2005 Archives

2004 Archives

2003 Archives

Thursday               February 10, 2005

Texas General Land Office

Texas Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson today announced a legislative agenda that recommends consideration of the addition of fees to coastal county hotel and motel bills, wharfage fees, redirecting a portion of the existing Barge Trust Fund, adding a fee to passenger tickets on cruise ships, adding a fee to the price of renting a beach condominium and one-time fees added to coastal real estate transactions.

Patterson said that the legislative agenda focuses on two main goals: earning more for the state’s Permanent School Fund and better protection of properties along the coast.

“Texas can’t rely on oil and gas to pay for education forever,” Patterson said.  “We need to be able to enhance our abilities here at the Land Office to generate more money for the school kids.  We’re confident that members of the Legislature will agree.”

Patterson, acting on recommendations by the state auditor’s office, said that he is seeking legislative changes that would increase the School Land Board’s ability to enhance the value of real estate purchased on behalf of the Permanent School Fund.  The School Land Board, which Patterson chairs, is an adjunct of the Texas General Land Office.  Other changes backed by Patterson will let the School Land Board adjust to rapidly changing market conditions, "much like many real estate funds".  The Permanent School Fund is a $19 billion fund that pays for the state’s share of K-12 education in Texas.

Patterson stressed that his coastal focus is on protecting public and private property at risk from erosion.

“Each year, we actually lose 235 acres of Texas coast to erosion," Patterson said.  "That’s more than 181 football fields worth of beach. Texas needs to stand its ground, and step up and fight this loss, where it makes economic sense to do so.  It is up to all of us at the local, state and federal level to work together and find a solution.”

Patterson notes that Texas has some of the highest coastal erosion rates in the United States. 

"But last year, faced with a huge budget deficit, the Legislature cut funding to renourish beaches in half, from $15 million a biennium to $7.38 million," he said.  "Lawmakers also changed the source of funding for coastal erosion projects, shifting it from general revenue to the fund set aside to clean up oil spills in Texas, thereby endangering this vital mission. This fund, the Coastal Protection Account, is funded by a two cents-per-barrel fee on oil that is shipped through Texas ports."

Patterson said that he is working with the Texas House Land and Resources Committee and Senate Natural Resources Committee to study various permanent funding options to ensure that the Texas coast will be protected.  In addition to the addition of fees to coastal-county hotel/motel bills, wharfage fees, redirecting a portion of the existing Barge Trust Fund, adding a fee to passenger tickets on cruise ships, adding a fee to the price of renting a beach condominium and one-time fees added to coastal real estate transactions, Patterson's other priorities include:

 · Establishing a Beach Protection Fund for the relocation of beach homes that, due to erosion, end up on the public beach

 · Creating a pilot program to demonstrate innovative new technologies for protecting the state’s shoreline

 · Enhancing the authority of the land commissioner to remove and dispose of abandoned vessels and structures

Patterson, a former state senator, said that he and his staff have spent the past several weeks discussing his agenda with house members and former colleagues in the Senate.  

"Several proposals have already been filed as bills, with more on the way," he said.  

Print Version

Galveston City Council

Galveston City Manager Steve LeBlanc reported to the city council in workshop today that the Gulf Coast Water Authority has begun preparations for another water treatment plant expansion, and that the city will be asked to contribute toward the cost of a preliminary engineering study for the project. 

"The last expansion in 2001 brought the total plant reserve capacity to 50 million gallons per day, and the City of Galveston's reserve capacity to 20.99 million gallons per day," LeBlanc said.  "Planning for the next expansion, set for 2011, began in the fall of 2004 with a survey of needs from all member cities based upon state-mandated minimum requirements and the various cities' projections of growth."

LeBlanc said that the next step is the preliminary engineering study to determine the major issues associated with the expansion and to provide a more refined expected cost, which is expected to cost between $600,000 and $700,000. 

"The GCWA has asked all its member cities to participate in the cost of this study based upon their expected pro-rata share of the proposed plant expansion," LeBlanc said.  "The City of Galveston's projected needs indicate that approximately 50 percent of the plant expansion will be required for the City of Galveston, or between $300,000 and $350,000."

