Montgomery Staff and Council Christmas Lunch

On December 14, Montgomery staff and council were treated to a wonderful Christmas lunch catered by Miss Pat's Kitchen .  Pat served a very yummy meal with chicken or pork loin and fixins.  Her deserts were fabulous as well.  If you couldn't make it, you missed out.

Christmas in Historic Montgomery

Christmas in Montgomery was a blast this year.  On Saturday, December 10, Montgomery was packed with people who enjoyed a wonderful hometown parade, candlelight home tour, cookie walk, many vendors, and a lot of fellowship.  Following are a few pictures.

Christmas in Historic Montgomery

Montgomery promises to be very colorful this Christmas.  Shop owners throughout the city are participating in a contest for best lighting with residents.  The Civic Club will be handing out cash prizes best decorations.  December 10th is the big day in Montgomery with the Holiday Marketplace, Christmas Cookie Walk, Candlelight Home Tour, and Christmas Parade at 11 am.  Get more information on the City of Montgomery website.

Planning and Zoning Meeting Scheduled for November 21

A planning and zoning meeting is scheduled for November 21 at 7 pm.  The agenda has not yet been posted for the meeting, but some items that may be considered include:

• Zone amendment for property on Lone Star Bend (Live Oak Assisted Living Center) to R-2.
• Variance Request for Lone Star Cowboy Church to allow metal siding on arena.
• Historic District building permit for Rancher's Daughter.
• Minor Plat for Barnes Office Building.
• Discussion on revisions to the Zoning Ordinance.

Other items may be included on the agenda which will be posted on November 18, 2011 on the City website as well as at City Hall.

City Council Meeting - November 15

City Council will meet Tuesday November 15, 2011 at City Hall in Montgomery.  Items that may be considered on the agenda include:

• Red Light Camera Ordinance and Contract.
• Villas of Mia Lago Final Plat and Variances.
• Acceptance of the Montgomery Community Building from the County.
• Alcoholic Beverage Permit for Kickin' Ash BBQ.
• Approval of MIDC Projects.
• Appointment of a Development Advisory Board for consideration of an Impact Fee.
• Review of the Sign Ordinance.
• Ongoing Capital Projects.
• Wrecker Ordinance.
• Request for City to maintain Memory Park.

Other items may also be considered and will be posted in an agenda on the City website on November 11, 2011.

City Council Meeting - October 11

A City Council meeting will be held on Tuesday, October 11, 2011 at 7:00 pm.  Items on the agenda will include a public hearing on a rezone of 15030 Liberty Street from residential to commercial and on a Wrecker ordinance; consideration of an engineering proposal for preliminary design for a water well; and consideration of an ordinance to tax personal property in transit.

TxDOT Maintenance

Residents will notice traffic detours in Montgomery the week of October 3 and 10th due to maintenance work on State Highway 105 (Eva St.).  Crews are repairing cracked pavement in the City.  In the next couple of weeks, construction crews currently working south of Montgomery on Farm to Market 149 will be working in the City along Liberty St.

City Council Meeting - September 27

There is a City Council Meeting on September 27. An agenda can be found on the City Website. The Agenda includes a public hearing for an ordinance that would modify water and sewer rates. Other significant items include the appointment of a Municipal Court presiding judge, selection of a water and sewer operations company, a development agreement with Chris Cheatham and MISD.

Montgomery P&Z Meeting Monday, September 26 at 7 pm

There are three items on the agenda for Planning and Zoning Meeting Monday at 7:00 pm. A demolition permit in the Historic District for Megan Stultz (14375 Liberty), a rezone request for 15030 Liberty from Residential to Commercial (Hatchett Property at NE Corner of Lone Star Parkway and Liberty), and Villas of Mia Lago Final Plat.

K-9 Demonstration at Lone Star Convention Center

Officer Bellard and I appeared at the Coat of Many Colors Benefit at Lone Star Convention Center on September 16 to demonstrate his skills before dozens of guests. I sent Ofc. Bellard in a few minutes early to give an introduction and allow the City Administrator time to hide his stash before I came in. When I entered the room, there was an overpowering odor of narcotics, but I patiently waited for Ofc. Bellard to allow me to search the room. I knew where the bag was immediately, but I circled the room for a dramatic effect causing an old woman sitting near the mayor to squeal. After sitting near the target, I let Ofc. Bellard play with my ball. Then came the real fun. I helped train Darrell to be a criminal. Unfortunately he was wearing a padded suit so when he threatened me, I was not able to bite him too hard, but I did knock him to the ground and growl a lot. Ofc. Bellard called me to stop, but I wasn't finished training Darrell yet, so Bellard had to pull me by the collar. The old lady squealed again. My work was done so Ofc. Bellard barked at the audience for another few minutes while I sampled the Bar B Que. Thank you to Dr. Michael Hayles and the Coat of Many Colors for all they do in helping people get training for jobs. I did my part by training Ofc. Bellard and Darrell for their jobs as police officers.

