HomeMy WebLinkAboutSeptember. wEsT u~IVERSrff p
Volume 21, No. 9
A Mck worlh Preserving
The character and ambience of West University Place has undergone a
vast change over the last five to 10 years, as 50-, 60- and 70-year-old
bungalows are demolished and new, larger brick homes are built in their
place. Drive down most any block these days, and you're sure to spot the
telltale signs of new construction: a cleared lot, the familiar blue portable
toilet, and fences encircling stately old trees.
One street, however,
has thus far escaped the
ravages of the bulldozer,
and its residents take
pride in that fact. Take a
walk down the 4000
block of Milton one
evening, and you'll feel
you're back in the
1940s (if you're of the
age to remember back
that far!). This block
comprises part of the
subdivision of Mathews
Place, an 11 and 1/2 acre
parcel developed by
building contractors
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JNIVERSITY QUNIVERSITY
WAIR~ HmORE-
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4000 lock o ilton
William, Charles and
Robert Mathews in 1941 and 1942. Though additions have been made
to some of the 18 brick bungalows, many remain at the original two
bedroom, one bath size.
Find out more about this unique block from an historical and a demo-
graphic perspective at the fall meeting of the WUP Historical Society, to
be held in Council Chamber, Thursday, September 22, at 7:30pm.
WUPHS Board Member June Begeman, the featured speaker, has
conducted extensive research on the block and its residents, both past and
present. A short business meeting will precede the program. Refresh-
ments will be served.
Special Insert:
Parks & Recreation Fall Programs
Community Building
September 1994
Flu Season Approaches
From Monica Kolimas, M.D.
Communications Committee Member
The flu season is just around the corner. For
those of you at high risk for complications of
the flu, i.e., pneumonia, ear infections, it is
time to make an appointment for your flu
shot. Persons considered high risk for influ-
enza "flu" are those over age 65, people with
congestive heart failure, diabetes, asthma,
AIDS or any other debilitating illness.
Colds and flu are caused by viruses, not
bacteria. Viruses are not treated by antibiot-
ics. The focus when managing viral illnesses
like colds or flu is on treating the symptoms of
viruses which will often include muscle aches,
fever, runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, and
cough. The complications of viral infections
are often treated with antibiotics and this
needs to be determined by your family physi-
cian or pediatrician.
Preventing the spread of viral illnesses is
important. Viral illnesses like colds and flu
are transmitted primarily by droplets of
moisture expelled into the air, i.e., by an
infected person coughing or sneezing on
someone. So, if you are coughing or sneez-
ing, use a tissue and toss it. Avoid crowds
during flu outbreaks. If you do become ill
with the flu, or when you are in your
physician's office for your flu shot, ask your
doctor for specific instructions on how he
wants you to treat colds or flu in the coming
year. It may save you a trip to the doctor
later, the cost of antibiotics, time loss from
work, as well as a hospitalization.
What's Inside?
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Time for a Quick Qtwstion?
Sswe page 81
Inside Council Chambers
grom the Mayop's Desk
Recently, former council member Beth Ann Bryan
furnished me with the following documents relating to West
U's long range planning:
The 1963 Study prepared by Caudill Rowlett and Scott; a
1971 Land Use and Circulation Plan by CRS; the 1984
West University Redevelopment Study by Charles Wood;
and the 1986 Comprehensive Plan for the City, Vols. I and
II, by Thomas E. Palmer.
Council recently received reports from the Capital
Improvements Task Force and Building Quality Task
Force. Soon the YMCA Utilization Task Force Report
will be coming across our desks as well.
We solicit the aid of our citizens, who may have either the
expertise or interest to assist us in using this wealth of
material in an effort to prepare a West University Place
Plan for the 90s and Beyond. Do not be reluctant to
volunteer; do not hesitate because you think that there are
others more qualified. You are the beneficiaries of this
effort, and you have this opportunity to influence your
own, and your children's future.
