CITY MATTERS JULY 2016
QUIDDITCH INVASION Comes to League City August 20 And 21 Hometown Heroes Park
Breaking Down League City’s Budget
Downtown Revitalization
Illustrated design concepts, renderings of a revitalized downtown Quidditch Event Photo Credit: Jessica Lang
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CITY COUNCIL Follow Us on
Pat Hallisey Mayor (281) 554-1024 pat.hallisey@leaguecity.com
3 Improving Quality of Life
Dan Becker
Economic Development Department seeks to improve the quality of life for its residents.
Position 1 (281) 554-1028 dan.becker@leaguecity.com
4 Quidditch Championship
Hank Dugie
Position 2 (281) 554-1028 hank.dugie@leaugecity.com
League City will be hosting the Quidditch Championship August, 20 and 21 at Hometown Heroes Park
Heidi Hansing
6 Downtown Revitalization
Revitalizing the City’s downtown area is one of the key goals identified by City Council and the community.
6 9 Animal Shelter Upgrades Improvement project focused on the League City Animal Shelter.
10 Bond Issue 2016 The City of League City is proposing to fund projects identified in the 2016 to 2020 Capital Improvements Plan through Certificates of Obligation.
11 Butterfly Garden
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The City of League City can now enjoy a newly planted Butterfly Garden
13 Water Quaility Report The annual water quality report provides information on the City’s source water, Contact Us Police Department (non-emergency)................................................................... (281) 332-2566 www.lcpd.com Helen Hall Library.............................................................................................. (281) 554-1111 www.helenhalllibrary.org Parks Recreation Department.............................................................................. (281) 554-1180 www.leaguecity.com/parks City Hall.......................................................................................................... (281) 554-1000 www.leaguecity.com League City Information.................................................................................................Dail 311 2
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July 2016
Position 3 (281) 299-5926 heidi.hansing@leaguecity.com
Todd Kinsey
Position 4 (832) 273-9692 todd.kinsey@leaguecity.com
Geri Bentley
Mayor Pro Tem / Position 5 (281) 610-7003 geri.bentley@leaguecity.com
Keith Gross
Position 6 (281) 554-1028 keith.gross@leaguecity.com
Nick Long
Position 7 (281) 299-7142 nick.long@leaguecity.com
Mark Rohr City Manager
CITY MATTERS STAFF Communications Director Angel Lopez
Communication Coordinator Bridget Kramer Communications Specialist Quan Robinson COMMENTS?
Communications@leaguecity.com (281) 554-1025 City Matters is published quarterly by the City of League City.
IMPROVING QUALITY OF LIFE
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eague City’s Economic Development Department seeks to improve the quality of life for its residents, taxpayers, and other stakeholders by focusing on several key goals, which include: expanding and diversifying the tax base; increasing the number of high-paying jobs available in League City; retaining and expanding existing businesses; recruiting targeted businesses to League City; increasing tourism; and preserving our community’s historic assets. As investors seek to broaden their investment portfolio to limit their risk, our department works diligently to expand and diversify multiple streams of tax revenue for the city. Our objectives are to decrease the property tax burden and maintain the steady provision of quality city services without becoming overly dependent on any one revenue source. For example, if several new businesses move to League City and increase the amount of property tax and/or sales tax revenue collected, then the increased tax revenue may reduce the cost of city services, increase the quality of city services, and/or increase the quality and number of public improvement projects that may be undertaken to improve the community’s quality of life. Since the ability to work close to home is an important facet of improving the quality of life in our community, our department is working to attract new, high-quality and high-paying jobs for our residents. Employers such as American National Insurance Company, INEOS, and UTMB provide residents with the opportunity to earn high-quality salaries where they live. High-quality and high-paying jobs in League City benefit our residents and encourage new employees from outside League City to purchase a home in our community, buy local goods and services, and enjoy the
benefits of living and working in the same community. In order to improve our local economy, we should build upon our strengths by supporting the retention and expansion of our existing businesses. Local businesses create jobs, pay taxes, and serve as ambassadors to new businesses that may consider relocating to League City. Our department partners with the League City Regional Chamber of Commerce (Chamber) to meet with local businesses and offer customized assistance to encourage local businesses to remain and expand in League City. Businesses are free to locate wherever they wish, and communities often compete to recruit companies that create high quality jobs and/or new tax base. Our department researches and actively recruits specific businesses, which are a strategic fit for our community. Economic development incentives are sparingly used as a business recruitment tool to support proposed projects that would not reasonably occur without the offer of an incentive. League City structures these incentives based upon clearly defined performance benchmarks that a business must achieve before it receives any benefits. Tourism is an important aspect of League City’s economy and continues to grow as word of the many amenities and events in our community spreads. Whether it is one of our numerous local events, or historic downtown museums, these assets attract visitors from around the region to our community. Our department works with the Communications Department, Hotel Occupancy Tax Board, and Chamber to facilitate and fund local events that attract visitors to stay in our hotels and support our local businesses. Visitors bring new capital into our local economy that supports
