© 2003, Guidry News
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Story Links: Galveston Arts and Historic Preservation Board Galveston Independent School District Hitchcock Independent School District Galveston Livable Communities Steering Committee Galveston Historical Foundation Galveston Building Standards Commission Galveston Downtown Management District Texas GulfLiner Mardi Gras Train Rabbi Henry Cohen Humanitarian Award Galveston Arts and Historic Preservation Board Galveston Independent School District Hitchcock Independent School District Galveston Livable Communities Steering Committee Galveston Historical Foundation Galveston Building Standards Commission Galveston Downtown Management District Texas GulfLiner Mardi Gras Train Rabbi Henry Cohen Humanitarian Award Galveston Arts and Historic Preservation Board Galveston Independent School District Hitchcock Independent School District Galveston Livable Communities Steering Committee Galveston Historical Foundation Galveston Building Standards Commission Galveston Downtown Management District Texas GulfLiner Mardi Gras Train Rabbi Henry Cohen Humanitarian Award Galveston Arts and Historic Preservation Board Galveston Independent School District Hitchcock Independent School District Galveston Livable Communities Steering Committee Galveston Historical Foundation Galveston Building Standards Commission Galveston Downtown Management District Texas GulfLiner Mardi Gras Train Rabbi Henry Cohen Humanitarian Award Galveston Arts and Historic Preservation Board Galveston Independent School District Hitchcock Independent School District Galveston Livable Communities Steering Committee Galveston Historical Foundation Galveston Building Standards Commission Galveston Downtown Management District Texas GulfLiner Mardi Gras Train Rabbi Henry Cohen Humanitarian Award Galveston Arts and Historic Preservation Board Galveston Independent School District Hitchcock Independent School District Galveston Livable Communities Steering Committee Galveston Historical Foundation Galveston Building Standards Commission Galveston Downtown Management District Texas GulfLiner Mardi Gras Train Rabbi Henry Cohen Humanitarian Award Galveston Arts and Historic Preservation Board Galveston Independent School District Hitchcock Independent School District Galveston Livable Communities Steering Committee Galveston Historical Foundation Galveston Building Standards Commission Galveston Downtown Management District Texas GulfLiner Mardi Gras Train Rabbi Henry Cohen Humanitarian Award Galveston Arts and Historic Preservation Board Galveston Independent School District Hitchcock Independent School District Galveston Livable Communities Steering Committee Galveston Historical Foundation Galveston Building Standards Commission Galveston Downtown Management District Texas GulfLiner Mardi Gras Train Rabbi Henry Cohen Humanitarian Award Galveston Arts and Historic Preservation Board Galveston Independent School District Hitchcock Independent School District Galveston Livable Communities Steering Committee Galveston Historical Foundation Galveston Building Standards Commission Galveston Downtown Management District Texas GulfLiner Mardi Gras Train Rabbi Henry Cohen Humanitarian Award Galveston Arts and Historic Preservation Board Galveston Independent School District Hitchcock Independent School District Galveston Livable Communities Steering Committee Galveston Historical Foundation Galveston Building Standards Commission Galveston Downtown Management District Texas GulfLiner Mardi Gras Train Rabbi Henry Cohen Humanitarian Award Galveston Arts and Historic Preservation Board Galveston Independent School District Hitchcock Independent School District Galveston Livable Communities Steering Committee Galveston Historical Foundation Galveston Building Standards Commission Galveston Downtown Management District Texas GulfLiner Mardi Gras Train Rabbi Henry Cohen Humanitarian Award Galveston Arts and Historic Preservation Board Galveston Independent School District Hitchcock Independent School District Galveston Livable Communities Steering Committee Galveston Historical Foundation Galveston Building Standards Commission Galveston Downtown Management District Texas GulfLiner Mardi Gras Train Rabbi Henry Cohen Humanitarian Award Galveston Arts and Historic Preservation Board Galveston Independent School District Hitchcock Independent School District Galveston Livable Communities Steering Committee Galveston Historical Foundation Galveston Building Standards Commission Galveston Downtown Management District Texas GulfLiner Mardi Gras Train Rabbi Henry Cohen Humanitarian Award
