HomeMy WebLinkAboutAugustthe Historical Side
For the past three years in West University Place, there has been a group of
people who enjoy living in the past-in fact, in West U's past in particular!
In 1992, the non-profit West University Place Historical Society was estab-
lished to discover, maintain and share information on our unique city's past.
Society members range from newcomers to the area who are simply interested
in the history and development of the city to original West U. homeowners who
purchased their homes as many as six decades ago.
In its third year, the West University Place Historical Society is growing in
both membership and challenging new projects. The Historical Research
committee has recently embarked on a survey of West U. homes built before
1935. Many of these homes are still standing and in some cases, the original
homeowners are available to provide invaluable personal historical information
z out these properties.
The Historical Society is also undertaking the establishment of an archival
system to organize donated photographs, documents, scrapbooks, family
histories, abstracts of title and other items of historical interest to the City of
West University Place. The city has generously agreed to provide storage space
for these archival records.
The 1995-96 West University Place Historical Society elected officers are:
President: June Begeman, Treasurer: Nano Cox, Corresponding Secretary: Judy
Bristol, Recording Secretary: Pat Arnold, Historian: Norma Boyker, Parliamen-
tarian: Miles Pittlekow, Archives Officers: Gail McKinnon and Dalia Stokes,
Communications Officer: Sunny McKinnon, Community Relations Officer:
Byron Barnes, Fund-raising Officer: Deborah Safo, Government Relations
Officer: Whitt Johnson, Historical Research Officer: June Begeman, Hospitality
Officer: Susanne Evans, Membership Officer: Carolyn Rappazo, Photography
Officer: Suzanne Street, Program Officer: Janice Donaldson, and Publicity
Officer: Elaine Allen. For information about society membership or projects,
call June Begeman at 666-5721 or write WUPHS, 2476 Bolsover #114, Hous-
ton, Texas 77005.
Do You Need Information About West U?
Available at City Hall are "New Resident Guides" which provide a useful
-,urce of information about West University Place. Included in the guide are
-ity phone numbers and information about emergency services, public works,
educational facilities, city ordinances, parks and recreation and other activities
of interest in the community. The guides are free to new residents and $5.00 to
current residents and nonresidents.
Repairs to Poor Farm Ditch
From Ed Menville
Public Works Director
hi late August, Harris County Flood
Control District will begin repairing
about 1000' of Poor Farm Ditch from
Bellaire Boulevard to Carnegie Street.
This work will cost the County
approximately $320,000 and was
recommended by County Commis-
sioner Steve Radack. The project
involves complete reconstruction of
the east half of the ditch from the
flow line of the channel to the top of
the concrete bank. Also included will
be some regrading of the bank of the
ditch on the same side. All work will
be confined to the right of way owned
by Harris County Flood Control
District. Construction equipment will
be entering the ditch right of way
from the residential streets (Corondo
Ct., Cason or Carnegie) and exit at
Bellaire Boulevard. The County has
advised the City of West University
Place that every effort will be made to
protect trees in this area, however, it
will be necessary for some of them to
be removed because they are too close
to the work area. Prior to construc-
tion, notices will be sent to all home
owners affected by this work. Should
you have questions about the project
please call Mr. John Brusen, P.E.,
Coordinator, Harris County Flood
Control District, at 668-4000, or
Edward R. Menville, P.E., Public
Works Director at West University
Place, at 662-5840.
Inside Council Chambers
Page 2
From the Mayor's Desk FrotnaCouncJ1MetnWsDesk
`'We believe we have addressed the necessity for
conversion to surface eater in a responsible way,
and intend to move on to the next item on our. (the
City's) agenda to protect, to promote, and to
preserve our community.." - Bill Watson
You may have read in a local newspaper that the City of
Bellaire has decided to contest through the courts the
requirement of the Harris County Subsidence District that
all municipalities use at least 80% surface water. Your
City Council considered this alternative and decided not to
litigate with the Harris County Subsidence District. Here is
why: the cost to convert to surface water was $559,622,
some of which was spent on needed improvements to our
existing facilities. That half a million dollars, plus, would
cover a lot of attorneys' fees and expert witness fees and
court costs, but, after all the expense of carrying the case
through at least the Texas Supreme Court, the chances that
this City would lose, as a matter of law, were considerable.
To be involved in litigation for two to three years with no
great expectation of winning did not seem sound business
judgment to those of us on Council. Southside Place
reached the same conclusion.
