The Thomas Telegraph: Vol. 3, Issue 19 – 08-05-2022
Vol. 3, Issue 19 – 08.05.22
Dear District F:
Let’s talk trash.
The city has been in the news recently for several reasons. I want to cover the most critical items related to our work together. A couple of weeks ago, the Department of Justice announced an investigation into the city’s practices of cleaning up illegal dumping in Black and Latino neighborhoods through our 311 system. Fortunately, none of the communities in District F are in the accusation. Furthermore, Alief, in particular, has the most calls for illegal dumping in the city (246) according to the year-to-date report (2021) from 311.
As of August 5, District F only has 44 calls for illegal dumping in the system.
What does this mean? I interpret the data as residents actively responding to our communications and education efforts on how to use the 311 system to document illegal dumping incidents and the use of our District F-funded Hot Spot Team. As you may recall, our efforts were featured in the Houston Chronicle, lauding our commitment to keeping our streets clean.
I know data shows that individuals who commit dumping live no more than 3 miles from the dump site. I need your help keeping the pressure on our neighbors that refuse to live up to our quality of life standards. Our neighborhoods deserve to be clean regardless if you rent an apartment or have owned your home for thirty years. If you see something, call 311, take a photo and send it to the office. The District F Hot Spot team will resolve each case within 72 hours.
I have mentioned installing cameras in problem locations such as the notorious South Drive in the 77099 zip code. If you have any suggestions, please let me know – now would be the best time to send your offers.
Let’s talk about public safety.
The first gun buyback program was held on July 30 and was highly successful. The high demand from the public extended the time an additional five hours. The second gun buyback event will be in District F in partnership with Pilgrims Rest Missionary Baptist Church, Iglesia de Aceite, Church Without Walls – Eldridge, Houston Metropolitan Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, and the Houston Coalition of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. More to come on this. Again, as repeated during the public safety town hall – public safety is all of our responsibility. If you know of someone interested in removing unwanted firearms, please share the information with them once released.
In the Midwest community of District F (Westmont, Tanglewilde, Piney Point, and Briarmeadow), my office has consistently received inquiries regarding local private poker club establishments on the Richmond Avenue strip. I am working with Midwest HPD to develop an extensive plan of action and intend to direct District F funds to support the efforts. More to come.
Let’s talk about jobs.
I am hosting my 2nd Annual District F Job Fair on August 20. Last year over 600 individuals attended and walked away with interviews, job offers, referrals, and career resources. I expect the same turnout with even higher demand. This year we listened to the feedback and decided to include additional skills-building events before the event. The details are below in the body of the newsletter. Special shoutout to Workforce Solutions, Alief ISD, Greater Houston Builders Associations, Sprouts, Labor Finders, Westchase Management District, and the City of Houston.
Let’s talk sidewalks and speed bumps.
I am proud to have approved every sidewalk application or request since 2020. I approved funding from my district budget if the application did not meet traditional application standards. You will be surprised how the reconstruction of a sidewalk changes the neighborhood. More sidewalk and speed bump projects are coming to areas near you: Westchase Forest, Carver Crest, Ashton Village, Wellington Park, and Richmond Estates. Remember, anyone can apply for speed bumps and sidewalks – contact the office for an application.
Where did the summer go? We were just celebrating July 4 and are gearing up for backpack drives and the start of the fall academic semester. I want to send a BIG hug to all of our educators, administrators, and parents getting ready to return to the classroom. You are appreciated. I hope you were able to make memories with your families this summer and enjoy (or stay out of) the sun.
I want to dedicate my newsletter and prayers to District F residents that recently passed away:
Rose Jeanette Brown
Joseph Earl Thompson
Franon “Fray” Jason Griffin
Sincerely,
Councilmember Tiffany
DISTRICT F NEWS
HOT SPOT TEAM HIGHLIGHT
WEEK OF JULY 11
Total Work Orders Completed: 24
Hotspot of the Week: 12100 High Star
Total Man Hours Worked: 64
Tree Waste: 240 lbs.
Mattresses: 3
Furniture Waste: 6 pieces
Tires: 8
Trash Debris: 270 lbs.
Shopping Carts: 0
Bandit Signs: 128
Landscaping: none
Schedule: Next week Kevin will be nights from 5:30PM-9:30PM on Monday-Friday; He will work weekends from 8:00PM-4:00PM until August 22nd.
SOLID WASTE OPERATIONS UPDATE
As of 08/04/22
Recycling services are ongoing for Week B. Please continue to leave your container at the curb.
Los servicios de reciclaje están en curso durante la Semana B. Por favor, continúe dejando su contenedor en la acera.
For more information, visit the Neighborhood Depository/Recycling Center web page here or call 3-1-1. You may also use the following resources.
This week, our District F interns; Cha’Liyah Atkins, Izabella Garcia, Tommy Wan and Fredrick Wilson III completed there Hire Houston Youth Summer Internship term. We wish them well on their future endeavors.
ZOO TICKETS NOW AVAILABLE
Our office is giving away Houston Zoo Tickets that will be eligible for use until the end of this year. Tickets will be distributed on a first come, first serve basis, 5 tickets per household. To contact us for additional information you can give us a call at 832-393-3002 or send us an email at [email protected]. List will close by September 2nd.
We want to hear from you. Please take the survey below and let us know what intersections you would like to see improved in your community. The form will remain open until August 12th at 11:59 p.m.
Item #9 The General Services Department recommends that City Council appropriate an additional $185,290.00 to the existing contract with The Fierro Group, LTD. Co. dba Fencemaster of Houston dba Advanced Concrete and Construction dba Flores Steel, for fencing upgrades and bollard installation at Highland, Harwin, Nieto and Mayfair Parks for the Houston Parks and Recreation Department.
Item #10- Passed a motion to approve the final Contract Amount of $3,339,525.00 or 25.79% under the original Contract Amount, and accept the Work, and authorize final payment.
Phone messages in English and Spanish notify residents about city services, new programs & civic engagement opportunities
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The Department of Neighborhoods (DON) invites residents to subscribe to Neighborhood Updates to receive brief voice or text messages in Spanish or English about essential services and resources.
The messaging service is for everyone, especially for seniors and others who may not have easy access to online information, persons with disabilities who need information in audio or written format, and residents who prefer notices in Spanish.
Enroll Today in Alief ISD’s Award-Winning Schools!
2022-2023 Registration is open for Pre-Kindergarten to 12th grade students new to Alief ISD, including incoming Pre-Kindergarten students entering the Full-Day Pre-K Program.
