© 2003, Guidry News
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© 2003, Guidry News
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Story Links: City of Galveston Committee Upgrades Board of Trustees of the Galveston Wharves Galveston County Commissioners Court Jefferson County Commissioners Court Texas Association of School Boards City of Galveston Committee Upgrades Board of Trustees of the Galveston Wharves Galveston County Commissioners Court Jefferson County Commissioners Court Texas Association of School Boards City of Galveston Committee Upgrades Board of Trustees of the Galveston Wharves Galveston County Commissioners Court Jefferson County Commissioners Court Texas Association of School Boards City of Galveston Committee Upgrades Board of Trustees of the Galveston Wharves Galveston County Commissioners Court Jefferson County Commissioners Court Texas Association of School Boards City of Galveston Committee Upgrades Board of Trustees of the Galveston Wharves Galveston County Commissioners Court Jefferson County Commissioners Court Texas Association of School Boards City of Galveston Committee Upgrades Board of Trustees of the Galveston Wharves Galveston County Commissioners Court Jefferson County Commissioners Court Texas Association of School Boards City of Galveston Committee Upgrades Board of Trustees of the Galveston Wharves Galveston County Commissioners Court Jefferson County Commissioners Court Texas Association of School Boards City of Galveston Committee Upgrades Board of Trustees of the Galveston Wharves Galveston County Commissioners Court Jefferson County Commissioners Court Texas Association of School Boards City of Galveston Committee Upgrades Board of Trustees of the Galveston Wharves Galveston County Commissioners Court Jefferson County Commissioners Court Texas Association of School Boards City of Galveston Committee Upgrades Board of Trustees of the Galveston Wharves Galveston County Commissioners Court Jefferson County Commissioners Court Texas Association of School Boards City of Galveston Committee Upgrades Board of Trustees of the Galveston Wharves Galveston County Commissioners Court Jefferson County Commissioners Court Texas Association of School Boards City of Galveston Committee Upgrades Board of Trustees of the Galveston Wharves Galveston County Commissioners Court Jefferson County Commissioners Court Texas Association of School Boards City of Galveston Committee Upgrades Board of Trustees of the Galveston Wharves Galveston County Commissioners Court Jefferson County Commissioners Court Texas Association of School Boards City of Galveston Committee Upgrades Board of Trustees of the Galveston Wharves Galveston County Commissioners Court Jefferson County Commissioners Court Texas Association of School Boards City of Galveston Committee Upgrades Board of Trustees of the Galveston Wharves Galveston County Commissioners Court Jefferson County Commissioners Court Texas Association of School Boards City of Galveston Committee Upgrades Board of Trustees of the Galveston Wharves Galveston County Commissioners Court Jefferson County Commissioners Court Texas Association of School Boards City of Galveston Committee Upgrades Board of Trustees of the Galveston Wharves Galveston County Commissioners Court Jefferson County Commissioners Court Texas Association of School Boards City of Galveston Committee Upgrades Board of Trustees of the Galveston Wharves Galveston County Commissioners Court Jefferson County Commissioners Court Texas Association of School Boards City of Galveston Committee Upgrades Board of Trustees of the Galveston Wharves Galveston County Commissioners Court Jefferson County Commissioners Court Texas Association of School Boards
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Galveston City Council on Thursday will consider proposals concerning two city council-appointed committees, the Galveston Finance Committee and the Seawall Future Enhancement Ad Hoc Committee. The name of the finance committee, created by the city council in 2000, would be changed to Finance and Fiscal Affairs Committee. New qualifications for membership require that committee members "have at least five years of sophisticated experience in the budget process of governmental entities or other substantial organizations, as well as experience in analysis of the accounting, reporting and other information utilized in the financial management of such entities." The charge of the new committee would be "to review and evaluate for the purpose of making recommendations to council, all aspects of the city's fiscal affairs, including its financial statements and reports, audit, budget and budget performance, fund accounting and fund balances, and financial management policies, as well as the fiscal impact of revenue/expense trends and operational efficiencies". The Seawall Future Enhancement Ad Hoc Committee, appointed by Mayor Roger Quiroga a few months ago, would be upgraded to a full city council committee, to "make recommendations to the city council and planning commission