SOUTHSIDE PLACE WEATHER

October 2023

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Stage Two: Mandatory Water Use Restrictions in Effect

On Sunday, August 27, 2023, the City of Houston went to Stage Two of its Water Conservation Plan. Because of this, on Monday, August 28, the City of Southside Place is also enacting Stage Two of the Water Conservation Plan. Stage Two is mandatory water use restrictions. Stage Two was triggered due to intense heat combined with a significant drop in annual rainfall. 

The city is asking that there be no irrigation systems running during the hours of 9AM - 7PM. Irrigation is restricted to two days a week. Only run your irrigation system on the day your trash is picked up (Gramercy to Farbar can water their yards on Monday and Thursday ONLY. Garnet to University can water their yards on Tuesday and Friday ONLY.) Washing vehicles is also prohibited. 

The City will continue to monitor the heat wave, and the City of Houston, going forward in order to communicate with residents. For any questions or comments, please contact the public works department at 713-668-2341 or publicworks@southsideplacetx.gov

hurricane season

Hurricane Season Has Started/ Emergency Management and City News Alerts

2023 Hurrican flyerHurricane season has started. Please visit the Emergency Preparedness page for tips and helpful links on making your home and family ready. 

Want to receive immediate notifications for important events occurring in Southside Place? Please register online here and select to receive notification by email, text, or even both. Three hundred (325) residents have signed up to receive emergency alerts. Notifications for police activities, park, public works, are available also. Please help us keep everyone up to date on what's happening in Southside Place.

Bike Safety

We encourage cyclists of any age to be safe and responsible as they enjoy their rides around the city. This video from AAA provides an introduction to bike safety and sharing the road with vehicles and other cyclists. You can also visit their website for more information on bicycle safety. If you have any questions or concerns you can contact the Southside Place Police Department.

AAA - Riding Skills and Tips

City-Wide Drainage Improvement Project Has Started Along Edloe Only / Harper and Auden to Follow in Fourth Quarter 2023

Total Contracting, Ltd. has started the much anticipated $7.8 million drainage and street improvement project along Edloe. Contract crews will continue working along Edloe during the summer months. Large concrete drainage pipes are being placed under the new street pavement along Edloe, Harper, and a portion of Auden. The last street and drainage project was completed in the late 1990s. Once complete in early 2024, the drainage system will exceed a two-year storm event. The new drainage system will also have an impact in reducing ponding by over five inches during a 100-year storm event. A Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) information sheet has been distributed to residents and can also be found here


Splash Dash Saturday, September 30, 2023

Join your neighbors and make your way through a fun 2K run/walk with splash features along the way! We are excited to announce the return of the Southside Place Fire Track to add some extra splash along the route!

End the race with a high-energy pool party in the Southside Place pool...DJ, raffles, contests, prizes!

Splash Dash 2023 Flyer

splash dash 2023
Dinner in the Park 9-20 flyer

Dinner in the Park with Drainage Discussion Open House with Brown and Gay Engineers on September 20

September 20 from 5pm - 7pm at the Clubhouse will be our annual Dinner in the Park. Please join us for an open house with city engineers and the contractor to talk one-on-one about the $8 million drainage improvement project along Edloe, Harper, and a portion of Auden. Harper reconstruction is expected to start in November. The project began in March and will conclude by May 2024. Grant monies totaling $1.5 million from HUD and administered by Harris County have been provided for this drainage system. Southside Place will be utilizing certificates of obligation also from the Texas Water Development Board. The city tax rate for 2023 will increase as a result of the new city debt for drainage improvements. City officials are seeking other grant opportunities for a similar drainage improvement project on Auden from Harper to Bellaire Blvd. Comments and questions are welcome at 713-668-2341 or citymgr@southsideplacetx.gov

Shred-It and Heavy Trash Day in October

Residents can bring boxes of personal records to city hall for free shredding from 9 AM - 12 PM on October 21. On October 21 there will also be heavy trash collection from Gramercy to Farbar. On October 28, will be the second heavy trash for residents from Garnet to University. Heavy trash collection starts at 8 AM. 

heavy trash

Pool Hours

The pool is open on weekends from 1 PM - 8 PM. The 2023 pool season concludes on Monday, September 4. Lap swimming will continue through October. 

