2005 Archives

2004 Archives

2003 Archives

Monday               January 31, 2005

Jefferson County Commissioners Court

Jefferson County Commissioners Court voted unanimously today to support legislation to protect the freshwater inflow into the state's bays and estuaries, including Sabine Lake.

The vote came after Jennifer Walker of the Lone Star Chapter of the Sierra Club warned that Sabine Lake, Galveston Bay, Matagorda Bay, San Antonio Bay and Corpus Christi Bay are in danger of losing their shrimp, crab and fish population in the future unless the state takes action now.  

Walker said that the report is a collaboration of the National Wildlife Federation and the Lone Star Chapter of the Sierra Club, using computer models developed for the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to determine how much freshwater would make it to the bays if all existing water permits were used to their full capacity. The report then compares those results to state estimates of how much freshwater each bay needs.

County Judge Carl Griffith agreed that the danger exists, and stressed that it is long-range.

"It's going to gradually occur if we don't take steps now," Griffith said.  "People won't realize it, it will just slowly happen."

Griffith warned of the threat of interbasin transfers of water from Jefferson County.

"As we learned last week at the water planning group, Houston again has put in one of their strategies to transfer water out of here," Griffith reported.

Walker will deliver the report, "Bays in Peril", to Port Arthur City Council on Tuesday.

The commissioners court approved specifications for janitorial services for Ford Park.

The commissioners court tabled action on renewal of fire extinguisher service with Mobile Extinguishers, Inc.

The commissioners court voted to accept a $2,920 Lone Star Libraries Grant from the Texas State Library and Archives Commission.

All other agenda items were approved with unanimous votes.

Charlie Jabbia appeared before the commissioners court to make an offer of $135,000 to settle the county's appeal of a judgment in the litigation concerning work at Ford Park.  Jabbia said the county would save $89,145 if his offer is accepted.

Rhonda Dugas and Jimmy Herrington spoke to the commissioners court about the management study of the county to be conducted by MGT of America; and Jennifer Doornbos reported on the new arena committee.

Photos and audio excerpts from the meeting, as well as an interview with Commissioner Eddie Arnold about a workshop on the management study, will be posted on The Online News Station.

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Galveston County Commissioners Court

Galveston County Commissioners Court voted unanimously today to award the concession agreement for the Veterans Sports Complex at Jack Brooks Park to All Star Sportsplex.

"We feel that All Star Sportsplex submitted the best proposal based upon financial stability and directly related experience in the area of operation of a concession and the scheduling of tournament and league play," said Dennis J. Harris, Galveston County Parks Department director. 

"All Star Sportsplex is proposing to pay the county a flat rate of $15,000 for years one, two and three, plus 10 percent of all gross tournament and league registration dollars above $75,000 annual gross receipts mark," Harris said.'"

The commissioners court voted 2-2, with Stephen Holmes and Ken Clark in favor and County Judge Jim Yarbrough and Eddie Janek opposed, to defeat a motion to authorize a cash payment of compensatory time to tax employees submitted by Tax Assessor-Collector Cheryl Johnson. 

Yarbrough said that he wants the issue reviewed by the Human Resources and Professional Services departments before voting on it, to determine ''what other exposure we would have with the other departments." 

Johnson, who first requested the payment last week, was miffed at another delay.

"We are in the middle of an extremely busy time right now and I am having a very difficult time getting some of my employees, particularly my exempt employees to come in and work over to address the backlog of tax payments right now, because they are due money for money that they've never received, and their comp time is built up to such an extent that they can't go any higher right now," Johnson said.

The item will be reconsidered next week, after the issue is researched further and when all members of the commissioners court will be in attendance. 

The commissioners court unanimously approved the County Legislative Program for the 79th Texas Legislature as submitted by Community Services Director J. Curtiss Brown, Jr.

"The Legislative Program, as approved by Commissioners Court, gives me the authority to go to Austin and represent the county as a non-elected official," Brown said, adding he anticipates some of the items on the list to be considered by the Texas Legislature during this session.

