Archives

2003 Archives

Wednesday              February 4, 2004

Port Arthur City Council

Port Arthur City Council voted unanimously on Tuesday to contribute $10,000 to the Southeast Texas Coalition for Air Service to provide a revenue guarantee to Delta Airlines, which is contemplating service to Dallas-Fort Worth at the Southeast Texas Regional Airport.

Thus far, individuals, businesses and governmental entities, including Beaumont City Council on Tuesday, have pledged almost $600,000 of the $975,000 in revenue guarantee that Delta requires before agreeing to provide air service for one year.

The city council voted 6-1, with Rose Chaisson opposed, on several resolutions authorizing payment to Schaumburg & Polk and one resolution authorizing payment to Diamond Consulting, for services to the Port Arthur Section 4A Economic Development Corporation.

The city council deferred action on appointment of a regular director to the EDC board, but voted unanimously to add Paula Boneau to the Beautification Commission.

The city council voted to reappoint Voiney Pinder to the Civil Service Commission.

The city council voted to solicit proposals for concession and catering management services at the Robert A. "Bob" Bowers Civic Center.

The city council voted to amend the guidelines of the Community Revolving Loan Fund to remove a requirement that an applicant must be denied a loan by two banks before applying to the fund.

All other agenda items were approved with unanimous votes.

A proposal to reject all bids received for mowing of city-owned parks and rights of way was removed from the agenda.

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Bayou Vista Board of Aldermen

The Bayou Vista Board of Aldermen voted Tuesday night to seek monetary compensation from Null-Lairson, expressing disappointment in the firm's past work for the city.  

The board voted to recommend a salary increase for Assistant City Secretary Brenda Loewen, who also serves as municipal court clerk.  The action came after Loewen's six month evaluation.

The board tabled action on the FY 2003 Audit by Pringle Jenkins and Associates until the March 18 workshop meeting.

The board deferred action on a new hurricane preparedness and evacuation plan for City Hall, the police department and recreational facilities.  Aldermen wanted more information on procedures for return following storms. 

The board discussed a request from the Bayou Vista Firefighters Association Board of Directors for monetary assistance with repairs to Engine Two; and agreed to consider the request in next year's budget.

The board voted to call the May 15 municipal election.  The terms of Position 1 Alderman Tricia Bell and Position 5 Alderman Steve Leach are up for election.

The board voted to table a proposal by Bell to require mandatory garbage collection for all residents of Bayou Vista by BFI, the current provider.

The board discussed concerns raised by Council Member Eddie Stafford about "unsafe traffic conditions" at the main intersections entering Bayou Vista.  The issues will be addressed in a meeting with Texas Department of Transportation officials.

All other agenda items were approved.

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Clear Lake Shores City Council

Clear Lake Shores City Council voted Tuesday night to name Ted Guthrie as the surveyor for 13 available waterfront easements.  The city council deferred action on selection of an appraiser for the sale.

The city council deferred action on a proposed employee handbook.

The city council voted to set a date for a recount of next Saturday's sales tax election for roads and maintenance on February 12, if it is necessary.  Mayor Katheryn McIntyre wanted to complete any recount before the votes are canvassed by the city council.

The city council voted to hold its municipal election for three aldermen on May 15.

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Seabrook City Council

Seabrook City Council voted Tuesday night to refer a request to purchase a $2,000 "Go Texan" membership in the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo to the committee that reviews hotel occupancy tax revenue grants.  If it is denied, the request will be revisited by the city council at the February 17 meeting.

The city council voted 5-1, with Jack Boteler opposed, to investigate the possible future purchase of software to assist in planning and development.

The city council voted to table action on an amendment to a resolution "declaring the port a threat and declaring a municipal state of emergency."

A motion to amend the Seabroook Building Code failed on a 2-4 vote, with Mike Laible and Rick Sammons in favor and Mayor Robin Riley, Boteler and Dee Wright were opposed.

The city council voted 4-2 to approve a new fire department policy, specifying that the city manager will maintain administrative oversight of the contract.

A proposal to direct Joiner Partnerships, Inc. to begin due diligence and proceed with construction of the southern fire station was removed from the agenda for discussion on February 17.

Proposed changes to the North 146 entry signs and signs for South 146 and NASA Road 1 were referred to the economic development corporation.

The city council took no action on proposed regulations dealing with modular housing.  Riley said that he will have a proposed ordinance ready for consideration at the next meeting.

The city council voted to hold a special workshop at 7 p.m. on February 10.

All other agenda items were approved with unanimous votes.

Members of the city council thanked the volunteers who participated in the city cleanup on January 24.

The city council presented a certificate of appreciation to Marker 1 Marina for donation of facilities for "The Super Play by the Bay" fundraising event.

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Webster City Council

Webster City Council voted to approve an agreement with the Waters Consulting Group, Inc. to conduct a salary market survey.

The city council voted to advertise for bids for the painting of the Magnolia Water Plant and the Blossom/Plumley Water Plant.

