3/9/2020
Residents of District E,
This morning, the Houston Health Department reported the second case of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the city of Houston. The new case is travel-related and there is no evidence of community spread.
For the general public, who are unlikely to be exposed to this virus at this time, the immediate health risk from COVID-19 remains low. People who have not been around anyone with COVID-19 or have not visited an ongoing outbreak area, are currently not considered to be at risk.
While COVID-19 is a new respiratory virus, daily precautions recommended to prevent respiratory illnesses are the same:
• Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use hand sanitizer when you can't wash your hands.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue and throw the tissue away. If you don't have a tissue, use the elbow of your sleeve. Don't use your hands to cover coughs and sneezes.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick and keep children home when they are sick.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
• Get a flu shot. (Although the flu shot does not protect against COVID-19, it is flu season.)
People who recently returned to the United States from a COVID-19 outbreak area need to monitor for fever, cough and difficulty breathing for at least 14 days and seek medical care right away if they develop symptoms. Before going to a doctor's office or emergency room, symptomatic people with a travel history to a COVID-19 outbreak area must call ahead to tell the healthcare professionals about their recent travel and symptoms.
Human coronaviruses most commonly spread from an infected person to others through:
• Respiratory droplets released into the air by coughing and sneezing.
• Close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands.
• Touching an object or surface with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes before washing your hands.
Houstonians should visit HoustonEmergency.org for updated information about local risk, routine protective actions, frequently asked questions, communication resources, rumor control, emergency preparedness tips and more.
For more information on COVID-19, the Health Department has provided a fact sheet.
Sincerely,
Dave Martin
Anna Russell Celebration of Life
Last month, Anna Russell, who served as City Secretary for nine mayors over the span of nearly 70 years, passed away at the age of 88.
On February 11, 2020 Mayor Pro Tem Martin attended the Celebration of Life ceremony for Ms. Russell along with his colleagues and numerous past and current elected officials. Footage from the tribute as well as information about Ms. Russell's life can be found here.
Mayor Pro Tem Martin and the District E office continue to send their thoughts and prayers to all Anna Russell's family and friends. She truly was a legend.
Tree Lane Bridge Maintenance Repair
Houston Public Works will be performing a bridge maintenance repair project on the Tree Lane Bridge beginning Tuesday, March 10, 2020, weather permitting. The scope of work includes restoring the concrete base/slope which involves removing material and placing rip-rap. The work is anticipated to be completed by Tuesday, March 24 weather permitting.
Houston Public Works Transportation & Drainage Operations crews will be on site beginning this Monday, March 9 through Wednesday, March 25. Construction activities will take place only on weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
As a result of the construction activities, please be aware of flagmen and orange traffic cones that will be put in place on site to help with traffic flow through the construction zone as brief, temporary lane closures are expected. Residents will have access to driveways and sidewalks at all times, and may experience an increase in noise levels due to trucks and equipment in the area.
Houston Parks Board Announces 2020 Year of Events
On Monday, February 17, Houston Parks Board held a press conference announcing a major investment in Bayou Greenways 2020, and their upcoming celebratory events in honor of Bayou Greenways 2020 nearing completion this year.
Also announced at the press conference was Harris County Precinct One Commissioner Rodney Ellis' partnership with Bayou Greenways 2020, which includes a $7.4 million commitment pledge from Precinct One to expand park and trail access, preserve green space and increase environmental resiliency in low-to-moderate income areas served by Precinct One.
As Bayou Greenways 2020 nears completion, Houston Parks Board is hosting two major events this spring to celebrate. On April 4, Houston Parks Board will host the Sights & Sounds Festival. Festivalgoers can walk or cycle a two-mile stretch of greenway along White Oak Bayou while enjoying a variety of performances and experiences from Stude Park to the University of Houston Downtown through Near Northside. To learn more about Sights & Sounds Festival, visit the Houston Parks Board website and register for free here.
Then, on May 9, Houston Parks Board and Orange Show Center for Visionary Art will host Houston's inaugural Art Bike Parade. The parade will kick off along Allen Parkway, where event participants will cycle together to showcase their rolling works of art. Attendees can head over to Sam Houston Park to enjoy music, family activities, food, and more throughout the day. Registration to ride in the Art Bike Parade is open, and spectators are invited to observe and enjoy the parade for free. Visit HoustonArtBikeParade.org to learn more.
SJRA Board Recommends Continuing Seasonal Lowering Flood Mitigation Strategy
On February 20 at a special called meeting, the San Jacinto River Authority (SJRA) Board of Directors approved to continue a temporary flood mitigation program at Lake Conroe. The board's vote proposed extending the initiative through December 2022 and serves as a recommendation to the City of Houston who owns the majority of the water rights in Lake Conroe.
After approximately five hours of presentation, public comment, and board discussion, the SJRA Board of Directors approved the following recommendation to the COH regarding the operation of Lake Conroe:
Spring strategy: Beginning April 1, release only an amount of water from Lake Conroe to create a one foot capacity to catch rainfall and storm runoff (from 201' mean sea level to 200' msl). Recapture of lake level beginning June 1.
Fall strategy: Beginning August 1, release only an amount of water from Lake Conroe to create a one foot capacity to catch rainfall and storm runoff (from 201' msl to 200' msl). After September 1, increase capacity an additional six inches (from 200' msl to 199.5' msl). If a named storm is predicted to impact our region, the COH may initiate an additional release of six inches (to 199' msl) by notifying SJRA in writing of their call for release. Recapture beginning October 1.
