Fort Bend Independent

VOL 7 No. 15

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FORT BEND FAIR. BALANCED. INFORMATIVE. WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9, 2014

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

Official newspaper of Fort Bend County, Missouri City & Sugar Land

Candidates for Missouri City City Council explain stand on issues

TEXANA SUNSHINE. With a paintbrush in hand and a brow furrowed with focus, Texana client Amy Crane saturates the broad canvas with green paint. A majestic tree begins to take shape through Crane’s careful application of paint. As a client of Texana’s Fort Bend Center, Crane is a beneficiary of a partnership forged between ARTreach and Texana. The first ARTreach project with Texana Center included the creation of a twenty by nine foot mural – the largest mural ever created by ARTreach artists and volunteers. Entitled “Texana Sunshine”, the mural features a nature scene filled with the bold colors of the sun, purple hills and periwinkle streams, not to mention flowers and trees that rise off the canvas with a three dimensional effect. Equally captivating as the art, were the emotions and excitement stirred within the Texana clients. Texana clients and ARTreach volunteers pose in front of “Texana Sunshine,” a mural designed by ARTreach artist Elizabeth Linder and painted by Texana clients and ARTreach volunteers. Featured in the back row from left to right are Jimmy Broomfield, Wayne Heitman, Aaron Lindsey, Tyrone Fredrick, Curt Moore, Jill Palacios, Yasmine Scott, Darrell Richard, Rafika Milledge and Debra Taylor. From the left to right in the front row are Michael Trent, Dinora Davalos, Micah Koser, Elizabeth Linder, Amy Crane, Vonda Drees and Melba Lee.

Change seems constant in FBISD elections

By SESHADRI KUMAR Eleven candidates, including two incumbents, are seeking three seats on the Fort Bend Independent School District board of trustees.

The incumbents, Bruce Albright and Patsy Taylor were themselves first elected in 2011 on a platform of change.

Change has been constant on the school board at least since 2004 so much so the longest serving board of trustee is Jim Rice, who was elected in 2010 and re-elected last year, with a total of four years on the board.

Susan Hohnbaum, after serving six years as trustee, is not seeking re-election this year.

Dave Rosenthal, who was first elected to fill one-year unexpired team of the then trustee Jim Babb in 2012, was re-elected last year and thus has been on the board for two years.

Jenny Bailey and Grayle James, elected in 2012, have also completed two of their first three-year term.

The May 10 election will decide if the board will have one, two or all three new faces on the board.

With all the candidates promising to spend the taxpayers’ money wisely, supporting more pay for teachers, and keeping the schools safe and secure, what separates them from one another is somewhat subtle to comprehend.

The candidates participated in a forum hosted by the Fort Bend Employee Federation on April 3 at the Sugar Land Marriott and the answers given by the candidates to the federation’s questions may shed some light on the candidates.

Here are excerpts from the answers given by the candidates to some of the questions: What are the three most important issues facing FBISD today?

Position 1 candidate Ramesh Cherivirala: Over and under utilization of some of the schools; review of hiring and exiting procedures for teachers

and implementation of House Bill 5.

Sardar Qaiser Imam: Loss of trust and faith in our school board; lack of comprehensive plan to recruit and retain quality teachers; and lack of district wide career-ready programs.

Jason Burdine: Implementation of HB5 in regards to course design, teacher recruitment and teacher instruction; district wide alignment of policies and procedures; and ensuring an environment of safety and security for students and staff.

C. J. Udoagwu: Staffing from Pre-K to high school with unfilled teaching and teacher’s aide vacancies at all levels; learning, achievement and performance gap; and teachers’ working conditions, including non-competitive salaries.

Position 4 Candidates Bruce Albright (incumbent): Dealing with the changing demographics of the student population; retaining and supporting teachers and paraprofessionals and dealing with the necessary expansion of new facilities and making sure our existing facilities are being used to the maximum extent possible.

Deron Harrington: Laserfocused financial oversight; leadership and making the educational product more relevant to our students and community.

Kristin Tassin: Curriculum, program and instructional planning; support and meaningful training for teachers and facilities planning and prioritizing.

Rodrigo Carreon: (He did not provide a written response to the questionnaire, but told the forum) I am running for the 9th consecutive time. School taxes must be spent wisely; quality teachers should be hired and given the needed support.

Educate students to be responsible citizens by asking them to vote.

Position 5 candidates Patsy Taylor, incumbent: Raising the achievement of low performing students and

schools; improve the quality of instruction and instructional programs; and professional development of teachers.

K.P. George: Teacher morale, responsible spending of tax dollars and inconsistent distribution of resources across campuses.

Kris Allfrey: Safe and secure schools, fiscal responsibility and career and technical education.

How would you respond to the district’s anticipated call for a mega bond issue?

Ramesh: Review projected maintenance expenses for each campus and ensure that bond money is used for upgrades and not maintenance. Determine how we can utilize current facilities to the highest and best use before we commit to build new schools.

Q. Imam: After the plan is vetted by the community, the administration and the board, if the board decides to go for a new bond, then that is what we need to do.

Burdine: Prioritize the proposed recommendations into district “needs” versus “wants.”

Also, scrutinize what funds could be accessed from past bonds and determine if there is a need for future bonds. I do not support mega bonds.

See FBISD, Page 3

By SESHADRI KUMAR Missouri City Mayor Allen Owen and his challenger Noel Pinnock made their cases at a candidates forum for the local May 10 election, hosted by the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce and the Arc of Fort Bend, at the Missouri City City Centre in Quail Valley on April 3.

Owen promised to foster continued economic development in Missouri City by working with major developers and land owners to attract more companies and retailers.

“The city is working toward drawing development along Highway 90A and the Beltway.

We will continue to build on our sales tax base to help reduce the tax burden on homeowners,” Owen said.

Pinnock said he will work with the city manager and the administration to attract more business development that will draw world-wide attention. He said he will think outside the box and make future economic development just “as diverse as the community we live, play, work, and shop in. We have struggled in the past to keep up with our ever-evolving stakeholders and it is time for that to change. I believe in turnkey business solutions that will streamline the way we bring new businesses on board,” Pinnock said.

On the agenda for the next two-year term, Owen said he

Owen will work on the $40 million bond issue for much needed infrastructure repairs and replacement. Owen said he will ensure that the projects would be done in a way that it will not increase property taxes and stay within the budget and ability to complete them quickly.

“Our City has aged to a point that there are needs in all parts of the City and we must address them to keep our quality of life moving in the right direction. One of the projects in this bond issue is another much needed Fire Station to address issue we are having with response time to certain areas of the City,” Owen said.

If elected, Pinnock said he will focus on several key issues like “Public Safety, SMART Development & Economic Growth, Term limits, Homestead tax exemption for all qualifying residents, and No-

Pinnock vember elections.”

Owen said he was proud of the fact that Missouri City remained one of the safest cities, most affordable, most diverse, and one of the best cities in the USA to live and raise a family in. “I am proud of the way we have grown with a good mixture of businesses and residential development,” he said.

Pinnock said his 25 years of experience in public management and advance training in the public management industry has not only prepared him for this role, but it has also provided him “a variety of perspectives that will help in open-minded, competent, motivated, cooperative, and creative role as mayor.”

