Council Member Dave Martin's

District E Newsletter

Issue 42

June 2016 

 

 

Dave Martin

Council Member

District E 

 

 

Contact:

 

900 Bagby

First Floor

Houston, TX 77002

 

17629 El Camino Real

Suite 415

Houston, TX 77058

 

 

Office: (832) 393-3008

Fax: (832) 393-3279

 

[email protected] 

 

 

  

Lauren Laake

Chief of Staff 

 

Jordan McGinty

South Sector Manager

 

Jessica Beemer
North Sector Manager

 

Katherine Cunningham 

Administrative Assistant

 

Christina Remmes

Intern

City Contacts
City of Houston 311
(713) 837-0311

Mayor's Citizens Assistance Office
(832) 393-0955

   Kingwood 
Community Center
District E Community Contacts



 
 

Northshore Super Neighborhood Council

Meadowbrook/Allendale Super Neighborhood Council


 Clear Lake Super Neighborhood Council

Residents of District E,
 
For the third time in the past year, the Kingwood area has been affected by significant rainfall that has caused impactful flooding to homes and properties. With more rain expected today and this weekend, I encourage all those who are in these sensitive areas to please use caution if you have to get on the road. Additionally, if you or someone you know has had water in your home, please call the city's 3-1-1 Service Hot Line to report the damage. The Department of Neighborhoods is currently conducting an assessment of the area and relies heavily on the reports submitted to 3-1-1. As we anticipate more rainfall and additional water from area creeks, we will be monitoring the areas and will be regularly posting updates to my Facebook page. If you are not already, I encourage you to "like" the page to stay up to date on the latest regarding river levels, road closures and other steps being taken by my office and the Office of Emergency Management. Additionally, due to the recent flooding along the San Jacinto River and its tributaries, the conditions on Lake Houston may be hazardous for boating. As a result, it is recommended that boaters, jet skiers, water skiers and tubers use extreme caution should they decide to enter the lake. 

Moving forward, I am actively discussing what can be done to reduce the impact should we experience another similar rainfall event. I have met with Mayor Turner, Public Works and Engineering, former Council Member Stephen Costello who was recently appointed as the city's Chief Resilience Officer, and the Coastal Water Authority regarding Lake Houston's capacity. Since Lake Conroe, Cypress Creek and Spring Creek all flow into the San Jacinto River, and as a result Lake Houston, something must be done to accommodate the levels of water that we receive, how fast we release it and potentially dredging of the lake.

As many of you may have seen last month, City Council voted unanimously to approve the city's Fiscal Year 2017 $2.3 billion General Fund budget on May 25. This is the first time since being sworn into City Council that I have voted in support of a budget, and believe that Mayor Turner has begun to take the right steps in addressing the serious financial challenges that we will have to handle in the near future. The budget balances a $160 million budget deficit, is an estimated $82 million less than the previous fiscal year and is thought to be structurally sound, fiscally conservative and balanced with recurring and nonrecurring revenues. In addition, the Fund Balance will be maintained at 9.2%, up from 7.5% as required by the financial policy adopted by City Council.  

As we look forward, the next step is to approve the Fiscal Year 2017-2021 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) before July 1. The proposed CIP has not been released yet, but I can tell you that I have already taken an active approach and worked with Mayor Turner to see a fair share of CIP dollars returned to District E. In the coming months, I look forward to having more details about two major mobility projects in Kingwood and Clear Lake that should be accomplished with this potential funding. 

Additionally, I want to congratulate all of the graduating high school seniors and college students who have or are about to receive their diplomas. This is an outstanding accomplishment and one that you should be proud of. I also want to recognize the parents as this is a huge success for you as well. We wish all who are taking the next step either to attend a university or to begin a new career nothing but the best.

As I mention every month, it is a true privilege and honor serving you at City Hall. Please feel free to contact my office if you have any questions, comments or concerns you would like to have addressed.



