Volume 6, Issue 32 · Friday, Sept. 19, 2008
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Recovery efforts continuing after Hurricane Ike

Thousands remain in shelters, others still without homes, power

Texas Responds

Nearly a week after Hurricane Ike ravaged Galveston Island, the Texas Gulf Coast and areas of South and East Texas, thousands of Texas residents remain in shelters throughout the state, thousands more still have no electricity in their homes and businesses and state officials are estimating damages in the billions of dollars.Michael Chertoff

Learning from mistakes made three years ago when Hurricane Katrina hit Gulf Coast states leaving death and destruction in her wake, local, state and federal officials were much better prepared when Hurricane Ike came barreling down on the Texas Gulf Coast last weekend. But coastal residents and state and local governments were ill prepared for the devastation that would result from this monster of a storm that moved across Galveston Island early last Saturday.

Efforts to allow residents of Galveston Island to make their way back to that area for a "look and leave" soiree at mid-week resulted in traffic backed up for as much as 10 miles before city officials had to cancel residents' brief return to survey the damages to their property. Health officials note that much of the island is not fit for habitation.

Dr. David Lakey, commissioner for the Texas Department of State Health Services, toured Galveston Island and other areas along the coast. He declared Galveston Island not a "suitable place for people to live safely at this time because it does not have the basic resources to support citizen health." Lakey said the island has no running water, no wastewater service, limited or no electrical power and no long-term medical care. "These conditions present a serious health situation," he said, noting his concerns that the conditions could lead to the spread of infectious diseases and viruses as well as foodborne illnesses.

U.S. Homeland Security Chief Michael Chertoff (seen in the Texas National Guard photo at right) has visited the affected areas twice since the storm hit; President George W. Bush and Gov. Rick Perry have also surveyed the damage.

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Secretary of State offers improved election training

Poll workers can now hone their skills through online session

Election Day

To help ensure that the tightly contested November General Election will run as smoothly as possible, the Elections Division of the Secretary of State's Office has developed an improved online training program for poll workers.

The online system is designed to teach judges and clerks standard procedures for staging an election as well as to help county clerks and election administrators schedule face-to-face training for poll workers, said Ashley Burton, a spokesperson for the Texas Secretary of State.

County election officials in Texas now have the option of offering in-person training or using the new, improved online version for training of poll workers or to supplement the in-person training. Most counties are using the system to supplement hands-on training, said Burton. Counties are required to provide training to poll workers while the state is required to provide training materials. The Secretary of State also will provide training services free of charge to any election officials that request training materials or a trainer, she said.

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Strategic Partnerships salutes Texas' Lone Stars

Bryan Shaw

Bryan W. Shaw, commissioner, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality

Career highlights and education: Appointed to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality by Gov. Rick Perry on Nov. 1, 2007. Prior to being appointed as Commissioner: served as Associate Professor of Biological and Agricultural Engineering at Texas A&M University and Associate Director of the Center for Agricultural Air Quality Engineering and Science. Served as Acting Lead Scientist for Air Quality at USDA-NRCS (2002) and Special Assistant to the Chief - Air Quality at USDA (2002-2003). Appointed by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to the Science Advisory Board - Environmental Engineering Committee (2003-2009), Committee on Integrated Nitrogen (2006-2008), Ad Hoc Panel to review Risk and Technology Review Assessment Plan (2006-2007), and PM Research Centers Program Advisory Panel (2008). Appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture to the USDA Agricultural Air Quality Task Force (2004-2008). Education: Ph.D., Agricultural Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; M.S., Agricultural Engineering, Texas A&M University; B.S., Agricultural Engineering, Texas A&M University.

What I like best about my job is: I am privileged to work with great people every day on issues that are important to all Texans, and I am able to promote the use of science and engineering to develop sound solutions to environmental challenges.

The best advice I've received for my current job is: "Hold on tight...it will seem like you are drinking from a fire hydrant." The issues we address at the TCEQ make every day a learning opportunity and a rewarding experience.

Advice I would give a new hire in my office: Remain open minded to innovative solutions, seek opportunities to improve the efficiency of the agency, and serve Texans with integrity. Maintain balance in all things - especially in your work and family life.

If I ever snuck out of work early, I could probably be found: spending time with my wife and kids.

People would be surprised to know that I: was the captain of my swim team in high school.

One thing I wish more people knew about my agency: TCEQ is the best environmental regulatory agency in the U.S. This is due to the talent and commitment of the TCEQ employees. For example, many TCEQ employees have gone "beyond the call of duty" to help prepare for Hurricane Ike and to assist in the aftermath while dealing with their own personal losses due to the storm.

Each week, the Texas Government Insider profiles a key government executive or decision-maker. If you would like to suggest a "Lone Star," please email us at editor@spartnerships.com.

 

Polan leaves Preservation Board for OAG's office

Gaye Polan, former executive director of the State Preservation Board, has been named director of public information and assistance with the Administrative Division of the Texas Attorney General's Office. In her new role, Polan will direct the department dealing with constituent contacts at the Attorney General's Office through letters, e-mail, telephone hotlines and the OAG Web site.

Polan retired from her post at the State Preservation Board at the end of August. The State Preservation Board is responsible for managing the State Capitol Complex and the Governor's Mansion. Polan served as executive director of the agency since July 2003.

 

Disaster declaration issued for Presidio County

A disaster declaration has been issued by Gov. Rick Perry for Presidio County and a presidential disaster declaration is being sought as well, as a levee breach along the Rio Grande River threatens the county. Five CH-47 helicopters were dispatched to transport large sandbags and other flood prevention resources. Some 170 inmates of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice will assist by filling the sandbags that will be used to create a dam around a railroad trestle.

Heavy rains in the area recently have caused a release of water from reservoirs in northern Mexico. The levee problem is on the United States side of the Rio Grande because of water from the Luis Leon Reservoir on the Mexican side of the border. Some 500 people were part of a mandatory evacuation ordered by Presidio Mayor Lorenzo Hernandez on Tuesday. The U.S. International Boundary and Water Commission operates and maintains 15 miles of Rio Grande flood control levees in the Presidio area, providing protection to more than 5,000 acres of land on the United States side of the Presidio-Ojinaga Valley. Companion levees provide protection to the Mexican side.

 

Personnel changes made at Texas Education Agency

Raymond Glynn

Jerel Booker

Sharon Jackson

In a host of recent shifts at the Texas Education Agency, Dr. Raymond F. Glynn (left) has been named Deputy Commissioner for School District Leadership and Educator Quality, a position he assumed on an acting basis over a year ago. Glynn has some 38 years of education experience, having previously served as a teacher, principal and superintendent. Before joining TEA in 2005, he served as assistant superintendent for administration at Nacogdoches Independent School District.

Jerel Booker (center), Director of Educator Initiatives and Performance in State Initiatives, will succeed Glynn in overseeing educator quality and standards. Booker, a former teacher, college vice president and policy advisor, has supervised more than $370 million in initiative and grant programs.

In other TEA personnel changes, Dr. Sharon Jackson (right), Associate Commissioner of Standards and Programs, will retire Sept. 30, having spent 26 years in public education. She has previously served as a state coordinator for elementary education and director of staff development at Round Rock Independent School District.

 

Mayan Pigments benefits from TETF funding

Mayan Pigments, Inc., of El Paso, is the latest recipient of Texas Emergency Technology Funds, announced Thursday by Gov. Rick Perry. The state is investing $250,000 in the company to support the development and commercialization of its line of Mayacrom© pigments used in various materials within the plastics, paints, coatings and printing inks markets.

The pigments are made with organic and inorganic molecules which do not emit hazardous waste byproducts in the production process, as do pigments made with heavy metals. They are more cost efficient, stable and adaptable than other pigments on the market. Mayan Pigments will partner with The University of Texas at El Paso, Clariant Masterbatch, DayGlo Corp. and Nelson Henry to develop and market their products.

