Number 241, October 2023

City of University Park, Texas, 3800 University Blvd.

Direct Alarm Monitoring permit fee and new upgrades

The University Park Police Department has offered the unique service of Direct Alarm Monitoring to residents since 1999. We provide the monitoring of home and business alarm systems directly from the Police Dispatch Center at 3800 University Boulevard. Effective October 1, Direct Alarm customers will see a separate $4 alarm permit fee on their monthly bill. This new revenue will be used to enhance the Direct Alarm customer experience in multiple ways, including allowing us to update critical alarm monitoring software and equipment to meet modern standards in the alarm industry. Direct Alarm is also adding an additional staff member to assist customers with their alarm monitoring needs. It is an exciting time to be a Direct Alarm Monitoring customer, as a software upgrade will soon result in a more seamless process for handling alarm communications. Beyond these upgrades, we are working on other improvements that will be detailed in future City publications. If you are interested in having your alarm monitored directly from UPPD Dispatch, visit the Direct Alarm Monitoring page on the City’s website.

Park Cities Recycling Event scheduled for October 21

The next Park Cities recycling event will take place in the SMU parking lot on the south side of Burleson Park on Saturday, October 21 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to 1 p.m. Here is another chance to clear out your garage, attic and closets of old financial and medical documents, outdated or unused electronics and even clothing and furniture.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 Friends of the University Park Library will be on-site collecting new and gently used books for the Second Chapter Bookstore (no textbooks, encyclopedias or damaged books, please). Renewed Solutions 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.

Fire Prevention Week - October 8 through 14

Fire Prevention Week is coming up, and the Chalk One Up to Fire Safety contest is coming back again for the third time! Hyer Elementary, UP Elementary and HPMS/MIS will be competing and they need your votes! All three schools will create a chalk drawing that represents fire safety. Photos of the drawings will be posted on our Facebook page on Monday, October 16 and voting will take place through Friday, October 20. To vote for your favorite drawing, all you have do is "like" the specific school's photo. The school with the most likes will win a pizza party with UPFD! Also during Fire Prevention Week, we will be answering your burning questions. Do you have any questions that you have been wanting to ask the Fire Department? Send them to media@uptexas.org or DM us on our social media accounts. UPFD will be answering them throughout that week. For more information about fire safety and Fire Prevention Week, visit nfpa.org/fpw. We can’t wait to see the awesome chalk drawings and answer your burning questions!

Is your smoke alarm chirping?

According to the National Fire Protection Association, the risk of dying in a reported home structure fire is 55 percent lower in homes with working smoke alarms than in homes with no alarms or none that worked. Because smoke alarms rely on a power source to function properly, it is critical to check them monthly. Batteries too weak to sound the alarm should be replaced. Because most alarms “chirp” when battery power is low, it is critical to replace the battery promptly, rather than disconnecting the alarm. Smoke generated by fire is a silent killer. Most fire deaths occur from smoke inhalation when residents are asleep. A primary component of smoke is carbon monoxide, which can slowly suffocate victims. A functional smoke alarm can provide early detection and make the difference when minutes count. UPFD offers assistance with smoke alarm installations For those needing assistance, especially the aged and individuals with disabilities, department members will test home smoke alarms. If necessary, the department will provide and install smoke alarms for free. To arrange a visit please call the department’s administrative secretary at 214-987-5380.

Register for Eggtober - October 9 through 23

It's almost Eggtober time! Again this year, the Parks Department will fill a dozen Halloween eggs per child, and hide them in your front yard on October 29. The eggs will be filled with peanut allergy-friendly candy and toys. Emails will be sent to those who register before the delivery date with further details. Participants must live in University Park. Registration opens on October 9 and closes on October 23. The registration form will be posted on the City's website on October 9.

Halloween Spooktacular at UP Public Library - October 28

UP at the Library Family Time: Halloween Spooktacular Saturday, October 28, 3 to 4 p.m. Enjoy fun for the whole family at UP Public Library! Our annual Halloween Spooktacular will feature balloon artists, crafts, trick or treating, and Spooky Story Time.

Fall Festival at the Holmes Aquatic Center - October 28

Drop by the Holmes Aquatic Center on Saturday, October 28, from 5 to 7 p.m. and celebrate the fall season. This fun-filled, family-friendly evening features games, candy, trick-or-treating and a costume contest. The event is free for UP and HPISD residents.

