Award-Winning Planning

Regional Forum

Rural Planning Organization receives national award

Newsletter Of The South Plains Association Of Governments

For 29 years, the Na-tional Association of De-velopment Organization’s annual Innovation Award program has honored members who have made significant impacts on their regions through innova-tive approaches to prob-lem solving and program delivery. NADO and its members promote region-al strategies, partnerships, and solutions to strength-en the economic competi-tiveness and quality of life across America’s local com-munities.

The South Plains Re-gional Planning Organi-zation (SPRO) was a 2015 NADO Innovation Award recipient. The SPRO show-cases a creative approach to regional community and economic development that strengthens the South Plains. The SPRO will be recognized at a special re-ception during NADO’s 2015 Annual Training Con-ference, in New Orleans.

The goal of the SPRPO is to enhance rural involve-ment regarding the Lub-

bock Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT) District, which includes seventeen counties. The SPRPO is aligned with its TXDOT District and is one of two councils of govern-ment in Texas that receive funds from its TXDOT Dis-trict for rural transporta-tion planning. The SPRPO assists county officials with information, acts as a liai-son between the Lubbock TXDOT District coun-ty judges and engineers, and coordinates quarterly meetings for collabora-tion between the Lubbock TXDOT district and the seventeen county judges

within said district. While serving as an advocate for the South Plains in state and federal transportation, the SPRPO has successfully gathered county judges in our area to better plan for transportation infrastruc-ture as well as simultane-ously avoiding duplication of services.

The SPRO creates an op-portunity for county judges to participate in dialogue with one another regarding the transportation issues in the region; while also engaging the district en-gineer to take a proactive approach to resolve the re-gion’s problems.

Inside This Issue

October 2015

AwArd-winning PlAnning

CleAning uP

2-1-1 South PlAinS

Joining the ForCe

ACCeSS AdrC

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12

3

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South PlAinS ASSoCiAtion oF governmentS

Photo by Curt E. Roberts, Paint Rock Artswww.paintrockarts.com

6 texAS Center For muniCiPAl ethiCS

45

ASPA honorS PubliC ServAntS

reAdy to enroll

Municipal solid waste grants work to keep region clean, healthy

2 regionAl Forum

Cleaning Up

Five cities and one county in our region recently completed sol-id waste projects. The commu-

nities received solid waste funding from SPAG during the 2014/2015 sol-id waste funding cycle. SPAG offers pass-through funding from the Texas Commission on Environmental Qual-ity (TCEQ) to cities, counties and other eligible entities in our region for projects that support the goals and objectives of the SPAG regional solid waste management plan.

The City of Lev-elland received $20,223 to add 960 square feet to the Levelland Recy-cling Center in the form of a 24’X40’ building that will be attached to the existing center. In addition, to al-low for even more storage space for bales of recyclable materials, the City purchased three two-shelf steel pal-let racks. In order to properly accom-modate the expan-sion the City is also rebuilt and moved the used oil drop off site. This con-sisted of building a three sided 24’ X 10’metal shed with an open front. In addition, the City replaced one of the profile waste oil containers with a new container.

Lynn County received $3,685 to purchase a trailer to help in the aid of picking up debris around the county, including abandoned tires, branches, limbs, and trash. The funding was also used in the disposal of the tires

collected.The City of Meadow received

$25,092.70 to purchase a 4 yard collec-tion bin, 2013 ½ ton truck, 18’ utility trailer, chainsaw, fork attachment for a Kubota, a refurbished 60” Marathon V603HD Vertical Baler, and mailings for a bi-annual city-wide cleanup the city performed.

The City of Plainview received $12,599.50 to purchase a tire cutter to cut passenger and heavy duty truck tires so that tires could be placed in

the City of Plainview LandfillThe City of Ralls received $7,250

to purchase a tire storage container from State Rubber Environmental Solutions, a tire recycling operation located in Denver City, Texas and paid for the container transport of used tires. The container was placed at the City of Ralls Collection Site.

The City of Petersburg received $44,283.12 to purchase a wood chip-per that allows the City to eliminate the amount of wood debris and waste

that has been taken to the Citizen’s Col-lection Sta-tions. Chip-ping the wood products into reusable mulch reduced the cost of dispos-al and reduced the amount of waste hauled to the land fill. The city also purchased 2 chainsaws and safety items for when us-ing the wood chipper. The city has uti-lized the mulch around the city for landscaping and has made it available to cit-

izens for free. The 2016/2017 solid waste funding

cycle will occur within the next cou-ple of months. For more information on this program, contact Courtney Paz in the Regional Services Depart-ment.

