HomeMy WebLinkAboutJuneSurprise,,,West U is a "good place to live"
A community survey conducted by the
West U City Manager's Office found
that over 93% of respondents are
satisfied or very satisfied with the
overall quality of services provided by
the City and over 97% agree or strongly
agree that West U is a good place to
live.
The mail survey was conducted inApril
and 789 households were randomly
selected from the City's water utility
billing list. Four hundred and sixty-five
surveys were returned representing a
59% response rate.
Twenty-two municipal services were
rated by residents. More than half (14),
had positive ratings of 75% or greater
with the highest positive scores
generated by trash collection (89.8%),
fire/EMS (94.3%) and recycling
(91.7%). Three services received
relative negative ratings - storm
drainage (38.8% dissatisfied or very
dissatisfied), street construction
(25.2%), and street lighting (26.5%).
The City also polled residents on
several local ordinances that were
developed to encourage residents to be
good neighbors. The survey directed
nine questions to determine if residents
believed staff was strict or lenient in
enforcing these laws. While overall
respondents believe the City is enforcing
the laws just right, in two areas a majority
of respondents believe the City is lenient
or too lenient - enforcement of the so-
1 _ f ( a 7
called "pooper-scooper" law (52.4%
and controlling noise from leaf blowers
and lawn mowers (52.7%). Over one
fifth of the respondents believe the City
is very strict or strict in enforcing laws
related to signs (20.4%), illegal parking
(27.3%) and speeding (22.1%).
Recycling, which began in West U in
the 1970s remains very popular -more
than two thirds claim to recycle once a
week and almost 90% claim that they
take advantage of recycling pick-up at
least once per month.
The City Council made a major change
in cardboard recycling over the past six
months and now requires that cardboard
boxes be flattened and disposed of only
on recycling days. This policy change
received broad support as 70.0% of
respondents are very satisfied or
satisfied with the new requirement.
While residents strongly support City
efforts to reduce the landfill costs, the
development of a pay-as-you-throw
system for municipal solid waste had
mixed support with 46.7% of the
respondents opposed to such a program
and 39.1% in support.
While about one in five of the
respondents believe crime has increased
in the last three years, almost half
(49.6%) believe that traffic problems
have gotten worse. More than half
believe that speeding (56.2%) and
running STOP signs (57.8%) are a very
serious or serious problem. About half
(Surprise - cont. on p.7)
On April 27, 2002 residents lined up to unload junk during the biannual Heavy Trash
Day. Approximately 292 vehicles of all shapes and sizes deposited computers/electronics,
bricks and concrete, junk iron, construction materials, large tree trimmings and other
rubbish. The end result - a whole lot of rubbish. Totals include an estimated 14 dumpsters
of rubbish and 15,000 ibs of brick and concrete. In addition to pure rubbish, residents
unloaded reusable household items filling a 40 foot trailer and half of a 15 foot truck.
Volume 29, No. 6 June 2002
Page 2
MirtIAOM 1
® By: Mayor Linda Lewis
9141 C"
For the second time in the nearly eight
years I have been involved with coun-
cil, West U has lost a city manager, not
uncommon since the average term of
service is about five years. Fortunately
for us, the wheels of our community are
oiled well enough that they will continue
to turn without too many bumps in the
road. We have a competent staff that
manages the city's business on a day to
day basis, and the city is served by con-
scientious volunteers, including your
council, who are involved with the city's
policy and ongoing projects. Together, I
expect that we will provide a solid team
to lead West U until a new city man-
ager is brought on board.
While I don't expect there to be any
fall off in city services or staff perfor-
mance, I am experiencing conflicting
emotions over losing this particular city
manager. I was fortunate to be part of
the council that hired Sherman Yehl, and
I say with total candor that he has been
one of the best things to happen to our
community. He has been the consum-
mate professional, setting a new stan-
dard of excellence for his position. He
has treated employees with fairness and
given them opportunities to grow. He has
recognized their achievements and re-
warded them for jobs well done. He has
dealt with residents in a timely manner
and has been straightforward in address-
ing their concerns. He has dealt with
prickly councils, smoothing ruffled
feathers and responding to perceived
needs of each individual. He has exhib-
ited creative thinking skills that have led
to successful problem solving and
Oe 7
- LJ L Ll~_2 -Zo by Council Member Bill May
There has been much written recently
about the success of high-density urban
mixed-use developments. Theseprojects
often include structured parking and
street-front retail topped with office and
residential space. The key component
to the success of these urban villages is
their walk ability. Residents are said to
enjoy leaving their car at home and
walking around the neighborhood to
work or shopping.
