Fort Bend Independent 041818

VOL 11 No. 16

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FORT BEND FAIR. BALANCED. INFORMATIVE. WEDNESDAY, APRIL 18, 2018

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

Official newspaper of Fort Bend County & Missouri City

Sugar Land City manager shunts two councilwomen to lame duck status

By SESHADRI KUMAR Sugar Land City Manager Allen Bogard last week declined to place on the city council agenda three items requested by two city council members, Mary Joyce and Carol McCutcheon.

Bogard, on his own, declared the council protocol which enabled any two council members to place an item on the agenda “null and void,” and exercised his own discretion in rejecting the agenda items.

Under the city charter and city council protocol, the city manager is authorized to “prepare and accept” agenda items.

But, there is no specific provision for the city manager to reject any agenda item placed in conformity with city council rules, according to Joyce.

Bogard says, even if “Council protocol” is in effect, the rules are “flexible” and “should be followed to the extent that they aid the Council in conducting its business in an orderly fashion.”

In his opinion, the agenda items do not comply with this

Bogard provision of “conducting its business in an orderly fashion.”

Joyce requested an agenda item that pertained to the city council protocol.

It read: Consideration of and action on THE CITY OF SUGAR LAND AMENDING the policy ADOPTED BY RESOLUTION NO. 15-08 (A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Sugar Land, Texas, adopting Responsibilities, Guidelines, Code of Conduct, and Protocols for the Mayor, City Council and City Manager;

AND Adopting Rules of Procedure for the City Council Meetings) BY DELETING THE ENTIRE SECTION 2 OF SAID RESOLUTION AND CREATING A NEW RESOLUTION NO. 18-XX, ADOPTING THE RULES OF PROCEDURE FOR CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS.” Bogard explained his action in an email to the mayor and city council members: “This item was brought forward at a City Council workshop on Tuesday, February 27th. At that time, there was not a Council consensus to comply with the current resolution as written nor was there an agreement as to what revisions needed to occur. Subsequently, staff received direction from the City Council to bring the item back at a future date for a second workshop, with the City Manager present (if you’ll recall, I was unable to attend the full meeting that evening due to a death in the family). We have recently See AGENDA, Page 4

Missouri City Mayor to highlight global partnerships in State of the City Address Missouri City Mayor Allen Owen will present the 2018 State of the City address at the newly renovated Community Center in the City Hall complex, 1522 Texas Parkway, on Thursday, April 26, at 11:30 a.m.

This year, Mayor Owen’s remarks will focus on the many great community and global partnerships that are shaping the City’s future and has resulted in Missouri City’s status as one of the nation’s premier places to live, work and play.

Situated next to the recently opened Houston Community College Center for Entrepreneurship, Technology and

Health and the soon-to-be-reopened Missouri City Library, the Community Center features a new outdoor plaza, interior design upgrades and houses the City’s newly opened Visitors Center.

Guests at this year’s State of the City address will learn about the City’s renewed focus on economic development and how proactive approaches to community development and redevelopment are preparing the City for future success.

Participants will also learn about the City’s many financial successes and changes and how the effects of Hurricane Harvey

were managed in 2017.

“Our forward-thinking initiatives, exemplified this year through our ongoing economic development study, continue to be key to our City’s success and growth,” Mayor Owen said.

“We have been able to proactively capitalize on our strategic partnerships with community leaders to foster future growth and build on our previous accomplishments.”

Tickets and sponsorship details for this year’s event are available via the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce’s website: http://bit.ly/2oPZmIT.

Go West for Music, Fun at Jordan Ranch April 21

Thrill seekers and music lovers alike will find what they seek at the Better Out West Fest at Jordan Ranch 3 to 7 p.m. Saturday, April 21.

The activities in the Fulshear community get underway at The Shed, 30757 Jordan Crossing, with a day of family adventure zip lining across the community, rock climbing, running an obstacle course and mechanical bull riding. Activities for younger children will include a bounce house, balloon artist and more.

At 5 p.m. attendees can boot scoot to the event lawn for an outdoor concert featuring CMA award-winning artists Maddie & Tae. The pair, from Texas and Oklahoma, respectively, were awarded by the Country Music Association in 2015 for Video of the Year. They also swept the 2016 Radio Disney Music Awards, winning both Favorite Country Artist and Favorite Country Song for “Fly.” They have previously been nominated for ACM, CMT and CMA Awards.

Opening for the duo will be Jay Allen. The singer and songwriter scored his first hit single, “Sounds Good to Me,” when he released a five-song EP last year. He also has worked with ACM-nominated songwriter Phil Barton and Lindsay Rimes.

Throughout the day, adven-

Country Music Association award-winning artists Maddie & Tae will perform at the Better Out West Fest event happening 3-7 p.m.

Saturday, April 21. The event is free and open to the public. ture seekers will have oppor- Ranch’s model homes will be tunities to purchase food truck open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monfare from popular Houston mo- days through Saturdays and noon to 6 p.m. Sundays. Adbile restaurants.

Houston’s largest home tour mission to the tour is free.

Tour maps and event details is serving up 170 “drool-worthy” model homes and nearly can be downloaded at www.

500 jaw-dropping inventory houstonhometour.com.

For more information about homes in Johnson Development communities across Jordan Ranch, visit www.jorthe Houston area throughout danranchtexas.com. the month. All 13 of Jordan

Historic cemetery discovered at FBISD construction site in Telfair

By SESHADRI KUMAR Fort Bend ISD, in partnership with the Texas Historical Commission, has identified a historic cemetery on the current construction site of the James Reese Career and Technical Center, located at University Boulevard and Chatham Avenues in Sugar Land.

The District has halted work in this identified area as the exploration of the excavation site continues. Work continues on the remaining part of the site, but measures have been put in place to ensure the two scopes of work do not overlap.

“We are proceeding under the guidance and expertise of the Texas Historical Commission to ensure we are respecting the history and lives of the people

buried on this site. One of our community members who has a passion for history brought to our attention the possibility of archeological artifacts in the general area. We were careful as we began work, with an archeologist on site from the beginning,” said Dr. Charles Dupre, Fort Bend ISD Superintendent of Schools.

The exploration is in the preliminary stages and at this point, there is not enough information or evidence to identify a time frame for the historic cemetery or any indication of who is buried at the site. The Texas Historical Commission is providing their expertise and will continue their work to learn more about the site and take appropriate action.

Burial sites are regulated by the Texas Health Code and Fort Bend ISD is operating in full compliance with construction permits and additional permits required by the State Antiquities Code.

Fort Bend ISD purchased the land in 2011, and construction of the James Reese Career and Technical Center began in 2017. When complete, it will offer advanced junior and senior level courses and give students an opportunity to explore careers in Agriculture and Natural Resources, Architecture and Construction, Arts and Video Communications, Culinary Arts, Cosmetology, Education and Training, Information Technology, Law and Public Safety, See GRAVE, Page 5

DISPATCHER OF THE YEAR. Sugar Land Public Safety Dispatcher Amanda Davis, at the console, above, was recently recognized as the 2018 Texas Association of Public Safety Communication Officials Trainer of the Year. See story on Page 3.

Page 2 • INDEPENDENT • APRIL 18, 2018

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Bellaire Boulevard Ribboncutting ceremony held

NEWS Fort Bend County officials gathered for a ribbon-cutting ceremony on April 12, 2018, to celebrate the completion of a 3500-foot addition to Bellaire Boulevard in north Fort Bend County.

The project connects two previously separate sections of Bellaire Boulevard between FM 1464 and San Pablo Drive, improving eastwest traffic in Precinct 2 with a new four-lane concrete boulevard. Gordon Partners was a contributing partner to the $5,600,000 project made possible through a 2013 Mobility Bond.

