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Home My WebLink AboutNovember1 995 Budget Proposes: P L : >Ci. sue Small Tam ate Decrease V No Utility Rate Increase The City Council has requested that I address a variety of issues of interest to our citizenry. I will address a different topic in future City The 1995 Proposed Budget for the City of Currents. This article will address employee pay and a grievance in the West University Place includes a property Police Department that has existed for many years. tax rate decrease. In addition, despite West University Place has 150 employees, 118 of which are full time. concerns that state-mandated conversion to With the exception of the City Manager, City Secretary and department surface water from groundwater would heads, all full-time employees are assigned by position to a pay grade. require drastic increase in utility rates to Pay grade assignment is based on an eight point factor system which consumers, no water rate increase is ex- scores and ranks each position. Generally speaking, the higher the pay pected. grade, the greater the pay range and amount paid the employee. A pay City Finance Director Chris Taylor says range overlap, position within the pay range, and over-time create excep- that the overall tax rate is proposed to tions that are illustrated below. decrease from 37.5 cents to 37.0 cents per Prior to 1985, police sergeants (the city employs four) were assigned to $100 valuation. Though small, the half-cent a pay grade that was slightly higher than the one assigned to Fire Captains decrease comes at a time when West Univer- 'ie city employs three). Since 1985, however, three different pay plans, sity Place is engaging in a vast infrastruc- -_dveloped by three different consulting groups and serving four different ture renewal program. city councils, have assigned fire captains to a higher pay grade than police The absence of lakes or reservoirs in our sergeants. Members of the Police Department, particularly sergeants, city has historically forced us to rely on have been dissatisfied ever since. It's the principle, not the pay, that groundwater from wells for 100% of our concerns them. You see, in 1993, the highest paid police sergeant made water and sewer needs. State law requires $4,900 more, and worked 360 hours less, than the highest paid fire the city to convert to a system using no more captain. The police sergeant made more than $53,000 with over-time. than 20% groundwater by March 1, 1995. Only the City Manager and four of five department heads made more last The remaining 80%, will be purchased from year. Houston and will result in greater expense to A Pay Plan Review Committee comprised of city employees and a our city than continuing to use our own well representative of the City Council has refused to recommend a pay grade water. The greater costs will not be passed reassignment that would satisfy the police sergeants. Every member of through to consumers, Taylor reports that committee, except those representing the Police Department, felt pay because "a philosophical change in how the grade reassignment was either not justified or likely to create new griev- city funds its Utility Fund asset depreciation ances that involved a greater number of employees and departments. will allow us to absorb the extra costs Organizations and positions change through time. In accordance with without a utility rate increase." This change our standard management practices, I will recommend a major pay plan in philosophy is made possible because our review be conducted in 1996 that features an internal equity study of all city is funding its high impact infrastructure positions, not just those within the Police Department. I will also recom- renewal through general obligation bonds, mend an objective, third party firm with a recognized expertise in compen- rather than engaging in a piecemeal renewal sation be engaged to conduct the review. These recommendations will be of the system funded through the rate made to ensure the pay plan is internally equitable and externally competi- structure as has been done in the past. "ve. I like and respect the police sergeants. I do not believe they will See page 4 for proposed figures for the _ Emit their grievance to divide city employees, reduce cooperation General Fund. The entire Proposed 1995 between departments, or compromise in any way the provision of services. Budget is available for review at City Hall. - Mike Tanner, City Manager Adoption is scheduled for November 14. Inside Council Chambers tia Mayor's c Would you believe a decrease in your property tax rate for 1995? Not only is it true, but our city budget is a balanced budget, without any increase in your fees or utilities rates. In spite of the increased cost of surface water we must purchase from the City of Houston, your water rates will not increase. We take pleasure in announcing a tax rate decrease to $37 for the 1995 tax year. The budget also provides for