HomeMy WebLinkAboutSeptember47
J U S t L
West U's Charter Review Commission
has completed its review of the City's
1994 charter and has recommended only
a modest number of changes.
"The commission members believed
the charter only needed minor changes,"
said John Neighbors, chair of the CRC.
"We have a good charter now and it was
a simple matter of updating to ensure
that it remains useful to citizens, council,
and staff."
Neighbors said the biggest change
proposed is one allowing more flexibility
in bid selection for City projects.
"Our proposal will require the City to
look at more than just the cost of the
contract and determine the most
advantageous bid for the City. This is in
keeping with the trend today which takes
into account customer service
responsiveness and other intangibles that
can lead to better contract management
and overall better services for the City."
Other changes proposed:
® Establish a consistent date for new
Councils to take office. Based on the
current election calendar, the Council
elected in 2001 will take office on June
1, 2001;
Allow Council members to be
reimbursed for certain expenses under
a general expense policy;
® Require publication of an ordinance
only when a criminal penalty is imposed;
® Conform election canvassing date to
State law;
® Modify the term qualified voters to
registered voters under Article IV,
Initiative, Referendum, and Recall;
® Allow minor disannexations of streets
and strips but require owner approval;
and
® Conform conflict of interest
provisions to State law.
The Commission discussed and tabled
several proposals, including requiring
staggered terms for Council members
and imposing salary requirements for
municipal employees.
"In both these cases there are good
arguments for and against," said
Neighbors. "Ultimately the Commission
decided that there was no compelling
interest at this time to ask the voters
again to consider staggered terms as it
was overwhelmingly rejected in 1994.
As for placing salary administration in
the charter, the commission believed
that such language might be restrictive
(Just some tinkering - continued on p.7)
If we could ImIght
up your life...
Residents who have checked
out our test lights on Rice and
Georgetown have overwhelm-
ingly selected the Main Street
luminaire. This is a full cut-off
fixture, meaning its environ-
mentally friendly as it reduces
light pollution, illuminates down
for pedestrian safety, and di-
rects light beyond the sidewalk
to the roadway. At 12' from
the ground, it will be under
many of the tree branches as
well. City Council will be de-
veloping an implementation
plan latter this year.
Water Wise
by Patrick Walters, Utilities Superintendent
For the first time in my
four years with West U, we
have found it necessary to
:,activate the West U Drought
Contingency Plan. On July 22, 2000, we
activated our plan to Mild Drought
Status. The West U Water Conservation
Plan passed by our City Council in
February of 1995, provides a Drought
Contingency Plan designed to aid in the
prevention of water shortages. Thanks
to the participation of a majority of
citizens in the Voluntary Water
Conservation Request, West U has been
able to stabilize and reduce the demand
on the water system. As a result
mandatory water rationing will not be
necessary.
Here are some additional everyday
conservation tips to consider.
• Repair leaks promptly.
• If you see or hear water running
within your home, contact a plumber to
identify the source.
® Check your automatic irrigation
system for leaks on a regular basis.
® Install soil moisture or rain sensors to
limit the automatic irrigation system
from watering unnecessarily.
(Water Wise - continued on p.4)
Olt, ~)o
Monday, ®t®mer °►w
in observance of Labor Day
f There will he no solid tY9ste pickup.
Have a ssfe and happy holideyl
• Board & Committee News 6
• Calendar of events 8
• City Life 3
• Employee Spotlight 4
• Inside Council Chambers 2
• Ordinance Spotlight 4
• Police Blotter 5
• Senior Calendar 7
Volume 27, No. 9 September 2000
Inside Council Chambers Page 2
WO WA V X 14Z)dd By: Mayor Linda Lewis
By the time you read this, council and
staff will have begun the tedious budget
process. This is the sixth time I have been
through this exercise, and each time I
go into it optimistic that because of our
continuing valuation increases we will
have a significant tax reduction. How-
ever, it is not easy to conduct the busi-
ness of the city and reduce taxes, and
this year will be no different.
