Sunday, November 29, 2009
Blue Santa
The League City Police Department’s Blue Santa program has started. This program has provided many smiles on Christmas morning to those in need in our community. Add a little more cheer to a young one this Christmas season by helping out the Blue Santa program.
Friday, November 27, 2009
Traffic Trauma?
Does League City need a traffic light 800 feet away from the intersection of FM 2094 and Twin Oaks Boulevard? Read what Thayer Evans wrote and let us know what you think. If you are so inclined you may voice your opinion to our city administration by clicking here. Really want to understand the master plan? Then click here to use the resources that our city provides to keep us all up to date and informed on this issue.
Monday, November 23, 2009
On the Agenda for 12-8-09
From: Toni Randall
Sent: Sun 11/22/2009 4:20 PM
To: mallios@comcast.net
Subject: FW:
Chris
can you please put this on your blog, I would like for the citizens to be as informed as possible.
Thank You in advance
T
________________________________________
From: Rich Oller
Sent: Sun 11/22/2009 7:32 AM
To: Toni Randall
Subject:
Mayor I will be bringing before you and council On December 8, a request to approve 3 necessary and needed studies for the City these are:
Water Distribution Model- This model is compulation of lines sizes, storage tank & pump sizes and existing pressures that exist in the water distribution system collected and analyzed by computer simulations to accurately predict low pressure areas due to inadequate booster staion location and/or line sizes within the system. The model also will ascess fire flows in the system to show areas of low fire flow under varying conditions. The benefit to the City is this becomes an interactive model for us to use in mangaing our distribution system and providing the information needed on extensions of lines and additional storage requirements. It will also give us the ability to better predict water supply needs more accurately.
Sanitary Sewer System Model- This is same concept as the water system model and is a tool that collects existing data including all lift station pump and wet-well sizes and provides us with information on the pumping capacity of the lift stations, determines if lift stations are undersized or maxed out, line sizes and their capacity to add more connections, and will identify areas within the collection system that is contributing infiltration/inflow (I/I) into the system. This is groundwater or runoff water that is getting into the sewer system and we are transporting & treating it. This water does not need to be treated and is costing the city to do so.
Master Drainage Plan- This plan was last developed in 1990 and the plan develops improvements from a City wide view point and how best to manage the overall drainage. It is tied to the Regional Drainage Districts plan and with FEMA and the Corps of Engineers plans. This plan will allow the city to know what types of drinage routes need to be dedicated as the city further develops. It will also be interactive with all of our land use models and Regional Drainage Models.
All 3 of these models will give the City the necessary tools to better plan development and growth and providing the tools we need to better operate the systems in a cost-effective performance based approach. The information will allow staff to be proactive and not reactive to all of these infrastructure needs.
Sent: Sun 11/22/2009 4:20 PM
To: mallios@comcast.net
Subject: FW:
Chris
can you please put this on your blog, I would like for the citizens to be as informed as possible.
Thank You in advance
T
________________________________________
From: Rich Oller
Sent: Sun 11/22/2009 7:32 AM
To: Toni Randall
Subject:
Mayor I will be bringing before you and council On December 8, a request to approve 3 necessary and needed studies for the City these are:
Water Distribution Model- This model is compulation of lines sizes, storage tank & pump sizes and existing pressures that exist in the water distribution system collected and analyzed by computer simulations to accurately predict low pressure areas due to inadequate booster staion location and/or line sizes within the system. The model also will ascess fire flows in the system to show areas of low fire flow under varying conditions. The benefit to the City is this becomes an interactive model for us to use in mangaing our distribution system and providing the information needed on extensions of lines and additional storage requirements. It will also give us the ability to better predict water supply needs more accurately.
Sanitary Sewer System Model- This is same concept as the water system model and is a tool that collects existing data including all lift station pump and wet-well sizes and provides us with information on the pumping capacity of the lift stations, determines if lift stations are undersized or maxed out, line sizes and their capacity to add more connections, and will identify areas within the collection system that is contributing infiltration/inflow (I/I) into the system. This is groundwater or runoff water that is getting into the sewer system and we are transporting & treating it. This water does not need to be treated and is costing the city to do so.
