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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAugustJD~ Volume 23, No. 8 August 1996 get Schedule set for'97 operating budc A public hearing on the City's 1997 operating budget has been scheduled for August 26. The public hearing will follow sev- eral budget workshops and formal sub- mission of the budget by the city man- ager to the Council on August 9. The City's current tax rate is 37¢ per $100, divided into two parts-operat- ing (21¢) and debt service (16¢). Based on preliminary budget information, the debt service will probably increase to 18¢ in 1997. This increase is due to new debt ser- vice requirements as part of the 1995 bond referendum and the elimination of the support to the water and sewer fund. In the past, general fund revenue has been used to support the expenses of these operations. "Without the debt service, the op- erating budget for 1997 is expected to be close to 1996," said Walter Thomas, the City's finance director. According to Thomas there will be an increase in tax revenues of about $100,000. This is the result of the in- crease in assessed property values which are expected to be $1.470 billion in 1997, up from $1.413 billion in 1996. However, the increase in revenue will be offset by decreases in municipal court fines collected and increases to em- ployee health insurance costs. The City's 1996 budget was $15.2 million of which 33 percent or $5.1 mil- lion was funded through property taxes. Major expenditures include Police ($1,617,300); Fire ($1,167,550); Public Works ($1,653,020); Parks & Recre- ation ($688,864); Finance ($611,090); Municipal Court ($159,970); Adminis- tration ($352,880); Debt Service ($2,581,700); Capital Projects ($1,710,000); and Water & Sewers ($2,225,040). The City has 113 full-time employees. Because the City's overall tax rate may exceed the current tax rate by more than three percent, the City will be hold- ing a special public hearing. The public hearing on the tax increase will be held on September 18. The current schedule calls for the City Council to consider adopting the budget at the regular Coun- cil meeting scheduled for September 23. The City has moved the budget schedule up from last year in order to mail tax notices in early October. This will allow residents an additional two months to pay taxes. Property taxes be- come delinquent on February 1, 1997. How revenva was s-pamt in 1S25... f'r'cY o.~°BkP, ~r.f'_oi' K ,kc; ete5 August 9 - Proposed budget submitted to Council Au-ust 12 - Bud_et work_shoo ` Aug-u.sr 19 budget wori:shop 'r L~-ust 6 - Public hea: n_[bu.d et on t^:~ mcr ~asc Se rte m~,u_ d Ado,Dt on of bud,,et ordinLnoze aund tie rate Judson P11ark improvements: not a fantasy A $200,000 refurbishment of Judson Park has been proposed that will develop the park with castle playground areas, picnic tables, benches, decorative fencing and landscaping. "Developing the park around the fantasy theme will encourage children to expand their creativity," said Cindy Sparkman, chair of the Parks and Rec- reation Board. "The castle playground will make this park special." The proposed design was formu- lated by the board after review of the City's Parks and Open Space Master Plan. The plan was developed by Lauren Griffith, a local landscape architect. According to Griffith, the park has great potential for creating a unique See Park, p. 4. a Community Bulletin Board.. 7 e Employee Spotlight 3 o Inside Council Chambers..... 2 ® It's Mosquito Time 3 e Park & Rec Schedule 6 • Police Blotter 5 Recycling Dews 4 Fire Courts Parks Capital Projects 9% 1% 5% 13% Inside Council Chambers Page 2 ire ed Several things have occurred that may have escaped your attention: Bike Parade: The Great Annual West U July 4'h Bike Parade was an outstand- ing success. The Parks Department ably handled a vast number of beautifully decorated bikes, strollers and small chil- dren. The fire truck leading the fine parade honked and sirened and gener- ally was a grand addition to the auspi- cious occasion. The number of entrants is greater each year. The sweltering heat did not prevent the judges from making the very difficult choices necessary in awarding the prizes. Randy Bullard and the West U Rotary Club offered home worthy cause. Once you get into the spirit of the day, there's no telling what good ideas can come of it. Judson