Gulf Coast E-news

The City of Galveston Health Benefits Plan Board of Directors voted 4-3 to seek outside legal advice on whether it can initiate litigation against the city manager in the event of "any future attempts to circumvent the health benefits board."

The representatives of the public safety unions, Chair Jeff Heyse, and John Bertolino of the police union; and David Baker and William Roy of the fire union. Finance Director Rick Glassett and civilian employees David Smith and Keith Stovall were opposed.

Assistant City Attorney Mike Miller said he is not sure whether the board has the legal authority to sue the city manger.

"At this point that's not clear," Miller said, speaking for City Attorney Susie Green, who was out ill. "That is something that has to be researched."

"The actions of this board have already been circumvented," said John Bertolino, complaining that City Manager Steve LeBlanc is prepared to begin a new insurance plan without the group's endorsement. He noted also that Green had said she was unclear on whether the city attorney could represent the board in the litigation because of the pending lawsuit filed by the police union.

Baker, who made the motion to seek outside legal advice, noted that there are no funds to pay a lawyer at this time; the group is seeking only free advice from an attorney.

Roy said the current city policies are causing young, healthy "low risk" employees to opt out of the system. "All the good employees are going with their wives (policies)."

Print Version

Photos and Photos

Jamaica Beach City Council
by Shannon Hall

Jamaica Beach Alderman Steve Spicer, who is also chief of the volunteer fire department, reported that the Galveston Fire Department has been more willing to call upon Jamaica Beach for help with west end fires, since Paul Stanforth has replaced Danny Weber as chief.

“We have made four mutual-aid calls,” Spicer said.

Mayor Vic Pierson said the improved cooperation may make it possible to negotiate a new mutual aid agreement that would benefit both cities, including "a clause where we automatically respond to their fires and they automatically respond to our fires."

Also at Monday's workshop meeting, the city council discussed the proposed purchase of $20,000 worth of financial and utility billing software and an upgrade of the computer system.

City Administrator John Brick said the proposal would allow the city to do billing in-house.

“The meter reader will now have a personal computer to carry out and read the meters,” Brick said.

Brick stated they will operate a dual system for about 90 days, to work out all the glitches and get acclimated with the new system.

City Secretary Terry White said that the system will not save a lot of money, but would save some time with the meter reading.

The city council discussed a citizen’s request for a street light on Anchor Way, but Mayor Pierson said he will defer action on the request at this time.

Tom Eaton, who owns houses at 16552 and 16554 Anchor Way, asked the city to install the street light.

“There is a pole right there in front of 16554 that the light could possibly be installed on if council wants to do that,” Brick said, explaining that Reliant Energy will install the light on the pole, but the city will pay for the electricity.

Council Member John Noah cautioned that installation of the light could set a precedent. Thus, Mayor Pierson stated that he would defer the item unless any council members request that it be put on the agenda for action, or if the citizen would like to address the city council at a future meeting.

Council Member Anne Wright was absent.

Print Version

Seabrook City Council

Seabrook City Council Member Margaret Kidd Duncan resigned her position as mayor pro tem on Monday, but said she will not resign her position on the city council, despite controversy over her remarks in a recorded telephone conversation with a Seabrook police officer on December 19.

Following a replay of the profanity-laced interview on KHOU Channel 11 Monday Night, Duncan said she regretted her remarks.

On the recording, Duncan demanded to talk to the police chief about a traffic stop for speeding and a defective brake light. She repeatedly uttered profanities and referred to Seabrook Mayor Robin Riley and other members of the city council as "white trash"

Duncan alleged that the traffic stop was related to her support for the Port of Houston Authority's proposed container terminal.

"I made that phone call and the buck stops here," Duncan said. "I apologize for the essence of that call; it was inappropriate. But you get to a point, to a breaking point; that's where I was that evening."

Seabrook City Council will continue discussion of the incident at tonight's meeting.

Print Version

Friendswood City Council
by Scott Nowell

Friendswood City Council unanimously approved the first of two readings to grant a specific use permit for Hope Lutheran Church of Friendswood to develop church-related buildings on eight-acres adjacent to the church. A January 19 groundbreaking is scheduled for the project.

