Fort Bend Independent

VOL 7 No. 36

email: editor@ĩindependent.com

www.fbindependent.com ww .fbindependent.com

Phone: 281-980-6745

FORT BEND FAIR. BALANCED. INFORMATIVE. WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2014

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

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

Merry Ministries Worship team releases album

Wanna play? No, not peek-a-boo! Friday, Sep. 5, 7 p.m. at Sweetwater Country Club, friends, family members and community neighbors are having a CASINO NIGHT to benefit children living with autism. Be brave and go “ALL IN” to support local families. Wanna play? Don’t delay, register today: http://hopeforthree.org/casino-night/. Visit online to register: HopeforThree.org/ Casino-Night or call 800-317-0787 for information.

County accepts two aged military helicopters

By SESHADRI KUMAR Fort Bend County Commissioners Court last week unanimously voted to accept two old military helicopters into the county’s fleet management system and assign them to the sheriff’s office.

Earlier, during public comments Thaddeus Walls of National Helicopter Solutions, in Richmond, urged the court to delay the action. His company could offer an alternative solution to meet the county’s needs at half the cost, Walls said. He called the helicopters “fixer-

uppers that may or may not last.” The cost of maintenance and fuel would be more than double the sheriff’s estimates, he said.

Commissioner James Patterson made a statement that the area cities should continue to support the sheriff in sharing the cost of operating the helicopters and the county would have the right to return them, if necessary. Also, one helicopter should be used for flying and the other should be used for parts, he said. Patterson also suggested that Walls should

talk to the sheriff and explore the opportunity for using his Top row: Tricia Zody, left, Debbie Fancher ; Bottom, Carol Boriskie, left, Carmen McCullough, services in the future.

Melody Banken.

Sheriff Troy Nehls had invitThe Merry Ministries Wor- served and that night only, the led and taught by Mary Willis. ed the police chiefs of RosenMembers have the option of atship Team will be releas- CD’s will be $10. berg, Sugar Land and Missouri tending on Tuesday evenings at The Merry Ministries Woring their debut album titled City to express their support for 6:30 or Wednesday mornings ship Team is made up of ConAMAZED. It is made up of the acquisition of the helicopat 9:30. Their time together temporary Christian recordvarious praise and worship ters. After the commissioners begins with praise and woring artists and worship leaders contemporary songs.

Many of voted, County Judge Bob Heship led by Debbie Fancher on from the Houston area.

The lathese songs represent the songs bert allowed the police chiefs Tuesdays and Tricia Zody on dies featured in the album are sung by the women each week to make their statements. They Wednesdays. Mary Willis then Tricia Zody, Debbie Fancher, and give you a fl avor of the all supported the sheriff in acteaches the lesson from God’s Carol Boriskie, Melody Banworship time at Merry Minisquiring the helicopters.

Word. The meetings take place ken and keyboardist, Carmen tries.

The CD release concert Even after the county voted Merry Min- in the Sanctuary at Sugar Land will take place at 7 p.m. Friday, McCullough.

See HELICOPTERS, Page 2 Sept. 12, at First United Meth- istries is a women’s interde- First United Methodist Church.

For more information visit odist Church’s Great Hall, 431 nominational group that meets Eldridge Rd, Sugar Land, TX weekly to worship God, study www.merryministries.com or 77478 . The concert is free of the Bible, pray and fellowship email Mary Willis at Mary@ charge. Refreshments will be with each other. The class is merryministries.com

Opinion piece on FBISD bond termed “unfairly negative,” and “destructive” Following is a response to the opinion piece on FBISD bond published in these columns last week.

I am dropping you a note concerning your recent opinion piece entitled “Fort Bend ISD Bond: Same Old Wine in a New Bottle.”

While I believe your newspaper’s coverage of events concerning Fort Bend ISD always hold the opportunity to serve our community, I must ask you to reconsider the very tone and opaque negative posturing within your opinion piece.

While I completely understand your right and privilege to focus on any aspect you see fit, I am very concerned the only “same old wine in a new bottle” may very well be your own opinionated coverage of FBISD. I was rather shocked that you managed to take something positive and attempt to slander it with negative overtones. In my opinion, you would have been well served to have ended your opinion piece in the first four paragraphs. Unfortunately, you seemed compelled to attempt to discredit FBISD’s administration and board.

In my opinion, you undertook such without a command of facts and in a rather reckless manner. I believe such approach is very dangerous and potentially destructive to our community. I would remind you that your newspaper has the ability to be a responsible or a destructive participant in our community. And yes, that does

include holding folks accountable, shedding light on important issues, and providing our community with all the many wonderful benefits we enjoy under a free and independent press - completely welcome and take no issue with such.

However when that free press is not used in a responsible and appropriate manner then a community can suffer its damaging effects. Ultimately, a community will hold a newspaper responsible for continued reckless misuse of the free press. I certainly will and I am certain others will join with me.

I firmly believe I represent the silent majority when I say it’s likely time for Kumar and the Fort Bend Independent to move on with the unfair negative tone of your reporting.

I believe the actions by FBISD’s administration and this board concerning the upcoming bond election -- was exactly just that -- moving on.

I believe that is exactly what our community desires - and such sentiment will likely be overwhelmingly validated in November.

I certainly apologize for any aspect of this email strikes you as offensive or personal in nature. My only purpose was to provide you with honest and constructive feedback.

You claim you are operating your newspaper in a “fair, balanced, and informative” manner - I certainly believe your opinion piece was not that.

Deron Harrington (Harrington is a member of the

Plant Sale: Native & Seasonal Children’s Activities Bee Keeping Butterfly Garden Arts, Crafts, Food Vendors

Bond Oversight Committee. He also ran for the school board last May.) Harrington suggests that I should have stopped with the first four paragraphs, namely just support the bond election and say nothing against the bond proposal.

While graciously allowing me the right to have an opinion, he also suggests what opinion I should have.

He also alleged that I undertook an attempt to discredit the administration and the board without a command of facts and in a reckless manner. In this entire diatribe, Harrington did not advance an iota of fact that I did not have or that he has, but I don’t have.

Then he talks about “moving on.” If the current administration and the board claim that they are doing something which had not been done in the past, is it wrong to compare the past and the present?

The thrust of my article was that the bond proposal should be sold on its own merit and not on the basis of politically correct packaging.

Maybe the wine is not the same. Even if the wine is new and the bottle is new, it should taste good. In other words, it is the substance that matters, not style. My contention is that the current administration places more emphasis on style.

Harrington holds that a contrary opinion or even a negative opinion is destructive and that sounds like intimidation.

—Seshadri Kumar

FBISD adopts zoning policy At the August 18 Board meeting, the FBISD Board of Trustees approved revisions to the board policy governing attendance boundaries and feeder patterns.

Based on the adoption of this revised policy, the administration is developing procedures, a timeline and comprehensive plan to put the new policy into action.

These revisions were provided for in the District’s Facilities Master Plan adopted by the Board in April 2014.

The plan addressed the need for the board to review, revise and create policy to address student participation in instructional programs not located on their home campus, building use and capacity, attendance boundaries and feeder patterns.

Beginning with the community engagement work in August 2013 and during the development of the Facilities Master Plan, the board began discussing an in-depth policy review with the administration.

Most recently, the board continued their collaboration with the administration guided by Dr. Cathy Mincberg of the Center for Reform of School Systems.

The policy revisions reflect the items closely reviewed including the board’s overall philosophy regarding attendance boundaries, feeder patterns, and distribution of programs.

The policy addresses priorities held by the community, as well as the Board’s desire to:

•Maintain neighborhood schools, •Preserve “pure” feeder patterns, •Maintain a student-centered approach, •Ensure students zoned to campuses are not moved or negatively impacted when distributing programs among schools, and •Create attendance boundaries that will stand for five or more years when possible.

Instead of making decisions that meet immediate needs to create attendance boundaries related to the opening of new schools, the policy revisions allow for the administration to obtain data, review the data, and make recommendations to the board after implementing the community engagement process regarding the need for alternative student enrollment options, including new construction and/or attendance boundary modifications.

The community engagement

process will be developed by the district’s administration and replaces the current process involving the building utilization committee.

The administration has begun to develop a long-range plan to address district feeder patterns and boundaries, including new attendance boundaries for two new elementary schools scheduled to open in 2015 and 2016.

Based on a new demographic update and other information that will be available in late fall 2014, the administration will review the data and implement a community engagement process to bring recommendations to the board.

Any changes to feeder patterns, attendance boundaries, or the distribution of programs will reflect the board’s priorities addressed in the revised policy.

The administration expects to discuss preliminary plans with the Board of Trustees at a board meeting in September.

FORT BEND FAIR. BALANCED. INFORMATIVE.

12551, Emily Court, Sugar Land, TX 77478 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 623, Sugar Land, TX 77487 www.fbindependent.com Seshadri Kumar 281-980-6745 Publisher & Editor 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, Sugar Land, Texas 77478.

Periodicals Postage Paid at Stafford, Texas.

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

Saturday, Sept 27 8:30 am to 1:30 pm Historic Sugar Land, KC Hall & Grounds 702 Burney @ St. Theresa Blvd Sponsor/Vendor info www.SugarLandGardenClub.org

Presenting Sponsor of “The Great Grow” Children’s School Garden Competition

Page 2 • INDEPENDENT • SEPTEMBER 3, 2014

Helicopters From Page 1 to accept the helicopters, there was no official explanation on how the helicopters will be used, and how much it would cost to equip the helicopter police equipment.

