CITY MANAGER'S UPDATE - City of League City
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CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE
APRIL 8, 2022
Diseased Trees Becoming Works of Art
Salvaged wood being carved into sculptures by artist James Phillips.
See page 1
Family Game Night April 12
Library See page 8
City Manager
John Baumgartner
Egg Scramble this Sunday
The City Manager’s Update Parks and Rec
See page 7
is a weekly newsletter that
provides information about
ongoing projects, events, and Discounted Dog Adoptions
Animal Care
initiatives across League City. See page 9
Birding Community Event
Weekend Events 5K Fun Run Great League City Cleanup
Come out for an outdoor movie and Family-friendly event to honor first Gather your group and join us April 23
a birding challenge responders See page 4
See page 2 See page 2
PAGE 1 | City Manager’s Update APRIL 8 | 2022 Diseased Trees Becoming Works of Art When League City Executive Director of Communications, Community Engagement, and Cultural Affairs Sarah Osborne learned that two 100-year-old trees at League Park needed to be removed because they were diseased and dying, she called upon the advice of the Keep League City Beautiful committee—a group of League City residents that advise City staff and council on public art and preservation and conservation initiatives. Within a few days, members of the committee reached out to a friend and fellow artist—James D. Phillips—who is known for his unique wood carvings located in Galveston and across Texas. Phillips examined the trees and agreed to carve two sculptures—one to be located at the Dickinson Street entrance to Hometown Heroes Park and the other in front of the Helen Hall Library. Over the last seven days at Hometown Heroes Park, Phillips has been using a chainsaw and other wood carving instruments to create a sculpture of a League City volunteer firefighter rescuing a puppy. The sculpture and sign will be officially unveiled on Saturday, May 22 as part of the City’s Red, White & Blue Top Gun 5K Fun Run and First Responder Celebration. During the week of April 11, Phillips will begin carving a large piece of wood salvaged from one of the trees at League Park into a sculpture located in front of the Helen Hall Library. Patrons visiting the library are being asked to guess what the tree stump will become. You can submit your guess at https://bit.ly/treestumped. There was enough wood saved from the trees at League Park to create two additional sculptures. One of the tree trunks, located next to the caboose at League Park, will be transformed by Phillips into a train conductor holding a lantern or a pocket watch. Citizens will be able to watch Phillips complete the sculpture during League City’s White Linen Night Art Crawl and Car Show on Saturday, June 25. League City Receives Award for Community Blood Drives The Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center named League City the New Group of the Year for holding monthly community blood drives in the past year. Our community has saved hundreds of lives thanks to our community’s donations! On Tuesday, April 12, League City will be hosting a Community Blood Drive from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the League City Civic Center. Donors will receive a free t-shirt as a thank you for their contribution and a 60th Anniversary League City Swag pin! Help us reach our goal by donating blood. To reserve a time slot, visit https://www.commitforlife.org/ donor/schedules/drive_schedule/340981.
PAGE 2 | City Manager’s Update APRIL 8 | 2022 5K Fun Run Hometown Heroes Park will soon be getting two new amenities—a running trail and obstacle course. To celebrate, League City is hosting a 5K fun run, ribbon cutting, and a family-friendly event to honor the city's first responders and members of the armed forces. On Sunday, May 22, starting at 9 a.m., citizens are invited to participate in a 5K walk/run along the new decomposed granite trail that loops Hometown Heroes Park. All runners/walkers who register at leaguecity.com/5k will receive a complimentary t-shirt and medal. All proceeds from the race will go to the League City Blue Santa Program, which provides gifts to less fortunate families in our community during the holiday season. The race will run from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., with staggered start times for different categories. Starting at 11 a.m. families are invited to Hometown Heroes Park for a First Responder and Armed Forces Celebration which will include: •Touch-a-truck with Police, Fire, and EMS vehicles •Unveiling of new League City PD and Fire photography exhibit and art sculpture •Armed Forces booths and equipment •Food trucks and live music •Inflatables and kids’ crafts •Ribbon cutting for obstacle course Weekend Events Join us in celebration of Spring Bird Migration by attending these fun, family-friendly events happening this weekend. Film, Food Trucks, and Feathers April 8 | 5 p.m. | Lynn Gripon Park at Countryside Grab a chair and bring your family to this fun outdoor movie night. Arrive at 5 p.m. to grab a copy of the birding challenge and walk the Feathered Friends Trail. On the trail you'll learn fascinating bird facts from special signage along the way and have an opportunity to earn a Birding Badge. A cornhole tournament begins at 7 p.m., and at 8 p.m. there will be an outdoor showing of the movie “Rio.” Food trucks will be on site from 6 to 9 p.m. for those who want a meal while they enjoy the film, plus free popcorn and lemonade courtesy of the City of League City. Wildlife Stewardship Presentation April 9 | 10 a.m. to noon | Helen Hall Library The Wildlife Center of Texas will be giving a presentation about responsible wildlife stewardship and rehabilitation at Helen Hall Library. The group will bring along two animal "Wildlife Ambassadors." The presentation is free and open to the public. All ages welcome. Kid-Friendly Birding Activities April 9 | 10 a.m. & 2 p.m. | Clear Creek Nature Center & Rustic Oaks Park Kristine Rivers—a Texas Master Naturalist—will host a kid-friendly nature walk where kids can learn the basics of birding at the Clear Creek Nature Center from 9 to 11 a.m. Later in the day, Kristine will teach nature arts and crafts from 2 to 4 p.m. at Rustic Oaks Park. No registration required.
