2005 Archives

2004 Archives

2003 Archives

Wednesday         February 23, 2005

League City City Council

The League City City Council on Tuesday voted 3-4, with Thomas Cones, Mike Hembree and Jim Nelson in favor, to reject a proposed interlocal agreement with Clear Creek Independent School District that would have provided for infrastructure improvements, such as roads and sewers, to facilitate construction of a new high school on Palomino Road.

There was a diversity of opinion among members of the public as well as the council members at the meeting.   

League City resident Mary Strickland commented on the need for a new high school on the city’s west side.  Resident Craig Farris said that he is concerned about traffic and the safety of students if the school is built at the proposed location.  Listen  Download

City council members also expressed concern regarding the school’s location, given the potential increase in traffic on Palomino Road, which dead-ends at Clear Creek; and its effect on students attending Creekside Intermediate.

“I am asking Clear Creek ISD to look at some other situations that will create a high school that is centrally located on the west side and will fit into League City’s transportation capital improvement plans,” said Council Member Jon Keeney.  Listen  Download

Other city council members said they hope that the school district will consider changing the location of the new high school.

Fred Niccum, the school district’s director of facilities and planning, presented layouts of the proposed school.  He said the school district is concerned about the safety of the students and is willing to work with League City to improve traffic, but is not willing to discuss a new location.

“We’re not moving the school,” Niccum said. “We have not been keeping secrets in the school district about where the schools are going to go.”

The city council voted unanimously to appoint Barbara Long as the new city secretary. The city council deferred action on the appointment of a new city administrator.

The city council voted unanimously to approve a resolution for the issuance of unlimited tax bonds series 2005 for Galveston County Municipal District No. 39.

The city council voted 5-2, with Keeney and Rusty Tidwell opposed, to approve an amendment to the master roadway network of the League City comprehensive plan. The amendment will change the easterly-most terminus of the second E-W Thoroughfare from Highway 3 to Calder Road.

The city council voted 5-2, with Keith Dill and Jon Keeney opposed, to approve an action increasing the guaranteed maximum price of the construction manager at risk contract for the Butler Longhorn Museum.  The action will cover additional material costs incurred after the city changed the blueprints and the deadline for the museum.

The city council voted 6-1, with Cones opposed, to approve an ordinance ordering a general election on May 7 to elect a mayor and two city council positions.

The council voted 4-3, with Cones, Dill and Tidwell opposed, to approve a final payment in the amount of $4,522 to Purkiss Rose, RSI for incidental costs associated with the 4-B swimming pool.  The costs were not included in the original contract.

The city council voted unanimously to table a policy that would assist city employees who retire due to a disability with health insurance benefits.

A proposal to use capital improvement funds to cover operating expenses failed for lack of a motion.

All other agenda items were unanimously approved.

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Dickinson City Council

Dickinson City Council on Tuesday voted to reverse an earlier decision to repeal the city's tattoo parlor regulations so that responsibility for enforcement of those establishments would be done by the State of Texas rather than the Galveston County Health District.

"We had received a request to do so from the district, but declined to do that at our last meeting because we were concerned about the inspection and oversight," said City Council Member Kerry Neves in an email report on the meeting. Report

"After receiving assurances from the district, our staff recommended we do as the district requested, so we approved the repeal of the regulations," Neves said.

The city council voted to approve a new policy that would allow city crews to assist with the maintenance of private roads.  Neves voted against that action.

The city council voted to include a referendum on collective bargaining for police officers on the May 7 election ballot.

The city council voted to ratify a settlement agreement between PNM Resources, Texas-New Mexico Power and cities served by TNMP, including Dickinson, relating to transmission and distribution rates for electric service. 

The city council voted to table action on bids for lease of city property for gas exploration until they can be reviewed by the city attorney. 

The city council voted to approve the local purchase of  $38,139 worth of equipment for the police department and the fire department, using funds from a Homeland Security Grant.

The city council took no action on a proposal to set time limits on political signs placed on private property.

The city council voted to support legislation which would create municipal management districts, especially for support of the Dickinson Medical Center. 

All other agenda items were approved.

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Houston City Council

The meeting was brief because city council members attended the funeral of HFD Captain Grady Burke.  Before leaving, Mayor Bill White pledged to re-prioritize the demolition of Houston’s thousands of abandoned buildings, such as the one where Burke died fighting a fire. Listen    Download  

Houston Police Department

Houston Police Chief Harold L. Hurtt, in conjunction with the chiefs of police of Austin, Dallas, El Paso, Fort Worth and San Antonio, has taken official positions concerning legislative initiatives.  

Initiatives supported by the chiefs include, regional DNA crime labs, a reduction in the number of free false burglar alarms from five to two, increasing the penalty for burglary of a motor vehicle to a state jail felony, countywide traffic jurisdiction for municipal police officers, prohibiting concealed weapons permit holders from carrying firearms in police stations and modification of the collections of racial profiling data to enhance the benefits that racial profiling data provides to the community. 