All releases come from the COH's 2/3 share of permitted water supply in Lake Conroe at the city's request. SJRA staff to coordinate with COH staff on the details and timing of any releases.
If the lake level of Lake Conroe has already dropped to the target elevation due to natural evaporation, no releases should be made.
The strategy of temporarily creating capacity in Lake Conroe on a seasonal basis began in 2018 to provide flood mitigation benefits for regional downstream constituents in both Montgomery County and Harris County by catching rainfall and runoff in Lake Conroe. This initiative will extend until the completion of additional dredging and construction of flood gates on the Lake Houston Spillway.
Houston Public Works Meeting Notice: Wastewater Force Main Renewal and Replacement Project
Mayor Pro Tem Martin and Houston Public Works would like to make Clear Lake area residents aware of an upcoming public engagement meeting for the Bayfield Lift Station Wastewater Force Main Renewal and Replacement Project.
The scope of work for this project includes removing the aging pipes and replacing them with new ones, which will ensure reliable wastewater operations services.
The public engagement meeting will take place on Tuesday, March 31, 2020 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the Club Room at Space Center Houston, 1601 E Nasa Pkwy. Residents are invited to attend to provide input, engage in one-on-one discussion, and ask questions regarding the project. The meeting will begin with a formal presentation, followed by a breakout session allowing residents to speak directly with the project team.
For those unable to attend the public engagement meeting, residents can request project materials and submit comments to buildforward@houstontx.gov.
Mayor Pro Tem Martin Speaks to the Lake Houston Community
This past month, Mayor Pro Tem Martin was invited to speak to various community groups in the Lake Houston Area including the Visually Impaired People of South East Texas (VIPSET) and Lake Houston YMCA.
At these meetings, Mayor Pro Tem Martin provided updates on the Northpark Drive Expansion Project, Lake Houston Spillway Dam (Flood Gates), dredging operations in the San Jacinto River Mouth-Bar, and shared information on the various drainage initiatives that are happening in the Lake Houston Area.
When meeting with VIPSET, Mayor Pro Tem Martin also provided extremely helpful information on METROLift and how residents in the Kingwood area with disabilities can get the most out of this service.
Mayor Pro Tem Martin thanks those who invited him to speak and looks forward to working with these communities in the future.
Launch of Resilient Houston
In February, the City's Chief Resilience Officer, Marissa Aho released the launch of Resilient Houston.
Resilient Houston is a framework for collective action and links existing efforts with new ones that will work collectively to protect Houston against future disasters-from hurricanes and flooding to extreme heat waves-and chronic stresses such as aging infrastructure, poor air quality, and climate change.
The strategy frames five key Visions for Houston's future along with 18 goals and 62 actions describing the path forward, timeframe, partners, implementation opportunities, and corresponding U.N. Sustainable Development Goals. Resilient Houston was forged during an 18-month process in collaboration with local stakeholders and regional, national and global partners.
To view the document, click here.
Yes to Census!
The Planning Department is the City's lead coordinator in the decennial census for the City of Houston. We are working with the U.S. Census Bureau to ensure the City complies with the federally mandated count and with various local partners to raise public awareness on the importance of the census count.
Where you will be living on April 1, 2020 is one of the most important questions you will answer this spring when the 2020 Census questionnaire arrives in your mailbox.
The importance of an accurate count cannot be overstated. It means significant money to our community. Over the next ten years, more than $5 billion in federal funding will be provided to state and local governments based on population. The census count is an important tool which determines federal funding allocations for various vital government social services in our city, including school lunch programs, Medicaid, CHIP, and funding for housing and transportation projects.
The census also determines how many federal and state elected officials will represent us. Participate in the 2020 Census count and educate others on the importance of the census to ensure Houston and the state of Texas gets its fair share of representation and federal funding so we can meet the needs of our residents and carry out the work we need to do in our great city.
For more information on the Census 2020 count, go https://2020census.gov/en.html.
UTMB Health and Children's Memorial Hermann Ribbon Cutting
On Tuesday, February 18 District E staff attended a ribbon cutting for the new Pediatric Inpatient Unit and Emergency Department at the UTMB Health Clear Lake Campus Hospital, a collaborative effort between UTMB Health and Children's Memorial Hermann.
The two organizations collaborated on the design of the child- and family-friendly unit, programming of services to meet the particular health care needs of the Clear Lake/Bay Area region's children and their families, and development of clinical care guidelines and protocols for these patients.
Designed to be child- and family-friendly, the unit provides child life specialists who can help patients and their families understand the care plan and manage any related stress. Amenities include a playroom, a family lounge and an Xbox gaming system in every room. The artwork that decorates the unit was created by students from Clear Creek Independent School District and children of UTMB employees.
Mayor Pro Tem Martin congratulates UTMB Health and Children's Memorial Hermann on a successful expansion.
Texas A&M System Expansion
On Thursday, February 20 Mayor Pro Tem Martin attended a press conference regarding the Texas A&M University System Expansion in the Medical Center.
The Texas A&M University System is building a half-billion dollar complex in the Texas Medical Center area to house its groundbreaking Engineering Medicine (EnMed) program and provide desperately needed housing for medical and nursing students in Houston.
The new Texas A&M System projects include:
EnMed: At 1020 Holcombe Blvd., the Texas A&M System is renovating an 18-story building for students in the innovative EnMed program. The unique two-degree program provides students the chance to earn a master's degree in engineering from Texas A&M University and a medical doctor's degree from the university's Health Science Center. The renovation is expected to be completed by this summer.