PAGE 3 | City Manager’s Update APRIL 8 | 2022 Employee Entry Level Driver Training As of February 7, 2022, the Texas Department of Public Safety began requiring all CDL driver applicants to complete Entry Level Driver Training, as regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. These trainings consist of both in classroom instruction and hands on training to learn the parts, maintenance, and operation of heavy motorized equipment. In total, about 160 hours of training will be completed by each CDL applicant. To meet these new requirements, League City’s Risk Management team collaborated with their Line Repair and Streets departments to create and implement a full scale CDL Training Program, which started on March 11. Jason Pyle, Line Repair Supervisor and Pat Self, Streets Supervisor are pulling from their time, experience and resources, to create an effective CDL training program from the ground up. The first classes include three Line Repair employees and four Streets employees. Building Department Meet and Greets This month, League City’s Building Department has been hosting a series of “Meet and Greets” with local contractors who are currently doing work or are interested in doing work within League City limits. City staff has been providing information and answering questions related to inspection requirements and procedures, permit submittal requirements, and how to use the City’s Customer Self Service (CSS) portal. The last meet and greet will be held on Thursday, April 14 at the Johnnie Arolfo Civic Center located at 400 W. Walker Street. All Trades and General Contractors (pool builders, patio builders, generators, solar panels, etc.) are welcome to attend. If interested in attending, RSVP to building@leaguecitytx.gov with the date you would like to attend, your company name, and the number of people.
PAGE 4 | City Manager’s Update APRIL 8 | 2022
A-MAY-ZING Adventure
Have you signed up your group to participate
in the A-May-ZING Adventure? Starting at 8
a.m. on Saturday, March 14, at League Park
until noon, teams will hunt for clues, answer trivia
questions, complete challenges, and capture their
experience via photos to earn points. Teams that
collect the most points in the four-hour time period
will win bragging rights at the finish line party at
Big League Dreams and receive prizes as well.
There are six divisions to enter. You do NOT need to be a League City resident to participate.
•Family: Must consist of no more than two adults (17 and older). Kids must be 8 years or older by May 14, 2022.
•Adult: All members must be 17 or older by May 14, 2022.
•Non-profit: All members must work for or volunteer at the same non-profit.
•HOA: One team per HOA. The HOA will decide and enter their team. HOAs with multiple residents interested in
participating should encourage them to enter the adult or family category.
•Corporate/businesses: One team per business. All members must be employed by the same business or
corporation.
•Super 60: All members must be age 60 or older by May 14, 2022.
The $60 team registration fee includes:
•Four swag bags filled with goodies from local businesses
•Four t-shirts
•Four commemorative pins
•Free lunch for the entire team at the finish line/60th anniversary party from noon to 4 p.m. at Big League Dreams
•A day of fun!
Register for A-MAY-ZING Adventure here.
