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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMarchVolume 29, No. 3 f r'► Texas crime trends are analyzed us- ing two separate methods - crime vol- ume and crime rates. Crime volume is the aggregate sum of the number of crimes in the eight categories. Crime rates, however, are compiled to com- pensate for changes in the size of the population and to show the number of people affected by crime in a given population. Texas crime rates are gen- erally expressed as the number of crimes per 100,000 residents. An examination of the crime volume statistics for 2000 compared to 1999 re- veals a 2.3% statewide increase. Lar- ceny experienced the largest increase - 3.7%, followed by rape - 2.9% and robbery - 2.7%. Burglary was the only category showing a decrease with 0.7% fewer burglaries. examination of crime rate statistics indicates a 1.6% (How do we measure zap? - coast on p. 7) Daniel Paripovich, West U's new Code Enforcement/Animal Control Officer, takes a few mo- ments to check on Skittles, a recent guest at the City kennel. For questions or concerns requiring his expertise or to inquire about Skittles, please call 713.662.5831 or dparipovich@westu.org. Page 2 Id. Ded ,;F41-49M 11(X 21t4ellft By: Mayor Linda Lewis I get complaints each month from citi- zens like you who are tired of noise from bulldozers and concrete trucks, construc- tion equipment, leaf blowers, train whistles and the like. I have even been asked if there is anything that can be done to eliminate flight patterns to Hobby Airport that are over the city! Because we live in a densely popu- lated urban area that is surrounded by the nation's fourth largest city, noise is going to be a part of life. West U, how- ever, has addressed the subject with or- dinances that limit the impact of noise. For example, the city has a good neigh- bor policy for its facilities that attempts to minimize any adverse effects, includ- ing those from noise, on existing resi- dences. There is an ordinance that states that it is unlawful to keep animals within the city that cause excessive or unusual noise that disturbs the comfort of per- sons of ordinary temper, sensibility or dis- position and one that addresses barking dogs. There is an ordinance establish- ing a curfew in parks to ensure that neighbors are not disturbed between the hours of 10:00 PM and 7:00 AM. Finally, there is a lengthy section in Section 15 of the Code of Ordinances that prohib- its unreasonable noise and goes on to enumerate specific noises, from loud- speakers to musical equipment to ped- dlers, that are not acceptable or have limited acceptance. It also limits the hours during which noise is tolerated. Generally speaking, the city's quiet hours are from 8:00 PM til 7:00 AM ex- cept for Saturday when they extend to 8:00 AM and Sunday to 12:00 PM. If we honor those hours, then we can make a positive impact on our quality of life. Where we run into problems is with outside contractors. Lawn services are known to start with their mowers and leaf blowers before 7:00 AM, and many are working on Sunday mornings. They probably don't know about city ordi- nances, so as private employers we have some responsibility to communicate ® ~9 - - 2i _ i l - - - _ by Council Memherkfichael Farley "Giving money and power to gov- ernment is like giving whiskey and car keys to teenage boys"- P.J. O'Rourke Mr. O'Rourke was referring to the fed- eral government. As one moves down the food chain of governmental bodies, his simile looses its appropriateness in a linear fashion but never quite reaches a point where it no longer applies. Our city staff does a yeoman's job in apportioning money appropriately. Con- sidering the breadth of services offered at the city level: fire and police protec- tion, water, sanitation - both sewer and solid waste - recreation for kids, adults and older adults, streets, drainage, build- ing standards, inspections, etc., it is sur- prising that the general fund side of the budget is as low as it is. Services cost money (no surprise) and costs increase with expectations. My expectations were tempered somewhat after recently receiving a five- year revenue/spending outlook that pre- dicts a revenue shortfall of more than $18 million. (This information will be available online at www. westu. org). The lion's share of that includes money for facilities at the new park, drainage en- hancements, a new police building and the more than $5 million needed