HomeMy WebLinkAboutFebruaryVoluve 28, No. 2
WEST UN
February 2001
rights, T7 [,,,_--)ayers' The property tax provides more tax
dollars for local services in Texas than
any other source. Property taxes help
to pay for public schools and hospitals,
city streets, county roads, police and fire
protection, and many other services.
Property taxes are local taxes. Local
officials (Harris County Appraisal Dis-
trict) value your property and local tax-
ing authorities set your tax rates and
collect the taxes. In addition to City prop-
erty taxes, West U homeowners pay for
services from the Houston Independent
School District, Harris County, Harris
County Flood Control District, Houston
Ship Channel, Harris County Hospital
District, and Harris County Department
of Education. However, state law gov-
erns how the process works.
There are three main parts of the prop-
erty tax system in Texas: an appraisal
district in each county sets the value of
your property each year; an appraisal
review board settles any disagreement
between you and the appraisal district
about the value of your property; and
local taxing units decide how much
money to spend which determines the
total amount of taxes that you and your
neighbors will pay.
This system has four stages.
January 1 marks the beginning of
property appraisal. What a property is
used for on this date, market conditions,
and who owns the property determine
whether the property is taxed, its value,
and who is responsible for paying taxes.
Between January 1 and April 30, the
appraisal district processes applications
for tax exemptions.
Around May 15, the ARB begins hear-
ing protests from property owners who
believe their property values are incor-
rect. The ARB is an independent panel
-n
Direct from Mission Control,
West U Residents are counting
down to the lift off date of
February 10, 2001. This marks
the date of the 10 annual Park
Lovers Ball, which will launch
at 7:00 PM. 2001: A Park
Odyssey is being co-chaired by
Donna LaMond and Sherry
Gift and promises to be an
evening to be remembered for
light years to come. For more
information about the ball, to
preview auctions items, and/or
to make reservations, please
call 713.667.0027 or visit
www.parkloversball.com.
Pictured from left to right are
Friends of West UParks Chair,
Linda Gray; Ball Chair, Sherry
Gift; Honorary Ball Chair,
Carol Burke; and Ball Chair,
Donna LaMond.
A Neighborhood Cit
of citizens responsible for handling pro-
tests and when the ARB finishes its
work, the appraisal district provides each
taxing unit a list of taxable property.
Some governing units exempt part of
the value of the property from taxes.
All taxpayers qualify for a $15,000
homestead exemption on their home's
value for school taxes. Those age 65 or
older qualify for an additional $10,000
exemption on their home's value for
school taxes. Additionally, over 65 tax-
payers' school taxes cannot increase.
The City is allowed to grant exemptions
for homestead, disabled taxpayers, and
over 65 taxpayers. West U has chosen
not to grant homestead exemptions be-
cause almost all taxable property in West
U is residential. This means that grant-
ing a homestead would have no practi-
cal impact on the amount of taxes paid,
although the tax rate would probably in-
crease. There is an over 65 exemption
of $72,850.
Taxpayers have the right to know
about the City's proposed tax rate and
have time to comment on it. Each year,
usually in September, the City publishes
information about its tax rate, assessed
values, and anticipated revenues. If the
City plans to increase taxes, either by
raising the rate or by using the same
rate with higher values, it will publish
the times and location of City Council
meetings so that taxpayers can com-
ment.
Tax collection starts around October
1 as tax bills go out. Taxpayers have
(Tax payers' - continued on p. 7)
• 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
Inside Council Chambers page 2
57wm ffx %U~ft 1j, VWWI By: Mayor Linda Lewis
As you know, in the November elec-
tion, West U citizens approved 57%-
43% a five million dollar bond issue to
repair and build sidewalks. No one I
have heard from objects to repairing
existing sidewalks, but there are many
questions about the building of new ones.
I don't know that I can answer all of
them, but I will try to give some responses
that will, perhaps, give a clearer picture
of what is involved.
When will the work be done? Coun-
cil desires to begin work as soon as plans
are approved and anticipates that con-
struction will be completed within three
years of the start date. The city has been
divided into 11 priority areas, and work
will begin in the southwest quadrant and
follow the path of the infrastructure re-
placement program.
Will construction be done in con-
junction with street replacement?
