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November 5, 2021 Issue 106 |
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Dear Residents,
As we enter the busy holiday season, I would like to provide some public safety reminders that should help keep you and your families safe this holiday season.
Holiday Safety Tips:
- When decorating, minimize fire hazards by not overloading outlets.
- If you are choosing to purchase holiday plants make sure they are out of your pet's reach as some holiday plants may be poisonous (poinsettias).
- In preparation for Christmas if you choose a fresh tree make sure to remember to water it daily as a dry tree creates a fire hazard.
- In a world where we are constantly posting our travels, think twice before posting when you’ll be out of town as it advertises your home will be empty.
- Always, let a family member, friend, or neighbor know what your plans are and when you plan to return.
- Make sure to keep all doors and windows of your home and vehicles locked.
- If you need to keep presents in your car while shopping make sure they are not in view.
- Remember when getting out of your car at home to take all your valuable with you, do not make the mistake of leaving them in the car.
- If you are planning a road-trip this holiday season make sure to check all fluids, tire pressure, tire tread and get any maintenance done before hitting the roadways.
- Always have an emergency safety kit in your car that includes: first aid, water, snacks, blankets, flashlight, flares, jumper cables, and a portable cellphone charger.
- Check weather, traffic, and road conditions before you leave.
- When hitting the stores make sure to keep your purses clothes and wallets out of reach.
- Avoid carrying large amounts of cash and get keys out of your pocket/purse before leaving the store.
- For more safety tips and recommendation’s check out Houston Police Department’s Safety Tips Resources here.
The District E Office will be closed next Thursday, November 11, in observance of Veteran’s Day. I plan to honor our City’s veterans by participating in the City’s Veteran’s Day Parade, taking place at City Hall on November 11, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. I offer my prayers to those families who live every day with invisible wounds of war, may all veterans find peace and honor in their service to our country.
The District E office will also be closed for Thanksgiving November 25th & 26th. I wish everyone a safe and happy Thanksgiving Day with their family and loved ones.
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
Jorge Torres
Intern
City Resources
Kingwood Community Center
(281) 348-2570
Community Resources
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Desilting Under Kingwood Bridges |
Mayor Pro Tem Dave Martin wants to remind Kingwood area residents Houston Public Works maintenance crews are performing desilting under certain bridges in Kingwood. Crews began desilting underneath the Kingwood Drive bridge over Kingwood Diversion Ditch on Wednesday, September 29. This work is being funded through the City's general maintenance and operation funds.
The scope of work includes removing accumulated silt and sediment from underneath the bridge and in the immediate vicinity of the bridge apron. Crews mobilized on-site Wednesday, September 29 and the project is expected to be completed by Wednesday, November, 10th weather permitting. Construction activities are expected to take place from 7:00 A.M. - 5:30 P.M., Monday through Friday. Residents should be aware of possible lane closures and delays when traveling through this area.
Once work is completed on this bridge, HPW will then focus on the Northpark Drive Bridge over Kingwood Diversion Ditch and Tree Lane Bridge over Bens Branch. 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. Crews completed desilting underneath the Kingwood Drive Bridge over Bens Branch earlier in September. 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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National Night Out 2021 was celebrated across District E on October 5th last month. District E staff made the best efforts to attend every event and capture pictures of our wonderful community interacting with our Houston Police Officers. There was no doubt everyone enjoyed the fellowship and opportunity to build relationships.
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Captain John W. Young Hangar Dedication |
My staff had the privilege of attending the dedication ceremony of NASA Hangar-276 at Ellington Field, in honor of Captain John W. Young, “The Astronaut’s Astronaut”.
Captain Young retired from the Navy in 1976 after 25 years of military service. Over the course of his flying career, he logged more than 15,275 hours flying time in props, jets, helicopters, and rocket jets; more than 9,200 hours in T-38s; and 835 hours in spacecrafts during six space flights.
