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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDecemberWESTUNMX2SITY PLACE Volume 21, o.12 December 1994 The task force created to study uses of the YMCA property, if it were to be acquired by the City of West University Place, submitted its final report to the mayor and city council on Wednesday, November 2, 1994. The Executive Summary, highlighting the report's main points, follows. The full report is available from Kay Holloway at City Hall. For further information on the report, contact: Bob Fry, Chairman,YMCA Task Force, 668-7100(ofc) or 668-8392(res); Mark Mailes, director, Parks & Recreation, 668-8096; or Bill Watson, mayor. Report--Executive Summary In March 1994 the West University Task Force on pital Improvements submitted its final report to the %,tty. Its findings include the statement "There is a critical shortage of athletic field space for the City's youth." It recommended the City purchase the property of the Southwest YMCA if it becomes available. In April 1994 the Mayor and City Council of West University Place formed the YMCA Utilization Task Force to study the possible uses of the YMCA property and how to integrate it into existing Parks & Recreation Department programs. The Southwest YMCA is anticipating selling its present location to finance the construction of a larger facility to be part of the Stella Link Redevelopment Project. It may take as long as five to seven years for the YMCA to get title to its new site, sell its present facility, raise additional funds, build and move into a new facility. It will need to sell and lease back its present facility for a period of as long as two to three years as part of this process. The only available open space within the city limits currently dedicated to field sports is on land owned by the Houston Independent School District. The City presently does not have any type of gymnasium facility. The Colonial Park swimming pool is overcrowded at peak periods during the warm months. The City does not now have a large all-weather facility for larger gatherings. Parks & Recreation Department programs are now limited by space considerations, and new programs, such as those designed specifically for the community's large and growing teenage population, have no place to begin. The CA Utilizazation Task Force recommends the City purchase the property and lease it back to the YMCA for a specific and limited period of time while it is building its new facility. We further recommend, when the City eventually takes possession of the property, that it operate the facility as it now exists for the benefit of its citizens. This Task Force also recommends dedicating the existing open space to field sports, operating the gymnasium for expanded Parks & Recreation Department programs and using the pool for lap swimming, swim team practice and competition, swimming lessons and exercise classes. This is a rare opportunity for an inner loop neighbor- hood. Large parcels of land still available for playing fields and recreational programs are rare. We must take advan- tage of this opportunity to provide for future generations the benefits of additional playing fields and recreational facilities. - Bob Fry, Chairman, YMCA Task Force What's Inside? Special Insert: Parks & Recreation Winter Programs Inside City Hall .....Page 2 Council Comments .....Page 3 Recycling ......Page 3 Newcomer's News .....Page 4 From the Chief's Desk ....Page 5 Parks and Recreation Events .....Page 6 Community Bulletin Board ....Page 7 Employee of the Month ....Page 8 Inside Council Chambers Page 2 from f is es r #k~ ify an er°s es Our citizens will have to have the patience of Job.... Progress can be painful, but the lack of it is unacceptable." - Bill Watson City Currents now features city departments more than it once did. You are entitled to know what your city staff is doing and how they are serving you. Speculation and third- hand information are not helpful to anyone. City Currents is intended to provide each of you with factual information and to encourage you to inquire if you wish to know more about your City government and representatives. The CA Utilization Committee, under the leadership of Bob Fry, presented Council with a splendid report of its investigation of a possible acquisition of the YMCA property by the City. Copies of the report may be obtained at City Mall. We must make a decision in the near future. The Planning and Zoning