Council Member Dave Martin's

District E Newsletter

Issue 51

March 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, my office hosted two Capital Improvement Project Town Hall Meetings, one in Southeast Houston/Clear Lake and the other in Kingwood. Nearly 500 people attended these meetings and heard updates from community leaders and city departments about projects affecting the public in the surrounding area. I want to take a moment to thank all those individuals who participated in these meetings and the Mayor's Citizens Assistance Office for working with my staff to coordinate them.
 
A very special thank you to Mayor Sylvester Turner for speaking at our Kingwood town hall again this year and while we missed having the Mayor in Clear Lake we understand that he manages a very busy schedule. We appreciate his interest in the council district and making it a priority to not only attend these meetings, when available, but also engaging with our audience. Mayor Turner spoke about the city finances and recognized the great importance of passing the City of Houston's Sustainable Pension Plan. He and I have advocated for this plan as a good plan, not a perfect plan, but one that puts a stop to the growing unfunded liability.
 
Each day this pension plan is not adopted adds 1 Million dollars to the City of Houston's unfunded pension liability. To hear what the Mayor said in Kingwood about the budget and pensions follow this link . Video of the Southeast Houston/Clear Lake town hall can be seen here .
 
This month we will celebrate the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo in our city. Over the next few weeks, visitors will travel near and far to experience everything the rodeo has to offer. As an ex-oficio board member, I am proud to say the rodeo was organized for charitable, educational and scientific purposes and their mission has not changed over the years. In fact, the Rodeo has committed over $400 million to scholarships, research, endowments, calf scramble participants, junior show exhibitors, school art participants and other educational youth programs. Additionally, the show has a significant impact on the City of Houston every year. According to the Rodeo's website:
  • Annual aggregate gross sales in the region are increased by $475,403,000.
  • Annual regional product is increased by $320,221,000.
  • Annual personal incomes are raised by $290,710,000.
  • 7,265 full-time equivalent jobs are created.
  • The local population is increased by 16,316 people.
For the fifth year in a row I will be joining several of my council colleagues by participating in rodeo activities such as the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Parade as well as Armed Forces Appreciation Day. This is a time of year I always look forward to and encourage all Houstonians to take advantage of visiting this wonderful event that takes place in our back yard once a year.
 
As always, it is a pleasure to serve you. Please let myself and my staff know if we can assist you in any way. We are available by contacting our council office at  districte@houstontx.gov  or by calling (832) 393-3008. 


Sincerely,

 
Dave Martin

District E Legislative Days in Austin

On February 27 and 28 Council Member Martin along with the District E staff  had the opportunity to visit the State Capitol during the 85 th legislature with the Lake Houston Area Chamber of Commerce, Clear Lake Chamber of Commerce and Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership to advocate for District E residents. More than 100 District E residents participated in the visit to the Capitol. The purpose of the visit was to advocate for District E and its needs regarding: public education, transportation and infrastructure, pensions, workforce development, maritime job preservation, advancement of aerospace, technology outreach programs, storm surge protection, and economic development.
 
Council Member Martin and staff had the opportunity to speak with  Senator Brandon Creighton,    Representative Dan Huberty, Texas Commissioner of Education Mike Morath, Carlton Schwab, President & CEO of Texas Economic Development Council,  Senator Kel Seliger, Representative Angie Chen Button and Representative Robert Alonzo. 
 
Council Member Martin extends his thanks to the Lake Houston Area Chamber of Commerce, Clear Lake Chamber of Commerce, as well as, Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership for coordinating these valuable meetings. This was a great opportunity for community leaders and business owners to make sure that their priorities were heard at the beginning of this legislative session.

BAHEP Quasar Awards

On Friday, February 3 staff from Council Member Martin's office had the opportunity to attend the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership's Annual Quasar Awards honoring Senator Larry Taylor. Senator Taylor has not only made great strides in Storm Surge Protection for the area but also champions for the children of Texas as Chair of the Senate Committee on Education. 

