Fort Bend Independent 122618

VOL 11 No. 52

email: editor@ independent.com

Phone: 281-980-6745 50 cents

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FORT BEND FAIR. BALANCED. INFORMATIVE. WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2018

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

Official newspaper of Fort Bend County & Missouri City

Yolanda Ford takes office as Fort Bend ISD continues Missouri City Mayor legal fight over the cemetery

Yolanda Ford takes the oath of office as Mayor of Missouri City as Presiding Judge Debra Sinclair administers the oath. Photo by City of Missouri City.

Then, the new Mayor the citizens and for personifying Resting her hand on her grandfather, Rev. O.D. Ford Sr.’s immediately conducted her first the role of a dedicated leader heirloom Bible, Mayor Yolanda official action of the meeting by through your actions for the Ford was administered the oath swearing-in At-Large Position #2 past 32 years. We appreciate of office at the Monday, Dec. 17 Councilmember Chris Preston, your contributions and work Regular City Council Meeting by who was recently re-elected to as Mayor of the “Show Me Presiding Judge Debra Sinclair, his position, using her family’s City” strengthening families, signaling a historic transition Bible, which was held by Judge workplaces and the overall community, making Missouri of leadership in Missouri City Sinclair.

Preston said “Wow, God is City one of America’s “Best prompted by Ford’s win in the good all the time, all the time He Places to Live.”

Dec. 8 Runoff Election.

Owen shared his sentiments Joined by her father, Abram is good. You know, someone saw Ford, Sr., and her mother, me earlier and they said you seem afterward, saying: “I want to Jacqueline, Mayor Ford vowed jittery, are you nervous? Even thank God for giving me the to “faithfully execute the duties though this is my third time, I strength and courage to take this of the Office…and to the best of am, and I don’t think I’ve been job on. I wish Yolanda the best of my ability preserve, protect, and this nervous since I asked my luck in her new role. And I want defend the Constitution and laws fiancée if she would marry me. to thank my family, my wife of 51 of the United States, and of this But no, in all seriousness, I am years, for allowing me to do this State,” in the presence of hundreds so honored to be standing before for 39 of those years. I want to thank all the people that are here of citizens, stakeholders, family you starting my third term.”

Preston, who was elected as who supported me over those members, elected officials and supporters who came to witness Mayor Pro Tem later that night, years, it’s been a great journey. the ceremony first-hand and give continued: “I am honored, and as You know when I first started a proud product of Missouri City out this City had about 24,000 her a standing ovation.

After being sworn in, Ford, I will remain committed to the people in it. And the major who was elected with 51.95 integrity and the forward progress employer at that time was a little percent of the vote citywide, of our beloved community. I foundry called WKM. Matter addressed the audience: “I just grew up here…the schools raised of fact our first fire station was want to take this opportunity, me, the neighbors invested in there because they were afraid to one, thank God, my parents, me…the churches prayed for me the foundry would catch on fire,” my family and everyone who and I owe a debt to Missouri City said Owen, who was Mayor from supported me to get to this and I will pay that debt in full. 1994 to 2018.

“So we’ve come a long way point. I sincerely appreciate We have a lot of business to do, it,” said Ford, who is the City’s a lot of unfinished work, so let’s since then and I’ve worked with a lot of great Council people, a 11th mayor and the first female get back to it. Thank you all.”

Mayor Ford and City Manager lot of great City Managers, a and first person of color elected to the position. “And I want Anthony J. Snipes also saluted lot of great staff and I look back to leave everyone with one former Mayor Allen Owen for his over the years and we’ve come a remark: I know we have a lot 32 years of public service to the long way. We’re not the bedroom of differences, but with that we citizens and presented him with community we used to be, we’re have to learn to appreciate our a proclamation and a certificate the industrial giant, I think, of Fort Bend County. So, good luck differences so that we can work reading: “The City of Missouri City to the Council, thank you for together to get things done. And, I also want to say that we have to would like to extend their your service. Go to work, you’ve learn to work together as brothers gratitude and appreciation to got a lot of work to do. Thank you all for coming.” or we’ll perish as fools. So thank Mayor Allen Owen.

“For your tireless devotion to you, thank you!”

Former Mayor Allen Owen, center, received a proclamation and certificate from Mayor Yolanda Ford and City Manager Anthony Snipes.

By SESHADRI KUMAR The fate of the unknown bodies found in a school construction site in the Telfair subdivision in Sugar Land remains in a legal limbo even as Fort Bend ISD seeks the court’s permission that would allow the bodies to be reburied as agreed by the school District and the City of Sugar Land.

The District has outlined the potential hardships students and taxpayers will experience by the uncertainty and any further delay.

In the most recent action on December 20, 2018, an appeals court granted the FBISD motion for relief and stayed Fort Bend County District Judge Jim Shoemake’s order appointing a Master in Chancery, which means the Master of Chancery, at least for now, has no authority to represent the court in the process. Attrorney Michael W. Elliot is the Master in Chancery.

In late November, the District also filed an Objection with the Court because it believes the appointment of the Master of Chancery constitutes an abuse of discretion that will end up costing FBISD more money that is not necessary.

The law does not permit the Court to appoint a master without making a finding of good cause and with an impermissibly broad authority over all matters in the case.

Earlier, Fort Bend ISD had requested a court ruling allowing it to rebury remains of 95 individuals discovered on District property where construction of a career and technology center is underway.

Following a December 18, 2018 hearing in 434th District court, FBISD issued the following statement: The District is currently constructing the James Reese Career and Technical Center, a $58 million state-of-the-art career and technology center that was approved by voters as part

of a 2014 bond program.

The center is scheduled to open in the fall of 2019. It will offer advanced courses providing career opportunities in agriculture and natural resources, architecture and construction, arts and audio video communications, culinary arts, cosmetology, education and training, information technology, law and public safety, manufacturing, transportation and logistics. Students will have access to dual credit courses and multiple opportunities to earn industry certifications while completing coursework at the center.

An abandoned cemetery, presumed to be part of a state prison operated from 1870 to 1911, was discovered during construction of the center.

Associate Judge John Hawkins ordered exhumation of the remains in June of 2018.

A team of archeologists hired by the District exhumed the remains of 95 individuals over a fourmonth period. The remains are currently being kept in storage boxes awaiting reburial.

Texas Law requires that the remains be reburied in a county, municipal, or perpetual care cemetery. In October, the District and the City of Sugar Land agreed to a final resting place for the remains at the Old Imperial Prison Farm Cemetery, an existing cityowned and maintained cemetery that has a shared history with the land where the remains were discovered. Both the Texas Historical and Fort Bend County Historical commissions participated in the planning discussion and supported the District’s plan.

Fort Bend ISD has since requested that Judge James H. Shoemake grant a previouslysubmitted petition that would allow the bodies to be reburied as agreed by the District and the City of Sugar Land.

The District has outlined the

potential hardships students and taxpayers will experience by the uncertainty and any further delay.

While construction of the center continues in areas not affected by the archaeological discovery, cost increases associated with the delays and potential redesign are rising each month. The District has already incurred an estimated $5.5 million in construction delays and for archaeological observation, investigation, exhumation, and historical analysis. It is anticipated that further delays will cause the District to spend an additional $7.5 to $8.5 million to ensure that other parts of the center can open as scheduled.

If the court does not allow the bodies to be reburied at the city-owned cemetery, the center would have to be redesigned to a different area of the property. The cost to construct the redesigned center would add an additional estimated $18 million in costs to the $58 million-dollar bond project, which could push the project an estimated $25 million over budget.

