President's 2011 Year-End Report / Downtown Super Neighborhood Council (DSNC)

As I reflect upon 2011, I want to personally thank all DSNC members, downtown and east downtown residents, stakeholder organizations, Mayor Parker, Chief of Police-Charles McClelland, HPD Captain-Jonathan Zera, HPD Officers, City Council Member-James Rodriguez; and, City of Houston Leaders, Catherine Flowers, Donald Perkins and Conya Barreras for your tireless work and efforts to ensure that the DSNC has support, tools and resources to address needs and concerns of the community. It is our goal to solve for ourselves, which will free up local government to concentrate on other objectives.

I’m pleased to report the achievement of DSNC 2011 milestones and performance:

1. Elected a DSNC Council.

2. Created and adopted DSNC organizational structure, bylaws, mission statement and parliamentary procedures.

3. DSNC recognized before City Council by Mayor Parker and Council Member-James Rodriguez.

4. Participated in National Night Out and attended HPD Positive Interaction Program meetings.

5. Working closely with east downtown residents, Council Member-James Rodriguez, METRO and City of Houston employees to address concerns relative to the METRO rail line construction.

6. Worked with residents of downtown high-rise buildings to resolve complaints relative to Toc bar. HPD deserves the credit here for responding accordingly and being an excellent community partner.

7. Working with Bayou Lofts residents relative to freight train noise complaints.

8. Supported the Civilian Ordinance proposed by Tina Araujo, East Downtown Management District, and east end Community Leaders, Hershel Donny and Linda Cantu.

9. Participated in Super Neighbor Alliance meetings and partnered with a number of Super Neighborhood Councils and Community Leaders to support and assist with initiatives such as the Rufus Cage Elementary project and me meeting with Midtown residents to create a Super Neighborhood Council.

I wanted to also update you relative to where the DSNC stands regarding change management because the DSNC is new to downtown and east downtown. I believe that we are making significant progress to becoming a high-performing Council. I believe there are four stages we will go through:

1. Forming – This is a comfortable stage to be in, but the avoidance of conflict and threat means that not much actually gets done.

2. Storming – The Council addresses issues such as what problems we are really supposed to solve for, how we will function independently and together and what leadership model we will accept. The Council members open up to each other and confront each others ideas and perspectives.

3. Norming - In this stage, all Council members take the responsibility and have the ambition to work for the success of the Council’s goals.

4. Performing - The Council members are now competent, autonomous and able to handle the decision-making process without supervision. Dissent is expected and allowed as long as it is channeled through means acceptable to the Council.

I believe that the DSNC is in the norming stage and we are working diligently to move into the performing stage in an effort to best serve downtown and east downtown residents and stakeholder organizations.

The DSNC 2012 strategy is forthcoming.

Happy Holidays and thanks for all your support!

Houston Commission on Disabilities - Wheel Chair Soccer Scrimmage

1475 W. Gray, Houston, Texas 77019, 1:30pm
The Houston Commission for People with Disabilities will play a wheelchair soccer scrimmage against City Council officials. The Houston Dynamo’s mascot will be present with Dynamo players as special guest referees.

National Night Out 2011 – October 4th, 2011 – 6pm

The Downtown Super Neighborhood Council (DSNC) will be participating in the 28th Annual National Night Out (NNO) Program at Discovery Park on Tuesday October 4th, 2011.

National Night Out, a year-long community building campaign, is designed to: (1) Heighten crime prevention awareness; (2) Generate support for, and participation in, local anticrime programs; (3) Strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships; and (4) Send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.

A Super Neighborhood is a geographically designated area where residents, civic organizations, institutions and businesses work together to identify, plan, and set priorities to address the needs and concerns of their community. The boundaries of the DSNC rely on major physical features, such as I45, I10 to group together contiguous communities that share common physical characteristics, identity or infrastructure.

We would like to encourage all Houston Downtown and East Downtown (EDO) residents and stakeholder organizations to join us at the Andrea and Bill White Promenade celebrating National Night Out with a variety of local officials and law enforcement representatives.

