Fort Bend Indepndent 070517

VOL 10 No. 27

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FORT BEND FAIR. BALANCED. INFORMATIVE. WEDNESDAY, JULY 5, 2017

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

Official newspaper of Fort Bend County & Missouri City

Jail inmates graduate in welding class

Missouri City library to be closed for renovation

Inmates in the first class of the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office Welding program received two certificates of completion during ceremonies held Monday, June 19, 2017. Shown with the inmates are, left, Deputy Houston; Victor Manrriquez, Welding Instructor; Richard Erivo, Inmate Vocational Administrator and Coordinator; Art Rascon, Guest speaker; and Sheriff Troy E. Nehls.

Twelve inmates at the Fort Bend County Jail graduated from the new welding course.

Ten of the inmates received two certifications of completion; 112 hours of Flux Cored Arc Welding and 112 hours of Shielded Metal Arc Welding. Two inmates received one certification of completion for the Shielded Metal Arc Welding class.

The ceremonies were held at the Inmate Vocational Center on the Sheriff’s Office compound. Guest speakers for the event were James Pustka, from Hudson Products and ABC 13 News Anchor Art Rascon. The program is one component of Second Chance Opportuni-

ties and Re-Entry Educational (S.C.O.R.E) Programs, which has a goal of providing education for inmates in order to avoid returning to a life of crime. The Welding Program was developed with funds from the Inmate Commissary Fund and is at no cost to Fort Bend County taxpayers. Twelve inmates received certificates for completing the 19-week, 224-hour continuing education course.

Victor Manrriquez of Wharton County Junior College was the instructor for the program, and Alice Atkins of the Fort Bend Technical Center urged the inmates to move forward after achieving the training pro-

Fort Bend County Libraries’ Missouri City Branch Library, located at 1530 Texas Parkway, will vided by the program. close for renovations beginning Monday, July 31. The library will remain closed for approximately Pustka was in attendance 10 to 12 months. See above, an artist’s impression of the proposed library building. Story on page 3. to recruit for Hudson Products while guest speaker, Art Rascon, spoke to the inmates about having the free will to make a change in their life and give back to society.

Sheriff Troy E. Nehls presented certificates to eleven out of the twelve men in attendance.

Major Thomas Goodfellow served as emcee of the event.

Lt. Jeff Kovar and Deputy Gerald Wells, who help guide the program, were on hand for the ceremonies. Richard Erivo, Inmate Vocational Administrator and Coordinator, also attended the ceremony.

State Sen. Borris Miles opens Fort Bend District Office

Jim Munnell installed as Sugar Land Rotary president Sugar Land Rotary installed a new slate of officers for 2017 on June 21 including Jim Munnell, President; Margie Connelly, President-Elect; Rebecca Deurlein, Vice-President, Lerleen Hawkins, Secretary; Raleigh Bailes, Jr., Treasurer; Sergeant-at-Arms, Tabb Dye, and Rick Smith, Past-President.

The newly installed Rotary president, Jim Munnell, thanked all of the club members and especially Rick Smith who served as president the past year. Under Smith’s leadership, the club received an award as the No. 1 Medium-sized Club in District 5890.

“Rotary’s theme for this year is ‘Making a Difference’ and as your new president, I am honored and humbled to stand before you and accept the role of leadership of our fantastic club and to be leading this club as we celebrate 30 years of Women in Rotary,” said Munnell.

Others serving on the Rotary leadership team in 2017-19 include: Community Service, Christine Harrigan; Vocational Service, Todd Breton; Club Service, Michelle Royster; International Service, Ward Pendleton; Youth Service, Jay Harris; and Director-Membership, Darla Fanta.

Munnell joined Sugar Land

Munnell Rotary in 2002, when Jeff Tallas was President, and PastPresident David Shaw was his sponsor. Munnell served on the Sugar Land Rotary Foundation Board of Directors, on the Rotary Board, Co-Chaired the organization’s annual fundraiser - the Fall Classic, Co-Chaired the website committee, and served as President-Elect before becoming the club’s new president. He currently co-owns the BJM Associates, Inc dba Blue Jungle Marketing, and Embroidecor in Stafford.

Munnell is a graduate of Syracuse University in Syracuse, NY and did his post graduate studies at Penn State University. He has been active in Junior Achievement, served as

vice-chairman of the Camden County chapter of the American Red Cross, chairman of the Coca-Cola Bottlers’ Association, former management board member of Teamsters local 676.

He has also coached youth soccer and baseball and is an active Little League Baseball Umpire.

He and his wife and business partner, Becky Munnell, reside in Sugar Land.

At the installation ceremony, awards were also given to those who were Rotarians of the Month for 2016-2017, as well as those who served on the Sugar Land Rotary Board of Directors.

Other awards presented included: •The Rookie of the Year Award - Susan Barnes •Cornerstone Awards were presented to Rotarians Rebecca Deurlein, Ward Pendleton, Doerthe Gottschalk-Hofmaier.

•Sugar Land Rotarian of the Year, Stacy Croft.

Past President Rick Smith named Stacy Croft as the Rotarian of the Year to recognize an individual Rotarian who has demonstrated exemplary service to Sugar Land Rotary Club.

Sugar Land Rotary meets at Sweetwater Country Club on Wednesdays at noon. For more information visit sugarlandrotary.org.

Texas State Senator Borris L. Miles hosted the grand opening of the new Senate District 13 Fort Bend Office on Saturday, June 24, at 2440 Texas Parkway Suite 110, Missouri City, Texas 77489. Above, Sen. Miles cuts the ribbon with a giant scissors as Missouri City Mayor Allen Owen, right, State Rep. Ron Reynolds, HCC Trustree Neeta Sane and Fort Bend Democratic Party Chair, Cynthia Ginyard, (rear) Missouri City Councilman Don Smith, right, SMSD Trustee Xavier Herrera and Fort Bend County Commissioner Grady Prestage join the ceremony with others. The Fort Bend District Office will serve Missouri City, Stafford and Fresno in Fort Bend, as well as the Alief community in Harris County. “I was honored to welcome more than 150 community members to celebrate the grand opening of this new district office,” said Senator Miles. “I also want to thank all the local elected officials who joined me in support, including US Representative Al Green, Fort Bend Commissioner Grady Prestage, Missouri City Mayor Allen Owen and many others. This will be a robust office that will be staffed 5-days a week. My team and I will be attending town halls, school board meetings, community meetings and more to ensure we are listening to you. We are here to help you navigate the bureaucratic process, whether it is federal, state or local government. This is your office, and we represent you,” Miles said at the grand opening. “I put together a diverse team to serve this office. It will be led by Fort Bend native, Bianca Beal. She will act as the liaison between this office and will be my eyes and ears to ensure this community receives the service it deserves,” said Senator Miles.

Missouri City City Council adopts $137 million budget for 2017-18

By BARBARA FULENWIDER Missouri City Council Members on June 19 unanimously adopted the Fiscal Year (FY) 2018 annual budget on the first and final reading. The total adopted budget for FY 2018 is $137.32 million with a General Fund Budget of $48.15 million.

(A report on this subject last week, carried an incorrect headline saying that the city adopted a $48 million budget. That amount was only for operation

and maintenance part of the budget.)

The budget includes $600,000 for a study of the Municipal Utility Districts and about $2 million for the city hall and community center renovation.

“City Council has approved a budget that I believe strikes a balance between the dollars and the strategic direction,” City Manager Anthony J. Snipes said.

