June 17, 2000

The meeting of the Board of Directors of the West Galveston Island Property Owners' Association was held on June 17, 2000. The meeting was called to order by Jerry Mohn, President at 10:00 A.M. A quorum was established by the Directors present, Marty Baker, John Noah, Sharon Turnley, Ronnie Harrington, and Al Birdwell.

The President, Jerry Mohn, introduced City Council Members: Dr. Bill Clayton and Diana Puccetti; Emergency management Coordinator Tesa Duffey; Texas Fish & Wildlife Phil Glass; Jamaica Beach Alderman John Noah; TSBA Executive Director Pat Newsom; City of Galveston Mayor Bo Quiroga; and Corporate Sponsors Gary Greene of Gary Greene Realtors, David Murphy of Reliant Energy, and new corporate sponsor Re/Max with Willie Payne. Guest Speaker State Senator David Bernsen was unable to attend due to an emergency but his aide, Christina Delgadillo, filled in for him.

Upon motion duly made by Al Birdwell and seconded by Marty Baker, the following resolution was unanimously adopted:

RESOLVED THAT, the Board approved the Minutes of May 2, 2000, as presented.

Jerry Mohn gave the financial report. He stated there is $17,468 in the checking account and that certificate of deposits were being set up.

Upon motion duly made by Al Birdwell and seconded by Marty Baker, the following resolution was unanimously adopted:

RESOLVED THAT, the Board approved the financial report as presented.

Marty Baker, Chairman of the Beach and Bay Committee, discussed the progress of the Galveston County Beach Erosion Task Force (GCBETF). Tesa Duffy talked about the Project Cooperation Agreement that is being negotiated for Bolivar. An issue for West Galveston Island is beach replenishment. A major source of sand is at San Luis Pass. Tesa Duffey suggested to split the goals into more than one agreement to address short and long term goals and/or solutions. The GCBETF stated that several communities have requested funding: Bolivar, Terramar Beach, Pointe San Luis, Bermuda Beach, Spanish Grant, and Sands of Kahala Beach. The GLO announced that CEPRA funds will nourish 19 miles of West End Galveston Beaches.

John Noah of the Jamaica beach EMS stated there will be a meeting Saturday at 10:00 a.m. at the New City Hall about hurricane awareness. John invited that the West Galveston Island Property Owners Association to have their meeting there in August and requested donations from the volunteer fire department. All directors were in favor of moving the West Galveston Island Meeting for August to Jamaica Beach’s new location.

Sharon Turnley, Chairperson of the Utility Committee, introduced David Murphy, area manager for Reliant Energy and is also campaign Chairman for United Way. David stated Reliant Energy plans to add 3.2 miles for a new line bringing service from 51st street to 10 Mile Road. The new line will provide a loop system to allow for an alternate line so that service won’t be interrupted. This is a $15 million investment. On the West End, Reliant Energy will be adding a new transformer at Moody Gardens area for a second source of power. Two million dollars have been spent on repairs and updates to improve service. They have also replaced rotted poles.

Otie Zapp of the Insurance Committee reminded everyone that the insurance industry plans to request to the 77th Texas Legislature an increase in windstorm insurance rates and to change how windstorm rates are rated. Otie Zapp said the Windstorm Action Committee is putting together a more reasonable way to set the rates. If the insurance industry is successful with a rate increase, each owner with a $100,000 home would be looking at a $700 increase. The Coastal Coalition can also help on the battle to change the rates. It is important that we help in funding the lobbying effort. Otie Zapp will make a presentation at a future meeting for funds.

Jerry Mohn, Chairman of Save the Park Committee, is having a meeting on July 20 with the Manager of the Parks to decide on future projects.

Al Birdwell, Chairman of the Membership Committee, is to follow up on outstanding past due member balances. He will also initiate action on mass mail-outs with a computerized program.

Jerry Mohn introduced Ronnie Harrington as the new President of the Terramar Property Owner’s Association and will be a Director of the WGIPOA and chair the Voter Registration Committee. Pat Newsom and several members attended the American Coastal Coalition Conference in Washington, D.C. on June 12 and 13 and gave a report of the meeting. The ACC is trying to get money from the Federal Government for all the coastal states. The U.S. has $85 million budgeted for 18-20 projects only 1 new project 84 million of shoreline. $20-$30 Bill projects. FEMA is putting out the new Heinz Study in 2 -3 months to show how far back coastline has eroded and a new study on causes of erosion. 53 percent of the U.S. population live near the beach. California has the most (90%) of wetlands but have not done anything to fight erosion.

California issues a hotel tax to raise money. Florida has been doing this continuously for 11-12 years and real estate transfers bring in $15-20 million a year. Texas Senator Hutchinson prefers wording of economic development verses beach restoration or beach renourishment. The ACC stressed the importance of Senate passage of the Conservation and Development Act (CARA) or Senate Bill 2123. This is the Bill to bring off shore tax revenue form oil and gas production to the coastal states. The ACC recommended that everyone contact Senators Gramm and Hutchinson to support and pass this bill when it comes up for a vote in July.

Jerry Mohn and Sidney McClendon attended the Restoration Bay Project Meeting on June 1st. This project identified 14-15 sites in Galveston Bay as candidates to receive funds from any environmental mishap such as a freighter leaking oil. Sidney McClendon sent in a proposal from the WGIPOA to include any 19 mile area of the Galveston Bay for these funds.

Janis Lowe, Chairperson of Public Relations, announced the list of speakers for the upcoming months:. Colonel Buechler from the Army Corps of Engineers in July; Galveston County Tax Appraiser Ken Wright in August; GLO Deputy Commissioner Ashley Wadick in September; Chairman Mike Martin and Executive Director Linda Shead from the Galveston Bay Foundation in October; and Holly Beach, LA, breakwater expert Ridney Guilbeaux in November.

Christina Delgadillo spoke for State Senator David Bernsen and advised that CEPRA has 27 projects in activation and all will be completed by January 9. The Senator plans to push the GLO to complete the projects to show how successful these projects are and to seek additional funding. He is also working on economic funding for ports to attract businesses (i.e., international businesses). After CEPRA was passed in June, 1999, the GLO made presentations to nineteen coastal areas and Senator Bernsen attended at least 12 stops on the tour. Senator Bernsen will seek increased CEPRA funding with the 77th Legislature.

Al Birdwell recommended Senator Bernsen to be a part of the face to face meeting with Commissioner Dewhurst of the GLO. He also requested that a person from the West End be appointed to the Coastal Coordination Council.

Jerry Mohn and Sidney McClendon held a meeting with the City of Galveston, Diane Puccetti, and members from various subdivisions seeking CEPRA funds. Diane Puccetti will recommend to City Council on June 22 to sponsor any CEPRA project for West End communities. In this manner, the City has control and in the event of a storm disaster, FEMA will reimburse 75 percent of the cost.

Jerry Mohn gave an update on the Galveston Comprehensive plans. He recommended "Ecotourism," development of parks, improved birding areas, no development like at Myrtle Beach, NC, but a planned development similar to Laffite’s Cove and Sand Hill Shores. Development of the West End cannot begin effectively until the coastal erosion problem is resolved. Diane Puccetti of the subcommittee is working on workshops on the comprehensive plan.

Pat Newsom, Executive Director of the Texas Shore and Beach Association, reminded everyone of the technical conference in November at the Hilton Hobby Hotel.

There being no further business to come before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 12:00 p.m.