2005 Archives

2004 Archives

2003 Archives

Monday               March 21, 2005

Galveston County Commissioners Court

Galveston County Commissioners Court today voted to waive payment of $1,850.53 in penalty and interest on property owned by Anita Cook on the Bolivar Peninsula.   Last week, Cook told the commissioners court that she did not know that she had inherited the property from her late husband until the tax bill had risen to a prohibitive level.

"Over the course of time, penalties and interest have accrued, and tax due, to the tune of about $4,850.53 on a piece of property that is probably not worth $4,850.53," said County Judge Jim Yarbrough.

"Is there anything in the code that allows waiver of penalty and interest due to deaths or anything of that nature?" asked Commissioner Stephen Holmes.

"Sadly no," said County Tax Assessor-Collector Cheryl Johnson, adding that she would welcome legislation that would allow "common sense to prevail" in such cases.  

The commissioners court voted 4-0-1, with Patrick Doyle abstaining to waive $376.91 in penalty and interest in a case of a duplicate tax payment by Doyle on property he owns.

"I think this is a case where a check was lost, processed, and found," Yarbrough said.  "We got it straight and there certainly was timely payment of his other taxes."

The commissioners court voted to award a contract for millwork and casework on the Law Enforcement Building at the new Justice Center to Mitchell Chouke Plumbing.

The commissioners court voted to award a contract for millwork and casework on the Jail at the new Justice Center to Albrecht, Inc.

The commissioners court voted to award a contract for millwork and casework on the Courts Building at the new Justice Center to Ambienti USA.

J.W. Kelso Company, Inc. and the Gilbane Building Company are providing construction management services on the project.

The commissioners court voted to defer action on a request for a professional services exemption for an agreement with Project Management Practice, Inc. for consulting, on-site training, customized templates and systems configuration for Microsoft Project.

"PMPI was selected to provide these services based on their competencies in the use of Microsoft Project as a tool for project management applications and their program for on-site customized training services," said Mike Crumpton, assistant director of the Information Technology Department. 

Members of the commissioners court, who initially approved the exemption, later reconsidered the item so that it can be reviewed by the county legal department.

The commissioners court voted to defer a request for a sole source exemption for Jay Jackson, doing business as Make-It-Complete.com, until it can be reviewed by the legal department.

"Information Technology has chosen Jay Jackson to provide certain consulting services in several technology areas," said Purchasing Agent Bruce Hughes.  "Our choice is based on his skills, experience and previous direct involvement with software, hardware and system processes as installed in Galveston County."

The commissioners court voted to approve addendums to a SBC Global Services master agreement "for 1.25 GigaMAN services between the Courthouse and the new Justice Center, pending review by the legal department.

The commissioners court voted 4-1, with Ken Clark opposed, to approve a contract with Mark Hoskins for legislative representation in Austin.

All other agenda items were approved with unanimous votes.

The commissioners court presented several proclamations.  Listen  Download

The Friendswood Academic Decathlon Team was recognized for its 13th State Title, Friendswood Junior High student Grace DeForde was recognized as one of the state's top two youth volunteers for 2005, the La Marque High School Basketball Team was recognized for a great season and Bolivar resident and community volunteer Sam Smith was recognized for his 75th Birthday.

The commissioners court held workshop discussions on the county telephone system and street lights in Dickinson.

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Jefferson County Commissioners Court

Jefferson County Commissioners Court today awarded a contract to the Front Porch Pie Company to re-open the restaurant at the Southeast Texas Regional Airport, which has been vacant for several months.

The pie company will provide light snacks and lunches with a daily selection of sandwiches, wraps, soups, deserts, soft drinks and coffee from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The commissioners court voted 4-1, with Waymon Hallmark opposed, to approve the termination of the counting station manager by the county clerk, and voted unanimously to name Chris Mouton to the position.

The commissioners court voted to replace a deputy clerk administrator position with a deputy clerk position in the county clerk's office; and to reallocate $4,731 of the $8,521 savings from that action to salary increases for deputy clerk administrators responsible for the courts at law and the probate court.  There was considerable discussion of the two items before the unanimous votes.

All other action items were approved with unanimous votes.

The commissioners court met in workshop to discuss the financial budget for Ford Park.

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Seabrook City Council

Seabrook City Council has scheduled a special meeting on Tuesday to interview candidates for city attorney.  Six law firms have expressed interest in the contract.