Park: This park is about to get a reworking that will astound and please all who behold it. Thanks to Cindy Sparkman and her committee for what is going to be a great park. This will be the largest park re-do so far, and each one gets better. Poor Farm Ditch: This elegantly named waterway has undergone needed repairs that have left Corondo St. and some of the banks of the ditch looking like a war zone. The City will repair the street and curbs and Gray Stansell, Rick's: Certainly there is no inten- tion to suggest that any citizen of West U would patronize such an establish- ment, but the plans to build an eight story version of Sodom and Gomorrah just west of Kirby on the Southwest Freeway has deeply concerned some citizens. The Upper Kirby District and the citizens of Southampton have re- quested that we join with them in re- sisting this endeavor. By the time this appears in print, the conflict may be over. If not, you may want to express your opinion directly to the Texas Al- coholic Beverage Commission at 713. 880.3003 or 512.458.3003. cooxea barbecue at a reasonable price. Assistant Aammistrative Nupermtenctent Norman Rockwell would have been in Commissioner Steve Radack's office, proud of us. We do need to work on has promised to help with the restora- getting some July 411 music for the oc- tion of the ditch itself. It will never look &a A~~ casion. I'd like to see a stand with iced- like the San Antonio Riverwalk, but it down watermelon being sold for some has to look better than it does. Infrastructure cost worth it to keep high level quality of life in West By Council Member Teresa Fogler Last November voters in West Univer- sity Place approved the issuance of a total of $63 million in revenue and gen- eral obligation bonds to complete the high-impact infrastructure replacement program for our City. The vote was overwhelming, with 86.75% approving the water improvements, 86.58% ap- proving the sewer improvements and 83.77% approving the street and drain- age improvements. This summer, Council has authorized staff to begin the process of issuing the first segment of the approved bonded-indebtedness to finance construction in priority areas 4A, 5A, 5B and 6A. The amount needed to fund this work will total $13.5 million. We are always seeking the most cost- effective method of financing these projects. Staff has investigated fund- ing through the Texas Water Develop- ment Board's State Revolving Loan Fund for the sewer portion of this project, and Council recently approved an application to the Board in the amount of $4,970,000, which is part of the $13.5 million in total financing de- scribed above. The Board has agreed that its funding can be utilized in a high- impact project like ours, and the cost of this indebtedness is estimated to be .7% (70 basis points) below the rates we an- ticipate when we sell the bonds for the remainder of the $13.5 million on the open market. Although it is a bit more complicated for staff to utilize these various types of funding on a single project, the savings available make it worth the effort. No matter how much effort we expend, however, we, the taxpayers, cannot put off paying for the infrastructure work forever. Last November we forecast that property tax rates would climb about 2 cents per year over the next ten years to pay for these projects. As we begin at the Council level in August, we antici- pate a 2-cent increase in the debt ser- vice portion of the budget to pay for the bonds we are about to issue and the loan funds we are about to borrow. We also anticipate that there will be no increase in the funding levels for the operating portion of the budget, so the debt ser- vice increase will be the only increase we will see this year. This Council has prided itself these last few years on finding ways to reduce the operating portion of the budget in an effort to absorb the debt service in- creases without increasing the tax rate. Although we do not believe we can ac- complish that feat this year, we will en- deavor to do whatever we can to mini- mize the needed rate increase. And we can promise that in no event will it be larger than the 2 cents we forecast when See Council, p. 4 Mayor Bill Watson (665.3969) Mayor Pro Tem Torn Rushing (666.0434) City Council Members Teresa W. Fouler (664.6433), Linda Lewis (662.5812), Stan McCandless (669.1830) City Manager