| Houston City Council Member Greg Travis |
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Contact Information:
900 Bagby, 1st Floor
Houston, TX 77002
Mailing:
P.O. Box 1562
Houston, TX 77251-1562
Phone: (832) 393-3267
Fax: (832) 393-9571
Email:
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Emergency
Police, Fire or Ambulance
9-1-1
HPD
(non-emergency)
713-884-3131
311 Help & Info
Dial 3-1-1 or
713-837-0311
Mayor's Citizens
Assistance Office:
Phone: 832-393-0955
Fax: 832-393-0952
Solid Waste Department
Collection Schedules:
Contact PWE Director: 832-395-2500 [email protected]
Water Billing Issues:
Water Customer Service
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To our friends and neighbors in District G:
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Dear Friends:
Greetings! Welcome to the June edition of News from District G. I'd like to take this opportunity to let you know about a couple of important issues I will be tackling this summer.
During my first six months, I've noticed several inconsistencies surrounding the city's procurement processes. I don't think the city shops around enough to get the best price on the market for the items it purchases. I also worry about the number of emergency purchase and sole source contracts City Council is asked to approve. The attention I have given these matters at the council table has prompted Mayor Turner to ask me to participate in a full review of the city's procurement policies, procedures, and practices. I will be working with city finance officials to develop and validate ideas for improvement and reform. When this work is complete, a set of recommendations aimed at saving taxpayer dollars will be presented to the mayor.
I also continue to examine the district's infrastructure needs and constantly look for ways to improve the roads and drainage systems. Flooding has been a major issue in recent months and one of my top priorities is keeping water out of your homes. I'm working with public works officials and newly appointed flood czar Steve Costello to implement drainage solutions in several problem areas in the district.
Finally, the key word in my council office is service. My staff and I seek to provide excellent and responsive constituent service and we are eager to be your advocates at City Hall. There is no problem too small and we are here to help you navigate the sometimes burdensome bureaucracy, so please give us a call when you need assistance at the city.
I want to keep you informed of important events via Facebook and Twitter. Please follow me on Twitter and like me on Facebook to keep up with the latest.
Have a great summer!
Sincerely,
Greg Travis
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Candlelight Vigil Planned for This Evening
A candlelight vigil in honor of the Orlando shooting victims will be held this evening by the City of Houston.
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What:
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A community-wide candlelight vigil in honor of the 49 lives lost in the Orlando massacre.
Mayor Sylvester Turner will be joined by representatives from faith-based organizations, elected officials and others.
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When:
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7:30 p.m., TONIGHT, June 15, 2016
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Where:
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Houston City Hall (reflecting pool side), 901 Bagby, Houston, TX 77002
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Deadline Approaches for Federal Disaster Assistance Relating to Tax Day Floods
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the state of Texas to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the area affected by severe storms and flooding during the period of April 17-24, 2016.
The President's action in declaring this a federal disaster makes federal funding available to affected individuals in Fayette, Grimes, Harris, and Parker counties. Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.
Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide.
Kevin L. Hannes has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area. Hannes said additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.
Individuals and business owners who sustained losses in the designated area can apply for assistance by registering online at
www.DisasterAssistance.gov
or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). Disaster assistance applicants who have a speech disability or hearing loss and use TTY should call 1-800-462-7585. Those who use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS) should call 1-800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (local time) seven days a week.
Federal Aid Programs for the State of Texas
Following is a summary of key federal disaster aid programs that can be made available as needed and warranted under the President's disaster declaration issued for the State of Texas.
Assistance for Affected Individuals and Families Can Include the Following
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- Rental payments for temporary housing for those whose homes are unlivable. Initial assistance may be provided for up to three months for homeowners and at least one month for renters. Assistance may be extended if requested after the initial period based on a review of individual applicant requirements. (Source: FEMA funded and administered.)
- Grants for home repairs and replacement of essential household items not covered by insurance to make damaged dwellings safe, sanitary and functional. (Source: FEMA funded and administered.)
- Grants to replace personal property and help meet medical, dental, funeral, transportation and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance or other federal, state and charitable aid programs. (Source: FEMA funded at 75 percent of total eligible costs; 25 percent funded by the state.)
- Unemployment payments up to 26 weeks for workers who temporarily lost jobs because of the disaster and who do not qualify for state benefits, such as self-employed individuals. (Source: FEMA funded; state administered.)
