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7-5-08

1)  As usual, Independence Day was something special in Roman Forest.  Do I have pictures?  You betcha.  If you see a picture you like, let me know and I'll e-mail you a high resolution copy.

The Fireworks (still pictures)

The Parade (still pictures)

The Parade (YouTube video)

Click here to see the entire album of Independence Day photos.

1)  I've had a lot of inquiries about Independence Day Festivities around here.  In case you missed it on the opening page of this website, the parade and fireworks will be held on Saturday the 5th.  The parade is at 9, fireworks at dusk.  The pool will be open, the band MODOC will be playing, vendors, raffles, concessions, and a moonwalk for the kiddies will all be available.   

5-15-08, 9:30 pm, Updated 5-17-08

1)  There was a coin toss to settle the tie for city council.  Both Rusty Herman and JD Marshall received 141 votes in the May 10th election.  Rusty Herman picked tails and won the coin toss.  Check out the action here:

In case you can't see the above video, here is a direct YouTube link:   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJ5UiWc6OJI.

2)  Outside of the coin toss, it was a pretty uneventful council meeting.  A group presented that wants to put a sports complex on Creekside.  The proposed facility would encompass the FEMA floodplain by the creek on Creekside (from cul-de-sac to cul-de-sac) with parking across the road.  It would go halfway up Chariot and stop before it intersects with the Boulevard.  The concession stand and restrooms would be elevated.  There still is a lot of work to be done before this project can begin -- FEMA approval, environmental assessments, council approval, grants, etc.  Most of the other items on the agenda were tabled.  A digital sign ordinance was approved.  New council members will be sworn in next meeting.

Here is the building and police report:

Direct link:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AgLT9hircx0

Here is the municipal court report, including some financial information:

Direct link:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hbQIr6MyFx0

The election results canvass:

Direct link:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=go9EoSuHRwg

Here is the discussion related to the table at the NRA banquet:

Direct link:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pmZaMsT2PRI

3)  The mayor and council is working on making the deed restrictions city ordinances enforceable by law.  When the process gets closer to a vote, residents will have this packet made available for their review.

4)  There has been an elevation in the number of people posting on the message board.  You might as well be one of them, so be sure you get over there.  New names and faces always welcome.   :)

1)  Wow, it's been a long time since I updated this page.  Most of my wheezing has taken place on the message board.  Anyway, there are many important things happening right now that bear mention.  In no particular order...

2)  The road and ditch bond will be voted on May 10th.  There have been two public meetings to discuss issues pertaining to this bond.  I'm in the process of uploading the video to YouTube in about seven parts..  It should take less than 30 minutes to view and is very informative.  Here are the first four....I'm uploading as fast as I can:

Part II

Part III

Part IV

Direct link if you cannot view the view above:  

Part I:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k2fthz58hpE

Part II:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfz2vNVdyDk

Part III:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vtqQtmjbwgc

Part IV:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yX9uoez2JHI

3)  The city council also electing three positions May 10th.  Roman Forest is lucky to have attracted a field of highly qualified candidates.  

Position 1 - Art Loux not seeking re-election
Jerry Reasner
Ray Ricks

Position 3
JD Marshall (incumbent)
Rusty Herman - former council member

Position 5
Betty Burke (incumbent)
Zeb Miller

Mayor
Floyd Jackson running unopposed

Get out and vote May 10th.  Nothing steams me like major issues being decided by 30% of the population.

4)  There is a great group that has formed in the community to help with special events in Roman Forest.   Chaired by Jerry Reasner and assisted by Secretary Chari Ricks, this committee is mainly concerned with raising money for the 2009 July 4th fireworks.  So far, they plan to sell vendor space, sign space, and solicit money from other communities.  It is believed that most people attending the fireworks display are from neighboring communities, so it makes sense to have them pay for a portion of the display.  If interested, we are meeting at the city park, Thursday, April 24th at 6:15.  Or, you could just e-mail one of the above linked individuals.

