Vol. 4, Issue 12 – 06.16.23
District F(antastic):

Although my commentary is short, this newsletter edition is long but worth it.
 
Before I move into routine announcements, I encourage you to prepare for severe heat temperatures beginning Friday and through the weekend. ERCOT issued a Weather Watch as temperatures rise, leading to high electrical demand. The City of Houston is activating its Public Health Heat Emergency Plan. Anyone without air-conditioning can seek shelter at any city building designated as a cooling center open from 3 pm until 7 pm on Sunday and Monday. Here are the locations in District F. Call 311 for additional sites:
 
Robinson-Westchase Library
3223 Wilcrest 77042
 
Alief Hennington Library
11903 Bellaire Blvd. 77072
 
June is Public Safety Month, and I am happy to announce our 3rd Annual District F Public Safety Town Hall, one of the components of my summer of safety initiatives, on Monday, June 26th at 6 pm at West Houston Institute at 2811 Hayes Rd 77042. We will hear from HPD Chief Troy Finner, HFD Chief Sam Pena, the Mayor’s Office of Anti-Gang Violence, and other guests. See the flyer below and share it with your neighbors.
 
Stay tuned for more on upcoming efforts to keep our neighborhoods and families safe.
 
Lastly, as we celebrate Juneteenth and Pride Month, I want to send a special shout-out to the Dad’s of District F. Father’s Day does not get the same attention as Mother’s Day, but I know how vital Dads can be to a child’s development even as an adult. If your Dad is with you, take some time and share the love. If your Dad is no longer with us, honor his memory.

Be Kind,

 Councilmember Thomas
HAPPY FATHER’S DAY
I love how we don’t need to say out loud that I am your favorite child.
                                                                   Happy Father’s Day from District F
 
HOT SPOT TEAM HIGHLIGHT
WEEK OF JUNE
  • Total Work Orders: 12
  • Hotspot of the Week: 12131 Nobility (recurring)
  • Total Man Hours Worked: 60 hours
  • Tree Waste: 420 lbs.
  • Mattresses: 4
  • Furniture Waste: 18 pieces
  • Tires: 19
  • Trash Debris: 480 lbs.
  • Shopping Carts: 4
  • Bandit Signs: 129
  • Landscaping: none
STRONG HEAT WAVE BRINGING 100-DEGREE TEMPS

The city of Houston plans to use city facilities, including libraries and community centers, as shelters for people seeking relief from triple-digit temperatures over the next five days.

The measure came after the city activated its public health heat emergency plan. The plan is implemented when forecasts call for the local heat index to reach at least 108 degrees on back-to-back days. Forecasts from the National Weather Service predicted that temperatures in Houston will be that high through at least Monday. 

Houston libraries and other facilities with air conditioning will be open during their normal hours through Saturday. On Sunday and Monday, which is the Juneteenth holiday, the city will open five community centers to the public.

These centers will open from 3 to 7 PM:

  • Tidwell Community Center, 9720 Spaulding   
  •  Metropolitan Multi-Service Center, 1475 W. Gray
  • Acres Homes Multi-Service Center, 6719 W. Montgomery
  • Sunnyside Health and Multi-Service Center, 4410 Reed
  • Central Library, 500 McKinney
CELEBRATING PHILIPPINE
INDEPENDENCE & NATIONHOOD
On June 12, the Philippines celebrated the 125th Anniversary of their Independence and Nationhood. Councilmember Thomas signed a certificate of appreciation for the Philippines Consulate General of Houston in recognition of the occasion and as a ‘thank you’ for its ongoing support of the local and international communities. The Seafarers of Houston presented the certificate on her behalf.

TEXAS WOMEN VETERANS DAY
CELEBRATION AT CITY HALL
On June 12, Councilmember Thomas joined Mayor Sylvester Turner, her fellow City Council Members, and the Mayor’s Office of Veterans and Military Affairs to celebrate Texas Women Veterans Day on the 75th anniversary of the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act.

The city recognized six honorees ranging in age from 75 to 104.

The ‘Women’s Armed Services Integration Act’ became law on June 12, 1948, enabling women to serve as permanent, regular members of the armed forces in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force.Texas Women Veterans Day serves as a reminder of the brave women who have proudly served in our armed forces throughout history. 

