WEST GALVESTON ISLAND PROPERTY OWNER'S ASSOCIATION

MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING

The West Galveston Island Property Owners Association Board of Directors held a Board meeting on October 16, 2010 at the Moody Gardens Hotel. Jerry Mohn, President called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. A quorum of Directors was present with the attendance of Ron Coker – Bermuda Beach, Peggy Zahler – Spanish Grant Beach, Tom Boothe – Condominiums, Lee Slataper – Pirates Beach, Matt Wigle – Acapulco Village, Susan Gonzalez for Isla del Sol, and Al Galli – Jamaica Beach. Marty Baker, Advisor was also in attendance.

Introductions of Officials and Corporate Sponsors was held. Corporate Sponsor Johnson Space Center was represented by Peggy Zahler.

Elected officials present included County Judge Jim Yarborough, City Council Diana Puccetti, Judge Jim Schweitzer, Judge Mary Nell Crappitto; Judge Roy Quintanilla, and County Commissioner Bryan Lamb

Candidates introduced include Mark Henry and Jim Yarbrough for County Judge, Mary Crappitto – County Court 1, Kim Sullivan – County Probate Judge, Jack Rhoade – District Attorney, Phil Roberts – County Probate; Judge, Jim Schweitzer – County Judge. Brian Lamb – County Commissioner, Judge Roy Quintanilla. – County Judge Pct. 3, Barbara Roberts – County Court Judge 2, and Pam Scherter – County Treasurer..

The minutes were distributed by email. Upon motion duly made by Tom Boothe, and seconded by Ron Coker, the following resolution was adopted by unanimous vote. RESOLVED THAT, the Board approved the minutes of September 2010 as presented.

Jerry Mohn gave the financial report. Jerry stated that the total assets are $24,071 Current cash is $32,734. Upon motion duly made by Peggy Zahler and seconded by Tom Boothe, the following resolution was adopted by unanimous vote. RESOLVED THAT, the Board approved the financial report.

West End Real Estate Happenings – Alice Melott – currently there is a 44% increase in sales compared to last year. Average house price is up 12% compared to last year. The sales have been in dry lots first, and then canal lots.

GINTC: Shirley Foster, President of the Galveston Island Nature Tourism Council, invited everyone to tour the East End Nature Lagoon today and tomorrow.

District 6 Happenings – Dianna Puccetti – Stewart Road Project widening 75^th to dead mans curve is part of a Bond issue that passed. Need your support on this project. We received a draft of the beach setback changes. For beachfront construction, if the cost 50% or less will only require the review of the department of planning and development. In eroding areas where reconstruction is needed the same rule will apply. On October 28 at 4 pm it will come before City Council.

Galveston County Judge Candidates: Democratic Party – Jim Yarbrough and Republican Party – Mark Henry. Moderator Matt Wigle from Acapulco Village was introduced. Each candidate will make a 10-minute presentation.

Mark Henry was introduced - just retired from Air Force, Graduate from University of Houston. Galveston needs to encourage growth. Look at redistricting the island. Wants a government liaison to help in resolving issues and to lead the person needing help to the right person.

James Yarborough - reviewed prior accomplishments over his past 16 years as CountyJudge. Supports the Ike Dike – big economic boost for Galveston County.

Question: County does and will soon own substantial land on the west end. What plans are there for making public use of it and for managing it?

Mark: The vision would be to use the land to the best interest for the residents.

James: Plans are to keep them in the purest state possible for residents.

Question: What do you propose to increase private investment & development of tourist facilities on West End? How can we make Galveston the premier vacation destination of the entire gulf coast?

James: Biggest investment is beaches, pocket parks improvements work with the parks. Ike gave us the advantage of remaking ourselves.

Mark: We need a lot tax abatement to draw businesses. We need to draw special events to draw people to the island. Cleaning up the city with the City’s help as well as the County.

Question: What can the county do to encourage public housing in cities other than Galveston to help alleviate the concentration of public housing on the island.

Mark: The County has no responsibility, if the county is forced into public housing, would recommend the voucher system

James: County has no responsibly and agreed with voucher program. He mentioned more Section 8 housing on the mainland than on Galveston Island.

Question: What is your college degree and how has it prepared you for the job of County Judge?

James – Education was at University of Texas and had years of experience with an accounting and finance back ground.

Mark – Bachelor of Science degree from University of Houston, experience in Air Force as a Flight Commander.

Question: What would you do to preserve or maintain the undeveloped nature areas on Galveston Island?

Mark: Enforce the governmental agencies that oversee the nature preserve areas.

James: Agrees with enforcement by the governmental agencies.

Question: Can the County help in any way with the nuisance of land by trucks, ATV’s at the west end?

James: State laws govern the use of ATV’s and should be enforced.

Mark: Police Officers need to enforce, and citizens calling in will help.

Question: What are your views on Gambling in Galveston?

Mark & James, neither candidate did not have information to support one way or the other based on too many unanswered questions.

Question: What do you believe will be the biggest threat to our 2011 County Budget? Discuss briefly the increase/decrease in unfunded mandates.

James: Need state legislators to help. Concerned about major deficit in the upcoming legislative session.

Mark: We need unfounded mandates complied to. Biggest is growth of government.

Question: Is the closure of Rollover Pass a done deal?

Mark: He would like to see a pier on both sides to protect the fishing icon.

James: With the closure we hope the sand will drift westward. County is buying property near Rollover Pass.

Question: Which city in the county do you love the most?

James: There are many cities in Galveston County but I live on the Island. Each is unique on its own.

Mark: I Live in League City, but would concentrate on all of Galveston County..

Sand Nourishment Project: Jerry Mohn reported it’s a go and to start in the first week or two in November. Cost is $40 million and will go from the end of the Seawall to 13 Mile Road. It is a go!

Wetland Ordinance: Discussion was held on the need for a wetland ordinance. Upon motion by Peggy Zahler and seconded by Tom Boothe, the following resolution was adopted by unanimous vote. RESOLVED THAT, the Board agreed to support a wetland ordinance beneficial to West Galveston Island.

Shoreline Restoration Project: In the upcoming legislative session, we will be looking for funding such as a transaction fee on real estate transactions.

Adjournment 10:18 a.m.

Recording Secretary – Susan Gonzales