Texas Government Insider

Volume 8, Issue 34 - Friday, Aug. 27, 2010

New program will offer big discounts for state employees, retirees

Significant savings on products, services available from major companies

There's not been much good news on the economic front recently in Texas, particularly for employees struggling to make ends meet. And just like most of the rest of the state's workforce, state employees are also dealing with the effects of lean economic times.

But now comes good news for many state employees, thanks to a unique employee Discount Purchase Program being offered through the Employees Retirement System of Texas (ERS), the state agency charged with overseeing benefits programs for State of Texas employees.

Both current and retired state employees soon will be eligible to use the program to take advantage of significant discounts on both products and services offered by major companies throughout the country. Participants will be eligible for discounts on things like automobiles, computers, travel, electronics, appliances and more.

"At a time when state employees and retirees are having to trim their own budgets because of the economy, this program offered ERS the opportunity to extend its members' options at no cost to the state," said Ann Fuelberg (pictured), executive director of ERS.

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Austin Community College calls five annexation elections

Surrounding areas see need for increased local access to higher education

In an unusual move, the board of trustees for the Austin Community College (ACC) District recently called annexation elections on Nov. 2 in the Bastrop Independent School District, Elgin ISD, Hays County Consolidated School District, McDade ISD and San Marcos CISD.

Regents called the elections after supporters in each school district gathered sufficient signatures to request an annexation election.

"Having so many communities at one time request to be a part of ACC is unusual," said Alexis Patterson, a spokesperson for ACC. "Past elections have involved only one entity at a time."

In the past, representatives from chambers of commerce usually led efforts for annexation, but that has changed.

"Today we're hearing from families around the service area who are responding to the critical and growing need for affordable and convenient higher education," Patterson said.

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Strategic Partnerships salutes Texas' Lone Stars

Dr. Ricardo Romo, president, The University of Texas at San Antonio

Career highlights and education: There have been many memorable moments during my years in education, but the most challenging, exciting and fulfilling have been as president of The University of Texas at San Antonio, a vibrant and exciting university that has been named one of the state's emerging research universities. As for my education, I earned a Bachelor of Science degree in education from The University of Texas, a master's degree in history from Loyola Marymount and a doctorate in history from UCLA.

What I like best about my job is: I strongly believe education is the key that opens doors to a better future. To lead a university offering that access is what I like most about my job. I also love being around our UTSA students, who are the best students anywhere. They are intelligent, interesting, diverse and engaging, and I learn a lot interacting with them. I also enjoy talking to our faculty who are achieving great accomplishments in education and research.

The best advice I've received for my current job is: My mentor and good friend Peter Flawn said common sense is the most important trait of a university president. Apply common sense on a regular basis and you will be able to solve most challenges.

Advice you would give a new hire in your office: This is your opportunity to be a part of students' lives and to make a profound difference as we build a premier public research university. So, make the most of this time. Be dedicated to our mission, take your job seriously, but don't forget to have fun. Talk to students and get to know your coworkers, as communication skills are crucial to our success. You will be surprised at the great things you will learn in the process, and that's what life is about: continuous learning.

If I ever snuck out of work early, I could probably be found: I never sneak out early, but when I am not working I enjoy spending time with my wife, Harriett, browsing bookstores and museums.

People would be surprised to know that I: pursue art and photography with a passion. I also am a big fan of college football, and I look forward to our new Roadrunner football team playing in the Alamodome in fall 2011.

One thing I wish more people knew about my university: It is hard to narrow it down to one thing, as there are so many great things taking place at UTSA. Our eight colleges provide access to outstanding learning opportunities, while the university is home to world-class research dedicated to making all of our lives better. And this year, UTSA became the first university on the globe to install the world's most powerful electron microscope.

DPS chooses MacBride as new deputy director of services

Cheryl MacBride has been named deputy director of services for the Department of Public Safety (DPS) and the first female to serve the state's law enforcement agency at the deputy director level. She begins her new charge, replacing Brad Rable, on Aug. 28. Rable is leaving the agency for a job in the private sector.

MacBride, a certified fraud examiner and a certified government financial manager, currently serves as DPS chief financial officer. She previously held posts as deputy commissioner for administration at the Texas General Land Office and Veterans Land Board. In all, she has 24 years experience with the State of Texas.

In her new role as deputy director, MacBride will oversee the Driver License Division, Regulatory Services Division, Administration Division, Law Enforcement Support Division, Finance Division and the Information Technology Division.

TYC independent ombudsman Moore submits resignation
On the heels of new allegations of abuse and security lapses at the Texas Youth Commission, independent ombudsman John Moore has resigned. Moore indicated in a communication with state leaders that his resignation was to allow him to seek other employment and was submitted prior to the current claims of the continuation of systemic problems at the troubled agency for youth. Moore's resignation occurred on Aug. 9 and his last day with the agency is expected to be Sept. 1.

Moore had served less than six months as ombudsman, having been appointed to that post in March by the governor. The new complaints against the agency come four years after reported sexual abuse allegations at TYC. The investigation that followed those allegations led to the agency being put under conservatorship and losing its entire board either to firings or resignations and a new executive director eventually being named.

Perez resigns as state CISO, Holt to serve in interim position

Bill Perez has resigned his post as Texas' Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), a position he has held for the last six years.

