Support the Island - Voice your Opinion

[dg]

We've got voice our opinions and stand up for PI DG. CLICK THIS LINK AND POST YOUR SUPPORT http://beaumontenterprise.activeboard.com/index.spark?forumID=90886&p=3&topicID=12293323 no need to register, just quick reply

[AveSatani]

fix the link!!!

[el-jefe]

here is a copy of the letter sent to the city council and pi commish from the new pdga executive director

Honorable Mayor & Council Members,



It has come to my attention that the Pleasure Island Disc Golf Course in Port Arthur, TX is in danger of being removed. As the executive director of the Professional Disc Golf Association, I respectfully request that you reconsider this plan and leave this course intact. As you may know, Pleasure Island played host to both the 1994 and 1995 Professional Disc Golf World Championships. These events brought 265 players from 32 states to your community two years in a row, for a week of competition and camaraderie. The events were hugely successful and the course on Pleasure Island enjoys a special place in the history of the emerging sport of disc golf.



In addition to the economic impact that the events and visitors from outside your area provide, the course is also a great amenity that is enjoyed by your citizens. It would be a shame for Port Arthur to lose such a recreational gem at the expense of development. While I understand that development is crucial to the financial well being of a community, nothing is truly more important than the health and well being of its citizens, and the disc golf course at Pleasure Island provides a fun healthy game that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.



I sincerely hope that you will side with the citizens of your community and say no to the removal of the Pleasure Island Disc Golf Course. I would be more than happy to discuss this issue with you in greater detail should you wish to speak with me. Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedules to consider this request.



Regards,



Brian J. Graham

PDGA Executive Director



International Disc Golf Center

3828 Dogwood Lane

Appling, GA 30802



T: (706) 261-6342

F: (706) 261-6347



PDGA.com

[el-jefe]

I have been emailing my butt off today to various groups. My next mission will be to email all the clubs linked to from the pdga to get them to send a letter. If we can make this a national issue we stand a better chance of defeating the proposed temporary housing.

[el-jefe]

Here is a link to the discussion board posted by Brian under the pdga announcements.
http://www.pdga.com/msgboard/showflat.php?Cat=0&Number=705981&an=0&page=0#Post705981

[el-jefe]

I just got off a 3 hour call with John Chirafas. I am brain dead right now. Ive got good news and bad news. The chances of us saving the park are nill. He has told me to find another suitable location ie the area on the other side of the road near the antenna. He will approve just about anything we come up with within reason. There is the possibility of using some of the park on the other side of the road also. I have asked him to work with us to maybe remove some of the picnic areas so we can work some holes in there and he said it would be a possibility. The only problem is that they have no money to put up a barracade to protect the course. Thats where I am going to hopefully get Motiva to come in and help us out. We need to be 501c3 to directly work with them though so we may have to work through the commission. I can't think straight right now......Ill try to put it in a post in a little while but that is the basics. If motiva won't work with us maybe I can get the developer to "relocate" the park by putting up the necessary barricades. I ll post again later when I can form sentences and thoughts a little better.

[CypressTrout]

I just emailed Chirafis...waiting his reply.

[dg]

We have an online petition to save the course. Sign up, get your family to sign up, click here: http://www.petitiononline.com/cetb175g/petition.html

[Sportznut]

OK... Just to keep yall up to speed...... I have posted out situation everywhere i can, all the messagebaords i am on. I even have started a bulletin with the petition's address on Myspace and have it running through all my friends list there. If you have a myspace, do the same! I Have the petition address on a few local messageboards, and the Indoor Football messageboards i am involved with. I also have it at the SNDG, Since PI over the years have been one of the biggest supporters of the SNDG in Texas, I thought it couldnt hurt!

I have also been in contact with one of the local Bloggers who has a weekly video show online. I am having dinner with him tonight. He wants some info on the situation. http://www.mikeaguilarsgoingunderground.com/main.htm

[dg]

thanks Robert, i sent an email asking the PDGA to put a link to the petition on the PDGA home page. Couldn't hurt.

Hey Tommy or Robert, could either of you put the petition link on the front page somewhere bold?

[el-jefe]

The petition link is now on the pdga forums and I am going through the clubs emailing all I can find to get their support on this.

[el-jefe]

Here is a response letter from motiva.

The following inquiry was submitted to Shell U.S. Media Center on
06/21/07 08:37 (68788):

From : PAR Motiva
Date : 06/21/07 15:37

Let me start by clarifying that the proposed Motiva expansion project
is not renting, leasing and/or purchasing any property, apartments,
houses or RV parks at all.


The key word is PROPOSED project that has not been approved by our 2
owners.


The Pleasure Island Commission under the City of Port Arthur Council
is/was the owner of the disc range property and they are the ones you
need to communicate with. I am not sure if the deal is done at this
time but I understand it was sold by them to a lady which is in the
business of real estate development. Our general contractor if the
expansion project is approved has been researching locations to house
the large number of contractor that would be needed and many
persons/businesses are developing rv parks, motels, apartments etc for
possible rental. This person approached our general contractors as to
the possibility of utilizing her property if the expansion goes thru
and that is the facts. Motiva and/or the general contractors are not
asking persons to build etc but would/will use these types of
facilities if the expansion goes thru.


