2004 Archives

2003 Archives

Wednesday                    June 9, 2004

National Day of Mourning For President Reagan

President George W. Bush has declared June 11 a National Day of Mourning for President Ronald Reagan, the nation's 40th president, who died at his California home last week at the age of 93. Jim Richardson is covering events for Guidry News Service in Washington.  Listen

Houston Mayor Bill White has called on all Houstonians to join him and other City of Houston employees in observing a moment of silence at 10:30 a.m. on Friday to coincide with the scheduled beginning of the national funeral service for Reagan at the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C.

"I encourage all Houstonians to honor the memory of President Reagan, a man who held our nation's highest office and answered the high calling to public service," White said.  "It is fitting that we mourn his passing with reverence and respect."

Harris County Judge Robert Eckels has announced that all Harris County facilities will be open for business as usual on Friday.

"We, as individuals and Americans, will be mourning the death of President Reagan in our own way," Eckels said.  "He was a great man and an inspiration to us all."

College of the Mainland will remain open Friday but will observe the passing of former President Ronald Reagan with the playing of My Country Tis of Thee and America the Beautiful over the campus chimes at 10:25 a.m. during the 10-minute break between classes, which will coincide with the start of the state funeral in Washington, D.C. 

In making the announcement, COM President Dr. Homer M. Hayes noted that the college would remain open to serve the community with both its high school summer school program and its first summer session already underway.

A display table in honor of the memory of President Reagan has also been set up in the college library.

A Galveston news conference that had been scheduled on Friday to announce expansion of the track trolley from The Strand Historic District to the University of Texas Medical Branch has been postponed because of the national holiday.

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American National Insurance Company 

The Texas Department of Insurance and American National Insurance Company have entered into a multi-state regulatory settlement agreement regarding the prior use of racially-differentiated premium rates.

At one time, race was one of many factors considered by insurance companies throughout the United States, including American National, in determining rates for life insurance.  However, American National ceased issuing policies with racially-differentiated premium rates in 1964.

"American National cooperated fully with the Texas Department of Insurance during their recent market conduct examination of the company’s past practices," said a news release.  "American National vigorously denies that it has violated any insurance law or regulation of any state.  However, the Company entered into the multi-state regulatory settlement agreement announced today to resolve the concerns of the various state insurance departments in favor of its policyholders and put to rest all regulatory issues arising from or in any way related to the use of racially differentiated premium rates."

As indicated in the Texas Department of Insurance's press release, under the terms of the agreement American National will pay an estimated $3.2 million to $3.5 million in additional benefits.

"American National has always operated within the laws and regulations of the states within which it operates and within the mainstream of life insurance industry practices," said the ANICO release.  "Society’s values have changed for the better over the last half-century, and American National’s business practices have kept pace with those changing conditions."

Additional information about the settlement, including a form for the submission of a claim, is available at www.regulatorysettlement.com.

In addition to raising insurance regulatory issues, the use of racially differentiated premium rates is also the subject of numerous class action suits that have been filed against life insurance companies in both state and Federal courts.  American National is a party to three such suits which have been consolidated in the United States District Court in New Orleans.  The multi-state regulatory settlement agreement does not affect the status of those suits.

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Galveston City Council

Galveston City Council will begin its workshop at 10:00 on Thursday, rather than noon.  However, the city council will immediately go into executive session to discuss appointments to the Park Board of Trustees.

There is no time certain for the doors to open to the public, but the previous city council usually met in executive session though the lunch hour.  

Galveston County Judge Jim Yarbrough is scheduled to make a public presentation to the city council on Broadway curb cuts at 1:00 p.m. in the city council's conference room on the second floor of City Hall.

The formal meeting will be held at 5:30 p.m. in Council Chambers.

On Tuesday, the City of Galveston and Schlitterbahn Waterparks issued a joint statement concerning Friday's signing of a contract for a recreational facility on property at Scholes International Airport at Galveston.

"Representatives of the City of Galveston and Schlitterbahn
Waterparks have signed the final lease agreement which allows
Schlitterbahn to proceed with its newest Texas waterpark," the statement said.  "Construction of  Schlitterbahn's third waterpark on Galveston Island should begin this summer and the park is expected to open by next summer."

The lease is for a period of 20 years with options to extend.  The rental fee for the first year is $89,231.60.  After that the fee will be increased by 2.5 to 4 percent annually, determined by a formula based on the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, Consumer Price Index.

Galveston City Manager, Steve LeBlanc, stated that he looks forward to assisting Schlitterbahn during the construction process, "which will obviously be monumental."

"We appreciate the Henry family's investment in our city and we look forward to the opening of Schlitterbahn," said Mayor Lyda Ann Thomas.  "With the waterpark there will be 500 new job opportunities and this is yet another exciting new family-focused attraction on Galveston Island."

