One of the most important "anchors" in almost every community is a public library. And, while most library directors report that checking out a hard copy of a book is still one of their most-used services, they must also offer newer services, programs and activities if they want to remain relevant. Library users have changed and most are tech-savvy and tech-hungry.

Libraries must provide research capabilities and all types of information in the form of books, magazines and periodicals. That has not changed.

What has changed, however, is how those resources are delivered. Technology has redefined what library users want and expect today. 

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Officials hopeful private funding will help bridge gaps in state's funding

Alan MacDonald

Looking for a "new funding dynamic," a Massachusetts transportation commission is looking hard at the possibility of public-private partnerships (P3s) providing that new funding for much-needed infrastructure projects throughout the state. The Massachusetts Public-Private Partnership Infrastructure Oversight Commission members are in hopes of putting some of the state's most immediate transportation needs in the hands of private companies. The goal is to strike deals that will help cut down on costs on projects - and to the state.

Massachusetts could join a growing number of states using P3s to finance, build and maintain projects that include construction and management of road, bridge and rail projects. The private firm brings up-front financing to a project that it generally can complete quicker than the state and more efficiently. In exchange, the private firm recoups its investment through tolls or fares.

Richard Davey

Alan G. MacDonald, chair of the committee, said the group is open for suggestions for viable projects. The state's transportation department recently entered into a public-private partnership to allow a private firm to build a commuter rail station in Brighton.

Some public-private partnerships are already in the works in Massachusetts: Earlier this month, MassDOT approved plans to allow New Balance to build a commuter rail station in Brighton, at no cost to the T, which would serve employees at the company's headquarters. And although that P3 may be working, Massachusetts officials are cognizant of other P3s nationwide that failed miserably. One board member described himself as a "total agnostic" when it comes to P3s, saying while successful ones can be good news for government entities entering into them with the private sector, there can also be bad ones that can be harmful.

State Transportation Secretary Richard Davey agreed. "It's not a panacea," he said, but added that it most definitely is another way to be considered for financing projects when the state cannot. The public has soured on increasing taxes and less and less state and federal funding available for transportation projects, there are few other alternatives, making public-private partnerships that much more attractive.

The state legislature has given MassDOT its marching orders, unhappy that the commission is only now meeting, since it was authorized four years ago.

State officials hopeful result is more competition, resulting in lower costs

Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin

If you're a "favored" prior winner of government contracts in West Virginia, meaning that you've won a contract with the state, you are no longer among the only firms being allowed to bid for repeat requests for goods and services. The state's Division of Purchasing not only informed officials of this change recently, but in doing so canceled eight contracts.

Known as the "secondary bid process," the process was criticized by a recent audit and there were questions if the policy is unlawful. Secondary bids allowed state agencies to tap existing statewide contracts and buy items from a list of pre-approved vendors. Beginning on July 1, state agencies will have to solicit and review formal bids for purchases over $25,000.

Although the vendors whose contracts were nullified by the new policy lost their contracts, they will be allowed to join other bidders for the product or service contract they once held. State officials are hopeful by opening up the process to all qualified bidders, the state will get more competitive prices. Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin proposed changes to the practice in this year's legislative session. He sought reform of state purchasing laws. Although legislation that addressed the secondary bid process did not pass, the Division of Purchasing has since put the policy in place on its own. The Senate Government Organization Committee amended that measure to bar the secondary bid process. The bill passed the Senate unanimously, but then idled in the House Finance Committee until the session ended in April.

Study finds Wichita Falls ISD needs $96 million in building upgrades

The results of a recent facilities study of district facilities indicate that Wichita Falls (Texas) Independent School District officials need to spend $96 million on just the first phase of a plan to upgrade district facilities.The plan calls for significant renovations to all three high schools, closing one of four junior high schools and building a new junior high at a new location. The recommended plan also calls for closing one elementary school and redrawing attendance boundaries, upgrading security and repairing the parking lot of the stadium. Trustees took no action on the recommendations and district officials plan to publish the proposed Educational Facilities Master Plan on the district's Web site this week.

