A ribbon-cutting ceremony kicked off the completed Oyster Creek Trail off Cartwright Road on Feb. 9 with free T-shirts and backpacks. Residents can now travel on foot or bicycle the 2.3 miles from Mosley Park past the Edible Arbor Trail section and follow the trail along Oyster Creek Bayou from Cartwright Road to Dulles Avenue. When improvements are made to the Cartwright Road Bridge this spring, the trail will be extended under the bridge and connected to the existing trail south of Cartwright Road.

Residents can show their support for Missouri City’s Finest and Bravest at the annual Police & Fire Auxiliary Annual Fundraiser on Friday, March 30 from 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. in the Community Center.

Tickets are $15 and include dinner, live and silent auctions and entertainment. For details and sponsorship information, call 281.835.0154 or 281.261.0705.
Funds from the event will be used to purchase additional equipment for police officers and firefighters, allowing them to better serve Missouri City citizens. In past years, fundraiser proceeds have been used for a new SWAT van, a Utility Terrain Vehicle and fire truck headsets that allow firefighters to talk to one another or to dispatch when they are en route to an emergency.
During the past 16 years, the auxiliary has raised approximately $370,000. Members of the organization are all graduates of Missouri City’s Police and Fire Academy, and generously donate their time and talents to the annual fundraiser. The Academy is a free, six-week program that offers a “behind-the-scenes” view of the dangers firefighters and police officers face on the job. The next class will start on April 2; interested individuals can call 281-403-8705.

In Attendance:

Donna Haselow
Janet Calvin
Drew Kayes
Charlie Butera
George Everitt
Fred Grates
Toni Mamula
Cecil Willis
Susan Fox

Butera called the meeting to order at 7:00pm and recognized the following special guests:

Mayor Owen, Council Gentlemen Jerry Wyatt and Floyd Emery, Code Enforcement Paul McKeever, Parks Board Member Don Johnson and MCPD Sgt. Melissa Hill.

1. Butera shared that notices for the upcoming election have been mailed. He received his in the mail today. If you didn’t receive today, you should receive in the next day or so.

2. Susan Fox reported that the website had 415 visitors in January with 53% of those visitors being new. There were 32 homes on the market at the end of January, with 5 listed as pending/option pending. One home sold in January. Thirty one (31) newcomer leads were worked. Regular monthly meetings were attended along with the Quail Valley Proud Annual Meeting. She also worked on production of the election mailing along w/ the accompanying newsletter.

3. Quail Valley Proud “Meet the Candidates” is on Wednesday, February 22nd at 7:00pm at the Grille.

4. Willis reported that through January maintenance fees collected to date are 70.46% versus 70.14% for the same time last year. He has attended multiple meetings on the new building with the architect and contractor. Demolition of the interior is underway. He also met w/ the landscaping architect regarding landscaping for the new building and also worked on the election documents.

5. Deed Restrictions: 25 brought forward, 15 added, 16 resolved, carrying forward 24. Willis thanked the City and Paul McKeever for their assistance in helping resolve some of the more difficult violations. A local area church has stepped in to be of assistance to a resident that has severe health problems in making needed repairs to his home.

6. Drew Kayes updated the group on the new building. Floorplans were finalized last week and permitting should occur in the next couple of weeks. The hope is to be in the building before summer. The Fund’s space will have 900 – 1000 square foot multi-purpose room and the staff and trustees are actively seeking tenants for the remainder of the building.

7. Trustees approved the consent agenda which consisted of meeting minutes.

8. The Mayor shared that the completion date on the Community Center/Pro Shop time line has slipped a little and he has recently met w/ the contractor in efforts to get the construction back on schedule. Construction on the Tennis and Rec Center is running a little ahead of schedule. Mayor shared that in 2011, the golf courses had 54,000 rounds of play which included 100 tournaments. Council is very proud of the support the Golf Courses have received from the community as well as the general public. The Mayor reminded the group that the golf courses are an amenity for the City’s residents and should not be judged strictly by whether or not it has positive cash flow, as the ownership stability of the course has improved property values.

9. The grass at MacNaughton Park is settling in and all the lakes have benefited from the recent rains. Forester Paul W. is working on an assessment of dead trees in all the City’s parks, which was caused by the drought this past summer.

