HomeMy WebLinkAboutAprilOur next infrastructure replacement project will be submitted forbids in the near future. This Council is mindful of the public outcry
of the University Boulevard residents when the trees on that street were affected by the Charlotte/Lake project. Councilmembers are
aware that our citizens place high priority on the treatment and preservation of trees during construction of streets and curbs.
Forestry Associates has prepared a detailed tree map of each of the streets that will be involved in the next phase of infrastructure
improvements. The results are impressive. Each street tree has been mapped, as well as private trees that may be affected. The map
specifies the address, species of tree, size and proposed treatment (if any) and comments with regard to each.
The cost of the study is only a small fraction of the anticipated construction costs, and we hope that it will prove particularly cost-
effective by eliminating some of the unbudgeted and unanticipated expense encountered in the Charlotte/ Lake project when the treat-
ment of trees caused work stoppages and unscheduled expenditures.
About 26 trees will be removed. Twelve are Hackberry trees, mostly small. A three inch Live Oak must be transplanted. We do not
anticipate any tree problems such as those encountered on University. If this approach to the tree problem proves effective, we will
employ this method for succeeding phases of the infrastructure replacement project.
We plan to have a town meeting soon to consider another significant concern - solid waste disposal. In the Citizen Survey, a majority
of citizens voted in favor of privitizing garbage collection if significant savings can be realized. As we have reported to you, Council is
comparing our present costs with those that would be incurred if private contractors collected the City's garbage. We hope to have the
results in the near future.
?t will be difficult to make an exact comparison because of the extras our City employees do for us and of the important part that
ycling plays in our current system. We will do our best to make a fair evaluation, but if our City costs are anywhere close to those of
a private firm, I am inclined to use our own people and facilities just as we are presently doing.
Maybe we finally can settle this concern for a while. It has been discussed for years and, if nothing else, the current study may give us
much information about the cost and operation of our own solid waste department and indicate ways in which the City may improve its
own operations.
Bill Watson, Mayor
Council Co-_ .
First, I would like to set the record straight, I am for a Tree Ordinance, a Tree Trust and an Urban Forester. But I am not for Ordinance
1472. I hope the following describes my concerns.
Simply stated, it is punitive. A few people are going to support the Tree Trust whether they want to or not. Those people are the
property owners and our neighbors. Also, the ordinance is entirely too complicated.
My impression is that perhaps one or two contractors, developers, and builders, were thought of as villains. They would clear cut a
piece of property at the drop of a hat, particularly, in a speculative job. If so, a pass through monetary penalty to the property owner is
not the way to remediate the builder. I believe if the builders and the subs, on down to the lowest laborers, are aware of our culture, our
passionate love of trees, things would be very different. If that message is not understood, then that builder should build somewhere
else. This philosophy is also completely applicable to our high impact infrastructure construction.
Specifically, I have read the Tree Ordinance, Amendments and Criteria Manual entirely too many times already. I wanted to have a
workshop to make sure City Council members were clear on what was in these documents and that we understood them. I felt, if passed
in that state, that little impetus would remain to adjust and/or correct the documents. As a result of the workshop, a number of changes
were suggested and made.
Unfortunately, the revised documents were put on the Monday City Council meeting agenda after the Thursday workshop. Obviously
our City Attorney worked long, late and must have had lots of help because what we have now, in my opinion, is worse than before the
See McCandless Point of View, page 2
Mayor Bill Watson (665-3969)
Mayor Pro Tem Tom Rushing (666-0434)
City Council Members Teresa W. Fogler (664-6433), Linda Lewis (662-5812), Stan McCandless (669-1830)
City Manager Michael Tanner (662-5812)
3800 University Boulevard - Houston, Texas 77005
Cc-_ruents
Page 2
McCandless Point of View continued
workshop. I had about three pages of sug-
gestions and clarifications. I do not believe
one suggestion got into the new document.
Even some of the Mayor's suggestions did
not make the cut. I got the final documents
at 9 pm Sunday.
Did you know that 99% of tree roots lie
just three feet below the surface of the
ground? If this were combined with the av-
erage drip line circumference, an area, a
volume would be generated which then, I
believe, would much more accurately de-
fine the Critical Root Zone. This is impor-
tant with regard to root trimming and exca-
vation around, and including under the tree.
The percentage of root that maybe removed
becomes more definable. But this was too
much of a stretch for those in attendance at
our workshop, including Council, strong
paradigms die hard.
The Criteria Manual cites two authorities
for tree measurements. Two inches of di-
ameter is measured at four inches above
ground. Anything less than nine inches of
diameter is measured 1.2 inches above the
surface of the ground. Anything nine inches
or greater in diameter should be measured
four and a half feet above the ground. Right
now you get a little break on replacement
inches because an existing large tree, six
inches in diameter is measured at four and
a half feet above ground according to the
ordinance and would be actually larger at
12 inches above the ground. So maybe con-
sistency in measuring replacement and ex-
isting inches should be confusing. It's your
ordinance.
