Tag: Fred Flickinger Newsletter

Monthly Newsletter September 11, 2024 Issue 5

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Monthly Newsletter May 12, 2024 Issue 3

Dear District E Residents,
The flooding that happened in the San Jacinto Watershed and around the Lake Houston area this past weekend was a harsh reminder there is still much that needs to be done to mitigate flooding in our community. The Lake Houston Dam Spillway Improvement Project is my top priority. The additional 11 gates the dam spillway will eventually have would have kept up with the initial round of rainfall that wasn’t forecasted and also allowed us to fully account for the San Jacinto River Authority’s releases at Lake Conroe. The slightest change in the forecast could have meant the difference between the dozens of homes flooded in District E or widespread catastrophic flooding. I can’t express my gratitude enough for all the first responders who worked tireless hours to protect life and property. Thank you to Mayor Whitmire for being in Kingwood and making sure District E had all the necessary resources.

We must take steps now to work together with Montgomery and Liberty County to ensure consistent drainage and detention policies based on Atlas-14 standards. I am working with Houston Public Works, and Coastal Water Authority to evaluate our operations and protocols for how Lake Houston water levels are managed. I am looking forward to working with State Representative Charles Cunningham to address the long-term dredging of Lake Houston and the West & East Forks of the San Jacinto River. I firmly believe the dredging completed since Harvey spearheaded by my predecessor, Dave Martin, made a critical difference in how many homes it protected from flooding. We must remain steadfast in our pursuit of mitigating flooding in District E and Houston as a whole.

Thank you to Congressman Dan Crenshaw, State Representative Charles Cunningham, Harris County Commissioner Tom Ramsey, and Dr. Tina Peterson at Harris County Flood Control. Special thank you to Mark Micheletti who serves as the downstream representative on the San Jacinto River Authority Board, Bob Rehak, and Kaaren Cambio who helps keep the community informed.

It’s that time of year again and the City of Houston Budget process is getting underway later this month with Department Budget Workshops, on May 15 – 16, 20 – 23, and 28. The full schedule is posted online here. All workshops will be held in-person and broadcast online utilizing HTV Houston, public speakers will be permitted to participate virtually. To sign up as a public speaker for our upcoming budget workshops you may do so here. Mayor Whitmire will release the proposed budget on Tuesday, May 14, and the City Council will begin hearing budget presentations from departments the next day, Wednesday, May 15. A public hearing on the city’s budget will be held Wednesday, May 29, and the budget vote will take place Wednesday, June 12. At-Large 5 Council Member, Sallie Alcorn, as the Chair of the Budget & Fiscal Affairs Committee, has kicked off the budget discussion with a resident survey and it is important that we hear from you. I encourage you to participate in Council Member Alcorn’s “Give Us Your 2¢”, City of Houston budget survey. I will work hard alongside my colleagues to make fiscally conservative decisions regarding the City’s finances and fight for District E infrastructure improvements, flood mitigation, and public safety initiatives.
Sincerely,

May Flood Recovery Effort: Reporting Storm Debris and Structural Flooding

The City of Houston Solid Waste Department (SWD) will begin storm debris collection this week. All debris should be placed between the sidewalk and the street, or it will not be collected. If you don’t have a sidewalk, ditch, or utility line in front of your home, place debris at the edge of your property before the curb. Do not stack or lean debris on trees, fire hydrants, or other structures. Please remember to separate your debris into the following six categories: Normal Household Trash: Normal household trash and bagged debris of any kind will not be picked up as part of this program. Continue to follow your normal garbage removal schedule. Vegetative Debris: leaves (not in bags), logs, plants & tree branches Construction & Demolition Debris: building materials, carpet, drywall, furniture, lumber, mattresses, and plumbing Appliances & White Goods: air conditioners, dishwashers, freezers, refrigerators, etc. Electronics: computers, radios, televisions, and other devices with cords Household Hazardous waste: cleaning supplies, batteries, lawn chemicals, oils, paints & stains, and pesticides

Lake Houston Dam Spillway Improvement Project Status Update

During the May 8th Council Meeting, Houston City Council unanimously approved accepting funds appropriated during the 88th Legislative Session for the addition of gates on the Lake Houston Dam Spillway. The Lake Houston Dam Spillway Improvement Project was approved for funding by FEMA until 2019. The age of the Lake Houston Dam Spillway, built in 1953, proved a huge obstacle for this project as it continued to move forward. Originally, six different alternatives of the project were proposed. Another factor complicating the project was the cost variations between alternatives as project costs were outside of the initial federally funded amount, $48 million. The City of Houston worked diligently with the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) and FEMA to find the option with the highest benefit-to-cost ratio (BCR). In December of 2022, the revised BCR completed by the City’s consultant for an eleven-gate structure was deemed federally compliant and very favorable. The eleven gates will be built into the existing embankment on the east side of the Lake Houston Dam Spillway. Building the new gate structure in the east embankment removes the high-construction risk of modifying the existing gate structure and allows continued use of the existing gate structure during construction. Each gate will be 20 ft x 20 ft and will be capable of releasing a total of 79,000 cubic feet of water per second. The current timeline is to have the final design and construction plans completed by Q1 2025, bid and award the contract for construction in Q2/Q3 of 2025, and begin construction by Q4 2025/Q1 2026. The District E office continues to sit on bi-weekly coordination meetings for this project. All parties are committed to constructing these additional gates to ensure protection against future flood events.   Many thanks to U.S. Congressman Dan Crenshaw, U.S. Congressman’s District Director Kaaren Cambio, Governor Greg Abbott, Lt. Governor Dan Patrick, State Senator Brandon Creighton, State Senator Joan Huffman, Speaker Dade Phelan, State Representative Charles Cunningham, State Representative/House Appropriations Chair Greg Bonnen, State Representative Armando Walle, TDEM-Chief Nim Kidd, Harris County Commissioner Tom Ramsey, Montgomery County Judge Mark Keough, Montgomery County Commissioner Matt Gray, City of Houston Mayor John Whitmire, City of Houston Chief Recovery Officer Stephen Costello, City of Humble Mayor Norman Funderburk, Humble City Manager Jason Stuebe and Harris County Flood Control District. Special thank you to former Council Member Dave Martin and former State Representative Dan Huberty.