Judge Bob Hebert said, “This vital connection is finally open to traffic. The increased traffic this project will support should provide an economic boost to commercial

properties along Bellaire in Mission Bend.”

Pictured Left to Right: Michael Boenig, Allgood Construction; Richard Stolleis, County Engineer; Bob Baker, Othon, Inc.; Wesley Crawford, Fort Bend County Engineering; Fort Bend County Judge Robert Hebert, Commissioner James Patterson, Commissioner Grady Prestage, Felecia EvansSmith, Commissioner Prestage’s Office; David Collins, FCM Engineers, P.C.; Bassem Talje, RPS; Cody Bathe, RPS.

Man violates probation, gets 30 years in prison A man who pleaded guilty to aggravated sexual assault of a child and received 10-year deferred adjudication got his probation revoked and earned a 30-year prison sentence.

On February 29, 240th District Court Judge Chad Bridges adjudicated Larry Marcel Vaughn guilty of the offense of Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child and sentenced him to 30 years in prison. The 47-year-old Houston man had initially received a 10-year deferred adjudication probation for the offense after pleading guilty to it on March 27, 2017.

The evidence presented at a hearing established that Vaughn violated his deferred adjudication probation by failing to attend and complete a sex offender treatment program, by violating the Child Safety Zone restriction, and by having contact with children under the age of 18 years.

The evidence further substantiated that he was in possession of an unapproved and unmonitored cell phone and used that phone to view and possess pornographic images on inappropriate internet sites.

Both Vaughn’s probation officer and his sex offender treatment provider testified they were concerned that he is at a high risk of reoffending and they believe he poses a serious danger to young children.

Assistant District Attorneys Terese Buess and Suzy Morton prosecuted the case. Attorney Steven Gilbert represented the defendant.

St. Theresa Church Bazaar Garage Sale

The Annual St. Theresa Church Bazaar Garage Sale will be held Saturday, April 21, from 8 a.m - 2 p.m and 6 p.m.-8 p.m and Sunday, April 22, from 9 a.m -1 p.m in the Church Community Center, located at 705 St. Theresa Blvd., Sugar Land. Treasures to purchase include, toys, housewares, appliances, knickknacks, sports equipment, tools, electronics and much more! No clothing.

Central Fort Bend Chamber Welcomes State Representative Rick Miller. The Central Fort Bend Chamber, along with members of the community, welcomed State Representative Rick Miller-Texas District 26 at his new office location at 130 Industrial Blvd., Sugar Land, TX 77478 with a ribbon cutting ceremony on April 10. Rep. Miller provided a Chick-Fil-A breakfast to all attendees.

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Sugar Land eyes a ‘championship year’ for Constellation Field

The city of Sugar Land and Sugar Land Skeeters anticipate continued strong contributions to the local community and economy as the Skeeters prepare for opening day at Constellation Field against the New Britain Bees on April 27.

Managing the team this year will be Pete Incaviglia, who played 12 seasons in the big leagues, including two with the Houston Astros. He is college baseball’s all-time leader in home runs and added another 206 long balls in the major leagues.

With plenty of entertainment planned for 2018 - including monthly Saturday night concerts by the Spazmatics, Roger Creager and more, the seats at Constellation Field are again expected to be filled for another exciting season.

The city’s minor league baseball stadium has been an important contributor to the local economy and to the Sugar Land community.

A market analysis and feasibility study prior to the stadium’s construction projected an annual paid attendance of 308,500.

Total attendance in 2017 was 446,487 - more than 44%

higher than projected, with baseball attendance up nearly 2.5 percent from 2016 to 2017.

The growth in baseball attendance is particularly impressive considering the 2016 figure included the team’s Atlantic League Championship playoff run - in addition to the team hosting fewer regular season home games in 2017 due to cancellations caused by Hurricane Harvey.

When factoring in yearround events, Constellation Field has exceeded attendance projections by more than 40 percent in each of its first six seasons.

“The Skeeters organization appreciates the incredible community support over the past six years and we are extremely excited to see everyone at Constellation Field in 2018 for another thrilling season,” said Skeeters Director Kevin Zlotnik.

“We believe our schedule is full of promotions and events that families will find fun and entertaining!”

The Sugar Land Skeeters’ impact was also felt in the community last year.

Fundraising efforts on behalf of the team touched more than 100 local organizations,

with over $162,000 raised for community groups.

Additionally, during Hurricane Harvey, Constellation Field hosted 350 evacuees and 150 pets.

Discounted ticket prices were made available for the remainder of season, and free tickets were provided to first responders and flood victims.

The Skeeters Foundation, whose goal is to reward the kindness and support of the community by making a difference in the lives of others, raised $20,000 for local causes during home games following the storm, and Atlantic League partners also donated items, money and time to the recovery efforts.

The construction of the stadium -- which has a seating capacity of 7,500 and expands to 10,000 for concerts -- was made possible with sales tax revenue restricted by state law for economic development purposes. The city’s private sector partner also contributed $6 million toward construction.

The stadium hosts approximately 70 baseball games each year and is now a year-round amenity that also offers concerts, community

events, corporate functions and private celebrations.

More than 120,000 people attended special events such as cultural festivals, college baseball tournaments and other activities during 2017.

Overall, the feasibility study conservatively estimated an annual direct and indirect community economic benefit of $7.7 million - or a return of $169 million to the economy over 30 years.

“Constellation Field continues to be an important amenity and destination entertainment venue for our community - in terms of both the success of the Skeeters on the field and in regards to the community contributions made by the players and team executives,” said City Manager Allen Bogard.

“With over 100 events open to the public last year, our stadium meets the entertainment and cultural needs of our citizens and is an important tourism venue that brings visitors to Sugar Land - for baseball, community celebrations, concerts and more.” To learn more about the Sugar Land Skeeters in 2018 and purchase tickets, visit www.sugarlandskeeters.com.

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Sugar Land dispatcher named best trainer in Texas Sugar Land Public Safety Dispatcher Amanda Davis was recently recognized as the 2018 Texas Association of Public Safety Communication Officials Trainer of the Year.

Davis is a critical part of an important team that has ensured Sugar Land is safer than ever before. The city has the lowest crime rate in 20 years, faster ambulances, improved public safety dispatch, better drainage, safer streets, improved traffic technology and more ambulances and paramedics.

Accidents still happen though - even in Sugar Land.

With seconds making the

difference between life, death and property loss, it’s often quick decisions of unsung heroes like Davis who play a decisive factor in the outcome of emergencies.

Sugar Land’s public safety dispatchers quickly size up situations and allocate necessary resources to mitigate calls for help.

They also provide critical instructions for callers to follow before help arrives.

In addition to serving as a front-line dispatcher for more than nine years, Davis trains new recruits. She standardized presentations and developed curriculum to ensure Sugar Land’s dispatchers are prepared to meet the high

demands of the job. When citizens call for assistance, they’re the voice on the other end of the line, ready to help 24/7.

The nature of a call for assistance determines the type of equipment and personnel needed to respond to an emergency.

To ask the right questions, dispatchers need to understand basic operations of police and fire departments. Their ability to size up situations and allocate the appropriate resources during high stress incidents is crucial during emergencies.

Training is critical to manage these high-stress situations.

“Amanda always has great ideas for our training program and can mold her training style to fit any trainee’s needs,” said Public Safety Dispatch Director Shannon Price.

“She goes above and beyond to see to it that trainees feel welcome and are as comfortable as can be while training with her. She never allows anyone to feel left out and helps to include them in team conversations.

“Amanda never fails to demonstrate absolute professionalism and care in her role as a trainer and public safety dispatcher. She consistently goes above and beyond the call of duty.”

