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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDecember8T UNWEQ8FTY L Volume! 20, No. 12 December 1993 Capital Improvements 1 reported to you last month that our City budget for 1994 was approved by Council without a tax increase. The City Staff was then asked to identify for Council those capital improvements which the City needs, listing them in the order of priority. The City is required to maintain two re- serve funds: the Utility Reserve Fund (URF) and the General Reserve Fund (GRF), the purposes of which are to ad- dress and meet the need for capital im- provements in our City. Construction of water lines will require $550,000 of URF funds when we connect our City to Houston's water system. Our water well monitoring system must be updated at a cost of approximately 3100,000 (URF) to allow us to determine accurately the 80-20 mix of Houston's wa- ter with our water. If we vary the mix, we pay a penalty. As to other expenditures, we have some choices. Council is considering: (1) rehabilitation and improvement of the Public Works facilities. That will require $288,000 from the GRF and $288,000 from the URF. (2) Colonial Park swimming pool bubble at a cost of $105,000 from GRF. (3) rehabilitation and improvement of the Community Building at a cost of $330,000 from GRi~. (4) improvement of Weir (Sunset) Park at a cost of $88,000 from GRF. If all of these projects are approved, $811,000 will be paid from the GRF and $938,000 from the URF. Every project has its advocates, and all of them would ben- efit our citizens. There is $5,272,895 in the GRF and $3,834,168 in the URF. What do you think? None of us wants our City to become seedy and fall into disrepair; however, it is your money. Let me hear from you. I really want to know how you feel about the way we spend your money to improve the appearance and utility of our City facilities. Bill Wasson, Mavor Citizen u rey Yields Results As citizen surveys flooded City Hall offices last month, staff and council members alike were amazed by the overwhelming response to our questionnaire. Approximately 5700 surveys were mailed with the October water bills, and more than 1600 were re- turned, an astonishing 26% response! What was even more amazing was how mane of you took the time not only to answer yes or no but to write lengthy comments express- ing your opinions on everything from park conditions, to sidewalks, to recycling, to building procedures, to financial prudence. All of the surveys were reviewed with great interest, and over the next few months we will communicate to you the results and in- form you as to what we are doing in response to your opinions. To tabulate the surveys, about 600 randomly selected responses were fed into a data base for analysis. We estimate the accuracy of the results to be plus/minus 2%. The average tenure of residents responding to the survey is 12.8 years. The average age is 43 with the following distribution: 20 - 29 is 5%; 30 - 39 is 25%; 40-49 is 33%; 50 -59 is 19%, and over 60 is 18%. The results of the questions pertaining to communications are listed below. Because so niany of you read this monthly publication and suggested that it be more timely, we have already made a change to ensure that it is a more effective communications tool. City Currents is now mailed separately from the water bill to all citizens on the first of the month. This is a first step by City Council and the Communications Committee to give our fellow citizens what you want. There are others to follow based on your re- sponse. Thank you for that-it will not be overlooked. Linda Lewis, Councilmember Communications Mould you attend occasional public meetings to discuss city issues? % Response = 94% Yes = 81% No = 19% Do you read City Currents regularly' % Response = 100% Yes = 96% No=4% How would you rate City Currents? % Response =y 93% Rating = 3.7 (Out of 4 possible) Do you view volunteer committees as an effective means of improving com- munications between city government and citizens? % Response = 91% Yes = 87% No 13°/a Howe would you rate our city's public image? % Response = 89% Rating = 3.6 (Out of 4 possible) Mayor Bill Watson (665-3969) Mayor Pro Tern Toni Rushing (666-0434) City Council Members Teresa W. Fogler (664-6433), Linda Lewis (662-5812). Stan McCandless (669-1830) City Manager Michael Tanner (662-5812) 3800 University Boulevard - Houston, Texas 77005 r , The West Universil_ Building Quality Task For.: e (BQTF) is meeting Wednesday nights-1 11111 in the Conference Room behind C -:r" Chambers at City Hall. The mission ( - this Task: Force is to examine tl _ ndre Process of b€€" Ji Ig in West Uni- ~d Ind wad, fde ;Aodi- _ e~~sitivi`y ' and the v I ions e-ivi~ factors that concern all of ersi ty. Ti- +le BQTF are Bob - ?