Public-private partnership ideas sought for proposed courthouse

Travis County commissioners are asking the public to submit information and ideas about constructing a new civil courthouse using a public-private partnership, which would cut the public's cost.

"This gets us started in the right direction," said Travis County Judge Sam Biscoe (pictured). Officials pointed to two other successful public-private partnerships - in New York and California - as examples. County officials have indicated they could call for a bond issue as early as November to support the project, which has been estimated as high as $300 million.  

Plans call for building the courthouse on a downtown lot near Republic Square Park, a fast-growing area that would likely attract many private businesses.

The commissioners also set up a team of county staff that will oversee and evaluate all incoming advice and ideas.

Two commissioners did not want to solicit ideas about the partnership, saying the step is premature in the process.

Multi-agency agreement will ensure work on State Highway 161

The federal government will work with state and North Texas agencies to advance the development of two transportation projects that aim to bring Dallas-area drivers relief from traffic congestion.
 

The U.S. Department of Transportation will provide an estimated $400 million loan that will help pay for State Highway 161, an 11.5-mile extension of the President George Bush Turnpike from Irving to Grand Prairie.
 

The multi-agency agreement, which includes the Texas Department of Transportation and North Texas Tollway Authority, will also benefit the 14-mile Southwest Parkway project in Tarrant County.
 

Construction of both roadways is under way.

Railroad Commission awarded federal grant to aid pipeline safety

The Railroad Commission of Texas recently secured a $100,000 federal grant to fund improvements to underground oil and gas pipelines.

The money was awarded through the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, which gave more than $2 million to 24 states. The United States has enough oil and gas pipeline - 2.5 million miles worth - to circle the planet about 100 times.

Many of the funded projects contained key elements such as using technology to locate pipelines, partnering with the public and preventing pipeline damage.

The grants were announced in conjunction with a national pipeline safety action plan that includes federal legislation aimed at strengthening oversight on pipeline safety.

UTPB president, UH official finalists for Colorado position

Two leaders in Texas higher education are vying to become the next president of Colorado State University-Pueblo, which has more than 5,000 students.
 

David Watts (left), president of The University of Texas of the Permian Basin, and Tim Hudson (right), special assistant to the chancellor for International Programs and Initiatives at the University of Houston System, will visit the campus and meet with university students, faculty and officials this week.
 

The board will deliberate May 3 and then hold a public vote for the next president.

Odessa College approves bond slate for campus projects

After delays related to the state budget shortfall, Odessa College trustees finally OK'd the sale of $68.5 million in bonds to finance campus reconstruction.
 

The bond sale was stalled after the initial Texas House budget called for cutting all state funding to the college. Plans are back on now that the current state budget funds Odessa College.
 

Soon, architects will seek faculty input about the design of new buildings, which will likely start going up next year.

Midland proposes new fire stations in five-year plan

Midland city staff recently recommended building three new fire stations, expanding the municipal courthouse and updating the emergency communications system in the proposed five-year, capital improvement plan. Staff urged city officials to add a new fire station in 2012, replace station 5 in 2013 and station 6 in 2014. Councilman John James (pictured) described the recommended capital improvement projects as meeting the fundamental needs of the city.

The price tag to replace the fire stations is about $8.5 million each and the city also would need to spend an additional $1.4 million for equipment and staff, the city manager said. The estimated cost of replacing the overcrowded municipal courthouse with a new 24,000-square-foot municipal courthouse is about $7.8 million, of which the city already has set aside $2 million. The recommendation also included spending $5 million on road improvements over a five-year period, setting aside $3 million for technology upgrades and $5 million to upgrade city parks and pools.

City officials also expect to spend about $8 million to replace the city's emergency communication system with digital technology that interfaces with other emergency communications systems in the region. The city also needs to consider spending $2 million to upgrade its current communications system to eliminate dead spots where signals are not available to emergency responders, the city manager said. That $2 million will not help the system meet the 2013 standards or reduce any of the cost of the new digital system, the police chief said.

Lamar develops Department of Counseling, Special Populations

Lamar University officials recently created a new department in the College of Education and Human Development that allows students to specialize in counseling and special education.
 

