Greetings from
Council Member Mike Knox
January 2017 Newsletter
26th Annual City of Houston Christmas Tree Recycling Kick-Off

Residents can recycle their trees by dropping them off at one of twenty four (24) free, drop-off recycling sites located throughout Houston. The program runs from December 28, 2016 to January 15, 2017. In addition to the drop-off locations, residents with City of Houston collection services may place their tree curbside on their scheduled Tree Waste day to be recycled. The trees must have all decorations, ornaments, tinsel, lights and stands removed. Flocked trees cannot be recycled. 

The Solid Waste Management Department would also like to remind residents to remember their Odds and Evens. SWMD collects Tree Waste only in the ODD numbered months of January, March, May, July, September and November. Tree Waste is clean wood waste such as tree limbs, branches and stumps.

Junk waste is collected in the EVEN numbered months of February, April, June, August, October and December and is defined as lumber, furniture, appliances with the Freon removed and other bulk items.

Residents are limited to eight cubic yards (two pickup beds full) per monthly collection.

For more detailed information, please visit the Solid Waste Management Website: http://www.houstontx.gov/solidwaste/press-12222016.html

Major Traffic Disruption
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has closed the entrance to I-10 and the I-45 HOV lanes from Louisiana Street in Downtown Houston in order to conduct an emergency bridge repair.  At this time there is no timetable for the evaluation and repairs to take place. 

Houston residents who live or work downtown and regularly use this connector to access I-10 may use the following detours:

IH-10 (Katy Freeway) westbound

  • Traffic on Louisiana will turn left onto Congress.
  • Proceed on Congress to Franklin and turn left.
  • Use Franklin to turn right onto the IH-10 (Katy Freeway) HOV lanes. (Please note that TxDOT has suspended normal HOV requirements during this period - you may use this lane during this time even if there is only one occupant in the vehicle)

IH-45 (North Freeway) HOV northbound

  • Traffic on Louisiana turns right on Franklin
  • Proceed to Travis and turn left.
  • Use Travis to access the IH-45 HOV lanes.

For updates on this situation, visit the City of Houston Emergency Information site at houstontx.gov/emergency. 

Super Bowl LI Touchdown Tour

In partnership with Mayor Turner and the City of Houston, the Houston Super Bowl Host Committee announced a slate of upcoming event dates for the one-of-a-kind fan experience: the Touchdown Tour. The first of the 11 events was held on October 8, at Mason Park.

The Touchdown Tour, designed to bring the excitement of the Super Bowl to the Houston area as the region prepares for Super Bowl LI in February, will feature interactive games, a Houston Texans mobile locker room, special photo booths, giveaways, music and more. Food and beverage will be available for purchase. On both Friday and Saturday, the Host Committee will also engage the community through a combination of its Touchdown Houston legacy initiatives regarding education health and community enhancement.

“Not everyone will be able to be in the seats at NRG Stadium on game day in February, but that should not mean they don’t get to experience the fun,” said Mayor Turner.  “The Touchdown Tour will take the Super Bowl experience on the road to neighborhoods all over Houston.  I want to thank the host committee for delivering on my request to figure out a way for all Houstonians to participate in the excitement leading up to the big game.”

“The Houston Super Bowl Host Committee and the City of Houston are committed to giving all residents an unparalleled Super Bowl experience,” Sallie Sargent, the President and CEO of the Houston Super Bowl Host Committee, said. “We want to bring the excitement of Super Bowl LI into the community, and Mayor Turner and the City of Houston have been instrumental in turning this vision into a reality.” The Touchdown Tour’s kickoff event was held August 27 at the nonprofit science and space learning center, Space Center Houston followed by a stop at Joint Base San Antonio.

For more information, visit the Houston Super Bowl Host Committee’s website: www.housuperbowl.com and follow the Houston Super Bowl Host Committee on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram or visit www.houstonspecialevents.org.


