[00:00:02] >> GOOD AFTERNOON, EVERYONE. [1. DECLARATION OF A QUORUM AND CALL MEETING TO ORDER] IT IS 5:00 PM. IT IS MY HONOR TO CALL THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING FOR THE CITY OF GALVESTON TO ORDER FOR NOVEMBER 13, 2025. COUNCIL, NICE TO SEE EVERYBODY BACK FROM OUR WORKSHOP THIS MORNING, AND WELCOME EVERYBODY THAT'S HERE. THANK YOU FOR COMING OUT TODAY. FOR THOSE THAT MAY BE WATCHING THIS BROADCAST OR OUR STREAMING, GLAD TO HAVE YOU WITH US THIS AFTERNOON. HAVE A LOT OF VERY INTERESTING BUSINESS TO DO SO LET'S MOVE FORWARD. JANELLE, LET'S HAVE A ROLL CALL, PLEASE. >> MAYOR BROWN? >> PRESENT. >> MAYOR PROTEM ROBB? >> PRESENT. >> COUNCILMEMBER LEWIS? >> PRESENT. >> COUNCILMEMBER FINKLEA IS ABSENT. >> COUNCILMEMBER BOB? >> PRESENT. >> COUNCILMEMBER PORRETO? >> HERE. >> COUNCILMEMBER RAWLINS HAS NOT MADE IT YET. >> VERY GOOD. WE HAVE OUR INVOCATION THIS EVENING BY THE REVEREND STEVE HILL FROM WESTMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. REVEREND HILL, THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE, SIR. >> BUT I SHOULD SAY, MY WIFE IS THE PASTOR OF THE WESTMINSTER CHURCH. HE COULDN'T MAKE IT. BUT I AM THE FORMER PASTOR OF THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GALVESTON, AND I'M PRESENTLY THE PASTOR OF JOHN KNOX PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH UP IN HOUSTON. LET US PRAY. GRACIOUS, WONDERFUL, GREAT GOD. WHAT A WONDERFUL PLACE YOU HAVE GIVEN US. WE THANK YOU FOR THE VISION THAT SO MANY PEOPLE HAVE HAD AS THEY HAVE COME TO LIVE, TO THRIVE, TO DREAM, TO CREATE IN GALVESTON. WE THANK YOU HOW YOUR SPIRIT HAS ENRICHED SO MANY PEOPLE. WE THANK YOU FOR VISION. OLD MEN WILL DREAM DREAMS. THE YOUNG MEN WILL HAVE VISIONS. WE NEEDED ALL GOD AND YOU HAVE GIVEN US EVERYTHING THAT WE NEED, ESPECIALLY WE THANK YOU FOR THE LEADERS. PEOPLE WHO HAVE BEEN ELECTED, PEOPLE WHO HAVE BEEN CALLED, PEOPLE WHO STILL DREAM AND HAVE VISIONS. HELP US GOD TO LISTEN TO EACH OTHER, NOT TO DISAGREE OR EVEN TO AGREE, BUT HELP US TO LISTEN TOGETHER, TO CREATE TOGETHER, TO DREAM TOGETHER, TO MAKE GALVESTON WHAT IT TRULY CAN BE FOR THE VISION YOU HAVE GIVEN ALL OF US TO WORK TOGETHER IN ONE. WE GIVE YOU THANKS, GOD FOR THIS BEAUTIFUL PLACE. ALL OF GOD'S PEOPLE SAID, AMEN. >> AMEN. THANK YOU, REVEREND HILL. APPRECIATE IT. LET'S HAVE THE PLEDGE, PLEASE. >> >> >> I MADE IT ALL THE WAY. >> VERY GOOD. LET'S MOVE TO ITEM 6, PLEASE NELLY, CONFLICTS OF INTEREST. >> ITEM 5, CONFLICTS OF INTEREST? >> YES. COUNSEL, IS THERE ANY CONFLICTS THAT ANY COUNCIL MEMBER WOULD LIKE TO DECLARE? HEARING NO RESPONSE, LET'S MOVE TO ITEM 6, PLEASE. [6. PRESENTATIONS/REPORTS OF COUNCIL, OFFICER BOARDS, AND CITY MANAGER] >> ITEM 6, PRESENTATIONS, REPORTS OF COUNSEL, OFFICER BOARDS, AND CITY MANAGER. 6A, PURSUANT TO TEXAS GOVERNMENT CODE 551.0415, THE CITY COUNCIL MAY REPORT ON ANY OF THE FOLLOWING ITEMS. >> THANK YOU VERY MUCH. WE HAVE A NUMBER OF WONDERFUL PROCLAMATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS WE'D LIKE TO DO TODAY. YES, MA'AM. I'M GOING TO START OFF WITH THE CONDOLENCES. I'M GOING TO START NOT SO MUCH CONDOLENCES, BUT I WANT TO PASS ON GOOD WILL AND GOOD THOUGHTS AND OUR PRAYERS TO JD ROBERTS AND FAMILY. FOR THOSE THAT MAY KNOW THE FAMILY, BARBARA ROBERTS AND JD. HE'S BEEN IN THE HOSPITAL, HAS HAD A SERIOUS ILLNESS, AND WE'RE VERY CONCERNED ABOUT THAT. AS YOU MAY KNOW, JD HAS BEEN AN INTEGRAL PART OF THIS COMMUNITY AND HIS WIFE SERVED AS A CITY COUNCIL MEMBER AND JUDGE, MUNICIPAL JUDGE HERE. IT'S BEEN WITH A HEAVY HEART THAT I BRING THAT FORWARD, BUT WE WISH THE FAMILY AND HOPEFULLY HE'LL HAVE A SPEEDY RECOVERY. MARIE. >> I WOULD LIKE TO OFFER CONDOLENCES, LOVE, HUGS AND PRAYERS TO THE FAMILY OF RICHARD DEBRIS, [00:05:02] HIS SON, CHRIS, PASSED AWAY THIS MORNING AFTER A COURAGEOUS BATTLE WITH CANCER, AND I JUST WANT THEM TO KNOW THAT OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH THEM. >> YES, SIR. >> I'D ALSO LIKE TO EXPRESS OUR CONDOLENCES TO THE LUECK FAMILY. PHIL LUECK PASSED AWAY AND WAS BURIED THIS WEEK. PHIL WAS A CITY MANAGER HERE IN GALVESTON, AND HE WAS ALSO A CITY COUNCIL PERSON HERE IN GALVESTON, SERVED MANY YEARS AS THE COUNTY AUDITOR, AND WAS ALSO A MEMBER OF MY FAMILY, WAS A COUSIN. IF YOU WOULD KEEP THEM IN YOUR PRAYERS, HE LIVED A LIFE OF SERVICE TO THE ISLAND AND HE'LL BE MISSED. >> THANK YOU VERY MUCH. ANY OTHER CONDOLENCES OR SO FORTH? THANK YOU. >> I WOULD LIKE TO DO A THANK YOU. THIS HAPPENED TWO WEEKS AGO AND I HAVEN'T HAD TIME TO POST ABOUT IT, BUT I WOULD LIKE TO THANK AT&T FOR BEING A PARTNER WITH BIG BROTHERS, BIG SISTERS, AND OFFERING COMPUTERS TO PEOPLE WHO WERE IN NEED. WE WERE ABLE TO GIVE AWAY 65 COMPUTERS AND THE COUNTY JOINED DESTIN. COUNCIL MEMBER PRETA AND ROLLINS WERE THERE. WHEN WE STILL HAD A FEW COMPUTERS LEFT, WE WERE ABLE TO INVOLVE LUECK AND GUM GALVESTON'S URBAN MINISTRY. WE WERE HAPPY THAT WE COULD GIVE A NUMBER OF CHILDREN COMPUTERS AND THAT WE COULD PARTNER WITH AT&T AND CAPUT DOC. THANK YOU. >> ANY OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS, COUNCIL MEMBERS? VERY GOOD. NOW, LET'S GO TO SOME OF THE RECOGNITION OF INDIVIDUALS AND ORGANIZATIONS. I'M GOING TO LEAD THIS OFF AND I'D LIKE TO LEAD THIS OFF BY READING A PROCLAMATION HONORING OUR STATE REPRESENTATIVE, TERRY LEO WILSON AND DECLARING A TERRY LEO WILSON DAY COMING UP HERE IN GALVESTON, LET ME STEP FORWARD HERE. >> SHE'S THE BEST AND WE'RE SO BLESSED TO HAVE HER. >> I'M GOING TO READ THIS PROCLAMATION AND IT HIGHLIGHTS SOME OF THE THINGS THAT REPRESENTATIVE LEO WILSON HAS DONE FOR THIS CITY. BUT I WANT TO SAY THAT IT JUST TOUCHES ON JUST A FEW OF THE THINGS THAT SHE HAS DONE DURING HER TERM WITH THE STATE LEGISLATURE. SHE IS A BIT OF FRIEND TO THIS CITY. WE CAN ALWAYS PICK THE PHONE UP, TALK WITH HER. SHE UNDERSTANDS THE ISSUES HERE, AND THAT'S WHAT YOU CAN ASK FOR AND A REPRESENTATIVE AT THE STATE LEVEL. WE HAVE A EXEMPLARY REPRESENTATIVE IN MY MIND, AND IT IS NOW MY HONOR TO READ THE FOLLOWING PROCLAMATION. >> THANK YOU. >> YOU'RE WELCOME. WHEREAS THE CITY OF GALVESTON SEEKS TO HONOR INDIVIDUALS WHO LEADERSHIP AND VISION HAVE MADE A LASTING DIFFERENCE IN THE LIVES OF ITS RESIDENTS, STATE REPRESENTATIVE TERRY LEO WILSON HAS SHOWN AN UNWAVERING COMMITMENT TO PUBLIC SERVICE, EDUCATION, AND THE PRESERVATION OF GALVESTON'S UNIQUE CULTURAL HERITAGE. HER EFFORTS HAVE CREATED A POSITIVE AND ENDURING LEGACY FOR THE CITY AND ITS PEOPLE. WHEREAS STATE REPRESENTATIVE LEO WILSON HAS BEEN A PASSIONATE ADVOCATE FOR THE RECOGNITION AND CELEBRATION OF JUNETEENTH, A HISTORIC MILESTONE THAT BEGAN IN GALVESTON AND NOW STANDS AS A NATIONAL NATIONWIDE SYMBOL OF FREEDOM. SHE PLAYED A PIVOTAL ROLE IN SPONSORING TEXAS HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 6, OFFICIALLY DESIGNATING GALVESTON AS THE JUNETEENTH CAPITAL OF TEXAS. THROUGH HER LEADERSHIP, SHE HAS ELEVATED THE CITY'S SIGNIFICANCE IN THE STORY OF EMANCIPATION FOR ALL AMERICANS. WHEREAS STATE REPRESENTATIVE LEO WILSON WAS INSTRUMENTAL IN WORKING COLLABORATIVELY WITH STATE REPRESENTATIVE GREG DE BONHAM, CHAIRMAN OF THE HOUSE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE AND STATE SENATOR MAYES MIDDLETON, TO SECURE $7 MILLION IN STATE FUNDING FOR THE CREATION OF A JUNE 10 MUSEUM IN GALVESTON. [00:10:09] ENSURING THIS CHAPTER OF HISTORY IS PRESERVED AND SHARED FOR GENERATIONS. THE MUSEUM WILL SERVE AS A CENTER FOR EDUCATION, REFLECTION, AND HERITAGE TOURISM, INVITING CITIZENS AND VISITORS ALIKE TO ENGAGE WITH THE PROFOUND LEGACY OF JUNETEENTH. HER DEDICATION HAS STRENGTHENED COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS AND INSPIRED RENEWED PRIDE IN GALVESTON'S ROLE IN THE NATION'S JOURNEY TOWARDS FREEDOM AND EQUALITY. MY FAVORITE PART. THEREFORE, WE, THE MAYOR AND THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GALVESTON, DO HEREBY PROCLAIM NOVEMBER 13, 2025, A STATE REPRESENTATIVE TERRY LEO WILSON DAY IN THE CITY OF GALVESTON. CONGRATULATIONS [APPLAUSE] >> THANK YOU VERY MUCH. >> YOU'RE WELCOME. WOULD YOU LIKE TO SAY A FEW WORDS? GO AHEAD. >> WOW. THAT JUST REALLY TOUCHED ME. I DON'T KNOW IF I CAN GET THROUGH IT WITHOUT TERRY THERE'S ANOTHER TERRY WILSON IN THE LEGISLATURE AND HE'S COLONEL. HE WALKS BY MY DESK AND SAYS, "DON'T WEAR YOUR HEART ON YOUR SLEEVE". BUT I CAN'T HELP BUT NOT. I'M A LITTLE NERVOUS, ACTUALLY. I DELIVERED PLENTY OF PROCLAMATIONS, BUT THIS ONE IS REALLY SPECIAL. I JUST WANT TO THANK YOU, CITY COUNCIL, AND THE MAYOR FOR RECOGNIZING THAT. I DO WANT TO SAY SAM COLIN I WANT TO GIVE HIM CREDIT FOR BRINGING ME THE IDEA AS WELL. BUT IT IS A SHARED JOURNEY. I THINK OF ALL PLACES, IT'S SO FITTING TO BE IN GALVESTON. WE HAVE A HISTORY OF RESILIENCE AND HOPE AND A SENSE OF FREEDOM. MAYBE BECAUSE OF ALL THE DISASTERS THAT HAVE STRUCK US. WE'RE ALL ON THE SAME PAGE WHEN THAT STRIKES. IT DOESN'T MATTER WHAT COLOR YOU ARE, HOW MUCH MONEY YOU HAVE. WE ALL ARE EQUAL AGAIN. THAT'S WHAT WE STRIVE FOR. IT IS REALLY JUNETEENTH A SHARED JOURNEY. IT WAS MY HONOR TO CARRY THAT APPROPRIATION AND IT WAS MY HONOR TO WORK WITH MY FELLOW MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATURE. I DO REALLY ENJOY BEYOND WHAT I EVER THOUGHT OF DOING LOCAL BILLS AND RECOGNIZING CITIZENS. I THOUGHT IT WOULD BE MY BIG EDUCATION BILLS THAT I CARED MOST ABOUT. BUT IN THE END, I REALLY FIGHT HARD BECAUSE I SEE ALL YOUR FACES. I NEVER FORGET FOR 1 MINUTE THAT IT'S YOUR CHAIR THAT I SIT IN, NOT MY CHAIR, THAT I SIT IN ON THAT HOUSE FLOOR. THANK YOU ALL FOR RECOGNIZING ME. THIS IS VERY SPECIAL, IT'S BEYOND WORDS. IT'S ALSO SUCH A JOY THAT I GOT TO BE PART OF THE HIGH QUALITY INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS IN FIFTH GRADE. OUR FIFTH GRADERS ARE GOING TO LEARN THE STORY OF JUNETEENTH, BUT THEY'RE GOING TO LEARN IT FROM THE ASPECT OF GALVESTONIANS, OF THE PEOPLE IN BRAZORIA COUNTY, OF THE PEOPLE OF TEXAS AND THEIR JOURNEY THROUGH THE SEVEN GENERATIONS, REALLY. WHAT THEY DID, THEY WALKED AWAY WITH NOTHING, AND THEY MADE SOMETHING AND THEN THEY GAVE BACK TO THEIR COMMUNITY TO BUILD CHURCHES AND SCHOOLS. I DIDN'T KNOW ALL OF THOSE ROOTS WHEN I STARTED STUDYING IT. IT WAS EXCITING FOR ME TO KNOW THE JOURNEY OF THE PEOPLE OF TEXAS IN THEIR FIGHT FOR FREEDOM. WE SHOULD NEVER EVER FORGET. WE NEED TO TELL HISTORY ACCURATELY SO WE DON'T