League City seeks feedback on proposed bond election

December 12th, 2018

Citizen Survey Open till December 21

League City is considering placing general obligation bond initiatives and a ¼ cent sales tax referendum on the ballot for League City voters to consider in May 2019. Residents are encouraged to share their feedback on projects up for consideration by taking the short survey below. The survey will close on Dec. 21, 2018.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/league-city-may-2019-election

Town Hall meetings also have been scheduled for Jan. 10 and Feb. 7, to gather input from residents. Both meetings are scheduled for 6 p.m. at the Johnnie Arolfo Civic Center.

In the coming weeks and months, City Council will be discussing the projects in detail as well as the overall decision of whether or not to place a general obligation bond and/or a ¼ cent sales tax on the ballot for League City voters to consider in May 2019. Statutory requirements mandate that City Council must call for the election by Feb. 15, 2019 in order to hold the election in May.

Movers & Shakers: John Baumgartner

November 1st, 2018

Name: John Baumgartner

Occupation: League City’s city manager

Hometown: Juneau, Alaska

Current home: League City

Family: Wife, Dee Dee; Children: Dallas 26, Robert 26, Emily 22, and Daci 14

What do you like about your job: The great people working together to make League City the very best!
Someone I’d like to meet: Jesus

My favorite performers are: James Taylor or anything sports

I like to spend my leisure time: Relaxing with family

If I could travel any place, I’d go to: Alaska in the summer and Hawaii in the winter

My favorite meal is: Anything my mother cooks, but a great steak and salad with her apple pie is the best

As a youngster, I wanted to grow up to be: Lawyer, but math was better than English, so I went to engineering school

You’ll never catch me: Cheating at golf

The thing that bugs me the most is: Dishonesty

My favorite movie is: Forrest Gump

Few people know: I ran the Boston Marathon when I was skinny

Houston Methodist celebrates opening of Physician Clinics in League City

September 28th, 2018

Local residents, physicians and staff help celebrate the grand opening and League City Chamber ribbon cutting at Houston Methodist Physician Clinics located in Tuscan Lakes.

A large turnout of local residents, physicians and staff helped celebrate the recent opening of Houston Methodist Physician Clinics – a new primary and specialty care facility in League City.

“In spite of the rain, we were glad to see so many members of the community come out to celebrate this event,” said Dan Newman, Houston Methodist St. John Hospital CEO. “We’re excited to be bringing leading medicine to their neighborhoods.”

Houston Methodist Physician Clinics – located at 2220 E. League City Pkwy. – brings orthopedics, sports medicine, physical and occupational therapy, X-ray services and primary care to families living in Tuscan Lakes and surrounding areas.

The new clinic also includes a sports performance turf lane for throwing, running and agility rehabilitation and training, as well as a vertical jump training machine.

In honor of the grand opening, League City Mayor Pat Hallisey issued an official proclamation, declaring Tuesday, Sept. 11 as “Houston Methodist Physician Clinics Day,” and the League City Chamber of Commerce conducted a ceremonial ribbon-cutting.

The multi-disciplinary team of primary care and specialty care physicians at the new facility include Dr. Anika Bell-Gray, a family medicine specialist with Houston Methodist Primary Care Group, as well as Dr. Javier Rios and Dr. Gillian Wooldridge, primary care sports medicine specialists; Dr. Jamie Alexander, an orthopedic hand surgeon; and Dr. Juan Serrato, an orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist, all with Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine. Outpatient physical therapy is also located at the Physician Clinics.

Visit houstonmethodist.org/appointments or call 281.523.3110 to learn more or to schedule an appointment with a physician at Houston Methodist Physician Clinics in League City.

Movers & Shakers: Rebecca Lilley

September 1st, 2018

Name: Rebecca Lilley

Occupation: Memorial Hermann director of Community Outreach and Physician Resources; League City Regional Chamber of Commerce chairman of the board

Hometown: Birmingham, Ala.

Current home: El Lago

Family: Son, Trent; and precious Australian Shepard, Wyatt

My favorite writer is: Agatha ChristieSomeone I’d like to meet: The late Alfred Hitchcock

If I could switch places with someone for just one day, I’d choose: No one. I love my life!

