HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC Minutes 2019-04-01 Regular 04/01/19 4916
STATE OF TEXAS )(
' CITY OF FRIENDSWOOD )(
COUNTIES OF GALVESTON/HARRIS )( '
APRIL 01, 2019 )(
I
MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE FRIENDSWOOD CITY COUNCIL THAT WAS HELD ON
MONDAY, APRIL 01, 2019,AT 4:30 PM AT FRIENDSWOOD CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS, 910 Si
FRIENDSWOOD DRIVE, FRIENDSWOOD, TEXAS, WITH THE FOLLOWING PRESENT
CONSTITUTING A QUORUM:
MAYOR MIKE FOREMAN
MAYOR PRO-TEM JOHN SCOTT
COUNCILMEMBER STEVE ROCKEY
COUNCILMEMBER SALLY BRANSON
COUNCILMEMBER TRISH HANKS
COUNCILMEMBER ROBERT J. GRIFFON
COUNCILMEMBER CARL GUSTAFSON
CITY ATTORNEY MARY KAY FISCHER
CITY MANAGER MORAD KABIRI
CITY SECRETARY MELINDA WELSH
I
REGULAR SESSION
Mayor Foreman called the meeting to order.
The invocation was given by Pastor Moe Mays with First Baptist Church.
I
Cub Scouts Daniel Requena Herrera, Leo Requena Herrera, and Josu6 Requena Herrera with Cub Scout
Pack 452 led the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States and to the State of Texas.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC
John Cole, Friendswood resident, addressed Council and stated he would like to address how the city can
get out of debt, and gave a history of the budget. His recommendation is that in order to maintain city,
services, cut employee salaries by 50% for five years, resulting in a savings of $20 Million per year, will
allow the city to eliminate total city debit and allow an account to be established for budget surplus, and
projects outside the city budget will function from a budget surplus.
Ed Cummins addressed Council and stated he is a real estate broker representing the Cleave's, spoke in
support of the proposed Avalon at Friendswood subdivision.
Connie Cleaves Brakebill, Friendswood resident, addressed Council and stated she is at the meeting to
speak in favor of the proposed zoning change for the Avalon at Friendswood subdivision.
WORK SESSION
Mayor Foreman opened the discussion regarding the Capital Projects update. Interim Public Works
Director Rene' Ibarra presented a PowerPoint presentation regarding the progress made on Capital
Projects since January 2019. He reported on Old City Park, Blackhawk Boulevard Phase II, 2018 street
maintenance contract, de-silting project, storm sewer cleaning and inspection, sidewalks on Greenbriar
Drive, Lift Station No. 23, reconstruction of the pool restroom and ticket booth, current Texas Department
of Transportation (TxDOT) projects,and current Galveston County Consolidated Drainage District projects:
With concurrence of Council, Mayor Foreman moved to Agenda Item 6B, Presentation of the 2018
Comprehensive Annual Financial Report(CAFR) from auditors Whitley Penn, presented by Lupe Garcia.
04/01/19 4917
SPECIAL RECOGNITION AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Lupe Garcia, Certified Public Accountant (CPA) with Whitley Penn, presented the 2018 Comprehensive '
Annual Financial Report (CAFR). Mr. Garcia reviewed the audit process, reviewed accounting policies of
the city, are in good standing, and stated the results of the audit was an unmodified opinion.
Mayor Foreman thanked Administrative Services Director Katina Hampton and Administrative Services
Deputy Director Rhonda Bloskas for doing a great job.
With concurrence of Council, Mayor Foreman moved to Agenda Item 9, City Manager's Report.
CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
City Manager Morad Kabiri reported that the Keep Friendswood Beautiful (KFB) Board and the City of
Friendswood are sponsoring the annual Spring Sparkle event for the citizens of Friendswood at Centennial
Park on Saturday,April 13, 2019. Residents will be required to show proof of residency to participate. KFB
Board members have teamed with the city's solid waste services provider, Waste Connections, JSC
Federal Credit Union, Sonic of Friendswood, and Star Service, Inc., to provide the community with a great
clean-up day. Shred-It Document Shredding will also be onsite to accept paper for shredding from 8:00
AM until noon. Items that will be accepted include green waste, such as tree limbs and grass clippings,
appliances, furniture, electronics, miscellaneous wood, metal, and plastic. Simple Recycling will also be
there to accept clothing, shoes, jewelry, toys, sleeping bags, pots/pans, blankets, tools, bags,
drapes/curtains, silverware, coats/jackets, hats, pillows, bedding, and dishes. No household hazardous
waste will be accepted at this location. Residents can also donate garage sale items to Keep Friendswood
Beautiful. KFB will be accepting furniture, household items, bikes that are in good condition, clothing will
not be accepted. Garage sale items can be dropped off the morning of the event at Centennial Park. All
proceeds from the garage sale will benefit the beautification of city facilities and parks. '
The City Manager reported that the Friendswood Public Library will celebrate National Library Week from
April 8 through April 13, 2019. The Friends of the Library will provide 4GB USB drives and stylus pens for
those who visit the library during that week. Dr.William Johnson, Horticulturalist with the Galveston County
AgriLife service,will present Beneficials in the Garden on April 13, 2019,at 10:30 AM. For more information
about National Library Week, or anything related to the Friendswood Public Library, visit the library's
website at www.friendswood.lib.tx.us.
