2005 Archives

2004 Archives

2003 Archives

Monday               April 4, 2005

Galveston County Commissioners Court

Galveston County Commissioners Court today unanimously voted to approve a lease agreement with ZHI Inc for use of the old Falstaff Brewery building at 3400 Church by the Galveston County Sheriff's Office.  Lieutenant Tommy Hansen explained that Bill Hughes had previously allowed the Galveston Fire Department to use a portion of the building and has now offered to let the county use the building as well.    

"I think it is an excellent opportunity for us to preserve some of our expensive equipment," explaining that much of the equipment now is being stored outdoors.  

"Hopefully, they will develop the property and we won't be there that long," said Galveston County Judge Jim Yarbrough.

The agreement with Hughes is for six months, but could be extended for a longer period.  

The commissioners court voted 3-1, with Eddie Janek opposed, to approve a $32,600 budget amendment to cover multiple deficits in terminal vacation and sick leave accounts due to the retirement, resignation and/or termination of several employees.

"Also, money is needed for the overtime account in the JJAEP Fund," said Brent Norris, director of the Jerry Esmond Juvenile Justice Center.  "This is a program which requires coverage of shifts and there has been one employee out on workers compensation for a long period of time and a vacant position which has been hard to fill, which has depleted the fund."

All other votes were 4-0, with Patrick Doyle absent.

The commissioners court approved the lease of a 20 foot strip of land at Walter Hall Park for a shoreline stabilization project with the Texas General Land Office.

The commissioners court approved a professional services agreement with Shiner Moseley and Associates for services related to the Bolivar Peninsula and West Galveston Island sand sock projects.

The commissioners court deferred action on a claim for payment by Hoskins and Associates LLC. at the request of Commissioner Ken Clark.  

"After doing a little investigating, there is no Hoskins and Associates LLC listed at the Comptroller's office so I would like to pull that claim for further investigation," Clark said.  Clark recently cast the only vote against a consulting contract with Mark Hoskins for legislative representation in Austin.

The commissioners court agreed to withhold the payment until the issue is clarified.

The commissioners court voted to deny a request for waiver of penalty and interest on delinquent taxes paid by Brian Kovich on property at 2806 N. Sonny Lane in Galveston.

"I was unaware of the back taxes that were owed on the house or property," said Kovich, who explained that he purchased the property in 2000. 

Because the delinquency was not caused by an act or omission of an officer, employee or agent of the Galveston Central Appraisal District or the tax office, Tax Assessor-Collector Cheryl Johnson had recommended against the waiver; and the commissioners court agreed.

Two other requests for waivers of penalty and interest by property owners who said they had made duplicate payments, were deferred for additional investigation.

The commissioners court approved resolutions in honor of Dolly Warren, recipient of the Rabbi Henry Cohen Humanitarian Award, and in honor of Steve Horner for his service to the Galveston County Emergency Communications District.  Listen  Download

"I started working with the Sheriff's Office when I was 19 years old," Horner said.  "The citizens of this county are very fortunate to have a fine emergency radio system and 911 call system. It has been tested on several occasions and has worked well."

The commissioners court met in workshop with Galveston County Health Authority Dr. Mark Guidry, who presented a progress report on the Strategic Health Plan; with James Elbert on windstorm insurance issues; and with representatives of Null-Lairson on the Federal Single Audit Report.  Listen  Download

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Jefferson County Commissioners Court

Jefferson County Commissioners Court today voted to execute a $154,620 contract with G&G Enterprise for terminal building modifications at the Southeast Texas Regional Airport.

The commissioners court voted to amend the management agreement with SMG, removing operation of the Ford Park Visitors Center from the scope of services; but the action is subject to review by First Assistant Criminal District Attorney Tom Rugg.

The commissioners court tabled action on a proposal to create a Beautification Committee for Ford Park.

The commissioners court voted to approve an agreement with the Texas Department of Transportation for maintenance of Edward C. Moore Highway signs, provided that $800 pledged to underwrite the installation of the signs is received.