I know the disc course well since I am a native of Port Arthur but this
is between you and the city council and/or the Pleasure Island
Commission. This is a business deal between them and the prospect
owner of that property - not Motiva or anyone else.

They are trying to seperate themselves from the developement by putting it off on the city and the developer as well as the GC's. We need to get with the main GC which I think is Bectal(?)

[el-jefe]

here is a link to Shell motiva http://www.shell.com/tellshell let them know what you think.

[el-jefe]

Here is the contractors contact site please express your concerns to them as well
http://www.bechtel.com/contact.asp

[dg]

Were On The Front Page Of The Pdga

[fuzzy]

Steady stream of signatures all day. The petition has gotten over 300 as of a few minutes ago.

[Tomwin]

How will this petition be presented? It's cool to have people giving us support through an online petition but how is this information going to be handled once collected?

[Sportznut]

Idea..... How about someone going over to Academy , since they are a Port Arthur Business that sells disc golf equipment, and touch base with the manager. They would be losing some sales if there were no course.

When the list get to the point where it levels off.. Copy the names and or send a link to to petition to each councilmen and mayor and GC. Then make hard copies for the City council meeting. and who ever represents the GTDG at the meeting.. Jeff? since he is president, can formally put it into record of the meeting. We need to stay unified. That is how the mardi Gras krewes beat Ortiz in 2002 when he tried to cancel MG that year.

[fuzzy]

My girlfriend works at Academy...ill see what she is willing to do.

[el-jefe]

Motiva will get a copy as well as bechtel the gc for the expansion. They hate bad pr and hopefully they will take care of our problem.

I also went through and contacted all the environmental organizations I could find on the web, about 30 of them and sent them info on not only the motiva expansion but also the rv park and the info on the surrounding wetlands. They should also be able to lend some muscle.

[el-jefe]

328 as of 4:00 there were 16 signatures when I signed this morning. We have untill july 3rd to keep up the petition. I will think of other ways to inform people of the petition. I have sent to the link to all the news organizations also. hopefully they will air the information.

[Tomwin]

Idea..... How about someone going over to Academy , since they are a Port Arthur Business that sells disc golf equipment, and touch base with the manager. They would be losing some sales if there were no course.

Why just stick with the local Academy in port arthur, this will directly affect a product line of the corporate academy. Academy Corporate contact information: academy@academy.com, or call 1-888-922-2336 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., CST, Monday through Friday.

Academy Sports + Outdoors
1800 N. Mason Road
Katy, TX 77449

[CypressTrout]

When the petition is presented to the council/commissioners, they need to be made aware that this information will also be distributed to all local,state,national media outlets possible. My older brother has worked in this field for years & is working up a draft that names/dates, etc can be plugged into for yall to check out. He's also looking into figures to see who is getting what out of this deal.

[el-jefe]

Wait untill the other side of the world wakes up, I emailed clubs in Japan Norway, Finland, England, Germany and down under.

[Tomwin]

Someone should run by or call diver's den also and let them know that the disc golf side of their business is about to be shut down or hurt.

[el-jefe]

I wouldnt want to be on the wrong side of your brother kdub....he is too conected in DC. Hopefully he can find some things out for us. We will release it to local and national news. I have already sent emails to all the cable news channels as well as our local media. we will see what happens, those 24 hour news channels have to fill the hours with something:D . And there are nocelebrities dieing or going to jail so we have a chance to make it on the national news.

[fuzzy]

Christina just left here to go back up to Academy. She said their regional manager is there today so she will see what all Academy is willing to do.

[CypressTrout]

350 and counting. Let's keep this thing going for the wildlife,environment, and for TB and all of you who busted your butts making that place what it is. Victoria is on board..I'll be vocal in corpus & Ingleside at this weekends tourney, too. Yeah, Jeff...when I told my brother, he started giggling...he loves this kind of stuff. :mrgreen:

[el-jefe]

PAT city council, PI Commissioners and this developers better be on the up and up because If there is anything to be found out it will. Even if it has nothing to do with our situation. Go Willis Go! take em down like they do in DC.:D

[lester]

went out and shot -1 at the island today. went wednesday too. the bulldozer gonna hafta come thru me 1st...

[dg]

went out and shot -1 at the island today. went wednesday too. the bulldozer gonna hafta come thru me 1st...

COOL

CLAIBOURNE PARK TOMOROW!!

[AveSatani]

Jeff, I will attend the city council meeting with you if you like.

I can't make it out to Claiborborne this weekend - I'm looking at some back surgery soon!:mad:

[el-jefe]

ok .... back surgery?

[AveSatani]

Yeah unfortunatley my MRI turned up a herniated(sp?) disc - I hope they can replace it with Innova Champion plastic:mrgreen: - it lasts!! I guess skateboarding and flipping your truck is not good for your spine!:eek: Thursday, after Wednesday league, I could barely walk Thursday - ice, ibuprofen, vicoden, etc. just to make to work - needless to say I won't be playing this weekend so I can hopefully be able to play league.

[el-jefe]

Lester, See if you can put a link to our petition on the southeast texas.com homepage.

[el-jefe]

Alright we have a new gimp. You and coach gill can be partners in pain now:D Sorry to hear, back surgery is no good. Have they discussed decompression? Or are they just gonna cut you? Herniated disc can be sucked back into place using decompression. Whos your doc....I hope its not Tchisher if so, find another surgeon. Go to the Fondrain Group over in Houston. I wouldn't trust a doctor who works in the malpractice lawsuit capital of the world.

