Fort Bend Independent 030117

VOL 10 No. 9

email: editor@ independent.com

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Phone: 281-980-6745

FORT BEND FAIR. BALANCED. INFORMATIVE. WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 2017

P. O.BOX 623, SUGAR LAND, TX 77487-0623

Official newspaper of Fort Bend County & Missouri City

St. John Missionary Baptist Church celebrates Historical Marker

FRIENDS of Child Advocates of Fort Bend to Host Martini Night . FRIENDS of Child Advocates of Fort Bend, an auxiliary volunteer group supporting Child Advocates of Fort Bend, will host its annual Mission and Martinis social in the home of Susie and Doug Goff on Thursday, March 30 at 6 p.m. In addition to martinis, hors d-oeuvres and learning about the FRIENDS mission, guests will be treated to a cheese making demonstration and tasting by local expert Ivan Mefford, MD. Following the demonstration, guests can enter a drawing to take home some freshly made cheese.

For further information on FRIENDS, the location and to RSVP for the event, please email Judy On Sunday, Feb. 19, elected officials and area residents celebrated as St. John Missionary Baptist Maddison at jmaddison@windstream.net. Shown (L to R) are: Lynn Halford, Susie Goff (holding Church, Inc., 6731 Oilfield Rd., received a historical marker from the State. The church, originally Scooter), Pat Somers, Doug Goff and Peggy Jackson. — Photo by Sue Lockwood founded by freed slaves in 1869, has historically served the community as an African-American church and school. Despite past vandalism and an arson, the church has survived through the dedication of parishioners and regional leaders. Among the elected officials who attended the event were State Rep. Ron Reynolds, Fort Bend County Commissioner Grady Prestage and Missouri City City Councilmembers Anthony Maroulis, Don Smith and Jerry Wyatt. Photo courtesy City of Missouri

Dulles High School students secure spot in National Science Bowl Finals

Effective March 20 ‘holding a cell phone’ while driving in Sugar Land may cost up to $500

By BARBARA FULENWIDER Sugar Land at its Feb. 21st council meeting passed an ordinance that requires all drivers within its city limits not to use any portable electronic devices while driving.

The ordinance passed 5-2, with Coucnilmembers Mary Joyce and Amy Mitchell voting no.

As of March 20, holding a cell phone will be an offense and the fine can be steep.

District 2 Council Member Bridget Yeung said the National Safety Council recently came out with new numbers about driving while using mobile devices. She said they reported traffic incidents increased by six percent in 2016 and seven percent in 2015.

She also said, “Triple A points to distractive driving as one of the causes of these increases. Number one on our list is to make Sugar Land the safest city in the country. This is just one more tool in our tool box.”

District 1 Councilman Steve Porter said additional informa-

tion shared with council showed “cell phone use in school zones and the trend line on our enforcement showed that over a two-year period when we enforced it, it went down. In 2015 there were 87 citations issued and in 2016 there were 40 to 50 citations for talking while driving in school zones.

“If there are 87 instances of distracted driving in a school zone, where the consequences could be catastrophic, how much more is going on city wide? I look forward to this ordinance and the same impact city wide we’ve seen in school zones when our police began to enforce it,” Porter said.

District 3 Council Member Mitchell said she did an informal poll on the issue and did not include her opinion.

“On Next Door Neighbor,” she said, “the count was 56 percent for the ordinance and 44 percent wanted a less restrictive or no ordinance at all.”

On the Facebook survey she said 66 people said no to the ordinance that prohibits driving

while on a cell phone.

She also said that people driving from Missouri City to Sugar Land and to Stafford don’t know what town they are in.

“Why don’t we wait and let the legislature rule on it? Then there’s one uniform ordinance.”

Assistant Chief of Police Scott Schultz replied that the Texas legislature has worked twice on an ordinance regarding driving while using a mobile device and it did not pass either time.

“If the ordinance does not pass tonight and the state does not pass it, that’s kind of where we are at this point.”

Mitchell then asked Schultz if there weren’t state ordinances on reckless driving and if that would cover using mobile devices while driving.

Schultz said, “Yes, there are some state ordinances. With this we’re hoping the accident doesn’t occur.”

The council member said, “If you run a red light you get a $75 The Dulles team members include Abin Antony, left, Shree Mohan, Anish Patel, Shreyas Balaji (captain), Andrew Liu, and Judy Matney.

See PHONE, Page 3 continue to showcase their tal- school teams for the 2017 NSB WASHINGTON, D.C. — A team of Dulles High School ents as top students in math and will be announced at a later date.

The high school team that students from Sugar Land won science.”

The NSB brings together won the 2016 NSB received a their regional competition for the 2017 National Science thousands of middle and high nine-day, all-expenses-paid sciBowl® (NSB) this past week- school students from across the ence trip to Alaska, where they end and will advance to com- country to compete in a fast- learned more about glaciology, pete in the NSB National Finals paced question-and-answer for- marine and avian biology, geolthis spring in Washington, D.C., mat where they solve technical ogy and plate tectonics.

The second-place high school the U.S. Department of Energy problems and answer questions on a range of science disciplines team at the 2016 NSB won a (DOE) announced today.

“The National Science including biology, chemistry, five-day, fully guided adventure Bowl® continues to be one of Earth and space science, phys- tour of several national parks, which included a whitewater the premier academic compe- ics and math.

A series of 116 regional rafting trip. titions across the country and Approximately 265,000 stuprepares America’s students for middle school and high school future successes in some of the tournaments are held across the dents have participated in the world’s fastest growing fields country from January through National Science Bowl® in its 26-year history, and it is one of in science, technology, and en- March.

Winners will advance to rep- the nation’s largest science comgineering,” said Dr. J. Stephen Binkley, Acting Director of the resent their areas at the National petitions. More than 14,000 stuDepartment’s Office of Science, Science Bowl® held from April dents compete in the NSB each which sponsors the nationwide 27 to May 1 in Washington, year. competition, now in its 27th D.C., for the final middle school DOE’s Office of Science and high school competitions. year. manages the NSB Finals comThe top 16 high school teams petition.

“Each year the DOE Office of Science provides this unique and the top 16 middle school More information is availopportunity, and I am honored teams in the National Finals will able on the NSB website: http:// to congratulate all the competi- win $1,000 for their schools’ www.science.energy.gov/wdts/ tors who are advancing to the science departments. nsb/.

Prizes for the top two high national finals, where they will

Page 2 • INDEPENDENT • MARCH 1, 2017

REAL ESTATE

Pictured, from left, are Jason Miday; Holly Miday; Hannah Miday, age 10; Travis Bushong, age 18; and Alyssa Miday, age 4; and Terri and John Miday, Jason’s parents who also have purchased in Cross Creek Ranch.

Midays find all they need in Cross Creek Ranch As the needs of Jason and Holly Miday’s family changed, so did their homes — three of them in eight years. But one thing remained the same — Cross Creek Ranch.

The couple got engaged in 2009 and immediately started house hunting. Holly, who grew up in Memorial, always thought she would raise her family in that area. But that changed after her first visit to Cross Creek Ranch.

“Jason took me out to Cross Creek Ranch knowing I would never move there, but Trendmaker Homes had a model whose floor plan he thought I’d love,” Holly said. “I hated the floor plan, but loved Cross Creek Ranch.”

Holly said the community’s natural features were what drew her initially.

“At the very beginning I was intrigued by Flewellen Creek,” she said. “When we moved in, the restoration of it was very new, but boards showed what it would look like and I could just see my children playing there.”

The Midays moved into their first Cross Creek Ranch home in December 2009. Their choice for builder on that first home and the next two was Trendmaker Homes.

“I explored other builders, but Trendmaker was a good fit for

us,” Jason said.

About four years saw their family grow from four to five, so the Midays decided to buy a bigger home.

“We wanted an extra bedroom and a downstairs guest room,” Jason said. “We loved our home, but we had two children from previous marriages and our family was growing.”

One thing they didn’t want to change was living in Cross Creek Ranch. “I really enjoy the neighbors and the community in general,” Holly said. “There are so many events going on and the naturalness of the neighborhood is beautiful.”