SCOTT LIVINGSTON Director of Economic Development
scott.livingston@leaguecity.com
Our department is working to attract new, high-quality and high-paying jobs for our residents. local employment and generates new tax revenue through hotel occupancy taxes and/or sales tax. Economic Development is often associated with growth, but that goal is not incompatible with preserving League City’s distinct identity and heritage. As recently seen in League City’s Downtown Revitalization Plan, preserving the historic assets of our community is a key goal. A direct example of this is the dedication to preserving the historic oaks which give our downtown its unique charm. For an update regarding the Downtown Revitalization Plan, please visit www. leaguecity.com/downtown. Feel free to contact us at EconDev@leaguecity.com or (281) 554-1038 with questions regarding the city’s economic development efforts. July 2016
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PREPARE FOR THE QUIDDITCH INVASION League City will be hosting the Quidditch Championship August 20 and 21 at Hometown Heroes Park
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uaffle, keeper, bludger, beater and a golden snitch, it’s really a tennis ball, are words that will be heard throughout League City the weekend of August 20.
The League City Legends will be one of 16 teams participating in the MLQ Championship. The League City Legends’ team manager is also one of the City’s newest council members.
Sixteen Quidditch teams from across the nation and Canada will descend upon League City. With broomstick in hand, they will compete at Hometown Heroes Park for the coveted Benepe Cup. Join in the fun by attending the Championship at Hometown Heroes Park or one of the many other events planned to demonstrate the values of the game.
“League City hosting the MLQ Championship is a dream come true,” said Council member Hank Dugie. “We’re excited for the opportunity to show some true Texas hospitality and to bring world class quidditch to our fans.”
If you are gone this weekend you still have the opportunity to enjoy in the fun by attending the League City Legends game versus the Austin Outlaws on July 30, 1 p.m. at Hometown Heroes Park.
our marquee event,” said Ethan Sturm, MLQ Commission Co-Chair. “League City is everything we could have asked for in a host city, and we cannot wait to bring our staff, players and fans to Hometown Heroes Park in August to show them what the city has to offer.” The City plans to continue to attract athletic and entertainment events that residents can enjoy.
Quidditch is a co-ed, full-contact sport featuring a unique set of rules that includes elements from rugby, basketball and dodge ball. During the championship event, teams will go head-to-head with the aim of scoring the most goals and being the first to catch the snitch. “Major League Quidditch is thrilled to be partnering with League City to host
DID YOU KNOW?
Things you may or may not know about League City Mosquito Control Mosquito spraying throughout League City is provided by Galveston County Mosquito Control District (GCMCD) from late March through early November. This includes routine spraying by truck and aerial spraying. GCMCD has an up-to-date spraying schedule available at www. galvestoncountytx.gov/cs/mc/Pages/ Spray-Schedule.aspx. Residents may also contact the Galveston County Mosquito Control at (800) 842-5622 to request spraying in a specific area. Lawn 101 Did you know? A property is in violation if the grass and/or weeds grow above 4
CITY MATTERS
July 2016
12 inches per Ordinance 54-33 (B). All property owners are responsible for maintaining their property and adjacent rights-of-way extending beyond the property line to any streets or alleys, regardless of whether or not a curb line has been established. Uncut, high grass and weeds are a fire hazard, contribute to allergies, harbor rodents and snakes, and contribute to pests like mosquitoes and chiggers. Banner permit requests move to Communications Office Banner permit requests are now issued by the Communications Department (previously issued by the Police Department). The submission process will remain the same. Need to submit
a request? Submit on-line under 311 Request Tracker or by visiting www. leaguecity.com/bannerpermit. Are you ready for a Hurricane? Hurricane season is upon us. Download your League City Hurricane Preparedness Guide at www.leaguecity.com/hurricaneguide2016. League City ranks as 19th ‘Best Texas City for Families’ WalletHub recently released their listing of Best Cities for Texas Families. League City ranked 19th out of the 112 cities compared in the study. The full listing is available at https:// wallethub.com/edu/best-places-tolive-in-texas/22419/.