In Owen’s view, the city’s strength include safety, affordability, ethnic diversity, higher See MAYOR, Page 5

RAILFEST. Rosenberg residents and visitors alarmed this weekend by the sound of thunder coming from the Rosenberg Railroad Museum don’t need to run for cover. The booming sound will be from their Annual Railfest Event rolling into town, and Rosenberg Railroad Museum officials hope it will be a signal to train enthusiasts to come and enjoy the fun, which is April 12 from 11 a.m - 6 p.m at the Museum (1921 Avenue F, Rosenberg.) What is Railfest? It is a chance to enjoy model train village including a Thomas the Tank engine interactive layout. Also you get a chance to enjoy live music- the Brazos River Pickers and Star Flight Hobo Re-enactors, crafts and more.

In addition – Operation Lifesaver will have a trailer to educate children large and small about train safety. Activities are included in the special event admission price of $6 for adults/ $5 for seniors/ $4 children. O’Henry’s Catering will make sure you don’t go hungry. Visit www.RosenbergRRMuseum.org or call 281.633.2846 for directions and more information. Above, Asher Larkin Murray is enjoying watching a train cross the trestle bridge from a “G scale” model train layout.

Page 2 • INDEPENDENT • APRIL 9, 2014

FORT BEND SPOTLIGHT

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APRIL 9, 2014 • INDEPENDENT • Page 3

NEWS

City of Missouri City

Interim plans deal with overcrowding at Commonwealth and Oakland Elementary Fort Bend Independent School District is taking measures to address overcrowding in high growth areas where two elementary schools have significant increasing student enrollment - Commonwealth and Oakland Elementary Schools.

The District is developing the best solutions possible based upon the unique circumstances of each school.

Udoagwu: I will place a “stop” on the bond issue. Look at rezoning before a bond issue.

Also, bond money approved 10 years ago remains unspent.

Position 4 Albright: The board should first determine what items are wish list and what are really necessary. Then identify a time table to implement the projects over several years, and when necessary, it should be done on a minimized basis. I am against any blanket endorsement of bond issue. The board should minimize the need for bond money and new taxes.

Harrington: I won’t support a mega bond issue. Any bond issuance must hold the following conditions before I support it: Driven only on true need not want, actual need, not speculation; we have fully exhausted our abilities under existing resources, namely utilized already approved bond funds and exhausted any flexibility to use the operating fund; funds only used for long life assets and not short life items like i-pads; and establish additional safeguards to ensure that bonds are actually spent on what our voters approved.

Tassin: If elected to the board, I will work to support implementation of the recommendations in the most fiscally responsible manner possible.

FBISD has current bond money to build two schools and has additional funds that may be used for capital expenditures, both should be considered before seeking a bond referendum.

Carreon: The district should undertake “total rezoning.”

No bond election should be held before rezoning. East side schools badly need repair. Do not build schools in the middle of nowhere and build only in developed areas.

Position 5 Taylor: I do not support higher or new taxes with a mega bond election. We have done a good job to ensure that our budgets are balanced and that we spend our money wisely. However, we can do a better job at this and must work within our

Concrete Pavement Lifting IFB # 112-14 The City intends to hire contractors to provide all material, labor, and equipment necessary to perform repairs to settled concrete sidewalk pavement by jacking the slab with cementatious slurry material, perform street raising for the purpose of eliminating swales, birdbaths and related pavement failures on concrete thoroughfares and all at various locations in the Missouri City on an as-needed basis.

•The District will soon provide an FAQ document on the FBISD website.

Relief for overcrowding at Oakland Elementary Plans to provide a one-year solution at Oakland until a new elementary school opens in August 2015 include: •A fifth-grade satellite campus at Bowie Middle School will open for the 2014-2015 school year, as Bowie is the natural Commonwealth feeder pattern for most students Elementary School to at Oakland. address growth •The fifth-grade teachers from Fort Bend ISD will be capping enrollment at Commonwealth Oakland will staff the satellite to address enrollment growth center.

•An assistant principal from for the next two years until a future elementary school opens. Oakland will supervise teaching After meeting with parents at and learning.

•Additional teachers will be the school, the District decided that a proposal for a fifth-grade hired for outclasses for fifthcenter at Fort Settlement Middle grade to include: P.E., art, and School would not be the best music.

•Detailed information will be way to address the longer range view of enrollment growth. shared at an upcoming parent District officials instead have a meeting.

•Communications will be new plan. In summary: •The 2014-2015 fifth-graders shared with local realtors and will remain at Commonwealth developers about the plan.

•The District will soon proElementary.

•Kindergarten registration vide an FAQ document on the FBISD website. will take place as scheduled.

“We thank our community •Enrollment will be capped at Commonwealth until a future for providing feedback and insights to help the District deelementary opens.

•Detailed information will be velop plans that allow students shared at an upcoming parent to continue to grow and thrive in safe and productive learning meeting.

•Following the parent meet- environments,” said Dr. Charles ing, communications will be Dupre, FBISD Superintendent shared with local realtors and of Schools. developers.

FBISD From Page 1

LEGAL NOTICE The City of Missouri City, Texas is issuing an Invitation for Bids (IFB) for:

spending practices before we ask our community for money.

K.P. George: I am not for or against it. I will closely look at the proposed bond issue. I will wait for complete recommendations.

Allfrey: I am not in support of a mega bond. The district has done a poor job of stewarding taxpayers’ dollars and the previous administration and the board has lost the trust of the community. The bond package should be very specific about how the money would be used.

I would not vote for a bond that has broad parameters as has been the case in the past.

How will you bridge the gap in low performing schools?

Position 1 Ramesh: Increase teacher morale, recruit and retain teachers; better equip them, encourage parental involvement and add special programs such as academies or career technology courses.

Q. Imam: Strong leadership in these schools is a must and will work to bring adequate leadership to these schools.

Also, will bring quality teachers and resources to these schools.

Will evaluate if new programs will help.

C.J.: Look at the best performing schools and benchmark those best practices across the district in all schools; when parents and community are involved, student performance increases; offer incentive to effective teachers to transfer to low performing schools.

Burdine: Specifically seek professional educators who understand the demand and efforts required at a low performing school; additional stipends or financial benefits and prescriptive staff development based on best practices would help.

Position 4 Albright: We have to allocate more resources. It may mean these schools may have more staff per pupil than other schools. Our goal should be focused on getting these kids “up to speed” so it will be a success story, not a failure.

Harrington: The first step in addressing any problem is owning it. For years we refused to own the problem. I will be sup-

Bids will be accepted until 2:00 p.m. local time April 22, 2014. At bid opening, the bids will be publicly opened and read out loud in City Hall Chambers located at 1522 Texas Parkway, Missouri City, Texas, 77489. Bid packages are available by contacting DemandStar bid service at (800) 711-1712 or by free download from the Public Purchase website at www.publicpurchase.com.

Bids 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. Bids must be delivered to the attention of the Sealed Bid Box, City of Missouri City Purchasing Office, 1522 Texas Parkway, Missouri City, Texas, 77489, prior to the acceptance deadline. Bid packages marked improperly and therefore misdirected may be disqualified.

