10/4/2020
Dear Residents of District E,
This year there have been many challenges in District E, one of them being the loss of electronic recycling this March due to COVID. The services of electronic recycling and recycling in general are crucial as our District is number one when it comes to recycling. I am now happy to say after the last several months of working with the City's Solid Waste Department, we have figured out a way to safely bring back electronic recycling to District E.
Compucycle has agreed to begin contactless recycling services starting this month, and will be hosting two events in District E. The two events will be held:
• Saturday, October 3, 2020, 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., located at METRO Kingwood Park and Ride
• Saturday, October 17, 2020, 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., located at the Clear Lake Ellington Field Recycling Center
As mentioned previously, this event will be contactless. Compucycle asks all those attending wear face masks when speaking to staff on site and also place all materials to be recycled in the trunk for a truly contactless recyclable material drop off.
Items being be accepted at this electronic recycling event are computers, routers, laptops, power cords, UPS, cell phones, VCRs, Scrap Metal/Wire, Monitors, Hubs, Printers, Cables, Servers, DVD Players, Cable Boxes, Ink Jet Cartridges, TVs (CRTTVs up to 27" and flat screens up to 50"), mice & keyboards, switches, fax machines, telephones, toner cartridges, and copiers.
No batteries, oil, anti-freeze, or paint will be accepted at this recycling event. If you wish to recycle those materials, they may be taken to a City of Houston Environmental Service Center for appropriate handling. To learn more about free recycling services as well as local recycling centers available to Houston residents please visit the Solid Waste Management Department's website.
https://www.houstontx.gov/solidwaste/depositories.html
The District E office is currently working on providing additional recycling events this coming spring. Thank you for helping our City be responsible and recycling materials that would otherwise end up in our landfills. To learn more about Compucycle's process and what happens after they pick up your electronics you may visit their website.
Wishing everyone a happy and safe start to October. Remember to mask up, wash your hands, and socially distance.
Sincerely,
Dave Martin
Houston Public Works Statement on Drinking Water
The City of Houston's priority is our customers' health and safety, and our team is always working to provide the safest possible drinking water to our customers.
Reports about drinking water contamination over the weekend are not connected to the City of Houston's water system.
Houston Water meets the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality's drinking water requirements, including disinfection requirements designed to ensure safe drinking water free from contaminants, such as the amoeba naegleria fowleri.
Houston Water's approved water treatment processes eliminate 99.9% of giardia and viruses, which ensures that other pathogenic organisms such as naegleria fowleri are also eliminated.
2019 Water Quality Report: https://www.publicworks.houstontx.gov/sites/default/files/assets/003-wq2019.pdf
For questions on water quality, please call 3-1-1 (713.837.0311) or email waterquality@houstontx.gov.
West Lake Houston Panel Replacements
Houston Public Works began a panel replacement project on W Lake Houston Parkway yesterday, October 1. The scope of work includes replacing 9 concrete panels along the northbound lanes of W Lake Houston Parkway between Magnolia Cove Drive and the Lake Houston YMCA. The cost of the project is $38,605 and is funded through Mayor Pro Tem Martin's Council District Service Funds.
The project is expected to be completed by Thursday, October 22, weather permitting. Construction activities will take place, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and on Saturdays from 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
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. Two-way traffic will be maintained at all 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.
Sherwood Trails Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation Update
Houston Public Works started a sanitary sewer rehabilitation project in Sherwood Trails on Monday, March 9. The purpose of the project is to improve flow and maintain community property. A trenchless method is being used to minimize excavation at the construction site.
The rehabilitation of the sanitary sewer lines will be done through Sliplining and Pipe Bursting Methods. So far, crews have completed approx. 26,503 linear feet of 8" pipe bursting on Hermitage Hollow Lane, Tinechester Drive, Shadbury Court, Friarwood Trail, Stagdon Drive, Meandering Trail, Sherwood Hollow Lane, Chanay Lane, Sweet Gum Trail, Longleaf Pines Lane and Foliage Green Lane. Crews have completed all 4,895 linear feet of 21" CIPP. The project is 75% complete and is expected to be complete in early 2021.
