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HomeMy WebLinkAboutNovemberTraffic calming i quite an education With over 75 percent of West U residents citing speeding and cut-through traffic as major problems, the City's newly organized Traffic Task Force recently held a seminar to learn about options available to address neighbor- hood traffic. Joe Studlick, chair of the task force, explained that the purpose of the work- shop was to give members a basic un- derstanding of local traffic manage- ment issues. The task force is an out- growth of a recommendation made earlier in the year by Council Mem- ber Bertini and the traffic management protocol. Connie Clark, a task force member and a traffic engineer, moderated a panel focusing on neighborhood traf- fic calming measures, the effective- ness and use of various traffic calm- ing devices, constraints in regulating urban speeds and traffic volumes, costs of various methods used to slow traffic speed, and how to build con- sensus around these issues. The workshop yielded a number of useful findings to guide the traffic task force in developing goals and guide- lines: ® West U's traffic concerns, al- though unique, are solvable. Similar situations have been remedied in other communities. However, blanket solu- tions to traffic issues do not exist. A problem on one West U street extends to neighboring streets and ample data needs to be collected for the entire neighborhood. Each area must be evaluated separately. ® Although many believe that reduc- ing the speed limit and strict traffic en- forcement are viable solutions, in most instances these are not effective means of traffic control. In fact, re- ducing speed limits and strict traffic enforcement-zero tolerance-is random and not cost effec- tive. Additionally, people tend to have false percep- tions of speed, especially with West U's narrow streets and parked cars. A bus is per- ceived to be speeding be- cause of its size and noise, even though the driver is obeying the speed limit. Stop signs, another method often used to solve traffic problems, merely redi- rect the flow of traffic. West U may, in fact, have too many stop signs. • Traffic calming is the redesign of streets and installation of new traffic signs to physically and mentally en- courage slower traffic speeds, espe- cially in residential areas. The goal of traffic calming is to alert drivers to the presence of pedestrians. Various traf- fic calming devices were discussed and the pros and cons highlighted. How- ever, not all citizens will support the installation of traffic calming devices. For instance, rumble strips installed to raise driver awareness may disturb residents living nearby. When used properly and in the right situation, traf- fic calming devices are usually suc- cessful. The unsuccessful use of an active or passive device in one area does not negate its use in another area. The City of Houston has agreed to work with West U staff and the Traf- fic Task Force on traffic calming situ- ations. For more information on traf- fic calming, visit the Traffic Task Force webpage located on the City website, www.ci.west-university-place.tx.us. City Offices will be closed on Thursday and Friday, November 25" and 26" for the Thansk9iving holiday. ffo solid Miste pick-up on Thursday or Friday I Nave a happy and safe holiday! 11 Relief is a big success The Nicaraguan relief effort was a big success, thanks to the support of West U residents. According to Gene de Laveaga, project leader from the West U Rotary Club, West U residents re- sponded magnificently to the call for clothing, toys and sports equipment for the people of Chinandega displaced by Hurricane Mitch. The drive was conducted during Sep- tember, with collection points located at Colonial Park, the Fire Department and Community Center. However, collec- tion did not stop there. Luby's and Texas Orthopedic Hospital also joined the col- lection drive, while West U Elementary and Pershing Middle School collected donations from students and staff. Pickups were made as donations came in, usually twice a week. After the drive ended, Rotarians packed the donations into boxes for shipment to Nicaragua in mid-October. Over 1,500 cubic feet of donations were collected, enough to fill a 12'x 16' room from floor to ceiling. Donations will be sent via Dole's container ship to Chinandega and should arrive before mid-November. Father Marco Dessy will receive and distribute the donations. Father Dessy has been the focal point for the assis- tance provided to the displaced families in