Inside District I

July 2014 Newsletter

After an 11-hour long council meeting, city council adopted Houston's $5.2 billion budget for Fiscal Year 15 (FY15), which began July 1, 2014. The budget maintains the existing property tax rate of 63.875 cents per $100 of taxable value, and maintains the city's $20 million rainy day fund.

Pension payments will increase $45 million this fiscal year. The most significant portion of this rise in pension contributions is attributable to a $28 million increase in required payments for fire fighters.

Some additional highlights: $10 million increase for pothole repairs and street overlays, and $2.9 million increase for BARC for 12 new animal control officers and 6 new vehicles to increase animal enforcement operations and better address the dangers stray dogs pose to residents. In addition, BARC has proposed increased pet placement and pet ownership education programs.

The FY15 budget also includes a Neighborhood Matching Grant Program for Super Neighborhoods and Civic Clubs to submit requests for matching grant money for projects between $500 and $2,500.

A Council District Service Budget was established to give each of the 11 district council offices $1 million to quickly address simple neighborhood needs, such as mowing weeded lots, addressing minor infrastructure repairs, placing cameras to monitor illegal dumping sites or demolishing abandoned and dangerous buildings. Council approval will still be needed before these funds can be allocated.

I hope everyone has a wonderful Fourth of July!

Thank you,

Robert Gallegos

Houston Council Member

District I

Councilman Gallegos & Houston Dynamo to Honor Veterans

On Friday, July 4, Councilman Robert Gallegos will join in celebration of Houston Dynamo Armed Forces Appreciation Day, to honor and salute our troops and their families for their selfless dedication, sacrifice and all that they do for our country.

Dynamo Armed Forces Appreciation Night started in 2009, when Houston Dynamo midfielder Brad Davis created the charitable program "Brad's Brigade" to bring deserved recognition to the men and women who dedicate their lives to protecting our nation. Brad would donate his personal tickets to Armed Forces members for Dynamo games and challenged fans and corporate partners to do the same. Every year the campaign grew larger and larger - from 500 tickets donated to Armed Forces members in 2009 to 2,000 tickets in 2013.

That same year, goalkeeper Tally Hall joined the Brigade to form "Brad & Tally's Banded Brigade". In addition to donating thousands of tickets to Armed Forces families, Brad & Tally's Banded Brigade raises funds for Banded Brigade Outdoors, a non-profit organization that provides morale-boosting outdoor events and social activities for injured or disabled veterans.

"I deeply appreciate everything Brad, Tally and the Houston Dynamo have done and continue to do for our veterans, community and our city," Councilman Gallegos said at a special appreciation ceremony at City Hall last week.

The Houston Dynamo and Councilman Gallegos will pay tribute to active duty military, veterans and wounded warriors during halftime at Friday's game against the New York Red Bulls.

Houston's Fourth of July Celebration

Fireworks will ignite the sky, and country tunes will set the stage for Houston's signature annual patriotic celebration, Southwest Airlines Freedom Over Texas from 4pm to 10pm on Friday, July 4 at the newly renovated Eleanor Tinsley Park on Buffalo Bayou (along Allen Parkway).

Tickets can be purchased in advance for $8 per person or purchased at the gate for $10. Admission is free for children under 5. To purchase tickets visit https://tix.extremetix.com/Online/?siteID=3355

National country recording artist Jennifer Nettles will headline the annual event at one of her first solo performances that will culminate with a spectacular fireworks display.

This year's festivities include the Southwest Airlines Sky Stage, featuring vintage aircraft flyovers; the Walmart All-American Kids Zone, a children's entertainment area with a stage featuring entertainment for young and old, alike; KBR Liberty Park brings military assets such as tanks and helicopters to the event along with all five branches of the military; and ending the evening with an exciting fireworks finale sponsored by Nation Waste.

Council Committee Receives Update on Future of Gus Wortham

The City's Chief Development Officer Andy Icken provided an update to the City Council Quality of Life Committee on June 25, on negotiations over the future of Gus Wortham Golf Course. In his presentation, he noted current golf trends, botanical gardens in other cities, and the common requirements for new public amenities to be included in a renovated golf course, such as a jogging path around the perimeter, kayak and canoe launch on Brays Bayou, and a clubhouse with a reception hall and restaurant.

