Articles

See You March 6th

I hope to see you at the 2013 District J Capital Improvements Plan (CIP) Meeting scheduled for 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 6, 2013. The meeting will be held at the Sharpstown Community Center at 6600 Harbor Town Drive.

This CIP Meeting is your chance to hear from Directors and representatives of the City’s many Departments. Presentations will be made by those representatives describing the Capital Improvement and Rebuild Houston projects planned for District J. Additionally, this will be your opportunity to share your requests for projects to be included on the City’s Capital Improvement project list.

Congratulations to Sharon Shanahan

This week I had the special privilege of being able to present Sharon Shanahan with a Certificate of Recognition from Mayor Parker and the City of Houston on the occasion of her 10 year anniversary as an employee of the City of Houston. Sharon currently serves as your District J Administrative Services Director, managing the operations of the office. Sharon began her career with the City by first serving in the office of Council Member Mark Ellis (District F) and then for Council Member Anne Clutterbuck (District C). Sharon is a graduate of St. Agnes Academy. She, her husband Jim, and family are 30 year residents of Sharpstown.

Congratulations Sharon on your 10 Year Anniversary. Keep up the good work!

- Mike Laster, Council Member – District J

Don’t Block that Sidewalk!

Many District J residents may not be aware that it is illegal to park a car in a private driveway if it blocks pedestrian traffic on a sidewalk. State of Texas Transportation Code Section 545.302(a)(2) states that “an operator may not stop, stand, or park a vehicle on a sidewalk.” If there is a public sidewalk present on a private property, that sidewalk continues to exist as public right of way. This law exists to encourage pedestrians to use sidewalks safely without being forced into streets.

We encourage all District J residents to park in their garages or car parks when possible. Residents can also park far enough forward in a private driveway so as not to block sidewalk access, or park on the street.

If you have any questions please contact the District J office at 832-393-3315.

BARC Lost Pets Initiative

BARC Animal Shelter & Adoptions is proud to announce a new and improved city-wide Lost Pets Initiative. The new initiative provides a simple checklist to help organize a pet owner’s search for their lost pet.

BARC is required to take in any animal that enters the facility. BARC also provides animal control services to Houston residents. That means BARC is the shelter most likely to have a lost pet if it was turned in to a Houston shelter. BARC reunites approximately 100 animals with their families each month. Even if BARC doesn’t have your pet, BARC can utilize its relationships with great partners that can help search for your pet.

BARC Animal Shelter and Adoptions is committed to reuniting lost pets with their owners as quickly as possible. In the event your pet is lost, take A.C.T.I.O.N. with BARC.

• Anticipate. Take important preventative measures before your pet is lost. Microchip your pet (pre-registered microchips are available at BARC for $25). Get a pet license. Spay or neuter your pet to suppress their instinct to roam and reduce their chances of leaving home. Also ensure that all fences, gates and patios are secure to keep your pet from escaping.

• Contact BARC. Call Houston’s 311, email BARCLostPets@houstontx.gov, search BARC’s website, and post a photo on BARC’s Facebook page. As Houston’s animal control authority, BARC is required to accept any animal taken to the shelter. Other local shelters are not required to do this and typically refer all lost and stray animals to BARC first.

• Take Control. Stay calm. Get organized. Have a photo and description of your pet, their last known location and keep their microchip number handy.

• Investigate like a Detective. Create flyers. Ask Neighbors. Search within a two mile radius day and night. Remember, cats will not generally venture far from home and dogs generally travel into the oncoming wind.

• Online Pet Harbor Registration. Visit www.PetHarbor.com to search for your pet, register to get daily emails with photos of found pets in the area, or send “lost pet” postcards to neighbors and surrounding areas. Pet Harbor is updated hourly with new animals that enter BARC.

• Never Give Up. This is a big one. Your pet wants to go home as much as you want him to. Keep looking and don’t lose hope. You never know when you or one of your neighbors will spot your pet.