Lake Houston Dam Spillway Tainter Gate Stuck

On Wednesday, May 1st the District E Office was informed one of the two tainter gates was stuck partially open due to a broken chain. The Lake Houston Dam Spillway has two tainter gates and two flashboards. Each tainter gate releases 4,000 cfs and each flashboard releases 1,000 cfs for a total of 10,000 cfs. When the lake level reaches 43.4 ft. (1 ft over normal pool) the vast majority of the water flow goes over the spillway not through the gates. For reference, at the peak of Lake Houston’s outflows, water was flowing out of the lake at 185,000 cfs. With that being said, every ounce of water the City of Houston/Coastal Water Authority can move through the Lake Houston Dam Spillway matters. The other tainter gate and flashboard gates will not be closed until a repair is completed on the other tainter gate. Coastal Water Authority has stated they should be able to fix the broken chain in 2-3 days once the lake level gets back down to 42.4 ft. (normal pool) and the weather can stay dry for a few days. Updates will be provided on this matter as they are available. The video below is drone footage taken late in the afternoon on Friday, May 3 showing the amount of water being discharged over the spillway and through the gates.

Pearl Hall Elementary SPARK Park Dedication

Council Member Flickinger had the privilege of attending the dedication for the Pearl Hall Elementary SPARK Park. The SPARK School Park Program works with schools and neighborhoods to develop community parks on public school grounds. The school staff and students put together an excellent program celebrating the dedication of the SPARK Park. Council Member Flickinger provided $10,000 out of Council District Service Funds to help fund the park. This SPARK Park was possible thanks to Pasadena ISD, Pearl Hall Elementary, Council Member Flickinger, Kinder Foundation, Houston Endowment, Cullen, the Brown Foundation, and many others. The SPARK Park at Pearl Hall helps fulfill a goal of city/county residents having a ten-minute or half-mile walk to a park. The total cost for the SPARK Park was $224,000.

BARC Expanding Stray Animal Intake with Limited Hours Every Sunday

BARC, the City of Houston’s Animal Shelter and Adoption Center, will expand intake on Sundays from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm for Houstonians with a stray animal.  During this time on Sundays, residents who want to turn in a stray animal will not need to schedule an intake appointment online and may turn in a stray animal on a first-come, first-served basis, until shelter capacity is reached.  Residents wishing to surrender owned pets will still be required to schedule an intake appointment online and will not be eligible to turn in an animal during non-appointment hours.  In Texas, abandoning an animal is specifically addressed under the cruelty to non-livestock animals. For cruelty convictions involving abandoning an animal, the defendant will be punished with a Class A misdemeanor, which may include a fine up to $4,000, jail time up to a year, or both. If the conviction is a third offense, the state may punish the defendant with a state jail felony. Under Texas law, a state jail felony may include jail time ranging from 180 days to 2 years and a fine up to $10,000. Visit www.houstonbarc.com or www.Facebook.com/BARCHouston for more information.

National Foster Care Month

May is more than just spring blooms and sunny days; it’s National Pet Foster Care Month, a time dedicated to recognizing the unsung heroes who open their hearts and homes to animals in need. Every day at BARC, compassionate individuals step up to provide temporary shelter, love, and care to pets awaiting their forever homes. This month, let’s celebrate these remarkable fosters and their invaluable contribution to the safety and well-being of our furry friends. Thank you, foster caregivers, for your unwavering commitment to making a difference, one paw at a time. Visit www.houstonbarc.com or www.Facebook.com/BARCHouston for more information.

World Migratory Bird Day at Sylvan Rodriguez Park

Yesterday, May 11, volunteers and bird enthusiasts came together at Sylvan Rodriguez Park for World Migratory Bird Day and the planting of native vegetation. Volunteers planted native flora to protect migratory bird habitats in record numbers. The volunteers’ dedication was inspiring, and their work will benefit the park’s ecosystem for years to come. World Migratory Bird Day at Sylvan Rodriguez Park was well attended by families, birdwatchers, and nature lovers participating in various events. The day was full of instructive events, from avian conservation workshops to immersive birding tours of these amazing travelers. The World Migratory Bird Day festivities and volunteer planting efforts showed the importance of protecting natural habitats for migratory birds. Thank you to the Houston Parks & Recreation Department and the Houston Audubon Society for ensuring the day’s events were successful. Celebrating World Migratory Bird Day is a part of what makes Houston a certified Bird City. Read more about our certification here.

