HomeMy WebLinkAboutAugustWhen all the noise, dust, and traffic
associated with infrastructure dissipates,
some changes will remain in certain
areas of the city. One of the biggest
changes is associated with the 5300
blocks through the 6200 blocks of Mercer,
Sewanee, Westchester, and Rutgers
north of Rice. As the reconstruction of
these streets is completed, each will be
narrowed to a width of 21' in order to
accommodate new sidewalks without
negatively impacting trees in the area.
Associated with the street narrowing,
Council designated the streets as "No
Parking" and "Tow-Away" zones and di-
rected the Police Department to enforce
those zones. Parking on these streets
was eliminated in order to ensure that
vehicles, especially emergency vehicles,
can navigate through the area. As nar-
row as these new streets are, parked
vehicles can easily block the flow oftraf-
fic. Most people do not set out to vio-
late laws when they know what the laws
are. Therefore, it is very important that
drivers be notified sufficiently of the ex-
istence of these zones so that they may
avoid them. The most effective and ef-
ficient means of notification is the use
of signs.
If you have driven or walked through
this area in recent days, you have prob-
ably noted the new poles and signs
sprouting up on these streets. With such
a significant change as the addition of
"No Parking" and "Tow Away" zones
where none have existed before, it is
important that the City take all reason-
able steps to ensure that everybody
knows where these zones are. The new
signs are designed to convey this infor-
mation in a manner so that there is no
confusion.
(The story - cont. on p. 7)
On June 27, 2001 Ms. Mary Lee Gray was recognized by the Greater Southwest Hous-
ton Chamber of Commerce as the 2001 West University Place Citizen of the Year. Ms.
Gray is an outstanding citizen well-deserving of the honor for her many contributions
and volunteer efforts. Her achievement was immediately recognized by the City of West
U on July 9, 2001 with a special proclamation. Congratulations Ms. Mary Lee Gray!
(Pictured from left to right are Council Member Marilyn Grin, Mary Lee Gray, Mayor
Linda Lewis, and Ms. Gray's nominator Dorothy Zink).
Aa aftermath
vv While the rest of us
return to a fairly normal
semblance of routine,
several families in our
. s city still contend with
the restoration of their
homes following the flooding caused by
Tropical Storm Allison. Although West
U was nearly untouched by the storm
in comparison to many other neighboring
communities, the damage was very real
to some of us. The Public Works
Department has cleared debris from the
streets every Tuesday since the week
following the storm. While debris levels
have dropped to a relatively small trickle,
the Department remains prepared to
assist with debris removal on an as
needed basis. Effective August 15, 2001,
the weekly removal of debris will stop.
If you have storm related debris after
that date, you must contact the Public
Works Department to arrange for
removal. Arrangements must be made
prior to placing the debris beside the curb
for pick-up. Due to normal operating
requirements it may take up to 10
calendar days to remove the debris after
arrangements are made. To make
arrangements for debris removal,
contact Gail Roberts at 713.662.5839.
Please be prepared to provide a daytime
telephone number where you or a
representative can be contacted. Gail
will submit your request to the debris
removal coordinator, who will then
contact you to survey the amount of
debris and make arrangements to have
(The aftermath - cont. on p. 7)
i
Board & Committee Nevis 6
® Calendar of events 6
® City Life 3
® Employee Spotlight 4
® Inside Council Chambers 2
® Police Blotter 5
® Senior Calendar 7
Volume 28, No. 8 August 2001
Page 2
1
By: Mayor Linda Lewis
It has been almost two months since
the disaster that will long be known as
the Flood of '01 occurred. On the out-
side, things look OK, but inside the walls,
reconstruction continues. Compared to
other areas of Houston, West U fared
very well, but that does not mean we
had no problems. Fact is, 245 homes,
businesses west of Poor Farm Ditch on
University, and City Hall had water with
an estimated damage in excess of $5
million.
Needless to say, residents have ex-
pressed considerable concern about
flooding and the city's ability to deal with
it. What appears to be foremost on the
minds of most people I have heard from
is drainage - or the lack of it. I can't
begin to answer all of the questions, but
let me try to share some of what I have
learned.
