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
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Mayor's Report, August 11, 2009
Hi everyone!
I'm just back from vacation, rejuvenated and ready to forge ahead, in meeting and solving our problems. Being able to pause for reflection is a very healthy and refreshing thing, and I hope you all had time for that this summer.
The meeting opened at 6 pm, with all Council members present except Mr. Nelson. Senior Pastor Edwin L. Bamberg of Spirit and Truth Family Worship Center gave the invocation.
I was proud to present a proclamation recognizing the Texas Court Reporters Association, who will be having their Board of Directors Retreat at South Shore Harbour Resort August 14-16th. Thanks to Councilman Baron for putting this item on the agenda.
The NASA Go Texan Committee made a presentation, requesting that we renew our Ranch Hand level of sponsorship for the Rodeo in 2010. Our sponsorship helps provide for scholarships for CCISD and Friendswood High School students.
There were no Public Hearings. The Item about the Bed-and-Breakfast request for Palomino Road was pulled and will be rescheduled.
Citizens Request for Hearing Before City Council. Four citizens spoke to Council about flooding-related items, in various parts of town.
Councilwoman Sanborn told of a new state law against the operation of cell phones in school zones, so everyone please be careful!
Councilman Paulissen announced that the Calder Road change-over had been rescheduled by TXDot, in favor of being clear for the last week of summer shopping in Galveston. Originally scheduled for the weekend of August 15-16, it was rescheduled for the weekend close to September 13. It has now been rescheduled again and is now officially scheduled for the weekend of August 28th. Councilman Paulissen was helpful in getting it moved back to August, as he initiated an email campaign and contacted TXDot to complain to them about it being moved back to September.
City Engineer Jack Murphy showed his new Flooding Update Report. The report is quite comprehensive, covering all the flood districts in the City. Council persons were able to ask Mr. Murphy very specific questions about your part of town, which allows you to see theto answers in detail on Channel 16. You should be able to find his report on the City website, or you may submit a request for public information to get a copy. Your request should be emailed Diana Stapp at DStapp@leaguecity.com.
Thanks,
Jack.
In New Business, we voted to revise a 1987 water supply agreement with the Galveston County Water Control and Improvement District. setting the price of an emergency water supply at a maximum of $1.50 a gallon. We hope we never have to use this!
Council okayed funds to pay a company called CDM for their assessment work on the water plant on Highway 3 in Webster. Staff has drained and sanitized the tank, which contained one million gallons of water that had been stored there for four years, and are in the process of pumping water from under the tank with sump pumps. CDM will be testing the whole electrical system soon. We don't know yet what the complete price will be to repair the pump station; we hope to know by the end of next week. I am getting updates regularly and this is my first priority. On completion of CDM's work, the City will be be looking for a firm to assess our whole water system.
Council was notified by Director of Land Management Allender that there will be co-operative discussions between League City, Friendswood, and Webster, regarding the area where the three communities have mutual interests north of Clear Creek and west of I-45. This includes Clear Creek Shores and others on the Harris County side of League City. Council unanimously approved this activities, as those residents have often felt like orphans in the past.
After Executive Session, when Council reconvened, Councilman Phalen motioned that a Mediation Team, representing the City, be appointed to begin meetings with the citizens of Glen Cove to find a solution for the on-going bridge issue. The committee will be made up of City Attorney Polanco, Councilman Paulissen, City Administrator Jahns, and Director of Land Management Allender. Seconded by Councilman Baron, vote 6-0. At this time, there is already one lawsuit about the Bridge, and another threatened by the Glen Cove HOA.
Well, tweak the last few days before school starts, and please watch for CHILDREN and NO CELLPHONES IN SCHOOL ZONES!
Give a wave to all the City employees who are working hard to make our City a great place to live!!
Toni Randall
Mayor
League City
I'm just back from vacation, rejuvenated and ready to forge ahead, in meeting and solving our problems. Being able to pause for reflection is a very healthy and refreshing thing, and I hope you all had time for that this summer.
The meeting opened at 6 pm, with all Council members present except Mr. Nelson. Senior Pastor Edwin L. Bamberg of Spirit and Truth Family Worship Center gave the invocation.
I was proud to present a proclamation recognizing the Texas Court Reporters Association, who will be having their Board of Directors Retreat at South Shore Harbour Resort August 14-16th. Thanks to Councilman Baron for putting this item on the agenda.
