MAMA September 2018 Newsletter by kchace

September 2018 • Newsletter

MAMA

Museum Area Municipal Association for Houston‘s best urban experience, come live with MAMA

photo credit Houston Museum District

Presidential Musings “Even if you live in a big city, everybody lives in a small town. We identify ourselves by our neighborhoods.” 1 I feel extremely lucky that I identify my neighborhood as MAMA and as of June 26th I was offered a chance to work with all of you as the new MAMA civic club president. I want to thank everyone for the vote of support. A round of applause and standing ovation for our outgoing president Doug Lawing. It has been under Doug’s leadership that a large portion of the neighborhood was able to achieve minimum lot size protection and start a serious conversation on our parking challenges. We had our first MAMA block party and many successful conversations with city leadership at our meetings. When you see Doug please tell him thank you for all the time, creative ideas and energy he dedicated to our neighborhood over the past 3 years. Please let me know if there are specific topics you would like us to consider for our civic club meetings or for our newsletter. Please do not hesitate to email me at Kathryn@kchace.com or easily found out walking two energetic not crazy about cats or squirrels dogs.

Kathryn

Quote by Karin Saughter

Upcoming Events Sunday, September 30, 2018 5:30—8:00 p.m.

The 2nd Annual MAMA Block Party Corner of Milford & Yoakum Refreshments and the Moon Rooster Food Truck

Tuesday, December 4, 2018 6:00 p.m.

MAMA Meeting and Holiday Party Italian Cultural Center 1101 Milford Street Tuesday, March 12, 2019 6:00 p.m.

Spring MAMA Meeting Italian Cultural Center 1101 Milford Street

Highlights Parking Issue Upate Page 2

KEEP MAMA SAFE MAMA began its Constable Program in 2016 as an effort to control rising crime in Houston’s inner city neighborhoods. The Houston Police Department has become inundated with a growing city population and not enough Police to patrol our crowded streets, resulting in slower response times for crimes and other concerning issues. MAMA president, Doug Lawing and MAMA security coordinator, Mac Hoak began the arduous task of implementing our own neighborhood Constable Program to promote a safer environment for all it’s residents. A full service program that directly affects each of us. Our MAMA designated Constable patrols every street within its boundaries daily, and can arrest, ticket, question, and assist. I’m sure you’ve seen our Patrol car policing your street. While every resident of MAMA benefits from this program, it is privately funded by concerned and committed neighbors like you who are looking for a safer cont’d on pg. 2

Local Issues on Fall Ballot Page 3

4 Legs—Crittter Control Page 3

New Board Members and New Officers Page 4

Parking Issues@!#%!!

ParkHouston has been working on a pilot program over the past year to help alleviate parking problems in our area. This Community Parking Program is tailor made to address the dramatic increase in parking we have experienced in the last two years. ParkHouston has posted on their website the presentation that was given to us and maps. I encourage you to check it out: http://www.houstontx.gov/parking/

There have been two neighborhood meetings held in the last several months at the Italian Cultural Center, and residents have had opportunities to communicate directly with ParkHouston with any questions and comments.

In general the plan designates streets as 3 hour parking Monday through Saturday 7a.m.-6p.m.

■ Residents

and employees of companies within the boundaries may purchase permits that must be displayed while the vehicle is parked on street during the designated times.

■ A residential permit will cost $28.50 per year and are valid for one

year. They are renewable. Permits are for residents use and their guests.

■ 3 permits are allowed per residential address of 8 units or less ■ 1 permit allowed per unit of multi-family units that have 9-28 units ■ an employee permit will cost $25.00 per month

ParkHouston recently met with the city of Houston’s administration and was asked to conduct a survey. The survey was completed and here are the results:

79% of the respondents support the program 94% of the respondents were residents 63% of the respondents attended a public meeting

As of August 13, 2018 ParkHouston is waiting for feedback on next steps.

■ a permit does not reserve a parking space or guarantee a parking

space

■ If

city council approves CPP residents and employers within the boundaries of the program will receive a notice in the mail on how to purchase permits and the effective date of the regulations.

■ This is a pilot program that will be reviewed following the first an-

niversary of the effective date of the program. 

KEEP MAMA SAFE cont’d from page 1 place to live, work, play and explore. Thanks to our neighborhood subscribers our Constable program continues into its third year.