SUGAR LAND AARP. Sugar Land AARP Chapter 4075 will meet Wednesday, April 23, 1 p.m. at the T.E. Harman Center, 234 Matlage Way. The program will include a presentation of different kinds of light bulb replacement. For more information call 713-724-3113

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LONE STAR STOMP XXV. Sitting on the front porch steps of the historic Victorian home of Billie Van Slyke are Melody Hess, with major sponsor New First National Bank and Co-Chair of the Event Committee; Charles Hewitt, with major sponsor OCuSOFT; Claire Rogers, Executive Director of the Fort Bend County Museum Association; and Lynn Hewitt, Chair of the Event Committee. They are showing off some of the donated auction items for Lone Star Stomp XXV, “Belles and Beaux,” taking place on April 12. The Van Slyke home itself is featured in one of the auction items. Enjoy southern hospitality at its finest at Lone Start Stomp XXV, on Saturday, April 12. Guests are invited to take in a night of dancing, dining, and exciting live, “Silver Star,” and silent auctions. The Stomp festivities will begin at 6:30 p.m. and continue until 11:30 p.m. at the George Ranch Historical Park, 10215 FM 762 in Richmond. For more information or to purchase table reservations and individual tickets, visit www.fortbendmuseum.org; contact the Stomp Team directly at LoneStarStomp@fortbendmuseum.org; or call (281) 342-1256.

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For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16) www.bibleliterature.com portive of the recommendations and implemntation of change in addressing this issue. We must provide meaningful and significant incentives to ensure our most talented educators are strategically deployed in a manner to address low performance areas.

Tassin: I will support the administration’s plans to increase performance of students at our lower performing schools. I believe this can be achieved by recruiting and retaining high quality teachers, offering incentives, additional classroom support, more creative learning and placing behavior, math, reading and other necessary interventionists on-site.

Carreon: I will support deploying good principals and administrators in these schools.

More bilingual teachers may be needed. Also, use volunteers as mentors.

Position 5 Taylor: I will continue to be very dedicated to increasing our efforts and programs to the underachieving students and schools, recognizing that equity is not the same as equality.

George: Better parental involvement is needed. Will partner with parents and faith-based organizations to provide more resources.

Allfrey: We should stop ignoring low-performing schools and put the needed money.

Teachers in low performing schools should be given financial incentive. Senior teachers with experience should be deployed. Look at programs that increase student performance and implement them.

Rate the performance of the current board as a group on a scale of 1 to 10.

Position 1 Ramesh: I would not like to give any rating. I believe that the board is doing its level best to keep the district strong.

Q. Imam: The current board accomplished a significant task of replacing the FBISD superintendent. There is always room for improvement. I would give a rating of 6.

Burdine: It would be highly inappropriate and ignorant of me to place a numeric rating on a group of public servants that volunteer and sacrifice time,

energy and family in the hopes of building a better future for the students and families.

C.J: Maybe a rating of 6.

Even though we do not know what happens behind the scene, I just don’t sense much supervisory or authoritative impulses coming from the board.

Position 4 Albright: Rating 8. For the most part, you have the hardest working, most caring board in place that has ever been part of FBISD. We all have differences but are able to come together for the common good.

Harrington: I will decline to rate the board as a whole,. I appreciate the service and sacrifice that all of them have undertaken to serve our community.

However, I would respectfully state that I firmly believe any benefit of Mr. Albright’s continued service has come and gone.

It’s time for change.

Tassin: While some current board members are responsible for costly, failed initiatives that were heavily opposed by the community, such as the iAchieve initiative, and failed to implement plans and use available funds to address overcrowding in FBISD schools, the members of the current board brought in much-needed new superintendent. Based on the change in administration, I would give them a 6.

Position 5 Taylor: I rate the current board of trustees as an 8 because there is always room for improvement.

Allfrey: I would rate the current board at a 4. The board is currently divided as evidenced by the votes of individual members. The current board has one member that bullies other board members and members of the public. Another board member misses considerable number of meetings and participates very little in board discussions during workshops and board meetings. The current president of the board further appears to be disengaged with several members of the board creating a very visible rift in the board to the public.

(K.P. George did not give a written response to the questionnaire.)

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Page 4 • INDEPENDENT • April 9, 2014 City of Missouri City LEGAL NOTICE The City of Missouri City, Texas is issuing an Invitation for Bid (IFB) for: Term Contract for Concrete Sidewalk Construction and Repair IFB # 119-14 The City intends to award a term contract to one (1) contractor to provide the material, labor, and equipment necessary to perform new construction and repairs of concrete sidewalks at various locations in Community Development Block Grant Program designated areas in the City.

Bids will be accepted until 2:00 p.m. local time April 22, 2014 and then publicly opened in the City Hall Chamber at 1522 Texas Parkway, Missouri City, Texas 77489.

Bid packages are available by contacting DemandStar bid service at (800) 711-1712 or by free download from the Public Purchase website at www.publicpurchase.com.

Bids 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. Bids must be delivered to the attention of the Sealed Bid Box, City of Missouri City Purchasing Office, 1522 Texas Parkway, Missouri City, Texas 77489, prior to the acceptance deadline. Bid packages marked improperly and therefore misdirected may be disqualified.

THIS PROJECT IS FINANCIALLY ASSISTED WITH FEDERAL FUNDS FROM THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT (HUD). PERTINENT LEGAL REQUIREMENTS ARE INCLUDED IN THE BID PACKAGE. The work to be performed under this contract may be subject to the requirements of section 3 of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968, as amended, 12 U.S.C. 1701u (section 3). The purpose of section 3 is to ensure that employment and other economic opportunities generated by HUD assistance or HUD-assisted projects covered by section 3, shall, to the greatest extent feasible, be directed to low- and very low-income persons, particularly persons who are recipients of HUD assistance for housing.

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10701 Corporate Drive, #282, Stafford, TX 77477 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 623, Sugar Land, TX 77487 Seshadri Kumar Publisher & Editor

www.fbindependent.com 281-980-6745

Fort Bend Independent is published every Wednesday (for a subscription rate of $20 per year) by Fort Bend Independent, LLC., 10701 Corporate Dr., #282, Stafford, Texas 77477. Application to Mail at Periodicals Postage Prices is Pending at Stafford, Texas.

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

PUBLIC NOTICE OF TEST OF AUTOMATIC TABULATING EQUIPMENT AVISO PÚBLICO DE PROBAR EL EQUIPO TABULAR AUTOMATICAMENTE Notice is hereby given that the automatic tabulating equipment that will be used in the Primary Runoff election to be held on May 27, 2014, will be tested on April 16, 2014 at 10:00 A.M. at the Fort Bend County Elections Department, 4520 Reading Road, Rosenberg Texas to ascertain that it will accurately count the votes cast for all offices and on all measures.

Por lo presente se da aviso que el equipo para tabular automáticamente que se usará en la elección primaria de desempate el 27 de Mayo del 2014 se probara el 16 de Abril del 2014 a las 10:00 A.M. en el Departamento de Elecciones del Condado de Fort Bend, 4520 Reading Road, Rosenberg Texas para determinar si el equipo contara con exactitud los votos para todos los puestos oficiales y sobre todos los proyectos de ley. /s/ John Oldham Fort Bend County Elections Administrator Administrador de Elecciones del Condado de Fort Bend

City of Missouri City LEGAL NOTICE The City of Missouri City, Texas is issuing a request for Competitive Sealed Proposals (CSP) for: HDPE Pipe Connection Adjustments and Bolt Re-torqueing On-Call Services CSP # 118-14 The City of Missouri City is accepting proposals from contractors to provide HDPE pipe connection adjustments and bolt re-torqueing services and on-call services for the Regional Water Treatment Plant. The City intends to award a contract to one contractor. The successful contractor will serve as the City’s on-call contractor for HDPE pipe connection adjustments and bolt re-torqueing services and will provide all equipment and labor necessary to perform in accordance with the specifications on an on-call basis.

