CITY MANAGER'S UPDATE - City of League City
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CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE
JANUARY 21, 2022
Plein Air Paint Out
League City will be hosting an outdoor painting event on January 21 and 22.
See page 1
Citizens Police Academy accepting applications
Police See page 5
City Manager
John Baumgartner
New Year, New You weekend activities
The City Manager’s Update Events
See page 1
is a weekly newsletter that
provides information about
ongoing projects, events, and Public workshops on Jan. 24 and 25
Council
initiatives across League City. See page 2
Community Public Works Events
Miss League City Weather Preparedness Clear Creek Cleanup
First Miss League City USA visits Crews install new salt spreader Sign up to volunteer at this one-day
City Hall See page 8 event
See page 2 See page 3
PAGE 1 | City Manager’s Update JANUARY 21 | 2022
Plein Air Paint Out
This weekend, on January 21-22, League City will be
hosting the Outdoor Painters Society and the Bay Area
Painting Society for a “Plein Air Paint Out.” The French term
means “out of doors” and refers to the practice of painting
an entire finished picture outside. Plein Air painters from
throughout the state will gather in League Park, as well
as many other inspiring locations around League City.
Residents are invited to join in and paint or observe painters
at League Park on Saturday, January 22 from 10 a.m. to 4
p.m. Completed art pieces will be available to purchase
from 2 to 4 p.m. Organizers are also inviting Clear Creek ISD teachers and students to participate. League City staff will
be at League Park to hand out maps of paintable locations within the Historic District along with a swag bag.
Happening This Week: New Year, New You Activities
League City is continuing to offer a variety of FREE activities and classes during the month of January for residents of
all ages to explore. This weekend, you can choose from four different classes available for all ages. There’s no need
to register, just show up to the events you’re interested in. Class locations are subject to change based on weather
conditions. Check leaguecity.com/newyou and the City’s Facebook page for the latest information.
Saturday, January 22
Herb Gardening 101: Learn about the basics of herbs and
tending to an herb garden with our City arborist.
9 to 10 a.m.| Hometown Heroes, 1001 E. League City
Pkwy.
Reducing Stress Through Meditation: Let the stress melt
away with a meaningful meditation session that you can
apply at home. | 9 to 10 a.m. | Heritage Park, 1220
Coryell St.
Trivia Night and Beer: (Registration required) Join us for a
trivia night, dinner, and two complimentary beers. Registration for teams and individuals will open on Jan. 15. Ages 21+
6 to 8 p.m. | Helen Hall Library, 100 W. Walker St.
Intro to Tennis: All levels welcome, prior experience not required. Ages 5-14. | 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. | Rustic Oaks Park,
5101 Orange Blossom Ct.
Sunday, January 23
Sewing Basics Class: If you're interested in learning the basics of sewing, this is the time and place for you!
2 p.m. | Helen Hall Library, 100 W. Waker St.
Pollinator Gardens and Bees: Learn how to plan a pollinator friendly garden to create a beneficial habitat for bees.
2 to 4 p.m. | Hometown Heroes, 1001 E. League City Pkwy.
PAGE 2 | City Manager’s Update JANUARY 21 | 2022
Council Workshops and Meeting
The League City Council will hold two workshops and their regularly
scheduled bi-monthly Council meeting during the week of January
24. On Monday, January 24 councilmembers will host a workshop
at 6 p.m. to receive and discuss the latest presentation regarding
the proposed Bay Colony Park Project. The workshop is open to
the public and citizen comments will be allowed at the end. The
workshop will also be broadcast live on Comcast channel 16, the
City’s Facebook page, and on the City’s website at this link. On
Tuesday, January 25 the League City Council will host a 5 p.m.
workshop to receive and discuss a staff presentation regarding
updated City building codes and fees, followed by the Council's
regularly scheduled bi-monthly meeting at 6 p.m. Both the workshop
and council meeting are open to the public and will broadcast live on Comcast channel 16, the City’s Facebook page,
and the City’s website at this link. To see the meeting’s full agenda visit https://leaguecity.legistar.com/calendar.aspx. All
League City Council meetings and workshops are held in Council Chambers located at 200 West Walker Street.
Miss League City USA 2022 to compete in Miss Texas Pageant
This week, the first ever Miss League City USA, Destiny
Fernandisse, visited City Hall to officially announce her
new title. Destiny will be representing League City and
participating in the Miss Texas USA pageant in July. She
is a full-time marketing manager, web designer, writer,
model, and mentor with the Houston Angels. She was
raised in League City and graduated from Clear Springs
High School in 2013. She recently created a small charity
in her grandmother's memory, which provides 'comfort
kits' for women undergoing treatment for breast cancer.