The City Manager reported that the annual Youth Fishing Derby event sponsored by the City of
Friendswood Parks and Recreation Department has been scheduled for Saturday, May 11, 2019, at
Centennial Park pond for kids ages 16 and under. Over 600 pounds of adult catfish will be stocked in the
Centennial Park pond to catch. There is no pre-registration or fishing licenses required to participate.
Participants are encouraged to bring their own fishing supplies due to the supply of loaner rods will be
limited. Prizes will be awarded to the largest fish caught in different age groups. For more information
regarding this event, please contact the Parks and Recreation Department.
The City Manager reported that Staff continues to work with Federal Emergency Management Agency
(FEMA) representatives to finalize projects. Resolutions have not been reached with FEMA in regards to
the old Public Works and Parks facility on Deepwood Drive. Buyout and elevation applications through the
Hazard Mitigation Grant Program and Texas Water Development Board are being reviewed by FEMA.
With concurrence of Council, Mayor Foreman moved to Agenda Item 11, Discussion and possible action
regarding disposition of Bid No. 2019-02 for Bulk Fuel Purchase and Delivery.
ACTION ITEMS
**Councilmember Griffon moved to approve the disposition of Bid No. 2019-02 for Bulk Fuel Purchase and '
Delivery and award to Lee Oil Company.
Seconded by Councilmember Branson. The motion was approved unanimously.
04/01/19 4918
I
**Councilmember Rockey moved to approve an Access and Utilities Easement Agreement with Coastal
Bend Property Development, LP. i
Seconded by Councilmember Branson. The motion was approved unanimously.
**Councilmember Hanks moved to approve the acquisition and implementation of Integrated Body-Worn
Camera and In-Car Solution.
Seconded by Councilmember Griffon. The motion was approved unanimously.
I
With concurrence of Council, Mayor Foreman moved to Agenda Item 15, Resolutions.
i
RESOLUTIONS
**Councilmember Scott moved to approve Resolution R2019-09 —A resolution of the City Council of the
City of Friendswood, Texas, authorizing and approving the 2018 Community Development Block Grant
Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR).
Seconded by Councilmember Griffon. The motion was approved unanimously.
**Councilmember Hanks moved to approve Resolution R2019-10—A resolution of the City of Friendswood;
Texas, authorizing aerial spraying over Friendswood by the Galveston County Mosquito Control District for
the County-Wide Mosquito Control Program.
Seconded by Councilmember Griffon. The motion was approved unanimously.
**Councilmember Griffon moved to approve Resolution R2019-11 —A resolution of the City Council of the
City of Friendswood, Texas, expressing its full support for the bond projects identified, prioritized, and
publicly presented as being included in and funded by the Harris County Flood Control District 2018 Bond
' Election and requesting that Harris County Commissioners Court proceed with such bond projects;
requesting that Harris County Commissioners Court not incorporate the use of HUD low-to-moderate
income criteria to now re-prioritize the HCFCD 2018 Bond Election Bond Projects.
Seconded by Councilmember Branson. The motion was approved unanimously.
ORDINANCES
**Councilmember Scott moved to approve the Second and Final reading of Ordinance No. 2019-10 —An
ordinance amending the Code of Ordinances of the City of Friendswood,Texas,Appendix C—'Zoning, by
amending the zoning classification for a tractor parcel containing 1.8864 acres of land, situated in the Sarah
McKissick Survey,Abstract 151, being out of Lot 4 in Block 11 of Friendswood Subdivision according to the
plat thereof recorded in Volume 238, Page 14, Friendswood, Galveston County,Texas; amending the zone
classification from Community Shopping Center(CSC)to Downtown District(DID); providing for amendment
of the Official Zoning Map; providing a penalty in an amount not to exceed $2,000 for each day of violation
of any provision hereof; and providing for severability.
Seconded by Councilmember Branson. The motion was approved unanimously.
**Councilmember Hanks moved to approve the First reading of Ordinance No. T2019-11 —An ordinance
amending the Code of Ordinances of the City of Friendswood, Texas,Appendix C—"Zoning,"by amending
the zoning classification for a tract or parcel containing 116.998 acres of land along the future Friendswood
Lakes Boulevard between West Ranch and Friendswood Lakes Subdivisions, Friendswood, Galveston
County, Texas, to change from Single Family Residential (SFR) to Planned Unit Development(PUD)for a
residential development, "Avalon at Friendswood", consisting of the following tracts: 1) 87.774 acres, more
or less, being a portion of a called 96.944 acres tract in the Mary Fabreau Survey, Abstract No. 69 in
Galveston County, Friendswood, Texas, save and except a 9.170 acre portion of the same tract; and 2)
28.2240 acres of land, more or less, being a portion of a called 194.21 acre tract described as Tract"A" as
' conveyed to Yellowstone Hill Country Ranching, LLC, Friendswood, Galveston County, Texas; amending
the zone classification from Single Family Residential (SFR) to Planned Unit Development (PUD) for a
residential development, "Avalon at Friendswood'; providing for amendment of the Official Zoning Map;
i
04/01/19 4919
providing a penalty in an amount not to exceed $2,000 for each day of violation of any provision hereof;
and providing for severability. '
Seconded by Councilmember Branson. The motion was approved 4-3 with Councilmembers Griffon,Scott,
and Gustafson opposed.
