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December 3, 2021 Issue 107 |
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Dear Residents,
I hope each of you had a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving and had the opportunity to be with family and friends. As 2021 draws to a close, I reflect on many blessings we experienced over the last 12 months. I can't help but be grateful for the opportunity to serve the City of Houston and the residents of District E.
I am grateful to have met the people I have, to work daily with my colleagues around the council table, and to be involved in the many exciting projects and developments underway across the district. I am so proud of all the hard work, dedication, and growth our Houston Spaceport in Clear Lake has experienced this year. I am so happy to see all the road improvements projects that have been completed across District E, and I am excited to see even more road improvement projects that are still to come.
From Kingwood to Clear Lake, there are multiple developments in the works that will enhance the quality of life for residents and generate a significant economic impact, not only on District E but the city as a whole. We look forward to bringing more news about these projects and developments after the first of the new year.
It is with a heavy heart that I wish Katherine Cunningham, my Deputy Chief of Staff and member of the District E Office team for the past 6 years, a fond farewell as she moves onto the next chapter of her career. Kat has found an opportunity that she just cannot pass up and will move her closer to family. We wish her well and will miss her greatly.
Lastly, I want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas. Please note that our council office will be closed on Friday, December 24, Christmas Eve for my staff to spend time with their families. We will be anxiously waiting to respond to your calls and emails when we return to the office on January 4.
Sincerely,
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Mayor Pro Dave Martin
900 Bagby, First Floor
Houston, TX 77002
Phone: (832) 393-3008
The 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 Resources
Kingwood Community Center
(281) 348-2570
Community Resources
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Desilting Under Kingwood Bridges |
Houston Public Works maintenance crews are performing desilting under certain bridges in Kingwood. This work is being funded through the City's general maintenance and operation funds.
Crews have now completed work on the Kingwood Drive Bridge over the Diversion Ditch and the Kingwood Drive Bridge over Bens Branch. The scope of work included removing accumulated silt and sediment from underneath the bridge and in the immediate vicinity of the bridge apron.
Houston Public Works will now focus on the Northpark Drive Bridge over Kingwood Diversion Ditch and Tree Lane Bridge over Bens Branch. Work underneath these bridges should commence within the next month or two.
All of these bridges are being addressed in conjunction with Harris County Flood Control District to complement their recent desilting efforts on Bens Branch and Kingwood Diversion Ditch. Other bridges in addition to the ones mentioned are being investigated for desilting as well and our office will provide updates as information becomes available.
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Intuitive Machines Lunar Operations Center Groundbreaking |
On December 2, District E office staff had the opportunity to attend the groundbreaking ceremony for Intuitive Machines, one of the anchor tenants of the Houston Spaceport, on their Lunar Operations Center.
Intuitive Machines plans to land on the Lunar surface in the first quarter of 2022, utilizing their NOVA-C Lunar Lander, that was designed and built at their current facilities at the Houston Spaceport.
For more information on the NOVA-C Lunar Lander and other Intuitive Machines projects, visit their website, and remember to follow Intuitive Machines on social media.
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Lakeshore Elementary SPARK Park Dedication |
Mayor Pro Tem Martin had the privilege of attending the dedication of the Lakeshore Elementary SPARK Park. The SPARK School Park Program works with schools and neighborhoods to develop community parks on public school grounds. The school staff and students put together an excellent program celebrating the SPARK Park.
Mayor Pro Tem Martin provided $10,000 out of Council District Service Funds to help fund the park. This SPARK Park was possible thanks to the help of Humble Independent School District, Lakeshore Elementary PTO, Lakeshore Elementary staff, and many others!
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Oak Meadow Park 50/50 Park Partners Community Listening Session |
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Residents are invited to attend a Community Listening Session about Oak Meadow Park, which will be held at the Forest Oaks Baptist Church, 1845 Forest Oaks Dr, Houston, TX 77017.
Oak Meadow Park is part of Mayor Turner's 50/50 Park Partners initiative. Led by the Office of the Mayor, Houston Parks & Recreation Department, Greater Houston Partnership, and Houston Parks Board, 50/50 Park Partners is improving Houston’s neighborhoods, one park at a time.
The heart of 50/50 Park Partners is the creation of long-term relationships for sustained impact between businesses, communities, and parks, improving the quality of life for Houstonians for decades to come.
During the listening session, we will discuss the existing conditions of the park, future safety improvements, and hope to hear the community's priorities for this park.
To RSVP, please visit our Community Listening Sessions page and click "Oak Meadow Park Community Listening Session." You will be asked to fill out a quick form on Eventbrite.