Snipes

See BUDGET, Page 3

Page 2 • INDEPENDENT • JULY 5, 2017

India Jewelers

Houston Methodist Sugar Land gets quality achievement award for stroke care

Million Dollar Inventory Reduction Sale

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Daisy Del Rosario, RN, left; Toby Yaltho, MD; James Ling, MD; Eddie Patton Jr., M.D.; Deanna Powell, RN.

Ivory Miniature Paintings and Figures Diamond Millennium Hour Glass by De Beers Lapis Lazuli and Golden Jasper Dining Table with wrought Iron Base Shipwreck Collectibles Memorabilia Ancient Roman Gold Coins; Sandal Wood Carvings Retired Lladro Pieces; Ceramic Coffee table And Much much more Sale ends July 31st, 2017

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MEP Engineering

100 year old Antique Beautifully Carved Mugul Lady adorned with 24 Kt Gold.

Commissioning

Program Management

Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital has been recognized for its commitment and success in implementing a higher standard of stroke care by ensuring that stroke patients receive treatment according to national standards and recommendations. The hospital received the award from the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s Get With The Guidelines®-Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award with Target: Stroke Honor Roll Elite.

“A stroke patient loses 1.9 million neurons every minute stroke treatment is delayed. That’s why Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital is committed to delivering advanced stroke treatments to patients quickly and safely,” said James Ling, M.D., medical director of the Houston Methodist Sugar Land Stroke Program.

“This award recognizes our team’s hard work and dedication to the acute treatment of stroke patients.”

Houston Methodist Sugar Land has developed a comprehensive system for rapid diagnosis and treatment of stroke patients seen in the Emergency Department. This includes always being equipped to provide brain imaging scans, having neurologists available to conduct patient evaluations and using clot-busting medications when appropriate. “We will continue with our focus on providing care that has been shown in the scientific literature to quickly and efficiently treat stroke patients with evidence-based protocols,” said Deanna Powell, stroke coordinator at Houston Methodist Sugar Land.

To receive the Gold Plus award, Houston Methodist Sugar Land achieved an 85 percent or higher adherence to all Get With The Guidelines-Stroke quality achievement indicators for two or more consecutive 12-month intervals and achieved 75 percent or higher compliance with five of eight Get With The Guidelines-Stroke quality measures. These quality measures are designed to help hospital teams follow the most up-to-date, evidence-based guidelines with the goal of speeding recovery and reducing death and disability for stroke patients.

To qualify for the Target: Stroke Honor Roll Elite, hospitals must meet quality measures developed to reduce the time between the patient’s arrival at the hospital and treatment with the clot-buster tissue plasminogen activator, or tPA, the only drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat ischemic stroke. If given intravenously in the first three hours after the start of stroke symptoms, tPA has been shown to significantly reduce the effects of stroke and lessen the chance of permanent disability.

“The American Heart Association and American Stroke Association recognizes Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital for its commitment to stroke care,” said Paul Heidenreich, M.D., M.S., national chairman of the Get With The Guidelines Steering Committee and professor of medicine at Stanford University. “Research has shown there are benefits to patients who are treated at hospitals that have adopted the Get With The Guidelines program.”

For more information about Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital, visit houstonmethodist.org/sugarland or call 281.274.7500 for a doctor in your area.

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INDEPENDENT • JULY 5, 2017 • Page 3

NEWS Missouri City library to Former County Judge Hunter Harris’ Courthouse Portrait Unveiled undergo $6 million renovation

Fort Bend County Libraries’ Missouri City Branch Library, located at 1530 Texas Parkway, will close for renovations beginning Monday, July 31. The library will remain closed for approximately 10 to 12 months.

Renovation and expansion of the Missouri City Branch Library is the first phase of a $19.8-million bond referendum approved by voters in November 2015, which included $6.4 million for the Missouri City Branch Library project and $13.4 million for a new library to be built on the north side of the county.

Built in 1992, the Missouri City Branch Library was the fourth library built in the library system. The 18,462-square-foot library was the first of four new branches built with funds voted for in the 1989 bond election.

The current renovation and expansion project will include a 9,600-square-foot, 3-story addition to the existing library.

The additional space will be used for a computer lab, study rooms, and meeting spaces.

“The area served by the Missouri City Branch Library has grown and changed considerably since the library was originally built,” says Clara Russell, County Librarian. “When the library was first built, it was designed to meet the needs of the community at that time. No one could have imagined how much the digital age would change all of our lives. Use of electronic resources – such as computers, the Internet, WiFi, and circulation of digital ebooks and

audiobooks – have all shown increases at the Missouri City Branch Library, so the addition of a Computer Lab will definitely help us meet those needs of our library patrons.”

The library’s technology system will be upgraded to allow RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) capability, which will speed up the check-out/checkin of library materials. New RFID self-check stations will be installed in the adult and youth areas.

The renovation will also include an expansion of the library’s Meeting Room space, which is used for library programs and community gatherings. “Our adult and teen programs have really seen an increase in attendance, so the additional space being added to that room will be very helpful for all of our programs,” says Russell.

During the period that the library is closed for renovations, books and other items that have been checked out from the Missouri City Branch Library may be returned to any of the nine branch libraries in the Fort Bend County library system.

Anyone needing meeting space is encouraged to reserve a room at one of Fort Bend County Libraries’ other branches in the area.

Children and adults who are participating in the Summer Reading Club may pick up their rewards at any of the other library branches. The last day to pick up Summer Reading Club rewards is August 31.

The last day to check out Nooks or LaunchPads from the Missouri City Branch Library is Saturday, July 15. The eReaders checked out from the Missouri City Branch Library cannot be returned to any other library, and must be returned by Saturday, July 22.

The pick-up location for items that have been requested and placed on hold for pick-up at the Missouri City Branch Library will default to the Sienna Branch Library during the renovation period, unless the library patron chooses a different pick-up location. The Sienna Branch Library is located at 8411 Sienna Springs Blvd in Missouri City.

Other libraries nearby include the Mamie George Branch Library (320 Dulles Ave in Stafford), the First Colony Branch Library (2121 Austin Parkway in Sugar Land), and the Sugar Land Branch Library (550 Eldridge).

“We want to remind everyone that they still have access to many library resources online 24/7,” said Clara Russell, Library Director.

“The library’s resources that can be accessed through our website – such as the databases, Homework Help, Ask-aLibrarian chat, Cloud Library and OverDrive eBooks, Hoopla movies and music, and other online services – will still be available from any computer outside the library that has an Internet connection.”

For more information, call 281-633-4734.

Fort Bend County continued its project to preserve portraits of County Judges who served between 1907, when construction started on the historic courthouse, to the present day, by unveiling the restored portrait of Hunter Pickney Harris (1889 – 1959) on the wall of the second floor balcony of the courthouse rotunda on June 29, 2017.

Hunter Harris was the second oldest of seven children born to Sally and Dr. Robert Harris of Pittsville, a village near today’s city of Fulshear, Texas.

When Hunter was in his third year of college, his father died. At 19 years of age, Hunter was called to take over the family farm that was comprised of 6000 acres of land in the Brazos bottom in and around Pittsville, with more acreage in the Katy Prairie.

Judge Harris was successful at running the farm and assisted his mother in financing the education of all his siblings including medical school for four of the boys.

Judge Harris married Willie McKithean, who came to Fulshear to teach school.

County Judge Robert Hebert and Ms. Billie Wendt Hunter and Willie Harris had three children, Hunter Jr., Evalyn and the youngest, Billie Amilee, who, as Ms. Billie Wendt, was present at the unveiling.

