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September 4, 2020 Issue 93
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Dear Residents of District E,
While I know we are all thankful to have dodged the impact of Hurricane Laura what we have learned from this close call is that it is important to take every storm seriously, always preparing for the worst. Our Texas neighbors to the east and our friends in Louisiana are not as fortunate today. In response to their needs, the City of Houston has created the Hurricane Laura Relief Fund.
The Mayor's Health Equity Task Force is working with Kroger President Joe Kelly, Gallery Furniture owner Jim McIngcale, and the Relief Gang to coordinate "Houston's Paying it Forward". All donated items will be sent to our friends in Port Arthur, Orange and Beaumont Texas as well as Sulphur and Lake Charles Louisiana. The relief effort is accepting donations in person and online through Thursday, September 10th.
People may drop-off donations at the George R. Brown Convention Center (Hall D) and Gallery Furniture from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Kroger Stores will also have collection boxes at each of their Houston locations. For more information on requested supplies and how to donate please visit: www.houstontx.gov/laura-fund.html.
This close call with Hurricane Laura has renewed the sense of urgency with our federal partners, many may have heard Senator John Cornyn address the need for storm surge protection on the Texas Coast during a late August press conference hosted by Governor Abbott arm in arm with Senator Ted Cruz, Congressman Brian Babin, and Congressman Randy Weber. Currently, the City of Houston is working closely with the Bay Area Coastal Protection Alliance and Mayor of Morgan's Point, Michele Bechtel, to proactively complete a study to design and develop a set of financing options for meeting the federal funding requirements. This study will evaluate financing needs for new coastal protections across the Houston Galveston region while supporting additional resiliency improvements by capturing insurance benefits. I have dedicated $25,000 from my Council District Service Fund to assist in financing this study which is integral in the success of a coastal protection system.
In additional to storm surge protection along the Texas Coastline, the City of Houston is reaching the end of Phase One for the Lake Houston Spillway Dam Gate Improvement Project. The City of Houston at the conclusion of Phase One will submit our findings to the Federal Emergency Management Agency for evaluation and approval before funding for Phase Two, construction, can be issued. Equally as supportive as our federal partners on the southside of District E, Congressman Dan Crenshaw's efforts to bring attention and funding to the Lake Houston Area for the Lake Houston Spillway Dam Gate Improvement Project. Congressman Crenshaw has been fighting for the residents of the Lake Houston area at every turn, in regard to increasing protections for life and property in our area and I could not be more thankful to have a representative of Crenshaw's caliber in our corner.
It is these strong partnerships with our federal representatives and the Texas Spirit which make these projects more than just designs. Working together across all jurisdictions of government will bring these projects to fruition. In the near future we will be the City's District of Gates from North to South, adding gates to Lake Houston as well as gates being added to Galveston Bay to protect lives and property across our vast City. I look forward to the completion of these major projects and the peace of mind and protection these projects will bring.
In observance of Labor Day, Monday, September 7, 2020, the District E Office will be closed. As always, it is a pleasure to represent you. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to serve as your District Council Member.
Dave Martin
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The District E Office
900 Bagby, First Floor
Houston, TX 77002
Contact Information
Phone: (832) 393-3008
Fax: (832) 393-3279
District E Team
Jessica Beemer
Chief of Staff
Katherine Cunningham
Deputy Chief of Staff
Dustin Hodges
North Sector Manager
Mark Mitchell
South Sector Manager
City of Houston Contacts
(713) 837-0311
Mayor's Citizens
Assistance Office
(832) 393-0955
Kingwood Community Center
(281) 348-2570
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Solid Waste Collection Schedule for Labor Day Holiday
Monday, September 7, 2020 (Labor Day)
CITY HOLIDAY: NO COLLECTION SERVICES. All SWMD, offices and facilities including the Neighborhood Depositories, Westpark Recycling Center and Reuse Warehouse will be closed.
Tuesday, September 8, 2020
Monday's Garbage, A-Week Curbside Recycling, Yard Waste, 1st Monday and 2nd Tuesday's Tree Waste collected today. Neighborhood Depositories remain closed. Westpark, Reuse Warehouse re-open.
Wednesday, September 9, 2020
Tuesday's Garbage, A-Week Curbside Recycling, Yard Waste and Wednesday Tree Waste collected. Neighborhood Depositories re-open.
Thursday, September 10, 2020
Normal schedule resumes.
