County Judge

Fort Bend County, TX

For Immediate Release

Fort Bend County says 'No' to Social Media Monitoring Software

FORT BEND COUNTY, TX -  County Judge Bob Hebert has terminated consideration of the acquisition of Social Media Intelligence Gathering Software for emergency management purposes originally presented on the May 7, 2013 Commissioners Court Agenda.

The purchase of the SwiftRiver-2011 software is a regional project coordinated by the Houston Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) of which Fort Bend County is a part.  The software uses ‘trend monitoring’ of alert words (key words) across multiple online channels; including social media, photo sharing sites, and traditional online news sources, to gather ‘real-time’ open source information in emergency situations.  Fort Bend County was to purchase the software for the Houston region in order to enhance response capabilities in emergency situations utilizing the information gathered from these public sources. Due to the rapidly approaching deadline for the depletion of grant funding for this software, the time needed to research questions about the ability of the software to be used for malicious purpose is not available.

Judge Hebert commented, "While I believe this software is safe, given the current federal government disclosures of their waiver of personal privacy rights in digital communications and the lack of sufficient time to investigate the uncertainties regarding possible future modifications of this software, I have decided to pull this request from the June 11 agenda which effectively terminates Fort Bend County's consideration of the matter due to established grant deadlines applicable to the purchase.”

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County Judge

Fort Bend County, TX

For Immediate Release

Fort Bend County Office of Emergency Management Hosts Preparedness Workshop

FORT BEND COUNTY, TX - On May 17, 2013, the Fort Bend County Office of Emergency Management hosted the 6th annual Emergency Preparedness Workshop at the Rosenberg Civic and Convention Center in Rosenberg, TX. More than 250 individuals attended the workshop, including over 30 businesses and organizations that set up booths and donated door prizes. The focus of the event was on getting attendees ready for emergencies, especially the 2013 hurricane season which commences on June 1^st.

Each year the Fort Bend County Office of Emergency Management offers this forum for first responders, private businesses, non-profit agencies, and community members to network and share information.  Through education and collaboration, those who attend the workshop are able to provide a coordinated and organized response in the case of an emergency. Vincent Morales, Mayor of the City of Rosenberg, kicked off the program with a warm welcome to all those in attendance.  Master of Ceremonies Jeff Braun, Emergency Coordinator for the Fort Bend County Office of Emergency Management, directed the program. 

The workshop included presentations from leaders in the field of emergency management.  The 2013 Hurricane Season Outlook was presented by Dan Reilly of the National Weather Service.  Sergeant Irene Walger of the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Communications Center spoke to the group about the 911 Communications Center. Harry Mergel of the Texas Department of Public Safety gave information about the Bluebonnet Crisis Incident Stress Management program. Cristine Cerny with CenterPoint Energy shared CenterPoint's Emergency Action Plan.  Pat Hughes of Sugar Land Office of Emergency Management described his experience as a member of the Incident Management Team during the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy; and Ricky Thompson with Texas AgriLife Extension Service explained the process of restoring damaged trees. 

Several emergency vehicles were on display for the attendees to view. Fort Bend County’s Mobile Medical Unit was on hand.  This unit opens up into a mobile triage unit holding 16 beds inside.  The PHI Medical team displayed the ‘Air Ambulance’ used for transport of patients during life threatening emergencies.  The Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office exhibited the Bearcat SWAT Vehicle; and Fire Trucks from the Fulshear/Simonton Fire Department and the Rosenberg Fire Department were also available for attendees to appreciate.  

The Fort Bend County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) coordinates disaster mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery activities with the mission of providing a safe and secure environment to the residents and businesses of Fort Bend County.  The OEM provides leadership, coordination, and support to reduce the loss of life and property through a comprehensive, all-hazards emergency management program.  Striving to meet this mission, OEM develops and maintains partnerships with other county, municipal, and emergency management/first responder organizations and coordinates with the Governor's Division of Emergency Management, various federal agencies, private sector businesses, and private non-profit agencies.

For more information, please visit the Fort Bend County Office of Emergency Management Website at: http://www.fbcoem.org/go/doc/1528/1523783/

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County Judge

Fort Bend County, TX

For Immediate Release

TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE OF GOLFVIEW DR. - DELAYED

New information as of May 28, 2013 -- Due to unforseen circumstances the start of the Golfview Dr. reconstruction project has been delayed for at least two weeks.  The project had to be halted due to complications with utility relocations.  Watch the website for the new date of the Temporary Road Closure.