_)r. Ken Moise_ Joe rek. Kim Frumkin, Joy aveaga, Kei:' Short, R hni Pickul, , - I ~Y i ifra, aide v, ex... ' e of th, TIIc, V -1t meet- in ses; _ put constitu- the We, t U t ullt.;. represe• . - I?cmg Ctt c~. , 'orks ©ii ec- t~ 'ith the Task s d structura` as fo'L w es _ prior '10 the . be Ssimllfit" in- rnado,- r°oups ork- h - ,p - _ r _ 's - and ear - ,Om-as-"IC "rest Uni- versity. For further inf-ormation, please call Bob Seniands at 665-6272. a"4 Dee, sec "_,,g,r g 17- We`re going to be on( erthe first Senior groups to go to LaGrange for their early German Christmas. Our trip will start at he museum to hear a short speech on the "story of LaGrange -emember the _ancl`ti S` and/or a bus will te1 `'!A 1"T-;- dinre-, 'e program, C rrn, dessert buffet, musi - and f 7. 1:00 pm to 10:00 pm. 520.00 n_ 7 ty Seniors, would like a free to do sorr.. C_' _ The t --°ia will be on Mon,% rning and Sh, i;WI on Cql' y ;tEes. ` - ,is --rtstmas and wa u you to koin its f oliday restivities in dle St. G,,u t- rthodox Church Auditorium 5311 i,?ercer. We will have entertailanlt i .fts and a 1-aditional holiday mea . 10:3 _ a- , 1:00 P is s€EO Thef e is ro Randall`s. For Seniors h and for a> isa able tc c st b£ fr: , tilCnT Chi c l , (if' Ai r+r~ the 111011tlr of _ to assure cnns de; :,i_ It is the nolics City of west University 'kt.cc; not to discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, scz_ reiigion age, veteran status, or disability. Page Ladies, a new winter league is now form- ing. This league is not for the beginning tennis player (3.5 or level B play). Matches are scheduled on Monday mornings at 9:00 am or 10:30 am with mandatory team prac-- tires one day during the week. We pla regulation H.L.T.A. doubles matches and will assign partners once the season has begun. Ill.' you already have a partner that you enjoy playing with, we will make sure } )u play together. If you need a pa er , i d one for you. We welcc,;;ie _ -:s and experienced leag_~~ need not be a W.U. res: pate. For more informati4 se con- eact Rebecca Kelly througl _ ?anti at 668-4672. Matches begin R " ty 1994. West Un_versity Softball registration is now in progress! Registration forms been mailed to returning players. New ers may register in person at the Colonial Parkgameroom on Saturday, December 1 1, 1993 from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm or by pick- ing up a registration form at the Colonial 'col i`,:sk and mailing it to the registra- 7is ::?:airman. Girls interested in play- ~Jl, who will be at least 7 and no 15 by 9/1/94, are eligible. Call gieston at 669-8437 f furtter --oration D~ - er 11, 1993 !%egistration Fee: $70 tratiori ~eac i 15, 1994 '_egistration Fee: SIC:,: II! tape from 7: 11 _o it! Ft, formation, (--It' "7-0027 or Gini i -A Delp support th j parks. ` MBE, :3uy a V. k Paver f6r C E' ' West J °y'ersf mun13 t Bulletin ar+~ Page 3 December 1-1K`3 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday - Future Events Houston Tenneco Marathon - 1/16/44 Quality Task Building Force @ 7:30 pm Building &Stan- dards Commission If you would like to volunteer to work with , Conference Room @ 6:30 pm, Council the Houston Tenneco Marathon Committee Chamber , contact Larry Massey at 745-0208. Friends of West U Parks @ 6:15 pm, Senior Event, see Public Hearing - Tree Ordinance -1/15/94 a 9:00 am, City Hall Parks Board Meeting page 2 Pershing/Texas Club Dance - 1/28/94 a 7:30 pm, Council Park Lovers Ball - 2/12/94 Chamber Park Fest-5/14/94 1 2 3 4 i i l C M City Council Work- un c pa ourt cz) Building Quality Task Zoning and Planning shop n 6:30 pm, 6:30 pm Force @ 7:30 pm, Commission @ 7:30 Conference Room Conference Room pm, Council Chain- her City Council Meet- ing a, 7:30 pm Christmas Holiday Celebration a.7:00 Communications pm, City Hall Committee Meeting @ 7:30 pm, Police Dept. 5 6 1 7 9 10 11 City Council Municipal %:ourt cr1 Building Quality Task Zoning Board of Workshop a 6:30 6:30 pm Force @ 7:30 pm, Adjustment @ 7:30 pm, Conference Conference Room pm, Council Cham- Room Recycl i ng Conun ittee ber a 7:00 pm, Police City Council Meet- Dept. AARP Christmas ing y) 7:30 pm Luncheon, Please Senior Event, see Bring a salad, veg- page 2 etable or dessert, Senior Win- 12 13 14 IS 16 17 1$ Dive In, Movie Nite ct 