The City will be collaborating with Destiny to promote
upcoming events, including the first Miss League City
pageant that will take place in 2023. Stay tuned!
PAGE 3 | City Manager’s Update JANUARY 21 | 2022 Community Surveys We need your input! The City of League City has created two public surveys relating to the Community Development Block Grant program and fair housing in League City. We want to hear from as many residents, business owners, service agencies, foundations, banks, and other stakeholders as possible about your perceptions of the City's needs, goals, strategies, and resources for the use of CDBG funds. We also want to hear from you about your experiences in trying to find the housing of your choice in League City. Both surveys can be found below. •Community Survey for CDBG Funding •Fair Housing Survey State of the City Residents are invited to attend League City's annual State of the City event on Friday, January 28. Attendees will be served breakfast and will have the opportunity to join the conversation with Mayor Pat Hallisey and City Manager John Baumgartner about the City's achievements in 2021 and look ahead to priorities and projects in 2022. The event will be held from 8:30 to 10 a.m. at Hometown Heroes Park, 1001. E. League City Parkway. While the breakfast is being hosted by the League City Regional Chamber of Commerce, you don’t need to be a member or own a business to attend. Tickets are $35 for residents. To reserve a spot, register at the LCRCC website. When registering, click on the "Not a Member" box. Clear Creek Cleanup Are you looking to earn community service hours? Interested in volunteering more in the new year? Participate in the annual Clear Creek Cleanup! Each year, people of all ages come together to help preserve the beauty of Clear Creek by removing thousands of pounds of trash from this waterway. This effort, led by the Clear Creek Environmental Foundation, is open to all ages (children must be accompanied by adults). Lunch and a free t-shirts will be provided for volunteers. Groups will meet on Februrary 12 at 8 a.m. at the League City Boat Ramp, FM 270 between FM 518 and Nasa Rd. 1. Please be prepared for cold weather. Register here.
PAGE 4 | City Manager’s Update JANUARY 21 | 2022 Lighthouse Repairs Repairs will soon begin at the lighthouse located on Beacon Island. South Shore Harbour, which owns the lighthouse, has contracted with architects and engineers to do a survey of the infrastructure, and then replace the panels. The power has been turned off to the lighthouse and the meter has been removed since June of 2021. Once completed, the power will be restored, and it will be back to a safe, operating structure. Work is expected to begin in two weeks. Covid Situation Report Due to a rapid increase in the number of COVID cases, League City is creating a weekly situation report to provide information about the current status of COVID-19 in the city and its impact to the organization. This week’s report can be seen here. League City is encouraging citizens to utilize the City’s 24/7 online services page when possible. Services include everything from paying water bills and court fines, to applying for permits and signing up for City recreational programs. Public access to City facilities is not being limited, however, residents and employees are encouraged to stay home if they are feeling ill.
PAGE 5 | City Manager’s Update JANUARY 21 | 2022
Public Safety Updates
Breakfast for Officers Citizen Police Academy
Volunteers from the League The League City Police Department Citizen Police
City Citizens Police Academy Academy is accepting applications until January 31. The
Alumni Association got up academy gives residents an opportunity to see how and
early and cooked breakfast why the League City Police Department operates as it
for the Police department does. The spring class is 13 weeks long and meets once a
twice this week. Assistant week. Visit the LCPD website for more information.
Chief Hera thanked the
volunteers and said, “I have
the utmost respect for our
alumni association and am
proud that they are all a part
of our family. Their contributions to keeping our city a safe
place to live are invaluable.”
Reserve Officer Sworn In
Assistant Chief Hera recently swore in Officer Benjie
Cowey as a reserve officer with the League City Police
Department. Officer Cowey has 44 years of law
enforcement experience, most recently retiring from the Emergency Services Responds to Major
Harris County District Attorney’s Office. Before that, Accident
Officer Cowey had retired as a detective from LCPD. This week, League City Fire, Police, and EMS departments
Cowey will be spending most of his time working in the responded to a major accident in front of Kroger’s at SH
Criminal Investigation Division. 96 near South Shore Blvd. Two vehicles were involved,
injuring the drivers of both vehicles. Both vehicles suffered
major damage and one driver was trapped in his vehicle.
Paramedics and firefighters used minor extrication
procedures to rescue him. He was in critical but stable
condition and both drivers were transported to area
trauma centers. Both are expected to survive.
