DART's Thomas to chair American Public Transportation Assn.

Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) President and Executive Director Gary Thomas (pictured) has been elected to serve as chair of the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), marking the first time a DART representative has claimed the position. Thomas most recently served as vice chair for APTA. His new term as president is for one year.

Thomas served as DART's senior vice president of project management before becoming executive director in 2001. During his charge as vice president, he oversaw completion of the 20-mile Light Rail Starter System (LRSS) and its $1 billion, 24-mile major expansion. He graduated from Texas Tech University in 1980.  

APTA, a nonprofit international association made up of 1,500 public and private member organizations, serves 90 percent of United States and Canadian residents using public transportation.

Proposition 12 funds for key projects head to TxDOT districts, MPOs

The balance of $5 billion in general obligation bonding authority approved by Texas voters is headed to the Texas Department of Transportation's 25 districts and to 25 Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs). A total of $3 billion in Proposition 12 bonding was approved for distribution this week by the Texas Transportation Commission. Of that amount, $1.4 billion will be distributed to the TxDOT districts and MPOs around the state will share $600 million. Another $200 million will be dedicated to statewide highway connectivity improvements, $500 million will go toward bridge rehabilitation and $300 million will be provided to begin developing projects to deal with traffic congestion in Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth, Austin and San Antonio.

"The Legislature has chosen to invest some of the state's limited dollars in transportation infrastructure. We approached this process with a strategy to identify, prioritize and select projects by working closely with local planning organizations, elected officials and the public," said John Barton, TxDOT interim executive director. Barton promised the funding would deliver "impressive results."

The projects include a $200 million expansion project of I-35 connectivity between San Antonio and Hillsboro in Temple. Other I-35 projects include improving main lanes, bridges and ramps in Austin and San Antonio. The Horseshoe Project in Dallas will see replacement bridges on the Trinity River on I-30 and I-35 East and connecting roadways converging near the Dallas Central Business District will use $551 million of the funding. Other projects include: main lane and frontage road expansions on US 290 in Houston; highway improvements in South Texas relating to development of I-69 projects along US 281 and US 77; and $230 million worth of improved trade connections in West Texas on the Ports to Plains corridor, including improvements on US 87, US 277 and SH 349.

El Paso County puts new purchasing procedures in place

New purchasing procedures are in place in El Paso County. Although county commissioners must next adopt procedures to enforce the new policies, commissioners did settle on stipulations that county department heads will now appoint someone in their offices to be responsible for a department's inventory and bid activities. Additionally, all aspects of the bid process will be posted online.

The county's purchasing agent reports to the Purchasing Board, made up of three district court judges and two county commissioners, who vote to award bids and make other purchases instead of that chore falling to the commissioners court. But, County Judge Veronica Escobar (pictured) saw to it that she was appointed to the Purchasing Board. She and District Judge Gonzalo Garcia, with input from the purchasing agent, produced the new policy. 
 

The policy also eliminates mailing large paper bid packets to interested vendors, and requires more of the purchasing process to be posted online.

TWDB seeks public input for draft 2012 State Water Plan

The Texas Water Development Board is inviting public comment for its draft 2012 State Water Plan now through Oct. 25.

The public will have a chance to voice their opinions at various meetings to be held throughout the state, beginning at 6 p.m., on the following dates in these cities:

• Oct. 3 - San Antonio River Authority Board room, San Antonio;
• Oct. 3 - High Plains Underground Water Conservation District office, Lubbock;
• Oct. 4 - Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Council Transit building, Weslaco;
• Oct. 4 - McNease Convention Center, San Angelo;
• Oct. 6 - San Jacinto River Authority Board room, Conroe;
• Oct. 6 - Sul Ross State University Gallego Center-129, Alpine; and
• Oct. 11 - City service center, Terrell. 

A formal public hearing will be held Oct. 17 in room 170 of the Stephen F. Austin building in Austin. To view the draft State Water Plan, click here.

UT-Arlington alumni couple donates $1M for events center

 The College Park Center - the $78 million events venue set to open next year in downtown Arlington - received an injection of funds with a $1 million gift from Alan and Bonnie Smith Petsche. Officials at The University of Texas at Arlington will recognize the couple by naming the new Center basketball arena Petsche Court after the two alumni.

UT-Arlington President James D. Spaniolo (pictured) said the Petsche family has "helped ensure that others will be able to share their enthusiasm for a university on the rise."

The 218,000-square-foot College Park Center will serve as home to UT-Arlington basketball and volleyball teams, replacing an adapted theater stage at Texas Hall. The Center will also stand as the focal point of the 20-acre College Park District, which will include residence halls and student apartments, restaurants and parking space.

