© 2003, Guidry News
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© 2003, Guidry News
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Story Links: Galveston Park Board of Trustees Clear Creek Independent School District Galveston College Regents and Universal Access Directors Citizens Concerned About the Port of Galveston Historic Downtown Strand Partnership Galveston Park Board of Trustees Clear Creek Independent School District Galveston College Regents and Universal Access Directors Citizens Concerned About the Port of Galveston Historic Downtown Strand Partnership Galveston Park Board of Trustees Clear Creek Independent School District Galveston College Regents and Universal Access Directors Citizens Concerned About the Port of Galveston Historic Downtown Strand Partnership Galveston Park Board of Trustees Clear Creek Independent School District Galveston College Regents and Universal Access Directors Citizens Concerned About the Port of Galveston Historic Downtown Strand Partnership Galveston Park Board of Trustees Clear Creek Independent School District Galveston College Regents and Universal Access Directors Citizens Concerned About the Port of Galveston Historic Downtown Strand Partnership Galveston Park Board of Trustees Clear Creek Independent School District Galveston College Regents and Universal Access Directors Citizens Concerned About the Port of Galveston Historic Downtown Strand Partnership Galveston Park Board of Trustees Clear Creek Independent School District Galveston College Regents and Universal Access Directors Citizens Concerned About the Port of Galveston Historic Downtown Strand Partnership Galveston Park Board of Trustees Clear Creek Independent School District Galveston College Regents and Universal Access Directors Citizens Concerned About the Port of Galveston Historic Downtown Strand Partnership Galveston Park Board of Trustees Clear Creek Independent School District Galveston College Regents and Universal Access Directors Citizens Concerned About the Port of Galveston Historic Downtown Strand Partnership Galveston Park Board of Trustees Clear Creek Independent School District Galveston College Regents and Universal Access Directors Citizens Concerned About the Port of Galveston Historic Downtown Strand Partnership Galveston Park Board of Trustees Clear Creek Independent School District Galveston College Regents and Universal Access Directors Citizens Concerned About the Port of Galveston Historic Downtown Strand Partnership Galveston Park Board of Trustees Clear Creek Independent School District Galveston College Regents and Universal Access Directors Citizens Concerned About the Port of Galveston Historic Downtown Strand Partnership Galveston Park Board of Trustees Clear Creek Independent School District Galveston College Regents and Universal Access Directors Citizens Concerned About the Port of Galveston |
Galveston Park Board of Trustees Controller Mike Moser told the park board on Tuesday that hotel occupancy tax receipts are down more than 11 percent in the last three months. He said the decline is part of a nationwide trend. However, Christa Buggey, director of the Galveston Island Convention and Visitors Bureau, reported that three Galveston Island properties are bucking the trend. "The Moody Gardens hotel, the San Luis and the Hilton have had an incredible year," Buggey said. Acting Executive Director Lou Muller reported that "terrible weather" has caused a decline in revenue at Seawolf Park. "We didn't have a single fisherman out there," Muller said about a recent rainy day. "We're not crying wolf at this point," said Park Board Chair Danny Allen. The park board approved the interlocal agreement with the City of Galveston for Mardi Gras 2003. The park board voted to permit Tom Vaughn to sell products with the Mardi Gras artwork for a one-time fee of $5,000. The park board voted to sponsor the Hoopla Streetball Tour, an outdoor basketball tournament that will be held on a downtown street, in April. The park board voted 4-3 to reject purchase of several vehicles through the Houston-Galveston Area Council cooperative purchasing agreement, and to re-advertise the purchase. Chair Danny Allen, Miguel Alleman and Gerry Del Prete were in favor of the H-GAC purchase. Johnny Smecca, Mike Pistone, Al Fichera and Meyer Reiswerg were in favor of seeking new bids in hopes of awarding the contract to a Galveston County dealership. The
park board deferred action on several agenda items: Before
the meeting, members of the park board participated in a
news conference at the new Rainforest Cafe on Seawall
Boulevard to announce plans for the 2003 Mardi Gras
Celebration. Port
