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March 2014 City Connection CITY CONNECTION Volume 10, Issue 6 March 2014 Calendar March 2014 4 - City Council Meeting at 6:00 p.m. 5 - Yard Waste Trimming Collection 6 - Planning & Zoning Commission - City Hall at 12 p.m. 12 - Heavy Trash & Large Yard Waste 18 - City Council Meeting at 6:00 p.m. 19 - Yard Waste Trimming Collection 20 - Planning & Zoning Commission - City Hall at 5:30 p.m. 26 - Heavy Trash & Large Yard Waste April 2014 1 - City Council Meeting at 6:00 p.m. 2 - Yard Waste Trimming Collection 3 - Planning & Zoning Commission - City Hall at 12 p.m. 9 - Heavy Trash & Large Yard Waste 15 - City Council Meeting at 6:00 p.m. 16 - Yard Waste Trimming Collection 17 - Planning & Zoning Commission - City Hall at 5:30 p.m. 23 - Heavy Trash & Large Yard Waste 30 - Yard Waste Trimming Collection Submit requests for Heavy Trash pick-up before noon on Monday, the week of the pick-up at 294-5796. Visit us online at www.huntsvilletx.gov to learn more about City programs! Sign up for our new newsletter, “This Week in Huntsville!” The City’s new bi-monthly, digital newsletter is really taking off, with new residents signing up and new features to keep everyone informed. Never miss an event again - sign up for your free This Week in Huntsville newsletter! To subscribe, log onto the City’s Web site, www.huntsvilletx.gov, click “e-news Subscriptions” on the left-hand side of the page, enter your email address and select “This Week in Huntsville.” You’ll automatically receive a free, digital newsletter twice each month! The Huntsville Police Department invites all citizens to apply for the 2014 Citizens Police Academy, a unique chance for participants to learn about police operations first-hand. According to HPD Senior Officers Mark Jenkins and Kenneth Posey, the deadline to apply for the program is March 28, and those approved to take part in the program will attend sessions every Monday from April 14 to July 7. “If you have ever wondered how a Huntsville police officer is trained, how the SWAT Team operates, or what it’s like to go on a night -shift ride-along, the Citizens Police Academy promises to be an engaging, one-of-a-kind experience,” Posey said. “Participants will have the opportunity to see and hear about the overwhelming curriculum recruits must master before becoming part of the HPD. “Instructors will be real police officers who will take you on accelerated overview of various operations of our department. It is our goal to increase understanding of police work and develop effective partnerships between the Huntsville Police Department and our community.” According to Jenkins, the ideal candidate for the Citizens Police Academy is any local citizen with interest in the department or in law enforcement in general. “Join us and be part of this important effort – the only investment on your part is three hours of your time for 13 weeks,” he said. “What our participants will learn will not only benefit them; when those participants share what they’ve learned with family, friends, neighbors and co-workers, we believe that will have a significant impact on the Police Department and on community relations. “This is going to be an exciting program – participants will tour the County Jail and the Communications Center, ride with a police officer and explore the Firing Range. There will also be guest speakers from entities including Juvenile and Adult Probation and the District Attorney's Office.” Posey said he and Jenkins hope to see as many applicants as possible. Those applying to participate in the program must be 18 or over and live and work in Walker County. “The HPD strives to make this class hands-on and enjoyable while educating the participants about the police department and the local criminal justice system,” he said. “Our hope is that attendees are committed to getting the most out of the program as possible and that they will attend at least 10 of the 13 sessions.” To apply for the Citizens Police Academy, visit www.huntsvilletx.gov, scroll over “Departments,” select the Police Department and click on the Citizens Police Academy application information link under “News & Announcements.” For more information, contact HPD at (936) 291-5480. Sign up today for the HPD Citizens Police Academy program The City’s new “Easy Recycling” Campaign With the activation of curbside recycling in all eight areas of Huntsville, the Public Works Department has launched the “Greener Huntsville: Easy Recycling” campaign, an informational outreach effort for our residents. Efforts will be composed of a series of how-to guides, tips and reminders about curbside recycling, “Greener Huntsville” instructional videos and public engagements. By providing residents with all the information they need to make recycling a quick and convenient