Fort Bend County, Texas is scheduled to begin construction on Golfview Dr., located in Richmond, Texas on May 29, 2013.  Golfview Dr. is a through street between FM 762 and Williams Way Blvd.  The road will be temporarily closed over the next several weeks due to installation of storm drains at Rabbs Bayou.  The areas impacted include George Memorial Library, Ironwood Estates, Country Club Estates and the Belmont subdivisions.  Residents will be able to access their properties from either Williams Way or from FM 762 depending on their location to Rabbs Bayou Bridge.  Once the storm drains are installed traffic will flow in a one-way direction for the remainder of the construction project.  Once completed the concrete, curb and gutter roadway will incorporate two lanes with a center turn lane and greatly improve traffic flow and drainage for the subdivisions and for the Fort Bend County's Justice Center and Jail complex. 

For more information on this project please contact Fort Bend County Engineering at 281-633-7500.

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County Judge

Fort Bend County, TX

For Immediate Release

Fort Bend County Housing Finance Corporation Announces First-time Homebuyers May Qualify for Mortgage Credit Certificate Which Provides Tax Credit of Up to $2,000 Each Year

FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS – May 23, 2013 — First-time homebuyers purchasing homes in Fort Bend County now have access to a Mortgage Credit Certificate Program (MCC Program) which is sponsored by the Fort Bend County Housing Finance Corporation. The MCC Program provides an annual nonrefundable tax credit based on the lesser of $2,000 or 35 percent of the interest paid each year on a first-time homebuyer’s mortgage in Fort Bend County, Texas.

“This is a great opportunity for homebuyers living in Fort Bend County,” said Tom Shirley, president of the Fort Bend County Housing Finance Corporation. “Home ownership is the dream of most Americans, and that dream is more attainable with the kind of affordable financing provided with the Mortgage Credit Certificate Program.”

The MCC Program provides applicants with a 35 percent tax credit on mortgage interest paid as long as they live in the home being purchased. The credit is in addition to the standard deduction allowed on federal income taxes, increasing the financial benefit for first-time homebuyers.

To qualify for the MCC Program, participation is restricted to household income of $66,200 for families of two or less and $76,130 for families of three or more. Maximum home purchase price cannot exceed $250,200.

“From my experience assisting many first time homebuyers, the MCC Program is a great benefit and decreases the annual cost of homeownership,” said Shad Bogany, realtor and board member of Fort Bend County Housing Finance Corporation. “To qualify for the program, homebuyers must sign up for the MCC Program during the mortgage application process through one of the participating lenders.”

Participation in the Fort Bend County MCC Program is limited to a set time period. Funds are available on a first-come first-served basis.

For more information on the Fort Bend County Housing Finance Corporation’s MCC Program, interested borrowers should call FirstSouthwest, the administrator for the program, at 877-983-3792. 

About Fort Bend County Housing Finance Corporation

Fort Bend County Housing Finance Corporation is incorporated under and pursuant to the Texas Housing Finance Corporation Act for the purpose of benefiting Fort Bend County homebuyers and renters by financing the cost of residential ownership and development that assists in providing affordable housing options for residents including preservation and increasing the ad valorem tax bases of Fort Bend County.  Since the creation of the Fort Bend County Housing Finance Corporation in 1980, the Corporation has assisted over 1,000 families in Fort Bend County purchase their first home.    Find more information at fortbendhousing.com.

About FirstSouthwest

FirstSouthwest is a Dallas-based diversified investment bank with 26 offices in 14 states (and the District of Columbia) and approximately 400 employees. Renowned as one of the most respected public finance firms in the country, FirstSouthwest has served as financial advisor on more bond and note transactions in the past 10 years than any other firm, ranking No. 1 nationally for nine of the past 10 years¹. Ipreo MuniAnalytics also ranks FirstSouthwest as the No. 1 financial advisory firm nationwide for 2012 based on number of issues, and No. 3 based on par amount. FirstSouthwest offers professional experience in asset management, continuing disclosure, capital markets, corporate finance and correspondent clearing among other ancillary services. Since inception in 1946, FirstSouthwest has maintained prominence in the investment banking industry by adhering to the core values of integrity and hard work, in addition to putting clients first. FirstSouthwest is part of the PlainsCapital Corporation family of companies. PlainsCapital is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hilltop Holdings (NYSE:HTH). Find more information at FirstSW.com. Member FINRA / SIPC.