“Our District has a responsibility to our students, taxpayers, and the citizens who voted in support of this project to avoid the continuing delay and economic harm being caused to the taxpayers,” said FBISD Board President Jason Burdine. “The District and the City of Sugar Land reached an agreement to bury the remains in a city-owned cemetery in October. The only holdup now is that we need approval from the court. Further delay will leave the remains without a final resting place and will add millions of dollars of unbudgeted costs to the project. The District’s mission is to educate students. It is legally prohibited from operating a cemetery and we need the court to approve the plan to rebury the remains at the city cemetery without further delay.”

MEDEXPRESS TEDDY BEAR CLINIC. The Fort Bend Children’s Discovery Center and MedExpress Urgent Care, a neighborhood medical center, invite Fort Bend families to bring stuffed furry friends for a holiday “check-up” and learn more about what to expect when visiting a doctor’s office or urgent care on Saturday, Dec. 29, 2018 at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. at Fort Bend Children’s Discovery Center, 198 Kempner St., Sugar Land. The Discovery Center will host a “MedExpress Teddy Bear Clinic” to teach basic health care concepts to children in pre-school and kindergarten. Children can participate in hands-on activities to learn about splinters, germs, sprains and scrapes. MedExpress employees teach children what doctors, nurses and radiologists do, including mock X-rays and applying bandages to a teddy bear named Sniffle. MedExpress Teddy Bear Clinics offer a fun, informational, hands-on opportunity to promote healthy habits and good hygiene starting from a young age, which is especially important heading into peak cold and flu season. Children are invited to bring their own stuffed friends with them. The MedExpress Teddy Bear Clinic is recommended for children ages 3 to 8. Clinic included with general Museum admission: $12 per person and $11 for seniors 65+ and $10 for active duty military personnel. Children under one and Museum Members receive free admission. For more information, visit www.childrensdiscoveryfb.org or call (832) 742-2800.

Page 2 • INDEPENDENT • DECEMBER 26, 2018

NEWS

Johnson Development donates $25,000 to Fort Bend Schools

Three communities of Johnson Development Corp. gave more than $25,000 to the Fort Bend Education Foundation through the communities’ foundation fees. Shown here, from left, are Trey Reichert with Johnson Development, Brenna Cosby with the Fort Bend Education Foundation, Jerry Ulke with Johnson Development and Haley Peck with Johnson Development.

A number of schools within the Fort Bend Independent School District (FBISD) have received Christmas presents early.

The three communities of Johnson Development Corp. served by FBISD have donated more than $25,000 to fund a broad wish list of items including iPads, specialty software, and new library books.

A request to fund additional crushed granite to help refurbish and improve the safety of a middle school running track was also awarded. Harvest Green, Imperial, and Riverstone approved the grants funded through the communities’ foundation fees to purchase the gifts for their area schools.

A foundation fee, which is a percentage of a home’s sale price, is collected each time a home sells or is resold in every one of Johnson Development’s seventeen communities. The reserve funds create a unique revenue stream that can fund projects to enhance a community’s infrastructure or to benefit outside organizations that directly impact a community.

“We are very committed to using foundation fees to help supplement the schools who educate our children,” said Trey Reichert, Vice-President and

General Manager for Riverstone.

“We can step in to help provide teachers with valuable resources when school budgets fall short.”

An appointed group of residents from each Johnson Development community comprise the “Your Community Foundation Committee”(YCFC) and works with their homeowners associations to review grant requests. These recent grants were submitted by the Fort Bend Education Foundation (FBEF). Each year, FBISD teachers submit grant proposals to the FBEF to be reviewed and graded. The grants are awarded in order of their overall score.

“The Fort Bend Education Foundation is honored that Harvest Green, Imperial and Riverstone will provide funding for grants to teachers and schools within their communities,” said Brenna Cosby, FBEF Executive Director. “These grants, which support innovative academic projects, will be funded in the name of each community and will impact six campuses and hundreds of students!”

The six schools that will benefit are Austin Parkway Elementary, Bowie Middle School, Kempner High School, Lakeview Elementary, Neill Elementary and Sullivan

Elementary. Johnson Development plans to create an ongoing relationship with FBEF. “We feel a partnership with the Fort Bend Education Foundation is an effective way to give money back to the schools in our communities,” said Jerry Ulke, Vice-President and General Manager for Imperial Sugar Land and Harvest Green.

“The thorough grant review process conducted by FBEF helps ensure the money is going where the schools need it most.”

In addition to education, YCFC awards grants for technology, community events, the environment, community infrastructure projects, and health and wellness, among other interests. YCFC also supports the Children’s Catastrophic Fund which is open to residents in Johnson Development communities who are challenged with the financial stress of caring for a child with a chronic, debilitating illness or birth defect.

Now in its 43rd year of development, Johnson Development has 17 active communities — 14 in the Houston area, two in DallasFort Worth and one in Atlanta.

For more information, visit www.johnsondevelopment.com.

Dance the Night Away with the Fort Bend Education Foundation at its 26th Annual Gala “Disco Fever!”

The Fort Bend Education Foundation’s Gala, “Disco Fever!”, presented by Purdue Brandon Fielder Collins & Mott, LLP, celebrates the golden age of disco where you are invited to catch the fever, move your feet, get down and boogie to the beat. The Gala will occur on March 2, 2019, at the Sugar Land Marriott Town Square.

Disco Queens & Kings – sparkle like a glazed disco ball as you boogie-oogie-oogie through a very special evening with Fort Bend’s finest in support of our children’s education.

Could it be magic? Yes!! You will survive by partaking of a decadent disco fair. Shake your groove thing on over to the dance floor to burn, baby, burn to the dynamic sounds of the band Password.

Hustle over to the Silent Auction & Bid Board area for a vast array of most interesting and must have items. The highlight of the evening will be the much-anticipated bidding in the Live Auction. Place a bid yourself or create a disco dynasty of friends for better bidding power. Make your bids dyno-mite inspiring others to top them. The live auction will be mc’d by the original JZ, Sugar Land Mayor Joe Zimmermann.

The sensational items and packages will be auctioned by none other than former County Commissioner James Patterson.

So, get your groove on, shake your booty and catch the fever. How could something this great not last forever? Feel ecstatic at the end of the evening knowing your contributions have been invaluable to the Foundation’s future. For table sponsorships, individual tickets, or auction donations, please visit www.fortbendisd.com/foundation.

Disco Fever Underwriters Boogie for Education! Sitting L-R: Shefali Jhaveri, Co-Chair Stacy Bynes, Co-Chair Laura Winters, Sharon Galloway-CHI St. Luke’s Health Sugar Land Hospital, Brandi Ware-Rogers, Morris & Grover L.L.P. Standing 1st Row L-R: Bryan Ray-Jacobs Engineering, Deb Farley-UnitedHealthcare, Ray Aguilar-Classic Chevrolet Sugar Land, Mike Siwierka-Perdue Brandon Fielder Collins & Mott, LLP, Ron Bailey-PBK Architects, Inc., Frank Petras-Comerica Bank, Michael Sabouni-AUTOARCH Architects. Standing 2nd Row L-R: Eric Peterson-Kelsey-Seybold Clinic, Chris Keene-Rangeland Energy, Irfan Abji-E Contractors, Dillon Brady-Prime Contractors, Inc. Not pictured: Gallagher Benefit Services, APAAR Management LLC, Bass Construction, Sonal & Subodh Bhuchar, Hansa & Naren Patel, Bracewell LLP, GoldStar Transit, Healix, IBI Group, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Netsync Network Solutions, Paradigm Consultants, Inc., Stantec Architecture and Thompson & Horton LLP.— Photo courtesy of Mary Favre

PLANTATION at Quail Valley Active Senior Living; Embracing the lives of Seniors 55 and Better

FBJSL Event Beneficiary Applications Due March 1

2815 Cypress Point Dr, Missouri City, TX 77459 www. plantationqv.com

Phone: (281) 208-4470

The Fort Bend Junior Service League (FBJSL) is currently accepting applications from charitable organizations interested in benefiting from an FBJSL event to be held in the 2019-2020 League year. To be eligible for consideration, applicants must have 501(c)(3) status, serve the Fort Bend community, and fit within the League’s mission, goals, and one or more position statements.