- Low-interest loans to cover residential losses not fully compensated by insurance. Loans available up to $200,000 for primary residence; $40,000 for personal property, including renter losses. Loans available up to $2 million for business property losses not fully compensated by insurance. (Source: U.S. Small Business Administration.)
- Loans up to $2 million for small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives and most private, non-profit organizations of all sizes that have suffered disaster-related cash flow problems and need funds for working capital to recover from the disaster's adverse economic impact. This loan, in combination with a property loss loan, cannot exceed a total of $2 million. (Source: U.S. Small Business Administration.)
- Loans up to $500,000 for farmers, ranchers and aquaculture operators to cover production and property losses, excluding primary residence. (Source: Farm Service Agency, U.S. Dept. of Agriculture.)
- Other relief programs: Crisis counseling for those traumatized by the disaster; income tax assistance for filing casualty losses; advisory assistance for legal, veterans' benefits and social security matters.
How to Apply for Assistance
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Individuals and business owners who sustained losses in the designated area can apply for assistance by registering online at
www.DisasterAssistance.gov
or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). Disaster assistance applicants who have a speech disability or hearing loss and use TTY should call 1-800-462-7585. Those who use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS) should call 1-800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (local time) seven days a week until further notice.
The deadline to apply for federal assistance is June 24.
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Solid Waste Department Sponsorship Agreements
A number of homeowner associations (HOAs) in our District G have recently received letters regarding their Solid Waste Department Sponsorship Agreements for FY2017. The renewal documents mailed by the Solid Waste Department to continue your HOA's Sponsorship Program, and the $6 per month per resident reimbursements thereunder, must be completed, signed, and returned by the close of business on June 30, 2016, together with certain supporting documents. You must act quickly in order to continue the sponsorship agreement and continue receiving reimbursements under the program. If your HOA has a sponsorship program and has not yet received this renewal package, please email our office so we can follow up.
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Hurricane Season Preparedness Tips
Hurricane Season Preparedness Tips
The City of Houston Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is reminding Houstonians that Hurricane Season started on June 1 and runs through November 30. Houstonians should take steps to assure they are fully prepared.
OEM reminds Houstonians of the four emergency preparedness steps:
(1) Make an Emergency Plan
Every Houston family should have an emergency plan that details where they will go in the event of an emergency. Those Houston families who live in a hurricane evacuation zone should know where they will go ahead of time and have an out-of-town contact to check-in with to make sure the family is able to communicate. A sample plan is available from Ready.gov.
Only those residents who either live in an evacuation zone, or who use a medical device which requires electricity to sustain their life, should evacuate ahead of a storm. To find local evacuation zones, visit
http://www.houstonoem.org/go/doc/4027/1138871
and click on "Hurricane Evacuation". Houston residents who might need additional help in evacuating during a disaster can visit the OEM website to learn more about the State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry (STEAR), which is used by local agencies to identify those with disabilities and other needs, in an effort to provide better assistance to them ahead of and after an emergency.
Residents should also know their level of risk ahead of a storm. The Houston Storm Risk Calculator displays a map of hurricane risks from storm surge, flooding, wind and power outage down to the neighborhood level, and may be viewed here:
http://houstonstormrisk.org
(2) Have an Emergency Supply Kit
Houston residents should have what they need to be on their own for 5-7 days following a storm. This includes food, water, medications and individual needs such as medical devices or pet supplies. Additionally, it's important to have tools, sturdy shoes and clothes to help in the immediate repair of your home following a storm.