Already, about 500 students are enrolled in the Department of Counseling and Special Populations, which broke off from the Department of Educational Leadership. Students can earn bachelor's and master's degrees through the department.
 

The department, which is expected to grow in the fall, was developed in 2010 and first offered in this spring. Pamela Monk (pictured) will serve as interim department chair.

Travis County approves $2.4 million for courthouse upgrades

Travis County commissioners recently approved about $2.4 million to upgrade the lower level, the first two floors and parking garage at the courthouse and administrative offices to be located in a newly purchased $61.2 million,15-story office building in downtown Austin.

Commissioners approved an additional $1,775,588 to improve the lower level and first two floors, allotted $906,600 for architectural and engineering fees, $600,000 for the cafeteria and $268,988 for other projects. Travis County officials also agreed to spend $345,000 for furniture for the new building, but pledged to reuse existing furniture still in good shape, agreed to a $29,084 change order for a minor renovation on the fourth floor and set aside $81,000 to paint the parking garage. Plans call for using a contractor management-at-risk system for building the lower level and first two floors.

Because about one-third of the 325,000-square-foot building is occupied by both private and public sector tenants, one commissioner urged commissioners to schedule a work session to learn more about public-private partnerships. Commissioners took no action on the suggestion.

Cleburne chooses Rick Holden for city manager's position

Cleburne interim City Manager Rick Holden was chosen over three other finalists this week to become the city's new city manager. Holden previously served as assistant city manager and became interim city manager when former City Manager Chester Nolen retired.

The four finalists were interviewed for the top job last weekend. The other finalists were Gary Greer, city manager of Farmer's Branch; Jeff Howell, city manager of Kilgore; and David Watkins, former city manager of the City of Bryan. A research firm assisting in the search for a replacement for Nolen screened 80 applicants for the job.

The City Council adopted a resolution authorizing Mayor Justin Hewlett to negotiate an employment contract with Holden.

Houston tags Wright to head new Office of Business Opportunities

Mayor Annise Parker of Houston recently selected Carlecia Wright to head the city's new Office of Business Opportunities, established to build opportunities for minority and women-owned small businesses in Houston.
 

Wright currently serves in dual roles for the New York City business enterprise program, one as executive director of certification and recruitment and as executive director of policy, planning and operations. She previously worked for the Department of Houston Preservation and Development and the Downtown Brooklyn Partnership. Wright has a bachelor's degree from Columbia College of Chicago and a master's degree from New York University.
 

The Office of Business Opportunities replaces the city's Department of Affirmative Action and Contract Compliance, the mayor said.

Lake Travis ISD eyeing new $6.76 million elementary school

Lake Travis Independent School District trustees recently began discussing the option of asking voters to approve about $6.76 million for an early learning center and furnishings in a bond election now planned for November. Trustees also discussed the need to build a new elementary school in the western portion of the district to meet growing student enrollment in the district.

Preliminary plans call for building a new 25,000-square-foot early childhood facility with eight classrooms for child-care programs, eight for pre-kindergarten classes and two for preschool programs for children with disabilities. Construction costs for the new building are estimated to be $5.6 million with furnishings bringing the total to $6.76 million. Moving the early childhood center from Lake Travis Elementary School would free 12 classrooms and increase the school's capacity for enrollment growth, district officials said. Lake Travis Elementary is expected to reach capacity in about 2016 if the early childhood programs remain at that facility.

Board member Fred Goff (pictured) expressed concern for the financial hardship imposed on the district by unfunded federal mandates that require capital expenses, but said he supports the early childhood center. While speaking to a need to convince voters to support the bond issue, trustees also discussed using portable buildings to set up a temporary child-care center in the parking lot west of the Educational Development Center.

Blinn College renews lease for Sealy campus 

Blinn College officials recently signed a new, three-year lease for a former shopping mall in Sealy that now serves as a satellite campus. College officials previously discussed closing the Sealy campus because of economic pressures.