Community Development Director/City Planner Aubrey Harbin reported that the Planning and Zoning
Commission's vote for Agenda Item 16B, First reading of Ordinance No.T2019-11,An ordinance amending
the Code of Ordinances of the City of Friendswood,Texas,Appendix C—"Zoning,"by amending the zoning
classification for a tract or parcel containing 115.998 acres of land along the future Friendswood Lakes
Boulevard between West Ranch and Friendswood Lakes Subdivisions, Friendswood, Galveston County,
Texas, to change from Single Family Residential (SFR) to Planned Unit Development (PUD) for a
residential development, "Avalon at Friendswood", consisting of the following tracts: 1) 87.774 acres, more
or less, being a portion of a called 96.944 acres tract in the Mary Fabreau Survey, Abstract No. 69 in
Galveston County, Friendswood, Texas, save and except a 9.170 acre portion of the same tract; and 2)
28.2240 acres of land, more or less, being a portion of a called 194.21 acre tract described as Tract"A" as
conveyed to Yellowstone Hill Country Ranching, LLC, Friendswood, Galveston County, Texas; amending
the zone classification from Single Family Residential (SFR) to Planned Unit Development (PUD) for a
residential development, "Avalon at Friendswood'; providing for amendment of the Official Zoning Map was
approved 4-3.
Ms. Harbin further stated the opposition was due to concerns regarding limited access to lakes, percentage
of lot sizes not comparable to other Planned Unit Developments (PUD), lack of amenities such as trails,
ponds, small parks, etc. Reasons for approval were market conditions to provide a variety of lot sizes,
meets the spirit of the law, quality builder, meets the general purpose of PUD per Zoning Ordinance, and
private streets.
Discussion took place between Mayor, Council, Bobby Skinner and Bob Kulpinski with Taylor Morrison, '
Kathryn Parker with META Planning + Design, and Staff regarding variety of lot sizes, lake access, each
lot would pay into Park Funds, anticipated retail value of homes is $400,000 to $800,000 depending on
size, ninth Avalon community in Houston Metropolitan area, amenities included, impervious cover
requirements, and land density.
Councilmember Rockey asked for a Point of Order and asked if Councilmember Gustafson made a motion
to table.
***Councilmember Gustafson moved to table the First reading of Ordinance No. T2019-11.
Seconded by Councilmember Griffon. The motion to table failed 34 with Mayor Foreman and
Councilmembers Rockey, Branson, and Hanks opposed.
With concurrence of-Council, Mayor Foreman moved to Agenda Item 7, Joint Public Hearing.
JOINT PUBLIC HEARING
Mayor Foreman and Planning and Zoning Commission Chair Joe Matranga called a Joint Public Hearing
to order to receive comments from the public both oral and written, regarding amending the City of
Friendswood Code of Ordinances,Appendix C,Zoning Ordinance"Section 15.Amendments"and"Chapter
70 Vacation of Street, Drainage, Utility or other Public Easement" to change from Joint Public Hearings to
separate Public Hearings and to amend ordinance wording to be consistent with state law.
Community Development Director/City Planner Aubrey Harbin explained the Planning and Zoning
Commission's (P&Z) desire to change the current process implemented in 2007, changes since
implementation, 2012 Council started meeting only once a month, 2015 City Attorney was hired on Staff
rather than outside counsel, intent is to remain developer friendly, would be able to give developers a firm '
schedule, and change P&Z meeting dates to the second and fourth Thursday of each month.
Planning and Zoning Commission Chair Matranga asked if anyone would like to speak in favor or in
04/01/19 4926
i
opposition of the request. No one spoke.
' Planning and Zoning Commission Chair Matranga adjourned the Planning and Zoning Commission's`
portion of the Joint Public Hearing. Mayor Foreman left Council's portion of the Joint Public Hearing open!
With concurrence of Council, Mayor Foreman moved to Agenda Item 14, Discussion and possible actin
regarding concurrence with the City Manager's appointment of a Public Works Director.
ACTION ITEMS (continued)
**Councilmember Scott moved to approve the City Manager's appointment of Rene' Ibarra as the Public
Works Director.
Seconded by Councilmember Rockey. The motion was approved unanimously. i
With concurrence of Council, Mayor Foreman moved to Agenda Item 10A, Keep Friendswood Beautiful
Annual Report given by Chair Natasha McAdoo.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM COMMITTEES AND SPECIAL REPORTS
Keep Friendswood Beautiful(KFB)Chair Natasha McAdoo gave the annual report. Ms. McAdoo presented
a video presentation that highlighted many of KFB's projects and events over the past year. In 2018, KFB
had face-to-face engagement with over 15,000 citizens, educated over 3,900 youth and adults in
environmental stewardship, and shared KFB's message through newsletters, email, press releases and
social media with over 100,000 people. KFB held workshops on creating bird friendly communities and
backyard citrus seminars, provided welcome bags for new Friendswood residents; sponsored a "Schools
Out for Summer"event, helped with Eagle Scout projects, managed creations of murals for"Art in the Park"(
' received and organized items received to be reused and recycled, and successfully kicked off the Simple
Recycling program in March. At the recent tree giveaway, 100 trees were given away to Friendswood
residents. A pollinator garden has been created and implemented at Stevenson Park which will provide
beauty and sustainability to pollinators, and provide a tangible educational model of our ecosystem. Texas
Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has started the planning and implementation of the median rebuild
from damage during Hurricane Harvey, and work should begin in the fall of 2019. TxDOT has graciously
agreed to add brick end caps to each of the medians, and provide new flowers and plants that will
complement the new color scheme and branding for the City of Friendswood. KFB will be promoting a
summer bucket list to encourage individuals and families to spend unplugged time outdoors and with each
other. The summer bucket list will include items like climbing a tree, watching a sunset with a loved one
and having a picnic in the park. KFB members present in the audience were acknowledged, worked 2,967
volunteer hours over the past year, works well with Parks and Recreation staff, and thanked Council for
their continued support.