Items that should be in your kit include the following:
- Copies of your important papers in a waterproof bag
- Extra set of car and house keys
- Extra mobile phone charger
- Bottled water and snacks such as energy or granola bars
- First-aid supplies, flashlight, and whistle
- Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (with extra batteries, if needed)
- A list of the medications each member of your family needs and at least a 14-day supply of each medication
- Toothpaste, toothbrushes, wet cleansing wipes, and so on
- Contact and meeting place information for your family and a map of your local area
- A stuffed animal or toy for your child and something to help occupy their time, like books or coloring books. If this includes a hand-held video game, make sure you have extra batteries
- Rain ponchos
- External mobile phone battery pack or solar charger. Some hand-crank flashlights will also include a phone charger
(3) Be Informed
Know where to go to get updated information. This includes local television and radio, as well as official websites such as:
City of Houston Emergency Information: Twitter: @AlertHouston; Facebook: www.facebook.com/alerthouston City of Houston Office of Emergency Management: Twitter: @houstonoem; Facebook: www.facebook.com/houstonoem; Instagram: @houstonoem National Hurricane Center: Twitter: @NHC_Atlantic National Weather Service Houston/Galveston Forecast Office: Twitter: @NWSHouston; Facebook: www.facebook.com/nwshouston
(4) Know your Neighbors
During disasters, having a community around you that can help is essential to making it through. Meet your neighbors, and build a plan that includes sharing resources, such as generators, chainsaws and tools to prepare for, and respond to, a hurricane. For more information about helping your neighborhood get ready for hurricane season, visit
http://neighborhood.readyhoustontx.gov/
Need More Information?
The City's Disaster Preparedness Guide, which is available in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Chinese, Arabic and Urdu to Houston residents and businesses free by calling 311 or visiting
www.houstonoem.org
has a detailed list of what should be in your emergency kit, as well as the steps you should take to prepare your family ahead of a hurricane.
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Active Shooter--Run, Hide, Fight
On Sunday, May 29, 2016, a shooting broke out in West Houston ending with two dead and six injured. The shooter is identified as Dionisio Garza III. According to police sources, the suspect previously served in the military and served several tours of duty overseas.
Garza, armed with an AR-15 and a pistol, began spraying shots at random around 10:15 a.m. Sunday. He shot and killed Eugene Linsomb, who died at the scene. Garza then retrieved an AR-15 and shot at passing cars and police vehicles. He also shot a line at the gas station, which caused the gas station to catch on fire. There were more than 185 shots fired, including five at HPD's chopper and a number of shots at the vehicles of responding Precinct 5 Constables and HPD officers. Thanks to the efforts of SWAT, HPD, the Houston Fire Department, and Harris County Precinct 5 Constables, the situation was controlled and the active gunman was shot and killed.
HPD Interim Chief Martha Montalvo thanked residents who opened their doors to strangers during the shooting and said that the death toll could have been much worse. Residents saw the shooter from home and alerted police.
Please take time to watch this award-winning video describing what to do if you find yourself in an active shooter situation:
Run
- Have an escape route and plan in mind
- Leave your belongings behind
- Evacuate regardless of whether others agree to follow
- Help others escape, if possible
- Do not attempt to move wounded people
- Prevent others from entering an area where the active shooter may be
- Keep your hands visible
- Call 911 when you are safe
Hide
- Hide in an area out of the shooter's view
- Lock the door or block the entry to your hiding place
- Silence your cell phone (including the vibrate mode) and remain quiet
Fight
- Fight as a last resort and only when your life is in imminent danger
- Attempt to incapacitate the shooter
- Commit to your actions...your life depends on it
HPD makes available to citizens of Houston "Surviving an Active Shooter" presentation which incorporates the above principals. This presentation may be arranged at no charge by contacting:
Stephen Daniel Senior Community Liaison Public Affairs, Houston Police Department 713-308-3246 [email protected]
This presentation is approximately 1.5 hours in length and incorporates several videos. The presentation is appropriate for all ages from high school students and older.
Crime Stoppers of Houston will hold a Safe Community Seminar in partnership with HPD on the topic of "Surviving an Active Shooter" on Tuesday, July 26, 2016, from 6:30 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. The seminar will be held at the Children's Assessment Center, 2500 Bolsover St., 3rd Floor, Houston, TX 77005. If you are interested in attending this free seminar, please RSVP to Sonia Soto at
[email protected]
or 832-849-1588.
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Neighborhood Traffic Management Program (NTMP)
The Neighborhood Traffic Management Program (NTMP) addresses traffic related problems in residential neighborhoods, including excessive vehicular speed and cut-through traffic. The NTMP implements "traffic calming" measures, such as speed cushions, traffic circles, median islands, curb extensions, diversion techniques, etc. aimed at enhancing safety for pedestrians and cyclists. Applications for the NTMP may be made by one or more residents/property owners and are reviewed by the department to determine eligibility. Final plans require City Council approval. There's a long list of NTMP applications; NTMP staff will contact you as soon as they are able to begin working on your application.
There are two programs, one for speeding traffic that provides only speed cushions. The other is for volume control or cut-through traffic and it has a number of traffic mitigation devices it can utilize in addition to speed cushions.
