Monthly Newsletter September 6, 2019  Issue 80

Residents of District E,  Tuesday, October 1 is National Night Out. 
Since its founding in 1984, National Night Out has served as a
national crime-prevention initiative aimed at furthering police-
community partnerships, fostering neighborhood camaraderie
and deterring criminal activity. Each year my staff and I enjoy
visiting as many neighborhoods as possible and interacting
with the community. I encourage you all to take the opportunity
to participate in these events. 

Additionally, as this year is an election year, and I encourage
everyone to register to vote. If you are not already, you can
register online by visiting VoteTexas.gov or by visiting the Harris
County Tax Assessor-Collector’s office, which has many branches
across the city. I am proud to announce that I formally submitted
my paperwork to run for another term for the District E City
Council position.  Finally, I cordially invite you to mark your
calendars for the following upcoming Town Hall Meetings that
will be held in District E: 

Southeast Houston/Clear Lake
Thursday, October 10
6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Space Center Houston – Special Events Building
1601 NASA Parkway
Houston, TX 77058 

Kingwood
Thursday, October 17
6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Kingwood Community Center – Main Room
4102 Rustic Woods Drive
Houston, TX 77345 

As always, I have extended the invitation to several city
departments including Houston Public Works as well as
Houston Parks and Recreation, and a variety of community
speakers. In addition to various information tables for
residents to peruse before the meetings begin. 

In Clear Lake, we have invited the folks from Commissioner Adrian Garcia’s Office to provide an update on El Dorado Boulevard. Exploration Green has also been invited to participate in our town hall to discuss their progress towards completion. We look forward to hearing these updates and learning of the
community’s questions, comments and concerns. If you have never been before, it is the perfect opportunity to be engaged in your community and have your questions answered. We hope you will join us. Please feel free to invite a neighbor, friend or colleague! Everyone is more than welcome to attend.

In Kingwood, we will have the opportunity to hear from Chip
Place of the Houston Parks Board, which is currently finalizing
design for a new trail system along the San Jacinto River as
part of Bayou Greenways 2020. Additionally, Stan Sarman, the
Chair of the TIRZ 10 board, will be discussing exciting news
regarding the path forward for the expansion of Northpark
Drive. Chuck Gilman, with the San Jacinto Water Authority,
will also be in attendance to provide an update on the
Governor’s mandated Regional Watershed Study.

Thank you to all who have supported me thus far and for the
privilege to serve. I feel honored and blessed to have had the
opportunity and hope to be able to continue to represent the
constituents of District E.

Sincerely,

Dave Martin

The District E Office
900 Bagby, First Floor
Houston, TX 77002 
Contact Information Email: districte@houstontx.gov
Phone: (832) 393-3008
Fax: (832) 393-3279
 District E Team
Jessica Beemer, Chief of Staff
Katherine Cunningham, Deputy Chief of Staff
Jordan McGinty, South Sector Manager
Clarissa Perez, North Sector Manager

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Council District Service Funds – HPD Clear Lake Division and HFD Stations 72 and 94

Each year the council office reaches out to all police and fire stations serving District E communities requesting a list of supplies needed to be approved by legal and the administration. Once our office receives approval from the Legal Department and the Administration, the District E office works to fund as many approved requests as possible. Unfortunately not all stations submit requests for our office to consider, we do our best to fund as many of these requests as possible. 

This Fiscal Year, Council Member Martin allocated $21,552.50 of his Council District Service Funds (CDSF) to assist the Houston Police Department (HPD). $1,552.50 of these CDSF dollars were made available for the purchase of 10 sets of rechargeable road flares, requested by the HPD Clear Lake Division. These road flares are invaluable on accidents scenes to redirect traffic, and this will allow all units on night shift to be equipped with these devices.  

Council Member Martin has received numerous complaints, calls and emails, regarding the condition of the underpass at Edgebrook and the Gulf Freeway. To help address that issue, Council Member Martin has allocated $20,000 for completion of an HPD Vice, Narcotics, Homeless and Differential Response Team Overtime Initiative to be used in September and October to target crime along the Gulf Freeway between Edgebrook and South Shaver. The goal of the initiative is to abate prostitution, narcotics and other criminal activity taking place along the Gulf Freeway.

