2005 Archives

2004 Archives

2003 Archives

Friday               February 25, 2005

Sealy & Smith Foundation

Galveston's Sealy & Smith Foundation has announced the appointment of new officers.  Photo and Release

John W. Kelso, president of J.W. Kelso Construction and Texas Gulf Construction Co., has been named president, assuming the role formerly held by Charles A. Worthen, who will remain active on the board as president emeritus. J. Fellman Seinsheimer III has been installed as vice president, the position Kelso previously occupied. 

“I have had the distinct pleasure of serving as president of The Sealy & Smith Foundation board of directors for more than 12 years,” Worthen said.  “As this new chapter in the foundation’s history begins, I am honored to have John Kelso serve as my successor in that role.  John not only has served the foundation as a capable and committed director for two decades, but he comes from a long line of advocates for the health and well-being of Galveston.” 

Kelso’s father, Alvin N. Kelso, and grandfather John Harris both served as foundation board members.

Kelso said he looks forward to continuing the successful collaboration between The Sealy & Smith Foundation and the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston. 

“I’m delighted to have this opportunity to build upon our past accomplishments with UTMB,” he said.  “It is a privilege and honor to take over the reins of the foundation from Charles Worthen, who has done an extraordinary job of helping to ensure UTMB provides the best possible health care to the community.”

Established in 1922 in Galveston, The Sealy & Smith Foundation is dedicated to helping UTMB further its patient care mission. John Sealy II and Jennie Sealy Smith incorporated the foundation to perpetuate the philanthropic legacy of their father, John Sealy. 

A successful Galveston entrepreneur, John Sealy bequeathed $50,000 for a charitable endeavor benefiting the city.  Upon his death in 1884, his brother, George, and widow, Rebecca, determined that the bequest would be used to build a much-needed hospital in Galveston. This pivotal funding spurred the state to follow through on its plans to build the University of Texas Medical Department in the island city. 

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H-GAC Transportation Policy Committee

The Transportation Policy Council of the Houston-Galveston Area Council today voted unanimously to add the Galveston Transportation Center Project to the contingency list of projects for potential H-GAC funding participation under the Council’s 2006-2008 Transportation Improvement Program. Galveston is seeking $3.6 million in H-GAC money for the estimated $9 million project. Photos

Galveston City Manager Steve LeBlanc told Guidry News Service that being on the contingency list does not guarantee H-GAC funding, but is the first step in that direction. Video Download

Galveston County Judge Jim Yarbrough accompanied the Galveston delegation to the meeting and added his voice to Galveston’s request. Listen Download

Galveston City Council

Galveston City Council on Thursday met in executive session to evaluate City Manager Steve LeBlanc and gave him a positive report.

"I think it says a lot for us as a team," LeBlanc said, agreeing to work hard to address constructive criticism that was part of the the evaluation.  "I will have been the city manager for eight years at the end of this month, and it is kind of nice to feel like I finally got some good kudos from a council."

The city council voted unanimously to create two public improvement districts, PID 3 and PID 4, to facilitate the Galveston Bay Club and Stella Mare Village developments on West Galveston Island.  The city council discussed the districts with the developers in workshop prior to the formal meeting.  Listen  Download

The city council unanimously approved a legislative agenda that it is forwarding to the legislators who represent Galveston.  The list of desired legislation includes granting the city authority to regulate excavation within the city's extra territorial jurisdiction; to amend the Economic Development Corporation Act to expand the definition of "primary jobs" to include jobs that are in a tourism related industry such as hotels and restaurants and to allow Galveston to continue spending 4B sales tax revenue for beach renourishment; to allow the city to tax improvements on oil and gas, and taxable oil and gas interests which lie within the city limits; and to permit the city to establish a downtown management district, and be permitted to levy assessments on a certain limited number of businesses which would most benefit to pay for services, special events and improvements. 

Several members of the city council encouraged Texas Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson to withdraw his proposed bill to impose fees on cruise ship passengers to support shoreline projects.