Great League City Cleanup
League City is participating in the Great American
Cleanup—a nationwide event that annually brings out
nearly 3.4 million people in 20,000 different communities
across the U.S. The Great League City Cleanup will take
place on April 23. Neighborhoods, subdivisions, HOAs,
and businesses across League City are encouraged to
gather and pick up trash and waste along streets, ditches,
sidewalks, and waterways in their community. In addition, League City—in partnership with the Keep League City
Beautiful citizen committee and Bay Area Church—are hosting a communitywide event on Saturday, April 23
from 8 a.m. to noon to cleanup the area around Rustic Oaks Park and Magnolia Creek, which includes sections
of the Feathered Friends Hike and Bike Trail. Those wishing to participate will be shuttled to one of two drop-off
points. All cleanup supplies will be provided, but participants are encouraged to wear sunscreen, mosquito repellent,
and long pants with waders/or rain boots because of the proximity to the creek. Breakfast will be provided and there
will be plenty of water stations throughout the cleanup area. If you or your group are interested in participating, please
signup at this link so we can get an accurate count for supplies, breakfast, and water.
PAGE 5 | City Manager’s Update APRIL 8 | 2022
Public Safety Updates
Departments Collaborate to Fix Home Help Identify Suspect
On March 30, an incident was reported in which a vehicle On March 28th around 4:30 p.m., an occupant of the
was driven into a home, leaving it severely damaged. Staff truck pictured shot at a child with a paintball-style gun that
with the Building Department was called to the accident shoots water beads (orbeez). The shooter is described as
site to assess structural damages. The Building, Fire and a blonde-haired female. This happened on Hidden Brook
Police departments collaborated in securing the home that Lane in Magnolia Creek Subdivision and the vehicle
same night, so that the homeowners could sleep safely until was also seen on Landing Blvd. The child was struck, not
the house could be fixed. injured, but news media have reported on this happening
and it can be very dangerous. If you think you know who
this is or can help with this case, contact Detective Evans
at 281-554-1863.
Child Trafficking Awareness Event
Creek 5K
On Saturday, bright and
early, members of the
League City Volunteer Fire
Department and Firefighter
Panda made their way out
to Clear Creek Community
Church for their 4th running
of the Creek 5k to cheer on
all the participants and to
do their annual engine push.
All of the proceeds support
Sanctuary Foster Care
Services. Not only did they
have fun pushing Engine 3 and making new friends, but
also running the 5k in full firefighter gear.
PAGE 6 | City Manager’s Update APRIL 8 | 2022
Public Safety Updates
Two EMS Crews Recognized for Heart Saves Now Hiring
This week, Paramedics Shawn Doyle, Juan Genoa-Butler, If anyone in the League City or Clear Lake area knows
Jackson Nguyen, and Advanced EMT Alexandria Todd any soon-to-be high school graduates or someone else
were recognized for their care of two heart attack victims. looking for a job that offers:
The 72- and 54-year-old men were fully treated with •100% tuition reimbursement for state schools and 60%
medications including blood thinners to reestablish blood for private institutions
flow and stop the occurring injury. Thanks to EMS staff •Full-time pay and benefits
efforts and collaboration with hospital staff, both men •Marketable job experience for any field
went home in two days. Keeping their hearts healthy and •Schedule and workload that is conducive to being
having short hospital stays meet the goal of getting the able to complete course work while working
citizen back to a high quality of life.
The League City Police Department has multiple positions
open that can help them accomplish their future goals.
Check out available jobs online at https://www.
leaguecitytx.gov/3878/Other-LCPD-Jobs.
PAGE 7 | City Manager’s Update APRIL 8 | 2022
Parks and Recreation Updates
Egg Scramble Registration for Toddler, Kids Night at The Rec
April 10th Youth and Adult
Ages 6-12
At Hometown Heroes Park Summer Swim Lessons
Egg hunt, face painting, kids activities Opening Soon! Friday April 22
and the Easter bunny
5-9PM
Residents opens April 20th
Activities
Free
$50 a session
starts at Registration fee:
t Non-residents opens May 4th
Even Noon Resident $15/
$75 a session
Non-resident$22.50
Registration for Summer programs opening soon!
