Gulf Coast E-news

"One thing that has changed in the last one and one-half months is that outside factors have become more apparent and more pressing," Kempner noted. "By outside factors, I mean a war in Iraq seems to me to be evermore probable and closer; Venezuela, which is a new factor, has put a tax on the U. S. economy because the price of oil has had to increase to make up for unexpected shortages - the latter factor wasn’t anticipated even 30 days ago; and North Korea with its newly brandished nuclear threat."

However, Kempner said he remains reasonably optimistic about the growth of the economy "despite the war clouds and potential nuclear clouds."

Kempner, who chairs the Galveston Economic Development Partnership, sees Tilman Fertitta's developments on the Seawall as beneficial to the Island's economy, but cautions about the impact to the neighborhood.

"This needs to be watched very carefully to see if the benefits of the Rainforest Restaurants will be offset by property value changes and the willingness of the citizens to continue to live in Adler Circle – one of our few middle class/upper middle class housing developments," Kempner cautioned.

He also expressed caution about a prediction made by State Representative Talmage Heflin to the Galveston Chamber of Commerce, that casinos could be legalized for some or all of the State of Texas by 2009.

"I’m here to tell you that I think for Galveston it would be a major economic misfire if we allowed them here and am stating now that, if anybody does try to bring them here, I will be among the many citizens urging the City to put this to a vote as they did the Port merger and heavily involved in the electoral fight against it," Kempner pledged.

Print Version

Photos, Audio and Text of Speech

Seabrook City Council
by Jo Ann Gowing

Seabrook City Council voted to appoint Councilman Pete Braccio as the city’s new mayor pro tem after accepting Margaret Kidd Duncan’s resignation from that position. However, Duncan refused to resign from the city council during a spirited session of the council.

The city council voted 3-1 to request Duncan's resignation from the city council, with only Duncan opposed. Larry Bonnin was absent.

Mike Laible, who made the motion, said he will file a formal complaint to begin the process of removing Duncan today.

Duncan brought disfavor from the community when an obscenity-laden tape recorded conversation, between Duncan and police officials, was made public and widely circulated.

"Her language was disgusting," said former council member C.W. Schollkopf, in an address to the city council. "This language is unbecoming a public official and she should no longer be able to represent the citizens of Seabrook.

Several other citizens spoke, all demanding that Duncan resign or that the city council take action against Duncan.

The city council approved the use of $35,000 of EDC I funds for an economic development study of property north of Red Bluff Road.

The city council tabled consideration of an agreement with the NASA-Clear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau.

The city council approved an expenditure from the general fund reserves to allow representatives from the City of Seabrook to travel and meet with representatives of Seabrook’s sister city, Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos, Ecuador.

The city council voted to reschedule a work session/retreat to January 18, 2003.

The city council ratified the City Manager’s action to include Seabrook in a letter requesting that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reconsider the draft environmental impact study process for the Bayport project.

All other agenda items were approved.

Print Version

Listen to a recording of Kidd Duncan and the Police

Pasadena City Council
by Tom Foster

Pasadena City Council unanimously approved on first reading seven new proposed ordinances that include structural improvements to the city’s main library and the cleanup and removal of a former city structure.

Two of the proposed ordinances deal with the city’s main library, located behind city hall. Approximately $116,000 in architectural renovation services were approved, along with engineering services for slab leveling of the library’s floor. Funding for the project will come from the city’s Capital Improvement Plan budget.

The city council approved the removal of a foundation at 3535 Red Bluff Road that also will include asbestos removal, slab cleanup and asphalt cleanup at the site. Funding for the project will come from a community development block grant. Pasadena Mayor John Manlove said he hopes the cleanup will lead to new construction on the site in the near future.

The city council approved more than $52,000 in improvements to the city’s Vince Bayou Water Treatment Plant.

The city council approved the purchase of $275,000 in laptop computers from Dell Computers to replace existing computers.

The city council approved more than $38,000 for pavement and drainage improvements to Crenshaw Road.

The city council approved the replacement and purchase of new plastic chairs for the Pasadena Convention Center, for approximately $24,000.

The ordinances must all be approved on second reading to become law. Several ordinances were approved on final reading.

Mayor John Manlove commented that the city passed 300 ordinances in 2002, "the most ordinances passed in one year in the last ten years," according to the city clerk.

All other agenda items were approved.

Council Member J.J. Isbell announced that a public meeting on the proposed San Jacinto Rail project will be held at 7 p.m. on January 14 at the Pasadena Convention Center.

Council member Leroy Stanley announced that he intends to run for re-election to the city council.