Upcoming Touchdown Tour Schedule Dates:
All events will be scheduled from 11A – 2P 

Super Bowl LIVE
Super Bowl LIVE is a free-to-the-public fan festival that will be held in and around Discovery Green for nine days leading up to Super Bowl LI. There will be interactive games and exhibits, live music, food and fun for the entire family. There will also be Future Flight, the signature attraction of the event, a combination of virtual reality and a drop tower that takes riders on a trip to Mars and back. New events are added regularly - keep track of them here!

31st Annual Arbor Day

Mayor Sylvester Turner, the Houston Parks and Recreation Department and hundreds of volunteers will celebrate the City of Houston's 31st Annual Arbor Day on Saturday, January 21, 2017, at Herman Brown Park. The day commemorates the City's designation as a Tree City USA by the National Arbor Day Foundation. The Tree City USA designation is awarded by the Foundation in recognition of the City's and its citizens' commitment to the stewardship of trees. Four standards must be met.

Following the official Arbor Day ceremony, volunteers will plant 1,000 trees at Herman Brown Park. Registration is required for this.  Please contact the Houston Parks and Recreation Department at Oneika.shelby@houstontx.gov to register and for more information on volunteering. 

Arbor Day Tree Planting 
Saturday, January 21, 2017 
Herman Brown Park 
200 Mercury Drive 
Houston, TX 77013

8:30 a.m. - Volunteer Check-in
9:00 a.m. - Official Arbor Day Ceremony
Tree Planting follows ceremony 


The Arbor Day Foundation was formed in 1972 as an outgrowth of a movement that began in 1872 with a call to plant trees on the open plains of Nebraska. It is estimated that one million trees were planted in that state on that first Arbor Day.  In Houston, the optimum tree planting time is October through February, due to our climate and summer temperatures. The Houston Parks and Recreation Department celebrates Arbor Day throughout this time frame with smaller tree planting events and the Official Arbor Day Celebration, held in January.

For more information on Arbor Day and the Houston Parks and Recreation Department, please visit www.houstontx.gov/parks or write to askparks@houstontx.gov.

Harrisburg Overpass Bridge Opening and
METRORail Green Line Completion Community Celebration
HPD "OffersUp" Safety Tips for
Mobile Buy/Sell App Use  

If you are one of the thousands of Houstonians using mobile buy/sell apps, the Houston Police Department wants you to be safe when making arrangements to purchase or sell items on mobile buy/sell websites or cell phone apps.  


Items are posted for sale on popular websites or social media apps, such as LetGo or OfferUp, and persons interested in making purchases communicate through the website.  Persons then arrange to meet to exchange money for the items sold.  


If you are going to make purchases or sell items using these apps or websites, follow these robbery prevention safety tips:   

  • If you are going to exchange money for property, do it in a public place (police station, public parking lot). 
  • If possible, have someone accompany you to the location.  
  • Don't invite strangers to your home or go to their residences.  
  • Perform transactions during daylight hours.  
  • Avoid displaying large amounts of cash. Take only the amount needed for the purchase.  
  • Utilize a proxy email rather than your regular email address to avoid revealing personal information.  
  • Trust your instincts and avoid uncomfortable situations. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.   

Hear HPD Robbery Division Senior Police Officer J. Brieden speak about safe ways to conduct transactions on the HPD YouTube channel at https://youtu.be/Ei2cvlDQeYg


If you are the victim of a robbery, remain calm and DO NOT resist. Take no action that would jeopardize your safety. Follow the robber's directions, but do not volunteer more than asked for.  Make mental notes of anything unusual about the suspect, such as appearance, scars, tattoos or type of weapon used.  After the robbery, go to a safe location near the robbery scene and call police immediately.

 
Anyone who has been a victim in these types of cases is urged to contact the HPD Robbery Division at 713-308-0700 or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.  