[AveSatani]

I hope to not go under the knife - I avoided surgery on my rotater cuff after my wreck. I'm going to see Kabahlah net week for a second opinion.

p.s. i just got bag tags going -we should have prototype image by Tuesday.

[el-jefe]

my buddy just signed the petition and he is a headhunter bringing in workers. I told him what was going on and how hard we were gonna fight and he jumped on board with us to stop the rv park. The future expansion is his job and he is worried we could bring down the whole deal.

[el-jefe]

Great!!! Kabahlah is one of the best in town. must be high up on your vertibret (?) to be going to him, isn't he a neurosurgeon? Are you sure you didn't herniate your grey matter?:D :p :D

[CypressTrout]

When did you flip your flippin truck ?? :confused:

[fuzzy]

I just watched the petition hit 500 sigs. Thanks for the support everyone and keep the signatures coming.

[fuzzy]

Christina talked to upper management at Academy. They get requests to help stuff like this often and always stay neutral and dont get involved. There is nothing else she can do there. Sorry guys, she tried.

[el-jefe]

well I guess in order to stay carbon neutral I'll buy my discs online.

[sturmgeist]

Wow, it's really kinda neat to see my words across the front page of the PDGA website, and seeing names like Brian Schweberger, Shawn Sinclair and Juliana Korver on my petition. Ahem, excuse me... our petition.

[fuzzy]

well I guess in order to stay carbon neutral I'll buy my discs online.

Support those who support Disc Golf is what i have always said.

[fuzzy]

Wow, it's really kinda neat to see my words across the front page of the PDGA website, and seeing names like Brian Schweberger, Shawn Sinclair and Juliana Korver on my petition. Ahem, excuse me... our petition.


I am sure many more top open, women and masters+ players would/will sign when home from KC. I see Matt signed from i guess a hotel there.

[Tomwin]

Wow, it's really kinda neat to see my words across the front page of the PDGA website, and seeing names like Brian Schweberger, Shawn Sinclair and Juliana Korver on my petition. Ahem, excuse me... our petition.

Except for the fact that you spelled Berry's Treasure as Barry's Treasure.

[el-jefe]

Hey guys, when you have time, please go online and email every address you can think of for people who you think can help us. Include a link to the petition, the shell/motiva tell shell email address and to the General Contractors, Bechtel email address those links are below.

Petition Drive : http://www.petitiononline.com/cetb175g/petition.html

Shell/Motiva : http://www.shell.com/tellshell


Bechtel : http://www.bechtel.com/contact.asp


the more people we have contacting shell/motiva and bechtel the better chance we have of them pulling contracts with the developer doing this.

[el-jefe]

Alright.....just got a lot of info from our boy in D.C., If you think the whole pleasure Island deal smelt fishy before, wait till this is leaked to the news. I gotta keep it close to the cuff for now, but once its reported on we'll discuss it further.

[fuzzy]

We just hit 1000 signatures. Thanks everyone for the support and keep the signatures coming and the emails flowing.

[dg]

who all plans to go to the meeting on July 3'rd? If you would like 5 minutes to speak, you need to reserve your time now, so anyone that plans to go and would like a chance to speak let me know

obviously, the more people we have speak the better, so dont be scared

[AveSatani]

Is Will going to read and present the petition? If not, I can and will. Otherwise I will speak but I would like for those of us interested to gather to discuss our approaches so we will not be too redundant or ineffective.
Can we list who will speak? Jeff, Dustin?

[dg]

anyone who wants 5 minutes of airtime can get it, just have to sign up

i think it would be more effective if we speak as individuals, seperately, and numerously.... as opposed to one person speaking on behalf of the club

[AveSatani]

Not just one person on behalf of the club- true!
I just don't want to get up there and say the same point over and over - other than its a bad idea to level the course.
Where do we sign up - who is signed up ? What time is it? Where exactly?

[dg]

sign up by calling the city secretary, i think her name is green, and tell her you want to be put on the agenda for Tuesday the 3'rd, and be vague, tell her about Pleasure Island development, or the rv park, dont get to detailed about the situation, need to sign up ASAP, like tomorrow

[fuzzy]

Evangeline Van Green(To get on the City Agendaspeak your mind)

City Secretary
egreen@portarthur.net
Phone: (409) 983-8115
Fax: (409) 983-8128

Terri Hanks
AssistantCity Secretary (To get on the City Agendaspeak your mind)
thanks@pa.net

[fuzzy]

The meeting is July 3rd at 5:30 pm

[fuzzy]

For some reason I am having a hard time finding the address so someone correct me if i am wrong.....

