2005 Archives

2004 Archives

2003 Archives

Monday               February 7, 2005

Port Arthur City Council

Port Arthur City Council has scheduled a special meeting for 5:30 on Tuesday to consider elimination of the position of executive director of the Port Arthur Economic Development Corporation and also to consider an amendment to the PAEDC budget to account for the change.

A resolution proposed by Mayor Oscar Ortiz provides that "the city manager or his designee shall take such immediate measures to accommodate the securing of office equipment, office files, office supplies, vehicles, credit card and such other property of the City of Port Arthur Section 4A Economic Development Corporation utilized by the executive director as to enable an immediate transition."

At last week's meeting of the city council, independent auditor Gayle Botley presented a scathing review of the PAEDC, calling attention to problems that he detailed in two previous annual audits.

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Galveston County Commissioners Court

Galveston County Commissioners Court today voted unanimously to approve the 2005 Coastal Federal Legislative Agenda, which is headed by enactment of the Water Resources Development Act, including a new authority for the United States Corps of Engineers to use regional sand management and watershed management planning in all coastal regions of the United States.

The commissioners court approved an amendment to its agreement with the Texas General Land Office, providing for the beneficial use of dredged material at Rollover Pass.

The commissioners court approved a contract, not to exceed $2,500, with Randall-Porterfield Architects, Inc., to develop options for repair and/or replacement of the toll booth facility on the San Luis Pass Causeway, and approved an exemption from the County Purchasing Act so that competitive bids for the project need not be taken.

"We had a vehicle hit the toll bridge at San Luis Pass and basically put it out of commission," said County Judge Jim Yarbrough, stressing the need to expedite the project.  "We need to get it up and running as soon as possible."   Listen   Download

All other agenda items were approved.

The commissioners court met in workshop with County Budget Officer James Wilson, who presented a financial update on the construction of the new Justice Center.  Listen   Download

"From the financial side, we are clearly on track from the last time I reported to you," Wilson said. 

Yarbrough noted that stone masonry will soon cover the yellow siding that now adorns the facility.

The commissioners court met with Grand Cay Harbor developer about his project on property recently de-annexed by Texas City.  Listen   Download

"The original proposal was for the county to provide funds for the construction of the bridge and the road," said Tom Moughon, president of Resource Development for Grand Cay Harbor.  "Realizing that funds may be lacking in availability, based on our timing, we have come up with a different plan that might be more palatable to the county."

Reed said the plan now calls for the issuance of contract revenue bonds by a new municipal utility district.

"I must admit it appears that the deal gets better every time you come forward," Yarbrough said.

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Greater Houston Partnership

Harris County Judge Robert Eckels delivered his eleventh State of the County speech today before a sold out audience at the Greater Houston Partnership and League of Women Voters annual State of the County Luncheon.

Eckels applauded his fellow members of the commissioners court and employees of Harris County, while he emphasized the theme of "working for you."

"Today, when I say, 'working together works' - and that 'together we can do far more than we could alone' - it is hopefully clear that these are proven statements of fact, and not just the latest political slogan," Eckels said.

Eckels talked about the coordination and collaboration among various entities in regards to transportation, clean air, health care, and homeland security.

"As chairman of the Transportation Policy Council of the Houston-Galveston Area Council, I can report that the policy council unanimously adopted the 2025 Regional Transportation Plan for our eight county region," Eckels said.  "Representatives from the Harris County Toll Road Authority, Metro, the Texas Department of Transportation, and other county and municipal agencies throughout the region worked together to develop a regional transit system that will incorporate highways, toll roads, light rail, and commuter rail.  Having a coordinated transit system will improve the quality of life for all residents in the region."

Eckels said that Harris County has been the most active county in the state in environmental matters for several decades.  

"Our Pollution Control Department continues to be a leader in working with agencies like the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, the City of Houston, private industry, and other stakeholders in improving air quality," Eckels said.  "It is important to note that the county is also doing a better job at enforcing existing laws.  Harris County District Attorney Chuck Rosenthal has prosecuted more criminal environmental cases than the State of Texas and all other counties in Texas combined.  Harris County Attorney Mike Stafford leads Texas counties in civil enforcement actions."

Eckels stressed the importance of addressing the needs of more than 800,000 residents of the county who are either uninsured or under insured. 

"Harris County learned long ago that the needs of this community cannot be met alone," Eckels said.  "Therefore, the county has forged strong partnerships over the last decade with other non-profit, private, public, faith-based health care providers and clinics to coordinate services to meet the growing needs of the community."

Eckels noted that Harris County has joined the Greater Houston Partnership in its Public Health Care Task Force, and embraced its recommendations for greater collaboration, coordination, and integration of the total health-care delivery system.  

"The Harris County Commissioners Court created the 21 member Public Health Care System Advisory Council to advise the commissioners and the community towards accomplishing the goals of the task force," Eckels said.  

He said that Harris County is better prepared than any major urban area in the country for a natural or man-made disaster.

