Community colleges take their case to legislature

Bill would ensure paid health benefits for qualified employees

Dozens of community college officials representing every community college district in Texas took their case for continuing state-paid employee health insurance benefits for the next biennium to the Texas Legislature this week. The community colleges officials are supporting legislation (HB 2083) which puts into statute the legislative practice of the funding of group health insurance benefits for community college employees, based on the number of eligible employees.

The legislation was filed in response to Gov. Rick Perry's veto of $154 million of that same funding from the state appropriation bill after the last legislative session, leaving community colleges scrambling for ways they could make up the funding. The funding was eventually restored in the supplemental appropriations bill.

"Local taxpayers and students are doing their part and in some cases - more," said Dallas County Community College Chancellor Wright L. Lassiter, Jr. (left) as he made the case for state payment of eligible community college employees' health care benefits. He said if the state does not continue to pick up those costs, it would be a "major shift" in providing employee group health insurance, and would put the financial responsibility "back on the community" in which the college is located.

Texas Association of Community Colleges (TACC) Chair Millicent Valik (right) noted that the presence of representatives of all the community college districts at the House Appropriations Committee hearing "speaks to the fact that this is THE most important priority" and that it would "determine our ability to be able to continue to be the foundation for higher education in Texas."

TEA offers guidance for use of stimulus funds

Commissioner encourages 'creative, innovative ideas'

The Texas Education Agency has released guidelines to school districts recommending the use of stimulus funds geared to special education programs and helping economically disadvantaged students.

Texas is expected to receive approximately $969 million in supplemental federal funds for Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) programs and $1.2 billion in Title I, part A funds, which include school improvement grants. Texas is set to receive a total of $6.2 billion in education funding overall with additional appropriations related to the passage of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).

Commissioner of Education Robert Scott (pictured) said he urges "every Texas school district to implement creative and innovative ideas that will provide for long-term stability when investing these funds."

The guidance documents and other stimulus information are available by clicking here. Grant applications will be available beginning April 15.

UT Southwestern may provide Seton doctor training

If all goes as planned, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical School in Dallas could soon provide the physician training program for the Seton Family of Hospitals. The move is seen as another step toward a medical school in Austin.

Seton's residency program is currently being run by the The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston. If UT Southwestern were to take over the training program, the number of residents being trained in Austin would significantly increase. Some 160 residents are currently being trained in Austin. The move might also help Austin attract more researchers and research dollars.

TPWD breaks ground on Game Warden training center

Ground will be broken on the first phase of the $20 million Texas Game Warden Association training complex in Hamilton today, Thursday. The new home for the cadet training is the first in more than 30 years, as cadets had trained at the same 6.2-acre site in downtown Austin and in borrowed facilities throughout the state before moving to the new site in 2008.

The property was donated and the Texas Legislature authorized $3.6 million from the sale of the Austin property. Private donors added another $6.4 million. Fundraising efforts will continue to try to raise the approximately half of the $20 million price tag still unpaid by the public-private partnership. Cadets such as those in the accompanying TPWD photo from the 2008 training class being sworn in will now have 39,000 square feet of instructional, administrative and residential facilities once the project is completed.

The training center will eventually include a water rescue training facility, a fire range, an emergency vehicle operations course and more.

March sales tax collections in Texas show decrease

March sales tax collections for Texas showed a decrease of 3.8 percent from figures for March of last year. The State Comptroller's Office today, Thursday, released figures showing the decline, but also noted year-to-date sales tax revenue is up 1.9 percent for the current fiscal year.

Cities, counties, transit systems and special purpose taxing districts will receive $409.9 million in April sales tax allocations, a 2.2 percent decrease compared to April 2008. Texas cities, down 1.9 percent compared to April 2008, will receive allocations of $275.7 million and Texas counties will receive $26 million, up 0.4 percent compared to one year ago. Calendar year-to-date, county sales tax allocations are 5.7 percent higher than last year. Special purpose taxing districts around the state will receive $16 million in sales tax, up 12.7 percent compared to last April and 10 local transit systems will receive $92.2 million in sales tax rebates, down 5.8 percent compared to a year ago.

To view the tax payments by city, click here. To view the tax payments by county, click here.

Texas vehicles will soon see new license plates

After 33 years, six-character Texas license plate will soon become a thing of the past. That means that seven-character plates are in the works for Texas motor vehicle owners this year. Not only will the plates feature seven characters for approximately the next 35 years, but the general-issue license plates will get a new look.

The plate (as seen at left) is dubbed "Lone Star Texas." A white Lone Star graces the top left-hand corner of the license place while wide brushes of red and blue highlight the Texas sky on the bottom half of the plate. A low-lying mountain range also is featured on the bottom of the plate.

The new plates are being made by inmates in the Wynne Correctional Unit of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) holds a contract with the Huntsville unit to manufacture the plates. Before the seven-character plates are put into circulation, the state will first have to exhaust its supply of six-character plates. The current plate design was introduced in 2000. Since then, approximately 31.5 million sets of the general-issue plates have been produced. There are more than 20 million registered vehicles in Texas, the majority of which bear general-issue plates.

TxDOT district engineer Robert Daigh will retire

Robert Daigh (pictured), district engineer for the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), has announced he will retire at the end of this month. He has served as district engineer for Austin since 2003.