Instead of hiring a firm to conduct yet another study
and to render more reports, we should take stock and see
where we stand with the information already accumulated,
and its relevance to our community, our homes, and the
conduct of our personal lives. We need visionaries to
determine our objectives and the best means to those ends.
If you are interested in this project, or know someone
who is interested but reluctant, or is not interested but
should be, call City Secretary Kay Holloway at 662-5813.
Page 2
gram a unit ember's Desk
In February of this year, I used this space to explain
various solid waste issues council has considered during its
term. Privatization of services, distribution of trash bags,
and closing the recycling drop-off on Milton Street were
among the topics discussed. I want to comment this month
on the progress of the various projects and processes I
described in February.
In response to our directive, city staff developed a bid
package and sought bids from private solid waste firms to
determine what cost savings, if any, could be realized
through the privatization of trash services. Because we
have an extremely complex garbage, compost and recycling
system in West U, only the two most sophisticated private
companies in the business actually submitted bids: BFI a
Waste Management. Our in-house Public Works Depart-
ment also submitted a blind bid, just as if it were a private
contractor. Three different pickup programs were part of
the bid package: a program like our current one with twice-
weekly trash pickups, a once-weekly pickup program, and a
volume or consumption-based program using stickers to
"count" the number of bags used by a given customer.
Now that this formal bidding process is complete, we
know that the cost savings we could realize through
privatization would be slight, amounting under the most
generous estimates to about $22 per year per household for
the initial contract term. Of course, after the initial term,
private rates could increase drastically, but by then we
would have divested ourselves of the means to restart our
in-house collection services. The good news is that West U
runs an extremely efficient solid waste department that
could only be duplicated by the best in the business.
Council has rejected all bids; we will retain our own solid
waste equipment and personnel. We will also proceed with
continued on page 3
City Life Page 3
Bicycles are Vehicles Too!
Did you know that, under the Texas
Motor Vehicle Laws, bicycles are
considered vehicles too. Simply put,
that means bicycle riders have to stop
for stop signs and stop lights. How
many times have you come to an
intersection and stopped, only to have
a bicyclist run a stop sign and proceed
through the intersection? The indi-
vidual riding the bicycle was breaking
the law. So teach your bicycling kids
to obey the signs or signals at intersec-
tions and display a good example by
doing the same when you ride.
Newcomers Club
(It's for everyone!)
For general club information, contact
Suzanne Guthrie 664-5410.
September Coffee
Sponsored by Houston Bread Co.
Friday, September 9
10:30am-noon
Community Bldg, Babysitting available
For further details, call Dorothy Zink
661-4115.
Fall Kick-Off Party
Saturday, September 17, 8pm
Beach Blanket Bingo Theme
Light munchies & desserts
For further details, call Dee Boswell
667-2581.
September Luncheon
Tuesday, September 20
For further details, call Brenda Parker
666-4389.
September After Hours
Friday, September 23
5:45-7pm
Topic: Home & Family Safety, with
guest speaker Steve Griffith, WUP Chief
of Police. Contact Monica Kolimas,
Council Comments - Solid Waste Disposal
Continued from page 2
the planning for the refurbishment of the Milton Street Public Works facility.
I hope that we will incorporate a protected recycling drop-off in the new
facility, perhaps to accept different materials than are currently recycled
curbside.
Other changes for our solid waste department could be on the horizon,
however. As I stated in February, disposing of trash is becoming more and
more expensive everywhere, even in Texas. We must find ways to encourage
citizens to "reduce, reuse and recycle" if we are to meet the goal set by the
State of Texas that cities reduce their trash output by 40 percent by January
1, 1995. That is why council has asked staff to develop and present a
workable volume or consumption-based rate system for WUP.
The use of different-sized trash bins in a volume-based program is not
feasible in West U because our tree canopy prevents use of the lifting trucks
required to empty them. Specially manufactured trash bags or stickers
applied to bags will likely be used. Distribution of the bags or stickers will
be tricky, since the cost of an individual bag or sticker will represent the cost
of picking up one full bag of trash, rather than just the value of the bag or
sticker itself. (Liken it to the roll of film for which development is prepaid; it
costs more than it seems to be worth up front, but then there is no additional
cost later.)