The simplest but most powerful thing you can do to help BARC and pets throughout our community, is to talk to your friends, neighbors and family about caring for pets responsibly. Additional tips for finding a lost pet can be found on the “Lost or Found a Pet” page.

Alief Year-Long Toy Drive

The Alief Community Association is hosting a year-long Toy and Food Drive to help families and children in need. Unexpired canned food and new unwrapped toys will be collected until December 15, 2013, at the International Trade Center, Room 217. Monetary donations are also welcome. Families in need will receive assistance at Thanksgiving, Christmas, and throughout the year.

Please contact ACA President Marie Lee at 832-448-0530/832-651-3428 for more information.

March on Crime – Law Enforcement Luncheon

The Greater Sharpstown Management District invites you to join them for their “March On Crime – Law Enforcement Appreciation Luncheon” on Thursday, March 7, at Houston Baptist University’s McNair Hall, Morris Cultural Arts Center, located at 7502 Fondren Road.

11:30 am – Registration
12 noon – Program & Awards Presentation

Lunch is complimentary, however seating is limited and no walk-ins will be accepted. RSVP by February 26 to Alice Lee at 713-501-8719.

Grand Slam for Youth Baseball

It’s not too late! Registration is still open for the Houston Parks and Recreation Department’s Eleventh Annual Grand Slam for Youth Baseball program! Boys and girls ages 4 – 18 may participate in this FREE baseball, softball, and T-ball league, which begins in area parks starting March 2, 2013. T-shirts, equipment, and coaching are provided. Grand Slam for Youth Baseball is a partnership between the HPARD, the Houston Astros, and Minute Maid. Volunteer coaches are needed and training is provided. Contact Claudia Orozco at Burnet Bayland Park at 713-668-4516 to register or volunteer.

District J Spotlight: Gulfton Super Neighborhood #27 Meeting

The next Gulfton Super Neighborhood #27 meeting will be Monday, February 25, at 6:30 pm at the Burnet Bayland Park Community Center, located at 6000 Chimney Rock Road.

We encourage all Gulfton area residents, business owners, service providers and community partners to join us.

Picnic Table Reservations at Lansdale 

The basketball pavilion at Lansdale Park has now been converted into a picnic pavilion.  It’s a great spot for a birthday party, family picnic, or celebration.

If you are interested in reserving the picnic pavilion for your event, please click here for more information on how to obtain a reservation and permit or call (832) 395-7000 for the City of Houston Permitting Office.

District J CIP Meeting

March 6 

Mark your calendars!  The District J CIP Meeting is scheduled for 

Wednesday, March 6

6-8 pm

Sharpstown Community Center

6600 Harbor Town Dr

Houston, TX 77036

At this meeting, District J residents will have the opportunity to learn more about the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) projects scheduled for District J in the upcoming years.  We look forward to hearing your ideas and opinions.  An update of ReBuild Houston will also be presented at the meeting.

New 311 App for Smartphones 

On Tuesday, January 29, Mayor Annise Parker announced the release of the new 311 Smartphone app available for iPhones and Android.  The Smartphone app is the newest addition to 311′s entirely new design focused on maximizing citizen engagement.

The City of Houston launched the 311 Houston Service Helpline in August 2001 as a telephone helpline, and the technology backbone which ran the system became rigid and inflexible over time. Now, 311 Help & Info users are able to submit service requests via the new Smartphone app, the redesigned website, email or by calling the 24/7 call center. The new 311 system is more flexible, convenient, efficient, and customer-focused than ever in Houston’s history. Additionally, the new 311 empowers citizens to join the City’s effort to improve the community by making it easy for them to report issues that need to be resolved.

To download the new app, click here or visit the iPhone App Store or the Android Google Play market and search for “City of Houston 311.”

Neighborhood Centers, Inc., Announces Tax Centers 

NCI’s Neighborhood Tax Centers, an IRS VITA program, offers FREE quality tax preparation by IRS-certified tax preparers at 15 convenient locations throughout the Greater Houston area, including the Baker-Ripley Neighborhood Center in District J.  