PAGE 6 | City Manager’s Update JANUARY 21 | 2022
Parks and Recreation Updates
Tennis
Ages 5-15
Mondays, Fridays or Saturdays
At Rustic Oaks Park
Session 2: Jan 31st - Feb 26th
Session 3: Feb 28th - April 2nd
Session 4: April 4th - 30th
Once a week practice $79 a session
Twice a week practice $139 a session
Kids Night at the Rec Fencing
Thursdays at Hometown Heroes Park
Feb. 11th 5-9PM
Registration for Residents $15
Intro/Cadet 7-8pm Competitive 8-9pm
Non-Residents $22.50
Hometown Heroes Park Session 1: Feb 3rd - 24th
Session 2: March 3rd - 31st
Taste of Code Ninjas
Registration $65 a session
These classes will teach kids to code
Middleman
while building their own video games
in a fun, safe, and inspiring
environment
Skateboard Camp
Jr. Class Youth Class
5-7 years old 7-14 years old
Mondays Saturdays March 14th-18th
6 to 7pm 10 to 12pm 10-11:30am
$130 a session $230 a session Ages 7 to 15 years old
Session 1: Session 1: At Big League Dreams
Feb 7th - 28th Feb 5th - 26th Skate Park
Session 2: Session 2:
March 7th - April 4th March 26th - April 16th
Session 3: Session 3: Registration Fee:
April 11th - May 2nd April 23rd - May 14th Residents $50 / Non-residents $75
For more info call us at
281-554-1180
or visit leaguecity.com/parks
Follow us @LeagueCityParksandRecreation
PAGE 7 | City Manager’s Update JANUARY 21 | 2022
Library Updates
UPCOMING EVENTS
TEEN ENTREPRENEUR SOAP MAKING
WORKSHOP FAMILY BUILD IT
CLASS
Teen entrepreneur Jordyn Wright will Gather your friends and family to
Learn about beautiful artisan soaps build something amazing!
discuss how to start your own business. and take home your own handmade
Wed, Jan. 26 from 5-6 pm bar of soap.
Sat, Feb. 5 from 10:30-11:30 am
For ages 12-18 Sat, Jan. 29 at 2 pm For all ages
*Registration required. For teens 13+ and adults
50th Birthday Celebration: Helen Hall Library is turning 50! We have
limited edition library cards to commemorate this special event. The fun
starts at 4 p.m. on February 19 at the library.
New Year! New You! League City’s Recreation, Library Services, and
Community Engagement Departments have teamed up to create a
January filled with FREE activities and classes for residents of all ages to
explore. January is almost over but there are still free events left to enjoy.
Spring Reading Challenge: The more you read, the more entries you
get for grand prize drawings! Download the Beanstack Tracker App or
visit helenhall.beanstack.org to log your time. Begins February 1.
FOLLOW US!
PAGE 8 | City Manager’s Update JANUARY 21 | 2022 Public Works Updates Line Repair Aggregate Storage Bins The Line Repair Department was approved for funding in the FY 2022 budget to build storage bins for aggregate materials such as bank sand, crushed concrete, and white rock used during repair and maintenance of water and sanitary sewer lines. The bins were constructed of a heavy-duty concrete slab and stackable bin blocks. The new bins will help to keep the material dryer and improve the storage capacity and efficiency. The bins will also minimize wasted material by keeping it contained in the improved enclosure. Wastewater Ultraviolet Module Swap at the Southwest Reclamation Facility League City wastewater operators performed rotation of the modules which house the ultraviolet light bulbs at the Southwest Water Reclamation Facility. Ultraviolet light is a form of disinfection method for destroying disease-causing organisms in wastewater final effluent. UV rays sterilize bacteria, keeping them from reproducing so that they die off without having an impact upon the receiving stream. The purpose of the rotation process is to maintain peak operating efficiency and even run time on the UV disinfection system. Rotating the modules provides a longer lifespan for the UV bulbs allowing the Wastewater department to go longer durations before having to replace the UV bulbs. Winter Preparedness This week, Public Works crews installed the department’s new salt spreader onto the back of a dump truck with the help of the Vehicle Maintenance department. During last year's winter storm, city roadways were iced over, which created hazardous conditions. As a result, Public Works staff identified the need for a salt spreader. This new equipment will increase staff’s response times when roadways and bridges begin to freeze over. The salt spreader was purchased as a universal unit so it can be easily stored at the Public Works facility and deployed quickly by installing it on the back of any dump truck. The salt spreader will be a great tool to help the City be better prepared to respond to freezing weather events when they happen.
