The Stagecoach Express July-December 2016

DATES TO REMEMBER:

Second Tuesday of every month:

Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting at 7:00 PM at the City Center, 16930 Boot Hill Rd.

Third Tuesday of every month:

City Council Meeting at 7:00 PM at the City Center, 16930 Boot Hill Rd.

The Stagecoach Civic Club is looking for new faces for 2017. Our next General Meeting will be on Sunday, November 6, 2016 at 2:00 PM at Lake Hardin Park. The new officers and section leaders for 2017 will be elected at that meeting, but we also need volunteers for lots of projects and events. Give us a call or come to the meeting if you want to get involved. Thanks!

Also, please let us know if you have something you would like to include in the newsletter!

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PUBLIC INFORMATION REQUESTS:

To request a copy of the council minutes or financial reports, etc., please explain in detail the information you are requesting, send the written request to: City of Stagecoach, 16930 Boot Hill Rd., Stagecoach TX 77355. You may also call 281-259-0224, fax 281-259-4963, or stop by City Hall in person. Most of the City’s Ordinances, Resolutions, Minutes and notices are online at www.stagecoachtx.us.

FOR A COPY OF THIS NEWSLETTER TO BE MAILED TO YOUR HOME REGULARLY, LET US KNOW! IF YOU WANT A COPY EMAILED TO YOU, PLEASE SEND YOUR EMAIL TO: bfrutt@gmail.com

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The Stagecoach Express July-December 2016

Editor's Note:

As you may remember, our second addition to this newsletter was full of information about the 500-year flood and small tornado. We missed the 3rd edition of the newsletter this year because the 2nd 500-year flood hit and was much worse, many homes were flooded out as was the City Center and the Police Dept. So we are a little late, but the City is slowly healing and getting back to normal.

~Mark Paulson

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FROM THE MAYOR'S DESK:

Dear Stagecoach Friends and Neighbors, At our regular August meeting, City Council approved a 2016 tax rate of $0.5000 per $100 valuation. The new rate effectively increases total annual revenue by $12,929 due to property value increases, even though the actual rate decreased from $0.5207 for this year. City Council also approved a budget for 2016-2017 (fiscal year begins 10/1/16) of approximately $308,000 of which 64% of revenue comes from ad valorem property taxes received. The budgeted expenditures are for general administration (24%), public safety (48%), municipal court (4%), public works (3%) and capital expenditures (21%). Both actions were taken after holding required public hearings. I am glad to announce that the City Center is once again operational after the extensive damage received from the May 2016 flooding in our area. The City Center had flood water inside the building of 20 inches on two separate occasions. Besides damage to the structure, we lost two police vehicles, office furniture/equipment and electronic equipment. The City Secretary and Police Department have been operating under extreme conditions since the flood. The building has now been restored with new flooring, sheetrock, paint and hardware. Most of the furniture has been replaced with new, used and donated items. We have purchased, with financing, a new 2016 Chevrolet Tahoe police vehicle like our 2014 vehicle. Our flood insurance covered most of the cost of these items, but we did have a $10,000 deductible. The roads, dams and drainage points also received extensive damage. Some of these areas have been repaired. We met with FEMA and have requested monetary assistance with these projects since they were not covered by our flood insurance. Besides the City Center, various residences received damages as a result of the flooding. Thankfully there were no serious injuries.

The Stagecoach Express July-December 2016

A big THANK YOU to the following persons who assisted Stagecoach in rescue, cleanup and reconstruction from the flood: Captain Mike Abercia, David Adams, Ethan Krueger, Robert Lee, Sharon McClure, James Osteen, Brenda Rutt, Terry Rutt, James Schexneider, Lt. Robby Sells, Steve Shields and Chief Mike Wethington. Sorry if I missed others who helped. Sincerely, Galen Mansee

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FROM THE POLICE CHIEF:

To condense what is going on around town.... Well, first off the City Center is an ongoing project but we are beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel and it’s not a train. We received our new patrol vehicle late last week and put our 2014 unit in the paint shop for some minor repairs. The only crime I have to report is a resident had her Fed Ex packages stolen recently. This is a common thing in the larger cities for people to follow these trucks around. This is the time of year I put out the warning to be on the lookout for suspicious activity. Even criminals like to bring home stuff for their families and are willing to remove it from your home. Also keep in mind the tax scams. Anyways, my apologies for not being seen much. Public works projects have required quite a bit of my attention lately, along with restoring the offices back to being able to function. Brenda said it best this morning when she said working out of boxes was getting old. And remember, ALWAYS REPORT SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY AND PERSONS! Chief Michael C. Wethington 281-259-9333 281-259-4963 (FAX) 281-924-6294 (Cell) stagecop@yahoo.com

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The Stagecoach Express July-December 2016

FROM THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS:

