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2003 Archives

Wednesday              March 31, 2004

Texas General Land Office

The Texas General Land Office is holding a public hearing on the Galveston Beach Access and Seawall Parking Plan from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. today at the Seabrook Community House, 1210 Anders Street in Seabrook. 

"The Seabrook Community House was selected as the venue for the meeting to allow residents from the Greater Houston area who use Galveston beaches to participate," explained a news release from the Texas General Land Office.  "Anyone wishing to speak on both the Galveston beach access plan and on paid seawall parking need only sign up at the door to speak."

Written comments from those who cannot attend may be submitted to Debbie Cantu, Texas Register Liaison, Texas General Land Office, Legal Services Division, P.O. Box 12873, Austin, TX 78711-2873; fax (512) 463-6311; or email debbie.cantu@glo.state.tx.us.  Comments must be received no later than 5 p.m., April 18.

Visit www.glo.state.tx.us/coastal/beachdune.html to see the proposed plans.

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University of Texas Medical Branch

The University of Texas Medical Branch and the National Institutes of Health are holding two meetings this evening concerning the proposed Galveston National Laboratory for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases at UTMB.

Beginning at 5:15 p.m., UTMB will hold an informal information session where scientists, UTMB staff members and contractors will answer questions about the Galveston National Lab, including its purpose, construction, operation, safety and security. 

At 6 p.m., an NIH National Environmental Policy Act public scoping meeting about the development of an environmental impact statement related to the construction and operation of the Galveston National Lab will begin.  

The NIH requires the development of an environmental impact statement prior to the construction of any NIH-funded Biosafety Level 4 facility.  Federal guidelines also require that all questions and comments submitted during the public scoping meeting be recorded and addressed in a draft environmental impact statement, scheduled for release later this year. 

Answers or responses will not be provided during the scoping meeting itself. 

For more information about the meetings call (409) 772-2618 or email public.affairs@utmb.edu.

For more information about the EIS process or to submit questions or comments for the public record, contact: Valerie Nottingham, Chief, Environmental Quality Branch, Division of Environmental Protection, Office of Research Facilities, National Institutes of Health, DHHS, B13/2W64, Bethesda, MD 20892; by telephone at (301) 496-7775; fax (301) 480-8056; or by email at nottingv@ors.od.nih.gov.

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Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership

Correction: Texas Military Preparedness Commission Vice Chair Gauer spoke in the place of Chair Bill Ehrie on Tuesday at a meeting sponsored by the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership urging retention of a military presence at Ellington Field.  

Also at Tuesday's meeting, it was announced that United States Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison has brokered a deal with U.S. Department of Defense officials in response to the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership’s proposal that a Joint Reserve Base be created at Ellington Field.  The plan would move 2,300 Army, Navy and Marine Corps Reserve troops from a location near the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center on Old Spanish Trail - where they have been housed for more than half a century - to Ellington Field. 

Officials at M.D. Anderson, representatives from Senator Hutchison’s office and Houston City Council Members Addie Wiseman and Shelley Sekula-Gibbs have been working together on the BAHEP Ellington Field Task Force since last September, when discussions first began to create a Joint Reserve Base at Ellington Field.   The task force was composed of nearly 100 elected, public and private officials.  Key military officials have been present to observe and serve in an advisory capacity.

In the deal, the City of Houston would donate 40 acres of land to Ellington Field to make room for the Army, Navy and Marine Reserve troops that would be relocated from Old Spanish Trail.  In return, the land near the medical complex could be annexed from the Department of Defense for an expansion of the University of Texas Research Park. 

“Today’s announcement is the result of months of hard work by all parties involved, especially the City of Houston, M.D. Anderson and Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison,” said Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership Vice President Marie McDermott.  “Our organization effects change through creating the right partnerships and this is a shining example of what can be achieved when the right players are brought to the table.” 

Planning of the military relocation is underway and the move is scheduled for completion by 2009.   

Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership President Jim Reinhartsen said the deal accomplishes exactly what the task force intended.  

