Texas Government Insider
Volume 8, Issue 36 - Friday, Sept. 17, 2010
Four new directors named for Department of Motor Vehicles
 
Three recently named executives also helping shape state's newest agency
 
Linda FloresBrett BrayRandy Elliston
Four new directors and three executives have been named at the state's newest agency, the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV).  Among the new executives are Chief Financial Officer Linda Flores (top left), Chief Operating Officer Dawn Heikkila and General Counsel Brett Bray (top middle).
 
Additionally, Randy Elliston (top right) has been named director of the Vehicle Titles and Registration Division, Molly Cost will head the Motor Vehicle Division, William P. Harbeson (bottom left)  is the director of the Enforcement Division and Ginny Booton (bottom right) has been named director of the Consumer Relations Division.
 
Ginny BootonWilliam HarbesonAs CFO, Flores manages the agency budget of approximately $156 million. She is the former CFO for the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and has also held positions with the former Texas Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation. A Certified Public Accountant, Flores also spent 15 years in city government in financial and accounting positions with the City of Corpus Christi. She holds a bachelor's degree from The University of Texas at Austin and a master's from Corpus Christi State University.
 
As COO, Heikkila oversees a wide range of departmental activities, including support operations, human resources and facilities. She was administration manager for the Motor Vehicle Division since 2005 and has also worked as a program analyst for the Texas Department of Public Safety and as director of administration for the Criminal Justice Policy Council. She holds a bachelor's degree from St. Edward's University and a master's degree in public affairs from The University of Texas at Austin's LBJ School of Public Affairs.
 
 
Sunset Advisory Commission releases staff reports on DIR, TDHCA
 
Recommends DIR review at 6 instead of 12 years; recovery plan for housing agency 
 
Although the new management team at the Texas Department of Information Resources (DIR) "appears focused on quickly implementing necessary solutions" to ongoing problems, the Sunset Advisory Commission staff report issued this week recommends a shortened, six-year Sunset date for the agency instead of the usual 12 years. Sunset recommended the shortened Sunset date so the legislature can re-evaluate the agency before the usual 12-year period is up.
 
The Sunset staff also issued its report on the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) this week and staff noted that although TDHCA has met new federal funding challenges, it "could improve its management of key areas."
 
Many of the problems identified by Sunset at DIR are the same or similar to those facing other agencies. "Clearly, problems with major contracts, particularly for outsourced services or IT-related projects, are not unique to DIR," reads the report. It points out that although the legislature, the State Comptroller and the Legislative Budget Board have made recommendations regarding how agencies enter into and manage major contracts, "these efforts have not yet resulted in a consistent approach to oversight and management of these contracts, and agencies such as DIR continue to struggle."
 
[more] 
 
Strategic Partnerships salutes Texas' Lone Stars
 
Richard CarpenterDr. Richard Carpenter, chancellor, Lone Star College System 
 
Career highlights and education: Began as high school band director in Louisiana.  Then taught at the community college.  Next, I served as dean and then Vice President for Instruction at a small community college in Kentucky.  Became the youngest college president in the country at the age of 29.  Since then, I have served as a college president in Minnesota, California, Alabama and Las Vegas.  Also served as State System Chancellor for the Wisconsin Technical/Community College System during which time I served as a member of the Governor's Cabinet. Education: As a first generation college student, I earned an associate degree from the community college, then a bachelor's degree in Music Education, followed by a master's degree in Education Administration, followed by my doctorate in Community College Leadership.

What I like best about my job is: From personal experience, I know very well the incredible difference an education makes for individuals, their families and their futures.  I am honored now to play a role in changing the lives of 85,000 students every semester.  Also, for years now I have maintained a keen interest in and active role in regional economic development and job creation.  
 
The best advice I've received for my current job is: Never take yourself too seriously. Maintain a good sense of humor.  With 5,000+ employees, remember to respect equally the role that each plays in building and maintaining a world-class institution.  And never forget the financial trust that voters place in you.  Treat their tax dollars with the utmost respect.  Maintain the highest level of integrity at all times. Lastly, assume responsibility for any failures, but give generous credit to others for the successes and accomplishments.

Advice you would give a new hire in your office:  Strap on your seatbelt! Things move aggressively and quickly at the Lone Star College System. New people are often startled at the pace. We are a results-oriented, accountability-driven organization.  We strive to be second to none in all that we do.

If I ever snuck out of work early, I could probably be found: at home, in my music room, playing guitar and keyboards, composing and writing songs, some of which are secretly embedded in public presentations that I do.

People would be surprised to know that I: Was a successful entrepreneur as a teen. I was a truck farmer, a hay baler, a truck driver, landscape laborer and a rabbit farmer.  I had multiple sets of parents and money was always scarce.

One thing I wish more people knew about Lone Star College System: Lone Star is the fastest growing college in Texas and among the fastest in the nation. We rank 5th among America's 1,200 community colleges for the number of international students.  We enroll students from 108 countries from around the world.  We rank among the top colleges in the country for the number of war veteran students - number one in Texas.  We are the largest producer of associate degrees in Texas. We are also the largest producer of Registered Nurses in the Houston Metro area. Our administrative costs are among the lowest in the state as is our local tax rate.  Lastly, we transfer students every year to prestigious universities like UT, Texas A&M, University of Houston, Sam Houston, Harvard, Yale, Duke, Princeton, USC, UCLA and almost every major state university in the country.
 
 
Texas Lottery earns best return to state since 1998
Gary GriefTexas Lottery officials recently transferred $1.095 billion to the state for fiscal year 2010. This was the largest transfer since 1998, said Gary Grief (pictured), executive director of the Texas Lottery.
 
About $1 billion of the lottery revenue went directly to the Foundation School Fund to support public education, while $7.3 million went to the Texas Veterans Commission from the sales of a new instant scratch-off game dedicated to assistance for Texas veterans. The $87 million in unclaimed lottery prices benefited other state programs, Grief said.
 
Other highlights for the 2010 fiscal year included earning $2.76 billion from the sale of instant scratch-off tickets, the fifth largest level of sales in the history of the Texas Lottery. Lotto Texas sales also posted an increase of $55.4 million over last year, the game's best sales year since 2005. The state also posted $68.5 million in revenue from the new Powerball game since ticket sales began on Jan. 31, 2010.
 
TxDMV unveils new, improved vehicle registration stickers
New Sticker"Texans told us what they wanted and we listened," said Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) Board Chairman Victor Vandergriff (pictured below) as the agency Thursday unveiled its improved registration sticker. The accompanying illustration at right shows how the sticker will look when viewed from inside the vehicle. Vandergriff said the new vehicle registration sticker allows drivers to see the expiration date through the back side of the sticker, which previously could only be seen from the front. "For those drivers who found glancing at the lower left-hand corner of their windshield caused them to see a big blue blob rather than a defined sticker, we're happy to tell you it will soon be gone."
 
Victor VandergriffThe new stickers will allow the expiration date to be seen from inside the vehicle. The front of the sticker will feature the agency's name and logo. TxDMV began mailing out the new stickers last week to county tax offices. The current supply of the old stickers will be used before the new versions are issued. 
 
Randy Elliston, the TxDMV's Vehicle Titles and Registration Division director who oversees the sticker's production, said Texans also can expect to see a new registration renewal notice. The department began mass mailing the TxDMV registration renewal notices at the beginning of September.
 
 
TDI launches affordable program for small businesses
The Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) has launched Healthy Texas, a statewide public/private partnership established by the 81st Legislature that provides a new health insurance option for small businesses. Participating employers can save up to one-third on premiums on average. 
 Employers interested in the option will apply directly to one of two participating health plans or apply through an insurance agent.  
 
Only 32 percent of Texas small businesses offer health insurance as opposed to 89 percent of the state's large employers. Most uninsured Texans are employed. Healthy Texas provides an affordable benefit plan compliant with federal health insurance reform for employers.  
 
Latin American Intelligence gathering attracts 230 to San Antonio
Simeon Trombitas The Latin American Regional Intelligence Conference, sponsored by the 470th Military Intelligence Brigade, recently attracted about 230 intelligence professionals representing more than 50 federal agencies and military organizations to the gathering.
 
The purpose of the conference was to discuss Latin American intelligence support strategies and objectives, coordinate requirements and examine potential force-providing solutions. Maj. Gen. Simeon Trombitas (pictured), commander of the U.S. Army South, urged those at the conference to think creatively about how to do things better as a nation and how to determine those things that do the country harm.
 
Representatives from the U.S. Northern Command, U.S. Southern Command, Intelligence and Security Command and Joint Inter-Agency Task Force South were among the attendees. Work groups also met separately to examine issues including aerial intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, biometrics operations, Army cyber-intelligence, human threat signals, intelligence operations and force protection detachments.
 
Ticket sales continue for legislative conference; 300 confirmed
Ticket sales have been brisk for the upcoming 7th Biennial Legislative Communications Conference, with some 300 already signed up to attend. The conference is once again co-sponsored by Strategic Partnerships, Inc. and The University of Texas at Austin's Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs.
 
