Loading...
10-28-16 TWIH October 28, 2016 City news, features, and updates Early Voting October 24-November 4, Walker County Annex (1301 Sam Houston Avenue, Suite 101) , 8:00 a.m.—5:00 p.m Extended voting from 7 a.m.—7 p.m. on Tuesdays (Oct. 25 & Nov. 4) Weekend Early Voting October 29-30 , 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. & 1p.m. - 5 p.m., Walker County Annex Only Temporary Branch Early Voting Walker County Storm Shelter, October 24-28 , 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. - Extended voting from 7 a.m.– 7 p.m. on Oct. 25 Election Day November 8,2016 - visit http://bit.ly/2aL1MTy for all polling locations. Early voting has begun and there still is about a week left to cast your vote early. The City of Huntsville encourages our residents to vote early and remember to Vote the Back of your ballot. Also, don’t forget to #showusyoursticker with a selfie of your voting sticker on social media. Visit www.huntsvilletx.gov/Elections or www.huntsvilletx.gov/Bond for more information on City elections. Photo ID Required for Texas Voters Voters are required to present one of the following forms of photo ID when voting in per- son: (1) Texas driver license issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) (2) Texas Election Identification Certificate issued by DPS (3) Texas personal identification card issued by DPS (4) Texas concealed handgun license issued by DPS (5) United States military identification card containing your photograph (6) United States citizenship certificate containing your photograph (7) United States passport **With the exception of the U.S. citizenship certificate, the identification must be current or have expired no more than 60 days before being presented for voter qualification at the polling place.** The voters name on the identification presented must match or be “substantially similar” to the name on the official list of registered voters (poll list). Additional information, including material on further exemptions, is available through the Texas Secretary of State’s office at www.votetexas.gov. Th i s W e e k i n H u n t s v i l l e Expert in Every Office - Brenda Poe, Cataloger, Huntsville Public Library 1) When did you join the City of Huntsville and what was your role? I began working for the City of Huntsville on January 20, 2015, at the Library. My first position was as a Circulation Clerk, where I helped patrons check out materials, helped find resources, and solve problems. 2) Describe what a Cataloger is and does. I am the person behind the scenes who adds items to our full catalog of books, mov- ies, music, instructional materials, and more. The catalog is completely computerized now, with each item’s information card in our database to help you find what you are looking for much more easily. The cataloger is also responsible for the maintenance of the materials checked out - taping, gluing, and cleaning items. I am also the lead for the Library for keeping information updated on the library’s social media ac- counts and website - www.myhuntsvillelibrary.com - and producing our newsletter Between the Pages. 3) What is your favorite thing about working for the City? My favorite memories include the camaraderie with fellow staff members. The city picnics where we fellowship, the charity bowling tournament where we laugh at each other, and all the times we support each other in our daily routines. 4) Will you share something fun about you? I never have met a stranger! And I always look for the positive in any situation. And I smile - a lot! Stay informed! The results of the November 8, 2016 regular and special elections will be canvassed during the No- vember 17 City Council Special Session. All citizens are encouraged to ei- ther attend or watch the meeting on KSHU Channel 7. Miss a meeting during the last few months? Not a problem! The City archives City Council meetings for a full year. Visit the City’s web site video sec- tion at www.huntsvilletx.gov /video. Halloween Safety Tips Are you trying to decide on your Halloween costume, or your child’s costume? Well, we have some tips from safekids.org to help keep you creative but safe!  Decorate costumes and bags with reflective tape or stickers and, if possible choose light colors.  Choose face paint and makeup whenever possible instead of masks, which can obstruct a child’s vision.  Have kids carry glow sticks or flashlights to help them see and be seen by drivers.  When selecting a costume, make sure it is the right size to prevent trips and falls. The Huntsville Police Department asks the cooperation and increased aware- ness of our citizens to ensure the safety of all on Monday, October 31, as many participate in the tradition of trick-or-treating. Please observe the following guidelines both on Halloween night and at other fall events: - Proper Supervision – Parents/adults should closely monitor the activities of children near or on the streets. Ideally parents should walk with children. Traffic congestion and risks to pedestrians increase quickly when people drive from house to house or parents drive alongside walking children. - Outfit your children in costumes that are brightly colored or light-reflective to increase their visibility to motorists. - Require children to wear costumes that allow them to move freely and don’t restrict their vision in any