Tuesday, October 31, 2006

Halloween Fun/Safety Tonight (click title link for more)


Don't forget too that early voting is going on this week. For locations/times: http://www.fortbendnow.com/news/2118/early-voting-starts-today-for-the-general-election-see-list-of-voting-sites


Stay informed and keep in touch!

Monday, October 30, 2006

See This Recent Fortbendweb.com Piece On Mo-City Development Disparity (Just a coincidence -- Click this title link for more)

Mo-City Election Theme Revisited By Smith Article
Published on 10/26/06 at 14:16:25 CST by MCCNewsUpdates


Earlier this year the Missouri City mayors race produced a candidate with themes very similar to this FB Sun article and concerns over disparity in development. See:

"Mayoral candidate Greyling Poats said he met with a community group several months ago and outlined some of the shared concerns they agreed should be addressed during a new administration. These include:

- “Restoring honesty and integrity to our local council and especially with regard to the administration.”

- “Retaking local control from the special interests now operating and profiting in our community.”

- “Pledging not to accept out-of-area special interest contributions and to represent this community’s wants and needs.”

- “Real tax relief that keeps quality of life as its core principle.”

- “Reduce disparity in development in some areas of Missouri
City. The focus of a new administration would be on protecting homeowners’ value throughout Missouri City, and not just newer areas.”

- “A greater concern for the natural environment and development concerns (a more eco friendly strategy
through incentives).”

- “Review of fast-track privileges for corporations instituting negative PR models here locally.”

- Long-term planning with real citizen input from area neighborhoods prior to final council decisions/votes.”

- “And a committee to review the possibility of term limits for all council members.” -- From the FB Sun (March 2006).


This weeks October piece by Diane Tezeno.

Council takes another look at the disparity:

With widespread speculation about changing the city's name subsiding, Missouri City Councilman Don Smith sparked a new issue at last Monday's City Council meeting - disparity in the condition of parts of the city.

Although not in favor of a name change, Smith expressed support for the city's image and branding campaign and considers it an opportunity to deal with erosion of northern portions of the city along FM 1092, Cartwright and Texas Parkway.

Smith had originally intended to work behind the scenes to resolve some of the problems evident in his district.

He contacted some of the owners of strip centers in his area and was involved in the recent revitalization of the Hunters Square Shopping Center owned by Silvestri Investments.

"It is like putting a band-aid on an open wound rather than paying attention to the wound itself. Erosion of these segments of our city is a cancerous wound, it is growing and should be one of the city's highest priorities," Smith said.

Smith said he was inspired to become more vocal with his concerns after hearing a presentation by local Realtor Len Goff at a recent Missouri City Business Alliance meeting.

Goff, owner of Golf Land Realtors on Texas Parkway, voiced his concerns to fellow business alliance members. "We need a much better, pro-active and more welcoming attitude toward business and community development," said Goff.
Although he believes Missouri City has made some progress in becoming more business-friendly, he believes the city's long-held perception and promotion as a bedroom community hindered the development of businesses in the area.

"The city made it difficult for businesses to operate and made prospective businesses go to our sister cities of Sugar Land and Stafford because of some of its policies," said Goff.

He would like to see the city establish an Economic Impact Zone for the Texas Parkway Corridor that would provide tax abatement grants and low-interest loans to develop and revitalize the area, said Goff.

Goff recently attended a meeting in which former NBA player Magic Johnson shared his efforts in purchasing and bringing 103 Starbucks franchises into various inner-city communities to revitalize the areas. Goff believes similar redevelopment and revitalization efforts would benefit deteriorating areas of Missouri City.

"We need to include all of Missouri City instead of concentrating all of our development efforts along Hwy. 6," said Goff. . .

Get the related full FBSun story at: http://www.hcnonline.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=17376166&BRD=1574&PAG=461&dept_id=532245&rfi=6

Thursday, October 26, 2006

HOA Foreclosure Filings Increasing (Click on this title link and get on the petition against this lobby)-

Help stop the HOA foreclosure industry supported by special interest attorneys and CAI managers lobby. Sign this petition and contact your state rep. to vote NO on TUPCA power grab by this spec. interest now lobbying our TX legis.

