It is hard to believe that we have already welcomed 2016. This new year brings a wealth of changes to City Hall, and I am excited to be able to be a part of it. Last month voters across the city took advantage of exercising their right to vote by casting their ballot in the December 12 runoff election. I first want to welcome new Mayor-Elect Sylvester Turner. I look forward to working with him and continuing to advocate for District E and ensuring our fair share of capital improvement (CIP) dollars for projects across the council district. I also look forward to working alongside Controller-Elect Chris Brown. I have had the opportunity to work with Chris as he has assumed the role as Deputy City Controller for the past two years and know he will continue to do a fine job overseeing the city's finances.

Additionally, congratulations and welcome to all of the new At-Large and District Council Members-Elect that will take their oath of office this week including Mike Knox (At-Large-1), Amanda Edwards (At-Large 4), Steve Le (District F), Greg Travis (District G) and Karla Cisneros (District H). We have many pertinent issues facing our city that we will have to address over the next four years together, and I look forward to working collaboratively to do what is right for not only District E but all Houstonians.

To all of my outgoing colleagues, I appreciate the time being able to work with you over the past years. Each of you has served the city commendably, and I wish you nothing but the best as you transition into the next role in your careers.

Lastly, my office continues to submit projects using the District E Council District Service Fund. Many of you may have seen recent improvements that have been made in the community using the fund including panel replacements, sidewalk repairs, trapping of feral hogs, etc. I encourage each of you to contact my office if you have ideas that this money could be used towards to better improve the quality of life and public safety for residents in the district. While we have a limited amount of money to work with, we will take all suggestions into consideration when requesting projects to the administration.

As always, my office staff and I are available to you. Please contact us with your questions, concerns or comments at (832) 393-3008 or districte@houstontx.gov.

Thank you again for trusting in me to serve you for another four years. I wish you and your families a very happy new year!

Sincerely,

Dave Martin

Runoff Election Results

Over 200,000 Houston voters returned to the polls early last month to decide the City of Houston's next mayor, controller and a number of council seats. In the mayoral race, State Representative Sylvester Turner narrowly defeated businessman and former Kemah mayor Bill King by 4,100 votes. Chris Brown, the city's Chief Deputy Controller, also beat out Bill Frazer to become the City of Houston's next Controller.

The following candidates additionally won in contested district and at-large races to serve for the next four years on Houston's City Council:

District F: Steve Le

District H: Karla Cisneroz

District J: Mike Laster (i)

At-Large 1: Mike Knox

At-Large 2: David Robinson (i)

At-Large 4: Amanda Edwards

At-Large 5: Jack Christie (i)

All of the City of Houston's new and returning officeholders will be sworn in at the city's inauguration ceremony on Monday, January 4. Council Member Martin congratulates each on their victories and looks forward to working with them at City Council.

Woodland Acres Elementary City Hall Visit

On Wednesday, December 16 a group of fourth and fifth grade students from Woodland Acres Elementary School's Student Council attended the regularly-scheduled City Council meeting to learn more about local city government and to take a tour of City Hall.

Council Member Martin was happy to recognize the group during the City Council meeting and appreciates these young students' early interest and involvement in the government.

Clear Lake City Boulevard Traffic Switch

On Monday, December 21 a traffic switch occurred on the section of Clear Lake City Boulevard currently being widened in between Almond Creek Drive and Pine Green Way just east of El Dorado Boulevard. The switch directed motorists traveling westbound on Clear Lake City Boulevard to the new outside lane north of the new median and closest to the Clear Lake Marketplace commercial development.

Once the switch occurred, the current westbound lane was closed for construction, as was the new inside westbound lane north of the median. Traffic traveling east on Clear Lake City Boulevard has been unaffected and will remain in the normal single eastbound lane. Those traveling north on El Dorado Boulevard and making a left onto Clear Lake City Boulevard have been proceeding north of the median and onto the new outside westbound lane. To guide drivers making this turn, directional buttons were placed on the street. All are advised to exercise caution when approaching and proceeding through the intersection of Clear Lake City and El Dorado, which will continue to function as a four-way stop prior to its signalization.

