8-17-16 TWIH
August 17,
2016
City news,
features,
and
updates
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Candidate Filing Open Until August 22
The City Council seats for At-large Positions 1-4 will be on the November 8, 2016 General
Election ballot. Filing for the positions runs through 5 p.m. on August 22. Interested candidates
may file from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the office of the City Secretary (City Hall, 1212 Avenue M).
A drawing to determine the order in which the names of candidates are to be printed on the
ballot will be held on August 24 at 8 a.m., at City Hall, 1212 Avenue M, in the large conference
room.
Candidate packets for the 2016 City of Huntsville General Election are available through the
office of the City Secretary or at http://www.huntsvilletx.gov/Elections.
The City of Huntsville application fee is one dollar in cash, per City
Charter mandate. City Secretary Lee Woodward acknowledged
members of the public may have questions about the responsibilities
of Councilmembers.
“The City Secretary’s office provides the candidate packets, which
include general information, a brief of the state election calendar, and
references for guidelines and statutes,” Woodward said. “Anyone is
welcome to learn more about the duties of Councilmembers and how
the election process is conducted, even if they have no desire to run
for office. The steps to becoming and the obligations of an elected
Councilmember are many and varied.”
For more information, email citysecretary@huntsvilletx.gov, call 936-
291-5403, or visit http://www.huntsvilletx.gov/Elections.
Huntsville Bond Election 2016
On August 16, the Huntsville City Council voted to call a bond election containing three
propositions. Huntsville residents will be asked to go the polls Tuesday, November 8, to
consider authorizing the issuance of general obligation bonds for the three project groups
under consideration. They are to fund improvements to the City Public Safety Facilities, City
Services Facilities and City Waterworks and Sewer System Facilities. Each of these has been
studied with the purpose of increasing safety, improving service, and accommodating current
and future growth
The Council has worked closely with the staff over the past few years on in-depth studies on
each proposition. Experts in each field assessed infrastructure conditions and evaluated
longevity for maintenance and expansion. The Council Finance
Committee and Long Range Planning Ad Hoc Committee began
review of reports and then studied all presentations with the full
Council.
Their aim was to be fully knowledgeable on each issue and make
the most educated decision on which propositions to present to
the voters this November. Based on recommendations of the
City’s financial advisors and bond council, it is believed that all
three propositions can be accomplished with no increases in
taxes or utility rates related to them.
To reach your City Council to learn more, email the full Council at council@huntsvilletx.gov, or
find individual member email addresses at http://huntsvilletx.gov/Council. To learn more
about each proposition before you make your decision on November 8, please , call 936-291-
5403, or email bond@huntsvilletx.gov.
This year’s closing date for the pool at the Frank D.
“Poncho” Roberts Aquatic Center is August 21. Get to
splashing and beat the heat before the summer is gone!
For information on the Aquatic Center visit
http://huntsvilletx.gov/265/Aquatic-Programs-Fees.
Register to Vote!
The last day to register to vote for the November 8 election
is October 11. Make sure you get your registration in on
time to cast your vote in the November election!
Visit http://www.co.walker.tx.us/department/?fDD=24-0 to
learn how to register to vote in Walker
County. A voter's application must be
submitted or mailed at least 30 days before
an election date to vote in that election.
Remember to Vote the Back on this
November's ballot to have your voice heard
in the 2016 City of Huntsville General and
Bond Elections!
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 travel 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 consider,” Barnes said.
“We’re encouraging all citizens to be aware, plan accordingly when driving within 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 university student drivers who are unfamiliar with the Huntsville area.
“We’re asking that drivers remember many incoming freshmen 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.”
Please be alert to the recently converted traffic patterns on Bobby K Marks Drive and
Bearkat Boulevard which are now one way traffic with additional paid parking spaces
along the two street segments.
Citizens are reminded that the use of cell phones in school zones when active is
against City ordinance 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 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
Don’t Give Zika a Biting Chance!
The long summer days and intermittent showers may present an
increased opportunity for exposure to mosquito bites. Citizens are urged
to take precautions to decrease the likelihood of contracting disease
from infectious insects.
Like the Texas Governor's office, the City of Huntsville is sharing
guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
and www.TexasZika.org (through the Texas Department of State Health
Services) to encourage residents to practice mosquito bite prevention
from infectious insects possibly carrying the Zika virus.
Watch the video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WynsLB_h6q0
to hear Governor Greg Abbott address the issue and see how Texas is
handling the situation. Be sure to watch the whole video to see a guest
appearance by Pancake, the First Dog of Texas, who helps illustrate
mosquito bite prevention and protection tips.
Learn more about ways to protect yourself and your family from the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website at
http://www.cdc.gov/zika/prevention/prevent-mosquito-bites.html. For
more information, there are additional links available on the City web
site at www.huntsvilletx.gov/ReadyHuntsville.
Currently, there is no vaccine or treatment for the Zika virus. Your best
protection to avoid infection is to prevent mosquito breeding and
protect yourself from mosquito bites.
Prevent Mosquito Breeding
At least weekly empty or get rid of cans, buckets, old tires, pots,
plant saucers and other containers that hold water.
Keep gutters clear of debris and standing water.
Remove standing water around structures and from flat roofs.
Change water in pet dishes daily.
Rinse and scrub vases and other indoor water containers weekly.
Change water in wading pools and bird baths several times a week.
Maintain backyard pools or hot tubs.
Cover trash containers.
Water lawns and gardens carefully so water does not stand for
several days.
Screen rain barrels and openings to water tanks or cisterns.
Treat front and back door areas of homes with residual insecticides
if mosquitoes are abundant nearby.
If mosquito problems persist, consider pesticide applications for
vegetation around the home.