Construction activities are expected to take place 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.; Monday-Thursday. The contractor will be placing door hangers on each door at least 48 hours prior to construction beginning on the respective street. These door hangers contain important information about what to expect when construction does take place on your street. Residents are encouraged to take before and after photos of their property if it is impacted by the project.
Mouth Bar Dredging Update
The City of Houston, through its contractor DRC Emergency Services, LLC (DRC), began mechanical dredging of the mouth bar in January. The total cost for this project is $40 million, which is funded through a combination of City of Houston Harvey Disaster dollars provided by Governor Greg Abbott, grant dollars from the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB), and funding from the Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD) Bond Program.
DRC is completing the scope of work for dredging activities in two distinct phases. The first phase will remove accumulated materials near and at the mouth bar on the West Fork of the San Jacinto River, and the second phase will remove accumulated materials in the East Fork of the San Jacinto River and other locations in Lake Houston. During phase one of this project it is expected that a minimum of 400,000 cubic yards (CY) of material will be removed over twelve months. To date, DRC has removed approximately 323,491 cubic yards of material.
Additionally, during phase two of the project City of Houston, Harris County, HCFCD, SJRA, and Coastal Water Authority (CWA) will develop and execute a plan for the City of Houston or CWA to assume long-term dredging operations on Lake Houston. This work effort will include determining funding for the dredging operations in perpetuity. This phased approach will obligate the full grant funding before the 87th legislative session in 2021. This grant funding was made possible thanks to State Representative Dan Huberty (District 127) through the passage of Senate Bill 500 .
Mayor Pro Tem Martin, again, would like to offer a very special "Thank You" to State Representative Dan Huberty for his commitment to seeing this project through and his dedication to the long-term maintenance activities on Lake Houston. Representative Huberty has been a champion for his residents and a great ally in seeing these additional dredging efforts come to fruition.
Wings Over Houston
The Wings Over Houston Airshow 2020 is coming up on October 9th, 10th, and 11th at Ellington Field. This year will be a Drive-In Only show. Tickets are date specific, and gates open at 8am.
Tickets are available for purchase online at The Wings Over Houston website.
https://wingsoverhouston.com/
Due to COVID-19, please pay close attention to the rules and regulations of this year's airshow.
SWMD Long Range Plan
On an annual basis, Houston residents and businesses generate millions of tons of solid waste and recycling through residential and commercial efforts. In addition to normal life and business waste generation, over the past decade millions of tons of material has resulted from numerous natural disasters such as hurricanes and floods. And while millions of tons of waste are generated annually in the region, the City of Houston is only responsible for managing municipal solid waste and disaster debris within its corporate limits, only a small percentage of the annual total.
As part of its charge of sustainable environmental management and fiscal responsibility, the City is in process of completing an updated Long-Range Solid Waste Plan. The purpose of the plan is to ensure that proper steps are being studied and adopted to ensure proper waste management practices for current and future Houstonians.
Mayor Sylvester Turner has appointed a Task Force to lead the Plan's preparation; part of which included the hiring of an expert solid waste and environmental consultant to ensure alignment with federal, state and local stewardship laws and regulations. Key components of the plan's study are to include the following:
• Achieve Financial Sustainability for Solid Waste Services
• Increase Reuse, Recycling and Organics Diversion and decrease environmental risks of waste disposal in landfills
• Continue to Provide Quality Solid Waste Services to the residents and businesses of Houston
• Ensure Long-term Disposal Capacity and Sustainable Solid Waste Infrastructure
• Provide solid waste management services in a safe, equitable, responsive, and environmentally responsible manner
As part of the planning process, the City is seeking community feedback.
With the projected growth in both the number of residents and businesses, long-range solid waste management planning is a priority.