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Galveston Arts and Historic Preservation The City of Galveston Arts and Historic Preservation Advisory Board, the organization charged with distributing a portion of the hotel occupancy tax to groups that hold events to attract overnight visitors to Galveston, reviewed a proposed ordinance that would remove the "death penalty" for organizations that miss deadlines for financial reports. After an appeal from Galveston Historical Foundation at last week's meeting, Galveston City Council asked the board to review the policy and recommend changes that would provide less severe penalties for groups that are late with reports. GHF, a longtime recipient of the HOTax funds, had missed the deadline to submit its annual report, and would lose about $370,000 over the next two years. Joe Jaworski, the ex-officio representative of the city council on the board, said the intention is not to "open the floodgates" to groups that fail to submit applications within the time guidelines. "We were concerned more about the people who had made their application, have routinely made deadlines, had counted on the money, started spending the money, and then due to a human error were denied further money, or cut off." Listen However, Dennis Miller, a former chair of the advisory board, said the committee should not downplay the importance of annual reports. "The annual report, to me, is as important as the other reports," Miller said. Listen Buzz Elton, current chair of the board, said removal of the "death penalty" should apply to other groups, as well as GHF. "I'm just sorry that the organizations over the last two or three years didn't have the same clout to be able to make the same appeal," Elton said, recommending that the committee review the past two years, "and we make the recommendation to pay everybody everything that they've lost." Listen "It's a tough job you all have, said GHF Executive Director Marsh Davis, apologizing for causing the committee and City Attorney Susie Green extra work. "We do appreciate the work that you do, and there was never any doubt of integrity and good will of this committee." Listen No action was taken at Wednesday's meeting, but the group reviewed an ordinance prepared by Green that would provide penalties ranging from 10 percent to 100 percent, depending on the lateness of the reports. Under the proposed formula, GHF would be subject to a ten percent allocation penalty,, costing about $20,000. The
group will discuss the ordinance again next week and will
make a recommendation to the city council. Photos and Audio will be posted on The Online News Station. Galveston Independent School District Galveston Independent School District Superintendent Lynn Hale proposed the creation of six new administrative positions: assistant superintendent for administration, executive director for curriculum, chief performance officer, director for special services, director for student services and executive director for finance. Hale said she hopes to fill the positions with current GISD employees who are among the 22 whose jobs will be eliminated in her cost savings program. The
board of education will consider the recommendations at its
March 22 meeting. Hitchcock Independent School District The Hitchcock Independent School District Board of Trustees announced on Wednesday that Superintendent Barbara Wilson, who was hired at Tuesday's meeting, was awarded a three-year contract with a base salary of $90,000 plus other benefits Wilson
has been with the district for the past six years as curriculum
director and was appointed interim superintendent in
November 2002. Texas
City Commission A majority of the Texas City Commission voted against an ordinance Wednesday that would have prohibited the use of banner signs within the city, in two 3-2 votes. However, City Attorney Bobby Gervais said that four affirmative votes are necessary. Thus, the issue remains unresolved. The first vote was on a motion to reject the ordinance. When Gervais ruled that the 3-2 vote was not sufficient to kill it; another vote followed. It was 2-3 in favor. Matt Doyle, Dedrick Johnson and Donald Singleton were opposed to the ordinance; Mayor Carlos Garza and Linson Landrum were in favor. Building inspector Larry Iles had informed the commission that he had received "at least a dozen complaints in the last 6 to 8 months" from citizens who had been struck by banners breaking loose, and that several more man-hours would be needed to "police" hanging banners. "I move around this city a lot just like the rest of you do, and if it's exploding out there, I haven't noticed," said Doyle. "The responsible business people in this community are not doing a poor job of that (securing banners properly). And I don't think we've had a big influx of irresponsible businesses." The city commission approved the third and final reading of an ordinance limiting truckloads to 80,000 pounds on streets and highways within the city. The ordinance states that the high volume of truck traffic is causing accelerated pavement deterioration. The city commission also voted to alter the speed limit on 4th Avenue South - 14th Street to 20th Street and 5th Avenue South - 20th Street to FM 1765 from 30 miles per hour to 25 miles per hour. "We originally wanted to go from 30 to 20 miles per hour, and we did our traffic study with the number of trucks, road conditions, etc.," said Transportation and Planning Director James McWhorter. "After further consideration, we feel that 25 miles per hour is sufficient." All other agenda items were approved. Carl Sullivan and Larry Edrozo were absent.Print Version Houston
