tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37679703514169714542024-03-15T20:11:27.784-05:00Mayor's MusingsCity of Bellaire Texashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07700659998860994026noreply@blogger.comBlogger216125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767970351416971454.post-23622448820471323442024-01-05T08:00:00.030-06:002024-01-05T08:00:00.141-06:00The Honor of a Lifetime<div style="text-align: justify;">
As I prepare to pass the gavel Monday evening, I’m overwhelmed with gratitude for having had the privilege of serving our wonderful community. When I started on this journey 17 years ago, never could I have imagined where it would lead. For a job I wasn’t looking for but somehow found me, my eight years as Mayor have been a positively transformative and meaningful time in my life. I am forever thankful to you, the people of Bellaire, for allowing me this opportunity.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>I’m humbly proud of all we have accomplished together. Having first come on board, as a member of the Planning and Zoning Commission, just as we were getting underway with a new Comprehensive Plan, it has been particularly gratifying for me to have played a role in the physical redevelopment of the city, both public and private. We’ve rebuilt our City Hall/Civic Center and Police/Courts buildings, realized the vision of Evelyn’s Park, and facilitated the reconstruction of our school campuses, reinvesting in and bringing our public spaces up to the same high standards we set for ourselves elsewhere. Our revitalized commercial areas are thriving with exciting new restaurants and retail, and with sustained interest in further development to support and complement our residential quality of life.<br />
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Flood control has obviously been a top priority and we’ve made great strides in addressing it, with the engineering now completed for actionable large-scale improvements that will have the most significant impact in reducing our flood risk in extreme rainfall events. Working with our regional partners, we’re well positioned to attract the outside funding it will take to implement these ambitious projects. Locally, through the Rebuild Bellaire and Better Bellaire bond programs, we’ve put a dent in our long-term street, drainage, water and wastewater infrastructure needs, though we do still have a long way to go. By strengthening our building and development regulations we’ve made the city more resilient and increased our protection against future storms.<br />
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All the things that make Bellaire the ideal place to live, work, play and raise a family have remained at the forefront. From our first-rate Police and Fire departments to our award-winning Library and Parks and Recreation programming to everything in between, we’ve maintained and even enhanced the high-quality services and amenities our residents enjoy, while also keeping the tax rate in check. Through strategic planning we’ve built upon our past successes and laid the groundwork for continued progress.<br />
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And we’ve done all that despite being dealt our share of challenges: Hurricane Harvey, COVID-19, substantial organizational change and uncertainty (due in part to the Great Resignation and its outsized effect on local governments, among other factors), the freak Winter Storm Uri. For my part I did my best to lead with a steady hand through these difficult times, but it says far more about our collective strength as a community that in each instance we’ve emerged even better on the other side. Still, it’s not only about what happens to us, but also what we do to ourselves—in this age of intense polarization we’ve emphasized civility, restored stability and come together as #OneBellaire.<br />
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City staff have been there with us every step of the way, and Bellaire wouldn’t be the special place it is without their immeasurable contributions. Day in and day out they’ve shown this is more than just a job; for them it’s a calling. They bring to work a public service mindset and a contagious passion that brings out the best in all of us. My sincere thanks, personally and on behalf of our community, to all the staff I’ve had the pleasure of serving alongside.<br />
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So too must I acknowledge and publicly express my deepest appreciation for my family, whose considerable sacrifices have enabled me to do what I do. It’s not just the late meetings, but also the nights and weekends spent trying to keep too many balls in the air. My first child having been born six days after I was sworn in on Council, he and his sister have never known their dad not to have two jobs. It’s been a lot to ask, but they’ve also been my inspiration. Not only to leave for them a better city they will one day inherit, but also by my own example to help instill in them the value of service and a desire to be part of something bigger than themselves. My wife has cheerfully shouldered all the extra burden because she believes in that as much as I do, and in me.<br />
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I’ll conclude with one of my favorite quotes, attributed to Abraham Lincoln: “I like to see a man proud of the place in which he lives. I like to see a man live so that his place will be proud of him.” Hopefully I’ve achieved that in my time in office. As Mayor I’ve done my faithful best to fulfill the trust and confidence you’ve placed in me. I’ve given it my all, and then some, but from this experience I’ve gained so much more in return. I thank you for that, and for blessing me with the honor of a lifetime.</div>City of Bellaire Texashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07700659998860994026noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767970351416971454.post-33434466084834074362023-12-28T08:00:00.005-06:002023-12-28T08:00:00.125-06:00Ready for Another Busy Year Ahead<div style="text-align: justify;">
The city organization is in a really good place right now. We’ve filled a ton of vacancies over the past year, which has allowed our departments to thrive rather than just survive. Among recent new hires is an Assistant City Manager, who as a licensed PE will also serve as in-house City Engineer. For the City Manager, being all set with her team is huge as she’ll finally have some breathing room to focus on the big-picture strategy that’s central to her job description. As we welcome a new Mayor and Council at the start of 2024, city staff have already turned the page and are eager to get after it and tackle the work at hand.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>Topping the list is the second phase of our <a href="https://cityofbellairemayorsmusings.blogspot.com/2022/12/actionable-next-steps-in-regional.html" target="_blank">Regional Drainage Improvement Program</a>. Having completed the engineering this year under Work Order #1, we’ve got actionable projects and a compelling case for the outside funding that will be needed to get underway with implementation. Aside from engineering and funding, we’ll also have to come up with the required detention. Being landlocked and fully built out we don’t have a lot of options, and are going to have to get creative. The next Council will be asked to pick up where we left off, with Work Order #2.<br />
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Methodist has presented a <a href="https://bellairetx.civicweb.net/document/227390/Agenda%20Statement%20Report%20-%20Methodist%20Hospital.pdf?handle=B8C7FCFF78274DB394C068723A59E4A5" target="_blank">revised planned development proposal</a>, after we said <a href="https://cityofbellairemayorsmusings.blogspot.com/2023/07/council-says-not-yes-to-methodist.html" target="_blank">“not yes”</a> to the original application. It’s currently pending before the Planning and Zoning Commission for their recommendation to Council. Meanwhile, our <a href="https://www.bellairetx.gov/1876/2023-Comprehensive-Plan-Review" target="_blank">Comprehensive Plan Review</a> is ongoing and will also be coming back soon for P&Z’s and Council’s consideration.<br />
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Those are but a few of the higher profile items that will command a lot of attention early in the new term. Staff’s activities this fiscal year, in furtherance of Council’s policy direction, are mapped out in great detail in the <a href="https://www.bellairetx.gov/DocumentCenter/View/32161/FY-2024-Strategic-Plan-List-Final" target="_blank">FY 2024 Strategic Plan Task List</a>, broken down by focus area and by department and quarter. Of note are the <a href="https://cityofbellairemayorsmusings.blogspot.com/2023/08/public-works-moving-to-new-temporary.html" target="_blank">Public Works administration building</a> and Library conceptual designs, pursuant to the <a href="https://bellairetx.gov/DocumentCenter/View/31323/2019-Facilities-Master-Plan" target="_blank">Facilities Master Plan</a>. Our having already committed to it, staff are continuing to prepare for construction of the new <a href="https://cityofbellairemayorsmusings.blogspot.com/2023/07/problem-solved-not-one-dog-pound-but-two.html" target="_blank">dog pound</a> facility. The utility cost-of-service and formal compensation studies previously deferred should be ready in time for next year’s budget process. Staff will also be undertaking a review to identify future needs, options and associated costs to inform Council’s decision making concerning the wastewater treatment plant.<br />
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Add to the foregoing whatever ideas the incoming Mayor and Council will bring to the table. Our <a href="https://cityofbellairemayorsmusings.blogspot.com/2023/05/fy-2024-26-strategic-plan.html" target="_blank">strategic planning model</a> provides an organized framework for prioritizing, scheduling and tracking progress on all the various initiatives we’ve got going at any point in time, and the next Council will take ownership of that and make it their own. Staff are arranging more of the professionally facilitated workshops that have proven so beneficial in the past, to assist them in that process and help ensure their success. They will also be conducting a citizen satisfaction survey to get public input on city services, programs and amenities, to aid in updating and refining the plan.<br />
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As you can see we’re ready for another busy year ahead, with all the excitement and enthusiasm the start of a new Council term brings. On behalf of your City Council, City Manager and staff, we thank you for the privilege of serving you and for your continued support as we work together in advancing the community’s objectives into 2024 and beyond.</div>City of Bellaire Texashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07700659998860994026noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767970351416971454.post-59494497731410945222023-12-21T11:05:00.001-06:002023-12-21T11:11:30.027-06:00New Standards for New Lighting<style>
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As challenging as it was coming up with our <a href="https://cityofbellairemayorsmusings.blogspot.com/2023/09/council-pilots-new-noise-ordinance.html" target="_blank">noise ordinance</a> a few months back, the companion subject of lighting proved even more difficult. It’s a bit of a different animal in that offensive noise is generally an occurrence, whereas light trespass is continuous until corrected. One is more behavioral in nature, the other physical. Also, while it is still Council’s intention to see how things go and later make adjustments as needed, that approach doesn’t work as well with lighting as it does with noise. For now, we’ve adopted <a href="https://www.bellairetx.gov/DocumentCenter/View/32155/Ordinance---Lighting-Regulations-12-18-23_as-Adopted" target="_blank">new lighting standards</a> on a prospective basis only, as we have yet to figure out how to address existing light sources without imposing undue burden on their owners.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>The new standards limit spillover from outdoor lighting across property lines, whether residential, commercial or institutional, to 0.2 <span style="cursor: help;" title="Unit of measure used to quantify the amount of light received on a surface; one footcandle is the illuminance produced by a candle on a surface equal to one square foot, from a distance of one foot."><u class="dotted">footcandles</u></span>, a measure commonly used in other cities’ ordinances. This is achieved by ensuring fixtures are installed and shielded in a manner to direct light only onto the same property in the area to be illuminated. There are specific provisions for parking lot and parking garage lighting given the heights involved. For non-residential construction a photometric plan will now be required at the time of permitting, and may be subject to inspection upon completion.<br />
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There are several exceptions, of course, including for streetlights, emergency and utility work, residential security and landscape lighting not directed outward, and seasonal holiday lights. As with any nuisance regulation there’s a delicate balance between individual rights and the collective welfare. The goal here is to promote <a href="http://cityofbellairemayorsmusings.blogspot.com/2023/05/fy-2024-26-strategic-plan.html" target="_blank">quality of life</a> in the city by reducing undesirable light and glare, while still allowing for those legitimate uses.<br />