Student housing: A P3 project, the new, 19-story building will have 572 units and 704 beds. The facility - at 365,000 square-feet - also will include a 1.2 million-square-foot parking garage with 3,444 spaces. Texas A&M medical students and Prairie View A&M nursing students will be given priority for housing, but students from other institutions could fill open slots, if available. The project is scheduled to be finished in June 2022.
Integrated medical plaza: Another P3, the new medical office building will take up 587,000 square feet and will be 30 stories tall. It will include a 13-story parking garage. Further, it will incorporate 72,000 square feet of retail space and 8,700 square feet of lush green space. Completion is expected in June 2023.
More information about the expansion can be found here.
Lone Star College-Kingwood Health Professions Center Groundbreaking
On Monday, March 2 staff from Mayor Pro Tem Martin's office had the opportunity to attend the Lone Star College-Kingwood groundbreaking of their Health Professions Center. The $18.8 million facility will house the dental assisting, dental hygiene, nursing, respiratory care and occupational therapy assistant programs. The new Health Professions Center will be fitted with state-of-the-art equipment with the facility expected to open in Fall 2021.
Congratulations to Lone Star College-Kingwood on this exciting and much needed expansion!
GHP Future of Texas Series
On Friday, February 21 Mayor Pro Tem Martin participated in the Greater Houston Partnership Future of Texas panel series.
Future of Texas features elected officials shaping Texas' future, giving Partnership members the opportunity to engage with these leaders and hear their perspectives on our state's most pressing issues. This program is open to all members focused on public work.
Mayor Pro Tem Martin was glad to participate in this event along with his colleagues Council Member David Robinson, Council Member Robert Gallegos, and Council Member Abbie Kamin. Thank you to GHP for including Mayor Pro Tem Martin in this informative event!
Harvey Homeowners Assistance Program
If you have applied for the Harvey Homeowner Assistance Program, Mayor Pro Tem Martin would like to encourage those applicants to utilize the call center at 832-393-0550 if you feel your application is stalled.
By contacting the call center, applicants can speak to a representative that will provide the most up-to-date information, make any necessary corrections, and let the applicant know what to expect moving forward. If you still feel that you aren't progressing through the process, please feel free to reach out to the District E office for further assistance.
Mouth-Bar Dredging Update
In January, the City of Houston issued a Notice To Proceed (NTP) for debris removal services, specifically large silt deposits, at the confluence of the West Fork of the San Jacinto River and Lake Houston, commonly referred to as the "mouth bar". The City of Houston, through its contractor DRC Emergency Services, LLC (DRC), began mechanical dredging of the mouth bar in January. The total cost for this project is $40 million dollars, which is funded through a combination of City of Houston Harvey Disaster dollars provided by Governor Greg Abbott, grant dollars from the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB), and funding from the Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD) Bond Program.
DRC is invoicing the City of Houston in accordance with rates established and approved by the city to include final disposal. DRC must comply with all terms and provisions established by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) relative to disaster debris collections, temporary storage, and final disposal. The grant application for this project was submitted to the TWDB by Harris County Engineer, John Blount. Harris County is collaborating closely with HCFCD, the San Jacinto River Authority (SJRA), and the City of Houston on this crucial project.
DRC is completing the scope of work for dredging activities in two distinct phases. The first phase will remove accumulated materials near and at the mouth bar on the West Fork of the San Jacinto River, and the second phase will remove accumulated materials in the East Fork of the San Jacinto River and other locations in Lake Houston. During phase one of this project it is expected that a minimum of 400,000 cubic yards (CY) of material will be removed over twelve months. Phase two of the project will consist of: 1) Harris County completing hydrographic surveys of the West Fork of the San Jacinto River, the East Fork of the San Jacinto River, and Lake Houston to determine dredge material volumes 2) the City of Houston advertising and awarding a dredging contract to the lowest responsive bidder 3) Harris County designating the City of Houston as a sub-recipient for the cost of the dredging contract. Phase two will run simultaneously with Phase One to expedite our activity.
Additionally, during phase two of the project City of Houston, Harris County, HCFCD, SJRA, and Coastal Water Authority (CWA) will develop and execute a plan for the City of Houston or CWA to assume long-term dredging operations on Lake Houston. This work effort will include determining funding for the dredging operations in perpetuity. This phased approach will obligate the full grant funding before the 87th legislative session in 2021.
This grant funding was made possible thanks to State Representative Dan Huberty (District 127) through the passage of Senate Bill 500 .
Mayor Pro Tem Martin, again, would like to offer a very special "Thank You" to State Representative Dan Huberty for his commitment to seeing this project through and his dedication to the long-term maintenance activities on Lake Houston. Representative Huberty has been a champion for his residents and a great ally in seeing these additional dredging efforts come to fruition.
Daylight Savings Time Changes to Neighborhood Depository & Recycling Centers Hours
Effective Sunday, March 8, 2020 the City of Houston Solid Waste Management Department (SWMD) will be changing hours of operation at its six (6) Neighborhood Depositories to adjust with Daylight Savings Time.
The locations listed below will be open Wednesday through Sunday, except City-approved holidays; from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Citizens are encouraged to arrive at least 30 minutes before closing to allow adequate time to unload.
