Jay Kimbrough (pictured), who has on more than one occasion been called on by close friend and ally Gov. Rick Perry to bail the state out of some sticky situations, was this week fired from his job as deputy chancellor of the Texas A&M University System. The termination was at the hands of another longtime Perry friend, college roommate and political rival, newly appointed TAMU System Chancellor John Sharp.

In the past, Kimbrough was called on by Perry to help steer the ship of two troubled Texas state agencies. He was appointed conservator of the Texas Youth Commission in 2007 when allegations of abuse and a reported cover-up were made public. Just last year, he was called upon by Perry to step in and assist with efforts to implement changes at the Texas Department of Transportation following an audit report recommending modernization of the agency and a top-to-bottom scrubbing.

And when former TAMU System Chancellor Mike McKinney, another Perry ally, unexpectedly announced his retirement last May under a cloud of speculation that he was forced into leaving, Kimbrough was named interim chancellor and said he would not seek the position full-time. After Sharp was chosen as the new chancellor, Kimbrough was subsequently named deputy chancellor.

Rolando Pablos chosen new member of Public Utility Commission

Rolando Pablos (right) of Olmos Park and Ken Anderson (left) of Dallas were recently appointed to the Public Utility Commission (PUC), a three-member group tasked with ensuring fair and reasonable electric and telephone operations, services and rates.

Pablos, a private practice attorney, is appointed to a term to expire Sept. 1, 2013. Pablos received a bachelor's degree from St. Mary's University, a master's from The University of Texas at San Antonio, another master's from the University of Houston, and a law degree from St. Mary's University School of Law.

Anderson, a current commissioner of the Public Utility Commission, is reappointed for a term to expire Sept. 1, 2017. Anderson, president of the Entergy Regional State Committee, holds a bachelor's degree from Georgetown University and a law degree from Southern Methodist University.

ERCOT board chair Laura Doll announces plans to leave in 2012

Laura Doll (pictured), board chair for the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), the state grid operator, recently announced that she plans to leave the board at the beginning of 2012.

Doll, a former executive with the California Public Utilities Commission and the California Power Authority, has served on the ERCOT board since June 2010 and as chair since January. 

"We are extremely indebted to Laura's steady leadership during what has been a very eventful year for ERCOT," said CEO Trip Doggett.  

Dallas Co. approves smaller budget with no Parkland pay hikes

The Dallas County commissioners recently approved a $486 million budget for next fiscal year - down 1.6 percent from the current budget - but delayed action on the Parkland Memorial Hospital budget.

County commissioners indicated they would not approve Parkland's budget if it includes raises for certain senior executives. The board of managers at the hospital, which is under federal scrutiny for threats to patient safety, will meet this week to determine who will not get raises.

"We can't reward failures that lead to serious deficiencies," said Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins (pictured).

McClure appointed chief justice of Court of Appeals

Justice Ann Crawford McClure (pictured) of the Texas Eighth Court of Appeals in El Paso was recently appointed chief justice, effective Oct. 12.

McClure, who succeeds the retiring Chief Justice David Wellington Chew, will be the first female chief justice in the court's 100-year history.

McClure, who has been on the bench of the appellate court since 1995, earned a bachelor's degree from Texas Christian University and a law degree from the University of Houston's Law Center.

Texas Guaranteed Student Loan Corp. names presiding officer

Austin attorney Ivan Andarza (pictured) was recently appointed presiding officer of the Texas Guaranteed Student Loan Corp., a corporation that guarantees student loans.

Andarza, who was appointed to the board in 2007, is a member of the State Bar of Texas and the Austin and Hispanic Bar associations.

Andarza received a bachelor's degree from The University of Texas at Austin and a law degree from Baylor University School of Law.

Texas Tech partners with Nimitz High School for training
Students at Nimitz High School, part of the Irving school district, will have access to real-world energy and environmental training, thanks to a new partnership between the high school and Texas Tech University.