For neighborhoods wishing to replace removable traffic islands installed by the NTMP with permanent concrete islands, the city offers the Neighborhood Matching Grant Program (NMGP-Traffic). The program is administered by NTMP staff and pays for half the cost to construct the concrete islands. Interested neighborhoods may fill out and submit the application below.
Program Contact Information:
Public Works & Engineering
Traffic Operations Division
Neighborhood Traffic Management Program
832-395-3000
Fax: 832-395-3052
An ordinance revision was passed by City Council on June 8, 2016. This revised the program to make it easier and faster to get through the process. The downside is that no additional funds were allocated for the program, so most applications going forward are privately funded or funded with Council District Service Funds (CDSF). We are considering added some of District G's CDSF in FY2017 for neighborhoods waiting in the queue for years.
Under the revised ordinance, rather than conducting a public meeting to begin the process, a public notice is sent to all property owners within a half-mile radius. The first public meeting (of three under the current ordinance) is only held if someone requests it. Then one or more temporary devices are placed in the neighborhood. Once the director of Public Works reviews the temporary devices and deems all satisfactory, the request comes to City Council for final approval.
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Zika Virus
The Zika virus is spread to people primarily through the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito. The current case count in Houston is six, with each case involving persons infected during previous travel to Central America. There is not a single known case of Zika transmission wholly within the United States. All active U.S. cases were transmitted during visits to other countries where the virus is more prevalent.
Houstonians should take the following steps to prevent mosquito bites:
- Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants
- Stay in places with air conditioning and window and door screens to keep mosquitos outside
- Take steps to control mosquitos inside and outside your home
- Sleep under a mosquito bed net if you are overseas or outside and are not able to protect yourself from mosquito bites
- Use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)- registered insect repellents with one of the following active ingredients: DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or para-menthane- diol. Choosing an EPA-registered repellent ensures the EPA has evaluated the product for effectiveness. When used as directed, EPA-registered insect repellents are proven safe and effective, even for pregnant and breast-feeding women.
Always follow the product label instructions
Reapply insect repellent as directed
Do not spray repellent on the skin under clothing
If you are also using sunscreen, apply sunscreen before applying insect repellent
- To protect your child from mosquito bites:
Do not use insect repellent on babies younger than 2 months
Do not use products containing oil of lemon eucalyptus or para-menthane-diol on children younger than 3 years old
Dress your child in clothing that covers arms and legs
Cover crib, stroller, and baby carrier with mosquito netting
Do not apply insect repellent onto a child's hands, eyes, mouth and cut or irritated skin
Adults: Spray insect repellent onto your hands and then apply to child's face
- Treat clothing and gear with permethrin or purchase permethrin-treated items
Treated clothing remains protective after multiple washings
If treating items yourself, follow the product instructions carefully
Do NOT use permethrin products directly on skin. They are intended to treat clothes
Symptoms: fever, rash, joint pain, headache, and conjunctivitis (red eyes)
Transmission:
- Primarily through infected Aedes mosquitos. They are aggressive daytime biters and live indoors and outdoors, usually near people.
- It is possible that Zika virus could be passed from mother to fetus during pregnancy.
- Recent cases have been found that the virus can be transmitted sexually, although this appears to be uncommon.
Diagnosis: Your physician may request a laboratory test through the City of Houston public health laboratory; there are no rapid tests for the virus available.
Treatment:
- Zika virus is usually mild.
- There is no specific treatment for Zika.
- Persons who believe they are ill with Zika should seek medical attention. People sick with Zika virus should get plenty of rest and drink enough fluids.
- Prevent mosquito bites for 3 weeks to prevent spreading the virus.
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Houston Parks and Recreation Summer Activities
The Houston Parks and Recreation Department offers many outlets for District G's residents to engage in the community through exercise, activity, and sport. People of all ages can register for these summer events.
MORNING YOUTH TENNIS CLASSES:
Locations:
Memorial Park, 1500 Memorial Loop Dr., 77007; (832) 395-7561
River Oaks, 3600 Locke Lane, 77027; (713) 622-5998
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AGES
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TIMES
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DAYS
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4-6
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8:15 A.M. - 9:00 A.M.
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Monday-Thursday
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7-10
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9:00 A.M. - 10:00 A.M.