A certain number of bags of trash would be picked up for the basic rate.
All trash would have to be placed in one of the special bags or in a bag with
one of the special stickers attached or it would be left at the curb. If you
generally dispose of more than the average number of bags, you would have
to buy additional special bags or stickers, so one easy way to reduce your
costs would be to recycle and compost all you can, thus reducing your
bagged garbage output. Under this type of system, those who use the service
more, pay more, and all residents have an incentive to reduce their trash
output and contribute to the state's goal.
I anticipate as we work through the best way to make these worthwhile
changes we will require the best efforts of our city employees and the pa-
tience of our citizenry. We will strive to make any changes as palatable as
possible by communicating them to you clearly and well in advance of their
inception. As always, I invite your comments and suggestions, and your
attendance at our meetings.
DEADLINE FOR ISSUE OCTOBER C CURRENTS IS SEPT. 10!
669-9001, for location.
a
1 PI if_
Yo L e
L f t, You fI
I:
Featurig"The Forum ar S" Presented for outstanding Volunteer Service
These companies salute West U. Volunteers by underwriting the Fore Awards:
Who is the West University Leadership Foram? The combined leaders of:
LA 8C
WEN UNRTEQ(5frY I
- 1-W7
September 1994
Crime lose
Seam the Chief's Desk
July
Once again school has started and our young residents will be out morning and
Burglary of Habitation
evening traveling to and from school. This year, the West U Elementary site is
being utilized as a transfer point for students busing to other schools. This has
4216 Rice - During the first half of
necessitated the installation of a new school bus zone on Auden. During the first
gala, unknown suspect entered a
week of school, we have found that traffic around the school has increased
garage e and took fishing equipment.
because of the transfer point. If you are driving in the area of the school, please
Pittsburg - A bicycle was
2727
be cautious. And remember, if a school bus has stopped with its RED flashing
stolen
from
garage.
lights on, traffic coming from both directions must stop and wait for the lights to
3924 Amherst -Aback door was
stop flashing.
July 26th and small
pulled open
'T'hroughout the year, residential false alarms are an on-going problem. The
items were taken from this residence.
taken
"storm season" only serves to complicate the issue. During a storm, we will
Burglary ding
receive 50 residential alarin calls during the start of the storm. Lightning and
2918 Layof ette te - -Two bicycles were
power outages often make the call load into our department impossible to handle.
stolen from an unlocked garage.
Recently during a power outage, we were unable to send officers to respond to
3329 Plumb - Tools were stolen
22 of the residential burglary alarm calls that we received. We simply had more
from a construction site.
calls than we could work with. If you have an alarm, please have your system
4033 University - A locked bicycle
checked occasionally for shorts, bad back-up batteries or improperly set motion
was stolen from a garage.
detectors.
2828 Quenby - A bicycle was stolen
We continue to have a problem with unregistered alarm systems. If your home
from an open garage.
alarm system is not registered, you are in violation of a city ordinance. Not
Auto 'T'heft
registering your alarm system causes a problem for the police and your neighbors
3120 Duke - An '81 Olds Cutlass
when an emergency contact cannot be obtained for turning off a malfunctioning
was stolen from a driveway and
alarm.
recovered in Houston the next day.
Also, it is illegal to place a sign on city easements. That area is generally
Attempted Auto 'T'heft
known as the grassy area between the sidewalk and the street. If you are having
2639 Fenwood - Unknown suspects
a garage sale, or you have placed your home on the market, please remember not
attempted to steal a Chevrolet
to place your signs illegally.
Surburban. A briefcase was stolen.
And finally, we continue to receive numerous complaints about dog feces.