Because infrastructure replacement is
complete in nearly half the city, it is not
possible to do everything in one fell
swoop. In some of the remaining prior-
ity areas, however, it is anticipated that
the sidewalks can be included with
streets, water and sewer lines. Those
of you who have already been through
one construction project, please be as-
sured that sidewalks will go a lot quicker
and be considerably less inconvenient.
Must everyone have a sidewalk? In
deciding to undertake this project, coun-
cil members expressed a desire to con-
struct sidewalks throughout the city to
ensure safe and consistent pathways for
walkers and joggers who are now
forced into the streets. While some parts
of the project will require special con-
sideration, individual homeowners will
not be given the option to choose be-
tween having and not having a sidewalk.
What consideration will be given
trees? Trees are part of the character
of this community, and every effort will
be made to save and protect them. I
have been advised that it may be impos-
sible to save every tree that is in the path
of a sidewalk, but at the same time I
have been assured that there are optional
materials available that will allow us to
be tree sensitive. Also, where trees are
an obstruction to construction,
homeowners will have the option of al-
- ®i - r
by Council Member Bill May
It seems that we all have different
perceptions of our town. Some see ma-
jor problems, while many see little need
for change. To identify real problems or
opportunities is often difficult and
changes are often not universally em-
braced. Prior to implementing changes,
we need to be clear about the need, real
benefits, costs and impact of those
changes.
Many West U citizens see traffic as a
major problem. Volunteers have served
on a traffic task force to study the per-
ceived problem and make recommen-
dations. Others have seen the solutions
as unnecessary, costly and ineffective.
"Bubble-outs" on Edloe, for instance, are
praised by many as an effective deter-
rent to speeding, while others see this
These "bubble-outs" are to be part of
a scheme to add bridges (furnished by
the county) over Poor Farm Ditch to
connect to a pedestrian way in the nar-
row space between Edloe and the ditch.
Unsightly electrical lines are to be moved
closer to the ditch. Landscaping and
fences are to screen views of the ditch.
More ambitious schemes, replacing the
open ditch with underground culverts
and moving electrical lines underground,
would have created greater planning
opportunities, but have been rejected on
the basis of cost. I now question whether
it is worth the expense to build what
appears to be no more than a glorified
sidewalk or whether we should continue
to find funding sources to create an ur-
ban space we could be proud of.
A bond election has been passed to
(Mayor's Desk - continued on p.7)
.N 1, lu;-?,g eL _ l
Uvtlidales W40 wish to place X,uie
r ~ ® name on the ballot for the 1401, 511
West University Place General
lion may apply beginnin February 19 and I
-,lot 11 5:00 PM on arc 21, 2001. Applsa_-
tioil rand accompanying documents may be c:,-
tained from the City Secretary's office 1a
i..Iunlcipal Building, 3800 University.
Anyone qualifying to vote b mail :.flnv ca1n
applying for a mail ballot on arch 611. Fri:-ii
'
ltcation, please call 713.662.5813.
.11 5" is the last day to register to v0A t
It 5, 2001 elecfl
struction of sidewalks where there have
been none and for the replacement of
defective existing sidewalks. There were
questions as to the need and fairness of
the proposal. It was hard to imagine that
a majority would vote for spending five
million dollars for a proposal with no spe-
cific plans; but the election passed and
now many are saying that they didn't
understand it or that they thought it per-
tained to everyone else but them.
I have always loved the pedestrian ac-
tivity in West U. At virtually any hour of
the day or night you can find people
walking, running, skating or riding bikes.
I've always felt that if we acted respon-
sibly, we could share the streets and keep
the vitality of West U. My fear is that
after construction of sidewalks, the next
step, citing state law, is to insist that all
unallgv as a nazaru anu
maze the city responsinie for the con-
are banned trom the streets.
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)
Club, meeting, or activity notices should be forwarded 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 Yehl: 713.662.5810; e-mail: syehl@westu.org
City Life
For the
f-1 A L~ Of It
West U8thAnnual
Biathlon Series
All races will take place at Co-
lonial Park, 4130 Byron, at 8:OOAM. The
race consists of a 350-yard swim and 3
mile run. All ages and athletic abilities are
encouraged to join the fun! Entry forms
are available at Colonial Park, the Com-
munity Building, and Bikesport. For more
information, contact Marcia Noyes at
713.668.7642.