Meeting Minutes - July 2011

July 2011 – Meeting Minutes

By: Kathy Arthur, Secretary

The DSNC 61 met in the Tellepsen Family Downtown YMCA with President, James Dinkins, calling the meeting to order at 6:40pm.

The minutes of the previous meeting were read by Secretary, Kathryn Arthur. A motion was moved and passed to accept.

Catherine Flowers, Office of the Mayor with the City of Houston, spoke on the new consolidation of city departments to form a Department of Neighborhoods. This department will focus on constituency services. The Liaison for the Downtown Super Neighborhood Council (DSNC) is Carl Davis.

Kathryn Bruning, City of Houston, gave an overview of the revisions of the Chapter 30 Noise Ordinance. This ordinance changes definition of property lines, bass noise standards, etc. This ordinance will go to City Council for a vote in late July or August 2011.

DSNC Vice President, Seth Hopkins, gave a brief report of the work he has done on the downtown signage issues. He has pinpointed about 200 intersections that might need clearer signage.

Eric Dick, Attorney, candidate for Houston City Council At-Large Position 2 spoke to some of the issues he would address if elected.

Robert Gallegos, founder of Super Neighborhood Council 88, asked for the DSNC support to save the Rufus Cage School located on Telephone Road. He invited all interested parties to join him at the Houston School Board meeting on August 11, 2011. DSNC President, James Dinkins, will participate in a tour of the school and/or meeting with elected Officials and Community Leaders.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:47pm.

The meeting in September 2011 will be a Houston City Council forum for candidates that are running for the At-Large Position 2 seat; to be announced by President, James Dinkins.

National Night Out

The Downtown Super Neighborhood Council will celebrate National Night Out with the rest of Houston, Texas on Tuesday, October 4, 2011, from 6:00 - 9:00pm, at Discovery Green. National Night Out is designed to:

-Encourage residents to get out and meet neighbors
-Heighten crime and drug prevention awareness
-Generate support of, and participate in, local anti crime programs
-Strengthen neighborhood community spirit and police-community partnerships
-Send a strong message to criminals that the neighborhood is organized and we will fight back

Please invite all downtown and east downtown residents and stakeholder organizations.

Downtown / EADO Livable Centers Study - Final Public Meeting Invitation

To Interested Parties:

The Downtown | EaDo Livable Centers Study Stakeholder Advisory Committee (SAC)held its final meeting on Friday, July 29, 2011. At that meeting 42 recommendations were presented and the final draft report is being prepared. The next step in the process if the FINAL PUBLIC MEETING on this project: Tuesday, August 9, 6:00-8:00 PM at Incarnate Word Academy (Auditorium – 609 Crawford Street).

Diamantina "Tina" Garcia Araujo
General Manager
EaDo-East Downtown District
www.EaDoHouston.com
713-504-2042

District Office:
2612 McKinney
Houston, TX 77003

Mail:
815 Live Oak
Houston, TX 77003

Residential P.I.P. / Special Operations Division

Location: Bayou Lofts
915 Franklin
Houston, TX 77002

Residential Downtown Meeting will be Wednesday, July 20, 2011 at 7:00 P.M.

Guest Speaker: Sgt. Wick with the Homeless Outreach Team (H.O.T.)

If you have any questions please contact Officer K. L. McElroy at 832-394-0033 or e-mail: katherine.mcelroy@cityofhouston.net

Agenda - DSNC General Meeting - July 2011

Wednesday, July 13, 2011, 6:30pm – 8:30pm
Tellepsen Downtown YMCA, 808 Peace, Houston, Texas 77002

6:30pm Call to Order and Introductions
DSNC President, James Dinkins

6:40pm Approval of Minutes from May 2011 meeting

6:50pm Catherine Flowers – New SNC Organizational Structure
Mayor’s Office – City of Houston