State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry

Do you or anyone you know need some assistance during times of an emergency event? The State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry (STEAR) program is a free registry that provides local emergency planners and emergency responders with additional information on the needs in their community. Texas communities use the registry information in different ways. Registering yourself in the STEAR registry DOES NOT guarantee that you will receive a specific service during an emergency. Available services will vary by community. For more information on how your community will use information in the STEAR registry, contact your local emergency management office or visit https://www.tdem.texas.gov/response/state-of-texas-emergency-assistance-registry.

Comcast RISE

Comcast RISE is committed to supporting the growth of all small businesses as well as community investment. The program is built to help businesses and their communities thrive with a focus on economic growth. This year, Comcast RISE will award 500 recipients in five cities with a grant package that includes business consultation services, education resources, monetary grants, creative production, media, and technology makeovers.  Comcast RISE was created in 2020 to help small businesses hard hit by Covid-19 recover and thrive. To date, 13,500 small businesses have been awarded over $125 million in monetary, marketing, and technology grants. Comcast RISE is one of several programs that Comcast has overseen as part of Project UP aimed at closing the digital divide and achieving digital equity. The application period is May 1-31,2024. The grants will be awarded in August 2024. You can find more information and the online application at www.ComcastRISE.com.

Report a Streetlight Outage

CenterPoint Energy maintains streetlights throughout District E and the City of Houston. If you notice a streetlight out in your area, please click on the link below to report a streetlight outage. You will be asked to provide:​​ – a pole number (or nearby address) for the non-functioning lights you want to report – contact information (in case more information is needed to locate a streetlight) – an e-mail address (if you want feedback regarding your repair request) – the number of streetlights you would like to report​ The system will guide you through the remaining steps. To report a streetlight outage using the interactive map, click here. Report general power outages by calling 713-207-2222 or toll-free 800-332-7143.

Utilizing 3-1-1 to Report Issues

Residents may act as extra eyes and ears on the streets, and soon you’ll be able to report a pothole, a malfunctioning traffic light, or a drainage problem while you’re out and about. Houston 311 has launched a new smartphone app that makes reporting issues like these easier than ever. The app uses GPS to identify your location and also allows you to snap a photo to add to your service request. The new app allows for reports to be automatically routed to city departments for resolutions. You can still alert the City of Houston of issues by dialing 3-1-1 or 713-837-0311 of potential problems in your community. Houstonians can also access this helpful service via an e-mail to 311@HoustonTX.gov. A self Service Request (SR) form is available online at www.houston311.org. Once you’ve reported a problem please follow up with the District E office by emailing your case number and information on the issue to the District E office at districte@houstontx.gov to help ensure the problem is addressed promptly.

District E Upcoming Monthly Events

Email the District E office (districte@houstontx.gov) if you would like us to include your upcoming event in future newsletters! May 15 – Kingwood Super Neighborhood Council (Zoom) May 15 – Budget Workshops (5 year Forecast, Finance, Library, DON) May 16 – Budget Workshops (General Services, HITS, HPW) May 20 – Budget Workshops (Controller’s Office, ARA, Fleet, HR) May 21 – Budget Workshops (Houston Airports, Housing, Planning Dept) May 20 – HPD-Eastside Positive Interaction Program Meeting May 21 – HPD-Kingwood Positive Interaction Program Meeting May 21 – HPD-Clearlake Positive Interaction Program Meeting May 22 – Budget Workshops (Health Dept, Solid Waste, Municipal Courts, HPARD )May 23 – Budget Workshops (OBO, City Council, Mayor’s Office, HFD) May 28 – Budget Workshops (Legal Dept, HPD)

See a pothole, report it by calling (713) 837-0311

Tune to HTV Houston to watch live and recorded City Council and Committee Meetings.

District E Office Council Member Fred Flickinger 900 Bagby, First Floor Houston, TX 77002 Email: districte@houstontx.gov Phone: (832) 393-3008 The District E Team Dustin Hodges Chief of Staff Mark Mitchell Deputy Chief of Staff Demari Perez North Sector Manager City Resources Kingwood Community Center (281) 348-2570 Houston 311 (713) 837-0311 City of Houston Solid Waste Department City of Houston Office of Emergency Management Community Resources  Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce  South Belt-Ellington Chamber of Commerce  Partnership Lake Houston  Kingwood Service Association  Kingwood Super Neighborhood Council

