Welcome to UPdate
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This mid-month publication provides residents with timely information about upcoming City projects, programs and events. You can sign up for things too.
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Who's at Work in UP?
Have you ever wondered when work takes place in your alley what project it is or who is completing the work? Or, are you interested in SMU or HPISD construction projects and their duration? Well, look no further than the UP website! If you are interested in projects around the City, visit our new Who's at Work in UP Projects Map!
This interactive map contains projects organized by City, community partners and private utilities. Simply click on the icon of the project you want to view and you will find the project status, duration, location, updates and contact information. Or, you can zoom in on the map and click on the project marker to view this information. It has never been easier to see who is at work in UP!
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Block Party Registration
The City welcomes the opportunity to supply residents with warning cones and signs for neighborhood "block parties." Applications must be received no later than three working days before the scheduled event.
Residents are reminded that block parties are not allowed on October 31. This policy assures that proper traffic flow is maintained, especially for emergency vehicles.
To learn more or to submit an application, click on the button below.
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Make sure your home smoke alarms work
According to the National Fire Protection Association, about 60 percent of home fire deaths happen in homes without properly functioning smoke alarms. Having a working smoke alarm in your home greatly increases your chance of surviving a fire.
Because smoke alarms rely on a power source to function properly, it is critical to check them monthly. Batteries too weak to sound the alarm should be replaced. Because most alarms “chirp” when battery power is low, it is critical to replace the battery promptly, rather than disconnecting the alarm.
Smoke generated by fire is a silent killer. Most fire deaths occur from smoke inhalation when residents are asleep. A primary component of smoke is carbon monoxide, which can slowly suffocate victims. A functional smoke alarm can provide early detection and make the difference when minutes count.
UPFD offers assistance with smoke alarm installations
For those needing assistance, especially the aged and individuals with disabilities, department members will test home smoke alarms. If necessary, the department will provide and install smoke alarms for free. To arrange a visit please call the department’s administrative secretary at 214-987-5380.
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Make a home fire escape plan
October is also a great time to work on a fire escape plan with your family. Start by drawing a simple map of your home that shows all doors and windows. Then, make sure that all doors and windows open easily, so that you can use them to get outside. For more information on how to create a home fire escape plan, visit the National Fire Protection Association’s website at nfpa.org.
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Community Night Out & Movie in the Park - Friday, October 18
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Join us Friday, October 18 for a night of family fun! Activities in Goar Park begin at 5 p.m. with Community Night Out. Public safety vehicles will be on display until 7:30 p.m. Police and Fire personnel are looking forward to meeting you!
Then at 7:30 p.m., it’s time to hit the blankets and camp chairs for a free showing of Beetlejuice. There will also be bounce houses, a Halloween costume contest, popcorn and water!
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Prescription Drug Take Back Day - October 26
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Saturday, October 26, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., University Park residents can dispose of accumulated, unwanted, and unused prescription drugs by stopping by the Fire Station side of University Park City Hall at 3800 University Blvd. This effort, hosted by UPPD, is part of a nationwide drug disposal program started by the Drug Enforcement Administration.
A reminder - Residents don’t have to wait for a national Drug Take Back Day event to dispose of prescription drugs. The Police Department installed a MedReturn box at City Hall, which is located inside the building’s 24-hour entrance (3800 University Blvd.) next to the City’s 911 call center. The MedReturn box will not accept liquid medications, inhalers, needles, syringes or lancets.
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Halloween Events at the Library
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UP @ the Library Family Time - Saturday, October 26 at 3 p.m.
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Mad scientists will bring their spooky science experiments to the library in this interactive science show for all ages! After the show, join us in the children's area for a kooky craft and snack. Costumes are encouraged!
Sponsored by
Christine McKenny
and
Allie Beth Allman & Associates
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Spooky Story Time - Thursday, October 31 at 4 p.m.
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Come by the library for some kid-friendly spooky stories and treats with the Library Witch! Fun for kids of all ages. Show off your costumes!
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Annual Holiday Tree Lighting event - Sunday, November 17
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Mark your calendars now! This year's Holiday Tree Lighting event in Snider Plaza is set for Sunday, November 17. Look for more details in the November issue of UPdate, the November Arbor, and on the City's website.
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Trees for Town program keeps growing
Turn over a new leaf by participating in the City's Trees for Town program!
Parkway trees
The purchase price for parkway trees (the grassy area between the sidewalk and curb), including planting by the Parks Department, is $150. Parkway trees are all 30-gallon container grown, have a trunk diameter of approximately 2 inches and are 8 to 10 feet tall. Residents can choose from Cedar Elm, Chinquapin Oak, Live Oak and Red Oak.
Home planting trees
Home planting trees cost $75 each. Although you will be responsible for the planting and care of the trees, the Parks Department will deliver them to your property. Smaller in size than the parkway trees, these are 6 to 8 feet tall, with a 1-inch diameter. Available tree varieties include Bur Oak, Cedar Elm, Chinquapin Oak, Live Oak and Red Oak.
Sign up by December 31
December 31 is the last day to place an order. Planting and delivery of trees will begin in late January or early February. Click the button below to download the order form.
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Fiber-optics network to enhance school safety
In early 2018, staff from the Highland Park Independent School District began discussing the elements of a collaborative project with the City of University Park and the Town of Highland Park to provide first responders with immediate access to real-time security camera video at all of the District’s campuses. The project centered on the installation of a fiber-optic network to transmit the video stream directly to the City and Town 911 dispatch centers. All three entities quickly agreed on the merits of such a network, and in mid-2018 the District awarded a firm a construction contract to build it. The network is set to go online before Thanksgiving.
The agreement stipulates that the City and Town will only have access to the District’s surveillance system during emergency situations that involve police, fire or emergency medical services personnel, and that 911 dispatchers are not responsible for monitoring the system.
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Three new police officers
The City’s FY2020 Budget, approved on September 17, includes first-year funding for three new full-time police officers. This staffing will make it possible to assign one officer to each of the two elementary school campuses in University Park during start and release times (one hour in the morning, and one hour in the afternoon). Otherwise, these officers will supplement patrol shifts and answer service calls. One of the positions will be a sergeant who will oversee a new four-officer UPPD School Resource Officer Unit.
These assignments are in addition to the officers who have long been in place at the Middle School and High School campuses. Due to the hiring and training process, the new officers will not be in place until sometime in early 2020. In the meantime, UPPD officers will continue to patrol the campuses on a frequent basis, especially during in-session hours.
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Upcoming City Meetings & Events
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STAY CONNECTED TO THE CITY ON SOCIAL MEDIA
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