Archives

2003 Archives

Wednesday              February 18, 2004

What a Yacht!

The Reverie, a 230 foot, 1,500 ton luxury megayacht is docked at the Port of Galveston behind the Harbor House for delivery to an unnamed buyer this weekend.  Photos 

Port of Galveston officials say the Reverie, a UK registered vehicle currently owned by Wilson Yacht Basin of Florida, is paying $300 per foot per day while it is docked at the port.  Port officials say they do not know who the purchaser is.

The vessel was built by Benetti Naval.  It features an interior of marble and mahogany by famous interior designer John Munford.  Reverie was first owned by Kjell Inge Røkke, chair of the Norwegian engineering and construction giant Aker Kvaerner Group, who once had it on the market with a $65 million price tag, according to RNY Yachts, which had the listing.  Article

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Port Arthur City Council

Port Arthur City Council voted to include a proposed charter amendment on the May 15 ballot to increase the salary of the mayor to $1,000 per month, to increase the city council members salaries to $500 a month and to establish a monthly auto allowance of $300 for the mayor, $250 for the mayor pro tem and $200 for council members.

The proposed amendment provides that future salary increases can be accomplished by ordinance, but not during the current terms of the mayor or council members.

"This last aspect of the proposition is very similar to the salary provision in the City of Beaumont's City Charter," said City Attorney Mark Sokolow.

The city council also called a special election on a proposal to exempt the city and its retirement and disability plans from the provision of Article XVI Section 66 of the Texas Constitution.

The city council voted to reappoint Wayne Dunham to the Port Arthur Civic and Activity Commission.

Appointment of a regular director to the City of Port Arthur Section 4A Economic Development Corporation was removed from the agenda without action.

The city council tabled three proposed resolutions approving revolving loans to Chandra Smith for the purchase of a Huddle House Restaurant, to Donald and Sheila Edwards for a pottery business, and to Patrick Walter for the purchase of building and equipment for a clothing store.

All other agenda items were approved.

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Hitchcock City Commission

Hitchcock City Commission met in a special workshop Tuesday evening to discuss Mayor Lee Sanders' proposal to eliminate the position of police chief to save money in the city's 2004 budget.

Sanders said the department functioned without problems when Chief Glen Manis was on vacation and he thinks it could work that way indefinitely.  He noted that the city has had six city administrators and several public works directors in past years, and the city is operating fine without those positions.

The city commission took no action on the proposal, but most members were not enthusiastic about eliminating the chief's position.

The city commission also held workshop discussions on a request by Shelton and Patsy Skains to place a recereational vehicle at 7660 Blimp Base Boulevard while they build their home; and a proposed amendment to the city's personnel policy.

On Thursday at 5:30, the Flamingo Isles Subdivision Tax Reinvestment Zone One Board of Directors will meet at the Harborwalk Sales Office at 5303 Highway 6.

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Clear Lake Shores City Council

Clear Lake Shores City Council voted 3-2, with Arlene Laughter and Vaness Hamilton opposed, to adopt a new policy on driveway culverts.  The action requires the city to assume the expense of installing culverts in areas that do not have them and a need is demonstrated.

The city council was divided 2-2 on the issue, thus Mayor Katherine McIntyre, who normally does not vote, cast the tie-breaking vote.

The city council voted 3-1, with Mike Bass opposed, to amend the city's fence ordinance.

All other agenda items were approved with unanimous votes.

The city council appointed Jackie Carrasco to the Master Park Plan Committee.

The city council voted to schedule a joint workshop with the Planning and Zoning Commission.

The city council agreed to create a Program Coordinator Committee to consider hiring a project supervisor for flood plain management, public works and roads and drainage projects.

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Tiki Island Board of Aldermen

Tiki Island Board of Aldermen voted Tuesday night to pay election judges in the May 15 election $10 per hour.  The terms of aldermen Theo Blue, Betsy Tobey and Ted Kennedy are up for election.

The city council voted to increase mileage reimbursement for city employees from $0.36 per mile to $0.375 per mile beginning January 1, 2004, in accordance with Internal Revenue Service guidelines.

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Webster City Council

Webster City Council met in executive session Tuesday night to discuss the vacancy in the city manager's office since Frank Simpson moved to Missouri City, then voted to authorize Mayor Donna Rogers to contact candidates who have applied and schedule interviews with the city council.