Chinandega. The drive was jointly sponsored by the City of West U, the West U Journal and the West U Rotary Club, whose mem- bers thank you for your generosity. Spe- cial thanks to the children who parted with their tovs and stuffed animals! Calendar of events 8 City Life 3 Employee Spotlight 4 Inside Council Chambers 2 o Ordinance Spotlight 4 Police Blotter 5 © Senior Calender 7 Volume 26, No. 11 November 1999 Inside Council Chambers Page 2 ;kom ffx W&V= 1 By: Mayor Linda Lewis Most mornings I walk with friends. Usually, we are 2, 3 or 4 plus a dog or two. Typically, we walk two abreast on the side of the street facing traffic, cross streets at the appropriate place, use sidewalks when we can and carry plastic bags to pick up after the dogs. In short, we are not much of a bother. However, there are days, usually Sat- urdays, when the group swells to six or more, and we are so busy getting caught up on the week's events that we don't always pay attention to our street man- ners. We do walk on the correct side of the street, but I must confess to occa- sionally taking up more than our fair a recent Saturday. A driver found it dif- ficult to pass us, and recognizing me in the group, he sent me a message ad- monishing me and my friends for our lack of consideration. His comments were well deserved, and I was duly embarrassed. The citizen's intent was not to embar- rass me, but to, remind me that as an elected official I should be more respect- ful of our laws, especially the one man- dating that sidewalks rather than streets be used by pedestrians. In West U, all of us know that this is a law not easily enforced because of the inconsistency of our sidewalks. In some areas side- walks are nonexistent. In other areas gerous. Most of us end up taking to the streets. There is a real concern in the neighborhood that one day someone will be seriously injured. Thus, the question becomes what to do? The answer isn't an easy one, but the issue is important. Does the City take responsibility for sidewalks or does the homeowner as the existing (also unen- forced) ordinance requires? Who pays? Do we float another bond issue, thus in- creasing the city's debt and potentially raising the tax rate? If you have an- swers to these questions, I would like to hear from you. In the meantime, I will try to be a better citizen and do my part to make the streets safe. share of the pavement as happened on siaewatxs are so aamagea as to De can- by Council Member Burt Ballanfant In July, after sixty days of studying the current infrastructure project, the Mayor and City Council voted to ac- celerate the program to bring it to completion sooner. During that pro- cess several financial issues were raised which affected whether the currently authorized bond issues would be sufficient to pay for the entire project and what the current projec- tions would be as to the revenue needed to operate the city as well as to service almost $40 million in addi- tional debt that will be issued in two installments in the fall of 2000 and 2002 to complete the needed infra- structure project. An initial issue to be addressed was that a new storm sewer requirement imposed by the City of Houston which disposes of our storm sewer runoff is requiring the replacement of 30" storm sewers by 36" storm sewers. Engi- neers will recognize that this is about mere 20 percent increase. At this time our consultant engineers, after exam- ining recent bids, believe that the cost of this upgrade imposed during the course of the project and not originally included in the cost estimates will re- main within the originally projected cost estimates. This is remarkably good news, and the citizens should be aware that this will be subject to change if future bids increase the cost from current projections. A second major issue that had ex- isted from the genesis of the current infrastructure project in 1995 was-that the city's consultants estimated that the completion of the infrastructure project would cost $68 million. The bond committee which proposed the scope and breadth of this project and the bond issue to pay for it, felt it could be done for $58 million. In voting on the proposed bond referendum, the voters approved the $63 million com- promise bond package proposed by million unfunded if the consultant's pro- jections were correct. West U will benefit from several factors which will allow the project to be completed for no more and likely less than the amount of bonds currently issued. First, some money authorized but not used from earlier infrastructure work