The 2023 honorees include:

  • First Sergeant Thelma Williams, U.S. Army Corps 1945-1947
  • Private First Class Peggy Bowen Mondy, U.S. Marine Corps 1953-1957
  • Private First Class Mary Lillian Morgan Cole, U.S. Marine Corps 1955-1956
  • Lt. Col. Rhonda Dula, U.S. Women Air Force 1968-1988, U.S. Army 1988-1993
  • Lieutenant Colonel Bennie Blake, U.S. Navy 1975-1982, U.S. Army 1982-2008
  • Lieutenant Colonel Claudeth Jordan, U.S. Army 1986-2007
CHINESE COMMUNITY HEALTH FAIR
On June 10, Councilmember Thomas presented a proclamation to NTD-Epoch Media Group in recognition of their ongoing efforts to community health care. NTD’s mission is to serve Asian-American communities across the country, as well as help new immigrants integrate into American society. As a service to the community, the company hosts health fairs throughout the nation. 

Held at the Taipei Economic and Cultural Center, more than 150 attendees received free services provided by 14 vendors, including: oncology screening consultation, vascular ultrasound, blood pressure test, and traditional Chinese medicine pulse diagnosis.

NTD-Epoch Media Group is an independent global media network of multilingual print and digital publications, an international television network, and a digital advertising agency. Launched in 2000, the Epoch Times is the largest Chinese-language newspaper outside of mainland China. It now publishes in 21 languages in 35 countries across five continents.
MAYOR’S FINAL BUDGET APPROVED
On June 7, Councilmember Thomas voted to adopt Mayor Sylvester Turner’s last budget. In a 15-2 vote, City Council approved a $6.2 Billion budget for Fiscal Year 2023, which includes a pay raise for employees and funding for drainage projects.The budget is a $379.2 million increase compared to 2023’s budget. The city will save $404 million, which is $220 million above the legal requirement. 

The FY 2024 budget includes a 3% pay raise for municipal workers, including police, and a 6% raise for firefighters, the third pay raise in the last three years. The Houston Police Department and firefighters make up half of the city’s operating budget, with police spending of $1.6 Billion and firefighters, $593 million.

Council members submitted over 20 amendments, hoping for changes within the budget. Mayor Turner showed support for only four of the amendments, while many were sent to city committees or withdrawn.

Amendments passed, include:

  • $20 million for local drainage projects, which includes the Northeast Action Collective; 
  • $500,000 to BARC to fund an adoption trailer and three new enforcement vehicles;
  • Houston Public Library and Harris County Public Library to explore sharing digital services;
  • $500,000 to address DNA backlog for the Houston Forensic Science Center.

Click here to view a copy of the approved FY24 budget.
PROFESSOR THOMAS
WELCOMES STUDENTS TO CITY HALL
On June 7, Councilmember Thomas, also known as Professor Thomas, welcomed students from the Community Development Graduate Program at Prairie View A&M University to Houston City Hall.  

Additionally, District F interns Izabella Garcia and Tommy Wan have joined the team for the summer.  Upcoming projects include the Summer of Safety activities, Pet Pantry, and smoke detector distribution. 
LIVABLE PLACES HOUSING RECOMMENDATIONS
The Planning Department’s mission is to grow and preserve Houston’s diverse communities to create a resilient city, and that’s exactly what we’re doing! You may have heard we are proposing changes to the development code, specifically the housing recommendations in Chapter 42, that will greatly impact in a positive way how our city grows and develops for years to come.
 
The housing recommendations are the result of three years of study and community engagement by the Livable Places Action Committee (LPAC).The Livable Places Action Committee’s primary goal is to update our development standards to encourage a greater variety of homes at a greater variety of price points that provide affordability, equity, and walkability.
 
Overall, the LPAC’s recommendations provide incentives for small-scale developments such as garage apartments, four-plexes, and courtyard developments, which will provide homes for Houstonians while honoring the character of existing neighborhoods. For builders who want to subdivide residential lots, these recommendations provide all sorts of incentives to utilize alleys, combined driveways, and side-street access.Click here for more information on the Livable Places initiative.
HELP WANTED: HARMONY IN THE AIR
On June 8, the City of Houston announced it was seeking professional musicians to perform in Houston Airports’ Harmony in the Air performing arts program.

