Greetings from
Council Member Mike Knox
December Newsletter

Join Us Friday, December 2, 2016! 

Ring in the season with the 97th Annual Mayor's Holiday Celebration and Tree Lighting Presented by Reliant, an NRG Company on Friday, December 2, 2016 in the heart of downtown Houston. The spectacular event is a holiday tradition of music, Santa, fireworks and family fun. A towering Holiday Tree, glowing with energy efficient LED lights, shimmering ornaments and a stunning star topper will light up the streets of downtown Houston this holiday season. The event takes place in Hermann Square at City Hall from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. and is free and open to the public.

The public is invited to bring a new, unwrapped toy to the Reliant booth at the Mayor’s Holiday Celebration to help make the holidays brighter for a child this season.  Everyone who brings a toy will receive a light-up Santa hat from Reliant. The annual toy drive benefits the Salvation Army Greater Houston Area Command.

The Mayor's Holiday Celebration and Tree Lighting Presented by Reliant, an NRG Company produced by the Mayor's Office of Special Events, Susan Christian, Director. 

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 

Plan Houston Survey

Take our survey on what issues the City should focus on next year! 

In 2015, Houston's City Council took the groundbreaking step of adopting the city's first general plan, Plan Houston. The Plan describes a vision and goals for our community and identifies twelve core strategies that represent the City’s approach for achieving the vision.  

The City of Houston is now actively working towards achieving the community goals laid out in Plan Houston. The next step is to understand the community's interests so that policy makers can consider them as they develop City priorities for the next budget year. The City's next fiscal year begins July 1, 2017. You can share your thoughts on what the City should be focusing on by responding to a brief survey: www.planhouston.org .     

Your input, coupled with Plan Houston's strategic guidance, ensures that the City will use its limited resources in the most effective means possible to improve our community. The survey is open from October 14, 2016 through December 16, 2016.  Call 832-393-6600 if you have questions or would like to request one or more paper copies of the survey.  

Go to www.planhouston.org  to learn more about the Plan Houston goals and strategies.  

¡Conteste nuestra encuesta acerca de los problemas en que la ciudad se debe de enfocar el próximo año!


En el 2015, El Consejo de la Ciudad de Houston tomo un paso innovador adoptando el primer plan general de la ciudad, Plan Houston. El plan describe la visión y metas para nuestra comunidad e identifica doce estrategias fundamentales. Estas estrategias representan la manera  en que la Ciudad va a lograr la visión.


La Ciudad de Houston esta activamente trabajando  hacia el logro de las metas de la comunidad presentadas en el Plan Houston. El siguiente paso es entender los intereses de la comunidad para que las autoridades encargadas de crear las normas y regulaciones  consideren esto  al momento de desarrollar las prioridades de la ciudad para el presupuesto del próximo año.  El siguiente año fiscal de la Ciudad comienza el primero de Julio del 2017. Puedes compartir tus ideas acerca de en qué debería enfocarse la Ciudad respondiendo a una corta encuesta. www.planhouston.org


Tu contribución con comentarios, en combinación con las guías estratégicas del Plan Houston, asegurara que los recursos limitados de la Ciudad se usen de la manera más efectiva posible para mejorar nuestra comunidad. La encuesta estará  disponible de Octubre 14, 2016 – Noviembre 25, 2016. Llame al 832-393-6600 para preguntas o para recibir una o más  copias de la encuesta.


Vaya a www.planhouston.org para aprender más acerca de las metas y estrategias de Plan Houston.

Medicare Open Enrollment
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

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.  

METRO LIFT OPERATORS WANTED
Free Document Shredding and Electronic Recyclin g
Cigna Sunday Streets
This weekend join Cigna Sunday Streets at Oak Forest/Garden Oaks, Sunday, December 4, 2016 from 12pm to 4pmCigna Sunday Streets Houston is an initiative to promote and improve the health of Houstonians. Cigna Sunday Streets Houston opens a stretch of streets normally reserved for cars and other vehicles to allow cycling, walking, dancing, socializing and provides a family-friendly opportunity to be physically active. Come out and enjoy Houston! 
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 .
BARC Holiday Adoptions
How are we doing?

As part of planning for the 2017 budget, the Mayor and City Council are asking Houstonians to complete a survey about the City's performance of its core services. If you are interested in completing the survey please go to the site below. The survey will only take you a few minutes to complete.  The results will be posted on the City's website in December.


November Events
Touchdown Tour at Agnes Moffitt Park
Great weather and a big outdoor party in Spring Branch at Agnes Moffitt Park celebrating Superbowl LI at Agnes Moffitt 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, features interactive games, a Houston Texans mobile locker room, special photo booths, giveaways, music and more. 
Mayor's 32nd Annual Proud Partners Luncheon

Delighted to be the guest of Becky Edmondson and the Westbury Civic Club at the Mayor's 32nd Annual Proud Partners Luncheon. Westbury is the neighborhood in which I was raised. So proud of Becky and all the great work being done in Westbury!