way. Some more elaborate or restrictive costumes may be better suited for parties or other events or gatherings. - In addition to some type of reflective apparel, one or more members in walk- ing groups are encouraged to carry and use flashlights. - When walking on the roadway where no sidewalk is present, pedestrians should walk on the left side of the roadway, facing traffic. Drivers are asked to use extreme caution due to the increased number of peo- ple and vehicles on the roads. In addition to the above safety guidelines for pedestrians, there are several laws pertaining to the operation of vehicles that may apply. - Vehicle passengers should be properly seated in passenger areas of vehicles. Traffic laws prohibit operation of vehicles with riders on running boards, on hoods/roofs/tailgates of vehicles, in or on truck beds, or on trailers. - The use of all-terrain vehicles/four-wheelers on the roadway is prohibited. - When driving on Halloween, motorists are asked to allow extra time in the event of congestion encountered in their travels. The Huntsville Police Department will have extra staff deployed for the ob- servance of Halloween activities. Officers will be promoting the safe enjoyment of activities as well as enforcement of violations when necessary. For more information, contact Lt. Jim Barnes at (936) 291-5480 or (936) 291-5496. You may have noticed several City streets are under construction. You are probably wondering what is going on and why is the City doing so many projects at once. Well, the City is working hard to im- prove your infrastructure and keep everything running as efficiently and effectively as we can. So, what projects are happening right now?  Town Creek Drainage Project - This project involves replacing 7,700 linear feet of the existing Town Creek drain- age system. Portions were enclosed in the 1960s using a combination of decommissioned rail cars and mason- ry and includes seven roadway crossings composed of these tank cars and concrete culverts. The upgraded drainage structures will add increased capacity to the system and provide relief to outdated infrastructure. The work is being completed by Garney Construction, which the city entered into a contract for the company to pro- vide construction manager-at-risk services in November 2015. Currently, 7th Street between Old Madisonville Road and Avenue M and the 10th Street intersection between Aveue N and Avenue O are closed for construction. Avenue N from 10th to 11th Streets is scheduled to close No- vember 7. These sections are scheduled to be closed through the end of the year. This portion of the work will be primarily constructed during the daytime, from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. See below for a map of the detours and road closures. Also visit www.huntsvilletx.gov/TownCreek to see more in- formation, pictures, and drone videos of the progress.  7th Street Rehabilitation Project - This project includes the construction of new pavement, curbs and gutters, the replacement of water lines and sewer lines, as well as other related improvements to 7th street, between Old Madisonville Road and Avenue N. This project is scheduled to be completed in 3 phases. 7th Street be- tween Avenue N and Old Madisonville Road are expected to be closed until mid-November, during phase 1 con- struction. All three phases are expected to be completed in February 2017.  11th Street Water Line Replacement Project - This project consists of replacing an old and deteriorated 6" wa- terline along 11th Street from University Avenue to Avenue G. The water line located in this segment was in- stalled in the 1950's and is cast iron or ductile iron pipe. Several waterline breaks have occurred in this seg- ment in the past. This project is now primarily funded through the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) under Community Development Grant (CDBG) program. Construction is scheduled to begin on November 7 and be completed in early March. This project will be completed during business hours and with the goal to only close one lane of 11th street in small segments to minimize disruption to traffic. Maps and more information available at www.huntsvilletx.gov /TownCreek National Night Out Bond Election FAQs You have questions, we have answers! Please see below and visit www.huntsvilletx.gov/Bond for the entire list of FAQs or email us at bond@huntsvilletx.gov. What debt is expiring and when? What additional revenue sources will be available and when? How does the City know it will be able to issue debt and not raise taxes or utility rates? The chart of retiring debt and other revenue sources illustrates annual principal and interest payments on existing debt (or in the case of new revenue, the annual amount). All of the debt (and associated principal and interest pay- ments) are being paid at current tax or utility rates. At such time that the Council elects to issue debt as a result of the November bond election, the Council will be able to match old debt payments with new debt payments. What happens if projects end up costing more than what the debt can pay for? Since Propositions 1, 2, and 3 are specifically worded as “not-to-exceed,” the City may not issue more than the stated amounts. The first step the City will take to insulate itself against cost overruns is to design as much of the