Barricades are on site to direct motorists through the new configuration and flagmen will be present as needed. The District E office has additionally contacted the Houston Police Department's Clear Lake Substation to ask that officers monitor the location and assist with traffic control when necessary.

The traffic switch is scheduled to be in place for the coming weeks until the widening of Clear Lake City Boulevard is complete, which is currently expected to occur in early January. Once the widening is complete, two lanes of traffic will be open in both directions from the boulevard's current four-lane terminus at Almond Creek Drive to approximately 1,000 feet east of El Dorado Boulevard.

A traffic signal is additionally being installed at the intersection of Clear Lake City and El Dorado and is expected to be operational prior to the grand opening of the Clear Lake Marketplace's new HEB grocery store in early February. Please note that all project timelines are subject to change due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances.

Please additionally note that the removal of several trees along this section of Clear Lake City Boulevard, in what will be the new median, began last month. The removal of these trees is necessary to accommodate the construction of a median cut at Majestic Trail as well as the installation of turn lanes on both sides of the boulevard. A comprehensive tree mitigation and landscaping plan was completed for the project and approved by the City of Houston's Parks and Recreation Department. As a result, trees being removed that are protected in the city's Code of Ordinances will be mitigated for by the replanting of new trees in public spaces around the Clear Lake Marketplace development.

For more information, please contact the District E office at (832) 393-3008 or via email at districte@houstontx.gov.

Joel Walker Proclamation

At the Public Session of City Council on Tuesday, December 1 Council Member Martin had the opportunity to present a proclamation to Mr. Joel Walker, the Center Operations Director and Sustainability Officer for NASA's Johnson Space Center (JSC), who was joined by former astronaut and current Johnson Space Center Director Dr. Ellen Ochoa. In his remarks, Council Member Martin highlighted Mr. Walker's dedicated leadership in promoting environmental sustainability and awareness at the JSC by strategically reducing energy use, decreasing the Center's operational footprint, diverting waste from landfills and implementing a number of other beneficial measures. Council Member Martin additionally recognized Mr. Walker's contributions to the greater Houston region beyond NASA, and declared December 1 "Joel Walker Day" in the City of Houston.

Clear Creek Education Foundation's Community Partnership Breakfast

Each year, the Clear Creek Education Foundation (CCEF) brings together the individuals and local organizations which generously support the Clear Creek Independent School District (CCISD) at its annual Community Partnership Breakfast. Staff from Council Member Martin's office attended this year's event on Tuesday, December 2 and enjoyed remarks from CCEF Executive Director Kaci Hanson, CCISD Superintendent Dr. Greg Smith, CCISD Secondary Teacher of the Year Anthony Tran and Mr. Scott McClelland of HEB Houston, who delivered the keynote address on the importance of citywide partnerships to better regional education.

For more information on the Clear Creek Education Foundation, please visit www.clearcreekeducationfoundation.org.

Ellington Air Traffic Control Tower Grant

Last month, the State of Texas awarded the Houston Airport System (HAS) a $3.1 million Defense Economic Adjustment Assistance Grant to aid the city in the construction of a new air traffic control tower at Ellington Airport. The grant will help to cover $2 million in construction costs, which include the design and construction of the tower, a utility building and a utility yard and parking area. The grant additionally allocates more than $1 million to fund the purchase of necessary equipment for the new facility, such as navigational and communication equipment needed to operate the tower.

Ellington's current air traffic control tower was constructed in the 1950s and was damaged by Hurricane Ike in 2008. Though emergency repairs were performed, the existing tower is vulnerable to future storms. Should the tower become inoperable, all general aviation activities based at Ellington Airport and military flights out of the Ellington Joint Reserve Base (JRB) could be compromised. The Ellington JRB is presently occupied by the Texas Air National Guard, the Texas Army National Guard and the Coast Guard as an aviation operational center and distribution hub supporting federal and state civil authorities.

Once constructed, the new tower will ensure the continuation of successful air traffic control and operational support for all civilian, commercial and military flights based out Ellington. The final cost of the project is estimated at $7 million, with construction slated to begin next summer. The new air traffic control tower is scheduled to open at Ellington in the fall of 2017.