LeBlanc reported that the Compliance Division is continuing to work with the city's legal, fire and police departments to collectively address dangerous properties throughout the city.

"The program began with the adoption of a revised abatement code and improved the procedures for the Building Standards Commission," LeBlanc said.  "The focus of the program began with the structures that had remained in disrepair for more than five years, and contributed to the blight of the community."

LeBlanc said that 23 properties were demolished last fiscal year as a result of the concerted effort, compared to previous years where the city averaged between three to seven demolitions.  He said that city staff currently has approximately 72 properties on the "watch list", which will either be presented to municipal court or processed for Building Standard Commission action.

LeBlanc announced the Association of City Managers for Texas has chosen Galveston for the 2005 Annual Conference, which will be held June 10 through June 13 at Moody Gardens. Approximately 1,000 visitors are expected.

Print Version

League City City Council

League City City Council on Tuesday voted 5-1, with Jon Keeney opposed, to rezone 4.95 acres of land in the 100 block of I-45 southbound, from Single Family Residential and Public Facilities and Institutions, to Office and Professional Commercial, to facilitate development of an office park.

The city council voted 5-1, with Keeney opposed, to approve a private streets agreement for Constellation Pointe subdivision.

The city council voted 5-1, with Mike Hembree opposed, to rezone a five-acre tract at 1500 Seventh Street from Public Facilities and Institutions to Single Family Residential.

The city council voted 5-1, with Keith Dill opposed, to issue tax bonds for Galveston County Municipal Utility District 6.

The city council voted 5-1, with Dill opposed, to amend a maintenance and operations agreement for Big League Dreams Sports Park concerning the acquisition of furniture, furnishings and equipment.

The city council voted 5-1, with Dill opposed, to approve two change orders in the contract with Linbeck Construction for the Big League Dreams project.

The city council voted 4-1, with Keeney opposed and Hembree out of the room, to approve extension of an eight-inch sanitary sewer line on West Drive at the request of Sunset Development, representing Bay Way Homes.

The city council voted 4-2, with Dill and Tommy Cones opposed, to award a contract for construction of Butler Heritage Park.

The city council voted 4-3, with Mayor Jeff Harrison voting to break a tie, to increase the guaranteed maximum price of the construction manager at risk contract for the Butler Longhorn Museum, "to adjust for project scope changes, excessive materials costs increases and the reallocation of funds for such contract increases."  Cones, Dill and Rusty Tidwell were opposed.

The city council voted unanimously to move forward on the employment of a new city administrator.

The city council voted unanimously to name Council Member Jim Nelson as the ex-officio representative to the Library Board.

The city council postponed action on appointment of a member to the 4-A Industrial Development Corporation Board of Directors.

The city council postponed action on a request to approve a $4,522.81 final payment to Purkiss Rose, RSI for incidential costs that were not included in the original contract and are associated with the 4-B swimming pool.

The city council took no action on a proposed interlocal agreement with the Clear Creek Independent School District to provide required infrastructure to build and open the Clear Creek Independent School District’s fourth high school.

The lack of action by the city council angered CCISD officials, who issued a news release that is posted on the Forum Page of The Online News Station. Release

"This is not the first time the League City City Council has balked at the idea of providing city services to open a school," the release said.  "Clear Creek ISD encountered similar roadblocks in the construction of Goforth Elementary, Bauerschlag Elementary, League City Intermediate and Victory Lakes Intermediate. The council has repeatedly refused to build roads, provide building inspectors and other much needed city services."

CCISD contends that if the agreement is not approved at the February 22 city council meeting that the August 2007 opening date of the school will be jeopardized, and there will then be nearly 5,000 students attending Clear Creek High School .

“As the primary educator of the community’s children, we are in the business of building classrooms, not building roads,” said Fred Niccum, CCISD director of facilities.  “This interlocal agreement is essential to continuing the exceptional educational opportunities provided to the students in our district.”

All other agenda items were approved with unanimous votes. Nelson was absent.

Print Version

Pasadena City Council

Pasadena City Council on Tuesday voted 8-1, with Jack Douglass opposed, to give final authorization of a $112,995 payment to Chicago Title Company for service at 420 Scott Street in the Strawberry Road Extension Project; and the city council approved the first reading of ordinances authorizing payment of $96,892 and 110,201 for service at 614 Scott Street and 1216 Scott Street for the same project.