The estimated maintenance and fuel costs is said to be $150,000 a year.

The cost of additional equipment may be between $300,000 and $400,000, but that money has not yet been budgeted.

Hebert remarked that long ago Stafford Police Department had acquired a military vehicle, which was very useful in rescuing people during a devastating hurricane, when no other transportation was possible. He hoped that the helicopter would be similarly useful.

The sheriff has already hired a former Houston Police Department officer as deputy to fly the helicopters.

After the commissioners court voted on the helicopters, the sheriff’s office responded to the query from this newspa-

per for the third time.

The helicopters will be used for search and rescue (lost children, etc…); Aiding ground units in locating fugitives who are evading arrest on foot; aiding in police pursuits of motor vehicles; Helping assess traffic flow options in times of evacuation due to projected landfall of a hurricane and detours due to major crashes; and surveying damage in cases of natural disasters or industrial accidents.

The final costs have not been determined, according to the sheriff’s office spokesman Bob Haenel.

Muslim Community Dinner Academy school and prayer hall will commence at 6:15 p.m. This will be followed by a presentation by ISGH South Zone officials and then a Q&A. Dinner will commence

The Islamic Society of Greater Houston is pleased to announce a Community Dinner on Sunday Sept. 7, from 6:15 p.m. at Masjid As-Sabireen, 610 Brand Lane, Stafford, Texas 77477.

Local Fort Bend officials will get an opportunity to visit, interact and learn more about the Muslim community that resides in Fort Bend and community members will have the opportunity to become registered voters.

An optional tour of Everest

at 7:30 p.m. The Muslim community in Fort Bend plays an active and substantial role in Fort Bend County. The Muslim community encompasses people from all nationalities, including South Asians and Arabs.

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SEPTEMBER 3, 2014 • INDEPENDENT • Page 3

NEWS

Missouri City AARP chapter meeting

SMSD drops tax rate by one cent

By BARBARA FULENWIDER The meeting of Stafford’s city council and Stafford’s school district board this past Thursday resulted in the adoption of a $26 million budget for the district and a school tax of $1.24 per $100 valuation.

The tax rate is a penny less than last year’s and the lowest of any school district’s in Fort Bend County.

According to the district’s new Superintendent Robert Bostic, who presented this year’s budget at the meeting, the $26 million is primarily going into classrooms.

He also said that enrollment for the five schools in the Stafford Municipal School District (SMSD) “is down a little bit from last year at this same time” and that as of Aug. 28, “we have 3,323 students enrolled.”

The superintendent also told his audience that the district has a large influx of pre-K enrollments and that students who don’t live in Stafford are on a waiting list.

“If you are a Stafford resident, come one, come all. We want you going to school here.”

He gave a tip of the hat to the city for providing police to help direct incoming and outgoing campus traffic that has grown exponentially along with enrollments and said that hiring a deputy superintendent is in his plans.

In building this year’s budget, Bostic said, property values provided by Harris and Fort Bend County’s central appraisal districts put preliminary values at $215 billion and certified values at $2.032 billion.

Values under review he said total $98 million and the district projects that “maybe 41 percent of those will be approved. So we built our budget on certified values.”

He noted that the district had a deficit budget last year of $778,494 and will have a balanced budget this year. Bostic explained that last year’s budget, “took into account

that we’d just opened our college and career center and had put the teachers in place but needed to buy some culinary items for it.

“Last year’s revenues were $26 million and this year’s are slightly more at $26,428,692.

The total budget of $26,897,663 is a little less than last year’s,” he said.

“Based on last year’s values and this year’s values,” Bostic said, “we were able to capture more than $1 million. That helped us with last year’s deficit budget and gave us $288,537 that we can put back in the fund balance on top of the amount to make up for the deficit.”

In this year’s balanced budget is an incentive plan to foster long-term district employment.

Bostic said the incentive program would pay from $0 to $395 each to those who return to SMSD after the summer vacation and that he expects it will cost the district a total of $200,000.

Another initiative he introduced was $50,000 to improve collections in the Margaret Havens Library and develop programs for college and career readiness.

Bostic wants to add books as well as “electronic resources” and invest in library systems and upgrades that will enable us to continue to be competitive.”

Out of the estimated revenue of $26 million, the major expenses are $15 million for instruction; library and media, $200,543; staff development, $211,171, curriculum and special ed administration, $603,861; campus and PEIMS administration, $1,849,533; counseling, testing and assessment, $595,200; health and nursing service, $295,200; student transportation, $756,064; UIL activities and athletic activities, $779,496; general administration, $1,570,449; plant maintenance and operations, $3,664,000.

Missouri City AARP Chapter 3081 meets monthly (Second Monday), 1522 Texas Parkway, City Center, 11:30-1 p.m. Lite lunch and speaker featured at each meeting. All 50 year + adults welcomed to membership stressing fun, fellowship, and community service.

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Trial court rules School Harish Jajoo elected President of TML Region 14 finance system unconstitutional Sugar Land Mayor Pro Tem and City Council Member Harish Jajoo has been elected president of Texas Municipal League (TML) Region 14 for the incoming term, which includes cities and municipalities in 17 county region all the way from Houston county to Matagorda county including the cities of Houston, Galveston and Sugar Land.

As regional director of TML’s Region 14, the largest region in Texas, Jajoo will promote interest in municipal government on a regional level, facilitate the exchange of information among cities in the region, and assist the TML Board of Directors in formulating policy that represents the diverse interests of the state.

TML was formed in 1913 and now serves the needs and advocates the interests of more than 1,110 cities and towns comprising the membership.

More than 18,000 mayors, councilmembers, city managers, city attorneys and city department heads are members of the League. The TML has 16 regions.

“I am excited and honored to be elected to this key role within the Texas Municipal League and will focus my energy and attention on the range of needs and future direction for the Houston, Galveston and San Jacinto area region (Region 14),” said Jajoo, who

Jajoo also represents Sugar Land on Transportation Policy Council (TPC) on the Houston-Galveston Area Council (HGAC).

The Transportation Policy Council (TPC) provides policy guidance and overall coordination of the transportation planning activities within the region.

Jajoo was elected to office in 2011, and currently serves as mayor pro-tem. He is vicepresident of the Sugar Land Development Corporation and member of the Economic Development Committee as well as on Council Task Force on Land Use. He is a member of the Exchange Club of Sugar Land and supports many charitable organization. He is a registered professional engineer in the state of Texas and certified flood plain manager.

He and his wife, Shashi have two grown children, and have lived in Sugar Land since 1985.

Union Pacific Railroad begins double track project in Sugar Land Union Pacific Railroad has begun construction on a multimillion dollar project that will extend a second rail line through Sugar Land, Stafford and Missouri City, Texas, as part of an overall plan to improve train operating efficiency.

Six new track miles are being installed from Ulrich Street to Gessner Road in Missouri City. The first construction phase will involve preparation activities inside Union Pacific’s existing right of way requiring temporary railroad crossing closures.

The second construction phase, slated to begin in 2015, will be the track installation. This phase also will require temporary crossing closures.

Union Pacific will meet regularly with local officials to keep the community informed of construction progress, scheduled closures and alternative routes. Additionally, message boards will be placed to notify drivers of upcoming closures approximately two weeks in advance.

The following closures are scheduled: • Ulrich Street: September 8 – 22 • Main Street: September 22 – October 8 “This project is an indication of growth and economic development,” said Brenda Mainwaring, Union Pacific vice president – Public Affairs, Southern Region. “This capacity expansion project will allow us to serve our customers more effectively and should have a positive impact on the community by improving our operating efficiency.”

Directional wayside horns mounted at crossing sites will remain in place and operational; however, approaching trains will be required to sound bells and horns while crews are on the work site. Sounding train horns under these circumstances is mandated by railroad operating rules and is not considered a violation of quiet zone regulation. Given that the work is expected to take place between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m., train horns should not sound overnight. This may change, should circumstances require work to continue at night.

Fort Bend ISD has welcomed the recent ruling by Judge John Dietz that the current school finance system violates the requirements of the Texas Constitution.

Despite the actions of the 2013 Texas Legislature, the Court found the current funding system still does not suitably, adequately, or equitably provide the resources necessary to give all students a real opportunity to meet the state’s rising expectations..

The Court also found that the funding system does not provide local school districts and communities, like Fort Bend ISD, with meaningful discretion to set their property tax rates and provide local supplementation or enrichment above state requirements.

While the actions of the Texas Legislature in partially restoring the funding cuts were a step in the right direction, the state still does not provide districts with enough resources to meet the state’s rising standards.

“While Fort Bend ISD is successfully educating many of our students and preparing them for college and/or a career, we are struggling with too few resources to help economically disadvantaged students meet heightened expectations. The undisputed evidence at trial showed large performance gaps between Texas’ economically disadvantaged students and their non-economically disadvantaged peers,” according to a statement from the FBISD. In Fort Bend ISD, the number of economically disadvantaged students continues to rise, and last year, close to 40 percent of the District’s students were economically disadvantaged.

“Increased standards and an emphasis on post-secondary readiness for all students are the right goals for Texas schools,” said Dr. Charles E. Dupre, Superintendent of Schools for Fort Bend ISD. “But the state’s funding commitment does not match its expectations. We must have additional resources if we are ensure that all students reach their full potential.”

