grant

The El Paso International Airport recently won a $1,335,124 federal grant for taxiway repairs, maintenance and safety improvements. The U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Aviation Administration awarded the grant.

DFW Airport may choose
to close one terminal

Grappling with an estimated 7 percent decrease in airline traffic, Dallas/Fort Worth Airport may close one of its terminals. One major airline, which accounts for 80 percent of the airport's flights, is cutting back its capacity later this year in response to record fuel prices, resulting in a 42-flight decrease.

No layoffs are expected, although a hiring chill is likely amid "significant challenges," according to airport CEO Jeff Fegan (pictured), that the airport is facing in the upcoming fiscal year.

To balance its $640 million budget, the airport is considering several measures, including:

• transferring $10 million from a capital fund to operations;
• increasing airline landing fees; and
• negotiating with airlines to close or partially close terminals.

Two East Texas airports receive FAA grant

The Tyler Pounds Regional Airport and the East Texas Regional Airport will receive a $278,684 grant to pay for runway improvements. The Federal Aviation Administration of the U.S. Department of Transportation awarded the grants.

Davis Dickson, the Tyler airport manager, said the grant was unexpected as it was an additional grant over the amount for which officials applied. The airport previously received a $2.68 million grant to pay for a tree-clearing project to improve runway visibility and to pay for the final phase of a perimeter road projects. The city will be required to contribute a 5 percent grant match of $14,720, Dickson said. The most recent grant will pay for design work for a runway safety area project at the Tyler Pounds Regional airport. Gregg County will receive $258,394 for East Texas Regional Airport to use to expand its apron for parking aircraft to meet increased demand.

Southlake City Council eyeing four-day work week

The Southlake City Council is weighing options for a 4-day, 40-hour work week. No action has been implemented yet, and compliance would be voluntary for employees if the measure is enacted. City offices would remain open five days a week. The proposal would affect employees working in the customer support sector, including the town hall and the court system.

The initiative has a twofold fiscal benefit. It could help curb gas costs for employees as well as allow time for matters normally reserved for personal leave, thus saving the city money. If passed, the city will review the system for efficiency after three to four months of operation.

East Texas Regional Airport to get $258,000 grant

The East Texas Regional Airport recently received notice of the award of a $258,000 federal grant. The grant from the Texas Department of Transportation's Federal Aviation Commission will pay for ramp improvements.

The funds are the second installment of a $1 million grant the airport was awarded earlier this year, said Airport Manager Virginia Hall. The first installment was received in April, she said.

Windcrest residents want vote on capital projects

Windcrest City Council's proposal to issue certificates of obligation to fund approximately $7.5 million in projects, including a new city hall, has sparked a petition from residents to hold a vote for the measure. Mayor Jack Leonhardt (pictured) said the proposal's projects would not raise property taxes and would be paid off in 20 years, which prompted him to question why residents, in this instance, would want to go through the expense of an election.

Among those projects, in addition to the new city hall, are the reconstruction of the existing Windcrest City Hall into a public safety complex, the acquisition of additional dormitory space for the volunteer fire department and the expansion of green space in the city.

San Benito city manager requested to resign

San Benito City Attorney Jesus "Chuy" Ramirez has asked City Manager Victor Trevino to vacate his post with six months severance pay but offered no explanation as to why, according to Trevino. Ramirez told Trevino the city commission was requesting his leave. Trevino had not made a decision as of late this week, saying he has not had time to respond. Ramirez has also asked for a letter outlining Trevino's plans. Information regarding the request was not provided by the city commission, according to Trevino.

Selling to governmental marketplaces in Texas?

This will keep you connected

Mary Scott Nabers' columns run regularly in the Austin, Houston, San Antonio and Dallas Business Journals and each column features contracting opportunities in all segments of government - state, city, county, K-12 public schools, higher education and healthcare.

If you miss the articles in the journals, go to the SPI Web site, where they're posted each week.

UT System collaborates with agency to sponsor training

Information technologists from across the nation converged on The University of Texas at Austin campus recently to learn about federated identity management software. The UT System sponsored the workshop in collaboration with the Texas Lonestar Education and Research Network (LEARN). The software featured at the workshop will streamline and simplify online educational applications at schools across the state, thereby leveraging scarce or expensive resources.

LEARN is the cooperative result of 33 higher education institutions in Texas geared to provide interconnectivity between higher education institutions and research networks in areas of teaching, health care and public service.

Ysleta ISD gets OK for school at city park

After agreeing to build two lighted soccer fields, trustees for the Ysleta Independent School District recently received permission from the City of Ysleta to build a new $8 million elementary school at the park. The school district had proposed several years ago building a new elementary school on eight acres of the park where soccer fields are located, but had been unable to reach an agreement with the city.

Eddie Holguin (pictured), the representative from East-Valley, said while he originally had concerns about allowing the school to build on city park land, this agreement answered those concerns. The school district will use money from a $250 million bond issue approved in 2004 to pay for the school and soccer fields.

Would-be teachers
must make the grade

New minimum standards for alternative certification programs for Texas teachers have been proposed by the State Board for Educator Certification. The new rules would require for-profit and nonprofit program operators to require teacher candidates to show they maintained a 2.5 grade point average in college. The board also proposed a minimum number of hours of training before teacher certification. The proposals will be voted on by the board at its Oct. 10 meeting, after public comment is taken. The final approval would have to come from the State Board of Education.

There is a loophole, however, that allows program operators to exempt up to 10 percent of their customers due to "extraordinary circumstance." Approximately one-half of new teachers each year in Texas go through the alternative certification programs for teacher certification instead of through college education schools.