TWDB provides $63.82 million in financial assistance for projects

Financial assistance of $63.82 million for water-related projects in Texas communities was approved by the Texas Water Development Board at its September meeting. The funding includes:

• City of Caddo Mills - $4.43 million loan from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund to finance wastewater system improvements; 
• City of Houston - $49.9 million loan from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund to finance wastewater system improvements;
• City of Burnet - $1.375 million loan from the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund-Disadvantaged Community to finance water system improvements;
• El Paso Water Utilities Public Service Board - $82,000 grant from the Economically Distressed Areas Program to finance planning, acquisition and design costs for a project to provide first-time water services to the Canutillo area;
• El Paso Water Utilities Public Service Board - $90,000 grant to finance planning costs for a project to provide first-time water services to the Canutillo area;
• City of Portland (San Patricio County) - $193,000 loan and a $2.3 million grant from the Economically Distressed Areas Program to finance construction costs to provide first-time wastewater service to the Doyle Addition subdivision;
• Montgomery County Municipal Utility District No. 8 - $2.725 million loan from the Texas Water Development Fund to finance water system improvements; and
• Montgomery County Municipal Utility District No. 9 - $2.725 million loan from the Texas Water Development Fund to finance water system improvements.

Lone Star College-Montgomery to host first High Tech Conference

Lone Star College-Montgomery will host the inaugural High Tech Conference, an event devoted to emerging technology designed for the general public and business professionals, on Friday, Oct. 21, from 8 a.m.-5 p.m., in the Music Hall (Building H).

Tonya Britton (pictured), workforce program manager at LSC-Montgomery and conference organizer, said the conference "brings together an audience from a wide range of backgrounds who share a common interest in technology-related trends and issues that impact the local and national economies."

The free conference serves as just one facet of the school's first StarTech Symposium, an event that allows attendees to explore the innovative technology systems at work in Texas and to look at trends in fields such as economic growth and job creation. For more information or to register for the free event, click here.

McGregor named chief of staff to Tarleton president

Dr. Kyle McGregor (pictured), associate professor of agricultural and consumer sciences at Tarleton University, has been appointed chief of staff to Tarleton President Dr. F. Dominic Dottavio. The position replaces that of the executive assistant to the president.

In his new role, McGregor will serve as manager of the Office of the President, overseeing legal, legislative and policy issues with the Texas A&M University System. He will also act as a liaison with faculty, staff and students.

McGregor earned his bachelor's degree at Tarleton in 1996 and pursued his master's degree and doctorate at Texas Tech University. He has been working as a Tarleton faculty member since 2002.

National Night Out, an annual event celebrated by citizens and law enforcement agencies, is intended to promote crime and drug prevention awareness to strengthen the partnership between the police and the community. This year, the Austin and Travis County area will celebrate the annual event on Tuesday, Oct. 4. The event will kick off with a gathering from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Mueller Master Community in Austin. There will be games, food and crime prevention exhibits. This year, Yellow Cab is donating 10 mobile billboards that will be affixed to the roof of its cabs promoting the event.

Following the kick-off event, Austinites are encouraged to return to their homes, turn on their porch lights and spend the rest of the evening at local block parties and events held in conjunction with National Night Out. Many will have members of the City Council, police officers, firefighters, EMS paramedics and others at these events.

In addition to promoting crime and drug prevention awareness, said Rosie Salinas (top right), National Night Out coordinator with the Austin Police Department, the annual event is also a way to generate support and participation in crime prevention efforts, build relationships in neighborhoods and let would-be criminals know neighborhoods are organized against crime.

Salinas and Deputy James Kitchens (left) with the Travis County Sheriff's Office have been busy coordinating and publicizing the event. To download an application to host a neighborhood gathering, click here, or to receive an application by mail, call 974-4900. Those registered with the City of Austin Police Department will be supplied with items for their gathering, such as posters, pencils, rulers and crime prevention information and every effort will be made to send a police officer to the gatherings. 

Cardona steps down from position on BexarMet board

Bexar Metropolitan Water District board member Yvonne Cardona (pictured) recently stepped down from her position, effective when the board chooses her replacement.

Cardona's resignation from District 3, San Antonio's South and West sides, came the same day that BexarMet received its best audit in years and just weeks before an election that could dissolve the utility.

The troubled BexarMet lost its line of credit over the summer, which caused projects to stop and 34 employee layoffs. And the year before, General Manager Victor Mercado was indicted on charges of racketeering, extortion and obstruction of justice in Detroit.

Dallas Area Rapid Transit to buy new buses, lay off employees

The Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) board members recently approved a $1.15 million budget for 2012 that calls for fewer employees, 120 new buses and more light-rail destinations for passengers.

