Fort Bend Independent 121317 by Fort Bend Independent

VOL 10 No. 50

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FORT BEND FAIR. BALANCED. INFORMATIVE. P. O.BOX 623, SUGAR LAND, TX 77487-0623

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2017

Official newspaper of Fort Bend County & Missouri City

FBEF’s silver jubilee gala

The Fort Bend Education Foundation’s Gala, “Silver Jubilee…Celebrating 25 Years”, presented by Perdue Brandon Fielder Collins & Mott, LLP, will occur on March 3, 2018, at the Sugar Land Marriott Town Square. Experience jubilance as you journey through this special evening with Fort Bend‘s ﬁnest in support of our children’s education. Enjoy a sumptuous feast and thrilling entertainment in the stunning setting. Let the sparks ﬂy as you dance the night away to the unbeatable music of the band Password. Saunter over to the Silent Auction and Bid Board area for a vast array of most interesting and must have items. The highlight of the eve-

ning will be the much-anticipated bidding in the Live Auction. For table sponsorships, individual tickets, or auction donations, please visit www.fortbendisd. com/foundation. Underwriters of the Silver Jubilee Gala are (sitting) CoChairs Lynn Halford and Peggy Jackson; (1st Row Standing) Dr. Victor Hassid, MD Anderson Cancer Center; Lina Sabouni, AUTOARCH Architects; Mike Siwierka, Perdue Fielder Brandon Collins & Mott; Sharon Galloway, CHI St. Lukes Health Sugar Land Hospital; Chris Keene, Rangeland Energy (2nd Row Standing) Ron Bailey, PBK Architects; Ray Aguilar, Classic Chevrolet Sug-

ar Land; Shefali Jhaveri; Dr. Eric Peterson, Kelsey-Seybold Clinic; Oscar Saenz, Jacobs Engineering; (3rd Row Standing) Irfan Abji, E Contractors; Ray Meyer, Paradigm Consultants; Charles Carter, UnitedHealthcare; Gary Pearson, Republic Services and Douglas Walker-Rice, Rice and Gardner Consultants. Not pictured: Prime Contractors, Bass Construction, the Bhuchars, Bracewell LLP, Gold Star Transit, IBI Group Architects, the Likharis, Netsync Network Solutions, the Patels, Rogers, Morris & Grover, Stantec Architecture and Thompson & Horton. Photo by Mary Favre; Artistic Graphics Jasmine Raziuddin.

Battles lines drawn for March 6 party primary elections

By SESHADRI KUMAR A flurry of candidates in both the Republican and Democratic parties have filed for a whole range of elected offices. In Fort Bend County, Democrats have fielded challengers to face strong incumbent Republicans and even among Democrats, there is a heightened bid for primary nomination. In statewide races, Republican Senator Ted Cruz faces two people in his own party primary and two Democrats have filed for their party’s nomination to challenge Cruz. In Governor’s race, incumbent Republican Greg Abbott is challenged by ‘Secede’ Kilgore in the Republican primary, while there are eight candidates in the Democratic primary for governor. Kathie Glass has also filed her application to run for Texas Governor in 2018 as a Libertarian. Incumbent Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has one opponent in the Republican primary and two have filed for the Democratic Party nomination. Nearer home for U.S. Congress, Dist. 22, U.S. Rep Pete Olson faces challengers within the party and the Republican nominee will face a Democrat in the general election. Former Missouri City City Councilman Danny Nguyen and Eric Zmrhal of Katy, an oil and gas engineer, have filed for Ol-

son’s seat. (Fort Bend County Sheriff Troy Nehls was contemplating a run for Olson’s seat, but finally decided against it.) Incumbent State Senator for Dist. 17 Joan Huffman is challenged by Fort Bend ISD President Kristin Tassin in the Republican primary, while Ahmad R. Hassan and Fran Watson have filed for the Democratic Party nomination. Incumbent State Reps. Rick Miller, John Zerwas and Phil Stephenson have no opponents in the primary and they will face a Democrat in the November general election next year. State Rep. Ron Reynolds, Democrat, in Dist. 27, who is facing legal trouble, is challenged by Wilvin Carter in the primary. The winner will become the next State Rep as there is no Republican opponent in the November election. Fort Bend County Judge Bob Hebert has no opponent in the Republican primary, but Fort Bend ISD Trustee K.P. George has filed for the seat as a Democrat and they will be on the ballot in the November general election. Pct. 2 County Commissioner Grady Prestage, Democrat,has no opponent. Pct. 4 Commissioner James Patterson, Republican, has an opponent in the Democratic Party.

Ken. R. DeMerchant from New Territory, a Democrat, has filed for Commissioner Pct. 4. Similarly Republican District Clerk Annie Rebecca Elliott and County Clerk Laura Richard have no opponent, either in the party primary or in the general election. However, County Treasurer’s post has drawn three candidates. Incumbent Jeff Council is not seeking re-election. Bill Rickert, Tina Gibson and Wes Vela have filed for the seat in the Republican primary. No one has filed for the Democratic ticket. For Justice of the Peace, Pct. 1, Place 2, incumbent Republican Mary Ward has filed and she is challenged by Atwood “Woody” McAndrew. Incumbent Justice of the Peace, Pct. 2, Joel Clouser, Democrat, is facing a challenger in the primary. Dierdre DiksonGilbert has also filed for the ticket. There is no Republican seeking this seat. Justice of the Peace, Pct. 3, an open seat, has drawn two Republican candidates — Jarret Nethery and Kelly Nicole Crow. Former JP Ken Kannata, now 458th District Court Judge, will be on the November ballot and he will face a Democrat, Robert L. Rolnic. Incumbent Pct. 4 Justice of the Peace Justice Joyce is unopposed. In Pct. 2 Constable race, See PRIMARY, Page 3

in Democrats’ hands, the club’s active membership has since declined. Fort Bend County Republican Men’s Club and Christian Coalition too were closed down. Fort Bend Republican Women’s Club is in existence and it meets mostly on the west side of the county. The club believed in strict adherence to the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. and Texas Constitutions, in limiting the expanse of government power, in the sanctity of human life,in traditional marriage of a natural man and a natural woman, in a free enterprise society unencumbered by government interference or subsidies, in restoring American sovereignty and leadership, and in honoring all of those that serve and protect our freedom with peace

through strength. Terese Raia, one of the founding members of the club, at the Christmas Party and last meeting on Dec. 7, announced that the club will cease to operate. However, two more clubs are under creation to ﬁll the void. Another women’s club that would meet during day time in the Sugar Land area is being formed. Also, former Sugar Land Mayor Dean Hrbacek, who was a founding member of the now defunct Republican Men’s Club has taken the initiative to establish Fort Bend Republican Patriots’ Club, which will meet in the evenings. Gallery Furniture’s “Mattress Mack” will be the featured guest speaker at the new club’s inaugural meeting set for Jan. 18.