pertaining to pay and display meters or alternative paid parking plans, related capital improvements, adjacent neighborhood parking, and funding sources in accordance with local state and federal laws and regulations." Quiroga announced at Monday's meeting of the seawall committee that he would submit the nominations of four new members on Thursday: Gordon Robinson, Brenda Donaloio, David Colombo and David Brown. The committee heard a presentation by Wade Bettisworth of Schlumberger Parking Systems, who predicted that the city could raise as much as $1.1 million per year for beachfront enhancements, and another $311,832 in revenue from fines, in the first year. "The program will pay for itself in less than a year," Bettisworth predicted. The group discussed the concerns of representatives of the San Jacinto Neighborhood Association. "I
don't want people's way of life to change," said
Council Member Johnny Smecca, pledging to address residents
concerns in the plan that is developed. Board of Trustees of the Galveston Wharves Board of Trustees of the Galveston Wharves Chair Don Schattel took issue with comments by Mayor Roger Quiroga published in Monday's edition of the Galveston County Daily News. Quiroga,
chair of the port's Ad Hoc Committee on Future Port
Development, said in the article that he had considered
dissolving the ad hoc committee because a decision had been
made as to how port facilities would be marketed to
potential investors. Article Schattel said the article had "preempted what the board is going to do," and called for the committee to bring a recommendation to the full wharves board by the next regular meeting. "Then the board will have the final decision." Quiroga said he will schedule a meeting of the ad hoc committee prior to the next wharves board meeting. The wharves board voted to contract with A.R. "Babe" Schwartz and Bob Randolph for assistance with the port's legislative agenda. The wharves board voted to move forward with litigation related to a dispute with Galveston Waterfront Ventures. The wharves board voted to install directional and informational signs at the port. All
other agenda items were approved. Galveston
County Commissioners Court Galveston County Commissioners Court approved an interlocal agreement with the City of Friendswood, Harris County Flood Control District, and Galveston County Consolidated Drainage District for the Clear Creek De-Snagging Project. "We're trying to get the trees and debris out of Clear Creek to facilitate a little better drainage, especially as we move into the rainier part of the season," explained County Judge Jim Yarbrough. The estimated project cost is $200,000 with each of the four entities paying $50,000. The commissioners court approved change orders amounting to $12,218.29 in reductions in cost for three projects: the Vacek Road Bridge Construction Project, the Carbide Park Construction Contract, and the Sunset Street Construction Contract. "That's
three change orders and three reductions - that's got to be
a first!" exclaimed Yarbrough. The commissioners court accepted a $750,000 COPS grant to fund phase two of the Law Enforcement and Justice Information System project. "This is an ear-marked federal appropriation," said Major Ray "Tutt" Tuttoilmondo. "Translation, it costs nothing to the county." The commissioners court accepted a $104,934 grant for Indigent Defense Services. Grants coordinator John Simsen stated that the block grant program was helping to "defray the cost". The commissioners court approved a five-year lease agreement with the League City Lions Club Charities, Inc. for the use of Walter Hall Park Pavilion and grounds for the annual Village Fair special event. The commissioners court voted to defer consideration of an agreement with Southwestern Bell Telephone Company for a high volume long distance discount. "We'll want to look at the whole telephone costs and contracts - the big picture, since it is a high-dollar utility," said Yarbrough. The commissioners court approved an interlocal agreement with the Council for Urban Counties for a Coordinated Integrated Justice System, and to designate Galveston County Information Technology Manager Robert Canterbury as the county's representative on the board. All other agenda items were approved. In workshop following the regular meeting, the commissioners court discussed Health Administrative Services' retiree health benefits with HAS Chairman, Steve Gouen. There were several complaints from retired county employees. "Why is it county employees got a raise to cover their increase, but we (retirees) get nothing?" asked Peggy McCauley, a retired county road employee. "Please examine your conscience, and remember that what goes around, comes around," warned former county clerk Jesse Kirkendahl. "You might be next!" Former sheriff Joe Max Taylor was optimistic. "I'm sure the leadership we have here today will solve this problem," Taylor said. "I'd appreciate it if you would." "I
want to warn you that this issue is not going to go
away," Yarbrough cautioned.