 

Cancer research committee may distribute grants soon

James Mansour

Cancer research grants totaling $3 billion over a 10-year period will likely be disbursed in September, according to James Mansour (pictured), chairman of the oversight committee for the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT).

Voters approved the bond initiative in November of last year. In response, legislators formed the institute to supervise the awards and determine which organizations will receive them.

Mansour said the committee will be ready for the first batch of grant funds when they are released. Lawmakers are expected to approve funding during the 2009 legislative session, which will free up the first batch of $300 million in September.

CPRIT, formerly known as the Texas Cancer Council, came to fruition as voters approved Proposition 15 - HJR 90, a constitutional amendment granting the state the right to establish the institute and issue the bonds. As a result, CPRIT holds authority to distribute the grants to a variety of fields related to cancer research, including clinical trials and laboratory facility construction. The institute's mission, as charged by the legislature, is to create and expedite innovation in the area of cancer research and attract, create or expand research capabilities.

Research directives for this fiscal year's funding include: prevention and information services, early detection and treatment, professional education and practice, cancer data acquisition and utilization, and survivorship.

 

TRS to sell holdings of companies linked to Sudan, Iran

Officials of the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS) have announced the pension fund will begin selling its holdings in nine companies linked to either Sudan or Iran. Most are large energy or power companies. Gov. Rick Perry last year signed a bill that instructed state pension funds to sell their shares of holding in companies linked to Iran because of social issues in that country. The TRS portfolio includes 18 companies of the more than 40 on a list of businesses being looked at because of their ties to Sudan and Iran. TRS holdings in the remaining nine companies on the list will not be sold until comparable investments can be bought.

 

HHSC makes emergency food stamps available

Albert Hawkins

Low-income individuals and families living in the 29 Texas counties declared disaster areas as a result of the destruction caused by Hurricane Ike may qualify for emergency food stamps, according to officials of the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC). "We know that many Texans saw an unexpected loss of income this month because Hurricane Ike disrupted their jobs, their workplaces and their lives," said HHSC Executive Commissioner Albert Hawkins (pictured). "Those Texans may now qualify for special hurricane assistance to provide food for their families while they get back on their feet."

HHSC received a federal waiver to make the emergency assistance available to those who qualify. They can receive up to two months of food stamp benefits by submitting an application with proof of identity and residence or by calling 2-1-1. A family of four making up to $2,915 this month may qualify for assistance.

Those who apply for emergency food stamps will be required to answer questions regarding their finances and some may even qualify for longer than two months. Additionally, food stamp recipients in disaster areas will get replacement benefits. The replacement benefits will assist more than 500,000 Texans in areas where power outages or flooding may have damaged or destroyed their food supply.

For hurricane victims outside designated disaster areas, food stamp recipients will have 20 days - twice the normal amount of time - to report if they lost food in the storm.

 

Sepehri to serve SOS as general counsel

Secretary of State Hope Andrade recently announced John Sepehri of Dallas as general counsel for the Office of the Secretary of State. He will replace Jay Dyer, who will now serve as Special Assistant and Senior Counsel to Attorney General Greg Abbott.

Sepehri, a lawyer with more than 10 years practice with several regional and national law firms, most recently practiced with a nationally recognized Dallas-based firm specializing in public policy.

Sepehri holds a bachelor's degree and law degree from The University of Texas at Austin, where he received the Dean's Achievement Award in Constitutional Law and graduated with honors.

 

Texas sales tax revenues up for fiscal year 2008

Sales Tax

Bucking the national trend, Texas' economy is prospering amid a $2 billion boost in sales tax revenue in August - up 7.7 percent from last year's figure.

According to Texas Comptroller Susan Combs, "growth in state sales tax collections during fiscal 2008 continued at a steady pace." Figures ending fiscal year 2008 - totaling $21.5 billion - were up 6.6 percent from fiscal year 2007.

Combs allocated $491.9 million of September sales tax payments to local governments and $330.4 million to Texas cities. Those numbers represent an annual increase of 10 percent and 9.1 percent, respectively. She distributed $18.5 million in sales tax revenue to special purpose taxing districts, a 23 percent increase from last year.

To view the tax allocations by city, click here. To view the tax allocations by county, click here.

 

State could face $1.2 billion Medicaid deficit

State lawmakers were warned this week that they may face a $1.2 billion shortfall to cover the state's Medicaid program costs. Health and Human Services Executive Commissioner Albert Hawkins this week told a joint legislative hearing of the Senate Finance and Health and Human Services committees that increasing caseloads and increasing costs for the current fiscal year could leave the program in need of a $1.2 billion cash infusion.

The estimate is preliminary, according to Hawkins, with a firm number not to be expected until the 81st Legislature meets in January. Other HHSC officials noted that the costs could increase as caseloads are expected to rise as a result of Hurricane Ike. Hawkins said HHSC would continue to seek ways to maximize federal funding for the Health Opportunity Pool, a new insurance pool whose goal is to insure low-income residents. State officials continue to have dialogue with federal officials regarding the waiver program that allows establishing the pool. Hawkins is hopeful to convince federal officials to match additional state and local spending, but some lawmakers are skeptical it will happen.

 

UT's Powers supports more research institutions

William Powers

As higher education again comes under review by Texas legislative committees, Texas higher ed officials are pointing to the need for more national research universities. With only three national research universities in Texas, President William Powers of The University of Texas at Austin is one of the staunchest supporters of increasing that number.

UT-Austin joins Texas A&M University and Rice University as the state's only three national research universities. Powers, in an email this week to UT alumni and friends, noted that research institutions "draw talent, federal research dollars and innovation to our state." That, in turn, he noted, has both a short- and long-term impact on the state's economy. Powers said UT faculty alone generated more than $511 million in research awards for Fiscal Year 2007-08, adding that "every state dollar invested in the University generates more than $18 in spending in the Texas economy," calling it an "an exceptional return on investment." He also said UT calling Austin home is the reason the city attracted more venture capital investment than Dallas-Ft. Worth, Houston and San Antonio combined in 2006 and 2007.

Powers said it is time for the state to elevate one or two of its regional universities to accommodate students who want to attend a national research university. He cited the potential "brain drain" of outstanding students who are leaving the state for other national research universities. "We need to overcome the challenges of inadequate resources, of regionalism and of institutional resistance to change," he concluded, and not at the expense of existing research universities in Texas.

 

ORCA provides City of Lometa with grant

Charlie Stone

Thanks to a $488,714 grant from the Office of Rural Community Affairs (ORCA), the City of Lometa will begin to utilize solar power to treat its wastewater. The grant, which will enable 50 kilowatts of solar panels to be installed at the city's sewer treatment plant, is the second one awarded by ORCA through its Renewable Energy Demonstration Pilot Program. The first grant was awarded to Seminole for a wind-powered water desalination process.

ORCA Executive Director Charlie S. Stone (pictured) said climbing energy costs are especially affecting rural communities such as Lometa. Renewable energy will allow small towns to have more control over their energy costs, he said.

ORCA board member Charles Butts Sr. said that while solar costs remain high, their costs are rapidly declining. He hopes Lometa's solar wastewater treatment initiative will provide a blueprint for other rural communities.

 

Comptroller sets up Web page for storm-related tax info

Texas Comptroller Susan Combs has set up a one-stop Web page for tax information related to Hurricane Ike. According to Combs, when the governor issues a disaster declaration, the state provides tax exemptions for certain expenses, including hotel costs, cleanup and recovery services and fundraisers for storm victims. Other tax-exempt services include labor costs to repair commercial and residential properties; services to restore storm-damaged items, including dry goods and furniture; and charges for cutting and hauling storm-damaged trees and debris.

