La Porte 125 Concert Series Featuring Clay Walker
LIFE. BY THE BAY. CITY OF LA PORTE NEWSLETTER JULY | AUGUST | SEPTEMBER | 2017
Enroll in City University!
the participants and key staff members. City University “students” City University is a have several opportunities to parprogram designed to ticipate in hands-on activities and provide insight into visit various municipal facilities services provided by around La Porte. Classes are held the City as well as to on Thursday from 6:00pm - 9:00pm open a venue for comfrom September 7 thru November 9. munication between To register, visit www.LaPorteTX. gov/cityuniversity.
Park & Recreation Month | Page 3 La Porte 125 Review
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Emergency Preparedness | Page 5 Financial Transperancey | Page 6
Congratulations!
La Porte EMS Honored with Lifeline EMS Silver Plus Award La Porte EMS has received the American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline® EMS Silver Plus Award for implementing quality improvement measures for the
treatment of patients who experience severe heart attacks. “La Porte EMS is dedicated to making their service among the best in the country, and the American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline program is helping accomplish that by implementing processes for improving systems of care with the goal of improving the quality of care for all acute coronary syndrome patients,” said Ray Nolen, Chief of EMS. “We are pleased to be recognized for our dedication and achievements in emergency medical care for all cardiac patients.”
Sunset Sip & Stroll Join us on the 3rd Saturday of the Month for Sunset Sip & Stroll Farmers Market at Five Points Plaza starting at 4PM. Follow us on Facebook @ sipandstroll for monthly vendor line-ups. July 15 | Dog Days of Summer August 19 | Back to School Bash September 16 | Chalk it up!
Dash! Doggie on Join us or our July 15 f on’t .D NEW 5K ur o forget y pooch.
Are s l o Po Open All four City pools are open now through September 4. The Wave Pool is open Monday - Thursday from 11:00am - 7:00pm and Friday - Sunday from 11:00am - 6:00pm. All other pools are open seven days a week from 12:00pm - 7:00pm. Pools will only close in the case of inclement weather. We have a storm alert notification system that tells staff if lightning or thunder occurs within a ten mile radius. In this case, we will close the pool for thirty minutes for safety precautions. If the weather persists for two hours, we will close for the day. If there are heavy rains at the time of opening, we will delay opening until it clears. If you ever have questions, please call (281) 470-9891 before you go. For a full listing of pools and splash parks, please visit www.laportetx.gov/pools.
New! Tot Time Swim
Main Street Trade Days
Take your kiddos to Tot Time at San Jacinto pool where parents and children, five and under, are able to play with others of similar age and mobility before public swim hours. Monday - Friday from 11:00am – 12:00pm. Regular admission rates apply.
The hunt is on!
Come find unique treasure at Main Street Trade Days in Historic Downtown La Porte on the 1st Saturday of the Month from 10:00am - 2:00pm.From antiques and collectibles to repurposed items and artisans, you are sure to find several unique pieces to add to your collection.
Saturday, July 1, 2017 Saturday, August 5, 2017 Saturday, September 2, 2017
BAY FOREST GOLF July 24 - 27 | Junior Golf Clinic Sept 16-17 | Team Championship Sept 27 | Salute to Industry Membership is available for only $30/year. For more information or to register, please visit www.BayForestGolf.com. LA PORTE CELEBRATES 125 YEARS!
LA PORTE PARKS & RECREATION
Keep up with the Parks & Recreation Department
FUN TIMES By the Bay. FUN TIMES. BY THE BAY. IS AVAILABLE ONLINE JULY - AUG 2017
JULY IS PARKS AND REC MONTH DOGGY DASH! SUNSET SIP & STROLL
SENIOR LUAU DANCE CLASSES SUMMER DANCE CAMPS
*NEW* ZUMBA & AQUA ZUMBA *NEW* NEXT LEVEL DANCE BARRE FITNESS
YOUTH DANCE OPEN DANCE
281-470-7275 | WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/LAPORTETXPR
WWW.LAPORTETX.GOV
In an effort to keep our residents better informed of all the great programs and events available throught the Parks & Recreation Department, we have a program catalog available online at laportetx.gov/funtimesbythebay. Log on today and check out all the offerings for youth to seniors!