The Texas Department of Information Resources (DIR) has already begun its search for a new CISO, but has named Doug Holt (pictured), DIR Deputy Executive Director for Statewide Technology Services, to serve as interim CISO. Holt was named to his deputy executive director position in March, replacing Ginger Salone, who retired. Holds previously served as director of the eGovernment and Web Services Division at DIR, as well as having been an agency CIO and IT manager. He also has worked in the private sectors, as manager of a professional services organization and as superintendent for a construction-related company.

Walt Wilson, assistant director of the Information Security Division at DIR, will continue to handle the administrative oversight activities regarding enterprise information security program and Todd Kimbriel, director of eGovernment and IT policy, will continue to oversee operations enabling enterprise information security.

Parks and Wildlife Commission awards $6.8 million in grants
Twenty-one of 58 grant requests for funding for city and county parks, ball parks, swimming pools, nature trails and other outdoor recreation facilities across the state were approved this week by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission. The grant awards totaled $6.8 million and were awarded both to major urban municipalities and counties and smaller Texas communities and governmental entities.

The funding included $2.74 million in Outdoor Recreation grants to six governments that applied for matching state funds for basic public recreation facilities. A total of $3.33 million in Urban Outdoor Recreation grants was awarded for outdoor projects in five counties and cities with populations of more than 500,000. And $722,796 in Small Community grants was awarded to 10 communities for basic public recreation facilities. To view the complete list of projects and the funding received, click here and look under "Recent Reports."

TSLAC gets $8M grant for new computer centers at libraries, schools
Peggy Rudd

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has awarded nearly $8 million to the Texas State Library and Archives Commission, which will be matched by almost $3.7 million from the Commission and its partners. The funds will provide new or upgraded computer centers at 38 libraries and branches, as well as community colleges, public schools, recreation centers and health facilities, serving residents through the Technology Expertise, Access and Learning for All Texans project (TEAL).

Peggy D. Rudd (pictured), the commission's director and librarian, called the initiative "a commitment to education, gainful employment and successful lives for people all across the state."

For a complete list of libraries participating in the initiative, click here.

State organ, tissue donor database hits 1 million member mark
Rebecca Davio

The state database of individuals who have officially indicated a decision to donate their organs, eyes and tissue to benefit those awaiting transplants has hit the 1 million member mark. Three state agencies - including the Department of Public Safety, the Department of State Health Services and the Department of Motor Vehicles - and three organ- and tissue-recovery agencies participate in the registry.

Rebecca Davio (pictured), a DPS assistant director, said the Department is proud of the more than 773,000 who have become part of the program through the driver licensing system.

More than 10,000 Texans are currently awaiting organ or tissue transplants. For more information about enrolling in the program, click here.

Pundits Hoppe, Kronberg, Ramsey to speak at conference

Three veterans who have covered Texas politics for more years than any of them like to think about will bring their insight, perspectives, news and predictions about the upcoming session of the Texas Legislature to the 7th Biennial Legislative Communications Conference in October.

Christy Hoppe (right) is the Austin bureau chief of the Dallas Morning News. Her years of covering politics and policies at the State Capitol have included the terms of four governors. Harvey Kronberg (left) is editor of the Quorum Report, a newsletter he has edited since 1989 that covers Texas politics. He is also a political analyst for a local television news station. Ross Ramsey (center) is editor of the Texas Tribune and editor of Texas Weekly, a newsletter he has been writing covering Texas government and politics since 1998. He also has a background in state government, having worked for Texas State Comptroller's Office.

In addition to this panel of pundits, the conference will also feature panels of staff from the legislative leadership's office to address the 2011 budget, member of the legislature who will offer legislative insight and tips for working with government leaders, a panel of executive-level agency officials to address questions about the upcoming session and other invited participants from a variety of state agencies.

The conference is set for Tuesday, Oct. 5, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. It will feature a networking luncheon and a CD intended to provide support through the session will be provided to attendees. To register, or for more information, click here.

UTPA vice president for business affairs Langabeer to retire Aug. 31

After 22 years of service to The University of Texas-Pan American, James Langabeer (pictured), vice president for the Division of Business Affairs, will retire Aug. 31.

Langabeer began his tenure with the school in 1988 and has served under four university presidents and overseen a budget of $243.8 million. He is a former president of the Texas Association of State Senior College and University Business Officers.

In 2002, Langabeer established the James R. Langabeer Scholarship Fund for all non-exempt physical plant staff and their families to assist with university expenses such as tuition and/or books.

Longtime Sul Ross staff member Gallego set to retire in August
Rena Gallego

Rowena "Rena" Gallego (pictured) will retire as director of Financial Assistance at Sul Ross State University on Aug. 31 after a 32-year tenure at the school.

During her career at Sul Ross, Gallego has worked as a library assistant, a secretary in the Biology Department, an admissions counselor, assistant director of Financial Assistance and Recruiting, and assistant to the vice president for Academic and Student Affairs. For the last 12 years, she has served as director of Financial Assistance.

Gallego received her bachelor's degree and master's degree from Sul Ross.

UT-Dallas picks Walls for communications position

The University of Texas at Dallas has named John Walls (pictured) associate vice president for communications. He will oversee the school's media relations in his new role.

Walls has worked for major energy and health care corporations as well as academic and research nonprofit institutions. He most recently served as assistant vice president for public affairs at UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas.

Walls holds a bachelor's degree from UT-Austin and a master's degree from Texas Tech University.