Spirit of Freedom Republican Women’s Club winds down Pictured left, The Spirit of Freedom Republican Women’s Club executive committee members Cindy Cox, left, Phyllis Worsham, Eddie Kupinski,Terese Raia, Debra Ross, Cindy Bond and Trudy Hester at the club’s Christmas Party and final meeting on Dec. 7, where Raia announced the winding down of the club after 31 years of existence. By SESHADRI KUMAR The Spirit of Freedom Republican Women’s Club of Fort Bend County was established in 1986. The statue of Liberty is the symbol of the club as she celebrated her centennial in 1986, the year of the club’s charter. Once an inﬂuential club which played an active role in electing Republican oﬃcials when the county was strongly

Johnson Development tops residential developer list Johnson Development leads the greater Houston area real estate market as its most active residential developer, according to a list released recently by the Houston Business Journal. The venerable company had the most number of homesites developed in Houston between October 2016 and September 2017 of any other firm. Johnson’s 2,714 new homesites topped its nearest competitor by approximately 20 percent. “It’s been a busy year with sales starting in our 14th Houston community and five of our developments in the Houston area listed among the nation’s 50 best-selling communities,” said Doug Goff, President and Chief Executive Officer of Johnson Development. The 590-acre Veranda community in Richmond saw home sales starting and welcomed its

ﬁrst model homes in the spring. Johnson Development’s Harvest Green — also in Richmond — debuted on the nation’s topselling community list compiled by Robert Charles Lesser & Co. (RCLCO) this year. Also qualifying for the list were Riverstone, ranked No. 1 in Houston; Cross Creek Ranch in Fulshear; Sienna Plantation in Missouri City; and Woodforest in South Montgomery County. Rounding out Johnson Development’s active Houston communities are Edgewater in Webster, Fall Creek in Humble, Grand Central Park in Conroe, Harmony in Spring, Imperial in Sugar Land, Jordan Ranch in Fulshear, Tuscan Lakes in League City and Willow Creek Farms in Brookshire. “Several of our communities also grew considerably, adding new neighborhoods, build-

ers and available homes as we worked to meet the needs of people searching for distinctive homes in lifestyle communities,” Goﬀ said. “The Houston economy remains one of the nation’s strongest, gaining nearly 50,000 new jobs over last year, and the housing market is equally as strong, with housing starts also up from 2016. Johnson Development is ready for the inﬂux of people who continue to relocate here and the families who want to stay in this dynamic region.” Johnson Development also has one community in Atlanta — Lake Arrowhead — and two in Dallas-Fort Worth — Trinity Falls in McKinney and Arlington’s Viridian, which was also ranked among the nation’s 50 top-selling communities in the Sienna Sawmill Model Park. Johnson Development is the Houston area’s most active developer, with 2,714 new RCLCO report. homesites introduced from October 2016 through September 2017. Shown is a model home park in Sienna Plantation.

Page 2 • INDEPENDENT • DECEMBER 13, 2017

Lindsey Elementary dedication

NEWS

Lamar CISD Executive Director for Elementary Education Linda Lane, Lamar CISD Trustee Melisa Roberts, Lamar CISD Superintendent Dr. Thomas Randle, Board of Trustees Secretary Kay Danziger, Lindsey Elementary Principal Heather Williams, (and members of Mrs. Lindsey’s family) Shelly Sullivan Essex, DeDe Sullivan, Ashley Schroeder, Lane Schroeder, Darrell McNutt and Steven Stone. Wednesday, Dec. 6, Lamar the Class of 1932 at Rosenberg in bringing the Richmond State CISD dedicated its 24th elemen- High School. She went on to grad- School to Fort Bend County. Lindsey was a faithful member tary school in honor of a woman uate from the University of Texas who dedicated her life to public and the UT Law School, where of Holy Rosary Catholic Church she was one of only three women and the Joerger-Lindsey Parish service. Kathleen Joerger Lindsey El- in a class of 300 students. She is Hall is in recognition of her conementary is Lamar CISD’s first believed to be the first woman at- tributions to the congregation. Friends and family of Mrs. Lindschool with a Katy address and torney in Fort Bend County. Her efforts helped found the sey were in attendance for the is located in the Firethorne West Fort Bend Public Library Sys- ceremony. subdivision. Lindsey was valedictorian of tem and she was instrumental

The Woman’s Club of Missouri City held its Christmas luncheon recently at Greatwood Country Club. Members bring toys for the Missouri City Police Department’s Blue Santa program as well as blankets for Home Instead. Shown with the toys and a few blankets are front row Jean Shelledy, Mary Burger and Milly Smith and back Nancy Thurmond, Valerie Langdon and Jo Butterfield.

SLCAF fundraiser honors Bob and Carole Brown The Sugar Land Cultural Arts Foundation (SLCAF) will hold the 2018 Founders’ Review on Saturday, Jan. 20, 2018, from 6:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. at Safari Texas Ranch in Richmond. The theme of this year’s Founders’ Review - Heart and Soul - was inspired by the dedication of the Sugar Land community to supporting the arts in Fort Bend County. Attendees of the 2018 Heart and Soul Founders’ Review can enjoy the moving performances of Samuel (Eddie) Cromwell and his Gospel Choir and an exciting live auction, with items including, a one year pre-paid, 10,000-mile lease on a 2018 BMW 430i Gran Coupe, courtesy of Momentum BMW, available for bidding. In addition to the evening’s festivities, SLCAF will also be honoring a couple who have poured their own heart and soul into giving back to a community they’ve called home for nearly 40 years - Mr. and Mrs. Bob and Carole Brown. “We’re fortunate to have a community that is as enthusiastic about the arts as we are at the Sugar Land Cultural Arts Foundation,” said Tim Stubenrouch, Sugar Land Cultural Arts Foundation Board President. “Bob and Carole Brown have become a cornerstone in the Sugar Land community, with Bob serving as a board member of the Sugar Land Heritage Foundation, Sugar Land Legacy Foundation, among many other organizations, and Carole giving back to the community through the Republican Women’s Club, American Heart Association and Operation Rainbow - we are delighted to name them the 2018 Founder’s Review honorees.”

LIVING THE

One year pre-paid, 10,000-mile lease on a 2018 BMW 430i Gran Coupe, courtesy of Momentum BMW, is available for bidding. All proceeds of the Review To learn more, visit www.slcaf. will beneﬁt the mission and org/2018-founders-review/ or goals of SLCAF, including con- contact Cathy Stubbs, Review tinued improvements to the Sug- Chair. Sugar Land Cultural Arts ar Land Auditorium and promo- Foundation (SLCAF) is a 501(c) tion of cultural, performing and (3) nonproﬁt arts organization, visual arts. To date, SCLAF has founded in 1999, to promote the reinvested over $1.2 million in cultural, performing and visual the community. The Sugar Land arts in Sugar Land, and preCultural Arts Foundation would serve, renovate and restore the also like to thank this year’s Ti- historic Sugar Land Auditorium. tle Sponsor, Momentum BMW. Visit www.slcaf.org.

LIFE!

Your sweet life begins at Imperial, a one-of-a-kind, historic Sugar Land community. Enjoy hiking and biking paths winding around acres of lakes, browse the weekly farmers market, and take in a concert or ball game at Constellation Field. And coming soon: Imperial Market. Shop or dine in a unique town center that’s an easy walk or ride from your new home!

ImperialSugarLand.com

New Homes from the $450s-Millions

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Meritage Homes

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Partners in Building

INDEPENDENT • DECEMBER 13, 2017 • Page 3

NEWS

Sugar Land retains AAA bond rating; Volunteers question Missouri City’s Refunding to save $14.9 million poor funding for animal shelter Fitch Ratings and Standard & Poor’s Global Ratings recently reaffirmed Sugar Land’s “AAA” bond rating in connection with the city’s plan to reissue $78.2 million in general obligation refunding bonds, an action estimated to save approximately $14.9 million, the city said in a press release. The “AAA” rating applies not only to the refunding issue but to all of the city’s outstanding tax-backed debt and translates to continued lower borrowing costs for taxpayers and ratepayers. This means that the city can afford to deliver more highquality projects to residents while still maintaining the second lowest property tax rate in Texas among cities its size and with lower than projected future utility rates. The ratings are a reflection of the city’s strong financial resiliency – including fiscally conservative budgeting and proactive responses to economic conditions. The sale of the $78.2 million general obligation refunding bonds took place on Dec. 5. Refinancing existing bonds to capture interest savings lowers the cost of borrowing funds. The issue to be refunded is $80.9 million in Certificates of Obligation that were issued in 2011 to finance construction of the Surface Water Treatment Plant and other improvements necessary to meet the mandated 30 percent

reduction in groundwater use. Preliminary figures show an average annual debt service savings of about $622,000 over the 24 years remaining on the bonds, which are repaid through utility revenues. The “AAA” rating is the highest rating a bond can carry and represents a bond with minimal risk due to the strong financial management practices of the city. Standard & Poor’s views the city’s management as “very strong, with ‘strong’ financial policies … indicating financial policies are strong, well embedded and likely sustainable.” Factors cited by Standard & Poor’s included: •a very strong economy with access to a broad and diverse population; •very strong management with “strong” financial policies and practices; •strong budgetary performance with balanced operating results; •very strong budgetary flexibility; and •very strong liquidity. Fitch recognized the city’s strong operating performance supported by its ability to raise revenues, solid expenditure flexibility and strong operating performance. An excerpt from the Fitch analysis reads, “The city’s strong budget management practices are evidenced by reserve replenishment during periods of economic expansion and no deferral of