Sincerely,

 
Dave Martin

District E Intern

Council Member Martin is happy to welcome back to the office Christina Remmes, who returns to the District E office for the second year as a summer intern. Christina is a Kingwood resident and graduated from Kingwood High School in 2014. She is currently a Division I student-athlete, playing soccer at Texas A&M-Corpus Christi while majoring in Microbiology. She hopes to later go onto medical school and stay in Houston to work in the Texas Medical Center. Christina is very excited to be back working in the District E office to help her fellow citizens within the district. Throughout her internship, Christina will be assisting the District E team with a number of administrative projects and other office responsibilities. Welcome back!  
Kingwood B.O.P.A.

On Saturday, May 21 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 again, as approximately 23,000 pounds of recyclable materials were collected from almost 400 vehicles. Volunteers from Keep Kingwood Green helped with the collections, which yielded 2,088 pounds of batteries, 1,750 pounds of used motor oil, 14,400 pounds of latex paint and 4,961 pounds of scrap metal.
 
Council Member Martin thanks the student volunteers who made the Kingwood B.O.P.A. possible, as well as the staff of the city's Solid Waste Management Department for its leadership on the event and the Houston Police Department's Kingwood substation for its additional support. 
Lake Houston Area Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament and Party on the Green

On Thursday, May 12, Council Member Martin played in the Lake Houston Area Chamber of Commerce's Annual Golf Classic at the Kingwood Country Club presented by the Kingwood Medical Center. The annual tournament serves as the Chamber's largest and most popular fundraiser and as a pre-event to the annual Party on the Green, which took place the following day on May 13.
 
Party on the Green serves as an opportunity to promote economic development in the region and raise money for charitable causes. Over 200 guests attended this year's event, including a number of elected officials and business leaders from the Lake Houston area. Council Member Martin and his family thoroughly enjoyed attending and would like to thank all involved from the Lake Houston Area Chamber of Commerce in the planning and execution of the event.
Elm Grove Community Association Ribbon Cutting

On May 7 Council Member Martin had the opportunity to present a certificate on behalf of Mayor Sylvester Turner in honor of a ribbon cutting at the newly constructed tennis courts at Sycamore Springs Park. Having taken initial steps towards enhancement of their parks with a view toward making them more fitness oriented, the Elm Grove Village Community Association has taken the next step and added two tennis courts at the park that are built to USTA specs with one that includes blended lines to reduce the playing area for youngsters 10 and under. 
Lake Houston Area Chamber of Commerce's 2016 State of Education Luncheon

On May 3 staff from Council Member Martin's office attended the Lake Houston Area Chamber of Commerce's (LHACC) 2016 State of Education Luncheon, an annual event which provides attendees with updates on the state of public and higher education in the Lake Houston Area and potential implications for the local economy. At this year's luncheon, Tommy Price, Chief Academic Officer/Deputy Superintendent of Humble ISD gave an overview of the current state of the district. Additionally, Dr. Katherine Persson, President of Lone Star College - Kingwood also spoke at the luncheon to discuss new programs and initiatives being offered at the college.
Community Impact Kingwood Launch

On May 5 staff from Council Member Martin's office presented Community Impact Newspapers a certificate congratulating them on the latest addition to the Community Impact Newspaper Family, the Lake Houston Humble Kingwood edition. Community Impact Newspaper is Texas' fastest-growing news organization and their mission is to build communities of informed citizens and thriving businesses through the collaboration of a passionate team. The paper began by covering the Round Rock and Pflugerville communities with just three full-time employees and now has grown to cover over 32 cities with more than 150 employees. The paper will be delivered to neighborhoods around the first of each month. Readers can also visit their website www.communityimpact.com to learn about local news, community events, deals in our area, and places to go. The District E office welcomes Community Impact Newspapers and wishes them success in their new business endeavor.
West Lake Houston Pedestrian Tunnel

In early May, the newly constructed southbound lanes of West Lake Houston Parkway were opened prematurely. Friendswood Development Company, who was responsible for construction, was experiencing issues with residents moving barricades along the newly constructed roadway and decided to remove them. This decision posed many issues and the District E office worked quickly with numerous departments to resolve them. Through working together with the developer, the City of Houston has closed the south bound lanes again and restored traffic patterns to the conditions that existed before the south bounds lanes were constructed.
 
