HomeMy WebLinkAboutMarchJTY RACE
Volume 22, No. 3
17
March 1995
hum ~e' c i'Hayer's Des:',
1 do care deeply alboue 'est U., and a connnunity of others who are like-minded in this respect constitutes a
rare and valuable synergy. ' -.Hill Watvon
Last month, this column reviewed some of 1994's accomplishments for the betterment of our City. Looking
forward to the review of 1995, which will one day come, what can we anticipate and what can we do that will
allow us to look back on this year with pride and satisfaction?
Not being a prophet, I can only speculate, and in so doing, mention some thoughts which are not intended to be
measured by any standards of the "most pressing" needs or considerations. I do care deeply about West U., and
a community of others who are like-minded in this respect constitutes a rare and valuable synergy.
As a City, we now have competition for prospective homeowners. There was a time when our neighboring
cities and nearby parts of Houston lagged considerably behind as choices for places to build or relocate. To give
our neighbors the credit they seem to deserve, many other locations outside of our City have learned some
valuable lessons and are striving to out do us.
Building sites, individually or in the aggregate, do not make a "hometown" such as we have in our City. West
is more than houses, streets, municipal buildings, etc. We are family and community-minded people. That,
in my opinion, is our strength and our emphasis for 1995.
After the frenetic building of structures stops, and it will diminish, the building of our community will con-
tinue. The City can and will do more to encourage community involvement in all sorts of special events, using
as many volunteers as possible. With your help, we can approach the ideal, having all of the modern conve-
niences and services without sacrificing our hometown neighborliness.
Of course, there are issues incident to governing the City that do not turn on comraderie or special events for
the family. However, responsibility and the daily tasks of managing the City are not inconsistent with our due
regard for each other and our quality of life in West U.
Allow me a moment to share with you one of my interests. Our City could be made visually more attractive.
The municipal buildings are going to be refurbished. Our parks are being landscaped and equipped. We have
not exhausted the possibilities, and as proud as we are of what we have done, why not consider the next task or
tasks? As you travel in other cities and see what has been done to improve their appearance, think about West U.
Could we benefit from those ideas? If you will let us know what you have discovered, perhaps the answer is
yes, we can put the ideas to work. The elementary school and our two banks have shown us that downtown
West U. can look better. Maybe others can be encouraged to help us to beautify West U.
Mayor Bill Watson (665-3969)
Mayor Pro Tent Toni Rushing (666-0434)
City Council Members Teresa W. Fouler (664-6433), Linda Lewis (662-5812), Stan McCandless (669-1530)
City Manager Michael Tanner (662-5812)
3800 University Boulevard - Houston, Texas 77005
668-4441
Inside l Chambers Page 2
From a until amber's ask From ika Cify Manager's Desk
"...because change is the only constant in this
world, decisions thought to be cast in concrete
today may be reversed tomorrow.` -Stan
McCall dl es s
The protection of individual rights and those of the group,
our neighbors or of society at large has always been the
responsibility of the governing body. Sometimes these two
philosophies seem to be at odds with each other. It is the.
job of the governing body to try to determine the greatest
good. The governing body must assess the climate, get
expert opinions and hold open forums, allow open and
uninhibited opinions to be expressed. Then to the best of
their ability, the governing body must make a decision.
Those people with vested interests in the decision, of
course, are either going to be pleased or disappointed.
There lies the rub. We cannot be all things to all people.
To compound the problem, because change is the only
constant in this world, decisions thought to be cast in
concrete today may be reversed tomorrow.
The Planning and Zoning Ordinance has just been rewrit-
ten. Untold hours were spent by many bright and dedicated
volunteers to make this document more readable and
efficient. The resources of many experts were solicited and
incorporated into the final product.
I think this is another example of very dedicated neighbors
wanting to participate in making West U. a better place to
live. But, this is just the prelude on how to fit a large house
on to a small lot.
Stan McCandless, City Councilmember
Dear Cify Currenis:
"...I a proud to be a resi nt a,6d raise -Iv
family in this community.-- Alike T'aimer
The City of West University Place has long recognized
its people and a unique sense of community separate from
the pack of places to live in the greater Houston metropoli-
tan area. I believe most West University Place residents
are special. They know each other, genuinely care for
each other and actively support each other. They nurture
the young and accommodate the old (the young because
they need it and the old because they earned it). Residents
do what they do because they are proud of their city, love
their neighborhood, share traditional family values and
respect each other. The City of West University Place
understands this and has incorporated that in it's philoso-r
phy of government. I am proud to be a resident and raise'
my family in this community.
Mike Tanner, City Manager
Renovations to the Community Building will start
the first week of March. We apologize for the
inconvenience and ask that you please bear with the
City until all construction is finished. Thank you.
