Texas Government Insider

Volume 8, Issue 18 - Friday, May 7, 2010

$2.3 billion in bond issues at stake in Saturday elections

Schools, cities, counties, special districts hopeful to get new funding

More than $2.3 billion in funding will be decided by Texas voters in 86 local bond elections being held tomorrow, Saturday. The majority of funds will be used for facilities and infrastructure construction projects. Other prominent items include technology upgrades, security equipment, school buses, solar panels and HVAC systems.

The total bond dollars up for vote represents a 24.4 percent increase from May 2009 when 61 bond elections were held.

Sample elections:

A school district in the San Antonio area will ask voters to approve $44 million for technology upgrades, solar panels, a high school fine arts facility expansion, new roofing, HVAC and school buses.
A city in the Valley will hold a $35 million bond election for the development of recreational facilities, including a youth baseball/softball complex, soccer fields and a tennis complex.
A Houston-area school district will ask voters to approve $158 million for school construction projects and the purchase of school buses.
A $36 million county bond election in the San Antonio area would build a new justice center.
A $16 million bond election is being held in a North Texas hospital district to build a new hospital facility.

[more]

Strategic Partnerships salutes Texas' Lone Stars

Gene Terry, executive director, Texas Association of Counties

Career highlights and education: B.A., Southwestern University, 1968. J.D., St. Mary's University School of Law in 1974. General Counsel to Scottish Rite Hospital, 1982 to 1991. Marion County Judge, 1995 to 2004. Executive director, Texas Association of Counties (TAC), beginning January 2010. Private law practice in between positions with entities.

What I like best about my job is: The best part is having the ability to visit with county officials and meeting with the leadership of all the associations that make up our board of directors - judges and commissioners, tax assessor-collectors, treasurers, district and county clerks, district and county attorneys, sheriffs, J.P.s and constables and auditors. I love hearing directly from our members how we can better serve them and their constituents at home, instead of just being in the bubble that surrounds the State Capitol.

The best advice I've received for my current job is: The best advice I ever got for any job was "shut up and listen." That advice came from an older friend - also named Gene - many years ago. I'm always reminded that you learn a lot more by listening than you do by talking.

Advice you would give a new hire in your office: Shut up and listen. We're a service organization so we have to know what our members need and want in order to help them do their jobs professionally while they get the most bang for the buck for their taxpayers. It would be a mistake to assume we know what our members need without asking them.

If I ever snuck out of work early, I could probably be found: After raising four kids with my wife, who had time to develop a hobby? I didn't. There was too much soccer, dance and Little League. I can't even count the number of Little League games I coached!

People would be surprised to know that I: have a twin brother.

Book, magazine or newspaper article I've read recently that really influenced my thinking: Since my kids gave me a Kindle, I'm enjoying reading everything I can get on it. I love being able to download whole newspapers and magazines or just pick certain articles to download. And it's also turned me on to a whole new way to read books, although I must admit I love bookstores, the smell of them when you walk in. My book-reading habits trend to brain candy because I like the relaxation and escape of reading spy novels and thrillers. Right now, I'm reading The Man from Beijing by Henning Mankell. It takes place in Sweden and China, and I can't wait to see where it ends up.

Changing of the guard for two TABC positions

Two recent retirements at the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission have prompted the rise of experienced employees to executive positions. At the end of last month, Diana Gonzalez (top left) retired from her position as director of the Tax and Education Division, a role she held for three years. Previously, Gonzalez served as assistant director of the Compliance Division for 15 of the 21 years she has worked at TABC.

Charlie Kerr (top right) will step in to head the Tax and Education Division. During his nearly 30 years at TABC, Kerr has served as a field auditor, special investigative auditor, internal auditor, director of Fiscal Services, director of Business Services and chief financial officer.

Emily E. Helm Lou Bright The position Kerr left behind, director of Business Services, has been taken over by Shelby Eskew. Before joining TABC in 2004, Eskew worked as business manager of an Austin-based radio station and as budget director of the Texas Youth Commission. She holds a bachelor's degree from The University of Texas at Austin.

In another recent TABC retirement, Lou Bright (bottom left) has stepped down as general counsel and director of the Legal Services Division. Previously, Bright had worked in the Texas Attorney General's Office defending state officials, and in private practice. Emily E. Helm (bottom right) has been tapped to fill the top TABC legal spot. Helm joined the commission in 2008 as a staff attorney, a post she took after serving as assistant criminal district attorney for Gregg County in Longview. Helm has a bachelor's degree from The University of Texas at Arlington and a law degree from Baylor Law School.

TDCJ picks Thornton to head Human Resources Division

Jan Thornton (pictured), Human Resources Division administrator for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ), has been named director of the division. She replaces Carol Blair Johnson, who retired.

Thornton's career at TDCJ spans 25 years, the last 23 in Human Resources. She began with TDCJ in 1985 as an administrative assistant at the Huntsville Unit infirmary and two years later became a personnel assistant in Human Resources. She served in a number of roles there and in 1997 was named administrator of the division's Selection System. She was administrator for Recruiting and Employment Section director before being named director of Employment and Support Services in 2007. Thornton is a graduate of Michigan State University.