DART officials plan to open the first phase of the Orange Line light rail extension to Irving in July 2012 and the Blue Line extension to Rowlett in December 2012. Agency officials also plan to terminate 35 full-time employees and to replace its current bus fleet with 120 smaller vehicles powered by natural gas that will transport 19 passengers at a reduced cost.

The board also approved an updated 20-year plan that calls for a second light rail line through downtown Dallas and expanding the Blue Line to the Dallas campus of the University of North Texas.

Kerr County officials making plans for jail expansion

Kerr County officials are moving forward on plans to construct a 48-bed minimum-medium security jail next to the existing 192-bed county jail.

"We're at the point, especially with female inmates, where we have to do something," Kerr County Sheriff Rusty Hierholzer (pictured) recently told county commissioners.

Commissioners issued a request for qualifications from consultants/architects to help on the $500,000 project.

City Hall building in Hallsville slated for renovation

The Hallsville City Council recently approved a $45,000 renovation of City Hall, a former bank that still has old teller windows inside.

Project plans call for removing those windows, transforming one large open space into two offices, updating electrical wiring and installing new flooring.

The project, which begins Oct. 1, will be paid for with $15,000 from the city's general fund and $30,000 from the sewer and water budget.

Hays CISD begins selling advertisements

for select number of its school buses

The Hays school district recently started selling advertising space on the sides of school buses as a way to offset state funding cuts.

The cost depends on ad size, location on bus, number of buses and length of time. The district contracts with a company to sell, design and print the ads.

The first ad (pictured), for a local business in Kyle, will appear on three buses this week. 

Byers ISD proposes consolidation with Petrolia ISD

Officials of the Byers Independent School District recently agreed to support a consolidation agreement with Petrolia ISD. The enrollment at Byers ISD has fallen to 55 students and district officials have determined this is the school district's last year to operate independently, said Weldon Craig, a trustee for Byers ISD.

The Byers ISD group also proposed that two school districts use the building in Byers as the elementary campus for the two-school district. The building was rebuilt after a fire in the 1980s and has labs, a storm shelter, gymnasium, auditorium, classrooms and a cafeteria all under one roof, Craig noted. The district has invited residents of Petrolia to visit the facility and ask questions over refreshments to learn more about the consolidation proposal.

Petrolia ISD officials, however, have so far declined the invitation to consolidate with Byers ISD. Officials of Byers ISD previously opposed a plan that called for using only facilities of Petrolia ISD to accommodate students of both school districts.

Prior to retire from position with University of Texas System

David B. Prior (pictured) recently resigned as executive vice chancellor for academic affairs at The University of Texas System.

In that position, the executive vice chancellor oversees the nine academic campuses operated by the UT System. Prior previously served as executive vice president and provost at Texas A&M University. Prior, who joined the UT system in June 2007, agreed to remain in his present job until a successor is named.

A search for a new executive vice chancellor to replace Prior will begin immediately, said Chancellor Francisco Cigarroa.

In an effort to avert a shutdown, Parkland Memorial Hospital officials recently approved an agreement that allows federal regulators to oversee efforts to find solutions to systematic problems that threatened the health and safety of patients. Parkland officials are required to hire and answer to a team of independent safety monitors who will evaluate and correct failures in patient care, said David Wright, deputy regional director for U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

The 11-page agreement with CMS provides hospital administrators 19 months to comply with health regulations. Recent inspections at the Dallas County hospital disclosed numerous violations that placed patients in immediate jeopardy, federal officials claimed. The hospital also must hire a fulltime, on-site compliance officer. CMS officials also must approve any personnel hired for those positions, Wright noted. Parkland Hospital, with 735 beds, is the fifth and largest hospital in the United States to be placed under CMS oversight.

Parkland officials have begun monitoring the problem areas at the hospital and report improvements in infection control, although a new problem arose in early September, a spokesperson for the hospital said.

Dozens of public sector jobs available. New jobs added this week: attorney, executive assistant and many more. Click here to view jobs. Free job postings for state and local governments, nonprofits and other public sector entities. Send your posting to editor@spartnerships.com.

Corpus Christi narrows bay front park design firms to six

Corpus Christi city officials recently narrowed design firms to six finalists to design a master plan for a 27-acre bay front public entertainment park on the site formerly occupied by Memorial Coliseum. Council members approved a public-private partnership agreement and plan to use up to $4 million in bond funds to pay for a design and master implementation plan. The design firm will determine how much the park project can be completed and its cost.

The six finalists selected by a nine-member committee of members from the community, city staff and Destination Bayfront, a local group developing the park, are: AECOM, Bjarke Ingels Group, Hargreaves Associates, James Corner Field Operations, OLIN and Thomas Balsley Associates. Committee members will review the proposals and interview finalists prior to recommending a design firm to council members as early as mid-November.