The commissioner court approved a lengthy list of appointments to various boards as submitted by County Judge Jim Yarbrough.

The commissioners court voted to defer a proposal to cancel the award of a contract to Quality Woodwork Inc. on the Justice Center project.

The commissioners court voted to defer a proposal to accept the 2005 Supplemental Solid Waste Grant.

The commissioners court voted to remove from the agenda an application of Darren Smith, DBA Tri-S Investments to convey portions of the previously platted portions his development to the City Dickinson.

All other agenda items were approved by unanimous vote.

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Texas Legislature

State Representative Craig Eiland has been named the chair of the House Pensions and Investments Committee for the 79th Legislative Session. 

Eiland also retained his assignment to the House Insurance Committee where he has served for the last 10 years. 

"I had hoped to retain my seats on the Appropriations and Insurance Committees," Eiland said.  "The Speaker said that they needed my budget experience to try to work through some of the serious problems that the teachers and state employees' pension and retirement systems face." 

State Representative Larry Taylor retained his assignments on the House Administration and Insurance Committees and was also newly appointed to the Business and Industry Committee which will work on reform the Texas Worker's Compensation system. 

Eiland said that he and Taylor will continue to work closely on the House Insurance Committee and other issues that will effect their constituencies.

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CenterPoint Energy

CenterPoint Energy recently hosted an Iraqi delegation for a tour of its transmission, substation and distribution facilities as part of the United States Energy Association’s US-Iraq Partnership.  

The purpose of the partnership is to improve the supply, quality and reliability of the Iraq electric power system.  The goal of the tour was to provide the Ministry of Iraq, and senior and mid-level managers the opportunity to work with and learn utility best practices directly from their peers at electric utilities in the United States.

"Electric power in Iraq is a vital link to the future of the country," said Raad Al-Haris, deputy minister of electricity, adding the continued development of all other areas of infrastructure, commerce and socio-political endeavors are directly tied to the continued stabilization and increase of power generation, distribution and transmission.

The electric infrastructure had been in a state of collapse prior to Operation Iraqi Freedom due to previous conflicts such as the Iran-Iraq War and the Persian Gulf War and more than thirty years of inadequate maintenance, repair and upgrades.

"CenterPoint Energy's goal was to transfer best practices and performance standards used in the United States to manage, operate and maintain transmission and distribution systems and introduce proven approaches for managing, re-engineering and restructuring the power sector to improve efficiency, reliability and response time," said Don Cortez, vice president of distribution support for CenterPoint Energy.

Headquartered in Houston, Texas, CenterPoint Energy is a domestic energy delivery company serving nearly five million customers in Arkansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Oklahoma and Texas through services that include electric transmission and distribution, natural gas distribution and sales, interstate pipeline and gathering operations and an electric generation business, currently under contract to sell.

CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been in business for more than 130 years. For information, visit www.centerpointenergy.com.

The United States Energy Association is an association of public and private energy-related organizations, corporations and government agencies. It serves as the United States Member Committee of the World Energy Council, representing the interests of the United States energy sector by increasing the understanding of energy issues, both domestically and internationally. 

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Clear Creek Independent School District

The Clear Creek Independent School District is holding a Board of Trustees election on Saturday, May 7.  Applications for open trustee positions are being accepted February 7 through March 7 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.  

Information packets are currently available at the Clear Creek ISD Education Support Center located at 2425 East Main Street in League City, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Trustee positions for District 2 and District 3 will be on this year’s ballot. Paula Tomasi is the current District 2 trustee and Dr. Glenn Freedman is the current District 3 trustee. Terms are for three years, ending in May 2008.

For additional information, call Pam Syers at (281) 338-5809.

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Lamar University

Lamar University Opera Theatre has scheduled two performances of Johann Strauss's comic operetta "Die Fledermaus" (The Bat) on Friday, February 4 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, February 5 at 2:30 p.m.

"This comic tale of jealousy, disguise and mistaken identity will feature Lamar vocal music students with orchestral accompaniment conducted by Daniel Montes, adjunct instructor of music," said a news release.