Other recent TDCJ employee changes include:

Darin Pacher is the new deputy director of the Manufacturing and Logistics Division. He started with TDCJ as a correctional officer and later worked as administrator of the Correctional Institutions Division's Plans and Operations section. He most recently served in the position of TDCJ Incident Manager.
Dr. Kate Hendricks will serve as chief public health officer. She has previously served as director of infectious disease epidemiology and surveillance for the Texas Department of State Health Services.
Jason Heaton is the new director of the Correctional Training and Staff Development Department. A former warden at several units, he most recently served as senior warden at the Wallace/Ware facilities in Colorado City.
Kelly Enloe was promoted to Manager II for Classification Operations. Enloe has served as a classification case manager, chief of unit classification, ombudsman, state classification member, assistant warden and vice-chairman for Classification and Records.

Saul will serve as TPWD Inland Fisheries director
Gary Saul

Gary E. Saul (pictured) has been named director of the Inland Fisheries Division of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD), effective May 10. He has been serving as acting director since Jan. 1 to fill the shoes of former director Phil Durocher, who retired. The division manages and protects Texas' freshwater fishery.

Saul is a veteran TPWD employee, having joined the agency in 1982 as a finfish program director in the Coastal Fisheries Division. In 1986, he left that post to teach biology at Texas State University and another position in the private sector. He returned to TPWD 11 years later in the Inland Fisheries Division. He had served as deputy division director since 2004, before taking over in an interim capacity for Durocher.

Saul holds a bachelor's degree from North Carolina State University, two master's degrees from Louisiana State University and a doctorate from Virginia Polytechnic and State University.

Two assistant city auditors named for City of Austin

The City of Austin has two new assistant city auditors. Nicolleta (Niki) Raggi and Rachel Snell were recently appointed by City Auditor Kenneth Mory.

Raggi is a Certified Government Auditing Professional and a Certified Controls Auditor. She has worked as an auditor for the State of Texas and for a private sector auditing firm. She holds degrees from the University of Genova, Italy, and The University of Texas at Austin's LBJ School of Public Affairs. She previously served as an Auditor III for the City of Austin.

Snell is a former senior auditor/project manager for the State of Texas and a neighborhood planner and police planner for the City of Austin. She has also worked in the private sector. Nell is a former district office manager for an Arizona member of the U.S. Congress. She holds a master's degree from Arizona State University and is a Certified Internal Auditor and a Certified Fraud Examiner.

Heldenfels appointed chair, Mendoza vice chair of THECB

Fred W. Heldenfels IV (left) of Austin has been appointed chair and Elaine Mendoza (right) of San Antonio vice chair of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB).

Heldenfels, founder and CEO of a concrete-structures company, serves as a member of the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce Board, Associated General Contractors of Texas, and Texas A&M University (TAMU) System Chancellor's Century Council. He holds a bachelor's degree from Texas A&M University.

Mendoza, president and CEO of Conceptual MindWorks Inc., serves on the CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Health Care Board of Directors and the P16Plus Council of Greater Bexar County. She is a member and past vice chair of Task Force on Access to Health Care in Texas. She holds a bachelor's degree from Texas A&M University.

UTEP to offer energy, engineering doctoral program

The University of Texas at El Paso's Mechanical Engineering Department now offers coursework for the newly implemented Energy Science and Engineering (ENSE) doctoral program, designed to address a serious workforce shortage.

Dr. Ahsan Choudhuri (pictured), chair of UTEP's Department of Mechanical Engineering, said there are not enough graduate students enrolled in energy disciplines to replace the engineers and scientists who plan to retire in the next five to eight years. UTEP's new program is designed to address that "missing generation" of energy engineers and professionals, Choudhuri said.

The ENSE program will include research in fossil fuel power generation efficiency improvement, carbon capture and storage, high-capacity renewable power generation and aerospace propulsion.

Real Estate Commission adds features to Web site
The Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) Web site boasts several new features, including:

Education Providers' Pass Rates to let schools know if courses are adequately preparing students for success on exams;
Real Estate Exam Topic Analysis covering an array of necessary topic areas for real estate license exams;
TREC Standards & Enforcement Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) to address comprehensive questions of enforcement and legal questions frequently posed to agency staff; and
Electronic Delivery of Licenses to reduce paper usage.

TETF awards surveillance company $2M

The Texas Emerging Technology Fund (TETF) is investing $2 million in surveillance company AgileMesh Inc. to develop a mesh-networking video surveillance technology. The company specializes in portable, easily deployable wireless surveillance operations used by law enforcement teams, events and first-responder units.

AgileMesh Inc. is currently working with The University of Texas at Dallas to commercialize the on-site technology.

TSTC Harlingen offers wind energy technology program
Enrique Carrillo

Thanks to a more than $238,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Energy, Texas State Technical College Harlingen is enrolling students in the only in-depth college-level Wind Energy Technology Program of its kind in South Texas. The grant funds will be used for the first phase of program development and include $75,000 in free tuition for qualifying enrollees.

The program will begin with registration next week, followed by the start of online classes on May 24. The summer semester courses are expected to be completed by Aug. 20. "This is a brand new program and it opens up many possible avenues, many versatile options for trained technicians," said instructor Enrique Carrillo (pictured). "The skill sets students will master also apply to the repair and maintenance of wind energy equipment and the assembly of parts and components to build wind turbines."