The family moved into their second home Valentine’s Day 2014 after living with Jason’s parents, John and Terri Miday, for about six months while their home was being built. The downstairs guest room in their new home came in handy as living arrangements flipped — after visiting Cross Creek Ranch frequently to see their grandchildren, John and Terri decided to make the move there from Sugar Land, living with their son and his family about six months while their home in Cross Creek Ranch was being built. “We were just in Sugar Land, but that half-hour distance

was enough to keep us from going as often as we’d like,” John said.

“After they lived with us for six months and moved on, we were reliving empty nest syndrome.

“And Cross Creek Ranch has a lot of amenities that allow us to do what we want to do — hike, bike and enjoy the water park.

Plus, we wanted something on the water, but not the typical McMansion you have to buy to live on the water. We found a builder in The Villas who had a one-story floor plan that was perfect. It really was a confluence of several things

that brought us to Cross Creek Ranch.”

Fast-forward to 2017 and Jason and Hope are again seeing their family’s needs change with their oldest child leaving for college soon. This time, they decided to downsize in Cross Creek Ranch.

“We found a property on the greenbelt and on an oversized culde-sac that will allow us to create a side yard for a pool,” John said.

“It will be that ‘something special’ we look for in every home.”

And they found it all in Cross Creek Ranch.

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INDEPENDENT • MARCH 1, 2017 • Page 3

NEWS Sugar Land Heritage Foundation gets $1.2 million from city funds Sugar Land City Council recently approved an agreement with the Sugar Land Heritage Foundation for the operation of a museum at the soon to be constructed Sugar Land Heritage Museum and Visitor Center.

The Sugar Land Heritage Foundation is a 501c3 organization dedicated to preserving the history of Sugar Land and its historical structures, records and artifacts.

The City’s ďŹ nancial contributions to the foundation for the preservation of the City’s heritage follow: *The City has contributed $525,000 for operations since the foundation was created in 2008. *The City has approved a $75,000 commitment to create an exhibit. *The City has funded approximately $600,000 in capital to build-out the facility, which is being provided under the Imperial Redevelopment Agreement. *The City will provide basic operating costs for the facility,

including visitor center staing, utilities & maintenance for the space.

The museum and visitor center will be located on the second oor of the container warehouse, a historical structure that was once part of reďŹ nery operations and is currently part of a mixed-used, destination center in The Imperial Market.

The transformation of the historic 26-acre Imperial reďŹ nery into Imperial Market provides a destination center that will include shops, oďŹƒces, restaurants, a boutique hotel and a cinema - as well as the Fort Bend Children’s Discovery Center, a popular amenity that already attracts large numbers of families on a weekly basis.

The location of the visitor center is consistent with recommendations from a 2014 feasibility study that targeted high visibility with nearby attractions that attract visitors.

The design of the museum and visitor center is complete, and construction is anticipated

in the near future.

Sugar Land’s ďŹ nancial contributions to the project are being funded through Hotel and Occupancy Taxes, money supported through sales tax and restricted to economic development and tourism.

Years of public feedback, including a citizen-led Visioning Task Force, and a public vote aďŹƒrmed strong support for the expansion of cultural and entertainment opportunities in Sugar Land.

Sugar Land continues to become a nationally recognized community with growing economic, cultural and entertainment opportunities.

Through partnerships with community organizations such as the Sugar Land Heritage Foundation, the City has had the opportunity to invest in the Sugar Land Auditorium, the Houston Museum of Natural Science at Sugar Land, the Sugar Land Heritage Foundation, Sugar Land Town Square, the Sugar Land Wine and Food Aair and many more events and facilities.

A Cultural Arts Strategic Plan serves as a roadmap for future cultural arts opportunities, including the Heritage Foundation museum, to enhance Sugar Land’s position as a regional leader and destination city.

The City created the Sugar Land Heritage Foundation to ensure the preservation of the City’s history. “The success of the Sugar Land Heritage Foundation is the result of dedicated volunteers such as Councilmembers Mary Joyce and Steve Porter who have provided valuable expertise and leadership on the Sugar Land Heritage Foundation Board of Directors,� said Mayor Joe Zimmerman. “I want to thank them for their tireless service to preserve the history of our City.�

The Sugar Land Heritage Foundation has been collecting local historical documents for the last ďŹ ve years for the recently approved museum. The museum will include a diversity of exhibits documenting the contributions of Sugar Land’s diverse history.

Split vote on Sugar Land’s donation to TSTC

By BARBARA FULENWIDER Providing $100,000 to Texas State Technical College (TSTC), an entity in Rosenberg that is a career center and primary job training facility, was on Sugar Land City Council’s Feb. 21 meeting. Council had to approve or deny a SL4B budget amendment in order to provide the dollars.

Before the vote Sugar Land had to receive permission from Rosenberg to donate the funds because the state local government code requires it in order to fund a project in another jurisdiction. Robert Lung, assistant director of economic development, told council that Sugar Land’s ďŹ scal 2017 budget had a fund balance of $2,007,742 and would be $1,907,742 if the amendment was approved.

At-Large No. 2 Council Member Mary Joyce was the ďŹ rst to provide her thoughts on the presentation and said while she strongly supports TSTC she has concerns and one was it would be setting a precedent. “This will be the ďŹ rst time 4B funds will be used outside of Sugar Land. There are a number of 4B projects we could fund currently.â€?

District 4 Councilman Harish Jajoo said he agrees with Joyce. “Our responsibility is to the citizens of our city,â€? he said and also voiced concerns about setting a precedent. If we allow Sugar Land money to be giving funds to entities outside the city, let’s have a policy on it ďŹ rst.â€?

District 1 Councilman Steve Porter was next and pointed out

that Sugar Land has given money to other entities including Meadows Place, the Heritage Foundation, etc., and noted that the “George Foundation donated to our Children’s Discovery Center, the project to widen Hwy. 6 came from TxDOT.�

For a city to prosper the county has to prosper.�

He went on to say that the funds are restricted and that “way more than $100,000 have come from people who do not live here. It’s not like property tax money. I don’t have a problem with helping other people, Fort Bend County, for instance.

We beneďŹ t from their mobility bonds. We are willing to take it but aren’t willing to give it out.

I don’t think that’s the kind of people we want to be, so I support this.�

District 3 Council Member Amy Mitchell pointed out that Fort Bend ISD is building the James Reese Technical Center in Telfair and will provide the same kind of training as TSTC. We will have 2,000 students (at the Reese center) while there are 3,500 at TSTC. “We will have a technical school right here that will work with TSTC. Why not use those funds right here in Sugar Land.

I thought tech jobs are our goal.

This is precedent by anybody’s standard This is a lot to give to another entity in another city.�

Mitchell went on to say that she had taken a survey on Facebook asking people where they stood on it and a large majority said no to giving SL dollars to TSTC. “We have a low student

population going there (TSTC).

They didn’t ask Houston or Katy for any money. We’re the only one they asked. We’re not the cash cow. It makes sense to keep the funds here in Sugar Land.�

At-Large No. 1 Councilman Himesh Gandhi said he believes TSTC oers a unique program and is “a one-of-a-kind school in this community. There’s nothing like it for higher education. I think this is a regional partnership and will be a direct beneďŹ t to Sugar Land by providing a workforce that may not exist now and providing additional education. It’s a one-time commitment. l’ll make the motion to approve it.â€?

District 2 Council Member Bridget Yeung noted that Sugar Land has given millions of dollars to UofH Sugar Land. We have 35 students enrolled in TSTC and haven’t oered any support. Fort Bend ISD has a dual credit program to help many of our students already.

When we invest in our residents we invest in our city.�

Joyce said that as it relates to Sugar Land industries she wants some kind of a link to Sugar Land. “I just think for the residents of Sugar Land there’s got to be something� -- a room named for Sugar Land or something.

A sta member assured Joyce that if the amendment is approved, it will be a performance agreement that requires performance obligations. It will be tied to a direct number of jobs and there will be a direct

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number of them going to Sugar Land.