“Creating a Joint Reserve Base at Ellington will save government dollars and benefit taxpayers,” said Reinhartsen.  “Ellington Field’s military units will be better positioned to provide homeland security to Houston’s Gulf Coast Region.” 

The Ellington Field Task Force will continue working to ensure that Ellington Field is not on the President’s Base Realignment and Closure list in 2005.

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Port Arthur City Council

Independent auditor Gayle Botley told Port Arthur City Council on Tuesday that the portion of the city's audit that includes the Port Arthur Economic Development Corporation contains the same recommendations that he made last year. Listen

While Botley said that he found basic financial statements of the city in compliance with general accounting practices and gave an unqualified opinion on the audit, he also pointed out weaknesses in internal controls at the EDC, including insufficient monitoring of contracts, payment of contract fees before tasks are performed, purchasing procedures that are not being followed, and compliance issues dealing with the Port Arthur Redevelopment Initiative.

"We believe the time has come to change business as usual," Botley said.  

"The council has been lax in their supervision of the EDC," said Mayor Oscar Ortiz, who said he was appalled by the audit. "Hopefully this is the last year that we have to put up with something like this." 

The city council voted unanimously to approve a resolution establishing the FY 2004 City Street Program with funding in the amount of $300,000 from the FY 2004 General Fund and an estimated $276,100 from the 30th Year Community Development Block Grant Program for primary projects. 

The proposed city street program projects were presented to the city council at their November 11, 2003 meeting for review and comments.  "The projects were selected from last year's alternates and from district surveys for new projects using our street inventory and approved selection methods," said City Manager Steve Fitzgibbons.  "Changes were made in the CDBG program since we were notified that only an estimated $276,100 would be available for street work."

The city council voted unanimously to remove from the agenda a resolution to appoint directors to the Port Arthur Section 4A Economic Development Corporation.

The city council voted unanimously to authorize a memorandum of understanding between the City of Port Arthur and the Port Arthur Industrial and Community Leaders Advisory Group.  

"This program involves hiring students as temporary employees of the city," said City Attorney Mark Sokolow, "to be funded by the Port Arthur Industrial and Community Leaders Advisory Group."

The city council voted 7-0, with Mike Senegal recusing himself, to authorize the city manager to make application to the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development for a Community Development Block Grant in the amount of $1,666,000 and a grant for $501391 in HOME funds and authorizing the city manager to execute the City of Port Arthur's 2004 Consolidated Annual Plan.

The city council took no action on a resolution rejecting all bids for the boardwalk elevator tower and pedestrian bridge. 

The city council voted 7-1, with John Beard opposed, to pass a resolution authorizing the director of finance to expend $300,000 for the Target Incentive Program.

The city council voted 7-1, with John Beard opposed, to pass an appropriation ordinance amending the budget for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2003 and ending September 30, 2004.

The city council voted unanimously to table an agenda item regarding an ordinance that would authorize the city manager and the city attorney to transfer a lot or lots to Project Access, Inc. 

All other agenda items were unanimously passed.

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Houston City Council

Houston City Council voted today to confirm Mayor Bill White's appointment of Franci Crane to the Houston Media Source Board of Directors.

The city council confirmed the reappointment of Susan C. Young, representing the South Main Center Association; Gwen J. Samples representing the Houston Independent School District; Alex Castillo, Jr.; Grace C. Olivares; and Barbara J. Snyder to the Miller Theatre Advisory Board; and appointed Greg S. Marshall, representing Rice University; Dr. Shelley Mcintosh; Edith H. "Sis" Johnson; Bridgitte Shen Lee; Ann Cheng; Antoinette M. Jackson; Gita Saberioon; Frank E. Hood, Jr, Cathy C. Hevredejs and Rodney E. Nathan to the Miller Theatre Advisory Board.

Several items were tagged, or delayed for one week, by individual members of the city council.

The second amendment to a contract with Ranger Specialized Glass, Inc. for glass replacement and repair services for various departments was tagged by Toni Lawrence and Adrian Garcia.

Appropriations of $663,050.00 out of Street and Bridge Consolidated Construction Fund, $151,300.00 out of Water and Sewer System Consolidated Construction Fund, and $75,650.00 out of Storm Sewer Consolidated Construction Fund as an additional appropriation under a program management contract with Atser, L.P. was tagged by Carol Mims Galloway.