FBJSL considers the specific needs of each qualified applicant and selects beneficiaries that it believes will thrive due to FBJSL support. Applications must be received on or before March 1, 2019. The application and accompanying instructions can be found on the Request Support page of the FBJSL website (www.fbjsl.org/request-support). All applications must be submitted via e-mail to brccom@fbjsl.com. Since its inception in 2001, FBJSL has raised over $4 million for local charities. FBJSL is an organization of women committed to promoting volunteerism, to developing the potential of women and to improving the Fort Bend County community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Their purpose is exclusively educational and charitable as well as providing an atmosphere of friendliness, goodwill and camaraderie for all members. To learn more about FBJSL, please visit www.fbjsl.org. Above, Representatives of the beneficiaries of the 2018 Sugar Plum Market joined members of FBJSL and representatives of Memorial Hermann on December 14, 2018 to celebrate the Market’s record-breaking success.

INDEPENDENT • DECEMBER 26, 2018 • Page 3

NEWS

Stafford City Council approves Oakbend Medical Center names expansion of police and fire building 2018 Physician of the Year Dr. C. Funsho Fagbohun, MD, PHD, FACOG, FACS has been named OakBend Medical Center’s 2018 Physician of the Year. The award was given at the employee holiday party held on December 15th at Safari Texas.

The Physician of the Year award, OakBend’s highest recognition, is presented annually to one outstanding physician who possesses significant practice experience, compassion, kindness and sincerity that translates not only to their patients, but to their nurses and other staff members that work closely with them. These physicians look and act professional at all times and are a role model both professionally and personally.

According to Joe Freudenberger, CEO of OakBend Medical Center, “Dr. Fagbohun is a great friend to me and this organization; he is a great physician and a wonderful person. We are lucky to have him as our Chief of Staff.”

Dr. Fagbohun is Board Certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology and has been in practice in Fort Bend County since 2000. He completed his MD degree and was an assistant professor in Nigeria before moving to the United States on full scholarship to pursue a PhD degree at Marquette University in Wisconsin. He completed his residency training at St. Joseph hospital in Houston.

Joe Freudenberger with Dr. Funsho Fagbohun He is a multiple awardwinning specialist who provides exceptional Obstetrics, Gynecology, and minimally invasive surgery care in an atmosphere of complete trust and confidence.

He has won numerous awards including being named “Resident educator of the year” and “Outstanding Chief Resident” during his training.

Dr. Fagbohun was voted one of America’s top Obstetricians and Gynecologist by the Consumers’ Research Council of America as a specialist in practice.

Fagbohun is the Chief of Staff, and currently serves as a member of the Medical Executive Committee and a board member at OakBend Medical Center. He is proficient

in obstetrics, comprehensive gynecology and minimally invasive surgery, including laparoscopic hysterectomy.

Dr. Fagbohun is blessed with four wonderful grown daughters and resides in Fort Bend County. His interests include travel, spending time with his family, and mentoring middle and high school students who are interested in the medical career. He has led medical mission trips to Africa.

Accepting the award, Dr. Fagbohun stated, “It is a great honor to receive this award on behalf of the entire medical staff. We work as a group and our goal is to walk in a collaborative fashion with the Administrative team to make OakBend the envy of hospitals around here.”

International student finds connection, purpose at UHCL For three years, Johanna Jacob worked overnights at her job consulting with the Disney Consortium in India.

She knew she was not fulfilling her purpose in that job, and she knew there had to be more to life. Her first time on an airplane was a trip across the world to begin her master’s program in computer science at University of HoustonClear Lake and along the way, she found out that indeed, there is more to life. As she graduates on Dec. 16, Jacob, 27, feels she’s getting much more than a diploma.

“Before, I felt like I was just earning a check,” she said. “I had to take that job because my family was struggling, but I wanted to pursue higher education in the U.S. It was always a big dream of mine to study here. I began my quest to find a university, and I applied at several places, but UH-Clear Lake was the first to admit me.”

She’d done a great deal of research, Jacob said, and found that UHCL had a great record of diversity in their graduate programs. “I connected with peers who were already here and got a lot of great feedback about the university. I knew I had made a good decision,” she said. “It was everything I expected.”

Now, Jacob says her goals have changed. “I have found my ultimate passion, which is research and teaching,” she said. “I grabbed every opportunity I could here to contribute to that. I am well prepared to begin the next season of my life.”

One of those opportunities, Jacob said, was joining the Texas State Teachers Association. “That’s where I met (Professor of Instructional Design and Technology) Jana Willis. I went to a meeting and happened to sit next to her,” she said. “Dr. Willis is the kind of person who always is full of information and inspiration.

She told me she needed technology instructors at KidsU, which is a summer camp program for children. So I got a job in the summer of 2017 as a coi n s t r u c t o r, and became a primary instructor last summer.”

It was that chance meeting that led Jacob to discover what she wanted to do in life. “The opportunities fell into my life to confirm that what I need to do is give back to the academic community,” she said. “By getting my doctorate someday, I will do that. There are so many initiatives for education here at UHCL, and one chance meeting with Dr. Willis led me to that great opportunity at Kids U, and I am so thankful.”

“In our roles as teacher educators we at times encounter individuals who have a passion for teaching and working with others to help them grow academically,” Willis said.

“For these individuals, teaching seems to be almost instinctive. I knew within a few minutes of speaking with Johanna that she had that passion, and after watching her work with students of all ages in KidsU I also knew she had that instinct. I often told her she was a ‘natural’ in the classroom and that there was a classroom somewhere that had her name on it.”

Currently, Jacob works as a research assistant on a grant funded through the National Science Foundation for revamping the traditional

Jacob Computer Science program to meet modern day cyber security education challenges.

She has also served as a student ambassador for the College of Computer Science and Engineering, and enjoys interacting with prospective students about their opportunities at UHCL. After graduating, Jacob hopes to begin a doctoral program in computer science.

“I would like to stay in Texas for sure. I’m considering University of Texas at San Antonio. They have a cyber security program that is in collaboration with the Department of Defense, and that is the area of my interest.”

Jacob will be speaking to her fellow graduates at commencement. “I was at the commencement of a friend of mine last year, and it was so awesome,” she said. “I thought it would be interesting if an international student would witness about their experience at UHCL, so I expressed a desire to share my story.”

She said that at UHCL, she “discovered herself.

This is where it’s been most conducive for me to grow and improve myself,” she said. “I would love to come back here and teach someday.”

By BARBARA FULENWIDER Contracts to add on to Stafford’s fire and police stations were approved 6-0 by city council with one council member absent when that vote was taken.

The city received four submittals to expand the police station and got five proposals that will add four bays and a two-story building to Stafford’s fire station. Their administration will be on the first floor and a dormitory will be on the second. Brick that is on both the police and fire departments now match.

Greg White with HuittZollars, Chris Riggs, Stafford’s public works director, and Lawrence Vaccaro were the city’s evaluation committee.

White said the price was around 40 percent of the score and said they evaluated the staff and their experience of each company that submitted bids, evaluated relevant project experience, contacted the references the companies provided and reviewed all the fire and police submittals separately and then against each other.

