Vol. 3, Issue 23 – 09.29.22
Dear District F:

Fall is finally here!

I hope you take advantage of the crisp mornings and cooler temperatures that Houston experiences for a limited time.

Public safety is our responsibility, and National Night Out on Tuesday, October 4, is a great way to connect with new and old neighbors. When we know each other, we can look after each other. I appreciate my neighbors’ texts and notes when something seems out of place near my home. Don’t hesitate to contact your HOA or Apartment community to confirm if your neighborhood is hosting an event. Events are scheduled throughout District F in Alief, Westchase, Tanglewilde, Westmont, and Briarmeadow. Take photos and send them to [email protected] – allow me to feature your neighborhood in the newsletter and on social media.

In line with public safety, District F will host the 2nd gun buyback event on October 8 at the Westchase METRO Park and Ride on 11050 Harwin Dr. at 8 AM. With lessons learned, we expect faster service and more participants. None of this would be possible without the partnership and meaningful collaboration from the city, county, and community organizations and residents like you. Special thank you to the following for their financial contribution:

 

Houston Area Coalition of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc of One Houston Council of Chapters

Houston Metropolitan Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc

Houston (TX) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated

Alpha Kappa Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc

Barbara Quattro

 

Please let me know if you or your community organization is interested in providing snacks for law enforcement on that day at [email protected].

 

Alief: The link to sign up for The Alief Friends for the Park will close on October 7. Please click here if you are interested in joining a diverse and talented group of individuals interested in promoting quality of life through our green spaces.

 

I have received several calls and emails regarding unsavory activity on Bissonnet and Kirkwood. As we work to locate the private property owners, my office is deploying resources to mitigate homelessness and criminal activity. Please be patient; I hope to report the results soon.

 

Westchase: I am researching how to place air quality monitors near Wilcrest/Westpark due to the concrete batch plant on the corner. This came as a recommendation from a resident, and I promise to have more information later.

 

Tanglewilde/Westmont: I am working with Midwest HPD to provide overtime funding for the DRT to continue addressing the after-hour club activity and incidents of crime in and near the poker clubs. Sgt. Hutchison and I are in communication, and he will continue to share at the civic club and PIP meetings to update the community. P.S. Thank you, Ms. Sally, for the delicious cake – you are the best!

 

Briarmeadow: Please be advised that Work Authorization No. 15 has been issued to remove and replace panels between 7722 and 7714 Pagewood Ln. Construction is scheduled to commence on October 10 and with an anticipated end by October 30 (20 days to complete, pending weather). JFT Construction, Inc is the firm.

 

General District: Thank you for submitting street light and street stripping recommendations to help lighten our area and make our streets more drive able. The road stripping requests have been submitted to Harris County Precinct 4, Jack Cagle’s office, and I will alert the community when the process begins. The street lights project has already started, and I hope you notice changes soon to come.

 

Constituent calls:

We received 386 constituents the week of Sept 19-27 regarding water bills, traffic lights, delayed solid waste, and nuisances on properties. Please continue to call/app 311 and provide as many details as possible so we can follow up with the appropriate departments. I appreciate you.

 

Remember to celebrate each other on the following dates and activities:

 

Nigerian Independence Cultural Parade, October 1 at 10 AM

Yom Kippur, Oct. 4 – 5

2022 Mayor’s Hispanic Heritage Awards, October 19

Houston Dia De Los Muertos Parade, Nov 5

 

Thank you for keeping District F the best side on the west side of Houston,

CM Thomas

DISTRICT F NEWS
HOT SPOT TEAM HIGHLIGHT
WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 19TH

Total Work Orders Completed: 25
Hotspot of the Week: 11900 7th Street
Total Man Hours Worked: 64
Tree Waste: 200 lbs.
Mattresses: 10
Furniture Waste: 30 pieces
Tires: 20
Trash Debris: 150 lbs.
Shopping Carts: 13
Bandit Signs: 90
Landscaping: none

SOLID WASTE OPERATIONS UPDATE
As of September 29, 2022

OCTOBER marks the START of Junk Waste Collection month. If your collection day is the 1st week of October, place your debris at the curb.