Mayor Joe Zimmerman was the last to speak and said Sugar Land “is part of a region in which we participate.â€? He noted that if the George Foundation had not been willing to contribute to UofH Sugar Land “we wouldn’t have a UofH Sugar Land. When we look at the kinds of things people participate in we need to be at the forefront and lead the eort. The $100,000 I believe is an investment in Sugar Land’s future. I feel it’s an appropriate investment.â€? With that said the motion to approve was made and the amendment to provide $100,000 to TSTC was approved by a 4-3 vote. Mitchell, Jajoo and Joyce voted against it.

Phone From Page 1 you run a red light you get a $75 ďŹ ne.â€?

It is “up to a $500 ďŹ ne for using cell phones. Why are we suggesting $500 on a cell phone?â€?

Schultz said, “Running a red light is a criminal offense,â€? and when an oďŹƒcer issues a citation it is a class C misdemeanor for which the ďŹ ne can be up to $500.

He also said, “The judge is the one who actually sets the ďŹ ne when an individual appears in court. Five hundred dollars is the cap for Class C misdemeanors.â€?

Red Light Camera violation, on the other hand, is a civil oense and not criminal misdemeanor.

Mitchell said she thought the red light cameras were put in to “free up our police oďŹƒcers,â€? to which Schultz said, “It wouldn’t be that drastic on oďŹƒcers enforcing this.â€? “There are a lot of ways drivers are distracted: putting on makeup, ďŹ ddling with the radio. Many things cause distracted driving,â€?

Mitchell said. “We don’t know what the future will bring regarding technology in cars. Concerning this, it’s a feel good thing and money generator for the city when we already have statutes in place. Reckless driving statutes are already in place.�

Schultz replied that oďŹƒcers can issue a citation for reckless driving and a driver doesn’t have to have an accident to be charged with reckless driving.

District 4 Councilman Harish Jajoo said he has heard all the same things at

Obituary

Jerey Robert Boyd December 30, 1949 - February 22, 2017 Mathcounts coach whose teams won the National Mathcounts competition four times.

Je and his winning teams were recognized on the Senate oor in Austin for their accomplishments and met with the governor each time.

Je was also honored when he was invited to meet with the President of the United States at the White House in the Oval OďŹƒce with each winning team. Je also coached TMSCA, a math and science state ranked team for decades.

He was so proud of his stuJerey Robert Boyd, 67 of dents and always referred to Sugar Land, Texas, passed them as his second family. Je away Wednesday, February always wanted the students 22, 2017 and is now in the that he taught or coached to arms of our Heavenly Father. believe in themselves and alJe is survived by his loving ways do their best. wife Carol of 46 years; two Je served as a Captain in beautiful daughters, Jenni- the Army Reserves. He gradufer Bauer (husband Scott) of ated from Central Michigan League City, TX; Jackie Wil- University with a BS in Mathliams (husband Ron) of Hous- ematics and MS in Physics. It ton, TX; two terriďŹ c grand- was at CMU that he met Carol sons Joshua and Jacob Bauer; and began their life together. and two sister-in laws: Lois Je was a sports enthusiast, Emmert (husband Jerey) of who in younger years particiChelsea MI and Katherine pated in any and all sports. He Hepburn of Mason, MI. Je enjoyed playing cards, watchalso leaves behind nephews, ing sports, swimming, playing nieces, and many treasured chess, solving puzzles, and friends. even solving math problems.

He was proceeded in death He really loved playby his mother, Patricia Boyd ing games, chess, and being and maternal grandparents, around his grandsons. Je alAlfred and Helen Schneider. ways looked forward to going Je was a strong, silent man and watching his grandsons who put his family ďŹ rst both at play in any kind of sports or home and at school. He loved after-school activity. He was spending time sitting around indeed a proud grandpa in the with family and friends. Je stands cheering them on. Je’s was an enthusiastic, motiva- most favorite thing of all to do tional, math teacher. He taught in life was spending time with for 44 years and retired at the his wife and family. end of last year.

A Memorial service celeJe was quite the competi- brating Jerey’s life was held tor and beside teaching he Monday, February 27, 2017 starting coaching football, in the Morrow Chapel of The basketball, and tennis in mid- Settegast-Kopf Co. Funeral dle school. He was asked to Directors @Sugar Creek foltake over a Mathcounts team lowed by a reception with one year and the rest is his- family. tory. Je was a Texas State council’s ďŹ rst reading on the proposed ordinance and that his constituents “responded to it with an overwhelming yes. Forty-six states out of 50 have some sort of hands free driving restrictions.

Distracted driving has become an epidemic. “Personally to me, it is a safety issue. You not only put yourself in danger but other vehicles around you on the road. I’ve been waiting for this to happen, waiting for the state to do this. It failed in 2013 and 2015 and I don’t expect it to pass during this legislative session,�

Jajoo said.

Then it was At Large No. 2 Mary Joyce’s turn and she said safety in Sugar Land is the number one priority. “It is critical. The problem with the ordinance,� she said, is it “doesn’t truly address distractive driving.

Common sense tells us texting and driving isn’t safe.�

She asked if it will be a hardship on Sugar Land ofďŹ cers if they stop someone on the phone while driving and “the phone is on the ground.â€?

Assistant Police Chief Schultz said, “It would take a search warrant to get the phone� and prove the phone call that was made while driving.

Joyce said, “Technology is ahead of us. Forty-six states have laws in place.

Have they addressed the newest technology? If you are in New York and had a phone in your hand while driving you got a ticket.�

Schultz replied that he hasn’t seen anything in the laws regarding new technology.

Joyce said, “I am con-

cerned with people trying to go to work and are doing things, are we going to have ďŹ nes up and down 59?

And how many more signs are our drivers suppose to be reading? With the House bill the consistency will mean a lot. “People are saying it’s such an issue. What can we do to push this state? Several people said we can’t regulate common sense.

OďŹƒcers can see if people have seatbelts on. A lot of people come to Sugar Land.

We have to be very vigilant about making sure they understand.�

Then it was Mayor Jim Zimmerman’s turn to speak.

He said, “The police chief talked to us well over a year ago. He felt this was something we should look into.

Our consensus was unanimous that we would do it. “We did an extensive online survey of our residents.

We workshopped it in May and December last year.

This issue was brought to us well over a year ago.� “Quite frankly, as a citizen,� the mayor felt the surveys by two councilmembers “were completely irresponsible and self serving ...it was extraordinary.�

Sugar Land’s new ordinance will take eect March 20; however, drivers will be issued only warnings during the ďŹ rst 90 days.

Following the grace period, any person found guilty of violating the ordinance will be ďŹ ned up to $500 for each oense.

Community awareness activities will include media releases, social media, print materials, community meetings, signage and events.

Page 4 • INDEPENDENT • MARCH 1, 2017

OPINION

Boy Scouts: Kind No More

By DR. JOSEPH HORTON The Boy Scouts have announced that children who are biologically female but identify as male may now be scouts. By so doing they have joined a movement whose understanding of gender would make perfect sense to a typical 3-year-old, but would confuse a typical 6-year-old.

Young children believe that people can decide to be either a mommy or daddy when they grow up. They believe that changes in appearance result in a changed gender. Thus a girl who cuts her hair unusually short would become a boy. It is not until children are about 6-years-old that they understand that gender is determined by biology and does not change when one’s appearance changes. This is gender constancy, a previously noncontroversial concept that is standard content in child-development textbooks.

Popular culture, however, is forcefully promoting the belief that gender is determined by feelings: When feelings are not consistent with biology, one should follow the truth of the feelings.

Typical 6-year-olds must be terribly confused by this new lesson disappointingly promoted by the Boy Scouts.

It is not uncommon for children to fantasize about being the opposite gender. It is easy to imagine a child with an older opposite-gender sibling believing that the other gender has all the fun. This used to be an occasion for parents and teachers to break down rigid gender stereotypes.

Girls were assured that they could enjoy math and science; women can and do pursue careers in stereotypically masculine fields. Also important is that boys learned that real men can make dinner for their families, are important socializers of children, and can and do pursue careers in traditionally feminine fields.

These conversations about

gender roles are important because children learn gender stereotypes at a very young age without adults trying to teach them. Indeed, children of egalitarian parents learn gender stereotypes despite their parents’ instruction. Before the end of preschool, children play in gender-segregated groups when given the choice. Typically, mixedgender play-groups occur only when adults determine the group composition. Kids figure out what boys do and what girls do and enforce a rigid dichotomy themselves.

