Due to the COVID-19 Emergency Declaration the PGMUD Board Conducted Its March 28 Meeting By Teleconference.  The meeting began at 5:30 p.m. and ended at 7:38 p.m. In addition to all the District’s consultants, two members of the public signed on for the meeting.

GARBAGE AND RECYLCING UPDATE

A large recycle container has been placed in Pecan Grove Park on Pitts Road.  Residents are invited to bring recycle material in plastic bags to the dumpster located in the parking lot at the west side of the park.  Simply toss the bags over the side into the dumpster. Cardboard boxes do not need to be in a bag.  ABLOLUTELY NO GARBAGE OR CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS  PLEASE! If you include non-recyclable material, the whole container will be considered contaminated and they will have to dispose of at the landfill instead of recycling.

Recycle pick up service has been suspended during the pandemic. Recycle cans will not be picked up or handled in any way.  Our trash hauling company, WCA, says this step was made necessary by COVID-19 infections among their crews which has resulted in a shortage of drivers and helpers. It is likely the MUD board will discuss the question of what effect, if any, this change will have on the amount paid to WCA going forward.

Residents may now report trash pickup problems on line.  Go to www.pecangrovemud.com.  At the top of the home page you will see a “Report Trash/Recycle Problem”.  Click that link and complete the form that appears.  When “send” is clicked your report will go to WCA as well as the PGMUD office.  We expect this system to result in faster, even more reliable resolution of the few trash collection problems that are reported each month.

MEETING HIGHLIGHTS

PG Volunteer Fire Department:  Two firefighters are quarantined but services will not be affected.  During previous month 74 calls (49 in PG) were answered.  The fire department requested and received PGMUD approval to hold a public hearing required in order to complete refinancing of loans taken out to pay for the land and building of station two on Farmer Road.  Interest rate will drop from about 5% to about 1.95% and save approximately $48,000 over the remaining 10 years.

Sheriff’s Report:  There were 283 dispatches, 66 traffic stops, 1 arrest, 25 alarm calls, 3 burglaries (2 unlocked cars and 1 house).  A woman on Wren Meadow was robbed on her driveway.

Parks Report:  Play equipment has been taped off and is not to be used in order to help prevent the spread to COVID-19 virus in accordance with County Order. The board approved refund of an April pavilion reservation deposit. Irrigation has been installed to support the 58 live oak trees recently planted. Sanitation frequency of restrooms and water fountains has been increased but you should use at your own risk.  However, visitors are reminded to wash hands after touching surfaces in public areas. The board passed an informal resolution thanking park manager Marcus Campbell for his hard work keeping the park safe and overseeing the tree planting project. The transfer of Windmill Park to PGMUD awaits resolution of questions about reserved parking.

Administration Building:  The board authorized its building planning firm to complete concept drawings (not construction drawings) of an approximately 4,000 square foot building.  This would be a multi-purpose building providing space for public meetings, District administration and private parties (on a rental basis).

Water Line Flushing Has Been Postponed.  This postponement was taken to avoid inconvenience to residents who had just been ordered to stay at home.  It is expected the annual flushing of the system will occur sometime after the emergency orders are lifted.  Advance notice will be given via water bill inserts, email and the District’s web page.

Do Not Flush Wipes, Paper Towels or Kleenex will be the subject of the next water bill insert.  Residents should avoid flushing these items because they do not dissolve as completely as toilet paper does.  They have the potential to clog the customer’s own sewer line and thus cause toilet backups and expensive plumber calls.  Those that get through to the waste treatment plant have the effect of “gumming up the works” at that vital part of our sanitation system.

Miscellaneous District Information:   Total connections 4,486, walk-in customers at EDP 463, water meters replaced 2, subscribers to District news and alerts 3,296, PGMUD website visitors 1,243.

PROJECTS UNDER CONSTRUCTION

Main Channel Rehabilitation

The District is rehabilitating the south bank of Main Channel at its confluence with Jones Creek.  During Harvey a portion of this bank eroded causing cavities behind some of the existing slope paving.  Repairs will include rebuilding the slope, installation of an erosion control mat, and grout filling behind the void under the existing slope paving.  The District has obtained approval from FEMA for this project.

Construction has commenced and expected to be substantially complete in April 2020.

Jones Creek Slope Rehabilitation

Construction continues on the Jones Creek Slope Rehabilitation project, which consists of installation of gabion basket erosion protection system along the west side of Pecan Lakes, adjacent to Jones Creek.  Project is expected be under construction through Summer 2020.