Print Version

Clear Lake Shores City Council
by Kristin Weaver

Clear Lake Shore City Council voted 1-2, with Lowell Brown and Vaness Hamilton opposed, to defeat a motion to replace three members of the Tree Committee who have not attended meetings.

“I am still interested and dedicated to completing the work I originally signed on for with this committee," insisted Hamilton, complaining that she did not know about the move to remove her previously. "I learned of the request to remove me only from review of this agenda and subsequent conversation with the Mayor.”

Council Member Lowell Brown was concerned that the committee members were not notified.

“If one person out of three had no idea that they were being removed from the committee I wonder what is the push behind removing three people unless they resign?” Brown asked.

“Because they have not preformed," responded Tree Committee Chair Kim DuClair.

The city council unanimously approved the purchase of property at 1006 South Shore Drive. Currently the building is partially used by city staff and also leased out to area businesses. Mayor Ted Guthrie stated that the lessees would remain until the leases expire.

Council Member Katherine McIntyre stated she was glad to see the opportunity to purchase the building came at the times the city had the funds.

All other agenda items were approved.

Brian Chernecke and Jim Moncur were absent; all other agenda items were approved.

Print Version

Bayou Vista Board of Aldermen
by Marcie Ellis

The Bayou Vista Board of Aldermen discussed a proposal by Alderman Bill Jackson to consider changing the name of the Village of Bayou Vista to the City of Bayou Vista.

"We are confused as a little village of fishing shacks instead of a city with $93 million in housing," he said.

Jackson suggested that legal issues related to a name change be conducted.

The board voted unanimously to support a first draft resolution calling for an alternate route for truck traffic for the proposed container terminal at Shoal Point in Texas City.

The board discussed a proposed revision of the ordinance regulating construction work, to set a time limit on weekend construction projects. An amended ordinance, prohibiting work before 8 a.m. on weekends will be reviewed by City Attorney Ellis Ortego.

The board discussed, but took no action on, a proposal to deny construction permits to property owners if encroachments by Municipal Utility District 12 exist. Ortego said the proposal could make the city liable for lawsuits.

Police Chief Ed Lucas reported to the city council that litter violations were the number one complaint in 2002, and barking dogs came in second. He said his officers issued few traffic citations last year.

"We stop a lot of people and tell them to slow down, but we do not issue a lot of tickets," Lucas said. "We are not in the habit of giving our residents tickets."

The board approved the 2001-2002 financial audit by Null Lairson.

Print Version

Photos and Audio

Galveston County Navigation District 1

The Board of Commissioners of Galveston County Navigation District 1 discussed issues related to the collision of the vessel Balsa 59 with the Pelican Island Causeway on December 27, 2001.

"Damages estimated from Galveston Waterways District were in excess of $200,000," said a report from the Coast Guard that was received during the meeting.

Litigation is pending.

The board discussed damage to lights warning motorists that bicyclists are on the Pelican Island Causeway. District Manager Frank Incaprera said that Texas A&M University at Galveston will not share in the cost of the repair, even though they were installed at the request of TAMUG.

"Maybe we ought to just leave it on the ground if they don't want to help us," said Commissioner Al Choate. "It's just for their students; it's not for us."

Print Version

Photos and Audio

Harris County Commissioners Court

Harris County Commissioners Court referred a request from the Greaney Company of Galveston for a review of the county's bid policy to the county attorney.

Carol Greaney-Wurst complained that her company's low bid on ice machines for the Harris County Hospital District was not considered because county mailroom personnel failed to deliver their bid to the county’s purchasing department on time.

"We did everything we were supposed to do and we had the low bid," Greaney-Wurst told the commissioners court. "I'm asking you to rescind this contract and award it to us."

The commissioners court voted 4-1, with Commissioner Steve Radack opposed, to approve annual agreements for legislative liaison services with four firms: Dan Shelby; Texas Lobby Group; Winstead, Sechrest & Minick, P.C.; and Akin, Gump, Straushauer & Gump.

The commissioners court referred a request for payment of $215,494 to Houston Independent School District for two teachers at Chimney Rock Shelter to the county budget office.

The commissioners court also referred a request by Justice of the Peace Patronella, for authorization to extend two part-time positions through March 2004, to the budget office. A request by Patronella for authorization to travel to Austin to appear before committees of the Texas Legislature was referred to the legislative relations department.

Several items were removed from the agenda: Agreements for legislative liaison services with Stan Schulter, Sofia Adrogue and Dan McClure; a request for authorization to terminate an agreement with Housing Opportunities of Houston, Inc., to provide assistance for low-income residents in unincorporated areas affected by Tropical Storm Allison, and; a request by the county attorney for approval of an order directing that a public hearing be held on a petition to create Harris County Rural Fire Prevention District No.5.