to com- plete the street/sewer/water work. The question before us now as a com- munity is where to draw the line on spending. We're at a crossroad. Do we lower our near term expectations to The Ciib o ' ~i "d L ~ s`p what rules these folks should follow. With all the home construction in the area, there are complaints about crews who are working during designated quiet hours. If this is a problem for you as a close by neighbor, call the police or pub- lic works department and request assis- tance. City staff is always available to enforce ordinances. Another noise issue that we will ad- dress in cooperation with Bellaire is train whistles, particularly during the evening hours. It is not likely that we can com- pletely silence them, but with some changes to the safety features at the crossings on Bellaire and Bissonnet, it is possible that we can achieve less whis- tling from trains passing through. As I have already stated, noise is not going to go away, but your concerns are important, and where we can, council and city staff will address them. If you have ideas about handling noise, do let us hear from you. what is necessary or do we continue with what I call legacy projects, gee-gaw af- fairs. A quick method I use to classify spending is to determine whether expen- ditures enhance basic service delivery and markedly improve the quality of life and/or public safety. Or does the policy directive provided staff spend tax dol- lars on projects that essentially gild the lily, apply a patina of gold leaf while the fascia underneath rots away. One project that in my mind falls into the latter category is the so-called Edloe Linear Park. You may remember this as the "Edloe Greenbelt", essentially a six- foot sidewalk with trees, shrubs, benches that would replace the nine-foot wide strip of oleanders running the length of (Are we going to take it. . . - cont. on ,o. 7) Vf s, ~7 13.6 62, C~~! r uE Cw kne-i 1FHC.J:~7.5C 1~R7IC' 'v ca La Cy ~7A.9.°.rxE/' , 58. ~ 119Hn.iL - i v'i:G., n C1Li[, 1iC_4IY , © 2Cii~"iij' 3,0fices Sl ou c i0.:e«tQG''ll t t 7C ! 7i e)( TJlfiNt S'3 y 4 .i_ sY ~Cst Univ..-Tsi r Plac Tt:' 77005, b:r fl-(- 0"or G Y L it 4 ACC iy ; ' _.Cci_t .t_ci _ :~i P s; it✓'. Lg7u. ~4 r c 14 _ 'Y'She.,L7nn"L .:.3. _ ,y ~`isitu.v. % ity Life Children ages 5-10 will p; enjoy a fun-filled week of ` - arts and crafts projects, games, and outdoor ac- tivities. Snack provided, however, children need - - to bring a sack lunch each day. --lease register at the Com- munity Building, 6104 Auden or call 713.662.5892 for more information. Dates: March 11-15 Fees: $85/$95NR Days: Monday - Friday Time: 8:30-1:30 PM Location: Scout House, 6108 Edloe Coordinator: Lachele Stoeck A v1and-up comedy class taught by Mike Peterson the Comedy Cop, a West U Po- lice Sergeant. Aspiring comedi- ans ages 7 to 12 will learn to develop their sense of humor as well as their stage presence. The class also covers joke writing, prop use, delivery, timing, and overcoming stage fright with the goal of increasing confidence and self esteem. The course concludes with a "Graduation Show" LIVE on STAGE! Register before March 28 at the Com- munity Building, 6104 Auden or call 713.6 62.5 8 92 for more information. Dates: April 6 - May 18 Fees: $150/160NR Days: Saturdays Location: Senior Room Time: 9:00AM-10:30AM or 10:30 AM-12:00 PM Instructor: Mike Peterson r r Enjoy an afternoon of classical duets for the flute and clarinet performed by two local musicians followed by refresh- ments. Concert is Saturday, March 16 at 4:00pm ' the Community Building. °1 01 ~ ~ IiEI ~ iF ~ '!l,l ~Jlhrli 4 (gi~oli ' ~LJI ilt 11i n:aV ~0,'S~l~i, ~ y Fir„ 1 J ,:•;1„ rlni;- Page 3 Bubble tdeflation: G? d ON otioe Q he Good Hei Whr -lean, a carflni ee Qf~ AeK; E We don't mean to burst your 1 r ~Crvlcczs, ie b3ilE g a sat eownip d Go- ~ bubble, but Colonial Park Pool will close ofe~ 1 ` 110s3tir A1 'l? ^100!, o ; h e ' Sunday, March 3I't at 7:00 PM and re- , ' , lokp ! He L p~ at 5:30 AM. Dur- open Monday, April 15 a ing this time, the weight room and rac- quetball courts will be available on a lim- ited schedule. Call 713.668.7642 for more information. ® 1 _ March's featured per- and Blue album earned a P.