HomeMy WebLinkAboutJanuaryf"WEN ] I
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Mayor Whitt F. Johnson (668-4755) - Mayor Pro ,rem Bob Kelly (665-6486)
Council Members Cullen A. Duke (:,..8-6621), Janice 111. Lang (668-6339), Jerry Nickell (669-8624)
City Manager Michael Tanner
Volume 20, No. 1 3800 University Blvd. - Houston, Texas 77005 - 713-668-4441 January 1993
a _
~A Report on City Council Activities
Open communications with residents is a policy defined by all members of West University Place City Council. Council believes
that to arrive at intelligent decisions we must seek out all relevant facts and information. City Council has striven to operate and
make decisions in the best interest of our citizens. We would like you to be aware of some of the significant activities of the past
300 days. Since our first report in the October 1991 issue of City Currents we have considered many projects, discussed many issues
and made numerous important decisions. Our decisions have not been pleasing to all residents, butwe have done our honest best.
1. BOARD AND COMMIT'T'EES: After many hours of
meeting and interviewing, in_-rested citizens were selected to
fill various boards and comm ti, es.
2. REPIACEMENT OF U1,_- a.OUND N UE L TANKS:
Leaks in underground fuel tanks used for gasoline and diesel
fuel for City equipment were discovered including an unknown
water well drilled in the 1930's was reported to the Texas Water
mmission which mandated removal of the tanks and con-
ainatedsoil costing the City thousands of dollars which hasn't
vn refundec' by the Texas Let Commission.
3. SCO'_JT JSE BIJ c. on of the Scout
House and res.-oom facilitic 7 i lmD operty is costing the
City $147,000. itwill be used for City recreational activities, Boy
Scouts, Girl Scouts and other community activities.
4. APPOINTMENT OF KEY STAFF POSITIONS: Ed Men-
ville was appointed Public Works Director/City Engineer; Chris
Taylor was appointed Director of Finance & Administration
and Kay Holloway was appointed City Secretary. All add to our
City's effic ncy.
5, II?C ' T' JNAL AND PARR AC rIVITY- Council toured
various parks to get ideas for development of City Parks. Phase
!of JMH park was completed at a cost of $100,000.00. Awarded
contract for demolition of three houses in the 4100 block of
Case St. and passed an ordim -nce authorizing purchase of 4102
Byron for $145,000.00 for t( 1 of Colonial Park. --1e
Citv installed a wooden dec.- an I- c' Fence at C,;' _--;2'
Park and made minor additic_1s to J__ --Street and Jol _,c)n
Parks. The City authorized the creation of a Parks c4r Rec -ra-
tion Department and employment of a Director.
6. MAJOR C _EMENTS '1'O ATER SYST-._ ° AND
INI=RASTRUCi. J 1±,: Completed installation of 500,0,, Eal-
Ion elevated wat r storage tower, two 500,000 gallo -ound
storage tanks and pumping equipment. Replaced 10"waterline
long West Point, Academy, Amherst and Bissonnet Streets.
astalled sanitary sewer line along Auden, Nottingham, Se-
wanee, Plumb, Westchester and Rutgers Streets in the north-
east part of the City and a sanitary sewer lift station on Notting-
ham Street and Poor Farm Ditch.
7. ADVANCE PAYMENT TO MOTOROLA COMPANY:
The City saved $20,000.00 for early payment of a tease purchase
contr. lease carried a 9% interest rate, for the Police Depart-
men -.dio communication systems. .
_ C : ANT ORDINANCES PASSED: Allowing use of
PVC :r ?pipe in house construction. Ordil -egulating
cuts , . dogs, four ordinances amending z, i s and
rc r; Other ordinances included 'oard,
levyir, axe,, for the year 1993, adop~:rrg ,ar
1993 amounting to $6,270,760.00, passage ( 6 etting
the tax rate at 37.5 cents per hundred dollar ation (an
increase of 5 cents), establishing investment policies for fund
balance. An ordinance prohibiting ; . and abandoned ve-
hicles on City streets, an ordinance ad:, g 1,991 edition of
standard building code, an ordinance regi ng possc° ',)nand
u1 _ rearm,, is ding air rifi_s, 'inal- ending
_ s xn B( :)hone C
,'rov, 7:'(;rapaymei. E_
1,c at- a Resolution for M-_-, D,-.
1'y- IILLEXPANSION. Mucl_ rnationarose
o -c ed enlargement of a tract - rated between
C Avenue and Northwestern am! 'onttet Streets to
i., _ L~de rerouting of traffic, installation ( traffic signs, land-
sci ;'ng and improving drainage system. The issue has never
b-..en settled to the satisfaction of opponents and proponents.
