2005 Archives

2004 Archives

2003 Archives

Monday               April 18, 2005

Port Arthur Seafarers Union

A ceremony to bless the foundation of the new Port Arthur Seafarers Center at the site of the old Kansas City Southern Railroad Depot at the western end of Procter Street will be held at noon on Wednesday.

The Port Arthur International Seafarers Center is an ecumenically-based facility founded by members of the community to offer hospitality to traveling seafarers.  The new center, which will be built to look like the old KCS depot, is expected to spur additional development on Procter Street.

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Galveston County Commissioners Court

Galveston County Commissioners Court today voted to waive penalty and interest on late payment of 2004 taxes  by L.T. Garrett, whose check was apparently mailed on time, but was misplaced by the tax office.  

"It sure seems like a bunch of checks that were lost," noted Commissioner Patrick Doyle, who also suffered a lost check by the tax office recently.

"There sure was a bunch of checks that were lost," agreed County Tax Assessor Collector Cheryl Johnson.  "I agree 100 percent with you."

Johnson said problems in her office are being corrected.

"As the clerks finish their work each day, they bundle everything up in a batch, and then it is filed away," Johnson reported to the commissioners court.  "At some point in time those batches are supposed to be reviewed.  Because of the backlog that we've had, those have never been reviewed."

Johnson said that temporary employees have been assigned to review the backlogged batches.

"We have found several checks," Johnson reported, adding that she also has had some problems identifying all of the batches in question.

"The first thing we did was check every single desk in every single office," Johnson said.  "I think the employees were a little reluctant because they were afraid that we were going to start firing people if we found checks.  So we basically had to let them know that we would declare a period of amnesty if we just got our hands on these checks."

The commissioners court voted to deny a second request by Garrett, for waiver of penalty and interest on a late payment of 2003 taxes, because there was no evidence of fault on the part of the tax office or the Galveston Central Appraisal District.

The commissioners court voted to defer action on requests for waiver of penalty and interest by Jan Kent and Diamantina Marqtinez; and denied all other requests.

The commissioners court voted to contribute $5,000 to the Galveston Windstorm Action Committee to help support the lobbying efforts of A. R. "Babe" Schwartz in Austin.

The commissioners court voted to reimburse $61,758 to the City of Friendswood to account for underspent funds on a contract with W.T. Byler for the construction of Sunset Street.

"The actual final construction contract cost was $123,517.42 less than the original contract, due mainly to storm sewer under-runs," said County Engineer Mike Fitzgerald.

The commissioners court voted to appoint Fitzgerald to the Houston-Galveston Area Council Flood Management Council.

"This is an old committee that is being revived," said Fitzgerald.  "It has been dormant for a while."

The commissioners court voted to endorse the reappointment of John Zendt, Dr. Ben Raimer, Mary Anne Holcomb, Ted Hanley, Dr. Milton Howard, Dr. Patricia Rogers and Jan Winnike, a registered nurse, to the Galveston County United Board of Health.  

The 13 municipal governments in Galveston County also will vote on the extension of the terms.

The commissioners court voted to name Right of Way Agent Paul Selman as a special commissioner in the lease of county right-of-way on the south side of Seawall Boulevard at 22nd Street.

"Mr. Jim Little of Pier Properties, Inc. has requested that we lease him that portion of county property required to erect an additional ramp to Murdock's Pier," Selman said.  "The appraised value of this lease is $1,050 annually, which will be the minimum bid."

The commissioners court approved a resolution in honor of the Lone Star Flight Museum Ron Carter Spirit of Flight Airshow next weekend.  Listen   Download

The commissioners court approved a resolution in honor of Senior Citizens Director Julie Penrod-Glenn, who is retiring and moving to Florida.  Listen   Download

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Jefferson County Commissioners Court

Jefferson County Commissioners Court today voted to approve contracts totaling $317,533.52 for janitorial services for Jefferson County.  A proposed $11,400 contract for the Precinct 2 Service Center was reduced to $2,400 prior to the final vote.

