This month the city will welcome nearly 70,000+ visitors who will travel to Houston for the NCAA Final Four Men's Basketball games that will take place Saturday, April 2 and Monday, April 4 at NRG Stadium. The event, which is expected to draw televised interest both nationally and internationally, will give Houston the opportunity to highlight everything we are known for: warm hospitality, entertainment, award-winning dining and giving back. Over the course of the last several months key city departments and individuals have been hard at work coordinating this special event with the NCAA and other organizations including Houston First, Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau, Harris County Houston Sports Authority and NRG Park, among others. Houston is excited and ready for the increase of visitors who are expected to have a nearly $150 million economic impact on the city, and is using this as a test run in preparation of hosting Super Bowl 51 next February.

Additionally, there are several events that will take place across the city during the Final Four that may interest District E residents. Beginning today, April 1 and running through Monday, April 4 events appropriate for all ages such as Fan Fest, March Madness Music Festival and Final Four Friday at NRG Stadium are scheduled all weekend. For more information about these events as well as the 2016 Division I Men's Basketball Championship, please visit www.ncaa.com/final-four.

Lastly and looking ahead, Mayor Turner is expected to release his Fiscal Year 2017 budget next month addressing the estimated $160 million budget deficit. As Mayor Turner has said, all city departments will have to share in the sacrifice and be realistic about their budgetary "asks" for next year. I look forward to the upcoming budget process, tackling this issue head on and working towards a zero-based budget model for the city.

As always, thank you for giving me the privilege of representing you here at City Hall. It is a true blessing to be able to serve.

Sincerely,

Dave Martin

Brussels Attacks

Following the horrific terrorist attacks in Brussels on March 22, the City of Houston reminds residents that we all have a role in securing public spaces. Residents are encouraged to be aware of suspicious behavior and improvised explosive devices, and to report any concerns immediately to law enforcement. If you believe it is an emergency, dial 9-1-1. Residents may also report suspicious behavior online here or by calling (1) 855-492-8244.

In response to the March 22 attacks, Mayor Sylvester Turner stated that Houston's homeland security division is constantly working with other law enforcement agencies to keep Houstonians safe. Houston City Hall was additionally illuminated with the colors of the Belgian flag as a show of support and solidarity for the victims of the attacks and the residents of Brussels.

Meeting with Montgomery County Judge Craig Doyal and Commissioner Jim Clark

On Wednesday, March 9 Council Member Martin and staff met with Montgomery County Judge Craig Doyal and Commissioner Jim Clark to discuss the Northpark Drive expansion project in Kingwood. This is a multijurisdictional project and Council Member Martin appreciates Montgomery County's support, leadership, dedication and participation in increasing mobility and vehicular safety within the community.

The project includes expanding Northpark Drive from four to six lanes between U.S. Highway 59 and Woodland Hills, closing the ditch in the middle of the road, installing a fly-over at the railroad tracks at Loop 494 and keeping a four lane at-grade railroad crossing to ensure easy access to businesses. A timeline for this project has not yet been established. However, TIRZ 10 is working with EHRA, Inc. on preliminary design as well as with multiple other agencies to secure funding.

Royal Forest Drive Traffic Signal Removal Study

On Monday, March 28 the City of Houston's Public Works and Engineering Department (PWE) began a traffic study at the intersections of Kingwood Drive at Loop 494, Royal Forest Drive, Chestnut Ridge, Green Oak as well as Rockmead Drive and Rock Falls. The purpose of the traffic study is to evaluate the removal of the traffic signal at Kingwood Drive and Royal Forest Drive and to improve the overall traffic progression in the area. PWE will begin the study by examining sight distance, traffic volumes, travel times, and accident history. This portion of the study will take approximately two weeks and is not expected to impact traffic flow.

Traffic signals can remedy many safety and operational problems at intersections. However, signals can also adversely affect intersections and overall areas. It is possible that a signal may no longer be warranted due to changes in traffic conditions or original unsuitable conditions such as geometric characteristics and/or proximity to other signalized intersections or facilities. In this case, PWE will take a close look at these four traffic signals that are placed within about a mile of roadway in an effort to examine whether traffic patterns can be improved through the removal of the traffic signal at Kingwood Drive and Royal Forest Drive.

Once the preliminary data has been collected, the traffic signal at Kingwood Drive and Royal Forest will be turned off and bagged so that the traffic heading eastbound and westbound can pass through the intersection freely. Once the traffic signal has been bagged the community will see "Traffic Control Change Ahead" signs in the area, alerting drivers to the modifications at the intersection. Additionally, the nearby traffic signals will be adjusted to accommodate the change. Finally, stop signs will be installed temporarily on Royal Forest Drive. The new traffic changes are expected to be in place for a minimum of 90 days in order to make sure that adequate data is collected.

