Galveston County Commissioners Court today voted 4-0-1, with Ken Clark abstaining, to approve a motion by Stephen Holmes to prohibit the leasing of county-owned buildings, that do not have a pre-approved permitting policy in place, to third parties. Listen
The action, which takes effect immediately, blocks Clark’s use of the county-owned Texas AgriLife building in Carbide Park in La Marque for the screening of “Dreams From My Real Father,” an anti-Obama film, which had been scheduled for Thursday. Holmes contended that Clark had violated state law by using his position as county commissioner to ask County Extension Agent William Johnson to rent him the facility, when no policy for renting it existed.
“It is not proper,” Holmes said. “It is not compliant with the laws of the State of Texas.”
The vote came after a motion by Clark to approve a new policy that would provide for the rental of the building failed for lack of a second. Kevin O’Brien, who had at first seconded Clark’s motion, withdrew his second after Holmes’ passionate speech.
After the meeting, Clark said he did not know whether he would find another venue for the showing.
“I haven’t had a real opportunity to think that through,” Clark said. “I will have to think about that and decide what I’m going to do.” Listen
Clark denied that he had broken the law with his attempt to rent the building.
“I asked to use the facility and pay a fair rental value,” Clark said. “I wasn’t trying to break any rules or policies.”
The commissioners court voted unanimously to renew contracts with the Galveston County Health District for emergency medical services for Galveston County East and Galveston County West.
The commissioners court voted unanimously to approve an addendum to the interlocal agreement with the Clear Creek Independent School District for the School Liaison Officer Program.
The commissioners court voted unanimously to grant waivers of penalty and interest for the delinquent payment of ad valorem taxes requested by Pamela B. Robinson, Mr. and Mrs. Peter Gustaferro and Roger Fedro. The commissioners court voted to defer action on a request for waiver of P&I by Mark Domingue. All other requests were denied. Listen
Gene Hafele, meteorologist in charge of the Houston-Galveston office of the National Weather Service presented a Storm Ready certificate to the commissioners court in recognition of the preparations by the Galveston County Office of Emergency Management. Listen
The commissioners court proclaimed November 16 and 17 as Square and Round Dance Weekend in Galveston County.
All other agenda items were approved unanimously. Agenda