Monthly Newsletter April 5, 2024 Issue 2  Dear District E Residents, Yesterday, Mayor Whitmire announced significant changes to how the city charges customers for water use to restore transparency and trust in the system. Over the past year, we have heard from many residents regarding inaccurate water bills. In 2023, changes were made to city ordinance to address the concerns, but these policy changes were insufficient. Starting April 1, 2024, single-family residential customers will have set usage calculated, which will be reflected in their May bill. This set usage will provide customers with consistent water bills while Houston Public Works (HPW) makes necessary improvements to ensure the accuracy of future monthly water usage readings: Customers’ set usage will be calculated as the average monthly water consumption, available on your account, using up to 36 months of data. More info on this here. The calculation will NOT include charges during the City’s drought or freeze, water leaks on a customer’s property, or charges for zero or estimated bills. This set usage will prevent surprises in water bills, as the city works to accelerate the replacement of failed remote meter reading devices. If customers are using less water than their set usage and have a working remote read device, they will be billed for their actual usage. If customers are using less water than their set usage and do not have a working remote read device they will receive a credit for the difference between their actual usage and set usage once their remote read device has been replaced. Single-family residential customers will continue to receive a set usage bill until an upgraded remote reading device is installed on their property or the accuracy of the current remote reading device is verified. The city expects to install approximately 125,000 remote reading devices throughout Houston beginning immediately and will fast-track the replacement of failed devices. Customers with an upgraded, working remote reading device will transition to a water bill reflecting their actual usage as early as August 2024. These customers will receive a notice 60 days before their bill is transitioned to the new billing format. The primary issue causing high and often inaccurate water bills is failing water meter remote read devices. A failing transmitter does not affect your water meter’s ability to accurately measure consumption, but it does affect the ability to accurately transmit consumption information. The City currently has 125,000 failing devices with the capacity to read only 40,000 meters manually each month. This has necessitated estimated bills, calculated using an outdated algorithm. The city started the effort to replace end-of-life remote read devices in 2019 and so far, 85,000 devices have been replaced. Replacement efforts were stalled during the pandemic when the chip shortage slowed technology procurement globally. Throughout the rest of the year, HPW will redirect meter-reading resources and add contractors to accelerate the remote read device replacement efforts, to replace the 125,000 devices that have already failed by the end of the year. Customers who are in queue to have their failing remote read device replaced will receive a notice once their device has been upgraded and tested. After confirmation of a working device, customers will receive a 60-day notice before they are converted back to actual billing. In addition, HPW is working on several changes and upgrades to the water billing system to ensure a holistic approach to tackling the various issues, including:Expand in-person customer service availability. Customers can now schedule in-person appointments to ask questions about their bill. These appointments will take place on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays between 10 am – 3 pm at 4200 Leeland (Houston Public Works Water Customer Service Office). There is also a virtual Microsoft Teams option. Customers can schedule appointments at houstonwaterbills.org or by calling 713.371.1400.Employ new quality control measures to alert to possible inaccurate bills and easy resolution process for disputed bills.Streamline relief requests into one centralized form.Redesign the utility bill to make it easier for customers to understand.Amend confusing city ordinances that bureaucratize water billing customer service.Develop a leak detection feature for private water lines to notify single-family residential customers of leaks on their property.Implement triggers to pause the auto-draft payment of a customer’s bill when it exceeds a certain threshold. More information about this program can be found at improvewaterbills.org, including how to update your contact information to receive alerts about changes to your billing. If you have questions about this program, please reach out to the HPW contact center at (713) 371-1400 between 8:00 am and 7:00 pm Monday through Friday or email improvewaterbills@houstontx.gov. I believe these changes represent a meticulous and careful approach to the issues that have plagued residents over the last few years. I look forward to seeing how these changes positively impact residents and if anyone experiences any issues please don’t hesitate to contact my office. Sincerely, The District E Office Council Member Fred Flickinger 900 Bagby, First Floor Houston, TX 77002 Email: districte@houstontx.gov Phone: (832) 393-3008 The District E Team Dustin Hodges Chief of Staff Mark Mitchell Deputy Chief of Staff Demari Perez North Sector Manager City Resources Kingwood Community Center(281) 348-2570 Houston 311 (713) 837-0311  City of Houston Solid Waste Department  City of Houston Office of Emergency Management Community Resources  Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce South Belt-Ellington Chamber of Commerce   Partnership Lake Houston   Kingwood Service Association  Kingwood Super Neighborhood Council    Mark Mitchell, Deputy Chief of Staff The District E office welcomes back our newest team member, Mark Mitchell, who is now the Deputy Chief of Staff for District E. Mark is a lifelong Houstonian; he was born and raised in the South Belt-Ellington area. He graduated from Texas A&M at Galveston with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Marine Biology. Mark previously spent time in the District E office as the South Sector Manager. He then left to join the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership where he was a Marketing Manager, and Program Manager for the Space Alliance Technology Outreach Program. Mark is looking forward to picking up where he left off serving his community as a member of the District E Team. We’re happy to have him back! Tree Lane Bridge Rehabilitation Project Council Member Fred Flickinger would like to make Kingwood area residents aware that Houston Public Works will begin the Tree Lane Bridge Rehabilitation Project beginning Monday, April 8, 2024, and scheduled to conclude Monday, September 9, 2024, weather permitting. The scope of work includes repairs to the Ben’s Branch channel and columns of the bridge, ensuring that the structural integrity of the bridge is bolstered to withstand potential scour/erosion challenges. The project cost is $909,000 and is funded by the dedicated drainage and street renewal fund. The rehabilitation project is a necessary response to the rip rap failures under the bridge, which have resulted in severe scour/erosion, posing potential risks to access and safety. Furthermore, the channel condition under the bridge has been identified as a significant contributor to the flooding of Ben’s Branch natural stream, emphasizing the urgency of implementing immediate improvements for flood prevention and protection. 