The Solid Waste Management Department has posted the proposed Long-Range Solid Waste Management Plan and a survey
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Houston2040
that residents can complete to share feedback for the draft plan on the project website. The survey is open through October 31, 2020.
The City is hosting a series of virtual meetings that residents are encouraged to attend to hear an overview of the plan, ask questions and share feedback. Those meeting dates and times are below. All meetings will be held via Microsoft TEAMs. Information on how to call in or join online can be found on the website.
http://www.houstontx.gov/solidwaste/longrange/
Wednesday October 7, 2020 from 6pm-8pm
Tuesday October 13, 2020 from 2pm-4pm
College and high school students are invited to a special Leaders of Tomorrow discussion on:
Wednesday October 14, 2020 from 5pm-7pm
Please visit http://www.houstontx.gov/solidwaste/longrange/ for updates about the Houston Integrated Resource Recovery & Management Plan and how to join the virtual public meetings.
Houston Botanic Garden Opening
On Thursday, September 17 Mayor Pro Tem Martin attended the ceremonial ribbon cutting for the Houston Botanic Garden.
The Houston Botanic Garden will give Houstonians another serene setting in which they can enjoy nature and experience the physical and emotional health benefits of spending time outdoors, which we need more than ever during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The 132-acre plant museum is located off I-45 just across from Hobby Airport and is now open to the public. For more information, visit www.hbg.org.
COVID-19 Mental Health Helpline
The Houston Health Department is launching a new effort to support mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. Let's Beat COVID-19: Health Education, and Support Services includes a mental health helpline and other resources to help people adjust mentally and emotionally.
The helpline launched October 1 and is open 7 days per week from 1 p.m. to 11 p.m. through December 24. People may call 713-999-9442 to reach a trained mental health professional who will provide appropriate intervention and follow-up.
In addition to the helpline, the program will also offer virtual support groups, toolkits, trainings, and other resources to support people's mental and emotional needs.
The program, supported by $340,326 of CARES Act funding, will focus on high positivity zip codes, parents dealing with virtual learning stressors, and city staff working on the frontlines of COVID-19.
This year there have been many challenges in District E, one of them being the loss of electronic recycling this March due to COVID. The services of electronic recycling and recycling in general are crucial as our District is number one when it comes to recycling. I am now happy to say after the last several months of working with the City's Solid Waste Department, we have figured out a way to safely bring back electronic recycling to District E.
Compucycle has agreed to begin contactless recycling services starting this month, and will be hosting two events in District E. The two events will be held:
• Saturday, October 3, 2020, 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., located at METRO Kingwood Park and Ride
• Saturday, October 17, 2020, 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., located at the Clear Lake Ellington Field Recycling Center
As mentioned previously, this event will be contactless. Compucycle asks all those attending wear face masks when speaking to staff on site and also place all materials to be recycled in the trunk for a truly contactless recyclable material drop off.
Items being be accepted at this electronic recycling event are computers, routers, laptops, power cords, UPS, cell phones, VCRs, Scrap Metal/Wire, Monitors, Hubs, Printers, Cables, Servers, DVD Players, Cable Boxes, Ink Jet Cartridges, TVs (CRTTVs up to 27" and flat screens up to 50"), mice & keyboards, switches, fax machines, telephones, toner cartridges, and copiers.
No batteries, oil, anti-freeze, or paint will be accepted at this recycling event. If you wish to recycle those materials, they may be taken to a City of Houston Environmental Service Center for appropriate handling. To learn more about free recycling services as well as local recycling centers available to Houston residents please visit the Solid Waste Management Department's website.
https://www.houstontx.gov/solidwaste/depositories.html
The District E office is currently working on providing additional recycling events this coming spring. Thank you for helping our City be responsible and recycling materials that would otherwise end up in our landfills. To learn more about Compucycle's process and what happens after they pick up your electronics you may visit their website.
Wishing everyone a happy and safe start to October. Remember to mask up, wash your hands, and socially distance.