After the 90-day examination period has concluded, PWE will evaluate the data based on travel time, stops and delays during morning, midday, and evening peak hours between the Eastex Freeway and Green Oak Drive. These data points will measure the level of service improvement at Royal Forest Drive by comparing the signalized intersection to the modified one-way stop control conditions. PWE will also conduct a second level of service comparison at other intersections verifying no significant negative impact after traffic control modification at Royal Forest Drive has occurred. Additionally, a safety impact analysis will be examined comparing crash data to assure no increase in crash incidents at the subject location or adjacent intersections have been impacted by the modified traffic patterns.

For more information on these projects, please contact the District E office at (832) 393-3008 or via email at [email protected].

Kingwood Drive Infrastructure Improvement Projects

Last month, the City of Houston's Public Works and Engineering Department (PWE) initiated two infrastructure improvement projects on Kingwood Drive. PWE replaced two concrete panels in the westbound lanes at 3800 Kingwood Drive in front of the entrance to Kingwood High School. Now complete, this project is intended to preserve and prolong the life of the road base while providing a smoother road surface for motorists.

The department additionally began the installation of a sidewalk and improved crosswalk at the intersection of Kingwood Drive and Chestnut Ridge to increase pedestrian safety. This project is currently nearing completion. Traffic control measures continue to be in place on site and the Houston Police Department's Kingwood Substation was notified and asked to monitor the location to provide traffic control assistance as needed.

For any questions on the infrastructure improvement projects on Kingwood Drive, please contact the District E office at (832) 393-3008 or via email at [email protected].

Transportation Safety Improvements at Kingwood Park High School

Last month, Council Member Martin's office received concerns about increased vehicular traffic by Kingwood Park High School associated with the opening of a new development nearby in Montgomery County. In response, the District E office requested an investigation by the city's Public Works and Engineering Department. As a result of the investigation, the school zone will be extended north on Woodland Hills Drive to the Houston city limit just south of Windward Meadow. A crosswalk and crossing signs will also be installed at the green belt trail crossing and additional north and southbound 20 mile per hour school speed limit assemblies will be installed. The District E office will update residents when all of these improvements are in place.

Lake Houston Area Chamber of Commerce's Peace Officers and Firefighters of the Year Luncheon

Staff from Council Member Martin's office attended the Lake Houston Area Chamber of Commerce's Peace Officers and Firefighters of the Year Luncheon on Tuesday, March 29 and presented certificates of special recognition to the men and women being honored at the event for their brave service to the Lake Houston Area. Each honoree was chosen by his or her local station for their outstanding dedication in their duties this past year. United States Congressman Ted Poe additionally spoke at the annual event.

Council Member Martin commends the 2016 Lake Houston peace officers and firefighters of the year, as well all of the public safety and law enforcement professionals in the greater Houston area, for their selfless and courageous service.

Lake Houston Trash Bash

Save the date! The 23rd annual River, Lakes, Bays N' Bayous Trash Bash will take place on Saturday, April 2. Participating residents will have the opportunity to help clean up 15 sites across the Galveston Bay Watershed including the Lake Houston Marina located at 10611 FM 1960 Road East, Huffman, Texas 77336. Registration for the event will begin at the Marina at 7:00 a.m., followed by the distribution of collection and safety equipment at 8:00 a.m., cleanup time from 9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. and lunch, entertainment and prizes from 11:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. The area to be cleaned will be the Marina waterfront and park area, the FM-1960/McKay Bridge waterfront and the waterfront and park areas of additional sites listed. Other areas accessible by boat are up to the discretion of the individual boat owner. Shoreline, park and on-the-water trash collection may also be done.

For more information on the Lake Houston Trash Bash scheduled for Saturday, April 2 please click here.

Lone Star Book Festival

On Friday, April 8 and Saturday, April 9 Lone Star College-Kingwood will host the Lone Star Book Festival, a diverse, multi-genre literary celebration. Bringing together, writers, books and readers, the festival will feature 32 panels comprised of 150 local and nationally renowned authors. The two-day celebration will additionally feature book sales, signings and other informative events.

As a former school board member and strong advocate of education, Council Member Martin is excited that District E is playing host to this event and encourages residents to attend. For more information on the Lone Star Book Festival, please click here.