The conference is set for Tuesday, Oct. 5, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. It will feature a networking luncheon and a CD will be provided to attendees to provide support through the session. To register, or for more information, click here
 
In addition to a panel of agency executives who will address mandatory spending cuts, the conference will also feature panels of staff from the legislative leadership's office to address the 2011 budget, member of the legislature who will offer legislative insight and tips for working with government leaders, a panel of political pundits ready to share their predictions for the session and other invited participants from a variety of state agencies. The conference will also feature keynote addresses by State Rep. Jim Pitts, chair of the House Appropriations Committee, and Sen. Kirk Watson. Sign up now before all the seats are taken!
 
 
UTHealth introduces Gulf Coast Regional Extension Center
Kim DunnThe enrollment period for eligible practitioners is under way at the new Gulf Coast Regional Extension Center (GCREC) at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth). The Center will house electronic health record (EHR) systems, making them more accessible to patients and healthcare providers while cutting costs by reducing duplicate tests.
 
The GCREC - made possible with funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009 - is one of 60 Regional Extension Centers (RECs) in the nation and the fourth in Texas. The unit will serve primary care practitioners in Beaumont, Brownsville, Corpus Christi, Houston, San Antonio, Victoria and other cities in the southern region of Texas.
 
Dr. Kim Dunn (pictured), executive director of the GCREC and assistant professor at the UTHealth School of Biomedical Informatics, said the Center will focus on primary care practitioners, "where everything starts." When primary care practitioners implement an electronic health record system, "he or she can make this information accessible to authorized health care providers through highly secure systems," she said. 
 
 
DART committee approves $1.26B budget, 20-year financial plan
The Dallas Area Rapid Transit budget committee has approved $1.26 billion in budget funds along with the recommendation of a 20-year financial plan, which includes an extended deadline for the final leg of the Orange Line rail service from Irving to Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport. The recommendation also commits to extending Blue Line service to south Oak Cliff near The University of Texas at Dallas campus. The full board is expected to approve the budget on Sept. 28.
 
Many of the commitments in the 20-year plan will only be possible if the economy recovers as quickly and to the extent DART economists have predicted. 
 
The Procurement EDGE
 
San Marcos names three finalists for city manager post
Jim NuseJeffrey HowellScott MooreRound Rock City Manager Jim Nuse (right) is one of three finalists for the position of San Marcos City Manager. Other finalists include Kilgore City Manager Jeffrey Howell (center) and Peoria, Illinois, City Manager Scott Moore (left).
 
The three will be invited to return for a second round of interviews with the City Council and a meeting in which the public can meet with the finalists. The public meet-and-greet is slated for 5 to 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 22, at the City of San Marcos Conference Center.
 
The three finalists were among five individuals interviewed out of 57 applicants for the position. The remaining two interviewed who did not make the finals were Bryan Long, assistant city manager of Lawton, Oklahoma, and Modesto Mundo, assistant city manager of Lake Jackson. The city is also continuing to accept applications through today, Friday, for the city clerk position.
 
 
UTPA partnership recipient of $1.5 million in TETF funding
The University of Texas-Pan American's partnership with the Rio South Texas Region to increase technology-based economic development got a significant boost Sept. 14 with the announcement of $1.5 million in funding from the Texas Emerging Technology Fund. The money goes toward UTPA's first regional technology start-up company FibeRio Technology Corporation.
 
FibeRio was awarded the commercialization funds to help develop the company's novel and trademarked method of creating nanofibers, a technology co-invented by Drs. Karen Lozano and Kamalaksha Sarkar, both faculty members in UTPA's College of Engineering and Computer Science. The $1.5 million will be added to private financing led by an El Paso venture capital firm focused on investing in technology-based new businesses in the Rio Grande corridor. FibeRio also received a $10,000 Innovation Grant from the McAllen Chamber of Commerce to help bring entrepreneurial ideas to the marketplace.
 
The university is co-founder and an equity holder in the company that will produce the machines using the new technology to produce nanofibers in greater quantities and materials and at less cost. Nanofibers are microscopic fibers used in many manufacturing applications including medical and filtration materials, textiles, personal care products including diapers and cosmetics, insulation, and energy storage. The new process also has potential for many new applications of nanofibers including drug delivery and tissue engineering. 
 
Communities preparing for 27th National Night Out observance
Rosie SalinasOne of the most successful public-private partnerships both on the local and national levels is gearing up for its 27th annual celebration - National Night Out (NNO). The event not only promotes the community spirit in local neighborhoods, but also brings law enforcement and the public together to ensure safer communities.
 
Rosie Salinas (left), NNO Coordinator for the Austin area, and Deputy James Kitchens (right) of the Travis County Sheriff's Department, note that the local NNO kick-off event will be held Tuesday, Oct. 5, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Southpark Meadows "The Grove." More than 40 exhibitors will provide information about their services and there will be a number of static displays from specialized units of the Austin Police Department. There will be live music and the event is free.
 
James KitchensA number of pre-NNO events have already been held, according to Salinas, including free vehicle identification number etchings on vehicle windows as part of an auto theft deterrent program, a safety fair and promotion of crime prevention programs for seniors, sponsored by APD, the Travis County Sheriff's Office and the Pflugerville Police Department. Various agencies offered information on adult abuse, fraud and scams. Later this month, Austin PD, Austin Energy and the Montopolis Neighborhood Association will distribute CFL light bulbs to residents in the Montopolis neighborhood and are asking residents to turn on outside lights on NNO to honor victims of violent crimes. More than 300 block parties are scheduled so far in Austin for NNO and Salinas said applications are continuing to be accepted.  Salinas noted that Texas has won first place for the last 15 years for its Texas National Night Out After Action Report. Texas cities participating in NNO activities are encouraged to send photos, news articles, NNO flyers, etc. to Corporal Mike Clowdus, c/o Pflugerville PD, 1611 E. Pfenning Lane, Pflugerville, TX 78660 for inclusion in the report.
 
 
Medina commissioners approve requests for annex, jail proposals
Medina County commissioners have approved a motion to seek requests for proposals from pre-selected contractors and architects for construction of a new county annex and jail expansion.
 
The new annex is estimated to cost $10 million, while the jail expansion - set to double the current 96-bed occupancy - is projected to cost $6 million. Balance of debt issuance will be used for courthouse renovations, to equip an annex in Devine and to demolish the current election's office. 
 
Commissioners have also taken the first steps toward issuing $18 million in certificates of obligation to pay for the projects. They have issued a public notice and expect a final vote on the debt plan in October. 
 
State employee charitable campaign under way through October 
Carolyn BeckThe 2010 Capital Area Annual State Employee Charitable Campaign (SECC) kicked off Sept. 1 and is set to run through the end of October. During that time some 65,000 state and higher education employees will have the opportunity to contribute to their favorite local, national or international charity through monthly payroll deduction. For more information, click here
 
Last year the endeavor raised more than $2.29 million with more than 8,500 contributors. 
Capital Area SECC Chair and Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission spokesperson Carolyn Beck (pictured) said everyone has a cause they support and feel passionate about, "whether it's a cure for breast cancer, support for at-risk youth, domestic violence prevention or something else."
 
It Takes a Village: San Marcos gearing up for nonprofit complex
About $450,000 in federal appropriations will be used to construct the Village of San Marcos, which will house several nonprofit organizations once built on 29 acres northwest of the outlet malls. Groundbreaking is expected in 2012.
 
The nonprofit Village will serve as home to San Marcos-Hays County Family Justice Center, where family-violence victims will be able to file police reports and obtain job training. In addition, the Village will also act as a base for Early Childhood Intervention-Homespun, a program for children with disabilities and developmental delays; Community Action, a nonprofit centered around poverty and education needs; and the San Marcos Women, Infants and Children Program, a nutrition-education initiative aimed at mothers.
 
Hays County has so far given $1.3 million for a park and sports complex at the site, while the city has donated about $500,000 for engineering and the procurement of 10 acres. Mayor Kathy Morris and a local developer donated the remaining 19 acres. 
 
Candia takes helm at Alice campus of Coastal Bend College
Patricia CandiaDr. Patricia Candia (pictured) recently took the helm as the new campus director for Coastal Bend College in Alice. She previously served as interim vice president of academic affairs and as interim president and vice president of student affairs for St. Philip's College in San Antonio.
 
Candia has a bachelor's degree from The University of Texas at San Antonio, a master's degree from the University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio and a Ph.D. from Texas A&M University. 
 

TDI applies for $3.4M in federal funds for consumer advocacy
The Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) has requested $3.4 million in federal funds to help purchase a consumer advocate office to lobby for consumers dealing with the federal health care overhaul. The funds would be drawn from a pool of $30 million to be used for consumer assistance programs across the country.
 