The city council voted 8-1, with Douglass opposed, to approve the first reading of an ordinance authorizing a $29,279 payment to Herbert Maden for relocation supplement expenses associated with the acquisition of property for the construction of the Strawberry Road Extension.

Council Member Jim Barker said that he is proud of the work being done on the Strawberry Road sanitary sewer trunk line, which will soon be completed.

Council Member James Guthrie "echoed sentiments" of Barker, saying that he is proud of the improvements being made by the city council, including the Strawberry Road Extension.

The city council voted 7-2, with Bill Welch and Dana Philibert opposed, to change the date of the San Jacinto Day Holiday observed by the city to April 22.

The city council agreed to defer indefinitely, approval of the proposed $185,012 purchase of a telecommunications system from Tele-Works, Inc.

Council Member Jerri Neely expressed concern that only one bid had been received.

All other agenda items were approved with unanimous votes.

Print Version

Houston Downtown Management District

The Houston Downtown Management District Board of Directors today voted unanimously to extend for another six months a $50,000 grant offer to help fund a skate park on the western edge of downtown Houston. The grant offer was extended for six months last September and is now valid until August, 2005 and matches a $66,000 offer from the Houston Convention and Entertainment Facilities department toward a funding goal of $750,000. The vote came after board members learned the park would not be built under Interstate Highway 45, as originally proposed.

"The city of Houston began pursuing that project and TxDOT indicated that they were very uncomfortable with a project that would attract a large number of people to be underneath the freeway," said Guy Hagstette, district staff member and special assistant to Houston Mayor Bill White for urban design. Video  Download

"The city of Houston had to find an alternative site," Hagstette continued.  "They have done that. The alternative site is further west, actually west of Sabine Street and west of the city water treatment facility which is right off Memorial Drive as you approach downtown. It’s about a one to two-acre tract of land."

"In other cities these (skate parks) have been very successful, with a very diverse population attending, from seven-year old skaters to 55-year olds," said Paul Layne, management district board chair.

In other action, the board approved a Cotswold Program budget increase of $4,900 for the design of a sidewalk from Commerce Street to Buffalo Bayou that meets Americans with Disabilities Act and State of Texas requirements for pedestrian access.

The board also voted to authorize District Executive Director Robert Eury to execute a contract not to exceed $115,000 with the Cultural Arts Council of Houston/Harris County for the supply and installation of artwork for the Cotswold's Bayou Pedestrian Connection project.

The board approved a $14, 000 change order to the contract with Jerdon Enterprises for improvements to the McKee Street storage yard used for district operations.

Print Version

Galveston College Board of Regents

The Galveston College Board of Regents on Wednesday approved the transfer of $4.5 million from the current operating fund to the unexpended plant fund, and the designation of $1.47 million in funds to the plant account for renovations, a parking lot, Sungard technology upgrades and repair and maintenance projects.   

The board voted to uphold the decision of the president regarding an employee grievance by Dr. Bernadette Hence. 

The board authorized the faculty to add or delete courses and adjust laboratory fees without additional board approval when the program or discipline changes occur within the academic year. The fees assigned to the new course would be identical to the deleted course or similar courses within the discipline. 

The board approved a proposal from M. Arthur Genser, Jr. and Associates, Inc. to provide design services for a new parking lot project for the college. The project would include a new parking lot on the corner of 39^th Street and Avenue Q.  

“It used to be that morning would be pretty bad, and late afternoon would be pretty bad—it’s bad all the time now, so the parking lot is really needed,” said President Dr. Elva LeBlanc. 

All other agenda items were approved unanimously. 

Dr. Gaynelle Hayes, special assistant to the president, presented an overview of the campus renovation projects. Hayes cited partnerships as a major component in the projects.  The college has partnered with Galveston Independent School District for the district to use the Fort Crockett campus while Austin School is renovated. Future partnerships were anticipated with the City of Galveston, local foundations, and community investors. 

