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2013/11/15 City news, features and updates November 15, 2013 Th i s W e e k i n H u n t s v i l l e Welcome, new City Council members! Andy Brauninger was born and raised in Port Arthur, Texas. He graduat- ed from Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas, with a Bachelor of Sci- ence Degree in Business Administration/Marketing. After graduation, Andy worked for Gulf States Utilities for two years before finding his life's calling in the maritime industry. During his career, he advanced with several companies and retired as the President of a major offshore mar- itime company which operated over 200 vessels worldwide. Since his retirement, Andy has gone back to work with a smaller company, serving as the President of both the holding company and the two operating companies on a part-time basis. Over the years, he has also served on several national maritime committees and safety organizations. Andy and his wife, Marlene, have been married 44 years. They chose Huntsville, Texas, as their retirement home in 1999, after having been exposed to the city as both their children attended and graduated from Sam Houston State University. Andy has served for six years as the chairman of the local chapter of the Quail Sportsman Association and is a member of the Texas State Quail Coalition Board of Governors. He is also a court-appointed special advocate (CASA) in the Huntsville area. Joe P. Rodriquez was born in Corpus Christi, Texas, but he left the coast at a very young age. His family moved to Monahans, Texas, where he was raised. After high school, Joe joined the U.S. Army in 1966 and became a field artillery officer. He served one year in Vietnam where he was awarded the Bronze Star and the Army Commendation Medal for his actions in combat. After serving in the military, Joe started a career in law enforcement which included 12 years with the Dallas Police Department and 21 years with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). After retiring from the FBI, he became the security manager for the East Texas Division of Coca-Cola Enterprises, Inc. where he was employed for seven years until he completely retired in 2010. Joe established a residence in Huntsville in 2005. He and his wife Robin live in Elkins Lake and have been married for 15 years. They have two daughters and two grandsons. “I look forward to serving the citizens of Huntsville in the capacity of City Council member. I will always try to make decisions that impact Huntsville and its citizens in a very positive manner,” said Rodriquez. Andy and his wife are members of University Heights Baptist Church where he serves as deacon, usher, and bible teacher. Andy was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army in 1972, is a supporter of the local Wounded Warriors Event, and is a member of the American Legion. "I look forward to using my experience to move Huntsville in a positive direction for the citizens of the city and to work in a professional manner with the current Mayor and Council,” said Brauninger. The results are in! Following the November 5 Regular and Special Election, the City Council welcomed two new members including Andy Brauninger, who will fill the Position 1 at-large seat, and Joe Rodriquez, who will fill the Ward 4 position. In the week s following the election, Brauninger and Rodriquez met with Charter officers and Directors to gain insight on the City Charter, Council Rules of Procedure, various elements of City protocol, staffing, departmental goals and other areas. The new members will be officially sworn in during the November 19 City Council meeting, scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. following a welcoming reception at 5:30 p.m. The public is encouraged to attend both events. Andy Brauninger - Position 1 at-large Joe Rodriquez - Ward 4 2013 Walker County 2013 Walker County 2013 Walker County 2013 Walker County Heart WalkHeart WalkHeart WalkHeart Walk 2013 Walker County 2013 Walker County 2013 Walker County 2013 Walker County Heart WalkHeart WalkHeart WalkHeart Walk TOMORROW, November 16TOMORROW, November 16TOMORROW, November 16TOMORROW, November 16 Where: SHSU Bowers Stadium When: Registration at 8:30 a.m. Walk from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Individuals, businesses and teams are encouraged to take steps against cardiovascular disease and stroke, two leading causes of death among Americans! Join CoJoin CoJoin CoJoin Co----Chairmen Mayor Mac Woodward and Chairmen Mayor Mac Woodward and Chairmen Mayor Mac Woodward and Chairmen Mayor Mac Woodward and County Judge Danny PierceCounty Judge Danny PierceCounty Judge Danny PierceCounty Judge Danny Pierce at the Heart Walk event!at the Heart Walk event!at the Heart Walk event!at the Heart Walk event! Activies planned for the entire family including Activies planned for the entire family including Activies planned for the entire family including Activies planned for the entire family including exercise groups, kids’ corner, prizes and more!exercise groups, kids’ corner, prizes and more!exercise groups, kids’ corner, prizes and more!exercise groups, kids’ corner, prizes and more! Register online: www.walkercountyheartwalk.orgRegister online: www.walkercountyheartwalk.orgRegister online: www.walkercountyheartwalk.orgRegister online: www.walkercountyheartwalk.org For more information, call (936) 291For more information, call (936) 291For more information, call (936) 291For more information, call (936) 291----4599459945994599 The Huntsville Public Library, in partnership with Texas Children’s Health Plan, is offering a free family night movie each month. According to Janelle Valera, HPL Children’s Coordinator, technical difficulties from October’s movie night have been addressed, and the staff is working to provide a fun, family friendly evening on Thursday, November 21 beginning at 5:30 p.m. “Although we got off to a bit of a rough start last month, we have addressed all of the technical kinks and are looking forward to pre- senting the community with a great movie theater-like experience in the library at no cost,” Valera said. “This month, the library will show a newly-released animated family blockbuster hit, and we will also provide popcorn and drinks. “Stop by the library to pick up your free tickets, and we’ll see you at the show!” All movies included in the library movie nights are rated PG or G. For specific titles or more information, please call the library at (936) 291-5472 or visit the library Web site at www.myhuntsvillelibrary.com. Free movie night at Huntsville Public Library As the holidays approach, the City of Huntsville would like to remind all residents of the importance of properly disposing of grease and other cooking oils. According to Mark Reed, Wastewater Superinten- dent, grease presents a major problem for the City – especially around the holidays – as it can form block- ages in sewer lines and lead to other large-scale problems. “Grease is one waste that the sewer system cannot handle, and it needs to be kept out of the system,” Reed said. “Grease and cooking oils are ‘hydrophobic,’ meaning they prefer to cling to surfac- es that are free of water. When grease is poured down the drain, it will build from the top down in the sewer line, eventually forming a blockage and re- stricting the flow of wastewater. “In addition to household and business sewer lines clogging, cooking oil and grease in the wastewater can cause sewer lift station failures, wastewater treatment plant problems, and subsequent environ- mental concerns.” As an alternative to pouring grease down the drain, Reed recommends that residential customers place grease in the trash, per the following instructions. “It is better for residential customers to put grease in the garbage instead of the drain,” he said. “Spent grease and cooking oil can be placed in a jar, coffee can, or other suitable container. “After allowing time for the substance to cool, put paper towels or some type of absorbent material in, seal the container, wrap it in newspaper, and then place it in the household trash.” Commercial customers require a grease interceptor to properly remove oil and grease, Reed said. “With your cooperation, the City of Huntsville can reduce sewer backups, lower maintenance costs, and keep the sewer system operating smoothly throughout the year,” he said. For more information, contact the City of Huntsville Service Center at (936) 294-5700. Proper disposal of grease, cooking oils - Keep away from the drain! Thoughts from City Manager Matt Benoit The Huntsville Police Department has achieved “Recognized Sta- tus” for compliance with the Texas Law Enforcement Agency Best Practices Recognition Program. The recognition, earned after over two years of intensive depart- mental effort, makes HPD one of only 87 agencies statewide to earn this honor. “I am incredibly proud of our entire department for reaching this milestone achievement – it is truly a testament to the hard work, professionalism and abilities of the men and women of the Huntsville Police Department,” Chief Kevin Lunsford said. “A spe- cial thank you is owed to Lt. Curt Landrum who has diligently worked for over two years as the program administrator to help us achieve this goal.” The Law Enforcement Recognition Program is a voluntary pro- cess where police agencies in Texas demonstrate their compli- ance with over 160 best practices. Being “Recognized” means the agency meets or exceeds all of the best practices. In the near future, the Texas Police Chief Association Foundation will make a special presentation in recognition of the depart- ment’s efforts and recognition “The Huntsville Police Department is to be commended for the commitment made to this process,” said Chief Scott D. Rubin, Chairman of the TPCAF Recognition Program Committee. “This Recognition Program is raising the bar for Law Enforcement in Texas and The Huntsville Police Department is part of it!” Landrum, who addressed over 160 areas of HPD policy and pro- cedure over more than two years, said the process involved in earning “Recognized Status” involved compiling policy manuals, procedures and ordinances pertaining to virtually every facet of the department. “Around two and a half years ago, Chief Lunsford attended a conference and heard from cities who had achieved this status,” Landrum said. “When he came back, he said this was something he wanted to look at doing, and he asked me to begin reviewing our policies to see if it was feasible. “I created a spreadsheet of all the standards they have and what we had that met those, and since we had a very comprehensive policy manual, it looked like we had around half of their stand- ards addressed at the beginning of the process. Nevertheless, the process was very intensive, and we ended up having to edit and compose a large number of policies to meet all of the qualifications.” Landrum said communication