What is significant about this trend is
not it's direct applicability to West U,
but the fact that it is said to be difficult
to develop these innovative projects be-
cause they were not imagined by the
public sector, which often rejects inno-
vation on the basis of outdated or in-
flexible zoning laws.
Reading all this has made me question
opened the door for new opportunity for
the city. In short, he has done his job
well, and there is no time when I have
not felt that I could count on him for his
advice and guidance.
Yes, Sherman Yehl has been an asset
to West U, and he will be missed. I have
agonized over losing him as a working
partner, but I realize the value of the
opportunity he now has and can only
wish him well. The Woodlands is still a
growing community with many oppor-
tunities for Sherman to utilize his plan-
ning and development skills. While their
gain is our loss, we are lucky to have
had Sherman at the helm for six years.
Thanks, Sherman, for giving us your
best and continued best wishes for meet-
ing the challenges ahead.
munity. In the name of limiting density,
in the name of decreasing density al- t r <<,
whether our zoning encourages creative
efforts or preserves a sense of the com-
our zoning laws preclude subdivision of t f
properties creating less than 75'x 105'
though "typical" lot in West U is
50'x100'. We have limited construction
to an arbitrary 80% of the lot area but
do nothing to preserve the scale of the
7
streetscape. We have precluded the
ability to build town homes on a lot, but
allow what is built to be 100% of the lot
area. In contrast, and despite the warn-
ings of building and fire officials, we al-
low combustible home construction with
unprotected openings three feet from the
property line. Residential codes do al-
low this practice, but you have to won-
der if it is a wise practice to build ex-
IJespite the tremendous efforts by
dedicated volunteers our zoning has de-
veloped as aseries of virtually unrelated
reactionary rules. We might be better
served by creating a "new zoning", an
integrated performance based system
encouraging creative solutions to ensure
safety, lessen the impact of construction
on neighbors, preserve a sense of place
and enhance our quality of life.
pensive three story homes this close.
Ttsr- City of West IJra;,Trsity 1"^^~-;
1W °,,a a° I.tnda ~e is r' 15,, , 6'=.5 rGs'
City Caunc:i r/icm:;ers i=aIi:c Farley (713.662.584-7), kTki-Fty~l
Dra-.€ey Jackson (713.662.5848), JE3s P/ r 7
13Jest University Place, TX 77005, by the `IO" of the nicntL piecedlimg hubltcation.
Gencr~l htt'aemntaan:713.668.4441-City M::nagc She ma aaYehl: 7 h3.5 61_~~'~ 0. ~ ~~.a iS .c
.1 J .;r.~ 00S,
Club; meeting, or activity notices should beforvvardeu to -it y, Ct-rn alts., 3 81,00 U~~~~;e~si~t I3u~:.e:=ard,
~RSIt 1!S OII the W~' r,a F'7?rin s 7~g~ ~ ` .a ~
City Life Page 3
Ft 1
Sdence Summer Classes
Independance Day Bl[rle
Parade n I Party
Kids of all ages are invited to partici-
pate in the Independence Day Bike Pa-
rade to Colonial Park. Decorate your
bicycles, tricycles, wagons, or strollers,
and line up in front of West U Elemen-
tary, 3756 University, at 9:45 AM on
Thursday, July 4th. The parade will be-
gin at 10:00 AM, proceed west on Uni-
versity, turn south onAcademy, and then
west on Byron to Colonial Park Pool,
4130 Byron.
After the parade, join us at Colonial
Park Pool for a refreshing dip in the
pool. Pool games will take place from
12:00 - 3:00 PM. There will be plenty of
food, fun, and festivities for all! For
more information, call 713.662.5892.