TSTC Harlingen will take a page from the successful TSTC West Texas curriculum in Sweetwater, an educational hub at the center of one of the largest wind energy fields in the world. The first phase of the course will include thorough background reading, followed by hands-on learning in a lab setting. Passage of the course will lead to a Certificate of Completion Level One diploma.

UNT-Dallas picks Chambers for research position

Cathi Chambers (pictured) will serve as the first director of institutional research and planning at the University of North Texas at Dallas, effective May 10. Chambers comes to UNT-Dallas after serving as manager of institutional research at Texas Woman's University (TWU). While at TWU, she served in a number of research positions as well.

In her new role at UNT-Dallas, Chambers will be the university's chief reporting official for state and federal data and will help facilitate date-based decisions for the university.

Chambers holds a bachelor's degree from Clemson University and has completed graduate work at the University of Texas at Arlington and the University of North Texas.

UTSA professor earns title of state demographer

Lloyd Potter (pictured), professor at The University of Texas at San Antonio, has been named by Gov. Rick Perry to serve as the state's demographer. As State Demographer, Potter will see that his office distributes census information, population estimates and projections for the state and information from federal, state and other government sources.

Potter currently is professor and interim chair of the Department of Demography and Organization at UTSA. He also is director of the Institute for Demographic and Socioeconomic Research.

Potter holds a bachelor's degree from Texas A&M University, a master's from the University of Houston at Clear Lake, a master's from Emory School of Public Health and a doctorate from The University of Texas at Austin.

New student regents named for state's universities

Gov. Rick Perry has appointed 10 student regents and one student representative to serve on the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB). The regents and representative include:

Cresencio Davila of San Antonio (Texas A&M University);
David Reyna of Wichita Falls (Midwestern State University);
Sydni Mitchell of Spring (Stephen F. Austin State University);
Bianca Brock of Beaumont (Texas Southern University);
Christopher Covo of San Antonio (Texas State University);
Jeffrey Harris of San Angelo (Texas Tech University);
Sarah Adams of Whitehouse (Texas Woman's University);
Andrew Cobos of Tomball (University of Houston);
Jonathan Gallegos of San Angelo (University of North Texas); and
Kyle Kalkwarf of San Antonio (The University of Texas at Austin); and
Eric Rohne of Corpus Christi (Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi), THECB.

Cook gives up sports stint for communications post

Chris Cook (pictured) has traded his sports information title at Texas Tech University for a new one - director of communications. Cook began his new job May 3 and will oversee media relations efforts of the university and act as the university's spokesperson. He replaces former communications director Sally Logue Post, who will concentrate on special projects and strategic communications needs.

Cook is a veteran of 11 years with the Texas Tech Athletics Media Relations Office, spending the last night as director of media relations. He oversaw publicity efforts of the football program and directed a staff of four sports information specialists who were responsible for media efforts for the university's 17 intercollegiate sports programs.

Before coming to Texas Tech, Cook served five years as assistant sports information director at Saint Louis University and one season as an intern at Western Kentucky University.

Woelkers to serve executive post at UTHSC-Tyler

The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler has named Joseph Woelkers (pictured) executive director of Academic Affairs. Woelkers comes to the Tyler facility from the National Childhood Cancer Foundation in Arcadia, California, where he served as executive director and chief executive officer.

Woelkers brings more than 20 years of academic medicine experience to his new post, including senior leadership positions at the University of Michigan, Johns Hopkins University, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute in Tampa, Florida, and the University of Florida. He has also been on the faculty at the College of Public Health at Johns Hopkins and the College of Medicine at the University of Florida.

Woelkers holds a master's degree from Central Michigan University and is currently a doctorate candidate at Central Michigan University. He has completed two certificate programs on health care policy and administration at the Harvard School of Public Health at Harvard University.

Ross joins UNT-Dallas as associate provost

The University of North Texas at Dallas has selected Frank Ross to fill the position of associate provost for student success. Ross, who will take over his new post in June, currently serves as assistant vice chancellor for student life and learning at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis.

As associate provost, Ross will be the student affairs chief officer, overseeing graduate and undergraduate recruitment, admissions, financial aid, registration, new student orientation, outreach and college readiness, advising, student services, student life and the first-year experience program.

Ross previously served at Ball State University, Hanover College in Indiana and Kentucky Wesleyan College. He holds bachelor's and master's degrees from Ball State University, a master's from Western Kentucky University and a Ph.D. from Indiana University. He has also completed the management development program at Harvard University's Graduate School of Education.

Coers to serve Sul Ross as interim provost, vice president

Donald V. Coers (pictured) has been named interim provost and vice president for Academic and Student Affairs at Sul Ross State University. Coers, who will begin his new post later this summer, is former provost and vice president for Academic and Student Affairs at Angelo State University. At Sul Ross, he will replace Dr. David Cockrum, who will return to the classroom as a professor.

Coers began his career at Angelo State in 2000 as vice president for Academic Affairs after serving 30 years as an English professor and administrator at Sam Houston State University. He returned to classroom teaching last year.