Among the design requirements are that the design becomes iconic for Corpus Christi, the firm works closely with the concept plan designed by Project for Public Spaces, attention to creating a park that will raise enough revenue to support operations and maintenance, knowledge of designing for a waterfront that experiences salt water, high winds, blowing sands, extreme heat and a need for shade. Priority also must be given to hiring local vendors, city officials said.

Wildfires cause $152.1 million in agriculture losses in Texas

As of Sept. 19, wildfires burning throughout Texas have caused at least $152.1 million in agriculture losses throughout the state, said Dr. David Anderson (pictured), an economist with the Texas AgriLife Extension Service. That total includes $5.2 billion in lost crops and livestock during this wildfire season that began on Nov. 5, 2010, he said.

So far this season, firefighters have responded to 23,519 fires that burned 5,965 miles of fencing throughout the state. That is enough fencing to cross Texas seven times from its eastern to western border, Anderson said.

Wildfires also killed more than 1,500 head of livestock and swept through 3 million acres of pasture, an area almost twice the size of Delaware, he reported. Timber losses on more than 200,000 acres of forest caused about $97 million in losses. More than four-fifths of the state is in extreme drought and no end of the drought is in sight, Anderson said.

Plans stall for multi-purpose venue in Gregg County

Proponents of a multiple-purpose venue in Gregg County may be in for a disappointment. At a recent Commissioners Court meeting, city leaders failed to develop a plan for building the facility.

A recent survey found residents would prefer a more expansive - and expensive - events center with heating and air conditioning opposed to the 4,500-seat, open-sided arena the county initially budgeted for. That arena would have cost between $10 million and $15 million.    

At the meeting, Commissioner Gary Boyd raised concern over spending the money if it is not sufficient to fund the type of center most respondents indicate they want.

Collin College wins $20 million workforce development grant

Collin College recently won a $20 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor to assist in training and workforce development for unemployed workers seeking a career change. The training will help displaced workers retrain on technology of the future, said Cary Israel (pictured), president of Collin College.

The key to wining the grant was partnering with community colleges in Seattle, Boston, Corpus Christi, Chicago, Arizona and Salt Lake City that are all members of the National Information Security and Geospatial Technology Consortium, Israel said.

Corpus Christi mulling public-private partnership with water park

Corpus Christi City Council members recently began studying a proposal by a developer for a new water park resort on Padre Island. The proposal calls for the water park resort to be located near a new bridge planned to connect a residential canal system with Lake Padre to improve water quality. Voters approved $1.4 million to build the 60-foot span over the canal that is expected to cost about $8.5 million.

The proposal by the water park developers calls for the city and the developers to coordinate the bridge design and permits for the bridge, with the developer taking responsibility for the canal and the city responsible for the bridge. Council members are scheduled to vote on the agreement on Oct. 11.

The proposal also calls for building broad sidewalks underneath the bridge to allow small boats, golf carts and pedestrians to pass underneath.

Taylor looking for way to build its own rec center

The Taylor City Council recently directed city staff to come up with a plan that provides a recreation center to community residents at no cost to taxpayers.  

The request comes a few months after an official with the YMCA, which is currently losing $311,000 per year through the Taylor YMCA, told city officials that the nonprofit may leave the city in June or July.  

The city tried to finance a recreation center through a $3 million bond proposition in 2010, but voters voted against it.  

Council member John McDonald (pictured) believes the city should have a place that children, teens and adults of all ages can go for socializing and recreation. 

Forney error on student population means repaying $13.6 million

Forney school leaders recently met with state officials to discuss how the district will repay the $13.6 million that the district was overpaid.

District officials have launched a probe into how the student population was overestimated by as much as 30 percent during the last four years. State funding is based on average daily attendance.

The exemplary-rated district, which spent much of the money on staff, will present a five-year repayment plan to Texas Education Agency officials within three weeks. To repay the state, the district will have to lose some staff, including executive positions, as well as possibly raise the tax rate.

Superintendent Ryder Warren (pictured) of the Midland Independent School District recently proposed the district enter into a historic building project, Warren described the project as a big ticket item to have school facilities configured the same way as state curriculum is written.

The proposal calls for creating high schools for students in grades 9-12 and six middle schools to serve grades 6-8. The proposed reconfiguration of grades will result in about 1,600 more students on high school campuses and converting four existing junior high school and freshman campuses into middle schools, Warren said.

In October, Warren plans to present his new reconfiguration plan at a meeting of the Community Strategic Planning Committee and to present a preliminary bond proposal to board members on Jan. 10, 2012. Board members will then be able to schedule a bond election in May prior to a March 12 deadline.