UNT vice president for IT Leatherbury will retire Oct. 1

Maurice Leatherbury (pictured) will retire from his post as vice president for information technology and chief information officer at the University of North Texas on Oct. 1.

Leatherbury has chaired LEARN - a statewide organization of 36 higher-education institutions that has developed a high-speed fiber optic network linking the state's college and university network - and the North Texas Gigapop, a small organization that aggregates Internet2 traffic in North Texas. At UNT, he developed and managed the university's Teaching with Technology Grant program and planned the technology infrastructure for the university's System Center at Dallas. Leatherbury first joined UNT in 1993 as an assistant professor in the School of Library and Information Sciences. He served as associate vice president for computing and chief technology officer from 2005 to 2009 before being named to his current post.

Leatherbury received his bachelor's degree from the University of Southwestern Louisiana, his master's degree from Florida State University and doctoral degree from The University of Texas at Austin.

UNTHSC announces administrative personnel changes

The University of North Texas Health Science Center has announced administrative changes.

Stephen Barrett (left) will serve as vice president of operations. He joined UNTHSC in 1999. He holds a bachelor's degree from Texas State University and a master's degree from Texas Christian University.

Michael Mueller (middle) has been named vice president for Finance and chief financial officer. He joined UNTHSC in 2006 and holds a bachelor's degree from Sam Houston State University and master's degree from Texas Christian University.

Renee Drabier (right) will serve as vice provost for Academic Affairs and Development. She joined the UNTHSC ranks two years ago and earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Kansas, a master's degree from UT-San Antonio and a doctoral degree from Texas A&M University.

Other administrative changes include:

William LeMaistre will serve as the new chief Compliance and Enterprise Risk Management officer;
Jennifer Trevino has been named vice president of Administration and chief of staff;
David Masonhas been appointed chair of Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine for the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine; and
Dennis Thombshas been announced to serve as chair of Social and Behavioral Sciences for the School of Public Health.

UNT Dallas officially becomes city's first four-year universitiy

The first public university in the city of Dallas becomes a new state agency Sept. 1 and already is welcoming new students. The University of North Texas at Dallas earlier this month granted authority for UNT Dallas to operate independently as a general academic teaching institution. It culminated a nearly 12-year effort to bring a new four-year institution to the city of Dallas, which at the time a resolution was passed in 1998 calling for a new higher education institution in Texas, was the only top-10 American city without a public, four-year university.

"The road to establishing UNT Dallas has been a long and sometimes turbulent climb," said John Ellis Price (pictured), the inaugural president of the university. "We have now reached our destination and we are now ready to plant our flag in Dallas as an anchor institution and the city's first and only four-year, public university."

In 2000, the UNT System Center (called "UNT Dallas Campus") opened in a DeSoto business park. Seven years later, the campus moved to more than 260 acres of land purchased as a home to the school by the City of Dallas and donated by private developers.

The university opened its second building, a $41.5 million, 102,000-square-foot structure, this week.

Price welcomed new administrators who have been hired in recent months, along with four new department chairmen. With the opening of the new university, Price said the UNT System made good its promise "to the citizens of the City of Dallas, the North Texas region and the State of Texas."

UTHSC San Antonio program to encourage diversity in nursing
A grant totaling more than $900,000 will help encourage and support undergraduate students from diverse backgrounds to enter The University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio nursing program. The grant will fund the "Diversifying Future Leaders in Nursing" program, whose goal is to bring more minority students into the nursing program. Those who enroll will have a variety of support programs to assist with their transition from high school to higher education and increase their chances of graduating with a nursing degree.

The program will be headed by Norma Martinez Rogers (pictured), Ph.D, R.N., FAAN, professor in the Department of Family and Community Health Systems. She will develop Web-based recruitment and retention programs and educational materials to attract minority students to nursing. She will also be responsible for developing and implementing three Health Science Center educational tracks for students, based on their interest in research, teaching and leadership.

Brownsville library system nets ARRA broadband funds
The Brownsville Public Library System is set to receive $865,920 in federal stimulus funds - part of a $7 million broadband initiative from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) - with which to purchase computers. Local funds totaling $371,108 will augment those funds to purchase 176 computers for the main library branch and its partners. A portion of the money will cover wireless connectivity at the Southmost library branch.

"The reality of getting it all implemented is beginning to set in," said library director Jerry Hedgecock. He said library officials are on a tight timeline to have the systems installed.

The Brownsville library system ranks as one of five entities - and the only municipality - in Texas to receive the ARRA broadband funds. Almost half the residents in Brownsville live below the federal poverty level and do not own computers.

TCEQ awards Montgomery Co. grant for signal synchronization
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has awarded the Montgomery County Precinct 3 Commissioner's Office a $144,400 grant to purchase equipment designed to synchronize traffic signals.

Jeff Johnson, Transportation Manager for the Montgomery County Department of Engineering, said officials will purchase even more traffic-timing equipment before the end of the year, relieving motorists in The Woodlands of poorly timed traffic signals.

Texas A&M wins Texas Military Preparedness Commission grant
The GreenVax vaccine program affiliated with Texas A&M University recently won a $4 million grant from the Texas Military Preparedness Commission that is charged with aiding cities hit by military base closures.