-usic City farmers are Adie Carey and Blues Awards nomination as Blues Al- Dave MacKenzie. Brand new old time bum of the Year. He also took home an- music is how Adie Grey defines her other award for Acoustic Act of the Year. style. She has a knack for writing con- The concert will be held at the West U temporary songs that sound like coun- Community Building, 6104 Auden, March try/folk standards. Her instrument is the 9 at 7:30 Pm. Tickets will be on sale at dulcimer, and she sings and plays tradi- the door - adults $8; senior citizens (65) tional-sounding music with an attitude. $4; children under 12 free with adults. Dave MacKenzie, on the other hand, Homemade refreshments sold at the has the blues in his tunes. Aprofessional door. For more information, call musician since the age of thirteen, Mr. 281.347.3235, 281.495.2923 or visit the MacKenzie has appeared in major con- Houston Folklore/Music Society website cert venues and festivals across the US at http://www.houstonfolkmusic.org. and Europe. His Old, New, Borrowed, - Bunco is a very EASY, very FUN C ce Send your check, payable game! If you've never heard of the game to Nc&NC, to Dawn Rubin at 3 816 or don't know how to play - it doesn't Marquette Street by Monday, March matter - we guarantee you will learn 181. If you have any questions, please to master the dice in less than 60 sec- contact Dawn Rubin at 713.668.7264 or onds. So join us Friday, March 22nd at dd-rubin@swbell.net. 7:30 PM (location TBD) to eat, drink, meet - - = - lots of new friends, win great prizes and play Couples Bunco. The cost is $10 per , person and an appetizer or dessert. Ns&NC will provide the wine and beer.. fh ~ Babysitter certif °id. m _ E r W HI € u , This class provides individuals, ages 11 to 15, with the information and skills nec- 1 of iv',rt9 Q e o2 is ~ ICFri r 0 essary to provide safe and responsible a: 0 c e C C 0 0 0 0 0 0 o 0 0 U 0 5 care for children in the absence of par- `ralll3ess coete~a°'(W's nc~f tea hie fia sr , ~j ents or guardians. Upon completion of ` FebrE!sr;l 29 _ a v 17 e participants will be issued a the course , certificate. Please bring a sack lunch. 111 #U ~i~tlEit., ri 3ori0 J Register before March 28 at the Com 16 mumty Building, 6104 Auden or call Free t,ir al02o:36saorz 713 662.5 892 for more information. Friday, f4arc SrFmd 2:00-7:00 €p ij Dates: April 6 Fees: $40/50NR BIo w i r Stl~c shed Time: 9:00 Am-5:45 Pm Days: Saturdays s e3°i12gt Location: Senior Room Instructor:Red Cross ~ Page 4 l l 11 I Yo L, YLrv have r ai V 5 c icc 1. cre, hd tihor e io ai,wle E a on ,C) r h 6 u f ® rr ~,oL~ Zci :oV«, r M10`1, !r r , a3~ nin ~i,°au A C ty a, i,er v A1 r'ent u- ON °ii1t6 pl6aoe keno the Uflo n~ , G o n~F ~ t the 'l i®78 ..::~!(,'~tl:~t,s tC tG GiC( 3'~:~' ~G17~ ~Gf!( '~~i ~'G &I., ~~G• , March's employee in the spotlight fea- 'ai, i 04,~~.€~~:~~ r...>c . 'lo tares firefighter/paramedic Jeff 1Vlraz. z;,irl4:( ci C~ Although Jeff is fairly new to West U, Dcc`r , .a:e having joined the West U ranks in Oc- tober. 2000, he is not new to the 6 firefighting scene. He began his firefighting career with the City of Yoakum in 1988. In his 13-year tenure . with the Yoakum Fire & EMS. Jeff at- tamed his Paramedic certification an' was promoted to Captain. According to - " _ Jeff', working in Yoakum gave him `'z opportunity to gain v,' ')le experience, particularly in EIV-3. a service area - " exceeding 450 square i-illes, Jeff often responded to incidents you genera" don't see to Jest U, such as farm - implement accidents, high-speed majc auto accidents requiring auto ext `.ca tion, and high-water rescue. Jeff i r - tions that, "I really enjoyed workirsa i Yoakum, but when the opportunity I came for me to work in the big city , .jumped at it and I'm glad I did. I really _ _ , - - Water line installation is schedule.' to begin on Belmont between University and Robinhood. Construction is scheduled to begin in Priority 9 within the next 30 days. (An `electric' partnership - cont. on p.7) Police Blotter January, 2002 Anima-, ite 6500 Brompton - Jan. 6. Child bitten by cat. Criminal Mischief 6700 Kirby - Jan. 2. Vehicle window damaged by thrown object. Juvenile identified. 3700 Nottingham - Jan. 5. Wooden fla ole thrown throe 11 window ane player stolen. 3700 Arnold - Jan. 19. Money and binoculars stolen from unsecured ve- hicle. 3700 Nottingham - Jan. 20. Cell phone stolen from unsecured vehicle. 2600 Werlein - Jan. 26. Cell phone, radar detector, camera and other items stolen from unsecured vehicle. 6100 Edloe - Jan. 26. Vehicle win- dow shattered. Suitcase, cash and cam- era stolen. gp g P 6500 Westchester - Jan. 6. Vehicle window broken. Bt ° g f a Residence 2800 Tangley - Jan. 6. Vehicle con- vertible top ripped. 