City of University Park
August 2019
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Welcome to UPdate
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This mid-month publication provides residents with timely information about upcoming City projects, programs and events. You can sign up for things too.
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ACTIVE SCHOOL ZONES
HPISD students return to campus on August 22. With school back in session, the streets around the City’s various campuses will be more congested. UPPD reminds motorists that active school zones are designated by flashing yellow lights.
Flashing signage installed at Golf and Granada crosswalk
The crosswalk at Golf and Granada now has pedestrian signage that flashes with the push of a button. City crews installed the equipment last month following a request from nearby neighbors. The crosswalk is heavily used by students as they come and go from the intermediate/middle school campus, a few blocks away.
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Parents, please make sure that your children use the sidewalks when walking or riding their bikes to school. Children should follow the directions of the crossing guard, who will make sure they cross safely. Early in the school year, UPPD will have extra officers watching queuing lanes at the elementary, intermediate and middle school campuses.
School zone times in University Park
Elementary Schools - 7:15 to 8:30 a.m. and 2:30 to 4 p.m.
Intermediate/Middle School - 7:15 to 9 a.m. and 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.
High School - 7:30 to 8:15 a.m. and 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.
20 MPH is the speed limit in all active school zones.
Law on texting and driving
By state law, drivers cannot use a wireless device (cell phone) to read, write or send an electronic message while operating a motor vehicle unless the vehicle is stopped. Please note, when driving through an active school zone you can still talk on the phone, but only with the use of a “hands free” device.
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Public hearings - FY2020 proposed budget and tax rate
On Tuesday, August 20 and Tuesday, September 3 the City Council will hold public hearings so that the public may comment on the City’s FY2020 proposed budget and tax rate. The Council will vote to adopt the FY2020 budget and tax rate during its Tuesday, September 17 meeting. A copy of the draft FY2020 budget is available on the City’s website and can be accessed below. Both Council Meetings will begin at 5 p.m. at City Hall, 3800 University Blvd.
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City gearing up for help with a new Master Plan
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In preparation for the City’s 2024 Centennial, the City Council has asked staff to develop a new Master Plan to assist the community with decisions and policies to preserve and enhance the city for the next generation. In the weeks ahead, as we get underway with this multifaceted effort, look for more information about this process and how you can help. Details will be available on the City’s website and on social media.
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Remembering Mayor Barbara Hitzelberger
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The City of University Park salutes the life and civic accomplishments of Barbara Hitzelberger. Barbara passed away on August 3 at age 93. Barbara was the first woman elected to the City Council, and is the only woman to serve our community as Mayor. In noting her important contributions to the City, Mayor Olin Lane Jr. stated, “Barbara was a remarkable individual, with an abundance of talent, interests and leadership skills. She will be dearly missed by all who worked with her and knew her.”
In 2010, Hitzelberger Park, located at the intersection of Lovers and Hillcrest was dedicated in Barbara’s honor.
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UPFD earns Best Practices Recognition
The University Park Fire Department is now a "Recognized Best Practices Fire Department," as designated by Texas Fire Chiefs Association Best Practices Recognition Program. UPFD is only the twenty-first department in Texas to achieve such standing.
“The University Park Fire Department is proud of accomplishing this designation,” Fire Chief Randy Howell said. “We believe it demonstrates our commitment to organizational excellence and the delivery of outstanding service to this community.”
To read more about the designation, click
here
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Possible short-term rental prohibition
In the past few years, the City has received ongoing complaints regarding short-term rentals, which are properties that are rented for 30 days or less. There are recurring themes surrounding short-term rental complaints including:
- The 'revolving door' effect of different people in the house next door every week
- The large number of vehicles parking in the street
- Large numbers of people engaged in loud, late night parties
- Excessive trash in the lawns and prior to trash collection
On August 6, the City Council opted to delay consideration of the measure to allow time for more public input. If you would like to address the City Council on the topic of short-term rentals, you may do so during the public comments portion of any Council Meeting or you can email the Council at
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Doggie Splash Day - September 8
Your dog will have a howling good time at the Holmes Aquatic Center during Doggie Splash Day. Sponsored by Highland Park Emergency Room, the fun takes place Sunday, September 8 from noon to 3 p.m.
To participate you must be a University Park/HPISD resident and you must register. The registration fee is $10 per dog. Humans are free. You will need to complete a form for each dog that will be coming to the event. Space is limited to the first 100 dogs, so sign up early!
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2019-20 high school parking district stickers
The sticker application process for residents who live in the Highland Park High School parking district is underway. High School area parking district stickers are valid for the upcoming academic year only (above left). Two stickers and two year-long visitor placards are provided per household, free of charge.
- To obtain annual parking stickers and hang tags, homeowners must show proof of residency – Valid Texas Driver License or ID Card, current electric, phone or water bill (within the last 60 days), or insurance policy.
- All applicants renting property must provide a copy of their current lease for review by staff. It will also be handy to know your license plate number.
- Proof of residency is also required for issuance of year-long visitor placards.
- Stickers will not be provided for high school students, HPISD volunteers or PTA members who have business on-campus.
- Stickers are valid only when they are permanently affixed to the OUTSIDE of the vehicle (lower left-hand corner of the rear window).
- Stickers are not transferable. If a resident sells a vehicle, or a lease vehicle is returned, the resident is responsible for removing the sticker and obtaining a replacement sticker for the new/current vehicle.
- Residents who reside in the high school parking district can still receive five-day visitor parking passes, especially when a planned party or other gathering results in the need for temporary curbside parking.
- As a courtesy to others, park with traffic at all times. It is illegal in Texas to park facing oncoming traffic.
- Temporary Passes/Hang Tags only valid while visiting permit holder’s residence.
Online applications
You can download an application online, but you must present the completed form, with appropriate proof of residency, to the Police Department at 3800 University Blvd. Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Click the green button below to download an application.
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Hyer Elementary School captures 2019 Readers Cup Trophy
This summer's Level UP with Reading program was a great success. A total of 547 students participated in the fun, amassing 11,070 hours read. That's 4,000 hours more than last summer!
Hyer Elementary School won the coveted Readers Cup Trophy with 1,300 hours read. UP Elementary came in second with a total of 1,050 hours read.
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Our thanks to program sponsors: Tessa & Lucinda Realty Group with Briggs Freeman/Sotheby's International Realty, and Benchmark Bank.
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Download the Library's new kids app!
UP Public Library is proud to announce its new app just for kids - Planet Library! You can search the catalog, check out from your smart phone or tablet, learn how to use the library, and play fun & educational games. You can even use the app to hunt for aliens inside the library!
Planet Library is available on both iOS and Android platforms. Use the Library ID UPTX to find us, then log in with your child's library card number and PIN (the last 4 numbers on their card). Visit your app store to download it today!
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FRIENDS OF THE UP PUBLIC LIBRARY
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Upcoming City Meetings & Events
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STAY CONNECTED TO THE CITY ON SOCIAL MEDIA
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