Dear Residents,
This week, Houston City Council approved the City’s $5.1 billion Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 operating budget in a 16 – 1 vote that took place on Wednesday. At-Large 1 Council Member Mike Knox was the only City Council Member to vote in opposition to the FY 2022 operating budget. This year’s budget process had increased participation by the public through our virtual budget workshops and a productive dialogue throughout the four-day budget workshop process. At-Large 5 Council Member Sallie Alcorn did a tremendous job for the second year in a row with her “Your 2¢” budget survey, which I believe increased interest from the public.
The FY 2022 operating budget prioritizes city services, includes funding for police and fire cadet classes, a commitment to improving neighborhoods, addresses homelessness and encampments, and increases the response to illegal dumping. This year’s budget is balanced and includes an 18 percent pay raise over three years for Houston firefighters, however before City Council voted, the Houston fire union announced a plan to ask voters to approve a charter amendment for binding arbitration. The firefighter pay raise will go into effect on July 1, 2021.
The City of Houston continues to be ready to negotiate with the firefighters’ union, utilizing collective bargaining, which is the same process utilized for HOPE, the municipal employee union, and for the Houston Police Officers’ Union. Also included in the City’s budget is an increase in the number of police officers, police reforms, and continuing funding for the City’s core services.
Like many municipalities, the City of Houston faced a record revenue loss due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The city estimated a cumulative revenue loss of $178 million across FY 2020, FY 2021, and a portion of FY 2022.
At the time Mayor Sylvester Turner was proposing the budget he said "Sales tax is one of our hardest-hit sources with an expected $113 million cumulative loss for those fiscal years. Additionally, we are projecting $65 million in revenue losses from other sources such as Charges for Services, Parking Revenues, Mixed Beverage Tax, and others."
Due to COVID-19 and the city's existing property tax revenue cap, the loss of revenue has created a $201 million budget shortfall in the General Fund – the largest deficit in recent city history. The City of Houston and our residents continue to be resilient and challenge adversity head-on. I continue to remain committed to the needs of District E and plan to focus on infrastructure improvements for mobility and flood threat reduction over the next fiscal year.
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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Second Dose: Sagemont Church Annex Vaccination Clinic |
The Kroger across Beltway 8 from the Sagemont Church Annex will be reaching out to residents that took part in the May 8th vaccine clinic to schedule an appointment for their 2nd dose. If for some reason a resident was not contacted to schedule their second dose, they can contact the Kroger Pharmacy at 281-484-3294. |
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Lake Houston Spillway (Flood Gates)
Project Community Meeting
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Mayor Pro Tem Dave Martin would like to make Lake Houston residents aware that on July 8th there will be a community meeting to provide updates on the Lake Houston Spillway Project. The community will be held at the Kingwood Community Center with doors opening at 5:00 p.m. and the program starting at 6:00 p.m. There will also be tables set up for residents to engage with project team members.
Mayor Pro Tem Dave Martin, Houston Public Works, and Coastal Water Authority have been working together under the direction of Chief Recovery Officer Stephen Costello to plan this public forum to discuss the progress of the project.
As updates for this meeting become available, the District E Office will notify residents utilizing the office newsletter and social media platforms. If you do not already, please follow @cmdavemartin on Twitter and like Mayor Pro Tem Martin's Facebook Page.
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The purpose of the Lake Houston Safety Plan is to provide both Lake Houston residents and visiting recreational users to Lake Houston with information that will prepare them to better identify their location on the lake and how to best report a lake incident to 9-1-1.
The "Know Your Zone" map was created through collaboration with the Houston Fire Department, Houston Police Department, Houston Planning Department, Houston Office of Emergency Management, Houston Emergency Center, and the Houston Public Works Department. This safety plan launched April 1, 2021.
Mayor Pro Tem Dave Martin is proud this safety plan is already making a positive impact, in early April 2021 a caller reported a kayaker in trouble on the Lake and knew they were located in the Orange zone. First responders reached the kayaker in trouble, wearing a life jacket, pulled them and their boat out of the lake within twenty minutes.
The District E Office is actively working with communities on the lake to distribute this information. Numerous boat and lake safety resources to increase public safety this summer are available by visiting www.houstontx.gov/knowyourzones. Please use the resources found on that site to print your own maps, share with neighbors, post on social media and #knowyourzone.
Should you like to request a presentation for your group (HOA, Civic Club etc.) or receive resources directly please email the District E Office at [email protected].
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Collins Aerospace Joins Houston Spaceport |
Mayor Pro Tem Martin is excited to welcome Collins Aerospace to the Houston Spaceport as one of the anchor tenants of every expanding facility. The new development will include Houston’s first incubator supporting spaceflight.
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Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD)
Projects Status Updates
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Forest Cove Townhomes
HCFCD completed the demolition of another set of townhomes on Marina Drive on May 26. The townhome buildings are demolished once every unit for a given building are bought out. With the demolition of this building, there are three buildings remaining.