Judge Harris served as County Commissioner from 1933-1936, and as County Judge from 1941-1944. He continued to manage his farm and ranch operations until his death at age 69.

County Judge Bob Hebert presided at the unveiling and said, “It was a different county in the early forties. For

instance, during Judge Harris’ term the county purchased 6 acres of right-of-way along US90A through Richmond and Rosenberg for a total of $3,544. Today, in highly commercialized areas of the county, $3500 might buy you 50 square feet. However, I’m sure if he were to return he would understand my job, as I would understand his. We are here thanks to all who went before us, and we serve ourselves well by honoring our history.”

Fort Bend County Fair Scholarships Awarded

Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital to host free Weight Management Seminar Join Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital doctors Kulvinder Bajwa, M.D.; Sheilendra Mehta, M.D.; and Shinil Shah, M.D.; as they discuss the latest options for weight management.

Losing weight can be a life-changing process with the potential to improve your overall health and decrease your risk for serious conditions like stroke and heart disease. If you’re looking to change your

life in this way, take the first step in making a well-informed decision. Join the team of Weight Loss physicians at Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital, as they guide you through an easy-to-follow seminar and share the different available options toward reaching your weight loss and nutritional goals. Our team of specialists will be available to answer any questions you may have.

Date: Thursday, July 13, 2017 Time: 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Address: Memorial Hermann Sugar Land, East Tower Conference Rooms, 17500 W. Grand Parkway South, Sugar Land TX, 77479 RSVP: 713-222-CARE or visit memorialhermann. org/SLweightloss

Budget

Fund expenditures; the budget funds a total of 366 full-time positions.

“The City is to be commended for its past conservative practices, not only in projecting revenues, but also in maintaining responsible expenditure and reserve levels. We will continue to reflect City Council’s traditionally conservative budgeting approach to address our community’s current needs while ensuring the long-term financial stability of Missouri City,” Snipes said.

“Missouri City is proud to provide current core service levels with responsible and reasonable augmentations to continue superior service to citizens.”

Other budget highlights include: • $245,000 is allocated for a 1 percent one-time lump sum pay on base salaries and related benefit costs for full-time City employees.

• $200,000 is allocated for a Compensation and Benefits Study that will be conducted for multiple City positions.

• $180,000 is allocated to replace fleet vehicles that have not yet reached critical stage; in FY 2017, $1,800,000 for the replacement of all vehicles in critical need of replacement was funded. $30,000 is also allocated for Fleet Maintenance Services for Special Equipment.

• An increased $7,000 is allocated to Code Enforcement to address forced mowings.

• $90,000 is allocated for an economic development study in

2017, which will be implemented in 2018. The City will work with the consultant to create a Blue Ribbon Committee for key areas such as Texas Parkway; in FY 2017, the City Manager created a Developer Advisory Committee that will begin to meet quarterly in 2018.

• $29,750 is allocated for fitness equipment replacement at the Recreation and Tennis Center, 2701 Cypress Point Dr. • $452,600 has been allocated for improvements to parks and parkland areas. In the Parkland Dedication Zone Fund, various items are funded and include Bicentennial Park electrical upgrades, Bicentennial Park security lights, American Legion Park curb and parking lot development, Quail Valley North Park amenities, Independence Park picnic pads, MacNaughton Park improvements, a Riverstone Properties (Herrin Tract) accessible entrance, Heritage Colony DG trail and Freedom Tree Park landscaping.

This year’s fiscal budget may be the last time Missouri City Council adopts a budget that runs from July 1 to June 30. That calendar year has been a problem for developing the budget because the Fort Bend Central Appraisal District figures for property values in each town aren’t released until July and sometimes later.

In order to change their fiscal year budget calendar city council members must order an election on it by August 21 if it is to be on the Nov. 7 ballot.

From Page 1 The approved budget is funded with a tax rate set at an estimated rollback rate of $0.52805 per $100 in valuation. Final assessed values will not be received until late July or early August.

Next to general fund, utility funds at $47.60 million are among the biggest allocations in the total budget. Capital improvement projects account for $16.84 million and debt service $10.70 million.

This year’s budget, which runs from July 1, 2017 to June 30, 2018, will raise more total property taxes than last year’s budget by $1.77 million which is a 5 percent increase.

“The City has traditionally operated in a fiscally conservative manner, and as a result, we have been able to weather recent regional sales tax revenue challenges and to maintain service levels for our citizens.

Still, as an aging City in its 61st year of incorporation, we have impending infrastructural, organizational and technological needs. Simultaneously, we are monitoring common challenges faced by other local, regional and national municipalities and partnering with some to facilitate solutions while meeting expectations for outstanding service to our community,” Snipes said.

In the FY 2018 General Fund, $31.50 million will be expended for personnel costs, or 66.5 percent of the General

The Fort Bend County Fair Association hosted their Scholarship Reception and presented forty-two scholarships and five Queen scholarships to deserving recipients.

From the swing of the gate at the rodeo to the strike of the gavel at the auction, this is the one evening that over 50 committees made up of 1,300 plus volunteers work so purposely for to help shape our future.

Forty-two scholarships, each valued at $4,000, were awarded to students representing schools and districts throughout Fort Bend County. “It is so rewarding to give away these scholarships; we look so forward to watching these kids at their next level – at college- to see what they do in life. It is extremely rewarding and I couldn’t be happier to do what we do”, said Fort Bend County Fair President, Ernest Lawson.

Our recipients are set to pursue a wide-range of higher educational paths. Agricultural degrees spanning from science to business, to finance and medical degrees, make up a few of the career choices of our recipients. Each of our scholarships were earned by individual students who shared the passion for continuing their education but were diverse on their journeys to obtain them. Several of our scholarships were awarded to lifelong Fair exhibitors, while others were earned by students who excelled outside of the show arena. The Fair’s scholarships are divided into several divisions: restrictive, non-restrictive, open, art, vocational, and Queen.

A Brazos high school senior, Taylor Hoelscher, is no stranger to the Fair. This scholarship recipient has been showing animals for the past six years. “It means a lot every year coming to the Fair in September. All the hardwork finally gets to pay off.

Especially for how much it

gives back to me, not only the auctions but all the committee members giving all their support, not only to me but my fellow competitors and friends as well”, said Taylor of being awarded a scholarship. “This scholarship really means everything; I mean all the hard work over the years, all the volunteer hours…the Fair gives back to me just as much as I like to give back to them. It has taught me a lot of dedication, responsibility, time management, and a lot of life skills. I plan to apply them to my life and not only the agricultural industry, and to whatever I am enduring.”

Several of our scholarship winners began their journey half a world away. Parichehr Sadeghi from Iran and Marki Samuel, from Ethiopia; both immigrated to Texas. Both are students at Stafford High School. Parichehr is an aspiring dermatologist who is University of Houston bound, has this to say about the scholarship, “I think it means a lot to me because I can help my parents financially and try to at least help them a little bit by paying for a small portion of it on my own.” Marki is planning to pursue a medical degree but is first Aggielandbound said, “This scholarship means that I get the opportunity to go to the college - that I actually plan on going to and money would not hold me back from going to a college I wanted to go to.”

Scholarship recipient, Caitlin Wesneski, wants to be an Agriculture Teacher. Since the 3rd grade, Caitlin has been showing animals at the Fort Bend County Fair. “I started showing chickens first, then eventually I wanted to show something bigger, so I showed pigs and then steers. By far pigs are my favorite,” says the 19-year-old Sam Houston State University student. Caitlin has come back to volunteer to help with the swine tag-in

and show. She shared, “The county Fair has done a lot for me throughout the years. This is the place that ‘built me’ it molded me into the young adult that I am today. It taught me hard work, dedication, responsibility, and more life lessons than I will ever be able to remember. I’d like to say thank you because without them (Fort Bend County Fair Association) this would not be possible and I would not be able to make my dreams come true.”