CSPs will be accepted until 2:00 p.m. local time April 22, 2014. At bid opening, the proposals will be publicly opened and read out loud in City Hall Chambers located at 1522 Texas Parkway, Missouri City, Texas, 77489. Proposal packages are available by contacting DemandStar bid service at (800) 711-1712 or by free download from the Public Purchase website at www.publicpurchase.com.

CSPs must be sealed, marked on the outside of the delivery envelope with the CSP name and number as listed above, and the date of opening. CSPs must be delivered to the attention of the Sealed Bid Box, City of Missouri City Purchasing Office, 1522 Texas Parkway, Missouri City, Texas, 77489, prior to the acceptance deadline. CSP packages marked improperly and therefore misdirected may be disqualified.

NOTICE TO BIDDERS SUGAR CREEK PHASE II DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS Sugar Creek Country Club seeks competitive sealed proposals for furnishing all labor, material, and equipment, and performing all work required for the following project in the City: CIP PROJECT NAME: Sugar Creek Phase II Drainage Improvements CIP PROJECT NUMBER: DR1001 LOCATION OF WORK: Sugar Creek Country Club, Sugar Land, Texas 77478 Plans, specifications, and bidding documents may be obtained from Jeffrey D. Blume, Limited, 28250 FM 2978, Suite 323, Magnolia, TX 77354. Please contact Jeff Blume at jeff@ jeffreydblume.com or (281-259-6109).

Sealed proposals one (1) original and three (3) copies, shall be delivered to Sugar Creek Country Club, Attn. Gordon Wagner, 420 Sugar Creek Boulevard, Sugar Land, TX 77478, on or before 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, April 22, 2014, at which time bids will be publicly opened and read. Bids received after the opening date and time will not be considered.

A Mandatory pre-proposal meeting for all interested parties will be held at 1:00 p.m., Monday, April 14, 2014, Sugar Creek Country Club, 420 Sugar Creek Boulevard, Sugar Land, TX 77478.

Qualification of Selected Bidder 1. All bidders must meet the following minimum requirements in order to be considered for the performance of the work. a. Contractor must have completed at a minimum the equivalent of three 18 hole golf course renovation construction projects within the last five years. Contractor must have served as the general contractor for each of these projects and provided documentation as proof of their involvement at the request of the Owner and City. b. Contractor must be able to meet the bonding and insurance requirements of the City of Sugar Land.

Sugar Creek Country Club will give notice of the contract award by May 1, 2014.

Gordon Wagner, GM/CEO Sugar Creek Country Club

AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOOD: Joel Eliaz A. - Gluten-free bakery

By CAROLYN BOWDEN Baking began as a hobby: At a summer camp in Venezuela a 17 year old boy was working as a guide. One day the camp kitchen asked for help to knead the dough and the guys who signed up to help discovered this built up their muscles.

Joel found that it also relaxing and he began to enjoy baking for his friends, especially the girls. At the beginning he baked mostly bread, in any form, and continued to knead it all “by hand”.

Sales became his career: By his late 20’s he did well as a salesman for products, services, and ads for signs.

However, he kept baking as his hobby.

Then he almost died: In Venezuela the dream is to own your own business. An opportunity to invest in leasing a gasoline station was offered to him where it would mean long hours but he would be “THE” Manager. One morning as he arrived to open, a gun was suddenly pointed to his head and a man told him if the alarm went off he would kill him.

Joel knew when he opened the door he would have no control over the alarm and it would go off. At that moment his associate drove into the parking lot, seeing what was happening, he revved the engine, waking up the neighbors, who called 911.

Reality check: He now realized how easily a person can have their life taken away and asked himself this question: “Why am I here, under all this stress, and not happy. I need to do what I enjoy, I could get a college degree and make more money as a professor, doctor, attorney, etc., But, what I love best is baking bread.” Therefore, at age 30 he headed for a

Bowden bakery school where he could diversify from bread to pastries and chocolate candy.

Joel & family come to America: Venezuela seemed changed from the country where he and his wife had grown up. Joel had family living in Stafford, Texas and they encouraged them to move to Texas. At that time, many countries, including America were enduring an economic crisis. However, Joel found that Texas had a strong work force, with people helping each other which matched their values, beliefs and view of life. Here he also found that businesses in America tend to “specialize”.

Why gluten-free products?

A mother sought his help to teach her how to make glutenfree bread for her son who was autistic. Tests had shown that gluten had negative side effects on her son’s immune system. At that time there were no products available on grocery shelves and no bread that was gluten-free. When she attempted to make glutenfree bread or cake or cookies the quality was awful and the taste was worse. When he became successful in this endeavor, the word began to

spread and he then knew this would be the next step in his baking career.

Where to go? They soon found that Missouri City encouraged “new” businesses to grow. It was receptive to his type of business and there were no “unreasonable” charges to open up a “new” business.

At that point in time, in this area of 67,000 residents, there were only 3 gluten-free businesses where baked goods and gluten-free candy were made from scratch “in house”. The ideal location was found.

What is gluten?

Gluten is from the Latin word, “gluten”, meaning “glue”, and it gives elasticity to dough, helping it to rise and to keep its shape. It is found in many staple foods in the Western diet. It occurs in wheat and other grains, including barley and rye, and in foods or drinks derived from them, but not in corn, rice, or oats.

Gluten is like a drug: It can be similar to an “overdose” (so high it could hurt a person who has an intolerance to it).

Our bodies are “programmed” (when created) to recognize gluten as a food. However, if a person has an intolerance it could be a drug like heroin.

If someone is born with this intolerance then gluten could make them very sick.

Joel offers baking classes: (using gluten-free ingredients in a gluten-free kitchen): Small classes (up to 6 people) allow for “individual” instructions. Classes are held from 4 p.m to 9 p.m. Various chocolate candies (like bonbons) can be made. For children (ages 11 and older) there are cup cake and cookie classes.

There are even “no bake” classes so kids can easily duplicate, at home, what they learned in class.

Have a Gluten issue? Joel gives classes on how to bake “without” gluten. Summer camps are offered Monday through Friday in the afternoons where kids are taught to bake things they like such as donuts and cookies.

Extra precautions: At Joel’s Bakery nothing comes out of a can. This way they avoid the flavor of metal and also gluten that may have been used as a thickening. Therefore, all ingredients used are “fresh”.

This way you can control the flavor. Another step is they take samples, by putting a solution in a test tube. They even test ingredients that are listed as “below FDA regulations”. Joel constantly tests products to make sure there is “no gluten”. There is wheat in alcohol and chocolate candy can contain alcohol. Always look at the list of ingredients.

Advantage of gluten-free bakery: The risk of “cross contamination” is “greatly” reduced. They offer special orders for “Custom baked” birthday cakes and cup cakes.

Joel goes the extra mile to help kids by thinking out of the box.

And, giving service, which is important and rare these days.

No child need ever to be left out of a birthday celebration at school or a party. Mom can bring a gluten-free cup cake.

XOCO-LATTE - BonBons and Confections – GLUTEN FREE , 4719 Lexington Blvd Missouri City, Texas 77459 Phone: 832-243-6748 Monday thru Friday: 9 a.m to 6 p.m and Saturday 10 a.m to 5 p.m; www.xoco-latte.com NEXT COLUMN: (April 23) Write to: CVBNeighborhoods@aol.com about this column

INDEPENDENT • APRIL 9, 2014 • Page 5

NEWS

FILM REVIEW

SMSD interviews seven candidates in final round

By BARBARA FULENWIDER Seven applicants have been interviewed and several finalists will be this week as the search for a new Stafford Municipal School District (SMSD) superintendent winds down to the chosen candidate.