Segment B, location near the pump station, is complete, with only minor items remaining as part of close out of the entire project.

On Segment A, the area immediately behind the residences, the Contractor has continued to work on installation of gabion baskets.  The District received a 60-day contract extension from the NRCS to meet federal grant requirements.  Project is expected to substantially complete in early June 2020.

The Contractor is allowed to work from 7 a.m. until sunset for seven days a week. At this time, the Contractor does expect to work seven days a week in order to achieve the project delivery schedule.

Residents are reminded that this is an active heavy construction site.  DO NOT enter construction site at any time.  There has been unauthorized access to the construction area which places the unauthorized visitor and construction crews at risk.

Levee Drainage Improvements adjacent to Harvest Green

Construction continues on improvements to the drainage of the outside toe of the levee adjacent to the Harvest Green development.  This project will clear out the trees and vegetation that prevents adequate drainage on the toe of the levee.

Project is complete.

Improvements to Raw Water Tanks at Surface Water Treatment Plant

The District will install a floating mixer in each of the raw water storage tanks at the Surface Water Treatment Plant located off Skinner Road.  The mixers will create constant movement in the raw water to limit sediment from settling to the bottom of the tank. In addition, stairs and walkways will be installed as part of this project to improve operator access to the tanks.

Notice to proceed has been issued and materials have been ordered by Contractor.  Construction at the plant did commence in February and is expected to be complete in April 2020.

Mason Road Levee Improvements

The District is working on raising the levee along Mason Road from the intersection of FM 359, north along Mason Road, then east along Oyster Creek to Farmers Road.   Plans include adding up to an additional one (1) foot of height to the levee between Pecan Grove Plantation Country Club and Farmer Road where it crosses Oyster Creek.  Project will include adjustments to the existing parking lot at Belin Park which will include new paving in

Construction is underway. Contractor has completed material placement on section between golf course and Belin park and is preparing for installation of asphalt road.  Contractor is working on material placement from Belin Park to Farmers Road.  Construction is expected to be substantially complete in May 2020.

Residents are reminded that this is an active heavy construction site.  DO NOT enter construction site at any time.

South Pump Station Automation

The District is updating the electrical system to allow for the pumps at the south pump station to automatically turn on or off based on the water level in the main channel.

Notice to Proceed has been issued and construction is expected to commence in May 2020.

South Pump Station Access Road Improvements

The District is improving the access road to the south pump station to install a concrete driveway.

Notice to Proceed was issued and Contractor has mobilized to begin construction operations.

Residents are reminded that this is an active heavy construction site.  DO NOT enter construction site at any time.

Rehabilitation of Lift Station 7

The District is rehabilitating and updating the electrical controls at Lift Station No. 7. The pumps, concrete wet well, valves, electrical components and other appurtenances have reached the design life.

Construction has commenced on the project and expected to be completed in late May 2020.  The District understands that the construction activity is loud and is working with the Contractor on ways to reduce the noise level of construction.

Electrical Improvements and Generator at Water Plant No. 2

The District is updating the electrical system including installation of a new generator at water plant no. 2 (located near the elevated storage tank).

Notice to Proceed has been issued.  Contractor is ordering the necessary components and construction is expected to begin in Summer 2020.

Improvements at Water Plant No. 3

The District is modifying the pumps and piping system at water plant no. 3 (located at the end of Willow Bend Dr.).

Notice to Proceed has been issued.  Contractor is ordering the necessary components and construction is expected to begin in Summer 2020.

PROJECTS UNDER DESIGN

North Pump Station Improvements

The District is improving the access to the north pump station by adjusting the headwall and grading modifications.  Project also includes automation of the pumps based on level of water in Bullhead Slough.

District received bids on the project and awarded the project to Rally Construction, Inc. Notice to Proceed is expected to be issued in June 2020.

The Fort Bend County’s “Stay-At-Home” order dated March 12, 2020 has been extended through the end of April 2020.

All playground equipment shall remain closed.

The order does encourage outdoor activity, like walking, biking, hiking, or running. Please enjoy the park responsibly.

Please share this news with your neighbors who may not be getting these email blasts and may not be reviewing the website.

At WCA our highest priority continues to be the health and well-being of our customers and staff during an evolving situation. Last night we learned that one of our drivers has tested positive for the COVID-19 virus. As a precaution the helpers and other drivers who have been in close contact with this driver have been quarantined.

