League City 2022 Annual Report

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Nick Long League City Mayor

In my eight years serving as a council member, and now as League City’s Mayor, it’s been a privilege to see the incredible growth in our community. With that growth, it’s vital that we maintain and improve our infrastructure. In 2022, many of those infrastructure needs were addressed with Capital Improvement Projects focused on mobility, drainage, water, and sewer. Residents on League City’s westside have enjoyed the completion of the traffic signal and lane improvements at League City Parkway and Brittany Lakes Dr./ Fennigan Ln., which was part of the 2019 Bond program. Those same residents can look forward to the remaining traffic signal work on west League City Parkway to wrap up over the next year. Bond drainage projects were completed in the Bay Ridge and Oaks of Clear Creek subdivisions, with additional drainage projects underway in the neighborhoods of Bay Colony and Dove Meadows.

I’m also proud that City Council once again approved a decrease to the property tax rate for the eighth year in a row. We want League City’s residents to enjoy the incredible quality of life here—including our safe neighborhoods, amazing schools, and excellent City programs— without increasing the tax burden. This remains our goal in 2023.

John Baumgartner League City Manager

Every year, more and more families become part of our wonderful community. Despite being a city with over 116,000 residents, we manage to maintain our small-town charm and appeal thanks to our numerous events, programs, and offerings that allow our residents to engage and interact with City staff and volunteers. Fiscal Year 2022 saw the addition of the League City Community Center, which has allowed our Parks and Recreation Department to dramatically expand programming to better serve our residents.

As a fast-growing city, it’s imperative that our infrastructure keeps up with our growth and that includes Police, Fire, and EMS. In 2022, LCPD adopted new software that will enhance public safety by providing officers with important and timely tools and information. In addition, the three divisions of the Fire Department—Fire, EMS, and the Fire Marshal’s Office— joined forces as one department to better serve our residents.

We wrapped up 2022 with good news regarding the Grand Parkway as word came in from TxDOT that they are moving forward with the signing of various interlocal agreements so engineering and design can begin in 2023.

Here’s to a productive 2023!

CITYOF LEAGUECITY

CITY COUNCIL

CELEBRATING OUR ACHIEVEMENTS

2022 was a big year for League City. We celebrated our 60th year of incorporation with events like the A-MAYZING Adventure and the Diamond Ball. In May, the descendants of the city’s founder, J.C. League, came out to League Park for the unveiling and dedication of a new statue in his honor. The Helen Hall Library celebrated 50 years of service in February 2022, while earning a ranking in the top 10% of libraries in Texas. We also had a local election, resulting in a new Mayor and three new city council members. As you read this annual report, we will outline some of our proudest moments and successes.

2022 highlights:

• Council lowered the property tax rate for the eighth year in a row (see pg. 26)

• Installation and activation began on new traffic signal software (see pg. 12)

• The 5k running trail and obstacle course opened at Hometown Heroes (see pg. 18)

• A youth theater program was created (see pg. 18)

• Phase III of the Bay Ridge Drainage Improvement Project and two Oaks of Clear Creek drainage projects were completed (see pg. 7)

• Traffic signal and lane improvements at League City Pkwy. & Brittany Lakes Dr./Fennigan Ln. were finished (see pg. 7)

• Fifteen murals and six sculptures were unveiled as part of the Public Art Initiative (see pg. 19)

• Helen Hall Library became the first Family Place Library in Galveston County (see pg. 5)

Pictured from left to right: Council members Tom Crews (Position 3), Chad Tressler (Position 6), John Bowen (Position 4), Andy Mann (Mayor Pro Tem), Mayor Nick Long, Justin Hicks (Position 5), Sean Saunders (Position 7), and Tommy Cones (Position 2).

League City has a Council-Manager form of government where the City Council represents their constituency by being responsive to citizens’ needs, and tasks the City Manager with carrying out the delivery of these public services.

TEXAS CHARTERED 1962

MEASURING SUCCESS

League City follows a Strategic Action Plan with eight success factors that establish priorities and guide the work of City staff each year. Below is a summary of accomplishments in Fiscal Year 2022, which are further detailed in the pages of this report.

Develop & Maintain Infrastructure

In 2022, the Project Management Department invested nearly $45 million in the City’s Capital Improvement Program (CIP) on projects related to mobility, drainage, water, and sewer. Completed projects include Phase III of the Bay Ridge Drainage Improvement Project, traffic signal and lane improvements at League City Parkway and Brittany Lakes Dr./Fennigan Ln., and completed drainage projects in Oaks of Clear Creek.

Public Works is also vital to the health of our infrastructure. The Traffic Department launched a new traffic signal software to improve mobility throughout the city, with additional phases being added over the next few years. Line Repair inspected and cleaned more than 25,000 linear feet of water lines, and Water Production performed unidirectional flushing in four subdivisions.

Financially Sustainable

For the eighth year in a row, League City Council approved a decrease to the property tax rate— lowering the rate by nearly five cents from the previous year. Sales tax continued to grow, with $25.9 million received in 2022. This a revenue increase of $2 million over 2021. In addition, League City was awarded nearly $2 million in grant funds for infrastructure improvements, programming, public safety, and more in FY 2022. The City also received $5.4 million of a $10.8 million COVID American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant.

