Volume 6, Issue 32 · Friday, Sept. 19, 2008 | |
Recovery efforts continuing after Hurricane IkeThousands remain in shelters, others still without homes, powerNearly 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. 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. [more] Secretary of State offers improved election trainingPoll workers can now hone their skills through online sessionTo 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. [more] Strategic Partnerships salutes Texas' Lone StarsBryan W. Shaw, commissioner, Texas Commission on Environmental QualityCareer 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 officeGaye 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 CountyA 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 AgencyIn 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 fundingMayan 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 soonCancer 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, IranOfficials 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 availableLow-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 counselSecretary 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 2008Bucking 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 deficitState 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 institutionsAs 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 grantThanks 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 infoTexas 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!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. 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 nameDan 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 promotionsThe 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 droppedA 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 cabinetUniversity 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 programMary 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 TarletonTerry 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 TechJane 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. TexasDr. 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 CollegeEastfield 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 departmentThe 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 timetableThe 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 electionTrustees 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 consultantAfter 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 streetcarsThe 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 parkCameron 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 committeeDr. 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 projectCedar 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 enterpriseTexas 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 postCleburne 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 creditsThe 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 CenterThe 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 chairKenny 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 schoolTrustees 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 jobsThe 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 centerDuring 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 programTexas 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 hallMcKinney 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 electionSuperintendent 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 resignsIris 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.
Get your free copy of the Texas Government InsiderThe Texas Government Insider is a free weekly newsletter. If you are not a subscriber, or if you would like to tell your friends or co-workers how to receive a free copy, click here. Permission to reproduce, reprintThis newsletter may be reproduced, and all articles within may be reproduced and/or reprinted without permission when credit is given to the Texas Government Insider, a publication of Strategic Partnerships, Inc. Note to media:Need expert commentary on procurement issues relating to state government, city and county government, K-12 public schools, higher education or healthcare? Our consulting team has more than 300 years of high-level experience in decision-making among these government entities. Give us a call at 512-531-3900 and we'll arrange an interview for you with one of our experts.
|
Unsung heroes of Hurricane Ike deserve recognitionBy 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
|
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. 1The 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 setThe 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. 24The 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 conferenceThe 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. 22-25CONSEC 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. 27-31The 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.
|
|