Sherman Yelil (662-5810; e-mail 72162.2412(-&.coinpuserve.com) General Information: 668.4441 ity Life Page 3 by Steve Salyer Health Inspector c°^ Welcome to the middle of our regular mosquito ~ season. Although the City sprays one night a week, in some areas they are pretty thick. The best con- trot measure against mosquitoes is to remove their breeding sites. Unfortunately, we are breeding our own mosquitoes here in West U, and Mother Nature is not en- tirely responsible! We went without rain for weeks, and still had mosquitoes earlier this summer. If they primarily breed in wa- ter, where are they coming from? The Edloe Street ditch is an unlikely source, as the water moves pretty rap- idly downstream and no larvae have been found there thus far. Many of us water our lawns regu- larly, some as often as every night. Lar- vae can be found growing in the catch basins of yard drainage systems which are not given a chance to evaporate. Larvae also breed at curbside in areas where there are drainage problems. The same goes for bird baths that are not rinsed out regularly. Any con- tainer that holds water for more than a few days is a potential breeding site. In the heat of summer, mosquitoes can go from egg to adult in four days. Don't let any water stand that long. Report any sources of stagnant water that you cannot correct to the Health Inspector at 662.5884. The City uses a pyrethrin-based in- secticide that is effective on all mosquito species. The best feature of this insecticide is that it has no negative effects on mam- mal species at normal does levels. It also degrades after only four hours of sun- light exposure. Spraying time is limited to the hours between 9:00 P.M. and 1:00 A.M. Right now our mosquitoes are just pests, but if we begin to get reports of encephalitis virus in our area this issue takes on real meaning. Be a good neigh- bor and do your part. tkhvs E C M sq'iAlo C'O t of . Elnpty, feunov,'. co` er or lily? unsure; Sol' r any rE;ccpt c`4, tha[ aol(ls `.v^vter. ...c1la-r-e plate-ancEsc.ub asesi?flldil-lo flowers tu`ll'e each `o ec,!_ 3. Discard old tires. Screen n br. J. Repair teukJ pIvT?t3_n =1Q. o;FES?de faucets. 6. Conn ct open waste-vvpaer chairs to a i)rur-ier chair,-age s ys~lein. Crean c1c~yL,- ul,icrs aiid dr-dn flai roofs. 3,mill holes in trees C-, arci11 or sp=a s t3i1 -c . 9. Stocl. urna_f--ii _ t;ut:ils ii .LloSquito eatin(y r3s,!. 101 ~"!n o:r rC'T?t.al:e scre,:;nS on doors nm KIT C L 77 0., witil Editor's Note: We believe we have some of the best municipal employees anywhere... and we want you to meet them. Each month, this column will feature one of our best and tell you a little about them and what they do. In August of 1992, the City passed sweeping legislation designed to protect one of our most important natural re- sources, our trees! To implement the provisions of the ordinance, Nes Tesno was hired as our Urban Forester in 1993. This exceptional employee handles not only enforcement of our tree ordi- nances, but supervises the protection of trees at our construction sites. She checks tree disposition plans to make sure that contractors have taken appropriate measures to protect trees during disruptive building construction. She also works with our forestry con- sultants in protection of the many trees that are impacted by our road construc- tion and sewer/water line replacement projects. While contractors initially were cool towards the City's plan to save trees, they have come to accept the re- quirements set by the City. According to Tesno both root dam- age and compaction can hurt trees. "When the soil is compacted there is less oxygen for the roots," said Tesno. Typically the City requires fencing around trees as well as layers of mulch to reduce soil compaction. Planking sys- tems above ground have also been used. "Working at West U gives me that opportunity to utilize my education and skills in a setting that I love. Working with our residents is a very satisfying experience, " said Tesno. Tesno is married and has a six year old boy and one year old girl. She has a Master's degree in Forestry and before the City had the good fortune to obtain her services, she worked for Teas Nurs- ery. Page 4 Ji1DS~N !.'