You won't find this one in the guide,
because it's brand new! High Touch-
High Tech is offering a fun-filled way to
learn about science through hands-on
activities. In Session I, children grades
K-2 will learn about Our Living Planet
by catching some rays and discovering
ultraviolet light. Grades 3-5 will step back
into the days of the gold rush and pan
for real gems in Dig It. In Session II,
grades K-2 will Get Buggy by discov-
ering the incredible world of bugs, and
grades 3-5 will learn all about simple ma-
chines (including making ate''"
machine out of a carrot!) in 1Finally, Fun Machines. In
Session III, grades K-2 will learn all
about the ocean and make their own
coral reef in Sea Ya' Later, and grades
3-5 will become Smarty Plants by dis-
covering the amazing world of plants.
Space is limited, you must register at least
a week in advance at the Community
Building, 6104 Auden. For more infor-
mation, please call 713.662.5892 or
281.852.3273.
Session I - Our Living PlanetI Dig It: June 13
Session II- Get Buggy/Finally, Fun Machines : June 27
Session III-Sea Ya' Later Smarty Plants: July 11
Loca' own: Community Building, Activity Room
Time: Grades K-2: 9:00 - 10:30AM
Grades 3-5: 11:00 - 12:30PM
Class Fee: $15/$25NR
u
Read across Texas' is
the theme of this year's
Summer Reading Program. Children-
up to age 13-will enjoy magicians, rep-
tiles, sea animals, crafts, a history of
trains, yarn spinning, and a special pic-
ture book reading by a local author. Reg-
istration begins Tuesday, May 28. The
program continues through July 27.
Children also have the chance to earn
a certificate and paperback book after
reading 10 or more books at their read-
ing level. Prereaders may have their
books read to them. The special end of
summer program, July 31, features his-
tory magician Julian Franklin.
For information on additional library
ll 1
O
® 7
= ~r1
--i 1Z
On Tuesday, April 23, 2002, the West
University Masonic Lodge, No. 1292
bestowed a special honor on Terry
Stevenson, West U Fire Chief and life-
long resident - the Community Builder
Award.
Adopted in 1991, the Community
Builder Award enables Masonic Lodges
to recognize outstanding non-Masons
who exhibit masonry values, and follow
the same standards and ideals of the Ma-
sonic culture. Stevenson's strong devo-
tion and commitment to both his family
and community merited this honor.
Our sincerest congratulations to Chief
Stevenson.
programs, stop by the library for a pro-
gram flyer. June highlights include -
June 5 - Tall Pines Weavers and Spinners.
June 12 - History of railroads and model
railroading
June 19 - Reptiles!
June 25 - Puppet and variety show
July 3 - craft program
School age programs take place at
3:00pm. Preschool storytime will continue
on Tuesdays at 11:00 AM.
The Summer Reading Program is spon-
sored by the Friends of the West Uni-
versity Library and Harris County Pub-
lic Library Administration.
Call 713.668.8273 for information.
W ,es U parlihn -o The, P0,10
The 'tillage/Soufhrasf des
and Bank of Texas, N .A. are spon-
soring a free concert series every
Friday from 7:00 - 9:00 Pr?1 on the
Colonial Park beck, 4130 Byron.
Bring your lawn chairs and blankets, and don't
forget to fill up the picnic basket! Come and
enjoy a fantastic line up of some of Ilousfon's
best known bands.
May 31- Grady Gaines A the Texas Upseffers
June 7 - Ezra Charles
June 14 - Dave Nevling & the dues Kats
June 21 - Fab 5
June 28 - Toast and Jam
For more inform, afion, eonfaef the West U Parks
and Recreation Department of 713.662.5892.