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By a divided vote Council also made a blanket exception grandfathering all existing lighting, unless and until it’s modified or improved. However, as discussed above that’s not intended to be permanent. There are definitely instances of excessive light trespass and glare from existing lighting that we do want to mitigate—indeed, that’s what gave rise to this legislation in the first place—but frankly we’ve been stymied by the question how best to solve those known issues without inadvertently sweeping up too much and throwing everyone into noncompliance.<br />
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So we asked staff to continue working on the retroactive application, and in the meantime went ahead and adopted the ordinance prospectively at least, rather than delaying it further. This will prevent that much more new development from being built to a less protective standard and contrary to what we’re trying to accomplish. Regardless how long it may take until Council returns to deal with currently existing lighting, having these regulations in place moving forward is a big step in the right direction.<br />
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As with noise, enforcement of these lighting regulations will be complaint based. Rest assured police and code enforcement officers won’t be driving around looking for violations (though they’re empowered to investigate when it’s totally obvious). To guard against potential abuse, a complainant must be a “person who owns or occupies property impacted by light trespass.” That said, and as is also the case with noise, enforcement proceedings should be the last resort after efforts to resolve disputes as good neighbors have failed.</div>City of Bellaire Texashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07700659998860994026noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767970351416971454.post-27892959305684704252023-12-11T08:00:00.149-06:002023-12-11T11:11:23.544-06:00Relocating METRO’s Bellaire Transit Center<div style="text-align: justify;">
It’s a question I’ve been asked from time to time, and more often of late since it was brought up on the campaign trail and got people talking. Now that we’re through election season, a blog post on the subject is in order.<br />
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<i>The City of Bellaire does not have authority to relocate the Bellaire Transit Center; if METRO is going to do so, it’ll be because it makes sense for METRO.</i><br />
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That we may feel it no longer benefits us isn’t what’s going to move the needle. Rather, it’s that it would work better—for METRO—if it were situated further west.<br />
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Many in Bellaire will be glad to know METRO gets that, too. While plans could still change and there are no guarantees or commitments as to timing, the future of the transit center indeed looks to be headed in that direction.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>First, a little bit of history. Given prevailing sentiments today it’s perhaps ironic that way back when, the City of Bellaire actually sought to have the transit center built where it is as part of an ambitious plan to revitalize the downtown business district.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth648661/m1/1/?utm_medium=client&utm_content=ark_sidebar&utm_campaign=ark_permanent" target="_blank" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="473" data-original-width="1268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpboLAb1k9-9w8I-llb6a7t5GKQ5ij-mBkCrxMWi5JffMR5IbMah-W-CLDbAxsfVqW5hXeL_8WtoT0-_84HvsTWNFKdPGe-tyfnm9QJEBaPBwGZ7jq6o6u-VrrsTGZwJG9_YSwhwg42pBZk25HM6zilsPVBzS3xNB403RwkhAtOVN9bI0AHaw90X-mpA/s16000/metapth648661_xl_0333.jpg" width="550" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><i>The Texan</i>, October 1, 1986</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth647185/m1/2/?utm_medium=client&utm_content=ark_sidebar&utm_campaign=ark_permanent" target="_blank" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="514" data-original-width="716" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjevlGKn1yjcUduL0p0Af9UZeiPZLz40LRX7ELyniJ2bFKVJACJEWylv4ZVsyKy6xhGLB-IdivALS7wzcFKkIieadycojBK2Oy0I2ONGCN3RR8b_s31O_CQD5ncxLWB9LayXgNXrcxvtB91FMH9XR9nIEpNSMB3MsPXXzauKrSOqrmq-kODlckhQrmgA/s16000/metapth647185_xl_0002.jpg" width="284" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: right;"><i>The Texan</i>, December 15, 1987</td></tr>
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The City played an active role, partnering with METRO on the center and an accompanying package of major improvements including realignment and reconstruction of streets in the area. Of the $3 million total project cost, the City contributed some $800,000, plus the land for the center. It was completed and opened in December 1987.<br />
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Notwithstanding that history, fast-forward to present and the transit center no longer fits our <a href="https://www.bellairetx.gov/1876/2023-Comprehensive-Plan-Review" target="_blank">vision for downtown Bellaire</a>. It also causes some traffic problems, as the relatively constrained right-of-way at that location is not optimal for maneuvering long articulated buses across several lanes of traffic in to and out of the center. But what to do about it? The center belongs to METRO, not to us, and so really it’s not our call.<br />
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The key is to show METRO why moving it would be better, for METRO. Which has been our message to them for years, since before my time in office. Going at least as far back as Mayor Cindy Siegel’s tenure (she incidentally went on to serve seven years on the METRO Board), that’s been our pitch.<br />
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Specifically, while the hugely important No. 2 and 402 (Quickline) routes that run east/west down Bellaire Blvd. to the Texas Medical Center aren’t going anywhere, the primary north/south connection point into those lines doesn’t need to be at S. Rice. In fact, the population centers METRO aims to serve are concentrated to our west, on the other side of Chimney Rock and beyond. There’s much greater transit demand in that area than in ours, so it makes sense to focus the buses where the riders are.<br />
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<a href="https://www.ridemetro.org/about/metronext/metrorapid/metrorapid-gulfton-corridor-project" style="bottom: 0em; clear: left; float: left; margin-right: 1em; margin-top: 0.5em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="420" data-original-width="477" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9qLc8EvkdnWWm_rrWS0SpvZi4VgW_hpXSxQyfTeL5XrLtrCACpZ9fGA1fyBPrSaJO1_LiK-ihMzBf254unYNn5xrqVf39hxz4e6I8polmUpkjc3fHTPHh12u6PoLLWH4lhq65QKWF5UkrRtz2AMYfSxXwvkLeD3BS6Ql_uWHrpvmol6cvj5sFSxJNpw/s16000/2023-12-02_15-50-53.png" width="234" /></a>Enter the <a href="https://www.ridemetro.org/about/metronext/metrorapid/metrorapid-gulfton-corridor-project" target="_blank">Gulfton Corridor project</a>, a component of the <a href="https://www.ridemetro.org/about/metronext/moving-forward-plan" target="_blank">METRONext Moving Forward Plan</a> approved overwhelmingly by the voters in 2019. The route (locally preferred alternative) selected in August of this year calls for north/south connectivity from the Westpark/Lower Uptown Transit Center directly into the heart of Gulfton, rather than by way of transfer at S. Rice. METRO anticipates federal funding and completion of the final design in 2024, after which construction is expected to take two years.<br />
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This is great for METRO, and it’s a big step in the right direction for Bellaire. Does it guarantee the Bellaire Transit Center will be eliminated once the Gulfton project is done? Well, not exactly, but it has been METRO’s <a href="https://bellairetx.new.swagit.com/videos/26704?ts=1973" target="_blank">clearly stated intention</a> from the outset, that the Gulfton center would replace the one in Bellaire, not merely add to it. METRO leadership have on multiple occasions, as recently as last month, given us their assurances that’s still their thinking. That once the Gulfton Corridor is up and running there will be less justification, operationally, for the tie-in at S. Rice, and they’re certainly well aware of our concerns.<br />
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Bottom line, relocating the Bellaire Transit Center is something over which we, the City, have no direct control. We’ve been consistently advocating for it for years through our relationship with METRO, but we can’t force it. With the Gulfton project on the horizon, there’s good reason to be optimistic it’ll happen in the foreseeable future. For now, we’ll need to be patient a bit longer, and continue to monitor and support the progress of METRONext.</div>City of Bellaire Texashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07700659998860994026noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767970351416971454.post-87367768452187885962023-11-30T11:23:00.001-06:002023-11-30T11:24:11.924-06:00Elevating Our Drainage Standards and Flood Damage Prevention Regulations<div style="text-align: justify;">
There are three aspects to our flood mitigation efforts: local, regulatory and regional. While, as the name implies, our ongoing <a href="https://cityofbellairemayorsmusings.blogspot.com/2022/12/actionable-next-steps-in-regional.html" target="_blank">Regional Drainage Improvement Program</a> fits squarely within that third category, one of the deliverables in the first phase scope of work is very much regulatory in nature. Over the past several months the Program engineering team has assisted staff and our citizen Building and Standards Commission in proposing revisions to our drainage design and flood damage prevention regulations, which have now been <a href="https://bellairetx.gov/DocumentCenter/View/32077/Ordinance---Repeal-Section-9-18-New-Article-II-A-with-residential-and-commercial-drainage-Includes-Exhibits" target="_blank">adopted by Council</a>.<br />
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It was, candidly, a tedious and highly technical (some would say boring) deliberation, which made it easy to lose sight of what these amendments are all about. The major takeaways are that (1) based on best available science (i.e., the most updated floodplain maps), new homes will generally have to be built one foot higher than the minimum required currently; and (2) we’ve now formally incorporated the commercial drainage standards, borrowed from the City of Houston, that we’ve historically utilized but not previously codified, to go along with our existing residential drainage standards.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>Prior to this amendment, the minimum standard for new home construction (and substantial improvements) has been for the finished floor elevation (FFE) to be at one foot above the 100-year floodplain, or at the 500-year floodplain, whichever is higher. Moving forward, it will be one foot above the 500-year floodplain in most cases. What’s driving this change are the updated floodplain maps being issued by the federal government. While the completion of <a href="http://cityofbellairemayorsmusings.blogspot.com/2018/03/down-on-bayou-closer-look-at-project.html" target="_blank">Project Brays</a> last year is definitely a factor in lowering water surface elevations, that’s offset by the increased rainfall assumptions on which the new maps are based. By tying the minimum FFE to best available science, including further map revisions over time, we’re ensuring homes built in the coming years will be better protected against future storms.<br />
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Our existing residential drainage standards remain largely the same, with mostly just clean-up type amendments. The basic principle we’ve had in place for going on 20 years is that residential construction cannot add fill to the floodplain; if anything we’ve made those provisions clearer and easier to enforce. Also, now that they’re combined in the same part of the City Code, we’ve taken this opportunity to bring the residential drainage standards into better alignment with the flood damage prevention ordinance.<br />
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More significant is our formal adoption of commercial drainage standards, not simply for the sake of having them on our own books, but also because of recent and ongoing changes in the approach to storm water management for commercial development throughout the region. Like residential, commercial development also cannot result in increased fill. However, and critically, there are heightened on-site detention requirements to mitigate both new and redeveloped existing impervious cover. Meaning developers must actually reduce the amount of storm water leaving their sites, not merely preserve the status quo.<br />
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If you’ve made it this far, you probably have a sense of why I say it was such a tedious deliberation. But that shouldn’t detract from its importance. Updating these ordinances is a big deal and goes a long way toward fulfilling the regulatory component of our flood mitigation policy. Couple that with all the progress we’ve made this year on our Regional Drainage Improvement Program (see the latest <a href="https://bellairetx.new.swagit.com/videos/281558?ts=2576" target="_blank">update presentation</a> and the <a href="http://bellairedrainageimprovementprogram.org/" target="_blank">website</a>), we’re very well positioned to make a strong case for the outside funding it will take to begin implementing the ambitious regional infrastructure projects we’ve been working on. And, of course, these regulations will help make us that much more resilient against flooding and save costs associated with mitigation in the long run.<br />