%ENUB k t 41 ~ i~l ~ + ~ U _ s SCHEMATIC DESIGN ~y HUDSON PARK CITY OF WEST UNIVERSITY PLACE Park, continued from p. I identity through the enhancement of its existing hill. "Children in West U love the rare opportunity to roll down a hill. Maxi- mizing the hill and open lawn will cre- ate a special sense of place at Judson. Kids will run, play and use their imagi- nations freely," said Griffith. A public meeting with members of the Parks & Recreation Board and the City Council will be held at Judson Park on Sunday, August 18 to review the proposed concept plan. The meet- ing will begin at 6:00 P.m. Hotdogs, lemonade and cookies will be served. The park is located at 4242 S. Judson. Funds for park improvements will be provided by Friends of West Uni- versity Parks and a $50,000 joint-us- age grant from Harris County. If approved, construction would begin in 1997. The schematic design of the new Judson Park. A public meeting on this design will be held at the park on August 18 at 6:00 p.m. ~ Recycling update Second quarter report shows City on t r The City completed the second quarter with no major variations from the expected flow of revenues, according to a report issued by the City's Finance Department. To date, the City has collected over $10 million in revenue or about 73 percent of its anticipated collections. "At the halfway mark," said Finance Director Walter Thomas, "most operating expenditures are within a range to meet the targets set in the 1996 operating budget." Thomas noted that revenues from building and other permits remain weak and predicts about a 12 percent decrease in revenues from projections. It was also reported that recycling revenues were down sharply from 1995, in large part due to the drop in prices of recycled material. On the up side, revenues from fines showed improvement over the first quarter's performance. Solid waste collection fees are also up from earlier projections. In individual department activity, fire and medical calls have more than doubled from the first quarter. Most categories of crime have remained stable from the same period in 1995. Theft has been reduced by about one third, however burglary of motor vehicles has increased by about 25 percent. The number of building permits issued is down from the same period from 1,506 to 1,454. Pool attendance was strong with usage at almost 24,000. The pool accounts for about 92 percent of the attendance at Colonial Park. Council, continued from p. 2 we asked you to approve these bonds. These next several years will bring major improvements to the infrastruc- ture of West University Place B im- provements that will be used and en- joyed for decades to come. But we do have to pay for them. We trust that you, like all of us on Council, will believe it is worth the cost to keep the quality of life in West U at the highest possible level. by Cindy Neal You know me, I am the person who keeps writ- ing the recycling ar- ticles every month. Staff calls me the Trash - Queen ...I'm not sure whether that is comple- mentary or not. But, as Chairman of the Recycling Committee, I am commit- ted to waste reduction and recycling. What is up the Trash Queen's pro- verbial sleeve this month? Here is a little piece of information. After the new drop-off center opens, the Recycling Committee will recommend that the City end curbside pickup of yard waste (leaves and grass). Residents would have to take those materials to the drop off center. Why? Well, 26 states have already forbid- den taking yard waste to the landfill. Texas may be one of the next, so we need to be prepared. Yard waste taken to the drop-off center will be composted. If you have any comments about this proposal, please call me at 665.3949. -Burglary of Habitation 2629 Wroxton - A resident came home for lunch, parked his car in the garage and left the garage door open. While he was inside, an unknown sus- pect stole a bicycle from his garage. 4141 Cason - During day time hours, the front door of this residence was kicked in and several items were stolen. No suspects. 4113 Cason - During day time hours, the front door of this residence was forced open and several items were stolen. No suspects. Attempted Burglary-Habitation 3602 Robinhood - During afternoon hours, unknown suspect pushed open a window and knocked a lamp off a table. The open window set off an alarm and the suspect was scared off. -Burglary of Building 6433 Mercer - Several tools were stolen from a house that was under construction. 