the city to purchase a new fire engine, a new garbage truck and three new police cars equipped with the latest in computer terminals. Improvements to the Community Building, the Public Works Department and the city parks were budgeted in 1994 and will be completed next year. We will replace the bubble at Colonial Park, as well as the unsightly chain link fence around it and some of its worn out exercise equipment. We will obtain plans for renovation of City Hall in order to comply with the legal requirements for access. Council believes that the financial plan for West U in 1995 is a sound, conservative program that will enable us to meet our responsibilities and still improve the appearance and utility of our public buildings and facilities. We credit our ability to give you the only tax decrease you may receive this year from any source to our city staff and to the hundreds of volunteercitizens who capably and generously undertake so many functions that benefit our city. In contrast, less fortunate cities often must recruit and pay for those people and services from their ever-increasing budgets. A copy of the budget will be available at City Hall for your review. Adoption is scheduled for November 14. As always, we value your comments and suggestions. Page 2 ce Membep's Desk Our city is in the middle of more ambitious building and infrastructure replacement/repair projects than at any time in its history. These projects will favorably impact every citizen, regardless of age, income or political position. Every resident can already be proud of our city, but with the completion of the following projects, we can be outright excited: 1. Park renovations, including Wier and Milton Street 2. Community Building renovation 3. Bissonnet street renovation from Stella Link west to the railroad tracks 4. Priority Areas 2 and 3 (south of University and west of Auden to the RR tracks) are scheduled for replacement of water, sewer, drainage and some streets Although not a complete list of the infrastructure projects and capital expenditure items that are in progress, this should give you a flavor of what is happening. Our city is accomplishing this by using funds provided by Metro, foundations, private donations, capital reserves and bond proceeds. Although your tax money is used to retire the bond indebtedness, no increase in taxe rate is presently anticipated. City staff is doing a marvelous job managing the bids, monitoring construction and communi- cating with citizens and council regarding the process. These and future projects that enhance living conditions should continue to improve property values and attract quality neighbors to our "quintessential small city" of the 21st century. City Li e Page 3 Time to Cut Back! As cooler weather prevails, many of us with itchy fingers immediately reach for the pruning shears and head outdoors. You'll be able to step through that door with confidence if you use some common sense and basic pruning prin- ciples. Pruning is the removal or reduction of wood or plant material that is dead, diseased, or no longer needed so that available energy can be channeled to the parts of the plant that can use it best. Different plants are pruned at different times of the year. Most evergreen trees and shrubs can be lightly pruned year round. Fall is the time for general cleanup, shaping and light trimming. Hard pruning of most trees should be done from December to February; fruit trees should be pruned January or February; and rosebuds and dogwoods should be pruned after flowering. Begin with tools that are clean and sharp. Then remove all dead or diseased plant material; dead limbs can be hazardous. Study the growth habits of the plant or tree and selectively prune branches that are rubbing or crossing one another. Pruning may also be necessary to provide sunlight to plants underneath the tree's canopy. Think carefully before "topping" a tree; keep in mind that the general shape and structure of your tree will be lost forever. When removing large branches be sure you know where they will land; your neighbors will appreciate it and so will your insurance company! Always be aware of utility lines and keep a safe distance away. Remember, if you have doubts, it's always better to prune too little than too .Much. Your local garden center will be able to provide more specific informa- tion on pruning techniques. If the tree is too large and the job is too difficult, have a professional arborist do the work. They have the proper tools, training and expertise. Halt! Who grows there? The sweetgum, liquidambar styraciflua, is a large, deciduous, pyramid-shaped tree with vibrant fall foliage of yellow, orange, red and sometimes deep purple. It grows rapidly, is easily transplanted when young, and bears a woody, thorny fruit (ball) that adults consider a nuisance but imaginative children use as missiles or jewelry, among other things. The sweet gum has no serious diseases but can be easily stressed in our heavy clay soils