Monthly Newsletter

August 8, 2024 Issue 4

 

Dear District E Residents,


First, I want to thank residents across District E for your patience as Houston Solid Waste crews and contractors work to collect storm debris throughout the district. Last month, my colleagues and I on City Council voted unanimously to increase the dollar amount allocated for contractors handling storm debris collection from $20 million to $120 million. This allowed our contractors to bring in every available resource into the City of Houston and in 25 days Solid Waste crews and contractors have filled 32,422 truckloads equating to 1,594,371 cubic yards of debris. There is still much work to be done in Kingwood, Huffman, Clear Lake, and other areas, but the crews are out working 7 days a week, 12 hours a day.

 

Because so much of the City’s focus is currently on cleanup, we have seen the dire need for maintenance along major thoroughfares throughout District E. We are actively meeting with Houston Parks Urban Forestry and Houston Public Works to address the desperate need for tree trimming, tree removal, and mowing. I have allocated $50,000 in Council District Service Funds towards the maintenance needs and expect to see results in the coming weeks.

 

Finally, I want District E residents to save the date for upcoming town hall meetings in September and October.

 

Kingwood/Lake Houston

Thursday, September 19th

6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Kingwood Community Center

4102 Rustic Woods Drive

Kingwood, Texas 77345

 

Edgebrook

Tuesday, October 22nd

6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

OneMovement Bible Church

10120 Hartsook Street

Houston, Texas 77034

 

Clear Lake

Thursday, October 24th

6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Space Center Houston - Special Events Building

1601 East NASA Parkway

Houston, Texas 77058 

 

We have invited CenterPoint to attend the town hall meetings to be able to speak about what they are doing in each area of the district to strengthen the resiliency of their infrastructure. I have also extended the invitation to several city departments including Houston Public Works as well as Houston Parks and Recreation and a variety of community speakers. In addition to various information tables for residents to peruse before the meetings begin. I look forward to everyone hearing these updates and addressing community questions, comments, and concerns. This is the perfect opportunity to engage with your community and have your questions answered. We hope you will join us. Please feel free to invite a neighbor, friend or colleague! Everyone is welcome to attend.

 

In observance of Labor Day the District E Office will be closed on Monday, September 2, reopening on Tuesday, September 3.


Sincerely,

The District E Office

Council Member Fred Flickinger

900 Bagby, First Floor

Houston, TX 77002


Email: districte@houstontx.gov

Phone: (832) 393-3008


The District E Team


Dustin Hodges

Chief of Staff


Demari Perez

Director of Communications


Sloan Sweeney

South Sector Manager



City Resources



Kingwood Community Center

(281) 348-2570


Houston 311 (713) 837-0311

 

City of Houston Solid Waste Department

 

City of Houston Office of Emergency Management


Community Resources



 Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce


  South Belt-Ellington Chamber of Commerce

 

 Partnership Lake Houston

 

 Kingwood Service Association

 

Kingwood Super Neighborhood Council



Facebook  Twitter  Instagram  

Introducing District E's Newest South Sector Manager: Sloan Sweeney

Sloan Sweeney is a native Houstonian with deep roots in the Clear Lake Area. Her journey led her to graduate from the University of Houston in 2020, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science with a minor in Nutrition.


During her time at the University of Houston, Sloan worked for the Cougar football team as an Athletic Trainer. Before joining our team, Sloan honed her skills and passion for community engagement while working for the Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce.


Sloan's background and professional experience have equipped her to make meaningful contributions to her community. Sloan spiritedly anticipates utilizing her knowledge for the southern portion of District E to ensure cohesion, safety, and improvements for the community.

Kingwood Tour: Beryl Recovery

Friday, August 2nd, Council Member Flickinger was joined by Council Member Twila Carter, State Representative Cunningham, and Congressman Crenshaw's office in leading CenterPoint Energy and Houston Public Works on a tour of the hardest-hit areas of Kingwood. We also had a few residents join the tour to speak to some of the issues that were experienced in the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl. The purpose of the tour was to show CenterPoint areas where their infrastructure appeared to be especially vulnerable. The primary near-term action item for CenterPoint was to speak with Kingwood Trails Associations on how they can partner to address tree trimming and maintenance along greenbelt easements. In the long term, CenterPoint planners will perform a feasibility study for burying lines throughout District E, not just Kingwood.


Greg Eyerly, Houston Water Director, and Randy Macchi, Chief Operations Officer of Houston Public Works were able to speak to the issues with sanitary sewer overflows and what is being done immediately and in the future to mitigate sanitary sewer overflows from happening in the future. In the near term more generators are being staged in Kingwood and Huffman to shorten the time lift stations are without power when an outage occurs. In the long term, Houston Public Works is working on a plan to permanently install generators at lift stations throughout the district.

We look forward to seeing the progress made in the coming weeks and months. We plan to share any updates on these action items at the upcoming District E Town Hall meetings.

