Fort Bend Independent 042716

Harish Jajoo will:

ELECT

• Run the City of Sugar Land more like a business • Focus on the bottom line, streamline services, become more efficient, and improve customer service for Sugar Land residents • Enhance city services through innovation, technology, and a dose of common sense in government

JajooForSugarLand.com f facebook.com/HarishJajoo t @harishjajoo VOL 9 No. 17

email: editor@ independent.com

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Phone: 281-980-6745

FORT BEND FAIR. BALANCED. INFORMATIVE. WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27, 2016

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

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

The real mayoral debate

Dr. Brandon Rottinghaus, left, political science professor at the University of Houston and Mia Shay, ABC channel 13 reporter, moderate the Sugar Land mayoral debate.

Five candidates competing to cation Fund Of Houston, and has in advancing the pursuit become Sugar Land’s next may- the University of Houston Stu- of learning and building trust or shared a stage on April 23. dent Government Association, across all communities that call Candidates Harish Jajoo, Joe came together to produce this Sugar Land home,” said Murad Ajani, President of the Aga Zimmerman, Myatt Hancock, Mayoral Debate event.

It was fitting for the debate to Khan Council for Southwestern Kyle Stanley and Sarwar Khan hail from diverse backgrounds, be held at the Ismaili Jamatkha- United States.

“We hope that today’s event ranging from car sales and lo- na and Center — a trusted meetgistics analysis to mortgage ing point for dialogue among shows that together we can diverse peoples, civil society, facilitate dialogue and underbanking and civil engineering.

The debate, hosted by the civic organizations, and mul- standing, and thereby help create a truly pluralistic commuIsmaili Jamatkhana and Center tiple faith communities.

In 2002, His Highness the nity.” and live-streamed worldwide on This debate, like the presiabc13.com, attracted a packed Aga Khan and Governor Rick crowd of local residents want- Perry jointly inaugurated the dential debate, enabled the caning to responsibly engage in center as a place for fostering didates to express their position their civic duties and become an appreciation of pluralism on various issues. The highlight and for enhancing relationships of the debate was the final rapid informed citizens. fire question, where the canFour civic-minded partners, among faith communities.

“With programs such as to- didates had to respond with a including the Aga Khan Council for the Southwestern United day’s mayoral debate, we are single word, yes or no.

States, ABC Channel 13, The proud of the potential the IsSee DEBATE, Page 3 League of Women Voters Edu- maili Jamatkhana and Center

City has a way, but no will to resolve the debate on development code

By SESHADRI KUMAR On November 3, 2015 Sugar Land City Council unanimously passed Resolution 15-37 directing the Planning and Zoning Commission to consider an amendment to the Sugar Land Development Code to repeal Chapter 2, Article 2, Part 5 Titled “Planned Development District” as adopted by Ordinance 2014; to readopt Chapter 2, Article 2, Part 16 Titled “Planned Development Districts” as existing immediately prior to the adoption of Ordinance 2014; and to add a new regulation limiting the number of multi-family units that could be built in a Planned Development District to a maximum of 200 units.

Why is this resolution important?

The urgency with which city council acted on this resolution has become futile because five months later, the resolution is still in limbo.

Though the city government did not formally acknowledge the petition drive launched by Diana Miller under the banner Sugar Land Votes at that time, the resolution specifically addressed the concern expressed by over 3,000 signatories to the petition.

Significantly, none of the petitions demanded a specific 200 unit cap on apartments, but opposed the new zoning category called “urban” development in addition to the existing “suburban” category The two city council members, (candidates for mayor) on their own, took the precedent in the Development Code regarding stand alone multi-family units, and introduced the same cap for

Fort Bend Independent on its website fbindependent.com conducted an online poll. There were 100 responses as of 7 p.m., Monday, April 25. The poll question was: Sugar Land City Council approved a resolution on Nov. 3 directing the Planning and Zoning Commission to add a provision limiting multi-family in planned development to 200 units. Suggested answers were: 54 The P & Z should approve the 200-unit cap on apartments.

11 The P & Z should suggest a formula for the number of apartment units.

22 The P & Z should leave the number open, to be decided on a case by case basis.

13 Sugar Land should allow more apartment units.

The survey is not scientific, but indicates the trending public opinion.

Planned Development.

Harish Jajoo has since declared during his mayoral campaign that he will stand by the resolution and support its implementation even if the P & Z Commission rejected it. The issue does not impact the Tefair development alone, but all future developments, he said.

Joe Zimmerman, on the other hand, does not support the resolution any longer. His reason: “I am opposed to ANY apartments in Telfair, so why set a cap on units to 200 when we can keep apartments completely out of Telfair.”

Diana Miller, after the council adopted the resolution on Nov. 3, in good faith, informed the city that she was not going to submit the petition with the required signatures hoping the city was going to follow through with its own resolution.

But, a month later, the P & Z commission expressed its reservation over the resolution indicating it was not in favor of adopting any cap.

Sensing that the city might not implement the resolution after all, Miller formally submitted the pe-

tition to the city with the required signatures.

Subsequently, the city rejected the petition citing state law that barred referendum on zoning regulations.

Faced with the Hobson’s Choice of either spending a lot of money to sue the city or accepting defeat, Miller decided to run for city council and accomplish the objective, along with two other candidates.

Thus, the council resolution has become an election issue.

The P & Z Commission, in its April meeting indicated it would send its recommendation to city council on May 10, suggesting no change to the development code or any cap on apartments.

The mayor and council members were asked by this newspaper to give their opinion on the P & Z commission’s proposed negative recommendation to the council resolution. On their behalf, City Manager Allen Bogard sent a response: “The Planning & Zoning Commission were directed via ResoluSee CODE, Page 3

Missouri City faces crowded, contested races

By BARBARA FULENWIDER Candidates for Missouri City’s mayor and two at-large council seats are currently telling constituents why they are qualified for the position they seek, where they stand on various issues and what they hope to accomplish, if elected.

Two candidates are running for mayor, two for the At-large No. 1 seat and three for the At-large No. 2 position. Each candidate was asked to provide their credentials, why they are seeking the public service job and what they want to do for the city.

The two mayoral candidates are the incumbent, Allen Owen, and his challenger, Fred Taylor.

Allen Owen: Mayor Allen Owen, is a retired bank executive and is 71 years old. His answer to the

question, why should citizens re-elect you, was: “I feel that I have proven myself by serving the community for the past 37 years.” His tenure has included two years on the city’s bond committee, five years as a planning & zoning commissioner, eight years as a councilman and mayor pro-tem and the past 22 years as mayor.

Owen said, “Managing a very tight budget and understanding finances, is something I am able to do with my years of finance and banking experience. Having served in many roles with the city gives me the knowledge and understanding of how the city operates and functions.

“The main role as mayor is to help develop a great staff, bring business and development, provide employment opportunities, and most of all, help provide the

citizens with a great place to call home.”

“I want to continue to see economic development occur to provide jobs as well as to continue to reduce property taxes with sales tax and other sources of revenue,” Owen said. “I also want us to continue being one of the safest, most affordable, ethnically diverse cities and a place where major companies want to relocate to.”

The qualifications he brings to the office and why he is running for mayor are many. He said, “I have seen Missouri City grow from a sleepy little community with fewer than 15,000 people to a thriving one of more than 75,000. I know what works and what citizens want.

“I have worked hard with See RACES, Page 3

Page 2 • INDEPENDENT • APRIL 27, 2016

We’re for Joe! I am the only candidate to have the endorsement of a former mayor and city council members. These City Leaders embraced a vision and determination to honor our roots and embrace our future. I am honored to have their support and the grassroots effort of the community.

Candidate for Missouri City City City Council Candidate for Missouri

Joe understands the key issues facing our City. Not only because of his background as an engineer but also due to his many years on the Planning and Zoning Commission. Jacquie Baly, Former Sugar Land City Council Member At-Large Position 2 (2008-2012)

Today I am asking you to join me in support of Joe Zimmerman as our next mayor of Sugar Land. I believe Joe has the knowledge, vision and passion to be our next mayor. He is the right candidate to lead Sugar Land to be the best place to live, work and play.

Daniel Wong, PE, Former Sugar Land City Council Member At-Large Position 2 (2002-2008)

Vote for Joe Zimmerman, he is the most qualified person on the ballot. He is involved, a past Planning & Zoning Commission member, and a current Sugar Land City Councilman. He has the right attitude and vision to keep our City going in the right direction. Manny Reyes,

I bring strong problem solving skills, listening skills, organizational skills and people skills that will benefit Missouri City residents. I vow to listen to concerns and to work towards solutions that are workable for everyone involved. We must bridge past success to future needs of our wonderful city.

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Vote Saturday, May 7th

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City Council At-Large Position #2

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SUSAN SOTO

EARLY VOTING: Monday, April 25 – Tuesday, May 3, 2016 Bridging Missouri City’s past success to future opportunity Political Ad Paid for by Susan Soto Campaign, Deron Harrington, Treasurer

www.ElectSusanSoto.com www.facebook.com/ElectSusanSoto

Former Sugar Land Council Member (1991-1997)

Endorsed by Our City Leaders • Bill Little, Former Council Member and Sugar Land Mayor • Manny Reyes, Former Council Member • Mary Von Tungeln, Former City Council Member District 1 and Former City Council At-Large Position 1 • Cyril Hosley, Former Council Member District 2 and Former Planning and Zoning Commission • Don Smithers, Former City Council Member District 1 (1997-2003, 2011-2014) • Karyn Dean, Former City Council Member At-Large Position 2 • Daniel Wong, P.E. Former City Council Member At-Large Position 2 • Russell Jones, Former City Council Member District 3 • Don Olson, Former Council Member District 2 • Jacquie Baly, Former City Council Member At-Large Position 2 • Mike Rozell, Former Fort Bend County Judge

Election Day - May 7, 2016 • Early Voting - April 25 to May 3

JoeZimmermanForMayor.com facebook.com/JoeZimmermanforMayorofSugarLand

@VoteZimmerman

Pd. Political ad Joe Zimmerman for Mayor Campaign, Jared Jameson, Treasurer

For qualified representation, ensuring a better future for Missouri City.

Experienced * Strong, fiscal accountability and a good steward of our tax dollars

Trusted * Works to make diversity our strength

30 years of committed service on City Council

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APRIL 27, 2016 • INDEPENDENT • Page 3

NEWS Establishment versus outsiders Sugar Land’s mayoral election this year has many parallels to the Republican Presidential Primary, but the comparison is only superficial.

The Republican primary started with 17 candidates, pretty large, and so has the Sugar Land mayoral race with five. It is likely to end up in a run-off election with the top two candidates.

It is considered a year of ‘outsiders’ and established or ‘establishment’ candidates are biting the dust. Sugar Land too has outsiders and ‘establishment’ candidates.

If immigration and the wall catapulted an unexpected candidate, Donald Trump, into the presidential race,the city council resolution on capping apartment units and the petition drive to change the Development Code, gave rise to a slate of three candidates, including mayoral candidate Myatt Hancock.

Both Joe Zimmerman and Harish Jajoo are sitting council members and they have similar experience in city government.

Technically, they both can be described as ‘Establishment’ candidates. But, Jajoo’s platform has some subtle differences.

(Fellow councilmembers felt Jajoo was grandstanding and preparing to run for mayor).

Jajoo has been advocating a transparent reduction in the tax rate, but Zimmerman believes the city is already doing a good job of managing finances responsibly and a recent homestead exemption amounts to a tax cut.

On the issue of apartments, Jajoo stands by the City Council Resolution jointly sponsored by Zimmerman capping the units at 200 and amending the Development Code.

If one wonders how Zimmerman could or would justify his opposition to the resolution, which he was ‘for’ before he was ‘against’, comes his quotable quote: “I am opposed to ANY apartments in Telfair, so why set a cap on units to 200 when we can keep apartments completely out of Telfair.”

Some may literally believe the statement, some others may wonder, “It’s ok for Telfair.

What about other areas of the city?” and a few others may remain confused.

Jajoo broke ranks with fellow council members on the tax rate issue as well as the recent charter amendment. He opposed the increase in the threshold for filing a petition or referendum.