West U has paid the conversion cost. It came out of our
utility reserve. Since March of this year you have been
using 80% surface water with no increase in your water
bill. We accomplished this by not funding our depreciation
reserve for utilities. It simply was not necessary to do so
because our water and sewer lines are currently being
replaced and are being financed through bond funds. In the
years ahead such a reserve again will become necessary as
the present new lines become old and worn.
Next year, it is possible that water rates may increase as
much as 11%, but if so, it should be the only and the final
rate increase incident to surface water conversion.
I realize that the above is a simplification and still makes
for dull reading, but I wanted you to know Council's
deliberations and actions regarding a significant issue
affecting our City. We believe we have addressed the
necessity for conversion to surface water in a responsible
way, and intend to move on to the next item on our (the
City's) agenda to protect, to promote, and to preserve our
community.
"Volunteers are part of this community's life-
blood. We see the results of their energy,aime and
talent in churches, schools and civic organizations;
on youth playing fields; with senior citizens; and
in city government: Linda Lewis
Volunteers are part of this community's lifeblood. We
see the results of their energy, time and talent in churches,
schools and civic organizations; on youth playing fields;
with senior citizens; and in city government where volun-
teer efforts complement those of the City Council and
staff. This month, August, we on City Council will be
interviewing citizens for appointment to volunteer boards,
committees and commissions. If you would like to be
more involved in city government and have an average of
three to six hours free each month for two years beginning
September 1, 1995, perhaps there is a place for you on one
of the following:
Zoning and Planning Commission - A seven member
commission which reviews the city's existing zoning
ordinance and recommends changes for council's consideration. Also recommends plans for physical development
within the city.
Zoning Board of Adjustment - A five member /four
alternate board which grants or denies appeals from
citizens for variances to the city's zoning ordinance.
Building and Standards Commission - A five member/
four alternate commission which hears appeals from
citizens requesting variances to the city's building codes
and enforces health and safety ordinances.
Parks Board - A 15 member board which advises
council on matters pertaining to the city's parks and
recommends plans for the improvement of such facilities.
Friends of West U Parks - A twenty member board
serving as the fund raising arm for improvements to
neighborhood parks. Primary activity is the annual Park
Lovers Ball.
Recycling Committee - A ten member committee which
works with the Public Works Department to implement
innovative recycling programs.
Tree Committee - A ten member committee which
recommends changes to the tree ordinance and coordinates
See Volunteer, page 8
Mayor Bill Watson (665-3969)
Mayor Pro Tern Teresa W.' Fogler.(664-6433)
City Council Members Linda Lewis (662-5312), Stan McCandless (669-1830),Tom Rushing (666-443=1)
City Manager Michael Tanner (662-5812)
3800 University ouleva d - Houston, Texas 77005
668-4-441
City Life
Page 3
Cardboard Recycling
Newcomer's Cu
The cardboard recycling program in West U., initiated in January, has suc-
by Suzanne Gutherie
ceeded even beyond our imaginations! Using volunteers to receive and stack
the cardboard that is brought to the drop-off site on Amherst behind the police
The City of West University
station, we have averaged almost two tons of cardboard per month being taken
Place Newcomer's Club is planning
to the cardboard recycler. The city is paid a nominal fee for each and every
an eventful second year. The Club is
pound! In addition, and equally important, that volume of bulky material is
open to all new residents of West U
diverted from the landfill, so we don't pay to have it dumped there. You can
and offers activities such as Exploring
plainly see the benefits: save by avoiding "tipping fees" at the dump, earn a
Houston, Luncheons, Book Club,
little bit for recycling, and save a tree.
Playgroups, Babysitting Co-op,
While corrugated cardboard is the most desirable type of cardboard" for
Bridge, Needlework, Bunco, and
recycling, almost all types of cardboard are acceptable for recycling at this time.
more. It's a great way to meet your
The company who receives our cardboard will accept a certain percentage of
neighbors and have some fun.
"undesirable" cardboard along with the preferred corrugated material, so when
The Fall kickoff parry will be
queried in the past, we have responded simply, "Bring along all of the card-
held at the Gremillion Gallery on
board that you have collected." On occasion, the volunteers have separated
Sunset Blvd. on September 23, and
"chipboard" from the better, brown cardboard, and we have also sent some
members and new residents are
chipboard along in the load of corrugated. Until we are asked to do otherwise
welcome. If you are interested in
by the cardboard recycling company, some small amount of the "wrong" kind
finding out more about the West
of cardboard will be accepted. The rules of thumb are as follows:
University Place Newcomer's Club,
* Corrugated cardboard is most desirable. It is most often brown, and if
please join us for coffee on the first
inspected from the side, it has two layers of thick paper on either side of a
Friday of each month at the West
ghtly ridged inner layer. It's used in making sturdy boxes the variety that a
University Methodist Church Parlor,
new television would be packaged in, for example.
