1. Bob Graf, the Economic Development Coordinator provided an update on recent activities:
a. Beltway Crossing Development: Mission Foods has leased 20,000 square feet for a new distribution center and Professional Packaging has leased an additional 38,000 square feet.
b. A metal fabrication company is looking at a 10 acre site around the Beltway Crossing area.
c. Ben E. Keith is moving forward with architectural plans and should be permitting soon. Value of this project is now at $80 million.
d. Lakeview Business Park: a rice distributor has leased 38,000 square feet, Lufkin Industries facility should open late October/early November. A plastic bag manufacturer and two
other companies have expressed interest in other available buildings.
e. Fort Bend Town Center: Firestone is close to completion along with a Burger King.
f. Sienna Village: UT Physicians has opened and new Chinese restaurant is going through permitting.
g. Corner of Glenn Lakes and HWY 6, a gas station is going through permitting.
h. Lowe’s site: 1 building is complete which will include AT&T, Kolache Factory, a mattress store, Frenchy’s and a Carl Jr. Hamburger is in permitting.
i. The La Quinta (near Walmart) is under construction with a late January/early February planned opening
j. N’ers Grill (Hwy 6 and Dulles) has almost completed permitting.

2. Consent agenda was approved which included approval of regular and special Council meeting minutes, authorized a contract for dispatch feasibility study for the consolidation of 911 emergency dispatch services between Sugar Land and Missouri City, awarding a contract for day labor, authorized acceptance of a buffer easement with Ft. Bend MUD #48 for the Mustang Bayou Wastewater Treatment Plant and authorized an inter local agreement between the City and County for parking lot improvements to the north parking lot at the Quail Valley Golf Courses.

3. Council authorized a change order for design services for the intelligent traffic signal wireless communication system.

4. Council authorized duties and responsibilities as related to Reinvestment Zone #3 with the Missouri City Development Authority and Sienna Plantation Management District.

5. Council authorized a water plant consolidation agreement between the City, Fort Bend County MUD #47 & 48 and Vicksburg Joint Powers Board. The Vicksburg Water Plant is currently owned by the two MUDs and operated by the Vicksburg Joint Powers Board and the City owns the Mustang Bayou Water Plant. With this authorization, these two plants will be integrated and will be operated and owned by the City.

6. Council authorized the issuing of $9.5 million in general obligation bonds for the new Community Center/Clubhouse at the Golf Courses & Pro Shop and the Tennis/Recreation Center. City Manager Frank Simpson commented that interest rates remain low and the issuing of these bonds will not have an effect on the tax rate.

7. Council authorized staff to execute a 5 year agreement with Republic Waste for city wide residential solid waste services. (Special Note: this does not impact Quail Valley Fund residents). Contract will go into effect on November 1, 2010 and staff will begin reaching out to all the HOA’s and MUD’s to determine their preferences in service levels. It was also noted that 60% of the City’s residents are currently serviced by Republic and 75% will see some reduction in their pricing.

8. An ordinance was passed to change the boundaries of Reinvestment Zone #2, to exclude an 110 acre tract that is north and adjacent to Lake Olympia Parkway and west of the Toll Road.

9. Council resolved to allow Fort Bend MUD #48 to annex lands located within the City’s corporate limits.

10. Council resolved to amend the schedule of fees for the ground water reduction plan. Fees will increase $.30 for a total of $1.40 per 1,000 gallons and the increase will go into effect on October 1, 2010.

11. Council resolved to issue $8 million in certificates of obligation for construction projects. City Manager Frank Simpson commented that there will be no tax impact because these bonds will be repaid with PID assessments and TIRZ dollars.

12. Council directed staff to prepare an annexation service plan for Newpoint Estates Sections 1, 2 and 3.

13. Council approved the submission of a grant application to Texas Parks and Wildlife to fund the Missouri City Community Roots project.

14. Council adopted an official park and recreation map for the purpose of designating park zones within the City.

15. Council provided consent to the Harris County Water Control Improvement District-Fonder Road to reissue bonds at a lower interest rate.