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Much appreciation to Development Services staff, the Building and Standards Commission and the engineering team at Ardurra, all of whom did a great job in thinking through and presenting these revisions for adoption. The new regulations will go into effect early next year, as Council directed they be delayed by 60 days so as not to create unfair surprise for property owners or developers who may be currently designing projects but not yet submitted their plans to the City.</div>City of Bellaire Texashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07700659998860994026noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767970351416971454.post-2698880370707338802023-11-13T11:10:00.001-06:002023-11-13T11:15:21.654-06:00Euthanasia Policy, Dog Pound Update<div style="text-align: justify;">
Our city departments work hard, day in and day out, to deliver the high quality of services residents and stakeholders expect. They are committed to doing so with transparency, and often in close partnership with the community when appropriate. Which is why it can be so frustrating that they frequently find themselves having to battle misinformation and dispel rumors, time that could be better spent providing services.<br />
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The latest example comes in the form of online postings falsely claiming there’s a new policy under which more dogs would be euthanized at the Bellaire Pound. It’s a scare tactic, plain and simple, employed by some dog advocates to elicit an emotional response and sense of urgency for fosters and adoptions. Sure, we all like seeing dogs rescued from the pound, but this isn’t the way to go about it.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>Not only is it untrue to suggest dogs are at imminent risk of being euthanized, earlier this year the Bellaire Police Department actually lengthened (from 30 to 45 days) the amount of time healthy dogs will be held before the prospect of euthanasia even potentially comes into play. The department updated its policy specifically in response to community concerns that the prior holding period was too short. Effective March 1, 2023:</div>
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(a) Euthanasia will be considered when necessary for medical and behavioral reasons or when space considerations make population reduction necessary. Domestic and wild animals may be humanely euthanized or transferred. Un-weaned, critically ill, or seriously injured domestic animals may be humanely euthanized before the 72-hour stray hold period to prevent any additional suffering. Notes from a veterinarian must be on record should this occur.<br />
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(b) Should a dog remain in custody after 30 days of impoundment, an evaluation will be done on the 30th day to ensure that adoption or transfer to a rescue is feasible.<br />
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(c) If all attempts to place the dog have been exhausted, the animal shall be euthanized on the 45th day by any department-approved vet clinic.</blockquote>
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The department has also expanded its network and relationships with animal welfare organizations that are better equipped to assist with placements. Recently there were two dogs that had been in the pound for a few weeks, still well within the 45-day holding period, that were accepted by the <a href="https://www.houstonhumane.org/" target="_blank">Houston Humane Society</a>, which has been wonderful in supporting our rehoming efforts. Euthanasia is the absolute last resort.<br />
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You can’t believe everything you read on social media. When you come across such sensational and inflammatory posts, never hesitate to ask—our staff pride themselves on being accessible and are more than happy to answer questions about how and why they do what they do. Thanks to those of you who have reached out and given them the opportunity to clear things up.<br />
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We’ve come a long way in <a href="https://cityofbellairemayorsmusings.blogspot.com/2022/06/upping-our-game-at-bellaire-pound.html" target="_blank">upping our game at the Bellaire Pound</a> and in building a culture of trust with community partners and other stakeholders who are rightly concerned about the welfare of the animals in our care. Every instance of misinformation like this only sets us back and undermines those efforts and partnerships. Transparency is a two-way street. Please get your <a href="https://www.bellairetx.gov/954/Animal-Control" target="_blank">facts from the source</a>, and again, when in doubt, ask.<br />
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<u>Dog Pound Update</u><br />
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While we’re on the subject, here’s the latest on our <a href="https://cityofbellairemayorsmusings.blogspot.com/2023/07/problem-solved-not-one-dog-pound-but-two.html" target="_blank">dog pound construction project</a>. In September we completed, on time and under budget, significant improvements to the existing facility on Edith St., which will ultimately be repurposed as a temporary holding/transfer station once the new pound on W. Bellfort is built and operational. It’s got all new durable sunshades, industrial-grade fans, cinderblock barriers between kennels to prevent nose-to-nose contact, and an updated electrical system for better reliability (and to support the additional load of the fans). We also repaired a crack in one wall, replaced the rusted front door and put on a fresh coat of paint inside and out.<br />
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Over on W. Bellfort, however, we haven’t made nearly as much progress as we’d hoped. We’ve hit a few snags in the initial stages, concerning the process for site design and procurement of the modular structure, and are currently working with the Rubensteins on a plan moving forward. Nothing we won’t be able to figure out, but unfortunately we’re not yet able to commit to a timeline for construction to begin. Staff will of course continue to keep Council and the public informed on the status of the project.</div>City of Bellaire Texashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07700659998860994026noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767970351416971454.post-50362816477022508322023-10-11T13:32:00.001-05:002023-10-11T13:37:09.375-05:00In Solidarity With Israel<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiby3ByiAfs1pvwH48hALN8VsLkJilsXq2G648GF-ElMY9nWXwkff5wg0SSHsJIdkz6EbGWR8a4hB5zf8OrcA9smBvj__ZVXVuhHZBZYTKwn-3Hx7WBWX64B7EmKBb6f43G-18fgf32cRnRypIYVsRzgVhCVKAj6Ue7KMDG3h5nqZpuQT5CyfzX3HDMYA/s2048/387811633_711791564310529_7613525370028772876_n.jpg" style="bottom: 0em; clear: left; float: left; margin-right: 0em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiby3ByiAfs1pvwH48hALN8VsLkJilsXq2G648GF-ElMY9nWXwkff5wg0SSHsJIdkz6EbGWR8a4hB5zf8OrcA9smBvj__ZVXVuhHZBZYTKwn-3Hx7WBWX64B7EmKBb6f43G-18fgf32cRnRypIYVsRzgVhCVKAj6Ue7KMDG3h5nqZpuQT5CyfzX3HDMYA/s16000/387811633_711791564310529_7613525370028772876_n.jpg" width="338" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">Hagit Bibi Photography</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
I was proud to represent Bellaire, along with Mayor Pro Tem Frazier, at the Houston Community Gathering in Solidarity with Israel a few nights ago. I was proud to see so many of our Bellaire neighbors in attendance as well. I was proud to hear Mayor Turner speak on behalf of the City of Houston, one of the most diverse cities in the nation, taking an unequivocal stand in condemning the unspeakable atrocities being perpetrated against innocent civilians and calling out evil for what it is.<br />
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Regardless of one’s political views on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, terrorism and mass murder are wholly indefensible and all of us, as members of a civilized society, have a moral obligation to denounce such heinous acts.<br />
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The event, organized by the Jewish Federation of Greater Houston, drew more than 2,100 people of all faiths, races and backgrounds, with several hundred more participating by livestream. Dozens of community leaders and elected officials from both political parties were there. And it was just one of many such gatherings taking place across the country and around the world. As dark as these days have been, witnessing diverse groups of people coming together to support one another, united by our shared humanity, has provided a bit of light.<br />
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<a href="https://boxcast.tv/view/houston-community-gathering-in-solidarity-with-israel-z1mecg6pa9m8zrv3nrif?_gl=1*mf7sy3*_ga*NjM1MjUwNDE0LjE2ODU3MzU0NTg.*_ga_PXBBF7HVWQ*MTY5Njg2MDA4Mi4xNTIuMS4xNjk2ODYwNDY0LjAuMC4w" target="_blank">Video of the event</a> is available for replay online. For those who are moved to contribute, a <a href="https://www.houstonjewish.org/support-for-israel/" target="_blank">local emergency fund</a> has been established to accept donations that will directly benefit victims and their families.</div>City of Bellaire Texashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07700659998860994026noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767970351416971454.post-10038323114392012032023-09-22T10:59:00.001-05:002023-09-22T11:08:37.459-05:00A Smooth Budget for FY 2024<div style="text-align: justify;">
The development and adoption of the <a href="https://bellairetx.gov/1879/FY2024-Budget" target="_blank">fiscal year 2024 budget</a> was described by more than one participant as “one of the smoothest budget processes in recent memory.” Between the push and pull of Council’s direction to hold the nominal tax rate flat and ongoing inflationary pressure, the budget was largely already spoken for before it even began. Just to maintain existing service levels within those constraints left relatively little else to talk about.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>Initially built around a nominal rate of $0.4473, the same as it’s been the past four years, by the time of budget adoption the rate was actually lowered to $0.4370 as a result of our final certified roll coming in higher than the preliminary estimated roll. Besides the tax rate, the budget also fulfills Council’s other stated objectives: to advance our <a href="http://cityofbellairemayorsmusings.blogspot.com/2023/05/fy-2024-26-strategic-plan.html" target="_blank">strategic plan</a>, provide the resources necessary for legal and regulatory compliance, and satisfy structural balance and minimum reserve requirements.<br />
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Speaking of inflation, the Enterprise Fund (supported by our utility bills, not property taxes) especially continues to experience rising costs. Water and wastewater are going up 10%, and solid waste 7%. The rates charged are intended to cover the costs of delivering these services, and nothing more. We will soon be conducting a utility rate study, which was beyond the scope of our <a href="http://cityofbellairemayorsmusings.blogspot.com/2021/08/informed-decision-making-on-taxpayer.html" target="_blank">2021 user fee and cost allocation study</a>, to further refine our understanding of these costs and help ensure we’re capturing them appropriately.<br />
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Although the list is short, there was still room for some relatively modest enhancements in the General Fund, to include the continuation of the third phase of our <a href="https://cityofbellairemayorsmusings.blogspot.com/2022/01/expanding-our-alpr-network.html" target="_blank">ALPR camera network</a>, new positions (reclassification of existing FTEs) for public safety lead communications officers, floodplain management software and a library mobile app. Budgeted in the VET (Vehicle, Equipment and Technology) Fund are some replacement police radios and firefighter gear, equipment to begin phasing in a second EMS unit (to be staffed the following year), an ADA upgrade to the doors at the Library and a scheduled garbage truck purchase.<br />
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Being that we’re in the services business, our budgets are dominated by personnel costs. This year we’re facing a 9% increase in our pension benefit contribution, as actuarially determined by the state municipal retirement system, and up to a 13% increase in medical benefit premiums under our current contract. Employees will receive a 4% across-the-board cost of living adjustment, but with no additional step increase. As with the utility rate study, the formal compensation study previously planned is now slated for this coming year.<br />
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Within the Capital Improvement Plan, which is our running list of projects for which funding decisions are made on a year-by-year basis, Council preserved the FY 2024 appropriation for our <a href="http://bellairedrainageimprovementprogram.org/" target="_blank">Regional Drainage Improvement Program</a>. Even though we’re still waiting for outside partnership and grant funding to shake loose, we felt it was important to keep our local contribution in the CIP as a policy statement of our commitment to regional drainage as a top priority. Surface and drainage work at the Mulberry Park parking lot was pushed back to FY 2025, and Phase 2 of the Holly Street Trail project brought forward to FY 2024. Other CIP appropriations include line items for the <a href="https://cityofbellairemayorsmusings.blogspot.com/2023/08/public-works-moving-to-new-temporary.html" target="_blank">Public Works administration building</a> and Library conceptual designs, various park improvements, and water, wastewater, traffic and street projects.<br />