The venture is part of Nimitz's new Energy & Environmental Entrepreneurship program, which aims to connect classroom instruction with real-world situations and workforce-relevant skills.

Representatives from Texas Tech will serve as mentors to the Nimitz students and teachers. Additionally, the university will create a Texas Tech section at the Nimitz library, and provide campus tours to select juniors and seniors.

Communications, Public Safety Expo/Training set in Dallas area

One of the Southwest's largest, most well-attended Communications and Public Safety Expo/Training events is coming to the Dallas area The Cambridge Group's 2011 Road Show will be held Thursday, Oct. 20, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. in the Miller Lite Club at Dallas Cowboys Stadium in Arlington. Tuition and lunch are free. Keynote speaker for this year's event is Mark Crosby (pictured), president and CEO of Enterprise Wireless Alliance, a national wireless association. Crosby will offer an update on the many changes regarding the current administration and the Federal Communication Commission's regulatory initiatives that affect the way spectrum access will be conducted today and in the future.

If the latest in hardware, applications, interoperability and integration is your focus, the road show will provide an opportunity to visit with exhibitors who will be showcasing their latest products. The event will begin at 7:45 a.m. with breakfast provided by sponsors. The exhibit area will open at 8 a.m. and stay open until 7 p.m. Seminars and workshops will be held from 9 a.m. to noon. Crosby's keynote address will follow lunch, with more seminars and workshops slated from 2-7 p.m.

The road show will be of interest to engineering, operating and product development professionals who seek a better understanding of available technologies and solutions for designing, optimizing, deploying, upgrading and managing wireless networks and public safety technologies. Enterprise CIOs, CTOs, VPs, managers and consultants responsible for communications network transformation and evolving business operations will also learn from attending the event. Others who could benefit from the day-long event are analysts, policymakers, business leaders and others who want to know more about the evolving opportunities in the wireless and public safety industries. Federal, state and local government planners should also attend. To register, click here.

Harris County Commissioner Eversole resigns position

Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner Jerry Eversole (pictured), who is accused of corruption, recently announced that he will step down Oct. 1.

The Department of Justice has alleged that Eversole took kickbacks totaling about $100,000 for steering county contracts to select companies. Eversole, who has served as commissioner since 1991, has denied the allegations.

Following a hung jury earlier this year, the case is scheduled for retrial next month.

County Judge Ed Emmett said he plans to appoint Eversole's successor by Oct. 1.

Nobles new director of research compliance at TAMUHSC

Robert Nobles (pictured) was recently named director of research compliance at the Texas A&M Health Science Center's Office of Research.

In his new role, Nobles will oversee research compliance activities in a variety of fields that include animal welfare, biosafety and good laboratory practice.

Previously, Nobles was director of the Office of Research Compliance, Education and Integrity at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, located in the Texas Medical Center.

Nobles earned a bachelor's and master's degrees from Florida A&M University and a Ph.D. from The University of Texas at Houston.

Arts of Collin County seeks private partnership to meet funds goal

Officials at the Arts of Collin County (ACC) are looking to bring in additional private partners as their six-month fundraising plan winds down. The plan is to meet a fundraising goal of $3.5 million to $11 million.

"We are working with a lot of banks," said Executive Director Mike Simpson, in addition to ventures with organizations and businesses. "Part of our plan is to bring in other sources of revenue through public-private partnerships."

ACC officials are also meeting with leaders at cities such as McKinney and Little Elm after Frisco voters revoked $16.4 million in non-issued ACC bonds.

Nolte new Blinn president; Raspiller to fill newly created post

Blinn College trustees recently named Harold Nolte (left) college president and elevated Edward E. Raspiller (right) to a new position called president of Brazos County campuses.

Nolte, who most recently served as president of Ellis County campuses for Navarro College, has more than 30 years of higher education experience. He earned bachelor's and a master's degrees from Baylor University and a Ph.D. from Mississippi State University.

Raspiller, who will report to Nolte, served as provost for Blinn's Brazos County campuses. His new role as president of Brazos campuses recognizes the college's growth in that county, officials said. Raspiller earned a bachelor's degree from Governors State University and a master's and Ph.D. from Northern Illinois University.

