CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE OCTOBER 30, 2020

City Refinances Debt at Unprecedented Rate League City will save close to $7 million over the next 12 years See page 1

City Manager Residents get a 25% savings on flood FEMA John Baumgartner insurance | See page 1 The City Manager’s Update is a Lower Clear Creek and Dickinson Bayou weekly newsletter that provides Public Meeting information about ongoing Watershed Study | See page 2 projects, events, and initiatives Apply for a City board or commission by across League City. Volunteer October 31 | See page 3

CVB

Public Safety Animal Shelter Event

Celebrate Safely Employee Promotion Health and Wellness Expo Check out Halloween events in Meet League City’s new Animal Come browse and enter a raffle for a League City. See page 6 Services Manager. See page 1 free 50-inch tv! See page 4 PAGE 1 | City Manager’s Update OCTOBER 30 | 2020

City Refinances Debt at Unprecedented Rate League City was recently able to refinance $42 million of City debt at an interest rate of 1.2 percent, saving the City close to $7 million over the next 12 years. Thanks and appreciation go out to staff members of our Finance Department and the City’s team of financial advisors for their efforts to get this unprecedented rate.

City’s Floodplain Management Efforts Lead to Ratings Increase from FEMA The Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), has increased League City from as Class 6 rating to a Class 5 rating in the National Flood Insurance Program’s Community Rating System. This new rating is a result of League City’s continual floodplain management efforts to reduce flooding losses. It will provide League City residents with a 25 percent savings on their flood insurance. “This savings is a tangible result of the flood mitigation activities League City implements to protect lives and reduce property damage,” said William H. Lesser, CRS Coordinator with the Federal Insurance and Mitigation Administration.

League City is only the fourth city in Texas to achieve the Class 5 designation. The other three cities are Houston, Dallas, and Grand Prairie. Texas does not have any cities or counties rated higher than a Class 5 at this time. “I commend the determination and efforts of the City’s Engineering, Floodplain, and Stormwater Management Departments to make this rating increase possible,” said League City Manager John Baumgartner. “Their commitment to make our community more disaster resistant enhances public safety, property protection, and protects the natural functions of our area’s floodplains.”

New Animal Services Manager The City of League City would like to introduce Jasmine O’Keefe, who was promoted to Animal Services Manager. Jasmine began her career with the League City Animal Shelter in 2013 as the Volunteer/Community Outreach Coordinator, and she accepted her current position on September 28, 2020. She was born and raised in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and graduated from LSU in Animal Science and Business. Prior to her arrival in League City, she worked as a veterinarian technician at a low-cost veterinary hospital and at a 24-hour emergency veterinary hospital.

At the League City Animal Shelter, she created and managed several volunteer programs such as the Canine Good Citizenship training program, the Dogs Playing for Life canine playgroups program, and expanded the community outreach program to include humane education in schools and senior citizen community events. Congratulations, Jasmine! PAGE 2 | City Manager’s Update OCTOBER 30 | 2020 Lower Clear Creek and Dickinson Bayou Watershed Study

The Lower Clear Creek and Dickinson Bayou Watershed What are the goals of the study? Study is hosting a series of virtual public meeting to •Identify the region’s flood vulnerabilities encourage public participation and feedback regarding •Develop data-driven strategies to reduce flood the findings of the first two phases of the study. The next risks along the main channels of Clear Creek and meeting will be held on Wednesday, November 4 at Dickinson Bayou 6:30 p.m. and will focus on Clear Creek. Online access •Develop a comprehensive, regional Flood Mitigation to the meeting can be found here. Plan

When will we see flood control results from the study? The final phase of the study involves identifying and prioritizing projects. After projects are chosen, they will move into a variety of approval processes, followed by project launch.

League City residents can expect data-driven drainage projects that will provide long-term flood mitigation solutions not only for League City, but for all cities within the study region, providing the most effective regional drainage approach.

What is the Lower Clear Creek and Dickinson Bayou Watershed study? A three-phase, 18-month regional study spearheaded by the City of League City to develop a comprehensive flood mitigation plan for the Lower Clear Creek and Dickinson Bayou watersheds. It began in early 2020 and will be complete by early summer 2021.