With concurrence of Council, Mayor Foreman moved to Agenda Item 6A, Proclamation for Sherry Goen for
her service with the Keep Friendswood Beautiful Committee.
SPECIAL RECOGNITION AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS (continued)
Mayor Foreman presented a proclamation to Keep Friendswood Beautiful member Sherry Goen for her
years of service with the Keep Friendswood Beautiful Committee.
With concurrence of Council, Mayor Foreman moved to Agenda Item 16D, Ordinance No. T2019-14.
ORDINANCES (continued) I
' **Councilmember Griffon moved to approve the First reading of Ordinance No. T2019-14—An ordinance
approving the execution of a Developer Participation Agreement between the City of Friendswood (city)
and Coastal Bend Property Development, LP, (developer) and Ser Construction Partners, LLC,
(contractor), for the purpose of making certain public improvements as authorized by law.
04/01/19 4921
Seconded by Councilmember Scott. The motion was approved unanimously.
**Councilmember Branson moved to approve the First and Final reading of Ordinance 2019-15 — An ,
ordinance amending City of Friendswood, Texas, Ordinance No. 2018-28, passed and approved October
1, 2018, same being an ordinance approving and adopting the City's General Budget for Fiscal Year 2018-
2019 by approving "Budget Amendment VI" to the "Original General Budget of the City of Friendswood,
Texas, for the Fiscal Year 2018-2019"; providing for supplemental appropriation and/or transfer of certain
funds; providing for severability; and providing other matters related to the subject.
Seconded by Councilmember Hank. The motion was approved unanimously.
With concurrence of Council, Mayor Foreman moved to Agenda Item 16C, Ordinance No. T2019-13.
**Councilmember Scott moved to approve the First reading of Ordinance No. T2019-13 —An ordinance
amending Appendix C — "Zoning," section "Amendments" and Chapter 70 "Vacation of Street, Drainage,
Utility or other Public Easement"to change from Joint Public Hearings to separate Public Hearings and to
amend ordinance wording to be consistent with state law; providing a penalty for violation in an amount not
to exceed $2,000, or as otherwise provided by law; repealing all ordinances or parts of ordinances
inconsistent or in conflict herewith; and providing for severability.
Seconded by Councilmember Branson. The motion was approved unanimously.
City Manager Morad Kabiri reported that the Planning and Zoning Commission's vote for Agenda Item 16C,
First reading of Ordinance No. T2019-13, An ordinance amending Appendix C — "Zoning," section
"Amendments" and Chapter 70 "Vacation of Street, Drainage, Utility or other Public Easement" to change
from Joint Public Hearings to separate Public Hearings and to amend ordinance wording to be consistent
with state law was approved 6-0.
With concurrence of Council, Mayor Foreman moved to Agenda Item 18, Consent Agenda. '
CONSENT AGENDA
**Councilmember Scott moved to approve the Consent Agenda as presented:A. Approving an agreement
with Friendswood Area Swim Team (FAST) for the use of the Sesquicentennial Swimming Pool and
authorizing the Mayor to execute the agreement. B.Accepting the February 2019 Property Tax Report. C.
Approving the minutes of the March 04, 2019, Council Meeting.
Seconded by Councilmember Griffon. The motion was approved unanimously.
With concurrence of Council, Mayor Foreman moved to Agenda Item 20, Close Executive Session.
Mayor Foreman recessed the meeting at 6:41 PM, and reconvened the meeting at 6:54 PM.
CLOSED EXECUTIVE SESSION
Mayor Foreman asked if anyone would like to speak regarding the Executive Session. No one spoke.
Council convened into Executive Session in accordance with Texas Government Code, pursuant to Section
551.074—Personnel Matters;to deliberate the appointment,employment,evaluation, reassignment,duties,
discipline, or dismissal of a public officer or employee with possible discussion and action related thereto
in open session (Evaluation of the City Secretary).
RECONVENE INTO OPEN SESSION
Council reconvened into Open Session with action taken later in the meeting regarding Section 551.074—
Personnel Matters;to deliberate the appointment,employment,evaluation,reassignment,duties,discipline, '
or dismissal of a public officer or employee with possible discussion and action related thereto in open
session (Evaluation of the City Secretary).
04/01/19 4922
With concurrence of Council, Mayor Foreman moved to Agenda Item 8, Communications from the Public,
' COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC
Mayor Foreman asked if anyone would like to speak. No one spoke.
With concurrence of Council, Mayor Foreman moved to Agenda Item 19, Work Session.
