[{"_1":2,"_106":-5,"_107":-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",[32,74,84,94],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":44,"_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":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},"mediaId",6660249,"mediaKeyId","2437788-86303158ebfbbd186902146455984d32","parentId",2437788,"title","City, humane society propose \"Operation Pavlov\" for coyote hazing and public education","audioSeconds",0,"startMs",7860000,"endMs","viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2437788-86303158ebfbbd186902146455984d32&start=7860&end=7860","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2437788-86303158ebfbbd186902146455984d32/thumbnail_7860000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6660249/Galveston/Galveston-County/Texas/City-humane-society-propose-Operation-Pavlov-for-coyote-hazing-and-public-education","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6660249-85ca3d401fe529064dd5d64ecf5002a0/orig.mp4?Expires=1777365234&Signature=Hxh0kMOyb0z1WjI0LSgOkZGsalFlFWARql3PUd~FfpU7hbDBDIlhqJwPNwv3QFGpz7vmgYaxc2SpkBRmj8b9GRD0HAMxuUbN31VfA1OJU7aOA3QJxJlYc1QG3MNc1IAfr9Tm~rHBQxTPG6npinkGWzbUTe9RyPUrenyNYKXhR3P-TxPGM6eLwu2-OaujfLGXlgP1upltWT2r9w5e70h~l8Rg~Sb7aDCPbu1xrFiTDSm9BumFj907yUfWIIgG9NzeqH3j4dDee4AoB72v3pBk2Hchtudb4O5Hr6Go3TvxkpxgN46u-fynBt2eeuaVugbEeVJ6t17Ox3X-N56bRe5OXw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Galveston","date","2025-02-27T00:00:00Z","article","Galveston Island Humane Society and the city’s Animal Services presented a draft coyote-management approach they called an enhanced hazing program — “Operation Pavlov” — at the Feb. 27 workshop, recommending a mix of public education, volunteer hazing training and a trained, limited-use response team that could include less‑lethal tools.

Josh Henderson, executive director of the Galveston Island Humane Society, told council coyotes on Galveston have distinctive genetics and draw research attention, but residents are reporting more frequent and bolder encounters. He urged an approach that pairs public education (how to reduce attractants such as unsecured garbage or pet feeding) and community hazing training with a city response capability to deploy when animals show problematic behavior.

Animal Services supervisor Kristen Thompson described the department’s limited capacity (the unit currently has only a few officers and is recruiting) and supported training a small number of Galveston Police Department officers to use a “less-lethal” round launcher (commonly used by law enforcement) to deter coyotes when other hazing techniques are ineffective. Thompson and Henderson emphasized hazing techniques (yelling, noise, blowing whistles, using water, and trained deterrents) rather than lethal control, and recommended public outreach, volunteer hazing teams (non-firearm responses) and a trained, city-supervised limited-use team for cases requiring immediate removal.

Council members asked for specifics: how volunteers would be trained and vetted, whether policies on feeding wildlife should be revised to make intentional feeding a citable offense, and how to avoid relocating conflicts to other neighborhoods. Animal Services recommended a pilot program that would (1) expand public education immediately via city communications, (2) recruit and train volunteers for community hazing, (3) provide targeted training for a handful of GPD officers on less-lethal deployment for emergency hazing, and (4) develop an ordinance to prohibit intentional feeding of wildlife and a veterinarian/clinic reporting requirement for wildlife bites.

Council asked staff to deliver a three-month report with an implementation plan, training schedule and budget estimate and to coordinate with Police and the city attorney on legal/regulatory issues. Council also asked Animal Services to share draft outreach materials with each council member for comment.