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Lake Houston Spillway Dam Maintenance Project nearing Completion
Houston Public Works has completed the Lake Houston Dam Maintenance project. This project began in May 2019 and was completed on August 21. The estimated cost of construction was $10 million and was funded through Coastal Water Authority's (CWA) Special Equity funds, designated specifically for City of Houston infrastructure improvements. No funds from the City of Houston budget were used on this project.
The Lake Houston Spillway Dam Rehabilitation Project provides increased stability to the dam through the installation of a new reinforced concrete training wall. This project also includes partial demolition of a splitter wall, which is the device used to break up the flow of water over the spillway. Contractors with Thalle Construction Company built new concrete anchor blocks at the bottom of the training wall and elevated the Ogee and Stilling pool weirs by seven feet, altering the water flow from the spillway.
Throughout this project, property owners endured varying levels on Lake Houston for over a year. We are incredibly grateful for the patience exhibited by property owners over this period of time. The rehabilitation project objectives of raising the elevation of two downstream weirs and improving hydraulic outflows were successfully completed. CWA has transitioned back to the normal gate operations protocol and management of the Lake at the normal pool water surface elevation of 42.5 feet has resumed.
The Lake will be allowed to refill itself over the next few months through future rain events. Please keep in mind fluctuations in lake level can be attributed to evaporation, which we are highly susceptible to during hot summer days. Evaporation rates can occur up to .5 inches per day and in months without rain evaporation can result in lake level loss of one foot.
It is important to not, this maintenance project does not include construction of additional gates on the Lake Houston Spillway Dam. The Lake Houston Dam Spillway Gate Improvement Project, which does seek to add flood gates to the Lake Houston Spillway Dam is nearing completion of phase one. Phase one includes Hydrology and Hydraulic modeling, engineering analysis, permit acquisition, project drawings and completions of project documents. It is expected for phase one to be submitted to FEMA for review later this year.
Mayor Pro Tem Martin has worked diligently with federal partners to secure support for the Lake Houston Dam Spillway Gate Improvement Project. This much needed resiliency project would not be possible without the active support of Congressman Dan Crenshaw.
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Update: Ike Dike
The Coastal Barrier project is reaching a critical planning milestone this fall. The United States Army Corp of Engineers will issue a final report on the Texas Coastal Study to be submitted for Congressional Approval and funding for the detailed design and construction of the Coastal Barrier.
The revised gate configuration will include two 650-foot navigation gates separated by an island in the middle, providing two-way vessel traffic between the Gulf of Mexico and Galveston Bay. A combination of vertical lift gates and shallow water environmental gates will make up the remainder of the gate structure that will span the distance between Galveston Island Bolivar Peninsula. For more information about the Coastal Texas Study please visit https://coastalstudy.texas.gov/.
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Space Center Boulevard Panel Replacement
Earlier this week the District E Office announce an asphalt removal and concrete panel replacement project on Space Center Boulevard between Greenwood Oaks Drive and Oak Chase Drive. Houston Public Works is scheduled to begin the project on Monday, September 9, 2020. Work is expected to finish by September 23, 2020. This project will cost $17,000.00 and is funded using Mayor Pro Tem Martin's Council District Service Funds (CDSF).
Crews will be on site working Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Saturdays from 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The map below shows the project limits outlined in red. Construction will not impact any water or sewer services.
As a result of the construction activities, please be aware of flagmen and orange traffic cones will be put in place on site to help with traffic flow through the construction zone as temporary lane closures are expected.
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West Lake Houston Parkway Bridge Repairs Underway
Houston Public Works is conducting the final repair project on the West Lake Houston Parkway Bridge which began Monday, August 3. The project consists of repairing bents 25-28 underneath the bridge. The cost of the project is $4,385,197 and will be funded through the Dedicated Drainage and Street Renewal Fund. The contractor for the project is NBG Contracting, Inc. The work is expected to be completed by Saturday, January 9, 2021 weather permitting.
Work began Monday, August 3, at 7:00 a.m. by closing of the outer lanes of the bridge. Two-way traffic will be maintained on the inner lanes. Construction activities are expected to take place Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Crews will occasionally work Sunday at 5:00 p.m. through Monday at 5:00 a.m. This will occur when work requires closure of one side of the bridge. During these occasional work hours, pedestrian sidewalks along both sides of the bridge will be barricaded and closed for safety.
Please be aware of flagmen and orange traffic cones in place on-site assisting with traffic flow through the construction zone. All lanes of the bridge and pedestrian sidewalks will reopen following the completion of the project on Saturday, January 9, weather permitting.