- Page 4
=j
11~ U'` 9 t ~...y ~3 `.r U.:. K d' r Q" ID
~'r Coll wao'Ge 15 eoliclting the help of a!! We5c, LJ IE°iGieli"U5. (urine the pa~~
- w G r a ~ „j_
two VV2'i(5; .'.O G G111Cn /a5 b`dOrt: PS F'dGi2 JPijL[ 2? on "Gl~jJv by aE'p 0 eovo
conceafecf. in ~iaatic bags. I ea~~~° bzgo 5o~nec[rk;e~ b°uoh gal[-to~ she work ;
® ero bociica ao they ~ooo LlePii i'o T 3a ruck. broka'l3 glamor or' OV.- 3ii~f
m® ' objet o coil cause oeriJUS ii iryr ,)when 1;hlo tcouror the ornAoC --j
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e6o have n' ceiVels I~t.Ei'2. [o o to lover leJ9 r 2ri~8~ ~ r'Cv^:;2r glary 9
~ There, have i;eeri iiurn6ro~io h1jurice over the paot yearo rr'1ei' ePl1lylO~rCPS
x
have been GLFi ~.T 6LIUCk L°y 1 0k.3,N el 55 ~f s[z ~ f A7 fEPf_Z 185 h i of the; e ar ~
This month's employee in the spotlight
s 0bjBG'r5 f he5e lnclderr-_ eoLl1: k1 'rJu;Efi CE's~~11°J,yrGS, ui~tnfG~i >.~zen5e6 aifi
r
shines on Officer Joe Khnkovsky. Joe N io55 0, V t-ne on the job. volio, ; e.o ~sGtiti i,a, 0 Ou be atv;a e
has been a Police Officer with the West v. thin cane -{n olD a rroven4- y
o, V 01j'C M
Irv ' 7G ire tCall
'
U police department for three years. ' pieaoclc baeo, l? [t, o (~IoWl .i;aC o he ~ v~je~ c are bat;, p!eaoe ricer?.
For the last year, Officer Klinkovsky she b 5 L"'I h d notbe !116sica i a ouch, he t,:i^~pi .uC'• Ig ~'1
i
has been assigned to the DARE pro- clear .-r.dor c! c h~~3 :a le I a
gram. Officer Klinkovsky was instru-
mental in raising enough donations to pn << L ~ r p! e o t << rs c i e arm` 1
restore and customize an old police ve-
hicle, turning it into the DA car. The _9 -
West U DARE car is currently being J L k- _ L
considered for its design in a nationwide `
contest for police vehicles. ;~yCazancilMember llfikeFarley
Officer Klinkovsky is also busy with
the Neighborhood Watch program. As
coordinator, he has brought new fife into
the program by hosting monthly meet-
ings with block captains, maintaining e-
mail contact for crime prevention infor-
mation, and establishing a crime alert
j
system.
Although Officer Klinkovsky is busy
with his duties with the city, he makes
time for other interests - hunting, fish-
ing, and motorcycling. Joe also enjoys
spending time with his wife Keri, a Jun-
ior high school teacher.
Officer Klinkovsky grew up in a small
town in the country, which created an
immediate appreciation for the small
town atmosphere of West U.
When asked, Officer Klinkovsky will
readily tell you he enjoys his job, the
people he works with, and the commu-
nity he serves.
i
s - -
s
"You cannot prevent flooding com-
pletely in the Houston area, you can,
however, manage it. " Dr. Phil Bediant,
Rice University.
West U's citizen drainage committee
on May 29' toured those areas of the
city highlighted in the hydrology study
compiled by engineering firm Claunch &
Miller with representatives of the firm.
The committee was formed by the City
Council to examine the recommendations
made by C&M, recommendations that
flowed from a study prompted by flood-
ing in scores of West U homes by Tropi-
cal Storm Allison last summer.
The committee specifically is looking
at the area south from University to
Bellaire and west from Weslayan to the
eastern boundary West U shares with
South Side Place as well as Poor Farm
Ditch, Kilmarnock Ditch and the Brays
Bayou Watershed.
The focus is on improving both under-
ground drainage and the movement of
water overland. A new storm sewer sys-
tem draining that portion of the city into
Kilmarnock Ditch is contemplated as is
removing several elevated points from
streets in the area that cause water to
begin forming deep ponds.
It is the opinion of hydrologist Dave
Kasper that the flooding experienced in
West U during Allison possibly will be
alleviated in most part by implementing
some of the recommendations contained
within the report.
(Drainage committee. . . - cont. on p. S)
Police Blotter
M 7,
® - -
3100 Sunset - April 8. Vehicle
stolen from driveway.
object used to smash vehicle window.
