The April FCPOA meeting will be held April 25 in the old firehouse at 1110 Mustang Trail. You can email meredithcrowe.mmc@gmail.com for an invite to the virtual meeting as well.

Council Member Fred Flickinger’s April Newsletter

Read the newsletter in original format HERE

Monthly Newsletter April 5, 2024 Issue 2 

Dear District E Residents,
Yesterday, Mayor Whitmire announced significant changes to how the city charges customers for water use to restore transparency and trust in the system. Over the past year, we have heard from many residents regarding inaccurate water bills. In 2023, changes were made to city ordinance to address the concerns, but these policy changes were insufficient.
Starting April 1, 2024, single-family residential customers will have set usage calculated, which will be reflected in their May bill. This set usage will provide customers with consistent water bills while Houston Public Works (HPW) makes necessary improvements to ensure the accuracy of future monthly water usage readings: Customers’ set usage will be calculated as the average monthly water consumption, available on your account, using up to 36 months of data. More info on this here. The calculation will NOT include charges during the City’s drought or freeze, water leaks on a customer’s property, or charges for zero or estimated bills. This set usage will prevent surprises in water bills, as the city works to accelerate the replacement of failed remote meter reading devices. If customers are using less water than their set usage and have a working remote read device, they will be billed for their actual usage. If customers are using less water than their set usage and do not have a working remote read device they will receive a credit for the difference between their actual usage and set usage once their remote read device has been replaced. Single-family residential customers will continue to receive a set usage bill until an upgraded remote reading device is installed on their property or the accuracy of the current remote reading device is verified. The city expects to install approximately 125,000 remote reading devices throughout Houston beginning immediately and will fast-track the replacement of failed devices. Customers with an upgraded, working remote reading device will transition to a water bill reflecting their actual usage as early as August 2024. These customers will receive a notice 60 days before their bill is transitioned to the new billing format.
The primary issue causing high and often inaccurate water bills is failing water meter remote read devices. A failing transmitter does not affect your water meter’s ability to accurately measure consumption, but it does affect the ability to accurately transmit consumption information. The City currently has 125,000 failing devices with the capacity to read only 40,000 meters manually each month. This has necessitated estimated bills, calculated using an outdated algorithm.
The city started the effort to replace end-of-life remote read devices in 2019 and so far, 85,000 devices have been replaced. Replacement efforts were stalled during the pandemic when the chip shortage slowed technology procurement globally. Throughout the rest of the year, HPW will redirect meter-reading resources and add contractors to accelerate the remote read device replacement efforts, to replace the 125,000 devices that have already failed by the end of the year.
Customers who are in queue to have their failing remote read device replaced will receive a notice once their device has been upgraded and tested. After confirmation of a working device, customers will receive a 60-day notice before they are converted back to actual billing.
In addition, HPW is working on several changes and upgrades to the water billing system to ensure a holistic approach to tackling the various issues, including:Expand in-person customer service availability. Customers can now schedule in-person appointments to ask questions about their bill. These appointments will take place on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays between 10 am – 3 pm at 4200 Leeland (Houston Public Works Water Customer Service Office). There is also a virtual Microsoft Teams option. Customers can schedule appointments at houstonwaterbills.org or by calling 713.371.1400.Employ new quality control measures to alert to possible inaccurate bills and easy resolution process for disputed bills.Streamline relief requests into one centralized form.Redesign the utility bill to make it easier for customers to understand.Amend confusing city ordinances that bureaucratize water billing customer service.Develop a leak detection feature for private water lines to notify single-family residential customers of leaks on their property.Implement triggers to pause the auto-draft payment of a customer’s bill when it exceeds a certain threshold.
More information about this program can be found at improvewaterbills.org, including how to update your contact information to receive alerts about changes to your billing. If you have questions about this program, please reach out to the HPW contact center at (713) 371-1400 between 8:00 am and 7:00 pm Monday through Friday or email improvewaterbills@houstontx.gov.
I believe these changes represent a meticulous and careful approach to the issues that have plagued residents over the last few years. I look forward to seeing how these changes positively impact residents and if anyone experiences any issues please don’t hesitate to contact my office.
Sincerely,
The District E Office
Council Member Fred Flickinger
900 Bagby, First Floor
Houston, TX 77002
Email: districte@houstontx.gov
Phone: (832) 393-3008
The District E Team
Dustin Hodges Chief of Staff
Mark Mitchell Deputy Chief of Staff
Demari Perez North Sector Manager
City Resources
Kingwood Community Center(281) 348-2570
Houston 311 (713) 837-0311 
City of Houston Solid Waste Department 
City of Houston Office of Emergency Management
Community Resources 
Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce
South Belt-Ellington Chamber of Commerce  
Partnership Lake Houston  
Kingwood Service Association 
Kingwood Super Neighborhood Council