I have noticed pet owners walking their pets in Colonial Park after dark or early in the morning before daylight. Is there
an ordinance against this activity? Can signs be posted to prevent this from happening if it is illegal? Many children and
adults utilize the park for outdoor activities that require the park grounds to remain clean.
Signs are posted at the park. Please notify the police dispatcher if you observe someone in violation of the ordinance
prohibiting pets in the park.
Is there an ordinance against the new smaller 18" direct TV satellite dishes on one's roof? I could see how the larger
dishes (3' to 6' in diameter) of the past could be considered an eyesore, but the new dishes seem to be small enough to go
unnoticed. At least they are smaller than television antennas and I would believe that they represent how communicatic
will progress in the near future.
Current ordinance would require satellite antennas to be placed on a separate post in an approved location in your
backyard. The size of the antenna does not affect the requirements. Contact Dennis Holm, Building Official @ 662-5830
for information.
City U-
Page 3
Sentir 4 Clt News
Public Works Round-up
As your outgoing Sentinel Club
Street Division-Almost completed with the crack sealing program.
President, I would like to thank
Repaired numerous holes in the streets and driveways relating to water
you, our loyal supporters. For
blowouts. The yearly patch program will begin in April and run through
the Sentinel Club
many years
August. The Division has also started a street sign replacement program
,
membership has consisted of a
hoping to illuminate the street signs a little better at night.
Water Division-Numerous water breaks occurred in early February.
small group of longtime residents,
These breaks were on old lines that have not been replaced. These breaks
but over the past three years, our
were caused by the climatic variations that occurred during that time.
membership has almost tripled!
Heavy rains saturate the ground allowing underground lines to rise and fall
During these last three years, the
which causes breaks. These results are prevalent in old lines.
Sentinel Club:
Solid Waste News-The cardboard dropoff day (January 28) was a
1. Established the Public Service
success. The total hauled away was 2,097 lbs. The Recycling Committee
Awards to recognize our outstand-
has decided to extend the pilot program, with following dropoffs sched-
ing police officers and firefighters
uled for the last Saturday of each month. The Annual Spring Cleanup and
2. Organized a city-wide National
Recycling Fair will be held April 29th at the Public Works Facility from
Night Out Against Crime celebra-
Sam- 4pm. o
Capital I r~ovement Pr°ogr•ams-As of January 31, 31 of the work
tion which was attended by record
has been completed in Priority Area No. 2. Actual construction began in
numbers of our citizens and which
Priority Area No. 3 in January with the implementation of a tree preserva-
won the national "Rookie of the
tion program.
Fear" award for West U. from the
Helpful Mints-Mulching Flower Beds: The City provides (free of
Iational Association of Town
charge) mulching material to use in your garden or flower beds. The
Watch
material is located at 2901 Westpark and is open from Sam- 4pm You
3. Implemented the very effective
have to load your own mulch. When dirt and fertilizer are added, it
Neighborhood Watch Program.
becomes a great addition to what you already have in the bed.
We have become a larger, more
active group of concerned West
i
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ng our
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zens support
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terrific Police and Fire Depart-
ments.
_
The Sentinel Club's new presi-
dent, Steve Masera Senior V.P.,
with West U. Bank, has pledged to
Placement of signs is restricted by State Law
increase our membership again this
year. If you'd like to know more
State Law prohibits the placement of a sign on a public right-of-way
about everything we're doing to
unless the placement is authorized by state law. Right-of-way, typi-
make West U. a safer place to live,
cally, includes the street, the grassy area between the curb and side-
please call for our new brochure
walk, the sidewalk itself and a narrow strip between the sidewalk and
(designed through the generosity of
the property line.
Allen Blakemore, Blakemore &
Questions concerning city ordinances can be directed to me by
Associates). I look forward to the
calling 662-5813.
Sentinel Club continuing to pro-
,ide strong financial support to our
Police and Fire Departments in the
Kaylynn Holloway, City Secretary
coming years.
Mike Eason
Page 4
Biathlon Series - Race #2 will be Sunday, March 19 at
8:30am sharp! This race will consist of a 350 yard swim
and a 5K (3.1 mile) run. Awards and prize drawings will
be given away by Bikesport.
Cost: $10.00 -Late registration will betaken on race day
at $12.00. Contact David Hyde at 668-7642 for more
information.
Youth Council News
A Party is planned for March 25th!
Please contact the Parks & Recreation office at 668-8096
for the location and time.
ilkcap /Fogs Tournament!
West U. Parks & Recreation will hold a pogs tournament!
Kids, come join the fun!
Date: March 25th
Location: Scout House- 6108 Edloe
'l'ime: 1:00pm
Format: 4 players per game, two with most milkcaps at
the end of the game advance. All games will be "offici-
ated." Tie-breakers allowed. (Double elimination)
Deadline to register: March 20th (no exceptions)
* At time of registration, you will receive 2 free
milkcaps!
