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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMayProgress of interest to You The City Council has been very busy the past several months. We have considered and made decisions on the following that, we trust, will be of interest to you. A contract was awarded to the Whitelak Company in the amount of $663,650.00 for building the infrastructure (sanitary sewer line) in Priority Area Four which is the largest single contract ever awarded in the history of the City of West Univer- sity Place. The contract covers the area along Edloe Street crossing Poor Farm Ditch at the 3600 block of Nottingham where an underground lift station will be build and then pro- ceed along various streets in the area ending at the present underground lift station at Rutgers and University. A twenty-year lease was negotiated with Houston Independ- ent School District on a tract of landwhere the Scout Housewill be rebuilt at an estimated cost of $130,000.00. ' Approximately $250,000.00 has been expended for replace- ~nent of fuel storage tanks and remediation of an area where gasoline has been leaking. This includes a new fuel tank, pump island and card system which will provide security of gasoline usage. Ninety per cent of this expenditure will be refunded by the Texas Water Commission within 45-60 days after review of all the work that has been completed as required. Engineering service has been approved for design of sanitary and storm sewer and street paving in an area bounded by Charlotte, Lake, Tangley and Rice Boulevard, which we esti- mate to take six months for design and construction. Property located at 4102 Byron has been purchased for im- provements at Colonial Park. Construction will soon begin on the JMH park property on Milton Street. Phase One includes fencing, landscaping, con- crete walks and irrigation system. Phase Two will involve installation of all park equipment. Construction should be completed during the month of June. An ordinance has been approved whereby the Police Depart- ment can, in compliance with State Law, eliminate abandoned and junk automobiles from the streets. An ordinance was passed for updating house alarm systems. See Mayor's Column on page 2 u - ation Programs Registration for the Summer session of Recreation classes will begin Tuesday, May 26 for West U. residents and Thursday, May 28 for non-residents. Most classes will begin the week of June 8. A variety of programs are available for children and adults at the Community Building and Colonial Park. For a Home Fire Safety Unexpected crisis occur frequently throughout our lives. Without preparation lives are lost and valuables are destroyed. Most people think they will never experience a fire in their home. If one occurs they panic, they get curious and they try to put the fire out. Most home fires are caused by carelessness. Falling asleep while smoking is a major cause of home fires and fatalities. Another major cause of home fires is electrical. Faulty electri- cal equipment, improper usage of appliances and electrical shorts are included in this category. Smoke is the largest killer in home fires. The toxic gases and smoke created by the fire can overpower you long before the flames get near you. Most kitchen fires are grease fires that can start suddenly and without warning. Many can be put out easily. If something is flaming on the top of the stove, turn off the burner and put a lid on top of the pan. If there is a fire in the oven, shut the door and turn off the heat. NEVER put water on a grease fire. It only spreads the flames and makes the fire worse. Learn and practice the following basic fire safety rules. Make sure your children learn to follow the rules as well. 1. Don't smoke in bed. 2. Don't play with matches or lighters. 3. Replace faulty cords, switches and plugs on lamps, appliances and other electrical equipment. 4. Don't use multiple extension cords from one outlet or overload circuits. 5. Keep the ventilation hood over the kitchen stove free from grease build-up. 6. Don't attempt to replace faulty electrical house wiring unless you are qualified. HIRE A PROFESSIONAL. 7. Keep gasoline out of the house. 8. Deep space heaters and wood stoves away from furniture and dra! -.s. Use only the manufacture's recommended fuel in them. C your chimney at least once a year. Have it and the .---LAecked for cracks, crumbling bricks, obstructions and residue build-up. Always use a fire screen. 