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City of University Park, Texas, 3800 University Blvd. |
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Mayor Stewart looks ahead to 2022 |
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Along with so many of you, my family enjoys the optimism that a new year brings, and the anticipation that stems from the accomplishments that will be achieved in the months ahead. In 2022, the City will complete some of the infrastructure projects that have disrupted our neighborhoods and our ability to get from place to place without the congestion that such improvements bring. However, I am happy to report that the City’s contractors are ahead of schedule and should complete this work several weeks if not months ahead of schedule.
The status of various infrastructure improvement projects
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The first phase of several planned improvements in Snider Plaza is well underway. With over 7,500 feet of water and 4,500 feet of wastewater lines that are nearly 100 years old, the $6.5 million project addresses all water and sewer needs in the area for the foreseeable future. The project was originally estimated to take 16 to 18 months to complete, but the City’s contractor (SYB Construction) has been able to reduce the project’s duration by seven months. As you can see in the map to the right, the sections in green have already been completed while the red are either in progress or not yet complete. Based on estimates from the contractor and City staff, all work in the area could be complete late this spring. The City is already working on the next phase of improvements, which includes paving for streets and sidewalks, landscape amenities, lighting, and fountain improvements. Final design and bidding for this upcoming phase will be a major point of emphasis for the City in 2022. |
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Residents who live near Caruth Park have seen extensive construction to address the City‘s capacity for stormwater drainage. In 2020, the City completed the installation of a 3.5 million-gallon underground detention structure in Caruth Park. To optimize this new facility, the next phase of improvements called for increased capacity of the stormwater pipes that feed into and out of that facility. Where a single 60-inch pipe in Southwestern previously provided drainage for the area, two underground box culverts measuring 15 feet wide and 8 feet deep now provide drainage. Similarly, where a single 60-inch pipe provided drainage for Hillcrest two box culverts measuring 20 feet wide by 6 feet deep have been installed. As you know, this work has included extensive road closures of both Hillcrest and Southwestern. The original schedule for this $9 million project called for completion in October of 2022. SYB Construction now believes the project could be completed by April.
Development of the Centennial Master Plan
The City kicked off development of its Centennial Master Plan just prior to the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our new master plan will update a similar plan from 1989 and will help us usher in the City’s Centennial in April 2024. Despite scheduling issues and pandemic safety protocols, the resident-appointed steering committee is nearing the final stages of their work. This new plan has been able to incorporate feedback from over 3,000 residents, to fashion a plan that will guide our community for decades to come. A draft of the plan will be presented to the community and City Council this spring. Following additional resident feedback, the City Council hopes to adopt the new plan this summer.
As we embark on a new year, I want to mention again that it is an honor to serve you, and this community that has been my home for my entire life. I’m grateful for the remarkable efforts of the City’s workforce, especially given the challenges that employees were presented with and overcame during last February’s record-setting cold spell.
Lastly, as others before me have said, the hallmark of our community is the caring people who live here. You have shown great patience and grace as the City has worked on the infrastructure projects mentioned above. All of this has happened during a pandemic that has completely disrupted our day-to-day lives. With hope and resolve for the months ahead, I wish you and your family members a Happy New Year!
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Filing Deadlines for the May 7, 2022 municipal election |
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University Park residents who are interested in running for mayor or city council can file an application for a place on the May 7 ballot beginning January 19. The last day to file an application with the City Secretary is 5 p.m. on February 18. The deadline to file as a write-in candidate is 5 p.m. on February 22.
Candidates for either office must be at least 21 years of age and have been a resident of the City for at least 12 months prior to the May 7 election date. Candidates must also meet Texas Election Code requirements, be a qualified voter of the City, and not be delinquent on any taxes or other liabilities due the City.
By City Charter, the mayor and all four councilmembers serve two-year terms. All five positions are at-large seats with each elected official serving the City as a whole. No mayor or councilmember can serve more than three successive terms, or six years of continuous service. By charter, the mayor is elected separately from the council and does not run against individual council candidates. As the official head of city government, the mayor presides over all council meetings, and votes on all matters before council, unless otherwise disqualified. Each councilmember has an equal vote on all actions taken by the council and is expected to attend the regular council meetings conducted on first and third Tuesdays as well as serve as liaison to various advisory committees. The mayor and councilmembers serve without compensation.