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 as the project will require one lane closure at times. Businesses and residents will have access to driveways and sidewalks at all times and may experience an increase in noise levels due to trucks and equipment in the area. Texas Lyceum 2024 Public Conference Mission Control: Texas’ Leadership in Space, Technology, and Innovation Council Member Flickinger and District E staff attended the 2024 Texas Lyceum Public Conference along with attendees from across the state. At the conference Texas elected officials and Aerospace Industry leaders gathered to discuss Texas’ leadership role in the development of the Lower Earth Orbit (LEO) economy, advancements in the Aerospace Sector, and the growth of the Texas Aerospace Industry Workforce. In the second half of the conference, attendees had the opportunity to visit the Houston Spaceport, Space Center Houston, and NASA Johnson Space Center. For more information about the Texas Lyceum Public Conference please click HERE.  Partnership Lake Houston’s Kingwood Bizcom Council Member Flickinger was honored to attend the highly anticipated Kingwood BizCom event on February 22nd. It was an exceptional gathering, where a diverse range of businesses, community members, and school officials united to address the specific needs of Kingwood. The event featured distinguished speakers who brought their expertise and insights to the table. Among them, the notable presence of Congressman Dan Crenshaw added immense significance. Congressman Crenshaw, known for his leadership and dedication, shared his vision for the community’s progress and inspired all in attendance. Additionally, Council Member Fred Flickinger, actively contributed to the event. His valuable perspective on community development and ongoing progress resonated with the participants, further reinforcing his commitment to Kingwood. The Kingwood BizCom event provided an invaluable platform to foster collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and community engagement. The contributions of Wes Soloman, Devon Alexander, Desirae Perry, and Billy Beattie further enriched the discussions, addressing various aspects of importance to Kingwood. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to all the speakers and attendees for their active participation and dedication to the betterment of Kingwood. Together, we can continue building a thriving community. Greater Houston Partnership’s Future of Texas In February, Council Member Flickinger joined Council Members Twila Carter and Joaquin Martinez as a featured speaker on a panel for the Greater Houston Partnership’s Future of Texas series. This series was specifically designed for government relations, public affairs professionals, and concerned citizens who are passionate about shaping the future of our great state. During the event, Council Members Flickinger, Carter, and Martinez delved into the most pressing issues facing the city and shared their plans and priorities for their first term in office. This panel discussion provided a unique opportunity for Greater Houston Partnership members to engage with leaders, gain valuable insights, and actively participate in shaping the future of our city and state. We hope that those who had the opportunity to attend found it informative. NASA Johnson Space Center Exploration Park NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC) announced the plans to develop 240-acres of land at JSC, named Exploration Park, with the Texas A&M University System as the first tenant. Texas A&M University plans to construct a facility to enable human spaceflight research and development, the Texas A&M Space Institute. The American Center for Manufacturing & Innovation (ACMI) was the second tenant to be announced. ACMI will help build out commercial and defense facilities aimed at space exploration, manufacturing and advancing similar technology at the unused land just outside the fence of Johnson Space Center. The development will be a Space Systems Campus. The goal is for the site to be an applied research facility that partners several different kinds of agencies, from academia to the government. Freeway Manor Civic Club MeetingCouncil Member Flickinger had the pleasure of attending Freeway Manor Civic Club’s March meeting. The primary topic on the agenda was the ongoing issues with illegal dumping and squatters in homes in the Freeway Manor, Sun Valley Terrace, and Gulfway Terrace neighborhoods. Also in attendance was HPD Chief Finner, Executive Assistant Chief Larry Satterwhite, Assistant Chief Adrian Rodriguez, HPD-Clear Lake Commander Claudia Cruz, and Constable Precinct 2 Jerry Garcia. Council Member Flickinger had the opportunity to take a tour of the community with a group of leaders the day before to see the issues firsthand. Thank you to residents who are leading on these issues and to HPD and Constable Jerry Garcia for their commitment to resolving them. Kingwood Battery, Oil, Paint, and Antifreeze Event Bear Branch Elementary Tree Planting Council Member Flickinger was excited to participate in the Bear Branch Elementary Tree Planting event. The event was a collaborative effort by the phenomenal 3rd-grade teacher teams at Bear Branch Elementary, Trees for Kingwood, Jesse Jones Park, and Apache Corporation. The 3rd-grade students were taught about the importance of planting and taking care of trees, and the long-term effects it has on our environment. Through this educational collaboration, an impressive total of 232 trees were grown to be planted in the community. This event provided a hands-on learning experience for the students and highlighted the significance of environmental stewardship within the community. By planting these trees, the students are directly contributing to the beautification and sustainability of the Livable Forest. The dedication and efforts of the 3rd-grade teacher team at Bear Branch Elementary, their enthusiastic students, Trees for Kingwood, Jesse Jones Park, and Apache Corporation for organizing such a meaningful and impactful event. Report a Streetlight Outage CenterPoint Energy maintains streetlights throughout District E and the City of Houston. If you notice a streetlight out in your area, please click on the link below to report a streetlight outage.You will be asked to provide:​​a pole number (or nearby address) for the non-functioning lights you want to reportcontact information (in case more information is needed to locate a streetlight)an e-mail address (if you want feedback regarding your repair request)the number of streetlights you would like to report​The system will guide you through the remaining steps. To report a streetlight outage using the interactive map, click here.Report general power outages by calling 713-207-2222 or toll-free 800-332-7143. Utilizing 3-1-1 to Report Issues Residents may act as extra eyes and ears on the streets, and soon you’ll be able to report a pothole, a malfunctioning traffic light, or a drainage problem while you’re out and about. Houston 311 has launched a new smartphone app that makes reporting issues like these easier than ever. The app uses GPS to identify your location and also allows you to snap a photo to add to your service request. The new app allows for reports to be automatically routed to city departments for resolutions. You can still alert the City of Houston of issues by dialing 3-1-1 or 713-837-0311 of potential problems in your community. Houstonians can also access this helpful service via an e-mail to 311@HoustonTX.gov. A self Service Request (SR) form is available online at www.houston311.org. Once you’ve reported a problem please follow up with the District E office by emailing your case number and information on the issue to the District E office at districte@houstontx.gov to help ensure the problem is addressed promptly. District E Electronic Recycling Events NORTH SECTOR RESIDENTS SOUTH SECTOR RESIDENTS District E Upcoming Monthly Event Email the District E office (districte@houstontx.gov) if you would like us to include your upcoming event in future newsletters! April 10 – Association Clear Lake Communities Monthly Meeting (Zoom) April 12 – Community Response Task Force Monthly Meeting April 15 – HPD-Eastside Positive Interaction Program Meeting April 16 – HPD-Kingwood Positive Interaction Program Meeting April 16 – HPD-Clearlake Positive Interaction Program Meeting April 17 – Kingwood Super Neighborhood Council (Zoom) April 25 – BAHEP General Membership MeetingApril 27 – Kingwood Battery, Oil, Paint, and Antifreeze (BOPA) See a pothole, report it by calling (713) 837-0311 Tune to HTV Houston to watch live and recorded City Council and Committee Meetings.

