© 2003, Guidry News
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© 2003, Guidry News
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Links: Harris County State of the County Galveston Finance and Fiscal Affairs Committee Clear Lake Area Economic Development Foundation Historic Downtown Strand Partnership Harris County State of the County Galveston Finance and Fiscal Affairs Committee Clear Lake Area Economic Development Foundation Historic Downtown Strand Partnership Harris County State of the County Galveston Finance and Fiscal Affairs Committee Clear Lake Area Economic Development Foundation Historic Downtown Strand Partnership Harris County State of the County Galveston Finance and Fiscal Affairs Committee Clear Lake Area Economic Development Foundation Historic Downtown Strand Partnership Harris County State of the County Galveston Finance and Fiscal Affairs Committee Clear Lake Area Economic Development Foundation Historic Downtown Strand Partnership Harris County State of the County Galveston Finance and Fiscal Affairs Committee Clear Lake Area Economic Development Foundation Historic Downtown Strand Partnership Harris County State of the County Galveston Finance and Fiscal Affairs Committee Clear Lake Area Economic Development Foundation Historic Downtown Strand Partnership Harris County State of the County Galveston Finance and Fiscal Affairs Committee Clear Lake Area Economic Development Foundation Historic Downtown Strand Partnership Harris County State of the County Galveston Finance and Fiscal Affairs Committee Clear Lake Area Economic Development Foundation Historic Downtown Strand Partnership Harris County State of the County Galveston Finance and Fiscal Affairs Committee Clear Lake Area Economic Development Foundation Historic Downtown Strand Partnership Harris County State of the County Galveston Finance and Fiscal Affairs Committee Clear Lake Area Economic Development Foundation Historic Downtown Strand Partnership Harris County State of the County Galveston Finance and Fiscal Affairs Committee Clear Lake Area Economic Development Foundation Historic Downtown Strand Partnership Harris County State of the County Galveston Finance and Fiscal Affairs Committee Clear Lake Area Economic Development Foundation Historic Downtown Strand Partnership Harris County State of the County Galveston Finance and Fiscal Affairs Committee Clear Lake Area Economic Development Foundation Historic Downtown Strand Partnership
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The 100 Club of Houston on Thursday presented 25, ballistic vests, better known as bullet proof vests, to members of the Galveston Police Department SWAT Team. "This is a great day," said Assistant City Manager Brandon Wade in opening a news conference in front of the Public Safety Building. "The police department, and especially the SWAT Team, put their lives on the line on a continuing basis for everyone." "The 100 Club of Houston continually lives up to the mission of providing lifesaving public safety equipment for professionals who are always in harm's way," noted Galveston Police Lieutenant Henry Poretta. "The Galveston Police Department SWAT Team travels throughout the county when requested. However, from time to time, we have had less than adequate equipment, including protective equipment for our members." The donation was the result of an appeal by Poretto and Galveston Police Chief Bob Pierce to the board of directors of the 100 Club. "We are extremely pleased to be able to make this gift to the members of the Galveston SWAT Team," said Rick Hartley, executive director of the 100 Club, explaining that the organization has provided more than $8 million in life protecting equipment to peace officers in ten counties surrounding Houston. The 25 heavy duty vests provided to the Galveston officers on Thursday are valued at $26,112.50. Police Chief Bob Pierce also issued an update on Sergeant Jerry Roberts, who was recently critically wounded in an incident on the Seawall. Roberts, whose condition has been upgraded to "serious," was due to be moved from the intensive care unit to a hospital room. A blood drive for Roberts was underway at the same time as the news conference. Membership
in the 100 Club is $100 per year, or $1,000 for a lifetime
membership. For information call (713) 952-0100 or
visit www.the100club.org. Harris