HouseWatch Program During Summer

Please contact the police department if you are leaving for the summer. Police personnel will be checking for packages and other items left at residential doorsteps. Or you may complete the online form here

fire prevention week 2023

Fire Prevention Week is October 8-14

Southside Place USA has an Insurance Service Office (ISO) fire rating of a 1. Thank you fire and public safety personnel for all of your hard work and dedication in protecting Southside Place.

Poor Farm Ditch Funds - $32 Million

Harris County Flood Control District has completed 95% of the engineering plans for a new drainage ditch. The reconstruction cost is $32 Million. Federal and county funding totals $9.8 million, state funding is $16.9 million, and Harris County funding is $4.5 million. Estimated construction is early 2025.

Auden Drainage Improvements / 2025-2026

The proposed project will remove and replace existing undersized storm sewer laterals at the residential intersections of south Haper. 

Yard Waste Recycling Flyer

Yard Waste Recycling - Bio Bags

33-gallon Compostable Bio Bags are now available at city hall for purchase. Yard waste will be recycled into compost, mulch, and soil. 

  • When it starts
    • Yard waste recycling will start on May 1
  • What it includes
    • The program will start in phases. Initially, only BAGGED grass, weeds, leaves, and twigs will be accepted. Maximum bag weight is 40 pounds.
  • How you bag it
    • Your yard waste must be placed in 33-gallon BioBags, special compostable bags which meet all specifications from Living Earth, as well as the handling requirements of the city's Public Works Department. BioBags are now available for purchase at City Hall. The bags may be purchased by the case (120 bags for $70) or by the box (10 bags for $6.) Because the bags are compostable, we suggest you store them in a climate-controlled area in your home. 
  • When and where it will be collected
    • Yard waste will be collected on the same days as your trash. Please place your yard waste bag on the opposite side of your driveway from your trash; it will be collected at a different time from trash.
  • What to tell your lawn service
    • If your yard maintenance service typically leaves your yard waste bagged and on your property, please encourage them to use the approved bags. Otherwise, it will be collected with trash.
  • What NOT to do
    • Do NOT use any other bags except BioBags purchased from the city.
    • Do NOT place contaminants in the bag - no dog waste or trash, paper, or plastics. 
    • Do NOT put your bagged yard waste at the curb anytime except during the approved window for trash, which is no earlier than 6PM on the evening before your trash is collected.
  • Why is this important
    • The city estimates that approximately 40% of our waste stream is comprised of yard waste. The cost per ton of recycling our yard waste is less than the cost per ton of trash disposal, so not only is yard waste recycling the sustainable choice, but it also saves the city money. Yard waste recycling is optional, but we strongly urge you to join your neighbors and help keep Southside green!
  • Who to contact with questions

Leaf Blower Rules and Regulations

Please remember that Non-residents shall not operate any leaf blower on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays per city ordinance #168.

Commercial District Report

Dirty Dough will be opening in June near Starbucks. Lick Honest Ice Cream opens near I.W. Marks Jewelers.

Residential Tree Trimming Along Edloe in 2023

Please remember to trim trees and limbs overhanging residential streets. During the upcoming infrastructure project, contract crews will trim lower hanging limbs affecting equipment and vehicles assigned to the drainage and street project. City staff and the contractor will notify residents of such trimmings in advance. 

New Southside Place Directory

The Southside Place Civic Club has updated the neighborhood directory. For questions regarding the directory please contact the Civic Club at sspcivicclub@yahoo.com.

Park Season Pass For 2023

The 2023 Season Pass program is here! A Season Pass is $500 for Southside Place families and $300 for Seniors. 

Season Pass Application - Printable

Season Pass Online Application

2022 City Tax Bills are Delinquent

City property tax bills for 2022 have been mailed. The Over 65 exemption is $185,000. "Homestead Exemptions Not Available" is printed on all residential bills. Tax bills become delinquent in February. Southside Place city tax bills are separate from your county bill. If needed, please drop off your city tax bill in the night deposit box. Please call us if you need an additional 2022 city copy.

