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City Council |
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Agenda Request |
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Agenda Of: |
November 21, 2006 |
Agenda Request No: |
III G |
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Initiated By: |
Glenda Gundermann, City Secretary |
Responsible Department: |
City Secretary |
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Presented By: |
Glenda Gundermann, City Secretary |
Department Head: |
Glenda Gundermann, City Secretary |
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Additional Department. Head (s): |
N/A |
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Subject / Proceeding: |
City Council Meeting Minutes November 07, 2006 Approve Minutes |
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Exhibits: |
Minutes November 07, 2006 |
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Clearances |
Approval |
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Legal: |
N/A |
Executive Director: |
N/A |
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Purchasing: |
N/A |
Asst. City Manager: |
N/A |
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Budget: |
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City Manager: |
Allen Bogard |
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Budget |
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Expenditure Required: $ |
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Amount Budgeted/Reallocation: $ |
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Additional Appropriation: $ |
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Recommended Action |
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Approve the minutes
of the November 07, 2006 City Council meeting. |
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Exhibits |
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STATE OF TEXAS |
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COUNTY OF FORT BEND |
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CITY OF SUGAR LAND |
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CITY OF SUGAR LAND
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
TUESDAY, November 07, 2006
REGULAR MEETING
The City Council of the City of Sugar Land convened in a regular meeting open to the public and pursuant to notice thereof duly given in accordance with Chapter 551, Government Code, Vernon's Texas Codes, Annotated, as amended, in Sugar Land City Hall within said City on Tuesday, November 07, 2006 at 5:39 o'clock P.M. and the roll was called of the members; to wit:
David G. Wallace, Mayor
Thomas Abraham, Council Member at Large, Position One
Daniel O. Wong, Council Member at Large, Position Two
Dennis C. Parmer, Council Member District One
M. Cyril Hosley, Council Member District Two
Russell C. Jones, Council Member District Three
Michael S. Schiff, Council Member District Four
QUORUM PRESENT
All of said members were present.
Also present were:
Allen Bogard, City Manager
Glenda Gundermann, City Secretary
Joe Morris, City Attorney, and
A Number of Visitors
CONVENE MEETING
Mayor David Wallace convened the session, open to the public, to order at 5:39 o’clock P.M.
INVOCATION
Council Member Daniel Wong delivered the invocation.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Members of Boy Scout Troop 248, Fort Bend Baptist Academy, led the pledge of allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America.
RECOGNITION – mr. dinesh shah for community service
Mayor Wallace remarked that being named CNN Money Magazine’s third best U.S. city in which to live is testament to one of the City’s many strengths’ that of embracing diversity, recognizing all citizens have attributes which contribute to the vigor of the community. Mr. Dinesh Shah, an Indo American and local businessman, who has made the City of Sugar Land his home since 1986 is a shining example of commitment and service to this community. Mr. Shah has generously given his time having served the City on numerous boards such as the Planning and Zoning Commission, the Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee as well as the Board of the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce and Greater Fort Bend Economic Development Council among others. Mr. Shah expressed appreciation to City officials for the recognition and acknowledged family members in the audience.
RECOGNITION – INDIAN PERFORMING ARTS DANCER
Mayor Wallace introduced Ms. Anuradha Subramanian, an inspiration who at age 59 mastered an Indian dance known as Kuchipudi, performing an eighty minute classical movement of dance, gestures, speech, and song known for its graceful movement. Ms. Subramanian has received numerous awards including the Presidential Gold Medal in the All India Radio music competition and a request to the Guinness Book of Records has been submitted on her behalf for recognition as the oldest person to perform the dance. Ms. Subramanian was most gracious for the acknowledgment.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Mayor Wallace introduced Public Comment and entertained registered speakers. There were no public comments.
REVIEW OF CONSENT AGENDA
Mayor Wallace introduced review of the Consent Agenda and entertained questions and/or comments. Item III F) CITY OF SUGAR LAND RESOLUTION NO. 06-47 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SUGAR LAND, TEXAS, NAMING THE BRAZOS RIVER PARKLAND was pulled to the Regular Agenda.