Residents April 13th / Non-residents April 27th
Youth Summer Programs Adult Summer Programs
League City Theatre Program Kickboxing
Youth Art Class Art Class
Taste of Code Ninjas Power Yoga
Tennis Ceramics
Fast Forward Kids Strength & Conditioning
Fencing
Karate
Prices and session dates vary per activity
League City Park Operations
at work on our park gardens
Adding mulch
to The Clear
Creek Nature
Center
Planting spring
flowers at
Hometown
Heroes Park
For more info call us at
281-554-1180
or visit leaguecity.com/parks
Follow us @LeagueCityParksandRecreation
PAGE 8 | City Manager’s Update APRIL 8 | 2022
Library Updates
UPCOMING EVENTS
HISTORY CLUB TEEN GAME ON FAMILY GAME NIGHT
Join us for a discussion of “The Battle
Drop in to play Nintendo Switch
of Britain: The Crucial Air War of Play board games, card games,
games, Jackbox games, Uno, and
WWII," led by Mr. Brad Adams from chess, and checkers!
more!
the Lone Star Flight Museum.
Mon, April 11 from 7 to 8 p.m. Mon, April 11 from 5 to 6 p.m. Tues, April 12 from 5:30 to 7 p.m.
For all ages For ages 12 to 18 For all ages
OTHER HAPPENINGS
Local Authors Hour: Welcome local author Carl Trepagnier on
Thursday, April 14 as he tells the story of the 1947 industrial explosion in
Texas City. His discussion takes place from 10 a.m. to noon and is for
adults.
Library Closed For Easter Holiday: We will be closed on Sunday, April
17 for Easter. We open again on Monday at 10 a.m. Enjoy the day with
your families and friends!
World Book Day: Shop Kendra Scott in-store or online on World Book
Day, April 23! 20% of sales go to the Friends of Helen Hall Library. Use
code GIVEBACK-BMPXJ online. In-store: Baybrook Mall location.
FOLLOW US!
PAGE 9 | City Manager’s Update APRIL 8 | 2022 Animal Care Updates Dog Adoption Discount Thanks to a generous community donor, 25 dog adoptions will be sponsored at 50% off regular adoption fees! Dog kennels remain above capacity and there are many wonderful dogs waiting to find their forever home. Learn more here. Communications Updates Calling all sweets lovers! Meet Traci Dean, owner of Cupcake Cachet Bakery and this week’s #LCLocal! Traci loves running her bakery because she's able to teach and spread joy to those around her. She also highly recommends trying the Wedding Cake cupcake! Learn more about Traci at leaguecitytx.gov/4262/Traci-Dean.
PAGE 10 | City Manager’s Update APRIL 8 | 2022 CIP Updates Asphalt Street Rehabilitation 3rd Street CDBG (RE1704G) Construction began in January 2022 and was scheduled to be complete in 120 days. The purpose of this project was to perform road base repairs and asphalt resurfacing as part of an annual infrastructure program that reinvests CDBG funds into the community. This project included 3rd Street between N. Wisconsin and Alabama. The project was substantially complete on April 1st and is on schedule to finish by May 3, 2022. Asphalt Street Rehabilitation Package 6 (RE1704G) As part of City’s annual infrastructure Reinvestment Program, this project will perform a combination of full depth reclamation and surface overlay to rehabilitate aging asphalt roads, including Seminole Dr., Glen Cove St., N. Illinois Ave., 2nd Street, 7th Street, Moody Ave., Cedar Ave., Landrum Ave. (bounded by FM270 and SH3), Mary Ln., and Tallow Forest St. This project first advertised for bid on March 29, 2022, and a pre-bid meeting was held on April 6. The bid will open on April 27, 2022, and a construction award is anticipated from Council in May. Construction is expected to begin June 2022. RE 1902A Phase 2 Reconstruction of Turner Street and Butler Road Project This project is part of the City’s Reinvestment Program. On average, streets have a projected life expectancy of 40 to 50 years. Approximately 15% of our streets are more than 30 years old. The scope of this project is to reconstruct approximately 1,800 feet of existing 2-lane asphalt roadway to 24’ wide curb and gutter reinforced concrete pavement along Turner Street from Hobbs to Butler Road and reconstruct approximately 4,300 feet of 2-lane asphalt roadway to 24’ wide curb and gutter reinforced concrete pavement on Butler Road from Turner Street to approximately 400 feet south of Sedona Drive. Project staff sent the City’s consultant comments pertaining to the 60% plans that were submitted previously in February. Project staff have also distributed design plans to all franchise utility companies that were identified to conflict with the proposed roadway improvements on March 28. A utility conflict meeting will be set in the upcoming weeks to discuss a plan of action moving forward with the franchise utilities. 90% plan submittals are expected in early June 2022. Construction is anticipated to start in Fall 2022. Clear Creek Tributaries Clearing & Desnagging Project (DR1910 A-D) This study determined that selective clearing and desnagging of these Clear Creek tributaries would increase capacity. The 100% designs are under review by the City. The review is expected to be complete the week of April 11. The project is anticipated to bid in April 2022.
