MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING
The meeting of the West Galveston Island Property Owners Association was held on March 15, 2003. The meeting was called to order by Jerry Mohn, President, at 9:07 a.m. Directors in attendance were: Jerry Mohn-President, Sidney McClendon-Pirates Beach, Wanda Greer on behalf of Bill Aimone representing -Terramar, Boots Galli on behalf of Jim Steinbeck – Jamaica Beach, Kathie Harty – Sea Isle, and Al Birdwell – Bermuda Beach & Treasurer. Advisory Director Marty Baker was present. Also present was Susan Gonzales from C.K.M. Property Management, Inc.
Jerry Mohn acknowledged attendees, Jack Lane; Wayne Cook - Manager of Traffic for the City of Galveston; and, Bryon Lamb and Durand Fooks with the Sheriffs Department.
Jack Lane spoke briefly concerning the Galveston Wharves Board, who watches over City owned property in the Port. Jack stated that a group called Citizens Concerned about the Port of Galveston ("CCAPOG") has been formed. This committee will be working with "GAIN" to find and present other uses for the Port, which will benefit Galveston. Jack encouraged individuals to volunteer to serve on the Wharves Board as two positions are opening. The port is a $12 Million enterprise.
Captain Bryan Lamb, Sheriffs’ Department spoke briefly. Captain Lamb also introduced Sgt. Durand Fooks with the Sheriffs Department. Sgt. Fooks provides security for Pirates Beach. Captain Lamb stated that he would be running for the County Commissioners’ position in 2005 when the current Commissioner, Eddie Janek, will be retiring. Captain Lamb stated his background and experience and stated he would help in obtaining a police substation for the West End.
The February 15, 2003 minutes had been reviewed by e-mail. Motion by Sidney McClendon and second by Al Birdwell, the Board approved the February 15, 2003 minutes.
FINANCIAL REPORT – Al Birdwell, Treasurer stated that the 2003-2004 invoicing went out last week. There are two (2) accounts still unpaid. There is $10,600 cash in the bank. Currently the membership consists of thirty-seven Associations and fourteen corporate members.
Discussion was held concerning switching banks every tw- (2) years to be fair to the four (4) Bank Corporate members.
Motion by Sidney McClendon and second by Wanda Greer, the Board approved to move the checking account for West Galveston Islands POA to Moody Bank from Hometown and that the funds are held for two (2) years. The Board further approved that signers will be Al Birdwell and Jerry Mohn. It should be noted that the Association is a 501C4 Corporation.
Motion by Al Birdwell and seconded by Boots Galli, the Board approved the Financial report.
DONATION BY CITY OF GALVESTON – Jerry Mohn stated that the City of Galveston has donated a 20-year-old 135’ ladder truck to the City of Jamaica Beach. It will cost $45,000 to refurbish but the ladder truck will help with the ISA rating and in fighting major fires.
CITY COUNCIL APPROVED RATE INCREASES – The Galveston City Council approved the rate increase for sewers. A Bond proposal will be forthcoming.
ORDIANCE ADOPTED – Diana Puccetti proposed an Ordinance that prevents hunting of the Sand Hill Cranes on the West End. The ordinance was unanimously passed by City Council. The Association will support "stop hunting" on the West End within 150’ from homes if the members approve. Jerry Mohn asked all WGIPOA member association to discuss the matter with their respective Boards to stop hunting in the West End and bring the decision to the April 19 meeting.
BEACH ACCESS PLAN – a workshop will be held on March 26, 2003 at 4:00 p.m. at Galveston City Hall, Room 204. The beach access areas to be reviewed will be 16 Mile Road to 18 Mile Road, Sand Hill Shores, San Luis Pass area, East Beach, and Silver Leaf. Subdivision representatives affected have been asked by the City to attend.
FOUR WHEELERS ON THE BEACH & DUNES - Problems with four wheelers on the beach and sand dunes over Spring Break were discussed. It was recommended that videos be taken and brought to the WGIPOA Board. Fires and Camping on the Beach was also discussed. These issues should be brought to the Board for handling.
Discussion was held concerning HB 1454 and that is going to be piggybacked onto Senator Lindsay SB 949. Board members felt that SB949 was not a positive Bill and that we would potential lose our Bill.
Motion by Sidney McClendon and second by Kathie Harty, motion failed.
Motion was: WGIPOA ask that HB 1454 be handled in a manner that will assure its passage and prefer it be a stand-alone item.
Motion by Wanda Greer second by Al Birdwell, the Board approved that they encourage that the two Bills (HB1454 & SB949) be separated to assure passage, if not the Board will accept the Bills combined.
Motion by Sidney McClendon and second by Al Birdwell, Board approved that the WGIPOA request CCC to support the HB2781 and SB1480.
GALVESTON BAY FOUNDATION ("GBF") – PARTNERING WITH BAY SUBDIVISIONS
Jerry Mohn introduced ChuckWemple, Executive Director of Galveston Bay Foundation –the topic of discussion is Partnering with the bay subdivisions. Also introduced were Alisa Goldberg and Alicia Strogen from the GBF. The GBF was formed in 1987 to preserve and enhance the most productive estuary in Texas. To provide a forum for consideration of Galveston Bay issues, GBF brings together representatives of diverse Bay users, including such groups as sport and commercial fishing, recreational boaters, conservationists, shipping, developers, business people and various levels of government and educational institutions. Emphasis is placed on non-adversarial approaches to problem solving in the Bay watershed, with a reliance on "good science" as a basis for decision making. GBF supports the concept of sustainable development for the Galveston Bay area, believing that it is possible to have a healthy, productive Bay and continued economic development. GBF also believes that the Galveston Bay Plan, being implemented by the
Galveston Bay Estuary Program is a step in the process of maximizing the potential of Galveston Bay for all its uses. Chuck stated that their goal is to be more involved in communities on the Bay. Their Website is www.galvbay.org. They stated that they can be the "in kind service" for the match required on projects. At this time they have 140 sites identified for their projects with 14% of those on the West Galveston Island bay. When contacting GBF ask for their "Habitat Conservation Blueprint" publication.
The WGIPOA encourages Bay subdivisions to partner with the GBF in vegetating marshes. The GBF has $5-10,000 grants available that subdivisions could use. The grant requires 100% match but it can be in the form of in-kind work and the GBF will provide the volunteers for the project. The WGIPOA and GBF will establish a focus group in the early summer to review areas of the West End for partnering and projects.
Jerry Mohn stated that the Association needs to renew their membership with the Friends of Galveston Island State Park (FOGISP).
Motion by Jerry Mohn, second by Al Birdwell, the Board approved to pay $500 to renew the membership to the FOGISP.
There being no further business to be brought before the Board the meeting was adjourned at 11:15 a.m.