Despite a constitutional mandate to ensure that the amount of funding provided to districts is linked to the performance expectations, the Legislature has ignored its statutory responsibility to study the school finance formulas and ensure they provide sufficient funding. Most of the special weights and allotments — including those aimed at our state’s most vulnerable economically-disadvantaged students — have not been studied or adjusted in three decades.

As a result of the State’s failure to update and adequately fund the formulas, the burden has shifted to local property taxpayers.

“We are grateful for our community’s support for our schools and children” said Grayle James, President of the Fort Bend ISD Board of Trustees.

“But we strongly encourage the state to pay its fair share of the costs of operating schools instead of depending so heavily on local property taxes.”

The decision provides the Texas legislature with yet another opportunity to address the deficiencies in the public school funding system.

“Judge Dietz’s ruling is the logical conclusion to the Supreme Court’s 2006 warning that the system already was on the verge of constitutional inadequacy. Since 2006, we have increased standards without regard to whether districts have the resources to meet them, all while adding hundreds of thousands of students who come to school with more needs and challenges. We respectfully believe that now is the time to begin to address the fundamental question over the resources that are needed to meet our state’s high standards.” said David Thompson, attorney for the Fort Bend ISD Plaintiff group.

This decision comes almost nine years after the Texas Supreme Court last struck down the state’s school funding system. In November 2005, the Court found that the Texas legislature had over-relied on local property taxes, left local school districts without meaningful discretion over local tax rates, and was operating a state property tax in violation of the Texas Constitution.

At that time, the Supreme Court also cautioned that the school funding system was on the verge of resulting in a constitutionally inadequate education system. The Court warned that structural change was needed and stated that it “remain[ed] to be seen whether the system’s predicted drift toward constitutional inadequacy [would] be avoided by legislative reaction to widespread calls for changes.”

Sugar Land Garden Club Fall Festival The Sugar Land Garden Club Fall Festival and Plant Sale.

Unique and Seasonal Plants, Children’s Activities, Butterfly Garden, Bee Keeping, Arts & Crafts, Food Vendors, $500 Landscape Raffle. Kick-Off for Elementary School Garden Competition at 10 a.m. Saturday, September 27, 2014 8:30-1:30. New Location: KC Hall & Grounds, 702 Burney Rd. www.SugarLandGardenClub.org

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The AARP Automobile Insurance Program from The Hartford is underwritten by Hartford Fire Insurance Company and its affiliates, One Hartford Plaza, Hartford CT 06155. CA license number 5152. In Washington, the Program is underwritten by Trumbull Insurance Company. AARP does not employ or endorse agents or brokers.

AARP and its affiliates are not insurers. Paid endorsement. The Hartford pays royalty fees to AARP for the use of its intellectual property. These fees are used for the general purposes of AARP. AARP membership is required for Program eligibility in most states. Applicants are individually underwritten and some may not qualify.

Specific features, credits, and discounts may vary and may not be available in all states in accordance with state filings and applicable law. You have the option of purchasing a policy directly from The Hartford. Your price, however, could vary, and you will not have the advice, counsel or services of your independent agent. ¹ In Texas, the Program is underwritten by Southern County Mutual Insurance Company, through Hartford of Texas General Agency, Inc. Hartford Fire Insurance Company and its affiliates are not financially responsible for insurance products underwritten and issued by Southern County Mutual Insurance Company. ‡ Some benefits including First Accident Forgiveness and the Disappearing Deductible, are only available with the optional Advantage Plus package. A policy without these benefits is also available. [Call for details.] To qualify for these two benefits, all drivers on the policy must have a clean record (no accidents or violations) for five consecutive years in most states. PA drivers are not eligible for the complete disappearance of the deductible, although it will be reduced to a minimum of $100. The First Accident Forgiveness benefit is not available in Delaware. † If you are age 50 or older, once you’re insured through this Program for at least 60 days, you cannot be refused renewal as long as applicable premiums are paid when due. Also, you and other customary drivers of your vehicles must retain valid licenses, remain physically and mentally capable of operating an automobile, have no convictions for driving while intoxicated and must not have obtained your policy through material misrepresentation.

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Page 4 • INDEPENDENT • SEPTEMBER 3, 2014

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Pay attention to your water bill. A big increase could indicate a leak.

Plumbing Systems Homes 30 years old are 3 times as likely to have a plumbing supply or drainage problem.

A plan for prevention - Inspect pipes annually for condensation, leaks and corrosion. Call a plumber at the first sign even a small drip or leak, backedup toilets or sinks, wet spots in areas of water using fixtures or appliances and cracked or warped floors. While away from home for prolonged periods turn your home’s main water supply line off.

Roofs - Roofs are the most frequent source of water damage, especially in regions prone to freezing and strong wind and hail. A plan for prevention - Schedule a professional roof inspection annually. Request a detailed inspection report that includes the condition of the flashing, roof covering, parapets and drainage system. Make repairs if there are cracked, loose or missing shingles and granules, the flashing has deteriorated, particularly around the chimneys and vents and if pooling water is present. In hail prone areas, consider an upgraded replacement shingle or an impact resistant roofing material.

Water Heaters – over 70% of water heaters fail before they are 12 years old. The chance a water heater will leak or burst increases dramatically at 5 years old and older. A plan for prevention - Schedule a professional plumbing inspection of the anode rod annually once the warranty has expired.

The rod will eventually corrode and leave the tank vulnerable to damage. Remove sediment by flushing the tank every 6 months. Sediment will

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build up faster in areas with hard water.

Showers - Over half of shower stall damage involves a faulty shower pan. A plan for prevention Test the shower pan annually. Block the floor drain. Fill the shower stall with 1 inch of water and mark the water line.

After 8 hours, if the water level drops, contact a plumbing professional. Inspect your shower every 6 months.

Check for loose or cracked tiles or crumbling grout lines.

Repair as needed.

Toilets – Over 70% of water damage from toilets is caused by faulty supply lines, toilet flanges, fill valve assemblies or toilets that back-up & overflow. A plan for prevention - Inspect the flushing mechanism every 6 months.

The fill valve should shut off when the float reaches the proper level. Replace the flapper or fill valve assembly if you notice constant tank refilling when the toilet is not in use. Inspect the supply line every 6 months. Ensure the connection to the valve is secure.

Operate the valve to make sure the water supply will shut off. Replace if needed.

Sinks - Nearly half of all water damage caused by sinks is due to a faulty plumbing line and costs typically are over $5,000 per incident.

A plan for prevention - Inspect sink plumbing every 6 months. Ensure connections are secure and there is no corrosion or kinking of pipes, which could lead to pinhole leaks over time.

Know where the water shutoff valve is. Inspect the valve every 6 months to make sure the water supply will shut off.

Washing Machines – Nearly half of all washing machine water damage incidents are caused from a burst water supply line. Repair costs are typically $5,000 per incident.

A plan for prevention - Inspect water supply line hoses every 6 months to ensure the connection to the valve is secure.

If loose, hand-tighten first, then tighten an additional 2/3 of a turn using pliers. Leave a 3-4 inch gap between the washing machine and wall to avoid kinking. Check hoses for kinks, cracks, or blisters commonly found near the hose connection. Replace hoses every 5 years and consider braided stainless steel hoses.

Ice Makers – Over 70% of losses involving icemakers were caused by a supply line hose failure. A plan for prevention - Make sure the icemaker supply line hose is properly installed. Tightly connect the hose to the valve, but avoid over-tightening. Leave a 3-4 inch gap between the refrigerator and wall to prevent the hose from crimping. Inspect hose every 6 months 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.

Awaken your “Color consciousness”

By VANESIA R. JOHNSON “If you don’t see color, you don’t see me” is what I would say to my Masters Social Work University of Houston intern throughout her initial field placement at my firm last year.

“If you can’t see that I am a rich mahogany, with a pinch of bronze, and an undertone of sweet reddish copper, you don’t see me. I don’t know who you see, but it can’t be me. I am an African American woman.” It was my way of awakening her color consciousness and making it “okay” to see me as an African American. I told her that I saw her as a white woman. “It is all okay,” is what I would say.

I realized a couple of years ago that my belief in “color blindness” was no longer an acceptable for me. I needed to truly embrace my “color consciousness” in order to be free. When I was a young girl in the mid-eighties, I was inspired by the Civil Rights movement of the 1960’s. Although 20 years earlier, the nonviolent protests of people of color proved to pave the way for my sense of safety and security.

However, what emerged as the great resolve to racial tension was this concept called “color blindness.”

I bought into this idea as a young girl. I used to feel so proud to say that I was color blind. “I don’t see color. I see everyone all the same.

We are all human beings.” It made me feel so righteous, holy and in line with all the good and just people of the world. Even more importantly, I felt safe and secure when acquaintances of different races would say these words to me. It was a relief to know that I was safe as a little black girl in a country that once treated people of my racial/ ethnic descent as inferior and inhuman.

It has become increasing apparent to me that “color blindness” was an illusion. It is not until a person confronts and overcomes what lurks in their color conscious mind can they embrace another’s humanity.

Disproportionality in our government institutions is the consequence of us all living in the illusion of color blindness. It is my belief that until we awaken our color consciousness; openly dialogue about the good, the bad, and the ugly of what we discover; learn to feel safe talking about our perceptions, beliefs, and experiences through color conscious lenses can we reach past our suppressed prejudice to connect to another’s soul. The privilege of color “blindness” is earned through the constant exercise of awakening one’s color consciousness. It’s okay to see the skin that I am in because if you can’t see it then you will never see the real me.