Council Member Martin thanks Senator Taylor for all he does for the great state of Texas and congratulates him on this well-earned award.
Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce's Epicurean Evening

On Thursday, February 9 staff from Council Member Martin's office attended the annual Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce's Epicurean Evening at Space Center Houston. It was a very well attended event as the chamber reported over 2000 people attended. It was a great time with over 40 area food establishments and vendors representing the Clear Lake area, and surrounding cities, such as HEB, Murder by Chocolate, Stella Artois, Bay Oaks Country Club and more. 
Cub Scout Pack 957

Before the February 16  Southeast Houston/Clear Lake Area CIP Meeting, Council Member Martin had a chance to speak with a local Clear Lake Cub Scout troop. The troop was interested in hearing about the role the council member plays as a local government leaders and his role in the community. It was a great opportunity for the group of 5 th graders to learn more about the purpose of a "Town Hall" meeting and how influential residents can be in their own community. 

Clear Lake/Southeast Houston CIP Town Hall

Over 150 District E residents attended Southeast Houston/Clear Lake Capital Improvement Project Town Hall at Space Center Houston on February 16. Residents had a chance to hear from representatives from the Public Works and Engineering Department as well as the Houston Parks and Recreation Department regarding local projects in the Southeast/Clear Lake Area. Chief Resiliency Officer Stephen Costello provided a brief update on storm surge details and Clear Lake Substation Captain Jerome Stevens addressed recent panhandling issues in the area.

Council Member Martin thanks all the residents for taking the time to come to the meeting to hear about the updates, and also thanks his fellow At Large council members, Council Members Mike Knox, David Robinson, Michael Kubosh, Amanda Edwards, and Jack Christie, for attending the meeting and showing their support.

To view the event in its entirety click here. Presentations from the town hall can be found here
Planet Fitness Opening

On Tuesday, February 21 staff from Council Member Martin's office had the privilege of presenting a certificate to Planet Fitness at their Ribbon Cutting Celebration. The new Planet Fitness, is located at 560 El Dorado Boulevard. 

Council Member Martin was happy to have been included in their opening celebration and wishes the company great success! 
 
Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce's General Membership Luncheon

On Wednesday, February 22 staff from Council Member Martin's office attended the Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce's General Membership Luncheon. This month's keynote speaker featured Garret Berg, Port Houston's Community Relations Manager. Berg briefed the members and attendees on the important role that Port Houston plays in our local area as well as nationally. Port Houston not only provides commerce to the Houston region, but also brings taxes, jobs, and maritime education to the area. 
Space Center Boulevard Panel Replacement

The panel replacement at the El Dorado and Space Center Blvd. intersection was completed the last week in February. Currently, the contractor has completed approximately 60% of the work on Space Center Boulevard. The remaining work on Space center Boulevard is expected to be complete by the first week of April. 

The District E office will continue to provide residents with updates regarding this project as they become available. 
 
Meadowcreek Village Pavilion Ribbon Cutting

Council Member Dave Martin and the 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 stay active. 
Summer Creek BizCom

On February 9 staff from Council Member Martin's office had the opportunity to attend the Lake Houston Area Chamber of Commerce's Summer Creek BizCom. The meeting brings together a blend of businesses, community members and school officials to address specific needs within the Lake Houston Area.
 
This month's BizCom featured presentations by Nolan Correa, Summer Creek Highschool principal, Jennifer Wooden, community liasion for Harris Conty Precinct 2 Commissioner Morman, Doug Earle, Executive Director of First Tee of Greater Houston, Doug Erdy, CEO of Doug Erdy Group, and Daniella Jenkins, Culinary Arts Instructor for the Summer Creek Culinary Arts Program.
 
Council Member Martin extends his thanks to the Lake Houston Area Chamber as well as all the sponsors that come together to put on a great event. 
Kingwood Capital Improvement Project Town Hall Meeting

On Thursday, February 23 over 200 District E residents and City of Houston staff members gathered at the Kingwood Community Center for Council Member Martin's spring Capital Improvement Plan Town Hall. It was a great honor to have Mayor Sylvester Turner in Kingwood to give remarks and brief residents on the City's current pension plan. Additionally, attendees heard an update from Carol Haddock with Public Works and Engineering and a flooding update from Sallie Alcorn with the office of the Chief Resiliency Officer, Stephen Costello. Chairman of the Lake Houston Redevelopment Authority, Stan Sarman, briefed District E residents on Northpark Mobility Project in the area. Finally, the newly appointed HPD Kingwood Substation Captain, Captain Colin Weatherly, addressed local burglary motor vehicle issues, changes that he is implemented to improve efficiency of patrol staff, and area crime statistics. 