The city council voted 6-1, with Steve Waltz opposed, to establish a speed limit of 50 miles per hour along the I-45 frontage roads from the north city limit to the south city limit.

The city council voted unanimously to call an election on May 15 for three city council positions.  The seats held by Natalie Dolan, Jack Temple and Carlos Villagomez are up for election.

The city council approved a resolution in support of the retention and expansion of military units at Ellington Field.

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Southeast Texas Coalition for Air Service

Delta Airlines said service can begin to Dallas-Forth Worth from the Southeast Texas Regional Airport as early as May, if all of the funds pledged by governmental entities and private businesses in a campaign by the Southeast Texas Coalition for Air Service are verified.

Delta had asked for a $975,000 guarantee in order to begin the service.  On Tuesday, it was announced a total of $978,000 has been pledged.  The Beaumont and Port Arthur chambers of commerce sponsored the drive by the coalition.

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Galveston Planning Commission

The Galveston Planning Commission deferred action until April 6 on a general land use plan and preliminary plat approval for a proposed 250-house subdivision on West Galveston Island north of Stewart Road, east of 11 Mile Road and West of 10 Mile Road after hearing objections from several neighbors of the project.  The applicant, Franklin C. Jones, III agreed to meet with the residents before the April 6 meeting of the commission to try and resolve their objections.

The commission approved a specific use permit in conjunction with the development of a combination use of "studio, photographer, artist, music, drama, dance" and "educational facility, private" at 1208 Ball in the East End Historic District.

The commission approved a permanent license to use city right-of-way in conjunction with an access ramp at the Original Mexican Cafe at 1401 Market.

The commission deferred until March 2 a request for a permanent license to use city right-of-way for outdoor seating at Beach Break, adjacent to 2101 Strand.

The commission deferred action until March 2 on a request for a general land use plan in conjunction with a single family development and a 40 room hotel/motel on West Galveston Island north of FM 3005, east of Nueces Drive, west of Ector Drive and south of Zapata Drive.  The applicant is Derrest S. Williams, Sr.

All other requests were approved.

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Galveston Livable Communities Initiative

The City of Galveston Livable Communities Steering Committee voted today to move forward on installation of benches, gas lights, electric lights, direction-finding signs, bicycle racks, park benches and trash receptacles on 23rd Street in Phase 2 of the downtown infrastructure improvement project.

Consultant John Cararra of The Goodman Corporation explained that the improvements can be financed with $80,000 remaining from the Phase 1 budget.

Carrara said that requests for qualifications for an architect to design the proposed transportation terminal on the Strand at 25th Street will be advertised next week.

Asked by Chair Fred Wichlep for an estimated time of completion for the terminal, Carrara said late 2005 seems likely.

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

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Houston Traffic

Houston City Council Member Shelley Sekula-Gibbs is urging those effected by the closing of Spur 527 to detail their problems in correspondence to the Texas Department of Transportation.

"Work on Spur 527 is underway, affecting the lives of thousands of Houstonians," Sekula-Gibbs said in a newsletter to her constituents.  "Following a federal judge’s ruling clearing the way for construction to begin, we are all trying to come to terms with the fact that this project seems to be inevitable."

Sekula-Gibbs said the TXDOT decision to close the spur for a period of three years is of considerable concern to her. 

"I have long been an advocate for efficient traffic mobility as well as a high standard of quality of life," Sekula-Gibbs said.  "That’s why I am very concerned with how the Spur 527 plan adversely impacts both traffic mobility and the quality of life in and around the Southwest Freeway. Although the City of Houston has no authority over the project, I will continue to monitor the situation closely and appreciate your continued input."

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University of Texas Medical Branch

The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, in conjunction with Camp Allen Conference Center for the Episcopal Diocese of Texas, and Episcopal Health Charities, will sponsor a three-day retreat for seniors and their family members entitled "Abundant Aging: Mind, Body and Spirit," March 9 through 11 at Camp Allen Conference and Retreat Center in Navasota, Texas.