Zimmerman supports the charter amendment and even felt that it was ‘reducing the hurdle.’ But, the city attorney sought to clarify by saying

Code From Page 1

family, which should be sufficient; • Too much multi-family leads to school overcrowding and impacts on the school district, City and school district need to work together; • Moved to Sugar Land to be in a suburban setting, don’t want the feel of Sugar Land to change; and • Sugar Land is unique; don’t want to be like everyone else.

The speakers’ comments not in support of Resolution 15-37 focused on: • Concerns that density is not keeping pace to compete for and support employers and retailers; • Existing and growing employers need housing for workers; • Favoring the new generation of multi-family, the type found in mixed use development to support area employers and retailers; • A realization that higher density would have been better for Town Square and density will be necessary to make future mixed use developments successful; • A cap of 200 is too arbitrary; • PD process already provides limitations and restrictions on development; • There is a need for more multifamily options in Sugar Land and concern that capping the number of units will limit additional housing options; and • Commercial investment in the city helps keep taxes low.

Prior to the December 8th Workshop, approximately 166 letters and emails were sent to the City and provided to the Planning & Zoning Commission. The majority of the communications expressed support for Resolution 15-37 as well as the inclusion of additional concentration restrictions in the Development Code for multi-family residential located in a PD. Among the voluminous data presented by the staff, Sugar Land was compared to its “peer cities” and Pearland was a peer city.

While Sugar Land had one multi-family unit for every 9.2 single family homes, Pearland has one MF unit for every 5.6 single family homes.

Missouri City, on the other hand, has the lowest number of apartments to single family homes ratio in the Houston region. It has one mutlifamily unit for 21.7 single family homes.

In percentage, Sugar Land has 9.7 percent MF units and 90 percent SF homes, Pearland has 14.7 percent MF units and 82.3 percent SF homes, while Missouri City has 4.4 percent apartments and 95.5 single family homes.

Stafford has 53.7 single family homes and 42 percent multifamily units.

olution 15-37 to consider changes to the Development Code. City Council cannot move forward without the Planning & Zoning Commission’s recommendation.

The Planning & Zoning Commission has been considering the resolution since December 2015 and has held several workshops and a public hearing to hear input from the community. The Planning & Zoning Commission’s comments during the April 12th Workshop indicate they are leaning toward recommending no changes be made to the Planned Development (PD) regulations of the Development Code and that a 200 unit cap on multi-family within a PD not be added. However, the Planning & Zoning Commission’s formal recommendation and action is anticipated to occur at their May 10th meeting. After receiving the recommendation, City Council may decide to concur with the Planning & Zoning Commission’s recommendation or authorize something different.”

The P& Z Commission was mostly concerned about the 200 unit cap on apartments.

The Commission heard from 19 speakers during the public hearing on Jan. 12, both in support and not in support of Resolution 15-37.

The speakers’ comments in support of Resolution 15-37 focused on: • Concerns that the changes to the Development Code regulations will increase the density of Sugar Land which will then have negative impacts on surrounding properties; • Opinions that the PD process has been misused in the past and the updates are not in line with the Comprehensive Plan; • Some limit or cap should be in place because 900 is too many; • Sugar Land’s suburban lifestyle has made it a desirable and attractive place for people to locate; • The updates to the Development Code are in line with the United Nations’ Agenda 21 policies which are not desired here in Sugar Land; • The city should be most concerned about what taxpayers want, not want developers want; • The focus should be on quality growth, not building out too fast; • Support for limiting number of units per square mile of the City; neighboring cities can provide multi-family to support Sugar Land; Ok with a cap, but 200 seems too low; • 200 still allows some multi-

Debate From Page 1

required number of signatures for submitting a petition from 15 percent of voters in the last election to 30 percent of registered voters, Khan and Zimmerman said yes. Jajoo, Stanley and Hancock said no.

Khan and Zimmerman also supported the charter amendment revising the percentage of signatures for recall of mayor and council members. Jajoo, Stanley and Hancock opposed it.

Races

who is also running for the AtLarge No. 2 job. She said previous work has prepared her for the office she seeks. “Working as an educator in Texas public schools for 17 years as a teacher, campus administrator and central office coordinator gave me experience with and insight into the operations of a governmental agency. Managing staff, serving the local community and overseeing a large, publicly-funded budget all helped me develop skills that will serve Missouri City constituents when I serve on city council.

“Changing careers several years ago to become an attorney strengthened my flexibility and demonstrates my ability to learn new things quickly and successfully. I am now a solo practitioner who understands the needs of business owners in our community. As an attorney, I solve problems on a daily basis and am comfortable reviewing and interpreting policy and law. I was named one of Houston’s Top Lawyers by H Texas magazine in 2015.”

She said she is running for public office because she has worked tirelessly in her community with such organizations as Missouri City TIRZ Board #1, Missouri City Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee, Thunderbird North Community Association and the Denver Harbor/Port Houston Super Neighborhood Council.

She also said, “I am the most qualified candidate in the race for the At-Large No 2 position.”

She said she is well trained and experienced in problem solving, listening, organization and people skills. “I will listen to concerns and work towards solutions that work for everyone.”

If elected, she said one of her first priorities “will be to ensure that Missouri City residents know who I am and how to get in touch with me.” She also said she will make informed votes on matters brought before council.

“I believe in data-driven decision making and want to be sure that every position I take and every vote I cast is justified and founded on fact, not opinion.

“I am aware of the issues on the horizon for our city, which include water management, aging infrastructure, economic and population growth and mobility. My votes on those issues and others will be based on facts and not determined by outside influences that don’t have Missouri City’s best interests at heart. My votes will be easily explained to anyone who asks.

“The challenge is to bridge past successes to future needs and opportunities. I am confident that together we can do that,” Soto concluded.

Chris Preston: Chris Preston, 29, and a business owner who has been on council for two years, did not respond by deadline to the “Fort Bend Independent” questions regarding his current run for public office. The following information is from his website.

As a councilman, Preston has served as chair of the city’s Economic Development Committee, is a member of the High Performance Organization Committee and Community Development Advisory Committee. It his desire to strengthen schools, create safer neighborhoods, foster economic prosperity and create a unified Missouri City.

council member directly interfering with a city employee, that it ‘slightly increased’ (the except through the city manager, On the charter amendment Jajoo, Zimmerman, and Khan hurdle.)

Diana Miller, a citizen activ- proposition that changes the said yes, while Stanley and ist, entered the election fray to term of the mayor and council Hancock said no. fight for her cause and thus she members from two to three years.

On the issue of the planning turned into a ‘politician.’ She Joe Zimmerman and Sarwar and zoning commission approvmade her adversaries’ allega- Khan said they supported the ing a 200 unit cap on apartments, tion that she was aiming at a proposition. Harish Jajoo, Kyle Jajoo, Hancock , Stanley and political office come true. But, Stanley and Myatt Hancock Khan said yes. Zimmerman Miller says she is running for said no. said no.

On Prop.5, prohibiting any office only as a cost effective On the issue of changing the measure to accomplish her goal.

Miller has co-opted Myatt Hancock and Naomi Lam who is running for an at-large posido leadership and grassroots, tion. Miller runs the risk of activist spirit that I intend to losing her credibility if she is From Page 1 bring to the city council, to get defeated in the election. Votes staff and council members to things done for the people, for against her might be construed see so much progress happen. our future.” as votes against her stance on I live here too and what I want Regarding specifically what apartments and the Develop- is not that different from what he would do to improve the ment Code. Even some of those everyone else wants. I want to city if elected, Davis said, “Our who signed her petition and continue serving my communipublic safety system needs to be believe in the cause may not be ty and see it become even better enhanced with police officers inclined to vote her into office. than it is today.” and other first responders. We Miller is passionate about her Fred Taylor must also provide competitive cause and hopes a majority of Candidate Fred Taylor failed wages for our first responders. her supporters will turn out and to respond to our questions beWe need to have better public elect her. fore deadline but does say on works response” during floods.

Sarwar Khan’s platform is to his website there are “seven build a university in Sugar Land. key things I commit to you He also said he would like rather, he wants to plant a seed. that I will do: keep taxes low, to see the city’s comprehensive Do we need a mayor to do that? keep neighborhoods safe, fix plan include transportation, onKyle Stanley wants to repre- sidewalks, repair street lights, going investments in technolsent the millennials. Do we have increase the number of first reogy to enhance traffic flow, an enough millennials in Sugar sponders, clean up neighborexpanded trail network to inLand to elect him? hoods and bring life back to crease connectivity, sidewalk Finally, Jajoo and Zimmer- 2234/Texas Parkway. upgrades that provide safety man, the two leading candidates, Jerry Wyatt and more parks, recreation, and are likely to be in the runoff.

Incumbent Jerry Wyatt is 68 open spaces.

—SESHADRI KUMAR years old and like the mayor is Three candidates are running also retired. He says his hon- for the At-Large No. 2 posiIf the city wanted to just ad- esty and experience make him tion on Missouri City’s council. dress the issues and if the city extremely well qualified to con- They are incumbent Chris Presthought those issues were legiti- tinue to be the At-Large No. 1 ton and challengers Cynthia mate, there could have been a so- council member. He pointed Gary and Susan Sotto.

Cynthia Gary lution that satisfies both who want out that as a councilman he votCynthia Gary, 57, is an edua limit on apartments and those ed for a $33-million project that Houston Community College cator who previously served on who want a flexible policy.

Elected officials did not seem will build on Texas Parkway, a the Missouri City council for to have the will to solve the is- $500-million industrial devel- District B and on the Fort Bend sue, instead focused on the per- opment going on South Main Independent School District son and the process. The city at Beltway 8 and has strongly board.

She said, “I have been inhighlighted the potential negative supported economic developconsequences if the petition was ment, “particularly when indus- volved in the Missouri City allowed to be placed on the ballot trial and commercial makes up Community for many years.

Because of my past and presand sought to sully the image of 28 percent of our budget.”

During his long tenure of ent experiences in commuDiana Miller.

The city did not say the peti- service he has chaired the city’s nity service I bring a wealth of tioners’ demand was illegitimate, budget committee for more than knowledge and experience to but it is the process of holding a 27 years and has never pro- the position of city council At referendum on the issue that is il- duced a deficit budget. “Mis- Large-Position 2.” souri City may not have a lot She has served on the city’s legal.

The city, on its own, always of money but we don’t have Comprehensive Plan Advisohad the option to amend the de- budget problems,” Wyatt said. ry Committee, is an ordained “This city only asks citizens for deaconess at The Fountain of velopment code.

Houston-Galveston In the own words of the city: what it needs to provide the ser- Praise, Area Council board, FBISD Ac“The City has complete control vices they want.”

“I am running because of the ademic Advisory Council, First through the Planned Development individuals attempting to take Colony Neighborhood reprezoning process. The Planning and over our city.

They do not mean sentative and Fort Bend WomZoning Commission has the abilwell for our city,” Wyatt said. en’s Center Board of Friends. ity to recommend and the City “My opponent pays no taxes, “I am running for office,” she Council can approve a Planned owns no property, contributes said, “because I am passionate Development that does not meet the criteria listed under either a nothing to the budget, but about public service and have suburban- or urban-style Planned wants to spend our tax dollars,” proven that I am a leader and will make decisions for the betDevelopment per Chapter 2, Art. the councilman said.

“I have given more than 30 terment of the citizens in MisII, Part 5, Sec. 2-133: “The Commission may recom- years of service to Missouri souri City. Economic growth/ mend and Council may approve a City, and I’m not going to al- development, community reviPD that does not meet all of the low the city to be taken to ruin talization and our first respondabove minimum requirements if by individuals who don’t even ers are issues that are very imthey find that the proposed PD es- understand what they are do- portant to our citizens and me tablishes a high-quality develop- ing. They have no clue that the as well.”

Gary said she has been a ment and offers unique or special city cannot do anything it wants to do. The city is governed by Missouri City homeowner and benefits to the community.

“At the discretion of the Com- state law and if the law doesn’t taxpayer for almost 40 years and has a vested interest in the mission and Council, additional fit, we can’t do it.”