- i1R SERVA'T'ION ORDINANCE: A number of
ganized the TREE PEOPLE to preserve West U.
tl F( nore than a year they researched, solicited public
opinion, attended workshop sessions and sought professional
advice from the Texas Forest Service. A model ordinance was
submitted 3 City Council for the employment of an Urban
Fc)re,z` r, i ' u, l my l3, 1992.
ihan Tesnowhich was approvedon
I C Y EMPLOYEES: amneil has adopted
a pay p'- _ formancesalary plan which goes into effect April 1993.
An improved and less costly employee health plan (saves the
Ctiy $300,000 annually) goes in effect January 1993.
12. $16,000,000.00 BOND ISSUE: On August 8th, the voters
approved an immense bond issue, the proceeds to be used over
the next three or four years for installing water lines, sewer lines
and street paving. On December 14, City Council awarded a
Past 300 Days continued on next page...
2 City Currents/January 1993
First 300 days continued front front page....
contract to the Whitelak Company for $2,890,625.00 for con-
struction of street paving and water lines in the Charlotte/Lake
area which bounded by Tangley, Kirby, University and Wakeforest.
13. $5,000,000.00 BOND SALE: On October 26, Council
received 6 bids for the sale of 55,000,000.00 of the 516,000,000.00
Bond Issue. Several investments companies combined their
bids and the lowest interest rate offered from Barre and Com-
pany for 6.58% was awarded. The proceeds from this sale will
fund the Charlotte/Lake project and the remainderwill be used
for construction area 6A which is bounded by Academy, Uni-
versity, Bellaire and Southside Place.
14. RECYCLING: City participation was 28-33% (a good
year). Composting makes up 34% of our solid waste stream.
Current compost market price is 510.00 per truck load. Fall
clean-up was successful, 9 loads of heavy material, 2 loads of
concrete, a salvation army truckload and clothes donations
were made available to the Battered Women's Association.
Whitt F. Johnson, Mayor
Volunteer of the Month
Our January Volunteer of the Month, Ken Rogers, is a part-
time volunteer driver on whom we depend. Ken still owns a
business that he runs when he isn't driving our residents to their
various appointments. Often we depend on Ken to take a senior
to an appointment that isn't on our route during a busy trans-
port day. In addition to emergency fill-in driving, Ken trans-
ports the Garden Club on their yearly excursions in the Senior
Services van. Sometimes we have to share Ken with his other
volunteer efforts. Besides helping us, Ken drives school buses
several times a week and delivers Meals on Wheels. We thank
you, Ken, for all you give to our transportation program.
Senior Services
Please call 668-8478 for reservations.
Every 'T'uesday, 10:30 - 12
The ukelele band, a fun musical way to make new friends,
invites you to join them this new year. You'll learn songs, take
turns singing, play and have fun. Occasionally you will perform
at nursing homes, Sheltering Arms or other locations.
continued on next column...
City Currents
of West University Place, Texas
is published monthly by City Staff and Volunteers
City Calendar
City Council Meetings
Monday, January 11 and 25,730 p.m.
Building and Standards Commission
Thursday, January 7, 6:30 p.m.
Zoning and Planning Commission
Thursday, January 14, 7:30 p.m.
Zoning Board of Adjustment
Thursday, January 21, 7:30 p.m.
January 1 is a City holiday with no garbage collection,
regular collection resumes Monday, January 4,1993.
Wednesday, January 25. 11 - 2
First enjoy an entertaining program performed by a local
string orchestra, then have lunch with the musicians as our
guests. Lunch will be provided by -YOU! The admission charge
for this activity is a side dish to accompany sandwiches Senior
Services will serve. After lunch, enjoy a program highlighting
our first out-of-town trip in April to Washington, D.C.. Preview
the splendor of the cherry blossoms, monuments and museums.
Monday, January 25.8:30 - 4:30, $10 plus lunch at NASA
Rain won't stop us from exploring the mysteries of space
travel at the newly opened Space Center-Houston. There are
movies, tram rides and hands-on experiments to enjoy. On our
way home, we'll drop by the Fiesta on 1-45 and tour tl
hydroponics department.
Marathon Alert
Sunday, January 24, 1993, the 21 Annual Houston-Tenneco
Marathon will pass through West U. between 8:45 a.m. and
10:30 a.m. Runners enter our city on University at Kirby,
continue past City Hall and turn right on Weslayan. These
streets will be closed to vehicular traffic from 8 am-11 am. Police
officers will be stationed at intersections to assist emergency
vehicles across the course if necessary. While every effort will be
made to minimize any inconvenience to motorists, there will be
delays at some intersections. Traffic will be allowed to cross the
course at the direction of officers on duty, when space between
runners permits.
