Council Member Dave Martin's

District E Newsletter

Issue 50

February 2017 

 
 
Dave Martin
Council Member
District E 
 
 
Contact:
 
900 Bagby
First Floor
Houston, TX 77002
 
17629 El Camino Real
Suite 415
Houston, TX 77058


Office: (832) 393-3008
Fax: (832) 393-3279



  
Jessica Beemer
Chief of Staff &
North Sector Manager

Jordan McGinty
South Sector Manager

Katherine Cunningham 
Administrative Assistant

Tashamee Love
Intern
City Contacts
City of Houston 311
(713) 837-0311

Mayor's Citizens Assistance Office
(832) 393-0955

   Kingwood 
Community Center
(281) 348-2570

Department of Neighborhoods

General Services

For other City of Houston departments and projects, please visit the city website.

 
District E Community Contacts



 
 

Northshore Super Neighborhood Council

Meadowbrook/Allendale Super Neighborhood Council


 Clear Lake Super Neighborhood Council

Lake Houston Economic Development Partnership
Residents of District E,
 
Last month, Mayor Sylvester Turner and Chief Resiliency Officer, Stephen Costello, announced the Storm Water Action Team (SWAT) Program and its efforts to reduce localized drainage problems throughout the City. The goal of this program is to rehabilitate and upgrade the existing drainage system to improve conveyance of day-to-day storm events.

The way that projects are going to be determined is through the review of 3-1-1 phone calls and structural flooding locations that are not related to or situated near a riverbank. Projects will then be developed by investigating and inspecting the system to create an assessment or work plan to address the areas of highest need across the City. The SWAT is focusing on storm sewers and outfalls, roadside ditches, as well as off-road ditch and detention ponds.

Projects will range greatly across the needs of the City and with this new process I'm optimistic that the City is not trying to implement a one size fits all solution. As you all know the drainage issues in District E are as diverse as its population and SWAT is dedicated to creating individual solutions to yield the best results for each instance to reduce flooding and improve flow into our drainage system. The projects will include replacing collapsed outfalls and sewer components, upsizing inlets, replacing inlet plates with grates, reestablishing roadway curbs and gutters to improve positive flow paths, regrading ditches, as well as clearing, de-grubbing, de-silting minor erosion repairs in off-road ditches and otherwise abandoned detention ponds.

The first two projects in District E will be located in the Southeast Houston area. One location will be near 2440 Albright Drive and will include clearing and de-grubbing as well as re-establishment of an existing City of Houston ditch. The other location will be near 531 Keith Avenue and will also include clearing and de-grubbing, as well as, the re-establishment of an existing City of Houston ditch. These are just the first two projects in District E as I am currently working with Mr. Costello on identifying other project areas within the district. 

I encourage residents to report all drainage concerns by contacting the city's 3-1-1 system by calling 3-1-1 or (713) 837-0311 or by emailing 311@houstontx.gov. Additionally, smartphone users can download the 311 app by visiting the iTunes App Store or GooglePlay.

As Mayor Turner and Mr. Costello continue to move forward with this new program, I look forward to working with them to address the needed repairs and improvements to District E drainage.

For more information, please contact my office at (832) 393-3008 or districte@houstontx.gov

  

Sincerely,

 
Dave Martin

District E CIP Meetings

This month, Council Member Martin will host the annual Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) town hall meetings in the council district. Please save the date for the following two meetings:

Southeast Houston/Clear Lake
Thursday, February 16
6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Space Center Houston, Destiny Theater
1601 NASA Parkway
Houston, Texas 77058
 
Kingwood
Thursday, February 23
6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Kingwood Community Center
4102 Rustic Woods Drive
Houston, Texas 77345
Members of the public are invited to attend to hear from various city departments as well as community representatives about ongoing projects, issues and community news related to District E. Confirmed speakers include representatives from City of Houston's Public Works & Engineering Department, Parks and Recreation Department and General Services Department.
 