WORK SESSION (continued)
Mayor Foreman opened the discussion regarding the Drainage Subcommittee report. Drainage
Subcommittee member James Stahl presented a PowerPoint presentation regarding the Drainage
Subcommittee's observations, conclusions, and recommendations. Drainage Subcommittee members
were introduced, and reported that Council chartered the subcommittee in June 2018, subcommittee has
met 35 times since the first meeting on June 28, 2018, with over 500 hours of.service. The presentation
was developed by the whole subcommittee team. Subcommittee members James Stahl and Lee Coggins
will present the presentation to Council tonight. The subcommittee presented the problem statement, a
significant portion of the data and analysis in previous work sessions with Council. Additional analysis will
be presented along with observations, conclusions, and recommendations. Drainage Subcommittee
member Lee Coggins stated after Hurricane Harvey, the city's Public Works Staff visited all damaged
buildings and homes. The estimated level of flooding was measured from water marks on the outside of
houses above the slab, Staff did not enter homes, and the subcommittee believes the data is accurate
within a few inches in either direction. A chart was shown displaying that the total number of units flooded
in the City of Friendswood was 2,838, single family residential made up 85% of impacted units, and the
majority of affected units had minor to major flooding. A chart was displayed showing the cumulative totals
of units flooded by inches of water taken on. Modeling and simulation are important to help solve drainage
' problems. The city hired Rice University Professor Doctor Phil Bedient and his team from Rice University
to create a model of how Clear Creek reacts in the Friendswood area. Dr. Bedient's team has reported
back to the subcommittee with their model and measured the effects of various proposed projects, and the
subcommittee intends to keep the relationship with Dr. Bedient's work and have future items modeled!
Overall study area and modeling domain of Dr. Bedient's work included the Clear Creek Watershed and
Armand Bayou Watershed. The City of Friendswood's study of focus included primarily residential and
commercial development, and flood drivers were low slopes, high imperviousness, and proximity to coast!
Dr. Bedient's model evaluated existing flood vulnerability with mathematical modeling, validated the mode'
against the observed flooding seen in Hurricane Harvey,explored a variety of mitigation scenarios including
bridge raising, de-snagging, channelization and terracing, diversion at outlet, proposed detention ponds;
and modeled multiple scenarios to determine the best group. A hydrologic model was used to see rainfall;
soils, and land use, and translated into a hydraulic model in which water surface elevations were extracted
and floodplain maps generated. The distributed Hydrologic Model included fully distributed physics-based
hydrologic model developed by Vieux and Associates Incorporated, infiltration calculated by Green and
Ampt Equation, used Kinematic Wave to route runoff between overland grid cells and Modified Puls for
channel cells, and rainfall input can be rain gauge data or radar rainfall. Hydraulic Model was developed
by the Hydrologic Engineering Center of the United States Army Corps of Engineers, used in various
floodplain studies and dam breach analyses, 1 D steady-state is used as the basis for Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA) floodplains, and the existing model was obtained from Harris County Flood
Control District M3 system. Additionally floodplain maps can be predicted for each test scenario by using
the models, and a floodplain map of Hurricane Harvey scenario was shown, accurate to the events that
happened, and flood waters covered almost half of the City of Friendswood. Changes in land use in Clear,
Creek Watershed from 2008 to 2018 included a decrease in surface elevation mostly from the addition of
detention ponds,increases in land elevations due to land development,and some areas remain unchangedl.
Model validation for peak water surface evaluation for Hurricane Harvey included measurements from
gauges at different points along the creek, around a half a foot difference, actual measurements versus
' model measurement is pretty good, and it is actually considered outstanding in the field of flood modeling.
A mitigation example scenario of raising the FM 2351 bridge was run through the model to see the impact
of such projects. In all cases, data was shown for the effect of the example project for the historical 100-
year storm, and negative numbers indicated a lower flooding rate if the project would have been in place.
04/01/19 4923
If the FM 2351 bridge was raised, most impacts seen are at lower rain amounts. In a Hurricane Harvey
type storm, a lot of water does not have as much of an impact because once the water has covered the '
bridge it can no longer act like a dam or hindrance. All three bridges would need to be looked at to get the
best benefit. Another method of mitigation is terracing, based on terracing design, extend a 200 foot terrace
to both sides of the creek to allow more detention of water, channel meanders remain intact, grass terracing
has a roughness coefficient of 0.04 on its terraces. A summary of scenario individual testing at different
location points was shown. Dr. Bedient's team calculated the group of projects that would have the biggest
effect, raising the FM 2351 bridge, de-snagging and terracing together have the greatest positive impact,
those same projects do not negatively affect League City, combination scenario decrease up to about 3.5
feet of water at Friendswood during Hurricane Harvey, effect is more pronounced upstream of Whispering
Pines and begins to diminish downstream, land availability downstream of FM 528 is greater, increasing
the terracing width there would likely increase the effect between FM 528.and Bay Area Boulevard, and a
graph was shown demonstrating the effects of raising the FM 2351 bridge and terracing on Hurricane
Harvey flood levels. Assuming the best project case was completed before Hurricane Harvey, using
locations of where the houses flooded and possible reduction basis modeling, 850 houses would have
flooded instead of 2,830, 250 of those houses would have gotten six inches or less, and 550 of the houses
would have gotten between six inches to two feet of water. The Drainage Subcommittee asked for modeling
of six proposed detention ponds at different locations, and detention ponds did not help in regards to a 100-
year storm in modeling. One example used was a detention pond at Whispering Pines, changes were
minimal for a Hurricane Harvey type storm. In order to have an effect on a Hurricane Harvey type storm, a
4,500 acre pond would be needed somewhere upstream, and additional modeling could be done to provide
better estimates of the effects of detention ponds. The modeling scenario used for diversion was diverting
water out of Clear Creek at the Bay Area Bridge and finding another path to the Gulf other than going down
and out Clear Lake. The positive effects of the modeling occur mainly near and below the diversion point,
further modelling is needed to better define, does require moving the water across other watersheds,
significant land acquisition is needed, project cost would exceed $300 Million and would have to be done
by United States Army Corps of Engineers, City of Friendswood's portion of cost would be less than 5%, ,
other cities and agencies would control this,there are other diversion type projects that need to be modeled,
Friendswood should remain interested in this project, and, if triggered by other agencies, Council should
support.
