City of University Park          November 2018
Welcome to UPdate .  This mid-month publication provides residents with timely information about upcoming City projects, programs and events. You can sign up for things too.    
Parks and Recreation Department
Snider Plaza Tree Lighting - November 18

The 12th annual University Park Tree Lighting in Snider Plaza is set for Sunday, November 18 from 1 to 6 p.m. Throughout the event there will be live performances on the main stage, and lots of children’s activities including bounce houses and photo opportunities with Santa Claus. Wine to the Rescue, a 501c3 non-profit organization, will also be on site featuring pet adoptions.



Tasty snacks and drinks 

Local vendors will be offering a variety of tasty treats and snacks. Sponsored by Andrews Distributing, the event will also feature a beer garden, a designated area on the Plaza’s south side, where complimentary beer and wine will be offered with proof of age.
A season for giving to those less fortunate

Again this year, the Rotary Club of Park Cities and the UP Merchants Association are partnering to raise money for the North Texas Food Bank and low income areas of South Dallas that do not have readily available grocery stores.

Additional event parking

Additional parking will be available at the SMU Law School parking garage at Daniel and Hillcrest.

Event sponsors
 
This year’s key sponsors include: Methodist Health Systems, Andrews Distributing, People Newspapers, SMU, cjb Homes, Payne Mitchell, Sewell Motors, Rotary Club of Park Cities, UP Merchants Association and the City of University Park.
Elena's Children's Park Tree Lighting - December 4 at 6:30 p.m.

For many years, residents from across the Park Cities have gathered at Elena’s Children’s Park to remember children who are no longer with us. The gathering features short remarks, holiday carols and the lighting of a holiday tree. 

Elena’s Children’s Park is located at the intersection of Boedeker and Hanover .
Fire Department
Santa Around Town begins December 17

While his elves are back at the North Pole making sure his sleigh is ready for the big night, Santa Claus will tour the streets of University Park on a UPFD fire engine.

Starting Monday, December 17 and continuing each night through Friday, December 21, Santa will ride through a different section of University Park spreading holiday cheer. The fun begins each night at 6 p.m. and ends each night about 8 p.m.
Santa Fire Engine Tracker
If you want to wave at Santa as he rides by, consult this color-coded City map to the left. Better yet, beginning December 1, go to the City’s website homepage and click on the Santa Around Town details. There you will find a link to track Santa’s nightly progress through the neighborhoods. 


* Dates/times subject to emergency calls
Fireplace safety tips

With cooler temperatures just around the corner, now is the perfect time to make sure that your wood-burning fireplace is ready for use this fall and winter. That preparation begins with having your chimney inspected and cleaned by a licensed professional.


Here are additional fireplace safety tips from UPFD:


  • Install a chimney cap to keep debris and animals out of your chimney
  • Burn only dry, well-seasoned wood, ideally logs that have been seasoned for six months to a year
  • Make sure your damper is open before you light the fire
  • Always use a fireplace screen or glass doors to keep burning embers inside the fireplace
  • Never burn trash or plastics in your fireplace
  • Never start your fire with gasoline or other flammable liquids
Utility Services
UP introduces new recurring water bill payment service

Thanks to a new automatic online billing service, you can now conveniently pay your monthly water bill, and make sure that you never miss a payment or are charged late fees and penalties. The City’s new automatic process accepts the four major credit cards (American Express, Visa, MasterCard and Discover). After signing up,   each month your credit card will be charged on the water bill’s due date . There are no additional fees to enroll in automatic billing. 
 
How do I sign up?
 
1. Log in to your utility account  here . 
2. Type in your name and the account number to access your account, and then once you are logged in, click on the “Credit Card Enrollment” tab.
3. Fill out the requested information. If you already have an email on file with the City, it will auto populate to the email field.
4. You will then be redirected to BridgePay, the City’s credit card processing company, where you will fill in your name, billing address and credit card information (pictured above). Once your information is entered, you will be enrolled in auto pay!

Is my data safe?
 
The City does not house any credit card data or information. All data is handled through the credit card processing company, BridgePay, which is Payment Card Industry (PCI) Compliant. This means that the program follows a set of security standards designed to ensure that companies that accept, process, store and/or transmit credit card information maintain a secure environment.
 
Can I cancel or change credit card information after enrollment?
 
There is an option to withdraw from automatic billing. Simply visit the online utility portal, and click on the Credit Card Enrollment tab. If you are enrolled, there is a button that says “withdraw.” If you need to change your credit card information, follow the same steps, and then re-enroll.

For the next two months, details about signing up for automatic billing will be included on your mailed utility bill. Utility customers still have the option of paying their bills through the one-time online payment system, automatic bank draft, by mail, in person or by telephone. 
Police Department 
Holiday Package Thefts

Package thefts occur year round, but they become more common during the holiday season with the constant online ordering of gifts. Here are some tips to prevent package thefts and to keep your orders safe:

  • Use smart package lockers (such as Amazon locker) or convenience stores like the UPS store
  • Have packages delivered to your workplace or office
  • Install security cameras
  • Require signature on delivery
  • Require a vacation package hold if you are out of town
  • Sign up for tracking alerts so you can arrange to be home when the package is scheduled to be delivered

This holiday season, please remember to lock your vehicles and place your valuables in the trunk. It's a good idea to also keep all household doors locked, even when home. Of course, UPPD appreciates all those who continue to quickly report suspicious activity. 
House Watch

If you are going to be away from home for an extended period this holiday season, you can have your home checked daily by a UPPD officer. The process is simple. You can make the request online, or you can fill out a form from the City's website, and return it to our 9-1-1 Dispatch Center at City Hall.
UP Public Library
Holidays at UP Public Library
Visit the University Park Public Library in the Plaza at Preston Center Saturdays in December for holiday entertainment and treats for all ages. All programs begin at 3 p.m. and are free-of-charge. For more information call the library at 214-363-9095.
Dec. 1 – Holiday Crafts and Treats
Dec. 8 – Story Time with Mrs. Claus
Dec. 15 – The Legend of the Christmas Spider Puppet Show
Sponsors: Christine McKenny and Allie Beth Allman and Associates
Download the Library's new app!

University Park Public Library is excited to introduce its free app, UPTXLIB! The app lets you easily manage your library account and access various online resources.

UPTXLIB is available for both Android and iOS/Apple devices. Visit your app store to download it today!



Some neat features you will find on UPTXLIB include:

  • Use a digital bar code instead of your library card to check out books and other materials
  • Easily sign-up and log-in to our summer reading programs
  • Access quick links to online resources, events calendar and social media platforms   
Friends of University Park Public Library - Flying the SR-71: The World's Fastest Stealth Jet
December 9 from 11 a.m. to noon

The Friends of the University Park Public Library present this special program with author and retired Air Force pilot, Colonel Richard Graham. He will speak on his 25 years of military service and will simulate a reconnaissance mission.


Sanitation Division

Here is the Thanksgiving Holiday sanitation schedule:

Regular Route                   Holiday Route

Monday - Thursday             Monday - Friday
Tuesday - Friday                 Tuesday - Saturday
City's Social Media
Follow City social media accounts for updates on holiday events and information

The holiday season is rapidly approaching and will be here before we know it! For quick and simple access to updates on various City holiday happenings, such as Santa Around Town, holiday office hours, holiday sanitation schedules, events and more, follow us on our various social media accounts! UP City Hall is on Facebook, Nextdoor, Instagram and Twitter. Click the buttons below to access and follow each account.
Upcoming City Meetings & Events