project as possible before issuing the debt. This will help the City identify priorities and associated cost estimates before work is contracted for and before debt is issued. Much of the work envisioned lends itself to phasing, so the City should be able establish and work on priorities with funds as available. Furthermore, City staff will also recom- mend the use of alternative procurement methods such as sealed proposals, Construction Manager at Risk, and perhaps even Design-Build. In the case of the Town Creek Drainage Project, the Construction Manager at Risk pro- cess is proving to be a valuable way to deliver a cost-effective project for the community. The City Council has adopted Resolution 2017-01 to confirm its belief that the bond propositions can all be funded without increases in taxes or fees related to them be- cause of expiring debt and additional revenue sources. Rebuilding police and fire stations, consolidating city services facilities, and improve- ments to critical water distribution systems and aged wastewater plants are all addressed in these bond proposals. Fund Year Expiring Debt/Revenue Source Annual Principal & Inter- est/Revenue General 2019 Sales Tax Revenue from expiring 380 agreement at Ravenwood $500,000 General 2019 Expiring 2009 Refinance $765,300 General 2020 Expiring 2012 Refinance $417,400 Water 2016 Expiring TRA 2010A $275,910 2018 Expiring TRA 2010B $241,695 2017 Expiring 2012 GO $225,528 2018 2 years’ worth of accelerating TDCJ water rate in- creases $1,860,144 2021 Tenaska Water contract increase $200,000 2020 TRA Tenaska/RP RTS Charge $95,000 2021 Another 4 years of accelerating TDCJ water rate increase $850,604 Wastewater 2016 2011 Refinance $1,070,080 2022 2012 GO Refinance $462,502 The City of Huntsville Main Street Program invites you to join them every Saturday from 8 am to 12 pm, October 8 through November 19, on University Avenue between 11th and 12th Streets. Vendors will be selling fresh homegrown produce and a number of hand- made items such as natural bath and beauty products, leather goods and woodworking tools. This is a great opportunity to support your local community! Call (936)291-5920, email Mainstreet01@huntsvilletx.gov, or visit http://www.huntsvillemainstreet.com/ for more information. Fall Farmer’s Market Time and Time Again Join the Wynne Home for Time and Time Again, and exhibit of James Surls’ work! “It’s wonderful to have an artist of the magnitude of Mr. Surls in Huntsville,” noted Linda Pease, the City of Huntsville’s Wynne Home Coordinator. “And we are very proud to have him at the opening reception of what is a magnificent exhibit of his work.” The exhibit, which will be on display in the Brown-Wynne Gal- lery of the Wynne Home, includes small sculptures, maquettes of large works, drawings, and paintings, for a total of 28 items. The public is invited to join Surls and other guests at the open- ing reception for Time and Time Again. The reception, spon- sored by the Friends of the Wynne, will be from 4:00-6:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 5, with comments from Surls and others at 5:00 p.m. HUNTSVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY NEWS & EVENTS! Holiday Closures—The Library will close at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, November 10 for the annual City Charity Bowling event. The library will reo- pen at 10 a.m. Friday, November 11. The library will also be closed Thursday, November 24 through Sunday, November 27 for Thanksgiv- ing and will reopen on Monday, November 28. - Cinderella Royal Ball - Hear ye! Hear ye! All Princes and Princesses of the Kingdom of Huntsville are formally invited to attend the Hunts- ville Public Lbrary’s Cinderella Royal Ball, to be held from 4:30 to 6:30 on Friday, November 4. Come dressed as your favorite prince or princess to engage in royally themed activities and crafts, eat magical food, and dance with your favorite grown-up on our ballroom floor. Don’t let the magic end before checking out one of your favorite fairy tales to read. Registration and wait-list is available online at www.myhuntsvillelibrary.com. - Do you have children ages 2 or under? Then Mother Goose Lapsit is a story time designed for you! Held on Mondays at 10:30 a.m., en- joy a half hour of developmentally appropriate play featuring stories, songs, and rhymes. This program introduces little ones to the story time experience and is perfect for their language and vocabulary development. Sign-up is not required. November 7, 14, 21, & 28. - Story Time gets kids moving & thinking - a fun early literacy program for kids 5 and under. Join us for interactive stories, songs, rhymes, and crafts. The practices featured each week help build the foundation for a lifelong love of reading and learning. For parents and caregiv- ers, story time offers an opportunity to see this learning in action, discover great books and resources for home use, and socialize with other parents after story time. Wednesday and Friday sessions share a theme with something new each week. Story Time is sponsored by Amerigroup and sign-up is not required. Story times are held on Wednesdays and Fridays at 10:45 a.m. November 2, 9, 11, 16, 18, 23, & 30. Story Time will not be held on Friday, November 25. - Our friends from Huntsville Pets Helping People need your help: these dogs love books but