The south bound lanes are to remain closed and barricaded until Friendswood Development Company can properly complete the roadway and the work has been accepted by the City of Houston. The developer anticipates all lanes of West Lake Houston Parkway, in addition to the north bound pedestrian tunnel, to completed and open by the end of August 2016. 
Lake Houston Area Chamber of Commerce's Transportation Outlook Lunch

On Tuesday, May 24 the Lake Houston Area Chamber of Commerce held their annual Transportation Outlook Luncheon. The event hosted a panel featuring Pamela Rocchi, Directory of Capital Improvement Projects for Harris County Precinct 4; John A. Elam, P.E., the TxDOT Area Engineer for North Harris County; Darrell Boeske, City Manager for the City of Humble; and Jeremy Phillips, the Senior Director of Infrastructure for Harris County Precinct 2, who discussed mobility issues and projects in the Lake Houston Area.
 
The Lake Houston area is fortunate to benefit from numerous elected officials and agencies that collaborate and are willing to work well together for the betterment of the community and traffic in the area. 
Save the Date! Lake Houston 10K/5K

On August 20, the Annual Lake Houston 10K/5K will take place at Kings Harbor in Kingwood. The event, organized by the Lake Houston Area Chamber of Commerce and presented by Memorial Hermann Northeast and the Texas Emergency Center, will feature a 10K and 5K race followed by an award ceremony, at which prizes will be awarded to the top overall male and female contestants in each race. Last year's event proved successful with approximately 1,000 runners from across the state and country. 
 
For additional information on the 2016 Lake Houston 10K/5K, including race registration and event parking, please click here. For questions and concerns, contact the Lake Houston Area Chamber of Commerce at (281) 446-2128.  
Arlington Heights Area Reconstruction Project Community Meeting 

Council Member Dave Martin and the Department of Public Works & Engineering invite you to an open house and presentation on the scheduled reconstruction of streets in this area. The project includes new pavement, reconstruction of sidewalks and driveways, new street lights, storm drainage improvements, and necessary underground water and wastewater improvements. This area is bounded by E. Edgebrook Drive on the north, S. Shaver Street on the east, Parliament Drive on the south, and Galveston Road on the West.
 
Thursday, June 23, 2016
6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. (Presentation at 6:15 p.m.)
St. Barnabas Church
107 E. Edgebrook Dr.
Houston, TX 77034
 
Community input helps Public Works to better meet area needs. Join Council Member Martin and PWE at the community meeting or send your questions or comments via email to [email protected], or visit www.RebuildHouston.org
Freeway Manor North and South and Gulfway Terrace Phase 1 Reconstruction Project Community Meeting 

Council Member Dave Martin and the Department of Public Works & Engineering invite you to an additional open house and presentation on the scheduled reconstruction of streets in this area. The project includes new pavement, reconstruction of sidewalks and driveways, new street lights, storm drainage improvements, and necessary underground water and wastewater improvements. The Freeway Manor North and South Projects are bounded by Globe Street on the north, Avenell Road on the east, Gilpin Street to the south, and Theta Street to the west.  The Gulfway Terrace Phase 1 Project is bounded by Bessemer Street to the north, Tarbell St. to the east, Hartsook St. to the south, and Vennard Road to the west as well as Frey Road extending to Almeda Genoa Rd.
 