The commissioners court approved $140,245 in hotel occupancy tax allocations to 19 organizations.  Southeast Texas Baseball received $9,900; Sea Rim State Park, $5,000; Texas Energy Museum, $3,000; Texas AFA, $3,300; Southeast Texas Arts Council, $10,000; Pleasure Island Commission, $300; Port Neches Chamber of Commerce, $9,000; Jefferson County Emergency Management, $2,000; Top Ladies of Distinction, $11,000; Museum of the Gulf Coast received two allocations, $1,500 and $7,280; Beaumont and Port Arthur Convention and Visitors Bureaus received four allocations, $13,050, $1,850, $39,000 and $4,000; Crocket Street Entertainment District, $5,115; Spindletop-Gladys City, $2,800; Babe Didrikson Zaharias Foundation, $1,050; and Southeast Texas Arts Council received $10,500.

The commissioners court voted to amend the city's workers compensation policy.

"Employees who still have accrued injury leave may supplement their weekly temporary income benefits with available sick leave or vacation up to 20 hours per pay period," the new policy states.  "Supplement of intermittent time off will be limited to two hours per day of compensable time off."

The commissioners court named Roy Henslee to the Ford Park Beautification Committee.

The commissioners court voted to receive and file local project advance funding agreements with the state for improvements to the intersection of FM 365 at SH 124 to accommodate left turn lanes; for improvements to the intersection of US 90 at Pine Island Levee Road to accommodate a left turn lane; and for improvements to the intersection of Labelle Road at FM 365 to accommodate left turn lanes.

The commissioners court proclamed April 20 as National Federation of Grand Order of Pachyderm Clubs Day in Jefferson County.

The commissioners court approved a proclamation in honor of Irma P. Hall "for nearly four decades of accomplishments in theatre and film," and designating April 16 through April 22 as Irma P. Hall Week in Jefferson County.

All other agenda items were approved.  All votes were 4-0, with Mark Domingue absent.

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Houston City Council

The First Court of Appeals in Houston has issued an opinion regarding the City of Houston's recent charter elections on property tax ceilings.

"Today we received a ruling from the Court of Appeals that the action of certifying adoption of election results and declaring adoption of propositions by a majority of votes is a 'ministerial' or routine act required to be performed by the mayor and city council," said City Attorney Arturo Michel.  "The court stated that it expressed 'no opinion as to whether propositions 1 and 2 are inconsistent or whether the language of proposition 1 and the City Charter requires that proposition 2 be declared invalid."

Houston Mayor Bill White responded to the ruling by saying that he will urge the city council to certify the adoption of all three propositions on last November's election ballot to the Texas Secretary of State.

"This is a routine, 'ministerial' action, just like certifying the numerical results of the election," White said. " I see no reason not to go forward. The court made clear this action does not address the question of the legal effect of Proposition 2. We are proud that Proposition 1 got the most votes and sets a ceiling on property taxes."

"The Administration does not intend to appeal from the ruling of the Court of Appeals, because the ruling was very narrow and explicit," wrote Michel in a memo to the city council today. "The court's ruling permits a clear explanation to [bond] rating agencies that is consistent with the city's position concerning the language in the Charter and in Proposition 1 rendering Proposition 2 ineffective."

Bruce Hotze, Carroll Robinson, and Jeff Daily have sued the city in two state court legal actions: one in the District Court and another in the Court of Appeals.

With the Court of Appeals ruling, the District Court case on the legal effect of Proposition 2 remains.  The city has moved for judgment in its favor in that case. The judge set the case for trial in February 2006.

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Beach Party Weekend

The City of Galveston reports that "overall, crimes were down during Beach Party 2005, compared with Beach Party 2004."

Between 6 p.m. on Friday and 6 p.m. on Sunday, there was a total of 77 arrests, 62 males and 15 females.  The bulk of the arrests were for public intoxication.  Other offenses included possession of marijuana, evading arrests and more minor violations of the law.