In 1988, Daigh began his TxDOT career as an engineer in the Austin district's Georgetown office before he was promoted to director of turnpike planning and development in 1999.

TxDOT officials have not yet named a replacement for Daigh. An interim engineer will be appointed in the meantime.

Dallas postpones sale of bonds to finance hotel

Current market conditions will delay Dallas city officials from selling revenue bonds for a planned convention center hotel that Mayor Tom Leppert (pictured) had hoped to sell before a scheduled May 9 referendum to prohibit public ownership of a convention center hotel.

Dallas voters will decide on the referendum whether to amend the city charter to prohibit the city from owning the convention center hotel. Leppert and other city officials had hoped to sell the bonds and begin construction on the project before the election, an action that would have rendered meaningless the outcome of the May 9 referendum because new law generally cannot be applied retroactively.

Opponents of the proposed city-owned convention center hotel complain that if the hotel fails, Dallas taxpayers will be forced to financially bail out the hotel. Leppert argues that the hotel is crucial to the city's economic health and competitiveness of the city's convention center and said he is campaigning hard to convince voters to reject the referendum to prohibit the city from owning a convention hotel.

Comptroller's office to offer franchise tax Webinar

Texas Comptroller Susan Combs has agreed to offer another free Webinar to help taxpayers file their 2009 franchise tax reports due to overwhelming demand. Reservations can be made for the newly scheduled Webinar, slated for Friday, April 19, from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m., or for the original Tuesday, April 28, date from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m.

The Webinars will utilize Voice Over Internet Protocol, which means participants will not have to pay for long-distance phone calls to listen to the presentation.

For more information or to register for one of the free presentations, click here.

University of Dallas president Francis Lazarus to retire

University of Dallas President Dr. Francis M. Lazarus (pictured) has announced plans to retire, effective Dec. 31. A pre-retirement sabbatical will begin Sept. 1 for Lazarus, during which time he will teach and conduct research related to Greek archaeology and architecture.

Dan Cruse, chairman of the university's board of trustees, said the UD faculty salute Lazarus "and recognize his many contributions by conferring on him the rank of President Emeritus."

Lazarus became UD president in July 2004, helping the institution earn its designation as a leading Catholic university based on the number of National Merit Scholars per capita.

Henderson County looks at options for office space

Henderson County commissioners recently took a second look at plans for buildings owned by the Murchison Foundation, which had offered to raze the structures on the property to allow the city to build a new facility.

While commissioners previously discussed building a new structure on the property, an architectural firm representative presented two plans to renovate the three buildings, which he described as structurally sound. Option 1, at a cost of $2.7 million, would renovate the Murchison buildings for use as a tax office, relocate adult probation from the judicial complex to a space the county would lease and move the 173rd District Court from the courthouse to the judicial center. Costing $3.3 million, option 2 would refurbish the Murchison buildings for adult probation, build a new records building, move the 173rd District Court to the judicial center, move the tax office to the Murchison property and renovate the old tax building to house the fire marshal's office. Only one floor of the largest Murchison building would be removed, the architect said.

Commissioners questioned the lack of additional parking and the cost of renovating both floors of the Murchison structure, but endorsed neither plan.

St. Mary's University announces Erevelles as dean

Winston Erevelles (pictured) has been appointed dean of the School of Science, Engineering and Technology at St. Mary's University, effective Aug. 1. He will replace Anthony Kaufmann, who is retiring.

Erevelles, presently employed in a similar post at Robert Morris University in Pennsylvania, has taught at Kettering University and the University of Missouri-Rolla.

Erevelles holds a bachelor's degree from Bangalore University in India, and a master's degree and doctoral degree from the University of Missouri-Rolla.

New VA facility in Valley coming soon

Federal government officials have announced the construction of an outpatient ambulatory surgical center in Harlingen and have pledged to build a Department of Veterans Affairs hospital in the region.

An elected federal official said the new VA clinic is a "down payment" for a Rio Grande Valley veterans' hospital, noting 95 percent of all veterans' healthcare needs will eventually be handled at the Harlingen clinic, eradicating the need for veterans to travel to San Antonio for medical attention.

Construction on the outpatient facility is set to begin in the coming days. Contracts with two health systems in the region will go also into effect April 13, providing additional long-term care at five RGV hospitals.

Washington Co. eyes grant to transform police station

Washington County commissioners recently received a $235,500 community development grant they plan to use to renovate the former city police station to house a public health clinic and other public health functions. The Brenham City Council approved the agreement to turn over the 10,000-square-foot building with the stipulation that at least 75 percent of it must be used for public health purposes. The county has joined forces to open the Washington County Health Coalition, a clinic serving those without health insurance. According to the Brenham City Council interlocal agreement, a minimum of 75 percent of the former police station must be used for expressly those purposes, said City Manager Terry Roberts (pictured).

County Judge Dorothy Morgan said she expects the community development grant to pay for more than half of the renovations estimated to cost about $400,000. Private donations and a grant from a medical center also will be used to pay to renovate the old police station, Morgan said.

Plans call for the new facility to house the state's public health office, a medical assistance program and screening of indigent health care in addition to providing clinical services, Morgan said.