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It's a solid budget that checks all the boxes, providing for a continued high level of services within the parameters set by Council. That the process went so smoothly is owing not only to the realities of living within our means during a time of inflation, but also to the effectiveness of our strategic planning efforts and the degree to which staff have aligned with Council’s policy direction. The City is in strong financial shape as we embark on another busy year ahead.</div>City of Bellaire Texashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07700659998860994026noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767970351416971454.post-71841244115108478492023-09-18T08:00:00.004-05:002023-12-19T17:19:31.634-06:00Council Pilots New Noise Ordinance<div style="text-align: justify;">
In furtherance of our <a href="http://cityofbellairemayorsmusings.blogspot.com/2023/05/fy-2024-26-strategic-plan.html" target="_blank">strategic emphasis on Quality of Life</a>, Council labored through multiple hours-long workshops and a town hall meeting trying to figure out how to better regulate noise in the City. Just as the Planning and Zoning Commission and staff wrestled with it in developing their recommendations. It’s a notoriously difficult subject to legislate, and even after all the effort we put into it we probably still didn’t get it exactly right. As such, our <a href="https://www.bellairetx.gov/DocumentCenter/View/31417/Ordinance----Noise-Regulations_as-Adopted" target="_blank">newly adopted noise ordinance</a> will be implemented as a pilot of sorts, with the express understanding—if not expectation—that we're likely going to have to go back later and make some adjustments.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>The basic gist is that our existing noise ordinance, on the books since 1974, is too indefinite and subjective to be meaningfully enforced: “It shall be unlawful for any person within the city, to make, continue, or cause to be made, permitted or continued any loud noise or any noises reasonably calculated to disturb, injure or endanger the comfort, repose, health, peace or safety of others within the limits of the city.” Sec. 22-4, <i>Noise</i> (1974). Whenever the police are called they’ll intervene as appropriate and ask the noisy person(s) to quiet down, and usually that resolves it. But without clear and measurable standards citations have rarely issued because they’re so unlikely to hold up in court.<br />
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To make it more objective, the new ordinance establishes quiet hours (9:00 p.m.-7:00 a.m. weekdays; 11:00 p.m.-7:00 a.m. weekends and holidays) and non-quiet hours, with specific decibel limits applicable to each, as measured at the complainant’s property:<br />
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<td>Residential</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">75 dB(A)</td>
<td style="text-align: center; padding-left: 30px;">60 dB(A)</td>
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<td>Non-Residential</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">80 dB(A)</td>
<td style="text-align: center; padding-left: 30px;">67 dB(A)</td>
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</table></blockquote>
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Additionally, during quiet hours certain activities are prohibited regardless of noise level, such as <a href="http://cityofbellairemayorsmusings.blogspot.com/2023/06/revised-dumpster-ordinance-now-in-effect.html" target="_blank">dumpster servicing</a>, construction and lawn care. During non-quiet hours exceptions are made for the foregoing activities, for tree trimming and removal, and for noise (other than music, amplified or not) associated with approved outdoor events and at school and religious institutions, restaurants and private parks. Emergency, public safety and public works operations and facilities are of course exempt at all times. The minimum fine, previously $25, is updated to $150 for the first violation and $500 for subsequent violations, with each hour or portion thereof to constitute a separate offense for continuing violations.<br />
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Our new ordinance is generally modeled after other cities’, informed in each of its particulars by the several discussions among P&Z and Council. There’s an obvious balancing act between promoting quality of life and unduly restricting personal freedoms, and what we’ve adopted represents what we collectively (with some compromise) believe will best serve our community. We’ll see how things go over the coming months and tweak it further as needed.<br />
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Council is also sensitive to the concern that these noise regulations are potentially prone to abuse. This is about protection, not a tool to be weaponized against neighbors. Absolutely we want people to report legitimate complaints and the ordinance will be enforced. It is not, however, an invitation to tie up police resources when not necessary, and we expect neighbors to talk to each other first when possible. As staff monitors the implementation that’s one of the things they’ll be looking for.<br />
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Having completed, for now, our work on noise, next month we’ll be taking up the subject of light.</div>City of Bellaire Texashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07700659998860994026noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767970351416971454.post-81910684454433177132023-09-01T08:00:00.114-05:002023-09-01T08:00:00.146-05:00Bellaire Foodie Fest<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://www.bellairefoodiefest.com" style="bottom: 0em; clear: right; float: right; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="514" data-original-width="656" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQjeeJcnFRY5mWunYhkIkMjmJ03GLx6ivXJM48MsJXhF15U9-FeSMm4EZrHRLLTx07cwGFXWenBpbVycqTN9s1ubUeIcWWJaOZwcYY3bZGoWKpG2IpTwPWrLMeJiIw7L5t9LdPo2HIKBj76ToYamn81ARWipsxie0WXKNUjtXRFP1yT0VZI7QTSI688g/s16000/2023-08-25_08-58-31.png" width="222" /></a>The Bellaire food scene is hoppin’ with exciting new restaurants as well as longtime favorites. Come celebrate and discover what they have to offer at the 2023 <a href="https://www.bellairefoodiefest.com" target="_blank">Bellaire Foodie Fest</a>, presented by the Bellaire Business Association and H-E-B.<br />
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Sample a variety of food, wine and beer, enjoy live entertainment and cooking demonstrations, and have fun visiting with friends and neighbors at what has become a quite popular annual event. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the <a href="http://www.bellairepoliceandfirefoundation.org/" target="_blank">Bellaire Police and Fire Foundation</a>.<br />
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These local businesses serve our community in more ways than one. They contribute greatly to our quality of life and have played a key role in promoting the revitalization of our commercial areas, a major focus of our Comprehensive Plan and a consistent theme we’ve heard from residents in our ongoing <a href="https://www.bellairetx.gov/1876/2023-Comprehensive-Plan-Review" target="_blank">Plan Review</a>. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/stayloyaltolocal" style="bottom: 0em; clear: left; float: left; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="532" data-original-width="892" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv0xGwsA0l_4vDGN6EUY4UlDUUnUCQS6E6EVJlLlt1zGolnlOF2KaLmnjCX7OfyKBOHSNpw4tk3cQYwEtSA39R5C55B14LRxUsBfybgSKuPMT3Pdf3-G-xzI9UWmhBVxLLyJZ2awq1m5pSPyVIin3P1tCicnWxx8LvcdZFp9fnF1qiXSL_od1eTFXGUA/s16000/StayLoyalToLocal.png" width="140" /></a>The BBA encourages everyone to Stay Loyal to Local, for the <a href="http://cityofbellairemayorsmusings.blogspot.com/2017/12/shop-local-this-holiday-season.html" target="_blank">mutual economic benefits</a> derived from keeping more of our spending right here at home. The Bellaire Foodie Fest is a wonderful way to showcase and support our area restaurateurs.<br />
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Food! Wine! Beer! Fun! Come on out for a delicious evening <b>September 30</b>, 5:00-8:00 p.m., at the Civic Center. For tickets and information, including sponsorship opportunities, visit <a href="https://www.bellairefoodiefest.com" target="_blank">bellairefoodiefest.com</a>.</div>City of Bellaire Texashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07700659998860994026noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767970351416971454.post-55927532199727846472023-08-23T08:00:00.002-05:002023-08-23T09:07:31.458-05:00Public Works Moving to New Temporary Space<div style="text-align: justify;">
Unlike other city facilities, the Public Works administration building generally isn’t public facing. So understandably it doesn’t always get the most attention; out of sight, out of mind. But that doesn’t make it any less essential to providing the critical infrastructure and services we all depend on, and which are fundamental to our health and wellbeing: clean drinking water, wastewater treatment, solid waste collection, streets and drainage. We’re currently in the process of moving the Public Works department into a leased commercial office, on South Rice just outside the City, because they are in desperate need of functional space as we finally get underway with planning for a new facility.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>After the old building flooded—again—in the 2015 Memorial Day event, the City Council at the time <a href="https://bellairetx.gov/DocumentCenter/View/31324/Public-Works-Facility-Assessment-PGAL-2015" target="_blank">approved tearing it down</a> and beginning to work toward a permanent replacement. With FEMA disaster funding and insurance proceeds the City purchased a used trailer to house Public Works on a temporary basis, intended to last “at least two years.” It has now been more than seven.<br />
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A year after it was placed into service the trailer was damaged in Hurricane Harvey and the flooring and crawlspace insulation had to be replaced. Since then its condition has continued to deteriorate further, even to the point that staff members have stepped through holes in the floor. Moreover, among other issues at the Public Works campus the trailer does not have sufficient capacity and is not conducive to a productive and supportive working environment. What may have once been an acceptable temporary solution is no longer sustainable.<br />
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Successive Councils have certainly been aware of the plan for a new building—eventually—but less so of the worsening condition of the trailer (we don’t regularly go over there any more than the public does). The new building, and specifically the need to come up with funding for it, has been carried over from year to year as a future project in the <a href="https://www.bellairetx.gov/documentcenter/view/28587" target="_blank">Capital Improvement Plan</a>, but as yet hasn’t been advanced. Whether due to personnel and leadership changes or simply competition with other priorities, it has pretty much just stayed there in the background. Until now.<br />
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The City Manager took note early in the first year of her tenure, as she visited and became more familiar with each of our facilities. What really brought home the urgency of the situation was the recruiting process for a Public Works Director, which sharpened her focus on existing shortcomings and impediments to the department’s ability to function properly. We’re turning things around over there, and the physical environment is a huge part of that. The City Manager and her new Public Works Director have duly reprioritized the necessity of a permanent structure, and they have Council’s unanimous support.<br />
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They began by dusting off the Public Works Facility Assessment prepared by the City’s architects back in 2015 and updated as part of the <a href="https://bellairetx.gov/DocumentCenter/View/31323/2019-Facilities-Master-Plan" target="_blank">Facilities Master Plan</a> in 2019, as a starting point from which to resume our long-term planning. It’s useful that we’ve already analyzed the department’s projected future space needs and evaluated various reconstruction scenarios as we set out to design a new building. The report also provides an overview of flooding challenges at the existing site, noting that “[m]any of the options presented ... do not address this risk, but simply allow for minimized costs to recover from future flooding events.” The resulting recommendation is that only relocation “offers complete elimination of these risks and should be strongly considered.”<br />
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In the meantime, earlier this summer the City Manager negotiated, and Council approved, a five-year lease on a suitable commercial office space with attached bay that’s very nearby. With only limited modifications it will serve us well in the transition, and definitely better than the old trailer. We’re confident we can have a new building ready before the end of the lease, and our committing to this timeframe will help us stay on track and demonstrates we’re serious about getting it done.<br />
