2005 Archives

2004 Archives

2003 Archives

Thursday               February 17, 2005

Galveston City Council

Galveston City Council met in workshop this morning to hear a report on the 2004 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report from Chris Breaux of Null Lairson, P.C. Listen

"This report has been prepared this year, in large part, by the Finance Department," Breaux explained.  "It is the responsibility of the city.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion, or to audit the financial statements."

Breaux complimented the city staff on its preparation of the reports.

"We have rendered an unqualified or clean opinion, which is the highest level of assurance that we can give on financial statements," Breaux said.  "What we are saying here, is that the financial statements are fairly presented in all material respects."

Breaux said that he will meet with the city council in March to present his management letter, which will include recommendations to the city council.

Joe Jaworski, Barbara Roberts and Cornelia Harris-Banks were absent.

Photos and a recording of the meeting will be posted on The Online News Station.

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Texas City City Commission

The Texas City City Commission voted unanimously on Wednesday to approve a rezoning request from Planned Industrial to Limited Service for the newspaper office building at 7800 E.F. Lowry Expressway, to facilitate changes by  Texas City Newspapers Inc. since the Texas City Sun has merged with the Galveston County Daily News.

Representatives of the newspaper explained that the majority of printing operations for the Daily News has been moved to the Galveston facility and that the Texas City facility is now mainly used for customer service for the citizens and advertisers on the mainland.

"There were no controversial issues and there was no opposition to the rezoning request," said City Planner Don Carroll.

The city commission voted to award a $44,400 bid to Trantex, Inc. for a pavement marking machine.

The city commission voted to approve the National Incident Management System as a method of responding to incidents that "threaten the public health, safety and lives of the citizens," by the Texas City Emergency Management Department.

All other agenda items were approved.

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Seabrook City Council

Seabrook City Council on Tuesday met with a representative of the Harris County Flood Control District to discuss pending revisions in Federal Emergency Management Agency regulations and the impact of remapping of flood prone areas.

"It was a very informative meeting," said Mayor Robin Riley.  "This is a very serious and significant issue for the citizens because a lot of them have had their flood plain designation altered since they moved into their house." Listen

Riley said that the changes could cause increases in flood insurance rates for the residents.  The city council voted to schedule a public meeting at 7 p.m. on March 8 to review the changes.

The city council voted to call an election on May 7 for mayor and three city council positions as well as a proposal to abolish the one-half cent sales tax for economic development.

A proposal by Council Member Dee Wright that would allow her to work with Representative John Davis, Senator Mike Jackson and other governmental officials "to sponsor legislation which would require background checks on all people entering port restricted areas" failed for lack of a second.

Another motion by Wright, to "discuss the inability to discuss city board issues brought before council due to lack of a second to a motion," failed due to lack of a second.

The city council approved a package of proposed charter amendments that Riley said contains mostly housekeeping items.

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Galveston Independent School District

The Galveston Independent School District Board of Trustees on Wednesday voted unanimously to approve the GISD 2005-2006 school calendar, although there was discussion of proposed legislation that would require a statewide start day after Labor Day.  

The school board approved a $270,818 lease agreement with Konica-Minolta for the district's copiers.  School district staff reports that the contract will save the district approximately $140,451 over a three-year period. 

The school board awarded a $24,400 contract to AAR, Inc.  for asbestos abatement at Austin Middle School.  A second award was made to the two top bidders, AAR, Inc. and CST Environmental for all the additional non-specified abatement work that will be needed throughout this calendar year. 

All other agenda items were approved. 

Superintendent Lynn Hale announced that BHP Billiton Petroleum Inc. has committed $30,000 to the New Bolivar Habitat Reserve which will be located at the new Crenshaw Elementary and Middle School site.  Bolivar School Principal Bill Heuman accepted the first check committed to the project from BHP representatives Patrick Cassidy and Jesse Roberts.   

Hale announced that Heuman was recognized as Special Education Regular Educator of the Year  by the Texas Council of Administrators.  

GISD will host a “Re-enrollment Week” March 15 through March 18 for Weis Middle School students and March 21 through March 24 for all current pre-kindergarten through seventh-grade students.  

The purpose of re-enrollment weeks is to provide accurate student enrollment numbers on each campus.  

“In order to plan for next year, we need the help of our parents and guardians to provide current documents to confirm residency,” said GISD Superintendent Lynn Hale.  

Parents will be mailed detailed instructions with specifics of re-enrollment week.

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Texas Gas Service

Texas Gas Service announced today that customers in Galveston will effectively pay the same for their natural gas in February as they paid in January.  The cost of gas that customers will see on their February bill will be $0.79256 per hundred cubic feet, down less than one percent from January’s $0.79556 per hundred cubic feet.  

