The Thomas Telegraph Vol. 6, Issue 9 – May 17, 2024

I hope you spent Mother’s Day celebrating the women in your life who are blessed to be someone’s Mom. I remembered my late mother by cooking a good meal and playing some of her favorite music like Frankie Beverly and Maze. Mothers are important and I hope you take good care of yours.

This newsletter is lengthy, and for a good reason.

Please watch the full video if you did not attend the 2nd Annual Deed Restriction Workshop. It is also posted to the District F website. All registered attendees should receive an email with the video and presentation slides for direct access.

Thank you for joining us for the first Tour de West on Saturday, May 4. It was gratifying, and I look forward to doing it again with more to join in on the fun.

The community meeting hosted by Houston Public Works to discuss the Safe Streets project on Bissonnet, originally scheduled for May 22, will be rescheduled to ensure I can join you for the discussion, as I will be traveling. Stay tuned for an update.

PROPOSED HOUSTON BUDGET:
The City of Houston FY25 Budget has been released, and here are some highlights:

The $6.7B annual budget includes a 7% increase primarily due to the contractual salary obligations. (HPD is due to a 3% increase in the previous contract).

The proposed FY25 INCLUDES the 10% raise increase for Houston Fire, an additional $10M for educational and rank pay, and $30.6M to service the debt of the non-voter approved bond. Please note that these items are included in the unofficial collective bargaining agreement that the City Council still needs to approve.

As usual, five HPD and Houston Fire cadet classes support increasing personnel.

Council Members still have an opportunity to contribute to the budget through amendments, as well as the public through attending the hearings and participating in public comments here.

Please note that as of today, neither my colleague Council Member Edward Pollard nor I have received a response from the Administration regarding ourlast inquiry about the $650M back pay settlement for the Houston Fire. This is a separate council action and continues to hold our attention.

CONSTRUCTION UPDATES:
Chelford City – (most residents refer to this project near Richmond/Eldridge/Dairy Ashford). We anticipate a full contract award to come to City Council for approval in June with a notice to proceed with construction in July 2024 with two virtual community meetings to discuss FAQs. Please stay tuned for these meetings this summer so we can conclude the remainder of this project on the same page.

Huntington Village – This project is currently on hold until HCFCD improves the drainage mitigation capacity for Keegan’s Bayou.  Houston Public Works is in constant communication with Harris County Flood Control District and in the meantime are exploring alternatives. This is a great time to reach out to the HCFCD and inquire about the status of this project as a constituent.

Park Hollow – A notice to proceed was shared last month for a series of concrete replacements in the neighborhood from the FY23 street rehabilitation program. Please see map and timeline here. The construction should conclude in July, weather pending.

Briar Meadow – Richmond reconstruction is near the completion of a revised design stage with construction anticipation in the fall, weather permitting. Prior to the notice to proceed for construction a formal notice will be shared. Note, this includes Richmond from Dunvale to Hilcroft and is substantial. Very exciting news.

Catalina Square – As you know, this neighborhood has been on the CIP for almost a decade. With support from my office, Houston Public Works will re-submit this neighborhood drainage project to Harris County Precinct 4 to fund the planning/design concept as there are no funds in the current CIP available. If approved and funded this would allow the City of Houston to move forward on construction in the normal CIP cycle. Once submitted, I will notify the neighborhood so you can reach out to Harris County Precinct 4 to express your support.

FY24 Sidewalk Projects – District F has a slew of sidewalk repair projects in the queue as priorities to enhance ADA requirements. A new contract is scheduled to come before council for approval that will address list of 6-8 sidewalk segments. Stay tuned on the pending notices to proceed with construction.

Please sign up for EngageHouston.org for ongoing updates related to various infrastructure projects. HPW has worked hard to provide on the go and updated information related to projects that are improving our wastewater, streets, drainage and more. As always, please be patient with the detours and construction delays.

DISTRICT F SIGN-UP
Animal Sweeps: I have limited funding to address stray animals in our neighborhoods this fiscal year. If your neighborhood has identified unwanted stray animals, please complete the information here and add photos if you are able. I am working to dedicate more funding to FY25.

Swim safety: As we work to open city pools, we are providing no-cost swim classes to prepare you and your family for a safe summer. Complete the registration link and let us know which date you attend. Mayor John Whitmire will join me and the Houston Parks Department on Tuesday, June 11th to announce the importance of swim safety at the Alief Neighborhood Center pool. Please join us and sign up to prepare you and your families to have a safe summer.

Lately, it seems as if every week I am sharing the condolences of someone that is no longer with us and this week is no different. On May 14, Rev. Bill Lawson, founder of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church and civil rights icon, passed away at 95. He was a legend, leader, and visionary. We are all better because we know him. May we stand to live up to the standard he set for us. My prayers and thoughts are with The Lawson family and all who knew him.

Anyone without air-conditioning can seek relief at the following city locations designated as cooling centers. Those needing transportation to a designated cooling center can contact  3-1-1 to request a free ride. Find your nearest location here.