Evidently, we are no longer supposed to challenge gender stereotypes, but impose stereotypes. A child’s conformity to a gender stereotype now signals the child’s true gender. Boys who like to do girls’ things must really be girls.

Girls who like to do boys’ things must really be boys.

DNA and physical characteristics are deemed unimportant. Kids can choose whether to be a mommy or a daddy when they grow up.

Thus, we are witnessing progressive edicts demanding medical intervention for children long before children are capable of making lifealtering choices. A 4-year-old child from Australia made international headlines by becoming one of the youngest children to begin transitioning to the opposite gender. It was reported that an additional 250 Australian children, including many merely 3-yearsold, were seeking treatment for gender dysphoria from a single major hospital in Melbourne. National Geographic may have gotten its most publicity since its 1969 issue on the moon-landing by putting a 9-year-old transgender child on its cover.

These children are years away from puberty. Brain development is not complete until about the age of 25.

Their understanding of what it means to be a man or wom-

an is importantly limited. In general, the ability to engage in serious abstract thinking begins at about age 12 and continues to develop with experience.

How can children whose abstract thinking ability is too limited for them to succeed in algebra make huge physicallife-changing decisions, some of which cannot be reversed?

No one would let these children sign legal contracts, but based upon their feelings and the convictions of so-called experts, children are undergoing medical treatments that will alter their physical development. These changes go well beyond those that can be easily observed. Brain development will be unalterably changed. The vast majority of children who experience gender dysphoria will outgrow it, becoming content with their biological gender. Hormone treatment and surgery are harsh and risky treatments for a challenge that will likely be resolved with no medical intervention.

We all want to alleviate the distress of children who feel like they do not fit in. Wellmeaning parents caught up by the glorification of gender transitions in popular culture are risking significant psychological and physical damage to their children. Warm parenting is a far safer option.

According to the Boy Scout Law, Scouts are supposed to be kind, but joining a progressive chorus that pressures parents to reinforce stereotypes and put children on a hormonal course that kids cannot possibly understand is in no way kind.

--Dr. Joseph J. Horton is professor of psychology at Grove City College and the Working Group Coordinator for Marriage and Family with The Center for Vision & Values.

He is also a researcher on Positive Youth Development.

FILM REVIEW: Get Out This surprisingly wellmade movie was written and directed by Jordan Peele. Yeah, that same Jordan Peele who created and starred in the TV series of several years ago – “Key and Peele.” So, we know he can be a funny man, and is creative, but can he be the big man at the top of the credits and claim his first film as a Jordan Peele Film?

Well, yes, he can.

Throughout much of the movie, I was repeatedly “judging” young Peele.

Who does he think he is?

Trying to write and direct a big-time movie and even make the flick about race?

He’s Jordan Peele – film director and writer who has created a spectacularly original premise for a film that is chock full of outstanding performances by a cast chosen and shepherded by a young talent who turned 38 on February 21st.

Great directors make wise choices. And then those choices of actors hopefully can take direction and fulfil the vision of the writers and directors. And in this case, Peele was the writer and director so his inside knowledge of the full package went unchallenged.

Lucky for us, because this cast ensemble knocked it out of the park. Bravo Jordan Peele. The main cast: Daniel Kaluuya, Allison Williams, Bradley Whitford, and Catherine Keener.

The storyline begins innocently when the audience is

introduced to a cute, young couple in love who are going to meet her parents for the first time at the big, swanky estate in the country. She’s white and he’s black. Hello, “Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner?”

But that’s the end of a meaningful comparison to Director Stanley Kramer’s 1967 classic when the titans of Spencer Tracy and Sidney Poitier explained the racial divide of the 1960’s.

This film of the 21st Century sets up race as a backdrop and the stinging edge of bigotry as a tool to develop some of the mystery and cer-

tainly the underbelly of the dark humor.

Note to self: I was laughing heartily, at times, when the rest of my Friday afternoon, opening-day audience did not even chuckle. Uh oh, sometimes Larry H. doesn’t get the memo, but I think my fellow audience members were missing the Peele Point.

Let me know what you think after you see “Get Out.” Every cast member is a winner for having the opportunity to appear in this radically unique film, but Daniel Kaluuya, the 27 year old Brit, was the huge winner for his believable performance as

“Responsibility” redefined Two items on the Feb. 21 city council meeting of the city of Sugar Land, though passed with a majority of votes, have become controversial with significant differences of opinion among the public as well as council members.

The controversy centered on the contents of the ordinances as well as the discussions that followed.

The first item banned the use of hand held mobile devices while driving in Sugar Land.

The pros and cons of the regulation has been documented in a report elsewhere in this paper.

Just as the use of Red Light Cameras, the effectiveness of banning cell phone usage on traffic accidents is not a scientifically or statistically settled issue.

The broad data on distracted driving is used by proponents of the ban on cell phone to advocate their cause.

There are equal number of studies that do not directly pin point traffic crashes with cell phone usage.

At this point, the topic is still under investigation and is being debated.

In the absence of a definite conclusion that a ban on cell phone usage saved lives, just as the effectivenes of Red Light Cameras is in doubt, the best way to promulgate the regulations will be to let the people make the choice.

Some people may feel good that it will save lives and to think so is commonsense.

Some others will conclude that the city is behaving like a nanny state, controlling the behavior of people. Here the regulation is described as a protection.

Until a State law is passed, Sugar Land is likely to remain a “phone trap” like the speed trap by some jurisdictions for issuing speeding tickets.

A section of Highway 90, for example, passes through unincorporated areas, Sugar Land, Stafford and Missouri City.

Dulles Avenue is in Sugar Land, Missouri City, Fort Bend County and Stafford.

Between Highway 6 and Lexington Blvd., one side of the road is in Sugar Land and the other side is in Missouri City.

Incidentally, Missouri City had adopted a similar ordinance in 2010.

(City Ordinance Sec. 58138. - Use of wireless communication device while operating a motor vehicle.)

Under the ordinance, “It shall be unlawful for an operator of a motor vehicle to use a wireless communication device to view, send or compose an electronic message or manually engage other application software while operating a motor vehicle upon any roadway in the city, including when stopped or standing.”

According to Missouri City Municipal Court rcords, 109 citations have been issued for a violation of the above referenced city ordinance from 2010 to February 21, 2017.

There is no specific data on how many crashes occurred as a result of operating a wireless device while driving.

the “black” boyfriend, Chris Washington. It looks like to me that Peele decided to give the starring role to a relative unknown and he chose wisely. LilRel Howery was also a bright spot for his part as the caring best friend of Kaluuya’s Chris Washington.

This was an absolute sleeper for me. I love it when that happens. Rock ‘n Roll.

Grade 91. Larry H.

Inside Track By Seshadri Kumar However, the Missouri City Police Department believes “Distracted driving, including the use of portable electronic devices have contributed to motor vehicle crashes in Missouri City.”

The so-called extensive online survey that the city of Sugar Land cites in support of the ban is the opinion of 500 or 600 people, from a city of 90,000 people and it can hardly be considered representative.

A public referendum in an election is the best way to decide an issue that is solely dependent on public opinion.

Two councilmembers, Mary Joyce and Amy Mitchell, felt it was their responsibility to seek the views of their constituents and used Facebook to solicit public opinion.

The two councilmembers had a series of questions on the impact of the ordinance, and its enforcement and their queries and comments overwhelmed those who believed it their solemn duty to save the lives of people from cellphone wielding reckless drivers.

To cap it all, Mayor Joe Zimmerman squarely called the two councilmembers as “irresponsible” and “selfserving” for seeking public opinion through Facebook.

One does not expect a flippant or irresponsible comment from the mayor, especially about two fellow council members whose sense of public service is good as the rest of the council members.

Not to misread the words of the mayor and to see if there was a justification for his comments, the mayor was asked to explain the reason for his statement.

The mayor’s response was as follows: “Thank you for asking, I take my role as mayor and as a citizen of Sugar Land very seriously – My comments at Tuesday’s council meeting I stand by them – the journey we have taken to get the hands-free ordinance has been well over a year of preparation, workshops, an extensive resident online survey and research. I am a believer in getting our residents feedback- I believe in the value of social media – it is important and It is here to stay. Our residents and every citizen for that matter deserve the whole story – ALL THE FACTS – and that I stand by. It’s never about not having the involvement of the resident… it is making sure we do our due diligence to present all the facts in a timely manner - it is our responsibility.”

