Archives

2003 Archives

Tuesday              February 17, 2004

Jamaica Beach City Council

Jamaica Beach Mayor Vic Pierson told the Jamaica Beach City Council on Monday that he is seeking a designated Zip Code for the West Galveston Island city.

"We don't want a post office, but we need a Zip Code here," Pierson said.  "We are not getting the proper sales tax dollars we need to get from the utilities that serve Jamaica Beach."

Pierson said most utility companies charge residents two percent local sales tax and forward it to the City of Galveston, rather than collecting Jamaica Beach's one percent for the city.

He said that Reliant Energy has corrected the problem and is rebating the city's one percent, but he added that Southwestern Bell collects no local sales tax in Jamaica Beach.

"They think we are unincorporated," Pierson complained.

He said that he has written to the Texas Public Utility Commission detailing the problem and intends to talk to Congressman Tom DeLay this week, seeking support for a Zip Code.

The city council voted 4-1, with Anne Wright opposed, to grant a variance for a boat deck at 4210 Karankawa.

Former Jamaica Beach mayor Phil Douglas, who is the contractor on the project explained that the variance is necessary because the bulkhead must be tied in to a neighbor's bulkhead.

Alderman John Noah voted in favor of the variance, but asked that future requests for variances be reviewed by a committee before being presented to the city council.

All other agenda items were approved with unanimous votes, including a resolution urging Congress to reject all efforts to withdraw from or limit the federal government's role in the nation's beach nourishment project; and a resolution supporting the efforts of the Ellington Field Task Force to retain and enhance the joint reserve base presence at Ellington Field.

The city council met in executive session to discuss two items dealing with pending litigation.  Following the meeting the city council took no action on Nollingberg v. City and referred JBIC v. City to the city attorney to handle.

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Friendswood City Council

Friendswood City Council voted to give City Secretary Deloris McKenzie a five percent pay raise Monday night, based on the city council's annual review of her performance.

The city council voted final approval for a specific use permit for office building purposes for a development on two lots of the Melody Plaza Subdivision.

The city council approved the second and final reading of an ordinance amending subdivision regulations to allow the city manager or his designee to approve plat amendments.

The city council voted to support the retention and expansion of military units at Ellington Field.

The city council voted to call an election on May 15.  The city council positions currently held by David Smith and Mel Measeles are up for election.  

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

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Beaumont City Council

Beaumont City Council voted to accept a ten foot wide water line easement to provide access for fire prevention services  across from the Signature Kroger property on the corner of Dowlen and Folsom Roads.

"The easement is to be used to provide access to water lines and fire hydrants for the Kroger site on Dowlen Road," said City Manage Kyle Hayes.  "It would also be used to accommodate the construction, alteration, operation and maintenance of the said water lines and appurtenances."

The city council voted to call an election on May 15 for mayor and two at-large council members.  The terms of Mayor Evelyn Lord and council members Becky Ames and Andrew Cokinos are up for election.

All other items on the brief agenda were approved.

The city council also met in workshop to discuss "the operation of a neighborhood electric vehicle or motor assisted scooter within the city."

Police Chief Tom Scofield has asked the city council to consider an ordinance restricting the operation of the vehicles.

"There is no requirement for helmets, license, permits, etc," Scofield noted, adding that current law provides that the scooters are permitted on streets or highways "for which the posted speed limit is 35 miles per hour or less."

The city council will consider a scooter ordinance at a future meeting.

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Jefferson County Commissioners Court

County Judge Carl Griffith announced at today's meeting of Jefferson County Commissioners Court that County Engineer Jose Pastrana has been reactivated into the Navy for service in the War on Terrorism.  Assistant County Engineer Don Rao has been designated acting engineer.

The commissioners court approved an $845.75 per month increase in the county's contract with Sandra's Enterprises, dba Professional Maid Service for janitorial service at the Southeast Texas Forensic Center.

The commissioners court tabled action on a proposed $1,500 change order in the contract with Don Bell Signs for the completed sign at the Southeast Texas Regional Airport.

The commissioners court canvassed the results of the mixed-beverage elections in Groves and Port Neches.

All other agenda items were approved.

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Harris County Commissioners Court

Harris County Commissioners Court today voted to renew the county's annual interlocal agreement with the Harris-Galveston Coastal Subsidence District to continue participation as a co-sponsor in the National Geodetic Survey state advisor program.

The commissioners court approved a $149,069 contract with Claunch & Miller, Inc. in connection with construction of Lagoon Drive from NASA Road 1 to Baycrest Drive, Dauphin Court from Lagoon Drive to  the cul-de-sac, Swan Court from Lagoon Drive to the cul-de-sac, and Baycrest Drive from Lagoon Drive to Surf Court in the City of Nassau Bay.