OCTUBRE marca el INICIO del mes de recolección de residuos basura. Si su día de recolección es la 1ª semana de octubre, coloque sus escombros en la acera.

Recycling & Yard Waste services are delayed for Week-B. We’re working to complete these routes. Leave your container at the curb.

Los servicios de reciclaje y desechos de yarda esta atrasados para la Semana-B. Por favor, deje su contenedor en la acera.

See tip below!
Your container must be accessible to the automated garbage collection truck and at least three feet away from other objects such as trees, parked cars, fences, mailboxes, basketball hoops, poles, holiday arches and power lines in order to be serviced.

May be an image of text that says 'Placing Your Cart HOW TO POSITION YOUR CARTS CORRECTLY Allow feet between carts and structures such as mail boxes, lamp posts and Ûmc 2 Face the metal bar toward the street 3 Make sure the lid is closed MAIL 3ft.+ ←3 3ft.+ Do not place cart underneath low, overhanging tree limbs or utility lines 5ft.→ Curb Street Our trucks are Ourtrucksareautomatedwithan automated with electronic arm that grabs the bin.'

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: http://www.houstontx.gov/solidwaste/htxcollects.html

COUNCILMEMBER THOMAS AND STAFF HOST A COMMUNITY POP UP IN IMPERIAL POINT

Councilmember Thomas joined community members of Imperial Point to discuss their concerns around crime, shot spotter, speeding, homelessness, parking violations, and junk motor vehicles. Members of Houston Public Works provided an update on speed bump applications and HPD provided updates on known issues in the neighborhood. 

THE DISTRICT F OFFICE CONDUCTED A SITE VISIT TO INVESTIGATE NUISANCE FOOD TRUCKS LOCATED OFF OF WESTHEIMER

Councilmember Thomas’s staff conducted a site visit at Molina’s Cantina on Westheimer to address issues of homelessness, debris in drains and trash from food trucks from an adjacent property. The Houston Health Department attended and provided recommendations to property owner and the location will be monitored continuously.

GUN BUYBACK PRESS CONFERENCE

May be an image of 9 people and people standing

On September 26th, Councilmember Thomas helped to announce the upcoming gun buyback event. She was joined by Mayor Turner, Commissioner Rodney Ellis, Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia, and members of the Houston Area Coalition of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc of One Houston Council of Chapters, Houston Metropolitan Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc, and Houston (TX) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated.

 ALIEF HASTINGS HIGH SCHOOL 50TH ANNIVERSARYMay be an image of 4 people and people standing

On September 23rd, Councilmember presented Alief Hasting with a proclamation in celebration of their 50th Anniversary. Alief Hastings is a staple of the community and continues to produce top students. Congratulations! 

HOUSTON AFRICA ENERGY SUMMIT

May be an image of 1 person, standing and text that says 'OUSTON AFRICA NERGY SUNAT'

Last week, Councilmember Thomas and Mayor Turner welcomed foreign dignitaries and kick-off the Houston-Africa Energy Summit, where 18 African nations were represented during the two-days of meetings and plenary sessions. The event featured African Heads of State, African Ministers, Houston-based energy executives, and business leaders from the African continent and the Greater Houston region.

ELSIK HIGH SCHOOL VOTER ENGAGEMENT

On National Voter Registration Day, Councilmember Thomas met with students to discuss the importance of voting. She also discussed school shootings, quality of life, homelessness, and provided an update on the Alief Neighborhood Center.

CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS

DISTRICT F COUNCIL ITEMS

September 28th
Item #13
Motion passed to approve the final contract amount of $1,714,444.48, which is 3.30% over the original contract amount, accept the work, and authorize final payment. 38 locations in District F.
ITEM #14
Motion passed to approve the final contract amount of $1,714,853.55, which is 4.45% under the original contract amount, accept the work, and authorize final payment. 49 locations in District F.