Coers earned his bachelor's degree cum laude from The University of Texas at Austin. He also holds a master's and Ph.D. from Texas A&M University.

Angelo State selects interim VP for student affairs

Dr. Vance R. Valerio (pictured) has been named to a one-year appointment as vice president for student affairs and enrollment management at Angelo State University.

Valerio serves as vice president for student development at Midland Lutheran College in Fremont, Neb. He worked for almost a decade as assistant vice chancellor for student development services at the University of Nebraska-Omaha and has held administrative positions at New York University, Marquette University, University of Northern Colorado, St. Olaf College and Texas Lutheran College.

Valerio holds a bachelor of arts degree from Augustana College, a master's degree from the University of Nebraska-Omaha and a doctoral degree in college student personnel administration from the University of Northern Colorado.

Long-time Lewisville city attorney resigns

After 37 years as Lewisville city attorney, Ron Neiman has set his retirement for August. Neiman called his years in Lewisville "rewarding and enjoyable," but said he wanted to take on new challenges and activities. While Neiman's announcement wasn't a surprise to city staff, he will be missed.

"He's been a steady, guiding hand," City Manager Claude King said. The city council will hire a new attorney, a task it will take on sometime this summer.

Texas tech president to appoint sustainability coordinator

Texas Tech University President Guy Bailey (pictured) has announced plans to name a sustainability-initiatives liaison and enroll the university in the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE).

"True stewardship and accountability can only be achieved through a total campus effort, which is why I will appoint a sustainability liaison to coordinate initiatives on campus," Bailey said.

Plans to adopt the AASHE's Sustainability Tracking Assessment & Rating System (STARS) to benchmark progress are also in place.

UIW officials map out $14M spending initiatives

University of the Incarnate Word leaders plan to spend $14 million on several initiatives at the San Antonio institution over the next two years.

Projects include a $5.5 million initiative to add more classrooms and robotic labs to a nursing school building on the main campus and a $3.5 million effort that will double seating capacity at the 3,500-seat football stadium.

Construction on a $5 million expansion of the UIW School of Optometry will begin in 2011. A construction date has not been set for a proposed 45,000-square-foot fine arts complex being developed.

Baylor University names new chief investment officer

Dr. R. Brian Webb (pictured) has been named Baylor University's chief investment officer. In his new role, Webb will oversee how the university's endowment and assets are invested and operated.

Webb, who serves as managing director of UBS Global Asset Management in Dallas, has a history in both academia and the private sector - a combination that appealed to Baylor leaders. Webb has taught at Baylor, Southern Methodist University and Indiana University in Bloomington. In the business realm, he has served as partner in a real estate investment company and CEO of an investment banking company.

Webb earned his bachelor's and master's degrees from Baylor, and a doctoral degree from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.

THECB approves UTEP doctoral physical therapy program

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) has approved a new doctoral degree program in physical therapy (DPT) at The University of Texas at El Paso. The University of Texas System Board of Regents approved the program last march.

The curriculum marks the 17th doctoral program at the university and the third offered by UTEP's College of Health Sciences. It includes courses in pharmacology, biomedical imaging, diagnosis and evidence-based practice, Spanish medical terminology and advanced patient management skills.

Dr. Mary Carlson (pictured), associate professor and director of the Physical Therapy Program, said UTEP has graduated about 38 percent of the physical therapists in the El Paso region. "This new degree will enable us to continue to provide high-quality physical therapists to serve the rehabilitation needs of this community," she said.

'Staycations,' gas prices boost local camp business

The Grapevine City Council recently OK'd $1.7 million to add RV sites and cabins to the city-owned Vineyards Campgrounds, a 52-acre park on Lake Grapevine. The campground development is just the latest example of an RV site boom in North Texas, said Brian Schaeffer, executive director and CEO of the Texas Association of Campground Owners.

Affordable gas prices and the growing popularity of "staycations" have contributed to the increased popularity and revenue, which has led several Metroplex campground owners to improve and expand, Schaeffer said.

ACC board certifies annexation petitions from Hays

Petitions from Hays CISD residents seeking to put an Austin Community College (ACC) annexation issue on a ballot in November were certified this week by the ACC Board of Trustees. A steering committee collected more than 1,850 signatures, well over the required 1,325 that represents 5 percent of registered voters. More than 1,500 of the signatures were certified.

The services and programs ACC will offer Hays CISD - a Service Plan - will be published, followed by a public hearing. A November election will then be called by ACC to allow voters to decide if Hays CISD will become part of the ACC district. If the election issue passes, voters in the Hays CISD will become part of the ACC district, and would pay a property tax rate of .0946 cents per $100 valuation. A standard homestead exemption of $5,000 would apply as would a $105,000 for homeowners over age 65 and homeowners with disabilities. ACC has pledged to construct a campus in the Hays CISD if the annexation election is successful.

Four other school districts are also considering joining the district - Bastrop, Elgin, McDade and San Marcos. The Bastrop petitions were certified last month.

Texas A&M-Central names inaugural president

Marc A. Nigliazzo (pictured) has been appointed inaugural president of Texas A&M University-Central Texas after a nationwide search.

Nigliazzo's previous posts include charges as president of Temple College and Galveston College and chair of the department of English at Del Mar College in Corpus Christi. He most recently served as president of Arizona Western University.