6200 Belmont - April 11. Vehicle
door handle and locking mechanism
damaged.
3100 Robinhood - April 19. Win-
dows at residence shattered by BB's.
3300 University-April 20. Paintballs
fired upon moving vehicle.
3700 Arnold-April 22. Vehicle paint
scratched.
2600 Sunset - April 23. Large stone
used to break front glass at business.
3700 Plumb -April 30. Tile damaged
® at house under construction.
Burglary of a wilds
Criminal Mischief
4005 University - April 1.
Vehicle tires punctured.
4000 University -April 1.
Vehicle tires punctured.
6600 Buffalo - April 3. .
Windows on a house un-
der construction shattered.
4100 Bellaire -April 9. Graffiti spray
painted on marquee at business.
6100 Belmont - April 11. Unknown
object used to smash vehicle window.
6600 Brompton - April 11. Unknown
f' r" y Ft
<<"y a E i• ` y` ' < €
n eoc! `v~o .~6i n
U ~ ' 1a.~h
Bloc€; Cap-
-ii, Curre{It.1,, I"y,v FiC".~e 51oo[.
..t'•L:1#
yo fir i;e y t-G is;,^t°:-~ ~e the_ ~ i-iw!~thuro.
i`roGram Is
.3'I Guy
<v 4il,z ,-y E c,5 v .~Ciil ate 6y!~`
~'1!.('' ;F~. ' ? fib?-~✓L(~,`i`i fS;: (iYIL ii (`J
3 ( ~ i
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5300 Kirby - April 3. Bay
doors damaged to gain ac-
cess into business. Television
stolen.
5400 Community - April
16. Cabinet and other items
stolen from house under con-
struction.
3600 Amherst - April 20. Lawn
equipment stolen from unsecured ga-
rage.
2600 Cason -April 26. Bicycle sto-
len from unsecured garage.
Burglary of a Motor Vehicle
3000 University - April 11. Vehicle
window smashed. Debit card stolen.
3500 Albans -April 14. Vehicle win-
dow broken. CD player stolen.
3900 Vllanova - April 19. Tool box
and the cutting tool stolen from pick-up
bed. Suspect fled scene in white
Chevrolet pickup.
3500 Tangley - April 20. Vehicle
door pried open. TV-VCR and
Nintendo stolen.
3600 Plumb -April 20. Vehicle door
pried open. Suspect attempted to steal
CD player.
3500 Tangley - April 20. Vehicle
door pried open. Baseball gear and
CD's stolen.
urglary of Residence
t 2700 Bellaire -April 2. Window bro-
5
iii soiree cases 1,10 -IL } `rT eat tier P
rived early tins year. Witln he waim a
.,veather and summer vac, the u~<.'
of bicycles greafly
i 12
t great rznsporiztit,.] ai _
re-creat;cn, hcwz oer with rncre~~~n
iIS 1~±' or es "he iaci - ascd € of zinti , for
ac^~derfsal
-d
Fa
i%bCIC i7iders silo'ld "lE'r ej a p
11Cli ! f S ! law for d'vesi H Ors j
eider th- age oC 14. Tt is also iy...-
p rtanit to 'cn nabi,L tl)~ t bicycles a
suO,ject.c,Dilicftr3mlesoi-tf- oa! h_.
iV tI
17, :a;'s C LC! ~L 1
r] de o t 1 i 1It Si€ ] of (ue c,U'<i,
StCSj_ aLl -:E; S t ir S a5i C.CI j ~ +id 1
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Io ac-
t fe,r 'd-1c) Il at.I oi. s s-aS, c c r-.r 3. t' h
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tit et" e e c v" del ~t Y!;~ s e[
:mot€{ ref , n ii 0 4_'t0. L t ti v e- ut Cls3
jl 2 ,,A) 11 0 ,Ur
t el! lc~
C'7 C~I i}., it :r : i. t 1 ]ll c- -
to dtt- !
at1~i1, Li 11i?l i 'Tr „:iiIr d al]+? t2 }i
hazl 10, 10()(:`,;; ?J1 red o,, it was s: c
arc' hi ri ay r f 0. 1,,
?0 ~alia; ] `ll Sr-
!