Don Hooper, the newly appointed interim SMSD superintendent, is steering the district until the board names a new full-time superintendent.

Their goal is to do so by May 5. Hooper, a retired Fort Bend ISD superintendent, who has his own consulting firm and has led two local private schools, praised the district.

He said, “The board’s process is an aggressive time line.

I think the process they are using is sound and they are doing it right. The facilities here are in good shape and I think it will be a good job for the next superintendent to come into. I have found excellent people here. It’s an excellent district and Dr. (Lance) Hindt did a good job.”

Board members began meeting with the search firm, Arrow Educational Services, on Feb. 17 and six times since to get guidance on hiring the best person that fits the community’s profile of what they want the new superintendent to do.

Stafford MSD patrons and employees who filled out the

profile survey said they want someone who is involved in the community and is highly visible -- mingles with employees, parents, citizens and works well with city council.

So far the SMSD board has interviewed seven candidates out of 40 who applied for the job. They have done their initial interviews and have a second round to do this week with the candidates who made the cut, according to Hooper.

This is Hooper’s third week with SMSD and one of those was spent working with Hindt, who is the new superintendent of a much larger district in Allen, TX., near Dallas.

Campaign tactic turns negative and deceptive

Mayor From Page1 income levels, educated work force, and just a great place to live.

The strength of Missouri City lies in our diversity, Pinnock said. Missouri City is a strong middle class community that best represents the diversity of America, he said.

Owen said “I believe I have proven my dedication and accomplishments as the Mayor for the past 20 years. I want to continue seeing our City grow and continue being one of the best cities in the USA to live, play, and raise your family.”

Owen is against holding city elections in November.

“I think things like bond elections get hidden at the end of a November ballot and people who vote straight ticket never vote on them. I also think City and School elections are of particular interest to citizens and not confused with partisan elections. Texas Municipal League has adopted resolutions in past years supporting leaving them in May. Larger cities and county elections tend to be party driven and they like November.

Smaller cities do not,” Owen said.

Missouri City City Council At Large Position 1 In Missouri City, Jerry Wyatt, incumbent councilman, is unopposed.

Incumbent in Position 2,

Nguyen Danny Nguyen is seeking reelection and spoke at the chamber forum.

Chris Preston, who has filed for Position 2, did not submit any biographical information and he did not attend the forum.

Nguyen said he was disappointed with the poor public participation in the elections. “ I care for the people. I will work to make Missouri City a great place to live,” he said.

Nguyen said his philosophy is to spend the taxpayer’s dollar wisely. He believes the citizens deserve respect. He would help promote the opportunity to grow. Nguyen said he would provide all support to law enforcement, which help make Missouri City safe.

Nguyen said the city council does not take credit for Missouri City being a safe city, but the credit goes to the law enforcement, he said. “We evaluate every decision we make prudently. When people come to the city hall, they deserve a great service,” he said.

By SESHADRI KUMAR Campaigns in national or state politics often take ugly turn with allegations, real and unreal.

But, a local city council election, being non-partisan, does not reach similar depth.

This time Missouri City City Council election seems to be headed in that direction.

Residents in Missouri City recently received two robot calls urging them to vote for Danny Nguyen.

One message said Nguyen supported President Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton.

“Danny Nguyen is in our president’s corner. As an immigrant himself, Danny Nguyen is in favor of immigration reform and is in favor of granting citizenship to immigrants already here. Stand with President Obama. Stand with Danny Nguyen and send him back to city council to help turn Fort Bend blue,” the message said.

Nguyen did not organize this call, but someone targeted the Republican primary voters and sent the message so that they would not vote for Danny Nguyen.

Another message was even more sinister where the woman caller urged the voters to stand with Danny Nguyen, the only pro-choice and pro-Democrat for city council.

“Danny Nguyen needs our

AUTOMOBILE: Lexus GX250

By BARBARA FULENWIDER The Lexus 2014 IS sport sedan has a bold new design that combines aggressiveness with elegance. It also has stronger road presence. It looks better and provides an improved drive.

Thanks in large part to substantially increased overall body rigidity, the 2014 Lexus IS provides enhanced stability and body control while delivering a more comfortable ride. An all-new multilink rear suspension, revised front suspension and steering derived from the GS sedan are in the smaller IS package.

The two IS models available for 2014 are the 250 powered by a 2.5- liter V6 that makes 204 hp at 6,400rpm and 185 lb.-ft. torque at 4,800rpm.

The engine is matched to a six-speed Electronically Controlled Transmission that features a sequential manual-shifting mode with rev matched downshifts in sport mode.

The IS 350 gets a 3.5-liter V6 that produces 306 hp at 6,400 rpm, 277 lb.-ft. torque at 4,800 rpm. The IS 350 inherits the eight-speed, sport direct shift automatic transmission from the IS F highperformance model. This transmission features paddle shifters and the G-force Artificial Intelligence (G-AI) system, which automatically selects the optimum gear and downshift pattern in response to G force.

Also, in the 2014 Lexus

Opening scenes: did he just jump out of this jet “with no parachute?”

Later: Sam asks “…How do we tell the good guys from the bad guys? Steve Rogers: “If they’re shooting at you, they’re bad.”

Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson with an eye patch): “You need to keep BOTH eyes open.”

And my favorite: Natasha/ Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson) – “You do anything fun Saturday night? Steve/Captain America – “Well, all the guys in my barbershop quartet are dead. So no, not really.”

This is a fun movie full of action and you will know who the bad guys are. Everyone has great rifles and pistols and

help. When Republicans tried to block a woman’s right to abortion, Danny Nguyen is with Wendy Davis and other pro-choice women to protect that right.”

Nguyen said he was deeply hurt by the mischief played by his opponents as he had not authorized any robot call.

A few weeks ago he was elected to be an at large delegate and attend what will now be his fourth Republican State Convention.

As a father of a two month old in addition to seven and eight year old sons, Danny and Marie are pro-life and active members of Quail Valley Church.

“I had nothing to do with that call; my wife and I were very upset about it; I even talked to my Pastor about this lie. We could not believe that my opponents could be that wicked. I treasure life and prolife very much. We just had a baby name Jacob Nguyen whom we love so much. Life is a gift from God,” Nguyen said.

One woman who received the robot calls did her research, learned that the calls were bogus and promised her support to Nguyen.

LEGAL NOTICE REQUEST FOR SEALED COMPETITIVE PROPOSALS Sealed Competitive Proposals will be received in the Office of Gilbert D. Jalomo, Jr., County Purchasing Agent, Fort Bend County, Travis Annex, 301 Jackson, Suite 201, Richmond, TX 77469 for the following until THURSDAY, APRIL 17, 2014 at 1:30 P.M. CST). All proposals will then be opened in the Office of the Purchasing Agent, Travis Annex, 301 Jackson, Suite 201, Richmond, TX 77469 and the names of the proposers made public.

Proposals received after the specified time will be returned unopened. CDs are available in the Purchasing Agent’s Office. All addendums will be posted on Purchasing Agent’s website located at www.fortbendcountytx.gov.

RFP 14-050 – GENERAL CONTRACT SERVICES- FORT BEND COUNTY PEDESTRIAN PLAZA AROUND WILLIAM B TRAVIS ANNEX

IS the driver gets more headroom, while rear seat passengers get more roominess for easier and egress and ingress.