Nigliazzo holds a bachelor's degree from The University of Texas at Austin, a master's degree from Texas A&M University and a doctoral degree from the University of New Mexico.

TCEQ makes $12M available for lower emission fleets

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) will make $12 million in grant funding available to help fleet operators replace older vehicles with low-emission models. Operators with at least 100 vehicles are eligible to apply. Those with old diesel fleets are especially encouraged.

Funds from the commission's Texas Emissions Reduction Plan will cover 50-80 percent of new hybrid or alternative-fuel vehicles. The program requires operators reduce nitrogen oxide emissions by 25 percent.

For more information, click here. Deadline for applications is June 30.

Liner ends 25-year career with City of San Marcos

Carolyn Liner, director of Human Resources for the City of San Marcos (second from left with her husband Ren Liner), is retiring May 14 after a 30-year career in municipal government.

During her 25 years with the City of San Marcos, Liner introduced award-winning training, benefits, team building, risk management and safety programs to the city.

In addition to her duties with the city, she also served on the Texas Municipal Retirement System Board of Directors for the last 15 years.

Liner was honored with a proclamation from San Marcos Mayor Susan Narvaiz (left) recognizing her retirement and service to the city. Also shown during the presentation are (back row, from left) City Council Members Kim Porterfield, Ryan Thomason, Chris Jones, Fred Terry and John Thomaides.

TPWD budgets $2.8M for Cleburne State Park structures

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) officials have budgeted almost $2.83 million for new structures at Cleburne State Park thanks to bond funding authorized by the Texas Legislature.

The structures include a new, two-dorm group barracks building housing 44 guests in bunk beds. Construction will begin this summer on new concession and bathhouse structures separated by a breezeway.

The Cleburne improvements rank among a number of major Texas state parks rejuvenation projects set to take place this year. More than $44 million in general obligation bonds have been sold to fund park upgrades.

Austin company first in voluntary renewable energy sales

For an eighth consecutive year, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory has ranked Austin Energy first in the nation in voluntary renewable energy sales by a utility-sponsored green power program.

"We are proud that Austin Energy's GreenChoice program leads the nation in showing that customers who want to manage costs and reduce emissions can make a difference in the way electricity is made," said Karl R. Rabago (pictured), Austin Energy's vice president for distributed energy services.

Austin Energy outperformed more than 850 competitors, selling 764.8 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of renewable energy in all.

TSA honors San Angelo airport with top distinction award

Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officials recently recognized San Angelo Regional Airport as 2009 West Texas Region Airport of the Year. The FSA presented Airport Director Luis Elguezabal with a plaque in front of city officials and airport employees during a recent meeting.

The inaugural award was inspired by the airport's seamless coordination of partnerships with the TSA, various carriers and operators.

The San Angelo airport beat out four other regional airports for the distinction.

Boerne parks director leaves for Highland Village post

The City of Highland Village, a Dallas suburb, has named Linda Cornelius as parks and recreation director.

Cornelius currently serves as parks and recreation director of Boerne. The city will leave Cornelius' position open through the end of the year - saving salary and benefits - to contend with a budgetary shortfall. During her tenure as director at Boerne, Cornelius was a driving force in implementing the city's first parks master plan and growing Parks and Recreation Department programs "to the amazing level of participation we see today," said City Manager Ron Bowman.

Boerne has also worked for the cities of San Antonio and College Station. She holds a bachelor's degree from Texas A&M University.

Midland looks to development corp. for corridor funding

The Midland City Council hopes to enlist the help of the Midland Development Corporation (MDC) to fund $12 million for corridor development at the intersection of Interstate 20, Highway 349 and 191-1788. The projects include a $5.3 million, 24-inch water line; a $5.6 million, 12-inch sewer line; $900,000 for easements and $200,000 for stoplights.

The intersection serves as home to The University of Texas-Permian Basin's Center for Energy and Economic Diversification and has gained impetus as construction begins on an $89 million performing arts center.

City Manager Courtney Sharp (pictured) said it will take at least a year to secure rights and begin to advertise for construction bids.

Tyler Junior College nursing program coming to Rusk

Tyler Junior College will open a new school for licensed vocational nurses at Rusk State Hospital in August. The LVN program, which will kick off with 20 students and two professors, will be funded with a $245,000 contribution from Rusk Economic Development Corporation (REDCO) and $95,000 from Rusk Industrial Foundation.

Officials expect the program to spur the local economy, with first-year graduates generating an expected $600,000 in income, provided all nurses make $30,000.

Texas Environmental Excellence Award recipients cited

Several public sector entities were honored at the 18th annual Texas Environmental Excellence Awards. The awards recognize individuals, organizations and businesses that protect human and natural resources while ensuring clean air, water and safe waste-management.

Public sector winners include:

Amarillo: Texas AgriLife Research; Texas AgriLife Extension Service; West Texas A&M University; USDA-Agricultural Research Service;
Corpus Christi: Office of Community Outreach at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi;
Fort Worth: Tarrant Regional Water District; and
Waco:City of Waco; Baylor University; U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Brenham approves $1M for industrial park expansion

Brenham council members have allotted $1 million for an expansion of the city's industrial park.

