Sugar Land City Council on Tuesday voted unanimously to reduce the speed limit at Palm Royale Boulevard from 40 miles per hour to 35 miles per hour between Commonwealth and Sweetwater boulevards.

“The justification for lowering the speed limit included the presence of trees and other factors along the road that limit drivers’ ability to see horizontal and vertical curves and driveways,” said a news release announced the speed limit change.  News Release

The new speed limit goes into effect today.

The city council voted to approve, on final reading, changes to the city’s fees and water and wastewater rates.

Basic water and wastewater rates will remain unchanged for the year.  However, surface water rates will be increased by $0.19, bringing the city customers total surface water rate to $1.61 per 1,000 gallons.

Participants in the city’s Groundwater Reduction Plan will pay $1.50 per 1,000 gallons pumped, an increase of $0.18.  Out of city customers will pay $1.80 per 1,000 gallons pumped.

Residents will continue paying $16 per month for solid waste and recycling services.   Republic Waste, the city’s solid waste contractor, waived its regularly scheduled service increase for the year.

The city council voted to approve the city’s 2013 Legislative Agenda.  The agenda provides the city’s position on various issues that may arise during the 83rd Legislative Session in Texas.  The agenda includes the city’s position on unfunded mandates, collective bargaining, land use regulation and annexation, open meetings, and redevelopment of the Central Prison Unit.  Legislative Agenda

The city council voted to award a $135,549 contract to Kustom Sweeping, LLC for street sweeping services.

The city council voted to award a $200,000 contract to Andrews Kurth, LLP for legal services related to the finance and construction of a proposed concert and performing arts facility.

“Under this contract Andrews Kurth will continue its legal services in connection with the concert/performing arts facility by drafting and assisting the city with development agreements and lease agreement negotiations and providing legal advice regarding the financial strategy and other matters related to the concert/performing arts project,” Economic Development Director Regina Morales said.  “The city will request the legal services on an as-needed basis and Andrews Kurth will perform only the requested legal services. The city will not spend all the allocated funds if the legal services are not needed.”

All items were approved.  All votes were unanimous with Council Member Don Smithers absent.  Agenda