started the City off with a slight cushion. Sec- ond, the City has earned interest on bond money obtained but not used all at one time. Third, an agreement has been entered into with METRO which has made almost $1.5 million dollars available for future work as well as over $1 million previously provided by METRO for work on Weslayan. This contribution by METRO has helped West U bridge a financial shortfall. Fourth, there have been cost underruns to date. Fifth, accelerating the infra- structure project is currently projected to save over $2 million dollars due to avoidance of projected inflation costs. The cumulative effect of these fac- a doubling of carrying capacity, not a the Uouncti at that time. i nis sett ,p.) (Right timing - continued on p. 7) The City of Nest University Place, Texas Mayor Linda Lewis (713.662.5801) City Council Members Burt Ballanfant (713.662.5847), john Bertini (71.3.662.5808), John K. Grubb (713.662.5848), Bill May (713.662.5889) City Currents welcomes your contributions. Forward material to City Currents, 3800 University Boulevard, Vilest University Place, TX 77005, by the I Oth of the month preceding publication. General Information: 713.668.4441 a City Manager Sherman fehl: 713.662.5810; e-mail: sS°ehl(Jei.west-us~i~ersitQj-plaee.t~.us Visit us on the World Wide Web at <www.ci.west-upiversityplace.t.x. us> ud" ltd Feastforthe yes Id, - Step back in time and learn about the lifestyles of the Pilgrims and Native Americans. Activities include painting on animal skins, planting corn, making homemade butter, and creating your own pilgrim hat. Ages 3-5 years. Register in advance at the Community Building, 6104 Auden. Limited space. Day: Wednesday, November 17 Trnte. 11:00 Am -12:30 PM Fees: $10 + $5 Supply Fee Instructor: Lizabeth Simon Ives Ornament Workshop Join us for the Elf Orna- ment Workshop! Each child will make three oma- = ments, while enjoying tradi- tional holiday music, cookies and punch. Register in advance at the Community Building, 6104 Auden. Space is limited. Dray: Wednesday, December 8 Thne: 2:00-3:00 PM (3-5 Yxs) 3:004:00 PM (512-10 YRs) Fees: $10+$5 Supply Fee Instructor: Lizabeth Simon Jazzercise is celebrating 30 a years! West U. Jazzercise will host a week long open house November 15-211t. Attendance is free for all visitors and guests for the entire week. Special events will be held and door prizes given all week long! Second Saturday Concert Enjoy an evening of bluegrass music with two of the most popular bluegrass bands in the area, Pine Island Station and Bluegrass Solution. Pine Island Sta- tion is noted for vocals of two, three and four-part harmony, highlighted by strong, pure leads. Bluegrass Solution is a first class band of straight-ahead bluegrass. The concert will be held at the West U Community Center at 6104 Auden on November 13t'' at 7:30 PM. Tickets will be on sale at the door - adults $8; Se- niors (65) $4; children under 12 free with adults. Homemade refreshments available for purchase. For more information, please call 281.347.3235 or 281.495.2923. Page 3 Snow forecasted for December 6th Join us for the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony, complete with real snow! Santa Claus will be on hand for the festivities to be held at City Hall, 3800 University Boulevard. Help spread some holiday cheer and join us on Monday, December 6t' at 6:30 PM. ' Holiday Camp While you shop `till you drop, t your children will have a bundle of fun! Activities in- y clude arts, crafts, games, songs, movies, and more! Registra- tion begins November 30th for residents and December 2nd for non-residents. Register at the Community Building, 6104 Auden. For ages 5 & up. (Chil- dren need to bring a sack lunch. Snacks and lemonade are provided.) Days: Monday - Thursday Time: 9:00 Am-2:00 PM Session: December 20- 30 Fees: $125/$135NR Coordinator. Lachele Stoeck Location: Scout House Hi,5torrcally e5poaking.. As a major developer of three additions to West U, Preston Plumb had a prime impact on development in West U during the 1920's and 1930's. Plumb first became involved as a build- ing contractor when he purchased prop- erty in West U in 1925. He platted 13.25 acres of land and called it Preston Place. A few months later, Preston purchased a larger piece of property just west of Preston Place, and named it Rice Court. Plumb and his partner, Ed Jarrard, began building homes in the additions. They typi- cally built two-bedroom, one bath, Tudor Revival homes. The style was not only popular at that time, but also reasonably priced and suited to the