Interviews have been scheduled with Randall B. Strong, Kimberly Mickelson, and representatives of the law firms of Olson and Olson, Gregg & Gregg, Johnson Radcliff Petrov & Bobbitt PLLC and Ross, Banks, May, Cron & Cavin, P.C.  

In addition, the city council will consider a $9,000 legislative consulting agreement with Dan Dodson.

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State of Texas

The "Texas Hurricane Preparedness" report, released last week by Governor Rick Perry, includes recommendations on evacuation routes in Southeast Texas.

The report recommended the reopening of State Highway 87 between Sabine Pass and High Island, which has been closed for several years because of severe shoreline erosion.  

"However, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has denied a state request, citing environmental concerns," the report noted.  "Texas will continue efforts to obtain an environmental clearance from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service."

The report added that the Texas Department of Transportation will assess the amount of funding necessary for the project "after the federal government provides an environmental clearance."  The United States Army Corps of Engineers will conduct a feasibility study of erosion control between Sabine Pass and San Luis Pass.

The governor's report called for the elimination of two critical "choke points" on State Highway 146 between FM 1764 and FM 646 in southeast Galveston County, where the highway narrows from two lanes to one lane at the two points.

"Both county and city officials raised concerns that this could create a bottleneck that will significantly delay evacuation traffic," the report said.  "To address these concerns, TxDOT will add a southbound frontage road at the Dickinson Bayou Bridge and a mainland bridge over Loop 197 to remedy both of these choke points."

The report added that TxDot will address the project with existing funds.

The report noted that a third project in Southeast Texas, the widening of FM 365 from U.S. 69 to Spur 63 in Jefferson County, will be pursued by the City of Port Arthur through the pass through toll program.  The city will do the work and will be reimbursed by TxDOT based on the number of vehicles that use the roadway.

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Harris County Metropolitan Transit Authority

The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County on Friday exercised its right to issue a letter of termination for default under its contract with Cubic Transportation Systems, Inc. of San Diego, California for development of a "smart card" system for riders. Release

"While reaffirming its intention to make every reasonable effort to reach a mediated settlement with Cubic, METRO intends to retain a new vendor to deliver a fully functional smart card system for riders and avoid any further unnecessary delays," said a news release.   

METRO contracted with Cubic in September 2002 for the delivery of a smart card system that was to be fully operable by November 2003, in advance of the start of METRORail operations.  

"Cubic failed to deliver the system by that date," the release said.  "Thereafter, Cubic sought and received a series of contract extensions, while assuring METRO that a fully functional system would be delivered."

The final extension of the contract was agreed to in August 2004, with Cubic committing, in writing, to delivery of a fully functional system that complied with the contract specifications by December 1, 2004.

"METRO will immediately begin efforts to pursue alternative smart card technology, a service that is successfully employed in cities around the world," the release said.  "Under the term of its contract, Cubic is obligated to reimburse METRO for excess costs related to acquiring a replacement system, and METRO intends to pursue this obligation to the fullest extent of the law."

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West Galveston Island Property Owners 

Linda Shead, executive director of the Trust for Public Land, updated the West Galveston Island Property Owners Association on Saturday on efforts to purchase property "on the back side of the island," preferably in the Starvation Cove area.  Listen  Download

"Galveston Bay is the hub of the Southeast Texas universe," Shead said, stressing the need for acquisition of additional parkland.  "We have a wealth of natural resources.  But we do have a dearth of public access."

Shead said that she has located $2,828,000 in grants for the purchase of the property, but still has not identified $300,000 for the local match.

WGIPOA President Jerry Mohn reported on the recent American Shore and Beach Preservation Association Summit in Washington, D.C. Listen  Download

"It was a real success," Mohn said, reporting that the ASBPA Board of Directors created a Texas Chapter, which will host a meeting with Parishes Against Coastal Erosion, a Louisiana group, in June.

Mohn noted that the WBIPOA had been a major sponsor of Guidry News Service's coverage of the ASBPA Summit. Photos and Audio

Sidney McClendon updated the group on the current session of the Texas Legislature in Austin.  Listen  Download

The group voted unanimously to endorse the application of Jeri Kinnear to the Galveston Park Board of Trustees.

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Galveston Safety Study Advisory Group

The Galveston Safety Study Advisory Group, consisting of representatives of the City of Galveston, Galveston County, the Texas Department of Transportation and the Houston-Galveston Area Council, will meet with consultants from Brown & Gay Engineering at City Hall at 10 a.m. on March 28.

