2004 Archives

2003 Archives

Tuesday            November 9, 2004

Port Arthur City Council

Port Arthur City Council had a spirited discussion about west side development this morning.  Jim Guidry covered the meeting.  Listen

"The facts are clear," said Thomasine Hayes, who is helping to develop the proposed Community Family Life Center, in the area west of Houston Avenue that is considered blighted.

Mayor Oscar Ortiz said that the city has spent $700,000 to purchase property on the west side, in anticipation of development, but he complained that the Port Arthur Economic Development Corporation has held back $1 million that could be used for the project.

Ike Mills, executive director of the PAEDC disagreed, arguing that the funds can be used only on "eligible" projects, such as an industrial park.

Members of city council were not convinced and stressed that the city council has been unanimous in support of funds for west side development.

"The money is sitting there and nobody is paying attention to the west side of Port Arthur," complained Council Member Delores Prince in an emotional speech that received applause from the audience.

The economic development corporation will discuss west side development at Wednesday's regular meeting.

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Beaumont City Council

Beaumont City Council today authorized a $150,000 agreement with Beaumont Habitat for Humanity for infrastructure improvements in the PineBrook Place Addition.  

The city council approved the purchase of 56 micro-computers for $1,402.89 from Dell Computer Corporation and 11 laptop computers for $1,110 each from Gateway Companies, Inc. 

The city council voted 4-2, with Bobbie Patterson and Audwin Samuel opposed, to deny a request by Charles and Vanessa Pickens for a $25,063 historic preservation loan for renovations at 2300 Harrison Street.

"Credit reports were run on Mr. and Mrs. Pickens," said City Manager Kyle Hayes.  "Due to unfavorable information in those reports, the planning manager is recommending denial of this request."

"We are asking that our credibility not be based entirely on our credit report," Vanessa Pickens said in an emotional speech.  "We ask that you please help us save our home."

All other agenda items were approved with 6-0 votes.  Mayor Evelyn Lord was absent.  

The city council voted to execute a request for a waiver of the local match on the Off-System Bridge Program with the Texas Department of Transportation and also approved a waiver of the matching funds resolution for the Calder Avenue at Pinchback Outfall Bridge.

"The Texas Administrative Code provides that under specified conditions the ten percent local match fund participation requirement may be waived with agreement by the local government to perform, or cause to be performed, an equivalent dollar amount of structural improvement work on other deficient bridges," said Public Works Director Tom Warner. "The city is currently improving a structure on the Virginia Street Project that meets the requirements outlined in the Texas Administrative Code."

The city council authorized $95,000 to settle a lawsuit with Gabriel Savior.

The city council approved an $8,000 contract with the Beaumont Community Housing Development Organization to cover closing costs with eligible home buyers for four remaining properties at the Old Dick Dowling School site.

The city council adopted changes to the HOME Program homebuyer application process.

"Upon recommendation by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and HUD's technical assistance provider, the City of Beaumont and the City of Port Arthur propose to adopt a uniform application process that will be operated by a single non-profit organization that establishes program conformity, eliminates duplication of effort in the application and home buyer counseling processes, and increases the applicant base of both cities," said Housing Manager Janett Lewis.

Prior to the meeting, opponents of an American Civil Liberties Union campaign to get police departments to ignore the Patriot Act conducted a demonstration in front of City Hall.  Listen

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La Marque City Council

La Marque City Council on Monday approved the first reading of an ordinance consenting to the creation of Galveston County Municipal Utility District 32.

The city council tabled action on an appointment to the wrecker committee.

The city council appointed Wayne Sparks to the City Manager Selection Committee.

The city council approved the use of employee identification cards.

The city council approved the cancellation of the November 22 meeting and scheduled November 16 for a special meeting with Lennar Homes to discuss a utility services agreement.

All other agenda items were approved. All votes were unanimous.  Council Member William Wrenn was absent.

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Shoreacres City Council

Shoreacres City Council Monday voted to approve $3,525 for the purchase of a Gorman Rupp Super T sewage lift pump for the lift station on Fairfield at Highway 146.

The city council deferred action on an agreement with the Lakeview Police Department for dispatching services because they had not yet received a contract.

The city council deferred action on the appointment of a representative to the Board of Directors of the Southeast Texas Housing Finance Corporation.

The city council appointed Sandra Lochner as representative and Beverly Van Zandt as alternate to the Clear Creek Watershed Citizens Advisory Committee.

All other agenda items were approved. All votes were unanimous. Mayor Nancy Edmonson was absent.

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Nassau Bay City Council

Nassau Bay City Council on Monday appointed Jay Cross to the parks committee.

The city council reappointed Rob Bamford and Bill Quinn and appointed John Kush to the special events committee.

The city council appointed Tom George, Rod Molyneau, John Kennedy, Don Matter, Mark Denman and Ron Wrobleski to a coordination committee to work with the Nassau Bay Volunteer Fire Department on planning issues.

The city council held over for a second reading in December an ordinance regulating parking on Vinland Drive.

No action was taken on a real estate matter discussed in executive session.

The city council discussed dredging the channels in and around the city.

"There was an update on the city's dredging program. Options were explored and the city continues to pursue a viable plan to dredge and clear the waterways in and around the city," said City Manager John Kennedy.

