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2015/09/04 City news, features, and updates September 4, 2015 Th i s W e e k i n H u n t s v i l l e COUNCIL FILINGS FOR 11/3 ELECTION Ward races unopposed - 4 run for Mayor At 5 p.m. on Monday, August 24, the filing period closed for the November 3, 2015 City of Huntsville General Election. The current Councilmembers for each of the City's four wards filed and are unopposed - Joe Emmett, Ward 1; Tish Humphrey, Ward 2; Ronald Allen, Ward 3; Joe Rodriquez, Ward 4. Each unopposed candidate must receive at least one vote to be declared elected. Four candidates have filed for the at large mayoral race - current Councilmembers Keith Olson and Andy Brauninger, former Councilmember Wayne Barrett, and resident John Smither (listed in order of filings). The City Charter requires a candidate receive a majori- ty of all votes cast for the office. If this does not occur, the Council shall call a runoff election for the two candidates who received the highest number of votes on November 3. Election information and campaign filing documents are available on the City web site at http://huntsvilletx.gov/Elections. As soon as they are available, the City will post sample ballots on the site and make them available at City Hall. For more information, contact the City Secretary's office at citysecretary@huntsvilletx.gov or 936-291-5403. School’s Back in Session! HPD asks all citizens to be mindful of increased vehicular and pedestrian traffic this time of year. Lieutenant Jim Barnes said drivers should review the locations of school zones on their daily trav- el routes as well as the speed limits in effect during drop-off and pick-up hours. “Local campuses will be back in session, and there will be a lot more traffic and kids to consid- er,” Barnes said. “We’re encouraging all citizens to be aware, plan accordingly when driving with- in the city, and be patient and cognizant of your surroundings.” Barnes said drivers on Sam Houston Avenue and 11th Street should be ready for an influx of uni- versity student drivers who are unfamiliar with the Huntsville area. “We’re asking that drivers remember many incoming freshman may be driving in Huntsville for the first time,” Barnes said. “Again, please be patient, but if there is a situation which you feel may require law enforcement attention, make us aware of it.” Citizens are reminded that the use of cell phones in school zones when active is against City ordi- nance and punishable by a fine not to exceed $200. This regulation applies to both calling and texting, and the same fine applies to speeding in school zones. For more information or with any questions, contact Barnes at (936) 291-5496. School zone period speed limits Huntsville High School: FM 2821 - 7:30 a.m. to 8:00 a.m./3:15 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. - 35 miles per hour Huntsville Intermediate & Scott Johnson Elementary: US 190 - 7:30 a.m. to 8:05 a.m./3:15 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. - 30 mph All five elementary campuses: 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m./2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. - 20 mph Huntsville Elementary: 87 Martin Luther King Drive Gibbs Elementary: 19th Street Stewart Elementary: 3400 Boettcher Sam Houston Elementary: 1600 7th St. Mance Park Middle School: 8th Street HPD’s 1st Motorcycle Police Officer The Huntsville Police Department recently pur- chased a 2015 Harley Davidson Road King FLHTP equipped with RADAR, LIDAR, Bluetooth communications, and a body camera for video coverage. The lucky officer who keeps this ex- travagant machine’s heart beating and its body shining in the sunlight is Senior Officer Thomas Dawson. Officer Dawson began his career at the City of Huntsville Police Department in September 1989. In 2001, he left the police department to pursue his dream of being an entrepreneur and opened a pizza parlor in Huntsville. But, in Sep- tember 2010, he decided to return to his career as a police officer, and the Huntsville Police De- partment was happy to have him back on their team. “We are pleased to offer this service. Motorcycle units have increased maneuverability and are much more affordable than additional vehicles.” Director of Public Safety Chief Kevin Lunsford noted, “Also, like our bike teams, this allows Of- ficer Dawson a different way to be visible to our community, and quickly stop and interact with the public. This is a good opportunity to try a po- licing alternative and evaluate its use for Hunts- ville.” Officer Dawson attends monthly motorcycle training sessions with the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Department, regularly trains with the College Station Police Department, and has at- tended the Harley Davidson Motorcycle