"Natural gas prices peaked in November and have decreased since that time," said a news release.  "Wholesale gas prices remain elevated, even with inventories of natural gas at five-year highs."

The release notes that in late January crude oil prices neared $50 a barrel, putting upward pressure on natural gas prices.  In addition, bitterly cold weather in the northeast and mid-west in late January drove up demand.  

"Imports of LNG and lingering production problems in the Gulf of Mexico due to last season’s hurricanes have kept the market scrambling to meet demand, and have kept prices high," the release said.  "Texas Gas Service does not profit from the higher commodity costs.  TGS charges its customers the same price it pays for natural gas, making the cost of gas a true “pass through” cost.  TGS changes the cost of gas factor each month, to reflect current market conditions."       

The release said that TGS is concerned that the relatively high commodity prices could persist, potentially becoming a hardship for Galveston customers.  

“TGS strongly encourages customers to enroll in the ABC Plan.  This plan helps customers budget for their natural gas payments throughout the year by averaging your bill over a 12-month period,” said Bobby Enriquez, Director of Operations, Texas Gas Service.  

Customers may call (800) 700-2433 to enroll in the ABC Plan or visit www.txgas.com.

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University of Texas Medical Branch

The Gillson Longenbaugh Foundation has awarded a $70,000 grant to the University of Texas Medical Branch that Dr. Anthony Simmons is using to conduct research that could lead to a new treatment of genital herpes.  

A professor of pediatric virology and faculty member in UTMB’s departments of Pathology and of Microbiology and Immunology, Simmons is developing an ointment to block the virus’ invasion of cells.  Applied vaginally, the ointment would not only prevent the sexual transmission of the disease but also protect newborns against potentially contracting it during birth. 

Simmons said the Gillson Longenbaugh Foundation is recognized for supporting novel research, especially that which has the potential to receive full funding from the National Institutes of Health. 

“They like to fund ideas that are ahead of the game,” said Simmons, the director of the Immunoassay Laboratory in UTMB’s Sealy Center for Vaccine Development.  “I’m grateful to the Gillson Longenbaugh Foundation for holding my research in such high regard.”

A free seminar entitled Heart Disease and Women, featuring a presentation by Dr. Michelle Mercatante, M.D. will be held from 6 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, February 22, at the Texas City Family Healthcare Center, 9300 Emmett F. Lowry Expressway, Suite 138, Texas City. 

The seminar, which is open to the public, will explore the facts, myths, risk factors, symptoms, diagnosis and prevention of heart disease.  Each participant will receive a “risk” test to gauge his or her individual risk. 

Seating is limited and reservations are preferred. To reserve a seat call (409) 986-9686.  For additional information call (409) 986-5273.

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Port of Houston Authority

The Port of Houston Authority International Corporation on Tuesday signed an agreement with Grupo Empresarial Logistik to develop an inter-modal terminal and strategic foreign trade zone in Mexico, and ultimately to create a major logistical corridor between Houston and central Mexico for global manufacturers and retailers.  Photos and Details

At an initial cost of $115,000, POHAIC will help GEL develop a business plan and identify sources of capital. 

"This partnership demonstrates that the Port of Houston Authority delivers the goods, not only in cargo but also in expertise," said Tom Kornegay, president of POHAIC.  "We are delighted to have this opportunity to help GEL accomplish what our Houston port does best - plan, develop, and manage safe, competitive, and efficient facilities. We firmly believe that our assistance will enable GEL to heighten central Mexico's appeal to global import and export shippers." 

"This is a historic moment for us," said Fernando Villareal, chief executive officer of GEL.  " We have been searching for the right partnership to help us develop the most modern cargo shipping facilities. We have found the perfect relationship with POHAIC." 

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Galveston Home, Garden and Leisure Show

The 17^th Annual Home, Garden & Leisure Show, to be held at the new Galveston Island Convention Center at the San Luis on February 26 and 27, has attracted about 150 exhibitors, according to publicist Mary Jo Naschke.

"It promises to be one of the biggest trade shows to be held on the Island this year," Naschke said.  "Experiencing an unprecedented building boom, with more than $1.8 billion of construction now in process, and more to come, developers, contractors and service professionals will be exhibiting at the event.  From new construction, to Victorian renovations, single family dwellings to high-rise residential, there will be representatives to help to buy it, build it or fix it." 

As in past years, exhibits will include swimming pool and landscaping companies, as well as demonstrations of the latest in air conditioning, and bath and kitchen displays, in the home and garden section; and new this year, there will be a leisure component that includes travel opportunities and outdoor activities such as motorcycles and jet skis.  There also will be a putting green for golf enthusiasts. 

David Yates, host of Home Improvement Hotline on KTRH AM, will be broadcasting live from the show each day.  