Water Bill Auto Draft Sign-Up Sewer Rate Winter Averaging

Please join over 230 residents with the city water/sewer/garbage auto draft. Winter averaging occurs during the billing cycling months of December and February. The winter averaging sewer charge and new rates will change on the April bills. 

City of Houston officials recently made a large annual rate adjustment for purchased treated surface water from $3.35 to $3.70 per 1,000 gallons in 2022. Southside Place Receives 80% of our drinking water from Houston. City expenditures for Houston surface water will increase by $50,000 in 2022-2023. Residential and commercial water rates will increase with the December bill. 

Houston Surface Water Rate Increases Begins with October, 2022 Usage/Sanitation fee Increase


Southside Place purchases 80% of its drinking water from the City of Houston. Houston surface water rates are increasing over the next 5 years. Southside Place will be increasing utility rates starting with October water usage. Sanitation collection fees will also increase from $30 per month to $35.

$ 0.318768 Adopted Tax Rate and Budget News

The adopted 2022 tax rate s .318768 per $100 valuation. The tax rate has been reduced from .367833 in 2013 to the current rate in 2022. City debt includes monies for the clubhouse acquisition, Town Center, community pool, and 2008 water/sewer infrastructure improvements. The city acquired the clubhouse in June 2018 and the park grounds in October 2012. The 2022 tax rate remains lower than Bellaire. Capital projects for 2022 include water tank rehabilitation, clubhouse repairs, and sewer plant rehabilitation. 

Southisde Place 2022 Water Report

The 2022 Southside Place Drinking Water Report will be available on July 1 at City Hall and here on the website. Southside Place purchases 80% of its drinking water from the City of Houston. Southside Place water rates will change with the October billing cycle as a result of a 9.2% surface water fee increase from City of Houston. 

2022 Drinking Water Report

Budget and Capital Infrastructure Report and FY 2022-2023 Projects

A $200,000 water tank rehabilitation project along Bellaire Boulevard has concluded. Two additional water tanks will be repainted in August 2023. Wastewater plant concrete wall rehabilitation and repairs have been completed at a cost of $60,000. Southside Place clubhouse roof replacement will take place later this year. 

The 2022 Southside Place Tax rate is .318768 per $100 valuation. This rate has been the same for the last four years. Sanitation collection charges along with utility (water/sewer) rate increases from $30 to $35 per month. Utility (water/sewer) rate increases will begin with December usage. Winter averaging continues with December/February usage. The city of Houston is increasing surface water rates over the next five years. The City of Houston provides 80% of Southside Place's water. 

New City Flood Prevention Ordinance Regarding Residential Construction

Harris County has provided new guidelines to all cities regarding flood prevention measures for residential construction. These regulations include the 500-year floodplain, and new construction methods. Please have your architect and builder contact city hall for additional information. 

Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance

Who Knew Texas' Greatest Dog Hero was from Southside Place?

Southside presents a children's book, Happy: The True Story of a Stray Dog Who Became a Hero. This illustrated book recounts the story of a neighborhood dog who saved two Darcus Street families from a house fire in 1931 and set into motion the birth of our Southside Volunteer Fire Department. Happy's heroism also earned him the title of Texas' Greatest Dog Hero of 1931.

Pick up your copy of Happy and a "happy in Southside" t-shirt at City Hall.

* Royalties from book sales benefit the Houston SPCA

HAPPY Cover
HCFCD Flood Warning System

Sign Up with HCFCD to Receive Customizable Water Level and Rainfall Alerts

Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD) has announced enhancements to their website to provide residents the option to receive automated alerts regarding water levels and rainfall via text message, email, or both.

Harris County Flood Warning System Alert Sign Up

Harris County Flood Warning System Map

Staff Contacts - 713-668-2341 City Hall Phone Number

Department Staff Contact Email
Police Department Chief McCall dmccall@southsideplacetx.gov
Fire Department Chief Serrano firechief@southsideplacetx.gov
Building Department Stephanie Leal permits@southsideplacetx.gov
Utility/Water Payments Stephanie Leal permits@southsideplacetx.gov
Inspections Stephanie Leal permits@southsideplacetx.gov
Municipal Court Olga Garza
Donna Terrell
olga@southsideplacetx.gov
Public Works - Water, 
Waste Water, Sanitation
Steve Kenney publicworks@southsideplacetx.gov
Parks and Rec - Pool, 
Clubhouse, Pavilion
Andrew Deavers
Donna Terrell
adeavers@southsideplacetx.gov or call 832-509-4642
Administration David Moss citymgr@southsideplacetx.gov
City Hall General Questions David Moss citymgr@southsideplacetx.gov

City Election for Southside Place


Please contact City Secretary Olga Garza for questions or comments at 713-668-2341 or email her at olga@southsideplacetx.gov.