Jerry Hagins, a spokesman for TDI, said officials asked for the maximum amount required to "help Texans make this transition."
 
The funds would be used to assist approximately 4.5 million uninsured Texans in obtaining health care coverage and "help millions of insured Texans make more informed choices about their health insurance options," according to the grant application.  
 
Sherrill retires as associate dean of UH-Clear Lake City
James SherrillJames Sherrill (pictured) recently retired as associate dean of the University of Houston-Clear Lake City School of Education. UH officials have appointed Kathryn Matthew, an associate professor of reading and language arts, to serve as interim associate dean.
 
Sherrill began his post at UH-Clear Lake in 1999 after spending 29 years at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, British Columbia, where he served as associate dean for administration and associate dean for graduate programs and research. Sherrill has a Ph.D. from The University of Texas in Austin. He also won the 2009 Christa McAuliffe Award for Excellence in Teacher Education.
 
UT-Pan Am to interview three finalists for provost
Geralyn McClure FranklinHavidan RodriguezJohn de CastroOfficials of the University of Texas-Pan American recently narrowed the list of candidates to three finalists for provost/vice president for academic affairs. Faculty, students and staff interviewed the three finalists for the provost position in early September. The new provost will replace Dr. Paul Sale, who returned to a full-tenured professorship earlier this year.
 
The three finalists are Dr. Geralyn McClure Franklin (leftt), dean of the College of Business and a professor of management at the University of Dallas, Dr. Havidan Rodriguez (center), deputy provost and professor of sociology at the University of Delaware, and Dr. John M. de Castro (right), dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at Sam Houston State University.
 
UT Brownsville/TSC win $495,000 nursing grant
Eldon NelsonThe U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recently awarded a $495,000 grant to the University of Texas at Brownsville (UTB) and Texas Southmost College (TSC).
 
The grant will be used to buy radiologic technology, diagnostic medical sonography and emergency medical science equipment for nursing and other allied health programs, said Dr. Eldon Nelson (pictured), dean of the School of Health Sciences at UTB/TSC. The new equipment will improve simulation training for students by providing scenarios and mock medical environments, Nelson said.
 
The grant also will help buy digital imaging equipment to provide necessary technology for classroom instruction and to provide infrastructure for sharing knowledge and resources among other nursing programs and service partners in the region, he said.
 
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A&M HSC chooses vice dean for Graduate Medical Education
Edward SherwoodDr. Edward J. Sherwood (pictured) has been appointed vice dean for Graduate Medical Education (GME), Continuing Medical Education (CME) and Life Long Learning at Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine.
 
Sherwood has served as interim dean of the departments, based out of the College of Medicine's Round Rock campus, since October 2009. From 2006 to 2009, he worked as associate dean for Veterans Affairs at the College of Medicine after retiring from the Central Texas Veterans Health Care System (CTVHCS), where he was chief medical officer.
 
Sherwood holds a medical degree from Boston University School of Medicine. He is board certified in internal medicine and infectious diseases.
 
Miller to be new chief commercialization officer at UT-Austin
Richard Miller, a professor who founded several California-based biotechnology companies, recently assumed the newly created position of chief commercialization officer for The University of Texas at Austin. In his new position, Miller will be responsible for leading the effort to commercialize technology discoveries made at the Austin campus in order to transform research discoveries into new companies, jobs and royalty income.
 
UT-Austin attracted more than $600 million in research awards last year, with most of that coming from federal agencies, college officials noted. While UT's income from commercialization has grown from $4.3 million in 2003 to $10.9 million in 2009, the university can do better, said the vice president of research for UT-Austin. Stanford University, for instance, recorded $65 million in invention royalties in 2009, he said. In addition to founding and leading biotechnology companies, Miller also taught at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Stanford University in California.
 
UTHSC at Houston unveils new UTHealth brand this month
Larry KaiserThe new brand for The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston - UTHealth - is being introduced this month via the university's online presence and printed materials. UTHealth President Dr. Larry R. Kaiser (pictured) said despite the tremendous impact the university has made, "the community knows far too little about what we do," explaining the rationale behind the initiative.
 
"We have taken a big step by creating a brand as strong as this university," Kaiser said.
 
The new UTHealth logo features a tapestry symbol representing the institution's six schools. UTHealth stands as the most comprehensive academic health center in the UT System and the U.S. Gulf Coast region. Its schools include branches in biomedical informatics, biomedical sciences, dentistry, medicine, nursing and public health.
 
Texas Tech would-be dean rescinds acceptance of appointment 
Elizabeth Dickey has rescinded her acceptance of an appointment to become dean of the Edward E. Whitaker Jr. College of Engineering at Texas Tech University.
 
Interim Dean Jon Strauss will head efforts to find a new engineering dean. University officials hope to have a new dean in place by Jan. 1.
 
 
SHSU to begin construction on parking garage, academic building
Richard Eglsaer Sam Houston State University will soon begin construction on a parking garage and academic building in The Woodlands. The university is set to break ground on the 750-space garage next month and three months later begin construction on the $35 million, 100,000-square-foot facility.
 
The project will provide more space for the University Center programs the institution has provided on the Lone Star College-Montgomery campus starting in 1998. Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs Richard Eglsaer (pictured) said the project will serve as a continuation of the Lone Star College program. 
 
The move stands to benefit Lone Star College, whose enrollment, including those in noncredit and workforce courses, totals about 85,000 students. 
 
Midwestern State selects two new directors for economic centers
Officials of the Dillard College of Business Administration of Midwestern State University recently appointed two directors for two of its five economic centers.
 
Trustees selected James Owen, an associate professor of economics, as the director of the Mamie Raborn Center for Economic Education. This college established this center in 1982 to increase the economic understanding in the area. The Raborn Center provides economic education materials to schools as well as sharing educational information about economic issues in the community.
 
John Martinez, a professor of economics, will serve as the new director of the Bureau of Business and Government Research, which uses an economic database and economic models for researching economic development in North Texas. Among the services offered by the bureau are continual updates of the Wichita Falls General Business Index, assessing overall economic trends in the area and producing the Wichita Falls Consumer Confidence Index and the Economic Outlook Report. 
 
HSU names Hammack executive director for advancement
Mike HammackMike Hammack (pictured) has been chosen from a field of 34 candidates to serve as executive director for institutional advancement at Hardin-Simmons University.
 
Hammack has worked for HSU since 2007, serving as a member of the university's development team. Prior to that charge he worked for Children at Heart Ministries in Houston as executive director of its crisis center for single mothers.
 
Hammack, a member of the Partnership for Philanthropic Planning and the Association of Fundraising Professionals, holds a bachelor's degree and master's degree from HSU.
 
Legislative Conference Registration
 
WTAMU names Chang director of Alternative Energy Institute
Byungik Chang Dr. Byungik Chang (pictured) has been named director of West Texas A&M University's Alternative Energy Institute (AEI). He replaces Dr. Vaughn Nelson. 
 
Chang currently serves WTAMU as assistant professor of civil engineering. He was named interim director of AEI in May. He also leads research efforts and teaches classes in the university's engineering program. Prior to joining the WTAMU faculty in 2009, he spent two years as a bridge designer in Phoenix with the Arizona Department of Transportation.
 
Chang holds bachelor's, master's and doctorate degrees, all from Iowa State University.
 
 
LeTourneau to use grant funding for facilities upgrades, programs
The National Science Foundation recently awarded three grants totaling $1.6 million to LeTourneau University. The school will use the funding for upgrades to facilities, research and student retention programs.
 
The largest grant, $798,823, will pay for upgrades to a university laboratory serving engineering students. The upgrades include improvements to electrical wiring, lighting, roofing, plumbing and ventilation. A $500,000 grant will be used over a five-year period to develop a coordinated mentoring program for first-year engineering and engineering technology students, including courses that feature real-world engineering practices.
 
The third grant for $300,000 will pay for research over a three-year period to develop a computer model that focuses on the prevention, treatment and rehabilitation of injuries to the anterior cruciate ligament.
 
Southwestern Medical Foundation moving to Parkland complex
Kern WildenthalOfficials of Southwestern Medical Foundation are relocating next to the historic Parkland Hospital complex. The foundation raises and manages private donations for The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center.
 
Foundation offices will be located in a new building on property where the original offices, classrooms and laboratory were located when the medical center began in 1943, noted Kern Wildenthal (pictured), president and CEO of the foundation.
 
The foundation will lease 5,500 square feet of office space from the developer who restored the original Parkland Hospital building and the adjacent nurses dormitory, Wildenthal said. Parkland Hospital opened in 1913 is one of the oldest medical buildings to survive in the Southwest.
 
Service Learning Texas to distribute grants to Texas schools
Service Learning Texas is gearing up to deliver Texas Healthy Habitats Grants, each worth up to $10,000, to public and private middle and high schools and educational nonprofits across the state. Applications are due Sept. 30.
 
