HomeMy WebLinkAboutR-2006-10 support dry berthing of the BATTLESHIP TEXAS at the San Jacinto Battleground
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REQUEST FOR CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM
Agenda Date Requested: April 10. 2006
Appropriation
Requested By: Df'hrll Ff'lI7.f'IIf'
Source of Funds:
Department: City Manae:er
Account Number:
Report:
Resolution: X Ordinance:
Amount Budgeted:
Exhibits:
Resolution
U)Ol.e-lO
Amount Requested:
Exhibits:
Budgeted Item:
NO
Exhibits
SUMMARY & RECOMMENDATION
The Battleship Texas is the last remaining Dreadnought Class Battleship in the world and has
been berthed at the San Jacinto Battleground since 1948. The Battleship Texas is again in need
of major repairs due to being berthed in the water. Maintenance funds for the battleship are
dwindling. The battleship in its current berth presents a potential hazard to itself and the
community if confronted with a "Katrina" size hurricane event. Dry berthing of the battleship
seems to be the best solution to preserve this historic national and Texas monument.
Staff is requesting City Council approve a resolution supporting the dry berthing of the
Battleship Texas at the San Jacinto Battleground.
Action Required bv Council:
Consider approval of a resolution supporting the dry berthing of the Battleship Texas at the San Jacinto
Battleground.
RESOLUTION NO. 2006 - 10
A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE DRY BERTHING OF THE BATTLESHIP TEXAS
AT THE SAN JACINTO BATTLEGROUND; FINDING COMPLIANCE WITH THE OPEN
MEETINGS LAW; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE HEREOF.
WHEREAS, the Battleship Texas is the last remaining Dreadnought Class Battleship in the world,
and has been berthed at the San Jacinto Battleground since 1948; and
WHEREAS, the Battleship is a nationally dedicated museum; and
WHEREAS, the Battleship Texas has been a local source of pride, history and a tourism attraction
for that time; and
WHEREAS, the Battleship Texas is showing signs of corrosion and aging by being berthed in the
water; and
WHEREAS, maintenance funding for the Battleship to remain in the water has been dwindling over
the years; and
WHEREAS, the Battleship's hull is in need of urgent repair; and
WHEREAS, the Battleship Texas in its current berth presents a potential hazard to itself and the
community if confronted with a "Katrina" size hurricane event; and
WHEREAS, dry berthing is deemed the best option to present and preserve this historic national and
Texas monument, now therefore,
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
LAPORTE:
Section 1. The City of La Porte requests the State of Texas Parks and Wildlife Division (TPWD)
provide for the permanent dry berthing (lifting the ship out of the water) of the Battleship Texas for
several reasons.
Dry Berthing is the preferred solution in that it will:
· End the need for continual hull repairs
· Protect the ship and the public against the effects of a major "Hurricane Katrina" (Hurricane
Category V) like scenario.
. Provide for an unprecedented presentation and preservation of this last remaining dreadnought
battleship while providing a "unique naval architectural look" at a warship.
. Provide an equally unique "tourist magnet" to the San Jacinto Battleground, the birthplace of the
Texas Republic.
. Provide for a potential "I 945"context setting and a potential multipurpose amphitheater.
. Permit less costly maintenance on the ship and permanent utilities to be hooked up to the ship
. Provide national attention and recognition for fund raising that other methods, including Graving
Dock options cannot provide.
. Provide a key component of Project Stars, an innovative historic trail in Southeast Texas and
. Provide for the least cost long term solution to the preservation of the Battleship Texas BB35, the
sister ship of the Battleship Arizona, BB39, sunk at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1942
Section 2. The City Council officially finds, determines, recites and declares that a sufficient written
notice of the date, hour, place and subject of this meeting of the City Council is posted at a place
convenient to the public at the City Hall of the City for the time required by law preceding this
meeting, as required by the Chapter 551, Tx. Gov't Code; and that this meeting has been open to the
public as required by law at all times during which this resolution and the subject matter thereof has
been discussed, considered and formally acted upon. The City Council further ratifies, approves and
confirms such written notice and the contents and posting thereof.
Section 3 This Resolution shall be effective upon its passage and approval.
Passed by the City Council this 10th day of April, 2006.
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CITY OF LA PORTE lH:<.___~, ~
Alton E. Porter
Mayor
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Martha A. Gillett
City Secretary
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~ox W. Askins ~ tU "7. ~
CIty Attorney
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