To view the event in its entirety click here
Coastal Water Authority Luce Bayou Interbasin Project

On Friday, February 24 Council Member Martin joined Mayor Sylvester Turner, President of the Coastal Water Authority, Wayne Klotz and Chairman of the Texas Water Development Board, Bech Bruun for the groundbreaking of the Luce Bayou Interbasin Transfer Project at I.T. May Park in Huffman. The project represents the culmination of more than 50 years of effort by local leaders to ensure water supply keeps pace with ever-growing demand generated by business and residential development. Ranked the highest project of the Texas Water Development Board, the Luce Bayou Interbasin Transfer Project is considered the region's most important effort concerning water supply.
 
The project, including a pump station on the banks of the Trinity River and more than 25 miles of pipelines and earthen canals, will deliver up to 500 million gallons of water per day to Lake Houston and the Northeast Water Purification Plant, located in District E. It is scheduled to be completed by 2019. 
Kingwood Community Center Programs

The Kingwood Community Center is a great asset to the residents of Kingwood. Aside from hosting Council Member Martin's Town Halls, the Community Center hosts all kinds of special events - everything from informational sessions to Western Line Dancing, as well as facilitating senior trips to baseball games and other area destinations. They also provide a variety of ongoing programs in house, like bingo, Zumba, bridge, the list goes on.
 
Council Member Martin truly appreciates the great job that the community center staff accomplishes on a day to day basis. Justin Hagendorf does a fantastic job managing the facility with such an abundance of programs for people young and old.
 
For more information about programs at the Kingwood Community Center call 281-348-2570 or visit this link
Celebrating Yao Ming

On Thursday, February 2 Council Member Martin had the opportunity of helping Mayor Turner honor Yao Ming and congratulate him on the retirement of his jersey. Ming retired his number 11 jersey on February 3 at the Toyota Center.
 
Yao Ming played for the Houston Rockets from 2002 to 2011 for eight seasons, where he averaged 19 points and nine rebounds a game. He was elected to the basketball Hall of Fame in 2016. Houston is proud to have him represent our great city around the globe.
CASE for Kids Grant Photo Shoot

On Thursday, February 23    Council Member Martin had the privilege of meeting with the CASE for Kids, City Connections Grant Recipients from District E. The council member would like to congratulate the Spirit of Texas Fencing Foundation, The Village Learning & Achievement Center, YMCA Of Greater Houston - South Group Childcare, and St. Martha's Catholic School.
 
CASE for Kids is an afterschool division of the Harris County Department of Education and annually accepts grant applications from 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations in the City of Houston for the City Connections 2016-2017 program. The City Connections initiative, funded by the City of Houston, offers grant support to out-of-school time programs that meet City Council district needs and address gaps in services to youths outside the school day. 
2017 Flooding and Storm Surge Symposium

Council Member Martin invites District E residents to save the date for the re-scheduled 2017 Flooding and Storm Surge Symposium.

Confirmed panelists for the event include Steve Costello, Chief Resiliency Officer, City of Houston; Russell A. Poppe, Executive Director, Harris County Flood Control District; Mary Anne Piacentini, Executive Director, Katy Prairie Conservancy; Bob Mitchell, President, Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership; Chris Sallese, Coastal Programs Coordinator, Dannenbaum Engineering Corporation; and Phil Bedient, Director, Severe Storm Prediction, Education, and Evacuation from Disasters. 
The event will take place on Wednesday, April 5, 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 Mayor Sylvester Turner will be given at the beginning of the program. This event is free and open to the public, but seating is limited.
Online registration is available until 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday March 29. For more information or to register for the event click here.

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.
 

Houston No Limits CEO Business Luncheon

On Saturday, February 4 Council Member Martin attended the Houston No Limits CEO Business Experience "CEO Business Luncheon." The purpose of the luncheon was to show local and visiting business executives how diverse and dynamic Houston is for potential expansion or relocation of their businesses to Houston. Mayor Sylvester Turner was the keynote speaker of the intimate event.
 
Council Member Martin thanks Susan Christian, Director of the Mayor's Office of Special Events for all her hard work and dedication to showing people from near and far just how wonderful Houston is. 
Super Bowl LI

Leading up to Super Bowl LI Council Member Martin had the chance to attend several Super Bowl events throughout the city. On Saturday, February 4 the council member attended the 2017 Super Bowl Breakfast featuring the Bart Starr Award. The NFL-Sanctioned Super Bowl Breakfast hosted some of the biggest names in the NFL and the 2017 Bart Starr Award was presented to Matthew Slater of the New England Patriots. It was an  inspirational morning of football, family, and faith.
 