3900 Oberlin - Jan. 13. Briefc-s( 5900 Buffalo - Jan. 7. S ;curity stolen from residence. Property light damaged by pel' 'g n. recovered from sidewalk on 5600 Auden - Jan. 4100 Byron. hicle taillight smashed. Sii )ect ~H Ire fled scene before officers ar tkv,-~j Card se/ +o rv rived. - 4100 Judson - Jan. 21. ~ 2900 Southwestern - Ja- Vehicle window brol .n. 9. Resident's identity used in attempt to obtain credit card. Burglary of a 3100 Bellaire - Jan. 9. Resident's Resident "s , identity used in attempt to obtain crf Burglary of a Motor Vehicle card. 3700 Robinhood - Jan. 11. Unau- thorized purchases made using resident's credit card. 5700 Buffalo - Jan. 14. Resident's personal information used to open fraudulent account. 3800 Browning - Jan. 24. Unau- thorized purchases made using resident"s checking account informa- tion. 3000 Tangley - Jan. 28. Resident's check cashed for goods purchased via internet that were not received. Pound Property 3900 Amherst - Jan. 20. Bike found on street stored at police station. 3000 Duke - Jan. 23. Bike found in yard stored at police station. 3000 darrard - Jan. 26. Bike found in yard placed in police station storage. Hit an - -i -cidents Vehicles parked on street struck - - 3500 Tangley - Jan. 19; 3900 University - Jan. 27; 6500 Belmont - Jan. 30; and Page 5 The Vilest U Police Depts. ?r _i op ,tantly strives for e: _cellc_cc. I L is Cur 00a. o Rive, 100% O L?s! s De _omled o, a ' , F ent'j siy n the ?r t ' n t'< ,1-_ t_ I :~'t LCD xhy we f f 99/ - There _ w =or 15 r fo 'd 880.063 turn ou the rn'- C r C be o- an be p on ode s _ c - . aware of Tha s wb u to be the go of this L ~x , ® 5400 Buffalo - Jan. 24. Suspect fled scene without exchanging informa- tion. Stolen Vehicle Recovery 3900 Swarthmore - Jan. 4.Vehicle re- ported stolen by outside agency, recov- ered. (Crime up Close - cont. on p. 7) Page 6 L= L by Recycling and Solid Waste Reduction Board In the aftermath of the 9/11 tragedy, homeland security has become a stan- dard for everyday living. The National Crime Prevention Council, with the as- sistance of the U.S. Department of Jus- tice has recently published a booklet "United for a Stronger America: Citizens' Preparing your family means making sure that your children know what to do during an emergency. Tell them what is important so that they feel confident about what to do. ® Teach your children to stay in touch. Make it a house rule for your chil- dren to check in with a parent or guard- ian immediately when they get home from school or other ac- tivities C Make sure your children know how to contact you at work. ® Make sure your T children know the ad- dress where they live, including nearby cross streets and landmarks. le sure your children know their home phone number, including the area code. e Work with neighbors to find places that are safe for children and teens to go in an emergency. These places might include a friend's house, fire station, police station, school, library, or place of worship. The best place for a child during a crisis may very well be the school where they will be supervised and protected from outside hazards. Ensure that your children know the phone numbers and addresses of these locations. ® Explain 9.1.1. Talk to your chil- A% ~ by Rlc; ra~~ Cole, 11 eGi; U Fir., k r h„!`u 0 `se dren about how to call 9. L-1 and when calling is appropriate. \ ® Teach your children and teens how to be safe. Tell them to seek help immediately from a teacher, law en- forcement officer, or other security per- sonnel if they overhear classmates threatening to hurt themselves or oth- ers. Page 7 seniors' calendar of events for March * Friday, March 1 * MFA Lecture Features Louis Faurer, one of a group of highly re- garded New York photographers in the post WWII era. 9:30 AM - NOON. Price based on membership level. ® Tuesday, March 5 Join us for the IMAX feature, the Blue Planet for a fascinating look at earth from every angle. 2:00 - 4:15 Pm. $4.00/4.50. 