Appropriations of $4,138,675.92 out of Water and Sewer Contributed Capital Fund, $891,039.27 from the Street and Bridge Consolidated Construction Fund and $73,184.81 from the Water and Sewer System Consolidated Construction Fund and award of a contract to Huff & Mitchell, Inc. for a 36-inch water line along Westview and Wisterwood from Clarborough to Old Katy Road was tagged by Galloway.

Several items were not received during the meeting and were not acted on, including a $1,640,100 contract with Troy Construction for water distribution system rehabilitation and renewal; a $2,420,650 contract with Times Construction, Inc.  for construction of Parks Master Plan - Bid Package 1 for projects including Shady Lane Park, Windsor Village Park and Beverly Hills Park; a $1,641,095 contract with Stewart Builders, Ltd. for construction of Parks Master Plan - Bid Package 5 for projects including Settegast Park and Swiney Park; and a $463,100 contract with Amani Engineering, Incorporated for design of water line replacement in the Near Northside-North Area.

An ordinance relating to automobile concession agreements at William P. Hobby Airport was referred back to the administration.

All other agenda items were approved.

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Webster City Council

Webster City Council Tuesday held workshops to discuss with members of the Planning and Zoning Commission a proposed recreational vehicle ordinance and to hear from a private consulting firm about the city's options in upgrading its municipal water service.

Representatives from the consulting firm Water Resources Management, LP. presented information and answered council members' questions. 

"The workshops were purely informational, " said Public Information Officer Jason Thompson."  

The city council voted unanimously to authorize the city attorney to continue negotiations regarding real property.

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Galveston Park Board of Trustees

Members of the Galveston Park Board of Trustees were not receptive to a proposal by Galveston Police Lieutenant Henry Porretto, who heads the park board's Seawall detail, to create a special "Red Light Program" to deal with prostitution on Seawall Boulevard, to make the area more appealing to tourists. Listen

"Prostitution is not tourism," said Sheila Lidstone, complaining that the Galveston Police Department should already be dealing with that issue.  "It is basic core value of the city of Galveston that is not being dealt with."

Porretto introduced several members of the Pasadena Police Department who have participated in his Seawall detail, as a training exercise, at no cost to the City of Galveston.  Listen

The park board voted 5-1, with Dr. James McCloy opposed, to authorize Park Board President and CEO Gil Langley to move forward with a master plan for the Seawall Urban Park, if he can raise $43,000 for the project from an outside funding source. Listen

Austin attorney Mark Vane proposed to the park board that the Seawall Urban Park and The Strand Historic District be designated a special events district, similar to a tax reinvestment zone. Listen

The park board agreed to appoint a committee of residents and business owners to discuss ways to improve Mardi Gras. The list includes Bill Ross, Doug McLeod, Steve Greenberg, Thad McCormick, Keith Bassett, Michael Gaido, Cindy Schulz, Mike Christianson, Mike McAfee, Mike Doherty, George Black, Johnny Lidstone, Natha Nuckols, Paul Rodgers, John Myles, Paula Ozymy, Jeff Sjostrom, Richard Moore and Dr. Bill Posnick.

Attorney Carla Cotropia updated the park board on a lawsuit filed by Wesley Knapp and Rhonda Wallace, co-owners of Fedora’s Gourmet Pizza and Salads on 21st Street and Harborside Drive, claiming that last minute changes in Mardi Gras plans cost them money. Listen

"We have a little claim in small claims court," said Cotropia.  "It's a claim that we blocked the street and caused somebody not to sell as many drumsticks, or whatever."

"Pizzas," corrected several members of the park board.

"Pizzas," agreed Cotropia.  "We don't have a verdict yet, but we expect it to be favorable.  If it's not, we will just get a trial de novo, which means a brand new trial in county court."

Miguel Aleman, chair of the Tourism Development Committee, reported that he has appointed a subcommittee composed of Buzz Elton, Ernie Connor, Randall Petit and Marsh Davis to consider locations for the visitors center when its lease at 25th and Seawall expires next year.

