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Dear Residents of District E,
As we head into July 4
th weekend I hope that you and your loved ones are celebrating our Nation's Independence safely and responsibly.
For those of you who will be spending their 4th of July weekend on the water, it is important to prioritize safety as well.
Remember, It is illegal to operate a boat while under the influence (BUI). BUI's are not worth it! Life jackets for everyone. HPD Lake Patrol has loaners, NO EXCUSES! Pay attention to your surroundings such as stumps, boaters, kayakers, and anything else on the water. Know the weather/water report. Always know your location on the water in the event of an emergency. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact HPD Lake Patrol at 832-394-9854.
The 4
th of July is a time of celebrating with family and friends, but this year is different. The threat COVID-19 poses to our community right now is higher than ever. Which is why we must remain diligent in our efforts to #SlowtheSpread. You can do this by practicing social distancing, washing hands often, and wearing a face covering.
In addition to wearing facial coverings, daily precautions recommended to #SlowtheSpread are to:
- Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use hand sanitizer when you can't wash your hands.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue and throw the tissue away. If you don't have a tissue, use the elbow of your sleeve. Don't use your hands to cover coughs and sneezes.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home when you are sick and keep children home when they are sick.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
- Any Houstonian, regardless of symptoms, may receive one FREE COVID-19 test at our drive-thru testing sites. Call 832-393-4220 to be provided an access code and instructions on where to go.
Houstonians should visit HoustonEmergency.org for updated information about local risk, routine protective actions, frequently asked questions, communication resources, rumor control, emergency preparedness tips and more.
I hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable 4
th of July weekend. As a reminder, the District E office will be closed today, July 3
rd in observance of Independence Day.
Dave Martin
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The District E Office
900 Bagby, First Floor
Houston, TX 77002
Contact Information
Phone: (832) 393-3008
Fax: (832) 393-3279
District E Team
Jessica Beemer
Chief of Staff
Katherine Cunningham
Deputy Chief of Staff
Dustin Hodges
North Sector Manager
City of Houston Contacts
(713) 837-0311
Mayor's Citizens
Assistance Office
(832) 393-0955
Kingwood Community Center
(281) 348-2570
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Solid Waste Collection and Facility Schedule for Independence Day
Friday, July 3, 2020
CITY HOLIDAY: In observance of Fourth of July, there is no interruption in COLLECTION SERVICES to the City of Houston's Solid Waste Management Department's (SWMD) collection and facility schedules. All SWMD facilities including the Neighborhood Depositories/Recycling Center, Westpark Recycling Center and The Reuse Warehouse are open.
Solid Waste administration office closed.
Saturday, July 4, 2020
All drop-off facilities including Neighborhood Depository/Recycling Center, Westpark Recycling Center and The Reuse Warehouse closed.
Sunday, July 5, 2020
Neighborhood Depository/Recycling Centers open.
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Texas Water Development Board Grant Submissions
This June the City of Houston submitted applications to the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) to be considered in the distribution of Flood Infrastructure Fund dollars. The projects Mayor Pro Tem Martin supported for funding include Taylor Gully Flood Damage Reduction which consists of evaluating flood reduction alternatives, design, permitting, and construction of a detention basin located on a 278 acre site to the north of the Elm Grove subdivision, San Jacinto River Sand Trap Development, Spring Creek Watershed Flood Control Dams Conceptual Engineering, Upper San Jacinto River basin Regional Sedimentation Study, Lake Conroe-Lake Houston Joint Reservoir Operations Study, and Harris County MUD #153 Siltation Reduction.
All of these projects submitted for funding promote regional resiliency and future sustainability in an effort to protect life and property from future flooding. The ability to submit these projects to the TWDB for funding would not be possible without State Senator Brandon Creighton's writing of Senate Bill 7. We continue to applaud the Senator for his forward thinking and hope to receive funding for these projects. State Representative Dan Huberty has also been a vocal proponent for resiliency within our area and champion for those just beyond the City boundary, we are thankful to have him as a local engaged leader.
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District E Summer Intern
The District E office welcomes our newest summer intern, John McMahon. John has lived in Houston his entire life, specifically Kingwood and graduated from Kingwood High School. He is an upcoming Junior at the University of Mississippi studying political science while minoring in history and writing.
John is involved in the Delta Gamma Chapter of Phi Kappa Tau serving as the acting social chair for his chapter. He is also a member of the Warren Debate Club at Ole Miss and has aspirations to be a full-time politician in the future. Welcome, John!