Protect Yourself from Mosquito Bites
Wear Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect
repellents. When used as directed, these insect repellents –
including those that contain DEET – are proven safe and effective
even for pregnant and breastfeeding women. Mosquito repellent is
now available as a Medicaid benefit.
Cover up with long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
Keep mosquitoes out with air conditioning or intact window
screens.
Limit outdoor activities during peak mosquito times.
People who are traveling to areas where Zika is being spread should
protect themselves from mosquito bites while abroad and for 21 days
after returning home to help prevent themselves from becoming
infected, and to keep from spreading the virus to mosquitoes in Texas
in the event the travelers were exposed to Zika.
Information from www.Texaszika.org.
City’s ISO Rating Improved
At the July 19, 2016 City Council meeting,
Director of Public Safety Police Chief Kevin
Lunsford and Fire Chief Tom Grisham shared
information on the City's updated ISO rating.
Huntsville's Public Protection Classification rating
has been improved to a 2 from a previous 3.
Established in 1971, the ratings are a system of
the for-profit Insurance Service Office
organization, and range from 10-1. The City's Fire
Department has worked hard to improve the
area's rating through staffing, training, and
equipment purchases and maintenance.
Contact Chief Grisham at 936-291-5941 or visit
http://huntsvilletx.gov/568/ISO-Information to
download the corresponding documents to
present to your insurance company to discuss a
possible reduction in rates.
Be sure to thank a Huntsville firefighter for all
they do to protect and improve the City’s quality of
life!
MobileNOW! Paid Parking System is Live
The conversion of Bobby K. Marks Drive and Bearkat Boulevard to one-way traffic has been completed and the
traffic patterns have changed. Over 200 paid parking spaces have been installed along the two street segments.
The MobileNOW! System went live Monday, August 8, at 7 a.m. The spaces now must be paid for using the mobile
app or the call in number to avoid receiving a citation from the Huntsville Police Department .
The new parking spaces are controlled through a pay-by-space on-
street parking system. Drivers are able to pay for parking quickly
and easily using the free MobileNOW! app on smartphones, tablets,
and smart watches. Those who are not smart device users can pay
for parking by calling MobileNOW! at 936-666-2296.
To use the system, download the free MobileNOW! application and
follow the instructions to create an account from the homepage.
Once the account is set up, drivers will be able to select the
numbered parking space they are in and indicate how much time
they would like to purchase. A benefit of MobileNOW! is that the
system will send alerts when the time is almost up and more time
can be purchased remotely by phone or app. The paid parking will
be enforced by the Huntsville Police Department using MobileNOW!
software.
There is a $1.25 per hour parking fee, plus a $0.25 convenience
fee per transaction. There will also be instructions and a QR code to download the application on the signs spaced
at every four parking spaces. For more information, contact the City of Huntsville Finance Department at 936-291-
5419.
Are you #ReadyHuntsville? Labor Day
Solid Waste & Recycling
The City of Huntsville Solid Waste
Services Division will run normal
residential and commercial garbage
pick-up routes on Monday,
September 5, 2016, Labor Day.
The Solid Waste Transfer Facility will also
be open for business on Monday, from
7:30 am to 5:00 pm.
The Recycling Drop-Off Center, located at
590 IH-45 North, will be open to the
public on Monday, but no attendant will
be on site.
If you have any questions about the
garbage collection, the Solid Waste
Transfer Facility, or the Recycling Drop-Off
Center, please call the Solid Waste
Division at 936-294-5712.
City’s ISO Rating Improved
You’ve seen the signs at City events, the
Sam Houston Visitor Center and Statue,
and the Huntsville Public Library - they’re
popping up all over town!
We want to see your pictures to learn
what makes Huntsville your home and
why you love it. Share with us on social
media using #homesweethuntsville.
Request to have a Home Sweet
Huntsville sign appear at your next event
or learn where the signs will be by
emailing mkaltenbach@huntsvilletx.gov.
#HomeSweetHuntsville
Are you #ReadyHuntsville?
The City of Huntsville’s Public Information Officer and Emergency Management Coordinator want to make sure our
residents are ready in the event of an emergency or disaster. Recently they have launched the #ReadyHuntsville
initiative to provide you with timely and accurate information on a variety of concerns.
During disaster or emergency, use #ReadyHuntsville to check the City social media channels (find the list and links
at www.huntsvilletx.gov/Social) and see the most recent information regarding the situation.
To stay prepared, visit www.huntsvilletx.gov/ReadyHuntsville, to view tips, resources, emergency supply lists, local
area maps, and contact information, as well as ongoing links on specific topics (a new page for infectious disease
has gone live and has links for Zika information). Share with us on social media the steps you are taking to become
#ReadyHuntsville!
New Economic Development Page is
Helping Huntsville Grow!
End of Summer Bash at the Sam
Houston Statue!
Friends old and new came out on August 9-11 from 2-4 p.m. to celebrate the end of summer.
Bet you know someone in these photos!
Buzzy dropped by to say
“Hi!” - The Bearkats
athletes got some bright
paint applied! - A future
police officer got behind
the wheel!
Games on the porch,
balloons, snowcones,
MacGruff the Crime Dog,
and more!
Remember, there are always more things going on
than we can include of each issue of This Week in
Huntsville! Be sure to follow the City’s social
media pages (www.huntsvilletx.gov/Social for list
and links) and check websites for:
Main Street -
www.huntsvilletx.gov/MainStreet
Huntsville Public Library -
www.MyHuntsvilleLibrary.com
The Wynne Home -
www.TheWynneHome.com
Sam Houston Statue & Visitor Center -
www.HuntsvilleTexas.com