Drainage Subcommittee member James Stahl stated an observation is a conclusion the team has reached
based on research, majority of the observations have been previously presented to Council and supported
by a majority of the team, and each observation has multiple premises that helped the subcommittee reach
the conclusion. Observations can be in the area of mitigation projects, costs, implementation, political
concerns, safety, and environmental and more from the observations. The subcommittee has formulated
recommendations from their observations and premises. A graph showing historical rainfall events in
Friendswood was shown. Observation No. 1 is the City of Friendswood experiences catastrophic flooding
when the watershed receives rainstorms of 24 inches or more in less than two days. The subcommittee
believes such storms are occurring more frequently,there have been three major storms that have occurred
in the last 40 years (Tropical Storm Claudette, Tropical Storm Allison, and Hurricane Harvey). Storms of
lesser severity can cause localized flooding but do not create the wholesale flooding of significant portions
of the city. Further development of the watershed will exacerbate the effects of such storms or will cause
smaller storms to have the same impact. Observation No. 2 is that in the City of Friendswood and all other
areas, flooding of Clear Creek occurs because enough water cannot either be stored upstream or drain fast
enough to the ocean during storms. Methods to reduce flooding include reducing the amount of water
entering Clear Creek in Friendswood during storms,and increase the ability to flow water out of Clear Creek
during storms. An estimated 300,000 acre-feet of water came to the City of Friendswood in Hurricane
Harvey (2/3 of that in Tropical Storms Allison and Claudette). Acquisition of property would be required to
implement these options. In Hurricane Harvey, tributaries in Friendswood were not the restrictions but
backed up because they could not exit into Clear Creek. Observation No. 3 is that over the last 80 years
the Clear Creek Watershed has been significantly changed by humans for land use and this has altered
the physics of the flow. Portions were straightened and widened to reclaim wetlands for farm use and later ,
for residential areas. Some areas have not been altered and retain their natural unimproved watercourse
such as in the City of Friendswood. Clear Lake is extensively developed at the outlets of the Clear Creek
Watershed to Galveston Bay. Observation No. 4 is there are multiple jurisdictions in the Clear Creek
04/01/19 4924
i
Watershed that pass water into Clear Creek without any further responsibility. The land mass of the
' jurisdictions that drain to Clear Creek in Friendswood is seven times the size of the City of Friendswoodi
Jurisdictions generally apply a 1%storm criterion for land use,which are not the type of storms that currently
cause wholesale flooding. Some jurisdictions are beginning to make changes. There is no overall
governing body although the current Clear Creek Watershed Steering Team has an advisory role
Observation No. 5 is that currently the City of Friendswood considers their role is to move water effectively
from property owner boundaries to the nearest creek or drainage waterway to Clear Creek. That is
consistent with other jurisdictions in the watershed, to the extent that the infrastructure exists, there are
some areas or pockets of the city that flood in big storms, and may have a local drainage issue. Observation
No. 6 is that the City of Friendswood's General Fund is inadequate to fund projects necessary to mitigate
flooding of Clear Creek from the storms in question. The city is hampered by not having capital funds to
support shared funding or pre-funding and payback projects. The city's yearly General Fund is$25 Million
mitigation projects could be an order of magnitude larger. Funding would be required from other sources
and the city would be required to aggressively pursue this funding and be vocal about how funds are
disbursed. Observation No. 7 is cities and areas that are successful in advancing flood projects nationwide
have built in a structure that ensures a constancy of purpose to create a long term strategy. Observation
No. 8 is there are multiple Hurricane Harvey related funding streams available (federal, state, and county);
some agencies have already been funded and projects are in the early stages of implementation, and the
impacts of these projects on the City of Friendswood has not be adequately demonstrated to the Drainage
Subcommittee. Harris County has received direct Federal Funds, other counties, including Galveston
County, have not received direct funds yet, and it is currently not clear how the funds will be shared. The
City of Friendswood has applied for federal and state funding for property buy-outs but some have not been
approved and some are pending. Projects have been scheduled for areas upstream like Clear Creek in
the City of Pearland, Mud Gully, and Turkey Creek. Simulation results shared with the subcommittee were
for 1% storms only, and the subcommittee has requested the United States Army Corps of Engineers
perform simulations on storms like Hurricane Harvey but the information has not been received yet!