First, the city was bound to have some
flooding. As explained to me by the city's
consulting engineer, we would likely have
had the same amount of water even if
there was only one house sitting square
in the middle of the city - there was
just too much rain in too short a period
of time. The amount of rainfall was clas-
sified as a 100-year storm, which is 12.5
inches in a 24 hour period. The resulting
water is more than double the amount
our existing storm sewer system can
handle.
Additionally, the city's drainage capa-
bilities are impacted by what is around
us. You may not be aware that not all
the water drained through here is our
own. The storm sewer system that runs
through West U originates in the area
of Greenway Plaza, which means that
by the time we drain into it, the capacity
may be nearly exhausted. Therefore,
instead of emptying into storm sewer
inlets, the water collects in the streets
or, as in the case of June 9, worse. If
there is a solution to this particular prob-
lem, it will be the result of joint efforts
between the Corps of Engineers, Har-
ris County Flood Control, City of Hous-
ton and West U. You can only guess
when that will happen!
What is possibly more troubling than
this particular situation is the lack of ef-
ficient drainage in the 3800 and 3900
blocks west of College and south of
University. Resident problems here are
not limited to torrential downpours but
also occur, according to citizens, during
any hard rain. While it may not always
flood, water gets a lot closer to front
doors than is comfortable. Residents in
this area have requested that the city look
into the problem, and Council has re-
sponded by authorizing a study both of
the street and drainage design.
Over the last several years, the Zon-
ing and Planning Commission and the
Building and Standards Commission have
spent considerable time reviewing and
modifying drainage requirements, par-
ticularly in the case of redevelopment.
As a follow-up to recent events, these
groups will again evaluate whether the
(Mayor's Desk - continued on p. 7)
671annolh,., SC
by Council Member Bill May
A committee of citizen volunteers has
begun the process of developing
planning criteria for the West U sidewalk
program created by the approval of
sidewalk bonds last November. Bonds
were approved without a plan, so in the
corning months this group, with staff and
consultants, will endeavor to document
the extent of the program, design and
material standards, and citizen options/
responsibilities in the process.
A conceptual map will be developed
outlining streets needing sidewalks on
both sides and those where sidewalks
on one side of the street are sufficient.
This map will also identify those
sidewalks acting as pedestrian arteries
leading to internal destinations like parks
and the city center or to outside
destinations like the Village and other
centers on our perimeter. This could be
used in phasing work to insure that most
needed sidewalks are built and repaired
first in the event that bond funds are
insufficient to complete the entire
system of sidewalks.
Material and design standards will be
developed with staff and consultants to
define the standard materials and con-
figuration for anticipated conditions as
well as the outlining conditions that could
require or allow alternate materials and
designs. Our sidewalk system must com-
ply with standards of the Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA), which imposes
strict limitations for materials, slopes,
side slopes, eta Plans will outline how
to address grade changes and mature
trees within the right of ways that will
often require severe changes to existing
conditions. Prototypical corners will be
proposed including curb cuts and side-
walk ramps, as well as other typical ele-
ments such as signs, lighting, etc.
The final product of the sidewalk com-
mittee will document the system and
standards as well as the process to be
applied in the implementation of the side-
walk program. When approved by coun-
cil, this document will hopefully assist
engineers and staff in the design of im-
provements and serve to inform citizens
about plans, available options and the
process.
The City of West University Place, Texas
Mayor Linda Lewis (713.662.5801)
City Council Members Mike Farley (713.662.5847), Marilyn Griffin (713.662.5808),
Danny Jackson (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
Visit us on the World Wide Web at <www.westu.org>
City Life
Page 3
Forthe
r.
w
ty 9: t
o
It
Work is progressing in Priority Areas
scheduled to continue on Fairmont and
®
7A, 75, 8 and 12. In 7A, all that remains
Community.
Fall lass Registration
! is general clean-up. Clean-up will
I continue for the next 30 days.