Name(s): __________________________________________________________________

Becoming a subscriber has concierge benefits such as: Personal Vacation Watches while you’re away, free home security evaluation to advise on ways to improve your homes security, direct Constable Dispatch phone number, direct link from your alarm service provider to our MAMA Constable Dispatch rather than (or in addition to) HPD, yard banner, vehicle supporter decal and more.

Address: __________________________________________________________________

I am asking those who are not currently supporting the program to please consider doing so today, and become a MAMA Security Subscriber. Without significant support, our Constable Program can not continue, and we will lose a Program that I know aggressively deters crime, and traffic/ parking violations in our neighborhood on a daily basis. The loss would be very apparent and real. To find out more and to inquire about becoming a MAMA Security Subscriber, please contact me today. Your support is vital.

Thank you! Greg Lofgren MAMA Security Coordinator gregorylofgren@gmail.com

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___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________ Email: ______________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ Phone: _____________________________________________________________________ Member Level:

––––––– Underwriter: $1,500/year

_______ Sponsor: $1,000/year

_______ General: $500/year Security Subscription includes a 2019 MAMA Membership. Although a single payment is preferred, payments can be made in two installments with the first payable immediately and the second no later than September 1, 2017?????. Please make your check out to MAMA and send to P.O Box 66735, Houston, Texas 77266 www.MAMAhouston.org

LOCAL ISSUES ON THE FALL BALLOT Proposition A: Rebuild Houston Proposition A is a charter amendment to create a dedicated, pay-asyou-go fund for drainage and streets. If it sounds familiar, it is: In 2010, Houston voters approved this measure. It was called Renew Houston and is now known as Rebuild Houston. But the courts have ruled that the language that appeared on the ballot in 2010 was flawed and a second vote is required. At the time, the city was spending more on debt service for old drainage and street bonds than it was spending on actual drainage and street work. Rebuild Houston switched the city to a pay-as-you-go model and, as those old bonds are paid off, the funds previously used for debt service are dedicated to drainage and street projects moving forward. Rebuild Houston also created a drainage fee that is collected on water bills. The fee is based on the square footage of impervious surface — essentially, pavement — on each property. A typical homeowner’s fee averages $5 per month. About $1.8 billion has flowed through the Rebuild program for reconstruction or repair work — including an estimated $785 million in drainage fees — and roughly $1 billion in debt has been paid off, according to Houston Public Works Director Carol Haddock. The Rebuild referendum was challenged in court by a group of Houstonians who felt that the language on the ballot did not include a clear description of the drainage fee. The Texas Supreme Court agreed and voters will vote again on the program this November. Mayor Sylvester Turner has said he will implement the program as it is being run today, even if voters do not adopt the charter provision that would force him to do so. “We are simply saying in November to the voters: Go and reaffirm the dedicated purpose for which this fee

4 Legs

A lot of us know each other not by our own first names but our pet’s names. We love our animals. Periodically it is helpful to be reminded of the various city ordinances that apply to our animals. Knowing the ordinances and being respectful of the rules works for everyone.

Simply: The pooper scooper ordinance since 2004. It provides that it is “the duty of each person in control of a dog or cat to be in possession of materials to remove feces left by such dog or cat.” What this means is that if you are walking your dog or cat, you must carry with you some means to remove feces, whether you expect to need it or not. Most of our pet-owning neighbors have always observed this courwww.MAMAhouston.org

is intended, put a lockbox around it,” Turner said. “Voters are not being asked to increase the fee or create another fee, just to reaffirm what already is.” The challengers say the item’s defeat this fall could, depending on the outcome of other pending legal cases, force the city to change how it spends that money.

Proposition B: Firefighter Pay Proposition B is charter amendment that would force the city to pay firefighters the same amounts it pays police officers of the same rank and seniority. The firefighters say that Proposition B guarantees equal pay for equal work for public safety employees, and that firefighters have not had a raise in five years and deserve one. Mayor Turner agrees firefighters deserve a raise, but says that Proposition B was poorly written and is flawed – because it addresses pay and not work requirements, it would force the city to pay firefighters more than police. The mayor also says that the Proposition B would cost the city $98 million every year and that the city cannot afford it. Because the city is prevented by its revenue cap from raising the extra money through taxes, the city would be forced to lay off police officers, firefighters and city employees, and cut back on essential services such as garbage pick-up and libraries. Spirited campaigns are expected on both sides of the issue. The mayor also intends to hold town hall meetings in each council district to help educate voters on this issue. 