Tickets will be available at the door for five dollars per person. 

For information contact the Lamar Department of Music, Theatre and Dance at 409-880-8144 or Montes at 409-880-2239.

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University of Texas Medical Branch

The University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston is co-sponsoring, along with the Sealy Center on Aging, the Episcopal Diocese of Texas Conference and Retreat Center Camp Allen and St. Luke's Episcopal Health Charities, the Second Annual Abundant Aging Conference on Tuesday, March 1 to Thursday, March 3 at Camp Allen, near Navasota.

The conference will focus on three aspects of aging: the aging body, spirituality and aging and the mind and aging.

Gerontologists and aging experts will address an array of issues, including the latest research from UTMB’s leading geriatricians.

James Goodwin, M.D., George and Cynthia Mitchell Distinguished Chair of Geriatric Medicine at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, will deliver a presentation titled “How to Live Forever.”  Harry R. Moody, Ph.D., director of academic affairs for the American Association of Retired Persons and one of the founders of the “conscious aging” movement, will speak about conscious aging. 

The conference is for seniors, their family members, health care, pastoral care and residential care providers, social workers and leaders of faith communities. 

Registration cost is $185 for double occupancy prior to February 10 and $200 after February 10, or $245 single occupancy. The fee covers all presentations and workshops, two nights’ lodging, all meals, socials, coffee breaks and taxes. 

To register, contact Camp Allen toll-free at (866) 334-2267, ext. 4019, or register online at www.campallen.org. For more information, contact the Reverend Helen Appelberg at (409) 772-5352, toll-free at (888) 887-6800, or e-mail hwappelb@utmb.edu.

Dr. Manoop Bhutani, professor of gastroenterology at UTMB, Galveston, recently joined gastroenterologists from around the country to urge legislators to create a National Commission on Digestive Diseases. The commission, signed into law in December 2004, will support the advancement of research and treatment of digestive disorders at medical institutions like UTMB.

“The support of our representatives has led to a landmark event in the advancement of gastroenterology,” Bhutani said. “We are on the brink of major scientific breakthroughs in this field that will benefit millions but at the same time we still lack the basic understanding of the cause and transmission of some digestive diseases. This commission will help significantly with the advancement of the science and practice of gastroenterology.” 

Bhutani said the commission would be charged with three key tasks: studying the incidence, duration and mortality rates of digestive diseases, as well as their economic impact; evaluating facilities and resources for the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of such diseases and developing a long-range plan for the use and organization of national resources to effectively deal with digestive diseases.

He said he also urged lawmakers to support an increase in the overall National Institutes of Health budget, which would benefit the entire research enterprise at UTMB.

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Rotary Clubs of Galveston County

Galveston County Rotarians will celebrate the 100th anniversary of Rotary International on Wednesday, February 23 at 6:30 p.m. at the Galveston Island Convention Center at the San Luis.  The public is invited to attend the celebration which will feature noted speaker Dr. Mouzon Biggs, pastor of Boston Avenue United Methodist Church of Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Local government officials will read resolutions from the county and the city.  District Governor Emken Linton will preside over the meeting that will be attended by members and guests from eight Galveston County Rotary Clubs.

Rotary International, a service and humanitarian organization, began in the law offices of founder Paul Harris 100 years ago. 

Dr. Biggs is originally from Carthage, Texas. He is the author of the book Moments to Close and co-author of When You Graduate.

Tickets are $35 and may be obtained from any local Galveston County Rotary Club or call the Rotary Club of Galveston at (409) 763-8688 or Stephanie Conti of the Rotary Club of Galveston Island at 409-763-1151.

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Houston Metropolitan Transit Authority

Rafael Ortega, P.E., took the oath of office Thursday, January 27, to join the Houston Metropolitan Transit Authority Board of Directors.  Ortega was appointed by the Harris County Commissioners Court to replace outgoing METRO Board Member Art Morales, who resigned in December.