Save the Date: Dancing with the Lake Houston Stars

On Thursday, April 28 the Lake Houston YMCA will once again host their annual "Dancing with the Lake Houston Stars" event at the Humble Civic Center. The anticipated evening will include dinner, a bid board and a silent auction. Money raised at the event will benefit the YMCA Annual Campaign as well as programs such as Miracle League Baseball, Go for Green and Livestrong. Council Member Martin congratulates those that have been selected as 2016 dancers and looks forward to attending the always exciting community event.

The 2016 dancers are:

Vincent Hegwood: Insperity
Dr. Gabe Hodges: Memorial Hermann Northeast Hospital
Dr. Michael Siropades: Kingwood Medical Center
Tamara Paul: Currin, Wuest, Mielke, Paul & Knapp PLLC
Jim Carranza: Edward Jones
David Escobar: Harris County Constable Precinct 4
Julio Avila: The Home Town Chef Catering, Co.
Peggy Young: Humble ISD
Clint Reynolds: Keller Williams Northeast
Jacob Boudreaux: Kindred Rehabilitation Hospital Northeast Houston
Pam McNair: The MINT National Bank
Darryal Chandler: Minuteman Press
Casey Christman: State Representative Dan Huberty
Daniel Contreras: Wells Fargo
Dr. Susan Lunson: Lunson Dental

For more information or to sponsor the event, visit www.ymcahouston.org/lake-houston/dancing.

South Channel Region Chambers of Commerce Annual Luncheon

Staff from Council Member Martin's office attended the annual South Channel Region Chambers of Commerce Luncheon on Thursday, March 24. The well-attended event, organized jointly by the Clear Lake Area, Deer Park, Laporte-Bayshore, Pasadena, South Houston and South Belt-Ellington Chambers of Commerce, featured keynote remarks from Harris County Precinct 2 Commissioner Jack Morman. In his speech, Commissioner Morman highlighted a number of projects underway or under development in the eastern region of Harris County and recognized several County employees who work to maintain parks and infrastructure in Precinct 2. Commissioner Morman additionally mentioned his recent coordination with Council Member Martin on the possible widening of El Dorado Boulevard in Clear Lake. Council Member Martin looks forward to continuing to work with Commissioner Morman and the Precinct 2 staff on this project, and will keep residents updated as more details emerge.

South Belt-Ellington Chamber of Commerce's 31st Annual Installation Banquet

On Wednesday, March 30 Council Member Martin attended the South Belt-Ellington Chamber of Commerce's 31st Annual Installation Banquet as a guest of Memorial Hermann. In attendance at the event were a number of community leaders and elected officials from the South Belt area including Council Member Dwight Boykins, who introduced Mayor Sylvester Turner for the evening's featured remarks. Following Mayor Turner's remarks, 2015 Board President Chris Clark and Board Member Marie Flickinger announced the recipients of the Volunteer of the Year and Chamber legacy awards. The Honorable Judge George Risner completed the program by leading the induction and installation of the South Belt-Ellington Chamber of Commerce's 2016 Board of Directors. Council Member Martin congratulates the 2016 board members and looks forward to working with them in the coming year.

Meadowcreek Village Park Update

In March, the Houston Parks and Recreation Department (HPARD) provided the District E office with an update on the construction of the new basketball pavilion at Meadowcreek Village Park, a structure designed with community input to replace the old pavilion which was demolished in June of last year after being deemed structurally unsafe in 2014. While the installation of the new pavilion was previously scheduled to begin this month, the project has been delayed due to budgetary revisions. HPARD is now working to approve additional funding in order to finalize the project and schedule a new construction timeline. The District E office will continue to keep Meadowcreek Village residents updated on any new developments related to this project.

The Houston Parks and Recreation Department is additionally working on the installation of new lights at Meadowcreek Village Park. Following resident feedback about the need for more lighting at the park, Council Member Martin decided to allocate over $3,000 of his Council District Service funds for the installation of a second light on the flag pole by the Meadowcreek Village Community Center, a third light on the pole between the flag pole and the street curb to better illuminate the walkway and additional lighting in the park's northeastern section by the tennis courts. The District E office will notify residents once a timeline is established for the installation of these lighting improvements.

Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership's General Membership Meeting

On Thursday, March 10 Council Member Martin had the honor of introducing Mayor Sylvester Turner to those in attendance at the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership's General Membership Meeting. In his remarks, Mayor Turner discussed the city's looming deficit and his plan to successfully balance the 2017 budget. Mayor Turner also spoke about the rise in Houston tourism, not only from large upcoming events such as the Final Four and Super Bowl LI, but also as a result of hotel expansions which allow for the growth of conventions in the Houston area. The mayor additionally updated the crowd on the Hobby Airport expansion, the ongoing developments at Ellington Airport, regional transportation/mobility and the Houston Bike Plan.

