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January 7, 2022 Issue 108 |
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Dear Residents,
Happy 2022 everyone! The kick-off of the New Year has been a good one so far, we are preparing for a busy year in District E as we continue to monitor the impact of COVID-19 while maintaining focus on public safety and improving infrastructure. This year will be filled up with increasing access to COVID-19 resources for District E residents, with the opening of testing sites in the Kingwood and Clear Lake Areas. The Kingwood Community Center has been identified as a City of Houston “Mega” site for the month of January, while we finalize a second “Mega” site location in Clear Lake that is more centrally located, we hope to have those details for distribution shortly. There is currently a regular COVID-19 testing site in Clear Lake at the University of Houston Clear Lake Campus. Here is a direct link to all City of Houston testing sites with hours of operation. To learn more about COVID-19 Services and Resources visit the Houston Health Department’s website.
Additionally, I have ramped up several local crime initiatives working closely with the Houston Police Department’s Kingwood, Clear Lake, and East Side divisions. In total, the District E HPD Divisions have been provided with over $200,000 for increased patrol initiatives as well as targeted crime suppression activities. These initiatives should assist in increasing presence in District E as well as the deterrence of criminal activity. It is encouraged for residents to report incidents as they see them, “See Something, Say Something” and that can be done by calling the City of Houston’s non-Emergency, in the event of non-life-threatening incidents, at (713) 884-3131. In the event of a life-threatening event, residents should always call 9-1-1.
Resident attendance at local Houston Police Department “Positive Interaction Program” meetings is also highly encouraged. Those meetings usually take place once a month. These meetings provide residents the opportunity to meet the police officers patrolling the streets daily, get updates on crime statistics, learn about area crime initiatives, and create a more open dialogue with our police force learning more about how the Houston Police Department is making a difference in your area.
HPD - Clear Lake Division usually meets on the 3rd Tuesday of the Month
**CURRENTLY MEETING VIRTUALLY VIA ZOOM**
Coordinating Officer: Officer Richard Buitron
Contact Officer Buitron for a Zoom Link
HPD - Kingwood Division meets on the 3rd Tuesday of the Month
**CURRENTLY MEETING VIRTUALLY VIA ZOOM**
Coordinating Officers: Officer Ayah Nichols and Officer Jesse Morales
Contact Officer Nichols or Officer Morales for a Zoom Link
HPD - East Side Division meets on the 3rd Monday of the Month
**CURRENTLY MEETING VIRTUALLY VIA ZOOM**
Coordinating Officer: Officer Eloy Cardenas
Contact Officer Cardenas for a Zoom Link
HPD – Northeast Division meets on the 3rd Wednesday of the Month
**CURRENTLY MEETING VIRTUALLY VIA ZOOM**
Coordinating Officer: Officer Kenneth Miles
Contact Officer Miles for a Zoom Link
Policing is not the only component of public safety, which is why this year you will continue to see infrastructure projects throughout the community in the form of concrete panel replacements and asphalt overlays, to improve drivability within the community. Additional projects will be announced, in advance, through our office by press release and those press releases can be found online here as well as posted on my Facebook Page. The most recent completed panel replacements were completed on West Lake Houston Parkway and the most recent asphalt overlay was completed on Uvalde Rd. I think we can all agree that these improvements are greatly needed and that there is no good time for lanes closures, however, they are necessary and the crews conducting the repairs do not have a say in their schedule. I encourage you all to please be courteous drivers, obey signs, and flagmen when entering construction zones as this will help our crews stay on schedule.
Looking forward to a great 2022, please stay safe, and healthy. Lastly, to make you all aware the District E Office will be closed on Monday, January 17, in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
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
Dustin Hodges
North Sector Manager
Mark Mitchell
South Sector Manager
City Resources
Kingwood Community Center
(281) 348-2570
Community Resources
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Mega Covid Testing Sites Open |
This week the City opened two more locations for testing, the Kingwood Community Center parking lot began operating as a mega testing site from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday throughout the month of January. The site opens at 9:00 a.m. and will have a daily capacity of 800 tests. Appointments are not required.
Kingwood Community Center
4102 Rustic Woods, Kingwood, TX 77345
January 6, 2022, through January 31, 2022
Mondays through Saturdays
9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
University of Houston - Clear Lake (City Partnership with Curative)
2700 Bay Area Blvd, TX 77058
Open Daily
8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
There are additional testing sites throughout the City open to the public for free testing. You may see a comprehensive list of those sites by visiting the City's COVID-19 information website here.
Should you wish to make an appointment, appointment registration is available by phone:
- Age 60 and older (Area Agency on Aging): 832-393-4301.
- People with disabilities (Aging and Disability Resource Center): 832-393-5500.
- Additional assistance (COVID-19 Call Center): 832-393-4220.
People can learn about new appointment opportunities through email, text message, voice call, or mobile app push notification by registering for the HoustonRecovers subscription of AlertHouston at AlertHouston.org.
Additionally, the Harris County Area Agency on Aging offers free COVID-19 in-home testing. To qualify, you must reside in Harris County. Call 832-393-4301 or 800-213-8471 for more information.
The Texas Department of State Health Services has created an interactive map to assist in locating COVID-19 Vaccine Providers within your community. Additionally, their website has more resources related to the Texas Plan for the COVID-19 Vaccine.
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City of Houston Street Rehab Initiative
Scheduled in South Belt / Ellington
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Houston Public Works will begin a street rehabilitation project on Monday, January 10th, beginning on Farley Road. The scope of work includes rehabbing the asphalt streets of Farley Road, Hillard Street, and Fairchild Street. The cost of the project is $392,000 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.