Highway improvements set for Huntsville, Walker County

Highway improvements totaling more than $40 million are set to take place in Huntsville and parts of Walker County.

One of the projects includes construction along Interstate 45 frontage roads in Huntsville, which will result in relocated entrance and exit ramps. A contract for the $8.7 million project is expected to be awarded this month.

A U-turn lane will be added to Highway 75 North, while a connector road for Interstate 45 is set to be installed. The projects, totaling $2.5 million, are slated to begin August 2012.

Kerrville group to help fund Guadalupe River trail project

Kerrville Economic Development Corporation (EIC) officials recently committed to guaranteeing $8 million to pay for a 5.7-mile trail system along the Guadalupe River. Kerrville City Council members are expected to vote this week to issue $3 million in bonds to pay for the first phase of the river trail project. EIC officials, who control $2.3 million in sales tax revenues collected annually, agreed to pay off the bonds during the next 20 years.

They also agreed to fund $2 million to upgrade Louise Hays Park, including the amphitheater, which will be part of the river trail system. The paved, 10-foot-wide trail linking Shreiner Park located on SH173 with Knapp Park located on SH27 will provide a place for residents and tourists to exercise and relax, said Mayor David Wampler (pictured). The trail system, which is expected to be built in three years, also should help in economic development in Kerrville, he added.

Four Northeast Tarrant cities to share jail, communications center

Four Tarrant County cities - North Richland Hills, Richland Hills, Haltom City and Watauga - have plans to consolidate police, jail and communications services, which is expected to save a combined $1.2 million.

Under the proposal, which has not yet been approved by the city councils, North Richland Hills would provide a jail for all four cities. A jail expansion project, which boosts capacity from 37 to 53 prisoners, begins this week and is expected to be complete by Nov. 7.

A joint communications center, also in North Richland Hills, is expected to be operational in the spring.

North Richland Hills plans to increase communications staff from 17 to 30 and increase detention officers from 12 to 19. No jail employees or dispatchers in any of the four cities are expected to lose their jobs in the consolidation.

Hays County has new vision for Texas 45 Southwest

Hays County officials recently asked Travis County commissioners to partner in the building of a two- to three-lane county road that would link FM 1626 and the south end of MoPac Boulevard.

This local plan, which calls for Hays County to put $5 million toward the road, would replace a proposed state tollway, Texas 45 Southwest, which has been delayed and in the planning stage for more than 20 years.

Under the new locally-funded plan, Travis County would invest about $22 million in construction costs for the three-mile road.

Travis County officials have until Dec. 1 to respond to the Hays County offer, said Hays County Commissioner Will Conley (pictured).

Houston City Council members recently approved an agreement to transform Houston Business Development Inc. (HBDI), into a community-based development organization. Council members created HBDI in 1986 as a non-bank community lending institution with a 13-member board appointed by council members.

The agreement could translate into $125 million in economic development funds for small businesses in Houston over a three-year period. The federal New Markets Tax Credits Program will supply the grants that will allow the organization to use alternative capital sources and public-private partnerships not allowed in the past, city officials said. The organization has loaned more than $29 million in Houston, and leveraged almost $37 million from private sector lending institutions to assist small business owners in Houston, HBDI officials said.

HBDI, which is located on Griggs Road, plans to open two new offices in other areas on the city by the end of 2012, the chairman of HBDI said.

Seguin wins $1.18 million grant for new elevated water tank

Seguin recently won a $1.19 million federal grant to help pay for building a new one-million-gallon elevated water storage tank expected to cost about $2.36 million. The U.S. Economic Development Administration grant will help with the expansion of water services for several new factories locating near the intersection of SH123 and the SH123 Bypass, said Mayor Betty Ann Matthies (pictured).

The new water storage tank will replace an existing 150,000-gallon water tank too small to meet current demand. The new businesses are expected to help create 500 new jobs in the area, the mayor added. The grant will pay about 50 percent of the cost of the new water storage tank. Seguin Economic Development Corporation officials have agreed to provide $880,000 in local matching funds and city officials have set aside $440,000 to pay for the project to be completed in August 2013.

Brownwood Airport officials name Burks as new airport manager

Brownwood Airport officials named Bobby Burks, a longtime airport employee, as the new airport manager. Brownwood City Manager Bobby Roundtree, who said he has decided against pursuing privatization of the municipal airport, recommended Burks for the position.

Burks replaces former airport manager Sharlette Bain, Roundtree said. Burks began serving as interim manager of the Brownwood airport in June after Bain resigned to become manager of the Cleburne airport.