The governor has issued a disaster declaration for these Texas counties: Anderson, Angelina, Aransas, Archer, Austin, Bee, Bell, Bexar, Bowie, Brazoria, Brazos, Brooks, Calhoun, Cameron, Cass, Chambers, Cherokee, Collin, Colorado, Comal, Dallas, Denton, DeWitt, Ellis, El Paso, Fort Bend, Franklin, Galveston, Goliad, Grayson, Gregg, Hardin, Harris, Harrison, Henderson, Hidalgo, Hill, Hopkins, Hunt, Jackson, Jasper, Jefferson, Jim Hogg, Jim Wells, Kaufman, Kenedy, Kleberg, Lamar, Lavaca, Liberty, Lubbock, Matagorda, McLennan, Montgomery, Nacogdoches, Navarro, Newton, Nueces, Orange, Panola, Parker, Polk, Potter, Randall, Refugio, Sabine, San Augustine, San Jacinto, San Patricio, Shelby, Smith, Starr, Tarrant, Titus, Tom Green, Travis, Trinity, Tyler, Van Zandt, Victoria, Waller, Walker, Webb, Wharton, Willacy, Williamson, Wise and Wood.

For detailed information about exemptions, visit the comptroller's Web page, or call (800) 252-5555.

 

Need speakers, event planners, proposal writers?

SPI's new Special Services Division offers experts to assist you!

Sandra Bloodworth

Strategic Partnerships is rolling out its new Special Services Division to assist when you need a keynote speaker, a meeting facilitator, mediator, event planner, executive coach and more. In this division are some of the country's premier providers of services who have years of successful bookings for a variety of clients, from school districts to state agencies to major corporations.

Jim Bearden

Whether it's the down-home, folksy keynote speaker style of the popular Mary Gordon Spence or Don Newbury, the turn-key event planning expertise of Sandra Bloodworth (left) that spans 20 years or a leadership development training seminar by heavily lauded and experienced professional Jim Bearden (right)...SPI has them all.

For more information on SPI's stable of experienced experts ready to meet your needs or to book one of these service providers, click here.

 

Ann Richards' son dedicates building in mother's name

Dan Richards, son of the late Texas Gov. Ann Richards, recently dedicated a building in his mother's name at South Texas College. Richards said he did not realize how large or significant the college - known as South Texas Community College when Gov. Richards signed a Senate bill in 1993 to establish the facility - had become to the Rio Grande Valley.

Richards said these possibilities were the kind of thing his mother saw but he never could. "She knew education was critical for the Valley," he said. The Richards family has ties to the region.

Manuel Benavidez, a founding board member of the college, said Gov. Richards was a "friend and hero" to Rio Grande Valley for providing affordable higher education to an otherwise disenfranchised populace. Benavidez added praise for Gov. Richards' and STC's contributions to lowering the Valley's unemployment figures. He said the college's new charge is to tackle the region's illiteracy rate.

 

UTEP announces three departmental promotions

Darla Smith

Jeri Sias

Mark Lusk

The University of Texas at El Paso College of Health Sciences begins its fall semester with a few personnel changes, including a new department chair and two new associate deans.

Dr. Darla Smith (left), former associate dean of the College of Health Sciences, will serve as chair of the Department of Kinesiology. Smith has been with UTEP since 1996, where she has served as associate professor, assistant professor and interim chair of the health sciences department.

Jeri Sias (center), PharmD, will serve as an associate dean of the College of Health Sciences. Sias has been with UTEP since 2000. In addition to research in smoking cessation, she serves as a mentor for the residency and student pharmacy program.

Mark Lusk, Ed.D. (right), will serve with Sias as an associate dean of CHS. Lusk is a social work professor at UTEP, where he has chaired the social work department for the past year. Lusk, a Fulbright fellowship recipient, earned both his master's degree and doctoral degree from the University of Kentucky.

 

El Paso border fence lawsuit dropped

John Cook

A lawsuit arguing Homeland Secretary Michael Chertoff held no authority to waive some 30 laws to construct a border fence has been dismissed, according to El Paso County Attorney Jose Rodriguez. The suit - filed by El Paso County, the City of El Paso, environmental groups and others opposed to the "border wall" - was dismissed by U.S. District Judge Frank Montalvo, who said that waivers to expedite the fence construction were constitutional.

El Paso Mayor John Cook (pictured) said he and other leaders are opposed to fences built "without local input," as in this instance.

The 15-foot El Paso border fence has served as a source of contention for protestors and proponents. Advocates claim the fence will help deter undocumented immigrants, while others claim the fence would prove to be an unsightly environmental nightmare. About 340 miles of the $2.6 billion, 670-mile fence have been built so far.

 

Bataille to serve on NY Times higher education cabinet

Gretchen Bataille

University of North Texas President Gretchen M. Bataille (pictured) is slated to join a group of select university and college presidents and higher education proponents for The Chronicle of Higher Education/New York Times Higher Education Cabinet's inaugural meeting. The advisory group, comprised of progressive higher education leaders from around the nation, will analyze education issues and matters involving public discourse.

UNT, the state's fourth-largest university, is the only Texas college or university to be featured in the cabinet's line-up. That distinction marks UNT's status as a dynamic, innovative institution, Bataille said.

Being part of the cabinet will position UNT officials to learn from the challenges other universities face, while adding their voice to the conversation. After the inaugural meeting, to be held at The New York Times headquarters, the cabinet will conduct an ongoing dialogue centered around online forums. Bataille is one of 76 presidents and leaders asked to serve.

 

Coordinator announced for SFA nursing program

Mary Pack

Mary Pack (pictured) will head Stephen F. Austin State University's School of Nursing extension program at Rusk State Hospital. Pack has been a registered nurse for nearly 50 years and said now "is an exciting time for nursing," adding the university is working hard to get the venture off the ground.

The nationally accredited Bachelor of Science program, which will provide classes for those living in or near Nacogdoches, will add 24 additional slots to SFA's current pool of 60 applicants per semester. A number of students need accessibility to a college education, Pack said.

At the heart of this innovative initiative is the T-1 line, a technology enabling students at the Rusk State Hospital extension to watch the same lecture being taught at the SFA campus.

 

Pritchett named physical facilities director at Tarleton

Terry Pritchett

Terry Pritchett (pictured) has been named physical facilities director of Tarleton State University. He will replace retiree Jim Pack, who stepped down in August.

Pritchett has more than 13 years facilities management experience, including eight years as director. He was most recently employed by Tabor College in Hillsboro, Kan.

Jim Standridge, associate vice president of physical facilities, said Tarleton is looking forward to Pritchett's leadership as the university continues to grow.

 

Schovanec selected interim dean at Texas Tech

Lawrence Schovanec

Jane Winer, interim provost of the Texas Tech University College of Arts and Sciences, announced that Lawrence Schovanec will take over as interim dean, effective immediately. Schovanec, a chairperson of the Department of Mathematics and Statistics, will serve in Winer's stead as Arts and Sciences dean while Winer serves as interim provost.

Schovanec has been with TTU for 26 years and has served as department chair since 1999. He has been published widely in academic journals and has earned the President's Excellence in Teaching Award. For research in the fields of biomechanical and physiological control systems, he has garnered more than $1.5 million in external funding.

Schovanec holds a bachelor's degree from Phillips University, a master's degree from Texas A&M University and a doctorate from Indiana University.

 

Sandra Terrell changes posts at University of N. Texas

Sandra Terrell

Dr. Sandra Terrell (pictured) is changing posts at the University of North Texas, shifting from dean of the Robert B. Toulouse School of Graduate Studies to vice provost for academic outreach, effective Jan. 1.

Terrell's new charge will include helping the Office of the Provost become more responsive to community needs, according to Wendy K. Wilkins, UNT provost and vice president for academic affairs. Additionally, she will develop proposals for increased interaction between UNT and other universities and agencies.

Terrell holds a doctoral degree from the University of Pittsburgh. She has been with UNT since 1979, when she joined the Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences. In 2004, she was named dean of the graduate studies department after serving as interim the year before.