The grants work to involve students in service-learning initiatives that improve the environment, thanks in part to help from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation (TPWF). Students partner with communities to identify conservation needs and devise solutions, building on an existing partnership between the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) and Service Learning Texas, a statewide initiative of the Texas Education Agency (TEA).
 
Applications can be found in the 2010-2011 Docs & Info section on the Service Learning Texas Healthy Habitats Web site.
 
Rusk ISD wins $850,000 grant to improve technology
Jim LargentThe Texas Education Agency (TEA) recently awarded an $850,000 Connections Grant to the Rusk Independent School District.
 
The grant will be used to continue the purchase of 2,100 new laptop computers for district students and staff, said Superintendent Jim Largent (pictured). The district last year received a $500,000 Vision 2020 grant used to buy laptops for fourth and fifth graders. Currently, the district has 1,450 laptop computers available to students and staff and the new Connections grant will pay for an additional 650 laptops, Largent said.
 
The new grant allows those fourth and fifth grade students with laptops to continue using a laptop as they go to junior high. It also permits the district to give high school students more areas for connecting to laptop cards in specified classes and increases the number of computers on the high school campus, Largent said. Parents and students are required to attend an orientation session on use of the computers before the laptops are issued. The laptops, which have filters installed to limit Internet access, are returned at the end of the school year for maintenance and to be reloaded with grade-specific software before being distributed again.
 
Task Force on Indigent Defense awards $4.1 million to Harris County
The Texas Task Force on Indigent Defense recently awarded $4.1 million to Harris County to help pay for a new pilot public defender program for indigent defendants. Task force members also approved an award of $500,000 for Montgomery County to create a managed assigned counsel program for defendants with mental health issues.
 
Harris County has been the largest jurisdiction in the United States without a public defender office program and, instead, relied on judges to appoint an attorney on an appointment list. The Harris County pilot program will incorporate a public defender and assigned counsel in a hybrid program designed to increase predictability of costs, improve quality of representation and include the defense bar at policy discussions.
 
Montgomery County officials will use the $500,000 to create a managed assigned counsel program to provide direct client services to indigent persons with charges pending and with documented mental health issues. The county will contract with a nonprofit agency led by attorneys who will provide case management services and specially trained and supervised attorneys to represent those defendants. The Montgomery County program is one of the first of its kind to operate in Texas.
 
UT Health Science Center-Houston wins $649,801 grant
The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston recently won a $649,801 grant to improve training for health care providers. The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services awarded the grant, the majority of which came from the Prevention and Public Health Fund as part of the Affordable Care Act.
 
The goal of the grant is to improve access to and quality of health services in medically underserved communities, providing accessible training to health care providers and students in the allied health sciences. Another goal is to plan, develop, administer and evaluate health care projects that support established goals in preventative medicine, health promotion and disease prevention.
 
Huntsville ISD approves plans to upgrade high school
Richard MontgomeryHuntsville Independent School District trustees recently approved plans for several projects included in $13 million in construction and renovations taking place this year on the high school campus.
 
Board members approved plans for science classroom renovations to create a 1,400-square-foot laboratory/classroom combination, building a new 20,000-square-foot Career and Technology Education Building, a new athletic field house for boys and girl's tennis, soccer and wrestling, a new foreign language lab and a new band hall.
 
Other plans include renovating the old band hall into a space for special education/life skills classes, renovating and relocating the culinary arts facility, renovating the front entry to add safety and security features, repairing the roof and installing a new intercom system throughout the high school building. The construction manager is seeking bids for the projects and plans to return to the board on Sept. 30 to advise trustees on the guaranteed maximum price on all projects, said Superintendent Richard Montgomery (pictured). Construction on the projects should begin in October, he said.
 
Metro to delay completion of three light rail lines for up to a year
Officials of the Harris County Metropolitan Transit Authority (Metro) recently agreed to delay by as much as a year three light rail lines currently under construction. The delay is the result of a ruling by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to delay a $900 million grant.
 
The three light rail lines to be delayed are the North, Southeast and East End rail lines, which were scheduled to be completed in October 2013, according to a written statement issued by Metro officials. FTA officials found that Metro had violated both federal procurement laws and the Buy America requirements when agency officials signed a contract to purchase 103 light rail vehicles from a Spanish company. To qualify for the $900 million federal grant from FTA, Metro officials must put the purchase order for the new light rail vehicles through a rebidding process, federal officials said. 
 
Did you miss S&L Pipeline
 
Mormon to serve as chief service officer for Austin
Austin City Manager Marc Ott recently selected Andy Mormon to serve as the chief service officer for the city.
 
The position is funded with a $200,000 two-year grant from the Rockefeller Foundation and Bloomberg Philanthropies. The chief service officer will be responsible for engaging more residents into public service and channeling volunteers towards the city's most pressing needs.
 
Mormon, who formerly served as an aide to  Mayor Lee Leffingwell, previously worked as a corporate human resources executive. He will be assigned to work under the direction of the mayor. Leffingwell joined the Cities of Service coalition when the mayor of New York and 16 other cities founded the bipartisan coalition of mayors in September 2009 to lead efforts to expand community service and volunteerism in their cities.
 
Guadalupe County sets new fee to pay for child safety programs
John BierschwaleGuadalupe County commissions recently approved an additional $1.50 fee on all motor vehicle registrations in the county effective on Jan. 1, 2011. The new fee will be used to pay for child safety programs such as additional patrols, striping, school crossing guards and other efforts to increase the safety of students who walk to school.
 
Assistant City Manager John Bierschwale (pictured) of Schertz, who along with representatives from Seguin and Cibolo, supported the new county-wide school safety fee, saying it places most of the cost on vehicle owners who use streets and roads. Legislators approved a change in the state's Transportation Code to allow counties the option of setting the fee. County officials are allowed to retain 10 percent of the funds collected from the fee to pay for administrative costs.
 
The County Tax Assessor-Collector is responsible for dividing the money collected by the new fee, based on population, and distributing the funding each month to the county or city as appropriate, county officials said.
 
San Marcos Airport to negotiate contract with private company
Contract negotiations between the San Marcos Municipal Airport (SMMA) and a private aviation company will soon be under way.
 
SMMA officials submitted the only formal response to a Request for Proposals for airport operations last May. The $285,000-per-year contract, scheduled to last 10 years, will go before the city council after the company and city staff reach an agreement.
 
Airport Commission Chairman Chuck Nash said the amount basically makes up the airport's entire budget, but the contractor will run all aspects of the airport, including administration, operations and maintenance, real estate management and development/redevelopment.
 
Mike Pedigo announces retirement as head of Denco 9-1-1
Mike PedigoMike Pedigo (pictured), the executive director of Denco 9-1-1 recently announced his retirement from that post effective Oct. 31. Denco 9-1-1, which has 13 employees, operates 11 communication centers with 175 telecommunicators throughout Denton County and in Carrollton by providing the network, database, call processing and mapping equipment for 9-1-1 service.
 
Officials of Denco 9-1-1 appointed Mark Payne, assistant director, to serve as the acting executive director beginning Oct. 1. Agency officials have allotted $2.1 million in the budget for next year to pay for the third phase of a $9 million upgrade that will allow data to come into 9-1-1 centers and an Internet protocol.
 
During his almost 20 years with Denco 9-1-1, Pedigo moved the agency to a computer telephony-based 9-1-1 system, established location technology for cell phone callers, implemented a countywide addressing program to enhance the ability of responders to locate callers in rural areas and improved the telecommunicator training program.
 
TPWD seeks input on Galveston Island State Park overhaul
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) has hired a design firm in Dallas to head the redevelopment of hurricane-ravaged Galveston Island State Park.
 
The agency has also asked stakeholders to take part in an online survey to gather ideas and opinions regarding future park development. The information collected will help the consultant team gauge which park items to tackle first. Participants can also share opinions and ideas about how they would like to see the park developed.
 
A series of public hearings will also be held beginning Sept. 21 in the Lecture Theater at Ocean and Coastal Studies Building No. 3029 on the Texas A&M University at Galveston campus.
 
SPI Research
 
UH-Clear Lake wins $245,527 grant to improve research
The School of Science and Computer Engineering at the University of Houston-Clear Lake recently won a $245,527 grant to purchase equipment for research projects in pharmaceutical, environmental and biotechnology applications.
 
The grant was awarded to Zerong Wang, an associate professor of chemistry; Chunlong Zhang, associate professor of environmental science, environmental chemistry and program chair; and Lory Z. Santiago-Vazquez, an assistant professor of biology and biotechnology.
 
The grant will help build an integrated analytical laboratory to serve the entire university and also will permit faculty members to initiate and conduct research with both graduate students and undergraduate students, Wang said.
 
SAISD seeks to buy $40M East Side building for headquarters 
Pat DiGiovanniSan Antonio city officials plan to acquire a cavernous, abandoned building on the city's east side, renovate the structure and convert it into a headquarters for San Antonio Independent School District. The move would cost about $40 million if the city council and SAISD trustees approve it.
 