At both George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and William P. Hobby Airport (HOU), Harmony in the Air features more than 75 of Houston’s most accomplished professional musicians performing a diverse repertoire of classical, jazz, pop, and international music. All musicians in the Harmony in the Air program are residents of Houston and perform in other acclaimed Houston music venues including the Houston Symphony, the Houston Grand Opera, and the Houston Ballet. 

The Houston Airport System (HAS) is seeking twenty-five (25) qualified Performing Arts Organizations (PAOs) and/or Individual Professional Musicians (IPMs) to provide services for HAS’s Performing Arts Program, Harmony in the Air. Each agreement will have a term of three (3) years with two (2) one-year renewal options.

Click here for the Request for Qualifications (RFQ). The City of Houston Strategic Procurement Division (SPD) is managing the RFQ.

Click here for more information about the Harmony in the Air program. 

All solicitations are due at 2:00 PM on July 7 to the designated City Representative, Tia Jordan. Email solicitations or inquiries at[email protected] or phone at 832-393-9153.
DELTA DAYS AT CITY HALL
On June 6, Councilmember Thomas welcomed more than 200 of her sisters from Delta Sigma Theta Sorority to Houston City Hall for Delta Days. The annual meeting is an opportunity to increase members’ involvement in the local public policy-making process and advocacy on social action. 

This year featured updates on black maternal health, voting rights, and legislation, as well as a refresher on how to navigate local government more effectively.  

A highlight of the session was the proclamation presentation to the 7 Houston area chapter presidents officiated by Councilmember Thomas and Mayor Sylvester Turner. The Deltas were recognized for their ongoing efforts and commitment to public service, the community, and the City of Houston. 

Department of Neighborhoods Director TaKasha L. Francis joined the festivities to present Mayor Turner with a special award in honor of his tenure as Mayor of the City of Houston and for always challenging himself and the City to do better.  

District F congratulates the Deltas on another successful Delta Days at City Hall and a request to stay FIRED UP AND READY TO GO!
COMBINED ARMS + BUILD STRONG FOOD PANTRY
Joining Forces To Do More
Combined Arms and BuildStrong Academy are both non-profit organizations working within the community helping different populations. Kimberly Wilkerson, from Workforce Solutions, had the idea that a partnership could be beneficial to both organizations. 

That idea lead to the creation of a partnership that is a both a valuable experience for students and a benefit to a large population of veterans and their families.

BuildStrong has built cabinets that will be a key component in the construction of a new food pantry from Combined Arms. 

The cabinets will be installed at 2929 McKinney Street and are expected to help the food pantry serve 100+ families per month.

It took approximately 30 hours from design to completion for the project.  

Click here for more information on BuildStrong Academy. 

Click here for more information on Combined Arms.
CALL FOR “OUR TOWN” ARTS PROPOSALS
The City of Houston is calling for proposals for creative placemaking projects that Mayor Sylvester Turner would endorse for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) grant program called OUR TOWN. 

The National Endowment for the Arts’ OUR TOWN grant is interested in projects that support activities that integrate arts, culture, and design into local efforts that strengthen communities.  Successful projects have advanced local economic, physical, or social outcomes in communities, ultimately laying the groundwork for systems change and centering equity.  Projects require a partnership between a nonprofit organization and a local government entity, with one of the partners being a cultural organization. Matching grants range from $25,000 to $150,000, with a minimum cost share/match equal to the grant amount. 

The National Endowment for the Arts limits the number of OUR TOWN grant applicants per city and requires a letter of endorsement from the Mayor. Applications that respond to the City’s Resilience Plan, Climate Action Plan, and/or Complete Communities will be most competitive for an endorsement. 

To be considered for endorsement, applicants should submit their concepts with confirmed artists and partners no later than NOON, June 22, 2023, to[email protected] and include “Our Town Grant,” in the subject line. 
CALL FOR NOMINATIONS
PRIDE Month is a time to celebrate, educate, and advocate for the diverse and vibrant LGBTQ voices and stories that enrich this nation.   To that end, is there someone in your community who has made an impact on your life and/or the lives of others? Councilmember Thomas and the District F team would like to honor and recognize those extraordinary residents among us by highlighting their efforts. 