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Bubbles and Balloons @ Fairmont Pool
Push Pops at the Park 3pm @ Central Park
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Wave Pool 4th of July Giveaway
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*Double Dip Day @ Northwest Pool *Cracker Jacks @ Seniors 10am
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Main Street Trade Days 10am - 2pm
6 Picnic Party @ Brookglen Splash Park 6pm with Brain Freeze Snow Cones
7 Flicks @ Five Points - Finding Dory
8 Visit the San Jacinto Monument and Battleship
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March to the Park Tom Brown 10am - 12pm
Double Dip Day @ the Wave Pool
Public Safety Pool Party @ Northwest Pool 5-7pm
Bubbles and Balloons @ Northwest Pool
Bubbles and Balloons @ the Wave Pool
Bubbles and Balloons @ San Jacinto Pool
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Picnic at Sylvan Beach Park
Push Pops at the Park 3pm @ Little Cedar Bayou Park
Push Pops at the Park 3pm @ Lomax Rodeo Arena
Push Pops at the Park 3pm @ Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Park
*March to the Park Lomax 10am - 12pm *Senior Breakfast 9am; $3/person
Morning Fishing at Woodfalls Park
*Double Dip Day @ San Jacinto Pool *Morning Movie 10am @ Seniors
Double Dip Day @ Fairmont Pool
Picnic Party @ Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Splash Park 6pm with Brain Freeze
Picnic Party @ Fairmont Splash Park 6pm with Brain Freeze
Flicks @ Five Points - Kung Fu Panda III
*Flicks @ Five Points - Brave *Senior Luau @ Seniors 5-8pm; $5
Flicks @ Five Points - How to Eat Fried Worms
Dog Days of Summer Sunset Sip & Stroll Farmers Market 5-8pm
Triathlon Training @ the RFC 9 - 11am *Ladies Only
Next Level Dance Open House @ RFC 11am - 3pm
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Push Pops at the Park 3pm @ Spenwick Park
#PlayOnJuly www.nrpa.org/July
LA PORTE 125
Rich in History, Built on Community. Celebrating 125 Years! La Porte was founded on August 10, 1892, marking 125 years of history in our town. This is truly a momentous occasion and we started the celebration in style. The La Porte 125 Festivities were AWESOME! Thank you so much to everyone who participated - from the sponsors to the volunteers, we couldn’t have done it without you! This August, the celebration continues. Keep your eye out for details about Founder’s Day celebrations and other activites planned to commemorate La Porte’s 125th Birthday!
PARADE WINNERS ANNOUNCED
Thank you to everyone who participated in the La Porte 125 Parade! The award winners are:
Best Golf Cart | Best Lil’ Chili Cookers in La Porte Best Organization | Boys & Girls Harbor Best School | San Jacinto College Best Business | Taquerias Arandas La Porte
THANK YOU TO OUR COMMITTEE Terri Cook Jeannie Earp Dottie Kaminski Kristin Martin George Watkins Stephanie Zemanek
For more pictures, visit www.Facebook.com/LaPorteTexas. Photo Credit: Reno O Productions
Special Thanks To Our Sponsors
HURRICANE SEASON IS HERE.
ARE YOU #READYLP? Hurricane season began June 1st and lasts until November 30th. The La Porte Office of Emergency Management (OEM) encourages you and your family to get prepared by following 3 simple steps: create a family disaster plan, assemble an emergency supply kit, and stay informed throughout hurricane season. Start by creating a family disaster plan and emergency supply kit. Identify ahead of time where you could go if told to evacuate: a family member’s home in another town, a motel, or a shelter. If you need help getting out of town before the storm, dial 2-1-1 to register for evacuation assistance. The City will notify you of an evacuation order through local media and the City’s phone notification system. Register your cell phone number in this system so you will continue to receive information once you have evacuated. To register, call (281) 470-0010 for assistance or visit www.laportetx.gov/stayconnected. If you have to evacuate, take your emergency supply kit with you. After the storm, stay at your destination until advised to return home by local officials. Don’t wait. Get prepared now for hurricane season!
For more information on hurricane preparedness, visit www.lpoem.org. EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS.
THERE’S AN APP FOR THAT! The “Ready LP” app presented by the LEPC puts important information right at your fingertips. Download it today to get emergency preparedness information to help you and your family become better prepared! Receive alerts and important information from the City.
Save the Date! la porte health & Safety Fair september 23, 2017 10:00am - 1:00pm
Door Prizes, Free T-Shirts for the First 500 kids, Family Fun, Bike Raffle, and much more!
Sign up for the City’s phone notification system to receive updates from the City by phone, text message, and email. View the area plant and community alarm test schedules. Watch the Shelter-in-Place how-to videos to teach your family what actions to take during a chemical emergency. View the Hurricane Evacuation Zip-Zone Map for our region. Download the app today by searching “Ready LP” in the Apple and Google Play stores.
visit lpsafetyfair.org for more info!
download the ready lp app today! visit www.laportelepc.org for more information!