Master Drainage Plan- This plan was last developed in 1990 and the plan develops improvements from a City wide view point and how best to manage the overall drainage. It is tied to the Regional Drainage Districts plan and with FEMA and the Corps of Engineers plans. This plan will allow the city to know what types of drinage routes need to be dedicated as the city further develops. It will also be interactive with all of our land use models and Regional Drainage Models.
All 3 of these models will give the City the necessary tools to better plan development and growth and providing the tools we need to better operate the systems in a cost-effective performance based approach. The information will allow staff to be proactive and not reactive to all of these infrastructure needs.
Friday, November 20, 2009
And then there was one
It looks like this blog is the only public forum for the citizens of League City to voice their opinions on. It is my understanding that the other blog has gone private because it could not conduct open discussion in a civil way. I have received a letter that, from what I understand, has been delivered to one of the contributors of the other blog. This may or may not have something to do with the drastic action taken by the other blog. You decide and tell us what you think.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Cars, Cameras, Collections and Credit.
Did you know that if you fail to pay the 75 dollar (Big brother is watching) ticket you could hurt your credit rating? According to the Houston Chronicle today (can’t find the article online, but I have it in print ) if you do not pay your big brother ticket it will be turned over to a credit agency for collection. So if you dispute that you ran a red light there is no court of law you can go to. In League City you are SOL (surely out of luck). Thoughts ??
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Who owns Palomino Road?
There appears to be some discussion about the ownership of the end of Palomino road. It is my understanding that a land owner is claiming the end of Palomino is a private drive. What I find interesting is that the city claims they do not know who owns the end of the street . From what I understand of our city history, at one time there was a bridge that crossed the creek (before the hurricane of 1943) at Palomino road. Sure doesn’t sound private to me. Then there is the traffic master plan in the early eighties that shows Palomino road as relief value for north south traffic. How could that be if it is a private street? Then when there was the big discussion about Clear Springs HS during which there was never any discussion about the end of Palomino being a private road. So when did this happen? There is nothing in the city records that indicate that the land or right of way was abandoned so “where’s the beef” (as Clara Peller would say) Only after the owner of the land that borders Clear Creek at the end of Palomino decided to use their property as a bed and breakfast did this claim come up by their neighbor. So what is this all about? The right of ways and the road on palomino, as well as other areas of the city, are assets and may be used for future improvements to enhance our city’s quality of life. Let’s do the legal research and find out the truth. Use our tax dollars for flooding problems not for fighting a claim in court.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Up and running
I understand that the water tank in Webster is now operational. Congrats are in order for taking action and getting to the bottom of the problem. It appears once the Mayor and Council know the problems, that have been hidden, or should I say “Dropped through the cracks”, from them, action and accountability takes over. That is a perfect example of a strong mayor form of government in action. Thoughts? Comments?
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Back again !!!
Goodness it looks like I took a month off in September !! (or the whole summer) Well now … How is everybody doing ?
The city seems to be getting better. I noticed the new web site and it looks great !
I notice CCISD has a committee or two open for the public. I notice that there are also some boards and commissions in our city that are up at the end of the year. So there seems to be a lot to get involved in.
Farmers Market… any thoughts on the subject? Is it going to be for local farmers to sell produce or will someone buy produce in Houston and drive it down to League City to sell?
What about our water tank situation. Now that the council has become aware of the problem what is the progress with that? I understand that the tests did not go as hoped and that the cost will be over half a million just to get it up and running.
Also one or two last thoughts… What about the regulation of golf carts? Mr. Edelman was at the council meeting asking for greater regulation do you think that the government needs to be involved in further regulation?
RED LIGHT cameras My goodness. Any thoughts on those lovely big brother is watching tools?