Sharyland school board moves on high school construction plans

The Sharyland school board is moving forward with a project to build a second high school before voters weigh in on whether construction for the project will even happen. The board has approved tentative architectural and civil engineering contracts for $55 million in advance of a Nov. 8 bond election.

Jesse Muñiz, assistant superintendent for business and finance, said many architectural firms charge between 6 percent and 8 percent for design plans, but the school board has negotiated a 5 percent fee with a Brownsville-based firm.

In an ongoing bid to convince voters of the board's fiscal responsibility, members have also approved a 3.75 percent fee with a McAllen engineering firm for any construction project exceeding $4 million.

UTSA hires emergency management expert Sanchez

Emergency management expert Lorenzo Sanchez (pictured) has been hired to lead the Office of Business Continuity & Emergency Management at The University of Texas at San Antonio. 

Previously, Sanchez served in the Office of Emergency Management for the City of San Antonio. He has also held emergency management positions with Miami-Dade County, the City of Austin and URS Corporation, an engineering design firm.

He holds a bachelor's degree from UTSA and a master's from the University of North Texas.

Bid for purchase of Littlefield Detention Center falls through

Littlefield city officials thought they were done with the problematic Bill Clayton Detention Center after a private buyer offered $6 million at a July auction.

However, the bidder recently backed out of the deal, leaving the city still owing more than $9 million on the property.

"With the detention center, nothing has happened easy. It's been a struggle for us all along, so, in some ways, we were not that surprised that we've got a continued struggle," said City Manager Danny Davis.

Former Times Executive Will Lead UTEP Communications Office

Veteran journalist Christopher Lopez (pictured) was recently named associate vice president for University Communications at The University of Texas at El Paso.

Lopez, who has more than 30 years of newspaper journalism experience, most recently served as executive editor of the El Paso Times. He has also worked as an editor at The Denver Post, the Contra Costa Times in California and the Desert Sun in Palm Springs, Calif.

Lopez earned a bachelor's degree from Adams State College in Colorado.

Fort Worth Transit Authority sets contractor forum for TEX Rail

Officials at the Fort Worth Transportation Authority (The T) will host a forum for potential contractors to discuss implementing a corridor known as the TEX Rail commuter rail service project.

As part of the next phase of the project, the Final Environmental Impact Statement will be issued and preliminary engineering will begin, which is set to be complete in December 2012.

Officials are looking to a process known as design-build to deliver the commuter-rail project due to public support for accelerated implementation. Representatives of The T will solicit comments on this method of delivery at the forum, which will be held Oct. 7 at 9 a.m. at the Intermodal Transportation Center in Fort Worth.

Parkland appoints committee to oversee contract processes

In an effort to ensure that contracting is done both legally and efficiently, Parkland Memorial Hospital's board of managers has appointed a new contract committee. The group will oversee processes to ensure that all contracts of $200,000 and more follow legal processes and procedures to ensure all Ts are crossed and Is dotted before a contract for medical supplies, equipment and construction services is considered for final approval.

In the past, individual departments were responsible for ordering their own supplies. The result was an overflow of supplies and sometimes requirement for competitive bids overlooked. The call for more oversight of contracts goes back as far as 2003, when Dallas County commissioners ordered more control of hospital contracts.

Parkland officials report they have instituted new controls over contracts and better oversight. "Over the past four years, we've hired people and put in a financial system that's getting the resources we need in the right place," said John Dragovits (pictured), Parkland's chief financial officer. The emphasis now, said Parkland officials, will be on obtaining multi-year contracts that save tax dollars, teaching managers to place orders with other than a favorite vendor and ensuring following established rules for government contracts.

Tarrant County College weighs aviation school at local airport

Officials at Tarrant County College (TCC) are considering the addition of an aviation-education facility at Fort Worth Alliance Airport, which may help address employment gaps in the aviation workforce.