Page 3
Home Place Celebration 001
The Friends of West U Parks Board is seeking West U and Southside Place volun-
Leers to help plan Nome Place Celebration 2001. Nome Place is a month of fun
~aetivities bringing together citizens of all ages from West U and Southside Place. Its goal is to
encourage neighbors to meet, have fun, and raise money for neighborhood playgrounds.
Home Place is scheduled for October. It may incorporate eyisting events such as West U
Elementdry'€ Carnival, the 77005 Golf Tournament and Halloween, along with now events such
zs a Family 9 Friends Triathlon Relaq We are also looking for other ideas.
Our next planning meeting is scheduled for Thursday, March V' ay' West U Ci1v Full at 6:30
~M. Please attend the meeting even if you are uncertain about tvhether to volunteer. ltJ® wtill
dmply discus ideas for Florae Place; then those who are interested in helping can volunteer. It
is importaui~er as to hear yr~~ rdea~ "ci ?6e 2001.
- - - -
q~j.taz&aeeV J,Aea,66". .
Series: Entry Fees: ° Ditch
of Poor Farm Race 1 February 24 Individual $12.00 The Race 2 March 24 Relay Team $18.00
Race 3 May 12
Concert
This month's performers are Norman
Kennedy and St. Brigid's Flame.
Norman, a native ofAberdeen Scotland,
is a master weaver and spinner, and a
master of the beautiful Gaelic language.
Norman shares stories and songs in the
true Scottish tradition. St. Brigid's Flame,
formerly O'Carolan's Flame, performs
uplifting tunes from the Celtic lands and
Shaker America. The group combines
a wealth of artistic skill, generating a
unique blend of melody and harmony.
The concert will be held at the Com-
munity Building, 6104 Auden, February
10t" at 7:30 PM. Tickets will be sold at
the door-adults $8; Senior Citizens (65)
$4; and children under 12 free with
adults. Homemade refreshments sold at
the door. For more information, call
When W. D. Foreman became the
exclusive agent for the West End Re-
alty Company and began his devel-
opment of West U in the early 1920s,
one of his primary concerns was
proper drainage of the area. With avail-
able lots under water every time there
was a heavy rain, he found it very dif-
ficult to show them, let alone sell them.
For several years, Foreman worked
with Harris County Commissioners to
create a solution to the problem.
The County's solution was to deepen,
widen and straighten Brays Bayou,
and subsequently, to dredge a ditch
through West U. Drainage Ditch No.
2, or Poor Farm Ditch as it came to be
popularly called, was dredged in
1928. The ditch begins at the San
Antonio and Aransas Pass Railroad
tracks, heads in a southerly direction,
bisecting West U and meanders along
the eastern edge of Southside Place,
then down to where it feeds into
Brays Bayou.
Many West U residents wonder
about the origin of the name "Poor
Farm" Ditch. From 1894 until 1923
Harris County maintained a 200 acre
Poor Farm in this area. It roughly
extended from 462.5 feet north of
Bellaire Boulevard, to somewhere
north of the present Bissonnet Street.
Its eastern boundary line is the ap-
proximate site of the ditch. In 1915
about 68 residents lived in cottages
and helped tend the crops and live-
stock.
Read more about the history of
Poor Farm and Poor Farm Ditch in
the historical society's book, Stepping
Pack in Time: History of West Uni-
versity Place. To purchase a copy,
call June Begeman at 713.666.5721.
281.347.3235, 281.495.2923 or visit the i , t
Houston Folklore/Music Society website `
at www.houstonfolkmusic.org.
- -
4~ 0 P'~ '
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a'
~1 `
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~ ?
Priority Area 6B is
complete. Work is
~
.
i
s
; U, •
b „ The Newcomers' & Neighbors Club is a
_ progressing in Priority
A
7A
Wi
hi
h
eommunit or g of West U and
y g
en to all West U
Southside Place and is o
rea
.
t
n t
e next
"t
30 days paving work is
p
R Southside Place residents, regardless of length
scheduled to begin on he north side of
the 3400-3600 blocks of Plumb
Work in
of residency. The N9NC offers Playgroups, Book
Social Events
Club
Garden Club
Luncheon Group
.
the 3200-3600 blocks of Amherst is
,
,
,
,
Bunco, Chick Flicks and lots morel
complete and restoration continues.
