Council Member Dave Martin's

District E Newsletter

Issue 45

September 2016 

 
 
Dave Martin
Council Member
District E 
 
 
Contact:
 
900 Bagby
First Floor
Houston, TX 77002
 
17629 El Camino Real
Suite 415
Houston, TX 77058


Office: (832) 393-3008
Fax: (832) 393-3279



  
Lauren Laake
Chief of Staff 

Jessica Beemer
North Sector Manager

Jordan McGinty
South Sector Manager

Katherine Cunningham 
Administrative Assistant
City Contacts
City of Houston 311
(713) 837-0311

Mayor's Citizens Assistance Office
(832) 393-0955

   Kingwood 
Community Center
(281) 348-2570

Department of Neighborhoods

General Services

For other City of Houston departments and projects, please visit the city website.

 
District E Community Contacts



 
 

Northshore Super Neighborhood Council

Meadowbrook/Allendale Super Neighborhood Council


 Clear Lake Super Neighborhood Council

Lake Houston Economic Development Partnership
Residents of District E,
 

This September will mark the fifteenth anniversary of the tragic events that occurred on September 11. May we pause to pay our respects to those who lost their lives that day. We continue to pray for those families who will never fill the void created by the loss of their loved ones. May we also keep those who are first responders and members of our armed forces in our prayers, keeping their families close in their hour of need.
 
In times of remembrance it is easy to be weighed down by sadness due to past events but in District E there is an opportunity for you to make a difference and contribute by participating in The Travis Manion 9/11 Heroes Run. The 6th annual 5k run will take place this year on Saturday, September 10 at Ellington Airport to remember, honor and support men and women in the armed services, police, fire fighter and first responder communities who protect and serve our country every day.
 
Year after year, Houston has led the nation with some of the highest participation rates and once again has aimed to increase attendance from last year. Proceeds from this event will go to assist wounded veterans, injured police officers and fire fighters, and the families of fallen heroes and veterans. I encourage runners, walkers and patriots to join me and register for this run or just attend to show your unwavering support for those who sacrifice so much for us. To register for the 9/11 Heroes Run 2016, please click here.
 
The national 9/11 Heroes Run events are a result of the robust mission of the Travis Manion Foundation, a charitable organization started by the parents of the late 1st Lt. Travis Manion to assist the nation's veterans and families of the fallen. The foundation engages with veterans and their families in all stages of their personal journeys and offers unique empowering opportunities to assist them achieve their goals. The fundamental belief guiding the Travis Mansion Foundation is that the best way to honor the fallen is by challenging the living. The foundation challenges all to lead the "If Not Me, Then Who" movement and to inspire others to continue the service to community and country by the nation's fallen heroes.

A friendly reminder that all city offices will be closed on Monday, September 5 in observance of the Labor Day holiday. 
 
Thank you for the privilege of serving you.


Sincerely,

 
Dave Martin

Save the Date! District E Town Hall Meetings

Council Member Martin invites you to save the dates for his upcoming District E Town Hall meetings:
 
Kingwood
Tuesday, October 11, 2016
6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Kingwood Community Center
4102 Rustic Woods Drive
Houston, TX 77345
 
Southeast Houston/Clear Lake
Thursday, October 13, 2016
6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Space Center Houston
1601 NASA Parkway
Houston, TX 77058

Members of the public are invited to attend to hear from city and community representatives about ongoing projects, issues and community news related to District E areas.

In Kingwood, we will have the opportunity to hear from Stephen Costello, City of Houston Chief Resiliency Officer, regarding flooding in the Lake Houston Area. Walgreens will also be making free flu shots available to those who are interested. 
 
In Clear Lake, we have invited the folks from Harris County Precinct 2 Commissioner Jack Mormon's Office and Bob Mitchell with Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership to provide community updates.
 