CONSENT AGENDA
Mayor Wallace introduced III A) CITY OF SUGAR LAND ORDINANCE NO. 1590 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SUGAR LAND, TEXAS, ADOPTING CHANGES TO THE CITY’S SINGLE MEMBER DISTRICT BOUNDARIES; ADDING LAND ANNEXED BY ORDINANCE NO. 1431 TO THE SINGLE MEMBER DISTRICTS; AMENDING SECTION 2-3 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES RELATING TO THE DISTRICT BOUNDARIES; AND REPEALING ORDINANCE NO. 1376; III B)
CONSENT AGENDA (CONTINUED)
CITY OF SUGAR LAND ORDINANCE NO. 1591 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SUGAR LAND, TEXAS, CREATING REINVESTMENT ZONE NO. 2006-06 FOR 82.24 ACRES OF LAND LOCATED NEAR THE INTERSECTION OF WEST AIRPORT BOULEVARD AND GILLINGHAM LANE IN THE SUGAR LAND INDUSTRIAL PARK.; III C) CITY OF SUGAR LAND ORDINANCE NO. 1592 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SUGAR LAND, TEXAS, AMENDING THE SUGAR LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE BY AMENDING CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT EXPIRATION PROVISIONS; III d) CITY OF SUGAR LAND ORDINANCE NO. 1593 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SUGAR LAND, TEXAS, GRANTING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR THE EXPANSION OF AN EXISTING BUILDING LOCATED AT 2011 AUSTIN PARKWAY; III e) CITY OF SUGAR LAND RESOLUTION NO. 06-46 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SUGAR LAND, TEXAS, EXPRESSING INTENT TO FINANCE EXPENDITURES TO BE INCURRED TOTALING $11,075,000 FROM FUTURE TAX-EXEMPT OBLIGATIONS FOR DRAINAGE, PARK, STREET, WATER AND WASTEWATER IMPROVEMENTS; III G) CITY OF SUGAR LAND RESOLUTION NO. 06-48 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SUGAR LAND, TEXAS, ADOPTING A CITY COUNCIL POLICY ON THE AUTHORITY OF THE CITY MANAGER AND CITY ATTORNEY RELATING TO CLAIMS, LAWSUITS, AND ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEEDINGS; AND SETTING FORTH OTHER PROVISIONS RELATED THERETO; III H) Authorizing Deductive Change Order No. 62 in the decrease amount of $44,403.00 with D. E. Harvey Builders, Incorporated for emergency generator relocation; III I) Authorizing execution of a one-year Contract extension in the amount of $31,100.00 with Republic Waste Services for city facilities solid waste services; III J) Authorizing execution of a one-year Contract extension in an amount not to exceed $65,000.00 with Fort Bend Mechanical for heating, ventilation and air conditioning services; III K) Approval of the minutes of the regular meeting of October 17, 2006.
Following a full and complete discussion, Council Member Hosley, seconded by Council Member Wong, made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda. The motion carried unanimously.
RESOLUTION NO. 06-47 - NAMING THE BRAZOS RIVER PARKLAND
Council Member Schiff stated he requested Item III F) CITY OF SUGAR LAND RESOLUTION NO. 06-47 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SUGAR LAND, TEXAS, NAMING THE BRAZOS RIVER PARKLAND be pulled to the Regular Agenda for the purpose of proposing an amendment. He proposed changing the name of the 420 acre park “Park on the Bend” (Section 3) to “Sugar Land Memorial Park” to honor the men and women who have fallen while serving our country.
Following a full and complete discussion, Council Member Schiff, seconded by Council Member Hosley, made a motion to approve CITY OF SUGAR LAND RESOLUTION NO. 06-47 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SUGAR LAND, TEXAS, NAMING THE BRAZOS RIVER PARKLAND amending the name of the 420 acre park (Section 3) from Park on the Bend to Sugar Land Memorial Park. The motion carried unanimously.