My favorite performers are: Audrey Hepburn and Cary Grant

I like to spend my leisure time: Reading, riding bicycle

My favorite meal is: Chili Cheese Dog

As a youngster, I wanted to grow up to be: An international flight attendant
You’ll never catch me: Awake after 11 p.m.

The thing that bugs me the most is: People that do not move over for emergency vehicles

My favorite movie is: The Trouble With Harry

Few people know: When I was 3 years old the doctors diagnosed me with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis and told my parents I would be crippled and in a wheel chair for the rest of my life by the time I was 20. Prayer, faith and determination proved them wrong.

Movers & Shakers: Steve Paterson

August 1st, 2018

Name: Steve Paterson

Occupation: President and CEO League City Regional Chamber of Commerce

Hometown: Miami, Fla.

Current home: League City

Family: Wife Debbie, daughters Kelly and Colby; granddaughter Amelia

My favorite writer is: Robert Ludlum

Someone I’d like to meet: Bill Gates

If I could switch places with someone for just one day, I’d choose: Warren Buffet

My favorite performers are: Jimmy Buffet, Tony Bennett, Sting, Pavarotti

I like to spend my leisure time: Reading, fly fishing, woodworking, wine appreciation, kayaking

If I could travel any place, I’d go to: Patagonia

My favorite meal is: Steak and lobster with a side of spaghetti with clams and banana pudding
As a youngster, I wanted to grow up to be: Archeologist

You’ll never catch me: Cave diving

The thing that bugs me the most is: Ignorance

My favorite movie is: The Great Escape

Few people know: I was a high-level masters swimmer and competed at nationals

Clear Lake Chatter: Mayors Update BayTran on a Variety of Topics

July 1st, 2018

BayTran Chairman David Hamilton, left, Binkley & Barfield executive vice president, welcomes League City Mayor Pat Hallisey, center, and Pearland Mayor Tom Reid to the Bay Area Houston Transportation Partnership luncheon at the Marriott South Hotel.

THE MAYORS of League City and Pearland often attend the monthly luncheons hosted by the Bay Area Houston Transportation Partnership, so why not let them be the program and give an update on their Harvey problems?

Both Mayor Tom Reid of Pearland and Mayor Pat Hallisey of League City thought it was a good idea and presented quite an interesting program that all appeared to enjoy.

After briefly focusing on Hurricane Harvey, the conversation changed to transportation with Mayor Hallisey recalling that his city of 110,000+ had only 5,000 residents when he moved there, going on to talk about how transportation had played a big role in the city’s rapid growth, even back in 1893 when Kansas Street was formed. Forty-eight percent of the city’s land is still undeveloped, he added.

Mayor Reid then remembered back when his city of 135,000 plus had only 3,000 folks in 1965. Today it is the 33rd largest city in Texas, he said, the fifth safest city in the state and the third largest in land area – 48 square miles. More than 9,000 work at the Texas Medical Center, he said, adding, “Mobility has been a blessing.”

“We’ve focused on transportation and maintaining a quality lifestyle,” he explained, added that Pearland was spread over three counties and he expected it wouldn’t be long before the population topped the 200,000 mark. But before it ended, their thoughts turned to money, or the lack thereof, to build roads to carry all these people to work, to school and to the grocery store.

Volunteers Ann Wismer Landolt, Katie Jones, Chairman Wendy Drapela and Karen Keesler line up for a photo as guests begin arriving for the Las Vegas dining event. Photo by Jill Reason

Festival off to a happy start
LUNAR RENDEZVOUS is moving right along so fast we can hardly keep up with it. Already the Golf Tournament, Spa Night and Lunar Las Vegas are history as we prepare for the next round of events.

First event in July will be the Sunset Service at 6 p.m. Sunday, July 15 at the Clear Creek Community Church on Egret Bay Boulevard between Clear Lake and League City.

Next, comes the Down to the Derby Fashion Show, starting at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, July 17 at the San Luis Convention Center overlooking the Gulf of Mexico in Galveston.

Then the gala conclusion of the festival – the Coronation Ball, which has an Arabian Nights theme and starts at 5 p.m. Saturday, July 21 also at the San Luis Convention Center.

HELPING OTHERS WAS NEVER SO MUCH FUN!

FASHION SHOW luncheons are always enjoyable, but so much more fun when everyone knows their enjoyment is going to bring joy to others, as did this year’s Dogs & Divas.

