Archives

2003 Archives

Monday              March 1, 2004

Galveston County Commissioners Court

Galveston County Commissioners Court met in workshop session with Park Board of Trustees President and CEO Gil Langley to discuss a proposal to turn over operations of the county's beach pocket parks on West Galveston Island to the park board.  Listen

"We are looking at them managing the parking as well as the concession rights," said Dennis Harris, director of the Galveston County Beach and Parks Department.  "There is going to be a transition that we are really going to have to look at this year with regards to security and concessions."

Harris said the beach pocket parks are currently operating at a 38 percent deficit, "but a lot of that included capital improvements which are one-time expenses."

At the regular meeting, the commissioners court voted to seek bids for Phase III of the Seawall Handrail Project.  Listen 

"We are moving to a stainless steel handrail," said County Judge Jim Yarbrough, explaining that the county is in a partnership with the Park Board of Trustees to replace the 20-year old handrails in a three-year project.  "Most of them have been replaced already."

The commissioners court approved an interlocal agreement with the City of Hitchcock for various road projects in the city limits.

"We are going to be the contractor for them," said Commissioner Eddie Janek, explaining that the county will do the work, which will be financed by the City of Hitchcock.

The commissioners court voted to ask the Texas Fire Marshal's Office to do a study of fire prevention, education, enforcement and investigative needs for Galveston County. 

The commissioners court voted 3-2, with Janek and Ken Clark opposed, to transfer funds to upgrade a position in the district clerk's office.

All other agenda items were approved with 5-0 votes.

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Photos and Audio   

Jefferson County Commissioners Court

Jefferson County Commissioners Court voted to hire a professional engineer to develop a spill-prevention control and counter-measure plan following an executive session to discuss possible litigation over an Environmental Protection Agency violation concerning fuel storage.  The professional engineer also will evaluate control measures per EPA regulations.

The commissioners court approved a sponsorship agreement with Coca-Cola for Ford Park; however, the commissioners court tabled action on an amendment to the management agreement with SMG for management of Ford Park.

The commissioners court voted to accept a grant from the Texas Task Force on Indigent Defense for FY 2004.

The commissioners court deferred action on a proposed $180,000 budget amendment for indigent medical care.

All other agenda items were approved.

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Bayport Container and Cruise Terminal

The Port of Houston Authority agreed in federal court on Friday to a delay in starting construction on its proposed giant container terminal at Bayport.

The agreement was in response to litigation brought by the City of Shoreacres, the Galveston Bay Conservation and Preservation Association, and others.

"This is a fair result," said GBCPA Vice Chair Katie Chimenti. "It prevents taxpayer dollars from being spent on a hasty construction start. Should the port authority eventually lose the case, this injunction will prevent irreparable harm from occurring on the Bayport site in the meantime." News Release

The judge scheduled a fast-track process that will begin in April and end on May 4 with a decision by the federal court. The PHA agreed to a standstill on the construction of the Bayport terminal until the ruling is issued. 

"We applaud the extraordinary effort by the federal court," stated Jim Edmonds, chair of the Port of Houston Authority Commission.  "The plaintiffs' challenge is a weak effort to infringe on the port authority’s rights and harm the region’s economy and job base. We look forward to presenting solid, factual arguments that support the validity of the Corps’ process." PHA Statement

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United States Congress

Congressman Nick Lampson has announced that Families USA, a national non-profit, nonpartisan organization, now hosts a comprehensive and informative interactive Medicare guide on its website.  Narrated by famous journalist Walter Cronkite, the "Medicare Road Show" offers a video link that explains new Medicare legislation. 

The video may be accessed at Congressman Lampson's website http://www.house.gov/lampson where visitors will find appropriate video links.

"I highly recommend this website for anyone who needs quick, reliable, and easily accessible information on Medicare programs and new Medicare laws," said Lampson.  "We all know how hard it can be at times to sort out volumes of Medicare information, and I am grateful that Families USA has taken the time to condense and communicate these important details to all who are interested."

Lampson's website also offers a Medicare calculator that performs calculations on projected prescription drug costs for seniors.  The website also includes other government links and information.

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Veterans Museum Foundation

Former Texas governor Mark White, who is a member of the board of directors of the Veterans Museum proposed for location at Ellington Field, has written Houston Mayor Bill White, thanking him for his support of the project. Letter

White cited estimates that there are 27 million veterans in the United States also representing 23 percent of all voters. 

"That does not include their families who would make the total audience of potential visitors to the Veteran's Museum and the City of Houston quite large," White added.

He told Mayor White that Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison supports the project.

"However, she needs to know that the land will be made available for the Veteran's Museum Foundation on Ellington Field before she can propose a bill before Congress," White said in the letter.