The city seems to be getting better. I noticed the new web site and it looks great !
I notice CCISD has a committee or two open for the public. I notice that there are also some boards and commissions in our city that are up at the end of the year. So there seems to be a lot to get involved in.
Farmers Market… any thoughts on the subject? Is it going to be for local farmers to sell produce or will someone buy produce in Houston and drive it down to League City to sell?
What about our water tank situation. Now that the council has become aware of the problem what is the progress with that? I understand that the tests did not go as hoped and that the cost will be over half a million just to get it up and running.
Also one or two last thoughts… What about the regulation of golf carts? Mr. Edelman was at the council meeting asking for greater regulation do you think that the government needs to be involved in further regulation?
RED LIGHT cameras My goodness. Any thoughts on those lovely big brother is watching tools?
Mobility Problems
League City Seeking Solutions to its Mobility Problems
League City is one of the most rapidly growing communities in the Houston-Galveston region. Unfortunately, growing pains have resulted in congestion and mobility problems for League City. As a first step toward finding solutions, the City has undertaken the development of a Master Mobility Plan. Public input is extremely important to the development of the plan because it is the residents of League City who use the City’s transportation network every day. Therefore, residents invited to attend the first of three Open Houses to discuss the City’s mobility issues. Meeting details are as follows:
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Johnnie Arolfo Civic Center
400 West Walker St.
League City, TX 77573
The Master Mobility Plan will address ways to improve citywide mobility across a broad spectrum of transportation modes including the roadway network, local transit, park and ride, commuter rail, hike and bike trails, marine transportation, and the pedestrian network. It will be the City’s first truly multi-modal transportation plan.
Unquestionably the predominant form of transportation in League City is the automobile and will continue to be. Thus, significant attention must be paid to improving traffic flow. However, the Master Mobility Plan will pay equal attention to establishing a more balanced range of mobility options.
A needs assessment is currently being conducted for the various transportation modes. Two modeling tools looking at land use scenarios and future traffic congestion will also play a big role. This information, along with public input, will be used to develop the Plan’s multi-modal mobility recommendations. The Plan will also include funding and implementation recommendations meant to guide the City as it continues to grow.
A website will be online by early October where residents can find out about the mobility planning process, access materials to be presented at the Open Houses, fill out an online survey, and offer other comments. The website address will be www.LeagueCityMobility.com.
We want to know what you think! Please join us at the Open House!
League City is one of the most rapidly growing communities in the Houston-Galveston region. Unfortunately, growing pains have resulted in congestion and mobility problems for League City. As a first step toward finding solutions, the City has undertaken the development of a Master Mobility Plan. Public input is extremely important to the development of the plan because it is the residents of League City who use the City’s transportation network every day. Therefore, residents invited to attend the first of three Open Houses to discuss the City’s mobility issues. Meeting details are as follows:
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Johnnie Arolfo Civic Center
400 West Walker St.
League City, TX 77573
The Master Mobility Plan will address ways to improve citywide mobility across a broad spectrum of transportation modes including the roadway network, local transit, park and ride, commuter rail, hike and bike trails, marine transportation, and the pedestrian network. It will be the City’s first truly multi-modal transportation plan.
Unquestionably the predominant form of transportation in League City is the automobile and will continue to be. Thus, significant attention must be paid to improving traffic flow. However, the Master Mobility Plan will pay equal attention to establishing a more balanced range of mobility options.
A needs assessment is currently being conducted for the various transportation modes. Two modeling tools looking at land use scenarios and future traffic congestion will also play a big role. This information, along with public input, will be used to develop the Plan’s multi-modal mobility recommendations. The Plan will also include funding and implementation recommendations meant to guide the City as it continues to grow.
A website will be online by early October where residents can find out about the mobility planning process, access materials to be presented at the Open Houses, fill out an online survey, and offer other comments. The website address will be www.LeagueCityMobility.com.
We want to know what you think! Please join us at the Open House!
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Mayors Report, August 25, 2009
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
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