Arthur City Council Port Arthur Finance Director Rebecca Underhill told the Port Arthur City Council on Tuesday that there has been an increase in hotel occupancy tax revenues. Reporting on November 2002, Underhill credited an increase in hotel facilities that are reporting "generally full occupancy," for a seven percent increase. She reported also a significant increase in municipal court fines since the city has contracted with a collection agency. The city council voted to designate Mardi Gras of Southeast Texas as the official concessionaire for the 2003 celebration. The city council also voted to give City Manager Steve Fitzgibbons authority to cancel the Mardi Gras, if necessary for homeland security purposes. The city council voted 4-3, with Mayor Oscar Ortiz, Michael Shane Sinegal and Felix Barker opposed, to increase the city's contribution to the Business Opportunity Symposium Series in June. Ortiz noted that the city council has previously designated $50,000 for the conference. All
other agenda items were approved. Beaumont
City Council Beaumont City Council held a spirited discussion about the job performance of City Clerk Susan Henderson, but took no action at Tuesday's meeting. Mayor Evelyn Lord had complained about an alleged breach of confidentiality, incorrect legal notices and "inaccurate, incomplete minutes." The complaint was to have been discussed in executive session at the previous city council meeting, but Henderson insisted on a public hearing. A large number of Henderson's supporters attended the city council meeting. The city council voted to provide an additional $242,673.51 for "extra work" required in a sanitary sewer rehabilitation project. The city council voted to support the city's bid for a Texas Recreation and Parks Society trade show that will be held in conjunction with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department in 2006 or 2007. All
other agenda items were approved. Dickinson
City Council Dickinson City Council held a spirited discussion about a proposed grant for a park on Park Avenue. A motion by Council Member Louis Decker to not apply for the grant died for lack of a second. "The Park Board already decided not to file for the grant, so I don't know why we're even discussing this," said Council Member Linda Murrie. "It's a moot point." "No one told me this was already decided," Decker said. "There was nothing in my box." The city council voted to join seven other cities to intervene in a rate increase petition by Texas-New Mexico Power Company. The city's share of the cost will be less than $2,000. The city council voted 4-1, with Murrie opposed, to approve an ordinance that requires contractors to maintain a license and permit bond. The city council voted final approval of a specific use permit to allow Lighthouse Baptist Church to operate within a General Commercial zone. The city council approved the second and final reading of an ordinance altering speed limits on roadways along FM 517. The city council approved an updated version of the city's Junk and Abandoned Vehicle ordinance to more closely mirror the requirements established by the Texas Transportation Code. "This update will bring our ordinance in line with the state standards and will eliminate a number of conflicts and inconsistencies," said Fire Marshal Keith Kiplinger. City Attorney Scott Bounds said the action will permit the city to enforce the junk ordinance "within the city limits and in the unincorporated areas as well." All other agenda items were approved. Council woman Kay Neal was absent due to a family illness.League
City City Council League City City Council unanimously approved an action to begin the first phase in a planning, design, and construction agreement with Big League Dreams USA, a California-based firm. The new sports park will include facilities for baseball, basketball, indoor soccer, or skating. The city council approved a special use permit, requested by T-Mobile of Houston, for the construction of a cellular antenna and other equipment on the existing tower located at 600 Walker Street. “We’re looking forward to improving the service of the community,” said T-Mobile representative, Michael Baty. The city council unanimously approved a variance to permit College of the Mainland to erect an off-premises sign at the corner of FM 518 and Parker Court. The
city council voted to table action on a proposed
procedure to provide merit compensation for employees who
have reached their maximum salary. Mayor Jeff Harrison
complained that the procedure lacks clarification. Pasadena
