After years of hard work, commitment, and a coordinated effort between Meadows Place, Fort Bend County, Houston-Galveston Council and TxDOT, the City of Meadows Place proudly announced that they will be receiving federal funds to help reconstruct the portion of West Airport that extends from Highway 59 through the intersection of South Kirkwood that is part of the Fort Bend Mobility Bond Program.

“I am thrilled…These funds will save the tax payers of Meadows Place somewhere between $600,000 and $800,000,” said Mayor Charles Jessup. He also pointed out that “there will be a significant benefit to all the citizens of Fort Bend County because they will not have to use mobility bond funds for the county’s portion of this project.

We owe former councilman Rick Staigle a debt of gratitude because these funds were secured largely due to his tireless efforts on our behalf,” he added.

Former councilman Rick Staigle was on the City of Meadows Place board from 2005 thru 2011 and although his time on the board came to an end, his dedication to this project continued on. Mr. Staigle explained, “Securing these funds had a lot to do with timing, having the project prepared to move forward and submitting all the data needed for TxDOT to properly evaluate the project.”

The reason for the reconstruction on the road is due to increased traffic (39,000 vehicles per day) on West Airport and changes in traffic throughput requirements. The start date of the project will begin sometime in 2014.

New features to enhance traffic flow will include the elimination of the traffic calming devices (bumps) and esthetics to the area will help Meadows Place rejuvenate the city and make it even more appealing to the many people and families moving to Fort Bend County.

For the second year in a row, The City of Meadows Place will participate in Family Night at Constellation Field to watch the Sugar Land Skeeters play ball against the Lancaster Barnstormers on Saturday, May 4 at 6:05pm. Fifty tickets have been sold so far for this event for families to get together and represent Meadows Place. If you’d like to join in the fun, contact the box office at Constellation Field and be sure and mention The City of Meadows Place.

This year the Meadows Marlins Swim Team will be celebrating “40 Years and Still Swimming…and Boy Are Our Arms Tired!” Practices begin the first week of May. A mandatory parents’ meeting will be held on May 21 at 6:00pm at the Meadows Community Center. As usual, meets will be held on Mondays as the Marlins swim against Sienna Plantation, Lake Olympia, and Sugar Creek. Go Marlins!

The annual, super-fun, traditional spring carnival known as Old Town Meadows arrives Circus-Style at Meadows Elementary on Friday, May 3 from 6:00-9:00pm. In the mood for great food, exciting rides, fun games, and live and silent auctions? Then this is the place to be. Friends and families of Meadows Place are encouraged to attend. Imagine the fun of sending your friends to “jail” or winning at the cake walk or petting the animals at the zoo.

If you’d like to offer a donation or an auction item, contact the Meadows School PTO at OTMvolunteers@gmail.com 

Shown are Julee Rosales (left) and Michal Ann Lord (right) standing in front of the quilt.

In recognition of their 75 years of advocacy, the Texas Recreation and Parks Society (TRAPS) asked member cities to create and contribute a square of their city of parks department logo for an anniversary quilt. Limited spaces were available to cities across Texas, who were given specific guidelines to follow and a deadline to meet.

Meadows Place jumped at the opportunity to be a part of this beautiful commemorative piece and was chosen to be part of the quilt. Meadows Place is very proud of the participation and placement. The quilt is displayed at the TRAPS office in Jonestown, northwest of Austin.

The Meadows Place square is located on the top row center of the quilt.

Shown are (l-r) are Mayor Charles Jessup, Monya Keenan, and Dan McGraw.

The City of Meadows Place has created an eco-friendly reclaimed water project that has earned them the 2012 Innovations in Park & Facility Development Award from Texas Recreation and Park Society. TRAPS was established 75 years ago and is committed to advancing the field of parks, recreation and leisure services in Texas.

This year, 23 cities submitted plans for consideration from the Region IV area for this award. From Victoria to Beaumont, Montgomery to Galveston, and the greater Houston area, Meadows Place was given the honor.

What started out as a desire to meet the community needs expressed in a parks’ survey, became the centerpiece of a green, reclaimed water project that has changed the face of the City of Meadows Place forever. Fishing, birding stations, hiking trails, wetlands and other esthetic improvements were integrated into the design of this new lake which now provides year round outdoor activities for everyone to enjoy. A grant for small communities from the Texas Parks & Wildlife for $75,000 made it possible.

“We are so proud of Monya (Keenan) for putting all this together,” Mayor Charles Jessup said about the City’s Parks Director. “She had to work with and coordinate with the State, Fort Bend County Road & Bridge, without whose help we could not have done this project, Fort Bend ISD, Texas Parks & Wildlife, contractors and the City of Meadows Place Public Works Department. Truly a herculean effort – but her efforts produced life changing results here in Meadows Place. We invite everyone to come and share our park.”