City Election for Southside Place - Election Page
 New Harris County Voting System - Video

Notice of General Election for Municipalities

Order of Cancellation
 For more information on the New Harris County Voting System,
 please see the video on the page above.
 


Recycling FAQ's

  • How do I put my recycling at the Curb?
    • You may collect it all in one or more containers, for instance, in cardboard boxes that you plan to recycle anyway. Paper grocery bags are fine, too, but please do not use plastic bags!
  • Do I have to separate the different types of recycling?
    • NO, you may co-mingle your recyclables in one or more containers! There's no need to separate plastics from paper from metal from glass.
  • Are plastic lids on plastic containers recyclable?
    • YES, caps and lids smaller than 2" in diameter are recyclable but you must put them back on empty containers before recycling them. Larger lids may be recycled separately from their containers.
  • Are plastic tubes, such as those used for shampoo, lotion or sunscreen, recyclable?
    • Yes, plastic tubes are recyclable. For best results, snip off the bottom of the tube for easy rinsing.
  • May I recycle the pump in my big plastic lotion bottle?
    • You may! But your favorite lotion (or shampoo, cleaning product, etc) may offer a refill option for your pump bottle. Check it out.
  • What about aerosol spray cans?
    • Yes, these are recyclable. Make sure they are completely empty.
Recycling Items
  • What do I do with plastic bags that say they are recyclable?
    • DO NOT recycle them with your other curbside recycling! Please go to plasticfilmrecycling.org to find out where you may recycle them. Many of the local grocery stores (HEB, Krogers, Randalls) offer bins at the entry way for recycling plastic bags.
  • Are waxed cardboard drink/food containers (ie. milk, juice, egg whites) recyclable?
    • Yes, just make sure the containers are free of food before recycling
  • What happens if my recycling is contaminated with things that should not be recycled?
    • The City's recycling is taken to Waste Management recycling facility in the City's compactor truck. If our recycling is contaminated, the City may be fined a surcharge for the entire recycling load, something we wish to avoid.
  • Pizza boxes are made of cardboard, so they are recyclable, right?
    • Yes, but pizza is inherently greasy, and this grease can soak right into the bottom of the cardboard box. Soiled cardboard cannot be recycled. But it's not all destined for the landill. Tear off the lid of the box, which is typically not soiled, and include only this part with your recyclables. If the bottom is soiled, it must go in the trash.
  • Are wet paper and cardboard ok for inclusion with my other recyclables?
    • For paper, it's a definite no. Wet paper will practically disintegrate before it can be sorted. In the case of cardboard, if it is damp from water it can be included with the other recyclables. If it is soaking wet and/or wet from anything besides water, the answer is no.
    • If heavy rain is imminent on recycling day, please save paper and cardboard for the following week.
  • Can I recycle paper mailing envelopes with plastic bubble-wrap lining?
    • No. Consider buying regular envelopes and wrapping the enclosures with paper for extra padding.
  • Are metal lids from glass jars recyclable?
    • Yes, if separated from the jar, lids larger than 2" in diameter may be recycled. Put lids smaller than 2" in diameter in the trash, and never recycle jars with the lids attached. Separated lids less than 2" diameter get caught and can jam or damage recycling equipment.
  • Can I recycle the heavy glass jars that many candles are sold in?
    • No, these types of jars are made of heat-tempered glass (similar to Pyrex) and will not melt at the glass recycler.
  • What about pottery and ceramics?
    • Nope, same as above; these won't melt at the glass recycler.

Here are some Easy Swaps that will reduce both waste and the energy required to recycle. To get started pick one disposable to avoid, like single-use plastic bottles, or you can try to avoid the BIF Four : grocery bags, plastic straws, to-go coffee cups, and plastic water bottles.