Council Member Martin extends his gratitude to the Super Bowl Host Committee on the excellent job they did preparing our city, gathering amazing volunteers, and putting on the best Super Bowl seen yet.  On Wednesday, February 8 Mayor Sylvester Turner presented a proclamation and congratulated Houston Super Bowl Host Committee President & CEO Sallie Sargent.  Council Member Martin is proud and honored to represent the City of Houston as we had eyes all over the world on our city. 
City Council Approves Contract for Permitting Center Website

Houston City Council approved a contract for website development services that will transform the way residents, businesses and the building community navigate the City of Houston's permitting process.

The new Houston Permitting Center's website, estimated to launch in one year, will feature a wizard that automatically customizes permitting requirements based on answers to a series of questions provided by the customer. The dynamic decision engine powering the wizard will quickly exclude irrelevant permit categories, ensuring a personalized user experience.  The new website will also consolidate each department's permitting pages and repackage the information in a way that is functional to the customer based on needs - i.e. opening a business and remodeling a house. Other functions of the enhanced online experience will include comprehensive customer support, keyword search, simple online application forms and electronic signatures.

Following the implementation of improvements such as electronic plan review, online appointment scheduling and mobile queuing, the website redesign is the latest step in a continuous effort to streamline the City's permitting process and improve customer service.

The $4.1 million contract with Woolpert, Inc. includes initial research, website design, content management system development, wizard configuration and system maintenance over a three-year period, with two optional one-year renewals.

Individuals with residential, business or construction permit questions are encouraged to email houston.permittingcenter@houstontx.gov
or call 832-394-9000.
 
Houston Receives $1 Million Grant for Houston Spaceport Infrastructure

Mayor Sylvester Turner announced that the U.S. Department of Commerce awarded Houston, Texas a $1 million Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant to build some of the necessary infrastructure required for the planned Houston Spaceport at Ellington Airport. 

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) granted a launch site license to the Houston Airport System in July 2015 to enable Ellington Airport to establish itself as a launch site for Reusable Launch Vehicles (RLV), making Houston Spaceport the 10th commercial spaceport in the United States. Currently in Phase 1 of development, the Houston Spaceport recently acquired a 53k square-foot facility. Its first tenant is Houston-based Intuitive Machines, which is currently developing drone technology.
Future plans include attracting additional aerospace and aviation companies to begin operations from the facility to advance Houston's position as a leader in the aerospace industry. 

The City of Houston sought funding from the EDA, which provides grants for projects that will spur economic development and create jobs for residents.  Last year, Houston Aviation Director Mario Diaz hosted a roundtable at Ellington Airport with Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Jay Williams, Congressman Pete Olson, Councilmember Dave Martin and representatives of the business community.  This roundtable highlighted the potential for the Spaceport to spur innovation and create new jobs with local universities partnering to provide job training and engage in research and technology transfer. 
The Houston Airport System has partnered with several state and local universities to engage in research, and job training in the aerospace sector to provide a skilled local workforce for employment opportunities created by this investment.

For more information on Houston Spaceport, please visit www.fly2houstonspaceport.com  or contact Houston Spaceport General Manager Arturo Machuca at Arturo.machuca@houstontx.gov.

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
 
March 7 - 26
Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

March 8
Armed Forces Appreciation Day at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

March 13-17
District E School Spring Breaks

March 14-15
Council Break Week

March 19
Tour de Houston

 
Kingwood

March 2
Kingwood Service Association's Parks Committee Meeting

March 4
Kingwood Electronic Waste Recycling

March 8
Kingwood Service Assocation's Public Safety Committee

March 15
Kingwood Super Neighborhood Council Meeting

March 21
Kingwood PIP

March 21
Lake Houston Area Chamber of Commerce's Peace Officers & Firefighters of the Year Luncheon

March 27-April 2
Shell Houston Open


 
Southeast Houston/Clear Lake     

March 9
Meadowcreek Village Pavilion Ribbon Cutting

March 11
Clear Lake Electronic Waste Recycling

March 16
Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce's State of the Precinct

March 20
Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership's General Membership Meeting

March 21
Clear Lake PIP

March 22
Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce's Spring Fever Golf Classic

March 25
Clear Lake B.O.P.A. Recycling Event

March 29
Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce's General Membership Luncheon