MAKE THE SAME MISTAKES, BUT WE ALSO NEED TO TELL THE JOURNEY OF THE HEROES AND THE PEOPLE THAT THAT CARRY THAT FREEDOM FORWARD. THAT JOURNEY WAS A SHARED JOURNEY. THANK YOU. >> YOU ARE WELCOME [APPLAUSE] >> DAVE, WHY DON'T YOU GET IN THAT PICTURE, TOO? >> HE'S THE ONE THAT HAS TO SEE THE TEARS. >> THANK YOU. >> THANK YOU. >> WE NOW HAVE THE AMERICAN INDIAN HERITAGE PROCLAMATION, COUNCIL MEMBER ROBB. [00:15:01] AT 5:14 P.M, COUNCILMEMBER RAWLINS HAS JOINED THE COUNCIL MEETING. >> HELLO. HOW ARE YOU? WHEREAS THE HISTORY AND CULTURE OF OUR GREAT NATION HAS BEEN SIGNIFICANTLY INFLUENCED BY AMERICAN INDIANS AND INDIGENOUS PEOPLE. WHEREAS NATIVE AMERICAN AWARENESS WEEK BEGAN IN OCTOBER OF 1976, ITS RECOGNITION WAS EXPANDED IN 1990 WHEN CONGRESS PASSED, AND PRESIDENT GEORGE H. W. BUSH SIGNED INTO LAW A JOINT RESOLUTION DESIGNATING THE MONTH OF NOVEMBER AS THE FIRST NATIONAL AMERICAN INDIAN MONTH. WHEREAS NOVEMBER IS THE MONTH TO HONOR AND RECOGNIZE THE CULTURE, TRADITION, LANGUAGE, ACHIEVEMENTS OF NATIVE AMERICANS ACROSS THE COUNTRY. THEREFORE, WE, THE MAYOR AND THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GALVESTON, DO HEREBY PROCLAIM THE MONTH OF NOVEMBER AS INDIAN HERITAGE MONTH IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF WITNESSED BY THE MAYOR'S HAND AND SEALED CRAIG BROWN AND JANELLE WILLIAMS. >> THANK YOU SO MUCH. >> YOU'RE WELCOME [APPLAUSE] >> I JUST LIKE TO SAY I'M HERE. MY NAME IS CHERYL TUCKER, AND I'M THE REGENT OF THE GEORGE WASHINGTON CHAPTER OF THE NATIONAL SOCIETY DATERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. WE HONOR THE AMERICAN HISTORY HERITAGE BY GIVING SCHOLARSHIPS AND MANY THINGS. WE'RE ESPECIALLY HONORING AND TRYING TO DO THE HISTORY TO HONOR THOSE WHO CAME HERE AND WERE GIVEN AN OP THEY MET US AS WE CAME, AND THEY MET MY ANCESTORS. I HAVE SEVEN I'VE PROVEN, AND I AM JUST THRILLED TO ACCEPT THIS FOR OUR CHAPTER. THANK YOU. >> THANK YOU AGAIN [APPLAUSE] WE NOW HAVE A DOCUMENT RECOGNIZING THE 175TH ANNIVERSARY OF FIRST EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH, AND THAT IS COUNCIL MEMBER BOB BROWN. >> MY PLEASURE. MY PLEASURE TO READ THIS PROCLAMATION FROM THE CITY OF GALVESTON. WHEREAS THE FIRST EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH WAS FOUNDED IN 1850 BY EARLY GERMAN IMMIGRANTS WHO WERE GATHERED BY MISSIONARIES FROM THE SOUTH CAROLINA LUTHERAN SYNOD AND QUICKLY BECAME AN ESTABLISHED PLACE OF WORSHIP IN GALVESTON, RECEIVING ITS CHARTER FROM THE STATE OF TEXAS IN 1851. WHEREAS THE CHURCH BECAME A CENTER OF COMMUNITY LIFE BY ESTABLISHING A SCHOOL IN 1851 OFFERING QUALITY EDUCATION LONG BEFORE PUBLIC SCHOOLS EXISTED IN GALVESTON, AND LATER EXPANDED ITS FACILITIES TO SERVE BOTH SPIRITUAL AND SOCIAL NEEDS, AND WHEREAS, DESPITE CHALLENGES SUCH AS THE DEVASTATING 01,900 STORM AND THE BANK FAILURE DURING THE DIAMOND JUBILEE, THE CONGREGATION'S RESILIENCE ENABLES THE CHURCH TO SERVE AS A SAFE HAVEN, RESTORE ITS SANCTUARY AND INSTALL A NEW ORGAN THROUGH THE GENEROSITY AND UNITY OF ITS MEMBERS, AND WHEREAS THE CHURCH'S HISTORY REFLECTS BOTH GROWTH AND OUTREACH, INCLUDING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF MINISTERIAL MISSIONS LEADING TO ST. PAUL'S LUTHERAN CHURCH, THE CONSTRUCTION OF NEW BUILDINGS TO ACCOMMODATE GROWING ATTENDANCE IN A TRANSITION FROM GERMAN TO ENGLISH SERVICES AS WELL AS HOSTING THE CITY'S FIRST OUTDOOR EASTER SUNRISE SERVICE IN 1950, AND WE'RE NOT DONE YET. [LAUGHTER] WE GOT ANOTHER WHERE AS COMING. WHEREAS, FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH HAS BEEN RECOGNIZED FOR ITS HISTORIC SIGNIFICANCE, ONGOING COMMUNITY SERVICE, INCLUDING ITS ENTRY INTO THE NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES. THE LONG RUNNING OCTOBER FEST FESTIVAL, ONE OF MY FAVORITES, AND IMPACTFUL PROGRAMS SUCH AS FEED GALVESTON AND FANFARE LUTHERAN MUSIC ACADEMY, SERVING AS A BEACON OF FAITH AND COMPASSION FOR GENERATIONS. THEREFORE, WE, THE MAYOR AND THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GALVESTON, DO HEREBY PROCLAIM NOVEMBER 13TH, [00:20:02] 2025 AS THE 175TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FIRST EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH, IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, WITNESSED MY HAND AND THE SEAL OF THE CITY OF GALVESTON, THIS 13TH DAY OF NOVEMBER 2025, CRAIG BROWN, MAYOR, JANELLE WILLIAMS, CITY SECRETARY. THANK YOU. [APPLAUSE] >> MR. MAYOR, CITY COUNCIL, THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH FOR HONORING US IN THIS WAY. IT HAS BEEN AN HONOR AND A PRIVILEGE FOR OUR CONGREGATION TO WORK WITHIN THIS COMMUNITY FOR 175 YEARS. WE ARE JUST AS PROUD AS WE COULD POSSIBLY BE, AND WE THANK YOU. WE THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT, AND WE THANK YOU FOR THIS RECOGNITION. IT MEANS VERY MUCH TO US AND TO OUR CONGREGATION. I'M HERE WITH MEMBERS OF THE 175TH ANNIVERSARY COMMITTEE. MY NAME IS DORAN DANNER GLENN, KIRK KUTMAN, BARBARA SANDERSON AND SANDRA TETLEY, AND THERE ARE OTHER MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE, AND OUR PASTOR REVEREND RICHARD RHODES COULD NOT BE HERE TODAY. HE IS THE 20TH PASTOR. WE'VE HAD ONLY 20 PASTORS IN 175 YEARS, BUT HE IS WITH US IN SPIRIT FOR SURE. WE APPRECIATE YOU. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME AND YOUR LEADERSHIP. WE APPRECIATE IT. THANK YOU. >> YOU'RE WELCOME. [APPLAUSE] >> WE NOW HAVE A DOCUMENT, PROCLAMATION, HONORING VANDER CALDWELL HAYNES, COUNCIL MEMBER SHARON LEWIS. >> I'M NOT VANDER, SO I'M NOT A HUNT. [LAUGHTER] [OVERLAPPING] >> CITY OF GALVESTON PROCLAMATION. WHEREAS VANDER CALDWELL HAYNES BORN NOVEMBER 22ND 2025 WILL CELEBRATE HER 100TH BIRTHDAY ON NOVEMBER 22ND, 2025, MARKING A CENTURY OF FAITH, SERVICE, AND PURPOSE. WHEREAS SHE WAS INDUCTED INTO DELTA SIGMA THETA SORORITY INC., IN MAY 1959 WITH THE GAMMA DELTA CHAPTER, BEGINNING A LIFELONG COMMITMENT TO SISTERHOOD SCHOLARSHIP AND SERVICE. WHEREAS SHE BECAME A CHARTER MEMBER OF THE GALVESTON ALUMNA CHAPTER, HELPING TO ESTABLISH AND STRENGTHEN DELTA SIGMA THETA'S LEGACY ON GALVESTON ISLAND, AND WHEREAS THROUGHOUT HER 66 YEARS OF MEMBERSHIP, SARA HAYNES HAS SERVED IN KEY LEADERSHIP ROLES, INCLUDING VICE PRESIDENT AND FINANCIAL SECRETARY AND CONTRIBUTED SIGNIFICANTLY AS A LONG STANDING MEMBER OF THE SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE. WHEREAS SHE HAS GENEROUSLY SHARED HER WISDOM THROUGH MINERVA CIRCLES AND HAS REMAINED A DEVOTED MENTOR AND COMMUNITY SERVANT. WHEREAS SHE REACHES THIS REMARKABLE MILESTONE, VANDER CALDWELL HAYNES STANDS AS A SHINING EXAMPLE OF INTEGRITY, PERSEVERANCE AND COMMUNITY SPIRIT. EMBODYING DELTA SIGMA THETA'S ENDURING VALUES. THEREFORE, WE THE MAYOR AND THE CITY COUNCIL OF GALVESTON DO HEREBY PROCLAIM NOVEMBER 22ND, 2025, AS VANDER CALDWELL HAYNES DAY IN THE CITY OF GALVESTON. WE EXTEND OUR HEARTFELT CONGRATULATIONS AND BEST WISHES AS SHE CELEBRATES HER 100TH BIRTHDAY WITH HOPES AND MANY MORE JOYFUL AND MEMORABLE YEARS TO COME. IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I WITNESSED MY HAND AND THE SEAL OF THE CITY OF GALVESTON THIS 13TH DAY OF NOVEMBER 2025, DR CRAIG BROWN, MAYOR, AND JANELLE WILLIAMS, CITY SECRETARY. [APPLAUSE] >> JUST WANT TO SAY THANK YOU VERY MUCH ON BEHALF OF OUR MOTHER, WHO WILL BE TURNING 100. THIS IS MY BROTHER, KEVIN. I'M HERE WITH MY SORORITY SISTERS FROM DELTA SIGMA THETA, AND WE JUST WANT TO SAY THANK YOU AND WHAT A BLESSING IT IS FOR HER TO BE ABLE TO SEE 100. [00:25:02] THANK YOU SO MUCH. >> THANK YOU. [APPLAUSE] >> WE NOW HAVE A PROCLAMATION HONORING THE ARTS AND HISTORIC PRESERVATION ADVISORY BOARD AND CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION MEMBERS. COUNCIL MEMBER ALEX PORRETTO. >> COME ON. >> I HAVE A CITY OF GALVESTON CERTIFICATE OF RECOGNITION PRESENTED TO THE DEDICATED MEMBERS OF THE ARTS AND HISTORIC PRESERVATION ADVISORY BOARD AND THE CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF GALVESTON. THE CITY OF GALVESTON, WOULD LIKE TO THANK ALL MEMBERS OF OUR ARTS AND HISTORIC PRESERVATION ADVISORY BOARD AND CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION FOR THE YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE. THE IMPACT OF WORK THESE BOARDS CANNOT BE UNDERSTATED, NOR CAN THE DEPTH OF GRATITUDE FOR THE COMMITMENT OF THE CITIZENS WHO SERVED ON THEM. THEIR WORK CREATED STRONG FOUNDATION ON WHICH THE NEW ARTS DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION WILL BUILD ON. THEREFORE, WE THE MAYOR AND THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GALVESTON WOULD LIKE TO RECOGNIZE THESE BOARD MEMBERS AND STAFF MEMBERS, WHICH HAVE PROFOUNDLY IMPACTED BOTH THE LANDSCAPE OF FUNDING FOR THE ARTS AND THE PHYSICAL LANDSCAPE OF ARTS IN OUR CITY. TESTIMONY WHEREOF WITNESSED MY HAND IN THE SEAL OF THE CITY OF GALVESTON ON THIS DAY, 13TH DAY OF NOVEMBER 2025, DR. CRAIG BROWN, MAYOR JANELLE WILLIAMS, CITY SECRETARY. [APPLAUSE]. >> TAKE A PICTURE, BUT I NEVER THOUGHT I WOULD HAVE A GOOD TIME SERVING ON THE ARTS AND HISTORIC ADVISORY BOARD. BUT THIS GROUP OF PEOPLE AND OUR STAFF THAT ACCOMPANY IT, AND MARY, WHO CAN'T BE HERE, BUT IT'S BEEN REALLY SUCH A POSITIVE EXPERIENCE. IN THE CHALLENGES THAT WE'VE HAD TO GO THROUGH AND WHERE WE ARE NOW, COMBINING THE TWO BOARDS. I'M THANKFUL FOR THE YEARS. THE MAYOR HAS TALKED ABOUT THE YEARS IN THE PAST THAT THIS HAS HELPED SHAPE OUR PUBLIC ART, THINGS THAT WE ALL GET TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF, SOMETIMES DRIVING BY, NOT EVEN RECOGNIZING IT. THE AMAZING THINGS THAT WE DO FOR FUNDING PROGRAMS AND GREAT EVENTS THAT THE LOCALS AND TOURISTS CAN TAKE ADVANTAGE OF. I WANTED TO THANK YOU ALL VERY MUCH FOR ALL YOUR YEARS OF SERVICE, AND I'M GLAD TO HAVE BEEN A PART OF IT FOR THE TIME. IF ANYONE WANTS TO SPEAK, NOW IS THE TIME, OR FOREVER HOLD YOUR PEACE. >> I'M KATHLEEN DINATALE, FORMER CHAIR OF THE CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION. I WANT TO THANK THE CITY COUNCIL FOR ALL OF THEIR SUPPORT AND ENCOURAGEMENT OVER THE YEARS IN DEVELOPING PUBLIC ART FOR GALVESTON, AND I'M EXCITED TO SEE THE NEW BOARD AS IT SHAPES UP AND WHAT THEY'RE ABLE TO ACCOMPLISH FOR GALVESTON AND THE ARTS. THANK YOU. >> THANK YOU. [APPLAUSE] >> VERY GOOD. SOME WONDERFUL RECOGNITIONS. THIS IS A GREAT EVENING FOR MANY OF THE GROUPS AND INDIVIDUALS