Remember that robbery is a crime of violence that threatens the safety and quality of life of a community.  It is a crime of opportunity that can be reduced through awareness and prevention.  For more information on robbery prevention and personal safety tips, visit http://www.houstontx.gov/police/keep_houston_safe/index.htm

Flooding and Storm Surge Symposium

Houston is no stranger to the human and economic costs of severe weather. Recent floods in 2015 and 2016 caused 16 deaths and over $1 billion in damage. Additionally, the entire coastal region is particularly vulnerable to the threat of storm surge from a powerful hurricane.

In order to address these issues, Houston City Council Members David W. Robinson and Dave Martin, the AIA Houston Urban Design Committee, the Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC), and the American Council of Engineering Companies of Houston (ACEC) will host an event featuring two panel discussions on flooding and storm surge. Experts from academia, government and advocacy groups will shed light on these challenges and discuss possible solutions.

The event will take place on Wednesday, January 18, 2017, at the George R. Brown Convention Center, Meeting Room 371ABDE. The reception will begin at 5:30 p.m. and the program at 6:00 p.m. Remarks by Harris County Judge Ed Emmett will be given at the beginning of the program.

This event is free and open to the public. Online registration is available until 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 11. To register, please visit https://aiahouston.org/v/event-detail/Flooding-and-Storm-Surge-Symposium/10h/

Please contact atlarge2@houstontx.gov and districte@houstontx.gov if you would like to be a partner city, organization or sponsor of this event.

METRO Adds New Features to Q Mobile Ticketing App
More METRO riders are now able to pay for their transit with their mobile phones thanks to some new Q Mobile ticketing features including:
  • Park & Ride tickets
  • Free Rider Rewards
Park & Ride customers will be prompted to choose a ticket from one of four zones in METRO's Park & Ride system. Park & Ride fare zones are found under the "Rider Tools" section of the Q Mobile ticketing app. METRO encourages riders to familiarize themselves with their Park & Ride zone before purchasing fares.

METRO's Rider Rewards program now also credits Q Mobile ticketing users five FREE tickets for every 50 single-ride tickets bought and activated.  


Single-ride tickets and METRO Day passes are also available through the app. All mobile tickets include FREE three-hour transfers to METRO services with fares of equal or lesser value traveling in any direction. 


Riders transferring to a higher fare service - from local bus or light-rail to a Park & Ride, for example - are encouraged to buy Park & Ride tickets at the start of a trip to save additional charges.
In February METRO introduced Q Mobile Ticketing, which allows customers the convenience of purchasing and presenting fares securely - from a mobile phone - 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  

New Free Service for METROLift Patrons

METRO is making it easier for METROLift patrons to use its local buses and trains with a new pilot program that gives free rides to Park & Ride lots, transit centers and rail stations.

The new METROLift Feeder Service began on New Year’s Day and will continue for six months. This new service is one of nine areas of the METROLift Moving Forward initiative that has worked to improve service quality and the sustainability of the METROLift program, said Michael Andrade, director of Paratransit Services for METROLift.

“METROLift Feeder Service offers customers a more direct trip to their destination by utilizing a portion of their trip from a fixed-route transit center, rail station or Park & Ride service,” said Andrade. “This service is completely free.”

Customers can book a trip seven days a week, from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., by calling: 713-615-6241.

They can also book same-day Feeder Service trips. When scheduling a trip, riders can book both legs of their trip at the same time with a Feeder Service reservationist.

By increasing access to its local buses and trains, METRO hopes more METROLift customers will enjoy the benefits of more direct trips. Still have questions on how this works? Come to an informational session scheduled throughout the city this month. 

Click here to see locations, dates and times.