10. Invest in fire extinguishers. They're easy to use! Put them where you can get to them easily. Make sure your extinguisher is inspected according to the manufacturer's direction. Use your fire extinguisher like a broom. Sweep from side to side at the base of the fire. Recharge after each use. It. Install smoke detectors throughout the house. Many people have escaped safely from fire because their smoke detec- tors warned them in time. They should be mounted on the ceiling in the hallway outside the bedrooms and in the stair listing of classes or more information call the Community Building at 662-5847. City Currents is printed on recycled paper See Fire Safety on page-2 Mayor Whitt F. Johnson (668-4755) - Mayor Pro Tem Bob Kelly (665-6486) Council Members Jim Jenkins (660-9788), Cullen A. Duke (668-6621), Janice H. Lang (668-6339) City Manager Michael Tanner Volume 19, No. 5 3800 University Blvd. - Houston, Texas 77005 - 713-668-4441 May 1992 rutty t:urrenwiviay i yys Mayor's Column continued The Public Works Staff is developing a plan to alleviate the flood condition in College Court during heavy rains. It appears that the real problem occurs at the intersection of Academy and Bissonnet where all the underground pipes come together and form a hydraulic blockade. The Harris County Appraisal District charges our City $32,752.00 annually for appraising properties for tax purposes. Council recently approved $8,188.00 for the first quarter pay- ment. Liberty Hill expansion. This matter has been much discussed in public hearings by the City Council and property owners in the adjacent area. A decision was made by the City Council to refer this matter to the City Attorney and City Manager for processing. A contract has been awarded to improve the area in front of the Community Building, 6104 Auden Street replacing the main sidewalk, steps and erection of a block retaining area along the curb line. Later, the area around the building will replanted and landscaped after the construction work is com- pleted. Whitt F. Johnson, Mayor Election Notice An election will be held in the City of West University Place on Saturday, May 2, 1992. Voters will vote for one Council Member to fill a vacancy for the unexpired portion of the term only. The Candidates as they will appear on the ballot are as follows: JERRY NIC sLI. BOB PARK CINDY LIMPKIN STAN McCANDLESS KEN CURIE Early voting will be held in the office of the City Secretary from April 13 through April 28 and on Saturday, April 25 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The polling places listed below will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 2, 1992. Precinct #183 - West U. Community Building, 6104 Auden Precinct #133 - Colonial Park, 4130 Byron Precinct #87 - West U. Elem. School, 3756 University Blvd. Precinct #15 - St. Andrew's Church, 5308 Buffalo Speedway Kaylynn Holloway, City Secretary City Currents of West University Place, Texas is published monthly by the Communications Committee May Editor Virginia Clark Desktop Publishing Virginia Clark Contributors Charlotte M. Burks, Pat Malone, Barbara Townsend Chy Currents welcomes your contributions. Forward to 3800 University Blvd., Houston, TX 77005 by the first of the month preceding the month of publication to assure consideration. It is the policy of the City of West University not to discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, religion, age,veteran status or handicapped condition. Calendar City Council Meetings Monday, May 11 and 18, 7:30 pm Building and Standards Commission Thursday, May 7, 6:30 pm Zoning and Planning Meeting Thursday, May 14,730 pm Zoning Board of Adjustment Thursday, May 21,730 pm City Holiday: May 25, Memorial Day NO GARBAGE PICKUP Fire Safety continued wells. DO NOT install the smoke detectors near windows, doors or air registers. This could cause impaired sensitivity. Keep detectors free of dust and cobwebs. Check batteries periodically. Some of thethings the fire department looks for are: 1. Piles of old papers, magazines, oily rags, flammable liquids and old furniture. Throw away the clutter. 2. Flammable liquids stored in improper containers. If you must store these liquids, use approved cans and store them outside the house in a well-ventilated place. 3. PROBLEMS WITH ELECTRICAL OUTLETS. You should have enough outlets for all your lamps and appliance' Limit the number of extension cords you use and don't hide them under rugs. 4. Television sets and stereo units need space around them to let out the hot air. Don't push them against the wall. 5. COMBUSTIBLES IN YOUR UTILITY ROOM. Areas around your water heater and furnaces should be kept clean. 