Park Board Chair Gerry Del Prete reported that the board has received favorable audits from the city and the Texas General Land Office.  Listen

Photos and audio excerpts from the meeting will be posted on The Online News Station

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Galveston Livable Communities Initiative

The Galveston Livable Communities Steering Committee discussed the competition by architects to design the new transportation terminal at 25th Street and The Strand. Listen

Bill Ross reported that a subcommittee that reviewed the qualifications of prospective firms has developed a short list of three.  They are the Aguirre Corporation from Austin and Michael Gaertner Architects and David Watson Architect & Associates from Galveston.

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

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Galveston Independent School District

The Galveston Independent School District recently launched
its new education channel - GISD-TV on channel 17 on Time Warner Cable.

Ball High School students in Marla Carter's graphic design class created potential logos for the channel.  The three finalists for the logo contest are currently included on GISD-TV on channel 17.  Students Ben Wilson, Pedro Rivas and Victor Cervantes designed the top three logos.  

The public is encouraged to tune in to channel 17 to judge the logos.  Viewers can call (409) 766-5100 to vote on their choice.  The deadline to vote is Friday, April 2 by 4:30 p.m.   

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United States Senate

The United States Senate Banking Committee unanimously approved the nomination of former Galveston Housing Authority director Alphonso Jackson on Tuesday to be the new head of the Department of Housing and Urban Development, sending his nomination to the full Senate for final confirmation.  Senator John Cornyn immediately asked Majority Leader Bill Frist for an expedited vote on the nomination. 

“I’m pleased to see that the roadblocks to Alphonso Jackson’s confirmation as HUD Secretary have been lifted,” Cornyn said.  “I’ve encouraged the Majority Leader to move his nomination to the Senate floor quickly for a vote, and I’m confident it will be successful. I know Alphonso Jackson will lead this agency well and pursue the President’s agenda to help increase homeownership opportunities for all Americans.” Listen

Cornyn said that HUD plays an essential role in helping people achieve the American dream by expanding homeownership opportunities for low-income families and many first time homebuyers each year. 

"I’m confident that Jackson will continue this growth and expand the positive direction of the department, and continue resolving many of the problems this department has had in the past,” Cornyn said.

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United States Congress

Congressman Nick Lampson today heralded the House of Representative's passing H.R. 4062, legislation that continues the Small Business Administration ("SBA") 7(a) loan program, as an important and crucial step in maintaining and creating jobs in Texas and across the nation.

"The number one problem cited by America's 23 million small businesses is gaining access to affordable capital," said Congressman Lampson. "Last year there were over 250 small businesses in the 9th Congressional District that received 7(a) loans. The 7(a) loan program is the SBA's core lending program and also accounts for roughly 30 percent of all long-term small business loans in America, and this legislation ensures that small businesses have all the resources necessary to grow."

H.R. 4062 makes important changes to the 7(a) program by lifting the size restrictions on loans through the program, and runs the program at an adequate level. By passing H.R. 4062, small businesses once again benefit from working export capital loans, which enable companies to grow and compete in the global community. The legislation also creates a new financing tool by increasing the size of the loan guarantee to $1.5 million, creating more lending options.

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Houston-Galveston Area Council

The Houston-Galveston Area Council Transportation Policy Council discussed the 2025 Regional Transportation Plan at Friday's meeting.

"This is a comprehensive plan for all forms of mobility in our area including road construction and maintenance, transit and rail," said Kemah Mayor Bill King, who reported on the meeting in an email to Kemah residents. Report

"Many of the projects included in the plan, such as the FM 518 and SH 146 expansions, will have a very substantial effect on our area," King noted.  "The plan relies heavily on the construction of new freeways, toll roads and so-called express streets."

King notes that critics of the plan complain that "it relies so heavily on road construction and does not include sufficient investment in alternative transportation modes, such as rail" but adds that the proponents of the plan argue that the alternate modes are not cost efficient and that the market will not support them.

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San Jacinto College

The San Jacinto College South Campus Drama Department won several awards at the recent Texas Community College Speech and Theatre Association Festival at Lamar University.