during periods of drought. Thus, its important to water well during dry summer months. - Neslihan Tesno, WUP Urban Forester and the Environmental Issues Committee The polling location for West University Place's Precinct 0087 has been changed from the West University Elementary School to the West University Scout House, located on Edloe Street across from the Edloe Deli. If you have questions, call Precinct Chairman Cindy Hassler, 660-9768. -it in West U! Following the recent floods and a good three to four days straight of rain, several West U lawns still fell prey to another drenching by automatic sprinkler systems. Go figure! Did You Know? Garage Sales are regulates) by City Ordinance Garage sales may be conducted three consecutive days Monday through Sat- urday, from lam until 7pm (never on Sundays or holidays). Only two sales per year may be held at any one premises, with an interval of six months between. No new merchandise may be brought on the premises and, please, no signs in the city easements. We'll be offering more information on frequently-asked questions in future is- sues. Questions concerning city ordi- nances can be directed to me by calling 662-5813. - Kaylynn Holloway, City Secretary What's on your mind? Dozens of residents responded to City Currents' request that you tell us what you like about our city and what concerns you as well. You've been a help to us, and we hope to return the favor. Not surprisingly, several people raised concerns about taxes. City council and staff have done a good job holding the line on costs (resulting in a property tax rate reduction). However.. WUP receives only about 16% of the "property tax pie." The balance is divided between Houston Independent School District and Harris County. Contact numbers for the three billing authorities are: City of WUP 668-4441 HIED 892-7700 Harris County 224-1919 (Includes Port Authority, Flood Control & Hospital District) City of West University Place General Fund Fags Revenue by Item - Expenditure by Department 1993 1994 1994 1995 Public Works Rehab - This refers ACTUAL BUDGET ESTIMATE BUDGET to improvements planned for the Public Works Operation building Revenue facilities, located on both sides of the Property Tax $3,220,591 $2,811,700 $2,811,700 $2,985,720 3800 block of Milton. It involves Penalty and Interest 46,869 37,000 37,000 37,000 rehabilitation of existing buildings as City Sales Tax 370,065 310,000 310,000 310,000 well as construction of a new lunch/ Franchise Fees 650,209 543,000 543,000 557,000 meeting room and locker room. It Licenses/Permits 484,016 452,600 452,600 414,590 also refers to the cost of constructing Fines/Forfeitures 244,705 340,000 340,000 340,000 a new administration building on Sanitation Services 666,219 792,000 792,000 772,000 property the city is acquiring in the Recreation Programs 294,334 338,410 338,410 342,100 3800 block of Amherst. The new Administrative Services 98,630 208,430 208,430 208,430 building will house key Public Works Other Revenues 213,278 241,940 241,940 307,930 personnel, including all of the Interest on Investmen ts 230,172 230,000 230,000 300,000 Building Division, which is presently Total Revenue $6,519,088 $6,305,080 $6,305,080 $6,574,770 located in City Hall. - EdwardMenville, Expenditures Public Works Director City Council $198,797 $193,560 $193,560 $236,180 City Manager 153,619 149,850 149,850 152,220 Fier Park provement -You may Municipal Court 135,588 144,470 144,470 152,040 have recently driven by Wier Park Finance 489,390 497,530 497,530 543,350 (Sunset @ Belmont) and wondered Police 1,428,855 1,518,900 1,518,900 1,522,130 where all the playground equipment Fire 1,087,487 1,068,550 1,068,550 1,063,120 and picnic tables have gone. As you Building 259,532 292,550 292,550 286,260 may have guessed, Wier Park is Public Works 195,916 243,910 243,910 221,500 undergoing a complete "face-lift". Street and Drainage With funds from the city and The Services 501,959 551,120 551,120 484,710 Friends of West University Parks, Solid Waste Wier Park was selected to be totally Management 720,627 660,930 660,930 741,550 renovated according to The Parks Fleet and Facility Master Plan. Improvements to the Services 392,295 353,120 353,120 181,260 park include two playground areas (a Parks 126,501 111,550 111,550 0 tiny tot and older children's equip- Parks & Recreation 431,077 404,830 404,830 524,320 ment), picnic areas, landscaping, Senior Services 113,073 113,780 113,780 125,980 irrigation, a decorative iron fence, General Services 0 0 0 340,150 and an upgraded tennis court. The Total Expenditures $6,234,716 $6,304,650 $6,304,650 $6,574,770 park is tentatively scheduled to re- open in December, so please bear Reserves with the construction until that time. Public Works Rehab $0 $288,000 $165,000 $203,000 -Mark Mailes, Bubble@Colonial Park 0 105,000 115,000 0 Parks & Recreation Director Community Bldg. Rehab 0 330,000 30,000 300,000 Pumper - In 1995, the Fire Depart- Wier Park Improvement 0 88,000 