Howard Payne cites presidential search group

Howard Payne University board of trustees have announced plans to form a search committee to appoint the institution's 19th president, who will replace Dr. Lanny Hall. The search committee comprises university alumni, trustees, students and administrative personnel. Hall is leaving to head up Hardin Simmons University as its 15th president.

The search committee includes: Brad Helbert, trustee and chairman; Kay Nettleship, trustee; Gary Price, trustee; Dr. Leonard Underwood, trustee; Trey Oakley, president, alumni association; Lynn Humeniuk, director, Criminal Justice Program and assistant professor of sociology; Dr. Rob Tucker, Dean of Music, Fine Arts and Extended Education, professor of music; Glenda Huff, director of Student Aid; Bill Fishback, assistant vice president for Business and Human Resources; Tristan Summers, student body president; and Dr. Randall Grooms, chairman, HPU Board of Trustees, ex-officio member.

Sam Houston names new graduate studies dean

Mitchell Muehsam (pictured), associate vice president for academic affairs and dean of graduate studies at Sam Houston State University, has been named dean of SHSU's College of Business Administration. His tenure begins Aug. 1.

Meusham joined the SHSU faculty in the Department of Economics and Business Analysis in 1989 before he was promoted to associate professor in 1995 and to full professor six years later. He also served as associate dean and coordinator of graduate studies for the College of Business Administration for eight years starting in 1995.

Meusham holds a doctoral degree from Texas A&M University.

Orange County mulls request to create hospital district

Following a request by a hospital administrator, Orange County commissioners are mulling the possibility of asking voters to vote to create a hospital district to pay for indigent health care costs. The hospital administrator estimated the average homeowner would pay $244 in additional taxes a year to a hospital district.

Commissioner John Dubose said he is surprised at the request, but will keep an open mind on the issue as he recognizes that hospitals need income to operate. But, he noted, citizens do not want more property taxes levied by county government.

Currently, the county has a contract with a hospital for indigent care and a contract with a physician's group in Orange to provide office visits for indigent patients who pay on a sliding scale. Additionally, the county pays the University of Texas Medical Branch about $20,000 a month to operate the federal Woman, Infant and Children (WIC) program, the prenatal care program and immunizations. The county currently budgets $758,000 for indigent medical services, including the salaries of the director of county social services and a social services worker, the county auditor said. Currently, the county provides indigent health care to people making 21 percent, or $2,274 annually, of the poverty level, which is $10,830 annually, the auditor said.

Brownsville to receive $1.6M for energy projects

Brownsville recently was notified the city will receive $1.6 million in stimulus funding from the federal Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Program to improve energy conservation. City Manager Charlie Cabler said the city has not designated a specific project to receive the funding, but will follow the U.S. Department of Energy guidelines that center on projects to reduce total energy use, lower fossil fuel emissions and improve energy efficiency.

TAMUHSC appoints new vice president of clinical affairs

Christopher C. Colenda (pictured) has been appointed the new Vice President for Clinical Affairs for the Texas A&M Health Science Center. The A&M System Board of Regents approved the move March 26.

Colenda will continue his role as the Jean and Thomas McMullin Dean of the College of Medicine as he takes on the charge of chief administrative and academic officer for the college. He previously served as professor and chairman of the Department of Psychiatry and associate dean for Programs and Projects at Michigan State University. He also worked as an administrator and faculty member at Wake Forest University School of Medicine and at the Medical College of Virginia of Virginia Commonwealth University.

Colenda earned his bachelor's degree from Wittenberg University and a master's degree from the Medical College of Virginia. He served as chief resident and fellow at Emory Univesity after completing his medical training at the University of Virginia Hospitals.

School districts, campuses honored by TEA

Six school districts and seven high school campuses offering exceptional high school completion and college readiness programs implemented with High School Allotment funds have been recognized by the Texas Education Agency (TEA). The High School Allotment is a $320 million annual fund created by the Texas Legislature in 2006. It provides every Texas school district with $275 per student in grades 9-12 to improve high school graduation and college readiness rates.

TEA recognizes these schools for their programs that prepare students for college readiness, increase graduation rates, improve curriculum alignment or prepare students for successful transition from middle school to high school or from high school to college and implement innovative high school completion and success programs or strategies.

The Mission Consolidated Independent School District (ISD), San Antonio's North East ISD, Humble ISD, McCamey High School in McCamey ISD and Plainview High School in Plainview ISD were recognized for strategies used in preparing students for college success. District-wide programs in Round Rock ISD, and a separate program offered at McNeil High School in Round Rock ISD were recognized for their efforts to increase graduation rates. Allen High School in Allen ISD, Malakoff High School in Malakoff ISD and Brewer High School in White Settlement ISD were recognized for improving curriculum alignment and preparing students for successful transitions from high school to college. Friendswood High School in Friendswood ISD, Grapevine-Colleyville ISD and Lewisville ISD received recognition for the implementation of innovative high school completion and success programs and strategies.

Education agencies will share data system funds

Texas is one of only 27 states to be named to receive part of a $7.9 million federal grant to help state education agencies upgrade their data systems to allow them to evaluate the effectiveness of classroom instruction from kindergarten through college.

The funding is from the U.S. Department of Education's Statewide Longitudinal Data Systems grant. The Texas Education Agency will receive approximately $5.8 million and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board will receive approximately $2 million from the five-year grant.

