Vol. 3, Issue 2 – 01.21.22
DISTRICT F NEWS
WELCOME LT. JOHNNIE MCGEE TO MIDWEST POLICE SERVICE STATION 
Lieutenant Johnnie McGee is a lifelong Houstonian and 14-year veteran of the Houston Police Department.  During his tenure he trained at the South Central Division, patrolled with the Special Operations Division, and worked as a mounted patrol officer at the Special Operations Division Mounted Patrol Unit. Lieutenant McGee began his supervision career in the Jail Division and was the DRT/Community Service Sergeant at the South Central Division for two years.  He promoted from the Internal Affairs Division where he was an investigator.  Lieutenant McGee has an undergraduate degree in Psychology from Howard University and a Master’s in Business Administration from LSU-Shreveport.  Lieutenant McGee has a wealth of experience dealing with the community and looks forward to building relationships in the Midwest Division.
WINTER WEATHER SAFETY TIPS

4 P’s – People, Pets, Pipes, and Plants 

When temperatures drop, it’s important to remember to protect the 4 Ps (People, Pets, Pipes and Plants) during cold temperatures.

  • People should dress warmly, in layers, to avoid hypothermia (abnormally low body temperature).
  • Pets should be brought indoors or provided with a warm place to sleep.
  • Pipes that run outside or under a house should be wrapped in pipe insulation to avoid cracks due to water freezing in them.
  • Plants may need to be covered or brought inside to avoid frost damage.

Driving Conditions

As with any type of precipitation, such as rain, sleet or snow, residents who are driving vehicles should take steps to protect themselves, including:

  • Give themselves extra stopping distance. Wet conditions mean it takes longer for vehicles to come to a complete stop.
  • Ensure windshield wipers are in good working condition before heading out on the road. When conditions are wet or dark, be sure to use headlights.
  • Never use high beams in urban areas. Highway overpasses and bridges pose the highest risk of icing.
  • Take extra precautions when driving over them.
  • Slow down. Rain, sleet, and snow can limit visibility, giving drivers less time to recognize danger.
  • Slowing down gives provides extra time to adjust to changing conditions.

 

KEEP YOUR FAMILY WARM & SAFE

Safely Use Space Heaters

Heating devices cause more than 100 fires in the City of Houston each year, resulting in numerous injuries and possible death. Citizens should always keep in mind that: Space Heaters Need Space!

The Houston Fire Department recommends the following safety tips when using supplemental heating sources:

  • Make sure you have a working smoke alarm.
  • Never leave children unattended in a room with a space heater – Children knock over space heaters, especially if they are placed on top of wobbly tables or stools and near where the children play. Children may also stick paper or toys in the grates of the space heaters especially gas space heaters. The city had two reported fires in 2004 caused by children playing with space heaters.
  • Keep all combustible materials, including yourself, at least three feet from the heater.
  • Open face heaters should have a screen.
  • Provide ventilation to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.

Electric Heaters Tips

  • Never overload outlets or breakers.
  • Don’t use extension cords for the heater. If the cord is hot to the touch, turn off the heater and unplug it!
  • Electric heaters permanently installed in the wall or ceiling should have lint and dust removed regularly. Lint and dust will burn!
  • For additional information on safely using space heaters, visit houstonfire.org.

Avoid Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless gas that kills without warning. It claims the lives of hundreds of people every year and makes thousands more ill. Many household items including gas- and oil-burning furnaces, portable generators, and charcoal grills produce this poison gas. Following these important steps can keep your family safe.

CO Detectors

  • Install battery-operated or battery back-up CO detectors near every sleeping area in your home.
  • Check CO detectors regularly to be sure they are functioning properly.

Oil & Gas Furnaces

  • Have your furnace inspected every year.

Portable Generators

  • Never use a generator inside your home or garage, even if doors and
    windows are open.
  • Only use generators outside, more than 20 feet away from your home, doors, and windows.

Visit CDC’s website for more information on Carbon Monoxide.

SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT UPDATE

Tree Waste Operation Update as of January 20, 2022
Crews are working to complete 3rd week Tree Waste routes. Please leave your debris at the curb.

Operaciones de recolección de árboles: 20 de enero de 2022
Nuestros equipos están trabajando para completar las rutas de 3ª semana de recolección de árboles. Por favor, de dejar sus despojos en la acera.
Recycling Operations Update as of January 18, 2022
Recycling services are delayed for Week-B. We’re working to complete these routes. Please leave your container at the curb.

Actualizaciones de Operaciones de Reciclaje: 18 de enero de 2022
Los servicios de reciclaje esta atrasados para la Semana-B. Estamos trabajando para completar estas rutas. Por favor, deje su contenedor en la acera.
For more information, visit the Neighborhood Depository/Recycling Center web page or call 3-1-1. You may also use the following resources.
Facebook – Updated daily
Link: City of Houston Solid Waste Management – Posts | Facebook
HTX Collects- an app used to update you about your service in real-time. You can also use the link on the website to get an update.