Boeing Community Leaders Briefing

On Wednesday, December 2 staff from Council Member Martin's office joined local elected officials and representatives from the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership for Boeing's annual Community Leaders Briefing. At the briefing, John Elbon, the Vice President and General Manager of Boeing Space Exploration, provided an update on Boeing's involvement in NASA's space program through the development of the CST-100 Starliner commercial crew vehicle and the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket, a critical component in NASA's ultimate mission to send astronauts to Mars. Mr. Elbon also discussed the potential for space-related job growth in Houston's Bay Area as development on additional components of the Mars mission is set to begin in the coming decade. The briefing concluded with a discussion of the variety of community service projects Boeing employees undertake in the Houston area such as efforts to promote STEM education in local schools.

Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership's Prospect Review Meeting

On Thursday, December 3 staff from Council Member Martin's office attended the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership's (BAHEP) quarterly Prospect Review meeting, which is held to provide representatives from BAHEP's partner cities an opportunity to discuss prospective developments across the Bay Area. In addition to a status update on potential projects from the BAHEP staff, this quarter's meeting featured a presentation on the state of Houston's commercial real estate market from Ace Schlameus and Liz LeDoux of Colliers International.

Council Member Martin thanks the staff of the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership for organizing the quarterly meeting and for their work facilitating regional coordination on matters of economic importance to Houston's Bay Area.

Orion Program Update

On Wednesday, December 16 staff from Council Member Martin's office attended an update on NASA's Orion Program at Space Center Houston. At the event, Johnson Space Center Director Dr. Ellen Ochoa and other NASA representatives gifted an American flag flown on last year's successful Orion test flight (EFT-1) to Space Center Houston and its CEO, Richard Allen. A brief update was then given on the status of the construction of the Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle, components of which are currently being built and tested at facilities across the United States and with international collaboration from the European Space Agency (ESA). Representatives from Lockheed Martin, which is constructing the Orion command module with NASA's oversight, were also present at the event.

In the coming years, with support from Congress, NASA will continue to test and develop the Orion spacecraft in preparation for its first manned mission in the early 2020's. The Orion is ultimately intended to carry astronauts during future deep space exploration such as NASA's mission to Mars. For more information and the latest updates on NASA's Orion Program, please click here.

Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce's General Membership Luncheon

On Wednesday, December 16 staff from Council Member Martin's office joined local elected officials and business leaders from around Houston's Bay Area for the Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce's General Membership Luncheon. Those in attendance at the monthly luncheon were provided an update on some of the events being planned by the Chamber for the coming year and were also treated to a performance by The Note-Ables, a choral group and community service project of the Houston Symphony League Bay Area.

For more information on the Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce and the variety of community events it hosts on a monthly basis, please visit www.clearlakearea.com.

Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce's Epicurean Evening 2016

From 6:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 4 the Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce will host its annual Epicurean Evening at Space Center Houston. Residents participating in the event will be able to sample fare from over 40 of the Clear Lake area's premier food establishments and also enjoy live musical entertainment and other family friendly attractions.

To purchase tickets to Epicurean Evening 2016, and for information on sponsorship opportunities, please click here.

Space Center Houston's Independence Plaza Exhibit Grand Opening

Mark your calendars! Independence Plaza, Space Center Houston's new landmark exhibit, will open its doors to the public on Saturday, January 23. Featuring a full shuttle mock-up mounted atop NASA's retired Boeing 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, the exhibit will give visitors a previously unseen look into the historic American shuttle era and the technological breakthroughs NASA achieved throughout the shuttle program.

The vast exhibit, which required over 300 yards of concrete for its foundation, will be the world's only shuttle mounted on a shuttle carrier aircraft and the only one that is open for the public to enter. The Boeing 747 featured in the exhibit has ferried America's shuttle orbiters across the country for 42 years both commercially and for NASA. It is 63.5 feet in height and has flown 2 million miles through 11,017 hours of flight time.

