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April 2006 City Connection City Connection April 2006 Volume 2, Number 7 www.huntsvilletx.gov Comprehensive Plan Project Update City Marshal On Board The City of Huntsville The Comprehensive Plan Advisory tion, Economic Development and Municipal Court recently Committee (CPAC) has completed Implementation in the amount of hired a City Marshal. work developing the scope of work $153,120. Special emphasis will be (Jerry Montgomery, and contract negotiations with Lane placed on the Economic Develop- pictured above at left. Kendig, Inc., (LKI) for the develop-ment Task which will be conducted with Municipal Court ment of The Huntsville Comprehen-by TIP Strategies, a member of the Judge John Gaines.) sive Plan over the next 12 months. LKI consulting team. Mr. Montgomery was sworn in on March 29, 2006. Marshal Montgomery has several years On April 18, 2006, the CPAC and This scope of work and contract ar- of experience in law enforcement with both Bret Keast from LKI will conduct a rangement with LKI keeps The county and local government agencies. He will be responsible for providing warrant service and one-hour workshop for council Huntsville Comprehensive Plan pro- court security during court hearings members regarding the recom-ject within the $165,000 budgeted and trials. mended scope of work and contract for its completion while maintaining codell@huntsvilletx.gov at 5:00 PM. At the regular meeting a $11,880 reserve to cover any un- that follows at 6:00 PM, a formal anticipated funding needs that devel- presentation will be made to the op during the project. The council Welcome New Full-time council as a statutory agenda item also recently transferred $7,500 of Firefighter that will seek council authorization economic development funding from for the City Manager to enter into a the general fund to the comprehen- contract with LKI for the profession-sive plan project to increase that The Huntsville Fire Department is proud to introduce its newest al services outlined in the scope of reserve amount to $19,380. full time Firefighter, Jeremy work agreed to by LKI and the City With a council-approved scope of O’Neill. Jeremy has been a of Huntsville. work and contract, the work of LKI, member of the Huntsville Vol- unteer Fire Department for The scope of work will include the 8 CPAC and the community at-large over 5 years. A native of Yoa- tasks of Discover and Reconnais-will begin in earnest to develop The kum, Texas, Jeremy is 29 years old and has sance, Community Visioning, Land Huntsville Comprehensive Plan. lived in Huntsville for 12 years. Use & Character, Transportation, Growth Capacity, Parks & Recrea- The City of Huntsville Fire Department now has kevans@huntsvilletx.gov a total of 7 full-time positions and 39 volun- teers. The 7 full-time positions consist of one New Edition Community Clean-Up Project Chief, Tom Grisham, and 6 firefighters. jjanuary@huntsvilletx.gov The City of Huntsville and debris, repair and borhoods as well. For has selected the New demolition of sub-the Smith/Gospel Hill 2006 Texas Recreation and Parks Edition and Avenue C standard structures, and the New Edition/ area to become the fifth elimination of over-Ave C areas, neighbor- Minorities in Leisure Services Frontline neighborhood involved grown vegetation and hood crime watch has in the Targeted Neigh-improvement of safety become a priority. Leslie Howland is an out- borhood Reinvestment and crime conditions standing and dedicated em- The current targeted Community Clean-up in the community. ployee, passionate about neighborhood’s bounda- Program. A community providing healthy and safe Previous targeted are-ries are the area east of meeting was held on recreational activities for the as include the Old Col-Martin Luther King February 2, 2006 to City of Huntsville. Leslie is a ony area, the Mance Drive to Highway 19 discuss the program Recreation Assistant who Park area, the and south of Badger and any issues that the joined the Huntsville team Boettcher Mill area and Lane to Highway 190. community members in 2004 as a student intern. the Smith/Gospel Hill This includes a major might have. After a couple of months area. The total portion of Highway 30 she was promoted to the The goal of the program amount of clean-up east and Ryan Ferry’s recreational services division is to increase the included 1673 acres Rd. Roll-off containers assisting with planning such activities as Out- standard of living of the and resulted in were provided for the door Adventure, 42 Domino Tournaments, MLK citizens in the specific 197,040 pounds of citizens