To nominate someone, please email [email protected], submit their information, and a short description of why you feel they should be recognized.

We look forward to receiving your nominations!

HAPPY PRIDE!

CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS
DISTRICT F COUNCIL ITEMS
 
Agenda Item #12
Summary: RESOLUTION authorizing Houston Public Works Department to submit a Project Application to HARRIS COUNTY PRECINCT 4 for the Catalina Area Drainage and Paving Project and making other provisions and findings related to the subject – DISTRICT F – THOMASBackground:
SUBJECT: Resolution to support a project application to the Harris County Precinct 4 Places 4 People Call for Partnership Projects for the Catalina Area Drainage and Paving Design Concept Review. RECOMMENDATION: Approve a Resolution supporting the Houston Public Works’ application to the Places for People Call for Partnership Projects.

PROJECT SCOPE: The Catalina Area Drainage and Paving project (the Project) addresses a need identified and prioritized through the ReBuild Houston Process but deferred from the Capital Improvement Plan due to a lack of funding. The project is needed to improve traffic circulation, drainage, and safety in the service area. Previously performed pre-engineering for this project predates Hurricane Harvey and subsequent changes in design standards and requirements, such as Atlas 14 rainfall data, the new sidewalk ordinance, and new Infrastructure Design Manual requirements related to detention.

Meanwhile, the project service area has continued to experience documented flooding losses. A Design Concept Report (DCR) is needed to develop and rescope the project to meet the new standards and to potentially seek outside grant funding for the implementation of design and construction. Houston Public Works is seeking a partnership with Harris County Precinct 4 for a new DCR through their Fiscal Year 2023 Places 4 People Call for Partnership Projects.

The project application will request $350,000.00 to fund a portion of the projected $500,000 cost of the DCR. A Resolution from City Council to commit to funding and to work with Precinct 4 on partnership projects is required with the application. If the application is successful, HPW expects to return to Council with an interlocal agreement that will obligate funds and define roles and responsibilities for the implementation of the DCR project.

FISCAL NOTE: No significant fiscal operating impact is anticipated as a result of this project.

Amount and Source of Funding: No City funding is required at this time
 
To View City Council Agendas
To Watch Videos of Previous City Council Meetings
CM THOMAS INVITES MAYOR TURNER & CITY COUNCIL TO DISTRICT F TOWN HALL
 
CM THOMAS PRESENTS PROCLAMATION TO
HER DELTA SIGMA THETA SISTERS
 
DELTA SIGMA THETA PRESENTS AWARD TO MAYOR
 
DISTRICT F NEWS
DEED RESTRICTION UPDATE: ENFORCEMENT
A primary purpose of most deed restrictions is preserving the residential character of a subdivision by keeping out commercial and industrial facilities. You might think that a deed restriction is a mere formality, or perhaps a throwback to a bygone era when neighbors were more concerned about their lawns, or the uniform appearance of their homes.

So who enforces deed restrictions? In most cases, its the home owners association (HOA). But the City of Houston is responsible for enforcement in only four instances, including:

  • Use (residential vs. commercial)–commercial activity can include commercial vehicles stored and dispatched from the property;
  • Building setbacks;
  • Size of lots; size, type, number, and orientation of a structure (e.g., single-family dwelling vs. multi-family dwellings, 2nd residences on a lot); and
  • Construction of fences that require a permit.

Houston Ordinance 10-551 allows the City Attorney to enforce deed restrictions related to only the instances listed above. 

In all other situations, its the responsibility of the HOA, who may hire a private attorney or law firm to act as agents on their behalf. 

Click here for more information on deed restrictions from the Office of the City Attorney. 
 
JUNETEENTH FEDERAL HOLIDAY OBSERVED
ON JUNE 19
NO GARBAGE COLLECTION SERVICES
In observance of the federal holiday on Monday, June 19, solid waste collection services will be delayed from the scheduled service day. We ask all residents to review the holiday schedule below and leave their carts at the curb.

Monday, June 19, 2023 (Juneteenth)
CITY HOLIDAY: NO COLLECTION SERVICES. All Solid Waste Facilities including the Neighborhood Depositories, Recycling Centers, and administrative offices will be closed. 
 