"The reason goes back to what we discussed at the outset:  No other city in America can match the cooperation we see here at all levels of government - and between the public and private sectors," Eckels said.  "Our progress on this critical front is rooted in 'Three Cs': cooperation with our neighbors, coordination among responders, and seamless communication between all."

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Galveston Livable Communities Initiative

The Galveston Livable Communities Steering Committee reviewed initial plans for the downtown transit terminal at 25th Street and The Strand with architects John V. Nyfeler of Aguirre Corporation and Bob Brown of Gaertner & Associates. Listen  Download  Photos

"I am going to talk to you about the building and how it works as a bus terminal, how it works as a parking garage and how it works as a set of retail shops," Nyfeler said, displaying a schematic design of the terminal.

Brown presented an architectural drawing of the facade of the building, which he said is designed to meet guidelines of the Galveston Landmark Commission.

Ted Deyo of the Historic Downtown Strand Partnership reported on the appearance of Mayor Lyda Ann Thomas and others from Galveston at the recent meeting of the Houston-Galveston Area Council Transportation Policy Committee, seeking funding for the terminal.

Bill Ross, chair of the steering committee, reported on the progress of plans to relocate a Rosenberg Fountain from the Seawall to downtown to help provide a gateway into the Strand area, in conjunction with development of the terminal.

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Water Control and Improvement District 12

Residents of Galveston County Water Control and Improvement District 12 voted 135-30 to approve an $11.2 million bond election on Saturday.

The bonds will be used to improve the district’s existing water distribution system as well as rehabilitation of the wastewater treatment system.

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League of Women Voters - Galveston Area

The League of Women Voters of the Galveston Area will meet on Monday, February 21  at 5:30 p.m. at the William Temple Episcopal Center, 427 Market Street, instead of its regular meeting time and place, in order to join the University Area Association in a discussion of the proposed liquefied natural gas terminal on Pelican Island. 

British Petroleum Public Affairs Director Neil Geary and BP Director of the Bay Crossing Project Bob Boyce will speak.  

"The community is encouraged to attend to learn more about the proposal and to provide their input," said Robert John Mihovil, president of the UAA.

For information call Lynn Thompson, LWV program vice president at (409) 744-8412 or Mihovil at (409) 763-3051.

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League City Economic Development Corp.

The League City Economic Development Corporation has announced five major projects totaling over $60 million.  Of the five, two projects were completed last year and three are scheduled for completion within the next few months. 

"American National Insurance Company completed construction of its Marina View building in South Shore Harbour," noted the news release.  "The speculative building, valued at $21 million, will provide 120,000 square feet of office space needed to help attract additional corporate office jobs to League City. Two years ago, on the recommendation of the economic development corporation, the City of League City provided incentives to encourage the construction of the building."

The news release notes also that construction is almost complete on American National Insurance Company’s new data center at South Shore Harbour.  The data center, valued at over $13 million, will employ over 125 people in League City. 

League City’s Big League Dreams Sports Park is set to open in March.  

"The $19 million facility, with six replica major league baseball stadiums, will host regional adult baseball and softball tournaments," said the news release.  

United Parcel Service completed construction on its new regional distribution center in August, 2004.  

"The $2 million facility, located on League City Parkway near Interstate 45, employs 55 people," said the release.  "A municipal grant, to pay part of the project’s infrastructure costs, was used to encourage UPS to locate in League City." 

Also, on the recommendation of the economic development corporation, The city provided a municipal grant to encourage BP America to lease 45,000 square feet in the newly constructed Marina View building at South Shore Harbour.  BP America will bring 156 new jobs and $5.2 million in new investment to League City.

“We were very successful in attracting these quality businesses to League City last year”, said Tom Linklater, president of the corporation.   “They will create hundreds of new jobs and help to diversify our city’s tax base."  

The League City Economic Development Corporation is a seven–member board appointed by the mayor and city council.  

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College of the Mainland

Dr. Homer "Butch" Hayes, president of College of the Mainland, has been appointed to the Senior Advisory Board of The Communities in Schools, Bay Area.

"Hayes was a leader in workforce education at Alamo College District in San Antonio prior to coming to COM in September, 2000 and he continues to be active in statewide work force initiatives," said a news release.  "He recently received the first Lifetime Achievement Award, named in his honor, from the Texas Workforce Advocates for his efforts to improve the quality of work force development for people with low incomes."

The Communities in Schools, Bay Area is a non-profit dropout prevention organization dedicated to helping at-risk youth in the Houston Bay Area stay in school and prepare for life.  Five high schools, one alternate school, four intermediate schools, and one elementary school in the Clear Creek and Dickinson Independent School Districts benefit from the program.

Dr. William Lindemann, chancellor of the San Jacinto College District, was also appointed to the board.

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San Jacinto College South

The San Jacinto College South Drama Department will present John Patrick’s “The Curious Savage” in the Black Box Theatre of the new Marie Flickinger Fine Arts Building, 13735 Beamer Road.