of the targeted Recreation Program, and the competitive youth area as well as raising trash and debris col-area and were removed basketball league. Leslie is currently a graduat- awareness of code en-lected by roll-off con-on March 13, 2006. ing senior at Sam Houston State University, forcement. Another tainers provided by Inspection and code with a 3.3 GPA. She has been on the Dean’s list objective of the pro-the City of Huntsville. enforcement is current- twice and is a member of the Golden Key Na- gram is to encourage Many houses were ly taking place in the tional Honour Society. She volunteers much of citizens to take on the repaired or demolished neighborhood. her free time to community service including project as a communi-to meet code require- shamrick@huntsvilletx.beautification projects at Emancipation Park. ty. This is accom-ments and several gov plished by assisting streets signs and lights pantwi@huntsvilletx.gov them in the collection have been added or and disposal of trash repaired in the neigh- APRIL 2006 CITY CONNECTION PAGE 2 “42” Anyone? Huntsville State Park Anniversary Celebration  May 19 – McKenzie’s Burger & Fries 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. th On May 18, 1956 Hunts-day. To name a few…come In honor of this anniversary  July 14 - TBA ville State Park was officially take a canoe “nature hike” celebration, day use entry into dedicated as a Texas State with a Texas Parks & Wild-Huntsville State Park will be  th Park. Since that time, the life Environmental Special-FREE on May 18. Other free August 18 - TBA park has grown into one of ist, learn “All About Alliga-days will be scheduled For more information, contact the State’s more popular tors” from a Wildlife Biolo-throughout the year as well. pantwi@huntsvilletx.gov outdoor recreation destina-gist or learn how to be-So, come out and enjoy the tions, offering a wide variety come an amateur bird-great outdoors and help us Problem with Yard Sale of activities including camp-watcher. Enjoy boating on celebrate 50 years as Hunts- ing picnicking, hiking, bik-beautiful Lake Raven with ville’s State Park. For more Signs ing, fishing and boating to canoes and kayaks provid-information about the many name a few. ed by the City of Huntsville scheduled programs and activ- Please do your part to help Parks and Recreation De-ities, call the park at 936-295- th This year on May 18, Keep Huntsville Beautiful… partment. Take a hike or 5644. Huntsville State Park kicks ride a bike on our 15 miles When your sale is over off a year-long anniversary sbrim@huntsvilletx.gov of trails that wind through please go back and remove celebration with a park the beautiful Pineywoods. rkader@huntsvilletx.gov “open house”. A variety of your signs Or, simply come out and programs and activities will have a picnic and relax. Thank You be offered throughout the APRIL 2006 CITY CONNECTION PAGE 3 Police / Fire Statistics Trash Bash 2006 Keep Huntsville Beautiful February 2006 “Keep Huntsville Beautiful” is cleswere further di-Over 213 tons of materi- the ultimate goal of the an-rected to different areas, al was collected (49.46 Police: nual Trash Bash, now in its such as tires, appliances, tons of tires, 22 tons of tenth year. This year’s Bash metal, or plain garbage. appliances, 142.29 tons th Calls for service 2506 was held on March 18 with Several area residents of garbage). In compar- volunteers from Walker made multiple trips with ison, 124 tons of gar- Arrests made 103 County Proud, Relay for Life, loaded vehicles. When bage was collected in American Legion Auxiliary, 2005. The garbage was Adult Probation, and the staff loaded into semi-trucks Accidents investigated 59 of the City of Huntsville Solid and hauled to the Polk Waste division. A total of County Disposal Facility Animal Control com plaints inves- 391 vehicles checked through under contract with the tigated 72 the trash line which began at City of Huntsville. 