Council Update: Tree Removal; Fire Station Roof Repair; Soccer for Success
This week City Council authorized $4.5 million to DRC Emergency Services, LLC, for emergency tree removal in the City’s right-of-ways, parks, esplanades and other affected areas due to Houston’s exceptional drought condition. Citizens are reminded that dead and diseased trees can be extremely dangerous and to use caution.
Council approved the purchase of construction services to replace the roofs on Houston Fire Station numbers 38 and 57. Since 2005, Fire Station No. 38 – located at 1128 Silber Road – has experienced numerous water leaks over the apparatus and living areas, through its 17 year old flat roofs. Although repairs over past years have addressed the damage, today water infiltrates through a rotted perimeter metal edge and damages the interior of the station. Fire Station No.57, operating with a 44 year old deteriorating metal roof and gutter system over the apparatus area, has a history of water leaks and roof repairs since 2004.
City Council voted to delay action for one week on the noise and sound level regulations of Chapter 30 of the Code of Ordinances.
An ordinance was approved authorizing an interlocal agreement between the City of Houston and the Hermann Park Conservancy for the receipt of $749,941. These local matching funds from the Hermann Park Conservancy are intended for the design and construction of the Fannin/Main Esplanades at Hermann Park. Bike racks, benches, landscaping, lighting, trash cans and water fountains will be included in this one mile stretch from the Texas Medical Center to the Meacom Fountain.
In addition, council authorized the Advanced Funding Agreement of $2,999,765 between the City of Houston and the Texas Department of Transportation which provides the additional funding needed to complete the Fannin/Main Esplanades.
An ordinance authorizing a grant agreement between the U.S. Soccer Foundation and the City of Houston for Soccer for Success program was approved by Council. This grant allows for the development of an afier school sports youth program aimed at elementary and middle school age children in ten schools throughout Houston’s economically disadvantaged urban communities for 2011-2012.
My Tax Dollars
During the budget process, Council Member Noriega asked for a tool for more transparency in city financing and Council Member Noriega’s recommended amendment came to fruition today, as Mayor Parker and Council Member unveiled the new online tool, My Tax Dollars. This user friendly website provides a pie chart and a detailed breakdown of how tax dollars are being spent. Property and sales taxes are major revenue sources for the City’s $1.8 General Fund which funds basic city services such as but not limited to, fire and police protection, garbage collection and street repairs. Please visit: http://hfdapp.houstontx.gov/MyTaxDollar/ to see how your tax dollars work.