Vol. 5, Issue 7 – 09.29.23
District F:

Several neighborhoods throughout the District continue to experience lower water pressure due to water leaks in our area. The City has hired 12 vendors to assist, which has increased productivity. However, if you notice a leak en route to work or home, please call 311. Just to remind you, if the case is closed, more than likely, a work order is in process.

Again, if you are experiencing 100% increases in your water bill, please send the last two invoices to [email protected] so my office can work with you and the CAS department to remedy the issue.

Here are a few neighborhood updates: Ashford Point Owners Associations:I met with property owners near Ashford Point and Synott, and they identified several ongoing issues related to speeding, illegal dumping, and widespread random gunfire. My office immediately initiated investigations from the Department of Neighborhoods, Solid Waste Management, Houston Public Works, and the District F Hot Spot Team. We will continue working with Westside HPD Command’s owners to address public safety issues.

Carver Crest: The District F Hot Spot team cleared Amanda Ln and removed several pounds of debris. Hip-Hip, Hooray! They will add this location to their routine maintenance locations. As a follow-up to the Piney Point Civic Club meeting, we need to continue the conversation and next steps regarding deed restrictions to strengthen the neighborhood protections.

I met with City Legal two weeks ago to address commercial businesses operating on residential land that was never re-platted after the home was either demolished or once the land was acquired. Currently, Carver Crest has two auto shops, and there are other identified businesses. We are working through possibilities but will need the neighborhood to focus on updating deed restrictions. I just wanted to let you know that there is more to come on this.

Next week is National Night Out, and we expect a record turnout in District F. I am scheduled to visit eight different communities, and I can’t wait to enjoy our time together. If your neighborhood still needs to organize a NNO, please take the lead and get to know your neighbors. You can learn more about NNO in Houston here.

Hispanic Heritage Month runs until October 15, and I am excited to celebrate exceptional individuals and organizations serving the Hispanic and greater Houston community excellently. Please recommend an individual or an organization; please send a short bio and social media handles to[email protected]. In closing, please enjoy the various events scheduled in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month throughout the City. Please click here.

Sincerely,


Councilmember Tiffany D. Thomas

HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH SPOTLIGHT
September is Hispanic Heritage Month and Houston is home to the nation’s fourth-largest Hispanic and Latino population! From September 15 to October 15, District F, along with the rest of the country, celebrates the histories, cultures, achievements, and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.

District F will spotlight individuals or organizations who have worked tirelessly, influenced our lives, and made major contributions to the community, culture, and history of our town. To nominate an individual or organization, please send a short bio and social media handles to[email protected] .

On September 16, District F Chief of Staff Isaac Eguia and his wife Julissa joined Consul General Alicia Kerber Palma to celebrate Mexican Independence at the Mexican Consulate. The celebration included a street fair, traditional dances, and music performances. This party is the unofficial kickoff to Hispanic Heritage Month. Click here for more information.
STREETLIGHT AND TREE CANOPY SERVICE
Urban Forestry has begun servicing streetlights and overgrown tree canopies in District F. In some cases, the trees are blocking the streetlights. In other cases, the streetlights are out or are too dim. Completed projects include:

  • 4300 Boone Road
  • 4510 Wildacres Drive
  • 11326Oakcenter Drive
  • 4232 Wildacres Drive
  • 4139 Willow Beach Drive
  • 4311 Willow Beach Drive
  • 11002 High Star Drive
  • 4306 Bugle Drive

We need your help to identify additional areas of concern. Click here to submit a service request form for your street.

HOTSPOT TEAM UPDATE
WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 18
Total Work Orders: 39
Hotspot of the Week: Amanda Lane (various locations)
Total Man Hours Worked: 56
Tree Waste: 480 lbs.
Mattresses: 0
Furniture Waste: 9 pieces
Tires: 14
Trash Debris: 420 lbs.
Shopping Carts: 5
Bandit Signs: 193
Landscaping: none
MAYOR ANNOUNCES 2023-2024 YOUTH COUNCIL
On September 28, District F Chief of Staff attended the first meeting of the 2023-2024 Mayor’s Youth Council (MYC). Mayor Sylvester Turner administered the MYC oath taken by area high school students at an inauguration ceremony at City Hall. In attendance were students’ family members, City officials, and staff.

Established in 1998, the MYC provides youth the opportunity to learn about city government, share issues of concern with city officials, and gain civic leadership skills through community service activities. The council is modeled after the elected City Council, with members representing 11 single-member districts and 5 at-large districts. The MYC is administered by the Office of Neighborhood Engagement, a division of the Department of Neighborhoods (DON).

STATE OF THE CITY
On September 27, Councilmember Thomas attended Mayor Sylvester Turner’s final ‘State of the City’. The annual event brings together local officials and business leaders. The Mayor recalled strides the city has made in the last eight years and the lasting legacy that will continue to moveHouston forward.

Click here for more information.

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY AWARDS
On September 22, District F Team Member Kathy Reece accepted the Extraordinary Public Service Award on behalf of Councilmember Thomas (who sent a ‘thank you’ message via video). Presented by the Wells International Foundation, the International Business Women’s Day Awards are an opportunity to recognize the work that has been done by pioneering women to create a level playing field in all industries around the world, pay tribute to those who played a major role in making them, and reconfirm the Wells Foundation’s commitment to nurturing the young women driven to become leaders. Fellows and ambassadors from AliefVotes joined the special event. Click here for more information.
52ND ANNUAL LEGISLATIVE CONFERENCE
On September 21, Councilmember Thomas attended the 52nd Annual Legislative Conference presented by the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation. This annual gathering of politicians, representatives, visionaries, activists, and leaders hold critical discussions, develop innovative solutions, and craft a unified vision that shapes the future of African Americans and the global Black community.