required spending. The city council and management also have a history of prompt responses to changing economic conditions; the most recent example is fiscal 2018 budget adjustments and a reduction in planned capital spending/borrowing over the next five years in response to a more cautious tax revenue outlook.” The city of Sugar Land has achieved its strong fiscal health through years of financial policy development. The comprehensive Financial Management Policy Statements have been in place since 2002 and are reviewed and adopted by resolution every two years, allowing for updates to be made as the city develops. The policies are currently under review and will be discussed with the City Council in early 2018 to determine if any changes are needed. The affirmation of the top bond rating recognizes the commitment of City Council and staff to ensure sound financial oversight of City resources. “The AAA ratings demonstrate confidence in the city’s ability to manage its finances,” added City Manager Allen Bogard. “Our proactive efforts to ensure resiliency and financial strength support the quality services our residents expect and enable us to have one of the lowest tax rates in the state.”

Oﬀ The Vine Bistro honors Fort Bend’s ‘Hidden Heroes’

By BARBARA FULENWIDER Volunteers at Missouri City’s dog pound and Councilman Jerry Wyatt got into a disagreement about their town’s dog pound and how it’s run at council’s Dec. 4 workshop and at the following city council meeting. Three women volunteers spoke to council and each believes the pound is a killing field that needs rectifying. What that means is more hired help and therefore a bigger budget, neither of which council is likely to be able to increase when the budget is set and there are many other more pressing needs in the city, such as worn infrastructure. The wrangling began when Councilman At-Large Jerry Wyatt tried to explain to Valeria Tolman that the “city’s budget has been in place since July 1, 2017 and council is not willing to make budget exceptions to hire another employee because it would create an exception that would not satisfy our bond rating agencies. And what do I say to the next group that wants an exception? “We are not going to get in the business of making exceptions that do not constitute an emergency such as Hurricane Harvey or the need to replace a fire truck that can’t be repaired, for example,” Wyatt explained. The councilman went on to say that “somehow Ms. Tolman believes it is her role to run Missouri City’s volunteer program at the animal shelter and feels she should be dictating what staff does at the animal shelter. There has been a constant effort by this group (of volunteers) to tell the city what to do.” He pointed out that Missouri City and Stafford have shared the animal shelter for some 30

years. Stafford pays 20 percent of the budget and Missouri City 80 “and it has never been under budget based on the city’s needs,” Wyatt said. He went on to say that Tolman’s budget comparisons of Missouri City with other towns’ shelters don’t jibe because, for instance, “Sugar Land has 11 animal control employees, which would account for a considerably larger budget variance. “Unless she does an apples to apples comparison of city budgets no real comparison exists. All cities are not the same in what they do, even in identical named departments,” Wyatt said. After the workshop ended and city council began, Tolman was the first to speak and said Wyatt had said at the workshop that the animal shelter wasn’t important to him and that it was not on his priority list. She said he denied what he said but she had four people at the workshop meeting “who can substantiate it.” From there Tolman went on to say the city sent out a survey that said there was no concern by citizens about the animal shelter but “there was no option to say you were concerned. I also did not see that the public was interested in having a two-day jazz festival that cost almost as much as the pound gets in their budget.” Tolman said an audit is done every year to make sure state standards are met regarding animal pounds/shelters. She said Missouri City picks up animals off the streets and euthanizes them – “there is no finding homes for the animals. If you feel happy about only meeting the minimum standards…” Another thing Tolman was concerned about is the number of phone calls the pound gets a

day that no one answers. She said there are more than 45 calls a day and “most go unanswered. The phone isn’t answered and the doors are always locked.” When her time was up, she ended by saying volunteers took in 11 dogs in one day and had six of them adopted over the weekend. After the volunteer finished, City Manager Anthony Snipes said, “We will be working with the volunteers on the next step on how to proceed.” Then another volunteer, Brenda Clark stepped to the podium. She said, “I’m one of those citizens who haven’t often times thought about the animal shelter. But after (Hurricane) Harvey I began volunteering and my eyes are wide open. What we do is a labor of love. “I have come to ponder a few things. Does the city want an animal shelter at which our euthanasia rate has gone from 80 percent to 20 percent? We want to rehome these dogs. Let us all try to save as many as we can.” Then she asked, “Why do we have a city building that is locked 24 hours a day 7 days a week? Unless you are lucky and someone is working in the building you can’t get in folks. See if you get in on your first try. We have people trying to reclaim their dog but they can’t get in.” Then the president of the animal shelter volunteers, Lynn Morgan, went to the podium and said, “We’ve raised $95,000 to help with the dogs. I challenge everyone of you guys to come to the shelter and hang out and see what’s wrong with it. Are you more concerned about fixing the volunteers or the shelter? Eighty percent of the animals were euthanized and now it’s 20 percent. Don’t you want all the citizens to know that?”

NOTICE OF DETERMINATION NOT TO UPDATE LAND USE ASSUMPTIONS, CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PLAN, OR IMPACT FEES The City Council of the City of Missouri City has determined that no change to the land use

assumptions, capital improvements plan, or impact fee is necessary for the Northeast Oyster Creek Subwatershed service area. The Northeast Oyster Creek Subwatershed service area is generally described as approximately 952 acres along F.M. 1092 Road (Murphy Road), north of El Dorado Boulevard and south of the city limits line of the City of Missouri City, Texas, and is more particularly depicted as follows:

Off the Vine’s owners, Namita and Manish Asthana, recently honored two dozen “Hidden Heroes” from the Fort Bend community. The Heroes were nominated by friends through social media after Namita posted that she wanted to offer a bottle of free wine to those who don’t regularly get recognized. Within hours, the 25 spots Namita had suggested were filled. Namita quickly put together a small event to say thank you, and for the Heroes to meet each other. Dee Koch, Director of Community Engagement for

The George Foundation and Fort Bend nonproﬁt guru, made an appearance to also express appreciation. A large group of honorees came from Sienna and were leaders in the #SiennaStrong movement during Hurricane Harvey and its recovery. Other honorees ranged from one of the women behind the “Fort Bend Loves” rally in December 2016 to a woman who sends a trusted weekly community newsletter to thousands of emails in Fort Bend for free. Each honoree received a bottle of wine and recognition.

Primary

nomination. Juli Mathew is the Democratic nominee. For CCL Judge No. 4, Sugar Land Councilwoman Amy Mitchell, Republican, and Democrat Toni Wallace will be on the November ballot.

From Page 1 cumbent Gary Majors is challenged by Daryl Smith in the Democratic primary.Incumbent District Attorney John Healey is not seeking re-election. Former District Judge Cliff Vacek and Attorney Shawn McDonald have filed for the Republican ticket. The winner will face Brian Midleton, Democrat, in the November election. County Court-at-Law Judge No. 1 Chris Morales and CCL Judge No. 2 Jeff McMeans, both Republican incumbents are unopposed in the primary and there are no Democractic challengers. For CCL Judge No. 3 Harold Kennedy and Jennifer Chiang have filed for Republican

Namita said she plans on doing this again next year. Honorees who attended the event at Oﬀ the Vine Bistro: Front Row (L to R): Sue Hauenstein, Namita Asthana, Misty Gasiorowski, Dee Koch, Angie Wierzbicki, Natalie Cook, Erin Mahaﬀey, Bincy Jacob, Monica Guehring Back Row (L to R): Cynthia Lauer, Jake Messinger, Valerie Tolman, Ligi Varghese, Elizabeth Barbour, Teri Clayton, Meschelle Krejci, Margo Pasko For the newly created CCL Judge No. 6 former Sugar Land Mayor Dean Hrbacek and Attorney Lewis White are seeking the Republican ticket. The winner will face Democrat Sherman Hatton, Jr. in November.

