Vol. 3, Issue 25 – 10.14.2022
Dear District F:

This is a long one, stay with me.

In the last few months, I have shared meaningful updates regarding public safety investments citywide, particularly in District F, including statistics, updates on hot topics, and city ordinances relating to the One Houston Safe Plan and our local efforts.

Gun Buyback was held on Saturday, October 8, and yielded 1,208 guns. I want to thank the Houston Police Department and their superior execution of Saturday’s event. The Super Neighborhood 25 and other community-based organizations that financially contributed to the event’s promotion to conclude as one of the most successful events in the US – right here in District F.

More good news, Taste of Privacy on the 9500 block of Richmond has officially closed down thanks to a few diligent Tanglewilde residents, Midwest HPD, my office, and the city’s Inspector Office. This work takes time, and I am thrilled to report that our collaborative efforts continue to yield meaningful results – for the whole community.

Let’s Talk Redistricting! Early this summer, I shared how the proposed redistricting maps would impact our district and neighborhoods. Many of you participated in public comments, and because of you, the updated proposed maps have the following changes. Due to the changes based on your public feedback, I happily voted in favor of the map on Wednesday, October 11. The changes are as follows:

PCT 566 remains in F. Majority of 566 includes the heart of Westchase. Hooray!

PCT 507 splits between F and J. This change removes Strake Jesuit from F into J and keeps the Chinese Community Center in F.

PCT 727 comes to F from G. This is Wilcrest to Hayes Rd north of Westheimer Rd.

PCT 433 comes to F from J. This includes Rasmus Park and Blossom Heights near Westpark. Dr. Blossom Heights reunites with the Piney Point community. P. S. Blossom Heights is one of the five neighborhoods that make up Piney Point.

We can discuss this later, but by the numbers, District F is the second lowest populated district in the city next to District J and the second lowest voting district. If you are reading this newsletter, it is safe to assume I am preaching to the choir about the importance of the Census and the count. Census numbers dictate Houston’s federal allocation from CARES, ARPA, HUD, CDBG, and more. Census numbers also drive economic development activities and more. Ever wonder why a grocery store left your neighborhood and replaced it with a Dollar General? I can guarantee census numbers informed that decision; household salaries, the number of children in the home, and age influence our economic options. Census is more than political representation; it’s about having the opportunity to access every resource available regardless if you are in our neighborhood by choice or circumstance.

Remember the street striping survey? Well, the project began on October 10. Harris County Commissioner PCT 4, Jack Cagle, was willing to fund this project within his office. I will share the final photos once the job is complete. Thank you for your recommendations, and I look forward to seeing the simple but meaningful improvements.

Below are a few general neighborhood updates to keep you abreast of ongoing issues we are working through on your behalf:

SN 25
Alief: The Friends of Alief Park Interest Group has 33 residents signed up and represents our city’s best. Every race, age, and background signed up, and I am thrilled to support your efforts as you work to preserve our green spaces.

Imperial Point hosted a community pop-up last month where we reviewed sidewalk, street, and speed cushion concerns – an estimated $2.2M investment. I have worked through a few options with HPW to prioritize your tasks within my limited funding.

SN 17 and 25
The Westpark Dr. expansion project is finally here. Westpark from Wilcrest to Dairy Ashford will expand from 2 to 4 lanes. Weather permitting, please be mindful of this construction for the next 630 days. Please share with your neighbors and help us spread the word so others can avoid areas or prepare a different route to work or school. This much-anticipated project had two community meetings and public feedback – this project is funded by TXDOT, and for more information, please visit EngageHouston.org.

SN 20
Briarmeadow: A team from HPW conducted a substantial internal completion of the SWAT project in early October. My staff and I were on-site to document any corrective changes that needed to occur. A public walk-through is soon to follow. Sidenote: The $100K sidewalk and $61K panel replacement funded by District F council funds on Pagewood is complete.

Tanglewilde: City Legal is in contact with the owner of the Val Verde property, and the owner is working to gain compliance per the deed restrictions. Please continue to allow us to work through the process. As always, I will broadly communicate updates that make a difference. I appreciate your ongoing advocacy and information sharing on these issues. As an aside, the city presented legislative priorities during October’s Budget and Fiscal Affairs Committee, including more robust neighborhood protection. I will lean on you as we enter into Texas Legislative Session (2023) to testify and provide public comments to help local municipalities have more vigorous enforcement.

Carver Crest: I am awaiting a cost estimate on your proposed panel replacement and a timeline for the construction of speed bumps. Once received and approved, I will share a formal notice in the newsletter and with the Piney Point Civic Club.

Lastly, periodically my office receives TPIA requests for emails regarding projects or issues on particular items from media and constituents. Please be mindful that my email (and staff) is public and subject to viewing. There might be a possibility I have to forward your exchanges to the media or another resident. (Keep that tip in your hat).