Housed in a 145,000-square-foot production center, the GreenVax program is a public-private partnership that receives most of its financing from the research arm of the U.S. Department of Defense. Plans call for the facility to eventually produce about a billion doses a year of influenza vaccines. The grant will provide $2 million to Brazos County and $2 million to the city of Bryan to pay for construction and equipment for the facility that will be operated by a biotech firm. The technology could shorten vaccine production to much less than currently needed by using tobacco plants rather than the egg-based technology now used, according to a new release from Texas A&M University.

At least one member of the commission from Corpus Christi suggested that the fund should be more targeted to its original purpose of helping communities that recently experienced a base closure. He also noted that the Bryan Air Force Base was closed in 1961 and already converted to the Riverside Campus of Texas A&M University. The commission was created in 2003 to help create jobs in communities facing setbacks because of military bases being closed. Legislators later expanded the legislation to allow the grants to help communities that have gained military investment rather than limiting it to communities that lost military investment.

FAA taps UTMB-Galveston for space transportation consortium
James Vanderploeg

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has selected The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston to become part of the newly established Air Transportation Center of Excellence for Commercial Space Transportation (ATCECST). The Center brings together academia, industry and government to address challenges that commercial space transportation faces.

Dr. James M. Vanderploeg (pictured), associate professor of aerospace medicine in the UTMB Department of Preventive Medicine and Community Health, said that research performed by UTMB "will address areas of health and safety for the flight crew and passengers on commercial space vehicles."

Texas State regents OK University Center at Woodlands plans
The Texas State University System Board of Regents has approved design-development documents for the University Center at The Woodlands with a project budget of $40.5 million.

The 144,164-square-foot, four-story facility will house a one-stop center for enrollment, counseling, advising and administrative services in addition to a commons area, food court, classrooms and labs. A five-story parking garage and parking lot will also be constructed.

Coryell Co. approves grant application to fund part of proposed jail
Coryell County commissioners have approved a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) grant application to hopefully secure funds for a new jail before the end of the fiscal year. The grant could cover up to 15 percent of costs associated with the project.

County Judge John Firth said historically low interest rates and reasonable construction costs provide two advantages of acting now on the new jail. The proposed, 64,000-square-foot jail would be housed on 33 acres in Gatesville and would save the skyrocketing fees it currently costs to house inmates in other counties (approximately $700,000 for Fiscal Year 2011).

The Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS) reported last year that the county's 52-bed jail would be insufficient by 2027, prompting commissioners to apply for the USDA grant.

SMBR invites comments on proposed procurement changes

The City of Austin's Small and Minority Business Resources Department (SMBR) has invited the public to review and comment on proposed changes to the Minority-Owned and Women-Owned Business Enterprise Procurement Program's Good Faith Efforts requirements. The meeting will take place Sept. 7 at 5:30 p.m. in the Boards and Commissions Room at Austin City Hall, 301 W. Second St.

Minimum efforts would require bidders to contact certified vendors using two distinct methods of communications (e.g., phone and email), advertise in local papers and utilize minority trade organizations, among other measures.

To view a copy of the proposed changes, click here.

Plano City Manager Muehlenbeck to retire next year

Plano City Manager Tom Muehlenbeck (pictured) has announced plans to retire from his post, effective Jan. 31, 2011. The Plano City Council will launch a nationwide search to find his replacement.

During his tenure, Muehlenbeck helped create a model management succession program and, with help from the Council, launched an economic development initiative to lure businesses. He has seen the city's population almost triple to 270,000 since he took over as city manager in 1987. Prior to that charge, he served in administrative capacities for communities in Kansas, Georgia, Texas and Virginia.

Medicare Rural Hospital Flexibility allots $700K to Texas office
The Medicare Rural Hospital Flexibility Program (MRHFP) has awarded the Texas Office of Rural Community Affairs (ORCA) $700,663 to increase access to health care for Americans living in rural areas.

In all, seven programs administered by the Office of Rural Health Policy in HHS' Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) are set to receive funds, ranging in amounts from $500,000 to $22 million.
HRSA Administrator Dr. Mary Wakefield said the funds will strengthen partnerships among rural health providers by recruiting and retaining rural health care professionals and modernizing health care infrastructure in rural areas.

LeBlanc-Burley hailed by CPS; new CEO offers new title
Jelynne LeBlanc-Burley, who served as interim CEO of CPS Energy for eight months while the entity sought a new chief executive, has been awarded a bonus and a new job title. LeBlanc-Burley was in the running for the head spot, which was eventually awarded to Doyle Beneby. CPS awarded her a $200,000 bonus for her interim work and Beneby has elevated her to executive vice president of corporate support services and chief administrative officer. She is a former assistant city manager with the city of San Antonio. Beneby said LeBlanc-Burley's responsibilities are likely to increase with her new title.

Arlington Library to purchase mobile computer lab with NTIA funds
Cary Siegfried

The Arlington Public Library will unveil a new mobile computer lab this fall in areas where many residents don't have access to a computer and high-speed Internet service. The RV-like bus will come equipped with computers, Internet access and instructors.

The unit is expected to cost $250,000, according to Cary Siegfried (pictured), Arlington's director of libraries. The purchase is made possible, in part, by a $400,000 federal grant awarded by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) through the Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC).

The public library is the only source for higher Internet speed for some people, said Siegfried. With access, these patrons will be able to apply for jobs or conduct research for homework, she said.

HUD awards Galveston Housing Authority $70M in grants
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has allotted $70 million to the Galveston Housing Authority (GHA) in a second round of the Department's Community Disaster Block Grant (CDBG) awards.