86,780 0 went will purchase a new 1500 GPM West U. Elem. Drain age 0 0 89>8(}0 0 Pumper 0 0 0 265,000 Pumper. The new pumper will have Colonial Park an enclosed cab that provides safety Improvements 0 0 0 66,000 and hearing protection for firefighters. It also carries a 40 ft. $0 $811,000 $486,580 $834,000 ladder to provide access to the roofs on the new taller homes. Increased Revenues Over (Under) Expenditures compartment space will allow the $284,372 ($810,570) ($486,150) ($834,000) department to carry more equipme to deal with emergencies and provide Beginning Balances $5,322,896 $5,607,268 $5,607,268 $5,121,118 safety equipment for employees. - Terry Stevenson, Fire Chief Ending Balances $5,607,268 $4,796,698 $5,121,118 $4,287,118 November 1994 Imm #he Chief "s Desk Robbery 5316 Kirby - On September 2, a black male came inside the restaurant at closing time and demanded money from the cash register. The man held his hand under his shirt and implied that he had a gun. 5300 Kirby - On September 23, a black female got in the vehicle with a man who had just finished putting gas in his truck at the Conoco station. She threatened him with a knife and forced him to drive to Westheimer @ Kirby, where a black male accomplice was waiting. They took his wallet and fled. Attempted Burglary of Habitation 2640 Carolina Way - During the day of September 5, unknown individual(s) tempted entry into this residence by prying on a rear door. 3702 Arnold - At Ilpm, September 9, residents in the house heard a noise down- stairs. Upon investigation, they found that someone had broken out a window on the back door. Witnesses saw a male, 5'1 V, wearing a long-sleeve hooded black shirt and black pants in the vicinity. Burglary of Habitation 3700 Nottingham - Between September 9 & 10, unknown individual(s) entered this residence through a sliding glass door and ransacked the bedroom. 2624 Wroxton - During the morning of September 13, an unknown suspect kicked in the door of this apartment and took a computer and some jewelry. A witness observed a suspicious Hispanic male in the area but did not notify the police. 2712 Wroxton - During the day of September 20, unknown suspect(s) pried open the door of this apartment and took veral items. 5412 Community - A front window was broken out and a stereo was stolen. The home owner has identified a suspect. Near-tragedy calls for "street smart" action Fall is here and again we are able to enjoy the outdoors and its associated activities. West University is truly unique in the Houston area because residents are seen at all times during the day, walking or running on our city streets. Mothers walking their children and animal owners walking their loved ones add to our community atmosphere. And far too often, you find our children playing in the street. Let me take a minute and relate a recent incident. A 5-year-old was playing ball in his front yard on one of our busy streets. The ball went across the street and he ran after it. Retrieving it, he started to run back across the street. He ran out in front of a car that had to break hard to stop. He ran into the next lane of traffic where he was hit by an oncoming Ford Explorer. The child was knocked down and pinned under the vehicle. The child was fortunate because his only major injury was a concussion. In this case, the driver of the vehicle which struck the child was not at fault. The driver was not speeding. It was close to dusk, and the driver was driving into the sun. From witness reports, there did not appear to be any way the driver could have seen the child and avoided the accident. Streets are for vehicles. I'm not proposing that we quit using streets for other activities. I am stating that, as a community, we need to stress to our young people that pedestrian use of streets is inherently dangerous. Our officers routinely respond to calls about youth skating or playing street hockey. Once there, we warn young people about the dangers of playing in the street. But parents also have to stress this message. Let's prevent a tragic accident. Steve Griffith, Chief of Police Burglary of Building 2922 Bellaire - Bicycle stolen from garage. 3756 University -The announcer's booth at the Little League field was broken into. No property was taken. Auto Theft 3775 Arnold - During the night of September 12, a '94 Chevy truck was stolen from the driveway. Burglary of Motor Vehicle 5500 Rutgers - During the night of September 24, a cellular phone was taken from a truck. 2700 Talbot - A cellular phone was stolen from a vehicle. Failure to Stop - ender Aid 5400 Buffalo Speedway - On September 12, at 8:10 pm, a resident was hit by a red Volvo station-wagon, 240DL, while crossing Buffalo Speedway at Sunset. The Volvo fled the scene. The vehicle may have damage to the right front quarter panel. Anyone knowing of a vehicle that may fit this description, should contact Detective Ken Ivlacha at 662-5865. TWT. s sit~, 1mti1L~-Z~tr gage T!