Council Member Martin looks forward to hearing these updates and addressing community questions, comments and concerns. If you have never been before, it is the perfect opportunity to engage in your community and have your questions answered. Please feel free to invite a neighbor, friend or colleague! 
District E Backpack Donation

Council Member Martin and District E staff went out in the district in August and distributed nearly 300 backpacks with school supplies for students in need that will be starting school this month. The Mayor's Back to School Fest provides Houston area students with some of the tools they need to start the school year off right. Backpacks, uniforms, immunizations, and basic school supplies are all generously underwritten and donated by a multitude of corporations in the Houston community.  Thanks to the Mayor's Back to School Festival which helped supply Humble ISD, Clear Creek ISD, Galena Park ISD and Pasadena ISD with the additional supplies!  
Harris County Sheriff's Office Clear Lake Town Hall Meeting

On August 9 staff from Council Member Martin's office attended a Town Hall Meeting hosted by Harris County Sheriff's Office at Clear Lake United Methodist Church. Sheriff Ron Hickman engaged the audience in a conversation regarding community issues and career opportunities within the HCSO, followed by an interactive Q & A with the audience.

Council Member Martin thanks the Sheriff's office for putting on a great, informative event. 
South Belt-Ellington Chamber of Commerce "Community Conversation" on Open Carry/Campus Carry

On August 9 staff from Council Member Martin's office attended a "Community Conversation" on Open Carry/Campus Carry at San Jacinto College South, hosted by the South Belt-Ellington Chamber of Commerce. The event featured presentations from Harris County Attorney Vince Ryan's office and Harris County District Attorney Devon Anderson's office. 

The campus carry law went into effect at state universities at the beginning of August, while the open carry law went into effect at the beginning of this year.  The campus carry law will take effect at community colleges August 1, 2017.
BAHEP General Membership Luncheon

On August 17 staff from Council Member Martin's office attended the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership "State of the Counties" General Membership Luncheon at Bay Oaks Country Club. The "State of the Counties" were given by Harris County Judge Ed Emmett and Galveston Country Judge Mark Henry. Both county judges educated the members on the current state of various items like budgeting, criminal justice, healthcare, transportation and flood control. 
Super Bowl 2017 Update Luncheon

On August 18 Council Member Martin attended the Hotel & Lodging Association of Greater Houston's Super Bowl 2017 Update luncheon featuring Sallie Sargent, President and CEO of the Super Bowl Host Committee.
 
The Houston Super Bowl Host Committee is the centralized planning entity for Super Bowl LI and acts as the liaison between the NFL, City of Houston, Harris County and the local community. The Host Committee is responsible for Super Bowl LI festivities and logistics.  NFL representatives joined Sargent to discuss the game plan for Super Bowl and what to anticipate from estimated more than 1 million attendees expected to converge on the greater Houston area next year.  

The Super Bowl LI  is set for February 5, 2017 at NRG Stadium. It's the third time the game will be played in Houston, and it's the second time the venue will host the contest.
Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau Annual Meeting

Council Member Martin attended the Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau's (GHCVB) annual meeting on August 23 at the George R. Brown Convention Center.
 
The GHCVB's mission is to improve the economy of Greater Houston by attracting conventions and other major events to the area, establishing Houston as a choice destination for tourism, and creating opportunities for economic growth and development in the city.
 
Council Member Martin thanks the bureau for its excellent work attracting economic activity to the city and promoting Houston as a great place to visit.  
Touchdown Houston Tailgating Event

On August 27 the Houston Super Bowl Host Committee celebrated the beginning of the road to Super Bowl LI by hosting the Touchdown Tour at District E's own Space Center Houston. It was the first of its football-themed events this fall. The Touchdown Tour featured interactive games, a Houston Texans mobile locker room, giveaways, music and more.

Council Member Martin thanks the Houston Super Bowl Host Committee and Space Center Houston for putting on a great event. 
9/11 Heroes Run Bag Stuffing

On August 31 staff from Council Member Martin's office volunteered at the 9/11 Heroes Run Bag Stuffing at Houston Police Officers Union to stuff registered runner's bags. The volunteers stuffed approximately 2500 bags in preparation of the event. 

It's not too late to register for the 9/11 Heroes Run. Click  here  to register now!
Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce's General Membership Meeting

On August 31 staff from Council Member Martin's office attended a Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce General Membership Luncheon at Lakewood Yacht Club. The luncheon program included a Congressional Panel Update featuring Congressman Brian Babin, Congressman Pete Olson and Congressman Randy Weber. The three congressmen updated the members on many areas they remain passionate about: Johnson Space Center, port and infrastructure issues, American energy, the importance of strong military and the education it takes to provide a strong military. 
Active Shooter Training Event

The Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce is holding an Active Shooter Survival Seminar on October 4 at South Shore Harbour Resort. Lieutenant Cliff Woteina of the League City Police Department will lead the seminar on protecting yourself in the event of a dangerous situation. 