The response barely throws any light on why the mayor used the words he did, other than reiterating his comments.

As the mayor agrees with

the use of Facebook and the solicitation of public opinion, the only caveat seems to be that the two councilmembers did not give “the whole story” and “ALL THE FACTS.” When the city conducted its online survey, it merely asked three questions. Did it give “the whole story” or “All the facts?”

In fact, the near unanimous reaction of the public (again on Facebook) was that the mayor’s comments were uncalled for and that the councilmembers were acting responsibly in asking for public opinion.

The mayor obviously did not like the message of the two dissenting councilmembers and he can legitimately disagree with them.

But, to call them “irresponsible” and self-serving” is indefensible, in my opinion.

The mayor also cautioned Mitchell against bringing the Red Light Cameras into the discussion, possibly because of a pending lawsuit against the city.

But, Mitchell could not have made a comparison and provided the context without mentioning the Red Light Cameras.

Instead of asking why the penalty for driving while holding a phone is $500, she asked why running a RLC drew only $75 fine, while the phone offense draws up to $500 in fine, because running a red light is far more dangerous.

The answer was that a ticket issued as a result of camera violation is a civil offense. If the same ticket was issued by a police officer, the fine could be up to $500.

Donation to TSTC

The other controversial item where Councilman Harish Jajoo joined Joyce and Mitchell in opposition was the $100,000 donation to the Texas State Technical College.

There was little public input on this issue and a donation of such magnitude is being given to an organization outside the city. That is unprecedented.

The money should be used in such a way that it benefits Sugar Land residents and donation to the TSTC is not likely to accomplish that, the dissenters felt.

Instead the money could be put to use in the new Career and Technical Center in Fort Bend ISD, Mitchell said.

Supporters of the donation pointed to various donations that Sugar Land received from others like the George Foundation and justified that the city should reciprocate.

It is believed that the sales tax money can be used only for economic development and by contributing to the technical college, Sugar Land’s economy will benefit by using the workforce. There maybe some justification, but the benefit is not a certainty.

If the traditional role of a city government is providing, safe roads, water, police and fire protection, that role is expanding like shaping the way you drive, eat, play or exercise.

Now, add charitable donations to that list.

FORT BEND FAIR. BALANCED. INFORMATIVE.

12551 Emily Court, Sugar Land, TX 77478 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 623, Sugar Land, TX 77478 Seshadri Kumar Publisher & Editor

www.fbindependent.com 281-980-6745

Fort Bend Independent, (USPS 025-572) is published every Wednesday (for a subscription rate of $20 per year) by Fort Bend Independent, LLC., 12551, Emily Court, Texas 77478.

Periodicals Postage Paid at Stafford, Texas.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Fort Bend Independent, P.O. Box 623, Sugar Land, Tx 77487.

INDEPENDENT • MARCH 1, 2017 • Page 5

News Cullinan Park Development donations top $1 million The Cullinan Park Conservancy presented a check for $573,717 to the City of Sugar Land at City Council meeting on Feb. 21 for continuing capital improvements to Cullinan Park.

This latest contribution builds on $500,000 presented to the City in 2016 by the Conservancy.

The 754 acre Cullinan Park, located on Hwy. 6 adjacent to the Sugar Land Regional Airport, was given to the City of Houston by Lucie Cullinan in 1989.

The Cullinan Park Conservancy was formed in 2010 to advocate for the Park.

As of January 2016, the Park is run under an Interlocal Agreement between the City of Houston and the City

of Sugar Land.

Sugar Land now has the responsibilities for operating and maintaining the Park. The Cullinan Park Conservancy has the responsibility to raise private funds to enhance and protect the natural beauty of the Park.

Since the City of Sugar Land took over management of the park, it is rapidly becoming a favorite place for nature lovers, bird watchers, hikers and picnickers.

Donations have been made possible, in part, by The George Foundation’s commitment of $1 million.

Those who contributed a significant amount towards the latest contribution, in addition to the George Foundation include:

Carol McCutcheon runs for Sugar Land City Council

McCutcheon Carol McCutcheon, a 23year resident and community leader of Sugar Land, is running for Sugar Land City Council Member District 4 in the May 6 election.

“We want to continue to attract high-quality businesses to Sugar Land so we can maintain one of the lowest tax rates in the state,” she said.

“However, it is important to balance growth and development with preserving the suburban atmosphere that makes Sugar Land such a wonderful place to call home.”

Carol is running based on her desire to Keep Sugar Land Suburban, Keep Sugar Land Safe, and Keep Sugar Land Superior. She states, “I look forward to being the people’s

voice for District 4 and enhancing the quality of life we enjoy here in Sugar Land.”

Carol and her husband, Joe, have been married for 30 years and moved to Sugar Land in 1993.

Serving her 24th term as a First Colony Neighborhood Representative, Carol has a track record of helping the neighborhoods and representing citizen concerns to the City. She serves on Sugar Land’s Land Use Advisory Committee and previously served on the City Charter Review Commission.

Carol is a graduate of Sugar Land 101, Sugar Land Police Academy, Sugar Land Fire Academy, Sugar Land Airport Academy, Fort Bend Leadership Forum, Leadership Houston, Leadership Texas, and Leadership America. She has 20+ years of experience as an engineer in the oil and gas industry and is a Past President of the Women’s Energy Network of Houston Board of Directors.

Carol wants to hear from you and learn what is important to you and your family.

She seeks your support and your vote to be your next City Council Member for District 4.

Special Passport Fair Annie Rebecca Elliott, Fort Bend County District Clerk, is hosting a special Passport Fair as a community service and in an effort to make it easier and more convenient to apply for a U.S. passport.

When: Saturday, April 1, 2017 Where: Fort Bend County Justice Center District Clerk’s Office 1422 Eugene Heimann Circle Richmond, Texas 77469 Time: 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

No appointments are being accepted for the Passport Fair (Walk-ins only) Please visit our website at www.fortbendcountytx.gov (Department – District Clerk) to obtain information on the cost and requirements.

Please remember: *All applicants must appear in person (including minors). *Minors under the age of 16 must appear with both parents. If one parent is not available, a DS-3053 form or a notarized authorization letter from the absent parent and a copy of his/her identification (front and back) is required.

The Brown Foundation, Imperial Foundation, Susan Vaughan Foundation, Fred and Mabel R. Parks Foundation, Knobloch Family Foundation and SK Foundation. Additional foundations, businesses and individuals made this support possible as well.

The Conservancy board of directors is committed to raising over $500,000 each year to continue improvements to the Park.

(L to R) CPC Board Members Susie Goff (Secretary), Ann Hamilton (Immediate Past President), Gary Tuma (President), Dan Neale and Doug Lally.

NOTICE OF SALE STATE OF TEXAS FORT BEND COUNTY

and issued pursuant to judgment decree(s) of the District Court of Fort Bend County, Texas, by the Clerk of said Court on said date, in the hereinafter numbered and styled suit(s) and to me directed and delivered as Sheriff or Constable of said County, I have on February 1, 2017, seized, levied upon, and will, on the first Tuesday in March, 2017, the same being the 7th day of said month, at 301 Jackson Street, William Travis Building, 1st Floor Meeting Room in the City of Richmond, Texas 77469, between the hours of 10 o'clock a.m. and 4 o'clock p.m. on said day, beginning at 10:00 AM, proceed to sell for cash to the highest bidder all the right, title, and interest of the defendants in such suit(s) in and to the following described real estate levied upon as the property of said defendants, the same lying and being situated in the County of Fort Bend and the State of Texas, to-wit: Sale #