Sincerely,
Dave Martin
Houston Public Works Statement on Drinking Water
The City of Houston's priority is our customers' health and safety, and our team is always working to provide the safest possible drinking water to our customers.
Reports about drinking water contamination over the weekend are not connected to the City of Houston's water system.
Houston Water meets the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality's drinking water requirements, including disinfection requirements designed to ensure safe drinking water free from contaminants, such as the amoeba naegleria fowleri.
Houston Water's approved water treatment processes eliminate 99.9% of giardia and viruses, which ensures that other pathogenic organisms such as naegleria fowleri are also eliminated.
2019 Water Quality Report: https://www.publicworks.houstontx.gov/sites/default/files/assets/003-wq2019.pdf
For questions on water quality, please call 3-1-1 (713.837.0311) or email waterquality@houstontx.gov.
West Lake Houston Panel Replacements
Houston Public Works began a panel replacement project on W Lake Houston Parkway yesterday, October 1. The scope of work includes replacing 9 concrete panels along the northbound lanes of W Lake Houston Parkway between Magnolia Cove Drive and the Lake Houston YMCA. The cost of the project is $38,605 and is funded through Mayor Pro Tem Martin's Council District Service Funds.
The project is expected to be completed by Thursday, October 22, weather permitting. Construction activities will take place, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and on Saturdays from 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
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. Two-way traffic will be maintained at all 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.
Sherwood Trails Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation Update
Houston Public Works started a sanitary sewer rehabilitation project in Sherwood Trails on Monday, March 9. The purpose of the project is to improve flow and maintain community property. A trenchless method is being used to minimize excavation at the construction site.
The rehabilitation of the sanitary sewer lines will be done through Sliplining and Pipe Bursting Methods. So far, crews have completed approx. 26,503 linear feet of 8" pipe bursting on Hermitage Hollow Lane, Tinechester Drive, Shadbury Court, Friarwood Trail, Stagdon Drive, Meandering Trail, Sherwood Hollow Lane, Chanay Lane, Sweet Gum Trail, Longleaf Pines Lane and Foliage Green Lane. Crews have completed all 4,895 linear feet of 21" CIPP. The project is 75% complete and is expected to be complete in early 2021.
Construction activities are expected to take place 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.; Monday-Thursday. The contractor will be placing door hangers on each door at least 48 hours prior to construction beginning on the respective street. These door hangers contain important information about what to expect when construction does take place on your street. Residents are encouraged to take before and after photos of their property if it is impacted by the project.
Mouth Bar Dredging Update
The City of Houston, through its contractor DRC Emergency Services, LLC (DRC), began mechanical dredging of the mouth bar in January. The total cost for this project is $40 million, which is funded through a combination of City of Houston Harvey Disaster dollars provided by Governor Greg Abbott, grant dollars from the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB), and funding from the Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD) Bond Program.
DRC is completing the scope of work for dredging activities in two distinct phases. The first phase will remove accumulated materials near and at the mouth bar on the West Fork of the San Jacinto River, and the second phase will remove accumulated materials in the East Fork of the San Jacinto River and other locations in Lake Houston. During phase one of this project it is expected that a minimum of 400,000 cubic yards (CY) of material will be removed over twelve months. To date, DRC has removed approximately 323,491 cubic yards of material.
Additionally, during phase two of the project City of Houston, Harris County, HCFCD, SJRA, and Coastal Water Authority (CWA) will develop and execute a plan for the City of Houston or CWA to assume long-term dredging operations on Lake Houston. This work effort will include determining funding for the dredging operations in perpetuity. This phased approach will obligate the full grant funding before the 87th legislative session in 2021. This grant funding was made possible thanks to State Representative Dan Huberty (District 127) through the passage of Senate Bill 500 .
Mayor Pro Tem Martin, again, would like to offer a very special "Thank You" to State Representative Dan Huberty for his commitment to seeing this project through and his dedication to the long-term maintenance activities on Lake Houston. Representative Huberty has been a champion for his residents and a great ally in seeing these additional dredging efforts come to fruition.