CONTRACTS AND AGREEMENTS
TAX ABATEMENT – WEST AIRPORT LTD AND TRAMONTINA USA
Mayor Wallace introduced consideration on a Tax Abatement Agreement by and between the City of Sugar Land, SL West Airport LTD, and Tramontina USA, Incorporated for new assembly and distribution facilities and personal property on West Airport Boulevard and Gillingham Lane.
Ms. Regina Morales, Economic Development Director, stated Tramontina USA has been a Sugar Land success story since the corporate headquarters relocation in 1998. Tramontina is a highly diversified manufacturer and international marketer and distributor of cutlery and stainless steel cookware, flatware, serving ware and kitchen utensils founded in 1911 in Brazil by Mr. Tramontina. The original facility in Sugar Land Business Park occupied 250,000 square feet; the company now encompasses 1.4 million square feet. Total 2006 assessed values exceed $85 million.
In addition to the 175,000 square feet presently being constructed, the company has secured two sites for a proposed two-phase expansion program which will ultimately add another 600,000 plus square feet to the phenomenal growth of this well run company. Two sites were purchased due to dwindling available inventory in the Business Park.
Phase One: This facility would be a build to suit, 299,346 square foot facility; improvements of $8.4 million, personal property of $500,000, inventory of $13 million and 20 jobs on over 17 acres.
Phase Two: The 17 acre site is for future expansion of a 315,284 square foot
facility with $10 million in improvements, $500,000 in personal property, $15
million in inventory and 60 jobs projected to be built within five years.
Both Phase I and II qualify for 700% abatement. In addition, the Sugar Land Development Corporation will consider a direct incentive of $800,000 paid over four years to assist in securing the Phase II site based on revenue projections for the City and creation of new jobs.
During the 7-year abatement the Company would provide tax revenue for inventory in the amount of $600,831 and full taxed value revenues during the remaining 3-year life of the agreement in the amount of $436,833 or $1,037,664 in ad valorem revenue.
Mr. Antonio Galafassi, President and CEO, Tramontina, USA, praised Staff efforts in the endeavor as well as Tramontina employees and the community at large. On behalf of City Council, Mayor Wallace commended the corporation for being honorable and giving back to the community noting the Business Incentive Committee and the Sugar Land Development Corporation heartily approve the abatement.
Following a full and complete discussion, Council Member Hosley, seconded by Council Member Schiff, made a motion to approve a Tax Abatement Agreement by and between the City of Sugar Land, SL West Airport LTD, and Tramontina USA, Incorporated for new assembly and distribution facilities and personal property on West Airport Boulevard and Gillingham Lane. The motion carried unanimously.
CONTRACTS AND AGREEMENTS (continued)
T-HANGARS FOR SUGAR LAND REGIONAL AIRPORT
Mayor Wallace introduced consideration on a Contract in the amount of $98,800.00 with KSA Engineers, Incorporated for design of Sugar Land Regional Airport T-Hangars.
Mr. Mike Hobbs, Public Works Director, stated KSA Engineers, Incorporated is recommended to design the new T-Hangar Complex located south of the terminal. The proposal calls for 96 T-hangars in six separate buildings, to include 1,900 square feet to accommodate pilots, 1,900 square feet for a public waiting area, and footage for administration and equipment storage. The design will provide the ability for the project to be bid and built in phases due to budgetary constraints. The base bid will include 81 T-hangar units, which will accommodate the 79 current T-hangar customers at an estimated cost of $3 million. The pilot, waiting, work areas and the remaining 15 T-hangars will be designed as add alternates.
The contract specifies preliminary and final design, bid phase services, construction administration and project close out with design expected to take six months with completion of the project in 2008.
Following a full and complete discussion, Council Member Abraham, seconded by Council Member Jones, made a motion to approve a Contract in the amount of $98,800.00 with KSA Engineers, Incorporated for design of Sugar Land Regional Airport T-Hangars. The motion carried unanimously.