Residents on University and Weslayan are asked not to park
their cars on the street during the event. All residents are urged
to come out and cheer the runners along.
Interstate
Editor.. Bobbie Bowen
Desktop Publishing Bobbie Bowen
Contributors
David Bowen, Michele McGlothlin
Mile,2 1 Weslayan West University
Place
City Currents welcomes your contributions. Forward to 3800 University
Blvd., I louston,'I`X 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 disability.
Blvd
ARRIVAL OF FIRST RUNNERS = 8:55
MIDDLE OF THE PACK = 9:30
LAST OF THE RUNNERS = 10:06
AACE
Volume 20 No. I/January 1993
Crime Up Close - November
Aggravated Assault on a Peace Officer
6800 Brampton - On November 23rd, at 7:00 pm, Officer Joey
Sanders observed a suspicious female walking down the street.
When he attempted to stop and talk to the subject, she fled from
the officer. As the officer caught up to her, she turned and
stabbed the officer with a large kitchen knife. The first stab hit
his bullet proof vest and did not injure the officer. The second
swing of the knife stabbed the officer on the left side of his face.
Officer Sanders, with the assistance of a backup unit, was able
to subdue the subject and effect the arrest. Officer Sanders
received stitches for his wound and has returned to work.
Burglary of Habitation
2736 Nottingham - Between 11:20 am and 4:30 pm on Novem-
ber 3, an unknown suspect used a pair of garden shears to pry
open a bedroom window and enter this residence. A VCR and
television was stolen.
3319 Georgetown - Between 12 noon and 4:15 pm on Novem-
' - oer 18, an unknown suspect pried open a rear door of this
residence and stole a VCR, and jewelry.
4131 Lehigh - Between 8:30 am on November 20 and 5:15 pm
on November 21, an unknown suspect took a shovel and broke
our a rear glass patio door. A clock radio and a bicycle were
stolen.
Burglary of Building
2830 Bellaire - Between November 7 and November 12, an
unknown individual stole two boxes of tools from a garage.
4230 Rice Blvd - During the day of November 15, unknown
individual(s) stole tools and materials from this house that was
under construction.
Auto Theft
4004 Bellaire -On November 10, a vehiclewas stolen from the
parking lot of Seekers. The car belonged to an employee and a
week later, an acquaintance of the owner was arrested driving
the stolen car.
3223 Robinhood - During the night of November 9, a resi-
dent's vehicle was stolen. The vehicle was recovered, undam-
aged a short distance away the following day. Asuspect has been
identified.
Attempted Auto Theft
14 Rutgers Place - During the night of November 5, unknown
suspect(s) attempted to steal a Ford Thunderbird that was
parked in the lot. Extensive damage was done to the dash,
steering column, window and trunk.
crime continued...
3509 Georgetown - During the night of November
20, Sergeant Johnson observed a Chevrolet Suburban parked
in the driveway with the dome light on. Upon inspection of the
vehicle, he found that previously someone had attempted to
steal the vehicle by breaking the steering column.
4038 Tennyson - During the night of November 20, an un-
known suspect attempted to steal a Chevrolet Suburban that
was parked in the driveway.
5700 Rutgers - During the night of November 30, Officer
Frisbey observed that a vehicle had been pulled out of the
driveway and was blocking the street. This incident is related to
the auto theft at 3223 Robinhood. Detectives are investigating
a suspect.
Burglary of a Motor Vehicle
4210 Bellaire - Between 9:15 pm and 10:15 pm on November
5, unknown suspect(s) broke into a vehicle parked in the
'MCA parking lot and stole a portable cellular telephone.
2800 Georgetown - During the night of November 16, un-
known suspects entered two unlocked vehicles parked on the
streets and searched through them. No property was taken.
6112 Fordham - During the night of November 16, unknown
suspect(s) broke out the vent window of a 1978 Van and stole a
bicycle and a flashlight.
2900 Robinhood - Between 7:05 pm and 7:15 pm on Novem-
ber 18, a out of state diamond merchant parked his rental car on
the street in this block. Within ten minutes, unknown suspect(s)
had broken thewindow out of the vehicle and stolen a briefcase.
The briefcase only contained papers.
