August 19, 2000

The meeting of the Board of Directors of the West Galveston Island Property Owners' Association
was held on August 19, 2000. The meeting was called to order by Jerry Mohn, President at 9:00 a.m.
A quorum was established by the Directors present, Marty Baker, Sharon Turnley, Jerry Mohn,
Sidney McClendon, Jim Steinbeck, Al Birdwell, Peggy Rapp, and Dan Daigle. Directors not able to
attend were Ronnie Herrington. Jerry Mohn introduced city and county officials, department heads,
special visitors, and the corporate sponsors.

Jerry Mohn introduced city and county officials, department heads, special visitors, and the corporate sponsors.

Upon motion duly made by Peggy Rapp and seconded by Marty Baker, the following resolution was unanimously adopted.

RESOLVED THAT, the Board approved the Minutes of July 15, 2000, as presented.

Upon motion made by Sidney McClendon and seconded by Jim Steinbeck, the following resolution was unanimously adopted.

RESOLVED THAT, the Board approved the Financial Report.

Marty Baker, Chairman of the Beach/Bay Committee reported the PCA Agreement for CEPRA funds for Bolivar was signed between the County and the GLO. A PCA Agreement was sent by the GLO to the City for comments and signature. Bill Worsham of the GLO attended the last Task Force meeting and the funding process is really progressing. The 77th Texas Legislature session will need proof that the CEPRA funds were well spent in order to obtain any further increases.

Jim Steinbeck, Chairperson for Emergency Response Committee, updated the WGIPOA on the Jamaica Beach Emergency Facility. Vic Pierson, Mayor of Jamaica Beach, advised the group on the donations and fund raising for the furniture and the building. The EMS personnel are pleased with the facility and a ribbon cutting ceremony will take place in October.

Ken Wright, County Tax Appraiser, provided information for the Tax Valuation Committee on the new property appraisals for the year 2000. The information will be reviewed and presented at the next meeting.

Sharon Turnley, Chairperson of the Utility Committee, advised that Reliant energy and Southern Union gas continue to improve service in the area. Discussion was held on the water rationing system currently in effect for Galveston and the MUD districts. A question was raised if you could use "gray" water on lawns and Bill McFarland from Bermuda Beach advised a property cannot have a gray water system installed if you have a sewer system.

Dan Daigle, Chairperson of the Insurance Committee, requested Otie Zapp to give an update on the Windstorm Insurance Action Committee and reported that Corpus Christi was forming a committee as well to stop any increase in windstorm insurance rates. Mr. Zapp believed the mobilization of Galveston and Corpus Christi will have a significant impact on any attempt to increase windstorm insurance rates. Discussion was held also on FEMA regulations and that the WGIPOA planned a question and answer session at one of the meetings where officials from FEMA, National Flood Insurance Program, and realtors, insurance agents, and contractors, would be invited as well.

Jerry Mohn, Chairperson for "Save the Park" Committee reported that the committee will now be known as "Friends of the Park". Programs and construction projects were defined. Progress is being made in identifying grant programs available to fund projects in the park. In addition, an effort is being made to get Galveston schools to visit the Park. The Committee recommended to all members of the WGIPOA to see the beach in the State Park and how a no raking policy built dunes and established a heavily vegetated beach area.

Sidney McClendon, Chairperson of the Legislative Committee, reported progress is being made in locating a lobbyist or public relations person in Austin to act on behalf of the WGIPOA. Resumes are being reviewed and a decision will be made in the near future. Sidney responded to an unfavorable beach article in the "Houston Press" and the "Galveston Daily News" and has prepared a booklet to give to various State and Federal officials. Marty Baker suggested that the WGIPOA adopt the booklet as the official position on coastal issues. Discussion was held on a visit by Sidney McClendon and Jerry Mohn with Bill Seitz of Texas A&M in Galveston on a new study of sand movement along the Galveston beaches. The Committee also would like to pressure the GLO to put more effort in locating sand sources for beach renourishment.

The upcoming November elections were discussed and Jerry Mohn expressed that "your vote means more in Galveston than in Houston or Dallas" and encouraged members to have one family member register in Galveston. The most important economic issues facing Galveston and Galveston County are coming up in the November, 2000, elections. For the City, the proposed convention center, merger of the Ports of Galveston and Houston, and, the alteration in the tax cap. For the County the $120 million bond issue for road construction, and building a new courthouse and jail. In addition, there are County and State officials to elect.

A discussion was held on a proposed meeting with the City Manager of Galveston, Steve LeBlanc, to review issues and topics common throughout the subdivisions in the WGIPOA. To begin a dialog with the City Manager, the Board would like to meet as a group initially and in the future to meet when the situation requires it.

Monica Franke, Director of Planning and Community Development for the City of Galveston was the guest speaker and reviewed the new Department’s goals and objectives. The Comprehensive Plan was discussed in detail and the importance of all property owners to participate in the process. The Comprehensive Plan is broken down into four sub-committees; Parks and Recreation, Community Character, Housing, and Economic Development. Of 22,000 questionnaires sent out, 2,400 responses were received and significant information was obtained in the direction to take Galveston in the future. Major emphasis of the Comprehensive Plan for the West End includes that the natural resources are to be preserved and that beach erosion needs to be abated in order to enhance the beaches for tourism. In addition, small retail outlets need to be developed. The CEPRA program was reviewed and the City plans to be the sponsor for any funding. The PCA agreement from the GLO will be presented to City Council August 24 for approval with provisions that it can be amended to include new subdivisions seeking CEPRA funds for beach or bay restoration. The City requested $30,000 for a vehicle and pedestrian beach access plan under the CMP Cycle 4 surplus fund grants and was denied.

Terry Tunks and Alisha Goldberg of the Galveston Bay Foundation gave a presentation on oyster farming and the goal of creating two new oyster reefs in Moses Bay and near Offatts Bayou. Oyster gardening involves taking a specially designed aquaculture bag with oyster shells and suspending it in water under a dock. After nine months, an oyster spat or baby oyster develops, and the bag will be removed and taken to the reefs. Several volunteers from bay subdivisions took bags for the gardening program.

Emergency call boxes are in Jamaica Beach and it was suggested that the WGIPOA undertake a study to determine the feasibility of placing call boxes throughout the West End along FM 3005. It costs $300 to install one box and $60 per month maintenance fee.

Pat Newsom, Executive Director of the Texas Shore and Beach Association advised a general meeting will be held at the Hilton Hobby Airport Hotel, Houston, on September 22, 1:00 PM. Committee meetings will convene in the morning. She also indicated the CARA (Conservation and Recovery Act) Bill will be voted upon in the Senate in September.

The next meeting will be September 16 at the Galveston Country Club.

There being no further business to come before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 11:05 a.m.

Date: August 19, 2000