A loan from the city electrical fund reserves to the Brenham Community Development Corporation (BCDC) will be used to secure 121 acres adjacent to the park. The BCDC will provide $770,000 in additional funding for the total cost of the expansion at a 4.75 percent, 20-year interest rate.

The city council has also agreed to issue $700,000 in limited tax notes to fund the first phase of utility line extensions and an entrance street to the park.

CAPCOG hires Sweeny for regional services division

Mark Sweeny (pictured) will serve as director of the Regional Services Division of the Capital Area Council of Governments (CAPCOG), an association aimed at solving regional problems among 10 Central Texas counties.

In his new role, Sweeny will oversee CAPCOG's geospacial data (GIS), transportation and land use, solid waste, criminal justice programs and general planning.

Sweeny, a certified planner, has worked in city government for 14 years, most of those years at the East Texas Council of Governments.

Kerrville group to unveil plans for convention center in June

A five-member committee in Kerrville recently announced plans to unveil its recommendation for a proposed new 40,000- to 45,000-square-foot multi-use convention center and adjacent hotel to city council members in June.

The group originally planned to report on its review of four proposals to partner with the city to build the multi-use facility in May, but requested more time to ask additional questions to the development companies that submitted the proposals. Committee members also plan to check references and look into previous projects before making a recommendation, said Mendy Wendele, a committee member.

The proposals include one developer who presented two potential sites for the convention center, another developer looked at six possible sites, while a Kerrville-based developer proposed building on a 61-acre tract south of Interstate 10. An Austin-based group proposed building in phases on downtown property. Even when all of the questions are answered, the committee could still decide not to more forward with any of the proposals, said Wendele.

Schertz to survey residents on potential bond election John Bierschwale

Schertz city officials recently approved using the city's Web site to conduct a survey to determine if residents will support a bond election in November and which projects should be included in the bond proposal.

Possible bond projects include upgrades to soccer fields, adding baseball fields, renovations to the animal shelter, a new animal adoption center, an events center, an aquatic center and a city history museum, said Assistant City Manager Johnny Bierschwale (pictured). If all projects considered by a 40-member citizens committee are included, the bond package would total $22.1 million, he said.

The size, scope and whether the city will issue bonds, however, will depend entirely on the input gathered in the survey, Bierschwale said. The survey will be conducted between June 1 and June 30 on the city's Web site. Citizens also can obtain a copy of the survey at the city hall and public library. Once the survey is completed, a 40-member citizens committee will make a recommendation on whether to hold a bond election in November and the projects to be included in the proposal, he said.

Lufkin City Council approves bonds for more than $8M

The Lufkin City Council has approved $8.1 million in bonds to fund a number of projects, including the relocation of fire stations Nos. 1 and 3.

Slated bond projects include:

Fire engine No. 7, $500,000;
Rescue truck No. 1, $450,000;
Combine/relocate fire stations 1 and 3, $1,449,500;
Columbine Drive storm sewer, $179,500;
Carrol Avenue bridge, $198,530;
Fuller Springs Drive, $2,584,850;
Sayers Street reconstruction, $1,880,610;
City Pride signs, $111,210;
Morris Frank Park parking lot expansion/reconstruction, $284,860;
Morris Frank Park girls softball lighting, $150,000; and
Morris Frank Park T-ball field expansion, $150,000.

El Paso eyes $100-$150 million bond election in November

El Paso City Council members recently agreed to hold a $100 million to $150 million bond election in November to pay for park improvements, library upgrades and purchasing more land for recreation.

City Manager Joyce Wilson said city officials are working on a list of capital improvements to include in the bond proposal and that one project will be a signature project for the city.

Last two BOP sessions with TxDOT are announced
The last two sessions of the Texas Department of Transportation's (TxDOT) Business Outreach and Program (BOP) Services Small Business Briefing conferences have been announced for April 1, 2010, in Dallas and June 15, 2010, in Texarkana. The conference goal is to provide small and minority-owned business communities an opportunity to learn more about contracting opportunities with TxDOT. Information will be available to help them do business with the agency and the State of Texas. The sessions not only allow small businesses to be introduced to TxDOT and other state agencies, but also allows them to learn more about the economic development opportunities in their regions. It also allows the agencies to show the myriad of opportunities available for small and minority businesses in the state. For more information, click here or call 1.866.480.2518, Option 2. To register, click here.

TSABAA plans golf tourney, annual conference in June

The Texas State Agency Business Administrators' Association will host its 41st Annual Summer Conference on Monday and Tuesday, June 7 and 8, at the United Heritage Conference at the Dell Diamond in Round Rock. Monday's keynote address will be by a representative of the University of Phoenix. Among the other topics during the two-day event are a Sunset Commission process overview and panels to address Legislative Appropriations Requests and state audits. There will also be an update on the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The Third Annual Golf Tournament is set for Sunday, June 6 at Shadow Glen Golf Course in Manor. The conference registration deadline is May 20. To view the draft agenda for the conference, click here. For registration forms and vendor registration information, click here.