For more information, please contact Council Member Martin's office at (832) 393-3008 or by email at districte@houstontx.gov
Lake Houston Area Chamber of Commerce's Annual Awards Extravaganza

On Friday, January 20 the Lake Houston Area Chamber of Commerce held its Annual Awards Extravaganza, a celebration of the past year's outstanding volunteer leaders and accomplishments. Council Member Martin and staff had the opportunity to join guests, as well as, business partners at the event, where the 2016 Dr. Haden McKay Citizen of the Year Award was presented to Scott Brady. Also honored at the extravaganza were Dr. Guy Sconzo, receiving the Spirit of the Chamber Award; Robyn Choiniere, receiving the Rising Star Award; and Corinn Price, receiving the Chairman's Award. The Chamber additionally recognized its outgoing board of directors, including outgoing Chair Robert Sitton, and performed the installation of its new board Chair, Pastor Jerry Martin.
FamilyTime Hearts of Gold Gala

On Saturday, January 21 staff from Council Member Martin's office had the opportunity to attend the FamilyTime Hearts of Gold Gala. Each year FamilyTime asks for nominations to recognize women in the community who have made a difference. Women of Achievement awards are given in the following categories: the Arts, Business, Community Activist, Education, Entrepreneur, Homemaker, Human Services, Medical, Women's Advocate, Visionary, Volunteer, and Special Recognition.  The FamilyTime Women of Achievement honorees are role models to the many women FamilyTime serves.
 
Council Member Martin congratulates all of the 2016 Women of Achievement recipients and thank them for their continued work in our community. 
Forest Cove Property Owners Association Meeting

On January 26 Council Member Martin had the opportunity to speak to the Forest Cove Property Owners Association in Kingwood along with TIRZ10 Board Chair, Stan Sarman. The council member discussed the Kingwood Area mobility study in the Forest Cove area including a proposed improvement at the intersection of Forest Cove Drive and Hamblen Road. 

After hearing the concerns of the residents, a decision was made to cancel the Hamblen Road intersection improvement project. The funds designatedfor this project will go back into the mobility project plan and be used for another project down the road. 

Council Member Martin thanks Forest Cove for inviting him to speak and conducting a productive discussion. 
Lone Star College-Kingwood Job Fair

Lone Star College-Kingwood will be hosting a February Job Fair on Tuesday, February 7. This event will provide an excellent forum for area businesses to recruit a local workforce. The event will take place at the John E. Pickelman Student-Conference Center from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. 

Participation is free, but registration is required. To register for this event, click here
Bayou City Book Festival

Save the Date! From April 3 through Saturday, April 8 Lone Star College-Kingwood will host the Bayou City Festival, a diverse, multi-genre literary celebration. The Bayou City Book Festival is a new initiative coming out of Lone Star College's (LSC) Center for Civic Engagement. The Center desires to effectively and efficiently integrate literacy and literary works within the lives of their students and the wider Houston-area. BCBF seeks to create the venue for nationally and internationally known authors to speak to audiences about unique ideas, meet with attendees on an individual basis, provide free literary programming, promote diverse works of literature and their authors, and focus attention on literacy within the City of Houston.
 
For more information on the Lone Star Book Festival, to be held at Lone Star College-Kingwood, please click  here.

Clear Lake Regional Medical Center Achieves Level II Trauma Care Designation

The American College of Surgeons (ACS) and the State of Texas has designated Clear Lake Regional Medical Center (CLRMC) as a Level II Trauma Center. CLRMC along with Conroe Regional Medical Center (CRMC) are the first hospitals to be awarded this designation in the greater Houston area.
 
Clear Lake Regional Medical Center is a full-service hospital offering inpatient and outpatient medical, surgical and specialty services. The campus includes a Level II trauma center, The Brain & Spine Institute, The Heart & Vascular Hospital, a bariatrics program, an NAPBC-accredited Breast Diagnostic Center, a Commission on Cancer-accredited oncology program, a Level IIIb Neonatal ICU, the area's only pediatric emergency department and pediatric ICU, and a comprehensive range of services for patients of all ages. With a medical staff of more than 900, Clear Lake Regional Medical Center employs more than 2,100 medical professionals and has served the community for more than 40 years. For more information, call 281-332-2511 or visit online at www.clearlakermc.com.
Meadowcreek Village Pavilion Ribbon Cutting

Council Member Dave Martin and Houston Parks and Recreation Department (HPARD) invite residents to attend the Meadowcreek Village Pavilion Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. The ceremony will occur Thursday, March 9 at 5:00 p.m. at the Meadowcreek Village Pavilion, 5333 Berry Creek, Houston, TX 77017. Cub Scout Pack 216 will be presenting the colors.
 