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With the prior facility assessment in hand we’ve got a bit of a head start on the physical planning, but equally important will be figuring out how we’re going to pay for it. While any discussion of funding is only preliminary, it’s reasonable to expect a bond election in the next few years to cover all or a portion of the cost, perhaps coupled with other capital projects. That’ll be for a future Council, and ultimately the voters, to decide.</div>City of Bellaire Texashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07700659998860994026noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767970351416971454.post-28644155262925677012023-08-08T10:52:00.003-05:002023-08-08T14:07:26.764-05:00Special Election to Authorize Sale of Ruffino Hills Landfill Property<div style="text-align: justify;">
It’s an election year in Bellaire, and in addition to the usual races for Mayor and Council voters will also be asked to authorize the sale of property outside the City previously dedicated as park land. We’ve been looking to sell it for many years and at last the time is right. While we don’t yet have a deal, it makes sense to go ahead and put it on the ballot now because it won’t cost us anything extra to conduct a special election in conjunction with the general election we’re already paying for.<br />
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Ruffino Hills is <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/9720+Ruffino+Rd,+Houston,+TX+77031/@29.6568357,-95.5525725,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x8640e811eb15905d:0xe266543c7faf59b3!8m2!3d29.6568311!4d-95.5499976!16s%2Fg%2F11c4ffzdpt?entry=ttu" target="_blank">located</a> along Keegan’s Bayou, out near 59 and the Beltway in Southwest Houston. Originally the site of a municipal landfill for the cities of Bellaire and West University Place, after the landfill was closed in the 1980s the property was developed as a golf course that operated through the 90s and early 2000s. The two cities continued to own it in roughly equal portions, until last December when West U. sold its half for $10.5 million to the City of Houston to be used for regional storm water detention in the Keegan’s watershed.<br />
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Bellaire is in talks with Houston to do the same, and is also considering interest from private developers. Unlike West U.’s side of the property, however, Bellaire’s was dedicated as park land when the golf course was going in. As such, under <a href="https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/LG/htm/LG.253.htm" target="_blank">state law</a> our voters must first approve a sale:</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: justify;">
<u>PROPOSITION A</u><br />
<br />
SHALL THE CITY COUNCIL BE AUTHORIZED TO SELL OR OTHERWISE CONVEY APPROXIMATELY 72.5 ACRES OF LAND LOCATED AT 9720 RUFFINO ROAD, HOUSTON, TEXAS 77031, THE SITE OF A CLOSED MUNICIPAL LANDFILL COMMONLY REFERRED TO AS THE RUFFINO HILLS PROPERTY, PREVIOUSLY DESIGNATED AS PARK LAND.<br />
<br />
__________ FOR<br />
__________ AGAINST</blockquote>
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We hope all who are eligible will take the time to carefully study this issue—and, of course, the candidates for Mayor and Council—and exercise your right to vote! Be sure to <a href="https://www.harrisvotes.com/Voter/Registration" target="_blank">register</a> by October 10 if you haven’t already. <a href="https://www.harrisvotes.com/Vote-Centers" target="_blank">Early voting</a> will run from October 23 through November 3, and <a href="https://appfiles.harrisvotes.com/harrisvotes/prd/docs/VotingInfo/VoteCenters_en-US.pdf" target="_blank">Election Day</a> is November 7.</div>City of Bellaire Texashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07700659998860994026noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767970351416971454.post-31477495485402060542023-08-01T08:00:00.157-05:002023-10-16T19:40:30.784-05:00#OneBellaire Mobile App Available for Download<style>
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<a href="https://www.bellairetx.gov/1881/OneBellaire-Mobile-App" style="bottom: 0em; clear: left; float: left; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="795" data-original-width="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhANY71r4UgF5lAhqk1_X9mpcEjcihU19U5krDMQrA7bUF-2GK8xqTggHQyqg0uJKVp4qtiF-gQ19CLqISgggvt2HFw5N6xFKYzlQOpJeDmDNHOWwOpIuQYtAP0Fhmh2Bv-Qs14eOyR-4qdYiVwTg-K8XCdT8i9p2NxRadZJDPUxr_RlnFnVS7iQvR4YA/s16000/2023-08-01_121852.png" width="201" /></a>Keep up with the latest City of Bellaire news and information, and access helpful resources anytime, anywhere, from the convenience of your mobile device. The <a href="https://www.bellairetx.gov/1881/OneBellaire-Mobile-App" target="_blank">#OneBellaire app</a> is your new digital hub for:<br />
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Community events calendar and public meeting announcements
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Important alerts and updates
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Information about city services, such as holiday trash and recycling schedules
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Online bill pay
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and so much more!
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
Set it up for push notifications to receive new content automatically in the categories you choose. This feature does <u>not</u> replace our <a href="https://member.everbridge.net/index/453003085618598#/login" target="_blank">PrepareBellaire</a> emergency alert system, which is geotargeted for incidents that affect your specific location, but is a great way to get general information through <a href="https://www.bellairetx.gov/list.aspx " target="_blank">Notify Me</a>.<br />
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The #OneBellaire app is our primary, centralized app. From within #OneBellaire you can easily access the <a href="http://cityofbellairemayorsmusings.blogspot.com/2022/01/introducing-our-new-mobile-app.html" target="_blank">SeeClickFix</a> app previously released by tapping “Report a Concern,” or you can continue to use it separately if you prefer. Still under development is another new app, Bellaire Collects, which is all about solid waste services, including a waste wizard that will assist users in understanding what materials can and cannot be put out for recycling. Once ready it will likewise be integrated into #OneBellaire and also function as a standalone app.<br />
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We’re excited to bring you this communication enhancement, and hope you will find it a useful tool for staying connected and engaged with the City. Please <a href="mailto:cbright@bellairetx.gov">reach out</a> with your feedback, or if you have any questions or need assistance with the app.<br />
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Download the #OneBellaire app today!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/onebellaire/id6450011368" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 0em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="303" data-original-width="1033" height="33" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg81rNjOKKoS2Y81ufDmABR-bl9mvQ0HWyW0e02Yr5n69aOjqgufSU5Cy_JWpNJyyz-9bCJhiyGYKpPqXiQbkcxZ-H-BEjmtCV0__wnVJIFz_jJImd0f40M6mEGGwAP785NgkdU862Zjqh3wIZBUe_SurBnzomr0X2lsCJSKWeZzs8zws5xrptzU4w=s16000" /></a> <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=gov.bellairetx.cpmobile" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 0em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="303" data-original-width="1033" height="33" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjKO3rmASsOYsRdH3wXLUPczA9Hr_XRlgbobsry6i8H-9mFkiDvQmkBaQ6uKgSZ6cxOVD1LLkc8nyIMsGWK6Ql6cBkV4VuK17RUdhB0pfTDOzYrrP8B-d_DPr4wJmvM5ZWo0NHzv3hzijCIlia_EYEHzwMLrMBvx_guyIZvJ16duHM7rh-oeUaLQdw=s16000" /></a></div>City of Bellaire Texashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07700659998860994026noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767970351416971454.post-61973940338730157672023-07-19T13:57:00.005-05:002023-07-19T14:48:51.911-05:00Council Says “Not Yes” to Methodist Hospital Development<div style="text-align: justify;">
Monday night’s long-awaited deliberation and vote (or non-vote as it turned out) on the Methodist Hospital <a href="https://www.bellairetx.gov/DocumentCenter/View/30960/PD-Application-site-plan-graphics-5June2023-small---updated" target="_blank">planned development application</a> was unusual to say the least. These are typically straightforward proceedings resulting in an up or down vote, often with conditions attached when a project is approved. This one didn’t go that way. As individual Council members stated their positions it was clear the proposal wouldn’t get enough votes to pass, but at the same time some members presented substantial modifications or even alternative designs they <i>would</i> vote for if the details could be worked out with the applicant.<br />
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Given those members’ interest in exploring such other possibilities, Council was reluctant to simply vote down the proposal in its entirety. Both because we hope Methodist will continue to engage with us, and also to avoid potentially running afoul of a <a href="https://library.municode.com/tx/bellaire/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIICOOR_CH24PLZO_ARTVIAMPR_S24-620SUAP" target="_blank">rule</a> that would impose a two-year waiting period before any reconsideration. But neither could we redesign the project on the fly from the dais, much less without input from the applicant or the public.<br />
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All of which led to a decidedly procedural, and decidedly unsatisfying outcome: a motion to postpone the matter indefinitely as a means of avoiding voting against it. In other words, “not yes” rather than “no.”<br />
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<a name='more'></a>Still, it was a generally good discussion with some notable takeaways. First, that Council remains committed to the vision expressed in our Comprehensive Plan and zoning regulations for the physical redevelopment of the <a href="https://library.municode.com/tx/bellaire/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIICOOR_CH24PLZO_ARTVZORE_DIV2ZODIRE_S24-537URVIWNDI" target="_blank">Urban Village-Downtown (UV-D)</a> district. Granted, different people may have different ideas what that actually looks like and how to achieve it, something sure to be debated in our ongoing <a href="http://cityofbellairemayorsmusings.blogspot.com/2023/07/survey-on-bellaires-future.html" target="_blank">Comp Plan Review</a>, but none questioned it as the proper starting point in analyzing the proposed development.<br />
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Another big takeaway was Council’s appreciation for Methodist and receptiveness to the notion it could have a place within the UV-D. Even if this design didn’t quite fit with our vision for the district, the procedural vote Monday night was specifically to leave open the possibility that with some modifications we might be able to get there, and encouragement to Methodist to work with us on a mutually beneficial solution. Constrained as we are by the zoning approval process, which is ultimately a matter of state law, it’s frustrating not to have been able to exchange ideas and reach agreement before it came up for final deliberation. We hope Council’s feedback was nevertheless useful and that Methodist will take us up on our invitation to keep talking.<br />
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Also prominent was the huge impact the public had on this issue. We received a tremendous amount of input, which Council members referenced and reflected in their own remarks, and which helped guide our evaluation of the proposal. Even on points of disagreement, where reasonable minds may differ, Council had clearly listened and thought carefully about what the public had to say. Public comment not only influenced and directly contributed to the resolution of this application, it will also serve to inform future decision making on the UV-D and the overall vision set forth in the Comp Plan.<br />
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So what happens next? In the near term, that’s up to Methodist. Again, we’d welcome their consideration of the alternative suggestions that were raised, if they’re still interested in pursuing this project. If not, then our having turned down this proposal (or, at least, said “not yes”), the property will continue to sit vacant until the next development comes along. And it may or may not be something we like better. That’s always a risk, and it’s one that Council and several who submitted public comment readily acknowledge.<br />
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I’ll leave you with a final thought. I’ve done my best here to describe what happened Monday night, and what Council was trying to get at with this result. That it was so extraordinary only goes to show how difficult it was, and how unrealistic it is to expect that real-world projects will check every box perfectly in fulfilling our vision—or what we think is our vision even if we haven’t quite put our finger on it. On a project-by-project basis no less, and without knowing what the market will actually bear until a proposal is brought forward.<br />