Committee has proposed amendments that will affect the use of lots by West U. citizens. They are still in the discussion stage. At this point no recommendations have been made either by Council or the Committee. You have time and the opportunity to become informed about these proposed amendments and to let your views be known. Thanks to our Metro representative, P.J. Leonetti, the City has received much needed and appreciated Metro funds. These monies, together with the thrifty utilization of proceeds from sale of bonds, will allow the City to finance the next portion of our infrastructure replacement. No further bond sales will be necessary for this phase, which encompasses the area between Rice on the North, Acad- emy on the East, Swarthmore on the South, and the railroad on the West. Plans are being prepared. When this construction begins and is combined with the proposed Bissonnet replacement, our citizens will have to have the patience of Job. We need better sewers and streets; we have come up with no better way to provide them for you. Progress can be painful, but the lack of it is unacceptable. Numerous residents send cards and letters in response to things they have heard, seen or read about the city. Some are positive, some are. negative and some are classic. - Mike Tanner Just don't get "too big for your britches! " Meaning don't get too dictatorish-in our city or we citizens will have to remove you from the position you hold! Our homes are our own place of rest, comfort, joy, pleasure - in our house and in our yard! Just keep your "smarty pants" rules & dictatoring to your own property and leave we property owners to the joys of living in WUP as we have always known!! Don't let these big houses that are being built on "small property lots " make you think this is River Oaks or even Memorial Area. This is comfortable WUP!!! The city is barraged with demands for regulation. Rarely do citizens protest the growth of West University Place government and the extent to which it restricts their freedom. Until they do, "smarty pants" rules and "dictatoring" are more likely than unlikely. This is your government. It will meet the demands the majority of you present. - Michael Tanner, City Manager Mayor Bill Watson (665-3969) Mayor Pro Tem Tom Rushing (666-0434) City Council Members Teresa W. Fogler (664-6433), Linda Lewis (664-4301), Stan McCandless (669-1830) City Manager Michael Tanner (662-5812) 3800 University Boulevard - Houston, Texas 77005 668-4441 City Life Page 3 Incentives t Recycle? You Bet! As representatives of WUP's Recycling Committee, our goal is to increase household participation in recycling, so here comes the... Comprehensive Household recycling Incentive System Effective January 1, all funds West U receives as a result of recycling will be set aside in a fund to be distributed at the direction of the Recycling Committee. Proposed by Chris (note the acronym) Taylor, the city's finance direc- tor, the funds will be used to promote recycling and to subsidize recycling-related items (such as compost bins), as well as for tangible "gifts" to the city in the form of recycled plastic park benches and trees in sunny places. The more you recycle, the more the city - and citizens - ll reap the rewards! The West U curbside recycling program will remain the same as it has been, with aluminum, glass and paper being picked up at curbside. We are thrilled to announce that, beginning in January, we will initiate a trial program to recycle corrugated cardboard, too! Once a month, a drop- off site will be staffed by volunteers to receive all of our corrugated cardboard, generally the bulkiest material currently sent to the landfill. (If there is sufficient demand, we will work to continue the drop-off beyond three months, and add - you asked for it - plastic!) The success of the program depends on you - • Start saving cardboard now, and plan to separate it from holiday packaging. (Cereal boxes and Barbie Doll boxes aren't corrugated cardboard, but your new stereo will come in a box that is.) • Encourage your neighbors to participate in recycling. • If you will be willing to devote some time on a Satur- day to help the Recycling Committee receive card- board at the drop-off site, please call Cindy Neal (665- 3949) to volunteer. This would be a great opportunity to fulfill those high school volunteer requirements. Read the January City Currents for the cardboard drop- off location and hours of operation. We look forward