For more information on Space Center Houston's historic new Independence Plaza exhibit, please visit www.spacecenter.org/independence.

HPD Kingwood Substation Phone Number

The District E office would like to notify Kingwood area residents that the Kingwood HPD Substation has a new phone number. The new phone number for the Kingwood Division is 832-395-1800. This phone number will be answered 24/7. Citizens calling the old Kingwood Substation number will receive a phone recording advising them of the phone number change and the new number.

As always, please report any concerns or suspicious activity in the Kingwood area immediately to the Kingwood Substation.

Lake Houston Area Chamber of Commerce's Kingwood BizCom

The Lake Houston Area Chamber of Commerce invited Council Member Martin to speak at its BizCom on Thursday, December 3 at Kingwood High School. During his remarks, Council Member Martin provided information about the December 12 runoff election as well as upcoming infrastructure projects in the area such as a panel replacement at the intersection of Kingwood Drive and Kingwood High School and the West Lake Houston Bridge project, which is due to be completed in January of 2016. He also discussed the Kingwood Mobility Study, which concluded in the Spring of this year. To view the results of the Kingwood Mobility Study, please visit www.gundacorp.com/kingwood-mobility.

Another hot-button issue discussed at the BizCom was the presence of feral hogs in the Kingwood Area. In response to this concern, Council Member Martin used his Council District Service Funds to arrange feral hog trapping and relocation services, concentrating within the Fosters Mill and Deerwood Country Club areas. Traps were set in the area on December 3 and will be monitored on a trial basis for the next couple of months.

If a feral hog encounter occurs, please report the incident to the Kingwood Service Association (KSA) and the District E office. KSA has been keeping a history of sightings as well as locations of feral hogs throughout the community, which has been helpful in efforts to identify trapping sites. To report a sightining online, please click here or contact the District E office at districte@houstontx.gov.

Kingwood B.O.P.A. Recycling Event

On Saturday, December 5 Council Member Martin and the Solid Waste Management Department (SWMD) hosted the Kingwood Batteries, Oil, Paint and Anti-Freeze (B.O.P.A.) Collection Event at the Kingwood METRO Park and Ride. The event was a huge success, as approximately 36,846 pounds of recyclable materials were collected from more than 600 vehicles. Volunteers from Keep Kingwood Green helped with the collections, which yielded 1,300 pounds of batteries, 4,900 pounds of used motor oil, 21,650 pounds of latex paint, 500 pounds of antifreeze and 8,496 pounds of scrap metal.

Council Member Martin thanks the Solid Waste Management Department and all of the hard-working volunteers for putting on yet another successful recycling event.

Fosters Mill Feral Hog Update

Over the past two months, Council Member Martin has been working aggressively to combat the proliferation of feral hogs in the Kingwood area. After Council Member Martin designated Council District Service Funds to support trapping efforts, the company, Deep South Trapping, set up one corral trap in the Fosters Mill neighborhood in early December in a location chosen based on community feedback. Through coordinated efforts with neighborhoods in the surrounding area that have also set up traps, the District E office hopes to significantly reduce the presence of the animals and alleviate the nuisance they've caused residents.

Residents are encouraged to report feral hog sightings to the Kingwood Service Association (KSA) by visiting the KSA website or by contacting the District E office at (832) 393-3008.

Leadership Lake Houston

On Tuesday, December 8 Council Member Martin had the privilege of addressing the Leadership Lake Houston Class of 2016. In his remarks, Council Member Martin broke down the different roles and responsibilities for each of Houston's positions of elective office and detailed which offices were up for election in the December 12 runoff.

Council Member Martin was also able to explain the differences between how the City of Houston operates compared to other major Texas cities. For example, the City of Houston works under the strong mayoral form of government, meaning the mayor holds most of the power. By contrast, cities like Dallas, Austin and San Antonio operate under a council-manager system which leads to a more even distribution of power. Other topics of discussion were the various City of Houston committees as well as the city's various boards and commissions and the organizations they support.

Council Member Martin appreciates the opportunity to address the Leadership Lake Houston class and thanks the "Government Day" chairs, Casey Christman, Kim Brode and Jason Stuebe, for inviting him to participate.