I assume it is at: 444 4th Street in PA

[CypressTrout]

One good thing someone could do is go get some bids for mowing the island tract. Then,at the meeting, ask why the city is paying a ridiculous amount of money for the service. Also, ask where the bids that were submitted by various contractors could be viewed & how many bids were taken, etc...Also,someone just ask them if they have hired Environmental consultants to work up a impact report. I know of one species of duck that frequents the course and another likely species that is a resident bird in the area. I am writing the Sierra club and will talk to the local Nature conservancy guy tommorrow about these issues with developing that tract. Also, someone ask why Logan park can't be redesignated so it is NOT considered "park" land. That is the simple & logical fix to this.Stick the eyesores on the eyesore that is logan park. However, we all know that there are personal reasons that these guys want that tract of land developed, don't we ?? I suggest that everyone email John Chirafis. He IS NOT the boss hogg of PI. He CAN NOT just waltz out there & yank the baskets. Tell him what you think about his stance on this thing. Keep in mind, he considers himself a "conservationist". What a joke !! Just some ideas...

[fuzzy]

Here is the new article from the Port Arthur News:

http://www.panews.com/local/local_story_176184944.html?start:int=15

[sturmgeist]

Testing code for my signature counter:

<iframe width='102' height='36' src='http://www.petitiononline.com/signatures.php?petition=cetb175g' frameborder='0' scrolling='no'></iframe>

[Sportznut]

This morning while channel surfing the morning news shows, Channel 12 ran a spot...... Local Pleasure Island Disc Golfers not giving up their course without a fight. They talked about teh PA city councils vote, and that we have an Online petition with over 100 names on it. They also told people that if they would like to support our ewffort, to google Pleasure Island Online petition and you will find it......... OK, somebody needs to contact 12...They apparently were interested to run that story and it looks as tho they only found it through word of mouth or even searching online.....

[el-jefe]

I have contacted them and left my contact #. Been called by kfdm, bmt enterprise and the pa news.

[el-jefe]

The article in todays PA news is very good, I hope to get back with the reporter closer to the CC meeting to give her some more info for a story she will write as a result of that meeting.

[el-jefe]

Also .. we need everyone to email a link to the news stories being run to the 24 hour news stations everytime a new article comes out. fox, cnn,msnbc texas cable news etc... I have done so but if they are getting multiple messages they will probably run with it. they got to fill 24 hours news with something and when lots of people are emailing in the info we should get something out of it.
When fighting big oil and big development, it is very important to win in the public perception arena. We need to keep up the linking motiva shell to this development because it is in response to their expansion. I also want to plan a walk on 82 for a couple hours this weekend with signs against the proposed development. Signs like "stop stealing from our children" and "Motiva is the reason disc golf is dead" things like that. I was contacted by an oregon activist that hopes to bring his group down but he said things like that get on the news and work in our favor giving us a lot of support from the community as well as making them, motiva, look evil for allowing this to happen.

[el-jefe]

We need to make a video for youtube. I got a digital video camera, someone want to comeup with a script. We can get shots with the bridge in the background, maybe a ship passing by. it will garner lots of attention national....hell what am I saying globally.

[AveSatani]

OK just spoke with the city council secretary. You have to give them your home address and if you are not a Port Arthur resident, you must be approved to speak. That probably means that the mayor won't allow me to speak. We definatley need some PA residents to speak up. I get in contact with Rufus and see if he can say something.

Also, Jeff, the bagtags don't have a date - still OK?

[el-jefe]

yep, fine with me.

[fuzzy]

Can anyone get in touch with Brian Fawcett and his crew? Maybe they would be willing to speak at the meeting. I can ask and see if Jonothan Bargainer and a couple of his buddies would speak. Is it solely residents? What about those that work in PA, do they stand a better chance to speak?

[AveSatani]

If you live in or have a business in PA all you have to do is sign up and they can't disapprove.

Brian lives in Groves - the others may live in PA. I'll try to call around.

[fuzzy]

I would like to apologise to anyone who has emailed officials on our behalf if you received a response like this :

-------------------------------------------------------
Here is the original letter sent followed by the response received:

All,

Let me start by saying I am not from your community, however, that does not change the feelings that should be portrayed in regards to this redevelopment plan.

I am a 26 year old disc golfer from Pittsburgh who has flown, with a friend born and raised in Dallas, to Texas solely to play the sport of disc golf at multiple courses, Pleasure Island being one of those. I do not think that anyone outside the disc golf community understands the gem they have in their backyard. I know for a fact that there are approximately 3,000 some odd acres on the island. I’m certain with some thoughtful planning that undeveloped areas of the island could serve the same purpose that the current disc golf area does. Disc Golf is one of, if not the, fastest growing recreational sports in the US (stats can be found at pdga.com). There were 4 courses on the island at one time, now there is only one. As I can remember, it is the only course in the immediate area as well. With that said, the course, by simply being located inside a recreational park and requiring the same amount of maintenance that the grounds would require if it was not there, brings in guests and revenue to the area from people who would otherwise not use the land or visit the island. This is all above and beyond the community members that use the facilities on a regular basis and have put blood, sweat, and tears into its design, upkeep, and progression.

I don’t want to go on forever, believe me I could…

I will end this with the thought that I sincerely hope this RV Park location would be reconsidered with the entire community in mind. Community strength is gained through avenues for neighbors to communicate in a friendly manner and bond over a common enjoyment. Recreation facilities are one of the easiest ways for this to take place. Taking this course away is just one more step in the wrong direction for an entire country that needs a real sense of community.

Sincerely,

Joshua Charlton

-------------------------------------------------------------

I, Danny Williams, am a Pleasure Island Commissioner and in the beginning I was against the R V park being on the location of what is now the Disc golf course. However, since I have been bombarded by E mails such as this I have changed my mind. I will now support the R V issue. Also I promise not to come to Pittsburgh and try to run your business.