 

New building going up at Eastfield College

Workforce Training

Eastfield College, part of the Dallas County Community College District, will begin construction on its new Workforce and Criminal Justice Center (seen in accompanying architect's rendering) with a groundbreaking ceremony on Tues., Sept. 23. The 31,000-square-foot building is part of the DCCCD's current $450 million successful bond election from 2004. The new building will become one of five under construction as a result of the bond election.

Estimated to cost $10 million, the facility is expected to be completed by October of next year. It will house the Workforce/Community Learning staff and the Criminal Justice and Police Academy programs offered by Eastfield. "The facility will feature large studios for business and industry training, as well as computer labs, a special forensics lab, a small hand combat training gym and two special simulator rooms for fire arms and pursuit driving training," said Dr. Lindle Grigsby, dean of Eastfield College Workforce Economic Development.

Gribsby said the facilities will provide the Criminal Justice and Police Academy programs with much needed space and equipment to better service the public safety community of the Dallas metroplex. Eastfield is one of seven DCCCD colleges.

 

UTEP overhauls career services department

George Barton

The University of Texas at El Paso's University Career Services will undergo an overhaul this semester with a new name, location and program offerings. The University Career Center, the facility's new moniker, will offer students assistance with resumes, job interviews and internship opportunities in renovated new offices located in the Union Building West.

George Barton, Ed.D., (pictured) said university officials want the center to serve as a place where students will take advantage of the career planning services and programs the university offers, adding this comprises a major part of their education. Career advisors from the colleges of health sciences, engineering, business, liberal arts, science and school of nursing will advise at the center.

The university is also gearing up for Career Expo 2008, where more than 150 employers featuring UTEP alumni are expected to represent their respective companies.

 

NTTA worried about Highway 161 timetable

The ups and downs on Wall Street are causing the North Texas Tollway Authority some heartburn. Officials are now wondering if they'll be able to meet the timetables for the State Highway 161 toll road for which they last year paid $3.2 billion. With financial markets in a stage of "high stress," said NTTA Chair Paul Wageman, a delay is probably in order.

Not only is Highway 161 in jeopardy, but so are other projects NTTA indicated it would have operational by 2015. NTTA is exploring all its options and hoping for an upturn in the financial markets.

 

Henderson ISD mulling May bond election

Bobby Brown

Trustees for the Henderson Independent School District recently began discussion for a bond election in May after receiving advice on how the district can reduce the amount of local tax dollars recaptured by the state by shifting tax burden from its maintenance and operation budget to repay debt.

Superintendent Bobby Brown (pictured) told trustees that the Texas Education Agency rating Henderson ISD as Chapter 41 or property-rich district this year will result in HISD having to return $66,000 to the state to redistribute to less wealthy districts. In two years, HISD could face a 60 percent recapture, which translates to the district retaining only $40,000 for every $1 million raised by the local tax rate.

The financial consultant told trustees that school districts can buy school buses, renovate or repair buildings, pave parking lots or purchase technology, including computers, and the money raised to repay the bonds is not subject to recapture. He explained that the district could move a portion of the tax rate to fund bonds that could be repaid in a three- to five-year period. Trustees would need to call for a May 9 bond election by March 9, 2009, Brown said.

 

City of Kilgore agrees to hire jail consultant

After tabling a vote to close the city's jail, Kilgore city council members hired a consultant to take a closer look at whether the city should close the current city jail or build a new one.

Public Safety Director Donnie Moore had recommended closing the jail and paying Gregg County to house city inmates because the county jail had the staff to handle an influx of prisoners. He estimated the county could house all of the prisoners from the City of Kilgore for about $263,000 annually. The cost would include salaries for four transportation officers, he said.

The mayor disagreed, saying costs to the city could increase each year and suggested that the city ask voters to approve bonds to pay for a new $1.6 million to $2 million 20-bed jail. Building a new jail would increase costs about $210,000 a year to pay five full-time employees and does not include daily operations of the jail, the public safety director said. It currently costs about $10,000 annually to operate the jail and costs are low because police officers volunteer to patrol the jail and the city has not hired professional, full-time help.

 

El Paso to study return of railed streetcars

Beto O'Rourke

The Transportation Legislative Review Committee of El Paso recently approved a cost analysis study to determine if the city should return to the streetcars that used rails to transport passengers throughout the city. El Paso City Council members have requested results of the study in two months.

The council needs to determine whether commuter rail or light rail is a strategic priority for the city, said Beto O'Rourke (pictured) who represents southwest El Paso. The city has studied whether to return to the use of trolleys on tracks at least three times since the trolleys were discontinued in 1974, he said, and needs to make a decision.

Preliminary plans call for the city to install three lines in three different phases: the first around downtown, the second from downtown to The University of Texas-El Paso area and the third from the international bridges to downtown. A preliminary study also placed the cost of restoring the old streetcars and installing them in a single track at about $40 million to get the project started.

 

Cameron County district considers waterfall park

Cameron County Drainage District No. 1 officials plan to use a $220,000 state grant to build walking trails and benches around a new waterfall park on Old Port Isabel Road.

Ernesto Gamez of the drainage district said he and Carlos Ayala, a former assistant manager in Brownsville, decided to create the park after a visit to a 54-foot man-made waterfall in Wichita Falls. Plans call for the 30-acre cascade park in Cameron County to feature a horse shoe-shaped lake with a cascading waterfall that will be about three stories high. The lake, which will be about 20 feet deep, will be able to accommodate paddle boats and canoes. A $1 parking fee will be charged and golf carts will carry people from the parking area to the park, which will have picnic tables and bridges to serve as crosswalks over the water to the main park.

While drainage district employees now are performing the work, he and Ayala plan to apply for more grants to help pay construction costs for the park. He estimates the park will be completed in about 18 months.

 

TWU professor only nurse on state advisory committee

Donna Tilley

Dr. Donna Scott Tilley (pictured), an associate professor of nursing at Texas Woman's University, has been appointed to the state's Nursing Facility Administrators Advisory Committee. Tilley will serve as the only nurse on the committee, which licenses and regulates state nursing homes, for a five-year term expiring in 2013.

Tilley said it is educators' essential duty to serve the state at the highest level, adding that serving on the committee "helps me stay current in issues of abuse and neglect, my research area."

Tilley, a former board member of Hospice of Lubbock and Women's Protective Services, holds a bachelor's and master's degree from Texas Tech University and a doctorate in nursing from The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio.

 

Cedar Park approves contract for water project

Cedar Park city council members recently agreed to pay $25 million to become part of the Brushy Creek Regional Water Project. The Leander City Council earlier had agreed to pay $91 million and the Round Rock City Council approved a $66 million payment for their participation in the regional water project. The Texas Water Development Board also provided nearly $310 million from the Texas Water Development Fund to help finance the water system improvements.

Using water from Lake Travis, the water project, which will be divided into phases, is projected to meet the water needs of the participants through the year 2050. Each phase will consist of new or expansion features to include water intake structures, water treatment plants, raw water and treated water pipeline segments and storage.

An attorney for the city advised council members that if one of the cities proposed changes to the project, all three cities would be required to vote to approve any changes. The projected completion date Phase 1 is April 1, 2011.

 

TWU receives $3M donation for nursing enterprise

Ann Stuart

Texas Woman's University's T. Boone Pickens Institute of Health Sciences-Dallas has received a $3 million boost in funding thanks to Dallas philanthropist Florence A. Doswell. TWU's college of nursing in Dallas will, in turn, be coined The Houston J. and Florence A. Doswell College of Nursing in honor of the gift, the single largest ever from an individual to TWU.

TWU Chancellor Ann Stuart (pictured) said the gift represents "a perfect match between a donor's interest and TWU's mission." Stuart has led a campaign to raise $55.5 million for the facility, $47.7 million of which has been raised.

The new institute, scheduled for groundbreaking next year with a planned open date in 2011, will allow TWU to incorporate industry-standard technology into its curriculum. The new education model will combine the university's nationally recognized programs in occupational and physical therapy in addition to the renowned TWU Stroke Center for a hands-on, team approach to patients' health care.