Joining the N&NC is a great way to meet and
While in Priority Area 8, look for the
have fun with your neighbors, and helps make our
notice to proceed to be issued within
community even more special! For more informa- ,
the next 30 days.
tion about the NUC, and how to join, visit our l
In addition:
weLeite of .a✓esfvnewe®m®rs ®rg.
e All sewer and storm sewer work in
7A is complete.
e All water line work, mains and ser-
vice lines, in 7A are complete with the
exception of the 3200-3600 blocks of
Rice.
e In Priority Area 713, sanitary sewer
work will begin in the 3200-3600 blocks
of Nottingham.
e In Priority Area 12, sanitary sewer
works is scheduled to begin on Judson
and Community. Storm sewer work will
begin on various streets throughout the
area. Exact locations have not yet been
determined.
Page 4
Ordinance spotlight.. .
J1 has the
Whether your walking, biking, or blading its important to be aware of your sur-
e 7 .
„
roundings and to be alert. Although drivers usually yield and are required to yield to
edestrians
ede
t
i
d
't
l
h
h
i
h
f
p
, p
s
r
ans
on
a
ways
ave t
e r
g
t-o
-way. Based on the Texas
'
Transportation Code Title 6, Chapter 552, here are a few things to keep in mind
This month's spotlight shines on the
when taking a stroll.
2000 Work Team of the Year, the Wa-
® Traffic control signals displaying green, red, and yellow lights or lighted arrows
ter Utilities Field Maintenance Team.
apply to pedestrians unless otherwise directed by a special pedestrian control signal.
Team members include Max Loya, Gil-
® Pedestrians facing a green signal may proceed across a roadway unless the
bert Blanco, Tomas Pinto, My Bui,
signal is a turn arrow. However, pedestrians facing a steady red signal or a steady
Horace Lassien and Geronimo Dyogi.
yellow signal may not enter the roadway.
The Field Maintenance Team is re-
® Control signals displaying "Walk," "Don't Walk," or "Wait" apply to pedestrians.
sponsible for maintenance of the Drink-
Pedestrians facing a "Walk" signal may proceed across a roadway in the direction
ing Water Distribution Infrastructure, the
of the signal.
Wastewater Collection Infrastructure,
® Drivers are to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians crossing a roadway in a
water meters and sewer service line
crosswalk if no traffic control signal is in place or in operation and if the pedestrian
maintenance, and customer service
is on the half of the roadway in which the vehicle is traveling.
problem resolution.
- Pedestrians may not suddenly proceed into a crosswalk in the path of a vehicle.
In 1999 the Water Utilities Division
` Pedestrians should proceed on the right half of a crosswalk if possible.
reorganized its structure in order to im-
i Pedestrians must yield the right-of-way to a vehicle if crossing a roadway at a
prove customer service and foster team-
place other than a marked crosswalk or in an unmarked crosswalk.
work. The Field Maintenance Team has
® Pedestrians may cross a roadway intersection diagonally only if authorized by a
traffic control device
made great strides in developing team-
work and improving customer service
.
- pedestrians may not walk along and on a roadway if an adjacent sidewalk is
.
Members work together to achieve the
provided. If a sidewalk is not provided, pedestrians are to walk on the left side of
the roadway or on the shoulder facing oncoming traffic.
goal of providing customer service that
Please remember that not everybody knows and understands the rules as well as
exceeds customer expectations.
you do. Be defensive, be alert, look both ways.
According to Patrick Walters, Utilities
For more information on the Texas Transportation Codes, visit the Texas Legis-
Superintendent, "This Team has level-
lature Online at www capitol.. state.tx.us/statutes/statutes.html or for genera' in-
oped over the last year from a group of
formation on the State go to www state. tx. us.
individuals into a well performing work
team. Hardly a week goes by that I fail
to receive compliments on the service
they perform and I receive very few
com
laints
"
You have a right to protest any appraisal deadline.
p
.
district action that affects ou and our If ou A11- fl t' b f +t,
Congratulations to members of the Water Utili-
ties Field Maintenance Team for being chosen as
the City of West U's 2000 Workteam of the Year.
y y
property.
y on l e a no rce e ore e
ARB approves the appraisal records,
The appraisal district has protest forms
you lose your right to protest.
available, however, you need not use an
If your protest is late because the chief
official form. A notice of protest is suffi-
appraiser or ARB failed to mail your
cient if it identifies the owner, the sub-
notice of appraised value or denial of
ject property, and indicates that you are
exemption, you may file your protest any
dissatisfied with a decision made by the
time before the taxes become delinquent.
appraisal district.
