ALIEF SUPER NEIGHBORHOOD MEETING
Minutes for Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Alief Super Neighborhood # 25 held its regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, August 24th, 7:00 P.M at the CenterPoint Energy Building, 12330 Bellaire Blvd.
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PROGRAM:
Chairman, Barbara Quattro, called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M. Roll Call of council members was done by sign-in sheet. A quorum was not met until later in the meeting. (See attached.).
Hospitality: Hospitality was provided by The Honorable Kristi Thibaut. A thank you certificate was presented to Natalie Blevins, thanking Mrs. Thibaut for her support of the ASNC.
GUESTS: Veronica Hernandez (City of Houston Mayor’s office); Shen Gao (City of Houston); Natali Blevins (State Representative Kristi Thibaut’s office); Sakina Lanig (Representative Al Green’s office) State Representative Hubert Vo; METRO representatives Joe Garcia, Karen Marshall, & George Greanias; Intersection Lights Supporter Amanda Burns; Renew Houston Representative, Jack Miller.
MOTIONS MADE:
1. There were insufficient council members to approve the July minutes.
2. Dorothea Pindell motioned to adjourn the meeting. Seconded Marie Lee. Council voted, motion passed..
COMMITTEE & STANDING REPORTS –
CHAIRS REPORT –Barbara Quattro announced that Joe Turner with the Parks Dept. has approved $170,000 for improvements to the walking trail in Harwin Park. She also noted that there is money reserved (by Al Green) for the Alief Community Park in the amount of $250,000. Barbara reiterated that she is on the Neighborhood Protection Committee of the Alliance of Super Neighborhoods and, the Neighborhood Protection Group (of 66 employees) is being removed from under the auspices of the HPD.
TREASURER’S REPORT –Monique Pham, Treasurer, was absent. Barbara reported the current balance was $3263.47 after a small check was written to Chili Peppers for web services.
ELECTIONS/NOMINATING COMMITTEE. No input
SECURITY/ INTERNATIONAL MANAGEMENT DISTRICT: – A very successful initial recycling event sponsored by the International Management District was held July 24th at Crump Stadium on Harwin Rd at Cook. A steady flow of participants dropped off electronics, paper, plastic and cardboard. Shredding was done on-site. Notice of future recycling events can be received by contacting Brian Burks at 281-564-5252. It is anticipated that this will be a twice-yearly event but will be held when the weather is cooler.
The IMD also plans landscaping along Bellaire Boulevard to start later this year.
ALIEF COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION –. Marie Lee announced dates of upcoming events (see below) including the annual parade, breakfast, and toy drive.
PROJECTS/SNAP COMMITTEE-..No input
TREE PLANTING –Barbara noted that 200 trees will be planted in Hackberry Park this fall and irrigation will be installed.
NEW BUSINESS
GUEST SPEAKERS: –
Amanda Burns, Strategic Public Affairs (Intersection Red Light Cameras) Ms. Burns gave an overview of her group’s support of the red light cameras at intersections which is catching and fining numerous red light runners generating revenue to the city. She said that the company that makes the cameras is funding the support and that defense attorneys are funding the group against. As of this afternoon, City Council approved putting the issue on the November ballot. Ms. Burns answered questions from the floor. When asked for a straw vote, the majority of the people in the room said they supported the red light cameras by a show of hands.
Jack Miller, R. G. Miller, Engineers Mr. Miller spoke in lieu of Maggie Nelson supporting Renew Houston, a group attempting to build a dedicated infrastructure fund through taxes on landowners. This motion has been put on the November ballot as Proposition I. Mr. Miller noted the aging infrastructure and drainage in the city and that the city does not have the funds to correct/improve the situation. His group would like to see go ahead’s for the improvements rather than delays that hurt the city. The suggested amount that residents would pay is $4-6 per month. He is encouraging residents to approve Prop I.
George Greanias, Acting CEO & President, METRO Mr. Greanias spoke about his history with the city as councilman and controller. He hopes to improve the transportation arm of government through a three-part list of priorities: partnering with other entities, run superior customer service, and build a great transit system. He discussed buses (including purchasing energy efficient busses), bus stop maintenance, METRO lift, rail, park and ride, motorist assistance, HOV and security. Mr. Greanias said a large portion of the METRO budget comes from the Federal Government. There is a call center at 713-635-4000 which gives information to people looking for routes within the city. Mr. Greanias said he would improve the maintenance of the Westpark tollway right of ways which are not being properly mowed and cleaned up.
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UPCOMING SPEAKERS – The speakers for the September meeting will be representatives from the League of Women Voters who will explain the court system..
PUBLIC SESSION
Public Session and Announcements.
The next quarterly small business breakfast meeting will be November 15th at 7:30 am at the International Trade Center Building, 11110 Bellaire
The third annual parade will be on September 25th at 9:00 am and the grand Marshall will be Sherriff Adrian Garcia on horseback
The SAVE Alief annual Health Fair was held Saturday, August 7th at 9:00 AM at the Hastings Ninth Grade Center. Attendance has yet to be announced.
Marie Lee reported that there will be a toy drive for identified needy children December 11th
Marie Lee announced that Wei Lee of the Chinese Community Newspaper has put together a daily flyer in his paper (in English) featuring events in Alief
There will be two Neighborhood Matching Grants workshops in September: one at Candlelight Community Center September 7th at 6:30PM; & one at Judson Robinson Jr. Community Center, 2020 Herman Drive September 21st at 6:30 PM
Texas DOT is funding a $1.6 million grant hike and bike trail between Alfred Storey and Hackberry parks
The next ASNC meeting will be held at 7:00 P.M. on the fourth Tuesday, September 28th, at the CenterPoint Energy Building, 12330 Bellaire Blvd.
The meeting adjourned at 8:30 PM.
Minutes approved on _____________________
Compiled & Written by V. M. Sugar
Respectfully Edited and Submitted by Secretary, Anne Williams