Missouri City residents can save some green by going green, thanks to a $50 voucher program. The agreement between the City and Fort Bend County allows all Missouri City residents, including those living in Harris County, to take advantage of the vouchers.

If you have old televisions and other household hazardous waste, including computers, copiers, appliances, pesticides, paint, tires and household chemicals, you can dispose of it safely and save $50 at the same time!

A drop-off fee is usually required to dispose of hazardous material, however, this new agreement allows resident to use the voucher to defray or help defray the cost when using the recycling facility in Rosenberg (1200 Blume Road).

The vouchers will be given to Missouri City residents on a first-come, first-serve basis.

“We encourage residents to take advantage of this opportunity to dispose of old hazardous waste such as paint, electronics, batteries and televisions in a responsible way,” said City Forester Paul Wierzbicki.

The Rosenberg Recycling Center is open on Mondays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and the first
Saturday of each month from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Residents interested in obtaining a voucher can call Wierzbicki at 281-403-8645.

City Manager Frank Simpson announced today that the “Show Me City” has hit another milestone with the operation of the Quail Valley Golf Course. Shortly after the City first took possession of the property and started running the course in June 2008, Staff realized the need for outside expertise to help transition from a private club to a public facility. After advertising an RFP and considering several proposals from well-qualified firms and individuals, the City entered into an agreement with Dave Elmendorf of the William Charles Group to help with that transition, Simpson said.

“When Dave was brought aboard, he told management that his objective was to work himself out of a job by training golf course staff and the Missouri City Recreation and Leisure Corporation to fly solo,” Simpson said. “We are pleased to announce that Dave was successful in achieving his goal and has trained an able successor, Tyson Stittleburg.”

Effective Monday August 9, 2010, Stittleburg will become General Manager/Head Golf Professional at the Quail Valley Golf Course.

Dave will remain on-site for the next two to three months as a consultant to Tyson. Simpson said his focus will be:

1.) Providing assistance with developing a marketing plan to increase the number of rounds of golf;

2.) Developing more detailed cost analyses for the food and beverage operation so that City Council can make some decisions in the short term and for opening the new facility in 2012; and

3.) Serving as a transitional resource for Tyson in his new role as General Manager.

“While the City is working hard toward growing revenues to continue to meet expenditures, staff is also pleased with how much progress has been made,” Simpson said, explaining that the City has experienced and overcome many challenges, including facing court battles; a complete course reconstruction; a major hurricane; record cold, drought and rain; and a historic recession. “Additionally, we’re well on our way to fulfilling the original vision of the Quail Valley Parks Project: To preserve green space, improve property values across the community, and to create a focal point and a gathering place that will attract people from across the area to Missouri City so they, too, can experience our great community.”

Simpson added that, “Missouri City appreciates all of the hard work Dave Elmendorf and the William Charles Group have put forth in making Quail Valley Golf Course a premier destination and Tyson will continue to build upon this success.”

Meeting was called to order at 7:00pm.

1. Charlie Butera commented that response to the recycling survey has been excellent with approximately 35-40% of the residents responding. If you haven’t sent in your survey yet, the deadline is Monday, August 16th.

2. Butera recognized special guests: Mayor Allen Owen, Paul McKeever, Code Enforcement and Anthony Maroulis.

3. Susan Fox reported that much of her time in July and August has been spent on the recycling survey. There were 54 homes on the market at the end of July, which is the same # as the end of June. Eight homes were either pending/options and 4 homes sold in July. There were 238 website visits in July w/ 74% of the visitors being new. Thirty newcomer leads were worked. Fox showed the new Fort Bend Chamber Newcomer and Relocation Guide and pointed out the editorial on the City being named 21st Best Place to Live by Money Magazine and the Fund’s ad. Fox also allowed that she has met with the Greater Houston Partnership and will budget to participate in their relocation guide is 2011.

4. Cecil Willis reported that collections are at 87.55% versus 92.39% for the same time last year. Cottage street repairs are complete and Willis thanked the Cottages’ residents for their cooperation and hospitality to the contractors.

