Archives

2003 Archives

Tuesday              February 3, 2004

Beaumont City Council

Beaumont City Council voted to contribute $15,000 to be used as a revenue guarantee in an effort to attract Delta Airlines to the Southeast Texas Regional Airport for airline service to Dallas-Fort Worth.

"The Southeast Texas Coalition for Air Service, LLC, created by the Beaumont and Port Arthur chambers of commerce, is leading an effort to attract Delta Airlines to provide air service to and from the Southeast Texas Regional Airport," said City Manager Kyle Hayes, in his recommendation to the city council.  "Delta Airlines is requiring a $975,000 revenue guarantee from the Southeast Texas community before they sign an agreement to provide air service for one year."

"We are asking each city and county in our region to assist us by investing a minimum of $0.10 per capita toward the letter of credit we must provide within the next three weeks," said Jim Rich, president of the Beaumont Chamber of Commerce, and Verna Rutherford, president of the Port Arthur Chamber of Commerce, in a joint letter.  

Rich and Rutherford said the service is expected to generate enough revenue to make the guarantee unnecessary.

"If service is at the level projected, all or part of the funds will be available for return to those who make the contributions."

The city council voted to deny a zone change from Residential Single Family Dwelling to General Commercial-Multiple Family Dwelling for property at the southwest corner of Highway 105 and East Major Drive.

"The subject property is surrounded by single family residential uses to the west and south," notes Planning Manager Stephen C. Richardson, adding that the request, to facilitate resale for commercial development, could be considered "spot zoning".

The Planning Commission had recommended against the request, as well.

The city council approved a specific use permit to allow Adair's Eskimo Hut to operate a drive-in and drive-through store that will sell convenience items, beer, wine, cigarettes and frozen wine-based daiquiris at 5405 College Street.

The city council reappointed Walter Crook to the Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway Commission on a motion by Nancy Beaulieu; and appointed Pauline Mouton to the commission on a motion by Mayor Evelyn Lord.

All other agenda items were approved.

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Friendswood City Council

Friendswood City Council unanimously gave final approval to a specific use permit for professional, medical, dental and optometry uses on property at 402 East Edgewood.

The city council unanimously approved a specific use permit to allow an increase in the amount of building space that Irish Green Office Park Inc., Phase II may use in the Melody Plaza Subdivision for sales and retail uses, from 30 percent to 40 percent.

The city council unanimously approved the first reading of an ordinance that will allow the city manager or his designee to approve plat amendments.

The city council voted 6-1, with Shannon Kimmel opposed, to approve the Community Appearance Board's Grant Incentive Program.

All other agenda items were approved with unanimous votes.

The city council presented the Five Star Employee Award to Karen Keesler, an account clerk in the administrative services department.

Earlier, the city council met in work session to discuss medians, left turn bays and traffic control modifications to FM 2351; and interim measures that can be taken for tree preservation.

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City of League City

A delegation of officials from the City of League City met with representatives of the Texas Department of Transportation last week.

The group included Mayor Jeff Harrison, City Administrator Chuck Harrington, and council members Barbara Meeks and Hamid Kantara.

"We expressed our concerns regarding the ongoing problems with traffic and the need to move forward with some of the projects," Kantara reported.  "Some of the items addressed included Wesley Drive at FM 518, I-45 at FM 518, I-45 at Highway 96, and the FM 518/FM 270/FM 2094 intersection.  Mr. Gary Trietsch understood our concerns and promised to look into the possibility of advancing some of the planned projects."

Kantara said that TXDOT is taking positive steps.

"At this point, his staff is preparing a layout to get the barriers placed at Main Street in front of Academy as quickly as possible," Kantara said.  "Our staff will receive a layout in the next few weeks and will review it. We anticipate the traffic light project at Wesley Drive and Main Street will move up as well."

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Jamaica Beach City Council

West Galveston Island Property Owners Association President Jerry Mohn updated Jamaica Beach City Council on efforts to create a public improvement district to fund beach preservation projects, in workshop on Monday.

Al Galli reported to the city council on the final phase of the Pathways Project, on the east side of the village.

The city council discussed several items that will be considered for action at the February 16 meeting, including an increase in mileage reimbursement from $0.36 per mile to $0.375, calling of the municipal election on May 15, and other matters related to the election.  The terms of aldermen Steve Spicer, Ann Wright and Mayor Pro Tem John Noah are up for election. 

The city council discussed the appointment of Rod Shaut as the city's building official, which will be on the agenda for action at the next meeting.

The city council discussed a request for a variance for a boat deck at 4210 Kawakawa Way and a proposal to widen Blackbeard Road west of Buccaneer Drive to accommodate emergency vehicles.

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Galveston Charter Review Committee

After a brief public hearing on proposed changes to the Galveston City Charter, members of the Charter Review Committee agreed to meet at least one more time before making recommendations to the city council.

Garrik Addison, who has worked with Charter Committee Member Greg Roof on two petitions to force an election on paid parking on the Seawall, noted a discrepancy in requirements for petitions.