HERE. COUNCIL, I'M GOING TO DO SOMETHING A LITTLE BIT DIFFERENT BEFORE WE GET INTO OUR NEXT ORDER OF BUSINESS. WE USUALLY WAIT AND EXTEND OUR THANKSGIVING WISHES TO THE COMMUNITY AT THE END OF THE MEETING, AND WHEN WE GET TO THAT POINT, NOBODY'S OUT THERE. [LAUGHTER] I'M GOING TO DO THAT NOW. LET'S START AND GIVE OUR WISHES ON THANKSGIVING TO THE COMMUNITY. LET'S START. COUNCILWOMAN ROBB. >> I'D LIKE TO WISH EVERYONE A WONDERFUL, HAPPY, HEALTHY, JOYFUL, THANKSGIVING, WHETHER YOU'RE STAYING HERE, TRAVELING TO SEE FAMILY. IT WAS GOOD TO HEAR THE GOVERNMENT'S BACK OPEN. [00:30:01] YOU CAN CATCH A PLANE IF YOU WERE PLANNING ON IT. BUT THANKFUL FOR BEING ABLE TO SERVE ALL OF YOU. I'M THANKFUL FOR OUR STAFF, THE CITY SECRETARIES WHO SUPPORT US ALL SO WELL AND FOR ALL MY CO-COUNCIL PEOPLE. HAPPY THANKSGIVING, EVERYONE. >> COUNCIL MEMBER RAWLINS. >> THANK YOU FOR EVERYONE. JUST FOR ME, IT'S SUCH A BLESSING TO LIVE HERE IN GALVESTON, I'VE LIVED HERE MY WHOLE LIFE. RAISING MY OWN KIDS AND SEEING ALL OF WHAT THE COMMUNITY HAD AND BEING RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL THREE OF THEM BEING SUCCESSFUL SO FAR. I THINK ALL OF MY COMMUNITY FOR THAT. I APPRECIATE AND I'M THANKFUL FOR MY ABILITY TO SERVE MY COMMUNITY AS A COUNCIL MEMBER. WE HAVE A VERY UNIQUE ISLAND HERE, AND MORE SO WE HAVE A VERY UNIQUE POPULATION THAT INHABITS THIS ISLAND THAT I LOVE SO VERY MUCH. I LOVE OUR CULTURE, I LOVE OUR DIFFERENCES, AND I LOVE HOW WE COME TOGETHER ANY TIME THAT THAT WE SEE THE NEED TO STEP UP AND STEP OUT. THANKS TO EVERYONE. THANKS TO MY FAMILY FOR ALWAYS SUPPORTING ME. THANK YOU TO THE STAFF. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE RELATIONSHIP THAT I'VE BEEN ABLE TO GROW EACH DAY WITH THE COUNCIL THAT I SERVE HERE. THANK YOU ALL. >> COUNCIL MEMBER PORRETTO. >> I'M GOING TO BE STRATEGIC. I WANT TO THANK MY WIFE FIRST FOR SUPPORTING ME IN THIS ENDEAVOR. THANK YOU TO OUR CITY STAFF, WHO MAKE ALL OF THIS POSSIBLE. I'D REALLY LIKE TO THANK THE VOTERS WHO HAVE ENTRUSTED ME. LIKE OUR STATE REPRESENTATIVE SAID, THIS IS NOT MY SEAT. THIS IS THEIR SEAT. I'M VERY THANKFUL I HAVE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE MY COMMUNITY, AND I HOPE TO CONTINUE TO SERVE, AND THANKS TO NM2 FOR HAVING A GOOD SEASON THIS YEAR. >> [LAUGHTER] COUNCIL. >> I HAVE TO GO BACK AND THANK MY HUSBAND, SINCE I DIDN'T SAY THAT, AND MY DOGS FOR BEING SO TOLERANT OF MY SCHEDULE. [LAUGHTER] >> THANK YOU FOR BEING MY WIFE, RENEE, AND ALL THE SUPPORT YOU GIVE ME. THANKS TO MY FAMILY FOR PUTTING. I WANT TO THANK MY GREAT-GREAT-GRANDMOTHERS. [LAUGHTER] >> COUNCIL MEMBER, BOB BROWN. >> WELL, I GUESS I BETTER JUMP ON THAT TRAIN TOO. THANK YOU MY WIFE FOR BEING SUCH A WONDERFUL PERSON, BUT ALSO I WANT TO THANK ALL OF YOU FOR BEING HERE TODAY AND YOUR INTEREST AND PARTICIPATION IN YOUR CITY OF GOVERNMENT. THAT'S WHAT MAKES CITIES WORK. I HOPE YOU ALL HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO BE WITH YOUR FAMILIES AND REFLECT AND GIVE THANKS FOR THIS BEAUTIFUL ISLAND THAT WE ALL GET TO LIVE ON. LIFE ON THIS BEAUTIFUL LINE. WE'RE ALL EXTREMELY FORTUNATE TO HAVE SUCH A WONDERFUL PLACE HERE, AND I HOPE YOU ALL GET TO STOP FOR A LITTLE WHILE AND JUST THINK ABOUT IT AND BE WITH YOUR FAMILIES. >> COUNCIL MEMBER, SHARON LEWIS. >> WELL, I CAN STILL FEEL MY HUSBAND'S SPIRIT SUPPORTING ME. HE'S BEEN GONE THREE YEARS NOW FROM THIS EARTH. BUT I WANT TO THANK YOU ALL FOR ALL OF YOUR SUPPORT FOR EVERY CITY COUNCIL MEMBER WHO'S UP HERE. IT'S CHALLENGING. IT'S THOUGHT PROVOKING AND SOMETIMES WE ALL DON'T AGREE, BUT IT IS A GREAT TIME TO BE THANKFUL AND MAKE SURE IF YOU CAN REACH OUT TO SOMEONE ELSE AND DO SOMETHING KIND FOR SOMEONE ELSE. THANK YOU. >> BRIAN, DID YOU >> SHARON, IT WOULD ALSO BE A GOOD TIME TO WISH YOUR SON HAPPY BIRTHDAY. >> THANK YOU, MARIE. TODAY IS MY SON'S BE DAY, SO I'LL BE TICKING OUT OF HERE EARLY. WE'RE GOING TO DINNER. THANKS. >> BRIAN. >> HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ALEX. I LOVE YOU. >> I LOVE EVERYTHING EVERYBODY ELSE SAID. THIS THANKSGIVING IS SUPER SPECIAL AND THAT I'M SURE THE AGGIES WILL BE UNDEFEATED ON THE DAY AFTER THANKSGIVING WHEN THAT DAY ENDS. I GUESS IF WE'RE REALLY GOING TO GIVE THANKS, LET'S GIVE THANKS TO COACH MIKE ELKO. >> I'M GOING TO WIND THIS UP. I CAME TO THIS ISLAND. I RETIRED HERE, AND I HAD NO IDEA WHATSOEVER OF GETTING INVOLVED WITH ANYTHING BUT PLAYING GOLF AND RELAXING. I DID THAT FOR ABOUT TWO WEEKS, AND I TOLD MY WIFE, ANGELA, I SAID, I CAN'T DO THIS. JUST IS TOO MUCH. I'M JUST BORED STEVE. I GOT INVOLVED, AND WHOEVER I NEVER REALIZED IT WOULD REACH THIS POINT, BUT AS MAYOR, [00:35:03] I CAN TELL YOU THAT I DO THIS FOR THE MONEY.[LAUGHTER] I WISH THAT WAS THE CASE. IT'S A LABOR OF LOVE. MY DARLING WIFE, ANGELA STOOD BY ME THROUGH ALL THIS. THEY WANT TO KNOW WHAT I'M GOING TO DO WHEN I RETIRE AND TERM LIMITED IN MAY OF 26, AND I'M GOING TO DO ANYTHING THAT ANGELA TELLS ME TO DO. THERE WE GO. HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO EVERYBODY IN THE COMMUNITY. LET'S MOVE NOW TO 6B, PLEASE. >> ITEM 6B, PLANNING COMMISSION AWARDS. >> HI, KATHERINE. >> KATHERINE GORMAN, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF THE DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT. THANK YOU FOR ALLOWING US TO DO THE PLANNING COMMISSION AWARDS TODAY. THESE WERE INTRODUCED IN 2019, AND THE PLANNING AND DESIGN AWARDS ARE INTENDED TO RECOGNIZE PROJECTS THAT CONTRIBUTE TO A BETTER QUALITY OF LIFE FOR OUR COMMUNITY SERVICE MODELS TO LEARN FROM AND EMULATE. THE AWARDS WILL BE PRESENTED BY VIE CHAIRPERSON TOM SINGLETON AND COMMISSION MEMBER HERBAL PAUL. >> THANK YOU, KATHERINE. FIRST UP, WE HAVE THE AWARD FOR A BEAUTIFICATION. YOU CAN SEE ON THE SCREEN HERE IS A BEAUTIFUL MURAL OVER ON THE BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB. JOHNNY MITCHELL BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB MURAL. THE ARTIST WAS KATHERINE STROUD. WE DO HAVE A REPRESENTATIVE. >> SHE'S REPRESENTED TODAY BY KATHERINE. >> THIS ONE'S FOR KATHERINE STROUD. 2025 WINNER FOR BEAUTIFICATION. >> THANK YOU. THERE YOU GO.[APPLAUSE] ON BEHALF OF KATHERINE STROUD, WHO'S OUT OF THE COUNTRY RIGHT NOW. SHE ASKED ME TO DELIVER THIS STATEMENT. SHE WANTS THANK YOU TO THE CITY OF GALVESTON FOR THIS WONDERFUL RECOGNITION AND TO THE CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION FOR FUNDING THIS PROJECT. IT WAS AN HONOR AND IT IS AN HONOR TO HELP BRING LIFE TO THIS BUILDING THAT HOUSES THE BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB, A WONDERFUL ORGANIZATION THAT I'VE GROWN TO LOVE AS A RESULT OF MY TIME WITH THEM. I BELIEVE THIS MURAL EXEMPLIFIES THE POWER OF ART IN GIVING VOICE TO COMMUNITY AND THE POWER OF COLOR TO ENLIVEN OUR SPACES. I'M VERY GRATEFUL FOR MY OPPORTUNITY TO HELP SPEAK FOR THEM. THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH. >> THANK YOU.[APPLAUSE] >> I'LL MAKE A NOTE THAT MURAL WAS FUNDED BY THE CITY OF GALVESTON THROUGH THE CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION. >> THERE'S ALSO A REPRESENTATIVE. >> I KNOW WE ALSO HAVE A REPRESENTATIVE FOR THE BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB.[APPLAUSE] >> THANK YOU. MY NAME IS DEXTER LOCKETT AND I AM THE DIRECTOR OF CLUB OPERATIONS FOR THE BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB OF RAY HOUSTON. THANK YOU TO THE CITY COUNCIL FOR THIS WONDERFUL OPPORTUNITY YOU HAVE GIVEN OUR MEMBERS BEFORE THEY EVEN WALK INTO THE CLUB, TO INSPIRE, TO BE INNOVATIVE, TO DREAM. ONCE THEY GET THEM, WE GET THEM INSIDE, WE CONTINUE WITH THAT WITH OUR PROGRAMMING AND OUR ACTIVITIES THAT WE GIVE THEM. THANK YOU. IF YOU HAVE NOT HAD A CHANCE TO DRIVE BY THE CLUB AND SEE ANY PERSON, YOU, I THINK IT WILL INSPIRE YOU. SO THANK YOU.[APPLAUSE] >> NEXT, WE'RE GOING TO HAVE THE CULTURAL ARTS MURAL BY DOUG HEISTER AT SUNSHINE CENTER. I'M SORRY. DOUG HEISTER. >> HEIZER. >> HEIZER. FORGIVE ME. THE CULTURAL ARTS IS A NEW CATEGORY THIS YEAR, AND THE GROUP WORKED WITH THE CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION ON NOMINATIONS, PAINTED BY ARTIST DOUG HEIZER. >> BUDWEISER DOUG HEIZER. >> GOOD COMBINATION. PRESENTED TO SUNSHINE CENTER AS THE OWNER AND ARTIST DOUG HEIZER.[APPLAUSE] >> WELL, I MEAN. [INAUDIBLE] I JUST WANT TO THANK EVERYBODY IN GALVESTON BECAUSE I'M NOT THE ONLY MURALIST THAT DOES THINGS IN GALVESTON. I DON'T EVEN LIVE IN GALVESTON, BUT I'VE DONE SO MANY THINGS FOR GALVESTON AND WITH GALVESTON WITH THE TURTLE STRANDING NETWORK, AND A LOT OF THE TURTLE SCULPTURES YOU SEE AROUND TOWN, PAINTED A LOT OF THOSE. I DONE A LOT MORE WORKS FOR ARTIST BOAT OUT THERE. I'LL BE WORKING WITH THEM IN A COUPLE OF WEEKS AGAIN AND A LOT OF CONSERVATION AND NATIVE BECAUSE I'M A WILDLIFE ARTIST, BUT THEY LET ME DO A MERMAID, I WAS SUPER EXCITED. IF YOU WANT TO SEE ANOTHER MAID, I HAVE AN EIGHT FOOT ONE IN A SCULPTURE IN SAN MARCOS. THANK YOU.[APPLAUSE] [00:40:02] >> DO WE HAVE A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE SUNSHINE CENTER? >> YES. >> GO AHEAD. >> HELLO. THANK YOU ALL. MY NAME IS STEPHANIE HAM CORREA. I'M ON THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS WITH SUNSHINE CENTER, AND WE WANT TO THANK DOUG AND WE WANT TO THANK THE CITY FOR THIS WONDERFUL RECOGNITION. IF YOU HAVEN'T SEEN SUNSHINE CENTER OR COME BY, PLEASE STOP BY. WE ARE A DAY FOR ADULTS WITH DISABILITIES. OUR MOTTO IS DISABILITY DOES NOT MEAN INABILITY. SO COME BY AND VISIT US, ENJOY OUR BEAUTIFUL MURAL, AND WE THANK YOU.[APPLAUSE] >> THE NEXT CATEGORY WE HAVE IS A GORDON RESTAURANT MARKET. THIS WAS A NEWLY CONSTRUCTED RETAIL BUILDING ON THE SITE OF THE OLD GERLANS BUILDING, WHICH HAD BEEN AN EYESORE AND A COMPLIANCE ISSUE FOR YEARS, AND I CAN ATTEST TO THAT. WE'VE GOT A RARE EXAMPLE HERE OF MIDTOWN INFILL COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT. IT'S THE FIRST GROCERY STORE CONSTRUCTED IN GALVESTON IN THE LAST FEW DECADES, AND IT'S DESIGNED TO SERVE BOTH RESTAURANTS AND THE PUBLIC. WE ARE APPRECIATIVE TO TEXAS RETAIL STORES. HERE WE GO. >> THANK YOU.[APPLAUSE] >> REALLY, JUST ON BEHALF OF GORDON FOOD SERVICE, THANK YOU FOR THE SUPPORT. WE'RE REALLY EXCITED TO BE PART OF THE COMMUNITY. WE'RE NEW TO THE GALVESTON AREA OVER THE LAST COUPLE OF YEARS AS GORDON FOOD SERVICE HAD MOVED INTO TEXAS IN THE LAST FOUR YEARS NOW. THANK YOU FOR THE COMMUNITY SUPPORT. IT'S JUST BEEN FANTASTIC. THANK YOU VERY MUCH.