Posts published in March 2017

Galena Park hires new staff, amends budget to buy 3 properties

Mar 30, 2017

Galena Park Mayor Esmeralda Moya (center) with Veterans at the March 21, 2017 council meeting said the city will install bronze plaques for each branch of the Armed Forces on the benches in front of city hall and have the city’s Veteran’s names on a wall.

Mayor Esmeralda Moya called the council meeting to order after Interim Police Chief Reese Martin explained to the citizens the meeting rules that no one is allowed to speak out in a manner which would disrupt the business of the council.

Commissioner Rodney Chersky led the invocation and Pledge of Allegiance to the flag followed by the unanimous approval of the previous council meeting minutes.

The Financial Accounts Payable report through March 21, 2017 received two no votes by Commissioners Eric Broussard and Oscar Silva, Jr., but it was approved by votes of Mayor Moya, Commissioners Rodney Chersky and Barry Ponder.

Commissioners Broussard and Silva Jr. voted against amending the city’s budget so the city could spend over $270,000 to purchase three pieces of property. Again it was the same three officials, Mayor Moya, Commissioners

Chersky and Ponder who voted together to approve purchasing the property. No explanation was given for the city’s future use of the properties.

Mayor’s statement on re-opening the Churchill Building

Mar 30, 2017

Galena Park Mayor Esmeralda Moya submitted this statement to the North Channel Star concerning the Evelyn Churchill Community Building:

“As we all know, the Evelyn Churchill Community Building was closed by order of the Fire Marshal due to dangerous conditions disclosed by Commissioner Eric Broussard at a City Council meeting.

The City learned upon inspection by the Fire Marshal and Building Inspector that no building permit had been sought for what was supposed to only be ‘work to bring the building up to minimum building codes.’ As we learned, walls were taken out, many never mentioned “improvements” were made and it now appears that mold remediation work was improperly done. The building has since been tested by experts and two types of mold and asbestos were found inside the building.

For a second opinion on what must now be done in order to address these issues, additional experts were retained and they recently inspected and tested the building further. I have requested that they provide a complete report on the condition of the building and what must be done so it can once again be utilized by the community, and to advise the City as to the costs for any required remediation and finishing the build back. Only then will we know when the building might be re-opened.

Judge Stephens holds his first Teen Court

Mar 30, 2017

Students from North Shore HS, Crosby HS, C. E. King HS, and a Home School Group participated in a mock trial in Judge Joe Stephens first Teen Court last Tuesday night, March 21 in the Wallisville Court House.

Also attending were JP Carter and staff. After the Teen Court proceedings, pizza, dessert and soft drinks were provided as the students shared their experiences.

This first trial was a Mock Trial. Real trials will commence later, and take place about one per month during the school year.

Keep Jacinto City Clean Committee founder appoints new leadership

Mar 30, 2017

L – R: Allan Jamail Keep Jacinto City Clean Committee founder, Secretary Linda Jamail, new President Teresa Arzapala with gavel & Vice-President Irasema Salinas. (Photo by Chief of Police Joe Ayala)

In 1973, then city councilman Allan Jamail created a citizens committee named Keep Jacinto City Clean (KJCC) to help the city locate and report unhealthy public nuisances. Now 44 years later Jamail says it’s time to pass the baton onto a younger generation.

Jamail says through the years thousands of health violations have been reported to the city by the KJCC committee (KJCCC). When Jamail became the city’s police chief in the late 70’s he revised the name to, Keep Jacinto City Clean, Say Nope To Dope. As mayor in the late 80’s Jamail said the committee reported violations directly to him, which he gave to the city administration for enforcement action.

“I’ve kept the committee active reporting health violations plus added volunteer services for the residents of the Jacinto City Health Care Center” Jamail said.

City Manager Lon Squyres said, “KJCCC helps identify unhealthy conditions, allowing the city to take early corrective action. It is a great example of citizen’s volunteering to assist local government.”