County State of the County Address Harris County Judge Robert Eckels presented his State of the County address to the Greater Houston Partnership at the George R. Brown Convention Center on Thursday. “The state of our county is stronger than ever,” Eckels said, reporting that Harris County has a budget surplus of over $170 million dollars during a time when almost every governmental entity is facing deficits. Eckels spoke about the disasters in 2001, Tropical Storm Allison and the events of September 11, and how the county has responded. He said the county is now prepared for terrorist actions, that drills have been conducted at the port for potential disasters there and that the University of Texas Health Science Center has conducted a “dark winter” smallpox attack exercise. Eckels said the county’s three hospitals are now better prepared than ever to handle surges that might come in an emergency, but that hospital services need to be expanded to meet increased demand. Eckels noted that the county was the health care provider of last resort for many people in the region. Eckels praised the efforts of the Harris County Flood Control District, but also advised citizens to “Get flood insurance today.” Eckels said that many new parks and libraries have recently opened or are in the works. Transportation was a main topic of Eckels' speech. He said that Houston was forming a partnership with other urban centers to work with the Texas Legislature and the Texas Department of Transportation to get more funding for roads. “It defies reason that Houston, Dallas and Texas’s urban centers have the highest traffic congestion in the sate, but are still, proportionately, near the bottom of the barrel in state highway funding.” Eckels spoke with Guidry News after his address. He said the reason the county doesn’t have budget problems is that it has taken a long-range approach, and that rising property values have allowed the county to expand services in a fiscally responsible manner. Listen Eckels said the Harris County Toll Road Authority is becoming a regional authority, one that does not draw from the tax base. He said that toll roads were going to be the backbone of future road projects. “In the future you’re going to see heavy use of tolls. The tolls are here to stay.”Print Version Gulf
Coast Water Authority The Gulf Coast Water Authority Board of Directors approved an agreement with Malcolm Pirnie for engineer construction services of the Thomas Mackey Water Treatment Plant parallel pipeline from the ground storage tanks to the distribution pump station. "Remember we weren't too happy with them on the engineering of the plant, so they made it up to us on this project and gave us a lot of extra free engineering so we're very pleased," explained President Bill Latimer. "This is an almost $900,000 project that we got the engineering done for $16,000, so that's a pretty good deal." The GCWA board awarded a contract to Red River Specialties Incorporated for the purchase and delivery of aquatic herbicide and surfactant. "This is a big reduction in cost," stated Latimer. "It's a 26 percent savings," added General Manager Robert Istre. All other agenda items were approved and all directors were present. In his report, Istre told the directors that there has not been an injury in fourteen months. "I don't know if we've ever done that before," said Latimer. "We owe it to our staff and employees, that's for sure." Istre also informed the directors of a major development in river water rights. "The issue is environmental organizations are requesting water permits for the environment," he explained. "If they (TCEQ) were to give permits for environmental use, it would consume most of the available river water left in Texas and take it away from municipal, industrial and future use, mining, irrigation and so on." Istre reported that an amendment to the Chocolate Bayou Water Company water permit was proposed by the TECQ to add a second diversion point north of GCWA tanks and give a junior right to everybody in between. "Chocolate Bayou has contested the junior status…and has asked for an additional 60 days to extend their response to the draft amendment so they can do more study," said Istre. The March and June board meetings have been changed to the fourth Thursday of each of the two months due to scheduling conflicts.Print Version Galveston Finance and Fiscal Affairs Committee The City of Galveston Finance and Fiscal Affairs Committee held its first meeting since it was upgraded from a mayor's committee last week. Fred Micks, who was chair of the previous committee, was elected chair; Steve Greenberg was elected vice chair. Membership of the group is identical with the previous group, except that Greg Roof, who teaches political economy at Alvin Community College, was added by the city council. "I think one of the things that I hope I can bring is expertise in the potential for forecasting our revenue," Roof said, noting that city budgets are currently based on historical sales tax information. He suggested that merchants be polled on current sales to predict future receipts. Chris Breaux and Lydia Cook