City of University Park           February 2018
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.    
Police Department - 2017 Crime Statistics
University Park remains a very safe place to live and work. Again last year, although the total was down slightly from the year before, the City’s most reported crime was Burglary of Motor Vehicle. As in years past, the majority of the 121 incidents involved items that were taken because they 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. 
Preventing bike thefts
Reported bike thefts increased in 2017 when compared to the year before; UPPD reminds you to always take a moment to lock your bike when it is not in use. Victims commonly tell police that their unlocked  bikes were left in a front yard, on a driveway or inside an open garage.
Tips for reducing bike theft:
  • When you lock your bike, use a high quality U-lock, not a cable lock
  • Lock the frame and one wheel to a secure fixed object
  • Keep your garage door closed
  • Write down the serial number of your bike (located under the bottom bracket where the two pedal cranks meet) and take a photo of it. Both steps will help police as they try to recover it.

Other 2017 crime statistics
Robberies – 4
Residential Burglaries - 20
Business Burglaries - 9
Auto Thefts - 9
Bike Thefts - 41
City Hall
Youth Advisory Commission application process starts March 1

University Park high school students who are interested in community service and learning about City operations may want to apply for a slot on the City's Youth Advisory Commission. 

Application forms will be available on the City's website beginning March 1. The City will begin reviewing applications for this 20-plus member group later that month.
While learning about local government operations, YAC members help promote the City's ongoing recycling program and other community initiatives. They also staff various annual events, including the summer fishing derby, the July 4 Fun Run, and tree lighting in Snider Plaza. Commission members also act as an advisory group for the City on issues that could directly impact teenagers.
Following the March 31 application deadline, the City will begin interviewing applicants. To be eligible for consideration, students must reside in University Park and be in the 9th, 10th, 11th or 12th grade at the start of the 2018-2019 academic year. 

Each Commission member will be expected to attend all group meetings and actively participate in all designated events. Community service hour credits are one of the many benefits of serving on the Commission.

Photo: Some members of the 2017-18 Commission
City releases Annual Report

The 2017-2018 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. 

Community Survey coming in March

In March, residents will once again be asked to provide the City with feedback on its services, programs and communications. Households will receive the survey in that month’s utility bill. A self-addressed postage paid envelope will be included with each survey. For those who prefer to participate electronically, each printed survey will have a unique number on the front. To gain online access, participants will go to a secured link and type in that number. Whether you reply using the printed survey or you participate online, department-by-department content will be the same. Both formats will provide residents with the opportunity to include expanded written comments. Once the results are tabulated, we will report back to the community using the Arbor, UPdate and other outreach tools.

March 2018 Arbor
The Community Survey will replace The Arbor in next month’s utility bill mailing. To read the March newsletter, on or after March 1, go to the City’s homepage at uptexas.org. If you would like to receive an electronic copy on a monthly basis, just like hundreds of residents already do, click on the bar below.
Road Construction/Traffic Advisories
Excavation Work - Park Plaza development
 
Truck traffic has increased at the southern edge of Snider Plaza. The truck traffic is part of excavation work for the Park Plaza development on the corner of Hillcrest and Daniel. This activity will involve inbound and outbound truck traffic on Hillcrest, Daniel and Haynie. Site excavation is expected to take several weeks. Throughout this activity flagmen will always be present to guide trucks in and out of the construction site. 
Rogers-O'Brien continuing work to relocate and replace existing utilities

Work is currently taking place on the north side of Haynie, and although traffic can go eastbound, the westbound lane is closed. That means Hillcrest traffic can't turn onto Haynie. Weather permitting, the contractor anticipates the westbound lane of Haynie will reopen the week of February 19. 

Motorists should stay aware of signage and detours as they change with the flow of progress. The City will assist Rogers-O'Brien by posting specifics on how each phase of the work will impact traffic and parking in the area. If you are not following the City on social media, now would be a good time to start. Click on the tab below to look at offerings. 
 
The Park Plaza development involves the construction of a mixed-use development, featuring office space, retail shops and restaurants at the corner of Hillcrest and Daniel.  The Park Plaza development is slated for completion in spring 2019.
UP Public Library
 UP @ the Library Family Time - Saturday, February 24 @ 3 p.m.
A circus ringleader from the Perot Museum of Nature and Science will show children how force, motion and energy are involved in physics. This program is designed to intrigue and delight parents too. 

Sponsors:

Christine McKenny and Allie Beth Allman and Associates 
Friends of UP Public Library - 2018 Membership Campaign 

Enhance. Educate. Enrich.

Your dues provide:

  • New materials for readers of all ages
  • Enhanced technology resources and digital services
  • Engaging community programs and events
  • Staff support ... and so much more!
City's Social Media - Community Connect 
Do you have a smart speaker or two in your home? If so you have another convenient way to get City news and information without logging on to a computer or making a phone call. 

Community Connect provides you with general community news and events, road closure information and emergency alerts. Community Connect also lets you listen to articles from the City's monthly newsletter, and acquire basic City information including hours, address and phone numbers for City Hall, the Peek Service Center, UP Public Library and the Holmes Aquatic Center.

To use Community Connect, just add the free skill to your Alexa app. Asking Alexa to provide you with information about University Park is easy. Use these specific prompts:

  • Alexa, ask My University Park what's in the news? 
  • Alexa, ask My University Park what are the events?
  • Alexa, ask My University Park for road closures.
  • Alexa, ask My University Park to read The Arbor.
  • Alexa, ask My University Park for building hours.
Upcoming City Meetings & Events