Storm Surge Panel

On Thursday, March 3 Council Member Martin and staff attended a panel co-hosted by the Texas Tribune and ProPublica at the San Jacinto College Maritime Training and Technology Center entitled, "Protecting Houston Before the Next Big Storm." At the event, panel members discussed the risk posed to the greater Houston region by a major hurricane and the associated coastal storm surge, as well as the ongoing efforts on the part of several regional groups to develop and implement a protective coastal barrier solution. The featured speakers on the panel were Texas State Senator Larry Taylor; Chad Burke, president and CEO of the Economic Alliance Houston Port Region; Leon Phillips, president of the Galveston County Coalition for Justice; and Colonel Len Waterworth, executive professor in the Department of Maritime Administration at Texas A&M University at Galveston.

Council Member Martin is committed to continuing to work with Houston's elected officials and organizations like the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership to protect the region's residents and assets from the threat of coastal storm surge. For a full video recording of the March 3 panel, please click here.

San Jacinto College Maritime Technology and Training Center Grand Opening

On Tuesday, March 8 Council Member Martin attended the grand opening of San Jacinto College's new Maritime Technology and Training Center located at 3700 Old State Highway 146 in La Porte. At the grand opening, Council Member Martin toured the facility and observed assets such as the Center's state-of-the-art ship simulators. A number of local leaders also offered remarks to commemorate the occasion, including San Jacinto College Chancellor Dr. Brenda Hellyer, Congressman Gene Green, State Senator Larry Taylor and State Representative Dennis Paul. Following the program, Congressman Brian Babin led a flag-raising ceremony featuring an American flag that flew over the U.S. Capitol on the first day of classes at the Center.

Built with funds approved in San Jacinto College's 2008 bond referendum and constructed on land purchased from the Port of Houston Authority, the new Maritime Technology and Training Center includes 45,000 square-feet of space on each of the upper and lower levels; a 3,748 square-foot suite for three full mission ship bridge simulators; 15 classrooms; an administrative suite; multipurpose room, dining area, and engineering simulators; aquatic training facility; and stations for Global Maritime Distress and Safety System training, automatic radar plotting aid training, radar training, and liquid cargo handling training. For more information on San Jacinto College's maritime program, please click here.

CCISD Challenger Columbia Stadium Dedication

On Thursday, March 10 Council Member Martin attended a dedication ceremony for the Clear Creek Independent School District's (CCISD) new Challenger Columbia Stadium located at 1955 West NASA Boulevard, Webster, Texas 77598. The stadium, which is named in honor of the crew members that were lost in the Space Shuttle Challenger and Columbia disasters, was funded by the district's 2013 bond program. The state of the art, 10,000-seat stadium is built to accommodate the continued growth of the Bay Area region and will serve as a venue not only for local and regional sporting events, but for various other district events such as graduation ceremonies, the District Science Fair, robotic tournaments, band competitions and other community gatherings. For more information on CCISD's new Challenger Columbia stadium, please visit www.ccisdchallengercolumbia.com.

Council Member Martin commends the Clear Creek Independent School District for completing the stadium and for dedicating the project as a fitting tribute to the brave astronauts who lost their lives in pursuit of a brighter future for all mankind. Let us always remember these individuals as the true heroes of Space City U.S.A.

Galveston Bay Coastal Atlas

On Thursday, March 3 staff from Council Member Martin's office attended a meeting hosted by the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership to bring together state and local elected officials to discuss the issue of coastal storm surge protection. At the meeting, representatives from the Texas A&M Center for Texas Beaches and Shores revealed the Galveston Bay Coastal Atlas, a new virtual map tool that enables users to observe how vulnerable our region is to different storm surge scenarios. The Coastal Atlas tool additionally allows users to see how a storm surge protection system, such as the Coastal Spine concept proposed by Texas A&M University at Galveston, would protect residents and business owners along the Galveston coast and in Houston's Bay Area from devastating flooding.

To access the new Galveston Bay Coastal Atlas tool for insight into the threat posed to our region by storm surge, please visit www.tamug.edu/ctbs/Atlas/index.html.