Jerry T. Dinkins, Sr. Proclamation

On December 2, Council Member Martin presented a proclamation to the family of Jerry T. Dinkins, Sr., who passed away on September 25, 2015. Mr. Dinkins worked in the Special Projects Division of the City of Houston's Public Works and Engineering Department for nearly 40 years until he retired as Deputy Director. During his tenure with the city, he worked on many significant projects, including the Houston Zoo and George Bush Intercontinental Airport. In 1998, Mr. Dinkins became the Director of Facilities for Harris County - Houston Sports Authority, where he oversaw the construction of the professional sports stadiums in Houston. Mr. Dinkins completed his duties with exceptional vision and true dedication, contributing to several major projects, including Minute Maid Park, the Toyota Center and the BBVA Compass Stadium.

Council Member Martin, along with the City of Houston, celebrates the contributions Mr. Dinkins made to the community, as well as his leadership, faithful service and support. Mayor Parker proclaimed September 25, 2015 Jerry T. Dinkins Sr. Day in Houston, Texas.

CASE for Kids City Connections Project Grant Term II

On Tuesday, December 1 CASE for Kids, the afterschool division of the Harris County Department of Education, began accepting its second round of grant applications from 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations in the City of Houston for the City Connections 2015-2016 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. Funding ranges from $3,000 - $10,000.

Organizations interested in applying for funding through the CASE for Kids City Connections Programs can apply online here. Please note that applications are due on Friday, January 29, 2016 for the program's second grant term running from March 1 - May 31, 2016. Award announcements will be made Tuesday, February 16, 2016.

For more information on the Case for Kids City Connections 2015-2016 program, please contact Ramie Johns at caseconnections@hcde-texas.org or call (713) 696-1330.

96th Annual Mayor's Holiday Reception and Tree Lighting Ceremony

On Friday, December 4 Council Member Martin and his family attended the 96th Annual Mayor's Holiday Reception and Tree Lighting Ceremony, which took place in Hermann Square outside of City Hall. This yearly event, presented by Reliant, an NRG Company, included festive music, a visit from Santa and fireworks.

The ceremony also included a booth for those in attendance to donate a toy to help make underprivileged Houstonian youths more cheerful this holiday season.

Greater Houston Partnership's Economic Outlook Luncheon

On Monday, December 7 Council Member Martin attended the Greater Houston Partnership's (GHP) Economic Outlook Luncheon and had the opportunity to sit with representatives from Clear Channel. The sold out event was moderated by KHOU 11 News Anchor, Shern-Min Chow, and provided attendees with updates on factors influencing the economy and what to expect in 2016. Patrick Jankowski, Partnership Senior Vice President of Research, announced that as of October 2015, Houston surpassed 3 million jobs for the first time in history.

The event also hosted a panel of experts including Kristi Chickering of Sirius Solutions, Michael Covert of CHI St. Luke's Health, Daniel Gilbane of Gilbane Building Company and Greg Hill of Hess Corporation to discuss their predictions about the coming year on local energy, health care, professional services and construction industries.

The GHP is predicting that there will be roughly 21,900 new jobs in the Houston area in 2016. While it is expected that Houston will continue to lose jobs in sectors closely tied to energy, employment overall will grow from sectors such as construction, retail, health care, administrative services, arts and entertainment, transportation and government.

Rotary Lombardi Awards

An avid sports fan and former Harris County Houston - Sports Authority Board Member, Council Member Martin had the opportunity to attend the 2015 Rotary Lombardi Awards on Wednesday, December 9. Named after legendary Green Bay Packers coach Vince Lombardi, the annual event recognizes the best collegiate football lineman in the country as well as an outstanding high school lineman from the Houston area. This year's honorees, announced at the ceremony in front of a crowd of 1,200, were Carl Nassib, defensive end from Penn State, and Paddy Fisher, a senior at Katy High School.

Council Member Martin congratulates Nassib and Fisher on the honor, as well as the other deserving finalists in attendance at the event. For more information, please visit www.rotarylombardiaward.com.