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Galveston Independent School District

Bolivar Elementary/Middle School recently collected pennies for their Pennies for Pelicans campaign coordinated by the Bolivar Student Council.  Photo and News Release

The school raised several hundred dollars for the rehabilitation of wounded pelicans.  

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San Jacinto College

San Jacinto College offers a new installment payment plan for continuing education students enrolling in classes that meet over a period of 60 days or more. Tuition and fees can be paid in three installments.

Upon registration, students will visit the campus business office to set up a payment plan. At that time, they will pay 50 percent of the class cost plus a $15 service fee. Two additional payments of 25 percent of the remaining balance will be due monthly after the class start date.

More information about continuing education is available by calling (281) 476-1838 for the Central Campus; (281) 459-7119 for the North Campus; or (281) 922-3440 for the South Campus.

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William Temple Episcopal Center

The William Temple Episcopal Center in Galveston has announced that families and individuals in the community are invited to participate in Labyrinth Peace Walks on the first Sunday of each month.  The first walk will take place on Sunday, March 7 at the William Temple Episcopal Center Labyrinth at the corner of Fourth and Market Streets in Galveston from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. 

"For those who have not walked the labyrinth before, there will be trained facilitators available to explain this ancient spiritual tool and walking meditation practice," said Cleta Serino.  "One may also choose to walk the beautiful meditation garden surrounding the labyrinth.  Everyone is welcome to join this community walk for peace."

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University of Texas Medical Branch

The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston will sponsor a free art show, reception and theatrical performance at the Strand Theatre in Galveston titled “A Woman’s HeART,” an original production about women’s heart health. The show is sanctioned by the Galveston chapter of the American Heart Association.

The production features dancers, musicians, actors, sculptors, painters, sketch artists, all with an interest in getting the word out about the hidden danger of heart disease among women.

The show will open on April 24, beginning at 6:30 p.m. with an art exhibit and reception.  The performance is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.  On April 25, the art exhibit is at 2 p.m. and the performance is at 2:30 p.m.

Seating is limited, so reservations are required and may be made by contacting UTMB’s Institute for the Medical Humanities at (409) 772-2376.

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On The Webio

The Forum Page of the Guidry News Service Online News Station includes comments on the movie, The Alamo, by Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson Click Here, and comments on Patterson's position on beach access by John Beatty. Click Here

Kemah Mayor William King, in an email message to Kemah residents, reports and comments on last week's meeting of Water Control and Improvement District 1.  Message

League City Mayor Pro Tem Hamid Kantara, in his weekly email message, reports that the city council voted lat week to approve the establishment of a special revenue fund and the designation of a budget for donations received on behalf of the Butler Longhorn Museum. Message

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

Today, March 1
4:30 Groundbreaking for Crenshaw Elementary & Middle School, 416 Highway 87 at Helen Boulevard in Crystal Beach on the Bolivar Peninsula
5:15 Friendswood City Council Worksession
6:00 Jamaica Beach City Council Workshop
6:00 La Marque City Council Special Meeting
6:30 Friendswood City Council Executive Session
6:30 Dickinson Independent School District Board of Trustees, Raymond E. "Pop" Gillis Administration Building, 4512 Highway 3 
7:00 Friendswood City Council Regular Session
7:30 El Lago City Council

Tuesday, March 2
8:30 Port Arthur City Council
10:00 Seabrook Hotel Occupancy Tax Committee
1:30 Beaumont City Council
1:30 Houston City Council
5:30 Seabrook City Council Special Meeting
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 Seabrook Economic Development Corporaiton
7:30 Pasadena City Council

Wednesday, March 3
9:00 Houston City Council
12:00 Rotary Club of Galveston, Brothers Petronella Top Gallant Room.  The program is the Rotary Centennial  
5:00 Texas City City Commission
6:00 Galveston Independent School District Board of Education Special Meeting
7:00 Clear Lake Shores Economic Development Corporation
7:30 Taylor Lake Village City Council

Thursday, March 4
11:30 Galveston Chamber of Commerce First Quarter Education Seminar "Improving Customer Service,", Strand Theatre 
7:30 "Guys and Dolls," Port Arthur Little Theatre Playhouse, 4701 Jimmy Johnson Boulevard

Friday, March 5
Final Day of Early Voting for March 9 Primaries
10:00 City of Galveston Police and Fire Collective Bargaining Negotiations, City Hall Room 204
7:30 "Guys and Dolls," Port Arthur Little Theatre Playhouse, 4701 Jimmy Johnson Boulevard

Saturday, March 6
11:00 Houston Audubon Society Dedication of Horseshoe Marsh Bird Sanctuary, Bolivar Lighthouse
7:30 "Guys and Dolls," Port Arthur Little Theatre Playhouse, 4701 Jimmy Johnson Boulevard

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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.