Burks previously served as airport foreman for four years and has worked at the Brownwood Airport for 13 of his 30 years in the aviation field. He also served as airport manager in Coleman and on the board of the Comanche Municipal Airport. He also holds certification as a flight instructor and aircraft mechanic.

CATEE 2011 Conference announces dates for Nov. 7-9 in Dallas

The annual Clean Air Through Energy Efficiency (CATEE) Conference, a premier educational conference and business expo serving public and private decision-makers and those involved in policy and investments relating to energy and water issues regarding building sector energy efficiency. CATEE 2011 will be held Monday through Wednesday, Nov. 7-9, at the Sheraton Dallas North Hotel. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the passage of SB 5 from the 77th Legislature, Texas' air quality legislation that led the state to introduce building sector energy efficiency initiatives to reduce emissions. Keynote speaker for the conference will be Shelley Poticha, director for the Office of Sustainable Housing & Communities at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, who will discuss sustainable communities. The event features additional expert speakers, pre-conference workshops, exhibits and breakout sessions. Among the topics of discussion will be infrastructure efficiency, strategies for new construction, making housing more sustainable, fresh water conservation, water management best practices and more. To register, click here. To view the agenda, click here.

Clean Fleet Technologies Conference 2011 slated for Oct. 19

Check out the Clean Fleet Technologies Conference: Fueling the Choice. Connect with transport professionals. Hear the latest on funding, tech and fuels. Discover new opportunities and fuel applications. Engage the experts. Explore the possibilities for alternative fuels and advanced technologies. The Clean Fleet Technologies Conference will be held Wednesday, Oct. 19, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Humble Civic Center, 8233 Will Clayton Parkway, Humble, TX 77388. Keynote speaker will be Commissioner David Porter of the Texas Railroad Commission. There will be breakout sessions on adopting alternative fuels into fleets, a panel discussion on refueling stations and more. Registration is $60. School district officials and elected officials can attend for free. Sponsor opportunities are available. To view the agenda, click here. To register, click here.

Notary Law, Procedures Seminar planned for Oct. 18

After experiencing poor radio communications during a recent wildfire, Caldwell County commissioners recently agreed to spend up to $66,000 to upgrade radio communications.

The emergency management coordinator urged commissioners to consider purchasing 50 new 700/800 MHz radios to be distributed to 10 volunteer fire departments throughout the county. Volunteer firefighters at Delhi Volunteer Fire Department (VFD), McMahan VFD and others often are forced to use their cell phones to communicate with each other and to dispatchers in areas where the existing VHF radios do not operate, said Chief Danney Rodgers of Delhi VFD. Commissioners will use a newly created $150,000 emergency disaster fund to pay for the new radios.

Splendora administrators head

to classrooms as subs to cut costs

In an innovative cost-crunching move, Splendora school district administrators will serve as substitute teachers at least five days each next year.

"When the administrators step in as a substitute, it saves the school district money as well as allow for us to know what is going on in the classroom," Superintendent Thomas Price (pictured) said.

The super-educated subs are one cost-cutting piece of a recently approved $23.7 million budget that will continue to grow the district's fund balance.

Officials of the Greater San Marcos Partnership (GSMP) recently selected Gary Gannon as the marketing and communications manager. Gannon, who previously was director of marketing and communications and a production manager for a magazine in California, has a bachelor's degree from Sonoma State University in California.

Gannon will oversee marketing communications to promote business retention, expansion and recruitment, coordinate advertising, and providing editorial overview for printed and electronic marketing materials as well as manage media relations for GSMP.

Alvin city officials recently changed purchase procedures for buying marked police cars that resulted in about $45,000 in savings, said City Manager Terry Lucas (pictured).

City officials approved the purchasing procedure to permit purchasing marked police vehicles every four years instead of on a three-year cycle, Lucas said. The change will keep the vehicle on line for three additional months and is based on the time of the year the vehicles are ordered. It also places the vehicles on line much faster than the old procedure, he said.

After 23 years of service with the city of Grapevine, Matt Singleton recently announced he plans to retire as public works director on Oct. 31. He served in his current job for six years.

Stan Laster, who is deputy director of public works, will serve as acting director of public works, said City Manager Bruno Rimbelow. Laster has worked for the city for 25 years, he noted.

Lubbock ISD votes to purchase computers, upgrade security

The Lubbock school board recently decided to purchase new classroom computers for teachers and update campus security.

Both measures were OK'd by voters in last year's bond election.

The security system updates include controlled access points to the schools, security cameras and identification badges.

A member of the board of directors of Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) since 1983, Raymond D. Noah (pictured) recently requested that member cities not reappoint him to serve another term on the board.