"It seems kind of ridiculous to me that it takes ten percent to have a referendum on an ordinance, but it only takes five percent of the registered voters to do it for a charter amendment," Addison observed.  "It shouldn't be harder to initiate an ordinance than it is to initiate a charter amendment."

Addison said the discrepancy may encourage petitioners to put things in the Charter that could be addressed with an ordinance. 

Tom Lewis, a candidate for city council, said the City Charter, as written, is difficult to understand. 

"I wonder if the Charter Review Committee has ever taken the responsibility of reviewing that charter and removing legalese, and getting it more easy to understand," Lewis asked.

Chair Steve Greenberg explained that attempts have been made by past charter committees to update the language, but the result is bulky.

"When you do that, every article has to appear on there that you want to change," Greenberg said.  "You end up with 40 or 45 items, and it gets confusing."

Following the public hearing, Ruth Kempner tried again, unsuccessfully, to gain agreement on a proposal to remove new bonded indebtedness from the tax cap.

Next week, the committee will discuss a proposed amendment by Greenberg dealing with interfund loans, change in language on a proposed amendment dealing with the seven percent spending cap being developed by Finance Director Rick Glassett; and suggested changes in procedures for initiative and referendum being developed by Roof.

Photos and a recording of the meeting will be posted on The Online News Station

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United States Senate

The United States Senate on Monday voted to begin debate on a major transportation funding bill—the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, and Efficient Transportation Equity Act of 2003 (SAFETEA). U.S. Senator John Cornyn, a member of the Transportation and Infrastructure subcommittee, said that although the funding levels for Texas are an improvement over those of the Transportation Equity Act for the 21^st Century (TEA-21), Texas remains a donor state under this bill.

“Much remains to be done on this bill before Texas receives its fair share, and while I’m far from satisfied with the current bill, we’ve got a long way to go,” Cornyn said.  “Although it represents a significant increase in funds to the state over the next six years—a more than $5 billion increase to Texas transportation projects—the return Texas taxpayers receive on the funds they send to Washington is insufficient.”

He pledged a determined effort working with his colleague, Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison, to acquire a more equitable distribution of the funds for Texas as the bill is debated over the next two weeks.

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United States Congress

United States Representative Nick Lampson was not pleased with President George W. Bush's FY 2005 budget. 

"The budget released today by the President is another crushing blow to future generations of Americans," Lampson said on Monday.  "The record setting deficits that this budget will produce threatens our economic strength and puts a heavy burden on our children and grandchildren."

Lampson said the budget ignores the needs of families in Texas who are struggling to make ends meet.

"It fails to create jobs and shortchanges veterans, education and health care," Lampson said.  "The administration is squeezing the life out of America's priorities with this budget."

Lampson was especially upset with a 13.1 percent cut in funding for the United States Army Corps of Engineers.

"The Corps has always been under-funded, they're currently operating at 70 percent of the needed budget," Lampson said.  "For the President to talk on one hand about the importance of
homeland security and on the other leave gaping holes in our infrastructure is confusing at best.  This budget leaves the Corps hamstrung to keep our waterways open and safe."

Lampson vowed to oppose the spending package. 

"I'm going to continue to fight this budget and repair the deficit, improve education and lower health care costs," Lampson said.  "I can not sit back and watch as the majority pushes through a budget that doesn't provide the support that
our veterans and military retirees need and deserve, that doesn't provide the necessary funding to protect our ports from terrorism."

Lampson concluded by calling the budget "a series of missed opportunities for American families, opportunities that we cannot afford to let pass by."

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American Association of Port Authorities

The American Association of Port Authorities has expressed great concern that President George W. Bush's FY '05 budget provides no federal funds to meet port facility security requirements. 

"This is particularly alarming because federal support for port facility security is authorized in the recently enacted Maritime Transportation Security Act, and has been recognized by Congress with $493.2 million in port security grant appropriations since September 11, 2001," noted an AAPA news release.  "With port security acknowledged as a clear federal priority, AAPA is very disappointed that the Administration has not shown its support of port facilities in the budget for the coming year."

"While we're encouraged that some aspects of the MTSA have received support in the 2005 budget, it's disheartening that port facilities have been neglected as a key player," said AAPA President Kurt Nagle. "Port authorities and facility operators are expected to comply with the new security regulations, at a cost of billions of dollars.  Federal help is simply imperative in order to make that expectation reality."

The news release adds that an FBI official testifying before Congress last week stated that intelligence the agency has gathered suggests that ports are a key vulnerability that has attracted interest from terrorists. The official stressed that a significant challenge is the limited amount of funding and
resources available to the state and local port agencies. 

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Texas Senate

Jerry Patterson, Commissioner of the Texas General Land Office, addressed the Senate Select Committee on Water today in El Paso.  Patterson discussed a possible exploration and development lease with Rio Nuevo, Ltd., and outlined the tasks Rio must perform before a lease could be signed. 

Patterson said that the exploration phase of the lease could potentially cost several million dollars and involve drilling numerous wells to determine the availability and quality of the water in West Texas.  Under Patterson's proposed lease, Rio Nuevo would pay the state to hire experts to drill test wells on state lands in the region.  

