Incumbent and new council members were sworn in, the curfew for minors was discussed, and a contract was authorized for a road widening during Missouri City’s regular City Council meeting Monday.

Council members sworn in

Incumbent council members Yolanda Ford, Anthony Maroulis, and Floyd Emery were sworn in as representatives of Districts A, C, and D, respectively. Ford was appointed Mayor Pro Tem.

New council member Jeffrey Boney was also sworn in to represent District B, replacing Don Smith, who decided not to seek reelection.

“[Smith] has been a great asset to the city over his many years that he’s served,” Missouri City Mayor Allen Owen said.

Smith served on City Council for approximately 13 non-consecutive years, Owen said. Smith was instrumental in passing an overall non-smoking environment throughout the city, he said.

The only veteran on City Council, Smith was also very instrumental in the development and construction of many parks and green spaces, the overall safety of the citizens, and the revitalization of Texas Parkway and Cartwright Road corridor, Owen said.

“As I looked and saw the council members being sworn in, I’m confident that Missouri City is in a good place right now and in good hands,” Smith said.

Curfew for minors maintained

City members voted to continue the enforcement of a curfew for minors, or those 17 years old and younger.

The city adopted the ordinance establishing the curfew in 1994, and City Council evaluate and vote on its continuation every three years, according to meeting documents.

It was designed to decrease juvenile involvement in violence, crime, and gang activity, and the curfew ordinance effectively accomplishes this goal, staff said.

Curfew hours refer to the times from 11 p.m. on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday until 6 a.m. of the following day; from 12:01 a.m. until 6 a.m. on Saturday or Sunday; and from 9 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. on weekdays, according to meeting documents. However, the ordinance outlines certain exemptions such as holidays, canceled classes, and students with official permission.

Road expansion project moves forward

City Council authorized the city manager to contract the services of engineering firm CP&Y, Inc. for approximately $465,000 to expand a segment of Independence Boulevard to a four-lane road.

Construction would expand the road from Moore Road to South Revolution Way, as well as connect Packer Lane to Independence Boulevard.

“This will be the remaining segment to be completed,” assistant city manager Scott Elmer said. “This is a 50 percent construction paid for by Fort Bend County, so we’re leveraging taxpayer dollars with that.”

The project is part of the 2013 Fort Bend County mobility bond package, and the county is contributing $1.1 million towards design and construction costs, or approximately 50 percent of the total project cost, according to meeting documents. The city will provide the other 50 percent as approved in its fiscal year 2017 five-year capital improvement plan.

CP&Y will coordinate with city staff, survey the site, assess road conditions, perform drainage analysis, and help design plans, according to meeting documents.