Since 2014, Council Member Martin has been working with HPARD and the Meadowcreek Village Civic Club regarding the design and construction of the new Meadowcreek Village Pavilion. The council member is excited to welcome the community members to the new pavilion and encourage them to get outside and active. 
Transportation Advocacy Group Annual Meeting

On Friday, January 6 staff from Council Member Martin's office attended the Transporation Advocacy Group (TAG) Annual Meeting: "TxDOT & the 85th  Legislative Session". The program featured an in-depth discussion with Texas Transportation Commissioner Bruce Bugg and Lauren Garduno, TxDOT Director of Project, TxDOT Director of Project Planning and Development. Texas Tribune Urban Affairs reporter Brandon Formby led the conversation to highlight important TxDOT news, the Texas Clear Lake initiative and the 2017 Legislative Session. 
Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce's Government Lunch and Learn

On Thursday, January 12 staff from Council Member Martin's office had the opportunity to attend a monthly Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs Division Lunch N Learn at Bay Oaks Country Club. At the luncheon, we heard from Chris Wallace, President of the Texas Association of Business as he briefed the audience on what state and federal issues we can expect to be discussed during the 85th session. Wallace touched on education, economic development, and healthcare, among many other issues. 
Sylvan Rodriguez Park Follow Up Master Plan Meeting

On Thursday, January 26 Council Member Martin, along with the General Service Department and Houston Parks and Recreation Department (HPARD), hosted a follow-up Master Plan meeting for Sylvan Rodriguez Park at the University of Houston-Clear Lake campus.  
 
As communities change and grow, it is important to update master plans based on community input. Following our September Sylvan Rodriguez Park Master Plan Meeting, it was clear that more community input was needed. 
 
A month long open survey was held and Council Member Martin's office worked with HPARD and Clark Condon to rework the master plan. At the January 26 meeting, the revised master plan was presented and discussed with attendees. 

If you were not able to attend the meeting and you would like to view the presentation, please click here
 
Council Member Martin thanks everyone who contributed their input and attended the meetings. 
Exploration Green Town Hall

On January 31 staff from Council Member Maritn's office had the opportunity to attend the  Exploration Green Town Hall. At the meeting, EGC Chairman, Frank Weary briefed the attendees on the progress made at Exploration Green since this conversation began among Clear Lake area residents and the  Clear Lake City Water Authority in 2005. Exploration Green Phase 1B is scheduled to be complete at the end of February. You can expect to see future amenities such as hike and bike trails, benches, picnic areas, wetlands, and more.

The Exploration Green Conservancy is actively searching for volunteers and funding. If you are interesting in volunteering or learning more about this local project, please visit www.explorationgreen.org.

Save the Date: Epicurean Evening

On Thursday, February 9 the Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce will hold its 2017 "A Taste of Space" Epicurean Evening at Space Center Houston.  Those in attendance at the event will sample tastings from over 40 area food establishments and enjoy entertainment from a variety of musicians. 

Each ticket will be good for food samplings, two drink coupons (more can be purchased at the event), parking accommodations and a silent auction. Kids tickets are also available and provide play time in the Kids Space Place. Ticket prices range from $10 for children ages 4-12 to $50 for early entry wristbands. Doors to the event will open as early as 5:45 p.m. for "Early Entry" purchasers and the Silent Auction will begin at 8:15 p.m.
 
For more information on Epicurean Evening 2017, and to purchase tickets, please click here 

Scenic Houston: Broadway Ribbon Cutting

On January 12 Council Member Martin, along with District E intern Barrett Skeeter, had the opportunity to attend the Scenic Houston: Broadway Ribbon Cutting and speak on behalf of Houston First.

The Broadway Corridor is a vital thoroughfare for those coming into our city via Hobby Airport. The new Broadway enhances the airport, honors the neighborhood and its residents and it delivers a high-impact "WOW" factor that benefits the great city of Houston.

The City of Houston and Houston First are proud to be partners on this project and Council Member Martin was honored as always to represent not only Houston First but the City of Houston.
GHP Annual Meeting

On January 19 Council Member Martin attended the Greater Houston Partnership's (GHP) 2017 Annual Meeting. Each year, the GHP's Annual Meeting provides Houston area companies the opportunity to showcase their goods and services to local and global business leaders, elected officials and the international consular corps.

