From The Houston Chronicle:

Missouri City officials are hopeful of an out-of-court resolution with the owner of the Quail Valley golf property on their dispute over the purchase of the land for a city park project.

Both the city and Quail Valley Country Club are headed to June 29 mediation after a June 24 court hearing to assess how much the club should be compensated for the loss of the 400 acres, including a 150-acre golf course, by the eminent domain pursued by the city.

Eminent domain is the right of the government to take private property for public use even if the property owner objects, provided the owner is “justly compensated” — usually at a market value — for the loss.

“I think that both sides can come to a reasonable agreement by the end of the month so we can both move on down the road and do what we need to do,” said Mayor Allen Owen. “It’s in both of our best interests to put this behind. I believe there is a number out there both of us can live with. It’s going to cost more to continue the litigation.”

City Attorney Caroline Kelley said the country club is disputing the city’s right to resort to eminent domain in this case and has rejected the city’s $3.1 million offer, which it considers insufficient.

Owen said the owner has not presented its price.

Mark Breeding, the attorney for the country club, couldn’t be reached for a comment.

Failure to reach an agreement through mediation would precipitate a Sept. 8 jury trial on the matter.

In June 2008, after the city deposited $3.1 million in a cash registry at the County Court at Law No. 4, a judge allowed the city to immediately take control of the 400 acres and begin a series of improvements to correct neglect of the property and damages from Hurricane Ike, Owen said.

One end of the hurricane-torn clubhouse is back in use after renovation that included the grill, new carpet and air conditioning. Owen said city leaders are considering tearing the remaining portion of the building down to rebuild a larger facility that can accommodate events such as wedding receptions and community gatherings.

The irrigation system, which uses recycled water, is being completed at the 18-hole La Quinta course, which has been in use.

At the 18-hole El Dorado course, the project to replace all the cart paths is near completion while new grass will soon be planted. Owen expects the course to open for play by the year-end or early January.

Renovation has cost the city about $5 million, half of the $10 million anticipated by city officials. Last November, voters gave the city their nod to sell $17.5 million in bonds for a slate of citywide park improvements, including ones for the golf park. Owen attributed the savings to the slow economy in which contractors have been willing to work for less.

City officials have envisioned the 400 acres to be a golf park that would draw golfers and non-golfers from the city and other areas to Quail Valley as a signature destination.

However, officials are reluctant to commit more than what they have with the unresolved litigation, Owen said.

City officials see good potential of the facility with golfing traffic on the rise.

“We had over 4,000 rounds played in May alone,” Owen said. “At our current run rate, we are estimating 35,000 to 45,000 rounds of golf on the La Quinta course alone this year, barring hurricanes.”

City Manager Frank Simpson indicated the golf course has had less revenue loss than expected.

City officials had anticipated an operating loss for the 2008-09 fiscal year of $585,693, which, instead, turned out to be about $430,000.

Simpson said he expects the golf course to turn a profit by next year.

zen.zheng@chron.com

This time last year there were over 100 homes for sale in the subdivisions of Quail Valley that surround and border the golf courses. The uncertainty of the situation with the Quail Valley Country Club had led many homeowners to put their homes on the market, seeking to move to other area neighborhoods and buyers were wary. In late June of 2008, when the City acquired the Quail Valley Country Club properties through eminent domain, many homeowners took their houses off the market but many homes remained on the market.

“It’s wonderful, given the current economic climate and the meltdown in the mortgage industry, that one year later, Quail Valley has less than 50 homes for sale, less than 2%”, said Charlie Butera, the Quail Valley Fund HOA President. “We are seeing many young couples and families, first time home buyers, buying, because Quail Valley offers a great value and one of the lowest tax rates in the Missouri City area. We’ve even had residents who moved to other neighborhoods return to Quail Valley”.

Homes in and around the Quail Valley Golf Courses are all primarily custom built homes, which differ from the cookie cutter style of most of the neighboring communities. Many homes back up to the Golf Courses as well as the lakes and waterways on the courses with lush, mature trees and landscaping. There are a variety of architectural styles, with patio homes up to larger, executive type homes.

“Quail Valley continues to be a great community,” said Butera. “The support provided by the City of Missouri City and the dedication of the Homeowners to bring Quail Valley back to its rightful place to live and raise a family is very encouraging.”

Quail Valley is conveniently located to many major thoroughfares including the new Fort Bend Toll Road. For additional information on Quail Valley, visit www.quailvalleyfund.org.

The regular school year may have ended, but motorists driving near two schools in Missouri City this summer should remember to step on the brakes.