Deputy City Manager Pat DiGiovanni (pictured), who orchestrated the deal, said the transfer of headquarters from 141 Lavaca Street to the East Commerce Street location would "have tremendous significance for the East Side." The move would also allow school officials to centralize the district's administrative offices.
 
Trustees will not take up the proposal until after the district's $515 million bond election in November, said SAISD Superintendent Robert Duron.
 
 
Baylor Med looking at cutting administrative staff
Baylor College of Medicine is looking at saving $15 to $20 million by reducing its administrative staff by approximately 15 percent. Baylor President Dr. Paul Klotman said a review will be put into place that he thinks will find a duplication of efforts among departments. Officials would not speculate as to how many layoffs might result from the review process. Klotman is hopeful to either eliminate, combine or share positions among administrators. The cuts will not include faculty. 
 
SPI hosts Texas Government Strategy Workshop
 
Sales teams hear strategy from procurement experts regarding selling to state
 
Ginger Salone
Sales executives from government contracting firms spent time this week with procurement consultants, researchers and subject matter experts at Strategic Partnerships' new training facility.  The topic was "change" and "upcoming opportunities" at the state level of government.
Tommy Huntress
 
Consultants and researchers briefed the group on new budgets, legislative appropriations requests, upcoming opportunities, executive changes within agencies and federal funding that is flowing to Texas. The workshop is one of an ongoing series of business development-related sessions that SPI conducts for sales teams. The next scheduled workshop will deal with upcoming opportunities and approved funding in local government throughout Texas.
 
The workshop also included interactive discussions with procurement experts and former executive-level government officials who are part of the SPI consulting team. Ginger Salone (left), an information technology expert who has held executive-level positions with three major Texas state agencies, was among the presenters for the workshop as was Tommy  Huntress (right), SPI senior vice president and former state agency executive.
  
 
 
New I-10 frontage road plan in Sealy wins federal approval

The Federal Highway Administration recently approved plans submitted by the city of Sealy for a new frontage road to be built along the westbound lane of Interstate 10.
 
The proposed frontage road is designed to allow drivers in the westbound lane to exit and continue west to Rexville Road to improve access to local businesses and streets along I-10 and to increase safety.
 
While the city did not receive $1.4 million in funding it sought from the Texas Transportation Commission for the proposed frontage road improvements, city officials will proceed with the project, said City Manager Chris Coffman. The Sealy Economic Development Corporation has agreed to contribute $500,000 to the project and city officials are working with a local developer to donate the land and possibly pay half of the cost of the improved frontage road, Coffman said. City officials also will need to work with the Texas Department of Transportation on the frontage road design before the cost of the project can be determined, he added.
 
 
High bids halt Colleyville library expansion
After receiving bids higher than budgeted, Colleyville City Council members recently delayed construction of a proposed $511,000 expansion of the Colleyville Public Library. City staff members recommended that council reject the 11 construction bids that ranged from a high of $756,676 to a low bid of $559,000. Council members instructed staff to work with the architect to review the second-floor design to find areas where costs could be reduced. Completion of the library upgrade will be postponed until February 2011 rather than November 2010 as originally planned, city officials said.
 
Plans call for moving the children's section of the library, which now takes about 1,500 square feet of space on the first floor, to about 5,100 square feet on the second floor. The children's area also will feature a multi-purpose room, a story time section and a puppet stage. The upgrades also include a 2,700-square-foot meeting room to accommodate about 250 people and enclosing a room on the first floor to serve as a teen area, library officials said. City staff said they plan to ask for new bids in October and award a construction contract in November 2010.
 
Liberty County mulling a move to Houston TxDOT office
Phil FitzgeraldLiberty County and state officials recently began discussing whether to support legislation that would move the county from the Beaumont office of the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to the Houston office.
 
The move to the Houston office would assist county leaders in planning and funding for transportation projects most often impacted by Harris County instead of East Texas, said County Judge Phil Fitzgerald (pictured). County officials have no negative issues with the Beaumont TxDOT office, he noted, but pointed out that Liberty County is part of the Houston-Galveston Area Council, which plans for transportation projects around the Houston area.
 
Fitzgerald said he and a local state representative have held a series of meeting with leaders from cities in Liberty County to discuss the proposal. He also invited TxDOT officials and the county judge from Harris County to discuss the benefits and risks of moving Liberty County into a different service district. Harris County Judge Ed Emmett advised Liberty County officials to consider if the majority of future growth will come from Beaumont or Houston before making a decision.
 
Denton ISD annexes land in anticipation of new high school
Denton Independent School District officials recently moved forward on the annexation of land for a new high school. District officials, however, plan to take no final action until members of a facilities committee complete and present a study of whether the district should build a new high school and restructure elementary schools.
 
At the urging of city officials, school district officials won approval from the Denison Planning and Zoning Commission on their request to annex and rezone property at the intersection of US75 and SH91 - expected to be the site for the new school. City council members are scheduled to vote on the annexation and zoning changes to permit city services to the property on Oct. 4.
 
Superintendent Henry Scott noted that the property needs to be annexed and rezoned to bring city services to the site. Board members have made no decision on whether to build a new high school and will wait on the committee's recommendation before making that decision, Scott said.
 

Two finalists named to lead TAMU Corps of Cadets
The two finalists seeking to become the top administrator for the Corps of Cadets at Texas A&M University should know this fall who has secured the job. Lt. Gen. Randolph W. House and Brig. Gen. Joe E. Ramirez, Jr., are the top two finalists from a field of five applicants considered for the job. Both are TAMU graduates. The new commandant will replace Lt. Gen. John Van Alstyne, who resigned last January. The decision on the new commandant rests with TAMU President R. Bowen Loftin and Lt. Gen. Joe Weber, the university's vice president for student affairs. 
 
Lewisville ISD voters defeat proposal for tax rate increase
Carol KyerLewisville Independent School District voters recently defeated a proposed increase in the tax rate that district officials said was needed to fund a $22 million budget deficit.
 
District officials previously planned to use $15.6 million of the district's $100 million reserve fund in addition to approximately $7.4 million in revenue for maintenance and operations if voters approved the proposed 2-cent per $100 in valuation tax increase. Board President Carol Kyer (pictured), said the district most likely will take the full $22 million from the reserve fund this year, but may be required to make budget cuts in the future.
 
Rusk County to spend $109,976 for new surveillance cameras
Rusk County commissioners recently agreed to spend $109,976 to pay for installation of 54 surveillance cameras throughout the courthouse and in each individual jail cell.
 
The jail administrator for Rusk County said adding surveillance cameras to the $15.75 courtroom facility still under construction will help sheriff's personnel monitor inmate traffic, decrease liability and maintain better security.
 
Austin seeks bids for company to draw blood on traffic stops
Austin city officials recently began seeking bids for a contract with a company to be responsible for providing full-time employees to draw blood from drivers suspected of being intoxicated while driving, but who refuse to give blood samples. The city and Travis County placed a $70,000 limit on the contract between the Austin Police Department (APD) and the winner of the bid. Once APD selects a bid, city council members are required to approve the contract.
 
Phlebotomists, medical technicians certified to draw blood, will be assigned at the Travis County jail to collect the blood samples any time officers obtain a warrant or discover the suspect has a felony on record.
 
The bidding process is expected to continue for a month and APD expects to present a recommendation to council members in November to mid-December, said Cmdr. Stephen Baker of APD.
 
 
TML setting sail for Corpus Christi, Oct. 26-29
The largest municipal event in the state kicks off Oct. 26 at the American Bank Center in Corpus Christi, as the Texas Municipal League hosts its 98th Annual Conference and Exhibition. This ocean-front event will focus on "Charting New Horizons" by addressing topics such as Professional Ethics, Capital Budgeting, Negotiating Successfully and Engaging the Community. Wednesday will have attendees sailing through the aisles of the Municipal Marketplace when the TML Exhibit Hall opens at noon, followed by a powerful message delivered at the Opening General Session. Thursday's events will feature the traditional TML Risk Pools' Breakfast to jumpstart a variety of concurrent sessions. The day will also include keynote speaker John Sileo, America's leading professional speaker on identity theft prevention and corporate data privacy. Friday will begin with the Women in Government Breakfast, followed by additional concurrent sessions. The final delegate luncheon will send attendees home with a smile after Tim and Kris O'Shea use motivational humor to present the ups and downs of dealing with change. For more details and registration information, click here
 
Executive Women in Texas Government plan annual conference
The Executive Women in Texas Government 24th Annual Professional Development Conference will be Monday, Nov. 22, at the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort in Lost Pines, Texas. This year's theme, "EWTG:  Creating Leaders, Delivering Value," focuses on an investment in yourself.  The event will feature a full day of keynote speakers, workshops and networking to enhance professional development, professional connections and personal growth. The event will begin with a 7:30 a.m. registration. The first keynote speaker, Merrie Spaeth, will be heard during the opening general session at 8:30 a.m. followed by the EWTG Woman of the Year presentation and one morning workshop. The second keynote speaker, Janet Sue Rush, will speak during lunch followed by two afternoon workshops. For more information on the conference and registration, click here.
  