* You must supply your own milkcaps for tournament.
Prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places!
Age categories:
The First Cardboard Dropoff was a Huge Success!
THANK YOU, all of you who brought cardboard of
all kinds to the first monthly Cardboard Dropoff on
Amherst behind the Police Department. We gathered
3,000 lbs., almost filling two trucks in our first effort!
City Council has given us a three month trial period,
so encourage your neighbors to participate so that the
program can continue. A small fee is paid to the City
for every pound of cardboard, and at the same time,
the City saves the cost of landfill disposal.
If you are still convinced that recycling cardboard (or
any recyclable product) is too much trouble, or that
what you do doesn't make any difference, consider
this:
A group of people were on a long journey across the
ocean in a small boat. One of the passengers decided
he would like to have a small hole under his seat. As
he chipped away at the wood, the other passengers
begged him to stop. He replied, "The hole is only
under my seat, and what I do will have no effect on
you." His actions, however small, eventually had a
dramatic impact on everyone in the boat. Your reluc-
tance to participate in recycling will have a dramatic
impact on everyone on the "big boat"....won't you start
today?
5-6 7-10 11-15
Years Years Years
Easter Egg Hunt: The City of West U. will host its 1995
Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 15th at 9:00am on
West U. Elementary Baseball Field #1. All children under
the age of 11 are encouraged to attend this fun, free event!
The Easter Bunny will be on hand to greet the children and
hand out goodies!
* Summer programs will be listed in the May issue of the
City Currents.
* If you have any questions, please call Adrienne at 668-
8096.
Crime Up Close - January
Aggravated Robbery
4100 Block of Amherst - On
January 6, two individuals had driven
home and had just come in the back
door of the residence. A middle aged
black male forced open the door
before the resident could close it. He
used a handgun to force the victims to
lie on the floor. The suspect took
cash, rings, a Rolex watch and the
keys to a 911 Porsche. An accom-
plice took the Porshe and the suspect
fled in a vehicle which was later
recovered at the Weslayan Plaza. The
recovered vehicle had been stolen in
Houston. It is believed that the
suspects followed the victims home.
'lurglary of Business
2604 Sunset - During the night of
January 14, an unknown suspect
broke into the Dapper Dan Cleaners
and stole money from three cash
registers.
5326 Kirby - During the night of
January 14, an unknown suspect
broke into Oscar's Creamery and stole
money from a file cabinet.
Auto 'T'heft
2906 Nottingham - During the night
of January 12, unknown suspect(s)
stole a 1981 GMC pickup. The
vehicle was later recovered in Hous-
ton.
3929 Amherst - Between 3:15am
and 8:15am on January 14, a 1991
Acura was stolen from the driveway.
A set of keys had previously been
stolen while guests were at a party.
The owner suspects that the vehicle
was taken by that individual. The
-,ehicle was recovered two days later
_n Houston.
6119 Fordham - During the night of
January 21, a 1990 Chevrolet Blazer
was stolen from the street in front of
From Me Chief's Desk
This month's column is dedicated to a problem in our community which may
not seem serious to those of us who can remember spending hours skateboarding
or rollerskating as a kid. The problem is rollerblades. The Police Department
has received several calls about kids who rollerblade in the streets or play street
hockey. Recently, kids have been reported on rollerblades that were hanging on
to vehicle bumpers and getting a "free ride". Two kids were observed by a city
employee "catching a ride" on a city garbage truck. Because of the problems, we
have starting stopping kids found roller skating/blading in the street during the
afternoons and advising them of an ordinance which prohibits that activity. There
is also an ordinance which prohibits "clinging to vehicles" by kids on skates.
Several residents have expressed concerns about restricting the use of
rollerblades on the streets. Arguments presented have stressed that there is little
place else which will allow this activity other than the streets. I certainly under-
stand the point. But, the bottom line is that we are all responsible for the safety
of the children in our community. If, as a community, we decide that streets are
for activities involving children, then, as a community we need to further restrict
vehicles. And yet, we all have to travel to and from our homes. The type of
actions that might be taken to increase safety levels for pedestrians have not been
supported in the past by our residents.
We have already had one "rollerblading child" hit by a vehicle. If our actions
of enforcing the ordinance prohibiting kids on skates, rollerblades or skateboards
in the streets seems unreasonable, think about how tragic the death of a child will
be.
Steve Griffith, Chief of Police
this residence. Animal Control Plus!
Burglary of Motor Vehicle Roger Messick has served as the
3800 Milton - Blank checks were Animal Control Officer for three
stolen from a vehicle that was parked at
church.
