Number 224, April 2022
City of University Park, Texas, 3800 University Blvd.
Leadership University Park starts next fall
If you’re interested in learning more about the City’s history, challenges, opportunities and resources, the Leadership UP program might be just what you are looking for. Monthly topics will center on all aspects of City operations in the 17-month program. In addition, classmates will hear presentations from HPISD, SMU, the George W. Bush Presidential Library and the Park Cities YMCA. The program’s ultimate objective is to provide a pathway for residents who are interested in serving on one of the City’s many boards or committees. Monthly presentations will start in October 2022, and conclude in February 2024. An application form and more details about the program will be posted on the City's website late this summer. During that same time period, we will also publicize the program and the sign up process here, and in our UPdate newsletter.
Citizen of the Year search underway
The City is accepting applications for the 2022 Citizen of the Year Award. The City Council created the award to boost public awareness and appreciation for the many residents who work, often behind the scenes, to better the city's quality of life. Rather than acting out of a need for recognition, these residents are driven by a desire to contribute to their community. Whether beautifying our neighborhoods, increasing local opportunities for our youth, raising money for various worthy projects, or assisting those in need in this time of social distancing, all demonstrate an exceptional level of citizenship.

To nominate a resident of any age, click on the green button below. Nominations must be received by Wednesday, June 1. A panel of residents will select and notify the honoree the week of June 6. The honoree will receive a plaque and a special Citizen of the Year gift from the Mayor.

Nominees for Citizen of the Year must:

  • Be a University Park resident;
  • Have worked to improve the quality of life in University Park.

Current and former Mayors and Councilmembers are not eligible for this award. If you have questions about the nomination process, please call Steve Mace at 214-987-5301 or email him at: [email protected].

Recent Citizen of the Year honorees:

2021 - Dan Branch
2020 - Erin Schreyer
2019 - Brad Bradley
Park Cities Recycling Event scheduled for May 7
The next Park Cities recycling event will take place in the SMU parking lot on the south side of Burleson Park on Saturday, May 7 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Here is another chance to clear out your garage, attic and closets of old financial and medical documents, outdated or unused electronics and even clothing and furniture.
Paper products and documents that can be disposed of include: Tax records, medical records, legal files, financial records, invoices, canceled checks, blueprints, contracts, payroll records, company letterhead, junk mail containing personal information and any information that contains credit card, social security, driver license and account numbers.

Accepted E-waste items include: Computers, computer monitors, computer accessories, TV’s, printers, DVD/CD players, copiers, fax machines, scanners, cell phones and chargers, external hard drives, video and camera equipment, video game systems, cables, power cords, power strips and more.

Participating firms/organizations

  • Shred-it will collect and shred all documents on-site.
  • Global Asset collects and disposes of all E-waste items. In addition to working with the City and other municipalities, the company currently supports over 150 clients in the public sector. Global Asset removes data on all collected storage devices using Department of Defense security standards.
  • Salvation Army will also be on-site. Donated items must be in working condition, and contain all parts and accessories. Clothing items must not be torn or stained. The Salvation Army will also take all wood furniture, refrigerators, stoves, washing machines, dryers and any other appliances. All donors will be given a receipt for tax deduction purposes. 
Help the City fight the bite
Now that spring is here and summer is just around the corner, here are simple steps residents can take to control mosquitoes. As always, the effort centers on eliminating standing water.  
 
To control mosquito breeding:
 
  • Use automatic sprinkler systems wisely
  • Don’t over irrigate
  • Cover trash containers so they don’t collect water
  • Change water in wading pools, pet dishes and birdbaths several times a week
  • Keep backyard pools clean
  • Keep unnecessary plant growth cut back
  • Clean or replace clogged roof gutters and downspouts
 
To protect yourself and family members:
 
  • While outside during dawn and dusk hours wear long sleeve, loose and light-colored clothing
  • Use insect repellents that contain DEET
 
Residents can report standing water locations to City staff. Dial 311, or call the Parks and Recreation Department at 214-987-5488. Residents can also call to arrange for a free property inspection and onsite advice on how to control mosquitoes.
 
During the summer and early fall, when mosquitoes test positive for West Nile virus or are especially plentiful, the City will use social media and our website to notify residents in a timely fashion about targeted overnight fogging efforts aimed at controlling the mosquito population.
The City’s twice-a-week water conservation measure is still in effect with outdoor watering days determined by street numbers.
 
Even - Residents with addresses ending in an even number can use automatic sprinkler systems on Sundays and Thursdays.
Odd - Addresses ending in an odd number can use automatic sprinkler systems on Saturdays and Wednesdays.

Buildings or facilities with multiple addresses will water based on their lowest street address number.
Prescription Drug Take Back Day - April 30
Saturday, April 30, 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 has a MedReturn box at City Hall. It’s 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.
Post garage sale details on City’s website
Residents can advertise garage and estate sales on the City’s website. The list shows address, dates and hours of operation for each sale. To post the information, residents should submit a service request using the website’s Resident Online Center, or they can call 311. All requests must be made one week in advance of the sale date. Please note the following when conducting a garage or estate sale:

  • Sales cannot be located in the front yard. Sale hours must be between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.
  • Each property is limited to a maximum of two sales per year.
  • Only one sign (maximum 2 square feet) can be displayed on a sale site. Additional signs cannot be placed on neighboring properties, utility poles or on the City’s rights-of-way.
Preservation Park Cities Car Show scheduled for April 23