Bird nuisance control measures ($32,173.00) for Houston Fire Department Station 94 were approved to protect equipment. The purchase of an HFD extractor initiative ($12,000.00) for HFD Station 72 was also approved and will allow members to wash their fire gear following an incident. Through this extraction process, harmful products of combustion will be removed. Additional allocations for this initiative are planned for next spring and summer. The requests were submitted in July and HFD was awaiting completion of appropriations which occurred earlier this week. Our office hopes to have these items purchased and delivered by the end of October.

Council District Service Funds – HPD Kingwood Division and Lake Patrol

This Fiscal Year, Council Member Martin was happy to allocate $14,456 of his Council District Service Funds to assist the HPD Kingwood Division. These dollars were used for HPD support equipment such as a new radar unit for patrol, hitch adapters to transport bike units, a 24 volt jump box for a high water rescue vehicle, as well as equipment to combat illegal dumping throughout the community. In addition to this equipment, Council Member Martin was able to provide $29,065 to fund overtime initiatives for the Kingwood Division as well as Lake Patrol.

Complete Pavement Replacement at Ellington Airport/Clear Lake Neighborhood Recycling Center

On Monday, August 1, Houston Public Works began a complete pavement replacement at the Ellington Airport/Clear Lake Neighborhood Recycling Center. Over the last couple of years, Council Member Martin has provided patching of potholes within the recycling center. Understanding these asphalt patches are often short term solutions, Council Member Martin continued to push for a more substantial long-term project, which has been officially completed as of Saturday, August 31. The scope of work included replacing all existing asphalt with concrete to improve driving conditions and to preserve and prolong the life of the road base. 

Woodland Hills at Northpark Intersection Overlay Project

Council Member Martin is happy to report the Woodland Hills at Northpark Intersection Overlay Project is now complete. The project began Tuesday, July 23 and the resurfacing of the intersection was completed on Friday, July 26. Striping was completed on Wednesday, July 31 and loop detectors were installed on Friday, August 2. The cost of the project was $134,415.70, which   was funded through Council Member Martin’s Fiscal Year 2018 Council District Service Funds.
Council Member Martin is excited to see this intersection project come to fruition as it has been on Houston Public Works’ queue since it was first submitted in 2017.

Backpack Delivery

On August 3, District E staff headed out in the district to distribute 500 donated backpacks from this year’s Back to School Fest, hosted by Mayor Sylvester Turner.

The Mayor’s Back to School Fest provides Houston area students with some of the resources they need to start the school year off right.

Thanks to the Mayor’s Back to School Festival which helped supply Humble ISD and Clear Creek ISD students with the school supplies!

Taylor Gully

On Monday, July 15, Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD) began a desilt project on the upstream portion of Taylor Gully from Bassingham to the Harris County line. The work is expected to be completed by the end of this month, weather permitting. The work effort has include desilting the channel, reconstructing the backslope interceptor structures, installing new backslope interceptor pipes, regrading backslope swales, installing new gates and signs, and resetting the covers of the “E type” inlets that have been damaged.

This maintenance project became a priority for Council Member Martin after the May 2019 rain events that flooded over 300 homes in the Kingwood community. During these rain events, intense rainfall rates greatly exceeded internal and primary drainage system capabilities resulting in significant and at times deep street flooding and sheetflow. On May 8, City of Houston contractors, as well as Harris County Flood Control District, investigated their designated drainage systems and determined the flooding was potentially caused by development upstream in Montgomery County that sent large volumes of sheetflow into the Elm Grove subdivision and Taylor Gully (G103-80-03-1).

After completing this reach of channel, HCFCD staff will investigate Taylor Gully further downstream, where HCFCD completed a desilt job in the spring of 2019. HCFCD will open up any constrictions and desilt the channel if necessary

City of Houston Garbage Service Improvements with New Contract 

On August 7, City Council voted to approve experienced disaster relief companies to augment the city’s trash pickup operations while the City Solid Waste Management Department (SWD) continues to receive new vehicles to replace its aged truck fleet.

DRC Emergency Services, LLC and Nola Construction and Development Group, LLC will be paid up to $1.9 million from the city’s fund balance to supplement the city services through December 2019.

The contractors’ crews will work with city forces to collect junk waste and clear illegal dump sites across the city. Removing illegally dumped material from ditches and roadsides reduces the threats of drainage blockages during hurricane season and disease-carrying pests.

The City has ordered 175 new SWD vehicles, including 90 garbage/recycling trucks, which will replace half of the SWD fleet. Residents should already see the new trucks in their neighborhoods as the additional units are being delivered through April 2020. Since early 2019, the City has leased eight trucks and hired 10 driver/pickup crews from outside companies to supplement curbside pickup service while cities around the country have dealt with a shortage of drivers.

Bens Branch Conveyance Restoration Project

Bens Branch, a channel within the Kingwood community stretching from Northpark to the West Fork of the San Jacinto River, was completely inundated with water and sediment during Hurricane Harvey. As a result, a considerable buildup of sediment infiltrated the southern bends of the channel south of Kingwood Drive around Town Center and behind the Lake Houston YMCA. This stretch of Bens Branch Channel from Kingwood Drive to about 1,800 linear feet downstream of West Lake Houston Parkway, is owned by the Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD).

As property owners of this channel, HCFCD began their Conveyance Restoration Project on August 19. The project will include removing and disposing of approximately 76,285 cubic yards of sediment accumulations. This will be a multi-step process. First, HCFCD’s contractor, Solid Bridge Construction, LLC, must remove the soil from the creek. Then the soil must drain and dry. Finally, dump trucks will remove the excavated material. Based on the current timeline, the project is scheduled to be complete by summer 2020, weather permitting.

Please be aware that construction equipment will access the work area via the established access points from Kingwood Drive, Bens View, West Lake Houston Parkway, and Denmere. The contractor will use heavy construction equipment such as dump trucks, excavators and bulldozers. Motorists are urged to be alert to truck traffic when passing near construction access points.

For any questions or concerns, please contact the Harris County Flood Control District by calling (713) 684-4197 or visiting their website. For more information on HCFCD projects in the Kingwood area, please visit this link.

Meadowcreek Village Civic Club

On Thursday, August 8, Council Member Martin had the opportunity to speak to the Meadowcreek Village Civic Club at their bi-monthly meeting. Council Member Martin briefed residents on the latest achievements at City Hall such as passing the Fiscal Year 2020 City Budget, and the new Solid Waste Department contract passed by Council to improve the City’s trash pickup operations by bringing in experienced disaster relief companies. In addition to these triumphs, Council Member Martin also updated residents on the recently completed safe sidewalk project completed along the 5400 block of Allendale as well as the completed pavement replacement at Ellington Airport/Clear Lake Neighborhood Recycling Center.

LHACC Focus on Federal Government Luncheon

On Thursday, August 27, District E staff attended the Lake Houston Area Chamber of Commerce Focus on Federal Government Luncheon featuring Cal Thomas, a veteran of broadcast and print journalism. Thomas discussed his perspective on current federal politics and shared insight on how those issues will affect the Lake Houston Area.

Thank you to the Lake Houston Area Chamber of Commerce for organizing another successful event and to Cal Thomas for taking the time to speak with the Lake Houston community.

BayTran Luncheon

Thank you to BayTran for inviting Council Member Martin to introduce Mayor Sylvester Turner at the August 27^th luncheon. 

Mayor Turner provided an update on transportation efforts in and around the Clear Lake area, as well as the growth that is impacting our commutes.

Summer Creek Rotary

On Tuesday, August 27, Council Member Martin had the pleasure of speaking with the Summer Creek Rotary Club. Council Member Martin discussed ongoing projects in the Lake Houston area, as well as how far we have come since Harvey.

Thank you to community member, Deborah Rose Miller, for the invitation to attend and speak with the members of the Summer Creek Rotary Club.

Please note that if you live in the Summer Creek and Summerwood communities, the District E Office is happy to verify your jurisdiction within the City of Houston. You can contact the District E Office with your verification request by calling (832) 393-3008 or emailing districte@houstontx.gov

Edgebrook Drive Safe Sidewalk Project

Council Member Martin recently allocated $34,575.00 from his Fiscal Year 2020 Council District Service Funds for the sidewalk repairs on the southern side of the 600 to 800 blocks of Edgebrook Drive in an effort to provide increased pedestrian mobility as well as safety. Houston Public Works was able to begin and complete the work within the month of August. Thank you to Houston Public Works for working so quickly on this project.

Forest Cove Townhomes Cleanup

On Tuesday, August 14, the City of Houston Solid Waste Management Department, under the direction of Harry Hayes, removed large piles of debris and tires located at the Forest Cove Townhomes on Marina Drive.

