West Galveston Island Propery Owners Association

Accomplishments for 2007

The West Galveston Island Property Owners Association (WGIPOA) Board of Directors met to review a very successful year in 2006 and developed an aggressive program of work for 2008. The WGIPOA is entering its ninth year as an organization and the main emphasis will always be to protect and preserve the beach and bay shoreline of West Galveston Island and to continue to improve the quality of life for the residents and property owners. The organization continues to become involved with member association issues and concerns that are particular to their area. We set up meetings and search for ways to assist and help property owner associations resolve matters with the City or County.

What we accomplished in 2007:

Assisted through people and organizations in obtaining the largest CEPRA project, $13.5 million, to sand nourish the beaches from the end of the Seawall to 11 mile Road.
For the 80^th Legislative Session, the WGIPOA was effective in:

Securing the largest ever funds ($18 million) for the Coastal Erosion Planning and Response Act (CEPRA) Cycle 5 program.
Increasing the funds from the Sporting Goods sales tax to the Texas Parks & Wildlife.
Supporting legislation for maximum appraisal tax increase for a homesteaded property to 10% maximum over a three year period.
Supporting legislation not to increase windstorm insurance rates for coastal properties.

Successful completion of the Isla del Sol marsh restoration project where the WGIPOA secured a $50,000 grant from Fish America Foundation.
Worked with the Galveston County Beach Erosion Task Force and GLO

in locating off shore sand sources for Galveston Island
in looking at test projects to hold and build sand on the beaches
securing funds for shoreline restoration projects

Worked with the American Shore & Beach Preservation Association (ASBPA) and the Texas ASBPA Chapter on the joint ASBPA/GLO Conference in Galveston, the largest attendance ever.
Became a member and Chair on the Parks Board of Trustees Seaweed Committee on the best methods in handling seaweed and trash pick up programs.
Worked with member property owner association in seeking funds through the Coastal Impact Assistance Program (CIAP).
Supported Spanish Grant Bay efforts against the Anchor Bay Development, which would have a serious impact on their canal water quality.
Met with members and Marquette Development on issues and concerns for the affected subdivisions bordering the development.
Successful meetings with the City Manager with positive results in addressing issues and concerns of the various WGIPOA property owner associations.
Worked with GARM in establishing programs for rental homes.
Successful in having the City include in the 2007/8 fiscal year budget to widen 11 mile rd
Helped in meetings with the City to bring sewers and improve drainage for the west end in

Pirates Beach and Palm Beach
Sportsman Road area
Karankawa, Gulf Palms, and Acapulco Village

Facilitated meetings on the Marquette Development
Facilitated a successful meeting with Sunset Cove and neighborhood property owner associations on the installation of an 18,000 gallon propane tank.
Initiated protests and facilitated discussions to protest airboat use on Lake Como.
Met with TxDOT officials

to pursue elevation of FM 3005
to install a flashing yellow light before approaching the traffic stop light at 12 mile rd

Pursue additional City funding for implementation of drainage and water projects
Finalization of the Trust for Public Land acquisition of McAllis Point. Through the efforts of Sidney McClendon, he took the TPL to Austin to meet the GLO Commissioner and a method to purchase the land was worked out.
As a member, completed and participated in the West Galveston Island Green Printing and Coordinating Committee through the Trust for Public Land (TPL).
Sent a resolution to U.S. Congressman Ron Paul to protest U.S. Postal Service closing of the Jamaica Beach Post Office. Assisted in promoting new post office.

Program of Work for 2008:

Secure funding sources to continue the CEPRA V sand nourishment beach project all the way to San Luis Pass
Work with the City, County, and Parks Board in major sand nourishment projects in front of the Seawall and the west end.
As a member on the Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee, update the existing Plan.
Continue joint cooperation with Jamaica Beach for the annual Hurricane Preparedness and Planning meeting.
Work with property owner associations in submitting project goal summary’s for the Coastal Impact Assistance Program (CIAP) funding for the State’s portion (65%) and the County’s portion (35%).
Meet with legislators and the County Tax Assessor/Collector to initiate appraisal and tax caps on real property, particularly second homes on the west end.
Work with the City and other organizations to put on the ballot for the November elections the 4B sales tax.
With all the new development, address the need for a new fire station and a police substation
Address beach access and drainage issues for member associations
Find a funding source for the Coastal Protection and Improvement Bill to introduce during the 81^st Legislative session.
Pursue CIAP funding projects for the west end through the State and County programs.
Pursue City funding for implementation of drainage and water projects for the West End.
Ban the discharge of firearms on the west end.
Continue working and supporting Jamaica Beach with the annual Hurricane Preparedness meeting
Be an advocate for any issue or concern of member property owner associations with the City and County.
Since engineering plans will be completed early 2008, request the City’s and local legislator’s support to campaign TEXDOT to appropriate funds in fiscal year 2008/2009 for the elevation of FM 3005. Besides a safe evacuation of the west end during major storms, the new culverts and outfall channels planned will alleviate major drainage issues.
Continue meetings with the City Manager to address and resolve issues and concerns for members.
Facilitate meetings and secure funding with property owner associations, State and Federal agencies on the long term west Galveston Island marsh restoration projects
Work with new developments and property owner associations to resolve issues and concerns that affect quality of life issues.
Continue to encourage new developments to include home owner association an assessment for shoreline restoration projects
Continue to work with and support organizations like the Galveston Bay Foundation, Scenic Galveston, H.E.A.R.T. (Help Endangered Animals – Ridley Turtles), and others.
Work with and continue to be a member of GAIN (Galveston Alliance of Independent Neighborhoods) In addressing quality of life issues for Galveston Island.

Jerry Mohn

President

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