3611 University. For membership
* Flat cardboard (not corrugated) that is brown is also desirable. Look inside
information, please contact Lisa
your round oatmeal box it's probably brown. My most recent Pepsi carton
Loiacono at 664-3272.
was brown.
* A Kleenex box is probably gray, and that is not desirable. (Gray cardboard
bet"
is what's commonly called "chipboard"). That difference in color reflects the
number of times the paper has been processed it's fibers are too short for
additional recycling.
School Starts August 21st
It is those gray "cardboard" boxes that have been confusing some people.
Slow Down in School Zones
Rather than worry about what kinds of things are "right," the Recycling Com-
And
mittee wants you to bring all of your cardboard to the drop-off site. We will
Watch Out for Our Children
answer your questions as you drive through. The slick paper surface on some
cardboard boxes is insignificant to the recycling process and should be saved.
Pizza boxes that aren't completely soaked with oil are also fine. Again, if you
'
'
The City of West U is graciously
aren
t sure, bring it anyway. We
ll help figure it out.
making available a paperback book
Our list of Cardboard Volunteers is long and getting longer, but we always
,
Backyard Composting
which is full
welcome more involvement. If you can give two hours of your Saturday, every
,
of basic information
Available for
other month, we want you!
.
$8.00 at retail stores, the City is
Back Yard Composting Continues
making them available to West U
Patsy Graham, West U's Master Composter (an official title--trained by the
residents for $4.00 per copy. They are
state), continues to hold workshops to help make your backyard composting
available at the main window at City
efforts more successful. If you would like to know more about composting, or
Hall. (Have you purchased your
you would like to attend the next workshop, give Patsy a call at 660-9710.
compost bin yet'? They are there, too.)
If a brief training session has left you wanting even MORE information,
'
As always, if you have questions
you
re invited to apply to become a Master Composter, too. You would join
about recycling in West U, please feel
Patsy as a resource for less experienced West U residents who have questions.
free to call Cindy Neal, Recycling
The retraining date has not been set Patsy will coordinate that, as well.
Committee Chairman, at 665-3949.
Page 4
National NI*ght Out
7.0U" pry Tuesday, August 1.
Just as July 4th is our most important national holiday,
Neighborhood Watch's most important event is
National Night Out
Neighborhood Watch is about knowing your neighbors and looking out
for them. National Night Out is our opportunity to visit with and get to
know those neighbors better.
At 7:00 pm on August 1, the City's civil defense siren will sound as well
as the sirens of all our City's fire trucks, police cars and ambulances. All
that noise should get everyone out just to see what all the commotion is
about!
Please join in the fun. Encourage your
neighbors to come out and visit with
one another.
P
August
Crime Up Close
June
Burglary of Residence
2723 Centenary - During the
afternoon of June 28th, unknown
suspect(s) entered the unlocked back
door of this residence and removed
two VCR's and some jewelry.
3521 Cason - A resident's vehicle
was stolen from the garage and
property was taken from the house
while the resident was gone. The
vehicle was recovered. A relative of
the resident was found to be respon-
sible and charges were filed.
6016 Community - Five juveniles
broke into this residence and vandal-
led property. Another juvenile
Messed the act and reported the
incident to police. Charges were
filed on the five suspects.
Auto 'T'heft
5800 Wakeforest - A resident woke
to hear someone attempting to start
his car. He immediately reported the
incident to the police, but the suspect
had already started the vehicle and
left before the officer arrived. The
vehicle was found in the 3000 block
of Robinhood with a broken steering
column. The suspect had apparently
"ditched" the car when he saw
officers responding to the call.
Partial fingerprints were recovered
and detectives are working on the
case.
6726 Vanderbilt - A 1990 Suburban
was stolen during the night of June
21. The vehicle was recovered the
next day in the City of Houston. A
vent window was broken out and the
;ering column was broken.