Bay Area Houston Transportation Partnership's Monthly Meeting

Staff from Council Member Martin's office attended the monthly meeting of the Bay Area Houston Transportation Partnership (BayTran) featuring Roger Guenther, Executive Director of the Port of Houston Authority, on Thursday, March 10. In addition to the informative presentation about the economic significance of the Port of Houston and the plans for further expansion to keep up with the demand of the port, BayTran's Executive Director, Barbara Koslov, announced that she would be leaving the organization at the end of the month. Over the past three years, Barbara has done tremendous things for BayTran including advocating for important transportation projects for Houston and the Bay Area and has succeeded in increasing membership as well as turnout at events. Council Member Martin has worked closely with Barbara since being sworn into office and looks forward to continuing to work with her as she transitions into her new role in Harris County Judge Ed Emmett's office. The entire District E team wishes her nothing but the best!

Gulf Coast Community Protection and Recovery District Public Meeting

On Tuesday, March 22 staff from Council Member Martin's office attended the first of four public meetings held by the Gulf Coast Community Protection and Recovery District (GCCPRD) to collect feedback on its recently-released Phase 2 Report. At the open-house style meeting, residents were able to watch an introductory video about the GCCPRD's ongoing Storm Surge Suppression Study, view maps and diagrams displaying the regional alternatives put forward in the Phase 2 Report, speak directly with GCCPRD representatives and submit public comment forms on the various coastal protection proposals. A number of state and local elected officials representing Houston's greater Bay Area attended the meeting, as did representatives from Texas A&M University at Galveston and Rice University's SSPEED Center.

The GCCPRD will hold one additional public meeting to collect comments on its Phase 2 Report. The meeting, which was rescheduled due to recent flooding, will take place on Thursday, April 14 from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at the Orange County Convention & Exposition Center located at 11475 Highway 1442, Orange, Texas 77630.

To read the Gulf Coast Community Protection and Recovery District's Phase 2 Report and to learn more about the GCCPRD study process, please visit www.gccprd.com. Public comments about the Storm Surge Suppression Study can also be submitted online here. The GCCPRD is expected to release its final recommendations in its Phase 3 Report in June 2016.

Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce's General Membership Luncheon

On Wednesday, March 30 staff from Council Member Martin's office attended the general membership luncheon held monthly by the Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce to bring together community leaders, elected officials and representatives from Clear Lake area businesses. The featured speaker at this month's luncheon was Captain Brian Penoyer, Commander of the U.S. Coast Guard Sector Houston-Galveston, who in his remarks gave an overview of Sector-Houston Galveston and its role serving and protecting our coast and the many critical assets along the Houston Ship Channel.

After commanding Sector Houston-Galveston for nearly three years, Captain Penoyer has been reassigned to another Coast Guard post in Honolulu, Hawaii. To express appreciation for Captain Penoyer's service to the greater Houston region, staff from Council Member Martin's office presented him with a certificate of special recognition at the luncheon. Council Member Martin thanks Captain Penoyer for his dedication and leadership and wishes him the best on his new assignment.

Clear Lake City and El Dorado Boulevard Intersection Revisions

On Monday, March 21 contractors began construction on several design revisions to the intersection of Clear Lake City Boulevard and El Dorado Boulevard in Clear Lake. To accommodate the construction, one westbound lane on Clear Lake City Boulevard has been closed to traffic daily from 7:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Traffic control measures such as barricades, signage and flagmen have been in place, and the District E office notified the Houston Police Department's Clear Lake substation to request that officers monitor the location and assist with traffic control as needed. Construction on the revisions is expected to be completed in early April.

The revisions, ordered by the City of Houston's Public Works and Engineering Department after a comprehensive review of the intersection, include the installation of painted yellow cat track stripes to guide motorists turning left from Clear Lake City Boulevard westbound onto El Dorado Boulevard southbound; the addition of warning buttons and directional signage at the merge point on Clear Lake City Boulevard east of the intersection with El Dorado Boulevard; the trimming of a traffic island on the intersection's northwest corner to provide a better visual cue to motorists; and the correction and smoothing of a left turn lane radius on El Dorado Boulevard southbound.

The Public Works and Engineering Department additionally reviewed the new transition lane that runs southbound on El Dorado Boulevard from Clear Lake City Boulevard. To assist in directing motorists, contractors have installed a 136-foot curb along the transition lane and are in the process of placing fill at the back of the curb. Solid yellow striping will also be added in the northbound lane on El Dorado near the transition lane's endpoint on Friday, April 1, weather permitting.

The District E office thanks Clear Lake residents for contributing to the improvement of the intersection of Clear Lake City Boulevard and El Dorado Boulevard by submitting feedback for review. Council Member Martin is committed to working with the Public Works and Engineering Department and all relevant parties to ensure that public infrastructure in District E functions as safely and efficiently as possible.

