HomeMy WebLinkAboutJune' N
EN UNWEQ(SITY LA
Volume 23, No. 6 June 1996
New City Manager Appointed
Your City Council is pleased to announce the appointment of Sherman Yehl
(pronounced Yale) as the new city manager of West University Place. Sherman
will be coming to us from Des Moines, Iowa, where he has served since 1981.
He has been assistant city manager since 1987, and in that capacity he has
assisted in a variety of activities including administrative, organizational,
operational, special projects and budgetary. Sherman's broad based experience
is one of the reasons he was attractive to City Council members, who were also
impressed by his sense of humor, his communications skills and his attitude
toward teamwork and consensus building. He also puts great emphasis on
customer service, which is one of the areas in which the city strives to excel.
Sherman will assume his duties as city manager Monday, June 10. He is
looking forward to becoming a part of our community and meeting and work-
ing with all of you. Sherman will be joined here by his delightful wife Deborah
Carey, currently the Director of Strategic Planning with Blue Cross/Blue Shield
of Iowa, and his two daughters Rachel, 12, and Gretchen, 9. Both are softball
players, and Sherman is an enthusiastic coach.
We are fortunate to have Sherman and his family become part of the West
University culture, and you are invited to join staff and council in welcoming
them to our community.
Earn Money! le !
We have had phenomenal response to the Mulching Mower
Blade Incentive Program which was implemented last month.
If you have retrofitted your regular lawn mower with a mulch-
ing mower blade or purchased a mulching mower, go to City
Hall with your receipt as proof, acknowledge that the blade is
used in West U to eliminate much of your yard waste, and get a
month's garbage pick-up free! One credit per household. If
your lawn service can furnish a receipt showing installation of
mulching mower blades for use on your lawn, you may use it
to receive the credit on your bill. If the lawn service has five
mowers, five West U homeowners could receive the credit. For
clarification, call Cindy Neal, Recycling Chairman (665-3949).
Free ► r
Bags For Yard Waste
Inside Council Chambers
Page 2
FromtheMayor'sDesk
"Please join with me in fully supporting
our City Manager, as you have in the past."
- Ball Watson
By the time this article appears, we should have a new City Man-
ager. It is not final as to just who this will be as I write, but whoever
it is, I trust that we all will welcome him and do our best to work with
him for the betterment of West U. Unfortunately, as in any sort of
selection process, not everyone will be satisfied with the final choice.
Everyone can be satisfied, however, that the selection was made after
extensive review and in good faith with the ultimate goal of providing
our City with a competent manager. Considering the candidates we
had, we could not have made a bad choice. Please join with me in
fully supporting our City Manager, as you have in the past.
There are some major events coming up in our City's life that will
require the efforts of all of us. The budget process for 1997 must
soon begin. The very word "budget" causes a sort of dark, gloomy
presence to appear in my mind; I do not like budgets. Yet we must
have one and so we shall. With a new City Manager and Finance
Director, and increased need for funds to begin paying for infrastruc-
ture improvements, formalizing a budget should be an interesting
challenge. Holding the line on a tax increase may prove to be diffi-
cult, but as usual, we will do the very best we can. After the budget is
prepared, it will be available for your inspection. A public hearing
will be held and it will be either modified or approved. Then we all
have to pay for it.
Contracts for the next sections of the infrastructure improvement
must be prepared, negotiated, executed and performed. There should
be no surprises here except that we must sell some of those new
bonds you authorized in the last bond election. We obtain expert help
in this process but it still requires some input from staff and council.
As I am out of the City during the day and sometimes on week-
ends, I never realized what a nuisance leaf blowers are to many
people. I have received some interesting letters about this, including
one that suggested we ban all gas-powered blowers and allow only
electric blowers. This will require more thought than I anticipated.
We will, however, continue to give it serious consideration.
The Blood Bank Needs
Your e !
Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center continues
to encourage blood donors to GIVE BLOOD
GIVE LIFE more than once a year through its
"3 Pints a Winner" program. Last year's
inaugural program produced 46% more third-
time donations in 1995 than the previous year.
