June 17, 2025
The hybrid meeting began at 7:00 PM. On-site snacks were provided by Nick Whitaker and Natalie Matuszcsak, including fresh (still warm!) chocolate chip cookies.
Nick Whitaker, CAFMC president, presented the evening’s itinerary.
- Updates from District C
- Renovation of 811 Branard
- Presentation from the County Clerk’s Office on Elections
- NeighborhoodUpdates:
District C Update
Cole, from Abbie Kamin’s office, presented information about District C. The mayor’s new $7 billion budget passed. Ms. Kamin voted “no” on the budget because there was no money in the budget for disaster relief. Her office had held a disaster awareness workshop last week. Hurricane season is here and preparedness kits should be assembled. Sign up for the District C newsletter for timely information.
A meeting of the TIRZ27 will occur next Monday, June 23
Recycling and solid waste collection is abysmally behind. Abbie’s office would like more communication about the problem. Dr. Longmire queried whether there was a better method of scheduling heavy trash pickup than “on-demand”. Apartments are emptying out this time of year and their refuse is building up. Abbie’s office is aware of the problem. Her website is www.houstontx.gov/council/c/
Presentation from the County Clerk’s Office
Bria from the County Clerk’s office gave a thorough presentation about county elections. The county clerk’s office manages several different things for the citizens, including personal record, public records, real property records, and county civil court records.
They have done a study of voting trends for the last two presidential elections and found that those in the 18–44-year age range have the lowest percentage of actual voters among those registered.
There have been two recent elections which did not affect District C; one on May 3 and a runoff election on June 7.
There will be a general and special election on November 4 and probably a subsequent runoff election on December 13. The special election is to fill the seat of Sylvester Turner.
There are seven types of personal IDs that can be used for voting and six alternative forms that will require submission of an affidavit. Be sure to keep your voter registration updated.
There are four accommodations for voters with limited mobility or disabilities.
Your can vote by mail if you meet certain guidelines. You must apply to vote by mail and then you will receive a ballot if you meet those guidelines. You can apply to get all ballots for the entire year in that fashion. It is best to fill in both your driver’s license number and your Social Security Number’s last four digits on your form.
www.harrisvotes.com is the website for the most accurate voting information.
You can become an election worker, and election night support staff ($17/hour) or even a high school student runner for the same salary. Call 713-755-6965,
Renovation of 811 Branard
A short presentation on the renovation of 811 Branard was presented. In summary, the owners would like to connect the main residence to the building behind it and add a second floor. It is expected that the owners will request a letter of support from CAFMC.
Alabama Project
There will be an open house for the TIRZ W. Alabama project on Monday, June 23 at 6:30 – 8:30 at that St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church gym. Please be sure to attend. The project will cover the area from the Spur to Shepherd.
Other Updates
The short-term rental ordinance passed. You must register your short-term rental now.
The city filed a nuisance lawsuit against 1901 Richmond. There were over 400 police calls made to that address in 2024.
We are soliciting ideas for the CAFMC newsletter. Currently the next issue will have information about the TIRZ project and some changes to METRO.
The TIRZ 27 meeting was lively. There was disappointment over the experience of the current board. All members have been on the board for less than a year and momentum has been lost, particularly on the matter of affordable housing.
A CAFMC secretary is needed for September.
The meeting adjourned at 7:55 PM.