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

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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.

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

Page 4 • INDEPENDENT • April 18, 2018

INSURANCE How much auto insurance is enough?

By BASIL HOUSEWRIGHT How much auto insurance is enough? We get this question quite often and there is not a correct answer.

To give an accurate answer we would need to know how bad of an accident you will cause. Your liability is unlimited.

Say you run a red light and hit a school bus full of children and they are all injured; how much insurance would you need to cover your liability exposure here?

The State of Texas requires all drivers carry a minimum of $30,000/$60,000/$25,000 bodily injury and property damage liability limits.

If you are involved in an accident which is your fault and you carry these minimum limits you would have coverage for up to $30,000 bodily injury to any one person and $60,000 bodily injury to all persons injured in the other vehicle(s).

What if an injured party had to be life flighted to the Medical Center? This may cost upwards of $20,000 so now you have only $10,000 in coverage to take care of their bodily injury.

That is a scary thought if this were you and your situation. The last figure $25,000 property damage liability is the limit you would have available to repair the other party’s vehicle.

Say you hit a brand new Lexus or BMW and it is a total loss think $25,000 is going pay the bill?

When you carry the State minimum limits you are not getting much more than an auto insurance ID card.

Agenda From Page 1 received feedback from some Council Members that they do not intend to follow Council policies that they have not specifically voted to approve. With this in mind and since we are less than a month away from an election, it would not be appropriate nor worthwhile to bring forward the Protocol for further Council discussion prior to the new Council Member(s) being seated.

“After the new City Council is in place, staff will bring the Protocol item forward for further discussion.

“As City Manager, the Charter charges me with creating the City Council meeting agenda. As mentioned in my attached email, I take this responsibility very seriously as it organizes the business of the Governing Body. As progress is being made on each of the above items, the two agenda items requested by Council Members Joyce and McCutcheon are not necessary to the work of the City and will not be added to the City Council agenda.”

After receiving Bogard’s decision, Joyce wrote to Bogard saying “I do not think you, as the City Manager, has the authority to determine an approved city council resolution “null and void.” Rule of Law does matter.

Therefore, Council Member McCutcheon and I have rightfully asked that the following item is on the April 17, 2018 Sugar Land City Council Agenda.” Resolution 15-08 is still valid and it has not been rescinded by the city council. But Joyce’s protest was in vain. Her item was not included in the agenda for Tuesday’s city council meeting.

McCutcheon had requested the following item to be placed on the agenda: “Consideration of and action on authorizing a budget amendment appropriating expenditures of $94,000 for the July 4th Independence Day Celebration (formerly known as the Star Spangled Spectacular) and $______ for publication of the Summer and Fall 2018 issues of Sugar Land Today.”

Bogard explained: “We are excited to let the City Council know that the Skeeters, with the support of the City, have been working to secure sponsors like Silver Eagle Distributors and are excited to confirm the Skeeters

Housewright Many consumers are duped into believing that auto insurance is a commodity, with the only significance being price.

While a lower price does not necessarily imply lesser coverage that is often the case.

I recently worked with a family who I observed had changed auto insurance carriers 2 years previous by taking 15 minutes to save 15% and the result was they ended up with a policy with the minimum limits of $30,000/$60,000/$25,000 even though their prior policy was for $100,000/$300,000/$100,000 limits.

I questioned why they would do this since they had a 16 and an 18 year old driver in the household and had done very well and had many assets and could easily afford to pay more for their auto insurance.

The answer was they were advised by the 15 minute folks that they had too much insurance this is why their rates were so high and they should only carry what the law said they needed.

Wow that’s setting the scene for financial suicide.

Your exposure is never greater than when you have children drivers in your household. will be holding a 2018 Fourth of July event at Constellation Field.

The logistics and event plans are still being finalized.... We will be coordinating with the Skeeters on making a public announcement soon. Therefore a budget amendment is not necessary.

“Regarding Sugar Land Today specifically, the Office of Communications is in the process of finalizing a new operational corporate communications framework – including which tools we believe are necessary to reach and engage our residents effectively – to be incorporated into the filed budget. This recommendation will include an evaluation of previous, current, and new tools – including whether or not it would make sense in this new framework to re-consider the use of a quarterly newsletter or if we would be better served by replacing it with a different tool. Therefore a budget amendment is not necessary.”

Bogard had already told the city council that the council protocol (known as Resolution 15-08) was null and void and he will use his best judgment, until a new protocol is adopted by city council.

Upset over the proceedings of a city council workshop held on Feb. 27 regarding the council protocol, Bogard sent his missive to city council on March 5.

“I was surprised and disappointed to learn that after I left, the workshop lasted past 9:00 PM and that the City Council work needed to be tabled to a future meeting, again. Over the last year this has become a regular occurrence. This would be understandable if the subject matter was complex or controversial, but not in this case. In my experience over the last 23 years, this meeting should have been completed within the long established target of 8:30. It seems to me that other agendas are at work outside of the best interest of our citizens. It is ironic that this happened at a meeting with the City Council Protocol review on the agenda,” Bogard wrote.

“The City Council has always prided itself on the business-like conduct of the citizens’ business at Council meetings. They have recognized that predictable and efficient conduct of the Council meetings is in the citizens’ best interest for a variety of reasons including: *Respecting the foundational

This is the time to increase your limits of coverage to protect yourself financially. Our recommendation is never carry limits less than $100,000/$300,000/$100,000 and always consider $250,000/$500,000/$100,000 and a personal umbrella insurance policy for at least $1,000,000 and with youthful drivers a $5,000,000 personal umbrella insurance policy.

Why? Just sold a client $250,000/$500,000/$100,000 auto liability limits and a $2,000,000 personal umbrella insurance policy because his 17 year old Son had a serious at fault accident last year and his prior carrier just settled the claim for $1,000,000 which fortunately was his auto policy liability limit.

Auto accidents can be serious resulting in bodily injury causing disability or death which could lead to financial ruin if you do not have adequate amounts of insurance to take care of the resulting liability.

Purchase liability insurance to the highest limits as you comfortably can within your household budget. See a local Independent Insurance Agent who will give you meaningful advice, not cheap insurance.

Basil Housewright is manager of Texans Insurance & Financial Group, Inc a local Independent Insurance Agency operating in Sugar Land since 1991. He can be reached at (281) 277-7800, Fax (281) 277-7801, E-Mail – basil@ texansinsure.com. Visit www. texansinsure.com. concept of majority rule - allowing the minority position to be heard yet not allowing the decision of the majority to be undermined; *Maintaining a reputation as a good place to do business; *Prioritizing delivery of Services to citizens with a preference for action; *Rejecting pressure to bring partisan politics into City Business reinforcing the concept of non-partisan City elections; *Building public confidence; and *Supporting the concept of a part-time, citizen Council with members serving as a Board of Directors deciding the “what” and the “when,” but leaving the professional staff to decide the “how.” In short, delivering for the “greatest good,” rather than narrow or personal interests.

“Recognizing this, the Council Protocol has been the process used to establish an agreement among Council Members to balance individual Council Member discretion vs. the expectations of the whole for effective, efficient meetings. Key practices that have successfully served past City Councils included the following member expectations: *Respecting the time of others, including fellow members, staff, citizens and contractors by being prepared and ready to conduct business; *Reviewing the agenda material in advance; *Asking questions in advance which also gives staff a heads up on areas of concern; *Allowing staff to manage the balance between public information vs. efficiency as opposed to each member attempting to operate their own public information effort, recognizing that staff have a variety of tools and resources for this purpose; *Utilizing Workshops, Council Committees and staff reports to stay informed and provide input with regular Council Meetings being action-oriented; and *Prioritizing implementation of vision based, strategic objectives for the community as a whole rather than individual political interests.