part of their daily lives, the City hopes to make recycling an easy and fun practice for any Huntsville household. Check out the City Connection, our new “This Week in Huntsville” digital newsletter, the City’s Web site and more for “Greener Huntsville” tips and reminders. The City of Huntsville will host a free Major League Baseball Pitch, Hit and Run Competition for local youth on April 12 beginning at 10 a.m. at Kate Barr Ross Park. According to Natalie Reid, Recreation Services coordinator, the program will give local youth in four different age categories a chance to gauge their skills and potentially reach a national competition. Registration will be held the day of the event from 9 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. “The Pitch, Hit and Run Competition is a grassroots effort designed to provide youth baseball and softball players with an opportunity to compete free of charge in an arena that recognizes individual excellence in core skills,” Reid said. The competition divides male and female participants into four age divisions: 7/8, 9/10, 11/12 and 13/14 years of age. Champions in each age and gender group at the Local Competition level will be awarded and advanced to the Sectional Level of Competition. “Participants who perform at the highest level locally will advance to the next phase of the competition, and maybe even reach the National Finals at the 2014 MLB All-Star Game,” Reid said. “We certainly want to see all of our local, age-appropriate baseball and softball players take advantage of this unique opportunity to showcase their skills and get a shot at the national game.” All participants must bring a copy of their birth certificate and have their parent or guardian fill out a registration/waiver form prior to the start of the competition. For questions concerning the competition, contact Reid at (936) 294-5725. City to host Major League Baseball Pitch, Hit, Run Competition - April 12 The City of Huntsville Recreation Services division has partnered up with the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department to offer another season of the Outdoor Explorer program at the Huntsville State Park. Citizens who are interested in learning to hike, bike or kayak are encouraged to attend the first session, scheduled for Saturday, April 19, or any of the five monthly sessions to follow. Park entrance is $5 for adults and free for those 12 and under. “Come on out to the Huntsville State Park for a fun day of outdoor activities completely free of charge,” said Natalie Reid, Recreation Services coordinator. “Participants will learn the basics of hiking, biking and kayaking and will be able to use equipment maintained and provided by the City. “Class will start off with a 30-minute safety session, just to make sure everyone is prepared, and then participants will get to spend the rest of the session using their new skills.” Participants should arrive just before 9 a.m. and plan to take part in Outdoor Explorer activities until 1 p.m. Classes will be held on April 19, May 24, June 21, July 19, August 23, and September 20. For more information or to pre-register, contact Reid at (936) 294-5725 or nreid@huntsvilletx.gov. Parks and Recreation - Spring program updates Outdoor Explorer to begin April 19 Also available - Water Aerobics, Zumba Starting Monday April 14, 2014 Recreation Services will once again offer weekly Water Aerobics classes. Classes will be held Monday to Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 9a.m. and Monday to Thursday from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. “This year of Water Aerobics classes is going to be a blast,” said Natalie Reid, Recreation Services Coordinator. “With new equipment and excellent routines, our sessions will offer something for new attendees and returning participants alike.” The cost is $55 per year, or attendees may purchase individual day passes for $4 each. Registration is payable at the Service Center or upon arrival at each session. Citizens are also invited to take part in the City’s Zumba Classes, held Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 pm at Huntsville Intermediate School in the fifth grade gymnasium. The cost to participate in Zumba is $2 per class. Participants also have the option to purchase a punch card with twelve classes for $20. For more information contact Reid at (936)294 -5725 or visit the City of Huntsville Web site, www.huntsvilletx.gov. City of Huntsville Recycling Guidelines Direct questions to (936) 294-5743 Curbside recycling guidelines: 1. Rinse all plastics and cans to remove residue 2. Only plastics 1-7 stamped with number and symbol 3. Flatten items to save room inside of cart 4. Keep cart five (5) feet from all other objects including vehicles 5. Carts must be placed at the curb or street’s edge no later than 6:00 