All other agenda items were approved.  All votes were unanimous.  Council Member John Haugen was absent.

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Texas Veterans Land Board

Texas Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson announced Monday the creation of an oral history program in the four Texas State Veterans Homes.  

"The 'Voices of Veterans' oral history program seeks to record the stories of Texas veterans and archive the transcripts in the Office of Veterans Records for future researchers and historians," said a news release.  "'Voices of Veterans' represents the first time a state agency has ventured into the field of veterans' oral histories."

The Veterans Land Board manages four existing Texas State Veterans Homes and two more under construction.

"The homes currently provide long-term care for about 600 senior veterans, many of whom are eager to tell their story," said the release.  

Harvey Koency was the first of the veterans to tell his story.  
Transcript

For more information on Texas Veterans Land Board home, land and home improvement loans, Texas State Veterans Homes or Texas State Veterans Cemeteries, call (800) 252-VETS (8387) or visit www.texasveterans.com.

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City of Houston Veterans Day Parade

The City of Houston and the National Cemetery Council of Greater Houston are sponsoring "Houston Salutes American Heroes: Veterans Day Commemoration and Parade" to honor America's military men and women on Veterans Day, November 11.

"America's engagements in Afghanistan and Iraq have made us very aware of the sacrifices made by men and women in order to protect our freedom." said Mayor Bill White.  "Many have put families and hopes on hold.  They show courage in the face of great danger. Houstonians should take the time to show how much we appreciate them."

The commemoration will begin at 10:00 a.m. at Sam Houston Park, 800 Bagby.  At 11:15 a.m. the United States Army Special Forces "Black Daggers" parachute team will perform.

The parade will begin at 11:30 a.m. at Lamar and Bagby and proceed east on Lamar, north on Louisiana, and end at Capitol.

Veterans from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard and Veterans' organizations will be participating.

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City of Galveston "Save a Ship"

The Galveston Island Convention and Visitors Bureau and the USS Cavalla Historical Foundation will host a Veteran's Day program and a USS Stewart restoration event at Seawolf Park.

"The USS Stewart is one of the only two WWII Destroyer Escorts still in existence and she is in desperate need of repair," said a news release.  "Volunteers will come together this holiday weekend to begin the restoration process of this great ship.  All service members, whether past or present as well as descendants of veterans, and all other proud Americans will join forces to restore a ship that is vital in remembering a true patriot of the past."

A "Veteran's Salute" program is scheduled for Saturday, November 13 at 11 a.m. and will feature guest speakers, a fly-over by Lone Star Flight Museum planes, a lifesaving rescue by U.S. Coast Guard, JROTC members, representatives from all branches of the Armed Forces and live entertainment.

A spaghetti luncheon, benefiting the USS Stewart, will immediately follow the program at the Seawolf Park Pavilion.

Admission to the park and the ships is free.  The spaghetti lunch is $7 with take-outs available.

To learn more about the "Save a Ship" program and volunteer opportunities, contact Sheri Teller at (888)425-4753 extension 150.

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St. Vincent's House 

St. Vincent's House will host its 5th annual "WelFair" Saturday, November 13 from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. at 2817 Postoffice Street, Galveston.

Services that will be provided will include physical examinations, immunizations for children and adults, vision/hearing/lead screenings for children, TB skin testing, blood pressure and cholesterol screenings, diabetes checks, anonymous HIV testing, prostate exams, bone density testing and mammogram registration.

For more information, call (409) 763.8521, email stvhope@wt.net or visit www.stvhope.org.

St. Vincent's House is a social service agency that serves the low and very low-income population of the Old Central/Carver Park Neighborhood.

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On The Webio

Several items of interest to Southeast Texas are posted on The Online News Station.

Bob Huffaker, Bill Mercer, George Phenix, and Wes Wise, authors of When the News Went Live, Dallas 1963, will read from their book and sign copies at Midsummer Books in Galveston, November 19.  Press Release

Jean Langevine's science students at Galveston's Austin Middle School built and launched hot air balloons.  Photo

Two more students graduated from the GISD Accelerated Instruction Model program.   Photos and Details

Visit The Online News Station at www.guidrynews.com.

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

Today, November 9
5:45 Friendswood Independent School District Board of Trustees
6:30 League City City Council
6:30 Morgan's Point City Council
7:00 Dickinson City Council
7:00 - 10:00 United States Army Corps of Engineers Wetlands Forum, Central Middle School Auditorium, 3014 Avenue I, Galveston 

Wednesday, November 10
11:00 Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4820 of Port Neches Veterans Day Ceremony, Oak Bluff Cemetery in Port Neches
12:00 Rotary Club of Galveston, Top Gallant Room.  The program will be on UTMB Nurses in Nicaragua.
12:00 Pelican Island Organization, Texas A&M University at Galveston Sea Aggie Center, Conference Room 601
5:00 Galveston Community College District Board of Regents
6:00 Galveston Independent School District Board of Trustees Executive Session, Lovenberg Administration Building Library
6:00 Galveston County Mayors and Councilmembers Association, Haak Winery, Santa Fe  
7:30 Taylor Lake Village 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 of Gulf Coast E-news and The Online News Station.

Jenna Ware is senior 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.  

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

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

Guidry News Service offices at 1818 Church Street, Suite 4, 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.