' Caveats to the subcommittee's observations are that the team stayed within its charter to examine flooding
and fixes. There are a number of areas not addressed but some of the important ones include projects that
might have environmental impacts that will have to be addressed, projects such as retention, detention),
and terracing of Clear Creek may afford opportunities to create appealing benefits such as parks, sport
fields, nature trails, and more. The subcommittee did not define the cost of these appealing benefits. The
subcommittee's recommendations are based on the data collected and the observations shared with
Council during this work session and in previous Council meetings. Some recommendations attack multiple
observations and all recommendations are intended to be actionable by Council if they choose to take
action. Recommendation No. 1 is that Council needs to clearly state, through a resolution, that the work of
the subcommittee generates a cause for action to mitigate rainstorm flood events. The subcommittee has
provide backup information to all presentations, and a resolution would demonstrate commitment from
Council. Recommendation No. 2 is that Council accepts that there are a number of mitigation projects that
involve the main stem of Clear Creek that need to be pursued to completion to significantly reduce flooding
in the City of Friendswood. The main stem of the creek is the problem, tributaries flood by backing up, and
the methods to reduce flooding are either store more water, drain it faster, or remove structures from
properties that flood. Mitigation is expensive and will take time to acquire matching funds, perform
engineering, acquire right-of-ways, and implement the projects. Recommendation No. 3 is to allow voters
to cast a vote on a bond election that would provide$32 Million over the next 15 years on drainage projects!
These funds would only be allowed to be spent on drainage projects associated with the main channel of
Clear Creek. The cost to complete the needed projects is higher than $32 Million, but this amount allows
the city to leverage other funds available. Without money to spend on flood projects the City of Friendswood
would be frozen out of consideration for many direct impact projects. The number of projects, their positive
effects, their costs, expected percentage the city would have to contribute and the time frame, determined
the proposed amount. Council would need to determine the net impact on taxes for bonds drawing over
that period of time. This recommendation also relies on the Galveston County Consolidated Drainage
District to continue their work on their tributaries. A list of estimated cost of projects with the best benefit
' was shown with an estimated total cost to the City of Friendswood of$31,800,000. The proposed projects
listed included de-snagging, bridge/road raising FM 2351, bridge/road raising FM 528, terracing Dixie Farm
Road to FM 2351, terracing FM 2351 to Whispering Pines Avenue, terracing Whispering Pines Avenue to
FM 528, terracing FM 528 to West Bay Area Boulevard, buyout lots, and engineering and environmental
04/01/19 4925
impact studies. Estimated costs are based on engineering estimates for similar work. Recommendation
No. 4 is for the city to hire a long-term Clear Creek Watershed Drainage Coordinator for the City of ,
Friendswood to create a long-term strategy and a constancy of purpose. Experience shows with
government to ensure something is completed and to have a long-term approach it has to be one person's
clear job and they are held accountable for their progress. The City Manager would be responsible for
defining the job description, hiring, and managing the performance toward the long-term goals. Council
should be very active in the progress of this work and expect routine reports in Council meetings. The
position would need to have a budget to successfully complete projects and continue the subcommittee's
work on mathematical simulations, would be responsible for Clear Creek drainage project definition,
spending, grant writing, interaction with other jurisdictions, and interaction with the public, and would
monitor projects on Clear Creek and require simulations to show the effect of these projects during storms
sizes that flood the City of Friendswood. Recommendation No. 5 is that the city should review and change
its current permitting criteria regarding drainage to reflect the realities of the types of storms that occur here.
Design criteria for new construction at the 1% storm level is inadequate. Optimally this should be done in
conjunction with other municipalities up and down the creek, and current existing structures would be
grandfathered unless substantially altered. Recommendation No. 6 is the acquisition of properties will be
required to adapt Clear Creek to meet the demand for drainage. The City of Friendswood will need to have
the means to acquire properties for drainage projects. The acquisition of land was included in the
subcommittee's calculations for bond needs, will allow quick response to purchase damaged properties
after a flood event and purchase of properties as they go on the market at any time. Privately owned
properties cannot be used for drainage projects. Recommendation No. 7 is the city needs to be proactive
regarding the management of the flow of water down Clear Creek. The city should take a leadership role
in organizing municipalities along Clear Creek to create a common purpose in fixing the creek. There are
over half a dozen agencies currently involved with Clear Creek. The city needs to recognize the
responsibilities of other entities and needs to increase support to these groups. The current master plan
for the watershed needs improvement, and solutions have to involve land use. Council needs to reach out
to other cities to initiate communications, and initial discussions with League City leadership indicates they '
are of like minds with the subcommittee. Recommendation No. 8 is that there are currently several efforts
to restructure watershed management being contemplated at the county and state level. Council needs to
be active and participate in and determine if these efforts would be beneficial to the City of Friendswood.
Generating watershed control systems can be hugely helpful so long as they are focused on the entire
watershed, are governed fairly, and are resourced property. Care should be given to ensure that changes
do not reduce effective current drainage system,and until the Drainage Coordinator position is filled Council
should determine a method to evaluate changes coming from either the counties or state.