The 26.4 acre waterpark site is on property that includes 20 acres leased directly from the city plus an additional adjacent six acre section leased from Farmer's Marine Copper Works.

In the months since the land lease was initially proposed, Schlitterbahn has completed an environmental impact study and the park's proposed general use permit has been approved by the Galveston Planning Commission.

Schlitterbahn expects to hold an official groundbreaking later this summer. 

"At that time, they will provide more details about the attractions that will make Schlitterbahn's Galveston waterpark one of the most advanced aquatic parks in the world," said the joint statement.

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Houston City Council

Houston City Council today voted to move forward with a public hearing on a tax abatement zone for the Memorial Hermann Hospital Reinvestment Zone.  The hearing will be held on June 23.

The city council voted unanimously to approve an amended agreement which includes a 30 percent collection fee for services relating to delinquent parking and non-parking citations in municipal court.

The city council voted voted 12-3, with M. J. Kahn, Toni Lawrence and Ada Edwards opposed, to approve a $305,900 contract with LBG-Guyton Associates for the design of a water well at District 184; and site selection and a preliminary engineering report for a water well in the Park Glen 1 Pump Station Service Area.

The city council voted 11-1, with Mark Ellis opposed, to apprvoe an agreement with TX Aldine-Bender Housing, L.P to provide a $1,500,000 loan of Federal "HOME" funds for eligible costs in connection with the construction of an apartment building in the 100 block of Aldine-Bender Road.

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

A proposed $1,490,938.72 contract with Texas Sterling Construction, L.P. for sanitary sewer systems improvements on the Tilfer/Fairway, Cullen Boulevard, Woodhead and Yellowstone Boulevard Relief Projects was tagged by Adrian Garcia.

Two agenda items related to the settlement of litigation and to pay the city's court costs in connection with the Almeda-Genoa Road Paving Project and the Almeda-Genoa Widening Project were tagged by Addie Wiseman.

A proposed $110,000 contract with Greenbert Traurig, LLP for professional legal services was tagged by Wiseman.

A proposed $100,000 contract with Separation Systems Consultants, Inc. was tagged by Wiseman.

A proposed contract with Colt Utilities, Inc. for water, sanitary sewer and storm drainage systems to serve Section Four of the Tierra Glen Subdivision was tagged by Wiseman.

A $250,000 amendment to a professional surveying services contract with Rods Surveying, Inc. was tagged by Wiseman.

All other agenda items were approved.  Michael Durisseau covered the meeting. Listen

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League City City Council

League City Council could not meet Tuesday evening because of a lack of a quorum.   Thomas Cones was ill, Mike Hembree was out of town, and Jim Nelson underwent surgery. 

"Can we still make our comments?" asked Council Member Rusty Tidwell.  "Since the people have come we could not at least make some comments?"  Listen

City Attorney Arnold Polanco confirmed that discussion could not continue without a quorum.  Thus Mayor Jeff Harrison called the roll and adjourned the meeting.  

The Texas Open Meetings Act requires a minimum of 72 hours notice of any public meeting.  The soonest this meeting could be rescheduled is for Monday, June 14, 2004, but that date has not been confirmed. 

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Beaumont City Council

Beaumont City Council on Tuesday voted unanimously to deny a request for a specific use permit to allow a residential care facility in a Residential Conservation and Revitalization District at 1901 Park Street.  City Manager Kyle Hayes said that the Beaumont Planning Commission voted 5-1 at a joint public hearing on May 17 to deny the permit. 

The city council unanimously voted to amend an ordinance relating to a raze order for a structure at 3491 W. Euclid to allow the property owner, Morris Jones, Jr., to 120 days to rehabilitate it.   

"There has not been any work done on this structure since 2000," said Clean Community Department Director John Labrie.  "On May 24, 2004, Morris Jones called staff and stated he wanted to rehabilitate the structure.  City may incur the cost of demolition if the structure is not rehabilitated." 

The city council voted unanimously to adopt a set of guidelines for speakers and others in meetings of Beaumont City Council and Commission meetings.

The city council voted unanimously to award an asbestos abatement contract in the amount of $49,950 to UAS Automation Systems of Orlando, Florida for work at police headquarters.  

The city council voted unanimously to approve a $37,627.95 contract with Porter's Carpet of Beaumont to install new carpet and vinyl floor tile at police headquarters.

All other agenda items were approved.

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Dickinson City Council

Mary Dunbaugh was administered the oath of office as a council member  at Tuesday's meeting of the Dickinson City Council.   

The city council approved an amendment to the city's street light policy that states that the city will be responsible for   monthly maintenance fees but not for the cost of installation.

The city council elected Mark Townsend as mayor pro tem.  