NEW EMPLOYEES
The newest members to the team Roel Amador........ Equipment Operator Christopher Belongia... Plant Operator Ashley Creller........ Aquatics Supervisor Mark Cunningham...... Kennel Worker Amanda Davis ............ Office Support
Specialist
Rupert Davis............... Kennel Worker Laura Forsythe.......... Detention Officer John Griffith................. Police Officer Sarah Hultman....................Librarian Chanel Jones........ Assistant Emergency
Mgmt. Coord.
Meredith Layton........ Senior Librarian Scott Livingston.................Director of Economic Development
David Rodriguez .............. Equipment
Operator
Aimee Roe............. Deputy Court Clerk Jatniel Rolon-Rivera................ Utility
Maintenance Tech.
Claudia Restrepo...........Accountant II Cristoval Rios........................ Heavy
Equipment Operator
Jatniel Rolon-Rivera ............... Utility
Maintenance Tech
Precious Simmons..... Utility Billing Rep. Jeffrey Spriggins............ Public Works Inspector
Michelle Tressler............. City Auditor Latricia Vaughns............... Grant and CIP Administrator
July 2016
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DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION Second public meeting set for Aug. 17, 2016 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Johnnie Arolfo Civic Center, located at 400 W. Walker St.
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evitalizing the City’s downtown area is one of the key goals identified by City Council and the community during an Envisioning Workshop in January 2015. The goal was ranked the second highest project during the workshop and incorporated into the City’s ‘Roadmap to the Future.’ A proposal to revitalize League City’s downtown area was presented to City Council and the public on May 10, 2016. The proposal featured illustrated design concepts, renderings of a revitalized downtown, and other unique amenities to enhance the area. It also defined a viable and vibrant traditional downtown with a village appeal that captured the look and heritage of Historic League City. It also builds upon the City’s rich history and amenities already in place through: • Protection of the Gazebo in League Park and Butler Oaks • Preservation of the history within
League Park and the downtown area • Recreational area for basketball courts • Additional parking to better serve our community and support downtown area patrons. Funding for the project will come from a variety of sources such as Community Block Development Grants, TIRZ funds and existing revenue streams. No tax increases are necessary to fund the revitalization project. The City of League City held the first of two public meetings on the downtown revitalization project on June 15, 2016. The meeting provided an opportunity for approximately 100 residents to address their concerns and feedback on various aspects of the project. City representatives along with design professionals, Huitt-Zollars, Inc., and Clark Condon Associates, were on hand to address questions, concerns and feedback as they work to further develop downtown revitalization plans. Continued on page 8
July 2016
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Architectural rendering of the future Park Avenue Why is revitalizing downtown important? Downtowns are the heart of a city and region. Many communities throughout the country have seen years of neglect and abandonment in their downtown areas. The revitalization project will establish a community gathering spot and help build a connection amongst residents and business owners. It also makes a positive statement about the state of League City. Features will include:
Trees throughout Downtown The Butler Oaks canopy along Main Street will be expanded using saplings nursed from the existing Butler Oak acorns. Trees will also frame streets and walkways throughout the downtown area to enhance visibility for retail signage. Recommended trees for the streetscaping include: • • • • 8
Crape Myrtle Eastern Redbud Bottlebrush Savannah Holly CITY MATTERS
July 2016
• Highrise Oak
Main Street • Entryway with gateway sign • Buried and relocated overhead utilities • Enhanced pedestrian crossings • Butler Oak canopy expansion • New development framing roadway • Improved parking in right-of-way • Use of historic roadway markers • Mixed use development
League Park • • • • • • •
Butler Oaks and Gazebo Stage and plaza Fountain Muldoon’s Run (Water Feature) Splash pad Trail connections Touchstone piece
Street Scaping • • • • • • • •
Acorn style old-fashioned lighting Way-finding signage Brick pavers Benches facing buildings Flower baskets Street banners and flags Street trees Milby’s Corner at Main St. & Park Ave.
