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Council Member Martin’s Monthly Newsletter

Monthly Newsletter July 3, 2019  Issue 78
Residents of District E,  
The beginning of summer has been busy here at City Hall. City Council passed
the $5.2 billion Fiscal Year 2020 Operating Budget last week
by a 12 to 4 vote. This budget includes five Houston Police Cadet
Classes and fully funds the City’s pension obligations, for the third
consecutive year in a row. The Fiscal Year 2020 budget does not
include any layoffs, demotions, or deferrals.

This year many amendments sent to the administration were
approved, including my zero-based budgeting amendment,
co-authored with Council Member Knox, to be implemented in
Fiscal Year 2021. For the second year in a row, I submitted an
amendment to create a Lake Houston Maintenance Fund using
permit fees generated from the Lake Houston Area and this year,
it passed. Over the next year the District E office will work closely
with Houston Public Works and Solid Waste Management
Departments to identify measures to continue regular maintenance
of the City’s tributaries and sediment located in the San Jacinto
River’s East and West Fork, along with Lake Houston.

Overall, the Fiscal Year 2020 budget maintains a healthy fund
balance and includes contingency funds for pay raises and
hurricane preparedness. In this budget, $11.1 million was cut in
city department spending. This is the fourth year in a row that
department budgets have decreased.

Moving forward, I will continue to work hard alongside my
colleagues to make fiscally conservative decisions regarding the
city’s finances and fight for District E residents. To watch the budget
discussion, it can be viewed online here.

In addition to budget season, the District E Office has been busy
tracking projects including the expansion of Northpark Drive and
El Dorado Boulevard, additional dredging on the West Fork of the
San Jacinto River by the United States Army Corps of Engineers,
kick off of the Bens Branch restoration and conveyance project as
well as the Horsepen Bayou Channel Improvement Project in
collaboration with Harris County Flood Control.

The District E office has also identified six new District E drainage
improvement projects to be completed utilizing the Stormwater
Action Team Program during Fiscal Year 2020 in the Forest Cove,
Huffman, South Belt-Ellington, and Northshore areas. Keep in mind
that all drainage in Clear Lake is under the jurisdiction of the Clear
Lake City Water Authority and concerns should be reported to them
directly by calling (281) 488-1164.

The post-Harvey recovery process has been steadily moving forward
at a pace that while slow has been consistent. I am committed to
following through on projects from Kingwood to Clear Lake that will
reduce future flooding for residents.  I will continue to work day and
night to make sure that we are not forgotten and our concerns are
heard.
Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to serve as your District
Council Member.

In observance of Independence Day, the District E office will be closed
tomorrow, Thursday, July 4.

Sincerely,


Dave Martin
The District E Office
900 Bagby, First FloorHouston, 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
        
Firework Safety
Council Member Martin would like to remind District E residents the
use of fireworks are not only illegal in the City and parts of the County,
but they are also very dangerous.

It is illegal to discharge fireworks in the City of Houston. Texas House
Bill HB1813 allows for the transportation of fireworks. However, there
are restrictions including where the fireworks are located inside the
vehicle and if they are opened or unopened. The City will continue to
enforce, in compliance with state law, fire and safety regulations within
the city. Harris County residents should also be aware the Houston Fire
Department will be enforcing the fireworks ban in the Limited Purpose
Annexation Areas. The fines can range anywhere from $500 to
$2,000 for each individual firework.

If a minor is caught with fireworks, the parent or guardian will receive
the fine, even if they were unaware of the minor’s possession and/or
usage. Even though it is legal to buy, possess, and use consumer
fireworks in the unincorporated areas of Harris County, there are some
places you cannot use fireworks even in the unincorporated county.
These locations include:
churches, hospitals, licensed child care centers, or a public or private
primary or secondary school or institution of higher education unless
the individual receives authorization in writing from that organization.

Although fireworks and celebrations go together, especially during the
holiday season, they can be dangerous when used improperly; causing
serious burn and eye injuries.

Citizens should report all complaints regarding the illegal use of
fireworks directly to the Houston Police Department
non-emergency line at 713-884-3131. 
For emergencies, please call 9-1-1. 