The commissioners court deferred for one week action on a proposal to transfer the county's budget preparation process from the Budget Office to the County Auditor's Office.

The commissioners court voted to table action on a proposed oil, gas and mineral lease agreement with Cinco Land and Exploration, Inc. on property in Precinct 4.  Commissioner Everette Alfred, who represents the area, asked for time to review the lease.

The commissioners court voted to appoint Ronald M. Carlan and Richard Chappell to the Jefferson County Investment Advisory Committee; and to reappoint Hez Aubey, Vincent Fertitta, Allison Golias and Robert Morgan to the committee.

All votes were 4-0.  County Judge Carl Griffith was in Austin.

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Port of Houston Authority

The Port of Houston Authority today announced the appointment of Erik A. Eriksson (Photo) as general counsel and the promotion of Jimmy M. Jamison (Photo) to director of operations.

Effective April 25, Eriksson’s principal responsibilities will be to provide effective management of the PHA Legal Department and provide legal advice and recommendations to the executive and managing directors in the formulation and implementation of overall objectives, policies, and plans in accordance with the legal powers and authority of the PHA.

“Erik brings a significant level of legal skill to the Port of Houston Authority,” said PHA Executive Director Tom Kornegay.  “I am confident that his leadership capabilities will be a tremendous asset to the port’s endeavors and I look forward to his contributions.”

Effective April 11, Jamison’s responsibilities will be to manage and direct the operations of the PHA departments assigned, Barbours Cut Terminal, Turning Basin Terminal, Galveston Container Terminal, Bayport, Port Police and Marine departments.  He will advise and make recommendations to the executive and managing director in the formulation of overall practices, policies, and plans for the PHA.

“Over the years, Jimmy has repeatedly demonstrated his ability to plan and facilitate major PHA initiatives,” stated Kornegay. “I look forward to great results from his expanded leadership role.”

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Galveston Livable Communities Initiative

John Carrara of The Goodman Corporation today reported to the Galveston Livable Communities Steering Committee that signage for the downtown infrastructure project is being re-bid at the request of City Manager Steve LeBlanc.  

"Kelso's contract is now closed out," Carrara said.  "So it will be whoever wins the bid."

"Under Phase I, the only item that hadn't been completed was the signage," explained Bill Ross, chair of the committee.  "It was in Kelso's contract to do that signage, but for whatever reason, it has taken forever to get it resolved."

Allen LeCornu recalled that the problem was with the brackets to connect the signs to Reliant Energy light standards.

"They were redesigned about four times," LeCornu said, adding that "non-tamperable" screws should be used to bolt the signs to the standards.

"One in front of the Moody Building was stolen," LeCornu reported.  "You see, the bums lift them off, then they take them down and sell them for scrap."

Carrara said bids will be advertised soon for trash surrounds for Postoffice Street.

The committee reviewed a conceptual drawing of the transportation terminal that will be built at 25th and The Strand.  Aguirre Architects of Austin is working on the project with Gaertner & Associates of Galveston, who is consulting with the Texas Historical Commission on the facade.

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

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Dickinson Independent School District

Voters in the Dickinson Independent School District on Saturday approved two bond issues totaling $85 million.

Proposition 1, a  $72 million issue, which will provide for construction of a new junior high campus, an elementary school and an additional fifth- through sixth-grade school, was approved with a vote of 1,480 to 603.

Proposition 2, a $13 million issue, which will provide for construction of a new stadium, was approved with a vote of 1,241 to 841. 

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Friendswood Politics

The League of Women Voters - Bay Area will sponsor a Friendswood City Council Candidates Forum on Friday, April 15 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Village on the Park Community Room, 400 East Parkwood (FM 528).

"The Candidates Forum will provide an opportunity for the public to meet the candidates, ask questions, and hear their positions on a variety of issues," said a news release.  It will begin with an informal social time from 6:30 to 7 p.m.  The candidates will then respond to written questions from the audience from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

The candidates are Lonnie Moffitt and John LeCour, Position 2; and W. Chris Peden and Kitten Brizendine, Position 5.

