CITY MANAGER'S UPDATE - City of League City
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CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE
JANUARY 15, 2021
Big League Dreams Closed for Renovation
League City is exploring all options to make the repairs necessary to reopen
the facility. | See page 1
City Manager John Information about vaccine distribution
COVID-19 See page 2
Baumgartner
The City Manager’s Update is a
weekly newsletter that provides
Volunteer at the annual Clear Creek Cleanup
Event
See page 3
information about ongoing
projects, events, and initiatives
across League City. Attend the annual State of the City
State of the City
on Jan. 29 | See page 3
CVB Project Holiday
Mardi Gras Chamber Upgrades MLK Day
League City has three weekends of The Council Chambers are City Offices will be closed on
Mardi Gras fun for all ages undergoing a major renovation Monday, January 18
See page 8 See page 1 See page 1
PAGE 1 | City Manager’s Update JANUARY 15 | 2021
City Council Votes to Terminate
Contract with Big League Dreams
On January 12, the League City Council voted to terminate
the contract with Big League Dreams and close the facility
until further notice. The City of League City has determined
that, due to deteriorating conditions—which include safety
and playability issues at the sports fields—operations at the
facility should not continue until repairs can be made.
League City is exploring all options to make the repairs
necessary to reopen the facility. However, due to its current
condition, it could take up to six months to find an operator
and get the facility in a safe, playable condition.
All attempts are being made to contact players, teams, and
tournament organizers who are scheduled for upcoming
practice or play to let them know of the facility’s immediate
closure. The City has set up a call line to answer questions.
The number is 281-554-1231.
Martin Luther
King Jr. Day Impacts
In observation of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, all League City offices
will be closed on Monday, January 18. This includes City Hall,
the City Hall Annex, the Civic Center, Helen Hall Library, and
Hometown Heroes Park. Trash pickup will operate as normal on
Monday, January 18.
Chamber Renovations
The League City council chambers are getting a much-
needed renovation. The building, which also serves as the
City’s municipal courtroom, is undergoing a major revamp
that will upgrade the main chamber, lobby, and restrooms,
and add new IT and video streaming equipment. In the
meantime, public meetings and court hearings will be held
at the Civic Center. Stay tuned for the finished product!
PAGE 2 | City Manager’s Update JANUARY 15 | 2021 COVID-19 Vaccines Over the past few weeks, the Galveston County Health District has begun administering COVID-19 vaccines for people who are included in the state’s Phase 1B guidance. The City of League City is NOT administering vaccines to the public. Residents are encouraged to visit the City’s website to see a map of locations that will offer them. Unfortunately, many places are not accepting appointments at this time due to a large demand and a lack of vaccines. Residents should continue checking our website and the Galveston County Health District’s website daily for updates about new shipments of vaccines. The Texas Department of State Health Services has a map of vaccine provider locations that is updated regularly. For additional questions, call the Galveston County Health District at 409-938-7221. Clerk Certification Recently, League City employees Amy Baldwin and Jessica Utton completed a program through the Institute for Court Management (ICM) and became Certified Court Managers. ICM is a national program for court professionals to further their education and knowledge in the judicial system. The CCM program consisted of six classes that took place over three years. In the state of Texas, there are 3,053 active Municipal Court Clerks and 1,294 active Municipal Court Judges. Out of that, there are only 118 certified as Court Managers on this national level, with 2,403 total across the country. We are very proud to have the two of them working for League City. Paycheck Protection Program Re-Opened The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), in consultation with the U.S. Treasury Department, recently announced new guidelines for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and reopened the program for both new borrowers and certain existing PPP borrowers on January 11, 2021. In order to review information about the updated PPP online, please visit here, or in a downloadable PDF format here. In order to review a schedule of upcoming webinars hosted by the SBA and its resource partners, visit here.