In some cases, you may file with the
Be sure to file your notice by May 31
ARB to correct an error even after these
or no later than 30 days after the ap-
deadlines. Contact your appraisal dis-
praisal district delivers a notice of ap-
trict or the Comptroller's office.
praised value to you, whichever date is
later.
If the Appraisal Review Board (ARB)',
Questions about your ri his and respon-
sibilities as a taxpayer? tart with a copy
d
d
h
i
'
o the Texas Property Taxes pamphlet Taxpa -
or
ere
a c
ange
n your property
s
records, you must file your notice within
era Rights, Remedies & Responsibilities pu -
30 days of the date on which the ARB !
delivered you a notice of the change. If
! lication 96-295.
' To obtain a copy, write to: Comptroller of
! Public Accounts
Propert
Tax Division
P
you file a notice before the ARB approves
,
y
,
. .
Austin
Box 13528
Texas 78711-3528
the appraisal records, you are entitled
to a hearing if the ARB decides that you
,
,
.
litional inforn `ion may also be found at
had good reason for failing to meet the
Wwildow,swe.tx.us.
Police Blotter
Page 5
December, 2000
L~
rre
Criminal Mischief
3900 Coleridge - Dec. 1. Back door
window of residence damaged. Suspect
known by resident.
5600 Auden - Dec. 2. Side view mir-
rors damaged on two vehicles.
4100 University - Dec. 2. Weather
stripping removed from window.
Nothing taken.
6600 Westchester - Dec. 15.
Freshly poured concrete side-
walk damaged overnight.
4000 Villanova - Dec. 16.
Vehicle's driver's side damaged by plumbing pipe.
4100 Dartmouth - Dec 19. Graffiti
spray-painted on house under construc-
tion.
4200 Dartmouth - Dec 20. Vehicle
spray-painted overnight.
5400 Fairmont - Dec. 26. Fence at
residence spray-painted.
6600 Buffalo - Dec. 27. Blunt ob-
ject used to damage vehicle windshield.
cycles stolen from detached garage.
3500 Plumb - Dec. 13. Two topiar-
ies stolen from front yard.
5300 Kirby - Dec. 24. Three cash
drawers stolen from business overnight.
li~ Chraf.s., Corner
vy F'O&ne, chef x""v gegzry
If you have had the opportunity to drive j
past the Police Department recently, I'm
sure you have noticed the temporary
building in the parking lot. Although I have
told some people that I have moved into 1
the building to save the daily commute,
Burglary of Residence that is not really the case. A building
,:project is starting that will have an impact,':
3400 Georgetown - Dec. 8.
Jewelry, a wallet and other
items stolen from residence.
House left unsecured.
6400 Westchester - Dec.
10. Purse containing credit
cards, checks and other items
stolen from unsecured resi-
un every homeowner in the city.
As many of you are aware, the Police
Department employs dispatchers who are
responsible for receiving and dispatch-
ing police, fire, and ambulance calls.
These individuals are critical links in the
delivery of public safety services to the
.ommunity. Until recently, there has only
deuce. been one dispatcher on duty at any given
4000 Marlowe - Dec. 17. Several time. As a part of the City's effort to re-
items stolen from residence while resi- duce its ISO (Insurance Service Office)
dents slept. rating, the rating used by the insurance
industry to set homeowner insurance
Auto Theft rates, it was determined that it is neces-
sary to have two dispatchers on duty.
5800 Lake - Dec. 6. Vehicle pal ked
on street stolen and recovered a few
hours later. j
'T'heft
5400 Kirby - Dec. 21. Money sto-
len from safe at business.
4200 Bellaire - Dec. 29. Wallet sto-
len from unsecured locker at business
_L~•L
by Sgt. C.M. Newman
West U is a small neighbor-
hood city, confined by the
boundaries of a sprawling ur-
ban metropolis. Unfortunately, our bor-
ders are permeable. Whether your com-
munity is urban or rural, large or small
precautions should be taken to protect
your children.
