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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAprilMayor Whitt P. Johnson (668-4755) - Mayor Pro Tem Bob Kelly (665-6486) Council Members Cullen A- Duke (668-6621), Janice H. Lang (668-6339), Jerry Nickell (669-8624) City Manager Michael Tanner Volume 24, No. 4 3800 University Blvd. - Houston, Texas 77005 - 713-668-4441 Aril 1993 Within the Blue Signs I have considered for some time the reasonableness for being a candidate for re-election as Mayor of our City. After advising with family and friends, I concluded that it would not be to my best interest and that of our City to be a candidate for Mayor. After devoting thirty-three years of my life in management of this City and serving as Mayor, I have decided to retire from active public life. Whatever success I achieved during those thirty-three years is due to the dedicated and responsible elected City officials with whom I served. I am pleased that I will not be personally involved in the election of May First. After the election is over, I may say to myself, using Longfel- low's words, "Of all sad words of tongue or pen, the saddest of these Wright have been". T COLLECTIONS AND PAYMENTS The Tax Department of the City has an excellent record for zollections over the past twenty years. Our citizens are to be commended for their prompt payment of their property taxes. There arevery few delinquent taxes remaining uncollected. The following represents the taxes assessed against all property in the City and the percentage of collection. 1992 1993 Property Taxes Assessed $3,985,981 $4,729,384 Collections $3,791,909 $4,465,993 Percentage Collected 95.13% 94.4% FRANCHISE TAXES PAID BY UTILITY COMPANIES FOR THE YEAR 1992 Entex Gas $ 63,758.68 Houston Lighting & Power $390,930.59 Southwestern Bell Telephone $ 50,469.11 Warner Cable $ 77,900.17 Total $583,058.55 The City received $583,058.55 from Franchise Taxes paid in the year 1992. This represents a pass-through tax which the citizens pay to the utility companies in their monthly bill and is then forwarded to the City by the utility companies. SALES TAX COLLECTED FOR THE YEAR 1992 The sales tax collected was $336,150.77. This number pres- ents the sales tax paid to local businesses for all goods and services purchased. The City's portion of the sales tax is remit- ted by the local businesses through the State. This is based on `he rate of 8.25% 3201 University Boulevard We have received many inquiries and there has been much conversation about the unusual residence being constructed at 3201 University Blvd. Dr. Jean Cukier, M.D. was kind enough to have his architect describe in architectural terms the con- struction of the house and an estimated completion date. I believe this will satisfy the curiosity of many citizens. Dr. Jean Cukier, M.D. desired a contemporary home that would front two major thoroughfares and give him a private backyard "park" environment. In order to maintain a noise free interior from traffic on each roadway, a landscaped berm at noise level height and 1 inch insulated glass were chosen to interface with the roadways. The main entrance will be at the corner of the house facing Buffalo Speedway & University Blvd. The four bedroom, four bathroom home has two grand can- tilever staircases leading up to the bedroom wing on the west and to the art lofts to the south, overlooking i "±e two story fa. ; Jy area, adjoining living, dining, kitchen and bre_ tt 6 reas ?:e ascending each stairway, one is able to loc- out towards the "park" backyard through gray tint 1 inch insul..:ed glass pane As measuring Y-6" x T-0" on the perimeter wall. The clerestories that encircle each roof level c er a view of the surrounding mature trees and let t1 ni- _ am roof float in space from the interior open pie c"aces. Completion is projected to be itl V 1L ~ 3. Architectural. Design by. M, rce Robison Firefighters Whitt F. Johnson City Currents/April 1993 How To Make A Compost Rile A compost pile can be started directly on the dirt on your lot by choosing a spot that has equal amounts of sunlight and shade. Start by purchasing a piece of chicken wire from any hardware store approximately 3-4 feet wide and 10 feet long. Circle the wire tying both ends together. Set the circled wire on its end. Apply a 3 to 5 inch layer of branches or dead leaves. Add 6 inches of grass clippings, manure, sawdust or ashes. Area should be kept moist but not wet or soggy. The ideal pile is about 4 to 5 feet tall. Repeat steps until pile is sufficiently tall. Every couple of weeks turn pile by removing wire to adjacent space and refilling. When the inaterial is dark brown, crumbly and earthy smelling, it should be ready. This process takes about 3-4 months. Solid Waste Collection The Solid Waste Division wishes to remind residents to be extremely careful putting broken glass into plastic bags for disposal. The Division has had two serious accidents in the last month due to sharp glass in the bags. The correct procedure to follow is to break the glass down into small pieces and wrap them in a double paper sack and then into the plastic bag. Of course, the suggested method would be to recycle the glass on Wednesday through recycling collection. Mulch Material The Division has accumulated a large pile of mulching mate- rial for fiowerbed use. The material is stored at the corner of West Park and Dinkins (2 blocks west of Kirby). The material is free but you must haul. The gate is open from 8 a.m. to 4p.m. New City