District E would like to thank the following staff members from the Solid Waste Management Department: Carolyn Wright, Javier Frutos, Daniel Rojas, and Director Hayes, as well as the following staff members from the Department of Neighborhoods: Director TaKasha Francis, Landon Taylor, Alvin Byrd, Reggie Harris, and Stephanie Mingo-Byrd for their quick response to this request. Your efforts in keeping our community beautiful are greatly appreciated. 

The District E office continues to monitor the purchase and demolition of these properties located in the Forest Cove Townhome Community as part of the Harris County Flood Control District Home Buyout Program.

HCFCD has purchased all units in the following buildings: 1102 Marina, 1050 Marina, 1060 Marina, 1040 Marina, 1030 Marina, 930 Aqua Vista, and 803/5 Timberline. There are approximately 19 more units to purchase to have complete ownership.

The following buildings have been demolished: 1050 Marina, 1060 Marina, and 803/5 Timberline. HCFCD is in the process of demolishing 1102 Marina, 1040 Marina, 1030 Marina, and 930 Aqua Vista. As HCFCD completes ownership on the 19 remaining units, the demolitions of those buildings will follow.

Street Lights Installation Completed in Highland Acres Neighborhood

On August 30, 2019, Houston Public Works recently completed the installation of 12 street lights along Mize Road, Shoppe Road, Keith Avenue, Bystreet Road, 1^st Street and 2^nd Street in the Highland Acres neighborhoods. Thank you to Mr. Gustavo Reyes, a community leader in the Highland Acres area, for requesting these street lights to provide better lighting for students walking to and from school in the early mornings. 

The City of Houston installs street lights on City owned streets to illuminate the roadway. They are not installed on private streets, parking lots or for security lighting. A street segment must be in the City limits in order to be eligible for street lights. All street lights are installed, owned and maintained by Center Point Energy (formerly Reliant Energy HL&P). The City must approve a light before it can be installed. Once it is installed, the City pays the monthly operating and maintenance cost of the light. If you are interested in requesting street lights in your neighborhoods, please click here.

Kingwood METRO Park & Ride

Council Member Martin would like to make Lake Houston residents aware that METRO has decided against relocating the Kingwood METRO Park and Ride, located near the intersection of West Lake Houston Parkway and Kingwood Drive.

This is great news for the community and the District E office thanks those that contacted METRO in opposition of this project.

Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce General Membership Luncheon

On Wednesday, August 28, District E staff attended the monthly Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce General Membership Luncheon at Lakewood Yacht Club. The luncheon program included a Congressional Panel Update featuring Congressman Brian Babin, Congressman Pete Olson and Congressman Randy Weber. The congressmen updated the members on many areas they remain passionate about: Johnson Space Center and human flight exploration, energy and industry, as well as our current booming economy in response to Hurricane Harvey.

 Royston Drive Rehabilitation Project

Council Member Martin would like to thank Houston Public Works crews that completed a recent desilting project at the ditch along Royston Drive adjacent to Sorters McClellan Road. The project included removing debris and sediment, as well as re-establishing the ditch.

District E would like to thank Brandon Nickerson and Michael Wilson of Houston Public Works for their assistance with completing this much needed project. To report drainage issues or submit requests to have City of Houston drainage systems inspected, please contact Houston 3-1-1 by calling (713) 837-0311.

TxDOT Construction on the I-69 Eastex Southbound Bridge Over Little York

The Texas Department of Transportation will begin major work on the I-69 Eastex Freeway southbound bridge over Little York this weekend. Crews will demolish and reconstruct the bridge deck.

The project begins today, September 6 and is anticipated to take a month and half to complete.

Starting Friday, September 6 at 9 p.m. through Monday, September 9 at 5 a.m., crews will close all mainlanes of I-69 Eastex southbound at Little York to prepare the roadway for the reconfigured lanes. Traffic will be detoured to the I-69 Eastex southbound exit to Hopper, continue on the frontage road through the signalized intersections to reenter the I-69 Eastex southbound mainlanes.