7:30 pm, Colonial City Holiday N City Holiday Merry Park o Garbage Pickup No Garbage Pickup ChrlistFTt~SS 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 City Holiday al3t?y No Garbage I ickup i New Year! 26 27 28 29 30 31 Page A - REDUCE - r-EUSE - ECYCLE p As you gather gifts for your loved ones this holiday season, The Annual Community Holiday Celebra- please keep recycling in mind. You should know that paper, mixed tion will be held on Thursday, December 9 paper of all kinds, makes up the biggest percentage of what is at 7:00 pm at City Hall. Scheduled activi- sent to the landfill. Most of it can be recycled! ties will include a tree lighting ceremony, 3 Do the right thing - buy only wrapping paper that can be re- entertainment, a Christmas carol sin g-"a ' ' a cycled -no metallic finishes. And when you clean up after gifts Ion- and refreshments. Children of all ages b t are opened, save all that paper for recycling the next Wednesday. are invited to visit with Santa Claus and have Better still, reuse it! their picture taken. Next month, watch this space for instructions on how to prop- erly dispose of that tree! Holiday Shopper Bravo to Chris Taylor of the City of West University Place - Finance Department for seeking out environmentally friendly en- Dropper ~F velopes for our bills! Not only are the envelopes 100% recy- parents drop your children off at the clable (note the special cellulose window) but they are also made Scout House while you shop. Children 2 of recycled paper. years and up will enjoy activities such as The Recycling Committee will be working toward encouraging greater participation playtime, stories, songs and lunch time. promoting understanding of issues and researching avenuesfor improving the system. Participants should bring a sack lunch and We need someone to serve as secretary, documenting our meetings once a month, but to a drink. Activities will take place on Sat- assume no other responsibility. If you might like to join us, please call mei urday, December 4th, 11th, and 118th, from Cindy Neal (665-3949), Chair, Recycling Section, Environrnental Issues Committee 9:00 am until 2:00 pm. For more infor- est University is S---- • Ig ~ rnation, contact the Parks and Recreation 'g'lue Culprit ...SubsiL „Zs Department at 668-8096. Subsidence is the sinking of the land sur- area had sunk at least I foot as a result of Holiday face caused by the withdrawal of ground- subsidence. water. The land elevation lost to subsid- Subsidence in the coastal area began to Parents, the Holidays are a hectic time ence is, for all practical purposes, penna- stabilize in the early 1980's as a result of of the year, so register your 4-10 year olds nent and irreversible. The loss of this el- surface water conversion and conservation for our annual Holiday Camp. We will en- evation is why the City of West University efforts, but groundwater use and the result- tertain your children with arts and crafts, will need to change from being solely de- ing subsidence were accelerating in the in- stories, songs, movies, games and playtime. pendent on groundwater for its water sup- land areas. A devastating flood in 1983 on Camp will take place December 20 to 22, ply to relying on a combination of ground- Brays Bayou, a major watershed in south- from 9:00am to 2:00 pin at the Scout water and surface water provided by the west Houston, caused renewed concern House. Children should bring a sack lunch City of Houston. In the Houston- about the threat of subsidence. Investiga- and a drink. Call the Parks and Recreation Galveston region of Texas, subsidence tions indicated that continued subsidence Dept. at 668-8096 for more information. oses the reatest threat in the in western Harri t l C ill lt i i t p g coas a ar- s oun y w resu n n- eas susceptible to flooding from high tides, creased flood damages along primary floo d Movie Ni ht heavy rainfall, and hurricane storm surges. control channels such as Brays, Sims, and g Because of the natural low elevation in Buffalo Bayous. Limiting future subsid- Dive in for movie night at "the park". Par- coastal areas, any additional subsidence in ence through groundwater regulation will eats, need to do last minute Christmas shop- these areas results in a significant increase reduce the level of increased flooding, but ping or just need a night without the kids" in potential tidal flooding or permanent will not completely eliminate it. Flood Colonial Park will be offering Dive in inundation. Reductions in groundwater control improvement projects must be co- Movie Night for ages 10 to 15 years oil pumping have been shown to greatly reduce ordinated with subsidence control to fully Monday, December. 