[APPLAUSE] >> THE NEXT CATEGORY IS ENVIRONMENTAL, THE WASTER SHORE SCULPTURE GERTY OF THE GULF. FUNDED BY THE GALVESTON PARKS BOARD, RAISES AWARENESS OF IMPACTS OF MARINE DEBRIS, CONSTRUCTED OF MARINE DEBRIS COLLECTED ON GALVESTON BEACHES, PRESENTED TO GALVESTON PARK BOARD. ARTIST. EVAN MCLEEN. [APPLAUSE] >> GOOD AFTERNOON. MY NAME IS ELIZABETH WALLA, AND I'M THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAMS MANAGER FOR THE GALVESTON PARK BOARD. I REALLY APPRECIATE BEING HERE TO ACCEPT THIS AWARD. AS YOU CAN SEE, GERTIE IS A SCULPTURE MADE OUT OF MARINE DEBRIS COLLECTED FROM OUR BEACH FRONT BY OUR COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT CREW AND COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERS. SHE WAS DREAMED UP AND BUILT BY THE WONDERFUL EVAN MCLEEN RIGHT HERE. WE'VE BEEN WORKING WITH THE ORGANIZATION WASHED ASHORE FOR A NUMBER OF YEARS NOW, AND WE ALWAYS DREAMED OF HAVING OUR OWN SCULPTURE. THIS IS A DREAM COME TRUE. GERTIE IS NOW A MEMBER OF OUR ISLAND. SHE'S TRAVELING AROUND, SO SHE'S AT THE ROYAL CARIBBEAN CRUISE TERMINAL, AND THEN SHE'LL BE GOING TO MOODY GARDENS NEXT FOR THE HOLIDAY LIGHTS. WE REALLY ENCOURAGE YOU TO GO OUT THERE AND VISIT HER.THANK YOU FOR WELCOMING HER TO THE ISLAND.[APPLAUSE] >> THANK YOU GUYS. THANK YOU GUYS. >> NEXT, WE HAVE THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION AWARD. THIS IS FOR A RESIDENTIAL BUILDING REHABILITATION AT 9:02 NINTH STREET. THIS IS LOCATED JUST OUTSIDE THE EAST END HISTORIC DISTRICT. THE HOUSES ON THIS LOT HAD BEEN RENOVATED BY THE NEW OWNER A FEW YEARS AGO. PREVIOUSLY, IT HAD BEEN A MAJOR CODE COMPLIANCE ISSUE. WE HAD FREQUENT COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE CONDITION OF THE HOUSES AND THE YARD, AS YOU CAN SEE NOW, IT'S GORGEOUS. I DON'T KNOW IF WE HAVE A REPRESENTATIVE HERE TODAY.>> [INAUDIBLE] >> THANK YOU. >> CONNECT, WE HAVE THE CATEGORY OF PLANNING, SAND HILL CRANE SOCCER COMPLEX. THE $7.1 MILLION SANDHILL CRANE SOCCER COMPLEX FEATURED LIGHTED FIELDS, REST ROOMS, BLEACHERS, WALKING PATH, BASKETBALL COURT, AND PARKING FOR 300 VEHICLES WITH PLANS FOR A FUTURE PLAYGROUND. FUNDED THROUGH BONDS AND HOTEL OCCUPANCY TAXES. THE PROJECT CAME IN UNDER BUDGET DESPITE RISING CONSTRUCTION COSTS SERVING BOTH YOUTH AND ADULT LEAGUES. THE 26 ACRE FACILITY WILL ATTRACT MAJOR TOURNAMENTS THAT BOOST SPORTS TOURISM, [00:45:04] PRESENTED TO CITY OF GALVESTON, LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS CLARK CONDON, AND CONTRACTOR LUCAS CONSTRUCTION. [APPLAUSE] >> I JUST WANT TO SAY THANK YOU. THANKS TO IDC BOARD. THANKS FOR THE HOT TAX FUNDING, AND THANK YOU ALL FOR THE SUPPORT. THIS IS PROBABLY THE LARGEST PROJECT THAT I'VE BEEN INVOLVED WITH AS PARCH DIRECTOR. THANK YOU.[APPLAUSE] >> NEXT UP, WE HAVE PRIVATE INVESTMENT. THERE WE ARE. THE HOTEL LUCENE. THIS WAS A RENOVATION OF THE TREASURE ISLAND HOTEL, BUILT IN THE 60S AND DESIGNED BY ARCHITECTS BEN COTON AND TIBOR BERMAN. THIS WAS OWNED BY BEN COTON AND HIS BROTHER, WHERE HE ALSO HAD HIS PROFESSIONAL OFFICE. IT WAS RENOVATED BACK TO ITS MID CENTURY MODERN ERA BY KEITH AND DAVE JACOB, AND WE ARE HONORING THE OWNERS TONIGHT AS WELL AS THE ARCHITECTS AND INTERIOR DESIGNERS. YOU REPRESENT.[APPLAUSE] >> THANK YOU. FIRST, I'D LIKE TO THANK EVERYONE IN PLANNING, THE CITY, COUNCIL, AND STAFF. EVERYONE WAS GREAT TO WORK WITH THROUGHOUT THE PROCESS. IT WAS NOT ALWAYS AN EASY PROCESS TO REIMAGINE THIS BUILDING. TO WHAT IT IS TODAY, I WANT TO THANK THE OTHER RECIPIENTS OF AWARDS TODAY FOR BRINGING THEIR EFFORTS TO BEAUTIFY GALVESTON EVEN MORE AND THANK THE FAMILY. THEY WERE WONDERFUL AS WE REACHED OUT TO THEM TO UNDERSTAND WHAT THIS BUILDING MEANT TO THEM AND THEIR FAMILY AND THE COMMUNITY AT THE TIME, TO MAKE SURE WE WERE HONORING ITS LEGACY PROPERLY. GALVESTON HAS SUCH A RICH HISTORY IN SO MANY FACETS, ESPECIALLY ITS BUILDINGS. PEOPLE OFTEN THINK OF THE VICTORIAN BUILDINGS FIRST, BUT THERE'S A GREAT CROP OF MID CENTURY MODERN BUILDINGS HERE, SO WE'RE PROUD TO BE STEWARDS OF ONE OF THEM. THANK YOU.[APPLAUSE] >> NEXT, WE HAVE PUBLIC INVESTMENT, CORVILL STADIUM, AND PRESS BOX. THE THREE YEAR RESTORATION BALANCED BUDGET CHALLENGES WITH THE NEED TO HELP KEEP THE STADIUM OPEN FOR COMMUNITY SPORTS. DESPITE POST COVID COST INCREASES, THE PROJECT ADAPTED CREATIVELY TO STAY ON TRACK. RESTORING THE CONCRETE BLEACHERS, SAVE MONEY, PRESERVE THE BELOVED ROCK, AND MAINTAIN THE STADIUMS HISTORIC PRESENCE WHILE MODERNIZING KEY FEATURES. PRESENTED TO GALVESTON INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT, ARCHITECTS PBK ARCHITECTS, PROJECT MANAGEMENT, 06 CONSULTANTS, LLC, AND COLTER COMPANY, CONTRACTOR HELLAS CONSTRUCTION INC. >> COME IN YOUR NEIGHBORS. GET TO YOUR SIDE. YOU GUYS YOU GUYS ARE THE FEATURE, I MEAN. >> I'LL BE THE WARM UP BACK FOR NEIGHBORS. THEY WARM UP FOR HIM ALL THE TIME. WHAT A COOL PROJECT? I THINK I'M GETTING TO BE THE OLD GUY THAT DOES THE OLD BUILDINGS IN TOWN, THE PRESERVATIONIST, I GUESS. I DON'T KNOW. I NEVER THOUGHT I WOULD END UP IN THAT POSITION. BUT SUPER COOL PROJECT. LOTS OF GALVESTON SUBS ON IT, ALL THE MEP, MITCHELL CHUCK, CROSS AND ELECTRIC, ROBERTS AIR, SONNY BROOM, OVER HALF OF THE MONEY SPENT ON THAT STADIUM WAS SPENT ON THE ISLAND. THE PROJECT MANAGER WAS BORE ROLLINS THE SON, GANNON. THE PROJECT SUPERINTENDENT WAS BRANDON CHATEL, THE CHATEL FAMILY HERE IN TOWN, 20% OF OUR COMPANY OR BORE HIGH GRADS. NOT ALL OF THEM ARE STATIONED IN GALVESTON RIGHT NOW. SUPER COOL EXPERIENCE FOR EVERYBODY. THAT WAS ONE OF THOSE ONCE IN A LIFETIME PROJECTS. IT'S FOUR BLOCKS FROM MY OFFICE. GUYS, EVERYBODY GOT TO RUN DOWN THERE AND TAKE PICTURES OF IT AND PARTICIPATE IN IT AND THE YOUNGER KIDS GOT TO GO DOWN THERE. VERY COMPLICATED PROJECT. I THINK IT DOESN'T LOOK AS COMPLICATED AS IT WAS. BUT WHAT AN EXPERIENCE, WE THANK YOU ALL. APPRECIATE IT [APPLAUSE] >> ON BEHALF OF GALVESTON IST, I JUST WANT TO THANK YOU FOR YOUR RECOGNITION THAT THIS TRULY IS A COMMUNITY WIDE INVESTMENT. ONLY 11 STUDENTS EITHER SOCCER OR FOOTBALL EVER GET TO BE ON THAT FIELD AT ONE TIME, BUT WE HAVE OVER 3-4,000 COMMUNITY MEMBERS WHO ATTEND A FRIDAY NIGHT GAME. IN ADDITION, LAST YEAR, TEXAS A&M GALVESTON'S LACROSSE TEAM PLAYED CARLETON STATE ON THAT FIELD. WE ARE EXCITED THAT IT'S BEING USED BY MULTIPLE AND THE COMMUNITY AND SO THANK YOU VERY MUCH [APPLAUSE] >> LAST BUT CERTAINLY NOT LEAST, WE HAVE A REDEVELOPMENT AWARD FOR CHURCH OF THE LIVING GOD. [00:50:04] THIS CHURCH WAS FOUNDED IN GALVESTON IN 1976. THE BUILDING ITSELF WAS CONSTRUCTED IN 1997. DUE TO THE GROWTH OF THE CHURCH, A REMODELING PROJECT WAS STARTED IN THE SUMMER OF 2022 AND HAS RECENTLY BEEN COMPLETED. WE'RE HONORING THE OWNER IN THE SUMMER OF 2022 AND HAS RECENTLY BEEN COMPLETED. WE'RE HONORING THE OWNER CHURCH OF THE LIVING GOD, THE ARCHITECT RON KENT, AND CONTRACTOR NATHAN SPRAW, CORINTHIAN CONSULTING AND CONSTRUCTION. I'M NOT SURE WHO GETS WHAT? >> THERE'S THE ARCHITECT CONTRACTOR. >> IF YOU WANT TO BE. >> ON BEHALF OF CHURCH LIVING GOD. WE JUST WANT TO SAY THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS RECOGNITION. WE'RE SO EXCITED TO CELEBRATE 50 YEARS IN 2026. THIS HONOR OF WHAT THE LORD IS DOING IN THIS BUILDING JUST TO CONTINUE TO MINISTER TO THE ISLAND, TO HAVE COMMUNITY EVENTS, TO REACH YOU ALL, THANK YOU. I'M GRATEFUL FOR YOU, MAYOR CRAIG BROWN AND YOUR TEAM, JUST CONTINUING TO SEE THE CITY GROW. BLESS YOU [APPLAUSE] >> TO BOIS, I'M KNOWN AS AN IBC. ABOUT 50 YEARS AGO, I SETTLED ON THE ISLAND AND FOUND THE DUTY FAMILY. ROBERT SENIOR WAS MY PASTOR. I WAS ROBERT JUNIOR'S YOUTH LEADER AND LATER MET ROBERT III. THIS AWARD REALLY GOES TO TREY AND HIS WIFE, MARLO AND THEIR VISION FOR THE FUTURE. ALSO GOES TO THE CONTRACTOR, YOU MET NATHAN, AND ESPECIALLY WANT TO HIGHLIGHT THE CITY OF GALVESTON'S PLANNING AND ENGINEERING DEPARTMENTS. THEY HELPED US OUT QUITE A BIT, AND MY ENGINEER, CURTIS DUMAS. WE HAD A CHALLENGE IN THAT WE HAVE AN OLD BUILDING. TREY WONDERED THAT WIND STORM CERTIFIED. I CAME UP WITH THE IDEA OF JUST BUILDING A WALL AROUND THE CHURCH WITHOUT TOUCHING THE EXISTING BUILDING OR THE ROOF. WE PLACED 30 PILINGS 6 INCHES FROM THE BUILDING AND CREATED A LITTLE PROTECTION FROM STORMS AND SO FORTH. THE LAST THING I WANTED TO MENTION WAS THAT A FEW WEEKS AGO ON TUESDAY NIGHT, I WAS PHOTOGRAPHING THE I CALL IT THE TOWER OF LIGHT. TWO YOUNG PEOPLE STOPPED BY AND ASKED ME IF THIS WAS A DISCO [LAUGHTER] I LOOKED AT THEM AND SAID, DISCO IS DEAD [LAUGHTER] JESUS IS ALIVE. COME CHECK HIM OUT TOMORROW NIGHT [LAUGHTER] THANK YOU VERY MUCH [APPLAUSE] >> THAT'S ALL. THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR TIME ALLOWING US TO DO THE PRESENTATION. >> APPRECIATE IT. LET'S MOVE TO ITEM 7, PLEASE, MA'AM. [7. COMMUNICATIONS AND PETITIONS] >> ITEM 7, COMMUNICATIONS AND PETITIONS, CLAIMS 25-086 THROUGH 25-089 ARE LISTED ON YOUR AGENDA. >> VERY GOOD. LET'S MOVE TO ITEM PUBLIC HEARINGS, [8.A Consider For Approval An Ordinance Of The City Of Galveston, Texas, For An Abandonment Of Approximately 18,134 Square Feet Of City Of Galveston Right-Of-Way; Property Address Is Commonly Known As Adjacent To 11254 And 11314 Sportsman Road And Adjacent Property Is Legally Described As Abstract 121 Page 57 West ½ Of Lot 92 (92-1) Trimble And Lindsey Section 2 And Abstract 121 Hall & Jones Survey Lot 110 (110- 3) Trimble & Lindsey Section 2, In The City And County Of Galveston, Texas; Planning Case Number 25P-041; Making Various Findings And Provisions Related To The Subject. (D. Lunsford)] IT'S ITEM 88, PLEASE. >> ITEM 88, CONSIDER FOR APPROVAL AND ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF GALVESTON, TEXAS FOR AN ABANDONMENT OF APPROXIMATELY 18,134 SQUARE FEET OF THE CITY OF GALVESTON RIGHT AWAY. PROPERTY ADDRESS IS COMMONLY KNOWN AS ADJACENT TO 11254 AND 11314 SPORTSMAN ROAD, AND ADJACENT PROPERTY IS LEGALLY DESCRIBED AS ABSTRACT 121 PAGE 57 WEST HALF OF LOT 92, TREMBLE AND LINDSEY, SECTION 2 AND ABSTRACT 121 HALL AND JONES SURVEY LOT 110, TREMBLE AND LINDSAY, SECTION 2. IN THE CITY AND COUNTY OF GALVESTON, TEXAS, PLANNING CASE NUMBER 25P-041, MAKING VARIOUS FINDINGS AND PROVISIONS RELATED TO THE SUBJECT. >> VERY GOOD. WE HAVE DANIEL LUNSFORD. DANIEL. >> THANK