Wyatt was first elected to city. “As a Missouri City Counrequirements based on site specific conditions may be applied to city council in 1981, retired cil member I have proven that I a General Development Plan and from council in 1994 and got care about the well-being of our sent back to office in 1998. If citizens by voting against all exFinal Development Plan.”

The Planning & Zoning Com- re-elected on May 7, he said he cessive spending and taxes.

“My platform is simple ‘One mission could have recommended “will continue to do everything a 200 unit cap and a developer, I can to support what is impor- People One City.’ I want to using the above argument, could tant to the citizens of Missouri work to bridge the gap that currently exists between communistill ask for additional units in a City.”

Pernell Davis ties.” given development and justify the Pernell Davis, 30, is a private Gary also said, “I want us to same.

The fear that the cap may be sector executive running for be more aggressive in the area detrimental to the success of a Wyatt’s at-Large No. 1 seat and of economic development/reviparticular mixed use project could said he is qualified for the office talization so we can move our have been addressed with this and will bring a fresh approach city forward by decreasing or to city council. “I will attempt even eliminating property taxes clause.

With the prevailing sentiment to make us one city instead of a and increasing property value.” among the planning and zoning divided community. I will also She said it is also time to insticommission members and elected emphasize that we must realize gate the preliminary designs for officials that single family home the how, when and where that multiple centers of developtaxpayers who oppose apartments land is used in a community ment along Texas Parkway and are ignorant of the benefits offered and affects so much else -- from Cartwright.

It is her vision, she said, to by retail and commercial property traffic to utility infrastructure, and it is only commercial base that housing choices, the environ- increase personnel in the police provides funding and single fam- ment and the proximity of shop- and fire departments and ensure that city employee salaries are ily homes are not paying for city ping, parks and schools.

“I have a proven track record equivalent to those paid by othservices and good quality of life, one can’t expect any policy that of fighting for the progressive er same size cities.

Susan Soto: may even be remotely perceived principles that I believe in, and Susan Soto, 48, is a lawyer as anti-developer or anti-business. that is the kind of dynamic, can-

Page 4 • INDEPENDENT • APRIL 27, 2016

LETTER Charter Review Commission’s Letter to Residents of Sugar Land Dear Fellow Residents, As many of you know, on May 7, 2016, Sugar Land voters will go to the polls to consider proposed Charter amendments. But, do you know how these proposed Charter amendments were created? Listed below is an explanation of the processes and extensive due diligence we performed to formulate these recommendations.

The convening of a Charter Review Commission is mandated by the Sugar Land Charter itself. The Charter states it must be reviewed at least every five years. In November of 2013, the City of Sugar Land Charter Review Commission convened. Our members were nominated and selected by the City Council.

Our members included: a former mayor of Sugar Land, a former City Council member of Sugar Land, a senior district court judge, a lawyer with municipal law experience, and a lawyer with small business experience. We are all residents of Sugar Land and have been long time volunteers in the community. It is important to understand that we were an independent body from City Council.

The Charter Review Commission’s mandate ranged from recommending “the current City Charter be completely replaced” all the way to “no changes are necessary”.

As such, the Commission reviewed the Charter from the beginning to the end and considered revising the entire document. The Commission held eight public meetings starting in November 2013 and concluded in March 2014.

All the meetings were held in City Hall meeting rooms.

Meeting agendas and minutes were posted on the City’s website. Members of the public were invited to attend meetings, and to make comments in writing or by email.

Members of the press attended the meetings.

It is important to remember these meetings were held and recommendations were made in a time frame when there were minimal amounts of political activities and controversies within the community.

Our recommendations were extensively researched, debated, and vetted during the five months we met. All recommendations were reported to

the City Council at a publicly televised meeting in March 2014. Commissioners were present to answer questions.

The City Council then performed their own due diligence and eight proposed amendments to the Charter were set forth for citizens to vote on in the May 7, 2016, City election.

The remainder of this letter specifically deals with Proposition 7 and 8. These ballot propositions address a flaw in the current City Charter in that the current city charter is inconsistent in both the percent required and basis of the voter base to which that percentage is applied for recall elections and referendums.

The current charter requires: • 20% of the “City’s registered voters residing in district” are needed to have a recall election of a district council member.

• 25% of the “City’s registered voters” are needed to have a recall election of the mayor or an at-large council member.

• A total of number of signatures equal to 30% of the “voters that voted in the last city election (regardless of when that last election took place)” to create an election for an initiative or referendum. As you can see, the differing percentages and circumstances for determining the voter base is inconsistent and can be confusing. Two following changes were recommended by the Commission: • The base of voters should be based on the current registered voters.

• The percentage required for all recalls and ballot initiatives or referendums should be a consistent percentage across the board.

Regarding the base of voters, we believe it is extremely important for the voting base to reflect the CURRENT registered voters, not the previous voting base from a past election.

For example, imagine a group of citizens wished to file a ballot initiative or referendum affecting the entire city on the May 2015 ballot; and that prior to May 2015, the last city election was a District 3 runoff election held in June 2013, and only 2,000 District 3 residents voted in that election-just a small geo-

In this paper’s opinion, Sugar Land’s Prop. 7, dealing with the requirement for initiative and referendum,enhances the burden on the voting public and impacts the citizens’ right to petition the government adversely.

Since the right to petition the government is the last resort and a precious right, this individual right should be safeguarded at any cost.

This proposition is in favor of ‘the government’ or ‘elected officials’ and the voting public are the adversaries.

The need for a referendum usually arises when the normal course of government action fails to address the issue and the referendum happens to be against a governmentenacted rule.

The recent cases are clear examples. One asking for a referendum on red light camera and another asking for amending the Development Code.

The city rejected the petitions and it can always do so even for no valid reason. The recourse for the aggrieved citizens is a lawsuit. Or to make it an election issue.

In the government’s perspective, it has already done

its due diligence and considered public input. By virtue of the fact that the government is run by elected officials, it is their belief that people have already given a mandate to enact rules and they are presumed to be in the best interest of the public.

But, some of the public may disagree.

Elected officials argue that they can be unseated by people in the next election if they are not happy with them. It is easier said than done.

A council member who wins the election by the margin of a single vote, may not face an election for his or her second term. Usually, once elected, the incumbent stays in office until the four twoyear term end.

That people don’t run for office or vote against incumbents is not the fault of elected officials. It demonstrates people’s apathy. That is the reason for poor voter turnout.

The proponents of the charter amendment argue that, under certain circumstances only 1 percent of the total registered voters can force a referendum.

True. Similary, 1 percent of voters can elect a council

GUEST COMMENTARY

Vote NO on Sugar Land’s Prop. 2

By RUSSELL C. JONES Coming up on May 7 will be Sugar Land’s first election for an open mayor’s seat in eight years. Two at-large council seats will also be chosen. All three races have several candidates, and a runoff is likely.

Further down the ballot will be a list of propositions about which you have probably heard nothing. They are the result of a review of the city’s charter by a volunteer committee, which had significant guidance from the incumbent city council and staff. Most of the propositions are not particularly interesting, and are intended to bring the outdated charter into compliance with current state law.

Three propositions are important, however, and every resident of the city should take the time to become familiar with them. A couple of them are probably good for the voters. The third, not so much. In this column I’ll discuss the one which probably should not be approved. The others will be discussed next week.

Proposition 2 extends the terms of city council members from two to three years and revises the charter’s existing term limits to accommodate the longer terms. Why, you ask, should we grant longer terms to council members?

This issue was first proposed by a charter review commission about six years ago, when I was still a member of the council. As you would expect, most of the politicians were all for it. First, it kept them in office longer. Secondly, and more importantly to most of them, they would not have to run for office so often.

You may think those reasons are just two sides of the same coin, and perhaps they are, but if you are in the shoes of the elected official, they have two entirely different meanings.

I opposed this proposition when it was first discussed, and I am opposing it now.

When the idea was first

graphic portion of the city.

Under this example, the group of citizens would only need 30% of 2,000 voters to successfully get that initiative or referendum on the ballot.

That computes to be 600 signatures.

In this scenario, 600 persons out of the total of 53,173 registered voters in Sugar Land can create an election.

That is about 1% of voters!

You can also imagine that the number would be much higher if the last city election was a mayoral and at-large City Council election year, like this year, leading to an arbitrary result where a proposed ballot initiative or referendum would succeed or fail to get presented to voters based on what happened in the previous city election.

As a result. the Commission recommended that the tie to any previous election be removed, and that any initiative or referendum should be based on the current number of registered voters.

Second, The Commission also believed that the 20%, 25%, and 30% threshold for recalls, referendums and ballot initiatives was confusing.

We agreed a single, lower threshold of 15% applied across the board was fair and less confusing; and would make it easier for citizens to meet the petition requirement since the lower percentage is calculated from a larger base of registered voters.

In conclusion, Ballot Proposition 7 and 8 were the result of extensive work, research and consideration by the Charter Review Commission, a group comprised of local citizens with years of experience in business, local government, and civic activities.

We volunteered our time and expertise’s to research and make these recommendations to City Council so that the Charter continues to meet the needs of every citizen as our city continues to grow.

The Commissioners believe that the voters of Sugar Land should do their own research and should vote on each propA petition drive to amend osition accordingly. the Sugar Land City Charter was launched on Saturday, Sincerely, April 23, 2016.

W. A. (Bill) Little This amendment will ban CRC Chairman the automated red light camera enforcement system which Dennis C. Parmer has been in operation by the CRC Vice Chairman City since 2008.

This drive will proceed under the direction of James Dalton who has been empowered member or mayor just as one to act on behalf of a 5-memcan win by one vote. Does ber committee of petitioners it make the election illegitimate?

The proponents also argue elections, since they typically that some ‘special interests’ have few voters.

Prop. 6 would have lowcan hijack the referendum process. If 3,000 people sign ered the number of signatures a petition, instead of 9,000 required for a recall petition people, would the petition from 25 percent of registered become a ‘special interest’ is- voters to 20 percent of registered voters. The change sue?

It may be news to many would have reduced the numthat people of Sugar Land ber of signatures required for voted down two similar char- an at-large recall election to the percentage needed for dister amendments in 2011.

Of the city’s 59 charter trict recalls, which are already amendment propositions since 20 percent.

Both these propositions 1986, only two have failed to win passage from voters, both were voted down by the peoin the May 2011 election and ple of Sugar Land in 2011.

What has changed now? both dealing with the process Why should Sugar Land for initiative, referendum and voters make it harder for recall petitions.

In the 2011 charter amend- themselves to exercise their ment, Prop. 3 would have right to petition or call for a amended the requirement that referendum?

A no vote against the refera referendum petition’s number of signatures equal 30 endum is no reflection on the percent of those who voted in integrity of the charter comthe last regular election, low- mission.

It will be the result of peoering the criteria to at least 10 percent of the city’s registered ple’s own research that the commission asks every voter voters.

The city’s justification for to do before deciding. this amendment at that time —SESHADRI KUMAR was that the amendment was to level the field for district

Vote No on Sugar Land’s Prop.7

Jones raised, public reaction was predictably negative.

The self-serving interests of council members were obvious.

Local reporters were more active politically in those days, and they made clear their intent to make as big a stink as they could. The city council retreated and decided to keep the issue off the ballot for the time being.

To be fair, there are some positive aspects of longer terms. With longer terms, council members can spend more time concentrating on their official duties. Two years really is too short a period to fully learn the job, to understand the municipal budget, or to get to know other officials whose acquaintance can be beneficial to the city in joint projects. Two years is too short a period for a newbie councilman to learn his way around the staff, or to take any kind of a leadership role.

The real objection of council members to two year terms is that the officials have to face re-election so often. Running for office is a real hassle. If done right, it can be extremely time consuming, and extremely expensive. Large expenses in campaigns demands fundraising, paying election consultants, putting out signs in front yards and rights-of-way, and mailing brochures; none of the skills learned in any of these activities is particularly

useful in actually carrying out governmental responsibilities.

If multiple candidates run for a position, shorter terms also mean running twice–the main election and the runoff.

Finally, more campaigns mean more opportunities to lose the election.