In Priority Area 8, sanitary sewer
work will begin in the 2600 and
Registration for F 11 classes begins
,
i In 75, water line work will
f
2700 blocks of Pittsburg and
t
Tuesday, August 14 for residents an
'
continue on Mercer
rom Plumb
to 1319sonnet and in the 3600
i
Carolina Way. Storm sewer work
~ is also scheduled to begin on
- - Thursday, August 16
blocks of Tangley, Robinhood,
Wakeforest from Cason to
e for non-residents. For
Nottingham and 5unset. 5torm
Carolina Way.
' registration times and a
t
sewer work is also scheduled to continue
complete listing of all rec-
in the 3500-3600 blocks of Tangley.
Edloe Stmet t1bi4mg- Phase I paving
reation programs and ac-
in Priority Area 12, paving work will
work on E61 Ice began June 1, 2001 and is
tivities, see the enclosed
"continue on Lehigh from Academy to
now complete. Phase 11 work began July!
Recreation Activity Guide.
Community. Paving is scheduled to'--gin
20, 2001 rnd is scheduled to continue
-
on 51mmons from 5issonnet to Judson,
through August 15, 2001. 1
Luau
School
pile water line inst-nation ire
Don't miss the Teen Dance/Swim
a
Party for grades six through nine. There
IL I
will be music, pool games, prizes, re- E
The Cow Parade, after successful de-
agree to becorne a $10,000 sponsor.
freshments, and more on Sat-<_ .
urday
August 25''' from 6:30
buts in Chicago and New York, is corn-
Funds are currently being raised, and you
,
ingto Houston. Billed as a fundraiser for
are invited to contribute with a tax de
9:30 Pm atColonial Park, 4130
Texas Children's Hospital and Texas
ductible donation to Texas Children's
Byron. For more information,
Children's Cancer Center, Cow Parade
Hospital. Checks may be delivered to
please call Colonial Park at
2001 will have 325 painted, costumed,
City Hall, to the attention of Mayor
713.668.7642.
festooned, whimsically designed full size
Linda Lewis.
cows grazing throughout the greater
This is a wonderful opportunity for all
C
Houston community.
Of us to participate in a unique public art
- `
One of these bovine beauties is Moo-
exhibit on view September 6 -Novem-
The second annual
- Home Place Celebra-
nsoon, the joint effort of West U artists
Caroline Graham and Holly Lewis. In
ber 7. You may want to take time to see
all the cows as they eventually will be
Lion will take lace in ~I
h
91
O
b
r
T
tribute to them and in support of the
auctioned - maybe one or two will
.
cto
e
20
he
greater community effort, the city de-
show up on West U lawns. It would be
monthlong festival =
sires to have Moo-nsoon displayed in
great to have Moo-nsoon permanently
will consist of full ac-,:
West U. That is possible provided we
grazing in her hometown!
tivitles organized by neighborhood ;
T_ - - _ _ _ - _
-
groups. Events presently scheduled
f
include West U Elementary 5chool's .
,
_'ook Fair, Carnival and Auction;
Friends Board free concert at Co-
ark; Park; West U Rotary Club pa-
rade; Special Pais "Monster Mutt„
dog walk; and the 77005 Golf Tour-
nament. By bringing together West
U and 5outheide Place residents of
'I every age, Home Place events for i-1
ter goodwill and fellowship among
residents, while raising funds for ~i l
r .
our neighborhood groups.
;
Additional neighborhood eroupr'~
are invited to sponsor activities If
; your group is, interested in spon-
ou would like I'
sorin
an event
or if
y
g
,
additional information about Home
Place Celebration, please call Karin
Du bore, Home Place Chairman, at I
713.592.8895 or Mark Mailer, West
U Parks & Recreation Director, at
5894
713
662
Moo-nsoon is looking to pasture in West U
. where the grass is always greener. Moo-
.
.
.
nsoon is pictured with one of her two creators,
artist Caroline Graham. (Not pictured is co-
creator, Holly Lewis). Picture courtesy ofthe West U Examiner.