Held at South Shore Harbour Resort, proceeds will benefit both the Bay Area Turning Point and its partnership with Friends of League City Animal Shelter that led to their forming Safe Paws, which provides a safe place for the pets of those seeking shelter from abusive situations.

And, what could be more charming than both lovely ladies and wide-eyed pooches coming down the runway in fashionable outfits? Yes, one slightly embarrassed pooch even wore a multi-color lace skirt!

Carla Medlenka, BATP Board chairman, and Leigh Ann Fry, the new BATP president, welcomed the crowd and introduced TV Ch. 11 anchor Lisa Hernandez, who served as emcee for the show, after the invocation by Pastor Brad Heintz. Later, Ralph Kramer got the place humming as he conducted the auction.

League City Citizens’ Survey Residents encouraged to share feedback regarding City’s growth, development, and future priorities

June 19th, 2018

The League City Council, mayor, and city management are seeking feedback to ensure city government is addressing issues and developing the right priorities based on the needs and wants of citizens.

All League City residents are encouraged to take an online “Citizens’ Survey” from now until July 1, 2018. The short survey contains nine questions related to the city’s growth, development, short-term and long term-goals, and issues or initiatives of concern to residents.

Residents can take the survey by going to www.leaguecity.com/survey

A paper version of the survey will also be available at a Town Hall meeting on Wednesday, June 20, at 6 p.m. at the Johnnie Arolfo Civic Center.  As part of the meeting, city staff will present on overview of a proposed Strategic Action Plan developed over the past few months by Council, the mayor, and city management.

The plan contains a set of proposed strategic priorities and initiatives to guide the work of city staff over the next three to five years.

At the June 20 Town Hall meeting, citizens will be able to provide feedback regarding the plan during an open-microphone, public comment period and via comments cards. Council is expected to formally adopt the Strategic Action plan in July.

Residents Encouraged to Take Steps Now to Prepare for Future Flooding Events

May 22nd, 2018

City providing tips and resources as part of Flood Awareness Week

It’s Flood Awareness Week in the State of Texas, and the City of League City wants residents to take steps now to prepare for any future flooding events. Most homes in League City are in or near a flood hazard area and, as such, can be at an increased risk of flooding. In addition, League City is susceptible to riverine and coastal flooding.

“One of the things we are encouraging residents to do now, before a future flooding event, is to register for SwiftReach, the city’s new emergency notification system,” said Director of Communications Sarah Greer Osborne. “Even if you have received emergency notifications from the city in the past, we need everyone to register at www.leaguecity.com/swiftreach or download the SwiftReach Public 911 mobile app. Registration is quick, free of charge, and will ensure everyone in our city is notified via text or voice message when there is extreme weather, an extended utility outage, street closure, or other significant issue of public concern.

In addition, as part of Flood Awareness Week, the city’s website and social media channels will be providing tips as well as highlighting city resources and services that can mitigate flooding. They include:

  • Get a flood insurance policy. Basic homeowner’s insurance does not cover damage from floods. Ask your agent for details. Don’t delay – there is a 30-day waiting period before a policy takes effects.
  • Keep debris and trash out of the streams and ditches. It is illegal in League City to dump any type of debris into a stream or drainage ditch. Debris can become entangled in culverts and streambeds and impede drainage that can cause the flow of water to back up. Call the city’s Street and Storm Water Department at 281-554-1086 to report any dumping.
  • Don’t dump in the storm drains, as they drain to Galveston Bay. The city’s storm drains help maintain the natural functions of the floodplains by providing storage for flood waters and keeping water out of urbanized areas. Floodplains also improve water quality by filtering out impurities from runoff. These areas need to be kept clean to do their job.
  • City staff can provide advice on how to correct drainage issues and can provide you with information on grant opportunities to elevate your home. Call 281-554-1428 for more information or to request one-on-one site visits with the Floodplain Administrator.
  • Visit the city’s Engineering Department at 500 W. Walker to get flood-related information such as a Flood Insurance Rate Map, flood zone and floodway locations, past flooding data, and information on local drainage problems. Permit information and copies of elevation certificates can be requested from the Planning and Development Department, also located at 500 W. Walker

 

 

The A List

April 1st, 2018

Ange Mertens

By Ange Mertens

Sometimes we take for granted the things that surround us in our hometown. We fall victim to the proverbial “the grass is always greener”school of thought. With the allure of Houston nightlife, restaurants and style within reach some may be enticed to pursue those entertainment options from our neighbor to the north. In this new column I will be exploring the Bay Area for The Best of The Best in entertainment, food, and fashion.