Who is part of the study? The City of League City leads the study in partnership with the cities of Friendswood, Webster, Dickinson, Pearland, and Nassau Bay; Galveston County; Brazoria County; the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; the Harris County Flood Control District; and the Galveston County Consolidated Drainage District. PAGE 3 | City Manager’s Update OCTOBER 30 | 2020 Last Call To Sign Up For a City Board, Commission, Or Committee

League City is currently seeking volunteers for positions on City boards, commissions, and committees to fill current vacancies and those positions expiring this year. Applications must be submitted NO later than Saturday, October 31. Residents interested in volunteering are encouraged to apply through the online application form. Applications are also available from the City Secretary’s Office at City Hall, 300 West Walker.

Information regarding a list of openings, descriptions of the boards and commissions, and eligibility requirements can be found here. Contact the City Secretary’s Office at 281-554-1030 for more information.

Halloween in League City

Halloween at Helen Hall Library Trick or Treat at the League City Animal Shelter October 31 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. October 31 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Stop by the Helen Hall Library and see the collection of October is Adopt a Shelter Dog Month. To close out cleverly decorated pumpkins lining the sidewalks out front the month, the League City Animal Shelter is inviting (all designed by library staff) and vote for your favorite. people, and their pets, to stop by and trick-or-treat. The At the end of the pumpkin line, children can trick-or-treat shelter will have treats for humans and their furry friends. and choose either a candy or craft bag. (The bags are A photographer will also be available to take photos of assembled by staff wearing a mask and gloves.) Visit you and your pet in costume from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for a Helen Hall Library at 100 W. Walker St. in League City. donation. If you wear a costume, you can also adopt a pet for $10.

For a full list of Halloween happenings around League City, click here. PAGE 4 | City Manager’s Update OCTOBER 30 | 2020 League City Employees Celebrate Halloween

In true Halloween spirit, League City employees showed off their creativity and participated in a costume and pumpkin carving contest this week. Costumes and pumpkins were shared virtually amongst employees through a virtual meeting, and winners were selected amongst the participants. Check out some of the fun and creative entries!

Health and Wellness Expo

Residents are encouraged to attend the upcoming Health and Wellness Expo on Thursday, November 5 at the Johnnie Arolfo Civic Center. Browse from a variety of vendors and get information about how to lead a healthy lifestyle. Participants can enter a raffle for a free 50-inch tv! PAGE 5 | City Manager’s Update OCTOBER 30 | 2020 Upcoming Webinars

RESPONSE . RECOVERY . RESILIENCE JOB SERIES Readiness NOVEMBER 5, 2020 • 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

• How to keep a job in the midst of a pandemic? • How to deal with the mental health effects of job loss? • How to find a position in a COVID-19 economy? • How to interview post COVID-19? CHARLES PULLIAM CEO & Senior Partner • How to prove job readiness via virtual interviews? Solushiens During times of economic uncertainty, many League City residents will find themselves with a need to seek employment. If you are interested in making yourself more employable during times of economic uncertainty, join subject matter experts and the League City Regional Chamber of Commerce for a job readiness series. FREE SERIES For League City residents and businesses negatively impacted by COVID REGISTER ONLINE at http://bit.ly/JobReadiness2 To Receive the ZOOM Link

Public Safety Updates

Animals Rescued From Structure Fire On Saturday, October 24, the League City Fire Department received a reported residential structure fire located on Lazy Hollow Drive. Reports from the dispatcher indicated that four animals and possibly two small children could be inside the residence. Engine 4 forced entry into the front door and extinguished the fire located in the kitchen. A primary search was conducted and all four animals were found and rescued to the exterior of the structure. Three of the animals were treated for smoke inhalation and minor burns by firefighters and paramedics on the scene. The animals were immediately taken to a Veterinarian Clinic in League City by the fire department. One small feline succumbed to the smoke and fire and could not be saved. First responders made valiant efforts to save all the trapped animals that were found inside the residence. No other occupants were The Fire Investigators are currently retrieving further inside the structure. The League City Fire Marshal’s Office information for the investigation. If you have any questions investigated the fire to determine the origin was near the concerning the fire, please contact Fire Marshal Tommy surface top of the stove. Cones at 281-554-1291. PAGE 6 | City Manager’s Update OCTOBER 30 | 2020 Public Safety Updates