In his 28 years of service with the transit agency, Noah represented Addison, Highland Park, Richardson and University Park. He pushed for light rail service that began in 2002 and worked with city and business leaders to make Galatyn Park Station, operated by DART, into the gateway to retail and residential development, including a performing arts center and hotel.

Hidalgo County tags Cantu as interim judge for court at law

Hidalgo County commissioners recently selected Richard Cantu, an attorney from Edinburg, as an interim judge for the newly created County Court-at-Law No. 7, one of two county courts created in Hidalgo County by legislators in 2009. The temporary appointment is necessary to lead the court until the voters elect a judge for the new position next year.

The new County Court-at-Law No. 8 is scheduled to begin operations in September 2012. Because of funding difficulties, the county still must identify a location for the court and provide support services such as additional district attorneys and public defenders for the newly created court.

Officials get first look at design for new Austin public library

Austin officials recently got a first look at designs for the city's new $120 million public library, which will be twice the size of the current, overcrowded central library.

The five-story building, set to open in 2015, will have dozens of meeting rooms, a special event center, Wi-Fi Internet access and a solar panel roof. City Council will vote on the design Oct. 20.

The old library will be used by the Austin History Center for archive storage.

Columbus ISD considering laptops for high school students

Columbus Independent School District trustees recently began considering a proposal to distribute laptop computers to each high school student for four years to use for high school projects, communication and collaboration, said Superintendent Robert O'Connor (pictured).

The proposal is designed to smooth the way for paperless education in the future, said a representative of a coalition group supporting the proposal. The laptop computers will provide easy communications through electronic messages that will be monitored along with student activity on the laptop, O'Connor said.

Elgin City Council members recently agreed to apply for a grant from the Texas Capital Fund to help pay for new sidewalks and upgrades to existing sidewalks.

The grants, administered by the Texas Department of Agriculture, will pay up to $150,000 for sidewalk and handicap accessibility upgrades. Council members also agreed to provide $15,000 in matching funds for the project and requested the Economic Development Corporation and Main Street Programs to provide funding to the project as a way to improve the city's score and increase the possibility of winning the grant.

Lake Travis district hopes

for new superintendent in 2012

The Lake Travis school district has received about 25 applications for a new superintendent to replace Rocky Kirk, who resigned in July. The district will continue to take applications through Oct. 6.

The school board, which plans to begin interviewing in mid-October, wants to name a finalist by November.

Before then, a search firm will conduct background checks on all applicants and local focus groups will identify desirable qualities in the next superintendent.

Rodriguez leaving City of San Antonio; other staff changes cited

San Antonio Deputy City Manager A.J. Rodriguez (top) has announced his resignation to return to the private sector as executive director of public policy and government relations for a major engineering, construction and maintenance firm, according to San Antonio City Manager Sheryl Sculley. Sculley also announced the promotion of Assistant City Manager Erik Walsh (bottom) to Deputy City Manager replacing Rodriguez.

Walsh will continue to oversee the city's police and fire departments, along with Animal Care Services. Walsh has 17 years of experience with the city, the last five and one-half years as an assistant city manager.

Appointed to assistant city manager is Ed Belmares, a former city executive who left in 2008 to work for CPS Energy. He will oversee the public works, parks and recreation, convention and visitors bureau and aviation departments. Assistant City Manager Sharon De La Garza was named for an additional duty as chief human resources officer and will take on responsibility for the International Relations Office. Mark Brodeur was appointed by Sculley as director of the Center City Development Office. He brings three decades of experience in urban development and revitalization to his new post. 

Senate confirms four U.S. attorneys for Texas

The Senate recently confirmed four U.S. attorney candidates to serve in Texas.

Robert Lee Pitman will serve in the Western District of Texas, which includes San Antonio, Austin, Del Rio, Midland and El Paso. Kenneth Magidson will serve in the Southern District, which includes Houston, Corpus Christi, Brownsville and Laredo.

Sarah Saldaņa, who becomes the first Latina to serve as a U.S. attorney in Texas, represents the Northern District, which includes Fort Worth and Dallas. Former FBI agent Malcolm Bales will serve in the Eastern District of Texas.

Texas still has six vacant judgeships out of 94 judicial vacancies nationwide. 

Seguin ISD board moves forward on plans to buy property Trustees at Seguin Independent School District (SISD) have approved the purchase of seven acres of property for $104,000. The funds will be derived from a 2008 bond.

The property will be used to accommodate space for maintenance.

Carroll ISD using $683,952 in energy rebates for bonuses

Trustees for the Carroll Independent School District recently agreed to use a $683,952 rebate from an energy company to provide a one-time $650 bonus to 1,025 full-time employees.

