Since my election to City Council Position 6 in May 2005, City Council has accomplished a great deal.  Seabook is moving in a positive direction.  The following are key accomplishments during my tenure on City Council:

Resolved the long-standing legal issues with the Port of Houston by signing a Memorandum of Understanding.  The agreement limits the PHA’s rail yard to a defined Industrial District in the north end of Seabrook, provides a 40 acre buffer to the south of the PHA, ensures sound walls and berms, and funds the restoration of Pine Gully.  To enhance the economic benefit to Seabrook, the PHA agreed to provide an easement for a future Cruise Terminal road and to commercial rezoning around that road.   We have resolved this conflict with PHA and can now focus our time and resources on moving the city forward.

Finalized Configuration of HWY 146 Expansion with TxDot and settled issues on funding.    City Council has approved a design for Hwy 146 that ensures that the city will have adequate exits and not be “by-passed”.  In addition, TxDot acknowledges that since this is a hurricane evacuation route, TxDot will fund the expansion with assistance of federal funds. 

Approved design and funding of Repsdorph/Lakeside Drive expansion.  This Harris County led project has moved very slowly.  City Council requested monthly updates and that attention is finally paying dividends.  Recently City Council approved the Preliminary Engineering Package for the road.  Even with severe cost escalation for the project, City Council has provided funding using bonds approved in 2001, funding from our city Enterprise Fund, and from the General Fund.

Developing Seabrook’s future economic base with quality development.

Increasing the diversity of our tax base by securing multi-use development has been a goal of City Council and SEDC.  With the creation of a Neighborhood Empowerment Zone, City Council was able to secure the prospect of a five building high-rise complex at the Endeavour Marina.  The Endeavour Holdings has secured 15 acres on Clear Lake and plans a high rise complex that will be anchored by a five-star hotel and contain two Class A office buildings, two residential towers and many retail shops. 

Funded the design of the Evelyn Meador Library Expansion

This is a Harris County led joint project that we are proceeding with.  The city voted bonds in 2001 for this project and I am excited that the county has committed the funding to move this project forward.   

Improving the appearance of the Seabrook and quality of life

We have made several improvements by passing a residential-commercial buffering ordinance, banning “wet” detention ponds, facilitating getting high grass cut, and developing a high-rise ordinance.  In addition, we have encouraged our police department to address the speeding within our subdivisions to improve safety.

Creating a great management staff for Seabrook City Hall

City Council hired a new city manager, Chuck Pinto, who brings leadership, vision and the ability to get things done.  To enable planning quality development, City Council approved hiring a new full-time city planner.  Recently, Seabrook’s Economic Development Corporation (SEDC), with City Council’s approval, hired a credentialed economic development director who is part of the team expanding our commercial base.  We now have a great management team to continue our positive direction.

Established solid relationship with the Seabrook Volunteer Fire Department and purchased a new ladder truck.  With the defeat of Proposition 1 in 2006, a very positive working relationship has been developed with SVFD.  As one of the key negotiators from City Council, we were able to secure a new multi-year contract with SVFD.  SVFD is now flourishing with many new members.   The city recently took ownership of our new ladder and pumper truck and the fire department volunteers are busy training on this new, specialized equipment.

Enhanced our Park System and trails.  City Council provided the citizens with the opportunity to expand Pine Gully by 8 acres with a $2.5 million bond referendum.  The citizens voted to acquire the land and now City Council actively planning for the use of that space.  The trails system in the city continues to expand so that we can enjoy the great environment in which we live.

The city is in good fiscal condition.  City Council has not raised your tax rate during my tenure on City Council.  In fact, we have been frugal with your tax dollars.  We also were able to budget a much needed pay raise for our police department to ensure competitive salaries relative to other area cities.

Improved our image within Seabrook and throughout the Bay Area.  I have brought a business-like approach to City Council meetings.  City Council meetings are now shorter and more efficient.  When Seabrook is in the paper, it is positive news coverage that has improved our image in the Bay Area.  I attend many Seabrook and Bay Area Community events to encourage our local volunteers, create a positive image and influence our area leaders.