Very proud of their new Tactical Training Center, the Meadows Place Chief of Police, Gary Stewart, made a point at the September City Council Board meeting to thank each of the businesses that donated to the cause, saving the City $4,000. Chief Stewart said, “We are very fortunate to have great relationships with our local businesses and our vendors. We received funds from COBAN Technologies, Texas Direct Auto, Republic Harley-Davidson, and Helfman Ford.” This money went toward chairs and tables for the training center.

Last month the police department was able to host their first Neighborhood Watch program. This is an educational program geared to instruct the neighborhood on observing and reporting suspicious activity in the neighborhood to the police. At their first meeting last month, 60 citizens of the City of Meadows Place attended and learned “What is Suspicious Activity.” New meetings will be conducted on the third Wednesday of each month from 7:00 – 8:00pm.

Additionally at last week’s Council meeting, the 2012-2013 budget passed unanimously. The tax rate for the City of Meadows Place was lowered slightly.

Yolanda enjoys volunteering. She works with local schools as a mentor and has served local non-for-profit organizations such as the American Heart Association, American Cancer Society and the March of Dimes. Other personal accomplishments include being a published author and an award winning poetess. She enjoys writing poetry, which led to her being recognized as Fort Bend County’s first Poet Laureate by the Ft. Bend Poets Group.

Ms. Wilson, who is excited about serving and becoming a part of Meadows Place says “I would like for every citizen to feel they are a part of the community because that shows as a city we’ve strived for excellence far beyond today, leading us into the future.”

Shown is Mayor Charles Jessup, IV as he welcomes the new Police Chief Gary Stewart.

The City of Meadows Place, known as the gateway to Fort Bend County, is a small city with police officers embedded with big hearts. The city recently swore in its new Chief of Police Gary Stewart at their June city council meeting.

Local residents were excited “I hold several specialized police certifications, awarded numerous awards and commendations during my service, stated Chief Stewart.” He earned a Master Peace Officer Certification with TCLEOSE (Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education).

An 18 year veteran of the City of Meadows Place Police Department, Chief Stewart is highly accomplished, where he holds a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, from the University of Houston-Downtown, graduating Magna Cum Laude. He is currently attending Sam Houston State University’s Master of Science program and will graduate in 2013 with a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice Leadership and Management.

“Fortunately” said Mayor Jessup, “we had two outstanding candidates, either of whom could step right in to fill the position left open by the resignation of the former Chief”. “Unfortunately, this made the decision very difficult.“ After completing a difficult series of written questions, thorough background and financial checks were performed. The candidates then went before the selection panel for an in-depth assessment interview.

“Meadows Place is fortunate to have two such outstanding leaders within a department this size, but I believe the team they now have in place will not only continue the course of excellence they have been on for some time now, but make them even better,” said Marshall Whichard. “Meadows Place has a great Police Department. We have always sought new and innovative ways to protect our citizens and keep our officers engaged with the community we serve,” said Chief Stewart “and will continue to do so under my watch.”

In addition to having officers stationed around the school, routine patrols and almost immediate response times, Meadows Place Police Department (MPPD) is continually seeking new and innovative ways to protect its citizens. Areas Police Chiefs meet weekly, MPPD Detectives meet with other departments on a regular basis to assist in regional policing through the exchange of data and information and now the MPPD has started a new program they call T-L-C to help Meadows Place residents protect themselves.

“Auto Burglary is a “Crime of Opportunity” says Captain Gary Stewart. “Every 2 ½ minutes in Texas, another vehicle is broken into.” To protect the citizens of Meadows Place from becoming a victim of this type of crime, the Meadows Place Police Department has initiated a Burglary of Motor Vehicle (BMV) education program.

This program, known as T-L-C, educates and
reminds Meadows Place residents and visitors to:

• Take Out Valuables
• Lock Your Vehicle
• Close Your Windows

The way the program works is, Meadows Place Police Officers randomly check vehicles parked in business parking lots, city streets, and driveways for items that would attract a potential burglar and potentially make the vehicle owner a victim of a crime. After inspecting the vehicles for valuables left in plain sight, checking for unlocked doors and open windows, the officer leaves a “report card” with the resident or on the windshield of the vehicle indicating whether the vehicle passed or failed. If a vehicle fails, the officer will indicate the reason for the failure on the report card. Attached to the report card is a message from Police Chief Baker and brochure full of prevention tips and other valuable information.

The intent of this proactive initiative is to educate both citizens and visitors