Source: ¹Ipreo MuniAnalytics

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County Judge

Fort Bend County, TX

For Immediate Release

US 90A at SH99 Intersection Closure-Grand Parkway

FORT BEND COUNTY, TX ~

THE GRAND PARKWAY TOLL ROAD AUTHORITY has released the following information regarding the closure of US 90A at SH99:

Scheduled to begin on Friday, May 31^st, 2013 the intersection of US 90A at SH 99 will undergo a total closure so that the contractor constructing the toll road can set bridge beams over the intersection.  The closure will impact the traveling public for three (3) consecutive weekends, as well as some weekday overnight closures.  The following is the schedule for the intersection closures:

WEEKEND CLOSURES

        Friday, May 31^st at 8:00 pm through Monday, June 3^rd at 5:00 am

        Friday, June 7^th at 8:00 pm through Monday, June 10^th at 5:00 am

        Friday, June 14^th at 8:00 pm through Monday, June 17^th at 5:00 am

WEEKNIGHT CLOSURES

        Monday night, June 3^rd through Thursday, June 6^th beginning nightly at 8:00 pm until 5:00 am the next morning

        Monday night, June 10^th through Thursday, June 13^th beginning nightly at 8:00 pm until 5:00 am the next morning

Traffic detours around the US 90A intersection will utilize the Sandhill Drive and FM 1464 intersections to minimize inconvenience and additional trip time for the traveling public.

All intersections will be well marked with signage and traffic control devices indicating the intersection closure and detour routes; signs and traffic control devices will be placed on Friday morning, May 31^st.  In advance of the intersection closing, dynamic message boards will be located at the US 90A at SH 99 intersection announcing the scheduled intersection closures that begin on Friday night May 31^st.  These message boards will be placed on Friday, May 17^th.  To assist with potential traffic delays and motorist detours, certified peace officers will be on-site throughout the course of the closures.

Our goal is to minimize traffic delays while ensuring the safety of the traveling public at all times. The traveling public may want to consider alternative routes, as they are available, to avoid delay.  We apologize for the inconvenience created by this mobility improvement project.  Segment D of the Grand Parkway Toll Road is scheduled for completion at the end of 2013.

For more information, contact Sherrie Knoepfel 281-306-0035.

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County Judge

Fort Bend County, TX

For Immediate Release

Community Leaders Present Autism Awareness Proclamation

FORT BEND COUNTY, TX  - On April 21st, community leaders gathered at Constellation Field for the Skeeter’s opening weekend to “Strike Out Autism”.  Fort Bend County Judge Bob Hebert presented a proclamation representing the County, as well as Cities within the County, letting it be known “the County of Fort Bend Texas most gratefully honors Blessed Be, Hope for Three and proclaims the month of April 2013 to be Autism Awareness Month.”

Hope for Three, a local non-profit and autism advocacy organization, partnered with the Sugar Land Skeeters, the Honorable Judge Hebert,  Fort Bend City Mayors and elected officials to host the community awareness event.  This First Annual Family Fun Day included 300 volunteers hosting about 400 family members living with autism to a fun-filled and inspiring afternoon.

For more information on Hope for Three, please visit www.HopeforThree.org – or call  1-800-317-0787.

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County Judge

Fort Bend County, TX

For Immediate Release

Fort Bend County Receives Distinguished Budget Presentation Award

FORT BEND COUNTY, TX -On April 23, 2013, Fort Bend County Judge Robert Hebert presented the County's Director of Finance and Investments, Pamela Gubbels, with the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada.  This is the 10th consecutive year the Fort Bend County Budget Office has received this award.  

Nationally recognized guidelines for effective budget presentation must be met in order to receive this distinguished award.  These guidelines include rating 'proficient' in fourteen mandatory criteria, assessing how well the budget serves as a policy document; a financial plan; an operations guide; and a communications device.

The Government Finance Officers Association is a nonprofit professional association serving over 17,500 government finance professionals throughout North America.  The GFOA's Distinguished Budget Presentation Awards Program is the only national awards program in governmental budgeting

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County Judge

Fort Bend County, TX

For Immediate Release

County Judge Bob Hebert Proclaims April as Fair Housing Month

FORT BEND COUNTY, TX- During Commissioners Court on Tuesday, Fort Bend County Judge Bob Hebert proclaimed the month of April as Fair Housing Month.  This year marks the 45th anniversary of the Fair Housing act and guarantees the right of all Americans equal housing opportunities by establishing a national policy of fair housing without regard to race, color, creed, national origin, sex, familial status or handicap. Judge Hebert presented the Proclamation to Fort Bend County Community Development Director Marilynn Kindell.  For more information on the Fair Housing Act and Fort Bend County, please visit:

http://www.fortbendcountytx.gov/index.aspx?page=667

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Save the Date for the Fort Bend County Emergency Preparedness Workshop

May 17th, 2013 8:30 am to 1:30 pm

Rosenberg Civic Center

Please see attached flyer for RSVP information.