I am so thankful for the hard work and dedication of my Masters Social Work University of Houston intern, Rhonda Arias. She embraced color consciousness and helped launched C.A.S.E. into another dimension. I grew in the process.

(Vanesia Jonson is Founder and Chairperson of Citizens Advocating for Social Equity (C.A.S.E.)

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SEPTEMBER 3, 2014 • INDEPENDENT • Page 5

LETTER Sugar Land officials appear disconnected from taxpayers To the Editor: The Sugar Land City Council needs a reality check on taxation. Voters sent a message that they need to practice better fiscal stewardship with the results of the November 5th bond election in 2013 when they rejected a $20 million bond proposal that clearly would have little benefit to most of the citizens in Sugar Land. This may have been the first time in history that Sugar Land voters rejected a bond proposal.

The Sugar Land officials were disingenuous in discussions about their plans for increasing tax rates, ignoring the fact that average appraisal valuations of property in Sugar Land have increased annually for the last ten years and the city has not lowered its tax rate to keep the tax burdens flat for citizens.

This smoke and mirrors approach to taxation where officials claim to have kept tax rates low, knowing that increases in appraised values of

property give them windfalls in tax revenue to spend without citizens really understanding what was happening is not the type of policy that reflects accountability.

The city gets approximately $180,000 from the final appraised values above what was budgeted and has kept $2 million more than needed in the debt service reserve fund with a very generous general fund balance of 25 percent of the operating budget.

But, appraisal creep has in-

Creekstone parents protest lack of transportation to Elkins High School A group of parents upset over the abrupt cancellation of school bus service for their children from Creekstone subdivision in Missouri City to Elkins High School has demanded immediate restoration of the service.

A petition signed by 388 residents has been sent to the school board trustees and administration.

The petition reads thus: “We would like to bring your immediate attention, our shock and serious concern over the abrupt cancellation of the existing transportation facility just a few days before the opening of the school for 2014-15. In fact, this is mainly based on real safety issues for our children which continue to exist- noted as follows — • Unsafe and Incomplete roads/ side walks • Ongoing construction work reroute and the presence

of strangers and construction vehicles.

• Increasing incidents of robberies reported in and around the area and other security issues reported to Missouri City police and Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office.

• Open and isolated area between Elkins and subdivision.

•No change of Pre-existing conditions to suspend the existing transport facility.

• A week’s notice to this effect before reopening is too short & frustrating.

• And above all, the safety of our children is the number one priority.

In view of the above appalling facts, we earnestly appeal to your good selves to reconsider your decision in this regard and restore status quo.”

Asked for a response by this newspaper, FBISD issued the following statement: “Fort Bend ISD is aware of

A star is in the making at Schiff Elementary School Giovanni Goree isn’t your typical fifth-grader.

The Schiff Elementary School student is an aspiring actor who will soon appear in the Lifetime movie, Deliverance Creek, as character Eli Washington.

The movie is based on a novel written by Nicholas Sparks and takes place in the Post-Civil War era. It airs on September 13, at 8:00 p.m. on Lifetime.

Following in the footsteps of his actor brother, Jazz, Giovanni has also appeared in a national Chuck E. Cheese commercial, as well as regional commercials for NASA, Academy Sports and Outdoors and other local markets.

Last year, Giovanni teamed with his mother, Lora, to complete an interactive, educational documentary for the Pearson Book

concerns surrounding student transportation in the Stone Brook and Creekstone Village subdivisions.

“On Wednesday, Aug. 28, Max Cleaver, FBISD Chief Operations Officer, and Board members Kristin Tassin and K.P. George met with approximately 20 parents to hear their concerns in the area affected by a change in bus service.

“District officials will reach out to representatives from Fort Bend County and Missouri City to discuss the status of the Thompson Ferry Road closure and the cross walk completion schedule, which both affect approximately 115 Elkins High School students who walk to school each day.

Fort Bend ISD is committed to working with area agencies to ensure a safe route to and from school for our students.

Quilt Showcase Coastal Prairie Quilt Guild will hold Threads thru Time Quilt Showcase on Friday, September 12 and Saturday, Sept. 13. Stafford Centre, 10505 Cash Rd. Event times are Friday: 10-6, Saturday 105. Hundreds of quilts will be on display, large vendor market, classes, demonstrations, raffles and much more. The event will feature Guest Artist Winnie Fleming.

Goree Company that will be used to teach Black History lessons in public schools throughout Texas.

When he isn’t auditioning for TV roles, Giovanni enjoys football, basketball and baseball.

Fort Bend chapter of DAR Join the Fort Bend Chapter National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution meeting Wednesday, Sept. 10, 10:30 a.m. in the chapel of the First United Methodist Church, 3900 Lexington Blvd., Missouri City.

Featured speaker Richard Lo Vesque, President, Houston Glass Club American Depression Glass. Contact Gwen Goldsberry at jbbumdar@hotmail.com for more information.

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creased the annual tax burden for an average home by $57 a year and now the city wants to add an additional $27 in taxation per household annually.

Are they also planning to increase future rates? Has the city attempted to find $1 million they claim is needed for the parks projects elsewhere in the $324 million budget?

The current tax rate of 30.895 cents is more than the effective tax rate of 29.55 cents and if they keep the existing tax rate, the tax rate due to appraisal creep will still result in increased taxation on homeowners and businesses.

It’s time for the Sugar Land officials to take a deep breath and step back from their very aggressive efforts to find new ways to spend taxes on the next project that developers or special interests want to fund with someone else’s tax dolNOTICE TO BIDDERS SEALED PROPOSALS addressed to Linbeck Group, LLC. on behalf of The City of Sugar Land for the construction of the ACE Center Sugar Land will be received at the office of Linbeck Group, LLC., 3900 Essex Lane, Suite 1200, Houston, Texas 77027, until 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, September 23, 2014. A link to the Plans and Specifications may be obtained from Linbeck Group, LLC. by contacting Stephen Clegg at 713-579-0072 or sclegg@linbeck. com. Linbeck Group, LLC. and the City of Sugar Land reserve the right to reject any and all bids.

lars.

These officials need to consider the fact that the economy is static, people are worried about jobs, healthcare expenses, and the cost of living.

They should only consider self-funding approaches to capital expenditures that don’t involve higher property taxes.

If a project doesn’t pay for itself, do we really need it?

While it’s nice to have fun things to do in Sugar Land, there are still a lot of taxpayers who are sweating the economy out and wondering how long they can hang in there.

The Sugar Land City Council needs to be reminded that the taxes they like to spend are still other people’s money.

Teresea Raia Sugar Land 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, SEPTEMBER 18, 2014 at 1:30 P.M. (CST). All bids will then be publicly opened and read in the Office of the Purchasing Agent, Travis Annex, 301 Jackson, Suite 201, Richmond, TX 77469. Bids received after the specified time will be returned unopened. Solicitation and any and all addendums will be posted on Purchasing Agent’s website located at www.fortbendcountytx.gov.

BID 15-025 – TONER AND INK CARTRIDGES 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

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 23, 2014 for Shops at Beadle Road Replat of Foundation Academy 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 Raymond Rahaman with Western Group Consultants at 713465-6655 for information prior to the hearing.

Submitted by, Dianne Wilson Fort Bend County Clerk

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, SEPTEMBER 18, 2014 at 1:30 P.M. (CST). All bids will then be publicly opened and read in the Office of the Purchasing Agent, Travis Annex, 301 Jackson, Suite 201, Richmond, TX 77469. Bids received after the specified time will be returned unopened. Solicitation and any and all addendums will be posted on Purchasing Agent’s website located at www.fortbendcountytx.gov.

BID 15-027 – ELEVATOR MAINTENANCE A pre-bid conference will be conducted on Thursday, September 11, 2014 at 9:00AM (CST). The pre-bid conference will be held in the Purchasing Department in the Travis Annex at 301 Jackson, Suite 201, Richmond TX. A site visit schedule is attached. All bidders are encouraged to attend. The scheduled dates and times are the only opportunity for vendors to complete a site visit and job measurements.

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

2014 Property Tax rates in City of Missouri City This notice concerns the 2014 property tax rates for City of Missouri City. It presents information about three tax rates. Last year’s tax rate is the actual tax rate the taxing unit used to determine property taxes last year. This year’s effective tax rate would impose the same total taxes as last year if you compare properties taxed in both years. This year’s rollback tax rate is the highest tax rate the taxing unit can set before taxpayers start rollback procedures. In each case these rates are found by dividing the total amount of taxes by the tax base (the total value of taxable property) with adjustments as required by state law. The rates are given per $100 of property value.

Last year’s tax rate: Last year’s operating taxes $17,152,853 Last year’s debt taxes $8,719,825 Last year’s total taxes $25,872,678 Last year’s tax base $4,509,399,216 Last year’s total tax rate $0.573750/$100 This year’s effective tax rate: Last year’s adjusted taxes (after subtracting taxes on lost property) $24,108,844 ÷ This year’s adjusted tax base (after subtracting value of new property) $4,425,493,313 =This year’s effective tax rate $0.544771/$100 (Maximum rate unless unit publishes notices and holds hearings.)

This year’s rollback tax rate: Last year’s adjusted operating taxes $15,981,546 (after subtracting taxes on lost property and adjusting for any transferred function, tax increment financing, state criminal justice mandate, and/or enhanced indigent healthcare expenditures ÷ This year’s adjusted tax base $4,425,493,313 =This year’s effective operating rate $0.361125/$100 x 1.08=this year’s maximum operating rate $0.390015/$100 + This year’s debt rate $0.177908/$100 = This year’s total rollback rate $0.567923/$100 Statement of Increase/Decrease If City of Missouri City adopts a 2014 tax rate equal to the effective tax rate of $0.544771 per $100 of value, taxes would decrease compared to 2013 taxes by $-1,292,829.