Preliminary talks so far entail 25 acres of college-owned land at Alliance that would be designated for the school, according to Clint Grant, dean of business, technology and transportation at the TCC Northwest Campus. Although TCC already hosts an aviation-maintenance program, new programs such as pilot training, composites manufacturing and logistics may be added.

North Texas, home to the nation's largest landlocked port and numerous airlines and aerospace companies, relies on skilled aviation personnel. Grant said most pursuing careers in aviation fields such as engineering, flight, maintenance and air-traffic control leave the state to do so.

NTTA waives right to develop part of I-35, opens to private investor

The North Texas Transit Authority (NTTA) board has voted to waive its rights to develop what would have been the largest and most expensive project in its history. NTTA executives said the agency could not possibly borrow enough to pay for a 29-mile, $3.2 billion construction project that would extend from Dallas to Denton.

The Interstate 35 project would include two tolled lanes in both directions, two to three frontage roads lanes in both direction and three to four lanes of rebuilt interstate.

NTTA's move paves the way for a privatization effort. The Texas Department of Transportation will work with local officials to seek a private investor to finance the project in exchange for toll collection.

Barton honored for improvements to transportation planning

John Barton (pictured) of the Texas Department of Transportation was recently awarded the 2011 State Agency Supporter Award for his partnership with state Councils of Governments (COGs).

A committee of elected officials and regional council executive directors selected Barton for the award, which is given by the Texas Association of Regional Councils (TARC).

Barton, a graduate of Texas A&M University, joined TxDOT in 1986 and is the department's assistant executive director for engineering operations. He was recently selected by the Texas Transportation Commission to serve as interim executive director, effective Sept. 1, 2011.

Three independent members selected by ERCOT for board

The names of three nominees for independent board members of the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) board have been announced by the agency thath operates the state's electric grid. The three selected must now be approved by the ERCOT members and the Public Utility Commission.

The three include:

• Craben Crowell of Knoxville, Tennessee, who has 26 years of experience in general government services and former chair of the Tennessee Valley Authority and who is an independent director for the Texas Reliability Entity and serves on the member representative committee of the North American Reliability Corp.;
• Karl V. Pfirrmann of Greensburg, Pennsylvania, a former executive for PJM Interconnection in Norristown, Pennsylvania, and former vice president in several areas of system planning and business operations for Allegheny Power Service Company; and
• Judy W. Walsh of Alto, New Mexico, a former commissioner for the Texas Public Utility Commission and former senior vice president of governmental affairs and regulatory policy for SBC Communications, now AT&T. She also was chair of the audit and finance committee at Midwest ISO and at Western Electricity Coordinating Council.

 If approved, the three will replace A.D. Patton, who left at the end of his term in mid-June; Miguel Espinosa, who is leaving when his third and final term expires in early December; and Laura Doll, who this week announced her plans to leave in early 2012.

State law mandates the board include five unaffiliated members - from which the chair and vice-chair are chosen.

Navasota airport groundbreaking

Navasota officials prepare for airport upgrade

Navasota officials recently hosted a groundbreaking for an expansion project at the Navasota Municipal Airport.

The $5.5 million project, which includes adding a taxiway and expanding the runway, will allow larger aircraft to use the airport.  Approximately 90 percent of the airport runway project is funded by the Texas Department of Transportation through an aviation grant. The project will move the runway back from the SH 105 area and will end at the existing taxi area/parking lot. It will be expanded from the current 3,000 feet to approximately 5,000 feet. These changes will allow enough room for a plane to taxi while another either takes off or lands.

Sherman FD home to ambulance bus thanks to DSHS effort

The Sherman Fire Department will soon be home to a 24-patient ambulance bus, fully equipped with communication equipment and remote electro-cardiogram (EKG) monitoring.

As part of a Texas Department of State Health Services' (DSHS) effort to provide maximum emergency first-response services in the event of a natural disaster or other catastrophe, the North Central Texas Trauma Regional Advisory Council (NCTTRAC) has been charged with issuing the buses at various locations across the state. NCTTRAC tapped federal funds to pay for the vehicles, which cost about $400,000 each.  