Webber Construction turned out to be the winner.

That company sent proposals

for expanding both the police and fire stations along with one other company that also bid on both. But Webber was rated the best value for the two projects.

White said the city’s evaluation team had not contemplated the fact that one firm would come in number one for each project. “We were fortunate enough to have Webber submit on both projects,” he said.

He told council the threesome “sat down with Webber to see if we could reduce costs if Webber did both jobs.” At first the total of the two jobs came in at $5.7 million but was reduced to $5.5 million total with the police station coming in at $2,002,000 and fire at $3,721,000. “It saved the city $179,000 because Webber did not have to have two sets of overhead costs.”

The total contract amount is $5,544,474 with the police station allowances at $5,000 and $11,500 for the fire station. The work is to begin in January and is expected to take 9 months to expand the police station and 10 months for the fire station.

The four bids proposed for

the police station were Nash Industry at $1,895,000; Bass Construction, $2,100,000; Millennium Project Solutions, $2,333,554; Webber Construction, $1,997,000.

The five bids sent to Stafford for the fire station expansion were Bass Construction, $4,700,000; C.A. Walker, $4,160,642; Webber Construction, $3,710,000; Astatus, $3,097,509; Roth Construction, $4,454,099.

Councilman Cecil Willis noted that Huitt-Zollars is a world-wide company that builds major highway jobs, has a commercial division that does vertical construction, provides engineering solutions, project management, design-build projects, etc.

After some questions were answered, Mayor Scarcella said, “I’m thrilled that we are going forward with these two projects. I think both of these projects are vital to the city and provide for emergency services and the best in police and fire protection we can provide for our citizens. This is something the people didn’t get to vote on but if they had I think they would have been overwhelmingly approved.”

Property Tax Payment Drop Off on Dec. 28 and 31st It’s property tax season and Patsy Schultz, Fort Bend County Tax Assessor/ Collector, is again offering a drive through drop off option to pay your taxes.

On Friday, December 28 and Monday, December 31st, from 8:00 am until 4:30 pm you can drive through the parking lot of the RICHMOND (1317 Eugene Heimann Circle, Richmond 77469) and SUGAR LAND (12550 Emily Ct, Sugar Land 77478) locations and drop off your payment without even getting out of your vehicle!

These will be the only two Fort Bend County locations with a drive thru drop off line.

“Instead of trying to find a parking spot and then come inside and wait for your number to be called, you can stay in your car and hand your payment to one of our

staff” said Schultz. Staff will be standing by to accept your payment which must be in the form of check or money order.

NO CASH WILL BE ACCEPTED IN THE PAYMENT DROP OFF. Your payment should be in a sealed envelope with a return address clearly marked on the outside of the envelope. There will be cones and directional signs in place to aid in the flow of traffic.

You will be given a card with the date and a sequence number on it as your “temporary” receipt. Please allow 5 business days for all of the payments to be processed and then you can go online to print a receipt or call the Tax Office to have one mailed to you.

The last day to pay your 2018 property taxes without penalty and interest accruing

is Thursday, January 31, 2019.

Ms. Schultz goes on to say that although her office hopes the payment drop off is convenient for those who wait until the last few days, she encourages everyone NOT to wait until then. You can go online from the comfort of your home at any time and pay with the electronic check option with no transaction fees. You will know that the payment has been received on time and be able to print a receipt during the transaction.

Traditional payment methods such as paying in person inside one of their offices, mailing your payment or paying online with a credit card are still available.

Contact the Tax Office at 281341-3710 if you have any questions regarding payment of your property taxes.

Sugar Land city employees adopt Angels for Rainbow Room

City of Sugar Land employees sponsored 94 children and adults for the Fort Bend Rainbow Room Christmas Angel Project. The Fort Bend Rainbow Room is a charitable organization dedicated to helping children and families in crisis by supporting the efforts of caseworkers.

During the holiday season, the city partners with the Fort Bend Rainbow Room to participate in the Christmas Angel Project to give children and adults in protective custody the opportunity to request Christmas gifts. The city has participated in the Christmas Angel Project since 2006. This year, Sugar Land employees fulfilled the Christmas wish lists of 80 children and 14 adults with the help of various city departments, including police, fire-EMS, parks and recreation, public works and others. “This project would not be a success without the giving hearts of our employees giving back to our community,” said Department Specialist and Rainbow Room Christmas Angel Project coordinator Ashley Hernandez. Above, Sugar Land employees recently collected donations to ensure area families have a merry Christmas. Pictured are (top level, L-R) Executive Secretary Liliane Kelada, Employee Engagement and Wellness Coordinator Shondra Holmes, Facilities Tech Jason Garcia, Facilities Services Tech Carroll Mcafee, Digital Communications Manager Jacob Schnitzer, (left side of stairs, top to bottom) Senior Administrative Assistant Pat Bartling, Human Resources Specialist Paula Allen, Human Resources Manager Sharon Maddings, (right side of stairs, top to bottom) Executive Assistant Mary Seto, Hernandez, Management Assistant 1 Paulina Valero, (middle, L-R) Department Specialist Alex Willacker and Treasury Specialist Alpa Patel.

Page 4 • INDEPENDENT • DECEMBER 26, 2018

TEXAS COMMISSION ON ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY

NOTICE OF RECEIPT OF APPLICATION AND INTENT TO OBTAIN WATER QUALITY PERMIT RENEWAL PERMIT NO. WQ0013873003 APPLICATION. City of Missouri City, 1522 Texas Parkway, Missouri City, Texas 77489, has applied to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to renew Texas Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (TPDES) Permit No. WQ0013873003 (EPA I.D. No. TX0133159) to authorize the discharge of treated wastewater at a volume not to exceed a daily average flow of 1,000,000 gallons per day. The domestic water treatment facility is located at 4655 ½ Bees Passage Road, Missouri City, in Fort Bend County, Texas 77489. The discharge route is from the plant site to Flat Bank Creek; thence to Upper Oyster Creek. TCEQ received this application on November 28, 2018. The permit application is available for viewing and copying at Missouri City City Hall, 1522 Texas Parkway, Missouri City, Texas. This link to an electronic map of the site or facility's general location is provided as a public courtesy and not part of the application or notice. For the exact location, refer to the application. http://www.tceq.texas.gov/assets/public/hb610/index.html?lat=29.507777&lng=95.5475&zoom=13&type=r ADDITIONAL NOTICE. TCEQ’s Executive Director has determined the application is administratively complete and will conduct a technical review of the application. After technical review of the application is complete, the Executive Director may prepare a draft permit and will issue a preliminary decision on the application. Notice of the Application and Preliminary Decision will be published and mailed to those who are on the county-wide mailing list and to those who are on the mailing list for this application. That notice will contain the deadline for submitting public comments.

PUBLIC COMMENT / PUBLIC MEETING. You may submit public comments or request a public meeting on this application. The purpose of a public meeting is to provide the opportunity to submit comments or to ask questions about the application. TCEQ will hold a public meeting if the Executive Director determines that there is a significant degree of public interest in the application or if requested by a local legislator. A public meeting is not a contested case hearing.

FBISD seeks community feedback regarding attendance boundary options Fort Bend ISD appreciates the response received from community members who have participated in the attendance boundary planning process to date – whether through attendance boundary focus groups or by attending recent community information meetings.

The District is currently in the feedback stage of the process and invites the community to weigh in on the options that were presented to the community during the week of December 10.

