Pecan Grove Municipal Utility District recently acquired Windmill Park from the Property Owners Association (POA). We realize there are repairs needed at the park and we will work diligently to address more urgent items first. We ask that during this process, our customers be patient and we will do our best to address all the repairs needed to bring our new park to the standard you have come to know and love for your families enjoyment.

Items that are being addressed first:

• Pest control
• Cleaning of trash
• Pressure washing
• Adding sand and backfilling around uneven areas
• Fixing broken playground equipment that can be fixed immediately
• Replacement of signage

Pecan Grove Park on Pitt’s Road playground will be closed tomorrow for installation of new equipment.

Due to the COVID-19 Emergency Declaration the PGMUD Board Conducted Its April 28 Meeting By Teleconference. The meeting began at 5:30 p.m. and ended at 7:20 p.m.

Parks Report

Effective May 2 the playground equipment and restrooms have reopened at Pecan Grove Park on Pitts Rd. These facilities will be cleaned and disinfected daily. Visitors are asked to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 virus by observing social distancing (6 feet) and to wash hands after touching surfaces such as the playground equipment, picnic tables or surfaces in the restroom.

A shade structure for certain park playground equipment is expected to be installed the week of May 4.

Trash Report

Normal pickup of recycle material has resumed. During the suspension of home pickup, WCA maintained one 30 cubic yard container in Pecan Grove Park. A total of 8 of these containers were filled by Pecan Grove residents, taken to the recycle center and returned. All 22 employees who were sickened or quarantined are now back on the job.

Residents may now report trash or recycle pickup problems on line. Go to www.pecangrovemud.com. At the top of the home page you will see “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.

Sheriff’s Report

There were 291 dispatched calls, 33 traffic stops, 3 arrests (assault, DWI, Assault – Family Violence) and 0 burglaries or thefts. Deputy Bennett reported that sheriff deputies are continuing to keep a lookout for motorized vehicles unauthorized on the levee.

Fire Department Report by Chief Woolley

Nothing big or out of the ordinary, Normal medical calls, Motor Vehicle Accidents, Fire/Medical Alarms.

• 103 calls for emergency service.
• 67 calls were located in Pecan Grove
• 22 calls were located in Waterside
• 8 calls were located in Harvest Green
• 5 calls were located outside of our district
• 1 call was to mutual aid another agency. We did have 2 small fires in Pecan Grove and both were contained in the area of origin: a microwave & a fish tank. Neither spread.

Update on Covid-19: We are continuing our operation the same, following the protocol set by Fort Bend County EMS and Fort Bend County Health and Human Services. Basically, we are treating every patient as if they are positive. So, if you have a medical emergency and we respond, we will provide you with a mask for you or a caregiver to place on you for precaution. Don’t be alarmed. We are continuing to limit our exposure by only sending 1 firefighter inside your home on non-life threatening situations and having you walk outside. Life threatening emergencies (Cardiac Arrest, Difficulty Breathing etc.) we will handle as normal, doing whatever we need to. We will wear much more P.P.E. (Personal Protective Equipment).

We are still looking for a high-water vehicle.

Our Golf tournament has been moved to November for now.

We are still moving forward with the Five Miles My Way fun run on July 4th. We will be registering each weekend in June in front of the Daycare in Randall’s parking lot.

Our annual audit may be a little later than normal due to the pandemic. Our auditor is being cautious about scheduling dates to come out. We are set up for May 18th if nothing happens.

Report by the District Operator EDP

Water Accountability

• Percent Accountability 96.5 %
• PGMUD Total Metered Water 39,227,000
• Amount Produced 40,639,000
• Amount Unaccounted for 1,411,000
• Amount Used for Maintenance, Est. 50,000
• Amount Lost Due to Known Leaks, Est. 150,000
• Adjusted Accountability 99.9%

Drinking Water Testing

We collected 15 bacteriological samples in the month of March 2020. Daily distribution system disinfection testing confirmed the drinking water system met the state and federal compliance
standard for disinfection.

Sidewalk Improvements From Previous Month

• 2555 Lake Dale Ln Sidewalk Repair Surrounding Manhole
• 1903 Misty Falls Sidewalk Repair Surrounding Manhole

Annual Fire Hydrant Flushing

The annual fire hydrant flushing was postponed last month and has been rescheduled for the week of May 25th.