   Mark Mitchell, Deputy Chief of Staff
The District E office welcomes back our newest team member, Mark Mitchell, who is now the Deputy Chief of Staff for District E.
Mark is a lifelong Houstonian; he was born and raised in the South Belt-Ellington area. He graduated from Texas A&M at Galveston with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Marine Biology.
Mark previously spent time in the District E office as the South Sector Manager. He then left to join the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership where he was a Marketing Manager, and Program Manager for the Space Alliance Technology Outreach Program.
Mark is looking forward to picking up where he left off serving his community as a member of the District E Team. We’re happy to have him back!

Tree Lane Bridge Rehabilitation Project
Council Member Fred Flickinger would like to make Kingwood area residents aware that Houston Public Works will begin the Tree Lane Bridge Rehabilitation Project beginning Monday, April 8, 2024, and scheduled to conclude Monday, September 9, 2024, weather permitting.
The scope of work includes repairs to the Ben’s Branch channel and columns of the bridge, ensuring that the structural integrity of the bridge is bolstered to withstand potential scour/erosion challenges. The project cost is $909,000 and is funded by the dedicated drainage and street renewal fund.
The rehabilitation project is a necessary response to the rip rap failures under the bridge, which have resulted in severe scour/erosion, posing potential risks to access and safety. Furthermore, the channel condition under the bridge has been identified as a significant contributor to the flooding of Ben’s Branch natural stream, emphasizing the urgency of implementing immediate improvements for flood prevention and protection.
As a result of the construction activities, please be aware of flagmen and orange traffic cones that will be put in place on-site to help with traffic flow through the construction zone as the project will require one lane closure at times. Businesses and residents will have access to driveways and sidewalks at all times and may experience an increase in noise levels due to trucks and equipment in the area.
Texas Lyceum 2024 Public Conference Mission Control: Texas’ Leadership in Space, Technology, and Innovation
Council Member Flickinger and District E staff attended the 2024 Texas Lyceum Public Conference along with attendees from across the state. At the conference Texas elected officials and Aerospace Industry leaders gathered to discuss Texas’ leadership role in the development of the Lower Earth Orbit (LEO) economy, advancements in the Aerospace Sector, and the growth of the Texas Aerospace Industry Workforce.
In the second half of the conference, attendees had the opportunity to visit the Houston Spaceport, Space Center Houston, and NASA Johnson Space Center. For more information about the Texas Lyceum Public Conference please click HERE. 
Partnership Lake Houston’s Kingwood Bizcom
Council Member Flickinger was honored to attend the highly anticipated Kingwood BizCom event on February 22nd. It was an exceptional gathering, where a diverse range of businesses, community members, and school officials united to address the specific needs of Kingwood.
The event featured distinguished speakers who brought their expertise and insights to the table. Among them, the notable presence of Congressman Dan Crenshaw added immense significance. Congressman Crenshaw, known for his leadership and dedication, shared his vision for the community’s progress and inspired all in attendance.
Additionally, Council Member Fred Flickinger, actively contributed to the event. His valuable perspective on community development and ongoing progress resonated with the participants, further reinforcing his commitment to Kingwood.
The Kingwood BizCom event provided an invaluable platform to foster collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and community engagement. The contributions of Wes Soloman, Devon Alexander, Desirae Perry, and Billy Beattie further enriched the discussions, addressing various aspects of importance to Kingwood.
We extend our heartfelt appreciation to all the speakers and attendees for their active participation and dedication to the betterment of Kingwood. Together, we can continue building a thriving community.
Greater Houston Partnership’s Future of Texas
In February, Council Member Flickinger joined Council Members Twila Carter and Joaquin Martinez as a featured speaker on a panel for the Greater Houston Partnership’s Future of Texas series.
This series was specifically designed for government relations, public affairs professionals, and concerned citizens who are passionate about shaping the future of our great state. During the event, Council Members Flickinger, Carter, and Martinez delved into the most pressing issues facing the city and shared their plans and priorities for their first term in office.
This panel discussion provided a unique opportunity for Greater Houston Partnership members to engage with leaders, gain valuable insights, and actively participate in shaping the future of our city and state. We hope that those who had the opportunity to attend found it informative.