If you missed the opportunity to hear attendance boundary presentations during the recent information meetings, you can visit the FBISD website at www.fortbendisd.com/boundaryplanning to view online presentations that were shared during community meetings and learn more about the boundary

planning process. You will find presentations regarding: •Boundary options for Elementary 51 (in the northwest portion of the District) •Boundary options for balancing high school enrollment in the southeast portion of the District (which involves Elkins, Hightower, Marshall, Ridge Point, Willowridge and associated feeder schools) After viewing the attendance boundary presentations, please take a moment to complete the online surveys regarding the boundary options. The District is looking for detailed feedback regarding the attendance boundary options. The surveys will ask community members to provide their level of support for each option as a package, as well as its component parts.

Staff will study and consider all feedback to further refine

options for presentation to the Board for consideration in early 2019.

The boundary presentations and feedback surveys will be available online at www.fortbendisd.com/boundaryplanning through January 5, 2019.

FBISD staff will study and consider the feedback from the community and possibly refine options further based on community feedback.

During the January Board meeting, District staff will present recommendations regarding ES 51 and an update on balancing of high school enrollment to the Board. At the February meeting, staff will provide an update and present recommendations regarding boundary options for balancing of high school enrollment in the southeast portion of the District.

Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital is the first in Fort Bend to offer a new highresolution PET/CT imaging machine – called the Biograph mCT – that improves physicians’ abilities to make diagnoses.

The PET/CT produces crisper, more detailed images than older machines – and does so with reduced rates of radiation exposure.

“This is a valuable investment in patient care because imaging plays such a critical role in diagnosis,” said Eric Longo, M.D., Chair of the Department of Radiology at the hospital.

“With the new PET/CT, our oncologists will be able to characterize the tiniest cancer lesions more precisely, which allows for better staging and monitoring of changes in activity over time. The PET/CT will aid our neurologists in the evaluation of neurological disorders and dementia. Cardiologists will be able to more accurately assess multi-vessel disease.”

The PET/CT is faster and smoother than traditional scanning technology, which provides a number of important benefits.

“The PET/CT uses innovative software to produce highly accurate scans rapidly, a criti-

cal advantage because longer scans increase the chance of patient movement which can interfere with image quality,” said Chiekezi Ekechi, Director of Imaging and Diagnostic Services at Houston Methodist Sugar Land.

“In addition, the PET/CT table moves in a single continuous motion through the scan, which reduces patient movement compared to the stopand-start motion of traditional scanners. All of that means less exposure to radiation and fewer retakes – important benefits for patients who require frequent follow-up exams.”

The PET/CT is also more comfortable than older machines, with a wide table for patients and a large-diameter opening. It can even be used for full-body scans.

The short tunnel also allows many scans to be performed with the patient’s head outside of the machine, which improves patient comfort and reduces feelings of anxiety or claustrophobia.

To schedule an imaging appointment with Houston Methodist Sugar Land, call 281.274.7170.

To learn more about Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital, visit houstonmethodist.org/ sugarland.

History of Fort Bend County Fort Bend County Libraries

Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital offers new high-resolution imaging

OPPORTUNITY FOR A CONTESTED CASE HEARING. After the deadline for submitting public comments, the Executive Director will consider all timely comments and prepare a response to all relevant and material, or significant public comments. Unless the application is directly referred for a contested case hearing, the response to comments, and the Executive Director’s decision on the application, will be mailed to everyone who submitted public comments and to those persons who are on the mailing list for this application. If comments are received, the mailing will also provide instructions for requesting reconsideration of the Executive Director’s decision and for requesting a contested case hearing. A contested case hearing is a legal proceeding similar to a civil trial in state district court.

TO REQUEST A CONTESTED CASE HEARING, YOU MUST INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING ITEMS IN YOUR REQUEST: your name, address, phone number; applicant's name and proposed permit number; the location and distance of your property/activities relative to the proposed facility; a specific description of how you would be adversely affected by the facility in a way not common to the general public; a list of all disputed issues of fact that you submit during the comment period and, the statement "[I/we] request a contested case hearing." If the request for contested case hearing is filed on behalf of a group or association, the request must designate the group’s representative for receiving future correspondence; identify by name and physical address an individual member of the group who would be adversely affected by the proposed facility or activity; provide the information discussed above regarding the affected member’s location and distance from the facility or activity; explain how and why the member would be affected; and explain how the interests the group seeks to protect are relevant to the group’s purpose.

Following the close of all applicable comment and request periods, the Executive Director will forward the application and any requests for reconsideration or for a contested case hearing to the TCEQ Commissioners for their consideration at a scheduled Commission meeting.

The Commission may only grant a request for a contested case hearing on issues the requestor submitted in their timely comments that were not subsequently withdrawn. If a hearing is granted, the subject of a hearing will be limited to disputed issues of fact or mixed questions of fact and law relating to relevant and material water quality concerns submitted during the comment period. TCEQ may act on an application to renew a permit for discharge of wastewater without providing an opportunity for a contested case hearing if certain criteria are met.

MAILING LIST. If you submit public comments, a request for a contested case hearing or a reconsideration of the Executive Director’s decision, you will be added to the mailing list for this specific application to receive future public notices mailed by the Office of the Chief Clerk. In addition, you may request to be placed on: (1) the permanent mailing list for a specific applicant name and permit number; and/or (2) the mailing list for a specific county. If you wish to be placed on the permanent and/or the county mailing list, clearly specify which list(s) and send your request to TCEQ Office of the Chief Clerk at the address below.

INFORMATION AVAILABLE ONLINE. For details about the status of the application, visit the Commissioners’ Integrated Database at www.tceq.texas.gov/goto/cid. Search the database using the permit number for this application, which is provided at the top of this notice.

AGENCY CONTACTS AND INFORMATION. Public comments and requests must be submitted either electronically at http://www14.tceq.texas.gov/epic/eComment/, or in writing to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Office of the Chief Clerk, MC-105, P.O. Box 13087, Austin, Texas 78711-3087. Please be aware that any contact information you provide, including your name, phone number, email address, and physical address will become part of the agency's public record. For more information about this permit application or the permitting process, please call the TCEQ Public Education Program, Toll Free, at 1-800-687-4040 or visit

their website at www.tceq.texas.gov/goto/pep. Si desea información en Español, puede llamar al 1-800-687-4040.

Further information may also be obtained from City of Missouri City at the address stated above or by calling Mr. Dan McGraw at 281-403-8543.

Issuance Date: December 13, 2018

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will present a special program on “The History of Fort Bend County” on Saturday, January 12, from 10:00 to 11:00 am, in Room 2C at George Memorial Library, located at 1001 Golfview in Richmond.

Created in 1837, Fort Bend County is deeply rooted in Texas history. In this program, Carol Beauchamp, a long-time staff member in the library’s Genealogy and Local History Department, will talk about the early days of the county, from its inception through the mid-1900s. Hear about the fascinating people and events that made Fort Bend County what it is today. Beauchamp will talk about the impact on the county of events such as the Texas Revolution, the American Civil War, and World War II. She will also share details on the colonization of the county, Imperial Sugar, Terry’s Texas Rangers, and the Jaybird-Woodpecker War.The program is free and open to the public. For more information, call George Memorial Library at 281-342-4455 or 281-633-4734.

INDEPENDENT • DECEMBER 26, 2018 • Page 5

NEWS

Sienna Plantation Sip & Stroll collects thousands for local charity

The recent Sienna Sip & Stroll raised $5,200 for A Shelter for Cancer Families. Shown here at the event representing the organization are, from left, Missy Amschwand Bellinger, founder and president; Madelon McGrenera, project coordinator; and Kim Soza, cancer navigator.

Hundreds of people sampled local Fort Bend fare while raising $5,200 for A Shelter for Cancer Families during the recent Sienna Plantation Sip & Stroll.