TEA plans to expand the Public Education Information Management System (PEIMS) to include classroom-level information for students and teachers and to expand the collection of student-level course completion data. TEA will also work with the Coordinating Board to expand the collection of student and faculty data in the Education Data Center (EDC) to include classroom level information and grades.

Dallas businessman committing $1M to UNT-Dallas

Brint Ryan (left), Dallas businessman and philanthropist, has committed $1 million to the University of North Texas-Dallas, singlehandedly forming the UNT Dallas Founders Circle in the process. The gift is the largest ever from a private individual in the campus' nine-year history, according to Vice Chancellor John Ellis Price (right).

The UNT Dallas Founders Circle, a nine-member board, will dedicate its efforts to develop the Dallas campus as it transitions from an extension site to an independent university. Beginning next year, UNT Dallas will stand as the city's only public university.

Price said Ryan's gift will be used for much-needed financial aid as most of the university's demographics will be comprised of first-generation college students.

Stimulus funds to update Valley transit systems

McAllen's transit system and the Rio Metro system in the Rio Grande Valley are set to receive a $4.6 million in federal stimulus dollars to purchase new buses.

Ken Jones, executive director of the Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Council, said the grant is the first funding secured from the economic stimulus package. He said Rio Metro will purchase 10 vehicles with the money, replacing half of their fleet. Another $384,000 grant will fund the purchase of four vehicles that serve rural areas.

Meanwhile, McAllen transit officials will replace 10 of their city buses with $2.3 million in grant money.

Grant funds will upgrade education data systems

Texas is one of only 27 states to be named to receive part of a $7.9 million federal grant to help state education agencies upgrade their data systems to allow them to evaluate the effectiveness of classroom instruction from kindergarten through college.

The funding is from the U.S. Department of Education's Statewide Longitudinal Data Systems grant. The Texas Education Agency will receive approximately $5.8 million and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board will receive approximately $2 million from the five-year grant.

TEA plans to expand the Public Education Information Management System (PEIMS) to include classroom-level information for students and teachers and to expand the collection of student-level course completion data. TEA will also work with the Coordinating Board to expand the collection of student and faculty data in the Education Data Center (EDC) to include classroom level information and grades.

TAMU-Commerce names Van Deven vice president

Randy Van Deven (pictured) is set to join Texas A&M University-Commerce as the new vice president of institutional advancement, where he will oversee alumni relations and marketing communications.

Van Deven, a professional engineer, previously served nine years as director of major gifts at Tennessee Technology University, where he recently secured a $1 million gift.

Dr. Dan Jones, A&M-Commerce president, said Van Deven brings with him "a wealth of experience and knowledge in institutional advancement" and a shared passion for "transforming lives through education."

Commission to decide award of federal grant funds

A decision on the award by the Texas Department of Transportation of $1,296,766 in Federal Transit Administration Job Access and Reverse Commute (JARC) Program Grant funding to the Central Texas Rural Transit District (CTRTD) in Coleman will be decided by the Texas Transportation Commission at its May 28 meeting. If approved, the funds will help increase transit services for those living in rural communities in Brown, Callahan, Coleman, Comanche, Eastland, Nolan and Stephens counties to help them travel to work in Abilene, Brownwood, Eastland and Sweetwater.

TSTC cites high school credits program expansion

High school students in Taylor, Hutto and East Williamson County can take college courses for free through a dual enrollment plan sponsored by Texas State Technical College (TSTC) and East Williamson County Higher Education Center.

TSTC plans to expand its automotive and welding courses, already available at Taylor High School, to Hutto, Thrall, Granger and other schools in East Williamson County. Other course offerings to be added include culinary arts and electronics. Students can earn up to 24 hours of college credits (two semesters worth) toward an associate of applied science degree at TSTC before graduating high school.

Kimberley Mason, principal of Taylor High School, said the program teaches students that college is an attainable goal within their reach. She said the program helps "kids who didn't see themselves as college-bound find out they really are college-ready after all."

N. Texas looks to improve air quality with grants

Through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are set to promote alternative-fuel advancements, reduce diesel pollution and provide grants to create and promote jobs in the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area. The DOE and EPA have set aside $600 million nationwide for the initiative. The North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) will coordinate applications for the grants, which will provide partial funding for the eco-friendly initiatives. Applicants must contribute additional or matching funds for projects.

Michael Morris (pictured), director of transportation for NCTCOG, said the Regional Transportation Council has selected $143 million in roadway projects and $93 million in transit projects to be funded through economic recovery money. He said NCTCOG is committed to "finding every opportunity to use recovery funding, especially if it can boost our economy while improving air quality."

NCTCOG and DFW Clean Cities hosted two workshops Tuesday, April 7, in the Transportation Council Room at the NCTCOG offices in Arlington. The DOE workshop focused on electric and alternative fuel vehicles and green truck stops. The EPA workshop focused on diesel emission reductions.

Fort Bliss may have to scale back projects

A couple of Fort Bliss projects may be restructured or put on hold indefinitely as Secretary of Defense Robert Gates' recommendations to overhaul the military budget cast uncertainty on the Army base's initiatives.

Future Combat Systems (FCS), a modernization research program, and the creation of a second brigade combat team through the Army's Grow the Force initiative may be stifled, though post officials remain reticent to talk about how the budget cuts may impact key programs.