BY: KILO, Montgomery Police Dept. K-9 Unit

Montgomery to Celebrate National Night Out on October 4th

National Night Out is a movement across the US and Canada to encourage cooperation between communities and local agencies to increase awareness of issues related to security and crime.  Montgomery will have a citywide "block party" on October 4th at the Montgomery Community Building on Texas' National Night Out Day.  City staff, officials, and police officials will be on hand to speak and listen to citizens.  The Goal of this event is to develop communication and relationships to create a partnership to stand to prevent and respond to crime in our neighborhoods.

http://www.natw.org/nno/about.html

Montgomery FY 2011 Sales Tax Beats Estimate

With the final month of sales taxes received in this fiscal year, Montgomery has received more than was estimated in the budget amendment passed in June.  The September receipts are about $10,000 less than this month in 2010, but the figures for the fiscal year $1.22 M are better than was budgeted ($1.14 M).  A history of the sales tax receipts can be found at this site:

http://www.mactexas.com/open/SalesTaxCharts/SalesTaxCharts/101295/1012046

Senator Nichols to Visit Montgomery

Montgomery will be hosting a meet and greet for State Senator Robert Nichols at the Lone Star Convention Center on Lone Star Parkway in Montgomery on Thursday, September 15, 2011 between 2:30 and 4:00 pm.  This will be a great opportunity to meet and hear from our Senator in a wonderful setting.  Please make plans to come and call City Hall at 597-6434 if you would like additional information.

Montgomery Co. Food Bank Dropoff at City Hall

Montgomery City Hall is now a location for dropping off non-perishable food for the Montgomery County Food Bank.  Please bring some canned food when visiting us to pay utility bills or for City Council meetings.  There is a box in the front hallway for these items.  The City will periodically take the items to Montgomery County Food Bank for those in need.  This is particularly important in light of the recent fires that have left so many of our neighbors out of their homes.

Wine and Music Festival on September 17

The Montgomery Wine and Music Festival is finally here.  This Saturday, September 17, festivities will start around 11 a.m. and continue through the day in downtown Montgomery.  Admission is free and there will be activities for the whole family.  More information can be found at the Historic Montgomery Business Association Site at http://www.hmba.biz/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=125&Itemid=124.

Water and Sewer Rates

City Council will consider changing water and sewer rates at its meeting on September 13 at 7 p.m.  Council appointed a committee of residents to work with staff and evaluate the rate structure.  The new rate structure recommended by the committee will reduce base rates for residential and irrigation water customers while increasing the usage fees to encourage conservation.  Commercial and Institutional rates will be increased as well to encourage conservation.  The effect of the rate changes on income to the City is negligible.

In addition to the rate modifications mentioned above, the Council will consider increasing the Groundwater Reduction Program rate from $0.55/1000 gallons to $0.70/1000 gallons to fund the City's participation in a joint Groundwater Reduction Plan in accordance with rules issued by the Lone Star Groundwater Conservation District.

After City Council hears the recommendations of the Water Committee, it will direct City staff to prepare an ordinance and set public hearings for adoption of new water rates at its September 27th meeting.

Fernland Volunteers Working Overtime

Tremendous progress has been made at Fernland as the grand opening approaches on Saturday.  Volunteers have been painting, landscaping, and completing interior renovations to get the Hulon House and Simonton House ready to display artifacts and become a living history lesson.  The City is very excited to be a part of this partnership with the Fernland corporation and Sam Houston State University.  Please come and join us as we inaugurate this beautiful historical village on September 17 at 11:30 a.m. Afterward, come and enjoy the Wine and Music Festival downtown for a wonderful Saturday in Historic Montgomery.

Fires sweep through west Montgomery County

Many local families are out of their houses and a number have lost everything in the fires that are currently sweeping west Montgomery County communities.  You can help by donating to the Montgomery County Food Bank at http://www.montgomerycountyfoodbank.com/.  The United Way and Red Cross are also accepting donations.

Habitat Group at Fernland

Thank you to the local Habitat for Humanity chapter for working so hard to complete the roof on the Arnold Simonton House before the grand opening.  See Profile Picture at Blog.  It has taken many volunteers to get Fernland Park in shape over the last few days.  www.Fernland.org

Council Approves 2011 Tax Rate and 2012 Budget

On August 30, 2011 Montgomery City Council approved the fiscal year 2012 budget and the 2011 ad valorem tax rate for the city.  The budget, which is found on the city's website reduces the city budget by $300,000.  The tax rates adopted are $0.1575 per $100 valuation for operations and maintenance and $0.2580 per $100 valuation for debt service for a combined ad valorem tax rate of $0.4155 down from $0.4199 in 2010.  Please see courier story at

http://www.yourhoustonnews.com/courier/news/montgomery-officials-to-vote-on-reduced-budget-and-tax-rate/article_19f8b483-2406-57d9-932a-19f0b8f4f8f1.html

MIDC and Council Authorize Fernland Expenses

Volunteers are braving the heat and working overtime to get Fernland Historical Park ready for its grand opening on September 17.  The City of Montgomery's economic development corporation and City Council have approved the expenditure of $30,000 for an air conditioner, lighting, landscaping, and the final touches to complete the museum within the Arnold-Simonton house.  The Simonton house which was recently moved across town to the site was built in 1845 and will provide a "cool" spot within a village of cabins that date back to the 1820's.  Find out more about Fernland at http://www.fernland.org/.