There will also be additional closures during construction:

• I-69 Eastex southbound from Mount Houston to Little York, two alternating mainlanes will be closed starting on Monday, September 9 at 5am until Wednesday, October 16 at 5 a.m.
• I-69 Eastex southbound entrance ramp from Mount Houston will be closed starting Thursday, September 5 at 8 p.m. until Wednesday, October 16 at 5 a.m.
• I-69 Eastex southbound exit ramps to Jensen, Saunders and Parker will be closed Monday, September 23 at 5 a.m. until Wednesday, October 16 at 5 a.m. Traffic will be detoured to the Tidwell exit ramp and U-turn onto the I-69 Eastex northbound frontage road to reach Jensen, Saunders and Parker.

For more information on this project, please visit the TxDOT website. For scheduled lane closures in the Houston District including this project go to www.houstontranstar.org. All closures are subject to change due to inclement weather.

To stay updated on TxDOT projects, please follow them on Twitter @TxDOTHouston and Facebook at www.facebook.com/txdothouston.

Lake Houston Maintenance Program

As residents in the Lake Houston and Kingwood Area see local projects starting, Council Member Martin is continuing to work behind the scenes on a long-term maintenance program for the San Jacinto River and Lake Houston. This program will regularly address issues like sedimentation levels in the river and lake as well as the removal of floatable debris. 

This fiscal year, Council Member Martin proposed a budget amendment that for the first time creates a funding mechanism for a Lake Houston Maintenance Program utilizing existing revenue during this year’s budget process and it achieved full support of City Council. Before Council Member Martin’s amendment was passed this year, a program to maintain Lake Houston for any other purpose than as a drinking water facility did not exist.

This program will use revenue from boat dock and permit fees on Lake Houston that previously went into the City of Houston General Fund to kick start regular maintenance of the river and lake to reduce the risk of flooding increasing public safety. Council Member Martin has been working diligently with Houston Public Works, Coastal Water Authority, Harris County Flood Control, San Jacinto River Authority, and the State of Texas to identify a more robust, sustainable, and reoccurring funding source for these activities. Additionally, the Council Member is looking to these agencies for partnerships in maintenance to further the benefits for the community.

The District E office is currently is in the preliminary steps of creating this program and will continue to update the community as progress is made.

Coffee & Conversations with Houston First Responders

Chick-fil-A 45 & Almeda, in partership with the South Belt-Ellington Chamber of Commerce will be providing the opportunity to honor and get to know our first responders. Residents have the chance to engage in conversations and “touch a truck” while starting the day with a delicious cup of coffee! 

The event will take place on Wednesday, September 11 from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. at the Chick-fil-A located at 10225 Almeda-Genoa Road, Houston TX 77075. 

Lake Houston 10K 5K

On Sunday, September 22, 2019, the Lake Houston Area Chamber of Commerce will host the tenth annual Lake Houston 10k 5k 1K at Kings Harbor.

During the race, the northbound lanes of West Lake Houston Parkway from Kings Parkway to Kings Crossing will be closed from around 6:00 am to 9:45 am, and the southbound lanes will be turned into two lanes. There will be officers at all intersections to help with traffic flow.

This annual event features the Lake Houston Area as a center for health and wellness activities, as well as business growth. In addition, the Lake Houston 10k 5k 1K promotes the attributes of the Lake Houston Area to the entire Greater Houston region. Last year’s event proved successful with nearly 850 runners from across the state and country. This year the Lake Houston Area Chamber is preparing for more than 1,000 participants.

To ensure the safety of the community and participants, the District E Office encourages drivers to avoid these areas during the time of the event. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Lake Houston Area Chamber of Commerce by calling (281) 446-2128.

Gemini Avenue Bike Lanes

Below is a message from cycling advocacy group, Cycle Clear Lake: Thanks to the City of Houston, our Clear Lake community has a safer place for cyclists to ride along Gemini Avenue. As more bicycle lanes and shared use paths are built to make a safe and more convenient path for bike transportation and connectivity, we want folks to understand how to safely share our commuting spaces with one another. Below are a few tips.

 For drivers:  

• When turning:
  • Watch for cyclists that merge with vehicular traffic to make a left turn at the intersection. If making a right turn, slow down and allow cyclists to proceed through the intersection before turning.
• At stop signs:
  • Treat cyclists as a vehicle. If cyclists arrive at the intersection before you, they have the right of way.
• At lighted intersections:
  • Note that some cyclists will go towards the front of the queue at a red light. This is a protective measure to become more visible to other road users and help prevent vehicles from turning into them or trapping them between the curb and the car. If a cyclist is in front of you, give them some time to get their wheels moving and clip into their pedals.
• Along the route:
  • Always keep an eye on the cyclists. They may merge with vehicular traffic to avoid hitting road debris. Give the cyclists at least a 3 foot gap between you and cyclist. 