7th Annual Tee IT Up Texas!  Registration Open Now until Oct. 1
Registration is now open for the 7th Annual Tee IT Up Texas! Golf Tournament scheduled for Friday, Oct. 15.  Early signup is encouraged since for the last few years, the teams and sponsorships have sold out fast. As in years past, players are welcome from all IT public sector entities - state and local government, school districts, hospital districts, etc. - and the event provides an opportunity for vendors and government employees to network. All government players are welcome to pay for their own fees for this tournament. Individual player fees are $50/player and include green fees, cart fees, practice range, tournament services, beverages, lunch and heavy appetizers during the awards ceremony. For more information, click here. IT vendors calling on Public Sector accounts are invited to visit the Web site to register and purchase sponsorships. Vendors are encouraged to form teams with at least two government players per team. This year's proceeds will be donated to the Directorate of Family Morale, Welfare and Recreation at Fort Hood.
 
TxDOT Business Outreach & Program Services hosts webinars
In fiscal year 2010, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) Business Outreach & Program (BOP) Services implemented a series of webinars offering technical business development opportunities to small, minority and women business - in the field of construction and professional services in the state of Texas.  The webinar series topics ranged from how to become a pre-qualified bidder on TxDOT contracts, TxDOT Plans Online, How to Market Your Business To Prime Contractors, Construction Industry Bonding and much more.  Each session's goal was to provide valuable information to contractors, suppliers and small businesses on how to do business with TxDOT, how to increase business capacity and improve opportunities to bid and obtain contracts with TxDOT. The final 2010 webinars concluded in August, but the 2011 fiscal year webinar series planning is under way and will be announced later in the 2010 calendar year.  Each free Webinar is limited and registration slots are on a first-come-first-serve basis.  More information on each webinar can be found at www.txdot.gov. Questions should be forwarded to TxDOT-BOP-Webinars@dot.state.tx.us or call 1.866.480.2518, Option 2 for more information.
 
CEVS 2010, 'Re-Imagining the Built Environment' in Austin
Austin Energy and the Clean Energy Incubator announce the fourth annual Clean Energy Venture Summit on September 29-30, 2010. Early stage clean-energy companies will audition their technologies for inclusion in Austin's $10.4M DOE smart-grid/smart-home demonstration project, a product of the Pecan Street Project, the nation's most ambitious city-wide clean-energy laboratory. "The feedback EcoFit Lighting received during the 2009 conference helped us refine our investor pitch, leading to the close of a $2M round of funding," said Cason Coplin, CEO of 2009 CEVS winner Ecofit Lighting, a Kansas-based firm.   
 
TxDOT announces three Small Business Briefing conferences
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) Business Outreach and Program (BOP) Services has announced three upcoming FY 2011 Small Business Briefing conferences. A  Nov. 10 conference is set this year in Beaumont, an April 20, 2011, conference is slated in Fort Worth and a July 20, 2011, conference is planned for San Antonio. The conference goal is to provide small and minority-owned business communities an opportunity to learn more about contracting opportunities with TxDOT.  Information will be available to help them do business with the agency and the State of Texas.  The sessions not only allow small businesses to be introduced to TxDOT and other state agencies, but also allow them to learn more about the economic development opportunities in their regions.  It also gives agencies a chance to show the myriad of prospects available for small and minority businesses in the state. For more information and to register, click here or call 512.866.480.2519, Option 2.
 
National Association of Social Workers, Texas plans conference 
The 2010 National Association of Social Workers, Texas Annual Conference is slated for Oct. 8-10 at the Westin Galleria in Houston. Houston Mayor Annise Parker will be the opening plenary speaker and will address "Inspiring Community Action for a Better Quality of Life." Some of the pre-conference sessions planned, for which continuing education hours can be earned, include topics such as suicide prevention and postvention, overview of psychotropic medication for treating mental illness and teaching the next generation of social workers. inspiring community action for a better quality of life. There will also be numerous break-out sessions during the three days that cover everything from motivational interviewing to challenges facing children with incarcerated parents. The closing plenary session will feature Vicki Hansen, LMSW-AP, ACSW addressing "Advancing the Profession: Inspiring Social Workers. The closing plenary will provide attendees with a "State of the Chapter" to bring you up to date with NASW/Texas challenges and accomplishments. For more information on the conference schedules, click here. For registration information, click here
 
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Texas public officials - innovation has become the norm! 

Mary Scott NabersBy Mary Scott Nabers, CEO of Strategic Partnerships, Inc.
 
Beginning a new fiscal year with significantly fewer resources than in the past, public officials are truly "thinking outside the box".  The new norm is to look for ways to cut costs, provide more services and maintain quality under extremely stressful circumstances.
 
Public school districts, cities and counties throughout Texas are finding innovative ways to cope with budget woes.
 
School districts, already struggling with budgets that are too tight fear even more funding cuts from the next legislative session. And the rejection last week of the state's application for $830 million in federal emergency education jobs bill funds for Texas schools is even more problematic. 
 
Although the governor's office has proposed a program to reward school districts that pool resources and reduce costs by cutting administrative costs, most districts say they already work cooperatively and have been totally focused on reducing costs for years. 
 
 
Grapevine City Council approves $550K bond for lake construction
Grapevine City Council members have voted to begin the process of issuing a $500,000 bond to pay for seven new cabins, a camp store and five boat docks at Lake Grapevine. The council has approved more than half of the bond for the seven manufactured, 395-square-foot cabins.
 
Joe Moore, Grapevine's assistant parks director, said there has been a demand for the five cabins that exist at the lake and said the demand is growing. The 400-square-foot store will carry camping supplies and sundries. Cabin rental fees ranging from $106 to $145 per night are projected to cover maintenance costs and repay the bond debt.
 
 
DISD's Hinojosa confirms he is finalist for Las Vegas area job
Michael HinojosaDallas ISD Superintendent Michael Hinojosa (pictured) has confirmed he is a finalist for the Clark County (Nevada) School District's top job. Hinojosa said he did not seek the position but was contacted by a search firm. Other finalists include Colorado Education Commissioner Dwight D. Jones and Lee County (Florida) Public Schools Superintendent James W. Browder.
 
The DISD board is expected to wait to see if Hinojosa is offered the job in Nevada before taking any steps to either try to keep Hinojosa in Dallas or look for his replacement. The finalists for the Nevada job are expected to interview with the Clark County school board next week. The Clark County district is the fifth-largest in the nation with more than 300,000 students. DISD ranks 14th. Hinojosa began his tenure with DISD in 2005.
 

Northrop Grumman

 
Hudson ISD garners $10,307 grant to update air conditioning system
The Hudson Independent School District recently won a $10,307 grant to pay for a new energy efficient air conditioning system for a middle school. The Take a Load Off, School Matching Grant Program from a major electric company awarded the grant, which will pay half of the cost of the project to reduce energy use at public schools.
 
District officials plan to buy four rooftop package units to be installed at Hudson Middle School as part of a renovation of the science building, said Billy Russell, director of maintenance. The new system will replace units purchased in 1983, he said. The new system is expected to save more than 10,600 kilowatt-hours of energy each year, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.
 
 
Missouri City selects Foos as new parks & recreation director
Larry FoosMissouri City leaders recently selected Larry Foos (pictured) as the new director of parks and recreation. Foos will replace Kelly Snook, who resigned to be an assistant director for the Austin Parks and Recreation Department. Foos currently serves as superintendent of Parks and Recreation in Wichita, Kansas. He is scheduled to begin his new job on Sept. 27.
 
Coryell County to try again for grant to help pay for new jail
Coryell County commissioners recently agreed to submit a revised grant application to help pay for a new county jail facility. The new application seeks funding to cover 15 percent of the cost of the new jail facility from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development program. County officials said they hope to begin construction soon to take advantage of low interest rates and construction costs for the jail, which will be located on 33 acres in Gatesville.
 
 
FAA grants George Bush Intercontinental $15 million
The Federal Aviation Administration has allotted $15 million to George Bush Intercontinental Airport to rehabilitate one of its five major runways. The funds will be used to extend the life of the taxiway for another 30 years in addition to making it accommodating for larger aircraft. The measure stands to increase the number of travelers served, optimize aircraft performance and improve overall efficiency. As part of the endeavor, a new runway center line and runway-status lights will also be installed.
 

Halff

 
Brazos County picks McGuire
as new probation official
Brazos County commissioners recently appointed John McGuire as the official in charge of the Community Supervision and Corrections Department. The department oversees about 2,300 persons ordered to serve on probation. McGuire, a former employee of the probation department in Brazos County, replaced Arlene Parchman, who retired from the position after 19 years on the job. McGuire served as head of the probation department in Walker County before accepting the position in Brazos County.
 