"This is not just an issue for Galveston County,
but for the entire state of Texas." Jefferson
County Commissioners Court Jefferson County Commissioners Court voted to reject all bids for automotive replacement parts for automobiles and light trucks for Jefferson County. The commissioners court received and filed bids for spotlights, folding chairs, crowd control barriers, table skirting, pipe and drape, tables and carts, grounds and maintenance equipment, and lecterns for the Southeast Texas Entertainment Complex. The commissioners court approved a $9,878.17 change order on the contract with Daniels Building and Construction, Inc., reducing the cost of the project. The commissioners court approved a professional services agreement with the Southeast Texas Economic Development Foundation for marketing the Southeast Texas Regional Airport. The commissioners court received and filed a parking lease with the City of Beaumont for the Postal Encoding Center. The commissioners court tabled a request to release retainage to Timberlake Construction Company, Inc., for Service Zone Building in the amount of $121,538.77. The commissioners court approved an interagency cooperative working agreement between the South East Texas Regional Planning Commission, Hardin County Office of Emergency Management, Orange County Office of Emergency Management and Jefferson County Office of Emergency Management for the development of the South East Texas Regional Mitigation Plan. The commissioners court authorized the hiring of new employees to fill open positions that had been requested by Precinct 1, the county clerk’s office and the tax office. The commissioners court approved the salary of the director of pre-trial release at 100 percent of the budgeted salary range. The commissioners court approved an application for a $10,233 grant from the Tocker Foundation for hardware and software upgrades on the county library’s computer system. The commissioners court approved a two-year contract extension with Mid States Services, Inc., at a price of $0.78 per meal for prisoners in the county jail. The commissioners court approved a resolution recognizing William Reed Huckabay for "26 years of dedicated service to he citizens of Jefferson County and the communities in Precinct 4". The commissioners court approved a resolution congratulating Quota International of Southeast Texas and Beaumont Mayor Evelyn Lord for advancing the service and business opportunities for women in Jefferson County. Guidry News Service talked to Commissioner Everette “BO” Alford about the new Director of the Pre-Trial Release Program. ListenPrint Version Photos and a recording of the meeting will be posted on The Online News Station. La
Marque City Council La Marque City Council approved on second and final reading a temporary moratorium against the location and operation of new eight-liner amusement devices in the city. "Presently there are four establishments that have eight-liner machines," said City Manager Carol McLemore. "This does not eliminate those establishments from taking machines out or putting them in, though they will need permits for new ones. This restricts any new locations from acquiring eight-liners." To deal with existing eight liners, the city council approved the second and final reading of an ordinance establishing rules and regulations governing coin-operated machines. "The fees charged are regulated by state law," said a staff recommendation. "This is the only regulatory control we have over the eight-liner machines that are currently in the city." The city council officially called the May 3 election. Districts B and District D city council positions, held by Joe Fichera and Richard Torres, will be on the ballot. The city council tabled action on additional appointments to the Charter Review Committee at the request of Danny Phillips. All other agenda items were approved. Former La Marque mayors Pete Rygaard and Dennis Rygaard presented plans for the city's 50th Anniversary Celebration.Print Version La