10. Councilman Wyatt shared that the roof will be on the Tennis Center is approximately 2 weeks. He also reminded the group that 74% of the voters in Missouri City voted for the bonds which included a new Community Center/Pro Shop and Tennis and Rec Center. He indicated that it is unfortunate that there are a few residents who are complaining that the Golf Courses will never turn a profit, but those complaining don’t necessarily have their facts straight. The issue of taking over the Golf Courses was a quality of life and tax base issue, not just one of whether it would cash flow. He reminded the group that those bond funds are dedicated to this project and cannot be spent elsewhere. A Tennis Committee is in place and is working on pricing and programming regarding the Tennis Center. A staff members of the Houston Tennis Association, along w/ residents that are active tennis players make up the committee.

11. Councilman Emery shared that the Tennis Committee is only addressing the tennis portion of the new Tennis and Rec Center. Parks Board and staff will make recommendations to Council regarding other programs and associated fees. Emery clarified that it is the City’s desire to get the Golf Course to a positive cash flow and manage the operation as if it were a business.

12. Much discussion about other Parks and Rec issues were brought up and Butera mentioned attending Parks and Rec meeting might be in order. The Parks and Rec Board meets the first Thursday of the month at 7pm in Council Chambers.

13. Sgt. Hill advised that crime in Quail Valley continues to be very minimal. Officers have been inspecting cars and providing them w/ a “report card” and burglary prevention tips cards. Basically, you shouldn’t keep anything in plain site in your car: cell phones, purses, navigation devices, computers, brief cases, etc., as a burglar may see something in your car and break in, even if the item wasn’t of value. When Officers inspect your car, they give you a grade based upon what they “see” in your car.

14. Through the City’s website, residents can sign up to receive a weekly email regarding crime in Missouri City. To sign up, go the City’s website, Departments, Police Department, Crime Mapping. The sign up button is in the upper right hand corner “Sign up for Crime Alerts”.

Quail Valley Quails is a social organization of women who were former members of the Quails and/or presently residing in Quail Valley. The meeting begins at 10 AM with a social hour followed by a short business meeting, and the program. Join us Thursday, April 5th for a day of fashion fun provided by Joann’s. Easter if just around the corner and Joann’s has a wide selection of spring clothes for the season. Lunch is served at noon. For luncheon reservations call Terry Colley at 281-438-6234 or email her at t.colley@sbcglobal.net.

Mayor proclaimed the week of February 19 – 25 as “Food Check Out Week” in Missouri City. “Food Check Out Week” is sponsored by the Fort Bend County Farm Bureau celebrating farmers and ranchers, and the affordable and healthy food they provide.
2. Parks and Recreation Director Larry Foos recognized the Parks and Recreation Department for Parks and Natural Areas Awards from the Houston-Galveston Council: Quail Valley Golf Courses “3 for Trees” program, Edible Arbor Trail and tree plantings. It was also mentioned that Forester Paul was named Forester of the year by the Houston Urban Forestry Council.
3. Forester Paul recognized many organizations for their volunteer contributions to the Park’s Department Forestry Program.
4. Consent Agenda was approved which included approval of meeting minutes.
5. Council approved rezoning 272 acres in Newpoint Estates Sections 1, 2 & 3 from Suburban District to R-1 residential.
6. Council approved a deviation for a Catholic Church on Present Street to use fiberglass materials for their steeple.
7. Council approved to allow owners and lien holders of a substandard home on Water Oak 60 days to remedy the home based upon recent opinions given by the Texas Supreme Court on similar case in the Dallas area.
8. Council approved to rescind an award for water treatment chemicals. The chosen vendor, General Chemical Performance Products requested the award of the bid be rescinded because they mis-calculated their pricing.
9. Council approved a contract for additional equipment, construction and improvements at the Mustang Bayou water plant.
10. Council authorized the purchase of new playground equipment at Gammill Park. It was noted that these funds are coming from dedicated park funds, not the general fund.
11. Council authorized the purchase of kitchen equipment for the new Community Center/Pro Shop.
12. Council approved amending an agreement with Sienna Plantation Joint Development agreement to modify land uses in a section along the Fort Bend Toll Road.
13. Council took no action on a request from a developer to build an 55+ age rental housing development to support application for housing credits through the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) as the property is currently zoned differently. Project site is across from Oakwick Estates. Council did not want to support the application since the site is not currently zoned for this type of property.
14. Council approved staff to apply for a grant for digital fingerprint capture system through HGAC. If awarded, the equipment would help the Police Department capture and enhance fingerprint evidence.
15. Council approved a grant submission for their current Crime Victim Liaison staff member. Current funding runs through August 31, 2012. Eighty percent (80%) of the funding for this position comes through the HGAC through the Governor’s office.