 
USDA awards HHS $300K
grant for nutrition assistance
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission is set to receive $301,811 from the United States Department of Agriculture as part of $5 million in grants. The funds are geared toward simplifying Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) applications and eligibility systems and improving access for low-income households. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said the grants will help the USDA increase program access and participation among the country's vulnerable citizens in addition to delivering healthy and nutritious food assistance to those in need.
 
Mission planning to build
new trails for cyclists
Norberto SalinasAfter agreeing to continue a new lease to expand a gun and archery range on city-owned land used by a cycling club, Mission city officials began discussion on building new trails for the cyclists that lost four trails that club members built with city permission two years ago.
 
The discussion began after members of the Mission Trails Club presented a petition containing 3,000 signatures to protect the trails as the lease agreement with the skeet club extends the shooting range over the bike trails, making them unusable for bikers. Mayor Norberto Salinas (pictured) said he was unaware of the mountain bike trails when the city agreed to lease the land to the skeet club and urged the city's parks director to work with both clubs to find a suitable new home for the cycling club using a $100,000 grant from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. City officials also said they would help the cyclist club members build the new trails.
 
El Paso tagged for $175,000
grant to upgrade forensics
The U.S. Department of Justice recently awarded a $175,000 grant to the El Paso County Sheriff's Office to improve services by the medical examiner and upgrade forensic science.
 
The Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grant can be used to improve medical examiner services, including eliminating backlogs in analysis of evidence. The funding also may be used in the analysis of jail fingerprint cases and forensic evidence, including controlled substances, forensic pathology, latent prints, firearms examination, toxicology and trace evidence.
 

Maximus

 
Trinity University names Roberts assistant VP for advancement
Rick E. Roberts has been appointed assistant vice president for university advancement at Trinity University, where he will oversee fund-raising strategies related to corporate and foundation relations, alumni relations, annual fund, major gifts and planned giving. Roberts joined Trinity in 1992 as a development officer and has held a variety of posts while steadily rising through the ranks. Roberts most recently worked for the institution's $200 million "Dream. Inspire. Achieve." campaign.
 
NCSBN selects Thomas chair
of nursing advisory committee
Mary Beth ThomasDr. Mary Beth Thomas (pictured) has been named chairperson for the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN's) Taxonomy of Error Root Cause Analysis of Practice-Responsibilities (TERCAP) Advisory Committee, which investigates the relational aspects of the many factors that contribute to health care errors. She replaces Lisa Emrich from the Ohio Board of Nursing for a term set to expire in two years.
 
Thomas currently serves as director of nursing at the Texas Board of Nursing, which she has served as a committee member since 2004.
 
Smithfield wins $50,000 grant
to upgrade communications
The Smithfield Police Department recently won a $50,000 federal grant to upgrade communication systems used by the department. The improvements include linking laptop computers in patrol cars directly to the dispatch center, said Police Chief Rudy Supak. The funding also will pay for new software to upgrade the laptop computers, he said.
 
 
Development services director
in Cleburne steps down
Donna Jackson, the director of development services in Cleburne, recently resigned from the post. Jackson's current duties will be divided between City Manager Chester Nolen and Assistant City Manager Rick Holden until council members decide whether to fill the director's position or divide the duties among other city employees, city officials said. Currently the city manager will oversee airport and housing activities while the assistant city manager will oversee city Cletran and permitting and planning activities.
 
City officials also named two current employees to take over the duties of Max Robertson, who retired as parks and recreation director in early September. 
 
Killeen ISD to spend $1.7 million for data center property
Robert MullerTrustees for the Killeen Independent School District recently authorized $1.7 million to buy a 40,000-square-foot building to serve as the district's primary data center.
 
The new facility will operate in conjunction with the current data center located in a former middle school, said Superintendent Robert Muller (pictured). The new facility is needed, he said, because the existing technology center is overcrowded and some personnel are located in trailers. District officials are in the process of finalizing an agreement on the building purchase, Muller said.
 

Blanco school board sets $8.8 million bond election on Nov. 2
The Blanco Board of Trustees recently approved placing an $8.8 million bond proposal on the Nov. 2 ballot. The funding will be used to pay for campus improvements throughout the district, school officials said. Included in the improvements is the renovation of a historical elementary school to provide additional classrooms.
 

HDI Solutions

 
Border sheriffs get $4.85 million to improve border security
The Congressionally Recommended Awards Program of the U.S. Department of Justice recently awarded $4.85 million in federal funds to the Texas Border Sheriff's Coalition to improve border security and increase cooperation between local, state and federal law enforcement agencies in border areas.
 

Trophy Club picks Slye one
of three city manager finalists
Mike SlyeTrophy Club city officials recently selected Mike Slye (pictured), the city manager in Burkburnett since 1999, as one of three finalists for city manager in Trophy Club.
 
Slye, who also was finance director in Burkburnett, has a bachelor's degree from Midwestern State University and a master's degree from Syracuse University. 
 
Sun Metro awarded $1.6 million grant for four new buses
Sun Metro, which provides transit in the El Paso area, recently won a $1.6 million federal grant to buy four new buses that use compressed natural gas. The transit authority currently operates a fleet of about 160 buses and has applied for more federal funding to help pay for buses that help reduce pollution and energy costs, said a spokeswoman for Sun Metro.
 

LeFleur

 
Alpine library to benefit from
two grants totaling $55,000
The Alpine Public Library recently won two grants totaling more than $55,000 to pay for improvements to the new library now under construction.
 
The Tocker Foundation of Austin awarded a $50,000 grant toward the $125,000 cost to buy furniture for the new facility. The Texas State Library and Archives Commission also awarded a $5,445 grant to create a basic computer literacy training program for library users. This project targets adults seeking to improve their computer literacy and increase their job marketability. Library staff will work in cooperation with the Workforce Solutions Upper Rio Grande agency on the computer literacy training project, said Paige Delaney, library director.
 

Fort Worth environmental director leaving for private sector Brian BoernerBrian Boerner (pictured), environmental director for the City of Fort Worth, is leaving his post to take a job with a private energy company with which the city has frequent dealings. Fort Worth does not have a revolving door provision prohibiting former employees from lobbying on behalf of private companies. Boerner said he took steps to distance himself from negotiations as early as June, knowing he would likely be getting a private-sector job in the near future.   
 
Burleson ISD makes interim superintendent permanent Burleson Independent School District trustees have named Richard Crummel (pictured) as lone finalist for the position of superintendent. He has served as interim superintendent since Dr. Mark Jackson retired in July.
 
District officials, who posted the position internally, have not released the names of other candidates for the post. Board President Staci Eisner said every candidate who applied for the position was interviewed and added, "We thought it was in the best interest of our students ... to hire from within."
 

Strategy Workshop

 
Corpus Christi airport to get upgrades from $2.8M grant
The U.S. Department of Transportation recently awarded a $2.8 million grant to the Corpus Christi International Airport. Airport officials will use the grant for terminal improvements and to expand the federal inspection station, said Fred Segundo, aviation director.
 
 
TAMU-CC names Cornejo government relations officer
The Texas A&M University System has appointed Cristina Cornejo as government relations officer for Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. She will continue her role as program coordinator for external relations at Texas Agrilife.
 
Cornejo previously worked as legislative communications director for an independent oil and gas association. From 2006 until 2008 she served as legislative director for a state representative. Cornejo holds a bachelor's degree from Texas A&M University. 
 
Where are they now?
Where do folks go when they leave government? Some go to work in the private sector or for nonprofits. Some transition to executive-level positions in higher education while others may seek elected local government positions. And some just retire and spend a lot of time with their grandkids at the fishin' hole. This column focuses on where former state government officials and private sector employees are now.
 
Lupita GarciaLongtime Texas educator Dr. Lupita Cavazos-Garcia (pictured) has been named one of four finalists for the Tucson (Arizona) United School District superintendent position. Garcia currently serves the district as Assistant Superintendent for State and Federal Programs and Community Outreach, overseeing 16 major departments. Garcia began her public education career as a classroom teacher in Kingsville, and later taught in El Paso and Grand Prairie. She spent 15 years in a variety of positions with the Northside ISD in San Antonio and was Director of Parent and Student Services for the Irving ISD for nine years. Prior to her move to Arizona, Garcia was Director of Educational Support Services for Austin ISD and Assistant Superintendent for Educational Support Services in the Houston ISD. Garcia and the remaining three finalists will be interviewed and meet with board and top district business officials and attend community forums over the next month. The Tucson school district is the second largest in Arirzona.
 
TxDOT awards $2 million grant
to Kickapoo Downtown Airport
The Texas Department of Transportation recently awarded an Aviation Facilities Grant of about $2 million to the Kickapoo Downtown Airport.  Wichita Falls city officials, who have agreed to contribute 10 percent - or $230,000 - plan to use the grant to pay for $3 million in pavement and drainage improvements. Officials expect to award a contract for the project this fall.
 