PAGE 3 | City Manager’s Update JANUARY 15 | 2021
Upcoming Events
Residents are invited to attend League City's annual
State of the City event on Friday, January 29. With
social distance guidelines in place, attendees will be
served breakfast by the Toasted Yolk and will have the
opportunity to join the conversation with Mayor Pat
Hallisey and City Manager John Baumgartner about the
City's achievements, goals, and projects. The event will
be held from 8:30 to 10 a.m. at Hometown Heroes Park,
1001 E. League City Parkway. Tickets can be purchased
for $35 through the League City Chamber of Commerce
website here. When purchasing individual tickets, click
REGISTER, then select the "Prospective Member" button.
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. In a single year, over 600
volunteers brought in 35,000 pounds of trash. 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 at 9 a.m.
at the League City Boat Ramp, FM 270 between FM 518 and
NASA Road 1, every Saturday and Sunday between Jan. 9 and
Feb. 20.
Know before you go: Volunteers will be picked up by boats at
the boat ramp and dropped off at different locations by the creek.
Prepare for cold weather by dressing in layers. Work or rubber
boots are recommended to wear. Life jackets and first aid kits will
be provided on the boat. Face covering is mandatory while riding
on boats. For questions, contact Mike Stone at 281-830-3419 or
mstone@muffitmuffler.com.
PAGE 4 | City Manager’s Update JANUARY 15 | 2021
Public Safety Updates
Firefighter Cancer Awareness Month and/or back to the fire station. While League City
When responding firefighters take every possible precaution to remain safe
to a fire, there are while working a scene, we thank them for their daily
many opportunities sacrifices and dedication to help the community.
for firefighters to
be exposed to LCPD Promotions
carcinogens. A wide On Friday, January 8, Chief Ratliff promoted 3 more
range of chemicals supervisors. Congratulations to Captain Stephen Antley,
have been detected Lieutenant Shawn Murray, and Sergeant Michelle Digby.
in smoke and soot
during fire suppression
and overhaul. These contaminants cover personal
protective equipment and the equipment used for fire
activities and they remain there until washed off. These
lingering contaminants can lead to additional exposures
if firefighters remove their self-containing breathing
apparatus (SCBA) at any time while on the fire ground
and if they do not perform preliminary exposure reduction
(on-scene and post fire gross decontamination) these
contaminants can spread to the apparatus’ cab
Animal Shelter Update
Pets of the
Week
The League
City Animal
Care and
Adoption
Center has
many different
pets looking for
loving homes.
Check out two
furry felines
featured as
the Pets of the
Week.
PAGE 5 | City Manager’s Update JANUARY 15 | 2021
Public Works Updates
SWWRF Digester Tank Inspection Vegetation Management
This week, Wastewater The Public Works
Operations conducted Vegetation
their annual aerobic Management crew,
digester tank inspection. The working in conjunction
inspection included piping, with the League City
diffusers, tank surfaces, Arborist, identified
and grit build up. Aerobic trees that needed to be
digestion is the process in removed in a City right-
sewage treatment designed of-way under power
to reduce the volume of lines connected to a
sewage sludge and make it residential property. The Vegetation Management crew
suitable for subsequent use. had to schedule the removal with Texas New Mexico
As there is no new supply Power Company so they could deenergize the electric
of organic material from sewage, the activated sludge line. The electric company that owns and maintains
microorganisms begin to die and are used as food by the electric lines is responsible for trimming trees under
bacteria. Sending air to the digesters keeps strong odors to the transmission lines, but they are not responsible for
a minimum and allows the removal of the sludge from the trimming or removal of trees from the transmission lines
digester to be processed much more efficiently. Without into commercial or residential properties. The owner of
a proper working digester, old sludge in the system can the property is responsible. Due to the danger of working
make the treatment process much more difficult and costly. around electricity, only arborists who are certified in line
Keeping every element of the wastewater process working clearance can work within 10 feet of an energized line.
properly is the key to ensuring proper treatment and to If you are not certified to work around electric lines as is
protect the public’s health. the case for the Vegetation Management staff, you must
contact the electric company and arrange for them to
Ghirardi Oak “Flashback” Photo deenergize the electric lines prior to cutting or removing
Do you remember the rare snow event we had Post- the trees. Once all the trees were trimmed or removed,
Hurricane Harvey in December 2017? City Arborist, the electric company was called to reenergize the line.