YOU VERY MUCH, MAYOR AND COUNCIL. THIS IS REQUEST TO ABANDON APPROXIMATELY 18,134 SQUARE FOOT OF RIGHT AWAY BETWEEN SPORTSMAN ROAD AND THE BAY AS SHOWN IN THE EXHIBIT HERE. IF APPROVED, THE SALE ABANDONMENT WOULD BE FOR $65,000. THIS WAS DETERMINED BY A LOCAL APPRAISER, SELECTED BY THE CITY, WHICH IS TYPICAL FOR OUR PROCESSES. THE TWO APPLICANTS ON EITHER SIDE HAVE ENJOINED ON THIS ABANDONMENT FOR THEM TO GET THEIR RESPECTIVE HALVES. THIS CONCLUDES STAFF REPORT. >> THANK YOU. ARE THERE ANY QUESTIONS FOR MR LUNSFORD, COUNSEL? IT IS 5:54 PM. I'M GOING TO OPEN THE PUBLIC HEARING ON THIS PARTICULAR ITEM. IS THE APPLICANT OR ANYONE HERE WANT TO MAKE COMMENT ON THIS? YES, SIR, PLEASE COME FORWARD. >> HOW ARE YOU DOING? I THINK WE EXPLAINED LAST TIME. [00:55:05] WE'RE JUST DOING AN APPLICATION SO WE CAN FIX THAT ROAD UP AND GET IT BACK TO WHERE IT'S IN BETTER SHAPE THAN IT IS RIGHT NOW AND ALL THAT STUFF. THAT'S ALL WE WANTED FOR. VERY GOOD. THANK YOU VERY MUCH, SIR. ANY OTHER COMMENTS ON THIS PARTICULAR ITEM? IT IS 5:55 PM. I'M GOING TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING AND BRING IT BACK FOR ACTION. YES, MA'AM. >> I MOVED TO APPROVE. >> THE MOTION, COUNCIL MEMBER ROB, FOR APPROVAL IS A SECOND. COUNCILWOMAN LEWIS. IF THERE'S NO DISCUSSION, PLEASE CAST YOUR VOTE. THAT IS UNANIMOUSLY PRE-APPROVED, BUT FOR AN ABSTENTION FROM COUNCILMAN FINKLEA, WHO IS NOT HERE. LET'S MOVE TO ITEM 9, PLEASE. [9. PUBLIC COMMENT] >> ITEM 9, PUBLIC COMMENT, 9A AGENDA ITEMS 9B, NON AGENDA ITEMS. >> VERY GOOD. THIS IS TIME FOR PUBLIC COMMENT. AS YOU KNOW, YOU HAVE THREE MINUTES, AND WE CANNOT RESPOND, BUT WE ARE LISTENING AND IF IT'S FOR SOMETHING FOR STAFF, THEY ARE MAKING NOTES OF IT. I HAVE ONE APPLICATION HERE, SAMUEL COLLINS III, SAM. >> "ONE OF THE MISTAKES THAT SOME POLITICAL ANALYSTS MAKE IS TO THINK THAT THEIR ENEMIES SHOULD BE OUR ENEMIES", NELSON MANDELA. OUR ATTITUDE TOWARDS ANY ELECTED OFFICIAL IS DETERMINED BY THE ATTITUDE OF THAT ELECTED OFFICIAL TOWARDS OUR CONCERNS. THE WORK BEHIND THE SCENES BY SOME OF THE MOST POWERFUL PEOPLE IN THE GALVESTON COMMUNITY IN SECRET MEETINGS AND BACK ROOM DEALS IS PROBLEMATIC FOR MANY REASONS. THE OCTOBER 16TH PRESS CONFERENCE HELD BY THE GALVESTON HISTORICAL FOUNDATION WAS PLANNED IN SECRET AND EXCLUDED MANY COMMUNITY MEMBERS. IN REAL TIME, WE WATCHED AS MANY COMMUNITY MEMBERS, FELT THE WEIGHT OF THE MOST POWERFUL PEOPLE IN OUR COMMUNITIES STEPPING ON US. OUR CONTRIBUTIONS OVER THE PAST FOUR YEARS WERE TOTALLY IGNORED. MOST PEOPLE THAT WATCH THE PRESS CONFERENCE HAVE NO IDEA THAT WE HAVE BEEN TRYING TO STRENGTHEN GALVESTON'S ROLE AS THE DEFINITIVE DESTINATION FOR THE BIRTHPLACE OF JUNETEENTH FOR YEARS. WHILE OUR TOTAL DOLLAR CONTRIBUTION TO THIS WORK HAS NOT BEEN AS HIGH AS OTHERS, OUR PERSONAL SACRIFICES COLLECTIVELY ARE NOT LESS THAN OTHERS. THIS IS NOT JUST ABOUT THE PRESS CONFERENCE. THE ELECTED OFFICIALS AND G CHEF ARE TRYING TO SPIN THE NARRATIVE THAT THE COMMUNITY IS FINALLY READY TO GET STARTED WITH A PLAN FOR A JUNETEENTH MUSEUM AND OTHER IDEAS. SINCE JULY 2021, WE HAVE BEEN WORKING TOWARD A PLAN. WE HAVE BEEN BUILDING WORKING RELATIONSHIPS WITH UNIVERSITIES, NAACP, LULAC, INTERNATIONAL PARTNERS, THE TEXAS HISTORICAL COMMISSION, AND OTHERS. ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 11TH DURING OUR GALVESTON UNITED JUNETEENTH ALLIANCE MEETING COUNCIL MEMBER LUIS, SAID THAT THE IMPORTANT PEOPLE WOULD BE ON THE SELECTION COMMITTEE TO SELECT A FIRM FOR THE MASTER PLAN. WHO ARE THE IMPORTANT PEOPLE? ARE WE NOT IMPORTANT PEOPLE? ARE WE NOT COMMUNITY MEMBERS? COMMUNITY DOES NOT JUST MEAN PEOPLE THAT LIVE IN THE SAME PLACE. COMMUNITY ALSO MEANS A FEELING OF FELLOWSHIP WITH OTHERS AS A RESULT OF SHARING COMMON ATTITUDES, INTERESTS, AND GOALS. OVER THE PAST FOUR YEARS, WE INVITED ELECTED OFFICIALS AND MEMBERS OF THE GHF AFRICAN AMERICAN HERITAGE COMMITTEE TO WORK WITH US AT A ROUND TABLE AS EQUALS. WHY DIDN'T THEY INCLUDE US IN THEIR PLANNING? WE'RE YOUR NEIGHBORS, AND WE ARE PART OF THE COMMUNITY THAT CARES ABOUT THIS ISSUE. WE ARE NOT PAWNS IN A CHESS GAME OR PROPS FOR PHOTO OPS. WE WILL NOT BE IGNORED AND WE WILL NOT BE SILENT WHILE SOME OF THE ELECTED OFFICIALS PLAY POLITICS. WE ARE NOT WAITING TO BE INVITED TO A TABLE WHERE ALL THE DECISIONS HAVE BEEN MADE. WE HAVE BEEN HERE FROM THE BEGINNING, AND WE WILL BE HERE UNTIL THE END. WE WANT A FAIR AND TRANSPARENT PROCESS THAT IS INCLUSIVE OF THE ENTIRE COMMUNITY IN A PUBLIC SPACE, NOT IN SECRET. PLEASE REVIEW THE PACKET THAT I AM SUBMITTING TO BE PLACED IN THE OFFICIAL CITY RECORDS AS A SMALL SAMPLE OF THE WORK WE HAVE BEEN DOING FOR THE PAST FOUR YEARS. >> THANK YOU VERY MUCH. ANYONE ELSE THAT WOULD LIKE TO MAKE A PUBLIC COMMENT? COME FORWARD. >> GOOD AFTERNOON, MAYOR, COUNSEL. TARRIS LUISON. I WOULD LIKE TO ASSURE YOU TODAY THAT THIS WILL BE DONE QUICKLY. WHAT I'M HERE FOR TODAY IS TO ANNOUNCE [01:00:03] MY CANDIDACY FOR GALVESTON CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT 1. NOW, WHILE I CAN STAND HERE AND TALK ABOUT ALL THE GENERALITIES OF FIRE PROTECTION, SAFE WATER, POLICE PROTECTION, THE GENERAL, I'M GOING TO STICK WITH NON UNION EMPLOYEES AND A PAY RAISE. THAT WAS MY MOTTO IN 2008, THE SAME IN 2014, AND I'M GOING TO CONTINUE TO FIGHT FOR NON CIVIL SERVICE PAY RAISES. THEY DESERVE IT. I'M NOT GOING TO GO MAYOR TO FIND IN DEPTH ON THE PLATFORM. I JUST WANTED TO MAKE THAT ANNOUNCEMENT AND GIVE I THINK I'M SUPPOSED TO GIVE THIS TREASURY REPORT TO YOU. I THINK THAT AFTER BEING INVOLVED, I THINK I'VE BEEN SEEN ALMOST 10 MALES, YOU MAKE THE 10TH ONE. I GOT STARTED IN 1979. I THINK ABOUT 47 YEARS, I THINK THAT MY PUBLIC SERVICE IS MY QUALIFICATION. I DON'T HAVE TO GO UP TO A VOTER AND SAY WHAT I HAVE DONE, I CAN SHOW THEM WHAT I HAVE DID. THAT'S A GREAT DIFFERENCE. THANK YOU. WHERE IS THAT CLOCK MAYOR? OH, I GOT A MINUTE LEFT. YOU CAN HAVE IT THANK YOU VERY MUCH. >>THANK YOU. ANY OTHER INPUT FROM THE PUBLIC HERE? IT IS 6:01 PM. I'M GOING TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING, AND LET'S MOVE TO THOSE ITEMS NOT REQUIRING PUBLIC HEARINGS 10A, PLEASE. [10.A Consider For approval an Ordinance of the City of Galveston, Texas, Amending "The Code of the City of Galveston 1982, As Amended”, Chapter 19, “Licenses, Permits and Business Regulations”, Article VI, “Short Term Rentals” in its entirety to provide clarification of Regulations, Definitions as applicable, Fines and Fees as applicable; making various findings and provisions relating to the subject and providing for an effective date. (X. Vandiver-Gaskin)] >> ITEM 10A. CONSIDER FOR APPROVAL AND ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF GALVESTON, TEXAS, AMENDING THE CODE OF THE CITY OF GALVESTON 1982 AS AMENDED, CHAPTER 19, LICENSES, PERMITS, AND BUSINESS REGULATIONS, ARTICLE 6, SHORT TERM RENTALS, IN ITS ENTIRETY, TO PROVIDE CLARIFICATION OR REGULATIONS, DEFINITIONS AS APPLICABLE, FINES AND FEES, AS APPLICABLE, MAKING VARIOUS FINDINGS AND PROVISIONS RELATED TO THE SUBJECT AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. >> VERY GOOD. YES, MA'AM. GO RIGHT AHEAD. >> HI. I'M [INAUDIBLE] GASKIN WITH CITY LEGAL, AND AGAIN, LIKE I WAS THIS MORNING, I'M HERE TO ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS ORDINANCE OR ANY CONCERNS THAT YOU MAY HAVE. >> VERY GOOD. ANY QUESTIONS THAT WE HAVE? COUNSEL? >> YES, SIR. I WANTED TO MAKE SURE THAT I UNDERSTOOD DURING THE WORKSHOP DISCUSSION THAT WE WERE GOING TO DISCUSS THE ACTUAL IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PARKING RULES THAT WERE INCLUDED. WERE THERE ANY DISCUSSION ON THAT OR ANY CHANGES AS FAR AS WHAT STATED? >> WHAT'S IN THE ORDINANCE, THE DRAFT ORDINANCE THAT WAS SUBMITTED TO Y'ALL AND IS ON THE AGENDA RIGHT NOW INCLUDES A PARKING PLAN. THERE WAS DISCUSSION AT WORKSHOP AND THERE AT THE PREVIOUS WORKSHOP WITH REGARDS TO THE ABILITY TO. >> ENFORCE. >> ENFORCE ANY PARKING ISSUES. I THINK THAT OBVIOUSLY ILLEGAL PARKING, UNSAFE PARKING, PARKING THAT CREATES AN IMMEDIATE PUBLIC SAFETY HAZARD. WE HAVE ORDINANCES THAT COVER THAT AND CAN BE ENFORCED THAT WAY. IT IS MY RECOMMENDATION FROM CITY LEGAL THAT WE MOVE FORWARD WITH THIS ORDINANCE WITHOUT THE PARKING PROVISIONS, SIMPLY BECAUSE PARKING IS AN ISSUE CITYWIDE, IT'S NOT NECESSARILY LIMITED TO SHORT TERM RENTALS. OF COURSE, HAVING SHORT TERM RENTALS SUCH AS ON THE WEST END, HAVING SHORT TERM RENTALS IN NEIGHBORHOODS CAN CONTRIBUTE TO PARKING ISSUES, BUT I THINK PARKING ISSUES EXIST NOT SPECIFIC TO SHORT TERM RENTALS. IT IS MY BELIEF THAT RATHER THAN TYING IT TO SHORT TERM RENTALS IN THIS ORDINANCE, AND FOR THE CITY OR FOR STAFF TO MOVE FORWARD WITH A MORE COMPREHENSIVE PARKING THAT DEALS WITH EVERY ISSUE IN THE CITY AND NOT JUST SHORT TERM RENTALS. BUT THAT'S JUST MY RECOMMENDATION, OBVIOUSLY. >> IF A MOVEMENT IS MADE, CAN A MOVEMENT BE MADE TO NOT INCLUDE THE PARKING THAT'S BEEN SO? >> YES, SIR. YES. YOU CAN CERTAINLY MOVE TO VOTE ON THIS ORDINANCE, REMOVING THE PARKING PARTS OF IT. THE PARKING PARTS OF IT WERE IN RED FOR A REALLY FOR ME TO BE ABLE TO SEE IT AND FIND IT IMMEDIATELY. BUT YES, WE CAN ALL CAN MAKE THAT MOTION, MOVE FORWARD WITH THE ORDINANCE WITHOUT PARKING, CERTAINLY. >> I WANTED TO RECOGNIZE ALL THE MEMBERS OF THE SHORT TERM RENTAL COMMITTEE THAT WORKED FOR A LONG TIME, [01:05:04] A LOT OF HOURS AND A LOT OF COLLABORATION AMONGST THAT GROUP, AND THEY DID IT IN A VERY SHORT TIME AND REALIZED JUST HOW IMPORTANT THIS WAS TO EVERYBODY, BOTH CITIZENS AND OWNERS OF THE SHORT TERM RENTALS. I WANT TO PUBLICLY THANK THAT COMMITTEE SINCERELY FOR WORKING SO HARD AND DOING ALL THEY HAD DONE TO TRY TO GIVE US SOME RULES THAT WE CAN ENFORCE AND ABIDE BY AND START MAKING THIS RUN A LITTLE BIT MORE SMOOTHLY. >> VERY GOOD COUNCIL. GOING TO, YES MAYOR. >> I'M GOING TO MAKE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE ORDINANCE, BUT TO KEEP THE PARKING IN IT. >> HAVE A MOTION FOR APPROVING THE ORDINANCE WITH THE PARKING AS STATED IN THE ORDINANCE AT THIS POINT.Y. >> SECOND. >> HAVE A SECOND BY COUNCILMAN BOB BROWN. LET'S HAVE DISCUSSION ON THAT. YES, BOB. >> WE WERE TALKING ABOUT IT EARLIER TODAY AND SAYING, WELL, IT WASN'T ENFORCEABLE, AND I'VE ALSO HEARD THAT JUST NOW THAT WE HAVE A LARGER PARKING PROBLEM ALL ACROSS THE CITY. I UNDERSTAND THAT, BUT I