How This Will Affect Your Service

For now, our priority will shift to collect the normal household waste first. This is the material that begins to breakdown and decompose first in the Houston heat. This means that residents need to separate their normal household waste from their bulk waste to ensure proper and timely collection.

A two-item maximum for bulk, per home, will be picked up on your scheduled service day. WCA will not be collecting carpet or construction materials as regular collection related to this event.

We are suspending recycle service until further notice.

• As an alternative the Fort Bend Recycle and Environmental Center, located at 1200 Blume Rd, Rosenberg, Texas, will accept the following on Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, as self-serve drop off only between the hours of 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
  • Acceptable Items
    • Cardboard
    • Paper
    • Glass
    • Plastics number 1 & 2

Please note suspended services due to this event will not be made up or pushed to another service day.

WCA Waste Services made these decisions due to the severity of the conditions, and safety concerns to our community and the WCA family. We thank you for your partnership and for your patience and continued trust in WCA/VF Waste Services.

Fire hydrants in Pecan Grove are flushed annually.

Flushing was scheduled for this week, but because flushing can increase the presence of iron in your home water and the brown tinge to the water, we are delaying the flushing for about a month.

Of course, the longer we wait the more iron will appear in your tap water.

This delay is in conjunction with the increased number of residents who are home due to the corona virus epidemic.

We appreciate your understanding and we will update this site when we know when the hydrant flushing work is rescheduled.

Thank you for your patience as we have worked to beautify Pecan Grove Park on Pitts Road.

The planting of the donated trees from Fort Bend County is complete and the park is again open for public use.

While enjoying the parks amenities, please refrain from pulling, hanging, climbing and touching the newly installed trees. We want to allow mother nature to take its course and allow the trees to establish solid roots.

As always, we appreciate your understanding while we improve our park facilities to benefit our residents.

Pecan Grove Municipal Utility District would like to notify all residents of the upcoming construction on the levee adjacent to Mason Road and Oyster Creek. The construction limits is from north of the intersection of Mason Road and F.M. 359 to where Farmers Road crosses Oyster Creek.

During this time, there will be heavy construction activity that will impact the residents’ use of the walking trail and portions of the parking at Belin Park. The contractor is in communication with the Country Club and with Grove HOA regarding the facilities and is working to minimize impacts to the residents as much as possible.

All residents are instructed not to walk on the trail during this time of construction to ensure the safety of the residents.

The District anticipates this construction will last approximately two months. We will update the residents as conditions change.

We appreciate your patience during the construction of this important improvements to our levee system.

Read more here:  https://gov.texas.gov/news/post/governor-abbott-holds-press-conference-on-coronavirus-declares-state-of-disaster-for-all-texas-counties

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), the COVID-19 virus has not been detected in drinking water. Conventional water treatment methods that use chlorine disinfection, such as those in Pecan Grove Municipal Utility District’s drinking water system, should remove or inactivate the virus that causes COVID-19.

More Information

• Water Transmission and COVID-19 (PDF)
• Coronavirus: Toilet Paper Panic Trickle-Down Effect (PDF)
• https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/php/water.html

There is no higher priority for EPA than protecting the health and safety of Americans. EPA is providing this important information about COVID-19 as it relates to drinking water and wastewater to provide clarity to the public. The COVID-19 virus has not been detected in drinking-water supplies. Based on current evidence, the risk to water supplies is low. Americans can continue to use and drink water from their tap as usual. For details, visit:  https://www.epa.gov/coronavirus/coronavirus-and-drinking-water-and-wastewater

WHY IS DIRT PILED UP ON FM 359?

The dirt piled up on FM 359 was excavated from the bank of Jones Creek in order that a gabion basket system of bank stability control could be installed. The dirt will be returned to the bank soon and grass will be seeded at the end of construction.

MAY 2020 PGMUD DIRECTORS ELECTION CANCELED: The election previously scheduled for May 2, 2020 will not be needed because only the current directors submitted applications for a place on the ballot. Continuing to serve as directors for new four year terms will be Chuck Bertrand, Steve Crow and Jean Gobar.

PROPOSED ASSISTED LIVING FACILITY: Pecan Grove MUD was recently approached about the feasibility of obtaining District services for a proposed assisted living facility at 3525 Farmer Road, Richmond, TX. This property is approximately 9 acres and located north of Oyster Creek on Farmer Road. The board directed its engineer to work with the developer to determine what additional facilities would be needed from PGMUD in order to for the board to make an informed decision.