7:10pm Noise/Sound Ordinance - Overview
Kathryn Bruning – City of Houston

7:30pm Downtown Signage - Update
1st Vice President, Seth Hopkins

7:50pm National Night Out
DSNC President, James Dinkins

8:10pm Eric Dick – Self Introduction
Candidate – City of Houston At-Large Seat #2

8:20pm Rufus Cage Elementary Building - Tentative
Super Neighborhood Council 88, Robert Gallegos (Founder)

8:30pm Adjourn

May 2011 - Meeting Minutes

By: Kathy Arthur, Secretary

The Downtown Super Neighborhood Council (DSNC) met at Tellepsen Family Downtown YMCA. President, James Dinkins, called the meeting to order at 6:35 PM.

City Council Member, James Rodriquez, spoke to the DSNC about the new map for redistricting. Mayor Parker will present to City Council the new boundaries map and take vote to approve the map on May 18, 2011. As to the homeless in the downtown area, Council Member, Rodriquez, is pushing the Mayor for new ordinances to prohibit aggressive panhandling. He asked the DSNC members to work with our respective resident and stakeholder organization’s to track and report instances of panhandling and bad behavior to Bob Eury with the Houston Downtown Management District (HDMD).

Captain, Zera, with the Houston Police Department (HPD) was in attendance and explained new ordinances to include sidewalk Cafes and ATM machines where people are vulnerable. He invited anyone who was interested to attend the Positive Interaction Program (PIP) tour of the HPD Mounted Patrol facility.

1st Vice President, Seth Hopkins, suggested signs giving instruction to I-10 and I-45 be made simpler for tourists in the downtown area. He agreed to be the committee Chair. Captain, Zera, suggested he contact Bob Eury; as he could be working on this project as well

2nd Vice President, James Stafford, gave a synopsis of an initiative regarding the homeless versus street people. He said that Dallas, Texas / Fort Worth, Texas, addressed the same problem with ordinances. He will meet with Council Member, Rodriquez, Guy Hagested, and a representative from the HDMD.

Funds will be needed to aid our group’s participation in the National Night Out to be held the first Tuesday in October 2011. James Stafford pledged $600 to get the fundraising started. DSNC Member, Linda Knight, spoke of raising funds through Facebook. James Dinkins is the committee Chair for National Night Out and will work closely with Angie Bertinot with the HDMD.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:03 PM

Memorial Day

Happy Memorial Day! This is the time to remember those that have died in our nation's service.

Please take a moment of silence at 3pm, Memorial Day, to voluntarily and informally observe in your own way a Moment of Remembrance and respect, pausing from whatever you are doing for a moment of silence.

Mayor, Parker, Recognizes DSNC

Mayor, Annise D. Parker, invites you to join her at the Downtown Super Neighborhood Council recognition ceremony on Tuesday, March 29, 2011, at 1:30pm, City Hall Council Chambers, 2nd Floor.

901 Bagby Street, Downtown

March 2011 – Meeting Minutes

Downtown Super Neighborhood Council (DSNC)
Meeting Minutes
March 10, 2011
6:30 – 8:30pm

Location
Tellepsen Family Downtown YMCA
808 Peace, Houston, Texas 77002
(713) 659-8501

Proceedings:
• Meeting called to order at 6:40pm
• Overview of DSNC members binders
• DSNC Website – A motion was declined to create.
• DSNC blog – A motion was accepted to keep.
• Facebook – A motion was accepted to create. Lead: Seth Hopkins
• Fundraising- A motion was accepted to begin brainstorming and form a subcommittee. Lead: Susan Knight
• National Night Out – A motion was accepted to begin planning. Lead: James Dinkins
• Elevator Statement – A motion was accepted to create. Lead: Leigh Von Horn
• DSNC Non Profit Status – A motion was accepted to table.