The Houston-Galveston Area Council - which has more than $1 billion to award throughout its 13-county region - will administer the funds. The Council will award GHA the funds in two segments - one for $50 million outright, the other for up to $20 million, all of which will be made available in the first release of round-two allocations.

Meanwhile, the City of Galveston is set to receive $51.7 million of a total $201.6 million in round two of the HUD grants.

Jasper ISD to seek voter approval for $48.8 million bond proposal

Trustees for the Jasper Independent School District recently scheduled a $48.8 million bond election on Nov. 2.

The bonds will be used to pay for a new elementary school, major renovations to the junior high school, to build a new athletic complex and to expand the office, library and food service areas at the high school, said Superintendent Jon Whittemore (pictured). District officials also plan to consolidate all administrative services to one facility, he said.

Henderson ISD schedules $39.2 million bond election
The board of trustees for Henderson Independent School District recently agreed to ask voters on Nov. 2 to approve $39.2 million in bonds.

If approved, the bonds will pay for a new $25.6 million middle school, renovation and expansion of an intermediate school, a new, $8.3 million, 1,800-seat auditorium at the high school and installation of artificial turf at the football stadium. District officials also plan to spend $4.44 million to separate car and bus traffic at the intermediate school as well as building a new kitchen and cafetorium, science lab, library research lab, speech lab, special education room, a secure main entrance and restrooms for the gymnasium. Renovations include upgrading technology and communications, student restrooms, replacement of existing heating and air conditioning systems, replacement of ceiling tiles, entry doors, flooring and 600 student lockers.

District officials plan to use the a federal Qualified School Construction Bond, which provides low- or no-interest loans to public schools to pay a portion of the construction costs.

Sgt. Maj. Ronnie Kelley to lead combat team at Fort Hood

Sgt. Maj. Ronnie Kelley (pictured) will assume responsibility of the 1st Cavalry Division's 3rd Brigade Combat Team at Fort Hood this week following the retirement of Command Sgt. Maj. James Pippin. Kelley currently is the senior noncommissioned officer for the 2nd Brigade Combat Team's 1st Battalion, 5th Calvary Regiment.

Pippin served as the senior noncommissioned officer for the 1st Calvary Division's 3rd Brigade Combat Team for the last three years.

Lubbock ISD announces $198M bond election on Nov. 2

Lubbock Independent School District trustees recently approved a recommendation by a citizen's committee to schedule a $198 million bond proposal on Nov. 2 to pay for district-wide facility improvements.

Upgrades are needed to many campuses to retain students and keep the district competitive, said Superintendent Karen Garza (pictured). If the proposal passes, district officials plan to consolidate four schools into two campuses to save the district about $10 million immediately and another $1.5 million annually, Garza said. The bond proposal calls for spending $34 million to build the two new elementary schools to replace the four schools being shuttered.

Plans also call for expansion of high school cafeterias as part of proposed safety and security upgrades that will require students to remain on campus for lunch. The security proposal also includes installation of new cameras, security fencing, lighting and controlled access to schools. Other upgrades include new playgrounds at elementary school, renovations to athletic facilities at middle schools and high schools as well as upgrading stadium facilities to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

HUD awards $1M to Central Texas affordable housing complex
U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has awarded $1 million for energy efficiency upgrades to the 60-unit St. George's Court affordable housing complex. The funds arrive as part of $7.2 million in grants in a HUD, green-retrofit initiative. The money comprises part of a $100 million Recovery Act program meant to create jobs and save money for low-income residents.

Three other Texas properties are slated to receive funding from the package of grants, including Coolwood Oaks in Houston, Country Club Village Apartments in San Antonio and Fox Run Apartments in Victoria.

Smith County postpones proposed $33 million jail bond vote

Smith County commissioners recently agreed to postpone until May 2011 a $33 million bond proposal to pay for improving the county jail.

Commissioner Jeff Warr (pictured) told commissioners that after meeting with many civic clubs and events to educate voters about the jail problem, he believed it would be best for the county to wait until May to give supporters more time to educate voters on the need for the improvements. He also cited a decision by Tyler Independent School District to ask voters to approve $89 million in bonds in November as a reason to delay the bond proposal for jail improvements.

Warr said he plans to continue presenting the jail plan to the public to help build support for the project and will monitor efforts to reduce the number of inmates transferred to other counties to determine if those efforts are successful. Voters in 2006, 2007 and 2009 rejected bond proposals ranging from $59.6 million to $125 million to improve the overcrowded county jail.

Six Texas finalists named for math, science educator awards
Six Texas teachers are in the running for the prestigious Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST), which recognize kindergarten through sixth-grade educators whose innovative teaching styles enliven classrooms.

The finalists in mathematics include: Elizabeth Hudgins of Eanes Independent School District (Austin), Lorene Wallace of Austin ISD and Stephanie Weaver of Pearland ISD (Pearland). The finalists in science include: Nancy Douglas from Austin ISD, Martha McLeod from Aransas County ISD (Rockport) and Kent Page from Northside ISD (San Antonio).

PAEMST - administered by the National Science Foundation on behalf of The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy - ranks as the highest recognition a mathematics or science teacher can receive in the United States.

El Paso County supports parks authority study
Anna Perez

El Paso County commissioners recently supported a plan to continue studying a proposal to create a parks authority to manage city and county parks within El Paso city limits Two of the parks, Ascarate and the Sportspark, are owned by the county, but located within city limits.