Employees Betty L. Boone-Secretary/Receptionist (Finance Dept.) Jermaine Powers-Water Meter Reader (Public Works Dept.) Steven Castaneda-Water Laborer (Public Works Dept.) John W. `:'olsey-Water Laborer (Public Works inept.) Charlie H. Ehrlund-Building Inspector Kurt W. Lothmann-Building Inspector Christine L. Langerhans-Police Dispatcher Sandra P. Bryant-Police Dispatcher City Currents of West University Place, 'T'exas is published monthly Desktop Publishing Susan Riedle Contributors Stephen Griffith and Rosalia D'Amico City 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 disability. Senior Services Volunteer of the Month Ruth Nelson is another of our newer volunteers recruited last summer. She answers the phones and performs other office tasks on Friday afternoons when other Seniors are busy with Bingo activity. Being very active by enjoying movies, the arts, eating out in local restaurants and traveling to visit children and grandchildren keeps this Senior on the go and in the know. Ruth never likes to say "no" to any experience; her motto is, "At least try it once". Ruth's easy-going nature helps make the people she comes in contact with, both on the phone and in person, feel special and cared for. We were lucky that Ruth decided to fit us in her busy schedule and become one of our Volunteers and we'd like to say, "Thanks!" Senior Services Calendar April 2&9, Fridays The AARP tax consultants s%.'ork- on incorne tax returns. `i ou must call for a reservation. Appointments are at 10:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., noon and 1:00 p.m. April 6, Tuesday Join us at our annual HEALTH FAIR . The av i student nurses work hard to coordinate the screenings, tests, informa- tional booths and other activities that make up the fair. Re- member-you DON'T have to fast before the cholesterol screen- ing. We will have snacks available. Free. 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. April 13, Tuesday Huntsville is our destination for today's day trip. We will tour Sam Houston State University, the Texas State Prison and Sant Houston Museums, and antique stores at the Courthouse Square. We are planning to have lunch in a renovated 150 year old house. $13.00.8:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. April 30, Friday An authentic JAPANESE TEA CEREMONY will be served in the formal old style. We will be entertained by traditionally costumed dancers. Please join us in this enlightening, refresh ing ceremony. Free. 10:00 a.m.-Noon. Every Tuesday-Ukulele Band and Singers, swinging strings and songsters. Sing-strum-have fun. Come join us every Tues- day at 10:30 a.m. Agg=tated jobbery 4056 Bellaire - On Feb. 7, an employee & two accomplices attempted to rob the store manager of the Black Eyed Pea restaurant as he was closing the store. The manager ran from the scene & notified police. An observant police officer had previously observed a suspicious vehicle. The driver was the employee of the restaurant who was driving the "get away" vehicle. Three suspects, students at Yates high school, were arrested. 2900 Block of Albans - On Feb. 18 at about 8:35 pra, a resident left the Randall's parking lot on Weslayan. The resident drove home, opened his garage door & drove his 1993 BMW into the garage. He was approached by three black males wearing cardboard masks. One had a gun. The resident swung a sack of groceries at the suspects, hitting one & ran down his driveway. He was confronted by a fourth suspect holding a gun. The suspects cornered the resident, hit him once & then forced him to enter his ?souse. The ransacked the. _r aster bedroom 1!- 0kina --for money or jewelry. They then left the residence. Detectives ;lieve that the resident was followed from Randall's & proba- bly targeted because of the type of vehicle being driven. Detec- tives are reviewing security video tapes from Randall's. No suspects at this time. a 4036 Viilanova - During the mornings of Feb. 24 & 25, officers responded to reports of a two year old child attempting to cross Weslayan unattended. On the 24th; the officers located the. father sleeping inside the residence. The father stated that he, would secure the residence to keep the child from leaving. The second day, the officers again found the front door of the residence unsecured & the father asleep in the residence. Charges were filed. Burglary of Habitation 2624 Wroxton #1 - Between Feb. 11 & 13, unknown suspect(s) entered this apartment through an open rear window, took a purse, some pictures and clothing. Attempted Burglary of Habitation s 6116 Charlotte - On Feb. 25, the resident returned home to find that the front door of her house had been forcibly opened. No property was found missing at the time of the report. Burglary of Building 4203 Swarthmore - On Feb. 7, four 11 year old juveniles _ntered this house under construction and took tools and a radio. A neighbor observed the -boys passing items over the fence and confronted the boys. The boys fled. Detectives located the boys and recovered the property. Charges were filed with the juvenile court. 5800 Kirby - During the night of Feb. 19, unknown suspect used a key to enter Shipley's Donuts and steal two cash drawers. 