Schedule A - Unencumbered Fund Balance The following estimated balances will be left in the unit’s property tax accounts at the end of the fiscal year. These balances are not encumbered by a corresponding debt obligation.

Type of Property Tax Fund Balance General Fund 8,001,897 Debt Service 6,246,982 Schedule B - 2014 Debt Service The unit plans to pay the following amounts for long-term debts that are secured by property taxes. These amounts will be paid from property tax revenues (or additional sales tax revenues, if applicable).

Description of Debt Principal or Contract Interest to be Other Amounts Total Payment Payment to be Paid paid from to be paid from Property Taxes Property Taxes 2004 G.O. Bonds 2004 C.O. 2005 G.O. Bonds 2005 C.O. 2007 G.O.Bonds

395,000 75,000 245,000 147,000 435,000

35,025 43,048 64,205 34,267 286,625

2008 G.O. Bonds 2008 C.O. 2008 A G.O. Bonds 2008 A C.O.

230,000 95,000 885,000 235,281

189,805 76,987 746,700 236,845

419,805 171,987 1,631,700 472,126

2009 G.O. Refunding 605,000 2010 G.O. Refunding 545,000 2010 G.O. Bonds 385,000 2010 A G.O.Bonds 470,000 2011 Tax Note 260,000 2012 G.O. Bonds 75,000 2013 G.O. Refunding 33,250 2014 G.O Bonds 70,000 2014 C.O. 40,000 2013 Lease 35,353 2013 Lease 34,650 Paying Agents Fee 0

42,350 82,200 299,343 282,000 17,655 32,437 278,326 57,837 26,437

647,350 627,200 684,343 752,000 277,655 107,437 311,576 127,837 66,437 35,353 45,726 6,500

Total required for 2014 debt service - Amount (if any) paid from Schedule A - Amount (if any) paid from other resources - Excess collections last year

$8,145,202 $0 $118,049 $0

= Total to be paid from taxes in 2014 + Amount added in anticipation that the unit will collect only 100.00% of its taxes in 2014 = Total debt levy

$8,027,153

11,076 6,500

0

430,025 118,048 309,205 181,267 721,625

$0 $8,027,153

This notice contains a summary of actual effective and rollback tax rates’ calculations. You can inspect a copy of the full calculations at 1317 Eugenne Heimann Circle, Richmond, TX 77469.

Name of person preparing this notice: Patsy Schultz Title: Fort Bend County Tax Assessor Collector Date Prepared: 08/26/2014

Page 6 • INDEPENDENT • SEPTEMBER 3, 2014

FORT BEND REAL ESTATE Telfair SL•$893,000•5/41/2/3 7514T

Anita Milne

Telfair SL•$599,990•4/31/2/3 7627R

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281-413-9732 Beard Realty Group

Open House Sun•9/7•2-5

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First Colony SL•$695,000•5/31/2/2 3314SC

Meadows Place•Blair Meadow•4/2/2 Meadow Place • Kenzie Ct. • 4/2/2

Meadows Place • Meadowtrail • 4/2/2

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$174,500 SOLD

$149,900 Pecan Grove RM•$315,900•4/31/2/2 2314CM

Sienna Plantation MC•$314,000•3/21/2/2 10106LH

Sugar Land•Magnolia Lane• 5/3.5/2 Meadows Place•Monticeto•4/2/2 Richmond•Orchard Stables• 5/4/3D

SOLD

SOLD

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$298,500 SOLD

NOTICE TO BIDDERS PURCHASE OF WATER METERS

The City of Sugar Land seeks bids for furnishing all labor, material, and equipment, and performing all work required for the following project in the City: PROJECT NAME: LOCATION OF WORK:

Purchase of Water Meters City Facilities, Sugar Land, Texas 77479

Plans, specifications, and bidding documents may be obtained by registering with Public Purchase www.publicpurchase.com.

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

Questions regarding this bid may be sent to Jason Poscovsky CPPB, Contracts Manager, jposcovsky@sugarlandtx.gov; questions must be received by 3:00 p.m.

Thursday, September 4, 2014.

City Council will award the bid to the lowest responsible bidder that complies with all requirements of the Request for Bids and give notice of the contract award within sixty (60) calendar days after the bid opening.

NOTICE TO BIDDERS EMS RENOVATIONS FIRE STATION NO. 2 & NO. 4

Glenda Gundermann, TRMC, CMC City Secretary

$172,500

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, September 11, 2014 at 1:30 P.M. (CST). All bids will then be publicly opened and read in the Office of the Purchasing Agent, Travis Annex, 301 Jackson, Suite 201, Richmond, TX 77469. Bids received after the specified time will be returned unopened. Solicitation and any and all addendums will be posted on Purchasing Agent’s website located at www.fortbendcountytx.gov.

1. BID 15-024 – FIRE ALARM, SPRINKLER, ANTI-BACKFLOW, ANSUL SYSTEMS MAINTENANCE SERVICE AND FIRE/SECURITY MONITORING 2. BID 15-026 – ABATEMENT OF JUNKED VEHICLES Unit pricing is required; payment will be by check. Bonds are 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

PUBLIC NOTICE The City of Sugar Land seeks bids for furnishing all labor, material, and equipment, and performing all work required for the following project in the City: CIP PROJECT NAME: CIP PROJECT NUMBER: LOCATION OF WORK:

EMS Renovations at Fire Station No. 2 & No. 4 MU1407 Fire Station No. 2 - 1040 Industrial, Sugar Land, TX Fire Station No. 4 - 2100 Austin Parkway, Sugar Land, TX

Plans, specifications, and bidding documents may be obtained by registering with Public Purchase www.publicpurchase.com, or by contacting Jason Poscovsky CPPB, Contracts Manager at jposcovsky@sugarlandtx.gov Sealed bids one (1) original and two (2) copies, shall be delivered to the City of Sugar Land, Office of the City Secretary, 2700 Town Center Boulevard North, Suite 122, Sugar Land, Texas, 77479, on or before 11:00 a.m., Thursday, September 18, 2014, at which time bids will be publicly opened and read. Bids received after the opening date and time will not be considered.

A non-mandatory pre-bid meeting for all interested parties will be held 10:00 a.m., Thursday, September 10, 2014, Public Works Conference Room, 111 Gillingham Lane, Sugar Land, TX 77478.

For questions contact Jason Poscovsky CPPB, Contracts Manager, jposcovsky@ sugarlandtx.gov no later than 3:00 p.m, Thursday, September 11, 2014.

City of Sugar Land City Council will award the contract and give notice within sixty (60) calendar days after the opening date and time.

Glenda Gundermann, TRMC, CMC City Secretary

Parties in interest and citizens of Fort Bend County comprised of the 240th, 268th, 328th, 387th, 400th and 434th Judicial Districts of Texas.

Subject: Pursuant to Local Government Code Sec. 152.905, notice is hereby given to all parties in interest and citizens that a public hearing will be held for the purpose of setting the annual compensation for the Court Reporters, County Auditor and Assistant County Auditors serving Fort Bend County comprised of the 240th, 268th, 328th, 387th, 400th, and 434th Judicial Districts of Texas.

Date:

September 17, 2014 @ 4:00 P.M.

Where:

434th District Courtroom, 1422 Eugene Heimann Circle, Richmond, Texas 77469

Signed: James H. Shoemake, Judge 434th Judicial District

The City of Sugar Land seeks bids for furnishing all labor, material, and equipment, and performing all work required for the following project in the City: CIP PROJECT NAME: CIP PROJECT NUMBER: LOCATION OF WORK:

Austin Parkway Plant Replacement Well WA1404 1402 Austin Parkway, Fort Bend County, Texas 77479

Plans, specifications, and bidding documents may be obtained, with payment of $75.00, from the office of Jones & Carter, Inc.; 6335 Gulfton, Suite 100, Houston, TX 77081.

Sealed bids one (1) original and two (2) copies, shall be delivered to the City of Sugar Land, Office of the City Secretary, 2700 Town Center Boulevard North, Suite 122, Sugar Land, Texas, 77479, on or before 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 18, 2014, at which time bids will be publicly opened and read. Bids received after the opening date and tie will not be considered.

A non-mandatory pre-bid meeting for all interested parties will be held 10:00 a.m., Thursday, September 11, 2014, City Hall Brazos Conference Room, 2700 Town Center Boulevard North, Sugar Land, TX 77479.

For questions contact Toby McQueary, P.E. or Stephanie Kaspar, E.I.T, Jones & Carter, Inc. 713 777-5337 no later than 4:00 p.m. Friday, September 12, 2014.

City of Sugar Land City Council will award the contract and give notice within sixty (60) calendar days after the opening date and time.