The Finance Department received the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) of the United States and Canada. The Certificate of Achievement is a prestigious national award, recognizing conformance with the highest standards for preparation of state and local government reports. The same organization honored the City’s Budget Department with the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award.

Safe & Desirable Community

New medical licensing obtained in the summer of 2022 enabled all EMS-certified firefighters and fire marshals to act to the full extent of their State certifications and licenses in conjunction with EMS personnel. This newly expanded licensing strengthens the Fire Department’s medical manpower on the scene of emergencies, allowing them to provide better, faster care.

Also in 2022, LCPD completed the acquisition of new software that has extensive capabilities and can organize data, streamline workflows, provide analytics, and improve communication and collaboration through its Records Management System and Computer Aided Dispatch for League City’s first responders and those in our neighboring communities. The ultimate purpose of the software is to enhance public safety by providing officers with important and timely tools and information.

Quality Community Amenities

With the opening of the new League City Community Center, the Parks and Recreation Department was able to increase youth camp registration by over 30 percent, meeting a significant need in the community. Dozens of new recreational programs were added for all ages at the center—including art, music, homeschool, and fitness classes. Another exciting addition in 2022 was the City’s new partnership with the Christina Sullivan Foundation to offer adaptive tennis, adaptive cooking classes, adaptive bocce ball, and beep baseball for the visually impaired.

The opening of the obstacle course and 5k loop at Hometown Heroes provided residents with new ways to improve their health and fitness, along with the addition of 1.6 miles of hike and bike trail that provide increased connectivity in the Clear Creek High School area.

IN FISCAL YEAR 2022

Trained, Committed, and Valued Workforce

In 2022, Human Resources created a multi-series leadership training program for new managers and high-potential employees. The program focused on HR basics, leadership, City policies, and City procedures. A total of 49 staff leaders successfully completed the program. HR also created a Commercial Driver’s License training center to provide educational and career advancement opportunities for employees. A total of nine employees completed this 12-week course.

A Safety Committee comprised of employees was launched to foster discussion and education regarding a variety of workplace safety-related topics. In addition, HR implemented safety walkthroughs of facilities to ensure all safety issues are addressed.

Engaged Residents

2022 marked the 60th anniversary of League City’s incorporation. To celebrate the Communications, Community Engagement, and Cultural Affairs Department pulled out all the stops. From the A-MAY-ZING Adventure scavenger hunt to the black-tie Diamond Ball, residents of all ages and walks of life came together to celebrate and honor our City’s past.

The City’s first Art Crawl in June of 2022 brought out residents to shop for art from more than 100 artist booths, listen to live music, watch performing artists, and enjoy food and beverages—all while strolling amongst the historic oaks. The event was so successful that it will be added to the City’s signature annual events.

Economic Development & Tourism

The League City Convention and Visitors Bureau created and published several new travel tools in 2022, including the Bay Area Houston Water Recreation Guide, a Dining Guide, and a new Visitor Map. The CVB also implemented a travel app in the early part of FY 2022. Since its launch, there have been 860 app downloads and over 23,000 pageviews. The CVB was honored as Destination Marketing Organization of the Year at the annual Texas Destination Excellence Awards, and received a firstplace Texas Destination Excellence Award for website design and effectiveness for VisitLeagueCity.com.

In 2022

Economic Development news, 197 new businesses applied to operate in the city, more than 100 acres of commercial property was platted, and over 1,000 lots began infrastructure development. New commercial construction includes a 15,000-square-foot Kelsey-Seybold clinic on League City’s eastside.

Quality Built Environment

League City’s Public Art Initiative continued in 2022, with the unveiling of fifteen murals and six sculptures. A majority of the murals were mini-murals painted on traffic boxes throughout the city. Several diseased and dying oak trees received new life when they were carved into beautiful sculptures, and a bronze sculpture of League City’s namesake, J.C. League, was also added in 2022.

Residents from all over the city did their part to keep League City clean and beautiful by volunteering at various events including the Clear Creek Cleanup, the Great League City Spring Cleanup, and the Fall Sweep. Thousands of pounds of trash were collected at the three events and over 200 residents participated. To maintain an aesthetically pleasing and safe environment, Neighborhood Services removed three dangerous/dilapidated structures that were eyesores in high visibility areas, along with providing neighborhood sweeps to ensure code compliance.

Bay Area Houston

AWARDS & ACCOLADES

Public Official of the Year, City Manager John Baumgartner

In March of 2022, City Manager John Baumgartner was honored as one of five Public Officials of the Year by the University of Houston Master of Public Administration Program.

“These officials exhibit qualities consistent with those of the MPA Program: trust, accountability, performance, ethical decision-making and crossing jurisdictional boundaries to solve problems.”

– MPA Director James Thurmond

2022 CCISD Community Partner of the Year

Clear Creek Independent School District honored League City in May of 2022 as their Community Partner of the Year. City staff worked closely with CCISD on their 2017 Bond efforts to build new schools and replace aging campuses on time and on budget. Staff performed after hours inspections of facilities and assisted with Egress and Life Safety Plans, ensuring buildings could safely open for the start of the school year. Additionally, the City’s Public Art Initiative incorporated artwork by dozens of CCISD students and teachers. Their art has been displayed in the Public Art Gallery at the Johnnie Arolfo Civic Center and on traffic boxes throughout town.