Petition: http://www.petitiononline.com/mod_perl/signed.cgi?homeback

PS-More HOA foreclosure listing (and top attorneys filing these):

http://pages.prodigy.net/hoadata/


-----------
Stay informed and keep in touch!

Wednesday, October 25, 2006

From FBN: Should Developers Kick-in Land on School Start-up Costs?

This OP/ED piece, by Mary McGarr from a neighboring school district (KISD), seemed to strike a nerve with a local county commissioner (Mr. Meyers) and some community activist in a thread started to prompt discussion and support for requiring that mega-developers, wanting schools as a sales draw in their communities, should donate (or significantly reduce the cost) of the land that they often purchase at agricultural prices. Read more below or click the title link for the full piece and thread:


Require Developers To Donate Land For Katy Schools

Mary McGarr
"Watchdogs"

As everyone knows by now, I think our school district should require developers to donate land if they want schools built in their subdivisions before most of the homes are sold.

The precedent was set in Katy ISD in 1992 with the building of Edna Mae Fielder Elementary School. The Cinco Ranch Development Corporation donated the land for this school to the school district. The school built on the land cost $4,951,000 initially.

The Cinco Ranch Development Corporation needed a school in Cinco Ranch in order to entice prospective home buyers to come to the area. The school district had never built schools in areas where there were not children living in the attendance zone already.

I would have to say that the investment by the Cinco Ranch Development Corporation was a good one for them as well as for the school district‘s taxpayers.

-------------------
Comment: Could this type of plan work here in the Sienna Plantation area or even statewide if our local representatives got involved?

Tuesday, October 24, 2006

FBN: FBISD Discusses Overcrowding and Possible District-Wide Rezoning Plan--

FBISD May Seek Bond Issue In May; District Rezoning, More Growth To Come Later
by Bob Dunn, Oct 23, 2006, 06 44 pm

Fort Bend Independent School District taxpayers likely will be presented with a bond referendum in May to take care of building and facility needs over the coming two years or so.

Meanwhile, groundwork was laid Monday for a long-range facilities plan for FBISD, which probably will include resetting attendance zones district-wide.

In a Monday afternoon workshop, FBISD Board President Steve Smelley also indicated that, once enough data has been gathered to create a plan for rezoning, the district may propose a second bond issue on the heels of one in May, to finance building needs four to eight years from now.

None of those events have been voted on; the purpose of the workshop was to discuss such issues, and at the end of the meeting Superintendent Dr. Timothy Jenney indicated options for bond issues and school rezoning will be presented more formally in two or three weeks for board consideration. . .(click title link above for the rest).

_____________________
Comment: See related thread at http://www.fortbendnow.com/opinion/2087/require-developers-to-donate-land-for-katy-schools?commented=0#txpCommentInputForm

Monday, October 23, 2006

From SOS: FBISD Workshop on Zoning (click title link here to get more on this)-

This may be a good meeting to attend if you are concerned about over-crowding in FBISD schools. Remember both Sienna elementary schools (SCE & SOE) have multiple t-buildings and are near or over the 1000 enrollment (highest ever for the Sienna elem. schools).

See related discussion thread at http://www.fortbendnow.com/opinion/2087/require-developers-to-donate-land-for-katy-schools#c6820


*********
Stay informed and keep in touch!

Thursday, October 19, 2006

Another Missouri City Neighborhood Plagued by HOA Foreclosure Attorneys (Vote No On TUPCA)-

Many of you remember the SLAPP-suit filed by Johnson Development against Sienna homeowners last year and the HOA controversy in Silver Lake with homeowners at http://www.bizjournals.com/houston/stories/2005/04/25/story8.html and the list of HOA foreclosure filings at http://pages.prodigy.net/hoadata/ and the push by this attorneys lobby (TCREA & CAI) to get legislation through to increase their authority over individual homeowners through foreclosure and other measures (see TUPCA review). Well see this related piece in yet another nearby Missouri City neighborhood from the FB Star and then get on the petition drive to stop this abuse by clicking the title link above:

Letter Featured in the FB Star: Meadow Creek resident discusses HOA problems

Dear Beverly...

First, let me applaud the Star for its coverage of this community event (Meadow Creek residents at odds - Star 10/11/06). I have always contended that information and education are the most important factors when seeking reform and change.