METRO LIFT OPERATORS WANTED
HPD to Pedestrians and Motorists:  Watch Out for One Another

With pedestrian and bicycle-related fatalities on the rise this year, HPD is offering tips to keep pedestrians and motorists safe.  In addition, pedestrian safety brochures, in six languages, may be found on the department's website at http://www.houstontx.gov/police/keep_houston_safe/index.htm

Pedestrians are reminded:

  • Do not walk across the street unless at a crosswalk
  • Take the extra minute or two to walk to a crosswalk
  • Obey "Walk/Don't Walk" traffic signals
  • Stop and look both ways before stepping into the street
  • Make eye contact with a driver; don't just look at a vehicle
  • Wear light colored and/or reflective clothing if walking at night and carry a flashlight
  • Do not wear headphones or talk/text on a cell phone while walking across the street
  • Be extra careful in construction zones
Motorists are reminded:
  • Be cautious, alert and aware of your surroundings
  • Avoid distractions (like talking and texting on cell phones)
  • Always be on the lookout for pedestrians and bicyclists
  • Stop and render aid if you strike a pedestrian or vehicle

  • Stop and render aid even if you do not have a driver's license or insurance
Minor Critical Emergency
Home Repair Program
The Minor Critical Emergency Home Repair Program (MCEHRP) is open!  Please call the Housing and Community Development Department (832.394.6161) for more information. Please see requirements: 
  • Minor critical emergency home repairs are those repairs critically needed to alleviate life, health or safety hazards
  • Applicants must be qualified to participate in the program; applying does not guarantee approval for or acceptance into the program
  • Rebuilding Together Houston will provide critical repairs UP TO $10,000 per home to qualified applicants
  • Specific repair services are determined based on condition of home, cost of repairs and availability of funds
For more information, please contact the MCEHRP at 832.394.6161 , or the Department at 832.394.6200 .
Coffee with AARP Texas
December Events
Confirmation of new HPD Chief Art Acevedo
Newly confirmed HPD Chief Art Acevedo engaging in frank discussion during the City Council confirmation hearing. Topics included, open-carry, demonstrations, and 2nd amendment rights.
World AIDS Day Luncheon

AIDS Foundation Houston, Inc. (AFH) leads the innovative efforts in the prevention of new HIV infections and empowers individuals, families, and communities affected by HIV/AIDS to create and sustain healthy lives.

AIDS Foundation Houston, Inc. envisions a supportive community free of new HIV infections where individuals affected by HIV/AIDS lead healthy and productive lives without stigma and discrimination.

http://www.aidshelp.org/

City of Houston Christmas Tree Lighting
This spectacular event is a holiday tradition of music, Santa, fireworks and family fun. A towering Christmas Tree, glowing with energy efficient LED lights, shimmering ornaments and a stunning star topper lit up the streets of downtown Houston this past holiday season. 
Honoring Two Houston Restaurant Icons
Two food icons recognized at City Council. Sylvia Casares owns Sylvia's Enchilada Restaurants. Johnny Carrabba is famous for his great Italian food. 
HCC Brays Oaks Ribbon Cutting

More than 150 people packed the entrance of the 28,000 square-foot, LEED Silver Certified HCC Brays Oaks building to celebrate its official ribbon cutting. 

United Launches Nonstop Service to Cuba from Bush Airport
After months of planning and anticipation, the first flight from George Bush Intercontinental Airport to Havana took off Dec. 3, 2016, connecting Cuba to Texas' largest city and United's premier Latin American gateway. United will operate Saturday nonstop flights from Houston — the only flight to Cuba originating from the southwest region of the United States — in addition to its daily nonstop service from Newark/New York via Newark International Airport.
Marriott Marquis Tour

The Marriott Marquis Houston is a new 1000-room Marriott hotel in HoustonTexas. It is the second largest hotel located near the George R. Brown Convention Centerto which it is connected by a pedestrian sky bridge. It includes five restaurants, a 40,000-square-foot ballroom, the largest in Houston, and a Texas shaped lazy river.

Remembering Pearl Harbor

We remember Decemeber 7, 1941 when Japanese planes dropped bombs and torpedoes, sinking and capsizing ships at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Two thousand three hundred and ninety Americans were killed. President Roosevelt declared December 7, a day which will, “live in infamy.” Congress declared war the following morning, and the United States officially entered World War II.

The City of Houston and its citizens honored the sacrifice of those who participated in this war to help preserve freedom for this country and protect the rest of the world from tyranny.

