Archives

2003 Archives

Thursday              January 22, 2004

Galveston County Commissioners Court

Galveston County Commissioners Court today approved new tax abatement guidelines submitted by Community Services Director Curtiss Brown.

"These guidelines are identical to your previous set of guidelines, with one modification," Brown said.  "We added that a company owing back taxes to Galveston County will not be eligible for an abatement."

County Judge Jim Yarbrough said that the commissioners court will scrutinize new applicants for tax abatements.  

"Given our recent experience with some of the industries, we are going to look awfully close before we approve any more tax abatements," Yarbrough said.

The commissioners court approved professional service agreements with Shiner Moseley and Associates for engineering, design and construction oversight services on Bolivar Peninsula and Galveston Island for damages resulting from Hurricane Claudette.  The project will repair sand socks that were damaged by the storm.

The commissioners court voted to apply for a grant to the Texas Office of Rural Community Affairs for funds to match a grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to pay for the sand sock repairs.

The commissioners court approved a new indigent health care contract with the University of Texas Medical Branch.

The commissioners court approved a resolution recognizing Florence Dement's 100th birthday.

All other agenda items were approved.  All votes were unanimous.  Photos and a recording of the meeting will be posted on The Online News Station.

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Galveston City Council

Galveston City Council approved a $316,451 contract with Jamail Construction to repave the Strand from 25th Street to 20th Street.  The Galveston Industrial Development Corporation had earlier approved the expenditure from the Streets and Drainage Fund.

Chuck Lawrence, who covered the meeting for Guidry News Service, reports that work will begin on Ash Wednesday and be finished by Memorial Day.  Listen

Galveston Park Board of Trustees President and CEO Gil Langley met with the city council to discuss the park board's plan to initiate a paid parking plan on the Seawall.  Langley reported that 6,600 free annual parking passes have already been picked up at the park board offices.  Seventy-five percent of those who have obtained the passes are from Galveston.

A proposal to retain outside counsel to represent the city in the lawsuit threatened by Galvestonians Against Paid Parking on the Seawall was withdrawn from the agenda.

All other action items were approved.  All votes were unanimous.

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Texas City Commission

The Texas City Commission voted on Wednesday to approve a $45,460.96 settlement with former police chief Bob Circle.  The agreement includes $37,500 for six months salary, $5,460.96 for six months' health insurance for Circle and his family and $2,500 in moving expenses.

In addition, Texas City Mayor Garza agreed to sign a letter of recommendation, citing a difference in management styles, as the reason for Circle's severance from the city.

The city commission voted to approve an interlocal agreement with the Galveston Independent School District to allow the district to participate in the pricing offered in the city's annual contract for solid waste collection and disposal.

The city commission voted to support the Southeast Texas Housing Finance Corporation in a proposed single family mortgage revenue bond issue.

The city commission appointed Dee Ann Haney to the Environmental Protection Emergency Response Advisory Board and reappointed Abel Garza, Sr.; Ray Hertenberger, and Carlos M. Maruri, III to the board.

The city commission appointed Beverly Mitchell and Sherry Sigler to the Library Board.

The city commission appointed Harold Fattig to the Planning Commission. 

All other agenda items were approved.  All votes were unanimous.

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Galveston Independent School District

The Galveston Independent School District Board of Education voted 6-1, with David O'Neal opposed, to change the date of the next election of school board trustees from May 15 to November, to coincide with the general election.

The school board voted unanimously to extend the contract of Superintendent Lynn Hale from three years to five years.

The school board voted to participate in the City of Texas City's waste disposal contract.

The school board deferred action on a proposal to adopt AFL-CIO salary and wage scales and Galveston Electrical Worker Local 527 salary and wage scales for GISD bond projects.

All other agenda items were approved.

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Galveston Livable Communities Initiative

The City of Galveston Livable Communities Steering Committee on Wednesday voted to install trash surrounds on Ship's Mechanic Row, using a portion of the $105,610 remaining in Phase I funding of the downtown infrastructure project.

The committee voted to ask The Goodman Corporation to develop a budget, using the remainder of the funds, to provide trees, handicap ramps and benches on 23rd Street, which has been identified as a "corridor street" in the program.

Public Works Director Brandon Wade met with the group to discuss maintenance of the improvements under the grant.  Members of the committee requested more frequent pickup of trash in the downtown area.

He said a proposed amendment to the City Charter would remove the central business district from a prohibition against privatization of sanitation services, so that a private contractor could be hired to provide better garbage collection services in the alleys and on the downtown sidewalks. 

