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A Publication of Guidry News Service |
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A Publication of Guidry News Service |
Greg Roof of Galvestonians Against Paid Parking on the Seawall would not comment following Thursday's rejection of his petition by City Secretary Barbara Lawrence and the following vote by Galveston City Council to not call an election on the issue. "Given that I am involved in imminent litigation, I have no comment at this time," Roof said in an email response to Guidry News Service. More than 30 people representing both sides of the issue addressed the city council. Members of the city council charged that "politics" played a part in the positions of those opposed to their points of view. The vote was 3-0-3, with Joe Jaworski, Dianna Puccetti and Lyda Ann Thomas in favor of calling an election; and Mayor Roger Quiroga and council members Johnny Smecca and Booker Price abstaining. Because there were not four affirmative votes, the motion failed. Quiroga explained his abstention in an interview with reporters following the meeting. Meanwhile, the Park Board of Trustees is planning to move forward to develop a system to charge a maximum of $8 per day to park on the Seawall, beginning this spring. However, free annual passes will be available to those who apply before the end of January. The city council voted to reduce the speed on the Galveston Causeway to 50 miles per hour during construction of the new causeway, at the request of the Texas Department of Transportation. The city council approved an interlocal agreement with Galveston County to authorize repairs to geotubes that were damaged by Hurricane Claudette. Cost of the repairs, estimated at $103,650, will be paid by adjacent property owners. The city council voted to use $53,000 from the sale of the Flagship Hotel to install a new irrigation system at Galveston Island Municipal Golf Course. All other agenda items were approved. Except for the Seawall parking election issue, all votes were 6-0, with Cornelia Harris Banks absent. The city council honored Tony Vargas, who is retiring from the city after 33 years of service in the Department of Parks and Recreation. In the morning workshop, City Manager Steve LeBlanc reported that the police department has hired 14 new officers, "five to fill vacancies in the department, seven for the new police grant and two as over hires for known retirements within the next month or two." LeBlanc announced that city water customers contributed more than $265,000 to support the EMS service during 2003. "These contributions have allowed EMS to purchase much needed equipment," LeBlanc said, adding that about $60,000 has been collected in voluntary contributions so far this year. LeBlanc reported that next week Parks and Recreation Department employees will begin relocating the oleanders on Broadway to Galveston Island Municipal Golf Course and Scholes International Airport at Galveston.
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