BONDS REFINANCED: Earlier in February the District obtained a bond rating of A1 and on February 27 PGMUD sold bonds at a net effective interest rate of 1.99%. The proceeds of this sale will be used to refinance $10,885,000 of bonds issued in 2013. This action will save District taxpayers $1,629,263 in interest payments.

DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION BUILDING: The District has hired a firm to do a preliminary design and cost estimate for a multi-purpose building to serve the District and its residents. The structure would be located in Pecan Grove Park on Pitts Road. It is envisioned that the building would have a room suitable for the District’s public meetings as well as private meetings and events sponsored by District residents. The building would have a catering kitchen, large conference room and offices for the District’s operator, park manager and a place for residents to make water bill payments.

PECAN GROVE FIRE DEPARTMENT responded to 103 calls last month, 68 of which were in PG. Fire chief Woolley advised that three members of the department’s volunteers will soon be attending the Texas Certified Firefighter Program. They will sign a minimum two year commitment with the department. He also said that PGVFD has purchased two electric positive pressure smoke ejector fans to be installed on each engine. They replace the gasoline powered fans that ejected smoke from a residence but added their own exhaust fumes.

SECURITY: Sheriff deputy Bennett advised the board that last month there were 190 calls for service in PG, 69 traffic stops and 0 burglaries . She reported catching 3 young adults riding motorized dirt bikes and a golf cart on the levee on the east side of Pitts Road near the park. Warning citations were issued.

PECAN GROVE PARK: A shade cover for the playground equipment has been ordered and should be installed by mid-April. The location for 58 new live oak trees in the park has been determined and the trees are expected to be delivered by Fort Bend County during March. The District will extend existing irrigation lines to support the new trees. Park manager Marcus Campbell reported that he has been seeing a pack of six coyotes in the park before sunrise many mornings as he opens the park. They disappear at sunrise.

OVER CONVERSION CREDITS: Fort Bend County Subsidence District has advised that PGMUD now has 1,507,892,000 in over conversion surface water credits. As you may know, cities and utility districts are required by the subsidence district to convert a substantial portion of their water consumption from well water to surface water. Pecan Grove MUD took prompt action when this mandate was enacted and contracted for Brazos River water and built a surface water treatment plant. As a result we were able to reduce our use of ground water more than the law required and the result has been the accumulation of over conversion surface water credits. These credits may someday be sold and in any event they can be used to cover failure to meet the surface water use requirement (e.g. if the surface water treatment plant goes off line for an extended period of time).

SIDEWALK REPAIRS PREVIOUS MONTH:

2714 Millers Falls Ct Sidewalk Replacement Around Manhole
2555 Lake Dale Ln Sidewalk Replacement Around Manhole
2508 Colonel Court Dr Sidewalk Replacement Around Manhole
2551 Lake Dale Ln Sidewalk Replacement Around Manhole
2515 Lake Dale Ln Sidewalk Replacement Around Manhole
2015 Misty Falls Sidewalk Replacement Around Manhole
1903 Misty Falls Ct Sidewalk Replacement Around Manhole
2615 Millers Falls Ct Sidewalk Replacement Around Manhole
1902 Hanover Sidewalk Replacement Around Manhole
2518 Crystal Lake Ct Sidewalk Replacement Around Manhole

Please keep in mind the District does not own nor maintain sidewalks, driveways and curbs and is unable to spend tax payer dollars to fix private issues. However, the District can make repairs to a sidewalk in the event there is a failed district utility in the area of the sidewalk and the deformation is substantial. Please call the customer service office to request your sidewalk be considered for repair.

TEXAS HYDRANT SERVICE WILL BE IN THE DISTRICT THE WEEK OF MARCH 23 TO FLUSH ALL FIRE HYDRANTS.

NUMBER OF SUBSCRIBERS TO PGMUD’S NEWS AND ALERTS EMAIL SERVICE: 3,306 (+22).

PROJECTS UNDER CONSTRUCTION

Main Channel Rehabilitation

The District is rehabilitating the south bank of Main Channel at its confluence with Jones Creek.  During Harvey a portion of this bank eroded causing cavities behind some of the existing slope paving.  Repairs will include rebuilding the slope, installation of an erosion control mat, and grout filing behind the void under the existing slope paving.  The District has obtained approval from FEMA for this project.