Annual EVO REPORT comparing PGMUD with area utility districts was received.

As you can see from the charts below which can be found on our website, PGMUD has lower taxes and lower water bills than any of the MUDs compared.

Number of subscribers to PGMUD’s News & Alerts: 3,322.

Generator Safety Tips from PGVFD

As we enter hurricane season, I wanted to remind everyone of the hazards of portable generators.

The primary hazards when using a generator are carbon monoxide poisoning from the toxic engine exhaust, electric shock or electrocution, and fire. Here are tips for safely using generators:

• Follow the instructions that come with your generator. Never use a generator indoors or in partially enclosed spaces, including homes, garages, basements and crawl spaces – even those with partial ventilation. Never run a generator in areas where people or animals are present. Opening doors and windows or using fans will not prevent carbon monoxide build-up in the home. Place the generator away from open windows.
• Don’t assume that you are safe. Carbon monoxide fumes emitted by gasoline engines can be fatal, often without the victims – especially those who are sleeping – ever realizing the danger. You cannot smell or see carbon monoxide. So even if you do not smell exhaust fumes, you may be exposed. If you start to feel sick, dizzy, or weak while using a generator, get to fresh air immediately. The carbon monoxide from generators can rapidly lead to full incapacitation and death. If you experience serious symptoms, get medical attention right away and inform medical staff that carbon monoxide poisoning is suspected. If the symptoms occurred while indoors, call the fire department to determine if it is safe to re-enter the building.
• Install carbon monoxide alarms inside your home to warn when carbon monoxide levels from any source pose a serious health risk. Follow the manufacturer’s recommended placement.
• Always connect the generator to the appliances with heavy-duty extension cords. Hooking up your generator directly into your home power supply could energize the outside power lines and potentially injure or electrocute an unwary utility lineman. It also bypasses some of the built-in household circuit protection devices. If you must connect the generator through the house wiring to power appliances, use a qualified electrician to install the appropriate equipment in accordance with local electrical codes. Or, ask your utility company to install an appropriate power transfer switch.
• Never store fuel for your generator in your house. Gasoline, propane, kerosene, and other flammable liquids should be stored outside of living areas in properly labeled, non-glass safety containers. Do not store them near a fuel-burning appliance, such as a natural gas water heater in a garage. If the fuel is spilled or the container is not sealed properly, invisible vapors from the fuel can travel along the ground and be ignited by the appliance’s pilot light or by arcs from electric switches in the appliance. Before refueling the generator, turn it off and let it cool down. Gasoline spilled on hot engine parts could ignite, and invisible vapors from the fuel can travel along the ground and be ignited by the generator’s pilot light or by arcs from electric switches in the appliance.

Information taken from FEMA.gov
Stay Safe, Fire Chief Joe Woolley

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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 included 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 is complete with inspections to be held in early May.

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 continued to work on installation of gabion baskets.  The Contractor is approximately 75% complete with bottom layer, about 25% complete with the second layer and has started on the third layer.

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

This project, which cleared out the trees and vegetation that prevents adequate drainage on the toe of the levee adjacent to the Harvest Green development, is complete pending final grass growth.

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.

Project is under construction.  Raw water sediment mixers are operational and working very efficiently.  Contractor is assembling stairs and walkway on site for installation in early May.

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 is approximately 75% complete with construction. Construction is expected to last into June 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 has commenced with installation of conduit sleeves for electrical improvements.

South Pump Station Access Road Improvements

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

Project is complete pending final inspections.

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.  The Contractor has expedited construction activities.  Lift station is expected to undergo start up testing the first week of May 2020.

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.

Bullhead Slough Rehabilitation

The District is dredging silt out of Bullhead Slough and rehabilitating the side slopes which have eroded over time.  Project includes installing ShoreSox product at the water’s edge to stabilize and prevent future erosion.  Project includes eastern and middle sections of Bullhead.  Western section of Bullhead will be performed in the future.

District received bids and awarded the contract to Storm Water Solutions.  Notice to Proceed is expected to be issued in June 2020.

Pecan Grove park and facilities are cleaned and disinfected once daily.

Although we are trying our best to prevent and control any viruses, please use at your own risk.

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.

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.