The bus - nicknamed the AmBus - will accommodate 18 patients on stretchers and five additional patients in wheelchairs.

Criminal Justice Department awards City of Sealy $112K grant

The Criminal Justice Department is set to award the City of Sealy a grant for more than $112,000 that will be applied toward construction of a new police station. The grant will free up budget funds that had previously been slated for the construction project, allowing the City to purchase two patrol vehicles, a fingerprint-identification system, four night vision units and two handheld speed-radar units.

Sealy City Manager Chris Coffman said the award allows officials to not depend on property tax revenue to purchase the equipment.

Last year, the same grant for more than $123,000 saved the city money in 2010 bond funds.

Commission embraces San Antonio $180M streetcar plan

The VIA Streetcar Commission has endorsed the San Antonio transit authority's streetcar plan. Meanwhile, San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro and the San Antonio City Council are set to receive their first official briefing on the two proposals.

Castro said the city probably won't vote on whether to endorse the streetcar plan before VIA bumps up against a deadline for a specific federal grant. The grant is being sought to fund part of the $180 million, five-year capital plan.

VIA, which would provide $70 million, has asked the city to commit $55 million to the project following a $55 million contribution from Bexar County.

Marshall ISD hoping for award of $600K heating/air grant

Marshall school district officials will apply for a state grant, which could bring in as much as $689,000 to replace aging heating, ventilation and air conditioning units.

The State Energy Conservation Office will award grants worth about $25 million to public school districts for HVAC replacement projects. The grants are awarded on a competitive basis and scoring is based on criteria such as enrollment, district property wealth, the age of current equipment and the estimated energy savings available from new equipment.

Marshall superintendent Bruce Gearing (pictured) hopes to replace 89 old units on all nine campuses.

Brownsville ISD considers proposal to combine magnet programs

The Brownsville Independent School District (BISD) is considering a proposal to transform its Veterans Memorial High School into a college preparatory program for science, technology and medical fields. The design would combine courses from BISD's two most successful magnet programs: the Hanna High School for Medical Professions and the Porter High School for Engineering Professions.

BISD officials outlined the proposal at a recent board of trustees' committee meeting, stressing the magnet programs already in place at Veterans, Hanna and Porter would remain as they are until students in each program graduate.

Should plans materialize, a new ninth-grade class would not be added in the fall at Veterans, and BISD would revert to its previous configuration of five high schools. The move would require redistricting.

Officials firm up plans for $60M Bexar County road project

Plans to fund ramps on the north side of the U.S. 281/Loop 1604 interchange in eastern Bexar County may soon be finalized. The ramps are projected to cost $60 million and would complete the interchange currently under construction.

San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro proposed placing $30 million for the ramps in a $596 million bond election slated for next year. County Commissioner Kevin Wolff (pictured) has proposed matching the city's $30 million contribution to the project with the same amount. The county funds would be reallocated from money set aside to widen a section of Loop 1604 and may require the approval of the Texas Department of Transportation.

Funding for the project will ultimately depend on county commissioners' approval Sept. 27 and voter approval in the May bond election. 

McKinney OKs negotiations with firm to develop Gateway Project

The McKinney City Council has authorized City Manager Jason Gray to negotiate a contract with a Dallas-based development firm to foster the Gateway Project. Contract negotiations will require further city council approval before any final decisions are made.

The Gateway Project calls for the development of a 12-acre hotel-conference center site, 11 additional acres south of Gateway Boulevard and 58 acres of office and retail space. The Council considered three development firms for the project and chose the Dallas-based firm because of its staff's ability to manage the scope of the multifaceted project.  

Gray told the city council the development firm negotiations make up the next phase of the project and are "not a guarantee in any way, shape or form that we will end up with an agreement," adding he feels confident in the ability to reach a consensus with the firm. 