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In light of these challenges, I respectfully submit we should all be cognizant of the messages we send out to the development community in proceedings like this. Much as it may be our public vision of what it is we’d like to see, those outcomes can be realized only through positive working relationships with the private developers and property owners who make them happen. Perhaps a subject for discussion in the context of our Comprehensive Plan Review.</div>City of Bellaire Texashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07700659998860994026noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767970351416971454.post-78061613392553619182023-07-17T08:00:00.001-05:002023-07-17T08:00:00.142-05:00Council Looking To Discontinue Garbage Bag Distribution<div style="text-align: justify;">
For as long as anyone can remember (historical documentation points to 1971), the City has distributed rolls of garbage bags to every residence a few times a year. The rationale for this program is to facilitate compliance with a provision of our <a href="https://library.municode.com/tx/bellaire/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIICOOR_CH16SOWA_ARTIINGE_S16-2CORE" target="_blank">Solid Waste Code</a> requiring plastic bags be of a certain minimum thickness to prevent leaks. These are thicker than your typical grocery store bag, and because the City buys them in bulk we can get them cheaper than if residents had to go out and buy them on their own. The cost is passed on through the solid waste rate on our monthly utility bills.<br />
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However, the traditional reasoning behind the program no longer holds up. Whatever may have been the case decades ago, today’s grocery store bags are stronger than they used to be, even if still thinner. Many Bellaire households don’t use the City-supplied bags at all, and Public Works doesn’t enforce the thickness requirement, because it simply hasn’t been an issue.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>At current pricing, the City spends $100,000 annually buying garbage bags. Add in the labor and fuel it takes to deliver them to homes three times a year and it’s closer to $140,000. That works out to around $6 per roll of 35 bags, not counting the intangible and harder-to-quantify administrative overhead costs. Not a bad deal for bags of this quality, but it probably doesn’t make sense to keep doing it if we’re abandoning the thickness requirement as continued justification for the program.<br />
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As of now, the City Council has authorized a purchase order for one more round of garbage bags this fiscal year, to be delivered around August. For next fiscal year, pursuant to Council direction the City Manager has eliminated the expense line item from her <a href="https://bellairetx.gov/1879/FY2024-Budget" target="_blank">proposed budget</a> (which, incidentally, she’ll be presenting to Council and the public tonight), but of course it will ultimately be Council’s decision whether to add it back in. The corresponding revenues—i.e., that portion of the solid waste utility rate that funds the expense—are reduced as well, although utility rates overall are rising amid persistent inflation.<br />
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Note that staff are planning to proceed next year with a deep dive into the costs of providing utility services, as a follow-on to our <a href="http://cityofbellairemayorsmusings.blogspot.com/2021/08/informed-decision-making-on-taxpayer.html" target="_blank">2021 user fee and cost allocation study</a>, the scope of which did not include utility rates. This project was budgeted but not undertaken in FY 2023, so it will be carried forward to next year’s budget. The results may shed additional light on the economics of our garbage bag distribution program, for future Council decision making.<br />
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We recognize there are likely a great many residents who prefer the City-supplied bags over store bought, and would rather we continue delivering them (candidly, I count myself among that group). Assuming we stay on course to terminate the program, there will still be a bit of a transition period as we’ll have plenty of rolls available for sale at the Utility Billing service window at City Hall, for those who would like to stock up. Council has also expressed a willingness to monitor and see how things play out, and potentially revisit the issue if it makes sense to do so and depending on public feedback. Questions and concerns may be sent to <a href="mailto:pw@bellairetx.gov">pw@bellairetx.gov</a>.</div>City of Bellaire Texashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07700659998860994026noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767970351416971454.post-45525549144591939172023-07-12T10:35:00.000-05:002023-07-12T10:40:02.875-05:00Problem Solved: Not One Dog Pound but Two<div style="text-align: justify;">
Turns out, the answer that’s eluded us for so long has been right under our noses this whole time. From the start we’d all assumed our existing dog pound, flood prone and past its prime, would no longer be part of the picture. But as it proved immensely challenging to identify a suitable site elsewhere on which to construct a new facility, staff revisited that earlier assumption and realized the old facility held the key.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>Our <a href="https://cityofbellairemayorsmusings.blogspot.com/2022/11/council-chewing-on-location-for-new.html" target="_blank">last round of discussions</a> had focused on two possible options: A vacant piece of land already owned by the City on the north side of town, and an industrial location outside Bellaire generously offered, together with funding, by the Rubenstein family. Neither was deemed optimal.<br />
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The City-owned property, on N. First St., could not be developed as a dog pound under applicable zoning. The Rubenstein property, though only about 15 minutes away on W. Bellfort, is just far enough from Bellaire to have prompted some concerns from both the public and Council. Principally, those concerns involved the added distance residents would have to travel to retrieve their lost dogs, and the time our police officers would spend, whenever the animal control officer isn’t on duty, driving over there rather than on patrol or other police business.<br />
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Back to the drawing board, staff had clearly listened, and they thought through these issues creatively in coming up with a solution. They returned to Council with a recommendation for a two-facility approach: (1) Take the Rubensteins up on their offer and proceed with building a new dog pound on W. Bellfort, while (2) repurposing the existing pound on Edith St. as a temporary holding/transfer station to help mitigate the added distance.<br />
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Dogs that are picked up outside of working hours or when going to W. Bellfort is otherwise inconvenient, could simply be taken to the facility on Edith and later transferred. Similarly, dogs could be brought back to Edith to be reunited with their owners if that’s what they prefer. One important caveat, however—given the noted deficiencies at the old pound, it would not be used in this manner during periods of extreme weather that it’s not equipped to handle.<br />
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Council responded enthusiastically to staff’s proposal, and buoyed by favorable public input unanimously approved it. The Rubensteins will lease their property to the City for one dollar per year, donate up to $200,000 for a modular building and certain associated improvements, and retain naming rights. Staff estimate the remaining development costs to be paid by the City will total $100,000 or less. Council also authorized up to $50,000 for repairs and modifications to the existing facility, including electrical upgrades, additional fans and new sunshades.<br />
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The Rubenstein family’s legendary generosity in supporting and promoting the betterment of our community is unmatched, and we are sincerely grateful for this opportunity to partner with them in doing right by our dogs and providing a higher level of service at the Bellaire Pound. Thanks also to city staff for being so responsive to public and Council expectations in working the problem through to resolution. And to all of the residents and other interested stakeholders, including <a href="https://www.friendsofthebellairepound.org/" target="_blank">Friends of the Bellaire Pound</a>, whose passionate (and compassionate) advocacy directly contributed to this positive outcome, we appreciate your speaking up and helping make this happen.</div>City of Bellaire Texashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07700659998860994026noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767970351416971454.post-71742986929864421042023-07-07T08:00:00.003-05:002023-07-07T09:40:18.027-05:00Survey on Bellaire’s Future<div style="text-align: justify;">
Is Bellaire headed in the right direction, attracting the kind of developments and redevelopments that enhance your everyday quality of life? Or are there aspects of our zoning regulations we need to revisit and update to better fulfill your vision for the Bellaire of today and tomorrow?<br />
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The <a href="https://www.bellairetx.gov/1875/Current-Comprehensive-Plan" target="_blank">Comprehensive Plan</a> is our foundational, long-term policy statement of who we are and who we want to be, and is what will guide both public and private investments that will shape the City’s physical redevelopment and community character for decades to come. As such, it’s critical we <a href="https://cityofbellairemayorsmusings.blogspot.com/2022/10/p-council-call-for-comp-plan-review.html" target="_blank">review the Plan</a> from time to time, and in doing so cast a wide net to capture as many perspectives as possible. Our current Comprehensive Plan Review</a> is well underway, and as part of that process residents and other stakeholders are invited to participate in an online <a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/FutureofBellaire" target="_blank">Survey on Bellaire’s Future</a>, now through July 28.<br />
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This format allows for personal, candid input in ways in-person listening sessions might not, and is accessible to fill out at your convenience. We recognize the survey is not the be-all and end-all, and it isn’t intended to be. But it is a useful tool to secure feedback from those we might not otherwise reach, and is timed so as to inform a deeper, ongoing public discussion of the key issues that emerge as the Review progresses.<br />
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Also, some additional engagement opportunities have been announced for next week:</div>
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<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
Wednesday, July 12: Residential Engagement Opportunity at <a href="https://www.bellairetx.gov/Calendar.aspx?EID=10356&month=7&year=2023&day=12&calType=0" target="_blank">Bellaire High School</a>, 6:30-8:30 p.m. (parking available at S. Rice and Maple)</div>
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<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
Thursday, July 13 (rescheduled from June 15 due to extreme heat advisory): Walk-up Tables inside the <a href="https://www.bellairetx.gov/Calendar.aspx?EID=10337&month=7&year=2023&day=13&calType=0" target="_blank">Bellaire City Library</a>, 2:00-4:00 p.m., and outside at <a href="https://www.bellairetx.gov/calendar.aspx?EID=10336" target="_blank">Evelyn’s Park</a>, 6:00-7:00 p.m.</div>
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</ul>
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And, of course, there will be more such events to come. Keep an eye on the Comprehensive Plan Review <a href="https://www.bellairetx.gov/1876/2023-Comprehensive-Plan-Update" target="_blank">page</a> on the City website for future announcements.<br />
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We thank you for your participation in this important project, which will help ensure the final product is truly representative of <i>all</i> viewpoints in defining Bellaire’s future.</div>City of Bellaire Texashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07700659998860994026noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767970351416971454.post-92209411079252746302023-06-09T08:00:00.035-05:002023-06-09T08:00:00.137-05:00Revised Dumpster Ordinance Now in Effect<div style="text-align: justify;">
Anyone who’s ever heard a dumpster being serviced knows how loud and disruptive it can be. Now, imagine being jarred awake in the dead of night by a dumpster being banged against the ground just beyond the fence outside your bedroom window. For an unlucky few, whose homes back up to commercial or institutional properties, this has been happening more often of late, and presents a serious quality-of-life issue. And it has highlighted the need to revisit our dumpster ordinance, which hasn’t been updated in over 30 years.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>At the vast majority of locations with dumpsters around town there generally haven’t been any problems. Where there have been, such as described above, one should hope a quick phone call is all it would take to achieve voluntary compliance. But unfortunately it hasn’t been that easy. Not for lack of trying, as city staff have been responsive to resident complaints and have attempted to work with the offending businesses and their servicing companies on a solution. In some cases that hasn’t been enough, however, and enforcement of our existing ordinance has proven challenging.<br />