1)  It's been a busy summer around here.  I had a new baby (7 weeks old tomorrow!) and tried to keep up with my 4 year-old.  Tomorrow I have to go back to work (sigh).  I haven't done as much as I normally do to the site this summer, but I've added a few new things.  The 2007 City Budget is new, the council agenda is new, and the message board is posted on pretty often.  Check it out!

2)  Here's a summary of the Thursday, August 16, 2007, council meeting.  The meeting was quite long and I left a little early, so it does not discuss everything on the agenda.

• There was public discussion.  There were more people than average in attendance because it was put on the sign at the front of the city.  Residents spoke about drainage issues, issues with Northland Cable not offering service to all residents, DSL, appearance of the city, and speeding on Magnolia Bend.

• There are technical issues with the DSL.  Don't expect DSL access soon.  Northland Cable would like to expand to all residents, but hasn't received approval from the corporate office to do so.

• Patrols on Magnolia Bend have been stepped up to stop dangerous speeders.

• Don Norwood and Jason McShensky from Conroe's TXDOT office were present to pass out copies of the plans for Highway 59 and to answer questions.  If you want to report potholes on Hwy 59 call 713-802-5000.

• New Caney Fire Chief Taylor talked about exciting new developments at the fire station.  By September 1 there will be a 24 hour ambulance there.  Beginning October 1 there will be a 24 hour manned station with paid firefighters present (Call your homeowners insurance company -- mine gives a discount for this!).  The inside of the fire station has been redone to accommodate these new services.

• If you are interested in FREE disaster training contact the city.

• There were 30 building inspections last month.  There were 252 police calls and 167 traffic violations.

• The pool will not be open on weekends past Labor Day like was originally planned.

• There was a lot of discussion about changing the permit fees for commercial construction.  No action was taken.

• Republic Waste's contract with the city is up October 31.  To keep the current fees the same Republic Waste wants to go to an automated trash collection system.  They would give each household one 95 gallon trash cart.  Each additional cart is $4 more per month.  There would only be one heavy trash day per month.  Presently heavy trash day is every Saturday.  The city is going to look into getting new bids from different companies.   Nothing was decided.

• The potential bond was discussed.  To get a bond for roads and ditches on the November ballot the paperwork has to be in soon.  There will be a special council meeting to discuss this.  According to Mayor Jackson, it cost $86,000 per mile to build a road by Precinct 4.  It would take $2 million to do all of the roads, excluding Magnolia Bend (already was done), Appian Way (County Road), and Roman Forest Blvd (County Road).  The city has 14 miles of road excluding Magnolia Bend, Appian Way, and the Boulevard.  The $2 million includes reclaiming the sub-base of the road.  

1)  The regularly scheduled city council meeting was short tonight.  Here's a brief rundown of the high points:  

• The city has met with FEMA representatives.  The flood maps are being revised.  They have already been released for Harris County and will soon be released for Montgomery County.  FEMA has said that there will be no future building in the floodways of Roman Forest.

• There were 24 building inspections last month, but no certificates of occupancy issued.

• There were no trials in the court last month.  Judge Samaan was reappointed as city judge.

• The city is $20K ahead of where it was last year, and there is over $100K in the bank.

• The recent problems with the pool have now been attributed to the pool filters.  All 14 have been changed and things are running smoothly.  About 200 people per day are using the pool.

• Former Councilman Rusty Herman received a plaque for his services to the city during his 72 months as a councilman.

• On Saturday there will be a radio operator's "convention" that the public is invited to attend at city hall.

• The May 12th election results were accepted.  The election cost about $3,000.

• Chris Parr was named Mayor Pro Tempore.

• Cell phones were a topic of hot discussion.  The county is switching over to Verizon and the city may follow suit.  The motion was tabled until a proposal could be received.

• Next year the city is purchasing a new truck and is looking into a new police car.  

• The city has received a second $10K grant that goes into the community fund.  The mayor, with the council's consent, is going to explore the possibility of having someone write additional grant proposals.

