This Week at City Hall

Jul. 25, 2014Office of Council Member Ellen Cohen

District C Scout Honored

Council Member Cohen welcomed soon-to-be Eagle Scout Keith D. Baker II and his family to the District C office to recognize his service to our city. Keith is a member of Houston Troop 212 and his Eagle Scout Project involved the beautification of Beth Jacobs Cemetery. Only approximately six percent of scouts ascend to the rank of Eagle Scout. Congratulations Keith!

Quality of Life Committee Meets

Chair Cohen convened the Council Committee on Quality of Life to discuss food regulations and “No Smoking” policies. The Houston Department of Health and Human Services presented amendments to Houston’s food establishment regulations, which would upgrade food health and general sanitation standards at restaurants, food trucks, and all other establishments that serve food to the public in the city. The Houston Parks and Recreation Department and Houston Public Library discussed the implementation of “No Smoking” policies at City of Houston park, library, and health facilities. Over the next few weeks, signage will be posted at these locations to inform citizens that smoking will now be prohibited on these premises, including any buildings or exterior, city-owned property. Enforcement will begin September 2, 2014.

All Quality of Life Committee meetings are open to the public and all presentations areavailable online.

What’s Happening in the Annex

Tracy Jacobsen, a member of the Houston-based wind quintet WindSync, contacted Council Member Cohen to share information about an upcoming concert the group will be playing in Houston. This internationally-acclaimed group of chamber musicians includes a flautist, an oboist, a clarinetist, a bassoonist, and a horn-player, all of whom reside in District C. A non-profit organization, their mission is to enrich the lives of children, families, and all members of the community through interactive chamber music concerts and educational programs. WindSync will be performing a concert at the Hobby Center on December 24, 2014.

>What’s Happening in the District

Over the next few months, construction will begin on a capital improvement project (CIP) to upgrade paving and drainage along Shepherd Dr. (from Westheimer Rd. to Buffalo Bayou). Council Member Cohen, Council Member Pennington, and the Public Works and Engineering Department will co-host a public meeting at the end of July to provide affected residents with information on this project, as well as other area construction. A portion of this meeting will be devoted to questions and comments from the community.

Public Meeting: Shepherd Dr. Paving and Drainage CIP
Wednesday, July 30th, 2014
6:00pm – 7:30pm
St. Anne’s Catholic Church, in St. Basil’s Hall
2140 Westheimer Rd, 77098