Detailed information on the downtown revitalization project is available at www.leaguecity.com/downtown.
Rejuvenating League City Animal Shelter
A project to expand and upgrade the current shelter
HEWITT’S HEROES
Signs of progress are happening throughout the City with the latest improvement project focused on the League City Animal Shelter. A project to expand and upgrade the current shelter at a cost of $150,000 was approved by the City Council of League City on March 22, 2016. Improvements for the shelter, located at 821 N. Kansas, include the cleaning and resurfacing of floors and kennel areas; the installation of a modular office building for administrative space; a re-working of existing fencing; the addition of storage facilities; and remodeling of existing shelter space. “Our mission is simple – we care for the many pets that others cannot care for and help them find homes with a caring family,” said Kim Schoolcraft, League City’s Animal Services Manager. “We are striving to transition to a no-kill status and these improvements will enhance our ability to care for the pets as we develop plans for the City’s new shelter.” The addition of the modular building is expected to enhance City staff’s ability to manage volunteer support, animal adoptions, intakes and the issuing of
animal licenses. “The more animals we take in, the bigger the need to properly care for and facilitate adoptions,” continued Schoolcraft. “The new administrative area is geared towards enhancing our customers experience them when they come in to adopt a pet. It also provides us with a more space for our volunteer support and check-in process.” Interested in adopting a pet? Stop by the animal shelter between Tuesday thru Thursday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and closed on Sunday and Monday. Customers looking for lost pets or a potential pet to adopt should enter the main building. Volunteers or kennel staff will greet customers upon entrance to the main building and help address their concerns or questions.
(Editor’s note: City Council approved a motion directing staff to incorporate the construction of a new animal shelter into the FY20172021 capital improvement project by a 5-3-0 vote.)
In the fall of 2015, Fire Chief was approached by Renee Bennett and her son Christian about ideas to include special needs young adults into community service. Renee leads a community parent support group called “Side by Side.” Their mission is to empower citizens through education to stand “Side by Side” with people with disabilities as they contribute to the community where we all live, learn, work, play, and pray. Their beliefs are “inclusion and acceptance would take place naturally if obstacles were not set before our clear path. We will help remove the obstacles on our path in making everyone’s dream a reality.” The name “Hewitt’s Heroes” comes from Art Hewitt who recently passed away. Art was a 61 year volunteer firefighter who cared for Christian at League City Station 1 since Christian was a small child. Christian has helped clean the station and check trucks on drill night for over 10 years. The Side by Side group already meets once a month in city buildings during the school year and this group has special needs children who want to perform community service at the fire station once a month. Hewitt’s Heroes has grown in size from the original four to the current nine total members that participate together to support of League City Volunteer Fire Department and its mission in the community. July 2016
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BOND ISSUE 2016
City Council funds projects identified in the 2016 to 2020 Capital Improvements Plan through Certificates of Obligation. The bond issue will fund $13.65 million in tax and revenue supported projects. This includes $9.6 million for tax supported projects, $3.9 million for revenue supported projects and $150,000 for the cost of issuance. The authorization to proceed with Certificates of Obligation’s were approved by City Council on July 12 after two public hearings. Projects include:
Tax supported projects Calder Road ($3.9 million) • Converts an open ditch rural roadway to a three-lane (two travel lanes, one center turn lane) concrete-curb and gutter enclosed storm sewer roadway. • Joint project with Galveston County. County is responsible for design and a portion of the construction. • League City responsible for obtaining additional right-of-way and covering costs exceeding the County’s budget. • Estimated total project cost is $15.9 million. Funding for the project includes $4 million from the county, $8 million cash on hand and $3.9 million debt issue funding. Five Corners Realignment ($2.4 million) • Estimated total project costs is $7.9 million. Funding for the project includes $1.88 million from Texas
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Department of Transportation, $3.6 million cash on hand, and $2.4 million debt issue funding.
the project includes $12.7 million cash on hand and $920,000 debt issue funding.