CloCkwiSe From right to leFt: Woodchipper in use in the City of Petersburg; Collection of bins in use in the City of Meadow; Tire cutter in use in the City of Plainview; Trailer in use in Lynn County.

3South PlAinS ASSoCiAtion oF governmentS

South Plains Association of Governments held its 48th Annual General Assembly Meeting on Wednes-day, September 9. Held at Kershner’s Inside 4-K, the 169 attendees enjoyed a bar-b-que dinner with entertainment provided by Junior Vasquez. Prior to the dinner, the assembly held its business meeting to approve SPAG’s 2015 – 2016 Financial Plan.

Congratulations to the SPAG employees recognized at the event for their years of service: tim PierCe, exeCutive direCtor – 30 yeArS

liz CAStro, direCtor oF Aging – 15 yeArS

gAy lynn moSher, direCtor oF trAining & CommuniCAtionS – 15 yeArS

mArgo boyd, exeCutive ASSiStAnt – 15 yeArS

dee neill, ProgrAm SPeCiAliSt, Aging dePArtment – 5 yeArS

South Plains Association of Governments48th Annual General Assembly Meeting

2-1-1 Texas South Plains is the Area Information Center for the South Plains region. It is part

of an integrated, statewide network of centers across the State of Texas. It provides resources for those who need access to services such as utili-

ties assistance, food, counseling, and seasonal programs, for example. 2-1-1 is also the number for three other state programs: Your Texas Benefits, State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry, and Office of Inspector Gen-eral to report fraud and abuse of state

2-1-1 South Plains

The South Plains Association of Governments Regional Law Enforcement Academy was

proud to host the graduation of the 84th and 85th Basic Peace Officer Cadet Corps., consisting of 20 (84th B.P.O.C.) and 16 (85th B.P.O.C.) re-spectively, highly dedicated and well deserving men and women. The 84th B.P.O.C. celebrated graduation on July 14th, 2015, and the 85th B.P.O.C. commemorated their graduation on August 17th, 2015. The ceremonies concluded eight long and challenging but rewarding months of hard work and training to prepare Cadets for the rigors and demands of modern law enforcement officers in today’s world.

The family and friends of Cadets

along with many participating law enforcement agencies attended to celebrate this auspicious occasion

that featured Keynote Speaker Sena-tor Charles Perry, officiating for the 84th Basic Peace Officer Class and the Honorable Lamb County Judge Mike DeLoach as Speaker for the 85th Basic Peace Officer Class.

Slaton Chief of Police Trevor Barnes fulfilled the role of Master of Ceremonies as he recounted the en-deavors and achievements of both the 84th and 85th Cadet Corps. Classes.

Our heartfelt congratulations go out to all Cadets and their families for the successful completion of this journey and our wishes for continued attainment of their respective law en-forcement goals.

Job Well Done!

benefits. 2-1-1 Texas South Plains is a program of Texas Health and Hu-man Services Commission and South Plains Association of Governments.

For more information about South Plains or Texas resources, please visit www.211texas.org.

Joining the ForceSouth Plains Law Enforcement Academy graduates 36

Above: Graduates from the South Plains Association of Governments Regional Law Enforcment Acade-my 84th and 85th Basic Peace Officer Cadet Corps.

SPAG employees celebrated during Public Service Recognition Week

4 regionAl Forum

ASPA Honors Public Servants

The American Society of Public Administration (ASPA) is the largest and

most prominent association for public administration. ASPA’s core values are accountabili-ty, performance, professional-ism, ethics and social equity. ASPA promotes professional-ism through chapters and sections; which members have an opportunity to advance their careers by becom-ing involved in their local public ad-ministration community. The society also provides three publications: PA Times, The Bridge and The Public Administration Review (PAR).

Each year, public servants are cel-ebrated during Public Service Recog-nition Week. ASPA, as part of Public Employees Roundtable, commem-orates the week through activities hosted by its chapters and participat-ing in D.C- based events. This year Lubbock’s Chapter of ASPA recog-nized Rick Osburn and Kelly Davila.