City Council Pasadena City Council voted to accept a $372,767 grant from the federal government to improve homeland security and disaster preparedness in Pasadena. Council Member Jack Douglass noted that the grant money does not need to be repaid or matched by the city. He said it can be used to purchase equipment under the Domestic Preparedness Equipment Grant Program. “This is going towards our homeland security in Pasadena and that’s a good thing,” said Mayor John Manlove. The city council approved the first reading of an ordinance to achieve a "slight restructuring" of the city's office of emergency management. The city council approved on first reading a $48,227 contract with Bio Landscape and Maintenance for ground maintenance of esplanades throughout the city. The city council approved on first reading an agreement with Total Surveyors, Inc., for the land surveying services related to the right-of-way acquisition along Pansy Street, from Keith Street to Red Bluff Road, a $40,200 project. The council approved an amended subordination agreement between the city and Banc One Community Development Corporation and Twin Oaks Mutual Housing Community. The city council deferred action until next week on the first reading of an ordinance to abandon easements on Southmore Avenue. The city council voted to accept a donation from NES Rentals of four portable 4,000-watt lights for use during the Christmas season at the intersection of Fairmont and Fairmont Plaza, to assist police officers in directing traffic. The city council voted to accept a $100 donation from Our Neighborhood Association that will be used by the parks and recreation department and deposited into the Silver Star Seniors Revenue Account. The council endorsed Manlove's appointment of Doug Cline to the position of Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Services Radio Officer. All other
agenda items were approved. Galveston
County Courthouse Galveston County Treasurer Kevin Walsh fired two attorneys who represented his predecessor Gerald Burks in controversial lawsuits against other county officials. "In the past few years, litigation has dragged on for an unreasonable amount of time and legal fee expenditures have been excessive in relation to the facts associated with each case," Walsh wrote in letters to Kenneth Kaye and Walter Kronzer, III. Walsh has retained Kerry Neves to represent him in disposing of five remaining cases pending before various courts and judges in Galveston County. Following the change in lawyers, Walsh asked Judge Paul Ferguson, who has already dismissed two of the cases, to "proceed with any rulings he felt appropriate" on the other cases. "I now look forward to sitting down with County Judge Jim Yarbrough, County Auditor Phil Lohec and Commissioners Court to resolve the remaining litigation and any other issues involving the Galveston County Treasurer and it's duties and relations," Walsh said. Clear
Creek Independent School District The Clear Creek Independent School District Board of Trustees voted unanimously Tuesday night to amend secondary school schedules. “It is not my personal desire to do away with block scheduling," said Trustee Chuck Schneider. "However, it is my responsibility to keep this district solvent.” “We have no real idea what the legislature is going to do, what we decide tonight is going to have to get us through the next year,” said School Board President Paula Tomasi. Several students and parents addressed the board to oppose the schedule change, citing extra stress and "emotional factors" that will affect the students. The school board unanimously approved a $53,860 bid by Bud Griffin and Associates for air conditioning units at the Technology Learning Center. The
school board approved a $194,900
bid by Custom Dirt Work to clear land at the Northside
Intermediate School. All other agenda items were approved. Representatives
of the cities of Nassau Bay, Webster, Taylor Lake Village,
League City and Houston presented proclamations to
Superintendent Dr. Sandra Mossman, congratulating and
recognizing her as the new superintendent of CCISD. Galveston College Regents & GC Foundation Galveston College Board of Regents met with the Galveston College Foundation Board of Directors on Monday to discuss the directions and initiatives of the foundation. The foundation reported that $3,069,422 has been raised in donations for the Universal Access scholarship program since 1996. The program guarantees two years of college education to every student graduating from a Galveston high school. Since the inaugural class in the fall of 2001 the foundation and the Universal Access program have funded approximately 140 students each semester. The foundation also oversees approximately $600,000 in other scholarship donations from which other annual scholarship awards are made to eligible students through the college financial aid office. Citizens
Concerned About the Port of Galveston Citizens Concerned about the Port of Galveston met this week at Rosenberg Library to begin a "grass roots effort" to improve the port. "It is this committee's desire to solicit the various island neighborhood associations in a coordinated effort to nominate and support qualified candidates for appointment to the Galveston Wharves Board of Trustees," said George Black, noting that two positions come up for appointment this year. "Nearly a year ago the voters defeated a move to give our assets to the Port of Houston," Black recalled. "We are now saying that we want to know the possibilities for its next use." Black