 

Cleburne assistant city manager resigns for Hewitt post

Cleburne Assistant City Manager Adam Miles has announced plans to step down from his post, effective Sept. 26. He has accepted a city manager position in Hewitt.

Miles said the move marks a very natural career progression for him and that he is proud of the quality-of-life projects passed in Cleburne during his tenure. Because of projects like Splash Station and the Sports Complex, Cleburne is a better place to live, he said.

Miles has worked for the City of Cleburne since 1997, when he began his charge as planning and zoning project coordinator. His education resume includes a bachelor's degree from Baylor University and master's degree from The University of Texas at Arlington.

 

Arlington to sell methane gas carbon credits

Bob Byrd

The Arlington City Council this week authorized a contract with a Houston company that will market carbon credits from methane gas produced and captured at the city landfill.

Deputy City Manager Bob Byrd (pictured) said the city should not miss the opportunity to take economic advantage of the methane generated by the landfill. The city in the early 2000s installed a methane collection system that captures methane gas to keep it from becoming air pollution. A private company then sends the gas through an underground pipeline to power a wastewater treatment plant. This collection system also earns the city "carbon credits" because of its efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The Houston-based company will sell those "carbon credits" on the Chicago Climate Exchange, where member companies voluntarily buy and sell air pollution reduction credits to companies having trouble meeting clean air goals. Under the contract, the city will share 40 percent of the revenues from the carbon credits with the company operating the pipeline and 20 percent with the Houston marketing firm and use the city's portion to reinvest in the methane collection system to expand it. Arlington currently collects about $5 million a year in fees from those who use the site, Byrd said.

 

Austin ISD creates Leadership Development Center

The Austin Independent School District recently created a Leadership Development Center using funds from a five-year, $3.6 million federal grant. The grant will evaluate the work of the center, which will partner with St. Edward's University.

The program is expected to train 385 administrators and future administrators over the five-year period, said Juanita Garcia, the center's executive director. The training is needed to curb the high turnover rate in principals as it damages teacher retention and school reform initiatives as well as costing the district about $2.7 million a year. The turnover rate at AISD for high school principals is about 25 percent compared to other urban districts with yearly turnover rates of around 20 percent, said Garcia.

In the future, the district plans to designate an elementary, middle and high school that will focus on creating future student, teacher and administrative leaders much like a medical school joins with a teaching hospital, she said. The center also will help St. Edward's University to establish a principal training and certification program in the next five years.

 

Wilson to lead UTSA Development Board as chair

Kenny Wilson

Tom Frost

Kenny Wilson (left), president of Bank of America for Central and South Texas, is the newly appointed chair of The University of Texas at San Antonio Development Board. Wilson has served on the board the last two years and will replace Tom C. Frost (right), who has been named chairman emeritus. Frost has been chair of the UTSD Development Board since 1990.

"Today is a great day for UTSA, a day we celebrate two outstanding leaders in our community," said UTSA President Ricardo Romo. "Thanks to Tom Frost's leadership at the helm of our development board, UTSA is well prepared for the challenges that lie ahead. And, thanks to Kenny Wilson, a leader with great vision and a can-do attitude, UTSA is in great hands as we continue our journey toward premier public research university status."

 

ACC approves $3.4 million for first responder school

Robert Ziegler

Trustees for the Alamo Community Colleges recently authorized spending $3.4 million to begin work on a First Responders Academy on the city's south side to serve San Antonio College students and emergency workers in rural areas across the region.

The academy, which will be located off of Interstate 35, will include a three-story "burn tower" for firefighters to learn how to put out fires, a firing range, a driving course and training facilities for swift water rescue and hazardous materials, said Robert Ziegler (pictured), president of San Antonio College.

The burn tower should be completed this spring, but college officials are still looking for funding to pay for the driving course and some of the other facilities, Ziegler said. The city already has spent about $1 million for land, planning and design of the facility.

 

New Braunfels 4B to spend $11M to attract, retain jobs

The New Braunfels Industrial Development Corporation recently informally sketched out its spending plans for the next year for the $11 million in revenue generated for the 4B board.

The greatest need is to attract new employers to the area and retain current businesses that can grow, said Dr. Michael Hindman, director of the 4B board. The group allocated between $2 million and $5 million to recruit new business and retain and grow current businesses, he said.

Another $1 million to $2 million will be spent on job training and higher education and $1 million to $3 million to fund quality-of-life projects like city parks. The board also agreed to spend $1 million to $5 million on public facilities such as downtown projects and airport development. The next step is to present the board's recommended budget to the city council.

 

Midland College to use grant funds to expand center

Dennis Sever

During the next two years, Midland College plans to add a 4,000 to 5,000-square-foot classroom building to its Cogdell Learning Center, using a five-year, $2.8 million Title V Hispanic Serving Institution grant from the U.S. Department of Education.

The four-room classroom building will be located west of the Center, said Dennis Sever (pictured), vice president of information technology and facilities. The project includes tearing down and performing asbestos abatement on existing buildings and constructing a new structure, he said.

The grant also will fund development of a career assessment and advising system and comprehensive financial aid assistance to Cogdell students, an online tutoring services and will strengthen outreach services in south Midland with the goal of increasing enrollment by 66 percent over the five-year project.

 

Officials hail Fort Worth ISD for clean bus program

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) Regional Director Tony Walker, along with Fort Worth Independent School District Superintendent Dr. Melody Johnson and Texas Parent Teacher Association Environmental Chair Heather Ashwell-Hair, gathered recently to congratulate Fort Worth ISD for its efforts to protect students who ride school buses.

Through funds totaling $157,436 from the TCEQ Clean School Bus Program, the district has retrofitted some 239 school buses with emission-curbing closed crankcase filtration technology. The systems limit students' exposure to diesel exhaust, which can aggravate respiratory problems and allergies.

The TCEQ Clean School Bus Program issues $8 million annually to school districts that install emission-reducing technology on school bus fleets. Applications for the awards are accepted through Nov. 14 and can be found at the program's Web site.

 

McKinney city staff backs building new city hall

Frank Ragan

McKinney city staff recently recommended that the city build a new "civic center campus" rather than raze the Collin County Government Center and retrofitting it into a city hall.

City Manager Frank Ragan (pictured) noted that architects estimated that refurbishing the Collin County Government Center the city purchased in 2006 to remodel into a city hall would cost at least $36.5 million, more than twice as much as had been budgeted. The energy costs for the building would be too high, he added.

Phase 1 of the recommended plan calls for demolishing the courthouse and annex and building a 45,000-square-foot building, using existing parking and retaining a second annex already renovated at a cost of $17 million that was budgeted to renovate the courthouse, Ragan said. He said demolition should start in April and be completed by August 2010. Phases 2 and 3 would add a building for council chambers, a new municipal courthouse and a parking garage. No cost estimates were provided for the last two phases. Ragan said he would provide a design phase budget and a formal proposal to council members within a month.

 

Rio Vista staff proposes bond election

Rock McNulty

Superintendent Rock McNulty (pictured) recently recommended that the Rio Vista Independent School District call a bond election in May to ask voters to approve funding for new science labs needed to meet state requirements. Currently Rio Vista High School has only one science lab but will need at least three more science labs to be in compliance with state requirements for students to successfully complete four years of science and four years of math to graduate, McNulty said.

The district is in the second year of 4 x 4 requirements and needs more than one lab to provide advance placement and mainstream sections of biology and chemistry, which requires 40 percent of instruction time to be spent in the lab or hands-on. The new classrooms also would have to be furnished and equipped, he said.

Because the district does not have money in its fund balance to finance the expansion and is capped on money it receives from the state, the district's only option might be a bond election, he said.