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Recent Reports
Texas Government Insider Archives
 
Volume 1-8 Archives -1/8/04 - 9/3/10
 
Uvalde wins $1.126 million grant for water, sewer upgrades
The Economic Development Administration of the U.S. Department of Commerce recently awarded a $1,126,086 grant to Uvalde to help pay for expansion of water and sewer infrastructure for a proposed Regional Sustainable Resource Center.
 
The owners of the property on US90 donated the land to promote conservation of natural resources in the area. The proposed center will focus on wildlife and land management, federal officials said.
 
 
USDA awards PVAMU grants 
for recruiting, facility upgrades
Prairie View A&M University has received federal grants to support agricultural education initiatives in a bid to recruit and train more students. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has awarded a total of $857,931 to the school for the initiative.  
 
The USDA has also awarded PVAMU $1,152,844 through the 1890 Facilities Grants Program, which provides funds to acquire and improve food-science facilities and equipment.
 

HID

 
Governor's appointments
Governor Rick Perry has announced the following appointments:
  • Aaron W. Bangor of Austin, Governor's Committee on People with Disabilities
  • Rodolfo "Rudy" Becerra Jr. of Nacogdoches, Governor's Committee on People with Disabilities
  • Maureen F. McClain of Kerrville, Governor's Committee on People with Disabilities
  • Kathy Strong of Garrison, Governor's Committee on People with Disabilities
  • Patricia Watson, Governor's Committee on People with Disabilities
  • Alan D. Conner of Dayton, Coastal Water Authority Board of Directors
  • Steven Tays of San Antonio, Texas Guaranteed Student Loan Corporation
  • Adriene J. Driggers of San Antonio, Committee on Licensing Standards
  • Kimberley B. Kofron of Round Rock, Committee on Licensing Standards
  • Sasha Rasco of Austin, Committee on Licensing Standards
  • Ann Stanley of Austin, Committee on Licensing Standards
  • Scott J. Becker of McKinney, judge of the 219th District Court in Collin County
SPI announces Leticia
Callanen as senior consultant
Leticia CallanenLeticia Callanen has joined Strategic Partnerships, Inc. as a senior consultant whose specialty is local government. She has held several key positions in city government in San Antonio and Alamo Heights, where she was involved in each city's day-to-day operations. She has a keen understanding of the expectations of local governments and their private sector partners. Callanen has worked directly with city councils, city clerks, city secretaries and city managers and thus brings to SPI a special insight into all levels of city government.
 
Callanen is a former interim city secretary for the City of Alamo Heights and held a variety of positions with the City of San Antonio, including special projects manager and management assistant in the city manager's office and senior management coordinator for the city's Performance Analysis Division, as well as having held a post in the city clerk's office.
Denison City Manager Cruise 
announces his  retirement
Denison City Manager Larry Cruise has announced plans to retire.
 
The Denison City Council convened a public meeting recently to discuss the retirement and recruiting a replacement for Cruise. The Council also tackled a 20-item agenda that included budgets, bids and utility-provider issues.
 
Corpus Christi urged to hire search firm for new city manager
City staff recently urged Corpus Christi City Council members to consider hiring a search firm to conduct a search for a new city manager to replace Angel Escobar, who is retiring on Jan. 4, 2011.
 
City leaders generally have more success using an executive search firm because those organizations have special relationships with potentially qualified candidates. Council members have not indicated whether they will select an interim city manager or ask Escobar to continue on a temporary basis if they have not selected a new city manager by Jan. 4.
 

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Morris County named recipient
of $93,046 federal grant
The Economic Development Administration recently awarded  $93,046 to Morris County to fund planning and research for economic improvement. County officials plans to use the money to research on methods to assist the county's workforce, the county judge said. Morris County, with a population of 12,635, has one of the highest unemployment rates in the state at 13.6 percent, and almost 18 percent of county residents live below the poverty level, he said.
 

Hernandez, Harris to be area superintendents for Brownsville Trustees for the Brownsville Independent School District recently selected Rita Hernandez and Jay Harris to serve as assistant superintendents for the district. Hernandez, who will continue her duties as an elementary principal until her replacement is selected, also has served as a professional development administrator and a teacher. Hernandez holds an Ed.D. from the University of Houston. Harris, who also serves as an elementary principal, will continue with his duties until a new principal is named to fill his position, district officials said.
 
Board members did not specify which of the district's six cluster of schools that Hernandez and Harris will lead and still have several unfilled positions as an area superintendent to fill, district officials said.
 
Austin County selects Hoff
as new technology chief
Austin County commissioners recently selected Brandon Hoff to lead the county's technology efforts, including overseeing and maintaining patrol car cameras and computers, radio communications and basic technical problems with computers used by county employees.
 
Hoff previously served as a dispatcher in the sheriff's office and has worked for the county since July 2003. He has a degree from Texas A&M University. While his official duties begin on Oct. 1, Hoff has already begun working with the county on installation of the new radio program that began in early September.
 
Eagle Lake City Council will advertise for next city manager
The Eagle Lake City Council has approved advertising for the city's next city manager. If a suitable candidate is not found locally, the search may expand to include a posting with the Texas Municipal League.
 
The new city manager will replace Bill Rankin, who was recently terminated with two months' severance pay. City Secretary Sylvia Rucka currently serves as interim city manager.
 
 
Travis Transportation, Natural Resources posts manager job
Travis County Transportation & Natural Resources (TCTNR) commissioners have voted to post the executive manager position. Current manager Joe Gieselman is set to retire Jan. 31, 2011, after 36 years of service.
 
The TCTNR executive manager is responsible for overseeing county public works, transportation planning and road-and-bridge construction, among other initiatives.  
 
City of Liberty creating plan for technology  with consultants
The City of Liberty is compiling and organizing a long-term technology plan to formalize future goals for the city, which include creating a cost-effective system for electronic data storage, Internet access for city departments, implementing a city Intranet and calendar-sharing among city employees.
 
City Manager Gary Broz said the aim is to have better connectivity and communication between city employees. The city has hired a consulting firm based in San Antonio to help create the technology plan, and, once completed, the council will vote whether to adopt and implement it.
 
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Houston voters may decide fate of red light cameras
After receiving a petition signed by thousands of voters, Houston City Council members recently agreed to place a red light camera charter change referendum on the November ballot. Supporters of the red light cameras, however, responded by filing suit, asking a court to stop the proposition.
 
Supporters for the charter change referendum on red light cameras said they expect the election will be held as scheduled. It is possible the federal judge assigned to hear the lawsuit could wait until after the November election to decide whether to take the case, they said.
 
Bryan selects Register
as interim city manager
Kean RegisterBryan City Council members recently selected Kean Register (pictured), an administrator at Bryan Texas Utilities (BTU), to serve as the interim city manager. Register, who said he has no plans to apply for the permanent position of city manager, will replace David Watkins, who resigned as city manager.
 
The mayor said he selected Register because two assistant city managers and several department heads now employed by the city have indicated they may apply for city manager. Placing one of the four potential applicants in the temporary role of city manager could complicate that hiring process, the mayor said. Joey Dunn and Hugh Walker, who now serve as assistant city managers, have expressed interest in applying for the job, said the mayor, who did not identify any of the city department heads who expressed interest in the city manager position. Register also served as an interim city manager for Bryan for about nine months in 2006. Council members said they have no plans to appoint a replacement to fill Register's position at BTU.
 
Lampasas $6.6 million road project could begin this fall
The area engineer of the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) recently told the Lampasas City Council that a $6.6 million project to reconstruct Key Avenue could begin this fall.
 
The first phase, the installation of storm and drainage pipes, may begin as early as October, while the second phase, which will reduce the road to two lanes, is planned to begin after Jan. 3 when holiday traffic is reduced, said Erik Lykins, the area engineer for TxDOT. Paving will be the final phase of the project, which should be completed in about two years, he said.
 
 
Travis County commissioners approve master parks plan
Travis County commissioners have approved a master plan for nine Lake Travis parks. The most extensive capital improvements are set to take place at Arkansas Bend Park and Pace Bend Park with funds set aside from entry fees and money from the Lower Colorado River Authority. Approximately $2.8 million sits in the account presently.
 
A move to possibly sell Tom Hughes Park, which raised some concern among residents, has been omitted from the plan.
 
 
The Texas Government Insider is a free weekly e-newsletter detailing important happenings throughout the state and summarizing current political issues relevant to individuals interested in government.
 
Publisher: Mary Scott Nabers
 
The Insider is published by Strategic Partnerships, Inc. (SPI), a research and consulting firm. Founded in Texas in 1994 by former government executives and public sector experts, SPI has developed a national reputation as the premier marketing partner dedicated to helping companies secure contracts in the $1.5 trillion state and local government marketplace.
 
To learn more about SPI services click here or contact our sales department at 512-531-3900.
 
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