This project follows the completion of repairs done by Houston Public Works this spring and the temporary repairs last October after three bearing pads slipped from their concrete beams. The work completed this month are the final repairs needed for the bridge to ensure the longevity of the infrastructure.
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Crooker Moody Park Improvements
Thanks to resident reports made to the District E Office Mayor Pro Tem Martin in conjunction with the Houston Police and Houston Parks and Recreation Department completed worked together to improve park safety.
As a result of this collaboration Mayor Pro Tem Martin utilized his Council District Service Fund to purchase new bollards which were installed to create a more secure perimeter for the park. Additionally, a new park rules sign has been installed to remind park goers of operating hours and proper park safety protocols.
The installation of these improvements to the Crooker Moody Park were completed this August. Crooker Moody Park is located at 400 Westmont in the Northshore area.
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Sherwood Trails Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation Update
Houston Public Works began a sanitary sewer rehabilitation project in Sherwood Trails on Monday, March 9. The purpose of the project is to improve flow and maintain community property. A trenchless method is being used to minimize excavation at the construction site.
The rehabilitation of the sanitary sewer lines will be done through Sliplining and Pipe Bursting Methods. Pipe bursting is a trenchless method of replacing buried pipelines (such as sewer, water, or natural gas pipes) without the need for a traditional construction trench. An expanding device called an expander head, which may be either pneumatic or hydraulic is, introduced into the defective pipeline through a launching pit. As it travels through the pipeline toward the receiving pit it breaks the pipe into many small pieces, pushing the pieces into the surrounding soil. New pipe is attached to the back of the expander head, replacing the line immediately.
So far, crews have completed approx. 18,398 linear feet of 8" pipe bursting on Hermitage Hollow Lane, Tinechester Drive, Shadbury Court, Friarwood Trail, Stagdon Drive, Meandering Trail, Sherwood Hollow Lane, Chanay Lane, Sweet Gum Trail, Longleaf Pines Lane and Foliage Green Lane. Crews have completed all 4,895 linear feet of 21" CIPP. The project is 66% complete and is expected to be complete in early 2021.
Construction activities are expected to take place 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.; Monday-Thursday. The contractor will be placing door hangers on each door at least 48 hours prior to construction beginning on the respective street. These door hangers contain important information about what to expect when construction does take place on your street. Residents are encouraged to take before and after photos of their property if it is impacted by the project. As a result of the construction activities, please be aware of flagmen and orange traffic cones that will be put in place on site to help with traffic flow through the construction zone as temporary lane closures are expected. Residents may experience an increase in noise levels due to trucks and equipment in the area.
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Exxon Mobil Pipeline
In early September ExxonMobil Pipeline Company will begin a new pipeline installation on the Webster to Baytown Line as well as repair activities on existing pupelines in select locations across southern portion of District E.
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Mouth Bar Dredging Update
In January, the City of Houston issued a Notice To Proceed (NTP) for debris removal services, specifically large silt deposits, at the confluence of the West Fork of the San Jacinto River and Lake Houston, commonly referred to as the "mouth bar". The City of Houston, through its contractor DRC Emergency Services, LLC (DRC), began mechanical dredging of the mouth bar in January. The total cost for this project is $40 million, which is funded through a combination of City of Houston Harvey Disaster dollars provided by Governor Greg Abbott, grant dollars from the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB), and funding from the Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD) Bond Program.
DRC is invoicing the City of Houston in accordance with rates established and approved by the city to include final disposal. DRC must comply with all terms and provisions established by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) relative to disaster debris collections, temporary storage, and final disposal. The grant application for this project was submitted to the TWDB by Harris County Engineer, John Blount. Harris County is collaborating closely with HCFCD, the San Jacinto River Authority (SJRA), and the City of Houston on this crucial project.
DRC is completing the scope of work for dredging activities in two distinct phases. The first phase will remove accumulated materials near and at the mouth bar on the West Fork of the San Jacinto River, and the second phase will remove accumulated materials in the East Fork of the San Jacinto River and other locations in Lake Houston. During phase one of this project it is expected that a minimum of 400,000 cubic yards (CY) of material will be removed over twelve months. To date, DRC has removed approximately 289,549 cubic yards of material.