[sturmgeist]

Sent to Danny Williams:

Mr. Williams,

I am a Golden Triangle native. I was born at St. Mary's Hospital in Port Arthur Texas, and have lived my entire life between there and Beaumont. It has come to my attention that yoiu have been flooded with emails concerning the proposed development of the Berry's Treasure disc golf course on Pleasure Island, and that you are upset about it.

I want to apologize for any inconvenience this has caused you. I authored a petition protesting the development here: www.petitiononline.com/cetb175g/petition.html
While I do not think that this petition led directly to the influx of emails you have been bombarded with, I do believe it has been instrumental in motivating the people to move against the development plan. Again, I apologize for any inconvenience you may be experiencing as a result.

However, it has also come to my attention that you have used this inconvenience as a reason to flip flop your stance on the issue. Where once you stood with us against the development, now, because you have been bombarded with email from protestors, you stand against us. Would you explain to me the logic of that move? Though you have been inconvenienced, I would remind you that it is your DUTY as a public servant to receive feedback on the issues at hand. And where is the logic in a public servant who turns his back on the people because they stand on the same side of an issue as him? If you truly would change your mind on this issue, just to SPITE supporters of the disc golf course because you have received a few emails, then you are not fit for office.

I would assume the issue here is that you have received feedback from out of town sources? May I remind you, Mr. Williams, that the ULTIMATE goal with development of Pleasure Island, of any sort, is to increase it's lure as a tourist destination. That means the opinions of those out of towners you would turn against in spite are ACTUALLY of the utmost importance on this issue. You would alienate potential tourists to the area for no better reason than you don't like being told how to "run your business"? I'll remind you again, Mr. Williams - you are a PUBLIC SERVANT. It is not your place to decide how to run things, it is your duty to serve as a proxy for the will of the people.

I urge you to calm yourself down, Mr. Williams, and think logically on the matter: What good are you as a public servant if you turn your back on the public, because the public sent you too many emails on a certain issue? Those are the actions of a child, not of an adult. Certainly not actions becoming of an ethical, responsible comissioner.

Take a moment to look through my petition sir. Since friday it has garnered over 1200 signatures and almost as many comments. The support for our course is overwhelming, as you've discovered, not only in the golden triangle, but throughout this nation and beyond, with responses from places as distant as Canada, Japan, Finland, and Norway.

Don't betray us on account of an inconvenience, Mr. Williams.

William Roan

[AveSatani]

well put:-D

[lester]

will, i must say...you rock.

[el-jefe]

I could not believe the response to the initial email sent to mr williams. Outragous is an understatement. Will your email to Mr. Williams was appropriate and well put. We can win this because we have everything to loose if we don't try and fight. I guess our perseverance is a testament of what a "handful of dedicated players" can do. Keep up the fight!

[Tejas Kajun]

I have been speaking with some of you on the side (messages), and I have been posting on MANY sites as I can.
To follow up on the request for national media; I know Brian Kilmeade (Fox and Friends News/Sports Guy) from when I met him at a Disabled Veteran/Pro Athelete event in Sugarland, Texas last year. Really good, funny, down to earth guy. He has posted some of my stuff in the past about topics...soooo..I emailed him, the morning news crew, and his assistant about our plight. I further provided him with ALOT of the links to the media sites so that their info gathering would be much easier..afterall, they have alot to sort through daily.
What I requested was if anything 1 minute of airtime comments would be great, segways between stories or programs, etc. I can't guarentee a hit, but I gave it a try!

Troy
~~~~
"History teaches that when you become indifferent and lose the will to fight someone who has the will to fight will take over"
-Colonel Arthur "Bull" Simons
~~~~
“Hard pressed on my right. My center is yielding. Impossible to maneuver. Situation excellent. I am attacking.” Ferdinand Foch-- at the Battle of the Marne

[AveSatani]

Thanks for your help TexasCajun!!! Good posts on the other fourms:D

Troy Herman?

[Tejas Kajun]

It looks like I won't be able to make it to the uprising at City Council on July 3rd. GOOD LUCK! My work has been compounded lately here in the Hill Country with the massive floods, bridges out, roads gone, etc.
In the mean time I am providing some further contact information about procedures etc. for those wishing to let their voice be heard.
Here is a link to the Port Arthur Council Agenda page(s) describing HOW YOU ADDRESS THE COUNCIL:

http://24.73.252.74/scripts/LFWebLink.exe/weblink/browser.html?doc=21062&type=image&page=8&scale=fit&size=610,1220&c=0,0&wrap=off&cid=871598971

That link is on Page 9 of the agenda minutes, if you look on Page 4 of that same series of minutes...at the bottom you can see the Pleasure Island agenda topic:

http://24.73.252.74/scripts/LFWebLink.exe/weblink/browser.html?doc=21062&type=image&page=4&scale=fit&size=610,1220&c=0,0&wrap=off&cid=871598971

Furthermore, I noticed in a previous city council meeting's minutes they listed the "specifics" for a land aquisition protest.

http://24.73.252.74/scripts/LFWebLink.exe/weblink/browser.html?doc=21101&ID=&NAME=PUBLIC%20HEARING%20-%20DISANNEXATION&TOTAL=&cid=2146282484