to seeing all of you there! Council COMMIC."k By Linda Lewis I have lived in West University since 1972, and for most of that time recycling has been a part of my consciousness, mainly because someone whose energy was committed to the concept would ask me to get involved. Early on, that person was Sharron Strang, who with her husband Warner, made the initial proposal that our city recycle. In their 1971 presentation to City Council, they wrote: Americans spend some $4 billion each year to dispose of more than 250 million tons of solid waste. Although we are a small fraction of the earth's population, we consume and dispose of half the natural resources used by mankind. The majority of it goes into sanitary open dumps. I wonder how many billions and tons those numbers would be today. Over the years most of us residents have contributed to our city's recycling program, but if your efforts have been like my family's, you may not be doing all you can. This year, we've made an attempt to really do recycling, and it has made a difference. I must confess that part of our motivation was my two times to be involved with the city's budget. We spend many tax dollars to collect and dispose of refuse, much of which could be recycled and result in revenues that could be applied to projects that impact our everyday lives in West University. So why am I thinking about all this before the sun even comes up on a Tuesday morning? It's because I've noticed there's a direct correlation between the fast approaching holiday season and the amount of mail delivered to our house. Most of that mail can be recycled, and that is a good place to begin your own efforts to cut down on the amount of garbage you put out each week. Just that single effort will have a surprising impact on your volume and, consequently, on the city's costs. Eventually, increased recycling may mean money in all our pockets if billing for garbage collection were to become volume based. That alternative is still under investigation by city council and staff. Thanks to the early efforts of citizens like the Strangs (now Southside residents) and their corps of volunteers, West U has quite a successful recycling program that is currently being infused with new energy and ideas. We are exploring possibilities for including plastic and card- board in our program, and after the first of the year we may coordinate a volunteer manned weekend dropoff site. It worked in the 70's and with all the exuberance currently existing in West University, surely it would be successful again. Happy Holidays and best wishes to the good days ahead for our very special city and its residents. Page Save some $ GREEN $ this year, take home a Diving Christmas 'T'ree By purchasing a containerized Living Christmas Tree at your local nursery, you are saving dollars and resources in many different ways: Because ...living trees don't waste precious landfill space, thereby saving your tax dollars. Because ...by planting a tree in your yard you are beautifying your neighborhood and increasing the value of your property. Because ...you can plant a tree in a location which will give your home additional shade, lowering cooling costs in the summer. Because ...a living tree protects your future by consum- ing CO2 and producing oxygen which reduces the effects of air pollution. Because ...by caring enough to plant a Living Christmas Tree, you are spreading the message of conversation and environmental awareness to your family and friends, which is invaluable to us all. How to choose, plant and care for your Living Christmas Tree 1) When purchasing a Living Christmas Tree, choose an appropriate species for this climate. Trees should be container grown. Trees at least 15 gallons (1 1/4 inch to 1 1/2 inch in diameter or 5-8 feet tall) have a better chance of survival. 2) Leave the tree in its container and place a drip tray under the plant to catch runoff from watering. 3) Decorate carefully. This living plant will benefit from gentle treatment as well as attention to its light require- ments. 4) After the holidays, remove decorations carefully and choose location for planting which will accommodate the adult size as well as meet the light and drainage require- ment. 5) Dig a hole 1 1/2 to 2 times wider than root ball. The tree should be planted 2" higher than the original soil level. This is especially important for heavy clay soils to aid in drainage. 