Actually, the city budget is conserva-
tive, and staff is to be commended for
continually looking for ways to become
more fiscally responsible. If we were to
do nothing over and above the require-
ments for 2000, it is possible that we
could reduce the current tax rate by as
much as 8 cents. Because of exciting
opportunities in 2001, however, that is
not likely to happen. What are these
opportunities?
First is the possible acquisition of the
YMCA. We are in the embryonic stages
of negotiating for that property, and it is
the shared hope of this community that
we will be successful. Adding the Y to
the city's assets would undoubtedly add
to the quality of life here in ways that
we can predict and some that we prob-
ably haven't anticipated.
A second expense next year will in-
volve sidewalks. This council is commit-
ted to improving existing sidewalks as
well as developing a plan for expanding
the network. There are so many places
in our city that have no sidewalks, and
that is something we feel has to change.
Again, this is a quality of life issue as
we must make some progress in getting
walkers, joggers and baby strollers off
the streets. At this moment, there is not
a specific plan for sidewalk construc-
tion because there are so many factors
to consider. As plans unfold, I will share
them with you in future columns.
Third is the initiation of a street light
replacement program. This, like side-
walks, is something that has needed to
be addressed for as many years as I
have Iived here, but other priorities have
always put improved lighting on the back
burner. Now, we are ready to move for-
ward, and if the response to the trial lights
on Rice and Georgetown is any indica-
tion, residents are quite excited.
As you might guess, none of these
things can occur without spending tax
dollars, and that, coupled with the nor-
mal budget requirements, is the reason
a tax reduction is not a possibility in next
year's projections. I hope you will agree
that investments impacting the way we
all live are both sensible and beneficial.
As for me, I am glad to put my tax dol-
lars to work here-at least I can see
where they are going and be certain that
the decision making process was sensi-
tive to the needs of the community. This
is an exciting time in the history of our
city, and I am pleased to be part of it.
4
by Council Member John Grubb
My topic this month is one that is all
too easy for us to overlook- our per-
sonal safety and the personal safety of
others.
This summer, within a two week pe-
riod, two of my personal friends were
killed in tragic accidents in West U. One
was killed by electrocution and the other
when a tree limb that he was cutting
fell upon him. Many tragic accidents
simply cannot be prevented. Strange,
weird, fortuitous, and bizarre things do
occur, which result in the loss of life or
serious personal injury.
However, as I drive around West U, I
have noticed that we have become a
careless society, preoccupied with our
busy schedules and are not cognizant
of the personal safety of others or our-
selves. We talk on cell phones, as we
pass children riding down the street. We
glide through stop signs because we are
in a hurry to get to work. We drive a
little faster than is safe under the cir-
cumstances because we are off to an
important meeting. We climb an unstable
ladder because we think that it will not
fall. These are only a few of many ex-
amples.
We forget that while we live in a very
safe city, accidents do happen. Last year
there were over 200 traffic accidents in
the City of West U, which is equal to
100 traffic accidents per square mile,
over 5 traffic accidents for each mile of
roadway, or one traffic accident for each
26 households!!!
Please take the time to put your per-
sonal safety and the personal safety of
others ahead of everything else in your
life. If you miss an important phone call
because you put down the cell phone to
concentrate on your driving, if you are
late for a meeting because you do stop
at all stop signs in route, or if you let
those dirty gutters go because you do
not have the right kind of ladder, you
will survive and will be able to recover.
If you do not pay attention to your per-
sonal safety, you or another human be-
ing may never recover.
The City of West University Place, Texas
Mayor Linda Lewis (713.662.5801)
City Council Members Burt Ballanfant (713.662.5847), John Bertini (713.662.5808),
John K. Grubb (713.662.5848), Bill May (713.662.5889)
City Currents welcomes your contributions. Forward material to City Currents, 3800 University Boulevard,
West University Place, TX 77005, by the 10th of the month preceding publication.