Mr. Icken noted that while conversations with the task force leading the fundraising and renovation effort have been productive, there are differences in opinion on fundraising deadlines, design and project management of the construction, and the operations of the golf course once it re-opens. Mr. Icken, speaking on behalf of the mayor and city, noted that the administration has asked the task force to fundraise $15 million in 15 months, while the task force has committed to raising that amount in 18 months. Negotiations are ongoing.

Should the task force fail to meet its fundraising deadlines once an agreement is reached, the Botanic Garden Board could have an option for Gus Wortham. The board has been asked to meet fundraising milestones, which will be determined once a final site for the garden has been chosen. Glenbrook Golf Course has been offered to the Botanic Garden Board and was discussed at the meeting.

Assisting with negotiations for a renovated Gus Wortham Golf Course continue to be a priority for the District I office. Councilman Robert Gallegos firmly believes that both a renovated Gus Wortham Golf Course and a botanic garden at Glenbrook would be tremendous assets to the City of Houston and residents of District I.

The Gus Wortham Golf Course renovation task force and the Botanic Garden Board have been asked to present their "best and final" proposals to the city by July 11.

City Kicks off 2014 Liftoff Business Competition

Don't miss this once in a life-time opportunity to test your business idea and get feedback from leaders in the business community.

Liftoff Houston is the City of Houston's business plan competition which provides startup companies and aspiring entrepreneurs an opportunity to participate in workshops and mentoring, that will ultimately lead them to create an effective business plan. Houstonians that participate in this competition will have an opportunity to pitch their business plan at our pitch event for a chance to win a $10,000 cash prize along with great in-kind prizes to start their business! Liftoff Houston is brought to you by the City of Houston's Office of Business Opportunity, the Houston Public Library, and is sponsored by Capital One Bank.

To be eligible, contestants must be in the start-up phase of their business: you have an idea or you are currently operating a business. If currently in operation- it must be for less than one year, with revenue of less than $10,000. Participants must live in the Houston city limits and if currently operating their business, the business must also be within the Houston city limits.

This year there will be three award categories where a winner from each award category will receive a $10,000 cash prize along with in-kind prizes.

$10,000 - Awarded for top "Product" Based Business Plan (Retail, resale, merchandise, etc.)
$10,000 - Awarded for top "Service" Based Business Plan (Food, labor, consulting, etc.)
$10,000 - Awarded for top "Innovation" Based Business Plan (Software, Hardware, inventions, new market businesses, etc.)

Orientations are required for contestants and will be offered at designated Houston Public Library locations citywide. Orientations will provide interested individuals with detailed information about the competition including rules, resources, and the process to compete. Orientations will start July 12th, 2014 and continue through till July 31st, 2014. To view the list of orientations and RSVP on the Liftoff Houston website visit, www.Liftoffhouston.com.

Are you Ready for Hurricane Season?

Hurricane season officially began June 1st and lasts until November 30th. As we prepare for this upcoming hurricane season, the City of Houston offers the following tips to help you and your family prepare:

Know Your Risk - Visit the Houston Storm Risk Calculator at www.houstonstormrisk.org to find out what your level of risk is for flooding, storm surge, wind damage and power outages.

If you live in a hurricane evacuation area, know your zone, and be prepared to evacuate when the order is given. Southeast Houston, including all of District I, is in a hurricane evacuation area.

Get Prepared - Take a moment to review your emergency plan with your family, as well as make sure you have all the necessary supplies to be able to sustain yourself without electricity and running water for 5-7 days, including:

Non-perishable foods & water
Portable radio with extra batteries
Flashlights and extra batteries
First-aid kit, along with any prescription medicine
Special items for babies and the elderly
Toiletries and hygiene items
Pet care items

Be Informed - During hurricane season, it's always a good idea to pay attention to developing storms. Pay attention to local television and radio weather broadcasts, and sign up for AlertHouston emergency notifications from the City of Houston by visiting www.alerts.houstonoem.org.

If you are ordered to evacuate, you should do so without delay. Evacuation information and contraflow lane maps out of Houston are available on the Texas Department of Transportation website.

In the event of an emergency which requires evacuation, some individuals may need additional assistance leaving their homes. If you need help evacuating, dial 2-1-1 to register in advance for a ride. You can also register online.