Credit Card Abuse
4200 Block of Amherst - Sometime before November 9, a
credit card was taken from this resident and used at several
locations around the city. Detectives investigating found that
the card had been used to buy cigarettes at a gas station and the
user had been "captured" on video camera. Investigation con-
tinues.
3000 Block of Pittsburg - Sometime before November 11, a
"GM" credit card was stolen while being mailed to our resident.
When the resident checked on why the card had not been
received, it was found that the card had had $3,500 of charges
placed on it. Detectives found that several cards had been stolen
from a shipment of the cards through Hobby Airport. Investi-
gating the charges made on our resident's card, detectives found
two Jordanian businessmen that had charged thousands of
dollars of merchandise on stolen credit cards. Detectives were
able to file felony theft charges on these two suspects.
crime continued on next columm... crime continued on next page...
4 City Currents/January 1993
crime continued...
Theft
3749 Robinhood - A resident moving out contracted with
"Allpoints Moving Company" to move her furniture. Jewelry
was found to be missing after the move.
2715 Bissonnet #308 - The owner of Sylvia's Domestic Serv-
ice was arrested for making a false report when she reported that
a former employee, who had been a witness against her in a
previ~uof"fense, had stolen property from her office.
Police Chief's Corner
Recently one of our officers was injured in the line of duty.
(See first report of Crime Up Close) He was very fortunate that
he was not seriously wounded or killed. I wanted to take a
minute and let you know about this dedicated young man. Joey
Sanders came to the City, initially, as a student intern from Sam
Houston State University. We had never entertained the idea
of having a student intern before, but we received a call from a
professor at Sam Houston stating that this young man was one
of his best students. Joeyworked for the department (at no cost
to the City) for the summer between his Junior and Senior year.
During that time two things happened, he fell in love with this
community and we knew that we wanted this exceptional young
man as one of our police officers. After his graduation, we were
fortunate to be able to offer him a position. In his first year, his
performance has been exceptional. In fact, he is scheduled to
receive the "Rookie of the Year" award for Harris County from
the 100 Club on January 23rd, for his heroism in removinga lady
from a burning house.
Once; again, he has demonstrated his determination and
dedication to the residents of our community. Joey works
evening shift from 2 to 10 pm. If you see him, stop and let him
know how much you appreciate his efforts.
Stephen K Griffith, Chief of Police
Fall West U. Recycle Fair Success
The West U. fall Recycling Fair, October 31, recycled mot`
items than discarded. Prior to the Recycling Fairs, Fall Clean
Ups took an average of 23 truck loads to the landfill. This year,
only nine loads went to the landfill. We filled a forty foot trailer
from the Salvation Army with used furniture and clothing.
Books and magazines were taken to a local hospital. Tree limbs
were mulched. A truck load of metal was taken to a local scrap
metal company. The Scout House received several cans of
house paint. Other paint was donated to local painters. Two
loads of concrete were taken to a company that reuses it.
We thank the Solid Waste Department who worked so hard
to organize this semi annual event.
West. U. Recycling Committee members, Dale Ledet, Mary
Studlick, Larry Wiggin and JimVorachek distributed an EPA
booklet on reducing solid waste. Participants were surveyed
about recycling habits. The majority of surveyed citizens were
concerned with recycling plastics. City of Houston Westpark
location accepts #1 and #2 plastics. T' renter also takes bi-
metal cans,used clothing as well as - West U. recycles
(newspaper, phone books, motor oi' <,'uminum). The 5900
Westpark site's hours: Monday - S. 9-5. Call 668-9551
for more information. West U's ne . ;,ig Fair will be in
April 1993.
1993 Second Saturday !s Begins
The Blue Moon Quartet, a local favoruc:, and a return appe ,
anceby Chuck Pyle launches in 1993 Second Saturday Concert
series January 9. The Blue ~ r rartet features violins, man-
dolins, guitars, banjo and st. '.no bass. They perform a diverse
repertoire from classical to international folk, including British
Isles, Bluegrass and contemporary acoustic music. Chuck Pyle
returns to Second Saturday bringing his blend of "neo-folk-
cowpoke." Chuck sings Western/Country and has appeared on
Austin City Limits.
The concert will be in the West U. Community Center, 6104
Auden. Tickets are sold at the door at $6 for adults and $3 for
seniors. Children under 12 accompanied by an adult are free.
Second Saturday Concerts are sponsored by the Houston Folk-
lore/Music Society (HFMS). HFMS is a nonprofit organization
dedicated to the preservation of folklore and folk music.
Citizen Comments
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.
Comments
M ❑ Miss first as
Name: Mrs . F-1 Ms.
Address:
Phone (home): Phone (work):