• For cyclists:
  • When turning:
    • Use proper hand signals when you need to make a left or right turn. Be cautious before traveling into main traffic. Cars may not see you looking to leave the bike lane.
  • At stop signs:
    • Stop at all stop signs as you would if you were driving and use proper hand signals. Come to a full stop at the sign, and yield to other users already waiting at the sign.
  • At lighted intersections:
    • Obey the lights as you would if you were driving and use proper hand signals. Be wary of cars that may overtake you to make a turn, possibly across your path of travel. Along the route: Be wary of road debris, always look ahead for any obstacles in the way. Be visible and predictable as you ride. Merge with vehicular traffic to avoid dangerous situations in the bike lake when appropriate.

Please contact Cycle Clear Lake for additional information, resources, or how to volunteer.

Shredding at Village Learning Center

The Village Learning Center is offering shredding services to the general public at 3819 Plum Valley Drive in Kingwood, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.  They are providing shredding as a community service project which in turn will provide a vocational training opportunity for their clients.   

All documents received will be kept secure until shredding occurs.  Staff that work in the shredding area are required to sign a confidentiality agreement and all undergo criminal background checks as part of their employment. There is no shredding fee for this service but the Center will accept donations if patrons are so inclined. Certificates of Destruction are available for a nominal fee of $1.00.  

The shredded paper will be used in the Village Learning Center’s organic garden, chicken coop and compost pile or will be given to organizations and individuals who have a need for the material. 

Applications Being Accepted for HPD Youth Police Advisory Council

The Houston Police Department is inviting Houston area high school students to apply for the 2019-2020 Youth Police Advisory Council (YPAC).

Students will address issues affecting youth and the community, participate in community service projects and attend youth leadership conferences throughout the state.  Additionally, the YPAC meets regularly with Chief of Police Art Acevedo and other top HPD officials.

YPAC members are required to meet five times during the school year at the HPD Edward A. Thomas Building at 1200 Travis in downtown Houston.
Applications are available online here. The deadline to apply is Tuesday, October 1, 2019.

For more information,  visit https://www.houstontx.gov/police/vip/ypac.htm or email 
rhonda.holmes@houstonpolice.org or call 713-308-3200.

Hurricane Dorian Relief Supplies Donations

As people start recovering from the massive destruction and heartbreaking loss of life in the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner is asking Houstonians to donate relief supplies to assist those in need.  

“Houston still remembers when communities across the country came to our assistance after Harvey and we want to continue to Pay It Forward. Therefore, I am asking those who can donate to help with this effort. We will continue to show the world that we are Houston Strong, and Houstonians have big hearts.”

 Items needed:

• Cleaning supplies (especially with bleach)
• Personal hygiene items
• Nonperishable food
• Bottled water
• Pet food and supplies
• Buckets
• Trash Bags
• Backpacks
• Mops
• Brushes
• School Supplies
• Rubber Gloves
• Masks
• Push brooms
• Squeegees
• Pillows/Bedding
• Tarps
• Car Seats
• Baby Formula
• Diapers
• Paper Towels

Drop off location for donated items:

Helping Hands to the Community

600 Kenrick Dr.  Ste. C-16

Houston, TX 77060

Monday – Friday 9am-5pm

In addition to donations, Helping Hands requests volunteers to assist with coordination, sorting, and loading of donations. If you can volunteer, please email grayr85@yahoo.com  with the day and time you can help. Volunteer shifts will be 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.  Financial contributions can be made directly to the Bahamas Relief Fund: https://www.bahamas.com/relief  If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Renea Gray at grayr85@yahoo.com or by phone at 832-882-5341. Thank you in advance for your support. 

Travis Manion Foundation 9/11 Heroes Run

Mark your calendars! The annual 9/11 Heroes Run will be held on Saturday, September 7 at City Hall.  

Founded in honor of 1st Lieutenant Travis Manion, who gave his life while serving in Iraq in 2009, the Travis Manion Foundation (TMF) assists American veterans and the families of the fallen in addition to organizing a number of charitable initiatives including the 9/11 Heroes Run. Interested participants can register online here.   