7:30 am. The line of vehicles Fire: Thanks to the hard work was directed through the of volunteers and staff, back gate and through the repeat customers re- Calls for service 74 the day long event went disposal facility to eliminate turned, they knew just quite smoothly. possible congestion on the which pile to go to un- Main alarm calls 14 frontage of Interstate 45. load their trash. tthornton@huntsvilletx.gov After checking in, the vehi- Reacting to an emergency The ability to read is regularly. A puppet before it happens vital. It paves the way show is scheduled for nd to success in school, June 2 and several Every day, hundreds of airplanes, which builds self-arts and crafts pro- trains and 18 wheelers transport ma- confidence and motivates beginning summer read-grams are currently being terials through Huntsville/Walker th children to set high expec-ing is Saturday, May 20. planned. New books are County. From everyday household tations for life. That day, the library will arriving daily in anticipa- welcome all children who tion of the summer read- materials to words so big we can not During the summer, par- wish to sign up ing program. Plan to pronounce or spell them. ents and children can par- for the program. make reading a priority ticipate in The Texas Read- What happens when there is a spill, Skeeter the for your family. Decide to ing Club, a statewide pro- Clown will be spend more time reading leak or crash? gram set up by the Texas on hand to enter-than watching TV or play- State Library, to give chil- The Huntsville Fire Department has tain and hot dogs and ing video games. It will dren the opportunity to addressed the need for a Multi Agency drinks will be provided. bring enormous benefits learn about libraries and Each child who signs up to you and your children. Hazardous Materials Team, and has the joy of reading. The will receive a free paper- obtained grant funding to further its theme for the 2006 pro-For more information call back book of their choice goals. Currently, the Haz-Mat team is gram is Reading…the Sport the Huntsville Public Li- to keep. comprised of Firefighters from various of Champions! brary at 936-291-5472. County Fire Departments, including Throughout the summer, Dodge, Riverside, Crabbs Prairie, At the Huntsville Public ldodson@huntsvilletx.gov children will be encour- Huntsville and others. Library, the kick-off day for aged to visit the library We operate out of our Hazardous Ma- 2006 City Election - May 13, 2006 terial Unit, which can transport all of our needed supplies such as our vari- The City of Early voting by Early Voting 5:pm ous testing supplies. The SensirIR is a high tech tool we use which uses Huntsville Inde-mail applications Polling Place May 6th—from infrared spectroscopy technology to pendent School will be accepted located at City 8:am-12:pm identify not only hazardous chemicals, District (HISD) beginning March Hall, 1212 Ave- but many other substances as well. will hold a joint 14, 2006 throught nue M. A May 7th—from election on May 5:00 p.m. on May branch location By obtaining grant funds from Federal 1:pm—5:pm 13, 2006 from 5, 2006. To re-at HISD Admin- and State agencies, and low cost 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 quest an early istration Build- May 8th-9th— training in various areas of the Na- p.m.. The City voting by mail ing, 448 Fm tion, we have been able to provide from 7:am—7:pm this valuable service to the communi- will be electing its application please 2821 E will also HISD ty with little cost to the tax payer. four at- large call the City Sec-be available. May 1st—9th council members, retary at 936-291-Dates and times If you have any questions or con- from 8:am—5:pm places 1, 2, 3 and 5403. are listed below: cerns, please call the Team Coordina- (no weekend vot- 4. HISD will be tor John Hobbs at 291-5943. Early Voting in City Hall: ing) electing two Person will be May 1st—5th jjanuary@huntsvilletx.gov board members. Dwel ter@huntsvillet held at the Main from 8:am— gov x. PAGE 4 APRIL 2006 CITY CONNECTION Visit your Huntsville Main Street Program Website for downtown event information, menus, and City Calendar hours of operation. There’s Walker County history and photos and directions how to get to Hunts- ville you can send to friends and family that are driving in. April You can find everything from restau-rant coupons to a site just for our younger citizens. www.huntsvillemainstreet.com 18 City Council Meeting @ 6:00 p.m. at City hall What’s happening with the City’s Website? 20 Arbor Day Celebration @ 9:30 a.m. at the Wynne Home The City’s IT Division established a link to a database that tracks how many hits or contacts a web page receives and can query these by entering specific date May ranges. In doing this we are able to see which parts of our websites are being 01-05 Early Voting @ City Hall from 8:00 accessed the most or display the highest levels of interest. Here is an example of a.m.—5:00 p.m. the kind of averages we are seeing: 06 (SAT) Early Voting @ City Hall from 8:00 a.m.— 12:00 p.m. For more information please contact jdean@huntsvilletx.gov 07 (SUN) Early Voting @ City Hall from 1:00 p.m.— 5:00 p.m. City Web Sites: 30 Days Period: Daily Average: 08-09 Early Voting @ City Hall 7:00 a.m.