Candidate filing packets are available online until the filing deadline date, or at City Hall at 3800 University Blvd. from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information about the filing process, visit the Texas Ethics Commission and Texas Secretary of State websites or contact City Secretary, Christine Green at (214) 987-5302 or by e-mail at cgreen@uptexas.org
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City names 2021 Employees of the Year |
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During last month’s annual holiday luncheon, several City employees were recognized for outstanding service to the community. Those selected were all nominated by their colleagues. An employee committee comprised of those previously honored chose the two Gold Award winners, who are shown below with City Manager Robbie Corder and Mayor Tommy Stewart. During the festivities, the work accomplishments of three Silver Award recipients were also highlighted. |
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Branden Amos-McNary - Equipment Services/Warehouse |
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Branden began working for the City in September 2020. His nomination read in part, "Branden could not have come to work in the warehouse at a crazier time - right in the middle of a pandemic. His willingness to learn proper purchasing procedures and the use of various purchasing software programs have made him an essential part of the warehouse team. Branden's positive attitude and work ethic make him a pleasure to work with." |
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Eli Vasquez - Public Works/Sanitation |
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Eli has worked as a member of the City's Sanitation Division since July 1998. His nomination read, "Eli is extremely knowledgeable and skilled in the collection of solid waste. He is not afraid to work, and he always builds morale."
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In recognition of their service, our two Gold Award Employees of the Year will receive a cash award from the University Park Community League. Congratulations to Branden and Eli, and to our Silver Award winners!
Silver Award Honorees
- Jason Salisbury - Fire
- Misty Simons - Police
- Johnny Moreno - Public Works/Traffic
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New School Zone near UP Elementary School |
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When the school year resumes on January 4, a new school zone will be in operation. Located at the intersection of Amherst and Baltimore, the school zone will assist students who are walking or biking to nearby UP Elementary School. Marked by flashing lights and signage to alert motorists to its 20-mile-an-hour speed limit, the school zone will also be staffed by a school crossing guard. Like all the other school zones in the City, the site will be active on school day mornings from 7:15 to 8:30 and school day afternoons from 2:45 to 4:15. Neighborhood input and a site analysis by a traffic engineering firm preceded City Council approval. |
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Landscape/hardscape improvements for portion of Curtis Park |
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Work gets underway this month on improvements to the western portion of Curtis Park. The list of enhancements includes the installation of an observation deck, sidewalks, and some decorative railing near Turtle Creek. Additional improvements involve implementing a new plant and tree layout for that section of the park, new irrigation to support that landscaping and the installation of security lighting. The Parks and Recreation Department collaborated with the members of the Parks Board to fashion these enhancements. City Council approved the $350,000 project in November. Weather permitting, the project will be completed in March. Temporary construction fencing will mark the work areas. |
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UP Public Library’s "UP and Coming Author" series kicks off on January 20 |
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Author Clay G. Small kicks off our local author series at University Park Public Library on January 20 at 7 p.m. A University Park resident, Clay will discuss art forgery and how this crime is increasing relative to the soaring prices of fine art. He will talk about the personality types of four notorious art forgers, new detection methods for authenticating fine art, and that it's not just greed that prompts art forgers to copy another artists' work. Clay’s newly released novel is - The Forger’s Forgery.
Clay is the former Senior Vice President and Managing Attorney for PepsiCo, Inc. In that position, he was responsible for all of PepsiCo’s global legal issues. A professor at SMU’s Cox School of Business, he teaches a variety of courses including The Legal and Ethical Environment of Business.
The discussion will be held in the University Park Public Library’s Community Room and is complimentary and open to the public. Clay will have books for sale at the event. For more information, call 214-987-5650.
This is the first in a series of local author visits to the library in 2022. Be sure to check the library’s newsletter or our events calendar for details about the authors who are scheduled in the months ahead.
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Don’t forget to recycle your Christmas tree. The Sanitation Division will pick up discarded trees on scheduled collection days from front curbsides. Before setting your tree out for collection, remove the tree’s stand and all ornaments, lights, tinsel and plastic. If you live south of Lovers Lane collection is free if the tree is at the curb by January 10. For residents who live north of Lovers Lane, curb collection is free through January 11. After those dates, the collection fee is $26.81. If you place your tree at curbside and do not remove the tree stand, lights or ornaments, your next monthly water bill will show a $26.81 charge. For more information, call the Sanitation Division at 214-987-5451, or dial 311.
Would you like to receive an email reminder to set your tree out? Click on the bar below. Then, type in your home address and ask for a reminder.
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