Cause # Judgment Date

Acct # Order Issue Date

Style of Case

Legal Description

Adjudged Value

Estimated Minimum Bid

1

05-DCV146419 11/16/16

005702040000090 FORT BEND COUNTY, ET AL VS. 8 VIOLA B. ALLEN, ET AL JANUARY 27, 2017

UDI 19.58%, MORE OR LESS, IN & TO LT 2, BRAGG SUBD, LT 26 , JOS. MCCORMICK LEAGUE (PRAIRIE), VOL 69, PG 272*

$30,560.00

$30,560.00

2

14-DCV214209 11/16/16

001800000061090 1 JANUARY 27, 2017

H CHRIESMAN SURV, ABST18, 1 ACRE, MORE OR LESS, VOL 317, PG 172*

$37,300.00

$6,200.00

3

14-DCV217725 06/24/16

008511001320490 FORT BEND COUNTY VS. 3 ALONZO JOHNICAN, JR., ET AL JANUARY 27, 2017

UNDIVIDED 16.67% INTEREST IN & TO 29.71 ACRES, MORE OR LESS, SHELBY FRAZIER AND MCCORMICK LEAGUE, ABST 85, VOL 198, PG 622 & VOL 340, PG 214*

$34,870.00

$9,400.00

4

14-DCV218537 10/07/16

739500012009090 1 JANUARY 27, 2017

$95,400.00

$11,500.00

5

15-DCV225890 11/09/16

025400000051090 FORT BEND COUNTY VS. 6 HENRY M. HOLLAWAY, ET AL JANUARY 27, 2017

0.4300 ACRE, MORE OR LESS, H & TC .RR. CO. SURV, ABST 254, VOL 535, PG114*

$84,260.00

$8,700.00

6

15-DCV227408 11/09/16

BAYOU PARK, LT 4, VOL 15, PG 13*

$178,060.00

$85,000.00

7

16-DCV229355 11/16/16

$223,590.00

$17,000.00

8

16-DCV233254 11/21/16

140100000004090 1 JANUARY 27, 2017 646012001008090 1 JANUARY 27, 2017 001100000332890 6 JANUARY 27, 2017

$56,550.00

$4,400.00

Sale # 9

Cause # Judgment Date 16-DCV233379 11/09/16

FORT BEND COUNTY VS. DEONDRA LYNNE JACKSON, AKA DEONDRA J JACKSON, ET AL

LTS 8,9 & E 10 FT OF LT 10, BLK FORT BEND COUNTY VS. 12, CITY OF RICHMOND, VOL A, BRENDA J. MATHIS, AKA PG 62* BRENDA DAVIS MATHIS AKA BRENDA DAVIS CARTER, ET AL

FORT BEND COUNTY VS. MELBOURNE H. LOEB, AKA MELBOURNE HERBERT LOEB, ET AL

RIVERPARK SEC 12, BLK 1, LT 8, FORT BEND COUNTY VS. AGHAEGBUNA ODELUGO, AKA REC'D IN SLIDE NO. 2208/A* AGHAEGBUNA CHIBUIKE ODELUGO, ET AL FORT BEND COUNTY VS. MORRIS LEO WOODS, ET AL

3.2460 ACRES, MORE OR LESS, CHARLES A BETTNER ONEQUARTER LEAGUE, ABST 11, CLERK'S FILE NO. 2013011728*

Style of Case

Legal Description

Acct # Order Issue Date

215001011170090 FORT BEND COUNTY VS. 7 SHAUN WALLACE SCOTT, ET AL JANUARY 27, 2017

BRIARGATE SEC 1, BLK 11, LT 17, VOL 6, PG 15* (ACCT 2150010111700907/1938011400017)

Adjudged Value $20,010.00

Estimated Minimum Bid $5,900.00

(any volume and page references, unless otherwise indicated, being to the Deed Records, Fort Bend County, Texas, to which instruments reference may be made for a more complete description of each respective tract.) or, upon the written request of said defendants or their attorney, a sufficient portion of the property described above shall be sold to satisfy said judgment(s), interest, penalties, and cost; and any property sold shall be subject to the right of redemption of the defendants or any person having an interest therein, to redeem the said property, or their interest therein, within the time and in the manner provided by law, and shall be subject to any other and further rights to which the defendants or anyone interested therein may be entitled, under the provisions of law. Said sale to be made by me to satisfy the judgment(s) rendered in the above styled and numbered cause(s), together with interest, penalties, and costs of suit, and the proceeds of said sales to be applied to the satisfaction thereof, and the remainder, if any, to be applied as the law directs.

RECENT CHANGES IN THE PROPERTY TAX CODE NOW REQUIRE PURCHASERS OF TAX SALE PROPERTY TO HAVE A STATEMENT FROM THE FORT BEND COUNTY TAX ASSESSOR-COLLECTOR CERTIFYING THAT THE PERSON/FIRM/COMPANY PURCHASING PROPERTY AT A TAX SALE OWES NO DELINQUENT PROPERTY TAXES TO ANY TAXING ENTITY WITHIN THE COUNTY. YOU WILL NOT RECEIVE A TAX SALE DEED TO ANY PROPERTY YOU PURCHASE WITHOUT THIS CERTIFICATE. TO OBTAIN A CERTIFICATE, PLEASE CONTACT YOUR FORT BEND COUNTY TAX ASSESSOR-COLLECTOR AT LEAST TWO WEEKS PRIOR TO THE SALE. Dated at Richmond, Texas, February 1, 2017 Constable Mike Beard Fort Bend County, Texas

Understanding Social Security Andrew Hardwick, a Metropolitan Public Affairs Specialist for the Social Security Administration, will present “Understanding Social Security” on Wednesday, March 29, beginning at 6:30 pm, at the First Colony Branch Library, 2121 Austin Parkway in Sugar Land. Hardwick will provide an overview of the Social Security program. Learn how and when to apply for retirement benefits and Medicare, and the differences between Medicare Parts A, B, C, and D. He will also discuss survivor and disability benefits and retirement planning. Learn how early retirement affects one’s benefits and how to get the most from one’s benefits. Hardwick will also demonstrate online tools that are available on the Social Security Administration’s website.

BY VIRTUE OF AN ORDER OF SALE

§ § §

By Deputy Notes: The Minimum Bid is the lesser of the amount awarded in the judgment plus interest and costs or the adjudged value.

However, the Minimum Bid for a person owning an interest in the property or for a person who is a party to the suit (other than a taxing unit), is the aggregate amount of the judgments against the property plus all costs of suit and sale. ALL SALES SUBJECT TO CANCELLATION WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE. THERE MAY BE ADDITIONAL TAXES DUE ON THE PROPERTY WHICH HAVE BEEN ASSESSED SINCE THE DATE OF THE JUDGMENT. For more information, contact your attorney or LINEBARGER GOGGAN BLAIR & SAMPSON, LLP., attorney for plaintiffs, at (713) 844-3576

INDEPENDENT •MARCH 1, 2017 • Page 6

AUTOMOBILE: Hyundai Genesis G80 CONSTABLE’S NOTICE OF SALE Notice is hereby given, that by virtue of a certain Order of Sale issued by the clerk of the 268TH District Court of Fort Bend County, Texas on DEC 30, 2016 in cause numbered 15-DCV228343 styled First Colony Community Services Association, Inc.. vs. SUSAN ANNETTE PECK, in which a judgment was rendered on JUNE 24, 2016 in favor of First Colony Community Services Association, Inc. for the sum of Five Thousand Nine Hundred Fifty One Dollars and Fifty Four Cents ($5951.54); plus fees for posting notice of sale, publishing, costs of suit rendered by the court, legal fees, and all costs of executing this Writ.

I have levied upon the below listed property on JAN 30, 2017 and will on MAR 7, 2017 Tuesday, between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. proceed to sell for cash to the highest bidder, all the Right, Title, and Interest of SUSAN ANNETTE PECK to and in the following described Real Property LOT 601, IN BLOCK SIX(6) OF TOWNS OF GRANTS LAKE,A SUBDIVISION IN FORT BEND COUNTY TEXAS,ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED UNDER CLERK’S SLIDE NO 598/A AND B PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS,MORE COMMONLY KNOWN AS 2808 GRANTS LAKE BLVD NO 601 SUGAR LAND, TX 77479 The above sale to be made by me to satisfy the above described judgment in favor of First Colony Community Services Association, Inc. Plaintiff, and the proceeds applied to the satisfaction thereof.