Lastly, let’s continue celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept 15-October 15) and Filipino Heritage Month (October 2022).

Thanks for keeping us the BEST SIDE ON THE WEST SIDE!

Councilmember Tiffany

DISTRICT F NEWS
HOT SPOT TEAM HIGHLIGHT
WEEK OF OCTOBER 1ST
  • Total Work Orders Completed: 30
  • Hotspot of the Week: 11427 South Dr
  • Total Man Hours Worked: 64
  • Tree Waste: 200 lbs.
  • Mattresses: 10
  • Furniture Waste: 25 pieces
  • Tires: 12
  • Trash Debris: 200 lbs.
  • Shopping Carts: 5
  • Bandit Signs: 150
  • Landscaping: none
SOLID WASTE OPERATIONS UPDATE
As of October 13, 2022

The Department of Solid Waste Management has been impacted by the national driver shortage, causing an unusual number of vacancies within the recycling and yard waste collections divisions. Please note recycling and yard waste services are only DELAYED for the week of October 10th-17th. Crews are safely working to complete these routes as soon as possible.

If you have an immediate need during these delays, please utilize one of the six Neighborhood Depositories to dispose of your yard waste.

Neighborhood Depository/Recycling Center Locations:
• North – 9003 N Main 77022
• Northwest – 14400 Sommermeyer 77041
• Northeast – 5565 Kirkpatrick 77028
• Southeast – 2240 Central Street 77017
• South – 5100 Sunbeam 77033
• Southwest – 10785 SW Freeway 77074

All other Solid Waste services such as garbage and junk waste will remain on time as scheduled.

For more information on the Neighborhood Depository and Recycling Centers, please visit our website https://www.houstontx.gov/solidwaste/depositories.html.
We understand these delays in collections are frustrating and we thank you for your continued patience.

For more information about SWMD and our services, visit us at www.houstonsolidwaste.org, “LIKE” us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/houstonsolidwaste, and follow us on Twitter@HoustonTrash, or call 3-1-1, the City of Houston’s Customer Service Helpline. Download our app HTX Collects on Google Play or IOS Store to Never Miss an Update again!

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

WORK AUTHORIZATION: WESTPARK DRAINAGE AND PAVING 

The scope of this project is for construction of Westpark Drive Paving and Drainage Improvements from Wilcrest to Dairy Ashford and includes the installation of new storm sewer, storm sewer leads, storm manholes, junction boxes, inlets and related appurtenances within City right-of-way throughout the project limits as identified in the Contract Drawings. This project also includesreplacing and constructing:

  • Street pavement
  • Driveways
  • Curbs
  • Sidewalks
  • Shared use path
  • Wheelchair ramps
  • Permanent signs
  • Pavement marking
  • Streetlights
  • Traffic signal
  • Water lines and services
  • Related appurtenances throughout the project limits as identified in the Contract Drawings
COUNCILMEMBER THOMAS PARTICIPATES IN WEST HOUSTON LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE

On October 13th, Councilmember Thomas joined Councilmember Peck and Councilmember Huffman to discuss city government, priorities, and civic engagement. This discussion was moderated by Aimee Bertrand of the Greater Houston Builders Association. 

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THE LARGEST GUN BUYBACK PROGRAM WAS HELD IN DISTRICT F ON OCTOBER 8, 2022
The second gun buyback was a huge success collecting 1208 guns including:
Revolver – 368
Semi automatic handgun – 279
Shotgun – 243
Rifle – 227
Rifle semi automatic- 91Public Safety is a community responsibility and the community stepped up and played a major role in making sure our event was efficient and effective. This effort was supported by the Alief Super Neighborhood 25, Alpha Kappa Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc, HPD, Houston Coalition of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity One Houston Council of Chapters, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Houston Metropolitan Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, and Houston (TX) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated.

WEST HOUSTON ASSOCIATION HOSTS A FORUM

On October 5th, Councilmember Thomas joined Councilmember Peck and Councilmember Huffman on a discussion on  the effects of flooding, housing, homelessness, drainage, and city finances on the west side of Houston. 

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NEIGHBORHOOD NIGHT OUT WAS A HUGE SUCCESS

On October 4th, Councilmember and staff attended five national night out events through the district. Together, the office celebrated with Tanglewilde and Westmont, Westchase, Ashford Park, Meadow Village, and Parkglen CIA.