PUBLIC HEARING
AMENDMENT OF SIGN REQUIREMENTS FOR SUGAR LAND TOWN SQUARE
Mayor Wallace convened the Public Hearing to receive and hear
all persons desiring to be heard on a request to amend sign requirements for Sugar Land Town
Square Planned Development District, U. S. Highway 59 and State Highway 6.
Mr. Douglas Schomburg, Assistant Planning Director, stated the proposed signage regulations would allow signs to be positioned in vertical or blade style versus horizontal placement or flush wall and allow plaque-type signs that hang below canopies at entrances. Urban-style wall signage has been requested by a current tenant. The Development Committee recommended the developer pursue this amendment for Sugar Land Town Square.
The Planning and Zoning Commission requested that staff examine ground clearance for plaque-type signage and provide specific recommendations for minimum clearance. No one spoke at the Public Hearing held September 28, 2006; the Commission voted unanimously in favor of the proposed Ordinance.
Staff received one inquiry with no opposition expressed. The proposed Ordinance consolidates the Town Square Planned Development regulations into a single ordinance to avoid duplication and cross-referencing.
Mayor Wallace entertained comments from the public; hearing none the Public Hearing was closed.
ORDINANCE NO. 1594 – ADDITIONAL SIGN REGULATIONS FOR SUGAR LAND TOWN SQUARE AND THE REPEAL OF ORDINANCE NOS. 1292 AND 1555
Mayor Wallace
introduced FIRST
CONSIDERATION: CITY OF SUGAR
LAND ORDINANCE NO. 1594 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SUGAR LAND, TEXAS, AMENDING THE SUGAR LAND TOWN SQUARE PLANNED
DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT BY ADDING SIGN REGULATIONS AND REPEALING ORDINANCE NO.
1292 AND ORDINANCE NO. 1555.
Mr. Douglas
Schomburg, Assistant Planning Director, was available to field questions, stating
the Ordinance does not provide for uniform color of signs.
Mr. Steve Eubank, Planned Community Developers, stated his firm
advocates the use of color in Sugar Land Town Square as the businesses face
inward. On developments that face
outward such as shopping centers more conservative colors are encouraged. The firm made an allowance for blade signs in
the Town Square Planned Development and Starbucks took advantage of the
opportunity which apparently was missed in the City oversight process. A current business in Town Square has requested
blade signage, which prompted the request for amendment. The Development Committee consensus was that
the amendment would not apply City-wide but would be applicable to urban
planned developments. Suburban-style
signage and urban-style signs differ in that suburban signs are wall signs
flush with the building whereas urban signs are projected. It was noted that a proposed new restaurant,
La Luna, had recently submitted a sign request to PCD that was not in keeping
with the Town Square development and was therefore denied.
Concern was expressed that an abundance of blade signs and the allowed 100 square feet of parking garage signage would result in sign pollution. Council expressed that the ordinance should be further defined and amended prior to second reading. The proposed maximum building wall signage is 30 square feet for business and 100 square feet for parking garage wall signage.
Enforcement will fall under two categories 1) City Code and, 2) the Architectural Review Committee of First Colony Community Association, which would judge the appropriateness of signs within a development and have veto power.
City officials noted with great pride the professional relationship with Planned Community Developers who historically has acted in the best interest of the community.
Council Member Jones stated his opposition to blade signs.
Following a full and complete discussion, Council Member Schiff, seconded by Council Member Wong, made a motion to pass to second consideration CITY OF SUGAR LAND ORDINANCE NO. 1594 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SUGAR LAND, TEXAS, AMENDING THE SUGAR LAND TOWN SQUARE PLANNED DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT BY ADDING SIGN REGULATIONS AND REPEALING ORDINANCE NO. 1292 AND ORDINANCE NO. 1555. The motion carried with Council Member Jones voting nea.