Teresa Arzapala the new president and Irasema Salinas Vice President were introduced to the mayor and council at the March 23rd city council meeting, Linda Jamail serves as secretary.

President Arzapala said, “Our committee will carry on the founder’s exceptional work and we’ll strive to become a role model for other cities by keeping the city clean and beautiful. I am only one, but one is more than enough to make a difference in the city.”

Easter Bunny Arrival Event at San Jacinto Mall March 25

Mar 24, 2017

BAYTOWN, Texas (March 23, 2017) — Children can visit the Easter Bunny in his springtime garden at San Jacinto Mall March 25 through April 15. Festive face painting and balloon art will be available March 25 from 12pm to 1:30pm near Bath & Body Works. Photo packages start at $24.99. Kids will receive a complimentary activity book for visiting the Bunny! The Easter Bunny’s hours are available on the mall’s website.

In addition, kids can visit www.SanJacintoMall to experience “Bunnyville,” featuring interactive games and educational activities centered around the Easter Bunny’s village, which includes a workshop, library, post office, school, art studio, train station, boutique, clubhouse, photo studio, internet café, weather station and candy shop.

San Jacinto Mall is located at I-10 at Garth Road in Baytown, Texas. For more information, call (281) 421-3908 or visit www.sanjacintomall.com.

About San Jacinto Mall

CHS alumnus Moore returns ‘home’ to lead Falcon baseball program

Mar 23, 2017

New Channelview High School Head Baseball Coach John Moore has found his way back home.

The 1998 alumnus and standout athlete for the Falcon football and baseball team served as a varsity assistant at CHS from 2004-2009 before becoming the first head coach at Bastrop ISD’s Cedar Creek High School in 2010. Moore established himself as a winning coach, guiding his teams to the playoffs the past three years, which included a state-ranked squad last year.

Moore was happy as coach of Cedar Creek and had thoughts of a long-term career in Central Texas. However, the opportunity he had dreamed about presented itself – a chance to lead the Channelview Falcons baseball team.

“We built a great program from the ground up at Cedar Creek and we were really hitting our stride,” Moore said. I could have stayed there for a long time, but then I heard about the opening here in Channelview. It was the only job that could make me turn my head. After giving it a lot of thought, I knew my heart was leading me back home.”

With his family still living in the Channelview area, Moore has remained connected with the community and his alma mater.

Controversy over closed Galena Manor building unresolved

Mar 23, 2017

GALENA MANOR resident Rosemary Coreathers asks Mayor Esmeralda Moya the status of the remodeling work on the Evelyn Churchill Community Center, but she didn’t get an answer. Coreathers then asked the mayor to place this issue on the next agenda so citizens can find out what’s going on and when the center will reopen. (Photo by Allan Jamail)

GALENA PARK, March 21, 2017 – Controversy continued at the Galena Park Commissioner’s meeting over the reopening of the Evelyn Churchill Community Center in Galena Manor.

Residents from Galena Manor, a predominantly minority community located within Galena Park, regularly attend council meetings asking Mayor Moya for a reopening date of the community center which was closed in August of 2016 for repairs, mold remediation, and renovation.

The residents say the Mayor won’t give them an answer, they say it’s frustrating to ask her for answers and never get at least one word back. They’re beginning to wonder if she’s hearing their pleas to return their building that’s been used for decades, for workout exercising and other community events near their homes.

The renovation contractor Lionel Palimares, owner of Petro De Luna Company, says he can’t get answers either as to why his company hasn’t been paid for the two invoices he’s given the Mayor, City Secretary Mayra Gonzales or Assistant Parks and Recreation Director Wendy Villarreal.

Palimares said he’s performed many contracting jobs with the city before. “I’ve complied with everything I’ve always done in times past on city jobs. This is the first time I haven’t been paid for a job. I’ve turned in two bills, one for about $49,600 and one for about $18,000.”