City Council The Houston City Council voted 8-7 against a motion to purchase over four million dollars worth of vehicles for various city departments. Mayor Lee Brown, along with Carol Galloway, Ada Edwards, Gabriel Vasquez, Annise Parker, Gordon Quan and Carol Alvarado voted to approve the vehicle purchases, most of which were light-duty trucks. The low bidders on the item were: Lawrence Marshall Chevrolet II, L.P. for $230,585; Philpott Motors, LTD for $1,119,072; Classic Chevrolet Hummer, Inc. for $1,185,286; Lawrence Marshall Chrysler, L.P. for $40,837; Phillpott Motors, LTD for $520,752; Lawrence Marshall Chevrolet II, L.P. for $1,197,530 and; Lawrence Marshall Ford-Mercury, L.P. for $975,066. Bert Keller, Carroll Robinson, Bruce Tatro, Mark Goldberg, Mark Ellis, Shelly Sekula-Gibbs, Michael Berry and Addie Wiseman defeated the proposed vehicle purchase. Wiseman, who has just returned to City Hall following surgery, said citizens are tired of a council that does nothing but “spend, spend, spend.” Listen Other council members discussed the city's $20 million shortfall. Robinson continued to speak in favor of combining city departments, suggesting that the police, fire, and health and human services departments be included in a new public safety department. Brown said that next week he will ask the city council to consider the possibility of five furloughs, without pay, for all non-essential personnel, including himself. In a news conference after the meeting, Brown and Barbara Sudhoff, director of municipal courts discussed broken parking meters. Listen In his "pop off" Keller praised Tilman Fertitta's new Downtown Aquarium. “Regardless of what one’s sentiment is of Mr. Fertitta, he is a bright light downtown," Keller said. It’s an incredible development in every detail.” Several items were tagged or delayed by individual council members: A $173,732 contract with R.B. Everett & Company for asphalt rollers was tagged by Wiseman. An ordinance to add to the Houston Police Department one police sergeant, two identification officers and one assistant chief position, and to delete three communication specialists and one assistant chief position, was tagged by Alvarado. An ordinance to allocate $900,000 of HUD-Guaranteed Loan Funds and $81,250 of Economic Development Initiative Grant Funds to the Houston Small Business Development Corporation was tagged by Ellis and Vasquez. An ordinance to name several non-profit organizations recipients of Community Development Block Grants was tagged by Ellis and Parker. A $2,506,100 contract with Electronic Data Systems Corporation for alarm tracking, billing and collections was tagged by Keller. A $1,613,600 contract with R.K. Wheaton, Inc. for replacement of water lines was pulled from the agenda. All
other agenda items were approved. Seabrook
City Council Seabrook City Council granted a conditional use permit Tuesday night to J. A. Billipps Company allowing for the development of six townhouses within a Marine Oriented Mixed Use zoning district. The property is situated south, east and north of Clear Lake and west of Lakewood Yacht Club. Billipps and colleague Mark Witte thanked the city council and told them that they had built numerous commercial properties in the area and sought the right opportunity to build high-quality homes on the water. The city council considered, but took no action on a resolution calling for a special election for three separate sales tax propositions on May 3, but a motion by Rick Sammons failed for lack of a second. A proposed ballot initiative to change the Seabrook Charter to allow citizens to contract with the city and to bid competitively on city projects while serving on any city board or committee, other than the city council was pulled from the agenda. A proposal to initiate new procedures to interview current board members and candidates for positions on city boards and commissions was pulled from the agenda. A proposed agreement between the City of Seabrook and the NASA-Clear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau; and consideration of a response from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department on the property located at 1018 Todville Road; which were tabled at the previous meeting, were left on the table. The city council voted unanimously to waive parade permits for the Bay Area Little League and Second Chance Pets and a special events permit for Texas Rivers, Lakes, Bays and Bayous Trash Bash. All other agenda items were approved. Joe Watson, chairman of Seabrook Economic Development Foundation, addressed the council to express his dismay at the question posed by council to the foundation concerning SEDF members' stance on the development by the Port of Houston of the controversial Bayport container terminal. Watson pointed out that the foundation did not have the resources to concentrate on matters that potentially put citizens at odds with each other over such a complex issue. He reminded them of Seabrook Economic Development Foundation's mission; "Our goal at SEDF is positive, planned economic development for the benefit of the community." Mayor
Pro Tem Pete Braccio presided over the meeting.