Heather McKnight, took this photograph of the Ghirardi
Oak as League City was blanketed in snow. The Sewer Blockage Repair
photograph was taken in color (with no filters), but it almost A resident in the 1800 block
looks like a black and white photo due to the light that of Cardinal Drive called to
morning. Look closely, and you can see the green leaves. report a sewer back up at
his residence. Line Repair
personnel responded and
were able to clear the
blockage with the sewer
machine which utilizes a one-
inch cable to mechanically
clear blockages. The line was televised and found to
have heavy tree roots blocking the tap at the main sewer
line. Line Repair crews excavated to the main, removed
the roots, and replaced the tap and service line to the
easement line. A city cleanout was also added to allow
city personnel to clear any blockages that may occur on
the city’s line in the future.
PAGE 6 | City Manager’s Update JANUARY 15 | 2021
Helen Hall Library Updates
Helen Hall Library
Event Highlights and Check
Out Our Databases!
See what programs are coming up and register where
needed. Our calendar will contain the complete list.
Have you checked out some of the library databases? We
are sure to have one that meets your information needs!
Can You Art This?
New children's program starting on January
27 at 10 am: Online art challenges and
creations! Call for more information.
Great Debate
Teens, on January 23 via Zoom, debate others
on books, movies, shows and other topics.
Join us from 2-2:30 pm. For ages 12-18.
Job Skills Seminar Computer Classes
Join us January 27 from 10 to noon; led by
Texas Workforce. Call or come in to register
and see what other classes are coming!
Highlights
Study Rooms and Meeting Rooms Open: Sign in (first
come, first served) for study rooms at the Adult Reference Follow us!
Desk upstairs. Call the library to reserve a meeting room. @helenhalllibrary
Curbside Service Still Available: A convenient way to pick
@helenhalllibrary
up your holds on the go!
READ to the Dogs: This popular program for children has
@helen_hall_lib
returned! Join us starting January 27. Remember to call and
make your appointment.
PAGE 7 | City Manager’s Update JANUARY 15 | 2021 Parks and Recreation Updates
PAGE 8 | City Manager’s Update JANUARY 15 | 2021
Communications and CVB Updates
Mardi Gras in League City Yachty Gras
League City has three weekends of Mardi Gras fun for The ultimate Mardi Gras event in League City is the
all ages in January and February. Yachty Gras Grand Night Boat Parade. Lighted
boats—decked out in purple, gold, and green—will
The first annual Beads and Bark in the Park event will be maneuver through the Clear Lake Channel out to Kemah
held in the beautiful and historic League Park, beneath Boardwalk, tossing beads to onlookers on shore. It's
the sprawling oaks. Bring your kids and dogs for a day the largest Mardi Gras boat parade in America, and
of music, food, games, crafts, parades, and contests. definitely a bucket-list event for anyone who loves to
Afterward, check out some of the fantastic boutiques and celebrate Mardi Gras.
shops scattered throughout the Historic District, and grab
a bite to eat at one of our local restaurants.
If you're looking for a place to wear your favorite party
attire, the Yachty Gras Kick-off Party is the event for you!
Enjoy live music, sip cocktails, bid on silent auction items,
and be sure to don your best Mardi Gras mask and
beads!
Park Spotlight: Ghirardhi Family
WaterSmart Park
If you’re looking to explore the outdoors this new year,
check out the Ghirardhi Family WaterSmart Park. This
eco-friendly park in the heart of League City is the perfect
place to sit and relax while the kids enjoy the playground.
Stroll the trails and learn about the park's rain gardens,
and don't miss the living roof growing on top of the
education pavilion. Read more here.