Councilmember attended numerous events, including the Black Women’s Agenda Luncheon and the Martin Luther King Foundation Luncheon, as well as speaking on Voting Activation at The Links, Incorporated Legislative Summit. Click here for more information.

ALIEF VOTES & CIVIC ENGAGEMENT EVENT
On September 16, Councilmember Thomas and the District F team attended the AliefVotes civic engagement event. Produced by District F intern Tommy Wan, in partnership with OCA-Greater Houston, more than 90 Alief ISD students and community members gathered at the Chinese Community Center to discuss civic engagement and community issues. AliefVotes fellows and ambassadors answered questions and discussed the steps to take to get more involved. Click here for more information.
CM THOMAS MEETS WITH DISTRICT F CONSTITUENTS
From Piney Point to Super Neighborhood 25, from Tanglewilde to Super Neighborhood 17, Councilmember Thomas and the District F team met with constituents at civic clubs and neighborhood meetings throughout the month of September. She provided updates on seasonal projects, construction, and discussed current issues/topics, including homelessness, tree pruning/street lights, water leaks, community events, and overall public safety. Click herefor more information.
CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS
UPCOMING AGENDA ITEMS
1.
9:00
A.M. PUBLIC HEARING to provide a Resolution of No Objection for the 4% tax credit application of BISSONNET APARTMENTS LIMITED PARTNERSHIP8.
RECOMMENDATION from Director General Services Department for approval of final contract amount of $679,167.50 and acceptance of work on contract with LANDSCAPE ART, INC for construction services in connection with Harwin Park for the Houston Parks and Recreation Department – 10% over the original contract amount and under the 10% contingency amount – DISTRICT F – THOMAS

11.
RECOMMENDATION from Director Houston Public Works for approval of final contract amount of $832,366.74 and acceptance of work on contract with CSI CONSOLIDATED, LLC dba CLEAN SERVE, LLC for Sanitary Sewer Cleaning and Television Inspection in Support of Rehabilitation – 2.67% under the original contract amount (WW4277-101) –DISTRICTS A – PECK; B – JACKSON; C – KAMIN; D – EVANS-SHABAZZ; E – MARTIN; F – THOMAS; G – HUFFMAN; I – GALLEGOS; J – POLLARD and K – CASTEX-TATUM

CM THOMAS INTERVIEWED FOR HOUSTON PUBLIC MEDIA STORY ABOUT EXTREMELY HOT BUS STOP AND WHAT THE CITY IS DOING TO IMPROVE THINGS 
 
CM THOMAS SPEAKS TO THE
CITY’S CANCER CLUSTER FUND
 
CM SPEAKS TO ITEM #46 MULTI-UNIT
RESIDENTIAL STANDARDS
 
CM THOMAS SPEAKS TO ITEM #26
HOUSTON TOOL BANK
 
CM THOMAS DELIVERS CITY COUNCIL
INVOCATION ON 9.26.23
 
CM THOMAS SHARES CONGRATULATIONS
WITH JARRED VANDERBILT
 
CM THOMAS CHAIRS THE HOUSING & COMMUNITY AFFAIRS COMMITTEE on 9-19-23 (full meeting)
 
To View City Council Agendas
To Watch Videos of Previous City Council Meetings
DISTRICT F NEWS
HOUSTON POLLING LOCATIONS & VOTING
GUIDE FOR 2023 ELECTIONS
Election Day voting hours are 7AM to 7PM at all polling places statewide. The Houston, Texas Election Guide brings together local election  information, polling places, poll locations, poll times from independent public sources like the League of Women Voters; Vote411.org, and the Vote Smart project. Your voting precinct number (Pct. No.) is located next to your year of birth on your voter registration certificate. Click here for the  Houston, Texas Election Guide. Click here for “Where’s My Polling Place?”
HPD’s SECOND ANNUAL HIRING EXPO
On September 30, Police Chief Troy Finner will join HPD leaders and officers at the second annual Hiring Expo. at 10AM.

This event at Discovery Green in downtown Houston is a unique  opportunity to ask questions, visit with officers of each division present, schedule intake interviews, and submit applications.  Additionally, personnel will be on hand to provide information about HPD civilian employment opportunities, including dispatchers at the Emergency Communications Division.

HPD offers a wide range of career opportunities, competitive salary with regular pay increases, a $10,000 incentive for cadets, city-subsidized insurance, paid holidays, tuition reimbursement, and much more.

Click here for more information.

JOIN 2023-2024 HPD YPAC
The Houston Police Department (HPD) is inviting Houston area high school students to apply for the 2023-2024 Youth Police Advisory Council (YPAC).In addition to providing a direct link to Police Chief Troy Finner, the YPAC experience also fosters a platform for students to address issues affecting them and their diverse communities, participate in service projects for the betterment of our city, and attend youth leadership conferences throughout the state.

YPAC members are required to meet five times during the school year at the HPD Edward A. Thomas Building at 1200 Travis Street in downtown Houston. The application deadline is Sunday, October 1, 2023. Applications are available here. Click here for more information.

SEPTEMBER 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 Wednesday at 7PM
Location: 14703 Eagle Vista Drive

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

Huntington Village HOA: Every 3rd Thursday at 7PM
Location: Clubhouse, 9511 Cook Road

 
UPCOMING EVENTS