[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6658605,"mediaKeyId","3863933-0fcf5ee0ee6bc91b9b09b4a2ecfcedf3","parentId",3863933,"title","IDC reviews Shield Park environmental assessment; staff to return with remediation design and funding plan","audioSeconds",855,"startMs",4850000,"endMs",5705000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3863933-0fcf5ee0ee6bc91b9b09b4a2ecfcedf3&start=4850&end=5705","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3863933-0fcf5ee0ee6bc91b9b09b4a2ecfcedf3/thumbnail_4850000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6658605/Galveston/Galveston-County/Texas/IDC-reviews-Shield-Park-environmental-assessment-staff-to-return-with-remediation-design-and-funding-plan","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6658605-7ac022057e66b67ce48e8a97edfc5a3a/orig.mp4?Expires=1770448300&Signature=cZywHZo8c1VU15p6I5WGK1Lyzlj5yRsAnqYf8A4TVXjkvJ7npbmX8fJS95yTFbnPaNc1w7YXO0HrLgkAcpNDHkgn2i8VEqNzKjxN8HqTiohTMgBXKwJDQqIY56v8TUx4muV0GiMVvQAsnMClg8MXez0rc~AiNRXypYQQPjs0~nwPfpTZbAL4A35dzY9ovuKasS3MqLck~ODvBDvJr~6GBVx8ctT1m78REOTQ2BA6197TXQS8I9fVQ4pWnMvhyL3cRo5HE-pVS763BeDifVQeX0DqkmR7xxt6hplWp6YDLr2QTa2qFln7YU234eU~sjlF8LM4FSIdNSVXRscuj3wNeA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Galveston","date","2025-06-17T00:00:00Z","article","Board members reviewed an environmental assessment for Shield Park during the June 17 meeting and discussed options for remediation after consultants recommended a targeted spot-remediation approach. The consultants’ assessment estimated spot remediation and a moisture barrier would cost roughly $575,000–$600,000, while full-site excavation and replacement of deeper soils was estimated near $1.6 million.

City staff said the spot-remediation approach would involve removing contaminated soils in the identified “hot spots,” installing a moisture barrier to limit upward migration of constituents from groundwater, and replacing soils in those locations. That approach, staff said, is less costly than full excavation and could allow the park to move forward sooner.

Board members discussed the need for a targeted, engineer-led remediation and design plan rather than ad-hoc excavation. Several members urged that staff secure a consultant experienced in environmental remediation and remediation design, and emphasized that a clear design and cost estimate was necessary before committing funds. Staff said they had earmarked approximately $650,000 in a placeholder for fiscal year 2026 to address remediation but that design costs and bidding requirements could increase the total and that the figure should be formalized in a future resolution if the board decides to proceed.

No final vote was taken on funding at this meeting. The board asked staff to return with a formal remediation project plan, design costs and a recommendation on grant-seeking or match strategies. A board member was nominated to serve as project manager for the effort going forward.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Galveston - Industrial Development Corporation - Jun 17, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Board members reviewed a recent environmental assessment for Shield Park that proposes targeted spot remediation ($575,000–$600,000) rather than full-site excavation (~$1.6 million). The board directed staff to return with design, estimated costs and a financing plan and discussed potential grant matches.","taxTitle","Galveston , Galveston County, Texas","taxId",5145,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6658610,"Galveston IDC approves one-year contract with outside counsel Jeff Moore for 4B and project advice",433,3624000,4057000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3863933-0fcf5ee0ee6bc91b9b09b4a2ecfcedf3&start=3624&end=4057","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3863933-0fcf5ee0ee6bc91b9b09b4a2ecfcedf3/thumbnail_3624000.jpg","/articles/6658610/Galveston/Galveston-County/Texas/Galveston-IDC-approves-one-year-contract-with-outside-counsel-Jeff-Moore-for-4B-and-project-advice","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6658610-7ec297daf1b2cb7fd19bff92da73fa19/orig.mp4?Expires=1770448300&Signature=KIcuGLTkKtEN5dzbjUArQeEf3Lu9Dcye5UIorgoub096UW4oV5mlMzfHD0l8GbM9mgqj-ZcbpMeESoFT4yGO5R7WJPaZGXXQKIi3TR893AOYQNU2vIsCMx93OOISKBAtaozMrlmvfS-iT0ucJBzOqzGIweL4qrY~hkFU9leTgpdkvp86bu2f545mQ7R-ylFraFdzRyb41QiBhXGpcEr86UaFtYcazS00VoJRmO9usu0fG43WExBWddDLsNg6X7f~vQOkPAPT8LzZ8aSU3BvBWyAmy1zZGOHubgW0HcjGsXogpEMWw7nfvittFZGsG5NTbH1cloyQfZ2y945SCtc1FA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Industrial Development Corporation unanimously approved engaging outside legal counsel to advise the board and staff on 4B sales-tax questions and project eligibility, contracting with attorney Jeff Moore for up to one year.

