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2013/09/10 City news, features and updates September 10, 2013 Th i s W e e k i n H u n t s v i l l e The Huntsville Police Department’s School Resource Of- ficer program will continue to serve several Huntsville Independent School District campuses this school year. As well, with the approval of additional funding in the district’s 2013-14 budget, law enforcement personnel from other entities will have the opportunity to step in as well. According to HISD Superintendent Dr. Steve Johnson, the Board of Trustees approved an allocation of $140,000 to support the cost of currently employed law enforcement personnel, from any local department, to spend days they are off-duty at any HISD campus that does not have a permanent SRO. The program – developed through a joint effort between HISD and the City of Huntsville – will allow not only HPD officers, but also law enforcement personnel from the Walker County Sheriff’s Department, the Sam Houston State University Police Department and the Department of Public Safety, to provide more comprehensive cover- age to all HISD schools. “With the existing SRO program, we had enough officers to cover Huntsville High School, Mance Park Middle School, and Huntsville Intermediate School, and we had an officer that floated between several of our elementary schools,” Johnson said. “That left us about four positions short of having SRO presence at all HISD campuses. After exploring a variety of options to address that point, the district and the City developed a system to allow off-duty officers to cover schools without a permanent SRO on a day-to-day basis, and so far that’s working out very well. “We’re very excited the City came forth and was willing to assist us with forming this plan – we feel it is economical- ly feasible and will be of great benefit to our schools and our children.” Johnson said he sees many potential benefits to the new approach, including shorter response times, the deter- rence of crime, and the development of positive relation- ships between the part-time officers, students and teach- ers. “The primary focus was to have the presence of an SRO and increased security at each campus. As well, with an officer at each location, response times will be significant- ly reduced,” he said. “What we hope to see are the same officers providing coverage at a certain campus every Monday or every Tuesday, for example, which will create some continuity and allow those part-time SROs to create bonds with students just like the full-time officers.” HPD Chief Kevin Lunsford said the department is proud and excited to serve the community through the SRO pro- gram. “We are very grateful that the long-standing relationship between the Huntsville Police Department and HISD has led to a way to provide even more protection to our city’s students and teachers,” he said. “We look forward to working not only with HISD but with other local law en- forcement agencies to make this program a success.” The current full-time School Resource Officers include Officers Everett Harrell, John Thompson, Stacy Smith and Zach Duer, as well as Corporal Lane Hurst. The unit is supervised by Sgt. Mike Legerski and Lt. Jim Barnes. At this time, Officers Harrell and Thompson are assigned to Huntsville High School, Officer Stacy Smith offices at Sam Houston Elementary and addresses calls at Gibbs and Huntsville Elementary, Officer Zach Duer works at Mance Park Middle School and Corporal Lane Hurst main- tains an office at Huntsville Intermediate and addresses calls at Scott Johnson Elementary and Stewart Elemen- tary. “While the officers in the SRO program do have other du- ties, their primary focus during school hours is the protec- tion of HISD students and property,” Legerski said. “Our mission is to develop and harbor safe schools that allow students to learn and teachers to teach in a safe environ- ment, and also for us to teach students about law enforce- ment and help them to become productive members of society.” Each of the SROs is responsible for educational programs and enforcement at their respective campuses, in addition to any criminal calls and transportation-related needs. “Some of the programs we put on are related to substance abuse, general safety, anti-bullying and law enforcement,” Legerski said. “Officers Harrell and Duer attend an annual conference pertaining to gang activity, so they’re able to educate teachers and students about gang-related topics. The SROs are considered faculty members, and that sta- tus comes with rights and privileges that regular officers don’t have when it comes to dealing with students, such as access to information, student lockers and vehicles and the enforcement of school rules. “Overall, I think the teachers and administrators feel safer with an officer on site, and I believe many of the students come to trust and respect the officers, as well.” According to Officer Harrell, while the primary focus of an SRO is to deter criminal activity, the relationships formed between students and the officers on campus can also be very beneficial. “What we do most is probably mentoring and addressing questions or concerns the students have about law en- forcement,” he said. “We want the students to know we’re there to enforce the law, but there’s also a lot of communi- cation that goes into what we do, and I