City of La Porte Newsletter

Hurricane Harvey | Friday, August 24

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LIFE. BY THE BAY. CITY OF LA PORTE NEWSLETTER OCTOBER | NOVEMBER | DECEMBER | 2017

Congratulations!

To the Newest Graduating Class of the Advanced Citizen Police Academy

Home Repairs & Permits | Page 2 FEMA Information | Page 3 Search for Lafitte’s Gold | Page 5 Christmas Activities | Page 6

Citizen Police Academy (CPA) participants attend classes at the La Porte Police Department every Tuesday night for thirteen consecutive weeks. They participate in courses taught by LPPD, both certified police officers and civilian employees, serving in specialized positions. In addition to classroom instruction, handson training is offered to participants – ranging from Special Weapons and Tactics to Community Policing.

Participation in the CPA is free and all materials are provided by the La Porte Police Department.

Interested in participating? This program is offered to residents eighteen years of age or older with a clear criminal history. The next CPA class begins on Tuesday, January 16.

Applications are available online at http://www.ci.la-porte.tx.us/488/CitCPA graduates will find an abundance izens-Police-Academy. Questions? of rewarding volunteer opportuniPlease contact Officer Anthony Bish ties and they also become eligible at bisha@laportetx.gov or (281) 842to participate in the department’s 3124. “ride along” program where they can experience police patrol first hand.

THANK YOU! #LAPORTESTRONG

We are so thankful for all the residents, organizations, and businesses in La Porte for the outpouring of generosity and support you have provided to the City, our community, and our neighbors over the last month. You are what makes La Porte such a unique, strong, and resilient community! We are truly grateful for everything you have done to take care of each other during this time of need. The City is here when you need support, so please contact us at 281-470-0010 for any questions or concerns. THANK YOU LA PORTE!!! #LaPorteStrong

A Message from Mayor Rigby: The City of La Porte, along with neighboring communities, continue to persevere in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey. If Hurricane Harvey has taught us one thing, it’s the strength of the “community” here in La Porte, Texas. The outpouring of volunteers and resources is endless, and I want to say “Thank You” to everyone who extended a helping hand not only within La Porte, but also to the surrounding areas.

As a result of the storm, La Porte has 471 homes and 4 businesses on record that sustained damage.

If you suffered damages and have not been in contact with the city, please email OEM@laportetx.gov.

The La Porte Office of Emergency Management is working diligently with our partners including FEMA, the American Red Cross, local Cities, and more.

As your Mayor, I am committed to doing everything possible to help families and businesses in the recovery process. Thank you for making the City of La Porte one we can all be proud to call home. If you have any questions about recovery, please contact 281-470-0010.

FEDERAL ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE THROUGH FEMA As a result of the widespread damage that occurred from Hurricane Harvey, a Presidential Disaster Declaration was issued for Harris County on August 27th. This declaration makes federal assistance available to eligible individuals and business owners in multiple counties and cities throughout Texas, including La Porte.

If your home or property was damaged as a result of Hurricane Harvey, you can apply for disaster assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by phone at 1-800621-3362 or (TTY) 1-800-462-7585. The toll-free numbers are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.

HOME REPAIRS

As you plan for home repairs, please make sure your contractor is on file with the City. The Planning & Development Department reviews all contractors to ensure they have a current Certificate of Insurance for Liability. In the aftermath of a natural disaster, we often hear reports of people being victimized.

We urge you to do your research and check these lists: Building Contractors; Plumbing Contractors; Electrical Contractors; Mechanical Contractors.

Permits are required for all repairs and improvements over $1,000. The Planning & Development Department will waive all permit fees for storm-related damages. If you have questions, please contact planning@laportetx.gov or call 281-470-5073.

FEMA DISASTER RECOVERY CENTER NOW OPEN AT PASADENA CONVENTION CENTER A Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) opened September 21 at the Pasadena Convention Center, 7902 Fairmont Parkway. The DRC at the convention center will be open daily, from 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. Recovery specialists from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), the State of Texas, and other agencies will be at the center to provide information about disaster assistance programs and guidance for filing an application. If possible, homeowners, renters, and businesses should register with FEMA before visiting a recovery center. Eligible residents may register for assistance at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-3362.

AMERICAN RED CROSS HARVEY FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

Through the generosity of Red Cross donors, the American Red Cross is providing emergency assistance in the amount of $400 to qualified households directly impacted by Hurricane Harvey. Assistance will be issued per household; any subsequent applications will be denied. Registration for this program will be open through Tuesday, October 10, 2017.