More importantly, more campaigns mean more appearances at candidate forums, talking to residents, and walking door-to-door to meet voters at their homes. They also mean listening to what voters really think, considering resident’s concerns, and learning that not everyone really cares about what the official thinks about some issues. More campaigns also give the voters more opportunities to know their officials, to review their records in office, and, possibly, to decide that a particular official has been in office long enough.

In fact, the idea of getting closer to the voters more often and listening to what they have to say seems like a good thing.

Giving voters more chances to evict the officials from office when they need to be evicted also seems like a good idea.

That is why I oppose Proposition 2.

Most cities provide for two year terms for their councilmen. Longer terms are the exception in Texas.

State representatives have two year terms. Congressmen have two year terms. Sugar Land has always had two year terms.

None of the objections to two year terms come close to the benefits of voters’ reviewing their choice of elected officials. Voters should vote NO on Proposition 2.

Mr. Jones was first elected to the Sugar Land City Council in 2003 and was re-elected in 2005, 2007 and 2009. He retired from that position in 2011 pursuant to the City’s Charter provision on term limits.

Another Anti-RLC Petition Drive in circulating and filing of this petition.

The goal is to obtain up to 4,000 signatures from Sugar Land City registered voters.

Mr. Dalton is currently working with City Secretary Glenda Gundermann to obtain recognition that this petition drive is officially under way.

According to the City such a petition drive will not be recognized for two years. Dalton insists that such a delay is not

required or authorized by the Texas Constitution, the Texas Local Government Code, or the Sugar Land City Charter.

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

www.fbindependent.com 281-980-6745

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

Periodicals Postage Paid at Stafford, Texas.

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

INDEPENDENT • APRIL 27, 2016 • Page 5

FORT BEND REAL ESTATE Anita Milne 281-413-9732 Beard Realty Group Meadows Place•Scottsdale•3/2/2

$169,000 $169,000

SOLD

Stafford • Kirkwood • 3/2.5/2

$118,000

SOLD

Meadows Place • Brook Meadows • 3/2.5/2 Meadows Place • Meadowtrail • 4/2/2

SOLD

$147,500

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 26, 2016 for Provision at Four Corners, being a partial replat of Brown Brothers Subdivision, 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 Jerry Scott, Jr. with Terra Surveying Company, Inc. at 713-993-0327 for information prior to the hearing.

Submitted by, Laura Richard Fort Bend County Clerk 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, MAY 12, 2016 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. Solicitation and any and all addendums will be posted on Purchasing Agent’s website located at www. fortbendcountytx.gov.

RFP 16-087 ROOF REPLACEMENT ON SECTION OF COUNTY JAIL FOR FORT BEND COUNTY A Pre-RFP conference with site visit will be conducted on Thursday, May 5, 2016 at 9:00 a.m. (CST). The preRFP conference will be held at the Fort Bend County Sheriff ’s Office Lobby located at 1410 Williams Way Blvd, Richmond, Texas. A site visit will commence immediately following.

All vendors are encouraged to attend. This is the only date and time vendors will be permitted to complete a site visit.

Performance and Payment Bonds are required by successful firm.

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

Signed: Gilbert D. Jalomo, Jr., Purchasing Agent, Fort Bend County, Richmond, Texas CITATION BY PUBLICATION DIVORCE The State of Texas TO: Souad Saidane, and to all whom it may concern, Respondent GREETINGS: You have been sued.

You may employ an attorney. If you or your attorney do not file a written answer with the clerk who issued this citation by 1 0:00 AM on the Monday next following the expiration of twenty (20) days after you were served this citation and petition, a default judgment may be taken against you. Said answer may be filed by mailing same to: District Clerk’s Office, 301 Jackson, Richmond, Texas 77469, or by bringing it to the office.

Our street address is 1422 Eugene Heimann Circle, Richmond TX 77469.

We are located on the first floor of the Justice Center building.

The PETITIONER’S PETITION FOR ANNULMENT OF MARRIAGE OR, IN THE ALTERNATIVE, PETITION FOR DIVORCE of Adnan Ali Najm, was filed in the 387th Judicial District Court of Fort Bend County, Texas on March 15, 2016 against Souad Saidane, Respondent, being numbered 16DCV-230807, and entitled In the Matter of the Marriage of Ad nan Ali Najm and Souad Saidane The suit requests Petition for Annulment of Marriage or in the Alternative Petition for Divorce. The court has authority in this suit to enter any judgment or decree dissolving the marriage and providing for the division of property which will be binding on you.

Issued and given under my hand and seal of the said Court at Richmond, Texas, on this the 20th day of April, 2016.

Petitioner’s Attorney: WILLIAM F HARMEYER ATTORNEY AT LAW 7322 SOUTHWEST FREEWAY SUITE 475 HOUSTON TX 7707 4 713-270-5552 District Clerk Annie Rebecca Elliott Fort Bend County, Texas Deputy District Clerk Michele Olguin 281-633-7649

Sienna Plantation •$1,325,000•6/6.1/3 45SP

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$249,000

Meadows Place • Dorrance • 3/2/2

$182,500 $182,500

Meadows Place • Scarcella • 3/2/2

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$184,500

“Same rink where figure skating gold medalist Tara Lipinski, NHL Star Tyler Myers and tens of thousands who dreamed of achieving The Sugar Land Ice & the same goals learned their Sport Center (SLICE) has skating and hockey skills over been closed for almost one the past 20 years, appears to week and may not reopen bebe closing,” said Jim O’Neill, cause the owners may sell the Founder/Executive Director of property due to much needed STARskaters.org repairs.

Sugar Land Ice has over “We are attempting to gain 100,000 visitors annually. The support in hopes of keeping Learn to Skate programs serve it open. Mayor Thompson 600-800 children and adults and council persons have also been notified, “ according to a concerned citizen.

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 26, 2016 for Fresno Partial Replat No. 1, Precinct 1. 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 Alicia Ramos with South Texas Surveying Associates, Inc at 281-556-6918 for information prior to the hearing.

Signed: Gilbert D. Jalomo, Jr., Purchasing Agent, Fort Bend County, Richmond, Texas 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, MAY 12, 2016 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. Solicitations and any and all addendums will be posted on Purchasing Agent’s website located at www. fortbendcountytx.gov.

BID 16-088 – HOSTAGE NEGOTIATION VEHICLE 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

Riverstone SL •$719,900•3/2-21/2/3

Cinco Ranch • $374,900 • 4/31/2/2D

Pending

ment and coaching to young players between the ages of 18-20 from all over the country and as far away as Europe.

Texas Gulf Coast Figure Skating has nearly 300 members, the majority of which train full time at Sugar Land Ice and Sports.

The Skate Houston competition every Labor Day Weekend brings at least 700 competitors and their families to the Houston area from all over the Southwest and Midwest

every semester, 6 semesters a year.

Youth Hockey, Adult Hockey, High School Hockey (ISHL), Hockey Academy and Mighty Mites programs all use Sugar Land Ice and Sports.

That is well over 1000 hockey players that will not have access to ice in Sugar Land not to mention the revenue lost from visiting teams and their families. The junior hockey NA3HL Sugar Land Imperials provided high level develop-

regions.

Unity, the club’s Synchronized Skating Teams has 3 teams that compete successfully across the nation. Sugar Land Ice and Sports also holds the annual “Nutcracker on Ice” which had over 125 skaters participating in 2015.

Perhaps most important to the community is Skate Therapy. Skate Therapy has over 50 students enrolled and over 50 volunteers to make it all happen.

NOTICE OF SALE

STATE OF TEXAS

BY VIRTUE OF AN ORDER OF SALE

§ § §

FORT BEND COUNTY

and issued pursuant to judgment decree(s) of the District Court of Fort Bend County, Texas, by the Clerk of said Court on said date, in the hereinafter numbered and styled suit(s) and to me directed and delivered as Sheriff or Constable of said County, I have on March 28, 2016, seized, levied upon, and will, on the first Tuesday in May, 2016, the same being the 3rd day of said month, at 301 Jackson Street, William Travis Building, 1st Floor Meeting Room in the City of Richmond, Texas 77469, between the hours of 10 o'clock a.m. and 4 o'clock p.m. on said day, beginning at 10:00 AM, proceed to sell for cash to the highest bidder all the right, title, and interest of the defendants in such suit(s) in and to the following described real estate levied upon as the property of said defendants, the same lying and being situated in the County of Fort Bend and the State of Texas, to-wit: Sale #

Cause # Judgment Date

Acct # Order Issue Date

Style of Case

Legal Description

Adjudged Value

Estimated Minimum Bid

1

04-DCV134011 10/13/15

005000000007090 FORT BEND COUNTY, ET AL VS. UNDIVIDED 80% INTEREST IN & 1 TO 4.00 ACRES, MORE OR LORINE ALFORD, ET AL LESS,ENOCH LATHAN SURV, MARCH 21, 2016 ABST50, VOL 65, PG 87 & VOL 182, PG 560*

$123,510.00

$56,300.00

2

09-DCV176079 11/23/15

005000000003590 FORT BEND COUNTY VS. IDA 1 HAMMOND, ET AL MARCH 21, 2016

4.176 ACRES, MORE OR LESS, ENOCH LATHAM SRVY, ABST 50, VOL 65, PG. 87*

$136,650.00

$48,800.00

3

09-DCV176079 11/23/15

005000000001590 FORT BEND COUNTY VS. IDA 1 HAMMOND, ET AL MARCH 21, 2016

3.00 ACRES, MORE OR LESS, ENOCH LATHAM SRVY, ABST 50, VOL 65, PG 87*

$98,170.00

$31,000.00

10

15-DCV222193 02/10/16

325000008100090 FORT BEND COUNTY VS. 7 BETTY DEVILLARD, AKA MARCH 21, 2016 BETTY JOHNSON, ET AL

LOTS 10-16, BLK 8, FRESNO DOME ADDN, VOL 232, PG 346 & VOL 225, PG 140*

$1,190.00

$1,190.00

11

15-DCV222193 02/10/16

350003004050090 FORT BEND COUNTY VS. 7 BETTY DEVILLARD, AKA MARCH 21, 2016 BETTY JOHNSON, ET AL

LT 5, BLK 4, GOLDEN HWY PROPERTY SEC 3, VOL 232, PG 346 & VOL 471, PG 70*

$190.00

$190.00

Submitted by, Laura Richard Fort Bend County Clerk 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, MAY 12, 2016 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. Solicitation and any and all addendums will be posted on Purchasing Agent’s website located at www. fortbendcountytx.gov.

RFP 16-086 – REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS THIRD PARTY CLAIMS ADMINISTRATION SERVICES FOR FORT BEND COUNTY MEDICAL, DENTAL AND CAFETERIA PLANS Fort Bend County reserves the right to reject any or all proposals.

(281) 414-8400 www.

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SOLD

Sugar Land Ice & Sports Center may close

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 26, 2016 for Plaza at FM 1463, being a partial replat of Unrestricted Reserve A of Landmark Roesner, 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 Rodolfo Sandoval Jr. with CSF Engineering Solutions at 832-678-2110 for information prior to the hearing.

Submitted by, Laura Richard Fort Bend County Clerk

For All Your Real Estate Needs Call Arlene Rolsen CRS, Realtor

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

RECENT CHANGES IN THE PROPERTY TAX CODE NOW REQUIRE PURCHASERS OF TAX SALE PROPERTY TO HAVE A STATEMENT FROM THE FORT BEND COUNTY TAX ASSESSOR-COLLECTOR CERTIFYING THAT THE PERSON/FIRM/COMPANY PURCHASING PROPERTY AT A TAX SALE OWES NO DELINQUENT PROPERTY TAXES TO ANY TAXING ENTITY WITHIN THE COUNTY. YOU WILL NOT RECEIVE A TAX SALE DEED TO ANY PROPERTY YOU PURCHASE WITHOUT THIS CERTIFICATE. TO OBTAIN A CERTIFICATE, PLEASE CONTACT YOUR FORT BEND COUNTY TAX ASSESSOR-COLLECTOR AT LEAST TWO WEEKS PRIOR TO THE SALE. Dated at Richmond, Texas, March 28, 2016 Constable Rob Cook Fort Bend County, Texas By Deputy Notes: The Minimum Bid is the lesser of the amount awarded in the judgment plus interest and costs or the adjudged value.