Freedom Over Texas
This year, guests will celebrate more than America’s Freedom at the
city’s signature Independence Day event, as this July marks the 50th
anniversary of the Apollo 11 Moon Landing. CITGO Freedom Over
Texas has partnered with NASA’s Johnson Space Center, to bring an
exclusive Space City Experience to all patrons at the event featuring
its history and what the future holds for intergalactic exploration and
travel. The signature area will include an opportunity to be up close
and personal with astronauts, robotic demonstrations, virtual reality
fieldtrips to the International Space Station, the Space Exploration
Vehicle (SEV), NASA’s Destination Station, and other NASA assets
and activities.

Houston’s annual July 4th event will also feature NEW live music.
Headlining the main stage will be multi chart-topping singer/
songwriter Jake Owen with special guest country music star
 Kellie Pickler.  The live performances will be followed by an
astronomical fireworks show provided by CITGO.

The Walmart All-American Kids Zone will feature local performances
by norteño band Los Luzeros de Rioverde, a contemporary
performance and aerialist show celebrating space exploration by
Aldine Carver Dance Company, and appearances from your favorite
storybook characters and superheroes. There will be life size games,
carnival rides, a rock wall and obstacle course – something for every
age.

Launched last year, the CITGO Freedom Over Texas mobile app
provides an accessible tool to navigate through the largest Fourth
of July Celebration in the state. Available in the iOS App store or
Android Google Play Store, FOT2019 will offer patrons the ability
to purchase tickets, view performance schedules and maps, and
get parking tips and other helpful hints to enhance the event
experience. Guests can check their mobile devices for the latest
app updates coming soon.

This year’s festivities at Eleanor Tinsley and Sam Houston Parks
on Buffalo Bayou (along Allen Parkway) include the Walmart 
All-American Kids Zone, a children’s entertainment area with a
stage featuring performances for young and old, alike; the Bud
Light Bayou Beer Garden, featuring a fun in the sun good time;
the Dr Pepper Zone, featuring Houston professional sports teams,
live music and food; Liberty Park featuring US Family Health
Plan’s Symbols of Freedom, the Space City Experience, and a
salute to all five branches of the military; and, an exciting fireworks
finale sponsored by CITGO to end the evening.

For more information about this year’s event click here.

Space Month in Houston, Texas
The District E office kicked off Space Month in Houston, Texas
on Friday, June 28, as District E staff attended the Apollo Mission
Control Center Grand Opening Celebration. The Mission Control
Center (MCC) at the Johnson Space Center is home to the
planning, command, and monitoring controls, essential to
America’s human spaceflight program. The restoration project
began in January 2017, and has been completed in time for the
50th Anniversary of the Apollo 11 lunar landing. The MCC is
complete with the original paint upholstery and furnishings;
restored mission medallions, seating; flags; replicated carpet,
wallpaper and ceiling tiles; and recreated content on the
summary display screens and mission clocks.   

The Apollo Anniversary Celebration will continue through the
month of July as NASA will be joining in the City of Houston’s
Fourth of July celebrations at Freedom Over Texas in honor of
the 50th Anniversary of the Moon Landing. Visitors at Freedom
Over Texas will have the opportunity to check out NASA’s
Destination Station exhibit throughout the event, and share
special messages throughout the day. Space Center Houston is
also participating in this month long celebration, from the
anniversary of the Apollo 11 blastoff on July 16 through the
mission’s conclusion when the astronauts safely splashed down
on Earth on July 24. Check out the several events at Space Center
Houston cheduled for July 16 through July 24 by clicking here.
The biggest celebration at Space Center Houston will be held on
Saturday, July 20. Apollo 11 50th Live is an all-day lunar
celebration and countdown to Neil Armstrong’s first steps
on the Moon. Discover an array of space themed experiences
including late-night NASA Tram Tours, notable speakers, book
signings, an outdoor festival with a concert featuring WALK
THE MOON and Phillip Phillips, a family TEM zone and more.
Tickets are still available here! 

Woodland Hills Overlay
The Woodland Hills at Northpark Drive overlay project has been
delayed until Wednesday, July 10 to better accommodate traffic
in the area. The scope of work includes resurfacing the asphalt
street. This process includes milling off an approximate 2-inch
layer of old asphalt, repairing the base as needed, spraying tack
coat and overlaying 2 inches of new asphalt surface pavement.
An overlay at this intersection has not been completed since
Council Member Martin has been in office and is well overdue.
The cost of the project is $134,415.70. The project is scheduled
to begin on the evening of Wednesday, July 10 and will be
completed by Sunday, July 14, weather permitting. Crews re
expected to work between 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., Wednesday
through Friday, in an effort to avoid peak traffic hours. Crews
plan to work throughout the day on Saturday, July 13. As a result
of the construction activities, please be aware of flagmen and
orange traffic cones that will be put in place on site to help with
traffic flow through the construction zone. Temporary lane
closures and traffic delays are expected during construction
hours. Residents are encouraged to find alternate routes
throughout the duration of the project.