The new lease reduces the cost of the annual rent from over $100,000 a year to about $63,000 annually, college officials said. The college also gained an additional 10,000 square feet of space at no cost under the new lease agreement scheduled to expire on May 31, 2014. Sealy community leaders also pledged to contribute $15,000 a year in financial assistance to Blinn College as part of the agreement to keep the Sealy satellite campus open.

Coppell, school district to share cost for new artificial turf

Coppell City Council members recently agreed to share the cost of installing new artificial turf on the football field at a middle school.
 

City officials agreed to pay half of the cost of the new artificial turf after school district officials agreed to provide use of the field for city youth football and lacrosse programs, said Mayor Doug Stover (pictured).

Stover noted that the two government entities worked together to benefit the entire community.

Austin police request $4.5 million to buy 176 new police cars

Citing concerns that the department's preferred police vehicle may soon be discontinued, Austin police officials recently requested city council members approve $4.5 million to buy 165 Ford Crown Victoria vehicles.

The order should be placed now because the two companies that produce new police vehicles are not revealing price points and the concern is the new replacement vehicles will carry a higher price tag, said Assistant Police Chief Sean Mannix (pictured).

Continuing the use of the current vehicle also simplifies the purchase of new parts and equipment that fit most police vehicles rather than having to buy different parts and equipment for any new model, Mannix said.

Oak Ridge North adds phase to $4.6 million sewer project

City council members in Oak Ridge North recently agreed to add a fourth phase to the city's $4.6 million sewer rehabilitation project.

The fourth phase, which should be completed by spring 2012, became necessary because work on Robinson Road and Westwood Drive originally planned during phase two is different in nature and requires a separate contract for the project to replace a 40-year-old existing pipeline, said City Manager Vicky Rudy. Adding the new phase will not increase the cost of the project, Rudy said.

Once the first phase is finished, city officials plan to begin the second phase of the sewer line project in about 45 days, Rudy said. City officials plan to send out a request for bids for the two sewer line projects after the Texas Water Development Board provides authorization for the changes in the phases of the project.

Hutto agrees to increase contribution to higher education center

Hutto City Council members recently agreed to increase the city's contribution to the proposed $20 million east Williamson County Higher Education Center to be located west of the city. Officials of Temple College and Texas State Technical College (TSTC) agreed to lease space on the 57-acre campus to offer classes and career training for 20-25 years once the facility is built.

The increased $625,000 contribution from the participants became necessary after officials of the Hutto Economic Development Corporation (HEDC) and Texas State Technical College officials had to agree to extend financing for the proposed 110,000-square-foot education center to 25 years rather than 20 years, said Scott Martinez (pictured), president of HEDC. Originally, officials of the city, HEDC and Hutto Independent School District signed an interlocal agreement to contribute $125,000 per year for 20 years to cover the cost of debt service. The five-year extension increases the total cost of the project to about $31 million, Martinez added.

Before the center can be built, voters in Hutto must approve a proposed 5-cent maintenance and operations tax for the higher education center in an election on May 14. The new $20 million estimated cost of the facility includes the purchase of 41 acres of land, Martinez said. HEDC board members also approved the amended agreement, and Hutto ISD trustees plan to discuss the agreement at their next board meeting. Voters in Hutto ISD also are being asked to approve an additional tax of 5 cents per $100 valuation on May 14 to pay for the higher education center.

Harris County mulling possibility of privatizing county jail

Harris County commissioners recently began consideration of a proposal by Commissioner Steve Radack (pictured) to privatize operation of the Harris County Jail, which houses nearly 10,000 inmates.

To explore whether privatizing the county jail will save money, Radack urged commissioners to issue requests for proposals to see which companies are interested and what their proposals would be. The private contractor could have a limited contract to supply food or medical services or for total operation of the jail, Radack said.

Sheriff Adrian Garcia said he could look at proposals and study them to ensure the contract would save money without putting anyone in harm's way. 

Terrell to apply for grant to repair aging dam

Terrell City Council members recently agreed to seek a rehabilitation grant from the Natural Resources Conservation Service for a dam on the Cedar Creek Watershed at Terrell City Lake. The estimated price tag for repairing the dam ranges from $2.4 million to $4.5 million.