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

Page 6 • INDEPENDENT • APRIL 27, 2016

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News REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS HEALTH AND WELFARE EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

The City of Sugar Land seeks proposals for performing all work required for the following project in the City: RFP 2016-05: LOCATION OF WORK:

Health and Welfare Employee Benefits Sugar Land, Texas 77479

Plans, specifications, and bidding documents may be obtained by registering with Public Purchase www.publicpurchase.com or by contacting Charlotte Starks, cstarks@ipsadvisors.com, with IPS Advisors.

Sealed proposals, one (1) original, (1) copy, and one (1) electronic copy (PDF format) on CD or flash drive delivered to the City of Sugar Land, Office of the City Secretary, 2700 Town Center Boulevard North, Suite 122, Sugar Land, Texas, 77479; and one (1) copy delivered to IPS Advisors, Attn: Charlotte Starks, 10000 North Central Expressway, Suite 1100, Dallas, TX 75321, on or before 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, May 17, 2016, at which time proposals will be publicly opened and read. Proposals received after the opening date and time will not be considered.

For questions contact Charlotte Starks with IPS Advisors at cstarks@ipsadvisors. com before 3:00 P.M. Monday, May 2, 2016.

The City will give notice of award of contract within one hundred and twenty (120) days following the date of proposals.

Glenda Gundermann, TRMC, CMC City Secretary

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INDEPENDENT â&#x20AC;˘ APRIL 27, 2016 â&#x20AC;˘ Page 7

Richard Ramirez named StaďŹ&#x20AC;ord Police Chief

By BARBARA FULENWIDER Most sizeable towns in east Fort Bend County now hire search ďŹ rms to help them ďŹ nd the best employees. StaďŹ&#x20AC;ord doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t. Instead they advertise locally on their city website. So at their April 20 council meeting it was no big surprise that they unanimously approved hiring a man they have all known for years.

Their interim police chief for the past seven months is now StaďŹ&#x20AC;ord Police Chief Richard Ramirez, who got a standing ovation from council members and the large audience after councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s unanimous 6-0 vote.

Ken Mathew made the motion to hire Ramirez and Wen Guerra added an amendment to cut the 68*$5 /$1' 68*$5 /$1' 68*$5 /$1' 68*$5 /$1' 68*$5 /$1' 68*$5 /$1' 68*$5 /$1' 68*$5 /$1' 68*$5 /$1'

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probationary period because the chief already served as interim chief for seven months.

Numerous citizens spoke highly of Ramirez. They said he builds trust, is engaged with citizens, has a good heart, is a joy to work with, a good friend, etc.

Former StaďŹ&#x20AC;ord Council Member Felicia Evans-Smith came to praise and support Ramirez.

She said he was a good friend â&#x20AC;&#x153;who is right here and works for our city, always has and always will.â&#x20AC;?

Another speaker told council, â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is a no-brainer. He does a good job, is a good man, loves StaďŹ&#x20AC;ord and is a family man.â&#x20AC;?

Another said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;He knows the community and is approachable.â&#x20AC;? Yet another said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;He is a great guy. Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s taken very good care of us. We love Richard.â&#x20AC;?

Former StaďŹ&#x20AC;ord Police Chief Bonny Krahn was the last to speak and told council, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Everything Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve heard tonight is very true. Richard has a good heart and speaks from the heart.â&#x20AC;? He also said Ramirez â&#x20AC;&#x153;is a family man, honest, has integrity, is straight forward and tells it like it is. All chiefs in the area speak highly of him.â&#x20AC;? Every speaker strongly urged council to approve Ramirezâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s promotion to chief.

Prior to the vote, Mayor Leonard Scarcella campaigned for him after he said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is my intention to formally appoint Richard Ramirez as police chief of StaďŹ&#x20AC;ord and make a recommendation to council of a salary of $120,000 a year.â&#x20AC;?

He went on to say the city received 67 applications for the

Ramirez job and many were worthy of consideration but â&#x20AC;&#x153;you look to the community and what someone has contributed. You look to their potential to contribute, their ability to bring all factors and all races, colors and creeds together and thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not an easy thing to do.â&#x20AC;?

Since Ramirez has been interim chief, Scarcella said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s done an outstanding job and helped elevate community relations. He is trustworthy, dedicated and highly respected in the area. He runs a ďŹ scally responsible operation, one where this city can live within its means and maintain zero property tax.â&#x20AC;?

The mayor pointed to Ramirezâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 23 years on the Stafford police force, how many jobs he had held over that time and done outstandingly in all of them. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Richard has been immersed in this city since he came here. He loves StaďŹ&#x20AC;ord. His children go to SMSD (StaďŹ&#x20AC;ord Municipal School District). â&#x20AC;&#x153;I want to emphasize that this city is one of the most diverse in the nation in terms of

race, culture, creed, religion. It takes someone special who understands that and wants to have everybody come together and work together and respect each other. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Through his leadership, Richard has always demonstrated that you respect everybody, regardless of race, color or creed. I proudly appoint Richard Ramirez to be the police chief of StaďŹ&#x20AC;ord. I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think you would see these oďŹ&#x192;cers here if they didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think he deserves this. Leadership is important and he has demonstrated that he is a true leader,â&#x20AC;? the mayor concluded.

Then Councilman Cecil Willis told the audience, â&#x20AC;&#x153;This city is extremely fortunate to have a person of Richardâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s caliber. We are fortunate to have someone of his ability. It is surprising, humbling and gratifying when the people of your area agree with a decision that government makes.

Congratulations, Richard.â&#x20AC;?

One long-time acquaintance of Ramirez spoke during the audience part of the agenda item and said it was always Ramirezâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s goal to be a police chief. When Ramirez went to the podium he sincerely thanked numerous people along with council for making his goal a reality. He said he had always wanted to be a chief when most police want to become captains. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is what I have been working for. I got to each short-term goal I had but chief was a long-term goal.

Thank you.â&#x20AC;? With that said, a warm glow permeated council chambers -- for a change.

Fort Bend County ranks No. 3 for purchasing power in Texas A residentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s money goes far in Fort Bend County, which is evident from the results of a SmartAsset study. SmartAsset, a New York ďŹ nancial technology company, recently looked at the cost of living from various places in the United States, and Fort Bend County ranked in the top 3 within Texas.

With a purchasing index of 96.16, Fort Bend proves it is an aďŹ&#x20AC;ordable place to live, meaning a residentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s standard of living can be maintained in the county. SmartAsset aggregated data using a cost of living calculator, which evaluated living expenses, housing, food, education, childcare, transportation and health care costs, and taxes.

SmartAsset then compared median income to the cost of living data nationwide to ďŹ nd the counties where people hold the most purchasing power. In comparison to all other Greater Houston regional counties, Fort Bend County ranked at the top

with regard to purchasing power. Fort Bend County ranked No. 3 in the state and No. 7 in the U.S. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The SmartAsset report measures purchasing power of counties and is a reďŹ&#x201A;ection of income relative to the cost of living,â&#x20AC;? said JeďŹ&#x20AC; Wiley, president and CEO of the Greater Fort Bend Economic Development Council. â&#x20AC;&#x153;For those who chose Fort Bend County to locate a business or buy a home, the report is positive conďŹ rmation of what they already know â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Fort Bend County is Greater Houstonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ďŹ nest address. For those currently looking to locate a business or family, it should be compelling evidence that â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;The closer you look, the better we get.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;?

Median income is another area in which Fort Bend County is number one within the Greater Houston area. Fort Bend County ranked No. 2 in the state and No. 36 in the U.S in median income.

The cost of living numbers were combined using a weighted average based on how close the countyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s median income was to the minimal livable income in that area. According to SmartAsset, the median income in Fort Bend County is $86,407 whereas the cost of living is $43,255.

Fort Bend County consistently serves as a leader in various economic metrics. The county continues to boast a favorable business climate, business development growth, infrastructure, and a diversity of industries. These factors make Fort Bend County proďŹ table and provide residents with the means to live comfortably.

The full rankings list and methodology is available here: http://bit.ly/1Yqda5A. For additional information about Fort Bend County, including a full list of accolades, visit FortBendCounty.com or call 281-242-0000.

Local Unitarians celebrate 20th anniversary In 1996, a group of 40 religiously progressive, socially conscious individuals got together to form a Unitarian Universalist Church in Fort Bend County.

Many of them had been driving into Houston to attend a Unitarian Universalist congregation there. Others had been members of churches in other states or cities, but found they had no local progressive option.

These founding members felt that Fort Bend County needed a church that was open and welcoming to all kinds of people from all kinds of religious backgrounds.

On May 12, 1996, the Henry David Thoreau Unitarian Universalist Congregation was founded.

The church moved to StaďŹ&#x20AC;ord the following year, and has been there ever since. Now, this May the congregation is excited to be celebrating their 20th anniversary.

Following the tradition of Unitarian Universalist congregations, the group immediately began the business of encour-

aging free religious thought and an open spiritual search while teaching respect for world religions and a valuing of diverse human perspectives.

They have been very active in Fort Bend social concerns, supporting organizations such as Fort Bend Family Promise, the East Fort Bend Human Needs Ministry, Access Health, and the Fort Bend Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Shelter with volunteer hours, supplies, and ďŹ nancial donations.

Thoreau also sponsors a scholarship for local low-income students who are the ďŹ rst in their family to attend college, sending 42 students to school with full tuition over the past 13 years.

Currently the church shares every Sunday oďŹ&#x20AC;ering with an organization that lives their values of caring for each other and the earth. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There have certainly been some hard times in the past 20 yearsâ&#x20AC;? says Rev. Bonnie Vegiard, minister of the congregation. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Their hearts were broken in 2008 when a building contractor did not follow through

on promises, and eventually their dream of a building had to be postponed and the land sold.

This was a devastating period for the church. But they did not give upâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;they are determined to ensure that a progressive, open spiritual community is available as a resource for families and individuals in Fort Bend County.â&#x20AC;?

In 2012, the congregation decided the best way to hold on to their dream of a thriving community and an eventual building was to merge with the First Unitarian Universalist Church of Houston, located in the Museum District on Fannin Street.

The merger has allowed the congregation to share in quality worship services led by a team of four ministers and to have great resources for religious education for children and adults. The merger helped the local leaders to focus on building community while continuing their history of strong social engagement. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are proud to celebrate 20 years,â&#x20AC;? Rev. Vegiard says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We invite all interested to come celebrate with us on May 15.â&#x20AC;?

Page 8 • INDEPENDENT • APRIL 27, 2016

AUTOMOBILE: Mazda 3

By BARBARA FULENWIDER The 2016 Mazda3, which is the manufacturer’s new entry level model, comes standard with more updates -- a rearview camera and the Mazda3s Touring four- and five-door models no longer have the sixspeed manual transmission.

Mazda3 models are denoted by “i” for carrying the SKYACTIV-G 2.0-liter engine or “s” for the 2.5-liter engine.

Mazda3 is available in Sport, Touring and Grand Touring trim levels.

Both Mazda3i and Mazda3s are available in either the fourdoor sedan or five-door hatchback body style. The Mazda3 Touring’s equipment package

includes auto-dimming interior mirror, dual-zone automatic climate control system, Bose nine-speaker surround sound system, SiriusXM satellite radio with four-month subscription, CD player, shark fin antenna, auto on/off headlights and rain-sensing windshield wipers.

Another Mazda3 technology package includes an available seven-inch full-color touchscreen with commander control knob and voice command functions. Within its functionality are Bluetooth wireless phone pairing and audio streaming, available navigation and built-in integration for Pandora, Aha and

StitcherTM. It also includes text message integration.

MAZDA CONNECTTM reads aloud and responds to verbal map directions. The Mazda3 also comes with standard push-button ignition, remote keyless entry, power door locks, daytime running lights and USB/auxiliary ports.

More standard equipment is on the Mazda3i Touring four and five door models and includes a power moonroof with one-touch open, illuminated vanity mirrors, overhead console and auto-dimming interior mirror standard .