 

Laguna Vista city manager Hill resigns

Iris Hill, city manager at Laguna Vista, this week resigned her post at the request of city aldermen. Hill was the city's first manager. Hill drew praise from the community for her work on behalf of the city and aldermen would not address why they asked for her resignation. Hill was given a severance package and refused to sign a waiver of liability to settle with the city.

 

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Unsung heroes of Hurricane Ike deserve recognition

Mary Scott Nabers

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

As thousands of Texans try to clean up from the aftermath of Hurricane Ike, other Texans are returning home to find nothing left standing. Many areas of East and Southeast Texas and the Gulf Coast are still without electricity as crews from as far away as California and Maryland assist in trying to restore power in the largest power disruption Texas has ever experienced.

Federal and state agencies have been working around the clock. Nonprofit organizations and volunteers have been just as diligent. Churches, neighborhood groups and families have all joined in the efforts to provide aid. There have been lots of heroics and, unfortunately, an abundance of victims.

Some of the heroics will be written about in newspapers and featured in television news clips and in radio accounts of the storm, but there are thousands of unheralded heroes whose stories should also be told.

Days before Hurricane Ike ravaged Texas, officials of the State's Division of Emergency Management (DEM) began preparations for deployment of state resources, establishing shelters and evacuating Texans. Jack Colley, director of the DEM, runs a tight and efficient ship in the State Operations Center (SOC), the command center for statewide operations related to emergencies.

[more]

Tyler selects McDaniel
as new city manager

Tyler city council members recently approved a contract to hire Mark McDaniel (pictured) as city manager. McDaniel will replace current City Manager Bob Turner, who is retiring on Dec. 31.

McDaniel has served as deputy city manager since 2004. Prior to that he was a project manager. He also was an assistant city manager in Corpus Christi and in Lake Jackson and a city manager in Woodway. McDaniel has bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of North Texas and completed the Senior Executive in Local Government program at Harvard University. He assumes his new duties on Jan. 1, 2009.

Botello to retire as director of SW Texas Council

Jorge Botello, executive director for the Community Council of Southwest Texas, recently announced he will retire from that position on Oct. 17 after serving 24 years. The Community Council of Southwest Texas operated the Head Start program in the Uvalde region for many years but recently turned over control of the program to a Colorado-based company.

Botello said he believes the board of directors will begin a search for a new executive director very soon.

 

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Aransas Pass delays hiring of new city manager

Following a closed, executive session, Aransas Pass council members recently said they had reached no decision on selecting a replacement for City Manager Tom Ginter, who resigned in May.

The three candidates interviewed by the council for the job were K.M. Hubert of Combine, Lawrence Robbins of Irving and Rick Conners of Hallandale Beach, Fla. None of the candidates attended the council session. Mayor Tommy Knight told council members that interim City Manager Mike Sullinger would like a new city manager to be named soon. Sullinger has served as interim city manager since May and it is his third time to act as interim city manager in the past few years, Knight said.

 

Ysleta Del Sur Pueblo receives technology grant

The Ysleta Del Sur Pueblo recently received a $127,923 grant from the Native American Library Services Enhancement Grant Program of the Institute of Museum and Library Services. It is one of 15 awarded nationally by the institute.

The federally funded grant will be used to integrate technology services for youth enrichment, preparation for college or vocational school and adult personal development for members of the Tigua tribe who reside in Ysleta Del Sur Pueblo. The grant will pay to hire a new technology coordinator to be responsible for implementing and monitoring computer activities and programs in the library.

 

SPI has new budget data, lists of upcoming opportunities statewide

SPI's researchers have been analyzing new local government budgets and have produced a chart of the top 10 city and county budgets in Texas for FY 2009. The team has identified all kinds of upcoming opportunities and can provide valuable information to sales teams from every industry sector. Go to www.spartnerships.com to see the largest city and county budgets and call Reagan Weil (512-531-3917) if you are interested in obtaining any type of procurement assistance from SPI's consulting teams.

 

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.

Wilhelmina Delco began her public service career in 1968 when she was elected to the Board of Trustees of the Austin Independent School District, becoming the first African-American elected to public office in Austin. She followed up with election to the Texas House of Representatives in 1974 and retired in 1995 after serving her 10th term and 20th year in the House. She remains active in community organizations and is an adjunct professor in the Community College Leadership Program at The University of Texas at Austin.

Teel Bivins served as a member of the Texas Senate from 1989-2004. He was appointed as United States ambassador to Sweden by President George W. Bush and was confirmed by the U.S. Senate in May 2004. After being sworn in on May 26, he presented his credentials to King Carl XVI Gustaf in Stockholm in June and served until 2006. He is now self-employed in the cattle industry and oil and gas business in Amarillo, continuing his family's four generations of involvement in ranching.

 

UT Health Science Center wins $6M federal grant

The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston recently received a $6 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to study scleroderma. The focus of the five-year grant is to study what causes the immune system to attack its own body. Scleroderma affects about 300,000 patients each year, mostly women between 25 and 55. It results in thickening and tightening of the skin and often causes serious damage to internal organs.

Researchers plan to identify gene regions that influence a patient's susceptibility to a serious form of the disease known as systemic sclerosis.

 

Wichita Falls accepts grant for mobile video system

Wichita Falls City Council members recently approved an ordinance accepting a grant to help buy a digital mobile video system to replace the VHS system that currently records traffic stops. The Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program will provide $13,072.50 each to the City of Wichita Falls and to Wichita Falls County for the cost of the video system and grant management expenses.

 

Kerrville selects Hays to serve as interim manager

The Kerrville City Council recently appointed City Attorney Mike Hayes to serve as interim city manager to replace City Manager Paul Hofmann, who resigned earlier this month.

Council members also authorized hiring Don Davis, who previously had served as acting city manager for Kerrville, to replace Hayes in early October and serve until the city selects a new city manager. The council discussed hiring a consultant to assist in the search, but did not make a decision.



 

SPI announces new 'Special Services' division

Strategic Partnerships, Inc., has launched a new Special Services Division, which includes some of the state's premier and most experienced providers of services. SPI, working in conjunction with affiliates throughout the United States, now offers 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 Molly McDonald-Ogden.

When the media call, or important speaking events arise, there's no substitute for being prepared. That's when Molly McDonald-Ogden (pictured) steps in. She coaches executives and senior managers to deliver organizational messages with credibility and confidence.

McDonald-Ogden leads group workshops in media interviewing, crisis communication, public speaking and testifying before boards and commissions. Her clients learn to communicate audience-centered messages. They practice handling tough questions and using their voice and body language to reinforce ideas. And they apply proven strategies for thinking on their feet.

Since 1996, McDonald-Ogden has helped clients with hundreds of presentations and media appearances, including guest spots on the Today Show, CNN, and Glenn Beck. She has worked with the LBJ School of Public Affairs, Electric Reliability Council of Texas, Texas Medical Association and Goodwill Industries. She holds a master's degree in communication

For a complete portfolio of experts and the services they offer, to inquire about specific services or to inquire about becoming a part of SPI's new Special Services division, contact J. Lyn Carl at 512-531-3936 or jcarl@spartnerships.com. For information on other individuals in our Special Services division and their areas of expertise, click here.

 

Robstown ISD cuts budget, eliminates 48 jobs

Trustees for the Robstown Independent School District recently approved a $24.6 million budget that will result in the elimination of 48 non-teaching positions that are expected to save the district about $1.3 million.

The positions eliminated include 15 cafeteria workers, 10 clerks, three receptionists, eight computer aides and 12 teacher assistants. Those laid off received notice immediately and will receive a two-week severance pay, said Superintendent Robert Garcia. Because of declining enrollment, Robstown ISD has lost significant state funding, Garcia said.

 

Legislative conference location moved; experts to address Fiscal Notes

The location for the upcoming 6th Biennial Legislative Communications Conference has been moved to the Phoenix Ballroom of the Doubletree Hotel Austin, 6505 IH-35 North. The previous location, the Pickle Center, is now being used to treat medical evacuees from Hurricane Ike. All conferences slated there have been relocated. Parking will be free at the Doubletree and meals and snacks will still be served.