Post spokeswoman Jean Offutt said it would not be advisable "for us to get ahead of Congress or the budget process."

A&M professors awarded $750,000 grants

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) has awarded four $750,000 grants to Texas A&M Department of Teaching, Learning and Culture faculty members to host the Governor's School in Arts and Humanities for Urban Leadership program.

Awardees (from left) include Patrick Slattery, professor of culture, curriculum and instruction; Stephen Carpenter, associate professor of art education and visual culture; Chance Lewis, associate professor of urban education; and Norvella Carter, professor of urban education.

The program seeks to recruit 100 high-achieving 11th- and 12th-graders who exhibit an interest in the arts, humanities and urban leadership to Texas A&M University for three weeks this summer. There students will live on campus and attend arts, technology and leadership classes. On weekends the students will travel to cities to meet artists, leaders and scholars.

Jim Wells allocates funds for reverse 9-1-1 system

Jim Wells County commissioners have adopted a method of distribution (a reverse 9-1-1 system) for $245,000 in Disaster Recovery Funds after hurricanes Ike and Dolly wrought devastation to the area last year. A reverse 9-1-1 system would send out a recorded message to landline phones, and potentially cell phones, warning residents of an impending storm or disaster.

The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in February announced $1.3 billion in funds had been appropriated for recovery efforts in states affected by the hurricanes. Those funds were distributed to state agencies, including the Office of Rural Community Affairs (ORCA) in Texas, the primary state agency handling and distributing the grants. The Coastal Bend Council of Governments will distribute the funds at the local level.

Mineral Wells residents cool to ICE detention center

Despite assurances that a proposed detention center for illegal immigrants would provide jobs and the highest security measures possible against escapes, most of the 80 Mineral Wells residents at a recent public hearing on the proposed $35 million facility raised concerns about lower property values and safety.

With the mayor voicing support for the proposed facility that would initially house 1,000 detainees, an attorney for the private company that plans to build and operate the facility for the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency said the site was the best of the 25 to 30 sites investigated and that others did not offer the access to transportation, infrastructure and space for a security zone that the 62-acre site northeast of the municipal airport offers. The detention facility, which will not house families, will have maximum security with video monitoring, a perimeter guard 24 hours a day and two 12-foot fences with razor wire and cameras surrounding the center. An Austin-based development company owns the property and will lease it to the private company to operate, he said.

Mineral Wells city officials estimated the city will receive about $140,000 a year in property taxes and an estimated $300,000 per year from the 95 cents per detainee per day fee for daily operations in addition to the $240,000 impact fee it will receive from the operators. The estimated payroll is about $3 million, he said.

TAMUHSC-Round Rock campus holds topping out

The Texas A&M Health Science Center (HSC) Round Rock recently held a topping out ceremony celebrating the last beam placed at the top of a new building (as indicated in the accompanying photo by Chasco Constructors) for the campus' inaugural facility.

The four-story, 130,000-square-foot building is slated to be finished by the end of the year. The structure will feature a student life and student service support area, administration offices and a simulation center equipped with computer-programmed dummies.

Lone Star Circle of Care, a federally qualified community health center where HSC medical students participate in clinical rotations, also plans to open a clinic in the building.

Missouri City grant would provide officers, tasers

Missouri City council members recently authorized the police department to apply for a $308,447.75 federal grant to pay for hiring 10 additional police officers and a $77,438 federal grant to buy tasers, related equipment and training for officers on proper use of the stun guns.

Police officials will apply to the Community Oriented Policing Services Hiring Recovery Program grant from the U.S. Department of Justice to cover the cost of hiring 10 officers and purchasing five fully equipped patrol cars, said Police Captain Larry Capps. If awarded, the grant will pay 100 percent of entry-level salaries and benefits for three years for each of the approved positions. The city also must agree to retain any new officers hired under the grant for a minimum of 12 months after the three-year funding period ends, he said.

The Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance program of the U.S. Department of Justice has allocated $77,438 to Missouri City from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, said City Manager Frank Simpson. If approved, the non-competitive grant will permit the police department to purchase 84 hand-held tasers, two replacement cartridges per unit, two training cartridges for each officer, 42 replacement batteries and USB download kits and training.

FEMA allocates more than $3M to Combes

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has allocated just over $3.1 million to the City of Combes to repair damage and clean up debris left in the wake of Hurricane Dolly. Projects to be funded with the FEMA money include street repairs, drainage and infrastructure improvements and demolition of the town's old water tower.

FEMA funds have also helped reduce a $179,379 water bill to $88,000, accumulated as pipes burst and floodwater flowed into Combes' sewer system following the storm.

Combes Mayor Silver Garcia said one of the silver linings following the disaster "is that we have been able to obtain money to fix long-standing drainage problems and also to address some new issues that have arisen with development."

SPI to launch national newsletter - State & Local Government Pipeline

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

Sparked by the overwhelming popularity of our seven-year-old weekly newsletter, The Texas Government Insider, which features news from state and local government, K-12 public education, higher education and healthcare in Texas, it seemed only natural that our next step would be to go national.

In two weeks, SPI will launch its second weekly electronic newsletter, State & Local Government Pipeline. The newsletter will target government contractors and government executives throughout the country. While the initial emphasis will be on news and information about the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), the newsletter will also report on national trends, budget issues, initiatives in other states and breaking national news.