I counted about 10 major rewrites, the
following is an example in Section 6-505
and faithfully reproduced in all its glory.
"(g) Replacement Inch Credits. An owner
of a site in the City who plants a Class I or
Class II Tree on that site is eligible to re-
ceive a credit for future replacement inches.
The owner may use the credit to offset the
number of replacement inches assessed for
Protected Trees removed from the same site
at any time in the future. Credits are sub-
mitted to the following:
(1) Issuance. Credits are only available for
Trees registered with the Urban Forester
within 30 days following the day they were
planted. Registration requires application
and proof of plan ' g. The registration form
Tree planted and its location on the site.
(2) Measurement. The number of replace-
ment inches actually credited is determined
by the Urban Forester at the time an offset
is required, based on the health and size of
the previously registered Trees and apply-
ing the provisions of the Criteria Manual
regarding calculation of replacement inches.
(3) Transferability. Credits are not trans-
ferrable to another site but may be claimed
by subsequent owners of the site.
(4) Records. The City is not responsible
for keeping registration or other records of
credit. A person claiming a credit must
present documents to show that the credit
is available and applicable."
Other comments on the ordinance:
The Tree Disposition Plan is a narrative;
the Tree Survey is a plan and only costs
about $200.
Section 6-504 c The Criteria for Decision
was the heart of the former document.
Where is it now'?
The City is going to exempt itself from
the ordinance if it sees fit, by voting. The
previous City Council was pressured into
making a bad decision on University Blvd.,
and leaving $180,000 on the table by rat-
tling the ballot box at them. This type of
pressure is completely counter productive.
Areas 6A and 6B are going to be a major
test of our creative thinking. The Tree Dis-
position Plan will be very important.
I was assured by the highest authority that
a dormant tree in February can be evaluated
just as precisely as on an August afternoon,
regarding Condition, Screening, Aesthetics,
Heat Abatement, and Water Quality Protec-
tion & Soil Conservation.
There is very little in the Criteria Manual
on saving trees by limb trimming, feeding
and watering. The use of "Biobarrier" is not
even mentioned.
Perhaps the Tree Ordinance should pro-
vide measures to subsidize neighbors who,
at their own expense, have been watering,
feeding and pruning older trees for years.
Suppose we all donated $5 or more to the
tree trust every Arbor Day? Suppose the
City took over the care and nourishment of
our tree canopy on public rights-of-way?
Suppose the City did a little root pruning
and concrete slab resettlement? How many
miles of sidewalk do you think we could
reclaim and for whom?
shall specify the size and species of each
Finally, 1000 people agreeing in our C~_,
Survey that they support a Tree Ordinance
is about 12 and 1/2 percent of our voting
population, this maybe significant, but I do
not think so and it certainly is not a consen-
sus. What ordinance do they want? For that
matter if we are going to attach so much sig-
nificance to the survey then perhaps it needs
a bit of validation.
Stan McCandless, Council Member
Second Saturday Concert
Aileen & Elkin Thomas, an acoustic coun-
try/folk duo with beautiful old country har-
monies, will perform April 9, at 7:30 pm in
the West University Community Center,
6104 Auden. Their music has a down home,
back-porch, easy country living quality.
Together or singularly they have performed
with such artists as Bob Dylan, Pete Seeger,
Earl Scruggs, Waylon Jennings, and
Ramblin' Jack Elliot. Elkin wrote most of
the songs on their six albums. Aileen
Elkin sing as if they are at a family reun"
Tickets sold at the door, Adults $6; Senior
Citizens $3; Children under 12 free with
adults. This is a family show. Homemade.
refreshments are available. Second Saturday
Concerts are presented by the Houston Folk-
lore/Music Society, a nonprofit organiza-
tion dedicated to the preservation of folk-
lore and folk/acoustic music.
City Currents
of
City Currents welcomes your contributions.
Forward them to 3814 University Blvd.,
Houston, Texas 77005 c/o Chief Griffith by
the 10th of the month preceding publication
to assure consideration. All contributions
are subject to editing.
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.