General Information: 713.668.4441. City Manager Sherman With 713.662.5810; e-mail: syehl@ci.west-university-place.tx.us
Visit us on the World Wide Web at <www.ci.west-university place.tx.us>
City Life
the
of it
Second Saturday Concert
This month's featured artists are Pe-
ter Keane, Karen Poston, and Jason
Eklund. Keane is a fine fingerstyle gui-
tar player, with a style ranging from me-
lodic to blues a la Mississippi John Hurt,
playing a 1930's Gibson guitar. Poston's
music is a blend of folk/country that to-
day is labeled Americana. Eklund's mu-
sical style ranges from jazz to blues to
11 .h h h' f i f ld
Page 3
Historically Speaking...
Seventy-five years ago this fall the
West University School first opened its
doors to students of West U and
Southside Place. In the spring of 1924, a
group of residents formed the West Uni-
versity Place Independent School Dis-
tri ct. Dave Austin and W. D. Haden, two
homebuilders in West U, donated land in
the 3700 block of University Boulevard.
Board members purchased the remain-
der of the adjacent property, giving them
six acres on which to build the school.
In the spring of 1925, West U residents
passed a $55,000 bond proposal to build
the school. The Board hired the Bilt-Well
Company as contractors for the project
and architect Lamar Q. Cato to design
the building.
The building was completed in Novem-
ber, 1925. A newly formed Parent-
country, a wrt t e aut entic ee o o r _
time music from the 20's and 30's. ' @' y
The concert will be held at the West
U Community Building, 6104 Auden, on
September 9 at 7:30pm. Tickets will be
on sale at the door-adults $8; Senior
Citizens (65) $4; children under 12 free
with adults. Homemade refreshments
sold at the door. For more information,
call 281.347.3235, 281.495.2923 or visit
the Houston Folklore/Music Society
website at wwwhoustonfolkmusic.org.
IA ILJ
Be repared~to vote in the November 7,
General lections. Here are a few dates to keep
in mind.
® ~ ~®r 10 . Lost day citizens may register
to vote in the November 7 general election.
® ►r Fir :'ay to submit application
for',:.!!,..' 4 n _il
_ir . Period for Early
voting
The Poor Farm Ditch on the
east side of Edloe, from JMH
north to Sunset will soon have a new look.
Thanks to the assistance of Harris
County and Commissioner Steve Radack,
three new pedestrian bridges will be in-
stalled over the Poor Farm Ditch. The
City will add the finishing touches with
new landscaping, fencing, lighting, and a
pedestrian walkway along the entire dis-
tance from JMH to Sunset. The pedes-
trian bridges will be installed at Plumb,
Robinhood and Tangley, replacing the
existing bridge.
Edloe was reopened to traffic last week
after being completely rebuilt. Keeping
in mind that children often use this corri-
dor to and from the elementary school,
the Traffic Task Force made several rec-
ommendations to calm traffic. Three
curb bubbleouts on the east side of the
street, in line with the planned bridges
Teacher Association sponsored a car-
nival to raise funds for the purchase of
classroom furniture. By late 1928, a
second school building had been built
to house junior high students. However,
many residents felt that the financial
burden of further expanding the school
campus would be too great for the small,
newly-incorporated city. In late 1928, a
majority of West U and Southside Place
residents voted to dissolve the West U
Independent School District and give
the school buildings to Houston Inde-
pendent School District.
Read more on the history of the West
U School in the West U Historical
Society's book, Stepping Back in Time.
To purchase a copy call June Begeman
at 713.666.5721.
were installed. Bubbleouts have proven
effective in slowing traffic in a number
of places throughout the world. Trials
have shown that bubbleouts do not
hinder emergency vehicles, nor do they
increase the number of accidents. Not
only do bubbleouts slow traffic, they
also provide a buffer zone at the end of
the bridges for pedestrians and bicy-
clists, preventing them from being
dumped into the street. The street is
wide enough for two vehicles to pass
safely at these bubbleouts, but a driver
will sense that it is prudent to go slow
as a result of the narrowed roadway.