New Jersey schools to benefit from largest ever grant funding

Chris Christie

The largest single grant funding in history in New Jersey will hand out nearly half a billion dollars for school construction across the state. The largest chunk of the funds - $425 million - is headed to the state's more than 550 "Regular Operating Districts." Another $30 million will go to county vocational schools. "It is more important than ever for these school projects to move forward with state financial support," Gov. Chris Christie said in a statement. "With this largest single offering of grant funding in history, it is clear that this administration is committed to providing modern and efficient educational facilities for students in all school districts across New Jersey." The administration already has distributed more than 900 similar grants, totaling $645 million. The School Development Authority (SDA) will use its $455 million of the grant funds to help pay for construction, paying about 40 percent of the construction costs of approved projects.

 

Preschool renovations, technology upgrades on tap for Ohio schools

A successful bond issue over the summer in the Strongsville, Ohio, City School District means preschool buildings will be renovated and technology upgrades are on tap for elementary schools this summer. Bids for a general contractor for the $81 million bond projects will open June 11. In addition to renovations and technology upgrades, other projects include roof replacements at two district transportation buildings. Plans are also under way for construction of a new middle and high school. Work on the preschool building should begin in late June or July and completed shortly after the beginning of the 2013-14 school year. The project includes conversion of one wing of the building to usable space. The facility is a former church, whose sanctuary area has not been used since it was purchased for a school in 2005. The more than 3,200 square feet of sanctuary space will be converted to multi-purpose space this summer, including a large general room, two rooms for student counseling and a staff meeting room. The projects also will include addition of new windows, handrails and light fixtures. Officials are hopeful also to be able to add a wireless system in the elementary schools and to add security measures.

 

California district seeks partner for private funding for swimming pools

A partnership between the local YMCA or another organization and the San Diego, California, Unified School District is being studied as a way to engage private funding to maintain and operate swimming pools that will be constructed. Some members of the school board point to a successful La Jolla High School pool project that was built with private funds, with more aquatic facilities part of a $2.8 billion bond issue approved in November. Officials are hopeful to find a partner for pool operations and maintenance and have asked that staff implement, develop or expand existing agreements or issue an RFP with the YMCA or other interested parties to construct, operate and maintain up to 10 pools.

 

Illinois district swimming pools approved for funding for upgrades, renovations
Each of the Cook County, Illinois, District 211's five swimming pools will be updated following recent action of the Board of Education. Estimated cost of the upgrades at the five facilities is $15 million, with the projects expected to extend over five years. The projects will start with the Conant High School. Palatine High pool renovations will follow those at Hoffman Estates High School. The Palatine project is budgeted at $2 million and the Hoffman project at $1 million. A $2 million project at Fremd High School will follow at the Conant project. The district will begin its planning and design stage and map out how it will be completed over the next five years. Pools will be deepened and it has been recommended that the current "T" formation pools be eliminated and a much larger square pool created that will have more lanes. Officials say the pool renovations will enhance physical education opportunities for students as well as for athletics and community programs. Officials also plan to update old equipment over the next few year as well.

 

GSA issues RFI for input on cybersecurity for federal government

The General Services Commission has issued a request for information (RFI) for qualified firms to offer input into how to make the federal government's cybersecurity more resilient. The RFI is intended to help put into place a cybersecurity policy that will help manage risks and security. Both a presidential executive order and a presidential policy directive have directed that recommendations be sought to standardize cybersecurity contract elements and procurement requirements. Recommendations from stakeholders will be used to formulate final recommendations that will be issued this summer. "The RFI is an important first step to a public private partnership that will help secure our nation's infrastructure," said GSA Administrator Dan Tangherlini. "Developing these cybersecurity procurement recommendations is a priority for GSA." GSA and the interagency working group working toward recommendations will continue to solicit stakeholder participation throughout the process. For more information, or to view the RFI and provide comments, visit the Federal Register.