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Specifically, Sec. 16-22(a) provides that “[n]o person, corporation or other entity shall service a dumpster” during restricted hours, but then subjects to enforcement as a misdemeanor only a “person permitting or assisting the servicing of a dumpster within [those] hours ... or employed by an entity [so] permitting ... and having ... knowledge” of the violation. Similarly, Sec. 16-27 extends enforcement to “[a]ny persons or other entity permitting, assisting, or having knowledge of a” violation. So what about the person actually driving the truck (if they can even be located), or their employer? And for other persons or entities, requiring proof of knowledge as an element of the offense creates an additional hurdle to enforcement, beyond the basic elements that may already be difficult enough to establish.<br />
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Our newly <a href="https://www.bellairetx.gov/DocumentCenter/View/31005/23-030---Code-Amend---Chapter-16-Solid-Waste-Article-II-Regulation-of-Dumpsters" target="_blank">revised dumpster ordinance</a>, adopted last month, cleans all that up by clarifying in Sec. 16-22(a) that the servicing itself is enforceable as a misdemeanor, and that its applicability extends beyond “[a]ny person” to “[a]ny person, corporation or other entity.” Permitting or assisting a violation is still covered in Sec. 16-27, but without a knowledge requirement. These revisions give staff more options in issuing and prosecuting citations.<br />
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Other amendments include changing dumpster servicing hours, previously 7:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m., to 8:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. (full disclosure: I voted to make it 7:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m., same as construction working hours, but I was alone on that vote); requiring dumpsters be covered, secured to prevent leakage and enclosed to keep animals out; updating the language and minimum size of warning signs (concerning servicing hours and unauthorized entry) to be affixed at the opening of every dumpster enclosure; and specifying that the fine of $200 per violation is the minimum, not maximum fine.<br />
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The requisite <a href="https://www.bellairetx.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=2543" target="_blank">legal notice</a> period having now passed, the revised ordinance goes into effect today. Again, we’d prefer through education and direct contact with businesses and institutions that they’ll voluntarily comply, but for those recalcitrant few who remain unwilling to work with us staff are fully prepared to issue citations and enforce the law. Report violations to <a href="https://bellairetx.gov/621/Development-Services" target="_blank">Development Services</a>, or after hours call the police department non-emergency line, (713) 668-0487.</div>City of Bellaire Texashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07700659998860994026noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767970351416971454.post-601363210760709932023-05-19T08:00:00.006-05:002023-05-19T08:00:00.303-05:00Upcoming Public Input and Engagement Opportunities<div style="text-align: justify;">
Lots going on in Bellaire over the next couple of months, including a number of public input and engagement opportunities. Your participation in these meetings will help shape the future of our city and we want to hear from you! Please make plans to attend as many as you can, and be on the lookout for further announcements later in the year.<br />
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<u>Comprehensive Plan Review</u><br />
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Tuesday and Wednesday, <b>May 23 and 24</b>, the <a href="https://cityofbellairemayorsmusings.blogspot.com/2022/10/p-council-call-for-comp-plan-review.html" target="_blank">Comprehensive Plan Review</a> kicks off with the first of several listening sessions. While open to all stakeholders, next week’s are scheduled in the morning with the goal of reaching local businesses and community partners early in the process; there will be future sessions in the evening. Sign up to attend <a href="https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090848aaa928a2fc1-city#/" target="_blank">here</a> (business stakeholders) or <a href="https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090848aaa928a2fc1-comprehensive#/" target="_blank">here</a> (community partners and residents).<br />
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<a name='more'></a>Then, on <b>June 13</b> the planning team will be hosting a public <a href="https://www.bellairetx.gov/Calendar.aspx?EID=10261&month=6&year=2023&day=13&calType=0" target="_blank">Forum on Bellaire’s Future</a>. It’ll be an open house, come and go from 5:30-7:30 p.m. (presentation at 6:00), in the Civic Center. They’ll also be out at community events, such as <a href="https://www.bellairetx.gov/1374/Party-At-The-Pavilion" target="_blank">Party at the Pavilion</a>, and look forward to visiting with as many residents as possible to get a broad cross-section of perspectives.<br />
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<u>Planned Development Application (Former Randall’s Property)</u><br />
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In our Regular Session on <b>June 5</b> at 6:00 p.m., the City Council will conduct a <a href="https://www.bellairetx.gov/DocumentCenter/View/30944/Notice-of-Public-Hearing---Planned-Development-Application---Houston-Methodist-Hospital---5130-Bellaire-Boulevard" target="_blank">public hearing</a> on an application by the Houston Methodist Hospital for a <a href="https://www.bellairetx.gov/DocumentCenter/Index/1315" target="_blank">planned development</a> consisting of one three-story medical office building, three one-story retail buildings and a two-story parking garage with subsurface parking at the former Randall’s property, 5130 Bellaire Blvd.<br />
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<u>Proposed Noise and Lighting Regulations</u><br />
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The next night, <b>June 6</b> at 6:00 p.m., we’ll have a <a href="https://www.bellairetx.gov/DocumentCenter/View/30945/Town-Hall-Meeting---Proposed-Noise-and-Lighting-Regulations" target="_blank">town hall meeting</a> on <a href="https://www.bellairetx.gov/DocumentCenter/Index/1316" target="_blank">proposed noise and lighting regulations</a>. These are subjects we’ve been workshopping to death, because by their nature they’re exceptionally difficult to legislate. We earnestly solicit your feedback to help us ensure we strike the right balance among competing concerns and considerations.<br />
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<u>Regional Drainage Improvement Program</u><br />
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The engineering team invites you to a <a href="https://www.bellairetx.gov/Calendar.aspx?EID=10262&month=7&year=2023&day=18&calType=0" target="_blank">community open house</a> on <b>July 18</b>, 6:00-8:00 p.m. in the Civic Center. This will be the first of two such large-scale public gatherings, to provide project updates and promote interactive discussion of our <a href="https://cityofbellairemayorsmusings.blogspot.com/2022/12/actionable-next-steps-in-regional.html" target="_blank">Regional Drainage Improvement Program</a>.</div>City of Bellaire Texashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07700659998860994026noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767970351416971454.post-72996774766205032352023-05-16T09:06:00.001-05:002023-05-16T09:31:55.128-05:00FY 2024-26 Strategic Plan<div style="text-align: justify;">
Though often overlooked and underappreciated, strategic planning is a big part of what we do. Indeed, it’s at the very heart of our role under the council-manager form of government. Council sets the big-picture policy direction, which the City Manager and staff then execute in their daily work.<br />
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<a href="https://www.bellairetx.gov/DocumentCenter/View/30929/Bellaire-City-Council-Strategic-Plan-FY-24---FY-26" style="bottom: 0em; clear: left; float: left; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="935" data-original-width="660" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1hKrxuLi79WEcGrMC-5KwOz9GnFdrnkI4YzufAPYStvJjCjuBtp3gnwwDgeNykLFukjJ5nkkXDOfqkjwLW3rmo3G7_nq4pBP4SmH8Q-VaGPHsX8xoEuaqQvOqnrwISHqSlNBMj-3fL_P-DqSwI6p1aurbjItlCmzdUIbAYP3svXcdevHTVhqx58c/s16000/2023-05-16_9-21-52.jpg" width="162" /></a>
Council’s adoption of a fiscal year <a href="https://www.bellairetx.gov/DocumentCenter/View/30929/Bellaire-City-Council-Strategic-Plan-FY-24---FY-26" target="_blank">2024-26 Strategic Plan</a> represents a next-level enhancement to our existing strategic planning model. It adds a new layer of granularity, with goal statements to further articulate Council’s Strategic Focus Areas and strategies for an organized approach to their implementation. Most significant, it lays out a list of specific tasks that staff came up with, and Council approved, as a menu of sorts to choose from over a rolling three-year period.<br />
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It is <i>not</i> a guarantee that each of these tasks will actually be realized—funding must still be allocated in annual budgets and future spending decisions made by Council. Nor is the list necessarily exclusive. It can and will change over time as needs and circumstances arise.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>The Plan came together through a series of <a href="https://cityofbellairemayorsmusings.blogspot.com/2023/03/putting-policy-into-action.html" target="_blank">professionally facilitated workshops</a> over the past few months, with each iteration building on those before it and on the Strategic Focus Areas previously adopted. The most notable change was to pull out Quality of Life from the focus areas, as it became evident it was the common theme underlying all the rest, converting it instead to an overall purpose statement:<br /><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">Our Purpose<br />
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The City of Bellaire’s purpose is to enhance the<br />
quality of life for its citizens by providing services and<br />
amenities that make Bellaire a great place to live,<br />
work, play, and raise a family.<br /><br /></div>
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From that starting point the document flows logically. The goals, strategies and tasks set forth how we intend to fulfill our Quality of Life purpose. It provides a three-year roadmap for staff to follow in their day-to-day operations and to help them ensure they’re allocating resources in alignment with Council direction. As an adopted policy document the Plan is also a communication to our public, and has been designed and published with that in mind.<br />
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Having started our planning sessions early this year, the adoption of the Strategic Plan keeps us on schedule in the development of the FY 2024 budget. Next up, we’ll be having our traditional <a href="https://bellairetx.civicweb.net/Portal/MeetingInformation.aspx?Org=Cal&id=1484" target="_blank">pre-budget planning workshop</a> this Thursday, May 18, in the CenterPoint Energy Community Center.</div>City of Bellaire Texashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07700659998860994026noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767970351416971454.post-38829175740519453222023-04-03T08:00:00.018-05:002023-04-03T08:00:00.175-05:00Regional Drainage Improvement Program Website, Task Force Meeting Apr. 11<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://bellairedrainageimprovementprogram.org/" style="bottom: 0em; clear: right; float: right; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="467" data-original-width="974" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIMpVymgFhN1CTBN7SwBMshwU35hDLwZ3H1gVVunqArvV_cjK_-rGJ4Ogte1bhi56ZYKcc888QHtb_sfx9_Swr-Hnw3h-Z6WjdpNsCsq5i5kmW3cdUlKIsMNP6IPDY0v2mFPTRunT8xiF-KhT0Oi9_q_vmHQYO6m9wDJrzjZpX4BhzF-Geyx9F8gg/s16000/RDIPwebsite.png" width="328" /></a>Through the first quarter of the year, the several tasks laid out in Work Order #1 of our <a href="https://cityofbellairemayorsmusings.blogspot.com/2022/12/actionable-next-steps-in-regional.html" target="_blank">Regional Drainage Improvement Program</a> are all progressing right on schedule. In their latest <a href="https://bellairetx.new.swagit.com/videos/222378?ts=1807" target="_blank">monthly update</a> the engineering team presented the current status of each, emphasizing much of their recent focus has been on building partnerships and pursuing external funding sources. They’re also putting the finishing touches on recommended refinements to our Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance, which will soon be ready to go to the Building and Standards Commission.<br />
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On the public engagement front, the project website is now live at <a href="http://bellairedrainageimprovementprogram.org/" target="_blank">bellairedrainageimprovementprogram.org</a>, and will be updated periodically with new information and developments.<br />
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The consultants have also scheduled their first meeting with our Flood Hazard Mitigation Task Force for next Tuesday, April 11, at 6:00 p.m. in the Civic Center. Expect some technical discussion and opportunities for Task Force members and the public to provide feedback on progress to date and next steps.<br />