I think that the term “community reformists” (favoring or promoting reform, often by government action) might better apply to those in Meadowcreek who took the time to sign both the original petition and proxies calling for the removal of the present board of Meadowcreek Association, Inc. Simply put, many Meadowcreek homeowners are in dispute with the policies and actions of the board, and are advocating change. I don’t think that any informed individual feels that certain board actions are either warranted or in many cases acceptable. I haven’t had the opportunity to observe any of the petitioners in a state of “sulky dissatisfaction”. Madder than the proverbial wet hen yes - sulky no.

I have taken the time to search through hundreds of public records... In my opinion, the methods presently employed are completely unconscionable. Using The Holoway Jones Law Firm, P.L.L.C. as its agent, the association has in 2006 alone filed over thirty Lis Pendens (Latin for “suit pending”) with the courts... It also places the homeowner in a position that requires a choice; they retain legal representation and fight the issue, or accept a “deal” with the law firm to make the problem go away. Ms. Fulenwider indicated in her article that Chip Smith made reference to this when interviewed. Regretfully, the details of these “deals” are not a part of public record, and the full extent or value of these out of court settlements may never be known.

The Meadowcreek Association Inc. indicates that the agreement with Holoway Jones regarding the collection of late assessments are covered under a contingency arrangement, and that the Association receives only the amount of the original assessment plus a ten percent late fee when recovery is made. By the way, the covenants indicate that the ten percent fee is per annum - not all up front. I have discovered, however, that this might not in all cases be the absolute truth.

In cause number 92,628, it appears that Meadowcreek Association Inc., was not only the plaintiff in the lawsuit to foreclose on a home, but in fact was a bidder when the property went to auction, and ultimately purchased the property at the Constables sale for the sum of One Thousand Five Hundred Fifty Six dollars and ten cents ($1556.10). A Constable’s Deed was recorded showing said Meadowcreek Association, Inc., as the owner of the estate, right, title and interest formally owned by the defendants Donald J. and Terrie Wilchek.

This raises the question of conflict of interest. If the Association is only attempting to collect the annual assessment, plus any applicable late fees, what are they doing bidding on the property when it goes up for auction? This question demands an answer. I have never seen a line item in the Meadowcreek Association budget that shows either the debit (expense) for purchasing the property, the actual equity value that the Association holds as an asset, or the credit (income) for profits made from the sale of the property.

The problem goes back many years according to public records. A search of the Fort Bend County Clerks records for Lis Pendens filed on behalf of the Meadowcreek Association brings up 288 records.

The fee was simply the catalyst that brought the activities and methods used by the Board to the attention of many homeowners. I personally questioned the fee... I was advised by both phone and e-mail that the fee was “voluntary”, and that if I did not pay same my family would not be able to use certain community facilities (e.g. pool, tennis courts, and clubhouse). The statement received for 2006 showed a “Balance Forward” of $160.00 (2 x $80). On September 13th, 2006, my account showed an outstanding balance of $240.00 ($80 x 3 - previous year user fees). It took the recent actions of dedicated individuals to correct this issue.

On September 18th, 2006 the Board showed an “EXP ADJUST” on my account for the $240.00, bringing my account to “$0”. About time - I guess that they finally determined that they were wrong. I make an assumption here that my wife and I are once again good citizens and neighbors, and can enjoy all the freedoms and benefits thereof. I’m not absolutely sure that the board had the right to deny my family the use of any community facilities, as my annual assessments have always been paid.

I’m personally very appreciative of the efforts of many of my neighbors. They are taking the time, personally bearing the expense, and making a strong effort to right what they feel to be wrongful actions. While the Meadowcreek Board uses many inflammatory and possibly derogatory words to describe these individuals, I can only applaud their actions. They say you are known by the company you keep, and I for one would rather be associated with those who stand up and combat injustice, rather than with those that perpetrate it.

Tommy Blankenship

Meadowcreek Resident Since 1983

__________________
Comment: Contact your state representative today and tell them to vote NO on TUPCA (an insider industry lobby effort to reduce your rights as a homeowner). The Texas Homeowners Association, THAG, AHRC and several other homeowner groups need your help to stop HOA foreclosure abuse today! See TX Senate coverage on this at:http://missouricitychatter.blogspot.com/2006/10/listen-to-senate-hearings-on-tupca.html

Wednesday, October 18, 2006

FB County Apartments Controversy Continues (from the Chronicle)-

Click title link above to get the full story on this proposed land use in FBC garnering much media.