The NASA Go Texan Committee made a presentation, requesting that we renew our Ranch Hand level of sponsorship for the Rodeo in 2010. Our sponsorship helps provide for scholarships for CCISD and Friendswood High School students.
There were no Public Hearings. The Item about the Bed-and-Breakfast request for Palomino Road was pulled and will be rescheduled.
Citizens Request for Hearing Before City Council. Four citizens spoke to Council about flooding-related items, in various parts of town.
Councilwoman Sanborn told of a new state law against the operation of cell phones in school zones, so everyone please be careful!
Councilman Paulissen announced that the Calder Road change-over had been rescheduled by TXDot, in favor of being clear for the last week of summer shopping in Galveston. Originally scheduled for the weekend of August 15-16, it was rescheduled for the weekend close to September 13. It has now been rescheduled again and is now officially scheduled for the weekend of August 28th. Councilman Paulissen was helpful in getting it moved back to August, as he initiated an email campaign and contacted TXDot to complain to them about it being moved back to September.
City Engineer Jack Murphy showed his new Flooding Update Report. The report is quite comprehensive, covering all the flood districts in the City. Council persons were able to ask Mr. Murphy very specific questions about your part of town, which allows you to see theto answers in detail on Channel 16. You should be able to find his report on the City website, or you may submit a request for public information to get a copy. Your request should be emailed Diana Stapp at DStapp@leaguecity.com.
Thanks,
Jack.
In New Business, we voted to revise a 1987 water supply agreement with the Galveston County Water Control and Improvement District. setting the price of an emergency water supply at a maximum of $1.50 a gallon. We hope we never have to use this!
Council okayed funds to pay a company called CDM for their assessment work on the water plant on Highway 3 in Webster. Staff has drained and sanitized the tank, which contained one million gallons of water that had been stored there for four years, and are in the process of pumping water from under the tank with sump pumps. CDM will be testing the whole electrical system soon. We don't know yet what the complete price will be to repair the pump station; we hope to know by the end of next week. I am getting updates regularly and this is my first priority. On completion of CDM's work, the City will be be looking for a firm to assess our whole water system.
Council was notified by Director of Land Management Allender that there will be co-operative discussions between League City, Friendswood, and Webster, regarding the area where the three communities have mutual interests north of Clear Creek and west of I-45. This includes Clear Creek Shores and others on the Harris County side of League City. Council unanimously approved this activities, as those residents have often felt like orphans in the past.
After Executive Session, when Council reconvened, Councilman Phalen motioned that a Mediation Team, representing the City, be appointed to begin meetings with the citizens of Glen Cove to find a solution for the on-going bridge issue. The committee will be made up of City Attorney Polanco, Councilman Paulissen, City Administrator Jahns, and Director of Land Management Allender. Seconded by Councilman Baron, vote 6-0. At this time, there is already one lawsuit about the Bridge, and another threatened by the Glen Cove HOA.
Well, tweak the last few days before school starts, and please watch for CHILDREN and NO CELLPHONES IN SCHOOL ZONES!
Give a wave to all the City employees who are working hard to make our City a great place to live!!
Toni Randall
Mayor
League City
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Marc Edelman's Latest Distortions of Reality
Marc, your disingenuous and misleading post on your alternative blog was brought to my attention this morning. (I will not dignify your trash talking tabloid with a link.) You are obviously baiting us for information with your exaggeration and hyperbole. There have been no secret meetings that I am aware of. On the other hand you appear to be trying to plant these rumors at the bidding of certain parties who are desperate to head off any attempt by the city to right its past wrongs in the Glen Cove fiasco.
Now, for the facts. In the first place, it is not rumor or allegation that we (Glen Cove residents) want the city to rebuild the bridge as originally promised to us by the city. That is a statement of fact and a matter of public record as can be seen in the demands of our lawsuit (See item 24 here.). Second, it is misleading to say that the bridge was removed to facilitate navigation. You are as aware as anyone that there was no navigable waterway above the dam until after the bridge and dam were removed. This NEW navigable waterway above the dam was artificially dug and access to the small area between the bridge and dam became possible for anything larger than a canoe for the first time in a century only after removal of the decades old bridge. It was not until after the city's illegal and secretive breaking of its promise to repair the old bridge that construction began on this new, artificial waterway that you speak of. Third, your estimates on bridge reconstruction are deliberately exaggerated. At least one disinterested third party has obtained preliminary estimates for bridge reconstruction that are well under one tenth the estimates you conjured up. Such plans will satisfy us. If a more elaborate bridge is desired by some party, then the additional costs should logically and fairly be the responsibility of those parties with an interest in creating the above mentioned artificial waterway.