The city council unanimously approved the first of two readings of an ordinance to impose fines up to $300 on individuals and businesses who have more than five false fire alarms per year. The ordinance is similar to one approved last year that dealt with false police calls.

The city council unanimously approved a new hazard assessment and mitigation plan.

“The plan identifies all possible hazards that Friendswood might incur,” said Mayor Harold Whitaker.

Approximately 75 percent of the cost of developing the plan was funded by the Federal Emergency Management Administration.

Greg Crinion of the city’s community and economic development committee, in a year-end report to the city council, said that three businesses are seriously considering either expanding or transferring their business units to Friendswood.

Crinion said the city would realize nearly $1 million in additional revenue from the three businesses during the next 10 years.

The city council recognized Lew Fincher for his role as a weather advisor to the city’s emergency management services department.

All other agenda items were approved.

Print Version

Galveston County Commissioners Court
by Jinelle Boyd

Galveston County Commissioners Court accepted a $350,000 disaster relief grant from the Office of Rural Community Affairs to fund repairs to the Bolivar geotube project.

ORCA Executive Director, Robert Tessen, explained in his memo that the geotubes were damaged by storm debris from the September 2002 floods. The grant was made available through the Community Development Block Grant program of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

The commissioners court approved an interlocal agreement with UTMB for the services of a Medical Examiner and associated supportive elements.

"The court made a good decision," said Community Services Director Curtiss Brown.

The commissioners court approved a Laboratory Services Agreement with the Houston Department of Health and Human Services.

"This just puts in an orderly process by which, if we have an issue or incident, we can rely on the big laboratories to help us," confirmed County Judge Jim Yarbrough.

All other agenda items were approved. All votes were unanimous.

In workshop, the commissioners court discussed some changes to the Narcotics Task Force environment.

"The task force has been in existence for more than ten years, funded through the Governor's Criminal Justice Division - about 75 percent of funds provided by grant, with the rest provided by cash match and other things," explained Grant Coordinator John Simsen.

Simsen said that the task force is required to be multi-jurisdictional and multi-county, which is problematic, since the Brazoria County sheriff has decided not to sign the cooperative agreements that enable the task force to function.

"So by the 31^st (of May), unless something happens, there will be no task force." Simsen said, listing three options. "We can renew it as-is, apply for an anti-terrorism task force, or continue the task force with local funding."

The commissioners court also discussed the implementation of the compensation study. "We paid good money to have this report done - it's a good road map for us to attract and retain quality employees," said Yarbrough. "The biggest asset we have to make this county run is its' employees."

Print Version

Photos and Audio

Jefferson County Commissioners Court
by Carl Guidry

Jefferson County Commissioners Court voted 3-2, with Mark Domingue and Everette "Bo" Alford opposed, to authorize the Constable of Precinct 4 to appoint a non-paid reserve deputy constable.

Karl Holmes, president of the Jefferson County Deputy Constable Association spoke against the motion.

"If this is an appointment where you are going to just carry this guy's commission, a buddy deal, where his license won't expire, that's one thing, but if he is out working as a deputy constable, in a law enforcement capacity, I have a problem with that," Holmes said. "I think it violates our contract."

Deputy D. Werner spoke in favor. "The only reason that the constable's office would ask for a reserve deputy would be for emergency business, not to perform deputy constable duties, as far as civil process goes, on a day to day basis."

The commissioners court attempted to resolve a pay policy dispute with District Attorney Tom Maness, approving a budget amendment to implement a pay cap of 100 percent of the applicable classification range when budgeted open positions are authorized to be filled. However, if a promoted employee would receive less than a three percent increase, then the cap would be 103 percent. There was considerable discussion on the issue.

The commissioners court received and filed bids for insecticides and herbicides for Jefferson County Mosquito Control District.

The commissioners court received and filed a contract between Jefferson County and Kinsman and Associates, Consulting Engineers as Third Party Consultant for Energy Conversation.