This year's event featured a recap of 2016 from outgoing Partnership Chair, J amey Rootes, President of the Houston Texans. The annual meeting also provided an introduction for the GHP incoming Chair, Jeff Shellebarger, president of North America Exploration and Production for Chevron. Shellebarger will lead GHP's efforts for the 2017 Texas Legislative Session. GHP President and CEO Bob Harvey also  gave an overview of the GHP's accomplishments in 2016 and looked ahead to the challenges and opportunities facing the greater Houston region in the coming 12 months.
 
For more information on the Greater Houston Partnership, please visit www.houston.org.
Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Breakfast

On Monday, January 16 Council Member Martin attended the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Breakfast hosted by the North Houston Frontiers Club at the George R. Brown Convention Center. Mayor Sylvester Turner was the keynote speaker.  At the breakfast, the prestigious Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Drum Major Award was presented to  Mr. Ricky Anderson.

Net proceeds from the breakfast are used to fund the scholarship program.  Over the past twenty-eight years, more than $1,000,000 has been awarded in scholarships.  Proceeds from the 2016 Breakfast were used to fund $25,000 in scholarships (25 awards of $1,000).  It is the goal of the North Houston Frontiers Club to improve the quality and/or quantity of scholarships awarded each year.

District E Spring B.O.P.A. Dates

Council Member Dave Martin and the City of Houston's Solid Waste Management Department are holding their spring Batteries, Oil, Paint (latex only) and Antifreeze (B.O.P.A.) recycling collection events in the coming months. Council Member Martin invites District E residents to save the following dates: 

Southeast/Clear Lake
Saturday, March 25, 2017
9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. 
Ellington Airport Neighborhood Recycling Center 
Highway 3 at Brantly Avenue
Houston, Texas 77034

Kingwood
Saturday, April 29, 2017
9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Kingwood Metro Park & Ride
3210 W Lake Houston Parkway
Houston, Texas 77339

The events are free and open to all City of Houston residents and will be held rain or shine. A valid Texas driver's license or other proof of residency, such as a water bill, will be required.
 
In addition to B.O.P.A. items, residents may drop off scrap metal and large appliances. Large appliances include stoves, refrigerators, freezers and air conditioners.
 
Many common household materials are considered hazardous and need special disposal. When Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) is disposed of in the trash, it can contaminate landfills and subsequently our groundwater. This event provides a free and safe alternative for residents to rid their homes of potentially dangerous materials. Below is a list of acceptable and non-acceptable items for the March 5 collection event:
  • ACCEPTED ITEMS: rechargeable, Lead Acid, NiCad and Lithium Ion batteries, used motor and cooking oil (15 gallon limit each), antifreeze (15 gallon limit), latex paint (15 gallon limit), appliances and scrap metal including refrigerators, freezers and air conditioners.
  • ITEMS NOT ACCEPTED: Alkaline batteries, electronic waste, oil-based paint, paint without labels, household hazardous waste/chemicals, business waste, medical waste, radioactive waste, PCB's, Dioxins, ammunition, explosives, compressed gas cylinders, smoke detectors, household trash or tires.
Please also note that there is no need to bring empty latex paint cans or those that have hardened. These can be discarded with household garbage.

Residents may call 3-1-1, the City of Houston's Customer Service Hotline, for additional information or check online at  www.houstonsolidwaste.org. More information on the Solid Waste Management  Department and its services is also available on  Facebook
  and  Twitter.
 

Super Bowl Safety

With 89.79 million viewers, a wardrobe malfunction, and a three-point game at the 2004 Houston Super Bowl XXXVIII, what will Houston Super Bowl LI bring us? Only a few days away and several games to watch before knowing our two opponents, the only thing we can be certain of is our safety and how we can prepare for one of the most anticipated weekends of the year.

Transportation
Houstonian's Don't Let Houstonian's Drive Drunk! According to ABC News, Super Bowl Sunday now makes for more dangerous driving conditions than New Year's Eve. "In the hour after the big game ends, the danger of car crashes increases 41 percent," with the odds of New Year's Eve night only increasing by 10 percent. Have a designated driver in place, call a car service, or stay put until you have sobered up to drive. You can also request a safe ride through the Houston Super Bowl Host Committee app. Public transportation is another recommended tool for downtown access with extended schedules and additional shuttles. In 2004, Houston had 7.5 miles of transportation rail, increasing to 23 miles in 2017.
NFL stadium rules prohibit any alcohol to be purchased after the third quarter, allowing fans enough time to sober up before getting behind the wheel. At this time, begin consuming water to rehydrate. While outside alcohol is prohibited at NRG Stadium, all concessions will require photo ID's for alcohol consumers.
The cities population alone consists of 6.6 million Houstonians, increasing from 5.1 in 2004. Thus, there will not only be drunk drivers to avoid, but pedestrians as well. If you are the designated driver, ensure your passengers are buckled in and avoid any distractions or speeding. Traffic and specific road closures will be dreadful so allow enough time to get to your destination. BikeHouston will also provide a bike valet at Super Bowl LIVE to store your bike while you enjoy the Houston festivities.