Captain Young was selected to join Astronaut Group 2 in 1962, flew the first crewed Gemini mission in 1965, and became the 9th person to walk on the moon when he landed on the lunar surface as commander of the Apollo 16 Mission in 1972.
Young served as Chief of the Astronaut Office from 1974 to 1987 and was responsible for the robust aviation and aeronautical safety climate originally developed in Hanger-276.
Captain John W. Young’s love and dedication to human spaceflight will continue to live on and inspire generations to come.
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Celebrating 10 Years of Recycling Events in Kingwood |
November marks 10 years of recycling events in Kingwood working with our incredible partners at Keep Kingwood Green. In the past 10 years, 822 tons of recyclable materials have been saved from landfills.
Last month’s B.O.P.A. event was a great success thanks to the many volunteers from Keep Kingwood Green, Solid Waste employees, and HPD helping to ensure the event went off without a hitch.
On Saturday, October 23rd we held the Kingwood BOPA event where we collected:
- Batteries = 2,200 pounds collected
- ~150 gallons of used cooking Oil
- Latex Paint = 16,595 pounds was collected which equals ~1,904 gallons
- Antifreeze/Oil = 500 gallons collected
- Scrap Metal = 3,600 pounds collected
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Exploration Green Squawk Walk |
Squawk Walk 2021 will be this Saturday, November 6 from 10am-2pm at Exploration Green to celebrate the important role Houston plays in the lives of billions of birds!
Bring cameras, binoculars, water, and walking shoes for birding! There are no restrooms onsite. Bring chairs or a blanket to picnic on the grass!
Please follow CDC guidelines for outdoor events regarding COVID-19. Please stay home if you are not feeling well. Leashed pets are welcome.
Free parking is available in the lot at 16203 Diana Lane, Houston, TX 77062.
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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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Phase I of the project is nearing completion, with all the main lane concrete poured. The contractor is scheduled to complete the remaining crossover portion once the traffic signal is turned on at Brook Forest Drive. The contractor is currently forming phase I sidewalks, median noses, backfilling behind the curb, and hauling off dirt and debris.
Phase II of the project is scheduled to begin work November 15th, with substantial completion in May of 2022.
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The Lake Houston Safety Plan provides Lake Houston residents and visiting recreational users with information preparing them to better identify their location on the lake and how to best report a lake incident to 9-1-1 dispatchers.
To learn more about the plan visit www.houstontx.gov/knowyourzones. There you can 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 districte@houstontx.gov.
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Northshore Street Rehabilitation Initiative |
Houston Public Works will begin a street rehabilitation project on Monday, 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.
Crews will be mobilized on-site beginning Monday, November 8th and the project is anticipated to be completed in 2 to 3 months, 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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Willow Terrace Panel Replacement Completed |
Houston Public Works completed a panel replacement project on Willow Terrace Drive on Wednesday, October 27. The scope of work included replacing damaged concrete panels along the north and southbound lanes of Willow Terrace from Kingwood Drive to Palisade Falls Trail. The cost of the project was $101,800 and was funded through Mayor Pro Tem Martin's Council District Service Funds.
The panel replacements were done to improve mobility and traffic safety through this stretch of roadway. Thank you to Houston Public Works for a job well done.
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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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HCFCD and HPW Virtual Community Meeting |
On October 28, 2021, Houston Public Works and Harris County Flood Control District held a virtual community meeting discussing the Crenshaw Stormwater Detention Basin and The Arlington Heights Projects. If you were not able to attend and are interested in the information that was presented, please visit https://www.engagehouston.org/drainage-projects for more information on the Arlington Heights Projects and www.hcfcd.org/crenshaw for more information on the HCFCD Crenshaw Project.
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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 Botanic Garden Lightscape |
Set along a beautifully illuminated trail winding through the Houston Botanic Garden, this world-renowned light show features spectacular artistic installations that come to life after dark with color, imagination, and sound.
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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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