Mayor Robin Riley and Council Member Mike Laible were
absent. Galveston Livable Communities Committee The Galveston Livable Communities Steering Committee discussed a proposal by Allen LeCornu to include refurbishment of the tower clock at 22nd and Strand in funding from the federal grant that is supporting infrastructure improvements downtown. LeCornu said the clock project would cost just over $2,000. However, the clock, which was donated by the Sullivan family, is property of Galveston Historical Foundation; and the grant funds can only be awarded to the City of Galveston. LeCornu suggested that GHF donate the clock to the city, but Council Member Lyda Ann Thomas expressed doubt that the city council would want to assume responsibility for maintenance of it. "Why
don't we write the Sullivan family and ask if they will
restore it?" suggested LeCornu. Photos and audio will be posted on The Online News Station. Galveston Historical Foundation Galveston Historical Foundation will host the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Statewide and Local Partners Meeting March 15 – 18, 2003 on Galveston Island. Preservationists from across the United States will gather to share information, discuss national, state and local issues and discover why Galveston Island is considered among the elite in historic preservation. “This is an incredible opportunity for Galveston to showcase its enormous wealth of architectural and cultural heritage to our preservation partners,” said Lesley Sommer, director of preservation and conservation services for GHF. “Topics of discussion will include heritage tourism and residential revitalization. These issues are critical to Galveston’s future success in the preservation arena.” The conference will assemble statewide and local partners of the National Trust for Historic Preservation and other community preservation organizations. Galveston Historical Foundation is a local partner. For
more information call Sommer at (409) 765-7834 or email lesley.sommer@galvestonhistory.org.
For information about the National Trust for Historic
Preservation, visit www.nationaltrust.org. The Galveston Building Standards Commission voted to demolish structures at 1516 22 Street (rear) and at 2702 Avenue E on Wednesday. The owner of a building at 3521 Avenue N 1/2 was given 30 days to bring it up to code. The commission
tabled action on a property at 1024 53rd Street (rear). Galveston Downtown Management District Galveston City Manager Steve LeBlanc and transportation consultant Barry Goodman will lead a discussion of a proposed downtown management district in Galveston next Monday at 8 a.m. The meeting will be held at the Grand 1894 Opera House. Numerous management districts have been formed throughout the state in areas where property owners have agreed to manage and fund maintenance and security services, supplementing those already provided by the city. A
management district would first have to be approved by the
downtown property owners and the city council, and may also
require action by the Texas Legislature. League Park in League City will be a terminal for The Texas GulfLiner during the next two Galveston Mardi Gras weekends. Passengers will park their vehicles at the Park and Ride on Bay Area Boulevard at Feathercraft, and will be shuttled to League Park in League City to board the train for Galveston. There will not be activities in League Park, however, limited handicap parking will be available at that location. “The Texas GulfLiner is a fantastic opportunity for League City and our neighboring communities on many levels," said Mayor Jeff Harrison. "It promotes tourism, provides a unique solution to mass transit issues, and increases mobility for the Galveston-Houston region. Our support of the project through Destination League City is our way of encouraging the success of the Texas GulfLiner.” Those
interested in purchasing tickets can call (877) GAL-RAIL, or
access them visit www.texasgulfliner.com. Rabbi Henry Cohen Award Committee The Rabbi Henry Cohen Award Committee is seeking nominations for the 24th Annual Rabbi Henry Cohen Humanitarian Award from the Galveston community. The committee Chairman is Neil Nathan and members are Armin Cantini, Lise Darst, Reverend John Donovan, Ellen Goldhirsch, Buddy Herz, Rabbi Jimmy Kessler, Sheila Lidstone and Dr. Mike Warren. The selection committee is comprised of Dr. Brent Masel, Chair and members Fred Raschke and The Honorable Roy Quintanilla. The award includes recognition of the recipients’ activities, a plaque and a $200 honorarium. The deadline for nominations is 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 27, 2003. The award will be presented in a ceremony at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 10, 2003 in the Harris Gallery at the Rosenberg Library. Any person or organization may nominate a deserving individual by sending a letter to Temple B’Nai Israel at 3008 Avenue O, Galveston, Texas 77550. The letter should provide the name, address, telephone number and reasons for the nomination. The letter should relate specific deeds that depict the nominee's deep concern for others. In keeping with the way Dr. Cohen led his life, the award is given