“Today, we live in a political environment where some find it advantageous to attack and undermine public confidence for all institutions - from the FBI to the Courts. Even the City of Sugar Land, a model of good government, is not immune

OPINION

The Failures of Anti-Trumpism

By DAVID BROOKS WACO, Tex. — Over the past year, those of us in the anti-Trump camp have churned out billions of words critiquing the president. The point of this work is to expose the harm President Trump is doing, weaken his support and prevent him from doing worse. And by that standard, the anti-Trump movement is a failure.

We have persuaded no one.

Trump’s approval rating is around 40 percent, which is basically unchanged from where it’s been all along.

We have not hindered him.

Trump has more power than he did a year ago, not less. With more mainstream figures like H. R. McMaster, Rex Tillerson and Gary Cohn gone, the administration is growing more nationalist, not less.

We have not dislodged him. For all the hype, the Mueller investigation looks less and less likely to fundamentally alter the course of the administration.

We have not contained him.

Trump’s takeover of the Republican Party is complete. Eighty-nine percent of Republicans now have a positive impression of the man.

According to an NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll, 59 percent of Republicans consider themselves more a supporter of Trump than of the Republican Party.

On trade, immigration, entitlement reform, spending, foreign policy, race relations and personal morality, this is Trump’s party, not Reagan’s or anyone else’s.

A lot of us never-Trumpers assumed momentum would be on our side as his scandals and incompetences mounted. It hasn’t turned out that way. I almost never meet a Trump supporter who has become disillusioned. I often meet Republicans who were once ambivalent but who have now joined the Trump train.

National Review was once staunchly anti-Trump, and many of its writers remain so, but, tellingly, N.R. editor Rich Lowry just had a column in Politico called “The Never Trump Delusion” arguing that Trump is not that big a departure from the Republican mainstream.

The surest evidence of Trump’s

Brooks dominance is on the campaign trail. As The Times’s Jonathan Martin reported, many Republicans, including Ted Cruz, are making the argument that if Democrats take over Congress, they will impeach the president. In other words, far from ignoring Trump, these Republicans are making defending him the center of their campaigns.

In red states, as Josh Kraushaar of the National Journal noted, Republicans compete to see who is the most Trumpish. In Indiana, the men vying for the Republican Senate nomination underline their support for the trade war. One candidate has a slogan, “Defeat the elite,” while another promises to “Make America Great.”

Even in blue states, Republicans refuse to criticize the man. In districts across Southern California, 11 Republican House candidates were asked about their positions on various issues. Seven of them refused to answer any question concerning Trump, and the four who did were strongly supportive.

Democratic anti-Trumpers had better hope they win in 2020, because their attacks have only served to entrench Trumpism on the right. Meanwhile, if Republican never-Trumpers were an army, they’d be freezing their buns off in Valley Forge tweeting over and over again that these are the times that try men’s souls.

Why has Trump dominated?

Part of it is tribalism. In any tribal war people tend to bury individual concerns and rally to their leader and the party line. As late as 2015, Republican voters overwhelmingly supported free trade. Now they overwhelmingly oppose it. The shift didn’t happen because of some mass reappraisal of the evidence; it’s just that tribal

from these partisan pressures. It is our responsibility as City Officials to build public confidence in our City through the manner in which we conduct the citizens’ business.

“I take my Charter-mandated responsibility of creating the City Council meeting agenda very seriously as it organizes the business of the Governing Body.

I am finding it increasingly difficult to accomplish this task. City Council has met multiple times over the last two years to consider modifications and re-adoption to no avail. Therefore, in light of the fact that there is no longer a commitment to the current protocol by City Council, I consider them to be null and void until a new document is agreed upon and approved.”

On Monday, Bogard responded to a query from this newspaper. He was asked: “What is your response to Joyce’s claim that Resolution 1508 is still in force and you have no authority to declare it null and void?

“Does not a resolution stay in force, until it is rescinded or amended by city council?

“Also, did any council member or mayor agree or disagree with your March 5 decision to treat the council protocol null and void?”

Bogard told this paper: “Resolution 15-08 often referred to as the “Council Protocol” adopted responsibilities, guidelines, code of conduct and protocols for the Mayor, City Council and City Manager. It was last adopted three years ago.

Throughout my time as City Manager the Council Protocol has been reviewed, revised and readopted annually, usually following the City Council’s regular Fall retreat.

“Beginning in 2016, the City Council has had three retreats

and numerous workshops, attempting to gain consensus on a new Council Protocol. No such agreement has been reached.

Our last attempt was at the City Council workshop on February 27, 2018. A revised Council Protocol draft from the 2017 Fall retreat was shared with City Council Members a month in advance of the workshop and staff received no comments. After another lengthy discussion at the workshop, no Council consensus was reached. The City Council concluded the discussion with a request to place the item at a future, undefined workshop for more discussion.

“On March 5, 2018, I notified City Council Members that I considered the existing Council Protocol to be null and void. My determination was based on the following: *The inability of the City Council to agree to readopt or amend the Council Protocol after numerous retreats and workshops. *Numerous instances where Council Members did not follow Council Protocol and other existing policies. *Statements by some Council Members that they were not obligated to follow Council policies that they did not vote for.

“I believe my March 5th memo to City Council stating that the Council Protocol is null and void simply stated the obvious, which is why I’ve received no comment from any Council Member disagreeing with this conclusion until this past week. I also believe my conclusion represents the majority position of the City Council or I would have received direction otherwise. I have sought and received guidance from our City Attorney, Meredith Riede, and she supports my conclusion.

“However, even if you dis-

orthodoxy shifted and everyone followed.

Part of the problem is that antiTrumpism has a tendency to be insufferably condescending. For example, my colleague Thomas B. Edsall beautifully summarized the recent academic analyses of what personality traits supposedly determine Trump support.

Trump opponents, the academics say, are open-minded and value independence and novelty. Trump supporters, they continue, are closed-minded, change-averse and desperate for security.

This analysis strikes me as psychologically wrong (every human being requires both a secure base and an open field — we can’t be divided into opposing camps), journalistically wrong (Trump supporters voted for the man precisely because they wanted transformational change) and an epic attempt to offend 40 percent of our fellow citizens by reducing them to psychological inferiors.

The main reason Trump won the presidency is that tens of millions of Americans rightly feel that their local economies are under attack, their communities are dissolving and their religious liberties are under threat. Trump understood the problems of large parts of America better than anyone else. He has been able to strengthen his grip on power over the past year because he has governed as he campaigned.

Until somebody comes up with a better defense strategy, Trump and Trumpism will dominate.

Voters are willing to put up with a lot of nonsense for a president they think is basically on their side.

Just after the election, Luigi Zingales wrote a Times op-ed on how not to fight Trump, based on the Italian experience fighting Silvio Berlusconi. Don’t focus on personality or the man, Zingales advised. That will just make Trump the people’s hero against the Washington caste. Focus instead on the social problems that gave rise to Trumpism.

That is the advice we antiTrumpers still need to learn.

(Brooks is an Opinion Columnist. —New York Times.) agree with my assessment and believe that Resolution 15-08 remains in effect, the Council Protocol states that: *The City Manager is responsible for preparing the agenda for each Council meeting” *These rules are not intended to be applied inflexibly in all circumstances, but should be followed to the extent that they aid the Council in conducting its business in an orderly fashion.

“As you can see in my responses to the subject Council Members’ requests, the orderly conduct of Council business would not be aided by the inclusion of the requested items.”

Joyce points out that Bogard omitted a line “The council may temporarily modify or suspend these rules in particular cases to expedite its business,” in the above quote.