Over the last 33 years, Rick Osburn has served the City of Levelland with the last ten as City Manager. After receiving his Bachelors from Texas A&M University, Osburn continued his education at Texas State Univer-sity, then University of Texas at Ar-

lington, receiving his Masters in City & Regional Planning and completing a Certified Public Manager program. Since becoming City Manager Level-land has made several advances:

Also, the City has received over $7 million in federal and state grants.

Kelly Davila began her career as a public servant at the age of 16 as an administrative & finance intern at South Plains Association of Govern-ments. Eventually becoming team grant leader, she helped coordinate efforts for West Texas communities to receive $5 million worth of state grants to aid in the development and rehabilitation of water wells. These water well projects helped several of small communities manage the dras-tic impacts of drought experienced in the region.

In December of 2011, Kelly graduated from the Texas Tech University Certified Public Manager Program. Currently, she holds the position of out-reach program coordinator for the Texas Water Development Board. She coordinates the outreach program for the Pan

Handle, South Plains, and the Perm-ian Basin Region. Through this posi-tion, she continues to assist commu-nities with the challenges presented by Texas water issues.

FACility imProvementS

$2 million landfill planned, permitted and developed 2004-2015

$5.4 million sports complex planned and developed 2012-2015

New animal shelter constructed in 2013

New hangar constructed at Levelland Municipal Airport

bondS

$4.3 million bond issue passed for street, drainage and landfill improvements 2004

$2 million in bonds issued for street improvements 2007

$4.3 million in bonds issued for rail park construction 2009

$4.5 million in bonds issued for sports complex construction 2013

5South PlAinS ASSoCiAtion oF governmentS

Medicare Open Enrollment is just around the corner and the South Plains Area

Agency on Aging will be scheduling Open Enrollment Events throughout the 15 county region to help Medicare beneficiaries compare and/or elect new Medicare Part D and Medicare Advantage plans. Your health needs change from year to year. And, your health plan may change the benefits and cost each year too. That’s why it’s important to evaluate your Medi-care choices every year.

Open Enrollment is the one time of year when ALL people with Medicare can see what new benefits Medicare has to offer and make changes to their

coverage. There’s never been a better time to check out Medicare coverage. There are new benefits available for all people with Medicare - whether you choose Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage plan - including lower prescription costs, wellness vis-its, and preventive care.

Take advantage of Open Enroll-ment and you may be able to save money, get better coverage, or both. Open Enrollment starts October 15th and lasts through December 7th ; which ensures Medicare enough time to process your choice, so your cov-erage can begin without interruption on January 1st.

Ready to EnrollMedicare Open Enrollment begins Oct. 15

Access ADRC

ADRCs help streamline the process of accessing health-care services and supports for

DADS Consumers. An initiative from the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS), the Aging and Disability Resource Cen-ters (ADRCs) were developed, in part, to provide DADS con-sumers Long Term Supports and Services (LTSS) with help navigating long term health care options and benefits.

In Texas, the twenty-eight regional ADRCs share the same core objectives: 1) To serve as a trusted system of access for people of all ages, incomes and dis-abilities. 2) To provide person-cen-tered decision support to empow-er individuals to make informed decisions about their options for long term services and supports. 3) Pro-vide services which promote inde-pendence, choice, dignity and qual-

ity of life for individuals. However, DADS programs do vary by region, as will the needs of the consumer. Each ADRC is tasked with identifying con-sumer needs in the region, and will adjust its focus to better serve that

population. As a result, ADRC’s have a multi-functional role. For DADS LTSS consumers, ADRCs provide pre-enrollment education and help reduce application errors, in turn re-ducing the determination period and lessen the wait for an individual to receive services. Building interagen-cy relationships and community part-

nerships is another important role to an ADRC. Agency teamwork, refer-rals to and from partnering agencies provide a consumer with expanded options which will often satisfy their immediate needs.

Consumers and the peo-ple close to them can rely on ADRCs to help provide direction and clear explana-tions about their long term healthcare options and how to avoid common pitfalls. ADRC services are pro-vided to adults age 60 and older and to people of any

age with disabilities. However, fam-ily members, friends or professionals who are seeking help for others can also receive information.