Hosting/attending a Super Bowl Celebration  
Avoiding the traffic, crazy fans and extensive stadium prices by hosting or attending an off-site event? Have fun and remember there are still things you should be aware of!
If you're hosting the event, collect guest's car keys at the door and provide lots of water and nonalcoholic beverages for those driving. Do not serve anyone underage and remember party hosts can be liable "if the hosts knowingly serves alcohol to minors on their property, or if the hosts supply car keys to an intoxicated adult on the host's property," according to the Texas Social Host Law. Violation of this law leads to a Class A misdemeanor, $4,000 in fines, and up to one year incarceration.  
Consider having coffee and dessert served in the fourth quarter to allow guest's time to sober up and avoid making alcoholic beverage choices.
If you're attending the event, plan where you are going to sleep whether you stay overnight or have a sober ride in place. Don't leave anyone in your group alone or allow yourself to get pulled away. Also, never leave your drink unattended.

If you see any criminal activity or unlawful behavior, make sure to report! Crime Stoppers of Houston Tip Line, 911 or any law enforcement personnel.

New Planning Commission Subcommittees

The City of Houston Planning Commission has formed two new subcommittees, the  Walkable Places Committee and  Platting Standards Committee . The role of these committees is to review and consider potential changes to the Code of Ordinances pertaining to walkability and platting. These two committees are chaired by members of the Commission and consist of a broad-spectrum of stakeholders from the community.

The Walkable Places Committee  will consider issues and potential revisions to Chapter 26 and 42 related to planning environments that facilitate walking, and create amenities for the public. The committee is chaired by Planning Commissioner Mark Kilkenny.
 
The Platting Standards Committee  meets  will consider issues and potential revisions to Chapter 42 platting standards and related ordinance changes. The committee is chaired by Commissioner M. Sonny Garza.
 
All committee meetings are open to the public and held at the City Hall Annex Chambers. For more information and to find the committee schedules go to www.houstonplanning.com

Texans Recovering Together

Texans Recovering Together works under the auspices of The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD, through Texas Health and human Service Commission. The Crisis Counseling Program was developed to assist survivors and their families who were affected by the most recent flood disaster that occurred in April of 2016, which is also known as the "Tax Day" flood. The program is funded by the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Our team consists of Crisis Counselors and Licensed Professionals that provide outreach, resources, referrals, linkages and crisis counseling to those affected by natural disasters free of charge within the City of Houston and Harris County. Services that are offered through Texans Recovering Together include but are not limited to the following:
 
·         Disaster Education and Awareness
·         Resource and referrals
·         Skill building
·         Grief and Loss
·         Common reactions to disasters
·         Psycho-Educational Groups
·         Crisis Counseling and Intervention
 
For more information click here
Upcoming Events 
 
Please refer to Council Martin's District E website for location, time and more event details. Email the District E office if you would like us to include your upcoming event in future newsletters! 
 
City Wides
 
February 5
Super Bowl LI

February 14
Valentine's Day

February 20
President's Day
 
Kingwood

February 3-4
Humble ISD BBQ Cook Off

February 4
E-Waste Recycling

February 8
KSA Public Safety Committee Meeting

February 9
Lake Houston Area Chamber of Commerce's  Summer Creek BizCom

February 10-11
Humble ISD Livestock Show and Auction

February 11
Lake Houston YMCA Bridge Fest

February 15
Kingwood Super Neighborhood Council Meeting

February 21
Kingwood PIP

February 23
Lake Houston Area Chamber of Commerce's Economic Outlook Luncheon

February 23
Kingwood CIP Town Hall

 
Southeast Houston/Clear Lake     

February 9
Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce's Epicurean Evening

February 11
E-Waste Recycling

February 16
Clear Lake CIP Town Hall

February 21
Clear Lake PIP

February 22
Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce's General Membership Luncheon