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Pipers Meadow Storm Water Line Inspections
Houston Public Works has completed their inspections of the storm sewer systems within the Pipers Meadow community. You can view representative images of these inspections by visiting our
Facebook page.
Overall, most lines were found to be clear and those with silt and debris were cleaned. This is a good opportunity to ask the community for cooperation on limiting any debris/trash disposal near storm inlets and plastic use reduction overall. Additionally, we continue to encourage residents to report any drainage concerns to Houston 311 by calling 713-837-0311. As always, they can share their service request number with our office to track and monitor.
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Woodland Ridge and Forest Shores Lift Station Force Main Replacement Project
Mayor Pro Tem Dave Martin would like to make Kingwood area residents aware Houston Public Works is conducting a Force Main Renewal and Replacement Project for the Woodland Ridge Lift Station and Forest Shores Lift Station. The project consists of replacing the wastewater force mains along Kingwood Drive from West Lake Houston Parkway to Forest Garden Drive and from Woodland Hills Drive to Forest Shores Drive.
Crews began Monday, May 11 on the Woodland Ridge portion of the project and is expected to finish those improvements by Thursday, July 30, weather permitting. The Forest Shores lift station improvements began yesterday, July 2 with expected completion by Friday, September 4, weather permitting. Construction activities are expected to take place Monday through Friday 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 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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Harris County Public Health Opening Testing Cite in Humble
Harris County Public Health will be opening a testing site in Precinct 4 at Humble ISD's Turner Stadium on Monday, July 6.
Test Dates:
Test Times:
Complete the online assessment at
covidcheck.hctx.net to schedule your free test. You can also call at (832) 927-7575. Turner Stadium is located at 1700 Wilson Road, Humble, TX, 77396.
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Lake Houston Redevelopment Authority Website Now Live
On behalf of the Lake Houston Redevelopment Authority, Mayor Pro Tem Martin would like to make Kingwood area residents known that their
new website is now up and running. The site offers useful detailed information about the Northpark Drive project, including frequently asked questions.
As part of the community engagement process, the public was invited to submit questions to the Authority at a public meeting on February 6, 2020 or by email. Public comments that were submitted were reviewed as they prepared the Northpark Drive Overpass Project FAQs,
which were posted on the Kingwood Resources
page on our City Council District E website following the meeting. This information is also located on the Lake Houston Redevelopment Authority website on the FAQ page.
If you have any questions or need additional information regarding the project, please consider attending the Lake Houston Redevelopment Authority Board Meetings which are typically held on the second Thursday of each month at 8:00 a.m. During Covid-19 these meetings are being held virtually and all are welcome to attend.
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El Camino Real Panel Replacement
Houston Public Works is currently performing a panel replacement in the northbound lanes of El Camino Real, just south of its intersection with Reseda Drive. Construction began Thursday, June 18, and is expected to be completed by Thursday, July 2, weather permitting. Mayor Pro Tem Martin has allocated $17,045.00 from his Council District Service Funds for this project.
Crews will operate between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Please note that one lane will be closed at a time on a continuous basis until the project is completed, while the left-turn lane and one-through lane will remain open at all times for northbound travel. Slightly increased traffic congestion for north bound traffic is expected throughout the duration of the project.
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. Residents may experience an increase in noise levels due to trucks and equipment in the area.
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Sherwood Trails Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation Update
Houston Public Works began a sanitary sewer rehabilitation project in Sherwood Trails on Monday, March 9. The purpose of the project is to improve flow and maintain community property. A trenchless method will be used to minimize excavation at the construction site.
The rehabilitation of the sanitary sewer lines will be done through Sliplining and Pipe Bursting Methods. Pipe bursting is a trenchless method of replacing buried pipelines (such as sewer, water, or natural gas pipes) without the need for a traditional construction trench. An expanding device called an expander head, which may be either pneumatic or hydraulic is, introduced into the defective pipeline through a launching pit. As it travels through the pipeline toward the receiving pit it breaks the pipe into many small pieces, pushing the pieces into the surrounding soil. New pipe is attached to the back of the expander head, replacing the line immediately.