6. Fireplaces should have a metal screen or tempered glass doors and chimneys should be cleaned annually by a chimney sweep or repair company. Install a mesh cover over your chim- ney to keep sparks from flying onto the roof and birds and animals from coming inside. Teach your family to follow an escape plan. Make them aware of what a fire can do. Practice so everyone knows how to use every escape route. Teach your children not to run and hide in a closet or under the bed. Show your babysitter your escape plan and discuss the marked exits. Make sure your family knows the plan! Make sure they know that your only concern is that everyone gets out quickly and safely. IN THE EVENT OF A FIRE, GET OUT AND CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY. Call from a neighbors house. Make sure you tell the fire department if you think someone is trapped inside the house. Stay on the phone until you have answered all their questions. There are many more areas that should be covered in greater detail in order to insure a safe home environment. If you a- interested in your local fire department performing a hon, safety check, please call 662-5835 for an appointment. Alton Seward, Captain West U. Fire Department Volume 19, No. 5/May 1992 Crime Up Close - arch Burglary of Building 5308 Buffalo Speedway - During the night of March 30th, unknown individual(s) broke into St. Andrews Church and stole food and some cokes. Burglary of Habitation the railroad tracks and the streets bordering that area. Some of the items taken in burglaries in that area such as food, personal toiletries and clothing suggest that homeless individuals may be responsible for the break ins. If you see anyone that looks suspicious, please give the dispatcher a call at 668-0330. 3738 Bissonnet - This home was broken into during the evening of March 25th. A patrol officer had observed a vehicle parked in front of the house earlier. The home owner knew who the vehicle belonged to. Detectives tracked the vehicle and it's owners to Sulphur Springs in east Texas. Detectives went to Sulphur Springs, recovered the stolen property and arrested Charles Thompson for burglary. The suspect also had an outstanding warrant for violation of parole on a previous bur- glary charge. 5908 Community - During the day on March 10th, an un- mown suspect removed a pane of glass from a door, entered the use and stole money and small items. 3921 Bissonnet - During the day of March 11th, a door was forced open on this residence and numerous items were stolen. A suspect has been identified and detectives are working to locate the stolen property. 4016 Oberlin - During the day of March 16th, unknown suspect(s) entered this residence by breaking a pane out of a bedroom window and unlocking the window. Small items were taken, including shaving cream, a razor, shoes and a prescrip- tion drug. 5630 Auden - At 11:50 am on March 18th, a resident came home to find a young hispanic male, 18 - 22 years old wearing a long sleeve olive green shirt running out his back sliding glass patio door. The suspect had forced open the door using a pry bar and had stolen a 9mm handgun. The resident called the police, but officers were unable to locate the suspect in the area. The suspect had apparently taken a coke out of the refrigerator and had taken two coats outof a closet. The only property stolen was the handgun. 2718 W. Holcombe - At 12:50 pm on March 30th, a resident came home and found that his front door had the chain in place and he was unable to enter. The resident went to the back door and entered the residence. As he walked back to the front door, he found that the chain was now off the door and the door was ajar. The unknown suspect had entered the house by cutting a ane out of a bedroom window using a glass cutter. A camera and wrist watch was taken. Special Watch We are experiencing an increased number of residential burglaries in thewest area of our city close to the railroad tracks. Our officers are finding a large number of illegal aliens along Recovery of Stolen Motor Vehicle A midnight shift patrol officer found a suspicious vehicle driving our neighborhood streets and ran a license plate regis- tration. The vehicle was stolen. Our officer waited for backup and the two units attempted to stop thevehicle. Thevehicle fled from our officers and ended up driving into a parking garage in the Medical Center were the driver jumped out of the vehicle and proceeded to run across Fannin where the suspect was hit by a car. The suspect, not hurt, jumped up and again ran, this time into a hospital building. Hospital security, our officers and Houston Police found the suspect and charges were filed. Kudos to the fleet footed midnight shift officers! 3816 Bellaire - During the day of March 13th, a 1992 Ford pickup was stolen from the parking lot of St. Mark's Episcopal Church. 3300 Georgetown - At 1:00 am on March 3rd, a midnight shift officer observed a suspicious Surburban speeding north on Buffalo Speedway. The officer attempted to stop the vehicle and the driver speed away. The driver abruptly stopped on Wroxton close to Kirby and jumped out of the vehicle. The suspect ran around the Blockbuster Video parking lot and smack into the patrol czar of the backup officer. The suspect was arrested and charged with Auto Theft. The Surburban had just been stolen from our resident. It is not too often that we can catch a thief in the act: special thanks to Officer Jack Frisbey and Sergeant Pete Johnson. Burglary of Motor Vehicle 3706 Plumb - During the night of March 1st, the side window of a 1983 Chevrolet Blazerwas broken out. Acellular phone and a box of cassette tapes were stolen. 