BUDGET WORKSHOPS BEGINS AUGUST 14 | Your Tax Dollars At Work
While we’re about halfway through our current years budget for fiscal year 2017, City staff is already busy planning and preparing for the next fiscal year, which begins on October 1. As always, this process kicked off with a pre-budget workshop with the Council in April to discuss potential projects for inclusion in the upcoming budget. This summer, staff will be developing the budget that will be discussed by the Council during their annual budget workshop, which will begin on August 14. We’ll adjourn each evening and reconvene the next night until all questions have been answered. Before we close the book on our current fiscal year, we’ve got some exciting projects currently underway. Construction has started on the entryway monument at Wharton Weems Blvd and SH 146. The annual sidewalk contract, which was doubled from previous years, has been completed with a total of 15,350 linear feet of sidewalk throughout the City. Park improvements are cropping up all over the City- with completion of the Lomax playground and Glen Meadows shade structure. The replacement of play equipment at Tom Brown is underway now. The contracts for 123 new parking spaces at Pecan Park and the new fence at the Golf Course have been approved by the Council and work should be starting on both projects before the end of summer. The La Porte Airport will see a new piece of weather equipment constructed this year, the automated weather observing system (AWOS), which will provide real-time weather information to pilots. Additionally, a drainage study is also in the works for the airport to address some drainage issues. Finally, no budget would be complete without addressing public safety. This year, Council budgeted for a replacement ambulance, which has allowed the EMS fleet to now have two replacement units to supplement the three front line vehicles. The Fire Department received the new incident command vehicle that will allow first responders to coordinate field responses from this central location and provide mobile capability for network connectivity and live streaming on scene conditions to the EOC. Finally, the Police Department rolled out body cameras for all officers to enhance officer safety and accountability.
The public is invited to attend budget workshop in August.
It is a great way to learn about how your tax dollars are at work for the upcoming year.
FLOOD PREPAREDNESS - FLOODS HAPPEN...ARE YOU READY? Your home is in or near a flood hazard area and, as such, your property is at an increased risk of flooding. The city is susceptible to riverine and coastal flooding, as well as flooding from low lying areas. These conditions have caused widespread flooding in the past and, because of this, you are in a repetitively flooded area. The City of La Porte wants you to be aware of ways you can protect yourself and your property for the next major flooding event. Do you know how will you receive information and stay informed during a flood event? Stay connected to the City before, during, and after a flood by visiting www.laportetx.gov/stayconnected for more information.
PREPAREDNESS TIPS:
Get a flood insurance policy. Basic homeowners insurance does not cover damage from floods. Don’t delay – there is a 30-day waiting period before a policy takes effect. Take the necessary precautions when it comes to protecting yourself from harm’s way. Know the evacuation procedures for a flood, and prepare a family evacuation plan. Visit City Hall to get other flood-related information such as Flood Insurance Rate Map flood zone and floodway locations, past flooding data, and local drainage problems. Call 281-470-5073 for more information or to request one-on-one site visits.
WELCOME COUNCILWOMAN NANCY OJEDA! On May 22, 2017, Nancy Ojeda took the oath of office and became our newest council member, representing District 6. Ojeda has been an educator at LPISD since 1996 and is heavily involved in the community. Her civic involvement includes: Treasurer of Friends of the La Porte Library, Vice President of the Economic Development Board, Charter Review Committee, Redistricting Committee, Volunteer of the Year at Boys and Girls Harbor and more. Ojeda received her Bachelor of Science from the University of Houston Clear Lake and has also pursued her graduate studies at the University of Houston. When she isn’t volunteering, she enjoys cultural events, reading, and traveling.
TOP THREE CITY REVENUE SOURCES
9 Years and counting...
MUNICIPAL TRAFFIC SAFETY INITIATIVES AWARD For the 9th year in a row La Porte Municipal Court has been awarded the Municipal Traffic Safety Initiatives Award! This award recognizes municipal courts that made outstanding contributions to their community in an effort to prevent impaired driving and increase traffic safety. La Porte is the ONLY medium volume court in the State to receive this award 9 consecutive years!
CITIZEN EMS ACADEMY GRADUATES FIRST CLASS Congratulations Cadets!
The first ever Citizens EMS Academy was 6 weeks long and held a graduation ceremony on May 16, 2017 – graduating 12 cadets. Cadets enrolled in the academy were certified in CPR & 1st Aid, learned a great deal about the actual everyday function of a progressive 911 EMS agency and actually got to go on an EMS ride-a-long with the paramedics. The cadets are now part of an alumni for the La Porte EMS – Citizen’s EMS Academy and the feedback that we have received from the very first cadets of this program have been tremendous. We are looking very forward to our second Citizen’s EMS Academy which we are planning to have sometime in early 2018. Comments or questions can be directed to Paramedic TJ Alessi at 281-470-0068.
CALLING ALL RECRUITS! Do you have what it takes to be a La Porte Volunteer Firefighter? Now is the time! The next Recruit Class begins the first week of August and runs through November every Tuesday from 6:00pm – 11:00pm – including one Thursday a month from 6:00pm – 11:00pm. All applicants must be 18 years or older, live in the City of La Porte, have a high school diploma or GED, and pass a city background check, physical, and drug test. Apply in person at the La Porte Fire Department or online at http://laportetx.gov/383/
CITY OF LA PORTE 604 W FAIRMONT PKWY LA PORTE, TX 77571 281-471-5020 WWW.LAPORTETX.GOV
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 21 FROM 4PM - 9PM LIVE MUSIC | BEER GARDEN | STREET ENTERTAINERS MARKET VENDORS | FOOD TRUCKS | COSTUME CONTEST
On Main Street in La Porte - 100 S Broadway, 77571 WWW.VISITLAPORTETX.COM