~`:r'' Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Tree Section Meeting Friends of Building & Standards @ 7:30pm, Police West U Parks @ Commission, @ Dept. 6:15pm, Conference 6:30pm, Conference Room room Priority Area 3 Priority Area 3 Discussion Council Discussion Council Chamber @ 6:30 Chamber @ 6:30 Parks Board @ 7:30pm, Conference 1 Room 2 3 4 5 Newcomer's Club Recycling Committee Senior Services Zoning & Planning @ 7:30 p.m. Council @ 7:00pm, Police Volunteer Luncheon 7:30pm, Council Second Saturday Chamber Department 12:00 noon, Coucil Chamber Concert, @ 7:30pm, Chamber Community Bldg Deadline for December Issue of City Currents 6 7 S 9 10 11 12 Council Workshop @ Zoning Board of 6:30pm, Conference Adjustment @ Room 7:30pm, Council Chamber Council Meeting @ 7:30pm, Council Chamber West University Softball Registration begins, forms @ 13 Colonial Park 14 15 16 17 18 19 Communications Committee @ 7:30pm, Council Chamber City Ii ys gar a e pick-up 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 Council Workshop @ Upcoming Events 6:30pm, Conference Room Holiday Shopper Dropper - December 3, 10, & 17 Council Meeting @ Holiday Camp - December 19-23 and 26-30 7:30pm, Council Chamber (both sponsored by Parks and Recreation) Check elsewhere in City Currents for Newcomers and Seniors events. All dates are subject to change. 27 28 2 30 Page 7 Seni'ors Parks & Recreation Activity Calendar For reservations, call 668-8478. We're Doing Some "Flag Waving" Some are beautiful, some are humorous, and some only a mother could love, but all the designs submitted for con- sideration in our City Flag contest are on display at the Community Bldg., 6104 Auden Co) Rice Blvd. Stop by before November 18th to vote for your favorite! Remember, this flag will represent West University Place for years to come, so support the local artists and the city with your vote! Volunteers Needed! Flood Victim Assistance accepted Book review by author Margaret C. Gibson. If you would life to donate items to victims of the flood, please call the fire department at 662-5835. Volunteer of the Month Our volunteer of the month is a very busy lady. Despite her responsibilities as a partner in a law firm, alia Stokes finds time to help others in a wide variety of ways. For example, Dalia serves as a Senior Services Board member where her legal expertise is really appreciated when legal questions arise. Dalia helped with a donation to the West University Meals on Wheels which was organized a few years ago. Until recently, she was the Board representative at the Leader- ship Forum meetings. She has been instrumental in getting the Neighborhood Watch program up and running. Dalia's love for old vehicles is evident in her participation in West U's Classic Car Club which has been featured at the National Night Out parties and the Fourth of July parade. These are just a few activities that Dalia enjoys for fun and out of pride for the City of West University, and we're proud to have her - one of our very fine volunteers. Thanks Dalia! Newcomer's l (It's for everyone!) Monthly Coffee sponsored by Houston Bread Co. For general club Information, contact Suzanne Guthrie 664-8410 People Make the e e l Recognizing West U's Notable Staffers Page 8 A few short years ago, the world was graced by the birth of Linda Moore in the grand ole hills of Kentucky. Linda was lured to Texas 30 years ago and has been a permanent Texan ever since. When asked what she likes most about working for the City of West U., Linda responded by saying that every day holds a new challenge. She meets all kinds of interesting people in her position in personnel. Her position has allowed her to do the thing that she loves most and that is to interact and assist every city employee. The strong sense of community and small town atmosphere are some of the things about West U. that appeal to Linda. Linda has seen some major changes during her fourteen-year tenure at West U. She has served under seven supervisors during her tenure and has seen her area reorga- nized from two people to one person. Linda has made many personal friends that have passed through the city over the years. Although Linda has been here fourteen years and has seen a little bit of everything that can happen in the area of human resources, she stays abreast of all of the latest developments by attending various The registry will recognize the largest tree of its genus and species. We hope to publish this information and to present each qualified tree with a certificate. If you have not already done so, please nominate applicable trees by filling out the following form and returning to Neslihan Tesno, Urban Forester, City hall, 3800 University Blvd. Circumference (By submitting this nomination, I grant permission for the tree's - measurement to be verified.): Location of tree on property: Submitted By: City of West University Place 3800 University Blvd. Houston, Texas 77005 Type of Tree: _ Owner's Name: Address: Phone: BULK RATE U.S. POSTAGE PAID Permit No. 9719 Houston, TX