The scholarships are a result of money raised by the Fort Bend County Fair Association and its various committees’ fundraising efforts, and individual sponsors. The Go Tejano Committee, Life Member Silent Auction, Art Auction Committee, Grapes on the Brazos Committee and sponsors such as The Charlie Seely Memorial, Durwood Greene Construction, Kunz Farms, and McDonald’s have given back by generating or donating scholarship funds.

The 2017 Fort Bend County Fair will run from September 29 to October 8, 2017.

For more information on the Fair’s scholarship program or schedule of events visit fortbendcountfair.com or call the Fair Office at 281-342-6171.

Garage Sale Sat., July 8th.

Furniture, clothes, lawncare items, more. 7:30 a.m 3143 Shawnee Dr., Sugar Land 77479.

Page 4 • INDEPENDENT • JULY 5, 2017

WHEN MY DADDY WENT TO WAR...

OPINION

World War II V-Mails December 1943 County judge reprimands officials for ‘keeping him in the dark’

By CAROLYN BOWDEN ITALIAN CITY LIFE: “By the time you receive this letter you will have had the Christmas tree up at our house. May I say “our“ Christmas tree because it will be the only one I can claim, and I plan to be right there with you, and enjoying your happiness. Yesterday I did business with a lawyer who spoke perfect English. He was connected with the Electric Company.

Residents have to pay only 2 cents per kilowatt hour as compared with it at our house.

We have lots of WACS (women soldiers) now, but none in the Real Estate Section. May be we will get some someday.

Sounded quite nice, to hear their voices, as telephone operators. We were unable to buy a second wash rag till next month, but obtained one in a local store yesterday. I was amused at a civilian who asked me who to see about getting a “dud” bomb out of his house.

I answered his question but thought to myself, I would not sleep good at night with it in my house.”

LETTERS STILL SLOW IN ARRIVING: “Letters are still not coming through.

Gillespie had one to make a roundtrip in 33 days and it has been longer than that for mine.

Drop me a line and I should receive it not later than January 22, 1944” (This V-mail dated December 19, 1943).

“For my Christmas I plan to read all of your old letters. I met a very nice lady from Switzerland and, as I told her, my opinion of the Swiss people has already gone up. Her husband has lots of property here. They live in a Swiss villa. She spoke only French & Italian so I was rather limited in my conversation. Her husband speaks good English.

I still wish you could go into these lovely homes with me.”

“A Lt. Col. from 5th Army was going home by plane and had to leave part of his clothes. He was just my size and I was fortunate enough to receive about $46 worth of badly needed clothes: A field jacket, sheep skin lined leather house shoes, 3 suits of underwear, an army pillow for my

Bowden

This was the picture that Daddy kept talking about in his Vmails to Mama. He thought she looked so very beautiful. bed roll, lots of socks and towels, wool trousers, two shirts and one trouser of cotton, and 3 suits of nice pajamas. Now I will have plenty of clothes and maybe too much when I get mine from England. Still no word, though. The jeep driver that carried me home last night was from Jackson.”

WISHING FOR A ROTATION HOME: “I am inclined to believe that I will have a fair chance to get in on the rotation list within the next six months. Just think, I might have a chance to see you within six months. I noticed the Senate okayed the bill to give, in my case, $400 to be given to you on my final pay. Better have those final plans ready for your house. Remember that somewhere in Italy there is a Captain that loves you with all his heart.”

Christmas 1943: “I went to a party given by our Colonel from 4 to 5:30 pm yesterday.

Then supper and went to the theater for a few hours, then to my room and read letters from my sweet little wife until I fell asleep. There is no holiday here but we are just doing routine things and not looking for anything new. We had the usual breakfast but I think there will be extras for lunch and dinner tonight.”

“Dearest Little Girl and Boy: Please remember that daddy is a long ways off and you must take good care of Mama for him. When Daddy comes home he will be so nice to Mama and she will be so happy and it will make all of us feel good. Mama will fix so many nice things to eat and once in a while we will go out to eat and let Mama have a rest.”

MISTLETOE: “Yesterday we had another nice evening meal and I enjoyed it very much. I swiped a piece of mistletoe with berries on it and a twig of evergreen with a red berry on it and put them through the ring on the picture of “my girl”. That was the extent of the decoration of my room for Christmas. These V-mail letters just don’t give me enough chance to express some of my love for you.

Now get all ready to move right in to the New Year with a bang. I believe 44 will see us together again.”

“We get a good many vegetables to supplement our ration—lots of vegetable soup.

I too will be glad when you will be my mess sergeant and I will be the head of K.P. and, of course, there will be a couple of little K.P.ettes. I am so hungry for some of your nice dishes of food. Gonna be hard to control my waist line. You know I have a weakness for food.”

“Have been doing extra duty for the last few days. Today there were 3 letters from my girl.” (These were only 30 days in transit.) “I sat down in an easy chair in the lobby to devour them.”

NEXT COLUMN: WWII V-Mails – January 1944

LETTER Missouri City should repeal Metro tax To the Editor: One of the more important issues facing Missouri City residents over the next twenty years is the Metro Tax issue.

For those unacquainted with it, Missouri City gives one half percent of its sales taxes to Metro to contribute to a light rail line to the Med Center.

Financially, the Metro tax commitment causes an extremely tight budget situation for Missouri City because it doesn’t have a major sales tax funding source (large shopping mall) as other nearby cities have.

Exacerbating the City’s tight money situation is the fact that Missouri City faces substantial infrastructure funding needs over the next few years.

Missouri City is locked into its Metro Tax commitment through contract and the only way it could be eliminated is through a voter referendum to put it on the ballot and then be voted down.

A recent local newspaper article highlighted that the commute time for Missouri City residents is increasing and one of the worst in the State, so a commuter train is very much needed.

The pivotal questions are whether a Metro Line is worth the twenty to thirty years of financial drain on the City’s resources and whether it will actually ever happen?

There are significant hur-

dles for a Metro Rail Line to be installed. First and foremost is funding.

Hundreds of millions of federal funding dollars are required to build the rail line for Missouri City’s commuters and at least for the next ten years, this looks like a huge long shot.

Recent news articles show that while politicians and Metro’s Board of Directors may pontificate and give various opinions, the bottom line is that Metro funding is determined by votes and a considerable measure of the elusive political clout.

A second hurdle is space and where to put Metro rail.

I’m no engineer but a light rail line co-existing with the major train traffic along the Main Street railroad right of way looks like a non-starter.

The present railroad line is super busy, morning and evening. Commuter rail requires lots of trains and busy tracks that would interfere with the commerce that is already there.

Putting the rail line alongside the tracks may be an option but a very expensive one requiring new tracks, jumping several streets, and considerable space for stops. So, most solutions to the placement issue require a significant money investment. Again, the issue of funding and money is paramount.

A third and equally critical issue is whether a light rail

line is really what Missouri City and Fort Bend County need. Northern Fort Bend County isn’t a growth area but Sienna and Sugar Land are.

A Main Street rail line to a Fondren station does very little or nothing to alleviate commuter traffic for those other areas. Pragmatically, the rail line should extend to Sugar Land and have tracks to Sienna and Richmond but commuter populations won’t be large enough for that to happen for many years to come.