6122 Buffalo Speedway - Two black males driving an older model white car were observed by the resi- dent stealing a bicycle out of an open garage. The suspects fled the scene. 3816 Bellaire - An unknown sus- pect broke into several offices of St. Mark's Church late at night. -Burglary of Motor Vehicle 2700 Wroxton - Unknown suspect pried open and broke the driver's win- dow of a 1993 Infinity parked in the street and stole a cell phone and a briefcase. 6500 Annapolis - Two black males pushed open the window of a postal jeep and stole a letter carrier's purse. The two suspects fled on foot, towards Kirby. 6103 Wakeforest - An unknown sus- pect took a pry bar and broke the driver's window out of a 1990 Ford Thurderbird parked in the driveway. A cell phone and a briefcase were stolen. 3000 Quenby - An unknown suspect entered an unlocked 1993 Toyota parked in the driveway, used the trunk release inside the passenger compartment to open the trunk. A CD changer mounted inside the trunk was stolen. 6300 Mercer - Unknown suspect(s) entered a vehicle parked in the street, took several articles of clothing and threw them out in the street. 5700 Rutgers - Unknown suspect en- tered an unlocked vehicle parked in the street and stole a cell phone. -Theft/Fraud 5600 Block of Community - A white female and a black female entered the residence of a senior citizen and posed as social workers on "an inspection". They pointed out several "violations" to the resident and told her that the "fine" would be $1,500 and if she would write a check immediately, they would reduce the "fine" to $1,000. The senior wrote the check and.then called the police af- ter they left. A stop was placed on the check before it was cashed. Detectives are investigating. 57zaw &q a Ve"I I was reading a story about Mamie Adams, who always went to the branch post office in her town because the postal employees there were friendly. She went there to buy stamps just be- fore Christmas one year and the lines were particularly long. Someone pointed out that there was no need to wait in line because there was a stamp machine in the lobby. "I know", said Mamie, "but the stamp machine won't ask me about my arthritis." As I read this story I thought about a service action recently taken by one of our Officers, Larry Toma. Respond- ing to a report call on a broken window at a senior citizen's house, he took the initiative to find a glass company that would donate the glasss and went back and installed the new glass himself. A special thanks to Larry and all of our staff for their day to day service ac- tions which make living in our commu- nity so very special. Steve Griffith, ChiefofPolice National Night Out Turn on your porch light, come out, and meet your neighbors 7:00 P.m., Tuesday August 6th Sponsored by the Sentinel Club and the Neighborhood Watch Program ar Recreation Activities Page 6 o r zervices set for L'x-t7just Please call 662.5895 to make reservation. • July 30, Aug. 6, 13, 20, 27-Tuesday Do you enjoy Handicrafts? Volunteers from the American Needlepoint Soci- ety and the Houston Embroiderer's Guild are combining their efforts to teach us new stitches using cotton, wool and synthetic threads. ® August 1-Thursday If you weren't able to get to the Holo- caust Educational Center in June, to- day you have another chance. We will take the van over to the museum and learn about the Holocaust in an educa- tional way with photos, wall text, short films, interviews and a guided tour. 12:30 - 3:00. Donations accepted at the museum. ® August 7 - Wednesday You've probably wanted to visit it for years. Today we will take two van loads over for lunch and a tour of La Columbe D'or, the very famous (and expensive) restaurant and hotel. The menu will consit of the soup du jour, salad Nicoise and cheesecake with berries. We will also be treated to a short seminar on how to serve high tea presented by the direc- tor of operations. 11:30- 1:30. $30.00. ® August 14 - Wednesday Today's seminar is being given by a registered music therapist. She will take us on an exploration of Music's Heal- ing Properities. Some say their recov- eries from some serious illnesses were facilitated by music therapy. 