THINK WE OWE IT TO THE PEOPLE WHO WE'VE BEEN HEARING FROM. I'VE BEEN HEARING FROM AND I THINK OTHERS HAVE TOO, THAT PARKING IS A PROBLEM, AND I THINK WAITING FOR A LARGER ISLAND WIDE PARKING PLAN IS NOT THE SOLUTION. WE HAVE SOME OTHER ORDINANCES THAT ARE DIFFICULT TO ENFORCE. FOR INSTANCE, WE HAVE A LIGHT TRESPASS ORDINANCE WHERE YOU HAVE TO MEASURE FOOT CANDLES AT THE PROPERTY LINE. IT'S VERY DIFFICULT TO ENFORCE. WE HAVE A NOISE ORDINANCE THAT'S VERY DIFFICULT TO ENFORCE UNLESS YOU HAVE A DECIBEL METER AND YOU'RE RIGHT THERE ON THE SPOT AT THE TIME IT'S HAPPENING. THOSE ORDINANCES ARE THERE BECAUSE THEY'RE SIGNALING OUR INTENTIONS ON WHAT PROPER BEHAVIOR IS AND WHAT WE'VE HEARD FROM PEOPLE AROUND THE ISLAND IF THEY WANT. THIS IS NOT THAT MUCH DIFFERENT. I THINK WE OWE IT TO OUR CITIZENS TO ADDRESS PARKING IN THE BEST WAY WE CAN, AND IT'S NOT GOING TO BE PERFECT. BUT IT'S THE BEST WAY WE CAN. WE DON'T WANT THEM THINKING THAT WE'RE NOT HEARING THEM. WE'RE HEARING THEM, AND I THINK THIS IS ONE WAY TO DO THAT AND AS WE GO ALONG A LITTLE FURTHER, WE MAY HAVE BETTER SOLUTIONS FOR PARKING THAT ARE MORE COMPREHENSIVE. BUT FOR NOW, I THINK THIS IS OUR OPPORTUNITY TO SHOW THE CITIZENS THAT WE'RE HEARING THEM ON THIS ISSUE AND WE'LL DO OUR BEST TO INCORPORATE THIS. THAT'S WHY I WOULD SECOND THAT. >> YES, MA'AM. >> I HAVE HEARD FROM HUNDREDS OF CONSTITUENTS AND THEY ARE IN SUPPORT. I KNOW IT MIGHT BE DIFFICULT TO ENFORCE, BUT I HAVE TO RESPECT THE PEOPLE'S WISHES. THEREFORE, THAT'S WHY I'M GOING TO VOTE TO SUPPORT THIS. >> VERY GOOD. ANY FURTHER DISCUSSION ON THIS? >> I WANT TO PILE ON THERE AT THE BO'S COMMENT. I REALLY WANTED TO THANK THE WORK OF THE COMMITTEE THAT WAS FORMED. IT TOOK SEVERAL MONTHS TO EVEN FORM THE COMMITTEE. THEN ONCE WE GOT STARTED, AND EIGHT MONTHS, WE HAD 19 MEETINGS. EACH ONE OF THOSE MEETINGS WAS AT LEAST TWO HOURS, SOME OF THEM LONGER. A LOT OF STAFF TIME ON THAT. WE HAD SOME REALLY HIGH POWERED STAFF ON OUR COMMITTEE. THEY DID A LOT OF HARD WORK IN A SHORT AMOUNT OF TIME, AND I JUST I WANT TO THANK THEM FOR THEIR TIME. >> VERY GOOD. I HAVE SOME COMMENTS. FIRST OF ALL, THANK THE COMMITTEE. THEY DID WORK DILIGENTLY TO BRING THIS FORWARD. THE COMMITTEE'S RECOMMENDATION WAS TO LEAVE THIS OUT OF THE ORDINANCE, IS THAT RIGHT GEORGI. >> THE COMMITTEE VOTED ON WHAT YOU SEE IN THE ORDINANCE RIGHT NOW WAS PART OF DEVELOPMENT SERVICES PLANNING, WORKED VERY HARD, VERY DILIGENTLY TO PUT TOGETHER A RECOMMENDATION AS TO PARKING. THAT'S WHAT'S REFLECTED IN WHAT YOU HAVE IN FRONT OF YOU. THE COMMITTEE VOTED ON A DIFFERENT APPROACH, WHICH WAS TO JUST KIND OF LIMIT GIVE EVERYBODY TWO SPOTS ON THE STREET AND NOT WORRY ABOUT OFF STREET PARKING. I THINK THAT'S WHAT THEY ULTIMATELY THAT'S THE MOTION THAT ULTIMATELY PASSED WAS A MOTION JUST NOT WORRYING ABOUT TYING SPACES TO BEDROOMS OR WORRYING ABOUT WHAT SPACE PEOPLE HAVE ON THEIR OWN PROPERTY, BUT ONLY LIMITING LIKE YOU GET TWO SPOTS ON THE STREET. THAT ULTIMATELY WAS THE COMMITTEE'S RECOMMENDATION, WHAT THEY LANDED ON. >> I'M GOING TO GO BACK TO SOMETHING BOB SAID EARLIER IN WORKSHOP BECAUSE IT REALLY RESONATED WITH ME. [01:10:05] IF WE REMOVE THE PARKING PART, IT'S LIKE REMOVING WHAT WAS MOST IMPORTANT TO THE PEOPLE. EVEN THOUGH WE KNOW THIS WILL BE AN ISSUE TO ENFORCE, HAVING SOMETHING IS BETTER THAN HAVING NOTHING. HAVING SAID IN SO MANY OF THE SHORT TERM MEETINGS, THIS WAS MOST IMPORTANT TO EVERYONE AND TO JUST PULL IT OUT AND DISRESPECT THE PEOPLE IN MY OPINION, WOULD BE WRONG. THANK YOU. >> JUST TO BE CLEAR TO EVERYBODY THAT'S OUT THERE LISTENING, I WANT TO JUST READ THE IT ADDRESSES PARKING THAT'S IN THIS ORDINANCE. A PARKING PLAN IS REQUIRED IN ZONING DISTRICTS THAT ALLOW SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL USE. MULTI FAMILY RESIDENTIAL STRUCTURES ARE EXCLUDED FROM THIS REQUIREMENT. THE PARKING PLAN MUST PROVIDE FOR A MINIMUM OF ONE VEHICULAR PARKING SPACE FOR EACH BEDROOM IN THE SHORT TERM RENTAL UNIT. THE MAXIMUM OF TWO VEHICULAR ON STREET PARKING SPACES MAY ALSO BE CONSIDERED IN THE PARKING PLAN. FOR THE PURPOSES OF THESE REGULATIONS, A BEDROOM IS DEFINED AS A ROOM DESIGNED PRIMARILY FOR SLEEPING WITH AT LEAST ONE WINDOW. THAT'S FOR EGRESS LIGHT SAFETY. THEN ASSOCIATED TO THAT IN THE ORDINANCE IS EACH SHORT TERM RENTAL UNIT OWNER SHALL HAVE IN PLACE A PARKING PLAN TO ENSURE ADEQUATE PARKING PARKING AS APPLICABLE. I THINK THAT'S IMPORTANT TO HAVE ANY ORDINANCE. I THINK IF WE DON'T PUT IT IN THERE, WE'RE GOING TO WISH WE HAD. >> VERY GOOD. ANY OTHER DISCUSSION? BOTH. >> IS THIS ARE THESE RULES IF ADOPTED THIS EVENING? ARE THEY ONLY APPLICABLE TO NEW REGISTRATION? >> YES. THEY WOULD BE ALL PREVIOUSLY REGISTERED SHORT TERM RENTALS WOULD BE GRANDFATHERED. >> WE'RE TALKING A MINISCULE AMOUNT, ESPECIALLY IN WHAT WE'RE GOING THROUGH NOW WITH THE AMOUNT OF SHORT TERM RENTALS THAT ARE GOING BACK ON THE MARKET. WHAT I GUESS I'M SAYING IS IS THAT THESE ARE RULES TO BE PUT IN PLACE FOR ANY NEW REGISTRATION? >> CORRECT. >> EXISTING REGISTRATIONS, THIS HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THEM. >> UNLESS YOU'RE IN ZONE R3, WHICH IS ON THE I THINK IS THE ECN HISTORIC DISTRICT, ALREADY HAS THESE RULES IN PLACE. THOSE STR SHOULD ALREADY BE OPERATING UNDER THESE RULES. BUT THAT'S BECAUSE THEY'VE ALREADY BEEN IN PLACE. BUT THIS WOULD APPLY TO NEW REGISTRATIONS GOING FORWARD. >> YES, GO AHEAD, ALEX. >> MY POINT. FOR MANY OF THE PUBLIC THAT WATCHES THIS ONE THAT DOESN'T WATCH THE SLUG FEST OF A WORKSHOP. THIS IS SOMETHING THAT IS INCREDIBLY IN MY MIND, HARD TO ENFORCE. WE KIND OF WENT THROUGH THE EXERCISE OF, OKAY, YOU GOT THEM PARKED. HOW DO YOU GET IT EVEN IF YOU'RE AT THE FRONT END SHORT OF OUR HEAD MARSHAL HAND HOLDING SOMEBODY TO MAKE SURE THAT THE PLACARD OR SOMETHING IS IN THEIR CAR, IDENTIFYING WHAT CAR IS WHERE. THEY MAY BE GONE TO [INAUDIBLE] OR ANOTHER EVENT THERE'S A CAR LEGALLY PARKED ON THE STREET. IT'S HARD TO ENFORCE THAT ON AN STR OPERATOR OWNER OR EVEN THE PERSON WHO'S OCCUPYING THAT STR. THAT'S BEEN MY REASONING FOR OPPOSING JUST THE PARKING. I'D LIKE TO THANK YOU, EVERYONE THAT SERVED AND AGAIN, MY APPOINTEE, DAVID BLOOM WHO SAID HE NEVER SERVED, BUT HE APPRECIATE ME TAPPING HIM ON THE SHOULDER TO DO THIS. BUT THAT'S THE ONLY REASONING I HAVE. I DON'T THINK IT'S A SLIDE AGAINST THE RESIDENTS. I THINK ALL OF THIS TOGETHER IS A GOOD POSITIVE THING, BUT THE PARKING, I JUST CAN'T GET BEHIND PUTTING LANGUAGE DOWN THAT WE'RE NOT GOING TO BE ABLE TO BE ACTIONABLE ON. THANK YOU. >> YOU'RE SAYING THAT, THEN WE SHOULD REMOVE IT FROM AN R3 BECAUSE FUNNY HOW THEY CAN ENFORCE IT THERE, BUT YOU DON'T THINK IT COULD BE ENFORCED IN OTHER PLACES. >> IT'S NOT THAT IT CAN'T BE ENFORCED IN OTHER PLACES. IT'S THE FACT THAT EVEN R3 UNLESS YOU HAVE IT'S EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO ENFORCE. I MEAN, I WOULD IF WE CHANGED THE ZONING TO R3 EVERYWHERE WHERE IT NEEDED TO BE. I DON'T KNOW IF THAT WOULD CHANGE ANYTHING, BUT IT WOULD BET'S EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO DO. YES, I DO RECOGNIZE THERE IS A PARKING PROBLEM. THERE I MEAN, MARIE'S DISTRICT PROBABLY HAS IT WORSE WHERE YOU HAVE A TON OF PEOPLE [01:15:06] PARKING ON DITCHES AND LAWNS AND RIPPING IT UP AND OCCUPYING WHOLE BLOCKS. IT'S REALLY UNFORTUNATE AND I WANT TO I THINK WE JUST NEED MORE TIME TO SEE HOW EXACTLY WE CAN ENFORCE SOMETHING LIKE THAT. >> YES. THIS IS ENFORCEABLE RIGHT NOW. THIS IS ENFORCEABLE IN R THREE. R THREE IS A SPECIAL PARKING DISTRICT, AND YOU HAVE TO HAVE A STICKER IN YOUR WINDOW IF YOU LIVE THERE AND ANY SHORT TERM RENTALS IN THAT DISTRICT, GET TWO PLACARDS TO PUT IN THEIR CAR WINDSHIELD. WE KNOW WHO'S PARKING ON THE STREET IN R3 BECAUSE IT'S IN A SPECIAL PARKING ZONE. WE HAVE OTHER PARKING ZONES ALL ACROSS THE ISLAND, MAINLY UP AROUND THE SEA WALL IN THE EAST END AND UTMB, AND I THINK THERE'S A COUPLE OF MORE MIDTOWN. IF WE LEAVE THIS LANGUAGE IN THE ORDINANCE, THEN IT WOULD BE ENFORCEABLE IN THOSE SPECIAL PARKING ZONES BECAUSE THEY HAVE TO HAVE STICKERS TO PARK WHERE THEY ARE. >> BUT THIS IS NOT PART OF THE ORDINANCE RIGHT NOW. THE STICKER SITUATION, WHAT THEY'RE RECOMMENDING, I'M GOING TO SUPPORT WHAT COUNCILMAN PRETA SAYS HERE. I DO THINK THAT IT WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE SOME TYPE OF PARKING CONTROLS. BUT IN DISTRICT 2, I MEAN, WE HAVE JUST AS MANY PARKING CONCERNS WITH LONG TERM RENTAL FACILITIES AND MANY SINGLE FAMILY HOMES, WE HAVE PARKING CONCERNS THERE. THE THOUGHT ABOUT WE NEED TO PUT SOMETHING IN THERE TO SHOW THEM THAT AT LEAST WE HAVE AN INTEREST IN THAT. THE PROBLEM IS IN MY MIND, WE'RE GOING TO PUT THIS IN HERE, AND THEN SOMEBODY CALLS INTO THE MARSHALS AND SAYS, WE HAVE A PARKING PROBLEM WITH THIS SHORT TERM RENTAL. WE NEED TO ENFORCE THE RULES AND THE MARSHAL IS GOING TO SAY, I DON'T THINK WE CAN ENFORCE THOSE. I DON'T HAVE ANY WAY OF DOING IT. NOW THIS LEAVE QUITE A BAD TASTE IN THE PUBLIC'S MIND ON THAT. I THINK THAT WE NEED TO HAVE SOME PARKING CONTROL. I'M NOT AGAINST DISCUSSING HAVING SOME OF SOMETHING LIKE RESIDENTIAL PARKING FOR SHORT TERM RENTALS. BUT JUST TO PUT SOMETHING IN THERE THAT I DON'T THINK WE CAN ENFORCE, I THINK IT'S GOING TO WIND UP BEING MORE OF A CONCERN TO THE PUBLIC THAN IF WE LEAVE IT OUT AND LOOK AT SOME OTHER METHOD ON THAT. >> ANY OTHER LANGUAGE THAT WAS PRESENTED BY THE PLANNING DEPARTMENT BECAUSE THEY FELT STRONGLY ABOUT IT. THIS WASN'T JUST LANGUAGE PULLED OUT OF THE AIR. I WANT TO MENTION THAT AS WELL. >> ANY MORE THOUGHTS ON THIS? WE HAVE A MOTION FOR APPROVING THE ORDINANCE WITH THE PARKING CONDITIONS IN THERE. >> I SECOND. >> BOB WAS SECOND. >> HERE WE GO. >> PLEASE CAST YOUR VOTES. IT DOES NOT PASS. WE HAVE COUNCILWOMAN LEWIS WITH A NEGATIVE VOTE. COUNCILMAN BROWN, WITH A YES. THE MAYOR, NO, COUNCILMAN PRETA, NO, COUNCILMAN ROLLINS, NO, COUNCIL MEMBER ROB, YES. I WOULD ENTERTAIN ANOTHER MOTION ON THIS PARTICULAR ITEM. >> MAYOR, I'D LIKE TO A APPROVE THE ORDINANCE AS RECOMMENDED BY CITY LEGAL. >> I WOULD SECOND THAT. THIS WILL BE BY MANUALLY, IS THAT RIGHT, JANELLE? WE HAVE A MOTION FROM COUNCILMAN PRETA TO APPROVE THE SHORT TERM RENTAL ORDINANCE, BUT REMOVING THE PARKING CONDITIONS THAT ARE CURRENTLY IN THE ORDINANCE AS PRESENTED. I SECOND IT BY MAYOR BROWN. LET'S OPEN FOR DISCUSSION. ALL THOSE IN