League City Area News

City Issues Building Permit

By Marilyn Clark, League City Area News Online

August 13, 2005

On Friday, the Clear Creek Independent School District announced that the City of League City had issued a building permit for High School #4 and that the litigation against the City of League City brought by CCISD had been dropped.

City Council Approves Interlocal Agreement with School District

August 13, 2005

Interlocal Agreement

League City Mayor Jerry Shults broke a three to three city council deadlock by voting for an interlocal agreement with the Clear Creek Independent School District on High School #4 on Palomino Lane after items related to the court case were removed at a special meeting of the city council on Monday, August 8.

Councilmen Mike Barber, Katie Benoit and Rusty Tidwell voted to approve the interlocal agreement.

Councilmen voting for the interlocal agreement supported the removal of items 12 and 13 because these items could give Judge Criss of the 212th District Court in Galveston continued jurisdiction over the construction of High School No. 4.

Councilman Thomas Cones, Jim Nelson and Jon Keeney voted against the interlocal agreement. Councilman Tad Nelson was absent.

Councilman Thomas Cones and Jim Nelson voted against the interlocal agreement because they objected to the removal of items 12 and 13.

Councilman Keeney voted against the interlocal agreement because he still believes that a traffic study should be done before a Special Use permit is issued.

According to Councilman Tidwell, the interlocal agreement was drafted because the school district was concerned that if one of the conditions/stipulations added to the Special Use permit was accidentally violated it could invalidate the Special Use permit. This could cost the school district over a million dollars.

So, most of the conditions added to the Special Use Permit last Tuesday were moved to the interlocal agreement.

In the interlocal agreement, the stipulation to provide a 50 foot buffer zone on the western edge of the property abutting the gated subdivision, Creekside Estates, becomes an agreement not to place a road within this 50 foot buffer zone.

Special Use Permit

Later, the City Council voted 6-1 to approve another reading of an ordinance which granted a Special Use Permit (SUP) for High School #4 on Palomino Road (Lane) without the five conditions added at last Tuesday night's council meeting.

Councilmen Mike Barber, Katie Benoit, Thomas Cones, Jim Nelson and Rusty Tidwell voted to approve the Special Use Permit for High School #4 on Palomino Lane without the stipulations. Councilman Jon Keeney voted against the Special Use Permit.

Council Re-approves Permit and Authorizes Consultant for Palomino Road

By Marilyn Clark, League City Area News Online

August 13, 2005

Special Use Permit

At a regular council meeting on Tuesday, August 9, Councilmen Mike Barber, Katie Benoit, Thomas Cones, Jim Nelson and Rusty Tidwell again voted to approve the Special Use Permit for High School #4 on Palomino Lane without the stipulations added during a Tuesday night council meeting last week. Councilman Jon Keeney voted against the Special Use Permit.

Palomino Road Consultant

The council also approved hiring a consultant to design the widening of Palomino Lane without an extension or bridge.

Citizen Input

Citizens spoke on topics related to council business for up to three minutes after signing up on a sign-in sheet before the beginning of the City Council meeting.

In Review

More about the School District, the City Council and High School #4

City Council Completes Permit Approval Process

Special Use Permit Approved by 6 to 1 Vote

By Marilyn Clark, League City Area News Online

August 6, 2005

The City Council voted 6-1 to approve the second reading of an ordinance which granted a Special Use Permit (SUP) for High School #4 on Palomino Road (Lane) with the five conditions added at last Tuesday night's council meeting on at a Special Council meeting on Thursday, August 4, 2005.

Councilmen Mike Barber, Katie Benoit, Thomas Cones, Jim Nelson, Tad Nelson and Rusty Tidwell voted to approve the Special Use Permit for High School #4 on Palomino Lane. Councilman Jon Keeney voted against the Special Use Permit.

More specifically, the city council considered and voted on an ordinance granting a Special Use Permit for Clear Creek Independent School District’s High School #4 on Palomino Road (Lane) in Single Family Residential (RSF) zoning under a court order by Judge Susan Criss of the 212th District Court in Galveston.

The five stipulations or conditions include

• perform an internal site analysis of traffic,

• perform an external site analysis of traffic,

• provide directional outdoor lighting,

• establish hours of outdoor, non-security lighting that are in compliance with city ordinances and regulations and

• establish a 50 buffer zone between the project and property on the western site boundary.

The western site boundary abuts an affluent subdivision named Creekside Estates.

Council members discussed the Special Use Permit at length before taking the final vote.

"During the consideration of the Special Use Permit, concerns were raised about the safety of a large student complex having limited ingress and egress and the safety impact of having a large increase in the number of young drivers added to an already congested area of FM 518," said Keeney, who cast the only vote against issuance of the Special Use Permit on second reading.

"The City Council voted to have (conduct) a draft study to determine that impact," continued Keeney.

