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Posts published in “Day: August 3, 2017”

Galena Park prepares for election to allow alcohol sales

Aug 3, 2017

By Linda Jamail

Galena Park, TX. – August 1, 2017 Mayor Esmeralda Moya at 6 PM called the meeting to order, and led the prayer and pledge to the flag.

The minutes of the July 18, 2017 meeting and the Accounts Payable through August 1 was unanimously approved.

The Commissioners unanimously approved Resolution R09-2017 a resolution ordering the method of notice to be issued for the joint city commission and zoning commission public hearing scheduled on September 5, 2017.

The Commissioners unanimously approved Resolution R10-2017 a resolution and order to establish procedures for the election for the legal sale of alcoholic beverages including mixed beverages.

The Commissioners unanimously approved Ordinance 2017-06 requiring city license for alcohol sales; requiring distance and hour rules for alcohol sales; prohibiting public consumption and open containers; and setting penalty for violation.

The Commissioners unanimously approved the City of Galena Park’s investment policy.

The Commissioners unanimously approved opening the seal bids for Phase 2 of the water lines and fire protection project with a pending decision to be made later.

The Commissioners unanimously approved the full time employment of Alexis Alvarez as utility billing clerk for the water department.

At the close of the meeting citizens are allowed three minutes to make comments or ask questions to the Mayor and Commissioners.

Former Commissioner Robert Clowers questioned the procedure of opening the seal bids for Phase 2 of the water lines and fire protection project without approving a motion to table them for further review and awarding the bid at another council meeting. Clowers also said he believes approving the ordinance 2017-06 requiring license for alcohol may be in conflict with the state law.

Cheryl Ponder a member of the Committee For A Better Galena Park invited everyone to the Open House of the Galena Park Food Bank after the council meeting.

Morman wants new EPA head Pruitt to put waste pits on “TOP TEN” priority list

Aug 3, 2017

HARRIS COUNTY – Pct. 2 Commissioner Jack Morman waded into the battle to remove the toxic waste pits from the San Jacinto River, with a two page letter to the new EPA Administrator last Friday, asking for an expedited removal of the material.

In his letter, Morman states that “As long as the dioxin pits remain in place, they create an ongoing hazard that will leach into the River and Galveston Bay. The site poses a serious threat to the health of our residents and to the environment.”

Morman referenced a new study that Pruitt commissioned, a Task Force that has made recommendations for expedited solutions to the nation’s 1330 Superfund sites. Pruitt has said that he will create a “TOP TEN” list of sites with priority to be cleaned up and reused. The list will contain sites that have been on the NPS (National Priority List) for over 5 years. Morman requested that the San Jacinto River Waste Pits be placed on that list.

Further, he said “Removal is the only remedy that resolves the contamination in the San Jacinto River Waste Pits with finality, eliminating the future costs and potential harm associated with leaving the waste in place.”

The EPA Dallas office is currently reviewing comments and technical reports, before issuing a final ROC (Record Of Decision). They plan to have this ready by the end of 2017, unless Pruitt moves to shorten the schedule.

In the Task Force report, Pruitt is quoted as saying he has a “passion to clean up the country’s worst pollution, as expeditiously and as thoroughly as possible.”

The report lists five goals for the EPA Superfund clean-up:

• Expediting Cleanup and Remediation

• Re-Invigorating Responsible Party Cleanup and Reuse

• Encouraging Private Investment

• Promoting Redevelopment and Community Revitalization

• Engaging Partners and Stakeholders.

Morman’s letter was widely distributed, going to the EPA, Texas Senators John Cornyn and Ted Cruz, U.S. Representatives Brian Babin, Gene Green, Randy Weber, and Ted Poe. Also EPA Regional Administrator Sam Coleman, and Harris County Attorney Vince Ryan.

The San Jacinto River Coalition and THEA, under the leadership of Jackie Young, continue the fight to have the waste pits completely removed.

Galena Park Food Pantry Open House

Aug 3, 2017
Committee members and sponsors attend food pantry open house. L to R: Josephina Guereque, Jose Chavez, Betty Chavez, Lydia Moya, Cheryl Ponder, Jack Brown, Barry Ponder, Charles Lewis, Mayor Esmeralda Moya, – Robert Collins, Dorothy Harding and Sergio Moya, not pictured: Gary Freeman.

By Allan Jamail

Galena Park, TX. – August 1, 2017 The Committee For A Better Galena Park after many months of remodeling the original food pantry building had their Open House.

On hand for the occasion were Mayor Moya and Commissioner Barry Ponder, city officials, committee members, sponsors and citizens.

Guests were given a tour and provided refreshments.

The food pantry located at 1702 3 RD Street will provide food to qualifying citizens. The Grand Opening is Thursday, August 3, 2017 at 10 AM. They’ll be open on the first and third Thursday from 10 AM to 1 PM., the second Saturday from 11 AM to 2 PM and the fourth Wednesday from 11 AM to 2 PM.

Citizens desiring the pantries goods must first complete and application where they’ll be required to provide proof of residency and disclose their household income to determine if they qualify.