Fashions from Dress Galaxy

Tis the season for prom dress shopping!  2018 prom trends have a lot of dresses representing the past with bold patterns and romantic blush tones. Off the shoulder designs are in, even better if there’s a ruffle. And two piece designs are once again hitting the runways. Mothers and daughters make the yearly trek to outstanding Houston stores like Muzzies. But did you know that right here in League City we have the designer of one of the most popular brands of prom dresses, Precious Formals? Ruby Ashraf has had her design studio and buyer show room on The Landing Boulevard for over 26 years. Just over a year ago she opened the new show room, named Dress Galaxy, to the public. You are not going to believe this store when you walk in , with the  New York style runway and the shear size and inventory of this place! The savvy prom shopper, pageant queen or socialite can find thousands of designer dresses in stock from size 00 to 30!

We may not attract Ozzy Osbourne or Rage Against the Machine at our local venues,  but in March you can see some great tribute bands at The Scout Bar on Egret Bay, that honor them. Bands like Damn the Torpedoes – a tribute to Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, and Green for a Day- a tribute to Green Day, play to sold out crowds almost weekly. The 80s experience band The Spazmatics, which will have you jumping up-and-down and singing at the top of your lungs by the end of the first set. This place is certainly worth a try.

The Spazmatics – Texas – The Ultimate New Wave 80s Show

Tucked away in a little strip center on Bay Area Boulevard is a local gem. This area is rich in history and history is what makes the Red Oak Café so special. After the loss of her beloved son Justin, Kim Oravetz and her family planted a red oak tree in  honor of Justin’s strength in size and of character.. Kim and her son Ian opened the Red Oak Café with their love for Justin and his larger than life personality and endearing quality at the

Heart. Everyone is family once they walk through the door and love is definitely served in their food. The Texas themed menu is more something you would find in a trendy restaurant in the hill country than in a strip center in League City. You can start your day off with The Big Breakfast, Kitchen Sink Quesadillas, Homemade Biscuits and Gravy or you can be adventurous and choose from close to 20 fresh toppings like raspberries, pumpkin, white chocolate chips, or Nutella to top your mouth watering stack of pancakes. Lunch is an Adventure of tasty dishes like Rio Grande Grilled Cheese made with three different cheeses, Granny Smith apple slices and crisp bacon that will make any grown up rethink grilled cheese. Chisholm Trail Chicken Pot Pie and Cow Poke Beef Stew are their twist on stick to your ribs favorites, but their Rustic Tarts are a surprising concoction of sweet and savory with a flaky crust filled with creamy egg custard, fresh poblano peppers, onions and zesty salsa Verde that will make your week!

Well the saying that was actually made famous in our South of Houston suburbs, “Houston We Have A Problem” is still true today because we are giving Houston a run for their money with the Best of The Best of the Bay Area!

League City trash pilot program ending

February 2nd, 2018

League City administrators have announced that the Republic Services-sponsored Cart Service Pilot program, in which residents of Centerpointe, Pecan Forest, and Nottingham Village subdivisions have been participating, is ending effective Monday, Feb. 19. The program, initiated in August 2017, provided approximately 1,050 residences with 96-gallon trash and recycling carts.

On Feb. 19, sub-contractors will begin collecting the wheeled, topped carts that were provided by Republic Services for the pilot program. Residents are asked to please place the empty carts on the curbside for easy pickup. This process is expected to take several weeks to complete.

Republic will continue to provide trash service utilizing rear loading vehicles, as it does throughout the other areas of the city. The program was originally scheduled to be terminated and carts collected by the end of January 2018, which coincides with the expiration of the initial term of Republic’s contract with the city.

However, the city requested, and Republic agreed, to delay the cart collection until the week of Feb. 19, so that residents may obtain other receptacles for continuing trash collection services. “We appreciate your cooperation throughout this process,” a city official said. Residents with questions should contact 832-386-2370, 281-554-1411 or 281-554-1007.

Bay Area Houston Magazine