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Monday-Thursday
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11-18
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10:00 A.M. - 11:15 A.M.
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Monday-Thursday
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AFTERNOON YOUTH TENNIS CLASSES:
Locations:
Bendwood, 12700 Kimberley, 77024; (832) 395-7561
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AGES
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TIMES
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DAYS
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4-6
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4:15 P.M. - 5:00 P.M.
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Monday-Thursday
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7-10
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5:00 P.M. - 6:00 P.M.
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Monday-Thursday
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11-18
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6:00 P.M. - 7:15 P.M.
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Monday-Thursday
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FITNESS CENTERS:
Memorial Park Fitness Center:
Ages: 18 and Older (Minors *anyone 14-17 years old and younger* MUST be accompanied by an adult or guardian)
Program Dates: Year Round
Hours: 6:00 A.M. - 8:00 P.M., Monday- Friday
8:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M., Saturday
8:00 A.M. - 12:00 P.M., Sunday
Location: 6402 Arnot, 77007
(832) 395- 7596
FITNESS CLASSES:
Ages: 18 and older
Registration: Ongoing
Program Dates: Year Round
Location: River Oaks, 3600 Locke Lane, 77027; (713) 622-5998
Integral Tai Chi: Tuesdays and Thursday. 6:00 P.M. - 8:00 P.M.
Yoga: Wednesdays, 6:00 P.M. - 7:00 P.M.
Integral Tai Chi: Saturdays, 9:30 A.M. - 11:30 A.M.
ADULT WALKING CLUBS:
River Oaks, 3600 Locke Lane, 77027 (713) 622- 5998
Monday- Friday, 5:00 P.M. - 6:00 P.M.
PARK TRAILS
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TRAIL
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LOCATION
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TYPE
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MILES
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Briarbend
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7926 Woodway
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Granite
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.20
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Grady
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1700 Yorktown
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Granite
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.20
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River Oaks
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3600 Locke Lane
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Granite
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.25
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Tanglewood
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5801 Woodway
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Concrete
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.20
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Waldemar
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11700 Waldemar
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Asphalt
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.19
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Wiess
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100 N. Post Oak Lane
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Granite
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.70
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SWIMMING POOLS:
Locations: Memorial, 6402 Arnot 77007; (713) 862-1426
** all public pools will be closed on Mondays throughout the summer.
Ages: Open to all ages
Registration: Daily sign-in required
Fee: FREE
Program Dates: May 28-May 30,
June 4- Aug 12
Summer Schedule: Tuesday- Sunday
1:00 P.M. - 8:00 P.M.
July 4 Schedule: Monday- 1:00 P.M. - 5:00 P.M.
NEIGHBORHOOD TENNIS COURTS
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PARK
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LOCATION
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NUMBER
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LIGHTS
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WALL
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Bendwood
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12700 Kimberley
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2
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Yes
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1
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Grady
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1700 Yorktown
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1
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Yes
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River Oaks
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3600 Locke Lane
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4
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No
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Tanglewood
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5801 Woodway
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2
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Yes
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GOLF COURSES:
Memorial Park: 1001 Memorial Loop, 77007
Yardage: 7309, Par: 72
Hours: Dawn- 1:00 P.M.
Fees:
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Junior (Monday- Thursday Only)
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$10.00
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Senior/ Disabled (Monday- Thursday)
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$15.00
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Monday- Thursday
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$30.00
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Friday- Saturday & Holidays
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$38.00
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Monday- Thursday Twilight
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$21.00
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Friday- Sunday Holiday Twilight
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$28.00
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Reminder: 24 Hour Pothole Initiative Continues
Please continue reporting Potholes to 311. Remember that a "pothole" under this initiative is any road condition smaller than 5 feet by 5 feet (the size of a mattress). Road conditions that fit this description will be repaired in 24 hours or less. If the road condition is larger than this description, or for one reason or another cannot be repaired in 24 hours, it will be added to a prioritized list and repaired at a later date. The Administration reports that since January 4, 2016, 96% of all citizen-reported potholes have been fixed by the next business day.
Four ways to report potholes (or other requests for city services) to 3-1-1:
(3) Phone: 713-837-0311 (or 3-1-1)
(4) Smartphone: download the mobile app from the site above (or from the Apple App site or the Google Play site) the and use it to report matters directly to the City of Houston
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