think most of the kids appreciate that.” HPD School Resource Officers John Thompson and Everett Harrell make a presentation to a Huntsville High School Criminal Justice Law Enforcement II class . School Resource Officers to reach more local students HPD, HISD partner to increase law enforcement presence in Huntsville schools Come celebrate the Come celebrate the Come celebrate the Come celebrate the Sam Houston Statue’s Sam Houston Statue’s Sam Houston Statue’s Sam Houston Statue’s 19th Birthday on 19th Birthday on 19th Birthday on 19th Birthday on Tuesday, October 22!Tuesday, October 22!Tuesday, October 22!Tuesday, October 22! Photos of the Week: Sam Houston Statue Photo Contest still open! Contact Kimm Thomas, Director of Tourism and Cultural Services, at (936) 291-5932 to learn more. Details related to the Statue’s 19th Birthday celebration will be released as soon as possible. Visit www.facebook.com/SamHoustonStatueTX to enter your favorite photo of the Sam Houston Statue! Visit www.facebook.com/SamHoustonStatueTX to enter your favorite photo of the Sam Houston Statue! Visit www.facebook.com/SamHoustonStatueTX to enter your favorite photo of the Sam Houston Statue! Visit www.facebook.com/SamHoustonStatueTX to enter your favorite photo of the Sam Houston Statue! Categories include “Favorite Photo, “Most Creative Photo,” and “Oldest Photo,” and winners will be determined by Facebook votes. The City of Huntsville Community and Economic Development Department is taking steps toward establishing a Historic Preservation ordinance, and over the next several months will be seeking the input of citizens, the Planning and Zoning Com- mission and the City Council. According to Aron Kulhavy, Director of Community and Econom- ic Development, the purpose of the ordinance is to protect and enhance the landmarks and districts which represent distinc- tive elements of Huntsville’s historic, architectural, and cultural heritage. “Earlier this year, staff was directed by City council to look into the creation of a historic preservation ordinance,” Kulhavy said. “Staff from our office and the Main Street office worked togeth- er to create an initial draft, and the resulting document is cur- rently going through the process of being considered by the Planning and Zoning Commission and the City Council. “The Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a public hear- ing on the topic at 5:30 p.m. on September 19, and the City Council will hold an additional hearing and conduct a first read- ing of the ordinance on October 1. If there are no major chang- es, final consideration of the ordinance is scheduled for Octo- ber 15.” Kulhavy noted a multitude of other Texas cities who had estab- lished their own historic preservation practices, including Nacogdoches, Galveston, Grapevine, Dallas, Austin, Waco, Granbury, Bryan, Bastrop, Round Rock, College Station, Tyler and Fredericksburg. “In general terms, a historic preservation ordinance provides mechanisms for the protection of historic properties, for methods of appeal and variance for property owners, and for the designation of such properties,” he said. “To assist with oversight of these requirements, the ordinance will outline the process of establishing a Preservation Commission, a City -appointed board that will integrate staff assistance and guid- ance from a historic preservation officer.” While the ordinance does require that historic buildings be preserved in a safe nature, Kulhavy said there can be miscon- ceptions about what the ordinance does and does not man- date. “The ordinance doesn’t require that any structures that fall under the guidelines be open for tours, and it does not place restrictions on use of property, or on someone selling their property,” he said. “Furthermore, does not deal with the inte- rior of the structure at all, and it doesn’t prohibit new con- struction or development within a historic district.” Kulhavy said business owners and citizens are encouraged to bring comments and feedback to either the Planning and Zoning Commission meeting or to the two City Council meet- ings where the ordinance will be discussed. Those who cannot attend the meetings are also welcome to contact Kulhavy or Planner Rose Kader directly, at either (936) 294-5793 or (936) 294-5782, or by email at akulhavy@huntsvilletx.gov or rkader@huntsvilletx.gov. Historic Preservation ordinance in the works Citizens encouraged to participate through P&Z, City Council public hearings The 2013 Hurricane Season will continue through November, and all residents are encouraged to review their emergency prepared- ness, family and household preparation and other safety measures. According to John Waldo, City of Huntsville Emergency Manage- ment Coordinator, many of the efforts made to prepare for hurri- cane season can be applied to a host of other hazards and natu- ral disasters, and there is ample information available to resi- dents who choose to prepare. “Hurricane season takes place from June through November, and you need to be prepared,” Waldo said. “Knowing the steps to take during a disaster – whether that disaster is flooding, tornadoes or hurricanes – can greatly reduce the danger and distress your fam- ily may face. “Residents have a lot to consider during storm season – having money set aside, maintaining food and water storage, keeping the car full of fuel, having