********

Stay informed and keep in touch!

FortBendNow.com Covers Arcola Airport Special Session (click on title link for full story)-

Click the title link above for the FBN story that elaborates on the special session in Arcola last night.--

Stay informed and keep in touch!

Arcola Airport Update: EDC Tries Again! (for background click the title link)

City council member James DeVoge addressed the packed house at the Arcola City Council Special Session and asked, "Does anyone here support this airport expansion plan presented by Herb Appel of the FBEDC"? No one in the room responded.

That would be the best summary of Tuesday nights meeting on the future of Houston SW Airport in Arcola. Once again, and like a tireless old soldier, a Fort Bend Economic Development representative dusted of the plans for the AXH airport and presented them to a room full of area home & property owners in a attempt to drum up support for this very controversial project.

A question and answer session followed and revealed that in this attempt to continue the expansion the city would have to seek federal dollars to purchase the airport from Jaime Griffith for the errant plan to continue. Mr. Tom Hilton, who has so often in the past headed the opposition to this expansion, presented the counter-case along with several other residents. Not long after the meeting was adjourned, with no decision being made, many left asking why they were back here on an issue that was reported resolved just in February of this year?

More background on this at:

http://www.fortbendnow.com/news/481/protesters-landowners-hammer-arcola-mayor-over-airport-expansion

http://www.fortbendnow.com/opinion/544/raising-a-red-flag-over-arcola

http://www.fortbendnow.com/news/?c=Arcola-City-Council

__________________

Comment: Stay tuned as we will continue to follow this ongoing saga of AXH and the road diversion airport expansion. It just never seems to go away...

Tuesday, October 17, 2006

FBN Update On Gang Shootings At Mo-City Dennys (Click this title link)-

Witnesses To Gunfight Not Talking; Detectives May Close Case Without Arrests
by Bob Dunn, Oct 17, 2006, 06 24 am

Unable to find cooperative witnesses to a gunfight in which a shotgun was fired into a crowd of students, Missouri City Police detectives likely will end their investigation without arrests.

“We’re going to end up probably closing out this case,” said Missouri City Police Capt. John Bailey. “We can’t identify either shooter.”

_____________

Comment: Someone in the community must have witnessed this!

From FB Star:Gang activity garners attention of Eastside Task Force (In Missouri City)--Click title link for more. . .

Gang activity garners attention of Eastside Task Force
By LeaAnne Klentzman

A shooting in a Missouri City restaurant parking lot leaves at least one teen injured.

Early Sunday morning about 12:30 a.m. a group of about 100 teens were on the grounds of the Denny’s restaurant on State Highway 6 near FM 1092 in Missouri City when shots ran out in the parking lot. According to police reports, a newer model SUV was parked in the back of the parking lot away from the bulk of the customers. Four other cars left the highway, entered the parking lot following one another, parade like, driving straight to the SUV in the back of the lot. Words were exchanged and an altercation erupted. . . (click title link above for more).


***********
Comment: This story was first covered by FBN and MCC over a week ago. Follow this blog for updates!

Monday, October 16, 2006

Visit Fortbendweb.com for more county news and discussions (Click this title link)-

See these other area and consumer related blogs/sites:


http://missouricitychatter.blogspot.com/ -- Missouri City & Arcola Area website that tracks growth and other related issues (that may impact your home and property value).

http://www.save-our-schools.blogspot.com/ -- Track school issues at this alternative info site.

http://www.brazosriver.com -- Local political blog site (many local politician finance reports available here)

http://www.fortbendnow.com -- Alternative county info source.

http://www.ahrc.com/new/index.php/src/home -- National homeowners million+ hit advocacy website (and state affiliates).

http://texas.ahrc.com/engine.php/submission;page=input,action=display,id=1169 -- Texas Homeowners Association news.

http://www.hobb.org/index.php -- National site for homeowners supporting quality construction.

http://www.hadd.com -- National site for homeowners supporting quality construction.

http://pages.prodigy.net/hoadata/ -- Website on HOA foreclosure filings by attorneys.

http://www.stoptexashoaforeclosures.com/ -- Homeowners advocacy website (see TUPCA legislation info). THAG website.

http://www.citizensforbettergovt.org/ -- Citizens for better gov’t website (out of Arcola). Follows airport expansion issues and the impact on local governments.

http://www.texaswatch.org/ -- Consumer website keeps an eye on the insurance industry in TX.