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Questions and comments on the Regional Drainage Improvement Program are always welcome, by e-mail to <a href="mailto:drainage@bellairetx.gov">drainage@bellairetx.gov</a>.</div>City of Bellaire Texashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07700659998860994026noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767970351416971454.post-26586760789166644272023-03-09T08:00:00.004-06:002023-03-09T08:29:18.508-06:00Putting Policy Into Action<head><style> .indented {padding-left: 23pt; padding-right: 23pt;}</style></head>
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Strategic planning is an ongoing process, as city staff constantly look to Council’s policy direction to guide their day-to-day activities. It also benefits Council’s own decision making by providing structure and promoting consistency, serving as the essential link between individual decisions and our identified, broader objectives.<br />
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This year, the City Manager moved up on the schedule the professionally facilitated planning sessions typically associated with the start of budget season. Her purpose: for Council to build upon and flesh out the Strategic Focus Areas we <a href="http://cityofbellairemayorsmusings.blogspot.com/2022/02/a-roadmap-for-our-next-city-manager.html" target="_blank">adopted last year</a>, and to develop specific goals, strategies and tasks that will help staff put Council’s policy direction into action.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>After first reviewing and confirming we’re still happy with our six Strategic Focus Areas, Council crafted by consensus a goal statement for each (these are in draft form, subject to further revision):<br />
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<div class="indented" style="text-align: center;">
<b>Community</b><br />
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Through city services, programs, amenities, and partnerships, actively cultivate a sense of community, unity, and togetherness while celebrating, respecting, and valuing diversity.<br />
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<b>Governance</b><br />
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Deliver municipal services in an environmentally conscious, efficient, responsive, consistent, fair, transparent, inclusive, and fiscally sound manner by governing through clear policy direction and supporting the City Manager and staff with the resources necessary to do their jobs well.<br />
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<b>Infrastructure</b><br />
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Maintain reliable services by taking a long-term, programmatic, and financially sustainable approach to infrastructure maintenance and replacement.<br />
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<b>Public Safety</b><br />
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Deliver responsive and visible public safety services that protect people and property, deter crime, and foster a sense of safety and well-being.<br />
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<b>Quality of Life</b><br />
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Provide services and amenities that make Bellaire a great place to live, work, play, and raise a family.<br />
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<b>Land Use and Zoning</b><br />
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Set a long-term land use and zoning vision for the City that protects our neighborhoods and enhances our commercial areas, with predictable expectations and standards for development activities, and consistent enforcement of zoning regulations.<br />
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Following Council’s planning session the staff leadership team had their own, in which they began brainstorming strategies for the implementation of these goals, and actual tasks to be undertaken over the coming fiscal year in furtherance of those strategies. Next month we’ll have a joint planning session to continue to refine this work and to ensure alignment between Council and staff. Ultimately it will all be documented in a FY 2024 Strategic Plan to be formally adopted by Council, and in time for staff to utilize it in preparing a proposed budget.</div>City of Bellaire Texashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07700659998860994026noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767970351416971454.post-51315618058317192882023-02-07T14:42:00.001-06:002023-02-07T14:42:21.487-06:00Forward Progress<div style="text-align: justify;">
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="189" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/oNkI79zTHJY" style="bottom: 0em; clear: left; float: left; margin-right: 1em;" width="336"></iframe>This year’s State of the City celebrates the team of dedicated professionals who day in and day out provide the high-quality services and amenities we depend upon, and which are at the very core of why we choose to call Bellaire home. In reviewing their recent accomplishments, what really stands out is how city staff have managed to overcome persistent staffing shortages and leadership changes in maintaining our “<i>Forward</i> Progress.” That’s the theme of my presentation, and it represents both their significant achievements and the promise of even more good things to come. It’s my pleasure to share with you the highlights of the past year for each of our city departments, and a preview of what we can expect for 2023.</div>City of Bellaire Texashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07700659998860994026noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767970351416971454.post-77671356340204158842023-02-03T08:00:00.001-06:002023-02-03T08:21:45.488-06:00Verification Report for Restoration of CRS Rating, Flood Insurance Discount<div style="text-align: justify;">
More good news! Following the recent cycle visit that <a href="https://cityofbellairemayorsmusings.blogspot.com/2022/09/crs-reclassification-process-slowed-by.html" target="_blank">FEMA required</a> for our application for a two-class modification, the Insurance Services Office has tallied the results and determined we’ve met all prerequisites to be restored to our prior Community Rating System classification of 7. Once ISO’s <a href="https://bellairetx.gov/DocumentCenter/View/30445/LTR_ISO_CRS-Cert-1-27-23" target="_blank">verification report</a> is accepted by FEMA, we’ll be getting back our flood insurance discount—15% across the board—and we’re told it should go into effect this October 1.<br />
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That we were able to gain reentry into the CRS program within just one cycle (Class 9, last April), and then to qualify for this reclass (to a 7) so soon thereafter, is truly unprecedented. It is the direct result of untold hours of hard work put in by our Building Official and Interim Assistant Director, Christian Somers, and his team including our consultants at Tetra Tech. We’re talking about a very detailed and time-intensive process, and the significance of their accomplishment cannot be overstated.<br />
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As noted above the flood insurance discount associated with Class 7 is 15% for all policyholders. Previously that’s what it was in Zone AE, covering the vast majority of Bellaire, but it was only 5% in Zone X, outside the special flood hazard area. Under <a href="https://www.fema.gov/flood-insurance/risk-rating" target="_blank">Risk Rating 2.0</a>, which is completely independent of our (or any community’s) CRS classification, there’s no longer that distinction. However, each property is now priced based on its own unique risk, and so individual results, even within the same flood zone, may vary.<br />
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The swift restoration of our CRS status brings to a close what has been an unfortunate chapter for our city. Of course it doesn’t excuse the mistakes of the past, but at least they’ve been rectified at the earliest possible opportunity. Christian and his team are to be commended for taking ownership of this problem they’d inherited, and for their tireless efforts in getting it resolved.</div>City of Bellaire Texashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07700659998860994026noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767970351416971454.post-20176290233353259602023-01-13T08:00:00.006-06:002023-01-13T08:00:00.229-06:00Another $3.3 Million in Grant Funding Coming Our Way<head><style> .indented {padding-left: 20pt; padding-right: 0pt;}</style></head>
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A great way to start the new year, we’ve recently been informed that several of our federal and state grant applications have been approved.<br />
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With sincere appreciation to Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher for once again going to bat for us, Bellaire secured $3 million in the latest round of federal appropriations:<br />
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<u>Accessible and Inclusive Playground</u><br />
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$600,000 of that funding is to build an accessible and inclusive playground at Evergreen Park. It will offer a range of play experiences for children of varying abilities and diverse needs, such as by utilizing wider, ramped platforms and structures designed to accommodate wheelchairs. It will also incorporate sensory play elements involving touch and music, as well as interactive educational features. Our non-profit partner <a href="https://www.bellaireparks.org/" target="_blank">Patrons for Bellaire Parks</a> believes so much in the importance of this project it has pledged another $160,000 toward any local match (bringing to more than $2.1 million Patrons’ <a href="https://www.bellairetx.gov/DocumentCenter/View/30358/PATRONS-for-Bellaire-Parks---Donation-History-2023" target="_blank">total contributions</a> to date in support of Bellaire parks).<br />
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<a name='more'></a><u>Water Line Replacement</u><br />
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The remaining $2.4 million is for replacing old water lines that have reached the end of their useful service lives. The majority of them being original cast iron water lines now 50+ years old and the most prone to failure. Though we made a lot of progress through our 2016 bond program there are still plenty of lines needing to be addressed. Replacing this aging critical infrastructure will improve system reliability and reduce operational costs associated with emergency repairs that have become all too common throughout the City. We additionally have available another $782,000 from last year’s federal appropriation process set aside for this purpose.<br />
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Our Police Department has also successfully landed two state law enforcement grants:<br />
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<u>Crime Victim Specialist Program</u><br />
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Since 2019 the Bellaire Police Department has had on staff a <a href="http://cityofbellairemayorsmusings.blogspot.com/2019/12/police-department-secures-grant-for.html" target="_blank">Crime Victim Specialist</a>, funded by a three-year federal grant sponsored by the Department of Justice. Among her accomplishments she has created numerous partnerships with organizations across Harris and Fort Bend Counties, provided public education and training on crime prevention, and has directly served hundreds of crime victims over the last three years. Importantly, maintaining this specialist role frees up police time and resources that were previously devoted to fulfilling such state-mandated crime victim liaison functions. As the original grant was non-renewable, it was always understood that upon its expiration we would seek to continue the position under the federal Victims of Crime Act grant program as a subrecipient through the Office of the Governor’s Criminal Justice Division. The $99,000 we’ve been awarded will cover salary, benefits and program costs for fiscal year 2023.<br />
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<u>Bullet-Resistant Shields</u><br />
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The State of Texas is providing local law enforcement agencies grant funding to equip officers who may respond to school safety emergencies with bullet-resistant shields. Our application was approved for $43,800 for the purchase of six units. We currently deploy lightweight shields, approximately 10” x 18”, in patrol cars and for tactical operations. The new shields to be acquired with this grant will be larger, approximately 18” x 32” with an integrated viewport, and will be for use by our Special Response Team in the event of an active shooter or in other high-risk engagements in which a larger protective area is needed.<br />
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The City of Bellaire is grateful to receive these grant awards and for the budgetary enhancements they make possible. Kudos to our staff, including those in Parks & Rec, Public Works and Police, who were involved in presenting and supporting our applications. We will of course continue to pursue such funding opportunities as they become available in the future.</div>City of Bellaire Texashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07700659998860994026noreply@blogger.com