School. Officer Dawson and his wife Jackie have three children - 17 -year-old son T.J., 15-year-old daugh- ter Sarah, and 13-year-old daughter, Emily. Senior Officer Thomas Dawson, HPD HPD Special Needs Program The Huntsville Police Department is pleased to offer the community a helpful service to give greater peace of mind to the city’s senior and special needs populations, their families, and care- givers. From time to time, the officers are called upon to assist a lost senior citizen or dependent person. Often these individuals are disoriented and unable to remember their names or where they live. Citizens of Huntsville can now register a family member with the police department by providing personal information, medical information, emergency contact numbers for relatives, and a pho- tograph of the registrant. This will greatly aid the police department should an Alzheimer’s or special needs person become missing or be found by the police and be unable to provide infor- mation. To register a special needs person of ANY age, please complete and mail the special needs regis- try form to the Huntsville Police Department, 1220 11th Street, Huntsville, TX 77340. These forms can be found on the police department website, http://huntsvilletx.gov/208/Special - Needs-Registry, or can be picked up at any of the following locations: The Huntsville Police De- partment, The Senior Center of Walker County, The Heritage Program through Huntsville Memori- al Hospital, or Tri-County Mental Health Services. All information will remain confidential and will only be accessed by law enforcement to locate or return a loved one. The Special Needs Program was developed in 2007 by former HPD Sergeant (and former Coun- cilmember) James Fitch, and has been overseen by Sergeant Eric Scott since 2012. The Hunts- ville Police Department strives to continue to provide quality service and protection to our citi- zens. For additional information or to participate, please contact the Huntsville Police Depart- ment Community Services Officer at (936) 291 -5480, or Sergeant Eric Scott at es- cott@huntsvilletx.gov. Sgt. Eric Scott, HPD Outdoor Explorer Come Hike/Bike/Kayak with us! Join the City’s Recreation Services Division at the Huntsville State Park as they partner with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to learn basic safety for biking, hiking and kayaking. Then enjoy the rest of the day exploring the State Park with backpacks, bikes and kayaks provided for use. Class size is limited to twenty participants and pre-registration is required. Classes are from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Youth ages 12 - 17 can register with an attending parent or guardian. The last program date for 2015 is September 19. There is no charge for the program but there is a $5 admission fee into the park for each participating adult (no cost for those 12 and under). For more information call 936-294-5725 or visit the website on Facebook at COHrecservices or on the City web site at http://www.huntsvilletx.gov/182/Recreational-Events. No Change to Solid Waste Pick-up Routes on Labor Day, Sept. 7 - City Facilities Closed The City of Huntsville Solid Waste Ser- vices Division will run regular residential and commercial garbage pick-up routes on Monday, September 7, 2015, Labor Day. The Solid Waste Transfer Facility will also be open for business on Monday, September 7. The Recycling Drop-Off Center, located at 590 IH-45 North, will be closed to the public on Monday, but will open as usual on Tuesday, September 8. If you have any questions about the gar- bage collection, the Solid Waste Transfer Facility, or the Recycling Drop-Off Center, please call the Solid Waste Division at 936-294-5712. Most other City facilities will be closed on Monday, September 7, in observance of Labor Day, but the Sam Houston Statue and Visitors Center will be open all week- end. Electronic HR Applications Available Effective September 8, 2015, job seekers will find a mod- ernized application process in the Human Resources (HR) Department. Online applications will then be available through www.huntsvilletx.gov, and the City will no longer accept paper applications. Julie O’Connell, HR Director, is excited about the new op- portunity for applicants. “This is something that has been in the "works" for a very long time, and we have now been able to complete it as part of the new website” she said. “HR will also have two computers available to complete online applications in the HR office.” The new process will provide benefits to applicants, as they will be able to apply for more than one position with- out having to complete additional forms, and they can track the jobs they’re interested in easily and at any time. It will also be easier to attach additional documentation