Recommendation No. 9 is Council's focus should entirely be toward the future. There is no justification to
seek redress directed at upstream or downstream entities for the changes that have occurred along Clear
Creek. Many of the significant alterations of the creek were done a long time ago, continue to this day, and
will continue in the future. All municipalities comply with current laws and ordinances, state and federal law
would not support being successful with legal action. The City of Friendswood has also allowed
development, including houses built right on the creek, and that has also contributed to the drainage
problem. Recommendation No. 10 is that the city should be directed to research and propose solutions for
flooding that was not caused by Clear Creek in the city during Hurricane Harvey. This may require funding
not part of bond capital which is dedicated to Clear Creek's main stem, and may require General Funds to
perform the repairs. Recommendation No. 11 is the monitoring of creeks in Friendswood need to be greatly
increased during flood events for flooding and safety purposes. There are blind spots on Clear Creek and
tributaries in Friendswood regarding inundation levels and rain gauges. This affects safety and the ability
to give first alerts to be issued, and more of these need to be added in critical areas. A summary of actions
the subcommittee needs from Council at this meeting includes a decision if the Drainage Subcommittee
should present information to the Citizen Advisory Team regarding the bond recommendations from the
subcommittee. The subcommittee has met its original charter from Council to make recommendations back
to Council that are fact-based only and include project types,costs, societal impacts,and political obstacles.
There is on-going work with Dr. Bedient's team to further define project effects, Staff could keep moving
forward, Council could re-charter the current team,or Council could charter a new subcommittee to continue '
this work.
Drainage Subcommittee member Lee Coggins stated a lot of information has been presented, and asked
04/01/19 4926
Council to review information provided. After Hurricane Harvey, he came to City Hall for a building permit
' and unloaded on Staff in frustration, lives a mile away from the creek, only a 15-foot elevation difference as
the creek runs through the City of Friendswood, heard stories from friends that floodwater came up to their
doorways but not inside their homes, something needs to be done now regarding flooding, subcommittee
has done a lot of work and are now passing the torch onto Council, and thanked Council for the honor of
serving on the Drainage Subcommittee.
Drainage Subcommittee member James Stahl stated the subcommittee invested a lot of time and effort
into their work, high level of professionalism and commitment, wished Council the best of luck, hopes
Council takes the information provided and are driven to the same constancy of purpose as the
subcommittee, need to set things in motion now with current Council, projects will take many years to
complete, appreciates Councilmember Rockey, amazed at the work and time Councilmember Rockey has
put into the subcommittee, and recognized the Drainage Subcommittee members present.
Discussion took place between Mayor, Council, Staff, and Drainage Subcommittee members Lee Coggin
and James Stahl regarding that Rice University,Professor Doctor Phil Bedient's report is in draft form and
is being reviewed by the Drainage Subcommittee: Dr. Bedient's final report will be made available to the
public once finalized. Council is appreciative'of the work the subcommittee has done, funds are needed
for various projects recommended by the subcommittee, localized flooding issues throughout portions of
the city, City of League City is interested in regional collaborations; Harris County Flood Control District and
Galveston County Consolidated Drainage District had a presence in subcommittee meetings, United States
Army Corps of Engineers is interested in having future meetings with the city, majority of recommended
projects would require the city partnering with other agencies,.and overall management of Clear Creek
Watershed is needed instead of multiple entities working individually. The consensus of Council was for
the Drainage Subcommittee to present information to the-Citizen Advisory Team, projects for possible
proposed bond projects will need to be specific to things that will have the greatest impact on reducing
' flooding in the city. Council consensus was to dissolve the Drainage Subcommittee and allow Staff to move
forward, and Staff will schedule an additional work session with Council to further discuss the
subcommittee's recommendations.
With concurrence of Council, Mayor Foreman moved to Agenda Item 17, Communications from the Mayor
and Councilmembers.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE MAYOR AND COUNCILMEMBERS
Councilmember Gustafson stated the Drainage Subcommittee has met for nine months, a lot of work,
everyone has done a great job, and met some neat people he would not have met otherwise. He believes
the subcommittee ended up producing a good project scoping estimates and showing ideas of what eacl
project could do for the city.
Councilmember Rockey stated May 4,2019,the library will host a Star Wars themed event, his son is going
to dress as Chewbacca, and the library will have various activities going on for the event.
Councilmember Branson stated the city just completed the first full month of Simple Recycling, Spring
Sparkle is April 13, 2019, Rotary Reverse Draw is April 06, 2019, former Friendswood Independent School
District Superintendent Walter Wilson's memorial service will be April 06, 2019, and thanked the Drainage
Subcommittee for the great job they did.
Councilmember Hanks stated the Mayor gave a great State of the City address, congratulated
Councilmember Branson on receiving Business of the Month from Friendswood Chamber of Commerce;
and thanked Staff for the reflective painting on the curbs.
' Mayor Foreman and Councilmembers Griffon and Scott stated they had nothing to report.
With concurrence of Council, Mayor Foreman moved to Agenda Item 22, Consideration and possible action
regarding the annual review of the City Secretary.
04/01/19 4927
ACTION ITEMS (continued) '
**Councilmember Griffon moved to approve giving the City Secretary a 3.5%salary increase.
Seconded by Councilmember Hanks. The motion was approved unanimously.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:51 PM.
M yor a Forema
Attest:
� ,.•gip FRIFN'•
Melinda Welsh, TRMC
City Secretary :* :0 :
:NA
T�OFTE�PG'
1