Friday, October 13, 2006

Sienna Plantation MUD #2 Votes To Financially Support Another Pool for SP Aquatics-

Just a quick update for those of you following the SPMUD#2 recent board vote (click the title link above for more). Mr. Frazier, President of SP Aquatics, convinced the SPMUD2 board to pick up some of the costs of building another pool in the community (see vote contained in the minutes). This seemed to raise some questions among SPMUD2 residents about the use of MUD money to pay for recreational amenities that may be located outside their district. As some of you may know this was made legal a few years ago, but has been a controversial issue in this community with pressure being placed on the MUD boards to kick-in on recreational amenities that would be used to attract more sales to the Sienna community, rather than continue to commit those funds to pay down voter/taxpayer debt. Has the developer, SPRAI kicked in or has the cost been shifted to the homeowners again through the MUDs?

We will update this piece as warranted. Download the entire SPMUD2 (the only fully resident controlled MUD in Sienna) minutes by clicking the title link above or visiting http://www.spmud2.com.


Stay informed and keep in touch!

Thursday, October 12, 2006

From SOS: Half a Million Being Used to Relocate FBISD Portables (Sienna Schools to get its share)-

SOS reports from a Chronicle piece earlier this week that Sienna area schools will be getting many of the shifting temporary-buildings in the district as population booms. See this SOS report from the Chronicle (click title above for more):

FBISD to relocate portable classrooms-

Hightower, Garcia and Scanlan Oaks to get most buildings
By SESHADRI KUMAR Chronicle Correspondent

Fort Bend ISD trustees Monday night approved a $579,000 contract to relocate portable classroom buildings "due to student population shifts and rapid student growth."

The relocation of the portable buildings cannot be handled internally because the district facilities department has maintenance work to do and cannot install the portables within an acceptable time, said Lee Petros, associate superintendent of facilities and planning.

The schools slated to get the portable classrooms are Hightower High School (5), Kempner High School (1), Garcia Middle School (3), Goodman Elementary (2), Oakland Elementary (2) and Scanlan Oaks Elementary (3).

The portables will be relocated from Austin and Clements high schools; Lake Olympia Middle School; and Barbara Jordan, E.A. Jones, Mission Glen, Burton, Barrington Place and Palmer elementary schools.

Board members had a series of questions on the portable classrooms.

Trustee Laurie Caldwell referred to the problems faced earlier during a similar relocation when items were not removed from the classrooms before transporting them. Also, some of the buildings were infested with insects, she said, and the electrical wiring and other cables were not completed on time.

Petros said such problems would not occur as the turnkey project includes moving the buildings to new sites; building sidewalks, decks, ramps and canopies; providing electrical service and installing the PA system intercoms, fire alarms and data cables.

Trustee Cynthia Knox asked why the administration did not invite bids for the project. Petros said the nature of the job was such that it could be done under the job-order contract program, unlike school construction, with an existing approved vendor, and without inviting bids. The bid process would have delayed the project very much, he said.

Petros told the board that the contract calls for completion of the job by the end of November.
Trustee Stan Magee said he was not confident that the job could be completed by November. He asked Petros why the administration always waited until the last minute, instead of taking timely action to move the buildings. The board has received many calls and e-mails from parents about crowding in schools, he said. . . (click title link to get more).

Wednesday, October 11, 2006

Missouri City Gangs at Hightower HS? See This FBN Piece (Not more than 2 miles from Sienna)-

Feud Erupts Into Gunfire In Crowd Of Students; Missouri City Police Seek Suspects
by Bob Dunn, Oct 10, 2006, 09 27 am

Missouri City detectives have identified two suspects in a gunfight that erupted early Sunday as a huge crowd of high school students waited in line at a local restaurant.

Missouri City Police Capt. John Bailey said three innocent bystanders were hit by shotgun pellets – but not seriously hurt – during the gunfire.