• Pipelines were also discussed.  When Gibraltar went bankrupt back in the 70's the pipeline/utility easements were turned over to the FDIC.  Originally the property was supposed to be a bridal path to the stables, or a "greenbelt".  They have come available for public sale and the county is disposing of them.  A resident has put in a bid for one behind his house and the county accepted his bid.  The council is going to re-look at Ordinance 205 in regards to usage of the property.   This will be on a future council agenda.

• Precinct 53 has to move from the fire station (no parking or air conditioner) to either the Woodbranch City Hall on Railroad Avenue or to the Roman Forest City Hall.  The council gave their consent for the county to use the facility for elections, if the county chooses to do so.

• Residents are encouraged to support the City's July 4th (1st) celebration.  New Horizon's, an organization that provides support to those with disabilities, is having a rubber duck race.  Ducks can be purchased for $10.

• A BBQ benefit for Buddy Overstreet will be held.  See the latest newsletter for time/place details.

• At the next council meeting there are papers to sign to receive the new $10K grant.

• A couple of guys want to put in APARTMENTS on 2.5 acres on the Boulevard.  The water board is making them pony up $5,000 for an initial survey.  Permits and related business to that will be on future council agendas.

1)  Interested in helping improve the appearance of our community and having fun?  A garden club may be in Roman Forest's future.  If you are interested in participating call JoNell Snider at City Hall to put your name on the contact list for the impending club.  I think it is a wonderful idea, and I'll see you at the first meeting!

2)  Here is a link to an article in today's Courier.  This poor fellow has some land off of Hwy 242, and his appraisal went up almost 2000% this year.  Here is also a link to another article in today's paper about appraisals.

3)  Congrats to Roman Forest's new councilman, Lennox "Beaver" Lovelady!  The other two candidates are also to be commended stepping up and being willing to work for the community.  On behalf of the democratic process, I would like to personally thank the 200 residents that went out and voted Saturday.  It is really a shame that more people don't make an effort to vote in small, local elections.  If anyone needs a voter registration card, I have a vast supply...just e-mail me.  

1)  That was some storm last night!  Go to this link to view storm pictures and post your own damage.

2)  'Tis the season for appraisals.  Go to the tax page to see how you stack up to your neighbors.  Of the 115 homes I looked at, they averaged a 11.6% tax hike.

Here is a summary of last night's city council meeting:

• All council members were present except for Councilman Loux.  There was an above-average crowd at the meeting.

• A resident spoke about some households parking on their front lawns and the derogatory aesthetic effect this has on the community.  Mayor Jackson responded that the deed restrictions are not enforceable by police.  Under a set of ordinances currently being created/revised by Councilman Herman, these kinds of issues would be addressed.

• AT&T DSL will allegedly be available by the end of the month.
  

• Roads and ditches – Mayor Jackson will research the feasibility of a bond.  Commissioner Rinehart can offer the best prices to the city, but roads still cost approximately $84,000 per mile.  Roman Forest has 13-14 miles of roads, excluding Appian Way and Roman Forest Boulevard, which are maintained by the county.  There is no way the city could afford new roads without a bond.  Drainage was also discussed.  The city will ask for an engineer to evaluate the situation through Ed Rinehart’s office.

• Building Department – There are about 17-18 new homes under construction.  One final inspection was done last month (see building report when I get it posted).  It was estimated that there might be as many as 32 new homes this year.  Houston Homebuilders is coming back to Roman Forest to build.  Riley Homes has plans for 9 new homes.

• Police Report – 109 traffic citations, 14 arrests, 3 felony arrests, 4 family violence calls, 1 DWI, 3 Public Intoxications, 1 possession of a controlled substance.  The non-resident that rolled over his Jeep at the intersection of the Boulevard and Redbud was not seriously injured despite significant damage to his vehicle.

• Court Report - $14,223 in revenue was collected.  65% of this money must be turned into the state.

• Maintenance Report – The park was mowed four times, trash on the Boulevard was picked up three times, usual maintenance was done on the pool.
  

• In old business, the culvert permit for Bud Davis’ house was extended to allow the resident more time to complete the project.