Wings Over Houston
The Wings Over Houston Airshow 2020 is coming up on October 9th, 10th, and 11th at Ellington Field. This year will be a Drive-In Only show. Tickets are date specific, and gates open at 8am.
Tickets are available for purchase online at The Wings Over Houston website.
https://wingsoverhouston.com/
Due to COVID-19, please pay close attention to the rules and regulations of this year's airshow.
SWMD Long Range Plan
On an annual basis, Houston residents and businesses generate millions of tons of solid waste and recycling through residential and commercial efforts. In addition to normal life and business waste generation, over the past decade millions of tons of material has resulted from numerous natural disasters such as hurricanes and floods. And while millions of tons of waste are generated annually in the region, the City of Houston is only responsible for managing municipal solid waste and disaster debris within its corporate limits, only a small percentage of the annual total.
As part of its charge of sustainable environmental management and fiscal responsibility, the City is in process of completing an updated Long-Range Solid Waste Plan. The purpose of the plan is to ensure that proper steps are being studied and adopted to ensure proper waste management practices for current and future Houstonians.
Mayor Sylvester Turner has appointed a Task Force to lead the Plan's preparation; part of which included the hiring of an expert solid waste and environmental consultant to ensure alignment with federal, state and local stewardship laws and regulations. Key components of the plan's study are to include the following:
• Achieve Financial Sustainability for Solid Waste Services
• Increase Reuse, Recycling and Organics Diversion and decrease environmental risks of waste disposal in landfills
• Continue to Provide Quality Solid Waste Services to the residents and businesses of Houston
• Ensure Long-term Disposal Capacity and Sustainable Solid Waste Infrastructure
• Provide solid waste management services in a safe, equitable, responsive, and environmentally responsible manner
As part of the planning process, the City is seeking community feedback.
With the projected growth in both the number of residents and businesses, long-range solid waste management planning is a priority.
The Solid Waste Management Department has posted the proposed Long-Range Solid Waste Management Plan and a survey
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Houston2040
that residents can complete to share feedback for the draft plan on the project website. The survey is open through October 31, 2020.
The City is hosting a series of virtual meetings that residents are encouraged to attend to hear an overview of the plan, ask questions and share feedback. Those meeting dates and times are below. All meetings will be held via Microsoft TEAMs. Information on how to call in or join online can be found on the website.
http://www.houstontx.gov/solidwaste/longrange/
Wednesday October 7, 2020 from 6pm-8pm
Tuesday October 13, 2020 from 2pm-4pm
College and high school students are invited to a special Leaders of Tomorrow discussion on:
Wednesday October 14, 2020 from 5pm-7pm
Please visit http://www.houstontx.gov/solidwaste/longrange/ for updates about the Houston Integrated Resource Recovery & Management Plan and how to join the virtual public meetings.
Houston Botanic Garden Opening
On Thursday, September 17 Mayor Pro Tem Martin attended the ceremonial ribbon cutting for the Houston Botanic Garden.
The Houston Botanic Garden will give Houstonians another serene setting in which they can enjoy nature and experience the physical and emotional health benefits of spending time outdoors, which we need more than ever during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The 132-acre plant museum is located off I-45 just across from Hobby Airport and is now open to the public. For more information, visit www.hbg.org.
COVID-19 Mental Health Helpline
The Houston Health Department is launching a new effort to support mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. Let's Beat COVID-19: Health Education, and Support Services includes a mental health helpline and other resources to help people adjust mentally and emotionally.
The helpline launched October 1 and is open 7 days per week from 1 p.m. to 11 p.m. through December 24. People may call 713-999-9442 to reach a trained mental health professional who will provide appropriate intervention and follow-up.
In addition to the helpline, the program will also offer virtual support groups, toolkits, trainings, and other resources to support people's mental and emotional needs.
The program, supported by $340,326 of CARES Act funding, will focus on high positivity zip codes, parents dealing with virtual learning stressors, and city staff working on the frontlines of COVID-19.