NASA Johnson Space Center Exploration Park
NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC) announced the plans to develop 240-acres of land at JSC, named Exploration Park, with the Texas A&M University System as the first tenant. Texas A&M University plans to construct a facility to enable human spaceflight research and development, the Texas A&M Space Institute.
The American Center for Manufacturing & Innovation (ACMI) was the second tenant to be announced. ACMI will help build out commercial and defense facilities aimed at space exploration, manufacturing and advancing similar technology at the unused land just outside the fence of Johnson Space Center. The development will be a Space Systems Campus. The goal is for the site to be an applied research facility that partners several different kinds of agencies, from academia to the government.
Freeway Manor Civic Club MeetingCouncil Member Flickinger had the pleasure of attending Freeway Manor Civic Club’s March meeting. The primary topic on the agenda was the ongoing issues with illegal dumping and squatters in homes in the Freeway Manor, Sun Valley Terrace, and Gulfway Terrace neighborhoods. Also in attendance was HPD Chief Finner, Executive Assistant Chief Larry Satterwhite, Assistant Chief Adrian Rodriguez, HPD-Clear Lake Commander Claudia Cruz, and Constable Precinct 2 Jerry Garcia.
Council Member Flickinger had the opportunity to take a tour of the community with a group of leaders the day before to see the issues firsthand. Thank you to residents who are leading on these issues and to HPD and Constable Jerry Garcia for their commitment to resolving them.


Kingwood Battery, Oil, Paint, and Antifreeze Event Bear Branch Elementary Tree Planting

Council Member Flickinger was excited to participate in the Bear Branch Elementary Tree Planting event. The event was a collaborative effort by the phenomenal 3rd-grade teacher teams at Bear Branch Elementary, Trees for Kingwood, Jesse Jones Park, and Apache Corporation.
The 3rd-grade students were taught about the importance of planting and taking care of trees, and the long-term effects it has on our environment. Through this educational collaboration, an impressive total of 232 trees were grown to be planted in the community.
This event provided a hands-on learning experience for the students and highlighted the significance of environmental stewardship within the community. By planting these trees, the students are directly contributing to the beautification and sustainability of the Livable Forest.
The dedication and efforts of the 3rd-grade teacher team at Bear Branch Elementary, their enthusiastic students, Trees for Kingwood, Jesse Jones Park, and Apache Corporation for organizing such a meaningful and impactful event.
Report a Streetlight Outage
CenterPoint Energy maintains streetlights throughout District E and the City of Houston. If you notice a streetlight out in your area, please click on the link below to report a streetlight outage.You will be asked to provide:​​a pole number (or nearby address) for the non-functioning lights you want to reportcontact information (in case more information is needed to locate a streetlight)an e-mail address (if you want feedback regarding your repair request)the number of streetlights you would like to report​The system will guide you through the remaining steps. To report a streetlight outage using the interactive map, click here.Report general power outages by calling 713-207-2222 or toll-free 800-332-7143.
Utilizing 3-1-1 to Report Issues
Residents may act as extra eyes and ears on the streets, and soon you’ll be able to report a pothole, a malfunctioning traffic light, or a drainage problem while you’re out and about. Houston 311 has launched a new smartphone app that makes reporting issues like these easier than ever. The app uses GPS to identify your location and also allows you to snap a photo to add to your service request. The new app allows for reports to be automatically routed to city departments for resolutions.
You can still alert the City of Houston of issues by dialing 3-1-1 or 713-837-0311 of potential problems in your community. Houstonians can also access this helpful service via an e-mail to 311@HoustonTX.gov. A self Service Request (SR) form is available online at www.houston311.org. Once you’ve reported a problem please follow up with the District E office by emailing your case number and information on the issue to the District E office at districte@houstontx.gov to help ensure the problem is addressed promptly.


District E Electronic Recycling Events
NORTH SECTOR RESIDENTS


SOUTH SECTOR RESIDENTS

District E Upcoming Monthly Event
Email the District E office (districte@houstontx.gov) if you would like us to include your upcoming event in future newsletters!
April 10 – Association Clear Lake Communities Monthly Meeting (Zoom)
April 12 – Community Response Task Force Monthly Meeting
April 15 – HPD-Eastside Positive Interaction Program Meeting
April 16 – HPD-Kingwood Positive Interaction Program Meeting
April 16 – HPD-Clearlake Positive Interaction Program Meeting
April 17 – Kingwood Super Neighborhood Council (Zoom)
April 25 – BAHEP General Membership MeetingApril 27 – Kingwood Battery, Oil, Paint, and Antifreeze (BOPA)
See a pothole, report it by calling (713) 837-0311
Tune to HTV Houston to watch live and recorded City Council and Committee Meetings.