LOCATION: FORT BEND COUNTY TRAVIS BLDG 1ST FLR MEETING ROOM 301 JACKSON RICHMOND, TX 77469 DATE: MARCH 7 2017 TIME: APPROX. 11:00 am BY: Sergeant M. Kutach TREVER J. NEHLS Constable Pct. 4 Fort Bend County, Texas

By BARBARA FULENWIDER This four-door luxury vehicle rides and drives like a dream. It is roomy, has a most tasteful interior, is loaded with bells and whistles and has plenty of power thanks to its 3.8L DOHC 24-valve V6.

The V6 makes 311 horsepower and 293 torque and is paired with an 8-speed electronic transmission. It offers enhanced shift logic and speed, improved acceleration, sport-mode mapping, shifting smoothness and transmission efficiency. The transmission includes Shiftronic manual shift capability with paddle shifters. The G80 gets 18 miles to the gallon in city driving and 28 on the highway.

The G80 also comes standard with cruise control with stop/start, automatic emergency braking, blind spot dePUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 14, 2017 for Meadows Marketplace Amending Plat No. 1, Partial Replat No. 1, Precinct 3. The hearing will be held in the Commissioners Courtroom at 401 Jackson Street, Second Floor, Richmond, Texas.

Under state law, you the owner, have certain rights with respect to the proposed replat. Should you wish to exercise your right, you may be heard at the planned public hearing. You may contact Gerald W. Grissom with Brown and Gay Engineers, Inc. at GGrissom@ bgeinc.com for information prior to the hearing.

Submitted by Laura Richard Fort Bend County Clerk

City of Missouri City ORDINANCE NO. O-17-05 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF MISSOURI CITY, TEXAS, REZONING 11.29 ACRES OF LAND TO LC-3 RETAIL DISTRICT; DESCRIBING SAID 11.29 ACRES OF LAND; AMENDING THE ZONING DISTRICT MAP OF THE CITY OF MISSOURI CITY; PROVIDING FOR AN AMENDMENT TO THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN; PROVIDING FOR REPEAL; PROVIDING A PENALTY; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND CONTAINING OTHER PROVISIONS RELATING TO THE SUBJECT. I, Maria Jackson, City Secretary of the City of Missouri City, do hereby certify that the foregoing is a true and correct copy of the caption of said Ordinance No. O-17-05 approved on second and final reading by the City Council at its regular meeting held on February 20, 2017, as the same appears in the records of my office. /s/ Maria Jackson City Secretary

City of Missouri City LEGAL NOTICE THIS IS A MANDATED PUBLICATION OF THE LEGAL NOTICE Legal Notice to be published on March 1, 2017 and March 8, 2016.

OPENING DATE OF March 28, 2017 AT 2:00 p.m.

tection, rear cross-traffic alert, lane keeping assist with lane departure warning and full color heads-up display.

Lane keeping assist helps detect lane departure and applies slight corrective steering measures to help keep vehicle from drifting out of lane.

Blind spot detection heightens awareness by alerting the driver when there is an object in a blind spot as they attempt to change lanes.

Automatic emergency braking works in unison with the cruise control system radar and the lane keeping assist camera to detect a slower or stopped vehicle ahead and quickly engages automatic braking.

Other safety features on the G80 are the high beam assist, which automatically switches from high to low beam headlights when the front camera detects an oncoming or leading vehicle ahead, and seatbelt pretensions help fasten seatbelts in haste and tighten their hold upon sensing an impact.

Premium features include the Lexicon 17-speaker 7.1 Discrete audio system, leather seating, a 9.2-inch touchscreen and navigation with HD display.

The G80’s good looks come from the manufacturer’s use of what it calls Fluidic Sculpture, which encapsulates fluid aesthetics, the modern Hyundai look and a premium ambience.

Fluidic forms on the Genesis are refined and precise. The Genesis has an impressive

modern design through distinctive exterior styling that results in a sleek, upscale appearance.

Driver and passenger posture are optimized using enhanced seat pad density, adjustable driver’s seat power bolsters and seat cushion extension. Genesis offer 12-way power front seats, including 4-way power lumbar and heated front seats with available ventilation.

The fully-independent, 5-link front and rear suspension designs have increased stiffness with increased front and rear suspension travel, for greater wheel articulation and bump absorption. The G80 comes with 18-inch alloy wheels.

Another item I liked on the G80 is the trunk opens automatically when the smart key is detected within a few feet of the rear bumper for longer than three seconds. This pro-

vides an audible warning and flashing light prior to opening.

A favorite of mine is the optional head’s-up display that projects a virtual image onto the windshield, enabling the driver to keep his or her eyes on the road. The wide screen with adjustable brightness ensures both daytime and nighttime visibility.

Speed, smart cruise control status, navigation, blind spot detection, forward collision warning, speed limit, lane departure warning and audio system data are projected at a perceived virtual distance approximately six feet ahead of the driver for maximum legibility while driving.

Genesis also offers an electronic parking brake with automatic vehicle hold for convenience when driving in traffic. It holds the Genesis at a stop until the accelerator pedal is depressed. The vehicle hold

re-engages whenever the vehicle is brought to a complete stop.

For audiophiles, Genesis offers an ultra-premium, Lexicon Discrete Logic 7 Surround audio system with 17 speakers, Logic 7 Surround Sound processing and 12-channel digital amplifier with 900-watts of equivalent output.

This system includes SiriusXM Radio, HD Radio, and iPod/USB auxiliary media input jacks. The standard Lexicon system offers 14 speakers, with Discrete Logic 7 Surround processing and a 12-channel DSP amplifier with 900-watts of equivalent output.

With all standard equipment the G80 with rear-wheel drive and the V6 engine has an MSRP of $41,490. Options on the test drive Genesis G80 increased the price to $51,300.

NOTICE OF SALE

BY VIRTUE OF AN ORDER OF SALE

STATE OF TEXAS FORT BEND COUNTY

and issued pursuant to judgment decree(s) of the District Court of Fort Bend County, Texas, by the Clerk of said Court on said date, in the hereinafter numbered and styled suit(s) and to me directed and delivered as Sheriff or Constable of said County, I have on February 1, 2017, sei ed, levied upon, and will, on the first Tuesday in March, 2017, the same being the 7th day of said month, at 301 Jackson Street, William Travis Building, 1st Floor Meeting Room in the City of Richmond, Texas 77469, between the hours of 10 o'clock a.m. and 4 o'clock p.m. on said day, beginning at 10:00 AM, proceed to sell for cash to the highest bidder all the right, title, and interest of the defendants in such suit(s) in and to the following described real estate levied upon as the property of said defendants, the same lying and being situated in the County of Fort Bend and the State of Texas, to-wit:

IFB # 17-035 Mustang Bayou WWTP Lift Station Rehabilitation IFB’s may be obtained from the State of Texas Electronic State Business Daily (ESBD) at http://esbd.cpa.state.tx.us/ or Onvia/Demandstar at http://www.demandstar.com/.

Responses must be sealed, marked on the outside of the delivery envelope with the Bid name and number as listed above, and the date of opening. Responses must be delivered to the attention of: Purchasing Manager City of Missouri City 1522 Texas Parkway Missouri City, TX 77489 prior to the acceptance deadline. Responses marked improperly and therefore misdirected may be disqualified. Responses will be opened on March 28, 2017 at 2:00 pm.

PRE-BID CONFERENCE: A non-mandatory pre-bid conference is scheduled for March 14, 2017 at 10:00 am in the Council Chambers at the street location noted above.

Until final award of the Contract, the OWNER reserves the right to reject any or all Responses, to waive irregularities or technicalities, to re-advertise, or proceed to do the Work otherwise when in the best interests of the OWNER. No bid may be withdrawn during the 60 days following the bid opening date.

CONSTABLE’S NOTICE OF SALE Notice is hereby given, that by virtue of a certain Order of Sale issued by the clerk of the 434TH District Court of Fort Bend County, Texas on DEC 27, 2016 in cause numbered 14DCV-218097 styled SUGAR LAKES HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION.. vs.

FAKHRI SALEH KHALAF, in which a judgment was rendered on AUG 11, 2015 in favor of SUGAR LAKES HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION. for the sum of Four Thousand Seven Hundred Twenty Dollars and Thirty Four Cents ($4720.34); plus fees for posting notice of sale, publishing, costs of suit rendered by the court, legal fees, and all costs of executing this Writ.

