MEETING WITH GALVESTON CITY MANAGER
November 18, 2002
Present:
City:
WGIPOA:
The WGIPOA Board of Directors had a very productive meeting yesterday with the City Manger and staff. All concerns and issues reported by the various subdivisions were addressed and each will be reviewed separately with the respective area. The main news for the West End is that a sewer installation program is in the works!
SEWERS: Steve LeBlanc reported that at last weeks City Council meeting, all members and the Mayor agreed it was time for sewers to be installed in the West End and to be included in a massive City wide revenue bond project. Brandon Wade and his staff will make recommendations on the 5 year program to City Council on December 10 and finalization in early January. Revenue bonds do not require approval by vote by the public but an affirmative vote by 6 of the 7 City Council members is required. The project will involve the installation of sewers in all existing subdivisions with septic systems.
Brandon Wade will review the entire sewer project at the WGIPOA Meeting on January 18, 2003. Steve and Brandon encouraged all West Enders to show support by addressing City Council when the revenue bond project comes for approval. Within the next two or three weeks, a preliminary plan for each affected subdivision will be available and to contact either Brandon Wade (wadebrad@cityofgalveston.org) or Angelo Grasso (GrassoAng@cityofgalveston.org) for a copy for your area.
DRAINAGE: The other serious issue that affects most of the subdivisions are drainage problems, especially with all the recent storms. There is a Drainage Master Plan being developed for the entire City for March, 2003. A drainage study of each subdivision will be performed upon request now and to contact either Brandon Wade or Angelo Grasso. There are some subdivisions bordering FM 3005 that have real problems and without TEXDOT involvement to divert the water flow to the Bay, not much can be done now. The City encourages people to mow the ditches and not to throw grass clippings or trash in the ditches.
WATER: The City will extend the major transmission line from 10 mile road (Spanish Grant water tower) to Jamaica Beach. A new pump station at Jamaica Beach will be built to push the water to the west end. Long term plans include a 4 million gallon water storage tank at this location. In late Winter or by early Spring, Sea Isle canal lots will have installed new larger water lines for fire protection.
STREET REPAIRS/POTHOLES: As the sewers are completed with the bond project, new roads will be paved. Please contact Misty at Tel: 797-3630 for any pot hole repairs.
PUBLIC SAFETY: Due to retirements, etc., the West End is missing two police patrol personnel. Instead of two officers during the day and evening shift, there is only one officer. There are still 2 officers and a Sergeant for the evening shift. The City is in the process of hiring new personnel. The hiring of off duty policemen is working great for a few of the subdivisions and others should investigate this avenue until we have more patrols and officers for the West End. Please let us know where we can assist in this matter.
The 25,000-gallon gasoline tank for refueling is out for bids and should be finalized December 12. The tank will be installed at the 12 mile road Fire House and this will improve patrol visibility and frequency since the cars do not have to go into the City to refuel.
Thank you.
Jerry Mohn