In July 2014, the City Council approved a revised policy through the adoption of Resolution No. 14-27 establishing a program for participation with community-based organizations in capital improvement projects using Sugar Land 4B Corporation (SL4B) funds. This policy established a budget for the program subject to available funds, with guidelines that $75,000 is the maximum award per project and that the SL4B participation shall be limited to no more than 50% of the total project budget. Further, projects must comply with the policy and State statue, not conflict with City policies or plans, be within the City's corporate limits, and be located on public property or within a public easement.

In mid-2017, staff received a $75,000 request from Gannoway Lake Estates Home Owners Association to fund the installation of a concrete fence along Burney Road between Vinehill and Gannoway Lakes Drive. At the July 19, 2017 workshop, the SL4B reviewed the application and provided initial feedback. The proposed project complies with State eligibility requirements to receive the SL4B funding, does not conflict with any existing City plans, is located within the City's corporate limits, and is on public property.

The total project cost for the concrete fence is $150,935; the Association's contribution is $75,935, and the SL4B has proposed contributing $75,000. On August 16, 2017, the SL4B approved Funding Resolution 2017-08-11 to fund the project. Prior to the Association beginning the project, the City Council must approve the contract, as it exceeds $50,000. The Association will manage the installation of the improvements and maintain all project improvements in perpetuity. Upon project completion, the applicant will submit documentation to the City to verify that the project has been completed as outlined in the agreement. Once verified, staff will move forward with providing the reimbursement to the applicant for the SL4B’s portion of funding. Funding is available in the FY17 SL4B Joint CIP budget, which was budgeted at $200,000. Of the $200,000, a total of $64,450 was obligated to other approved FY17 projects. The addition of this project brings the total amount awarded to $139,450.

Staff recommends that the City Council approve an agreement between the City of Sugar Land and Gannoway Lake Estates Home Owners Association to fund the construction of a concrete fence along Burney Road.