Stormwater Improvements ($3.0 million) • Construction of Nottingham Ditch improvements • Estimated total project cost for drainage improvements between FY 2016 and 2020 is $16 million. Debt issue funding for this fiscal year would be $3 million.
New Water Lines west side ($0.7 million) • Estimated total project cost is $5.67 million. Funding for project includes $958,950 for FY 2016 design and land, $247,650 in water CRF fees, and $711,300 in debt issue funding.
West side Economic Development ($0.2 million) • Extension of Bay Area Boulevard from its southern terminus in Magnolia Creek to FM 517 and associated drainage, detention pond and bridge. • Preliminary project design includes design for street and drainage infrastructure on west side of City. • Estimated total project cost is $10.1 million. Funding for preliminary project design in FY 2016 is $200,000.
Revenue supported projects 36” water line South Shore Harbour Booster Station ($0.9 million) • Connects SH-3 booster station with the South Shore Harbour booster station to enhance the ability to move water through the east side of the City and improve water pressure • Consists of approximately 17,000 feet of 36-inch waterline • Provides a second connection from the City’s major take point at SH-3 across Clear Creek • Estimated total project cost is $13.6 million. Funding for
Sanitary Sewer Annual Rehabilitation ($2.1 million) • Construction to rehabilitate 24” Gravity Sewer trunk line along FM 2094 (South Shore Boulevard to East Main Lift Station) • Construction to rehabilitate 42” trunk line along Coryell Street (FM 270 to DSWWTP) • Design rehabilitation of another area based on current priority • Estimated total project cost is $3.485 million. Funding for project includes $1.385 million cash on hand and $2.1 million debt issue funding. Bay Area Boulevard 12” Sewer Improvement ($0.2 million) • Includes a 4,550 LF of 12-inch sewer, a lift station, and 600 LF of 8-inch force main along the future Bay Area Boulevard extension • Estimated total project cost is $1.38 million. Funding for project design in FY 2016 is $206,645.
Go to http://leaguecitytx.swagit.com/ live/ to view the full presentation provided during the City Council Work Session held on May 9, 2016.
Arthur Hewitt Volunteer Spirit Award Nominations Nominations are currently being accepted for the 2015 Arthur Hewitt Volunteer Spirit Award for the period of July 1, 2015 to June 30, 2016. Arthur Hewitt, who passed away in 2012, dedicated 61 years of his life to the League City community by serving as a League City volunteer firefighter and inspiring countless others to make a commitment to service in League City. The City of League City honors Hewitt’s memory and keeps his passion for volunteerism alive through the Arthur Hewitt Volunteer Spirit Award. Nominations for this year’s award are due by Aug. 5, 2016. The Arthur Hewitt Volunteer Spirit Award nomination criteria are as follows: • Open to all volunteers • Nominees do not need to live or work in League City, but must volunteer for a Cityrelated cause or project • Nominees must have made a significant contribution to League City by volunteering time and service to a Cityrelated cause or project (including, but not limited to Helen Hall Library, Volunteer Fire Department, Animal Shelter, Leaders Make Readers, Volunteers in Policing, etc.). Visit www.leaguecity.com/ spiritaward to nominate a friend, neighbor or co-worker. For more information, contact the City of League City Communications Department at (281) 554-1025 or communications@leaguecity.com.