2:00 - 3:30. Donations taken for the speaker. -August 22 - Thursday Evenings on the Kemah Waterfront can be so pleasant; the sun shining on the water, good food, cooler breezes. If this appeals to you, sign up for this day trip. We will start after lunch with a short pro- gram and walk through Armand Bayou Nature Center and spend an hour or so at the Vali-Hi Market in Dickinson. The trip will end up at the Brass Parrot for an early dinner with the boats. We will be back before sunset.l-Spm. $17.00. Honor your family... Remember P 17riand... Purchase park vavel•s engf-aved tiviih the names of Your choice. All p€•oceeds o toward the expamion and development of West U Parks. CAI I a ? S!V idling, 7_58.281%8 for more h1forg?ration Congratulations to these u,y Fourth Celebration Parade and Game winners Best Decorated Bike: Division I.• Ages 4 & Under 1 st Shelby & Sarah Klutts 2nd Caroline Bortz 3rd Michael Griffin Division II.• Ages 5-7 Years old 1st Rachel Bortz 2nd Amy Ballanfant 3rd Zachary Petrov Division III: Ages 8 & Up 1 st Mary McNeely & Caroline Putnam 2nd John McNeely 3rd Erin Brady Watermelon Eating Contest Ages 5-7 yrs old 1 st David Koller 2nd Faizi Mouzoon 3rd Jill Duenser 4th Kaitlin Steets Ages 8-11yrs old 1 st Ashley Jordan 2nd Elliott Langlois 3rd Sara Brock 4th Christine Langlois Ages 12 & Up 1st John Hoffman 2nd Rachel Freeman 3rd Elizabeth Jones 4th Luke Moffett Lifeguard Divison Dror Goldberg 2nd David Williams 3rd Nicole Jordan Crazy Dive Ages 7 & Under 1st Tim Lyons 2nd Nathan Mentzer 3rd William Spencer Ages 8 & Up 1 st Steve Spencer 2nd Mason Moss 3rd Sarah Hamill Biggest Splash Contest Ages 9 & Under 1 st Steve Spencer 2nd Catherine Putnamn 3rd Elizabeth Delozier Ages 10-15 yrs 1 st Drew Perrin 2nd Katie Schlesinger 3rd Jackie Williams Ages 16 & Up 1st Andrew Jackyra 2nd Mike Raymond 3rd Jay Bell Sunflower Seed Spitting Contest Ages 6 & Under 1 st Lisa Dreyfus 2nd Charlie Dreyfus 3rd David Dreyfus Ages 7-11 yrs. old 1 st Rachel Moretta 2nd Sarah Hamill 3rd Brett Rowley Adult Division 1st Dick Hamill 2nd Bill Putnam 3rd John Moretta West University Community Bulletin oar Page 7 August 1995, Saturday 1 2 3 Recycling Commit- Friends of Zoning and Planning tee @ 6:00 PM, West U Parks @ 6:15 @ 7:30 PM, Council Public Works PM, Conference Room Chamber Lunchroom Parks Board @ 7:30 National NightOut PM, Conference Room @ 7:00 PM 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Council Budget Zoning Board of Workshop @ 6:30 PM, Adjustment @ 7:30 Pm, Conference Room Council Chamber Council Meeting @ 7:30 Pm, Council Chamber 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 Meeting on Judson Council Budget Park Improvements Workshop @ 6:30 PM, @ 6:00 pm, 4242 S. Conference Room Judson Back to School 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Council Workshop Cardboard Recycling @ 6:30 Pm, 8:00 AM to 12:00 Conference Room NOON, on Amherst behind the Police Council Meeting @ Station 7:30 PM, Council Chamber 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 The Last Page Page 8 Back to School Luse Colonial Park Nvill hold the 1 st annual Pack to School Luau for all kids eliterim, 6th - 9th grades on Saturday. Ate-ust 17th from 7:00-10:00i,..rl. `^v imili g music. food, ruts, and g~ones will be provided i'lie ? ? ' [Rill" 1 LIs iP2 is I'o'ti R, `,'.13. or for m0re Itifo ca! Dai':' The e-mail address for City Manager Sherman Yehl was incorrect in last month's issue. The correct address is 72162.2412@compuserve.com. r± NIG T Sunday, August 11 6.05 PM Come to the Fall Season's Opening Event when the hotshots play the Detroit Neon H O s f o X Support your West U. Soccer Team by attending the game in your uniform and sitting with your team in the West U. Soccer Club Section! Participate in the mini-games with your team that day! -See your caachforfun*er details - For team tidet info contact your team's serial Project Coonfinator or call 942-9293 or 663-7587 Production for this issue prodded through the efforts of Sherman Yeld. Steve Grifftthand Thelmo Leriz. City C;urTC[ILS WCIConIes vour corntlihulions I-or and co 3814 Uoi` ei sli; Blvcl . Houston. Tit h 7170027 c o C-n cl`i.rrii n}3 `w fife liitll ott11~ r;iGtlt}"t piC-Cciflil l`1: ~11C8t(~iIl o assur : ~OnSlciet"1tii;lt. il. is the UU ~ of Lhe Cil'.' of 1'! 25t I"1R!'•. ~1 .1LY c 1?0't to C tSC11 oil the i csis;., sell, CO[or, It L1?tit(tuI ii`r; t;. How Are We Doing? 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 # Comment City of West University Place 3800 University Boulevard ' Houston, Texas 77005-2802 Work Phone # BULK RATE U.S. POSTAGE PAID Permit No. 600 Houston, TX