2005 Archives

2004 Archives

2003 Archives

Monday               January 24, 2005

Galveston County Commissioners Court

Galveston County Commissioners Court this morning voted to sell two parcels of property on the Bolivar Peninsula, in the High Island Independent School District for a total of $14,559.50. 

"Paul has been really hustling," noted County Judge Jim Yarbrough, complimenting Right-Of-Way Agent Paul Selman, who represents the county on several tax foreclosed property resale committees.  "They've been selling property right and left.  I've been signing deeds, seems like two or three a day, for a month.  It's good that we are getting that property out of our name into somebody else's and put back on the tax rolls."

The commissioners court voted to seek bids for the lease of an office in the League City Annex "to a public official".  Legal Department Director Harvey Bazaman explained that Representative Larry Taylor wants to lease space in the building, but state law requires that the issue be advertised for bids.  The value of the office space has been estimated at $220 per month.

The commissioners court approved the reclassification of a position in the Criminal Intelligence Division of the Galveston County Sheriff's Office.

The commissioners court voted to receive and file a new organizational chart and internal policy and procedures for the Tax Office.

"We've streamlined the top-heavy administration," Tax Assessor-Collector Cheryl Johnson said in an interview with Guidry News Service.  Listen  Download

The reorganization reduces three chief deputy positions to two and five supervisors to three, but increases the number of branch managers from three to four.  The office in the Courthouse is now considered the Galveston branch.  

Ken Laird is chief deputy over Tax and Administration and Vance Ready is chief deputy over Operations.  

Former chief deputies Sharyl Swift and Dwight Courtney now hold positions in the Accounting Department, under Ready; and former chief deputy Anne Moon now works in the Justice Administration Department.

"We have a more efficient work flow," Johnson said.  "We've standardized positions and their titles and we have experienced a slight budget savings, about $500 per year right now."

All other agenda items were approved.  All votes were unanimous.

The commissioners court held a workshop discussion with County Clerk Mary Ann Daigle to discuss an operational review of her office. Listen  Download

"We would like to see if there is any other technology that we can use to streamline the organization, plus any other production problems that we have that we can eliminate and try to make things go faster," Daigle said.  "I think this would be a good time to have it done, before we move into the Justice Center."

This is really something that is really important," said Probate Judge Gladys Burwell, in support of the operational review.  "The court system is absolutely dependent on the clerk's office."

"We have done this in several of our departments and we think it's great, but we don't have the ability to require elected officials to do this," said County Judge Jim Yarbrough.  "So her coming forward in a voluntary mode is significant.  I think we ought to do it."

Daigle will work with the legal department and purchasing department to facilitate an agreement with a consultant to conduct the study.

The commissioners court also held a workshop discussion of County Engineer Mike Fitzgerald's proposal that the Dickinson Bayou Steering Committee be reactivated; and with Road Administrator Rick Malbrough who is requesting increased funding for equipment maintenance.

Joan McLeod, who has been attending commissioners court meetings for the past six months, in anticipation of a campaign to replace Precinct 2 Commissioner Eddie Janek when he retires, has decided to not run because she learned that Janek's son Eddie Janek, Jr. will seek the position.  Listen  Download

Janek, owner of Crete Decor, Inc. and Apollo Communications, said he is running with the encouragement of his father.  Listen  Download

Print Version
Photos and Additional Audio

Jefferson County Commissioners Court

Jefferson County Commissioners Court today discussed but took no action on a proposal by former employees of the County Cafe in the Courthouse, to reopen the facility.  The facility was closed recently after several employees complained about not being paid in a timely manner.

County legal advisors say that operation of the cafe must be advertised for bids.

The commissioners court discussed the position of Counting Station Manager in the County Clerk's Office.  Larry Borel, who recently retired from the county, wants to remain as a volunteer.

The commissioners court deferred action on resolutions honoring Borel and two other retiring county employees until a later meeting, when they all can attend.

The commissioners court voted to deny a request from Neatherlin Homes for a variance from the requirements of the Flood Prevention order.

All other agenda items were approved.  All votes were unanimous.

Print Version

City of Galveston

The Gulf Coast Water Authority, which is the water supplier for the City of Galveston, is conducting its annual maintenance procedure, changing from a chloramine residual to a free chlorine residual.

This procedure will affect the city's water distribution system through February 7, according to a news release.

"Residents may notice a taste, odor and/or color changes in the water," the release said.  "This procedure will notaffect the safety of the water."

At the same time, the city water distribution personnel will be flusing fire hydrants throughout the city.

For questions call (409) 797-3630.