The incident began Sunday at about 12:30 a.m. as several hundred people converged on the Denny’s restaurant at 6131 State Highway 6, after a Hightower High School football game, Bailey said.

-------------

Comment: Is our city still in denial that we have a gang problem as we experience excessive growth? What if anything is being done?

Monday, October 09, 2006

From AHRC News: Homeowners Fight CAI/TCREA Lobbyist TUPCA Legislation (click this title link for more)--

Just in from the AHRC multi-million hit national website on Texas TUPCA battles:

Texas Advocates oppose TUPCA - the Texas UCIOA
Exposing CAI's view of homeowner advocates on recent Common Ground cover

October 03, 2006

By George K. Staropoli (View author info)

Austin, Texas -
I'm told by Beanie Adolph that the Texas advocates really put on a show before the Texas Legislature, holding up the cover of CAI's Common Ground magazine that ridicluled homeowner advocates, and watching the jaws of the legislators drop. A personal copy was given to each legislator after holding up 15" posters.

Congratulations to all y'all Texas advocates. Job well done!!

As I was informed, the speaker at the time was an advocate who argued that TUPCA was prepared by the special interests and CAI lawyers, and that there was no input from homeowners. She then added, "Here's what CAI thinks of homeowners," the cue to unveil and distribute the posters of the CAI cover page.

She said the legislators looked stunned, since CAI is behind TUPCA and had spoken at the meeting earlier this year (2 hours of DVD are available by StarMan Publishing), including a former CAI president. A committee member then told the attendees to rest assured that homeowner input will be heard. After the session, Beanie was approached by an attorney supporting TUPCA, quite upset and informing Beanie that she was not CAI.

The importance of the demonstration cannot be overstated. CAI was exposed in a very striking manner. No longer will CAI feel it's secure at the Texas Legislature, just as we took care of CAI in Arizona. CAI will now have to defend itself, and answer why the TUPCA supporters have hidden their affiliation with CAI. This carries over to everything else CAI is pushing -- loss of credibility.

Now, it is an example of standing up and being counted. I am urging others in other states to act accordingly. Read and study the Rules of Engagement found on my web site. It works! Every state needs leaders who understand the Rules and are able to put in to work in their state.

The tide is turning against CAI at a fast pace. We are winning, but we must continue to take decisive action before the legislatures and government agencies. They are defending the indefensible! Here are 3 simple steps to take, and steps 1 and 2 must be accomplished before step 3 can occur.

1. Expose CAI for what it truly is.

2. Expose the supporters of pro-HOA legislation as being affiliated with CAI -- the lawyers, the management firms and associations of associations.

3. Position your demands in terms of fundamental principles and force the government to choose between supporting private organizations that deny homeowners thier constiutional rights, or the US Constitution. They will choose the US Constitution, or explain why authoritarian private governments are a legitmate objective of a government interest. They will choose the Constiution.

As for those states facing UCIOA legislation -- New Jersey for example -- read Part II of The Truth About the Emergence and Quiet Acceptance of Planned Communities and Homeowners Associations, found on my web site. IT discusses CAI's role as the national lobbyist and its objective to create UCIOAs in every state, all as a result of CAI influence and control. In my opinion, CAI is setting itself up to be the national agency for the regulation of these private governments across the country -- the federal super agency that it will control because, who else is there? BEWARE!!!

Read Part I of The Truth to understand where all these provisions in the CC&Rs, the state laws and the UCIOAs come from, and why.

-------------

Comment: Contact your legislative rep. today and tell them to vote NO on this industry insider bill!

See these related links for more:

http://www.petitiononline.com/homeback/petition.html -- Petition US Gov’t to stop unconstitutional HOA Foreclosures by special interest attorneys.

http://pages.prodigy.net/hoadata/ -- Website on HOA foreclosure filings by attorneys. See if your HOA attorney is on this list!

http://www.stoptexashoaforeclosures.com/ -- Homeowners advocacy website (see TUPCA legislation info). THAG website. (Home of TUPCA Review)-

Thursday, October 05, 2006

Chronicle Reports: Sienna Gets Final Mo-City Council Approval for Fire Station #5-


Missouri City approves agreement for Sienna Fire Station

By JOHN PAPE
Chronicle Correspondent

City Council in Missouri City has authorized City Manager Frank Simpson to sign an amendment to the city's fire protection agreement with Sienna Plantation Municipal Utility District No. 1 that paves the way for the construction of a new fire station.