Foundational Elements in Policing Crisis Intervention Training LCPD posted the Foundational Elements in Policing for LCPD hosted a 40-hour crisis intervention training this the department as formulated by Chief Gary Ratliff. week which was attended by officers from around the LCPD is committed to remaining transparent in providing region. The purpose of this training is to educate officers information to the public while continuing to nurture on how to identify behaviors that may indicate the practical partnerships with the Citizens of League presence of mental illness and provide them with de- City. The listed elements give a basic outline of police escalation skills to mitigate violence and increase safety. procedures while providing links to informative policies The training included not only classroom training, but and procedures. practical exercises as well as scenario-based training.

Where We Stand LCPD MISSION STATEMENT The League City Police Department is devoted to protecting life, property, and individual liberties while enhancing the quality of life. To achieve these ends, we are committed to forming and promoting practical partnerships with each other and those we serve. Safe Halloween Many traditional Halloween activities can be high-risk Training is a top priority at LCPD Our officers undergo double the annual training hours required by the Texas for spreading viruses. The Centers for Disease Control has Commission on Law Enforcement, with ongoing education in de-escalation tactics, force avoidance, lawful and proper use of force, case law involving put together guidelines that are safer, alternative ways to POLICE searches and seizures, medical training, and more. TRAINING participate during Halloween. LCPD suggests that citizens review CDC recommendations to be involved safely and comfortably. Click here for more information. We value a relationship of trust with the citizens we serve LCPD investigates all incidents of alleged misconduct brought to its attention within a 180-day timeframe of the incident. Police accountability is imperative POLICING to maintaining an effective and honorable police force. THE POLICE

Our officers are accountable for every instance of use of force LCPD utilizes the Use of Force Continuum, which provides officers with a series of tactics to use when trying to resolve a situation. When an officer uses force USE OF of any kind, they are required to fill out a Use of Force Report. If there are FORCE apparent violations, an administrative investigation is initiated. PAGE 7 | City Manager’s Update OCTOBER 30 | 2020 Public Safety Updates

EMS Resume Case Study Classes Fire Prevention Education This week, EMS staff resumed case study classes which On Tuesday, October 20, Assistant Fire Marshal Jeff had been previously suspended due to COVID-19. Allen was invited to give a fire prevention presentation to These classes are a key part of staff development. the kindergarten class at St. Mary’s Catholic School. Due Each year, EMS responds to around 7,000 calls for to COVID-19 restrictions, the presentation was not able service in League City. Even with that number, EMTs and to be done in person, however, technology allowed for paramedics cannot experience every type of call or the presentation to be conducted via Teams. During the keep up with how quickly medicine changes. For training presentation, Deputy Chief Allen discussed what to do purposes, EMS Training Officer Captain David Brandt if a smoke alarm goes off, safety in the kitchen, and also picks the most significant EMS calls in the past four to had all the students participate in Stop, Drop, and Roll. six months for review. Then, EMS medics that treated each patient will present the cases in a format similar to medical school’s “Grand Rounds” to fellow personnel. EMS calls it “M&M” or mortality and morbidity. The department’s medical director, Dr. Abel Longoria, is also in the audience to teach modern pre-hospital medicine and review protocols. He is a board-certified emergency room physician with a wealth of experience. The quarterly M&M classes are HIPPA compliant and open only to League City EMS staff.

Police Investigate Deadly Accident A man is dead following a major accident in which the suspect driver stole a bystander’s vehicle and fled the scene. On Wednesday, October 28, a vehicle was traveling south on the Gulf Freeway (IH-45) exiting at League City Parkway. While exiting, the vehicle collided with another vehicle on the exit ramp, pushing it into traffic on the feeder. This caused the second vehicle to be struck by another vehicle traveling on the feeder road, vaulting the vehicle over the concrete retaining wall into the median, striking a bulldozer in the construction zone. The driver of the second vehicle was pronounced dead at the scene. A witness to the accident stopped to assist on the scene, and the driver that caused the accident got into the witness’s truck and fled the scene. The truck was located a short time later on Bay Area Boulevard near the Gulf Freeway. The Houston Police Department located the suspect walking in the area and detained her for League City police officers. The suspect is identified as Keniqua Pleasant, 19 years old, from La Marque, Texas. Pleasant has been charged with Fail to Stop and Render Aid (Felony 2) - $40,000 bond and Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle (State Jail Felony) - $10,000 bond. This case is currently under investigation by League City Detectives and the Crash Investigation Unit. Anyone with information relating to this case is asked to contact the League City Police Department at 281-332-2566. PAGE 8 | City Manager’s Update OCTOBER 30 | 2020 Public Works Updates

