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May 2014 City Connection CITY CONNECTION Volume 10, Issue 8 May 2014 Calendar May 2014 1 - Planning & Zoning Commission - City Hall at 12 p.m. 6 - City Council Meeting at 6:00 p.m. 7 - Yard Waste Trimming Collection 14 - Heavy Trash & Large Yard Waste 15 - Planning & Zoning Commission - City Hall at 5:30 p.m. 20 - City Council Meeting at 6:00 p.m. 21 - Yard Waste Trimming Collection 28 - Heavy Trash & Large Yard Waste June 2014 3 - City Council Meeting at 6:00 p.m. 4 - Yard Waste Trimming Collection 5 - Planning & Zoning Commission - City Hall at 12 p.m. 11 - Heavy Trash & Large Yard Waste 17 - City Council Meeting at 6:00 p.m. 18 - Yard Waste Trimming Collection 19 - Planning & Zoning Commission - City Hall at 5:30 p.m. 25- Heavy Trash & Large Yard Waste 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! Ten local youth to compete in “Pitch, Hit, Run” sectional competition After the highly competitive first round of the “Pitch, Hit and Run” competition on April 12, ten local kids will advance to the sectional-level event to represent Huntsville. The Pitch, Hit and Run Competition - 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 – will continue in Conroe, Texas on May 10. According to Natalie Reid, male and female participants in four age divisions – 7 to 8, 9 to 10, 11 to 12 and 13 to 14 years of age – competed in three different categories on April 12 for the chance to advance. The ten players to continue on are Rylie Hammond, Lily Simmons, Van Brady, Blake Castleberry, Graham Smith, Robert Moore, Cody Mclerran, Ridley Brady, Carson Fuller, and Brian Parker, Jr. “We had a great time Saturday –we had a great group of participants, and both our competitors and their families had a blast,” she said. “From the group that participated in the initial competition, 10 local kids will have the chance to compete in progressively larger events, and maybe even play in Minute Maid Park!” For more information about the Pitch, Hit, and Run competition, go to www.facebook.com/pitchhitrun. Budget season in progress - Workshops to be posted soon Hurricane season is just around the corner, and the City of Huntsville is working to make sure residents have all the information they need to prepare their families, homes and pets for the potential severe weather ahead. According to John Waldo, Emergency Management Coordinator, a critical source for weather preparedness is the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) page, part of the Texas Department of Public Safety Web site. “The Texas Division of Emergency Management provides extremely valuable information for families who are in the process of preparing for severe weather,” Waldo said. “From their Web page, http:// www.txdps.state.tx.us/dem/, all visitors have to do is click on the ‘Public Information & Education’ link, and they’ll be taken to all the preparedness tips, supply kit checklists and safety information they’ll need to get through Hurricane Season.” The TDEM Web site includes awareness information on wildfires, severe weather, flood safety, hurricane and post -storm preparedness, lighting safety and more. On the Hurricane Preparedness page, readers will find information for evacuation planning, storm watch and warning articles, and post- storm information concerning power outages, debris removal and applications for financial assistance. “Since Hurricane Season officially begins on June 1, I would recommend using the month of May to ready through the preparedness documents and gather the supplies you need in advance,” Waldo said. “Many of the items which are recommended for an emergency supply kit are either already in your home or can be purchased inexpensively. “If an evacuation order is issued, it’s always a huge weight off of your family’s shoulders to have these kits ready to go.” Check future issues of the City Connection for specific preparation tips. NOAA weather radio and batteries Flashlight and batteries Extra eyeglasses Bottled water Non-perishable food Dry clothes Bedding Medications and copies of prescriptions Special products for babies, elderly and medically fragile family members Cash Credit cards, Photo IDs, Important documents and records Proof of residence Emergency Supply Kit Checklist Hurricane Season begins June 1 - Start preparing today! The City of Huntsville has officially started the fiscal year 2014-15 budget process, and the next few months will bring critical benchmarks on the path to completing the document. According to Steve Ritter, Director of Finance, City departments have been working on their individual budgets since early April and are expected to supply expenditure and revenue estimates, as well as departmental goals, measures and accomplishments, to his staff by the end of May. Once Finance has compiled departmental submissions, a draft budget report will be submitted to City Manager Matt Benoit on or around May 30. “The ultimate goal is to have everything to the City Manager by the end of May so that he may begin the review process with each department,” Ritter said. “At this point, we anticipate holding departmental budget hearings with the City Manager and the Finance Department during the week of June 18-25. “Once those are