FAA grant will cover upgrades

at Lubbock International Airport

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will fund the third and final phase of a project to reconfigure and refurbish a runway at Lubbock International Airport with a grant for more than $26 million.

The second phase of the project should be complete by the end of the month. The following phase will include removing a segment of the runway that intersects the north-south runway and resurfacing the entire east-west runway.

Steeber begins tenure as superintendent at Athens ISD

Dr. Robert Steeber (pictured) has been named superintendent of Athens Independent School District (AISD).

Steeber, one of some 60 applicants, succeeds Dr. Fred Hayes, who resigned in May to become superintendent of Nacogdoches ISD. Dr. Vance Vaughn served as interim superintendent.

Steeber has served as superintendent of S&S Consolidated Independent School District and Daingerfield-Lone Star ISD. He served as principal of Thrall ISD, close to Austin, and as an assistant high school principal at Celina ISD. He holds a bachelor's degree from East Central University, a master's degree from Southeastern Oklahoma State University and a doctorate from Texas A&M University at Commerce.

Dallas school board hires search firm to hire new superintendent

The Dallas school board recently selected an Illinois search firm to help hire a new superintendent to replace Michael Hinojosa, who left in July.

After presentations from three search firms, five members of the nine-person board voted to hire PROACT Search. Three trustees were absent and trustee Bruce Parrott abstained.

Board President Lew Blackburn said he liked all three search firms but thought PROACT was best suited because "they can work with all nine of us and our different personalities."

DETCOG providing outreach program for application help

The Deep East Texas Council of Governments (DETCOG) is hosting a community outreach program to help area residents complete applications for various state assistance programs.

DETCOG will help with applications for: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Medicaid, Medicaid Women's Health Program, Medicaid for the Elderly and People with Disabilities (MEPD), and Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP).

For more information, call (409) 384-5704 ext. 256 or 288 or (800) 256-6848.

Socorro ISD paves way for $4.5M sidewalk construction project

The Socorro Independent School District (SISD) will spend $4.5 million for a construction project that will result in new sidewalks around eight Socorro schools and wider pedestrian bridges.

The effort paves the way for students to walk to school. Anibil Ologue, an employee of the City, said mud and flooding have prevented kids getting to school in the past. Construction is set to be complete by 2013.

Rockport forms search

committee to find city manager

Rockport officials recently formed a committee of eight area residents to help find a new city manager to replace Tom Blazek, who retires in January.

The committee will review applications and, with recommendations from an executive search firm, will select the top eight to 10 candidates. So far, 60 people have sent in résumés.

Copperas Cove's five-year plan includes variety of projects

During the annual State of the City address recently, Copperas Cove officials laid out a number of projects that are under way or are part of the city's five-year plan. According to City Manager Andrea Gardner, two recent major road projects on State Highway 9 and the U.S. 190 south bypass are under way and a renovation of the city's civic center and extension of FM 2657 with bike lanes and a dedicated turn lane are expected to be started and completed this year.

In the five-year plan are capital improvement projects that include construction plans for Olgetree Gap and a sports complex, moving Fire Station No. 2 and other projects.

Lubbock gets $26 million

for final phase of airport work

The Lubbock Preston Smith International Airport recently received more than $26 million from the Federal Aviation Administration for improvements.

The grant money will go toward a final phase of improvements to the east-west runway and preliminary engineering work on the airport's main north-south runway, said airport director James Loomis (pictured).

This is the second federal grant for the airport since June. At that time, the airport received $100,000 for maintenance and safety improvements, including a wildlife hazard assessment.

Tyler ISD officials solicit public feedback for long-range plans

Tyler Independent School District (TISD) administrators and school board members presented long-range plans at a recent public meeting. Superintendent Randy Reid reminded attendees the event was not a bond-package pitch and that no plans have been finalized.

Reid outlined five proposals for the future and solicited residents' feedback. Ideas included: replacing both high schools at new locations; building an advanced technology and career center along with a new magnet school; creating fifth- and sixth-grade campuses; and repurposing John Tyler and Robert E. Lee high schools as middle school campuses.