Thursday, July 28, 2016
6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. (Presentation at 6:15 p.m.)
Freeway Manor Baptist Church
2300 Rodney St.
Houston, TX 77034
 
Community input helps Public Works to better meet area needs. Join Council Member Martin and PWE at the community meeting or send your questions or comments via email to [email protected], or visit www.RebuildHouston.org
Storm Surge Protection Meeting

On May 18, Council Member Martin helped organize a meeting with Mayor Sylvester Turner, Bob Mitchell with the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership, Cindy Harreld-Dewease with the Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce, State Representatives Ana Hernandez, Dennis Paul, Greg Bonnen, State Senator Larry Taylor and Kemah Mayor Carl Joiner to discuss coastal storm surge protection. As the council member representing the Clear Lake area, Council Member Martin has been actively involved with each of these individuals and organizations in addressing the need for storm protection along the coastline that would protect not only those south of Houston, but also the residents of the district and our vital assets along the Houston Ship Channel. Since Mayor Turner has been in office, Council Member Martin has put this particular issue on his radar and encouraged him to make it a high priority during his time leading the city. All involved in the meeting look forward to continuing the discussion with Mayor Turner as concepts and studies progress in the near future. 
Illegal Dumping at Ellington Recycling Center

It was recently brought to Council Member Martin's attention that illegal dumping of trash has been occurring at the Ellington Recycling Center. Due to the nearby airfield, this dumping of illegal materials and trash poses a potential safety hazard for the airport. As a friendly reminder, the following items are accepted at the recycling facility and are to be placed within the trash receptacle bins:
  • Ad inserts
  • Aerosol Cans
  • Aluminum Cans
  • Cardboard
  • Catalogs
  • Glass bottles and Jars
  • Magazines
  • Newspapers
  • Plastics #1-#5 and #7 (toys, packing materials, flower pots, styrofoam, or plastic furniture are not accepted)
  • Steel cans
  • Telephone Books
  • Tin cans
Please note that Junk Waste, Tree Waste and garbage are not accepted at this facility. For more information about the proper drop off disposal of these items and to find locations of all Solid Waste Management Department Neighborhood Depository and Recycling centers, please visit www.houstontx.gov/solidwaste/
 
Should you see any illegal dumping, please report it to 3-1-1 or call the District E office at (832) 393-3008 or email [email protected]
BayTran 17th Annual State of the Counties Luncheon
 
On May 12, staff from Council Member Martin's office 
attended the 17th annual Bay Area Houston Transportation Partnerhip's State of the Counties luncheon at the Houston Hobby Marriott. The meeting included reports from the county judges of Brazoria, Galveston and Harris Counties regarding projects within their respective regions. Harris County Judge Ed Emmett announced at the event that former BayTran President Barbara Koslov has accepted the position as his new transportation policy advisor. During his remarks, Judge Emmett also took the opportunity to commend TranStar for their operation and organization during the recent April flooding. Additionally, he spoke about Interstate 69 bypass around the east side City of Houston as well as the Harris County toll road system and how transportation to and from the Port of Houston is an important economic engine that needs to be maintained through state funding and other revenues.
 
Council Member Martin thanks the Bay Area Houston Transportation Partnership for organizing the annual address and for its work in promoting infrastructure development and commercial wellbeing of Houston's Bay Area.
Clear Lake Chamber of Commerce's State of the Lake

On May 19 the Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce held its annual State of the Lake Tourism Address at South Shore Harbour Resort and Conference Center. This year, updates were given from several cities of the Bay Area region including the City of Houston, City of Kemah, City of League City, City of Nassau Bay and City of Seabrook. Jorge Franz, Senior Vice President of Tourism for Houston First and the Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau, spoke about the improvements being done in preparation of Super Bowl 51, which include renovations to the George R. Brown Convention Center and transforming Avenida de las Americas to be a walkable plaza to Discovery Green. In addition, Mr. Franz made comments regarding the completion of the highly anticipated Marriot Marquis Houston Hotel which is on pace to open its doors in October of this year.
 