Porte City Council La Porte City Council voted to hire Debra Brooks Feazelle as the city’s new city manager at Monday's meeting. Feazelle, who served as deputy city manager in Lubbock for eight years, will take office on March 10. She previously worked for LaPorte as its finance manager between 1983 and 1985. “We had four absolutely wonderful final candidates for this position,” said council member Bruce Meismer. The city council voted to call the May 3 municipal election. The mayor’s office and the city council positions currently held by held by Chuck Engelken and Howard Ebow will be on the ballot. The city council approved the demolition of substandard housing structures at 320 Dwire Drive, 3043 Highway 146 South, 520 Circle Drive, 207 North 2nd Street, 401 North 3rd Street, 411 North 3rd Street, 411½ North 3rd Street, 519 North 4th Street, 612 North 5th Street, and 618 North 5th Street. The city council decided to take no action on property at 618 South Iowa Street, and granted the owner of property at 506 Circle Drive 60 days to meet housing inspector requirements. Property owners of 217 N. Broadway and 3122 Andricks Road were each given 30 days to improve the property and work with the city’s Board of Inspection to clean up and develop a rehabilitation plan for the structures. The council approved a request from Police Chief Richard Reff for the city to enter into an interlocal agreement with the City of Baytown to continue the city’s participation in the Harris County Organized Crime and Narcotic Task Force. The city council approved spending $78,669.78 for the purchase, installation and testing of fiber optics and wireless computer network equipment to connect city sites to the city’s BEACON (Bayshore Equitable Access Community On-line Network) system. The city council approved a resolution requested by the Texas Municipal League to seek and request funding for homeland security. Friendswood
City Council Special Agent Tim Jennings, resident agent in charge of the Galveston Regional Office of the Drug Enforcement Agency met with Friendswood City Council in workshop on Monday. “The GRO covers four counties, Galveston, Harris, Chambers, Matagorda, and Brazoria; including all the ports of those counties," Jennings explained. "The DEA has confiscated 200 pounds of marijuana from a Friendswood residence. The suspect is now facing federal charges. If I can keep one kilogram off the streets and away from kids we are making progress, this is something we have to do together.” Police Chief Bob Wieners spoke in support of the program. “I don’t want you to believe for a minute that we have an enormous number of drug dealers that are living in our community, but we do have some that are living here and unfortunately some that are living around us," Wieners said. "Those people that are dealing are selling it to younger people and our kinds, I don’t want to target kids, I want to target suppliers.” Council Member Kitten Brizendine agreed. “We have a no tolerance policy, we need to stand strong and partner with other cities and agencies.” Dan Johnson, the Deputy Director of Community Development presented information about Geographical Information System program. He said the GSI is a visual database tool used by several communities. Mike Hodge, director of community development and public works reviewed the schedule of projects that will be funded by the recent the bond issue. Council Member Shannon Kimmel stressed that the drainage issues begin before the park improvements. "Keeping the water out of homes is our first priority,” Kimmel said. Mayor
Whitaker agreed, and asked that a resolution be bought
before council next week for approval with the suggested
changes. Nassau
Bay City Council Nassau Bay City Council voted 5-1, with David Braun opposed, to amend the ordinance regulating fence heights in Swan Lagoon. The change, which had been recommended by the Nassau Bay Planning Commission, requires any new repair of more than 50 percent of a residential fence to meet the new height requirement of 8.5 feet. Braun expressed concern that the ordinance needs more specifications regarding construction material, color, and other visual details. “I don’t think we went far enough.” Planning Commission Chair Roscoe Lee explained that image specifications would not be easy to develop. “I understand the concern, but I think it’s going to be a challenge,” Lee said. “It’s very difficult for the city to impose aesthetic constraints.” “I think this is the right thing to do,” Mayor Phil Johnson said. All other votes were unanimous. The city council deferred action on the second reading of an ordinance amending parking codes until the next meeting. The city council voted to call the May 3 municipal election. The city council approved an agreement with Harris County Commissioners Court providing for the adoption of an Interjurisdictional Comprehensive All Hazard Mitigation Plan. The city council voted to support the Clear Creek Watershed Steering Committee's to request to the Federal Emergency Management Agency for funds for flood insurance rate map updating and remapping in Fort Bend, Brazoria, and Galveston Counties. The city council voted to adopt the 2000 Edition of the International Energy Conservation Code. All
other agenda items were approved. Shoreacres