Construction has commenced and expected to continue into March 2020.

Jones Creek Slope Rehabilitation

Construction has commenced on the Jones Creek Slope Rehabilitation project, which consists of installation of gabion basket erosion protection system along the west side of Pecan Lakes, adjacent to Jones Creek.  Project is expected be under construction through Summer 2020.

Segment B, location near the pump station, is complete, with only minor items remaining as part of close out of the entire project.

On Segment A, the area immediately behind the residences, the Contractor has completed installation of the soldier piles (drilling operations) and is beginning installation of the soil anchors.  Lower portions of the gabion baskets are under construction.

The Contractor is allowed to work from 7 a.m. until sunset for seven days a week. At this time, the Contractor does expect to work seven days a week in order to achieve the project delivery schedule.

Residents are reminded that this is an active heavy construction site.  DO NOT enter construction site at any time.  There has been unauthorized access to the construction area which places the unauthorized visitor and construction crews at risk.

Drainage Improvements to Serve Victoria Garden Drive

The District replaced the existing storm sewer from the intersection of Victoria Garden Drive and Old South Drive to the outfall into Bullhead Slough with a larger storm sewer to improve drainage in the area.

Project is complete and was accepted by the District at the February 2020 Board meeting.

Levee Drainage Improvements adjacent to Harvest Green

Construction has commenced on improvements to the drainage of the outside toe of the levee adjacent to the Harvest Green development.  This project will clear out the trees and vegetation that prevents adequate drainage on the toe of the levee.

Project is complete.

Improvements to Raw Water Tanks at Surface Water Treatment Plant

The District will install a floating mixer in each of the raw water storage tanks at the Surface Water Treatment Plant located off Skinner Road.  The mixers will create constant movement in the raw water to limit sediment from settling to the bottom of the tank. In addition, stairs and walkways will be installed as part of this project to improve operator access to the tanks.

Notice to proceed has been issued and materials have been ordered by Contractor.  Construction at the plant did commence in February and is expected to be complete in April 2020.

PROJECTS UNDER DESIGN

Mason Road Levee Improvements

The District is working on raising the levee along Mason Road from the intersection of FM 359, north along Mason Road, then east along Oyster Creek to Farmers Road.   Plans include adding up to an additional one (1) foot of height to the levee between Pecan Grove Plantation Country Club and Farmer Road where it crosses Oyster Creek.  Project will include adjustments to the existing parking lot at Belin Park which will include new paving in portions of the parking lot.

Project was awarded to TLC Construction.  Construction is expected to commence in March 2020.  Construction schedule will impact parking at the Belin Park.  District will update residents as information is available.

North Pump Station Improvements

The District is improving the access to the north pump station by adjusting the headwall and grading modifications.  Project also includes automation of the pumps based on level of water in Bullhead Slough.

Project is currently under advertising to receive construction bids and construction is currently planned for mid-2020.

South Pump Station Automation

The District is updating the electrical system to allow for the pumps at the south pump station to automatically turn on or off based on the water level in the main channel.

Construction was awarded to Electrical Fields Services and Programming Contract was awarded to Prime Control.  Notice to Proceed will be issued in early march and construction is expected to commence shortly thereafter.

Electrical Improvements and Generator at Water Plant No. 2

The District is updating the electrical system including installation of a new generator at water plant no. 2 (located near the elevated storage tank).

Project was awarded to McDonald Electric at the January 2020 Board meeting.  Notice to proceed will be issued in March 2020 with construction expected to commence in Summer 2020.

Improvements at Water Plant No. 3

The District is modifying the pumps and piping system at water plant no. 3 (located at the end of Willow Bend Dr.).

Project was awarded to WW Payton at the January 2020 Board meeting Notice to proceed will be issued in March 2020 with construction expected to commence in Summer 2020.

South Pump Station Access Road Improvements

The District is improving the access road to the south pump station to install a concrete driveway.

Project was awarded to Rodriguez Construction at the January 2020 Board meeting. Notice to proceed will be issued in March 2020 with construction expected to commence that same month.

Rehabilitation of Lift Station 7

The District is rehabilitating and updating the electrical controls at Lift Station No. 7. The pumps, concrete wet well, valves, electrical components and other appurtenances have reached the design life.

Project has been awarded to Gilleland Smith and construction is expected to commence in March 2020.