5. Deed Restrictions: 27 were brought forward from June, 37 were added, 31 resolved and 33 carried forward. Willis shared that he is still noticing a trend of more people being unresponsive to post card notifications of violations and more are having to move to the certified letter stage. He commented that even though all but 2 subdivisions have new deed restrictions, the notification procedure has not changed. State law requires owners be notified by certified letter and if the violation isn’t abated in the time period provided, then it is turned over to the attorney for a final demand letter. Willis also mentioned that if there is an unkempt yard near your home, don’t mow it, because that resolves the violation and the notification procedure has to start all over. The issue of green/black pools came up and these are both a deed restriction violation and a code violation for the City and both the City and the Fund work these violations.

6. Tony DeSantis gave an update on the By-Laws Committee. The Committee has completed its work and the recommended by-laws have been sent to the attorney for review. The Board has a meeting scheduled on August 19th to review the recommendation with the attorney. A public meeting will most likely be scheduled for September to review the new recommend by-laws with the residents. Next, a mailing will be prepared to all residents to vote on the new by-laws.

7. The Mayor shared that Tyson Stittleburg has been named General Manager of the Golf Courses. Dave Elmendorf is still under contract, but will be phasing out his roll over the next few months and will be concentrating his efforts on marketing and building up play, while Tyson takes over the day to day operations. The Courses are looking to improve revenue streams and will be making adjustments over the next few months. Food and Beverage sales is a current concern and the Mayor mentioned that if events are not attended (Steak Night, for example), they will be discontinued. He also shared that information will be back shortly from the architects on the new clubhouse design and once reviewed, the City will have to determine what they can afford.

8. A question was asked if the City could potentially sell some property to the Fund and the Mayor allowed that this would most likely have to go to the voters for approval, and is currently being investigated.

9. The topic of voter apathy was discussed as some in attendance are very concerned about the low voter turn out this last election cycle. A group of volunteers has formed to help get the vote out and anyone interested in volunteering can contact Jim or Iris Young at 281-437-8072.

10. A resident questioned as to whether the City has further considered putting a limit on garage sales. There currently is not a City ordinance regulating the number of garage sales someone can have and it was mentioned that the problem was really just related to 2 or 3 locations and they have stopped having garage sales every weekend. The City is currently updating their Peddler’s ordinance, where people selling door to door must be registered with the City. This does not include Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, school or religious groups.

11. Consent agenda which covered approving previous meeting minutes was approved.

Meeting adjourned at 7:50pm.

1. The Mayor recognized the following restaurants for receiving the Missouri City Clean Restaurant Award. The City recognizes restaurants that receive at 95+ rating with no critical violations in the last six months. Current winners are as follows: Greatest BBQ, Shipley’s Donuts, Javioca Coffee, Starbucks (2 locations), Arby’s, Dream Dinners, Schlotzsky’s, Subway, Aura, Southern Maid Donuts and KFC on Texas Parkway. Restaurants scores can also be obtained on the City’s website.

2. A number of residents addressed council regarding the traffic management changes that were made a few months ago at Watts Plantation, Diamond Springs and Sienna Parkway. Staff has been researching and evaluating additional improvements and presented recommendations to Council to add acceleration and deceleration lanes at the intersection and authorized staff to approach the TIRZ #3 Board for funding of the improvements.

3. Consent agenda was approved which included approval of meeting minutes, authorized the purchase of handheld radios through HGAC cooperative purchasing program and amended the investment policy to add Broker/Dealer to the approved list as part of the annual review.

4. Council denied the application for a day care center to move into a new strip center located on FM 1092.

5. Council authorized a one year extension of the current bank depository agreement with Wachovia/Wells Fargo.

6. Council authorized awarding the contract for reconstruction of South Gessner. Scott Elmer shared that the original estimates for this project were $5.4 million dollars and the lowest bid received was just less than $3.3 million. It was also mentioned that this is a cooperative project between the City, Fort Bend County and Harris County.