As I think you will see in the Chief of Police and City Secretary sections, the big news the last several months have been impacts of the May floods. I know many of you out there were either directly impacted, or know folks who were. Sympathies to those impacted, and gratitude to those who helped during and now after the floods. I especially want to acknowledge some of our residents and officers who actively helped in rescuing their neighbors from flooded homes, as well as folks who rescued people who were washing away on the roads. You know who you are, and what you did was heroic, and I personally am in awe. Which reminds me...floods are no joke! When you try to cross flooded roads, you not only put yourself at risk, but you also endanger our first responders who have to try to rescue you. There were a couple of areas of major road damage in Surrey, the spillways, and other road damage. On Surrey a roughly 50-foot long section of 4-foot culvert failed, nearly causing the road to completely wash out. The culvert old, metal and rusted. Happy to report that mainly due to the efforts of Chief Wethington, this has now been completely replaced and repaired with new plastic culverts, with a more robust bulkhead. I can't emphasize how much of a job this was, and the amount of time and effort he spent on this. I've said it before, I will say it again...we are very lucky to have him, and the team of officers that he has put together. We are also working to get damaged equipment repaired or replaced. The mowing tractor, backhoe, mowers, generators, etc all took on water during the flood. They are slowly coming back into service (again, Chief Wethington is doing most of this!) There are still a lot of miscellaneous projects to get done in the city. A lot of stuff from the city center wished into the creek, we need to get it out. Ditches need mowed. There are other small items that need to be taken care of, such as the tables at the park really need to be repaired/replaced. I've heard second hand comments from folks who say "I pay taxes for someone to do that!" Actually...you don't. There are no paid employees other than our police officers and city secretary. The infrastructure and maintenance

The Stagecoach Express July-December 2016

work in the city is done by volunteers, plain and simple. This is what allows things like the tax rate to remain low, or even drop like it will next year. Now that the weather is cooling off I will try to organize some work groups in the weekends ahead to knock some of this out. I'm using Nextdoor.com these days to communicate, and will also try to post items on our Facebook page. You don't have to get out and cut down an 80-foot tree or know how to run the backhoe to make a difference in the city. Simple tasks such as picking up trash and keeping refuse out of the ditches makes a difference and helps preserve our quality of life. Spending a Saturday toiling away on a project is no "fun", but the sense of accomplishment and contribution will make you happy. Again thanks for all those who continue to selflessly volunteer to make a difference. Your efforts are recognized and appreciated.

~Terry Rutt

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FROM THE CITY SECRETARY:

Office is Back Downstairs!

It was a long, hot summer and I am really glad to have our offices back downstairs again! I truly appreciate the efforts of everyone who helped, from moving furniture and files, cleaning, purchasing supplies and furniture, and helping redecorate. A big thank you to Mayor Mansee, Sharon McClure, James Osteen, Robert Lee, Terry Rutt, Captain Abercia, and especially Chief Wethington. I am also thankful for how

The Stagecoach Express July-December 2016

everyone really pulled together as a community after the flood. Many citizens helped with rescues, clearing fallen trees and debris, and reaching out and helping their neighbors. It's been a long clean up and rebuilding process but I cannot express how grateful I am to live in such a wonderful city. Our police officers and citizens went way beyond the call of duty and it was a beautiful thing to see neighbors pitching in to help others out. I'm a truly proud of our City and our citizens! Stop by to see the City Center when you get a chance (we’re not done yet but we’re getting there)!

NEXTDOOR.COM (or download the NEXTDOOR app)

If you haven't already done so, join Nextdoor.com to find out what's going on in Stagecoach and surrounding neighborhoods.

PIZZA!

The new Dominos at Hardin Store Road and 249 is now open and they deliver to Stagecoach. Their number is 281-789-7213.

ANIMAL REMINDERS:

We have a lot of dogs that are being allowed to roam the streets. We have received several complaints from residents who walk that they are being bothered, and in some cases, attacked by dogs in the City. Please remember that dogs are not allowed to roam loose. Dogs must be under the control of the owner, on a leash, within an enclosure or on the owner’s property. Dogs must also be registered with the City. The cost is $5.00. You will be issued a City of Stagecoach tag and a description of your pet will be kept on file. This will help to identify your pet in case it does get lost. All dogs must be current on their rabies vaccinations.

Microchips are great if your pet gets lost - especially if they are picked up as a stray. However, the easiest way to identify who an animal belongs to is to keep a collar and a name tag on them. Also, remember that any building or shelter that is used to house animals must be at least 50 feet from the house on any adjacent lot. And, sorry, Wilber, no swine are allowed in the City.

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The Stagecoach Express July-December 2016

Stagecoach Farms Civic Club

2016 Halloween Hayride

Costume Contest and Trick-or-Treating!

When: Saturday, October 29, 2016

2:45-3:30 p.m. - Registration

3:30 - Costume Contest (age groups: 0-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8, 9-10, 11-12, 13-14, and 15+)

1st, 2nd and 3rd Place Prizes for each age group!

4:00-6:00 p.m. – Hayride and Trick-or-Treating

Where: Richardson Pavilion at Lake Hardin Park

Who: Stagecoach kids, grandkids, great-grandkids ...

⤍ RSVP by October 20 ⤌

Please contact Brenda Rutt at (713) 249-2203 or bfrutt@gmail.com if:

You have a truck/trailer that you are willing to drive or if you have hay we can use.