Houston residents may bring their recyclables or dispose of their Junk Waste at the following Depositories:
• North - 9003 N Main 77022
• Northwest - 14400 Sommermeyer 77041
• Northeast - 5565 Kirkpatrick 77028
• Southeast - 2240 Central Street 77017
• South - 5100 Sunbeam 77033
• Southwest - 10785 SW Freeway 77074
Each user must provide proof of residency, including a Texas Driver's License or any other valid Texas ID and a current water/utility bill or city property tax receipt. The Depositories accept junk waste such as furniture, tree limbs, stoves and other large appliances. Appliances containing refrigerant must have a tag attached to them certifying that a qualified technician has removed the refrigerant. Depositories will also accept up to 5 automobile tires per month per residential unit. A maximum of four cubic yards of building material (not to include roofing shingles, brick, plaster) will be accepted; however, Depository ramps will not accommodate trailers over 16 feet long or four feet high.
All Depositories also accept recyclables. Materials accepted include tree waste, concrete, mattresses, aluminum and tin cans, plastic bottles and jugs (#1 - #5 and #7), newspapers and magazines, cardboard; glass bottles and jars, and used motor oil. Residents should bring recycling separated by material for easy drop-off. Clothing & shoes are accepted at the North and Southeast Depositories.
For more information about SWMD and our services, visit www.houstonsolidwaste.org.
Contractor Debris
Mayor Pro Tem Martin would like to remind residents who are going through home repairs, private contractors are responsible for the disposal of any repair or construction related materials. This includes small debris like nails, which are contributing to flat tires in some Kingwood communities.
Residents are encouraged to have candid conversations with their contractors regarding measures that can be taken to reduce small debris as well as remove debris at the conclusion of each workday.
To reiterate, private contractors should be addressing any debris removal related to repairs, either through an onsite dumpster or removing materials daily.
Lone Star Leadership College
On Friday, February 21 Mayor Pro Tem Martin had the opportunity to speak to a group from Lone Star Leadership College.
Lone Star Leadership College provides an opportunity to educate and mentor emerging student leaders for diverse roles of leadership linking Lone Star College and the community. The goal of the program is to develop and enhance the leadership skills of its student participants, while encouraging an appreciation for giving back to the community.
Mayor Pro Tem Martin always enjoys speaking to the students each year about the importance of collaboration, compromise, building trust, and fostering relationships.
Kleenwood Event
Travis McCormick, a longtime community volunteer with Kingwood Association Management, died shortly before the first Kleenwood Day in 2004. His widow, Ethel McCormick, said it was her husband's idea to have a community-wide cleanup day. Travis was able to do some organizational work in the beginning, but it was Sparky Nolan and Rick Alspaugh who took it on and ran it for more than 10 years.
After a hiatus in the post-Harvey years a group of volunteers, led by Humble Noon Lions Club, Kingwood Rotary Club and Keep Kingwood Green, has decided to start it again on Saturday March 21. Participants will meet at their neighborhood community pool at 8:00 a.m. to pick up trash in their village. They will then work through their assigned area collecting items into trash bags where possible or moving them to assigned spots on the side of the road for later collection. The project is planning to supply a few trash grabbbers, gloves and heavy duty trash bags. The project is looking for volunteers to sign up as Village Captains to lead the effort in their village, and also to be members of their village team. They will meet once or twice before the event to be briefed on the rules and particularly safety recommendations. Sign up at https://www.towncenterevents.com/Kleenwood.html.
All volunteers will meet at Town Center Park at noon to celebrate the project. Free hot dogs and sodas will be provided.
Save the Date! B.O.P.A. Event
Mayor Pro Tem 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. Please mark your calendars with the following date:
Saturday, April 18, 2020
9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Kingwood Metro Park & Ride
3210 W Lake Houston Parkway
Houston, Texas 77339
The event is 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.
Solid Waste Management Department Notice: Motor Oil Disposal
The City of Houston Solid Waste Management Department would like to make residents aware that used motor oil will no longer be collected during curbside collection. To learn more about how to properly dispose of motor oil and drop off locations, please visit this link.
Don't Dump in Trash or Down Drain
Used motor oil is a contaminant of waterways, so do not dump down the drain or trash. Filters also leak toxics into the waterways that are slow to break down in the environment.
How to Recycle Used Motor Oil
Most retailers that sell motor oil will accept motor oil for recycling. Auto parts retailers will not accept motor oil that has been contaminated with other products like antifreeze. Don't mix your motor oil with anything else. Call ahead to make sure oil and filters are accepted.
Store your used motor oil in a clean, leak-proof container like a plastic milk jug or an empty oil bottle. Make sure the cap is tightly sealed on the container, and store it in a cool, dry place away from heat, sunlight, kids, and pets.
Oil filters can be recycled, too, and should not be tossed in the trash. If you have a used oil filter, use a screwdriver or other tool to puncture a hole in the dome end of the filter, ideally while it's still warm. Allow the oil filter to drain into the used oil container for several hours.
District E Office Closure
Please note on Friday, March 20, the District E office will be closed due to a repair project at the City Hall Annex. The General Services Department will be performing a carpet replacement project which requires our workstations to be broken down and computers and phones to be disconnected.
Residents should report any issues to 3-1-1 by calling 713-837-0311, following up with an email to Districte@houstontx.gov.
The District E office will be back up and running on Monday, March 22. Thank you for your patience!
Upcoming Events
Please email the District E office if you would like us to include your upcoming event in future newsletters!
March 7
Kingwood Electronic Waste Recycling
March 11
KSA Public Safety Meeting
March 17
Lake Houston Area Chamber of Commerce Teacher of the Year Luncheon
March 17
Kingwood PIP
March 18
Kingwood Super Neighborhood Council Meeting
March 27
HAAM Pillars of the Community
This morning, the Houston Health Department reported the second case of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the city of Houston. The new case is travel-related and there is no evidence of community spread.