young families who were buying in the area. In 1933, Plumb formed the Realty Ser- vicing Corporation. The primary purpose of the corporation was building homes. The corporation began buying lots in the Pemberton Addition. In the next eight years, the company became the major developer of this addition, building 78 homes on six of the seven east-west (historically Speaking - continued on p. 6) Pave your way into the future The Friends of West University Parks Fund are selling engraved pavers to help pay for park development and improvements. Each tax-deductible contribution of $300 entitles you to an engraved paver in the park ofyour choice. Inscriptions may be 3 lines of 11 characters (including spaces) on 6"x 6" pavers, or 3 lines of 14 characters (including spaces) on 8"octagon pavers. Paver availability in West U Parks is as follows: Huffington Park - 6"x 6"squares set in the seat wall (limited spaces and will sell out quickly); Wier Park - 8"octagon; Whitt Johnson Park - 8" octagon; Colonial Park - 8" octagon; and Judson Park - 8"octagon. Pavers are a unique way to memorialize and/or honor a loved one. Mail your request and check to: Friends of West U. Parks Fund Pavers, P. O. Box 271363, Houston, Texas 77277. Please contact the West U Parks and Recreation Department at 713-662-5892 for more information. f Traffic Calming in West U by Traffic Task Force Member, Gene Womack ' West U Traffic Task Force has chosen traffic calming as a method to address many of West U resident's traffic concerns. Traf- fic calming, a form of traffic plan- ning, seeks to equalize the use of streets between vehicles, pedestri- ans, bicyclists, and other non-vehicu- lar users. This is accomplished through the use of devices and tech- niques that reduce traffic volume and speed in neighborhoods while maintain- ing mobility and access. Traffic calming is mainly based on the premise that drivers will drive at speeds they perceive to be reasonable. Thus, devises and techniques are used to cause a driver to slow down, if speed- ing, or to use another street, if cutting (Traffic Calming - continued on p. 6) Page 4 This month's ordinance spotlight is... Are you ready for usgine s' This Month's Employee in the Spot- light is Pete Solis. Pete is a building inspector in the West U Building Divi- sion of the Public Works Department. When Pete joined the Building Divi- sion Staff seven years ago, he brought with him 30 years of knowledge and expertise in the construction field. Pete enjoys working with the public and has gained the respect and trust of both builders and West U residents. He takes pleasure in his work and strives to do the best job possible. Pete's fa- vorite part of the job is working with West U employees, whom he fondly re- fers to as his friends. Born in Laredo, Pete is proud to be a true Texan. Pete is happily married to Mary, his wife of 35 years. Pete and Mary have two children, Lupe and Pete, Jr., ages 32 and 31. When away from work, Pete enjoys traveling, his favorite past time. Pete and Mary decided some time ago that traveling via a cruise ship is the ideal way to go, and have embarked on some fascinating tours. Their destinations have included Hawaii, the Caribbean, the Panama Canal and a great deal of Mexico. In fact, they are probably plan- ning their next cruise at this very mo- ment. "Pete provides a valuable service to the citizens of West U and to the de- partment. I consider Pete to be a very dedicated employee and one I hope will provide many more years of service to the residents of West U," says Edward Menville, Director of Public Works. 3 Advances in technology, especially the computer, have resulte in the transformation of the work environment. One of the result of this change is a rapid growth in the number of home businesses. Before yo open your residence for business, please note that `Vest U has a few rules yo need to follow. The Vest U Zoning Ordinance identifies the follotiving requirements that mus be met in order to lawfillly operate a business out of the home: The business must be carried on exclusively by people who 111ve in ire home The employment of any other person, whether paid or not, is not pert fitted. Signs or any other means of advertisement on or near the house are prohibited The storage of goods and fixtures is not allowed. The business cannotrc,quire any specialised buildii?