Helen Hall Library

Achievement in Excellence in Libraries

Texas Municipal Library Director’s Association

With 565 public library systems in Texas, Helen Hall Library was one of only 59 selected to receive this award. The library was honored for their literacy promotion, programming, innovation, reading clubs, staff training, and more. This honor places them in the top 10% of public libraries in Texas.

Family Place Grant Winners

Texas State Library and Archives Commission

Ranked first among all other grant applicants, the Helen Hall Library won a $6,000 grant that was used toward helping the library become Galveston County’s first designated Family Place Library, which includes the library’s new family literacy corner.

Award

Silver

Communications

TAMI Awards

The TAMI Awards program, hosted by the Texas Association of Municipal Information Officers, serves as a professional highpoint for municipal communications work in Texas.

TAMI Award for Best Promotional Item New Resident Guide

Award of Honor for Public Service Announcement Video Nutcracker Scavenger Hunt

First Place Parks and Natural Areas Award

Houston-Galveston Area Council

Awarded for a commitment to outdoor education through programs such as National Trails Day, Nature with Kristine, and Astronomy in the Park.

Innovative Program of the Year Award

Texas Recreation and Park Society East Region

Awarded for the Hewitt’s Heroes program, focusing on volunteerism in the community for adults with disabilities.

Finance/Budget

Recreation Professional of the Year Award

Texas Recreation and Park Society East Region

Tara Dahl-Campbell

Part-Time Employee of the Year Award

Texas Recreation and Park Society East Region

Vanessa Garza

Award of Excellence for Best Use of Social Media

Don’t Flush Wipes!

Award of Honor for Fliers and Posters Day of the Dog and Cat

Award of Honor External Newsletter City Matters Magazine

Savvy Awards

Hosted by 3CMA—the City-County Communications & Marketing Association—the Savvy Awards represent the best in government communications nationwide. Award winners are recognized and honored for marketing and communications programs that have effectively engaged their constituents and elevated the profession.

Silver Circle Award for Printed

Award of Excellence for Video–One Time Special Programming

Dash Gordon

Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) of the United States and Canada

The Certificate of Achievement is a prestigious national award, recognizing conformance with the highest standards for preparation of state and local government reports. The same organization honored the City’s Budget Department with the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award.

League City Convention and Visitors

Texas Destination Excellence Awards

• Destination Marketing Organization of the Year

• First Place: Website Design & Effectiveness

• Second Place: Community and Local Engagement

• Second Place: Leisure Tourism

Additional Accolades

Bureau

Don’t Flush Wipes!

Award of Excellence for Photography–Multi-Image Use League City in Nature

Keep Texas Beautiful Association: Silver Star Affiliate Awarded for the City’s commitment to environmental and community improvement efforts.

New Group of the Year

Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center

League City was honored by the Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center for hosting monthly community blood drives. In 2022, the City hosted 11 blood drives, with 311 successful donors. A total of 383 units of blood were collected. On average, one blood donation can save up to three lives. This means in 2022, League City blood donors potentially saved more than 1,000 lives. Thank you to our incredible community for stepping up to help make these donations happen! The blood drives are continuing in 2023, so please consider signing up to donate. Visit leaguecity.com for more information.

In 2022, Phase III of the Bay Ridge Drainage Improvement Project—which is part of the 2019 Bond— was completed. The end result is improved drainage and capacity within the neighborhood adjacent to Gum Bayou. Phase II, which is currently under construction, will add capacity to the current detention pond and a dedicated pump station.

PROJECT MANAGEMENT

In 2018, the Project Management Office was created to deliver Capital Projects to the citizens of League City and to ensure effective planning, design, construction, and maintenance of City infrastructure. In 2022, the department invested nearly $45 million in the City’s Capital Improvement Program (CIP) on projects related to mobility, drainage, water, and sewer.

Delivering on Bond

Completed projects in 2022 include many that are part of the 2019 Bond Program, like the reconstruction of Calder Road South, traffic signal and lane improvements at League City Parkway and Brittany Lakes Dr./Fennigan Ln., and completed drainage projects in Bay Ridge and Oaks of Clear Creek. Numerous other bond projects got underway in 2022 including Grissom Road, further signal and lane improvements on League City Parkway, and drainage improvements in Bay Colony and Dove Meadows. In 2023, construction will begin on drainage improvement in The Meadows, Countryside, Rustic Oaks, Magnolia Creek, and Brittany Bay. Design work is also wrapping up on nearly a half-dozen other drainage related bond projects.

Substantial progress has been made on several mobility improvement projects that are part of the 2019 Bond including the extension of Landing Boulevard to the north, which is scheduled to go out for bid in 2023, and the Grand Parkway. In 2022, City staff and council members traveled to Austin to meet with TxDOT officials to advance work on the Grand Parkway segment that will travel through League City. These efforts succeeded and the project is moving forward with the signing of various interlocal agreements so engineering and design can begin in 2023.