City Council Shoreacres City Council voted to adopt the Inter-jurisdictional Comprehensive All Hazard Mitigation Plan which was proposed by Harris County Commissioners Court. “FEMA is requiring an All Hazard Mitigation Plan of all cities in the coastal area by the end of 2003, in order to be eligible for future FEMA disaster relief funds, if needed,” explained Mayor Nancy Edmonson. The city council voted officially to call the May 3 municipal election and appointed officers to run the election. The city council voted to regulate the erection of fences, prohibiting the use of barbed-wire. The city council voted to reimburse Edmonson $45 per month for use of her cell phone on city business. “I think it should be, at least, equal to the public works director, which is set at $45,” said Council Member Jayo Washington about the cell phone reimbursement. The city council designated The Baytown Sun as the official newspaper of the City of Shoreacres. The city council named Eugene Hovey as the city auditor The council tabled action on the sale of a lot owned by the City of Shoreacres on Seagrove Avenue, because some citizens had expressed interest in creating a community garden there.Print Version Interfaith Caring Ministries announces the Eighth Annual Golf Tournament to be held Monday, April 28, 2003, at the South Shore Harbour Country Club. The tournament will feature lunch, driving range, chipping and putting contest, awards reception and raffle drawing. Cost of individual registration is $125. Four persons team registration is $500. Hole Sponsorships are available for $200 and Corporate Sponsorships are $600 (includes hole sponsor and 4 players). Entries are on a first come, first serve basis in this Florida Scramble. Entry deadline is April 23, 2003. The Golf Tournament is ICM’s second largest fund-raiser of the year. For more information call Monica or Susan at 281-332-3881. Interfaith Caring Ministries Resale Shop will have its Grand Reopening during the week of February 24 through March 1, 2003. The store has been totally renovated and updated. All merchandise in the store is donated by supporters of ICM. The store carries adult and children’s clothing, home furnishings, books, jewelry, toys, linens, luggage, shoes, and furniture. During
the Grand Reopening week, there will be a daily door prize
drawing for a $25 gift certificate to the Resale Shop. The
profits from the Resale Shop go to ICM and help fund
programs for our neighbors in need the Clear Creek and
Dickinson Independent School Districts. Cathy Coleman has been named resale shop manager and Brenda Hite has been appointed assistant manager. The Resale Shop is located at 140 Bay Area Boulevard at Highway 3. Store hours are 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday and 9:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday. The Resale Shop is staffed by volunteers and is in need of additional volunteers. For
more information on the Grand Reopening, volunteering or the
ICM Resale Shop, call Cathy at (281) 332-2025. Texas Association of School Boards Area school board candidates and interested citizens can learn more about the demands and rewards of school board service at a candidate workshop, Monday, March 3, 2003 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Harris County Department of Education, 6300 Irvington, Boulevard in Houston. Experienced
school board members will explain board members’ key
responsibilities and outline the qualities necessary for
effective service. Participants
also will view A Call to Service, a Texas Association
of School Boards’ video highlighting many aspects of board
service and featuring several experienced school trustees. The
workshop is open to anyone.
Admission is free. For more information call Brenda Canul at Texas Association
of School Boards, (512) 467-0222 or (800) 580-8272,
extension 6104, or check the Texas Association of School
Boards Web Site at www.tasb.org
for other dates and locations. Scheduled
Meetings 8:30 Port
Arthur City Council |
Story Links, on the left side of this page, is composed of "bookmarks" to the stories in the newsletter. Click on the link to go directly to the article. Print individual articles by first clicking on the "Print Version" link, then using your regular print program. On The Online News Station, if you click on an audio cut and the photos stop loading, click on Refresh or Reload and they will resume. 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 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, Shannon Hall, Kristina Weaver, Tom Foster, Jo Ann Gowing and Dedra Kratts. Weaver, Foster, Gowing and Kratts 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. Terry Arnold and Barbara Ward 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.
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