Page 4
This month's Employee in the Spot-
light shines on Sean Anderson, a 28
year old West U Police Sergeant. Sean
joined the West U team in April of 1998
as a full-time Police Officer. Prior to
joining the WUPD ranks, Sean was a
patrol officer with the Friendswood Po-
lice Department for two years. How-
ever, Sean is no stranger to West U.
Sean grew up in the Neighborhood
City with his twin brother Brock. In fact,
his mother still resides in his childhood
home.
Since joining the West U Police De-
partment, Sean has been assigned to the
Patrol Division and shortly thereafter
was named the DARE Officer. As a
DARE Officer, Sean taught at West U
Elementary and St. Mark's Episcopal
School. Sean was than promoted to
Sergeant in September 2000 and is cur-
rently assigned to the "B" patrol shift.
During his free time, Sean and his fi-
ance, Natasha, foster and rehabilitate
abused and neglected dogs for a no-kill
shelter. They have placed about 20 dogs
in the past year. Although they are busy,
Sean and Natasha also find time for their
immediate family - another six dogs.
According to Lt. Deily, Sgt. Ander-
son is an extremely dedicated and re-
spected Officer who understands the
needs of the community.
I Iming
Life is finally returning to normal for
the West U Police Department. Some
time ago, the City embarked on a mission
to reduce its ISO rating - the rating
which the insurance industry uses to
determine the amount of premiums
charged to homeowners. One of the
requirements of achieving a lower rating
is that the entity responsible for
dispatching fire, EMS, and police
resources must have two dispatchers on
duty around the clock. In the case of
West U, the Police Department is
responsible for dispatching duties.
However, there were provisions for only
one dispatcher to be on duty at any given
time. Neither the personnel nor the space
and equipment for two dispatchers
existed. In order to provide the space
necessary for an additional dispatcher,
the communications center had to be
significantly enlarged.
The City Council provided funds for
additional dispatchers and for a
remodeling project to enlarge the
communications center. Currently, we
are in the process of hiring additional
dispatchers, but the remodel project is
finally completed. During the remodeling
process, all communications equipment
and personnel were moved into a
temporary building located in the front
parking lot of the Police Department.
The center was enlarged significantly,
providing a new took to those entering
the lobby as well as increased security
for dispatchers working within the
center. The communications center now
contains the most contemporary radio
equipment available and appropriate
mounting equipment. It is designed with
two dispatching stations to allow two
dispatchers to work simultaneously. This
should provide enhanced services to the
community, not only in terms of a
reduced ISO rating, but also in
telephones being answered quicker and
reduced response time to alarms
monitored by DirectLink.
The Police Department is proud of the
updated facility and feels the community
will realize significant
benefits from the recent
changes. Everybody's
invited to stop by and see
the results. -
11& 177 7
-WE 1W _%.N jears
\~7\NK Everyone is acutely aware
of the flooding that occurred
in the early morning hours
of June 9. Similar type flood-
ing has occurred in the past, most nota-
bly in 1979 and 1994. Unfortunately,
when similar rainfalls occur in the future,
high water will be a problem.
Flooding occurs when the amount of
rainfall exceeds the design capacities of
the storm sewer system, as it did on June
9. West U's storm sewer system, which
is made up of the City's own system,
Harris County Flood Control system, and
City of Houston system, are all designed
to handle a two-year storm frequency. A
two-year storm frequency equates to five
inches of rainfall in a 24-hour period. (The
amount of rainfall reported by Harris
County Flood Control on June 9 at its
nearest rainfall gauging station in down-
town Houston was 11.26" in 24 hours.)
The amount of rain that fell on June 9
was more than double the capacity of all
the storm sewer systems in the area. The
flood of June 9, 2001 is being classified
by Harris County Flood Control District
as a 100-year storm.
Another point to understand is that all
of West U's storm water flows to Brays
Bayou and then the Houston Ship Chan-
nel. Brays Bayou does not have to go
out of its banks to cause flooding in West
U. Harris County Flood Control District
reported that Brays Bayou was 20" be-
low overflowing when flooding occurred
in West U on June 9. The reason -
water was backing up through the storm
system before the water in Brays Bayou
reached the top of its banks.
