“The City’s goal to preserve this property and to maintain the original Quail Valley master plan – the first of its kind in Fort Bend County- was a community-wide project,” Mayor Allen Owen said.

Missouri City acquired the property for the parks project through eminent domain in June 2008 after long-time deterioration took a toll on the community and caused property values to decline. A 100-person citizen committee had studied its purchase and recommended to City Council to move forward. Then 72 percent of voters from all areas of the City approved a $17.5 million bond referendum to provide funds for the acquisition and improvements. The Quail Valley Homeowners Association also contributed $150,000 to the project.

After acquiring the 390-acre property, the City immediately started working to make improvements, repairing several bridges that were considered safety hazards, mowing high grass and weeds, and replacing the irrigation systems on two 18-hole courses. On July 4, 2008, the City reopened the 18-hole La Quinta golf course to the public and the 18-hole El Dorado golf course, which was completely redeveloped, including drainage improvements, reopened in November 2009.

In addition to the two courses, plans are in the works for a passive park; the development of the First Tee program, a national initiative for youth; the design and construction of a golf shop and banquet facility, and a tennis and recreation center.

The progress on the Quail Valley parks property has had a positive impact in property values because of the City’s improvements to the area and at the same time it has increased parks and recreation green space by 50%.

Seven judges reviewed the applications for the Landmark Awards program. “We are honored that experts in quality property preservation, property development and green building initiatives recognized the importance of this project and the positive impact it has had on our community,” Owen said.

March 19, 2010

Dear Mayor Owen,

As President of the Missouri City Police Officers’ Association, it is with great pleasure to formally announce our decision to support you in your upcoming re-election bid.   We know how hard you have worked over the years to make Missouri City a place a better place to live, work and play.  We strongly believe you take pride in what you do and will continue to make decisions to benefit all citizens of Missouri City.  We very much appreciate your support and you in turn can count on us to actively work towards your re-election as Mayor of the City of Missouri City.

Sincerely,

Donna Quackenbush

President – Missouri City Police Officers’ Association
P.O. Box 1381, Missouri City, Texas 77459

]]> http://mayorallenowen.com/2010/03/31/police-officers-association-lend-letter-of-support/feed/ 1 http://mayorallenowen.com/2009/12/31/proud-2009-showing-for-the-%e2%80%9cshow-me-city%e2%80%9d/ http://mayorallenowen.com/2009/12/31/proud-2009-showing-for-the-%e2%80%9cshow-me-city%e2%80%9d/#comments Thu, 31 Dec 2009 15:59:27 +0000 Admin http://mayorallenowen.com/?p=83 The Show Me City continued to build on its past successes this year, stacking up more achievements, strengthening the budget, standing proud with citizens and steering a course toward an even stronger future.

“Missouri City has a legacy of strength and success,” said Mayor Allen Owen. “This year was no exception.”

“SHOW ME” WINNERS…
The following achievements allowed the area to continue to stand out and shine:

BEST BUDGET. For the 21st year in a row, the Finance Department earned a Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for fiscal responsibility and sound financial management. The Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada presented the award to the City, which ranks among a select few in the Gulf Coast region that have successively received this award for more than two decades

TOP COPS. The Missouri City Police Department joined an elite group of 18 police forces across the State to attain “Recognized Law Enforcement Agency” status in Texas. The Department was evaluated on 161 Best Practices standards to achieve this prestigious award.

SAFETY FIRST. For the second year, Congressional Quarterly recognized Missouri City as one of the safest in America.  The City ranked as the eighth safest in Texas and in the top 100 in the United States.

PRISTINE PARKS. The Houston-Galveston Area Council of Governments recognized two parks in their Natural Area Awards program: the Hunter’s Glen sprayground funded by the Blue Ridge West Municipal Utility District and Buffalo Run Park, which emerged from a water detention project to a beautiful 95-acre City park.

PERFECT PUTT. Ten months and an inaugural tee time later, the El Dorado Golf Course is back! The course is the dynamic design of Golf Architect Jeff Blume, who oversaw workers moving 200,000 cubic tons of dirt, installing a complete irrigation system, building 78 sand traps and five different tee boxes and the shaping of 18 Greens. The result: An exciting El Dorado.

