Hi Everyone,
The meeting was called to order with a large audience, which I appreciate, and all Council folks present except Mr. Nelson.
Pastor Jerry Hatfield of Turning Point Church gave the invocation. Thank you, Pastor.
It was a real pleasure to present a Proclamation to Mr. Dick Benoit for his service to our community since he retired and moved here 15 years ago. Council recently, on the Parks Board recommendation, renamed the League City Prairie Preserve by adding "Dick Benoit" to the official name. Dick has, as a Certified Master Naturalist, worked on a team to create an awareness of, and need to preserve, the native Texas prairie specimen we have right here in League City! Thank you, Mr. Benoit.
The Transportation and Mobility Task Force of the League City Chamber of Commerce presented their 2009 mid-year recommendations. Chairman Jerry Graham made the report, which included the recommendation of a rail depot on Hiway 3 between 96 and 646 for the planned Commuter Rail between Houston and Galveston. They discussed the need for sidewalks and sidewalk repair on Main Street, and the planned raised median project for 2010 by TXDot for Hwy 518 from I45 on into Friendswood and ending at FM 2351. They also mentioned something called the ITS System (Intelligent Traffic System) which we will hear more about in their next report. The committee of Graham, Bob Douglas, Dale Hardy, Rick Wade, and John Towner has done some good work, and we appreciate their input.
Council approved the Budget for the Fiscal Year 2009-2010 Destination League City Convention and Visitors Bureau budget. This past fiscal year produced $286,600 in Hotel Tax Revenue, which is down by 11-12%. We are hopeful for a 1% increase for next year.
In Citizens Request for Hearing Before City Council four citizens came before us: one protesting the County's proposed 6-cent property tax increase to support indigent care at UTMB; one protesting the daytime curfew for kids and how this relates to home-schooled children; the proposed city solutions for flooding in Clear Creek Village; and finally a thanks from the Landing HOA for the repairs made to Landing Blvd.
A reminder that starting Friday @ 5pm and extending to Sunday @7pm, Hwy 96 will be closed from I45 and Walker for the 96 overpass removal on I45. Please plan to avoid the area if possible, as traffic will be all snarled up!
The Library will be closed over the Labor Day weekend, and it will not be possible to renew books either online or by phone, due to the installation of new software upgrade.
There will be an organizational meeting for the Farmers Market on September 23 at 6pm at Butlers Courtyard, and everyone is invited.
Council voted on the creation of two new entities: the League City Improvement District and the Community Investment Committee, both of with are relative to the improvement of the Main Street Corridor. We are now ready to start moving forward on these ideas.
Council accepted a bequest from the Estate of James A. Martin, Jr. of the proceeds from the sale of real property. Mr. Martin's will specified that his home be sold and the proceeds be put into a special trust for the League City Animal Shelter. We are grateful for Mr. Martin's kind heart and generosity.
A report was made on the status of the SHway 3 Water Pumping Station by Jeff Peter, an engineer with CDM company. Mr. Peter requested $33,000 for variable speed controllers, etc., which will bring the station operable. Motion by Councilman Paulissen, second by Councilman Baron, passed 6-0. This vote will make it possible for CDM to start the plant and see how it will be integrated into our water system. CDM is making recommendations for a water model study to be conducted, which will help plan how future development will impact our city, waterwise.
Council held a discussion about school zone speeds at the new Ralph Parr Elementary and Education Village. The flashing red light will be installed on Hway 96 to announce the School Zone, and penalties or fines may not exceed $500.00. So please be careful, folks.
After going through the process of finding a City Attorney, staff recommended to staff that Ross, Banks be hired. This was unanimously approved by Council, which means that Mr. Polanco will continue as our City Attorney.
On a personal note, I just want to say how pleased I was to present the Proclamation to Dick Benoit. When I first started running for Mayor and was riding my moped talking to folks, I found a friendly fellow walking down the street in the older part of town. After we talked about the state of the City and just general chatting, he said "Oh, by the way, Katie Benoit (former Councilwoman) is my daughter!" After he retired from 30 years as a science teacher in Michigan and moved to League City, he has been successful in recruiting several of his adult children and their families to move here as well. Nice to know Dick and the Benoits!
Speaking of School Zones, don't forget that you may not use your cellphones as you pass through--watch for the signs!
Don't forget we can use your brain and your service on one of the City Boards or Commisions. Fall is the time for getting your application in, and this can be done online. Selections will be made in December.
Toni Randall,
Mayor
League City