The previous-generation Mazda3 introduced SKYACTIV technology to the U.S. in 2012 with a 2.0-liter engine that propelled the 2016 Mazda3 to a nearly 20-percent EPA-estimated fuel economy gain compared. The base engine for Mazda3 is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder that produces 155 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 150 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm. When coupled with its available six-speed automatic, Mazda3 can achieve an EPAestimated fuel economy up to 30 mpg city/41 mpg highway.

Optioning up to the 2.5-liter engine adds more punch to the mix without a major decrease in fuel-efficiency. With 185 horsepower at 5,700 rpm and 185 lb-ft of torque at 3,250 rpm, sedans with a manual transmission have EPA estimated fuel economy of 25 mpg city/37 mpg highway, while automatic-equipped sedans come in at 28 mpg city/39 highway mpg.

The test drive was a Mazda3 Grand Touring model, which for 2016 added a power moonroof and illuminated vanity mirrors as standard equipment. Those who opt for the larger engine in the Touring model also get 18-inch alloy wheels, a piano-black grille, active driving display, steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters (with automatic transmission only) and a sport button that provides more spirited driving.

The 2016 Mazda3 has a

5-Star Safety Rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and a 2015 “Top Safety Pick+” designation from the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety for both sedan and hatchback models.

Safety equipment on all 2016 Mazda3 models are whiplash-reducing front headrests, height adjustable headrests for all seating positions, power-assisted ventilated front brakes and solid rear disc brakes, anti-lock brake system, electronic brakeforce distribution with brake assist, daytime running lights.

Also, dynamic stability control with a traction control system, hill launch assist, a collapsible steering wheel (following airbag deployment), a trunk entrapment release system, a tire pressure monitoring system, three-point safety belts for all seating positions, front seatbelt pretensioners and Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children.

The Mazda3 Grand Touring model makes plenty of power and equally provides enough room for a family of four. It is also a comfortable ride and isn’t overly noisy. The interior is well appointed with amenities that are easy to see and use. The Mazda3 four-door Grand Touring model retails for $22,545 with all standard equipment. Try it, you’ll like it.

FREE Legal Advice May 6, 2016

Fort Bend Lawyers CARE (FBLC) will offer free advice by phone to low-income Fort Bend County residents on Friday, May 6, 2016. Please call FBLC at (281) 239-0015 to pre-qualify for this service, or e-mail Tasha Hernandez at Tasha@FortBendLawyersCARE.org or Reina Toman at Reina@FortBendLawyersCARE.org, between 10:00 a.m. and noon. Veterans who are low-income residents of Fort Bend County are especially encouraged to call. The attorney will return calls the same day and/ or the following Monday. FBLC’s mission is to provide equal access to justice through volunteer lawyers. Fort Bend Lawyers Care is funded in part by grants from The George Foundation, Texas Access to Justice Foundation, and Fort Bend County Bar Association.

City of Missouri City NOTICE OF A PUBLIC HEARING ON AMENDMENT OF IMPACT FEES Notice is hereby given for a public hearing to take place at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Missouri City, Texas, to be held on Monday, June 6, 2016, at 7:00 p.m. at: City Hall Council Chamber, Second Floor, 1522 Texas Parkway, Missouri City, Texas, 77489. The purpose of the hearing is to consider the amendment of land use assumptions and a capital improvements plan and the imposition of an impact fee for the Lake Olympia Parkway Extension Service Area.

The amount of the proposed impact fee per dwelling unit is $236. The property is more particularly depicted as follows:

Any member of the public has the right to appear at the public hearing and present evidence for or against the update of the land use assumptions and capital improvements plan.

INDEPENDENT • APRIL 27, 2016 • Page 9

FINANCE & INVESTMENT: Transferring your 401K Over time, transferring your 401k has evolved from a multi-step process involving approvals from you, your company and the 401k provider, to as little as a phone call today.

In some cases, providers even offer you the ability to execute transfers online.

But while the ease of rolling over your 401k to an IRA has improved, determining when and where to move your money is just as complex as it ever was.

Obscure tax rules and high fees can dissuade an account owner from taking any action at all, which has led to the thousands of “orphan 401ks” that are sometimes forgotten by their owners.

Below, we tackle some of the advantages, disadvantages and “need-to-knows” of transferring your 401k.

10-Percent Early Withdrawal Penalty Tax If you are younger than 59 ½ and take a distribution from your IRA, you will likely be

subject to a 10-percent penalty tax on the total value of the withdrawal. This is in addition to the income tax you will owe.

401k accounts are subject to different rules. If you retire from your company at age 55 or older, you can take distributions directly from the 401k without incurring the penalty tax, even if you are younger than 59 ½.

This may not be a concern if you have significant assets outside of your 401k or IRA, but if the vast majority of your savings is in tax-qualified accounts, you may want to consider leaving your 401k where it is until you are 59 ½.

investment choices, with a few having more than 40 and some with as little as 10. In comparison, large brokerage firms such as Charles Schwab and TD Ameritrade offer thousands of investments options, including many strategies and assets classes that are rarely found in 401ks.

Brandon Arns, left, Jared Jameson, and Bill Jameson.

NUA is that you only pay in- on the difference between the come tax on the basis of the basis and the current price. stock (or what you paid for it). At all income levels, capital If you bought the stock at gains taxes are lower than ina very low price, the tax you come taxes. pay may be low relative to the Investment options size of the total distribution.

In almost all cases, rollOnce the stock is distributed, you can either hold it, ing over your 401k to an IRA in which case you will pay no will provide you with more opportunities. additional tax, or you can sell investment it and pay capital gains taxes Most 401ks have around 20

Company stock Some companies allow you to purchase company stock within your 401k. When you retire, you may be able to distribute the stock directly from the 401k to an after-tax account through a unique tax rule called Net Unrealized Appreciation (NUA).

The advantage of using

Required Minimum Distributions At age 70 ½, the IRS requires you to begin taking distributions from your IRA each year. This is called the Required Minimum Distribution (RMD).

To calculate your RMD, take the value of your IRAs and 401ks as of December 31 of the previous year and divide by a factor provided by the IRS (which is determined based on your life expectancy).

The lone exception to this is you may delay distributions from a current 401k if you are working at age 70 ½ or older.

However, you must take distributions from your IRAs, even if you are working.

NOTICE OF SALE STATE OF TEXAS

BY VIRTUE OF AN ORDER OF SALE

§ § §

FORT BEND COUNTY

Fees The types of fees charged in your 401k vary from those in an IRA, but that does not necessarily mean they are higher or lower.

For example, a 401k may charge an account maintenance fee, but have lower mutual fund expenses than many of the funds available in an IRA. An IRA may charge transaction fees for trading, while a 401k may limit how often you can trade. Fees are best evaluated on a case-bycase basis.

There are many nuances and details that should be considered when evaluating whether to keep your 401k or roll it into an IRA. It is important to make a choice based on your financial situation and ability to control your investments. Contact your local fee-only financial advisor to determine what the best options are for you.

WJ Interests, LLC has provided fee-only financial advice to individuals, families and businesses since 1996. For more information, please contact us at wj@wjinterests.com or 281-634-9400.

and issued pursuant to judgment decree(s) of the District Court of Fort Bend County, Texas, by the Clerk of said Court on said date, in the hereinafter numbered and styled suit(s) and to me directed and delivered as Sheriff or Constable of said County, I have on March 24, 2016, seized, levied upon, and will, on the first Tuesday in May, 2016, the same being the 3rd day of said month, at 301 Jackson Street, William Travis Building, 1st Floor Meeting Room in the City of Richmond, Texas 77469, between the hours of 10 o'clock a.m. and 4 o'clock p.m. on said day, beginning at 10:00 AM, proceed to sell for cash to the highest bidder all the right, title, and interest of the defendants in such suit(s) in and to the following described real estate levied upon as the property of said defendants, the same lying and being situated in the County of Fort Bend and the State of Texas, to-wit: Sale #

Cause # Judgment Date

Acct # Order Issue Date

Style of Case

Legal Description

1

13-DCV204529 09/10/13

315000007010590 FORT BEND COUNTY VS. IDA 7 MARIE GARZA GARZA PEREZ, MARCH 21, 2016 ET AL

0.435 ACRES, MORE OR LESS, BLK 7, TOWN OF FRESNO, VOL 2, PG 5 & CLERKS FILE# 2004052499*

2

13-DCV211420 01/12/16

009500000522090 NEEDVILLE INDEPENDENT 6 SCHOOL DISTRICT VS. ERIC GABRIEL DICESARE, ET AL

3

14-DCV215001 12/15/15

4

6

7

Adjudged Value

Estimated Minimum Bid

$81,340.00

$6,000.00

7.6174 ACRES, MORE OR LESS, BARNABAS WICKSON SURV, ABST 95, CLERK'S FILE# 2006054490

$258,890.00

$39,000.00

005700370000090 FORT BEND COUNTY VS. 8 AUGUSTINE DELGADO, AKA MARCH 21, 2016 AUGUSTINE JOE DELGADO, ET AL

UNDIVIDED0.50 OF AN ACRE INTEREST IN & TO 2.432 ACRES, MORE OR LESS, JOHN MCCORMICK SURV, ABST 57, VOL 763, PG 45*

$56,230.00

$28,000.00

14-DCV215001 12/15/15

005700370000190 FORT BEND COUNTY VS. 8 AUGUSTINE DELGADO, AKA MARCH 21, 2016 AUGUSTINE JOE DELGADO, ET AL

UNDIVIDED 1.9300 ACRE INTEREST IN & TO 2.432 ACRES, MORE OR LESS, JOHN MCCORMICK SURV, ABST 57, VOL 763, PG 45*

$74,400.00

$3,700.00

14-DCV218621 01/12/16

345003001020090 FORT BEND COUNTY VS. ROY 7 GARZA, AKA ROY S GARZA MARCH 21, 2016

LT 2, BLK 1, GATEWAY ACRES, SEC 3, VOL 5, PG 1*

$18,110.00

$4,000.00

15-DCV225934 01/12/16

005806000004190 FORT BEND COUNTY VS. RICHARD EDWARD BATTLE , 8 MARCH 21, 2016 AS TRUSTEE OF THE RICHARD AND BELINDA BATTLE ROVOCABLE TRUST., ET AL

LT 3, BLK 4, EAST SIDE ADDN, TOWN OF KENDLETON, VOL 118.

PG 47*

City of Missouri City ORDINANCE NO. O-16-14

$134,540.00

$7,300.00

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

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF MISSOURI CITY, TEXAS, AMENDING REGULATIONS IN PD PLANNED DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT NO. 11; REGULATING AND RESTRICTING THE DEVELOPMENT AND USE OF PROPERTY WITHIN SUCH PD PLANNED DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT; AMENDING THE ZONING DISTRICT MAP OF THE CITY OF MISSOURI CITY; PROVIDING FOR AN AMENDMENT TO THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN; PROVIDING FOR REPEAL; PROVIDING A PENALTY; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND CONTAINING OTHER PROVISIONS RELATING TO THE SUBJECT. I, Maria Jackson, City Secretary of the City of Missouri City, do hereby certify that the foregoing is a true and correct copy of the caption of said Ordinance No. O-16-14 approved on second and final reading by the City Council at its regular meeting held on April 18, 2016, as the same appears in the records of my office. /s/ Maria Jackson City Secretary

City of Missouri City ORDINANCE NO. O-16-13

RECENT CHANGES IN THE PROPERTY TAX CODE NOW REQUIRE PURCHASERS OF TAX SALE PROPERTY TO HAVE A STATEMENT FROM THE FORT BEND COUNTY TAX ASSESSOR-COLLECTOR CERTIFYING THAT THE PERSON/FIRM/COMPANY PURCHASING PROPERTY AT A TAX SALE OWES NO DELINQUENT PROPERTY TAXES TO ANY TAXING ENTITY WITHIN THE COUNTY. YOU WILL NOT RECEIVE A TAX SALE DEED TO ANY PROPERTY YOU PURCHASE WITHOUT THIS CERTIFICATE. TO OBTAIN A CERTIFICATE, PLEASE CONTACT YOUR FORT BEND COUNTY TAX ASSESSOR-COLLECTOR AT LEAST TWO WEEKS PRIOR TO THE SALE. Dated at Richmond, Texas, March 24, 2016 Constable R. L. Ramirez Fort Bend County, Texas