Hawaii county seeking to purchase solar photovoltaic power

Maui County in Hawaii has issued an RFP seeking qualified solar photovoltaic firms to install, operate, maintain and own solar PV systems with a goal of selling the electricity generated through a power purchase agreement with the county. Officials are hoping for a project that will include 1 megawatt of installed solar energy. The RFP includes 15 sites, including rooftop, ground and carport PV, some of which will involve multiple buildings. The county is looking at this type of agreement so that it will have no up-front costs because the private investors will pay for the systems. The county, under a 2011 procurement, has already installed 2.4 megawatts of solar energy at 18 facilities.

Florida federal courthouse project could issue RFP soon for partnership project

Jack Seiler

Facing the need for immediate repairs, judges who work in the U.S. Federal Building and Courthouse in downtown Fort Lauderdale have long urged federal officials to build a new courthouse. Those federal judges have for a decade espoused the need for a new facility in Broward, noting the building has been leaking whenever it rains since it opened in the 1970s. It also does not meet federal security requirements. Many of the courtrooms have had to have carpet, wallpaper and furniture removed because of water damage. With a lack of response from the federal government, local officials are taking the bull by the horns. They will issue a Request for Proposals for developers interested in financing and building a new courthouse at no expense to the federal government. Such a public-private partnership (P3) could result in a scenario such as a developer with land downtown financing and building the facility and then leasing it to the government. The private partner could recoup its investment through lease payments and possibly through parking revenue. Courthouse task force member and Fort Lauderdale Mayor Jack Seiler said the facility must be located downtown and along the route of a proposed rail project in the urban core. Fort Lauderdale has agreed to be a pilot project for a P3 engagement to build a courthouse. "We've been on the list of top 10 courthouses to be replaced for quite some time,'' said Seiler. 

Hawaii airports and highways will benefit from the release of more than $21.8 million in funding by the governor for capital improvement projects. Gov. Neil Abercrombie said these funds will help maintain transportation infrastructure that is critical to commerce, business and tourism. Most of the funding is headed to Honolulu International Airport for improvements that include a $6.3 million runway repaving project and a $2.7 million project to replace 12 passenger loading bridges. A traffic flow project on Kauai's Kuhio Highway will garner $1.3 million in funding.

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Fort Stockton 'water team' proposes public-private partnership

A consultant for the Fort Stockton Utility Water Team recently urged city council members to explore public-private partnerships to help pay for finding more water and then selling that water to other municipalities. The top objective is to maintain local control over those water rights by designing, producing and delivering water to other West Texas communities under a plan that could cost as much as $300 million, according to a consultant currently working with the cities of Fort Stockton and Odessa to develop a water well project. When questioned about possible conflicts of interests in a partnership that would own the water development project, provide services and sell goods, the consultant responded by noting that having a number of investors from different constituencies share in financing the development of another water supply and selling that water would eliminate some of the conflicts of interest.

House passes bill that would create third Chicago-area airport

Larry Walsh

Legislation has passed in the Illinois House that would allow for construction and operation of a third airport for the Chicago area. The project would be a public-private partnership between the Illinois Department of Transportation and a private developer to build the South Suburban Airport in Peotone. The bill also would allocate funding for a new 10,000-seat basketball arena for DePaul University near Chicago's McCormick Place. The arena could also be used for conventions and trade shows. "The construction and development of the South Suburban Airport will create more than 11,000 construction jobs over a three-year period and an estimated 3,400 permanent jobs once the airport is operational," said Will County Executive Larry Walsh. "In addition to the Illiana Expressway, the construction of the SSA will mean more than $2 billion will be spent on new infrastructure in Will County and the region." The state already has purchased thousands of eligible acres of land as a show of good faith to the federal government regarding support for the project.

