January 7, 2003

Seabrook City Council
 by Jo Ann Gowing

Seabrook City Council voted to appoint Councilman Pete Braccio as the city’s new mayor pro tem after accepting Margaret Kidd Duncan’s resignation from that position.  However, Duncan refused to resign from the city council during a spirited session of the council.

The city council voted 3-1 to request Duncan's resignation from the city council, with only Duncan opposed.  Larry Bonnin was absent.

Mike Laible, who made the motion, said he will file a formal complaint to begin the process of removing Duncan today.

Duncan brought disfavor from the community when an obscenity-laden tape recorded conversation, between Duncan and police officials, was made public and widely circulated.

"Her language was disgusting," said former council member C.W. Schollkopf, in an address to the city council.  "This language is unbecoming a public official and she should no longer be able to represent the citizens of Seabrook.

Several other citizens spoke, all demanding that Duncan resign or that the city council take action against Duncan.

The city council approved the use of $35,000 of EDC I funds for an economic development study of property north of Red Bluff Road.

The city council tabled consideration of an agreement with the NASA-Clear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau.

The city council approved an expenditure from the general fund reserves to allow representatives from the City of Seabrook to travel and meet with representatives of Seabrook’s sister city, Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos, Ecuador.

The city council voted to reschedule a work session/retreat to January 18, 2003.

The city council ratified the City Manager’s action to include Seabrook in a letter requesting that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reconsider the draft environmental impact study process for the Bayport project.

All other agenda items were approved.