MEETING WITH GALVESTON CITY MANAGER
December 17, 2001
City Officials: Steve LeBlanc, City Manager; Wendy O’Donohoe, Planning Dept., and Council Member Dianna Puccetti
WGIPOA Board Members and others present: Marty Baker (Pirates POA), Sharon Turnley (Sea Isle), Chris Svec (Sea Isle); Terry McNearney (Pirates Beach), Peggy Rapp (Condominiums), Wanda Greer (Terramar), and Jerry Mohn
Meeting began at 10:00 a.m.and lasted approximately two hours. The sentences colored in "blue" are follow up items and we will advise everyone of the results as information is received.
EMS: Almost the entire meeting was devoted to EMS concerns for the West End. Terry McNearney reviewed the study she performed for the West Galveston Island Property Owner’s Association Task Force on EMS problems and issues. Terry has been working with Greg Kunkel, Supervisor for GEMS, in establishing one paramedic and ambulance on call at all times at the Jamaica Beach Fire Station (Station 4). Prior to these discussions, the ambulance was unavailable to the West End 10-20% of the time where the ambulance would make calls in the City 12 to 13 times a month and at least twice daily, it would move to 103rd street.
The goal of the Task Force was to have another EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) on call at all times with the paramedic plus another dedicated MICU transport ambulance. The priority is the EMT personnel and the cost for the three people to operate on a 24 hour basis is $90,000 annually. MUD 1, which has a voluntary EMS contribution on the water bill, will provide to the City under a new strategic agreement $20,000 for EMS services. This will be directed to pay for the EMT personnel and $70,000 would have to come from the City.
Steve LeBlanc advised there are not any funds in the budget for the EMT personnel and he prefers to initiate a similar volunteer contribution program as MUD 1 where $2 would be added to the City of Galveston water bill. The citizens could deduct the $2 from the bill if they did not want to contribute. Steve believes the City would be able to raise at least $200,000 and this would be dedicated strictly for EMS funding. Currently, the City underwrites all the deficits for the GEMS, which is estimated at $120,000 annually.
Dianna Puccetti prefers the City to find the $70,000 funds for the EMT personnel and to use the automatic sunset provision at the end of the year to get it passed. Steve LeBlanc requested Terry McNearny to address City Council workshop on December 27 to go over the study and recommendations. He will also bring up the matter during Workshop to include the voluntary deduction on the water bill. Terry McNearney made a presentation at the City Council workshop on 12/27 and the matter was addressed again during City Council meeting in the afternoon. It appears very positive for the West End to have EMT personnel in addition to paramedics. Some City Council members expressed concern in asking citizens to automatically contribute on the water bill to the EMS.
The EMS matter will be an agenda item at City Council Workshop and Meeting on January 10 to determine where the City will obtain the funds or to use the voluntary contribution through the water bill. West End members are encouraged to attend the meeting to show support of the proposal for EMT personnel.
The West Galveston Island Board of Directors is very appreciative and grateful on the time, dedication, and perseverance of Dr. Terry McNearney in addressing the EMS issues for the West End.
After we completed the EMS situation, the following was discussed:
Neighborhood Crime Watch Program: Approximately eight subdivisions are participating in the Neighborhood Crime Watch program. It was indicated that "Neighborhood Crime Watch" signs would be provided and installed by the City through Mike Dricks of the City but a later follow-up indicates a possible confusion in who pays for the signs, which will have to be resolved. Officer Joe Giusti is available to discuss the Neighborhood Crime Watch program with any interested subdivisions.
Sea Isle: Sewer and drainage problems still persist. Property owners would be willing to give an easement for a drainage pipe to go through properties and bulkheads. Steve LeBlanc will request Key Stoval, who handles drainage situations, to look at the area and to see what type of solution is available.
Sea Isle would like "Neighborhood Crime Watch" program signs as well as "Dead End" and "No Outlet" street signs and requested the City to provide and install. This matter is under review in who pays for the signs, the subdivision or the City. For all the referenced signs, we believe since the citizens are assisting the police department and public safety, the signs are the City responsibility.
Sea Isle requested the City to draft an ordinance that trash cans should be placed at the curb by 7:00 a.m. and removed from the curb by 7:00 p.m. This matter will be investigated.
Seascape Condominiums: The GEOTUBE® containment systems were damaged during Tropical Storm Allison and the condominiums would like to know the status of FEMA’s 75% reimbursement of the costs to repair them. Steve will request information from the Emergency Management Coordinator, Elliot Jennings.
Spanish Grant Bay: The grass at Stewart and Pabst Road grows 4 to 6 feet high at times and obstruction of car views exiting from or entering onto Pabst Road, which can be dangerous. The subdivision has paid for mowing but it is the City’s responsibility and they request the area to be maintained and mowed at all times. Steve will investigate the matter.
Several bulkheads in the subdivision are not in compliance with City Ordinance 94-61, which requires the repair, removal, or demolition of the bulkhead that is likely to endanger a person or property. Spanish Grant would like the City to enforce this ordinance and to advise the property owners with deteriorating bulkheads on the remedy. Steve will investigate the matter.
Bermuda Beach: Washout areas near John Reynolds Road and Jane Road need to be addressed and fixed to stop erosion during heavy rainstorms and tidal surges. Bermuda Beach Drive threshold has eroded. The catch basin on the beach side needs drainage work to prevent from caving in. Wendy O’Donohoe advised the infrastructure problem will be handled under the sand renourishemnt CEPRA II project. The 15% match for the infrastructure portion will be paid by the City.
Flooding of FM 3005: The group requested the status in elevating FM 3005 just East of the Seawall. The City will request an update on the investigation by TEXDOT of possible storm impact and drainage analysis of FM 3005 between 61st Street and San Luis Pass Road.
8 Mile Road: Steve wanted to see the status of the HL&P repairs at the North end of 8 mile road and will request the information.
Indian Beach: The matter with Indian Beach was not discussed due to time constraints but the information will be sent to Brandon Wade to investigate. Several streets need to be repaired on both the beach and bay side and grass has uprooted streets on the bay side. Drainage pipes at the three public walkovers have washed out and need to be replaced. Large holes with standing water are causing a safety hazard. The situation will be reviewed and investigated.
Terramar: It has been determined that the County owns former public parking areas between Bay Harbor and Terramar. Prior to Frances, the public had access to the beach but now the parking lot has high grass and walkovers no longer exists. The grass has finally been mowed recently but people either walk over the dunes or drive golf carts over the dunes to get to the beach. The road and parking area needs to be improved and we will request the County to investigate the matter.