UTMB faculty from the Sealy Center on Aging and the Institute for the Medical Humanities will present on subjects such as arthritis, heart disease, spirituality and poetry.  Participants will hear the latest research on the aging body and self-care, discover new ways to communicate with health care providers and learn about palliative care and end-of-life issues.

Dr. Jim Goodwin, George and Cynthia Mitchell Distinguished Chair of Geriatric Medicine and director for the Sealy Center on Aging, will deliver the keynote address, titled "What Is Good Medical Care for Older People?"

The Reverend Helen W. Appelberg, visiting scholar with UTMB's Sealy Center on Aging, will act as labyrinth facilitator and spiritual director for the event.  Seniors from UTMB's Academy for Lifelong Learning will perform "life story theatre," in which actors depict scenes from their childhood. 

The fee for the retreat is $200, which includes double-occupancy lodging, presentations, workshops, all meals, socials, coffee breaks and taxes.

For more information, contact Camp Allen at (936) 825-8495 or register online at www.campallen.org.

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Bay Area Council Boy Scouts of America

Marty Baker of Galveston has been elected president of the Bay Area Council Boy Scouts of America to succeed Daniel Martin of Danbury. Baker will serve as the president of the council for the next two years. Photo and Release

"As president, Baker will work with the volunteer board and community leaders to provide a quality Scouting program to the youth of Galveston and Brazoria Counties," said a news release.   "Currently there are some 10,000 local youth and adult members of the Boy Scouts of America."

For more information on the Boy Scouts visit www.bacBSA.org  or call (409) 744-5206.

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Mardi Gras in Kemah

"Bay Area Houston residents and visitors are poised to celebrate their own unique version of Mardi Gras this weekend," announces a news release from the Bay Area Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau.  "With boating being a way of life in the region, folks here celebrate Mardi Gras with a twist – boat parades along Clear Creek Channel."

The festivities begin on Friday, February 20 at 7:30 p.m. as members of Krewe du Lac will throw beads and trinkets from the Spirit of Texas Paddlewheeler to revelers along the Kemah Boardwalk. Participation for local boaters and viewing from the Boardwalk is free.

On Saturday February 21, the celebrations continue with The Grand Night Boat Parade at 7 p.m. Boaters will cruise the Clear Creek Channel along the Kemah Boardwalk and Seabrook restaurants in lavishly decorated boats and toss beads to Mardi Gras revelers gathered along the channel. After the parade, participants will continue the party at the Seabrook Beach Club on NASA Parkway.

The Kemah Truck Parade continues the celebration on Sunday, February 22 at 2 p.m. Following the parade festivities include a gumbo cook-off, arts and crafts fair, and live music by The Rhythm Kings at T BoneTom’s Backyard Mardi Pardi.

Admission is free for all events.

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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 18
4:00 Galveston Intermodal Transportation Committee
4:00 Galveston Building Standards Commission, City Hall Room 204
5:00 Texas City City Commission
7:30 Pasadena City Council
7:30 Taylor Lake Village
7:30 Galveston Independent School District Board of Education  

Thursday, February 19
8:30 League City Chamber of Commerce Fourth Thursday Info Breakfast, League City Recreation Center.  League City Police Sergeant Dan Krieger will speak on "Identity Theft"
9:00 North Galveston County Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting for Cottman Transmission, FM 1266
9:30 Galveston County Municipal Utility District 14, 1300 Post Oak Boulevard, Suite 1400
9:30 North Galveston County Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting for Power Fields Service, 1555 FM 717, Dickinson
12:00 Galveston Island Pachyderm Club, Gaido's Restaurant.  Candidates for Galveston County Republican Party Chair will speak
12:00 Galveston Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone 13, Galveston City Council Chambers
3:00 Galveston County Water Authority Board of Directors
5:00 Port Arthur Mardi Gras  Schedule
5:30 Flamingo Isles Subdivision Tax Reinvestment Zone One, 5303 Highway 6
6:00 Galveston County Water Control and Improvement District 12, 524 Cien, Kemah
7:00 Seabrook Volunteer Fire Department Subcommittee
7:00 Kemah City Council Special Meeting
7:00 U.S. Navy Band, The Grand 1894 Opera House, Galveston
7:00 Sierra Club Galveston Group Presentation of "Shells," Rosenberg Library.  Dr. Don Harper of Texas A&M University will speak
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.