Phase two of the project will consist of: 1) Harris County completing hydrographic surveys of the West Fork of the San Jacinto River, the East Fork of the San Jacinto River, and Lake Houston to determine dredge material volumes 2) the City of Houston advertising and awarding a dredging contract to the lowest responsive bidder 3) Harris County designating the City of Houston as a sub-recipient for the cost of the dredging contract. Phase two will run simultaneously with Phase One to expedite our activity. Additionally, during phase two of the project City of Houston, Harris County, HCFCD, SJRA, and Coastal Water Authority (CWA) will develop and execute a plan for the City of Houston or CWA to assume long-term dredging operations on Lake Houston. This work effort will include determining funding for the dredging operations in perpetuity. This phased approach will obligate the full grant funding before the 87th legislative session in 2021. This grant funding was made possible thanks to State Representative Dan Huberty (District 127) through the passage of Senate Bill 500 . Mayor Pro Tem Martin, again, would like to offer a very special "Thank You" to State Representative Dan Huberty for his commitment to seeing this project through and his dedication to the long-term maintenance activities on Lake Houston. Representative Huberty has been a champion for his residents and a great ally in seeing these additional dredging efforts come to fruition.
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I-45 Homeless Encampment Cleanup
The Houston Police Department Clear Lake Division and South East Differential Response Team (DRT) Units are working alongside The City of Houston's Solid Waste Management COVID-19 Cleaning Unit to perform weekly underpass cleanups along the Interstate 45 corridor.
The weekly cleanups will be from Monroe Road to El Dorado Boulevard. On July 23, 2020, this team removed approximately 3.53 tons (7060lbs.) of trash and debris from the homeless encampments. Additional cleanups have been completed at I45 and Uvalde along with requests for assistance to complete a clean up behind the Fitness Connection located on Gulf Freeway.
These cleanups will continue to occur along the I45 corridor on a rotational basis. Mayor Pro Tem Martin extends his thanks to those working on the front lines to help the cleanup during the ongoing pandemic.
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Woodland Ridge, Forest Shores, and Golf Course Lift Station Force Main Replacement Projects
Houston Public Works is conducting a Force Main Renewal and Replacement Project for the Woodland Ridge, Forest Shores and Golf Course Lift Stations. All three projects consist of replacing the wastewater force mains that run towards the respective lift stations. Woodland Ridge project runs along Kingwood Drive from West Lake Houston Parkway to Forest Garden Drive. The Forest Shores project runs from Woodland Hills Drive to Forest Shores Drive. The Golf Course Project stretches from Valley Manor Drive to Laurel Trail Drive and down Pine Bend Drive. Please see project maps below for a better understanding of the project limits for each area.
Crews began work Monday, May 11 on the Woodland Ridge portion of the project with expected completion on Friday, September 11. Construction activities are expected to take place Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. The Golf Course lift station improvements began more recently on July 20 with expected completion by Friday, March 19, 2021, weather permitting. Construction activities for the Golf Course lift station improvements are expected to take place Monday through Saturday, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. The Forest Shores lift station improvements began July 2 and is now completed.
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Northshore Community Visioning Meeting
Northshore residents, Harris County and Precinct 2 invite you to join the virtual Community Visioning Session Thursday, September 10, 2020 at 6:30 p.m. Come and share your dreams, visions and goals for the Northshore community.
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El Dorado Expansion Median Swale Survey
The outcome of the El Dorado Swale Survey resulted in 80% opposition with over 1,500 responses received from the community. We very much appreciate participation from residents in this survey. As a result of this strong show of opposition Mayor Pro Tem Martin submitted a letter of opposition to Mayor Sylvester Turner, City Public Works Director Carol Haddock, and Harris County Precinct 2. The El Dorado Expansion project will NOT include a median swale.
The detention for this project is being revised to include in-ground detention utilizing underground reinforced concrete pipe, which will have increased capacity, to maintain the additional impervious surface created by the roadway expansion.
This detention facility does come with an increased cost of $700,000 but Mayor Pro Tem Martin has already identified a funding source which will cover approximately $585,000 and the Mayor's Office has agreed to assist in further funding the in-ground detention. Currently, the in-ground detention is fully funded and we are awaiting revisions to the project plan and timeline.
The in-ground detention option keeps within the community aesthetics and Mayor Pro Tem is thankful for the assistance from District E residents as well as they Mayor's Office and their support of this alternative solution. Once the project plans have been finalized our office will provide an update in an upcoming newsletter. |
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Houston Health Department leading antibody testing survey to better understand the spread of COVID-19 in Houston
The Houston Health Department is collaborating with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Rice University, and Baylor College of Medicine to conduct an antibody testing survey to understand how many people in the city were previously infected with the virus that causes COVID-19.