The commissioners court approved a lease extension agreement with URS Corporation for the continued use of airport property in order to maintain an air monitoring station.

All other agenda items were approved.

Print Version

Photos and Audio

Galveston Landmark Commission

The Galveston Landmark Commission voted unanimously to deny a request for a certificate of appropriateness for alterations to the roof of a house located at 1611 Church Street.

The commission declared that the roof is not appropriate but will not require property owners Giuseppe and Lucinda Castorina to replace the roof because the removal process would likely damage the structure.

Brinkman Roofing Company installed a new roof on the house before obtaining a building permit from the city or approval from the Landmark Commission. The style and materials used to construct the roof do not meet the design guidelines for the East-End Historical District.

“This is a Mediterranean style roof on a Queen-Ann style house,” said Galveston Historical Foundation Executive Director Marsh Davis.

Lucinda Castorina explained that she selected the roofing materials over the original style because the roofing system was designed to sustain hurricane force winds. “We don’t have the money to buy a roof every time we turn around.”

Although he agreed that the roof should not now be removed, Davis urged the commission to pursue some type of penalty for contractors who perform work without obtaining the proper permit.

“The entire debacle could have been avoided if (the contractor) had done their paperwork,” agreed Joe Jaworski, the city council representative on the commission.

Commissioner Robert Peralez proposed the designation of the Seawall as a Galveston Landmark.

“I can’t think of any structure that has more significance than the Seawall,” said Peralez, “it is time to protect the Seawall that has been protecting us all of these years.”

The commission appointed Peralez and Jane Chapin to a sub-committee that will examine the issue.

The commission voted unanimously to defer a request for a certificate of appropriateness for alterations to a structure at 2006-2008 Avenue M 1/2.

City staff pulled from the agenda a request for approval to demolish Meyer Reiswerg's building at 101 Kempner that partially collapsed several months ago.

Jack King, Jami Durham and Sharon Westrup were absent.

Print Version

Photos and Audio

Krewe of Gambrinus

Trent Morgan found a baby doll in his King Cake to become King Gambrinus XIV to preside over the Krewe of Gambrinus' Mardi Gras activities this year. Debbie Wright was selected Queen by the same process.

The Kings Day Celebration at Fisherman's Wharf was the first official event of the 2003 Mardi Gras in Galveston.

Photos and Audio

American Cancer Society

The American Cancer Society Relay For Life Team Recruitment Party will be held Monday, January 13, 2003 at the Wortham Auditorium in Rosenberg Library located at 2310 Sealy.

Relay For Life is the American Cancer Society’s version of an athletic relay, but with a new twist. Relay For Life is a family-oriented event where participants enjoy the camaraderie of a team and also raise funds to support the activities of the American Cancer Society. Relay For Life will be held May 16 and 17, 2003 at the Kermit Courville Stadium.

Teams from companies, churches, organizations, hospitals and schools collect donations and can win individual and team prizes for their efforts.

“Relay For Life brings the progress against cancer to the forefront,” says Ann McAfee, co-chair of the event. “Many participants are our family, friends and neighbors who have been cured of cancer themselves. Their involvement is proof of the progress that has been made not in cancer cure rates, but in the quality of life following cancer treatment.”

Information about how to form a team or become involved in Relay For Life will be available at the Team Recruitment Party, Monday, January 13, 2003 at Rosenberg Library in the Wortham Auditorium at 6:30 pm. For more information about Relay For Life, please contact Michelle Hicks at 409-938-0672 or email at Michelle.Hicks@cancer.org.

Print Version

Friendswood Bond Election

Friendswood City Council has scheduled a capital improvements bond election information forum on January 16 at Friendswood City Hall.

Continuous presentations will be held from 6 to 8 p.m., along with a question and answer session, to provide residents with information on four city propositions scheduled to go before voters on February 1.

In conjunction with the forum, an open house will be held the same day at the Friendswood Police Department at 109 E. Willowick and at the Friendswood Fire Station No. 1 at 1000 S. Friendswood Drive.