Houston Police Department – Resident Positive Interaction Program (PIP)
Captain, Jonathan Zera
• Overview of PIP
• Overview of Homeless Outreach Team (HOT)
• Fielded questions relative to downtown and east downtown surveillance cameras and homeless issues

Houston Downtown Management District
Director of Marketing, HDMD
• Overview of requested amendment to homeless ordinance
• Contact City of Houston Council Member, James Rodriguez

Next Meeting: To be decided by DSNC members

Meeting Adjourned: 8:15pm

General Meeting Notice - March 2011

The March 2011 DSNC general meeting is March 10, from 6:30pm - 8:30pm, at the downtown Y.

This meeting is reserved for public comments relative to community related needs and issues. Testimony will be limited to three minutes per person. The information provided will help the DSNC identify, plan, and set 2011 objectives.

Please invite downtown residents and stakeholders.

It’s Official!

The Downtown Super Neighborhood Council is formed. Congratulations to the newly elected officers/executive committee:

• President - James Dinkins
• 1st Vice President - Seth Hopkins
• 2nd Vice President - James Stafford
• Secretary & Treasurer – Kathy Arthur

Donald Perkins, City of Houston Planning Department, will now work with the Mayor’s office to have us formally recognized before City Council. The date is forth coming.

The next general meeting is set for March 10, from 6:30-8:30pm, the downtown Y. We will be taking public comments relative to concerns and needs of our designated community.

General Meeting Notice – February 2011

The Downtown Super Neighborhood Council general meeting is set for Thursday, February 10, from 6:30pm – 8:30pm, at the downtown YMCA (808 Pease Street, Houston, Texas 77002).

Agenda:

6:30pm – Houston Police Department / Positive Interaction Program

7:15pm – By-Laws Recommendation

7:45pm – Organizational Framework Recommendation

8:15pm – Officer Nominations

8:30pm – Meeting Adjourned

Important Notice!

Downtown Super Neighborhood Council (DSNC)

The DNSC subcommittee is finalizing a draft of the by-laws and organizational framework. If you are a resident and/or stakeholder and wish to be recognized by the DSNC, please send me the name of your representative along with the name of your home owners association (HOA), property owner association (POA), civic club, development, business, faith-based organization, or educational institute by 5pm, Monday, January 31, 2011.

Examples:
-Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart – Representative: Deacon Johnny Salinas
-METRO – Representative: Jane Smith
-University of Houston / Downtown - Representative: John Smith
-Dowling Street HOA – Representative: Seth Hopkins
-Polk Avenue POA – Representative: James Dinkins
-Harris County Precinct 1 – Representative: Jeremy Ratcliff
-Downtown Civic Club – Representative: Susi Knight

Contact Information:
James Dinkins
Dinkins.james@sbcglobal.net
(713) 823-0350

Announcements - Downtown Super Neighborhood Council (DSNC)

I'm pleased to announce the Luther Villagomez, General Manager - George R.
Brown, is joining the DSNC as a stakeholder.

I'm in communication with Dr. Flores, President - University of Houston /
Downtown, to have a member of his staff join the DSNC as a stakeholder.

Katherine McElroy, Officer - Houston Police Department, is our Positive
Interaction Program (PIP) representative.

The DSNC subcommittee met this week to draft the by-laws and organizational framework. This information will be shared at the general meeting on February 10, 2011.

I will keep you up to date, and please contact me in the interim with questions.

Meeting Minutes - January 2011

Super Neighborhood Council 61 (SNC 61)
Meeting Minutes
January 13, 2011
6:30 – 8:30pm

Location
Tellepsen Family Downtown YMCA
808 Pease, Houston, Texas 77002
(713) 659-8501

Proceedings

Downtown Resident and SNC 61 Organizer, James Dinkins
 Meeting called to order at 6:40pm
 Overview of revised agenda

At-Large Council Member, Sue Lovell
Representative: Ken Olive
 Self introduction
 Importance of a Super Neighborhood Council
 High-level overview of At-Large Council Member services to SNC 61

District I Council Member, James Rodriguez
 Self introduction
 High-level overview of Council Member services to SNC 61
 Extended invitation to the District I Capitol Improvement Plan (CIP) meeting. This session is open to the public. James Dinkins: The meeting information is posted to the SNC 61 blog.
 Question and answer session