- or structure, or a~zy modi fication ofa building or strue' are. a Businesses that transmit sound (i.e.. recording s'Wrlio) or electronic impulse (i.e., pager, dispaich and cellular phone business) are prohibited u,iless provlide+ through utility services. The business ca.1nd cause noise, odor, or discharge of any substance or gas vibration or other condition detectable frorn outside the residence. E Your Drinking Water and Y2K The City has received a number of queries regarding the potential for wa- ter outages due to the Year 2000 Com- puter Bug. The City's Water Utilities Department reviewed all factors which may be affected by the Y2K bug early in 1998. We found that the Drinking Water SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) System needed to be upgraded for Y2K compliance. The funding for this upgrade was pro- vided for in the 1999 fiscal budget. The upgrade has been completed and tested. In addition to the computerized systems being Y2K compliant, non-computerized local pressure controls will maintain wa- ter pressure in the system should the computers fail for any reason. The wastewater system additionally has a new Y2K compliant SCADA System and all the pumping and treatment sta- " ' On trash days, have you noticed how much recyclable cardboard and paper is lying in and around the bags of trash? Save this paper and cardboard until Wednes- day, recycling day. Put small cardboard in a paper bag with newspapers, junk mail and other acceptable paper items. tions have local control _ in the event of a com- puter failure. As part of our emergency planning for hurricanes, procedures are in place to provide services in the event of a wide area power failure. Although HL&P has assured me that we will not lose power, we have reviewed these plans and are prepared to implement them in the event of an extended power failure. The West University Place, Water Util- ity is prepared to provide uninterrupted services into the twenty-first century. If you have any questions regarding our Y2K preparations or the water utilities in general, please contact the Utilities Superintendent, Patrick Walters by telephone at 713-662-5858 or by e-mail at pwalters@ci.west-university- vlace.tx.us please recycle Flatten large cardboard boxes and stack them next to your bag of papers. Work together to remove recyclables from the waste stream. For questions and comments, please contact one of West U's recycling board members- Ray Kelley at 713.664.1062 or Rick Jenkins at 713.669-9618. Police Blotter Page s September, 1999 ® Chiefs Coyer Cr up close Auto 'T'heft 3800 Northwestern - September 9. Resident reported his white Chevrolet Suburban stolen along with a cell phone, appointment book and wallet with iden- tification, credit cards and cash. No signs of glass breakage. Vehicle was recovered in Houston on Septem- ber 13. Two doors were missing and the luggage rack and front end were damaged. Case pending. Burglary of a Habitation 3100 Bissonnet - September 11. Resident called to report that someone was attempting to kick in the front door of his townhome. After finding the front door wide open, he and his wife hid in a locked room until the police arrived. A purse, which had been in the living room, was missing along with the contents. A fingerprint was located and entered into evidence. Case pending. 6400 Brompton - September 28. While redecorating, resident's home was entered and several items stolen. The contractor also reported a few items missing. Missing were a computer, ste- reo, black and white television and air nail gun. Case pending. Burglary of a Motor Vehicle 2600 Bissonnet - September 2. Lo- cal business patron reported his vehicle broken into and his in-dash stereo pried- out. The driver's side door lock had also been damaged by pry marks. Case pending. 2600 Bissonnet - September 3. Lo- cal business patron reported his in-dash CD stereo stolen. The door latch as- sembly had been pried and was dam- aged. Case pending. 3100 Cason - September 5. Resi- dent reported her wallet missing from her unlocked vehicle. Turned over to detectives for further investigation. 2700 Wroxton - September 8. While resident was out of town a spare tire mounted under his van was removed. Case pending. 2600 Bissonnet - September 14. Resident reported the rear window of his pick-up truck broken out and the in- dash CD stereo, amplifier, speakers and cellular phone stolen. Case pending. 4100 Case - September 22. Resi- dent reported a broken vehicle window and the in-dash stereo missing. Case pending. 3800 Marlowe - September 22. Resident reported her ve- hicle broken into and a backpack and credit card stolen. Case pending. 5300 Kirby - September 23. Store manager reported three of their company vehicles broken into and the radios stolen. Case pending. 