Recovered Stolen Motor Vehicle
3100 Carnegie - A midnight shift
officer on patrol observed two
suspicious suspects in a vehicle. He
From tile Chief s Desk
Recently a serious incident in a neighboring jurisdiction resulted in the death
of a young man. Let me qualify my comments by saying that I do not intend to
diminish the tragedy of this situation. I know that everyone even remotely
connected to this incident would happily change the circumstances given the
chance. As a result, I will discuss this incident in general, leaving the details to
the criminal justice system for resolution.
The catalyst for this incident appears to have been a keg party. A keg of beer
was provided. Several youth attended. Apparently one or more of the youth in
attendance brought some L.S.D. (acid) to the party. As can best be determined
at this point, the victim in this case may have added the drug to his alcohol
consumption, causing a chemical reaction that resulted in erratic behavior. As
reported, it was late at night and the young man ran from some of his friends
into the backyard of a residence. He threw a stone through a window and went
inside. Terrified residents called the police and officers responded immediately.
The young man threw a chair out a front window. Officers entering the resi-
dence confronted the young man. He was erratic and wouldn't follow officers'
instructions. He put his hand into his pocket and the officer believed he had a
weapon. Two shots were fired and the young man was dead.
A tragic end to a young life. A tragedy for the young man's family. A tragic
experience for the family whose house was invaded. A tragic emotional experi-
ence for the officers involved. The young man did not have a weapon.
Let's go back to the beginning. The catalyst for this event was a keg party.
And in this story is another tragedy, this particular keg party was thrown by
two twelve year old girls. The daughter of the home owner had talked her
mother into spending the night elsewhere. Imagine how different these circum-
stances could have been if any part of this story were altered.
In the past, our department has been criticized by the parents of involved
teenagers for our enforcement actions during these types of events. Yes, kids
have keg parties here in West U. Our officers will file charges on the individual
hosting the party and whoever they can prove provided the alcohol. In addition,
they will file charges on those kids who are intoxicated. Why not just warn
these kids and let them go home? Because of the tremendous potential for
tragic circumstances. If there is going to be any deterrent to this type of activ-
ity, kids have to know that there are consequences for engaging in illegal
activities. As responsible parents, we can help by checking on where our kids
are and reporting any of these activities that you become aware of to the police.
Steve Griffith, Chief of Police
checked the registration and found out that the vehicle was stolen. The driver of
the vehicle stopped and he and the passenger fled on foot through the neighbor-
hood. Our officers were not able to catch the suspects.
Burglary of Motor Vehicle
6700 Academy - Two Southwestern Bell trucks were broken into during the
night. Miscellaneous equipment was taken.
4037 Coleridge -A cellular telephone was taken from a vehicle.
Seniors Page 6
August 8, Thursday: 2:00 -3:00pm. Free-The last in the
series Planning for Disability is presented by University
State Bank. While the subject may seem grim, it must be
addressed by most of us in our lifetimes.
August 11, Friday: 1:00 - 2:OOpm. $2. One very popular
activity we have during the year is the Ice Cream Social.
Besides the great entertainment, you will be swept into a
daze of sundae toppings - fresh fruits and syrups, nuts,
whipped cream and more. Create your own gastronomic
delight (or nightmare). Sit back to enjoy the music and
have a really great time with your friends and neighbors.
Stay for Bingo!
August 15, Tuesday: 8:00am - 5:00pm. $10. The Sam
Houston State Statue is our destination for today's trip.
On the way up to Huntsville we will stop at the New
Waverly Sacred Gardens and tour the historic St. Joseph's
Catholic Church. After enjoying a buffet lunch at the
Waverly House we will have a docent led tour at the statue.
August 23, Wednesday: 9:30 - 11:30am - if you have
ever donated money to the animals at the SPCA, today we
will be touring the facilities to see how our money had
been used. You need not adopt a pet, but they wouldn't
mind a donation.
August 30, Wednesday: 2:00 - 3:00pm - Today's
speaker believes that people can Communicate with Ani-
mals and vice versa. She will tell us about this phenom-
enon, how and why she started, and will give hints on
handling contrary pets. Donations accepted for the speaker.
National Night Out
The "12th Annual National Night Out" has been sched-
uled for Tuesday, August 1. We cordially invite you and
your neighbors to be a part of our NIGHT OUT '95 team.
National Night Out is designed to send a message to
criminals that our neighborhoods are organized and fighting
back. It has proven to be an effective, inexpensive and
enjoyable program to promote neighborhood spirit and
police-community partnerships in the fight for a safer
neighborhood. Along with the traditional display of out-
door lights, neighborhoods can celebrate National Night
Out with block parties, cookouts, flashlight walks and
visits from the police department. The benefits our com-
munity will derive from National Night Out will most
certainly extend well beyond the one night.