Improved street signage and striping
should be completed soon. In addition,
lowering the speed limit to 20 MPH is
being studied. The street curve at JMH
was also modified in order to extend
the walkway to just South of
(What's happening - continued on p.7)
(e-_
C ~ yy
This month's employee in the spotlight
is Dennis Mack. Dennis currently
works in the Public Works Department,
Development Services Division as Chief
Building Official.
Dennis has been with the Public
Works Department since July of 1999.
When he joined the West U team,
Dennis brought with him a wealth of
experience. Prior to coming to West U,
he worked for the City of Webster for
approximately sixteen years in the
Building Department. Dennis worked
his way up over the years, through
certification and experience, eventually
becoming the Chief Building Official for
the City of Webster.
Dennis has a wide variety of interests
ranging from illustrated arts to
computers. Combining these two
interests, he has designed numerous
promotional ads for various companies,
as well as the sesquicentennial
celebration patch for the City of
Webster that Hoot Gibbson took into
space aboard the space shuttle.
Dennis is also an outdoors enthusiast
and enjoys spending his time away from
work fishing and hunting.
According to Edward Menville, Public
Works Director, "The City of West U is
very fortunate to have someone like
Dennis on its staff. He brings a wealth
of knowledge, a good work ethic and a
good attitude to the job."
Page 4
Ordinance spotlight.. .
-
Progress is being made in Priority
Areas 6B and 7A. The contractor is still
working on Edloe between Rice and
Sunset in Priority Area 6B. Paving is
complete with cleanup remaining. The
paving of Wroxton 1 Albans is also
complete with general cleanup
remaining. The contractor is
currently working on the 3700 - -
block of Sunset. During this next
month he will be working to complete
the southeast quadrant of the block. At
present, paving of the north half of the
street has been completed.
The contractor has begun work on the
intersection of Rice and Auden. This is
one of the intersections to be inlaid with
the City's logo. This area should be com-
plete within the next 4 weeks
In Priority Area 7A, paving of Univer-
sity Boulevard is now complete. The con-
tractor is presently working on sidewalks,
wheel chair ramps and general restora-
tion. During the later part of August, pav-
ing in the 3600 block of Georgetown will
begin.
Here's the 30 day forecast for utility
projects:
e Sewer work will continue in the 3200
(Water Wise - continued from p.1)
® Plan new landscaping using plants
native to the area, requiring minimal
watering. The Sunday, August 20 issue
of the Houston Chronicle gives a web
site on these plants.
If you notice a water leak outdoors
that you think may be the City's
responsibility, contact us immediately at
713.662.5839. After hours, contact the
Police Dispatcher at 713.662.5850. We
have crews on 24-hour call to respond
to this type of problem.
Police Plotter
Page 5
July, 2000
Crime u close
Aggravated Kidnapping
6700 Vanderbilt - July 25. Suspect
identified and warrant issued.
Auto Theft
4100 Bellaire - July 18. Vehicle sto-
len from business parking lot.
ness parking lot.
2900 Bissonnet - July 22. Window
of vehicle parked overnight in alley bro-
ken. Radar detector, passport and other
items stolen.
2700 Centenary - July 23. Vehicle
window pried open. Laptop computer
stolen.
6700 Westchester - July 27.
Rear view mirror handicapped
Criminal Mischief medallion and sun visor stolen
from unsecured vehicle.
3800 Browning - July 1. Un-
known person applied duct tape s_
to vehicle door.
4100 Lehigh - July 4. Vehicle win-
dow broken with pry tool overnight.
Nothing missing.
4200 Lehigh - July 4. Vehicle win-
dow broken overnight. Nothing missing.
4200 Emory - July 4. Vehicle window
broken with pry tool overnight. Nothing
missing.
6300 Brompton - July 5. Driver side
view mirror broken.
