MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING
The meeting of the West Galveston Island Property Owners Association was held on May 17, 2003. Jerry Mohn, President, called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. Directors in attendance were: Jerry Mohn-President, Kathie Harty Sea Isle, Al Birdwell Bermuda Beach, Dave Boyd Spanish Grant Bay, and Sidney McClendon Pirates Beach. Also present was Susan Gonzales from C.K.M. Property Management, Inc.
Jerry Mohn acknowledged attendees and corporate sponsors, Johnson Space Center Federal Credit Union and Gary Greene Realtors. Also in attendance was Vic Pierson Mayor of Jamaica Beach, Galveston City Council members Johnny Smecca, Lyda Ann Thomas, and Diana Puccetti. President of the Galveston Economic Development Partnership, Jeff Sjostrom and Pat Newsom, Executive Director of the Texas Shore & Beach Association were present.
Mayoral candidates, Johnny Smecca and Lyda Ann Thomas spoke briefly about their candidacy.
The April minutes had been reviewed by email. Motion by Al Birdwell and second by Sidney McClendon, the Board approved the April 19, 2003 minutes.
FINANCIAL REPORT Al Birdwell, Treasurer stated that the several members have not paid and there was one (1) carry over from last year. $7050 remains outstanding and $12,750 has been collected. Donations to the PPOA for the GPS emergency was made, as well as meeting expense and insurance was paid. The ending cash balance is $20,000. Al stated that we are financially sound.
Motion by Sidney McClendon and second by David Boyd, the Board approved the financial report.
CEPRA II Coastal Erosion Planning and Response Act II funding for $2 million for 17 west Galveston Island subdivisions began April 24. Representatives from the GLO/City/County and the engineering firm met with the subdivisions to go over proposed sand nourishment projects. The Corp. of Engineers have gone to all of the first and second row beachfront row owners and asked for comments. One comment was that turtles could come to nest when the sand is being put down. Business was awarded to local firms at a cost of $12/cubic yard to place the sand. There were three recommendations for placement of sand and most subdivisions chose the terrace effect. The money has to be spent in this fiscal year, which ends 8/31. The GLO is requesting that an easement be signed by the front lot owners.
Jerry Mohn introduced Chuck Wemple, Executive Director of the Galveston Bay Foundation. Chuck stated that "marsh mania" will be May 31 for the installation of grasses in the marsh areas and wetland areas along I-45 in the Scenic Galveston property area. You can attend and see how wetlands are replanted. Attendees will be provided a free T-shirt and lunch. Contact: www.galvbay.org
Sidney McClendon and Chuck Wemple presented Jerry Mohn with a "Citizen of the Year Leadership" award from the Galveston Bay Foundation.
Jerry Mohn introduced Colonel Leonard Waterworth stating that he has contributed greatly to the Texas Coast with his long term vision for the Texas Coast.
Colonel Leonard Waterworth, U. S. Army Corp. of Engineers, Galveston District gave his "Vision for the Texas Coast" and stated, "What do you want your coastline to look like in 10-15 years?" He said to collectively stand up and see what you want the Texas Coastline to look like and clearly articulate your infrastructure requirements of Federal interest let your local elected officials know your desires." The GLO is pursuing $15 million for projects along the coastline. The US Army Corps of Engineers have $250 million in projects along the Texas coastline. We are second to California as a bio-diverse coastline. A general investigation shows what projects you will have in the future. Of the Corps funds, California will receive $180 million and Texas will receive $93 million. In Florida, the Corp will drain the everglades and replum at a cost of $10 Billion. Louisiana will be receiving $14 Billion for a project on their disappearing marshland. Texas is chasing only $15 million in projects. Texas needs to expand their outlook and go after more Federal funds.
The WGIPOA members need to clearly articulate requirements of projects. Colonel Waterworth stated we need to collectively decide what the island should look like and then build coalitions with other entities. We should not piece meal the projects but rather join forces with all the issues (drainage, etc.) and present the overall visions of the island.
"WHAT DO YOU WANT THE TEXAS COASTLINE TO LOOK LIKE"
Colonel Waterworth stated that they now have a "Regional sediment model" and it was to be used for regional planning. It tells the effects of any work being done in one area, the affect it will have on another area on the Texas Coastline. In 1945 after WWII there was a tremendous infrastructure growth, but the infrastructure after fifty years has worn out and needs to be replaced. He is concerned about all the underground pipelines built after the war and they need to be replaced. He suggested that Galveston be used as a pilot project. He mentioned "the coastline is exploding" and his mission is economic prosperity with environmental sustainability.
PROPERTY TAXES Jerry Mohn stated that increases of 10 % - 50% have been seen by West End property owners. Members of the WGIPOA will be meeting with the Appraisal District to discuss the large increase in property taxes. A committee will be formed to address this issue.
LEGISLATIVE MATTERS BILLS PENDING Sidney McClendon provided an update.
SEWERS FOR THE WEST END
The City of Galveston has started. $11 Million in bonds have been approved to improve the existing plants and the airport plant. The Terramar Beach Plant will be rebuilt and the plant will be donated. The City passed a resolution for $50 Million to improve the entire islands and for projects will take place as bonds are issued. Each phase of the project will need to be approved by the City Council.
A meeting to discuss the following topics will be set up with the City Manager
The City will hold a Hurricane Preparedness meeting on June 10, 2003, 5:00-7:00 Pm, at the Moody Gardens Convention Center.
There being no further business to be brought before the Board the meeting was adjourned at 11:00 a.m.