The drama troupe's production of "Fahrenheit 451," with Ralph Ehntholt directing, won the Play Festival Excellence award. 

"I must say that Mr. Ehntholt and the students maintained a very high level of integrity while representing San Jacinto College," said Sheleigh Carmichael, South Campus drama professor.   "I am proud of each and every one of them. It is wonderful to be a part of such an incredible group of people."

Wayne Houle of Houston and Crystal Dudley of League City won Superior Acting awards.  

Jeremiah Kliesing of Houston, David James Nolder of Houston and Karen Pustejovsky of Seabrook all received Excellent Acting awards.

Travis Roberson of Houston, Liz Lacy of Houston and Boone Lacy of Houston won for Superior Sound Design. 

Jessica Johnston of Pearland won for Superior Production Assistant and Excellent Stage Management.

Brett Butler of Houston and Audie Teodoru of Houston won for  Superior Lighting Design, and Chantel Balch-Oliver of Houston won for Excellent Costume Design.

Balch-Oliver, Butler, Johnston, Nolder and Teodoru were further honored by being named to the TCCSTA Golden Hammer Tech Award Honor Crew.  Others named to the Honor Crew were Eric Aleman of Pasadena, Roy Wilson of League City, Nicole Bradshaw of Houston, Glen Philip of Houston and James Berry of League City. 

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UTMB Frontera de Salud Conference

Frontera de Salud is hosting a conference April 3 at UTMB's Levin Hall Faculty Dining Room to teach students and professionals skills needed to be effective patient advocates.  Frontera de Salud is an all-volunteer medical, nursing and allied health student organization that was founded by UTMB medical students in Brownsville six years ago. 

Featured speakers will be former state representative Patricia Gray who will speak about working with the legislature and Brownsville Community Health Center Director Paula Gomez who will address barriers to health care access faced by the underserved.  Attendees will be invited to take part in several breakout sessions during the day. 

The $10 registration fee, which includes both breakfast and lunch, will be collected on site.  To register, contact Kristina Arredondo at (210) 844-9709 or anna.kristina@utmb.edu.    Directions and parking information will be provided upon registration.  For questions about the conference call (409) 772-9394. 

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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, March 31
4:00 - 7:00 Texas General Land Office Public Hearing on Galveston Beach Access Plan,Seabrook Community House, 1210 Anders Street, Seabrook
5:15 - 8:00 Environmental Impact Statement Public Scoping Meeting on BSL4 Lab, San Luis Resort Mainsail Conference Center  
6:00 Galveston Independent School District Board of Education Special Meeting
7:00 Hitchcock Independent School District Special Meeting

Thursday, April 1
FeatherFest in Galveston Schedule 
10:00 Jefferson County Commissioners Court Workshop
11:30 Galveston Chamber of Commerce Quarterly Business Luncheon, San Luis Resort, Spa and Conference Center.  Candidates for mayor will speak
12:00 GalvestonIsland Pachyderm Club, Gaido's Restaurant.  Julie Penrod Glenn will discuss the W.W.II Veterans Project and Lonnie Cox will report on the District Attorney's Office
3:30 Galveston Finance and Fiscal Affairs Committee, City Hall Room 204
6:00 Kemah Community Development Corporation

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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.

Jim and Lynda Guidry are publishers Gulf Coast E-news and The Online News Station.

Jenna Ware is editor of Gulf Coast E-news.

Chuck Lawrence is Galveston City Correspondent.  Carl Guidry covers events in Jefferson County.  Sonja Faughn covers Texas City and La Marque.

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.

We are seeking to hire reporters & marketing agents to expand our coverage in Jefferson & Harris Counties. 

Guidry News Service offices at 926 Broadway, Galveston, TX. 77550
(409) 763-NEWS (6397), or email us at News@guidrynews.com

Subscriptions to Gulf Coast E-news are $300 per year, or $75 per quarter, plus sales and use tax. 

This electronic  newsletter replaced, and expanded on, the mission of the Galveston Fax, established by Jim and Lynda Guidry on Galveston Island in  July 1996; and Clear Lake Area E-news, begun on January 2, 2002.