Because of last year's success, the program is
up and running again in 1996. In fact, The
Blood Center has already sent out more than
900 T-shirts to dedicated donors.
The program is simple - those who donate
blood three or more times in the calendar year
will receive a "3 Pints a Winner" dedicated
donor T-shirt after their third donation. Whole
blood donors are able to give blood every eight
weeks, which means a healthy donor can give
six times a year. With less than 5% of Gulf
Coast residents giving blood, the only way to
avoid a blood shortage is to have current
donors give again.
Unfortunately, many people believe if they
donate once a year or once every couple of
years they are "regular" blood donors. The
reality is that red blood cells have a shelf life
of only 42 days, platelets last for 5 days and
plasma can be frozen for up to a year. With
these limitations, it's easy to see why repeat
donations are so important to the regional
blood supply.
Become a dedicated donor in 1996 by stop-
ping by The Blood Center at 1400 La Concha.
Their hours of operation are Monday through
Thursday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday and
Saturday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Sunday, 10 a.m.
to 6 p.m. For more information, please call
(713) 790-1200.
Life Page 3
Public Works Report
662-5839
Construction Safety
During summer months, when school
is out, City streets are teeming with
playing children. Colonial Park,
Community Building, Bowling Alley,
Y.M.C.A., and especially the Little
League are full of participants or
others just "hanging out". I think it
would be to all our benefit if we made
a conscious effort of protecting our
future leaders by keeping them out of
the numerous construction projects
that are everywhere. Areas with street
paving are particularly dangerous
because of the excavations and metal
rebar that is used in rebuilding the
concrete. If you see a particular
situation where someone could get
hurt or observe children playing in a
restricted area, please call the Public
Works Department at 662-5839 or the
Police Department at 668-0330.
West University Place Historical Society
The West University Place Historical Society will host a special program,
"West U. Homes of the 1920's" on Wednesday, June 12, 1996 at 2:00 p.m. in
the Auditorium at Bayou Manor, 4141 S. Braeswood. The speaker, June
Begeman, who currently serves as the society's president, will highlight the
architecture and times of these historic homes, including memories of the
homes' first owners. Suzanne Street, Photography Chairman, will complete the
program with a slide presentation showing West U. homes built in the 1920's.
Refreshments will be served. This program is open to the public. Seniors who
need rides to the event should call Carolyn Rappazzo at 668-2262.
Letter to the Editor
I would like to take this opportunity to recognize employee Elizabeth
Woodling who is employed at Colonial Park. Elizabeth and I were talking one
day and she said that she was there to take care of the needs of the residents
when planning swim parties, signing up for lessons or complaining. Elizabeth
is always cool, calm and very conscientious. She is at the pool promptly at
5:30 a.m. Monday through Thursday. I only know of one time when she was
late. To me she exemplifies the type of employee the City of West University
should have.
Carolyn Rappazzo, Resident
Access Channel Update!
Recycling Update
During the month of April, a random
block count was taken to determine
recycling participation on Wednes-
days. Twenty blocks, involving 425
homes, were involved. Over a 4 week
period, 54% of the homes observed put
out some sort of recyclable material
curbside. This is an excellent percent-
age for an urban environment and
shows that W.U. residents are willing
to participate in such a program. But
it also shows that 46% of the residents
either don't know about the program
or don't have the time to participate.
In both cases, it's real easy when
following the "Burns" method (patent
pending) - put a paper sack next to the
old favorite recliner, you know the one
where you read the mail or the news-
paper, and put your discards in it.
Within a week's time it will be full and
ready for the curb. What could be
easier? Jerry Burns, Asst. Director
City staff and Councilmember McCandless have been working with Warner
Cable Company to obtain programming from the Houston Community College,
Houston Independent School District and the City of Houston. Commonly
referred to as the "Access Channels", residents in the City of Houston pay 36
cents per month for this programming. After meeting with all of the concerned
parties, we have learned that we can negotiate the necessary agreements to
obtain these channels. We need your input! Do you want these channels?