with TPCA was critical to achiev- ing “Recognized Status.” “As we encountered policies that needed to be addressed, we were able to work directly with TPCA through phone calls and their extensive Web site,” he said. “If we hit an area we were unsure about, we were able to reference existing policies that met their requirements and make those new concepts fit into what would meet our standards. “Some were very simple, some were extravagant, and some were just easier because of good timing. We just happened to have revamped our evidence section and spent time on inven- tory and inspections right before this process started, so all we had to do was document work we had just completed.” Admittedly, the process was not completely seamless, as the integration of the City Marshall into the police department was carried out during the recognition process. “The City Marshall was operating out of Municipal Court when we began this process, so we were able to refer to their poli- cies for all sections pertaining to his office,” Landrum said. “However, when that position was absorbed back into the po- lice department in 2013, we had to go back and make sure all those areas were covered.” Overall, Landrum said the entire department handled the pro- cess with professionalism and offered their support as neces- sary. “This accomplishment was truly a team effort,” he said. “I’m so pleased that we received ‘Recognized Status,’ and I know we couldn’t have done this without all of our supervisors and staff pitching in and making sure their responsibilities were ad- dressed. “Even if we hadn’t achieved this recognition, the process alone would still have made us a more comprehensive and advanced department. Learning what other departments are doing, as well as familiarizing our staff with accepted TPCA standards, has absolutely improved our department.” HPD achieves “Recognized Status” in state-level Best Practices program Whenever we as a City have an opportunity to be compared to other cities, I see that as a great chance to illustrate just how hard our staff is working. It keeps us accountable and it lets our citizens know, over and over again, that they really are getting the most dedicated service we can provide. Completing the Texas Law Enforcement Agency Best Practices Recognition Program takes that principle even further, by not only comparing the Huntsville Police Department to other cities that have been recognized, but allowing the department to be examined by the Texas Police Chiefs Association. Reaching “Recognized Status” has given our police department more than just bragging rights – even though, as part of a group of only 87 law enforcement agencies in Texas, I’d say they’ve earned them. What this process has shown is that our department is performing at a level equally as commendable as their counterparts in the Houston area, Amarillo, Irving, Nacogdoches, Texas City, Humble and many others. This shows that we’re not resting on our laurels, but that we are constantly seeking out newer, better methods of delivering public safety to our citizens, methods that are in line with the most advanced agencies statewide. Please join me in commending the entire staff of the Huntsville Police Department for this significant achievement. The Good Shepherd Mission is seeking help from all citizens to build up available items in their food pantry before the Thanksgiving holiday. According to Dave Smith, Executive Director, the pantry levels are lower than usual, and specific items are necessary in order to provide meals to hundreds of local families in need. “In preparation for the Thanksgiving and Christ- mas holidays, we need all kind of soups, canned vegetables, rice and beans, and any other non- perishable food items,” Smith said. “Over six hun- dred frozen turkeys are being donated through the Mission Food Bank so local families can share with their neighbors and family on Thanksgiving Day, and we need your help to make those meals complete. “At the mission this year, we have given out more than eighty-five tons of groceries and we have served over eighteen thousand and five hundred meals. Please help us to continue to serve fami- lies in need in Walker County.” The Good Shepherd Mission also works with Wes- ley Memorial United Methodist Church each year to collect toys for the Santa’s Helpers program, benefitting 350 local families with 485 - 515 chil- dren. Santa’s Helpers is held every year on the second Saturday in December - this year it will be held on December 14th. “We need donated toys for children, from infants to teens,” Smith said. “For a list or gift ideas, please contact the mission. We need to receive all donations by no later than December 10.” Coat and blanket drives will also be conducted throughout the holiday season. The Good Shepherd Mission is located at 1005 Avenue F (MLK Blvd), and can be reached by phone at (936) 291-8156. For more information, log on to walkercountyonline.com/org/mission, or send an email to gsmission@suddenlink.net. THANKSGIVING HOLIDAYSTHANKSGIVING HOLIDAYSTHANKSGIVING HOLIDAYSTHANKSGIVING HOLIDAYS SERVICE CHANGESSERVICE CHANGESSERVICE CHANGESSERVICE CHANGES Thursday, November 28, 2013Thursday, November 28, 2013Thursday, November 28, 2013Thursday, November 28, 2013 CLOSEDCLOSEDCLOSEDCLOSED Residential Recycling Collection will be picked up on the following Thursday, 12/5/13; Extra recycling on side of blue cart will be picked up. Commercial Garbage Collection scheduled