can’t read! Help them out by coming to the Huntsville Public Library and reading to a trained therapy dog from 4:30-5:30 p.m. on the third Monday of the month. Read with the Dogs is best suited for elementary and junior high ages and is great for new readers. Sign-up is not required. November’s session will take place at 4:30 p.m. Monday, November 21st in the Children’s library. - New Ice Age movie showing - Set a course for the library as we show Ice Age 5: Collision Course at Family Movie Night at 5:30 p.m. Fri- day, November 11. This event is sponsored by the Texas Children’s Health Plan. Bring your own pillow or blanket and enjoy complimen- tary juice and popcorn. Sign-up is not required. All ages welcome. - S.T.E.A.M. Friday has something for everyone: Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math! Children 17 and under are invited to enjoy this once a month program. From 3:30 to 5 p.m. Friday, November 18th, explore the effects of balance, buoyancy, and gravity as we make aluminum boats and see how much weight they carry before they capsize! Sign-up is not required for this exciting event. - If your child likes comic books, then Comic Book Club is the place to be. Bring a comic to trade and enjoy crafts, games, raffles, and ex- pert speakers from the world of comic books. This event is held in conjunction with Annette Tubbs and the Comic Book Stop and Trade. November’s session of Comic Book Club will be held from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, November 30. Ages 17 and under welcome and sign-up is not required. - Enjoy an Elementary Craft Time from 4-5:30 p.m. Thursday, November 3. Sign-up is not required but supplies are limited. Come craft with us! - Is your child interested in the world of technology? Learn to 3-D Print with him or her in a two-day class at the Huntsville Public Library. This class will be held from 5:15-6:15 p.m. on a Tuesday and Wednesday evening in the Board Room. Class size is limited to five students aged 7-15 and a parent or guardian must attend the program. At the end of each session, students will be able to take home their 3D printed object. Multiple sessions scheduled: November 1-2 as well as November 8-9. Registration is required and participants will need to bring their own USB drive. To sign up, visit the library's website at www.myhuntsvillelibrary.com. - Dancing to a new beat - The Huntsville Public Library is continuing to host FREE dance classes with help from Xpress Vibe Studios. Xpress Vibe Dance will be held from 5:45-6:45 on Mondays, for ages 7-15. Register online at www.myhuntsvillelibrary.com. Par- ents/guardians must sign a consent form and parental waiver at the class. - The Huntsville Public Library is pleased to continue offering Tai Chi classes by Instructor Gary Readore. An Intermediate class will be held from 5 to 5:45 p.m., followed by the Beginner’s Class at 5:45 to 6:45 p.m., in the Community Room. Classes began on August 31. Rea- dore, a Tai Chi instructor for 25 years, teaches the Yang Style Long Form consisting of 108 movements. - Beth Williamson will be teaching Intermediate and Advanced Spanish classes on Tuesdays in the Community Room. Materials are provid- ed. Register now to reserve your spot – only 35 students maximum for each class. Beginning classes will meet from 1 to 3 p.m. and ad- vanced classes from 3 to 4:15 p.m. - The Brown Bag Lecture Series is pleased to host Dr. Donovan Haines, Assistant Professor of Chemistry at SHSU, wo will speak at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, November 17, at the Huntsville Public Library. The topic will revolve around An Astronaut’s Guide to Life on Earth, the book by astronaut Chris Hadfield, selected by the SHSU Common Reading Program for 2016-2017. Attendees may bring a brown bag lunch for lunch time beginning at 11:30 a.m.; beverages will be provided. The lecture will begin at noon, and admission is free. For more infor- mation, call 936-291-5471. - Completing a FAFSA for financial aid can be a confusing process. Let Beta Alpha Psi, a business honors society, show you how simple it can be! This presentation will provide you with knowledge about the FAFSA application as well as tips and tricks! Friday, November 11 at 6 p.m.; Saturday, November 12 at 12:30 p.m. & 2 p.m.; and Wednesday, November 16 at 6 p.m. Genealogy Dead Ends Saturdays - The Huntsville Public Library is pleased to announce an opportunity for genealogy enthusiasts to meet with an experienced and qualified genealogical researcher. Two-hour sessions will be offered the first and second Saturdays for a six- month period beginning in November. Sessions are scheduled to begin at noon and will end at 2 p.m. Attendance will be limited to no more than three researchers. The small group will allow each participant to receive individual attention. Those dates for November are Saturday, November 5 and 12. Register online! - The Huntsville Public Library is offering free Excel classes from 10 to 11 a.m. on Tuesdays or Fridays from November 1st through Novem- ber 22 in the Computer Lab. There are four subjects in this course. Please note that in order to take this class, it is required that you have basic knowledge of computers and have taken the basic excel class prior to this class. You can register for classes online at myhuntsvil- lelibrary.com or by phone at 936-291-5485.