tesy and if you are out with your pet and have forgotten your bag to pick up your animal waste ask another animal walker many of us carry extra’s. Leash your animal. It is against the law for pets to roam loose. Pets with access to public sidewalks, streets, or neighbor’s property may be impounded. This includes animals tied or fenced. Paper Work. Everyone who owns … or has control over any dog or cat within the City limits must license their pets, the license to be issued only after proof of rabies vaccination has been provided. Do Not Leave Animal Food cat or dog on public sidewalks. Our neighborhood has a serious feral cat population and as much as we do not want any animal to be hungry leaving food in public spaces is a public health issue. More information on all City ordinances is available through the city’s 311 number.  September 2018 • Newsletter •

New Board of Directors

IMPORTANT CONTACTS • Emergencies Only: 911

• HPD Non-Emergency: (713) 884-3131 https://ehpdhoustontx.gov/citizenalert/ • HPD Storefront: (713) 284-8604 or Centralpatrol1district@cityofhouston.net

Mac Hoak wmhoak@mecoxgardens.com

John Gabriel john@gabrielarchitects.com

Alex Herrera <alexherrera1@comcast.net

President Kathryn McNiel president@mamahouston.org Vice President Rey de la Reza

Barbara Aksamit baksamit@swbell.net

• City of Houston Help: 311 or www.houston311.org or get the app HOUSTON 311 on your smartphone • Non-Emergency MAMA Security Concerns: security@mamahouston.org • Mayor’s Office: (832) 393-1000 or sylvester.turner@houstontx.gov • Council Member Ellen Cohen’s Office: 832.393.3004 or districtc@houstontx.gov

Carvel Glenn CarvelGlenn@aol.com

Rey de la Reza reydelareza@gmail.com

Leslie Gerber lsgerber@comcast.net

Kathryn McNiel kathryn@kchace.com

Leo Golub lgolub100@gmail.com

Melissa Watson mfwatson2@gmail.com

Brian Malarkey BrianM@kirksey.com

Gregory Lofgren gregorylofgren@gmail.com

• Animal Control: (713) 229-7300 • Solid Waste Management: (713) 956-6589

Don’t Hesitate to Call

New MAMA Officers

Susan Taylor sutaylor905@gmail.com

Doug Lawing douglawing@hotmail.com

Treasurer Melissa Watson treasurer@mamahouston.org Membership Director Barbara Aksamit membership@mamahouston.org Security Director Greg Lofgren security@mamahouston.org Liason, UPL Kathryn McNiel Communications Director Dana Weaver

3-1-1 Your Link to City Services

If you need a connection to almost anything the City of Houston does – well, your solution may be as close as dialing 3-1-1. It’s fast. It’s easy. And most often your callgets quick results. It’s not unusual to see the 3- 1-1 troubleshooting truck on the job the day after you call. Sometimes, the job may be bigger and itmay take longer, but don’t wait for someoneelse on your block to call. It doesn’t hurt to have multiple calls on the same issue. Being on the watch in the neighborhood helps everyone. It’s a quick way to participate.

Nextdoor Museum District is a social network for our neighborhood and provides you witha means to communicate with your neighbors in real time about security concerns and incidents. Sign up now by going to: https://themuseumdistricttx.nextdoor.com

MEMBERSHIP in the MUSEUM AREA MUNICIPAL ASSOCIATION, (MAMA) Questions? Contact our Membership Chair, Barbara Aksamit at (713) 398-7896 or email membership@mamahouston.org CHECKS MADE PAYABLE TO MAMA or JOIN ONLINE AT WWW.MAMAHOUSTON.ORG/MEMBERSHIP Please complete the bottom portion of this form and return with your check to: MAMA • P.O. Box 66735 • Houston , TX 77266 _________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ MEMBER NAME (please include business name, if applicable) EMAIL  home  work _________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ STREET ADDRESS  home  work CITY, ST ZIP _________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ MAILING ADDRESS if different CITY, ST ZIP ____________________________________________________________ PHONE  home  work

Special Interest? Join the Fun I would like to participate with MAMA on one or more of the following:

 PATRON MEMBERSHIP • $100

 BELL PARK FUND • $_____________

 Bell Park Restoration

 Security/National Night Out

 *INDIVIDUAL/FAMILY MEMBERSHIP • $35

 *SENIOR/STUDENT MEMBERSHIP · $15

 Communications

 Annual Meeting/Holiday Party

 Board/Committee Work  Membership

*Security Subscription includes a 2019 MAMA Membership

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