The 9/11 Heroes Run is more than the race, there are opportunities to become a foundation ambassador. TMF’s Character Does Matter Program provides veterans and their families with an opportunity to inspire young adults to develop their leadership skills, live with character, and call them to serve within their communities in honor of fallen heroes. For more information on the foundation click here.

Southeast Texas Academy and ROTC (S.T.A.R.) Seminar

The 2019 S.T.A.R. Seminar, jointly hosted by Senator John Cornyn and Senator Ted Cruz, as well as Congressman Dan Crenshaw, Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher, Congressman Michael McCaul, Congressman Randy Weber, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson-Lee, Congressman Pete Olsen, Congressman Michael Cloud, Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia, and Congressman Brian Babin, D.D.S., will be held Saturday morning, September 14^th at The Center For Petrochemical, Energy & Technology at San Jacinto College.  This informational forum will provide interested students in grades 8-12 the opportunity to learn more about our nation’s service academies, requirements for admission and the selection process.

Southeast Texas Academy and ROTC (S.T.A.R.) Seminar Saturday, September 14, 2019 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM Registration opens at 7:15 AM Note: This is a “come & stay” event! San Jacinto CollegeCenter for Petrochemical, Energy & Technology7901 W. Fairmont Pkwy.Pasadena, 77507

In addition to staff from congressional offices, representatives from all five academies (U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Coast Guard Academy, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and U.S. Air Force Academy), current academy cadets and midshipmen will all be on hand to answer questions. Also present will be representatives from Air Force, Army, Navy and Marine Corps ROTC, along with representatives from Academy Prep programs from Marion Military Institute, New Mexico Military Institute, and Greystone Prep. Southeast Texas students, parents, and educators will be able to hear from and meet with these representatives on a one-to-one basis to become informed about the excellent possibilities associated with attending these premier educational institutions and the sorts of careers they generate.

The Forum is free and open to the public; no pre-registration is required. It will be held from 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM; registration opens at 7:15 AM. For more information, please contact:    Jared Bargas, Field Representative                        Office of Congressman Randy Weber  Phone: 281-316-0231    Email: jared.bargas@mail.house.gov

Wings Over Houston 

Council Member Martin invites all Houstonians to Ellington Airport on Saturday, October 19 and Sunday, October 20 for the Annual Wings Over Houston Airshow. This year, Wings Over Houston is honored to host, not just one, but two national military jet demonstration teams, the United States Air Force Thunderbirds and the Canadian Forces Snowbirds. Both teams will put on jaw-dropping demonstrations highlighted by precision formation flying (separated by only a few feet) at hundreds of miles an hour. 

Gates will open at 8:00 a.m. on both October 19 and 20. For more on the Wings Over Houston Airshow, including ticket information, please visit  www.wingsoverhouston.com.

City of Houston Burglar and Panic Alarm Requirements

 Council Member Martin would like to make all District E residents and businesses aware that operating, using, causing or allowing the operation or use of a burglar and/or panic alarm system located within the City of Houston are required by the Code of Ordinances, Chapter 11, Article III to obtain a permit for their alarm system.The ordinance takes false panic alarms very seriously because they put a very costly strain on the City of Houston public safety resources. 

The City of Houston offers three options to apply for and purchase a Residential or Non-Residential alarm permit.

You may apply:

• Online: www.houstonburglaralarmpermits.org and click the light blue “Apply & Pay Online” box.
• In-person at:Houston Permitting Center, 1002 Washington Avenue, Houston, TX 77002 
• By mail: Fill out the convenient, fillable, PDF alarm permit application found at this link.

Mail the completed application with complete payment to:

City of Houston – Burglar Alarm Administration

P.O. Box 203887, Houston, Texas 77216-3887 

If you have any questions, please visit www.houstonburglaralarmpermits.org. You can also contact the City of Houston Burglar Alarm Administration by calling 713-581-7410.

Upcoming Events: Please email the District E office if you would like us to include your upcoming event in future newsletters!

Kingwood September 7 Kingwood Electronic Waste Recycling September 11 Kingwood Service Association Public Safety Committee September 12 Summer Creek BizCom September 17 Kingwood PIP September 18 Kingwood Super Neighborhood Meeting September 24 Lake Houston Area Chamber of Commerce Peace Officer and Firefighters Luncheon