What’s next: Animal Services and the Humane Society will prepare a three‑month plan and draft ordinance language for council review; staff will coordinate with Police on training and with the city attorney on legal limits to data requests and less-lethal device use.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Galveston - Council Workshop - Feb 27, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Humane Society and Animal Services proposed training, public education and a targeted hazing program — including use of less-lethal devices and cross-training with Galveston Police — to address rising coyote encounters. Council asked staff to produce a three-month plan and draft ordinance changes on feeding wildlife.","taxTitle","Galveston , Galveston County, Texas","taxId",5145,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":42,"_43":77,"_45":77,"_46":78,"_48":79,"_50":80,"_52":81,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":82,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":83,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6660254,"City auditor outlines STR/hotel audit findings; council weighs extending audits and reallocating workplan",7920000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2437788-86303158ebfbbd186902146455984d32&start=7920&end=7920","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2437788-86303158ebfbbd186902146455984d32/thumbnail_7920000.jpg","/articles/6660254/Galveston/Galveston-County/Texas/City-auditor-outlines-STRhotel-audit-findings-council-weighs-extending-audits-and-reallocating-workplan","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6660254-401d2e10cf91b128eab29003e34ccc66/orig.mp4?Expires=1777365234&Signature=mr3X97dPddRbmsxjv8gumXuLSnxbBr-xse-LhaB8tvP3or5kIC4OshudDB~7dSQpvLMhXKsWq6D3exhaH0V6Q2Zqhq-jQokyuXS52dFshcsEP7OYTiN9SvrxvUaxtXMGYB2RjWcWJcB5yLo5oRz8leW2wxgt2e5kaUhXaxS4Nknvd9oB3JZuwNcb9zjzk94G7HCg1vafA49zqjUuw7pUXmVpzHdl5KUD1w6i3yKq4cK~hQa3cANIqMvlIDNvrksXtnkq-EYQKdkHC1vKpNzfagulaWM-t-n1KIUwhikBif26vGHD5cBfUWR31fsyAIi2NkH68y811~cJOUAsDYcSZQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City auditor Glenn (Galveston City Auditor) briefed the council on ongoing hot-tax and short-term rental (STR) audit work on Feb. 27, reporting that auditors had identified unpaid hot tax and penalties from hotel and STR properties and discussing resource implications of expanding the audits.

Gary (assistant auditor) told council the audit of hotels and STRs yielded estimated additional revenue with penalties — roughly $115,000 for several hotels and about $250,000 from a sample of 45 STRs — though precise collection and net gain hinge on costs and reimbursement agreements. Auditors said audit work has been more time-consuming than estimated; hotel audits cost the city roughly $5,000 each to complete while the Park Board contract contributed roughly $1,000 per hotel audit, leaving a shortfall in coverage of auditor costs.

Auditors said STR audits are now more difficult because many operators are on platforms (Airbnb/VRBO) that collect tax directly; platform data can be difficult or require subpoena to obtain. Auditors said their historic sampling covered 45 STRs (about 6% sample of the city’s inventory) and that many of the noncompliant properties were properties not listing on platforms. The auditors recommended continuing audits of hotels and targeted STRs but noted the work drains staff time and that expanding the scope would require reassigning or delaying other audit plans or adding staff.

Council asked practical questions about scale and priorities. Auditor Glenn proposed auditing one year under the current administration and one year under the prior administration as a comparative approach; council supported sampling two years (one from each administration) rather than a full multi-year sweep. Council also supported keeping sales-tax audit work (which has produced recoveries) on the schedule and pushing lower-priority audits (public works overtime and police seized-funds tracking) into the next fiscal year if resources must be shifted.

Council asked auditors to bring a budget and staffing recommendation if they want to expand the HOT/STR audit program without delaying other required audits. The city auditor agreed to return in March with a plan showing the staffing and cost trade-offs — including the expected recoveries and a list of audits that would be postponed to a later year — and to recommend whether a part-time audit clerical position or another staff addition would allow the expanded work without delaying priority audits.