• Free Tax Preparation
• Free e-filing for FAST refund
• Free direct deposit
• Free ITINs
• Extended and weekend hours at many locations
• Always walk-in service at all locations 

• Families earning up to $50,000 and single individuals with no children earning up to $30,000.
• Change of life circumstances such as divorce or unemployment and larger families with slightly higher incomes are taken into consideration.

• In 2012, Neighborhood Tax Centers prepared 31,962 tax returns, putting $42 million back in the pockets of working families.
• Families save an average of $200 in tax preparation and predatory refund loan fees, amounting to an overall savings of about $6 million in 2012.

For more information, including a checklist of documents to bring, please call 2-1-1 or click here.   

March On Crime – Law Enforcement Appreciation Luncheon 

The Greater Sharpstown Management District invites you to join them for their “March On Crime – Law Enforcement Appreciation Luncheon” on Thursday, March 7, at Houston Baptist University’s McNair Hall, Morris Cultural Arts Center, located at 7502 Fondren Road.

11:30 am – Registration
12 noon – Program & Awards Presentation

Lunch is complimentary, however seating is limited and no walk-ins will be accepted.  RSVP by February 26 to Alice Lee at 713-501-8719.

District J Spotlight:  Knights of Columbus Lenten Fish Fry

The Saint Francis de Sales Knights of Columbus are hosting Fish Fries each Friday during the Lenten season from 6 to 8 pm at the Saint Francis de Sales Church, located at 8200 Roos Road.  That’s February 15 and 22, and March 1, 8, 15, and 22.

The menu includes grilled and fried fish, french fries, hush puppies, coleslaw, green beans, spaghetti, and iced tea or lemonade.  $9 for adults, and $6 for children.  All proceeds benefit the Knight of Columbus.

Please email Bill St. Cyr, Grand Knight, at billstcyrgk10995@gmail.com with any questions.

Pardon the Dust at Lansdale Park 

Residents of the neighborhood surrounding Lansdale Park have been experiencing construction dust these last few days. In many ways the park is in the midst of yet another transition in its many glorious years as a community jewel.

To be more precise, the dust is from demolition of the swimming pool. Joe Turner, Director of the Parks and Recreation Department, gave me the news early last year that the pool had begun to leak large amounts of water after decades of vigorous use. The cost of renovations or the construction of a new pool was estimated to exceed one million dollars. Despite the challenges of operating a leaking pool, the Parks Department graciously agreed to my request that the community be allowed to enjoy the 2012 summer swimming season before beginning the demolition process in early 2013. So here we are one year later witnessing the beginning of a new era for the park.

In anticipation of these changes, the past year has provided the opportunity to visit with neighborhood residents about replacement options for the pool. The current hope is to replace the pool as soon as possible with an above ground water spray park. Children of all ages (and adults with youthful dispositions) would be able to run through the water jets to their hearts’ content. A surface water park would also provide a safe play option that would not require lifeguards. We are seeking sources of funding for the spray park. Current estimates are in the neighborhood of $400,000.

Additionally, the coming days will see some changes to the large covered pavilion located just south of the community center. Efforts are underway to re-position the pavilion to serve as a venue for a variety of family friendly uses such as picnics, family gatherings, birthday parties, after church activities and other social events. To be sure, the pavilion needs a good paint job. Current estimates to paint the pavilion are in the $50,000 range. Again, we are looking for those funds too.

As always, the dedicated on-site Parks Department staff of the community center continues to oversee a number of quality programs. The community center will continue to serve as a family resource for after-school and summer youth programs.

Allow me to thank Harris County Commissioner Steve Radack for his ongoing assistance in helping to maintain and operate the park. The community has been well served for the past several years by the joint use and operation agreement between the City and Harris County Precinct 3.

Finally, I would like to thank Joe Turner and all his dedicated Parks Department staff in providing our District J neighborhoods with community parks that we can all enjoy.

I look forward to seeing you and your family soon at Lansdale Park.

