© 2003, Guidry News
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© 2003, Guidry News
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Links: Galveston Seawall Future Enhancement Ad Hoc Committee Clear Lake Shores City Council Friendswood Street Project Update Kemah Police Officers Association Harris County Commissioners Court Galveston Seawall Future Enhancement Ad Hoc Committee Clear Lake Shores City Council Friendswood Street Project Update Kemah Police Officers Association Harris County Commissioners Court Galveston Seawall Future Enhancement Ad Hoc Committee Clear Lake Shores City Council Friendswood Street Project Update Kemah Police Officers Association Harris County Commissioners Court Galveston Seawall Future Enhancement Ad Hoc Committee Clear Lake Shores City Council Friendswood Street Project Update Kemah Police Officers Association Harris County Commissioners Court Galveston Seawall Future Enhancement Ad Hoc Committee Clear Lake Shores City Council Friendswood Street Project Update Kemah Police Officers Association Harris County Commissioners Court Galveston Seawall Future Enhancement Ad Hoc Committee Clear Lake Shores City Council Friendswood Street Project Update Kemah Police Officers Association Harris County Commissioners Court Galveston Seawall Future Enhancement Ad Hoc Committee Clear Lake Shores City Council Friendswood Street Project Update Kemah Police Officers Association Harris County Commissioners Court Galveston Seawall Future Enhancement Ad Hoc Committee Clear Lake Shores City Council Friendswood Street Project Update Kemah Police Officers Association Harris County Commissioners Court Galveston Seawall Future Enhancement Ad Hoc Committee Clear Lake Shores City Council Friendswood Street Project Update Kemah Police Officers Association Harris County Commissioners Court Galveston Seawall Future Enhancement Ad Hoc Committee Clear Lake Shores City Council Friendswood Street Project Update Kemah Police Officers Association Harris County Commissioners Court Galveston Seawall Future Enhancement Ad Hoc Committee Clear Lake Shores City Council Friendswood Street Project Update Kemah Police Officers Association Harris County Commissioners Court Galveston Seawall Future Enhancement Ad Hoc Committee Clear Lake Shores City Council Friendswood Street Project Update Kemah Police Officers Association Harris County Commissioners Court Galveston Seawall Future Enhancement Ad Hoc Committee Clear Lake Shores City Council Friendswood Street Project Update Kemah Police Officers Association Harris County Commissioners Court Galveston Seawall Future Enhancement Ad Hoc Committee Clear Lake Shores City Council Friendswood Street Project Update Kemah Police Officers Association
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Harris
County Commissioners Court Harris County Commissioners Court withheld payment of $486,792 in annual dues to 10 different organizations, including the Greater Houston Partnership, the Houston-Galveston Area Council and several professional associations. “I
don’t see why we need to belong to so many
organizations," said Commissioner Sylvia Garcia. Commissioner
EL Franco Lee agreed, suggesting that it is time to re-examine
the county’s role in each of the groups. He requested a
report from Management Services on how the county became
involved, and how each relationship has evolved. The
commissioners
court gave authorization for two major toll road projects to
enter the bid process: An estimated $7.8 million project for
mainline widening and map construction from Westview Drive to
Clay Road, and; An estimated $2.1 million project for mainline
widening for the Sam Houston Tollway from west of Brannel N.
