Captain Salim Zia, Sgt. Eric Flores, Sgt. Johnnie McGee, and Officer Nicole Simmons Tosh acknowledged MPNA’s support for the HPD South Central Division Community Service programs during 2018.  MPNA Safety and Security Chair, Pam Campbell, accepted HPD’s plaque honoring MPNA.

City of Houston Homeless Initiative Update - Marc Eichenbaum

Marc Eichenbaum opened his comments by stating the reality that “homelessness, as an issue, is not going anywhere, but the City of Houston wants to reduce it”. The City has set a realistic goal to reduce homelessness as much as possible, even as more are falling into homelessness every day. Read more about Marc’s discussion here including:

• ·       Housing Statistics for the Wheeler Encampment closed on Nov 2, 2018
• ·       Plans for a Navigation Center to serve as a low barrier shelter/bridge to housing
• ·       ACLU Lawsuit Status
• ·       Mental Health Challenges
• ·       Interim Incremental Steps

President’s Report - Sandy Stevens

• Our thanks and congratulations to Greg Quintero (MPNA Past President 2016) for volunteering to serve on the 2019 MPNA Board in the open position of Immediate Past President. Per the bylaws, MPNA members at the meeting unanimously elected Greg.
• MPNA participated in a Feb 4, 2019 meeting, organized by the Riverside Civic Association, to reopen the discussion with TXDOT regarding 288 Sound Barrier placement on both the east and west sides of the freeway. MPNA will continue to participate as these discussions move forward and the MPNA Board may be asked to evaluate, propose, and support new solutions requested.
• Update, Austin/LaBranch/Crawford Bikeway Project: Bikeways will slow traffic on affected Museum Park streets according to Geoff Carlton of Traffic Engineers Inc. Plans for safe crossing measures at Hermann Dr./Crawford are under discussion. Parking in Museum Park will not be impacted. Bicycles and vehicles will share the road using signage to indicate a bikeway. Details here.
  
• Update, Museum Park Community Parking Plan and Parking Benefit District ordinances will open for public comment on Feb 11 for a 30 Day period. For more details and to add your input, see ParkHouston. 

Safety and Security – Pam Campbell

Pam Campbell and Barbara McGuffey, will continue to participate as MPNA representatives on the Neighborhood Task Force (NTF) with the Coalition for the Homeless. While the Wheeler Encampment has been closed, the NTF will engage and assist where possible in the ongoing process to address homeless issues.  Although Marilyn Brown is no longer with the Coalition, the NTF has been invited to meet with the newly announced Coalition Interim President/CEO, Mike Nichols.