such as resumes and certifications. Because the City’s website is designed to adapt to use on tablets, smartphones, and other electronic devices, appli- cants can access the system with greater convenience. Current City employees, volunteers, and interns will have specialized applications through the online process. The process will also enable HR to better and more quickly communicate with candidates on their application status, scheduled interviews, and follow up notifications. For more information, contact Sandra Cuevas, HR Coordi- nator, at 936-291-5914. The Huntsville Police Depart- ment is fortunate to have many exemplary officers, who take the adage To protect and serve as a way of working and living. One of them was re- cently highlighted in The Huntsville Item’s annual In- vested and Committed supple- ment (left, or page 18/28 at http://issuu.com/huntsvilleite m/docs/invested___committe d__rs_). Broderick Davis has been with the force for 22 years, passing up other opportunities so he could remain in patrol and work closely with the public daily. Officer Davis is clearly a “people person.” When you see him out in the community, stop and say hello to this friend of all citizens! HPD officer recognized for great service Notice of Public Hearing on City Budget The City of Huntsville will hold a public hearing on the proposed budget on September 15, 2015, at 6:00 P.M., at City Hall, 1212 Avenue M. Members of the public are encouraged to attend the hearings and express their views. View the proposed budget on the City web site at http://www.huntsvilletx.gov/193/Budget Upcoming Events at the Huntsville Public Library! Yoga Classes – Are you looking for a convenient way to try yoga for the first time? Attend our free six-week Adult Yoga Program for Beginners at the Huntsville Public Li- brary Community Room on Tuesdays from 5:45 p.m. to 6:45 p.m., starting September 8. It’s a perfect opportunity to learn and practice yoga tech- niques with other enthusiasts. Bring your own mat or towel. Please consult your doctor before starting any new exercise program. Sign up at the library, call Mary Kokot at 936-291- 5471, or online at www.myhuntsvillelibrary.com. Essential Oils – What are essential oils and how can they benefit you and your family? A five- week series is planned at the Huntsville Public Library, commencing with a class to demonstrate how you can use essential oils in many ways, from cleaning to health. Join us in the Community Room on Thursday, September 10, for one of two introductory sessions, at 10:30 a.m. or 5:45 p.m. Future class dates are scheduled for Mondays September 14, 21, 28, and October 5, at 5:45 p.m. Instructors Melissa Gonzalez and Amber Gilman will feature topics on healthy and happy kids, mood enhancement, pain manage- ment, and keeping a safer, cleaner home. Learn how to make your life more environmentally friendly using essential oils for everyday use. The City of Huntsville's Third Annual Haunted Hayride will take place at Kate Barr Ross Park on Saturday, October 24, at 6:30 P.M. Tickets will be $5 per hayride and $3 per fire truck ride. Concession prices will vary. Contact Penny Joiner in the City of Huntsville Parks and Leisure Department at (936) 294-5708 for more information, or if you are to volunteer as an actor or assistant for the events. Fall Teen Programs Friday, September 4, 2015 - Teen Movie Friday - 4:30 p.m. Friday, September 12, 2015 - Comic Book Club - 4:30 p.m. Friday, September 18, 2015 – Poetry Slam - 4:30 p.m. Saturday, October 3, 2015 - Teen Book Club - 1:00 p.m. Friday, October 23, 2015 - Wii® Tournament - 4:30 p.m. Saturday, November 14, 2015 - Poetry Slam - 1:00 p.m. Friday, November 20, 2015 - Board Game Day - 4:30 p.m. Saturday, December 12, 2015 - Teen Arts & Crafts (Sharpie® mugs) - 1:00 p.m. “Building the Legend” Wins Video Award The City’s new animated video, ”Building the Legend,“ was submitted to the Idea Fair at the Texas Association of Convention and Bureaus Annual Conference, held at the Woodlands Conference Center August 11-15. The special project, cre- ated by a team from the SHSU Animation Department, won first place in the $350,000 to $900,000 budget category. A plaque will be presented to the City of Huntsville Tourism Department at the Mid-Winter Education Conference in January 2016. Ideal Fair submissions are voted on by peers in the convention and visitor bu- reau industry. Watch the video at http://bit.ly/1JmJctu or at the Sam Houston Statue Visitor Center. HUNTSVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY SCHEDULE FOR RECURRING EVENTS September Events Story Time - Every Wednesday at 10:45 a.m. at the library. This complimentary program promotes emergent reading skills for young chil- dren. Story Hour includes stories, songs, dance and finger plays