There is also a larger trunk, as well.

New luxury features in the 2014 Lexus IS include a dualzone climate control system, two multimedia systems, a standard high-resolution Lexus display audio with controller or the optional Lexus navigation system.

The navigation system is operated via a second-generation remote touch interface multi-function control device, which also allows control of the climate, audio, phone controls and more. The available Mark Levinson Premium Surround System has 15 speakers and 835 watts for even more life-like sound reproduction.

Ten Supplemental Restraint System airbags are standard along with the Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management system, which integrates

anti-lock brakes, electronic brake-force distribution, traction control and vehicle stability control.

The new IS may also be equipped with the optional pre-collision system, which incorporates adaptive cruise control. Several optional advanced safety features include automatic high beam headlamp system, lane departure alert system, blind spot monitor with rear cross traffic alert system and a standard auto location tire pressure warning system.

The wheelbase of the 2013 IS has been increased by nearly three inches and the width by nearly half an inch, for a more aggressive stance.

The test drive IS 250 AWD sedan with all standard equipment retails for $38,485.

Options hiked the price to $45,595. The IS is a fun to drive sedan. I like the size, the sport seats, power and handling.

A pre-RFP conference for RFP 14-021 will be conducted on Thursday, April 3, 2014 at 9:00AM (CST). The pre-RFP conference will be held at the Fort Bend County Purchasing Department located in the Travis Annex at 301 Jackson, Suite 201, Richmond, Texas 77469. A site visit will commence immediately following the preRFP meeting. All respondents are encouraged to attend. This is the only date and time vendors will be permitted to complete a site visit with County representatives.

Lump sum and unit pricing is required.

Bonds are required. Fort Bend County reserves the right to reject any or all proposals.

Gilbert D. Jalomo, Jr., Purchasing Agent Fort Bend County, Richmond, Texas

aren’t scared to shoot them long and often. Throw in a few bombs, rockets and Helicarriers, and we have some serious weapons.

Chris Evans, 33, returns as Captain America; I believed everything he did and said.

And some say we look alike.

I’m 6’ 1”. I’m gonna just let that float in the universe and see what happens.

My Sunday afternoon crowd was large and enthusiastic and most of us had the common sense to hang around during the end credits to see “completed scenes,” but only a few of us had the insight to wait until ALL of the credits had run in order to view the final, final scene.

Great cast and wonderful direction by Andrew and Joe Russo who like to work together. The brothers have teamed up on “You, Me and Dupree” and TV’s “Community.”

They obviously have the precise blend of humor, mystery, and mojo in their lives which consistently shows up in their projects and it’s true in

this Captain American sequel.

For those of you keeping count, this is Cap 2; the original blockbuster was Captain America: The First Avenger.

I also enjoyed seeing Robert Redford perform as Alexander Pierce, an important cog at S.H.I.E.L.D. On the other hand, I was a little sad watching the 77-yearold legend with the beautiful hair because he’s lost a step and can no longer keep up with The Sundance Kid. But who among us can?

The popcorn was good and I had fun; another superhero saves the world. We need those kind of people in our lives. Marvel wins, again!

Rock ‘n Roll.

Grade 89. Larry H. larryhmvoiereviews.com According to IMDb: Marvel and Disney’s enviable winning streak, Captain America: The Winter Soldier is making history at the global box office, debuting to a record-breaking $96.2 million in North America for an early worldwide total of $303.3 million.

NOTICE OF CONSTABLES SALE THE STATE OF TEXAS COUNTY OF FORT BEND By virtue of an Order of Sale issued out of the Honorable 400TH DISTRICT COURT of FORT BEND County on the 3rd day of April, 2014 by the Clerk thereof, in the case of Fort Bend County VS. GLORIA A. GERIKRIZKA, AKA ANGELIKA ROQUINA GRITZKA AKA GLORIA A. ROQUINA-GRITZKA in Cause # 13-DCV207428 and to me, as CONSTABLE directed and delivered, I will proceed to sell, at 10:00 0’ Clock AM on the 6TH day of MAY, 2014, which is the first Tuesday of said month, at the Historic Courthouse located at 401. Jackson Street, Richmond Texas 77469-3108 of the Courthouse of said FORT BEND County, in the City of RICHMOND, Texas, the following described property, to wit: TRACT 1: GEO: 0225000001792906 A TRACT OR PARCEL OF LAND CONTAINING 3.5911 ACRES, MORE OR LESS,LOCATED IN THE H. & T. C. R.R. COMPANY SURVEY, SECTION 41, ABSTRACT 225 IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS. BEING MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED BY METES AND BOUNDS IN AN AGREEMENT DATED SEPTEMBER 4, 1997 AND RECORDED UNDER CLERK’S FILE NO. 9758096 IN THE OFFICIAL PUBLIC RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS. THE NORTH 60 FEET OF THE WEST 424.03 FEET OF THAT CERTAIN TRACT OR PARCEL OF LAND CONTAINING 45.4572 ACRES, MORE OR LESS, LOCATED IN THE H & T.C.R.R. COMPANY SURVEY, SECTION 41, ABSTRACT 225 IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS; BEING MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED AS TRACT II IN A DEED FROM THE ESTATE OF WALTER RAYMOND FORSTER, DECEASED, TO JOSEPHINE S. FORSTER DATED MARCH 19, 1993 AND RECORDED IN VOLUME 2502, PAGE OF 2104 OF THE OFFICIAL PUBLIC RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS. Levied on the 3RD day of April, 2014 as the property of GLORIA A. GERIKRIZKA, AKA ANGELIKA ROQUINA GRITZKA AKA GLORIA A. ROQUINA-GRITZKA, MARIA E. ROQUINA AKA MARY ELIZABEH ROQUINA AKA MARIA ISABEL ROQUINA to satisfy a judgment amounting to $13,831.53 representing delinquent taxes, penalties, interest, and attorney’s fees through the date of judgment, plus all costs of court, costs of sale, and post judgment penalties and interest recoverable by law in favor of NEEDVILLE INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT, CITY OF NEEDVILLE, FORT BEND COUNTY GENERAL FUND; FORT BEND COUNTY DRAINAGE DISTRICT, AND WHARTON COUNTY JUNIOR COLLEGE. ALL BIDDERS MUST COMPLY WITH SECTION 34.015 OF THE TEXAS PROPERTY TAX CODE. GIVEN UNDER MY HAND THIS 3rd day of April, 2014.

A.J. DORR, Constable Precinct One Fort Bend County

By Cpl. Mike Beard, Deputy

Great Time to Buy a HOME! Call Today and Start Moving To Your New Home tomorrow!

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Page 6 • INDEPENDENT • APRIL 9, 2014

FORT BEND REAL ESTATE Telfair SL•$995,000•5/41/2/3 7514T

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281-413-9732 Open House Sat •4/12•2-5

Open House Sat •4/12•12-4

Arlene Rolsen CRS, Realtor (281) 414-8400

First Colony SL•$695,000•5/3.2/2D 3135H

Beard Realty Group Mission Bend • Rio Del Sol • 3/2/2

www.ArleneRolsen.com

$114,500

Open House Sat •4/12•2-5

Sienna Planatation MC•$455,000•5/3.2/3 38CB

Riverstone SL•$374,970•4/31/2/2A 4618M

Parkglen • Radford • 3/2/2

Meadows Place • Dorrance • 4/2/2

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Meadows Place • Dorrance • 4/2/2 Sugar Land • Meadow Briar • 3/2/2

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NOTICE TO BIDDERS US 59 NORTHBOUND U-TURN EXTENSION AT SH 6

Skeeters’ Fanfest on April 19

The City of Sugar Land seeks bids for furnishing all labor, material, and equipment, and performing all work required for the following project in the City: CIP PROJECT NAME: US 59 Northbound U-Turn Extension at SH 6 CIP PROJECT NUMBER: TR1407 LOCATION OF WORK: Intersection US 59 and SH 6, Sugar Land, Texas.

