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.
|
|
UPPD officers now carry Tasers |
|
After extensive hands-on training, Tasers are now carried by all uniformed field personnel. While UPPD officers also carry expandable batons and pepper spray, the decision to add Tasers to UPPD's list of non-lethal weapons involved months of study and deliberation. Among the steps along the way was a recommendation for adoption from the members of the resident Public Safety Advisory Committee and last spring’s approval by the City Council. Prior to officer instruction, the department spent weeks developing the policy that governs Taser training, carry and use.
Taser use advantages and safeguards:
- In addition to their significant deterrent effect, Tasers can be used at a distance or hands-on, reducing suspect and officer injuries
- For public transparency, whenever a Taser is drawn the officer’s body camera immediately activates
- Ongoing officer training is in place to mitigate the risk of erroneous deployment
Several North Texas police departments use Tasers. A partial list includes: Addison, Arlington, Bedford, Colleyville, Carrollton, Dallas, Euless, Fort Worth, Grapevine, Highland Park, Hurst and Southlake. UPPD purchased 35 tasers and five years of supplies and maintenance for $119,702.53.
|
|
Next Leadership UP class forming now |
|
The City is now accepting applications for our next Leadership UP class. This 17-month program is designed for those who are interested in learning more about the City’s history, opportunities, challenges, and resources. Monthly presentations will start this October, and conclude in February 2024.
The program is open to UP residents only and costs $250 a person. There are two ways to submit payment. You can write a check to the City of University Park – Leadership UP, or pay by credit card. Look for more specifics on how to pay on the application form.
Class size is limited to no more than 25 people. Regular attendance is required.
In addition to covering all aspects of City operations, classmates will receive presentations from sister entities including HPISD, SMU, the George W. Bush Presidential Library and the Dallas County Park Cities Municipal Utilities District. The program’s ultimate objective is to provide a pathway for residents who are interested in serving on one of the City’s boards or committees.
The application deadline is September 12.
|
|
Active school zones back in operation soon |
|
HPISD students return to campus on Wednesday, August 17. With school back in session, the streets around the City’s various campuses will be more congested. UPPD reminds motorists that active school zones are designated by flashing yellow lights.
School zone times in University Park - all campuses
- 7:15 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and 2:45 p.m. to 4:15 p.m.
- 20 MPH is the speed limit in all active school zones
Parents, please make sure that your children use the sidewalks when walking or riding their bikes to school. Children should follow the directions of the crossing guard, who will make sure they cross safely. Early in the school year, UPPD will have extra officers watching queuing lanes at the elementary and intermediate/middle school campuses.
New school zone near the high school
|
|
The City is adding a school zone to a portion of Lovers Lane, between Douglas and Westchester. The move follows review of the location by a traffic engineer who determined that signage would draw more attention to pedestrians and bike riders in the blocks north of the high school campus. The school zone's operating hours and speed limit will be the same as those shown above. Signage is scheduled for installation during the first week of school. |
|
SMU students are back on campus |
|
SMU students are heading back to the Hilltop for the start of the fall semester! Move in dates are listed below. There will be increased traffic in and around the campus during this time. The fall semester starts on Monday, August 22.
- New student move in dates: Wednesday, August 17 and Thursday, August 18
- Returning student move in dates: Friday, August 19 and Saturday, August 20
|
|
On August 10, the City Council met to discuss and set a maximum tax rate to be considered during the FY2023 budget process. This rate (25.6527 cents/$100 of taxable value), which is below the state-mandated voter-approval rate, limits growth in property tax revenue. As in prior years, this rate is a “not-to-exceed” rate, and Council may adopt a lower tax rate during the September hearing process.
On Tuesday, September 6 and Tuesday, September 20, the City Council will hold public hearings so that the public may comment on the City’s FY2023 proposed budget and tax rate. The Council will vote to adopt the FY2023 budget and tax rate during its Tuesday, September 20 meeting. Both Council Meetings will begin at 5 p.m.
A summary of the proposed $61 million budget can be found here.
Comments about the proposed budget
If you want make your comments in person on either of the dates listed, you are welcome to do so. If you would like to register to speak before you arrive at City Hall, you may submit an online form.
All Council Meetings are livestreamed on the City's website at uptexas.org. If you want to comment remotely or have comments included in the Public Comments portion of a Council Meeting, you can use our website’s eComment feature, or you can contact Christine Green, City Secretary, at cgreen@uptexas.org or 214-987-5302. Please note that the Mayor will acknowledge receipt of written comments, but written comments are not always read aloud.
|
|
This year's summer reading programs were a success! Here are the stats for the kids' and teen programs. Congratulations to Hyer Elementary on winning the Readers' Cup Trophy with 512 hours read! |
|
FRIENDS OF UP PUBLIC LIBRARY |
|
*You do not need a pool pass or be a University Park resident to attend Splash Bash. |
|
Upcoming City Meetings & Events |
|
STAY CONNECTED TO THE CITY ON SOCIAL MEDIA |
|
|
|
|
|
|