Board members said they wanted an attorney experienced with 4B sales-tax issues and small-business grant standards to help evaluate whether proposed projects meet statutory requirements and to respond quickly when questions arise. Staff noted $15,000 had been set aside in the IDC operating budget for outside counsel services and that those funds could be used for the engagement.

The board asked that the attorney be available for remote attendance (Zoom) for approximately four to six meetings initially to provide training and immediate legal input. Board members emphasized monitoring expenditures against the $15,000 allocation and said the engagement could be revisited after the initial period.

Trevor (city staff) said he had spoken with the proposed attorney and other lawyers who recommended Moore for 4B matters. The motion to hire Jeff Moore was approved unanimously by the members present.","The Industrial Development Corporation voted to engage outside legal counsel (Jeff Moore) on 4B sales-tax matters and project reviews, authorizing a one-year contract with availability to attend meetings remotely and be consulted on eligibility and financing questions.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6658614,"Galveston IDC approves $75,000 purchase of specialized mower for Sandhill Soccer Complex",782,4070000,4852000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3863933-0fcf5ee0ee6bc91b9b09b4a2ecfcedf3&start=4070&end=4852","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3863933-0fcf5ee0ee6bc91b9b09b4a2ecfcedf3/thumbnail_4070000.jpg","/articles/6658614/Galveston/Galveston-County/Texas/Galveston-IDC-approves-75000-purchase-of-specialized-mower-for-Sandhill-Soccer-Complex","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6658614-16aab619fff1582b465374d3f21b83fb/orig.mp4?Expires=1770448300&Signature=YOgPH6V6rkYs2njuBLZfaTTbOf3cPRLDV6LIlZvPmxjll-sAS5hzXwv8Qyshmk6H5I~mDB~4ouyR-TcI8lHbCmlEPzw4o5iWFeQz1CI~SVMK0v1pRZ93kiMjR-v4img5lFB-MJ8rSi5xBdsD80n82OS0swn5bxFh2aDesQQcqhYv68a6gapdk7H7Krl3Q-T-S8RsssGtx5W8wx98hmjcVRZBQCwmcqcGlKcD5ELD12nrhhp8oskwJE8~ZpRRdUyDA4azfxGDHYCRv-NdSZIvLzrMxyMfx-5SgXG27L6BxbgGONU7BURk1Sza9DrLLsGFeBCJtKyMUiCMzbJV2mE4Jg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Industrial Development Corporation on June 17 approved a $75,000 expenditure to buy a specialized precision mower for the Sandhill Grand Soccer Complex, with board direction that staff obtain a sports-turf consultant’s assessment before further field use and that staff clarify contractor responsibilities for turf performance.

City staff and project representatives described ongoing concerns about field condition, noting wet spots, ruts and incomplete rooting in portions of the newly installed turf. Barbara (project representative) and Michelle Hay (city staff) told the board they had scheduled a contractor walkthrough and were continuing to verify field safety and playability before turning over full turf maintenance responsibilities.

Michelle Hay described the proposed mower as a turf-precision machine used on sports fields and golf courses. \"It is a John Deere ... a 100-inch width,\" she said, adding the mower would be stored on-site in a shed and removed to higher ground ahead of extreme tides or storms. Staff said the mower would be kept cleaned and secured on-site and would primarily serve turf areas to limit cross-contamination between different grass types.

Board members discussed whether a sports-turf specialist should inspect the field and recommend corrective actions before significant tournaments or league play. The board added an amendment asking staff to identify a consultant and return with a recommendation; staff said the city manager has authority for consultant contracts below the established threshold and would pursue low-cost options where possible.