BOND DRAINAGE PROJECTS

Completed

• Citywide 2D modeling and installation of six flood gauges

• Bay Ridge Phase III

• Oaks of Clear Creek Deer Ridge overland flow

• Oaks of Clear Creek southeast detention pond

Under Construction

• Bay Colony area detention ponds

• Bay Ridge Phase II

• Dove Meadows/Borden’s Gully detention pond

Construction To Begin in 2023

• The Meadows

• Countryside

• Rustic Oaks

• Bay Ridge Phase I

• Magnolia Creek/Cedar Gully Phase I

• Brittany Bay (applying for grant funds for construction)

Under Design

• Bay Ridge Phase IV

• Hughes Lane and West Deets Road culvert modifications

• Newport and Ellis Landing

• Landing Subdivision

• Magnolia Creek /Cedar Gully Phase II

• FM 518 and Wesley Drive

• Oaks of Clear Creek north detention pond

BOND

TRAFFIC/MOBILITY PROJECTS

Completed

• League City Parkway at Hobbs Road right turn lane addition

• Calder Rd. South reconstruction

• Traffic signal and lane improvements at League City Parkway and Brittany Lakes Drive/Fennigan Lane

Under Construction

• Grissom Road reconstruction

• New traffic signals and turn lane improvements at League City Parkway and Landing Boulevard, Magnolia Meadow Lane, and West Bay Area Boulevard

Construction To Begin in 2023

• Calder Road at FM 517 right turn lane

• League City Parkway right turn lane from Butler Road to Calder Road

• SH3 and League City Parkway intersection

• League City Parkway at Walker Street intersection improvements

• North Landing Extension (late 2023/early 2024)

Under Design

• Grand Parkway

• SH3 and FM 518 intersection improvements

• New Winfield Rd. connecting I-45 frontage to Hobbs Rd.

*Although not a bond project, League City partnered with the development community to begin the extension of League City Parkway to Friendswood Lakes Boulevard. Construction began in late 2022 and is slated to be complete in the summer of 2023.

IMPROVEMENTS IN Water and Wastewater

As one of the fastest growing cities in the US, it’s imperative that League City’s infrastructure keeps up with our growth—and that includes water and wastewater. In 2022, various projects to replace, improve, and add new water lines throughout the City got underway as well as improvements and repairs to storage tanks and the addition of generators to be used during inclement weather. Wastewater improvements include the rehab and repair of 150 manholes and 15,000 linear feet of sanitary sewer line in the Newport and Ellis Landing subdivisions, and various improvements to the City’s lift stations and wastewater treatment plants.

PUBLIC SAFETY

POLICE

One of LCPD’s highlights in 2022 came in the form of new technology. LCPD is the host agency for 20 different municipalities with over 60 departments who are members of the Gulf Region Information and Dispatch System (GRID). In 2019, LCPD staff and GRID employees began researching new software systems that could provide improved services and meet the needs of the consortium. In 2022, following several years of research, the department completed the acquisition of a new public safety software.

This software has extensive capabilities and can organize data, streamline workflows, provide analytics, and improve communication and collaboration through its Records Management System and Computer Aided Dispatch for League City’s first responders and those in our neighboring communities. The ultimate purpose of the software is to enhance public safety by providing officers with important and timely tools and information. The software will start being implemented the first and second quarters of 2023.

Training and Recruitment

• All sworn personnel were trained in the department’s intelligence-led police service delivery model called Stratified Policing. The program was implemented across the department.

• Initiated virtual recruiting sessions to reach more applicants for entry-level police officer positions.

Community Outreach

• During National Night Out in October, more than 30 LCPD officers visited 33 neighborhoods and communities in League City.

• Volunteers in Policing provided 10,903 volunteer service hours, which included assisting at events, helping with code compliance, disabled parking enforcement, and more.

• Through its annual Blue Santa program, LCPD provided holiday gifts and necessities for approximately 80 children.

• LCPD officers provided child trafficking prevention and awareness resources during outreach events.

A police officer tribute wall was unveiled in front of the Public Safety Building in June of 2022. The monument was funded by donations from the League City Citizen’s Police Academy Alumni Association, along with other donors.

National Night Out

The Fire Department maintained their ISO 1 rating, placing them in the top 99.5% of fire departments nationwide.

FIRE & EMS

Protecting lives is a high calling, and the dedicated volunteers and staff with Fire, EMS, and the Fire Marshal’s Office are committed to ensuring residents can count on them in emergencies. In 2022, staff and volunteers participated in training programs, obtained certifications, and provided the community with educational resources.

Providing Faster Care

The three divisions of the Fire Department—Fire, EMS, and the Fire Marshal’s Office—joined forces as one department, reflected in a new patch that was unveiled in 2022. New medical licensing obtained in the summer of 2022 enabled all EMS-certified firefighters and fire marshals to act to the full extent of their State certifications and licenses in conjunction with EMS personnel. This newly expanded licensing strengthens the department’s medical manpower on the scene of emergencies, allowing them to provide better, faster care. It also places all personnel under the same medical protocols and increases liability protection for the City, firefighters, and fire marshals.

Training Staff

• Full-time staff in the Fire Marshal’s Community Risk Reduction division obtained their Texas Commission on Fire Protection Incident Commander Certification.

• EMS participated in pediatric critical care patient simulations with HCA Healthcare.

• Staff conducted training with dispatchers to improve fire and EMS dispatching.

Educating the Community

• The department met with residents during National Fire Safety Week in October and educated citizens about how to keep their families safe from home fires.