Would you mind paying the cost (not to exceed 36 cents per month) for this
programming? Please call Steve Griffith at 662-5861 to register your com-
ments.
New
Have you heard about the new B&B in W.U.? No, we haven't changed
the zoning ordinances. I'm referring to the Compost Bins and Mulching
Blades program. The Recycling Committee is selling backyard compost
bins for $15.00, and is offering a rebate (up to $13.50) on the purchase of a
mulching blade for your mower, as an incentive to eliminate the bagging of
grass and leaves at curbside. Since the disposal costs of this material now
costs more than the disposal of garbage, it's imperative that the City look
for alternative methods of disposal. Kim is the information person at 662-
5839.
Page 4
It ILI'
TEXAa*) READING CLUB 1996
May 20 - August 3, 1996
West University Branch
A Harris County Public Library
6108 Auden Street
Houston, TX 77005
668-8273
Summer Reading Program
Rules and Procedures
1. The 1996 Summer Reading Club is for both readers and listeners, and runs from Monday, May 20 through Saturday,
August 3, 1996.
2. A child registers by filling in a registration slip and dropping it into the registration box at the branch library.
3. Take a Reading Log home and list the books the child reads or has read to him/her.
4. After ten books, or 500 pages have been read, the child earns a certificate.
5. Don't stop there! Continue reading and enjoying books for the rest of the summer. Record the titles at home and
continue participating in the incentive game at the library.
(5
V
June1996
Crime Up Close
April
Found Property
4/1/96 4200 Southwestern - A black
and yellow Wallay Wonka Wild
Rider bike was found.
Aggravated Robbery
4/1/96 5814 Kirby (Papa Johns) - A
white male robbed the clerk. A
suspect was identified and charges
were filed in a Houston robbery.
Fraud
4/5/96 6624 Westchester - A
female suspect used the resident's
credit information. The suspect was
identified and arrested.
Burglary
4/5/96 4014 Marquette - Someone
entered the house and stole a T.V.
4/9/96 4120 Emory - Someone
forced open the back door and stole a
V.C.R.
4/18/96 2719 Wroxton - Sometime
over the past four months someone
stole the refrigerator out of the
duplex.
4/24/96 6409 Annapolis - Someone
stole a Red Schwinn Mountain Bike
out of the garage.
Criminal Mischief
4/6/96 2715 Bissonnet #101 -
Someone broke out a window pane in
the business.
4/8/96 4101 Marquette - Unknown
person(s) vandalized vehicles in the
driveway with "markers".
4/22/96 3525 University - Suspect
vandalized house. Suspect caught
and arrested.
4/22/96 4210 Bellaire (Y.M.C.A.) -
Unknown juveniles vandalized a
child's bicycle.
4/26/96 6528 Buffalo Spdwy. -
Unknown suspect(s) broke a window
pane by shooting a "paint ball".
4/27/96 5700 Weslayan - A car
window was shot out by a pellet gun.
Forgery
4/9/96 6732 Stella Link (Nations
Bank) - Unknown suspect(s) passed
forged checks.
Theft
4/13/96 6435 Westchester - Pair of
French doors were stolen from the
construction site.
4/15/96 4200 Ruskin - A Roadmaster
5 speed bicycle, turquoise in color was
stolen from the driveway.
4/25/95 4210 Bellaire (Y.M.C.A.) -
The money bag with day's receipts
was reported stolen.
4/28/96 6500 Fair Haven - Cellular
telephone was reported stolen possibly
from inside a car.
Auto Theft
4/26/96 3935 Rice - Jeep was stolen
from the driveway and recovered
stripped in Houston.
4/27/96 6323 Westchester - Firebird
was stolen from driveway and recov-
ered damaged in Houston.
Burglary of Vehicle
4/26/96 2631 Bissonnet (Marquis II)-
Two cars were broken into and stereo
stolen from inside one of the cars.
4/30/96 3000 Sunset - Purse taken
from back seat while owner was at
Weir Park.
