TO: H-GAC Board of Directors
SUBJECT: Board Report
FROM: Jack Steele
DATE: July 10, 2017
Today’s report covers highlights of our July Board of Directors agenda. There are numerous important items for your consideration as we continue moving H-GAC’s programs and services forward.
Consent Agenda—the City of Mont Belvieu Livable Centers Study is a joint effort between H-GAC and the City of Mont Belvieu, which is also providing local funds for a portion of the costs. We are requesting a 24-month renewal of a laboratory analysis contract for testing of clean rivers program water samples. The recommended contractor, Eastex Environmental Laboratory, has provided quality services to us for some time. Our current solicitation allows a 24-month extension, and that is what we are suggesting. The Coastal Communities Outreach item will allow us to work with six local jurisdictions in the Bastrop and Double Bayou watersheds which do not have separate storm sewer systems. The project will help these communities and their residents implement bacteria reduction activities.
We are recommending extending the contract for our Aerial and Remote Sensing Data vendor, Surdex Corporation, for an additional two-year period. This is an ongoing H-GAC activity, and funds are provided by voluntarily participating local governments and other organizations.
We are recommending participating in a joint effort with the US Geological Survey and the Texas Water Development Board for acquisition of more than 9,400 square miles of LiDAR data for our region. The cost is reasonable.
We are recommending contracts with thirty-three proposers to provide all hazards preparedness planning and recovery services in the cooperative purchasing program.
We are requesting acceptance of additional Workforce funds. The State Vocational Rehabilitation staff is going to be integrating into the regional workforce network. The Texas Workforce Commission has made available $200,000 for modification of local career offices to accommodate the additional Vocational Rehabilitation staff. In addition, San Jacinto College has provided some additional funds to support Ombudsmen to help connect Workforce customers with training for in-demand jobs offered by the college.
We are recommending contracts to replace two school buses with new low emission and more efficient equipment in the clean vehicles program.
We are also recommending approval of a resolution designating August as Commute Solutions Month.
We are recommending a contract with Gilbreath Communications for a media planning and placement of public service ads concerning hurricane evacuation, bicycle safety, and pedestrian safety.
Finance and Budget Committee—will meet at 9:30 a.m. in conference room A to consider monthly financial reports, finance related consent agenda items, and other finance related items on the Board’s agenda.
We are presenting the mid-year revision of H-GAC’s Budget and Service Plan for your consideration. The revision is built around our analysis of revenues and expenditures to date and updated information about operations for the balance of the year. There are no dramatic changes. The unified budget is down about 3.78%, largely due to some transportation and disaster recovery activities, expending funds over a longer time period than originally projected.
Human Services—we have annual aging service contract recommendations from the staff and the Aging Programs Advisory Committee for your consideration. The only major change is a proposed new contractor for home delivered meals in Galveston County. Galveston County had asked that we find an alternative provider for home delivery meals and Interfaith Ministries has a long and good track record in providing this service elsewhere.
Transportation Planning—we are requesting approval of a two-year contract with Harris County to fund operations of the Sheriff’s Office Motorist Assistance Program and associated freeway monitoring staff. The primary purpose of this program is to reduce congestion by clearing stalled or stranded vehicles from freeway lanes quickly.
Texas Association of Regional Councils Officer Nomination—Matagorda County Judge Nate McDonald is currently serving as the President Elect of our State Association. Board action to submit his name as the nominee for TARC President is requested.
H-GAC Advisory Committee Appointments—it’s committee appointment season, and we have a number for your consideration next week. If you have additional appointments which you would like to add to the list, please contact us.
Resolution Honoring Deidre Vick—Deidre Vick, our Director of Public Services is retiring after 37 years of outstanding and conscientious service. The resolution recognizes her great contributions to H-GAC.
9-1-1 District Board—The Gulf Coast Regional 9-1-1 Emergency Communications District Board will meet immediately upon adjournment of the H-GAC Board in conference room A. Agenda materials will be sent separately to Board members.
I hope you will plan to be here next week to participate in consideration of a full range of important actions. Meanwhile, if you have questions about any agenda item or suggestions concerning any H-GAC service, please contact me.
Sincerely,
Jack Steele
JS/ndg
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