If you would like more information about National Night
Out, please call Sergeant Mike Peterson at 662-5862.
Recycling News
"Recycling" has been amajor "catch" word around the
City of West University Place since the early 1970's. In
fact it has been so "catchy" that it has become a part of
everyday life to a number of the residents who live here.
Those who recycle are usually very environmentally
conscious of their surroundings and are attempting to do
their part in improving that environment. But recycling
can be a very expensive project, especially when done on
a Community level. Usually funded by the General Fund
of a City and subsidized through sales of products col-
lected, recycling can be a drain on a City, especially
during times of "cut backs" and "downsizing". In cities
where recycling is "the thing to do" or "damn the cost,
let's save the planet," City officials must be very cautious
and apply economic strategies that make the program
profitable or at least comfortable.
Now the good news! As of May of this year, recycling
collections in West University generated $6,839.08 of
direct revenue. Indirect revenue (cost avoidance of not
having to dispose of this material in a landfill) amounted
to $7,984.67. After covering our collection costs, there-
fore, we generated a monthly profit of $1,316.23. Con-
gratulations!
How can we improve? Encourage our neighbors to
participate. Presently the participation rate is around 28%
of our residents on any given Wednesday. We need for
you to add your material to our program if you are not a
current recycler. Another factor helping our program is
the price we are being paid for the material. For example,
in 1989 the City was paid .25 cents per 100 lbs. for paper
- now the City collets $3.50 for that same amount.
What does all this mean? Recycling can be a profitable
program. With greater participation, our program could
generate even more funds for our City. Remember to
reduce, reuse, and, in West U., recycle on Wednesdays!
West Park Partners
Many thanks to the following West University citizens
who purchased a paver to be placed in a West U park:
Mr. Charles M. Lusk, III
The Friends of West University Parks
In memory of Carl B. Frazer, Jr.
Mr. & Mrs. Gary S. Lewis
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 W.U. Parks Fund, at 758-
2828.
West University n i Bulletin r Page 7
rst
Sunday Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Friends of
Building and
Upcoming Events
West UParks @
Standards Commis-
6:15pm, Conference
sion @ 6:30pm,
February 10, 1996 Park Lover's
Room
Council Chamber
Ball
National Nite
Parks Board @
Out! @ 7:00pm
7:30pm, Conference
Room
1
2
3
4
5
Zoning and Planning
@ 7:30pm, Council
Chamber
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
Council Workshop
Zoning Board of
@ 6:30pm,
Adjustment @
Conference Room
7:30pm, Council
Chamber
Council Meeting @
7:30pm, Council
Chamber
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
First Day of
School - HIED
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
Council Workshop
@ 6:30pm,
Conference Room
Council Meeting @
7:30pm, Council
Chamber
27
28
29
30
31
Page 8
Volunteer, Continued
activities to increase environmental awareness.
Communications Committee - A ten member committee involved in im-
proving community relations and assisting council and staff with organizing
and promoting city functions.
Senior Services Board - A twelve member board serving in an advisory
capacity for senior citizens.
Youth Council - A ten member committee of youth, ages 11-14, who assist
in planning activities for younger citizens.
City Council members look forward to meeting you during our upcoming
interviews. To apply for an appointment to a board, commission or committee,
please contact City Secretary Kay Holloway by calling 662-5813. As applica-
tions are received, interviews with council will be scheduled. Thank you for
your interest in making West University Place the best possible place for all of
us to live.
HOW Are We Doing?
F Cite Currents
of
West University Place, `I'E , as
is p-ablished by the
Communications Committee
Larry Massey, Chairman
Production for this issue provided
through the efforts of Steve Griffith
and Suzanne Runner.
City Currents weleoines your
contributions. fomard to 3814
University Blvd., Houston, Texas 77005
c/o Chief Gritfithby-the 10th of the month
preceding publication to assure
consideration.
It is the policy of the City of West
University Place not to discriniinate on die
basis of race, creed, color, national origin,
sea_, religions age, veteran status or
disability.
I
City council & staff want to be responsive to your needs. If you have a comment, problem, complaint or
compliment for us, please fill out the information below and return with your water bill. Thanks!
Name
Address
Comment
Home Phone # Work Phone #
City of West University Place
3800 University Blvd.
Houston, Texas 77005
BULK RATE
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
Permit No. 600
Houston, TX