The commissioners court approved agreements with the Texas Department of Public Safety and Greater Harris County 911 Emergency Network for use of the county’s 800 MHz public radio system.

The commissioners court voted to accept $50,000 from the Pasadena Independent School District "as part of the consideration for an agreement by which the district constructed a baseball field in El Franco Lee Park and conducted wetlands mitigation in Challenger 7 Park."

The commissioners court voted to authorize the Space Frontier Foundation to conduct fundraising activities for the Yuri's Night 2004 event at Challenger Seven Memorial Park.

On motions by Commissioner Jerry Eversole, the commissioners court approved the reappointment of Michael Surface to the Harris County Sports and Convention Corporation Board, the appointment of Tammy Gipson-Johnson to the board of Harris County Emergency Services District No. 1 and the appointment of Tim Embody to fill the unexpired term of Steve Mead as a commissioner of Harris County Emergency Services District No. 24.

Requests for approval of monthly car allowances for 10 positions and for approval of a cellular phone allowance for an employee in the Sheriff's Department, a cellular phone allowance for an employee in the community supervision and corrections department, and travel requests by the constables of Precinct 3 and 7 and the judges of probate courts 1 and 2 were referred to Director of Management Services Dr. Dick Raycraft for review.

The commissioners court deferred a public hearing for consideration of a petition for creation of Harris County Emergency Services District 11 until the next meeting.

The commissioners court proclaimed March 31 as Judy Hay Day in recognition of her retirement from Children's Protective Services after many years of service.

All other agenda items were approved.

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University Area Association

Four candidates for Galveston County Commissioner Precinct 1 participated in a forum Monday afternoon sponsored by the University Area Association at the William Temple Community Room in Galveston.

John Ford, Patrick Doyle, Tom Butler, Dianna Puccetti and Larry Edrozo made opening statements and then answered questions.

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Galveston Landmark Commission

The Galveston Landmark Commission on Monday approved a certificate of appropriateness to permit GPM Inc./MBP Corporation to install a new entry door for the eastern-most retail space in the Old Galveston Square building. 

The commission approved a specific use permit in order to operate a bed and breakfast at 1607 Avenue L in a General Residence zoning district.  

"The proposed bed and breakfast facility is similar in size and design to other structures on the block and is comparable in intensity to other land uses in the neighborhood.  Commercial structures, multi-family residences, and churches exist within a block of the property," said Urban Planner Daniel Krzyzanowski.  "The request will not be incompatible with the surrounding land uses."

Philip DeMarco and Chito Bernardo are owners of the property.

The commission voted to recommend that Sidney Steffens be granted permission to operate a new horse drawn carriage stand at the southwest corner of 24th Street and Strand; and that an existing stand in the 2200 block of Strand be relocated to the eastern right-of-way of 22nd Street, near the Strand intersection.

The commission voted to defer action on a request for a certificate of appropriateness for outdoor seating adjacent to Beach Break Inc. at 2101 Strand, as well as a permanent license to use city right-of-way for the seating. 

The commission deferred action on a request for a certificate of appropriateness for alterations to a house at 1503 Church which is owned by Mary B. Morrow. 

The commission voted to amend Galveston Zoning Standards regarding the Landmark Commission's review of change in land use within historical districts and zoning district classification related to land use.  The change was requested by planning department staff.

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Houston Metropolitan Transit Authority

METRORail logged 558,257 boardings in its first month of operation, METRO announced today.

That, combined with 7,207,919 bus boardings, gave METRO total January ridership of 7,766,176.

"These figures indicate METRORail has been very well received by our customers," said METRO President & CEO Shirley A. DeLibero. "We are very encouraged that rail will be a key part of our transit system, as expected."

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Galveston Symphony Orchestra

The Galveston Symphony Orchestra will cap off its 24th season with two concerts highlighting the orchestra’s technical skill and illustrious arrangements of well-known classical compositions.

A concert on Sunday, March 14 features Peter Ilyitch Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 6.  Also on the program is Nocturnes (Debussy) and Tragic Overture (Brahms).

The season finale is Sunday, April 25, highlighted by Symphony in D Minor by French composer Cesar Franck.  Also on the program is Tchaikovsky’s Mozartiana Suite and Flying Dutchman Overture (Wagner).

Both concerts start at 7 pm at the Grand 1894 Opera House, 2020 Postoffice Street in Galveston.

Individual tickets for Galveston Symphony Orchestra performances are $15 for general admission and $12 for senior citizens and students. UTMB discounts are available.  To purchase tickets, call the Opera House at (409) 765-1894, or toll-free at (800) 821-1894 or visit www.thegrand.com.  Tickets will also be available at the door on the night of the performance.