Toy and Food drive by Rosenberg Police Department Christmas is approaching and the Rosenberg Police Department is excited about its ﬁrst Christmas food and toy drive. In addition to assisting families who need food the department is accepting toy donations for families in need. RPD is partnering with Kroger, Fiesta, Academy, Embassy Church and New Hope Church which are all allowing bins at their locations to collect food and toys. Bins are also placed at the Rosenberg PD lobby and City Hall. Iitems will be collected until Dec. 20. That would allow enough time to gather up the items, wrap the toys and get everything delivered to families just prior to Christmas Eve.

If, on or before January 30, 2018, a person makes a written request to the City Secretary of the City of Missouri City, Texas, requesting that the land use assumptions, capital improvements plan, or impact fee be updated, the City Council must comply with the request by following the requirements of Sections 395.052 through 395.057 of the Texas Local Government Code. Any such request for an update should be delivered to Maria Jackson, City Secretary, at 1522 Texas Parkway, Missouri City, Texas 77489.

Page 4 • INDEPENDENT • DECEMBER 13 , 2017

LETTER Council not in favor of saving animals

MIKE’S MONOLOGUE

To the Editor: Apparently the good ol’ boys in powerful positions in Missouri City think it is OK to bully and threaten female citizens who they feel are not submitting to their superior male will. During the December 4 Special Meeting of the Missouri City City Council, I felt attacked by Councilman Jerry Wyatt as he launched into a tirade against me in front of the city council, city administrators and the public. While it was diﬃcult to tell exactly what prompted the verbal assault, it appeared to be that Wyatt was upset that I (a city volunteer) had posted on my personal Facebook page asking people to write the city council to let them know that residents DO care about the underfunding of the city’s animal shelter and the misery it is causing city residents and animals in the city’s care. Personally, I feel that an elected oﬃcial who stoops to publicly bullying a female constituent knows he is not

By MICHAEL GRANTO When the children were young, the company I worked for transferred me from Buffalo, New York to Miami, Florida. I was to be an instructor at the national training academy for unit managers and first level middle management. I knew that moving could prove difficult for young children, and gave some thought to what might help it be less traumatic. We talked about it, and one of the children wondered what would happen to the aquarium, and all the fish. They liked the aquarium, and it did have a few neat specimens in it, such as the little blue shark we called Rasputin, a dogfaced loach, which spent most of its time hiding in the gravel, another loach which hid in the rock structure, and of course, my daughter’s goldfish, Charlotte, named after a character from childrens’ story Charlotte’s Web. One of the children asked if we could take the fish with

coming from the moral high ground. Councilman Wyatt must know opposing adequate staﬀing at the animal shelter and improving the city service to residents and animals is the wrong thing to do. Why else would he resort to personal attacks against city volunteers rather than addressing the question before the city council - that of allocating an additional $17,000 to the woefully underfunded animal shelter budget? To Councilman Wyatt, Mayor Allen Owen and City Manager Anthony Snipes I would say this is not personal. It is just math. This year’s budget for Missouri City animal services is $219,000. That comes to an expenditure of $2.93 per citizen per year to cover all animal control salaries and shelter expenses. Compare that to Sugar Land at $702,000 or $8 per resident, Alvin at $440,000 or $16.45 per resident, Rosenberg at $258,000 or $6.98 per resident, and Pearland at

$984,000 or $8.66 per resident. Because of Missouri City’s unreasonably low funding, the shelter’s door is always locked and the phone is seldom answered. An increase of only $17,000 a year would mean an employee would be in the office to serve the public every weekday afternoon helping to reunite animals with their owners and reducing the number of animals killed by the city each year. An increase of $40,000 would man the office fulltime. Councilman Wyatt, the Mayor, and some city administrators seem to be more interested in attacking and bullying city residents than fixing the issues at the shelter. They would rather stop the volunteers from reporting problems than address the problems. Why are Wyatt and Owen against helping the public reunite with their pets and saving more lives? I don’t know. Valerie Tolman Missouri City

City Manager Anthony J. Snipes responds Citizen partnerships, through City initiatives like the Municipal Volunteer Program, are essential to the overall success of operations. These strategic collaborations help staff to meet our mission of providing outstanding customer service to members of our diverse community in alignment with department business plans. Missouri City also values input and feedback from our engaged citizenry because it helps the team to stay focused on our code of ideals, which is that we are committed to providing an enhanced level of service, professionalism, innovation, respect, integrity and teamwork. It is in that SPIRIT we work with hundreds of volunteers. We applaud their efforts and are grateful for them. In the same vein, staff has to assure that policies in place to govern the City’s volunteer program are adhered to by all MVP participants. And, when issues of concern emerge, it is imperative that they be addressed for transparency and to protect the integrity of the program. There are a number of high button issues that have been brought to my attention during this fiscal year and my office has directly addressed each one. This allows City Council and staff to keep the City’s budget, business plans and strategic initiatives on the forefront and to factor in any adjustments as needed. Topics that we have discussed in recent months in-

clude questions about the City’s ETJ, home addresses in the area, the City’s logo, infrastructure improvements and the Municipal Volunteer Program at the Animal Shelter. In addition to these issues, my team and I are working on a large number of horizon initiatives such as the: Development of the City Hall Campus Master Plan, which includes the Community Center Plaza, Visitor Center and future Veterans Memorial; Creation and implementation of an Economic Development Plan; Conception of a Municipal Utility District Strategy; Transition of the City’s Fiscal Year from July 1 through June 30 to Oct. 1 through Sept. 30, which citizens voted to approve in the Nov. 7 General Election; Creation of a new Development Guide aimed at taking out any mystery in our planning and zoning processes; and Continuance of the performance management eﬀorts by providing a performance dashboard on our website showcasing selected metrics from departments. We need partnerships with our citizens and businesses to achieve all of these goals. Our MVP program will also be an important partner. Context/Summary of Dec. 4 Special Meeting Budget Discussion: Key points City Council Members discussed in their Dec. 4 Special Meeting in-

clude: 1. Budget Priorities: Public Safety (Police, Fire, and Code) Review of Planning, Development and Permit Process Infrastructure (Sidewalk, Drainage, Streets, etc.) Internal and External Communications City Hall Improvements Employment Growth and Development Emergency Preparedness Investment Traﬃc and Congestion Management 2. Budget facts Over 45% of our City budget is spent on Public Safety. The City’s investment covers practically all of our Property tax revenue received. B. In FY 18, 47 positions were requested from departments. This represented $3,428,173 in position costs. Of that number, only nine were approved ($540,897), while 38 were not. Of the 38 not approved, 23 (Police), 2 (Fire), 2 (Human Resources), 1 (Parks), 2 (IT), 1 (Development Services), 4 (City Secretary and City Attorney), 1 (Public Works), 1 (Financial Services), 1 (Communications). C. In FY 18, departments requested supplemental and capital requests totaling $2,812,254. A total of $1,510,079 were approved, while $963,479 were not approved. D. Fleet requests totaled $1,014,670. From that request, only $27,650 were ap-

Building bridges

proved based on available funding, while $924,429 was not approved. E. In FY 18, IT requests totaled $2,757,664. From that request, only $955,378 was approved, while $1,613,000 was not approved. 3. Unfunded Mandates Unplanned expenditures that rise to a legal or legislative mandate include the following for FY18 that was not planned: A. Legislative Mandates $30,000 + in loss revenues and required new expenditures B. Litigation & Settlements - Amounts that may exceed budget C. Hurricane Harvey Unplanned Expenses - $350,000 - $450,000 In regards to ﬁscal management, stewardship of taxpayer funds is a top priority. The City continues to maintain a Fund Balance between 23 percent to 28 percent. In light of guidance from the rating agencies, the City of Missouri City has taken the position to maintain a fund balance of no less than three to four months of general fund operating expenditures. Higher minimum balances have been considered in cases of rapidly growing budgets, disparities in timing between revenue and expenditures, and the possibility of natural disasters such as hurricanes,” said City Manager Snipes. “In order to make sure the City is making good strategic decisions and responding accordingly, we need to ensure that any funding requests do not impact our organization’s stability and sustainability.