Alamo Heights still talking bond issue for upgrades to complex

Although nothing is set in stone, Alamo Heights officials are still in discussion regarding a possible $6.3 million bond issue in the future. The bond proceeds would be used to upgrade the municipal complex. Officials have set a special election for Nov. 8 for voters to consider improvements to the public safety department and administrative buildings.

Update given on Elgin campus

of Austin Community College

The Elgin Planning & Zoning Committee recently OK'd the conceptual plat for the Elgin campus of Austin Community College.

Site construction is set to begin in November, while building construction will begin when permits are secured in January. Guaranteed maximum prices are being finalized.

The community is invited to attend a groundbreaking ceremony on Nov. 15. The Elgin Campus Web site will provide further details in October.

Grant announced for airport improvements in Laredo

Laredo International Airport will receive more than $6 million in funding through the Federal Aviation Administration within the U.S. Department of Transportation.

The funds will go toward construction of a taxiway and the improvement of a runway

David Gwin will be Schertz's new economic development director

David Gwin, director of economic and community development in College Station has been chosen director of economic development for the City of Schertz. He was chosen from some 40 applicants who were interview. He replaces John Kessel, who has been promoted to city manager. Gwin will take over the top economic development slot Oct. 3.

Before taking on the job in College Station, Gwin worked in urban planning and development in Garland, Arlington and Carrollton.

City of Seabrook looking

for new marketing manager

Seabrook city officials are searching for a new marketing manager. Duties of the job include: managing city-sponsored events, the lease of city-owned facilities and coordination of city involvement in area and community activities. Applications are due by Friday, Sept. 30.

Lampasas City Council selects Wilde as interim city manager

City officials in Lampasas have hired Cedar Park resident Ron Wilde, a former city manager for cities in Wisconsin, Kansas and Washington, as their new interim city manager. Wilde was selected out of three possible interim candidates from a nationwide online staffing firm that assists city governments in finding city managers and other city personnel. Wilde also served as an assistant city administrator in Utah and Oklahoma.

Wilde holds a master's degree in public administration and has managed a city, like Lampasas, with its own electricity distribution center. He replaces former City Manager Michael Stoldt, who was fired last month.

EDA awards Brownsville $1M for air cargo hangar at airport

The U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) has awarded the City of Brownsville $1 million to help fund construction of an air cargo hangar at the Brownsville-South Padre Island International Airport.

The project is projected to create some 300 jobs and generate $4 million in private funds, according to airport officials.

The hangar, which will be leased to aviation operators, will serve as a transportation and logistical center.

Rockport mayor appoints citizens committee for city mgr. search

Rockport Mayor C.J. Wax has appointed a citizens committee to help select the next city manager. Current City Manager Tom Blazek is set to retire Jan. 31. More than 60 resumes have been sent to City Hall after the position was advertised through the Texas Municipal League. The City has also entered into a contract with a search firm to recruit at the federal, state and local levels. 

The citizens committee is charged with reviewing all applications for the position - including the search firm's recommendations - and applying a grading process. The committee will select eight to 10 candidates, who will then travel to Rockport for a series of interviews with the committee and city department heads.

Sims named president, CEO of Greenville Board of Development

Greg Sims (pictured) has been selected to head the Greenville Board of Development (GBOD) and the Greenville 4A Economic Development Corporation (G4AEDC) as president and CEO, according to Board of Development Chairman Larry Green Jr.

Sims currently serves as the director of Business Retention and Emerging Technology for the McKinney Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). He has extensive marketing and real estate experience and is well-versed in retail, industrial recruitment and retention of industry, Green said.