FAVOR. ALL THOSE OPPOSED. IT DOES PASS WITH FOUR VOTES. COUNCILMAN ROLLINS PEREA, MAYOR BROWN, AND COUNCIL MEMBER LEWIS, IN FAVOR COUNCIL MEMBER BROWN AND ROB AGAINST. LET'S MOVE FORWARD. [10.B Consider For Approval An Ordinance Of The City Of Galveston, Texas, Amending The Code Of The City Of Galveston, Chapter 29, “Planning – Beach Access Dune Protection & Beach Front Construction”, Article II. Appendix A: Beach Access And Parking Plan, To Modify Regulations Related To Beach Access Point 1(C): Area West Of The Islander East To Eastern Boundary Of Stewart Beach Park; And Beach Access Point 13: Pocket Park 3; To Authorize The City Manager And Or Designee To Submit The Requested Amendments To The Texas General Land Office On The Updated Language For Subsequent Issuance In The Texas Register, And To Execute All Necessary Documents Related To The Same; Planning Case Number 25PA-004; Making Various Findings And Provisions Related To The Subject (K. Clark)] LET'S MOVE TO ITEM 10B, PLEASE. >> ITEM 10B CONSIDER FOR APPROVAL AND ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF GALVESTON, TEXAS, AMENDING THE CODE OF THE CITY OF GALVESTON CHAPTER 29 PLANNING, BEACH ACCESS DUNE PROTECTION, AND BEACH FRONT CONSTRUCTION, ARTICLE 2, APPENDIX A, BEACH ACCESS AND PARKING PLAN, TO MODIFY REGULATIONS RELATED TO BEACH ACCESS 0.1 AREA WEST OF ISLANDERS TO EASTERN BOUNDARY OF STEWART BEACH PARK, AND BEACH ACCESS 0.13, POCKET PARK 3, TO AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER AND OR DESIGNEE TO [01:20:05] SUBMIT THE REQUESTED AMENDMENTS TO THE TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE ON THE UPDATED LANGUAGE FOR SUBSEQUENT ISSUANCE IN THE TEXAS REGISTER AND TO EXECUTE ALL NECESSARY DOCUMENTS RELATED TO THE SAME PLANNING CASE NUMBER 25 P004, MAKING VARIOUS FINDINGS AND PROVISIONS RELATED TO THE SUBJECT. >> VERY GOOD. MR. KYLE CLARK. >> THANK YOU, MAYOR BROWN. YES, AS WE DISCUSSED THIS MORNING, THIS IS A ORDINANCE TO CHANGE LANGUAGE TO TWO OF OUR BEACH ACCESSES. THE FIRST IS FOR THE RESTRICTED USE AREA, A REQUEST CAME INTO THE CITY TO EXPAND THAT BY THE PROPERTY OWNER THAT'S JUST ADJACENT TO IT. HALF TO THREE QUARTERS OF HIS PROPERTY CURRENTLY HAS RESTRICTED USE AREA IN FRONT OF US. HE'S JUST WANTING TO EXPAND IT TO ENCOMPASS ALL OF THAT AREA, FOR FUTURE DEVELOPMENT, SO IT COULD BE USED BY ALL THE PATRONS OUT THERE. HE'S AWARE OF THE RESTRICTIONS THAT THAT AREA CAN ONLY BE USED BY VEHICLES FOR THREE GROUPS OF PEOPLE, ADA ACCESS, FISHERMEN, AND ANYONE LAUNCHING A NON MOTORIZED VESSEL. HE'S AWARE OF THAT. THE SECOND AMEND THE CHANGE REQUEST IS A ACCESS 0.13. WHEN WE DID OUR LAST AMENDMENT TO THE BEACH ACCESS PLAN ABOUT A YEAR AND A HALF AGO, WE WERE IN THE PROCESS OF IMPROVING THAT PARKING LOT. WE HAD A CAVEAT IN THERE THAT THE BALLERS WOULD BE MOVED TO RESTRICT SOME OF THE VEHICULAR TRAFFIC ON THE BEACH ONCE THAT PARKING LOT GOT COMPLETED, SINCE WE HAVE THE PARKING LOT COMPLETED. DISCUSSIONS WITH GLO WE WERE GOING THROUGH THAT. WE TOLD THEM THAT NEXT TIME WE HAD AN AMENDMENT CHANGE TO ANYTHING IN THE PLAN THAT WE WOULD UPDATE THAT ACCESS POINT, THE MAP, THE LANGUAGE IN OUR PLAN AND OUR ORDINANCES. THAT'S WHY I'M BRINGING THAT FORTH TO YOU TODAY. >> THANK YOU. VERY GOOD. ANY QUESTIONS FROM MR. CLARK? YES, BOB. >> I JUST WANT TO CLARIFY FOR EVERYBODY. THE RESTRICTED USE ACCESS YOU SAID IS PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES OR PEOPLE TRYING TO LAUNCH A NON MOTORIZED BOAT OR FISHERMEN AND THAT VEHICULAR ACCESS RIGHT NOW, THE ONLY VEHICULAR ACCESS IS AT THE STEWART BEACH ENTRY ON THE EAST END OF STEWART BEACH TO THAT RUA. >> STEWART BEACH AND RESIDENTS OF GRAND PRESERVE CAN ALSO ACCESS THROUGH A WALK WALK OVER TO GOLF CART. THE DEVELOPMENT THAT'S GOING IN IS LOOKING AT PUTTING IN SOME WALK, SOME DUNE CROSSOVERS THAT COULD ACCOMMODATE GOLF CARTS AND THINGS LIKE THAT, BUT THEY WOULD ONLY BE LIKE I SAID, ONLY BE THE VEHICLES FOR THOSE THREE CRITERIA PEOPLE. >> I JUST WANT TO MAKE SURE THE PUBLIC KNOWS THAT WHEN WE SAY VEHICLES, WE'RE ALSO TALKING ABOUT GOLF CARTS. >> YES. >> WHICH COME OVER THE DUNE WALKOVERS, OR COME IN IN ANY WAY, I GUESS. THAT PROPERTY THAT EXTRA THOUSAND FEET THAT WE'RE ADDING THERE, THAT PROPERTY IS ADJACENT TO THE MARGARITAVILLE PROPERTY. >> YES, SIR. >> THAT'S ALL I HAVE. >> VERY GOOD. ANY FURTHER QUESTIONS FROM MR. CLARK? I'D ENTERTAIN A MOTION, COUNCIL ON THIS PARTICULAR ITEM. >> A MOTION TO APPROVE. >> MOTION, COUNCILMAN PRETA FOR APPROVAL. >> SECOND. >> SECOND, COUNCIL MEMBER BOB BROWN. >> BOB. YOU'RE UP. THERE YOU GO. >> ANY FURTHER DISCUSSION? PLEASE CAST YOUR VOTES ON THAT. UNANIMOUSLY APPROVE WITH COUNCILMAN FINKLEA ABSENT. VERY GOOD. THANK YOU, CRAIG. ITEM 10 C. [10.C Consider or Approval an Ordinance of the City of Galveston, Texas, amending the Code of the City of Galveston, as amended, Chapter 32, “Streets, Sidewalks and Public Places” Article I, Section 32-3 by the amending the name of the responsible city commission responsible for receiving applications for notices, drawings or caricatures on pavement from the Cultural Arts Commission to the Arts Development Commission ; making various findings and provisions related to the subject; providing for an effective date. (Legal)] >> ITEM 10 C. CONSIDER FOR APPROVAL AND ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF GALVESTON, TEXAS, AMENDING THE CODE OF THE CITY OF GALVESTON AS AMENDED CHAPTER 32 STREETS, SIDEWALKS, AND PUBLIC PLACES, ARTICLE 1, SECTION 32-3 BY AMENDING THE NAME OF THE RESPONSIBLE CITY COMMISSION, RESPONSIBLE FOR RECEIVING APPLICATIONS FOR NOTICES DRAWINGS ON PAVEMENT FROM THE CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION TO THE ARTS DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION, MAKING VARIOUS FINDINGS AND PROVISIONS RELATED TO THE SUBJECT, PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. >> VERY GOOD. THERE WE ARE. DONNA. GO RIGHT AHEAD. >> MAYOR, THIS ORDINANCE AND THE NEXT ORDINANCE ARE WHAT I CALL CLEANUP ORDINANCES. AT THE LAST CITY COUNCIL, WE ADOPTED THE NEW ARTS DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION. THERE WERE CERTAIN SECTIONS ALREADY IN THE CITY CODE THAT REFERENCED THE PREVIOUS ARTS AND CULTURAL BOARD. THIS IS JUST CLEANING UP, EXCHANGING THE REQUISITE NAMES FOR THE NEW NAME. >> COUNCIL, WOULD IT SINCE THESE ARE HOUSEKEEPING CHORES, WOULD IT MEET YOUR APPROVAL IF WE READ 10 D AND VOTE ON C AND D AT THE SAME TIME? >> FINE. >> GO RIGHT AHEAD, PLEASE, ITEM10 D. [10.D Consider for Approval an Ordinance of the City of Galveston, Texas, amending the code of the City of Galveston, as amended, Chapter 2, “Administration” Article IV, Division 2., Section 2-170 by amending the list of city created boards and commissions to add the Arts Development Commission and remove the repealed Arts and Historic Preservation Board and Cultural Arts Commission; making various findings and provisions related to the subject; providing for an effective date. (Legal)] >> ITEM 10 D. CONSIDER FOR APPROVAL AND ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF GALVESTON, TEXAS, [01:25:02] AMENDING THE CODE OF THE CITY OF GALVESTON AS AMENDED CHAPTER 2, ADMINISTRATION ARTICLE 4. DIVISION 2 SECTION 2-170 BY AMENDING THE LIST OF CITY CREATED BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS TO ADD THE ARTS DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION AND REMOVE THE REPEALED ARTS AND HISTORIC PRESERVATION BOARD AND CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION, MAKING VARIOUS FINDINGS AND PROVISIONS RELATED TO THE SUBJECT PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. >> VERY GOOD. ANY QUESTIONS FOR CITY ATTORNEY, DONNA FAIRWEATHER ON C AND D? I MAKE A MOTION FOR APPROVAL OF ITEMS 10 C AND 10 D. I HAVE A SECOND BY COUNCIL MEMBER LEWIS. THERE'S NO DISCUSSION, PLEASE CAST YOUR VOTES ON THAT. UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED, BUT FOR ABSENT OF COUNCILMAN FINKLEA. ITEM 10 E. [10.E Consider for approval an ordinance of the city of Galveston, Texas, amending the code of the city of Galveston, as amended, by amending Chapter 33, “Article VII. – ‘Use and Distribution of Hotel Occupancy Taxes’ to create rules, policies, and procedures for allocation of Hotel Occupancy Tax by the City Council of the City of Galveston following recommendations by the Arts Development Commission; making various findings and provisions related to the subject; providing for an effective date. (Legal)] >> ITEM 10 E. CONSIDER FOR APPROVAL AND ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF GALVESTON, TEXAS, AMENDING THE CODE OF THE CITY OF GALVESTON AS AMENDED BY AMENDING CHAPTER 33, ARTICLE 7, USE AND DISTRIBUTION OF HOTEL OCCUPANCY TAXES TO CREATE RULES, POLICIES, AND PROCEDURES FOR ALLOCATION OF HOTEL OCCUPANCY TAX BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GALVESTON, FOLLOWING RECOMMENDATIONS BY THE ARTS DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION, MAKING VARIOUS FINDINGS AND PROVISIONS RELATED TO THE SUBJECT PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. >> VERY GOOD. DONNA, DID YOU WANT TO PRESENT THIS? >> YES. I ALSO BELIEVE THAT TONY IS AVAILABLE TO TALK MORE ABOUT THE DISCUSSION REGARDING THE ART TAXES AND THE USES, I SHOULD SAY, THE RECOMMENDATIONS BY THE ARTS DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION THAT WILL BE MADE TO CITY COUNCIL. TONY, DID YOU HAVE ANYTHING ADDITIONAL TO ADD? THE ORDINANCE HAS BEEN PRESENTED FOR YOUR REVIEW, IF THERE ARE ANY QUESTIONS? >> ANY QUESTIONS OR I'D ENTERTAIN A MOTION. >> I WILL MOTION TO APPROVE. >> MOTION FOR APPROVAL OF ITEM 10 E. SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER, BOB BROWN. THERE'S NO DISCUSSION, PLEASE CAST YOUR VOTES ON THAT. UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED, BUT FOR ABSENCE OF COUNCILMAN FINKLEA. VERY GOOD. LET'S MOVE TO ITEM 10 F, PLEASE. [10.F Consider For Approval An Ordinance Of The City Of Galveston, Texas, Canvassing The Returns And Declaring The Results Of A Bond Election Held In The City Of Galveston, Texas On November 4, 2025, For The Purpose Of Submitting To The Qualified Voters Of The City Of Galveston, Texas, A Proposition To Issue Bonds In The Amount Of $10,000,000.00 To The City Of Galveston For The Design, Construction, Acquisition