4000 Arnold - September 24. Resi- dent reported her vehicle window bro- ken and her cellular phone missing. Case pending. 6000 Community - September 24. Resident reported her purse and its con- tents stolen from her unlocked vehicle. Case pending. 2800 Tangley - September 24. Resi- dent reported the license plate missing from her vehicle. Later, another resi- dent found the license plate down the street. Case pending. 4200 Milton - September 24. While on housewatch patrol, an officer discov- ered a shattered vehicle window. Un- known whether anything was missing. Case pending. 3800 Bellaire - September 28. While picking up her daughter at school, a resi- dent left her purse under the front seat of her unlocked car. She discovered her purse missing a short time later. Case pending. 3500 Tangley - September 30. Resi- dent reported that a screwdriver was used to gain access to her vehicle. Two laptop computers, software, a tape re- corder and computer accessories were stolen. Case pending. Criminal Mischief 3900 Browning- September 9. Resi- dent reported a broken vehicle window. No other damage noted and nothing was scTi,~i.=n,-e.- Once again, the Holidays are ap-proaching. How many times have we heard that the day after Thanksgiving is the busiest shopping day of the year? However, don't let the excitement of the season make you and your gifts targets for criminals. Deep these few things in mind. First, don't shop alone. Go with friends or in a group. Second, aivrays remember where you placed your keys and money. Don't pull out wads of 'cash when making a purchase. Don't keep your keys hanging out of your purse: or pocket. Keep them secure. Third, if you will be out after dark, always walk in a well-lighted area. Fourth, take time to make several trips while carrying packages back to your car. Too many packages make you a target for a would-be thief by restricting your ability to react. Last, don't leave your packages in plain view. Lock them in your trunk or at least cover them so that they are not visible from the parking lot. Just remember, thieves are shopping for victims just like you are shopping for gifts. J. T®d SChneider missing. Also reported was a verbal al- tercation with a magazine salesman a few days earlier who might be a sus- pect although little information was avail- able. Case pending. 3100 Bissonnet - September 11. Resident reported that someone threw a brick at her window, breaking a pane. Window bars prevented the brick from passing through. Case pending. 2700 Arbuckle - September 11. Resident reported that an empty beer bottle had been thrown into her vehicle through an open window. The bottle shattered and sent glass flying inside the car. Case pending. 5300 Kirby - September 16. Resi- dent reported that an ex-boyfriend had harassed her as she left work. He threw a soda in her car and slammed the pas- (Blotter - continued on p. 6) Page 6 (Blotter - continued from p. 5) senger door in such a way as to prevent the door from closing properly. Charges were filed against the juvenile offender. Case closed. 4200 South Judson - September 17. Resident reported a broken rear vehicle window. No signs of entry and nothing was missing. Case pending. 4000 Coleridge - September 18. Resident reported that their van win- dows had been shot out. Case pending. 4000 Riley - September 20. Resi- dent advised that someone shot out rear vehicle window. Case pending. 3000 Carnegie - September 20. Resident reported that someone had shot at her front room window. The window was broken. A short time later an of- ficer stopped a vehicle. The three oc- cupants possessed a slingshot, a bag of rocks and a package of steel pellets. They confessed to shooting at several houses and to breaking the window at this location. One suspect was arrested and charged with Criminal Mischief. Arrest made; case closed. 3900 Byron - September 20. Resi- dent reported that the front window of her home had been broken. A rock was found at the scene. Charges are pend- ing against the juvenile(s) involved with the above incident. 2600 Pittsburg - September 26. Resident reported a broken vehicle win- dow. Nothing stolen. Case pending. Forgery/Credit Card Abuse 3800 University - September 28. City employee reported that a city credit card had been used to order an out-of- state delivery of flowers. Turned over to the detectives. 