News

   Tony Wood is  the new site manager of the Matagorda Complex of LyondellBasell.
   “I am excited to take the helm of the Matagorda facility because of the community that surrounds it and our people who continue to safely operate this site,” said Wood. 
   “I look forward to working with one of the best teams in the industry, supporting our neighbors and continuing to create opportunities for this city and our company.”
   Originally from Lake Charles, La., Wood brings more than 25 years of experience in petrochemical manufacturing to the role. 
   Previously Wood served as site manager, operations manager, and maintenance and reliability manager at other LyondellBasell facilities along the Gulf Coast. 
   He earned a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from McNeese State University.

   Bay City ISD is aware of growing concern among some members of the community regarding the incidents of student assault against district educators. While state and federal law prohibit the district from sharing certain details, the district recognizes that those expressing concerns may not have accurate facts.
   Any employee or individual may file a criminal complaint with the BCISD Police Department, and the Police Department is then responsible for investigating the complaint and referring the matter to the district attorney for review. During the 2018-2019 school year, four separate complaints have been filed with the BCISD Police Department alleging student assault on an educator: 
   (1) during a student-student altercation in a classroom, a student tossed a trash can which struck a teacher in September 2018; 

City Council scheduled two meetings Feb. 4 and 5 – one to discuss the May 4 city charter revision election and another to override Mayor Mark Bricker veto of the ordinance calling that election.

Bricker vetoed last Tuesday Ordinance No. 1630 that council approved Jan. 24 calling for three charter changes that include changing the council-mayor form to government to council/mayor-city manager.

The other two election propositions are for extending city council terms from two to three years and to call for city charter reviews when needed as opposed to every five years.

Bricker’s veto didn’t apply to Ordinance No. 1629 - calling for the election of a mayor and three council positions – that council also approved at the Jan. 24 regular meeting.

   The mayor and three council seats – plus three city charter propositions that include a council/mayor-city manager form of government – were placed on the May 4 election ballot by City Council at its regular meeting, Thursday, Jan. 24.
   The three charter revision propositions are the result of months of meetings of the 2018 charter review committee and city council.
   In addition, council devoted three days to charter review last week that included a workshop and two town hall meetings, with City Attorney Anne Marie Odefy explaining each proposition - that drew significant citizen participation.

To read more, please log in or subscribe to our digital edition. 

  City council took no action on Mayor Mark Bricker’s request to consider removing a Bay City Housing Authority commissioner and adding three others after an hour-long closed meeting Monday night at City Hall.
   “We are taking no action,” until the Feb. 7 district court trial on a temporary restraining order that blocks the mayor from removing two other BCHA commissioners, Mayor Pro Tem Chrystal Folse said.
   Neither the mayor, nor council members, made any comment. 
   Council Member Jason Childers went into the executive session, but didn’t return to the open meeting.
   The mayor came under intense fire for his handling of the BCHA commissioner removals and proposing additions from three speakers Monday night before council went into executive session.

   Those interested in filing for city council, mayor or Bay City school board positions have until 5 p.m. Friday, Feb. 15 to get their paperwork submitted. 
   Robert Nelson is the most recent candidate to file for mayor, joining Council Member Julie Estlinbaum who filed earlier.
   Mayor Mark Bricker has indicated on Facebook that he does not intend to seek re-election.
   City Council Positions 3-5 up for election are currently held by Mayor Pro Tem Chrystal Folse, Becca Sitz, and Jason Childers respectively.
   Sitz and Childers have filed for re-election to their 4 and 5 seats.
   Bay City ISD trustee Positions 1 and 3 are held by Bobby Kimball and Crystal Allison.
   Helen Knezek held trustee Position 2 but resigned late last year.
   Kimball filed for re-election to his Position 1 seat on the board and has drawn a challenger for the post, Clyde “Trent” Tinnin.

   Matagorda County’s State Representative Dennis Bonnen’s rise to Speaker of the House has provided a bonus gift for those attending Matagorda County Day in Austin, Feb. 18-19. 
   This year’s reception will be in the State Capitol’s second-floor west wing at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 19, said Bobby Wilkinson, chairman of the Matagorda County Day Committee.
   The event started in 1993, and over the years Matagorda County officials, residents and high school seniors have traveled to the Texas Capitol to have the county’s recognized in the state house and senate.
   “Never before have we had this opportunity. We’re excited,” Wilkinson said of having the reception in the capitol.

To read more, please log in or subscribe to our digital edition.