For the general public, who are unlikely to be exposed to this virus at this time, the immediate health risk from COVID-19 remains low. People who have not been around anyone with COVID-19 or have not visited an ongoing outbreak area, are currently not considered to be at risk.
While COVID-19 is a new respiratory virus, daily precautions recommended to prevent respiratory illnesses are the same:
• Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use hand sanitizer when you can't wash your hands.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue and throw the tissue away. If you don't have a tissue, use the elbow of your sleeve. Don't use your hands to cover coughs and sneezes.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick and keep children home when they are sick.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
• Get a flu shot. (Although the flu shot does not protect against COVID-19, it is flu season.)
People who recently returned to the United States from a COVID-19 outbreak area need to monitor for fever, cough and difficulty breathing for at least 14 days and seek medical care right away if they develop symptoms. Before going to a doctor's office or emergency room, symptomatic people with a travel history to a COVID-19 outbreak area must call ahead to tell the healthcare professionals about their recent travel and symptoms.
Human coronaviruses most commonly spread from an infected person to others through:
• Respiratory droplets released into the air by coughing and sneezing.
• Close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands.
• Touching an object or surface with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes before washing your hands.
Houstonians should visit HoustonEmergency.org for updated information about local risk, routine protective actions, frequently asked questions, communication resources, rumor control, emergency preparedness tips and more.
For more information on COVID-19, the Health Department has provided a fact sheet.
Sincerely,
Dave Martin
Anna Russell Celebration of Life
Last month, Anna Russell, who served as City Secretary for nine mayors over the span of nearly 70 years, passed away at the age of 88.
On February 11, 2020 Mayor Pro Tem Martin attended the Celebration of Life ceremony for Ms. Russell along with his colleagues and numerous past and current elected officials. Footage from the tribute as well as information about Ms. Russell's life can be found here.
Mayor Pro Tem Martin and the District E office continue to send their thoughts and prayers to all Anna Russell's family and friends. She truly was a legend.
Tree Lane Bridge Maintenance Repair
Houston Public Works will be performing a bridge maintenance repair project on the Tree Lane Bridge beginning Tuesday, March 10, 2020, weather permitting. The scope of work includes restoring the concrete base/slope which involves removing material and placing rip-rap. The work is anticipated to be completed by Tuesday, March 24 weather permitting.
Houston Public Works Transportation & Drainage Operations crews will be on site beginning this Monday, March 9 through Wednesday, March 25. Construction activities will take place only on weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
As a result of the construction activities, please be aware of flagmen and orange traffic cones that will be put in place on site to help with traffic flow through the construction zone as brief, temporary lane closures are expected. Residents will have access to driveways and sidewalks at all times, and may experience an increase in noise levels due to trucks and equipment in the area.
Houston Parks Board Announces 2020 Year of Events
On Monday, February 17, Houston Parks Board held a press conference announcing a major investment in Bayou Greenways 2020, and their upcoming celebratory events in honor of Bayou Greenways 2020 nearing completion this year.
Also announced at the press conference was Harris County Precinct One Commissioner Rodney Ellis' partnership with Bayou Greenways 2020, which includes a $7.4 million commitment pledge from Precinct One to expand park and trail access, preserve green space and increase environmental resiliency in low-to-moderate income areas served by Precinct One.
As Bayou Greenways 2020 nears completion, Houston Parks Board is hosting two major events this spring to celebrate. On April 4, Houston Parks Board will host the Sights & Sounds Festival. Festivalgoers can walk or cycle a two-mile stretch of greenway along White Oak Bayou while enjoying a variety of performances and experiences from Stude Park to the University of Houston Downtown through Near Northside. To learn more about Sights & Sounds Festival, visit the Houston Parks Board website and register for free here.
Then, on May 9, Houston Parks Board and Orange Show Center for Visionary Art will host Houston's inaugural Art Bike Parade. The parade will kick off along Allen Parkway, where event participants will cycle together to showcase their rolling works of art. Attendees can head over to Sam Houston Park to enjoy music, family activities, food, and more throughout the day. Registration to ride in the Art Bike Parade is open, and spectators are invited to observe and enjoy the parade for free. Visit HoustonArtBikeParade.org to learn more.
SJRA Board Recommends Continuing Seasonal Lowering Flood Mitigation Strategy
On February 20 at a special called meeting, the San Jacinto River Authority (SJRA) Board of Directors approved to continue a temporary flood mitigation program at Lake Conroe. The board's vote proposed extending the initiative through December 2022 and serves as a recommendation to the City of Houston who owns the majority of the water rights in Lake Conroe.
After approximately five hours of presentation, public comment, and board discussion, the SJRA Board of Directors approved the following recommendation to the COH regarding the operation of Lake Conroe:
Spring strategy: Beginning April 1, release only an amount of water from Lake Conroe to create a one foot capacity to catch rainfall and storm runoff (from 201' mean sea level to 200' msl). Recapture of lake level beginning June 1.
Fall strategy: Beginning August 1, release only an amount of water from Lake Conroe to create a one foot capacity to catch rainfall and storm runoff (from 201' msl to 200' msl). After September 1, increase capacity an additional six inches (from 200' msl to 199.5' msl). If a named storm is predicted to impact our region, the COH may initiate an additional release of six inches (to 199' msl) by notifying SJRA in writing of their call for release. Recapture beginning October 1.