PAGE 9 | City Manager’s Update JANUARY 21 | 2022 Public Works Updates Adaptive Traffic Signal System This week, the Traffic and Transportation Department has been working to finalize all hardware and software settings for the new adaptive traffic control system for all 16 traffic signals on Corridor 1, which is on FM 518 from Maple Leaf to Iowa and also includes SH 3 at Walker. After all traffic timers, networks switches, and vehicle detection cameras were brought online, staff—along with the vendor—programmed all needed settings into the server software. Now, traffic data is being collected at all intersections on Corridor 1. For this phase of the project, crews will collect data for roughly four to six weeks to have historical data points to work with. Crews will then be able to compare traffic patterns per the time of day and the day of the week. For example, traffic data can be compared for each traffic signal to see if Friday of last week had the same traffic patterns and volumes as the traffic from Friday of the current week. As we gather more historical data, it will enable us to fine tune the signal timings, which is the Signal Performance Measures (SPM) module of the software. While the SPM data is to help increase efficiencies in everyday traffic, the new software module, known as “Edaptive Traffic Signal System,” will help when there are unexpected interruptions to traffic such as weather, construction, etc. In these instances, the signal system will “adapt” to the changes in traffic conditions and add green time where needed to the corridor to help clear out traffic congestion due to the event. Communications Updates Meet this week’s LC Locals, Douglas and Christian Bennett. This father-son duo are adamant volunteers in our community, particularly through the amazing Hewitt's Heroes. We spoke with Douglas’s wife and Christian’s mom, Renee Bennett, about their involvement with Hewitt’s Heroes. Learn more about Douglas, Christian, and Hewitt's Heroes here.
PAGE 10 | City Manager’s Update JANUARY 21 | 2022
CIP Updates
Hurricane Harvey Drainage Repairs
In the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey flooding, City staff identified damage to local drainage infrastructure and
began working with FEMA through their Public Assistance Program. This program is commonly referred to as a Section
406 Grant, and funds awarded through this program pay a minimum of 75% of the repair and mitigation costs of the
project.
Phase 1 (DR2008B-F)
Phase 1 of this group of projects provides repairs to Gum Bayou, Interurban Ditch, North Point Detention Pond, and
Robinson Bayou but is split into two packages. “Package A” includes Robinson Bayou, Gum Bayou and North Point
Detention Pond and “Package B” will include Interurban Ditch since there would be a delay in obtaining FEMA
approval for scope changes for that portion of Phase 1.
Package A: Construction activities began on November 3, 2021 and were concluded on January 14, 2022 for all
three projects, with the exception of total stabilization and inspections. A substantial completion walkthrough with the
contractor, consultant, and city staff is scheduled for January 19, 2022 to inspect the final construction work at the
Northpoint Detention Pond, Gum Bayou, and Robinson Bayou.
North Point Detention Pond Gum Bayou Robinson Bayou
Package B: The consultant is currently in the process of developing the 90% design plans, including the environmental
permitting requirements for the Interurban Ditch project, with an expected submittal to be determined upon further
review of ownership, project scope, and environmental requirements.
SSH 2MG & Alabama Elevated Storage Tank and Meadow Bend Ground Storage Tank
(WT1802)
This project will rehab the South Shore Harbour Elevated Storage Tank (EST), the Alabama Elevated Storage Tank
(EST), and the Meadow Bend Ground Storage Tank (GST). This rehab will include exterior coating, interior coating,
structural inspections, and potential structural repairs. As part of the Annual Water System Improvement section of
the CIP program, these tanks are prioritized for rehabilitation due to corrosion, mineral deposits, and equipment
upgrades.
