Number 207, November 2020
City of University Park, Texas, 3800 University Blvd.
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 November 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electronic version contains all of the content that would have appeared in a printed copy without the chance of being out-of-date.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.
November 3 General Election Voter information
Below are final key dates:

Nov. 3 - Election Day
Nov. 4 - Postmarked mail ballots must be received by 5 p.m. to be counted

UP City Hall is NOT a polling location on Election Day.  Here is the list of Election Day polling locations. Polls on Election Day are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

To track the receipt of your mail-in or early voting ballot, click here. 

For more information, please visit the Dallas County Elections Department website or call 469-627-VOTE (8683).
Fall Park Cities recycling event - Saturday, November 7
The next Park Cities recycling event will take place in the SMU parking lot on the south side of Burleson Park on Saturday, November 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Here is another chance to clear out your garage, attic and closets of old financial and medical documents, outdated or unused electronics and even clothing and furniture.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 appliances. All donors will be given a receipt for tax deduction purposes. 

COVID-19 Advisory: For your safety and ours, all personnel working the event will be wearing facial coverings when they remove items from your vehicle. Please stay in your vehicle as your recycled/donated items are being removed. Also note, that the presentation of this event is subject to evolving State and County orders and guidelines. This event could be canceled due to community health concerns.
Virtual Holiday Tree Lighting - Sunday, November 22
Area COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations are both continuing to climb. In the interest of public health, due to the approaching Thanksgiving holiday, and continued limitations on the size of public gatherings, this year's annual Holiday Tree Lighting festivities in Snider Plaza will take place virtually. 

We all hope you and your family members will watch the festivities live on our virtual broadcast, and that before we light the tree, you will take a few minutes to drive through Snider Plaza to participate in our Toy Drive benefiting the Salvation Army. The City and our event sponsors genuinely thank you for your understanding and support!

Event Schedule:

  • Drive through toy donation 4 to 6 p.m.
  • Wave at the UPFD Fire Engine with Santa onboard
  • Taped performance of holiday songs by HPISD's Lads and Lassies
  • Virtual broadcast begins at 5 p.m.
  • Lighting of the Holiday Tree at 6 p.m. following a countdown by Mayor Stewart

Sponsors: Rotary Club of Park Cities, Salvation Army and the University Park Park and Recreation Department

Please continue to follow us on the City's social media platforms for more details about how to see the broadcast.
Seasonal Events calendar
Although COVID-19 precautions will result in some alterations in the City's usual slate of holiday events, we have some exciting community activities planned for November and December. Click here for details.
Centennial Master Plan Virtual Town Hall
As we’ve previously reported, our Centennial Master Plan is currently in the early stages of development. This summer, residents helped provide guidance on long-term community concerns through an online survey. Later this month, as this data-gathering phase continues, you will have the opportunity to participate in a Virtual Town Hall.

The Virtual Town Hall will launch on Monday, November 16 and remain available for one week, giving you the flexibility to participate at your convenience. Through this platform, we are excited to share what we’ve learned so far and explore topics even more with integrated, interactive exercises.

The online format will provide a safe, self-paced experience while maintaining the collaborative nature of this engagement. An alternative option will be provided for those without online access. Be on the lookout for additional information at uptexas.org! 
Keep up-to-date with local COVID-19 data
Since March, the City has worked diligently to keep residents, merchants and visitors apprised of the latest information on COVID-19. If you are looking for the most recent directives, regulations and data from the state, the county, HPISD or SMU, a good place to start is the COVID-19 page on the City's website. This page content is updated whenever there is new information released by any of the just-mentioned entities.

In addition to the City's website, if you haven't already done so, we urge you to follow the City on social media, and to sign up to receive electronic versions of the Arbor and UPdate. For the foreseeable future, the City will continue to distribute a special COVID-19 edition of UPdate every Friday night.
News briefs
City & Town Canned Food Drive

Through Saturday, November 14 the City of University Park and the Town of Highland Park are conducting a food drive to benefit The Wilkinson Center’s Food Pantry Service.

The Food Pantry is a core support program for the Center that provides help and hope to the working poor of Dallas County, mainly in East and Southeast Dallas, Pleasant Grove and Arcadia Park by offering inspiration and the basic necessities and tools to empower its clients to become self-sufficient and improve their lives.

To see drop-off locations and for more details, click here. 
Thanksgiving Week Sanitation schedule

Soon it will be time to gobble, gobble and watch a little football! Here is the Sanitation Department's schedule for the collection of holiday trash and recycling: