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AUGUST 2005
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Volume 1, Issue 2
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CONTACT US
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Adrian Garcia
City Council District H
Chair, Public Safety &
Homeland Security Committee
900 Bagby
City Hall Annex, First Floor
Houston, TX 77002 |
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713.247.2003 Tel
713.247.1252 Fax
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Recently Congressman Gene Green & Council Member Garcia held a townhall meeting holding Metro accountable on rail.
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CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS
This year, Mayor White pushed up the CIP Process and I’m happy to say no items were cut, but was disappointed that a lot was not added.
Success:
• Miles and miles of sidewalks have been put in and more are on the way… if you’ve got an area, especially around a school that needs sidewalks, tell me.
• Expansion of Heights Recycling Center FY 07
• North Main Reconstruction FY 07
Challenges:
• North Lindale Street Reconstruction
• New money for parks/ community centers
CM Garcia clears a vacant lot ~ Volunteer program targets cleanup, drainage problems
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CITY OF HOUSTON
"MAKE IT HAPPEN" NUMBERS
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Last year’s National Night Out 2004
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Dear Neighbor:
This issue of my newsletter is dedicated to our City’s recently passed budget & CIP. My staff and I spent most of the months of June and July in budget meetings, reviewing City Department budgets, all with the mindset of making our government as efficient and effective as possible.
A balanced budget was passed and I am pleased with the progress made. Public Safety expenditures will make up 64% of the City’s General Fund Budget (an increase of $48 million from last year). This includes an $18 million pay increase for Firefighters (although it is important to note that negotiations are still taking place for a long term Firefighter contract). In addition, funding has been set for three new police cadet classes and a lateral entry class. The budget also includes $29 million in increased contributions to the police and fire pension systems.
Budget Success - Some of my passed amendments:
1. A new Carniege Library/3-1-1/HPD Storefront – projected opening is later this year and I hope this facility as a model concept to increase usage, visibility and openness of our City facilities.
2. Study to determine feasibility of a regional centralized radio Management system partnering with Harris County and other public safety agencies. The state of our Homeland Security is dependent upon this and I am committed improving Houston’s emergency preparedness.
3. Increase in Public Safety funding - With the passage of SB 771 TIRZ funding can be spent on other functions. Mayor White and I are in agreement that TIRZ funding should go towards Public Safety in and around TIRZ Districts. There are three in District H: Old 6th Ward #13, City Park #12 & Hardy/Near Northside #21
4. Departmental performance measures as it relates to total days from inception of 3-1-1 calls to corrective action taken. Departments need to do a better job in responding to constituent problems promptly and I am committed to keeping a firm oversight on departmental performance to tax payers.
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NEW PROJECT IN THE DISTRICT!
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Community Alliance for Responsibility Empowerment and Safety
The City of Houston counts on its residents to maintain their property. Not enough man-power or tax dollars exist to clean all of the ditches, clear all of the weeds, or paint over all of the graffiti in our neighborhoods.
City Ordinance Chapter 40-84 reminds us that the day-to-day cleaning and maintenance of ditches and curbs are the responsibility of the abutting property owner, while City Ordinance Chapter 10, Art. XIV reminds us that abatement of graffiti on private property is also the responsibility of the property owner and not the City of Houston. Failure to comply with these ordinances may result in fines. However, fines are not the focus of District H – C.A.R.E.S.
District H – C.A.R.E.S. (Community Alliance for Responsibility, Empowerment & Safety) is a program organized by my office, intended to remind neighbors of their responsibility to keep our community safe by cleaning ditches, clearing overgrown lots and painting over graffiti on their property.
We are encouraging all residents to CARE. Report conditions that need to be addressed to 311 or email: 311@cityofhouston.net. If you have any questions, contact our office at 713-247-2003 or email us at districth@cityofhouston.net.
Remember District H – C.A.R.E.S.! |
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UPCOMING EVENTS
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Tuesday, August 2nd
National Night Out
Come meet your neighbors
and local public safety officers. |
Focusing on improved public health
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Friday, August 5th
Northside Community Health & Resource Fair @ Moody Park
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| Council Member Adrian Garcia has united with Commissioner Sylvia R. Garcia, De Madres a Madres, Inc., Mayor's Citizens' Assistance Office, Commissioner Sylvia R. Garcia, and others to provide this FREE event providing immunizations, medical & dental screenings, and assistance with school supplies. |
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Thursday, August 18th
Townhall Forum to discuss proposed Intermodal Center
6:30 - 8:30pm. @ UH-D
www.houstonintermodal.org
Thursday, September 1st
TXDOT Townhall Forum to discuss proposed Elysian Viaduct Extension
6-8pm. @ Jeff Davis High School, 1101 Quitman. |
Monday, September 5th
Labor Day
Houston's new smoking ban goes into effect.
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Monday, September 12th
Public Safety & Homeland Security Council Committee Meeting
10am. @ Council Chambers
Saturday, September 17th
POW/MIA Day |
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CANTINA UPDATE
Council Member leads protests to protect our neighborhoods against nussiance bars!
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Rincon Bohemia - 149 E. Crosstimbers
November 12, 2004 - Joined in support of official protestors State Representative Kevin Bailey in fighting the renewal of application - RENEWAL DENIED. Applicant requested Appeal Hearing - APPEAL DENIED April 18, 2005 by Judge Eckels. THIS BAR IS CLOSED.
El Atlantico - 1305 Berry
December 2, 2004 - To be official protestor along with City of Houston, and State Representative Kevin Bailey - TABC joined protest. RENEWAL DENIED - BAR CLOSED.
Sabor Latino Night Club - 1315 Berry
December 3, 2004 - To be official protestor along with City of Houston, TABC, and State Representative Kevin Bailey - This was an existing nuisance bar that the F.A.S.T Team had been attempting to close for awhile - Was closed during summer - A NEW APPLICATION FOR A BEER RETAIL DEALER'S ON-PREMISE LICENSE AND RETIAL DEALER'S ON-PREMISE LATE HOURS LICENSE WAS SUMBITTED. APPLICATION WAS PULLED AT LAST MINUTE - NO NEW APPLICATIONS AS OF THIS DATE.
El Corazon Salvaje - 4739 Canal - Oaklawn/Fullerton Civic Organization
CLOSED DUE TO CAUSE BY TABC - INVESTIGATION INITIATED BY COMMUNITY. LOCATION NO LONGER GRANDFATHERED, HENCE NO LIQUOR LICENSE ESTABLISHMENT WILL BE ALLOWED TO OPEN.
Trappers Sports Bar - on Fulton
Protest filed after settlement agreement was unable to be worked out with residents and bar owner - HEARING HAS TAKEN PLACE - LICENSE WAS GRANTED, BUT LATE NIGHT LICENSE WAS DENIED.
Bar las Amigas - 4514 Fulton
New Application Hearing took place on July 21, 2005 at 9:30 a.m. Waiting for decision from hearing.
Los Pinos - 4515 Fulton
Hearing was held on July 28th. Waiting for decision from hearing.
La Consentida - 715 Paschall
August 18th, 9:30am. hearing @ 1001 Preston 9th Floor
This is a protest of renewal of license - This location is across the street from Blo-n-Go. TABC has not joined in protest.
La Movida - Canal Street
August 18th, 1:30pm. hearing @ 1001 Preston, 9th Floor
This has been an existing problem bar in the Oaklawn/Fullerton Neighborhood.
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