Another reason flooding will occur in
the future is due to area subsidence -
drop in surface elevation due to water
extraction. West U has experienced
major settlement due to subsidence. The
Harris-Galveston Coastal Subsidence
District reports that West U's area has
sunk 6.5 feet between 1906 and 1995
and has continued to sink at a rate of 5/
(Still flooding - continued from p.7)
Police Blotter
Page 5
June, 2001
1 r
L]~~ 7~~~/
ti L L!
Auto Theft
2800 Duke - June 5. Vehicle stolen
from residence and later recovered by
outside agency.
3100 Albans - June 20. Vehicle sto-
len while parked on street and later re-
covered by outside agency.
Criminal mischief
4000 Bellaire - June 5. Win-
dow broken on vehicle parked in
business parking lot.
3700 Georgetown - June 5.
Two vehicle tires punctured.
Burglary of a Motor Vehicle
suspect attempted to re-cash check at
bank.
2600 Cason - June 21. Resident's
personal checks stolen and forged.
2900 Plumb - June 29. Resident's
personal information used to obtain
wireless phone account.
Found Property
6200 Auden - June 8. Two
bicycles found at Little League
field. Property stored at police
station.
2900 Amherst - June 7. Stereo sto-
len from vehicle.
6300 Mercer - June 7. Purse stolen
from vehicle.
6300 Mercer - June 7. Two cloth
bags stolen from vehicle.
3400 Rice - June 7. Briefcase stolen
from vehicle.
3900 Swarthmore - June 10. CD's
and CD cases stolen from vehicle.
4200 Bellaire - June 11. Purse and
cell phone stolen from vehicle parked at
business.
2600 Bissonnet - June 11. CD play-
ers stolen from four vehicles parked at
business.
4000 Byron - June 19. Laptop com-
puter stolen from vehicle.
2600 Werlein - June 27. Purse and
cell phone stolen from vehicle.
Burglary of a Building
4100 Riley - June 20. Plywood sto-
len from house under construction by
worker.
Burglary of a Residence
3600 Nottingham -June 5. Electronic
home theatre equipment stolen. Entry
forced through French doors.
6500 Vanderbilt - June 27. Bike sto-
len from unsecured attached garage.
Credit Card Abuse/Forgery
6700 Stella Link - June 15. Female
Theft
3500 Amherst - June 3. Electric
scooter stolen from yard.
3700 University - June 3. Digital
camera and sports bag stolen from be-
neath ball field bleachers.
2700 Werlein - June 6. Decorative
hitching post stolen from front yard.
6400 Mercer - June 9. Plywood lay-
ing across driveway stolen.
3600 Rice - June 11. Credit card
machines stolen from business.
5500 Community - June 14. Two TV
stands stolen from driveway.
2800 N. Braeswood - June 16. Sev-
eral items stolen from West U City
building. Chain securing padlock cut.
3900 Southwestern - June 17. Ori-
ental rug stolen from driveway.
4100 Byron - June 19. Unsecured
bike stolen from community pool rack.
6500 Westchester - June 23. Sev-
eral items stolen from house during es-
tate sale.
4200 Emory - June 23. Unsecured
bike stolen from front yard.
2600 Arbuckle - June 29. Unse-
cured bike stolen from garage.
Domestic Disturbances - four
Accidents-Hit and Run
3800 Milton - June 13. Vehicle
parked on street struck.
3600 Amherst - June 15. Vehicle
parked on street struck.
2600 University - June 27. Vehicle
struck from rear.
2700 Bissonnet - June 29. Vehicle
parked in business parking lot struck.
o
by Po&cei Chie Kevuv Begley
West U is a beautiful community where
quality of life is extremely important.
However, alot of people live in a very small
area. Therefore, we need to be respectful
of our neighbors. Things we do without
attaching importance to them may have
unwanted consequences for our
neighbors. I was reminded, once again,
of the need to think about our actions by a
letter I received.