UPPD purchase of two drones

During their September 19 meeting, the City Council approved the purchase of two law enforcement drones as part of an updated contract with AXON, the Police Department's digital evidence platform provider.   AXON has provided the department with body camera and in-car camera technology for several years. The addition of drones will provide UPPD with more on-scene capabilities including:   Searching for a missing person Overhead security at city events Surveying weather-related damage Monitoring and aiding UPFD at the scene of a structure fire Active Shooter surveillance at a school/campus   This 10-year contract, totaling $960,572.10, supports Centennial Master Plan Action Item 2.4: Provide the latest and most cost-effective tools to the Police Department, including non-lethal weapons systems. UPPD joins more than 10 other North Texas agencies using AXON drones.

CivicRec Migration - Parks and Recreation Department

We have some fantastic news for you! Over the next few days, we will migrate to a new and improved park facilities and events registration system called CivicRec. This upgrade will make your registration process smoother and more convenient. What Does This Mean For You? Easier Reservations - With CivicRec, booking your favorite courts, fields and picnic areas will be a breeze. Autobill Convenience - Say goodbye to the hassle of manual payments. CivicRec introduces the autobill feature, making your registration and payment processes seamless and hassle-free. Reliable Connectivity - We understand the importance of staying connected. CivicRec offers enhanced reliability, ensuring that you can access the system whenever you need it, without any interruptions. User-Friendly Interface - The user-friendly interface has been designed with you in mind, making it easier than ever to find the programs, activities and events that interest you. What to Expect We understand that change is often accompanied by questions, and we want to assure you that we're here to help every step of the way. Our team is working hard to ensure a smooth transition, and we'll be providing you with all the necessary information and support you might need. As we gear up for this migration, all existing Parks and Recreation customers will receive an email with instructions on how to access and navigate the new system. Demonstration videos will also be available to visually walk you through the basics of reserving facilities, signing up for programs, etc. We believe that the upgrade to CivicRec will greatly enrich your experience and make your interactions with our programs and facilities even more enjoyable.

Block party registration

The City welcomes the opportunity to supply residents with warning cones and signs for neighborhood "block parties." Applications must be received no later than three working days before the scheduled event. Residents are reminded that block parties are not allowed on October 31. This policy assures that proper traffic flow is maintained, especially for emergency vehicles.   To learn more or to submit an application, click on the button below.

Block Party Requirements

Prescription Drug Take Back Day - October 28

Saturday, October 28, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., University Park residents can dispose of 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.

Friends of UP Public Library

Second Chapter Bookstore The Friends of the University Park Public Library is thrilled to announce that Second Chapter Bookstore will be popping up again this year, opening its doors on Saturday, October 7, 2023 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Second Chapter will sell gently used, donated books, with proceeds benefiting the University Park Public Library.   Conceived during 2020's quarantine, Second Chapter Bookstore has become a staple in our community for the past three years, allowing patrons, neighbors, and volunteers to come together and share a love of books. We are thrilled to launch this pop up for a fourth year.   Second Chapter’s re-pop will be at 3412 Rosedale in Snider Plaza, located between Christy M Boutique and Ben’s Cookies and across from Buff City Soaps.  The store will be in operation from October 7 to mid-January, 2024.   For our expanded hours, latest offerings, programs, and to see what is going on at Second Chapter, please follow us on Instagram or visit our website.  Please contact us with any questions. We can’t wait to see you!

Elliot Engel Fundraiser In our annual fundraiser, the Friends of the University Park Public Library is honored to welcome back Dr. Elliot Engel on Oct. 25, 2023 beginning at 6:30 p.m. in the Community Room of the UP Library. Just in time for Halloween, Dr. Engel will present on Edgar Allan Poe. For details or to purchase tickets, please visit our website. Seating is limited so reserve your seats today!   North Texas Giving Day Update Thank you, donors! This year, the Friends of University Park Public Library received matching grants from Comerica Bank and Hilltop Securities for North Texas Giving Day, and raised an amazing $42,000+ in support of our Library.    Meet Me at the Library Series Beginning in January 2024, the Friends of the University Park Public Library will host a series of presentations celebrating the centennial of the City of University Park. Our list of presenters and dates of their presentations will be published in the November Arbor.

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