The best thing a parent can do, is be
there for their children. Know where
your children are. Try to notice if some-
one is paying too much attention to one
child over the others. Know your
children's friends and their parents.
' ach children the buddy system. Learn
ere the safe houses are in your neigh-
The communications area of the Po-
lice Department was designed in 1985 to
accommodate only one dispatcher, so
accommodations had to be made for the
additional personnel. A contract has been
awarded to remodel the existing commu-
nications area for the additional dispatch-
-rs. The temporary building is in place to
House the dispatchers during the construe-
f,~tion. Signs will be erected to direct visi-
tors to the building during the anticipated
(Crime blotter - continued on p.6) ! 90 to 120 day construction period. The
m _ 6 1 yr e~-
borhood, and point them out to your chi
dren. Show interest in your children
activities, often a feeling of "being
the way" or "too much trouble" can le
a child to seek other relationship
Teach your children their whole nam
address, phone number, and your nam
Also teach them how to responsibly u;
911. Give your children a secret pas,
word, to be used in the event of a
emergency. Although we tell our chi
dren not to get in cars with stranger
an emergency may require them to d
so. The password would ensure d
stranger is one of your chosing. If th
stranger doesn't know the passworc
- oundmg is somewhat unsightly and mcon-
T 'venient, but the end result will be better
service and a savings to the community.
Partially as a result of having two dis-
i patchers on duty, the ISO rating is re
is duced and homeowners should see a re
in L' duction in their insurance rates.
ad ! Thanks for your support and your pa-
s. ! tience, and be safe!
your child will know to run away, and
find a designated adult, or safe house im-
mediately. Teach your children that if they
are separated from you, to find a respon-
sible adult, such as a police officer, fire-
man, or sales clerk with a nametag, to
assist them.
Unfortunately, today's society requires
precautions. It is not only wise, but re-
sponsible to take them.
Page 6
Crosswalk installation plan
by Elizabeth Love, Traffic Task Force member
In September, 2000 a team comprised
of Neighborhood Safety Board, Parks
Board and Traffic Task Force mem-
bers formed to address the need for x4l
a uniform crosswalk installation ;
and improvement program to im-
prove pedestrian safety. The
team considered information,
which included results from an obser-
vational study performed by West U po-
lice that pinpointed intersections with the
highest pedestrian volumes; recommen-
dations from the Parks Board, Safety
Board, and Traffic Task Force; com-
ments from citizens; the outcome of the
sidewalk bond issue; input from City
staff; and a City street classification
map.
In December the team reported to
City Council, who approved the follow-
ing recommendations:
• Install brick paver crosswalks
across University at the west side of
Kirby and across Rice at the west side
of Kirby. Additionally, West U should
work with the City of Houston to install
crosswalks across Kirby at these inter-
sections to allow better access to and
from the Village.
® Conduct an engineering study co-
ordinated by the Police Chief to explore
installing painted crosswalks at all inter-
sections of collectors and arterials (both
major and minor, as marked on the Au-
gust, 2000 Clauneh and Miller Street
c~ Classification Map) when the side-
walks are constructed. Exception
being where brick pavers are al-
ready going in along Buffalo
Speedway. The estimated
number of new crosswalks with this plan
would be about 25.
® Conduct an engineering study to de-
termine the best design and location for
a crosswalk across Edloe at one or more
of the bubble-outs (such as Tangley) to
facilitate pedestrian access across Poor
Farm Ditch. Appropriate crosswalk/pe-
destrian signs should be installed on ei-
ther side of the walk(s).
® At all city parks, excluding those in
the City Center area (which is being ad-
dressed by another team), install cross-
walks at each intersection with a street
corner. At minimum, these should be
painted crosswalks, although an engi-
neering-study should determine the fea-
sibility of additional measures such as
raised dots. In addition, to allow for bet-
ter access to Colonial Park, conduct an
engineering study on the intersections
of Weslayan closest to the park to iden-
tify appropriate place(s) at which to in-
stall crosswalks.
m.,
v' _'!1 v u
by Orval Marlowe, 11, Recycling and Solid Waste Reduction Board member
As you may be
aware the City's cur-
rent garbage collection system does not
allow for the collection of household haz-
ardous waste, even though it is unfortu-
nately probable that some residents are
putting household hazardous waste in
their garbage. A household hazardous
waste (HHW) is any substance in a home
that has the potential to cause harm or
injury. HHW's are usually described as
toxic, corrosive, flammable, or explosive.