The letter is from one of the many per-
sons who enjoy walking our neighborhood
with her canine friend. This is something
she has done for some time and some-
thing that both she and her dog enjoy. Un-
fortunately, these walks have been ruined
by three recent incidents. The lady and
her dog have encountered other dogs -
unleashed and unrestrained by owners.
The lady's fourteen-year-old dog was at-
tacked-three times in three weeks. This
is not something any resident should have
to endure or fear. As densely populated
as West U is, it is essential that dogs not
run free. It is dangerous and unfair to both
citizens residing in the area as well as to
the dog.
Most of us love our dogs and consider
them a part of the family. However, other
people usually don't hold our dogs in such
high esteem and are annoyed or afraid
when confronted by an unrestrained
strange dog. Most dogs do not engage in
unprovoked attacks. Yet, as territorial ani-
mals, they may attack a dog they don't
know, who is in "their" territory, i.e. their
front yard. Often, they wander the neigh-
borhood in search of food and water. Fre-
quently, they, "foul" somebody else's prop-
erty. The lucky ones are recovered be-
fore they injure someone or another ani-
mal, or before they are injured themselves.
Keeping our dogs on leashes or inside a
fenced yard is beneficial to everybody con-
cerned, while practicing good citizenship
- plus, it's the law.
West U is a city of walkers. Morning
and evening, a drive through the commu-
nity reveals many people enjoying the out-
doors. Sidewalks exist throughout most of
the community with more on the way. The
law requires that pedestrians utilize side-
walks where one is provided. However,
in several areas bushes, branches, and
limbs protrude into the walking area, pro-
viding obstacles to the utilization of the
sidewalks. Take a minute and walk the
Corner - continued m p.7)
Page 6
by Mary Grace Greenwood, Neighborhood Safety Board Member
School begins August
20 for West University
"7~_
Elementary School.
Now is a good time to review safety rules
and plan a safety strategy for our
children. West U Police Officer, Joe
Klinkovsky; West U Elementary
Registrar, Patty Huett; and the Manager
of Injury Prevention Programs at Texas
Children's Hospital, Susan Hirtz, all
stressed wearing helmets while riding
bikes and scooters, or while skating;
crossing only at marked crosswalks; and
being wary of strangers. Here are some
additional safety recommendations -
Carpools - Everyone in the carpool
should get together before school starts,
ensuring children know the drivers who
will pick them up. Also, emphasize to
your children that they should never get
in a car with someone, even if they know
them, unless you have approved that
person beforehand. Talk with your child
about who it's OK to ride with.
At school, children should get in and
out of cars only at specified loading
zones. West U Elementary has two load-
ing zones on University - in front of
the main building and in front of the pri-
mary building. Patrols are at the loading
zones to assist children. Insist that your
children load and unload only at these
sites. Other schools have safe loading
areas as well. Loading zones are there
to protect your children. Please use
them!
Carpool drivers - Driving several
kids is often distracting enough -
please don't talk on your cell phone at
the same time.
Walking to school - Once again, in-
struct your children to never accept a
ride with someone you have not ap-
proved. It's good idea to walk with
someone - a brother, sister or a friend.
Before school starts, walk with your
child to identify the safest route. Look
for a route with sidewalks and marked
crosswalks. West U Elementary has five
crossing guards located on University
at Buffalo Speedway, Edloe, Auden,
Stella Link, and at the Library. Children
should cross at intersections with cross-
ing guards whenever possible.
Before crossing a street, instruct your
children to look LEFT, RIGHT, LEFT.
few safety &71
Even if they have the green light, they
should look to make sure cars are stop-
ping and that drivers see them. Remind
them that parked cars and trees not only
block their vision, but the driver's vision
as well. Warn them to watch for cars
backing out of driveways and point out
any other hazards. Ask them to point out
hazards as well to help them learn to iden-
tify any dangers themselves.
Remember- no crossing in the middle
of the street and no popping out from
behind bushes, cars, or trees.
Bikes, scooters, skates - Children, as
well as adults should wear helmets!
Head injuries are devastating. Follow the
same recommendations for walking to
school. When walking or riding with your
children pick out the safest route and
remind them of the safety rules. Bikes
should be walked across intersections.