THANK YOU PUBLIC WORKS!

We would like to say a huge THANK YOU to our Public Works crews that have been working so hard to pick up storm debris since Hurricane Harvey. They are doing an outstanding job, and we appreciate the community’s patience as we continue debris removal operations throughout the city. If you have the chance to say thank you to our crews while they are working in your neighborhood, we encourage you to do so!

HARRIS COUNTY APPRAISAL DISTRICT APP Harris County homeowners who have any type of property damage from Hurricane Harvey can now report that damage to the Harris County Appraisal District through the district’s upgraded app. The upgraded app allows residential property owners to report flood, tornado or roof damage electronically. “The appraisal district can use this information to identify the most damaged neighborhoods and properties to help the homeowner next year when the property is reappraised January 1 by possibly reducing the value because of existing damage or ongoing repair work,” said Roland Altinger, chief appraiser. The appraisal district also has set up a special phone line for property owners to report Hurricane Harvey damage at 713.812.5805, or they can email that information to help@hcad.org . Please provide your name, address, phone number and account number, if you have it, along with the number of inches or feet of water you received.

NEW BOMB EQUIPMENT In 2015, the La Porte Police Department (LPPD) applied for an Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI) grant. The grant is part of a program administered through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The grant application was sought in order to upgrade and add equipment to the Bay Area Regional Bomb Squad (BARBS).

The grant was finally awarded in 2016 and the equipment was finalized and purchased August of 2017. The grant awarded, allowed the La Porte Police Department to purchase a new 2017 Ford F350 truck and bomb trailer. The new trailer is capable of securing explosive devices on scene and later transporting the explosive devices safely, to a designated area for destruction.

FIRE PREVENTION WEEK

The LPFD will be out at all the schools for Fire Prevention Week the second week of October, AND the 5th graders will be traveling out to the fire field for a live fire demonstration!

Smoke alarms save lives! If there is a fire in your home, smoke spreads fast and you need smoke alarms to give you time to get out. Having a working smoke alarm has been known to reduce the number of fire-related fatalities by 50 percent. Smoke alarm failures usually result from missing, disconnected, or dead batteries. The “Detect to Protect” program will send a Fire Department representative to your home for a “Fire Safety Visit” to make sure your family is protected. To set up an appointment, email fire@laportetx.gov.

EXCELLENCE IN FINANCIAL REPORTING

The City of La Porte received the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for the comprehensive annual financial report (CAFR) for the fiscal year 2016 from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA). This is the 36th consecutive year the City has received this award.

COURT’S JUVENILE COMMUNITY SERVICE R.O.C.K. PROGRAM

This fall the Court’s juvenile community service R.O.C.K. program will be participating in the La Porte Community Civic Club’s Twilight Cemetery and North Side Clean-ups. We will also feature Gang Specialist James Odom, who will discuss gang awareness, decision making and anger management; and, Counselor Frankie Buggs who will discuss substance abuse, drunk, impaired and distracted driving. For more information on the R.O.C.K. program please call Cathy Haney, Court Administrator, at 281-842-0401.

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FAMILY FRIGHT NIGHT

Join us for a haunted night of fun at Little Cedar Bayou Park on Satuday, October 14! Activities will include: overnight camping, tent decorating, a haunted hayride, marshmallow roasting, and the movie ParaNorman on our giant outdoor movie screen! Bring your own tent, camping gear and decorations and we’ll supply dinner, breakfast and sweet treats! Costumes are optional, but pre-registration is required. Please contact the Recreation and Fitness Center for more information at 281-470-9891.

THE SEARCH FOR LAFITTE’S GOLD

If you love Mardi Gras on Main Street, you are going to love The Search for Lafitte’s Gold event on October 21 at Five Points Plaza. This event will feature Harbors Over Highways, our Sunset Sip & Stroll market vendors, pirate costume contest, airbrush tattoo artists, food trucks, and pirate themed activities for the little ones as well! In addition, we will be launching 10 new geocaches in La Porte. These new geocaches will be released at Geocaching.com and maps will be distributed onsite.

LA PORTE BY THE BAY HALF MARATHON SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 19 LAPORTEBYTHEBAYHALFMARATHON.COM

MAIN STREET TRADE DAYS The hunt is on! Come find unique treasures at Main Street Trade Days in Historic Downtown La Porte on the 1st Saturday of the Month from 10:00am - 2:00pm. From antiques and collectibles to repurposed items and artisans, you are sure to find several unique pieces to add to your collection.

