Archives

2003 Archives

Monday              January 26, 2004

Board of Trustees of the Galveston Wharves

Freddie Meyer of the Frost National Bank Trust Department had a positive report on the port's pension fund investment portfolio at this morning's meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Galveston Wharves Finance Committee.  Listen

"You are better than two and one-half percent up for the month of January," Meyer reported, adding that 2003 was a good year as well.  

"For the quarter ending December 31, you were up 10.58 percent for the portfolio," Meyer said.  "For the complete year, you were up 23.31 percent.  

Meyer also presented the Fourth Quarter Report of Kempner Capital Management, authored by Shrub Kempner.

"In our third quarter letter, we relayed our firm belief that an economic recovery was underway," Kempner recalled.  "There is now little question that we were right.  Every trend indicates that the U.S. economy is recovering and recovering strongly in terms of the gross measurements."

"Life is good, I'll tell you," exclaimed Mayor Roger Quiroga, who represents the city council on the wharves board.  "I can remember when Freddie was over here, meek as a mouse, and wouldn't say anything.  And now, boy, we are doing good and he is over here waking me up this morning!"

"Two years ago, we were all crying the blues and now we're back," agreed Finance Committee Chair Rusty Legg, who also is vice chair of the wharves board and presided over the full board meeting in the absence of Chair Benny Holland.

Port Director Steve Cernak reported to the board that operating revenue for the month of December 2003, not including cruise terminal related revenue accruing to the GPFC was $1,084,410, which was down 11.3 percent from November 2003 and down 7.9 percent versus December 2002. 

Cernak attributed the decrease to reduced grain exports, lack of bulk liquid movements at the Pelican Island Oil Terminal and fewer cruise passengers.

"A timing difference in revenues from passenger charges plus added rental space for cotton offset reduced regular dockage and a drop in cruise parking revenues," said Cernak.

The wharves board voted to amend its consulting agreement with George King, who is working on the fuel cell and wind farm projects.

"As previously discussed with the board of trustees, the implementation of renewable energy projects at the Port of Galveston would result in significant energy savings and could be developed into an alternative income stream that could support future port development activities," said Cernak.  "However, expertise beyond the capabilities of Port staff and dedicated involvement continues to be required to develop these concepts to project status and secure funding."

The wharves board approved items that had previously been reviewed by the Galveston Port Facilities Corporation related to improvements at Cruise Terminal 2.

The wharves board voted to renew a risk management consultant agreement with Steven B. Steinberg of Entrust Risk Management Services. 

All other agenda items were approved.

Legg and Cernak presented service awards to long-term employees.  Listen 

Those honored included Miros Bustamente, 5 years of service; Jim Thompson, 10 years; Herbert Smith, 20 years; Harry Binar, Richard Garcia, Ronald Kenny and Paul Pacini, 25 years; and Leon Dickerson and Clark Simmons, 30 years.

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Galveston County Commissioners Court

Galveston County Commissioners Court approved an interlocal agreement with the City of Galveston to coordinate repairs to sandsock projects being funded by the Federal Emergency Management Administration on Galveston Island and the Bolivar Peninsula.  

The commissioners court awarded its main depository contract to Moody National Bank.  Frost National Bank, First Community Bank, Southwest Bank of Texas and various Texas First Banks were named participating banks.

The commissioners court approved several bids on projects related to the construction of the Criminal Justice Building.  County Judge Jim Yarbrough announced that the project is currently $600,000 under budget.

The commissioners court deferred action on a proposed budget amendment for a temporary, part-time clerk.

All other agenda items were approved.  All votes were 4-0, with Ken Clark absent.

The commissioners court met in workshop with representatives of the auditor's office to discuss collaboration of a grant application with the University of Houston Clear Lake.  The commissioners court deferred a workshop on a proposed tax abatement for ISP Technologies, Inc.

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Jefferson County Commissioners Court

Jefferson County Commissioners Court approved construction plans for Lake Estates Subdivision at today's regular meeting.

The commissioners court approved construction plans for Ridgecrest Phase 2.

The commissioners court approved a resolution recognizing J.D. Feigelson for "his outstanding accomplishments as filmmaker and screenwriter."

Feigelson, who got his start at KJAC Channel 4 in Port Arthur,
will be inducted into the Southeast Texas Filmmaker Hall of
Fame during the Spindletop/Lamar University Film Festival.

"J.D. has played an important role in the development of the film festival," said Chris Castillo, festival director and founder, who appeared before the commissioners court.  "This is a filmmaker who is talented and humble, and eager to share his
knowledge with others."

The commissioners court approved a $3,100 budget amendment to provide for asbestos removal at the Sub-courthouse in Port Arthur.

The commissioners court voted 4-1, with Jimmy Cokinos opposed, to award a contract for renovation of Jefferson County Annex 1 to Premium Construction.

The commissioners court approved a resolution commending Karla L. O'Fiel "for her dedicated service as an employee of Jefferson County" upon her retirement.

All other agenda items were approved.