"We need good science to make good decisions on water," Patterson said.  "The exploratory part of this lease means that a private company spends their money to determine how much water lies under West Texas public lands.  It gives us the data everyone is looking for at no cost to the state.  That's a good deal anyway you look at it."  

Patterson made it clear that in the exploratory phase of the lease, no water would leave West Texas.  Only after the exploration phase has been completed and the availability of water evaluated, would Rio Nuevo have right of first refusal on any production of the water under the pre-negotiated terms of the contract. 

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Galveston Musical Club

The Galveston Musical Club will present the African Heritage Composer’s Concert, “Even More in 2004,” at 3 p.m. on Sunday, February 8 at Reedy Chapel A.M.E. Church, 2013 Broadway in Galveston.

This year's concert is dedicated to the memory of the club's co-founder, Mrs. Bernice Polk Hightower.

"In addition to the talent we have access to, here at home, we will have Ms. Givonna Joseph, who is the education director for the Louisiana Symphony Orchestra, based in New Orleans," notes Izola Collins.  "Ms. Joseph is an experienced and accomplished mezzo-soprano, herself, and will present music by little known persons of color, who wrote very significantly during the 19th century. Along with compositions by living composers, we will have a program worthy of a large admission fee, but there is none."

Collins said that a free will offering will be accepted and appreciated for the expenses involved.

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San Jacinto College

Artist and photographer Will Michels will visit with San Jacinto College Central students for an art presentation and photo exhibit at 9:30 a.m., Monday, February 16, in the Kaleidoscope Room, located inside the Interactive Learning Center, 8060 Spencer Highway, Pasadena.

Michels, who teaches at the Glassell School of Art, served as project architect for the restoration of the Battleship Texas.  In March, he is presenting "Crew, the Men of the U.S.S. Texas," a Galveston art exhibit highlighting sailors who served on the battleship.

More information about the exhibit is available by calling Jay Clark, Central Campus library director, at (281) 476-1850.

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Interfaith Caring Ministries

Interfaith Caring Ministries will hold its Ninth Annual Golf Tournament on Monday, May 3 at the South Shore Harbour Country Club. 

Cost of individual registration is $125 that includes lunch, driving range, cart and green fees, awards reception and prizes.  South Shore Harbour Country Club will arrange teams for golfers registering individually.  Four persons team registration is $500.  Hole Sponsorships are available for $150 and Corporate Sponsorships are $600 (includes hole sponsor and 4 players).  Entries are on a first come, first serve basis in this Florida Scramble.  Entry deadline is April 23, 2004.

For more information call Jo Ann or Susan at (281) 332-3881.

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League of Women Voters of the Galveston Area

Community and civic leaders have been invited to discuss efforts to revitalize Galveston’s economy during the monthly meeting of the League of Women Voters of the Galveston Area from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on February 18 at the Rosenberg Library in Galveston. 

Patricia Bolton-Legg, first vice-president and organizer of the economic development discussion, said that the discussion will include several economic developments that could change the "landscape" of Galveston’s future.

“Galveston is definitely being put on the map so to speak,” she said.  “We believe that allowing community and civic leaders to discuss these issues with the common voter and interested citizen will help everyone understanding the impact this has on Galveston’s future.”

County Judge Jim Yarbrough will discuss the continuing plans to build the new justice center on Broadway.

Hud Hopkins, Galveston airport director, will discuss new developments at the airport.  

Steve Cernak, Galveston port director, will discuss how the voters’ decision to not merge with the Port of Houston affects the Galveston’s port future. He will also discuss attempts to bolster the progress of the cruise industry. 

Karen Sexton, Chief Operating Officer and Director of Patient Services for the University of Texas Medical Branch will discuss the latest developments at the research hospital and how it helps strengthen the island economy.

Jeff Sjostrom of the Galveston Economic Development Partnership will provide an overview about how these projects affect individual citizens and the "landscape of Galveston’s fiscal health".

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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, February 3
4:00 Galveston Planning Commission
4:00 Galveston County Navigation District 1, 2127 Market Street, Galveston
4:30 Galveston Families Children and Youth Board, Rosenberg Library Wortham Auditorium
6:30 Bayou Vista Board of Aldermen
7:00 Clear Lake Shores City Council
7:00 Seabrook City Council
7:00 Webster City Council
7:00 League City 4B Corporation Public Input Workshop, Johnny Arolfo Civic Center 
7:30 Pasadena City Council

Wednesday, February 4
9:00 Houston City Council
11:00 League City Chamber of Commerce Groundbreaking Ceremony for New UPS Center, 1314 Highway 96, League City.
12:00 Rotary Club of Galveston, Brothers Petronella Top Gallant Room. Park Board of Trustees Vice President Chris Woolwine will speak on the economic impact of Mardi Gras 
4:00 Galveston Zoning Board of Adjustment
4:00 Galveston Committee on Unity and Tolerance
4:00 Galveston Arts and Historic Preservation Advisory Board
5:00 Texas City Commission
5:00 Galveston County Drainage District 1, 3714 Avenue J, Santa Fe
7:30 Taylor Lake Village City Council

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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.