3600 Plumb - September 28. Resi- dent reported the unauthorized use of his credit card and pin number. A num- ber of cash withdrawals were made over a two-day period. The credit card company's fraud department is working with him. Turned over to the detectives. Fraud 5900 Fordham - September 22. Resident reported the unauthorized use of her name and Social Security num- ber to obtain credit. The banks are also working with the resident to apprehend the suspect, who has attempted to get credit through the Internet. Turned over to the detectives. Theft 3200 University - August 31. An officer was flagged down about a pos- sible theft in progress from a construc- tion site. A Hispanic woman, standing by a car in the driveway was hiding copper flashing. After questioning, she revealed that another person was with her in the house. The Hispanic male claimed he worked at the site and had permission to remove the materials. It was discovered that he was not autho- rized to do so. Both the man and woman were taken into custody for theft. Ar- rest made; case closed. 3800 Milton - September 7. A city employee reported that over the week- end his office computer, monitor and printer had been dismantled and sto- len. Turned over to the detectives. 2900 Sunset - September 12. Resi- dent reported a large amount of her jew- elry missing from her home. Her regu- lar maid sent two sisters in her place. The sisters are possible suspects. Turned over to the detectives. 3900 Marlowe - September 17. Resident reported that the scaffolding framework had been taken from the side of his house. Case pending. 5900 Charlotte - September 26. Resident reported child's red wagon missing from the front yard. Case pend- ing. (Historically Speaking - continued from p. 3) streets. The Pemberton Addition will be the focus of a walking tour sponsored by the West U Place Historical Society on Sunday, November 7t''. Guided tours, for $5 per person, will leave from the northwest corner of Pemberton and An- napolis every fifteen minutes from 2:00 - 3:00 PM. The tour features historical, social and architectural tidbits of the homes and the people who lived in them. Are- ou Are ;you at risk foril having a stroke. Find out what ;/our chances i- are. l ieniorial/Herman Hospital is offering pe- ripheral =vascular screenings. Saturday, November Ern 9:00 AM- NOON in the Comrnu oifv Center 6104 Auden For rose, flons call 888.8,07.553Z.,-7 or iusI drop ir. r, Al (Traffic Calming - continued from p. 3) through. There is a grab bag of calming de- vices, both passive and active. The difficult part is picking the right device for each unique problem. To date, West U has relied on passive devices-traf- fic signs, signals and pavement mark- ers. The Traffic Task Force will in- vestigate combining the passive de- vices with some active devices- raised intersections, speed humps, chokers, etc. Traffic calming is a successful solu- tion when based upon effective citi- zen involvement throughout the pro- cess; collection of data initially and after installation of temporary solu- tions; and expert advice. With the guidance of City Staff, the Traffic Task Force aims for success. For traffic concerns, comments and questions, call the 24-hour Citizen Line at 713.662.5887, contact Joe Studlick, TTF Chair at 713.666.5850 or send email to traffic@ci.west-university-place. For more information on traffic calming de- vices, visit the TTF webpage located on the City's website, www.ci.west-univer- sity-place.tx.us. 1H ~Ic C-ET Page 7 JI Y 1 f of events for November November 3, Wednesday e November 8, Monday December 3, Friday Tour the Antique Z Stores in The Heights. Enjoy lunch at the 11th Street Cafe and plan for an afternoon at a 6000 square foot store on Washing- ton Avenue. You may BYOB. Bring money! 9:45 AM - 3:00 PM. Free, ex- cept for lunch. ® November 5, Friday Get in the holiday spirit at ia~ our Pre-Holiday Party. Enjoy a nice lunch and entertain- ment by Marshall Maxwell. 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM. $4.00. ® November 8, Monday ~31 Today's seminar, Dealing with Depression, will be held at the Bayland Community Cen- ter, 6400 Bissonnet near Hillcroft. Please note that Transportation is not provided. 9:30 AM - NOON. Free. Join us for a guided tour of + Rice University and enjoy lunch at the Faculty Club. 9:30 AM - 3:30 PM. $16.00. ® November 16, Tuesday Enjoy a program and music per- formed by some of the best in the Tuesday Music Club's member- ship. 