The City has established temporary, weekday school zones around Elkins High School and Missouri City Middle School during the two summer school sessions at both campuses. The school zone speed limits and their locations remain the same as during the regular school year, but the times of day the speed zones will be implemented are different.

Two sessions of summer school are being held this year: June 22 to July 16 and July 20 to August 6 (excluding June 29 to July 3).

The school speed zone times are Monday through Friday as follows:

. Elkins High School: 7 to 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
. Missouri City Middle School: 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Drivers around both these schools should be aware of these temporary zones and times and pay attention to speed limit signs.

Sharon Valiante, Missouri City’s Assistant Director of Public Works, has been named “Professional Manager of the Year for Emergency Management” by the Texas Public Works Association. The state-wide award was presented to Valiante during the annual TPWA Conference in El Paso, June 10 to 13.

Valiante was honored for her work during and after Hurricane Ike. Serving as Public Works shift commander at the City’s Emergency Operations Center during the storm, she coordinated teams of City employees who worked around the clock to protect residents’ lives and safety during the hurricane. Soon after the storm passed through Missouri City, Valiante helped direct recovery operations on the streets, coordinating crews to assess damage to public infrastructure and private structures and clear roads of downed trees and debris.

Following the storm, Valiante and her staff coordinated the implementation of a contract with other government agencies, contractors and consultants to remove $5 million – or 200,000 cubic yards – of debris from the City. In addition, she organized Points of Distribution (PODS) to dispense ice and water to residents, as well as “leaf drops” where residents could bring bags of leaves for proper disposal.

“Valiante’s management efforts during Hurricane Ike resulted in a team with the highest levels of productivity, a sense of pride in their accomplishments and the knowledge of a job well done under trying circumstances,” said Scott Elmer, the City’s Director of Public Works. “Her proven performance during Hurricane Ike and throughout her years with Missouri City has maximized the level of service offered to residents.”

Valiante was named Assistant Director of Public Works in January 2007, after having worked with the City since September 1996. TPWA is the Texas chapter of the non-profit American Public Works Association, a 29,000-member organization comprised of public works professionals, companies and agencies throughout the nation.

For Fiscal Year 2010, the City of Missouri City will reduce its spending by about 2 percent from the prior fiscal year, reflecting a fiscally conservative effort to keep the City’s budget strong and stable during this time of economic fluctuation.

The City Council adopted the proposed 2010 budget at the June 15 Council meeting. At $33.2 million, the suggested 2010 general fund budget is less than the Fiscal Year 2009 budget of $33.9 million, but the quality and effectiveness of City services will not diminish, said City Manager Frank Simpson.

“In this uncertain economy, Missouri City is faring much better than most other areas in the country,” Simpson said. “Still, difficult times are here and are real. We have shaped this upcoming budget to accommodate rising costs in a challenging market, while also maintaining the high level of service that our residents have come to expect.”

The 2010 budget will go into effect on July 1 and includes: $47,926 for one new full-time Deputy Court Clerk to handle an increased case load; $657,500 for the full year impact for four half-year positions and pay adjustments approved in Fiscal Year 2009; and $102,000 for health insurance increases. Personnel costs make up $22.6 million, or about 69 percent, of the 2010 budget.

In the event of an emergency or unforeseen, necessary expenditures, the approved budget also includes a $950,000 fund for reserves and contingencies, which was drawn from the City’s current fund balance of $7.9 million. That will leave a fund balance of $7.2 million, which is 22.09 percent of the City’s budgeted revenue. According to City policy, the fund balance should rest between 15 and 25 percent of budgeted revenue.

“The City is maintaining a sound fund balance that will enable the City to retain its AA credit rating,” Simpson said.

Despite the economic downturn, overall revenues are only projected to drop by less than 1 percent from last fiscal year. The 2010 budget anticipates $32.4 million in revenues, or $48,901 less than last fiscal year. Revenues stem from property and sales taxes, franchise fees and building permits. A $151,793 budget increase in property tax collections is anticipated during the next fiscal year.
The City’s current overall tax rate is $0.51724 per $100 valuation for the current fiscal year, including $0.35349 for City maintenance and operation and $0.16375 for debt service. When the City receives the certified tax roles from the Fort Bend Appraisal District mid-summer, the tax rate will be reviewed by City Council. The tax rate for 2010 is anticipated to be adopted in August.

1. Joel Fitzgerald was sworn in as our new Police Chief. It was necessary for Mr. Fitzgerald to obtain some additional certifications to be sworn in as the Missouri City Police Chief and he has now obtained those necessary additional certifications.