"These initiatives are critical to the unique needs of law enforcement in large urban areas," Hurtt said.  "It is believed
that both the public and police agencies will benefit from the proposed changes."

The coalition opposes two proposed legislative initiatives, including bills to prevent cities from using photographic red light enforcement and pawn shop legislation, which limits the law enforcement officers' ability to access electronically submitted pawn ticket information.

Hurtt said that he feels strongly about addressing the above issues "in order to continue to provide citizens with the very best public safety possible".

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Port Arthur Planning Commission

The Port Arthur Planning Commission on Tuesday voted 3-0-1, with Fernando Ramirez abstaining, to deny a specific use permit for a new high school stadium and athletic facilities at Ninth Avenue and Sgt. Lucian Adams Drive; but voted to table action on a site plan on the stadium until Port Arthur City Council reviews the specific use permit denial.

It will require a super majority of seven votes by the nine-member city council to overturn the planning commission's denial.

Residents of Sgt. Lucian Adams Drive expressed concern that the distance between the stadium and the nearest parking lot would cause people to park along their road.  

The request will be considered by the city council on March 15.

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Jefferson County Commissioners Court

Jefferson County Commissioners Court today voted to appoint Dr. Mo Way to the Jefferson County Mosquito Control District as the advisory commissioner of Precinct 1.

The commissioners court voted to apply for an $80,000 grant from the Criminal Justice Division of the Office of the Governor for the Jefferson County Victims Assistance Center.

The commissioners court met in executive session to discuss potential litigation based on a claim by the Combined Law Enforcement Associations of Texas related to dental insurance benefits for police officers.

The commissioners court tabled action on a proposed grant application from the Texas Department of State Health Services for diabetes education and prevention until a future meeting.

The commissioners court tabled until next week a resolution commending Michael Corbello who is retiring after 25 years of service to the county.

All other agenda items were approved.

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Historic Downtown Strand Partnership

Galveston County Judge Jim Yarbrough at the Fourth Tuesday Forum sponsored by the Historic Downtown Strand Partnership reviewed the progress of the new Galveston County Justice Center, which is currently under construction; and the impact of moving county offices from other locations to the complex when it is completed. 

"We think that this facility will take care of Galveston County for the next 50 years," Yarbrough said, predicting that the new complex will be fully operational by the spring of 2006, with city and county jails combined, as well as the courtrooms that currently operate in the downtown Courthouse.  

He said that landscaping will take years to mature, but the new complex "will change the way you come into Galveston."

The old Courthouse will be remodeled to accommodate all of the offices currently in the Holbrook Building and many of the offices currently housed in Shearn Moody Plaza.

"We will keep the sixth floor (of the old Courthouse) as it is," Yarbrough said, adding that there may be a need for the courtrooms in the future.

Yarbrough said that options are being considered for the existing jail facilities at the Courthouse.  He acknowledged that it may be contracted out for incarceration by other agencies, but stressed that it will a better neighbor in the East End Historic District than the existing jail. 

He said that public meetings will be held before any decisions are made about the jail facilities.

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University of Texas Medical Branch

The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston has created a Technology Development Seed Fund to provide gap funding to entrepreneurial faculty members.  

"This fund will be helpful in forming biotechnology startup companies based on intellectual property developed at UTMB or accelerating startup companies that are already formed," said a news release.  "The Center for Technology Development will administer the program with funds the university has received from prior technology transfer and licensing proceeds."

UTMB President Dr. John Stobo said the main objective is to provide initial capital to an innovative UTMB-based company to enable it to achieve defined technical and business milestones leading towards commercialization. 

"Typically these technologies are relatively advanced in their concept but need additional development work to demonstrate their full commercial potential," said the release.  "The program is intended to provide funds to help with activities that will make the technologies marketable.  Gap funding will be available to early stage companies for establishing business plans, paying legal costs associated with company formation, conducting critical 'proof of concept research,' market analysis, or developing prototypes."

The intention also is to enhance the start-up company’s ability to attract future funding from outside sources. 

“We hope these funds will provide the momentum to increase the number of commercial opportunities developed from UTMB research efforts,” said Dr. Jim Arie, director of the Center for Technology Development. 

The seed fund will initially have $100,000 available annually, and awards are expected to range from $25,000 to $50,000. Proposals will be evaluated by the Center for Technology Development and a committee appointed by Dr. Stobo.

For questions about the program or information on applications, contact Arie at (409) 772-7957 or jarie@utmb.edu.