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Photos and Audio

Galveston Island Pachyderm Club

Galveston Interim Police Chief Kenny Mack and Galveston Municipal Police Association President John Bertolino spoke to the Galveston Island Pachyderm Club today.  Listen

"I think we have one of the best departments anywhere," Mack said to the Republican crowd, noting that the department is in a period of transition since the retirement of former chief Bob Pierce

"I am troubled by some of the things that I see in Galveston," said Bertolino, citing prostitution, drug dealing and other problem areas for law enforcement.  He cited problems in his neighborhood on the city's east end.  "I can go right out my front door and I can probably buy just about any kind of drugs that you can find here in Galveston."

Bertolino spoke highly of past police chiefs Pierce and Dale Roberts and said the police union is very supportive of Mack's interim administration.

"We've got a lot of changes taking place and a lot of uncertainty," Mack said, explaining that he has developed a program to improve the department.  "If my ideas are embraced, I believe that we are going to continue to move forward."

Mack said that he is a traditionalist.  "My main focus is, and will continue to be, on developing a professional police agency that understands that its mission is to serve the citizens of the city that we live and work in."

"I do like some of the direction that Chief Mack has taken us," Bertolino said.  "Let's respect the public; let's talk right to the public; let's try to go out there and make a difference and change things."

"We are very active in elections," Bertolino said, explaining that the GMPA's political action committee often supports sympathetic candidates with contributions. 

Next week City Manager Steve LeBlanc will speak to the group.

"You know, actually I asked to follow him," said Bertolino.  "It's good to follow him to do damage control.  We have had an up and down relationship, the city manager and I; we are quite frank with each other.  I understand that he has a very difficult job to do, I do understand that.  There have been some problems with trust between the city manager and I and we are trying to work those out right now."

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Port of Galveston

H. L. “Bubba” Smith has been promoted to the position of Cruise Terminal Manager for the Port of Galveston.  Smith has twenty-four years of experience in the port industry and has served in several capacities since joining the port in 1980.   

Smith will be directly responsible for all aspects of operations at The Texas Cruise Ship Terminals on Galveston Island including the management of customer relations, operations, maintenance, logistics, and safety and security programs.  

“We are pleased that we were able to promote from within, having Mr. Smith already in place to handle the operations of our cruise terminals,”  stated Steven M. Cernak, port director.  “The fact that he is a long time employee of the port and has a varied background in port operations will prove invaluable as we continue to attract new cruise business and handle hundreds of thousands of new visitors each year at our cruise terminals.”

Smith has been the Assistant Cruise Terminal Manager/Harbormaster since 2002.  Prior to that time, he worked in both the Operations and Marketing Departments.  He replaces Michael J. Mierzwa who was promoted to Director of Operations and Facilities.

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Galveston Neighborhood Housing Initiative

The Galveston Neighborhood Housing Initiative is celebrating the New Year with a Homebuyer Fair to be held at Austin Middle School on Saturday, January 24 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.  The initiative has been active for over a year encouraging renters to become homeowners.  

"Home ownership is an essential component of the American dream," said Lyda Ann Thomas, chair of the event.  "Yet almost 70 percent of Galvestonians rent their dwellings." Message

Especially active in the San Jacinto Neighborhood, the voluntary, non-profit network consists of realtors, bankers, mortgagers, the Galveston Department of Housing and Community Development, Galveston Historical Foundation, Galveston Community Development Corporation, HUD, Galveston Housing Authority, UTMB, American National Insurance Company, the San Jacinto Neighborhood Association and other agencies and groups involved in housing, neighborhood rehabilitation and economic development.   

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American Tort Reform Association

The American Tort Reform Association today launched its campaign to help bring "equal justice under law" to Jefferson County, Texas, "the second worst Judicial Hellhole" identified in
ATRA's report released in November, "Bringing Justice to Judicial Hellholes 2003".  News Release

In the report, Jefferson County was singled out in the report because of the ongoing asbestos, class action and medical liability litigation abuse taking place in court. 

The report identified 13 trial court jurisdictions nationwide where the law is consistently applied unfairly.  Madison County, Illinois, was named the worst Judicial Hellhole.
 
"We urge the Texas Legislature to consider asbestos litigation reform in a special session this year," said ATRA President Sherman Joyce.  "Without meaningful asbestos litigation reform, personal injury lawyers will continue to bring cases to Jefferson County because they know this court will produce
a large verdict or settlement, a favorable precedent, or both. It is this type of lawsuit abuse that costs Texas consumers, compromises their access to affordable healthcare, and acts as a drag on the economy." 

