Mayor's Report for 7-28-09

Hello Everyone,

Our meeting last night was attended by all Council persons except Mr. Nelson, who was excused for his absence. The invocation was given by Pastor Steven Yoes of Bay Area Community Church.

The audience and the agenda were both a little light, so I guess you must be out making the most of your summer vacation here at the end of July.

In Citizens Request to Speak, two citizens spoke in favor of the helipad at Bay Electric, and two others from Countryside HOA spoke about drainage trash at the Creek since the April rains. They pointed out that the Creek is re-routing itself there.

Most of the items in the Consent Agenda passed, and there was one of particular interest, #B. Centerpoint Energy Entex is seeking approval from Texas coastal cities to raise gas rates, and these cities have formed an organization and hired an attorney to oppose the amount of the proposed increase. We voted to postpone allowing the new rates to take effect until November 1st, while the Coastal Coalition works with Centerpoint to lower the increase. We, along with our neighboring towns, are working as hard as we can for you, on this deal.

There was no Old Business.

In New Business, Council passed a resolution to enter into a long term agreement with the Texas Department of Transportation for the continued use of a portion of the roadway providing access to the Bay Electric Helipad. The pad is on land donated by Bay Electric and is located at the League City Parkway/Calder exit from the Freeway. It's availability for use by Lifeflight has saved many lives, and we want to guarantee it's continuing to be there and accessible. Motion made by Councilman Barber, seconded by Councilperson Sanborn, passed 6-0.

An item proposed for the City to take over the maintenance and operation of 3 old streetlights in Masters Court in South Shore Harbour. Masters Court is still a private street, so it is not on the City system. We let the residents (HOA) know that we could vote to supply the electricity, but could not assume the expense for modernizing the fixtures. The motion was made by Council Person Sanborn, seconded by Councilman Baron, to go back to the drawing board to see if at least the City couldn't remove the three old fixtures if the HOA could pay for the new ones. We will be discussing this one again.

We had two requests by folks to drill their own water well, but Council voted 6-0 against both requests. There is an ordinance about allowable distance from existing City water.

Also in New Business, Council approved the proposal for, the Professional Services Agreement for, and funding for the Master Trails Plan with a company called Clark Condon, which also worked on the Dr. Ned and Fay Dudney Clear Creek Nature Park. Motion by Councilman Baron, seconded by Barber, passed 6-0.

Council also approved the funding for the Countryside-Magnolia Creek Trail system, which will complete the south end link of the trail system from Countryside Park to Magnolia Creek Development's trail system. It will be 2,700 feet of 6 foot wide concrete trails. Motion made by Councilman Paulissen, seconded by Councilman Phalen, and passed 6-0.

Director of Land Management, Allender placed an item on the agenda to approve an agreement with a company called Destination Development International, to complete a community assessment of League City in regards to the community's ability to function as a marketable tourism destination. The cost will be covered mostly with funds from Destination League City. Motion made by Councilman Phalen, seconded by Councilman Lee, passed 6-0.

To go along with the prior item, Councilman Lee placed an item to approve the creation of a Community Investment Committee intended to offer support for efforts to improve League City's role as a marketable tourist destination. This would be a 7-member Board. Motion made by Councilman Phalen, seconded by Councilman Lee, passed 6-0.

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned before 9 pm!

Don't forget, folks, that we are in a voluntary watering condition right now. If the usage goes up again, with lawn watering, etc., we will have to go back into Mandatory, and none of us want that!

Don't forget your sunscreen and be safe!

Toni Randall
Mayor
League City