Public Information Officer Janet Cohen reports that traffic was heavy, but never became unmanageable.  

"On a good summer day, approximately 36,000 vehicles come to Galveston," Cohen said.  "Between 8:30 a.m. on Friday and 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, 72,391 cumulative vehicles crossed the Causeway into Galveston."

She added that some of the may have been for Beach Party, some may have crossed the Causeway for other reasons.

Sights and Sounds of Beach Party Weekend in Galveston have been posted on The Online News Station.  Photos and Audio

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Kemah Community Development Corporation

Kemah Mayor Bill King has expressed concern about a flyer published by the Kemah Community Development Corporation on KCDC letterhead and distributed with water bills. Message

"The flyer set out some of the activities of the KCDC but also urged Kemah residents to vote against Proposition No. 1 which would state the residents' preference that 50 percent of the KCDC funds be devoted to the construction and maintenance of streets and related infrastructure," King said in an email to Kemah residents.  "The principal concern expressed by several citizens centered on the propriety of KCDC officially taking a position on an election matter and whether any tax money was used to pay for a flyer that was attempting to persuade voters on the proposition."

King said the KCDC agreed to publish a letter citing its accomplishments, but "there is nothing in the minutes reflecting that the board took any official position on Proposition No. 1."

He said that "at least one board member" has told him that she did not authorize the use of her name and never understood that the letter would be an electioneering piece.  In addition, other board members have agreed to personally reimburse the cost of the mailing.

"I believe that the individuals who initiated this mailing had good intentions and were attempting to legitimately share their views with the rest of the community," King said.  "Unfortunately, the best judgment was not used in the manner in which this communication was carried out."

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Clear Lake Area Council of Cities

Clear Lake Area Council of Cities Chair Natalie O'Neill, who also is mayor of Taylor Lake Village, has published an article on the Forum Page of The Online News Station, complimenting Clear Lake and Bay Area civil servants.  Message

"I have noticed an exciting trend this last decade," O'Neill said.  "The Clear Lake and Bay Area city governments have really opened up their lines of communication to work together towards common goals. We have always communicated with one another on some level but in the last few years the mayors and council members of Shoreacres, Seabrook, El Lago, Taylor Lake Village, Clear Lake Shores, Nassau Bay, Webster and Friendswood have shared ideas and philosophies and joined forces to address common needs and objectives."

O'Neil said that in the past, each city had its own vision and administration and each entity managed its own issues. 

"Now, because of tremendous growth in all our communities and continued growth predicted in the next decade the cities realize; what affects one city affects us all," O'Neill said.  "Our last Clear Lake Area Council of Cities meeting was a sharing of each city’s vision.  Each city developed visions for their future and we discovered that we all want the same things; a small town atmosphere and continued quality of life even if we grow into big cities. We want less crowded schools, decreased flooding, and improved traffic management and better air quality."  

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Friendswood City Council

Four candidates for Friendswood City Council participated in a forum at City Hall on Friday.  Photo and Report 

Lonnie Moffitt and John LeCour are candidates for Position 2.  Kitten Brizendine and Chris Peden are candidates for Position 5.

"Some of the issues discussed at the well-attended meeting were sales and property taxes, city development and budgeting," reported Kathy Rogers, who edited the report.

Moffitt said he favors stabilizing the effective tax rate and raising sales taxes, as those are voluntary.  LeCour strongly disagreed with increasing sales taxes and expressed strong support for a three percent tax cap, even if it has to be implemented locally.  

Brizendine said the city has been frugal in its spending and the combination of a 40 year old infrastructure and citizen expectations requires the status quo for taxes.  Peden spoke forcefully against property tax increases and in support of a three percent appraisal cap.  

Candidates also expressed differing opinions regarding budgeting practices and development of city property, including the Main Street Initiative. 

"All candidates praised the EMS and Fire Department volunteers and supported increased funding for the Police Department," Rogers said.  "There was also general agreement on the need to bring businesses into Friendswood.  All stated their fondness for the city and their desire to make it great for future generations."  