All releases come from the COH's 2/3 share of permitted water supply in Lake Conroe at the city's request. SJRA staff to coordinate with COH staff on the details and timing of any releases.
If the lake level of Lake Conroe has already dropped to the target elevation due to natural evaporation, no releases should be made.
The strategy of temporarily creating capacity in Lake Conroe on a seasonal basis began in 2018 to provide flood mitigation benefits for regional downstream constituents in both Montgomery County and Harris County by catching rainfall and runoff in Lake Conroe. This initiative will extend until the completion of additional dredging and construction of flood gates on the Lake Houston Spillway.
Houston Public Works Meeting Notice: Wastewater Force Main Renewal and Replacement Project
Mayor Pro Tem Martin and Houston Public Works would like to make Clear Lake area residents aware of an upcoming public engagement meeting for the Bayfield Lift Station Wastewater Force Main Renewal and Replacement Project.
The scope of work for this project includes removing the aging pipes and replacing them with new ones, which will ensure reliable wastewater operations services.
The public engagement meeting will take place on Tuesday, March 31, 2020 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the Club Room at Space Center Houston, 1601 E Nasa Pkwy. Residents are invited to attend to provide input, engage in one-on-one discussion, and ask questions regarding the project. The meeting will begin with a formal presentation, followed by a breakout session allowing residents to speak directly with the project team.
For those unable to attend the public engagement meeting, residents can request project materials and submit comments to buildforward@houstontx.gov.
Mayor Pro Tem Martin Speaks to the Lake Houston Community
This past month, Mayor Pro Tem Martin was invited to speak to various community groups in the Lake Houston Area including the Visually Impaired People of South East Texas (VIPSET) and Lake Houston YMCA.
At these meetings, Mayor Pro Tem Martin provided updates on the Northpark Drive Expansion Project, Lake Houston Spillway Dam (Flood Gates), dredging operations in the San Jacinto River Mouth-Bar, and shared information on the various drainage initiatives that are happening in the Lake Houston Area.
When meeting with VIPSET, Mayor Pro Tem Martin also provided extremely helpful information on METROLift and how residents in the Kingwood area with disabilities can get the most out of this service.
Mayor Pro Tem Martin thanks those who invited him to speak and looks forward to working with these communities in the future.
Launch of Resilient Houston
In February, the City's Chief Resilience Officer, Marissa Aho released the launch of Resilient Houston.
Resilient Houston is a framework for collective action and links existing efforts with new ones that will work collectively to protect Houston against future disasters-from hurricanes and flooding to extreme heat waves-and chronic stresses such as aging infrastructure, poor air quality, and climate change.
The strategy frames five key Visions for Houston's future along with 18 goals and 62 actions describing the path forward, timeframe, partners, implementation opportunities, and corresponding U.N. Sustainable Development Goals. Resilient Houston was forged during an 18-month process in collaboration with local stakeholders and regional, national and global partners.
To view the document, click here.
Yes to Census!
The Planning Department is the City's lead coordinator in the decennial census for the City of Houston. We are working with the U.S. Census Bureau to ensure the City complies with the federally mandated count and with various local partners to raise public awareness on the importance of the census count.
Where you will be living on April 1, 2020 is one of the most important questions you will answer this spring when the 2020 Census questionnaire arrives in your mailbox.
The importance of an accurate count cannot be overstated. It means significant money to our community. Over the next ten years, more than $5 billion in federal funding will be provided to state and local governments based on population. The census count is an important tool which determines federal funding allocations for various vital government social services in our city, including school lunch programs, Medicaid, CHIP, and funding for housing and transportation projects.
The census also determines how many federal and state elected officials will represent us. Participate in the 2020 Census count and educate others on the importance of the census to ensure Houston and the state of Texas gets its fair share of representation and federal funding so we can meet the needs of our residents and carry out the work we need to do in our great city.
For more information on the Census 2020 count, go https://2020census.gov/en.html.
UTMB Health and Children's Memorial Hermann Ribbon Cutting
On Tuesday, February 18 District E staff attended a ribbon cutting for the new Pediatric Inpatient Unit and Emergency Department at the UTMB Health Clear Lake Campus Hospital, a collaborative effort between UTMB Health and Children's Memorial Hermann.
The two organizations collaborated on the design of the child- and family-friendly unit, programming of services to meet the particular health care needs of the Clear Lake/Bay Area region's children and their families, and development of clinical care guidelines and protocols for these patients.
Designed to be child- and family-friendly, the unit provides child life specialists who can help patients and their families understand the care plan and manage any related stress. Amenities include a playroom, a family lounge and an Xbox gaming system in every room. The artwork that decorates the unit was created by students from Clear Creek Independent School District and children of UTMB employees.
Mayor Pro Tem Martin congratulates UTMB Health and Children's Memorial Hermann on a successful expansion.
Texas A&M System Expansion
On Thursday, February 20 Mayor Pro Tem Martin attended a press conference regarding the Texas A&M University System Expansion in the Medical Center.
The Texas A&M University System is building a half-billion dollar complex in the Texas Medical Center area to house its groundbreaking Engineering Medicine (EnMed) program and provide desperately needed housing for medical and nursing students in Houston.
The new Texas A&M System projects include:
EnMed: At 1020 Holcombe Blvd., the Texas A&M System is renovating an 18-story building for students in the innovative EnMed program. The unique two-degree program provides students the chance to earn a master's degree in engineering from Texas A&M University and a medical doctor's degree from the university's Health Science Center. The renovation is expected to be completed by this summer.