Traffic & Transportation Annual Business Sampling The Traffic Department gave a presentation to the The Pretreatment group within the City’s Wastewater City’s traffic committee to update them of their progress department annually samples businesses with with the installation and implementation of the traffic pretreatment devices as part of the Pretreatment management software that was recently purchased. Staff Program. Pretreatment is the preliminary removal of first programed all 67 signalized intersections into the wastewater such as oil, grease, and various solids prior software. Thirty of those traffic signals are now networked to discharging into the wastewater collection system. online and can be viewed and managed remotely. Pretreatment devices include grease interceptors, oil/ Next, staff began work on the dispatching and inventory water separators, lint traps, sand separators, and module. All service requests are now entered into the neutralization tanks. Businesses with pretreatment software and the status of each ticket can be viewed in devices are sampled at a minimum of once per year. real time. Signal technicians have a list of tickets assigned The Pretreatment program is part of the Texas Pollutant to them and the software will assign routine tasks Discharge Elimination System (TPDES) to control automatically, such as preventive maintenance activities. pollutants discharged into sewer systems and to reduce Staff is currently working on the inventory module of the the amount of pollutants released into the environment. software and plan to have it completed early this year. Wastewater Treatment facilities are designed to treat More updates to come as the software becomes a part sanitary (domestic) wastes from households, but not of the Traffic Department’s daily operations. to treat toxic pollutants from industrial or commercial facilities. League City ordinances prohibited discharges in Article III – Sewers and wastewater disposal Sec.114-73, and businesses are required to meet and comply with the discharge limits. Properly working pretreatments devices help prevent clogs in the wastewater collection system, which allows our wastewater treatment plants to work efficiently. PAGE 9 | City Manager’s Update OCTOBER 30 | 2020 Public Works Updates

Waterline Repair Beehive Removal and Relocation A water leak was reported in the 3100 block of City Arborist Massengale Ln. Line Repair crews excavated and found Heather McKnight the source to be an old repair clamp. Since the line was and Traffic underneath the driveway to a residence, a new section Department of 3 inch water main was installed the entire width of the crews assisted a driveway to avoid the need for future repairs under the local beekeeper concrete driveway. with the removal of a 70-pound honeybee hive from a tree overhanging a residential street. The large hive was just out of the beekeeper’s reach and was dripping honey on vehicles below. The City’s bucket truck was used to allow the beekeeper to access the hive. The crew worked efficiently to remove a few tree limbs, help the beekeeper bring the hive down, and place the hive inside a large, black “lawn and leaf” bag, where it was lowered into a 30+ gallon trash can. These honeybees were relocated safely into a new hive by the beekeeper.

Communications and CVB Updates

Block Party Election Lunch and Learns Bring the family to the Fourth Annual Block Party hosted This week marked the end of a series of Live Facebook by Butler's Courtyard on Friday October 30 from 6 to 9 interviews with candidates running for League City p.m. Stop by for a sneak peak of the newly renovated Council. On Wednesday, Communications Director League Park and pick up some League City freebies at the Sarah Greer-Osborne sat down with Fred Rogers, Communication’s booth. This event is kid and dog friendly. candidate for Council position 5. If you missed it, you can watch the video below. All of the candidates were invited to participate in 30-minute live interviews on the City's Facebook page; however, not all of the candidates were able to participate. Click here to see the recorded interviews of the candidates who participated. PAGE 10 | City Manager’s Update OCTOBER 30 | 2020 CIP Updates