A recent report indicates the dam, built in 1955, is classified as a "high hazard" due to the possible loss of 24 people and 13 structures downstream should a breach occur in the dam located about six miles east of Terrell. The grant could provide up to 65 percent of the total cost of the project, with the city or another local organization being responsible for paying the remaining 35 percent.

The proposed grant agreement calls for the city to be responsible for operation and maintenance of the dam, conduct inspections, maintain records and establish a reserve or skimming fund. If the grant is approved in June and funding determined in December, city officials plan to pay for a detailed planning study and then begin construction in three to four years.

Nacogdoches ISD selects Hayes as lone finalist for superintendent

Trustees for the Nacogdoches Independent School District recently selected Dr. Fred Hayes (pictured) as the lone finalist for superintendent.

An educator for 22 years, Hayes currently serves as superintendent of Athens ISD, a job he has held since 2006. He also was a principal for the Clear Creek, Jacksonville and Tyler school districts. He holds a master's degree from Baylor University and a Ph.D. from the University of Texas at Tyler.

Board members also selected Ronny Knox as interim superintendent to serve until the new superintendent begins his duties. He currently serves as assistant superintendent of Instruction. Knox has a bachelor's degree and a master's degree from the University of Houston-Victoria and is pursuing a Ph.D. from Stephen F. Austin State University.

Taylor ISD, Williamson County trade 10 acre-plots

 Williamson County leaders and Taylor school district officials recently agreed to swap properties that are of nearly equal size and value.

The county will take ownership of 10 acres adjacent to the East Williamson County Events Center, which is managed by the Taylor Rodeo Association. The school district will receive 10 acres of farmland near East Williamson County Regional Park.

District officials haven't decided what to do with the land, but are discussing an aquatics center or tennis courts. County officials are currently working out final details of the exchange.

Corpus Christi police to establish office at central library

To save about $193,000 annually, Corpus Christi police officials are making plans to move 15 officers into the La Ratama Central Library. Police Chief Troy Riggs responded to a council request for money-saving ideas by urging the city to reuse vacant or partially occupied city buildings to eventually save the city about $500,000 a year in lease costs. He suggested reusing the old police headquarters, a health department clinic on Williams drive and expanding a public safety warehouse on Holly Road to house police officers and staff.

A long term plan to transform the 70,000-square-foot central library building into a police station proposed by the library director likely will require a city council vote, the assistant manager said. The plan calls for moving materials from the central library to five branch libraries and adding a 15,000-square-foot expansion to the Neyland branch library on Carmel Parkway to accommodate the reference section from the central library.

For now, city officials plan to move 15 criminal intelligence officers from leased space into about 4,800 square feet of unused office space on the second floor of the central library.

Collin County to spend $30.1 million for parks, transportation

Collin County commissioners recently approved the sale of $2.1 million in bonds to improve parks and open spaces and $28 million in transportation bonds to pay for new and upgraded roads and to increase mobility in the county.

The larger requests for transportation funding included a $9.5 million request from McKinney, a $7.3 request from Frisco for two projects to widen roads, a $2.3 million request from the Allen for two projects and a $2.3 million request from Plano for intersection improvements and to rehabilitate a thoroughfare.

The bonds would include a $400,000 request for an amphitheater at Meyers Park and $400,000 for a trail and/or walking path at the Collin County Courthouse. Commissioners also agreed to distribute $1.8 million to cities to improve parks and open spaces and to keep $546,000 in contingency funds.

Houston, flood control district to join in new center, detention pond

Houston city officials recently agreed to purchase a $9 million, 220-acre golf course in northwest Houston and to partner with the Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD) to transform the land into a detention area to help reduce flooding. City officials also plan to lease the clubhouse facility on the former golf course to neighborhood groups and establish a multi-service center for neighboring communities.

By partnering with other community organizations to address flooding, community needs and recreational in the area, the project will benefit residents in the northwest portion of the city. It will provide more green space, more recreation opportunities and detention areas to reduce flooding, said Brenda Stardig (pictured), a city council member.

