With the temperature forecasted to drop into the 40s and 50s for the next several days, the Houston Fire Department urges citizens to be careful and follow some simple safety tips when using space heaters, fireplaces and other supplemental heating sources.

Citizens should always keep in mind that: Space Heaters Need Space. The Houston Fire Department recommends the following safety tips when using supplemental heating sources:

• Make sure you have a working smoke alarm and a working carbon monoxide alarm if you use gas or a fireplace (including a wood-burning fireplace) for your heating.
• Never leave children unattended in a room with a space heater.
• Children may also stick paper or toys in the grates of the space heaters especially gas space heaters.
• Keep all combustible materials, including yourself at least 3 feet from the heater.
• Open face heaters should have a screen.
• Provide ventilation to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning*

Vented Gas / Fired Heating Appliances Tips - Central heating units, floor furnaces, recessed wall heaters, and vented space heaters.

• Inspect annually by a qualified service technician.
• Do not use these type units without a proper vent pipe. Vent pipes must exhaust to the outside!
• If your flame is not blue, it is not burning properly. It is producing Carbon Monoxide, which can't be seen, smelled or tasted. Turn it off.
• Use flexible metal tubing with threaded ends to connect the heater to the gas valve. There should be a cutoff valve for the heater at the wall. Never use a rubber hose to connect a space heater to the gas valve!
• Use soapy water to check all connections and valves for leaks. NEVER use a match to test for a gas leak!
• Look for the American Gas Association label and follow the manufacturer's recommendations for proper usage.

Electric Heaters Tips

• Never overload outlets or breakers
• Don't use extension cords for the heater. If the cord is hot to the touch, turn off the heater and unplug it!
• Electric heaters permanently installed in the wall or ceiling should have lint and dust removed regularly.

Just like a space heater, keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from a fireplace, and create a three-foot “kid-free zone” around open fires.

• Make sure the fireplace has a sturdy screen to stop sparks from flying into the room
• Never leave a fireplace fire unattended, particularly when children are present.
• Ashes should be cool before putting them in a metal container and kept at a safe distance from your home.
• Make sure you open your fireplace flue, if applicable.

Carbon Monoxide

• Carbon Monoxide is a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas that can kill you before you are even aware of it.
• Carbon Monoxide can cause headaches, nausea, dizziness, disorientation and fatigue, often mistaken for the flu.
• Have a working carbon monoxide alarm if you use gas appliances and/or a fireplace (gas and wood-burning).
• When your carbon monoxide alarm sounds, ventilate the house with fresh air by opening windows and doors.

On Thursday, November 7th, District E staff was honored to attend the Hope Village Fashion Show Fundraiser. The event raised crucial funds for Hope Village, a non-profit organization that provides residential homes and day programs for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the Houston area.

Since its founding in 1970, Hope Village has been supported by generous donations from individuals, corporations, and charitable foundations. This fundraising event plays a vital role in keeping tuition for the Villagers—residents and day program participants—affordable. The audience enjoyed a memorable fashion show, featuring both the Villagers of Hope Village and local community celebrities, along with a variety of vendors and a silent auction.

On Friday, November 8th, District E staff attended the Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce’s Salute to Military and First Responders Luncheon on Friday, November 8th, in partnership with Landry's Kemah Boardwalk. This event kicked off the Salute to Military and First Responders weekend at the Kemah Boardwalk and was free for Veterans and First Responders.

The event featured powerful speakers, including Staff Sgt. Eliu Rojas from Children of Fallen Soldiers, Veteran and Seabrook City Councilman Rob Hefner with S.E.R.V.E., and U.S. Coast Guard Veteran Jake Trione. They discussed crucial topics such as the integration of veterans into the business community and the mental health challenges faced by veterans and first responders transitioning to civilian life. The event also featured a National Anthem flag presentation by the Clear Lake High School JROTC Color Guard.

Council Member Flickinger would like District E residents to know how anyone experiencing an unusually high water bill can have their concern investigated. It is important to understand all water bill issues are handled on a case-by-case basis as no two addresses are the same and water usage changes month to month, which is why it is crucial to report these issues to Houston 3-1-1 by calling (713) 837-0311.

If you believe your water bill is incorrect it is important to contact Houston 3-1-1 (713-837-0311) first. After residents have called Houston 3-1-1 a unique service request number is generated, which triggers an investigation. Once you receive your service request number after calling Houston 3-1-1, please send your service request number along with your most recent water bill to our office at districte@houstontx.gov for the District E office to monitor. Please keep in mind a Houston 3-1-1 report needs to be submitted each time an issue occurs.

The City of Houston has established a “Consumption Awareness Program” for residents to use which alerts homeowners as soon as usage at your address increases. To register for that program, sign up here. You can also estimate your upcoming bills by using this calculator.

It is important for residents to use Houston 3-1-1, as this is the only way for the City of Houston to know a problem exists. Additionally, the District E office compiles information and can identify a trend, based on 3-1-1 reports. Based on historical information most cases investigated show increased usage by customers.