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Cyberonics Street Rehabilitation - Completed |
Houston Public Works completed the Cyberonics Boulevard rehabilitation project on October 20, 2021, almost one full month ahead of schedule. The scope of work included rehabbing the concrete street of Cyberonics Boulevard from Space Center Boulevard to Moonrock Drive. The project cost $114,080 and was funded through the Dedicated Drainage and Street Renewal Fund, a product of Mayor Turner's Street Rehab Initiative that was launched in September 2020. |
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Proclamations Presented at
HCA Healthcare-Kingwood
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Mayor Pro Tem Martin, visited HCA Healthcare-Kingwood to proclaim November 17, 2021, as HCA Houston Healthcare Kingwood Security Department Day in District E. This day was to honor the security staff who protect the personnel and property rights of HCA Healthcare's patients, visitors, and employees. I am grateful to have such an excellent healthcare facility in our wonderful community. |
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The Epicurean Evening highlights the most outstanding food establishments in Clear Lake/Bay Area Houston. It is a Thursday night party!! Tickets include food samples from over 40 booths, and 2 beer coupons from guests 21 yrs. and older. For more information on the event please vist https://www.clearlakearea.com/.
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City of Houston Street Rehab Initiative Underway in Kingwood |
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Houston Public Works began a street rehabilitation project on Tuesday, September 7, starting on Forest Way.
The scope of work includes rehabbing the concrete streets of Forest Way, Royal Forest Drive, Rockmead Drive, Stonehollow Drive, Green Oak Drive, and Chestnut Ridge Road north of Kingwood Drive.
The cost of the project is $920,000 and is funded through the Dedicated Drainage and Street Renewal Fund. The project is a product of Mayor Turner's Street Rehab Initiative that was launched in September 2020. The initiative will focus on extending the life of existing infrastructure by rehabilitating street surfaces, fixing curbs, storm drains and bringing ramps up to accessibility standards.
Crews were mobilized on-site beginning Tuesday, September 7 and the project is anticipated to be completed by Wednesday, December 29, weather permitting. Construction activities are expected to take place Monday through Saturday from 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
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 the project may require a one-lane closure. Two-way traffic will be maintained at all times. Businesses and residents will have access to driveways and sidewalks at all times and may experience an increase in noise levels due to trucks and equipment in the area.
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Uvalde Road Asphalt Overlay Replacement |
Houston Public Works started an asphalt replacement project on Uvalde Road in late November 2021. The scope of work includes the removal and replacement of the asphalt overlay on Uvalde Road between Emporia Street to Duluth Street. The cost of the project is $177,000.00 and is funded through Mayor Pro Tem Martin's Council District Service Funds.
The project is anticipated to be completed by Monday, December 20, weather permitting. Construction activities are expected to take place Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and on Saturdays from 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
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 the project will require a one-lane closure. Two-way traffic will be maintained at all times. Businesses and residents will have access to driveways and sidewalks at all times and may experience an increase in noise levels due to trucks and equipment in the area.
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Update - Northshore Street Rehabilitation Initiative |
Houston Public Works began this street rehabilitation project on November 8th, beginning on Grand Oaks Drive. The scope of work includes rehabbing the concrete streets of Grand Oaks Drive, Joliet Street, Halifax Street, and Fawn Drive. The cost of the project is $720,000 and is funded through the Dedicated Drainage and Street Renewal Fund. The project is a result of Mayor Turner's Street Rehab Initiative that was launched in September 2020.
The project has been running smoothly and is anticipated to be completed by the begining of January, weather permitting. Construction activities are expected to take place Monday through Saturday from 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
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 the project may require a one-lane closure. Two-way traffic will be maintained at all times.
Businesses and residents will have access to driveways and sidewalks at all times and may experience an increase in noise levels due to trucks and equipment in the area. Please be aware, if an excavation is to be poured with concrete the next morning, the Contractor will work with affected residents to advise them to park on the street in the event the driveway apron is not accessible. Crews will work with residents to minimize disruptions in deliveries, but delivery trucks may need to park on an undisturbed portion of the street.
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West Lake Houston Parkway Panel Replacement Scheduled |
Houston Public Works will start panel replacements on W Lake Houston Pkwy on Monday, December 6. The scope of work includes replacing damaged concrete panels along the north and southbound lanes of W Lake Houston Parkway from Kingwood Drive to Magnolia Cove Drive. The cost of the project is $38,200 and is funded through District E Council District Service Funds.
The project is anticipated to be completed by Monday, December 27, weather permitting. Construction activities are expected to take place Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and on Saturdays from 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
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 the project may require a one-lane closure. Two-way traffic will be maintained at all times. Businesses and residents will have access to driveways and sidewalks at all times and may experience an increase in noise levels due to trucks and equipment in the area.