For more information and to register for the event click here 
Save the Date! Kingwood B.O.P.A.

Council Member Dave Martin and the City of Houston's Solid Waste Management Department are holding a Batteries, Oil, Paint (latex only) and Antifreeze (B.O.P.A.) and Electronic Recycling Collection event on October 29, 2016. The event will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Kingwood METRO Park and Ride  located at Highway 3210 W. Lake Houston Parkway.

The event will be free and open to all City of Houston residents. A valid Texas driver's license or other proof of residency will be required. Business waste will not be accepted.

In addition to the B.O.P.A, residents may drop off scrap metal and large appliances. Large appliances include stoves, refrigerators, freezers and air conditioners.

Many common household materials are considered hazardous and need special disposal. When Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) is disposed of in the trash, it can contaminate landfills and subsequently our groundwater. This event provides a free and safe alternative for residents to rid their homes of potentially dangerous materials. Below is a list of acceptable and non-acceptable items for the November 7th collection event:
  • ACCEPTED ITEMS: only residential waste, rechargeable household and automobile batteries, motor oil and filters, LATEX paint, antifreeze, large appliances and scrap metal. Used motor oil will be limited to 15 gallons. All liquids are required to be in sealed, non-leaking containers that are labeled as to contents.
  • ITEMS NOT ACCEPTED: business, medical and agricultural waste; oil-based paints, solvents, flammables, pesticides, herbicides and other similar hazardous materials and electronic waste.
Residents may call 3-1-1, the City of Houston's Customer Service Hotline for additional information or check online at www.houstonsolidwaste.org.
For more information about the City of Houston Solid Waste Management Department and its services, residents may check online at  www.houstonsolidwaste.org, like us on facebook at www.facebook.com/houstonsolidwaste, follow us on twitter @houstontrash or call 3-1-1, the City of Houston's Customer Service Hotline.
 
The Solid Waste Management Department provides solid waste service to the citizens of Houston through the collection, disposal and recycling of discarded material in a manner that is safe, efficient, environmentally sound and cost-effective.
Regions Bank Kingwood Ribbon Cutting

Staff from Council Member Martin's office attended the August 4 Ribbon Cutting event for the new Regions Bank in Kingwood. The modern branch, located at 1750 W. Lake Houston Parkway, is the most advanced branch facility in the Houston area. Interestingly, this Regions branch does not include a traditional teller line. Instead, customers are welcomed directly by Regions' Universal Bankers. The Kingwood branch also offers   Regions' Video Banking which connect customers with a Regions Video Banker via two-way video. Regions Video Bankers are available during extended hours on weekdays as well as weekends and most holidays.  
Kingwood BizCom

On August 4 staff from Council Member Martin's office had the opportunity to attend the Lake Houston Area Chamber of Commerce's Kingwood BizCom. The meeting brings together  a blend of  businesses, community members and school officials to address specific needs and within the Lake Houston Area

This month's BizCom featured presentations by Kingwood High School principal Dr. Ted Landry, Humble ISD Superintendent Dr. Elizabeth Fagen, Memorial Hermann Northeast CEO Heath Rushing, HAS Assistant Director of Planning and Development, Jarrett Simmons. Also featured were Stan Sarman, Chair of the Lake Houston TIRZ and Bryan Brown, Senior Transportation Planner at Walter P. Moore, who both spoke about intersection and mobility updates in Kingwood. 
Kroger Marketplace In Summerwood Ribbon Cutting

On August 5 staff from Council Member Martin's office attended the Kroger Marketplace ribbon cutting in Summerwood. The new facility is a 123,000 sqft Marketplace with a Kroger Fuel Center and Kroger Pharmacy that will offer customers a unique shopping experience with chef-prepared bites and pastries, locally grown fruits and vegetables, specialty cheeses, premium-cut meats, fresh seafood, organic choices, international fares and a Starbucks. The new store also has a Cork & Tap feature, which has local beers on 12 taps, as well as 8 red and 8 white wine dispensers. Customers can stop and have a drink after shopping, or purchase a bottle or growler to go. 

The Marketplace will also have home goods and décor, kitchenware, small appliances, children's toys, and contemporary clothing for the family.