The partnership with HCFCD calls for the city to collaborate to build and maintain a series of storm water detention basins throughout the 220-acre site, which will provide green space with trails provided by the Houston Parks Board during dry weather. In heavy rains, the new detention ponds will help with drainage in the White Oak Bayou and Vogel Creek watersheds, Stardig noted. HCFCD plans to build four basins using funds from the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program of the Federal Emergency Management Administration.

Mineral Wells refinances $5.75 million in bonds to free up cash

Mineral Wells city officials recently agreed to refinance $5.75 million in water and sewer revenue bonds and general obligation bonds, to gain the city access to $1.17 million in a debt service reserve fund and $40,569 in an emergency fund. Officials plan to reissue general obligation bonds totaling $5.37 million, the city manager said.

City officials also expect a $165,000 savings through the refunded bonds set to mature in 2016 to bring the total savings to $1.36 million gained through refinancing the bonds, city officials said.

The windfall from refinancing the bonds will be used for sewer and water improvement projects, the city manager said. City officials also plan to use about $375,000 to buy a new pump truck for the fire department, he added.

Huntsville backs TxDOT study to develop US190, I-10

Huntsville City Council members recently agreed to support a Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) feasibility study of possible transportation upgrades along US190 and from El Paso to the border of Louisiana to accommodate military transportation.
 

Mayor J Turner (pictured) said the US190 project is critical to the community because it has the possibility of being a dominant east-west road that can bring economic and tourism benefits to Huntsville and Walker County. 

 
The TxDOT study is exploring the feasibility of a new 863-mile Gulf Coast Strategic Highway System to meet military transportation needs of U.S. Army and National Guard facilities in Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi. The new route is proposed to follow I-10 from El Paso eastward and then follow US190 from Pecos County to Killeen and Fort Hood. From there, the proposed new east-west route would follow US190 and I-35 to Temple, then eastward to Bryan and Madisonville and then run concurrently with I-45 to Huntsville and return to US190 through Livingston, Woodville and Jasper. It would then follow US63 to Burkeville where the new east-west route would cross over the Sabine River into Louisiana.

Petrolia ISD requests consolidation with Byers ISD

Superintendent Derrith Welch of Petrolia Independent School District recently requested trustees of Byers ISD to consider consolidating the two small school districts.

If the consolidation occurs, Welch suggested that a community learning center be established at the Byers ISD library with regular evening hours available three days a week. Also suggested was a continuation of an invitational basketball tournament if the proposed consolidation occurs. The Petrolia superintendent requested that tutoring for students is available at the learning center to prepare for state-mandated tests, to increase the number of tuition students to accommodate Byers children from ages 3 and 4 who do not qualify for the pre-kindergarten/head start program. He also seeks to amend election guidelines to ensure the election of at least one board member from current boundary lines of Byers ISD.

Addison picks Campos as new economic development director

Addison city leaders recently created an economic development department to strengthen and grow local businesses while also attracting new companies.

Orlando Campos, senior director of business development for the Arlington Chamber of Commerce, has been named director of the new department.

Before joining the Arlington chamber in 2007, Campos worked at the Brownsville Economic Development Council and the Valley International Airport in Harlingen.

Longview's East Texas Regional Airport to receive extra funds

The East Texas Regional Airport in Longview recently received a federal grant of more than $460,000 to pay for maintenance and safety improvements.
 

The Federal Aviation Administration will finance repairs to the entrance road and parking lot, which officials say are both dangerous due to deteriorated pavement.

SAISD's Duron withdraws

from Florida job search

Superintendent Robert Duron (pictured) of the San Antonio Independent School District recently became one of three finalists for superintendent of the school district  in Collier County, Florida. However, Duron has since withdrawn his name from consideration for the job.

Collier County board members are expected to announce the new superintendent this week. Duron recently received an "unsuccessful" evaluation from San Antonio trustees. They expressed concern for the second consecutive academically unacceptable rating for the district. Board members earlier granted Duron a one-year contract extension until June 2013, but declined a later request for another extension after a successful bond election in November.