Up Coming Events
Park Fest May 1 Colonial Park
Neighborhood Watch Quarterly Meeting - June 11
Independence Day Parade - July 4th
National Night Out - August 2
1
2
Easster Sunday
Newcomers Club
Municipal Court
Friends of West U
Building & Standards
Newcomers Coffee
West U Little
Board Meeting @
Parks @ 6:15 pm,
Commission @ 6:30
10:30 to 12 noon,
League, Opening
Spring - Clocks
7:30 pm, Council
Conference Room
pm, Council
Community
Day
Forward
Chamber
Chamber
Building
Parks Board @ 7:30
Soccer Board
pm, Conference
Meeting @ 8:00 pm,
Room
Southside Place
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Softball Photo Day
Council Workshop
Municipal Court
Zoning & Planning
IRS DEADLINE
West U Public
@ 6:30 pm,
@ 7:30 pm, Council
Safety Day @ 10:00
Conference Room
Recycling
Chamber
am, City Hall
Committee @ 7:00
City Council
pm, Police Dept.
Newcomers After
Meeting @ 7:30 pm,
Hours @ 5:30 pm,
Council Chamber
Cody's
Council Workshop
@ 6:30 pm,
Conference Room
Council Meeting @
7:30 pm, Council
Chamber
19 20
1Municipal Court
21
22
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Page 4
1y
Daily title
6104 Auden ® 668-8478
Monday
10-2 BRIDGE - Bring a sack lunch.
11-12 SIT & GET FIT - In-chair exercises
1:30-3 DART BASEBALL - Challenging & fun
2-4 HULA DANCE LESSONS - Great exercise
'T'uesday
8-5 UT STUDENT NURSES - Home visits by appointment
9-10 EARLY RISERS EXERCISE - Stretching & toning
10:30-12 UKULELE BAND & SINGERS - Sing, strum, have fun
9-1 GARDEN CL - Every 4th Tuesday
2-4 TRAVEL SLIDES - Armchair traveling via slide shows
Wednesday
11-12 SIT & GET FIT EXERCISE - In-chair exercises.
:30-1:30 A LITTLE DAY SIC - Free music & drinks at the Wortha. Bring lunch. Every 1st Wednesday.
12-2 LUNCH BUNCH - Great food with good friends at elegant restaurants. Every 3rd Wednesday.
1-3 BEADING CLASS - String beads into exciting necklaces, earrings and more.
Thursday
Next luncheon May 12.
Transport Schedule for Residents by Appointment, 9- Daily
Ion., Tues., Wed. & Fri. - Senior Wing activities, doctors, beauty shops, drug stores, dentists & banks.
ahurs. mornings - Grocery shopping, 9, 10 & 11:30 am.
Thurs. afternoons - Regular schedule or an emergency basis.
Please make your appointments to meet the above schedule and call at least one day before you need a ride. Last
time to call for a ride home is 4:00 pm.
Page 5
,-,e--_I S' ~ v -cial '~,J L1
May through August
May 3, Tuesday. If you have ever had a hard time understanding opera, help is on the way. A representative from the Houston Grand
Opera Guild will present a seminar on life in the opera, singing arias and explaining lyrics and storylines. This should be a fun and
educational program. Lunch will follow. 11:00 - 1:00. $4.00.
May 11, Wednesday. Continuing our metaphysical series, we are going to learn about Tarot Cards and how the cards can predict your
life. Tom McKeating, of The Guild for Hermetic Revelation will be our speaker. He will also give a demonstration using the cards.
Come and learn about yourself! 11:00 - noon. Donations accepted.
May 17, Tuesday. Our building will be a polling place for The Silver-Haired Legislator for Precinct 3. These representatives spend a
lot of time, energy and money lobbying Austin politicians and would appreciate your vote. Be a part of this political system! 10:00 -
3:00.
June 1, g, 15 & 22, Wednesdays. Keddy Outlaw, our head West University librarian, will host another session of Stories for Sharing.
The books are a collection of short stories and poems in large print that will be read and discussed by the participants. The books may be
checked out through the library before the class. 10:00 - 11:00. Free.
June 7, 14, 21 July 5, 12, Tuesdays. We will explore the world of Incredible Sports. In addition to telling hair-raising stories,
adventuresome athletes will bring slides, videos, equipment, attire and more to introduce us to bicycling, hot air ballooning, mountain
climbing, canoeing and scuba diving. With any luck at all, we may add skydiving. These seminars will be fast-paced and entertaining,
as well as, informative and educational. We may even find we want to start our own chubs! 2:00 - 3:30. Free.
June 29, Wednesday. Celebrate Independence Day early at our annual Hot Dog Party! The ever popular Buddy Griffin will be
offering his unique entertainment and, as always, the menfolk of our community will grill the dogs and serve the lunch. (Let's see if this
year they can clean up, too!) Come join the fun, music and food with your friends and neighbors. 11:00 - 1:00. $4.00.
July 13, Wednesday. Tom McKeating is back to continue our metaphysical series with a speech on Astrology. How do the plait
sun, moon, stars and your birth date affect your personality? Share an interesting hour with your friends learning about this subject.
11:00 - noon. Donations accepted.