An earlier traffic study entitled "Houston-Galveston Area Council _H-GAC) FM 518 Corridor Access Management Plan" (2004) previously examined traffic on 518 and made recommendations on how to improve the flow of traffic on FM 518 in League City, Kemah, Friendswood and Pearland.

"When a judge tells you ignore the authority and responsibility granted by the state of Texas legislature to protect the rights and safety, health, morals and general welfare of the citizens what do you do? ... If this city can not enforce its ordinances without the threat of going to jail, where will this stop?" Keeney exclaimed.

In reply, Special Use Permit proponent Cones said that in the fiscal year 2003-2004, Mr. Chuck Harrington,a former city administrator, added 800 feet of new roadway to High School #4 on Palomino Road ($2.3 Million) to the CIP (Capital Improvement Project).

Cones added that improvements on Palomino Road remained in the CIP for about a year until they were removed in 2004 by council members.

"By going with the Interlocal agreement, the first Interlocal agreement, without a bridge ... we would not be sitting here tonight," said Cones.

"So, I feel this is a waste of our time," Cones continued.

"And certainly a waste of taxpayer money ... It will cost us thousands of dollars to fight," Cones added.

"... Let's look at the situation that we have with the school district and try to make (turn) friendship into partnership," Cones concluded.

Benoit said that the "Report on the Clear Creek Independent School District" from the Texas Performance Review ( May, 2003 - Carole Keeton Strayhorn, former Texas Comptroller) showed that CCISD was lacking in long-term planning.

Jim Nelson reminded everyone that CCISD had invited members of the city council to a demographics workshop at CCISD in the fall of 2004. Demographics is the study of population, especially with respect to changes in size over time.

Nelson also stated that not all of the councillors attended this workshop.

The projected yearly increases in student population for each school in CCISD through the year 2020 were presented at this workshop.

Rusty Tidwell said that that tax dollar losses due to MUDs (Municipal Utility Districts) need to be brought under control.

Tidwell added that MUD's take millions of dollars off the tax rolls. Tidwell pointed out that the approval of a recent MUD with 1300 to 1500 houses will require a new elementary school.

Tidwell suggested that some of the tax dollars lost to MUDs might be recouped by imposing impact fees to set aside money for new schools and other purposes.

In Review

CCISD submitted an application for a Special Use Permit for High School #4 on Palomino Road on May 13, 2005.

Council Meeting: Special Use Permit Approved and More In Review

City Council Approves School Permit

By Marilyn Clark, League City Area News Online

August 3, 2005

The city council of League City voted to place the Special Use Permit (Ordinance 2005-19) back on the table for consideration as ordered by Judge Susan Criss of the 212th District Court at the Special Meeting of the City Council on August 2, 2005 at the Civic Center.

Next, the city council voted 5-2 to approve the Special Use Permit for the Clear Creek Independent School District's High School #4 on Palomino Road in Single Family Residential zoning with five stipulations they discussed during closed session. Mike Barber, Thomas Cones, Jim Nelson, Tad Nelson and Rusty Tidwell voted to approve the Special Use Permit for High School #4 on Palomino Lane. Councilmen Katie Benoit and Jon Keeney voted against the Special Use Permit.

More Council Meeting: Special Use Permit Approved

Judge Criss Schedules Hearing for CCISD versus League City and Various Officials Concerning the Delayed Vote on Special Use Permit

By Marilyn Clark, League City Area News Online

August 1, 2005

CCISD vs The City of League City, City Administrator Mike Clawson et al., Case 05CV0987, will be heard before Judge Susan Criss of the 212th District Court on Thursday August 11, 2005 at 9 a.m. at 722 Moody, 5th Floor, Galveston. This case pertains to a Special Use Permit for High School #4 on Palomino Lane.

Building Permit is the Next Step for High School #4

From the City of League City

August 4, 2005

LEAGUE CITY, Texas—In a Special Meeting held August 2, 2005, City Council voted to grant a Special Use Permit to Clear Creek Independent School District in relation to High School #4 on Palomino Lane.

The meeting was called in response to Galveston County Judge Susan Criss’ order of Thursday, July 28, 2005, with respect to the special use permit requested by Clear Creek Independent School District.

Mayor Jerry Shults affirmed the decision. “I support City Council’s decision to ask the school district for the traffic study. However, I also respect the judicial system, and Judge Criss’ ruling.

It’s time now to move forward and make this the best high school and boulevard possible for our children and our community.”

The next step in the process is for the city to issue a building permit to the school district.

CCISD Board’s Concern for Education of Area Students Spurs Legal Action

From the CCISD Office of Public Information

July 29, 2005

LEAGUE CITY, Texas— Concerned that the opening date of the district’s fourth high school is in jeopardy, the Clear Creek Independent School District Board of Trustees during their July 26 meeting regretfully voted to take legal action against the City of League City government.

The decision was made after the League City City Council voted against honoring the Special Use Permit previously approved by the city’s Planning and Zoning Commission.