There's a lot happening with the federal economic stimulus bill and SPI researchers have been working for months to track and monitor the $787 billion in funding as it leaves the federal government and makes its way to all 50 states. Our clients don't just want to know how much money is allocated and who the end-user is who will get to make decisions, they also want to know what the decision-makers plan to do and when.

D/FW Airport execs move
on new department building

Officials of the Dallas/Fort Worth Airport recently approved a new $1.56 million building to house their Environmental Affairs Department. The approval came despite questioning by some board members whether the expense is appropriate at a time when the airport is trying to reduce costs. Officials originally estimated the building would cost about $2.1 million, but estimates came in lower than expected, said Jeff Fegan (pictured), the airport's chief executive officer.

The building is needed so that hazardous materials are no longer brought into the administration building, Fegan said. The new building, which should be completed in October, will house 25 to 30 employees.

State workers, retired teachers could get bonuses

Texas state government workers and retired public school teachers are watching closely the $178.4 billion budget that passed out of the House Appropriations Committee this week and will soon go to the House floor. The budget that came out of committee features a $1,000 bonus for state workers and retired teachers. The House is expected to vote on the bill next week.

The Senate budget bill does not include the $1,000 bonuses for teachers and state workers. The House version stipulates that the bonuses will be paid only to state employees who make less than $100,000 per year. The bonus also would be paid to retired state workers and retired teachers.

San Angelo announces
Meighan as first PIO

San Angelo city officials recently selected Ty Meighan as the city's first public information officer. He currently is employed by the San Angelo Standard-Times and previously managed the Texas Poll from 1998 and served as communications director for the Texas Department of Economic Development.

With the media industry changing so quickly, the city needs a public information officer with the experience and qualifications to disseminate factual information as quickly and effectively as possible, said City Manager Harold Dominguez. In addition to releasing public information and serving as a media liaison, Meighan also will manage the city's public access channel and oversee the city's Web site, Dominguez said.

McAlister to retire as city manager of city of Willis

Jim McAllister recently announced that he will retire in May as city manager of Willis. McAllister served 46 years in municipal government, five years in Willis and as a city manager in Tulia, Cleburne, Huntsville and Brenham.

Lackland ISD selects
Roper new superintendent

Dr. Burnie Roper (pictured) has been named superintendent for Lackland Independent School District. Roper, a principal at Lackland's Stacey Junior/Senior High School, began his academic career as a 6th grade math teacher before moving onto various administrative posts at San Antonio Independent School District.

Roper holds a bachelor's degree from The University of Texas at San Antonio, a master's degree from Texas A&M University-Kingsville and a doctoral degree from Nova Southeastern University.

Cavazos lone finalist
for Alice superintendent

Trustees for the Alice Independent School District recently selected Salvador Cavazos as the lone finalist for superintendent to replace Superintendent Henry Herrera, who is resigning in June after 26 years with the district.

Cavazos currently is an assistant superintendent for Brownsville ISD and previously served as a principal for Austin ISD. If the contract is finalized, Cavazos will begin his new duties on July 1.

Hamilton ISD's Bell
heads to Brenham

Sam Bell (pictured), Hamilton Independent School District superintendent, has been named lone finalist for superintendent at Brenham Independent School District.

Bell has worked in education for 26 years, as a superintendent, principal and assistant principal at Hamilton ISD and a seven-year stint at Mineral Wells High School. Board president Vance Hamilton said Bell has excelled wherever he has been and is "very keen on the community and the role they play."

McAllen names new superintendent finalist

James J. Ponce, deputy chief of staff for the Dallas Independent School District, has been named lone finalist for the superintendent position at McAllen Independent School District. Former Superintendent Yolanda Chapa retired in January. Assistant Superintendent Mike Barrera has been serving as the interim superintendent.

Ponce previously served as superintendent for Dallas' Area 6, overseeing 36 schools with some 30,000 students enrolled. Ponce is set to receive his doctoral degree from The University of Texas at Austin's Cooperative Superintendency Program next month.

Gracey to lead Texas Computer Education Assn.

Lori Gracey, executive director of Instruction and Technology at Bastrop Independent School District, has been selected to serve as executive director of the Texas Computer Education Association.

Gracey has presented research at more than 650 conferences regarding educational technology, ranging from district to international levels. She has served as a Certified Palm trainer and as a Texas Association of School Administrators (TASA) Handheld Academy trainer for the past four years, before which she served as a TASA Leadership Academy trainer.

Corpus Christi port gets $1.1M for channel extension

The Port of Corpus Christi recently received notice it will get $15 million in federal funding to help pay for a 1.4-mile extension of the La Quinta channel to give deep-water access to more than 1,000 acres of port property, said John LaRue (pictured), executive director of the port authority of Corpus Christi. The funding was included in the appropriations bill passed by the U.S. House of Representatives in February and the Senate in March.

The port property connected to the channel is permitted for a proposed $70 million container terminal and a 3,800-foot dock facility supported by rail, highway, barges and ships, which port officials hope to begin operating in 2011. The terminal will be capable of handling cargo containers sized to fit on railcars and tractor-trailer trucks, La Rue said. This first-time funding will act as a leverage for making any subsequent funding requests more routine because the project now is included in the regular budget cycle. The project is part of the port's $400 million plan to widen and deepen the Corpus Christi Ship Channel to add barge lanes and restore wetlands.