A licensed professional engineer and long-time area resident, Ortega is vice president of Lockwood, Andrews & Newnam Inc., a full-service engineering and architectural firm based in Houston. He has served on a variety of environmental, civil engineering and economic development boards and committees at the state, regional and local level.

“We are grateful for Art Morales’ dedication to the transit users and taxpayers of our region,” said METRO Board Chairman David S. Wolff, who was re-elected to the position at the January 27 meeting. “The METRO Board also warmly welcomes Rafael Ortega, and we look forward to his insights and technical expertise as we move forward in implementing the METRO Solutions program.”

The METRO Board is comprised of five appointees from the City of Houston, two appointees from Harris County and two appointees from the 14 municipalities collectively known as the Multi-Cities.  

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On The Webio

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

Galveston weather expert Stan Blazyk, who successfully predicted the past weekend's weather, says that it looks as though Galveston may get a break in the weather again for the second weekend of Mardi Gras.  Report

The Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership presented its annual Quasar Award to University of Texas Medical Branch President Dr. John Stobo at the annual banquet. Photos and Audio

Photos and a recording appearances by Houston and Galveston officials before the Texas Transportation Commission have been posted on The Online News Station.  Webio Report

Kemah Mayor Bill King has endorsed the February 5 bond election that is being held by Water Control and Improvement District 12.  His message is on the Forum Page of The Online News Station. Message

Galveston City Council Member Danny Weber has published his report to the city council at last week's meeting on The Forum Page.  Report

Seabrook City Council Member Dee Wright, who recently attended the Presidential Inauguration in Washington D.C. and visited the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland, prepared a report on her trip, complete with photographs, for the Forum Page.  Report and Photos

Brenda Beust Smith has published a new column, Grass grows (on it's own!), in Brenda's Garden.  Click Here

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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 31
5:00 Galveston Housing Authority, Island Community Center 
6:00 Galveston Redevelopment and Community Enterprise Corporation, Island Community Center

Tuesday, February 1
8:30 Port Arthur City Council  
9:00 Mainland Medical Center 50+ Health and Wellness Expo, Mall of the Mainland
11:00 Galveston Park Board of Trustees Ad Hoc Hotel Tax Allocations Assessment Committee
12:00 Rotary Club of Galveston Island, San Luis Resort and Conference Center.  Speaker: Terry O’Connell, Moody Gardens Horticultural Therapy Program.
1:30 Beaumont City Council
1:30 Houston City Council
4:00 Galveston Ethics Commission, City Hall Room 105
4:00 Galveston College Facilities Committee, President's Conference Room
5:30 Landmark Commission, Zoning Board of Adjustment, Building Standards Commission and Planning Commission Retreat 
6:00 Greater Port Arthur Chamber of Commerce, Carl A. Parker Multipurpose Center at Lamar State College - Port Arthur
6:30 Bayou Vista Board of Aldermen
7:00 Bolivar Peninsular Chamber of Commerce General Membership Meeting, Joe Faggard Community Center
7:00 Clear Lake Shores City Council
7:00 Seabrook City Council 
7:00 Webster City Council 
7:30 Pasadena City Council 

Wednesday, February 2
9:00 Houston City Council
10:00 Galveston Park Board of Trustees Tourism Advisory Committee
12:00 Galveston Housing Finance Corporation/Galveston Property Finance Authority, 2127 Broadway
4:00 Galveston Arts and Historic Preservation Advisory Board, City Hall Room 204
4:00 Texas City City Commission Workshop
5:00 Texas City City Commission
7:30 Taylor Lake Village City Council 

Thursday, February 3
4:00 Galveston Golf Course Ad Hoc Committee, Council Chambers
7:30 "Luisa Miller", Opera in the Heights, Lambert Hall, 1703 Heights Boulevard, Houston 

Friday, February 4
7:30 "Luisa Miller", Opera in the Heights, Lambert Hall, 1703 Heights Boulevard, Houston
8:00 Royal Boat Procession, in front of the Kemah Boardwalk

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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.

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.