LEAGUE CITY’S BUTTERFLY GARDEN
Located at the Dr. Ned and Fay Dudney Clear Creek Nature Center, The City of League City can now enjoy a newly planted Butterfly Garden located at the Dr. Ned and Fay Dudney Clear Creek Nature Center, at 1220 North Egret Bay Boulevard. On June 18, ten volunteers helped to came together to plant the butterfly garden. These individuals were from the League City Garden Club, Galveston Bay Chapter - Texas Master Naturalist Program, and the City of League City. The group of volunteers will continue to provide upkeep to the garden in the weeks and months to come. The garden is 12’ x 12’, but can be expanded in future years. The idea for the garden can be attributed to Chris Anastas, Judy Anderson, and Vaness Hamilton, local members of the Galveston Bay Chapter - Texas Master Naturalist Program. They informed the Parks Department about a Native Plant Society of Texas grant that could assist in funding a butterfly garden. The
grant would allow the City to apply for supplies for the creation of a butterfly garden. Once City Staff received approval to pursue the grant, they applied for it through the Native Plant Society of Texas. The group later announced that the City was approved for funding. Several members of the League City Garden Club and Galveston Bay Chapter - Texas Master Naturalist Program assisted the City with the garden design, plant selection, and the planting of the garden. In addition Rusty Bolen, Ben Cucchia, Louie West, Steve Blum, James Block, and Mark Calhoun of the City of League City Park Operations Department helped prepare the bed area, construct landscape borders, and complete the dirt work about a week before the official planting date. July 2016
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UPCOMING CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS Community Development, road Construction, and Renovations City project (All dates are subject to change). 1. Asphalt overlay and striping of 2nd St. from Park to Wisconsin; Iowa Ave. from FM 518 to School St.; School St. from Iowa to Kansas. Community Development Block Grant funds used to improve driving surface of streets. City Public Works Department will improve drainage by reestablishing ditch grades. Construction to be bid June 2016 anticipated start of construction in August. 2. Mill and HMAC Overlay Beaumont, from Texas to Dickinson. City funded project to improve driving surface of street. Project will rehab Beaumont Street with limited base repair, rotomill existing surface and install new 2-inch surface. This area is from Dickinson Ave. 4,100 ft. east to Texas Ave. Construction to be bid in August anticipated start of construction in September. 3. Calder Road Improvements, League City Parkway to Ervin. Project will provide a concrete street with curbs, 1 lane each direction with a center turn lane. Land acquisition continues; anticipated utility relocation in Spring 2016 (pending land acquisitions), with construction bid in June and award in July 2016. Start of construction would begin in August 2016. 4. Fire Station 1: Remodel upstairs section including crew bunk room, lockers flooring and paint an estimated cost of $20,000. Fire Station 3: Repairs to kitchen, crew bunk room, lockers, and paint an estimated cost of $20,000. Staff continues to work with Fire Chief and Fire Marshal on scoping of 12 CITY MATTERS
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kitchen and bunk areas; received design changes from staff. Plans await final approval for bidding. Anticipated construction bid in July 2016 with construction in August or September. 5. Continued Renovation of Building 500. New roof on part of the building; continued remodel of interior. Continuing construction. 6. The HWY 3 median beautification will to landscape medians from FM 518 to entrance of Walter Hall Park. Landscaping project funded by TxDOT. Anticipated construction and completion in Summer 2016. 7. South Shore Harbour #3 Lift Station Improvements: Design began in January 2015; construction bids were received June 7, with the anticipated award June 28. Construction anticipated beginning July 2016.
TXDOT PROJECTS
(All dates are subject to change. Information received from TXDOT)
Current Projects • IH-45 Segments: • FM 518 to FM 517: Widen to eight main lanes, add two, twolane frontage roads (Fall 2016) • NASA Bypass to FM 518: Widen from two to four lane divided, add overpass (Fall 2017) • FM 517 to FM 1764: Widen from two to four lanes divided with overpass bridge (Tentative Letting: Fall 2018) • FM 270: Hike/bike trail over FM 270; construction started May 6, 2016 • Duration of project 15 months • FM 646: Widen from two to four lanes, divided with overpass bridge (Tentative Letting: 2019) • SH 146: Widen from four to six lanes (Tentative Letting: 2022) Future Projects: Grand Parkway: Galveston County – Alignment to be determined (No Letting Date Yet) FM 517: SH 35 t FM 646 widen to four lanes (No Letting Date Yet)
Who’s Who in League City
League City releases 2015 Consumer Confidence Report The City of League City released the 2015 Consumer Confidence Report for the City’s drinking water system on July 1, 2016.
Kenneth Farrow Public Works Manager: Streets and Storm water 1. How many years have you worked for the City? I have worked for the City for 36 years and 4 months! I started with the City the day after my 18th birthday in 1980. 2. What was your first job with the City? I came to the City as a laborer at $5.39 per hour. I was promoted a month later to Equipment Operator 2. I became the Superintendent of Streets and Drainage at the age of 28. 3. What is the best part of the Job? The best part of the job is my co-workers…Through day to day operations and extreme events, I know I have people that surround me with a ‘We can accomplish anything’ attitude is a great feeling of PRIDE. 4. What is a hobby outside of work? My hobbies are hunting, fishing, playing guitar and spending a great deal of time on my porch at the lake house looking out over Toledobend. 5. What should the public know about the Streets and Stormwater Department? The public should know that this department is always willing to step up whatever task comes their way.