Glenda Gundermann, TRMC, CMC City Secretary

NOTICE TO BIDDERS REPAIR OF FOUNDATION AND ASSOCIATED DAMAGE FIRE STATION NO. 2 The City of Sugar Land seeks bids for furnishing all labor, material, and equipment, and performing all work required for the following project in the City: CIP PROJECT NAME: CIP PROJECT NUMBER: LOCATION OF WORK:

Repair of Foundation and Associated Damage At Fire Station No. 2 MU1502

Fire Station No. 2 - 1040 Industrial, Sugar Land, TX

Plans, specifications, and bidding documents may be obtained by registering with Public Purchase www.publicpurchase.com, or by contacting Jason Poscovsky CPPB, Contracts Manager, jposcovsky@sugarlandtx.gov Sealed bids one (1) original and two (2) copies, shall be delivered to the City of Sugar Land, Office of the City Secretary, 2700 Town Center Boulevard North, Suite 122, Sugar Land, Texas, 77479, on or before 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 18, 2014, at which time bids will be publicly opened and read. Bids received after the opening date and time will not be considered.

A non-mandatory pre-bid meeting for all interested parties will be held 11:00 a.m., Thursday, September 10, 2014, Public Works Conference Room, 111 Gillingham Lane, Sugar Land, TX 77478.

For questions contact Jason Poscovsky CPPB, Contracts Manager, jposcovsky@ sugarlandtx.gov no later than 3:00 P.M, Thursday, September 11, 2014 .

City of Sugar Land City Council will award the contract and give notice within sixty (60) calendar days after the opening date and time.

Glenda Gundermann, TRMC, CMC City Secretary

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, SEPTEMBER 25, 2014 at 1:30 P.M. (CST). All bids will then be publicly opened and read in the Office of the Purchasing Agent, Travis Annex, 301 Jackson, Suite 201, Richmond, TX 77469. Bids received after the specified time will be returned unopened. Solicitation and any and all addendums will be posted on Purchasing Agent’s website located at www.fortbendcountytx.gov.

BID 14-068 – PROVIDE AND INSTALL SEAMLESS SHOWER SYSTEM AT JAIL

NOTICE TO BIDDERS COLLECTION SYSTEM CRITICAL LINE REHABILITATION PROJECT B (PACKAGE 2) The City of Sugar Land seeks bids for furnishing all labor, material, and equipment, and performing all work required for the following project in the City:

NOTICE TO BIDDERS AUSTIN PARKWAY PLANT REPLACEMENT WELL

CIP PROJECT NAME: CIP PROJECT NUMBER: LOCATION OF WORK:

$169,000

Collection System Critical Line Rehabilitation Project B (Package 2) WW1202 City of Sugar Land, Fort Bend County, Texas 77479

Plans, specifications, and bidding documents may be obtained, with payment of $125.00 or a CD (PDF format) at No Charge, from Jose Velasquez, P.E., ARKK Engineers; 7322 Southwest Freeway; Suite 1040; Houston, TX 77074; 713 400-2755.

Sealed bids one (1) original and two (2) copies, shall be delivered to the City of Sugar Land, Office of the City Secretary, 2700 Town Center Boulevard North, Suite 122, Sugar Land, Texas, 77479, on or before 11:00 a.m., Thursday, September 25, 2014, at which time bids will be publicly opened and read. Bids received after the opening date and time will not be considered.

A non-mandatory pre-bid meeting for all interested parties will be held 9:30 a.m., Thursday, September 18, 2014, Brazos Room, City Hall, 2700 Town Center Boulevard North, Sugar Land, TX 77479.

For questions contact Jose Velasquez, P.E. at ARKK Engineers, 713 400-2755 no later than 5:00 p.m. Friday September 19, 2014. jose.velasquez@arkkengineers.com City of Sugar Land City Council will award the contract and give notice within sixty (60) calendar days after the opening date and time.

Glenda Gundermann, TRMC, CMC City Secretary

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING SPECIAL EXCEPTION REAR YARD SETBACK 3114 COUNTRY CLUB BOULEVARD Zoning Board of Adjustment Public Hearing 5:00 p.m., September 17, 2014, City of Sugar Land City Council Chamber, 2700 Town Center Boulevard North, to hear all persons interested in the proposed Special Exception for Rear Yard Setback, 3114 Country Club Boulevard, Lot 20, Sugar Creek Section 9, in the Zero Lot Line SingleFamily Residential (R-1Z) District.

Details of the proposed Special Exception may be obtained by contacting City of Sugar Land Development Planning Office by email planning@sugarlandtx.gov or phone (281) 275-2218.

VICINITY MAP

A pre-bid conference will be conducted on Thursday, September 11, 2014 at 8:30AM (CST). The pre-bid conference will be held at the Fort Bend County Sheriff ’s Office Lobby located at 1410 Williams Way Blvd, Richmond, Texas 77469. A site visit will commence immediately following the pre-bid. All bidders are encouraged to attend. This is the only date and time vendors will be permitted to complete a site visit and job measurements.

Lump sum pricing is required; payment will be by check. Bonds are 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

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing on Tuesday, September 23, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. for acceptance of the traffic control plan for Aliana Abermore Lane, Minsky Lane and Barzun Way Street Dedication, 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, Dianne Wilson Fort Bend County Clerk PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing on Tuesday, September 23, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. for acceptance of the traffic control plan for Cinco Ranch Northwest, Section 5, 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.

Submitted by, Dianne Wilson Fort Bend County Clerk

Reduced

$359,900

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing on Tuesday, September 23, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. for acceptance of the traffic control plan for Pine Mill Ranch Drive Reserve No. 1 and Pine Mill Ranch Drive Reserve No. 2, 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.

Submitted by, Dianne Wilson Fort Bend County Clerk PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing on Tuesday, September 23, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. for acceptance of the traffic control plan for Pine Mill Ranch, Section 27 and Section 28, 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.

Submitted by, Dianne Wilson Fort Bend County Clerk PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing on Tuesday, September 23, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. for acceptance of the traffic control plan for Cinco Ranch Northwest, Section 7, 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.

Submitted by, Dianne Wilson Fort Bend County Clerk PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing on Tuesday, September 23, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. for acceptance of the traffic control plan for Monterrey at Willowbend, Section 1, 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.

Submitted by, Dianne Wilson Fort Bend County Clerk

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 7, 2014 for Akin Subdivision, being a partial replat of Goddard School 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 Jason Barringer with South Texas Surveying Assoc. Inc. at 281556-6918 for information prior to the hearing.

Submitted by, Dianne Wilson Fort Bend County Clerk PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 7, 2014 for Plantation Crossing Subdivision Partial Replat No. 2 Reserves “B” & “D”, Precinct 4. The hearing will be held in the Commissioners Courtroom at 401 Jackson Street, Second Floor, Richmond, Texas.

Under state law, you the owner, have certain rights with respect to the proposed replat. Should you wish to exercise your right, you may be heard at the planned public hearing. You may contact Randy McClendon with Tejas Surveying Inc. at 281-240-9099 for information prior to the hearing.

Submitted by, Dianne Wilson Fort Bend County Clerk

City of Missouri City

Legal Notice The City of Missouri City, Texas is issuing an Invitation for Bid (IFB) for BUNKER GEAR IFB # 029-15 The City of Missouri City is soliciting bids for bunker gear for the Fire Department.

Bids will be accepted until 2:00 p.m. local time September 23, 2014, and publicly opened and read out loud in the City Hall Chamber at 1522 Texas Parkway, Missouri City, Texas 77489. Solicitation packages are available at DemandStar Bid Service at 800.711.1712 and also via free download from the Public Purchase website at www.publicpurchase.com.

Bids received must be sealed, marked on the outside of the package with the IFB title and number as listed above, and the date of opening. Bids must be delivered to the attention of the Sealed Bid Box, City of Missouri City Purchasing Office, 1522 Texas Parkway, Missouri City, Texas 77489, prior to the acceptance deadline.

Solicitation packages marked improperly and therefore misdirected may be disqualified.

INDEPENDENT • SEPTEMBER 3, 2014 • Page 7

All leaders in their specialties. All here for you.

Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital’s Physician Group of top specialists provides you with all the leading-edge technology, innovative treatments and world-class care you have come to know and trust from Houston Methodist.

Methodist Pulmonary & Sleep Medicine Specialists 16659 SW Frwy., Suite 421, Sugar Land, TX 77479 281.325.0005 Dr. Suneesh Nair

Methodist Diagnostic Cardiology of Houston 16651 SW Frwy., Suite 400, Sugar Land, TX 77479 713.776.9500 | 281.275.0330 Dr. B. Keith Ellis Dr. Ronald Mahoney Dr. Earl Mangin Jr.

Dr. John Passmore Dr. Kesavan Shan

Methodist Sugar Land Cardiology Associates 3527 Town Center Blvd. S., Sugar Land, TX 77479 281.491.6808 Dr. Toussaint Smith

Dr. Sherman Tang

Methodist Family Medicine Group 16605 SW Frwy., Suite 400, Sugar Land, TX 77479 281.275.0800 Dr. Dr. Dr. Dr.

Ana Corteguera Jennifer Diamond Yana Finkelshteyn Julie Hung

Dr. Dr. Dr. Dr.