Tuesday, June 20, 2023
Monday’s garbage, yard waste, and 3rd Monday bulk/junk waste collections will be serviced. All Solid Waste facilities will re-open and resume normal operating hours.  Please note Monday and Tuesday B-Week recycling will be serviced on your next scheduled collection day, Monday July 3rd and Wednesday July 5th, 2023.

Download the HTX Collects app on Google Play or the Apple apps store for up-to-date information on the Solid Waste Management Department services.

Click here for more information about the City of Houston Solid Waste Management Department and its services.  
WESTCHASE WELCOMES WELDON
Mayor Reappoints Westchase Management District Directors 
Westchase District’s Board of Directors has hired Charly Weldon as the organization’s President/CEO. Weldon takes over the position from Jim Murphy, who is retiring after 28 years of leading Westchase District. For the past seven years, Weldon has led Family Houston, a non-profit organization connecting families to community resources. 

Prior to that, she served as Executive Director of The Beacon, which works to meet the needs of Houston’s homeless population. Weldon was chosen after an eight-month search, led by a four-member committee made up of Westchase District board members.

Additionally, Mayor Turner approved the reappointment/appointment of the Westchase Management District Board of Directors, including:
  • L. Lee Wong
  • Mark D. Taylor 
  • Stacy G. Hunt
  • Philip M. Schneidau
  • Guy Cook 
  • Laura Smith
  • Louann Pereira
  • Harry Greenblatt
  • Pamela Culver
WARNING: PET SCAM 
Someone is calling Houston residents who have recently lost pets using a phone number masked to show BARC’s customer service line: 832-395-9084. The caller identified himself as Erin Grady but could start using other names. He states BARC had found their pets and to get their pets returned they would have to pay a microchipping fee of $250.00 over the phone.

BARC does not request payments over the phone. If contacted to pay money over the phone by anyone identifying themselves as from BARC, do not engage and hang up.

BARC is open 7 days a week from 9 AM to 5 PM to search for lost pets at our 3200 Carr Street entrance.

Click here for more information.
JUNE 2023 CIVIC ENGAGEMENT

There are several opportunities for you to engage with your neighbors and receive accurate information from community partners, elected officials, and public safety leadership regarding District F and the greater Houston area.

Schedule
SN – 17 (West Oaks and Eldridge): Every 2nd Tuesday at 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM 
Location: Eagles Trace, 14703 Eagle Vista Drive in the Austin Square building catering room

SN – 25 (Alief): Every 4th Tuesday at 6:30PM
Location: Alief Neighborhood Center

Westside PIP Meeting: Every 3rd Thursday at 6:30PM 
Location: Westside Station, 3203 S. Dairy Ashford Street, 3rd floor

Midwest PIP Meeting: Every 3rd Wednesday at 7PM
Location: 7277 Regency Square Boulevard

AARP-ALIEF #3264 Meeting: Every 1st Thursday at 10AM
Location: The Salvation Army Church, 7920 Cook Road 

Briarmeadow: Every 2nd Tuesday at 6PM
Location: 3202 Freshmeadows Drive

Westmont Civic Club: Every 4th Thursday every quarter at 7PM
Location: Treemont Retirement Community, 2501 Westerland

Piney Point: Every 2nd Tuesday at 7:30 PM
Location: Pilgrim Rest MBC Activity Center, 3402 Amanda Lane

Hunting Village HOA: Every 3rd Thursday at 7PM
Location: Clubhouse, 9511 Cook Road
THE CITY OF HOUSTON CERTIFIED AS STORMREADY
 HURRICANE SEASON 2023
The City of Houston has been certified as a StormReady location by the National Weather Service. This certification recognizes the City’s efforts at mitigation and planning for the weather hazards familiar to our region.

The Atlantic hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30.

Click here to view the Houston Office of Emergency Management‘s checklist for building a disaster supplies kit. 

Click here to learn more about receiving emergency alerts from AlertHouston.

The State of Texas Emergency Assistance Register (STEAR) provides residents an opportunity to register for assistance in the event of a disaster. Click here to register. 
UPCOMING EVENTS