The annual water quality report provides information on the City’s source water, the levels of detected contaminants and compliance with drinking water rules. League City’s Water Production Department’s goal is to provide safe drinking water. The water source assessments have determined the City’s drinking water meets or exceeds all requirements mandated by the
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. A copy of the report is available at www.leaguecity.com/ccr. The report will also be delivered electronically via monthly water bills and all of the City’s communication tools to include placing hard copies at apartment complexes and a variety of publicly accessible locations throughout the City. Contact the City’s Water Production Department at (281) 554-1041 with questions or concerns.
League City Event Calendar Listing Event Coffee with a Cop City Hall in the Park Major League Quidditch Championship Paws and Claws Adopt-a-thon Labor Day (City Hall closed) Kids Night Out LCVFD Memorial Stair Climb Health Fair Southwest International In-Water Boat Show Family Fun Day Punt Pass & Kick Competition National Night Out City Hall in the Park Harvest Festival Drug Take-Back Event
Date Aug. 6 Aug. 16 Aug. 20-21 Aug. 27-28 Sept. 5 Sept. 9 Sept. 11 Sept. 17 Sept. 23-25 Sept. 24 Sept. 28 Oct. 4 Oct. 18 Oct. 22 Oct. 22 July 2016
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Movies at the Library
Helen Hall Library will offer a variety of movie viewings beginning in August! Family friendly movies (G/PG-rated) will air on the first Saturday of the month beginning Sept. 3 at 11 a.m. Movie titles include Inside Out, The Muppet Movie, It’s a Wonderful Life, and many more! PG-or-higher-rated movies will air every first and third Tuesday of the month beginning Aug. 16 at 1p.m. Movie titles include Three Amigos, Casablanca, Bridge of Spies, and many more!
Meet Our New Children’s Librarian
Sarah Hultman was born and raised in Oneonta, New York. For seven years, as she was going to college, she worked at Huntington Memorial Library in Oneonta and graduated with a Master of Science in Information Science from the University at Albany in August of 2015. In May, she moved from Upstate New York to League City to join the staff at Helen Hall Library as a Children’s Librarian. Sarah is interested in reading good books, traveling, and exploring creative ideas to use in the children’s programming at the library.
Meet Our New Technical Services Librarian Meredith Layton, a graduate of Southwestern University in Georgetown and the University of Texas, Austin, has lived in and around League City for the past nine years. Meredith has eleven years of experience working in public and school libraries, as well as a special collection. She enjoys reading, baking, music, movies, scouring thrift stores and spending time with her family. As Technical Services Librarian, Meredith manages the Technical Services department, serves as an expert cataloging resource, and oversees new items from the time they are purchased to when they reach the shelves for you to check out. With a passion for finding just the right book for every reader, she loves being part of bringing new materials to library patrons and has a special fondness for picture books.
Gulf Coast Reads Helen Hall Library is proud to announce our participation in Gulf Coast Reads, an annual regional reading initiative focused on promoting the simultaneous reading or listening to a selected title by those living along the upper Texas Gulf Coast. This year’s selection is The Train to Crystal City by Jan Jarboe Russell. Planning is underway for library events to enrich this year’s selection. For more information about Gulf Coast Reads, visit www.gulfcoastreads.org. We hope you’ll join us in October and read The Train to Crystal City! 14 CITY MATTERS
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Friends of the Helen Hall Library Used Bookstore The Helen Hall Library Used Bookstore opened in October 2015. Books cost $2 for hardbacks and large paperbacks; $1 for regular paperbacks; and kid’s books from 50 cents. A large selection of DVDs is also available, priced at $2. The bookstore is operated by the Friends of Helen Hall Library and all proceeds go to help supply the library’s needs. For example, the two additional cabinets for the Library’s compact discs, added this Spring and paid for by the Friends from book sale proceeds. The library is always seeking donations, which can be deposited on shelves located near the first-floor restrooms. While all types of books are needed, at the moment the bookstore is in particular need of children’s books and cookbooks. If you have books that you are not likely to read again, please consider donating them to the Helen Hall Library. The bookstore also needs volunteers, especially on weekends and evenings. It’s a fun job and you’ll get an early shot at new books put on the shelf!