COUNCILMEMBER THOMAS AND STAFF PARTICIPATE IN WALKTHROUGH OF BRIARMEADOW SWAT PROJECT

The substantial completion walk was held on October 4th with the internal Houston Public Works Design and Construction Teams, the Contractor as well as the Councilmember’s Office. There were items identified that will be added to a punch list for the Contractor to address prior to final completion of this location.  The punch list items include:

  • Saw cutting pavement joints in various locations
  • TV-inspection of the installed storm sewer line
  • Treatment of minor tree damage
  • General site cleanup
  • Evaluation and possible adjustments of the concrete landing/walkways installed at various addresses along Windswept

The extent of the work on the concrete landing/walkways has yet to be determined and will be evaluated on an case by case basis.  Project Manager Mr. Joan Ruiz is currently out of office and will return next week.  Upon his return, the final punch list will be generated, finalized and sent over to the Contractor and the Council Member’s Office.  In the meantime, the Contractor will be on site completing current restoration items such as: back fill and sod behind the back of curbs, removing debris as well as minor grading and sodding in the median at the intersection of Stoney Brook and Windswept.

COUNCILMEMBER THOMAS AND STAFF CELEBRATE NIGERIA INDEPENDENCE DAY CULTURE FESTVAL AND PARADE

On October 1st, Councilmember Thomas celebrated Nigeria Independence Day by representing District F in the parade. The district is home to the largest Nigerian population in the City of Houston and continues to influence culture throughout the city.

CELEBRATE WHAM’S SUCCESS

Councilmember Thomas celebrated WHAM during the Faith, Hope and Love Luncheon on September 29th. WHAM is a staple nonprofit in the district that has served over 138,000 individuals. Congratulations WHAM!

CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS

DISTRICT F COUNCIL ITEMS

October 6th
Item #8
Motion passed to approve the final Contract Amount of $765,855.64 or 1.78% over the original Contract Amount, accept the Work and authorize final payment. This project was part of the Neighborhood Traffic Management Program to install traffic calming devices to minimize speeding and cut-through traffic problems in residential neighborhoods.

District F Location: Briarmeadow North II

October 12th
Item #5
Approval of final contract amount of $7,267,755.38 and acceptance of work on contract with TTotal Contracting Limited FY2019 Roadway Rehabilitation Package #2. This project was part of the Transportation & Drainage Operations program. This program is required to preserve, repair, rehabilitate or reconstruct the street asset to such a condition that is effectively used for its designated functional purpose.

LOCATION: The project was located in six locations.

Street From To Council District
Terminal Rd North South B
Fondren Beltway 8 Fuqua St. K
Chimney Rock Bissonnet St. 5400 Huisache J
Richmond Ave. Walnut Bend Ln Wilcrest Dr. F
Almeda Genoa Rd Telephone Rd. Clearwood Dr. I
Hilcroft W. Orem S. Main K

Item #6
Motion passed to approve the final contract amount of $1,849,415.33, which is 4.75% over the original contract amount, accept the work, and authorize final payment. Under this project, the contractor provided a work order-based contract to repair water lines up to 20-inches in diameter in the distribution system on an emergency basis throughout the city.

Item #14
Motion passed approving and authorizing Subrecipient Agreement between City of Houston and WEST HOUSTON ASSISTANCE MINISTRIES, INC to provide Community Development Block Grant – Cares Act (CDBG-CV) Funds to Rapid Re-Housing and Case Management Services to a minimum of 56 unduplicated households who have been impacted by COVID-19 – $251,000.00.

Item #15
Motion passed denying application of ENTERGY TEXAS, INC for authority to change rates; maintaining current rates.

Item #16
Motion passed approving and authorizing contract between City of Houston and HARRIS COUNTY for Election Services relating to the Election to be held on November 8, 2022; providing a maximum contract amount – $2,500,000.00.

Item #45
Motion adopted setting the dates and times of three public hearings in connection with the bond election to be held on Tuesday, November 8, 2022 and direct the City Secretary to post the Voter Information Documents in accordance with the state law.

Learn more here.

COUNCILMEMBER THOMAS PROVIDES COMMENTS DURING OCTOBER 6, 2022 COUNCIL SESSION
COUNCILMEMBER THOMAS PROVIDES POP OFF COMMENTS DURING OCTOBER 12, 2022 COUNCIL SESSION
To View City Council Agendas
To Watch Videos of Previous City Council Meetings
COMMUNITY NEWS
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UPCOMING EVENTS
HOUSTON PUBLIC LIBRARY EVENTS
A Virtual Evening with Sally Thorne & Erin Sterling
Tuesday, October 25 , 2022
6:00pm – 7:00pm
VirtualAll Hallows Read Festival
Saturday, October 22, 2022
2:00pm – 4:00pm
Barbara Bush Literacy Plaza at the Houston Public Library

The Living Room at HPL presents SouthBelt Community Festival!
Saturday, October 29, 2022
2:00pm – 4:00pm
Bracewell Outdoor Spaces, Bracewell Neighborhood Library