January 2020 News & PGMUD Board Meeting Highlights
Pickleball court construction was discussed: Approximately 10 pickleball enthusiasts led by PG resident Steve Lutz urged PGMUD to seek county financial assistance to construct pickleball courts. County Commissioner Andy Meyers, who attended the PGMUD board meeting January 28, expressed strong support for construction of courts either at PGMUD’s Pitts Road Park or at a proposed new county park that may possibly be developed on the 43 acres labeled “Old South Tract” shown on the map below. This land is contiguous to Frost Elementary School and PGMUD’s surface water treatment plant and west of Belin Field across Mason Road.
PGMUD Board approved acceptance of approximately 60 large live oak trees offered by Commissioner Meyers from Fort Bend County’s tree nursery. The trees will be planted in Pitts Road Park as well as other sites owned by PGMUD.
Transfer of Windmill Park from the Property Owners Association to PGMUD may be getting closer. A representative of the successor to Belin Development (the original developers of Pecan Grove) approved the terms contained in a proposed transfer deed, but says his attorney has additional comments. So discussions continue. Stay tuned.
Video cameras at entrances into Pecan Grove were urged by PG resident Jennifer Lewis who asked PGMUD to lend financial support for such a project. During discussion PGMUD’s attorney Hannah Brook advised that under Texas law no MUD is permitted to spend public money on passive security monitoring of the type suggested. She said that such monitoring is within the authority of homeowner associations and that many HOAs have employed such devices with success deterring criminal activity and apprehending perpetrators.
New Sheriff Deputy Hillary Bennett was introduced. She is part of the contract deputy group serving PG. She said (among other things) last month there were 271 dispatched calls and 17 alarm calls.
Motorized vehicles on the levee (motor bikes and ATVs) are being seen with increasing frequency according to a resident who lives on Plantation Springs Dr. near Harvest Green. Deputy Bennett suggested that when such violations are spotted residents should immediately call the sheriff’s office so that an officer can be dispatched to the area. The PGMUD board instructed its operator, EDP, to survey the levee and make sure that signs prohibiting motorized vehicles are posted conspicuously with special attention to whether they are visible to newly developed areas such as Harvest Green.
PGVFD responded to more than 800 calls last month and more than 1,000 calls for the year (a new record). The fire department expects to take delivery of a high water capable vehicle very soon.
PGMUD board authorized its bond advisor to pursue refunding of $10,885,000 in bonds issued in 2013. If long term interest rates remain the same as today and the refunded bonds are sold March 10, 2020, PGMUD will save $833,700 over the 20 years to maturity. If rates increase to the point of making a refinancing uneconomic, PGMUD can abort a sale with only the cost of obtaining a credit rating.
PGMUD produced 45,673,000 gallons of water last month with adjusted accountability of 97.4%
Total water connections within the District remained steady at 4,485 (the apartments count as one connection).
Water meters replaced at 1.5 million gallons last month: 42
Visitors to PGMUD website last month: 1,516
Subscribers for news and alerts from PGMUD: 3,285
Pecan Grove rates for both tax and water continue to be lower than neighbors (see chart below). This chart can be found at www.pecangrovemud.com “Water and Tax Info”. While there please sign up for once a month news and alerts.
Victoria Garden at Old South drainage improvements are complete. Storm water drain capacity was greatly increased with the goal of preventing this intersection from becoming impassable when torrential rains occur.
The next regular PGMUD board of directors meeting: February 25, 2020 at Pecan Grove Baptist Church. The public’s attendance and comments are invited and welcome.
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 February 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 2020.
The Contractor has begun drilling operations associated with repairing the bank of Jones Creek. This activity will be loud at times and we appreciate the patience and understanding of nearby residents.
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 is replacing 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 expected to be 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 Surface Water Treatment Plant is expected to commence in January 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 February 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 design 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.
District is working to obtain construction bids for the project. Construction is expected to commence in early 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).
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.
