2005 Archives

2004 Archives

2003 Archives

Thursday               January 6, 2005

City of Houston

Houston Mayor Bill White today announced the "on-time, on-budget" completion of a program to synchronize more than 1,500 traffic lights across the city to improve the flow of traffic. Release

"This has been one of the most significant and effective things we've been able to do to improve Houstonians' lives," said Mayor White. "We've cut commuting times by as much as 20 percent in some corridors and that is valuable time we're happy to see returned to our citizens. Houston is on the
move."

White said that the Public Works and Engineering Department began the project to retime 1,540 traffic signal lights one year ago.  The project which began in Midtown in early 2004 and spreading all across the city, Phase One of the project has now concluded in northwest Houston along the West Tidwell corridor. 

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Seabrook City Council

The Seabrook City Council voted 5-0, with Mayor Pro Tem Rick Sammons and Larry Bonnin absent, to release to the public the report from City Attorney Scott Bounds concerning allegations of charter violations against Council Members Jack Boteler and Bonnin.  Bounds' report contained his opinions that all the issues he considered were not violations, except one.

Bounds said Bonnin, who has a "significant interest" in a bed and breakfast establishment, apparently took part in council discussion regarding bed and breakfast regulations without filing an affidavit about his interest in such a business.

"Council Member Bonnin violated (Texas code) by failing to file an affidavit stating the nature and extent of his interest in the 1010 Milby Bed and Breakfast prior to abstaining from participation in the matter and, possibly, by participating in the council's discussion of the matter," Bounds said.

"I recommend that the city council amend its ethics ordinances and rules of procedure regarding conflicts of interests and abstentions," Bounds' concluded, "to minimize the likelihood that council members will violate municipal requirements."

The city council voted unanimously to ask the city attorney and the city manager to come up with more suggestions on how to simplify, yet strengthen the city's ethics ordinances.

The city council advised residents that the city is soliciting and collecting monetary donations to send to the tsunami relief effort.

"Citizens and individuals who are interested in donating can just come by city hall and leave a check just as if they were paying a water bill, but have it made out to the Red Cross," said Mayor Robin Riley.  

Riley said the city has set no specific amount as a goal.

"We're just happy to help people give whatever we're able to give," Riley said.  "One citizen donated $50 right then and there."

The city council voted 5-0, to approve the schedule and the financing documents for the sale of bonds to finish paying for the new fire station.  The city's bond attorney also had some other good news for the city.

"He announced that our city has a triple-A bond rating," Riley added.  "It doesn't get any better than that."

The city council voted 4-1, with Mike Laible opposed, to amend the EDC II bylaws affecting membership of the board from four members of council and three citizens to the mayor, mayor pro tem and five citizens and to allow non-voting, ex-officio members of the board from various organizations.

The city council took no action on a proposal to merge the functions of EDC II and the Hotel Tax Committee.

The city council voted 4-1, with Boteler opposed, to ask staff to compile a ten-year report of projected revenues as part of an overall plan or model to create favorable economic activity in Seabrook in order to reduce the ad valorem tax rate.

The city council voted 3-2, with Laible and Riley opposed, to determine what conditions constitute a conflict of interest and what necessitates a council member's recusal.

The city council took no action on a proposal to hold council work session meetings on the day before regular council meetings.

The city council voted 4-1, with only Dee Wright in support, to reject a proposal to create a Seabrook Time Capsule.  

The city council voted 3-2, with Laible and Boteler opposed, to request that the Parks Board, EDC II and the Eco-Tourism Committee post a notice to enable members of these boards to attend the tour of the Ed White Youth Center/Seabrook Methodist Church complex on January 11.  The city is considering purchasing the property.

All other items were approved with 5-0 votes.  

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Texas City City Commission

The Texas City City Commission voted 6-0, with Dedrick Johnson, Sr. absent, to reject all bids for chemicals for the Wastewater Treatment Plant because the low bid meeting all specifications was over budget for the fiscal year.  The item will be rebid at a later date.

The city commission voted 6-0 to award the purchase of a 2004 model F450 Flatbed truck for the Public Works Department to Baby Jack Ford Automotive in Caldwell for $30,146.

The city commission awarded a $120,670 contract to R. C. Services for renovations to the Moore Memorial Library heating and air conditioning systems.

All other items were approved on 6-0 votes.

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Webster City Council

Correction: Webster City Council voted unanimously on Tuesday to approve an interagency agreement with Harris County to construct a section of Texas Avenue from 500 feet south of Bay Area Boulevard to the west end of the existing Texas Avenue, west of SH 3.

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Taylor Lake Village City Council

The Taylor Lake Village City Council on Wednesday voted unanimously to authorize Mayor Natalie O'Neill to consult with a management system auditor for assessment of municipal court procedures. City staff said the move is consistent with the review/audit of all city department policies and procedures.  

The city council voted unanimously to authorize McNeill to investigate the city's use of BluePrince software to help the Building Department track building permits and inspections.

The city council also unanimously approved a letter of agreement with Pasadena Fire Department for performance of fire investigations, inspections and/or public fire education. 

The city council tabled discussion on whether to authorize an expenditure to assist the coastal communities of Asia that were impacted by the recent tsunami.

All other items were unanimously approved.