PREMIER PREMIUMS. After meeting the high prevention standards of the National Flood Insurance Program, Missouri City received a “very good” Community Rating System Score of 7, placing residents in a strong position to secure lower flood insurance premiums.

“SHOW ME” GOOD CENTS…
The economic turbulence hitting the nation hit home here, but fortunately it was not nearly as jolting for Missouri City. The following actions helped the City maintain its stability:

FISCAL FITNESS. Ever mindful of using tax dollars to provide excellent customer service to citizens, City officials streamlined the 2010 budget to reduce spending by almost 5 percent from the previous year and to maintain stability. The blueprint also includes a $950,000 fund for contingencies.

TAX TIME. To generate the same amount of revenue from existing property as last year, City Council adopted a tax rate of 52.84 cents per $100 valuation that cut spending for maintenance and operations and devoted more tax revenue to voter-approved capital improvement projects to take advantage of the current low construction costs and interest rates. The tax-rate change was necessary because the City’s total taxable value last year for both residential and commercial property was almost flat.  Coupled with strong fiscal management, the decision allows the City to maintain its AA credit rating while tightening its spending belt and to assure the continuation of quality City services.

“It is never easy to increase taxes without showing the citizens why it is necessary. Taking care of an aging infrastructure, continuing to put Public Safety at the very top of our priorities, and yet tighten our belts in other areas, was our goal,” Mayor Owen said. “I think we have done that and will continue to look for ways to reduce our taxes. Hopefully property values will continue to move upward, and the economy will make a rebound in 2010.”

SHOW ME” PLANNING
The updated Comprehensive Plan and Trails Master Plan both were approved by City Council, following extensive citizen involvement.  Both outline realistic goals and strategies to manage the needs and development of Missouri City.  The comprehensive plan sets the foundation of what the city will look like in the next 20 years and beyond, with the plan being updated every five years. A citizen survey this past fall validated the Plan’s primary points, elements and direction. Survey respondents rated the top three most important quality of life factors to be: focus on crime prevention and security, limitations on the amount of rental housing, and community beautification.

“SHOW ME” FUN…
Annual traditions were honored again this year in the Show Me City. Funtastic celebrations that brought City officials and citizens together were the Dad and Daughter dance, the 21st annual Bunny Hop, the 25th annual July 4th celebration, National Night Out, Boo in the Run and Snowfest.

“SHOW ME” WHAT’S NEW…
The City also ushered in new property and programs.  The recreational options available to residents will expand with the purchase last November of eight acres of land at the site of the former Quail Valley Tennis and Fitness Center.

In January, the City will receive statements of qualifications from interested firms to renovate or construct a new facility there that will serve the entire community’s fitness, leisure and recreation needs.  Firms also will be submitting qualifications to replace the current Quail Valley Golf clubhouse and add a community center.

A mid-year partnership took shape with 19 municipal utility districts in City limits and in the City’s extraterritorial jurisdiction agreeing to participate with Missouri City in a state-mandated groundwater reduction program. Because of subsidence in the region, by 2025 these jurisdictions must reduce the groundwater they pump by 60 percent.  Design of the $58 million surface water treatment facility is complete and bids go out for construction early in 2010.  This cost-effective partnership minimizes the infrastructure that otherwise would be needed.  This will ensure Missouri City water users have competitively lower water rates.

And another important bridge of communication was established with residents through the initiation of City-sponsored Homeowner’s Association meetings. The meetings have been a successful forum for staff, officials and HOA board members to discuss issues and share ideas.

“SHOW ME” NEW BUSINESS…
Though the U.S. Economy was dealt a bust, our bottom line was balanced by a business boom, supported by national and international companies opening their doors here: Lowe’s opened a new store, building on the strong retail corridor along Highway 6.   Lufkin Automation signed as the first tenant for the new Lakeview Business Park, with several more on the horizon; Global Geophysical opened its corporate headquarters on Gessner Road; and business flourished in the commercial corridor in the northern part of the City. Additionally, Councilmembers approved a resolution in May to establish the nonprofit Missouri City Recreation and Leisure Local Government Corporation, which helps the City acquire, improve, maintain and operate parks and recreation facilities, including the Quail Valley Golf Course.