For access to the communities north of Northpark Drive and
Woodland Hills, the suggested alternate routes are as follows:
Glade Valley to Chanay Lane, Forest Bluff, and Bassingham Drive.

Plum Hollow Drive Panel Replacement
Houston Public Works crews will begin a panel replacement in
the Clear Lake area, along Plum Hollow Drive, from Brook Forest
Drive to Hickory Knoll Drive, on Monday, July 8. The work is
expected to be complete within 30 days, weather permitting.  
The scope of work includes replacing several panels along
the roadway. Crews will be on site from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
As a result of the construction activities, please be aware of
flagmen and orange traffic cones hat will be put in place on site
to help with traffic flow through the construction zone as
temporary lane closures are expected. One lane will remain open
during the repairs process. Residents will have access to
driveways at all times, and may experience an increase in noise
levels due to trucks and equipment in the area. For more
information, please contact Council Member Dave Martin’s office
at (832) 393-3008 or districte@houstontx.gov.

Bens Branch Update
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 has completed their
field survey of the reach to remove sediment accumulations
within the system and restore channel conveyance capacity.
Conveyance Restoration on Bens Branch is currently in the award
phase.  A recommendation to award to Solid Bridge
Construction, LLC, has been made, and that recommendation
to award is scheduled to be on the Harris County Commissioners
Court Agenda for approval on July 9, 2019.  Once the award has
been approved by Commissioners Court, the Harris County
Purchasing Agent’s office will work to obtain the executed
contract, and the necessary bonds from the  Contractor so that
the project can move forward to construction.  

Other channels in Kingwood and the Lake Houston communities
within the City of Houston are also being evaluated by HCFCD
for projects. Currently, there is one portion of Ben’s Branch,
between Woodland Hills and Rocky Woods Drive, that is under
final review with City of Houston Legal, HCFCD and the Bens
Branch Trail Association. Once that final review is complete
HCFCD will be the owners of the Bens Branch channel from
Northpark Drive to 1,800 linear feet south of the channel’s
intersection with West Lake Houston Parkway. Eventually
most open and natural channels will be maintained by
HCFCD while the City of Houston maintains all closed storm
sewer systems and drainage. 

Miles Street Public Meeting
Houston Public Works will be hosting a public meeting regarding
the upcoming Miles Street Roadway Pavement Replacement
Project on Tuesday, July 9 in the multi-purpose room at
Woodland Acres Middle School (12947 Myrtle Lane,
Houston Texas 77015). There will be an open house portion for
residents and usiness owners to examine exhibits and material
s at 6:00 p.m. Houston Public Works will begin their formal
presentation at 6:30 p.m. 

The purpose of the meeting is to inform residents and business
owners on what to expect during the upcoming replacement of
Miles Street, from Market Street to Industrial Road.  The scope
of work for the project includes pavement replacement, manhole
adjusting, and ditch grading. The work is expected to begin in
July 2019, and be completed end of January 2020,
weather permitting. 

For those unable to attend, the materials presented will be
uploaded to Council Member Martin’s website following the
meeting. Additionally, questions or comments related to this
project may be sent directly to Houston Public Works by
emailing buildforward@houstontx.gov. 

Huffman Community Engagement Meeting with HCFCD
Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD) will be hosting a
 Community Engagement Meeting to discuss upcoming bond
projects in the Huffman area will take place on Thursday, July 11,
from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the May Community Center, 2100
Wolf Road, Huffman, Texas 77336. HCFCD staff will be present
to gather public input and ideas from the community regarding
the upcoming San Jacinto River, Luce Bayou, and Cedar Bayou
bond projects. You can read more about the HCFCD bond
projects at this link. For more information, please contact Harris
County looFd Control District Hotline by calling 713-684-4000. 

USACE Dredging Update
In a news release on June 10, 2019, the U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers Galveston District staff executed a modification to the
West Fork San Jacinto River Emergency Debris Removal
contract June 7, 2019, to dredge an additional 497,400 cubic
yards of material that was deposited in the mouth of the San
Jacinto River from Hurricane Harvey.