July 28, Thursday. One of our favorite summer activities is enjoying our Ice Cream Sundaes at the annual party. This year we will
offer bowls of the creamy cold dessert along with chocolate, caramel and fruit toppings. You make your own diet's nightmare! We are
expecting some lovely piano music provided by Dawn Reindl to round out the afternoon. 2:00 - 3:00. $2.00.
August 23, Tuesday. We are pleased to present a talented local performer named Karen Stockton. You may have viewed her shows on
butterflies and forests but today she's debuting her Hug a Waterway. Slides, narration and piano accompaniment make an informative
and beautiful presentation. Karen, her husband and a host of photographer/artist friends have put together this program. Lunch will
follow the show. 11:00 - 1:00. $4.00.
Senior Day Trips
May 20, - - c y. We are going to explore a different part of the county during our day trip to Lake Houston and the Humble Area.
We start our day at the Humble Historical Museum. After shopping at Lambrecht Town we will lunch at Cedar Landing on the shores of
Lake Houston. The afternoon will be spent at Deussin Park on the Lake's western shore where we will indulge in a special summer
activity. 9:00 -3:30. $15.00.
June 28, Tuesday. Wear shorts, sneakers, a sun hat and come prepared to walk. W e are spending the day At the Water's Edge. We will
shop in old Seabrook in the morning. After lunch at The Brass Parrot, we'll bus around the Kemah area. We will also enjoy a guided tour
at the Bay Area Museum. Before returning home we will stop at the Nassau Hilton to watch the parasailors (over drinks, if you like.)
9:00 - 5:30. Price to be announced.
YOU-71 CAFE=; A S►v,P
E °S THE PITC N!
The Vilest University Little League 1994
Auction "FIELD OF DREAMS" will be
held Friday, April 8 at the Omni Hotel. The
fun-filled evening begins with a large, si-
lent auction in the Palm Court area of the
hotel. A Mexican buffet will then be served
in the Grand Ballroom, followed by a live
auction of "large ticket" items, including
trips, art, gift certificates, jewelry, sports
memorabilia, coaching lessons, and much,
much more!
For the first time, live music provided by
Johnny and the Convertibles and dancing
will round out the evening.
The Auction is a guaranteed good time and
serves as the major fund-raiser for the
League. For additional information about
the Auction, or if you are interested in do-
nating auction items or advertising in the
auction catalogue, contact Auction Chair-
men, Jan and Bart McLaughlin (750-6911)
or Tanya Emmons (668-8494).
'Vest University Little League will hold
Bening Day Ceremonies on Saturday,
April 9, at West University Elementary
School, at 11:00 a.m.
After the ceremony,a complete barbeque
dinner will be served by Goode Company
Barbeque from 12 noon to 3:00 p.m. Tick-
ets for the barbeque are available on the day
of the event for $6.00 each.
Games and activities include a carnival
and sweets booth and are open from 12:00
to 4:00 p.m, The carnival will feature many
old favorites (moonwalk, face painting,
dunking tank, spin art and pitching ma-
chine) and this year there'll also be carnival
rides and cotton candy.
In case of rain, the barbeque will be served
in the school.
For additional information regarding the
barbeque, call Co-chairs Lee Madray (667-
0706) or Diane Kruger (664-5377).
City of Vest Univers' -y glace
3800 University Blvd*
Houston, 'T'exas 77005
Page 8
Easter Egg Hunt
Date: Saturday, April 2, Time: 10:00 a.m.
Location: West University Elementary
baseball field # I
Parents, please make sure your child brings
a basket. Admission is free ! !
Swim. Team Sign-Ups
Registration Info: Begins Saturday, May 7th
(Residents)
10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Continues Monday,
May 9th- 8:00 a.m.-7 p.m.
Location: Colonial Park Pool, 4130 Byron
Ages: 6-18 (ist year swimmers must pass
proficiency test)
Fees: $50.00 Res. $60.00 Non-Res.
Space limited to 1st 120 swimmers
For more information, contact David Hyde
at 668-7642.
Adult Softball
Co-Ed: Monday evenings
Mons: Wednesday evenings
Registration: May 1 (Community Bldg.)
Starting Date: June I
Fees: $200.00 per team
Summer Day Camp
Enrollment is limited, so register now!
Ages: 4-9
Session I - June 6-17
Session II - June 20-July I
Session III- July 5-15 (No class July 4)
Session IV - July 18-29
Session V - Aug.1-12
Day/Time: Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.-1:30
P.m.
Fees: (Per 2-week session)-$100.00 Res.
$110.00 Non-Res.
Site: Scout House
Summer Sports Camp
Enrollment is limited, so register now!
Ages: 8-12
Session I - June 6-16
Session lI - June 20-30
Session III- July 5-14 (No class Jul;- 4)
Session IV - July 18-28
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