UTEP ramps up green efforts

The University of Texas at El Paso, in an effort to further its green initiatives and preserve the environment, has implemented a carpool system and the use of biodiesel fuel in some transit shuttles. The Carpool Program is designed to alleviate traffic congestion, and help save money. Students and faculty are encouraged to register for the program. Program participants will receive a 15 percent parking permit discount.

Additionally, a local shuttle system will begin fueling its fleet with a gas mixture that includes 20 percent biodiesel fuel. The mixture will help reduce carbon emissions. It will also improve mileage by 10 percent, and reduce fumes and noise, according to Parking and Transportation Services Director Paul Stresow.

Corpus Christi to finalize bond proposal this month

Following three public meetings to gather citizen input on an estimated $153 million bond package, Corpus Christi city council members are scheduled to finalize the proposal on Tuesday, Aug. 19, following a discussion on the proposal at its meeting earlier this month. >The proposal currently under consideration includes $103.9 million for streets, $10.8 million for public health and safety, $3.65 million for public facilities, $21.6 million for parks and recreation and $13 million for development of the bay front near Memorial Coliseum.

Residents at the first of the three meetings planned for public input asked for their neighborhood streets to be added to the proposal, sought support for restoration of the Ritz Theatre and asked to delay any development of a bay-front park until city officials decide the fate of the coliseum.

Austin still considering hands-free ordinance

Austin City Council is still considering an ordinance requiring residents to have both hands free for driving if talking on cell phone while driving a motor vehicle. Council member Mike Martinez (pictured) expects the proposal to go before City Manager Marc Ott sometime in August or September.

Martinez is consulting with cell phone companies to see if they would be willing to provide free headsets to those who cannot afford them. The law, if passed, would take about six months before going into effect. Residents who violate the ordinance would face warnings and fines starting at $50.

TGI ad space available

If you're not advertising in TGI, you're missing out on an opportunity for some very targeted messaging. TGI reaches thousands of readers each week. Interested in details, call Patti Maugham at 512-531-3900 or click here.

Victoria considering
red-light cameras

Following a request from council members for more information on installing cameras to catch motorists running red lights, Victoria Police Chief Bruce Ure recently outlined the pros and cons of red-light cameras.

During an unannounced test conducted in April by a camera vendor who had installed cameras at six intersections, Ure said the cameras recorded 117 violations during the 12-hour period. Mayor Pro Tem Lewis Neitsch said he is concerned the cameras could cause more rear-end crashes.

Brown County to apply for grant to pay for radios

Brown County commissioners recently approved a resolution authorizing county officials to apply to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security for a grant to help pay for 11 mobile radios. The county will be required to pay 20 percent of the $38,000 the radios are expected to cost. The City of Brownwood also is expected to apply for the same grant, said Commissioner Steve Adams. That will provide the gateway needed to link county and city radio systems, he said.

Clear Creek ISD wins $993,000 grant for teachers

Teachers from the Clear Creek Independent School District will soon visit historical landmarks around the nation using proceeds from a $963,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Education.

The Teaching America History Grant, a three-year initiative, will focus on educating elementary and secondary teachers how to use museums, landmarks, historical documents and the Internet to enhance history lessons. Fifty teachers who apply for the program will be selected to participate in summer field trips planned for Austin, San Antonio, Washington-on-the-Brazos, Washington D.C., Philadelphia and Boston. Each of the teachers selected also will be given $1,400 for technology purchases for their classrooms.

The district is working with San Jacinto College, The University of Houston Clear Lake, the Houston Museum of Natural History, the Galveston Historical Foundation and the San Jacinto Monument in the program.

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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.

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Executive Women in Texas Government set conference

The Executive Women in Texas Government 22nd annual Professional Development Conference will be Monday, Nov. 24, at the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort in Lost Pines, Texas. Hailed as a meeting of "ideas, solutions and connections," this year's event will feature keynote speakers (yet to be announced) and workshops relating to development of executive level management skills, expanding leadership capabilities and networking and mentoring. The event will begin with a 7:30 a.m. registration. The first keynote speaker will be heard during the opening general session at 8:30 a.m. followed by two morning workshops and breaks for exhibits and networking. The EWTG Woman of the Year presentation will be made during lunch, with another afternoon workshop on tap and the closing general session and second keynote speech at 3:15 p.m. Sponsorships are available and exhibitors are also being accepted. For more information on the conference and registration, click here.

CONSEC 2008 event set in Austin Sept. 22-25

CONSEC 2008 is slated for Monday through Thursday, Sept. 22-25, at the J.J. Pickle Center in Austin. This year's event centers around "Risk Management and Business Continuance: Achieving Success." The first day of the event will feature a "fireside chat" with Professor Howard A. Schmidt, President and CEO of R&H Security Consulting LLC and former White House Cyber Security Advisor. Day two is a one-day forum for executives and senior management while day three features speakers on emergency crisis communication, planning for pandemic and life lessons in information security. The final day will feature a variety of workshops. To view the brochure with the event agenda, click here. To register, click here.

Texas GIS Forum 2008 slated for Oct. 27-31

The Texas Natural Resources Information System, a division of the Texas Water Development Board, is hosting the Texas GIS Forum 2008 on Oct. 27-31 at the J.J. Pickle Research Campus in Austin. The forum is billed as the "largest Geospatial Technology forum in Texas." Sponsorships are available and the forum will also feature exhibitors. To register, click here. For information for sponsors and exhibitors, click here. Registration for the forum is available to individuals from government agencies (federal, state, local), universities, industry representatives, sponsors and exhibitors. The group is also seeking presentation proposals, with an Aug. 15 deadline. Some of the topics sought in the proposals include innovative uses for GIS, alternative GIS environments, budget GIS projects, Web-based GIS advancements, GIS or remote sensing for emergency response, etc.