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Port of Houston Authority

United States Environmental Protection Agency Regional Administrator Richard E. Greene today announced a $150,000 grant to the Port of Houston Authority to reduce air emissions from diesel equipment.  The PHA will retrofit rubber tired gantry cranes and terminal tractors with diesel oxidation catalysts and diesel emulsion to reduce harmful components in their exhaust.

The project is one of 18 funded as part of EPA’s new Clean Diesel Campaign, which seeks to retrofit diesel vehicles with advanced technologies and cleaner fuels to reduce emissions of particulate matter (soot) and other air toxics.  Each demonstration project is intended to reduce the impact of pollution on a population that is especially susceptible to the effects of diesel exhaust, including children, the elderly, and the chronically ill.

“I applaud our region’s winner, the Port of Houston Authority, for its leadership in helping to make the black puff of smoke from diesel exhaust a thing of the past,” Greene said.  “EPA and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality are committed to expanding clean diesel’s use as part of our strategy to improve air quality and reduce air toxics. I look forward to sharing the port’s successes with other communities in the nation with similar air quality challenges.” 

PHA Chair Jim Edmonds said that the air emissions reduction plan is a "stellar example" of the Port of Houston Authority’s commitment to good environmental stewardship. 

"We are thankful for the EPA’s support of our initiatives for cleaner air and look forward to the beneficial continuation of this partnership,” Edmonds said, noting that the PHA participated in an EPA pilot program a few years ago aimed at developing an environmental management system that focuses on air emission reduction as well as water quality improvement and solid waste reduction and recycling. 

As a result of the EMS implementation, the PHA’s Barbours Cut Container Terminal and Central Maintenance Facility became the first U.S. port facility to achieve ISO 14001 certification.

“We continue to review our policies and procedures as new environmental techniques and technologies evolve,” Edmonds said.  “We are setting new standards in the maritime industry for balancing environmental stewardship with economic development and community friendliness.” 

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality Commissioner R.B. "Ralph" Marquez agreed.

"The EPA's diesel campaign, working in concert with the state's successful Texas Emission Reduction Plan, which also focuses on the replacement of older, inefficient diesel-powered equipment, will have a significant impact on air quality in Texas," Marquez said.   

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Galveston Island Municipal Golf Course

The Galveston Island Municipal Golf Course will host the annual Galveston County Golf Association’s Tamale Tournament on Sunday, March 6, at 8:00 a.m. 

"The format for this tournament is a four person scramble, and teams of four will be drawn in A-B-C-D format," said a news release.  "Registration for the tournament includes tournament play, green fee, golf cart, and annual membership dues for the Galveston County Golf Association."

A tamale dinner on Saturday evening, March 5 is also included in the $80.00 registration fee. 

Anyone interested in joining the association may sign up for the tournament.  For further information call the Pro Shop at 741-4626.

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Gulf Coast Big Brothers Big Sisters

The Big Brothers Big Sisters of America recently recognized Gulf Coast Big Brothers Big Sisters for several improvements, including a 12.54 percent increase in revenue growth; a 25 percent growth in matches of children with adult mentors; and a 75 percent match retention rate.

Currently, there are 137 boys and girls matched with big brothers and big sisters in the GCBBBS area.  The organization coordinates three programs including community-based, school-based and mentoring children of prisoners programs.  

“We have worked hard to address these core areas,” said GCBBBS Executive Director Mitzi Nevelow Levy.  “We appreciate the monetary support and volunteers of this community who have made our continued success possible.”

GCBBBS largest fundraiser of the year, Bowl for Kids’ Sake, is scheduled for Sunday, April 3, at the AMF Star Lanes in Texas City; and Sunday, April 10, at Island Bowl in Galveston.  

For more information, contact Big Brothers Big Sisters at 409-763-4638 or gcbbbs@netscape.com.  Big Brothers Big Sisters is an agency of the United Way of Galveston and Mainland Communities United Way.

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Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo officials today announced details of the show’s Armed Forces Salute on Thursday, March 3.

“This is all about giving show fans the opportunity to say ‘thanks’ to the men and women of the military,” said P. Michael Wells, president and chief executive officer.  “It’s also an incredible opportunity for our visitors to experience, up close, the equipment used by the U.S. armed forces.”

"After championship rodeo action, a heart-warming calf scramble and thrilling chuck wagon races, Neal McCoy, the Charlie Daniels Band and Lee Greenwood will take the stage," said a news release.  "All three entertainers will perform together and separately to salute the troops, which all three have entertained in both Afghanistan and Iraq. A special video, featuring military personnel from Texas and throughout the United States, will highlight the evening."

All people wearing military uniforms or who show a valid military ID will be admitted free to Reliant Park on March 3.  This includes admission to Reliant Center, Reliant Arena, outdoor activities, The Hideout (for those 21 and older) and the carnival (it does not include activities in Reliant Stadium). Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo committees also are accepting donations to buy tickets for the families of military personnel to attend the rodeo and concert in Reliant Stadium.