for Thursday, 11/28/13 will be picked up on Wednesday, 11/27/13 or Friday, 11/29/13 Friday, November 29, 2013Friday, November 29, 2013Friday, November 29, 2013Friday, November 29, 2013 CLOSEDCLOSEDCLOSEDCLOSED Residential Recycling Collection will be picked up on the following Friday, 12/6/13; Extra recycling on side of blue carts will be picked up. Commercial Garbage Collection will run regular scheduled routes. Solid Waste/Recycling holiday closures: Residential and commercial users affected Benefitting the Benefitting the Benefitting the Benefitting the Walker County Senior CenterWalker County Senior CenterWalker County Senior CenterWalker County Senior Center Where: Huntsville Intermediate School When: November 18 – 21 at 5:30 p.m. Bring non-perishable food items for free admission to Zumba class! Good Shepherd Mission seeks food donations for Thanksgiving holiday Come kick off the Christmas season and enjoy a special evening at the Sam Houston Statue Visitor Center and Gift Shop. Bring your children and get a picture with our Texas Santa, while enjoying re- freshments at the annual Christmas Open House & Volunteer Ap- preciation, Thursday, December 5, 2013 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Guests will receive 25 percent off all merchandise, excluding con- signment, and will have a wide variety of Texas-themed items to choose from including ornaments, wine glasses, purses, clothing, jewelry, cookbooks, toys and stocking stuffers. There will also be a limited number of autographed miniature stat- ues signed by the artist David Adickes for the price of $15 and a statue Christmas ornament for the price of $5 all process to go to- wards the 20th anniversary of the statue. The Sam Houston Statue Visitor Center and Gift Shop is located at 7600 Highway 75 South, Huntsville, TX 77340. For more information, call the Visitor Center at (936)291-9726. Statue Visitor Center to hold Christmas Open House & Volunteer Appreciation event - December 5 City honors employee Veterans During a special ceremony on Veterans Day - November 11 - all City staff members who have served in the U.S. Military were recognized. Mayor Mac Woodward, as well as City Council members Lydia Montgomery and Ronald Allen (who is also a Veteran) addressed the group to express their thanks and appreciation. The Soldiers of the HuntsvilleThe Soldiers of the HuntsvilleThe Soldiers of the HuntsvilleThe Soldiers of the Huntsville----based based based based 536th Brigade Support Battalion, 536th Brigade Support Battalion, 536th Brigade Support Battalion, 536th Brigade Support Battalion, Texas Army National Guard Texas Army National Guard Texas Army National Guard Texas Army National Guard cordially invite the Huntsville community to attend an cordially invite the Huntsville community to attend an cordially invite the Huntsville community to attend an cordially invite the Huntsville community to attend an open house of the open house of the open house of the open house of the Huntsville Armed Forces Reserve Center.Huntsville Armed Forces Reserve Center.Huntsville Armed Forces Reserve Center.Huntsville Armed Forces Reserve Center. For more information, contact Captain Mikey Pham at (936) 291-1703 or hieu.n.pham3.mil@mail.mil. Come join the members of the City of Huntsville, Texas Veterans Affairs Advisory Board for a tour of the facilities, military equipment displays, food, silent auction, and activities for the kids! Where: Where: Where: Where: 920 Sam Houston Avenue, next to Fire Station #2 When: When: When: When: November 20, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. City of Huntsville Ward 2 recount complete The City of Huntsville completed a recount of the November 5, 2013 Ward 2 general election at 10:45 am this morning. No changes were found in vote count from any of the related boxes. The unofficial election results were canvassed by the City Council at a special session on November 14, which declared incumbent City Councilmember Tish Humphrey the winner of the Ward 2 race. Per the Texas Election Code, no canvass of the recount is required unless there is a change in vote tally. The candidates and their appointed representatives, the members of the recount teams, Mayor Mac Woodward, City Secretary Lee Woodward, and Walker County Tax Assessor/Collector and County election official Diana McRae were present for the recount. The recount petition was received by the City from candidate Kendall Scudder on November 8, 2013, and all proceedings were held in accordance with the Texas Election Code. “I am so appreciative of the willingness of our community to aid in the election process when called upon,” Woodward said. “Last year, as the recount was for an at-large election, we worked with a significantly larger group of excellent recounters and watchers. “However, with this recount covering only one ward, only a fraction of the assistance was needed, and the entire process was carried out in a couple of hours.” The November 5, 2013 general and special elections for the City were conducted by Walker County per a joint election agreement and election services contract with the City of Huntsville, and the County serves as the custodian of the bal- lots for the election. The City of Huntsville wishes to thank the recount teams, the candidates and their representatives, and Mrs. McRae for their willingness to participate. For questions, please contact City Secretary Lee Woodward at 936-291-5403 or lwoodward@huntsvilletx.gov.