Student housing: A P3 project, the new, 19-story building will have 572 units and 704 beds. The facility - at 365,000 square-feet - also will include a 1.2 million-square-foot parking garage with 3,444 spaces. Texas A&M medical students and Prairie View A&M nursing students will be given priority for housing, but students from other institutions could fill open slots, if available. The project is scheduled to be finished in June 2022.
Integrated medical plaza: Another P3, the new medical office building will take up 587,000 square feet and will be 30 stories tall. It will include a 13-story parking garage. Further, it will incorporate 72,000 square feet of retail space and 8,700 square feet of lush green space. Completion is expected in June 2023.
More information about the expansion can be found here.
Lone Star College-Kingwood Health Professions Center Groundbreaking
On Monday, March 2 staff from Mayor Pro Tem Martin's office had the opportunity to attend the Lone Star College-Kingwood groundbreaking of their Health Professions Center. The $18.8 million facility will house the dental assisting, dental hygiene, nursing, respiratory care and occupational therapy assistant programs. The new Health Professions Center will be fitted with state-of-the-art equipment with the facility expected to open in Fall 2021.
Congratulations to Lone Star College-Kingwood on this exciting and much needed expansion!
GHP Future of Texas Series
On Friday, February 21 Mayor Pro Tem Martin participated in the Greater Houston Partnership Future of Texas panel series.
Future of Texas features elected officials shaping Texas' future, giving Partnership members the opportunity to engage with these leaders and hear their perspectives on our state's most pressing issues. This program is open to all members focused on public work.
Mayor Pro Tem Martin was glad to participate in this event along with his colleagues Council Member David Robinson, Council Member Robert Gallegos, and Council Member Abbie Kamin. Thank you to GHP for including Mayor Pro Tem Martin in this informative event!
Harvey Homeowners Assistance Program
If you have applied for the Harvey Homeowner Assistance Program, Mayor Pro Tem Martin would like to encourage those applicants to utilize the call center at 832-393-0550 if you feel your application is stalled.
By contacting the call center, applicants can speak to a representative that will provide the most up-to-date information, make any necessary corrections, and let the applicant know what to expect moving forward. If you still feel that you aren't progressing through the process, please feel free to reach out to the District E office for further assistance.
Mouth-Bar Dredging Update
In January, the City of Houston issued a Notice To Proceed (NTP) for debris removal services, specifically large silt deposits, at the confluence of the West Fork of the San Jacinto River and Lake Houston, commonly referred to as the "mouth bar". The City of Houston, through its contractor DRC Emergency Services, LLC (DRC), began mechanical dredging of the mouth bar in January. The total cost for this project is $40 million dollars, which is funded through a combination of City of Houston Harvey Disaster dollars provided by Governor Greg Abbott, grant dollars from the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB), and funding from the Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD) Bond Program.
DRC is invoicing the City of Houston in accordance with rates established and approved by the city to include final disposal. DRC must comply with all terms and provisions established by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) relative to disaster debris collections, temporary storage, and final disposal. The grant application for this project was submitted to the TWDB by Harris County Engineer, John Blount. Harris County is collaborating closely with HCFCD, the San Jacinto River Authority (SJRA), and the City of Houston on this crucial project.
DRC is completing the scope of work for dredging activities in two distinct phases. The first phase will remove accumulated materials near and at the mouth bar on the West Fork of the San Jacinto River, and the second phase will remove accumulated materials in the East Fork of the San Jacinto River and other locations in Lake Houston. During phase one of this project it is expected that a minimum of 400,000 cubic yards (CY) of material will be removed over twelve months. Phase two of the project will consist of: 1) Harris County completing hydrographic surveys of the West Fork of the San Jacinto River, the East Fork of the San Jacinto River, and Lake Houston to determine dredge material volumes 2) the City of Houston advertising and awarding a dredging contract to the lowest responsive bidder 3) Harris County designating the City of Houston as a sub-recipient for the cost of the dredging contract. Phase two will run simultaneously with Phase One to expedite our activity.
Additionally, during phase two of the project City of Houston, Harris County, HCFCD, SJRA, and Coastal Water Authority (CWA) will develop and execute a plan for the City of Houston or CWA to assume long-term dredging operations on Lake Houston. This work effort will include determining funding for the dredging operations in perpetuity. This phased approach will obligate the full grant funding before the 87th legislative session in 2021.
This grant funding was made possible thanks to State Representative Dan Huberty (District 127) through the passage of Senate Bill 500 .
Mayor Pro Tem Martin, again, would like to offer a very special "Thank You" to State Representative Dan Huberty for his commitment to seeing this project through and his dedication to the long-term maintenance activities on Lake Houston. Representative Huberty has been a champion for his residents and a great ally in seeing these additional dredging efforts come to fruition.
Daylight Savings Time Changes to Neighborhood Depository & Recycling Centers Hours
Effective Sunday, March 8, 2020 the City of Houston Solid Waste Management Department (SWMD) will be changing hours of operation at its six (6) Neighborhood Depositories to adjust with Daylight Savings Time.
The locations listed below will be open Wednesday through Sunday, except City-approved holidays; from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Citizens are encouraged to arrive at least 30 minutes before closing to allow adequate time to unload.