The Board will be discussing the FCPOA Budget and FCPOA Operations Fee at the November meeting.  The Board will consider whether to raise the fee for the 2024 budget year  Thanksgiving is on the 4th Thursday in November, so the November meeting will be held on the 3rd Thursday of the month (November 16, 2023) at 7:30 p.m.  People will be able to attend the meeting virtually and in person.

The POA election was held May 25

The following were elected to FCPOA Board of Directors : Steve Atchison, Nicole Lewis, and Ron Miller

The Results Are:

Steve Atchison - 79 votes

Stephanie Chapman - 30 votes

Nicole Lewis - 80 votes

Traci Matthews - 45 votes

Ron Miller - 51 votes

HOUSTON - Mayor Pro Tem Dave Martin would like to make District E residents aware that Houston Parks and Recreation Department is working on a grant proposal to secure federal funding for a Hazard Tree Removal Program. The proposed program would involve working with homeowners to identify and remove dead trees and overgrown limbs within their yard, at no cost to the homeowner. Homeowners would also be eligible for replacement trees.

This Hazardous Tree Removal Survey is intended to help them determine how many homeowners would be interested in a program like this. HPARD is asking for everyone to share this survey with your neighbors and let them know if a Hazard Tree Removal Program is something your community wants.

The survey is currently open for your submission and will remain open through May 26, 2023. For any questions, please contact AskParks@houstontx.gov and click here to take the online survey.

New Beacon Posted. View it HERE

Houston Hazard Mitigation Plan : The City of Houston’s Office of Emergency Management is updating Houston’s Hazard Mitigation Plan (HMP). The Plan guides actions the City will take to reduce risk and impacts from disasters over the next five years and beyond. The Hazard Mitigation Plan also allows Houston to receive funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to reduce our community’s vulnerability to disasters. The City’s goal is to prevent damage before it occurs, save lives, protect property, and limit the cost of recovery throughout Houston. The Hazard Mitigation Plan is important for our City to be safe and resilient.

Forest Cove residents Damian Pool, Dr. Ron Miller, Marcus Rutledge, Doug Delamore, Johnathon Fogleman and Pedro Gutierrez and Board Member Matt Treadwell help the board rework the playground fall zone.  These guys generously dedicated their time to remove rotted landscape timbers and replace with new.  A hearty thank you to all of these men for the great job on the fall zone.

Additional thanks go to Matt Treadwell for scraping vegetation from the fall zone and distributing the sand around the perimeter inyo smaller piles, Randy Koshnick for tilling the fall zone, and Meredith and Sarah Crowe for raking the sand over the fall zone.  It all looks great!

The Board thanks all of you!

POA meeting this Thursday, 9/22/22. Email meredithcrowe.mmc@gmail.com for an invite to the virtual meeting if you would like to attend.

New August Beacon Has Been Posted Check it Out HERE

New June Beacon Has Been Posted Check it Out HERE

Veteran’s Float in the Parade!!!

There will be a float in the parade that any veteran will be able to ride on! The float is a flatbed trailer so bring something to sit on if you would like! Line up starts at 9 am parade starts at 10 am

Thanks to all the veterans and see y’all there!

Contacts for 4th of July - Contact if you have questions or if you can volunteer to help out with any of the following:

Steve : Brisket Prep / Slice / Smoker Pit Shifts Sunday night - 281.757.0732 or jsa123154@yahoo.com

Lorena : Serving of food - Text 281.300.3011

Nicole : Door Prizes - Call/Text 936.776.2118

Vicky : Parade - Call/Text 832.741.9216

Dessert contest entry form posted HERE ( Please print and bring to the event on the 4th if you can. We will have some at the table too.)

Everyone’s Favorite Townhomes are coming down!

Demolition Dates Set for Forest Cove Townhomes - Reduce Flooding

4th of July Is a GO! Check the Upcoming Events Page HERE for more information

Check the pool tab on this website for hours and other information.

https://www.forestcove.org/pool

If anyone knows someone looking for a summer gig.

https://fastguard.wufoo.com/forms/z17q4yn90ck1fgy/

FAST is looking to hire a few life guards, please apply.