“SHOW ME” GOING GREEN…
The City also continued to enhance the quality-of-life for residents with these efforts:  Partnering with CenterPoint in January to plant more than 30 power line-friendly trees in Ridgeview Park; planting more than 200 trees donated by the Apache Foundation at Independence and Sta-Mo Parks to control erosion and flooding and provide a habitat for wildlife; designing a plan to transform the Texas Parkway/Cartwright Road Corridor into safe, navigable “green areas” complete with sidewalks and landscaping and additional features in the future; and upgrading and maintaining its many parks and recreation areas through a continuation of the Mulch Madness and Junior Arborist volunteer programs and through Spring Clean-up, Arbor Day and Earth Week programs. The City also built the state-of-the-art sprayground at Hunter’s Glen Park that uses an efficient recycled water system for irrigation; a similar process is used at the Quail Valley Golf Course.

“SHOW ME” MILESTONES…
Many other memorable moments took place throughout the year, including the retirement of Police Chief Ron Echols, a 28-year veteran of the force.  During his five years as Chief he took the department to a higher standard. To continue that existing excellence, the City was fortunate to hire Joel Fitzgerald Sr., a veteran law-enforcement official who has fostered a close collaboration between police and community, initiating a popular neighborhood policing program that ensures officers and residents are always in contact. Fitzgerald is a respected leader who has made it clear that his department is committed to serving residents, reducing crime and keeping Missouri City one of the safest cities in the nation. Another moment streamed through in July, when the City launched programming from the municipal cable station on the City website, featuring City News, Council and Planning and Zoning meetings and other vital information for residents.

“SHOW ME” THE FUTURE…
Overall, 2009 was a good year for Missouri City. “There were so many positive things that happened in 2009 for our City,” Mayor Owen said.  And the City has great expectations for 2010, he added:  “We are on the edge of being an even greater place to live, work, and play. We begin 2010 with new prospects of large companies relocating to our City, which will bring new employment opportunities as well as other development around those projects. Economics will control the pace of growth in 2010. We are confident that we are working with companies and retail establishments that are somewhat less impacted by the economy. Housing starts in our newer subdivisions seem to be on pace at a rate better than other areas of the country. This is key to future retail development.”

In July, the Show Me City was ranked No. 56 on Money magazine’s list of the “100 Best Places to Live in America.” The magazine cited a 43 percent job growth between 2000 and 2007, rapid commercial development and acclaimed schools as factors in the rating. In November, Congressional Quarterly named Missouri City the 22nd safest in the nation in the 75,000 to 100,000 population range.

This summer brought another honor to Missouri City: The Government Finance Officers Association presented the City with its 20th consecutive distinguished Budget Presentation Award for the annual budget.  Only two percent of U.S. cities receive this recognition for exemplary financial management practices. The award salutes Missouri City’s achievement in saving taxpayer dollars and utilizing the latest technology to save staff time and operating costs.

And this winter, new population signs declaring the City to be the “Home of Miss USA 2008” were posted at gateway entrances to the Show Me City. Crystle Stewart, who hails from Missouri City and graduated from Elkins High School, won the national pageant title in April.

“We’ve had a banner year, in great part because of partnerships with our citizens,” Mayor Allen Owen said. “We’re continuing to build on our reputation as a safe community with beautiful neighborhoods. Our families love living here. We’ve made great progress in continuing to expand commercial and retail options for our residents and visitors.”

The City’s “show me” spirit was in full force during Hurricane Ike. The new, high-tech Municipal Court/Emergency Operations Center on Cartwright Road served as the City’s headquarters during the storm. Residents and 275 City employees worked together to keep Missouri City citizens safe and informed as Hurricane Ike hit the region, with residents even helping deliver information flyers around neighborhoods to keep citizens updated on City news during the post-storm power outages.

The year started with a report from the Citizens’ Quail Valley Feasibility Committee, a group of more than 100 residents from throughout Missouri City. The committee recommended the purchase of the 400-acre Quail Valley golf property for future uses for golf and other recreation and to serve as a central community gathering place in the City. The City Council approved the recommendation to establish the featured destination for all residents, and the eminent domain process continues with the property’s former owners.