Peter Kaatrude, chair of the Jefferson County Historical Commission, accompanied by members of the commission, presented his 2003 annual report to the commissioners court.  

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Galveston Politics

Galveston City Council District 5 candidate Judy Edwards has announced that she is withdrawing from the race and is instead supporting former Galveston fire chief Danny Weber, who is seeking the position. Letter

"I feel Danny will be a strong representative of all the people in our district," Edwards said.  "By supporting Danny, I will better serve the needs of the citizens of Galveston."

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Houston City Hall

Houston Mayor William White announced today that he has appointed Munir Ibrahim to the board of the Houston Hotel Corporation, the owner of the new Hilton of the Americas
Hotel next to the George R. Brown Convention Center.  Ibrahim fills the vacancy created by the resignation last year of former Rice University President Malcolm Gillis.

White said that Ibrahim, a developer who has served as chair of the South Asian Chamber of Commerce is part of "a new generation of business leaders who have made a strong commitment to civic affairs in our community".  

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Webster City Hall

In order to commemorate the upcoming one-year anniversary of the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster, a monument designed by Bruce Griffin, Wendell Smith, Steve Blumenfeld, and Newell Bald is being displayed this week at Webster City Hall.  Photo and News Release 

The monument, named "Circle of Sevens" will be permanently installed in Lufkin on February 1.

The memorial’s seven’s theme includes a solid wood pedestal with seven sides and rings on which a lighted glass case sits, depicting the pictures of the seven Columbia crewmembers and seven doves ascending to seven stars etched into the glass surrounding a model of Space Shuttle Columbia.

Viewing times at Webster City Hall are 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. through Thursday, and 7:45 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. on Friday.

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Houston Metropolitan Transit Authority

METRO will offer several service options to Downtown events sponsored by the Houston Super Bowl Host Committee, as well as other organizations not affiliated with the Host Committee, from Thursday, January 29, through Sunday, February 1.  
News Release

The Downtown events include The Main Event, the Super Bash, the Bud Bowl at Minute Maid Park and the NFL Experience at the George R. Brown Convention Center.

METRO’s special event shuttles will provide three ways to get to the events: Park & Ride service from eight Houston-area lots, service from Uptown/Galleria-area hotels, and a free Downtown Circulator service.  In addition, METRORail will continue to operate along Main Street during the special events.   There will be eight METRO Park & Ride lots offering special shuttle service to Downtown. 

For more information, call METROLine at 713-635-4000 or visit www.ridemetro.org. 

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North Galveston County Chamber of Commerce

The North Galveston County Chamber has set its 56^th Annual "Wings of Change" Banquet for Friday, February 6 at 6:00 p.m. at the Marker One Ballroom at 3101 NASA One Road in Seabrook.   County Judge Jim Yarbrough and motivational speaker Joseph Heller will speak.

The Banquet Program will include the installation of Chamber officers and directors as well as naming the Outstanding Citizen, Community Service Citizen of the Year, Good Neighbor Corporation of the Year, Small Business of the Year and Student Community Volunteer from Dickinson and Clear Creek Independent School District.  

Individual tickets are $50 per person, couples are $75 and individual senior citizens are $30.   For more information or to purchase tickets call (281) 337-3434.

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University of Texas Medical Branch

The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston's Sealy Center on Aging and Department of Surgery will sponsor a symposium regarding "Surgery in the Elderly Patient" from 8:30 a.m. to 1:10 p.m., on January 27, in Levin Hall South Auditorium, on the corner of 10th and Market Streets.

"In the evolution of care in surgical patients it became clear early on that children had special requirements, and the discipline of pediatric surgery came into being," said UTMB's Dr. James C. Thompson, professor of surgery and program moderator.  "In a like manner, much later surgeons have realized that the physiologic and pre- and post-operative problems of elderly patients are sufficiently different from those of younger adults so as to require special approaches."

For more information, contact Thompson at (409) 770-6921.

UTMB will host a public forum on HIV/AIDS awareness in the black community from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on February 3 in the Levin Hall Dining Room at 11th and Market. 

Dr. Stanley Lewis, associate professor in infectious diseases at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, will be the keynote speaker, along with several experts and community leaders on HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment.

Speeches and presentations are free and open to the public.  For more information, call the UTMB Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity at (409) 747-8823.

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Galvestonians Against Paid Parking on Seawall

Galvestonians Against Paid Parking on the Seawall will meet at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, January 28 at the Galveston Independent School District Annex Building at 3908 Avenue T.

"Greg Roof will brief us on the condition of the second petition drive," reports Bill Hynek.  "Ken Jencks will speak about the park board's 'overreach."

In addition, Hynek said that he will explain the significance of the urban park designation.

For information, call (409) 763-4711 or email b.hynek@att.net. 

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Historic Downtown Strand Partnership

The Historic Downtown Strand Partnership will elect its officers and board of directors for 2004 at the tenth annual meeting of the organization at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, January 27 at the Tremont House Davidson Ballroom.

"Awards will be presented to downtown advocates who made significant contributions to the central business and residential district during 2003," said Fred Wichlep, president of the HDSP.