Burglary of Motor Vehicle
Remember, the city does have a "peeper seooper" ordinance. If you are walking
6300 Vanderbilt - A vent window
your dog, please use common courtesy and dispose of feces.
on a vehicle was pryed open and a
Steve Griffrth, Chief ofPolice
gym bag was stolen.
Know Your Employees!
Tim Gosnell was hired by the City of West University Place as a firefighter on February 6, 1976. During his 18 years
with the department, he was promoted through the ranks to his present position as a lieutenant/paramedic. During his
tenure, Tim has held the position of firefighter/EMT, driver/paramedic and lieutenant. Tim was trained as a paramedic in
1979. In addition to his daily responsibilities as a shift officer, Tim also serves as one of two fire investigators in the
department. As an investigator, he is required to be trained in fire scene investigation and be certified as a peace officer
by the state of Texas. He also holds advanced firefighter and fire service instructor certificates with the Texas Commis-
Sion on Fire Protection. Tim has been a very dedicated member of the Fire Department and over the years has used his
)nsiderable knowledge of construction to do projects for the department and city in addition to his regular duties and at a
great savings. Tim is one of the reasons that the West U Fire Department has a good relationship and reputation with the
citizens of West University Place and it is a pleasure to present him to you as one of my employees.
Terry W. Stevenson. Fire Chief
Seniors Parks Recreation Page 6
West U Park Pavers
Activity Calendar
For reservations, call 668-8478.
Many thanks to the following West U citizens who
recently purchased a paver to be placed in a West U.
park:
Health Seminar, Sept 7, Wed, 2-3:15pm, Free
The first of three seminars presented by research for
Health, Inc. Today's topics are fall allergies and
osteoporosis. You may also sign up to be part of an investi-
gative research study.
"Developing Your Intuition," Sept 14, Wed, I lam-
noon, Donations gladly accepted
Art Appreciation Class & Tour, Sept 15, Thurs, 1-4pm,
$10
Class and tours led by Victoria Lightman on third Thurs-
days of every other month. A van, which holds 10, will
visit art galleries, art studios and homes of art collectors.
Residents get first chance at van seats.
English as a Second Language, Sept 22,23,29&30, 9am-
noon, Free
The Harris County Library and Houston Community
College Systems are looking for volunteers to teach
English to foreign-born adults. Classes are held in the
Community Building activity room.
"Body, Mind and Soul," by Chuck White, Sept 28,
Wed, 1 lam-noon, Donations gladly accepted
Investment Seminar, Sept 28, Wed, 2-3pm, Free
Investments can be confusing. Join us for a simplified
look at the risks and safety of investing, and learn about
income streams, inflation, return on investment and more.
Volunteers of the Month
The National Night Out party held on August 2 was a lot
of fun. If you were there and had a soda with your dinner,
then you met one of our many Senior Service volunteers.
We would like to thank these people for offering their time
and energy to pour drinks for all the party-goers. Most of
these volunteers are also board members; many also drive,
work in the office, or help serve lunch at our parties. Our
activities and transport schedule could never happen
without these and all our other 65 volunteers. We thank
the following people for helping at the National Night Out:
Betty Aillet, Naomi Condry, Ida Fuex, Mary Lee Gray,
Randy Hardy, Tom Malloy, Ruth Nelson, Leonard
Townley, Ruth Ann Wissel, and Wick Wickerham.
Mrs. Albert C. Suessmuth
Mr. & Mrs. Jacob Ulrich
Mr. & Mrs. Mike McGinnis
If you are interested in purchasing a family paver
for one of the West University parks, please contact
Mark Spradling of the Friends of West U. Parks
Fund, at 758-2828.
Upcoming
WUP Leadership Forum Volunteer Celebration,
Sept. 9, 8pm-midnight, Stouffer's Presidente Hotel in
Greenway Plaza. For details, call Mike Eason 966-1750.
(See event ad this issue.)
Newcomers Fall Dick-off Party, Sept. 17, 8pm. Fc'
details, call Dee Boswell 667-2581.