without regard to race, gender, creed or national origin. In considering nominees for the award, nominators are encouraged to remember persons whose acts of kindness are known by only a few people as well as persons whose activities are widely recognized. Any individual, regardless of their station in life, whose concern and action has led to the betterment of life for others should be considered for nomination. Just being nominated is deserved recognition for the nominee. All nominees are introduced and acknowledged at the awards ceremony. Nomination letters and newspaper articles from previous years may be viewed at the Galveston and Texas History Center, third floor of the Rosenberg Library. Contact persons are Casey Green or Shelly Kelly. The award is given to perpetuate the memory of Dr. Henry Cohen, a noted humanitarian who served as Rabbi of Galveston’s Temple B’Nai Israel for 64 years from 1888 until 1952. The award is presented to a contemporary person whose actions and efforts embody the spirit of humanitarianism. In reflecting upon the good works of Dr. Cohen and the contemporary award recipient, it is hoped others will be inspired to follow their example. Past Recipients are: Dr. Lee Emory and Ellie Childs, co recipients in 2002; Dr. Grace Jameson 2001; June Pinckney Ross, 2000; Dr. Charles Powell, Jr.,1999; Bette Cowan, 1998; Janice K. Smith, 1997; Bishop Robert Lewis and Ray Pinard, 1996; Oscar Ekelund, 1995; Ted Hanley, 1994; Liz Payer; 1993; Agnes Connolly, 1992; Mr. and Mrs. Al Sanders, 1991; Peggy Coates, 1990; Alfreda Houston, 1989; B. J. Herz, 1988; Herb Polinard, 1987; Joan Mader, 1986; Jack Miller, 1985; Paul Muehlke, 1984; Bernard Demoratsky, 1983; Father Charles Anastassiou, 1982; John W. Harris, 1981; Mrs. G. William Rider, 1980. For
more information about the life of Dr. Henry Cohen there are
three books available in the Rosenberg Library.
The titles are “The Man Who Stayed in Texas”,
“Henry Cohen - Messenger of the Lord” and “Henry Cohen
– A Frontier Rabbi”. METRO announced its top operator, top technician and top contract operator of the year awards at its Annual Awards Banquet on Saturday, February 15. Frederick Harrison, a 13-year METRO employee, was chosen as top operator; Arthur J. Henry, a 20-year METRO employee, was been named top technician; and Robin Wilson of First Transit was selected as top contract operator of the year. Winners are selected based on interviews, which cover such topics as safety and technical knowledge, conducted by a panel of METRO staff members; and supervisor recommendations. Safety awards also were given
to more than 100 employees in maintenance and operations
"for their efforts in making METRO one of the top
transit agencies in the nation." Dr. Doug Yost, a professional hypnotist, will provide a program on memory enhancement, stress and pain control and relaxation techniques at a San Jacinto College South lyceum and psychology fast-track class, at 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, February 26 in the banquet room of the J.D. Bruce Student Center, 13735 Beamer Road. Yost, an expert Houston hypnotist, uses audience members as part of the show. He then guides the participants through the performance, exploring the creativity and imagination within their subconscious minds. A question and answer session is held afterward to discuss how hypnosis works. "All of Yost’s shows are done in good taste and without embarrassing the participants," said a San Jacinto College news release. “You have to respect your volunteers,” Yost said. More
information is available by calling Dr. Marylou Robins, San
Jac South professor of psychology, at (281) 484-1900,
extension 3236. The next Webster Business Alliance Luncheon will be held on Wednesday, March 5, 2003, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the Webster Civic Center located at 311 Pennsylvania Avenue. Networking begins at 11:30, and lunch will begin at 11:45 a.m. Rick Chatman, World-renowned Pro-Rodeo Bullfighter, Pro-Rodeo Clown of the Year, Wrangler Bullfight Tour World Champion, and Three-Time Participant at National Finals Rodeo will be the featured speaker. Visit
www.cityofwebster.com/special_info.asp for
additional information. USA Theatre's production of "The Man with the Plastic Sandwich", Roger Karshner's comedy about personal growth and redemption opens Friday, February 21, at Franca's Real Italian Restaurant in Webster. The dinner theatre production tells the story of Walter Price, a 50ish engineer who hides the loss of his job from his wife by going to the city park every day. While at the park, he encounters other "people of the street" who unwittingly help him on his road to recovery. Cast members include Kevin Herring and Meredith Herring of Dickinson, Lina Pignataro of Clear Lake, and Pat Turner of Webster. "The
Man with the Plastic Sandwich" runs February 21 and 22
and February 27 and 28. For reservations, call (281)
488-2207. Scheduled
Meetings 8:00
a.m. League City Chamber of Commerce Third
Thursday Information Breakfast, League City Recreation
Center. League City Police Chief Andrew Daniels will speak |
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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