Austin awards event to honor government employees
The CenTex Chapter of the American Society for Public Administration (ASPA) will host its Public Service Recognition Banquet and Awards Ceremony tonight, Friday, from 6:15 to 9 p.m. at the DoubleTree Guest Suites in Austin. Keynote speaker will be Travis County Commissioner Sarah Eckhardt. The event is being held in conjunction with Public Service Recognition Week, May 3-9. It is a nationwide observance and public education campaign to honor federal, state, county and local government employees nationwide who put service above self. The local banquet's theme is "Journey to Public Service." The activities will begin with registration at 6:15 p.m., followed by dinner at 7 and presentation of awards at 7:30. The keynote address begins at 8 p.m. The cost to attend is $40 for ASPA members, $50 for non-members and $35 for students.

Construction turnaround
in Texas!

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

Public sector spending in Texas has seen a marked turnaround, but what has occurred to date appears to be just the beginning of a significant tide. Construction activity nationwide grew by almost $2 billion from February to March, according to spending data from the Associated General Contractors of America. Federal stimulus funds - billions of which were directed to government infrastructure and construction spending - helped drive the increase.

As the economy grew flatter and flatter during the recession, construction activity in the private sector literally ground to a halt. But it continued in the public sector and is now contributing to a rebound in the industry.

Stimulus funding isn't all that is driving public-sector spending. In Texas, bond issues are allowing local governments, public schools and special districts to finance long-overdue new construction, renovations, technology purchases and security upgrades. In fact, $2.3 billion in bond issues will be decided in Texas Saturday for cities, counties, public schools and hospital districts.

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TSPRA names Linsae Snider

as new executive director

Linsae A. Snider (pictured) will serve as executive director of the Texas School Public Relations Association (TSPRA). She replaces Julie Farmer, who is set to retire in June.

Snider has served 29 years in public education, first as a teacher for Goose Creek CISD in Baytown. For the next 20 years, she held a variety of positions - including stints as media coordinator, school health specialist and coordinator of instructional resources - for the Region 17 Education Service Center in Lubbock. In 2005, she began work as director of development and public information at Frenship ISD.

Italy hires Perry as new public works director

Italy City Council members recently selected Scott Perry as the new public works director. Perry currently is employed with the City of Hico. He is certified in both water and wastewater. Perry also is a registered code enforcement officer, city officials said.

VIA Metro Transit unveils alternative-power bus

VIA Metropolitan Transit unveiled one of four new alternative-power buses recently at a Park-and-Ride in San Antonio. The buses, purchased with funds from the 2009 American Reinvestment and Recovery Act, began running May 5. The fleet runs on compressed natural gas, or CNG, which pollutes less than traditional diesel.

VIA also has plans to take on this summer or early fall 30 new diesel-electric hybrid buses and three completely electric buses powered by on-board batteries.

Bradshaw to serve as new city manager in Port Aransas

Robert Bradshaw (pictured) recently accepted the position of city manager in Port Aransas. Bradshaw, who currently serves as city manager in Indian River Shores, Florida, will replace former City Manager Mike Kovacs who resigned to accept a job in Utah.

Interim City Manager Dave Parsons is expected to return to his previous position as city planner, but could be offered additional responsibilities, the mayor said.

Travis County to apply to TxDOT for road funding

Travis County commissioners have voted to apply for Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) financing to fund two projects. Officials are looking to build FM 973 as a bypass around the City of Manor and widen U.S. 290 to Braker Lane to four lanes for a total of $51.44 million with one application. The other application, for projects totaling $11.4 million, will be used to improve FM 1626 and FM 2304.

TxDOT would reimburse the county for construction with pass-through tolls on a periodic basis. Payments would not begin until the roads are open to traffic.

Uvalde CISD tags Loesch as lone superintendent finalist

Trustees for the Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District recently chose Richard C. Loesch (pictured) as the lone finalist for superintendent. Now serving as superintendent for Wolfe City ISD, Loesch also was an assistant superintendent for Princeton ISD, a principal at Whiteright ISD and Rockwall ISD and a teacher at Mineral Wells ISD.

Loesch has a bachelor's degree from Midwestern State University, a master's degree from Tarleton State University and a Ph.D. from Texas A&M University-Commerce.

District moving ahead
with new high school

Trustees for the Hitchcock Independent School District recently voted to break ground on a $16 million high school by late summer. The new school was part of a $39.98 million bond package passed in 2008.

School officials intended to start building the campus before 2010, but plans were delayed when construction on area subdivisions slowed due to a faltering economy. Trustees wanted to gauge the student census before building the school, but have now decided to wait no longer.

Agency awarded funding

for new computer system

The Avenida Guadalupe Association was recently awarded federal funds to build a computer center aimed at the Hispanic community on San Antonio's West Side. The nonprofit group, which works to bring financial vitality to the Avenida neighborhood, collaborated with a national network of economic development institutions to seek a $3.7 million grant for 17 computer centers across the nation.

These centers are aimed at increasing technology use in the Latino community - with particular focus on using technology to help create and grow small businesses.

Where are they now?

Where do folks go when they leave government? Some go to work in the private sector or for nonprofits. Some transition to executive-level positions in higher education while others may seek elected local government positions. And some just retire and spend a lot of time with their grandkids at the fishin' hole. This column focuses on where former state government officials and private sector employees are now.