Seva Papageorge Tayma Shaya Mona Sheth Melida Tellez

4780 Sweetwater Blvd., Suite 150, Sugar Land, TX 77479 281.242.2444

Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine

Dr. Bhadresh Shah

Houston Methodist Rheumatology Associates

1201 Brooks Street, Sugar Land, TX 77478 281.690.4678 Dr. David Braunreiter Sports Medicine

Dr. Vincent Phan Hand & Upper Extremity

16659 SW Frwy., Suite 235, Sugar Land, TX 77479 *By Physician Referral Only

Dr. Dean Dominy, III Hand & Upper Extremity

Dr. Kenneth Renney Sports Medicine

Dr. Angela McCain

Dr. Carl Hicks Joint Replacement

Dr. Timothy Sitter Knee & Shoulder

Dr. Jeffrey Kozak Sports Medicine

Dr. Ray Valdez Foot & Ankle

Dr. Mark Maffet Knee & Shoulder

Dr. Mark Vann Foot & Ankle

Dr. Eddie Matsu Joint Replacement

Dr. Jeffrey Wood Spine Surgery

Houston Methodist Department of Surgery 16605 SW Frwy., Suite 450, Sugar Land, TX 77479 281.275.0860 Dr. Timothy Oppermann Dr. Ashish Saharia Dr. Michael Yaakovian

Dr. Anthony Muffoletto Spine Surgery

Houston Methodist Cardiovascular Surgery Associates – Vein Clinic 16605 SW Frwy., Suite e 505, Sugar Land, TX 77479

Houston Methodist Gynecologic Oncology Associates

Houston Methodist Primary Care Group

281.240.8400

16605 SW Frwy., Suite 450, Sugar Land, TX 77479 281.275.0880

3424 FM 1092, Suite 220, Missouri City, TX 77459

Dr. Ulises Baltazar

Dr. Tarrik Zaid

Dr. Deepshikha Sharda

281.208.3322

Methodist Sugar Land Neurology Associates

5819 Hwy. 6, Suite 370, Missouri City, TX 77459

16659 SW Frwy., Suite 131, Sugar Land, TX 77479 281.494.6387

281.276.0653

Dr. Carisa Liew Dr. Eddie Patton Jr.

Dr. Priya Oolut

Dr. Adelola Ashaye

Dr. Jessen Rajan

Dr. Larry Tran Dr. Toby Yaltho

Houston Methodist Oncology Partners 16659 SW Frwy., Suite 151, Sugar Land, TX 77479 281.276.5200 Dr. Jorge Darcourt

For a detailed list of services and physician bios, visit methodistsugarlanddocs.com. If you don’t see the specialty you’re looking for, please call 281.274.7500 for a physician referral.

(and #4 in the US) RCLCO,

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Page 8 • INDEPENDENT • SEPTEMBER 3, 2014

on all trims include a multiangle rearview camera with guidelines and expanded view driver’s mirror. The Honda LaneWatch display is standard on EX and above trims.

The 2015 Fit five-door EX-L arrived in eye catching Alabaster Silver with top of the line amenities. It gets 38 miles to the gallon on highways and has a MSRP of $20,800. The entry level Fit is the LX priced at $15,525.

AUTOMOBILE: Honda Fit

By BARBARA FULENWIDER The 2015 Honda Fit is the third generation of Honda’s five-door subcompact hatchback. First introduced in 2006 as a 2007 model, the Fit was named a Car and Driver “10-Best” vehicle for seven straight years.

For the redesigned 2015 Fit, the functionality, fun and refinement have been further enhanced by more versatility, fresh styling, a more refined driving experience, upgraded technology and luxury features.

The 2015 Fit has classleading interior space and seats five. The larger interior has 4.9 cubic feet more space for passengers and 4.8-inches more rear seat leg room.

A new body structure paired with a new chassis provides a more rigid, lighter subcompact platform with improved front and rear suspension and steering. The new platform has a longer wheelbase and provides a more stable yet nimble and sporty ride.

The Fit’s fun-to-drive character includes a 6-speed manual and new Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) with G-Shift Control.

The 1.5L 4-cylinder engine makes 130 horsepower and 114 lb.-ft. torque. The Fit has an EPA fuel-economy rating of 29 in the city and 37 on the

Standard equipment on the Fit EX-L included front and rear independent suspension, rack and pinion steering, theft deterrent immobilizer system, push-button start, driver’s seat height adjustment, 60/40/ fold flat rear seat, power windows, programmable auto door locks, driver’s auto up/ down window, tilt and telescopic steering column, cargo area light, cruise control, 16inch alloy wheels, intermittent

windshield wipers, rear wiper with washer, heated power door mirrors with turn signals, fog lights, rear roofline spoiler, security system and much more.

The Fit is a good looking, handy drive for Houston and the vicinity. It’s also a most pleasant drive, provides a more than passable ride, especially for such a short wheelbase, and lots of safety features.

American Legion helps high school musician highway.

Providing an outward expression of the 2015 Fit’s enhanced handling and power is a fresh and sporty exterior design with slimmer headlights and aggressive lower intake and the linear slope of the hood and windshield. The Fit comes in eight colors and includes several vibrant options.

A significant contributor to the new Fit is the level of standard and available features.

For 2015, the Fit aligns with other Honda models by being offered in LX, EX, and EX-L trims, each with a higher spec than the previous equivalent trim. New standard features on all Fit models include auto on-off headlights, LED brake lights, Bluetooth HandsFreeLink and a center storage console with armrest. Items such

as Smart Entry, a one-touch operated moonroof, 7-inch touchscreen display audio with next-generation HondaLink and heated leather seats are available for the first time in Fit. The Fit also features a long list of standard safety features, which include vehicle stability assist with traction control, side curtain airbags with rollover sensor, electronic brake distribution, brake assist and Honda’s advanced compatibility engineering body structure.

The new Fit targets the highest available crash-safety ratings: a five-star Overall Vehicle Score from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and a TOP SAFETY PICK rating from the (IIHS). Standard drive-assistive features

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Sugar Land’s American Legion Post 942 helped rising high school musician and drummer Eyon Quintanilla raise almost one thousand dollars toward a selective musical tour of Europe. The performance tour is scheduled for summer 2015.

The barbecue fund raiser in his honor took place Aug. 30th at the Raymond Freeman AL Post Headquarters on Ulrich Street in Sugar Land. Quintanilla was one of only five students at his high school nominated for the performance tour by his high school music teacher.

“I was really excited and honored to be selected,” said Quintanilla. “Only five students from my school were even invited to participate in the program.” He will perform as part of a group of highly select musicians and singers, all of whom are from Texas.

He is currently raising funds to finance the trip.The Star of Texas Ambassadors of Music performance and travel program will give Quintanilla and fellow musicians the opportunity to visit and perform in a variety of European countries over sixteen days.

“Drums are my favorite instrument,” said Quintanilla, “but I could be playing any of a variety of percussion instruments when I get over there, even the marimba.” He first started playing the drums at age two, joined a school band at age 8, and has been playing percussion ever since. He says drumming runs in the

Eyon Quintanilla, an outstanding area high school drummer, raised almost $1,000 toward a European musical tour at a barbecue in his honor at American Legion Post 943 in Sugar Land last weekend. A.L. Post Vice Commander Alex Garcia offers congratulations while grandfather Juan Trevino looks on with admiration. family, since his father and both grandfathers play drums as well.

Juan Trevino, grandfather of Quintanilla and a member of American Legion Post 942, arranged for the barbecue event to be held at the Sugar Land site. Trevino is a U.S. Army veteran who served two tours in Vietnam during eight years of military service, completing his time as staff sergeant and Army Ranger at Fort Carson, Colo. in 1975.

“This is the first of a number of fund raising events in honor of my grandson,” Trevino said with pride. “We have another six thousand dollars to go.”

Quintanilla moved to the Sugar Land area in the early 1980s and joined the American Legion post there.

The American Legion was chartered and incorporated by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic veterans organization devoted to helping fellow veterans. It is the nation’s largest wartime veteran’s service organization.

It is committed to mentoring youth and to sponsoring wholesome programs in our communities. It advocates patriotism and honor, promotes strong national security, and offers support to fellow military service members and veterans.

WATER DISTRICT NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON TAX RATE The BURNEY ROAD MUNICIPAL UTILITY DISTRICT will hold a public hearing on a proposed tax rate for the tax year 2014 on September 29, 2014 at 3:00 pm at Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce, 445 Commerce Green Blvd., Sugar Land, TX 77478. Your individual taxes may increase or decrease, depending on the change in the taxable value of your property in relation to the change in taxable value of all other property and the tax rate that is adopted.

FOR the proposal:

RICK FORLANO, PAULA RUSKAN, MIKE WILKINSON, JOE J. SILHAVY AND RANDY FRICK

AGAINST the proposal:

NONE

PRESENT and not voting: NONE ABSENT:

NONE

The following table compares taxes on an average residence homestead in this taxing unit last year to taxes proposed on the average residence homestead this year.

Last Year Total tax rate (per $100 of value)

Difference in rates per $100 of value Percentage increase/decrease in rates (+/-)

Pediatrics

Average appraised value

AccessHealth accepts all major medical insurance plans, Medicare, Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Plan.

• • • •

Sick Child Appointments Well Child Visits Immunizations ($5 per child, no limit) Sports Physicals

General Exemptions Available (excluding senior citizen’s or disabled person’s exemptions) Average taxable value Tax on average residence homestead Annual increase/decrease in taxes if proposed tax rate is adopted (+/-) and percentage of increase (+/-)

$0.26/$100 Adopted

This Year $0.26/$100 Proposed

$-0-/$100 -0-% $229,649

$ -0$229,649 $ 597.09

$234,183

$-0$234,183 $ 608.88

$+11.79 +1.9746%

NOTICE OF TAXPAYERS’ RIGHT TO ROLLBACK ELECTION RICHMOND CENTER 400 Austin St. Richmond, TX 77469 281-342-4530

STAFFORD CENTER

10435 Greenbough Dr., Ste. 300 Stafford, TX 77477 281-261-0182

MISSOURI CITY CENTER

307 Texas Parkway, Ste. 100 Missouri City, TX 77489 281-969-1800

For the uninsured we offer a sliding fee scale with co-payments starting at $5 per visit; which includes the office visit and all provider in-office ordered diagnostic testing.

