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A Publication of Guidry News Service |
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A Publication of Guidry News Service |
Thursday's special meeting of Galveston City Council was packed with an unruly crowd that demanded an election on the issue of paid parking on the Seawall, cheering the three city council members who supported their position and booing the four who eventually approved three items related to the issue. Mayor Roger Quiroga and council members Johnny Smecca, Cornelia Harris Banks and Booker Price voted in favor of new boundaries for the Seawall Urban Park, to approve an $8 daily parking fee on the Seawall and to execute an agreement with Galveston County Commissioners Court to install the meters. Council members Joe Jaworski, Lyda Ann Thomas and Dianna Puccetti voted against all three issues. In all cases, a proposed amendment to the motion by Jaworski, to require an election, were defeated by a 3-4 vote. Mayor Roger Quiroga threatened to clear the room several times, but only once was an out of control participant asked to leave. Recie Kraemer, who continually commented on the proceedings, from her seat in the council chambers and at the podium, was eventually escorted from the meeting by police officers. Jaworski prompted an uproar from his supporters in the audience when he noted that the meeting was not being recorded for broadcast on Cable Channel 16. "I just called on my cell phone the people who do that for us and they were told this morning that that was not going to happen," Jaworski said, adding that City Manager Steve LeBlanc said the city council did not provide funds to televise special meetings. "You don't want the public to hear it," somebody shouted from the audience, which erupted into protests. "I'm going to empty the room, if this doesn't get under control," Quiroga said. "Let's have order here; let's all act civilized now. The city council voted unanimously to approve two issues related to funding for improvements to Cruise Terminal 2; which were previously approved by the Galveston Port Facilities Corporation and the Board of Trustees of the Galveston Wharves on Monday. Photos and a recording of the entire meeting are posted on The Online News Station.
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