City of Houston – Planning Department
Planning Leader, Donald Perkins
 Super Neighborhood Council high-level overview
 Rebuild Houston (Proposition 1) meeting announcement. James Dinkins: The meeting information is posted to the SNC 61 blog.
 City of Houston Redistricting – City maps that define districts are being erased and redrawn with the help of all City Council members and an external consulting firm. The projected completion date is June 30, 2011. Redistricting will lend itself to 2 additional City Council seats; the number of At-Large City Council seats will remain at 5.
 High-level overview of the City of Houston’s CitizensNet; e-mail alert relative to important city issues of interest to the neighborhood.
 Stakeholder participation and outreach. Stakeholders include groups like civic clubs, non-profit associations, community development corporations, business associations, the faith community, school districts, institutions, etc. Action Item: In progress.
 Create an organizational framework. There are different types of organizational frameworks. We have the option of adopting "Articles of Incorporation" with the approval of all participating entities. In a more structured approach, stakeholders may agree to form a tax-exempt 501(c) (3) non-profit corporation or similar entity. Action Item: A subcommittee was formed to draft the organizational framework and by-laws. The draft will be presented for approval at the general meeting in February 2011.
 Adopt by-laws. After agreeing on an organizational framework, stakeholders will formulate and adopt by-laws. By-laws address fundamental issues on conducting business and making decisions. Action Item: A subcommittee was formed to draft the organizational framework and by-laws. The draft will be presented for approval at the general meeting in February 2011.

Next Meeting Date: February 10, 2011, from 6:30 – 8:30pm, and the downtown YMCA.


Meeting adjourned at 7:45pm

Capital Improvement Plan (CIP)

The City of Houston will conduct combined public meetings on the City’s FY2011 Annual Operating Budget Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) and the 2011 Annual Consolidated Plan. Since 1984, the City has held public meetings to obtain input before preparation of the operating budget and capital improvement plan. These meetings provide citizens the opportunity to participate in the budget process by contributing comments and suggestions about needed services and improvements.

District I – Council Member James Rodriguez
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
E.B. Cape Center – 4501 Leland St.
6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

CIP Citizen Request Forms are now available online at www.houstontx.gov by clicking the 311 icon, or you may simply call 311 and make a CIP request. For more information and specific details of the CIP projects in your area, please visit: http://www.houstontx.gov/cip/index.html.

The City of Houston will provide reasonable accommodations to citizens with disabilities/special needs upon request one week in advance of the meeting. Citizens are encouraged to call the Mayor’s Citizens Assistance Office at 832-393-0955 for arrangements.

Positive Interaction Program (PIP) / Houston Police Department

Meeting Minutes - Unofficial
January 11, 2011
1602 State Street, Houston, Texas 77007

Proceedings
 Meeting called to order at 7:00pm by PIP Chair, Joan Buscher
 January 2011 PIP meeting dedicated to Robert Curl and Joe Maruska
o BBQ fundraiser for Curl family
 84% growth in PIP participation in last 4 years
 New attendee introductions

Prayer: Larry Rose

Chief of Police Report
Charles McClelland
 The Houston Police Department has been affected by the downturn in the economy and 2011 will be another challenging. HPD leadership will work diligently to keep the City of Houston safe, while managing the budget.
 The Houston Police Department received the 2010 Community Policing Award from the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP).
 Red light enforcement is in affect.
 Drunk driving is a serious problem for Houston, Texas. There will be more No Refusals.

