City of University Park   
 February 2021
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.    
CITY HALL
Virtual State of the City - February 18 at 7 p.m.
The annual State of the City address has gone virtual! Join us as Mayor Tommy Stewart provides an overview of issues and projects the Council and City staff are focused on. The presentation will take place at 7 p.m. on Thursday, February 18. Attendees must register using the link below.
 
This year's presentation will touch on upcoming large-scale capital projects including those involving Snider Plaza and the Miracle Mile. His remarks will also center on plans for continued storm water system improvements and ongoing resident involvement in the development of the City's new master plan.
City releases Annual Report
The 2020-2021 edition of the City's Annual Report is now available on the City's website. The report summarizes the City’s finances and recaps major projects and activities on a department-by-department basis. The report also contains information on various projects and objectives for the months ahead. 

Click here to view the Annual Report.
Youth Advisory Commission applications open March 1
It is almost time to apply for the Youth Advisory Commission! YAC members learn about local government operations while also volunteering for various City events. High school students who live in University Park can begin applying for the Commission on March 1. Stay tuned for more information in our upcoming newsletters!
POLICE DEPARTMENT
University Park remains a very safe community
University Park remains a very safe place to live and work. Again last year, the City’s most reported crime was Burglary of Motor Vehicles. Totaling 101 incidents, most items that were taken were left in plain sight. Wallets, purses, computer laptops and jewelry were common targets. The Police Department continues to urge residents to lock their vehicles and place valuables in the trunk. It’s also a good idea to keep all household doors locked, even when home.

Vehicle theft cases drop

Reported vehicle thefts declined from 50 in 2019 to 35 last year. Again, owners often made things a bit easier for thieves. In 17 of the cases, victims told officers they left a key fob or ignition key in the vehicle.
Calls for service

In 2020 UPPD answered 18,976 calls for service. That's nearly 3,000 fewer calls for service than the department recorded in 2019. Stay-at-home guidelines to contain COVID-19 are the most likely explanation for the reduction.
 
Other 2020 crime statistics

Robberies - 1 (2019 - 3)
Business Burglaries - 10 (2019 - 7)
Residential Burglaries - 28 (2019 – 18)
Bike Thefts – 25 (2019 -18)
 
Promotions

Along with the recent retirement of Chief Greg Spradlin and the promotion of Bill Mathes to Chief, UPPD has changed assignments for several other long-time department members.
 
  • Officer Gloria Banderet is now a Sergeant in Patrol
  • Sergeant Victor Williams is now a Lieutenant supervising Patrol and Parking Enforcement functions
  • Lieutenant Travis Vavra is now an Assistant Chief with responsibilities for the Operations Division
  • Lieutenant John Ball is now an Assistant Chief with responsibilities for the Support Services Division
         
Traffic and School Resource Officer Unit

Several years ago the department established a special unit to focus on traffic enforcement and accident investigations. After recent expansion in scope and duties, managed by a Sergeant, the unit now totals eight sworn personnel. Three are traffic enforcement officers. HPISD campus duties involve two officers who continue to handle school resource officer duties at McCulloch Intermediate School and Highland Park High School, and two new officers who are assigned to support Hyer Elementary and University Park Elementary, especially during student arrival and dismissal.  

UPPD Community Camera program

UPPD appreciates all those who continue to quickly report suspicious activity. Residents and businesses can also bolster the department’s crime fighting efforts by taking a few minutes to register their security camera systems. Because they are caught in the act of committing the crime, video surveillance is one of the best methods to catch suspects and convict them. If your residence or business has a security camera system that meets the two requirements listed, you can help UPPD investigate and solve crimes by registering your camera system.

  • Camera system records and retains video
  • Exterior facing security camera system

After registering your camera, you will only be contacted by UPPD if there is a criminal incident in the vicinity of your security camera and police personnel believe viewing your video footage will assist in the investigation. At no time will UPPD have remote access to your cameras. 

Here's more information about registering your camera system.
PUBLIC WORKS
Please avoid blowing leaves into streets
Help prevent stormwater pollution in UP by asking your landscaper to avoid blowing leaves and grass clippings onto sidewalks and streets. When this happens, the debris is sent into our stormwater system and flows into area ponds and Turtle Creek, and it also minimizes our street sweeping efforts. For these reasons, blowing leaves into the street is against the City's ordinance. Thank you for your cooperation!
PARKS AND RECREATION
Virtual Programming 2021
Due to COVID-19, with many events and activities shifting to online platforms, the Parks and Recreation Department is now offering a range of fun and engaging virtual programs. Designed for residents of all ages, these activities include at-home workouts, craft ideas, recipes and more! Click on the buttons below to access the remaining of this month's programs. 
Job opportunities at the Holmes Aquatic Center
Looking for a summer job? What better place to spend the summer than at the pool? We are now accepting applications for all seasonal positions at the Holmes Aquatic Center! Positions include lifeguards, guest services, food services and more. Click the button below to apply.

Please share this information with anyone you know who may have interest!
UP PUBLIC LIBRARY
Library Lovers' Month giveaway
When you share your love for the UP Public Library on Instagram or Facebook this month, you will be entered into a drawing to win a one-of-a-kind library swag bag*!

Snap a picture that showcases your love for the UP Public Library and post it by February 26. You must tag the library in your post (@uppubliclibrary) and use the hashtag #iloveuppubliclibrary! ⁠Each post equals one entry, so it's easy to increase your chances of winning.
Our drawing winner will be announced on February 27. To show our thanks for your posts, everyone who participates will receive a customized bookmark.⁠
*Everyone can participate, but you must be a UP resident and library cardholder to win the grand prize.
Upcoming City Meetings & Events