I will not imply that this is the way we are required to do it, but they specifically state that the protestor must have: NAME, ADDRESS, AGE listed in the protest to the coucil.
So use that as FOOD FOR THOUGHT, on all of you aspiring persons of protest. If we get more prepared than they expect; surprise and strength will overcome their naivity of us.
Keep the fight forward, grip it and rip it, I am going for the ACE on a PAR 5! (or so it seems...lol)

~~~~~~~~Does this apply to us?~~~~~~~~~~~~~ :cool:
"A common mistake that people make when trying to design something completely foolproof was to underestimate the ingenuity of complete fools."
-Douglas Adams

[Tejas Kajun]

Has anyone tried to contact the NEXT MAYORAL CANDIDATES, and get their opinion. They are now in the news ALOT with the run-off coming this weekend. What perfect airtime would it be to ask them questions while the cameras are rolling, plus, the winner will inherit this issue!

http://www.kbmt12.com/news/local/8195997.html

http://www.kfdm.com/news/says_21014___article.html/early_guidry.html

Just trying to keep the ideas out there...

[Tejas Kajun]

NICE FORM BRO!
Beaumont Enterprise article:

http://www.beaumontenterprise.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=18516981&BRD=2287&PAG=461&dept_id=512589&rfi=6

[dg]

NICE FORM BRO!
Beaumont Enterprise article:

http://www.beaumontenterprise.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=18516981&BRD=2287&PAG=461&dept_id=512589&rfi=6

except that he looks a little constipated, lmao

[Tomwin]

Except for the course name is misspelled again, it's Berry's Treasure not Barry's Treasure. ugg..

It was named after the guy who brought disc golf to our area. I can't remember his first name for the life of me but i think it was John or was it Rob Berry or something like that I'll have to call Old Man and ask him he knows all. Mr. Berry was one of the Pleasure Island commissioners back in 1991. If I remember correctly, he was in Austin at one of the parks having lunch with some other people during a convention and a disc flew up in between them.

The guy who threw the disc came over to retrive it and Mr. Berry started asking questions about what it was and was given a demonstration. When he got back to Port Arthur it wasn't long and Mr. Houck was in town designing what we now call Berry's Treasure. At the time there were no courses in Houston so all the guys from Houston who played like John and Becky Powell, and Don Wilchek would drive over pretty much every weekend to play and put on minis.

I remember being out there with Robert and Shoe throwing big whammo frisbees we got at wal-mart the first weekend the course was opened. John Powell was out there playing and introduced us to what a disc was. He had just got Jeps to stock their store with discs so we went down there and I bought a Birdy, Stingray and a Shark. I hope this course isn't taken away, we really have had a lot of fun out there throughout the years.

[sturmgeist]

Couple of modifications there and you've got a great speech to hit the City Council with ^^^

[AveSatani]

Do it Tommy!! Speech - Speech - Speech!!!:-D

ps - it was Rob Berry - and he was the PI commish - young guy.

[Tejas Kajun]

If anyone has contact with Jeff, please let him know I sent him a private message. Councilman Beard has some NEW info about some sort of legal wrangling and wishes that everyone concerned is prepared, etc.

Thanks

[dg]

ok guys, looks like the investor wants to win this and has hired Carl Parker to represent her at the city council on Tuesday

they can bring out the big boys, but they cant rewrite the law

we ALL gotta show up tuesday and convince the city council that it doesnt matter how well known the attorney is thats getting paid to push this deal through

LETS STAND UP FOR WHATS RIGHT! LETS SHOW SUPPORT THIS TUESDAY!

[Sportznut]

Here is the speech for you

Disc Golfers. That word should have new meaning for all of us today. We can't be consumed by our petty differences anymore. We will be united in our common interest. Perhaps it is fate that next week is the fourth of July and we will once again be fighting for our freedom to play. Not from weather conditions, lost discs, or bad play, but from annihilation of one of our favorite courses. We're fighting for our right to play, to keep the course! And should we win the day, the 4th of July will no longer be known as an American holiday, but as the day when the local disc golfers declared in one voice, "We will not go quietly into the night! We will not vanish without a fight! We're going to play on! We're going to keep the course! Today, we celebrate our Independence Day!"

[el-jefe]

With Carl Griffith representing the developer plays into our hand with public perception. With his actions dealing with ford park and all the bad publicity that generated as well as the "missing" documents when he left office this gives us some free ammo in the arena of public perception. Since he is linked to underhanded politics and well ford park we can smear the developer and the plans to take public space from the people. I think this is good for us. I am going to go back and look at some of the articles written about how he forced ford park through and use that against the developer insinuating the same political practice. Linking the scam of the missing documents as political corruption to the PIC ethical questions I think this can generate bad PR for the whole proposed developement.

[dg]

not carl griffith, carl parker

[sturmgeist]

You can still use Ford Park as an example though, a precedent set that shows what can happen when politicians force their agendas through against the will of the people, or without their input altogether.

[el-jefe]

I appologize for the incorrect information. As fast as info is coming in its hard to verify all the details. It is former legislator Carl Parker not former County Judge Carl Griffith. And we are not sure now which developer he is representing. I don't have a problem with someone using thier private property to do this, its how our system works and thank god for it, but I do havea problem with the taking away of publ use land for a private commercial enterprise. Especially when its gonna cost millions for tax payers in PAT to build the neccessary infrastructure of fire police and ems to secure the island. 8 million in tax revenue - the 20 + million to develop infrastructure = a cost to tax payers. And the 8 mil is over 10 years with the 20+ mil being the 1st year cost of building and staffing such infrastructure.