On Nov. 4, 72 percent of voters approved a $17.5 million bond referendum for the Quail Valley parks project. The City envisions creating a new community center, green space improvements and other fitness opportunities on the property, in addition to upgrading the two18-hole golf courses on the land.

In 2008, citizens also offered the City their ideas for a master plan to redevelop Texas Parkway and Cartwright Road. The plan proposes to transform the two roads into signature boulevards in Missouri City by enhancing businesses and adding new ones along the corridor. The planning process will continue into 2009.

Missouri City is one of the few municipalities that had the good timing to sell bonds in the financial markets this fall, prior to the economic downturn. The city’s strong credit rating with three rating agencies enabled the $35.5 million in bonds to be issued at competitive interest rates.

To keep residents safe, the Show Me City approved new building codes this fall. The codes, which make the City’s regulations consistent with the latest ones from the International Code Council, were adopted to ensure homes and commercial buildings are being crafted to the safest, most up-to-date standards. With these regulations, citizens can be confident they are entering secure facilities in Missouri City.

National and international companies are building facilities in Missouri City. Global Geophysical continues construction of its 110,000-square-foot building, and Ben E. Keith will break ground on its 400,000-square-foot facility during Phase I of its construction in 2009.  Trammell Crow is developing its largest business project in Texas at Lakeview Business Park. Progress continues on the Beltway Crossing Business Park, and major retail centers are under development at key intersections with strong anchor tenants, from Lowe’s to a Signature Kroger and an H-E-B, which is planned to be larger than an H-E-B Plus.

“We’ll be building on this year’s momentum as we continue economic development initiatives, renovation and expansion of infrastructure and strengthen our recreational opportunities not only for the growing City population, but for the region and beyond,” Mayor Owen said.

Following Missouri City’s selection as #56 on Money magazine’s 100 Best Places to Live in America, the city now earned recognition as one of the safest cities in the U.S.   On November 25, the Congressional Quarterly announced its annual safest city list based on the 2007 FBI Uniform Crime Statistics.  Missouri City ranked No. 22 in the 75,000- 100,000 population range, one of only five Texas cities recognized in this population category.

The annual listing is based on six crime categories: murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary and motor vehicle theft.  Data for 356 metropolitan areas and 397 cities were considered, using crime data they reported to the FBI, who released the statistics in September.

“I am very proud of the men and women in the Missouri City Police Department and of the strong community partnership we have – one of the major reasons Missouri City is such a great place to live,” said Police Chief Ron Echols.  “Their service to the residents is incredible, and I am very fortunate to work with such a dedicated group of professionals.”

Population estimates are based on U.S. Bureau of the Census figures as of July 2007.  Other Texas cities in the top 25 are Allen, Frisco, Sugar Land and Round Rock.

The Congressional Quarterly Press is a leading publisher of books, directories, research publications and web products on U.S. government, world affairs and communications.

The methodology for determining the city and metro area comparison crime rate rankings involves a multistep process in which the reported crime per 100,000 population rates are compared to the national reported crime per 100,000 population rates and then indexed to create a summary score and ranking across six areas of reported violent and property crime. The methodology has been used for the past ten years.  The six crime categories examined in this analysis were murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, and motor vehicle theft.

Congratulations Miss USA Crystle Stewart, Missouri City Native

by Elsa Malakoff Maxey

A dedication ceremony for the official opening of Fire Station # 2 at 12043 McLain in Missouri City celebrated the completion of the new station on January 29, 2008. The new building replaced a 30-year old temporary facility. Mayor Allen Owen and Councilmember Eunice Reiter, who addressed residents at the dedication, shared the history of the fire station in this area of the city, which includes Colony Crossing, Cravens Village, Fondren Park and the Fonmeadow subdivisions located north of the railroad tracks that run alongside U.S. 90A.

Dedication participants that were in the city 31 years ago reminisced as Councilmember Reiter reflected and related what brought about the establishment of the fire station. “Three houses burned to the ground because firefighters could not get through when a train blocked the passage of the fire trucks,” Councilmember Reiter said, “and a fire station was built in order not to have that kind of tragedy ever occur in the future.”