Space Center Houston Summer Day Camps

Registration is now open for Space Center Houston's Summer Day Camps. Running from June 6 - August 19, the camps will provide children ages 4 - 14 a fun and unique educational experience using national science standards. Campers will participate in immersive, hands-on experiences that incorporate space science and include activities like questing for alien life in the galaxy, training like an astronaut and building a robot to compete in a robotics competition. The Summer Day Camps are designed to inspire students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

To sign up today, please click here. Sign up using discount code SUMCAMP02 when checking out and receive a 10 percent discount. Al day camp purchases help support Space Center Houston's Manned Space Flight Education Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

Waste Management Recycling Contract

On Wednesday, March 23 City Council voted and approved a two-year, $5,758,000.00 contract with Waste Management to continue to provide uninterrupted, bi-weekly curbside recycling services to City of Houston residents.

As agreed upon in the contract, the only change in service that Houstonians can expect to see is the elimination of glass from the list of items that are acceptable in the green bins effective immediately. Items that will still be accepted include paper, cardboard, plastics and metal cans. Although a difficult decision to make, Council Member Martin and his colleagues agreed that this sacrifice must be made in order to lower processing costs.

Council Member Martin believes that council has a fiduciary responsibility to spend tax payer dollars wisely, and believes that this temporary contract was the best option available to continue uninterrupted service with the current state of the commodities market and with the looming $160 million budget deficit the city faces.

Looking ahead, Council Member Martin looks forward to working with Mayor Turner and his council colleagues on expanding potential recycling sites and seeking other cost-saving recycling alternatives.

For more information, please contact the District E office at (832) 393-3008 or by email at [email protected].

Tour of Bush Intercontinental Airport

On Friday, March 4 Council Member Martin, District E staff, as well as other council members and their offices had the opportunity to take a tour of George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH). They started their morning by receiving updates from representatives of various divisions within the Houston Airport System. Each division provided updates regarding their expertise and briefly described the master plans for Bush Intercontinental, Hobby and Ellington Airport, which is located in the south sector of District E.

Council Member Martin and the group were also given a tour of IAH's runway system, allowing the visitors a first-hand look at Houston's longest runway at a staggering 12,000 feet. The group additionally learned about the United States Department of Agriculture's onsite facilities that handle food storage, fumigation and conveyance issues dealing with imports such as flowers, vegetables and animals being shipped into the United States.

Shell Houston Open Kickoff

On Tuesday, March 8 Council Member Martin attended the Shell Houston Open Kick-Off event. Over the past 25 years, more than $60 million has been raised by the Shell Houston Open and put to work in the community through the Houston Golf Association's charitable programs. The 2016 Shell Houston Open is being played from March 30 - April 3, 2016 at the Golf Club of Houston in Humble. For more information on the tournament, please visit www.shellhoustonopen.com.

International Days at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

Last month, Council Member Martin had the opportunity to welcome a group of delegates from Poland during the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo International Committee's "International Days." The International Committee designates this series of days annually to host and welcome a number of foreign ranchers, livestock producers and buyers visiting the Rodeo. During International Days each year, professional interpreters and other forms of assistance are provided to ensure guests from around the world are able to learn about different agriculture industry practices and participate in all aspects of the show. Council Member Martin thanks the International Committee for its hard work and hospitality throughout the Rodeo and would like to especially thank members of the Polish delegation for visiting Houston.

NASA Night at the Rodeo

On Friday, March 11 Council Member Martin attended NASA Night at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. The event annually recognizes Houston's legacy and continual involvement in space exploration and Council Member Martin was honored to attend along with representatives from NASA's Johnson Space Center and the Clear Lake community.

Council Member Martin is proud to have NASA's Johnson Space Center in District E and appreciates all its staff does to advance innovative studies and space exploration.

11th Annual Tour de Houston

On the morning of Sunday, March 20 Council Member Martin participated alongside his kids and approximately 4,000 riders in the 11th Annual Tour de Houston bike ride. This year's event featured a 70-mile course from City Hall in Downtown Houston to Kingwood and back, which Council Member Martin and his family rode, as well as 45 and 20-mile courses. Proceeds went to the Houston Parks and Recreation Department to support reforestation projects across the city.

Since its inception, the Tour de Houston has served to promote wellness and alternative modes of transportation while providing riders a view of Houston's historic neighborhoods, scenic districts and parks. Council Member Martin was proud to showcase the Kingwood area of District E during this year's tour, and he thanks the Mayor's Office of Special Events for organizing the ride.