Crews will be mobilized on-site beginning Monday, January 10th and the project is anticipated to be completed in 3 weeks, weather permitting. Construction activities are expected to take place Monday through Saturday from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 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. Crews will work with residents to minimize disruptions in deliveries, but delivery trucks may need to park on an undisturbed portion of the street.
For more information, please contact Mayor Pro Tem Dave Martin's office at (832) 393-3008 or districte@houstontx.gov.
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Harris County Flood Control District
Projects Status Updates
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Forest Cove Townhomes:
HCFCD will be demolishing another set of townhomes of the Forest Cove Townhome complex. The townhome buildings are demolished once every unit for a given building is bought out. Out of 80+ individually owned units, the Flood Control District has purchased all but 2. With the demolition of this building, there are two buildings remaining.
Kingwood Diversion Ditch:
The Flood Control District’s goal for this project is to ultimately provide a 100- year level of service to the Kingwood Diversion Ditch and alleviate some of the flood risks along Bens Branch.
The project is currently in the Preliminary Engineering stage and has completed boundary and topographic survey field activities a month ahead of schedule. Fieldwork for the geotechnical and environmental analyses is anticipated to be completed later this month. Once the fieldwork has been completed, the Hydrology & Hydraulics analysis will begin.
The Flood Control District expects to be finished with Preliminary Engineering by Summer 2022 and will then move into Design. If all goes according to plan, the project will be in Construction within 3 years from now. You can find more information by visiting the Kingwood Diversion Ditch project website.
Taylor Gully:
The Flood Control District's goal for this project is to ultimately provide a 100- year level of service to Taylor Gully. The City of Houston has secured partnership funding for the construction of this project from the Texas Water Development Board. The project team has begun the Preliminary Engineering stage activities that include survey work and various assessments to establish baseline conditions.
The Taylor Gully project will also look at the Woodridge property the Flood Control District purchased in Montgomery County as a potential location for mitigation for impacts created by increasing the stormwater carrying capacity of Taylor Gully.
To get things moving along at the Woodridge property, Excavation and Removal (E&R) activities will be underway as soon as the E&R plans are finalized. The Flood Control District expects to be finished with Preliminary Engineering by Summer 2022 and will then move into Design. If all goes according to plan, the project will be in Construction within 3 years from now. You can find more information by visiting the Taylor Gully project website.
The Flood Control District is planning to hold a virtual community engagement meeting this Spring regarding both projects.
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Clear Lake City Water Authority Drainage Improvements |
Clear Lake City Water Authority will be performing some much-needed drainage improvements in the Clear Lake Area. To improve drainage within the Meadowgreen subdivision, the Clear Lake City Water Authority will be installing a new 48-inch storm sewer system trunk line installed along the opposite side of Peermont Street from the existing 30-inch storm sewer trunk line.
A new 60-inch storm sewer outfall will be installed through the property at 15410 Peermont Street and a 35-foot-wide extreme event overflow swale will also be installed through the lot at 15410 Peermont Street. The proposed storm sewer consists of approximately 1,225 linear feet of 48-inch and 60-inch storm sewer pipe and upsized inlets. The proposed and existing sewer systems will be connected by two equalizer pipes.
The proposed storm sewer system improvements will help mitigate flooding during future rain events, such as the 100-year and 500-year storm events. If you have any questions, please reach out to the Clear Lake City Water Authority at their website, or find them on social media.
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BARC, Houston PetSet Announce Free Spay/Neuter Services Launching January 9, 2022 |
This partnership, funded by the City of Houston, is available to Houston residents only. To find out if you're eligible, please click this link and enter your address before registering: https://bit.ly/HoustonSpayNeuter.
Services will include spay or neuter surgeries for owned cats or dogs, routine vaccinations, and a microchip. These services are available to City of Houston residents only. Verify eligibility here: https://bit.ly/3quRTOn
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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 visit https://www.clearlakearea.com/.
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City of Houston Street Rehab Initiative Completed |
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Houston Public Works recently completed a street rehab project that started in September. The project included 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 was $920,000 and 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.
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Update - 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 was anticipated to be completed by Monday, December 20, weather permitting. Due to the Holidays, this project is slightly behind schedule but should conclude within the next few weeks.
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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City of Houston Street Rehab Initiative
Scheduled in South Belt / Ellington
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Houston Public Works will begin a street rehabilitation project on Monday, January 31st, beginning on 2nd Street. The scope of work includes rehabbing the asphalt streets of Conklin Lane, 2nd Street, and McGowan Street. The cost of the project is $280,000 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.
Crews will be mobilized on-site beginning Monday, January 31st and the project is anticipated to be completed in 4 weeks, weather permitting. Construction activities are expected to take place Monday through Saturday from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 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.
For more information, please contact Mayor Pro Tem Dave Martin's office at (832) 393-3008 or districte@houstontx.gov.
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Completed - Northshore Street Rehabilitation Initiative |
Houston Public Works began this street rehabilitation project on November 8th, beginning on Grand Oaks Drive. The scope of work included rehabbing the concrete streets of Grand Oaks Drive, Joliet Street, Halifax Street, and Fawn Drive. The cost of the project is $720,000 and was funded through the Dedicated Drainage and Street Renewal Fund. The project was a result of Mayor Turner's Street Rehab Initiative that was launched in September 2020.
The project ran smoothly and was completed ahead of schedule at the end of December 2021.
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West Lake Houston Parkway
Panel Replacements Underway
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Houston Public Works started 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 was anticipated to be completed by Monday, December 27. However, due to a combination of inclement weather, and covid-related staffing shortages completion is now anticipated by Friday, January 14th, weather permitting. Construction activities are expected to take place Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 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
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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 the 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 which allows residents to find and follow upcoming and ongoing Houston 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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