The proposal calls for members of the governing board of the parks authority to be elected and gives the authority countywide taxing power to raise funds to maintain and improve parks located within the El Paso city limits. Creation of a parks authority would need approval of the Texas Legislature and is expected to take about two years to complete.

Commissioner Anna Perez (pictured) expressed support for the concept of a parks authority, but proposed the authority be given responsibility for all city and county parks, including those located on county land outside of the city limits, if allowed to tax throughout the district. Commissioners voted to continue meeting with representatives of the city of El Paso to further develop the proposal.

Lakeway MUD selects new general manager, general counsel
The board of the Lakeway Municipal Utility District recently selected Earl Foster as the agency's new general manager and Trish Carls as the new general counsel.

Foster previously served as the wastewater supervisor of Lakeway MUD, general manager at Kingsland Water Supply Corp., operated water and wastewater plants in Aqua, Texas, and as a manager of operations in Sealy. He will replace former General Manager Richard Eason, who resigned from Lakewood MUD on July 14.

Carls, a managing partner of a law firm, will replace Mike Willatt, who had served as general counsel for Lakeway MUD since 1992. Carls previously served as an attorney for the Texas Water Commission and the Lower Colorado River Authority, and as a city attorney for Georgetown.

Beeville parks group pushes for bond election to upgrade parks
Beeville Parks and Recreation Commission members recently recommended that city council schedule a bond election in November 2010 or May 2011 to pay for improvements to city parks. Commission members also asked the city to hire the former program manager for the Main Street Program to serve as a project manager for the park improvements and requested the Beeville Economic Improvement Corporation to contribute $10,000 to pay for a project manager to oversee the improvements.

Commissioners proposed to pay the project manager $1,000 to begin the program and then $3,000 for each of three additional phases of the project. Phase one will include analysis, community input and creation of a priority plan, while the second phase will include budgeting, grant analysis and projects partnering. Phase three will include bond preparation, the ballot initiative and evaluation.

City Manager Tom Ginter, however, said he will recommend against using any money from the general fund for park improvements as the budget is very tight. He also advised the city to use an expert in grant writing to prepare the grant application package and bond attorneys and financial experts to prepare any bond sale if they approve the park improvement project.

Brownsville approves $2.3M financing plan for sports park
Melissa Zamora

The City Commission has approved the Brownsville Community Improvement Corp.'s (BCIC) financing plan for $2.3 million in renovations to the Brownsville Sports Park. BCIC is pairing $500,000 in reserves with a $1.8 million loan to pay for new restrooms, dressing rooms and stadium seating.

The venue will play host to concerts, soccer tournaments, boxing matches and other attractions, which should spur business at local lodging facilities, restaurants and retail outlets.

The Sports Park brought in $190,018 for the last fiscal year, while the expense of maintaining it cost $700,974. Commissioner Melissa Zamora (pictured), who voted against the upgrades, said those figures convey "the money isn't there."

Houston mayor names longtime Phoenix fireman Garrison as chief
Terry Garrison

Terry A. Garrison (pictured), who recently ended a 30-year career with the Phoenix Fire Department, has been selected by Mayor Annise Parker to lead Houston's fire department as chief.

Garrison most recently served as an interim chief at the Daisy Mountain Fire District after stepping down as assistant chief at the Phoenix Fire Department in 2007.

Garrison also served as chief of the Oceanside, California, fire department from May 2007 to December 2009.

Hitchcock postpones construction of new high school
Blaming smaller enrollment and a stagnant tax base, trustees for the Hitchcock Independent School District recently agreed to again delay construction of a $16 million high school that won voter approval in a 2008 bond election.

Trustees in April decided to proceed with construction of the 115,000-square-foot high school facility after agreeing to delay the project last year. When bids for the high school project recently came in higher than the district's financial adviser said the district should pay, trustees took no action on a motion to proceed with the construction project and the motion died.

The consensus of the board is to wait to learn if enrollment increases and whether housing construction resumes again in the next few years, said Superintendent Michael Bergman. District officials now are discussing whether to use remaining bond funds to remodel Crosby Middle School.

Bexar County, Northside ISD partner on international swim center
John Folks

Bexar County and Northside Independent School District are banding together to develop a $14 million outdoor aquatics center designed to attract national and worldwide swim and dive meets. Each entity has put up $7 million in funds for the project, which is slated for completion by mid-2013.

Voters approved the county's contribution in 2008 to fund the project with an extension of revenue taxes from hotel stays and car rentals. Northside Superintendent John Folks (pictured) said Bexar County stands to benefit to a great degree.

Plans calls for a capacity of 1,000 athletes, 2,500 spectators and 300 coaches. The facility at Bamberger Trail and Skyhawk Drive, which is in with USA Swimming standards, will feature a 50-meter outdoor pool with shaded bleachers and a 25-meter diving and warm-up pool.

USDA awards Walker County funds for water system upgrades
The U. S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Program has presented a $4.3 million loan and $569,600 grant to the Walker County Special Utility District (SUD) for water infrastructure improvements.

The funds will be geared toward the installation of a new water tower, service-pump upgrades, the replacement of an existing well on Highway 75 North and 73,000 linear feet of water lines, and construction of a new well in the Crabbs Prairie area.