Print Version

Houston Parks Board

ChevronTexaco today announced the donation of a 130-acre golf course, formerly The Texaco Country Club, to the Houston Parks Board and the City of Houston.  The golf course, combined with an adjacent 34-acre tract of parkland acquired by the Houston Parks Board, is now a 164-acre new city park named Coolgreen Park.
 
The park is adjacent to Greens Bayou just east of Loop 610, at the  intersection of Maxey Road and Coolgreen Street. In addition to a public  golf course open for play, the park features wooded acreage that harbors amazing wildlife such as deer, raccoons, fox, herons, egret, kingfishers and ducks.
 
Established in 1924 for the benefit of Texaco's employees and
retirees, the Texaco Country Club has been a semi-private golf course for 80 years.  Membership consisted of Texaco retirees, ChevronTexaco employees and others.  Texaco retirees have been operating the course and will continue to be involved in its management.
  
"Houston needs more park space and I applaud ChevronTexaco's corporate stewardship in making such a significant addition," said Houston Mayor Bill White. "I hope others will follow ChevronTexaco's leadership." 

"We are pleased to make this donation of land, and proud to be a partner with the city and the Houston Parks Board in providing additional park space for everyone to enjoy," said Ray Wilcox, vice president of ChevronTexaco Corporation and president of ChevronTexaco Exploration and Production Company.  "Our vision is to be the global energy company most admired for our people, partnership and performance.  This unique donation is an action based on achieving that vision."

"We are all delighted to be celebrating this donation," said Rob Rowland, chairman of the Houston Parks Board.   "Over the years Houston has been blessed with great philanthropy exhibited by Houston's civic-minded individuals and families.  Almost all of Houston's significant parks were created with the leadership of those private individuals and families.  A gift like this from the corporate world is particularly significant because, according to the Houston Parks Board's records, it is the first such corporate gift of a large park to Houston."
 
"Across Maxey Road from this new park is another one of the Houston Parks Board's acquisitions, the 717-acre Herman Brown Park," said longtime Houston Parks Board member and well known green space advocate Terry Hershey. 

"ChevronTexaco's donation will increase the critical mass of the existing adjacent parklands, and provide a meaningful and sustaining natural connection for wildlife between Greens Bayou, Hunting Bayou and beyond." 

Vinson & Elkins L.L.P. provided pro bono legal services for the
Houston Parks Board, including assistance in negotiation and structuring of the transaction, drafting of the agreements, and environmental and tax advice.

Print Version

Mardi Gras Galveston!

Correction:  Galveston's Mardi Gras celebration, which begins this Friday, January 28, concludes on Fat Tuesday, February 8.  The date of Fat Tuesday was incorrect in a previous edition.

Galveston weather expert Stan Blazyk has issued a Mardi Gras weather forecast for Guidry News Service.  Forecast

"The later models have shown more rapid movement of the upper-level low and disturbance expected to move our way from the west," Blazyk said.  As it currently stands the system should move through the area on Thursday and early Friday, leaving us with a break in the weather over the weekend. With a little luck, we may get some needed rain on Thursday, but stay dry for the first weekend festivities. Although a cool front may stall    near the coast on Friday, temperatures should remain reasonably mild for the weekend."

The Krewe of Barkus and Meoux is seeking entries for the seventh annual Mardi Paws Parade on Sunday, February 6 at 1:00 p.m.  Animals dressed in their Mardi Paws best will parade from 25th Street and Avenue M and proceed to Shearn Moody Plaza.

Lisa Foronda, of KHOU, Channel 11, will serve as the Grand Marshall.

All animals are welcome. Horses, a monkey and a brigade of Greyhounds are among the early registrants.  Early registration is $15.  Registration at the time of the parade is $20.  Proof of rabies vaccination is required.  Pets must be on a leash.  Check in and line up will begin at noon at 25th Street and Avenue M.  Each participant will receive a Krewe of Barkus T-Shirt.

For information call Brenda Atchley at (409) 763-0557 or the Animal Shelter and Adoption Center at (409) 740-1919.

Print Version

Pasadena Police Department

The Pasadena Police Department’s Crisis Negotiation Team recently took second place honors at a national competition that tested their skills as hostage negotiators.  The team, led by Pasadena Police Sergeant Chuck Barth, participated in the 15^th Annual Crisis Negotiation Competition and Seminar that was held at Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas from January 10 to 14.

Police officers from more than 20 police agencies throughout Texas and neighboring states took part in the competition.  They were given mock scenarios that were written by graduate students from the Texas State University’s Criminal Justice Center.  The actors in the scenario were trained police negotiators from other police departments.  The competition was judged by trained police negotiators as well as representatives from the FBI. 

“The reason we get together at these competitions is to work on our skills for long-term negotiations,” said Sergeant Rucker Davis of the Pasadena Police Department Crisis Negotiations Team.  “The competition is set up to go eight hours.  You’re going to get a full day of stress out of it.”