The city council unanimously adopted a resolution supporting a federal legislative agenda on coastal issues.

The city council voted 7-0-1, with Danny Weber abstaining, to approve the collective bargaining agreement with Local 571 of the International Association of Fire Fighters.  Weber, a former Galveston Fire Chief and the father of a current member of the department, declared a conflict.  Other members of the city council were enthusiastic in their approval of the contract.

All other votes were unanimous.

The city council deferred action on a request by John Bannon for a specific use permit for a cafeteria/restaurant at 506 14th Street, until review of the development has been completed by the Landmark Commission and the Zoning Board of Adjustment.

The city council named Dr. Kyle Knupple, Sonja Polk, Caroline Dorsett, Joel Caldwell and Jody Tafer to the Animal Shelter Advisory Board; on a motion by Jackie Cole.

The city council appointed Jimmy Clore, John Dreiss, Kevin Gabriel, John Kane, Jay Wilson, Joe Rozier, Ed Rismiller, Sid Holliday and David Watson to the Building Standards Commission; on a motion by Patricia Bolton-Legg.

The city council appointed Carol Ann Chairez to the Families Children and Youth Advisory Board, on a motion by Cornelia Harris Banks.

Earlier, Chairez and Mydestiny Willson appeared before the city council to speak in support of a youth commission.  Listen  Download

Mayor Lyda Ann Thomas proclaimed April 24 as Armenian Martyrs Day.  Listen  Download

Buzz Elton, speaking for the city's Ad Hoc Golf Course Committee, asked the city council to support legislation that would give the city authority to freeze three cents of the hotel occupancy tax currently dedicated to the Convention and Visitors Bureau, and one cent of the HOTax that is allocated by the Arts and Historic Preservation Advisory Board, at their current level.  Additional money raised by the HOTax would be dedicated to the golf course until it reaches $500,000 a year.

Elton said the proposal is supported by hoteliers, who believe that a quality resort golf course will attract visitors.

The final speaker at the city council meeting was John Walker, who said that city staff has told him that he cannot have a monkey for a pet.  He appealed to the city council to allow him to live in the city with his monkey.  Listen  Download

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Kemah City Council

Kemah City Council on Thursday approved a resolution calling for a General Election on May 7 to elect the mayor and council members and to include on the ballot a non-binding resolution for distribution of Kemah Community Development Corporation funds to the Special Street Fund.

City Administrator Bill Kerber said the ballot item is designed to get a pulse on the public opinion regarding the percentage of funds that can be transferred but will not require any action by the council, if approved.

The city council delayed action on the annexation of Stewart Elementary School in order to hold a joint public hearing on that issue and the release of an approximately two acre tract at the Northwest corner of Hanson Road and FM 518 known as the Walgreen tract. 

The city council approved authorization of Galveston County Municipal Utility District Number 51 to provide for the construction, maintenance and operation of roads on approximately 130 acres across from City Hall, extending from behind the Wal-Mart to Highway 96, for development of some multi-family residences and retail facilities.

The city council discussed but took no action on an ordinance to accept the filed deed restrictions of the subdivisions of Kemah.  Kerber said the item pertained to whether or not the city should be involved in enforcement of deed restrictions. Although the statutes are in place enabling the city to do so, he told the city council that he did not feel the city administrative staff should be involved. 

There was also no action taken on an ordinance regulating the placement of modular homes. Both items will appear on the agenda in the future for further discussion and possible action.

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Santa Fe City Council

Santa Fe City Council on Thursday approved an agreement with Gila Corporation, doing business as Municipal Services Bureau for municipal court fine collection services.

The city council authorized an agreement between the City of Santa Fe Police Department and Alvin Community College for exchange of a city vehicle for in-service training hours.  Alvin Community College will offer training hours to Santa Fe Police officers in exchange for use of the vehicle for training purposes.  It had been rotated out of service for the police department.

