The Galveston Park Board of Trustees on Tuesday, by unanimous consensus, instructed the Park Board staff to work with the Lone Star Coastal National Recreation Area Steering Committee to become a member of the committee.

Doug McLeod and Victoria Herrin made a presentation regarding the National Recreation Area Plan, which would provide a national recreation area designation for the upper Texas coast, including Galveston, Brazoria, Matagorda and Chambers counties.  The designation, given by Congress, would classify the area as having “outdoor recreation potential of national significance”.

McLeod was recently named vice chair of the Lone Star National Recreation Area Partners Coalition. News Release

The board voted unanimously to prioritize alternate projects for funding from revenues through the Seawolf Park ticket booth.

The board voted unanimously to approve an operations agreement with the Cavalla Historical Foundation.

“The Cavalla Foundation has been a partner with the Park Board for many years, and they are co-owners of those vessels at Seawolf Park, the Stewart and the Cavalla submarine, and they are responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of those vessels,” Board Chair Dr. Craig Brown said. Listen (6 minutes, 19 seconds)

The board deferred action until November 13 regarding the Ashton Villa lease.  Action on the item had been deferred in the past to determine ownership of the Ashton Villa, which has been found to belong to the City of Galveston.  The city has, through an interlocal agreement, signed management of the property to the Park Board, which has leased it to the Galveston Historical Foundation for several years, according to Brown.

The Park Board is continuing discussions with the Galveston Historical Foundation regarding the lease.

The board, following an executive session discussion, voted unanimously to approve an incentives and bonus program for Executive Director Kelly de Schaun and Finance Director Michael Moser.

During the meeting, the board heard a presentation from Galveston Assistant City Manager Brian Maxwell and Galveston Police Chief Henry Porretto regarding paid parking on the Seawall. 

All other items were approved by unanimous vote.  Trustees Steve Kalbaugh and Joyce Calver-McLean were absent.  Agenda