January 22, 2003

Galveston City Council 
  by Jim Guidry and Drew Gilbert

Galveston City Council voted 5-0 to support the University of Texas Medical Branch bid for federal funds to construct a National Biocontainment Laboratory.  UTMB President Dr. John Stobo appeared before the city council to talk about the economic benefits of the facility to the city.

There was considerable discussion of proposed paid parking on the Seawall.

Council Member Johnny Smecca modified his position on the distribution of funds from Seawall meters.

“I will recommend that one hundred percent of all money collected should stay on the Seawall, forever,” Smecca insists.

Ken Jencks, leader of a group wanting to put the issue of paid parking to a vote was furious at an opinion by City Attorney Susie Green that state law does not permit a vote on paid parking on the Seawall, because it is a zoning issue.

"No means no!" Jencks insisted, referring to a 1998 election on a charter amendment that would have required the city council to enact a paid parking plan on the Seawall.

Rudy Gonzales, who authored the poorly-written charter amendment when he was on the city council in 1998, warned the city council that a proposed survey on the issue could be written to provide a pre-determined outcome.

Council Member Joe Jaworski asked the city attorney to try to find a legal way to hold an election on Seawall parking.

The city council instructed the city attorney to move forward on "Operation 54," a program named after chapter 54 of the Texas Local Government Code, which allows municipalities to target substandard, dangerous property for demolition.  Green reported that several properties are on her list.

The city council granted a specific use permit to allow repair of fleet vehicles at the new taxi service at 3410 Broadway.

The city council deferred action on the new proposed interlocal agreement with the Park Board of Trustees regarding Mardi Gras 2003.

The city manager withdrew from the agenda a proposed lease with M. Properties for a recreational vehicle resort at the airport.  

Smecca suggested that the city raise the price for leasing airport property.  The consultants said that the current price is competitive compared to other airports.

The city council renewed its agreement with the Galveston County Mosquito Control District for the next year.

All other agenda items were approved.  All votes were 5-0.  

There were appointments to several committees.  

E. J. Garcia, Anna Olivares, Patricia Williams, Santaigo Vallejo, Christopher Waters, Kali Prater and Monika Patel were appointed to the Families, Children and Youth Board.

Lauren Yoni Benson and Donna Nevelow were appointed to the Committee on Unity and Tolerance.

Ivan Arceneaux was appointed to the Mayor's Advisory Committee on Seniors and/or Disabled Citizens.

Coffman and Associates gave the council an update on the airport master plan in workshop. 

Mayor Roger Quiroga is in Washington for the mid winter meeting of the U.S. Conference of Mayors and Dianna Puccetti is out of town on business.

Gulf Coast E-news is a publication of Guidry News Service, with offices at 926 Broadway in Galveston and 2500 South Shore Boulevard, Suite C Marina in Clear Lake.  Call (409) 763-NEWS (6397) or (281) 334-NEWS (6397) in the Clear Lake area.  For additional information, or to order a free, one-week complimentary subscription to Gulf Coast E-news, email News@guidrynews.com.