PARKS RECREATION DEPARTMENT
Resident information on upcoming events, activities and programs. Special Events Kids Night Out At The Park
Parents, are you looking for a fun, safe place to bring your kids on Friday night? Bring them to our Kids Night Out at the Park for games, activities, food, and movies all under the supervision of trained staff. Cost is $15 for League City residents, $22.50 for non-residents. Dates: Sept. 16 and Oct. 14.
Senior Ceramic Classes
Classes are free of charge to residents and will take place at The Ceramic and Pottery Center, located at 900 Hwy 3 North in League City, with free transportation available from Hometown Heroes Park. Registration is currently open for the July and August sessions. Non-resident cost is $35 per person. Participants meet the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month and will learn the basics of ceramic and pottery art, with hands-on instruction in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. Participants will have completed a ceramic art-work to take with them. Session dates are Aug. 10 and 24, Sept. 14 and 28. GIRLS ASA SOFTBALL The League City Parks Recreation Department is preparing girl’s ASA Fall Softball Program. The program is open to girl’s 5 to 18 years old.
Homeschool P.E.
Homeschool P.E. is offered on Mondays and Wednesdays in the Hometown Heroes Park gym. Cost is $50 per month for League City residents, $75 per month for nonresidents. Grades K-5: 1 to 2:30 p.m. Grades 6-12: 2:30 to 4 p.m. Dates are Aug. 29 to Sept. 26 (no classes on Sept. 5) with a Soccer focus
and Oct. 3 to 26 with a softball and baseball focus.
Gymnastics
Develop flexibility, strength, body control, and confidence through fundamental gymnastics skills on floor mats and wedges, balance beams, and bars. Classes occur on Tuesdays and Thursdays at Hometown Heroes Park. Cost is $55 per month. Tuesday sessions are at 4:15 to 5 p.m., 5:05 to 5:50 p.m. (4 to 12 years). Thursday session is 4:15 to 5 p.m. (4 to 12 years).
Karate
The American Society of Karate (A.S.K.) offers new ideas and a fresh approach to the art, sport and selfdefense aspects of karate. Classes run every Wednesday until Aug. 10 at Hometown Heroes Park. Cost is $50 per session. First session is at 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. (5 to 12 years); second session is at 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. (12 to 70 years).
Tennis Camp
Tennis camps are directed by experienced tennis teaching professionals from Bay Area Racquet Club at Rustic Oaks Park. Lessons are open to children ages 6 to 14; cost is $129 per session. Sessions occur Monday to Thursday on: Session 7: Aug. 1 to 4 Session 8: Aug. 8 to 11
League City Swimming Pool
The pool will remain open to the public for open swim through Labor Day weekend. Cost is $10 per person for residents; $85 for a family of four for nonresidents.
Hometown Heroes Park Pool
The pool will remain open through Labor Day weekend. Swim passes for League City residents $25 and include open swim at both pools. The pavilion at the pool is also available to rent during open swim hours. After hour rentals for private parties are also available.
Swimming Lessons
Swimming lessons are available at Hometown Heroes Park Pool. Cost is $50 for residents, $75 for nonresidents. Price includes eight, 30-minute lessons. Swim lesson sessions occur: Aug. 1 to 11 Sept. 6 to 29 (Tuesday/Thursday evenings) Oct. 4 to 27 (Tuesday/Thursday evenings) Register online or in person at Hometown Heroes Park. Contact Ashley Creller at (281) 554-1195 or Ashley.creller@leaguecity.com for more information.
Baseball
Baseball season officially kicks off Sept. 6 and is open to boys and girls ages 3 to 9. Tee/Rookie Ball registration starts July 27. Cost is $70 for League City residents, $105 for non-residents. Coach Pitch registration starts July 27. Cost is $75 for residents, $112.50 for non-residents. Program schedules and Future Astros Program information are available at www.teamsideline.com/leaguecity.
Parks Program Information
Visit www.leaguecity.com/parks for additional information on Parks Recreation programs.
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