4100 Oberlin - On March 1st at 4:20am a midnight shift officer observed that the door of a 1975 Volkswagen was stand- ing open. The vent window had been pried open and the radio stolen. 6000 Annapolis - Again, during the night of March 1st, a 1987 Hyundai was broken into and an old tennis racket was taken. 6400 Belmont - During the night of March lst, an unlocked vehicle was entered and a cellular phone taken. 6025 Fordham - During the night of March 27th, unknown suspects entered a 1988 Hyundai parked in the street and stole a briefcase and a leather jacket. 4 City Currents/May 1992 3110 Lafayette - During the night of March 26, a set of golf clubs was stolen from a 1986 Toyota Landcruiser parked in the driveway. Theft 3412 University - An officer on patrol observed a suspicious male on a bicycle. The individualwas stopped, identified and the bicycle was checked to see if it was stolen. The bicycle was not listed as stolen and the suspect was allowed to leave. The officer making the stop checked surrounding houses for the possibility of a missing bicycle. He found an old bicycle in the driveway of a house and the gate across the driveway open. The officer contacted the owner who stated that the old bicycle did not belong to them and that a bicycle had been stolen out of their garage. The officer obtained a warrant and the suspect was arrested. 3820 Swarthmore - Five ceiling fans were stolen from a house that was under construction. 4210 Bellaire - A former employee of the Y.M.C.A. was arrested for felony theft after an audit of the books revealed missing money. 4004 Bellaire - A patron of Ye Seekers had her billfold stolen from her purse while she shopped in the store. 3301 University - A maid took two pieces of expensive jew- elry. Detectives recovered one piece at a local pawn shop. Charges were filed on the maid. Possession of Illegai Drugs 4000 Bellaire - Three individuals were found smoking mari- juana in front of the Bel Aire Theatre. Charges for possession were filed on two individuals. 6800 Buffalo Speedway - An officer stopped a vehicle on traffic and could smell the strong odor of marijuana. Charges were filed on the occupants for possession of marijuana. Weapons Charges 3900 Tennyson - Officers received information that two sub- jects were driving in West U in possession of a stolen weapon. Officers stopped the vehicle and found the stolen weapon that had been taken in a house burglary in Bellaire. Charges were filed. 4100 Milton - An officer stopped a vehicle on traffic and observed a "lead pipe". A handgun was also found in the car. Charges were filed. 4100 Bellaire - A midnight shift officer stopped a vehicle o._ traffic and observed the driver attempting to hide a revolver. Charges were filed. 3900 Southwestern - Officers received a report of two subjects shooting a pellet gun at a house located at 3910 Southwestern. Officers stopped the suspects, in their vehicle, and found a pellet pistol. The subjects had been shooting birds. They were written citations for shooting a pellet pistol in the city limits. Senior Services Activities Call 662-5849 for reservations Tuesday, May 12, 11:004:00, $4.00 A special luncheon honoring all mothers and daughters with entertainment by the Skylarks of Texas. They promise arousing time filled with humor and sentiment. Wednesday, May 20, 2:30-3:30, Free Aseminar on Living Trust conducted by the Texas Trust Group. They will help educate you regarding some uncertain future financial problems. Wednesday, May 27, 8:00-5:00, $15.00 We're going to Galveston. A two-hour guided bus tour, a stop at the Observation Deck, and a cruise and lunch on the Colonel. A visit to Ashton Villa after the.cruise will fill out the day. Thursday, May 28,2:00-3:00, Free Colorado National Park: the trip being offered by Collette Tours at this seminar with slides to entice you to take a fall excursion. Volunteer of the Month Senior Services is proud to introduce M. D. (Wick) Wicker- ham as May's Volunteer of the Month. Wick has been a member of the Senior Services Board for many years and is our represen- tative to the Area Planning Advisory Council which is involved in food distribution, housing, transportation and other needs for thousands throughout Southeast Texas. Wick has helped us deliver food baskets donated by St. George Orthodox Church to Seniors in our city. While Wick is a person of few words, he's got good ideas. Another Board member noted that Wick is like a "rock of Gibralter." Thanks, Wick, for all your help. How are we doing? Your city council and staff want to be responsive. So please, write down your suggestions, compliments or problems on this form and enclose it with your water bill. If there isn't enough space below, simply fill in your name, address and phone numbers and we will contact you. Come on everybody! Let's hear from you! Comments: Mr. r__J Mss first = as 1 Name: Mrs. ~ Ms. 7 Address: Phone (home): Phone (work):