Once again I ask the question, why did the city engage in a deceptive process to remove a long standing bridge without mitigation, compensation, or even notice to the affected residents and without commensurate compensation to the city as a whole when said process resulted in millions of dollars worth of private benefit?
As a side question, why do you, Marc, feel the need to continuously attack and defame the interests and rights of private citizens who have done nothing other than complain about the city's illegal and immoral taking of their rights and property in an issue that has nothing to do with you? Do you just generally like to support abusive government policy, or do you have some hidden ulterior motive?
I will not be dignifying your hit piece by joining the discussion on your alternative blog, but congratulations to Paul Morrato for being the only poster there able to maintain focus on logic and facts.
(Photograph shows destruction of the Seminole bridge in Glen Cove that commenced on a Friday afternoon after city and county offices were closed such that Glen Cove residents could not request a halt. This was done shortly after ex-mayor Shults promised the residents in response to questions about rumored destruction that such was not imminent and after the city promised to give the residents advance notice if such destruction did become imminent. Note height of bridge above the water.)
Jeff Hagen
Saturday, August 1, 2009
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
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
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Mayors Report, July 14, 2009
Hi everyone,
My first year has been very interesting, to say the least: from a hurricane (Ike) in Sept 08, to snow in December 08, to flood in April 09, to drought in July 09, not to mention the economic crisis our whole country is experiencing. It seems there are new surprises every week!
The good part is that there are some great folks in League City, doing great things-things to be very proud of! As I practice my mantra of "Keep your eye on the ball, " I am ever reminded that you are the "ball;" it is you that we are working for--to provide you with the solid foundation (good infrastructure, good water system, good road system) from which you can do your great things and make all of us proud.
Our invocation was given by Pastor Daniel Diaz de Leon Sr. of Faith Assembly of God, with all Council persons in attendance except Jim Nelson.
It was my pleasure to recognize the American Legion Post #554 Baseball Team who will be participating in the American Legion All State Baseball Tournament coming up. These young folks are some of the great folks I mentioned above! My thanks to Councilman Baron for bringing the team to our attention and making sure that we recognized them.
Fifteen citizens spoke in Citizens Request for Hearing, about various subjects: for the dog park, against the dog park, the proposed Palomino Road Bridge, and drainage issues. One citizen brought pictures to show the progress being done on Benson Gully which should help that area tremendouusly. He paid kudos to the city crews who worked so hard to clear the debris and brush.
Because of the number of folks in the audience about the Dog Park, Items 15. A & B were moved up. Councilman Paulissen made a motion not to fund the Dog Park, which was seconded by Councilman Phalen. After some discussion about our attention needing to be focused on infrastructure, water, and other urgencies, a vote was taken, with the count being 4-2. Sanborn and Baron voted yes.
Item 15.B was a request to allow me to enter into a contract with a professional engineering firm to determine the current operating condition and needed improvements to the League City Water Plant on Hwy 3 in Webster. Paul Lopez, a Supervisor in our Water Production Department spoke, telling us that the City had purchased the land on the corner of Hwy 3 and Magnolia in 2000 for $175,000, and the structures on the property were included by the Gulf Coast Waste Authority. Paul said that the City did some design work on the structure to bring it online with our water system. The Water Production Department has tried numerous times to start the system; however it failed each time. To date, we have spent more than a million dollars on the Plant, and have achieved nothing!
For all of you citizens, this is what I have been told by a group of our own Water Production employees, who requested to see me about the Plant. I arranged a meeting with them on July 9th, at 10 am. After that meeting, I immediately scheduled a bigger meeting at 3:30 which included 3 Water Supervisors, our acting City Administrator Mr. Jahns, City Attorney Arnold Polanco, Chief Jez, and Mayor Pro Paulissen to sit in with us. The consensus was that it is imperative that we should hire an engineering firm quickly to address this plant. This is a five year old problem that has just come out, being necessitated by the drought conditions and our use of water. Thanks to our hardworking employees, we now know about the situation and must take IMMEDIATE action to fix it. Thankfully, this is exactly what the supplemental Agenda is for, and we added this matter to it. Council was shocked that they had not known about this situation before.
