Pearland City Council held two meetings on Sept. 28, wrapping up a packed evening that included a stalled special session and a series of major decisions during the regular meeting.

 

The special meeting — scheduled for just 30 minutes — ended without action after public comments consumed most of the available time, and Mayor Quentin Wiltz adjourned before reaching either agenda item.

 

The regular meeting proved far more productive. Council unanimously adopted the FY 2027 budget and lowered the property tax rate to $0.627892 per $100 valuation, estimating a $2,385.52 annual bill on a median homestead.

 

A new meet-and-confer agreement with Pearland Professional Firefighters Association passed 7-0, with costs already built into the budget.

 

Council also approved $23 million in EDC-fronted funding for Shadow Creek and Broadway improvements, $1.35 million for sports field lighting, an $8.79 million drainage contract, and a new asphalt rehabilitation agreement covering 20 streets.

Back Fence Farm & Breadery, a small Manvel operation run by Ben and Ali MacMillan, is quietly becoming one of the area's most charming local food stories.

 

What began in 2020 with a failed beekeeping attempt has grown into a working farm raising pigs, beef, and dairy cows — with a thriving sourdough side that produced nearly 2,000 loaves in the year leading up to January 2026.

 

The lineup goes well beyond a basic loaf. Flavors like jalapeño cheddar, hot honey Asiago, and rosemary Parmesan sit alongside the classic OG Sourdough, with dipping mixes rounding out the menu.

 

For the MacMillans, the bread is also about building community — connecting Manvel neighbors around locally grown and baked food.

 

Shoppers along the 288 corridor can find Back Fence Farm at Manvel Market on the first Saturday of each month — no storefront required, just fresh sourdough and a market table.

Keep Manvel Beautiful is making it easy for residents to give back — and October is packed with opportunities to get involved.

 

The organization recently connected with neighbors at Manvel Market, sharing details on upcoming events and volunteer projects across the community.

 

Their biggest upcoming event is the Fall Sweep on Saturday, Oct. 17, part of the statewide Keep Texas Beautiful initiative.

 

Volunteers will meet at Croix Memorial Park between 8 and 8:15 a.m. for a community-wide litter cleanup.

 

For those who prefer gardening, Community Garden Volunteer Days are held the second and last Saturday of each month from 8 to 9 a.m.

 

Upcoming programming also includes Yoga in the Garden, a Curb to Compost workshop and Arbor Day activities.

 

As Manvel continues to grow, Keep Manvel Beautiful reminds residents that strengthening a community can start with one Saturday morning and one trash bag.

Pearland handed Manvel its first loss of the season on Friday night, winning 41-21 in a highly anticipated showdown between two undefeated teams along the 288 corridor.

 

Running back Royce Swan was the story of the game, rushing for 196 yards and three touchdowns while averaging 7.8 yards per carry.

 

The Oilers finished with 267 rushing yards, improving to 6-0 and extending their run to 17 wins in their last 18 games.

 

Despite the defeat, Brayden Tuiasosopo was strong for Manvel, totaling 125 rushing yards, 120 passing yards, and two touchdowns.

 

The 21-point output was Manvel's lowest of the season — a sharp contrast to their dominant 195-7 scoring run through their first four games.

 

The Mavericks, now 4-1, return home Thursday to face Sam Rayburn, while Pearland travels to Alvin on Friday.