Super Neighborhood Alliance Meeting Summary - January 12, 2026

The Super Neighborhood Alliance (SNA) convened on January 12, 2026, to address critical updates regarding Houston's solid waste services, conduct the annual elections for the Alliance leadership team, and discuss upcoming community issues including the MLK Unity Parade and Herman Park. Director of Solid Waste, Mr. Hussein, presented a detailed roadmap for overhauling the city's heavy trash and yard waste collection systems, citing significant operational improvements since his arrival while acknowledging ongoing challenges with illegal dumping and resource constraints.

Consent Calendar

• Roll call conducted with 52 Super Neighborhood representatives present, confirming quorum and updating records for Super Neighborhood 45's active status.
• Approval of the meeting agenda and introduction of special guests, including the Young Society of Houston (who joined late/absent).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Mr. Jack Velinski: Expressed concern regarding the transition to an on-demand system, specifically asking about the impact on neighbors seeing heavy trash and the distinction between yard waste and heavy trash. He questioned if budget cuts from the previous year contributed to delays.
• Ms. Kathleen: Asked for a summary of the changes and requested educational flyers to help neighbors understand the new system. She expressed concern regarding illegal dumping in bayou medians and asked if that required a 311 call to schedule pickup.
• Ms. Lindsay: Inquired about communication plans to prevent abuse of the system by residents who consistently have large amounts of debris. She reported a specific incident in October where Eastwood residents were charged $600 and rejected at depositories while attempting to dispose of trash for a neighborhood event.
• Mr. Mike: Reported issues with the can exchange program, noting he was told services were unavailable, and sought clarification on the delay in receiving replacement carts with lids and wheels.
• Ms. Tamara: Asked for details on the pilot program location, clarification on the "four times a year" limit, and confirmation that weekly trash and two-weekly recycling services remain active.
• Ms. Vicky: Praised the initiative in the East Sandig area but raised concerns about empty lots and the potential for trash to be dumped on top of curbside pickups once residents leave. She requested enforcement of the $500 littering fine by the police department.
• Ms. Sherry: Urged the use of Management Districts to handle trash in public esplanades and medians while the city transitions, citing 86 districts across the city.
• Mr. Ricky: Asked for clarification on whether the four-per-year limit applies to both heavy and yard waste and if neighbors can combine trash for a single pickup. He also questioned the distinction between the "Hot Team" (council district-funded) and the Solid Waste Department.
• Mr. Harrell: Clarified that the four-call limit applies only to heavy trash, not yard waste. He requested confirmation that ongoing weekly trash and bi-weekly recycling services continue and asked if 311 calls are required for yard waste tickets.
• Ms. Pauletta: Requested information on how to book an outreach speaker from the Solid Waste department for Super Neighborhood meetings and asked if the yard waste program using biodegradable bags should be continued.
• Mr. Greg: Raised a point of information regarding the Alliance bylaws, questioning if the current nominee for Secretary, Amy, is eligible for a third consecutive term.
• Ms. Kathleen (New Business): Highlighted the potential condemnation of land by the Herman Park Conservancy and Harris Health, urging all members to submit public comments.

Discussion Items

• Solid Waste Heavy Trash Overhaul: Director Hussein announced a shift from a reactive route-based system to an "on-demand" system. Key points included:
  • Current Status: Heavy trash is 3-8 weeks behind schedule due to limited data and enforcement; the department has 21 crews and achieved 98% completion on regular trash and 89-90% on recycling.
  • New Process: Residents must call 311 to speak with a live agent to schedule an appointment. The department will track pickups to ensure accountability.
  • Volume Limits: The standard allowance is eight cubic yards per pickup. The limit is four times per year per address.
  • Yard Waste: Currently operating on a schedule (Wednesdays/Saturdays) but often missing spots due to a lack of data. The plan is to transition yard waste to a ticket-based 311 system similar to heavy trash by mid-February.
  • Enforcement: Inspectors will be deployed to document piles and investigate potential abuse (e.g., construction companies dumping residential trash). The department is exploring the use of dummy flashing lights to deter illegal dumping.
  • Pilot Program: The new system will roll out citywide in the second week of February, not a limited pilot district.
  • Can Exchange: Delays are attributed to a contract issue where a retired employee ordered cans but forgot to order lids/wheels; new components should arrive within two weeks.
• Alliance Elections: The Nominating Committee presented a slate for Chair, Vice-Chair, and Secretary. A debate arose regarding the eligibility of the Secretary nominee, Amy, due to a bylaw restriction on "two consecutive terms," with some members arguing this means "full terms" while others cited the literal text requiring a modification to allow her service.
• MLK Unity Parade: Director Hussein noted the parade has been combined into one event. The SNA is being invited to participate, with a flyer and registration link distributed via chat, though no representatives from Young Society of Houston were present to detail their request.

Key Outcomes

• Solid Waste Program Implementation: Director Hussein confirmed the on-demand heavy trash and yard waste system will launch citywide in the second week of February. Education campaigns will be launched via media, social media, and flyers prior to launch.
• Election Results: The slate of nominees was voted on in motion. Despite the bylaw controversy raised by Mr. Greg, the motion to approve Letitia Grant for Chair, Amy Den for Secretary, and Keith (nominated) for Vice-Chair passed with a vote of approximately 23 in favor and 1 opposed (Mr. Greg). Note: The final tally was recorded as 23-1 by the Chair, though technical difficulties caused some members to struggle raising/lowering hands.
• Voter Information Update: Early voting begins January 20th, 2026. General Election is scheduled for January 31st for CD 18, with a potential special election on April 4th, followed by a runoff.
• Herman Park Action: Members are directed to submit public comments regarding the potential condemnation of land by the Herman Park Conservancy and Harris Health immediately.
• Can Exchange Issue: Director Hussein committed to resolving the missing lid/wheel component issue for the 4,000 ordered green cans within two weeks.
• Adjournment: Motion to adjourn passed unanimously.