The city council approved the first reading of an ordinance to amend Chapter 6, Health and Sanitation, Code of Ordinances, Section 1, Trash and Litter, and Section 2, Weeds, Brush, and Rubbish to update the regulations in order to clarify accountability and enforcement processes and to bring the ordinance into alignment with existing laws.

The city council tabled the first reading of an ordinance to amend the City of Santa Fe Unified Development Code to establish Article 12, Corridor Development Standards, permitting criteria for all proposed development within 300 feet of any designated corridor or identified intersection herein, or within 300 feet of the right-of-way south of Santa Fe railroad tracks, to all properties lying between Highway 6 and the Santa Fe railroad right-of-way, and within 300 feet of the designated right-of-way north of Highway 6.

The city council discussed four options for annexation to be voted on next month.

All votes were unanimous. All other agenda items were approved.

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Galveston County Politics

Former Galveston mayor Roger “Bo” Quiroga has announced his candidacy for Galveston County Commissioner Precinct 2 in the 2006 Democratic primary.  

“I’m excited to have this opportunity to bring my experience as three term mayor of Galveston to Galveston County” said Quiroga.  

Quiroga states that he was instrumental in bringing Galveston the growth and fiscal responsibility it is experiencing today, including economic development of $1.5 billion, a thriving cruise business, a more than $5 million ready reserve, and a steady tax rate.  

“I will build on this record of serving the public interest at the county level,” he said.  

Others who have announced their candidacy for the position that will be vacated by Commissioner Eddie Janek, who is not seeking reelection, are Eddie Janek, Jr., who will run in the Republican Primary, and Albert Choate, also  a Republican (Correct).

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University of Texas Medical Branch

The University of Texas Medical Branch Institute of Human Infections and Immunity and the UTMB McLaughlin Symposia in Infection and Immunity, in collaboration with the United Kingdom Collaborative Bioscience Initiative and the UK Department of Trade and Industry, are hosting a three-day workshop beginning today aimed at creating new partnerships between researchers and working on infectious diseases at the interface between human and animal health.

The meeting will focus on the problems posed by diseases such as influenza, SARS, tuberculosis, anthrax, West Nile encephalitis and mad cow disease. The agents responsible for these diseases exist both in humans and animals and circulate between species, creating the danger of new disease outbreaks as they adapt to new hosts. 

For a complete schedule of events, visit http://research.utmb.edu/mclaughlin/science.shtm.

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United Way of Galveston

The 2004 United Way of Galveston Campaign Chair Betty Massey announced during the February 15th board meeting that the fundraising campaign had met its goal of $1.6 million.

Dr. John Stobo, chair of the Galveston United Way Board of Directors congratulated Massey and the entire United Way campaign committee on their perseverance and success.

The board also learned of the conclusion of the sale of the United Way building, located at 1902 Mechanic, to the American National Insurance Company. The United Way of Galveston office will move to 1700 Strand.

Fred Olson, board vice president, said that he spearheaded the effort to reach the board's goal to dispose of the building in order to run a more cost effective organization, focused on the mission of United Way.

"We are excited by the opportunity presented by the success of the 2004 campaign, and by the move of our offices to a new location," said Kenna Bush, executive director of Galveston United Way. "I am looking forward to all the good things that are going to happen here at Galveston United Way."

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Port of Houston Authority

The Port of Houston Authority Commission on Monday will consider a recommendation to amend the contract with Lockwood, Andrews & Newnam, Inc. for Bayport Terminal Complex Phase 1 program management services. 

If approved, LAN will receive an estimated $2.96 million in the fourth year of its contract to provide management services to complete designs for the cruise terminal, Phase 1 gate and Port Road; manage the design of the Phase 1 wharf and container yard; manage the construction contracts for the cruise terminal, Phase 1 gate and Port Road; and manage additional planning and other technical studies. 

The commission will consider a recommendation to amend the contract with JWD Group for the gate design of the Bayport terminal. 

If approved, JWD's contract would be amended by an estimated $487,600 for a revised scope of work that would include designing the pavement and underground utilities for larger gate stages. 