• A resolution was unanimously passed at the encouragement of State Senator Tommy Williams supporting HB 2818, a measure that would delay electrical competition in the Southeast Texas electrical market.  Presently Entergy is the only provider available to Roman Forest, and its rates are regulated by the state.  Deregulation would create competition, but possibly increase bills by as much as 40%, according to the Senator’s office. 

• The Lone Star Groundwater Conservation District has passed a measure that says regardless of whether cities provide customers with surface (river or lake) water or groundwater (well water), the cost of providing surface water to Montgomery County will be governed by the District by 2015.  The cost of Roman Forest’s water will be adjusted to where residents are paying for the construction of surface water treatment systems along the I-45 corridor, even though they may not benefit from them.  East Montgomery County would be lumped in with all of Montgomery County, despite the main need for water being in the West County.  Most water-producing entities from EMC do not have a representative on the LSGCD board.  In a nutshell, this will lead to significantly higher water rates for Roman Forest.  I encourage you to read the report here.

• A resolution supporting HB 600 and HB 1031 was unanimously passed.  These bills exempt small entities like school districts and small cities from the requirement of electric voting machines except in federal elections.  When the electronic voting machine requirement took effect, the cost of a council election went from $300 to $3,000.

• An IRA savings plan for employees was unanimously passed.  Edward Jones will provide the plan.  The city will match 1% of each employee’s salary for the first two years, then put 2% into the fund after that point.  The police, city secretary, clerk and maintenance department will be eligible.  City salaries total $253,467. 

• July 4^th – Steve Wheeler with the Cleveland Fire Department is slated to be the pyrotechnic person.  Local band Modec wants to do a battle of the bands.  Vendors are welcome and space is free.  The city requests 10% of all sales from the vendors.

• $169.95 was unanimously approved for QuickBooks 2007 and its updates to help manage the city’s financial information.

• City Secretary JoNell Snider suggested a "Meet The Candidates" night.  It will be held Wednesday, April 25th at 7:00.  Lennox "Beaver" Lovelady, Rusty Herman, and John Armour are all running position 4.

• The council adjourned into executive session to consider the real estate purchase of one of the utility easements by David and Peggy Beall.

1)  There was a great article in today's East Montgomery County Observer.  Thanks to the good work of resident Susan Jones, Roman Forest residents can now use "Roman Forest" instead of "New Caney" as their city.  She wrote a letter to the Post Master General asking for this change.  Read the article here.  Thanks, Susan....I've already ordered new address labels!

3-11-07, 8:41 pm

1)  According to an e-mail I received, EzBay is having a grand-opening event down at their place:

"I just wanted to announce that EzBay Assistant will be having its grand opening on March 31 from 8 am - 4 pm. We'll be having a "rummage sale," a 5% discount on all items dropped off for listing on Ebay for first-time customers, we'll also have information available for how our Ebay drop-off store works, etc. We're in the process of moving into our new, larger space (same building, different suite), where we will offer faxing and shipping services, as well as accept items for Ebay. Our phone number is 281-689-3456 and we're open Monday-Friday from 10 am -6 pm."

They are located at 1714 RFB at the front of Roman Forest.

2) The Roman Forest CMUD is seeking renewal on its permit to discharge treated wastewater at a volume not to exceed a daily average flow of 322,000 gallons per day.  Read all the gory details here.

3)  Ladies (and vanity-conscious men), this is a review for the Just Your Style Hair Salon at the front of Roman Forest.  I have eyed them suspiciously for the 2.5 years, thinking that whatever they were doing there couldn't be better than what I was getting for my $38 plus tip clip down at the Conservatory in Kingwood.  Finally my need for convenience won out, and I scheduled an appointment with Tammy (281-689-2403).   For a paltry $12 plus tip she washed, layered, blow-dried and styled my below-shoulder length hair.  I think she did a great job, and received many compliments the next day.  She isn't open on weekends, but stays late on Mondays to accommodate us worker bees.  Call for an appointment.

