Jeff Perry

This document outlines the Stormwater Management Program (SWMP) for Fort Bend County Levee Improvement District No. 17, operating under the TPDES General Permit Number TXR040000. The program aims to reduce pollutants from the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) to the maximum extent practicable, protect water quality, and meet federal and state requirements. Key focus areas include public education, outreach, and involvement; illicit discharge detection and elimination; construction site stormwater runoff control; post-construction stormwater management in new development and redevelopment; and pollution prevention and good housekeeping for municipal operations. The SWMP details measurable goals and implementation schedules for these minimum control measures, with activities planned over a five-year permit term.

Key discussions included the solicitation of auditing services, where action was deferred to allow two Directors to meet with one firm before the next meeting. Financial matters involved reviewing the September bookkeeper's report, the bills presented, and updates on debt service requirements, with the draft budget for FY 2025 to be presented in November. Tax matters included approval of the September tax report. Operational discussions covered lake maintenance, including one fountain repair, and the removal of two alligators from the main lake. In park development, Pay Estimates No. 7 and No. 8 and Final for the Landscape Replacement project were recommended for approval, along with Change Order No. 2 for the Phase II fence replacement project. The Board also approved the removal of three crepe myrtles on Wescott Avenue and the removal/replacement of diseased rose bushes. Engineering matters included approval of pay estimates for the Pump Station No. 1 and Pump Station No. 2 improvement projects, and approval of an Interlocal Cost Sharing Agreement for the Ditch "H" rehabilitation project. The Board approved the proposal for services to prepare and submit the Notice of Intent and updated Stormwater Management Program required by the renewed MS4 Permit, with a deadline of February 11, 2025. The 2024 tax rate was posted on the District's website.

The Board discussed financial and bookkeeping matters, approving the bookkeeping report and presented bills. The tax assessor/collector's report was reviewed, noting 99.58% collection of 2021 taxes. A crucial item involved setting the 2022 tax rate; the Board resolved to set the public hearing for October 13, 2022, to propose a total tax rate of $0.495 per $100 of assessed valuation ($0.25 for debt service and $0.245 for operations and maintenance). In operations, the installation of new split air conditioning units at pump stations was confirmed, and sluice gate issues were resolved. Regarding park development and maintenance, the Board ratified parks committee approvals for irrigation repairs, dead tree removal, and wildflower seeding. Pay Estimates No. 3 for Landscape Replacement Phase 1 and Phase 2 were approved. The Landscape Replacement Phase 4 was decided to be separated into three contracts to accelerate completion. The Board also approved an estimate not to exceed $62,700 for tree removal around the main lake to promote grass growth and address erosion. The TCA maintenance agreement was concurred to renew for another year, contingent on continued performance monitoring. Updates were provided on lake maintenance, engineering matters (including surface water easement and pump station improvements), and the City of Sugar Land's proposed Ditch "H" hike and bike trail. The Board also reviewed directors' annual continuing education requirements.

The Board considered financial and bookkeeping matters, including the approval of the bookkeeper's report and payment of bills, and confirmed receipt of funds from the University of Houston. An Arbitrage Rebate Report for Series 2019 Refunding Bonds indicated no payments due to the IRS. Key operational discussions involved reviewing lake maintenance, facility operations (including posting specific Brazos River level information online), and tax assessment/collection reports, along with preliminary 2024 commercial property values. Park development and maintenance involved approving tree removal proposals on Hetherington Avenue and Telfair/Chatham Avenues, authorizing commencement of fence work using a selected brick design, and deferring action on lighting installation at Habersham Park and new park amenities until the next budget discussion. Engineering items included approving a change order for Pump Station No. 1 improvements and Pay Estimate No. 7 for Pump Station No. 2, and authorizing the advertisement for bids for the Lake Erosion Repair Project, Phase 3. The Board also approved travel reimbursements for directors to attend the AWBD and NAFSMA conferences.

The Board considered several matters including the appointment of a new Director, Shyama (Sam) Popuri, and the subsequent approval of her Sworn Statement, Official Bond, and Oath of Office. The Board reorganized its officers, reflecting the new Director appointment, and authorized filing an updated District Registration Form with the TCEQ. Training requirements for the Texas Open Meetings Act and Public Information Act were reviewed. Financial matters included the approval of the bookkeeping report and associated bills, which included payments to Yellowstone Landscape - Central, Inc. and Director Popuri. In tax matters, the Board approved the tax report, noting 91.12% collection of 2023 taxes, and adopted a resolution rejecting all tax exemptions. Lake maintenance involved approving the service renewal for Levee Management Services (LMS). The Board approved the Year 5 annual report for the Stormwater Management Program (SWMP) following a training session on pollution prevention. For park development, the Board approved various pay estimates for Landscape Replacement projects (Phases 4A, 4B, and 5) and Fence Replacement (Phase 2), along with proposals for backflow preventor cages and subsequent plant/sod installations. Engineering updates covered potential access for an erosion repair project, and approval of pay estimates for Pump Station No. 1 and Pump Station No. 2 improvement projects. Additionally, the Board approved reimbursement for AWBD winter conference expenses and authorized attendance at upcoming AWBD and NAFSMA conferences.