a.m. on the day of collection. Carts must be removed from the street’s edge by the end of the collection day (carts cannot be stored at the street’s edge) Items that cannot be placed in the City cart: Garbage, food waste, yard waste, shredded paper, glass/oil/filters, batteries, cell phones, electronics, Styrofoam or aluminum foil. Recycling Drop-Off Center Information: The Recycling Center accepts self-hauled recyclable items and is located at 590 I-45 North. The Recycling Center Attendant will be onsite to assist customers from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday - Friday. Drop-offs can still be made Monday - Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and holiday closings are posted. Recycling Drop-off Center Guidelines: Aluminum - Soda cans, beer cans: Flattened/unflattened, place in plastic trash bags. Keep aluminum cans separate from steel cans. NO FOIL, BAKING PANS OR FOOD TRAYS. Steel Cans - Food cans, pet food cans, aerosol cans: Rinse out the can, you can leave the label on. Put the cans in plastic trash bags. Aerosol cans must be empty. Newspaper - Whatever comes inside the newspaper can be recycled. Stack and put in paper bags or cardboard boxes. Throw away plastic rain sleeves and rubber bands. Magazines - catalogs, phone books: Keep separate from newspaper. Place in brown bags or small cardboard boxes. DO NOT place in plastic bags. Paper - White or colored paper, remove paper clips, rubber bands and staples if possible. Put in small boxes or paper stacks. Glass - Clear or brown only: Throw away lids, rinse out. You can leave the label on. Place clear glass and brown glass in separate containers. NO window panes, light bulbs or dishware. Cardboard - Toilet/paper towel cores, food boxes, medicine boxes, shoe boxes, shipping/moving boxes, sugar bags, dog/cat food bags, paper bags. NO packing materials, plastic liners or foam. Plastics - Numbered 1-7: Recycling symbol and number are required. Milk Jugs and Water Jugs - Throw away cap/lid. Rinse with warm water and try to flatten. Place these items in plastic trash bags by themselves. Keep these jugs separate from soda bottles or colored plastic. Other #1 and #2 Plastic Containers - Examples of other recyclable containers: syrup bottles #3, snap-on coffee lids #4, cottage cheese containers #5, yogurt containers #6, and ketchup bottles #7 Plastic bags - Must have recycling symbol visible on the bag. These can be some grocery bags, shopping bags, dry cleaning bags, etc. Place all plastic bags into one and tie shut. No plastic wrap, shrink wrap or bubble wrap. No Styrofoam, even if it has a recycling number and symbol on item. Drop-off Center Also Accepts: Used motor oil, oil filters, cooking oil and antifreeze. Visit www.huntsvilletx.gov for Area curbside recycling schedules and more recycling information. Yard Waste Specifics Collection Service: 1st, 3rd and 5th Wednesday of each month - No call-in required! Yard waste is classified as leaves, grass, pine needles, yard clippings and small brush, items referred to as “green waste.” The total number of bagged, canned or bundled yard waste is limited to twelve (12) per household per collection day. All yard waste materials must be placed within two (2) feet of street’s edge no later than 6:00 a.m. on the morning of the scheduled pick-up. Yard waste such as leaves, grass, pine needles or small clippings must be: (1) Bagged (bags not to exceed 30 gallons) or placed in personal garbage; (2) Cannot exceed 50 pounds each; (3) City-issued garbage and recycling carts cannot be filled with yard waste. Tree limbs and brush must be: (1) No longer than four (4) feet in length; (2) Limbs no larger than four (4) inches in diameter; (3) Must be tied securely in bundles which cannot exceed two (2) feet in diameter and can’t exceed 50 pounds each. The following items and locations DO NOT qualify for Yard Waste pick-up: (1) Household garbage of any kind; (2) Anything other than green waste: NO flower pots, fertilizer, mulch, bags, dirt, potting soil, sand, rock, gravel, etc. (3) Commercial businesses or commercially generated yard waste. Bring your City utility bill showing that you pay for garbage service and dispose of your yard waste at the City Transfer Station free of charge. This excludes commercial customers, yard waste contractors and any lawn service providers. The customer must be present with their current City garbage bill at the time of disposal. The yard trimmings must not be bagged. For more information on yard waste trimming collection services, contact the Solid Waste Services Division at (936) 294-5743. E-Waste Recycling event - April 8 Deanna Tyler, Tourism Department Administrative Assistant, has established a new outreach method for the Tourism & Cultural Services Department. Her blog, “Where a Warm Welcome Awaits,” has garnered nearly 