C H A N G E YO U R LIFE hccs.edu/change

Granto us. I had no idea, of course, but there was a pet store in the small shopping plaza across the street (we bought our fish food there) and we drove over to ask them. To my surprise, they said it was common to do this. We’d need a styrofoam box, and some large plastic bags. When the time came, we’d put the fish in their water in the bags, the pet store would fill the bags with air, and the bags would go into the box. The box came with me as carry-on baggage. This was before the TSA, of course. When I got to Miami, I checked into the hotel, and the first thing I did was go out to get two aquariums, the same size as the ones at home, so we could separate the fish just as they had been separated at home. I got some fish food, too, but didn’t get any gravel or decorations. I also got two small air pumps. It was a very basic setup, but the fish seemed happy. In a few days, my family joined me, and we were all together again. The kids clustered around the fish tanks, each to check on his or her very own fish. They were happy, and so was my wife, who had a special fondness for the big-eyed shark named Rasputin. Eventually, we got moved into our new house, and of course, the fish tank had to be set up. That seemed to require lots of discussion, and at least two trips to the pet store. The important thing was that the kids had something from their old house to send with Dad to the new house, so it would be waiting for them when they got there. They built a fish bridge from their old home to their new one. Maybe that fish tank didn’t make their new lives all sunshine and roses, but until the day we left that house, the fish tank was a feature. There was another way I

tried to bridge the vast distance from Buffalo to Miami. We liked to expose the kids to as many different activities as we could, and that meant different restaurants, too. I was rather proud of the fact that my children could use chopsticks without dropping food all over the table. We used to take the children frequently to the Toronto Science Museum, which was a huge place, filled with all sorts of interactive things for children to do. It made a nice day trip from Buffalo, and gave the children an outlet for their energy. On the way there, I noticed a Chinese restaurant near one of the exits on the way to Toronto, and pointed it out to the children and my wife. On the way back, the children clamored to stop there, so we did, and it became a regular feature of our trips to the Science Museum. I noticed that there were two restaurants, one in Toronto, and one in Miami, Florida. One weekend, after the household goods were unpacked and put away, and after the fish tanks were set up, we were out for a drive, and Daddy had a surprise for everyone. Sure enough, we pulled into the parking lot of the Miami branch of out favorite Chinese restaurant. The children could hardly wait to get inside. The decor was different, of course, but to their eyes, with the colors, and the Chinese characters, and with the delightful smell of Chinese cooking, this may as well have been our Toronto restaurant. Sometimes you build bridges, and things work out just fine.

(Granto is a United States Marine Corps veteran of Vietnam, awarded the Purple Heart. For over 24 years, he worked for the University of Miami Medical Campus Security Department, and retired in 2014. He moved to Missouri City, with his wife to be closer to her daughter. He can be reached at mikegranto@hotmail.com.)

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Fort Bend Independent, (USPS 025-572) is published every Wednesday (for a subscription rate of $20 per year) by Fort Bend Independent, LLC., 12551, Emily Court, Texas 77478. Periodicals Postage Paid at Stafford, Texas. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Fort Bend Independent, P.O. Box 623, Sugar Land, Tx 77487.

NEWS

Commissioner Vincent Morales to be honored at FBRC’s annual Helen Cordes Award Dinner Fort Bend Regional Council’s (FBRC) Ninth Annual Helen Cordes Award Dinner will take place on Thursday, February 22, 6:30 p.m. at the Stafford Centre. The Cordes Award Dinner is held in honor of an individual who has given their time, experience and expertise to Fort Bend Regional Council. The 2018 honoree is Fort Bend County Commissioner Vincent Morales, who has been an outspoken advocate for FBRC. Commissioner Morales is a longtime Fort Bend County resident, business owner and former mayor of Rosenberg. Since 2011, he has devoted his time in office to serving the citizens of the City he calls home and preparing it for the future. In 2016, he was elected to Fort Bend County Commissioner’s Court for Precinct 1, and is now in his first term of that office. As an active member of the community, Morales has been involved in several organizations including the Central Fort Bend Chamber, the Lamar Educational Awards Foundation (LEAF) and the Rosenberg Railroad Museum. Morales served as a board member of Child Advocates, the Rosenberg Development Corporation and the I-69 Alliance, as well as on the advisory

Morales board of OakBend Medical Center. He also has served as a director on the West Fort Bend Management District. Morales is married to Fort Bend County native Regina Klingle Morales, President/ CEO of the Central Fort Bend Chamber. They have two children, The Honorable Christopher G. Morales, County Court at Law 1 Judge, and Justin Morales, Vice President of GreenScape Associates, LLC, and two daughters-in-law, Vanessa and Brooke Morales. They, along with their three grandchildren, Madelyn, William and Parker Morales, all live in Fort Bend. FBRC Chief Executive Officer Lisa Poynor said “We are so very honored that Commissioner Morales will be

accepting the Helen Cordes Award this year. He has been a long-time advocate for Fort Bend Regional Council and especially the Leadership High School Program. I can’t think of a more deserving honoree.” The Cordes Award Dinner honors Helen Cordes for her generous community spirit and many community achievements. Helen served on the Fort Bend Regional Council’s Board of Directors from 19911997 and was President from 1992-1995. During that time and long afterward, she served FBRC with such a sincere passion for the mission that she has inspired all who have shared the privilege of working with her. Sponsorship of this event enables FBRC to break the cycle of addiction in families and to strengthen our community. For more information or to become a sponsor, contact Seth Malin at smalin@fortbendcouncil.org or 281-207-2406. Fort Bend Regional Council on Substance Abuse, Inc. has been changing lives and giving hope since 1978. In addition to outpatient substance abuse treatment, FBRC reaches 13,000 students in 39 elementary, middle and high schools in Fort Bend, Lamar Consolidated and Stafford School Districts.

Inspiration stage, truly inspirational

INDEPENDENT • DECEMBER 13, 2017 • Page 5

Col. Trever Nehls graduates from Joint and Combined Warﬁghting School

Richmond resident COL Trever J. Nehls recently graduated from the National Defense University Joint Forces Staﬀ College (JFSC), Joint and Combined Warﬁghting School, Norfolk, Virginia. The JFSC mission is to educate national security professionals to plan and execute operational-level joint, multinational, and interagency operations to instill a primary commitment to joint, multinational, and interagency teamwork, attitudes and perspectives. The 40-week course

Col. Trever Nehls involved both on-line studies and a three-week resident

phase comprised of an Academic Publishable Essay, Foundations in Uniﬁed Action, Theater Campaign Planning, Contingency Planning and Crisis Action Planning. COL Nehls, a 29-year member of the US Army Reserve, serves as Brigade Commander of Army Materiel Command – Army Reserve Element in Huntsville, Alabama. He is a graduate of the U.S. Army War College and has numerous deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. In his civilian capacity, he serves as the Constable, Precinct 4, Fort Bend County.

Lane Pearson named HAR/Fort Bend Outstanding Realtor

Lane Pearson of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Gary Greene (“Gary Greene”) has been named the Houston Association of Realtors/Fort Bend County Outstanding Realtor for 2017. A top-producing agent since 1991, Lane was recognized by the chapter’s membership for her leadership and support of Fort Bend County’s Realtor community. “When it comes to selecting an Outstanding Realtor, Lane Pearson checks all the boxes,” says 2016 award recipient Linda Bell. “She has demonstrated amazing leadership on behalf of our profession and works tirelessly to raise funds for Fort Bend causes.” Among her many professional accomplishments, Lane has served in senior positions with the HAR/Fort Bend Political Aﬀairs Leadership,

Lane Pearson Women’s Council of Realtors Fort Bend Chapter, and the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce. She also has participated in fund raising eﬀorts for the Fort Bend Women’s Center and served as chair of the

Gillman Charity Golf Tournament for the past 15 years helping raise over $1,000,000 for the Women’s Center. An agent and local relocation specialist with Gary Greene’s Fort Bend sales office, Lane has earned certifications of Accredited Luxury Homes Specialist, Graduate Realtor Institute and e-Pro Real Estate. She is a three-time Gary Greene Silver Performance Award winner, a member of Who’s Who in Houston for outstanding professional and civic achievement and a five-star real estate agent as recognized by Texas Monthly Magazine. Lane Pearson of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Gary Greene, the Houston Association of Realtors/Fort Bend County Outstanding Realtor for 2017.