4)  The smell of elections is in the air.  Positions 2 & 4 are open.  Tomorrow is the last day to file, so get down to City Hall if you have an interest.  I'm hoping this election will produce more dialogue about the issues than previous elections for council.  It breaks my little government-teacher heart when elections are purely name recognition.  Do you here me candidates?  I want webpages (e-mail me...I work for free), flyers, door-to-door visits, and other elements of a good small-town election.  Don't forget to drop off a sign at my house.  I'd like a whole collection. 

1)  It's a boy...a very wiggly boy.  What I wouldn't give for a good night's sleep!  Name pending...

2)  I've revised the below information to reflect new information that is coming in about the park.  Now it is being said that most of the park will be on the North side of Caney Creek.  Who knows...talk about a project that could really use a website!

1)  There is new information coming in about the Dinosaur Park.  The park has grown from the initial 50 acre estimate to 250 acres.  A 50 acre parking lot might going to be put on the Roman Forest side of Highway 59 on part of the old Rice land.  New info says that the majority of the park will be on the North side of Caney Creek.  A shuttle bus might used to transport visitors across 59.  Unfortunately, the non-permeable parking lot will likely increase flooding for nearby residents (where ever it is...Woodbranch, New Caney, who knows)

EMCID President Frank McCrady claims that the park will employ 2,000 people and house 7-9 restaurants.  He says that construction will begin in 2008 and the park will open in 2010.  A special economic zone will be created if approved by the Texas State Legislature.  This will allow for additional taxes to be collected to help pay for the park.  EMCID is expected (if they haven’t already) to raise the sales tax rate to collect more money.  Property taxes on land are expected to increase.

2)  Synopsis of the City Council Meeting, February 15, 2007

City Secretary JoNell Snider announced that City Hall has raffle tickets for the Wayne Tullos benefit.  Resident Jerry Reasner spoke to the council about the deteriorating condition of the roads and encouraged the group to investigate alternate means of financing repairs.  Presently there is $40,000-$50,000 in the road and ditch fund. 

Something I didn’t know was that Roman Forest cannot annex past the front bridge because of an agreement with Woodbranch made during the 1970’s.  The water district used to be in charge of the ditches, but years ago it was somehow turned over to the city for upkeep.  The mayor is going to investigate and see if the transfer of the ditches was legal and binding. 

In the January Building Report, Inspector Rick Martinez reported two frames, one foundation, one final inspection and one certificate of occupancy was issued.  Kevin Carlton of Landmark Homes is finishing his last house on the Boulevard and says he isn’t going to build anymore in Roman Forest because he losing money.

The January Police Report stated that there were 112 dispatches, eighty violations, eight traffic arrests, two felony arrests, and six misdemeanor arrests.  There were 4 misdemeanor theft arrests for stealing stop signs.  One of Dr. Sutton’s vehicles had its window shot out and its door damaged.  There was one burglary at G. Powell’s house on Athens.  Police are still searching for the perpetrators.  There was one medical assist call on Magnolia Bend, and two public intoxications.  Officer Looza was promoted to Lieutenant, and Officer Shrekenbach (sp?) resigned.  His position as not been filled.  One police car has been in the shop for brakes, and another needed a new catalytic converter to pass state inspection. 

The court collected $8,803 in revenues last month.  There is one trial by jury next month.  At the court held on Valentine’s Day there were fourteen no-shows. 

There will be a special meeting of the City Council on March 7^th to discuss something related to a $3.3 million dollar bond.  I am uncertain as to the exact nature of this meeting, but I will post it as soon as I know.

The city maintenance workers have been busy mowing grass at the park and pool, patching roads and the repairing the city parking lot.  In the recent heavy rains, two of the culverts caved, and a large oak tree fell knocking down a stop sign.  Somebody came along and ran over the sign, doing damage to their vehicle in the process.  The lifeguard stand has been regalvenized for $400 and a second one is being built.

Because YMCA Representative Danielle Bailey was unable to attend the meeting, discussion of turning the pool over to the YMCA was tabled until next meeting.  The council seems primed to accept the agreement between the city and the YMCA because the pool is unprofitable for the city to run.

Building Inspector Rick Martinez was given a raise of $145 per month.  It was his first raise in four or five years.