from Null-Lairson met with the committee to discuss the 2001-2002 audit. Micks asked why a financial statement required by state law within 120 days of the end of the fiscal year has not been presented. Breaux and Cook explained that information has not been compiled in the workers compensation and Gulf Coast Water Authority accounts. "I was not comfortable in trying to present everything with those things still moving and saying 'o.k. we are going to bless those numbers as presented'," said Cook. "We are still cleaning up balances from last year's audit," explained Susan Cutchin of the finance department. "Next year it's going to be a lot better." "Next time I get pulled over by a policeman for not stopping at a stop sign, I will say I wasn't comfortable stopping at the stop sign," said Steve Greenberg. However, Greenberg and other members of the committee agreed that the finance department under the direction of Rick Glassett has improved significantly. Richard Moore expressed concerns with budget transfers by the city manager to make up for shortfalls in the city departments, without city council approval. "Unless the council is making these decisions the pubic has no way to hold the council responsible," Moore said. The
committee will meet regularly on the third Thursday of each
month. Galveston Mardi Gras Celebration Mardi Gras Galveston! "Rainforests of the world begins tonight, when the paid entertainment area on the Strand opens for business. "We are going to have a great weekend," said Lou Muller noting that two stages will provide live entertainment in the entertainment district tonight, and for the first time, there will be entertainment in the district on Sunday. Listen There will be two parades on the Seawall on Saturday, the Krewe of Aquarius Parade at noon and the Krewe of Gambrinus Parade at 6:30. There also will be a procession by the Z Krewe in the downtown entertainment district on Saturday. Police Chief Bob Pierce said there will be about 1,400 police officers under his command and another 350 hired by private businesses. In addition, the Department of Public Safety will provide another 150 officers next weekend. Listen Pierce cautions visitors to be prepared for extra screening in the entertainment district. "Don't bring any coolers in, don't bring boxes in, don't bring back packs in or large handbags." Pierce
urges visitors to "be cognizant of world affairs,"
and to observe the Rules of Common Courtesy. Galveston County Navigation District 1 Galveston County Navigation District 1 Board of Commissioners opened bids on depository contracts at this week's regular meeting. Bids were received from Moody National Bank, the district's current bank, Prosperity Bank and Frost Bank. The board voted to hire an outside engineer to develop bids and specifications to repair damage to the Herb B. Schmidt Pelican Island Causeway caused by a ship collision about a year ago. Board Chair Vandy Anderson said the bid package will include immediate repairs to stabilize the bridge and to determine the cost of full repair, which will be sought from the owner of the ship. "We
will need to recover those funds before we complete the
job," said Anderson. "It is going to be a
big job and we just don't have those kind of reserves to
commit." CLAEDF General Membership Meeting Harris County Precinct 2 Commissioner Sylvia Garcia was the featured speaker at the Clear Lake Area Economic Development Foundation general membership meeting at Lakewood Yacht Club in Seabrook this week. Garcia vowed to continue her support of NASA – Johnson Space Center and its aerospace community. She said she will continue to travel to Washington D.C. with CLAEDF’s Keep It Sold committee to seek federal support for human space exploration and said she would continue promoting the Texas Aerospace Scholars program. “This region is not just about NASA and space and tourism,” said Garcia. “Through CLAEDF and your partner organizations, you have worked to expand and diversify businesses. From the smallest ‘mom and pop’ business to the largest multi-national corporation, each company must play an active role in the growing vitality of the region.” Garcia called for the development of a master plan for the Bay Area region and said she has met with representatives from local chambers of commerce, as well as representatives from area municipalities. She said a master plan would “bring all of the players to the table,” whether they are in support of or opposed to, issues like the proposed San Jacinto Rail Line and the Port of Houston Authority’s Bayport Container Terminal. “We have those who want to focus on quality of life, and others who believe we ought to stick to building roads and bridges,” said Garcia. “Let’s look ahead five years, ten