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Solid Waste Management Department
Launches HTX Collects Mobile App
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The Houston Solid Waste Management Department has launched HTX Collects, a mobile app that will allow residents to stay better connected with the City’s waste and recycling collection programs.
The Solid Waste Management Department collects curbside service for over 395,000 residential homes within the city limits. With both garbage (black can) and recycling (green can) as the core operations for curbside collections, the mobile app will help residents keep track of weekly services, updates, and collection delays.
HTX Collects, will include collection reminders for garbage, recycling, yard waste and tree/junk waste specific to their service address. The mobile app will also send a reminder to residents of their collection days.
Residents can find and download the mobile app for Apple and Android devices via the Apple App Store or Google Play Store by searching for the keywords Houston Trash and Recycling. We encourage residents to use the following features of the new app:
Collection Calendar: Trash, Recycling, Yard Waste, Junk/Tree Waste services. Set reminders and receive alerts via email, push notifications, and phone call.
Waste Wizard: Searchable solid waste directory, curbside services, and drop-off location information.
Waste Sorting Game: Fun, interactive educational tool to engage, challenge and change recycling behavior.
Those who do not have an Apple or Android device can visit our website HoustonRecycles.org and search their home address in the My Schedule tool. They can also:
- Sign up to receive waste collection reminders by email or phone call.
- Download their collection schedule into their iCal, Google calendar, or Microsoft Outlook calendar.
- Print their personalized collection schedule.
- Residents can also search the Waste Wizard on HoustonRecycles.org to learn how to recycle or dispose of materials properly.
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Houston TranStar Roadway Flood Warning System |
Even though Hurricane Season is over, Houston Transtar Roadway Flood Warning System is always available at traffic.houstontranstar.org or through the Houston TranStar App for any heavy rains that might pop-up in our area. Don't forget to follow Houston TranStar on Facebook and Twitter. Remember to always be weather ready. |
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The John Garrison Scholarship |
Shell FCU will be awarding scholarships to 20 lucky 2022 graduating seniors. The scholarship is easy to fill out and a simple way to earn some cash to pay for college. You are eligible to apply if you meet the following criteria:
- Must own or establish a Shell FCU savings account in applicant’s name.
- Account must be in good standing with a minimum $5.00 balance.
- Planning to attend an accredited two-year or four-year college, university or vocational-technical school in the United States.
- Must be a graduating high school senior in the 2021-2022 school year.
If you meet these requirements, then you can apply! The John Garrison Scholarship awards were established in 2000 in memory of John Garrison, a dedicated member of the Shell Federal Credit Union Board of Directors. Mr. Garrison served on the Board for over 50 years as a volunteer; his vision and volunteer spirit is still an inspiration for us all. Our hope is that applicants will embrace that same spirit and carry it forward into their own careers and beyond. Submit completed application online or return completed application and required documentation to any Shell FCU location or mail to P.O Box 578 Deer Park TX, 77536, ATTN: Marketing and must be postmarked by Saturday, January 15, 2022.
Click here for more information and to apply online. |
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HFD Safety Tips for Heating Devices |
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 fire place (gas and wood-burning).
- When your carbon monoxide alarm sounds, ventilate the house with fresh air by opening windows and doors.
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Houston Public Works Engage Houston Website |
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Houston Public Works has launched a new website ENGAGEHOUSTON.ORG wich allows resdients to find and follow upcoming and ongoing Houton Public Works projects in their area. Residents can signup to receive updates on specific projects, and leave questions and comments about a project, for City Engineers to answer. |
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COVID-19 Testing and Vaccine Information |
Residents should continue frequent hand washing, social distancing, and wearing masks. Find free, fast, and safe COVID-19 testing sites here.
As of Monday, May 10, 2021, everyone age 12 and older is now eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine in Texas. The state’s Expert Vaccine Allocation Panel recommended opening vaccination to everyone who falls under the current Food and Drug Administration emergency use authorizations. All vaccines are authorized for people age 18 and older. The Pfizer vaccine is authorized for people 12 and older.
Booster doses are now available for people in certain groups who received two doses of the Pfizer vaccine at least six months ago. All COVID-19 vaccines continue to provide strong protection for most people, but a booster shot can help strengthen protection against severe disease in populations whose immunity may have started to wane and who are at higher risk of exposure to COVID-19 or complications from severe disease. While boosters will help protect people in these groups, the key to ending the pandemic and preventing future surges remains more people getting their first and second doses.
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See a pothole, report it by calling (713) 837-0311 or use a Smartphone App.
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Get the latest on COVID-19 including locations of active testing sites can be found here.
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Tune in to HTV Houston to watch live and recorded City Council and Committee Meetings.
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