6) Do not remove the container from the tree until you are ready to place it in the planting hole and backfill. When ready, gently remove root ball from container. 7) Set the tree gently in the hole, lifting by the root ball. The tree should be centered and plumb. Hold the tree while gently refilling around the root ball and tamp lightly. 8) Remove any grass or weeds within a 6 foot diameter circle around the tree. With excess soil, build a ring 6-8" in height around the tree to create a watering saucer and We all know that "you are only as old as you feel," but in West U, you are also only as new as you feel! The West University Newcomers Club is midway through its fall season with many different interest groups available for anyone new to the city. How new is "new?" Call Suzanne Guthrie, Membership VP at 664-8410 for information about how to join. The monthly luncheon will be on Friday, December 16, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. If you would like to join this warm and friendly group, call Brenda Parker (666-4389) by December 12 to reserve your seat - our destination is special so our number will be limited. Call now. And a party for the new lads on the block, too... more information (669-8262). Ongoing Newcomers activities include Bunko Lee Boswell 667-2581 Evening Book Club Lisa Groten 661-7212 Bridge Mary Armeniades 668-9830 Friday Coffee Dorothy Zink 661-4115 Diners' Club Sheila Murphy 664-6952 Play Group Lorie Landers 669-8288 Stitchery Meg Carlson 666-8903 Girls Softball West University Softball Association invites you to join the fun! Registration began November 14, 1994. Forms are still available at the West U Pool or from Sheryl Hughes at 667-8881. NEW PLAYERS, please contact Sheryl Hughes BEFORE December 10th, if possible. Priority Registration: December 10th, 1994 ($70) , Deadline for LATE Registation: January 14, 1994 ($100) (Scholarships are available) See Trees, Page 8 A ,'re Crime Up Close October stolen from a garage. 2819 Plumb - Two bicycles were stolen from a garage. 6549 Westchester - Property was stolen from a house that was sched- - led for demolition. 3816 Bellaire - Unknown suspect(s) using a key entered St. Mark's School. The suspect(s) took the hinges off some cabinet doors. Nothing appeared to have been taken. 4111 Sunset -On October 27, between 2:00 pm and 4:00 pm, a motorcycle was stolen from a garage. Auto 'T'heft 4100 Southwestern - On October 6, between 8:30 pm and 11:00 pm, a 1983 Chevrolet pickup truck was stolen while parked on the street. 4100 Southwestern - A 1984 Oldsmobile was stolen during the night of October 13 while it was parked in the street. The vehicle was recovered later by the Houston Police stripped of several parts. 3100 Bissonnet - Our midnight shift supervisor, Sergeant Peterson, saw two vehicles driving through our neighborhoods at 2:00 am. As he -gan to follow them, the vehicles split off in seperate directions. Mike followed one of the vehicles down Bissonnet while he chcked the license i1TY P December 1994 re f Chief's Desk Holiday Safety As the Holiday Season arrives, people everywhere will be out shopping and traveling to and from social events. Here are some things you can do to keep your Holiday Season crime free. When shopping, simply be aware. One of the most opportune times for criminals is when their victims are preoccupied with other matters. If you park in a lot at night, make sure it is well lit. Be aware of your surroundings. If you see a car cruising aimlessly through the parking lot or people loitering in the parking lot, don't get out of your car. Wait until you are sure that things are safe. Remember, if you are approached while in your car, that noise is your friend. Use the horn, most criminals don't want to attract attention. Don't leave pack- ages or valuable items like portable cellular telephones in plain view in your vehicle. With the holiday season comes the opportunity to go to social events. Time to wear your best jewelry, clean the car and go have fun. Remember, there are individuals that drive around looking for nice cars and people wearing expensive jewelry. They find a victim and follow the victim to their destination. If you are driving home, remember to be aware. Look to see if you are being followed the last few blocks before your house. If you see a car that looks suspicious, then drive past your house to the closest well lit, busy business or office. If you are close, drive to the Police Department. We haven't had a robbery in our parking lot yet! Have a safe and happy holiday. Steve Griffith, Chief of Pol ice plate registration over the radio. The vehicle. vehicle abruptly stopped and two 3400 Rice - At 5:50 am a resident Hispanic males jumped out of the vehicle and ran off. We were unable to locate the two suspects. The vehicle had been stolen from a residence on Robinhood. Burglary of Motor Vehicle 3500 Cason, 2800 Carnegie, 6600 Mercer - During the night of October 3, three vehicles at these locations were broken into and personal property was taken. 