Keeping with Kroger's theme of giving back, the Summerwood Marketplace will support charitable organizations through their Kroger Community Rewards fundraiser program, volunteerism, financial gifts, and daily fresh food donations.

Council Member Martin welcomes Kroger Marketplace to District E, and encourages residents to stop in and shop!
Memorial Hermann Pediatric Ribbon Cutting

On August 9 staff from Council Member Martin's office attended a ribbon cutting event hosted by Memorial Hermann to celebrate the grand-opening of the new Memorial Hermann Medical Group Pediatrics Atascocita. Memorial Hermann Medical Group Pediatrics Atascocita offers expert pediatric care for newborns to adulthood, delivered by Memorial Hermann Medical Group board-certified pediatricians.  The facility provides a wide array of services, including annual checkups, immunizations, treatment of infections, and treatment of child growth and behavioral problems.  

The new Memorial Hermann Medical Group Pediatrics Atascocita is located at 17903 West Lake Houston Parkway, Suite 202. For more information click here
Lone Star College - Kingwood Fall Job Fair

Lone Star College-Kingwood will be hosting a Fall Job Fair on Tuesday, September 13. This event will provide an excellent forum for area businesses to recruit a local workforce. The event will take place at the John E. Pickelman Student-Conference Center from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. 

Participation is free, but registration is required. To register for this event, click here
Subcommittee on Debt Financing and Pensions

On August 25 Council Member Martin chaired  the City of Houston Subcommittee on Debt Financing and Pensions. The purpose of this meeting was to get in depth updates on the current state of City of Houston's pensions in order to get everyone up to speed. 

The subcommittee featured reports from Chris Brown, the City of Houston Controller and Kelly Dowe, the City of Houston Director of Finance. The presentations featured background information on various components that make up the City's defined benefit retirement plans and City's long-term obligation that appeared in 2002, the unfunded pension liability has reached 5.6 billion dollars over the last fourteen years. 

The goal of this committee is to work towards a solution for this unfunded liability and as the chair of this committee, Council Member Martin looks forward to working with Mayor Turner and his colleagues to reach this goal.

The presentations can be found online here and an archived recording of the meeting can be found here.  
Mayor Turner Asks Houstonians to Come to the Aid of Flood Victims in Louisiana

Help is on the way soon to the thousands of flood victims in Louisiana, thanks to a call to action by Mayor Sylvester Turner. After speaking to Mayor Kip Holden of East Baton Rouge Parish this week, Mayor Turner has recruited several faith leaders to open their churches as collection sites for essential items which are desperately needed.

To put the need into perspective, the catastrophic flood is the worst natural disaster to strike the United States since Hurricane Sandy four years ago. 

Houstonians can help by taking their boxed, unsealed, and shipment ready items to any of the collection sites throughout the city. Faith-based organizations will collect items until September 6. The City of Houston will arrange to transport the items to Baton Rouge by September 9. 
 
Items needed include: 
CLEAN-UP ITEMS:

Buckets

Trash bags    

Mops

Contractor bags

Cleaning supplies- (Including chemicals)

Scrubbers

Brushes        

Rubber Gloves

Shockwave cleaner

Masks

Shoe covers  

Push brooms

Squeegees    

Tarps 


 

SCHOOL SUPPLIES:

Backpacks

Brown or Black belts

White socks

Markers

School Uniforms

Crayons

Notebooks

Car Seats


 

There are two drop off locations in Clear Lake: Clear Lake Presbyterian Church is accepting donations at 1511 El Dorado Boulevard, and Grace Community Church will accept donations at 14505 Gulf Freeway. 

For more information about drop off locations please call 832-393-0849. 
Hermann Park Conservancy

Hermann Park Conservancy is embarking on a process to envision the Park's needs for the future and they want to know: What do you love most about Hermann Park? How do you think the Park could better serve the community? What do you think would make Hermann Park even better?
 
After celebrating 100 years of Hermann Park in 2014, the Conservancy has effectively completed its 20-year-old master plan. As Houston rapidly grows and changes, Hermann Park needs an updated master plan to meet its needs for the future. In October of 2015, Hermann Park Conservancy hired award-winning landscape architecture firm, Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates (MVVA), to lead that charge by developing an updated master plan for Hermann Park that will guide the next 20 years of Park improvements.
 
Over the next year, Hermann Park's master plan team will analyze data, meet with community members, and develop preliminary concepts. Have a great idea that could improve your visits to Hermann Park? Email your feedback to Hermann Park Conservancy at ideas@hermannpark.org.
 