[el-jefe]

We need to do a public demonstration and instructional at the island this weekend and next. We can post it on the community bullitain board as well as release it to the media as a public announcement. I will probably be using the last round as my drop round in order to be out at the island and will get the news out this afternoon. Anybody wanna help by posting up on all the community activities boards through the media outlets? call me if you can, ive got a busy day ahead of me and won't have time to draft it and then post. Call me for the details if you can.

[Tejas Kajun]

If anyone has contact with Jeff, please let him know I sent him a private message. Councilman Beard has some NEW info about some sort of legal wrangling and wishes that everyone concerned is prepared, etc.

Thanks

Thanks everyone, I spoke with Jeff. Everyone make a good show at the council meeting. Sorry I can't be there, my life in the Hill Country is EXTREMELY WET. We are experiencing the 500 yr rainfall event. My job with the State of Texas and Emergency Management has me here, and also as a Disc Golfer; during the rains 2 courses were washed under water (along with bridges...lol..sad..). Also, there are some smaller 9 hole courses in subdivision areas (not listed on PDGA) that took hits. So as you know (from Rita) work is plentiful...(I volunteered there also for family and friends after my paying job slowed down)...the courses will be up and going soon.
On a personal note, I saw that Deloris Princes won the Mayoral Runoff; that is good. I was worried. My family reports that her opponent Willie, was a former MOTIVA employee with heavy contacts, while Deloris has been with City projects and agencies for a while in various capacities. I understand MOTIVA will always be there, but they hopefully will be wiser when it comes to communities opinion on expansions, projects, etc. (i.e. our current situation)
Lets' hope the new mayor will reflect the best interest of saving the parks, promoting Disc Golf, and listening to our voices without the bullying.

Thanks again.

FYI, another link of news:

http://www.kfdm.com/news/island_21058___article.html/pleasure_park.html

And remember......

"Sure I am this day we are masters of our fate, that the task which has been set before us is not above our strength; that its pangs and toils are not beyond our endurance. As long as we have faith in our own cause and an unconquerable will to win, victory will not be denied us."
-Sir Winston Churchill

[Tomwin]

can someone post the information about the meeting time / info for those who might want to go. Please do so in a new news post.

[dg]

Tomorrow is Mayor Ortiz's last council meeting.... WOOHOOOO

[el-jefe]

If the vote goes our way, there will be a change on the council that may sway things our way.

[dg]

we were in the paper again today

http://beaumontenterprise.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=18544521&BRD=2287&PAG=461&dept_id=512588&rfi=6

im trying to find the letter on the PA website but i cant find it.

if anyone can find it, post a link

[sturmgeist]

Well, evidently the first order of business for the council was to rescind the order and withdraw the license request. So either Mr. Parker convinced his client that it was in their best interest to avoid the public backlash and illegal dealings, or they're trying to pull something slick on us.

[Tomwin]

KFDM news at 6 was saying that it could go up again for vote in two weeks. I'm guessing after they have filed the proper paperwork.

[dg]

If we really want to see berrys treasure stay a public park then we need the residents of port arthur and especially the residents of pleasure island at the pleasure island commission's board meeting tuesday July the 10'th.

[dg]

PA News http://www.panews.com/local/local_story_184224957.html

[dg]

Appearantly the landowners hired Mike Cichowsky to represent them in the RV Park matter. I'm going to contact him later today. Does anyone know Mr. Cichowsky?

[CypressTrout]

General Pracice lawyer...looks small time. You should be able to take him, DG....here's one of his BIG cases...:mrgreen:

JBS Packing Company, Inc. v. Strayhorn, et al.
Sales Tax; Refund
8/5/2004
Issue: Whether parts and services for an ice machine, a hydro-blasting machine, and for a
steam cleaning machine are exempt from sales tax under the manufacturing exemption.
Filed:
Status: Agreed Judgment entered 11/18/05.
AG Case #: 042003590 Cause Number:GN402498
Counsel Associated With This Case:
Assistant Attorney General
OAG Taxation / AustinCloudt, Jim B.
Opposing Counsel
Attorney at Law / Port ArthurCichowski, Mike
Claim Amount Reporting Period
$1,820.48 12/01/96 - 12/31/99

[fuzzy]

we dont want to take him, we want to side with him. so say some nice things Kev....lmao

[CypressTrout]

Whoops, my bad... you tha man, Mikey!!! That better???:mrgreen:

[dg]

I spent the day at the port arthur city hall and i'd like to let everyone know that we have more support against the RV park than we think

WOOHOO

[dg]

the pleasure island commission meeting has been moved to tomorrow night

there will be no action though, the topic is only up for discussion

appearantly the commission doesnt need to do anything else until after the city approves it

so it looks like port arthur city hall, July 17'th at 5:30 is where it all goes down.

[AveSatani]

the meeting isn't tonight?

[dg]

no, they had to move the meeting to tomorrow night because of someone being sick or something

doesn't really matter though, they don't need to do anything with the project, its up to the city now

[el-jefe]

we need a big showing at the pacc on the 17th. Someone also needs to go to the meeting tomorrow night in order to show our fight, even if nothing is said.