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF MISSOURI CITY, TEXAS, AMENDING REGULATIONS IN PD PLANNED DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT NO. 88; REGULATING AND RESTRICTING THE DEVELOPMENT AND USE OF PROPERTY WITHIN SUCH PD PLANNED DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT; AMENDING THE ZONING DISTRICT MAP OF THE CITY OF MISSOURI CITY; PROVIDING FOR AN AMENDMENT TO THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN; PROVIDING FOR REPEAL; PROVIDING A PENALTY; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND CONTAINING OTHER PROVISIONS RELATING TO THE SUBJECT. I, Maria Jackson, City Secretary of the City of Missouri City, do hereby certify that the foregoing is a true and correct copy of the caption of said Ordinance No. O-16-13 approved on second and final reading by the City Council at its regular meeting held on April 18, 2016, as the same appears in the records of my office. /s/ Maria Jackson City Secretary

City of Missouri City ORDINANCE NO. O-16-12

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

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

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF MISSOURI CITY, TEXAS, CHANGING THE ZONING CLASSIFICATION OF 1.48 ACRES OF LAND FROM LC-2 LOCAL RETAIL DISTRICT TO PD PLANNED DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT NO. 100; DESCRIBING SAID 1.48 ACRES OF LAND; REGULATING AND RESTRICTING THE DEVELOPMENT AND USE OF PROPERTY WITHIN SUCH PD PLANNED DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT; AMENDING THE ZONING DISTRICT MAP OF THE CITY OF MISSOURI CITY; PROVIDING FOR AN AMENDMENT TO THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN; PROVIDING FOR REPEAL; PROVIDING A PENALTY; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND CONTAINING OTHER PROVISIONS RELATING TO THE SUBJECT. I, Maria Jackson, City Secretary of the City of Missouri City, do hereby certify that the foregoing is a true and correct copy of the caption of said Ordinance No. O-16-12 approved on second and final reading by the City Council at its regular meeting held on April 18, 2016, as the same appears in the records of my office. /s/ Maria Jackson City Secretary

Page 10 • INDEPENDENT • APRIL 27, 2016

FILM REVIEW: The Huntsman— Winter’s War INSURANCE

Flood insurance for home or business

This is my punishment for not going to the movies on my anointed time of Friday afternoon. Don’t blame me; I was busy. Monique H. and I had a date Saturday for lunch so we extended it into an afternoon movie at our local AMC. The movie choice was a result of a compromise as we agreed that “…there aren’t many good movies out right now.”

Whenever I struggle with a movie and this was a mighty skirmish, I prefer to steal quotes from others and in this case it’s the studio that claims: “As a war between rival queen sisters Ravenna and Freya escalates, Eric and fellow warrior Sara, members of the Huntsmen army, raised to protect Freya, try to conceal their forbidden love as they combat Ravenna’s wicked intentions.”

What a crock!

I stayed for the entire movie and I’m pretty sure that was

the plot, but I think I would have jazzed it up a little.

Maybe something like this: “Chris Hemsworth stars as a hunky warrior-huntsman who falls in love with a skank-warrior who never misses with her archery skills even when shooting at Chris, and two really dynamic Hollywood stars portray “ice queens” not only because there is a lot of ice involved but because they are some really doggone cold broads.

I would have said “bitches” but this is a family show.

These three rough-aroundthe-edges women were played

by Charlize Theron, Emily Blunt, and Jessica Chastain.

Usually, I like all three of these actresses, but this film was so boring; I was suffering from Sleep Apathy.

Two were evil queens and one was Chris’ love-interest.

I’ll let you guess who played what; might be fun. I doubt

you’ll see this movie at the theatre; might see it on Direct TV because you’ll hear that these four typically successful actors are in the movie and we all like a fairy tale.

But this tale has a target audience of 12-year-old girls and I ain’t one of those. Director Cedric Nicolas-Troyan spent all of his allotted $20 million on CG Effects and Staff and almost zero on the script.

Here is quote from the action: Ravenna - “Are you ready huntsman?”

Huntsman – “Aye.” Apologies, Mr Nicolas-Troyan but you aren’t Cedric the Entertainer.

Monique H. and I had a good time as we always do on one of our dates, but it was in spite of this silly sequel.

Yes, there was a Huntsman #1. But alas, there is no light at the end of this dark fantasy.

Rock ‘n Roll.

Grade 69. Larry H. sugarlaw@larryharrison.com

FBISD students named finalists in nationwide “TeenDrive365” video challenge As Kempner High School junior Blake Takushi searched for scholarships online, he came across an opportunity that caught his attention: by creating a video that demonstrates the importance of teen driving safety, finalists would be eligible for thousands of dollars in prize money and a chance to have their video aired on Discovery networks. Takushi said he immediately thought of his best friend, Tyler Mora, a junior at Austin High School. “I knew we could easily put something special together,” said Takushi.

Together, the two FBISD students created a one-minute video and submitted their entry into Discovery Education and Toyota’s TeenDrive365 Video ChalNOTICE OF CONSTABLES SALE THE STATE OF TEXAS COUNTY OF FORT BEND By virtue of an Order of Sale issued out of the Honorable 268TH DISTRICT COURT of FORT BEND County on the 23rd day of March, 2016 by the Clerk thereof, in the case of FORT BEND COUNTY vs. MICHAEL MCCARTHY, AKA MICHAEL A. MCCARTHY, ET AL in Cause# 14-DCV-219963 and to me, as CONSTABLE directed and delivered, I will proceed to sell, at 10:00 0’ Clock AM on the 3rd day of May, 2016, which is the first Tuesday of said month, at the William B. Travis Building, First Floor Meeting Room, 30 I Jackson Street, Richmond Texas 77469-3108 of said FORT BEND County, in the City of RICHMOND, Texas, the following described property, to wit: TRACT 1: GEO: 2610020040220, 1: GEO: 2610020040220907 LOT 22 IN BLOCK 4 OF COLONY BEND, SECTION 2, A SUBDIVISION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN VOLUME 22, PAGE 24 OF THE PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS. Levied on the 31st day of March, 2016 as the property of MICHAEL MCCARTHY, AKA MICHAEL A. MCCARTHY, JOANNE MCCARTHY, AKA JOANNE SWEITZER MCCARTHY, COLONY GRANT HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, A TEXAS NON-PROFIT CORPORATION to satisfy a judgment amounting to $9,254.37, 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 FORT BEND INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT; FORT BEND COUNTY LEVEE IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT# 2, FORT BEND COUNTY. ALL BIDDERS MUST COMPLY WITH SECTION 34.015 OF THE TEXAS PROPERTY TAX CODE. GIVEN UNDER MY HAND THIS 31st day of March, 2016.

Rob Cook, Constable Precinct Three Fort Bend County, Texas BY: Deputy V. Martin Deputy Constable #1324

lenge. The video, “Distractions are Dangerous,” shows the two teens participating in various activities while driving – from fishing to playing chess – comparing those distractions to texting while driving. “In the process of creating our video, we wanted to take an innovative approach on how public service announcements are portrayed. We have all seen the simulated crashes and heard the extensive statistics, but by simply observing drivers on the road today, it is clear that teens are not impacted by the current commercials. It is for this reason we made our video so upbeat and creative, in hope to actually make lasting impressions on teen drivers and enact change in our community, and eventually, our country,” said Takushi.

The creativity paid off. In midNOTICE OF CONSTABLE SALE NOTICE OF LEVY REAL PROPERTY Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and I or Order of Sale issued on the 2ND day of March, 2016 by the 268th Judicial District Court of Fort Bend County, Texas in cause# 14DCV-217155 in favor of the PlaintiffBriargate Community Improvement Association Plaintiff, for the sum of $3,580.71 ++++costs as taxed on said Execution and I or Order of Sale and further the sum of executing the same.

Therefore, on the 28th day of March, 2016, I, Constable Rob Cook of Precinct Three Fort Bend County, have levied on and have seized all rights, title, interest, and claim to which the said Defendant(s) - Deidra L. Conner and Brian Conner had of, in, or to the following described real property, and will offer for sale on the 3rd day ofMarch, 2016 at 301 Jackson Street (Travis Building, 1st floor), in the city of Richmond, Texas between the hours often o’clock a.m. and four o’clock p.m., any and all rights, title, interests and claims which the above defendant had of, in, or to the following described real property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; viz: LEGAL DESCRIPTION: LOT 46, BLOCK 1, OF BRIARGATE, SECTION NINETEEN, A SUBDIVISION OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED AT CLERK’S FILE NO. 2001075338 IN THE MAP OR PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS. ADJUDGED/MARKET VALUE: $85,980.00 Property is sold with all encumbrances and liens affixed thereto. All sales are final.

Terms: Cash, Cashier’s Check, or Money Order Sale to be held at or about 10:00 A Rob Cook, Constable Precinct Three Fort Bend County, Texas BY: Deputy V. Martin Deputy Constable #1324

April, the duo learned they had been named as top-ten finalists in the nationwide challenge, rising to the top of more than 1,500 entries. Mora called the experience surreal, and said being chosen as a finalist validates the hard work and effort they put toward the project. In all, the two teens spent about six weeks conceptualizing and creating their video.

“Blake and I tried to film everything we could think of that could be a distraction. We would find an object in our garage and ask ourselves, ‘How can we use this?’ After about two weeks of filming various skits, we probably had around 25 different videos.

We were then able to choose our favorites for the final video,” said Mora. Mora and Takushi had no formal training in video production, and taught themselves to edit using free online software and video tutorials.

CONSTABLE’S NOTICE OF SALE Notice is hereby given, that by virtue of a certain Order of Sale issued by the clerk of the 400TH District Court of Fort Bend County, Texas on MARCH 3, 2016 in cause numbered 15-DCV-223709 styled GRANTS LAKE TEMPOS ASSOC INC vs.

SHANE LEE KIDWELL, in which a judgment was rendered on JAN 25,2016 in favor of GRANTS LAKE TEMPOS ASSOCIATION,INC. for the sum of TEN THOUSAND TWO HUNDRED FIFTY FOUR DOLLARS and FORTY NINE CENTS ($10254.49); plus fees for posting notice of sale, publishing, costs of suit rendered by the court, legal fees, and all costs of executing this Writ.

I have levied upon the below listed property on MARCH 23, 2016 and will on MAY 3, 2016, Tuesday, between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. proceed to sell for cash to the highest bidder, all the Right, Title, and Interest of SHANE LEE KIDWELL to and in the following described Real Property: BUILDING PLAT 126 BLOCK 12, OF GRANTS LAKE TEMPOS SECTION ONE, A CONDOMINIUM REGIME LOCATED IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TX ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF,INCLUDING ANY AMENDMENTS,PLAT AND PLANS, DATED NOVEMBER 2, 1982,RECORDED IN VOLUME 1096, PAGE 684, ET SEQ(COLLECTIVELY, THE DECLARATION), TOGETHER WITH THE APPURTENANT COMMON ELEMENTS DESCRIBED IN THE DECLARATION. The above sale to be made by me to satisfy the above described judgment in favor of First Colony Community Services Association, Inc. Plaintiff, and the proceeds applied to the satisfaction thereof.

LOCATION: FORT BEND COUNTY TRAVIS BLDG 1ST FLR MEETING ROOM 301 JACKSON ,RICHMOND, TX 77469 DATE: May 3rd, 2016 TIME: APPROX. 10:00 am BY: Deputy S Steele TREVER J. NEHLS Constable Pct. 4 Fort Bend County, Texas

By BASIL HOUSEWRIGHT, JR. Do you need flood insurance for your home or business?

My answer is a resounding, YES. This is the spring season, which can bring torrential down pours.

I want to remind you your Homeowners or Business Owners Insurance Policy does not provide coverage for flood damages from rising waters.

Please do not get a false sense of security if you were not affected by the recent local flooding.

The entire Gulf Coast area is susceptible to flooding due to its proximity to the coast and the many bayous and streams in the area.

Any one of the many Tropical Storms or Hurricanes we experience could cause flooding to any home or business located in the Houston Metro area.