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La Marque Independent School District

Residents of La Marque and the La Marque Independent School District will celebrate the 2003 State Football Championship on January 31st.  The day will begin with a State Championship Victory Parade at 10 a.m., followed by an autograph session by the Cougar football team and coaches. 

The parade will begin at La Marque High School, travel down Vauthier to Cedar, turn left on Cedar to Lake Road, turn left on Lake Road to FM 1765 and finish back at La Marque High School.

Immediately following the parade, fans will gather at the high school to meet the 2003 La Marque Cougar football players and coaches.  The players and coaches will also be autographing Cougar memorabilia.

LMISD will host an Education Summit on Saturday, February 7, 2004, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at La Marque High School, 300 Vauthier, for all LMISD parents.  

The event will include free workshops for parents of all grade levels regarding educational issues, health issues and financial issues.  The General Session begins at 9 a.m. with an address by Superintendent Dr. Adrain B. Johnson. There will be free childcare, free entertainment and door prizes.  Parents can pre-register at their children's schools.

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College of the Mainland

College of the Mainland will present the Kuumba House Dance Theatre at 7 p.m. on Monday, February 2 in Auditorium L131 as part of Black History Month.  The group will perform “Soweto Sunrise” that highlights traditional songs and dances of South Africa from the Zulu, Xhosa, Sotho and Shangaan people.

Kuumba is a Swahili word meaning creativity.  The Kuumba House Dance Theatre is a performing arts company that creates, teaches and presents the cultural experience of African art forms through dance, theatre, music and creative expression.  

The event, sponsored by COM’s Student Activities Board and Multi-Culture Team, is free and open to the public.  For more information call (409) 938-1211, extension 418 or (888) 258-8859, extension 418.

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Texas Veterans Land Board

Jerry Patterson, chairman of the Texas Veterans Land Board, has announced more than $684 million in VLB home loans went to Texas veterans in 2003. That's the most since the home loan program started in 1983, more than double the amount loaned in 2002 and triple that of 2001.  The year 2000 saw the second greatest value of loans funded at $658 million.  

"I wish I could claim the credit, but I can't," Patterson said. "This success is no doubt due to the state of the economy, our low rates, and most importantly, the hard work of our Veterans Land Board staff.  They are a dedicated bunch."

Patterson said another factor in the program's success was the raising of the maximum home loan amount from $150,000, to the current limit of $240,000.  

"In the past, veterans had to blend our loans with loans from other sources if they wanted a home worth more than $150,000," Patterson said, adding that veterans may even combine their loan from the VLB with loans from other sources. "With our higher loan limits, we became more attractive to both veterans and lenders."  

Patterson noted that also in 2003, the "environmentally progressive" VLB Greenbuilding Program saw a more than 400 percent increase in loans to veterans who build homes that are more energy efficient and have less impact on the environment.  More than $230 million worth of greenbuilding home loans were funded by the VLB.  

Patterson noted that all VLB loan programs, whether for homes, land or home improvements, are entirely self-funding and don't use any tax revenues. The VLB is a state agency that is entirely separate from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. 

For more information call (800)-252-VETS ((800)-252-8387)), or visit www.texasveterans.com. 

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Texas General Land Office

Texas Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson is calling on Texas students to participate in the 8th annual "Treasures of the Texas Coast" Children's Art Contest sponsored by the Texas General Land Office.  The deadline to submit artwork is Monday, February 2.  

"The quality of art this contest draws each year, from kindergartners to the big kids, is amazing; it's a joy to see it all," Patterson said.  "Not only does this contest highlight the talents of Texas students, it helps us educate the public about the need to protect our coastal resources. We actually use art the kids send in for various General Land Office publications." 
 
Any medium may be used, except for computer-generated artwork.  Three-dimensional art is ineligible.  Artwork should be based on the theme, "Treasures of the Texas Coast" and should show why the Texas coast is special to the student. Only one entry per student is allowed, and all entries must have a completed parental release form taped to the back.  Parental release forms may be printed from the GLO Web site located at www.texasadoptabeach.org. 

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University of Texas Medical Branch

Harry Kelso Jr., whose father was treated for injuries in the 1947 Texas City disaster by the late UTMB president Truman Blocker, and Kelso's wife, Margaret, recently made a commitment to establish the Harry B. and Marie S. Kelso Endowed Blocker Scholarship at UTMB.

Harry Kelso Sr., who was a Monsanto Chemical Plant engineer in 1947, had been watching the Grandcamp burn from his office, about 300 yards from the ship.  The explosion shattered his office window; he suffered severe facial lacerations and nearly lost his right arm as a result.