The consultants will present an analysis of traffic accidents at 12 intersections and discuss "possible mitigations for each intersection."

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Friendswood Road Report

The City of Friendswood has announced that the westbound lane of West Shadowbend Avenue will be reopened to traffic on Wednesday, March 23.

The road is scheduled to remain open to traffic in both directions while minor construction activities are completed as part of the Woodlawn Area Drainage Improvement Project.  Construction vehicles will continue to enter and exit the street during the completion phase.

Project improvements include storm sewer enlargements, storm drain and ditch improvements and street channel reconstruction. The Woodlawn Area Drainage Improvement Project will address street drainage problems along Woodlawn Drive, West Shadowbend and West Spreading Oaks.

For more information call the City of Friendswood Capital Projects Office at (281) 996-3380.

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United States Congress

United States Congressman Ron Paul has taken issue with the $82 billion emergency supplemental appropriations bill approved by Congress last week.

"There is no emergency," Paul said in his weekly column.  "However, Congress simply exceeded its fiscal year budget once again and needs more money."  Column

Paul contends that the 13 standard appropriations bills, which provide about $2.4 trillion to run the federal government in 2005, are "not enough to satisfy the ravenous spending appetites" of Congress and the administration. 

"Hence the so-called emergency supplemental bill, which cravenly combines troop funding with useless foreign aid and domestic pork," Paul said.

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University of Texas Medical Branch

Texas Governor Rick Perry has reappointed Linda R. Rounds, R.N., Ph.D., an associate professor in the School of Nursing at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston , as president of the Texas Board of Nurse Examiners.

Perry also reappointed Rounds to a six-year term as a BNE representative for advanced practice education.  She has served as president of the BNE since 2000 and as a board member representing advanced practice education since 1999.

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NASA Johnson Space Center

NASA Johnson Space Center will host an open house on Saturday, April 23. News Release

"We invite the community to join us for this open house where they will be able to experience firsthand the excitement of the work we do here," said JSC Director Jefferson D. Howell, Jr. "Come see the great work our people have completed to return the Space Shuttle to flight and to expand the capabilities of the International Space Station. Then let us share how these are the first steps in creating an exciting new journey, the Vision for Space Exploration."

The Vision for Space Exploration, announced in 2004 by President George W. Bush, directs NASA to return the Space Shuttle to flight, complete assembly of the International Space Station, return humans to the Moon and eventually travel to Mars and beyond.

"Once inside the gates, guests will be able to shake hands with astronauts, tour Mission Control and hold pieces of real space hardware in their hands," said a news release.  "Visitors also will have an opportunity to see the science, engineering and human element behind space exploration as full-size models of spacecraft, space hardware and other exhibits are featured throughout the center."

In addition, tours will be provided of the Sonny Carter Training Facility, where astronauts train for spacewalks in one of the largest indoor pools in the world, as well as NASA facilities at Ellington Field, where astronauts’ training jets are based.

The open house begins at 9 a.m. and ends at 5 p.m.  Entry to the center is free to the public.  Food, beverages and souvenirs will be available for purchase.

Visitors may enter the center through the main gate located on Saturn Lane just off of NASA Parkway or a second gate located on NASA Parkway and Upper Bay Road. Parking in JSC lots is available at no charge.

Special security measures will be in effect. Large bags, coolers, pets, glass containers and weapons are prohibited on Johnson Space Center property.

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On The Webio

Several items of interest to the Gulf Coast region are posted on The Online News Station.

John Hughes will celebrate his 100th Birthday with a celebration in his honor at his home at Regal Estates Senior Community in League City on Sunday April 17, 2005. Photo and Details

American Car Enthusiasts' Society members toured USS Orleck, Stark House, Farmers' Mercantile and Stark Museumin Orange, Texas.  Photos and Details

Ron Limbock, producer of the Lone Star Rally in Galveston, and his family, have donated a pickup truck to the Cavala Foundation, which assists with the preservation of the two ships at Seawolf Park. News Release

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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, March 21
4:00 Galveston Landmark Commission
5:00 Friendswood City Council Workshop 
5:30 University Area Association Roundtable, William Temple Center, 427 Market, Galveston.  Historic Downtown Strand Partnership President Ted Deyo will speak on "The Future of Downtown"
6:00 Jamaica Beach City Council 
6:30 Hitchcock City Commission
7:00 Friendswood City Council 
7:30 El Lago City Council 
7:00 Seabrook Economic Development Corporation II
 