What’s next: auditors will return with a March recommendation that lays out the additional staffing or scope trade-offs required to expand the HOT/STR audit work. Council instructed staff to prioritize sales-tax audits and to consider STR and hotel audit expansion only if the auditor can show net benefit net of costs or identify an offsetting funding source.","City auditors reported recent hotel and short-term rental (STR) audits identified substantial unpaid hotel occupancy tax revenue; auditors recommended expanding audit work this year, while council discussed staffing, costs and tradeoffs with other planned audits.",{"_33":85,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":86,"_41":42,"_43":87,"_45":87,"_46":88,"_48":89,"_50":90,"_52":91,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":92,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":93,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6660258,"Park board outlines Seawolf Park business plan; city weighs enterprise parks, competition and oversight",11760000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2437788-86303158ebfbbd186902146455984d32&start=11760&end=11760","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2437788-86303158ebfbbd186902146455984d32/thumbnail_11760000.jpg","/articles/6660258/Galveston/Galveston-County/Texas/Park-board-outlines-Seawolf-Park-business-plan-city-weighs-enterprise-parks-competition-and-oversight","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6660258-38cf7fe1b2cbfbd357014d669b04c3c9/orig.mp4?Expires=1777365234&Signature=ZV5yCcNApWr0noziS5Gf5y96YS-gAJMbX5FYcMDyGns~xbANnkWEITQiFcjOinkqrR-TMIoShJwUICRq5LzF7ijVcsZZuW~lXDP9opxvlfvEPsMSU~YAjoZagEVEsNztS1nNy~8oT7i0T9Lprz6LgZlnqsu3aS4eiA-0lWZveMWhTPfjISnEMoZa~VOhYwEwkBzlYkBro3hp~ghHSrmc6ssOx9i23TWWIJhNy2PJItfoq0bgofDjRCGg2KUzbpu8sknxJ9OrSelJ7kUK1gnd6hdPRmBUSSCe~5l2SHHxEUqTCbB4bshiRTNNRZIoSx6jgzwEFuluDKNlG0YHzRRwkg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Galveston Park Board presented a business plan for Seawolf Park during the Feb. 27 workshop; Park Board and city staff said council must first decide whether the city should use public land and tax dollars to support enterprise-style operations that could compete with private businesses.

Vince (Park Board representative) and park board members summarised a plan that explored revenue-producing options at Seawolf Park — including an RV park, an expanded boat ramp, museum uses and facility upgrades. The park board said it had identified potential revenue streams and scenarios intended to make Seawolf more financially self-sustaining and to contribute to the city’s budget.

City Manager Brian Maxwell and Parks Director Barbara Robinson told council enterprise parks are currently managed under an interlocal-type relationship with the Park Board. Staff recommended that council clarify whether city-owned parks that operate like businesses should continue under the Park Board’s management or be returned to direct city operation, where duplicative administration might be reduced and the city would retain direct financial control.

Council members raised multiple concerns: would creating or expanding an RV park or commercial boat ramp at Seawolf require use of city funds, might those operations compete with private local businesses, and would the city remain responsible for capital and ongoing maintenance? Bob Linden, speaking for council, noted previous demolitions, lien procedures and the difference between parkland conveyed as a public benefit and parkland operated as a commercial enterprise.

Park Board chair Vince said the board had tested a range of options and brought a plan to council for feedback; he recommended pausing new decisions on structural changes until council provides policy direction. Councilmember David suggested staff compare options: if the city directly operates enterprise parks, what would costs, staffing and revenue look like versus the Park Board continuing operations under a management agreement?

City staff recommended details the council should ask for before changing management or approving commercial reuses: a clear business model showing capital and operating costs, ownership/lease terms, funding sources (grants, donations, private financing), and a timeline with accountability and performance metrics. Staff also noted legal questions about whether municipal land designated as parkland can be converted to commercial use without voter approval in some circumstances.