Fort Bend ISD seeking feedback on 2018-19 calendar options

Inspiration Station in the Sugar Land “Lakeview” Auditorium is a real entertainment value. They produced “Getting to Know”edition of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Sound of Music in December. Pictured are some of the cast of the von Trapp family: Marta (Megan Marlowe), Brigitta (Anna Baden); Kurt (Ethan Pickle), Louisa (Madeline Font), Friedrich (Drew Doyle); Liesl (Madison Willet) and the lead, a shining Maria (Olivia Goodman). Inspiration Stage, a national on television with my parents— dents and their parents in terms award-winning performing arts the melodic music, elegant cho- of commuting, rehearsal time studio and theatre, housed in reography, earnest characters and financial deposits for an actthe historic 1917 Sugar Land and sweeping vistas of pictur- ing future are beyond measure. This entire stage of young Auditorium, more commonly esque Austria filled my young known as Lakeview Auditori- imagination with wonder... as people filled with determination, um by locals, might be the best the backdrop of the story of the enthusiasm, talent and promise kept secret in entertainment von Trapp family propelled by gives one hope for a brighter tomorrow in the troubled word value in Fort Bend County! the events of WWII.” Her words loudly echo the of today. For more informaEasy to get to with talented young adults, it’s a great venue impressions of many who re- tion about Inspiration Stage or to enjoy with the grandchildren member this beloved musical what’s around the corner (Willie coming across the screen and Wonka January 5-7, 2018 and or for a date night! more…) go to www.inspirationIn December (8-17) Inspira- into our hearts. The sacrifices of these stu- stage.com. —LISA GLENN tion Stage joyously presented the adapted version of the final collaboration between Rodgers & Hammerstein in the “Getting to Know” edition of The Sound of Music, one of the world’s most treasured musicals! If you attended or have the chance to attend, you WILL be awed by the professionalism, stage presence and voice range of these young adults! You will have felt goose bumps as the strains of “Climb Every Mountain,” sung by Mother Abbess, Kristen Olmsted, hits the high note in your own emotional palate. Olivia Goodman who has the voice of an angel and the sparkle of a pixie, plays the lead as Maria; and charms the talented cast of Von Trapp Children through the scenes as smoothly as warm hot chocolate with favorites from the musical such as “Do Re Mi” or “So Long Farewell.” In her Letter from the Director, Sarah Patterson wrote “I’ll always remember the first time I watched The Sound of Music

Fort Bend ISD has launched a survey to gain public comment on two calendar options for the 2018-19 school year. The survey will remain open through December 15 at 5 p.m., and the results of the survey will be shared with the District’s calendar committee before a final recommendation is presented to the Board. Fort Bend ISD’s Local Innovation Plan, adopted by the Board in March of 2017, provides flexibility to the start and end dates of instruction, giving FBISD the ability to take steps toward an instructional calendar that is more innovative and serves the best interests of our students. The calendars posted for review represent the collaboration of a task force of District and campus representatives, who used the Local Innovation Plan to guide their work. The task force used the flexibility provided by the Local Innovation Plan to draft calendar options that better support the achievement of

District Goals and Objectives by providing time for staff development and planning for teachers. The drafts allow for professional development days with embedded planning to be distributed throughout the school year, rather than only grouped together at the beginning or end of the school year. Both calendar options also include: Traditional FBISD holidays, such as a weeklong Thanksgiving break and the Fort Bend County Fair Day A common spring break, March 11-15, 2018 Two District professional development days and four campus professional development days prior to the start of the school year A 187 day contract for teachers At least one full day of professional learning or holiday each month, in lieu of several early release days, allowing staff and students needed breaks to balance their learning. Staff members will continue to benefit

from opportunities to grow professionally during the year. (Note: The Texas Education Agency will no longer grant early release waivers in 201819.) At least 75,600 operational minutes, as required by the Texas Education Agency (TEA), as well as at least 840 additional instructional minutes equivalent to two bad-weather days, should FBISD need to cancel school during inclement weather. In addition to the surplus minutes that are equivalent to two bad-weather days, the two calendar options also include minutes that can absorb any additional emergency closures or changes. The two calendar options and survey are posted on the District’s website, https://www. fortbendisd.com/Page/94985. Following the survey, results will be reviewed by the District’s calendar committee and will be used to inform the ﬁnal recommendation of the 2018-19 calendar to the Board of Trustees in January of 2018.

Page 6 • INDEPENDENT • DECEMBER 13, 2017

FILM REVIEW: The Poster, Disaster Artist and Molly’s Game

Trouble comes in three’s; and so does good stuﬀ. Sometimes. And I had one of those good times on a recent Saturday when I watched three movies: The Post, The Disaster Artist, and Molly’s Game. This is the “award season” and the studios are providing screener DVD’s to ﬁlm critics to promote their movies. This is a fun time for members of the Houston Film Critics Society as the movies are rolling in daily via mail, UPS, and FedEx. Two of these three movies are based on “true stories” – “The Post” starring Meryl Streep and Tom Hanks as the publisher and editor of the famous Washington newspaper CONSTABLE’S NOTICE OF SALE Notice is hereby given, that by virtue of a certain Order of Sale issued by the clerk of the 240TH District Court of Fort Bend County, Texas on OCT 16, 2017 in cause numbered 15-DCV222496 styled LONG MEADOW FARMS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION INC. vs. GONZALO CARDENAS III AND JESSICA J CARDENAS, in which a judgment was rendered on SEPT 14, 2015 in favor of LONG MEADOW FARMS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION INC. For the sum of Six Thousand Two Hundred Seventy Two Dollars and Seventy Eight Cents ($6272.78); plus fees for posting notice of sale, publishing, costs of suit rendered by the court, legal fees, and all costs of executing this Writ. I have levied upon the below listed property on NOV 28, 2017 and will on January 2, 2018 Tuesday, between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. proceed to sell for cash to the highest bidder, all the Right, Title, and Interest of GONZALO CARDENAS III AND JESSICA J CARDENAS to and in the following described Real Property LOT THIRTEEN (13), IN BLOCK TWO(2) OF LONG MEADOW FARMS, SECTION TWO (2) AN ADDITION IN FORT BEND COUNTY TEXAS,ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN PLAT NO 20040050 OF THE MAT/ PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS,MORE COMMONLY KNOWN AS 21007 SILVER CHASE LN. RICHMOND, TX 77406(PROPERTY) The above sale to be made by me to satisfy the above described judgment in favor of LONG MEADOW FARMS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION INC. Plaintiff, and the proceeds applied to the satisfaction thereof. LOCATION: FORT BEND COUNTY TRAVIS BLDG 1ST FLR MEETING ROOM 301 JACKSON, RICHMOND, TX 77469 DATE: JANUARY 2 2018 TIME: APPROX. 11:00 am BY: Deputy Steele