I have levied upon the below listed property on Feb 7, 2017 and will on MAR 7, 2017 Tuesday, between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. proceed to sell for cash to the highest bidder, all the Right, Title, and Interest of FAKHRI SALEH KHALAF to and in the following described Real Property LOT TWENTY (20), IN BLOCK FOUR(4) OF SUGAR LAKES, SECTION TWO (2) AN ADDITION IN FORT BEND COUNTY TEXAS,ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN VOLUME 25, PAGE 1 OF THE PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS,THE PROPERTY ALSO KNOWN 1111 HERON COURT SUGAR LAND, FORT BEND COUNTY TX 77478 The above sale to be made by me to satisfy the above described judgment in favor of First Colony Community Services Association, Inc. Plaintiff, and the proceeds applied to the satisfaction thereof.

LOCATION: FORT BEND COUNTY TRAVIS BLDG 1ST FLR MEETING ROOM 301 JACKSON RICHMOND, TX 77469 DATE: MARCH 7 2017 TIME: APPROX. 11:00 am BY: SGT M. KUTACH TREVER J. NEHLS Constable Pct. 4 Fort Bend County, Texas

CONSTABLE’S NOTICE OF SALE Notice is hereby given, that by virtue of a certain Order of Sale issued by the clerk of the 434TH District Court of Fort Bend County, Texas on December 27, 2016 in cause numbered 14-DCV219453 styled WATERSIDE ESTATES COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION INC. vs.

Basmattie Abraham & Feroze Khan, in which a judgment was rendered on June 4, 2015 in favor of NEW TERRITORY RESIDENTIAL COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION INC. for the sum of Four Thousand Seven Hundred Ninety Dollars and Sixty Four Cents ($4,790.64); plus fees for posting notice of sale, publishing, costs of suit rendered by the court, legal fees, and all costs of executing this Writ.

I have levied upon the below listed property on February 7, 2017 and will on March 7, 2017 Tuesday, between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. proceed to sell for cash to the highest bidder, all the Right, Title, and Interest of Basmattie Abraham & Feroze Khan to and in the following described Real Property LOT 01, IN BLOCK 01, OF WATERSIDE ESTATES, SECTION 12, AN ADDITION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN THE PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, UNDER CLERK’S FILE NO. 20040062, AS MODIFIED BY ANY SUPPLEMENTS THERETO OR REPLATS THEREOF The above sale to be made by me to satisfy the above described judgment in favor of WATERSIDE ESTATES COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION INC. Plaintiff, and the proceeds applied to the satisfaction thereof.

LOCATION: FORT BEND COUNTY TRAVIS BLDG 1ST FLR MEETING ROOM 301 JACKSON RICHMOND, TX 77469 DATE: MARCH 7 2017 TIME: APPROX. 11:00 am BY: Deputy Steele TREVER J. NEHLS Constable Pct. 4 Fort Bend County, Texas

Sale #

Cause # Judgment Date

Acct # Order Issue Date

Style of Case

1

14-DCV217719 11/21/16

955001017694990 7 JANUARY 27, 2017

2

16-DCV233405 11/08/16

620001005020090 FORT BEND COUNTY VS. 7 SHAYLA DENISE NEAL, ET AL JANUARY 27, 2017

FORT BEND COUNTY VS. SONJA MEHARALI, AKA SONIA JOHNSON AKA SONJA DEE JOHNSON

Legal Description

Adjudged Value

Estimated Minimum Bid

WILLOW PARK, (RES A), SEC 1, TRACT 6949, BLDG SITE 17, VOL 11, PG 5* (ACCT. NO. 9550010176949907/1938008400113)

$34,040.00

$13,000.00

REPLAT OF RIDGEGATE S/D, SEC 1, BLK 5, LT 2, VOL 16, PG 4* ACCT 6200010050200907/1939000900002)

$76,970.00

$9,200.00

(any volume and page references, unless otherwise indicated, being to the Deed Records, Fort Bend County, Texas, to which instruments reference may be made for a more complete description of each respective tract.) or, upon the written request of said defendants or their attorney, a sufficient portion of the property described above shall be sold to satisfy said judgment(s), interest, penalties, and cost; and any property sold shall be subject to the right of redemption of the defendants or any person having an interest therein, to redeem the said property, or their interest therein, within the time and in the manner provided by law, and shall be subject to any other and further rights to which the defendants or anyone interested therein may be entitled, under the provisions of law. Said sale to be made by me to satisfy the judgment(s) rendered in the above styled and numbered cause(s), together with interest, penalties, and costs of suit, and the proceeds of said sales to be applied to the satisfaction thereof, and the remainder, if any, to be applied as the law directs.

RECENT CHANGES IN THE PROPERTY TAX CODE NOW REQUIRE PURCHASERS OF TAX SALE PROPERTY TO HAVE A STATEMENT FROM THE FORT BEND COUNTY TAX ASSESSOR-COLLECTOR CERTIFYING THAT THE PERSON/FIRM/COMPANY PURCHASING PROPERTY AT A TAX SALE OWES NO DELINQUENT PROPERTY TAXES TO ANY TAXING ENTITY WITHIN THE COUNTY. YOU WILL NOT RECEIVE A TAX SALE DEED TO ANY PROPERTY YOU PURCHASE WITHOUT THIS CERTIFICATE. TO OBTAIN A CERTIFICATE, PLEASE CONTACT YOUR FORT BEND COUNTY TAX ASSESSOR-COLLECTOR AT LEAST TWO WEEKS PRIOR TO THE SALE. Dated at Richmond, Texas, February 1, 2017 Constable Wayne Thompson Fort Bend County, Texas By Deputy Notes: The Minimum Bid is the lesser of the amount awarded in the judgment plus interest and costs or the adjudged value.

However, the Minimum Bid for a person owning an interest in the property or for a person who is a party to the suit (other than a taxing unit), is the aggregate amount of the judgments against the property plus all costs of suit and sale. ALL SALES SUBJECT TO CANCELLATION WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE. THERE MAY BE ADDITIONAL TAXES DUE ON THE PROPERTY WHICH HAVE BEEN ASSESSED SINCE THE DATE OF THE JUDGMENT. For more information, contact your attorney or LINEBARGER GOGGAN BLAIR & SAMPSON, LLP., attorney for plaintiffs, at (713) 844-3576

INDEPENDENT • MARCH 1, 2017 • Page 7

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SPOTLIGHT Missouri City hires Shashi Kumar as Public Works director

Missouri City Councilmembers unanimously approved Shashi Kris Kumar, P.E. to serve as its Public Works Director and City Engineer on Feb. 20.

Strategic Government Resources (SGR), a local government executive search firm based in Keller, Texas, conducted a nationwide search on behalf of the City to fill the position.

The City’s Public Works Department manages water, sewer, and wastewater treatment services and oversees engineering and utilities planning.

The department also maintains GIS applications, sidewalks, and traffic control devices, and provides animal control services.

Kumar has more than 20 years of municipal engineering and management experience.

In his prior role, he served as the City Engineer for the City of League City since Jan.9.

Kumar was responsible for the engineering department’s administration and operations, traffic engineering and development services, project management and land devel-

Shahsi Kumar opment-related activities, according to League City.

Before that, he served the city of Sugar Land for 13 years.

He served as the Senior Engineer, Program Manager, and Drainage Engineer for the City of Sugar Land. He also has consulting engineering experience, having worked for major consulting firms in the Houston metropolitan area for about 10 years.

Kumar holds a Master’s Degree in Engineering from Lamar University, a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of Houston -Victoria, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering from Bangalore University in India.

He is a licensed Professional Engineer in the state of Texas, and a Certified Flood-

plain Manager. He is a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), Texas Floodplain Management Association (TFMA), and American Public Works Association (APWA).

City Manager Anthony Snipes said, “Based on a vetting process and a number of candidates that we had, we

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brought in a number of finalists and selected Kumar to fill the position.”

“I find him to be very intelligent, articulate, but more importantly someone who understands our key partners throughout this community and working with Fort Bend County,” Snipes said.

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