20, form 7:30 pm to the rate of subsidence. minimize flood damages. 10:00 pm. Cost for this special event will In the 1960's, community and business We can all take pride in the fact that the be $2 for West U residents and $3 for non- leaders began discussing possible remedies City of West University will soon begin residents. We will sell pizza and there ,will to the subsidence problem, but it took a doing its part to curtail subsidence as we be video games for you to play. The movie decade for a solution to be negotiated and make the conversion from relying solely for the night will be "The Goonies". e legislated. By 1975, when the Harris- on ground water to a combined program of wishing to attend will need to call Colo- Galveston Coastal Subsidence District was groundwater and surface water. Additional nial Park at 668-7642 for more informa- created, over 9 feet of subsidence had oc- information will be presented in the corn- tion. curved along the Houston Ship Channel and ing months. Roger Pokulda, Chair, 111ater nearly all of the Harris-Galveston County Section, Errvironrnentcrl Issues Cononittc°e L CE a WEN 13~( V 7R, X ::7 1 =010 December 1993 Cry T Co - 4 r° Crime hest Indecent Exposure University 3100 Block of Albans - On October 19, Swarthmore and Community. Unable to You will notice this month that the vast at 8:30 am, a resident was jogging and ob- locate the suspects, officers began driving majority of our crimes involve either the served a male, unknown race, with dark the area. At this address, a car was observed theft of bicycles or taking of property from curly hair drive by in a dirty red hatchback. with an open window and the garage door vehicles. In all of the bicycle thefts, ga- The driver exposed himself to the complain- was found to be open. The suspects had rages were left either open or unlocked. in ant. The suspect has not been identified at taken the garage door remote control from the majority of the vehicle burglaries, ve- this time. the vehicle, opened the door and stole a hicles were left unlocked. In one of the Burglary of t t s~ bicycle. The bic=ycle was later recovered auto thefts, the keys were left in a purse, in 6349 Brcmpton - Between October 28 on the railroad tracks behind Community the vehicle. Now, I don't mean to embar- and 30, a bicycle was stolen from an at- Drive. rass anyone, but come on folks, let's do a tacked garage.~~~~' Vehicle better job of protecting our property. You 4201 Riley -During the early morning 4130 Southwestern - During the night of can cut our crime rate by two thirds, just hours of October 22, unknown individuals October 21, unknown suspect(s) entered an by locking your cars and closing and Ioc1c- entered an unlocked garage and took two unlocked vehicle parked in the driveway and ing your garage doors. Part of keel bicycles, stole a wallet and small items. community safe has to include t laki, 6349 Brompton - During the night of 4229 Riley -During the night of Otto- property difficult to steal. Let's send a c,_ar October 11, unknown suspect(s) entered an ber 22, unknown suspect(s) entered an un- message to the crooks, West iJ is tough to open garage and took a bicycle. locked vehicle parked in the driveway and steal from! LOCK UP YOUR PROP- 3802 Byron - During the night of Octo- searched through the glove box. No prop- ERTYI ber 1, unknown suspect(s) entered an un- erty taken. Holiday Awareness locked vehicle at this residence, used the X700 Albans - A resident reported a car The Holiday Season is here and once remote control for the garage door to open alarm at 2:40 am on October 22. Respond- again, we will all be out late shopping. the arage, and took a bicycle. ing officers found two vehicles that had Rernember a few simple precautions. If you - . of € ildi been broken into. Several items of per- are walking out to your car from a store, 41U-- Ri~wy - During the early morning sonal property were stolen. Some of the walk with other people if possible. If not, hou: of October 22, unknown suspect(s) property was later recovered behind a ga- then be sure and keep turning your head to entered an unlocked garage and stole two rage on Sunset. watch for people around you. Many times, bicycles. 