The Disaster Artist during the Nixon years when there was a major legal battle forcing the possibly illegal decision to publish or not to publish the infamous Pentagon Papers. The second film based on a true story was about a young Olympic-Class skier who was hurt in a career-ending accident and struggling financially who took the unusual career choice of running a high-stakes poker game. What beautiful young woman wouldn’t want to host a fifty thousand dollar buy-in game of cards. Texas Hold Em, and let the chips and craziness fall. Jessica Chastain is on my short list for Best Actress for her portrayal of Molly Bloom. And did I mention that “The Post” was directed by Steven “Jaws” Spielberg. CONSTABLE’S NOTICE OF SALE Notice is hereby given, that by virtue of a certain Order of Sale issued by the clerk of the 400TH District Court of Fort Bend County, Texas on OCT 13, 2017 in cause numbered 16DCV-231119 styled LONG MEADOW FARMS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION INC. vs. ROBERT LEE PECK, in which a judgment was rendered on JUNE 17, 2016 in favor of LONG MEADOW FARMS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION INC. For the sum of Nine Thousand Seven Hundred Seventy Dollars and Twenty Two Cents ($9770.22); plus fees for posting notice of sale, publishing, costs of suit rendered by the court, legal fees, and all costs of executing this Writ. I have levied upon the below listed property on NOV 29, 2017 and will on January 2, 2018 Tuesday, between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. proceed to sell for cash to the highest bidder, all the Right, Title, and Interest of ROBERT LEE PECK to and in the following described Real Property LOT 4, IN BLOCK 3 OF LONG MEADOW FARMS, SEC. 11 A SUBDIVISION,ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN PLAT NO 20060019 OF PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS,MORE COMMONLY KNOWN AS 21323 SHAWNEE PARK DR, RICHMOND, TX 77406(PROPERTY) The above sale to be made by me to satisfy the above described judgment in favor of LONG MEADOW FARMS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION INC. Plaintiff, and the proceeds applied to the satisfaction thereof. LOCATION: FORT BEND COUNTY TRAVIS BLDG 1ST FLR MEETING ROOM 301 JACKSON, RICHMOND, TX 77469 DATE: JANUARY 2 2018 TIME: APPROX. 11:00 am BY: Deputy Steele

TREVER J. NEHLS Constable Pct. 4 Fort Bend County, Texas CONSTABLE SALE Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and/or Order of Sale issued on December 15, 2014 by the 434th JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT of Fort Bend County, Texas in Cause# 10-DCV179221 in favor of the plaintiff- LAKE SHORE HARBOUR COMMUNITY, INC. Plaintiff, recovered judgment amount for the sum of$ 5,205.13 ++++ costs as taxed on said execution and/or order of sale and further the sum of executing the same. I have levied on November 20TH 2017 and will offer for sale on the day of Tuesday January 2, 2018 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) - JOHN H HALL AND PAMELA R HALL had of in or to the following described Real Property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; Legal Description: LOT ONE (1), IN BLOCK TWO (2), OF AMENDING PLAT OF LAKE SHORE HARBOUR, SECTION TWO (2), AN ADDITION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN N0.20050200 OF THE MAP/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 st FLOOR MEETING ROOM, RICHMOND TEXAS 77469. Gary Majors, Constable Fort Bend County Precinct Two By: Sergeant C. McRae #132 Deputy Constable

TREVER J. NEHLS Constable Pct. 4 Fort Bend County, Texas CONSTABLE SALE Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and/or Order of Sale issued on October 11, 2017 by the 400th JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT of Fort Bend County, Texas in Cause# 17DCV-238515 in favor of the plaintiffOVATION SERVICES, LLC, Plaintiff, recovered judgment amount for the sum of$ 53,725.52++++ costs as taxed on said execution and/or order of sale and further the sum of executing the same. I have levied on November 16TH, 2017 and will offer for sale on the day of Tuesday January 2, 2018 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)- BRITIQUE WILLIAMS had of in or to the following described Real Property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; Legal Description: TAX ACCOUNT: 2150-04-001-0060-907 LOT SIXTY (60) IN BLOCK ONE (1) OF BRIARGATE, SECTION FOUR (4), A SUBDIVISION OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN VOLUME 12, PAGE 4, OF THE MAP RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS. TERMS: TIME: PLACE:

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

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

I refer to the shark movie because much of Spielberg’s genius in creating the exciting drama and crescendo suspense of the near-perfect “Jaws” is also very much part of the superb script and a compelling mix of a wonderful cast that includes Bob “Better Call Saul” Odenkirk as an investigative reporter. “Molly’s Game” was directed and written by Aaron “West Wing” Sorkin and his fast-paced dialogue and clever repartee between characters is alive and well in this fascinating story about Sweet Molly playing with the big boys. Idris Elba is Molly’s lawyer, and we are, once again, reminded that Elba is not lucky; he’s good. And then there’s “The Disaster Artist” directed by James Franco. There are some movies that cannot be accurately described in print; you just gotta see it to believe it. Franco stars as a budding actor who has an apparent heavy Eastern European accent who claims he’s from New Orleans. Director Franco also produced this movie with others including Seth Rogen so he had the power to hire his real-life younger brother, Dave Franco, to play the lead. I like a little nepotism. Franco (James) dominates the movie, circa 1998, as a longhaired (think hippie) bizarre mystery man who lives in a one bedroom apartment with a PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing on Tuesday, January 2, 2018, at 1:00 p.m. for acceptance of the traffic control plan for Winfield Lakes North, Section 3, Precinct 2. The hearing will be held in the Commissioners Courtroom at 401 Jackson Street, Second Floor, Richmond, Texas. You are invited to attend and state your approval or objection on this matter. Submitted by Laura Richard Fort Bend County Clerk PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing on Tuesday, January 2, 2018, at 1:00 p.m. for acceptance of the traffic control plan for Walnut Creek Benton Road Street Dedication & Reserve, Precinct 1. The hearing will be held in the Commissioners Courtroom at 401 Jackson Street, Second Floor, Richmond, Texas. You are invited to attend and state your approval or objection on this matter. Submitted by Laura Richard Fort Bend County Clerk

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing on Tuesday, January 2, 2018, at 1:00 p.m. for acceptance of the traffic control plan for Aliana, Section 57, Precinct 4. The hearing will be held in the Commissioners Courtroom at 401 Jackson Street, Second Floor, Richmond, Texas. You are invited to attend and state your approval or objection on this matter. Submitted by Laura Richard Fort Bend County Clerk PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing on Tuesday, January 2, 2018, at 1:00 p.m. for acceptance of the traffic control plan for Veranda, Section 14, Precinct 1. The hearing will be held in the Commissioners Courtroom at 401 Jackson Street, Second Floor, Richmond, Texas. You are invited to attend and state your approval or objection on this matter. Submitted by Laura Richard Fort Bend County Clerk

Tom Hanks and Meryl Streep in The Poster roommate (Dave Franco) yet he has the wherewithal to finance the making of a fully-staffed Hollywood film. Is the film within the film a disaster? Go see this delightfully original

movie and decide for yourself. The experience of watching these three outstanding ﬁlms in a span of about eight hours was a Red Letter Day for this ﬁlm critic. I sit through enough

clunkers to be grateful when the gems arrive. Rock ‘n Roll. The Post – 92 The Disaster Artist – 92 Molly’s Game – 92. www.larryhmoviereviews.com

AUTOMOBILE: Lexus LC 500h coupe

By BARBARA FULENWIDER The coupe arrived in atomic silver with 354 horses under the hood, paddle shifters and a 3.5 liter 24 valve V6 with a dual overhead cam. Yes, the LC 500h and its V8 brother are concept cars come to life. They combine outstanding design, scintillating performance and premium craftsmanship and joins an elite group of international grand touring coupes. The LC 500h was the test drive that has a new multi stage hybrid powertrain,a combining design and engineering disciplines as never before at Lexus. The process yielded an entirely new platform for the LC, called GA–L (Global Architecture – Luxury), which also forms the foundation for the all-new 2018 LS flagship sedan and will underpin future front engine/rear-wheel drive Lexus models. Lexus, which introduced the world’s first luxury hybrid 13 years ago, developed a new multi stage hybrid system specifically for the LC 500h. The system teams the gasoline engine with two electric motor/ generators, but similarities end there. The Atkinson-cycle 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine uses D-4S direct fuel injection, and lightweight valvetrain components tht allow a 6,600-rpm redline, with Dual VVT-i ensuring ample torque across the engine speed range. The new system adds a four-speed automatic transmission. Two gearsets alter output in four stages to use the V6 engine across the entire speed range. In M mode, the two gearsets act together to provide the effect of 10 ratios, giving the LC 500h a highly engaging driving feel and allowing the driver to shift through the ratios with paddle shifters. In automatic mode, AI shift control matches gear selection to driving conditions and driver inputs. The hybrid system allows for more electric assist at lower vehicle