“This contract modification will ensure a decrease in threats
to critical infrastructure and lower the risk to potential loss of
life,” said Charles Wheeler, USACE Galveston District Project
Manager. “This is an ongoing contract that is part of a Federal
Emergency Management Agency mission assignment.”

According to USACE Galveston District officials, the dredged
material will be placed at the existing location referred to as
Placement Area 2, located approximately 10 miles upriver.
The additional dredging is scheduled to be completed by the
end of 2019, with the demobilization of the equipment
completed by early 2020.

For more news and information, visit the USACE website,
Facebook, or Twitter. 

Removal of Clear Lake Dynamic Message Signs
Council Member Martin would like to make Clear Lake
residents aware the
 four recently installed Dynamic Message Signs (DMS) have
been removed from the Clear Lake area. On Tuesday, June 4,
Council Member Martin was made aware of four DMS signs
being constructed near the following intersections:  Clear
Lake City Boulevard and Space Center Boulevard, Bay
Area Boulevard and Space Center Boulevard, Bay Area
Boulevard and El Camino Real, and El Dorado and Highway 3.  
Based on overwhelming feedback the District E office received
from the community, and Council Member Martin’s own
concerns with the location of these signs in residential
areas, Council Member Martin requested all four signs be
removed by Houston Public Works immediately.  

Thank you to the residents who have contacted our office
regarding this matter. Council Member Martin, with your
assistance, was able to coordinate with Houston Public Works
to have these signs removed swiftly.

 Lake Houston Area Chamber State of the State Luncheon
On Thursday, June 27, District E staff attended the Lake Houston
Area Chamber of Commerce State of the State Luncheon
featuring Representative Dan Huberty and Senator Brandon
Creighton. The luncheon was a great opportunity to hear
updates from our state leaders regarding the 86th Legislative
Session.

As Chairman of the House Public Education Committee,
Representative Huberty was vital in the passing of House Bill 3.
This was a monumental achievement that will transform public
school finance in the State of Texas. As the author of the now
passed Senate Bill 7, Senator Creighton established two new funds
to address the effects of Hurricane Harvey and prepare for future
flooding and disasters. These funds are known as the Texas
Infrastructure Resilience Fund and the Flood Infrastructure Fund.

Council Member Martin thanks Representative Huberty and
Senator Creighton for their tireless efforts during the recent
legislative session.

Harris County Flood Warning System
San Jacinto River Authority (SJRA) recently announced a project
resulting from their ongoing partnership with Harris County Flood
Control District to provide residents of Montgomery, Harris, and
surrounding counties the ability to sign up and receive water level
and rainfall alerts. Automated alert notifications will be delivered
via text message or e-mail when defined rainfall or water level
values are reached at specific rainfall and stream gauges, alerting
residents of potential high water threats.

The Flood Warning System (FWS) rainfall and stream gauge alerts
are based on information gathered at over 250 gauge locations
across the region by numerous agencies, including Harris, Brazoria,
Fort Bend, Montgomery, Galveston, and Waller Counties, City of
Mont Belvieu, City of Sugar Land, The Woodlands, and SJRA.

“Water level determination is essential knowledge during potential
flooding events,” said Chuck Gilman Director of Water Resources
and Flood Management for the San Jacinto River Authority. “Our
collaboration with Harris County Flood Control will take data from
gauges across the region and give the public another tool to
manage the threat of flooding in our area.”

“One of the biggest takeaways from Hurricane Harvey was the
need for automated notifications to be delivered in a timely manner
and this enhancement will help to accomplish that effort” stated
Jeff Lindner, Director of Hydrologic Operations and Meteorologist
for the Flood Control District. “Residents can use the new alerts
feature to make timely, informed decisions on how to protect
themselves, their families, and property.” 

The feature allows residents to create customized water level
alerts or select from pre-defined rainfall and water level values that
have been developed and utilized by local government officials.
Create an account and sign up for alerts at www.fwsalerts.org.

HPD Clear Lake School Supply Giveaway
The Houston Police Department Clear Lake Division will be hosting
its 2nd Annual School Supply Giveaway on August 3, 2019. The
event will be held from 10:00 a.m to 2:00 p.m. at the Grace
Community Church, located at 14505 Gulf Freeway. 

The goal of this event is to help lessen the financial burden on
families by providing school supplies for students in the area.
Last year’s event was a success and this years will be bigger and
better.

Come out with the family for school supplies and fun!