Houston residents may bring their recyclables or dispose of their Junk Waste at the following Depositories:
• North - 9003 N Main 77022
• Northwest - 14400 Sommermeyer 77041
• Northeast - 5565 Kirkpatrick 77028
• Southeast - 2240 Central Street 77017
• South - 5100 Sunbeam 77033
• Southwest - 10785 SW Freeway 77074
Each user must provide proof of residency, including a Texas Driver's License or any other valid Texas ID and a current water/utility bill or city property tax receipt. The Depositories accept junk waste such as furniture, tree limbs, stoves and other large appliances. Appliances containing refrigerant must have a tag attached to them certifying that a qualified technician has removed the refrigerant. Depositories will also accept up to 5 automobile tires per month per residential unit. A maximum of four cubic yards of building material (not to include roofing shingles, brick, plaster) will be accepted; however, Depository ramps will not accommodate trailers over 16 feet long or four feet high.
All Depositories also accept recyclables. Materials accepted include tree waste, concrete, mattresses, aluminum and tin cans, plastic bottles and jugs (#1 - #5 and #7), newspapers and magazines, cardboard; glass bottles and jars, and used motor oil. Residents should bring recycling separated by material for easy drop-off. Clothing & shoes are accepted at the North and Southeast Depositories.
For more information about SWMD and our services, visit www.houstonsolidwaste.org.
Contractor Debris
Mayor Pro Tem Martin would like to remind residents who are going through home repairs, private contractors are responsible for the disposal of any repair or construction related materials. This includes small debris like nails, which are contributing to flat tires in some Kingwood communities.
Residents are encouraged to have candid conversations with their contractors regarding measures that can be taken to reduce small debris as well as remove debris at the conclusion of each workday.
To reiterate, private contractors should be addressing any debris removal related to repairs, either through an onsite dumpster or removing materials daily.
Lone Star Leadership College
On Friday, February 21 Mayor Pro Tem Martin had the opportunity to speak to a group from Lone Star Leadership College.
Lone Star Leadership College provides an opportunity to educate and mentor emerging student leaders for diverse roles of leadership linking Lone Star College and the community. The goal of the program is to develop and enhance the leadership skills of its student participants, while encouraging an appreciation for giving back to the community.
Mayor Pro Tem Martin always enjoys speaking to the students each year about the importance of collaboration, compromise, building trust, and fostering relationships.
Kleenwood Event
Travis McCormick, a longtime community volunteer with Kingwood Association Management, died shortly before the first Kleenwood Day in 2004. His widow, Ethel McCormick, said it was her husband's idea to have a community-wide cleanup day. Travis was able to do some organizational work in the beginning, but it was Sparky Nolan and Rick Alspaugh who took it on and ran it for more than 10 years.
After a hiatus in the post-Harvey years a group of volunteers, led by Humble Noon Lions Club, Kingwood Rotary Club and Keep Kingwood Green, has decided to start it again on Saturday March 21. Participants will meet at their neighborhood community pool at 8:00 a.m. to pick up trash in their village. They will then work through their assigned area collecting items into trash bags where possible or moving them to assigned spots on the side of the road for later collection. The project is planning to supply a few trash grabbbers, gloves and heavy duty trash bags. The project is looking for volunteers to sign up as Village Captains to lead the effort in their village, and also to be members of their village team. They will meet once or twice before the event to be briefed on the rules and particularly safety recommendations. Sign up at https://www.towncenterevents.com/Kleenwood.html.
All volunteers will meet at Town Center Park at noon to celebrate the project. Free hot dogs and sodas will be provided.
Save the Date! B.O.P.A. Event
Mayor Pro Tem 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. Please mark your calendars with the following date:
Saturday, April 18, 2020
9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Kingwood Metro Park & Ride
3210 W Lake Houston Parkway
Houston, Texas 77339
The event is 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.
Solid Waste Management Department Notice: Motor Oil Disposal
The City of Houston Solid Waste Management Department would like to make residents aware that used motor oil will no longer be collected during curbside collection. To learn more about how to properly dispose of motor oil and drop off locations, please visit this link.
Don't Dump in Trash or Down Drain
Used motor oil is a contaminant of waterways, so do not dump down the drain or trash. Filters also leak toxics into the waterways that are slow to break down in the environment.
How to Recycle Used Motor Oil
Most retailers that sell motor oil will accept motor oil for recycling. Auto parts retailers will not accept motor oil that has been contaminated with other products like antifreeze. Don't mix your motor oil with anything else. Call ahead to make sure oil and filters are accepted.
Store your used motor oil in a clean, leak-proof container like a plastic milk jug or an empty oil bottle. Make sure the cap is tightly sealed on the container, and store it in a cool, dry place away from heat, sunlight, kids, and pets.
Oil filters can be recycled, too, and should not be tossed in the trash. If you have a used oil filter, use a screwdriver or other tool to puncture a hole in the dome end of the filter, ideally while it's still warm. Allow the oil filter to drain into the used oil container for several hours.
District E Office Closure
Please note on Friday, March 20, the District E office will be closed due to a repair project at the City Hall Annex. The General Services Department will be performing a carpet replacement project which requires our workstations to be broken down and computers and phones to be disconnected.
Residents should report any issues to 3-1-1 by calling 713-837-0311, following up with an email to Districte@houstontx.gov.
The District E office will be back up and running on Monday, March 22. Thank you for your patience!
Upcoming Events
Please email the District E office if you would like us to include your upcoming event in future newsletters!
March 7
Kingwood Electronic Waste Recycling
March 11
KSA Public Safety Meeting
March 17
Lake Houston Area Chamber of Commerce Teacher of the Year Luncheon
March 17
Kingwood PIP
March 18
Kingwood Super Neighborhood Council Meeting
March 27
HAAM Pillars of the Community