The event, held Nov. 15 at the Fort Bend community’s Sawmill Lake Club, brought together local restaurants and bars which offered tastes of featured foods, wines and beers. A ‘smores bar was staged around the outdoor firepit.

“We had so many people enjoying a date night or a girls’ night out,” said Allison Bond, marketing director for Sienna Plantation. “It was the perfect mix of food and fun in a beautiful surrounding.”

For each ticket sold, $20 was donated to A Shelter for Cancer Families. The organization provides free, tangible support in the Texas Medical Center to families affected by cancer.

“This donation will mean so much to the families that we try to help through their cancer journey by providing housing for out-of-town cancer families, helping them celebrate important milestones or other efforts,” said Missy Amschwand Bellinger, co-founder of the organization and Sienna Plantation resident. “It’s gratifying to see my own community throw such support behind our organization. I feel blessed to live here.”

Among those participating in Sip & Stroll were B’s Wine Bar, Texas Biergarten, Fajita Pete’s, Bernie’s Burger Bus, Malawi’s Pizza, Bean Here Coffee, Pacific Coast Tacos, Vino & Vinyl, Texas Leaguer Brewing Company, Wing Station, Russo’s Coal-Fired Italian Kitchen, Loam Agronomics and Renegade Kitchen & Catering, Sweets in the Sky and Eddy’s Pizza.

“Sip & Stroll shines a spotlight on local businesses, and many of those who participated — including the event producer and florist — can be found in or very near to Sienna Plantation,” Bond said. “You could almost say guests were sampling the Sienna lifestyle.”

For more information about Sienna Plantation, visit www.siennaplantation.com.

Five Made-in-Texas Films Compete for Houston Film Critics Society Honor Five movies which were made in Texas will compete for the prestigious TIFA (Texas Independent Film Award) to be presented by the Houston Film Critics Society at its 12th Annual Movie Awards on January 3, 2019.

Nominees for the honor include the following films from 2018: 1985, An American in Texas, The Standoff at Sparrow Creek, Support the Girls, and Tejano.

A movie must be shot in Texas, and independently financed, to be eligible for this award. A special committee of Society members selects the nominees from all eligible films before the entire membership votes to select the winner.

“This year’s nominees represent the range and depth of films made in Texas and show the health of the Texas film industry,” says Joshua Starnes, president of the organization. “We are honored

to be the only film society in the state making this commitment to filmmakers who work in Texas.”

The five nominees address a broad range of issues and relationships. In 1985, a man confronts himself and his family about certain truths in his life. An American in Texas addresses the anger that can define how people dream, while The Standoff at Sparrow Creek explores what drives someone to try to solve a mass shooting. Support the Girls celebrates the layers of friendship and Tejano explores border issues continuing to challenge the state.

“We would be impressed with any of these films on their own,” Starnes continues.

“That they are made in Texas is even more thrilling.”

The Society includes journalists reviewing film in print, on line and on air. Winners of the Society’s awards in all 17 categories for 2018 will be an-

nounced on Thursday, January 3, 2019 during the ceremony held at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. Tickets may be secured online.

The 12th Annual Houston Film Critics Society’s Movie Awards are underwritten by Allied Siding and Windows- A Courtright Family Company, with promotional assistance from Gow Media’s ESPN 97.5 FM and SportsMap 94.1 FM. The thirty-seven members of the Houston Film Critics Society are working film journalists on television, radio, online and in traditional print.

Together, they reach millions of people each week across the United States with their critiques and commentaries on film. The organization, which also actively promotes the advancement of film in the Houston community, will launch a student scholarship program in 2019. Visit HoustonFilmCritics.org for more information.

Among the hundreds sampling local Fort Bend bites during the recent Sip & Stroll in Sienna were, from left, Yvonne Reed, Yvonne Renfrow, Linda Riddle, Amber Marino and David Hills.

Bob and Priscilla Voisinet sample wine provided by Vino & Vinyl during the recent Sip & Stroll event in Sienna Plantation.

Drug bust worth $1.6 million on the street

The Fort Bend County Narcotics Task Force, a Houston HIDTA initiative, interdicted a large amount of methamphetamine on U.S. 59 in the Beasley area.

On Thursday, Dec. 20, while working highway interdiction, a unit on the interdiction team conducted a traffic stop of a Ford Explorer for a traffic violation on U.S. 59 north at Grunwald Rd. near Beasley. During the roadside investigation, the interdiction officer and his K-9 partner, “KAJA,” located a substantial amount of crystal methamphetamine concealed in the altered gas tank of the vehicle.

The suspects Maria Candeleria-Camarillo, 56, of Weslaco,TX. and Rosa Espinosa De Excinia, 54, of Mercedes, TX. were arrested and booked into the Fort Bend County Jail. Both for Thursday, Jan. 17, 2019 suspects face charges of Manufacturing/Delivery of a Controlled Substance First degree at 6 p.m. in the Old Munici- felony and Unlawful Use of a Criminal Instrument Second degree felony. pal Court Room, 1522 Texas The methamphetamine weighed approximately 68 pounds with a potential street impact Pkwy. value of over $1.6 million.

For more details on the meeting, view the City website links below: English: http://bit.

Ahead of the Texas 86th make a difference in the lives gratifying to know that we ly/2BzOtjE Legislative Session, the Fort of each child; the future of as a Board are unified on the Spanish: http://bit.

Bend ISD Board of Trustees Texas depends on educating important issues facing our ly/2QK1UrJ adopted its legislative agenda our growing enrollment with students,” said Jason Burdine, Citizens may also provide focusing on two key areas. diverse needs; and the public FBISD Board President. written or oral comments re“As the legislative session The action is in support of schools are charged by the garding the Cangelosi Detennears, we are committed to Texas Constitution with this the more than 76,000 students tion Improvement Project unadvocating on behalf of our great mission for Texas.” and 11,000 employees in Fort til Monday, Jan. 21, 2019 to students, staff and community, The two resolutions as Bend ISD. the following address: Attn: as well as all students who adopted by the FBISD Board The Board unanimously Chalisa Dixon, City of Misare attending Texas public of Trustees are: adopted two resolutions at souri City, 1522 Texas Pkwy., schools.”

•Making School Finance a the December 17 Regular Missouri City, Texas, 77489.

FBISD encourages parents, For more details, contact Board Meeting, and shared Legislative Priority staff , and community members •Making School Safety a the following message: “We Community Development to stay informed by visiting Legislative Priority believe all children can learn; Coordinator Chalisa Dixon the District’s website.

“As our state legislators we have high expectations for at chalisa.dixon@missouriciprepare for next year’s each of the students we serve; tytx.gov or 281.403.8628. we want to use all resources to legislative session, it is

Missouri City to host Open House for Cangelosi Detention Improvement Project At their Monday, Dec. 17, 2018 Regular Meeting, Missouri City Councilmembers authorized staff to continue the application process to utilize the Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery (CDBG – DR) Hurricane Harvey infrastructure funding through the Texas General Land Office (GLO) in the amount of $954,306, and opened the 30-day comment period for citizen participation.

The grant funds are provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for recovery from Hurricane Harvey and is being disbursed through the GLO. City staff has notified GLO of the City’s intent to use the CDBG – DR funds for the Cangelosi Detention

Improvement project. This project is currently identified within the City’s 5-year Capital Improvement Program and is estimated to cost approximately $2 million (Design and Construction) to implement.

The broad scope of work includes channel widening and raising the embankment of the existing channel/detention facility.

This project when implemented will alleviate flooding in the contributing watershed in addition to accommodating new developmental projects.