Dylan Duncan Skatepark Ribbon Cutting
Council Member Martin is pleased to announce the unveiling of
the newly refurbished Dylan Duncan Skatepark through the use
of his Council District Service Funds. The following improvements
have been made with the help of Houston Parks and Recreation
Department: updated equipment, recoated surfaces, added
barriers, power washing and painting, and various other
repairs as needed. 

To celebrate these improvements, Council Member Martin
together with Houston Parks and Recreation Department will host
a ribbon cutting on Tuesday, July 16 at 9:00 a.m. at the Skatepark
(3950 Rustic Woods, Kingwood). 

NFIP Flood Claims Workshop
The City of Houston and Montgomery County partnered together
to host a flood claims workshop at the Kingwood Community
Center. On June 19 the event was held for individuals that were
impacted by previous flood damages and had questions about
the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) process. The workshop
provided an opportunity for residents to discuss their claims
one-on-one with FEMA flood claim experts. Information from
this meeting has been saved and posted on Council Member
Martin’s website.  In addition, information was handed out
about the U.S. Small Business Association Mitigation Loans process.

Those interested may contact the SBA at (800) 659-2955 or
disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Each case is different,
borrowers should contact SBA to determine eligibility.

Spaceport Phase One Groundbreaking
On Friday, June 28, staff from Council Member Martin’s office
attended the Spaceport Phase One Groundbreaking at Ellington
Airport. The Phase 1 Expansion is now underway with the
construction of streets, water and wastewater, pipelines,
electrical power and distribution and communications
facilities approved by City Council in October 2018. The
construction is anticipated to be completed by May 2020,
weather permitting. Friday’s Groundbreaking celebration
included comments from Houston Airport System Directo
r Mario Diaz, Rob Lowe with the Federal Aviation
Administration, Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership
President Bob Mitchel, San Jacinto College Chancellor
Dr. Brenda Hellyer, and President & CEO of Intuitive Machines,
Steve Altemus. Council Member Martin looks forward to
the future development of the Houston Spaceport.  

YMCA Grand Reopening
On Tuesday, June 11, District E staff attended the Lake
Houston YMCA Ribbon Cutting and Grand Reopening. This
was a long-awaited event after the Lake Houston YMCA
was devastated by Hurricane Harvey and had to close their
doors for renovation. Council Member Martin was honored
to present a City of Houston Certificate of Special Recognition
to the Lake Houston YMCA for this great achievement. The
Lake Houston YMCA has been a staple in the community for
the past 37 years and we are grateful to have them servicing
the Lake Houston area again.

Community Grant Workshops
Houston Arts Alliance (HAA) will be hosting Community
Grant Workshops in District E in the coming weeks. 

The goal of the HAA introductory grants workshop is to
create a mutual learning environment where HAA will share
information about the City of Houston’s grant programs as
well as learn the needs of the community through this in-
person session.

Residents are encouraged to save the date for the
following District E
workshops: 

Tuesday, July 30 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Freeman Branch Library
16616 Diana Lane, Houston, TX 77062

August 10 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Kingwood Community Center
4102 Rustic Woods, Kingwood TX 77345

Mayor’s Back2School Fest
The Mayor’s Back to School Event 2019 will be Saturday
August 3. This event is designed to help economically
disadvantaged Houston area elementary school students
and their families as they prepare to return to school. With
the help of many great partners and sponsors, backpacks,
school supplies, health screenings, immunizations, and social
service resources are provided to thousands of students,
free of charge. 

Due to limited space and supplies, you must PRE-REGISTER
 to attend this event, by clicking  here.

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

City Wides
July 4CITGO Freedom Over Texas Celebration
July 9Budget and Fiscal Affairs Committee
July 30Budget and Fiscal Affairs Committee
Kingwood 
July 6Kingwood Electronic Waste Recycling
July 10Kingwood Service Association Public Safety Committee
July 11Huffman Drainage Meeting with HCFCD
July 16Dylan Duncan Skatepark Ribbon Cutting
July 16Kingwood PIP
July 22Huffman Quarterly Public Safety Meeting
*Kingwood Super Neighborhood Meetings are in recess until August 21

Southeast Houston/Clear Lake 

July 9Miles Street Reconstruction Public Meeting
July 9Arlington Heights Civic Club Meeting
July 13Clear Lake Electronic Waste Recycling 
July 16Clear Lake PIP
July 20Apollo 11 50th Anniversary Celebration at Space Center Houston
July 25Freeway Manor Civic Club Meeting
July 31Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce General Membership Luncheon                                                                             
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