7. Council authorized an advance funding agreement with TX DOT for beautification improvements at 90A and TX Parkway.

8. Council authorized to increase the fees for the registration of door to door solicitors.

1. City of Missouri City was recognized as the Employer of the Year by the Texas Department of Assistance and Rehabilitative Services, Division for Blind Services. The City has an employee that is disabled and through working with this entity, the employee has been able to remain productive and retain their job.

2. Mayor mentioned that the groundbreaking ceremony was held last week on the new surface water treatment plant. This project is a cooperative project between the City, well owners and MUD districts to meet state mandated well water reduction targets.

3. Mayor mentioned that the Wallace Bajali project received notice that their funding is in place, so ground breaking should be forth coming on the Hampton Pointe project.

4. City Manager Simpson indicated that the effective date for consolidation of garbage services is November 1st. Staff hopes to have hard base rate numbers available in August and based upon preliminary information, 75% of residents will have their garbage collection costs lowered by using the City’s contract.

5. The Consent Agenda was approved which included approving of meeting minutes, ratifying and authorizing the purchasing of traffic signal equipment and authorizing the purchase of generators from the Quail Valley Utility District.

6. Council authorized participating as a sponsor in the upcoming 2010 International Festival of Fort Bend.

7. Council authorized an agreement for engineering services for a master plan of utility services in the Mustang Bayou Service area.

8. Council authorized staff to terminate professional agreement services with Andrews & Kurth and enter into a new agreement with Bracewell Giuliani for bond counsel services.

9. Council passed an ordinance amending rules related to City Boards, Committees and Commissions. Citizens who serve on these boards as volunteers will receive legal defense and indemnification from any action brought against a member in connection with the member’s official performance.

10. Council passed an ordinance adopting the 2008 National Electric Code.

11. Council resolved to suspend the August 6, 2010 effective date of Centerpoint Energy’s rate increase request so it can study the request and establish reasonable rates.

The July 15 groundbreaking ceremony for Missouri City’s new $27 million water treatment plant along the Brazos River marks a milestone for reducing groundwater usage and for teamwork on a City project.

The Groundwater Reduction Plan brings together 40 separate entities that have consolidated 57 well permits under a single permit. The plant is being built to meet regulations set by the Fort Bend Subsidence District, which mandates that the

groundwater withdrawals must be no more than 70 percent of total water demand by the year 2013. By January of 2025, withdrawals must be reduced to no more than 40 percent of water demand.

The plant is part of a $53 million surface water treatment project to assure future water needs for the community. “Water drives development, it drives the future of the City, so that $53 million investment in the development of the site and the plant itself is probably the most expensive thing we’ve ever done and it’s probably the most important thing we’ve ever done,” Mayor Allen Owen said at the event.

“The plant will have an initial capacity of 10 million gallons a day when it goes into operation in the winter of 2011, said Scott Hibbs, of Enprotec/Hibbs and Todd Engineers of Abilene, Texas. “It will expand in two phases to 21 million gallons in 2017 and later to 33 million gallons in 2027 as the population continues to increase.”

The surface water treatment plant, which will feature two reservoirs, also demonstrates a successful collaboration among the City, municipal utility districts and homeowners’ associations, who worked together toward achieving a cost-effective solution to reducing groundwater use for all. It is funded through user fees.

“The concept of having a City and municipal utility districts band together as a group to reduce groundwater will result in the cheapest water in Fort Bend County,” said Carl Bowles, who represents the Sienna Municipal Utility Districts on the plan. “The key is all the municipal utility districts working together on a plan that will be good for all involved.”

The state-of-the-art treatment plant, which has the capacity to store 100 million gallons of water, will process the liquid by:

*Taking the surface water from the Brazos River;
*Removing the dirt with high-tech membrane filters;
*Treating and disinfecting the water
*And, finally, sending the treated surface water to the various utility districts

Project engineers say the quality of the refined water should exceed the quality of the groundwater that residents currently drink.

Please watch the City website: www.missouricitytx.gov and Council agendas for updates.