The commission also will consider a recommendation to authorize the PHA to advertise and receive competitive sealed proposals for construction of a lift station and force main at Bayport. 

In addition, the commission will consider a request to evaluate and rank qualifications for a potential contract for wharf and dredging design for Bayport; and will evaluate and rank qualifications for a potential contract to design the container yard at Bayport. 

The meeting will be at 2 p.m. in the port's administrative offices at 111 East Loop North.

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Greater Houston Partnership

The Greater Houston Partnership on Monday will host 10 members of the Congressional delegation during the Texas Congressional Delegation Summit. 

"The bi-partisan summit will provide an opportunity for members of the delegation to discuss specific business issues on the Partnership's federal agenda and possible legislative solutions during the 109th Congress," said a news release.

The four primary issues up for discussion include the reauthorization of TEA-21; federal funding for air quality research; inclusion of a domestic off-shore energy reinvestment program in a federal energy bill and NASA's space exploration vision FY06 budget request. 

"Each of the issues has a clear statewide or national impact," notes the release.  "Furthermore, they each have a legislative vehicle identified as a congressional or administration priority for the 109th Congress."

This is the first time the Partnership has brought several members of Congress together at one time, in Houston, to discuss issues included on the Partnership's federal agenda. The attendees expected to participate include U.S. House Majority Leader Tom Delay; U.S. Representative Kevin Brady; U.S. Representative John Culberson; U.S. Representative Charles Gonzalez; U.S. Representative Al Green; U.S. Representative Gene Green; U.S. Representative Eddie Bernice Johnson; U.S. Representative Sheila Jackson Lee; U.S. Representative Michael McCaul and U.S. Representative Ted Poe.

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The Arts Alliance Center at Clear Lake

The Arts Alliance Center at Clear Lake will host a benefit, "A Starry Night for the Arts," honoring Emyre Barrios Robinson and George W. S. Abbey on Saturday, February 26 at 6 p.m. at South Shore Harbour Resort and Conference Center in League City.

Robinson and Abbey are the inaugural recipients of the Kay Burnett Outstanding Friend of the Arts Award.

The black tie optional evening of dinner, dancing and a silent and live auction will benefit TAACCL, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.  Music will be provided by Retrospective, performing popular tunes from the 1940s to the present.

Major General (Retired) Charles Bolden will emcee the event. Judge Louis Ditta will be the auctioneer for the live auction.  Honorary chair is Susan H. Garman and Lisa Holbrook is the chair.

For information about purchasing tickets or corporate sponsorship tables call (281) 335-7777.

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Galveston Downtown Wine & Food Celebration

The Historic Downtown Strand Partnership and The Galveston Park Board of Trustees have announced a schedule of events during Galveston Island’s Annual Downtown Wine & Food Celebration Friday and Saturday, April 8 and 9.

"The event, formerly known as Food & Vine Times, has become popular with wine connoisseurs new and old," said a news release.  "The event showcases wines from around the corner to around the world.  Whether you’re starting out and don’t know the difference between Pinot Grigio and Pinot Noir or you’re looking for the latest boutique wine, the Wine & Food Celebration is an inexpensive way to taste a multitude of wines and figure out what your particular palate is."

In addition to a wide variety of wines, local restaurants will be participating by showcasing their own specialties and pairing them with wines to accent the different spices.  

On Friday, April 8 wineries will collaborate with local restaurants to provide "exquisitely paired courses for a meal that is unforgettable".  

This year’s restaurants will be Luigi’s at 2328 Strand, and The Merchant Prince, located inside the Tremont House Hotel at 2300 Mechanic.  

On Saturday, April 9 wineries and shops will display their finest side by side during this event.  

"Try a different wine with every stop along the way and stroll through the National Historic Downtown Strand District with a glass of wine admiring the Victorian Era architecture," said the news release.  "Over 18 different businesses have already signed up to be a stop with more to be added later.  Explore downtown as The Wine Stroll takes you from clothing stores to art galleries, antiques stores, photographers, book stores and of course the specialty gift shops for which Galveston is known."

