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City of University Park, Texas, 3800 University Blvd. |
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To our readers: Given the fluid nature of the COVID-19 response and the need for timely and accurate information, the City will not be offering a printed edition of the January Arbor. This electronic version contains all of the content that would have appeared in a printed copy without the chance of being out-of-date. Click here for the latest COVID-19 information and updates.
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Mayor Stewart looks ahead to 2021 |
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As we enter 2021, I want to reflect for a moment on the trials and tribulations of the past year. I sincerely believe that 2020’s numerous challenges brought out the best in our community. Faced with restrictions rarely seen in American life, you and your neighbors came through time and time again. In acts of kindness large and small, from providing meals for our frontline safety personnel, to participating in local food drives, to the messages of support left in chalk on sidewalks for local restaurant operators, doctors and nurses, teachers and City staff, you and your neighbors have fueled University Park’s strength and resolve.
On behalf of my City Council colleagues, thank you for your adherence to various State, County and local directives that are in place to keep us safe and to keep the spread of COVID-19 in check. The ongoing vaccination process is the true light at the end of the tunnel. On the horizon is the return to normal operations, procedures and annual events and celebrations. That said, I urge you to continue to keep your family, friends and those you come into contact with safe by continuing to wear facial coverings, practicing social distancing, and routinely washing your hands. These steps are critical right now. As always, your support and assistance is very much appreciated. Lastly, I must thank our Police Officers, Firefighters, 911 operators, Sanitation Employees, Public Works crews, Parks crews and other City staff for their outstanding service during a difficult year. I am grateful for their professionalism and dedication. Happy New Year to all!
In the January Arbor, we always highlight some of the work that will take place in the months ahead. The City is turning the corner on various projects that we have been discussing and studying for decades. The four projects summarized below all have the potential to fundamentally improve our community.
Snider Plaza – Design work for water and sewer improvements, centering on alleys adjacent to the Plaza, is complete. These improvements are scheduled to begin later this year. Design work is currently underway for roadway, sidewalk and landscape improvements. The City is working on a plan to fund these improvements following the scheduled replacement of water and sewer lines in the Plaza.
Miracle Mile – While construction is not scheduled to begin until 2022 on improvements to this shopping center, final design work is currently underway for roadway, sidewalk, traffic signal and landscape improvements. The City is also working on a plan to fund these improvements, which includes participation in the Dallas County Major Capital Improvement Program. The City Council has previously approved a concept design that keeps the existing two-lane configuration. However, improvements to the intersection at Douglas and Lovers as well as traffic signal improvements will help alleviate congestion, and new configurations will allow for a small increase in area parking.
Storm Water System Improvements – With the underground storm water project in Caruth Park completed, the City is now awaiting bids for the next component of this multi-phased effort to reduce storm water runoff and street flooding in neighborhoods near Caruth Park. This next step includes connecting new underground storage pipes in Southwestern and Hillcrest.
Centennial Master Plan – Ensuring the success and well-being of the next generation of University Park residents is the focus of this ongoing work. Surveys were distributed this past summer, and the City recently completed a virtual town hall. During that exercise, more than 1,000 unique visitors logged on providing outstanding input on the full scope of City services from parks and green space, to public safety, public infrastructure, zoning and development, City aesthetics and financial stability. In the months ahead, along with guidance from the members of our resident steering committee, we will be asking all of you for additional direction and comment.
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2020 Employees of the Year |
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Each year, several City employees are recognized for outstanding service to the community. Those selected were nominated by their colleagues from throughout the organization. An employee committee comprised of those previously honored chose this year’s two Gold Award winners. Both are shown below with City Manager Robbie Corder and their supervisors. Five Silver Award recipients were also named.
Belinda Aldrete – Human Resources
Belinda joined the City in 1997. Well known by all City employees, she works in the Human Resources department. In her nomination letter a colleague wrote, “I can’t think of someone more deserving than Belinda. She is always going the extra mile to serve City employees.” Fellow staff members also mentioned that Belinda’s empathetic, helpful and honest personality make her a pleasure to work with.