Link: https://www.houstontx.gov/solidwaste/htxcollects.html

CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS

DISTRICT F COUNCIL ITEMS PASSED

January 20, 2022Item #15- Passed

The Administration and Regulatory Affairs Department (ARA) requests the approval of various changes to Chapter 6 of the City of Houston Code of Ordinances.

Chapter 6 was last amended in May 2014. Since that time, there have been substantial changes in State law and improvements in animal licensing and tracking technology. Specifically, new State laws enacted include revisions to aggressive and dangerous dog procedures; dog restraint standards for sheltering outside animals, and mandated access to clean drinking water and adequate shelter at all times for these animals.

The proposed amendments also include mandatory microchipping for all owned animals, eliminating the traditional rabies tag and replacing it with a microchip. A City pet license will still be required; however, rather than issuing a physical metal tag for the pet’s collar – which can easily be lost or damaged – BARC will use the microchip number as the proof of licensing. This change will allow BARC Animal Enforcement Officers to scan and return a pet to its owner while the officers are in the field, eliminating the need to bring the animal back to the shelter for intake. BARC is also proposing to reduce the stray hold from 72 hours to 48 hours for animals without a microchip allowing for quicker adoptions and transfers.

The proposed amendments would also require all pet stores located within the city limits to sell only dogs and cats sourced from a humane organization or a municipal/county animal shelter. A humane organization is a not-for-profit organization that does not breed animals or does not obtain a dog or cat from a person that breeds or sales animals. Currently, there are five pet stores in the Houston area that sell puppies and kittens from breeders. It is important to note that although this provision will be effective immediately for any new entrant to the Houston market, existing pet stores will be given one year to come into compliance.

Other matters addressed by the proposed amendments include updates to the several definitions in Chapter 6, as well as correcting scrivener’s errors from the 2014 amendments.

*Please note that District F has one store that will have to comply with the ordinance.

Item #25- Tagged

Ordinance altering and establishing Prima Facie Speed Limits in certain zones in the City of Houston; containing findings and other provisions relating to the foregoing subject; providing a repealer; containing a savings clause; providing for severability; declaring certain conduct to be unlawful and providing a penalty; and declaring an emergency.

To View City Council Agendas
To Watch Videos of Previous City Council Meetings
COMMUNITY NEWS
UPDATE YOUR HOA AND CIVIC CLUB INFORMATION

Has your HOA or Civic Club changed leadership? Please complete this brief survey to share new contact information. We ask that you complete this by February 4, 2022.

If you have any questions please call Johnathan Johnson at 832-393-3214. 

Link: https://form.jotform.com/districtf.thomas/neighborhoodform 

INTERSECTION REQUEST

Our office is looking to identify three intersections to recommend to Houston Public Works to investigate and consider for future project development planning. Based on survey results, three submissions will undergo a field investigation to determine constructability, warranted, and pricing.

If you would like us to consider an intersection in the district, please complete this form or email Johnathan.Johnson@houstontx.gov or call him at 832-393-3214 by January 31, 2022.

Link: https://form.jotform.com/districtf.thomas/intersectionsurvey

ENGAGE HOUSTON

Houston Public Works has launched a new website which allows the public to follow projects, updates, and leave questions/comments. Please assist us with sharing the link below.

www.engagehouston.org

NEW REPRESENTATIVE
CONTACT INFORMATION
Jack Cagle, Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner
Harris County Precinct 4
1001 Preston, Suite 950
Houston, Texas 77002
Phone: 713-755-6444Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher, TX-7
Houston Office5599 San Felipe Road Suite 950
Houston, TX 77056
Phone: (713) 353-8680

COMMUNITY OPPORTUNITIES
CALLING ALL VOLUNTEERS
Volunteer with CM Thomas and the District F as Volunteer Office Assistant
Contact [email protected] to sign up.Summary: The volunteer office assistant will perform a variety of tasks depending on project deadlines as well as day to day tasks in the District F office. This will include answering phones, retrieving the mail, composing emails, and other administrative tasks as assigned. This position helps to extend the resources in the office to better assist and direct the needs of our clients.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

  • Answering phones
  • Data entry
  • Sending Emails
  • Research
  • Assisting in special projects
Requirements
  • Must present a professional appearance and a friendly manner.
  • Must be dependable and punctual.
  • Be courteous and personable when dealing with the public
  • Be self-directed, willing to take initiative, and detail-oriented
  •  Respect and maintain confidentiality of the District F office, volunteers, partners, and donors.
  • Computer skills are required.
Training
  • The orientation will include training on: answering phones, filing systems, research, office conduct, computer usage, and cultural competency.
Time Commitment
  • Volunteers can choose to come into the office weekly, monthly or as needed by team.