Remember, as West U continues to re-
place and repair streets, revise the routes
your children are walking and riding.
A final word to parents - Set a good
example. Wear your helmet, fasten your
seat belt, and cross streets only at marked
intersections.
I _
J 1 !''G..~ t"7VV 'J kit ram
-
Toward the end of June, you
should have received a copy of
the City's annual "Report on the Quality
of Tap Water". This is the third year the
report has been published and distributed
to our water supply customers.
The 1998 and 1999 reports were
mailed as an insert in City Currents.
This year the report was delivered in a
separate mailing in order to emphasize
the importance of the information within
the report. To gauge by the amount of
telephone calls and e-mails received, this
technique has been successful. Our goal
is to distribute these reports by the end
of the first quarter in future years.
Here are two of the more common
questions resulting from the report -
® Question - Is the water safe to
drink? Yes. However, you should read
the mandatory warning on the front page
of the report. Water (bottled or
otherwise) may contain contaminants
i' ~ " t ric s' III i~ and u~cli~
that may be harmful to people with
special health needs. Consult your
physician to determine any special
drinking water requirements.
® Question - Does City staff drink the
water? While some bottled water is used
in City facilities, staff drinks the water
we sell you. The Water Utilities Division
of Public Works currently performs
more testing than is required by State
and Federal Drinking Water
Regulations. We are continuously
looking for ways to economically ensure
that the water served to our customers
is of the highest quality.
The report is available online at,
www.westzi.org or stop by the
Municipal Building or Public Works and
pick-up a copy. If you would like a copy j
mailed to you, contact Gail Roberts at
713.662.5839. For questions regarding
the quality of Drinking Water, contact
Patrick Walters at 713.662.5858.
~_t~7"vcre~~ec? ii"? ca 5~~5vePi: fr~l't"; a S"i(:b'J
ccr;ip- ny. T rr,jo er~repre teura use r'ecycle'.
plastics to produce both plas-~ic "lumber„
and ajoir, 1ng system. These can be used
to ;lake a raked bed or other garden ar
rungenrent, sandbox enclosures, water
gardens, playground borders and land
scope. The corner joining system allows
any corner angle and Stakes into the
ground to eliminate shifting. The system'
allows for stacking, to permit hi&,, her sides.
Since the corner parts and the "lumber"
are recycled plastic,, they will riot rot, warpp
or interest termites and they are envi-
rommentally'safe.
3 The Recycling & Solia'Alaste Reduction
,]Board contacted thi-- company about
their use of recycled plastics. Color bro-
chures of the gardamng system were sent
and the company offered special ricing
i'or a grou order. Contact Joe Poster,
713.064.5905, for more information. A
group order will be coordinated if there is
sufficient interest.
Page 7
f r~Yl~l I~ ~~LFii f I~a~ i ~~Zf
* Friday, August 3
Tour the Sugarhill Recording Stu-
dio. 9:30 - NOON. Free.
Wednesday, August 3
Enjoy an afternoon at the
e Friday, August 10*
During today's lecture, Keys to Suc-
cessful Aging, learn about the keys
derived from special research con-
ducted by the MacArthur Founda-
tion. The speaker will also discuss
alternative retirement housing. 10:00
- 11:00 AM. Free.
cases. Bring the kids. 2:00 - 3:00 PM.
010!15-9%P,V91c~0 71Ie~=I',
Update
City ordinances are now available
online. If you are looking for a copy
of a City Ordinance or just inter-
e~ted in flipplIng through the Code,
vi5i it, vraw.Uaestu.org.
(The Story- cont. from p. I)
The City is also sensitive to the fact
that these are residential streets and that
these signs are not aesthetically pleas-
ing in that setting. While the signs are
important in informing people of the
new zones, al I ofthem, particularly those
placed at mid-block, are not necessar-
ily permanent fixtures. In the near fu-
ture, the status of "No Parking" will be
evaluated. As an alternative, curbs in
these areas where no parking is still re-
stricted, may be painted and stenciled
to designate them as "No Parking"
zones to reduce or eliminate the need
for mid-block signs.