an escape plan, knowing what to do with elderly family members and taking care of pets. “Above all, having a plan is one of the most important steps you can take in disaster preparedness. Knowing what to do and how to do it can help your family manage disasters with less worry, Hurricane Season: Tips for elderly family members Expert in Every Office Title:Title:Title:Title: Environmental Services Superintendent Time employed with City of Huntsville:Time employed with City of Huntsville:Time employed with City of Huntsville:Time employed with City of Huntsville: 10 Years Education: Education: Education: Education: Stephen F. Austin State University, Nacogdoches, TX - Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science, December 2000 Job description: Job description: Job description: Job description: The Environmental Services Superintendent creates and implements all strategies, policies, procedures and best practic- es needed to support the optimal performance of the Parker Creek Laboratory, a Texs Commission on Environmental Quality certified Wastewater Laboratory and a NELAP accredited Drinking Water La- boratory. The superintendent is also the Pretreatment Coordinator and is responsible for modifications, implementing and enforcing the EPA Approved Pretreatment Program to Industrial Users that discharge to the City of Huntsville’s collection system. In an effort to ensure compliance with the TCEQ and the Environmental Protection Agency, the Superintendent sees that the facility is generating accu- rate and reliable data and that all required records are maintained in a satisfactory manner. Certifications/Memberships/Activities:Certifications/Memberships/Activities:Certifications/Memberships/Activities:Certifications/Memberships/Activities: Certified Laboratory Analyst, Level C from the Texas Water Utilities Association (TWUA) Laboratory Analysts’ Section; TCEQ Level C Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Memberships:Memberships:Memberships:Memberships: Texas Water Utilities Association Green Forest District - Past Vice President, current Treasurer; Texas Municipal Utilities Association; World Environment Federation; American Public Works Asso- ciation; American Water Works Association: Texas Section Unique contribution to City of Huntsville:Unique contribution to City of Huntsville:Unique contribution to City of Huntsville:Unique contribution to City of Huntsville: “The City of Huntsville Parker Creek Drinking Water Laborato- ry has been certified by the TCEQ since 1986. In 2007, we began our pursuit of National Environmental Laboratory Ac- creditation Program (NELAP) accreditation in order to better serve the citizens of Huntsville. We developed the required ‘Quality Program,’ submitted the application for accreditation and successfully completed our program audit. We became a NELAP accredited laboratory in July 2008. Since then, we have successfully completed three audits and remain in good standing as a NELAP Recognized Laboratory, and the COH Parker Creek Drinking Water Laboratory is one of only 35 mu- nicipal NELAP accredited Drinking Water Labs in Texas.” Colleague perspective: Matt Matthews, Atkins environmentalColleague perspective: Matt Matthews, Atkins environmentalColleague perspective: Matt Matthews, Atkins environmentalColleague perspective: Matt Matthews, Atkins environmental “We schedule monitoring with three sites for the City of Huntsville, and every time I’ve had to schedule a visit or make any changes, it’s been no problem. Kim is very accessible and she’s been nothing but helpful as far as getting things done.” Kimberly Kembro (936) 294-5735 Offices at the City of Huntsville Service Center fear and uncertainty. Citizens should make sure their own prepa- rations for hurricane season are complete.” Preparations for elderly family membersPreparations for elderly family membersPreparations for elderly family membersPreparations for elderly family members According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, there are commonsense measures senior citizens can take to start preparing for emergencies before they happen. Create a network of neighbors, relatives, friends and co-workers to aid you in an emergency. Discuss your needs and make sure everyone knows how to operate necessary equipment. If appropriate, discuss your needs with your employer. Seniors should keep specialized items ready, including extra wheelchair batteries, oxygen, catheters, medication, food for service animals and any other items you might need. Keep a list of the type and model numbers of the medical devices you re- quire. Be sure to make provisions for medications that require refrigeration. Make arrangements for any assistance to get to a shelter. For more information, visit www.fema.gov, www.ready.gov/seniors or contact Waldo at (936) 291-5945. Remember: National Night Out will be held on October 1! Check www.huntsvilletx.gov for more information. Where’s Waldo? The City’s Emergency Management Coordinator, John Waldo, is pictured to the left at a Huntsville facility - can you guess where? The first citizen to call (936) 291-5413 and tell us where Waldo is pictured will get the chance to suggest the loca- tion of the next Where’s Waldo? photo shoot. We’ll give you a hint: Waldo was green with envy after seeing this City facility. Last issue, Waldo was sitting among dozens of Boys and