3100 Duke - A CB radio was stolen from an unlocked vehicle. 3600 Amherst - A piece of concrete was used to break out a window of a vehicle. A portable cellular phone was stolen. 3935 Marlowe - A protable cellular phone was stolen out of an unlocked oberved a small white Chevrolet drive past his truck. The vehicle returned and two suspects got out of the car and started tampering with his truck. When the resident heard glass break- ing, he ran out the front door of the house. The suspects got back in the car and drove off. Caution: If you see something suspicious, call the police. Many of these suspects are dangerous and armed with weapons. Let your trained professionals handle dangerous situations. 3900 Coleridge - A portable cellular telephone was stolen from a vehicle. 3200 Pittsburg - A vehicle was broken into and personal property was taken. arks Recreation Page 6 Parks & Recreation Special Events 2nd Annual Biathlon Series: The City of West Univer- sity Place Parks & Recreation will host its 2nd Annual Biathlon Series. Each race consists of a 350 yard swim and a 5K (3.1 mile) run. Series 1 will be Saturday, February 25, Series 2 will be Sunday, March 19, and Series 3 will be Saturday, April 29. All races start at 8:30am sharp. Awards and prize drawings will be given away by Bikesport. Cost for each series (race) is $10.00. Late registration will be taken on race day at $12.00 per race. Registration will start January 1. Contact David Hyde at 668-7642 for more info. Come out and try your hand at multisport race! Holiday Shopper Dropper: Parents, drop your children off while you shop! Activities for children age 2yrs. and up will include stories, playtime, crafts, songs, and much more! Please bring a sack lunch and drink. Parents should register at least 3 days in advance. Enrollment is limited! Day/Time: Saturday, December 3rd, 10th, & 17th from 9:00am til 2:00pm. Site: Scout House - 6108 Edloe Fees: $15 per day Holiday Camp: Kids, come join us for a variety of fun Christmas activities! We'll have games, songs, movies, arts & crafts, stories, playtime & more! All you will need to bring is a sack lunch. For children ages 4-10yrs. Days/Time: December 19-23 & 26-30 from 9am til 2pm. Site: Scout House - 6108 Edloe Fees: (per week) $50 res. $60 n/res. Area 2 Public Works Project Status Report Contractor: Kinsel Industries Inc. Contract Time: 455 Calandar Days Competion Date: September 4, 1995 Percentage Time Used: 32.31% Percent Complete: 11.17% Contract Amount: $4,935,672.55 Area 3 This project is to be awarded in November. For more information, contact Ed Menville, Public Works Director, 662-5840. Holiday Ways to Help Support West Parks Join the Friends of West University Place Parks Fund, Inc.,a volunteer fund-raising entity working in conjunction with the Parks and Recreation Board, in its efforts to enlarge and enhance our green spaces. THE PA LOVERS BALL is set for Feb. 11, 1995, at the Wyndham Warwick Hotel. Be a grand sponsor, $3500; sponsor, $2500; patron, $1500; underwriter, $850; or buy individual tickets. Proceeds benefit our parks and your support is needed. Seating at this popular event is limited, so call Linda Gray today, 660-8588, and plan for a wonderful Valentine's evening. THIS CHRISTMAS GIVE A MEANINGFUL GIFT. Honor family, friends and customers with engraved bricks placed in the parks of your choice. Each is $300, pay- ments going to improve West U parks. Gift certificates are also available. For information, call Mark Spradling at 758-2828. ANOTHER GIFT ITEM ON THE PA SHELF is a new and beautifully hand painted Christmas ornament r designating its owner as "A Friend of West U Parks." But, - for gifts and for your own tree, $10 each, all going to parks aid. Call Mark Mailes, 668-8096. West U Park Partners Many thanks to the following West University citizens who purchased a paver to be placed in a West U park: Mr. & Mrs. Gerald Bracht Mr. & Mrs. Robert H. Graham Ms. N. Jane Pierce 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. Christmas