4000 Browning - July 5. Unknown
person drove vehicle through resident's
yard, destroying a sprinkler head.
4200 Riley - July 6. Real estate agent
reported shattered glass door on a resi-
dence. Possibly caused by blunt object.
3800 Swarthmore - July 13.
Scratches and profanity on three ve-
hicles. Plastic emblems torn off.
4200 Milton - July 15. Vehicle egged
overnight.
2600 Sunset - July 21. Rock thrown
through vehicle window.
2800 Rice - July 21. Rock thrown
through vehicle window.
2900 Rice - July 21. Rock thrown
through vehicle window.
4200 S Judson - July 23. Derogatory
message written on door facing of house.
Door frame also damaged.
4200 Sunset - July 28. Resident's
electric gate damaged. Complainant may
know suspect.
Burglary of a Motor Vehicle
4000 Browning - July 5. Vehicle win-
dow broken. Keys and briefcase stolen.
2600 Pittsburg - July 11. Rear ve-
hicle window broken. Briefcase stolen.
4200 Bellaire - July 13. Purse stolen
from unsecured vehicle parked in busi-
4200 Emory -July 28. Vehicle
window broken. Cell phone,
laptop and other items stolen.
Burglary of wilding
6900 Community - July 2. Money
stolen from residence. Complainant
knows suspect.
5700 Buffalo - July 7. Bike stolen
from unsecured detached garage sev-
eral weeks before incident reported.
2800 Lafayette - July 9. Bike stolen
from backyard shed.
3300 1'angley - July 11. Two tool
boxes stolen from utility trailer. Utility
trailer was left open and unsecured.
3100 Albans - July 11. Tools stolen
from unsecured detached garage.
3400 Amherst -July 13. Lawn
mower stolen from detached garage.
6600 Vanderbilt - July 23. Pitching
bucket and contents stolen from garage.
Garage door possibly left unlocked.
3300 Sunset - July 23. Unisex bike
stolen from unlocked garage.
3500 Robinhood - July 26. Moun-
tain bike stolen from open garage.
5300 Buffalo - July 29. Broken win-
dow on local church building. Nothing
missing.
Burglary of residence
4100 University - July 14. Window
broken on residence and screen re-
moved. Entry not gained.
3700 Nottingham - July 17. Men's
mountain bike stolen from open garage.
Found Property
2700 Rice - July 14. Bike found on
city easement and placed in found prop-
(Crime up close - continued on p.7)
1~~ Chiefs Corner
by #-oUce- ChLef K" iv Begley
As we go about our daily business, most
of us are aware of the fact that we live
in a large metropolitan city and the
potential for danger is all around us. This
is strongly reinforced by the nightly news,
which recites a litany of situations in
which people are killed or injured. The
problem is that most of us conduct our
business as if it can't happen to us. The
fact is it can. The incidence of crime,
particularly violent crime, is very low in
West U. However, even here, violent
icrime can and does occur. A recent
incident in West U emphasizes the need
to be on guard and take measures to
protect ourselves.
A young lady needed a place to live.
She noticed a "For Rent" sign in West
U and called the number. She arranged
to see the residence immediately with the
man who answered the phone. Without
another thought, she entered the house
- and was held captive for the next six
hours. The woman was tied and terror-
ized with a knife. Thankfully, the man
left the residence for a short time and
the woman was able to free herself and
notify police. The woman received only
superficial injuries during her ordeal. The
man has been identified and arrested. He
is not a West U resident.
This incident points out the necess'`y
of always taking precautions to help en-
sure your safety. Let somebody know
where you are going and when you will
return. Call if you are going to be late or
if plans change. If you're planning to meet
somebody you don't know, try to have
somebody go with you. Avoid putting
yourself in a position where you are alone
with a stranger. Keep your cell phone
handy. Program your cell phone so that
9-1-1 can be dialed by hitting one button.