Forgery
4200 Block of Judson - A caretaker
for a senior citizen forged several
checks on the resident's bank account.
Detectives filed charges on the care-
taker.
Please Remember!
Garbage can not be placed for
collection BEFORE noon on the
day preceding your normal collec-
tion day. Please advise any contrac-
tors, such as yardmen, of this
requirement. Thanks.
years. He has assisted many of our
residents with problems that range
from wild animals to domestic pets to
the occasional strange and unusual pet
(snakes, deer, goats, pigs, etc.) He
takes his job very seriously and works
hard to communicate through the
difficult issues he frequently faces.
But, Roger has some interests
outside the job that you may find
surprising. He is an ordained minister
and provides services every Sunday to
a nursing home. He is a musician and
his band hopes to make a Southern
gospel album before the end of this
year. He is a dedicated father of three
children. The City is fortunate to have
Roger as an employee.
Seniors Parks Recreation Page 6
Activity Calendar
For reservations,
call 668-8478
.Jecoreucz~" ~esz~irzeC (.,Gab
_Jennb -~Zurncament
4riC I ~ 22 23
West U. Parts; Partners
Many thanks to the following West University Place
citizens who purchased a paver to be placed in a West U.
park:
If you are interested in purchasing a family paver for one
of the West University parks, please contact Mark R.
Spradling of the Friends of West University Parks Fund at
758-2828.
Senior Services Volunteer of the Month
Our Volunteer of the Month, Bernard (Bemie) McMaster
is not a resident of West University Place, but he is a true-
blue friend of Senior Services. Recruited by another of
our stalwart Volunteers, Bob Wark, Bernie is a fairly
recent retiree of Rice University. Bernie enjoys traveling
and has done a lot of it during his three and a half years
with us. He also attends his Kiwanis Club meetings
regularly but the real delights of his life are the seven
month old triplets that his daughter presented Bernie and
his wife, Beverly, with last July. Ever the proud grandpa,
Eemie has new pictures in his pocket everytime he drives
for us. Although he doesn't have a regular day to work, he
has driven often enough so that all our riders know him.
The ladies have commented that they really appreciate his
gentlemanly style and good driving skills. Our hats are off
to you, Bernie. Thanks for all your help!
:r
is published by the
Cornmurdcations ConEmittee
Lame Massey, Chairman
Pro du ctiwe foR tl,i, lk ;@_e Br at lded t?n oug11 the eef ,s w
u€e 'tom GrE._:?:Ei <and sus nil 1-11te t6°_.
City Curretats V."elcomes your contributions. 'orvvard to
3814Universitsv Blvd.. Houston, Terris 7700-5 c/o Chief Griffith
by the loth of the month preceding publication to assure
consideration.
It is the policy of to City of West University place not to
discriuniurate on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, scar,
religion, age, veteran status or disability.
r,,St University Couanjunity uYAI "1 oar Page 7
x "
1
Sunday Monday Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Upcoming Events
Friends of
West U Parks @
Rotary Club Meeting
AARP Tax
@ 7:15am, HESS
Assistance @10am,
6:15pm, Conference
Bldg.
Council Chambers
City Election, May 6
Room
Building and
Parks Board @
Standards Commis-
7:30pm, Conference
sion @ 6:30pm,
Room
Council Chamber
1
2
3
4
Rotary Club Meeting
AARP Tax
@ 7:15am, HESS
Assistance
Bldg.
@10am, Council
Chambers
Zoning and Planning
@ 7:30pm, Council
Chamber
5
.6
7
8
9
10
11
Council Workshop
Recycling
Rotary Club Meeting
AARP Tax
@ 6:30pm,
Committee @
@ 7:15am, HESS
Assistance @10am,
Conference Room
7:30pm, Police
Bldg.
Council Chambers
Department
Council Meeting @
Zoning Board of
7:30pm, Council
Adjustment @
Chamber
7:30pm, Council
Chamber
HISD Spring Break
HISD Spring Break
HISD Spring Break
HISD Spring Break
HISD Spring Break
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
Communications
Rotary Club Meeting
AARP Tax
Committee @
@ 7:15am, HESS
Assistance
7:30pm, Council
Bldg.
@10am, Council
Chamber
Chambers
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
Council Workshop
Rotary Club Meeting
AARP Tax
@ 6:30pm,
@ 7:15am, HESS
Assistance
Conference Room
Bldg.
@10am, Council
Chambers
Council Meeting @
7:30pm, Council
Chamber
26
27
28
29
30
31
Page 8
VERY IMPORTANT NOTICE TO ALL RESIDENTS!
FACTIJ E A QUALIFIED REPRESENTATIVE
City of West University Place
3800 University Blvd.
Houston, 'T'exas 77005
BULK RATE
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
Permit No. 600
Houston, TX