e,i'1;'; T-id ':lIui'Ies Could
a, be el-e
tbai. ~1?•:?'C'.C::~ill - ~'t_-at ~j
belt use iii l`U b-, Gill= t~ al
i1 241 ewer deaths, 5,2'15
I i 1, i ]
Ices and an CC.S'il ornie sav:i Ms O $ '91 t '
ui1~1 ~n dollar Tra fzc crashes rent a 1
tihC lci d~i]g Co.,1SC: of di:ath t r Yh`Ll t x ~
Texans. H
Let's B'> Safi;l
ken to gain entry into residence. Jewelry
stolen.
6700 Vanderbilt - April 15. Entry
gained via unsecured security door and
by breaking a door window. Camcorder
and laptop floppy drive stolen.
6700 Belmont - April 16. Flat instru-
ment used to pry open door. Mink coat
and jewelry stolen.
3400 Robinhood - April 16. Bicycle
stolen from unsecured attached garage.
Unknown bicycle left at scene.
4100 Tennyson - April 22. Suspect(s)
attempted to gain entry into residence by
prying open window.
(Crime up Close - cont. on p.7)
Page 6
_ t
b by David Cole, West UFire
c
Some backyard chefs may consider
June the official start of the outdoor grill-
ing and cooking season. With hungry
mouths waiting, time is a precious com-
modity. Some chefs may try to speed
the cooking process with flammable liq-
uids that are not intended for cooking,
much less use as a cooking fire starter.
When charcoal starter is not available,
NEVER substitute liquids such as gaso-
line, diesel fuel, paint thinner, lantern fuel
or any other flammable solvents. Not
only will the food absorb terrible odors,
but also the ignition flash can flare and
engulf anyone or anything nearby.
All outdoor cooking equipment,
whether fueled by natural gas, propane
or wood fuels, should always be set up
on level surfaces away from any build-
ing. Fires should not be set up under any
building overhang, porch or power line.
Always follow the label instructions for
C-A
Marshal's Office
the use of any liquid fire starter. If pro-
pane fuel is used to accelerate wood
fires, never leave the propane burner
unattended. Also, whenever any por-
table cooking equipment is in use, chil-
dren should remain outside the cooking
area. When the cooking activities are
completed, always allow the equipment
to completely cool before returning it to
storage. Ash material should NEVER
be stored indoors, or in any container
that could burn or melt.
One final safety reminder, in just a few
weeks the July 41'' holiday will be ob-
served. This year patriotism will be a
major part of many celebrations. All
residents however, are reminded that
the possession and use of fireworks in
West U is illegal. Fireworks are best
enjoyed in the safety of a professional
pyrotechnic display. For more informa-
tion, contact the West U Fire Depart-
ment at 713.662.5835.
0n0 C?f 11- h6 th,ingo ,10 6 n . !E.G '
that r; ake4 iss 0
such a -,pecia l pla.cs to
;to friendly, orrGli-town
atrnoophere. A neighbor-
hood block party is a
great way for folks to get
together and keep in
touch. There are loco of
wayo to party-you can
celebrate birthdays, anniversaries and
holidays, or just dedicate the dayto fun
activitieo like playing football, barbecu-
ing and danciti in the otreeto. To help
you plan a safe and oucceeofui event, a
special Block Party Planning Kit io avail-
able just for the asking (call
713.662.5650) or for download at
www.we5tu.org. This handy kit contains
everything you need to apply for a per-
mit to temporarily clooe your Street to
thru traffic and it has come great ideao
if you need a reason to Party!
But don't delay. Street closure is firot
come first Serve, the earlier you oubmit
your application, the better the chance
of holding the event when you want.
WC =s
;Cy, ew,
p~F-r~ me E
i Minn
, ,
~ ru J ~ Ghec: i<ryr. Alth,~ua'
a ~
st streets ir, Weot L' nr e~
perfect for block parties,
some stree~i=s can't be clooedr
becauoe of traffic. access io-
ouee. Call 713.662.5550 to
check if your street can be cloyed.
