December 11, 1999

The meeting of the Board of Directors of the West Galveston Island Property Owners’ Association was held on December 11, 1999. The meeting was called to order by Jerry Mohn, President at 11:10. A quorum was established by the Director’s present, which included Sidney McClendon, Marty Baker, Jerry Mohn, Jim Steinbeck, Peggy Rapp, and Al Birdwell.

The President, Jerry Mohn, introduced the elected officials from the City of Galveston and Galveston County.

Galveston County Judge Jim Yarbrough made a presentation to the organization and discussed the "Sand Sock" project in Pirates Beach, Palm Beach, and Pirates Beach West as well as new developing "Sand Sock" projects in other parts of the West End. Judge Yarbrough indicated how the County and City and other entities came together in the formation of the Beach Erosion Task Force and the progress made in requesting funds from the Coastal erosion and Response Act. The Office of Emergency Management was acknowledged for the work done in the County, the Task Force, and the "Sand Sock" project. The Judge expressed a "full court press" in maximizing efforts to appropriate funds from Austin as well as the Federal Government for beach and bay nourishment programs.

Tesa Duffy, Emergency Management Coordinator for the County made a slide presentation on the "Sand Sock" project on the West End and the program also included slides in how a "Sand Sock" withstood Hurricane Floyd in Avalon, New Jersey.

The Judge issued plaques to the Association and individuals for the effort expended in the formation of the Galveston Beach Erosion Task Force; work performed in the passage of the Coastal Erosion Planning and Response Act; and, partnership in the installation of the first "Sand Sock" project in the State of Texas. The West Galveston Island Property Owner’s Association also received a proclamation of appreciation plaque from the County of Galveston for the efforts in halting erosion on the West End. Tesa Duffy was also recognized with a plaque for her work on the "Sand Sock" project.

Janis Lowe, Chairperson of the Public Relations Committee, presented a plaque to the Judge on behalf of The WGIPOA, the Pirates Property Owner’s Association, and the Palm Beach Civic Club, to express appreciation in his decision to "draw a line in the sand" to go forward with the "Sand Sock" project.

Upon motion duly made by Marty Baker and seconded by Peggy Rapp, the following resolution was unanimously adopted.

Peggy Rapp, Secretary/Treasurer, reported $9,525.57 in the bank. Total income January through December 11 was $21,044.05 with net income of $11,525.57. Upon motion duly made by Al Birdwell and seconded by Sidney McClendon, the following resolution was unanimously adopted.

Pat Newsom with the Texas Beach and Shore Association stated she had recommended a meeting be set in early January to establish committees. A list of the various committees and committee members has been recommended and implementation will begin shortly.

Sidney McClendon, Chairman of the Legislative Committee, reviewed the Coastal Coordination Council Meeting of December 2 and the amount of public relations work that will be necessary to educate areas outside the Coastal region about the beach and bay erosion problems. A letter was sent to GLO Commissioner Dewhurst to recommend that the Association host a round table of governmental representatives and civic leaders representing a spectrum of thought relating to the future of the beach and bay.

Sidney McClendon spoke about the beach and bay activities in regard to restoration projects. The bay is eroding at a faster rate than the beach and projects similar to the State Parks "Sand Socks" should continue to be used . Rice University has been commissioned by the Task Force to evaluate and locate sand sources in the Gulf and Bay on the West End and off the Bolivar Peninsula.

Sidney McClendon wrote a letter on behalf of the WGIPOA to the Sunset Advisory Commission to continue the Coastal Coordination Council. In addition, in a letter addressed to GLO Commissioner Dewhurst, Mr. McClendon suggested that the WGIPOA host a "Round Table" discussion of beach and bay issues that would include governmental representatives and civic leaders.

Jerry Mohn reported a meeting has been set up with Andrew Neblett, Deputy Commissioner, and Bill Worsham, Coastal manager, both of the GLO, on December 17 in Austin. The main purpose is to review the Project Goal Summary from the Task Force and to discuss Texas Administration Code relating to eroded homes, part 15.5, and part 15.7, on the authority to build GEOTUBE® containment systems and other structures as well as other topics on the beach and bay.

There being no further business to come before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 1:00 p.m.

Date: December 11, 1999