Simply stated, the issues surrounding the Metro tax are very complex and the issue will enormously impact the quality of life for Missouri City’s residents.

My own view is the Missouri City residents are better off repealing the Metro Tax and enjoying the benefits of a financially robust and progressive City government rather than pinning their hopes on the ever wavering commitment and empty rhetoric of politicians.

Wishful thinking is nice but Missouri City’s financial commitment doesn’t ensure rail line placement to our City.

Most importantly, with the Metro funding dollars, Missouri City would then be able to incentivize and draw big name companies to the Missouri City area, just as neighboring cities do.

Howard E. Moline Missouri City

The Fort Bend Grand Parkway Toll Road Authority sprang a $17 million surprise on Fort Bend County Commissioners last week, eliciting a pretty strong rebuke from County Judge Bob Hebert.

Rarely does the county judge show his frustration in such strong terms in open court, and he took exception to being “kept in the dark” about such a major issue.

Admittedly, the TRA has been dealing with the damage done to the Jodie Stavinoha Bridge across the Brazos River on the Grand Parkway for several months now.

The last time, the county judge was made aware of the issue, it was a problem that could be fixed at an estimated cost of $ 4 million to $6 million. At that time, he advised that the Levee issue be separated from the bridge problem and the authority should quickly fix the bridge.

Suddenly, while preparing the agenda for commissioners court last week, he was told, the project to fix the bridge would cost $17 million.

“A year ago this would not have happened. I would not be getting this stuff in the dark. You all don’t have the ticket to run the reservation.

Am I making myself perfectly clear?” Hebert said.

“I need to what is going on.

Somebody in the court needs to know,” he said.

Did anybody contact the federal agencies in Washington? Did anybody contact Congressman Pete Olson’s office in Washington, Hebert

Inside Track By Seshadri Kumar asked.

For the Toll Road Authority, (dealing with multi-million dollars), $16 million or $17 million may not be much, “but it is lot of money,” Hebert said.

The county judge also gave another example of the crew on a commercial flight to stress the point. While facing a problem, nobody from the cockpit thought of contacting the control tower.

“I am the traffic controller.

I am the county judge. Next time, you call your traffic controller. I would not be caught off guard,” Hebert said.

TRA Attorney Richard Muller said nobody knew until 15 days ago that the cost would go up so high.

The understanding was that the cost would be around $6 million and the LID 7 would share the cost. So the TRA did not see any financial crisis on the horizon.

The cost escalation is being attributed to the engineering study recommending 66 inch diameter columns under the bridge, instead of the original 48 inch columns. The columns would be erected next to each other for about 800 feet.

Also, another line of smaller

columns would be erected behind these bigger columns.

Earlier, Commissioner Andy Meyers said he was made aware of the cost issue a fortnight ago and he wanted to know if the TRA made efforts to find funding sources from the federal government or other agencies. He also suggested hiring consultants who could help procure funding.

Commissioner James Patterson sought to accept responsibility and said if the matter was not well communicated, he took responsibility for it.

Four months ago, the erosion from the bridge’s column to the bank was 82 feet and that erosion was over a period of 28 months. Now the erosion has exceeded 100 feet, Patterson said. New Territory may lose the soccer fields because of the erosion, he said.

Patterson also suggested that the Houston-Galveston Area Council may be approached for any possible funding.

If the county waited to find external funding sources, in the next three to four months, the bridge may go under the bottom of the river. Hence, to save the bridge, the commissioners court approved an emergency advance funding.

The TRA would agree to reimburse the costs to the county, under the proposed advanced funding agreement.

As the work on repairing the bridge continues for the next several months, traffic will be restricted to one lane in both directions.

State Rep. Rick Miller announces re-election bid State Representative Rick Miller on June 26 announced that he will seek re-election to the Texas House of Representatives.

Currently serving in his third term, Miller continued to build on the momentum he gained during his first two terms in the House.

During the 85th Session, Miller was re-appointed to the House Appropriations Committee and served as Vice Chair of Article I, IV, and V which has jurisdiction over general government spending, the judiciary and border security.

Additionally he was appointed to serve on the Human Services Committee that passed landmark legislation promoted by Governor Abbott to reform the troubled child protective agency in the state of Texas.

Through his work on these committees and his filing of important legislation, Miller continued to champion conservative policies for the state and for the constituents in House District 26.

Legislation filed this session by Miller include a resolution calling for a Convention of States, which was an emergency item of Governor Abbott, creating a pilot program to offer hyperbaric oxygen treatment for veterans suffering from PTSD and TBI, multiple bills for Fort Bend County to help them improve the flow of traffic, as well as a statewide hike and bike trial bill. Miller also worked closely with members to reform property taxes for homeowners, protect life, and work to fix the broken school finance system.

“During my time in the legislature I have promoted conservative values in Austin and represented the diverse needs of Fort Bend County,” said Miller.

Miller

“Although we have accomplished many important items there are additional things we can achieve to insure that Fort Bend County continues to grow and prosper for the next generation of Texans.”

Representative Rick Miller is a decorated military veteran, having served in the United States Navy for thirty years. Miller was first elected in 2012 and currently serves on the House Appropriations Committee and the House Human Services Committee.

He represents the communities of Sugar Land and part of Richmond in Texas House District 26.

Dulles High Class of 1977 Reunion The 1977 Dulles High School CLASS 40-Years Reunion will be held Saturday, August 5, 7 p m at The “R” (Redneck) Country Club, 11110 W Airport Blvd (U.S 59/SW Frwy exit by TX Instruments), Stafford, TX. Music: (famous) THE TRIUMPS (B.J. Thomas fame!)

ADVANCE TICKETS: $20 each (Purchase by late July) Can pay at door!-Cash, Credit-Ticket includes 1 drink & food serving.

VISIT the FACEBOOK REUNION PAGE! Any concerns/ questions, contact via EMAIL: JFDHS1977@gmail.com ORGANIZERS: DALE ROSS (Mayor-Georgetown, TX), LAURA MANNING STOKES. Share the event with other ‘77 Dulles Grads!!

(Though guests are welcomed, we’re trying to reach over 600! DHS grads that got diplomas on May 31, 1977, to attend-recorded in “Portal to Texas History” as one of LARGEST Texas Public High School Graduation Classes!)

FORT BEND FAIR. BALANCED. INFORMATIVE.

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

www.fbindependent.com 281-980-6745

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

Periodicals Postage Paid at Stafford, Texas.

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

INDEPENDENT • JULY 5, 2017 • Page 5

COMMUNITY SSLW thanks ‘Phenomenal Partners’ More than 300 attend Richmond Mayor

Evalyn Moore’s State of the City address

Bottom, left to right: Elise Leaks Harmon; Mable Scott Austin; Marvelyn Harris. Top, left to right: Mose Austin; Dr. Margaret Allen; Belinda Allen Clark: Seeju Dupre; and Dr. Charles Dupre Suburban Sugar Land Dr. Charles & Seeju Dupre; Professional Suits, Shoes, Women and their Phenomenal Fort Bend Publishing Group; Belts, & Socks, mw.austin@ Partners recently celebrated George & Marvelyn Harris; H yahoo.com 29 years of service to Fort & R Block Tax Professionals; OCTOBER Bend County residents. For Vera Brown; Jackson State •Dress For Success: Donate 29 years SSLW members and University – Houston Area New or Gently Worn Women partners generously collabo- Alumni Chapter; George & Professional Plus Size Suits, rated in the timely delivery of Adell Meador; James Rice, Panty Hose, and Colorful free, year round, compassion- Rice & Gardner Consultants, Scarves, ate, services and resources Inc; Walter Veterinary Ser- •Parents Rights Workshopsfrom cradle to college/career. vices; Barry & Maria Navoy; eharmon47@hotmail.com “Serving is our purpose, Jerry & Errol Chenier; Trinity •Fort Bend Countywide passion, and privilegeâ€? said Freight Services; and Mose & ISD’s ( Fort Bend, Katy, Lamar, Needville, & Staord) Mose & Mable Austin, found- Mable Austin.