6 Be a goon neighbor. l3ecauoe you
will be closing off your otreet to thru
traffic, you'll need to inform all affected
r eoidents.
Block partlao can be held on 5atur-
dayo, 5undayo, official holidays or Hal-
loween from 5:00 AIM to 5unoet. A maxi-
mum of three evento can be held each
weekend or holiday period. The maximum
time (including Setup and take down)
for a block party io three houro. Only
one event per block io permitted every
six months.
You only need to apply for a Block
Party permit if your piano include cloo-
ing your otreet to thru traffic.
<W~!° '
Safety spotlight
The summer months bring high tem-
peratures and sweat. In preparation, City
employees receive an annual refresher
course in avoiding heat related illness and
are reminded to watch for more pedes-
trian related traffic on streets.
In addition, parents and other residents
should keep in mind that several areas
within West U are under construction.
Small children need closer supervision
and older children should be cautioned
to use extreme care around construc-
tion areas.
Many hazards exist; and even with the
most careful construction site safety
practices it is easy to be injured through
lack of attention to surroundings or if
safety devices are ignored. Our contrac-
tors are required to secure all construc-
(Safety spotlight - cont. on p.7)
(IDrainage committee... - cont. frown p.4)
and one half feet. Those improvements
are expected to be complete by 2006.
Additional flood capacity is planned but
no timetable has been set.
In a related action, the mayors of West
U and Southside Place met with mem-
bers of the Harris County Flood Control
District recently and secured a promise
that Poor Farm Ditch will be cleaned in
the near future.
Despite planned and underway drain-
age improvements, it is the experts' rec-
ommendation that residents avail them-
selves of the protection afforded by flood
insurance.
Committee members are: Chairman
Denny Powers, Steve Pollard, Denise
Beck, Mike Farley and Neal Immega.
Powers is a retired engineer who has
worked on an advisory committee to the
flood control district in the past; Pollard
is a geologist, Beck a financial expert,
Farley, a retired geologist and Immega,
a retired geologist. Rodi Franco, a resi-
dent of the affected area, is helping the
committee in an ad hoc capacity. She
conducted the survey of flooded residents
that assisted Claunch &Miller in devel-
oping their recommendations. She brings
a wealth of first hand experience to the
table as does Beck and Immega who live
in the area or nearby.
The committee is expected to meet
again in early June.
c C~)](Ando-~ of or
V
* Wednesday, June 5
• Monday, June 10*
9 Thursday, June
Visit Carolyn Thompson's Antique
Center of Texas. After a seminar
presented by Jay Amann, you'll be
free to enjoy lunch in the cafeteria
and browse through the scores of
well-kept booths. If you need some-
thing appraised, be sure to bring it.
10:00 - 2:00 PM. Free.
(Surprise... - cont. from p.1)
of the respondents would approach
these problems with increased
enforcement activity on the part of the
police department. While not statistically
significant, 28.2% of the respondents
believe that pedestrians at-large
(walking in the street) are a problem
compared to 25.4% who believe that
dogs at-large are a problem.
Another big community issue in West
U has been the acquisition of the YMCA
property in early 2002. Residents were
very supportive of the purchase and
85.4% want the City to keep the
existing building and 80.7% want the
swimming pool to remain. There does
not appear to be support for the property
to be used primarily as green space, but
about two thirds of respondents would
like new playground equipment provided
on the site.
West U is a well-connected
community - 86.8% of respondents
claim to have internet access at home.
However, it appears that age makes a
difference for internet service - as a
group those under 60 have an access
rate of over 90% while those over 60
are at 59%.
In related demographic information,
about half of the households have
children living at home and more than
90% of respondents have a college or
post-graduate degree.
Over 60% of respondents believe the
Refurbish and redesign your
home for life. Our speaker, Adelle
Segel will help us figure out how to
live more comfortably and safely in
our homes. Learn to live better by
simply changing drawer knobs,
closets or widening door frames.
Bring a friend, neighbor or younger
family member. 2:30 - 3:30 PM. Free.
city council has the "community
interest" in mind when making decisions
and 64% believe that they have "easy
access" to city staff . Almost 85%
believe that city staff does a "good job
at providing services."'