For more information about the event call (800) GAL-ISLE or visit www.galveston.com.  

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Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

The first Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo scholarships for 2005 will be presented this evening during the Area Go Texan Scholarship Banquet.

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Lamar University

Lamar University Homecoming events this weekend will include a reunion of the class of 1955 on Saturday from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. in the University Reception Center on the eighth floor of the Mary and John Gray Library.  Special displays of artifacts from the class are on view in the window of the library and inside the lobby. 

“I have very good memories of the student days at Lamar,” said Wendall Bean, a current professor of electrical engineering at Lamar and a 1955 graduate.

“The junior and senior classes back then were very small,” said Jimmy Booker, a fellow 1955 graduate. “We probably didn’t have but 15 to 20 students in each class, so we knew our professors very well. In fact, one of my professors would come with us when we’d go to the engineering lab at noon and play dominoes.”

“Sitting under the oak trees, eating lunch with my friends and teachers is what comes to mind when I think about Lamar,” said Mary Jo Lampson Ford, 1952 Lamar Homecoming Queen and 1955 Lamar graduate.

While some of the traditions that the class of ’55 upheld are now no longer in effect, the alumni say renovations on campus are something they wish they had had back then. 

“The entire campus looks so much better,” said Booker. “I am really impressed with Cardinal Village. They’re probably as good as any dorms at any university in the state.”

“I am lost on campus now,” said Ford. “The most exciting changes to me are the barrier-free buildings and the expansion of Lamar to Port Arthur and Orange.”

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Bolivar Peninsula Chamber of Commerce

The Bolivar Peninsula Chamber of Commerce will hold its General Membership Meeting on Tuesday, March 1 at 2 p.m. in the Galveston County Courthouse Annex Building, located at 946 Noble Carl Drive in Crystal Beach.

A representative from the Ferry Operations Office of the Texas Department of Transportation will speak about Ferry operations and service to Bolivar.

The chamber will announce the 2005 Citizen of the Year at an award ceremony and banquet on Monday, April 18 at a time and location to be announced.. Time and location will be announced soon.

Contact the chamber at 409-684-5940 for information.

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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 25
7:30 Lamar University Homecoming Performance, Jimmy Simmons & Friends, McDonald Gym, Beaumont
8:00 "The Mind of a Prize Fighter - The Life of Jack Johnson," UTMB Levin Hall
8:00 Nunsense, The east-end theatre company, etc., Galveston 
8:00 Same Time, Next Year, Bay Area Harbour Playhouse,3803 Highway3, Dickinson

Saturday, February 26
10:00 - 6:00 Galveston Home and Garden Show 
6:0 A Starry Night for the Arts, The Arts Alliance Center of Clear Lake, South Shore Harbour Resort and Conference Center
8:00 "The Mind of a Prize Fighter - The Life of Jack Johnson," UTMB Levin Hall
8:00 Nunsense, The east-end theatre company, etc., Galveston

Sunday, February 27
11:00 -4:00 Galveston Home and Garden Show
2:00 Third Annual Second Chance Pets’ “Krewe de Mutz” Mardi Gras Dog Walk, Seabrook
2:30 "The Mind of a Prize Fighter - The Life of Jack Johnson," UTMB Levin Hall
2:30 Nunsense, The east-end theatre company, etc., Galveston
2:30 Same Time, Next Year, Bay Area Harbour Playhouse,3803 Highway3, Dickinson

Monday, February 28
7:00 Board of Trustees of the Galveston Wharves Finance Committee 
8:30 Board of Trustees of the Galveston Wharves 
9:00 Galveston County Commissioners Court, Holbrook Building  
12:30 College of the Mainland Board of Trustees 
1:30 Jefferson County Commissioners Court
2:00 Port of Houston Authority
5:00 Galveston Housing Authority, Oleander Homes Community Room, 5228 Broadway
6:00 La Marque City Council 
6:30 Hitchcock City Commission
7:00 Shoreacres City Council 

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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.

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