Several programs initiated by the Missouri City Parks & Recreation Department have been recognized by the Houston-Galveston Area Council as part of the 2011 Parks and Natural Areas Award competition. According to H-GAC, the projects that received awards in four categories serve as models for parks and natural areas in the entire region.
The City’s Three for Trees project was the winner in the “Policy Tools” category. This program helps replenish trees in the City’s parks and on the golf course with proceeds from a discount on three rounds of golf at Quail Valley Golf Course.
In the category of “On-the-Ground Projects,” the City’s Edible Arbor Trail received an Honorable Mention. The trail is the first of its kind in the region and features groves of trees and shrubs that produce edible fruits and nuts.
And, the Community Roots Project, which involves stakeholders in the process of planning and implementing a large tree planting in designated City parks, received a Special Recognition in the “Planning” Category.
For more information on parks programs, visit the City website.

Common birds that winter here and some “novel events ” happening this year. For those of you who have asked about squirrel proof feeders, the National Wildlife Association has a video as well. Click the following link or copy/paste into your web-browser

http://traction.typepad.com/birds

Starting Feb. 1, the Missouri City Recycling Center (1919 Scanlin Rd.) will start two new processes: The facility will begin accepting clear and colored glass; and all paper and flattened cardboard recyclables will have a separate marked container from all other materials.
Plastics, metals and glass can be mixed into the same marked container. The center will also continue to accept plastics (#1-5 and #7), aluminum, tin, steel cans and trays.
Recyclables can be dropped-off at the center for free every day of the week, 24 hours a day. The facility does not accept electronics, hazardous materials, tires and furniture. Through a City partnership with the Fort Bend County Household Hazardous Waste Center, Missouri City residents can receive a voucher credit to drop off up to $50 worth of household hazardous materials such as paints, oil, antifreeze, batteries, gasoline, fertilizers, pesticides and more at the County facility. Contact City Forester Paul Wierzbicki, 281-403-8645 or forester@missouricitytx.gov for your voucher. The Fort Bend County Recycling Center is located at 1200 Blume Rd. in Rosenberg, 281-633-7581, and also accepts electronics and tires for a fee.

Oyster Creek Trail, an outdoor pathway for exercise enthusiasts who want to enjoy a scenic hike, bike, walk or jog in the “Show Me City”, recently received a $250,000 upgrade.

The 2.1 mile path now includes a paved bike and pedestrian trail along Oyster Creek Bayou between Dulles Avenue and Cartwright Road, offering recreational and mobility opportunities for residents. The trail will connect to Sugar Land’s trail and allow citizens to travel on foot or bicycle from Murphy Road to Oyster Creek Park in Sugar Land near Highway 6.

The Trail was created in 1997 based on results of a public survey that showed trails received the No. 1 response from residents for desired activity. Phase II of the City-Council approved project began in November, 2011 and was completed in January, about 60 days ahead of schedule and $50,000 below cost. It was funded through the City’s Parkland Dedication fund. A ribbon-cutting ceremony for the public will be held in the near future.

When improvements are made to the Cartwright Road Bridge this winter, the trail will be extended under the bridge and connected to the existing trail south of Cartwright Road.

Mayor and Council recognized the Hightower High School Football Team for reaching the Class 5A Division I finals.
2. An attorney with a law firm out of Austin made a brief presentation on the basic process for redistricting the City’s council districts based upon data from the 2010 census. All four of the current districts are out of compliance, meaning that there is more than a 10% deviation in population size when comparing the said districts. This firm, working w/ Council, will recommend changes to the district lines to be compliant with necessary laws and shepherd the process through to the Department of Justice. With the current lines, Districts A & B have approximately 14,000 each and C&D have 19,000 each.
3. Pursuant to the necessary redistricting, Council approved two resolutions regarding the redistricting: 1) adopting criteria for the process of redistricting, and 2) establishing guidelines for other person(s) who wish to submit redistricting plans.
4. Consent agenda was approved which was approval of meeting minutes.
5. Council authorized staff to award contract for the purchasing of water treatment chemicals for the Surface Water Treatment Plant.
6. Council authorized an agreement with Kinder Morgan Pipelines to provide access to perform work on a pipeline.