Houston Road to east of Antoine. The
commissioners court voted to seek bids on four engineering
projects: an estimated $93,000 for 5,000 tons of 2-sack cement
for any plant in Precinct One; an estimated $30,000 for the
repair of T Piers at Deussen Park; an estimated $62,500 for
storm sewer outfall at East Cedar Bayou-Lynchburg Road at Cary
Bayou in Precinct Two, and; an estimated $50,600 for storm
sewer outfall at Reissen Lane in Precinct Four. The
commissioners court discussed a possible change in the rules
of conduct and decorum for public speakers at commissioners
court meetings to prohibit citizens from talking about matters
unrelated to county business. Current rules allow at least one
minute of time to anyone who wishes to speak on any subject. A
$24,184 request by Justice of the Peace William Yeoman,
precinct 5.2, to purchase a Kardex Lektriever storage system,
was referred back to the budget office by Commissioner Steve
Radack. A
request by Justice of the Peace Armando Rodriguez, precinct
6.2, to reclassify a part-time clerk position to full-time,
was referred back to the budget office by Garcia. A
proposed agreement with First Coastal Mortgage for funding of
a mortgage assistance program using $665,000 in Community
Development Block Grant funds, $225,500 in Home Investment
Partnerships Program funds and $55,625 in tax increment
reinvestment zone funds was withdrawn from the agenda. Three
grant application requests by constables were referred back to
the budget office by County Judge Robert Eckels: a $151,850
request by Constable Glen Cheek for state and federal
assistance for the Crime Victims Assistance Unit; a $47,646
request by Cheek to apply for grant funds for laser equipment
for traffic enforcement, and; a $142,235 request by Constable
Victor Trevino to apply to the Criminal Justice Division of
the Office of the Governor for Sex Offender Monitoring and
Compliance Program. A
reimbursement request from the Texas Department of
Transportation was referred to the county attorney by Radack. All
other agenda items were approved Visiting State District Court Judge Paul Ferguson dismissed the final two lawsuits filed by former county treasurer Gerald Burks against the commissioners court and County Auditor Phil Lohec on Tuesday. "This is a complete vindication for the campaign and for the taxpayers of Galveston County," said current County Treasurer Kevin Walsh. "It just shows, in my opinion, the frivolousness of what was going on in these lawsuits over the past two and one-half or three years." Listen The only
remaining legal matter is Burks' claim that attorney fees
accrued to Kenneth Kaye should be paid by the county.
Walsh has since hired Kerry Neves to represent him in the case
and expects the final claim to be dismissed. Seawall Future Enhancement Committee More than a dozen residents of neighborhoods near the Galveston Seawall protested plans to institute a residential parking system in conjunction with paid parking on the Seawall. "It's a quality of life issue," Catherine Arceneaux told the Seawall Future Enhancement Ad Hoc Committee Subcommittee on Security and Residential Parking, objecting to a suggestion that additional guest parking passes could be requested for special events. "I object on principal to have to report to City Hall when I'm having a party," Arceneaux said. "Saddam requires it," quipped a member of the audience. "One week we'll go park at the mayor's house," said Martha Henderson, suggesting that she shuttle passengers to her parties. "it seems like people who live here are the last consideration," said Lynda Harvey." Bill Hynek, a member of the subcommittee explained that Tuesday's meeting was to get public input that will be reported to the full committee, which will make a recommendation to Galveston City Council. "So few people are making this decision," complained Tommy Hicks. "No matter what we say, it is going to happen." Print
Version League
City City Council Representatives of Big League Dreams briefed League City City Council on the construction of a $13 million sports facility Tuesday night. The facility, which is projected to be built on a 40-acre lot near Bay Colony, is planned to contain six ballparks that are replicas of famous stadiums like Wrigley Field and Fenway Park. In addition to the ballparks, the facility is slated to house two restaurants overlooking the fields, sand volleyball courts, batting cages and two multi-purpose buildings that can hold anything from boxing matches to business conventions. “League City and Big League Dreams looks like a perfect fit,” said Vice President Don Webber, explaining that the company chooses sites for such complexes by analyzing market size, location and weather. According to projections the park complex will also bring more money into the city. “Based on expected tournament play, participants and spectators will spend $972,530 on hotel rooms and $6,452,180 on local goods and services in the first year of operation.” predicted Doug Frazior, League City’s economic development coordinator. Frazior said the 28-acre sports park will be owned by the City of League City and leased to Big League Dreams, for operations and maintenance, for 40 years. Webber said he doesn’t expect the park to break even until the third year. However, he expects the construction costs to be lower than projected. “We have a pretty good shot at coming in under those numbers,” Webber said. The