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Bay Area Republican Women

Harris County Tax Collector-Assessor Paul Bettencourt will speak at the Bay Area Republican Women's meeting on Wednesday, April 27 at Nassau Bay City Hall, 1800 Nasa Parkway.

The meeting will begin with refreshments at 10 a.m. It is open to all Republican women.  For information call (281) 218-9894.

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Hestia Luncheon and Fashion Show

Tickets are still available for the Second Annual May Day Luncheon and Fashion Show on Saturday, April 30 at noon at the Holy Trinity Episcopal Church Parish Hall.

Hestia, a local women's organization, is sponsoring the event which will benefit the Minnie Owens Scholarship Fund and honor the Dickinson Woman of the Year. 

For information call Laurie Fenimore at (409) 750-1201 or Denise Spain at (281) 337-2782.

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Neches River Festival

Neches River Festival, Incorporated has announced activities for the 57th Annual Neches River Festival.

The 2005 Citizen of the Year will be announced on Wednesday, April 20 at 10 a.m. at the MCM Elegante Hotel in Beaumont.

The Neches River Festival Parade, beginning at Calder and Martin Luther King Boulevard in Beaumont and ending at Crockett Street in the Entertainment District,  will begin at noon on Saturday, April 23.  The parade will feature Beaumont Independent School District marching bands, floats, city officials, Neches River Festival princesses, duchesses and escorts and free "throws" of beads and candy. 

The Neches River Festival Art Exhibit, hosted by the Beaumont Art League, will be held this week at the Brown and Scurlock Gallery, 2675 Gulf Street.  A reception and announcements of awards will be on Sunday, April 24 at 2 p.m.  For information contact Alexis McCarthy, Beaumont Art League Director, at (409) 833-4179.

The Coronation of the Queen will be Saturday, April 30 at 7 p.m. at the Julie Rogers Theatre, followed by the Coronation Ball at the Beaumont Civic Center.  Reservations are required.  Tickets are $15 each.  For information call the Neches River Festival office at (409) 835-2443.

The Neches River Festival has celebrated the Neches River for its impact on the city's economy and growth since the first festival was held in 1949.

The festival also benefits local youth by funding the Otho Plummer, Jr. Scholarship to Lamar University.  High School seniors who participate in the festival may apply for the scholarship, named in honor and memory of Plummer, known for his involvement with both Lamar University and the Neches River Festival.    

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Spirit of Flight Air Show

The Lone Star Flight Museum Ron Carter Spirit of Flight Airshow will be held on Saturday and Sunday on Galveston Island.

"Experience the power and heart-pounding action of historic warbirds, current military jets and aerobatic performers in action at the Ron Carter Spirit of Flight Airshow April 23-24 at the Lone Star Flight Museum," said a news release.  "Known as one of the most intimate aviation events in the U.S., the Spirit of Flight Airshow allows guests to capture the thrill of aviation through one of the premier collections of warbirds and current military hardware.  Get an up close and personal view of the action and feel excitement. Distinguished WWII veterans will attend adding a unique historical significance to the show."

Performances are scheduled by the United States Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II Demonstration Team and there will be an F-16 fly-by from the 111th Fighter Squadron of the Texas Air National Guard and an Army AH-64 Apache demonstration. Notable aerobatic performers Jan Collmer in an Extra 300, Paul Fiala in a Great Lakes biplane and world champion Debby Rihn-Harvey will perform each day.

Special guests at the Airshow will be Paul Tibbets, pilot of the Enola Gay, David Lee “Tex” Hill of the Flying Tigers, Richard Cole, copilot of Jimmy Doolittle’s B-25 on the infamous raid on Japan and noted WASP Florene Watson Miller. 

Gates will open at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday.  Flying starts at approximately 11:30 a.m.  Ticket prices are $10 for adults and $5 for children.  Chairs and strollers welcome. No coolers, glass, alcohol, or pets allowed.