Calder Road South Reconstruction Turner/Butler Reconstruction Project (ST1501) (Cross Colony to Ervin) (RE1702B) This project is designed to convert Turner Street The scope of this project will widen Calder Road lane (between Calder and Butler) and a section of Butler from Cross Colony Drive to Ervin Street with two travel Road up to League City Parkway from asphalt roadway lanes and a continuous center lane. The project also to a concrete roadway, with two travel lanes and a includes the addition of a waterline and is part of the continuous left turn lane and a roundabout at the Turner/ construction contract that includes the Force Main Butler intersection. The construction of this project will Upgrade – Bay Colony Lift Station to Ervin Street improve traffic mobility and provide overall drainage (WW1206). The installation of the waterline is complete, improvements. This project was approved by Council in and approximately 1,800 feet of the 5-foot by 4-foot October 2019 with scheduled completion in October reinforced concrete box (RCB) has been installed. As 2020. Construction began with overlapping construction weather permits this week, crews will finish installing the at the I-45/League City Parkway intersection which fire hydrants and continue the installation of the 8-foot by caused traffic control issues for residents of Sedona 4-foot reinforced concrete box. and Brittany Lakes. Taking that into account, Council approved accelerated construction for two lanes of the four-lane, Ervin-Hobbs Connector Project in order to provide alternate access while Butler and Turner were under construction.

With underground conflicts resolved, paving is underway and steadily progressing. In the last month, crews have installed three-quarters of Butler, a quarter of the roundabout with an approach lane from the west side of Turner, and nearly one full lane of Turner (pictured) on the east side. Concrete installation will continue through Bay Colony MUD 14-15 Lift Station the end of the project, which is anticipated to be towards Improvements (WW1206) the turn of the year. Originally scheduled to be complete The scope of this project is to enhance the current lift in October, this project was intentionally delayed a few station located in Bay Colony. The contractor completed months in order to expedite the Ervin-Hobbs Connector the rebar installation early this week and is installing the project, which provides alternate traffic access in and panel to prepare for concrete pour. out of this area. The project is now anticipated to be complete by the end of 2020. PAGE 11 | City Manager’s Update OCTOBER 30 | 2020 CIP Updates

Council Chambers Remodel (FM2002) Dickinson Avenue Reconstruction (RE1702C) This project is a renovation of the Municipal Court facility, The scope of this project is the reconstruction of Dickinson which also serves as the City’s Council Chambers. Avenue between Walker Street and FM 646, which is These renovations will enhance the Council Chambers/ approximately 2.2 miles. This reconstruction will convert Courtroom and include a new IT equipment room and the asphalt roadway to concrete, which will have an renovation of the lobby restrooms, bringing the total underground storm sewer installed on the north end. area of the project to approximately 3,400 square feet. The southern three-quarters of the roadway has been On October 13, Council awarded the construction complete for months and open to two-way traffic. The contract to Westway Construction. City staff is planning remaining northern portion of the project is close to the logistics of relocating Council meetings during the opening for normal traffic. Concrete is expected the construction while the contracts are being signed and the week of November 6 to complete one lane of roadway contractor obtains insurance. A preconstruction meeting between Power Street and Beaumont Street. Other will be set in the next few weeks. items awaiting completion include seven driveway connections, intersections at Power Street and Beaumont Hometown Heroes Park Restroom Project Street, an additional 10-foot-wide hike and bike trail, (PK1905) and ditch grading/hydro mulching between Power This project constructs a Restroom Building for the athletic Street and Walker Street. fields and playground at Hometown Heroes Park. This 972-square-foot freestanding restroom is designed to have three women’s stalls (one as ADA) and a separate men’s side with an ADA stall and two urinals. The masonry crews have completed and waterproofed the block walls. Exterior brick and roofing will begin while work on interior plumbing continues. Construction is anticipated to be complete winter 2020.

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 City’s review of the 90% drawings has been completed, and the consultant is addressing the City’s comments. Construction is programmed for FY2022 in the current CIP due to USACOE Permitting requirements.

Force Main Upgrade Bay Colony Lift Station to Ervin (WW1206) The scope of this project will add new 18-inch force main lines along Calder Road South to Bay Colony Lift Station. The last portion is scheduled to be completed by the end of next week, weather permitting.