says only he or Greg Roof are spokesmen for the group. Historic
Downtown Strand Partnership David Murphy was installed as president of the Historic Downtown Strand Partnership at the annual meeting of the organization Tuesday night. "We want to look into creation of a management district for the downtown area, which we think will be very beneficial for everyone down there," Murphy said. Murphy also said the HDSP will work for continued funding for the Livable Communities initiative. Awards were presented at the banquet. Mardi Gras! Galveston and Dickens on the Strand were inducted into the HDSP Renaissance Hall of Fame. "Since their inception, both events have attracted large numbers of visitors to the island each year and generated a tremendous amount of national publicity," said Fred Wichlep, executive director of the Partnership. The Downtown Beautification Award was given to the participants in the redevelopment of the Jules Lauve Sign Company building in the 2200 block of The Strand. The participants are Jules Lauve, Inc., the developer; and the building's new tenants, Keith and Genette Bassett, owners of the Curiosity Shop; and Todd and Laura Flores, owners of Yo Bettah Market. The Downtown Development Award was presented to Leland Vandeventer and Tommy Barzilla, developers of the building at 527 Moody, which houses the Urban Fitness gym and apartments. The Creative Storefront Award was presented to Jeffrey Johnston, owner of the E Street Gallery and Coffee Haus. The Downtown Promotion Award was presented to the Grand Kids Festival and Artoberfest. The Edwin J. Weiss Spirit award was presented to Terry and Deborah Conrad. The
Volunteer of the Year Award was presented to Leroy
Naschke, chair of the Galveston Harbor Parade of
Lights. The Galveston Police Department on Tuesday issued an alert about "a scam being perpetrated on local residents whereby the suspect(s) are posing as utility company employees." "On
Wednesday, January 22, 2003, a white male knocked on the
door of an elderly island resident and claimed to be an
employee of the electric company investigating a power
outage," said Lieutenant Matt Stanich. "The
suspect advised the elderly resident that his electrical
system needed to be replaced and estimated the repair costs
at almost $9,000" The
suspect is described as a white male, approximately
five feet nine inches tall, with a medium build, brown hair
and brown eyes, between 43-45 years of age. U.S. Representative Nick Lampson issued the following statement in response to President Bush's State of the Union Address: "This evening, President Bush spoke to the U.S. Congress and to America about the many challenges we are facing, both at home and abroad. I was partially satisfied with the President's answers on Iraq, but completely unsatisfied with his plans for economic stimulus and growth. "In October, I voted to give the President the authorization to use force against Iraq. However, I am concerned from what I heard tonight that the push to go to Iraq is leapfrogging over pressing issues like finding Osama Bin Laden and Homeland Security. The majority party has eliminated $2.5 billion in homeland security funding for first responders, port security, border security and nuclear security. To fight a war on foreign soil without adequately protecting our communities is putting the cart before the horse. "The more I listened to the President's economic plan, the more convinced I became that it does not address the issues my constituents are talking about -- stimulating the economy and creating jobs. Last year the President talked about job growth and he talked about it again this year. However, in the two years that he has been in office the total job loss has soared to over 1.7 million, the worst record on job creation since the end of World War II. In the 9th District of Texas alone, we have lost over 1,000 jobs in the past 5 weeks. "While we all like tax cuts and more money in our pockets, the real question about the President's economic plan is does it create jobs now? The answer is no, the administration's policies do too little to stimulate the economy today. An economic plan must be immediate, target as many people as possible and be fiscally responsible. America and the people of the 9th District of Texas need an economic stimulus plan that puts people to work now, not three years from now. "The priorities of
Americans are clear. They are saying we need jobs,
give the inspections in Iraq time to work before sending our
young people to war and fully fund our emergency responders
and homeland security. I'm not sure the President is
listening, but I know I am and will continue to work hard
for all of them." Scheduled
Meetings 9:00 Houston City
Council |
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