As a requirement of allocating these funds, this project location falls within the CBDG eligible program boundary area.

To ensure public participation, a Cangelosi Detention Improvement Project Citizen Open House is scheduled

FBISD board adopts legislative priorities

INDEPENDENT • DECEMBER 26, 2018 • Page 6

AUTOMOBILE: Toyota C-HR

By BARBRA FULENWIDER Stylish, athletic and full of technology, the all-new 2018 Toyota C-HR represents a leap forward in design, manufacturing and engineering for Toyota. The subcompact SUV crossover is available in XLE and XLE Premium and each is equipped with such standard features as 18-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, bucket seats, and 7-inch audio display.

The C-HR not only has uncanny looks, it’s also sporty thanks to having been developed at the famed Nürburgring circuit. From the beginning its designers strived to sculpt an urban-dwelling crossover that would effortlessly navigate

tight city streets and stand out. They did it by giving the C-HR 70.7 inches in width, 61.6 inches in height, and 171.2 inches in length on a 103.9 inch wheelbase.

The XLE Premium model expands on the XLE’s exterior traits with color-matched front and rear passenger door handles with touch-sensor lock and unlock capability, integrated front fog lights, plus power side mirrors with turn signals, blind spot warning indicators, puddle lights with projection and auto-folding function and a myriad of exterior color options.

For a bigger dose of individuality, the C-HR can be outfitted in R-Code, a special

City of Missouri City LEGAL NOTICE THIS IS A MANDATED PUBLICATION OF THE LEGAL NOTICE ******* OPENING DATE OF January 15, 2019 AT 2:00 pm. ******* Invitation for Bid (IFB No. 19-314) Preventative Maintenance for specific HVAC Systems Commodity Code: 941-55 Invitation for Bid (IFB No. 19-316) Overhead Door Repair and Maintenance Services Commodity Code: 910-55 Invitation for Bid (IFB No. 19-315) City Wide-On-Call Plumbing Services Commodity Code: 934-64 Invitation for Bid (IFB No. 19-313) Term Contract for Drainage Ditch Cleaning and Excavation Commodity Code: 912-44 and 968-33 Invitation for Bid (IFB No. 19-311) Term Contract for Supply and Installation of Pavement Markings Commodity Code: 968-61 Invitation for Bid (IFB No. 19-312) Term Contract for Animal Carcass Removal from City Facility Commodity Code: 962-25 Responses must be sealed, marked on the outside of the delivery envelope with the IFB name and number as listed above, and the date of opening. Responses must be delivered to the attention of City of Missouri City Attn: Purchasing Office IFB No. See Above 1522 Texas Parkway Missouri City, Texas 77489 Prior to the acceptance deadline. Responses marked improperly and therefore misdirected may be disqualified. Until final award of the contract, the City 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 City. No bid may be withdrawn during the 60 days following the bid opening date.

City of Missouri City LEGAL NOTICE THIS IS A MANDATED PUBLICATION OF THE LEGAL NOTICE ******* OPENING DATE OF January 8, 2019 AT 2:00 pm. ******* Invitation for Bid (IFB) No. 19-309 Term Contract for On-Call Traffic Signal Maintenance Services Commodity Code: 968-83 Responses must be sealed, marked on the outside of the delivery envelope with the IFB name and number as listed above, and the date of opening. Responses must be delivered to the attention of City of Missouri City Attn: Purchasing Office IFB No. 19-309 Term Contract for On-Call Traffic Signal Maintenance Services 1522 Texas Parkway Missouri City, Texas 77489 Prior to the acceptance deadline. Responses marked improperly and therefore misdirected may be disqualified. Until final award of the contract, the City 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 City. No bid may be withdrawn during the 60 days following the bid opening date.

City of Missouri City LEGAL NOTICE THIS IS A MANDATED PUBLICATION OF THE LEGAL NOTICE ******* OPENING DATE OF January 8, 2019 AT 2:00 pm. ******* Request for Qualifications (RFQ) No. 19-026 Third Party Consulting Services for Energy Saving Performance Contract (ESPC) Commodity Code: 925-34 and 925-70 Responses must be sealed, marked on the outside of the delivery envelope with the IFB name and number as listed above, and the date of opening. Responses must be delivered to the attention of City of Missouri City Attn: Purchasing Office IFB No. 19-026 Third Party Consulting Services for Energy Saving Performance Contract (ESPC) 1522 Texas Parkway Missouri City, Texas 77489 Prior to the acceptance deadline. Responses marked improperly and therefore misdirected may be disqualified. Until final award of the contract, the City 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 City. No bid may be withdrawn during the 60 days following the bid opening date.

paint job that pairs body color with a white-painted roof, side mirrors, and A-pillar for a truly custom look. Open its doors and you see a modern, spacious, and uncluttered interior.

The tilt/telescoping steering wheel is reminiscent of a sports car’s easy-to-grip helm.

The satin-plated shift knob has a solid shift movement while the 4.2-inch color multi-information display sits between the twin-ring cluster. It shows odometer, SPORT and ECO modes, as well as outside temperature, fuel economy and trip information, fuel economy history, G-force monitor, and more.

Key XLE standard features include all-black appointments; premium leather-wrapped steering wheel; auto-dimming rearview mirror with backup camera; electric parking brake; dual-zone climate control; and sport fabrictrimmed front bucket seats with sport bolsters and sixway adjustability.

LEGAL NOTICE OF PUBLIC AUCTION Notice by Order of Fort Bend County Commissioners Court on Dec. 18, 2018 in accordance with TX LOCAL GOV’T CODE 263.001. The appointed Commissioner shall sell at public auction real property owned by the County on the 24th day of January 2019 at 09:00 a.m.

Said property to be sold at public auction is 0.0992 acres of land being a remainder portion of Lot 20, Block 2, Oak Lake Estates, Section 4, Fort Bend County, Texas, described in a deed dated September 6, 2016 from Oak Lake Estates to Fort Bend County, Special Instrument Number 2017012482.

The auction will be held at the property location, 11615 Glen Lake Drive, Sugar Land, TX 77498.

The XLE Premium adds blind spot monitor and rear cross traffic alert; heated front seats; eight-way adjustable power lumbar driver’s seat; and smart key system with push button start. Both models are equipped with a sixspeaker AM/FM/HD Radio, Aha app, USB 2.0 port with iPod connectivity and control, AUX audio jack, Bluetooth wireless connectivity, and voice recognition with voice training.

The C-HR also got driver distraction secure audio (DDSA) and brake hold. The DDSA prevents certain multimedia menus from being selected while the vehicle is in motion and brake hold maintains braking force at all four wheels to keep the vehicle stationary when at a full stop.

Fort Bend Christian Academy has named Joshua Gettys, M.Ed. as Head of School. He has served FBCA for more than seven years, serving in roles including Upper School Counselor, Assistant Head of Upper School and Head of Upper School.

“We are very excited about his new role and his vision for FBCA,” Trey Hendershot, Board of Trustees President said.

During his career at Fort Bend Christian Academy, Gettys has been instrumental in developing a premier counseling and academic advising program to support students in achieving God’s unique calling on their lives.

As Division Head, Gettys has led a variety of academic leadership teams, facilitated opportunities for professional development and encouraged a culture of academic collaboration among faculty and staff.

Gettys, along with his administrative teams and faculty, has established a positive learning and social climate for students in the upper school, all while

Gettys endeavoring to uphold the mission of FBCA, “to glorify God through excellence in college preparatory Christian education.”

Gettys said he is committed to unifying the three campuses under one vision, carrying forward the core values of FBCA. “In a brief thirty-one years, FBCA has maintained its vision of becoming one of the premier independent schools in the nation, and we will

continually strive to fulfill our purpose,” Gettys said.