Girls Club participants on their first day of school. Please visit www.huntsvilletx.gov www.huntsvilletx.gov www.huntsvilletx.gov www.huntsvilletx.gov and www.co.walker.tx.us www.co.walker.tx.us www.co.walker.tx.us www.co.walker.tx.us for more election information. Following approval from the City Council in August, the City of Huntsville Streets Department will install speed cushions in the 2200 to 2400 blocks of Avenue S over the next few months. According to Aron Kulhavy, Director of Community and Economic Development, the traffic calming devices are being installed after several attempts to control vehicle speed on the roadway. “Back in 2010, the City received a petition from Avenue S residents with concerns about speeding on the street,” Kulhavy said. “At that point, staff conducted traffic counts in 2010 along Avenue S to de- termine the volume and speeds of vehicles in the area. “Upon review of the counts, it was determined that there was a speeding issue on the street with the 85th percentile of drivers trav- eling in the 35-39 miles per hour range, which is significantly higher than the posted speed limit of 30 miles per hour.” At that time, Kulhavy said the City installed “Strictly Enforced” signs below the existing speed limit signs, as well as a flashing speed indicator sign, in conjunction with heightened enforcement. The Streets Department also planned to evaluate the speed issue again after a reasonable time lapse, which they did in 2011. “Upon further evaluation in 2011, it was determined that there was still a speeding issue on Avenue S,” he said. “At that time, staff pre- sented a petition form to the property owners on Avenue S, re- questing 75 percent of the property owners in the 2200 to 2400 blocks to sign the petition in order to present it to Council for con- sideration of the speed cushions. “The petition was returned to staff in November 2012 with 61 percent of the property owners signing in favor of the request.” Before being able to install the speed cushions without unneces- sary additional costs, several ongoing projects – including the replacement and rerouting of a sanitary sewer line along Avenue S as well as significant street repair – had to be completed. With the completion of both projects, staff received final approval to begin the installation of the speed cushions on August 6. “These speed control devices will include multiple mats across the street that do not actually cover the full width of the street like a speed bump or a speed table,” Kulhavy said. “This type of cushion has been proven to effectively slow down vehicles while allowing for easy emergency vehicle access – that is why they were chosen. “We anticipate installation will be completed by the end of 2013.” City to install traffic calming devices on Avenue S NOVEMBER 5, 2013 REGULAR AND SPECIAL ELECTION POLLING PLACES Precinct:Precinct:Precinct:Precinct: Location:Location:Location:Location: 101/102 101/102 101/102 101/102 Walker County Annex – 1301 Sam Houston Ave. Ste. 101, Huntsville, TX 77340 103103103103 Cook Springs Baptist Church – 1936-A State Highway 75 North, Huntsville, TX 77320 104 104 104 104 Northside Baptist Church – 1207 FM 980, Huntsville, TX 77320 201201201201 Walker County Storm Shelter/Veterans Complex – 445 SH 75 North, Huntsville, TX 77320 203/204 203/204 203/204 203/204 Walker County Fairgrounds – 3925 State Highway 30 West, Huntsville, TX 77320 205205205205 Elkins Lake Conference Center – 634 Cherry Hills Drive, Huntsville, TX 77340 206206206206 Huntsville Fire Station #1 – 1987 Veterans Memorial Pkwy, Huntsville, TX 77340 301301301301 Huntsville ISD Transportation Building – 95 Martin Luther King, Huntsville, TX 77320 302/303 302/303 302/303 302/303 Calvary Baptist Church – 1135 US Highway 190, Huntsville, TX77320 304/305 304/305 304/305 304/305 Riverside United Methodist Church – 2341 FM 980, Huntsville, TX 77320 401 401 401 401 University Heights Baptist Church – 2400 Sycamore Avenue, Huntsville, TX 77340 402/403 402/403 402/403 402/403 Phelps First Methodist Church – 13 Dorrell Road off FM 2296 (at Watson Lake Road), Huntsville, TX 77340 404404404404 New Waverly First Baptist Church – 460 Fisher Street (at corner of Hardy), New Waverly, TX 77358 With the 2012-13 fiscal year drawing to a close, the City of Hunts- ville has completed the vast majority of the FY 2013-14 budget. On September 5, the City Council Finance Committee met to settle several changes to the fee schedule for the coming fiscal year. As well, the committee voted to support a budget amendment for an additional $75,000 allocation for repairs to Fire Station #2 follow- ing water damage earlier this year. “At this point, the budget is 95 percent complete, and we have a little bit more work to do [during the Council meeting on] Septem- ber 17,” City Manager Matt Benoit said. “During the September 3 meeting, the Council approved 29 decision packages, totaling ap- proximately $7 million, and they will be presented with a few more decisions at their next meeting before passing the final budget if they so choose. That night, if Council accepts the budget, they will pass two ordinances - one to pass the budget and a second to pass the accompanying tax rate.” According to the City Charter, the Council has until September 27 to make a final decision on the budget document. As stated in Section 11.05, “Should the Council take