When leaks are investigated and discovered to be on the private side of the meter a one-time leak adjustment can be submitted. If you do find a leak and would like to submit a one-time leak adjustment you may use this form (once a year). Please continue to pay your bill until your form is approved/denied.

If you do experience unexplained usage over 200% of the average usage you may submit an “unusually large bill application” (once a year). It is important in this instance as well, to continue to pay your bill until your form is approved/denied.

Keep in mind, leaks may not always present as gushing water, sometimes it is an area of your yard that appears greener than the rest, or a running toilet in a part of your home you don’t use often. I encourage you to please visit the City of Houston Water website for tips on how to find a leaking toilet, how to test for a leaking toilet, and tips on in-home conservation.

For more information, please contact our office by calling (832) 393-3008 or emailing DistrictE@houstontx.gov.

On Thursday, November 14th, District E staff was excited to attend the Houston Airport System and Southwest Airlines' celebration of the West Concourse expansion at Hobby Airport

The event featured remarks from Houston Airport System Director Jim Szczesniak, representatives from Southwest Airlines, and key project leaders. This $470 million expansion project aims to to enhance passenger experience by modernizing the West Concourse, adding seven new gates, an advanced baggage-handling system, additional baggage claim carousels, and an overhead canopy along the departure curb to protect passengers from inclement weather while connecting the terminal to the parking garage. 

Attendees were also presented with a rendering showcasing the innovative design and vision for the completed expansion.

On Friday, November 15th, Council Member Flickinger attended both the Texas A&M Space Institute groundbreaking and the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership Breakfast. The day began with a breakfast hosted by the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership, featuring speeches from Vanessa Wyche, Director of NASA's Johnson Space Center, and Dr. Robert Ambrose, Associate Director of the Texas A&M Space Institute. They provided an overview of the project and its anticipated impact on both NASA Johnson Space Center and the surrounding community.

Following the breakfast, Council Member Flickinger and his staff traveled to NASA Johnson Space Center for the groundbreaking ceremony of the new facility. After hearing from representatives of Texas A&M University and NASA Johnson Space Center about the building's innovative features and significance, the crowd witnessed the ceremonial planting of the Texas A&M flag to mark the official start of the project.

A Tortoise Reunion: In a truly unique case, BARC welcomed an unexpected guest in November—a 100-pound tortoise! Found wandering in the Kingwood area, this gentle giant, affectionately nicknamed Mr. Madison, was brought to BARC by Animal Enforcement. It’s not every day they see a tortoise of this size, and they immediately suspected he was a beloved pet.

Thanks to the community’s help and a bit of sleuthing, BARC reunited Mr. Madison with his family—a local high school teacher near where he was found! After his brief adventure, he’s now safely back home, much to the delight of his family and students. This story highlights the importance of spreading the word about lost pets, no matter the species!

On Tuesday, November 19th, Council Member Flickinger presented a proclamation to San Jacinto College and the Houston Area Apprenticeship Advisory Committee in recognition of National Apprenticeship Week. Founded in 2015, the committee has grown from three community colleges and two industry partners to include eight community colleges, two universities, and 17 registered apprenticeship companies.

The number of apprenticeships in Texas has doubled since 2015, with about 30,000 apprentices in 900 statewide programs. The committee's goals include increasing apprenticeships, inspiring K-12 students, and linking registered apprenticeships with community college courses. The National Apprenticeship Week Seminar highlighted these efforts, by featuring panels from various industries, apprentices, and community colleges.

Arlington Heights Area Drainage Improvements - Subproject 1 includes the design and construction of stormwater drainage, water and wastewater lines, paving, sidewalks, driveways, curbs, wheelchair ramps, permanent signs, pavement markings, and streetlights. In addition, necessary utility upgrades will be made. A proposed 12” water line will be constructed primarily using trenchless construction along E. Edgebrook Drive, from east of the Harris County Flood Control District to S. Shaver Street, with only minor paving restorations.

Project Update as of 11/25/2024:

• The contractor will begin work on stormwater pipes along Ravenhead, enhancing drainage and reducing flooding risk.
• The completion of all driveways and sidewalks along Parkcrest is imminent, improving access and walkability in the area.
• Landscaping will begin along Coronation (from Parkcrest) and on the west side of Parkcrest (from Parliament to Princess), adding beauty and greenery to these key areas.

We truly appreciate your continued patience and support as we work to improve your community. The project remains on track for completion by Spring 2026, and we’re excited to provide further updates along the way!

For more information about Arlington Heights Area Drainage Improvement - Subproject 1, please visit Engage Houston at https://www.engagehouston.org/arlington-heights-1.

Arlington Heights Area Subproject 2 is in the final design stages, with construction scheduled to begin in Fall 2025 and expected to be completed by Spring 2027.