And Equipment Of Fire Department And Emergency Facilities, Including The Replacement And Construction Of Fire Station No. 2 And The Acquisition Of Land In Connection Therewith; Making Various Findings And Provisions Related To The Subject And Providing For An Effective Date. (Legal)] >> ITEM 10F. CONSIDER FOR APPROVAL AND ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF GALVESTON, TEXAS, CANVASSING THE RETURNS AND DECLARING THE RESULTS OF A BOND ELECTION HELD IN THE CITY OF GALVESTON, TEXAS ON NOVEMBER 4TH, 2025, FOR THE PURPOSE OF SUBMITTING TO THE QUALIFIED VOTERS OF THE CITY OF GALVESTON, TEXAS, A PROPOSITION TO ISSUE BONDS IN THE AMOUNT OF 10 MILLION TO THE CITY OF GALVESTON FOR DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION ACQUISITION, AND EQUIPMENT OF FIRE DEPARTMENT AND EMERGENCY FACILITIES, INCLUDING THE REPLACEMENT CONSTRUCTION OF FIRE STATION NUMBER 2, AND THE ACQUISITION OF LAND IN CONNECTION THEREWITH, MAKING VARIOUS FINDINGS AND PROVISIONS RELATED TO THE SUBJECT AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. >> WE ARE CANVASSING THE VOTE THAT WAS TAKEN NOVEMBER 4TH, AND DONNA, DID HE HAVE ANY COMMENTS ON THIS? >> NO, I BELIEVE WE RECEIVED THE LATEST UPDATED NUMBERS. THEY'VE BEEN INPUT INTO THE ORDINANCE. >> BEEN PROVIDED TO YOU. >> IT'S AT OUR TABLE HERE, COUNSEL, THE CURRENT STATUS. THIS WAS SENT TO US AROUND NOON TODAY, IS THAT RIGHT? PERCENTAGE OF TOTAL VOTES, 62.15 IN FAVOR OF THAT 3,336 VOTES. I'M GOING TO MAKE A MOTION FOR THE APPROVAL OF THE CANVASSING OF THE ELECTION FOR THE FIREHOUSE, ITEM 10 F. WE HAVE A SECOND BY COUNCILWOMAN ROB. >> I'D LIKE TO THANK ALL THE MANY CONSTITUENTS THAT VOTED FOR THIS. >> PLEASE CAST YOUR VOTES ON THAT. UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED, BUT FOR COUNCILMAN FINKLEA, WHO IS ABSENT. ITEM 11, PLEASE? [11. CONSENT ITEMS] >> ITEM 11 CONSENT ITEMS. THE FOLLOWING ITEM SHALL BE CONSIDERED FOR ACTION AS A WHOLE, UNLESS ONE OR MORE COUNCIL MEMBERS OBJECT. THE CITY MANAGER IS AUTHORIZED TO EXECUTE ALL NECESSARY DOCUMENTS UPON FINAL APPROVAL BY THE CITY ATTORNEY. CONSENT ITEMS 11 A THROUGH 11 KK ARE ON YOUR AGENDA. >> VERY GOOD. WOULD ANY COUNCIL MEMBER LIKE TO PULL OUT ANY OF THESE CONSENT ITEMS FOR INDIVIDUAL? VOTE. HEARING NO RESPONSE, [01:30:01] I'M GOING TO MAKE A MOTION FOR THE APPROVAL OF ITEM 11 A THROUGH 11 KK. IS THERE A SECOND? >> I'LL SECOND THAT MOTION. >> SECONDED BY COUNCILWOMAN LEWIS. THERE'S NO DISCUSSION, PLEASE COUNT YOUR VOTES ON THAT. THAT'S UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED, BUT FOR COUNCILMAN FINKLEA ABSENCE. LET'S MOVE TO OUR ACTION ITEMS 12 A, PLEASE. [12.A Discuss and consider approval to allocate $600,000 from the City’s HOT Reserve Fund to the Park Board for the promotional and marketing partnership package with the FIFA World Cup 26 Houston™ Host City Committee. (B. Brown/C. Brown/M. Robb)] >> ITEM 12 A. DISCUSS AND CONSIDER APPROVAL TO ALLOCATE 600,000 FROM THE CITY'S ART RESERVE FUND TO THE PARK BOARD FOR THE PROMOTIONAL AND MARKETING PARTNERSHIP PACKAGE WITH THE FIFA WORLD CUP 2026 HOUSTON HOST CITY COMMITTEE. >> VERY GOOD. WE DISCUSSED THIS AT LENGTH TODAY. BOB, DID YOU HAVE ANY? >> I'D LIKE TO MAKE A MOTION. >> PLEASE DO. >> I'D LIKE TO MAKE A MOTION THAT WE MOVE TO APPROVE THE ALLOCATION OF $600,000 FROM THE CITY HOT RESERVE FUND TO THE PARK BOARD TO SUPPORT A MARKETING PARTNERSHIP PACKAGE WITH FIFA WORLD CUP 2026. >> OF SECOND. >> VERY GOOD. GREAT PROJECT. HAVE A MOTION FOR APPROVAL BOB BROWN SECOND BY COUNCIL MEMBER ROB. IF THERE'S NO DISCUSSION, PLEASE CAST YOUR VOTES ON THAT. THAT UNANIMOUSLY APPROVE WITH COUNCIL MEMBER FINKLEA BEING ABSENT. ITEM 12 B. [12.B Discuss and consider appointments to the following City boards, commissions, and committees: 1. Arts Development Commission 2. Tree Committee - District 6] >> WE'RE GOING TO DO ITEM 12 B MANUALLY? >> YES, MA'AM. >> ITEM 12 B, DISCUSS AND CONSIDER APPOINTMENTS TO THE FOLLOWING CITY BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES, 1, ARTS DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION 2, TREE COMMITTEE DISTRICT 6. >>VERY GOOD. ON THE ARTS DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION, DO WE NEED TO FILL 3 YEAR TERMS, 2 YEAR TERMS, AND THEN 1 YEAR TERMS? >> MAYOR. I APOLOGIZE FOR INTERRUPTING. I JUST NEED TO PREFACE THAT YOU MAY RECEIVE SOME INFORMATION REGARDING POSSIBLE CONFLICTS. THAT IS NOT FOR STAFF TO DECIDE WHETHER OR NOT A PERSON HAS A CONFLICT, IT'S FOR THE PERSON WHO MAY HAVE A CONFLICT TO HAVE ONE. WE DISCUSSED THIS BRIEFLY REGARDING INDIVIDUALS OR ENTITIES THAT HAVE ALREADY RECEIVED AN AWARD FROM LAST YEAR. THEY IF THAT PERSON IS APPLYING FOR SPACE ON THE NEW BOARD WOULD NOT HAVE A CONFLICT BASED ON THE FACT THAT IT WAS A RECEIPT FROM LAST GIVING CYCLE. I JUST WANTED TO CLEAR THAT UP, AND IF THERE ARE ANY QUESTIONS, WE CAN ASK THOSE. >> I'M NOT SURE IF ANYBODY HAD THE TIME TO LOOK THROUGH ALL THE APPLICANTS. IT WAS A LONG LIST OF APPLICANTS. I HAD ASKED ATTORNEY TO SEND RECOMMENDATIONS OF. IF THERE'S ANY TO BLAME FOR THAT, I JUST IT WAS ME THAT ASKED BECAUSE IT'S HARD TO GO THROUGH ALL THE RECOMMENDATIONS. >> JUST FOR THE SAKE OF ARGUMENT, I'M ANTONETTE DID JUST WALK IN. SHE IS THE ARTS LIAISON PERSON. WE DID BRIEFLY DISCUSS RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNSEL. THIS IS A NEW BOARD. I THINK LIKELY WE SHOULD PROBABLY DEVELOP A POLICY ABOUT BOARD RECOMMENDATIONS. BUT AT THIS POINT, I JUST WANTED TO CLARIFY THE CONFLICT IF THERE WAS AN ISSUE WITH A CONFLICT TO CLARIFY THAT FOR THE COUNCIL MEMBERS. >> WE HAVE THREE POSITIONS, IS THAT CORRECT? FOR THE 3 YEAR TERM, IS THAT CORRECT? >> YES. >> I NOMINATE TRA CLICK FOR ONE OF THOSE 3 YEAR TERMS. >> I'LL SECOND THAT. >> HAVE A SECOND BY COUNCIL MEMBER PORRETTO. ANY DISCUSSION? ALL THOSE IN FAVOR. THAT IS UNANIMOUS. WE HAVE TWO MORE POSITIONS OF 3 YEAR TERMS. >> I'D LIKE TO NOMINATE. >> YES. >> CHERYL HILTON? >> CHERYL HILTON. >> WHO HAS PREVIOUSLY SERVED. >> I'LL SECOND THAT MOTION. WE HAVE A NOMINATION FOR CHERYL HILTON IS ONE OF THE 3 YEAR TERMS. ANY DISCUSSION? ALL THOSE IN FAVOR. THAT IS UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED. YES, SIR. >> I WOULD LIKE TO NOMINATE SANDRA J TET TO THIS COMMISSION. SHE'S RETIRED AFTER 25 YEARS FOR THE NASA. SHE HEADED UP THE DEPARTMENT FOR THE NATIONAL HISTORICAL DIVISION. >> VERY GOOD. WE HAVE MISS SANDRA TET FOR OUR 3 YEAR TERM. [01:35:02] >> HAVE A SECOND,. >> HAVE A SECOND COUNCILWOMAN ROB. ANY DISCUSSION? ALL THOSE IN FAVOR. THAT IS UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED. WE HAVE NOW 2 YEAR MEMBERS. YES, SIR. >> I'D LIKE TO MAKE A MOTION FOR TONY LYLE FOR THE 2 YEAR TERM MEMBER. >> I SECOND. >> WE HAVE A SECOND BY COUNCILWOMAN LEWIS. ANY DISCUSSION ON THAT? ALL THOSE IN FAVOR. THAT IS UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED. WE HAVE ONE 2 YEAR MEMBER SLOT NOW WE NEED TO FILL. >> I GOT A POINT. >> YES, SIR. >> I'D LIKE TO NOMINATE RUSSELL MULLINS. >> WE HAVE RUSSELL MULLINS FOR NOMINATION. >> I SECOND. >> SECOND BY COUNCILWOMAN ROB. ALL THOSE IN FAVOR OF THAT. THAT IS UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED. WE HAVE NOW TWO 1 YEAR TERM MEMBERS. YES, ALEX. >> I'D LIKE TO NOMINATE NELLY CORNETT. >> WE HAVE NOMINATION NELLY CORNETT, FOR 1 YEAR TERM. SECOND BY COUNCIL MEMBER RAWLINS. ANY DISCUSSION, ALL THOSE IN FAVOR. THAT'S UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED? YES, SIR. >> I'D LIKE TO NOMINATE BRITA BLESSING TO THE COMMISSION. >> I SECOND THAT. SOUNDS GOOD. WE HAVE BRITA BLESSING FOR 1 YEAR TERM. WE HAVE A SECOND BY COUNCIL MEMBER BROWN. ANY DISCUSSION? ALL THOSE IN FAVOR. THAT IS MAYOR. >> MAYOR I'D LIKE TO NOMINATE ALEX PORRETTO AS EX-OFFICIAL. >> I WOULD SECOND THAT. COUNCIL MEMBER PORRETTO AS EX-OFFICIAL. WE HAVE A SECOND ON THAT. ALL THOSE IN FAVOR. THAT IS YOU UNANIMOUSLY. WELL, THERE'S ONLY SIX OF US HERE, BUT WE HAVE SEVEN VOTES. I'M NOT SURE. [LAUGHTER]. VERY GOOD. LET'S MOVE NOW. WE HAVE TWO ALTERNATE POSITIONS WE NEED TO FILL. COUNSEL, I'D ENTERTAIN A MOTION FOR THOSE. >> I'D LIKE TO NOMINATE JONATHAN KRUM. >> JONATHAN KRUM. SECOND, COUNCIL MEMBER RAWLINS. ALL THOSE IN FAVOR. THAT UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED. ONE MORE ALTERNATE. >> COUNCIL? >> YES, SIR. I'D LIKE TO NOMINATE LACY WHITE. >> LACY WHITE. I'LL SECOND THAT. ALL THOSE IN FAVOR, MISS WHITE. THAT IS UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED. CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR NEW MEMBERS OF THE ARTS DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION [APPLAUSE] [LAUGHTER]. ARTS DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION. THIS IS GOING TO BE EXCITING FOR THE COMMUNITY. THIS IS BRINGING TOGETHER A LOT OF DIFFERENT FACTIONS THAT SUPPORT THE ARTS, AND YOU'RE GOING TO SEE A LOT OF GOOD THINGS COME FROM THIS GROUP HERE WITH COUNCILMAN PEREA AS THE LIAISON, HE'S VERY KNOWLEDGEABLE ALONG THESE LINES, SO WE'RE REALLY GOING TO BE MOVING FORWARD AND IT'S GOING TO BE VERY GOOD FOR THE COMMUNITY. LET'S TREE COMMITTEE. YES, MA'AM. >> I WANT TO NOMINATE PRISCILLA FILES. >> PRISCILLA FILES FOR THE TREE COMMITTEE FROM DISTRICT 6. >> I WILL SECOND THAT. >> SECOND FROM COUNCILMAN PORRETTO. ANY DISCUSSION ON THAT? ALL THOSE IN FAVOR. THAT IS UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED. COUNSEL, WE HAVE GONE THROUGH ALL THE ITEMS ON OUR AGENDA 637. WE ARE APPROVED BEFORE THE THANKSGIVING DAY COMING UP. THANK YOU VERY MUCH. YES. >> GEL, COULD I ASK THAT YOU SEND US A RESULT OF ALL THESE VOTES FOR THIS COMMITTEE SO I CAN GET BACK TO THE PEOPLE AND MAKE SURE I'M SAYING THE RIGHT THING. >> YES. BOTH. >> I KNOW WE COULD HAVE DONE THIS IN THE BEGINNING, BUT WANTED TO REMIND EVERYBODY OF ART WALK THIS WEEKEND. PLEASE COME OUT, SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL ARTISTS. SUPPORT THE ARTISTS THAT COME TO VISIT, AND I HOPE TO SEE YOU ALL DOWN THERE. >> YES, MA'AM. >> MAKE SURE YOU HAVE DINNER AT ONE OF OUR RESTAURANTS. >> ALSO, THE LAST THING I'M GOING TO MENTION, CHERYL HILTON WILL BE TAKING BOWS OUT IN THE FOUR YEARS. >> THIS IS THE FIRST SINGER SONGWRITER FESTIVAL WEEKEND. >> THANK YOU, EVERYONE FOR ATTENDING. [APPLAUSE] * This transcript was compiled from uncorrected Closed Captioning.