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Clear Lake Shores City Council

The Clear Lake Shore City Council voted 4-0,with Michael Bass absent, to amend the city's zoning ordinance by rezoning lots 570-659 from their current Apartment classification to Single-family Residential classification.  The lots are located generally along the east side of East Shore Drive, south of its intersection with Ivy Road and north of Jarboe Bayou. 

The city council also voted 4-0 to amend the deadline for the submission of items to go on the Council agenda.

The city council voted 4-0 to approve the transfer of a waterfront lease from Greta Burke to Troy Frederick

Vanessa Hamilton abstained from voting to approve the minutes of the November 2 city council meeting because she didn't attend.  The minutes were approved on a 3-0 vote

All other items were approved on 4-0 votes.

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Galveston Zoning Board of Adjustment

The Galveston Zoning Board of Adjustment deferred until February 9 a request for variance from non-residential parking requirements at 506 Christopher Columbus at 14th Street.  The Galveston Landmark Commission has recommended approval of the variance.  The applicant is Eubanks Group Architects; the property owner is John Bannon. 

The commission approved a variance for gross square footage, rear yard setback and for visual screening with condition that the applicant must construct a privacy fence from the end of the addition to the alley line at 506 Christopher Columbus at 14^th Street.  The Galveston Landmark Commission has recommended approval of the variance. The applicant is Eubanks Group Architects; the property owner is John F. Bannon, Jr.

The commission also deferred until February 9 a request for variance regarding front yard and side yard setback requirements at 1415 Avenue E at Postoffice.  The applicant and property owner is Travers E. Powell.

The commission approved a request for variance from lot area and lot width requirements in a General Residence zoning district in conjunction with a replat at 4602 Avenue P 1/2 and 1919 46th Street.  The applicant is William F. Boyle; the property owner is Jeffrey D. Boyle.

The commission approved a request for variance from the side yard setback requirement in a Retail zoning district at 1428 23^rd Street at Tremont.  The applicant is Silver Street Properties; the property owner is Mark Parthie.

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Galveston Planning Commission

The Galveston Planning Commission did not meet Wednesday for lack of a quorum.  

The commission will consider the items on Wednesday's agenda at its January 18 meeting.

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University of Texas Medical Branch

Dr. Chester R. Burns of the University of Texas Medical Branch has been awarded a special recognition award from the Texas Medical Association Board of Trustees for his role in championing the history of medicine in Texas. 

The Special Recognition Award honors Burns for unique service to medicine and to the TMA, and is not awarded every year. 

"Burns’ exceptional service to the statewide physician association includes serving on the TMA History of Medicine Committee from its inception in 1989 to 2004, and as chair from 2001 to 2004," said a news release. 

In addition to his service on this committee, Burns is the author of more than 100 publications, including his most recent book, Saving Lives, Training Caregivers, Making Discoveries: A Centennial History of the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, which is a landmark centennial history of the state’s first medical school, published by the Texas State Historical Association in 2003.

“I’m really proud there’s a state medical society that cares enough to have an effective history of medicine committee for 15 years,” Burns said.  “I haven’t been so touched since the day my wife said ‘yes’ to my proposal of marriage.”

Burns is the James Wade Rockwell Professor of Medical History at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston.

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Pasadena Neighborhood Improvement

The City of Pasadena’s Neighborhood Improvement Grant Program has set a February 15, 2005 deadline for Pasadena neighborhoods and homeowners’ associations to apply for quality of life grants.

“The Neighborhood Network is the city of Pasadena’s means of assisting residents in completing quality of life projects for their individual neighborhoods,” said Karen Hollon, the city’s neighborhood programs manager.  “Through the Neighborhood Matching Grant Program, neighbors are able to receive their tax dollars back to do neighborhood improvements. It’s a win-win situation for the city, citizens and neighborhoods.”

Funding for the Neighborhood Network Matching Grant Program comes from the city's general fund.  In 2003, Pasadena neighborhoods spent approximately $382,000 in neighborhood improvements with the City of Pasadena spending about $116,000 from the Matching Grant Program.

For information, call Karen Hollon at (713) 475-7221.

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College of the Mainland

College of the Mainland is offering a continuing education class in February for pesticide applicators.  The class explains how to protect people, property and the environment when applying pesticides and covers the knowledge needed to pass the certification exam.

For more information, call (409) 938-1211 or (888) 258-8859, extension 406.

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Great Storm of Galveston Book-Signing

Author Tanya Adams  will sign copies of her book, Under Raging Skies, from 6 to 10 p.m., Saturday, January 22, at Galveston Tea Co. & Bookseller, 2217 Postoffice Street.

The main focus of the novel is the Great 1900 Storm of Galveston.  The author worked from oral histories of survivors of the storm to create composite characters to develop a story around the worst natural disaster in United States history to date.

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On The Webio

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

Galveston Port Chaplain Karen Lai reports that the International Seafarers Union and the Salvation Army helped collect clothing for tsunami victims at the request of sailor aboard a visiting merchant ship.  Photo and Story

Clear Creek Independent School District Superintendent Dr. Sandra Mossman's January column is posted on the Forum Page.  Column

Friendswood Independent School District Superintendent Trish Hanks released an editorial today about school finance and economic development.  Editorial

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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, January 6
6:00 Galveston Independent School District Board of Trustees Workshop 
7:00 Kemah Community Development Corporation

Friday, January 7
2:00  Galveston Park Board of Trustees Finance Committee, 2504 Church Street

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