WEST GALVESTON ISLAND PROPERTY OWNER’S ASSOCIATION

MEETING WITH GALVESTON CITY MANAGER

March 21, 2003

1.  FM 3005:  Since a major cause of flooding on the West End subdivisions is due to FM 3005, I would appreciate if TEXDOT could be at the meeting to see how if there are any long term programs to build culverts, etc., to drain the water from the Gulf to the Bay, etc.  They are a very important factor in the drainage issue for the West End.

2.   Pirates Beach and Cove have major drainage problems and since the City will be annexing this area, we should begin to address the situation.  I would appreciate if someone from the County would attend the meeting to go over the drainage issues in Pirates.

3.  Bermuda Beach and Spanish Grant Beach:  The infrastructure problems here needs to be addressed as soon as possible.  It is an accident waiting to happen.  I am not certain if Public Utilities or the Planning Department is addressing this issue but we would like an update at the meeting and a timetable.

4.  Causeway Demolition:  Update on the current situation on the demolition of the Causeway and the manner in which the debris will be disposed.

5.  Elevation of FM 3005: Latest update is that TEXDOT will have by December 15 an evaluation of the drainage and problems at the end of the Seawall.  This area floods and it is the major evacuation route of the island for a major storm.

6.  Previous Drainage and Road Issues: The issues we have discussed at the last City Manager meeting on November 18 are the following and we would appreciate an update:

• Bay Harbor: - they requested street lights at the entrance from 3005 into the subdivision at 2nd, 3rd and 4th street.  If you approach 3005 from any of the feeder streets, (2nd, 3rd & 4th ) one could drive through 3005 and not even know that he came to the end of the street. The City will come out and do a drainage assessment of the subdivision.  Brandon Wade did indicate that Bay Harbor has a prescriptive right of easement with a 20 foot right of way and the ditches are on private property.  When they tried to clean the drainage ditches a few years back, the home owners told them to stop and they have not returned.  In addition, he said they will design a drainage system for Bay Harbor but the residents may not like it because as you go back farther to the Bay, the ditches are very deep.  He said everyone has to understand what will be required.
• Indian Beach: - north of FM 3005: Street lights are needed on many streets - the transformers are in place and all they need are the lights. There are about 12-15 homes now and the subdivision is growing.
• Pirates Beach/Cove:  Drainage from Grand Terre to Gulf in Pirates Beach and other drainage. Christmas Tree road collapsed culvert needs to be addressed.
• Pirates Beach West:  The culvert on Turks Point just south of Gold Lagoon is broken or plugged.  The culvert on the corner of Swashbuckle and Gold Lagoon is blocked and water fills this area with any type of rain.  There is always standing water for a long period of time at Swashbuckle and Silver Leaf and at the end of Silver Leaf (beach).
• 12 Mile Road:  The road is currently 14 feet to 17 feet wide and it should be at least 20 feet.  Angelo Grasso proposed to use the existing base of roadway with an overlay and widening it on the West Side from Stewart Road to FM 3005.  The total estimated cost would be $44,000.  The City does not have funds for the project but the President of Lafittes Cove POA sent a letter to Brandon Wade, Director of Public Works, to request the City to do the project with Industrial Development Corporation funds. They need an update if the road will be paved.  During the rains recently, several residents have been run off into the ditches along the road.  
• Karankawa Beach:  The city has done their part by cleaning out and deepening the ditches on Habla Street leading into the subdivision. Now the problem is that the State has not deepened the ditches in the 17,600 - 17,700 blocks of FM 3005 and the water runs INTO rather than OUT OF our subdivision and flooding occurs. The newly cleaned ditches on Habla Street quickly fill with water and it backs up into yards on Glei Street just as before.
• Palm Beach:  The drainage ditch on the east side of the subdivision (west side of Pirates Beach) needs cleaning and regrading and it must be assured that the flow under 3005 is clear. 
• Spanish Grant Bay:  Asphalt is needed on same streets from Spanish Main Blvd north of  El Capitan down to Granada.  Drainage is also needed for the intersections of Conquistador, Concho and Granada.  There is one additional item that could become a city liability that needs to be addressed as soon as possible and that is a storm drain pipe was the city put on the utility easement on the north side of Concho.  It is one of those round pipes that partially sits above ground and has one of those steel manhole type covers on.   Someone has come along and removed that cover leaving a very deep hole that is a hazard for something falling in as well as the perfect site for some very large snakes to take refuge in.  The city needs to either put a cap back on this drain or remove the pipe all together.  It is also located on a lot that has not been developed, close to the telephone pole and barbwire fence  and is still very easy to get to thus making access easy for addressing this problem.  Spanish Grant is concerned if a child may fall in or trip across it and break an arm or a leg.
• Condos:  West Beach Grand and Riviera I & II:  They would like a turn lane from the west bound side of the intersection just west of Riviera I.  There is a real danger, particularly at night, because of poor lighting and cars are forced to make a stop and u-turn on FM 3005 to go back to the Riviera.  A turning lane would alleviate the problem and also identify that an intersection exists.
• Gulf Palms:  Flooding in the subdivision is caused by a poor drainage system from FM 3005 to the Bay.  TEXDOT needs to build culverts here for proper drainage.
• Terramar: Water covers Verano Drive east of Terramar Drive and several lots during heavy rains. The surface drain needs to be cut into the existing 24" drain line, and a grating set below street level. In addition, the surface drain on the northeast corner of Verano and Terramar is set too high. The surface drain openings need to be lowered and a grade needs to be established in the ditch from the intersection. Also, water is supposed to drain from FM 3005 down both sides of Terramar Drive, under the street and down the ditch in the center esplanade but water would move much faster if the ditch on the Southside of Terramar Drive were reconnected to the existing drain line northeast from the circle at the end of Buena Street. Terramar has maps and other details to show the problems with drainage in the subdivisions.
• Street Repairs:  Several potholes have developed since the heavy rains last year. Areas with serious problems include Bay Harbor, Terramar, Sea Isle, and Indian Beach.