Tree Pick Up As in years past, the city will pick up Christmas trees at the curb sometime in early January. They must be stripped of all decoration, including tinsel. Flocked trees are neith reusable nor recyclable and are taken to the landfill as garbage. Please keep that in mind as you choose your holiday decorations. West LAV _-SL Umn-2mity r l L r f ' Page 7 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday 'T'hursday TFriday Saturday January 14, 1995 Deadline for Late Registration - Girl's Softball - Building io Standards Commission @ Holiday Shopper 667-8881 6:30pm, Council Dropper 9:00 - 2:00, January 15, 1994 Tenneco Marathon - Call Larry Massey - 796- Chamber Scout House 0786 to volunteer for the Hoopla Committee! All dates are subject to change. 1 2 3 Council Workshop Tree Section Meeting Friends of Zoning & Planning @ 6:30pm, @ 7:30pm, Police West U Parks @ @ 7:30pm, Council Deadline for January Conference Room Dept. 6:15pm, Confer- Chamber Issue ence Room City Currents!!! Council Meeting @ 7:30pm, Council Parks Board @ Deadline for Priority Chamber 7:30pm, Confer- Registration, Girls ence Room Softball - 667-8881 Newcomer's Club @ 7:30pm, Police Holiday Shopper Department Dropper 9:00 - 2:00, Scout House 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Council Workshop Recycling Zoning Board of Holiday Shopper @ 6:30pm, Committee @ Adjustment @ Dropper 9:00 - Conference Room 7:00pm, Police 7:30pm, Council 2:00, Scout House Department Chamber Council Meeting @ 7:30pm, Council Chamber 11 12 18 Communications Committee @ 7:30pm, Council Chamber clfy Holiday garbage pick-up 19 13 20 251 261 27 14 21 15 22 29 16 17 city Holiday No garbage pick-up 23 30 24 31 Page 8 Employee of the of - Dave (Junior) Pittman Dave Pittman is an eleven year employee of the City of West Univer- sity Place.Dave is married and has three children. Dave started work for the City of West University Place in December 1983 as a laborer in the Water and Sewer Department. Since that time he has moved up the ladder and is now Utility Supervisor in the Utility Division of the Department of Public Works. As Utility Supervisor, Dave is in charge of 13 employees who make up the Field Services group. What this means is, when a resident has a problem with their sewer or water it will wind up in Dave's lap to correct. Dave brings to his work a very positive attitude which translates into a real difference in how people view the Public Works Department and city government in general. Dave Pittman is a real asset to the City of West University Place. City Currents of West University Place, Texas is published by the Communications Committee Larry Massey, Chairman Susan Freeman,' Editor Production for this issue provided through the efforts of Dave Bowen, Steve Griffith and Monica Stallworth- Kolimas. City Currents welcomes your contributions. Forward to 3814 University Blvd., Houston, Texas 77005 c/o Chief Griffith by the I Oth of the month preceding publication to assure consideration. It is the policy of the City of West University Place not to discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, veteran status or disability. Trees Continued protect from mower and weedeater damage. Cover 34" layer of mulch. Do not use fresh grass clippings. 9) Water the tree with a slow stream to remove any air spaces in the planting hole. Continue watering until all soil has settled and air space is filled. 10) After watering, add mulch to compensate for any settling. If necessary, stake with steel or wooden posts. 11) Maintain regular watering routine to ensure the health and beauty of your tree. For more information contact your local nursery for recommendations for species that are best suited for the area. Remember Arbor Day is celebrated in January - look for more Tree-mendous Bill ail Memorial Fund Bill Fall, a longtime resident and prolific architectural designer in West U was tragically killed on October 6, 1994. His family and friends have estab- lished a fund to be used for an appropriate memorial in a W.U. park. Please send your tax-deductible contributions to: Friends of West U Parks (Bill Hall Memorial Fund) c/o West University Bank, P.O. Box 6679, Houston, 77005. ow ow EM mm um Em am am sm MW om Em sm om Em RM sm N= M= Em M= M= EM EM EM Em EM no W= EM mm EM EM am Em am am M= um am M= City of West University Place 3800 University Blvd. Houston, Texas 77005 BULK RATE U.S. POSTAGE PAID Permit No. 600 Houston, TX