Your cooperation and patience during
this period is greatly appreciated.
(The aftermath - cont. from p.l)
the debris picked up. Your patience is
appreciated.
The intent of this cleanup effort is to
assist residents. If you have a contractor
remodeling your home due to storm
damage, the contractor must haul away
the debris from the remodeling activities.
(Mayor's Desk - cont. from p.2
city is requiring sufficient drainage for
new homes. With larger footprints re-
placing original structures, it is impor-
tant the city be ever vigilant.
As the infrastructure is replaced, some
improvements in drainage should be
noted with the installation of larger
storm sewer inlets. Also, improved
e Wednesday, August 22
Although the IMAX presentation at
the Museum of Natural Science is
unknown, we plan to go. $4.50. Time
to be announced.
Wednesday, August 29
It's time for our annual Ice Cream
Social. Join us for an afternoon of
entertainment (your invited to partici-
pate) and ice cream with all your fa-
vorite toppings. 1:00 - 2:00 PM. $2.00.
(Still flooding - cont. from p.4)
32" per year since 1995. In other words,
since 1906, West U has dropped almost
seven feet when compared to the water
surface of the Houston Ship Channel.
If there is to be any solution to future
flooding in West U, it will have to be done
by a joint effort with the Corps of Engi-
neers, Harris County Flood Control, and
the City of Houston. An evaluation of
portions of the City's discharge system
will be completed later this year. This
will help in assessing the efforts needed
to minimize future flooding.
(Chiefs corner - cont. from p.5)
sidewalks adjacent to your home and look
for obstructions. If they exist, please take
a minute and arrange for bushes and
trees to be trimmed, so everybody can
enjoy a walk through West U.
Summer is meant for enjoyment of the
outdoors. Take your water bottle, and
enjoy. Thanks, and be safe!
streets should help water drain more ef-
ficiently. May I assure you that drain-
age is a top priority for your city govern-
ment and staff. However, even with all
the changes that have and will occur,
there is no assurance that we can avoid
some flooding in the event of another
treacherous rain - let's hope it doesn't
happen.
City of West University Place
3800 University Boulevard
Nest University Place, Texas 77005
PRSRTSTD
US POSTAGE
PAID
HOUSTON, TX
PERMIT NO 6270
III= 112111121 111= H III= am 111= 111= 0111111 11M 111M am If= IIIIIIIII mm mm mm z= w1w III= mm MM MM =11111 wn =01 Mw =0 mm wo III= om
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Tuesdr,r
W.Iesday Thursday
Fri sy Saturday
Friends of West UParks The Building and
.
@ 6:15 Pm City Hall Standards Commis-
g
Yr t
Conference Room sion @ 6:00 Pm in the
Parks Board 7:3 City Hall Conference
R
r
.
oom.
Pm Council Chamber
,
.
a
s
2
3 4
Neighborhood Safety
Senior Services Board
Board @ 6:30 Pm City
ll Conference
H
Meeting @ 2:30 Pm.
a
Room.
Zoning and Planning
Commission @ 6:45 Pm
Ct H If C f
i y a on erence
5 6 7 S Room 9 10
special Session Recycling and Solid Zoning Board of Ad-
6:30 Pm City Hall Con- Waste Reduction justment @ 7:30 Pm in
ference Room Board @6:30 PM the City Hall Council
Council Meeting Public Works Lunch Chambers.
7:30 PM City Hall Room.
j Council Chambers
12 13 14 16 1,71
Neighborhood Watch
^ Block Captain Meet-
ing @ 6:30 Pm in the
City Hall Council
Chambers.
231
19
6:30 Pm City Hall Con-
ference Room
Council Meeting C~J
7:30 PM City Hall
Council Chambers27
21 3
flfl
18 r
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i
28 29 30~
Friends of West UParks The Building and
@ 6:15 Pm City Hall Standards Commis-
Conference Room Sion @ 6:00 Pm in,
Parks Board 7:3 City Hall Conferenc - -
Pm Council Chambers Room.
4 6