Storm Debris Collection

Residents with storm debris should place debris between the sidewalk and the street without being contained by a plastic bag, or it will not be collected. Residents DO NOT need to report storm debris collection to Houston 3-1-1. Houston Solid Waste and its contractors will be driving every street (even neighborhoods that receive private trash collection) to ensure all storm debris is collected.


If you don't have a sidewalk, ditch, or utility line in front of your home, place debris at the edge of your property before the curb. Do not stack or lean debris on trees, fire hydrants, or other structures.


Residents can access the storm debris collection progress tracker, to see areas where trucks are currently working. Users should use the search function that looks like a magnifying glass to find an address. Additional details below:

  • Yellow areas indicate neighborhoods where crews are currently collecting the first pass.
  • Green areas indicate neighborhoods where the first pass of storm debris collection is complete.
  • Gray areas indicate neighborhoods in the queue for collection that will be assigned as soon as crews are available.

Upon completion of the first pass of storm debris collection, SWM will begin a second pass.


Please remember to separate your debris into the following six categories:


Normal Household Trash:

  • Normal household trash and bagged debris of any kind will not be picked up as part of this program. Continue to follow your normal garbage removal schedule.


Vegetative Debris:

  • leaves (not in bags), logs, plants & tree branches


Construction & Demolition Debris:

  • building materials, carpet, drywall, furniture, lumber, mattresses, and plumbing


Appliances & White Goods:

  • air conditioners, dishwashers, freezers, refrigerators, etc.


Electronics:

  • computers, radios, televisions, and other devices with cords


Household Hazardous waste

  • cleaning supplies, batteries, lawn chemicals, oils, paints & stains, and pesticides


Intuitive Machines Proclamation

On July 20th, 2024, Council Member Fred Flickinger presented a well-deserved proclamation to Intuitive Machines, designating it as a day to celebrate the spirit of lunar exploration, innovation, and the remarkable achievements of Intuitive Machines.


This proclamation serves as a testament to the groundbreaking accomplishments of Intuitive Machines in the realm of space exploration, particularly with the successful IM-1 mission. Intuitive Machines is the first commercial company to make a soft lunar landing. Its Nova-C spacecraft, named Odysseus, is the first U.S. spacecraft to gently touch down since the last Apollo moon mission in 1972. By acknowledging their dedication, vision, and pioneering efforts, this proclamation highlights the significance of Intuitive Machines' contributions to advancing our understanding of the cosmos, laying the groundwork for a thriving commercial lunar economy, and propelling humanity towards new frontiers.


As we commemorate this day of recognition, let us applaud Intuitive Machines for their commitment to pushing the boundaries of lunar exploration and for inspiring a new wave of innovation in the space industry. The unwavering pursuit of discovery exemplified by Intuitive Machines serves as a beacon of inspiration for future generations and underscores the limitless possibilities that lie beyond the Earth's atmosphere. We are proud to have them at Houston Spaceport here in District E.

Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce

58th Annual New Teachers' Luncheon

Staff from Council Member Flickinger's office attended the Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce's 58th annual New Teachers' Luncheon, an event dedicated to welcoming 400 new teachers to Clear Creek Independent School District (ISD). This heartwarming occasion aims to showcase the unwavering support of the local business community for these new educators. The event featured a captivating keynote speech by a spirited 5th grader named Jia Philip from Weber Elementary. Jia passionately shared her personal experiences, highlighting the profound influence of teachers in her life and the significant impact they will make on their students.


We would also like to express our sincere appreciation to the Clear Lake Chamber of Commerce for their exceptional coordination of this luncheon. Their commitment to be champions for business success and quality of life in the community is commendable, and events like this provide invaluable opportunities that shape the future development of our district.

U.S. Coast Guard 234th Birthday Proclamation

On Tuesday, July 30th, Council Member Flickinger presented a proclamation for the U.S. Coast Guard's 234th Birthday. The Coast Guard, established on August 4, 1790, serves as the oldest continuous seagoing service in the nation. It has evolved to become a federal law enforcement agency and military force, playing a crucial role in safeguarding our nation's waterways, including the nation's largest port complex, serving in various critical missions.


The City of Houston is proud to have the U.S. Coast Guard Sector Houston-Galveston, Air Station Houston, and 23 outlying units, including 41 small boats, 8 cutters, and 3 helicopters, with over 1700 personnel, ensuring the safety, security, and cleanliness of the port complex. The Coast Guard's extraordinary efforts include conducting Search & Rescue cases, marine environmental protection responses, regulatory inspections, vessel boardings, and maintenance on aids to navigation, making a significant impact on preserving safety on the nation's busiest waterways.


As the Coast Guard celebrates 234 years, they continue to exemplify honor, respect, and devotion to duty, serving to save lives, protect the environment, and defend the homeland with their motto "Semper Paratus" - always ready - at the forefront.