County Judge

Fort Bend County, TX

For Immediate Release

Grand Opening-Kitty Hollow Bark Park

Fort Bend County, Texas- Fort Bend County Officials and residents gathered on Saturday, March 23, 2013, to celebrate the Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting of the Kitty Hollow Bark Park.  The Kitty Hollow Bark Park is located inside of Kitty Hollow Park(across from Sienna Plantation), located at 9555 Highway 6, Missouri City, Texas 77459. 

Commissioner Grady Prestage presided over the event ceremonies, and was joined by Commissioners Court officials James Patterson (Precinct 4), and Andy Meyers (Precinct 3), Parks Director, Mike Davis, and Mary deVignes Kendrick, Director of Health and Human Services.  This facility is Fort Bend County’s first off-leash Park built exclusively for dogs.  The Park is designed to accommodate both large and small breed dogs with identical fenced in areas that include: swimming ponds, dog wash, shaded areas, lots of open space for pets to run, and a walking trail for their owners to enjoy.

This project was completed in phases over a three year period as part of the Park Expansion, Capital Improvement Project. “I am glad the County had the foresight to create a Dog Park for families in Fort Bend County.  This Dog Park is a welcomed addition to our growing Park system”, says Commissioner Prestage.

 Fort Bend County residents are encouraged to bring their four legged family members out to enjoy the Bark Park, and other additions to Kitty Hollow Park.   

For more information about the Dog Park and other Park amenities, contact Fort Bend County Parks Department at 281-835-9419

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County Judge

Fort Bend County, TX

For Immediate Release

Fort Bend County Awarded Texas Comptroller Leadership Circle Gold Member

FORT BEND COUNTY, TX  - For the fourth consecutive year, Fort Bend County has earned a Gold Leadership Circle Award , from the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts for setting the bar for financial transparency and opening the county's books to the public.  The Texas Comptroller's Leadership Circle Program recognizes local governments across Texas that are striving to meet a high standard for financial transparency online.  These reports provide citizens with a clear, consistent picture of spending and sharing information in a user friendly format and can be obtained by clicking on the link below: 

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County Judge

Fort Bend County, TX

For Immediate Release

  Pictured L to R:  Fort Bend County Fire Marshal, Mark Flathouse and County Judge Bob Hebert

MARK FLATHOUSE NAMED NEW FORT BEND COUNTY FIRE MARSHAL

FORT BEND COUNTY -Mark Flathouse was sworn in as Fort Bend County Fire Marshall on Monday by County Judge Bob Hebert. Flathouse will lead the County Fire Marshal’s Office under the supervision and direction of the County Judge and Commissioners.

Mr. Flathouse has eighteen years of experience in law enforcement; eight years in the United States Coast Guard and eleven years as a Firefighter and EMT.  During this time, he worked his way up in the Victoria Fire Department ending his VFD career as the Assistant Fire Marshal.

Mark holds his Advanced Fire Inspector, Fire Investigator and Arson Investigator certifications from the State of Texas, and also holds his Intermediate Peace Officer TCLOSE Certification. Currently, he is working to complete the Executive Fire Officers Program at the National Fire Academy/FEMA in Maryland.

Mr. Flathouse graduated Cum Laude from West Texas A&M with a Bachelor’s Degree in Emergency Management Administration. He also has an Associate’s Degree in Fire Protection Technology and is currently finishing his Master’s Degree from Sam Houston State University in Criminal Justice Management and Leadership.

Mr. Flathouse taught for three years at Victoria College in both the Fire Academy and the Police Academy. He is also an active member of the International Association of Arson Investigators and the Texas Fire Marshal Association.

County Judge Bob Hebert stated, “Mark Flathouse is a leader and visionary. He is sharp and innovative and is a firm believer in building a strong team as the basis for any successful endeavor.  We’re excited to have him join Fort Bend County as our new Fire Marshal.”

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County Judge

Fort Bend County, TX

For Immediate Release

Grand Opening Ceremony of the

Kitty Hollow Bark Park Set for March 23, 2013

Fort Bend County, Texas- Fort Bend County Officials and community leaders are inviting residents to join in celebrating the Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony of the Kitty Hollow Bark Park, on Saturday March 23, 2013 from 10:00 a.m.to 12:00 noon.  The Kitty Hollow Bark Park is located inside of Kitty Hollow Park(across from Sienna Plantation), located at 9555 Highway 6, Missouri City, Texas 77459. 

This facility is Fort Bend’s first off-leash Park built exclusively for our four-legged family members. The Park is designed to accommodate both large and small breed dogs with mirroring fenced in areas that include: swimming ponds, agility equipment, dog wash, shaded areas, lots of open space for pets to run, and a walking trail for their owners to enjoy.