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Dawn Kossmann – Police/Administration
Dawn joined the City in 2009. Always ready to work with a smile on her face, Dawn is the Administrative Assistant in the Police Department. One of her duties is managing the Resident Parking District permits, which, due to COVID-19 involved adapting the process to be entirely online. Dawn is extremely knowledgeable and efficient. Her nomination letter summarizes her value to the Department and the community, stating, “She goes above and beyond to help anyone, and she is amazing at providing customer service to not only her coworkers, but especially our residents.”
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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 these two outstanding City staff members and to our Silver Award winners listed below.
Silver Award Honorees
Equipment Services/Warehouse – Owen Downham
Parks and Recreation – Jose Arevalo
Police/Direct Alarm Monitoring – Keith Niette
Public Works/Traffic – Efrain Rivera
Public Works/Sanitation – David Vartian
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Former Council member Harry Shawver Jr. remembered |
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Former City Council member Harry Shawver Jr. died last month at age 86.
Born in Dallas, he graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in 1951. He received his undergraduate degree from Texas A&M University in 1955, and received his Juris Doctorate and Master of Liberal Arts degrees from Southern Methodist University. He practiced law in Dallas for several years before focusing on real estate transactions and title work. He then joined American Title Company of Dallas, where he became owner and president before retiring. Harry was a member of the Dallas Bar Association and the Texas Bar Foundation and served as president of the Dallas Homebuilders Association. He was also a former president of the Park Cities Historic and Preservation Society.
His involvement with the City began as a member of the Board of Adjustment. He was board chair from 2000 to 2002. Harry served on the City Council for three terms from 2002 to 2008. His last term he served as Mayor Pro Tem.
Harry was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Barbara Evelyn Shive Shawver. He is survived by his four children, their spouses and nine grandchildren.
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A few words of thanks to Kelly Walker |
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In 2004, Kelly Walker began her first term as a member of the University Park City Council. Over the past 16 years her contributions to our community have been immeasurable. After three terms on the City Council, in 2010 Kelly began her service to HPISD as a Board of Trustees member. Recently, Kelly announced it is time to “shift my full attentions to other tasks and to my family and friends.”
Playing a vital role in the formation and delivery of dozens of substantial City and District initiatives and programs, her list of accomplishments benefiting our residents, public school students, faculty and staff is a lengthy one. On the Council during the development and construction of the George W. Bush Presidential Center and Library and as the Board’s Facilities Chair during creation of the District’s $361 million bond program that has since improved the learning environment for students across HPISD, she has had a front row seat to local history. She has also made a little history as the only University Park resident to ever serve on both the City Council and the HPISD Board of Trustees. Kelly, we wish you the best in all future endeavors, and we are so happy you, Jim and family call University Park home!
Mayor Tommy Stewart
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Texas Department of Public Safety announces Temporary Waiver for DL/ID expirations ends in April 2021 |
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The waiver on expiration dates for driver licenses (DLs) and identification cards (IDs) ends on April 14, 2021. People who need to renew are urged to make an appointment as soon as possible.
Governor Abbott granted the waiver in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It applied to DLs, commercial DLs, commercial learner permits, ID cards and election identification certificates that expired last March. For more information, click here.
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HPISD launches awareness campaign on mental health issues |
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The COVID-19 pandemic has added to our everyday stress. PC HOPE is an ad hoc task force of the District's School Health Advisory Committee. This task force is working to erase the stigma of mental health issues and to support the Park Cities community through education on mental health. To learn more about the effort and where to go for help, click here.
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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 11. For residents who live north of Lovers Lane, curb collection is free through January 12. 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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Place yard waste bags at curbside |
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Due to staffing issues related to COVID-19, please put all yard waste bags at curbside in the parkway portion of your property to help City sanitation crews with timely collection until further notice. Your assistance with this request is greatly appreciated. If further modifications to our collection efforts are needed in the days ahead, we will let you know in a timely fashion. |
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