Blocker and his surgical team repaired the damage to the elder Kelso’s face and arm. 

“In later years, we could hardly see a [facial] scar,” said Harry Kelso, Jr., who is now a physician in Galveston. “It was very remarkable.”

The scholarship, named in memory of Kelso’s parents, will benefit deserving students in the university’s M.D./Ph.D. combined degree program.  

"Called the Blocker Scholars Program, graduates of the program will become leaders in advancing medicine, using their background in basic and clinical sciences to translate research results into clinical practice," said a UTMB news release.  "The Kelsos’ contribution was one of the capstone commitments to the university’s $5 million Blocker Scholars Initiative, which solidified the academic infrastructure of the M.D./Ph.D. program."

Kelso, who now serves as vice president and medical director at American National Insurance Co., said he also wanted to establish the scholarship at UTMB to thank his alma mater.

“The university taught me how to make a living, but more so, how to be a physician,” he said. “My family has been in Galveston for generations, and UTMB has been here as part of the health care delivery system to my family.”

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Galveston County Science & Engineering Fair

The 2004 Science and Engineering Fair of Galveston County will be held Saturday, February 28, at Galveston College in the gymnasium.   The exhibits will be open to public viewing from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and organizers are expecting over 250 participants from Galveston County high schools and middle schools.   The fair, now in its 22^nd year, is co-sponsored by The University of Texas Medical Branch, Texas A&M University at Galveston and Galveston College. 

“Since 1983, the Science and Engineering Fair of Galveston County has helped to encourage and recognize future generations of professionals," said Dr. Laurie Sower, who serves as co-chair of the fair.  "Through hands-on engineering and lab-bench science projects the annual science fair affords students from our county’s high schools the chance to display their creative energies and talents.  Several of these young men and women advance to state and national competitions.”

The Science and Engineering Fair of Galveston County Steering Committee has received donations of scholarships, cash prizes and merchandise from organizations and individuals on a national and regional basis.

For more information, call Joe Huff at (409) 944-1302.

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Scheduled Meetings
Meetings will be held in the regular meeting place of the city council or other governmental body, unless otherwise specified.

Today, January 22
4:00 Bay Area Transportation Partnership Board of Directors, Captain Land Park Commissioner Fonteno Civic Center
6:00 2004 Mardi Gras Poster Unveiling by Galveston Park Board and Mardi Gras Krewes, Tremont House Lobby
7:00 Kemah City Council and Kemah Public Facility Corporation

Friday, January 23
8:30 Galveston Commission for the Arts, The Grand 1894 Opera House Edna's Room
6:30 Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership Quasar Awards Dinner, South Shore Harbour Resort and Conference Center
8:00 Agatha Christie's "Black Coffee," Clear Creek Country Theatre, 18091 Upper Bay Road in Nassau Bay, across from the Johnson Space Center. 

Saturday, January 24
10:00 - 3:30 Galveston Historical Foundation Sacred Places Tour
10:00 - 2:00 Galveston Neighborhood Housing Initiative Homebuyer Fair, Austin Middle School
2:00 "Mancini at the Movies," The Grand 1894 Opera House
8:00 "Mancini at the Movies," The Grand 1894 Opera House
8:00 Agatha Christie's "Black Coffee," Clear Creek Country Theatre, 18091 Upper Bay Road in Nassau Bay, across from the Johnson Space Center. 

Sunday, January 25
2:30 Agatha Christie's "Black Coffee," Clear Creek Country Theatre, 18091 Upper Bay Road in Nassau Bay, across from the Johnson Space Center.

Monday, January 26
10:00 Galveston County Commissioners Court
11:30 Reception for House Majority Leader Tom Delay, New Beginnings Conference Center, 322 Laurel in La Marque.
12:00 Galveston Parks and Recreation Board
1:30 Jefferson County Commissioners Court
6:30 Hitchcock City Commission

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Gulf Coast E-news, published by Guidry News Service, provides comprehensive coverage of posted public meetings in Galveston, Harris and Jefferson Counties as well as regional news impacting the Upper Texas Gulf Coast.

Chuck Lawrence is Galveston City Correspondent.  Carl Guidry covers events in Jefferson County.

Robert John Mihovil is a special photographic correspondent for Guidry News Service

Ivan Arceneaux is a special correspondent. 

Drew Gilbert, who covered the Galveston City Beat, was recently reactivated into the Coast Guard for the Iraq war.