Plans, specifications, and bidding documents may be obtained by registering with Public Purchase, www.publicpurchase.com, or by contacting Jason Poscovsky CPPB, Contracts Manager, jposcovsky@sugarlandtx.gov.

Sealed bids one (1) original and two (2) copies, shall be delivered to City of Sugar Land, Office of the City Secretary, 2700 Town Center Boulevard North, Suite 122, Sugar Land, Texas, 77479, on or before 11:00 a.m. Thursday, April 17, 2014, at which time bids will be publicly opened and read. Bids received after the opening date and time will not be considered.

Questions regarding bid must be received by Thursday, April 10, 2014 on or before 5:00 P.M. Please contact Jason Poscovsky CPPB, Contracts Manager, City of Sugar Land, (281) 275-2302. jposcovsky@sugarlandtx.gov.

City of Sugar Land City Council will award the contract as provided in the Invitation to Bid; notice of award will be given within thirty (30) calendar days after opening date and time.

Glenda Gundermann, TRMC City Secretary

NOTICE TO BIDDERS BASEBALL PARK MARQUEE SIGN The City of Sugar Land seeks bids for furnishing all labor, material, and equipment, and performing all work required for the following project in the City: CIP PROJECT NAME: Baseball Park Marquee Sign CIP PROJECT NUMBER: MU1405 LOCATION OF WORK: City of Sugar Land, Fort Bend County, Texas 77478 Plans, specifications, and bidding documents may be obtained at the following office and location with payment of $50.00 to Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc.; 12012 Wickchester Lane, Suite 500: Houston, TX 77079; 281-597-9300.

Sealed bids in triplicate one (1) original and two (2) copies, shall be delivered to the City of Sugar Land, Office of the City Secretary, 2700 Town Center Boulevard North, Suite 122, Sugar Land, Texas, 77479, on or before 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 8, 2014, at which time bids will be publicly opened and read.

Bids received after the opening date and time will not be considered.

A non-mandatory pre-bid meeting for all interested parties will be held 10:00 A.M., Thursday, April 24, 2014, Brazos Room, City Hall, 2700 Town Center Boulevard North, Sugar Land, TX 77479.

Questions regarding this bid must be received by Monday, April 28, 2014 on or before 10:00 A.M. Please contact Manu Isaac, P.E. with Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. at (281) 920-6306.

The City Council will award the contract as provided in the Invitation to Bid. The City of Sugar Land will give notice of the contract award within thirty (30) calendar days after the opening date and time.

Glenda Gundermann, TRMC, CMC City Secretary

NOTICE TO BIDDERS UNIVERSITY BOULEVARD LEFT TURN LANE IMPROVEMENTS The City of Sugar Land seeks bids for furnishing all labor, material, and equipment, and performing all work required for the following project in the City: CIP PROJECT NAME: University Boulevard Left Turn Lane Improvements CIP PROJECT NUMBER: TR1405 LOCATION OF WORK: Intersection University Boulevard & Commonwealth Boulevard, Sugar Land, Texas.

Plans, specifications, and bidding documents may be obtained by registering with Public Purchase, www.publicpurchase.com, or by contacting Jason Poscovsky CPPB, Contracts Manager, jposcovsky@sugarlandtx.gov.

Sealed bids one (1) original and two (2) copies, shall be delivered to City of Sugar Land, Office of the City Secretary, 2700 Town Center Boulevard North, Suite 122, Sugar Land, Texas, 77479, on or before 11:00 a.m. Thursday, April 17, 2014, at which time bids will be publicly opened and read. Bids received after the opening date and time will not be considered.

Questions regarding bid must be received by Thursday, April 10, 2014 on or before 5:00 P.M. Please contact Jason Poscovsky CPPB, Contracts Manager, City of Sugar Land, (281) 275-2302. jposcovsky@sugarlandtx.gov.

City of Sugar Land City Council will award the contract as provided in the Invitation to Bid; notice of award will be given within thirty (30) calendar days after opening date and time.

Glenda Gundermann, TRMC City Secretary

The Sugar Land Skeeters will host the annual Fan Fest on Saturday, April 19, 2014 from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. For the first time, this free event will be held inside the stadium at Constellation Field and has many new attractions for fans.

Skeeters fans will have the PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 6, 2014 for Cinco Ranch Southwest Primrose 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 Brian Nawara with Texas Engineering and Mapping Co. at 281491-2525 for information prior to the hearing.

Submitted by, Dianne Wilson Fort Bend County Clerk PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 6, 2014 for Parkway United Methodist Church Replat of Reserve “A”, Precinct 4. 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 Robert Siegfried at Othon Inc. at 713-975-8555 for information prior to the hearing.

Submitted by, Dianne Wilson Fort Bend County Clerk

opportunity to watch a Spring Training practice to kick off the event and then get autographs from the team. Following the autograph session, fans will feel like the media as they participate in a question and answer forum with select players and coaches.

“We are looking forward to having more player-fan interaction this season and Fan Fest is a perfect way to kick it off,” said General Manager Chris Jones. “Fans can also check out the new and improved areas around Constellation Field.”

For the first time ever, kids LEGAL NOTICE INVITATION TO BIDDERS Sealed Bids will be received in the Office of Gilbert D. Jalomo, Jr., County Purchasing Agent, Fort Bend County, Travis Annex, 301 Jackson, Suite 201, Richmond, TX 77469 for the following until THURSDAY, APRIL 17, 2014 at 1:30 P.M. (CST). All bids will then be publicly opened and read in the Office of the Purchasing Agent, Travis Annex, 301 Jackson, Suite 201, Richmond, TX 77469. Bids received after the specified time will be returned unopened. Solicitation and any and all addendums will be posted on Purchasing Agent’s website located at www.fortbendcountytx.gov.

BID 14-051 – RADIATION DETECTION EQUIPMENT Unit pricing is required; payment will be by check. Bonds are not required.

Fort Bend County reserves the right to reject any or all bids.

Signed: Gilbert D. Jalomo, Jr., Purchasing Agent Fort Bend County, Richmond, Texas

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NEW AND USED CAR DEALER WITH SERVICE CENTER U. S. 90A AND PARKLANE BOULEVARD Planning and Zoning Commission Public Hearing: 6:30 p.m., April 24, 2014 to hear all persons interested in the proposed Conditional Use Permit for a New and Used Car Dealer with Service Center (non-collision repair) on 6.4 acres, located at the southeast corner of U.S. 90A and Parklane Boulevard in the General Business (B-2) District; being Reserves “E”, “F”, and “G” out of the Market Place at Sugar Land, Reserve “H-3B” out of the Market Place North, and Reserve “A” out of Chitrakut at Market Place, recorded in the Plat Records of Fort Bend County.

City of Sugar Land City Council Chamber, 2700 Town Center Boulevard North, details of the proposed Conditional Use Permit may be obtained by contacting the City of Sugar Land Development Planning Office by email planning@sugarlandtx. gov or phone (281) 275-2218.