Susan P. Baker began her public service career in 1978 as an adult probation officer in Galveston, a position she held until 1981. She was elected Judge of the 306th Judicial District of Texas in Galveston in 1990 and served until 2002. After retirement, she became a published author of both novels and works stemming from her legal career. In addition to her writing of novels, non-fiction books and short stories, she also serves as an arbitrator and a judge sitting by assignment.

Highland Village appoints assistant city manager
Ken Heerman has been named Highland Village's assistant city manager. Heerman will watch over the city's finances and also head the IT department, public affairs, municipal court and parks and recreation.

Heerman has been a city employee for nearly 20 years, most recently as Highland Village's finance director.

Planners to highlight recommendations
The Regional Transportation Council of the North Central Texas Council of Governments is holding public meetings this week in Plano, Arlington and Fort Worth to discuss developments in local transportation and air quality.

North Central Texas residents are invited to attend and help set priorities for the future.

City seeks $1 million to link parks via walk, bike paths

El Paso city leaders are after a $1 million federal grant that would fund a hike and bike trail to connect three city parks. The city would have to put up a $250,000 match for the nearly one-mile-long paved path, which would link Lincoln and Washington parks to the projected Saipan Park.

City Council recently approved $4.8 million to construct Saipan Park, which has a spring 2011 completion date. The trail, if approved late this year, would take about a year to construct.

Dayton ISD hires Kuhrt
as new superintendent

Michael Kuhrt (pictured) was recently named superintendent of the Dayton Independent School District. Kuhrt holds a bachelor's degree from The University of Texas at Austin and a master's from The University of Texas at Arlington.

Before getting his superintendent certification from UT-Austin, Kuhrt worked as a middle school principal from 1998 to 2001.

Recent Reports

TABC Today, Spring 2010 newsletter

An Audit Report on Certification of the Permanent School Fund's Bond Guarantee Program for Fiscal Year 2009

New high school for Clint ISD to relieve overcrowding

The Clint Independent School District has plans to build a new high school that can house 1,000 students - nearly twice as many as the current Clint High School. The $49 million school, which was OK'd in a 2006 bond election, is expected to open in fall 2011.

The current high school building will transition into a junior high. Board members do not yet have plans for the original junior high school building.

San Pat commissioners will ask the state for funding

San Patricio County Commissioners want the state to help finance an $11 million road that officials say is critical to the growth and development of Ingleside.

If the state approves the county's application, which is due May 11, the county must pass a bond election or issue certificates of obligation to pay for the industrial corridor. The state would then help pay off the debt. Officials have already hired an engineering firm, at a cost of $1 million, to design the road.

Texas Government Insider Archives

Volume 1-8 Archives -1/8/04 - 4/30/10

Forest Hill considers joining Fort Worth's 'T' group

Forest Hill city leaders may fund public transportation for the city's 13,000 residents through a quarter-cent sales tax, which is currently tagged for street maintenance. Mayor James Gosey (pictured) recently asked the Fort Worth Transportation Authority - nicknamed "the T" - what services Forest Hill could afford with the sales tax. Before that money is available, voters must approve the designation change.

While some other cities pay a full half-cent sales tax for the Fort Worth Transportation Authority's services, the T seems amiable to providing less services for less money.

SPI seeking additional outside consultants

SPI is adding additional outside consultants.

Currently, there is a need for procurement consultants in the following areas:

Public Safety
Health care
Education/ K-12
Local and State Government - Houston, San Antonio, El Paso

If you are interested in this opportunity, contact Ashley Nauert at anauert@spartnerships.com

City departments now on 4/10 workweek in El Paso

Many El Paso city employees have converted to a four-day, 10-hour workweek in an effort to save money. All departments at City Hall will operate under the new schedule, which is projected to save $213,000 during the next five months. City departments not affected include the public library, police department and environmental services.

Governor's appointments

Governor Rick Perry has announced the following appointments:

Will "Bill" Hubbard of Tioga, chair, Grayson County Regional Mobility Authority
Eric Rohne, TAMU-Corpus Christi, student representative, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board

Granite Shoals paves way

to negotiate for city projects

The Granite Shoals City Council recently chose an Austin-based engineering firm to develop plans for a wastewater treatment plant.

City officials hope the new water system will encourage commercial growth in the town of about 5,000. Granite Shoals, which is located in the Highland Lakes portion of the Hill Country, may have some difficulty building due to its namesake: a hard, rocky geology.

Horseshoe Bay to start building bridge in November

The Horseshoe Bay City Council recently made moves to begin construction of a $600,000 double-arch bridge in November.
Construction is expected to close the entrance of Bay West Blvd., site of the bridge, for about three months, officials said.

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Austin Commission approves intelligence center plans

The City of Austin Public Safety Commission has approved an agreement to create an intelligence center. A vote on the proposal will now move to city council. The Austin Regional Intelligence Center would be the first of nine Central Texas entities to share criminal intelligence information to curb crime and terroristic activity. The decision has drawn ire from some civil rights advocates concerned about the information that will be kept in the center's databases, some of which they feel should remain private.

The Austin center would exchange information regarding possible terror attacks and other crimes with 60 other multimillion-dollar intelligence agencies nationwide.

Eanes eyes new properties for expansion, program
Nola Wellman