WORKSHOP
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT UPDATE
Mayor Wallace introduced discussion on economic development update.
Ms. Regina Morales, Economic Development Director, presented the annual Economic Development Department overview highlighting economic development tools first envisioned by City founding fathers, Messrs. Eldridge and Kempner over one hundred years ago. New commercial development creates jobs, capital investment and retail sales all of which shifts the burden of City services from residents thereby lowering the tax rate and creating a climate for the Sugar Land motto of “Live, Work, Play, and Shop in Sugar Land.”
Commercial property comprises over 31% of the tax base and assessed values increased over $800 million from 2005 to 2006 with over $254 million in new commercial value. The estimated cost of City services per household is $1,215 with the actual average household tax bill of $649 resulting in $566 subsidized by commercial property and sales tax.
The Economic Development Department was formed in June 1999 with one position and has grown to three full time staff. Responsibilities include a national marketing program/new business recruitment, business retention and expansion, retail development, tourism, Community Development Block Grants, special projects, coordination and administration of Sugar Land Development Corporation, Sugar Land 4B Corporation, Sugar Land Town Square Corporation, Business Incentive Committee and Tax Incentive Reinvestment Zone and economic development incentive program creation and administration.
For Fiscal Year 2005 – 2006 incentive projects for capital investment totaled $34 million, taxable inventory $32 million, taxable personal property $24 million creating 500 new jobs and retaining 249, which included the following: Tramontina, Finger Furniture, Advance Polybag Rexas, Three Sugar Creek, Schlumberger,
Bechtel, Naztec, Granite Towers II, Lake Pointe, Town Square, Medline, Unique Industrial Products, Industrial Information Resources, Sunoco, Yokogawa and Thermo Electron. Assisted Projects were Gander Mountain, Memorial Hermann Hospital, Methodist Hospital, Woods Group, Phar Medium, Pelee Development, Zeenat, University of Houston, Shop Sugar Land, Telfair Crossing, Kelsey Seybold, Suntron, MECO, Grand Wine and Food Affair, Retail Redevelopment, and SLRA Marketing and Website.
Sugar Land Business Park and Municipal Utility District (MUD) 21 illustrates a 10 year projection of the value of the tax abatement with over $400 million based on minimum threshold value which will be coming on line. Over $800 million of on the ground projects were created with a net tax benefit from $50 million to $25 million. Net incentives are increasing and the MUD 21 can continue to lower taxes which are direct abatements.
Since inception the Department has assisted with over 80 projects, completed over 90 business retention visits, created over $350 million of capital investment from incentive projects only, over 1,800 new jobs and retention of over 459 jobs.
The Community Development Block Grant program is a Federal program to aid low to moderate income residents; over $2 million has benefited Sugar Land residents since 2001. Twenty eight percent or $595,399 has been spent on housing repair, forty one percent or $875,327 for capital projects, sixteen percent or $337,330 for administration and fifteen percent or $297,752 for services.
Other programs that have received assistance are the ARC, American Red Cross, Child Advocates, Literacy Council, Seniors’, Women’s Shelter and the YMCA. Because the grant for 2006 was reduced, only 10% will be earmarked for administration costs this year, 52% for capital projects (streets), 23% for housing repair, and 15% for services.
The tourism program focuses on increasing tourism through advertising, promotion and special events. The City has a $100,000 per year annual contract with the Fort Bend Convention Bureau for the Shop Sugar Land campaign as well as a marketing partnership with the Chamber for an insert in the Houston Business Journal. Other special events the City underwrites are the Grand Food and Wine Affair as well as the ASA Girls Softball State Tournament which attracts 1,000 players, coaches and attendees. In summary since 1999 the estimated net return to the City has been over $9 million.