“I am glad the County had the foresight to create a Dog Park for families in Fort Bend County.  This Dog Park is a welcomed addition to our growing Park system”, says Commissioner Prestage.

Fort Bend County residents have been patiently awaiting the opening of the Bark Park, now It’s Finally Ready! Residents are encouraged to come out to enjoy the festivities and participate in the Pooch Parade, win prizes, enjoy giveaways, great music, and add to the family with Fort Bend County Adopt a Pet Program.  Veterinarians will also be on site to provide pet screenings and answer questions.

For More information please contact Brenda Patton at 281-403-8000 or Brenda.Patton@co.fort-bend.tx.us.

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County Judge

Fort Bend County, TX

For Immediate Release

FORT BEND COUNTY JUDGE SIGNS FRIENDSHIP AGREEMENT WITH CHANCHENG DISTRICT, FOSHAN

FORT BEND COUNTY, TX - In November of this past year, County Judge Robert Hebert accompanied by a delegation including members from the Greater Fort Bend Economic Development Council, the Friendship Committee, Lamar CISD, and business owners; traveled to the People’s Republic of China for the purpose of signing a Friendship Agreement between Fort Bend County and the Chancheng District, Foshan.

The Agreement, signed by the District Mayor of the Chancheng District, Foshan, Mr. Liu Donghao and Fort Bend County Judge Robert Hebert, is in essence a contract stating the two sides will work together to promote exchanges and cooperation in the fields of economy, trade, sports, environmental protection, science, technology, education, medical research and culture; to promote common prosperity and development between Fort Bend County and the Chancheg District, Foshan. 

“This agreement has been a two year process and I am extremely appreciative of the Chinese Friendship Committee for making this a reality.  While the county will move ahead on cultural and education initiatives, now is the time for our community to engage our friends overseas to identify and pursue business, education and cultural exchange opportunities,” said County Judge Robert Hebert. 

Foshan is a city in central Guangdong province located in southern China with a population of 3.6 million. Key industries include: household electrical appliance and tool manufacturing; furniture; non-metal ore and manufacturing; electronics and communications; stainless steel products; plastic products and ceramics. 

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County Judge

Fort Bend County, TX

For Immediate Release

FORT BEND COUNTY COMMISSIONER JAMES PATTERSON HONORED WITH PRESTIGIOUS ROAD HAND AWARD

FORT BEND COUNTY, TX-Precinct 4 Commissioner James Patterson was awarded the distinguished “Road Hand Award” by Tom Alford with the Texas Department of Transportation at a recent  Houston Galveston Area Council Transportation Policy Council meeting. 

Each year, TxDOT administration and the Texas Transportation Commission jointly choose five Road Hand Award recipients in the state, for their dedication and service to transportation.  Award recipients have their names inscribed on the Road Hand Hall of Honor Plaque which hangs prominently in the foyer of the historic Dewitt C. Greer Highway building in Austin.

Patterson’s contributions to transportation in Fort Bend County include taking a leadership role in two Fort Bend Mobility Committees that led to the successful passage of $233 million dollars in bond issues to improve and expand current roadways in the county.  Patterson also led the effort to create the first Public Transportation Department in Fort Bend to allow the county to compete for public funding.  Currently, he serves on the Transportation Policy Committee representing the eight county Houston Galveston area metropolitan planning organization, a group that provides policy guidance and coordination of transportation planning activities in the Houston-Galveston region. Patterson previously served as Chairman of this group and chaired the Senate Bill 1420 Committee which decided the delivery method for three segments of the Grand Parkway which are currently under design.

"Commissioner Patterson has long been the court's "go to" guy on major transportation issues. He well deserves this recognition,” said County Judge Robert Hebert.

The Road Hand Award was established in 1973 by Luther DeBerry, a former State Highway Engineer, to serve as the highest tribute to public-spirited citizens who championed transportation projects in their area. 

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County Judge

Fort Bend County, TX

For Immediate Release

FORT BEND COUNTY FIREWORKS RESTRICTION REMOVED

FORT BEND COUNTY, TX - The Texas Forestry Service has determined that drought conditions no longer exist in Fort Bend County.  The KBDI (Keetch-Bryan Drought Index) on average of 575 must be in place for drought conditions to exist within a Texas County for the purpose of restricting certain aerial fireworks.  Fort Bend County's current on average KBDI is 390.

Under State law, receipt of this notice from the Texas Forestry Service automatically makes the “sticks and fins” fireworks ban approved by Fort Bend County Commissioners Court on December 11, 2012 null and void.

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