FromtheChief sDesk
Summer is here! I'm sure those of
you with children are glad that school
is over. The children are home and
every child will be the model of
behavior, right? How about going to
one of the City's Parks and spending
some time there? The City has
received accolades for the work that
has been done in upgrading the
parks. Recently there has been a new
addition to all of our parks. The City
conducted speed studies, asked for
input, and analyzed the traffic flow
patterns around all the parks. As a
result, we have enacted a 20 mile per
hour speed limit around each one.
Just look when you drive around and
you will see the new speed limit &
"children playing" signs posted. We
can all understand how important
safe driving habits are around our
parks. The last thing that we, as a
community, want is to hear is that a
child has been hit by a car. So please
be cognizant of the speed limits. Our
police officers will be out there
monitoring the speeds. Thanks for
your cooperation.
Gary Brye, Acting Police Chief
Let's Be Neighborly!
Remember, when you are picking up that child or coworker early in the
morning.... don't sit out in front of the house and "blow your horn". Others may
be sleeping!
AND...... Remember, garage sales are illegal on Sunday! Garage sales have a
significant impact on neighbors, so be kind and respect the desire for peace and
quiet on Sundays!
i rs Parks & Recreation Page 6
Please call 662-5892 to snake reservations
for the following activities:
June 4 - Tuesday
Rob Lee of the University Bank and his guest speaker
will present a seminar entitled Rethinking Retirement
Stategies. He will talk about IRA's, retirement plans,
beneficiary questions and more. 2:00 - 3:00. Free.
June 6 - Thursday
Lucia Bettler, of Lucia's Garden is going to show us how
to make our own Homemade Potpourri. We have been
studying herbs and essential oils, so we should be able to
understand and appreciate Lucia's seminar. You are, of
course, still invited even if you haven't attended the other
programs. 2:00 - 3:20. Donations accepted for the speaker
June 12 - Wednesday
The West University Historical Society has invited
Seniors to join them at Bayou Manor for a seminar on
houses built in the 1920's that are still standing. For our
part, we've offered taking a van load of interested seniors
to the program. Please follow regular sign-up procedures.
1:30 - 3:30. Free.
June 14 - Friday
The Holocaust Educational Society tells the story of the
holocaust in an interesting, not depressing manner using
wall text, photos, short films on television sets and docent
information. This particular museum has an emphasis on
local survivors and their stories are told in filmed inter-
views. There is also an art gallery to tour, if there is time.
We will take the van over at 12:30 for the 1:00 guided tour.
12:30 - 3:00. Donations accepted at the museum.
June 18 - Tuesday
It is possible to grow a garden inside. Sounds good,
considering our hot summers! The Gentleman Farmer,
John Booker is going to tell us about Organic Gardening,
Hydroponics, and the necessary lighting for your indoor
vegetables and herbs. 2:00 - 3:30. Donations accepted.
June 26 - Wednesday
Over the years you've accumulated some nice jewelry.
Today we will have a seminar on Fine Gem Appraising.
Our speaker will share her expertise on colored gems,
diamonds and pearls. She'll even bring a computer and
printer to do on-the-spot jewelry appraisals. (If you don't
want to bring your gems, she can also go to your home!)
2:00 - 3:30. Donations accepted for the speaker.
June 27 - Thursday
Zion Canyon, Treasure of the Gods is the IMAX movie
that we'll view today. The Zion region of southwest Utah
has red rock monoliths that rival those of Yosemite Na-
tional Park. We'll also learn about the cultural history of
the area. 1:15 - 3:15. $3.50.
The City of West University Place, Parks & Recreation
Department is forming a summer co-ed Spike Volleyball
League to start in July. Leagues will play at the West
University Methodist Church on Monday nights from 6-
1 Opm, Thursday nights will be practice and open play
from 6-8pm. For more information please contact David
Pippin at Colonial Park 668-7642.
Family Nights at the Pool
Every Saturday night at Colonial Park Pool will be a
family night starting June 1 st thru August 17th. This
means from 7:30 - 9:30pm each Saturday night you can
bring your entire family to the pool and enjoy a refreshing
swim. We will designate certain Saturdays and have some
special activities such as music, dancing, volleyball,
basketball and other activities. So make plans to spend
your Saturday nights at the pool with your family!.