For more information about Arlington Heights Area Drainage Improvement - Subproject 2, please visit Engage Houston at https://www.engagehouston.org/arlington-heights-2.

Council Member Fred Flickinger would like to provide an update to Kingwood area residents on the progress of the drainage improvements project on Chestnut Ridge. The project is approximately 50% complete. The scope of the project includes ditch regrading, culvert replacement (with driveway reconstruction where needed), and the installation of underground stormwater lines and inlets. The total cost of the project is $1.6 million, funded through the dedicated drainage and street renewal capital fund.

The project is expected to be completed by Sunday, March 30, 2025, weather permitting. Construction activities will take place Monday through Friday, from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., with no planned impacts to the sanitary sewer system. However, minor water line adjustments will be required during the work, and residents will be notified 72 hours in advance of any water outages. As construction progresses, please be aware of flagmen and orange traffic cones in place to manage traffic flow through the construction zone, which may require occasional lane closures. While residents will have access to their driveways and sidewalks at all times, they may experience increased noise levels due to trucks and equipment in the area. Thank you for your patience as we work to improve the drainage system in your neighborhood. 

Council Member Flickinger participated in the City Wide Club's 46th Annual Thanksgiving Super Feast on Thanksgiving Day, an event dedicated to supporting those facing food insecurity. The event provided a warm holiday meal along with food distributions that included frozen turkeys, hams, chickens, canned goods, baked goods, bread, and other non-perishable items.

This initiative plays a vital role in ensuring that individuals and families in the community can enjoy a Thanksgiving meal and have access to essential food for the holiday season.

On Wednesday, November 20th, District E staff was eager to attended the Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce General Membership Luncheon. The event featured guest speaker Jake Trione, owner of Trifitness, who highlighted the significance of physical and mental health in the workplace.

This luncheon was particularly special as Shari Sweeney, Vice President of the Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce, was surprised with a heartfelt celebration marking her 30th anniversary with the Chamber. A tribute video showcasing her journey over the years was shown, and a proclamation from the City of Houston was presented in recognition of her incredible contributions to the Clear Lake community over the past three decades, as well as the lasting impact she will continue to make in the future.

Phase II for the Lake Houston Dam Spillway Improvement Project is underway. Phase II includes the final design engineering and construction of eleven gates being built into the existing embankment on the east side of the Lake Houston Dam Spillway. Building the new gate structure in the east embankment removes the high-construction risk of modifying the existing gate structure. It also allows continued use of the existing gate structure during construction. Each gate will be 20 ft x 20 ft and release approximately 7,100 cubic feet of water per second (cfs) per gate when fully open. The combined total water release of all 11 gates will be approximately 79,000 cfs.

The current timeline is to have the final design and construction plans completed by December 2025, bid and award the contract for construction in 2026, and begin construction by Q4 2026/Q1 2027. The District E office continues to sit on bi-weekly coordination meetings for this project.

On Monday, November 11th, District E was honored to present a proclamation to the University of Houston-Clear Lake in recognition of their Veterans' Day Celebration. The event featured speeches from the University’s President, Student Body President, and Vice President of Student Affairs. A highlight of the ceremony was the poignant address by a Congressional Medal of Honor recipient and Vietnam War veteran, who shared his deeply moving personal story.

The University of Houston-Clear Lake further honored the occasion with a solemn acknowledgment of fallen soldiers and a moment of silence. To conclude the celebration, a video was shown, highlighting the faculty and student veterans working and attending UHCL.

TIRZ 10/Lake Houston Redevelopment Authority (LHRA) is making progress on Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the Northpark Drive Project. Phase 2, which will expand Northpark Drive from four to six lanes, replace bridges, and add a 90-acre-foot detention basin, is moving forward with land surveys, right-of-way acquisitions, and easement preparations. 

In Phase 1, construction activities include: 

• Storm sewer crews setting 6×5 RCB and junction boxes on the westbound access road. 
• Waterline crews transferring services to the City of Houston waterline. 
• Dirt crews working on the railroad ROW and LP 494 to prepare for paving transitions. 
• Paving crews preparing to pour the left turn lane at Russell Palmer on December 10th and continuing work in front of PNC Bank.

Kingwood area residents should stay on the lookout for updates regarding Union Pacific Railroad crews coming to do major construction on the crossings at Knox Road and then Northpark Drive. UnionPacific (UP) Railroad will install new crossing signals in the area beginning in January. Their crew will start at Knox Road north of Northpark and work their way south. The exact date for Northpark is unknown because it’s unclear how long the Knox intersection will take. There will be press releases, social media posts, and traffic message boards sharing those dates and what to expect as soon as details are known. With that being said, major construction will slow down during the Christmas week to minimize disruptions.

As a reminder, the next TIRZ Board meeting will be held on Thursday, December 12 at 8:00 AM at the Kingwood Community Center. Every TIRZ Board meeting is open to the public. Visit the LHRA website for more information on the Northpark Drive Overpass Project and view the 2024 Board of Directors Calendar.