completed, our aim is to make any necessary changes and be ready for our first budget workshop with the City Council on Tuesday, July 22.” Ritter emphasized that budget hearings – as well as any City Council meetings where the document will be discussed - are open to the public. “As always, citizens are encouraged to stay informed about every step of our budget process,” he said. “We will post budget workshop information both at City Hall and on the City’s Web site, and we would encourage attendance at any and all of those events.” As in previous years, Ritter said citizens will have the opportunity to participate in two public hearings concerning the budget and any related ordinances, and also to attend two public hearings on the property tax rate. The hearings are tentatively scheduled for September 2 and 16, the two regular City Council meeting dates prior to the beginning of fiscal year 2014-15. For more information, visit the City’s Web site at www.huntsvilletx.gov. 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 City of Huntsville Tourism Department is looking for guest bloggers to participate in some of its newest outreach methods. According to Deanna Tyler, Administrative Assistant at the Sam Houston Statue Visitors’ Center and Gift Shop, writers with a wide variety of interest areas are sought in order to provide unique and educational material. “We need guest bloggers who are willing to share stories and information with us about their favorite Huntsville restaurant, their favorite past-time activity, their favorite quiet place in Huntsville, their favorite Huntsville events, their favorite organizations, or their favorite local heroes,” she said. “Basically, we need your help promoting our city to people who may not know all that Huntsville has to offer!” As Tyler stated, guest blogs do not necessarily have to be in-depth, but do have to pass a simple review process prior to posting. “The length of the blog could be as little as four sentences or as long as 4000 words,” she said. “If you just have a few thoughts, we would also be happy to accept original photos to be posted with a blog. “Once we receive your material, we’ll review it to ensure the City’s guidelines for publication are met, and then you’ll join a blog which has been viewed hundreds of times from over six different countries!” The Tourism blog may be viewed at any time by navigating to http://whereawarmwelcomeawaits.wordpress.com/. Statue launches Trivia Wednesdays! The staff of the Sam Houston Statue Visitors’ Center and Gift Shop is excited to announce the launch of Trivia Wednesdays! Every Wednesday, staff will post a new Huntsville Trivia question on the Sam Houston Statue Visitor Center Facebook page, and the first person to respond with the correct answer will win a prize! Be sure to "Like" the Sam Houston Statue Visitor Center Facebook page to participate in Trivia Wednesdays and to also keep up with the exciting activities and events available throughout the Huntsville community! If you are interesting in being a guest blogger, please email Deanna Tyler at dtyler@huntsvilletx.gov Tourism Department initiates new outreach methods Main Street’s annual Farmers’ Market is set to kick off Saturday, May 3, and we are really looking forward to seeing our citizens come out and participate. The Farmers’ Market will be held every Saturday for the months of May, June and July from 8 a.m. to noon, and will be located on the block of University between 11th and 12th street on the south side of the Walker County Courthouse. Historically, this event has been host to many farmers, gardeners, crafters, and artisans alike. It offers a unique occasion for the community to come together to share their talents, passions and healthy produce. Since coming into my position in February, I have had a steady stream of past sellers approach me inquiring about the continuation of the Farmers’ Market. Their obvious excitement and enjoyment of this event has me equally looking forward to spending Saturday mornings working with this great group of individuals. In addition to the Farmers’ Market, the Main Street program is also planning to hold its second annual Junk-O-Palooza. The program – which we think will be just as successful as last year’s inaugural event – will be held on one Saturday in June in conjunction with our market. This event is a community yard sale of sorts where individuals can rent booth space for a minimal fee and sell their pre -loved treasures. This offers both the individuals the luxury of selling goods without using their own homes, and offers the community a gigantic combined yard sale event. We see this as a great opportunity to pick up some toys and clothes for the kids and home grown groceries for dinner all in one outdoor market! Additional details regarding Junk-O- Palooza will be provided as soon as they are available. Summer is looking sunny in Huntsville; we hope you will join in the fun! For more information on Main Street program activities, contact Lauher at (936) 291-5920. Also, don’t forget to “like” the Main Street Program Facebook page, www.facebook.com/ cohmainstreet. Lindsay Lauher, Main Street Coordinator/Historic Preservation Officer 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.