The Fiscal Note process for legislation during the upcoming 81st Texas Legislature will be discussed by a panel of three experts at the conference.

Panelists will include John O'Brien (top), director of the Legislative Budget Board, Gordon Taylor (middle), chief financial officer for the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services and John Heleman (bottom), chief revenue estimator for the Comptroller of Public Accounts. Those with an interest in the legislature won't want to miss the insight relating to state finances that this experience panel will bring.

The event, hosted by Strategic Partnerships, Inc. and The University of Texas at Austin Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs, is slated for Oct. 7. To view the agenda, click here.

The conference is held before each legislative session. Cost is $295 per person and a continental breakfast, hot lunch and afternoon snack will be served. Make your reservation early as seats are filling up fast!

Those attending will hear from legislators and high-ranking legislative staff. Hear their comments; ask them questions. And take home a notebook with valuable information. Watch TGI weekly for updates on speakers, topics and more! To register, click here.

 

Ysleta Del Sur Pueblo wins $1M grant for center

The U.S. Economic Development Administration recently awarded a $1.13 million grant to the Yseta Del Sur Pueblo, or Tiguas. The grant will be used for renovation of property owned by the Tiguas to create the Tigua Business Center.

 

Palestine ISD hires architectural adviser

With a goal of improving facilities, trustees for the Palestine Independent School District recently hired an Austin-based firm as the district's architectural adviser. Superintendent Tommy Wallis (pictured) said the architectural adviser can perform facility evaluations, design development, provide bond services and construction oversight. A facilities assessment will be the first priority, Wallis said.

 

Upshur County approves water grant application

Upshur County commissioners recently authorized staff to apply for a $250,000 grant to pay for upgrades to extend water service to 38 more homes. If the grant is approved, Pritchett Water Supply Corp. will match the grant that will pay for materials to lay new pipes and water lines to extend water service to more customers.

 

Arlington mayor says
no to naming rights

Citing concerns about damaging the city's image, Arlington Mayor Robert Cluck firmly opposed a recent recommendation that the city sell the rights to name city buildings and parks. The mayor's comments followed a presentation by a California-based consultant who said the city could earn from $1.7 million to $10 million by selling naming rights for city facilities, referring visitors to its Web site to specific hotels, attractions and restaurants and by granting exclusive rights to banks and soft drink and snack vendors to put their products or automated teller machines on city property.

Naming municipal facilities for money does not seem appropriate, Cluck said. Councilman Robert Rivera, however, said he had no problem with selling naming rights and suggested the city consider selling advertising on police and fire vehicles to generate more revenue for city services. Council postponed a vote on a contract with the marketing fund to further study the measure. The proposed contract calls for the city to share 12 percent of any revenue that the marketing fund generated through various projects.

 

Budget woes force Fort Worth to eliminate jobs

The Fort Worth City Council recently approved a $1.2 billion spending plan that eliminates city departments, reduces hours at libraries and cuts jobs over the next five years. While Mayor Mike Moncrief warned the city had to reduce costs even more over the next four years, Councilwoman Kathleen Hicks (pictured) voted against the budget cuts, saying she is concerned that changes in the Housing and Public Health departments will hurt low-income residents the most.

Under the budget plan, most health department functions such as animal control and restaurant inspections will be performed by other departments while some work, such as birth and death records, will be turned over to Tarrant County. The Housing and Economic Development departments will be combined and hours at city libraries were shortened. The city also eliminated about 170 positions in all areas except police officers and firefighters. Most of those workers were offered other jobs in the city.

 

Vazaldua to stay on as acting city manager in Elsa

Acting city manager Paul Vazladua has agreed to remain in that position in Elsa despite his announcement in August that he would resign on Sept. 1.

Vazaldua, who previously served as an acting city manager in La Villa in 2007, was appointed interim city manager in March to replace another interim city manager, who resigned after four months on the job. Vazaldua is the fifth person to be appointed as an acting or interim city manager since June 2006, when the last permanent city manager left the post.

 

New Braunfels civic groups call for Landa Park upgrades

The Friends for the Historic Preservation of Land Park and the New Braunfels Garden Club recently recommended that city leaders begin with a proposed rejuvenation of the 48-acre Landa Park.

The park needs an irrigation system, rock walls along the river need to be restored and more protection added to stop riverbank erosion, said Bill Kolodzie, president of the Friends for the Historic Preservation of Landa Park.

A design firm which recently developed a comprehensive park plan for the city estimated that it would cost between $6 million and $8.5 million to completely restore and preserve the historic park located along the river. The first phase would close the park to through traffic, install an irrigation system, stabilize riverbanks and reconfigure parking at an estimated cost of $3.5 million to $4.5 million. The two civic groups would like for construction to begin in 2010 and be complete in 2012. The second phase calls for reconfiguring picnic areas, establishing a center esplanade and improving the park's arboretum at a cost of between $2.5 million and $4 million.

 

Dallas ISD employees
may face layoffs

After confronting a $64 million budget shortfall this coming year, Mike Hinojosa, superintendent of Dallas Independent School District, this week instructed principals and directors to begin looking for positions that can be eliminated. The need to cut jobs arose after the district used nearly half of its reserve fund to supplement the 2007-2008 budget.

Jack Lowe (pictured), president of the DISD school board, said he expects the district will wind up with another deficit unless action is taken to address the budget situation. If the reduction in force is approved, board policy requires the superintendent to use certain criteria, such as performance, certification, seniority and professional background in determining which positions will be cut. Principals have until the end of September to submit their staff lists based on actual enrollments rather than projected enrollments.

 

Navarro ISD selects Morales as deputy superintendent

Trustees for the Navarro Independent School District recently selected Luke Morales as the deputy superintendent. Morales will retain his job as junior high principal and receive a stipend for his additional duties as deputy superintendent, said Superintendent Dee Carter.

The deputy superintendent will act as head administrator in her absence and be responsible for coordinating staff in-service, providing orientation and first-year internship for new teachers, supervising the transportation department, supervising curriculum implementation and overseeing the student teacher program.



Opponents organize to fight Dallas-owned center hotel

Opponents of a proposed Dallas convention center hotel recently began a signature drive to convince 20,000 Dallas voters to sign a petition asking the Dallas City Council to place the issue on next spring's ballot.

Dallas Mayor Tom Leppert and other city officials support the city building a city-owned hotel at the convention center to make the city more attractive to visitors. Representing Citizens Against The Taxpayer-Owned Hotel, Ann Raymond said the investment is too risky and that the city is already cutting services because of a tight budget. Raymond works for a company that owns and operates a competing hotel. Opponents of the city-owned hotel have 60 days to collect the required 20,000 signatures.

 

Guadalupe County's firefighters awarded grant

The Guadalupe County Firefighters Association recently received a $25,000 grant that will be used to repair the "burn house" at the Guadalupe County Fire Training Field. The Lower Colorado River Authority's Community and Economic Development grant program awarded the grant.

The "burn house" is used to teach firefighters how to work in burning, smoke-filled buildings with temperatures several hundred degrees or higher. Repeatedly lighting fires and extinguishing those fires has damaged the building, which needs about $38,000 in repairs and upgrades, said McQueeney Fire Chief Tim Bogisch. The group expects to begin work on the building in two to three weeks.

 

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Ingram ISD selects Dworsky as curriculum director

The Ingram Independent School District recently selected Jill Dworsky as its director of curriculum. Dworsky, a principal of a middle school that achieved recognized status for three years from state accountability ratings, will retain her duties as principal in addition to performing the duties as director of curriculum for the district.

Dworsky said her first goal is to help bring the rest of the district up to the recognized status by working to put a systematic model in place to meet or exceed state standards.