Keep up with the Parks & Recreation Department

FUN TIMES. BY THE BAY. IS AVAILABLE ONLINE In an effort to keep our residents better informed of all the great programs and events available throughout the Parks & Recreation Department, we have a program catalog available online at laportetx.gov/funtimesbythebay. Log on today and check out all the offerings from youth to seniors!

SUNSET SIP & STROLL

Join us on the 3rd Saturday of the Month from 4:00pm to 8:00pm for Sunset Sip & Stroll Farmers Maket at Five Points.

Follow us on Facebook @ sipandstroll for monthly vendor lineups.

October | Search for Lafitte’s Gold November 18 | Thanksgiving December 16 | It’s A Wonderful Life

Membership is available for only $30/year. For more information or to register, please visit BayForestGolf.com.

UpcomingTournaments October 7-8 | STPGA Prestige Tour @ Bay Forest Junior Championship October 14 | St. John’s Kids Count Foundation October 21-22 | Bay Forest Handicap Association Club Championship November 18 | Bay Forest Handicap Association Individual Stroke Play

CHRISTMAS ON MAIN STREET

Sponsored by the City and the Chamber of Commerce, Christmas on Main Street has become a family tradition here in La Porte; and the event offers a great way to kick off the holiday season! Join us on Thursday, December 7, from 5:00pm - 9:00pm for the FREE event with music, shopping, and the official lighting of the tree at Five Points Plaza.

MADD JINGLE BELL RUN

Join us as we run in support of Mother’s Against Drunk Driving at the MADD Jingle Bell Run on Friday, December 8! MADD will be using funds to raise both awareness and to support MADD’s mission to end drunk driving. Runners of all ages and fitness levels are welcome to register for the chip timed 5K & 1K Fun Run. Festivities include a kids zone, vendors, face painting, pictures with Santa and more!

LIGHTED CHRISTMAS PARADE

Come out and see our lighted Christmas Parade that will go down Broadway! This years theme is “Frozen Fantasy”. Come experience a night full of snowflakes, flurries and icicles that’ll make you shiver in excitement! Special guest Mr. & Mrs. Claus, Elsa, Anna and Olaf will be in attendance!

After the parade, meet up at Five Points for pictures, food trucks and a showing of Frozen on the outdoor movie screen!

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA

Join us for breakfast with Santa on Saturday, December 9! We will write out wish lists, take a pictures with Santa, and make reindeer food. Pre-registration is required. Call 281-470-9891 for more information.

Tis the Season... To Give Back The La Porte Police Department Blue Santa Program began seven short years ago, and has already resulted in the distribution of gifts, toys, and many other items for thousands of children who might not otherwise have had a Christmas. Join us, and help in assisting local families have a great Holiday Season.

New unwrapped toys can be dropped off at City facilities and local businesses throughout the area, or you can make a tax deductible monetary donation to the program. Checks can be made out to the La Porte Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association, a registered 501(c)3 and dropped off anytime at the La Porte Police Department, 3001 North 23rd Street.

For further information concerning the program, please contact LPPD’s Support Services Division at 281-842-3124, or call the La Porte Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association at 281-842-3149.

A Tradition Relived Sponsored by the LPFD Ladies Auxiliary and La Porte Fire Department

Santa Around Town December 11 - 14

Every year Santa makes his rounds through some of our neighborhoods on an LPFD fire truck! Follow us on Facebook to find out when he might be near you.

HOLIDAY CAMPS

School is out and we have amazing activities for the students to stay active and busy during the upcoming holiday breaks.

Come in and sign students up for one of our fun-filled holiday camps. We have games, crafts and daily trips planned to keep them engaged during their days off. Sign up is easy, register at www.laportetx.gov/registertoday or stop by the front desk of the Recreation & Fitness Center.

THE NORTH POLE IS CALLING... IT’S SANTA!

This year your child can receive a call from the North Pole! The program is free and is our way to promote the holiday spirit. Parents can register for the program by obtaining a registration form from participating schools. For more information on North Pole Calling, contact the Parks and Recreation Department at (281) 470-9891.

The City of La Porte Parks & Recreation Department needs your assistance! We are looking for English and Spanish speakers to make calls during our annual North Pole Calling program. If you can assist please visit http://www.ci. la-porte.tx.us/444/Youth-Programs to sign up today!

CITY OF LA PORTE 604 W FAIRMONT PKWY LA PORTE, TX 77571 281-471-5020 WWW.LAPORTETX.GOV