Curtain times are 8 p.m. Monday, February 14 through Saturday, February 19 with a matinee performance scheduled at 2 p.m. Sunday, February 20.  All tickets are $5. 

Liz Lacy is directing the play.  Sheleigh Carmichael is technical director.  The cast includes Lynne Parker, Chantel Balch-Oliver and Stacey Godwin of Pearland; Andres Greaber and Glen Philip of Houston; Brian Wicker and Whitney Wyatt of the South Belt area; Randi Weintraub and Karen Redmon of the Clear Lake City area; and Justin Myers and Shelley Akins of League City.

The artistic directors are Ralph Ehntholt, San Jac South drama professor; Lindsey Hartgrove and Jessica Johnston of Pearland; Brett Butler of Houston; Adi Teodoru of Clear Lake; Jerri Martin of South Houston and Chris Sharpless of the South Belt area.

The play is the drama department’s entry in the Texas Community College Theatre & Speech Association and is produced in special arrangement with Dramatists Play Service, Inc. 

To make a reservation or to find out more information, call (281) 922-3497 or e-mail liz.lacy@sjcd.edu.        

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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, February 7
4:00 Friendswood City Council Worksession
4:00 Galveston Landmark Commission
5:30 Galveston City Council Public Hearing on CDBG and HOME Fund Allocations
6:00 Jamaica Beach City Council Workshop and Special Meeting
6:30 Dickinson Independent School District Board of Trustees
7:00 Friendswood City Council
7:00 Seabrook Charter Review Commission
7:30 El Lago City Council

Tuesday, February 8
Fat Tuesday - Mardi Gras Day
8:00 Scholes International Airport at Galveston Advisory Committee, Terminal Building Conference Room
8:30 Galveston Park Board of Trustees Ad Hoc Hotel Tax Allocations Assessment Committee, Victorian Condo-Hotel Ballroom
10:00 Harris County Commissioners Court
10:00 Pasadena City Council
11:00 Galveston Reinvestment Zone11 Board of Directors, City Hall Room 204.
12:00 Rotary Club of Galveston Island, San Luis Resort and Conference Center 5222.  Galveston Public Information Officer Janet Cohen, , City of Galveston, will present the new initiative of Galveston City Council, “Don’t Even Think About it, Keep Galveston Clean, Give Trash the Boot.”
1:30 Beaumont City Council
1:30 Houston City Council
1:30 Galveston Park Board of Trustees
3:30 Galveston Central Appraisal District, 600 Gulf Freeway, Texas City
3:30 Galveston Planning Commission Workshop, City Hall, 823 Rosenberg
4:00 Galveston Planning Commission Meeting, City Hall,823 Rosenberg
5:30 North Galveston County Chamber of Commerce After-Hours Mixer, Wreckers Grill & Pirate Dog Bar 1817 Avenue K, San Leon
6:00 Mystic Krewe of Aquarius Annual “Fat Tuesday” Parade, Galveston
6:00 Texas Silver-Haired Legislature Foundation Annual Fundraising banquet, The Marriott at the Capitol, Austin. Governor Rick Perry will be the keynote speaker
6:30 Friendswood Independent School District Board of Trustees
6:30 Santa Fe City Council Workshop
7:00 League City City Council
7:00 Dickinson City Council
7:00 Morgan's Point City Council
7:30 Texas City Independent School District Board of Trustees  

Wednesday, February 9
Ash Wednesday
9:00 Houston City Council
10:00 Harris-Galveston Coastal Subsidence District, 1660 West Bay Area Boulevard, Friendswood 
4:00 Galveston Windstorm Action Committee Annual Meeting, Henry Freudenburg Insurance Agency, 6202 Stewart Road
4:00 Galveston Zoning Board of Adjustment, City Hall, 823 Rosenberg
4:30 Galveston Ethics Commission, City Hall Room 100
5:00 Galveston College Board of Regents
5:00 West End Land Use Policy Committee, City Hall, Room 204, 823 Rosenberg  

Thursday, February 10
12:00 Galveston City Council Workshop
12:00 Houston Downtown Management District, 909 Fannin Suite 1650.
5:30 Galveston City Council
7:00 Kemah City Council
7:00 Santa Fe City Council
7:00 La Marque Independent School District Board of Trustees
8:00 “Along for the Ride,” Lamar Studio Theatre  

Friday, February 11
8:00 “Along for the Ride,” Lamar Studio Theatre  

Saturday, February 12
3:00 "The Full Monty," The Grand 1894 Opera House, Galveston
8:00 "The Full Monty," The Grand 1894 Opera House, Galveston
8:00 “Along for the Ride,” Lamar Studio Theatre  

Sunday, February 13
2:00 “Along for the Ride,” Lamar Studio Theatre  
3:00 "The Full Monty," The Grand 1894 Opera House, Galveston

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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.  

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