   
- Mike Laster, Council Member – District J

Sobering Center Update 

On May 15, 2012, City Council passed Resolution 2012-14, creating the Houston Recovery Center Local Government Commission (LGC) to manage and operate the Houston Recovery Center (aka, Sobering Center).  In addition, Council approved a lease agreement for 150 N. Chenevert with Star of Hope as the landlord.  Since then, the build out construction process has proceeded both on schedule and within budget; the LGC has hired an Operations Director, Leonard Kincaid, who has begun the process of hiring staff to begin operation of the center.

Manhattan Construction, the contractor, has received the Certificate of Occupancy for the facility.  Furniture is in place and the telephone and computer networks are being installed.  The City’s General Services Department, Houston Police Department and the landlord’s consultants have provided detailed punch lists and the contractor is quickly completing those items and various minor changes to optimize the facility.  The sobering center will also provide offices and training facilities on the 2nd floor for the operations command of the HPD Mental Health Unit, including the Homeless Outreach Team.

The LGC, with input from Mr. Kincaid, is currently developing a comprehensive Operations and Procedures manual.  Additionally, HPD is creating General Orders for HPD officers to follow when intoxicated detainees are brought to the center. 

The current plans are for the facility to be placed in operation on February 18, 2013.

Municipal Courts Announces Amnesty Program 

The City of Houston Municipal Courts 2013 Amnesty Program will be available on certain delinquent citations until 11:59 p.m., Saturday, February 9, 2013. Court officials are encouraging anyone with delinquent court matters to take advantage of this opportunity to resolve cases at a discounted rate.

 ”Now is the time for anyone with a delinquent case to come forward and resolve your court matters because you have the opportunity to save a lot of money, hundreds of dollars in some cases,” stated Director and Presiding Judge, Barbara E. Hartle. “We are available for anyone who has questions; just call us at 3-1-1 if we can be of assistance. There is also information regarding our programs on our website.”

Most traffic and non-traffic citations that were delinquent on or before October 21, 2012 will be eligible for Amnesty discounts. Previously adjudicated cases, capias pro fine cases, parking and Red Light Camera citations are not eligible for Amnesty.

Court officials urge people to take advantage of this program so they won’t be subject to arrest during any upcoming warrant sweeps when cheaper amnesty rates will no longer be available.

For more information about City of Houston warrants or citations, visit the website at www.houstontx.gov/courts  

or contact City’s Helpline at 3-1-1 or 713-837-0311 if outside the City of Houston.

ReelAbilities Film Festival 2013

The Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities (MOPD) is pleased to  jointly sponsor the Houston ReelAbilities Film Festival 2013.  From February 1 though 13, the festival will feature award-winning films from around the world which promote appreciation and awareness of the lives, stories and artistic expressions of people with disabilities . ReelAbilities is the largest film festival in the nation, promoting appreciation and awareness of the lives, stories and artistic expressions of people with various disabilities.  

Houston Fire Department is Recruiting 

The Houston Fire Department is accepting applications for future fire fighters through February 12, 2013.  HFD is also hosting an Open House on Saturday, February 2, at the Val Jahnke Training Academy, located at 8030 Braniff, from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. 

Register online to apply at www.HFDcareers.org. For additional information, please call 832-394-6600.

Camp Houston Fire is Accepting Applications 

The HFD Sirens (Houston Fire Department’s women firefighters) invite area female students to experience what it takes to be a firefighter by attending Camp Houston Fire from March 22 through 24, 2013.   

Application Packets are due Friday, February 8, by 4:00 pm and may be mailed to:

EO Laura Hunter
Houston Fire Department 

Camp Houston Fire 

600 Jefferson, Suite 623 

Houston, TX  77002 

Gulfton Super Neighborhood Meeting

The District J office would like to remind you that the next Gulfton Super Neighborhood meeting is scheduled for Monday, January 28, at 6:30 pm at the Burnett Bayland Community Center, located at 6000 Chimney Rock.

We encourage all Gulfton area residents, business owners, service providers, and community partners to join us.