District 2 Newsletter


 

As challenging as these times are, it has given many of us time to reassess what is a “want” and what is a “need”. At the City many areas have been re-evaluated with the goal of currently being as flexible as possible and at the same time developing plans for a more efficient future.

With Emergency Orders and Uncertainty being an everyday occurrence in our lives, consistent and truthful Communication is now more important than ever.

So many misunderstandings are caused by poor or no Communication.

Many times I have residents and organizations tell me that they are so appreciative of knowing the issues and are able to be heard. The decisions ultimately may not be as workable as they would like but they appreciate the chance to have their opinions considered.

In this spirit Communication is evolving at the City to:

*   Involve more residents to participate in serving on a City Committee, Board or Commission. Citizen participation needs to also reflect the diversification of our community. With different perspectives come decisions that are more inclusive of the community as a whole. Please keep in mind that many times we think the important decisions emanate from the larger Committees and Boards but smaller committees have just as big of an impact, such as the Tree Committee, Animal Services Board or the Cultural Arts Commission.

* Provide information to as many of you as possible via Newsletters or Social Media Posts to update you on City Decisions, especially before they occur. The better informed the better input one can provide.

* Develop a Contract Monitoring System with the City, Wharves and Park Board. With an ongoing review process such as this, Communication between all entities is enhanced, which leads to more efficient management of procurement, payroll and contracts and a resultant financial savings.

You can’t make a difference unless you are at the table, so please consider this an invitation to pull up a chair.

Have a Communicative August !

Craig

Campaign Update

We are now 73 days (As of Aug 1) from the beginning of early voting in the longest Mayoral race in Galveston history. We have all been challenged like never before but as always Galvestonians have shown how resilient we are. This is such an important election as we decide  who will lead us through an ever changing tomorrow.  A leader with the  knowledge and understanding of the issues we currently face  is critical to our success.  My campaign needs your support and insight as we navigate these issues. 
 
Together we can  protect and preserve the city we all love and steer Galveston towards a brighter future.  

facebook.com/craigbrownformayor
www.craigbrownformayor.com

City Budget

Even with a Pandemic the Budget process at the City goes on.  On July 23rd the City's Preliminary Draft Budget for 2021 was presented to Council. This Budget calls for a 217 million dollar Budget which is 7% less than last year. A projected sizeable decrease in the property tax rate is also programmed.

To discuss all aspects of the Budget, Council will schedule three Budget meeting dates with final approval tentatively scheduled for September 17th. To acquaint yourself with the Budget, please CLICK HERE.

Police Policies

For the last two Council meetings Chief Hale has presented his plans to review all policies of the Police Department. At Council’s July 23rd meeting the Police Chief mentioned that he is nearing completion of his review and will submit his amended policies to the legal Department for their approval.

Chief Hale will present his new policies at Council’s August 27 meeting for Council’s review and for the public to review also.

Oleander Homes

At Council’s last meeting in July, a zoning overlay change was approved by Council for the property previously known as Oleander Homes. This Public Housing site is to become a mixed income housing site for a total of 348 units of mixed market rate, work force rate and public housing. Construction is to begin soon and the public housing units will allow the Galveston Housing Authority to move closer to satisfying all of the Public Housing units mandated following Hurricane Ike.

To view all the specifics of the project please CLICK HERE.

City Council Snippets

 

Currently, Interviews for Wharves Board And Planning Commission Are Planned For September 10th, Appointments For September 17th.

To Assist Businesses, Council Approved Changes To  Payment Of Alcoholic Beverage Licenses.

Council Approved Building Of An Additional Pool Deck At Lasker Park Pool.

Council Approved The Purchase Of Additional Body Worn Cameras For The Police Department.

New Decorative Street Lights Approved for 27th Street From Broadway To Market.

Planning Department Is Offering Virtual Filing Of All Permits.

The City Is Visiting With The County Health Director And UTMB Routinely To Monitor The Status Of CoVid-19 In Galveston.