WUP Historical Society Fall Presentation and short
meeting, September 22, in Council Chambers, 7:30pm.
Board Member June Begeman will reveal the charm of
the 4000 block of Milton and its residents, both past and
present. Refreshments will be served.
Herb Workshop, September 24, at West U United
Methodist Church, 3611 University Blvd. Join Barbara
Ownby, whose garden is featured in Southern Herb
Growing. Participants will learn a bit of history, garden-
ing and lots of cooking tips and techniques for mixing
and matching foods and herbs for a simple, fresh ap-
proach to meals low in fat and sodium, but rich in flavor.
Cost is $30 for church members, $35 for non-members,
plus a $5 supply fee. Registration deadline is Sept. 20.
Make checks payable to West University UMC. Call
666-8111 for details.
October 24, 77005 Golf Tournament, Braeburn
Country Club.
West University Community Bulletin Board Page 7
September 1994
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Building & Standards
Upcoming Events
C
Commission @
6:30pm, Council
Chamber
West U Leadership Forum Volunteer Celebration, September 9
77005 Golf Tournament, October 24, Braeburn Country Club
Zoning Board of
Adjustment @
7:30pm, Council
Chamber
All dates are subject to change.
1
2
3
Labor Day
Tree Section Meeting
Friends of
Zoning & Planning @
WUP Leadership
City Holiday
@ 7:30pm, Police
West U Parks @
7:30pm, Council
Forum Volunteer
No Garbage Pickup
Dept.
6:15pm, Confer-
Chamber
Celebration ,
Deadline for
ence Room
8:00pm, Stouffer's
October Issue
Presidente Hotel>
Parks Board @
Greenway Plaza
of
7:30pm, Confer-
City Currents!!!
ence Room
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Council Workshop
Recycling
Zoning Board of
@ 6:30pm,
Committee @
Adjustment @
Conference Room
7:00pm, Police
7:30pm, Council
Department
Chamber
Council Meeting @
7:30pm, Council
Chamber
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
Communications
Historical Society
Committee @
Meeting @ 7:30pm,
7:30pm, Council
Council Chamber
Chamber
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
Council Workshop
@ 6:30pm,
Conference Room
Council Meeting @
7:30pm, Council
Chamber
25
26
27
28
29
30
Page 8
Got time for a quick question?
1. What's the biggest issue facing West U. citizens today?
®r two?
2. If you could change anything about West U., what
would that be?
Okay, three!
3. When you meet someone from out of town and they
ask you about West U., what do you tell them?
Tell us what you think. so we can tell them, and they can tell us, and we can tell you anc
everyone will know! Your name and 4 may come in handy, but are not required. Speak
your mind - tell us the good & the bad! City Currents reserves the right to publish your
remarks (anonymously, if you prefer); however, our main focus is to use your responses
to become a better information source for the things that interest you. For those who
respond well to pre-fab forms, we've included one here. If you prefer freestyle, we'll
await your reply on stationery, yellow stick-ems, or whatever's handy. Mark your
response - Editor-City Currents and mail with your water bill or drop by the police
station before October 1. Thanks in advance for your time and consideration. We plan
to return the favor!
flame:
Res.
le.#
City Currents
of
'vk"est University Place, Texas
is published br the
Communications Committee
Larry Massey, Chairman
Susan Freeman, Editor
Production for this issue provided
through the efforts of Jennifer
Albert, Susan Freeman, Steve Griffith
and Susan Riedle.
City Currents welcomes your
contributions. Forward to 3814
University Blvd., Houston, Texas 77005
c/o Chief Griffith by the 10th 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 ofrace, creed, color, national origin,
sea, religion, age, veteran status or
disability.
Xm so vepy glad you asked. Here's my though fs/pespvnselcom senis/sug eslivns:
City of West University Place
3800 University Blvd.
Houston, Texas 77005
Addpess:
BULK RATE
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
Permit No. 9719
Houston, TX