MEETING MINUTES ALIEF SUPER NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL
OPENING: The regular meeting of the Alief Super Neighborhood Council was held March 28, 2017 at the Alief Community Park. Chairman Barbara Quattro called the meeting to order at 6:35 PM. The first order of business was the Treasurer report from Doug Smith. The ASNC currently has a balance of $1,728.79.
Chair: Barbara Quattro Vice Chair: Noreen Smith Treasurer: Doug Smith – Secretary: Jesus Zamora.
DISCUSSION:
- New website Construction underway for ASNC which will be available for iPhone and other compatible devices. Updated website will feature a calendar where the community can list all events and news feed from Alief.
- Attendees were informed on current debate on Low Income Housing for apartment units to be constructed on Wilcrest and Westpark. This project is opposed by the Alief Independent School District. A straw vote of the attendees showed that ALL were opposed to the project. It was also agreed that in the future, any positions of support or opposition from the ASNC will be presented to the members for a vote before releasing our position. A hearing is scheduled to take place April 4, 2017, 6:00 pm at 900 Bagby Street.
- Soren Valverde of CM Steve Le’s office reported on the ongoing partnership with Texas Alliance Group and City of Houston’s Public Works concerning Chromium 6 Water Contaminates in ZIP 77099. Public Works is to present CM Mike Knox with an estimate of the cost to do the appropriate testing.
SPEAKERS:
City Permits Dept: Houston Assistant Chief of Permits Rick Norquist briefed attendees on the process of obtaining permits and the circumstances in which they are needed. Mr. Norquist urged residents to reach out to their Council Member upon encountering any issues with permits. Often the CM’s office is able to shortcut the issues with the Permits Department. He also advised residents to purchase a permit on their own due to high percentages of miscommunication between a contractor and the resident. Permits range from $85 minimum to electrical permits of $150. Mr. Norquist also mentioned that some companies mark up the cost of getting permits so it is often cheaper for homeowners to get the permits themselves.
Alief Crime Update: Houston Police Captain Mike Faulhaber of Westside Command, briefed attendees on current crime success rates in Alief. Overall crime rate has significantly decreased 7.8%. He also informed us that several gang members have been captured (LICKS) who have been targeting the elderly, Hispanic workers and Asians. Capt. Faulhaber gave examples of how efficient and professional these thieves can be as they are still legally considered Juvenile offenders due to their date of birth. There is a complex issue with the laws regarding these repeat offenders, easy issuance of bail and judicial systems. It is allowing these repeat offenders to be out on bail repeating crimes, often before police finish their reports.
UPCOMING EVENTS
- April 8, 2017 10:00 am – 1:00 pm Kite Festival & Farmers Market, located at Alief Nature Center 8409 ½ Dairy View. First 250 receive free kites, beverages and food for sale. More info at IMDHouston.org
- April 29th Community Spring Fling sponsored by Council Member Mike Knox, from 10 am-2 pm Alief Community Park and Community Center 11903 Bellaire Blvd Houston, TX 77072. “Healthy People, Healthy Pets.” Giving families the chance to interact with many city services. Event will also make people aware on pet wellness and they can learn about public safety as well as healthy habits. This event is free and open to the public.
WRITTEN AND SUBMITTED BY: (SECRETARY) Jesus Zamora