"Coffee with DON" Program

The City of Houston's Department of Neighborhoods (DON) has announced the launch of a new program called "Coffee with DON." On a quarterly basis, kicking off January 2016, the Department will schedule meetings with constituents at local restaurants and coffee shops in each district throughout the year. During the meetings, departmental representatives will be able to discuss any issues or concerns of residents, all while boosting support for local small businesses.

The Department of Neighborhoods will announce meeting times and locations through Facebook, Twitter, Citizens Net and newsletters. Information will also be provided by the District E office.

HPD's PIP Program

In 1983, the Houston Police Department (HPD) established its Positive Interaction Program (PIP) to encourage the free flow of information, foster trust and promote relationship-building between HPD officers and the local residents they serve. Over the years, the program has grown to 30 PIP groups that meet every month throughout the city and feature speakers from different HPD divisions (Burglary and Theft, Homicide, K-9, Helicopters, etc.) as well as community representatives working on issues related to public safety.

Please see below for information on District E's monthly PIP meetings:

Kingwood PIP: Every third Tuesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at Kingwood Church of Christ (2901 Woodland Hills Drive);

Clear Lake PIP: Every third Tuesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at Memorial Hermann Southeast Hospital (11800 Astoria Boulevard);

Eastside PIP: Every third Monday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at the HPD Eastside Division Substation (7525 Sherman Street).

Northeast PIP (Apartment - Business): Every third Wednesday of the month at 12:00 p.m. at the Northeast Division Substation (8301 Ley Road).

Northeast PIP (Civic): Every second Thursday of the month at 6:00 p.m. at the Northeast Division Substation (8301 Ley Road).

For more information on HPD's Positive Interaction Program and its District E meetings, please contact the District E office at (832) 393-3008.

FAA "Know Before You Fly" Commercial Drone Tips

It is estimated that between 500,000 and 1,000,000 unmanned aircraft systems, otherwise known as "drones," were given as gifts this holiday season. As a result, the District E office would like to inform residents of several rules strictly enforced by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regarding the operation of commercial drones in regulated airspace (the airspace within a five mile radius of FAA-regulated areas such as airports).

To ensure the safe operation of unmanned aircraft in these busy areas, the FAA is promoting a "Know Before You Fly" campaign. Commercial drone operators are advised to:

Fly below 400 feet;

Always fly within the visual line of site;

Never fly over groups of people;

Never fly over stadiums or sporting events;

Never fly within five miles of an airport without contacting air traffic controls and airport authorities;

Never fly near emergency response efforts such as fires;

Never fly near other aircraft;

Never fly under the influence.

Operating a commercial drone in restricted airspace requires specific information and permissions. A fact sheet with details on the varieties of unmanned aircraft systems and relevant regulations are also available here. Information on certifying your unmanned aircraft system to fly safely in the National Airspace System can also be found here.

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

January 1

City Offices Closed for New Year's Day

January 4

City of Houston Inauguration Ceremony

January 6

Consolidated City Council Meeting

January 18

City Offices Closed for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

Kingwood

January 7

Kingwood Service Association's Parks Committee Meeting

January 13

Kingwood Service Association's Public Safety Committee Meeting

January 14

TIRZ 10 Meeting

January 19

Kingwood PIP

January 20

Kingwood Super Neighborhood Meeting

January 21

Kingwood Service Association's Quarterly Meeting

Southeast Houston/Clear Lake

January 14

Northeast PIP (Civic)

January 16

Freeway Manor Tree Pickup Event

January 18

Eastside PIP

January 19
Clear Lake PIP

January 20

Northeast PIP (Apartment - Business)

January 20

Bay Area Houston Transportation Partnership's Monthly Luncheon

January 23

Grand Opening of Space Center Houston's Independence Plaza Exhibit

January 27

Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce's General Membership Luncheon

January 29

Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership's 23rd Annual Quasar Award Banquet honoring Dr. Greg Smith

February 4

Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce's Epicurean Evening 2016

February 13

Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce's Christmas Boat Lane Parade (rescheduled from December 12)