5400 Wakeforest - At 10:30 am on Oc- just viewed as being alert will keep you 4127 Southwestern - During the early tober 13, a resident observed two suspects from being a victim. When you drive home, morning hours of October 22, unknown stealing a leaf blower out of a station watch for anyone following you. If you see suspect(s) entered an unlocked vehicle wagon. The witness obtained a license plate the same vehicle fallowing you after mak- parked in the driveway and one parked in and detectives are investigating. ing a couple of turns, drive to the Police an unlocked garage and took several small 4208 Oberlin -During the night of Oc- Department. Better aware and safe than sober 1, unknown suspect(s) entered an items. sorry! Chief Steve Ur-i~th 3747 Rice - Durin- the morning of Oc- unlocked vehicle and took a set of rosary Z~ t, tober 18, unknown suspect(s) took a paint beads. 3100 Bissonnet - During the night of sprayer from this construction site. 4133 Villanova - During the night of Oc- October 22, a 1986 Oldsmobile Cutlass 3911 Swarthmore - Between October 7 tober 1, unknown suspect(s) entered an was stolen. The vehicle was recovered sev- and 10, a bicycle was taken from a garage. unlocked vehicle and took a CD player. eral days later in Houston. The tires and 6520 Belmont - During the last half of 4100 Oberlin - During the night of Oc- radio had been stolen. September, a television was stolen from a tober 1, unknown suspect(s) entered an Attempted Auto Theft pool house. unlocked vehicle and took a car stereo. 6100 Belmont - During the night of Oc- 4202 Case - Between September 27 and Auto Theft tober 13, unknown suspects broke the win- October 1, a bicycle and other small items 4210 Ruskin - During the night of Octo- dow of a Suburban, entered the vehicle and were stolen from an open garage. her 21, a Chevrolet Suburban was stolen attempted to steal it by breaking out the 4223 Swarthmore - At 3:10 am, officers from the driveway. The owner's purse and steering column. The vehicle was equipped responded to a call of three suspicious His-- keys had been left inside the truck. The with a "kill switch" and the thieves were panic mates walking in the area of vehicle was recovered in Houston. unsuccessful. TREE ORDINANCE 2. No AMENDMENTS AT Gldt~ E Teresa Vogler, Conncilmember The proposed amendments to the Tree Ordinance presently before Council per- form two functions: toughen the impact of the ordinance on property subject to rede- velopment and lessen the impact for a homeowner not seeking redevelopment but just seeking to exert control over his or her own property. Looking at these two circum- stances, then, here is how the proposed amended ordinance compares to the origi- nal: IMPAC'T' ON MAJOR REDEVELOPMENT 1. Tree disposition plan required (no change) 2. Replacement inches calculated for trees damaged or removed (no change) 3. Minimum planting standards designed to equalize responsibility for maintaining the overall level of our urban forest would be required (New) 4. Off site replacement or Tree Bank do- nations required if no room is left on the redeveloped site for new trees (New) * "Recaptures" replacement trees which are never planted under the existing ordi- nance because there is no room for them on the site - currently a variance is given to forgive damage to or removal of trees by the redeveloper Encourages redeveloper to work harder to save existing trees * Provides funds for citizens unable to pay for their own new trees * Provides a source of funding for land- scape improvements for City parks and other public spaces 5. Tougher fencing standards, including signs to notify sub-contractors of the dan- gers of removing tree protection fencing (Strengthened) 6. Height requirements for replacement trees and reclassification of ornamental trees would help maintain the overall di- versity and canopy height of the urban for- est (New) IMPACT ON HOMEOWNERS SEEKING TO REMOVE INDIVIDUAL TREES 1. No tree disposition plan (no change) Page 6 replacement inches calculated for a tree which constitutes a hazard to a person, home or property (New) * Currently, replacement inches are calcu- lated if a homeowner wants to remove a tree under these circumstances * Complete freedom also remains to re- move a sick, dead or insect infested tree 3. New minimum planting standards do not apply (no change) 4. Even if a homeowner removes a healthy tree which does not constitute a hazard, discretion would be given to the Urban Forester to waive replacement if the homeowner's lot meets an average or bet- ter than average tree density standard. (New) * Currently all homeowners who remove healthy trees must replace them, regard- less of the number of trees remaining on