“As Head of School, I am committed to fostering a student-centered, PK12 educational program that provides superior academic and co-curricular experiences rooted in a Christian worldview. We will unapologetically challenge our students to engage more deeply in the classroom, to explore and invest in their God-given interests and abilities, and to nurture and cultivate them personally and socially through meaningful relationships. We will seek God’s will and put our students first in all things.”

Gettys obtained a B.A. in Psychology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and an M.Ed. in Counseling and Development from Winthrop University.

He will graduate in May 2019 with an M.S.Ed. in Educational Leadership from Indiana University. He and his wife, Suzanne, have been married for eight years and have one son. Suzanne is a Clinical Pharmacy Specialist in Pediatric Oncology at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center.

40 days in jail for DWI

Laura Richard Fort Bend County Clerk PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing on Tuesday, January 15, 2019, at 1:00 p.m. for acceptance of the traffic control plan for Sienna Village of Destrehan, Section 7C, Precinct 1.

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing on Tuesday, January 15, 2019, at 1:00 p.m. for acceptance of the traffic control plan for Tamarron Crossing west of Tamarron Trace, 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.

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,

Submitted by,

Laura Richard Fort Bend County Clerk

Laura Richard Fort Bend County Clerk

CONSTABLE SALE Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and/or Order of Sale issued on December 10, 2018 by the 268th JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT of Fort Bend County, Texas in Cause# 17-DCV-239708 in favor of the plaintiff- PROPEL FINANCIAL SERVICES, LLC. Plaintiff, recovered judgment amount for the sum of $75,924.33++++ costs as taxed on said execution and/ or order of sale and further the sum of executing the same.

I have levied on December 10, 2018 and will offer for sale on the day of January 3, 2019 at the County Court house steps of Fort Bend County, Texas in the city of Richmond, Texas between the hours of Ten O’clock A.M. and Four O’clock P.M., and all rights, title, interests, and claims which the said Defendant (s) - Wilbert & Tonya Shorts had of in or to the following described Real Property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; Legal Description: LOT SIXTY-ONE (61), IN BLOCK FIVE (5), FINAL PLAT VICKSBURG, THE VILLAGE OF CUMBERLAND, A SUBDIVISION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED UNDER COUNTY CLERK’S SLIDE NOS. 644/B, 645/A, & 645/B, PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS. TERMS: CASH TIME: SALE TO BE HELD AT OR ABOUT 10:00 A.M. PLACE: 301 JACKSON ST., WILLIAM TRAVIS BUILDING, 1 sr FLOOR MEETING ROOM, RICHMOND TEXAS 77469.

CONSTABLE SALE Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and/or Order of Sale issued on October 11, 2018 by the 268th JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT of Fort Bend County,Texas in Cause # 17-DCV-246361 in favor of the plaintiff - WINDFIELD LAKES N HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC. Plaintiff, recovered judgment amount for the sum of $9,083.68++++ costs as taxed on said execution and/or order of sale and further the sum of executing the same.

I have levied on October 11, 2018 and will offer for sale on the day of January 8, 2019 at the County Court house steps of Fort Bend County, Texas in the city of Richmond, Texas between the hours of Ten O’clock A.M. and Four O’clock P.M., and all rights, title, interests, and claims which the said Defendant (s)- Gerlyn Washington and Shannon Lee had of in or to the following described Real Property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; Legal Description: LOT 9, IN BLOCK 3 OF WINDFIELD LAKES SEC. 9, AN ADDITION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN PLAT NO. 20060006, OF THE PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS; MORE COMMONLY KNOWN AS 2106 HAWTHORNE BROOK LANE, FRESNO TEXAS 77545.

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

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

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

are expected to receive EPAestimates of 27 city/31 highway/29 combined miles-pergallon.

Toyota’s safety suite bundles forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane departure alert with steering assist, automatic high beams, and dynamic radar cruise control.

The manufacturer’s suggested retail price for the 2018 C-HR ranges from $22,500 for XLE to $24,350 XLE Premium. It does not include the delivery, processing, and handling fee of $960.

For its size, I was amazed at how nicely the C-HR rides and how quiet it is. I especially like its bold looks that command attention and its sporty feel that drives you to keep having fun behind the wheel.

Fort Bend Christian Academy Names Head of School

Leroy Salas was sentenced to serve 40 days in the Fort Bend County jail after a jury convicted him of Driving While Intoxicated – 2nd Offense on December 13, 2018.

Submitted by,

For easy riding there is the newly developed MacPherson strut front suspension with SACHS dampers, angled strut bearings and a large diameter stabilizer bar to help the C-HR’s front end respond quickly and precisely at initial corner turn-in. At the rear, an all-new double-wishbone style multi-link rear suspension uses a 26-mm stabilizer bar and SACHS dampers with urethane upper supports – a first for Toyota.

The C-HR’s engine is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder dualoverhead cam producing 144 horsepower at 6,100 rpm and 139 pound-feet of torque at 3,900 rpm. It sends all power to the front wheels via the continuously variable transmission with intelligence and shift mode. Both models

The 34-year old Bay City man was charged with the crime in 2015 after running a red light in front of a Needville Police Officer.

According to lead prosecutor Bryan Honeycutt, Needville Police Officer Antonio Rendon stopped the defendant after seeing him run a red light on Main Street during the early morning hours of November 1, 2015. When Salas rolled down his window, Officer Rendon could smell the odor of an alcoholic beverage.

Officer Rendon evaluated the defendant’s sobriety to determine if he was safe to drive, but Salas was too intoxicated to successfully perform the standardized field sobriety tests. Salas also refused to provide a sample of his breath or blood.

“The defendant spent his ride to the police station berating Officer Rendon with racial slurs and threatening to fight the officer,’” said Honeycutt.

“Despite the defendant’s behavior, Officer Rendon conducted himself in a calm and professional manner.

The stark contrast between the two further highlighted the defendant was impaired.”

Salas was tried in County Court at Law Number 2 before Presiding Judge Jeffrey A. McMeans. Driving While Intoxicated in this case is a Class A Misdemeanor punishable by 30 days to one year in jail and/ or a fine up to $4,000. Salas was probation eligible.

Assistant District Attorneys Bryan Honeycutt and Robert Scott prosecuted the case.

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City of Missouri City LEGAL NOTICE THIS IS A MANDATED PUBLICATION OF THE LEGAL NOTICE ******* OPENING DATE OF January 8, 2019 AT 2:00 pm. ******* Invitation for Bid (IFB) No. 19-310 Term Contract for On-Call ITS Equipment Maintenance Services Commodity Code: 936-49 Responses must be sealed, marked on the outside of the delivery envelope with the IFB name and number as listed above, and the date of opening. Responses must be delivered to the attention of City of Missouri City Attn: Purchasing Office IFB No. 19-310 Term Contract for On-Call ITS Equipment Maintenance Services 1522 Texas Parkway Missouri City, Texas 77489 Prior to the acceptance deadline. Responses marked improperly and therefore misdirected may be disqualified. Until final award of the contract, the City 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 City. No bid may be withdrawn during the 60 days following the bid opening date.

INDEPENDENT • DECEMBER 26, 2018 • Page 7

17 AMAZING

At Johnson Development, we make more than just places to live; we create amazing communities for what you enjoy most. Whether you’re seasoning dinner with herbs from our Harvest Green community garden, hitting the trails in Grand Central Park or splashing at our huge waterparks in Sienna Plantation, you’re sure to find that life is special in a Johnson Development community.

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Page 8 • INDEPENDENT • DECEMBER 26, 2018

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