Some examples of HHWs are oil-based
paints, batteries, cleaning chemicals, pool
chemicals, fertilizers, herbicides and pes-
ticides. Your Recycling and Solid Waste
Reduction Board is currently working on
a trial program to provide vouchers for
West U residents that can be used for
the disposal of household hazardous
waste at the City of Houston's Envi-
ronmental Service Center located at
11500 South Post Oak, Houston, Texas
77035. The City is currently negotiating
a contract with the City of Houston with
regard to the HHW disposal voucher
program. We will provide details of the
voucher program to residents through
City Currents, the City of West U
website at www westu. org, and at the
next heavy trash day on April 28, 2001.
It is hoped that the voucher program will
be up and running by April 1, 2001. If
you have any questions, call Mr. Orval
Marlow, II at 713.966.7222.
All painted crosswalks should be in-
spected and maintained annually.
® The Council will hear a progress
report on these measures in May. Ques-
tions or comments, call the West U Citi-
zen Line at 713.662.5887 or email traf-
fic@westu.org.
1. On curbside recyc iq rosy Mlednesd,ay) trio
different trues come by your house. paper is
picked up by Elie firsp fruck so it doesn`f of
wet or bl"vn ground. lfinporianf io l:eap the
commingled (mixed) i'aaferial separate from
your paper and cardboard.
2. West U staff @till have roblems vaif i year 4
waste. A special collection fee of $15 plus W
bag will be ascessed for yard waste not placed
in paper bags and, for garbage pat in paper
bags designed fo carry yard waste.
3. Packing "peanuts" and styrofoaru should
be removed from all items put out for recy-
ciing.'Peanuts can betaken to local n, ailing
services, such as 4ailboxes, Etc. for re-use.
Thank; for your cooperation!
&OX your Recyc/ing and Solid WIste R06011011 Board.
(Crime blotter - eontinued from p.5)
Credit Card Abuse/Forgery
4000 Arnold - Dec. 1. Resident's
personal information used in attempt to
obtain credit card.
4200 Lehigh - Dec. 9. Resident's
credit card used to purchase items via
internet.
2800 Sunset - Dec. 11. Resident's
personal information used to produce
fraudulent checks.
4100 Judson - Dec. 22. Resident's
personal information obtained and used
to open a bank account.
Attempted Kidnapping
2600 Amherst - Dec. 21. Hispanic
male, 20 to 25 years of age, approximately
6 feet tall, 150 lbs., attempted to force a
female into his vehicle. Suspect was
driving a silver 2-door sports vehicle with
spoiler on rear.
Domestic Disturbances - thre'
reported.
7
seniors' calendar of events for Februa
® Wednesday, February 7
® Friday, February
® Artist Spotlight at the
® Glassel. 9:30 - NOON. Free.
Friday, February 9
MF program - Part 1 Monet,
Renoir & Impressionist Landscape.
1:00 - 3:30 PNI. Free.
® Tuesday, February 13
Take a trip to the Houston
SPCA for a tour of the facili-
ties and a little fun with the animals.
9:30 - 11:30 AM. Free. However, do-
nations will be greatly appreciated.
Friday, February 16
u ® Tuesday, February 27
~jDon't miss our Mardi Gras
Party! There will be plenty of
food, entertainment and fun for ev-
eryone. UTMB students plan to
share a few minutes of information
about their class. Time to be an-
nounced. $4.00.
® Tuesday, March 6
Enjoy today's IMAX feature,
ackelton's Great Adventure,
about a ship marooned in an ice
dock for 13 months. Afterwards,
tour the museum exhibit. 2:00-4:30
PM. $4.00.
a Friday, February 9
Artist Spotlight at the
Glassel. 9:30 - 1:00 PM. Free.
(Taxpayers continued from p.2)
until January 31 of the following year to
pay their taxes. On February 1, penalty
and interest charges begin accumulat-
ing and tax collectors may start legal
action to collect unpaid taxes.