Monthly Newsletter February 12, 2024 Issue 1  Dear District E Residents, I am honored to have the opportunity to serve as the new Houston City Council Member for District E and represent every community across the district. As I begin my term, I would like to share a few areas of focus that I believe are of utmost importance to our community’s well-being and growth. First and foremost, public safety is a top priority for me. It is crucial that we all feel secure and protected in our homes and neighborhoods. I am committed to working closely with our Houston Police Department Divisions to ensure they have the resources and support they need to keep our community safe. I plan to utilize my Council District Service Funds to supplement the District E HPD Divisions’ efforts to keep us safe. Together, we can foster strong relationships with law enforcement and implement proactive strategies to prevent crime and create a sense of security. Additionally, as many of you are aware, our community has experienced its fair share of challenges when it comes to flooding. Addressing flood mitigation is a critical task that requires immediate attention. I will continue the strong work put forth by Council Member Dave Martin and work diligently with Houston Public Works, Harris County Flood Control District, and Harris County among other experts to implement comprehensive measures that effectively manage and mitigate flooding risks. We must invest in infrastructure and projects that will safeguard our homes and businesses from future flood events. This includes the Lake Houston Spillway Dam Improvement Project, dredging Lake Houston, and continued funding for local drainage projects. Lastly, infrastructure improvements are vital for the growth and prosperity of any community. Our roads, bridges, water systems, and utilities play a crucial role in enhancing our quality of life. I am committed to collaborating with my fellow council members and seeking innovative solutions to improve our community’s infrastructure. By focusing on targeted investments and strategic planning, we can ensure our transportation systems are efficient, our utilities are reliable, and our community remains accessible to all. I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to our community’s continued success, and I am committed to representing your interests and concerns. As your council member, I encourage you to reach out to me with any questions, ideas, or suggestions you may have. Together, we can make a significant and lasting impact on the issues that matter most to us. Thank you for placing your trust in me, and I am excited to work with each and every one of you to create a safer, more resilient, and better-connected community. Sincerely, The District E Office Council Member Fred Flickinger 900 Bagby, First Floor Houston, TX 77002 Email: districte@houstontx.gov Phone: (832) 393-3008 The District E Team Dustin Hodges,Chief of Staff Demari Perez,North Sector Manager Yasmine Perez,South Sector Manager City Resources Kingwood Community Center(281) 348-2570 Houston 311 (713) 837-0311  City of Houston Solid Waste Department  City of Houston Office of Emergency Management Community Resources  Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce South Belt-Ellington Chamber of Commerce   Partnership Lake Houston   Kingwood Service Association  Kingwood Super Neighborhood Council Dustin Hodges, Chief of Staff Dustin Hodges serves as the Chief of Staff for District E Council Member Fred Flickinger. He has worked on the District E staff since 2020. Dustin graduated from Texas Tech University in 2012 with a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology. In 2018, he graduated from the George Bush School of Government & Public Service at Texas A&M University with his Master’s degree in Public Service and Administration. Before pursuing his Master’s degree, Dustin spent nearly 5 years working for his hometown of Bay City as the City’s Public Information Officer and Chief of Staff to the Mayor. During his time with the City of Bay City, he served as Education Chair of the Matagorda Local Emergency Planning Committee, Chairman of the City’s Charter Review Commission, and was an active member of the Bay City Lions Club. After graduating with his Masters, Dustin and his wife, Meghan, moved to Houston to start their family. They have two amazing children Mallory (3) and Deacon (2). They enjoy trips to the park with their dog Finley, road-tripping around Texas, and exploring all the great things Houston has to offer. Demari Perez, North Sector Manager Demari Perez is a native born Houstonian of Cuban and Mexican descent and grew up valuing the importance of hard work and community involvement. In 2020, she began attending the University of Houston to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science with a minor in Integrated Communications. She will graduate from the University on May, 9th 2024. In addition to her academic pursuits, Demari has also gained practical experience in local politics. She worked in the District E office with Mayor Pro Tem Dave Martin as his executive assistant, where she learned the ins and outs of local government and developed a deep appreciation for the importance of constituent services. As she transitions into the role of Council Member Flickinger’s North Sector Manager, she will be responsible for working with residents and community leaders to address concerns and implement initiatives that improve the quality of life in District E. Demari plans to continue her work in local politics after graduation, and hopes to make a positive impact in Houston and beyond. She is committed to serving the constituents of District E and empowering individuals and communities to make their voices heard. Yasmine Perez, South Sector Manager Yasmine Perez is a proud native Houstonian who has deep roots in our vibrant city. She recently graduated from the esteemed University of Houston, where she obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology with a minor in Political Science. Her academic accomplishments reflect her commitment to gaining a comprehensive understanding of the human mind and the inner workings of our political system. Before joining our team, Yasmine had the unique privilege of working closely