This episode has to be seen in the context of some council members who, over the past one year, have disagreed with the city manager and the rest of the council on issues like the budget, tax rate, annexation, and financial management policy, to name a few.

Joyce filed for re-election.

When a candidate filed to oppose her, she withdrew from the race, after nominations were already closed.

McCutcheon, on the other hand, will be in office until May 2019.

Bogard may be making a legitimate defense for his action.

But, the responsibility for the protocol or the lack thereof squarely falls on the mayor and three other councilmembers who have tacitly endorsed Bogard’s actions, possibly to place the minority councilmembers in their place.

That could be a nuanced message to the minority members to fall in line or else...

INDEPENDENT • APRIL 18, 2018 • Page 5

NEWS Crawfish boil ignites Riverstone April 21 Stafford councilman did not commit “sexual harassment;” Report calls it “inconsistent with city’s policy”

By BARBARA FULENWIDER Stafford City Council has decided to take no action against Councilman Wen Guerra who faced sexual harassment allegations.

The item to discipline or dismiss a public officer who was a council member was on Stafford’s city council agenda for five meetings. City council decided to take no action on Councilman Wen Guerra at their April 4 meeting .

Two board certified labor and employment attorneys with Olson & Olson law firm investigated the allegations, made by several female staff members of the city.

They determined that the actions and statements of

Guerra did not constitute sexual harassment under the federal or state labor code nor did they create a hostile work environment.

The investigators said that Guerra’s statements “were inconsistent with the city’s policy that all employees should be able to enjoy a work environment free from all forms of discrimination including sexual harassment by other employees or non employees, regardless of the severity of such actions.”

The conclusions of the investigators were to recommend remedial actions, more “preemptive than responsive” and be directed “at ensuring the city’s ongoing compliance

with its own policies and procedures and federal and state laws.”

They also proposed counseling and training be required for all city council members, city staff and personnel regarding harassment, discrimination and retaliation in the workplace. Council member Guerra did not attend the meeting.

One of the women who complained about having been sexually harassed by Guerra filed a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. She decided not to pursue her EEOC complant after the city of Stafford offered to pay her a settlement.

Grave From Page 1

rial farm prison cemetery site as being historical in 2007.

The Old Imperial Farm Cemetery has been preserved thanks largely to the efforts of Moore.

He has spent much of the past two decades on a campaign to force city officials to commemorate the convict-leasing system that flourished here in the latenineteenth and early-twentieth centuries.

“This cemetery came about after the end of the convict lease era... which was over in 1912,” Moore says. Though no remains were found until recently, Moore has maintained for nearly 20 years that bodies were buried in this area.

And as the nearby unmarked burial ground is being excavated, Moore and others are hoping something will be done to remember those, who were lost or forgotten in Sugar Land’s history. Moore is now hoping the recognition for those who were buried here is finally coming. He hopes to continue working with FBISD, the city and the state to eventually develop plans for an onsite museum dedicated to lives lost during slavery and the prisoner lease program that followed here in

Sugar Land.

In 1910, following a series of newspaper investigations of the Texas prison system, the Legislature formally ended the practice of convict leasing; by 1914 all prisoners were back under the exclusive control of the state. From then on, the only entity that would benefit from the coerced labor of prisoners would be the Texas Department of Corrections. In 2006 Moore founded the Texas Slave Descendants Society, which advocates for greater recognition of the state’s history of exploiting black labor. He’s focused his activism on Sugar Land because of the original sugar mill owners’s role in pioneering the convict-lease system.

Moore received support and advice from Rice University history professors W. Caleb McDaniel and Lora Wildenthal, as well as University of Houston anthropologist Kenneth L. Brown.

In 2015, Rice’s Woodson Research Center acquired Moore’s archive of historical research and mounted an exhibition about convict leasing at the university library.

Manufacturing and Transportation and Logistics.

The state-of-the-art facility is funded through the 2014 Bond Program, which included $59 million dollars earmarked for CTE improvements. The center was named in honor of James Reese, a former FBISD math teacher who later served as the first FBISD Vocational Director.

Reginald Moore, a former corrections officer, is the official state guardian of the small Imperial farm prison cemetery, a few hundred yards away from the latest discovery of approximately 30 burial remains on the FBISD school construction site.

One of his first goals as an activist was to preserve the Old Imperial Farm Cemetery, and ten years ago he succeeded in having the small plot officially designated a Historic Texas Cemetery by the Texas Historical Commission. The commission also made him the guardian of the cemetery and gave him permission to conduct archaeological research there. The state of Texas recognized the Impe-

Houston’s Coolest Crawfish Boil returns to Riverstone noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 21, with 5,000 pounds of crawfish, live music and a host of activities for children. The event is free and open to the public.

Celebrate Cajun culture and spicy crawfish at Houston’s Coolest Crawfish Boil returning to Riverstone on Saturday, April 21, from noon to 4 p.m.

The Fort Bend community will be dispersing 5,000 pounds of the crunchy crustaceans — as well as traditional sides — at The Club at Riverstone, 18353 University Boulevard.

Each attendee will receive a bucket with about 2.5 pounds of crawfish, corn, potato and all beef sausage while supplies last.

Beverages will be available for purchase including craft beer and wine for adults 21 and older.

“The crawfish boil is one of our most popular events,” said Nick Deacon, lifestyle director for Riverstone. “People love coming out here to min-

gle with our residents and enjoy the live music, games and — of course — the crawfish.”

Houston-based band Bayou Roux will transport diners from Riverstone all the way to “N’awlins” with a gumbo mix of Zydeco, Cajun, country, pop and blues music.

Rounding out the party will be activities and games including a 40-foot tall Blue Crush giant slide, 60-foot dual-lane obstacle course, junior world sport 5-in-1 game, a bungee run, bounce houses, tug-of-war, face painters and more.

Those looking for a change from crawfish have the option of purchasing items from local food trucks.

Renegade Kitchen & Catering will be on hand with Texas bistro cuisine, as will the sweet and savory egg roll

stylings of Saucy Nosh Food Truck. Guests can satisfy their sweet tooth with frozen treats from Frios Gourmet Pops and Mary Had a Little Party.

Houston’s Coolest Crawfish Boil is one of many events on the April Drools Home Tour calendar, which offers the public an opportunity to view 170 “drool-worthy” model homes and nearly 500 inventory homes in 14 Johnson Development communities across the Houston area this month.

Eighteen Riverstone model homes will be open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and noon to 6 p.m.

Sundays. Admission is free.

Tour maps and event details can be downloaded at www. houstonhometour.com.

For more information, visit www.riverstone.com

values gratitude in the workplace, I appreciate Mr. Snipes’ leadership.

He ensured the “frontliners” – the guys who cut grass and pick up trash in parks, do the landscaping of City properties and generally take care of Parks and other city properties (and do it in the Houston heat!) -- were at the lunch to receive the free BBQ meal, had time to rest (they usually have a 30 minute lunch break) and received kudos in front of 40 other city employees. This was special. Not all employees were invited.

All too often, city employees and officials hear complaints about what’s being done or not being done in the City -in any City, as

Missouri City is not unique to public feedback. And residents should speak up when something’s not right.

But we also need to tell them when they are doing things right – whether as a resident to the public or to the staff themselves, or staff leadership to the frontliners.

So, thank you to the Parks Department for their dedication and hard work every day to help make Missouri City functional and beautiful. And thank you to the city leadership for recognizing that as well.

LETTER To the Editor: I had the pleasure of attending the recent City of Missouri City High Performance Employee awards. I believe it was the first such awards for many years.