The Home, Garden & Leisure Show is the annual fundraising event of the Animal Shelter & Adoption Center of Galveston.   

Show hours are Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Tickets at the door are $5 for adults and $4 for students and seniors.  Discounted advance tickets are available at participating Randall’s.

The public is invited to attend. For additional information visit www.galveston.com/homeandgardenshow  or call (409) 762-3930.   

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Nia Cultural Center

The Nia Cultural Center of Galveston will present a Black History Quiz Bowl and Extravaganza on Saturday, February 19 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.  

The event will include black history exhibits and educational entertainment regarding various aspects of black history.  Teams from youth organizations including The Galveston Boys Rites of Passage, The Transformations Girls Rites of Passage, The Galveston Housing Authority and the Zeta Amicettes will compete for prizes and trophies. 

Byron Williams, winner of the Martin Luther King Essay contest, will read his award winning letter at the event. 

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Houston International Ballet

Houston International Ballet, League City’s civic ballet company, will produce a program called An Afternoon Delight Saturday, April 23 and Sunday, April 24 at 3:00 p.m. The program will include the children's ballet, Peter and the Wolf, followed by the Mazurka from Swan Lake, and divertissements from Paquita.

Tickets are $12 per person and can be purchased online at the company’s website, www.HoustonInternationalBallet.org,  or by phone at toll-free (877)-548-3237. Tickets are also available for purchase at the door, one hour prior to each performance. For more information please Houston International Ballet at (281) 332-6442.

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Texas Redfish Tournament Series

The Texas Redfish Tournament Series recently announced it will host five fishing tournaments across the Texas Gulf Coast in 2005, with a potential purse of more than $90,000 in prize money.

Tournament locations will include Seabrook, Port Aransas, Port Bolivar, Rockport and Port Lavaca. Two-person teams will compete for prize money in addition to earning points to qualify for a two-day championship tournament to be held in October in Corpus Christi .

“We’ve created a fun, competitive redfish tournament circuit that’s affordable for the weekend fisherman,” said Scot Simmons, an organizer of the tournaments.  “By polling fishermen from other tournaments, we’ve discovered a true niche for those wanting to fish redfish tournaments, but weary of paying up to $500 to $1,000 in entry fees.  What makes our tournament unique is the smaller entry fees, wade fishing and we’ve added more dates to fish. We’re the only redfish tournament trail to have all qualifying events and the championship held in Texas .”

The first tournament of the series will take place February 26 at Seabrook’s Sundance Grill. For more information call (210) 385.3333 or visit www.redfishseries.com. 

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National Beer Wholesalers Association

The National Beer Wholesalers Association and the Beer Institute issued a news release today claiming that beer-related businesses, including brewers, wholesalers and retailers, contribute $11.8 billion to the Texas economy.

The study reports that the industry’s economic impact in the state includes 128,614 jobs paying $3.98 billion in wages as well as more than $2.2 billion in federal, state and local taxes generated and paid, including consumption taxes.   The results show significant growth in all categories over a similar study released in 2003, which was based on data collected for 2001.

“We are extremely proud to be a significant contributor to the Texas economy,” said NBWA President David Rehr.  “More than simply providing a refreshing beverage enjoyed by 90 million adults, we are businesses that have a national economic impact, and at the same time positively touch nearly every community in Texas , providing jobs for our fellow citizens and tax revenues for our towns and cities.”

For additional information visit www.beerservesamerica.org.  

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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 17
4:00 Bay Area Houston Transportation Partnership
6:30 Galveston Chamber of Commerce Annual Banquet, Tremont House Davidson Ballroom
6:30 Clear Creek Independent School District Board of Trustees Special Meeting
6:30 League City City Council and Zoning and Planning Board Joint Special Meeting, council chambers 
7:00 La Marque Independent School District Board of Trustees Public Hearing on 2005-2006 School Calendar 
7:30 Santa Fe Independent School District Board of Trustees 
8:00 Same Time, Next Year, Bay Area Harbour Playhouse,3803 Highway3, Dickinson

Friday, February 18
12:00 Galveston-Trivandrum Sister City Presentation, Chamber of Commerce Office at 519 25th Street, Galveston
1:00 Galveston Parks and Recreation Board Special Meeting, Field Trip to Lake Jackson Recreation Center
5:30 North Galveston County Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting for JSC Federal Credit Union, 2300 I-45, at the corner of FM 1764 and FM 2004, next to Mall of the Mainland.
8:00 Moscow Circus, The Grand 1894 Opera House, Galveston
8:00 Nunsense, The east-end theatre company, etc., Galveston
8:00 Same Time, Next Year, Bay Area Harbour Playhouse,3803 Highway3, Dickinson

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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.