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The Fort Bend / Southwest
STAR
TOM MALER
281-203-6900
4655 Techniplex Dr. Suite 300, Stafford, Texas 77477 E-Mail: starnews@fortbendstar.com • Website: www.fortbendstar.com Office: 281-690-4200 • Fax: 281-690-4250 • TOLL FREE 1-888-430-7478 Volume XXXV • No. 36
Fort Bend’s most in-depth news coverage • Check our website FortBendStar.com
Petition submitted to put Sugar Land's red light camera issue to a vote By Betsy Dolan
The New Territory man who is crusading against Sugar Land's red light cameras claimed victory this week when a petition with 3,300 signatures was delivered to the City Secretary. Captain H. F. Van Der Grinten, known as Captain Van, is hoping at least 2,835 of the signatures belong to verified
City of Sugar Land voters. "We aren't sure how long it will take to validate the signatures but we are hoping this issue will be put on the November ballot," Captain Van said. The City of Sugar Land says that extensive studies since 2009 show red light cameras have reduced accidents more than 58% at targeted intersections. The city currently has nine red
For numerous years, the City of Stafford's Fire Department has handled the fire services and emergencies that occur in the unincorporated section of Harris County that occupy part of Stafford. Each year the City enters into an interlocal agreement to cover Zones 4A,
4B and 4C, a pie wedge section of Stafford roughly situated west and east of Murphy Road. The agreement at this time - April 1 thru October 31 provides $19K to the City of Stafford by Harris County for service calls made to these areas. Larry Di Camillo, Stafford's Fire Chief, spoke to City Council about concerns with Zone B,
Fort Bend County's future action may impact bandit signs By Elsa Maxey
Fort Bend County Commissioners will be looking at a directional sign or a kiosk program for approval by the Texas Department of Transportation and administration by the county. Commissioners Court authorized negotiations with National Signs Plaza, Inc. this month. But, it was clear the commissioners did not want to lock themselves with one sign company. It was also expressly understood there would be no exclusivity.
“It’s a good first step,” said Judge Bob Hebert, and as the effort is further developed, “we probably have to bid.” Commissioners weighed in on the possibility of permit applications fees for signs, a one size fits all, directional signs and temporary signs for home builders. Also, the possibility of the sign vendor developing a program would mean that Fort Bend may serve as the “guinea pig.” According to the county’s legal staff, there is no SIGNS, continued on page 7
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
Treasures Under the Sea Gala set for May 14
light cameras, the two newest being recently installed at Highway 90 and Dairy Ashford. "Red light cameras encourage motorists to stop at red lights, which save lives," said Doug Adolph, City of Sugar Land spokesman. "(They) also allow police officers to focus on other important PETITION, continued on page 5
Stafford Fire Department is considering a creative agreement with Harris Co. By Karen Daniels
4405 Highway 6 • Sugar Land
specifically the portion that runs along Highway 59. "This area has a difficult infrastructure and lacks sufficient hydrants. Stafford is vulnerable, as are most cities in these sections." Now being proposed by Harris County is to purchase a new fire truck, a water supply apparatus, that will be amortized over the next six years to cover the compensation Stafford would normally receive. On the seventh year, the title of the truck will be turned over to the City of Stafford for ownership. At that time, a new agreement will be made to cover the costs of Stafford servicing these unincorporated zones, which will be combined and referred to as Zone 4. Chief Di Camillo explained to Council that the water truck under consideration has a typical shelf-life of 11 years. City Attorney, Art Pertile, advised Council that most fire stations receive no recoupment when called by another city or county to assist in an emergency. For accounting purposes, the truck will be listed as a fixed asset, rather than revenue. Further more, the new truck can be used anywhere throughout Stafford. There will be no restrictions on service area.
Raising awareness - “One Child at a Time”
Child Advocates of Fort Bend’s “Treasures Under the Sea” Gala is May 4 which will take place at the Sugar Land Marriott Town Square, and promises to be an elegant and fun evening. Michele Fisher of The New 93Q will serve as the evening’s emcee. Want to join in the fun? Sponsorship and Underwriting opportunities are now available and range from $1,500 to $10,000. Individual tickets are available for $125. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, donating an auction item, volunteering or attending the event, please call 281-344-5108 or visit www.cafb.org for more details. Looking forward to a great Gala are L to R: Child Advocates of Fort Bend Program Assistant, Lianna Estrada; 2013 Board President, Mark Magee; Executive Director, Ruthanne Mefford; Events Specialist, Lisa Moore; and Honorary Chairs, Carole and Bob Brown (front).
Fort Bend ISD trustee candidates square off at community forum By Betsy Dolan
Six candidates who are running for two positions on the Fort Bend ISD board faced off in a community forum at the University Branch Library April 18. Two trustees are seeking re-election - Jim Rice, position
3, and Dave Rosenthal, position 7. Rice also serves as board president. Vanesia Johnson is the sole challenger for Rice's seat, while there are three hopefuls vying for Position 7: Cynthia LentonGary, Rodrigo Carreon and Deciana Enaohwo. The event was sponsored
Separate accidents
The streets of Fort Bend claim two teenage girls this past week By LeaAnne Klentzman
After a fatal traffic accident the lights of the senior class of 2013 will be a little dimmer at Foster High School. The lives of the Cooper family and the Foster High School student body have been indelibility changed after senior Bailey Cooper was killed in a traffic accident last Wednesday.
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ACCIDENTS, continued on page 5
Resident fears vulnerability
Leased vehicles are listed on CAD website By Elsa Maxey
Let’s say you opted to rent a car for personal use instead of buying one. Right now, your name with the vehicle’s corresponding VIN number will show up on the Fort Bend Central Appraisal District’s (CAD) website as a taxable property listing. But, you are not subject to paying a tax if the rental is for personal Dulles Elementary participated in the 2013 Blue Ribbon Competition to help raise awareness of child abuse. use and not business use. Organized by DES PTO president Lisa Moody, this years theme is “One Child at a Time.” The competition is CAD Chief Appraiser Glen judged by the Exchange Club of Sugar land. Go Little Vikes” Whitehead confirmed this on
and moderated by Save the Academies, a parent task force concerned about the future of the district's Academy program. Q: What are the biggest issues affecting teacher morale and how will you address them? Rice: We have been struggling with budget cuts, teacher reductions and increased STAAR requirements. We have the most diverse county in the nation and the most diverse district in the state. We have to get our funding stabilized so teachers know they have a job next year. Lenton-Gary: Teachers are telling me that they have a lack of support from the administration. They are overworked and underpaid, they are tired of teaching to the test, dealing with discipline issues and being buried under paperwork. We need to create a teacher group that will tell us what is really going on.
The times they are a change’n By LeaAnne Klentzman
Monday. But, that’s not really a "Star" reader’s concern. Asking that her name be withheld, she not only wants to find out why the CAD has this listing, but she wants it removed altogether. “To me this information should be private,” she maintains noting that she understands that the information needs to go to the tax department, but not on its website as public record. For credit bureau matters, she said questions like one’s
It is Spring and it is CLEAN UP time! Yep, now is the time your city is CRIMINAL gonna help ya’ OF THE WEEK get things all spruced up…well, most of it anyway. Speaking of which, they might take that Spruce but, uh, there is a limit to what they will take. While most of us have junk, umm, treasures, it takes a special person to have some
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