The city council approved Mayor Veta Winick's appointment of  Donald C. Smith to the Building Standards Committee to replace Patrick Restivo.

An agenda item relating to approval of the mayor's recommendations for appointments to the Dickinson Economic Development Board was tabled.

The city council approved on first reading an ordinance amending the city's sign ordinance.  The amendment provides for the elimination of "bandit signs" effective December 31, 2004.

The city council denied a request for a variance from the skirting requirements of the city's mobile home ordinance.  "The owner of the mobile home park asked for 90 days to complete the skirting, but the staff recommended against that, given the time within which the owner has had to comply," said Council Member Kerry Neves.

The city council approved an amendment to the city's wrecker ordinance to increase the fees allowed for police-authorized and non-consent tows. 

All other agenda items were approved.

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Seabrook City Council

Seabrook City Council voted unanimously Tuesday at a special meeting to join in an appeal of the State District Court action against the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. 

No action was taken on an agenda item concerning city council options and strategies regarding the Port of Houston's operations.  

Larry Bonnin and Jack Boteler were absent.

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Hitchcock Independent School District  

The Hitchcock Independent School District Board of Trustees Tuesday voted unanimously to participate in the Lone Star Purchasing Cooperative. 

An agenda item relating to the approval of a 2004-2005 Janitorial Services Contract failed on a 3-3-1 vote, with Mark Morgan, Ron Purl and Janice Braundsdorf voting in favor; Pat Turner, Rochelle Randle and Estelle Holmes opposed and Anne Sander abstaining.  The school board will hold a workshop to discuss the issue further. 

The school board voted 5-2, with Holmes and Turner opposing, to request proposals for student transportation services for the 2004-2005 school year.

The school board voted 6-1, with Turner opposed, to approve a budget amendment. 

The school board voted unanimously to postpone an agenda item relating to the revised Section 504 Operating Guidelines. 

The school board elected Turner as a delegate on the 2004 TASB Delegate Assembly and Randle as alternate.  Both votes were unanimous. 

The school board voted 5-0-2, with Turner and Randle abstaining, to uphold the superintendent's level II decision regarding a parent/student complaint initially heard by the board on May 17 regarding student safety at Hitchcock High School.

The school board voted unanimously to hire seven new employees:  one district-wide school nurse, three Stewart Elementary School teachers, two Crosby Middle School teachers and one assistant principal for Stewart Elementary. 

All other agenda items were approved.

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Galveston County Health District

Galveston County Judge Jim Yarborough, Galveston County Health District Executive Director Dr. Harlan "Mark" Guidry and Mainland Communities United Way Executive Director John Castaneda announced the start of a new Senior Health Community Impact program in Galveston County in a news conference this afternoon.  Listen

"Funding from the United Way will support the new Health District program to increase community awareness of its services and assist in the development of a comprehensive program," said Yarborough.

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Houston Metropolitan Transit Authority

The Federal Transit Administration has awarded the Houston Metropolitan Transit Authority a $16.7 million grant for expansion of the Fuqua Park & Ride and construction of the Cypress and Clear Lake Park & Rides.  

The original grant was awarded to METRO in 1988 for construction of a series of park & ride and HOV facilities.  One of those projects, the Stuebner Airline Park & Ride, was not constructed after population shifts made it unnecessary for METRO’s service expansions.  In addition, METRO accomplished the remaining projects for about $6 million less than originally estimated.  

When time began to expire and the $16.7 million surplus remained, the FTA planned to reclaim it and distribute it to other projects around the nation.  However, METRO asked Representative Tom DeLay for assistance, and DeLay inserted language in the 2003 Transportation Appropriations Bill redirecting the funds to the pending park amd ride projects.  The FTA formally awarded the new grant last Friday.  

“This is an excellent example of our elected representatives working with METRO to make sure our federal tax dollars return to our region for transportation projects that will improve mobility,” said METRO President & CEO Frank J. Wilson.  “We are grateful for Congressman DeLay’s help, and now we can start putting this money to work.”  

METRORail will expand Friday and Saturday operating hours until 2:15 a.m. beginning June 11 in an effort to accommodate weekend patrons of the downtown entertainment district.

"This should be a welcome addition to Houston's nightlife," said Wilson.  "It's another inducement for people to enjoy Downtown's Main Event weekend party."

Wilson said METRO took the action at the request of Mayor Bill White and Council Member Carol Alvarado.  The later hours will be in effect throughout the summer.  After three months, METRO will evaluate use of the late-night service, determine whether to continue it permanently and perhaps expand it to other nights.

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Juneteenth in Galveston

Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration commemorating the ending of slavery in the United States.  It began in Galveston to celebrate the delivery of President Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation by Major General Gordon Granger on June 19,1865 and has become a national event.