• Nancy Bowlin of Midland, OneStar National Service Commission;
• Laura Duran of Austin, OneStar National Service Commission;
• Larry Goddard of Tyler, OneStar National Service Commission;
• Mary M. Keller of Harker Heights, OneStar National Service Commission;
• Mary Grace Landrum of Houston, OneStar National Service Commission;
• Anna Maria Farias of Brownsville, OneStar Foundation;
• Bruce Esterline of Dallas, OneStar Foundation;
• Cathy Landtroop of Plainview, One Star Foundation;
• Lewis Timberlake of Austin, OneStar Foundation;
• Robert Emery of Houston, Texas Radiation Advisory Board;
• John Hageman of San Antonio, Texas Radiation Advisory Board;
• Mark Pittman of Fort Worth, Texas Radiation Advisory Board;
• Mark Silberman of Austin, Texas Radiation Advisory Board;
• Gary Fickes of Southlake; Advisory Board of Economic Development Stakeholders;
• Peggy Lewene "Lew" Vassberg of Lyford, Advisory Board of Economic Development Stakeholders;
• Darrell W. Pierce of Austin, Advisory Board of Economic Development Stakeholders;
• Ivan Andarza of Austin, presiding officer, Texas Guaranteed Student Loan Corporation;
• Joe M. Gurecky of Rosenberg, Texas State Technical College System Board of Regents;
• John Hatchel of Woodway, Texas State Technical College System Board of Regents;
• Joe K. Hearne of Dallas,Texas State Technical College System Board of Regents

Ysleta ISD names Carrera

chief operations officer

Ysleta Independent School District (YISD) officials have named Rito E. Carrera (pictured) chief operations officer.

Carrera served as facilities and planning coordinator for Clint ISD and as construction officer for Socorro ISD for a total of 13 years. He also holds 19 years experience in the facilities, maintenance, grounds and transportation fields, including more than three years as a project manager and two years in the private sector.

Carrera holds a bachelor's degree and earned a master's degree from the University of Phoenix.

Pecos City Council votes to remove Aguilera as city mgr.

The Pecos City Council has voted to withdraw the city manager position from Jim Aguilera. The move follows questions council members asked Aguilera about the charge of a bribe facilitation he was accused of more than a decade ago while working in Cathedral City, Calif.

Aguilera was appointed city manager in July, one day before the council found out about the charge. Aguilera said the charge had been expunged from his record.

City officials will move forward with a search for a new city manager while Pecos Police Chief Clay McKinney serves the post in an interim capacity.

Burleson ISD may have

to slash its transportation budget

As Burleson Independent School District (BISD) faces an estimated $1 million budget deficit, officials are looking at ways to scale back for the 2012-2013 school year.

Board members are looking at several options to possibly trim transportation costs, which include reducing or altering services provided, developing a "Pay to Ride" plan, analyzing the cost effectiveness of transportation contracts and eliminating student-transit services entirely. All options should be looked at, said Brad Lewis, assistant superintendent for administrative and support services.

The district spent $1.35 million for student transportation services last academic year. This school year, officials will spend $1.375 million on the same services. 

City of Andrews to invest more than $1M in firetruck, facility

The City of Andrews is investing $1 million in its volunteer fire department, a necessary move according to officials, due to the size of the expanding community and the ferocity of the past grassfire season.

City Manager Glen Hackler (pictured) said the city needs "the capability to protect the property and the occupants, and (to) provide training to our firefighters, so they are safe."

The city and county will work together to budget for the purchase of the new fire truck, which will be able to reach a number of new high-rise apartments in the area. The county has set aside $500,000 for the new truck and the city will pick up $200,000 of those costs. The city and the county will both pitch in for a fire training facility due to costs of about $600,000.

Bandera officials cut three from five-officer police department

The Bandera City Council recently cut three top positions from the five-officer police department.

The defunding of three posts - chief, lieutenant, and one patrolman - will save the economically debilitated city an estimated $143,000. Police Chief Jim Eigner has threatened to file a lawsuit to stop the cuts.

Pearland officials give go-ahead for proposed park projects

Part of the 2012 budget for the City of Pearland that city officials will discuss next week is approval to move forward with voter-approved park projects. The projects were approved by voters in 2007 and are expected to cost approximately $18.6 million over three years. The city initially discussed holding off on the projects, but the budget was ultimately revised to include the funding so the projects can begin.