“It is with regret and sadness that I move to approve and authorize legal counsel to move forward with initiation of litigation with the City Government of League City,” said Trustee Ralph Parr. The motion was seconded by Trustee David Juengel. He went on to say that the council and the community have been aware of the school’s location for several years and the eleventh hour postponement by the city council is doing a disservice to the educational needs of all our students.

...By not approving the Special Use Permit, the August 2007 opening date of the high school is now in jeopardy and the District is faced with the difficult task of planning how to accommodate nearly 5,000 students attending Clear Creek High School in 2007. The district has developed the following options:

• Option One – All 5,000 students to attend Clear Creek High School through the use of extensive portable buildings.

• Option Two – Bus excess students to Clear Lake High School

• Option Three – All 5,000 students to attend Clear Creek High School with split high school schedules

Two public hearings will be held in August to present these options and to receive community input.

• The first meeting is August 18 at League City Intermediate.

• The second meeting is August 22 at Space Center Intermediate. Both meetings take place from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

More CCISD: Council Vote Spurs Legal Action

Source: CCISD PR-2189 Excerpts July 27, 2005

League City Council News Brief

By Marilyn Clark, League City Area News Online

July 27, 2005

The Special Use Permit for CCISD High School #4 on Palomino Road (Lane) and the River Market Master Plan were the main topics of discussion at the League City Council meeting on Tuesday, July 26.

A motion was made to reconsider the 60 day postponement of a Special Use Permit for CCISD High School #4 on Palomino Road (Lane). The Special Use Permit would allow the construction of the high school in an area zoned for single family residences.

Thomas Cones and Jim Nelson voted in favor of the reconsideration. Mike Barber, Katie Benoit, Jon Keeney, Tad Nelson and Rusty Tidwell voted against the reconsideration.

Mayor Jerry Shults said he would issue a press release in the next several days.

A motion was made by Jon Keeney and seconded by Thomas Cones to rescind the River Market Master Plan. This motion passed unanimously.

The City Council also voted to abandon part of Avenue D. This will facilitate the construction of a Family Life Center by Greater New Hope Missionary Baptist Church.

Boy Scout Troop 615 attended the meeting.

Brief Update on August 1:

The mayor's press release has been delayed by preparations for the CCISD lawsuit and the Special City Council meeting on Tuesday, August 2, according to Dawn Kilgore, League City Public Information Officer.

More Council Meeting: League City Council Vote on Special Use Permit (SUP) for High School #4 on Palomino Road (Lane) Still in 60 Day Countdown Mode

A CCISD press release about the Special Use Permit for CCISD High School #4 on Palomino Lane is given below.

League City Council Impedes Building of High School: Ignores Planning and Zoning Committee Recommendations by Delaying Special Use Permit for CCISD

By Carrie Taylor, Public Information Coordinator

July 27, 2005

LEAGUE CITY, Texas—The citizens of League City have spoken and once again the League City City Council has turned a deaf ear. The citizens and city employees who comprise the city's Planning and Zoning Committee voted July 7 to approve a Special Use Permit for the Clear Creek Independent School District. However, during the July 12 council meeting, the council postponed the Special Use Permit for an additional 60 days.

More CCISD: League City Council Impedes Building of High School

City Council Contact Information:

• MAYOR: Jerry Shults at City Hall 281-554-1023
jshults@leaguecity.com

• POSITION 7: Jim Nelson 281-538-3350
jim.nelson04@earthlink.net

League City Council News: Work on Palomino Lane

March 8, 2005

The League City Council will again consider "improvement and extension of roadway on Palomino Lane" when they meet on Tuesday, March 8 at 6:30 p.m.

The League City Council voted 4-3 against approving city services for High School #4 , including work on Palomino Lane, two weeks ago (February 22).

Palomino Lane will continue to be a hot topic. Work on Palomino will be discussed under new business (Item 13D). Residents are wondering what each council member will say as they "consider and take action on the approval of a Capital Improvement Project for the improvement and extension of roadway on Palomino Lane to a 4-lane concrete median lane separation to include internal drainage, roadway from the intersection of FM518 N to a future intersection with the proposed Beamer Road extension and the corresponding allocation of funds (Interim City Administrator)."

Item 6 on tonight's agenda is a time for relevant public comment. The time limit is five minutes.

Source: City Council agenda

Palomino Lane: League City Hot Topic- An earlier discussion at the July 29 City Council Workshop

More: Palomino Lane

League City Council News: Unanimous Vote on Palomino Lane

March 10, 2005

The League City Council unanimously approved the "Capital Improvement Project for the improvement and extension of roadway on Palomino Lane to a 4-lane concrete median lane separation to include internal drainage, roadway from the intersection of FM518 N to a future intersection with the proposed Beamer Road extension and the corresponding allocation of funds" at their March 8 meeting.