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM. Free. ® November 19, Friday Artist Spotlight: David McGee. Lecture at the Glassel School, fol- lowed by a tour of the MFA. 9:30 AM -12:30 PM. Free. ® November 25, Thursday Enjoy a delicious c-- Thanksgiving Lunch and Program, courtesy of the Bellaire High School Honor Society. Invite a senior neighbor. Let us know if you need transportation. NOON - 1:30 pm. Free. MFA Senior Program: Yasuhiro Ishimoto: A Tale of Two Cities and Brice Marden. Work Books and Se- ries. Lecture and docent-led tour. 9:30 AM -12:30 PM. $1:00/$2:00. ® December 7, Tuesday Don't miss the Tuesday z_ Music Club's Christmas Coffee. The annual holiday party in- cludes brunch and music. The mini- bus seats fourteen. The rest will take private cars. 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM. Price to be announced. a December 10, Friday Artist Spotlight: Lisa Ludwig. Lec- ture at the Glassel School, followed by a tour of the MFA. 9:30 AM -12:30 PM. Free. Please call 713.662.5895 for more information or to make reservations to attend events. (Right timing - continued from p. 2) tors is that the City will be able to fund the existing project by using only about $61 million of the authorized $63 mil- lion in bonds. Projected financial plans for next year, coupled with payments autho- rized in this budget year will lead to a reduction in the peak of the tax rate to service the debt incurred for this project. By way of comparison, in 1989 the city tax rate was $0.43 per $100.00 valuation due to paying off earlier bond issues. At the time this project was authorized, the city tax rate had been reduced to $0.37 per $100 valuation, and this tax rate was projected to increase to $0.58 per valuation to fully service the debt for the infrastructure project. Due to bridging the financial gap, additional monies from unanticipated sources, the savings from acceleration, the value of new construction in the City, and increased property valua- tions, the top tax rate to service this debt is now projected to be $0.45 to $0.46 per $100 instead of the original projection of $0.58 per $100.00 (as- suming 2 percent growth in valuations due to new construction). This in- creased tax rate will continue from ap- proximately 2003 to 2008 when the debt service will begin to decline. This projection also includes paying for three new police officers each year which had not previously been in- cluded. It should be emphasized that these projections are based on esti- mates as to contract cost and additional tax revenues as a result of new con- struction patterns in the city; if these underlying factors change, so will the projections. We are all fortunate that almost every possible factor has worked to West U's financial benefit. The original bond committee, West U voters, city staff, and consulting engi- neers are to be commended for their foresight in authorizing such a mam- moth project for a city our size and ad- ministering it so expertly. The bottom line is that our city will be virtually alone in having totally replaced and en- hanced its entire infrastructure and can make further plans to enhance its civic position based on a sound finan- cial footing. Thanksgiving Lunch and Program Seniors are invited to Thanksgiving lunch and program in the Senior Wing of the Community Center Thursday, November 25 Noon - 1:30 PM Call for reservations - 713.662.5895 Transportation and home delivered meals also available. _7 Sponsored by: Bellaire High School Honor Society Students 0 City of West University Place 3800 University Boulevard West University Place, Texas 77005 BULK RATE U.S. POSTAGE PAID Permit No. 6270 Houston, TX ®®®®®®®®®®®®®®®®®®®®®®®®®®®®®®®®®®®®~®®®~~®®®~®®®®-aaaaaaaaaa Sunday liuesda ~9'ednt rdaY _ 'day -_"Y - Y Y Y Y Neighborhood Safety Friends of West U - The Building and Stan- Newcomer's Club Board @ 7:45 PM i Parks @ 6:30 PM City dards Commission @ Coffee, 10:30AM - the City Hall Confer Hall Conference Room 6:00 PM in the City NOON, Community . ence Room. Parks Board @ 7:3 PM Council Chambers Hall Conference Room. Center. Traffic Task Force @ ' 2 6:00PM Public Work L h 3 4 - 5 6 unc room • Special Session @ Recycling and Solid Senior Services Board 1 6:30 PM City Hall Waste Reduction Meeting @ 2:30 PM. Conference Room Board @6:30 PM in Zoning and Planning Council Meeting the Public Works Lunch Room. Commission @6:45 P t @ 7:30 PM City Hall City Hall Conference 7 Council Chambers 8 9 10 Room 11 12 13 Traffic Task Force @ Zoning Board of Ad- ` :00PM Public Works justment @ 7:30 PM in Lunchroom the City Hall Confer- ence Room. 14 15 16 17 18 19 ,f 203 Special Session @ 6:30 PM Cit Hall asl s i - -r k y Conference Room r L Council Meeting city Offi es Closed @ 7:30 PM City Hall j 21 Council Chambers22 23 2 25 26 27~ ~ s ~ „ - tea F1 28 2 ~ , J.