Budget Time...      

It is that time of year again at City Hall. The Mayor and City Council are working on the final Budget for Fiscal Year 2014. As you may know the budget process is the primary opportunity for Council Members to propose items or budget revisions that they believe can help the City better serve its residents.

With that in mind, I have filed these four budget amendments:

15.01:  Neighborhood Speed Cushion Program Funding. This amendment seeks an additional $750,000 to be added to the $250,000 already budgeted for installation of speed cushions in neighborhoods. The combined total of $1 million will provide a means for more neighborhoods to obtain these highly desired devises on a quicker turn-around.

15.02: Creation of a Deed Restriction Database. This amendment calls on the City to begin the process of creating a database of all recorded written deed restrictions of the City's many neighborhoods. The database would allow the City to have more direct access to the information contained in those recorded documents. Ongoing access to such crucial information would assist and guide City departments as they address issues that affect our neighborhoods.

15.03: Creation of a Flood Control-Mitigation Property Registry. Council Member Larry Green of District K has joined in co-sponsoring this amendment which proposes to create, for identification purposes only, a list or registry of properties located in flood prone or sensitive areas that might be available or conducive for use in future flood control mitigation projects. The creation of the list does not mean that a particular property would in fact be used for such purposes.

15.04: Creation of the "Clean It or Green It Tax Credit". This amendment calls on the City to investigate the creation of an Ad Valorem tax credit that may, on a limited basis, be available for use on commercial or residential properties located inside the city. The credit would be designed to encourage the use of private sector funding in the demolition of abandoned, dangerous or dilapidated buildings. Such newly cleaned tracts of land would then be ready for future re-development or for use in flood control mitigation projects.

As required by the Administration, each of these amendments also identifies a budgetary funding source for the proposal. If you have questions about amendments proposed by other Council Members, please contact that Council Member's office.

City Council will be addressing these amendments and the entire FY 2014 Budget next week.

Continued Prayers for our Firefighters...

Please continue to hold the families of our fallen and recovering firefighters in your thoughts and prayers especially Captain William Dowling who remains in the hospital in critical condition.

Thanks to each of you who have contributed to the 100 Club's efforts to raise money on their behalf. The 100 Club is a 60 year old Houston based non-profit organization that supports the dependents of Firefighters and Law Enforcement officers killed in the line of duty. 100 percent of "Survivors Fund" donations go to the families of firefighters and law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty.

I know you will join me in thanking the Houston Automobile Dealers Association for their generous gift of $100,000 to the 100 Club.

If you would like to contribute to the 100 Club please visit www.the100club.org.

Happy Happy Happy...

Finally, allow me to wish you all a happy Flag Day (June 14), Fathers Day (June 16) and Juneteenth (June 19). 

Last Chance to Attend the Chapter 42 Workshops

Summer Food Service Program for Youth - open now through August 23

 
The City of Houston Parks and Recreation Department (HPARD) is currently hosting its Summer Food Service Program for youth ages 1 to 18.  The program is currently open and will continue through August 23.  

This program is funded by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), administered through Texas Department of Agriculture and sponsored locally by HPARD since 1980. 

 

The Summer Food Service Program operates at more than 470 sites in Houston and Harris County throughout the summer. No registration is required. Meals are served at Houston Parks and Recreation Department Community Centers and other participating locations including: churches, apartment complexes, learning centers, and other nonprofit organizations.

 

The nutritious packed lunches are prepared and delivered daily to each site and comply with federal and state requirements. They include one serving of milk, two or more servings of vegetables and/or fruits, one serving of grain or bread, and one serving of meat or meat alternative.

 

Lunch is served Monday through Friday from 11am - 1pm and a healthy snack is served 3 - 4 pm. 

 

To find a site near you call 2-1-1 or 713-676-6832 and give the operator your zip code.

It's Hurricane Season - Are you ready?

Hurricane Season began on June 1 and continues through November 30.  Now is the time to prepare for tropical storms, hurricanes, and severe weather.  

On the right of this newsletter is a series of tool bars with useful links.  We have provided one just for Hurricane Season and encourage you to visit the provided links.  Each site will offer useful information to help you make your plans.  

Throughout Hurricane Season, we will feature an article on planning and preparation with each District Journal issue. We hope you find this information useful and informative.   

Houston Food Bank Disaster Drill - June 15

The Houston Food Bank is a disaster responder. With hurricane season around the corner, the organization is planning a Disaster Drill to simulate how the facility will run with volunteer stations at full capacity in the event of a real-life disaster. 

HFB needs 1,000 volunteers to help to volunteer at the main warehouse at 535 Portwall on Saturday, June 15, from noon to 4pm.  

To register, please complete the  Volunteer Request Form and add Disaster Drill in the comments section.  

Juneteenth Summer Celebration 

The Juneteenth Summer Celebration is the flagship event of the Texas Black Expo, held this June 21-23 at the George R. Brown Convention Center. This is an annual celebration of African-American culture showcasing business development seminars, entertainment, shopping, and fun for the entire family. 

This year features R&B legends Mint Condition, Hip-Hop legend Doug E. Fresh, and radio personality Sybil Wilkes. There will also be a Health Fair, "Diva Dialogue" discussion panel, and a Gospel Music competition.  The tradeshow expo is free to the public (registration required).  

 

For more information, please e-mail the Texas Black Expo at info@texasblackexpo.com.

Caribbean Heritage Month - Kids & Family Day June 23  

PlazAmericas and the Houston Caribbean Community cordially invite you to attend Caribbean Heritage Month Kids & Family Day at the Mall on Sunday, June 23, from 2 to 6pm. 
  
Admission is Free.  There will be games, music, Caribbean products, face painting, and more.  There will also be a special carnival costume presentation by Madd Colors.