years, twenty years to see where we are going,” said Garcia. Garcia said projects in the Bay Area still pending from former Harris County Commissioner Jim Fonteno’s reign would be completed. Those projects include the Freeman Memorial Library, the Evelyn Meador Library, a ballpark in Seabrook, road projects in Nassau Bay, the extension of Space Center Boulevard, an extension of Bay Area Boulevard from Fairmont to Spencer and improvements to Clear Lake Park and Sylvan Beach Park. “The completion of the Space Center Boulevard project has been placed on the fast track,” said Garcia. “Delays in completing that project have prompted me to propose that Harris County begin offering incentives for early completion of road projects and penalties for delays.” She said that while it is common practice for public entities such as the Texas Department of Transportation to offer those incentives, it would be new to Harris County. Garcia announced that the county is currently in negotiations to purchase a 70-acres of natural parkland near Ellington Field and Space Center Boulevard. “This is natural parkland that will provide much needed green space,” said Garcia. “A place to relax and enjoy the native plants that have grown in the Clear Lake area for centuries.” Garcia paid tribute to the men and women who lost their lives aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia. “The Clear Lake area has experienced the tragic loss of seven very special members of our community,” said Garcia. “However grim these events may seem, it is times like these that make us stronger, and bring us together. We have only to improve to survive. True grit and perseverance are what make us Texans!” Garcia said CLAEDF will be a lead partner in this resurgence, as it has been for nearly 20 years.Print Version Historic Downtown Strand Partnership The Historic Downtown Strand Partnership Fourth Tuesday Forum at 12 noon on February 25 will feature a presentation by Ray Simpson, Jr., owner of Simpson's Gallery on the Strand. Simpson will speak on "comparing antiques as an investment versus the stock market." The
meeting will be at Luigi's Ristorante Italiano at 2328
Strand. Reservations must be made by 5 p.m. on
Monday. Call (409) 763-7080 for information. University of Texas Medical Branch President Dr. John Stobo will speak at the first Quarterly Business Luncheon of 2003 for the Galveston Chamber of Commerce at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, March 13 in the Frances Anne Moody Ballroom at Moody Gardens Stobo will discuss the efforts of UTMB to bring a biocontainment lab to Galveston. His presentation will be followed by a short question/answer session for the audience. Tickets
for the luncheon are $20 each $200 for a corporate sponsor
table of eight.
The deadline to purchase tickets is Monday, March 10.
Cancellations received after this date will be
non-refundable.
For any questions or for more information, call Darcy
DeVille at (409) 763-5326 extension 155. Interfaith Caring Ministries’ Ninth Annual Festival of Trees held Wednesday, December 4 to Saturday, December 7, 2002 at the Johnnie Arolfo Civic Center in League City, Texas, was a tremendous success, according to chair JoAnn Armstrong. She credited her committee of volunteers who "made the magic of Christmas come alive" in the Civic Center." "Fifty
beautiful trees were sponsored by local businesses and
decorated by area clubs and organizations," Armstrong
said. "The
event netted Interfaith Caring Ministries over $50,000 to
assist neighbors in need in the Greater Bay Area." There
will be a Mardi Gras truck parade in Kemah on Sunday, March
2, 2003 at 3 p.m. The
parade route will be Texas Avenue, 6th Street,
Harris Avenue, 7th Street, Bradford Avenue, 4th
Street, Kipp Street, 9th Street, Harris Avenue
and end at T-Bone Tom’s Back Yard. College of the Mainland's Senior Adult Program is offering a computer class for senior citizens who want to learn how to use more of the features in Microsoft Word, the popular word-processing program. The Intermediate Word class will meet in the Technical-Vocational Building at COM Mondays and Wednesdays from 8 a.m. to noon, March 10 through March 26. In-district tuition for Senior cardholders is $28; out-of-district tuition is $33. For
more information or to sign up, call 938-1211, extension Al Mainwaring Cartoon Al Mainwaring's cartoon this week is a commentary on the recent death of a cat blamed on some Galveston children and the criticism of the police handling of the incident by some members of the community. Scheduled
Meetings Today,
February 21
Saturday, February 22 Sunday,
February 23
Monday,
February 24 |
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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