A national marketing program is being instituted with branding/image initiatives utilizing recent Sugar Land recognitions such as the CNN/Money Magazines designation as “One of America’s Best,” a “Best of Best Places to Raise a Family” award, and the Houston Business Journal Landmark Award. These recognitions present a unique opportunity to market this quality community and marketing tools such as the new Airport brochure, press kit, and the upcoming Shop Sugar Land Passport Map and Website will allow the City to share these achievements with the nation. The national strategy is to leverage funds with partnerships such as the Governor’s Office of Economic Development to fund the American British Business Resource Guide and the Greater Houston Partnership for a print ad in Forbes Magazine.
Business recruitment recently occurred through Texas One on a trip to New York and New Jersey to establish contacts and promote the virtues of the City of Sugar Land. Collaboration with the Greater Houston Partnership and Team Texas will result in recruitment events statewide. The Greater Fort Bend Economic Development Corporation is considering a county-wide branding program.
Special projects include a reception at the Sugar Land Marriott to show appreciation and share the recent accolades with past and current business leaders and City officials. Upcoming events include a broker/developer interface event at the Marriott, site selector familiarization tours to sell Sugar Land as well as a heritage initiative to include an Imperial Sugar /City documentary. An annual State of the City report is being considered to showcase responsible fiscal government as well as a Community Lifestyle project. A 20 page glossy insert promoting the Spring Grand Wine & Food Affair will soon appear in the Houston Business Journal.
The City has a long history of vision, leadership and success beginning in the early 1900’s when early leaders established a mission statement. It is fortunate that the City Council has the vision to create tools by which to continue economic development that has resulted in establishing a brand to implement a national marketing program. Guidelines are in place to direct Staff on the assessment of projects prior to offering economic incentives thereby providing assurance.
RECREATION CENTER PROGRAMMING PROJECT
Mayor Wallace introduced discussion on recreation center programming project.
Mr. Joe Chesser, Assistant Parks and Recreation Director, presented an overview of the history and voter mandate since 1996. Consultants Dwayne Brinkley and Scott Sargent of the architectural firm were in attendance to field questions.
A City Recreation Center was identified as a strategic project in the 2005-2006 fiscal year, which has been carried over to FY 2006-2007. The 1999 bond package allowed $4.1 million for design and construction of a Recreation Center, which was stated in the 2003 Comprehensive Plan and the 2005 Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan as the highest priority.
A preliminary planning contract was awarded to Brinkley Sargent Architects by City Council in April 2006 that includes programming options in anticipation of a $400,000 grant from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. The center will be the first of future multiple centers located throughout the City to serve 20,000 to 25,000 citizens each, will compliment private sector facilities and not compete and community partnerships will be explored. The Brazos River Corridor site, an outdoor natural environment will compliment the traditional proposed center. The ultimate population build-out of Sugar Land is projected at 170,000 to 225,000.
CITY COUNCIL CITY MANAGER REPORTS
CITY COUNCIL REPORTS
Mayor Wallace introduced reports from the Finance/Audit Committee, the Business Incentive Committee, and the Intergovernmental Relations Committee.
Council Member Parmer commented that the previous week was a phenomenal one for the City of Sugar Land; citing official visits from the Governor, the Lieutenant Governor, the Attorney General, a Supreme Court Justice, a U.S. Senator, the President of the United States; and a concert on the steps of City Hall by the band, Sugarland.
Council Member Abraham reported on the Quarterly HOA meeting at City Hall on October 19th.
Council Member Schiff reported the Finance Committee met to discuss water and wastewater; the annual Texas Municipal League meeting in Austin and the Sugar Land Town Square event celebrating Indian culture which was entertaining and interesting.
CITY MANAGER REPORT
City Manager Allen Bogard announced that the November 21st City Council meeting will begin at 4:00 p.m. due to Thanksgiving week; and that the November 28th city council meeting has been cancelled.
ADJOURN
There, being no further business to come before Council, Council Member Hosley, seconded by Council Member Schiff, moved that the meeting adjourn. The motion carried unanimously and the meeting adjourned, time at 8:35 o'clock P.M.
Glenda Gundermann, City Secretary
(SEAL)