SUD General Manager James Morrison said the improvements mark a natural progression. He said the original designs were expected to last 30 years, "and that's about how long we've been in business."
The upgrades and equipment replacement will improve water quality for nearly 10,000 Walker County residents in the Highway 30, Crabbs Prairie and Pine Prairie areas.

Quiroga resigns from Port of Galveston board to seek staff job
Bo Quiroga

Former Galveston mayor Roger "Bo" Quiroga (pictured) recently resigned from the governing board of the Port of Galveston to seek the position of director of real estate and external affairs for the port. Appointed by city council to the Wharves Board of Trustees, Quiroga, who was mayor of Galveston for six years, served nearly three years on the board that manages port operations.

Wharves Board of Trustees members are expected to consider a recommendation by Port Director Steve Cernak to hire Quiroga for the new staff position that will place him in charge of ensuring that tenants are abiding by lease agreements. He also will be responsible for some public engagements, including working with island residents to help educate them about port projects, Cernak said. The new position became necessary following the heavy damage to the port incurred by Hurricane Ike, Cernak said. Producing lease documents to settle issues has become a full-time job, he added.

Council members have not yet selected a candidate to replace Quiroga on the seven-member wharves board.

Bellaire approves $854,000 renovation of library
After learning it would cost $4 million to replace the existing library and $7.5 million to build a library sufficient for current collections and services, Bellaire City Council members agreed to spend $854,000 to bring the current library into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and to meet current safety codes.

The renovations also include upgrades to restrooms, installing a new electrical system, mold abatement, enlarging the entry and installing new carpet, adding a conference room and more storage space and painting the exterior, said Mary Cohrs, library director. City officials also will use a $57,000 federal stimulus grant to replace the air-handling system in the library. The city will seek bids for phased construction to allow the library to remain open during the renovation, city officials said.

Port San Antonio selects three new managers, controller
Port San Antonio officials recently selected Virginia Rios as vice president of real estate manager, Marcel Johnson to be the new business development manager and Danny Jones to be the new airport manager as well as oversee operations management of the East Kelly Railport. They also chose Christopher Reyes to serve as the controller and John O'Connor as a leasing agent.

Rios, who previously served as a property manager for Port San Antonio, replaces Michael LeMaire, who is now the chief operating officer for the agency. Johnson previously served as vice president for economic development for the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce. Jones has served as the interim airport manager since February 2009 and Reyes is a certified public accountant.

Metropolitan Transit Authority slowing down on new rail lines

Confronted with a possible $49 million budget gap this year, officials of the Metropolitan Transit Authority (Metro) recently agreed to slow construction on two light rail lines originally expected to be completed in 2013.

Metro officials may consider even more cost-cutting measures as they wait to learn if the transit authority will receive some of the $800 million grant funding from the Federal Transit Administration, said Gilbert Garcia (pictured), chairman of Metro, which serves the Houston area. The transit authority also is expecting to receive $260 million less in revenue this coming year because of reduced sales tax revenues, grant funding, ridership fees and debt issuance.

On the North line, expected to run to the Texas Medical Center and Reliant Park, Metro officials delayed road construction work on Fulton Street. Transit officials also delayed awarding a contract for the expansion and construction of a rail facility on Fannin Blvd., at the south end of the line near Reliant Park and the 610 Loop, Garcia said.

Robstown ISD approves bonds, design for new school
Trustees for the Robstown Independent School District recently approved the sale of bonds to pay for a new 47-classroom school and the preliminary design for the new facility.

The new school will house 1,000 students and feature one classroom designated as a "classroom of the future" equipped with state-of-the-art technology, a district spokesperson said. Voters approved a $12.4 million bond proposal, 68 percent of which will be paid for by the state through the Instructional Facilities Allotment. The state will pay $14.2 million of the $21 million cost of the bonds over a 30-year period.

Board members also discussed, but reached no decision on whether to ask contractors to submit sealed bids, which will be rated and selected by district staff and board members or to use the "construction manager at-risk" method to find a contractor to build the new school.

Dallas County Schools to install cameras on school buses
Rick Sorrells

Officials of Dallas County Schools recently agreed to install cameras on 260 buses operated by the school district. The cameras already are installed on 10 buses belonging to the district that provide bus transportation to about 70,000 students attending 14 Dallas-area school districts.

District officials are meeting with city officials to draft an ordinance that will allow citations of $200 to $300 to motorists who are photographed driving around buses with stop signs extended and flashing lights on while children are entering or existing the bus, said Superintendent Rick Sorrells (pictured).

If the ordinance is adopted, money collected from the citations will be divided with Dallas County Schools receiving 75 percent of the revenue collected and the City of Dallas receiving 25 percent of the revenue, Sorrells said. Until the ordinance is in place, motorists will receive warnings informing them of the violation and urging caution in the future.

Austin to buy 8,500 solar modules for city buildings and schools
Austin City Council members recently agreed to allow Austin Energy the option to buy as many as 8,500 solar modules for use in municipal buildings and schools served by Austin Energy.

The cost of the solar modules has dropped by almost 50 percent in the last two years and Austin Energy will receive a lower rate because of the volume purchase, said a spokesperson for Austin Energy. The solar modules are expected to generate about 2.7 million kilowatt hours a year and should reduce pollution levels equivalent to removing 400 vehicles from local roadways. City officials expect the modules will help the city achieve its goal of increasing solar capacity to 200 megawatts by 2020.