The Galveston Juneteenth Coalition, a group of community volunteers that was formed to honor this national celebration, with the theme “Come on Home, where it all began” has scheduled numerous activities.

Events begin on Sunday, June 13 with the 12th Annual Juneteenth Development Corporation event at Strand Theatre at 2317 Mechanic.  Young women ages 17 to 24 will compete for scholarships and prizes.  

On Tuesday, June 15 the Eighth Annual Al Edwards Juneteenth Banquet will be held at the Old Central Cultural Center 2627 Avenue M Galveston.  Edwards sponsored legislation making Juneteenth a state holiday.  

From June 15 through June 19 African American Heritage Exhibits will be featured presented by the Nia Culture Center Youth group at the Old Central Cultural Center.

On Wednesday, June 16 at there will be a Central High School Memorial Service at the Old Central Cultural Center.  The ceremony will honor deceased graduates of Central High School.

On Thursday, June 17 the Third Annual Juneteenth Heritage Play “Flashback” will be performed at the Old Central Cultural Center.

On Friday, June 18 the Second Annual Underground Railroad program will be held at Kempner Park, 27th and Avenue O in Galveston.

On June 19 itself a number of events are scheduled beginning with the 25th Annual Emancipation Proclamation Reading and Prayer Breakfast at Ashton Villa, 2300 Broadway in Galveston.

The Annual Juneteenth Jubilee Parade will begin at 11:00 a.m. 25th and Ball and go to the New Wright Cuney Park at 41st and Ball where the Annual Juneteenth Jubilee Picnic will follow.

At 4 p.m. on Juneteenth, the Fifth Annual Gospel Explosion in the Park will be held at Menard Park at 2700 Seawall Boulevard.

At 4:30 p.m., the Reedy Chapel Annual March will begin at the Galveston County Courthouse and travel to Reedy Chapel where a Prayer Service, Musical and Picnic will be held.

The evening will conclude at 6:00 p.m. with Gospel By the Sea at the new Galveston Island Convention Center at the San Luis.  Michelle Williams of Destiny’s Child will be the featured artist. Photo and Release

For a complete schedule of Juneteenth events Click Here  

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Galveston County CSAAA Golf Tournament

The First Annual Galveston County Citizen Sheriff's Academy Alumni Association Golf Tournament to benefit the Ronald McDonald House, Child Advocacy Center and the 50 Club of Galveston will be held on Monday, July 12 at the South Shore Harbour Country Club.

Golf teams, individual players and sponsors are currently being recruited.  Players who bring a new toy for the Galveston County Sheriffs Office and GCCSAAA Santa Program will  receive a FREE Mulligan.

For additional information call Chip Goodman (832) 264-8884.  

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Houston Police Central Patrol Gang Task Force

The Houston Police Central Patrol Gang Task Force, together with churches and civic associations, will participate in a community clean-up of the Fourth Ward on Saturday, June 12, 2004.  The community-wide event will improve the quality of life as well as beautify the Fourth Ward for Juneteenth.  

"Everyone is welcome to come out and show their support and meet their neighbors and their local law enforcement officers," said a news release from the police department.  

Other organizations participating in the event will be members of the Mayor's Anti-Gang Office, Keep Houston Beautiful, Department of Solid Waste and Harris County Probation Department.  

For additional information call Lieutenant Thomas A. Roman of Central Patrol at (713) 247-4400.

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Mainland Communities United Way

The Mainland Communities United Way, which suffered a fire in its offices on Tuesday, has moved into temporary offices at the Mainland Youth at Risk Building.  Telephone calls to the United Way will roll over to the temporary offices.

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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, June 9
3:30 Galveston Finance and Fiscal Affairs
4:00 Galveston Zoning Board of Adjustment   
5:00 Galveston College Board of Regents

Thursday, June 10
10:00 Galveston City Council Workshop
12:00 Houston Downtown Management District Board of Directors, 909 Fannin, Suite 1650
12:00 Galveston Island Pachyderm Club, Gaido's Restaurant. Galveston County Commissioner Ken Clark will report the recent Texas Republican Party Convention and Maggie Williams will discuss plans for Juneteenth
4:00 Kemah City Council Special Meeting to Discuss Development of Property Behind Kemah Oaks
5:30 Galveston City Council
7:00 Kemah City Council
7:00 Santa Fe City Council  

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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.  Anita Donatto covers the education beat in Galveston. Sonja Faughn covers Texas City and La Marque.  Michael Durisseau covers the Clear Lake area entities, in addition to special assignments elsewhere.

Robert John Mihovil is a special photographic correspondent for Guidry News Service

Ivan Arceneaux is a special correspondent.   

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

Guidry News Service offices at 1818 Church Street, Second Floor, Galveston, TX. 77550 / P.O. Box 2130, Galveston, TX 77553
(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.