[dg]

i'd really like to know what the status of the project is, like:

will it be at city hall on tuesday the 17'th?

was any action taken on wednesday 11'th?

when was the last action taken on the project?

what was the vote on the project the first time it got approved at the PI commission?

I think a few different people calling in will at least show the commission that people out there want to keep the park...

everyone that can, call the commission, just ask a question or two, something like from above, dont be rude just show that you care enough about the park that your calling to see whats going on.. just talk to the lady who answers the phone, she's nice 409-982-4675

[dg]

oh, and after you talk with her, post up here what the answers are or whatever else you find out

[el-jefe]

I just called PIc and she said that the project was not discussed on wednesday. I asked if it would be proposed again at this next city council meeting and she said we would have to contact PACC. As for their agenda, it is on a board at the PIC and is faxed over to PACC to be put on their public board. For some reason they cannot put it up on the website under the link to an agenda. I am guessing they do not want anyone to know about what they are discussing unless you make the effort to go to city hall or to PIC. Maybe we should go by the PIC everyday we play the island before heading to the park. Anybody got the address to the PIC, I'll let everyone I know to stop by when they are in the area and we can get people going into the PIC on a regular basis. This will agitate them and keep them on their toes because it will make it seem like they are going to be held accountable for their actions.

[el-jefe]

I am going to be taking some photos out at the island today to blow up for the CC meeting. I will photo the dg park, the existing trailer park and any other suitable land that I can find including Logans park as well as the Army Corp of engineers land.
Also I am going to go by the PIC and pick up a copy of the written lease agreement. We need to find out what restrictions they will have in place for the # of people per trailer they will allow. With 177 spots, if what I am being told is correct some of the contracted workers will be in 4 person bunk trailers which could raise the population of the island by more than 700 people. I am not sure if the trailor park will be able to set a limit, because if a family of 4 comes to vacation then they would not be able to stay at the trailor park.

[AveSatani]

i am fairly tied up today but someone should call the fire chief and police chief asking what their position is on the PI labor camp and how it will effect their resources.

[dg]

just wanted to share a tid bit of info about the Island...

Pleasure Island RV Park Corp. has still yet to bring the project before the city council, again.... for the 7-31-07 meeting.

Another victory for the course! It may not be over, but we're getting closer.

[el-jefe]

We are going to have to continually monitor the PIC and PACC. Knowing the history of them, anything could happen.
My neighbor met with some of the other headhunters and the local contractors bidding on the expansion and they are having a hard time finding the housing needed. Someone suggested using the island as an rv park (I guess they hadn't been following PA news) and most of the guys at the meeting told him that the island would be a problem because of the homeowners fighting rv's on private property and that public property would be a fight. They have given up on the idea of housing on the island and are looking at downtown PAT. Which is where it needs to be to improve the economy and quality of life in PAT.

[dg]

Hopefully every two weeks I will have to write the same post.

FOR THE 3'rd CITY COUNCIL MEETING IN A ROW, RV PARK IS NOT ON THE CITY COUNCIL AGENDA. SO MUCH FOR A DONE DEAL. (I'm just poking fun Tommy!!!)

I did notice though that there is another RV park proposal for 365, wonder if its our developer???

VIVA LA BARRY'S TREASURE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Sportznut]

DG, No.. That one was already one they had proposed putting in...... They need X amount of temp housing spaces guaranteed , for the expansion project.. The 365 one they were counting on.. They need 1-2 more locations.. That is where the island came in

[dg]

DG, No.. That one was already one they had proposed putting in......

this is a new one, second RV park, also on 365, (unless I'm mistaken, but the other one was already approved, so this looks like a new one)

[Sportznut]

Is it near the water tower section of 365 between Nederland and Port Acres? If so.. That is the one i heard about when All this came to light. They did not have any objections with it being there, because there is nothing out there.

[dg]

the one they are seeking approval for now is next to kade road

[Ransom]

They say that absence makes the heart grow fonder, and it's true... I've been away from Pt.A. and PI for a year now. I miss the courses, PI included.
PI was my first love of discgolf. I learned how to throw there, i went from sevens and eights on every hole to threes and fours... i got my first birdy, and my first Ace there, right on hole two. that was a great ace....(sigh)
I will miss it sorely, i can't believe that those pompus asses in the city council down there are willing to throw away such a piece of nostalgic DG Americana! for some temp housing. tell them to transfer some prisoners and use one of the jails along 69 for temporary housing.

Scot
-Sending you some DG support from Killeen, Tx. Where we have no DG courses, we just drive to temple and play one of the two there.

[Tejas Kajun]

hey ransom, whatcha doing this weekend? I have my Ace Race at Old Settlers (Round Rock)...come join us. I have about 6-7 slots left that have not registered.
We check in at 0830 on Sat the 18th; and try to start near 0900hrs.
It would be good for another SETX DG'er in the event. David Burns is also driving up this way for it on Friday.
~just a thought~

Later
Troy

[Tejas Kajun]

Hey if you wish...contact me for the Ace Race at:

TexasAceRace@Hotmail.com

Later

troy