http://wgipoa.com/Agenda.htm
Jerry Mohn welcomed everyone back to the Galveston Country Club which has been newly renovated.
Sidney McLendon provided a brief legislative update:
- The GLO is seeking $50 million going into committee
- The closing of Rollover Pass is going to the Governor to sign
- There is a bill that would allow those with disabilities to use golf carts on beaches
- A bill providing funds to clean the beaches has been signed by the governor
- The plan is for the West End to have our own officers which should provide more effective coverage
- The officers' email addresses will be provided to the residents and their telephone numbers may also be provided.
- The exact schedule is not firm, but the plan may start by January 2010.
- Lt. Henry Paretto will also be covering the West End.
- Officer Williams stressed that the residents are the eyes and ears of the community and our assistance is needed.
- The non-emergency phone number is 409-765-3702
- Background on the new Police Chief was presented.
- Commended WGIPOA's work.
- Urged that everyone be cautious of out of state contractors
- Stated that the Bond Referendum provided funds for road improvements, one of which would be Stewart Road paving with curb and gutter.
- Our local representatives were successful in stripping the worst provisions out of potential legislation that was sponsored by the Chairmen of both the House Insurance Committee and the Senate Business & Commerce Committee.
- June 1 the sessions adjourn and legislation in some form will probably pass.
- SB1007 Tx Dept of Insurance if not passed will go away. Contains one good provision and several bad provisions.
- SB14 was the bad bill which pushes aside responsibility on insurance companies and rewards insurance companies
- SB14 is in the House and will go to the Conference Committee
- He stressed we need more coastal representation on this committee
- If the actuarial model for insurance coverage goes away there could have been a 52% hike in cost.
- Probably we will see at least a 15% cost increase.
- Some provisions require a WP8 form on home construction to qualify for coverage.
- Policy holders will no longer be able to sue, the only remedy would be an Administrative procedure in which you must file your concern within 30 days.
- The TWIA would be exempt from deceptive trade practices
- For more information visit this web site: www.cwictx.org
Karen Mahoney District 6 Report:
- City Council will be considering Recovery funds in the amount of $160 million for housing and $100 million for infrastructure.
- Next Thursday there will be a workshop with public comment
- The council will vote on May 28th
- The council will work on infrastructure in June
- Debris - FEMA will no longer pay 100%. The city may have to fund $4.3 million. After June 30th the residents may have to pay for haul-off.
- Bay Debris is being removed by the GLO which uses Sonar to find boats and other objects.
- Bollards are up, but can't provide a time when the signs will be in place.
- If communities wish to place signs make sure the ordinance number is listed, otherwise no tickets can be issued.
- The Planning Department is working on the set back which is now 25 feet from the north toe of the dune and may be changed to 50 to 75 feet.
- Karen Mahoney offered to attend HOA meetings.
- The city will close unauthorized access roads to the beach - residents can call to report this.
- There is less than $200,000 for code enforcement, but has asked that this be doubled.
- One third of Galveston properties have code violations
- The Park Board will be cleaning sea weed at the Seawall, the West End after Memorial Day.
- For any street repair email the Street Department and copy Karen Mahoney
- The WGIPOA board asked that the council have a balanced approach to allocation of funds which will not penalize the West End.
- A pre-Ike video was viewed
- Statistics: 5.4 million visitors, $809 million in revenue to the city, $40 million in tax, each visitor spends on average $1,037.
- Galveston is the #1 attraction in Texas
- The Bureau is now located in Aston Villa, 2328 Broadway
- Discussed the Convention Center and various types of public relation media they have used.
- More information can be found on www.galveston.com
- Saturday, May 30th at Noon is the reopening of the Strand called the Rebirth Day.
- The trolleys may be working in 18-24 months, looking at Grants.
Jerry Mohn stressed the importance of the Amendment to HB2387:
At the WGIPOA Saturday meeting, the WGIPOA Board of Directors would like to encourage members to help the GLO with their efforts in securing funds for the Coastal Erosion Planning & Response Act (CEPRA) by asking Senator Joan Huffman to support the amendment HB 2387. Contact for Joan Huffman, Senator, is as follows:
Capitol Phone: 512-463-0117
Capitol Fax: 512-463-0639
E-mail: joan.huffman@senate.state.tx.us
Chief of Staff: Jim Sheer - 512-463-0117
The GLO is seeking $38 million for CEPRA, the largest ever allocation since its inception in 1999. You may voice your opinion by fax, letter or e-mail supporting the amendment as soon as possible.
The GLO is really giving a tremendous gift to West Galveston Island with the proposed massive sand nourishment project west of the Seawall to 13 mile Road. This is just the beginning in having a sand nourishment project for the entire west end. One of the major issues with HB 2387 is to restore the coastal protection fee to 2 cents per barrel and expand the permissive use of the fund to include the coastal management programs of the GLO. Please have your property owner association and your members make contact with Joan Huffman soonest.
See the reasons for the request and the Guest Column by GLO Commissioner Jerry Patterson in today’s Galveston Daily News. Many thanks and please let me know if you have any questions or where I can be of assistance.
Jerry
The meeting was adjourned.