AACOG, San Antonio co-sponsor Brownfields Grant Workshop
Local, state and tribal governments and nonprofits interested in applying for Brownfields Assessment, Revolving Loan Fund, Cleanup and Job Training Grants are encouraged to attend a free Brownfields Grant Workshop on how to write a better proposal, co-sponsored by the City of San Antonio, the Alamo Area Council of Governments and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Region 6 Brownfields Team. The workshop is slated for Wednesday, Sept. 1, from 1-4 p.m. at the City of San Antonio Development Services Business Center, Training Classroom A-B, 2nd Floor, 1901 S. Alamo in San Antonio. The topics for the workshop include Brownfields 101, Ranking Criteria and Threshold Criteria. For more information, click here, or contact Sally.Basurto@Sanantonio.gov.

TSABAA bi-monthly meeting to focus on 'Building Trust'
"Building Trust" will be the subject of the presentation for the bi-monthly meeting of the Texas State Agency Business Administrators' Association from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 16. Those attending will hear a presentation on the benefits of developing trust with employees, peers and external customers. Tips will be given for developing strategies for maintaining and/or rebuilding relationships damaged by lack of trust. The presentation will be offered by Cindy Miller, training specialist with the State Comptroller's Office. Two hours of free CPE credit is available. No prerequisites or registration required.

TxDOT Business Outreach & Program Services hosts webinars

The Texas Department of Transportation's Business Outreach & Program (BOP) Services branch is still conducting its webinars targeting small, minority and women business-owners in the field of construction and professional services in Texas. Only three webinars remaining for the 2010 fiscal year. The external online seminars topics range from how to become a pre-qualified bidder on TxDOT contracts to online access of bid lettings and contract plans and much more. Each session aims to provide valuable information to contractors, suppliers and small businesses on how TxDOT operates with external parties, how to better understand processes and procedures and improve opportunities to bid and obtain contracts with TxDOT. Invited parties include potential contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, DBEs and any other small businesses. Each free webinar is limited and registration slots are on a first-come-first-serve basis. More information on each webinar can be found at www.txdot.gov. Questions should be forwarded to TxDOT-BOP-Webinars@dot.state.tx.us or call 1.866.480.2518, Option 2 for more information.

CEVS 2010, 'Re-Imagining the Built Environment' in Austin
Austin Energy and the Clean Energy Incubator announce the fourth annual Clean Energy Venture Summit on September 29-30, 2010. Early stage clean-energy companies will audition their technologies for inclusion in Austin's $10.4M DOE smart-grid/smart-home demonstration project, a product of the Pecan Street Project, the nation's most ambitious city-wide clean-energy laboratory. "The feedback EcoFit Lighting received during the 2009 conference helped us refine our investor pitch, leading to the close of a $2M round of funding," said Cason Coplin, CEO of 2009 CEVS winner Ecofit Lighting, a Kansas-based firm.

National Association of Social Workers, Texas plans conference
The 2010 National Association of Social Workers, Texas Annual Conference is slated for Oct. 8-10 at the Westin Galleria in Houston. Houston Mayor Annise Parker will be the opening plenary speaker and will address "Inspiring Community Action for a Better Quality of Life." Some of the pre-conference sessions planned, for which continuing education hours can be earned, include topics such as suicide prevention and postvention, overview of psychotropic medication for treating mental illness and teaching the next generation of social workers. inspiring community action for a better quality of life. There will also be numerous break-out sessions during the three days that cover everything from motivational interviewing to challenges facing children with incarcerated parents. The closing plenary session will feature Vicki Hansen, LMSW-AP, ACSW addressing "Advancing the Profession: Inspiring Social Workers. The closing plenary will provide attendees with a "State of the Chapter" to bring you up to date with NASW/Texas challenges and accomplishments. For more information on the conference schedules, click here. For registration information, click here.

Got cost-saving solutions? Now is the time to present them!

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

As local governments deal with budget issues, many are taking a serious look at new ways to deliver services. The options of outsourcing and public-private partnerships are beginning to be more attractive to many public officials.

Every governmental jurisdiction has been impacted by the economic downturn. School districts, colleges and universities must find ways to serve more students with budgets that have been reduced. Cities and counties are struggling to deal with increased health insurance costs as well as increased demands in the areas of indigent services. Counties, health care districts and quasi-agencies are all facing similar issues. Some are dipping into reserves to make ends meet. Others have no reserves.

Without new operational options and cost cutting initiatives, significant layoffs are eminent. Here are some of the ways local jurisdictions are meeting budget challenges:

In Caddo Mills, a proposal to reduce longevity pay is being considered. The amount employees receive could be reduced as much as $12 per month. The state requirement is only $4 per month but most public entities were paying much more.

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Recreational Trail Grant projects get $3.3 million in funds
Nearly two-dozen National Recreational Trail Grant projects were awarded funding this week by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission. The Commission approved $3.3 million in funding for projects in communities in Texas as well as in eight state parks and a wildlife management area. An additional $25,000 was awarded to the Texas 4-H for an All-Terrain-Vehicle safety program.

The trail funds are part of the federal gas tax generated by the sale of gasoline for use in off-road recreational vehicles. Money from the trail fund helps create and maintain motorized and non-motorized recreational trails. States are allocated part of the funding by the Federal Highway Administration, based on a formula that includes state populations and fuel sales for off-road vehicles. The program provides 80-20 matching grants. To view the list of projects by county that were funded, click here and look under "Recent Reports."