On January 9, 2021, Harris County Commissioners Court approved a mandatory acquisition (declared a public necessity) for the 7 remaining townhomes in Forest Cove, and on February 9, they mailed initial offer letters based on the completed appraisals to the owners of these remaining townhomes.
The process moving forward is 30 days after the initial offer letter is sent, a second – and final – offer letter will be sent. For those who do not respond by 60 days after the final offer, their file(s) will be sent to the County Attorney’s office to schedule a hearing with the special commissioners for condemnation. HCFCD is scheduling demolition as they complete the acquisition of entire building units.
In the meantime, HCFCD is conducting regular cleanups of the properties. City of Houston Solid Waste plans to assist with the cleanup by clearing illegal dumping within the City of Houston Right-of-Way. Mayor Pro Tem Martin continues to work closely with HPD-Kingwood, County Commissioner Precinct 4 Jack Cagle, and Harris County Constable Precinct 4 Mark Herman to increase presence in the area to deter illegal dumping or any other illegal activity.
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SB1160
Creation of the Gulf Coast Protection District
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Senator Larry Taylor: District 11, authored and submitted SB1160, with companion bill HB3029 authored by Representative Dennis Paul, to the 87th Texas Legislature, relating to the creation of the Gulf Coast Protection District, which would oversee construction and maintenance of the Texas Coastal Spine. The district would act as a local agency working with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to build the dunes, sea gates and levees proposed for the barrier system. The district would be able to levy a new property tax, with voter approval, across five counties that would be protected by the barrier system.
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Houston Parks and Libraries Reopening |
The Houston Parks and Recreation Department is currently implementing phased reopenings of parks facilities. Outside sports courts, as well as youth and meal programs, are open to the public. Beginning earlier this week, multiple inside recreation spaces reopened with restrictions in place. This includes weight and fitness rooms, dining halls, and senior activity centers.
Along with these indoor and outdoor spaces, various programs including the Summer Enrichment Program and the Summer Food Service Program plan to restart operations on June 14th at several community centers. Starting in July, assorted outdoor spaces will increase capacity to 100%. Full details may be found here.
Houston Public Libraries (HPL) plans on expanding its services and hours to eleven Neighborhood Libraries at limited capacity. HPL continues to offer Technology Access, interview rooms, and to-go curbside service by appointment only. After requesting an appointment for these services, pandemic precautions are still taken upon arrival. Safety and social distancing measures, as well as temperature screening and a visit to the hand sanitizer stations, are required when entering an HPL location.
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Lake Houston Maintenance Program Legislation – HB 2525/SB 1892
Mayor Pro Tem Martin worked diligently with State Representative Huberty and Senator Creighton to get HB 2525/SB 1892 passed to establish the first ever long-range plan for the dredging and maintenance of Lake Houston. The District would have allowed for sediment and floatable debris to be removed throughout the year, which would improve capacity and flow through the river and lake year-round. Despite HB 2525’s success in the House both bills failed to receive a hearing in the Senate Local Government Committee.
However, our office was delivered news the Texas Water Development Board will be awarding an additional $50 million for removing accumulated siltation and sediment deposits throughout the West/East Forks of the San Jacinto River and Lake Houston, with particular attention to the many inlets, coves, and tributaries around the reservoir. This work is critical to prevent future flooding and preserving the capacity of this vital asset.
I want to give a special “Thank You” to State Representative Huberty and State Senator Brandon Creighton for their tireless efforts in representing their constituents Also, I want to thank the City of Houston Government Relations team, Bill Kelly, and his incredible staff for their tremendous work throughout this legislative session. Lastly, I want to thank my colleagues on City Council for their support during the regular session on this issue and especially Mayor Turner.
Ongoing Dredging Operations
The City of Houston, through its contractor, DRC Emergency Services, LLC (DRC), performed mechanical dredging of the mouth bar throughout last year. DRC currently completing the scope of work for dredging activities in two distinct phases.
Phase I
The first phase removed accumulated materials near and at the mouth bar on the West Fork of the San Jacinto River. During phase one of this project, it is expected that a minimum of 400,000 cubic yards (CY) of material will be removed. To date, DRC has removed approximately 395,000 cubic yards of material from the mouth bar and is 99% complete. Prior to completing the last strip of the mouth bar, DRC dredged in the area immediately north of it. DRC removed approximately 260,000 CY from this area and is now working to dredge the last strip of the mouth bar at the West Fork as they transition to Phase II.
Phase II
The second phase of dredging focuses on removing accumulated materials in the East Fork of the San Jacinto River and other locations in Lake Houston. DRC completed part of their assignment in the East Fork in January, clearing floatable debris. DRC will begin dredging in the East Fork this month, weather permitting.
The grant funding for Phase I & II was made possible thanks to State Representative Huberty through the passage of Senate Bill 500.
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Lake Houston Spillway (Flood Gates) Project Status Update |
Since August 2019 the City of Houston and Coastal Water Authority have been hard at work on Phase I of the Lake Houston Spillway Dam Improvement Project (Flood Gates).