their property * Protects a homeowner who has done his or her part for the urban forest 5 . Allows a homeowner with less than av- erage tree density on his or her lot to sub- stitute offside replacement or a tax-de- ductible Tree Bank donation for the cur- rently required on-site replacement. (New) *The economic impact on this single class of homeowners is not altered by the amend- ments but more freedom of choice is pro- vided because on-site replacement is no longer mandated * Note also that the overall effect of the amendments is to reduce substantially the number of properties affected by the re- placement provisions - only those lots with less than average tree coverage rather than all lots in the City Obviously these amendments provide tougher standards for property undergoing redevelopment, most importantly by pro- viding a mechanism for recapturing re- placement trees which are currently lost to the variance procedure. They also provide a better balance between the interests of individual homeowners and the interests of all the citizens of West U in protecting the urban forest. The question before Council is: Will the Tree Ordinance meet our community's needs more effectively with or without these amendments? After care- fully studying the proposal, I firmly believe the amended ordinance is a vast improve- ment over the original. I hope you agree. Discussion of the proposal will occur at a workshop session of Council on Decem- ber 6, beginning at 6:30 p.m. and continu- ing after the regular Council session, if needed. If you are interested in our land- mark Tree Ordinance, please attend and let your voice be heard. Tree Ordinance A Diana Freeman, Tree Section Environmental Issues Committee Over a year ago the City of West Univer- sity Place passed the Tree Preservation Ordinance, and the City has garnered much positive publicity as a result. Many munici- palities studying tree preservation have re- quested copies of the ordinance, and the city has received several awards: the Syn- ergy Award from the Park People, the President's Award from the Houston- Galveston Urban Forestry Council, and an Award of Merit from the Texas Urban For- estry Council. From time to time, the Tree Section of the Environmental Issues Corn- mittee will use this space to answer ; quently asked questions. Q: I have a large oak tree that is diseased and appears to be dying. If I remove it, how many replacement trees will I have to plant? A. NONE! The tree ordinance has provi- sions to allow removal of dying or dead trees. No replacement trees are required; no fees will be assessed. Q. I have a small tallow tree in my front yard that I want to cut down. Will I have to plant a replacement tree? A. If the diameter of your tree measures less than six inches, no replacement tree is required. In the backyard, only trees mea- suring 12 inches or more in diameter are protected. Q. Doesn't this ordinance place restric- tions on land development? Isn't it scaring builders away? A. No! Since the ordinance was enacted, building starts in the City have increased by 8%. Q. Why are amendments being proposed? A. The amendments now being consider- are the result of a volunteer Tree Ta, Force that worked throughout the summer with City Council and the Mayor to make the existing ordinance more "user fi•iendly" For West U homeowners and more even- See Passe 7 Wage 7 h : deal to% -.rd builders. Their wee'Jy apt meetings were held in the City Hall Cori- Room and their ideas received cov- erage in The Newspaper. Task Force mein- bets included a -,Vest U home builder, a City Council member, and numerous citizens. In addition to these working members, in- put was solicited and received from the Texas Agricultural Extension Service, Trees for Houston. a local consulting Urban For- ester, and Ted Eubanks, a Nest U resident and a leading environmentalist, who pro- vided important leadership and guidance in the development of the Tree Bank proposal. laor specifics on the content of the amend- meats, read " 'Tree Ordinance Amendments at a Glance" in this issue of Currents. Q. What is a Tree Bank? A. Sometimes, owners don't have room for (or just don't want) a replacement tree on their property. As an alternative, homeowners and builders may choose to make tax deductible donation to the Tree 'an',c. Bch will be administered by Trees ! r : i 'st:on or other authorized tree banks. . on'cs donated will be used for trees on the property in question, on private prop- erty nearb; , or on public areas such as parks and esplanades. 