Friendswood voters may also access additional election information at www.ci.friendswood.tx.us. Voters with specific questions regarding the bond election may visit election@ci.friendswood.tx.us or (281) 996-3380.

Print Version

National League of Cities

The National League of Cities has selected Galveston as one of eleven cities nationwide to receive a technical assistance award, made possible by the MetLife Foundation, to develop city strategies for increasing the civic engagement of young people. The cities were selected from a pool of 67 cities from across the nation that applied to participate in the MetLife Foundation Youth-City Connection project. NLC’s Institute for Youth, Education, and Families will provide the technical assistance to the eleven cities.

“Cities and towns all over America are finding that they have a lot to learn from young people,” said Don Borut, executive director for the NLC. “This project on youth participation will help municipal officials make substantial contributions – not only to the lives of young people in their cities and towns, but also to the cities and towns themselves.”

Mayor Roger Quiroga said the city is proud to be selected as one of the recipients of the MetLife Youth Participation Award. "We look forward to the assistance we will receive from professionals that will help us kindle interest from our young adults in their city government.”

To spearhead the planning efforts for the youth summit, Quiroga has designated the Mayor’s Youth Participation Advisory Group as the lead committee.

The City of Galveston’s Grants and Housing Department was instrumental in developing the application submitted to the NLC.

“This is a program to show our youth how important they are to their community and to demonstrate to City leaders the need for youth to participate in the community development issues of Galveston,” said Sterling W. Patrick, grants director.

The city staff members that contributed to the grant proposal were Patrick, Alice T. Law and Michelle Mickens. The staff worked with the City Families, Children, and Youth Board to develop the youth participation concept.

The Mayor’s Youth Participation Advisory Group along with FCYB, various youth organizations, and service providers will coordinate the planning efforts for the Youth Summit.

“The City of Galveston Families, Children and Youth Board is honored to participate with the City of Galveston and its youth to develop a Teen Summit that reflects the interest and welfare of our future leaders,” stated B. J. Herz, Chairman of the FCYB.

The Youth Summit will be a venue planned by youth for youth to present their platforms to the City leaders. During the planning process for this project, Galveston will receive individual attention from the NLC staff and experts. All of the cities will also have the opportunity to network with each other and learn from their respective experiences.

“Receiving the grant from MetLife is great!” quoted Noah Skaggs, a student at Galveston College. “It’s a wonderful and healthy step to insure the future of Galveston.” Noah began serving on the Families, Children, and Youth Board during his senior year in high school and has participated in the planning process for the Youth Summit.

Sibyl Jacobson, president and CEO of MetLife Foundation, said, “We are encouraged by the response to this project. It is clear that cities all across the country share out commitment to listening to young people. We commend the eleven MetLife Foundation Youth-City Connection sites for taking action based on what young people have to say.”

The selected cities include Brookings, South Dakota; Caldwell, Idaho; Des Moines, Iowa; Fremont, California; Galveston, Texas; Lawton Oklahoma; Macon, Georgia; Nashville, Tennessee: Newport News, Virginia; Rock Hill, South Carolina; and Tucson, Arizona.

Print Version

Lone Star Flight Museum

The Lone Star Flight Museum will close from Wednesday, January 8 through Friday, January 10 for the McCoy’s Building Centers Manager’s Trade Show. The museum will re-open Saturday, January 11 at 9AM.

The museum will sponsor its annual 1940s Hangar Dance featuring the Ronnie Renfrow Big Band to be held on March 15, 2003 at 7 p.m.

"Swing, jitterbug and waltz the night away to the sounds of yesteryear among the greatest aircraft of the day," said a LSFM news release.

The Hangar Dance will also feature a best-dressed contest for both civilian and military styles and prizes for the best dancing duo.

For more information call (409) 740-7722 or toll free at (888) FLIGHT8 or visit www.lsfm.org.

Print Version

Galveston Historical Foundation

Elissa, Galveston Historical Foundation's 1877 iron barque tall ship, is undergoing the dry docking process at First Wave/Newpark, a commercial shipyard in Pasadena.