To learn more about Hermann Park's master plan update project, click here.
CASE for Kids City Connections 2016-2017

CASE for Kids, the afterschool division of the Harris County Department of Education, is now accepting proposals from 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations in the City of Houston for the City Connections 2016-2017 program. The City Connections initiative, funded by the City of Houston, offers grant support to out-of-school time programs that meet City Council district needs and address gaps in services to youths outside the school day. Funding ranges from $3,000 - $10,000.
 
Organizations interested in applying for funding through the CASE for Kids City Connections Programs can apply online here. Please note that applications are due on Wednesday, September 7  for the program's first grant term running from October 31, 2016 - March 31, 2017. 

Grantees of FY16 City Connections Grant Term 2 included the Village Learning Center, who were able to provide services to children with special needs in an afterschool setting, as well as the YMCA - Northeast, whose afterschool programs created activities that engaged students in several hands-on STEM activities they would not normally be able to do. 

Council Member Martin extends his gratitude to CASE for Kids for helping to provide these valuable resources to the District E community. 

For more information on the Case for Kids City Connections 2015-2016 program, please contact Audrey Jefferson-Harrison at caseconnections@hcde-texas.org   or call (713) 696-1330.
Houston Launches Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) Program

Mayor Sylvester Turner and the Texas PACE Authority have announced the launch of a commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy or PACE program in Houston, providing an additional tool for Houston property owners to finance energy efficiency, renewable energy, and water conservation projects.

PACE is a nationally-renowned, voluntary financing program that allows owners of commercial, industrial, and multi-family residential properties (with five or more dwelling units) to obtain low-cost, long-term loans for water conservation, energy-efficiency improvements, and distributed generation.

In exchange for funds provided by a private lender to pay for the improvements, the property owner voluntarily requests that the local government place an assessment secured with a senior lien on the property until the assessment is paid in full. As PACE assessment payments are generally offset by the project's utility cost savings and the term of PACE assessments may extend up to the projected life of the improvement, improvements financed through a PACE program may generate positive cash flow upon completion without up-front, out-of-pocket costs to the property owner.

The State of Texas authorized municipal and county PACE Programs in 2013. Houston City Council adopted a resolution establishing a Houston PACE program on November 4, 2015. To date, PACE programs are being set up in four Texas counties (Travis, Williamson, Cameron, and Willacy) and two cities (Houston and Dallas).

To learn more about Houston's PACE program or submit an application, visit www.texaspaceauthority.org
Houston Fire Fest 2016

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The 11th Annual Houston Fire Fest will take place on Saturday, October 15 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the HFD Val Jahnke Training Facility. The event will feature plenty of kid friendly activities, live fire demonstrations, a parade and much more.

For more information go to www.houstonfirefest.com.  
Last Day to Register to Vote

The 2016 General Election will take place on Tuesday, November 8, 2016. Council Member Martin encourages all residents to check the status of their voter registration to ensure that their voice can be heard in this important election cycle.

The last day to register to vote in this election is
October 11

Early voting will take place from October 24 - November 4. 

For more information and voting resources go to www.votetexas.gov
Upcoming Events 
 
Please refer to Council Martin's District E website for location, time and more event details. Email the District E office if you would like us to include your upcoming event in future newsletters! 
 
City Wides
September 5
Labor Day - City Offices Closed

September 7
Consolidated City Council Meeting

September 7
Houston Tourism Summit

Kingwood
September 1
Kingwood Service Association's Parks Committee Meeting

September 3
Electronic Recycling at Kingwood METRO Park & Ride

September 10
Lake Houston YMCA Miracle League Opening Day

September 13
Lone Star College-Kingwood Job Fair

September 14
Kingwood Service Association's Public Safety Committee Meeting

September 20
Kingwood PIP

September 21
Kingwood Super Neighborhood


Southeast Houston/Clear Lake    
September 10
Electronic Recycling at Ellington/Clear Lake Neighborhood Recycling Center

September 10
9/11 Heroes Run

September 14
BAHEP 40th Anniversary

September 20
Clear Lake PIP

September 22
Sylvan Rodriguez Park Stakeholders Meeting

September 27
Mobility Matters Symposium 

September 28
Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce's General Membership Luncheon