Early voting will be Wednesday, April 20 to Tuesday, May 3 in the City Council Chambers of Friendswood City Hall from 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Monday through Thursday and from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Friday.  There will be extended early voting on Saturday, April 30 from 8:00 a.m. to  5:00 p.m.

The election will be held Saturday, May 7, from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.  Galveston County residents will vote at the Friendswood City Hall, 910 South Friendswood Drive.  Harris County residents will vote at Wedgewood Elementary School, 4000 Friendswood Link Road.

For more information about the election, contact the Friendswood city secretary at (281) 996-3270.  For more information about the Candidates Forum, contact Barbara Murray, LWV-BA president, at (281) 474-3154.

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May Day Luncheon and Fashion Show

The Second Annual May Day Luncheon and Fashion Show, benefiting The Minnie Owens Scholarship Fund and honoring the Dickinson Woman of the Year, will be Saturday, April 30 at noon at the Holy Trinity Episcopal Church Parish Hall, 4613 Highway 3.

The Minnie Owens Scholarship is awarded each year to a Dickinson High School senior interested in pursuing a career in teaching.  The Dickinson Woman of the Year award is presented to a resident who exemplifies the characteristics that reflect the values of Owens, the first school teacher in Dickinson and a respected community leader in her time.

The scholarship and award will be presented by Hestia, a local women’s organization, on behalf of the Minnie Owens’ family.  Affordable Elegance will sponsor the luncheon and fashion show. 

For information on becoming a sponsor or purchasing tickets, call Laurie Fenimore at (409) 750-1201 or Denise Spain at (281) 337-2782.

The Holy Trinity Episcopal Church Parish Hall is located on the property where the original “little white church” and schoolhouse sat when Miss Minnie first taught school in Dickinson.

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Galveston Bay Foundation 

The Galveston Bay Foundation Seventh Annual Marsh Mania will be Saturday, April 9 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the newly restored Dickinson Bay Island. Photo and Release

“Marsh Mania volunteers are essential to this project. This is a community based event that has a direct benefit to our Bay system,"  said Bob Stokes, President of the Galveston Bay Foundation.  "Volunteers can expect to get wet and muddy planting valuable marsh habitat at the restored island, but they can also expect to have a lot of fun."

In 2003, GBF and several partners began reconstructing the first of three islands on the north side of the Dickinson Ship Channel.  Prolonged wave action and subsidence over the last six decades have caused erosion to the islands that had previously provided shoreline protection for the adjacent Texas City Prairie Preserve and essential habitat for colonial waterbirds as well as commercially and recreationally important species of fish, shrimp, and crabs. 

The first restored island includes approximately three acres of intertidal marsh and two acres of uplands suitable for ground-nesting birds.  Two to three acres of oyster reef will be created adjacent to the island.

A second Marsh Mania will be held on Saturday, May 21 at two sites: Armand Bayou Nature Center in Pasadena and Sweetwater Nature Preserve on Galveston Island. Pre-registration is required to participate in all events.  To pre-register call GBF at (281) 332-3381, extension 207.

Volunteers will receive a T-shirt.  Door prizes will be awarded and lunch will be provided.  No experience is necessary.  For more information, visit  http://www.galvbay.org.

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BP Benefit Crawfish Boil

BP, RE/MAX and Crawdaddy's Bayou Grill will host a "Spicy Bugs Crawfish Boil" on Sunday, April 10 at Crawdaddy's in Kemah from  noon to 6 p.m.

Proceeds will benefit victims of the recent explosion at BP in Texas City and their families.

Music will be provided by the Pee Wee Bowen Band.

For information call RE/MAX South Shore at (281) 334-7077 or Crawdaddy's at (281) 334- 2292.

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Galveston Kiwanis Club Las Vegas Night

The Galveston Kiwanis Club Sixth Annual Las Vegas Night will be Friday, April 8 at the Balinese Room, 2107 Seawall Boulevard.  Proceeds will benefit The Rainbow Connection, supporting families of children with cancer and blood disorders.