The survey will identify people infected in the past with COVID-19 by the presence of antibodies, proteins the body's immune system makes to fight infections. Antibody testing does not replace oral or nasal swab viral testing that looks for current infection.
Teams consisting of Houston Health Department staff and Houston Fire Department paramedics will visit randomly selected homes across Houston, asking household members to answer survey questions and provide a blood sample. Phase one is set to take place Sept. 8-24, with phase two starting in the winter of 2021.
As COVID-19 cases in Houston soared in July, the health department launched its
Better. Together. campaign, encouraging Houstonians to work together to stop the spread of the virus, particularly in hard-hit, vulnerable communities. During the first month of the campaign, Houston's COVID-19 positivity rate dropped from 20% to 7.8%
Only homes approached by the teams are eligible to participate, and participation is voluntary. The teams will be identifiable by their
Better. Together. shirts.
Rice University's Kinder Institute for Urban Research is providing communication and outreach support for the survey.
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Applications Being Accepted for the Youth Police Advisory Council
The Houston Police Department is inviting Houston area high school students to apply for the 2020-2021 Youth Police Advisory Council (YPAC).
Students will address issues affecting youth and the community, participate in community service projects and attend youth leadership conferences throughout the state. Additionally, the YPAC meets regularly with Chief of Police Art Acevedo and other top HPD officials.
YPAC members are required to meet five times during the school year at the HPD Edward A. Thomas Building at 1200 Travis in downtown Houston.
Applications are available online. The deadline to apply is Monday, October 5, 2020.
For more information, visit https://www.houstontx.gov/police/vip/ypac.htm, email
rhonda.holmes@houstonpolice.org or call Ms. Holmes at 713-308-3200.
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9/11 Heroes Run
The 9/11 Heroes Run 5kwelcomes virtual runners, ruckers, and walkers of all levels and of all ages. This is an annual event which, due to COVID, will primarily take place virtually all over the world, on or near September 11th. It is the perfect opportunity for families and individuals in your community to honor local veterans, their families, and first responders by running wherever the participant feels safest.
Founded in honor of 1st Lieutenant Travis Manion, who gave his life while serving in Iraq in 2009, the Travis Manion Foundation (TMF) assists American veterans and the families of the fallen in addition to organizing a number of charitable initiatives including the 9/11 Heroes Run.
Anyone interested in participating virtually can register online here. The 9/11 Heroes Run is more than the race, there are opportunities to become a foundation ambassador. TMF's Character Does Matter Program provides veterans and their families with an opportunity to inspire young adults to develop their leadership skills, live with character, and call them to serve within their communities in honor of fallen heroes. For more information on the foundation click here. |
The Alliance Center for Literacy and Advancement Leads to Stable Employment
The COVID-19 outbreak has caused the loss of jobs and closure of many businesses which may never return even after the pandemic subsides. At the same time, employers continue to struggle to find qualified workers to fill opportunities in Transportation, Construction, Health, and Child Care. To learn more about how enroll and quickly prepare for a stable, well-paid job in one of these high-demand industries, email The Alliance at info@thealliancetx.org or see the website at https://thealliancetx.org/ and click on "PROGRAM CENTERS". The Alliance through its Center for Literacy and Advancement is offering no cost training to qualified individuals for high-demand occupations including: - Certified Nurse Aide (CNA)
- Commercial Truck Driver (CTD)
- Home Based Child Care Provider (HBCC)
- Electrocardiogram Technician (EKG)
- Basic Electrical Technician (BET)
- Phlebotomy Technician (PHLEB)
- Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning Technician (HVAC)
English as a Second Language (ESL) classes are offered concurrently with training to support successful completion of these programs by students with limited English proficiency. High School Equivalency preparation classes are also available. Occupational Training Program completers choosing to be self-employed and start their own businesses can take advantage of The Alliance's entrepreneurship support opportunities like: - Micro Loans
- Vehicle Down Payment
- Matched Savings
- Credit Building
Classes are conducted mainly online with a live instructor and include online after class coaching to help students stay focused and assist them with setting and reaching their training and employment goals. The Alliance is a nonprofit organization that has been creating opportunities for immigrants, refugees, and underserved residents in Houston for more than thirty-five (35) years. |
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