For more information about ongoing and upcoming projects in the area please visit www.visithoustontexas.com/media/whats-new
GHP State of the City

On May 4 Mayor Sylvester Turner delivered 
his first State of the City Address before the membership of the Greater Houston Partnership. At the event the Mayor announced that former At-Large 1 Council Member Stephen Costello will fill the new position of Chief Resilience Officer, or "Flood Czar".  Costello, who is a civil engineer and has worked on numerous drainage projects, will report directly to the mayor and will have the sole responsibility of developing and implementing strategies that will improve drainage and reduce the risk of flooding. 
 
Additionally, the mayor announced that he will soon unveil a plan to put 175 more police officers on the street and detailed his plan to address the city's unfunded employee pension liabilities, a growing obligation that is stressing the city's overall financial stability.
 
Mayor Turner also announced that in 2017 he will work to remove the revenue cap.  The mayor noted that the revenue cap, which was cited as one of the reasons for a downgrade of the City's credit rating, puts Houston at an unfair advantage and hinders the City's ability to meet the needs of its growing population. Council Member Martin adversely believes that the revenue cap should stay in place to ensure good government accountability. 
 
Council Member Martin thanks Mayor Turner for his commitment to the city of Houston, and thanks the GHP for putting together another successful event. 
Kinder Institute Lunch

On May 2 Council Member Martin had the privilege of sitting with IBM at the Kinder Institute Lunch. The Kinder Institute for Urban Research, which was founded in 2010 through at $15 million endowment by Houston Philanthropists Richard and Nancy Kinder and is housed on campus at Rice University, focuses on the ongoing urban issues in Houston as well as around the world. The event highlights the community partnership and outreach activities undertaken by the institute over the past year.
 
The event celebrated 35 years of the celebrated Kinder Houston Area Survey, while honoring the vision and dedication of Professor Stephen Klineberg, Founding Director of the Kinder Institute and the fuel behind the pioneering survey.
Union Pacific Railroad Urges Safety Around Tracks During Flood Events

As the greater Houston area continues to deal with the impacts from this weekend's historic flooding, Union Pacific Railroad urges safety around the railroad tracks that run through the region. Union Pacific reminds residents that vehicles and pedestrians should only cross the tracks at designated crossings and that walking on or along the tracks, and climbing on bridge structures is extremely dangerous and illegal.
 
During these times of high waters, many may be tempted to use railroad tracks as higher ground for foot traffic, or climb bridges for sightseeing or recreational purposes. This can be extremely unsafe. Aside from the dangers of on-coming trains, tracks and bridges are not designed for foot traffic and present the risk of slips, trips and falls. Additionally, citations and fines can be issued for trespassing on private property.
 
Union Pacific encourages the public to contact them with any reports of unsafe behavior along the railroad tracks, or if they see any potential track damage. Calls can be made to 1-888-877-7267. 
CASE for Kids Grants

On May 16 Council Member Martin had the opportunity to present two CASE for Kids Grants to the Lake Houston YMCA and the American Latino Center for Research, Education and Justice.  The collaboration between CASE for Kids, a division of the Harris County Department of Education, and the City of Houston allows school districts, charter schools, faith-based organizations or civic groups to apply for funding available within each of the 11 City Council districts.
The council member was honored to have the opportunity to honor these recipients and truly appreciates all their hard work and dedication to engage children within District E.  
Drug Take Back Day

April 30 was National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day, and the United States Drug Enforcement Agency in cooperation with the City of Houston  Mayor's  Citizens' Assistance Office organized various drop-off sites throughout the city where individuals could properly dispose of left-over or expired medication. Participating Kingwood residents traveled to the Kingwood Metro Park & Ride, while participants in Clear Lake went to Clear Lake's Houston Police Department Substation to dispose of their unused medication. Law enforcement and pharmacy personnel staffing the sites took prescription and over-the-counter drugs, including pet meds, which residents dropped off while driving through.
 