Brian Lowery, director of admissions, updated the board on college enrollment. The update included a breakdown of enrollment by ethnicity which identified 53 percent Caucasian, 23 percent Hispanic, 20 percent African American, 2.5 percent Asian, and one percent "other".  Lowery said that the percentages closely reflect the ethnic breakdown of the city of Galveston. 

Henry Gomez appeared before the board to request that audio and video recordings be made of all scheduled Board of Regents meetings.  

“Formerly known as the Afro American Club, the African American Club was first established in 1976," Williams said.  "The purpose was to provide members with the opportunity to interact with other students, faculty and staff, and the community to learn more about African American culture and its contributions to society.”  

Activities of the club in celebration of African American History Month include displays on campus, a book signing, and programs.

Print Version

College of the Mainland

Three Black History Month programs have been announced at College of the Mainland to "explore popular culture and the state of present day race relations."  

"Alex Pratt, a history professor at COM examines the way history, media and culture create myths and shape stereotype, and to what extent they distort the reality of a proud culture," said a news release. 

The program, which is free and open to the public, will be February 16 from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the Teaching Auditorium at COM. 

Mylinda Washington, sister of James Byrd, who died as a result of being dragged from a pickup truck by three members of the KKK in Jasper in 1998, will speak on Wednesday, February 16 at 6 p.m. in the Teaching Auditorium.  

"Mrs. Washington will speak on issues relating to racism and the healing of racial wounds in light of her family’s experiences," said the news release. 

The Multi-Culture Team at COM will present a community panel discussion exploring the topic, “The African American Experience: Acting Today to Ensure a Hopeful Tomorrow” on February 24 at 7:30 p.m. in the Teaching Auditorium. 

"The panel will lead a discussion from various community perspectives to generate thoughts and ideas on achieving a better future," said the news release.  

Panelists include Dr. Beverly Guillory Lewis, a private practice physician with Mainland Hospital; Robert Bursby, Chief of Police in Texas City; Michael Augustus, MD, with Augustus Funeral Home; Dianne Merchant, director of Mainland Preparatory School; Dr. Janis Gilbert-Williams, pastor of McKinney Memorial United Methodist; and  COM professor Albert Bass. 

The public is welcome to attend any and all of the Black History Month events.

Print Version

San Jacinto College South

The San Jacinto South Music Department and San Jazz South Ensemble will celebrate Black History Month by sponsoring Alley Theatre’s production of David Prather’s “When Harlem Was In Vogue,” at 7 p.m., Tuesday, February 22 on the Proscenium Stage inside the Marie Spence Flickinger Fine Arts Center, located on the South Campus, 13735 Beamer Road, Houston.

"Celebrating the beat of jazz, rhythm of poetry and a strong cry for racial harmony, the production gives students a tour of Harlem through the eyes of Langston Hughes' fictional everyman, Jesse B. Simple," said a news release.  "Students are also introduced to some of the most famous artists, thinkers and performers of the Harlem Renaissance including musician Duke Ellington, author Zora Neale Hurston, poet Langston Hughes and jazz vocalist Bessie Smith."

A $5 donation is requested.  For further information or for tickets contact Erin Williams at (713) 910-5030.

Print Version

University of Texas Medical Branch

Robert and Edith Zinn of Houston have created a presidential scholarship for outstanding students in the University of Texas Medical Branch’s Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and also have pledged to establish a fund for innovative educational programs in the school.

"By offsetting recipients’ tuition, fees, book costs and living expenses, the Edith and Robert Zinn Presidential Scholarship will offer greater educational opportunities for future generations of biomedical researchers at the academic health center," said a news release.  "The Zinns have also pledged to establish the Educational Enrichment Endowment to support learning programs like lectures and symposia, in addition to such special projects as health-related law and business management courses." 

Robert Zinn said that he and his wife have great respect for the potential of biomedical science to help people. 

“We feel that members of the faculty at UTMB create a sense of community with young researchers that is nurturing and important for their development,” Zinn said.  “It feels good to play a small role in helping with the financial burdens of the students."

“The Zinns’ generosity will help the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences maintain a vibrant learning environment for our students,” said Dr. Cary W. Cooper, dean of the graduate school.  “Their presidential scholarship will furthermore allow us to reward our exceptional students for their hard work and dedication to improving the health of others.” 