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Houston Audubon Society

Houston Audubon Society will dedicate its Horseshoe Marsh Bird Sanctuary, a 650-acre wetland complex on the Bolivar Peninsula, on Saturday, March 6, at noon. The purchase of the property began two years ago and will increase Houston Audubon Society's holdings in Bolivar to over 1,800 acres. 

The closing took place on August 29 at Stewart Title Company in Galveston. 

Speakers at the dedication will include Ann Hamilton, trust officer for Houston Endowment, Inc., John S.C. Herron, program director of the Wildlife Diversity Program of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, and Winnie Burkett, sanctuaries manager of Houston Audubon Society, among others. 

"This complex, located near the Bolivar ferry landing adjacent to the historic Bolivar lighthouse, includes salt marsh and wet coastal prairie surrounding a shallow tidal lagoon," notes a news release.  "It is critical habitat for large numbers of shorebirds, waders, and ducks including Roseate Spoonbills, Oystercatchers, Long-billed Curlews, Seaside Sparrows and Clapper Rails, among others."

Funding for the project was provided by the North American Wetlands Council, Houston Audubon Society members and hundreds of birdwatchers from around the country. 

"In addition to the value of this area as bird habitat, there is a significant contribution to the local economy by the thousands of birdwatchers from all over the world who visit the area each year," said the news release.  "The Horseshoe Marsh's productive wetlands also provide food for large numbers of fish and other sea life which provide recreational opportunities for fishermen who catch Redfish, Speckled Trout and Flounder and for families who come to catch Blue Crabs."

Houston Audubon has been working to protect wetland habitat on the Bolivar Peninsula since the early 1980's and acquired its first tract in Port Bolivar in 1997.  The society, established in 1969, is a 501(c)(3) organization, dedicated to the conservation and appreciation of birds and wildlife habitat. 

For additional information, visit www.houstonaudubon.org. 

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League City Chamber of Commerce

The League City Chamber of Commerce will kick off its 2004 Brown Bag Lunch Seminar Series on Wednesday, February 25 with a workshop on tax and accounting issues.  The seminar, entitled "Reviewing Your Company's Organizational Structure," will cover the pros and cons of different organizational structures for businesses and give an overview of sole proprietorship, C-corporation, S-corporation, partnership, and limited liability company structures. 

Presenters for the seminar are chamber members Attorney Michelle Fulton, The Fulton Law Firm, PLLC and Stacy Williams, Owner of Williams Executive Business Services.  

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Galveston County Regional Collaborative 

Over 100 teachers, administrators, education leaders, policy makers and community partners gathered at Gaido’s restaurant Monday evening for the Galveston County Regional Collaborative for Excellence in Science Teaching celebration. 

The event was planned and hosted by the Galveston County Regional Collaborative leadership team consisting of Dr. Burtram B. Butler, founder; Dr. Gaynelle Hayes, Galveston College; Dr. Judy Wern, Texas A&M-Galveston; and Dr. Marguerite A. Sognier, UTMB-Galveston.  The leadership group was joined by Dr. Kamil A. Jbeily, Director of the Texas Regional Collaboratives of the University of Texas at Austin. 

The celebration opened with greetings from representatives of Galveston’s institutions of higher education:  Dr. Marguerite A. Sognier, Interim Director of Educational Outreach for UTMB; William Hearn, Interim Vice President and CEO of Texas A&M University-Galveston; and Dr. Elva Concha LeBlanc, President of Galveston College.  The keynote speaker was Representative Craig Eiland. 

The event was held to honor a number of science teacher mentors who have continued their professional development in conjunction with the Texas Regional Collaborates for Excellence in Science Teaching. 

Those teachers honored were:  Guadalupe Benavidez IV, Galveston ISD; Roderick Blake, Galveston ISD; Cecelia Bolton, Galveston ISD; Martha Elaine Bosworth, Clear Creek ISD; Claudia Brooks, Galveston ISD; Diane Burnett, La Marque ISD; Denise Byrd, Galveston ISD; Shelly Chadwick, Odyssey Academy, Galveston; Nina Lynn Corley, Satori School, Galveston; Judy Davis, Galveston ISD; Sandra Garcia-Rocabado, Clear Creek ISD; Eduardo Guevara, Pasadena ISD; Janet Guice, LaMarque ISD; Susan Lawson, Clear Creek ISD; Judy Lee, Texas City ISD; Katherine Mays, Clear Creek ISD; Kris Messina, Galveston ISD; Catherine Ryan, Alvin ISD; Nancy Schultz, Galveston ISD; Carol Singletary, Dickinson ISD; Curtis Taylor, O’Connell High School, Galveston; Virginia Valentino, Our Lady of Lourdes, Dickinson; Keitha Van Ness, Dickinson ISD; Chad Vance, Clear Creek ISD; Heather Wallace, Santa Fe ISD; Harriet Woodfill, Odyssey Academy, Galveston; and Sandra Woodlock, Satori School, Galveston.