0. Why do we need an Urban Forester, A. We need an Urban Forester to visit build- ing sites, evaluate trees to be removed, grant variances and enforce the ordinance. Our Urban Forester, Ides Tesno, has stud- ied the particular problems encountered `yen trees grow in cities and can give good ~n how to protect your tre{ u -straction. Check page 8 for information en t U Tree Registry. e1 , N esno, L m a! fbI I r. ghted to hav._ „ ~ upp,, ani~ to contractors red others, in! ec- tion records, and responding to tree ordi- nance inquiries from residents and contrac- tors. Out in the field, my time is consumed inspecting job sites for compliance, patrol- ling the City, investigating citizens' tree- related complaints, and examining sites which require some type of tree disposi- tion plan - including permit applications for tree removal, irrigation systems, under- ground drainage systems, additions to ex- isting homes (including garages, decks, patios, and swimming pools), and new homes. When a tree is removed, I am re- sponsible for calculating replacement inches according to established guidelines. I regret that my duties do not include giv- ing horticultural advice to residents who are concerned about the health of a tree, such as disease and iniury diagnosis, insect control or treatment for these problems. City Council recently empowered an n- vironmental issues Committee, which is comprised of various sub-committees. I am the staff liaison for the Tree subcommit- tee, which is charged with educating our residents about tree issues and formulat- ing plans for tree planting projects in City green space and parks. I look forward to working with this active group of volun- teers. I invite V. of you who sti _s- tion e i:. Cite V, ! Building 1 to C. t.as been ,_-,n. C011 i ail isolated fun._al that is ing ' oak,. _ t 4a _ for the ber tirrouL r e,-rly February ai - la v June through October. Beetles can transfer the disease by corning in contact -with open wounds of healthy trees if they previously were in contact with an infected tree. Di- versify your trees! Plant different types of trees. Consult your local nursery for alter- natives. wix sane- . In 1994, the distributior_ - i_..rbage bags will be discontinued. S will receive a new roll of bags in Fee _i- to last though April, but after that, i-:dents will be required to furnish thew bags. This represents a savings of ; , €l {}dl} to the City and was one of 'ht-- ''j c- is recommended to maintain a nc budget. plastic bags will still Cory for collection. Also, as part of the reductiow mended in "e 1994 he. l Drop o,,-f kill be _r..c. ~L_,il if January 2, This t .o sideiable s:. Bias in n.:. c' pickup of recyclable tinue on Wednesdavs West -1 T f i~ :,nswer hits mucn-asked question. In / -i- of gust of 1992, the City of West University Place passed an ordinance to protect trees ewcs~~ which provides for an on-staff Urban For- ester --hers take ester to ensure compliance. A federal gov- wood Eons you dspre ki.,>w where tare- ernment grant and tree disposition fees r paid to the City, and not City tax dollars, wood is from, cover it with clear plastic fund my position at this time. and l~ii,v~ tlwe edges in she soil to preve,.t movement of` beetles froin the pile. Ui . . When in the office, I spend my time re- wriewinti tree disposition plans submitted by proper pnining techniques. Prune, Decen - Page VV est Uni-~.~ers ~y T T-(e R-eg i ,4 ,rry This registry will recognize the largest tree of its genus and species. We hope to publish this information in booklet form and to present each qualified tree with a certificate, if you have a tree to nominate, please fill out the information below and return it to Neslihan Tesno, Urban Forester, City Hail, 3800 University Blvd. You can include a brief narrative if vour tree has an unusual history. *Type of Tree *Owner *Address *Phone *Circumference *Location of tree on the property Circumference is measured at 4.5 feet above the ground. You can use a string or a flexible tape measure nomination for large trees, f grant permission for the tree's measurement to be inspected and verified. By submitting this Ly: Date: Your C* y C -~u-cil a--d St, "wa, be rte :ionsive. moo, Please, write dov n your suggestions, compliments, or problems on this form. Enclose it with your water bill or mail to 3$00 University Blvd., Houston. 77005. Comments Name Address Phone (I-T )me): Phone (Work): City of We., - U~-iversit-,, Vince 3800 University Blvd. Houston, Texas 77005 BULK RATE U.S. POSTAGE PAID Permit No. 9719 Houston, TX