• The Fire Marshal’s Community Risk Reduction division developed a “Most Common Fire Code Violations” handout and distributed it to over 2,500 commercial businesses.

The Community Risk Reduction division teaches fire safety in a Lowe’s parking lot during National Fire Safety Week.

EMS staff train on a pediatric manikin —an anatomical training simulator.

Decontamination systems that help lower cancer risks were installed in Engine 12 and at Fire Station 1, with additional units to be installed in the next three years.

PUBLIC

improvements were also made to outfalls, ditches, and slopes to increase drainage capacity, including replacing old concrete pipes with new polyethylene thermoplastic pipes. A new manicured mowing contract was outsourced to a contractor, which allows City crews to concentrate their efforts on drainage as well as repairing roadways, sidewalks, and curbs as part of League City’s reinvestment program. In addition, a new in-house program was created to seal cracks in asphalt roadways and seal joints in concrete roadways.

New Traffic Signal Software

According to results released in January 2022 from the League City citizen satisfaction survey, traffic is one of the number one concerns for residents. In 2022, the League City Traffic Department launched a solution to ease congestion and improve mobility.

Traffic Lights: Intelligent Automation

Crews installed and activated specialized adaptive software at 16 intersections on FM 518 (corridor 1 on the map) between Maple Leaf and Iowa Avenue and began the installation of 20 additional intersections on east FM 518 and Marina Bay Drive (corridor 2 on the map). The Artificial Intelligence System behaves like a 24/7 traffic signal timing engineer and assesses real-time traffic flow and adjusts traffic signals to improve efficiency. The new software optimizes traffic signal timing on a daily basis and will adapt as the city grows.

The upgrades in corridor 1 in 2022 have helped improve traffic time along FM 518, particularly during TxDOT’s I-45 expansion project at the I-45/FM 518 intersection. The 20 additional signals for corridor 2 will be activated in 2023 and installation of corridor 3 will begin in 2023. The new software system is an important addition to League City’s long-term mobility plan. When fully implemented around the city, the movement of vehicular traffic will be the best it’s ever been along the city’s major corridors.

HOW IT WORKS

Real-Time Traffic Signal Optimization

The system collects traffic data every second of the day. When it detects an abnormal traffic pattern (due to weather, an accident, large event, etc.) it will make real-time traffic light adjustments to improve flow and ease congestion.

Automated “Future-Proof” Signal Timing

As the system learns traffic patterns over time, it maximizes efficiency. Typically, a city will manually time and recalibrate their traffic lights every few years. Intelligent automation is “future proof,” meaning that it continuously learns and suggests better daily signal coordination timing.

Benefits of Intelligent Traffic Signal Automation

• Eases traffic congestion

• Reduces fuel consumption

• Adapts to growing population

• Saves on costly future traffic signal studies

• Records traffic count data 24/7 and makes real-time adjustments

Legend

Corridor #1 Corridor #2 Corridor #3 Corridor 4 Future #3 Future #4

518 96

518

Traffic Signal Software Activation Timeline

By the end of Fiscal Year 2023, corridor 2 will be activated. Corridors 3 and 4 will be installed in Fiscal Years 2023 and 2024, respectively.

528 517

270 646 646

146

517

2,142 street signs repaired/replaced in 2022 (annual goal was 1,600)

PUBLIC WORKS

WATER PRODUCTION, WASTEWATER, & LINE REPAIR

WATER PRODUCTION

In 2021, Senate Bill 3 was enacted, placing new requirements on local governments relating to preparing for, preventing, and responding to weather emergencies, power outages, and other disasters. To fulfill these requirements, in 2022 Water Production staff developed an Emergency Preparedness Plan detailing how services will be maintained during emergencies.

Ensuring Quality Services

As part of their annual strategy to ensure the health and safety of all residents, staff completed more than 4,000 equipment and operational preventative maintenance procedures on 14 water production stations and performed fire-flow testing and inspections on 1,500 fire hydrants.

In addition, staff completed unidirectional flushing in Ellis Landing, The Landing, Hidden Lakes, and Park on Clear Creek. This process cleans the inside of water lines to support an effective water distribution system and ensure high-quality water. Each year, staff identifies areas with aging pipes or frequent complaints, and performs this service.

Conserving Resources

Water Production is also tasked with water conservation. In 2022, staff reduced unaccounted-for water loss to less than 5.5%. To encourage community water conservation, staff completed seven public outreach events, processed 74 low-flow toilet rebates, and provided 296 rain barrels as part of the annual discounted rain-barrel program.

WASTEWATER

League City Wastewater staff dedicates significant time monitoring, testing, and analyzing equipment, substances, and samples at multiple steps throughout the wastewater treatment process. The Wastewater Department’s high level of performance earned them outstanding recognition by the EPA in 2022. The laboratories at both of League City’s treatment plants—Dallas Salmon and the Southwest Water Reclamation Facility—successfully passed all biomonitoring toxicity testing in 2022. Toxicity testing is conducted on a quarterly basis to ensure final effluent is not a threat to the aquatic life in the receiving stream, which is Clear Creek.