Survey results are available from the
City's website at <www.westu.org>.
(Crime up Close - cont from p. S)
6600 Mercer - April 26. Window
pried open. Jewelry stolen.
Credit CardAbuse/Forgery
3900 Arnold - April 3. Resident's
personal information used to obtain
phone service.
Found Property
3800 Case - April 18. Vacuum
cleaner found in brush along roadway.
Property taken to police department for
storage.
3400 Carnegie - April 21. Bicycle
found along roadway. Property taken
to police department for storage.
3700 Rob inhood -April 27. Bicycle
found on city easement. Property taken
to police department for storage.
Hit and Run
Vehicles struck while parked on the
street - 6600 Annapolis - April 5.-
3900 Marquette - April 20.
Rick Lowe, founder of Project Row
Houses, is a recent recipient of the
Heinze Award for his work in arts and
humanities. Join us for Round 16,
which is rumored to be "our best
show yet!" 1:00 - 3:00 PM. Donations
accepted.
e Thursday, June 27
Root, root, root for the Astros, buy
some peanuts and crackerjacks and
cheer your team on to victory as they
play the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Only 20 tickets available, so call
early. 2:00-7:00 PM. $12.00.
Theft
2700 Sunset - April 3. Barbecue pit
stolen from backyard.
4100 Bissonnet -April 5. Jewelry and
other items stolen possibly by movers.
6600 Wakeforest - April 7. Wicker
rockers stolen from front porch.
4000 Swarthmore - April 10. Unse-
cured bicycle stolen from front porch.
3400 Robinhood -April 14. Resident
observed two bicycles in suspect vehicle.
Suspect left scene before officers ar-
rived after being confronted by resident.
4200 Case - April 22. Large sum of
money stolen from resident for bogus
roofing work. Suspect arrested after re-
turning for additional money.
6500 Rutgers -April 24. Wrought iron
gate removed from home marked for
demolition.
4100 Milton - April 27. Lawnmower
stolen from driveway.
Domestic Disturbances - six.
(Safety spotlight - cont. from p. 6)
tion sites at the end of each workday.
If you notice unsecured hazards, re-
port them to the Public Works Depart-
ment at 713.662.5839. After hours,
please contact the police dispatcher at
713.662.5850. Public Works employees
are on call 24/7. Public Work employees
are trained to respond to most emergency
calls.
Have a safe and happy summer.
0 City of West University Place
3800 University Boulevard
West University Place, Texas 77005
PRSRT STD
US POSTAGE
PAID
HOUSTON, TX
PERMIT NO 6270
r
Him 1-
Sunday
ie4iiday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Public Safety Board
Friends of West U Parks
The Building and Stan-
k
@ 6:30 Pan City Hall
@ 6:15 PM City Hail
dards Commission
'
Conference Room.
Conference Room
6:00 PM in the City Hall
.
Conference Room
Parks Board @ 7:30 PM
.
City Hail Conference
2
3
4
Room.
6
7
8
special Session
Recycling and Solid
u t erwces oar
6:30 Pm City Hall Con-
Waste Reduction
Meeting @ 2:00 PM
Terence Room
Board @6:30 PM
Community Building
Council Meeting @
Public Works Lunch
Zoning and Planning
7:30 PM City Hall
Room.
Commission @ 6:45 PM
Council Chambers
1
City Hall Conferen
g
9
1
11
1,
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Room 33
14
15
Zoning Board of Ad-
justment @ 6:30 PM
City Hall Conference
Room.
Good Neighbor Team
-
16
17
1
2:00 PM City H I
Conference Room.+ll
22
Special Session @
Neighborhood Watch
6:30 PM City Hall Con
Block Captain Meetin
Terence Room
@ 6:00 PM in the City
® -
Council Meeting @
Hall Council Chambers
7:30 PM City Hall
23
Council Chambers-74
25
27
2S
Public Safety Board
Friends of West U Park
@ 6:30 Pan City Hall
@ 6:15 Pan City Hal
Conference Room.
Conference Room
Parks Board @ 7:30
Pan Council Chamb95
30
1
2
P.
4
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