Red, White and Blue Broadcast

On Thursday, March 24 Council Member Martin had the opportunity to join Council Members Amanda Edwards and Larry Green, as well as former Council Member Oliver Pennington, to discuss the state of the city's finances on the Red, White and Blue television program on PBS. To view the broadcast of the discussion, tune in to Houston Public Media TV 8 on Friday, April 1 at 7:30 p.m. or Saturday, April 2 at 6:30 p.m.

Hosted by David A. Jones and Gary Pollard with moderator and 88.7 News Anchor Laurie Johnson, Red, White and Blue is a weekly political affairs program covering local, state and national issues. Red, White and Blue is taped at the University of Houston's Melcher Center for Public Broadcasting and airs locally on TV 8 Fridays at 7:30 p.m. and Saturdays at 6:30 p.m. For more information, visit

www.houstonpublicmedia.org/shows/red-white-and-blue.

USMC Lt. Colonel Eric Gillard Proclamation

On Tuesday, March 29 Council Member Martin had the opportunity to present a City of Houston proclamation to United States Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonel Eric Gillard, who recently retired from the Marine Corps after 23 years of honorable service. During his time in the Marines, Lt. Colonel Gillard served as a Marine Aviator and was deployed to numerous combat and humanitarian missions around the world.

Lt. Colonel Gillard's last duty assignment brought him to Houston, where he was the senior Marine Officer in the city and commanded the Rice Prairie View ROTC Consortium where future generations of Marine and Naval Warfare officers were forged. During his tenure at this post, Lt. Colonel Gillard established a partnership between Houston-area Marines, ROTC students and the Houston Police Department and participated alongside his students and active duty Marines in numerous veteran-related events such as the 9/11 Heroes Run and the Houston Wounded Warrior Weekend reception.

Council Member Martin was honored to recognize Lt. Colonel Gillard for his exemplary leadership and dutiful service to the United States of America and the greater Houston community. He congratulates Lt. Colonel Gillard on his retirement and wishes him the best in his new life as a private citizen.

National Drug Take-Back Day

Save the date! National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day will take place this year on Saturday, April 30. This national event aims to provide a safe and convenient means of disposing of prescription drugs while also educating the public on the potential for the abuse of prescription medications. From 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., sites will be available throughout the City of Houston for residents to drop off unused or expired drugs for safe disposal by law enforcement personnel.

In Kingwood, residents can drop off medication at the Kingwood METRO Park & Ride, located at 3210 West Lake Houston Parkway. Residents in the Clear Lake area can take medication for disposal to the Houston Police Department's Clear Lake Substation located at 2855 Bay Area Boulevard.

For more information on National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day, please click here. Information on additional drop-off sites will be posted online at the linked webpage during the month of April.

HUD Disaster Recovery Grant Funding

On Wednesday, March 2 Mayor Sylvester Turner announced that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has awarded the City of Houston $66.5 million to assist disaster recovery efforts following significant flooding during Memorial Day Weekend and October of 2015. Houston's grant is part of $142 million coming to Texas for disaster recovery. San Marcos is receiving $25 million and $50.69 million will go to the state to be disbursed to other areas impacted by floods.

Besides allowing for housing assistance to Houston's low- to moderate-income families, the new grant can also be used for economic development and infrastructure to help meet needs resulting from flood damage. HUD is also encouraging grantees to use these funds for resiliency planning and disaster preparedness programs to lessen the impact of future storms. Mayor Turner announced that the city will immediately begin to develop plans for using the funds.

The Texas disaster recovery grants are part of a $300 million appropriation by Congress to address the unmet recovery needs from major flooding disasters in both Texas and South Carolina in 2015. HUD allocates Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery funds based on data from FEMA and the Small Business Administration disaster loan programs to identify the areas of greatest need in the impacted region.

District E Crime Statistics

District E recorded the lowest number of Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Part I crimes among all Houston City Council districts in 2015, according to a new report issued by the Houston Police Department. The total number of reported UCR Part I crimes in the district for 2015 was 5,918, representing a 4% decrease from the 6,158 crimes reported in the district the previous calendar year. The UCR Part I offenses included in the report are murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, theft and auto theft. District E saw reductions in six of these seven crime categories from 2014 to 2015. Please see below for a breakdown of reported UCR Part I crimes in District E over the past two years:

Crime	2015	2014
Murder	4	6
Rape	62	40
Robbery	259	266
Aggravated Assault	362	371
Burglary	965	1,140
Theft	3,492	3,551
Auto Theft	774	784
Total	5,918	6,158

The Houston Police Department additionally publishes monthly crime reports by police districts and beats online here.