SSLW’s upcoming proj- Colleges & Scholarships ers and Lifetime Partners.

Fairs,harris_marvelyn@att.

A Phenomenal Partner ects: net donates or secures one or 2nd, George Ranch High more tax – deductible dona- AUGUST tion annually. Partnerships •1-7: Mail ďŹ rst time & con- School; 4th, Travis; 9th,Terry; levels are: Bronze: $200- tinuing scholarship recipients’ 10th, Marshall; 11th, Katy $499; Silver: $500-$999; checks/letters to universities/ ISD, All -6:00-8:00pm; and harris_ Staord High, TBA. Gold: $1,000-$4,999; Plati- recipients/parents, •4th Saturday: National Make num: $5,000- $$9,999;Dia- marvelyn@att.net mond: $10,000-$24,999; and •Adopt Schools-Hunter Glen A Dierence Day, sslw1989@ Lifetime Member/ Partner: Elementary, Missouri City aol.com Middle, and Willowridge NOVEMBER $25,000 - $100,000.

2017 Phenomenal Partners: High Schools – monicari- •Pet Food Drive for Seniors Pets – jf48124@gmail.com Maria & Victoria Magnus; ley7@gmail.com Dr. Moses & Susan Wilcox; •Adopt – A – Spot Quarterly •Adopt – A – Spot Quarterly Roy & Shelia Chambers; Clean Up, Highlands Park, Clean Up, Highlands Park – sslw1989@aol.com Joel & Elise Harmon; Albert sslw1989@aol.com Glover, Jr.; Dr. Michael & •Annual Partners’ Apprecia- SEVEN ONGOING PROJune Peggs; Dr. Johnnie & tion Reception,sslw1989@ GRAMS: 1. Seniors Enrichment; 2. Families Outreach; Annie Johnson; Dr. Thomas aol.com 3.Infants – Young Adults De& Rubye Randle; Dr. Robert SEPTEMBER & Ellen Bostic; Belinda Allen •Provide services and resourc- velopment; 4. Scholarships & Clark; Margaret Allen, DDS, es to three adopted schools - Support; 5. Community Involvement; 6. Collaborations; Amazing Smiles; Larry & monicariley7@gmail.com Monica Riley; Milton & Dr. •Deputy Voter Registrar 7. Special Requests Rose Austin; Caleb & Kath- Training, sslw1989@aol.com Donations can be mailed to ryn Bonds; CenterPoint Ener- •Youth Financial Literacy Post OďŹƒce Box 2384 * Suggy; Delta Sigma Theta Soror- Empowerment, age 8 and ar Land, Texas 77487, USA * Visit www.sslw.org or ity, Inc – Suburban Houston above, jharmon@pdq.net Fort Bend Alumnae Chapter •Career Gear Houston: Do- email sslw1989@aol.com / – Evelyn Dean, President; nate New or Gently Worn Men sslw89@gmail.com.

Wells Fargo Names David Miree Lead Region President for Texas Wells Fargo & Company has named David Miree to the newly-created role of lead region president for Regional Banking’s Texas Region. Miree will report to Eastern Regional Banking Executive, Michelle Lee, and will be based in Houston.

A 26-year industry veteran, Miree has extensive ďŹ nancial services experience in senior roles. Since February 2015 he had served as an executive vice president with Webster Bank, where he was responsible for managing the branch network, consumer deposits, customer contact centers, strategy and distribution, as well as the investment division. Prior to Webster, Miree served as executive vice president and managing director at Sovereign Bank/ Santander, and as executive vice president and region president for Wells Fargo’s Philadelphia/Delaware markets. “We are thrilled to welcome David back to Wells Fargo,â€? Lee said. “He is well-respected in

Miree the industry, recognized for customer-centered leadership and for building and inspiring highly engaged teams. We are fortunate that he will be able to bring his vast talents and knowledge to Wells Fargo and the fantastic Texas team.� “I’m excited about the opportunity to work with such a fantastic group of team members and to lead Texas’ Regional Banking business,� said Miree.

“Texas is one of the most dynamic and diverse regions in America and Wells Fargo has earned a great reputation across the state for its excellent customer service and community involvement. I am eager to work with this talented team to build an even better bank and earn the distinction of oering the best customer experience across the industry.â€?

Wells Fargo & Company is a diversiďŹ ed, communitybased ďŹ nancial services company with $2 trillion in assets. Founded in 1852 and headquartered in San Francisco, Wells Fargo provides banking, insurance, investments, mortgage, and consumer and commercial ďŹ nance With approximately 273,000 team members, Wells Fargo serves one in three households in the United States. Wells Fargo & Company was ranked No. 25 on Fortune’s 2017 rankings of America’s largest corporations.

The annual State of the City Address, hosted by the Central Fort Bend Chamber, was held on June 28, 2017 at Briscoe Manor.

Mayor Evalyn Moore addressed key members of the community, elected oďŹƒcials, and local business owners of Fort Bend County during a luncheon highlighting her vision for the future, while celebrating the growth and resilience of the City.

Moore paid tribute to the visionary leaders that helped cultivate the growth and success of the City citing examples such as the projects of Veranda, H.E.B, George Ranch Foundation, Texas State Technical College, Wharton County Junior College, and more.

Moore went on to detail past and future projects of the growing City, which includes ďŹ lling in gaps in infrastructure, pilot programs to highlight water conservation, improvements to educational programs, renovations and development of recreational facilities, City-wide emergency preparedness, and striving excellence in City services.

The City of Richmond had no shortage of community leaders, businesses, and stakeholders helping to make this vision a reality. “We have made great progress in providing cleaner wa-

(Left to right): Jackie Wendt Martin, Billie Wendt, Richmond Mayor Evalyn Moore ter, improved public safety, improved infrastructure, and development of other economic development projects in Richmond,â€? says Moore. “The City’s ďŹ nancial health is sound. We have lowered taxes for the ninth straight year and unemployment is down,â€? she continued.

With that end, Moore chose to highlight some of the City’s accomplishments over the year, including various recognitions and awards given to the City.

The Mayor also handed out Spirit Awards to several employees of the City as a token of her appreciation for their contributions and eorts over the past year.

The luncheon was con-

ducted by Central Fort Bend Chamber Chairman Jim Russ of EHRA Engineering. Deacon Rob Hodge, Church of the Living God, gave the invocation.

Richmond Fire Department Honor Guard was also present for the posting of the colors and City Commissioner Barry Beard led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Underwriters for the luncheon included Classic Chevrolet, Jones|Carter, Kelly R. Kaluza & Associates, Inc., Linbebarger Attorneys at Law, PGAL, State Representative John Zerwas, Texas State Technical College, Veranda by Johnson Development, and Wharton County Junior College.

Constable Thompson graduates from Leadership Command College Wayne Thompson of the Fort Bend County Constables Precinct 3 recently graduated from the Leadership Command College – Class 79 of the Law Enforcement Management Institute of Texas.

The program, taught by a consortium of universities throughout Texas, provides law enforcement administrators and executives with the skills necessary to eectively manage police agencies and deliver a high level of service to their communities.