I will be sending out an update with regards to where swe are with the Webster water production plant as I receive the information. Thanks to our Water Production personnel for bringing the situation to my attention!
Paul Lopez said that his employees have worked 271 overtime hours in the last two weeks, and that our water system would get some relief if this Plant could become functional ASAP! Motion to approve was made by Councilman Paulissen, seconded by Councilperson Sanborn, and passed 6-0. I have instructed our City Engineer Jack Murphy to get an engineer out THIS week.
In the Mayor's comments, I welcomed our new Interim Administrator, Marcus Jahns, and announced that he will begin a search for an Interim Public Works Director.
In Old Business, Council voted 6-0 to approve a resolution authorizing publication of Notice of Intention to issue Certificates of Obligation for the 518 Bypass. Motion was made by Paulissen, seconded by Councilman Phalen. This is the beginning of the Bypass, everyone! Engineer Murphy said, in response to a question, that the bridge over Robinsons Gully will have 16 feet mean tide clearance.
Director of General Services, Travis Doughty, asked Council to make a commitment that the City would provide a land site for a Regional Household Hazardous Waste Collection Site. He is preparing an application for a $600,000 grant from Houston Galveston Area Council. the motion to make this commitment was made by Councilperson Sanborn, seconded by Councilman Barber, and passed 6-0.
It has been proposed that we create a Comprehensive Plan Task Force to plan a revision of our Comprehensive Plan. Although several Councilmen said that they didn't think we were quite ready to bring in a consultant yet, nevertheless the vote to create the committee was 6-0. Motion by Councilman Baron, second by Councilman Lee.
The only item that came from Executive Session was that the Council instructed City Attorney Arnold Polanco to have a meeting with Scott Freudenburg, President of the Glen Cove HOA, regarding Cypress Bay issues.
Thank you to the folks who came to the meeting--it's always good to see you out there.
Just remember, as we continue to discover things that have been done in past administrations, that you elected me to change the way the City was going, and I am working on that EVERY day.
Thank you for your wonderful support! Do a raindance for a nice steady rain!
Toni Randall
Mayor
League City
My first year has been very interesting, to say the least: from a hurricane (Ike) in Sept 08, to snow in December 08, to flood in April 09, to drought in July 09, not to mention the economic crisis our whole country is experiencing. It seems there are new surprises every week!
The good part is that there are some great folks in League City, doing great things-things to be very proud of! As I practice my mantra of "Keep your eye on the ball, " I am ever reminded that you are the "ball;" it is you that we are working for--to provide you with the solid foundation (good infrastructure, good water system, good road system) from which you can do your great things and make all of us proud.
Our invocation was given by Pastor Daniel Diaz de Leon Sr. of Faith Assembly of God, with all Council persons in attendance except Jim Nelson.
It was my pleasure to recognize the American Legion Post #554 Baseball Team who will be participating in the American Legion All State Baseball Tournament coming up. These young folks are some of the great folks I mentioned above! My thanks to Councilman Baron for bringing the team to our attention and making sure that we recognized them.
Fifteen citizens spoke in Citizens Request for Hearing, about various subjects: for the dog park, against the dog park, the proposed Palomino Road Bridge, and drainage issues. One citizen brought pictures to show the progress being done on Benson Gully which should help that area tremendouusly. He paid kudos to the city crews who worked so hard to clear the debris and brush.
Because of the number of folks in the audience about the Dog Park, Items 15. A & B were moved up. Councilman Paulissen made a motion not to fund the Dog Park, which was seconded by Councilman Phalen. After some discussion about our attention needing to be focused on infrastructure, water, and other urgencies, a vote was taken, with the count being 4-2. Sanborn and Baron voted yes.
Item 15.B was a request to allow me to enter into a contract with a professional engineering firm to determine the current operating condition and needed improvements to the League City Water Plant on Hwy 3 in Webster. Paul Lopez, a Supervisor in our Water Production Department spoke, telling us that the City had purchased the land on the corner of Hwy 3 and Magnolia in 2000 for $175,000, and the structures on the property were included by the Gulf Coast Waste Authority. Paul said that the City did some design work on the structure to bring it online with our water system. The Water Production Department has tried numerous times to start the system; however it failed each time. To date, we have spent more than a million dollars on the Plant, and have achieved nothing!