VICINITY MAP:

will be able to play in the brand new inflatables zone.

This new feature of the ballpark will include an obstacle course, joust, rope ladder and speed of pitch games. Other children activities will include an Easter egg hunt and pictures with Swatson.

Fans will have many chances to win prizes throughout the event by tweeting their

pictures with Swatson, participating in a Social Media scavenger hunt around the stadium and by playing the new Launch-A-Ball game.

A self-guided tour will also be available for fans and offer behind-the-scenes access. In addition, new food items and discounted beverages will be available at the concessions stands.

Sugar Land and Missouri City to bowl and compete Missouri City and Sugar Land have challenged each other in their support of Junior Achievement’s hands-on learning programs for students in Fort Bend County.

On May 3rd from 12 noon – 3 p.m AMF Stafford Lanes will host teams of city employees, faculty and staff from Fort Bend schools, and local businesses to determine who can generate the most participation and raise the most money to help JA provide financial literacy based programs to over 30,000 students across the county.

“Missouri City is proud to join Sugar Land in support of Junior Achievement and students across our community,” Missouri City Mayor Allen Owen said. “We enjoy a friendly competition and hope it continues for years to come.”

“This kind of community support and competition between cities is beneficial and fun,”James Thompson, Sugar Land City Mayor said.

“We look forward to having a successful event.”

While teams compete to raise funds, local businesses, such as Santikos Theatres and Gigi’s Cupcakes, will provide prizes throughout the event for Best/Worst Costume, most money raised, and Champion of the Missouri City and Sugar Land challenge, etc. This challenge is extended to all cities and businesses in Fort Bend County. Please contact Larry Washington with Junior Achievement for more information.

For more information, visit www.jahouston.org NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOL 430 ELDRIDGE ROAD Planning and Zoning Commission Public Hearing: 6:30 p.m., April 24, 2014 to hear all persons interested in the proposed Conditional Use Permit for an Elementary and Secondary School in conjunction with an existing church located on 5.9 acres, 430 Eldridge Road, being the southeast corner of Eldridge Road and Lakeview Drive in the Business Office (B-O) District; identified as Reserve “C” out of The Forty Holy Martyrs of Sebaste Orthodox Christian Church Replat No. 1.

City of Sugar Land City Council Chamber, 2700 Town Center Boulevard North, details of the proposed Conditional Use Permit may be obtained by contacting the City of Sugar Land Development Planning Office by email planning@ sugarlandtx.gov or phone (281) 275-2218.

VICINITY MAP:

INDEPENDENT • APRIL 9, 2014 • Page 7

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from the $210s - $270s 2,100 - 2,900 sq. ft.

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6 The Reserve at Brazos Town Center from the $270s - $370s 2,500 - 4,700 sq. ft.

(281) 238-0770

7

2 Pine Mill Ranch

from the $240s - $550s 2,200 - 4,100 sq. ft.

2,500 - 4,700 sq. ft.

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3,400 - 5,600 sq. ft.

(281) 391-7171 (281) 347-7771 (281) 347-2121 (281) 392-4322

from the $240s - $340s 2,100 - 3,600 sq. ft.

(281) 344-0258

8 Aliana

from the $270s - $380s 2,100 - 2,800 sq. ft.

(281) 207-9002 2,500 - 3,100 sq. ft.

(281) 207-6656

3 Cinco Ranch from the $320s - $350s 2,500 - 3,000 sq. ft.

(281) 693-0022

9 Riverstone

from the $330s - $530s 2,200 - 3,400 sq. ft.

(281) 778-2100 3,000 - 4,200 sq. ft.

(281) 778-3840

4 Cross Creek Ranch

from the $320s - $500s 2,500 - 3,400 sq. ft.

(281) 633-2555 2,800 - 3,800 sq. ft.

(281) 238-0919 3,000 - 4,200 sq. ft.

(281) 633-8500

RiverPark West

10 Sienna Plantation

PERRY OMES.com

from the $350s - $640s 2,500 - 4,200 sq. ft.

(281) 778-1544 3,400 - 5,600 sq. ft.

(281) 778-7800

11 Creekmont from the $190s - $330s 1,600 - 3,100 sq. ft.

(281) 431-8600 2,500 - 4,200 sq. ft.

(281) 972-9210

12 Southlake from the $270s - $650s 2,500 - 4,700 sq. ft.

(713) 340-0141 3,000 - 4,200 sq. ft.

(713) 340-2019 4,200 - 5,300 sq. ft.

(713) 340-2019

10 1 1463

4

2 3

6 W

1093 1464

99

13 Southern Trails

8

723

14 Shadow Creek Ranch

6 59

59

90 521

90

from the $210s - $400s 1,800 - 3,000 sq. ft.

(713) 436-7880 2,400 - 3,600 sq. ft.

(713) 436-8751 3,000 - 4,900 sq. ft.

(713) 436-1550

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from the $280s - $410s 2,500 - 4,100 sq. ft.

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Page 8 • INDEPENDENT • APRIL 9, 2014

Embracing Missouri City’s Diversity For A Better Future

Election Day: May 10, 2014 Early Voting: April 28th - May 6th

I love and appreciate this city deeply. I am committed to making it a great place to live, a place all of us are proud to call home I am proud to represent all of the residents of Missouri City.

This is a time when experience and dedication counts.

On May 10th, vote for experienced leadership, dignity, respect and a council member you can trust.

A great supporter of the Police &Fire Auxiliary, Danny is always at community events and takes his position of Missouri City Councilman very seriously. He knows it is important to be out there, listening to the people.... Always greets everyone with a smile and a genuine desire to understand what is important to them. Very pro Missouri City and wants us to progress while still maintaining a friendly small town atmosphere. Danny is our future with the benefit of his years of government experience. We want Danny on our side as Missouri City grows and prospers in booming Fort Bend County.

— Michelle Broussard, Secretary of the Missouri City Police and Fire Auxiliary Danny is a true inspiration for our city.

—Julie Boilek - A mom and member of the Missouri City Little League As the Chair of International Relations & Economic Development Committee for Missouri City, Danny has done his job well in promoting and attracting companies everywhere to invest, create jobs, and pay taxes in Missouri City. He has established relationships with all levels of government and the international community in Houston. He is truly an asset to the City and our state.

— Jeff Moseley, Texas Commissioner of Transportation & former CEO of Greater Houston partnership

“It’s an honor serving our community of Missouri City for the last 35 years. I look foward to many more years to come. / ĂƐŬ ĨŽƌ LJŽƵƌ ƐƵƉƉŽƌƚ ĂŶĚ ǀŽƚĞ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ DĂLJ ϮϬϭϰ ŝƚLJ ůĞĐƟŽŶ ƐŽ ƚŽŐĞƚŚĞƌ ǁĞ ĐĂŶ ĐŽŶƟŶƵĞ to make Missouri City a great place to live, work and raise our families” Paid for by Allen Owen Campaign, 2022 Masters Lane, Missouri City, Texas 77459

I am so impressed with his current accomplishments that I am confident that when re- elected into office he will continue to seek the best for the residents and business owners of Missouri City. Danny Nguyen is very able, hard working and a willing man that has and will continue to make a positive difference for our City! He & his wife Marie are Christians and pro-life and they are celebrating the birth of a precious baby boy named Jacob Nguyen.

— Rudolph White, Jr., Senior Pastor

Early Voting April 28 - May 6, 2014 Pd. Pol. Ad paid for by the Danny Nguyen Campaign, Frank Hester, Treasurer

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