22nd Annual Crime Victims Memorial
During the Christmas Holiday, friends and family gathered at City Hall to remember loved ones lost as victims of crime.  Family members of homicide victims placed personalized ornaments and photos of their loved on two trees that were on display throughout the Holiday Season.
CITGO Community Appreciation Luncheon

In the spirit of the season, we embrace the opportunity to celebrate the importance of friendship and community. I was honored to join CITGO for their annual holiday gathering in celebration of our local partners, whose vital work is making Houston a better community.

Food Distribution in Sunnyside

I joined Pastor Gusta Booker from Greater Saint Matthew Baptist Church for a food distribution in Sunnyside. Pastor Booker graciously hosts a food drive and a clothing distribution at his church every 2 weeks. 

http://greaterstmatthewchurch.com/

Grand Opening of Milby Park's Newest Soccer Field

Charles H. Milby Park is by Sims Bayou on Houston’s eastside. It has a playground and barbecue pits, but for more hundreds of local kids, it’s a place to play soccer. The new soccer field at Milby Park costs $400,000, most of which is paid for by proceeds from big soccer events that take place in Houston, such as the Copa America games.

Christening of the New Seafarers Building 

After 37 years at the union hall on Pierce Street, the SIU moved its Houston operations to a brand new building located at 625 North York St. in Houston's Second Ward. 

Mark White Elementary School Dedication
At the grand opening celebration of the school that bears his name, Governor Mark White acknowledged the significance of having a new building dedicated in his honor. Constructed on a wooded tract off Westheimer Road, the $23.4 million, 83,000-square-foot school was built to relieve overcrowding on the district’s west side. It features open learning spaces, large windows, natural light, and collaborative areas for small or large group learning.
Proclamation Presentation honoring Tom Tynan
Celebrating 30 years of "The Home Handy Man Repair Show with Tom Tynan." We were glad to have Tom Tynan at council to receive a proclamation from the City of Houston. 
Invocation with Rabbi David Lyon of Congregation Beth Israel
Thank you Rabbi David Lyon of Congregation Beth Israel for the invocation at City Council. We appreciate your work in our community.
Holiday Luncheon with HPD Air Support
The Houston Police Department's air support division is one of the largest municipal police air support units in the country. I was happy to spend time with the hard working folks in the HPD Air Division for some Holiday lunch. 
29th Annual Navigation Area Business Association (NABA) Shoes for Kids
NABA Shoes for Kids distributed 3,000 pairs of shoes to children in the Houston area as part of the 29th Annual Shoes for Kids program. This year we gathered at HISD’s Austin High School to distribute the shoes to thousands of elementary aged children in the East End. 

Adopt an Esplanade Ribbon Cutting Ceremony in the Near Northside
I celebrated the groundbreaking of a beautified esplanade with friends and colleagues. McDugald Steele Landscape Architects & Contractors, the Greater Northside Management District and Avenue CDC unveiled the Crosstimbers/Irvington Adopt an Esplanade Project in the Near Northside.  
Cleme Manor Rehab Celebration
The NHP Foundation, the national affordable housing not-for-profit, welcomed city and state officials to an event showcasing renovations at Cleme Manor Apartments, the largest multi-family housing community in the historic Greater Fifth Ward neighborhood in Houston. 
Service Requests:
Important Information:
(832) 393-3014

311 or (713) 837-0311

Emergency
911

HPD Non-Emergency 
(713) 884-3131

(832) 393-0955

(832) 393-1100

Mayor Sylvester Turner
City of Houston
P.O. Box 1562
Houston, TX 77251
311 or 713.837.0311 


Staff Information:
John Moss
Chief of Staff

Carla Hulsey
Deputy Chief of Staff

Lanny Griffith
Communications Director
City Council Member Mike Knox, At-Large Position 1 | 900 Bagby St., First Floor | Houston, TX 77002 | (832) 393-3014 | Atlarge1@houstontx.gov
Stay in touch!