“We welcome our newest addition to the city facilities and we’re pleased that it will serve our residents,” said Mayor Owen. “Our responsibility is to provide the facilities and equip firefighters to do their job. We want to make sure that you are protected and safe and we thank you for what you do everyday,” he added as he addressed firefighters in the audience.

“They risk their lives for you and every citizen every time they leave this station,” he said to the residents at the dedication. Mayor Owen further commended Missouri City citizens for their commitment to safety in their community.
Fire Chief Russell Sander reported that Fire Station # 2 was constructed with funds approved by the citizens of Missouri City, when they voted to pass the 2003 bonds that included the replacement of the fire station. The new fire station is almost 8,000 sq. ft. in size and was constructed at a cost of $1,648,200. While the structure was undergoing construction during the past 12 months, firefighters and equipment were housed in temporary buildings.
At the dedication ceremony, special recognition awards were presented to Valerie Ruda, Project Manager with the City’s Public Works Department, who directed and maintained the status of the project, and Fire Lt. Michelle Braswell, who served in a lead role among firefighters contributing to the project. Lt Braswell’s project manager role allowed fire department administrative staff to perform duties in other priority areas.

The novel ribbon cutting at the dedication was staged in front of a fire apparatus. Serving as the ribbon was a new, red fire hose that was disconnected at the coupling to signify the official dedication. A tour of the new fire station followed which included a look of the office for the police department housed at the fire station, “something unique to each of Missouri City fire stations,” said Chief Sander. “This allows police to prepare reports and take care of office desk responsibilities in the neighborhood of their assigned areas.” This further enables a more integrated working relationship among members of the public safety sector serving Missouri City.

This novel ribbon cutting at Missouri City’s dedication of Fire Station # 2 on January 29, utilized a new, red fire hose in place of the traditional ribbon that is cut during ceremonies. Mayor Allen Owen and Councilmember Eunice Reiter (center) disconnected the hose at the coupling to signify the official dedication. Pictured are (l-r) Mayor Pro Tem/Councilmember Brett Kolaja, Fire Lt. Michelle Braswell, Councilmember Barbara Gibson, Mayor Allen Owen, Councimember Eunice Reiter, Fire Chief Russell Sander, Councilmember Buddy Jimerson, and Public Works Project Manager, Valerie Ruda.

Among the many guests, these Fondren Park residents and community civic leaders, (l-r) Linda Farr, Gloria Lucas, and Charles and Dina Williams, recently attended the Fire Station #2 dedication ceremony in Missouri City. They proudly show off commemorative T-shirts provided by construction Project Architect, Steve Lucchesi, and Bob Bass of Bass Construction Company. Fire Station # 2 underwent a dedication ceremony on January 29.

(l-r) Public Works’ Project Manager, Valerie Ruda; Fire Lt. Michelle Braswell; Project Architect, Steve Lucchesi; Bob Bass and Buck Bass of Bass Construction Company, who were all involved in construction phases of Missouri City’s Fire Station # 2, take a moment to meet, one more time, at the end result of a 12-month project. Fire Station # 2 in Missouri City underwent a dedication ceremony on January 29. The new fire station replaces a 30-year old facility.

•  
  By Andrea Guy
  Missouri City citizens and businesses are invited to “Show Us” their ideas for the Texas Parkway/Cartwright Road Corridor. The City is co-sponsoring a planning charrette on Tuesday, March 25,  from 6 to 9 p.m., with a follow-up meeting on Tuesday, April 15, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., both to be held at the Community Center, 1524 Texas Parkway.
  A charrette is an innovative design process that involves participation by residents and business leaders. They will have the opportunity to collaborate with the development team of George E. Johnson Development, Inc., and planners with Civic Design Associates to create a vision for the redevelopment master plan for the Texas Parkway/Cartwright Road Corridor.
  •  
    Citizens attending either or both meetings may RSVP to www.georgejohnsondev.com/mccharrette.htm, or call Betty Collins at 281-403-8600.

The meeting will emphasize a vision that:
- Captures the community’s desire for the future of the area,
- Improves economic development by identifying opportunities and challenges,
- Improves the image of the area, and
- Identifies key actions and policies to influence future growth.