Ticket price is $20 and includes $2,500 of gambling money, one raffle ticket, hors d'oeuvres and a prize auction. There will be a cash bar. 

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On The Webio

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

The 100th Anniversary of American National Insurance Company in Galveston was observed Saturday Night at the Moody Gardens Hotel.  Photos and Audio  

The Annual Blessing of the Fleet Ceremony at Lakewood Yacht Club was Sunday.  Photos and Audio

Victor Lang has reviewed The Secret Life of a Black Trophy Wife - A Cultural Autobiography by Marsha Stephens Wilson Rappaport. Review

Candidates for office and their supporters have been posting messages on The Forum Page.

Kathy Rogers has written a letter in support of John LeCour for Friendswood City Council.  Message

Seabrook Council Member Dee Wright has posted a message in behalf of her candidacy for reelection.  Message

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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, April 4 
4:00 Galveston Landmark Commission
4:00 Galveston Ethics Commission, City Hall Room 204
4:30 Friendswood City Council Worksession 
5:30 Galveston Independent School District Board of Trustees Special Meeting, Lovenberg Administration Building Library 
6:00 Jamaica Beach City Council Workshop
6:00 Hitchcock City Commission Special Meeting 
6:00 Seabrook Economic Development Corporation
7:00 Friendswood City Council Regular Session
7:00 Hitchcock Independent School District Special Meeting 
  
Tuesday, April 5 
8:00 Galveston Arts Commission, Galveston Arts Center,2127 Strand
12:00 Rotary Club of Galveston Island, San Luis Resort.  Ball High Students will speak on the Rotary Four-Way Test
1:30 Beaumont City Council
1:30 Houston City Council
4:00 Galveston Planning Commission 
6:30 Bayou Vista Board of Aldermen
6:30 Clear Lake Shores City Council Workshop on Roads and Drainage
7:00 Seabrook City Council 
7:00 Webster City Council
7:00 Bolivar Peninsula Chamber of Commerce General Membership Meeting, Joe Faggard Community Center
7:30 Pasadena City Council
 
Wednesday, April 6
8:00 North Galveston County Chamber of Commerce Breakfast, La Frontera Restaurant, Dickinson
9:00 Houston City Council
4:00 Galveston Zoning Board of Adjustment 
4:30 Texas City City Commission Workshop 
5:00 Texas City City Commission
7:00 League of Women Voters of the Galveston Area Board Meeting, McCullough Room, Rosenberg Library 
 
Thursday, April 7 
11:30 Beaumont Chamber of Commerce Membership Luncheon, Holiday Inn Atrium Plaza, IH 10 at Walden Road. Denton County Judge Jeff Mosley will speak as the Executive Director of Texas Economic Development for Governor Rick Perry
4:00 Dickinson Historic Railroad Depots Groundbreaking, FM 517 West
5:00 Rabbi Henry Cohen Award, Rosenberg Library
7:00 Hitchcock Independent School District Board of Trustees Special Meeting
7:00 Food and Vine Times, Historic Strand District, Galveston
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 Bus Stop, College of the Mainland Community Theatre

Friday, April 8 
6:00 - 10:00 Food and Vine Times, Historic Strand District, Galveston
6:30 Galveston Kiwanis Club Las Vegas Night, Balinese Room, 2107 Seawall Boulevard, benefiting The Rainbow Connection
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 Bus Stop, College of the Mainland Community Theatre 

Saturday, April 9 
8:00 Marsh Mania 2005, Dickinson Bay Island
2:00 - 5:00 Food and Vine Times, Historic Strand District, Galveston
3:00 42nd Street, The Grand 1894 Opera House, Galveston
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 Bus Stop, College of the Mainland Community Theatre
8:00 42nd Street, The Grand 1894 Opera House, Galveston
 
Sunday, April 10
2:30 Bus Stop, College of the Mainland Community Theatre
3:00 42nd Street, The Grand 1894 Opera House, Galveston
3:00 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

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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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