Be especially cautious after dark. Stay
in well-lit areas, walk with a purpose, pref-
erably with others, and have your keys
handy. If you leave a shopping area or a
building at night and have to go into a
parking garage, don't be afraid to ask a
security guard or another employee to
walk with you.
We must be aware of where we are
and what is going on around us at all
times, even in West U. Your Police De-
partment is committed to providing as
safe an environment as possible, but each
individual must take precautions to avoid
dangerous situations.
Page 6
_
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911
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-
by Patrick Dugan, Neighborhood Safety Board member
When a West U
electrical and radio equipment. This is
Houston, if your emergency is a medi-
resident dials 911, the
the dispatcher's domain.
cal one, you will not receive medical in-
call is answered immediately and the
Currently, a single dispatcher responds
structions, such as how to perform CPR.
dispatcher asks, "What is your emer-
to all calls to the WUPD police dispatch
One reason for this is that response time
gency?"
at the non-emergency number,
within West U is fast-for ambulance
If you have ever made a 911 call for
713.668.0330, as well as all 911 calls.
or fire, 2-3 minutes, and for a high prior-
emergency assistance, or simply called
The City will soon hire four additional
ity police call, 2 minutes and under.
the West U Police Department to re-
dispatchers. The goal is to have two dis-
West U dispatchers are equipped with
port a suspicious person or other prob-
patchers on duty 24 hours a day.
the latest technology. This past May a
lem, you talked to the dispatcher. Many
Please remember that 911 is for
new enhanced 911 system was installed,
residents have not considered the
emergencies only. Don't dial 911 for
which automates many functions and
dispatchers role. In fact, many residents
information, as some people do. Call 911
simplifies tracking of emergency vehicles
become frustrated by the dispatcher's
for a crime in progress, to report a fire,
and personnel. One interesting new ca-
questions and often wonder why he/she
or for life-threatening emergencies. The
pability of the system relates to cell
doesn't simply send an ambulance, po-
non-emergency number is for police
phones.
lice car, or a fire truck.
calls only. Don't call the non-emergency
If a 911 call is made on a cell phone,
The dispatcher is specifically trained
police number for help or information
and is from within the West U area, it
to get help to you, to inform those on
that is not police related. Keep numbers
should ring automatically to West U dis-
the way what to expect, and to keep
for all other City departments on hand.
patch. A screen at the dispatcher's work
track of ambulance, fire, and police re-
If you do make an emergency call, be
station will show a map with the approxi-
sources in the field. Upon entering the
prepared to answer questions. The dis-
mate location from which the call is be-
Police Station lobby at 3814 University,
patcher needs information to help you
ing made. This theoretically allows emer-
you may have peered over the counter
and to advise an officer or other emer-
gency personnel to locate someone in
and through the glass into "Communi-
gency personnel of the situation. This is
distress even if the caller is unable to tell
cations". The Communications room is
for safety reasons, particularly in a po-
the dispatcher his/her exact location.
errun with computers, screens, and
lice situation, but also to better enable
The dispatcher plays an important role
police, fire, or EMS personnel to deal
in all police and emergency response. In
- e - - ° - 1 °
with your emergency. The dispatcher
'
West U, they are being assisted by the
io~'c c~: ins aE a needed for the weigh-
t
will instruct you to stay on the line. Don
latest technology available.
%vach program. If you are interested,
hang up until the dispatcher tells you to.
g p y
Special thanks to Bernie White,
662
5689.
con'rjct Sean Anderson at 713
Since 1986,911 calls from within West
Communications Trainer and Jim
.
.
;iic; is all ` : a signiflcanfi'r s;:ment in
"k -l
U are answered by the West U dis-
Brady, Communications Officer of the
'
patcher, not a Houston or Harris County
WUPD.
our <i
dispatcher. Consequently, unlike
:0
I ® I -
L the envml ® %
id you know that every week more than
000 trees are used to produce the two-
500
_
-
by Joe Foster on behalf of the Recycling and Solid Waste Reduction Board
,
thirds of newspapers that are never recycled? Do
your part to increase our recycling efforts today.