Successful wastewater management also requires community education and participation. In 2022, staff distributed TCEQ (Texas Commission on Environmental Quality) Mandated Wastewater Discharge Surveys to over 1,100 League City businesses. Wastewater also does public outreach at city events, and at daycares, apartment complexes, and nursing homes. Education focuses on proper disposal of flushable wipes—which should not be flushed and can clog up sewer pipes—and fats, oils, and greases (FOG)—which can also cause sewage backups. In 2022, staff reached more than 3,500 residents with informational materials and brochures, and also handed out fat trappers.

Our Water and Wastewater departments provide critical services to the community, ensuring we have access to clean drinking water and protecting us from toxic wastewater. Providing these essential services requires a strategic approach that involves yearly maintenance, inspections, preparation, and planning for emergency scenarios.

LINE REPAIR

League City’s Line Repair staff are the unsung heroes who respond to emergency calls for service and repairs, and also handle calls after hours, and on weekends and holidays. Their work is essential to the city’s day-to-day operations.

The department consists of four repair crews, a customer service crew, a TV inspection crew, utility inspectors, line locators, four supervisors, and additional office staff. These crews stay busy maintaining and repairing key infrastructure components including water mains, fire hydrants, valves, service lines, sanitary sewer mains, and sanitary force mains. The department is also responsible for utility inspection, line locates, water and sewer tap inspections, and participating in pre-construction meetings and walk-through inspections.

While it’s impossible to describe the extensive work they completed in 2022, here are some of their impressive stats.

Line

In 2022, League City Library Services set a clear goal for staff—community engagement— and not just within the walls of the Helen Hall Library. Though program attendance increased by 26% compared to FY 2021, new membership increased by 21%, and nearly 160,00 citizens visited the library, the true measure of community engagement success was the number of citizens library services reached at events and programs hosted throughout the League City community.

By hosting nearly 40 community outreach events and 30 offsite programs at city parks, fire and EMS stations, Clear Creek ISD schools, and other locations around town, the library increased community outreach by 39% with over 7,000 interactions with citizens of all ages. These efforts did not go unnoticed. In 2022, the library was awarded a national Savvy award from 3CMA for its Pop-Up Storytime at Fire and EMS stations, receiving recognition for the most creativity with the least dollars spent.

The library’s outreach efforts also included meeting residents where they already are—on social media. Staffers rolled up their sleeves and picked up their phones and other tech tools to produce creative and viral-worthy videos, podcasts, and social media posts that reached nearly half-a-million people in 2022, and brought home state and national awards for social media and innovation in community engagement.

Engaging stakeholders also includes engaging advocates in the form of volunteers. In 2022, volunteer service hours increased by 57% with over 5,000 hours of time donated by teen and adult volunteers. This equates to over a $90,000 savings to taxpayers. Taxpayers also saved money with the Library Board of Trustees and City Council’s decision to make the Helen Hall Library fine free in 2022.

LIBRARY SERVICES

Library visitors enjoying the ballet folklorico demonstration from the Ballet Folklorico Herencia Mexicana de Houston as part of the library’s Fine Free Fiesta and Hispanic Heritage Month celebration.

SUPPORTING LIFELONG LITERACY

2022 was a big year for the Helen Hall Library. It celebrated its 50th birthday and was also awarded the Texas State Library and Archives Commission Family Place Libraries™ Project grant. The grant funds staff training and supports the creation of programs, collections, spaces, and partnerships focused on early learning. With this grant, the Helen Hall Library joins a nationwide network of public libraries supporting literacy from birth and school-readiness for all children in our community.

Growing Readers 326,891 books circulated 34,607 program attendees (increase of 26% from 2021) 15,050 titles added 1,376 reading challenge participants with 92,393 books read and 1,077,757 minutes read 1,020 library programs (increase of 14% from 2021)

Children enjoying the interactive play area made possible by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission Family Place Libraries™ Project grant.

Parents and their children at Pop-up Storytime at Fire Station No. 6.

PARKS & RECREATION

In 2022, League City Parks and Recreation celebrated the opening of the League City Community Center and the addition of recreational amenities at Hometown Heroes Park including a 5k running trail and obstacle course. The Community Center and enhancements at Hometown have enabled the department to offer increased programming and to partner with non-profits in the community.

Set for demolition by the Clear Creek Independent School District in 2021, League City Parks and Recreation saw an opportunity at the League City School located at 400 South Kansas Avenue. With the support of Council, a plan was put together to transform the nearly 100-year-old building into a community center. Various City departments partnered with Parks and Rec to renovate and refresh the facility, which opened in March of 2022 to hundreds of students attending the City’s Camp by the Creek spring break camp. The facility has enabled League City to increase youth camp registration by over 30 percent, meeting a significant need in the community. Dozens of new recreational programs have been added for all ages at the center—including art, music, homeschool, and fitness classes.

Power yoga session at the League City Community Center.

Increased Programming

The classrooms and increased space at the Community Center have also allowed the League City Parks and Recreation Department to significantly expand its Adaptive and Inclusive Programming. New events and programs were added in 2022 including adaptive pickleball, adaptive Zumba, an adaptive easter egg hunt, and an adaptive movie night. The City now also offers adaptive recreation classes twice a week at the Community Center. In 2022, the City partnered with the Christina Sullivan Foundation to offer adaptive tennis, adaptive cooking classes, adaptive bocce ball, and beep baseball for the visually impaired.