Tops in Houston Metro Area according to Money Magazine

Show me Missouri City and we’ll show you a city on the move - right up MONEY magazine’s top 100 Best Places to Live in America - placing #21 this year. Money previously had named the city as #56 in 2008, the last year it ranked cities from 50,000 to 300,000 population.

“We polled families for what is most important for them in choosing a place to live and they told us safe streets, real estate you can afford, good schools for their kids and good jobs,” said Elizabeth Fenner, MONEY assistant managing editor, on the NBC Today show on July 12 that featured this year’s best places to live. Missouri City’s job growth increased 25.19 percent between 2000 and 2009 compared to the best places job growth average of 15.71 percent.

“Those of us living here know what a special place we have,” said Missouri City Mayor Allen Owen. “We have been responsibly managing our growth with ongoing input from our citizens, and we all are very honored with this national recognition. I can’t credit our residents enough for their interest in keeping our city an attractive and a safe place to raise their families. We have excellent credit ratings which allow us to continue to build our infrastructure and attract businesses, such as the recent addition of Global Geophysical, Lufkin Automation and also Ben E. Keith, who has plans to begin construction. Lakeview Business Park is perfect for a company looking for a location near freeways, and the bonus is that there is a beautiful park across the street.”

Following the polling of families, MONEY’s team of editors and writers spent several months researching and reviewing data on a wide range of economic and quality-of-life indicators. Missouri City’s low crime rate was a factor contributing to its high marks for quality of life. Its property crime rate of 16 per 1,000 population was lower than the best places average of 24.

MONEY started with an initial list of 800 places with populations between 50,000 and 300,000. Data provider Onboard Informatics of New York City worked again this year with MONEY’s team to narrow the list. Information was based on such sources as available U.S. Census and Bureau of Labor Statistics data, ACCRA Cost of Living Index, county and municipal assessor’s offices and FBI incident reports. The team then called and visited cities across the country, interviewing residents, community leaders and local officials before compiling the final rankings.

Missouri City is one of only four Texas cities on the list and the only community in the Houston area. Also ranked were McKinney, Allen and Rowlett, all in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

Log on to www.missouricitytx.gov and check out the 2009 Missouri City Year in Review video showing why it is one of America’s best cities.

Located 20 miles from Downtown Houston, Missouri City encompasses a family friendly community with tree-lined neighborhoods, abundant green space, low crime and steady business growth.

With Hurricane Season under way, Missouri City is prepared to provide residents with vital updates on our emergency information website: missouricityready.com.

At the July 6 City Council meeting, Emergency Management Coordinator John Sheffield briefed members on the website, which was launched last year. “We are prepared and ready to respond should a disaster strike,” he said during the presentation.

The site serves as a primary source of public information during any natural or man-made disaster affecting the City, including hurricanes. The website offers tips and strategies for preparing homes, businesses and families for emergencies, links to websites of other emergency management agencies, weather, traffic and other emergency alerts and information on how to take care of special needs or pets during disasters.

Residents can also logon to the site and sign up to receive news releases and notifications via email. A link to missouricityready.com is available on the City’s home page, www.missouricitytx.gov, under the “Quick Links” tab.

Missouri City Council voted to snuff out smoking in most public places at its July 6 meeting.

The no-smoking ordinance, which takes effect Oct. 1, covers:

*Most enclosed public places, including workplaces, restaurants, libraries, elevators, polling places, pool and billiard halls, bingo facilities and educational facilities.

*Youth sporting events held in City parks; lighting up is prohibited within 20 feet of the playing surface or competition area.

*Outdoor areas within 25 feet of entrances to public places

Violations will be punishable by a fine of up to $500 and the City will conduct a public awareness campaign. Owners, operators and managers of public places and workplaces will be responsible for posting “No Smoking” signs announcing the ban and for removing ashtrays from areas where smoking is restricted.

Smoking will not be regulated in outdoor seating areas of restaurants, private residences except those used for adult daycare and childcare, certain private and semi-private rooms in nursing homes, retail tobacco stores, tobacco bars and during certain stage performances when smoking is part of an act.