Did you know that a
+
b
ll
i
f
use, the new meter will pay out in less
i
'
i
f
fense fund
Source -Environmental De
sensor can
e
ra
n
a
ormat
on.
n
than two years. For more
easily added to your auto-
please contact Patrick Walters at
matic sprinkler system to
713.662.5858 or Joe Foster at
source of harmful noise and disturb many
stop watering during periods of recent
713.664.5905.
residents. The dust generated by the leaf
rain or while it is raining, thus saving
Another area of environmental con-
blowers is recognized as a significant
water. Sensors are especially important
cem focuses on the use of gasoline pow-
health threat, particularly affecting indi-
now during the drought. Savings incurred
ered leaf blowers. In order to address
viduals with respiratory problems. While
by the installation of a sensor usually
the issue, a survey to learn West U resi-
leaves and grass cuttings are initially
cover the costs of installation in just over
dents' opinions on gasoline-powered leaf
blown from one property to another, they
a year of typical watering.
blowers is included as an insert in this
usually end up in storm sewers and re-
Other ways to easily reduce your wa-
issue of City Currents. The survey is
suit in storm drain plugging. A blower
ter/sewer bill include the installation of
being conducted by the Recycling and
produces more harmful exhaust emis-
a second water meter for lawn and gar-
Solid Waste Reduction Board.
sions in one hour of use than an average
den watering, which will result in the
Gasoline powered leaf blowers make
car driven from Galveston to Dallas!
elimination of the sewer portion from the
lawn and garden clean-up quick and
More information on gasoline powered
second account. Depending on water
easy. However, they are also a major
leaf blowers is included in the survey.
Page 7
Seniors' calendar of events
e September 8, Friday
Don't miss the popular
Brown Bag Radio
`51 ate.
Show, a series of clas-
sic radio "watching".
!Jr
-`-Remember Burns &
Allen and The Lone Ranger? Well
then, bring a lunch and don't be late.
NOON - 1:30 PM. To be held the sec-
ond Friday of each month. Other
dates are 10/13, 11/10, 12/8. Free.
a September 11, Monday
Learn the art of hip Dance during
this fun filled class. Partners are not
needed. Class will meet every Mon-
day from 12:30 - 1:45 PM. Free.
• September 12, Tuesday
Join us for a trip to the Museum of
Fine Arts to view the Splendor of
Rome: The 18th Century. The ex-
hibit contains paintings, sculptures
and prints by more than 160 artists
9:30 -12:30 PM. $5.00 for admission;
and $5.00 for audio tour if desired.
e September 19, Tuesday
Don't miss the Great
Book Discussion
a Group. Read and de-
bate some of the
classics. The group will meet every
third week. Other dates include 10/
10, 10/31, 11/21, 12/12. Noon -1:30
PM. Free
(Just some tinkering - continued from p.1)
on future councils. This approach does
not take into account the overall financial
condition of the City which the annual
budget process is designed to address."
The seven members and three
alternates have been meeting over the
past two months, reviewing each section
of the City's charter. A public hearing is
scheduled for Wednesday, September 6
at the Municipal Building to present
proposed revisions. The commission
anticipates forwarding recommendations
to City Council by September 11. The
charter is required to be reviewed every
six years and then ratified by West U
voters in an election.
In addition to Neighbors, members
included Vice Chair Jeann Howse, Neil
Calnan, Carolyn Galfione, Whitt Johnson,
Muddy McDaniel, Bob Kelly, and
alternates David Marks, Bill Boyd, and
Barbara Sklar.
Copies of the proposed revisions are
available from the City Secretary and
on the City's website, www.westu.org.
(Crime up close - continued from p.5)
erty storage at police station.
Fraud/Forgery
4100 Cason - July 3. Resident's per-
sonal information used to obtain credit.
6400 Sewanee - July 4. Resident's
discarded checks stolen and forged to
purchase items out of state.