For all of you citizens, this is what I have been told by a group of our own Water Production employees, who requested to see me about the Plant. I arranged a meeting with them on July 9th, at 10 am. After that meeting, I immediately scheduled a bigger meeting at 3:30 which included 3 Water Supervisors, our acting City Administrator Mr. Jahns, City Attorney Arnold Polanco, Chief Jez, and Mayor Pro Paulissen to sit in with us. The consensus was that it is imperative that we should hire an engineering firm quickly to address this plant. This is a five year old problem that has just come out, being necessitated by the drought conditions and our use of water. Thanks to our hardworking employees, we now know about the situation and must take IMMEDIATE action to fix it. Thankfully, this is exactly what the supplemental Agenda is for, and we added this matter to it. Council was shocked that they had not known about this situation before.
I will be sending out an update with regards to where swe are with the Webster water production plant as I receive the information. Thanks to our Water Production personnel for bringing the situation to my attention!
Paul Lopez said that his employees have worked 271 overtime hours in the last two weeks, and that our water system would get some relief if this Plant could become functional ASAP! Motion to approve was made by Councilman Paulissen, seconded by Councilperson Sanborn, and passed 6-0. I have instructed our City Engineer Jack Murphy to get an engineer out THIS week.
In the Mayor's comments, I welcomed our new Interim Administrator, Marcus Jahns, and announced that he will begin a search for an Interim Public Works Director.
In Old Business, Council voted 6-0 to approve a resolution authorizing publication of Notice of Intention to issue Certificates of Obligation for the 518 Bypass. Motion was made by Paulissen, seconded by Councilman Phalen. This is the beginning of the Bypass, everyone! Engineer Murphy said, in response to a question, that the bridge over Robinsons Gully will have 16 feet mean tide clearance.
Director of General Services, Travis Doughty, asked Council to make a commitment that the City would provide a land site for a Regional Household Hazardous Waste Collection Site. He is preparing an application for a $600,000 grant from Houston Galveston Area Council. the motion to make this commitment was made by Councilperson Sanborn, seconded by Councilman Barber, and passed 6-0.
It has been proposed that we create a Comprehensive Plan Task Force to plan a revision of our Comprehensive Plan. Although several Councilmen said that they didn't think we were quite ready to bring in a consultant yet, nevertheless the vote to create the committee was 6-0. Motion by Councilman Baron, second by Councilman Lee.
The only item that came from Executive Session was that the Council instructed City Attorney Arnold Polanco to have a meeting with Scott Freudenburg, President of the Glen Cove HOA, regarding Cypress Bay issues.
Thank you to the folks who came to the meeting--it's always good to see you out there.
Just remember, as we continue to discover things that have been done in past administrations, that you elected me to change the way the City was going, and I am working on that EVERY day.
Thank you for your wonderful support! Do a raindance for a nice steady rain!
Toni Randall
Mayor
League City
Friday, July 17, 2009
Shades of Watergate
It appears that the tapes for the past park board meeting have disappeared. How coincidental that such a thing should occur. So that you know this is not a “grassy knoll” statement I have included the actual response to the freedom of information act requesting a copy of the tapes. The person who usually takes care of these matters and has done a great job in doing so over the many years should not be blamed for this situation. It appears that someone, who may have made some remarks during the meeting, did not want the public to know what was said and could have intentionally removed the two tapes in question. Hmmmm I wonder who that could have been?
From: "Diana Stapp"
Date: Wed, 15 Jul 2009 11:39:28 -0500
Subject: Application for Public Information #09-274
Dear Requestor:
The City of League City has received your Application for Public Information regarding “audio copy of the Parks Board meeting held on July 8, 2009” (#09-274)
The City has processed your request through the Parks Department. They advised they are unable to locate Tape 1 and 2 of the meeting. They were able to locate Tape 3 which was found still in the recorder. Do you want a copy of Tape 3? The recording was done on a microcassette recorder and the only available duplication is to play in real time onto a regular size cassette recorder. Let me know if you will want a copy of the one tape.
Please feel free to contact me if you should have any questions.
Diana Stapp, Records Supervisor
City Secretary's Office
281-554-1034
281-554-1035 (fax)
City of League City, 300 West Walker, League City, Texas 77573
From: "Diana Stapp"
Date: Wed, 15 Jul 2009 11:39:28 -0500
Subject: Application for Public Information #09-274
Dear Requestor:
The City of League City has received your Application for Public Information regarding “audio copy of the Parks Board meeting held on July 8, 2009” (#09-274)
The City has processed your request through the Parks Department. They advised they are unable to locate Tape 1 and 2 of the meeting. They were able to locate Tape 3 which was found still in the recorder. Do you want a copy of Tape 3? The recording was done on a microcassette recorder and the only available duplication is to play in real time onto a regular size cassette recorder. Let me know if you will want a copy of the one tape.