So far, crews have completed approx. 10,525 linear feet of 8" pipe bursting on Hermitage Hollow Lane, Tinechester Drive, Shadbury Court, Friarwood Trail, Stagdon Drive, Meandering Trail, Sherwood Hollow Lane, Chanay Lane, Sweet Gum Trail, and a portion of Longleaf Pines Lane. Crews have completed all 4,895 linear feet of 21" CIPP. The project is 43% completeto date and is anticipated to take 6-8 months to complete. Construction activities are expected to take place 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.; Monday-Thursday. The contractor will be placing door hangers on each door at least 48 hours prior to construction beginning on the respective street. These door hangers contain important information about what to expect when construction does take place on your street.
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 temporary lane closures are expected. Residents may experience an increase in noise levels due to trucks and equipment in the area.
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Oak Meadows Overlay
Houston Public Works has completed an asphalt overlay project in the Oak Meadows subdivision. The project was bounded by Branum Street, North Allen Genoa Road, Ahrens Street and El Buey Way. Crews will begin on Branum Street and work southward towards Ahrens Street. The scope of work included resurfacing the asphalt street, milling off an approximate 2-inch layer of old asphalt, repairing the base as needed, spraying tack coat and overlaying 2-inches of new asphalt surface pavement.
Houston Public Works would like residents to know that residents are encouraged to remove the driveway wedges (made of concrete, asphalt, bricks, etc.) over time as it will help the gutter pan flows toward inlets in most cases. This will help gutter pan flows over months, years, and decades that the pavement is kept in service.
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West Lake Houston Bridge Final Repairs Scheduled
Mayor Pro Tem Dave Martin would like to make Kingwood and Lake Houston area residents aware Houston Public Works will conduct the final bridge repair project on the West Lake Houston Parkway Bridge beginning Monday, August 3. The project consists of repairing bents 25-28 underneath the bridge. The cost of the project is $4,385,197 and will be funded through the Dedicated Drainage and Street Renewal Fund. The contractor for the project is NBG Contracting, Inc. The work is expected to be completed by Saturday, January 9, weather permitting.
On Monday, August 3, work will begin at 9:00 a.m. by closing of the outer lanes of the bridge. Two-way traffic will be maintained on the inner lanes. Construction activities are expected to take place Monday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. In addition to the road closures, pedestrian sidewalks along the bridge will be barricaded and closed for safety.
Please be aware of flagmen and orange traffic cones in place on-site assisting with traffic flow through the construction zone. All lanes of the bridge and pedestrian sidewalks will reopen following the completion of the project on Saturday, January 9, weather permitting.
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Crime Stoppers Virtual Summer Programs
Though COVID-19 has disrupted countless summer plans Crime Stoppers is adapting to fit the needs of the community and
is thrilled to bring you their nationally-recognized programming straight to you through ZOOM.
Summer programs include: Critical Conversations that S.A.V.E Lives in Partnership with The Texas Education Agency (TEA) for educators, administration; law enforcement Safe School Institute (SSI) Summer Camp for kids, tweens and teens; and Safe Community Program (SCP) and Events for parents and community members.
To participate, browse their calendar here and click the "register here!" button to sign up for the presentation that interests you. If you have any questions please reach out via email.
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Mouth-Bar Dredging Update
In January, the City of Houston issued a
Notice To Proceed (NTP)
for debris removal services, specifically large silt deposits, at the confluence of the West Fork of the San Jacinto River and Lake Houston, commonly referred to as the "mouth bar". The City of Houston, through its contractor DRC Emergency Services, LLC (DRC), began mechanical dredging of the mouth bar in January. The total cost for this project is $40 million dollars, which is funded through a combination of City of Houston Harvey Disaster dollars provided by Governor Greg Abbott, grant dollars from the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB), and funding from the Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD) Bond Program.
DRC is invoicing the City of Houston in accordance with rates established and approved by the city to include final disposal. DRC must comply with all terms and provisions established by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) relative to disaster debris collections, temporary storage, and final disposal. The
grant application for this project
was submitted to the TWDB by Harris County Engineer, John Blount. Harris County is collaborating closely with HCFCD, the San Jacinto River Authority (SJRA), and the City of Houston on this crucial project.
DRC is completing the scope of work for dredging activities in two distinct phases. The first phase will remove accumulated materials near and at the mouth bar on the West Fork of the San Jacinto River, and the second phase will remove accumulated materials in the East Fork of the San Jacinto River and other locations in Lake Houston. During phase one of this project it is expected that a minimum of 400,000 cubic yards (CY) of material will be removed over twelve months.
To date, DRC has removed approximately 211,737 cubic yards of material.