and concludes with a craft activity. September 2, 9, 16, 23 , and 30. Read With the Dogs - This is an excellent program that helps children who experience anxiety when reading out loud or in a group setting. The dogs are trained and friendly, and make excellent reading companions. Read With the Dogs takes place on the 3rd Monday o f every month. September’s event will be on Monday, the 21st, from 4:00 -5:00 p.m. Family Movie Night Series - Huntsville Public Library, in partnership with Texas Children’s Health Plan, is offering a free monthly family night movie. All movies are rated PG or G. September’s Family Movie night will be at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, September 11, in the Commu- nity Room. Complimentary popcorn and drinks will be served. Lego Club - The Lego Club for ages 5-12 is held the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of every month, at 5 p.m. Upcoming dates are September 3 and 17 in the Children’s Room at the Huntsville Public Library. Special Events - The Big Bad Wolf, performed by Express Children’s Theatre, will be at 2 p.m. on Saturday, September 19. Come and enjoy a twist on this classic tale! Great for all ages. Teen Events - Teen Movie Night will be at 4 p.m. on Friday, September 4, in the Library Community Room. Come chill with kids your age and e njoy popcorn and a movie. For more information, contact Ashley Newsome at 936 -291-5912. - The Teen Comic Book Club will meet at 1 p.m. on Saturday, September 12, in the Library Community Room. Come join in a discuss ion of current comics and classics. This is an opportunity to expand your comic horizons. For more information, contact Ashley N ewsome at 936-291-5912. - A Teen Poetry Slam will take place at 4 p.m. on Friday, September 18, in the Library Community Room. The HPL Teen Poetry Slam is an opportunity for local young poets to read or recite original work. For more information, contact Ashley Newsome at 936 -291-5912. Adult Events - Intermediate and Advanced Spanish Classes begin September 8. Classes are free, but registration is encouraged. Con- tact Mary Kokot at 936-291-5472 for more information. October Events Story Time - Every Wednesday at 10:45 a.m. at the library. This complimentary program promotes emergent reading skills for young chil- dren. Story Hour includes stories, songs, dance and finger plays and concludes with a craft activity. October 7, 14, 21, and 28. Read With the Dogs - This is an excellent program that helps children who experience anxiety when reading out loud or in a group setting. The dogs are trained and friendly, and make excellent reading companions. Read With the Dogs takes place on the 3rd Monday o f every month. October’s READ is Monday the 19th from 4:00-5:00 p.m. Family Movie Night Series - Huntsville Public Library, in partnership with Texas Children’s Health Plan, is offering a free monthly family night movie. All movies are rated PG or G. October’s Family Movie night will be Friday, October 9, at 5:30 p.m. Complimenta ry popcorn and drinks will be served. Lego Club - The Lego Club for ages 5-12 will be the 1st Thursday and 3rd Thursday of every month. They will meet on Thursday October 1st at 5:00 and Thursday October 15th in the Children’s Room at the Huntsville Public Library. Teen Events - Teen Book Club - Saturday, October 3, at 1:00 p.m. - Teen Wii Tournament - Friday, October 23, at 4:30 p.m. Special Events - Square on the Square, Saturday, October 31, from 3:00 -5:00 p.m. Stop by our booth for special prizes! For more information on all events, call the Library at (936) 291-5472 or visit at 1219 13th Street. CITY SPOTLIGHT The Huntsville Item asked the City to begin a series called City Spotlight, which will highlight projects and provide information on staff, services, and more. City Spotlight is expected to run every other Sunday. Below is a recent article. If you happen to miss them in the Item we hope you enjoy reading them here! “Can you hear me now?” Your City is trying to reach you! The City of Huntsville has lots of ways in which it seeks to inform, educate, and communicate with the public. Using digital content, so- cial media messages, cablecasting on Channel 7, and more, your city government and staff are trying to make contact! The Web Site - www.huntsvilletx.gov – What a great place to start! The home page features services with the prominent blue buttons (especially Stay Notified); the main tabs for City News (including all press releases), Events & Meetings, and Publications; and the web site’s secret weapons – the mega menus accessed through the Government, Community, Services, Business, and I Want To… headings across the top. The Publications The City Connection – This four-page newsletter goes out with every utility bill. Because half of the customers