  

California city seeks proposals for development of land near golf course

The city of Carlsbad, California, is seeking proposals from private-sector firms interested in leasing underutilized land at the city's municipal golf course. The plan is to lease 3.15 acres at the golf course that is not being used. Part of the land is owned by the city and part by the water district. The city's part is currently being used for a parking lot and the adjacent land was used as a potable water tank storage site until recently. However, the water district seeks to retain the land, but is willing to enter into a long-term lease. The RFP being issued will seek information on the company making the proposal, a project description, how it will be financed, the construction and development schedule, proposed lease term and more. The project seeks to maximize the economic vitality not only of the property, but also to the surrounding community. Officials hope to be able to present lease options and recommendations for the property to the Carlsbad Public Financing Authority in August. 

 

 Are you a government official who has moved into a new position or to a new agency? Did you recently retire? Were you recently named to an executive-level position at a state-supported college, university or community college? Have you secured a new job as superintendent of a public school? If so, we'd like to hear from you - and so would your friends and colleagues - for our "Where Are They Now" column. Just drop us a line at editor@spartnerships.com and let us know about your previous job and where you are now. This week we feature Brett Goldstein. 

Jim Dean (top left), current dean of the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill's Kenan-Flagler Business School, will be the next executive vice chancellor and provost, second in command to incoming Chancellor Carol Folt, and succeeds Bruce Carney, who is returning to the faculty after four years as provost. Debra Wanser (top center), who has served as commissioner for the Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services since June 2011, announced she would retire after spending the last 21 years in health and human services. U.S. Rep. Jo Bonner (top right) of Alabama announced Thursday that he is resigning from Congress effective in August to take a post with the University of Alabama System as vice chancellor of government relations and economic development. California State Treasurer Bill Lockyer, a former attorney general and Senate president pro tem, has announced he will retire from elected office when his term expires in early 2015, forgoing a run for controller next year. Texas State Comptroller Susan Combs, a former Texas House members and former Texas Agriculture Commissioner, announced that she will not seek re-election when her second four-year term as a statewide officeholder is up in 2015. Dave Wilbrecht, former town manager for Mammoth Lakes, California, will be the new city manager for Blaine, Washington, replacing Gary Tomsic, who is retiring at the end of June. Longtime Raleigh, North Carolina, Chief Financial Officer Perry James (middle right) has been chosen to serve as interim city manager following the termination of former City Manager Russell Allen. The Internal Revenue Service has chosen David Fisher (middle center), chief administrative officer at the Government Accountability Office, as its new chief risk officer. President Barack Obama is nominating James Comey (middle left), a former prosecutor who served as a deputy attorney general in President George W. Bush's administration, to replace Robert Mueller as FBI director. Martha Durkin, Tucson Unified School District general counsel, has been chosen as the new assistant city manager in Tucson, Arizona, replacing Deputy City Manager Liz Miller. Boston Fire Chief Steve Abraira, whose deputy chiefs criticized him over his handling of the Boston Marathon bombings, has submitted his resignation, effective Friday. The St. Paul school district has named two new assistant superintendents - Minneapolis Associate Superintendent Theresa Battle, a former Highland Park Junior High principal, will be assistant superintendent for high schools and Christine Osorio, former Wellstone Elementary principal, is the new assistant superintendent for schools serving kindergarten through eighth grade. Julia Rathgeber (bottom left), who has served on the staff of two Texas lieutenant governors, has been named Commissioner of Insurance in Texas. Col. Edward Maxwell (bottom center), vice commander of the 162nd Fighter Wing in Tucson, has been promoted to the top post in Arizona's Air National Guard. James Moeser (bottom right), a music professor who led University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill for eight years, will become interim chancellor at UNC School of the Arts, effective Aug. 1. Jeff Waters, a police lieutenant since 1991 and former acting chief of the Emerald Isle, Florida, Police Department, has been named police chief for the city, replacing former Chief William Hargett. The Massachusetts Board of Higher Education has approved Valerie Roberson, currently the vice president of academic affairs at the Joliet Junior College in Illinois, as Roxbury Community College's 15th president. The Jamestown Community College Board of Trustees has selected Cory L. Duckworth, vice president for student affairs at Utah Valley University, as the finalist in the search for a new president of the college.