Mayor Whitmire Speaks at BAHEP General Membership Meeting

Council Member Fred Flickinger had the honor of introducing Mayor John Whitmire at the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership (BAHEP) August general membership meeting held at the Lone Star Flight Museum. Mayor Whitmire shared his administration's key objectives, reiterated the importance of the Bay Area Houston region to the City of Houston and stressed his commitment to improving public safety by unveiling the appointment of the new Chief of the Houston Police Department J. Noe Diaz. Mayor Whitmire emphasized to the BAHEP members his vision for the city’s future.

 

Additionally, the meeting featured a presentation by BAHEP, which highlighted the organization's efforts in promoting economic growth, supporting local businesses, and fostering regional development. Attendees gained valuable insights into the pivotal role played by the partnership in driving economic initiatives and enhancing the overall prosperity of the Bay Area Houston region.

"Tip a Cop" Day for Special Olympics Proclamation

On July 25th, 2024, Council Member Flickinger and Council Member Carter presented a proclamation for "Tip a Cop" Day for Special Olympics. This initiative, organized by the Law Enforcement Torch Run, provides an opportunity for Houstonians to support the athletic training and competitions that Special Olympics offers year-round. By offsetting the costs that may burden many families with special needs children, "Tip a Cop" empowers these athletes to develop their physical fitness, demonstrate their courage, and experience joy in their accomplishments. As part of this grassroots fundraiser, local law enforcement entities host events at multiple Texas Roadhouse locations to showcase special needs athletes' skills and build meaningful connections within the community.

Petco Love Presents Houston’s Fourth Mega Adoption Event!

Over 1,000 wonderful furry companions will be looking for their forever home - big dogs, small dogs, senior pets, puppies, and kittens. The adoption fee is just $35, and you'll take your new family member home with you the same day you visit. All animals will be spayed/neutered, microchipped, and up-to-date on vaccinations.


The first Mega in Houston in 2019 placed 1,450 homeless pets with families in two days! Mega events have saved thousands of lives in other cities across the country. Each one is truly a mega experience, with more than 1,000 homeless pets being chosen to join forever families. Plan to join the fun to find a furry companion, or if you have a full house, help spread the word to your family and friends.

Lake Houston Safety Plan #KnowYourZone

Do you know your zones? The Lake Houston Safety Plan provides Lake Houston residents and visiting recreational users with information that prepares them to better identify their location on the lake and how to best report a lake incident to 9-1-1 dispatchers.


The "Know Your Zone" map was created by District E in 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. To date, signs have been installed at Deussen Park, East End Park, River Grove Park, Kings Harbor, W Lake Houston Parkway Bridge, and on the FM 1960 Bridge.


To learn more about the Lake Houston Safety Plan visit the Know Your Zone website, here. There you can print your own maps, share with neighbors, post on social media, and #knowyourzone. 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.

Report a Streetlight Outage
CenterPoint Energy maintains streetlights throughout District E and the City of Houston. If you notice a streetlight out in your area, please click on the link below to report a streetlight outage.

You will be asked to provide:​​
  • a pole number (or nearby address) for the non-functioning lights you want to report
  • contact information (in case more information is needed to locate a streetlight)
  • an e-mail address (if you want feedback regarding your repair request)
  • the number of streetlights you would like to report​

The system will guide you through the remaining steps. To report a streetlight outage using the interactive map, click here.

Report general power outages by calling 713-207-2222 or toll-free 800-332-7143.

Utilizing 3-1-1 to Report Issues

Residents may act as extra eyes and ears on the streets, and soon you'll be able to report a pothole, a malfunctioning traffic light, or a drainage problem while you're out and about. Houston 311 has launched a new smartphone app that makes reporting issues like these easier than ever. The app uses GPS to identify your location and also allows you to snap a photo to add to your service request. The new app allows for reports to be automatically routed to city departments for resolutions.


You can still alert the City of Houston of issues by dialing 3-1-1 or 713-837-0311 of potential problems in your community. Houstonians can also access this helpful service via an e-mail to 311@HoustonTX.gov. A self Service Request (SR) form is available online at www.houston311.org. Once you've reported a problem please follow up with the District E office by emailing your case number and information on the issue to the District E office at districte@houstontx.gov to help ensure the problem is addressed promptly.

District E Electronic Recycling Events

NORTH SECTOR RESIDENTS

SOUTH SECTOR RESIDENTS

District E Upcoming Monthly Events

Email the District E office (districte@houstontx.gov) if you would like us to include your upcoming event in future newsletters!


August 14 – ACLC Monthly Meeting

August 14 – KSA Public Safety Committee Meeting

August 15 – Harris County Precinct 3 Budget Town Hall Meeting

August 19 – HPD-Eastside Positive Interaction Program Meeting

August 20 – HPD-Kingwood Positive Interaction Program Meeting

August 20 – HPD-Clearlake Positive Interaction Program Meeting

August 21 – Kingwood Super Neighborhood Council Meeting

See a pothole, report it by calling (713) 837-0311
Tune to HTV Houston to watch live and recorded City Council and Committee Meetings.