Module I, focusing on leadership, is taught at the Center for Executive Development, Mays Business School at Texas A&M University.

Module II at Texas Woman’s University focuses on the political, legal, and social environment of law enforcement.

The program concluded on June 23, 2017 with training in law enforcement administration at the third module, held at Sam Houston State University.

Thompson Each of the three 3-week modules attended by participants in the program is taught by top national and international law enforcement experts.

Topics include leadership, professional ethics and integrity, communication, and personnel management issues.

The Command College curriculum also strives to keep participants on top of con-

temporary issues in Criminal Justice.

This program is one of many oered by the Bill Blackwood Law Enforcement Management Institute of Texas, headquartered on the campus of Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas.

The Institute, known as “LEMIT,� has been training law enforcement managers and executives since its inception in 1987.

LEMIT oers numerous seminars, training for police chiefs, and the leadership program, which is one of the premiere law enforcement academies in the nation.

No tax monies are necessary to support LEMIT, which is funded by a surcharge on criminal court costs; aording eligible Texas Law Enforcement managers and executive’s essential professional development.

Between one and two thousand Texas law enforcement personnel beneďŹ t from LEMIT training each year.

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Page 6 • INDEPENDENT • JULY 5, 2017 PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing on Tuesday, July 25, 2017, at 1:00 p.m. for acceptance of the traffic control plan for Del Webb-Richmond, Section 16-A, Precinct 1.

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

Submitted by, Laura Richard Fort Bend County Clerk

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing on Tuesday, July 25, 2017, at 1:00 p.m. for acceptance of the traffic control plan for FBISD Elem. 50 at Beechnut Street at Grand Vista Springs Blvd. for the addition of multi-way stop control, Precincts 2 and 3.

The hearing will be held in the Commissioners Courtroom at 401 Jackson Street, Second Floor, Richmond, Texas.

You are invited to attend and state your approval or objection on this matter.

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing on Tuesday, July 25, 2017, at 1:00 p.m. for acceptance of the traffic control plan for Grand Mission Estates, Section 19, Precinct 3.

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

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing on Tuesday, July 25, 2017, at 1:00 p.m. for acceptance of the traffic control plans for Harvest Green, Section 14, Section 2, Section 3, and Section 8, Precincts 3 and 4.

The hearing will be held in the Commissioners Courtroom at 401 Jackson Street, Second Floor, Richmond, Texas.

You are invited to attend and state your approval or objection on this matter.

Submitted by, Laura Richard Fort Bend County Clerk

Submitted by, Laura Richard Fort Bend County Clerk PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing on Tuesday, July 25, 2017, at 1:00 p.m. for acceptance of the traffic control plan for Williams Way Boulevard to extend the school zone for Hutchinson Elementary School, Precinct 1.

The hearing will be held in the Commissioners Courtroom at 401 Jackson Street, Second Floor, Richmond, Texas.

You are invited to attend and state your approval or objection on this matter.

Submitted by, Laura Richard Fort Bend County Clerk

Submitted by, Laura Richard Fort Bend County Clerk

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing on Tuesday, July 25, 2017, at 1:00 p.m. for acceptance of the traffic control plan for Walnut Creek, Section 13, Precinct 1.

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

Submitted by, Laura Richard Fort Bend County Clerk

City of Missouri City LEGAL NOTICE THIS IS A MANDATED PUBLICATION OF THE LEGAL NOTICE IFB # 18-019: GROUNDS MAINTENANCE SERVICES FOR GOLF COURSE & RELATED GROUNDS OPENING DATE OF July 25, 2017 AT 2:00 pm.

IFB’s may be obtained from the State of Texas Electronic State Business Daily (ESBD) at http://esbd.cpa.state.tx.us/ or Onvia/Demandstar at http://www.demandstar.com/.

Responses must be sealed, marked on the outside of the delivery envelope with the Bid name and number as listed above, and the date of opening. Responses must be delivered to the attention of: Purchasing Manager City of Missouri City 1522 Texas Parkway Missouri City, TX 77489 prior to the acceptance deadline. Responses marked improperly and therefore misdirected may be disqualified. Responses will be opened on July 25, 2017 at 2:00 pm.

PRE-BID CONFERENCE: A mandatory pre-bid conference is scheduled for July 13, 2017 at 10:00 am in the City Centre at Quail Valley, Lobby at 2880 LaQuinta, Missouri City, TX 77489.

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

AUTOMOBILE: Infiniti QX60

By BARBARA FULENWIDER Infiniti has enhanced its QX60 premium crossover, introduced a wide range of changes that improve the seven-seater’s exterior design and its driving dynamics, while showcasing new features and technologies that improve comfort, convenience and safety.

The QX60’s new suspension components and settings deliver more comfort and agility and intelligent all wheel drive. The QX60 is offered with either the 3.5-liter V6 gasoline or Hybrid. Whichever engine is chosen, upgraded cabin sound insulation and revised engine mounts reduce noise, vibration and harshness.

The look is unmistakably Infiniti, and the new QX60 features familiar signature brand design. The redesigned double-arch grille is flanked by standard-fit bi-xenon headlamps and there is more use of LED lighting that include new LED daytime running lights and fog lights.

A significant enhancement for the QX60 is the addition of acoustic glass for better insulation from high frequency noise. It minimizes wind noise which lessens road noise. The result is class-leading noise, vibration and harshness levels at a constant speed.

The independent-strut front and multi-link rear suspension feature new shock absorbers and spring units for smoother ride control and less body lean when cornering. To enhance stability when cornering, InPUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing on Tuesday, July 25, 2017, at 1:00 p.m. for acceptance of the traffic control plan for the addition of “No Parking, Stopping, or Standing” signs on Whisper Rock Drive in Whisper Rock at Riverstone, Precinct 4.

The hearing will be held in the Commissioners Courtroom at 401 Jackson Street, Second Floor, Richmond, Texas.

You are invited to attend and state your approval or objection on this matter.

Submitted by, Laura Richard Fort Bend County Clerk

finiti’s active trace control system and the standard vehicle dynamic control system automatically apply the brakes in a specific pattern and then smooth engine torque while accelerating.

New 235 / 65 R18 T-rated all-season tires are standard and improve grip and balance.

A vehicle-speed-sensitive power steering system now requires just 2.9 turns lockto-lock so offers the driver increased response to steering inputs and enhanced feedback.

The QX60’s 3.5-liter V6 is mated to a sport-tuned, electronically controlled continuously variable transmission that provides higher response and a seamless, efficient shift feel. Included is a manual shift mode that lets the driver manually select from the preset gear ratios,. The 3.5-liter

V6 engine makes 295 horsepower and peak torque of 336 lbs.-ft.

The Infiniti drive mode selector lets the driver vary throttle response and gearshift patterns by selecting either Standard, Sport, Eco or and Snow with the rotary dial mounted in the center console.

Access to the third row of seats is facilitated by wide door openings and the forward travel of the second-row seating. Both second- and thirdrow seats split 60 /40 for the second row and 50 / 50 for the third row. Second and third row seats recline.

For front seat passengers, the memory seat button has been relocated to the upper door trim. The one touch open/close, tilt feature and sliding sunshade is standard on all models. A panoramic moonroof is also available

with power rear sunshade.

Standard connectivity and entertainment features include Bluetooth hands-free phone system, six-speaker AM/FM/ CD audio and USB connection port for iPod interface and other compatible devices.

For 3.5-liter models, three additional USB charging ports have been added to the cabin.