Although about 15-20 awards were presented, what struck me that afternoon was City Manager Anthony Snipes’ inclusion, respect and public recognition of the Missouri City Parks Department. I wanted to take the time to publicly say “Thank You” to him and the City.

My husband works for the Parks Department, so I have a vested interest. But as a resident of Missouri City and someone who

Angie Wierzbicki

TO PROPERTY OWNERS WITHIN THE ORIGINAL SUBDIVISION AND WITHIN 200 FEET OF THE PROPERTY SUBJECT TO REPLAT. LOCATION/DATE: The Planning and Zoning Commission of the City of Missouri City will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, May 9, 2018, at the City Council Chambers – 2nd Floor, City Hall Building, 1522 Texas Parkway (FM-2234), Missouri City, Texas at 7:00 p.m.

PURPOSE: To receive comments for or against a request for Sienna Plantation Section 22 Partial Replat No. 1 to reduce front building lines; to establish a garage setback; and to remove a portion of an aerial easement. Sienna Plantation Section 22 is a subdivision plat filed and recorded in the Fort Bend County Official Public Records as plat number 20170223.

SITE LOCATION: Sienna Plantation Section 22 is part of the Sienna Plantation master planned community located within the City’s Extraterritorial Jurisdiction (ETJ). Sienna Plantation Section 22 is located north and east of the intersection of Waters Lake Boulevard and Sawmill Lake Drive.

SITE LEGAL DESCRIPTION: Sienna Plantation Section 22 Partial Replat No. 1 can be described as being an approximate 5.744 acres of land, located in the David Fitzgerald League, A-25, Fort Bend County, Texas; being Lots 1-28, Block 2, and Lots 1-5, Block 1, Sienna Plantation Section 22, a subdivision recorded in Plat Number 20170223 of the Fort Bend County Plat Records (F.B.C.P.R.) TEXAS LOCAL GOVERNMENT CODE: § 212.015.(c) If the proposed replat requires a variance and is protested in accordance with this subsection, the proposed replat must receive, in order to be approved, the affirmative vote of at least three-fourths of the members present of the municipal planning commission or governing body, or both. For a legal protest, written instruments signed by the owners of at least 20 percent of the area of the lots or land immediately adjoining the area covered by the proposed replat and extending 200 feet from that area, but within the original subdivision, must be filed with the municipal planning commission or governing body, or both, prior to the close of the public hearing.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Additional information and a map of the subject site are available for review at City Hall, Missouri City, Texas on Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. You may call 281-403-8600 or email the Development Services Department-Planning Division at planning@missouricitytx.gov for further information.

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CONSTABLE SALE Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and/or Order of Sale issued on November 10, 2016 by the 434th JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT of Fort Bend County, Texas in Cause# 16-DCV-234651 in favor of the plaintiff- GREAT OAK SOUTH HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC. Plaintiff, recovered judgment amount for the sum of$ 6,538.00 ++++costs as taxed on said execution and/or order of sale and further the sum of executing the same. I have levied on March 23rd, 2018 and will offer for sale on the day of May 01, 2018 at the County Court house steps of Fort Bend County, Texas in the city of Richmond, Texas between the hours of Ten O’clock A.M. and Four O’clock P.M., and all rights, title, interests, and claims which the said Defendant (s)- Javier Vazquez & Lalisha Vazquez had of in or to the following described Real Property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; Legal Description: LOT FIVE (5), IN BLOCK FOUR (4), OF GREAT OAKS SOUTH SECTION TWO (2), AN ADDITION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN SLIDE NO. 2315/A AND 2315/B, OF THE PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS (THE “PROPERTY”) ALSO KNOWN AS 7334 WINDING CANYON LN, HOUSTON, FORT BEND COUNTY, TX 77083 TIME: SALE TO BE HELD AT OR ABOUT 10:00 A.M. PLACE: 301 JACKSON ST., WILLIAM TRAVIS BUILDING, 1ST FLOOR MEETING ROOM, RICHMOND TEXAS 77469.

TERMS: CASH Gary Majors, Constable Fort Bend County Precinct Two By: Sergeant C. McRae #132 Deputy Constable

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

RIB

CONSTABLE SALE Under and by virtue of a Writ and /or Order of Sale issued on January 2nd, 2018 by the COUNTY COURT AT LAW 4 of Fort Bend County, Texas in Cause# 17-CCV060781 in favor of the plaintiff- QUAIL GLEN HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC. Plaintiff, recovered judgment amount for the sum of$ 3,428.88 ++++ costs as taxed on said execution and/or order of sale and further the sum of executing the same.

I have levied on February 28TH, 2018 and will offer for sale on the day of May 01, 2018 at the County Court house steps of Fort Bend County, Texas in the city of Richmond, Texas between the hours of Ten O’clock A.M. and Four O’clock P.M., and all rights, title, interests, and claims which the said Defendant (s)- CHARLES J. VERSEA & ANGELA D. LYLES had of in or to the following described Real Property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; Legal Description: LOT TWO (2), IN BLOCK TWO (2), OF CORRECTED PLAT OF QUAIL GLEN SUBDIVISION, SECTION TWO (2), A SUBDIVISION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN VOLUME 25, PAGE 8 OF THE PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS; COMMONLY KNOWN AS 17214 FOXFIELD DRIVE MISSOURI CITY, TEXAS 77489.

TIME: SALE TO BE HELD AT OR ABOUT 10:00 A.M. PLACE: 301 JACKSON ST., WILLIAM TRAVIS BUILDING, 1ST FLOOR MEETING ROOM, RICHMOND TEXAS 77469.

TERMS: CASH Gary Majors, Constable Fort Bend County Precinct Two By: Sergeant C. McRae #132 Deputy Constable

City of Missouri City

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CONSTABLE SALE Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and/or Order of Sale issued on March 01,2017 by the 240th JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT of Fort Bend County, Texas in Cause# 17-DCV-238482 in favor of the plaintiff- NORTH GLEN ESTATES HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC. Plaintiff, recovered judgment amount for the sum of $ 5,657.88 ++++ costs as taxed on said execution and/or order of sale and further the sum of executing the same. I have levied on March 12TH, 2018 and will offer for sale on the day of May 01, 2018 at the County Court house steps of Fort Bend County, Texas in the city of Richmond, Texas between the hours of Ten O’clock A.M. and Four O’clock P.M., and all rights, title, interests, and claims which the said Defendant (s)- RICARDO VALENCIA & YELILA S. VALENCIA had of in or to the following described Real Property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; Legal Description: LOT NINETEEN (19), IN BLOCK ONE (1), OF MISSION GLEN ESTATES, SECTION FOUR (4), A SUBDIVISION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED UNDER SLIDE NO. 1537/A OF THE PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS AND MORE COMMONLY KNOWN AS 8315 ASH GARDEN COURT, HOUSTON, FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS 77083 (THE “PROPERTY”).

TIME: SALE TO BE HELD AT OR ABOUT 10:00 A.M. PLACE: 301 JACKSON ST., WILLIAM TRAVIS BUILDING, 1ST FLOOR MEETING ROOM, RICHMOND TEXAS 77469. TERMS: CASH Gary Majors, Constable Fort Bend County Precinct Two By: Sergeant C. McRae #132 Deputy Constable

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CONSTABLE SALE Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and/or Order of Sale issued on December 07, 2017 by the 458th JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT of Fort Bend County, Texas in Cause# 17-DCV-245493 in favor of the plaintiff- WINFIELD LAKES HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC. Plaintiff, recovered judgment amount for the sum of $6,127.36 ++++costs as taxed on said execution and/or order of sale and further the sum of executing the same.