Aging & Disability Resource Centers provide consumer assistance

Medicare Part D Open Enrollment

oCtober 15 lorenzo Senior CitizenS 9:00-3:00

oCtober 16 S. diCkenS Senior CitizenS 9:00-3:00

oCtober 19 SlAton Senior CitizenS 9:00-4:00

oCtober 21 hoCkley Co. Senior CitizenS 9:00-4:30

oCtober 22 CroSby Co. Senior CitizenS 9:00-3:00

oCtober 27 yoAkum Co. Senior CitizenS 9:00-2:00

oCtober 28 hAle Center Senior CitizenS 9:00-3:00

oCtober 29 gArzA Co. trAilblAzerS 9:00-2:00

november 4 uS renAl Center 9:00-11:00

november 5 uS renAl Center 9:00-11:00

november 10 CoChrAn Co. Senior CitizenS 9:00-4:00

november 16 motley Co. Senior CitizenS 9:00-3:00

november 17 bAiley Co. Senior CitizenS 9:00-4:00

november 18 brownField SPCCA 9:00-1:00

november 19 hAle Co. Senior Center 9:00-1:00

deCember 1 lynn Co, PioneerS 9:00-3:00

6 regionAl Forum

Conflict of InteresttexAS loCAl gov. Code 171

Prohibits an elected official from voting or participating on a matter regarding a business entity or real property in which they have substantial interest.

Substantial Interest: a) owns 10% or more of stock b) $15k or more in fair market value (FMV) c) funds received from business entity exceeds 10% of gross income d) equitable or le-gal ownership interest w/ FMV of $2,500 or more.

texAS loCAl gov. Code 131

Prohibits an elected official from selecting a City’s deposito-ry in which they have substan-tial interest.

Substantial Interest: a) owns 10% or more of stock b) $15k or more in FMV c) funds received from business entity exceeds 10% or gross income d) equita-ble of legal ownership interest w/ FMV of $2,500 or more.

texAS loCAl gov. Code 212

Prohibits an elected official from approving a city plat if the elected official has substantial interest.

Substantial Interest in Subdi-vided Tract if: own $2,500 of land; act as developer; own 10% of business stock; 10% /$5,000 of FMV of business; 10% of in-come.

TexasEthics.com promotes integrity at the local level of gov-ernment. This site is a resource that provides educational ma-terial to inform local leaders of the rules and guidelines that affect conduct, decision-making, implementation, and adju-dication.

TexasEthics.com is an excellent resource for questions re-garding ethics. The website is governed by the Texas Center for Municipal Ethics (TCME), a nonprofit organization.

Along with providing editorial guidance for TexasEthics.com, TCME coordinates a Speakers Bureau of capable presenters to:

Conduct SeminarsSpeak at ConferencesModerate Panel DiscussionsConduct Training for Cities and Professional Associations

And so, TCME seeks to provide easy access to information on ethics for Texas City officials. Also, it facilitates training opportunities for professional associations, and educational institutions. At TexasEthics.com you can find:

Codes of Ethics for Texas MunicipalitiesLinks to Online Codes of Ordinance for Texas MunicipalitiesEthics Codes for several Professional Organizations, National and International Associations and Military Branches

TexasEthics.com promotes integrity in municipal deci-sion-making and a culture of ethics at city hall by providing resources for Texas City officials in any capacity at one site.

7

South PlAinS ASSoCiAtion oF governmentS QuArterly CAlendAr

O c t O b e r

SPAG Board of Directors Meeting

11/10/159:30 a.m.

SPAG Boardroom

SPAG Boardroom

SPAG is a voluntary association created by the local governments within State

Planning Region 2. It is an independent political sub-division of the state and is one of 24 such organiza-tions in Texas. All local governments in the region are eligible and invited to become a member. Regional Forum is published quarterly by SPAG and is avail-able without cost.

Please direct any correspondence or inquiries to SPAG

ContACt SPAg1323 58th Street

lubboCk, texAS 79412•

Po box 3730Freedom StAtion

lubboCk, tx 79452•

806.762.8721toll Free 1.800.858.1809

FAx 806.765.9544•

www.SPAg.org

the honorAble tom heAd

PreSident

tim PierCe

exeCutive direCtor

South PlAinS ASSoCiAtion oF governmentS

SPAG Board of Directors Meeting

10/13/159:30 a.m.

Photo by Curt E. Roberts, Paint Rock Arts • www.paintrockarts.com

N O v e m b e r

D e c e m b e rSPAG Board of

Directors MeetingSPAG Boardroom12/8/15

9:30 a.m.