The San Antonio Police Department placed first and the Austin Police Department placed third.

Print Version

Galveston County Health District

The Galveston County Health District and the Jesse Tree will co-sponsor two Public Health Preparedness Volunteer Orientations this week to educate members of the community about what the Health District is doing to prepare for public health threats and inform participants how volunteers can help prepare for and respond to public health emergencies in Galveston County. 

The first orientation session will be today from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Jesse Tree offices in Texas City, 6801 Emmett F. Lowry Expressway (behind Mainland Medical Center).  

The second session will be held Tuesday, January 25, 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the fellowship hall at Moody Memorial First United Methodist Church, 2803 53^rd Street in Galveston. 

The orientations are open to the public but reservations are requested.  Call Carmen Castro, SNS coordinator at the Galveston County Health District at (409) 938-2276 or email ccastro@gchd.org.  

Print Version

San Jacinto College 

A free financial aide workshop sponsored by the San Jacinto College South Continuing Education Division will be held from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, January 29 in Room 3110 of the Longenecker Administration Building, 13735 Beamer Road.

The workshop covers federal and state programs such as the Federal Pell Grant Program, the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant Program, the Federal Work Study Program, the Federal Family Education Loan Program, Leveraging Educational Assistance partnerships, the Texas Public Education Grant, Toward Excellence Access and Success and Texas B-On-Time Loan Program.

Space is limited, thus participants are encouraged to RSVP by Thursday, January 27 by calling (281) 922-3440.

Print Version

Texas Association of School Boards

The Texas Association of School Boards will hold a School Board Candidate Workshop on Tuesday, March 1 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Harris County Department of Education, 6300 Irving in Houston.

The purpose of the workshop is to provide information to individuals who are interested in running for trustee of a local school board.  Experienced school board members will be on hand to discuss board members' key responsibilities.

The workshop is open to the public. Admission is free.  For information call Brenda Canul at (512) 467-0222 or 800-580-8272, extension 6104 or visit www.tasb.org. 

Print Version

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

Today, January 24
6:00 La Marque City Council
6:00 Galveston Island Mardi Gras Kickoff Party, Red Cat Jazz Café, 924 Congress, Houston
6:30 Dickinson Independent School District Special Called Workshop and Meeting, Raymond E. "Pop" Gillis Administration Building
6:30 Hitchcock City Commissioners Meeting, City Hall
6:30 Galveston Bike Path Meeting, City Council Chambers
7:00 Kemah Historical Society Meeting, Kemah Community Center
7:00 Shoreacres City Council, Houston Yacht Club, 3615 Miramar   
7:00 Seabrook Economic Development Corporation II

Tuesday, January 25
10:00 Harris County Commissioners Court
10:00 Pasadena City Council
10:00 Jefferson County Commissioners Court Workshop on Electronic Voting Devices
11:00 North Galveston County Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting for Deats Road, Corner of Deats at Timber
12:00 Rotary Club of Galveston Island, San Luis Resort and Conference Center.  Amber Jenkins will speak on Strokes Prevention Plus
1:30 Beaumont City Council
7:00 Dickinson City Council
7:00 League City City Council
7:00 Clear Creek Independent School District Board of Trustees
7:00 Seabrook Charter Review Commission

Wednesday, January 26
9:00 Houston City Council
9:00 Public Meeting on Regional Emergency Evacuation Plan, Johnny Arolfo Civic Center, League City
4:00 Galveston Windstorm Committee Annual Meeting, Henry Freudenberg Insurance Agency, 6902 Stewart Road
6:30 Hitchcock Independent School District Board of Trustees Workshop
6:30 Clear Lake Area Council of Cities, Houston Yacht Club

Thursday, January 27
12:00 Galveston City Council Workshop
4:00 Bay Area Transportation Partnership Board of Directors, Bay Area Community Center, 5002 NASA Parkway
5:30 Galveston City Council
6:30 Citizens for Economic Growth in Port Arthur, Third Floor of Lincoln Tower 
7:00 Kemah City Council
7:00 Santa Fe City Council
7:30 "Luisa Miller", Opera in the Heights, Lambert Hall, 1703 Heights Boulevard, Houston

Friday, January 28
Mardi Gras Celebration Begins
9:30 Houston Galveston-Area Council Transportation Policy Committee

Print Version

back to the top

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.

Jim Young is Houston City Correspondent.  Dana Patricia Burke is the Bay Area Houston Correspondent. Chuck Lawrence is Galveston City Correspondent.  Carl Guidry covers events in Jefferson County.  Anita Donatto covers the education beat in Galveston.  

Patty Mayeux is editor of Gulf Coast E-news.

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.