Houston Police Foundation (HPF)
Assistant Chief of Police, Vicky King
 The private sector has a real stake in the success of the Houston Police Department and the safety of our City. The Houston Police Foundation serves a vital role - connecting private investment dollars with effective public safety solutions. The Foundation is engaged in an effort to leverage private resources to fund high priority law enforcement needs.
 96% of the HPD budget accounts for personnel expenses.
 HPF Chairman of the Board, Tilman J. Fertita.
 $25,000 to sit on the HPF Board
 Annual Fundraisers:
o Moonlight Bike Ride
o Gala (Home of Tilman J. Fertita)
 1/3 of the contributions to the HPF come from citizens donations for officer appreciation, and another 1/3 comes from grassroots efforts (e.g., Super Neighborhood Council sponsors a membership drive)
 2011 Project Requests:
o $45,000 – Level III A Ballistic Vests
o $30,500 – Tactical Vest Covers
o $5,300 – Robbery Technology Enhancements
o $10,000 – Mounted Patrol: Crown Control Helmets
o $5,000 – Marine Unit: Underwater Metal Detectors
o $6,000 – Marine Unit: Scuba Mask Communicators
o $10,000 – Narcotics: Noise Diversions
o $2,000 – SWAT Team: Training Exercise Simunitions
Grand Total: $113,800
 Volunteers needed for the gift shop located at: 1200 Travis, Houston, Texas 77002
 HPF Website: houstonpolicefoundation.com

• Meeting adjourned at 7:50 p.m.

Proposition 1 – Rebuild Houston

Mayor Parker met with the Super Neighborhood Alliance on Monday, January 10, 2011, to discuss Rebuild Houston, redistricting, and budgets/capitol improvement projects.

In November 2010, supporters passed Proposition 1; a fee to help pay for improvements to the city's drainage system. Proposition 1 now becomes, “Rebuild Houston.”

Please feel free to attend the public Rebuild Houston meeting on February 9, 2011, from 6:00 - 8:00pm, at:

Southwest Multi-Service Center
6400 High Star
Houston, Texas, 77074
(713) 778-6500

The meeting will be led by Council Member, Stephen Costello, Chair of the Flooding and Drainage Council Committee.

Information about Rebuild Houston is posted to the City of Houston website: houstontx.gov > City Headlines > Rebuild Houston Implementation Discussion Guide

Houston Police Department - Positive Interaction Program

The Houston Police Department has had a Community Service Division since the Seventies. When a group of citizens requested a presentation on a crime prevention topic, they would send one of their officers to the group and advise them what they could do to keep from becoming crime victims again. This is proactive policing. In 1982, out of the patrol division came the idea that citizens also need to know more about their police department before a crime occurred in their neighborhood. From this idea came the concept of the Positive Interaction Program, "PIP."

A police agency can be very confusing to most citizens. The Positive Interaction Program holds monthly PIP meetings featuring speakers from different divisions (Burglary and Theft, Homicide, K-9, Helicopters, etc.) explaining how their division operates. This is done so citizens will know what to expect, should they ever need the police. The department was not sure how citizens would react to coming to a police station once a month for a presentation on a different division. So, the Positive Interaction Program was started as a pilot project in only one police station to begin with. The Program has proven to be an overwhelming success.

For more information, please visit the City of Houston website:

Houstontx.gov > Departments > Police > Service > Positive Interaction Program

Super Neighborhood Council 61 (Downtown) - Formation Meeting

Thanks for your continued interest in Super Neighborhood Council 61 - Downtown.

The formation meeting is Thursday, January 13, 2011, from 6:30 - 8:30pm, at the downtown YMCA / Chevron Teen Room. The YMCA will discount our parking at $3 (I will give you a discounted ticket upon conclusion of the meeting), or you can park on the street; I understand parking is free after 6:00pm.

Agenda:
-Open Remarks & Introductions - James Dinkins / 5 Minutes
-Council Member, James Rodriguez / 10 Minutes
-At-Large Council Member, Sue Lovell - Tentative / 10 Minutes
-HISD Trustee 8 - Juliet Stipeche / 5 Minutes
-City of Houston Planning Department - Donald Perkins / 1 Hour, 15 Minutes
-Closing Remarks & Vote for Next Meeting - James Dinkins / 15 Minutes

Tellepsen Family Downtown YMCA
808 Pease
Houston, Texas 77002
(713) 659-8501

Please RSVP to me by Friday, January 7, 2011: dinkins.james@sbcglobal.net.