with Mayor Pro Tem Martin as his Administrative Assistant during his last year in office. This invaluable experience allowed her to witness firsthand the intricacies of local politics and sharpen her skills in navigating the multifaceted landscape of municipal governance. Her time alongside Mayor Pro Tem Martin only deepened her dedication to making a positive impact on our community and spurred her aspiration to continue her professional journey in local politics. Yasmine spiritedly anticipates utilizing her knowledge for the southern portion of District E to ensure cohesion, safety, and improvements for the community.2024 Quasar Award BanquetWe are delighted to share the highlights of Council Member Flickinger’s attendance at the prestigious 2024 BAHEP Quasar awards ceremony, which took place on Friday, January 26th at the elegant South Shore Harbour Resort and Conference Center. This event was graced by the presence of esteemed guests, including Mayor Whitmire and Council Members Alcorn, Ramirez, and Kamin, who all recognized and commended the exceptional work being done by BAHEP for the City of Houston. On behalf of the District E office, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to this year’s well-deserved Quasar award recipient, Space Center Houston CEO William Harris. Mr. Harris’ remarkable leadership and vision have propelled Space Center Houston to new heights, resulting in a staggering annual economic impact of $118.7 million to our area. This achievement not only serves as a testament to Mr. Harris’ exceptional capabilities but also underscores the incredible opportunities and economic growth that can arise from strategic partnerships within our district. We are immensely grateful to have such remarkable partners like BAHEP, who consistently work towards the betterment of our community. Their tireless efforts in promoting economic development and fostering collaboration between various stakeholders are priceless. Events like the Quasar awards provide a platform to recognize and celebrate the exemplary achievements of individuals and organizations who contribute significantly to the prosperity of Houston. City of Houston’s 38th Annual Arbor Day The District E office is pleased to report that our community’s Arbor Day celebration on Saturday, January 27th at Wilson Memorial Park was a great success. The District E office was thrilled to have the esteemed presence of Council Member Alcorn, as well as the incredible turnout of dedicated volunteers who made this event truly remarkable. Our gratitude goes out to Director Allen and the entire parks department for their unwavering commitment and tireless efforts in planning and executing a memorable Arbor Day celebration. Their dedication ensured that every aspect of the event was meticulously organized and flawlessly executed, leaving a lasting impact on our community. Furthermore, we must extend a heartfelt thank you to our esteemed sponsors, Apache Corporation, Accenture, and the Texas A&M Forest Service, whose generous support made this event possible. Their commitment to the preservation of our environment and the importance of tree planting is truly commendable. Their contributions enabled us to create a vibrant and engaging experience for all attendees, fostering a sense of unity and connection to our natural surroundings. We would also like to express our sincere appreciation to all the volunteers who braved the cold and wet weather to come out and plant trees. Your commitment to the betterment of our community is truly inspiring. It is thanks to your hard work and dedication that we were able to plant a substantial number of trees, leaving a lasting impact on our environment and beautifying our beloved parks for years to come. The success of our Arbor Day celebration serves as a testament to the strength and resilience of our community. It is occasions like these that remind us of the power of unity and collaboration in creating positive change. We are incredibly proud to serve a community where individuals come together to make a tangible difference.Kingwood Place Village Drainage Improvement ProjectOn Friday, January 26, crews were mobilized on-site to begin the storm sewer rehabilitation project with an estimated completion of Monday, April 29th, weather permitting. The scope of work includes upsizing storm sewer lines and adding additional inlets along Ladbrook Drive, Ridgeway Trail, and Ridgeway Park Drive. The cost of the project is $1.2 million and is funded through the Dedicated Drainage and Street Renewal Fund. Construction activities are expected to take place from 7:00 A.M. – 7:00 P.M., Monday through Friday. Residents should be aware of possible lane closures and delays when traveling through this area. As a result of the construction activities, please be aware of flagmen and orange traffic cones that will be used to help with traffic flow through the construction zone. 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. Patience is appreciated as City crews work in this area. Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce General Membership Luncheon: Orion Program Status The District E office is excited to share a recap of the recent Annual Membership Luncheon hosted by the Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce. The District E office had the pleasure of attending this event, which took place at the picturesque Lakewood Yacht Club. The highlight of the luncheon was an engaging talk delivered by none other than Debbie Korth, the Orion Deputy Program Manager for NASA’s Johnson Space Center, who provided a comprehensive update on the Orion Program Status. During her presentation, Mrs. Korth enlightened the audience with insightful information about NASA’s spacecraft designed for deep space exploration. The crowd was captivated as she delved into the fascinating details of Artemis II, a pivotal mission in the ongoing efforts to explore distant realms. Through her meticulous timeline presentation, Mrs. Korth shed light on the upcoming missions in store for the years to come, painting a vivid picture of the future of space exploration. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Mrs. Korth for gracing us with her presence and sharing her extensive knowledge and expertise. Her passion for the Orion Program was evident as she effortlessly conveyed the intricacies of NASA’s ambitious endeavors. We are incredibly fortunate to have such remarkable individuals dedicated to pushing the boundaries of human exploration right here in our community. We would also like to express our sincere appreciation to the Clear Lake Chamber of Commerce for their exceptional coordination of this luncheon. Their commitment to fostering connections between the business community and government entities is commendable, and events like this provide invaluable opportunities for dialogues that shape the future development of our district.Lake Houston Dredging UpdateCouncil Member Flickinger wants to make Lake Houston area residents aware the City’s contractor for dredging, DRC, will begin dredging the area south of the West Fork-Mouth Bar this month. DRC is estimated to remove approximately 800,000 cubic yards of silt and sediment. The removal will take two years and DRC will utilize primarily hydraulic dredging. The additional dredging in this area is funded by FEMA and is the result of Council Member Dave Martin and Chief Recovery Officer Stephen Costello’s tireless efforts in protesting the initial amount put forth by FEMA back in 2019. In August 2020, FEMA, through their technical consultant at the USACE, concurred with the City’s ninety-four-page technical report. Council Member Martin strongly disagreed with the USACE’s four-page tabletop study and continued to appeal and push forward to get the project he knew the Lake Houston Area deserved. The District E Office has been consistent in the fight to get more for District E residents since Hurricane Harvey and will continue to push for meaningful projects that will reduce the risk of future flooding throughout District E. Council Member Flickinger looks forward to the completion of the planned projects and continued collaboration with local representatives. Northpark Drive Overpass Project Update Construction on the drainage components of the Northpark Drive Overpass Project continues to move along. Utility conflicts preventing the final box culverts to be installed will soon be completed. Once the water and gas line conflicts are resolved the contractor will be able to finish the installation of the box culverts in the median. Over the last few weeks, the contractor, Harper Bros., has started to build the new outfall and clear and grub the drainage ditch behind Public Storage. In order to remove extra stormwater that builds up in the detention basins near the Hwy 59/69 Northpark Drive entry, the ditch will serve as an alternate route. The drainage ditch runs parallel to Northpark Drive behind the businesses on the north side of the street. Harper Bros. will also continue the excavation of the detention basins. The Landscape architects have finished relocating the remaining trees on the right/south side of Northpark to create a backdrop for the new ponds. While some trees will remain in front of the pond. Planning for Phase II of the project (east of the Kingwood Diversion Ditch) has begun. Lake Houston Redevelopment Authority/TIRZ 10 will hold two public meetings. The first public meeting is scheduled for March 7, 2024, at the Kingwood Community Center from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM to discuss Phase II and solicit input from other groups and residents. As a reminder, the next TIRZ Board meeting will be held on Thursday, March 14th at 8:00 AM at the Kingwood Community Center. Every TIRZ Board meeting is open to the public. Visit the LHRA website for more information on the Northpark Drive Overpass Project and view the 2024 Board of Directors Calendar. Report a Streetlight Outage CenterPoint Energy maintains streetlights throughout District E and the City of Houston. If you notice a streetlight out in your area, please click on the link below to report a streetlight outage. You will be asked to provide:​​ -a pole number (or nearby address) for the non-functioning lights you want to report -contact information (in case more information is needed to locate a streetlight) -an e-mail address (if you want feedback regarding your repair request) -the number of streetlights you would like to report​ The system will guide you through the remaining steps. To report a streetlight outage using the interactive map, click here. Report general power outages by calling 713-207-2222 or toll-free 800-332-7143. Utilizing 3-1-1 to Report Issues Residents may act as extra eyes and ears on the streets, and soon you’ll be able to report a pothole, a malfunctioning traffic light, or a drainage problem while you’re out and about. Houston 311 has launched a new smartphone app that makes reporting issues like these easier than ever. The app uses GPS to identify your location and also allows you to snap a photo to add to your service request. The new app allows for reports to be automatically routed to city departments for resolutions. You can still alert the City of Houston of issues by dialing 3-1-1 or 713-837-0311 of potential problems in your community. Houstonians can also access this helpful service via an e-mail to 311@HoustonTX.gov. A self Service Request (SR) form is available online at www.houston311.org. Once you’ve reported a problem please follow up with the District E office by emailing your case number and information on the issue to the District E office at districte@houstontx.gov to help make sure the problem is addressed in a timely manner. District E Electronic Recycling Events NORTH SECTOR RESIDENTS SOUTH SECTOR RESIDENTS District E Upcoming Monthly Events Email the District E office (districte@houstontx.gov) if you would like us to include your upcoming event in future newsletters! February 13 – BAHEP General Membership Luncheon February 13 – Clear Lake HPD – Positive Interaction Program Meeting February 14 – KSA Public Safety Committee Meeting February 20 – Kingwood HPD – Positive Interaction Program Meeting February 22 – Kingwood BizCom – Partnership Lake Houston February 28 – State Representatives Luncheon – Clear Lake Chamber See a pothole, report it by calling (713) 837-0311Get the latest on COVID-19 including locations of active testing sites can be found here. Tune to HTV Houston to watch live and recorded City Council and Committee Meetings.