District officials, who were unable to provide salary raises to employees this year, plan to distribute the one-time bonus checks before the holidays, said the assistant administrator for financial services. The rebate was provided as a result of the solar array and energy-efficient lighting installed at a new middle school campus that replaced an existing campus, district officials said.

ETCOG selects Robert

Nelson as new chairman

East Texas Council of Governments (ETCOG) board of directors recently elected Robert Nelson (pictured), a city councilman in Lindale, as the chair of the organization. The board also elected Judge Thomas Crave of Camp County as the first vice chair and Mayor Angela Raibarm of Rusk as the second vice chair.

Midland moves forward with Midland Center renovation

Midland City Council members recently gave permission to the city manager to explore the work needed to renovate Midland Center. The work could range from upgraded flooring to air conditioning. The facility manager was tasked with reporting back to council members after he determines what renovations must be completed to keep the center competitive.

Kilgore search fo rits new city

manager narrows to five finalists

One of the six finalists for city manager in Kilgore, Evalin McClain, recently withdrew her name from consideration, leaving five finalists who council members interviewed for city manager. A committee appointed by council members also has narrowed its search for a new Main Street Manager to six finalists and is scheduling interviews with those candidates.

The five finalists for city manager are Jim Dunaway, Jeff Handock, Phillip Rodriguez, Scott Sellers and Bo Thomas, said interim City Manager Tony Williams.

The committee leading the search for the new main street manager is comprised of Main Street Advisory board members, a newspaper publisher and  members of the Kilgore Economic Development Corporation. Committee members plan to interview candidates for main street manager in two weeks.

Greenville Police Department

plans technology purchase

The Greenville City Council recently accepted a federal grant to purchase technology equipment that will help police officers.

The funds are stimulus funds that come through the 2011 Edward Byrne Justice Assistance Grant.

Driscoll demotes Rodriguez

as public works director

Citing a failure to pass a required licensing examination to manage the wastewater treatment plant, Driscoll City Council members recently demoted Raymond Rodriguez who had served as public works director for the past two years. Council members also lowered the salary paid to Rodriguez.

A former public works director has been assisting the city under a contract to operate the wastewater treatment plant since Rodriguez became public works director, the mayor said.

Gillespie County commissioners recently approved a $39,000 contract with an Austin-based construction management firm to help the county in the initial planning for a new county detention center.

Under the agreement, the company will develop conceptual drawings, provide an estimate of construction costs and help educate county residents in anticipation of a bond election in fall 2012, said Commissioner Donnie Schuch (pictured). County officials are now spending about $400,000 a year to pay other counties to accommodate prisoners from Gillespie County because of overcrowding problems.

In response to concerns raised in the last 20 years by the Texas Commission on Jail Standards, county officials hired a consulting firm last year to evaluate the county's criminal justice system, the detention facility and provide recommendations. 

City of Amarillo terminates employment of traffic engineer

City of Amarillo traffic engineer Jihad El Eid was recently fired for not returning to work after taking a leave of absence to care for his ailing father in Lebanon. El Eid, who took leave in July, ran out of days off and did not turn in a resignation or let the city know that he would not return.

El Eid, who is a "person of interest" in an FBI investigation in Florida, had a heart attack after his father's death, according to sources close to El Eid.

Arlington's Holgersson resigns from job as city manager

Arlington City Manager Jim Holgersson (pictured), who has served in the position for six years, recently resigned under pressure from City Council members who want a change in leadership.  

Holgersson and council members declined to discuss details of the situation.  

Holgersson, who is on personal leave, will receive up to eight months of his $214,000 salary. He has offered to assist the city in any way he can.  Longtime employee Bob Byrd was named interim city manager. Byrd said he does not plan to seek the job permanently.

New cash destined for north ramps at U.S. 281 and Loop 1604

Bexar County officials plan to use $30 million in state highway funding to help pay for northbound ramps at U.S. 281 and Loop 1604.

The state money - part of a $112 million lump sum set aside 10 years ago for U.S 281 expansions - can't be spent until a federal environmental study is complete. That is expected to take two years.

San Antonio city officials have said they want to put $30 million in bond money toward the ramps. The city and county money combined would cover the cost of the connectors.

Correction

In the Friday, Sept. 23, edition of the Texas Government Insider, it was reported that a federal grant was awarded to the City of Sealy, part of which would be used toward construction of a new police station. That information was incorrect. The grant funds were not dedicated toward the city's police station project, but instead toward purchase of two patrol vehicles with equipment, a fingerprint identification system, night vision units and laser handheld speed radar units. This funding provided by the Criminal Justice Department will allow for the purchase of advanced crime prevention and protection equipment that would not otherwise be possible without this funding assistance. We regret the error.