This project went out for bid on November 9, 2021 with bids opening on December 15, 2021 at 10 am. Council is
anticipated to award the construction contract at the January 25th Council meeting. Construction is estimated to begin
in the first quarter of 2022.PAGE 11 | City Manager’s Update JANUARY 21 | 2022 CIP Updates TxDOT Corridor Landscape Improvements (RE2101) This project is a partnership between League City and TxDOT to provide landscape improvements along the major TxDOT corridors within League City. This opportunity leverages TxDOT funding through the Green Ribbon Program - Corridor Aesthetics and Landscape Master Plan. Potential improvements include: •Median landscape improvements along FM 518, FM 646, SH 96, Marina Bay Drive corridors •Landscape improvements along the I-45 corridor •Plantings/landscaping at 8 ponds along I-45 •Entry features such as signage and landscaping at City limits of various corridors The beautification of streets and other public areas improve the quality of life for residents and visitors while landscaping beautifies the city in a positive way to influence new businesses and residents to relocate to the city. Staff, TxDOT, and focus groups met with the consultant, Pacheco Koch, for a series of scoping meetings to work on the conceptual design. The project is expected to be completed in phases. Current plans are anticipated to be complete in the 2nd quarter of 2022, with bidding by TxDOT anticipated in the 4th quarter of 2022. Lynn Gripon Park Mountain Bike Course Phase 2 (PK1904B) On November 9, 2021, the City Council approved a resolution authorizing a professional services agreement with Kimley-Horn for the design of a low-water crossing across Magnolia Creek to allow access east of the creek to develop and maintain Phase 2 of the Mountain Bike Trail at Lynn Gripon Park at Countryside. Phase 1 of the mountain bike trail was completed by City personnel and opened to the public for use in early October 2021. The low-water crossing will connect phase 1 and phase 2 of the mountain bike trail. The low-water crossing will also allow the Public Works and Parks departments the only access point for continuous maintenance of the area east of Magnolia Creek. Following the construction of the low-water crossing, City personnel will once again be utilized to layout and construct phase 2 of the mountain bike trail, which will complete this project. A Kick-off meeting for the project was held on November 23, 2021 and a Notice to Proceed was issued to the consultant to start on December 1, 2021. On December 15, 2021, City staff met with the consultant on-site to determine the low-water crossing placement and preliminary engineering field work commenced. The consultant expects delivery of the 60% design plans in early March 2022. Gilmore Elementary-Claremont Trail (PK2101) Kimley-Horn has begun the design of the trail and bridge connection to Gilmore Elementary School from the Claremont Connector Trail with an anticipated first submittal expected February 2022. The design contract was awarded at the November 9th Council meeting and construction is anticipated to begin fourth quarter 2022. The purpose of this project is to 1) connect to and become a part of the City’s trail system and 2) provide new sidewalks, and a pedestrian bridge as a safe route from existing trails north of Gilmore Elementary School across a detention/ drainage area to the school. Dickinson Ave GST & Generator (WT1906) Construction crews are in process of finishing the duct bank this week and focusing on the generator pad and associated underground utilities next week. Delays from materials have delayed the generator delivery to February 2022. The exterior coating of the tank and control building is complete. This project consists of the demolition of the over 40-year-old, 250,000-gallon bolted ground storage tank to be replaced with a 400,000-gallon welded steel ground storage tank with a concrete ring wall foundation. A 450kW diesel generator including an automatic transfer switch will be added for emergency power of the well operation. Weather and material delays have pushed the completion date to February.
PAGE 12 | City Manager’s Update JANUARY 21 | 2022 CIP Updates State Highway 3 Lift Station Upgrade & Force Main Replacement Project (WW1801G) As part of League City’s Capital Improvement program an annual engineering evaluation of the sanitary sewer systems is performed, and strategic rehabilitation of these systems are carried out as identified and prioritized. The scope of this year’s project will replace an existing discharge brick manhole and approximately 310 linear feet of existing 10-inch Asbestos Concrete (AC) force main along SH3, between the discharge manhole and the existing lift station site at the intersection of SH3 and SH 96. A visual assessment of the existing lift station and wet well revealed deteriorated conditions warranting structural rehabilitation on both structures to prolong the life of infrastructure. The design will include coating the interior of the wet well, replacing all existing piping, suction and discharge equipment, installing new submersible pumps and controls. All existing piping is currently located inside the dry well section of the lift station. All new piping will be located above ground, thus eliminating confined space entry. New stainless-steel electrical panels, including a generator plug-in connection, will be included in the lift station upgrades. Ninety percent plans are anticipated to be submitted for City review by January 21. A progress meeting will be scheduled after review has been complete. Construction anticipated to bid April 2022. GO Bond Street/Traffic Projects Update The following projects are part of the GO Bond election that was approved on May 14, 2019. This update is not a complete list of all bond projects underway. Look for updates on GO bond projects each week in the CMU. North Landing Blvd Extension (ST1914): The North Landing Extension will provide an additional crossing of Clear Creek and is proposed to alleviate congestion on FM 518. The new roadway would extend both Landing Boulevard and NASA 1 to intersect at a roundabout as a four-lane facility. The roadway would be divided by a raised median varying from 4 feet to 16 feet in width. The proposed design includes two 12-foot travel lanes in each direction, a 5-foot sidewalk constructed on one side of the roadway, and a 10-foot shared-use path on the other side. In addition, a 2,800-foot-long bridge over Clear Creek and Newport Ditch (a tributary of Clear Creek), and a 100-foot-long bridge over a narrow drainage channel are proposed. The City just received approval of the proposed right-of-way mapping. This allows the City to begin negotiations on land acquisition. The 95% design submittal is anticipated to be submitted within the next month.
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