You would like to be a candy stop. There will be four trailers and you can request to be

one candy stop or have multiple stops.

🎃 You will need treats for approximately 30 trick-or-treaters (each stop).

🎃 Residents living on Stagecoach Rd. can drop off treats at the City Center or

bring them to the park.

You are willing to help with organizing, registration, photography and/or judging.

MOST IMPORTANT: IF YOU HAVE CHILDREN THAT WILL BE ON THE HAYRIDE

YOU MUST RSVP TO MAKE SURE THEY WILL HAVE A SPOT ON THE TRAILER.

We will need the names and ages of the children along with one adult. Children under

the age of 7 must be accompanied by an adult.

In case of bad weather, the candy should be

brought to the pavilion to be handed out.

The hayride portion will be cancelled.

The Stagecoach Express July-December 2016

RECYCLING:

As you know, WCA is now providing curbside recycling. Recycled items will be picked up on Mondays, after regular trash pickup. Please contact City Secretary if you need a blue recycle bin. There are several extra bins at the City Center, please come by if you need one.

Acceptable Items:

Paper: Newspaper, Magazines, Catalogs, Junk Mail and Envelopes, Office Paper, Construction Paper, Colored Paper, Folders, Paper Bags, Phone Books, Holiday Cards and Greeting Cards

Cardboard: Corrugated Cardboard Boxes, Paperboard Boxes (cereal, soda/beer, egg, shoe boxes, etc.)

Containers: Aluminum Cans, Tin Cans, Steel Cans, Empty Aerosol Cans, Aluminum Foil, Plastics #1- #5 and #7 (milk, soda, water, juice, shampoo, detergent, pool supplies, pet food, etc.), Glass, Metal Pots and Pans, Copper, Scrap Metal (nails, screws, gutters, etc.)

Unacceptable Recyclable Material: PLASTIC BAGS, Styrofoam, Pizza Boxes (because of the oils), Coat Hangers, Paint and Solvent Containers, Light Bulbs, Mirrors, Windows, Dishes and Cups, Pyrex Pans, Wet or Soiled Paper, Paper Towels, Facial and Toilet Tissue, Disposable Plates and Cups, Milk and Juice Cartons (wax-board containers), Wrapping Paper.

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LAKE HARDIN PARK REMINDERS:

Lake and Park use is restricted to civic club members in good standing with their dues, and their invited guests only. This area is owned by the civic club; it is not an open "common area" of the city.

Swimming in Lake Hardin is allowed from the scenic "Caribbean Sunset" beach, and into the roped in area and swimming platform. All other areas are off limits.

Fishing from the land at both lakes is allowed from the marked and designated areas only. FISHING IS STRICTLY FORBIDDEN IN THE SWIMMING AREA.

Wildlife at the park (other than fish) are allowed their freedom, do not harass any animals, such as ducks and turtles.

Swimming is done AT YOUR OWN RISK! There is no lifeguard on duty, and anyone under the age of 13 must be accompanied by an adult on any park grounds. If you are not a strong swimmer, you should not enter the lake for any reason.

The Stagecoach Express July-December 2016

Alligator sightings have been reported in the past. If you see an alligator, do not try to interfere, call the Stagecoach Police Dept. Use common sense and never approach or harass an alligator.

Please use the provided trash containers to dispose of your trash. Wayne Oliver has graciously offered to set the cans out for pickup each week. If you see trash laying around, please be a good citizen and dispose of it property.

No glass containers are allowed at either of the parks or lakes.

LAKE HARDIN PARK RESERVATIONS:

Civic Club members may reserve Lake Hardin park on a first come, first served basis. The fee is

$50 per day. The facilities include the park, restrooms, pavilion, the lake and swimming platform.

For information about reservations contact Mark Paulson at 832-691-6951 or

stagecoachmark@gmail.com

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BEREAVEMENT COMMITTEE INFORMATION:

As residents, you are encouraged to do your part by helping to donate clothing or food or anything else, it would be much appreciated. If you have any information you would like to post in this section, please contact Jody Mansee at 281-252-8803.

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We have several new Stagecoach residents, from people moving into the City and new houses being built: Michael and Courtney Wells, Mike Bock, Martin and Sarah Passey, Jason and Shelly Smith, Mark and Grace Bradley, Steven and Lisa Gibson, and soon, Greg and Teresa Hinojosa, Brewer and Connie Garrick, and Guillermo Servin. Welcome to Stagecoach! *****************************

There will be a real estate report in the next edition.

The Stagecoach Express July-December 2016

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Stagecoach Express Editor: Mark Paulson

832-691-6951 stagecoachmark@gmail.com

FIND US ON THE WEB:

www.stagecoachfarmscc.org

Next issue deadline: 12/23/2016.

BUSINESSES SUPPORTING STAGECOACH: If you are interested in advertising in this newsletter, business card ads are just $10/yr! Contact Brenda Rutt at 713-249-2203 - bfrutt@gmail.com, or Mark Paulson at 832-691-6951 -stagecoachmark@gmail.com

The Stagecoach Express July-December 2016