“We’ve got a few surprises planned, too,” said Wells. “This is going to be a night to remember at the Rodeo!”

Tickets are on sale at all Ticketmaster locations, or online at rodeohouston.com.  The show runs March 1 through 20.

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Texas General Land Office

More than 150 Winter Texans removed 12,625 pounds of trash from Texas beaches last Friday, during the Eighth Annual General Land Office Winter Texan Adopt-A-Beach Cleanup. 

For the first time, South Padre Island beaches weren’t the only focus of the event, as stretches of the Coastal Bend were included in the cleanup.  

The Coastal Bend cleanup sites were at Mustang Island State Park, Portland, Padre Island National Seashore and the Texas State Aquarium.    

“They came out in really cold weather, with gusts of wind up to 30 miles per hour, to keep our beaches clean,” said Texas Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson.  “They came to Texas to escape that kind of weather, so their efforts on behalf of their adopted home are even more impressive.”    

At Edwin Atwood Park, on South Padre Island, 114 volunteers showed up in dreary weather to haul off 11,250 pounds of garbage.  Among the items found on South Padre Island and the Coastal Bend were a vacuum cleaner hose, a 4,000-pound bag of sand, dirty diapers, a softball, ribbons, plastic coat hangers, a paintbrush, toothbrushes, a razor, an umbrella bag, a plastic heart, a measuring spoon, a straw floral arrangement, marble flooring, blank checks, a ceramic doll face, pages from Night on Thunder Hill and The Eleventh Commandment, a water pistol, a brass hat pin, a rubber ballerina doll, cigarette papers, a red, white and blue scarf with an eagle emblem, a pacifier, hypodermic syringes, and discarded data cards previously issued for recording items found during Adopt-A-Beach cleanups.   

The Winter Texan Beach Cleanup is one of three all-volunteer seasonal cleanups coordinated through the Adopt-A-Beach Program of the Texas General Land Office.  The next cleanup will be the spring cleanup scheduled for April 23 at 29 sites along the Texas coast.   

For additional information on the Winter Texan Beach Cleanup and the Adopt-A-Beach Program, visit www.texasadoptabeach.org, or contact the GLO at (877) TXCOAST.

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College of the Mainland

The Manchurian Candidate, the 1962 political thriller directed by John Frankenheimer and starring Frank Sinatra, Laurence Harvey, Angela Lansbury, and Janet Leigh is the March movie in College of the Mainland’s Great Film Series, at 7 p.m. on March 4 in the Teaching Auditorium. 

The film series, coordinated by faculty members Steve Sewell and Rafael Naranjo, presents a classic film for viewing and discussion the first Friday of each month.

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Stroke Prevention Plus

Screenings to help prevent strokes are being offered by Edgewater Retirement Community from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on April 5.

"Every 45 seconds, someone somewhere in the United States has a stroke," said Misty Dunivan, president of Stroke Prevention Plus, Inc., stressing that strokes can be avoided.   "Even if you’re a regular at the doctor’s office and think you have all the right numbers for good health – low cholesterol, stable blood pressure and ideal body weight – you don’t get a free pass when it comes to strokes.  An estimated 75 percent of strokes could be prevented with the use of ultrasound screening and proper physician follow-up." 

Costs for individual screenings are $40 or $100 for a full vascular profile.  Osteoporosis screening (for women only) is offered for $25. To register for an appointment call (800)-884-6251.

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Shriners Burns Hospital 

Four year old Sara Al-Humadi, who suffered face and body burns in Iraq eight months ago, is preparing to return home after treatment at Galveston's Shriners Burns Hospital.  Photos

"In Iraq, where danger often comes in the form of bullets or bombs, it was a kerosene stove and an errant spark that changed Sara’s life," said a news release by the Christian relief organization called Samaritan’s Purse that brought the girl to Galveston.  "Even though she survived the fire that swept through her family’s home, Sara was left with disfiguring scars across her face, arms and legs."

“I cried all the time. I so desperately wanted her to have a chance to feel normal again, just normal,” said Zainab Jafar, Sara’s mother.  “I’m just so grateful.”

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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 23
5:30 Galveston Visionaries in Preservation, City Hall Room 100
6:30 Rotary Clubs of Galveston County Joint Meeting, Galveston Island Convention Center at the San Luis

Thursday, February 24
8:00 Galveston County Commissioners Court, Holbrook Building
11:30 Bay Area Transportation Partnership Long Range Planning Committee, Lakewood Yacht Club, 2425 NASA Parkway , Seabrook , Texas  
12:00 Galveston City Council Workshop
5:30 Galveston City Council
6:00 Texas Department of Transportation Public Meeting on Priority Boarding of Bolivar Ferry, Bolivar School, Port Bolivar
7:00 Kemah City Council
7:00 Santa Fe City Council
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.  

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