— 7:00 p.m. The City’s Home site 80,146 2,671.53 05 Observe Cinco De Mayo—City Offices Closed (Open For Early www.huntsvilletx.gov Voting Only) The Library site 1,941 64.70 13 Election Day—City/School Joint www.myhuntsvillelibrary.com Election—polling places open 7:00 am—7:00 pm The Police Department / Fire site 3,608 120.27 www.huntsvillepolice.com Please visit www.huntsvilletx.gov for a complete/current schedule of The Main Street site 2,711 90.37 events www.huntsvillemainstreet.com National Public Works Week Meeting the Gran- The Meadows Foundation tors to The May 21-27, 2006 Wynne Home Arts The Meadows Foun-thropy would continue National Public Works for civic organizations dation is a private in perpetuity, under Week (NPWW) is a cele-and media events. The philanthropic institu-the guidance and di- In addition to the bration of the tens of City of Huntsville has tion established in rection of family mem- many local contribu- thousands of men and celebrated this event for 1948 by Algur H. and bers and trusted advi- tors to The Wynne women in North America the past four years by Virginia Meadows to sors. Home Arts Center who provide and main-staging an equipment benefit the people of Project and its pro- Foundation grants tain the infrastructure rodeo and a proclama- Texas. The Founda- jected programs for support work in the and services better tion to City Council. tion’s mission is to children and fami- fields of arts and cul- known in Huntsville as assist the people and lies, several major ture, civic and public Public Services. The institutions of Texas The occasion is marked granting institutions affairs, education, celebration began as a improve the quality each year with resolu- have given funds health, and human public education cam- and circumstances of tions and proclamations toward the rehabili- services. The Founda- paign by the American life for themselves from mayors and gover- tation of the struc- tion looks for pro- Public Works Association and future genera- nors, as well. Some spe- ture and toward the grams and services (APWA) in 1960, NPWW tions. cial highlights of NPWW provision of equip- that employ imagina- calls attention to the include a United States ment needed to Algur Meadows built tive, innovative ways importance of public Senate resolution affirm- open the house for General American Oil to solve community services in community ing the first National use by the public. Company of Texas problems through pro- life. The Week strives to Public Works Week in Beginning with the into one of the na-jects leading to organ- enhance the prestige of 1960, letters of acknowl- last first, the final tion’s most successful izational self- the often unsung heroes edgment from Presidents funds needed to independent oil and sufficiency and in capi- in our communities, the Dwight Eisenhower and complete the recon- gas production com-tal plans that enable professionals who serve Lyndon Johnson, and a struction of the panies. Believing agencies to flourish. the public good every Presidential Proclamation home and to begin that his own life was It seeks to support day with quiet dedication signed by John F. Kenne- equipping were pro- greatly enriched by projects that can alle- and resolve. dy in 1962. vided by The Mead- giving, Meadows gen-viate pain, enhance ows Foundation. APWA encourages public erously shared his social skills and pro- National Public Works works agencies and pro- wealth with many mote better human In upcoming issues Week is observed each fessionals to take the charitable causes relations. of City Connection, year during the third full opportunity to make benefiting the people information will be week of May. Through The Meadows Founda- their stories known in of the state that had given, also about NPWW and other efforts, tion is among the their communities. Over been so kind to him. The Houston Endow- APWA seeks to raise the most recognized pri- the years the observanc- Wishing to share the ment, Inc., The public’s awareness of vate philanthropies in es have taken many joy of giving with Powell Foundation, public works issues and has forms, including pa-the country. It their extended fami- The Trull Foundation to increase confidence in rades, displays of public ly, both living and yet received numerous and the Dan Leasure public works employees works equipment, high unborn, Algur and awards for both its Foundation. who are dedicated to school essay contests, Virginia Meadows philanthropy and its improving the quality of open houses, programs established The Lpease@huntsvilletx. http:// management. life for present and fu- Meadows Foundation www.mfi.org so that their philan-