If you are a homeowner age 65 or
older you may defer or postpone pay-
ing any delinquent property taxes on
your home for as long as you own and
live in it. To postpone your tax payments
you must file a tax deferral affidavit with
the Harris County Appraisal District. A
tax deferral only postpones paying your
taxes. It doesn't cancel them. Interest
is added at the rate of 8 percent a year.
59 %
Harris County
E3 Houston 150
k
- ---._._y ® City of West U
25% 16% - J
Harris County
0.648
25.05%
Houston I51)
1.519
58.72%
City of West U
0.420
16.24%
Total
2.587
1.000
Harris County also includes the Harris County
Flood Control District, Houston Ship Channel,
Harris County Hospital District and Harris County
Department of Education.
Once you no longer own your home or
live in it, past taxes and interest become
due.
For more information of Texas properly
taxes and taxpayers' rights, remedies,
and responsibilities check out the Texas
Comptroller's Web site at http://
window. state. tx. us/taxinfo/proptax/
tx96 295 001index. html or contact
Patricia Iowan in our Finance
Department at 713.662.5816 or
pkwan@westu.org.
(Mayor's Desk - continued from p.2)
lowing the city to use a few feet of their
property to go around the tree.
How can a sidewalk be built where
there is substantial landscaping? The
landscaping in question is generally in
the area referred to as easement or right-
of-way, and this property belongs to the
city. The right-of-way includes not just
paved street areas but curbs and side-
walks, plus a strip that varies in width
behind the sidewalk. This area is desig-
nated primarily for transportation and
utilities, and the city may access it when-
ever the need arises. Where there is no
sidewalk, many residents have for years
treated the easement as their own prop-
erty and landscaped or made other im-
provements which, doubtless, will inter-
fere with sidewalk construction. Again,
every effort will be made to preserve
these areas, which may result in some
zigs and zags, as we have no desire to
purposely destroy improvements that
enhance the community. Incidentally, if
you question where your property be-
gins, find the iron rods that are at the
corners or refer to your survey.
Will anyone be exempt from sidewalk
construction? The intent of the side-
walk program is for every street to have
continuous sidewalks. Some variances
may be awarded if a resident success-
fully defends his case.
As planning continues, other questions
will crop up, and city staff and council
members will make every effort to an-
swer them and to work with citizens for
a successful outcome to this project.
The real pain is now-we are used to
things as they are, and many of us don't
welcome changes. I understand, but I
do ask you to think of the program's in-
tent and to work with us to implement a
program that will be mutually accept-
able and beneficial. I welcome your
comments and concerns and will do my
best to be responsive.
0 City of West University Place
3800 University Boulevard
West University Place, Texas 77005
Board @ 6:30 PM City I 6:30pm Public Works
Hall Conference Lunchroom.
Room.
Special session (9 Recycling and Solid
6:30 PM City Hall Con- Waste Reduction
ference Room Board 036:30 PM
Council Meeting @ Public Works Lunch
7:30 PM City Hall Room.
11 Council Chambers12 13
ends of West U Parks Senior Services Board
6:15 PM City Hall Meeting @ 2:30 PM.
iference Room
Rs Board @ 7:30 P Zoning and Planning
y Hall Conference Commission @ 6:45
City Hall Conference
ce
)m. 7 Room $
F i8 19 20 2
Special Session @
t 6:30 PM City Hall Con-
ference Room
Council Meeting @
i 7:30 PM City Hall
25 Council Chambers26 27 28
Neighborhood Safety Traffic Task Force @ Friends of West U
Board @ 6:30 PM City 6:30PM Public Works Parks @ 6:15 PM City
Hall Conference Lunchroom. Hall Conference Room
Room. Parks Board @ 7:30 P
Council Chambers
8 5 6 7
Zoning Board of Ad-
justment @ 7:30 PM in
the City Hall Council
Chambers.
The Building and
Standards Commis-
sion @ 6:00 PM in the
City Hall Conference
Room.
Senior Services Board
Meeting @ 2:30 PM.
Zoning and Planning
Commission @ 6:45 PM
City Hall Conference
Room 8
urday Morning E;
Coffee.Edloe
Street Cafe from
8:30-10:00 AM.
Everyone's invited.
9 10
1 ;
23 i1yw 34
s.
2 3
9 1 C'