Police Department launches Facebook page

Our new police chief, Royce Goodson has launched a Facebook page located at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Montgomery-Police-Department/199620566760699 for the Montgomery Police Department.   The Chief has earned his stripes jumping into our city staff right in the middle of budget preparation.

Chief has convened a committee of residents to review a proposal to consider red light traffic cameras at city intersections.   This committee is expected to report to city council at an upcoming meeting.

Construction Projects Underway in Montgomery

There are several construction projects currently underway in Montgomery:

Water Line Extensions:  Water lines are being replaced and extended along Mystic, Community Drive, Lawson, and Simonton.  Six-inch diameter water lines will replace 1 to 2 inch water lines in the area and resolve localized pressure and capacity issues.  This project is being funded by a Community Development Block Grant.

Emergency Generators:  New emergency generators are being installed at various pump stations and at city hall. These generators will help the city to continue to provide vital services during times of power outage like we experienced in Hurricane Ike.  These projects are being funded by federal disaster mitigation grants.  If you have any questions or concerns regarding construction in the city, please call Public Works Director, Ronnie Christian at 597-6434.

Wine and Music Festival on September 17

The very popular Montgomery Wine and Music Festival will be held in downtown Montgomery on Saturday September 17.  A website with more information is here: http://www.hmba.biz/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=125&Itemid=124

Music for the event will include Cody Johnson, John Slaughter, Bri Bagwell, Clayton Gardener, Steven Sweeten Band, and the Jazz Connection.  Activities include wine and beer tasting, a variety of foods, and fun events for the whole family.

City Council Meeting - August 30

Montgomery City Council will be meeting on August 30  http://www.historicmontgomerytexas.com/agenda.php   in special session to consider the 2012 Budget and 2011 ad valorem tax rate for the city.  Other items on the agenda include the consideration and possible action on a Planned Development District overlay zone for a property on Prairie St. and the appointment of an assistant prosecutor for municipal court.

Montgomery Industrial Development Council

Montgomery Industrial Development Council (MIDC) http://www.historicmontgomerytexas.com/MIDC.php will be meeting August 29, 2011 at City Hall.  MIDC is an economic development corporation for the city and it will be discussing its strategy for promoting economic growth as well as discussing specific projects that may be placed on next years budget.  Also on the agenda for the meeting is a request for approval of $30,000 to complete the Arnold Simonton house in Fernland Park before its grand opening.  Fernland Historical Park http://www.fernland.org/ is an ongoing project of the corporation and it is located on Clepper Drive.

City 2012 Budget

On August 23, City Council will consider a proposed 2012 Budget for the City and an ad valorem tax rate.  The City's projected expenses for FY 2012 (all funds) are $3,073,253 a reduction of $343,317 from 2011.  A copy of the proposed budget is available from the City Secretary.

Montgomery's Water

Water is a hot topic in the county this year with the level of Lake Conroe dropping every day.  The City of Montgomery does not use water from Lake Conroe, but utilizes two wells in the Jasper Aquifer approximately 800 feet below ground.  We have checked our water levels and have sufficient water to serve the community.

Montgomery has a Drought Contingency Plan that has been in place for years.  The plan has various stages of water conservation and restrictions that are automatically initiated by water use.  For example when the water system reaches 75% of capacity, Stage I - Voluntary Water Restrictions is automatically initiated.  Currently, Montgomery is pumping at about 45% of capacity and has not reached the automatic restrictions.  However, the City Council has directed staff to initiate Stage I - Voluntary Water Restrictions to conserve water and reduce pumping on the Jasper Aquifer.

Therefore, we ask that residents voluntarily limit irrigation to the hours of 8pm to 10am daily.  Also, the City will not be using water to flush water lines during this time.  Our goal is to achieve a 5% reduction in water use.  Montgomery is also aggressively pursuing water leaks and other water losses to conserve its limited resource. Please report any water leaks or incidents of tampering with fire hydrants to the City.

Finally, Montgomery is closely following developments in the evaluation of the Catahoula aquifer.  This is an aquifer that has not been utilized for water in the past and may become an important new water source for the City.  Already, we are in a joint groundwater reduction program with April Sound who has just drilled a well into the Catahoula.  Montgomery is also investigating the utilization of the Catahoula to provide a reliable water source for the future while complying with the requirements of Lone Star Groundwater Conservation District to reduce pumpage in the Jasper Aquifer.