Phase two of the project will consist of: 1) Harris County completing hydrographic surveys of the West Fork of the San Jacinto River, the East Fork of the San Jacinto River, and Lake Houston to determine dredge material volumes 2) the City of Houston advertising and awarding a dredging contract to the lowest responsive bidder 3) Harris County designating the City of Houston as a sub-recipient for the cost of the dredging contract. Phase two will run simultaneously with Phase One to expedite our activity.
Additionally, during phase two of the project City of Houston, Harris County, HCFCD, SJRA, and Coastal Water Authority (CWA) will develop and execute a plan for the City of Houston or CWA to assume long-term dredging operations on Lake Houston. This work effort will include determining funding for the dredging operations in perpetuity. This phased approach will obligate the full grant funding before the 87th legislative session in 2021. This grant funding was made possible thanks to State Representative Dan Huberty (District 127) through the passage of Senate Bill 500 .
Mayor Pro Tem Martin, again, would like to offer a very special "Thank You" to State Representative Dan Huberty for his commitment to seeing this project through and his dedication to the long-term maintenance activities on Lake Houston. Representative Huberty has been a champion for his residents and a great ally in seeing these additional dredging efforts come to fruition.
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South Sector Manager Changes
Mayor Pro Tem Martin would to congratulate the District E South Sector Manager, Clarissa Perez, for the exceptional job that he has done in the District E office. Clarissa has accepted a position with the Texas General Land Office, where she will be working for the Community Development and Revitalization Program.
We are sad to see her leave this month, but know without a doubt that she will be extremely successful in this next phase of her career. We wish her nothing but the best and thank her for all her hard work serving both sectors of District E during her time in the office. Clarissa's last day at the District E office was Friday, June 26.
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Mask Up Houston!
WHAT
: Mayor Sylvester Turner created MASK UP!, a grass roots public health information campaign to encourage Houstonians to continue to safeguard themselves from potential exposure to COVID-19. The campaign kicked off with a distribution of 50,000 masks to the senior population in targeted neighborhoods.
WHY
: This campaign focuses primarily on the Complete Communities and other at-risk neighborhoods with large percentages of residents, particularly seniors, living with health conditions that make them the most vulnerable to contracting the virus.
WHO
: Although seniors are especially vulnerable, we encourage everyone to wear a mask in public spaces. Many diverse neighborhoods are coping with socio-economic challenges and health disparities, such as high rates of diabetes, heart disease and asthma, that can make a COVID-19 diagnosis a life or death emergency. MASK UP! protects the entire community.
WHERE
: The federal Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends wearing face coverings in grocery stores, drug stores, and other public settings where social distancing measures can be difficult to maintain. The CDC also advises wearing masks to slow the spread of the virus by helping to prevent people who may have the virus, but do not know it, from transmitting it to others.
HOW
: Look for MASK UP! reminders or messages throughout the city in grocery and retail stores, on social platforms and outdoor media outlets, such as billboards to help show how to protect yourself.
Simone Biles, the most decorated World Champion in gymnastics and Olympic Gold Medalist is a celebrity ambassador, offering her resources to extend COVID-19 safety information to Houstonians. Simone will be joined by Grammy Award winning rapper Slim Thug who is also a COVID-19 survivor and Houston Astros player, Carlos Correa.
Thank you for considering joining Mayor Turner's effort to keep Houston seniors and the most vulnerable safe during the COVID-19 outbreak and beyond.
More information about Mask Up can be found
here.
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Yes to Census!
Residents of District E don't forget to fill out your Census form before
August 14!
The Census is a population count required by the constitution that occurs every ten years to ensure that the government represents the people. It is crucial in determining how resources will be allocated to our communities. The Census Bureau will record every person's name, age, race, residential status and relationship between those living in the same household as of April 1
st.
This will determine how states will go about the redistricting process, ensuring that every district has an equal number of people and are reflective and representative of the electorate. Proper representation across all levels of government depends on filling out the Census.
Over the next decade billions of dollars will be distributed throughout the states to our communities to fund hundreds of federal spending programs these include transportation services, community development block grants, and healthcare services. Ensuring that our communities get their fair share is up to us!
Nearly every household will receive an invitation in the mail to fill out the Census which can be responded to by mail, phone, or online. This form is to be filled out by August 14
th.
Having the Census online will make it easier and more comfortable for everyone to fill out. Make sure you are counted so that you and your community are properly represented and your needs are met!
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