no action on or prior to such day, the budget, as submitted, shall be deemed to have been finally adopted by Council.” Fee schedule changesFee schedule changesFee schedule changesFee schedule changes At the September 5 meeting of the Finance Committee, several Directors and staff members made brief presentations pertaining to changes and adjustments in the fee schedule, a component of the annual budget document. Mike Roempke, City Building Official, discussed collecting a plan review fee upon submission of plans (for projects exceeding $250,000), a backflow tester fee and a $25 itinerant restaurant permit fee. As well, the fee for vendor/peddler permits was increased to $50 for 12 months in one location to $50 each 90 days for one location. Roempke indicated the increased cost would cover the administra- tive costs associated with approving the sites and issuing the per- mits. One change, a fee for temporary sign permits placed in City rights-of -way by non-profit groups, was altered by the committee to be ap- plied only in the event of an agency failing to remove its signs after an agreed upon period. “Instead of charging $25 at the beginning of the process, I think it would be better if we allow non-profits and volunteers to attain a sign permit for nothing, with a clear understanding that if their signs are not taken up after a certain period, then a $25 fine is as- sessed,” Mayor Pro Tem Don Johnson said. Regarding the City’s utility funds – Water, Wastewater and Solid Waste – Ritter said the only fee increase would be applied as part of a 20-year rate study in the water fund. With respect to the Recreation Services division, Parks Superinten- dent Joseph Wiggs said the only change to the fee schedule was a slight increase for water aerobics sessions from $50 to $55. Wiggs said each session includes as many as 50 class meetings. Wiggs also stated that lap swimming fees – which were already being charged – would be officially added to the schedule. The Huntsville Public Library adjusted rates related to interlibrary loans and the use of audio-visual equipment in the Community Room and Board Room. According to Linda Dodson, City Librarian, a $3 per item fee was added for interlibrary loan items not picked up by their due date. “As a complimentary service for our patrons, we borrow materi- als from other libraries that we don’t have at our location, and we usually end up paying for postage during that process,” she said. “We’re hoping this fee will act as a deterrent for customers who place interlibrary orders but never pick them up after they have arrived.” While the use of the Community Room and Board Room is free to non-profit organizations, Dodson said the application of a $20 rental fee for AV equipment would help offset the cost of replac- ing projector bulbs – which range from $200 to $300 each - as well as microphone batteries. Finally, Huntsville Police Department Chief Kevin Lunsford ad- dressed changes to public safety fees, namely related to alarm fees for residential and commercial users, as defined in City Or- dinance 2013-18. The new fee schedule includes rates for residential and commer- cial false alarms, initial permit fees, reinstatement fees and ap- peal fees. Lunsford verified that the department had lowered the cost for residential fees to $10, compared to the commercial rate of $30, due to more extensive response requirements for business alarms. The committee also addressed the inclusion of a $50 registra- tion fee for dogs deemed as dangerous by the animal control authority as set out in City Ordinance 2013-20. For more information on the City budget or any other financial documents, visit www.huntsvilletx.gov, scroll over “Departments,” and select “Finance.” City Council, Finance Committee take final steps to complete FY 13-14 budget Budget document near completion Fire Department continues Station #2 repairs During the September 5 Finance Committee meeting, the members moved to support a budget amendment allocating $75,000 to the continued improvement of Fire Station #2 fol- lowing water damage earlier this year. According to Fire Chief Tom Grisham, the funding will be used to get firefighters back into the station and bring the building up to all fire, energy and building code requirements. “We are on the road to recovery after a drainage leak into the building earlier this year,” Grisham said. “From our worst point, when we had as much as three inches of water in parts of the station, we have worked with the City to build a better wall around the station which will divert water around it. “Having taken care of all of the problems, we are now able to get the station back to its original state, and our priority will be getting the building up to code and allowing our firefighters to work from a downtown location to effectively lower response times.” Grisham said several modifications had to be made in order to meet various code requirements. “To meet the energy code, we had to change all the lighting in the station and add thermal insulation,” he said. “We also had to put in a fire sprinkler system and a fire alarm system, and we had to hire a master plumber, a master electrician and other experts to complete and certify the work. “A significant portion of the other work, like sheet rock, paint- ing and other maintenance, we’ll probably do ourselves in or- der to save some money.”