His Eminence Daniel Cardinal DiNardo
Honored to welcome His Eminence Daniel Cardinal DiNardo, Archbishop of Galveston-Houston to Council for our invocation.

Veterans Day
Enjoyed my first Veterans Day as your Council Member with hundreds of fellow veterans today.
Dedication of " Soaring in the Clouds" at GRB
I was glad to join colleagues and friends for the dedication of artist, Ed Wilson's "Soaring in the Clouds" installation at the George R. Brown convention center. Looking forward to the completion of renovations at GRB. 
Ground Breaking of Hwy 288 Expansion

Officials with Harris County, and the Texas Department of Transportation broke ground on the highway project that will add direct connectors to Beltway 8 and Loop 610, as well as add toll lanes to expand 288.

TxDOT plans to help alleviate the congestion by expanding the highway, and create a toll facility to run from downtown to the Harris County Line with the managed lanes will continue into Brazoria County.

www.facebook.com/Drive288/

Secured Cities Conference

Secured Cities provides the educational and networking opportunities to help establish programs and build relationships to address today’s security and emergency management challenges.

www.securedcities.com/ 

2016 Writers in the Schools Gala

Creativity matters. Since 1983, Writers in the Schools (WITS) has worked hand-in-hand with educators and professional writers to teach students the craft of writing. WITS is transforming the hearts and minds of young people all over Houston.

Creativity prepares children for the future. Witness the way over 36,000 children and teachers in 350 Houston classrooms plant their own stories each year, and discover the WITS magic that’s cultivated every day when students, writers, WITS staff and community members join together.

witshouston.org
Chinese Community Center's New Horizon's Luncheon
CCC is embarking on the New Horizons expansion project to enhance its capacity to serve children, families, older adults, and adults with disabilities from low- to moderate-income households in Houston. The project involves:

  • constructing a 20,000-square-foot, two-story facility on CCC’s property that will house:
    • a state-licensed adult care center for older adults and adults with disabilities and
    • a multipurpose auditorium and conference/office suites available for public use;
  • converting an existing storage building into a recreation center that will serve at-risk youth and double as a disaster response shelter; and
  • engaging in site improvement by adding a circular drive near the front entrance and relocating the playground to make CCC safer for pedestrians of all ages.

The new facilities that will be added through the New Horizons expansion project will enable CCC to serve 5,000 more people each year.

Barbara Jordan Endeavors Spirit Trophy Proclamation Presentation
I was delighted to step in for my colleague, Council Member Jerry Davis, to answer questions about city government and to present a proclamation to North Forest High School students between the ages of 14-17 who are also part of the military JROTC program. These students were the winners of the Barbara Jordan Endeavors Spirit Trophy at the recent “All Diversity Inclusive 5K Walk.” The walk’s objective is to bring awareness of diversity and inclusiveness of those with mental and physical disabilities. 
Thanksgiving Day Parade
The Houston Thanksgiving Day Parade began in 1949, when Santa arrived at Union Station and rode his sleigh to the downtown Foley’s.  Since then, the Thanksgiving Day parade has gone through a few changes but today, it remains a 67 year-old holiday tradition showcasing the Houston community and entertaining parade-goers lining the streets on Thanksgiving morning. 
2016 Comida Food Drive

The Comida food drive began in 1985, when several Houston Police Officers responded to a call for service and observed a family in need. Officers decided to feed underprivileged families during the Christmas Holidays. In 2015, more than $81,000 was raised and approximately 11,000 pounds of food was also collected at the Fiesta Marts.

KaBoom Playground Build in the Near Northside
The new playground will bring more than 9,000 kids in the Near Northside one step closer to having the play-filled childhood they deserve. Currently, there is no playground at St. Alban’s Episcopal Church. This new playground will provide a safe, accessible place to play for the kids of the surrounding community and the church. The playground will be the 30th built by BlueCross BlueShield of Texas and KaBOOM!. Through this partnership, more children will have the joyful childhood they deserve. BlueCross BlueShield of Texas supports KaBOOM! in promoting and protecting a child’s right to active play at home, at school, in the church and in the community.
Spark Park at Houston Academy School of International Studies 
The SPARK School Program works with schools and neighborhoods to develop community parks on public school grounds. In the past 30 years, SPARK has built over 200 community parks throughout the Houston/Harris County area. Each park is unique, with its design based on ideas and needs of the school and surrounding neighborhoods. While all of the parks are different, a typical park consists of modular playground equipment, a walking trail, benches, picnic tables, trees, an outdoor classroom, and public art. SPARK Parks are available for public use after the school day (including after-school programs) has ended and on weekends. 
Mayor's Volunteer Feast for the Formerly Homeless 
Mayor Turner, volunteers with New Hope Housing, and City Council Members served food (donated by Randall’s) to some 70 formerly homeless tenants living in New Hope’s Rittenhouse complex. These 70 or so formerly homeless individuals used to reside on Houston’s streets but were provided housing and supportive services through The Way Home – Houston’s collaborative, housing-focused homeless response system. 
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!