Last month a resident came to the Council complaining of vehicles blaring music and disrupting his tranquility.  After investigating, the Mayor reported that there are state laws against noise of this sort.  The city is going to put up signs in the front and back of Roman Forest warning traffic that noise laws are enforced.  The first offense in a warning, and the second time is a Class C Misdemeanor.

Councilman Herman presented Council with a 60+ page publication of proposed zoning ordinances.  The issue was tabled until members had an opportunity to review them.

Although Councilman Parr wasn’t present, a potential conflict of interest was discussed between the auto repair business that Parr owns (Chris’ Auto) and the City of Roman Forest.  A motion was passed stating that it has been the council’s experience that Chris’ Auto provides the most beneficial service in a timely and cost effective manner.  Parr reduces the rate to repair city vehicles and changes the oil in city vehicles for free.

Drainage on the Boulevard was discussed.  There are about 600 feet of ditches spanning four lots that need work.  At least two of the culverts are plugged.  During the last heavy rain, water was observed seeping up from the pavement.  This indicates that the sub-road is damaged.  The Mayor is going to contact Commissioner Rinehart and have him initiate the repairs.  Mayor Jackson estimates that it will cost about $600 to repair the ditches ($1 per foot).

The city approved a measure to allowing New Caney ISD, Woodbranch, and Roman Forest to hold joint elections.  The Americans with Disabilities Act requires that there be at least one electronic voting machine, which are very expensive to rent.  Last year 70% of all small cities exclusively used paper ballots, violating the law but avoiding thousands of dollars in election-related expenses.

Mayor Jackson reported what he learned at the Chamber of Commerce meeting about the Dinosaur Park (see the first entry in today’s daily report).  The meeting dismissed at 9:07.

2-14-07, 6:45 pm

1)  Here is a link to tomorrow's city council meeting agenda (Word Format).  Festivities start at 7:30.  

1)  A roast honoring Montgomery County Commissioner Ed Rinehart will be held Saturday, April 21^st at the East Montgomery County Improvement District building.  “Roasting Rinehart – A Rare Affair” will feature a barbeque buffet, beer, and country music.  Tickets are $25, and proceeds will go to the remodeling of a cabin at Lake Houston Park by the Leadership EMC community group.  The event starts at 7:00 and the dress is casual.  For more information or to purchase tickets contact Jill at 281-703-5022 or jillcarlson@nctv.com. 

1)  I'm doing some updating on the site.  One of the new features I have planned is a "city document" site.  I acquire a lot of stuff just by going to council meetings that I don't have a place to put -- until now.  Look there for minutes and handouts.

2)  Here's a synopsis of the January 2007 council meeting:  

Brian, a new resident as of July, spoke about the problem of vehicles with loud music driving down the Boulevard.  The loud music rattles the windows of his home and is laced with obscenities.  The city does have a nuisance ordinance, but it is unclear if there is exclusively a noise ordinance.  Until this confusion is clarified, Mayor Jackson will issue a general order to the police ordering them to stop offenders and make them aware that they are being disruptive.  The issue will also be put in the newsletter.

The Grand Parkway is again scheduled to go through the Community Drive area.  The council minutes were approved from last month.

The building inspector's report for December '06 said that there were 17 inspections done, and one certificate of occupancy issued.  J.C. Riley Homes is beginning to build in Roman Forest and plans to work on 4-5 homes at a time. 

There has been change in personnel at the police department.  Officer Weid has resigned and has been replaced by Stephen Carlisle.  There were 9 traffic arrests, 1 DUI, 2 911 calls, 3 family violence calls, 114 written warnings, and 81 traffic tickets.  There were also 2 possession of a controlled substance arrests.  Officer Looza and his backup seized a bunch of pills in the back of Roman Forest (I was unclear if it was the back toward Tram Road or the back toward Parthenon).  All three police cars are working after two of them had work done.  The officer of the year is Sgt. Art Looza.  The Boy Scout Troup affiliated with the police have begun fundraisers.  38 Class C Misdemeanor warrants were issued.  The city has $150,000 in the bank.