The Houston area collected over 18,000 pounds of unwanted or expired medication. Of that total, 303 lbs were collected at the Clear Lake site, and 650 lbs were collected at the Kingwood site.
 
Council Member Martin thanks all who participated in this important annual public health event and all the law enforcement and pharmaceutical personnel who ensured its proper execution this year. 
HPD Body Cameras

Citizens can expect to see an added accessory on Houston police officers while out on patrol. Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner and Acting Police Chief Martha I. Montalvo recently flipped the switch on the much-anticipated deployment of the Body-Worn Camera Program for officers of the Houston Police Department.

More than 200 officers from the HPD Central Patrol Division received their body-worn cameras and training on the operations.  Over the next 12 to 18 months, a total of 4,100 body-worn cameras will be distributed department-wide to HPD officers in various divisions.  HPD expects to be the first large-city police force in North America to equip the entire uniform force with body-worn cameras.
 
Since distribution and testing of 100 body-worn cameras during a pilot program started in December 2013, HPD has recognized the benefits of using the cameras to continue working cooperatively with the public to help prevent crime and provide a safe environment.  The cameras also help in fostering transparency and accountability, which in turn helps improve community relations and strengthen public trust.  
 
Citizens can access the HPD Body Worn Camera policy here.

Video of the April 14 news conference and launch can be viewed on the HPD YouTube channel here
National Day of Prayer

On May 5 Council Member Martin presented a proclamation from the President of the United States commemorating National Day of Prayer on the steps of City Council. National Day of Prayer was founded in 1952 by a joint act of congress and provides an annual opportunity for Americans to acknowledge the importance of personal prayer and repentance in their communities. Other political and religious leaders from the greater Houston area were also present and offered their prayers and remarks.
 
Council Member Martin was honored to participate in this event and thanks Grace Community Church for asking him to be a part of this special day.  
Mayor Turner Unveils Plan to Fight Human Trafficking

On May 9 Mayor Sylvester Turner announced the release of the first phase of the city's Anti-Human Trafficking Strategic Plan, a plan which has been dubbed the first comprehensive municipal response in the U.S. by the Polaris Project.  It is a collaborative effort between the City of Houston and community partners to fight human trafficking 365 days a year, including around major events like the Super Bowl.
 
There are five components to Houston's plan:
1.  Change public perception
2.  Enhance links to social and legal services for victims
3. Implement joint initiatives developed by the Mayor's anti-trafficking task force
4.  Adopt new ordinances and departmental policies, where necessary
5.  Serve as a national model for municipalities around the US and the world
 
Plan highlights include a partnership with Yellow Cab and Taxis Fiesta, both of which have agreed to send out emails and text messages in English and Spanish to educate their drivers about human trafficking and how to report it. The taxi companies have also agreed to display the city's new 'Watch for Traffick' public awareness campaign on their cabs. 
 
In Texas, there were 2,035 confirmed cases of human trafficking between December 2007 and June 2015. Of those cases, 717 originated in Houston. Because this is a crime that often goes unreported, the actual rate of human trafficking may be higher.

The City of Houston offers all interested cities free toolkits for download at www.humantraffickinghouston.org. In conjunction with the Strategic Plan, toolkits can be used to develop a comprehensive municipal approach to addressing human trafficking through policy advocacy, direct outreach, and public awareness campaigns.
Dutch Networking Reception

Council Member Martin attended a Dutch Networking reception at the Houston Museum of Fine Arts honoring the Ambassador of the Netherlands, His Excellency Henne Schuwer on May 2. The Honorable Schuwe, who was in town for the Offshore Technology Conference, had the opportunity to meet with the council member and with several from the Clear Lake community earlier that day regarding a number of initiatives, particularly coastal storm surge protection and the gated system often referred to as the "Ike Dike". Council Member Martin traveled to The Netherlands in September of 2014 with a delegation from Texas A&M Galveston, community leaders and elected officials to observe the storm surge protection systems that the Dutch have in place today. As the Gulf of Mexico is hit with a hurricane related event nearly every 15 years, Council Member Martin stressed how imperative it is that a coastal barrier system is built and modeled after the impressive integrated coastal barrier that the Netherlands has implemented known as the Delta Works. 
2016 HPARD Summer Enrichment Program