In 2022, the department developed an initiative to expand visual and performing arts opportunities in the community by piloting a youth musical theater program. The program started with 35 kids and has grown to over 100. In addition to theater performance, the department now offers acting, voice, and dance classes.

New Amenities and Enhancements

Parks and Rec worked with non-profit groups—including several running organizations and the League City Dog Park Association—to provide new recreational amenities at Hometown Heroes Park in 2022, including a 5k running trail, obstacle course, and an eastside dog park.

New playgrounds were installed, and sports courts were surfaced at Newport Park and Lynn Gripon Park at Countryside. An additional 1.6 miles of hike and bike trail— connecting FM 2094, FM 518, and FM 270 to Clear Creek High School— were added as were several miles of hike and bike wayfinding trail signs named after birds that migrate to League City in the spring and fall.

First Place Parks and Natural Areas Award League City Parks and Recreation won the HoustonGalveston Area Council Parks and Natural Areas Award for its commitment to outdoor education through programs like National Trails Day, Nature with Kristine, and Astronomy in the Park. *for more 2022 Parks and Rec accolades see page 6

League City Parks and Rec put on five musical theater performances for the community in 2022 and performed at several community events.

The obstacle course at Hometown Heroes Park.

COMMUNICATIONS, COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT, & CULTURAL AFFAIRS

In 2022, the Communications, Community Engagement, and Cultural Affairs Department worked hand-in-hand with members of the Keep League City Beautiful Citizen Committee on various efforts to not only cleanup and preserve our community’s natural beauty, but elevate it by adding art.

Twelve painted traffic box murals were added throughout the city and two additional boxes were wrapped with art created by Clear Creek ISD students. A large interactive mural was painted at the Walker Street Pool complex by League City resident Adam Socie, and several large diseased and dying oak trees were carved by local artist Jimmy Phillips into beautiful wood sculptures located at Hometown Heroes, the Helen Hall Library, and League Park.

Also over at League Park, a bronze sculpture of League City namesake J.C. League—with his favorite dog Scout—was added in 2022 as part of the City’s Public Art Initiative. Additional bronze “Scout” statues were also placed at the League City Animal Care and Adoption Center and at the Bark Park at Countryside.

Throughout 2022, residents from all over the the city did their part to keep League City clean and beautiful by volunteering at various events including the Clear Creek Cleanup, the Great League City Spring Cleanup along Magnolia Creek, and the Fall Sweep at Lobit Park. Thousands of pounds of trash were collected at the three events and over 200 residents participated.

A wood sculpture depicting a child reading to a dog located in front of the Helen Hall Library.

Events and Engagement

2022 marked the 60th anniversary of League City’s incorporation. To celebrate, the Communications, Community Engagement, and Cultural Affairs Department pulled out all the stops—hosting nearly a half-dozen events. From a scavenger hunt around town in May called the A-MAY-ZING Adventure to the black-tie Diamond Ball highlighting the music of the last six decades, residents of all ages and walks of life came together to celebrate and honor our city’s past.

The department also partnered with nearly every City department to host several events each month aimed at engaging residents and businesses with local government, educating citizens about government services and facilities, and providing families with a free outlet for fun, food, and the visual and performing arts. These events allow the City to engage one-on-one with residents, and is one way we maintain our small-town charm.

The City’s first Art Crawl in June of 2022—aptly named White Linen Night—brought out residents to shop from over 100 booths featuring art for sale, listen to music, watch performing artists, and enjoy food and beverages—all while strolling amongst the historic oaks. The event was so successful that it will be added to the City’s signature annual events, including EcoFest, the Fireworks Extravaganza, Citizen Appreciation Day, and the Holiday Tree Lighting—to name a few.

at the White Linen Night Art Crawl in the League City Historic

child wearing a Trolls costume participates in a ringtoss game at the League City Trick-or-Treat event at Hometown Heroes Park.

Residents participate in a wheelchair race hosted by UTMB Health during the League City A-MAY-ZING Adventure event commemorating the city’s 60th anniversary.

PLANNING & ECONOMIC

“I have been in the pool-building industry for 20-plus years, and I have never experienced such excellent levels of customer service like I have with your Building Department. From the permit review process to final inspection, we have always received top notch customer service, clear communication, prompt engagement, and education in best practices up front. The implementation of the permit portal has been amazing. It not only makes our lives easier as a business, but it also gives us superb transparency in the process. Everyone in the department—from the plan review stage to the inspection process—is easy to work with. You should be very happy knowing that of the 30+ municipalities we build in, yours is by far ahead of the others. I look forward to continuing the relationship we have with the Building Department as we both grow and succeed. Thank you!!”

Jared Bellar, PMP, CBP, LSSGB Construction Department Manager Avree Custom Pools

Building Department staff (Ralph Blanco, above, and David Blair, below) inspecting residential homes to ensure proper functionality and compliance with approved plans.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Behind the scenes of our bustling city, Building, Planning and Economic Development professionals are managing everything from land platting and code enforcement to environmental aesthetics, tax-base growth, and more—all while considering how each decision could impact current and future residents of the city. Factors including financial sustainability, safety, quality of life, available resources, population, and geography make these jobs both complex and exciting.