The maintenance crew has been working on ditches, trimming trees and getting leaves out of ditches.  The pool motor has been fixed.  The columns at the front of Roman Forest Blvd were brought up as a maintenance issue.  The columns are not within the city limits.  Originally there were fountains in the middle of columns, but since then the pump has been stolen and the lines that carry the water have collapsed.  Someone proposed drilling holes in concrete so that water no longer would stand in there.  Councilman Parr suggested that it would look nice with plants and other landscaping filling the space between the columns.  

Danielle Bailey from the East Montgomery County YMCA was back with a proposal for the YMCA to operate the pool this summer.  Here is a copy of the contract she brought with her.  Here is a handout she gave about her qualifications and the about the YMCA.  Councilman Hermann suggested that Larry the City Lawyer take a look at the contract and then make necessary adjustments.  This issue will be on the agenda next month.

Council Hermann then began on the issue of commercial deed restrictions in Roman Forest.  A commercial deed restriction was thrown out a long time ago, but it is unclear what replaced it.  When city hall burned years back, much of the original ordinances and other documents were lost.  There is a lot of confusion because of this.  The council is going to investigate.  If nothing replaced the restriction that was thrown out, Hermann suggested creating a new baseline for commercial property restrictions.

There was then discussion about the July 4th festivities...namely fireworks.  The council previously had voted to designate the grant money that was spent on fireworks to ditches and drainage.  In the next newsletter there will be a survey to gauge interest in the fireworks that residents should be returned to city hall.

Election machines were also on the agenda.  Rental of polling machines can cost the city 8K to 10K.  One machine can cost $3,500 just to rent for one election.  It is a federal law that there has to be at least one electronic machine for the disabled (even if no disabled show up).  Usually this cost is split between entities having elections -- school board, Woodbranch, EMCID, etc.  If nobody runs against city council, the expense can be avoided.  If somebody runs against a present member of council, a machine must be rented.  Ideally this cost could be shared with a neighboring entity unless the neighboring entity has nobody running.  The first date to file for council is February 10th or the following Monday.  It will be late March before the city knows if there is an election.  Councilman Loux suggested changing the length of term of mayoral and council positions from 2 years to 4 years to lessen the number of elections that the city has to pay for.  This would have to be done as a voter referendum. 

An ordinance was passed to bring Roman Forest's burning ordinance in line with the State of Texas.  The new ordinance says that if there is a flame the OWNER must be present.  This adds a new dimension to building a home...if a home builder is planning to build a house and he hires someone to do the clearing, the OWNER has to be present when the person hired to do the clearing burns.  Or, if the home builder has already sold the lot that the home is about to be built on, the new owners must be present.  The Montgomery County Health Services enforcement officer seems to be tightening enforcement on burning.

A revision to a current ordinance was also accepted.  Some guy had come into city hall claiming that he didn't need a logging permit because he was only "landscaping".  There was nothing on the books that defined what is landscaping and what is logging.  The new text says that, "it shall not be considered as landscaping if more than six trees over four inches at the base are removed over a 12 month period" (or something very similar).  This clears up any confusion about the need for a logging permit.

Advertisements are now being accepted for the city newsletter.  For a business card-sized ad, it will cost around $20.  Contact JoNell at city hall if you are interested.

1-15-07, 6:15 pm

1)  I hope everyone is staying warm.  Montgomery County is presently under an ice storm warning.  

2)  The next city council meeting is January 18th at 7:30.  Here is a copy of the agenda in Microsoft Word (recommended) and in Txt (Notepad) format.  See you there!

3)  I got my hands on a copy of the Montgomery County Appraisal District's planned projects for 2007 (Adobe Acrobat format).  It is interesting to see what they plan on reevaluating with field surveys and the new development.  I didn't see Roman Forest as a planned project, which makes me the tiniest bit optimistic.  I'm sure by now everyone has gotten their Christmas card from J.R. Moore, which is due by the end of January without penalty.  Follow this link to make sure they received your payment or that your mortgage company has made payment on your behalf.  It never hurts to check.

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