Visit http://www.lsfm.org/event.php?rec=2 for additional information.

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On The Webio

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

Photos and audio excerpts from recent meetings in Jefferson County have been posted.  Photos and Audio

Port Arthur Mayor Oscar Ortiz presented a proclamation to Pastor Joe Roberts in recognition of God's Goodness Day on Sunday, May 1 on Pleasure Island, in coordination with the 65th Anniversary of  Fellowship Baptist Church in Nederland.  Photo and Audio

Ellis Pickett, president of Surfrider Foundation Texas Chapter, contributed a message to the Forum Page: "The Texas legislature is in session, God help us all." 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 18  
4:00 Galveston Landmark Commission
6:00 Jamaica Beach City Council
6:30 Hitchcock City Commission 
7:00 Friendswood City Council
7:30 El Lago City Council 
  
Tuesday, April 19 
10:00 Houston-Galveston Area Council, 3555 Timmons Lane, Houston  
11:30 Greater Houston Partnership quarterly meeting, InterContinental Houston Hotel, 2222 West Loop South
11:30 North Galveston County Chamber of Commerce Monthly Luncheon, networking at 11:30, luncheon at noon. Guest speaker, Dolph Tillotson, Publisher of The Galveston County Daily News, South Shore Harbour Country Club.
12:00 Rotary Club of Galveston Island, San Luis Resort.  The program is a club assembly
1:00 Galveston Impact Fee Advisory Committee
1:30 Beaumont City Council
1:30 Houston City Council
4:00 Galveston Planning Commission
7:00 Clear Lake Shores City Council
7:00 Seabrook City Council
7:00 Tiki Island Board of Aldermen
7:00 Webster City Council
7:30 Pasadena City Council

Wednesday, April 20 
9:00 Houston City Council
12:00 Rotary Club of Galveston, Fisherman's Wharf.  The program is Youth Direct Ministries with Don Smarto
4:00 Galveston Zoning Board of Adjustment Special Meeting
4:00 Galveston Intermodal Transportation Committee, City Hall Room 100
4:00 Galveston Building Standards Commission, City Hall Room 204
5:00 Texas City City Commission
6:30 League City City Council Joint Meeting with the Planning and Zoning Commission 
7:00 Clear Creek Independent School District Board of Trustees Special Meeting 
 
Thursday, April 21 
11:00 Webster Business Alliance, Webster Civic Center.  Tim Purpura, general manager of the Houston Astros will talk about the upcoming season
3:00 Gulf Coast Water Authority, 3630 FM 1765
6:30 Galveston County Mayors and Councilmembers Association Joint Meeting with Harris County Mayors and Councilmembers Association, Monument Inn
7:30 Santa Fe Independent School District Board of Trustees
8:00 Bus Stop, College of the Mainland Community Theatre

Friday, April 22 
6:00 Rotary National Award for Space Achievement Awards Gala, Houston Hyatt Regency
8:00 Bus Stop, College of the Mainland Community Theatre 

Saturday, April 23 
Texas Adopt A Beach Cleanup
9:00 Spirit of Flight Air Show, Lone Star Flight Museum
9:00 - 5:00 NASA Johnson Space Center Open House
10:00 Dedication of the Flags of the International Space Station Monument, 1800 NASA Parkway, Nassau Bay
12:00 Neches River Festival Parade, Downtown Beaumont 3:00 An Afternoon Delight, Houston International Ballet, League City Convention Center 
6:00 - 9:00 ArtWalk, Downtown Galveston 8:00 Bus Stop, College of the Mainland Community Theatre

Sunday, April 24 
9:00 Spirit of Flight Air Show, Lone Star Flight Museum
2:30 Same Time, Next Year, Bay Area Harbour Playhouse,3803 Highway3, Dickinson
2:30 Bus Stop, College of the Mainland Community Theatre
3:00 Ronan Tynan, 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 and Dana Patricia Burke are editors 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
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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.