The final preliminary engineering report is expected in the coming weeks as the project nears the end of Phase I. The City of Houston has submitted the cost-benefit analysis to FEMA and is working to address the comments received from FEMA before resubmitting. The project will move from Phase I to Phase II once the final Cost-Benefit Analysis is submitted to FEMA along with the preliminary engineering report, environmental surveys, and drainage analysis. Upon approval from FEMA the additional funds provided to the state of Texas for this project will be made available for reimbursement to the City for commencement on Phase II construction. The two phases of the Lake Houston Spillway Dam Improvement Project are expected to be completed within 36 months, with the possibility of an extension if needed.
Houston Public Works and Coastal Water Authority are working together under the direction of Chief Recovery Officer Stephen Costello to plan a public forum to discuss the progress of the gates in the next few months. As updates for this project become available the District E Office will notify residents utilizing the office newsletter and social media platforms. If you do not already, please follow @cmdavemartin on Twitter and like Mayor Pro Tem Martin's Facebook Page.
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Northeast Water Purification Plant Public Meeting |
On Tuesday, May 25, staff from Mayor Pro Tem Martin's office attended the Northeast Water Purification Plant (NEWPP) Expansion Project Virtual Public Meeting.
Construction is nearing completion on the new intake pump station. The pump intake station is a key aspect of the project that is be located approximately 900 feet from the shore of Lake Houston. The intake station includes underwater screens, pumping, and conveyance to withdraw water from the lake and then deliver it to the treatment facilities.
Crews still need to install exterior doors, panels, and louvres which direct lights at the intake station downward to prevent light pollution into nearby residential areas. Once the primary construction is finished, crews will install and begin testing six intake pumps. The pumps that will be installed have undergone extensive acoustic modeling to ensure they will not cause any sound pollution for residents in the area.
The project team also expects to complete construction on the administration building and maintenance building before the end of the year.
Currently, the water plant is capable of treating 80 million gallons of water per day; the two-phase expansion project will increase that capacity to 400 million gallons per day. Phase 1, on which construction began in July 2019, will add a capacity of 80 million gallons per day by January 2023, while Phase 2 will add the remaining 240 million gallons per day by July 2025. The entire project is slated to be finalized by September 2025
NEWPP's main goal is to be a good neighbor and keep residents informed of upcoming work in the area. The District E Office encourages residents to address questions or concerns by calling 281-520-3777 or visiting www.greaterhoustonwater.com where you can also sign up for notifications regarding the next public meeting.
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The Police Transparency Hub includes five dashboards that more easily allow community members to access data, policies and other information related to Cite and Release, Use of Force, Traffic Stops, HPD Disciplinary Actions, and HPD Employee Diversity. The data will be updated every month.
To file a complaint, the online transparency hub allows members of the public to upload photos and videos and include other information about the encounter with a police officer. The form also allows users to file complaints anonymously and is available in English, Chinese, Vietnamese, Spanish, French, and Arabic.
In April, Mayor Turner announced plans to implement recommendations submitted by the Mayor’s Task Force on Policing Reform, including procedures on how the public can file complaints and access vital information about HPD.
The newly created Office of Policing Reform and Accountability, led by Deputy Inspector General Crystal Okorafor, will oversee the investigation of online complaints along with complaints from the Independent Police Oversight Board (IPOB).
An individual may file a complaint directly online or with community organizations including, but not limited to, the NAACP, LULAC, Anti-Defamation League, Islamic Society of Greater Houston, Mayor’s Office of People with Disabilities, and the Mayor’s LGBTQ Task Force. The various community organizations will forward the complaints to the Office of Policing Reform and Accountability.
The Deputy OIG will accept complaints in person and by mail at the following locations.
PHYSICAL ADDRESS:
Office of Policing Reform and Accountability
900 Bagby, 4th Floor
Houston, TX 77002
PHONE: 832.393.6772
MAILING ADDRESS:
City of Houston
Office of Policing Reform and Accountability
P.O. Box 368
Houston, TX 77001-0368
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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 testing sites here.
As of Monday, March 29, 2021, everyone age 16 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 16 and older.
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District E and the City of Houston are working hard to prepare for the 2021 Hurricane Season. Earlier this year, Houston Urban Forestry identified trees for removal, based upon declining health and danger, along the major thoroughfares in Kingwood. The Dangerous Tree Removal Program started in November and has completed W Lake Houston Parkway and Northpark Drive with a small stretch of Kingwood Drive remaining. The cost of this project is $50,678 and funds are provided through Mayor Pro Tem Martin's Council District Service Funds.
The trees being marked for removal are dead, extremely unhealthy, and/or the most dangerous. Work order(s) will then be generated by block then issued to the City's contractor, Prime Trees, to schedule removal of the dead and most dangerous trees. Prime Trees is working along Kingwood Drive is currently near Valley Manor Drive and working towards W Lake Houston Parkway in the coming week. Weather delays in May pushed the completion date back from June 1 to Wednesday, June 9, weather permitting.
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 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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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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