BARK for BARC Pet Walk

Save the date! On Saturday, April 30 the Houston BARC Foundation invites all animal lovers across the City of Houston to "strut their stuff" at the BARK for BARC pet walk organized to raise funding and awareness for the City of Houston's BARC Animal Shelter & Adoptions. Proceeds will help complete construction on BARC's new adoption center located at 3200 Carr Street, Houston, Texas 77026.

The BARK for BARC pet walk will take place on the campus of Rice University. Those interested in participating should come to the parking lot off of Greenbriar Drive between University Boulevard and Rice Boulevard. Registration will begin at 8:30 a.m. with the walk beginning at 9:30 a.m. For more information, and to register for the walk, please visit HoustonBARCfoundation.org.

Harris County Satellite Passport Offices

In order to provide efficient and convenient passport services to residents in the outlying areas of Harris County, District Clerk Chris Daniel has announced that he will be opening four new satellite passport locations in April, including one in Humble and one in Clear Lake. Beginning this month, these new offices will be issuing passports at the following times and locations:

Clear Lake Passport Office
Clear Lake City-County Freeman Branch Library
16616 Diana Lane, Houston, Texas 77062

Open the second Wednesday of the month (beginning Wednesday, April 13)

Hours: 1:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

For appointments, call: (713) 755-1674

Humble Passport Office

Octavia Fields Branch Library

1503 South Houston Avenue, Houston, Texas 77338

Open the second Thursday of the month (beginning Thursday, April 14)

Hours: 1:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

For appointments, call: (713) 755-1674

Walk-ins are welcome at both locations, and the District Clerk's office may increase the number of days per week the satellite offices are open in coming years depending on business. For general information on passport services offered by Harris County District Clerk Chris Daniel, please click here.

Rodeo Wrap-Up

The numbers are in! The 2016 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo (HLSR) attracted more than 2 million visitors in the span of its 20 days. The HLSR kicked off during the last weekend in February with the World's Championship Bar-B-Que Contest, which entertained 247,491 people. Entertainer merchandise reached nearly $2 million during this year's HLSR run.

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is a 501(c)(3) charity that benefits youth, supports education and facilitates better agricultural practices through exhibitions and presentation. Since its beginning in 1932, the Rodeo has committed more than $400 million to the youth of Texas. For more information, visit www.rodeohouston.com. The 2017 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is scheduled for March 7 - 26.

Texas A&M Wild Pig Newsletter

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service has just released the first issue of their new digital wild pig newsletter. The newsletter provides contact information for anyone interested in technical assistance relating to legal damage abatement techniques in Texas (trapping, snaring, shooting and trained dogs) and also highlights three online courses covering topics such as the history and biology of wild pigs, damage, disease, management techniques and laws and regulations.

To view the online newsletter, please click here. To receive future issues of the newsletter, contact [email protected].

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

March 30 - April 3

Shell Houston Open

April 2 - 4

NCAA Men's Basketball Final Four Tournament

April 6

Greater Houston Partnership's State of the Global Economy

April 11-12

4th Annual Houston Investor Conference

April 18

Greater Houston Partnership's State of the City

April 26-27

Rice University SSPEED Center's Avoiding Disasters Conference

April 27

Greater Houston Prayer Breakfast

April 28

Houston Police Officers' Union's 6th Annual Stars and Stripes Charity Golf Tournament

April 30

National Drug Take-Back Day

April 30

BARK for BARC Pet Walk

Kingwood

April 2

Lake Houston Trash Bash

April 7

Kingwood Service Association's Parks Committee Meeting

April 8 - 9

Lone Star Book Festival

April 13

Kingwood Service Association's Public Safety Committee Meeting

April 14

Lake Houston TIRZ Board Meeting

April 16

Lake Houston Family YMCA Miracle League Opening Day

April 19

Kingwood PIP

April 20

Kingwood Super Neighborhood Meeting

April 28

Lake Houston Family YMCA's Dancing with the Lake Houston Stars Event

April 30

Kingwood B.O.P.A. Recycling Event

Southeast Houston/Clear Lake

April 6

Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership's General Membership Meeting

April 19

Clear Lake PIP

April 20

South Belt-Ellington Chamber of Commerce's Top Ten Luncheon

April 21

Bay Area Houston Transportation Partnership's Monthly Luncheon

April 27

Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce's General Membership Luncheon

April 28

Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership's Annual State of the Economy Luncheon