The Houston Parks and Recreation Department has announced their 2016 Summer Enrichment Programs. This Summer, one of the programs will be at District E's Meadowcreek Village Community Center in Southeast Houston. This Summer Enrichment Program is a 10 week day camp style enrichment camp that offers a variety of fun activities including arts and crafts, sports, field trips, special events and water fun. The program runs from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday from June - August. The cost for the program is $30 a week per child or $300 for the entire summer session.
 
For more information about the program visit www.houstontx.gov/parks/pdfs/2016/2016SummerCatalog.pdf or call 832-395-7292. 
Police Week Awards Ceremony

As a part of National Police Week, observed this year from May 16 to May 20, the Houston Police Department held its Annual Police Week Heroes Awards Luncheon on May 16 at the Hyatt Regency. Council Member Martin had the privilege of attending the event, which recognizes the department's most outstanding officers across a variety of categories, including undercover officers, technical support members, investigators, field training officers and civilian employees. The honors announced also cover a range of experience from the Rookie of the Year Award to the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Council Member Martin commends all of the brave and capable officers and supporting HPD staff members acknowledged at the event for their exceptional sacrifice and service to the City of Houston.  
Mayor's Literacy Leadership Awards Breakfast

On May 12, Council Member Martin attended Mayor Sylvester Turner's first Literacy Awards Breakfast at the River Oaks Country Club. Each year, the Houston Center for Literacy (HCL) holds the Mayor's Literacy Leadership Award Breakfast to bring together the center's many contributors and raise awareness about the need for a more literate Houston. At this year's event, the first ever Literacy Leadership Award was presented to Gina Luna, Chairman, Houston Region and CEO Middle Market banking for J.P. Morgan Chase.
 
For more information on the Houston Center for Literacy and its mission to foster a more literate and prepared Houston, please visit www.houliteracy.org.  
Harris County Releases Emergency Preparedness App

Harris County Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management has released a free mobile app, ReadyHarris, just in time for hurricane season. The app helps Harris County residents build a personal preparedness plan and get real-time updates during emergencies.

The ReadyHarris app delivers real time weather alerts, hosts a step-by-step guide to building a personalized family disaster plan, offers survival tip sheets, maps evacuation routes and locates local emergency services. The app is available in both English and Spanish.

The release comes at a time when recent surveys find that people depend on their smartphones more than ever for breaking news, important government information and what is happening in their community.

A "Need to Know" section offers quick tips on:
  • Hurricanes
  • Flooding
  • Tornadoes
  • Wildfires
  • Winter Storms
  • Thunderstorms
  • Functional Needs
  • Pet Preparedness
  • And More
The free app is available for download on iTunes and Google Play as ReadyHarris. For more information on how to prepare for severe weather and other disasters download the app or visit www.readyharris.org.
TAG 2016 State of Mobility

Mayor Sylvester Turner gave his first State of Mobility address on May 17 at the Transportation Advocacy Group's (TAG) monthly luncheon.  During his remarks, Mayor Turner called for a paradigm shift in transportation strategies as the region continues to grow. Mayor Turner also stressed how important it is to use this growth as a way to create a healthy, durable region. He emphasized how smart, strategic decisions about mobility will be key to leveraging the growth to the city's advantage, speaking directly to the many public agency representatives that were in attendance. Mayor Turner also called on the private sector to help find transportation projects and work with the city to make improvements.
Arts Project Grant Outreach

Houston Arts Alliance (HAA), the city's local arts agency, in partnership with Council Member Dave Martin, announced that the application process for  Arts Project Grant Outreach (APGO) opens on June 7, 2016.
 