A motion to approve the $75,000 purchase passed unanimously among members present. Staff said funds for the equipment would come from remaining project contingency and capital funds for the Sandhill project and that a storage shed would be built on-site to secure the mower.","The Industrial Development Corporation approved a $75,000 purchase of a precision turf mower for the Sandhill Grand Soccer Complex and asked staff to seek a sports-turf consultant and report back on field safety and contractor responsibilities.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6658619,"Galveston IDC defers vote on proposed beach remediation crew funding after extensive debate",3270,332000,3602000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3863933-0fcf5ee0ee6bc91b9b09b4a2ecfcedf3&start=332&end=3602","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3863933-0fcf5ee0ee6bc91b9b09b4a2ecfcedf3/thumbnail_332000.jpg","/articles/6658619/Galveston/Galveston-County/Texas/Galveston-IDC-defers-vote-on-proposed-beach-remediation-crew-funding-after-extensive-debate","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6658619-9419a734445ca8637d0b9b0c5dd54ebd/orig.mp4?Expires=1770448300&Signature=QqBocfhgrW7VtgDsXOyvzSgXIIgqyqjbwetjDFHEau5~WXlqAnacBxkQuJzA4jMBB1YK1BAQ4Y~h8bGunwsU3pr6BqTbwyezyFdUFeo13Y~bMtJp8hlYhpr7uadNMBeSxQkuKgTuXpVWiZ0wsBwB3J-dZA8PCa6bAzyaoTNQXvccsjOWQR-DSf-IRd4g939rkG-TdqNqJXasMwIWMjSWg0a2jLNLgG1OdeJQsruRSi6-koVvBlU~uNFSP~yrEzwZuyW9QwUSMCJjLpgtHitcm866V1NrDvjdXkZSkARaG8Jja3A17fIWCUFL0sNE4R4znhSBff~UQZ~ZFyHOCsiYdA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Industrial Development Corporation of the City of Galveston on June 17 deferred action on a plan to fund a beach erosion and remediation crew that would cost $750,000 in the first year and $500,000 annually thereafter.

Board members, city staff and public commenters debated whether the proposed work — described by staff as sand removal, sifting and placement, dune plantings, sand fencing and bollard installation — fit the legal purpose of the city’s 4B (beach) sales-tax “beach silo” and whether the city should buy equipment or rely on rentals and private contractors. After extended discussion the board voted to defer the item so staff could return with alternative approaches and legal opinions.

The proposal, presented as Agenda Items 6(a) and 6(b), would have adopted a resolution and an economic development agreement to fund ongoing remediation and an on-call crew. City staff described likely activities as removing sand from public streets and beach-access entrances, sifting that sand and replacing it in designated dune restoration areas, installing sand fencing and native plantings, and reinstalling bollards damaged by storms.

Resident Marty Fluke, who identified himself as a Galveston property taxpayer, urged caution on use of IDC funds and suggested hotel-occupancy tax or parkboard contracts as alternative funding sources. \"I'm a payer of ad valorem tax and sales tax... this is what the park board does,\" Fluke said, arguing the city should seek lower-cost contracting or use other funding silos.

Several board members voiced concern about “creep” — the idea that routine city services, such as street maintenance, could be shifted onto IDC funds. Board member Keith Bassett said he feared the proposed program could be perceived as paying for work the city should fund through operations. Others, including members supportive of targeted beach work, said public-works crews were already stretched thin handling sand removal and infrastructure repair and that the island needs a focused program to address high-tide and erosion impacts.

Staff said one option is to lease equipment or use contractors for high-intensity needs and to assign smaller planting and fencing tasks to existing crews. Staff also said that state Attorney General opinions and case law leave it to the board and council to determine whether proposed expenditures meet the statutory purpose of a 4B sales-tax silo; a taxpayer could later challenge that decision in court.

After discussion, a motion to defer the resolution and the economic development agreement passed unanimously among those present. The board directed staff to return with alternative approaches (including rental vs. purchase options and contracting models), cost comparisons and a legal opinion about eligibility under the 4B beach-silo language before the board takes final action.

The item will go to city council for a required public hearing if and when the board authorizes the expenditure.","The Industrial Development Corporation deferred action on a proposal to fund a beach erosion and remediation crew — $750,000 first year and $500,000 annually afterward — asking staff to return with alternatives, legal guidance and narrower project definitions.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

IDC reviews Shield Park environmental assessment; staff to return with remediation design and funding plan

Galveston IDC approves one-year contract with outside counsel Jeff Moore for 4B and project advice

Galveston IDC approves $75,000 purchase of specialized mower for Sandhill Soccer Complex

Galveston IDC defers vote on proposed beach remediation crew funding after extensive debate