The new station, Missouri City's fifth, will be built on land donated to the city by Sienna/Johnson Development at a site to be determined within the Sienna Plantation area. The agreement calls for a minimum one-acre site.


In his report to council, Simpson said that the city and the utility district will share in the cost of both the station and apparatus. The total cost has not yet been determined. . . (Click the title link above for more)


-----------------------

Comments: It would be nice if the city would also contribute to maintaining the station since city areas will also gain coverage from it. Also for those reading this blog it is important to remember that in order for our fire fighters to enter a burning building to rescue people or property they must have a least 4 trained personnel riding in the truck. Missouri City only requires 3 thus two trucks must respond for serious fires involving life and property. Hopefully we can get our cities ISO rating above a current level of 4 with improvements. Increasing the ISO rating will save our area additional insurance fees and increase safety.

-Thank you to our neighbors in Oakwick, Waterbrook and Silver Ridge for keeping this on the front burner since last year!

(From the FB Star) FBISD Over-crowding will continue as urbanization expands--

Study says Fort Bend ISD will more than double in 10 years
‘The future looks like a continuation of the past’

By Barbara Fulenwider

Anyone who doesn’t think Fort Bend County is continuing to grow should have attended the Sept. 25 Fort Bend ISD board meeting. A $48,000 demographic study was presented that says you ain’t seen nothing yet.

Future growth was the topic so the district can plan where to build new schools. What Dennis D. Harner of Harner and Associates told the board was the state’s seventh largest school district now has 67,000 students and when totally built out will have 146,000 students.

He said 73,000 of the total will be elementary students, 37,000 will be in middle schools and 36,000 students will be in high schools. What that means is the district will need twice or more campuses than the current 57 and 13 more schools opened between 2010-15.

What Harner based his projections on is the district has grown by an average of 2,087 students every year since 2001 and is becoming more urbanized every year, yet is “very different from both the greater Houston region and the state.”

(click title link above for the full story)

Wednesday, October 04, 2006

Sienna Plantation MUD 2 Special Mtg.: Ditch Work Update and New Tax Rates--

No update in this MUD release on the current state of our Sienna water (see earlier chemical warnings posted here on MCC during the summer).

Other matters addressed:

-Apparently SPMUD2 will be changing waste treatement companies from Allied to WCA (get the report by viewing the minutes clicking the title link above).

-Materials testing for Steep Bank Village ditch project phase 1 will begin (get the report by viewing the minutes clicking the title link above).

-A vote and public notice for tax rate change was approved by the SPMUD2 board (get the report by viewing the minutes clicking the title link above).


Note: All SPMUD2 board members were present for this special meeting.

Tuesday, October 03, 2006

Listen to Senate Hearings on TUPCA (contact your legislature to vote NO)-


Go to http://www.senate.state.tx.us/avarchive/ and click on Oct 02 Senate Committee on Intergovernmental Relations. Scan to 1:38 in and listen to the last minute addition of the only homeowners advocacy group invited to participate.


Stay informed and keep in touch. Contact your legislature today and say vote NO on TUPCA!!!

Monday, October 02, 2006

From the Texas Homeowner Association: TEXAS HOMEOWNERS FOR HOMEOWNER ASSOCIATION REFORM

Read this interesting piece by another Fort Bend County resident on HOA reform and then contact your state representative and tell them to vote NO on TUPCA today!


_____________


Stay informed and keep in touch. . .

POLLHOST POLL RESULTS:

POLLHOST POLL RESULTS:

 

Question: Do you trust Allen Owen, mayor of Missouri City, TX, to represent you rather than his Houston corporate backers?

 

Results:

 

3%  participating said yes  (n20)

 

91%  participating said no  (n573)

 

6%  participating responded not sure  (n39)

 

(N) sample =  632

 

Stay tuned as more surveys for coming elections are posted!

Web Statistics
Alienware Computers

This site covers the Missouri City, Texas and local vicinity. Copyright (c) c.calvin 2005-2010 ....you can contact the web-blog coordinator for MCC/CRD at responsible_dvlpmnt@yahoo.com