Pct. 2 road repaving will start Thursday

Mar 23, 2017

EAST HARRIS COUNTY, PCT. 2 – Commissioner Jack Morman has announced that construction will start on a new BetterStreets2 Neighborhoods (BS2N) project on Thursday, March 23rd along various roadways throughout the Huffman, Crosby, and Highlands area. BS2N is a Precinct 2 program dedicated to preserving asphalt roadways by conducting base repairs, asphalt milling and overlay, roadway striping, and signage replacement.

This $6.2 million project will repair nearly 28 miles of roadway in East Harris County through the end of the year. Construction begins in Huffman and is expected to last six weeks on the following roadways:

• Huffman Cleveland Road (FM 2100) from FM 2100 to Plum Grove Road

• Plum Grove Road from FM 1485 to the Liberty County Line

• Huffman Cleveland Road (FM 2100) from Plantation Hills Drive to FM 2100

Roadwork will require single-lane closures, so drivers are encouraged to plan their commutes accordingly and drive with caution through the construction zones. Be sure to visit www.hcp2.com or like the “Harris County Precinct 2” Facebook page for updates on the project and roadwork locations.

Troop 707 Boy Scouts earn Eagle Rank

Mar 23, 2017

Two Boy Scouts joined the rank of Eagle Scout on Sunday, March 19, 2017. They were Devin Escobar and Hipolito Juarez of Troop 707. About 100 troop leaders and members from the Scout community, local community and family members came to Eagle Ceremony and to congratulate the scouts.

The ceremony was held at the Woodforest Presbyterian Church, 15330 Wallisville Road, Houston, TX 77049. Troop 707 meets at the church every Monday evening.

For more information on scouting, visit beascout.scouting.org.

JACINTO CITY HEALTH CENTER: Seniors celebrate St. Patrick’s Day

Mar 23, 2017

Activity Directors Kathy Meador far left and Bo Vega far right with residents of the Jacinto City Health Care Center. (Photo by Allan Jamail)

Jacinto City, TX. Friday, March 17, 2017 – St. Patrick’s Day was celebrated at the Jacinto City Health Care Center. Volunteers entertained with folks songs which included Irish favorites, “Danny Boy” and “Sweet Molly Malone.” Residents were given green derby style hats, wrist bands, bracelets, buttons, balloons Hawaiian neck leis and horns to toot during the celebration along with refreshments of green icing cake and punch.

Administrator Melissa Armstrong along with Kathy Meador and Bo Vega activity director’s for the center scheduled the event on the Activity Calendar so residents and family members could attend.

San Jac Coalition hears updates on pollution issues

Mar 16, 2017

At their regular monthly meetings, members of the San Jacinto River Coalition heard updates on various issues related to pollution in the waste pits in the river, and in their private water supply wells.

In addition, SJRC director Jackie Young brought the latest news from the EPA, and the representatives of the PRPs, or Potential Responsible Parties.

Harris County’s Rock Owens, who is managing attorney for the Environment and Infrastructure Practice Group in Vince Ryan’s office, reported to the audience that they had dropped the appeal of the lawsuit against International Paper Company. The county lost this suit in a jury trial, but contended that the trial judge withheld evidence that would have brought a different outcome. Attorney Owens said that their office had decided to drop the appeal because of the unlikely result they could win, and to focus their resources on other environmental problems.

Harris County Pollution Control director Bob Allen reported on the next phase in the county’s testing of private well water. He said that they had tested 101 wells in Channelview, Highlands, and Lynchburg, and found dioxin in all of them, but at levels that were considered not a risk to health. He said they now wanted to test the other wells in the area, and had sent out 148 letters and advertised in the local paper, to get consent to test more wells. They will be tested for 17 types of dioxin and furan. He said they know of about 15 wells on the west side of Highlands, and 140 wells in Channelview that might qualify for this additional testing. Information on this is available at pcs.harriscountytx.gov.