complex is expected to also house a soccer field and swimming
pool. However, League City Director of Finance Monica
Kohlenberg explained that those facilities will be handled as
separate projects in order to better fit the city’s budget. Port
Arthur City Council Independent auditor Gayle W. Botley urged Port Arthur City Council to pay more attention to the operation of the Port Arthur Economic Development Corporation, which has come under criticism in recent months. "There appears to be a lack of cohesiveness between City Council and the PAEDC board," Botley said in a management letter that accompanied the 2002 audit. "In essence, the tone at the top, which sets the standard for the entire organization, needs to be jolted. Business as usual should not continue." Botley
cited several areas in the PAEDC that require attention: He made
several recommendations, beginning with creation of a
favorable control environment to ensure the financial
integrity of the PAEDC: Also on Tuesday, the city council tabled action on two proposals from the PAEDC, including a design/builder agreement and an economic incentive agreement with IASIS Healthcare and with Williams and Rao, L.P. The city council approved a $7,500 payment to the Greater Port Arthur Chamber of Commerce for the City’s share of the 2003 community calendars. The city
council approved $245,861.50
in contracts to Altivia of Houston, Carus Chemical Company of
Peru, Illinois, KC Industries of Houston and Therchem
Corporation of New Iberia, Louisiana for water treatment
chemicals for the utility operations department, water
purification and wastewater treatment divisions. The city council approved a $65,632.84 contract with Fire Source of Madisonville, Texas for 14 high-pressure self-contained breathing apparatus, 14 spare bottles and 14 mounting brackets. The city council tabled action on acceptance of an automatic increase in access line rates as calculated by Public Utility Commission. The city council tabled action on appointment of new members to the Port Arthur Youth Advisory Council. The city council voted to delete the Sabine Pass Port Authority from the May 3 ballot because there are no opposed candidates. The city council voted to establish the Shrimpfest Entertainment Area for 2003. The Port Arthur Chamber of Commerce is the exclusive concessionaire. All other agenda items were approved. Service awards were presented to several city employees. The
city council held a public hearing on a request by Nobel
Energy, Inc. for a permit to conduct drilling operations
approximately 700 feet west of Garnet Avenue and 325 feet
north of 64th Street.
There was no opposition to this request. Larry Tomplait spoke in favor of the drilling request.
Listen Beaumont
City Council Beaumont City Council voted to amend the city budget to increase the number of Grade I positions in the police department from 197 to 198 and reduce the number of Grade II positions from 52 to 51. City Manager Kyle Hayes, said the change, which has been approved by the police union in collective bargaining negotiations, will save the city $18,852 annually. Listen The city council approved a three-year lease agreement with Vanderburg Investments, Inc., for property located at 5250 Washington Blvd. The building located on this property is used by the Beaumont Police Department’s Narcotics and Street Crimes units for office space and storage of seized property. All other agenda items were approved. Several
people spoke at a public hearing on the city's allocation of
public service, public facilities and improvements and
emergency shelter funds in the 2003
Consolidated Block Grant Program. Clear
Lake Shores City Council Clear Lake Shores City Council voted 4-1, with Brian Chernecke opposed, to adopt a new policy for disposition on city-held leases. The
city council scheduled a workshop on waterfront leases on
April 15. “Don’t
we need to advertise this?” asked Council Member Vaness
Hamilton, noting low turnout for the previous workshops.
“There’s not that many people coming, but there seems to
be so much interest in the issue.
I could ring a bell down the street!” The
city council voted to place a soft drink machine in the lobby
of the building at 1006 South Shore Drive.