Twice every five years the United States Coast Guard stipulates that the ship be docked out of the water to be inspected and refurbished for her future sailing endeavors.

“For the ELISSA to sail she must undergo the dry docking process,” states Kurt Voss, Director of the Texas Seaport Museum. “When the ELISSA is removed from the water, we can assess exactly where she is vulnerable and in need of repair. Dry-docking the ELISSA is also a considerable expense and without the many volunteers and generous contributors that help fund and manage the process she would not sail.”

The ship will have its bottom scraped and painted, a partial plate on the port side will be replaced and the ship will be given a thorough inspection. It will take approximately two weeks for the dry docking process to be complete, weather conditions permitting.

Print Version

Today's Meetings
Meetings will be held in the regular meeting place of the city council or other governmental body, unless otherwise specified.

8:30 Port Arthur City Council.
7:00 Harris-Galveston Coastal Subsidence District Public Hearings.
10:00 Harris County Commissioners Court
10:00 Region H Water Planning Group, San Jacinto River Authority offices at Lake Conroe Dam.
12:00 Rotary Club of Galveston Island, San Luis Hotel. Shrub Kemper will deliver his economic Outlook for 2003.
1:00 Beaumont City Council Special Executive Session.
1:30 Beaumont City Council Regular Meeting
1:30 Houston City Council
3:00 Friendswood Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting for Mondy Mailer/Town Planner, 14210 Highway 4, Webster.
4:00 Galveston Planning Commission
4:00 Galveston County Navigation District 1, 2121 Market, Galveston.
4:30 Galveston Families, Children and Youth Board, Rosenberg Library
6:30 Bayou Vista Board of Aldermen
7:00 Webster City Council
7:00 Seabrook City Council
7:00 Clear Lake Shores City Council
7:00 League of Women Voters Program "Galveston City Council: Current Community Issues, Rosenberg Library.
7:00 Bolivar Peninsula Chamber of Commerce General Membership Meeting, Joe Faggard Community Center.
7:30 Pasadena City Council.

Print Version

Gulf Coast E-news, published by Guidry News Service, provides comprehensive coverage of posted public meetings in Galveston, Harris and Jefferson Counties.

This electronic newsletter replaces, and expands on, the mission of Galveston Fax, established by Jim and Lynda Guidry on Galveston Island in
July 1996; and Clear Lake Area E-news, begun on January 2, 2002.

Galveston County reporters, covering the city council meetings of all 13 municipal governments plus several school boards and special utility districts, include Jinelle Boyd, Drew Gilbert, Marcie O'Keefe, Shannon Hall, Kristina Weaver, Tom Foster and Jo Ann Gowing.

Weaver, Foster and Gowing also cover the Harris County entities surrounding Clear Lake.

Scott Nowell covers Harris County Commissioners Court, Houston City Council, and meetings of organizations in downtown Houston.

Carl Guidry, representing Guidry News Service in Jefferson County, covers Jefferson County Commissioners Court, Beaumont City Council and Port Arthur City Council.

We are seeking additional reporters to expand our coverage in Jefferson County.

Gulf Coast E-news also will continue coverage of regional organizations in the Gulf Coast area.

Gulf Coast E-news is interactive with The Guidry News Service Online News Station, providing coverage of special events and public meetings with photos and audio.

Johnna Johnston and Terry Arnold are marketing representatives for The Online News Station.

Marketing representatives are being recruited in Harris and Jefferson counties.

Subscriptions to Gulf Coast E-news are $300 per year, or $75 per quarter, plus sales and use tax. A fax-only version of the newsletter is available for $350 per year or $87.50 per quarter, plus tax. Current subscribers to Galveston Fax or Clear Lake Area E-news will automatically receive Gulf Coast E-news.

Guidry News Service has offices at 926 Broadway
Galveston, Texas77550
(409) 763-NEWS (6397),
and at
2500 South Shore Boulevard
Suite C Marina
League City, Texas 77573.
(281) 334-NEWS (6397)
or email us at News@guidrynews.com