UTSA, NISD study joint convocation center

The University of Texas at San Antonio and Northside ISD in San Antonio are discussing the possibility of the shared development and use of a new convocation center. UTSA Associate Athletic Director Brad Parrott (pictured) called the current discussions "a concept, an idea" but pointed to the fact that both institutions are in need of a center.

Such a center would cost between $80 million and $100 million and would seat approximately 10,500. It would be built west of the Main Campus at UTSA. UTSA is conducting a study to identify potential revenue sources for its half of such a facility and NISD would likely have to turn to a bond election to fund its half. UTSA's current center seats only slightly fewer than 5,000. The center could also be used for other events, such as graduation ceremonies for both the university and high schools.

Lone Star approves $1.02M for engineering services

Lone Star College System board members recently approved $1.02 million for engineering services to build new facilities and renovate, repair and replace current facilities.

Voters in May 2008 passed a $420 million bond to pay for the project. The engineering and testing services, which include soil analysis for foundation systems, geotechnical and materials testing, are necessary for construction to begin, said Cindy Gilliam, vice chancellor for administration and finance for LSCS. Construction on the new buildings is scheduled to begin this fall, Gilliam said.

Sherman city officials get more bang for buck

The Sherman City Council recently praised city staff for using the city's improved bond rating to increase from 16 to 25 the number of miles of roads to be repaired using proceeds from the bonds. Council members recently approved the issue of $5 million in certificates of obligation to pay for portions of the Capital Improvements Plan and $3 million in tax notes for street repairs.

Assistant City Manager Robby Hefton said the city had received low bids on projects lately, with some more than 50 percent less than expected so it makes sense to proceed now with projects. If the low bids continue, city officials said they will consider asking council members to approve a third and final phase of the building. Projects funded with the $5 million in certificates of obligation include construction for parks and new roadways.

Floyd chosen vice president
of Tarrant's JPS Hospital

Dr. Gary Floyd (pictured) is the new vice president of medical affairs for Tarrant County's John Peter Smith Hospital and its community clinics. Floyd is a pediatrician at Cook Children's Medical Center in Fort Worth and is a member of the JPS Health Network board of managers. He expects to join the JPS staff in May.

Because Floyd will be leaving the JPS board, Tarrant County commissioners have appointed Dr. Rex Hyer, current president of the Tarrant County Medical Society, to replace him on the board.

Austin approves $2.8M
for new fire station

Austin City Council members recently approved $2.8 million for a new fire station in the northwest area of the city. The recent lower cost for construction prompted the city to move forward with the project, said city officials. Construction should take about one year to complete, said Harry Evans of the Austin Fire Department.

Kilgore to pursue grant to spur economic development

Kilgore city council members recently authorized the Kilgore Economic Development Corp. to apply for a $1.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce. The grant will be used to build roads and upgrade utilities on 200 acres of undeveloped land the development corporation purchased last year. Council members also delayed a vote to enter a $10,500 consulting services contract for building practice fields at Synergy Park.

Socorro ISD to receive $394,603 for counseling

The U.S. Department of Education recently awarded a $394,603 grant to the Socorro Independent School District to expand counseling services. The three-year grant, from the Elementary and Secondary School Counseling Demonstration Program, may be used to hire more qualified school counselors, social workers and school psychologists to help students continue and successfully complete their education.

El Paso's Sun Metro to receive $392,000 for bus

Sun Metro, which provides bus service to residents of El Paso and to county residents, recently received notice it will receive a $392,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation. The funding will be used to buy a new, 40-foot compressed natural gas bus to expand public transportation in the county.

Bush sworn in as new
Ellis County Judge

Attorney Carol Bush (pictured) this week was sworn in as the new Ellis County Judge. Bush, from Waxahachie, will fill the unexpired term of former County Judge Chad Adams, who resigned his post effective April 1.

Bush holds two bachelor's degrees from Trinity University in San Antonio and her law degree from St. Mary's University School of Law. She has also completed advanced courses of study in dispute resolution and family law mediation at Southern Methodist University. She is a former Ellis County Court-at-Law judge, where she served in 1996 and 1997.

UTEP receives grant to study health disparities

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recently awarded $241,514 to The University of Texas at El Paso to study health disparities along the border of Texas and Mexico. The School of Nursing will conduct the United States-Mexico Interdisciplinary Research Training Program that will study health conditions along both sides of the border, said Robert L. Anders, dean of the School of Nursing.

Recent Reports

• SPI's May 2009 Upcoming Bond Elections

Event Links

• AACOG Foreclosure Prevention Workshop
• AACOG State Notary training seminar
• SETAPP 209 Lone Star conference for public purchasers
• DIR Power to Purchase Technology Expo 2009
• TxDOT Small Business Briefings
• Texas State University Small Business Development Center training schedule
• TWC Texas Business Conferences
• LBJ School Professional Development Calendar
• Upcoming Executive Women in Texas Government events

Texas Government Insider Archives

Volume 1 - 7 Archives · 11/7/03 - 4/3/09

Arlington seeks $11.7M in grants for law enforcement

Police Chief Theron Bowman (pictured) recently outlined plans to Arlington City Council members about how he will spend $11.7 million if the city receives three federal grants from federal stimulus funds expected to be awarded before June.