Per the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s National Flood Insurance Program data, over $27 billion were paid in insured flood losses in the US in the last 10 years.

Keep in mind this does not consider the cost for uninsured losses. Renters and tenants of commercial buildings need flood insurance also to cover their contents.

If you currently do not have Flood Insurance for your home or business if you own the building, you are probably in flood zone “X, C or B”.

Your insurance agency should be able to assist you in verifying this information for your particular home or business. These are the preferred risk flood zones.

Do not mistake this to mean you will never flood, as these areas are only lower risk flood zones. Be aware most of the homes, which have flooded previously in the Houston Metro area, are also in the “X, C and B” zones.

The National Flood Insurance Program allows package policies to be sold to homeowners for their primary residence in these areas at prices as follows (tenant occupied homes and commercial building rates are higher but still affordable): See the table.

Standard Program flood insurance policies are available in various limits up to $250,000 on your dwelling and $100,000 on your contents of your home or $500,000 on your commercial building and $500,000 on your business contents. If you require additional covNOTICE OF CONSTABLE SALE NOTICE OF LEVY REAL PROPERTY Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and I or Order of Sale issued on the 2nd day of March, 2016 by the 240th Judicial District Court of Fort Bend County, Texas in cause# 14DCV-214393 in favor of the PlaintiffBriargate Community Improvement Association Plaintiff, for the sum of $4,666.90 ++++costs as taxed on said Execution and I or Order of Sale and further the sum of executing the same. Therefore, on the 28th day of March, 2016, I, Constable Rob Cook of Precinct Three Fort Bend County, have levied on and have seized all rights, title, interest, and claim to which the said Defendant(s) - Tracy Banks had of, in, or to the following described real property, and will offer for sale on the 3rd day of May, 2016 at 301 Jackson Street (Travis Building, 1st floor), in the city of Richmond, Texas between the hours of ten o’clock a.m. and four o’clock p.m., any and all rights, title, interests and claims which the above defendant had of, in, or to the following described real property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; viz: LEGAL DESCRIPTION: LOT 22, BLOCK 4, OF BRIARGATE, SECTION NINE, A SUBDIVISION OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED AT VOLUME 6, PAGE 15 IN THE MAP OR PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS. ADJUDGED/MARKET VALUE: $85,840.00 Property is sold with all encumbrances and liens affixed thereto. All sales are final.

Terms: Cash, Cashier’s Check, or Money Order Sale to be held at or about 10:00 A.M. Rob Cook, Constable Precinct Three Fort Bend County, Texas BY: Deputy V. Martin Deputy Constable #1324

Dwelling

$ 20,000 $ 30,000 $ 50,000 $ 75,000 $100,000 $125,000 $150,000 $200,000 $250,000

Contents

$ 8,000 $12,000 $20,000 $30,000 $40,000 $50,000 $60,000 $80,000 $100,000

erage a Flood Insurance Excess Policy can be purchased to provide additional coverages above this $250,000$500,000/$100,000-$500,000 base policy limit.

Be aware the insurance to replacement cost value is also an issue with flood insurance as it is with homeowners and property insurance. If you purchase a policy but do not have adequate limits you may incur co-insurance penalties in addition to your deductible in the event of a loss.

Make sure you receive proper consultation from your insurance agency in regard to which limits are adequate for your particular situation.

Most companies allow your annual flood insurance premium to be charged on major credit or debit cards.

If you have an escrow account for your homeowners insurance and taxes, upon request your Mortgage Company will typically include the flood insurance premium in your escrow account for subsequent renewals, but typically require the homeowner to pay the first year’s premium.

Don’t hesitate in the purchase of this coverage. There is a 30-day wait period before this coverage goes into effect for existing property owners.

In may go into effect immediately if purchased at time of closing on a new property or certain other special conditions.

Many think if they do not have flood insurance and they receive flood damage the Government Disaster Program will take care of their loss.

The Government Disaster Program consists of low interest loans, which you will have to repay.

If you still have reservations about buying flood insurance, look at it this way, $450.00 (an average for most neighborhoods) would be $37.50 per month.

If you suffer a loss and do not have flood insurance what would the monthly cost be to CONSTABLE’S NOTICE OF SALE Notice is hereby given, that by virtue of a certain Order of Sale issued by the clerk of the 434TH District Court of Fort Bend County, Texas on FEB 16, 2016 in cause numbered 13-DCV-207096 styled First Colony Community Services Association, Inc.. vs. RAMDAS MENON MUTTATHIL AND RATNAM RAMDAS MENON, in which a judgment was rendered on JUNE 8, 2015 in favor of First Colony Community Services Association, Inc. for the sum of Ten Thousand Nine Hundred Forty-Seven Dollars and Seventy Three Cents ($10947.73); plus fees for posting notice of sale, publishing, costs of suit rendered by the court, legal fees, and all costs of executing this Writ.

I have levied upon the below listed property on Mar 9, 2016 and will on May 3, 2016 Tuesday, between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. proceed to sell for cash to the highest bidder, all the Right, Title, and Interest of Ramdas Menon Muttathil and Ratnam Ramdas Menon to and in the following described Real Property LOT FIFTEEN(15), IN BLOCK THREE(3) OF SWEETBRIAR,SECTION ONE, PARTIAL REPLAT AND EXTENSION, AN ADDITION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS,ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN SLIDE NO. 983/ B OF THE PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS,MORE COMMONLY KNOWN AS 3818 SPRINGHILL LANE SUGAR LAND, TX 77479 The above sale to be made by me to satisfy the above described judgment in favor of First Colony Community Services Association, Inc. Plaintiff, and the proceeds applied to the satisfaction thereof.

LOCATION: FORT BEND COUNTY TRAVIS BLDG 1ST FLR MEETING ROOM 301 JACKSON ,RICHMOND, TX 77469 DATE: May 3rd, 2016 TIME: APPROX. 10:00 am BY: Deputy S Steele TREVER J. NEHLS Constable Pct. 4 Fort Bend County, Texas

Annual Premium

$182.00 $218.00 $278.00 $321.00 $353.00 $369.00 $391.00 $425.00 $450.00 pay off the Government Disaster Loan you take out to recover? Just the interest would be more than $37.50 a month.

Flood Facts: Floods are the most common of all natural disasters. You don’t have to live near water to be at risk of flooding. Almost one-third of flood claims come from low to moderate risk areas.

If your home is in a high risk area, you have a one in four chance of being flooded in a 30-year period, and your home is four times more likely to be damaged by flooding than fire. Federal disaster assistance is only available if the President declares a disaster, and less than 50% of all floods are declared disasters. Federal disaster loans must be repaid with interest.

The interest costs alone average more than average annual flood insurance premiums.

All primary flood insurance in the United States is backed by the federal government through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

Flood insurance pays regardless of whether a disaster is declared. Your mortgage payments don’t stop, even if your home is destroyed by a flood. Flood insurance is affordable. Uninsured flood losses are not.

Housewright,Jr. 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.

CONSTABLE’S NOTICE OF SALE Notice is hereby given, that by virtue of a certain Order of Sale issued by the clerk of the 400TH District Court of Fort Bend County, Texas on March 17, 2016 in cause numbered 15-DCV-223489 styled JP Morgan Chase Bank N.A. vs. Frieda Denise Butler, in which a judgment was rendered on November 9, 2015 in favor of JP Morgan Chase Bank N.A. for the sum of Three Hundred Forty Thousand One Hundred Forty Two Dollars and Sixty Nine Cents ($340,142.69); plus fees for posting notice of sale, publishing, costs of suit rendered by the court, legal fees, and all costs of executing this Writ.

I have levied upon the below listed property on March 29, 2016 and will on May 3, 2016, Tuesday, between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. proceed to sell for cash to the highest bidder, all the Right, Title, and Interest of Frieda Denise Butler to and in the following described Real Property LOT 15, BLOCK 3, of Parkview Village at Lake Olympia, Section 2 an addition to FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN THE PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, UNDER SLIDE NO. 1159/A and 1159/B OF THE PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY TEXAS..

The above sale to be made by me to satisfy the above described judgment in favor of JP Morgan Chase Bank N.A. Plaintiff, and the proceeds applied to the satisfaction thereof.

LOCATION: FORT BEND COUNTY TRAVIS BLDG 1ST FLR MEETING ROOM 301 JACKSON RICHMOND, TX 77469 DATE: May 3rd, 2016 TIME: APPROX. 10:00 am BY: Deputy S Steele TREVER J. NEHLS Constable Pct. 4 Fort Bend County, Texas

INDEPENDENT • APRIL 27, 2016 • Page 11

Arc of Fort Bend County’s Annual Golf Classic

Join Arc of Fort Bend June 20, the Monday after Father’s Day, at Weston Lakes Country Club in Fulshear, TX, at 10:30

a.m. for its annual Golf Classic.

Following 18 holes of golf, the award-winning BBQ cooking team, “Yeah, I Do”, will serve their delicious barbecue while Commissioner James Patterson conducts the live auction. Register on line

at www.arcoffortbend.org or call The Arc office.

Not a golfer? Join the barbecue dinner and auction at 5 p.m.

The Arc of Fort Bend County was founded in 1968 by parents who wanted to improve the lives of their chil-

dren who had intellectual and developmental disabilities. As a “grass roots” advocacy organization, The Arc advocates for the inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities and developmental disabilities (Autism) into all parts of the community – from classrooms

REPRESENTING SUGAR LAND RESIDENTS FIRST

NAOMI LAM

FOR CITY COUNCIL, POS 2 NAOMILAMFORSUGARLAND.COM

MYATT HANCOCK

FOR SUGAR LAND MAYOR MYATTHANCOCKFORSUGARLAND.COM

PROUD LEADERS OF THE REFERENDUM PETITION COMMITTEE OPPOSING 900 APARTMENTS

DIANA MILLER

FOR CITY COUNCIL, POS 1 DIANAMILLERFORSUGARLAND.COM

to the workplace.

Along with this advocacy, we provide recreational and social programs, employment assistance, housing support and the largest Special Olympics program in the area.

Arc of Fort Bend welcomes Troy Construction and Classic Chevrolet back and appreciates their generous support!

Pictured left to right: Ray Aguilar, Classic Chevrolet ,

VOTE NO TO PROPOSITION CHARTER CHANGES

Pol Adv Paid for by Myatt Hancock, Diana Miller, Naomi Lam Campaigns

LIMITING OUR RIGHT TO PETITION

ABR, CRS, GRI RE/MAX Southwest

Jennifer Weaver 281-207-5037

Broker/ Associate RE/MAX Fine Properties

Anita Hochstein 281-630-7355

CRS, GRI RE/MAX Southwest

Jeanne Gregory 713-854-0923

GRI, ABR, SRES, AHS, SM Weichert, RealtorsWMP

Sherry Glazener 713-628-9205

Beard Realty Group

Anita Milne 281-413-9732

Your Fort Bend Real Estate Source

Cathy Stubbs 281-340-4120

ABR, GRI, PMN, SFR Lane Real Estate

Jo Ann Stevens 713-829-1827

Better Homes and Garden Real Estate Gary Greene

Peggy Horton 713-206-4905

Senior Loan Officer/ Branch Manager Cornerstone Home Lending

Erna Hay 281-634-0138

For more information about Fort Bend Independent All-Stars, call Becky at 713-291-8190 or email: sales@fbindependent.com

Mark Kolon, Classic Chevrolet, Don Kersetter, Classic Chevrolet Owner; James Patterson, Fort Bend County Commissioner, Precinct 4; Laura LaVigne, Executive Director, The Arc of Fort Bend County; David Dacus, Troy Construction, President and CEO; Zac Cypert, Classic Chevrolet; Taylor Dacus, Troy Construction; Gary Krueger, P G Professional Golf, Owner.

Coming Soon!

Premier Photography

FORT BEND

KATY/FULSHEAR

BAY AREA

NORTH/NORTHEAST

Page 12 • INDEPENDENT • APRIL 27, 2016

14 Communities 120+ Model Homes Hundreds of Available Homes Coming Soon!

20,001 Decorating Ideas

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Tour maps at HoustonHomeTour.com . Homes from $200s-Millions+