February 4, 2003

Bayou Vista Board of Aldermen

The Village of Bayou Vista Board of Aldermen unanimously approved an ordinance to change the name of "Village of Bayou Vista" to "City of Bayou Vista". 

"Terminology has an immediate impact sometimes," said Alderman Bill Jackson.  "It's time for Bayou Vista to be recognized as the young, dynamic city that it is."

The board agreed to take no action in response to a letter from Texas City Mayor Carlos Garza concerning the Truck Route Alternate Study.  Garza said that he is opposed to Bayou Vista's request to TxDOT for three projects.  

"Until the study is complete and each alternative analyzed, I do not believe that we should start making recommendations," Garza said.

"Well, we do not agree with Mayor Garza at all," commented Jackson.  

The board voted to change the name of the city's recreation center to "Bayou Vista Community Center". 

"The center is not just for recreational purposes anymore," said Jackson.  "We use it for meetings, weddings and other functions.  I think we should call it a 'community center' since it's for the whole community."

The board voted to prohibit the storage of alcohol of any kind at the community center because of increased liability insurance costs.  The board will discuss a policy regarding other community center storage at a special workshop on Tuesday, February 11.

The board approved a modification in club user fees for the community center.  

"The people who use it must bear some of the brunt of the cost," remarked Alderman Steve Leach.  "We're not trying to make any money out of this - but the only fair thing to do is to charge the people who use it."

The board tabled action on three items:  the revision of community center rental agreements and regulations, a review of the first quarter financial statements, and a request from Faith Community Church for a floodplain variance. 

The board approved issues related to the May 3 aldermen election.

All other agenda items were approved.  Alderman John Thomas was absent.