Bids for Boerne wastewater

plant once again tabled

The Boerne City Council again postponed accepting bids to build a new wastewater treatment plant so that city staff can continue to negotiate lower costs with the low bidder.

The low bid was more than $33 million, while the engineering estimate placed costs around $31.5 million.

City workers are trying to get the price around $28 million by reducing the size of the project. Potential cuts include eliminating an administration building and decreasing the plant's footprint.

Ten student regents, one

THECB representative appointed

Ten student regents have been appointed by Gov. Rick Perry to their respective university systems and another has been appointed student representative to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. Appointed to the THECB board is Amir Barzin, who is attending the University of North Texas Health Science Center in Fort Worth.

The 10 student regents and the universities they represent include: Fernando Trevino, Jr., Texas A&M University; Linda Aguilera, Midwestern State University; Sarah Feye, Stephen F. Austin State University; Steven Champion, Texas Southern University; Ryan Bridges, Texas State University; Jill Fadal, Texas Tech University; Christina Wagoner, Texas Woman's University; Tamecia Harris, University of Houston; Christian Dean, University of North Texas; and John David Rutkauskas, The University of Texas at Austin.

LCRA engineering manager

to retire, start own firm

The engineering manager of the Lower Colorado River Authority recently retired after 35 year in power generation engineering.

William Maxwell, who led a group of 52 engineers and technicians, completed more than 200 projects to improve power plant performance and lower cost during his 29 years with LCRA. 

 
Maxwell, who has a bachelor's degree from Texas Tech University and a master's from the University of New Mexico, plans to start an engineering consulting firm.

Rockport selected for technical assistance from federal program

Two Texas cities, Rockport and McKinney, were recently chosen to receive technical assistance from federal government officials on how to grow the local economy and still protect the environment and quality of life.

The assistance, given to 32 communities in 26 states, is part of the Environmental Protection Agency's Sustainable Communities Building Blocks program.
Under the program, EPA staff will visit the communities and outline steps the cities can take to grow thoughtfully.

The Llano Economic Development Corporation hired an Austin-area engineering firm to survey the site location, which is now being bulldozed to prepare for the topographical survey. The 88-acre site is just west of Llano.

A previously considered site of 47 acres will be sold.

Texas Enterprise Funds

help TD Ameritrade expand

TD Ameritrade Holding Company will benefit from a $1.2 million investment from the state's Texas Enterprise Fund. The funds will be used to expand the company's Fort Worth facility. The investment is expected to create 490 jobs within four years and generate approximately $11 million in capital investment.

TD Ameritrade provides brokerage services, and processes trades and other financial transactions. The state investment will allow the company to expand its current operations by supporting technology infrastructure and facility enhancements.

Anthony ISD stages school tours to boost $5 million bond proposal

Anthony Independent School District officials recently led a tour of district schools to help gain voter support for a proposed $5 million bond election in May to upgrade district facilities.  

If voters approve the bonds, district officials plan to renovate an elementary school campus, repair sidewalks and curbs to gain compliance with the American with Disabilities Act and improve athletic facilities, said Superintendent Ron Haugen (pictured).  Upgrades at the elementary school are expected to cost about $1.45 million, Haugen said.

Wilson retiring as parks and recreation director in Deer Park

Paul Wilson (pictured), the parks and recreation director in Deer Park, recently announced his retirement after 34 years as a city employee.
 

City officials are advertising for a replacement for Wilson, who managed a $4.2 million budget last fiscal year for the parks and recreation department. The director of parks and recreation also oversees the city's Battleground Golf Course, the Republic Grill and serves on the city's emergency response team.

Cleburne to use $720,000

grant for new airport fence

Cleburne city council members recently agreed to accept a $720,000 grant from the Texas Department of Transportation to build four-miles of perimeter fencing around Cleburne Regional Airport. The city will be required to contribute $72,000 to the fencing project.

 
City officials expect an increase in the use of the airport when the extension of SH121 from Fort Worth to Cleburne is completed, said the city's director for economic development. The airport needs perimeter fencing to attract more corporate jets to the airport for overnight stays, he said.