 

Stockdale seeking new high-speed Internet provider

Citing numerous complaints about the service provided by the city's high-speed Internet provider, the Stockdale City Council recently voted to increase the tenant fee the provider pays from the current 5 percent of the gross revenue, or about $75 a month, to $10,000 per month.

The action followed advice by the city attorney that the city needs to increase the fee or the provider needs to allow the city to terminate the contract because the company did not meet the provision of the original contract. City officials said they have received solicitations from other high-speed Internet providers, but cannot allow another provider into the city until the contract with the current provider is void.

 

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.

 

Abilene considers six intersections for cameras

A city task force has recommended six intersections be studied as potential sites for cameras to be installed to photograph and ticket motorists running red lights. A $20,000 study authorized by the council also will evaluate other ways to improve safety at intersections, including signal visibility, signal timing, red-light violation rates and enforcement and operational issues.

Assistant City Manager David Vela estimated that the study will take 60 to 90 days to complete and that the next meeting of the advisory panel, when a final recommendation will likely be made to the City Council, may not take place until early 2009.

 

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.

 

Thorndale ISD selects Lindemann for interim

Trustees for Thorndale Independent School District recently selected Robert Lindemann as the interim superintendent to replace Superintendent Gene Solis, who recently resigned to become superintendent for Whitney ISD.

Lindemann served as the district's business manager for 11 years, but must still fill certain requirements to become a full-time superintendent. Jody Hilton, the board president, said she expects a search for a new superintendent will take at least three to four months and possibly longer to complete because of the time it takes to review resumes and interview prospective candidates.

 

Dallas planning to add
more security cameras

With the help of several community groups, Dallas officials recently announced that they will add more police-monitored video cameras in downtown Dallas and the Jubilee Park neighborhood southeast of downtown.

Once all the cameras are installed, Dallas will increase from 40 to 80 the number of security cameras operated by the police, said Assistant City Manager Ryan Evans (pictured). Of the new center city cameras, 14 will be placed in the Arts District by early October.

The DowntownDallas Business Association donated $600,000 to pay for new downtown cameras. The South Dallas/Fair Park Trust Fund, Meadows Foundation, the Jubilee Park Association and the Constantine Foundation contributed $107,000 toward increasing the number of cameras in Jubilee Park from seven to 14.

 

Greenville ISD approves solar systems at schools

Trustees for the Greenville Independent School District recently authorized the installation of six solar photovoltaic systems at five elementary schools and a middle school. Bruce Shores, an assistant superintendent, said the solar systems are needed to help the district meet new state requirements to reduce electricity use by 5 percent each year for the next six years.

Each site will save about 5,700 kilowatts of electricity per year, which should result in a savings of $4,000 a year, Shores said.

The district will pay about $600 for the connections and the company installing the system will pay for the installation and insurance of the equipment at a cost of about $225,000.

 

Milsap VFD receives $42K to upgrade communications

The Millsap Volunteer Fire Department recently won a $42,000 grant through the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency.

The grant will pay for 24 new pagers, 10 hand-held radios, three mobile radios and a base station, said Fire Chief Jeff Edwards. The new equipment is critical to the department's ability to communication with the new digital communications in Parker County, he said.

AFG has provided more than $3.6 billion since 2002 in grants to fire departments and first responder organizations to purchase response equipment, personal protective equipment, vehicles and fire prevention activities.

 

Atlanta ISD to buy
new school site

Trustees for the Atlanta Independent School District recently voted to pursue the purchase of 26 acres of land for a proposed new $20 million, 98,000-square-foot middle school rather than use the existing 13-acre, middle school site. The board has called a $26.4 million bond election in November to pay for the middle school and renovations to the high school, including a $400,000 roof repair. The renovations, expected to cost between $5 million and $6 million, include adding a second practice gym, expanding the band hall, expanding the counseling offices and adding science labs.

 

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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.

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Management Conference for leaders set Oct. 1-3

"Managing Performance," the Annual GOVERNING Management Conference for State and Local Leaders will be held Wednesday through Friday, Oct. 1-3, at the Hyatt Regency Austin. Pre-conference management workshops start on Tuesday, Sept. 30. Keynote speaker for the Wednesday opening address is Texas State Comptroller Susan Combs. The keynote address Thursday morning will be delivered by Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak. Lunch speaker will be Los Angeles Chief of Police William Bratton. The closing address Friday will be delivered by Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley. Numerous panels will also participate and address issues from budgeting to crisis communications to infrastructure issues. The conference is being held in cooperation with the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs, University of Texas and the George Bush School of Government and Public Service, Texas A&M University. For more information and to view the agenda, click here. For a special "Texas Team" discount, click here and register your teams using the invitation code: LBJ.

 

Texas Conference on Regionalism begins Oct. 1

The Texas Conference on Regionalism, the annual conference of Texas' regional planning councils, is slated for Oct. 1-3 in Corpus Christi at the Omni Corpus Christi Hotel-Bayfront, hosted this year by the Coastal Bend Council of Governments. U.S. Rep. Solomon Ortiz has been invited to deliver the keynote address. In addition to the keynote addresses, those attending may participate in concurrent sessions daily that include topics such as habitat conservation, disaster preparedness, next generation 9-1-1, virtual Texas, vacant property and solid waste enforcement. Sponsorship and exhibitor space are available. To register, click here. For more information and to view the program, click here.

6th Biennial Legislative Communications Conference set

The 6th Biennial Legislative Communications Conference is slated for Oct. 7 at The Commons of the the J.J. Pickle Research Center. The conference will feature several panels of government officials, legislators, policy wonks and others who will provide information relative to the upcoming 81st session of the Texas Legislature. The event is hosted by Strategic Partnerships, Inc. and The University of Texas at Austin Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs, and is a "must attend" event for anyone with an interest in the legislature and the workings of state government. To view the draft agenda for the event, click here. To register, click here.

 

TML's annual conference, exhibition slated Oct. 28-31

"Texas Cities - Innovation Meets Progress" is the mantra for the upcoming Texas Municipal League 96th Annual Conference and Exhibition. The event is set for Oct. 28-31 at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio. The event kicks off with registration on Oct. 28 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday will feature the TML Board of Directors meeting, the Exhibit Hall grand opening and the opening General Session and presentation of awards. Tours of the San Antonio River Improvements Project and the San Antonio Emergency Operations Center highlight the Thursday agenda, along with a luncheon keynote speaker by "Freedom Writer" Manuel Scott. Friday features a Women in Government breakfast, a downtown San Antonio tour via Segway and a delegate luncheon with keynote speaker "attitude kicker" Sam Glenn. Concurrent sessions will be held throughout the conference addressing issues such as energy conservation, workforce development, leadership, media relations, several legislative topics and more. For more information and registration forms, click here. There is a discount for early registration and a discount for online registration.

 

Tee IT Up Texas government IT tourney set Oct. 24

The Fifth Annual Tee IT Up Texas! Texas government IT customer appreciation golf tournament is set for Friday, Oct. 24, at the Lions Municipal Golf Course in Austin. Check-in and lunch will begin at 11:30 a.m. A shotgun start will begin at 1 p.m. and the awards ceremony is slated for 6 p.m. The format is a four-person scramble with awards to the first and second place teams and individual contest winners for longest drive and closest pin. Door prizes also are available. IT vendors doing business with Texas public sector IT customers are encouraged to register a four-member team consisting of at least two government players. Registration is limited to the first 30 paid teams. Registration deadline is Oct. 10. For more information, click here. To register, click here.

 

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 Dr. Tina Dupree (AKA as the Chicken Lady) and Major General K.C. McClain, Commander Air Force Personnel Center, Randolph Air Force Base, Texas, and workshops relating to development of executive level management skills, expanding leadership capabilities and networking and mentoring. The event will begin with a 7 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 expecting presentations on issues such as innovative uses for GIS, alternative GIS environments, budget GIS projects, Web-based GIS advancements, GIS or remote sensing for emergency response, etc.



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