Tickets are $35 and reservations may be made by calling the HDSP office at (409) 763-7080.

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Galveston Historical Foundation

Galveston Historical Foundation’s Preservation and Conservation Services Department is offering demonstration classes for the public beginning Saturday, February 7.

Twelve different classes will be presented on topics such as sheetrocking, landscaping, and shutter repair. 

“This is a terrific way for people to come and learn home improvements, arts & crafts and historic preservation and rehabilitation,” states Lesley Sommer, director of preservation and conservation services.  “This service is at the heart of Galveston Historical Foundation’s mission.  The classes are conducted by volunteers who give of their time to teach their skills and all proceeds fund Galveston Historical Foundation.”

Also, Margaret Culbertson, author of Texas Houses: Built by the Book, will speak in a free lecture on Wednesday, May 5 from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Galveston Historical Foundation Custom House, located at 502 20^th Street in Galveston. 

Fees for the Demonstration Classes are $8 per class for members of Galveston Historical Foundation, $45 for any six classes and $75 for the entire series.  For non-members of Galveston Historical Foundation the classes are $10 per class, $55 for any six classes and $95 for the entire series. 

For information contact Samantha Bosshart at (409) 765-7834 extension 25 or email samantha.bosshart@galvestonhistory.org; or visit www.galvestonhistory.org for registration information on-line. 

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On The Webio

Photos and audio recordings of several recent events are posted on the Guidry News Service Online News Station at www.guidrynews.com.

Harris County Commissioner Sylvia Garcia was honored with the Quasar Award by the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership at South Shore Harbour Resort an the organization's annual meeting Friday night.  Houston Mayor William White also spoke at the event. Photos and Audio

Neighborhood and community leaders turned out for the Galveston Neighborhood Housing Initiative Homebuyer Fair at Austin Middle School in Galveston on Saturday.  Photos and Audio

In his latest column on The Online News Station, Victor Lang remembers when Galveston doctors made house calls, in "Gimmie Those Old Time Doctors."  Click Here

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

Today, January 26
4:00 Galveston Charter Review Committee, City Hall Room 204
5:00 Galveston Housing Authority Board of Commissioners
5:30 Galveston Visionaries in Preservation, Council Chambers
6:00 La Marque City Council
6:30 Hitchcock City Commission
6:30 Galveston County Water Control and Improvement District 1
7:00 Shoreacres City Council

Tuesday, January 27
10:00 Pasadena City Council
11:30 Beaumont City Council
11:30 Sandpiper Republican Women Monthly Luncheon, Galveston Country Club.  Candidates for mayor will speak
12:00 Rotary Club of Galveston Island, San Luis Resort.  GHF Director of Preservation and Conservation Services Lesley Sommer will speak 
1:30 Houston City Council
1:30 Galveston Families, Children and Youth Board Renaissance Zone Task Force, Galveston Planning Department
2:00 Galveston Park Board of Trustees
4:00 Galveston Planning Commission Special Meeting
4:30 Galveston Families, Children and Youth Board Executive Committee, Rosenberg Library Wortham Auditorium
6:00 Clear Creek Independent School District Board of Trustees
6:00 Galveston County Community Action Council, Mt. Carmel Head Start Center, 2902 Avenue F, Dickinson
6:30 League City City Council
6:30 Historic Downtown Strand Partnership Tenth Annual Awards Dinner, The Tremont House 
7:00 Dickinson City Council
7:00 Seabrook City Council Special Meeting

Wednesday, January 28
9:00 Houston City Council
11:45 Galveston Families, Children and Youth Board Task Force Committees, ANICO Tower 19th Floor Dining Room
12:00 Rotary Club of Galveston, Brothers Petronella Top Gallant Room. The program is classification talks
12:00 Livable Houston Initiative Meeting, Houston-Galveston Area Council, 3555 Timmons
4:00 Galveston Landmark Commission Special Meeting
6:00 Galveston Independent School District Board of Education Training Meeting
6:30 Clear Lake Area Council of Cities January Dinner Meeting, Houston Yacht Club, 3620 Miramar Drive, Shoreacres  
7:00 Galvestonians Against Paid Parking on the Seawall, GISD Annex Building, 3908 Avenue T

Thursday, January 29
12:00 Galveston Island Pachyderm Club, Gaido's Restaurant.  Galveston City Manager Steve LeBlanc will speak
6:30 Texas City-La Marque Chamber of Commerce 34th Annual Membership Banquet and Reception, Charles T. Doyle Convention Center Texas Heroes Room 

Friday, January 30
12:00 Galveston Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone 12 Board of Directors, City Hall Room 204
7:30 "The Oak Ridge Boys," The Grand 1894 Opera House, Galveston
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 31
8:00 La Marque Independent School District State Championship Victory Parade
7:30 "The Oak Ridge Boys," The Grand 1894 Opera House, Galveston
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, February 1
2:30 Agatha Christie's "Black Coffee," Clear Creek Country Theatre, 18091 Upper Bay Road in Nassau Bay, across from the Johnson Space Center.

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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.