2. July has been proclaimed as Parks and Recreation Month.

3. Kelly Snook, Director of Parks and Recreation, gave a short presentation regarding the upcoming Missouri City July 4th activities at Buffalo Run Park. Festivities will start at 6pm with fireworks occurring around dusk, 9pm. There were will be plenty of activities for the kids, food vendors, etc., and everyone is encourage to attend.

4. Consent agenda was approved which included approval meeting minutes for regular and special Council meetings, awarding contracts and hardware purchases for computer software, authorizing an agreement for HWY 6 traffic data analysis and awarding a contract for street crack and joint sealing services.

5. City’s proposed budget for fiscal year 2010 was approved.

6. Council authorized the Golf Course Management agreement between the City and the Missouri City Recreation and Leisure Local Government Corporation as well as assigned the current Schedule of Fees for the Golf Course to the MCRLLG. The Quail Valley Golf Course operations are being moved into their own local government corporation, so it can be operated and evaluated under a budgeting and P/L structure that is designed to operate this type of public park. It was also mentioned that in May, the Golf Course had over 4,000 rounds of play on the current 18 holes, which is more play than when their were 36 holes. Over the last few months, on a month to month basis, if you eliminate all the one time charges the City incurred when taking over the Courses, they are currently operating in the black.

7. Council approved transferring of various appropriations between accounts for the 2009 fiscal year.

8. Council approved the issuance of a combination of tax and revenue certificates of obligations (bonds).

9. An ordinance regarding consolidating of all solid waste services for all residents in the City was, in effect, tabled, so staff could obtain more information for Council’s consideration.

10. Council resolved to allow the City to be reimbursed for expenditures regarding the construction of the Surface Water Treatment Plant. Staff wishes to go ahead and receive bids and potentially begin constructing new retention ponds and enhancing current retention ponds. Construction bids have been coming in lower during this economic downturn and the staff wants to take advantage of lower costs, which will be reimbursed by the area MUDs, who are collecting the fees for the building of the plant and related facilities..

11. Council resolved to vote in favor of the Fort Bend Central Appraisal’s Districts countywide request to obtain property and build a new facility.

1. Texas Legislature did not pass any new laws this session relating to HOAs. Charlie Butera, Fund President, allowed that he will now ask the Amenities Committee to become active again regarding adding amenities to the neighborhood and the Fund will also start analyzing landscaping and signage opportunities on Glenn Lakes, starting from the east end. Revising the article of incorporation and by-laws project can now also re-start.

2. Susan Fox reported on marketing activities for May: 2 presentations to realtor groups, delivered “goodie bags” to approximately 20 realtor offices, attended City planning meetings, Quail Valley Proud Memorial Day Parade, plus regular routine meetings. There were 5 home sales in May and 73 newcomer leads were worked. Ninety seven Quail Valley Fund residents have signed up for using the pool facilities at Meadow Creek, so far. Search engine optimization is still under way and the Quail Valley Fund is now appearing on the second page of Google on a search on the keywords “Quail Valley”. Fox has 3 realtor presentations scheduled for June.

3. Cecil Willis, Executive Director, reported on deed violations. Currently of the 36 violations carried forward from May, 17 are in the hands of the attorney and 5 are at the certified stage. Willis reported that he cleared the oldest restriction after working it for 30 months and also recovered all attorney fees. Collection efforts for regular maintenance fees are ahead of last year by 1.5%. A copy of the 2008 audited financial should be available in the office by the end of the week.

4. Procedure for the process of handling Deed Restrictions was approved by the trustees.

5. The Missouri City Police Department is moving towards “community based” policing, where the same officers, for the most part, will patrol a given neighborhood, so they can become more familiar with the residents and the neighborhood in general. Sgt. Kurt Maxheimer has been assigned to the Quail Valley Fund area. If you have any concerns or questions, he can be reached at kmaxheimer@missouricitytx.gov or at 281-403-5828. Sgt. Maxheimer will respond to questions as quickly as he is able. Remember, if you have an emergency, continue to call 911.

6. The Mayor shared that the irrigation system on La Quinta is now in a testing phase and portions of the golf course will be watered each evening. Excess water from Oyster Creek is being used, as 1.5 million gallons are needed daily and Oyster Creek has this excess capacity. The intention is to begin planting grass on the El Dorado golf course this week and planting will occur 3 holes at a time. The Mayor emphasized that residents need to stay off of the golf course, including the cart paths, as to not impede this very important growing season.. Volunteers are needed to help patrol the course; interested individuals can contact Tyson at the Pro Shop.

7. Missouri City Staff had applied for a $1 million grant request from Texas Parks and Wildlife to help in acquiring the Tennis Center. This grant request was only 2 that made it into the next State budget, so hopefully, once the State budget is approved, this grant will be made to the City. City is still in negotiations on the purchase of the Tennis Center.