Tuesday, March 22
10:00 Galveston Park Board of Trustees Tourism Development Advisory Committee Park Board meeting room, 2504 Church Street
10:00 Harris County Commissioners Court
10:00 Pasadena City Council 
11:00 Galveston Island Redevelopment Authority, City Hall Room 204
12:00 Historic Downtown Strand Partnership Fourth Tuesday Forum, Luigi's Ristorante Italiano.  John Breeding, executive director of Uptown Houston, will be the featured speaker
12:00 Rotary Club of Galveston Island, San Luis Resort. AARP Galveston County Communications Specialist Ivan Arceneaux will speak on Schemes and Scams
1:30 Beaumont City Council
1:30 Galveston Park Board of Trustees Park Board Room, 2504 Church Street, Galveston 
4:00 Galveston Planning Commission
5:30 Port Arthur City Council Special Meeting
5:30 North Galveston County Chamber of Commerce After Hours Mixer, Crawdaddy's in Clear Lake Shores
6:00 Galveston County Community Action Council, 2627 Avenue M, Galveston
6:30 Seabrook City Council Special meeting to interview city attorney candidates 
7:00 Dickinson City Council
7:00 League City City Council 
7:00 Clear Creek Independent School District Board of Trustees 
7:00 Hitchcock Independent School District Special Meeting  

Wednesday, March 23 
9:00 Galveston Building Board of Adjustments and Appeals, City Council Chambers
10:00 - 2:00 College of the Mainland Spring Career Fair, Student Center
12:00 Rotary Club of Galveston, Fisherman's Wharf. Rotary Exchange Student Mara Lopes will speak 
2:30 Pasadena Mayor and City Council Candidates Forum, City Council Chambers
8:00 Red White and Tuna, The Grand 1894 Opera House, Galveston

Thursday, March 24 
10:00 Galveston City Council and Park Board of Trustees Joint Meeting City Council Chambers
12:00 Galveston Island Pachyderm Club, Gaido's Restaurant
5:30 Galveston City Council Workshop
4:00 Bay Area Transportation Partnership Board of Directors, Bay Area Community Center, 5002 NASA Parkway
5:30 Galveston City Council
7:00 Kemah City Council
7:00 Santa Fe City Council
7:30 Morning Star, Main Street Theater in Rice Village, 2540 Times Boulevard in Houston
8:00 Shakespeare’s Measure For Measure, Bay Area Harbour Playhouse located at 3803 Highway 3 in Dickinson
8:00 Red White and Tuna, The Grand 1894 Opera House, Galveston  

Friday, March 25 
Good Friday 
8:00 Shakespeare’s Measure For Measure, Bay Area Harbour Playhouse located at 3803 Highway 3 in Dickinson
8:00 Morning Star, Main Street Theater in Rice Village, 2540 Times Boulevard in Houston
8:00 Red White and Tuna, The Grand 1894 Opera House, Galveston  

Saturday, March 26
2:00 Red White and Tuna, The Grand 1894 Opera House, Galveston (Captioned Performance)
8:00 Shakespeare’s Measure For Measure, Bay Area Harbour Playhouse located at 3803 Highway 3 in Dickinson
8:00 Morning Star, Main Street Theater in Rice Village, 2540 Times Boulevard in Houston
8:00 Red White and Tuna, The Grand 1894 Opera House, Galveston  

Sunday, March 27
Easter Sunday
2:00 Red White and Tuna, The Grand 1894 Opera House, Galveston
2:30 Shakespeare’s Measure For Measure, Bay Area Harbour Playhouse located at 3803 Highway 3 in Dickinson
7:00 Red White and Tuna, The Grand 1894 Opera House, Galveston

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Gulf Coast E-news, published by Guidry News Service, provides comprehensive coverage of posted public meetings in Galveston, Harris and Jefferson Counties as well as regional news impacting the Upper Texas Gulf Coast.

Jim and Lynda Guidry are publishers of Gulf Coast E-news and The Online News Station.

Jim Young is Houston City Correspondent.  Dana Patricia Burke is the Bay Area Houston Correspondent. Chuck Lawrence is Galveston City Correspondent.  Carl Guidry covers events in Jefferson County.  Anita Donatto covers the education beat in Galveston.  

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. 

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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.