City of University Park                     February 2017
Welcome to UPdate.   Electronically distributed, this mid-month publication provides residents with timely information on a department-by-department basis about upcoming City projects, programs and events.  UPdate also contains seasonal reminders and links so that you can conveniently sign up for various services or events. 
Police
University Park remains a very safe community

University Park remains a very safe place to live and work.  Again last year, the City's most reported crime was Burglary of Motor Vehicle.  As in past years, the majority of the 143 incidents involved items that were taken because they were left in plain sight.  Wallets, purses, computer laptops and jewelry were common targets.  
Other 2016 crime statistics

In 2016, the police department answered 23,242 calls for service.  That total represents an 8 percent increase for the previous year.

Robberies - 12
Residential Burglaries - 13
Business Burglaries - 6
Auto Thefts - 14
Bike Thefts - 30
UPPD participates in Race Relations forum
Earlier this month, more than 200 student council leaders from 20 high schools across North Texas gathered to discuss how to improve race relations in their communities.  This second annual DFW Leadership Council Forum took place at Southern Methodist University.  Hosted by Highland Park High School's student council, UPPD was pleased to participate in this worthwhile event. 

Photo:  UPPD School Resource Officer, Michael Connel
UPPD - Community Camera Program  

Do you have a security camera system on your property?  If so, you can help the department’s crime fighting efforts by registering your system. Because criminals are caught in the act of committing the crime, video surveillance is one of the best methods to catch suspects and convict them. Often when crimes occur nearby, many residents and business owners are unaware that their camera systems may have captured information that could help solve a crime.  Likewise, police are not always aware of who may have captured potentially vital video evidence. If your residence or business has a security camera system meeting these two requirements, you can help UPPD investigate and solve crimes by registering your camera system.
  • Exterior facing security camera system
  • Camera system records and retains video
  After registering your camera system, you will only be contacted by UPPD if there is a criminal incident in the vicinity of your security camera and police personnel believe viewing  your video footage will assist in the investigation.  At no time will UPPD have remote access to your system.  

To register your security camera system with UPPD hit the button below.  From there you can access the online registration form and find out more program details.  Once you’ve completed the form, hit the “submit” button. Within 48 hours UPPD will contact you to verify your participation.
City Hall
2016-17 Annual Report
The 2016-17 edition of the City's Annual Report is now available on the City's website.  The report summarizes the City's finances and recaps current major projects and activities on a department-by-department basis.  The report also contains information on various projects and objectives for the months ahead.
Public Works
Lighted crosswalk at Caruth across from Smith Park 

City crews have begun work on the installation of a lighted crosswalk in the 3900 block of Caruth.  University Park United Methodist Church staff asked the City to consider the project.  The installation was given the go-ahead after a review of new traffic counts.  The crosswalk is positioned mid-block, accessing the sidewalk in front of the church's play yard and the sidewalk on the north side of Smith Park.  It should be operational early next month.     
Help the environment - check your sewer line cleanout cap  

Here’s a simple step you can take to help protect the environment – make sure the cap on your home’s sewer line cleanout is securely in place.   

What is a sewer line cleanout?  

A city’s sanitary sewer system collects wastewater from toilets, bathtubs, sinks and dishwashers for treatment or disposal.  A service line connects your home to the citywide sanitary sewer system.  A sewer line “cleanout” is a vertical pipe, covered by a cap, that provides access to a home’s underground wastewater service line.  

What can happen when a sewer line cleanout cap is not properly secured?  

Sanitary sewer systems always have capacity issues.  A heavy rain can push a system’s capacities beyond its limits.  When that happens, untreated wastewater can reach street level and eventually flow into area creeks and ponds.  Securing the cap on your home’s sewer line cleanout helps reduce the likelihood of this occurring.   The state of Texas requires that cities reduce sources of storm sewer and sanitary sewer system infiltration.  Help the City meet this requirement by taking a moment to check the cap on your home’s sewer line cleanout.  
Sanitation/Recycling
Have you tried Waste Wizard yet? 

Have you ever wondered if it was OK to place a particular item in your blue recycling bin/container or your trash can?  If so, Waste Wizard is here to help.  Located in the Recycling section of the City's website, using Waste Wizard, residents type in key words to get disposal tips on hundreds of items.  This quick and easy search tool provides details on what materials go into the recycling bin or the trash can.  Waste Wizard also tells you if an item must be taken to Dallas County’s Hazardous Waste Center. 
Community Development
The Community Development Department is located in the City's Peek Service Center, just east of Highway 75 at 4420 Worcola, in Dallas.  Department hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.  
   
The department reviews all commercial and residential building requests.   Most new construction, remodels, and additions require building permits.  Click on the button below for detailed information about the permitting and inspection process, and any other requirements for your project. 
UP Public Library
Upcoming Event
Saturday, February 25 
UP @ the Library Family Time - 2 p.m.
Puppeteer Sandy Shrout will present “How the Dragon Got Its Fire”

Fun and giggles guaranteed!

UP @ the Library Family Time programs are presented by Christine McKenny and Dave Perry-Miller Real Estate.

 
City Meetings & Events 
To our readers - You are receiving UPdate because you already receive an electronic copy of The Arbor.  If you like this new publication, please tell a neighbor or two about it.  
 City of University Park | 214 - 363 - 1644 | www.uptexas.org