A significant part of the development process involves partnerships between City staff and a variety of contractors, developers, and builders to ensure all new and existing construction is up to code and meets City standards. To streamline the many processes involved with new construction, the Building Department implemented a self-serve permit portal in 2022. As the quote on the left-hand page attests to, this portal has been extremely beneficial to our customers. In total, the department processed 9,414 permit applications and completed 19,802 inspections last year, both increasing from the year prior.

As League City continued its steady growth in 2022, we had 197 new businesses apply to operate in the city, more than 100 acres of commercial property was platted, and over 1,000 lots began infrastructure development. New commercial construction includes Kelsey-Seybold, a medicalcare group that is building a 15,000-square-foot clinic on League City’s eastside and planning to open a second facility on the westside. Both facilities are expected to bring about 600 jobs to the area.

According to the Economic Development Department, online sales tax growth was a big story in 2022. Shopping local has traditionally been seen as patronizing local brick and mortar businesses. However, ordering from a digital marketplace can be counted as shopping local. In fact, one out of every 10 dollars of sales tax revenue is generated online. League City’s online sales tax collections increased from 2.75% in 2018 to 10.32% in 2022.

Members of the community who are interested in the latest League City business news can now read about it in our monthly Biz Brief. Launched in the fall of 2022, Biz Brief provides monthly updates about new and upcoming businesses and other private development projects in League City. You can check it out at leaguecity.com/bizbrief.

Building Department staff in front of the League City aquatic mural at the Walker Street Pool complex.

ANIMAL CARE

It may come as a surprise to learn that Texas tops the nation for animal shelter deaths. This makes it all-the-more impressive that League City Animal Care and Adoption Center maintains their status as a no-kill shelter, with a 96% live release rate in 2022. However, this doesn’t come easy. Running a no-kill facility requires a high level of dedication from every employee and a committed community partnership.

LCAC’s foster care program is a key contributor to their no-kill status. In 2022, LCAC made improvements to their foster program by implementing an emergency foster hotline for after-hours medical concerns. They also started using Foster Keeper software to simplify the process of pairing potential fosters with shelter animals. In total, 247 foster carers partnered with LCAC to foster 712 animals in 2022.

Staff also took steps to bolster financial support by leveraging donation options provided by their adoption software. These options allow an adopter to commit funds to the shelter during their pet adoption. This resulted in an annual donation increase of over $32,000. They also received sponsorships from the Bissell Pet Foundation totaling $7,200 to sponsor free and low-cost pet adoption events.

Providing the community with resources is an important part of LCAC’s mission. In 2022, they increased partnerships with low-cost veterinarian services to better assist the League City community. Animal Care Officers also piloted a program that provides free, donated dog run cables to citizens not in compliance with the City’s tethering ordinance.

Partnering for Pets

Volunteers are vital to a successful Animal Care Center. In 2022, LCAC volunteers logged 16,879 hours of volunteer time—a 34% increase from 2021. Thank you for all you do!

Paw-sitive numbers in 2022:

In 2022, LCAC started hosting late night adopt-a-thons to give more opportunities for people to visit the shelter after work hours.

In 2022, HR created a multi-series leadership training program for new managers and high-potential employees. The program focused on HR basics, leadership, City policies, and City procedures. A total of 49 staff leaders successfully completed the program.

HUMAN RESOURCES

With a mission to maximize our greatest asset, our employees, League City’s Human Resources Department promotes a work environment that is focused on open communication, trust, health, safety, and commitment to the development of our employees for professional growth and career advancement.

In 2022, Human Resources hosted a Monopoly-themed Benefits Fair for City of League City employees.

BUDGET

For the eighth year in a row, League City Council in 2022 approved a decrease to the property tax rate— lowering the rate by five cents from the previous year. Sales tax continued to grow with $25.9 million received in 2022, which is $2 million more than in 2021.

When a homeowner in League City pays their annual property taxes, a portion goes to the City of League City as well as to several other taxing entities, including the Clear Creek Independent School District and Galveston County. In addition, there are several other taxes, assessments, and fees that many League City homeowners pay each year or even every month. They include:

Municipal Utility District (MUD) tax

Public Improvement District (PID) assessment Homeowner’s Association (HOA) fee

Operating Budget: $170.38 million

Fiscal Year 2023 Budget

League City’s Fiscal Year runs from October 1 to September 30. In September of 2022, the League City Council approved a Fiscal Year 2023 total budget of $318.63 million, with $170.38 million for operational costs and $148.25 million for capital projects. The FY2023 budget was adopted with a tax rate of $0.415526, a $0.05 tax rate reduction from the FY2022 tax rate of $0.465526. As part of League City’s Strategic Action Plan, one of the City’s critical success factors is financial sustainability. The FY2023 budget reflects responsible and conservative decision making and focuses on maintaining City service levels while also meeting the needs of League City’s growing community.

Decreasing Tax Rate

For Fiscal Year 2023 (which runs October 1, 2022 to September 30, 2023) the League City Council approved dropping the property tax rate to $0.415526 per $100 valuation–a 10% decrease. The League City property tax rate has steadily decreased since 2010. City Council has been able to maintain or reduce the property tax rate year after year because citywide growth and increasing property values–when combined with other income sources such as sales tax–have provided enough revenue to fund the City and fund capital improvement projects.