speeds, and enables the LC 500h to operate with the gasoline engine off at speeds of up to 87 mph. Fuel economy is 26 mpg in the city and 35 on the highway for a combined 30 mpg. Combined system output is 354 hp and can be amplified by the 4-speed automatic transmission, generating much greater drive power when accelerating. The LC 500h is the first Lexus hybrid that can spin its rear wheels. It is also the first Lexus hybrid to use a compact, lightweight lithium-ion battery that fits between the rear seats and the luggage compartment and its 84 cells produces 310.8 volts. The solution to achieving sports car handling with a high degree of ride comfort was a double ball joint front suspension that allows for control of the smallest movements from driver inputs and the road surface, yielding more precise steering response with better initial effort. Both LC models offer the same 20- or 21-inch wheels and Michelin Pilot Super Sport or Bridgestone Potenza S001 run-flat tires. Tire sizes are 245/45RF20 front and 275/40RF20 rear with 20-inch wheels, and 245/40RF21 front and 275/35RF21 rear with 21inch wheels. The runflat tires increased lateral stiffness and improves rolling resistance. The braking system uses 6 piston front brake calipers and 4-piston rear calipers. The Lexus LC 500 integrates the brand’s latest audio, navigation and connectivity technologies. A new 12-speaker Pioneer surround sound system comes as standard equipment and uses an 8-channel Class-D amplifier. Lexus’ industry-exclusive 15-year partnership with Mark Levinson has yielded an optional reference-quality 13-speaker system tailored to the LC cabin. Both versions of the LC are

equipped as standard with an array of active safety features. The system uses a camera and millimeter-wave radar to monitor the road ahead for potential hazards and collision risks. This combination provides a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection; radar cruise control; lane departure alert with steering assist and vehicle sway warning, and intelligent high beam system. The Lexus LC 500h is an unusual hybrid because it’s great fun to drive and runs like the wind. It also has a gorgeous body inside and out that attracts numerous car affectionadios and lots of luxury features that bring the MSRP to $96,510. Options on the test drive increased the retail price to $104,210. Make no mistake about it, the LC 500h is fabulous.

Torres to entertain Loving Friends

Loving Friends will meet for dinner and entertainment on Tuesday, December 19, 5:00 p.m at Quail Valley City Cr., 2880 La Quinta Dr., Missouri City. Ruben Torres, a classicaltrained musician with degrees in Piano Performance, Music Education, Orchestra Conducting and Composition promises a highly entertaining evening. Loving Friends is a social group of men and women who lost their spouses but want to move on with their lives. They meet in a social environment that includes pokeno, book clubs, bridge and monthly luncheons. New members are always greeted with a warm welcome. The cost for dinner and entertainment is $22 and reservations are required by calling 281-208-3124. Prospective members may join at any of the monthly dinner meetings. For more information on Loving Friends, please call 281-208-3124.

INDEPENDENT • DECEMBER 13, 2017 • Page 7

NEWS

Sienna Plantation Selfie Contest

Harvest Green Kicks Oﬀ Street Eats Saturdays, Jan. 13. Move over Food Truck Fridays and get ready for Street Eats Saturdays at Harvest Green starting Jan. 13 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Food trucks will roll into the community’s model home park, 618 Vineyard Hollow Court, every second Saturday of 2018 to dispense sweet and savory treats. Visitors also will enjoy DJ music, a bounce house and tours of 11 professionally decorated model homes. Food Park Katy will cohost. The event is open to the public. For more information, visit www.harvestgreentexas.com.

Woman convicted for harassing ex-husband’s girlfriend A Fort Bend County jury convicted Pamela Sue Kahlden of Harassment on November 29, 2017. Judge Ronald Cohen then sentenced her to serve 30 days in jail as a condition of her probation. The 50-year-old Sugar Land resident was charged with the crime after making repeated phone calls to her ex-husband’s girlfriend in 2015. According to lead prosecutor Adrianne Norman, Kahlden plead guilty to harassing this same victim in 2013. She was placed on 6 months deferred adjudication – a type of probation that if completed successfully, does not result in a ﬁnal conviction. The harassment stopped while the defendant was on probation, but began again as soon as the probation expired

in 2015. Kahlden’s conduct led to charges being filed in this case. The victim had been dating Kahlden’s ex-husband since 2011. The defendant would call and leave vile, hateful, jealous voicemails for the victim – sometimes more than 10 voicemails a day. “I asked the jury to send a message and tell Kahlden that enough was enough,” said Norman. “The law protects the victim from the defendant’s actions. The jury agreed and held her accountable. “And since the defendant did not learn her lesson the first time,” Norman continued, “the State asked the Court to assess 30 days in jail as a condition of Kahlden’s probation this time.” The victim testified that the

defendant continued to leave her more than 50 voicemails even after this case was ﬁled. After the testimony, Judge Cohen sentenced the defendant to 12 months’ probation and 30 days in jail. Kahlden was immediately taken into custody. Kahlden was tried in County Court at Law No. 5. Harassment in this case is a Class B Misdemeanor punishable by up to 180 days in the county jail and/or a ﬁne not to exceed $2,000. Kahlden is also required to take an anger management class as part of her probation and to have no contact with the victim. Assistant District Attorneys Adrianne Norman and Madison Limbacher prosecuted the case. Attorney Roderick Glass represented the defendant.

Arnelle Mitchell, left, and Dorrie Henderson pose with “Sienna Claus” in a Sienna Plantation model home. “Sienna Claus” is coming enna Plantation. “Every week million. Models are open daito town, bringing opportuni- for five weeks, two winners ly, as is Sawmill Lake Club, the newest recreation amenity ties to snap up holiday cash will each get $500 cash.” Contestants are asked to in- complex just blocks from the when people take selfies in Sienna Plantation model homes. clude the name of the model model home park. Established 20 years ago by During the “Sienna Claus homebuilder and tag four Selfies” contest, now through friends in their posts. The Johnson Development Corp., Dec. 25, visitors to the com- more models visited, the more Sienna Plantation was named munity’s 16 model homes in chances to win. Two winners the 2017 Master-planned the Village of Sawmill Lake will each win $500 and will Community of the Year by the could win $500 when they be published at www.sien- Greater Houston Business Aspost pictures of themselves naplantation.com/siennaclaus sociation in the Houston’s Best with the Sienna Santa on the and announced on the Sienna PRISM awards. The 10,800Sienna Plantation Facebook Plantation Facebook page acre community is known for page at https://www.facebook. each Thursday, and the contest a roster of amenities, access to highly acclaimed Fort Bend begins again each week. com/siennaplantation/. Designs in Sawmill Lake Independent School District “Sienna elves will be voting each week on the merri- range from patio homes and — including six schools loest selfies taken in our model townhomes to luxury and cus- cated within the community homes,” said Allison Bond, tom homes priced from the — and proximity to a range of director of marketing for Si- $250,000s to more than $1 area attractions.

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Darling . CalAtlantic . Chesmar . David Weekley . Gracepoint . Highland . Meritage MI Homes . Newmark . Perry . Shea . Taylor Morrison . Toll Brothers . Trendmaker . Westin Photos posted between Saturday, November 25, 2017—Sunday, December 31, 2017 are eligible. Selfie must be taken in a model home in the Village of Sawmill Lake in Sienna Plantation, Missouri City, Texas and posted to facebook.com/SiennaPlantation. Ten winning posts will be chosen; two per week. Winner must be 18 years or older. All decisions final. Winners will be announced on the Sienna Plantation Facebook page and published each Thursday at SiennaPlantation.com/SiennaClaus. Entrants are responsible for monitoring the Sienna Facebook page or landing page for notifications. Sponsor reserves the right to change winner selection method at its sole discretion. Prize is $500 to each winner, and you may win only once. Winner is responsible for picking up their prize at the Sienna Plantation Homefinder Center, 5777 Sienna Parkway, #100, Missouri City, Texas 77549. Facebook is not a sponsor or in any way affiliated with this promotion. Ho! Ho! Ho!

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