Several options added to the 2016 QX60 models include forward emergency braking and backup collision intervention alerts.

The QX60 is beautiful inside and out, rides extremely well, is an easy drive and is roomy. If you are in the market for a full-size SUV definitely test drive the Infiniti QX60. The MSRP is $43,100 and optional packages on the test drive increased the price to $57,250.

FILM REVIEW: Baby Driver

PUBLIC NOTICE FORT BEND COUNTY COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT FY 2017 CONSOLIDATED ANNUAL ACTION PLAN DRAFT To build and strengthen new partnerships with State and local governments and the private sector, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requires a single consolidated submission for the planning and application aspects of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME), Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG), and Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) Programs.

The overall goals of the community development and planning programs covered by the Consolidated Plan are to strengthen partnerships with jurisdictions and to extend and strengthen partnerships among all levels of government and the private sector, including for-profit and nonprofit organizations, to enable them: *to provide decent housing; *to establish and maintain a suitable living environment; and *to expand economic opportunities for every American, particularly for very low-income and low-income persons.

The purpose of the Consolidated Plan is to require the County to state in one document its plan to pursue these goals for all the community planning and development programs, as well as for housing programs. The FY 2015 Consolidated Plan serves the following functions: 1. A planning document for the jurisdiction, which builds on a participatory process at the lowest levels; 2. An application for federal funds under HUD’s formula grant programs; 3. A strategy to be followed in carrying out HUD programs; and, 4. An action plan that provides a basis for assessing performance.

The Consolidated Plan Final Rule requires that local government jurisdictions submit to HUD five-year Consolidated Plans containing a housing and homeless needs assessment, a housing market analysis, a strategic plan, an action plan, and the required HUD certifications. The FYs 2015-2020 Consolidated Plan includes Fort Bend County’s revised housing and homeless needs assessment and housing market analysis. The strategic plan sets forth program goals and specific objectives in a manner that helps local governments and citizens keep track of programmatic results.

The FY 2017 Consolidated Annual Action Plan includes the proposed projects to be funded during FY 2017, September 1, 2017 to August 31, 2018. These projects are listed below by program funding source. The recommended amount of funding for each project also is listed.

Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program: Amount of Assistance Available from FY 2016 HUD CDBG Reallocated Funds Amount of Assistance Available for FY 2017: Countywide CDBG Program Administration and Planning Countywide Fort Bend CORPS Housing Repair Program Arcola Arcola Wastewater Treatment Plant Generator Kendleton Braxton Road Water Line Improvements Riverwood MUD No. 19 Water System Improvements, Phase 6 Richmond North Richmond Sanitary Sewer Improvements, Phase 9 Rosenberg North Rosenberg Water Improvements, Phase 5 Countywide ARC of FBC Social and Recreational Program Countywide Brazos Bend Guardianship Services: Corporate Guardianship Program Countywide Catholic Charities Integrated Case Management for Seniors Countywide Child Advocates FBC Forensic Interviewer/Children’s Services Coordinator Countywide FBC Women’s Center Shelter Support Services Countywide Fort Bend Seniors: Meals on Wheels Program Countywide Literacy Council of Fort Bend: Literacy Tutoring

$17,511 $2,393,772 $470,000 $273,316 $318,304 $319,904 $132,804 $289,604 $353,804 $34,000 $30,000 $35,903 $37,954 $36,000 $40,000 $39,690

HOME Investment Partnership Program: Amount of Assistance Available for FY 2017: Countywide HOME Program Administration CHDO Set-Aside Countywide FBC Housing Rehabilitation Program

$498,535 $49,853 $74,781 $373,901

Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) Program: Amount of Assistance Available for FY 2017: Countywide ESG Program Administration Countywide FBC Women’s Center Emergency Shelter Operations/Essential Services Countywide Parks Youth Ranch Emergency Shelter Operations/Essential Services Countywide Rapid ReHousing/Homelessness Prevention and Stabilization Services

$205,712 $15,428 $47,418 $60,108 $82,758

The Fort Bend County FY 2017 Consolidated Annual Action Plan Draft will be available for public review and comment from Thursday, July 6, 2017 to Thursday, July 20, 2017. The public is encouraged to review this document and submit comments.

The Consolidated Annual Action Plan Executive Summary can be reviewed on the Fort Bend County Community Development Department website: http://www.fortbendcountytx.gov/ In addition, copies of the Consolidated Annual Action Plan are available from the Fort Bend Community Development Department, 301 Jackson St., Suite 602, Richmond, Texas, 77469. Please call the department at (281) 341-4410 or email comments to communitydevelopment@fortbendcountytx.gov A public meeting will be held on Thursday, July 13, 2017, at 10:00 a.m., at the William B. Travis Building, 301 Jackson St., 1st Floor Meeting Room, Richmond, Texas to receive comments from the public regarding the draft FY 2017 Consolidated Annual Action Plan. The public is encouraged to attend and to submit comments to Marilynn Kindell, Community Development Director, at the Fort Bend County Community Development Department, 301 Jackson St., Suite 602, Richmond, Texas, 77469. Comments will be incorporated into the draft Consolidated Annual Action Plan document, as appropriate.

Persons with vision or hearing impairments or other individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids and services may contact the department at (281) 341-4410 regarding reasonable accommodations for the meeting. This venue is accessible for persons with physical disabilities. Spanish language translators are available at the meeting for persons with Limited English Proficiency.

Persons requiring other language translators must contact the department at least 48 hours prior to the meeting at (281) 341-4410 to request translation services for the meeting.

This is Ansel Elgort’s coming out party. He’s only 23, but he is THE star as “Baby” of this movie which is blessed with other big names like Kevin “House of Cards” Spacey, Jon “Mad Men” Hamm, Jon “Walking Dead” Bernthal, and Jamie “Oscar Winner” Foxx.

And here’s some of the names of the characters who make up the bank-robbing gang led by Doc: Buddy, Bats, Eddie No-Nose, JD, Griff, and Darling. And the super-skilled, tire-burning getaway driver is named Baby who perpetually wears dark sunglasses and ear buds so he can listen to music while Doc is explaining the details of the next big heist.

And this entertaining and amusing band of charming hoodlums is the product of writer/director Edgar Wright’s fertile imagination. Wright at

43, has already reach enough success to convince these bigdog actors to play along in his Taratinoesque light-hearted car chase and bang-bang film with lots of blood and complicated good guys who kill people without regret.

“Shaun of the Dead” in 2004 is probably Wright’s biggest jewel prior to “Baby Driver” but this cleverly-scripted movie and box office success will open many financial doors for this Brit. He and Ansel Elgort will forever be merged in their careers as this movie might reach cult level.

Elgort’s classic good looks and pleasant smile will serve this talented actor well as he will continue to get hunky parts for the lead male who isn’t afraid to show his emotions. The love story in this movie (of course Wright injected the forbidden love of

two young, bright-eyed and misguided twenty-somethings) blossomed in the midst of a cops and robbers farce filled with automatic weapons and intrigue.

Biggest winner other than Wright and Elgort: Lily James as Debora the waitress who falls in love with Baby. For those of you keeping score, she was Lady Rose MacClare on “Downton Abbey.” And yes, Lily James was born in England in 1989.

“Baby Driver” has had some big buzz and anticipation; my film-critic friend Travis L. thinks “it’s the best movie of the year; so far.”

I wouldn’t go that far, but this flick is enjoyable and ingenious. Bravo Edgar Wright!

Rock ‘n Roll.

Grade 90. Larry H. www.larryhmoviereviews. com

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