I have levied on February 23rd, 2018 and will offer for sale on the day of MAY 01, 2018 at the County Court house steps of Fort Bend County, Texas in the city of Richmond, Texas between the hours of Ten O’clock A.M. and Four O’clock P.M., and all rights, title, interests, and claims which the said Defendant (s)NATHANIEL D. ENDSLEY JR. had of in or to the following described Real Property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; Legal Description: LOT SEVEN (7), IN BLOCK TWO (2), OF WINFIELD LAKES NORTH, ONE (1), A SUBDIVISION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED UNDER PLAT NO. 20150075 OF THE PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS; MORE COMMONLY KNOWN AS 2626 COTTAGE STEP TRAIL, FRESNO, TEXAS 77545 TIME: SALE TO BE HELD AT OR ABOUT 10:00 A.M. PLACE: 301 JACKSON ST., WILLIAM TRAVIS BUILDING, 1ST FLOOR MEETING ROOM, RICHMOND TEXAS 77469.

TERMS: CASH Gary Majors, Constable Fort Bend County Precinct Two By: Sergeant C. McRae #132 Deputy Constable

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/s/ Susan Winters President, Board of Directors

CA

RESOLUTION CHANGING DISTRICT OFFICES AND ESTABLISHING ADDITIONAL OUT-OF-DISTRICT MEETING PLACES Fort Bend County Municipal Utility District No. 115 (the “District”) has been legally created; and Section 49.062, Texas Water Code, authorizes the Board of Directors of the District to designate and to establish one or more meeting places within or outside the boundaries of the District; and By previous resolution, the Board of Directors established offices and regular meeting places outside the boundaries of the District; and The Board of Directors wishes tb change the established office and establish additional meeting places outside the boundaries of the District, Now, Therefore, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF FORT BEND COUNTY MUNICIPAL UTILITY DISTRICT NO. 115 THAT: Section 1: An additional meeting place is hereby established outside the boundaries of the District at the offices of The Muller Law Group, PLLC, 202 Century Square Blvd., Sugar Land, Texas 77478, which is hereby declared to be a public place and open to the public.

Section 2: The official office and mailing address of the District, effective April 9, 2018, shall be c/o The Muller Law Group, PLLC, 202 Centuty Square Blvd., Sugar Land, Texas 77478. The official office of the District previously established at the offices of The Muller Law Group, PLLC, 16555 Southwest Freeway, Suite 200, Sugar Land, Texas 77479, shall no longer be considered an office of the District, effective April 9, 2018.

Section 3: In addition, the office of Costello, Inc., outside the boundaries of the District, was previously declared to be an additional office of the District for the purposes of receiving bids on certain public work projects, administering construction contracts for such projects, receiving correspondence related to such contracts, and for the storage of the plans and specifications of such projects, which office is hereby declared to be a public place and open to the public. The office of Costello, Inc., effective April 9, 2018, shall be 2107 City West Boulevard, Suite 300, Houston, Texas 77042. The office of Costello, Inc., previously established at 9900 Richmond Avenue, Suite 450, Houston, Texas 77042 shall no longer be considered an additional office of the District, effective April 9, 2018.

Section 4: The Board of Directors of the District invites residents, taxpayers, and all other interested persons to attend all meetings of the Board.

Section 5: The Secretary is hereby directed to publish notice of the location of the meeting place outside the District and to file a copy of this Resolution with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.

APPROVED on March 26,2018.

President, Board of Directors ATTESTED: Secretary, Board of Directors CERTIFICATE FOR RESOLUTION THE STATE OF TEXAS § COUNTY OF FORT BEND § I, the undersigned officer of the Board of Directors of Fort Bend County Municipal Utility District No. 115, do hereby certify as follows: 1. The Board of Directors of Fort Bend County Municipal Utility District No. 115 convened in regular session on Match 26, 2018, outside the boundaries of the District, and the roll was called of the members of the Board: David B. Keel, President; Frank Hester, Vice President; K. Balasubramanian, Secretary; Kenneth Sheblak, Assistant Vice President; and Christopher M. Hanney, Assistant Secretary and all of said persons were present except Director(s) , thus constituting a quorum.

Whereupon, among other business, the following was transacted at the meeting: a written RESOLUTION CHANGING DISTRICT OFFICES AND ESTABLISHING ADDITIONAL OUT-OFDISTRICT MEETING PLACES was introduced for the consideration of the Board. It was then duly moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted; and, after due discussion, the motion, carrying with it the adoption of the resolution, prevailed and carried unanimously.

2. A true, full, and correct copy of the aforesaid resolution adopted at the meeting described in the above and foregoing paragraph is attached to and follows this certificate; the action approving the resolution has been duly recorded in the Board’s minutes of the meeting; the persons named in the above and foregoing paragraph ate the duly chosen, qualified, and acting officers and members of the Board as indicated therein; each of the officers and members of the Board was duly and sufficiently notified officially and personally, in advance, of the time, place, and purpose of the aforesaid meeting, and that the resolution would be introduced and considered for adoption at the meeting, and each of the officers and members consented, in advance, to the holding of the meeting for such purpose; the meeting was open to the public as requited by law; and public notice of the time, place, and subject of the meeting was given as requited by Chapter 551, Texas Government Code, and Section 49.063, Texas Water Code.

APPROVED on March 26,2018.

Secretary, Board of Directors

/s/ Robert Lin Vice President, Board of Directors

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Gary Majors, Constable Fort Bend County Precinct Two By: Sergeant C. McRae #132 Deputy Constable

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE NOTICE OF ESTABLISHMENT OF ADDITIONAL MEETING PLACE To the residents and taxpayers of Fort Bend County Municipal Utility District No. 149 (the “District”) and to all the persons interested in the meetings of the Board of Directors of such District: Notice is hereby given that the Board of Directors, at a regular meeting held March 26, 2018, established an additional outof-district meeting place at 202 Century Square Boulevard, Sugar Land, Texas 77478.

All residents and taxpayers of the District and other interested persons are hereby invited to attend any meetings of the Board of Directors at such location.

DE

Gary Majors, Constable Fort Bend County Precinct Two By: Sergeant C. McRae #132 Deputy Constable

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE NOTICE OF ESTABLISHMENT OF ADDITIONAL MEETING PLACE To the residents and taxpayers of Fort Bend County Municipal Utility District No. 129 (the “District”) and to all the persons interested in the meetings of the Board of Directors of such District: Notice is hereby given that the Board of Directors, at a regular meeting held March 26, 2018, established an additional outof-district meeting place at 202 Century Square Boulevard, Sugar Land, Texas 77478.

All residents and taxpayers of the District and other interested persons are hereby invited to attend any meetings of the Board of Directors at such location.

SA WM IL

CONSTABLE SALE Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and/or Order of Sale issued on July 20, 2016 by the 434th JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT of Fort Bend County, Texas in Cause# 15-DCV-227939 in favor of the plaintiff- MISSION BEND SOUTH CIVIC IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION Plaintiff, recovered judgment amount for the sum of $ 5,707.71 ++++costs as taxed on said execution and/or order of sale and further the sum of executing the same.

I have levied on February 20TH, 2018 and will offer for sale on the day of May 01, 2018 at the County Court house steps of Fort Bend County, Texas in the city of Richmond, Texas between the hours of Ten O’clock A.M. and Four O’clock P.M., and all rights, title, interests, and claims which the said Defendant (s)- LORRAINE ALEXANDER had of in or to the following described Real Property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; Legal Description: LOT EIGHT- SEVEN (87), IN BLOCK FOUR (4), OF MISSION BEND SOUTH, SECTION FOUR (4), ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN VOLUME 22, PAGE 22 OF THE MAP RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS; 7426, SAN LUCAS, HOUSTON, 77083 (THE “PROPERTY”).