ITEM #16
Motion passed to approve the final Contract Amount of $1,278,896.63 or 2.97% over the original Contract Amount, accept the Work and authorize final payment. 1 location in District F.

ITEM #40Approved an Ordinance amending Ordinance No. 2022-629  to amend the maximum contract amount from $1,030,000.00 to $6,390,000.00 for the Sole Source Agreement No. 4600017370 between the City of Houston and Flock Group, Inc., dba Flock Safety for automatic license plate recognition services for various departments. 50 flocks cameras will be in District F.

Learn more here.

COUNCILMEMBER THOMAS ISSUES REMARKS ON THE MAYOR’S SECOND ROUND OF THE ONE SAFE HOUSTON GUN BUY BACK PROGRAM DURING MONDAY SEPTEMBER 26TH PRESS CONFERENCE
COUNCILMEMBER THOMAS PROVIDE REMARKS ON THE IMPORTANCE OF URDU LANGUAGE
COUNCILMEMBER THOMAS PROVIDES POP OFF COMMENTS DURING SEPTEMBER 28TH, 2022 COUNCIL SESSION
To View City Council Agendas
To Watch Videos of Previous City Council Meetings
COMMUNITY NEWS
DRAINAGE MAINTENANCE REMINDER
SUBSCRIBE TO NEIGHBORHOOD UPDATES

Phone messages in English and Spanishnotify residents about city services,new programs & civic engagement opportunities

Voice/text messages a convenient servicefor residents without easy access to internet sources
The Department of Neighborhoods (DON) invites residents to subscribe to Neighborhood Updates to receive brief voice or text messages in Spanish or English about essential services and resources.
The messaging service is for everyone, especially for seniors and others who may not have easy access to online information, persons with disabilities who need information in audio or written format, and residents who prefer notices in Spanish.


Apply Now for the Evolve Houston
eMobility Microgrant

Submit your grant idea to Evolve Houston, a nonprofit organization focused on improving air quality, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing EV adoption. Apply now at apply.evolvehouston.org. The deadline has been extended to Friday, September 30.

2022-2023 YOUTH POLICE ADVISORY COUNCIL (YPAC)

The new school year is underway and the Houston Police Department is looking forward to working in tandem with young leaders in our high schools.

HPD is inviting Houston area high school students to apply for the 2022-2023 Youth Police Advisory Council (YPAC).

In addition to meeting with Police Chief Troy Finner and other HPD leaders to discuss issues affecting youth and the community, YPAC members also give back by participating in community service projects. The students also attend youth leadership conferences throughout the state.

YPAC members are required to meet five times during the school year at the HPD Edward A. Thomas Building at 1200 Travis Street in downtown Houston.

The application deadline is October 1, 2022. For more information, email [email protected] or call 713-308-3200.

UPCOMING EVENTS

NEW FOR 2022-2023 SCHOOL YEAR: TUITION-BASED PRE-K AND FULL-DAY PRE-K PROGRAM

Alief ISD is now offering tuition-based Pre-K at all sites, including the newly opened Jefferson Early Learning Center and Martinez Early Learning Center. Alief ISD’s innovative interactive Pre-K Program is a full-day program.

For more information or to apply online, visit www.aliefisd.net/reserve. Call 281-988-3100 for assistance. 

HOUSTON PUBLIC LIBRARY EVENTS
A Morning with Maria Hinojosa
Tuesday, October 11, 2022
Central Library, Jesse H. Jones Building
10:30am – 12:00pmHPL History Research Centers Present: The Clayton Library Book Collection
Friday, October 7, 2022
Clayton Library Center for Genealogical Research, Meeting Room – Susan Clayton Garwood
2:00pm – 3:00pm

A Virtual Evening with Ann Dávila Cardinal
Tuesday, October 11, 2022
Virtual Event
6:00pm – 7:00pm

Grand Re-opening of the Kendall Neighborhood Library & Community Center
Saturday, October 15, 2022
Kendall Neighborhood Library
10:00am – 1:00pm