If taxes on the average residence homestead increase by more than eight percent, the qualified voters of the district by petition may require that an election be held to determine whether to reduce the operation and maintenance tax rate to the rollback tax rate under Section 49.236(d), Water Code.

SEPTEMBER 3, 2014 • INDEPENDENT • Page 9

NEWS New mural is focal point at Seguin Elementary

Notice of Public Hearing on Tax Rate The Meadowcreek Municipal Utility District will hold a public hearing on a proposed tax rate for the tax year 2014 on Tuesday, September 16, 2014, 5:00 p.m., at the Quail Valley Utility District Office, 3134 Cartwright Road, Missouri City, TX 77549. Your individual taxes may increase or decrease, depending on the change in the taxable value of your property in relation to the change in taxable value of all other property and the tax rate that is adopted.

FOR the proposal:

Edward A. Paxton, Merlin D. Hansen, Harold Snyder, W. David Hamner, Billy J. Moye, Sr. AGAINST the proposal: None PRESENT and not voting:

None

ABSENT:

None

The following table compares taxes on an average residence homestead in this taxing unit last year to taxes proposed on the average residence homestead this year.

Last Year A new mural is drawing much attention from students and visitors of Seguin Elementary School.

The artwork is an added feature to the front reception area and a welcomed sight for those who enter the building.

What was once a blank canvas now captures the spirit of the Texas Revolution, paying homage to the school’s namesake, Juan Seguin.

The school’s motto, “Where heroes come to learn,” is prominently displayed, as is the Alamo and a black stal-

NOTICE TO BIDDERS PURCHASE AND INSTALLATION OF AIRPORT FUEL TANK The City of Sugar Land seeks bids for furnishing all labor, material, and equipment, and performing all work required for the following project in the City: PROJECT NAME: LOCATION OF WORK:

lion – which serves as the school’s mascot.

The mural was funded by the school’s PTA and created by muralist Carolina Gonzalez in only two days prior to the start of the new school year.

“We are thankful to our PTA and to the artist for making this happen,” said Pat Shoffit, Principal.

Shown near the mural (from left to right) are:

Total tax rate (per $100 of value)

$ 0.10000/$100 (Adopted)

Difference in rates per $100 of value Percentage increase/decrease in rates(+/-) Average appraised value General exemptions available (excluding senior citizen’s or disabled person’s exemptions) Average taxable value Tax on average residence homestead Annual increase/decrease in taxes if proposed tax rate is adopted (+/-) and percentage of increase (+/-)

This Year $ 0.10000/$100 (Proposed)

$0 .00000/$100 0.00% $113,610 $114,919 $0 $0

$113,610 $113.61

$114,919 $114.92

$1.31 1.15%

Mariolga Parra, Assistant

Purchase and Installation of Airport Fuel Tank Sugar Land Regional Airport, Sugar Land, Texas 77498

Principal at Seguin; students

Plans, specifications, and bidding documents may be obtained by registering with Public Purchase www.publicpurchase.com.

Sealed bids in triplicate, one (1) original and two (2) copies, shall be delivered to the City of Sugar Land, Office of the City Secretary, 2700 Town Center Boulevard North, Suite 122, Sugar Land, Texas, 77479, on or before 11:00 a.m. Thursday, September 18, 2014, at which time bids will be publicly opened and read. Bids received after the opening date and time will not be considered.

Questions regarding this bid may be sent to Jason Poscovsky CPPB, Contracts Manager, jposcovsky@sugarlandtx.gov; questions must be received by 3:00 p.m.

Thursday, September 4, 2014.

City Council will award the bid to the lowest responsible bidder that complies with all requirements of the Request for Bids and give notice of the contract award within sixty (60) calendar days after the bid opening.

Glenda Gundermann, TRMC, CMC City Secretary

NOTICE OF TAXPAYERS’ RIGHT TO ROLLBACK ELECTION

Elaina Rosilez, Lily Ashcraft, Justin Nguyen, Aviana Salazar; Pat Shoffit, Princi-

If taxes on the average residence homestead increase by more than eight percent,

pal at Seguin; and Dr. Javier,

the qualified voters of the district by petition may require that an election be held to

Villarreal, FBISD Assistant

determine whether to reduce the operation and maintenance tax rate to the rollback tax

Superintendent.

rate under Section 49.236(d), Water Code.

Broker/ Owner Touchstone Fine Properties

Julia Mickum 281-851-2015

REALTOR ABR, ASP, CHMS Hometown America

Barbara Lee Cochran 281-804-5990 ABR, ASP, CNE, GREEN, GRI Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Gary Greene Fort Bend

Val VanHowell Howell

281-908-4228

Should you have any questions concerning this notice, please contact the tax office at 281-482-0216.

ABR, GRI Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Gary Greene

Barbara Montgomery 713-898-3938

CRS, GRI RE/MAX Southwest

Jeanne Gregory 713-854-0923

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

Sherry Glazener 713-628-9205

MultiMillion Dollar Producer Keller Williams Realty

Butch Watterson 832-498-4254

Beard Realty Group

Anita Milne 281-413-9732

ABR, CRS, GRI RE/MAX Southwest

Jennifer Weaver 281-207-5037

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

Page 10 • INDEPENDENT • SEPTEMBER 3, 2014

Community News Eagle Scout Service project brings joy to children

County Judge Bob Hebert visits Richmond Boy Scout Troop 1002

On Monday August 18, 2014, Fort Bend County Judge Bob Hebert visited a group of Boy Scouts in Richmond, TX. Hebert presented to the scouts of Troop 1002 a lesson in county government. Many questions were asked of the Judge from both the scouts and their parents, including questions about managing the county budget and emergency management processes during hurricanes. Judge Hebert said, “These young men asked some important questions about the function of the county. It’s a pleasure to interact with such promising future leaders.”

Elkins High School student Jonathan William Winfiele of Boy Scout Troop 1631 received his Eagle Scout Award, the highest honor awarded by the Boy Scouts of America, in a Court of Honor attended by family and friends.

To receive this honor, Jonathan had to complete a service project; which would benefit a non-profit organization within his community. Jonathan came to realize that if he took his love of teddy bears and compassion

for those in need, he could help make some children’s lives a little better for Christmas.

He contacted the Fort Bend Rainbow Room (a charitable organization dedicated to helping children and families in crisis located in Rosenberg), where he found that the Rainbow Room’s Christmas goal was to provide a stuffed animal in each child’s Christmas gift bag. Jonathan knew this was the organization that his project would benefit, setting a goal to collect 300 ted-

dy bears/stuffed animals.

Jonathan coordinated and provided leadership on orchestrating this project with 29 volunteers, and over 237 combined volunteer service hours. The drive collected an overwhelming 636 teddy bears/stuffed animals. After graduating this coming year in 2015, Jonathan is looking at pursuing his further education in Architecture Design at either Rice University, Texas A&M, or the University of Tennessee in Knoxville.

WCR Fort Bend Chapter WHAT A WAY TO CONNECT!!

Ahoy Matey...

Join Us for the Pirates of Fort Bend 2nd Annual Celebrity Waiter Event Theresa Fehr 2014 President Right Way Home Prot.

Christina C. Daw President Elect BHGRE Gary Greene

281-701-1111

713-818-2865

Barbara DiBlasi Marlin

Julia Hardy Branch Manager

BHGRE Gary Greene

832-483-1905

Starkey Mortgage

713-457-2005

Jeanne Gregory, CRS RE/MAX Southwest

Tickets are $35/person and must be purchased in advance. For More information, contact one of these fine WCR members!

713-854-0923

Thursday September 25, 2014 6:30 pm - 10:30 pm The Swinging Door Richmond, Texas

Jo Ann Stevens ABR, GRI, PMN, SFR Lane Real Estate

713-829-1827

Marian Walters Business Dev. Stewart Title

281-275-4447

The #1 Best Selling Community in Texas!

281-499-8700

For more information www.fortbendwcr.com Debbie Marcell BHGRE Gary Greene

281-782-2102

Suzanne Slavin Account Executive Old Republic Title

Cathy Simeone RE/MAX Fine Properties

281-250-7513

Naturally 281-344-9882

Women's Council members send and receive Diane R. Schomburg referrals with confidence, knowing that their State Farm Insurance values are shared when it comes to providing 281-265-6100 outstanding service to their clients.

We encourage members to get involved, because we know that participation translates to personal growth and leadership development. We meet you where you are in your skill development and take you to the next level.

We strive to provide timely, accessible programming, great networking and opportunities for your personal and professional growth.

281-265-9500

Marlena Berger BHGRE Gary Greene

713-395-0170

Cynthia Bartholomew Fidelity National Title

281-685-1950

David Goldberg BHGRE Gary Greene

713-705-7400

Thomasine Johnson Stager/Interior Design En’terior Designs

281-835-9789

Judy Monroe VP of Sales

Heritage Texas Properties

281-240-8800

Lane Pearson ALHS,e-PRO, GRI

Nikki Owen

Manager/Broker BHGRE Gary Greene

281-980-5050

Becky Hall Sr. Marketing Rep.

BHGRE Gary Greene

FB Independent News

713-857-4416

281-980-6745

Barbara Sinkovec 2002 Past President

Erna Hay

RE/MAX Southwest

713-248-4241

Cornerstone Home Lending, Inc.

281-634-0138