As an adjunct to its Arts Project Grants, HAA offers APGO to increase the number of arts experiences for the constituents in city council districts that are deficient in the arts. For fiscal year 2017, nonprofit arts/culture organizations and individual artists who receive an APGO will produce and present arts projects within Council Districts E, F, and K. These arts projects must be open to the general public and contribute to making Houston a more attractive cultural destination for visitors and tourists.
 
Types of eligible projects may include a one-time or series of public performances/exhibitions; creation of new works; artists' residencies; lecture/demonstrations or workshops; and services to the field. Awards are not intended to provide general operating or year-round support. Organizations and individual artists are limited to awards of no more than $10,000.
 
Grant applicants will participate in a rigorous grantmaking process involving detailed applications and external peer review panels coordinated by HAA's grants department. Applications will be accepted from June 7 to July 7, 2016.Funding is generated by the City of Houston Hotel Occupancy Tax.
 
For APGO guidelines, click here
Storm Relief Fund Grant Guidelines Announced

With donations to the Greater Houston Storm Relief Fund (GHSRF) approaching $1.8 million, Mayor Sylvester Turner announced the guidelines that will be followed in dispersing the funds to help victims of the April 18, 2016 Houston-area flooding.  Only nonprofit organizations, public agencies and governmental bodies providing direct support for the immediate and short-term needs of the flood victims will be eligible for the funds. Grant requests will be considered for services provided or to be provided in the following counties in Texas:  Brazoria, Chambers, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris and Montgomery.

Some of the money in the fund has already been used to pay for three weeks of hotel accommodations for residents displaced from their homes, mainly in the Greenspoint area.  The remaining dollars will be allocated to area nonprofits best equipped to help those affected by flooding in the following areas:
  • Basic needs such as food, water, medications or medical equipment, and other needed essential items
  • Rental assistance, utilities and deposits for relocation for flood victims
  • Basic household necessities including mattresses, stoves, refrigerators
  • Repairs for vehicles, but not replacement of vehicles, that sustained minor damage due to flooding or other transportation expenses
  • Case management and related services to guide individuals through the recovery process

The United Way and Catholic Charities are already working to identify needs. Other nonprofits that are provided services are also eligible to apply for grants for the available funds.  The most critical need appears to be furniture because a high majority of the flooded victims lost every piece of furniture and bedding that they had.


Grants must be approved by the chairman of the GHSRF Advisory Board, the city's Chief Development Officer and the Great Houston Community Foundation.  Once a grant has been approved, the funds will be disbursed to the grantee no later than one week from the approval of the grant.  No grants will be awarded for any need that has already been met via federal disaster assistance.  Any funds that remain unused at the end of the end of the response to the April 18 flood will remain available for any future response effort that is necessary.

The largest donation to the fund, $500,000, came from the Houston Rockets.  Another half million dollars came from Aramco Services, Laura and John Arnold, Hess Corporation, Gringos Mexican Kitchen and the McNair Foundation, which each gave $100,000.  Nearly three dozen individuals and companies made donations ranging from $5,000 to $50,000, and the rest of the money came from many smaller contributions. 
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
June 1
Consolidated City Council Meeting


Kingwood
June 2
Kingwood Service Association's Parks Committee Meeting

June 7
Retirement Reception Honoring Dr. Guy Sconzo

June 8
Kingwood Service Association's Public Safety Committee Meeting

June 21
Kingwood PIP

***Kingwood Super Neighborhood on break until August 17


Southeast Houston/Clear Lake    
June 2
Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce's "No Experience Necessary" Bowling Tournament

June 21
Clear Lake PIP

June 21
Sylvan Rodriguez Park Stakeholder Meeting at University of Houston - Clear Lake

June 22
BayTran Monthly Luncheon 

June 23
Arlington Heights CIP Meeting

June 29
Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce's General Membership Luncheon