“In creating these endowments, Mr. and Mrs. Zinn have ensured that their vision for bettering the health of society by enhancing graduate school programs of excellence and supporting its most promising students is secured well into the future,” said UTMB President Dr. John Stobo.

“It’s natural for us to be drawn to UTMB since it continues a tradition begun many years ago by my father, Will Zinn, when he established an annual award there for the highest-ranking medical school graduating senior," Zinn said.  "This was continued upon the death of my sister with the establishment of the Zelda Zinn Casper Foundation, which evolved into the Zelda Zinn Casper annual scholarship for a UTMB student who has demonstrated outstanding research ability after the first year of graduate school.” 

Print Version

Super Sci-Tech Saturday

The biannual Super Sci-Tech Saturday, sponsored by four area school districts, which offers a one-day conference for girls to explore careers in science, math and technology, will be held Saturday at the University of Houston-Clear Lake Bayou Building.

"Female astronauts, veterinarians, scientists, webmasters and  designers, engineers, nutritionists, marine biologists, doctors and pilots are just a few of the presenters planned for this year’s conference," said a news release. 

The Keynote speaker at the conference will be Commander Pam Melroy, a space shuttle pilot with more than 8 million miles in space.

The conference goals include:

• Providing young women with opportunities to meet and interact with positive women role models who are active in math, science and technology related careers.  
• Increasing the interest of young women in math and science by providing exciting and fun hands-on learning experiences.
• Encouraging young women to study as much math and science as possible by showing them the benefits of education and its relevance to their lives.
• Fostering an awareness of career opportunities in science and math related fields.  

In 1976, the Math/Science Network created Expanding Your Horizons in Science and Mathematics conferences as an intervention strategy, designed to nurture girls’ interest in math and science courses and to encourage them to expand their career visions to include science and math based careers.

Since the first conference was held at Mills College in Oakland , California in 1976, one- half million sixth through twelfth grade girls and approximately 64,500 parents and educators have attended EYH Conferences.  

The conference was first offered by Clear Creek Independent School District in 1996.  In 2001, Friendswood ISD joined in sponsoring the conference, and this year CC ISD and F ISD will be joined by girls in LaPorte ISD and Galveston ISD.

For more information call Carrie Taylor at (281) 338-5803.

Print Version

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

The Houston Metropolitan Transit Authority is providing shuttle service to Reliant Park for the Livestock Show and Rodeo from eight locations across Houston.

• Aramco Services Co. Parking Lot, 9009 West Loop 610 South;
• Delmar Stadium, 2020 Mangum (near U.S. 290 and West Loop 610 North);
• Monroe Park & Ride, 8833½  Gulf Freeway (I-45 at Easthaven Boulevard);
• North Shepherd Park & Ride, 7821 N. Shepherd (at Veterans-Memorial Drive and I-45 North);
• Reed Road Lot, 2600 Reed Road (west of Texas 288);
• Smith Lands Parking Lot, 2103 S. Braeswood (near Old Spanish Trail and Greenbriar);
• West Loop Park & Ride, 4675 S. Braeswood at West Loop 610; and
• Westwood Park & Ride, 9990 Southwest Freeway (south of Bissonnet).

In addition, METRO Rodeo Express shuttles will be available at the Maxey Road Park & Ride, 515 Maxey Road at Woodforest. However, patrons using the Maxey Road shuttles will be transported to the Fannin South Park & Ride lot where they will board METRORail to Reliant Park.   

METRO’s Rodeo Express shuttle service begins with the World's Championship Bar-B-Que Contest February 24 through 26.  

Round-trip fare for the Rodeo Express shuttles is $3 for adults and children 13 and older (free for children 12 and younger). 

All Rodeo attendees and their belongings are subject to search before entering events at Reliant Park. 

For more information on METRO services to the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo, call METROLine at (713) 635-4000 or visit www.ridemetro.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, February 10
5:30 Galveston City Council
6:00 Kemah City Council Workshop
7:00 Kemah City Council Regular Session
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 at Lamar University in Beaumont  

Friday, February 11
12:00 Galveston Island Redevelopment Authority, City Hall Room 204
8:00 “Along for the Ride,” Lamar Studio Theatre at Lamar University in Beaumont  

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.