are mailed in the first half of the month and the others at the end of the month, this has more of the stories and information you are likely to clip and save on the fridge for future reference. The back page is usually devoted to Solid Waste and Recycling content. The current issue and t he archives are available on the City’s website. This Week in Huntsville – The City’s digital newsletter is issued twice a month, in full color. Get the latest news on what’s happening at City facilities and what’s coming up! Periodic special issues delve into greater detail. Find the current issue and archive s or get it sent directly to your email inbox by subscribing on the Publications tab at www.huntsvilletx.gov. Between the Pages – The Huntsville Public Library newsletter is full of information on programming, staff, and services, and all the great resources they make available to patrons. Subscribe or read archived issues on the City’s website at www.huntsvilletx.gov. The Rest of the Story City Spotlight in The Huntsville Item – You’ve found it! It’s this column, which generally appears every other Sunday to highlight a City service, project, event, staff or Council member, or related topic. Social media – Like us on Facebook as a whole City, or specialize with Main Street, HPD, Recreation Services, the Huntsville Public Li- brary, or the Wynne Home Arts Center. Follow the City, HPD, and/or the Huntsville Public Library on Twitter. Channel 7 – A City cable channel run by the Mass Communications Department at SHSU, where students hone broadcast and technical skills. City Council meetings are cablecast live and later repeated, and bulletins on City jobs and events are posted to run between pro- gramming. City calendar – The City will issue its second annual calendar near the end of the year (still have a few of the first one, if you somehow missed it!), a great resource for solid waste schedules, facts on City departments, and some great photos from your friends a nd neigh- bors. Council meetings & Items of Community Interest – The first and third Tuesdays of the month are surely already marked on your annual City calendar, so why not come on down to City Hall at 6:00 p.m. and catch a City Council meeting with your kids? A cute you ngster will lead the pledges, there might be proclamations issued, members of the public can comment on agenda items, and the Mayor and C oun- cilmembers will share Items of Community Interest at the end. State of the City event – The City Manager takes time each fall to provide a thorough recap of the closing fiscal year and the priorities and areas of emphasis for what’s to come. This fun event begins with a meet and greet with City staff and Council members, s o the pub- lic can put faces with names and learn which department does what. (It’s also a great opportunity to learn how to find your house and use other neat features of the City maps from the fabulous GIS team!) This year’s is scheduled for October 27 at 5:30 -7:30 p.m. at the Veterans Conference Center on Highway 75 North. See you there! Downtown Save the Dates for Fall! Downtown Farmers Market - Fall Edition - Saturdays from 8 a.m.-noon, the 2nd Saturday in Oc- tober until Thanksgiving (same place as summer market, on University Avenue between 11th and 12th Streets). Call the Main Street office at 936-291-5920 for more information. Fair on the Square - Saturday, October 3 - contact the Chamber of Commerce at 936-295- 8113 for more information Scare on the Square - Saturday, October 31, from 3-5 p.m. downtown. Booth applications are now available through the Main Street office at 936-291-5920. Downtown Christmas Fair and Winter in the Park - events held together this year, on Saturday, December 5, from noon-5 p.m. Booth applications are now available through the Main Street office at 936-291-5920. Wynne Home Happenings! The Wynne Home’s Day of the Dead events will be held on Friday, October 23rd. They are still finalizing the activities list, but it is to include a showing of the animated children's movie The Book of Life (still below from the film), and a craft/art project involving sugar skulls. September 17th will be the opening for the Area Artists Show (see info. at right), and the No Foolin' String Band will play during reception. The No Foolin’ String Band is also confirmed for the Wynne Home’s afternoon and early evening events on September 19th and November 14th. The Wynne Home will hold a book signing and author talk on September 24th with resident Kermit Cummings on his "A Backyard Birding Adventure: What's in Your Yard?" The book also features a downloadable app with bird calls. Find out more at http://www.kermitcummings.com/ For all events and lots more, regularly check in with the Wynne Home on the City web site at www.thewynnehome.com