PAGE 9 | City Manager’s Update JANUARY 15 | 2021
CIP Updates
Turner/Butler Reconstruction Project (ST1501) Dickinson Avenue Reconstruction (RE1702)
This project is designed to convert Turner Street The scope of this project is the reconstruction of Dickinson
(between Calder and Butler) and a section of Butler Avenue between Walker Street and FM 646, which is
Road up to League City Parkway from asphalt roadway approximately 2.2 miles. This reconstruction will convert
to a concrete roadway, with two travel lanes and a the asphalt roadway to concrete, which will have
continuous left turn lane and a roundabout at the Turner/ underground storm sewer installed on the north end. The
Butler intersection. The construction of this project will roadway was opened to two-way traffic on January 8,
improve traffic mobility and provide overall drainage however, the contractor has minor items left to address so
improvements. This project was approved by Council lane closures will occur intermittently until the end of the
in October 2019. Construction began with overlapping project. Side street intersections will be receiving asphalt
construction at the I-45/League City Parkway intersection repairs and Package 5 of the Asphalt Replacement
which caused traffic control issues for residents of Project will be beginning on Power Street this month.
Sedona and Brittany Lakes. Taking that into account,
Council approved accelerated construction for two lanes Asphalt Street Rehabilitation Package 5
of the 4-lane Ervin-Hobbs Connector Project in order to (RE1704E)
provide alternate access while Butler and Turner were Part of an annual infrastructure reinvestment program, the
under construction. purpose of this project is to perform a combination of full
depth reclamation and surface overlay to rehabilitate
The section of Butler from the roundabout north to asphalt roads. Durwood Greene Construction Co.
League City Parkway is complete. The other half of will start mobilizing and begin construction this month
the roundabout is being excavated in preparation for for the streets receiving mill repair and overlay: Power
roadway. Traffic on Turner has been transitioned to one Street, Sequoia Street, and E. Winn Street. Crews will
lane of new pavement to allow for roadway excavation then address Cove Park Road, Cove Park Drive, and
on the remaining lane. Approximately 50% of the Knollwood Street as part of the asphalt reclamation. The
remaining pavement on Turner is scheduled for concrete third phase of this package will include Shasta Street,
this week. Wet weather conditions have extended Monterrey Street, Redwood Street, Rimrock Street, Sierra
roadway opening from the end of January to mid- Street, Mission Street, Wesley Street, and Wisconsin
February 2021. Street. Construction is anticipated to be complete August
2021.PAGE 10 | City Manager’s Update JANUARY 15 | 2021
CIP Updates
Council Chambers Remodel (FM2002) Hurricane Harvey Drainage Repairs
This project is a renovation of the Municipal Court facility In the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey flooding, City
which also serves as the City’s Council Chambers. staff identified damage to local drainage infrastructure
These renovations will enhance the Council Chambers/ and began working with FEMA through their Public
Courtroom and include a new IT equipment room and Assistance Program. This program is commonly referred
renovation of the lobby restrooms, bringing the total to as a Section 406 Grant, and funds awarded through
area of the project to approximately 3,400 square feet. this program pay a minimum of 75% of the repair and
Demolition of the floors and walls are 95% complete. mitigation costs of the project.
The mechanical, electrical, and plumbing rough-ins are
currently underway and are scheduled for completion by Phase 1 (DR2008B-F): Council approved an
the end for next week. Construction is anticipated to be agreement with Gauge Engineering, LLC. to design
complete in March 2021. drainage repairs associated with damage sustained
during Hurricane Harvey to Gum Bayou, Interurban
Ditch, Newport Ditch, North Point Detention Pond,
and Robinson Bayou. Ninety percent designs were
submitted on November 30. The City reviewed the plans
and returned the review comments to the consultant on
December 17th. The 100% design plans were delivered
to the City on January 8, 2021 and are currently under
review. Design of this project is estimated to be complete
in summer 2021. The US Army Corp of Engineers
(USACE) permit type identification is anticipated in early
2021. Depending on the type of permit required, the
permitting process takes 6 to 18 months. Construction
timeline will be set once permitting type is determined.You can also read