6300 Wakeforest - July 6. Bank rep-
resentative contacted resident regarding
unauthorized wire transfer. Unknown
suspect(s) acquired resident's personal
information.
6400 Belmont - July 19. Unknown
person used resident's personal informa-
tion to purchase cell phone.
4100 Marlowe - July 29. Unknown
suspect(s) obtained resident's checking
account information. Information used
to print illegal checks for fraudulent use.
Telephone Harassment
5700 Buffalo - July 6. Resident re-
ceived anonymous calls from male try-
ing to obtain personal bank account in-
formation. Resident may know suspect.
Theft
5900 Wakeforest - July 1. Digital
camera stolen from resident's home pos-
sibly by workers.
6600 Community - July 1. Appliances
removed from unoccupied dwelling.
Suspect known by complainant.
3400 Sunset - July 1. Several items
removed from residence. Complainant
knows suspects.
2700 University - July 6. Jewelry
stolen from residence. Serviceman sus-
* September 2, Friday
A representative from the Women's
Hospital tell us about Bladder Con-
trol. Learn about urinary leakage and
some conservative solutions. 10:00
- 11:30 AM. All ages invited.
pected.
3800 Tennyson - July 9. Jewelry dis-
covered missing from residence. Items
stolen approximately two months ago.
3800 Ruskin - July 10. Pinwheel re-
moved from fence.
2800 Carnegie - July 16. Silver/
chrome scooter stolen from park during
evening hours. Scooter left unattended.
City-wide - July 17. Several street
signs stolen from various areas.
4000 Cason - July 21. Money and
several items removed from residence.
Suspect known by resident.
5300 Kirby - July 21. Car stereo sto-
len from store during daylight hours.
Worker obtained license number and de-
scription of vehicle.
4200 Rice - July 28. Plumbing equip-
ment taken from construction site.
Domestic Disturbances - four.
(What's happening - continued from p.3)
Georgetown along the JMH property.
The island at Georgetown has been re-
moved and replaced by a more driver-
friendly T intersection. Brick paver
crosswalks will soon be installed at this
intersection.
If you have questions or comments re-
garding this project, contact Edward
Menville, Public Works Director at
713.662.5840 or at emenville @ci. west-
university -place. tx. us.
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
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday
I Friday Saturday
j Neighborhood Safety Board
f a will most on Monday, Sep-
I
tember 11 @ 6:00PM in the
Public Works lunchroom.
Traffic as orce
City offices Will :30PM Public Work,-
be CIOSed 119 Lunchroom
observance of
3 Labor a 4 5
Special Session @ Recycling and Solid
6:30 PM City Hall Con- Waste Reduction
ference Room Board @6:30 PM
Council Meeting @ Public Works Lunch
7:30 PM City Hall Room.
10Council Chambers,l,1 12
17
Friends of West U Parks The Building ar
@ 6:30 PM City Hall Standards Commi
Conference Room sion @ 6:00 PM in tt
Parks Board @ 7:30 P City Hall Conferenc
City Hall Conference Room.
Room. 6
Senior Services Boa
Meeting @ 2:30 PM.
1
Zoning and Plannir
Commission @ 6:45 r
City Hall Conferenc
Room 1
Zoning Board of Ac
justment @ 7:30 PM
the City Hall Counc
Chambers.
2
27
1
Newcomer's Club
Coffee, 10:30AM -
NOON, 2312 Tangley.
8
V Ilk
!i
9:;
r~ Neighborhood Safety Traffic Task Force @ Friends of West U Park The Building and
Board @6:00 PM in6:30PM Public Works @ 6:30 PM City HaIlStandards Commis
the City Hall Confer- Lunchroom Conference Room sion @ 6:00 PM in the
ence Room. Parks Board @ 7:3 City Hall Conference
j ~ ~ PM Council Chambers Room.
2 3 4 5 6 7
1
6:30 PM City Hall
Conference Room
Council Meeting @
7:30 PM City Hall
Council Chambers25