Budget Time - Redux...

In the June 14th Edition of the District J Journal, I outlined the Budget Amendments I planned to propose during Council's FY-2014 and CIP Budget deliberations.  

Here is how the following budget amendments turned out:

Neighborhood Speed Cushion Program Funding: City Council approved the amendment to double the original line item of $250,000 to $500,000. These additional dollars will help shorten the time District J's neighborhoods, and others around the city, have to wait for installation of these much sought after devices.

Creation of a City-wide Deed Restriction Database: The Administration agreed to send this Laster amendment and Council Member Noriega's companion amendment to committee for further review and implementation. Discussions will begin on how best to implement a computer application for ease of access of this information. Deed restricted neighborhoods will be encouraged to register their existing deed restrictions into the database. The District J staff will be working closely with our neighborhoods to encourage active participation in this program.

Creation of the "Clean It" Tax Abatement: The Administration agreed to refer this proposal to committee for further development. The abatement, once fully enacted, would be designed to provide incentives for the use of private sector funding sources in the demolition of abandoned, dangerous or dilapidated buildings.

Lee LeClear Tennis Center CIP Funds Amendment: This amendment, passed by City Council, allowed $229,000 originally set for expenditure in FY2018 to be moved forward to FY2016. These funds will be combined with $665,000 currently scheduled for expenditure in FY2015 and FY2016 to serve as an incentive for the fund-raising goals of the newly formed Friends of Lee LeClear Tennis Center. That organization has undertaken the ambitious, but without a doubt obtainable, goal of raising over $5 Million Dollars for proposed renovations to that campus.

I am pleased and encouraged by the adoption or referral to committee of these amendments.  I look forward to implementing them further.

Reliant's Gone to the Dogs!

The 36th Annual Reliant Park World Series of Dog Shows is almost here. From July 17 to 21, Reliant Center will be home to Houston's premier canine extravaganza.  Your whole family will enjoy the lively performance events and exhibitions, relay races and conformation judging, plus seminars, displays and shopping. Absolutely everything to do with dogs and the people who love them will be happening at the Reliant Park World Series of Dog Shows. Mark your calendar!  

Hurricane Season - Is Your Emergency Kit Packed?

Everyone needs to have an emergency kit year round. Hurricane Season is the perfect opportunity to review your existing kit or build one if you haven't already done so. Even if you choose to evacuate for a hurricane and have a "Grab & Go" kit prepared, it's still smart to keep a home kit for other emergencies.   

Most emergency management organizations, such as FEMA, the City of Houston Office of Emergency Management, and the National Weather Service recommend including the following in a stay-at-home emergency kit:

• Water (one gallon per person per day, for drinking and sanitation -a 5-7 day supply)
• Non-perishable food (at least a 5-7 day supply per person)
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio
• Weather radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Whistle to signal for help
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities (water and electric)
• Manual can opener if your kit contains canned food
• Plastic tarps for emergency roof repair
• Items for unique family needs, such as daily prescription medications, infant formula, diapers, or items for pets
• Rain gear
• Mess kits, paper cups, plates, and plastic utensils
• Cash or traveler's checks, change
• Paper towels
• Fire extinguisher
• Matches in a waterproof container
• Disinfectant
• Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification, and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container

SWMD 2013 National Reuse Competition

The Reuse Warehouse, a component of the City of Houston Solid Waste Management Department, is coordinating the Greater Houston area's participation in the 2013 National Reuse Contest, sponsored by The Reuse People of America(TRP). Projects built primarily of used building materials and completed within the year are eligible for submission. The Reuse People will award gift certificates of $1,000, $500 and $250 to the first, second and third place winners of the National Contest, redeemable at a local reuse store to be determined, and will display annotated photos of the winning entries at various green building shows and expositions throughout the year.

Houston area entries, received by the August 31, 2013 deadline, will be judged by Mayor Annise Parker, businessman and philanthropist Jim "Mattress Mack" McIngvale and Dan Phillips of the Phoenix Commotion. The three winners will be announced September 30 and will automatically be entered in the national contest. TRP will select the national first, second and third place winners on October 30, 2013.

It is easy to enter. Just email photos of your project - no matter how large or small - along with a brief written description to Reuse Warehouse Manager Keith Koski at reuse.warehouse@houstontx.gov. For a complete list of rules and participating stores and to see photos of previous contest winners, visit www.TheReUsePeople.org/reusecontest.  

8th Annual Asia Society Texas Children's Film Festival 2013

District J Spotlight - Houston Fire Department Station 28 "The Rock"

Houston Fire Department Station 28, also known as "The Rock," is one of the busier stations in Houston. Located at 3000 Chimney Rock in the Galleria area, this station boasts the second busiest engine in Houston and the third busiest ladder. Fire Fighters at this station are known as the "Richmond Knights," a reflection of their commitment to protect and a nod to the night life along Richmond Avenue. Their territory contains the greatest number of high rise buildings in all of Houston and structures of all ages and types. From warehouses and strip centers to single family homes and every type of multi family building, Station 28 covers it all.  Some of the older structures date to the 1920's.  

Station 28 also contains a museum, curated by Engineer Operator Michael Smith. The museum hosts a collection of photos and artifacts of Houston Fire Fighters who have been lost in the line of duty, including items from the structures where they fell. The museum is also home to a 9/11 memorial honoring the NYC fire fighters lost that day. The museum attracts many visiting Fire Fighters from all over the world.  

Please join the District J office in sending the brave men and women of Station 28 a heartfelt "Thank you!" for all that they do to serve and protect the people of District J and the City of Houston.