3032 Nottingham - During the night of Feb. 9, unknown suspect(s) entered the open garage and stole two bicycles. Auto Theft 6321 Mercer - On Feb. 22 at 8:00 pm, this resident's car was stolen. Detectives investigating the theft discovered that a juvenile yard worker had entered the house, seen the keys to the car and had taken them a couple of days before the theft. He then returned and took this complainant's car from the garage. Detectives found the juvenile waxing "his" new car when they drove to his residence to question him. 6342 Rutgers - During the night of Feb. 17, unknown suspect(s) stole a 1992 BMW that was parked in the driveway. Attempted Auto Theft 2825 Bissonnet - During the night of Feb. 18, an unknown suspect attempted to steal a 1992 Buick. A neighbor heard glass breaking and looked outside. The neighbor observed the inte- rior lights on in the car and a man standing by the car. The neighbor did not call the police department. The vehicle was equipped with an anti-theft device which thwarted the suspect. 6500 Annapolis - During the night of Feb. 8, an unknown c„cnert arrem.pted to steal a 1987 Honda that was parked in the driveway. Unauthorized Use of Motor Vehicle 2700 U 11, n der st m officerworking traffic in the school zone ct„r ped a vehicle with obscured licence plates. Tl-e vehicle was found to be stolen from Avis Rental. Charges were filed. Burglary of Motor Vehicle 6600 Rutgers - Between 7:00 & 10:30 pm on Feb. 5, unknown suspect(s) broke into a vehicle parked on the street & stole two brief cases and a portable phone. 2'735 Fenwood - During the early morning hours of Feb. 7, unknown suspect(s) cut open the top of a 1992 Jeep and stole several items. 2715 Bissonnet - At 5:30 pm on Feb. 16, a patron of the Marquis Bar came out to find someone inside his vehicle stealing his radar detector. A license plate of the vehicle the suspect left in was obtained, but was found to be stolen in Houston. Investigation continues. CityCurren&~ is printed an recycled paper Volume 20 No. 4/Apri11993 3 Crime Close - February 4 City Currents/April 1993 Council Enacts Harassment Ordinance On March 8, City Council passed a Harassment Ordinance. Commonly referred to as an anti-stalking ordinance, this legis- lation will make it a crime to threaten another person and then repeatedly follow the individual that received the threat. This ordinance will allow the police department to intervene at an earlier stagewere residents are placed in fear of their safety from the acts of another. Our experience has shown that this type of "stalking" behavior usually results from a broken domestic or dating relationship. The Police Department thanks City Coun- cil for giving us another tool to help protect our residents in these types of situations. Letter To The Mayor... Dear Mayor Johnson: While most of the letters that I have sent you in the past have been, complaining about something the City is doing or not doing, this one is to thank you for the City's support of the Houston Tenneco Marathon. The section through West University Place is the highlight for many of the runners as there are many more enthusiastic spec- tators in West University Place than along any other part of the course except the finish line. I was proud of our City when I passed through the crowd at City Hall. This was my 15th Houston Tenneco Marathon and I look forward to running it again next year. Please extend my appreciation to the City employees and volunteers for their efforts that made it all possible. Thanks Second Saturday Concert The Houston Folklore Society would like to announce t' upcoming performance of Aileen and Elkin Thomas who ha . been nominated as National Association of College Activities "Campus Entertainers of the Year/Small Concerts". The April concert will be held on the 10th, at 7:30 pm in the West University Community Building, 6104 Auden. Tickets are sold at the door and are $6.00 for adults and $3.00 for senior citizens. Children under 12 accompanied by an adult are free. Put A Helmet On Your Head From 1984 through 1988, bicycling accounted for 2985 head injury deaths (62% of all bicycling deaths) and 905,752 head injuries (32% of persons with bicycling injuries treated at an emergency department.) Forty-one percent of head injury deaths and 76% of head injuries occurred among children less than 15 years of age. Universal use of helmets by all bicyclists could have been prevented as many as 2500 deaths and 757,000 head injuries, i.e., one death every day and one head injury every 4 minutes. Easter Egg Hunt The City of West University will be host their 1993 Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 10 at Colonial Park, 4130 Byron. The Easter Bunny will be on hand to greet the children. Activities will begin at 10:00am. This event will open to toddlers ar ' children up to 11 years of age. Each child will need to bring`, again for your support. Easter basket. ADMISSION IS FREE!! Very truly yours, For more information contact the Parks and Recreation Jack F. Browder Department at 668-8096. FRIENDS OF THE WEST UNIVERSITY LIBRARY If you have borrowed a bestseller, a mystery, or large print book, a children's or young adult paperback, a reading list or infant board book, or attended a children's program, chances are Friends of West University Library has purchased that book or underwritten that program. Please join our annual membership drive. Carol S. Willis, 3115 Rice Blvd. Houston, TX. 77005 Name: Address: Circle One: Family $10 Donor $25 Patron $50 Other $ Please make checks payable to FRIENDS OF WEST UNIVERSITY LIBRARY Return to West University Library, 6108 Auden, Houston, Texas 77005 Contributions are tax deductible. 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: Mr. E:] M us - M, Name: Mrs. ~ Mss. . r i Address:I Phone (home): Phone (work):