The largest grant, $10.5 million, will pay for 54 police officers for three years, Bowman said. Of these, 19 will be new officers and the remaining are authorized positions that were not funded in the current city budget. He plans to use a $1 million grant to pay for eight civilian positions for 30 months, with four of those to be new positions and the others eliminated because of budget cuts. The third grant would give the city about $200,000 a year for two years to target drug production and transportation, Bowman said.

Governor's appointments

Gov. Rick Perry has made the following appointments:

• Olen Underwood of Willis, presiding judge, Second Administrative Judicial Region
• John P. Chupp of Arlington, judge, 141st Judicial District Court
• Gerry Evenwel of Mt. Pleasant, Correctional Managed Health Care Committee
• Larry G. Holt of College Station, Texas State Library and Archives Commission
• Glyn S. Crane of Longview, Aging and Disability Services Council
• Carolyn Harvey of Tyler, Aging and Disability Services Council
• Ann Schneider of Austin, Aging and Disability Services Council

Lubbock ISD beginning superintendent interviews

Trustees for the Lubbock Independent School District recently began interviewing candidates for superintendent, but declined to identify any of the candidates or how many candidates were interviewed.

Gordon Wilson (pictured), board president, said the consultant hired to lead the search effort advised board members to say as little as possible about the interviews that were held on Wednesday and Thursday. A second round of interviews is expected to begin next week where candidates and their spouses will have dinner with board members, Wilkerson said.

United ISD to implement hiring, compensation freeze

United Independent School District is considering implementing a hiring and compensation freeze because of the current economic crisis, according to school board members. Teachers who leave the district would be replaced, however, according to school district trustee William B. Johnson (pictured). "There are positions we have to fill," he said.

There are no plans to lay off employees at this time, but the board has asked UISD directors to analyze departments to make certain positions are needed before the district hires replacements.

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Corsicana to seek $597,000 in federal grants

The Corsicana City Council recently authorized the Corsicana Police Department to apply for two federal grants totaling $597,000 to pay for three additional police officers and nearly $40,000 in new police equipment. Police Chief Randy Bratton told council members that $38,000 of the grant is almost guaranteed to be awarded to the city.

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AACOG slates foreclosure workshop in May

The Alamo Area Council of Governments will host a free Foreclosure Prevention Workshop On Saturday, May 2, from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. The workshop will be at the Al J. Notzon IIII Board Room, 8700 Tesoro Drive, Suite 100 in San Antonio. Workshop sponsors include the AACOG Housing and Weatherization Department, the City of San Antonio Department of Community Initiatives and the San Antonio Foreclosure Prevention Task Force. Homeowners can meet with representatives of area banks, mortgage companies, lenders, certified housing counselors and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development officials to discuss assistance and options to prevent foreclosures. Parking is free and refreshments will be available. For more information, contact Mayra Rivero at (210) 362-5282.

SETAPP to host conference for public purchasers

The Southeast Texas Association of Public Purchasers (SETAPP), the local chapter of NIGP (National Association of Governmental Purchasers), will host the 2009 Lone Star conference for public purchasers from May 3-6 in Galveston. Keynote speaker on Monday will be Nancy Brooks, director for procurement at Iowa State University. The conference will also feature a variety of breakout sessions regarding topics from construction project delivery methods to disaster recovery. For program, registration and hotel information, click here.

State Notary training seminar planned by AACOG

A State Notary training seminar sponsored by the Alamo Area Council of Governments will be held Thursday, May 28, from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. in AACOG's Al J. Notzon III Board Room, 8700 Tesoro Drive, Suite 100 in San Antonio. The seminar is for both current notaries and those who wish to become notaries. Ten participants are required in order to hold the seminar. For information, contact AACOG Government Services Manager Joe Ramos at (210) 362-5212 or jramos@aacog.com.

DIR to host Power to Purchase Technology Expo

The Texas Department of Information Resources (DIR) will host the Power to Purchase Technology Expo on Thursday, April 30, at the Palmer Events Center in Austin. The Expo is free to all government and public entity personnel and will feature leading technology products and services. The Expo is customized for state, local and education sectors and will bring together DIR-contracted technology vendors and show public entities how to maximize their buying power through DIR information and communications technology contracts. Breakout sessions will be offered regarding ICT Contracts training, new products and services on contract, emerging technology and other technology issues. Attendees can earn continuing education credit. For more information and to register, click here.

TxDOT to host small business briefings

The Texas Department of Transportation will conduct a series of briefings throughout the state to educate small and minority-owned business owners on how to do business with TxDOT, particularly relating to how TxDOT procures services and purchases products. General Industry Sessions will include an Overview of TxDOT Toll Projects and Contracting Opportunities on Toll Way Projects, Professional Services Consulting Contracts and State Contracting for Information Technology Products and Services. Other breakout sessions will target small and minority businesses on Small and Minority Business Certifications, Resources for Small Business Development and Marketing Your Business to the State. TxDOT contracts include, but are not limited to, engineering, real estate professionals, IT services, computers, printing, construction, maintenance, goods and services and more. The next briefings will be held April 15 and 16 in Odessa. For more information, click here. To register online, click here.