100 views since its creation three weeks ago, and Tyler plans to grow the effort by integrating guest bloggers. “We started this blog as a way to keep people connected,” she said. “Our intention is to use the blog to let everyone know what’s going on at the Statue, preview special events or show captivating photos. “Residents or guests can subscribe to get emailed any time we update the blog, or if they already have a WordPress account, they can follow our blog.” Tyler said the staff plans to work with guest writers to provide a range of perspectives on the blog. “We’re hoping to work with one guest blogger who discusses statues and their history, but we’re always open to having additional voices,” she said. “If anyone likes to blog or wants to guest blog, we will meet with them and see what they have to offer.” The blog may be accessed at www.whereawarmwelcomeawaits.wordpress .com. For more information, contact Tyler at (936) 291-9726 or by email at dtyler@huntsvilletx.gov. Check out the new Tourism blog! Citizens are encouraged to take advantage of the Adult Literacy Program offered at the Huntsville Public Library According to Mary Kokot, Literacy Program supervisor, the program offers programs to benefit citizens at various education levels. “We have a variety of programming for our residents who are interested in sharpening their literacy skills,” she said. “Our Adult Basic Education (ABE) program offers one-on- one tutorials which cover the fundamentals of reading, writing, and numeracy. The curriculum is designed to equip new readers with the skills to handle most literacy related tasks. “We also offer English As A Second Language (ESL), one-on -one and small group sessions that cover the fundamentals of English conversation, reading, writing, and comprehension. We’ll also start our Beginning Spanish classes, held in small groups, this fall.” Kokot said the Literacy Program is always looking for volunteer tutors who are at least 18 years old and can devote a minimum of two hours per week to their students. Tutors do not need to speak a foreign language. Citizenship Preparation Course – “Path to Citizenship” The Huntsville Public Library in conjunction with the Sam Houston State University Center for Law, Engagement, and Politics (LEAP) will present a free five week Citizenship Preparation Course throughout the month of April. Classes will be held each Tuesday from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the Library Community Room. The course is designed to prepare immigrants for the U. S. Naturalization Test and will cover the application process, oral interview, and exam. All materials will be provided. The classes are taught by Mike Yawn, Political Science Professor at SHSU. Space is limited and registration is required, so sign up at the library early. For more information, questions, or to register for the class, please contact Mary Kokot, at 936-291-5912 or at mkokot@huntsvilletx.gov, or contact Mike Yawn at 936- 294-1456. Visit the Huntsville Public Library Web site for additional information at www.myhuntsvillelibrary.com. Huntsville Public Library offers Literacy, Citizenship programs The City of Huntsville Solid Waste and Recycling Services is hosting the 7th Annual Electronics Recycling Day on Saturday, April 5, 2014 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon at the City’s Disposal and Recycling Facility. According to Esther Herklotz, Solid Waste and Recycling Superintendent, Technocycle of Houston has graciously sponsored the last four events and provided the staff, trucks and packing supplies to haul the electronics. “Recycling events could cost from $4,000 to $10,000 without Technocyle’s continued support,” Herklotz said. “Volunteers from the Walker County Sheriff’s Office, Walker County Community Supervision and Corrections, the Walker County Master Gardeners, Try 2 Recycle and City of Huntsville Disposal and Recycling staff assist during this one day event.” Items accepted include laptops, notebooks, printers, scanners, copiers, projectors, plasma/LCD/LED screens, computer accessories, stereos, radios, cellphones, pagers, cameras, palm pilots, PDAs, rechargeable batteries and vehicle batteries. After the event, Technocycle provides a report with the number of pallets and weights of materials collected and recycled. Try 2 Recycle also provides a report of the number of vehicle batteries collected and recycled. “In 2013, 180 vehicles dropped off electronics with 9.58 tons collected by the end of the event,” Herklotz said. “The purpose for Electronics Recycling is to divert recyclable electronics from the waste stream and avoid landfilling items which can be recycled and remanufactured into other products.” The Recycling Center is located at 448 State Highway 75 North. For more information, contact Herklotz at (936) 294-5724.