City Secretary Theresa Parani said the city will would
make 10 cents per sale. There was a suggestion that the machine be placed outside the building, but Chernecke was opposed. “I like the way the place looks, it doesn’t look like a 7-Eleven.” The
city council voted to amend the rules and procedures of the
City of Clear Lake Shores Zoning Board of Adjustments
meetings. Work on the City of Friendswood Sunset Drive widening project has progressed in the last few weeks of dry weather and allowed the contractor to make some substantial progress in Phase 1. The Friendswood Office of Capital Projects reports that underground drainage is complete from FM 2351 to beyond Falling Leaf and all of the paving in the southbound lane is now complete. Over
the weekend of April 5 and 6, beginning early Saturday
morning, the contractor will begin changing the traffic flow
pattern on Sunset between Falling Leaf and FM 2351. By Monday
morning the southbound lane of Sunset will be opened to
traffic from FM 2351 towards Falling Leaf and the northbound
lane of Sunset from Falling Leaf to FM 2351 will be closed.
Traffic heading north will be detoured at Castlewood
and Fairdale to FM 518 State
work on FM 518 will be complete by this time and there should
no longer be delays on that route. For
more information, call (281) 996-3201. Kemah Police Officers Association The Kemah Police Officers Association is preparing "care packages" for United States military personnel. Non
perishable items may be delivered to Kemah City Hall or the
Kemah Police Department, 1401 Hwy 146, Kemah, Texas. For
a list of needed items call (281) 2334-5414 or (281) 334-1611.
Cash donations will not be accepted. U.S.
Senator John Cornyn met Tuesday with several public safety
officials to discuss homeland security. “In
this time of war, now more than ever, threats to our
nation’s security, and the preparedness of Cornyn met with James McLaughlin, executive director of the Texas Police Chiefs Association; William Taylor, chief of police and director of public safety for Rice University; and Tom Shehan, chief of police for the Dallas0Fort Worth Airport. The
meeting in Cornyn’s “I
appreciate the leaders of the Brian E. Chase, the executive director of the National Space Society will speak today to the Science, Technology and Space Subcommittee of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation. "Robust, low cost access to space is the key to expanding opportunities in space, whether in Low Earth Orbit or beyond," Chase said in his prepared remarks. "In light of the loss of the Space Shuttle Columbia, it is more important than ever for our nation to address the issue of how we transport people and cargo to and from space. Indeed, although the Columbia investigation and now the war in Iraq occupies the nation’s attention, NASA’s generally overlooked FY 2004 budget submission contains important elements of an Integrated Space Transportation Plan to begin addressing this critical issue." United States Representative Nick Lampson, a member of the House Transportation Committee, applauded a new national survey on attitudes toward walking that was released on Tuesday. The poll conducted by the Washington, DC-based Surface Transportation Policy Project finds that Americans want to walk more places more often, and are willing to invest in making it possible. Lampson cites the report as a sign the public wants more sidewalk, hike/bike trails and other pedestrian infrastructure. "Texans want to be able to walk down the street safely. Whether it's kids who want to walk to school, or someone who wants some exercise as they go to the store, Texans should have the choice of safe and accessible routes to walk," Lampson said. Poll results show that if given a choice between walking more and driving more, 55 percent of adults choose walking more. The poll shows overwhelming support for policies to make the walking environment less dangerous for people of all ages, especially children. A majority (59 percent) favor putting more federal dollars toward improving walk-ability, even within a constrained budget. In Texas, currently 0.3 of
federal transportation funds are spent on pedestrian/bicycle
facilities. The poll also shows that the majority of
children do not currently walk or bicycle to school. Just 18
percent of parents report that their children ever walk or
bicycle to school. In contrast, 71 percent of adults report
walking or bicycling to school in their own childhood. In
Texas, recent data show that children under 16 spend an
average of 67 minutes per day in a car and 25 percent of
adults are considered obese. Scheduled
Meetings 9:00 Houston 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 and Clear Lake area reporters include Jinelle Boyd, Dedra Black, Jared Denniston, Jo Ann Gowing, and Renee' Webster. 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. Gulf Coast E-news also covers regional organizations in the Gulf Coast area. Drew Gilbert, who covered the Galveston City Beat, was recently reactivated into the Coast Guard for the Iraq war. We are seeking additional reporters to expand our coverage in Jefferson County. Robert John Mihovil is a special photographic correspondent for Guidry News Service 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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