5 r~ a895 for more ~.i ei. cE o rooervatione. i All F w3 a. (How do we measure up? - cont. from p.1) decrease. The largest decrease was in the number of burglaries - 4.5%, ag- gravated assault - 3.7%, and murder - 3.3%. As expected, there are far more prop- erty crimes than violent crimes commit- ted in Texas. Property crimes accounted for 89% of all reported crimes. In 2000, violent crimes declined by 2.9%, while property crimes declined by 1.5%when compared to 1999. Both violent crime and property crime experienced signifi- cant declines in the 90's throughout 'T'exas, however that decline has slowed considerably beginning in 1997. Since that time, the crime rate has plateaued and begun to rise. How does West U figure into the equa- tion? West U compares itself to five other cities - Houston, Sugarland, Mis- souri City, Bellaire, and Memorial Vil- lages - in several matters including crime data. Nest U is the second small- est community in terms of population falling between Bellaire and Memorial Villages, but has the fewest sworn po- lice officers. The City finds itself sand- wiched between Bellaire and Memorial Villages in the number of reported of- fenses, crimes per 100,000 population, and number of crimes cleared. In all areas reviewed, West U's statistics are commensurate with its size in compari- son with the other five cities. ~F Wednesday, March 6* Ed Cotham, West U resident and author of aft/e ®f the dal -f will tell us about Galveston's role in the Civil W 10 30 11 30 F ® Tuesday, March 19 Join us for the Alley Theater matinee One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. Afterwards, enjoy lunch, followed by ar. - ann. I el. a trip to the uffalo Soldiers NI- Tuesday, March 1 fl tional Museum. 9:00 Ann - 3:30 PM. Price to be announced. Take a trip to the Houston Maritime Museum for Jim - Monday, arch 5 Manzolillo's seminar on harnessing Experience the opera with a special and utilizing ocean wave energy to tri to Lambert Nall to see the Mar- make electricity. 10:00 - NOON. $3.00. p Monday, March 15 You're invited to our St. atrlck' Day party complete with musical en- . tertainment by Bill Story and dessert Wear green. 2:30 - 3:30 PM. $2.00. (Are we going to take it. . . - cont. from p.2) Edloe between Sunset and JM&H. As proposed, this would have cost residents some $300,000. Part of the impetus for this project was the possibility of fund- ing via a $50,000 state grant (which was denied). Well, spending six or seven of our dollars to get one dollar from an entity further up the food chain isn't re- ally a sound basis for policy. Even now the "Edloe Greenbelt" refuses to fade away despite local resident opposition and the current state of our municipal finances. We need to make decisions now to set I Ia a of F~will o. 9.30 -1.00 PM, $5.00. our spending priorities for the near term future. To make those choices your help is needed. Browse the city web site, look at the budget, scrutinize the projects and examine the five-year spending/revenue forecast. I'm interested in your take. Drop me a cyberspace line or two at mfarley4@houston. rr com. Sorry, I can't write a column without referencing a motion picture. Peter Finch, in the role of his lifetime as Howard Beale in "Network", had as his signature line: "I'm mad as Dell and I'm not taking it anymore!" Howard, at times I know how you feel. (Crime up Close - cont. from p. 5) Theft 5300 Kirby - Jan. 3. Money stolen from business. 6600 Westchester - Jan. 5. Cell phone stolen at construction site. 5300 Westchester - Jan. 16. Jewelry stolen from residence. Employee sus- pected. 5800 Buffalo - Jan. 20. DVD player stolen possibly by movers. 3800 Bellaire - Jan. 21. Credit cards and cash stolen from purse inside busi- ness. 2900 Rice - Jan. 20. Stone statues stolen from front steps. 3600 Rice - Jan. 24. Two shotguns stolen from unsecured garage. 2600 Arbuckle - Jan. 28. Four watches stolen from residence during open house. 6700 Academy - Jan. 29. Ladder sto- len from rack on utility van parked in busi- ness parking lot. Domestic Disturbances - three. 0 City of Nest University Place 3800 University Boulevard West University Place, Texas 77005 10 1 A 5pectai session w Zcycung and soiia Adult services Board 6:30pm CityHaliCon- Waste Reduction Meeting @ 2:00 Pm ference Room Board @6:30 Pm Community Building Council Meeting 1 Public Works Lunch Zoning and Planning 7:30 PM City Hall Room. Commission @ 6:45 Pm Council Chambers ;City Hall Conference 18 6:30 Pm City Hall Con- ference Room Council Meeting 7:30 Pm City Hall Council Chambers2~ Public Safety Board 6'30 Pm Cit Hall _ Zoning Board of Ad. justment @ 6:30 PN City Hall Conference Room. Good Neighbor Tean 2:00 PM City Fill 'Conference Room Neighborhood Watct Block Captain Meetinc 6:00 Pm in the City Hall Council Chamber: Conference Room. r- 1 2 Friends of-West :.s The Building and 6::115 5 PM Pm City The Standards Commis- Conference Room sion @ 6:00 Pm in the Parks Board @ 7:30 City Hall Conference Pm Council Chambers Room. 4 ¢ PRSRT STD USPOSTAGE PAID HOUSTON, TX PERMIT NO 6270