All other agenda items were approved.

The commissioners court met with Dr. Luis Sanchez, the county's chief medical examiner, to discuss the loss of a baby's body in the morgue. Before the day was out, Sanchez would report a second body missing, an adult male. That body was located and returned, however.

Radack recommended that the county discontinue providing autopsy services for other counties, but County Judge Robert Eckels argued against abandoning the regional approach that has been developed for public health purposes.

Commissioner Sylvia Garcia recommended that a complete evaluation of the Harris County Medical Examiner’s Office be conducted. Garcia noted that no evaluation has taken place since 1996.

Sanchez agreed that an evaluation of the medical examiner’s office is needed and welcomed, and that he has instructed his staff to cooperate completely with the ongoing investigations into the body’s disappearance.

Harris County Commissioners welcomed Garcia to her first regular meeting Tuesday morning. She is the first woman and the first Hispanic elected, and the first new commissioner on the court in over a decade. Listen

Print Version

Beaumont City Council
by Carl Guidry

Beaumont City Council voted 4-1, with Andrew Cokinos opposed, to name Craig Lively the city's Chief Magistrate for a two-year term.

Council Member Guy Goodson noted that Lively was chosen from a field of highly-qualified applicants. Listen

The city council approved a an amended specific use permit to allow the expansion of overflow parking for a dental office, subject to the installation of an eight foot tall screening fence and drainage equipment.

The city council voted to abandon a 20-foot alley between Texas and Grand Avenue and IH-10 and Catalpa Avenue.

The city council deferred action on the re-adoption of the Land Use Plan element of the Comprehensive Plan and its accompanying Development Strategies Plan and re-adoption of the Major Street and Highway Plan "map" and related components of the Comprehensive Plan.

The city council approved a $95,000 contract with Gulf Coast Electric for electrical improvements at the Water Treatment Plant High Service Pump Station.

The city council approved a $25,000 contract with BUILD, Inc., Beaumont Main Street.

"Beaumont Main Street program has established a partnership through public and private sectors as dedicated through the validation of Beaumont's Historical District." said City Manager Kyle Hayes. "We are very pleased with our relationship with Beaumont Main Street."

Mayor Lord told of a mayors-only special forum in Beaumont pertaining to Homeland Security. Listen

There was a recess of the Regular Meeting and Convening of a meeting of the Beaumont Housing Finance Corporation where a resolution authorizing the donation of funds to the City of Beaumont in the amount of $15,497.51 to be used for educational purposes at the Beaumont Public Libraries was approved.

GNS talked to Carolyn Howard, Director of Beaumont Main Street about the council's action. Listen

Print Version

Port Arthur City Council

Port Arthur City Council voted to ask the Port Arthur Section 4A Economic Development Corporation to "immediately and fully respond" to the inquiries of the City's Independent Auditor and to immediately pay or reimburse the cost of the Audit. The only no vote was from Council member Michael Sinegal.

The council approved three Ordinances amending fire and building codes. Fire Chief Stephen Curran says the action will bring the city up to the International Fire Code, 2000 Edition, International Building Code, 2000 Edition and National Electrical Code, 200 Edition. Listen

Several items were removed from the agenda for consideration: a resolution rescinding Resolution No. 02-15 as it pertains to a performance-based incentive policy as it relates to the Port Arthur Section 4A Economic Development Corporation.

Print Version

United States Congress

Congressman Nick Lampson was sworn in on Tuesday for his fourth term as the Representative of the Ninth District of Texas.

"I am so proud to take the oath of office for the fourth time today," said Lampson. "Representing Southeast Texas has been an honor and a privilege and I look forward to two more years of service."

Joining him at the ceremony were his wife Susan, his daughters Hillary Shanning and Stephanie Gertz, and his grandsons Nicholas and Joseph. "It so exciting for me to have my family here, especially my two grandsons. The work that we do here is so important for their generation."

In the 108^th Congress, said he Lampson will continue to work on the issues important to families in Southeast Texas.

"As the founder of the Missing and Exploited Children's Caucus I look forward to continuing my work on child safety," said Lampson. "There was a great deal of attention paid to the issue this summer, but work still needs to be done to make sure that all of America's children are safe."

He said he will work to address the problems that families face every day, "high-quality education for their kids, preparing for retirement and paying the rising costs of prescription drugs. I am committed to winning the war on terrorism, but security also means taking care of business here at home."

Print Version

American Heart Association Grants

The American Heart Association’s Texas affiliate has awarded $248,000 to two University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston researchers for their promising investigations related to the cardiovascular system.