The city council approved the first of two readings to amend the city's animal ordinance to clarify "where droppings will be disposed of," to exempt the pet owner's own property.

The city council voted to accept the city's quarterly investment report.

All votes were unanimous.

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Clear Creek Independent School District

Clear Creek Independent School District appointed Luetta R. Bishop, Ed.D. as the new coordinator of staff development and academic services during the January Board of Trustees meeting.  Bishop previously served 27 years of service as a secondary teacher, college instructor and elementary and secondary campus administrator.  She most recently served the Pearland ISD as principal of Challenger Elementary School.

The school board appointed Ron L. McPherson as the new associate superintendent of operations. McPherson has more than a decade of public school experience as the chief operations officer for Spring Branch ISD and as the assistant superintendent of operations and finance for Medina Valley ISD. 

CCISD has scheduled a public forum for those interested in assisting with an audit and strategic plan for the district's Career and Technology Education Program from 7 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. on Wednesday, February 18, at the CCISD Technology Learning Center located at 330 South Iowa in League City.

For further information about CATE or the upcoming audit, call (281) 338-5903.

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United States Congress

United States Representative Nick Lampson, the ranking member of the House Subcommittee on Space and representative of Johnson Space Center, led floor debate today on House Resolution 507, a resolution paying tribute to the Columbia Space Shuttle and her crew.  

"Mr. Speaker, I come to the floor of the House today with a feeling of sadness," Lampson said. 

"I am an original co-sponsor of the resolution before US-H Resolution 507-because I believe that it is important that we never forget the sacrifices made by the brave and dedicated men and women of STS-107: Rick Husband, William McCool, Michael Anderson, Kalpana Chawla, David Brown, Laurel Clark, and Ilan Ramon. Each one of them gave the last full measure of devotion to the cause of space exploration."

Lampson called for a rededication to the manned space program.

"It is unfortunate that it took the Columbia tragedy to remind many of our citizens that space flight is not routine-it is hard and it is dangerous," Lampson said.  "The crew of Columbia knew that, and yet they did not cease from exploring.
Neither should we."

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United States Senate

Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld appeared before the Senate Armed Services Committee today to discuss the department’s budget for fiscal year 2005. 

U.S. Senator John Cornyn, a member of the committee, used the opportunity to discuss the coming Base Realignment and Closure round.  In particular, Cornyn raised concerns that homeland defense and the return of several thousand troops from overseas bases should be considered in the BRAC process.

“While there continues to be speculation about BRAC, it is important that the Pentagon understands that military bases play an important role in homeland defense,’ Cornyn said.  “As the DoD makes its BRAC recommendations, it needs to consider how the pending decision to bring several thousand troops to the United States from overseas bases, coupled with the temporary increase in Army strength levels will affect the needs of the military.”

As for the potential impact of BRAC on Texas, Cornyn said the state has been adversely impacted in the past, but Texas communities have made great strides toward positioning the state’s facilities, bringing new missions to the bases.

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United States Coast Guard

The U.S. Coast Guard announced today that 90 percent of vessels and port facilities turned in security plans as required by the Maritime Transportation Security Act.  Penalties are being issued to those that have not submitted any of the information required.

“Security in America’s ports is a shared responsibility,” said Rear Admiral Larry Hereth, director of port security for the Coast Guard.  “We have made tremendous progress protecting the ports, and we need everyone to continue that progress by meeting these requirements.”

The Coast Guard has established a Help Desk to assist industry with understanding the regulations.  The Help Desk can be reached from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST Monday through Friday at (202) 366-9991, toll-free at (877) 687-2243 or, or by e-mail at uscgregs@comdt.uscg.mil.  The full text of the rules and other information can be found on the Coast Guard’s Help Desk website at: http://www.uscg.mil/hq/g-m/mp/mtsa.shtml.

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San Jacinto College Career Expo

Job seekers have an opportunity to meet some of Houston's top employers at the annual San Jacinto College Central Career Expo from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 25, in the Interactive Learning Center, 8060 Spencer Highway, Pasadena.

"This expo is a perfect opportunity for individuals to network, practice interview skills and learn what potential employers are looking for in an employee," said Ed Vandenberg, Central Campus job placement coordinator.  "It offers students a comfortable and informal atmosphere for seeking employment. It is very encouraging to know that students have an opportunity to meet so many employers in one setting."

The annual career expo is free and open to the public. Call (281) 476-1805 for additional information.

Anyone unable to attend the expo can email resumes and job choices to barbara.bible@sjcd.edu.

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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 4
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 

Thursday, February 5
12:00 Galveston Island Pachyderm Club, Gaido's Restaurant.  Galveston Mayoral Candidates Johnny Smecca, Lyda Ann Thomas, Abdul-H Amin and Ernie Hunt will speak
3:30 Galveston Finance and Fiscal Affairs Committee, City Hall Room 204
6:30 Galveston Chamber of Commerce Annual Banquet, Tremont House 
7:00 Kemah Community Development Corporation
8:00 Terrence McNally’s "Master Class," College of the Mainland Community Theatre

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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.