What’s next: Council asked staff to return with a comparative analysis — cost to the city, revenue scenarios, and legal implications — and to develop performance metrics and a timeline if management is to change. The Park Board agreed to pause new commitments while council and staff refine policy direction.","The Galveston Park Board presented a business plan for Seawolf Park including potential RV, boat ramp and museum uses. City staff told council it is evaluating enterprise parks, whether city tax dollars should underwrite businesses that might compete with private operators, and whether management of enterprise parks should shift to the city.",{"_33":95,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":96,"_41":97,"_43":98,"_45":99,"_46":100,"_48":101,"_50":102,"_52":103,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":104,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":105,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6660262,"Galveston council and GISD weigh conditions before any conveyance of Rosenberg or Morgan properties",720,3720000,4440000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2437788-86303158ebfbbd186902146455984d32&start=3720&end=4440","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2437788-86303158ebfbbd186902146455984d32/thumbnail_3720000.jpg","/articles/6660262/Galveston/Galveston-County/Texas/Galveston-council-and-GISD-weigh-conditions-before-any-conveyance-of-Rosenberg-or-Morgan-properties","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6660262-7408b8f0efe3d5b9175e184da349c331/orig.mp4?Expires=1777365234&Signature=TxKoLid6GBSr-3jajTLp7zQj0Hxai67tZwtLs2E1irKMj0pTA9fvk0HTiCR44hiwoIED7UmRpGuFDaeoHoUdgwvrqQxpVzoj-9EyoW~6PlAuMEM6KMBvhEhQvhxRbt7HGMWTLR7dm-faL6KlXvwrAgFun5RKXPRsU7yutjpBZfovkBEafJIgqckl8lel5T2Sy217grls5CMmnqO~JKbUj2tbU7VIZWlCQB73oNKwF3KP4i~fyd4pMBRSoU2SDMm0VyuXF15vpDhYpa-JATeGdf2sGzHndUgxWavVgYP3O~0yVmRqBMv8j~-NSmdkXtL5PoWi32gS0yJabXKtV91qHQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City of Galveston staff and the Galveston Independent School District (GISD) superintendent outlined next steps on Feb. 27 for possible transfers of Rosenberg and LA Morgan properties, but City Attorney staff said the city would not accept conveyances unless several conditions are met.

The most immediate point of the discussion: the city will require demolition of any buildings, completion of required environmental remediation and clear title terms before accepting land from GISD. The discussion grew out of a bid process for the Rosenberg property, where a community group, Project Rosenberg (working with Better Parks for Galveston and named donors), has pledged to raise funds to acquire and remediate the site and then seek conveyance to the city.

City Manager Brian Maxwell told council the city’s legal position is that it should not accept property with reverter clauses or other deed restrictions that would bind future use. Don Prieto, the city attorney, described conflicting provisions in state statutes related to conveyances and said that whether a reverter clause is required depends on statutes and facts: in some circumstances a reverter must be used when land is conveyed below market value to another political subdivision, but GISD trustees’ proposal to sell at market complicates that legal analysis.

Matthew Neighbors, GISD superintendent, said the district expected to negotiate terms after learning the city’s requirements and would return items to the school board for any vote needed. Trustee Tony Brown of GISD said the board set a July 1 deadline for Project Rosenberg to provide the full $2.2 million purchase amount; Rosenberg backers reported more than $100,000 in pledges and a donor who has pledged to fund demolition and remediation beyond that $2.2 million.

City staff said council should adopt a clear, written list of conditions the council expects before accepting a conveyance — including (1) the site cleared of structures, (2) environmental remediation completed to city standards, (3) any designation of parkland handled under city parkland code (including required park board review and voter protections if applicable), and (4) a demonstrable funding plan or escrow for demolition and remediation prior to conveyance. Council members asked staff to return with a draft action item and to give council members 7–10 days’ advance access to materials before the next meeting.

Council members asked GISD and Project Rosenberg to provide documentation that funds earmarked for purchase, demolition and carrying costs are in escrow and to confirm who will be responsible if promised funds or carrying costs fall short. Several council members also asked staff to clarify whether city funds could be used for future capital improvements at any conveyed park and whether conveyed land would be added to the city parks master plan or prioritized against other park projects.

For now, the city will not accept conveyance that leaves the city with undeveloped, restricted or contaminated property. Staff said they will draft a checklist of specific conditions and bring it to the March council meeting for further direction. The council and GISD agreed the city and district legal staffs should continue negotiating the mechanics of a potential transfer and that any final terms would come back to both governing bodies for approval.

What’s next: staff will prepare a written set of conditions and a proposed agenda item for March. GISD and Project Rosenberg must provide clearer documentation of funding, demolition commitments and proposed timelines if they want the council to consider an acceptance vote later this spring or summer.","City and Galveston Independent School District officials discussed conditions the city would require before accepting any conveyance of GISD property, including removal of structures, environmental remediation, restrictions on reversions and a clear funding/escrow timeline from community donors.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

City, humane society propose "Operation Pavlov" for coyote hazing and public education

City auditor outlines STR/hotel audit findings; council weighs extending audits and reallocating workplan

Park board outlines Seawolf Park business plan; city weighs enterprise parks, competition and oversight

Galveston council and GISD weigh conditions before any conveyance of Rosenberg or Morgan properties