Recommendations

  • Sort the aluminum cans into a paper bag, this simple act of kindness helps the city employees.
  • Please flatten the corrugated cardboard boxes, this helps the city employees work more efficiently. Wet paper is collected.
  • Electronics may be recycled at Best Buys. Please visit Best Buy for more information. 
  • Batteries may be recycled at Battery Plus locations. Please visit Battery Plus Recycling for more information.
Recycling Letter
Recycling FAQs

2022 Winter Storm Recovery Resources



As we all recover from the recent winter storms, the City of Southside Place would like to provide a quick reference to resident resources regarding recovery and important information. 


Texas Disaster Impacts Self-Reporting Tool



In an effort to track the scale of the Winter 2021 Disaster at local levels, the State of Texas is collecting damage assessment data. The information collected will help officials across the state gain an understanding of damages for individuals throughout Texas during the recent winter weather.

To access the assessment tool, scan the QR Code below of visit the Reporting Website.

SElf Reporting QR Code Graphic

This report is voluntary and is not a substitute for reporting damage to your insurance agency, nor does it guarantee disaster relief assistance.

Federal Emergency Management Agency Disaster Relief Funds



The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has announced that federal emergency aid is available to individuals and businesses who sustained losses during the severe winter storm last week. Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help recover from the effects of the disaster. 

Register online at www.disasterassitance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-3362 or 1-800-462-7585 TTY. 

Local Business Resources

Small Business Association Disaster Loan Assistance

The Small Business Association (SBA) has designated COVID-19 as a qualifying event for the provision of Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) for businesses and private non-profits in affected communities that have sustained substantial economic injury. This is triggered when a business is unable to meet its obligations and to pay it’s ordinary and necessary operating expenses. EIDLs provide the necessary working capital to help small businesses survive until normal operations resume after a disaster. To apply for the Small Business Association Disaster Loan Program or for additional resources for small businesses please see the links below. 

Apply for the Small Business Association Disaster Loan Program

Additional Resources for Small Businesses

Governor Order to Re-Open Texas


On July 29, 2021 Governor Abbott issued Executive Order GA-38 regarding mask mandates.
Executive Order GA-38

 On May 18, 2021 Governor Abbott issued Executive Order GA-36 regarding mask mandates.
Executive Order GA-36

On March 2, 2021 Governor Abbott issued Executive Order GA-34 regarding the continued state of Texas reopening.
Executive Order GA-34

On October 8, 2020 Governor Abbott issued Executive order GA-32 regarding the continued state of Texas reopening.
Executive Order GA-32

On September 17, 2020 Governor Abbott issued Executive Order GA-30 and GA-31 regarding the state of Texas reopening.
Executive Order GA-30
Executive Order GA-31

On July 3, 2020 Governor Abbott issued Executive Order GA-29 regarding the use of face coverings during the COVID-19 disaster.
Executive Order GA-29

On June 3, 2020 Governor Abbott announced Phase Three of the Open Texas Plan including information on outdoor events and updates on capacity levels.
Open Texas Plan

On April 27, 2020 Governor Abbott issued Executive Order to outline the re-open identified services in the state of Texas.
Executive Order to Re-Open
Governor's Report to Re-Open


Helpful Links

We have posted some information about COVID-19 and will keep it updated. You can also find answers to frequently asked questions about coronavirus in the links below.

Center for Disease Control (CDC)

Texas Department of State Health Services

Harris County Public Health

Ready Harris

World Health Organization

Helpful Videos

Southside Place 2020 Water Report

The 2020 Southside Place Drinking Water Report is available at City Hall and on the website. Southside Place purchases 80% of its drinking water from the City of Houston.

2020 Drinking Water Quality Report

2019 Drinking Water Quality Report

2018 Drinking Water Quality Report

Poor Farm Ditch Presentation and City Drainage News

A Poor Farm Ditch presentation by the Flood Control District is available on the city website and at City Hall. Southside Place has submitted over $8 Million to the Texas Department of Emergency Management in drainage application funding requests for Edloe, Auden, and Harper Streets. Proposed projects are being reviewed by the state agency at this time. Comments and questions are welcome by email or phone at 713-668-2341.

Poor Farm Ditch Presentation

Drainage Improvement Plan