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Harris County Department of Education

Area school board candidates and interested citizens are invited to learn more about the demands and rewards of school board service in a free workshop from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Monday, March 1, at the Harris County Department of Education located at 6300 Irvington Boulevard in Houston.

The workshop is cosponsored by the Harris County Department of Education, Texas Association of School Boards and the Gulf Coast Area School Board Association.

Topics to be covered include what it's like to be a trustee, key responsibilities of the board, division of authority with staff, how to campaign constructively and where to find more information. The workshop also includes advice from experienced school board members. Participants also will view A Call to Service, a TASB video featuring several experienced school trustees highlighting the many aspects of board service.

For more information about the workshop call Brenda Canul at TASB at (512) 467-0222 or (800) 580-8272 extension 6104, or visit www.tasb.org.

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San Jacinto College

San Jacinto College South students hope to raise at least $100,000 to fight children's bone cancer with the second annual Jori Zemel Children's Bone Cancer Walk at 3 p.m. Sunday, March 28 at Clear Lake High School.

The walk is named after Jori Zemel, who died of osteosarcoma in 2001.  She is the daughter of Dr. Brook Zemel, South Campus vice president of student services.

This year, the organizers have collaborated to form the Jori Zemel Children's Bone Cancer Foundation. The foundation's Teen Committee has already raised some funds with a car wash that netted $2,200 and raised another $1,700 from a Mardi Gras concert held at Galveston's Whiskey Blues Bar.

Houston City Council members Shelley Sekula-Gibbs, M.D., Gordon Quan and Ronald Green are honorary chairs for this year's event.

To volunteer, contribute, sponsor or to obtain more information visit www.jorizemel.com or call (281) 486-7983.

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Greater Houston Preservation Alliance

Greater Houston Preservation Alliance will continue the city's recent focus on the Central Business District with a guided architectural walking tour of Main Street at 2 p.m., Sunday, February 22. 

The two-hour tour will highlight outstanding architecture in the 1200 through 300 blocks, including Victorian commercial buildings and 20th-century projects by prominent architects.

Artist Maggi Battalino, who designed one of the METRORail stations, will be on hand to discuss the public art that makes each of the stations unique. 

The tour will begin in the 1200 block of Main Street in front of the Courtyard by Marriott hotel in the restored Humble Building. Trained docents will lead tour groups in the walk up Main Street to the 300 block, where tour participants will catch the new METRORail for the ride back to the tour's starting point. 

Tickets are $10 per person ($7 for GHPA members and students with valid ID), and include the one-way METRORail fare. Children 11 years old and under are admitted free.  Tickets go on sale at 1:30 p.m. on the day of the tour in front of the Courtyard by Marriott in the 1200 block of Main Street.  Reservations are not required. 

On-street parking is free in downtown Houston on Sundays. Paid parking is available in nearby lots and garages. There are no public restrooms on the tour route. For directions and details, visit www.ghpa.org or call 713-216-5000.

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Moody Gardens

Update: Moody Gardens Star Party for Saturday February 21st has been canceled.  The next Star Party is scheduled for April 24.

Galveston Island Pachyderm Club

Correction: Candidates for Galveston County Republican Party chair will speak at this week's meeting of the Galveston Island Pachyderm Club at 12 noon on Thursday at Gaido's Restaurant.

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

Today, February 17
4:00 Galveston Planning Commission
4:00 Galveston County Navigation District 1
5:00 Galveston Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting for Urban Fitness, 527 21st Street
7:00 Seabrook Economic Development Corporation I
4:30 Galveston Families Children and Youth Board Executive Meeting, Rosenberg Library Randall Room
5:00 Political Reception for Lonnie Cox for Judge, Rock's Bar in La Marque
5:30 Port Arthur City Council
6:30 San Leon Municipal Utility District
6:30 Hitchcock City Commission Workshop
7:00 Seabrook City Council Special Meeting
7:00 Clear Lake Shores City Council
7:00 Seabrook City Council Regular Meeting
7:00 Tiki Island Board of Aldermen
7:00 Webster City Council

Wednesday, February 18
9:00 Houston City Council
9:30 Galveston Livable Communities Steering Committee, Council Chambers
11:30 Galveston Republican Women, Landry's on the Seawall.  Candidates for Republican Party Chair will speak
12:00 Rotary Club of Galveston, Brothers Petronella Top Gallant Room. The program is the UTMB President's Cabinet
4:00 Galveston Intermodal Transportation Committee
4:00 Galveston Building Standards Commission, City Hall Room 204
5:00 Texas City Commission
7:30 Pasadena City Council
7:30 Taylor Lake Village
7:30 Galveston Independent School District Board of Education  

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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.