Team Game NiAts
Test your skills against other teens in video games,
foosball, pog board games & much more! Open to youths
13 yrs. & up. Bring your favorite game or video cartridge
& join in on the fun!
July 4th Celebration
We have an exciting July 4th planned this year at
Colonial Park. It will kick-off with the bike parade which
will begin in front of West U. Elementary at 10:00am and
wind its way to Colonial Park for our best decorated bike
contest. After that, we have a fun filled day at the pool
planned with all kinds of games, food, music and more.
For all you sand volleyball and wally ball players we will
have a tournament for each of you beginning at 12:00
Noon. Entry fee is $25.00 per 4 man team with t-shirts
awarded to the top two finishers in each sport. Registra-
tion will begin June 1 st at Colonial Park. For more details
contact David Pippin at 668-7642.
Summer class reminder
Be sure to checkout all the exciting summer classes
offered by the West University Parks and Recreation
Department, such as Sports & More Camp, Racquet
Camp, Swim lessons, Dance/Drill team clinics, tennis
lessons, weight classes, piano lessons, ice skating, tae-
kwon-do, dog obedience, golf lessons and much, much
more. So stop by either the Community Building or
Colonial Park for a complete summer schedule.
West University Bulletin Board rage 7
June 15,96
Sunday
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
Saturday
Upcoming Events
Fourth of July Celebration!
30
1
Library - Preschool
Friends of
Building and
Storytime @ l lam
West U Parks @
Standards Commis-
& Puppet
6:15pm, Conference
sion @ 6:30pm,
Workshop @ 3pm
Room
Council Chamber
Parks Board @
7:30pm, Conference
Room
Library - Reading
Club Kickoff @ 3pm
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Council Workshop
Recycling
Zoning and Planning
@ 6:30pm,
Committee @
Library - Craft:
@ 7:30pm, Council
Conference Room
7:OOpm, Public
Rainbow Fish @
Chamber
Works Lunchroom
3pm
Council Meeting @
7:30pm, Council
Library - Preschool
Chamber
Storytime @ I lam
& Puppet Workshop
@ 3pm
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
Library - Preschool
Library - Program:
Zoning Board of
Storytime @ I lam
Trading Card Party
Adjustment@
& Puppet
@ 3pm
7:30pm, Council
Workshop @ 3pm
Chamber
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
Council Workshop
Library - Preschool
Library - Program:
@ 6:30pm,
Storytime @ I lam
Puppet and Variety
Cardboard
Conference Room
Show @ 3pm
Recycling Drop-
off, 8:00am until
Council Meeting @
12 noon, Behind
7:30pm, Council
Police Department
Chamber
Library - Puppet
Show @ 7pm
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
Summer Happenings Page 8
Teen Swim
Nights
The City of West University Place
Parks and Recreation Department has
set aside Sunday, June 9th and Sun-
day, June 23rd for Teen Swim Nights
at Colonial Park from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
This event is free of charge and open
to anyone 6th grade and up.
So make plans to spend these two
evenings at the pool with your friends.
Refreshments will be available. We
hope to see everyone at Colonial Park
on these dates. Any questions, call
Dave Pippin at 668-7642.
Public Works'
Reminders:
You can obtain free mulch at
2701 West Park
All garbage must be in
plastic bags for curbside
pickup
Limbs must be cut into 4 foot
lengths for pickup
ow Are We Doing?
City Currents
of
West University Place, Texas
Production for this issue provided
through the efforts of Steve Griffith
and Thelma Lenz
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 of race, creed, color, national origin,
sex, religion, age, veteran status or
disability.
City council & staff want to be responsive to your needs. If you have a comment, problem, complaint or
compliment for us, please fill out the information below and return with your water bill. Thanks!
Name
Address Home Phone # Work Phone #
Comment
City of West University Place
3800 University Blvd.
Houston, 'T'exas 77005
BULK RATE
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
Permit No. 600
Houston, TX