Please feel free to contact me if you should have any questions.
Diana Stapp, Records Supervisor
City Secretary's Office
281-554-1034
281-554-1035 (fax)
City of League City, 300 West Walker, League City, Texas 77573
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Councilman Baron Barks
During last night's council meeting Neil Baron made a number of interesting comments during the dog park debate.
He proclaimed:
"The hundreds of petition signers I got"
I am hopeful someone will post a text of Baron's most memorable "dog park" comments.
Nonetheless, I applaud the citizens that spoke on both sides of the issue. In some cases the fuzzy logic was most entertaining. A gentleman spoke connecting the need for a dog park, pet waste, and Clear Lake clean water issues. I am glad someone else cares about Clear Lake water quality.
Does anyone else find it odd that a councilman would be a leader of a special interest group and use his elected position to advocate the group's special-use park?
Some have raised the question of a possible ethics issue. What do you think?
ps.
I did hear a good idea. A private organization could lease city land (or get private land donation) and operate the dog park by volunteer activities and donations. Why not?
He proclaimed:
"The hundreds of petition signers I got"
I am hopeful someone will post a text of Baron's most memorable "dog park" comments.
Nonetheless, I applaud the citizens that spoke on both sides of the issue. In some cases the fuzzy logic was most entertaining. A gentleman spoke connecting the need for a dog park, pet waste, and Clear Lake clean water issues. I am glad someone else cares about Clear Lake water quality.
Does anyone else find it odd that a councilman would be a leader of a special interest group and use his elected position to advocate the group's special-use park?
Some have raised the question of a possible ethics issue. What do you think?
ps.
I did hear a good idea. A private organization could lease city land (or get private land donation) and operate the dog park by volunteer activities and donations. Why not?
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
The Jez Factor
Today’s Galveston County Daily news states “Jez has been fielding questions about the water supply because the city does not have a permanent city administrator, public works director or water superintendent.” It is now becoming apparent why the public works director took a job out of the country. But why is it that “The city could not immediately provide information late Monday about when it purchased the plant or how much has been spent trying to repair it.” Could it be that Mr. Jez forced the water superintendant, who has been with the city 25 years, to retire? Have we lost another long time city employee to the politics at city hall? Is it true that this employee had recommended voluntary water rationing weeks before the actual start date but was ignored because some in the administration were too busy planning Chris Reed’s going away party and the city employee’s party? So who pays for the problem? You got it …the Taxpayer.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Low pressure or no pressure?
Are you experiencing low pressure or no pressure from the water system? I’m not talking about water breaks, (3 in Newport in the past 6 days) which have been taken care of very quickly; I would like to know if you are having low pressure problems. I have received several emails regarding this problem and I am interested to know if this is an isolated incident or not. Tell me what you are experiencing.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Dog Daze
Directed by the president of the League city dog park association, city council member and council liaison to the parks board, the parks board voted to send a request for funding of a city dog park to our council. Ignoring a parks survey done by the city to set priorities as well as ignoring a phone survey taken only a few days ago that stated that out of 4873 Phone calls made to residence of Leaguer city, 1751 we hang up, 83 were wrong numbers or fax machines and only 201 voted for the park while 2778 voted against the park, the parks board rubberstamped the request. The total amount is not known but I have a spread sheet that says the total cost of phase 1 and 2 will be 377,000 dollars.
It is a disappointment that Council member Baron, who is the president of the League city dog park association, city council member and council liaison to the parks board, has made this a political pet pork barrel project for the chosen few that we must all pay for. Ethically, he should not be involved in this project as he is the president of the dog park association and his organization will directly benefit from it. All that talk about ethics during the campaign and all the citizens get is another special interest project.
It is a disappointment that Council member Baron, who is the president of the League city dog park association, city council member and council liaison to the parks board, has made this a political pet pork barrel project for the chosen few that we must all pay for. Ethically, he should not be involved in this project as he is the president of the dog park association and his organization will directly benefit from it. All that talk about ethics during the campaign and all the citizens get is another special interest project.