Browning to retire as superintendent of Elysian Fields

After 45 years as an educator, Dr. Bob Browning recently announced he is retiring as superintendent of Elysian Fields Independent School District.

Browning previously served as a principal for Dallas ISD and as a professor at Stephen F. Austin State University. He holds a bachelor's degree from Northwest Louisiana State University, a master's degree from Stephen F. Austin State University and a Ph.D. from The University of Texas.
 

Board members have not decided on an interim superintendent to replace Browning when he retires at the end of this school year. Browning, however, said trustees have a candidate in mind.

Malakoff ISD selects Perry as lone finalist for superintendent

Malakoff Independent School District officials recently selected Randy Perry (pictured) as the lone finalist for superintendent. Perry, a high school principal with the district since 2006, also has been a teacher, coach and athletic director. He will replace Superintendent John Spies in June once the 21-day waiting period ends and board members approve the final contract.
 

An educator for 27 years, Perry has a bachelor's degree from The University of Texas at Arlington and a master's degree from Texas A&M University-Commerce.

Jersey Village and flood control district join to build new trail

Officials of Jersey Village and the Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD) recently signed a 20-year contract to build a new 1.6-mile jogging trail in the Cypress area.

The agreement calls for HCFCD to design and build the trail that will border a detention pond and the city will maintain the 43-acre property, said Michael Brown, director of parks and recreation for Jersey Village. Construction on the new jogging trail is expected to begin in early 2012. The city already has set aside $500,000 for detention pond improvements, but the actual cost for the new jogging trail has not yet been determined.

• Thomas Butler of Deer Park, chair, Credit Union Commission
• Manuel 'Manny' Cavazos IV, Credit Union Commission
• Sherri Merket of Midland, Credit Union Commission
• Gary Tuma of Sugar Land, Credit Union Commission
• Lauren Polunsky Dreszer of San Antonio, Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors 
• Etienne Nguyen of Houston. Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors
• Glynda Corley of Round Rock, Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors
• Rene M. Pena of Floresville, Texas Violent Gang Task Force
• Robert 'Rusty' Brockman, Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority Board of Directors;
• Oscar H. Fogle of Lockhart, Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority Board of Directors;
• Arlene N. Marshall of Port Lavaca, Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority Board of Directors;
• Thomas 'Tommy' Mathews II of Boerne, Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority Board of Directors;
• Myrna Patterson McLeroy of Gonzales, Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority Board of Directors;
• Dennis Patillo of Victoria, Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority Board of Directors;
• Cynthia 'Cindy' Olson Bourland of Round Rock, Brazos River Authority Board of Directors;
• Christopher S. Adams Jr. of Granbury, Brazos River Authority Board of Directors;
• Robert M. Christian of Jewett, Brazos River Authority Board of Directors;
• Jean Killgore of Somerville, Brazos River Authority Board of Directors;
• Christopher DeCluitt of Waco, Brazos River Authority Board of Directors;
• Carolyn H. Johnson of Freeport, Brazos River Authority Board of Directors
• Anthony Burks of Fort Worth, Manufactured Housing Board;
• Stanley Wang of Austin, Texas Medical Board;
• Julie K. Attebury of Amarillo, Texas Medical Board;
• George Willeford III of Austin, Texas Medical Board;
• Irvin Zeitler of San Angelo, Texas Medical Board  

Midland fire chief pushes

for new northwest fire station

Midland Fire Chief Robert Isbell recently presented city council members with an internal analysis showing the need to build a new fire station in the northwest portion of the city to improve response time.
 

Isbell urged council members to begin building a new fire station in 2012 to house two units and 24 firefighters. Increasing call volume, population and a drought causing dangerous wildfire conditions make the new fire station necessary, according to the four-year analysis of emergency operations in the city.

Del Rio tags Reyes as

new parks superintendent

Del Rio city officials recently selected Jesus "Jesse" Reyes Jr. as the new Parks, Recreation and Facility Superintendent. A city employee since August 2009, Reyes previously served as assistant superintendent of the city's gas department and has served as interim superintendent for parks since mid-January.