Election Results:

Joy Sadler

Wade Hopper

Matt Treadwell

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Officer Positions:

President: Joy Sadler

VP: Matt Tielkemeijer

Treasurer: Wade Hopper

Secretary: Meredith Crowe

Asst. Secretary: Stephanie Chapman

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FCPOA Elections will be May 26! Early voting will be 5-7pm. Regular voting will be during the virtual POA meeting 7:30-8pm. You must sign your ballot for it to be counted. Ballots will be on-site during the election time.

On the Ballot:

Wade Hopper

Nicole Lewis

Ron Miller

Erica Rutledge

Joy Sadler

Matt Treadwell

Debra Vaughn

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Up for re-election :

Joy Sadler - President

Wade Hopper - Treasurer, Architectural (ACC)

Debra Vaughan - Assistant Secretary, Deed Restrictions

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Voting will occur at at the old firehouse (1108 Mustang Trail). Early voting will be 5-7pm. Regular voting will be during the virtual POA meeting 7:30-8pm. You must sign your ballot for it to be counted.

April 2 and 9th there will be a community work day/sign ups at the Forest Cove Pool for SWIM TEAM !! Would be great to see everyone come out and hang with you neighbors. 10-12 AM April 2 and April 9, see yall there!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE DRAINAGE WORK ON MIDLOTHIAN

March 30, 2022

Contact: Jessica Beemer (832) 393-3008

districte@houstontx.gov

Midlothian Lane

Roadside Rehabilitation Project Scheduled

HOUSTON - Mayor Pro Tem Dave Martin would like to make Kingwood area residents aware Houston Public Works will begin a roadside ditch rehabilitation project conducted by the Storm Water Action Team starting Monday, April 11, weather permitting. The scope of work includes re-grading the ditches and replacing the driveway culverts along Midlothian Lane and Castle Hill Trail. The cost of the project is $380,000 and is funded through the Dedicated Drainage and Street Renewal Fund.

Crews will be mobilized on-site beginning Monday, April 11 and the project is expected to be completed by Monday, July 11, weather permitting. Construction activities are expected to take place from 7:00 A.M. - 7:00 P.M., Monday through Friday. Residents should be aware of possible lane closures and delays when traveling through this area.

As a result of the construction activities, please be aware of flagmen and orange traffic cones that will be used to help with traffic flow through the construction zone. Residents will have access to driveways at all times and may experience an increase in noise levels due to trucks and equipment in the area. Patience is appreciated as City crews work in this area.

For more information, please contact the District E office at (832) 393-3008 or via email at districte@houstontx.gov.

Check upcoming events tab for information about the Spring Driveway Market in Forest Cove APRIL 23!

Next POA meeting is on March 24. Email meredithcrowe.mmc@gmail.com for your invite

Hopefully everyone is doing alright after our winter tornado experience… hang in there FC !

The City of Houston solid waste was in our area assessing the need for debris removal, and they will begin picking up debris in our area no later than Wednesday morning. However, they may begin picking up debris as early as Tuesday January 11, 2022 at 7:00 a.m.

Call the City 311 service by dialing (713) 837-0311 to let them know you have debris to pick up.

Also, if possible, segregate tree debris from household (sheetrock, insulation) debris.

Beginning tomorrow, Thursday, January 6, the Kingwood Community Center parking lot will operate as a mega testing site from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday throughout the month of January. The site will open at 9:00 a.m. and will have a daily capacity of 800 tests. Appointments are not required.

Kingwood Community Center

4102 Rustic Woods, Kingwood, TX 77345

January 6, 2022 through January 31, 2022

Mondays through Saturdays

9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

There are additional testing sites throughout the City open to the public for free testing. You may see a comprehensive list of those sites by visiting the City's COVID-19 information website here.

Should you wish to make an appointment, appointment registration is available by phone:

• Age 60 and older (Area Agency on Aging): 832-393-4301.

• People with disabilities (Aging and Disability Resource Center): 832-393-5500.

• Additional assistance (COVID-19 Call Center): 832-393-4220.

People can learn about new appointment opportunities through email, text message, voice call, or mobile app push notification by registering for the HoustonRecovers subscription of AlertHouston at AlertHouston.org.

Additionally, the Harris County Area Agency on Aging offers free COVID-19 in-home testing. To qualify, you must reside in Harris County. Call 832-393-4301 or 800-213-8471 for more information.

The Texas Department of State Health Services has created an interactive map to assist in locating COVID-19 Vaccine Providers within your community. Additionally, their website has more resources related to the Texas Plan for the COVID-19 Vaccine.

Stay safe and healthy,

Dave Martin

Mayor Pro Tem

District E Council Member

Check the Archives for 2021 Updates