TIME: SALE TO BE HELD AT OR ABOUT 10:00 A.M. PLACE: 301 JACKSON ST., WILLIAM TRAVIS BUILDING, 1ST FLOOR MEETING ROOM, RICHMOND TEXAS 77469.

TERMS: CASH

EL

CONSTABLE SALE Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and/or Order of Sale issued on October 30, 2017 by the 400th JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT of Fort Bend County, Texas in Cause# 17-DCV-242253 in favor of the plaintiff - NORTH MISSION GLEN ESTATES HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC., Plaintiff, recovered judgment amount for the sum of$ 12,857.93++++ costs as taxed on said execution and/ or order of sale and further the sum of executing the same.

I have levied on February 13TH, 2018 and will offer for sale on the day of May 01, 2018 at the County Court house steps of Fort Bend County, Texas in the city of Richmond, Texas between the hours of Ten O’clock A.M. and Four O’clock P.M., and all rights, title, interests, and claims which the said Defendant (s)- GINA L. PENN had of in or to the following described Real Property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; Legal Description: LOT TEN (10), IN BLOCK ONE (1), OF MISSION GLEN RESERVES, SECTION THREE (3), AN ADDITION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED UNDER SLIDE NO. 1302/B OF THE MAP/PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS. TIME: SALE TO BE HELD AT OR ABOUT 10:00 A.M. PLACE: 301 JACKSON ST., WILLIAM TRAVIS BUILDING, 1ST FLOOR MEETING ROOM, RICHMOND TEXAS 77469.

TERMS: CASH

There’s an available cool box in the console.

The LX 570 includes a 12.3inch display with remote touch interface that offers a fullscreen map capability and can be split into three sections to show different functions. Rear passengers get an available dual screen rear seat entertainment system. It usues dual 11.6-inch screens, provides USB ports, and armrest features that control air conditioning and audio.

The sound system hass nine speakers with the Lexus audio system and plays from CD, iPod/USB connectivity, HD Radio with iTunes tagging, and streaming music via Bluetooth.

The 19-speaker, 450-watt Mark Levinson audio system is available.

Lexus Enform Safety Connect provides emergency calling capability 24/7/365 while Lexus Enform Remote views and controls certain aspects of the vehicle using a mobile app for iOS and Android devices. It can lock or unlock the LX 570’s doors, remote start or stop the engine or climate control, locate the vehicle in a parking lot, set up guest driver monitor and more.

It’s impossible not to love a Lexus and the LX 570 is as lovely as they get whether it’s used to navigate city streets or climb rocky terrain. The test drive vehicle has full-time four-wheel drive and retails for $89,980. With various options added the retail price climbed to $97,565.

S

Laura Richard Fort Bend County Clerk

intuitive park assist.

The standard panoramic view camera is quite valuable when hitching and maneuvering a trailer, viewing the surround terrain when offroading, and helping view the area around the vehicle when maneuvering in tight spaces.

A body-on-frame structure gives the LX 570 the foundation to deliver a silky smooth ride on pavement, or to take a pounding off-road. A Torsen limited-slip locking center differential provides full-time four-wheel drive, splitting torque 40:60 under normal driving conditions. The differential automatically adjusts the torque distribution as necessary. Off-road, the driver can lock the center differential for driving over challenging surface conditions.

The four-wheel traction control system helps control wheel slip. Selectable modes include rock, rock and dirt, mogul, loose rock, and mud and sand.

The selectable low range provides low-speed crawling capability for handling steep offroad hills and uneven terrain.

The LX 570 rolls on standard 20-inch split 10-spoke wheels, with 21-inch 10-spoke wheels offered as an option.

All-season comfort is assured inside the Lexus LX 570 luxury package with heated/ ventilated front and middlerow seats. The climate concierge automatically monitors the temperature of the four separate climate zones and adjusts fans and temperature of the seats and steering wheel.

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Laura Richard Fort Bend County Clerk

beam headlight system adjusts high-and low-beam illumination automatically when it detects oncoming traffic or the taillights of a vehicle traveling in front.

The LX 570 drivers can appreciate the extra help from the standard blind spot monitor with rear cross traffic alert. To help keep the driver’s eyes on the road, the LX 570, via an available olor heads-up display shows speed, cruise control, warnings, information icons and

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Submitted by,

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Submitted by,

The hearing will be held in the Commissioners Courtroom at 401 Jackson Street, Second Floor, Richmond, Texas. You are invited to attend and state your approval or objection on this matter.

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PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing on Tuesday, May 8, 2018, at 1:00 p.m. for acceptance of the traffic control plan for Veranda, Sec. 18, Precinct 1.

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PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing on Tuesday, May 8, 2018, at 1:00 p.m. for acceptance of the street name change in Berry Tract, from Berry Parkway to Circle Oak Parkway, FBC plat records instrument #20160295, Precinct 1.

The hearing will be held in the Commissioners Courtroom at 401 Jackson Street, Second Floor, Richmond, Texas. You are invited to attend and state your approval or objection on this matter.

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Laura Richard Fort Bend County Clerk

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Submitted by,

Laura Richard Fort Bend County Clerk

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Submitted by,

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The hearing will be held in the Commissioners Courtroom at 401 Jackson Street, Second Floor, Richmond, Texas. You are invited to attend and state your approval or objection on this matter.

By BARBARA FULENWIDER For 2018, Lexus offers its Enform Safety Connect and Enform Service Connect complimentary for the first 10 years of LX 570 ownership.

The LX 570 is Lexus’ largest SUV so is powered by a 5.7-liter V8 engine that produces 383 horsepower and delivers 90-percent of its 403 lb.-ft. of peak torque at just 3,600 rpm.

It’s teamed with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Together the team can tow up to 7,000 lb.

The LX 570 rides extremely well, seats eight and allows the driver to select powertrain and suspension responses. The standard Lexus safety system includes a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert, high-beam headlamps and all-speed radar cruise control. It can maintain a preset distance from a vehicle traveling ahead, warn the driver of a possible collision and initiate automatic braking if necessary.

The lane departure system uses a camera to monitor visible lane markings, and if the vehicle is drifting from the lane, vibrates the steering wheel to get the driver’s attention. The high

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The hearing will be held in the Commissioners Courtroom at 401 Jackson Street, Second Floor, Richmond, Texas. You are invited to attend and state your approval or objection on this matter.

AUTOMOBILE: Lexus 570

RO SE

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing on Tuesday, May 8, 2018, at 1:00 p.m. for acceptance of the traffic control plan for Jordan Ranch, Section 3, Precinct 3.

S

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing on Tuesday, May 8, 2018, at 1:00 p.m. for acceptance of the traffic control plan for Aliana, Section 25, Precinct 4.

TE XA

Page 6 • INDEPENDENT • APRIL 18, 2018

Legend

1 inch = 500 feet

City Limits Line.lyr 0

250

500

Feet 1,000

INDEPENDENT • APRIL 18, 2018 • Page 7

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Missouri City Community Center 1522 Texas Parkway Missouri City, TX. adjacent to City Hall

STROKE SEMINAR JOIN US FOR AN INFORMATIONAL SEMINAR Thursday, May 3 | 6 p.m.

Although stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the U.S. — and the leading cause of disability — many Americans cannot identify the symptoms or risk factors for stroke. We invite you to learn about: • Prevention • Risk factors • Symptoms Rony Ninan, MD Neurologist

REGISTRATION REQUIRED Register online at events.houstonmethodist.org/stroke-sl or call 281.274.7500.

16655 Southwest Fwy. Brazos Pavilion Conference Center Sugar Land, TX 77479

Page 8 • INDEPENDENT • APRIL 18, 2018

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