David W. Good, Ph.D., and Glenn C. Hunter, M.D., each received a $124,000 grant to support their research. Good is studying renal mechanisms that prevent the harmful effects blood acidity levels can have on cardiovascular function in people with heart disease, while Hunter is examining how the growth rate of cells lining the heart and blood vessels affects vein grafts in coronary bypass surgery.

Good, a professor of internal medicine, is exploring the mechanisms needed for kidneys to maintain stable acidity in the blood and other bodily fluids. Fluctuations in acidity can impair cardiac function and the regulation of blood pressure, especially in people with cardiovascular disease. The research goal is to develop therapeutic strategies to improve acid control by studying how certain drugs, hormones and other factors affect the kidney cells’ regulation of acid excretion through urine.

Good said the grant from the AHA has been invaluable to his research. “This grant has been of major benefit to our laboratory by providing support necessary to expand our research into important new areas of renal cell biology,” he said.

“I want to thank the American Heart Association for considering my research worthy of funding," Hunter added. "This support offers me the chance to help improve the effectiveness of coronary bypass grafts.”

A professor of surgery and the Alonzo Alverly Ross, M.D. Centennial Chair in General Surgery, Hunter is attempting to identify the role that endothelial cell growth plays in veins grafted to the heart in a bypass operation. Endothelial cells line the heart as well as blood and lymphatic vessels. In heart bypass operations, surgeons take veins from a heart patient’s leg and link them to the aorta—the main blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to organs—to reroute blood flow around an obstructed artery.

The funds raised by the AHA’s Texas chapter—totaling $21 million in 2001—primarily remain in the state, with a small percentage going to the national organization. Approximately 30 percent of funding goes to research, and the rest supports public cardiovascular disease education programs.

Gene Curry, board chairman of the AHA-Texas Affiliate and an operations analyst in UTMB’s Facilities Operations and Management Department, said the research Good and Hunter are conducting deserves recognition.

“These UTMB recipients exemplify the kinds of quality research funded by the American Heart Association,” Curry said.

Print Version

Hitchcock Independent School District

January is School Board Recognition Month and Hitchcock ISD is joining other districts across the state to acknowledge their commitment to our communities and schools.

“Texans benefit every day from the dedicated energies and countless hours devoted by a group of more than 7,000 men and women across the state. These public servants are elected to serve by local citizens and receive no compensation for their tireless efforts. These men and women are the local school board members of Texas,” said Barbara Wilson, Interim Superintendent.

“These people unselfishly contribute their time and talents toward the advancement of public education,” Wilson said. “The represent a continuing commitment to local citizen control and decision making in education. Even though we are making a special effort during January to show appreciation to our school board members, we recognize their contributions reflect a year-round commitment on their part,” Wilson said.

School board members serving Hitchcock ISD are: Josie M. Orr, president; Ricky Bond, vice president; Doris Scurry-Kennedy, secretary; Pat Turner; Shawn Kadlecek; Rochelle Randle; and Mark Morgan.

Print Version

TAACCL Fashion Gala Fundraiser

The Arts Alliance of Clear Lake will hold a Fashion Gala Fundraiser on Saturday, February 15, 2003 .

"An evening of haute couture is presented with a Neiman Marcus runway show, dinner, music by the Blue Monks, dancing and silent auctions for patrons of the arts," says a press release.

Limited runway seating available. Call (281) 335-7777 for tickets. The event is being underwritten by Dr. & Mrs. Stephen Magers and Mr. & Mrs. Russell LaRocco.

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.

9:00 Houston City Council
10:00 Harris-Galveston Coastal Subsidence District Board of Directors.
12:00 Texas City Industrial Development Corporation Board of Directors, City Hall Conference Room
12:00 Rotary Club of Galveston, Brothers Petronella Top Gallant Room.
1:00 Texas City Facilities Development Corporation Board of Directors, City Hall Conference Room
3:55 Board of Trustees of the Galveston Wharves Special Meeting.
4:00 Ad Hoc Committee for Future Port Development Special Meeting, Wharves Board Meeting Room 123 Rosenberg, Galveston.
4:00 Galveston Zoning Board of Adjustment
4:00 Texas City Commission, Planning Board, Zoning Commission and Board of Adjustment Joint Workshop Meeting.
4:00 Galveston Committee on Unity and Tolerance, City Hall Room 20.
Postponed 4:30 Galveston Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting, IBC Bank located inside Randall's on 61st Street. (Now scheduled for Wednesday, January 29.)
5:00 Texas City Commission Regular Meeting
5:00 Galveston County Drainage District 1, 3714 Avenue J, Santa Fe.

back to the top

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 Ellis 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