On July 4, Missouri City residents can declare their independence from the ordinary at the City’s 25th annual celebration of America’s birthday.

From a live concert by the Tejas Brothers, an award-winning band that plays a fusion of country, blues, Tejano and pop music, to performances by Break Shop, a troupe of high energy, head-spinning acrobatic break dancers, there’s nothing run-of-the-mill about Missouri City’s Independence Day celebration at Buffalo Run Park, 1122 Buffalo Run Drive, off Texas Parkway.

The fun begins at 5:30 p.m. with all kinds of family entertainment, including stilt walkers and balloon artists. Early birds who arrive before 6:30 p.m. can purchase $3 wristbands for unlimited use of the rock climbing wall, extreme jump, gyroscope and basketball toss. After 6:30 p.m., the wristbands will continue on sale for $5. Break Shop will have family-friendly performances every hour, starting at 5:45 p.m.

The Tejas Brothers will take the main stage at 6 p.m. The Dallas Observer named the four-piece band of Texas natives the “Best New Act” of 2008. The musicians were also nominated as “Best Emerging Artists” in this year’s Lone Star Music Awards competition.

Starting at 6 p.m. and throughout the evening, festival-goers can also star in their own music videos with the help of Dance Heads, a video program that superimposes participants’ heads onto the bodies of professional dancers as they sing along to hit songs.

Fireworks over the lake begin at dusk, around 9 p.m. The Missouri City Pops will perform during the fireworks display, sponsored by Bud Light.

Animal adoptions from Missouri City-based Zeke Animal Rescue, a stuffed toy booth and a vacation rentals booth are among the array of other options families can enjoy at the evening event. Delicious food, including turkey legs, barbecue, sweet kettle corn, cotton candy, shaved ice, sno-cones and soda, will be available at a reasonable cost. The Oyster Creek Rotary Club will host a beer garden at the celebration, with proceeds going toward scholarships for high school students.

Comcast is presenting the rock wall, extreme jumper, gyroscope and basketball toss game. Other event partners are the Smiles of Riverstone dental office, Lakeview Business Park and Green Mountain Energy Company.

For more information, call 281-403-8500 or visit www.missouricitytx.gov.

Missouri City residents who want better walking and biking opportunities around town are invited to step forward and speak up about their ideas at an Open House from 5 to 8 p.m. on June 25 at the Old Municipal Court next to City Hall, 1522 Texas Parkway.

The City, in partnership with the Houston-Galveston Area Council of Governments (H-GAC), will host the Open House about pedestrian and bicycle needs along four select roadways in Missouri City: Texas Parkway, Cartwright Road, Murphy Road and State Highway 6.

This spring, citizens responded to an online survey about pedestrian and bicycle access on the four popular roads. H-GAC selected Missouri City for its Pedestrian and Bicycle Special Districts’ Study because of the City’s potential to enhance walking and biking paths along these four roads in the H-GAC study area. The survey results are shaping a conceptual plan that will support safe pedestrian and bicycle mobility within the study area.

Residents can stop by the Open House to hear about the study findings to date, as well as share their thoughts on existing paths and pedestrian and bicycle mobility in the City. Missouri City and H-GAC staff and their consultants will be available to discuss mobility issues with residents, including: the availability of bike lanes, recreational paths and trails; the feasibility and safety of roadway crossings; and the adequacy of sidewalks in the community.

Formal presentations will be made at 6 and 7 p.m.

For more information, visit www.missouricitytx.gov or call 281-403-8500.

The Turtle Creek Drive bridge over Mustang Bayou is planned to be closed for reconstruction on June 8.

While the bridge is closed, traffic along Turtle Creek Drive will be able to flow up to the bridge but not cross it. Traffic east of the bridge will not be able to take the bridge west toward Mission Valley, and traffic west of the bridge will not be able to take the bridge east toward FM 2234/Texas Parkway. Detours along side streets are planned to help route traffic around the site. Construction on the bridge is expected to last about two months.

The bridge closure is the second of three phases of reconstruction along Turtle Creek Drive. The renovation project began in April with the new alignment of the roadway through Roane Park. The reconstruction of Turtle Creek is a Capital Improvements Program project.

“This upcoming, temporary bridge closure will speed up the City’s efforts to renovate this popular street and keep it strong and safe for all who utilize it,” said Valerie Ruda, CIP projects manager.

After the Mustang Bayou bridge work is complete, reconstruction of Turtle Creek Drive between Mission Valley and FM 2234 will begin. During this final phase, there will be one-way traffic along the street as construction is completed on the road, one side at a time. The one-way traffic along Turtle Creek is expected to begin later this summer.