MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING
The meeting of the Board of Directors of the West Galveston Island Property Owners' Association was held on August 17, 2002. The meeting was called to order by Jerry Mohn, President, at 9:00 A.M. A quorum of was established by the Directors in attendance: Jerry Mohn, Wanda Greer (Terramar), Sidney McClendon (Pirates POA), Kathie Harty (Sea Isle), Al Birdwell (Bermuda Beach), and Jim Steinbeck (Jamaica Beach). Advisory Director, Marty Baker, was present. Absent Directors included Peggy Rapp (Condos), Boyd Carr (Isla del Sol), and Dan Daigle (Spanish Grant Bay). Susan McKirahan – Gonzales, Recording Secretary, with C.K.M. Property Management was also in attendance. Jerry Mohn recognized Diana Puccetti, City of Galveston Council Member; Wayne Cook, Director of Traffic for the City of Galveston; and Vic Pierson, Mayor of Jamaica Beach.
The minutes of the last meeting were reviewed. Motion by Al Birdwell, seconded by Sidney McClendon, the Board approved the minutes of July 20, 2002 by unanimous vote.
Al Birdwell presented the Financial Report. Al stated that the net worth of the Association is $26,309, with outstanding dues of $4,750, leaving a cash balance of $21,559. In December the Lobbyist will be paid in the amount of $14,000. Motion by Sidney McClendon, seconded by Wanda Greer, the Board approved the Treasurer's Report as presented.
Jerry Mohn introduced the Corporate Sponsors who were in attendance: Mike Brown with Silverleaf, who advised the company is operating satisfactorily and unit sales are going at a brisk rate; David Murphy and Darrell Kinsey with Reliant Energy indicated the new transmission line to the island is now complete and that services continue to improve; and, Vic Pierson, President of Moody National stated that an open house will be held at the new 19th location of Moody National Bank on FM 3005 at Pirates Beach on August 28, 2002.
Discussion on the status of the mail boxes behind Trammel's shopping center. The Post Office is setting up new boxes at the Moody Bank. The Post Office will notify those holding the current boxes of the transfer date.
It was stated by Johnson Space Center Credit Union that the West Galveston POA is now included and that property owners may obtain a membership (loan, savings, etc.) through the WGIPOA membership. Motion by Wanda Greer and seconded by Kathie Harty, the Board approved to join the Johnson Space Center Credit Union so that owners on the West End of Galveston in order for Property Owners to obtain.
Jimmy Tyree resigned from the General Land Office and to work for TexDot. Marty recommended that the Association obtain a plaque to give Jimmy Tyree for all his effort on the CEPRA programs.
The City of Galveston approved to sponsor and to sign a PCA agreement with the GLO for two sand nourishment CEPRA II projects: One including Sea Isle, Terramar, and Kahala Beach. The other one approved was for Pirates Beach, Palm Beach and Pirates Beach West.
On August 22, 2002, City Council will meet to review the remaining CEPRA II Projects.
Discussion was held on the mining of sand by Oly Galveston Partnership between Stewart & FM 3005 at Pirates Beach. Approximately 250,000 cubic yards of sand is being excavated to build the foundation for the department stores at the former Galvez Mall. Several West End residents have complained about the excessive speeds of the trucks hauling the sand and the late hours of operation. Oly Galveston plans to build a ski lake on the site.
The WGIPOA Board of Directors met with the City manager and staff on August 2, 2002. The issues of public safety on the West End were discussed. Police activity, visibility, enforcement and delays in response were all discussed. The City will be providing three (3) additional Officers. These Officers will come from desk jobs and placed on patrol. Civilians will fill the desk jobs. Council passed a resolution to add thirty people over three years to the Fire Department. They plan to have four (4) people on every fire truck. The City manager authorized $25,000 to construct a fuel depot at 12 mile road firehouse in order for police cars to refuel there rather than to come into the City. This will save at least 2 to 3 hours a day and allocate more time for patrols. Note son the meeting can be reviewed on the WGIPOA website.
Bermuda, Sea Isle, Indian Beach and other subdivisions have hired off-uty officers for additional patrolling. Discussion on all West End Associations hiring additional patrolling. Special Council meeting will be on August 29, 2002.
Pat Newsom, executive Director of the Texas Beach & Shore Association, advised the Tech Conference is to be held November 14 & 15, 2002, at the Hobby Hilton Hotel at Hobby Airport. Speakers and Topics will be: Jefferson and Galveston County – major sand sources; Dr. Scott Douglas, Univ. of Alabama – "Saving Americas Beaches"; Dr Farell – Hines Report; American Beach & Shore Association; Howard Marlowe – Federal Funding and Technical Strategy on caring for Shoreline.
Anchor Bay development was discussed and Spanish Grant Bay requested the WGIPOA send a letter to the US Army Corps of Engineers to delay the approval of the project until additional information on the environment and wetlands is evaluated. The COE did delay the approval until August 30 and Spanish Grant needs more time to gather data. A letter will be sent.
Jerry Mohn introduced Senator David Bernsen. Senator Bernsen stated that he has been active in coastal issues from his past experience and personal experience (Beach Ownership), and he will continue to be active in fighting for coastal issues. He stressed that we need not just a vote but a voice on the Land Commissioner position. Senator Bernsen stated that the economic studies show that if you maintain the beach there is an economic return. He pressed that the coast is an asset for the entire State of Texas, including people in Amarillo who come to Galveston to enjoy the beaches. The GLO and Commissioner needs to talk to people outside the coastal community to make certain everyone understands coastal issues and the way to protect this valuable asset. Senator Bernsen believes it very important for the General Land Commissioner to be accessible and active in the coastal community.
The GLO manages 20 million acres of land, including submerged lands. In addition, the GLO Commissioner has a responsibility as a steward in managing the money that goes into the permanent school fund for education. The GLO Commissioner sits on the Water Council for the State of Texas and will make certain people are aware of the economic impact to communities of the bays and estuaries. For beach erosion, Senator Bernsen believes an untapped money resource is the Federal Government and we need to knock on their door more often. If they do not respond, then kick the door in to get their attention. He is tired in seeing non coastal states like Michigan receive millions of dollars in Federal funds for shoreline restoration projects.
A question and answer session was held. Concerns were raised about vehicles on the beach and ADA issues for beach access. Senator Bernsen believes in open beaches and in accessibility. He has met with elected officials, community leaders, and private citizens to get the beach access plan passed. He plans a hands-on approach to erosion issues by sitting down and listening to the citizens of different areas.
There being no further business to come before the Board the meeting was adjourned.