PAGE 11 | City Manager’s Update APRIL 8 | 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 provided repairs to Gum Bayou, Interurban Ditch, North Point Detention Pond, and Robinson Bayou but was split into two packages. “Package A” included Robinson Bayou, Gum Bayou, and North Point Detention Pond and “Package B” will include Interurban Ditch due to 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 was conducted with the contractor, consultant, and city staff on January 19, 2022 and the contractor received and signed the substantial completion letter on January 21, 2022. A follow-up final inspection was conducted on February 22, 2022 and all items were deemed completed. A final inspection is scheduled for April 11, 2022, to examine the grass stabilization at Robinson Bayou and Northpoint Detention Pond. Determination to close out “Package A” of the project will be based on the final results of the inspection. 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. On February 23, 2022, the consultant, the City, and representatives of CenterPoint Energy (CPE) attended a meeting to discuss the proposed improvements. During the meeting all parties agreed that the City will continue to move forward with the repairs, with the recommendation by CPE that no bank improvements would occur within 100 feet of the electrical tower bases. It was determined by the consultant that the project will require a USACE Nationwide Permit 13 for Bank Stabilization and will require a Pre-Construction Notification (PCN). Steps are currently underway to obtain the Nationwide Permit 13. Delivery of the 90% design plans is anticipated in April 2022. Phase 2 (DR2008A): Council approved an agreement with a design consultant to design drainage repairs associated with damage sustained during Hurricane Harvey to Magnolia Creek. Due to scope revisions in the design of the project that require FEMA approval, the consultant will deliver 60% design plans upon receiving guidance from FEMA regarding how to proceed. A United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) permit is also needed for this project, which could affect timing. Consultant and City staff anticipate a Nationwide Permit which requires 9-12 months to obtain. Public comments related to the design options were reviewed by the City, and City staff recommended proceeding with plans and permitting requirements for the repairs of the outfalls. The consultant is currently working with a company called ShoreSox to provide a demonstration of their channel bank stabilization technique. This technology could possibly reduce the impact of repairs along Magnolia Creek originally planned for the project. Results of the bank stabilization repair will be reviewed and a decision on how to move forward with 60 % design will be made.
PAGE 12 | City Manager’s Update APRIL 8 | 2022 CIP Updates 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. Calder Rd. South Reconstruction (Cross Colony to Ervin) (RE1702B): The scope of this project will widen Calder Road from Cross Colony Drive to Ervin Street with two travel lanes and a continuous center lane. The project also includes the addition of a waterline and is part of the construction contract that includes the Force Main Upgrade – Bay Colony Lift Station to Ervin St (WW1206). The contractor is working on the substantial walkthrough items, which are anticipated to be completed this month. League City Pkwy. and Brittany Lakes Dr./Fennigan Ln. Traffic System Improvement Project (TR1101A): The purpose of this project was the construction of an additional left-turn bay for both approaches on League City Parkway, construction of a traffic signal at the intersection, and construction of various drainage improvements. The traffic signals were activated, and the intersection opened to traffic on January 25, 2022. The contractor completed the punch list items last week and a final completion walk-through will be conducted next week. Traffic Systems Improvements for League City Parkway at Landing Blvd, at Magnolia Meadow Lane, and at W. Bay Area Blvd (TR2001): This project will install traffic signals at three additional intersections along the League City Parkway corridor. New signals are planned at the intersections of Landing Boulevard, Magnolia Meadow Lane, and W. Bay Area Boulevard. An eastbound right turn lane is also planned at the intersection of League City Parkway and Magnolia Meadow Lane. Land acquisition and relocation of affected utilities is currently in progress. The project was advertised for bid on March 22, 2022. The bid opening is scheduled for April 20, 2022 and is anticipated to go to City Council for construction contract award on May 10, 2022.
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