LI C L
IB
RY
RA
DS
N
P UB
O F T HE
K
U
E R S ITY PA
R
IV
N
Number 54, October 2007
City of University Park, Texas, 3800 University Blvd., University Park, Texas 75205
UPCOMING
CITY COUNCIL
MEETINGS
Tuesday, October 23rd
5:00 p.m.
City Hall,
Modular Building
Tuesday, November 6th
5:00 p.m.
City Hall,
Modular Building
TO OUR
READERS...
The October Arbor
includes a special
section
highlighting
various programs and
activities
at
the
University Park Public
Library. Now in its
seventh
year
of
operation, the library
has become a center for
learning and fun for
thousands of residents,
both young and old.
www.uptexas.org
214-363-1644
City’s red light cameras making a difference
A Dallas Morning
News article recently
focused
on
the
proliferation of red
light cameras in
North Texas.
It
questioned whether
the cameras are
achieving
their
objective.
Also,
since most cities,
including University Park, are paying more
in service fees than the amount of revenue
collected from citations, the article
questioned if such shortfalls could impact
city budgets.
Last January, the City installed red light
cameras at two busy intersections. Based on
monthly totals, since the cameras became
operational at the intersections of Lovers
Lane/Preston
Road
and
Lovers
Lane/Dickens Avenue, red light violations
have dropped substantially. Although the
City chose to send only warning notices
during the first 30 days of the enforcement
program, a total of 142 citations could have
been issued for red light violations at those
two intersections during that introductory
time period. Eight months later, in August,
the total for both intersections was 82.
Although fines range from $75 for first and
second offenses during the same 12 months
to $150 for a third offense in a 12 month
period, the City's only objective is to make
those intersections safer, not to generate
revenue. Redflex Traffic Systems, the
largest provider of red light and speed
enforcement systems in North America,
V ISIT
THE
C ITY
installed the cameras and operates the
program. For its services, including camera
maintenance, mailings, collections and other
back office support, Redflex charges a fixed
monthly fee. To this point, due in part to the
continued decline in red light violations,
revenue collected is not keeping pace with
program fees. While this kind of a monetary
deficit would normally be a problem, the
City has the contractual right, at the end of
its three-year agreement, to walk away from
the debt incurred without penalty. On the
other hand, if the revenue collected ever
surpasses that debt and then exceeds the
company's monthly fee, the public will
benefit because that amount would be split
equally by the state and the City. The
amounts support statewide trauma care
programs and traffic safety and enforcement
efforts here in University Park.
To ensure accountability, all recorded red
light violations are reviewed by a uniformed
member of the University Park Police
Department before a violation notice is sent.
Each intersection camera produces at least
two images showing the vehicle's position in
the intersection at the time of the infraction
and the vehicle's rear license plate number.
Each mailed citation includes an image of
the infraction along with the description,
location, time and date of the incident.
Further, each citation provides the online
address of a Web site where recipients may
view the actual video sequence. The mailed
notice also shows the date by which the civil
fine must be paid.
ONLINE AT WWW . UPTEXAS . ORG
F RI
E
Trees for Town
Turn over a new leaf in the coming months by participating
in the City's Trees for Town program. Since 1983, in
partnership with residents all over town, thousands of trees
have been planted in City parkways and at home sites. The
trees come in different varieties and are priced based on the
desired planting location.
The purchase price, for trees in the parkway (the grassy
area between the sidewalk and curb), including planting by
the Park Department, is $100. Parkway trees, all container
grown, have a trunk diameter of approximately two inches
and are 8-10 feet tall. Residents can choose from Cedar
Elm, Chinquapin Oak, Live Oak, Shumard Red Oak and
Mexican White Oak (Monterey Oak).
Home planting trees cost $50
each. Although residents are
responsible for the planting and
care of these trees, the Park
Department will deliver them to
your property. Smaller in size
than the parkway trees, these
Practice your fire escape
plan
The National Fire Protection
Association (NFPA) has designated
October 7-13 Fire Prevention Week.
An annual observance, the theme of
this year's educational effort is,
"Practice Your Escape Plan." The
University Park Fire Department reminds all residents
that fire can spread rapidly through your home, leaving as
little as two minutes to escape safely once the alarm
sounds. Your ability to get out quickly depends on
advance warning from smoke alarms, and advance
planning. Every family should be familiar with and
practice a home fire escape plan. For assistance with
creating an escape plan and for numerous other fire safety
tips, go to the City’s Web site at www.uptexas.org, and
click on the Public Safety tab.
O F T HE
DS
N
E
Now that fall is here, it's also time to pick up leaves. With
that in mind, residents are reminded to place all leaves,
grass clippings and brush in City-approved yard waste
bags only. These biodegradable bags, with the City's logo
on the front, can be purchased at City Hall, the Peek
Service Center, and several area supermarkets. A bundle
of five costs $4.00, including tax. That price covers the
City's cost for collection and disposal of this material.
F RI
Yard waste bags
LI C L
IB
For more information, or to download an application form
for the City's Trees for Town program, residents can go to
the City's Web site at www.uptexas.org. Or, call the Park
Department at 214-987-5488.
PUB
Above: New fountain in
Turtle Creek. At right:
new fountain near the
gazebo.
Although container grown trees can be planted yearround, the primary planting season runs from midNovember to mid-February. Residents should note that
whether the trees are planted on the parkway or on private
property, they are not guaranteed. However, because they
are picked by the City's Urban Forester, their survival rate
is high.
E R S ITY PA
K
This month work is scheduled for
completion on the various
enhancements to Goar Park. Part
of the overall City Hall
Renovation project, the park
improvements include a brook
that runs from the gazebo area
into Turtle Creek, new walkways
and observation decks, new trees
and landscaping, and two new
fountains, one in the center of
Turtle Creek and the other near
the gazebo.
IV
N
R
Goar Park fountains installed
container grown trees have 1-1 ½ inch calipers and are 68 feet tall. Available tree varieties include Lace Bark Elm,
Bur Oak, Chinquapin Oak and Shumard Red Oak.
RY
RA
City news briefs
U
T HE A RBOR - P AGE 2
Trees for Town
Turn over a new leaf in the coming months by participating
in the City's Trees for Town program. Since 1983, in
partnership with residents all over town, thousands of trees
have been planted in City parkways and at home sites. The
trees come in different varieties and are priced based on the
desired planting location.
The purchase price, for trees in the parkway (the grassy
area between the sidewalk and curb), including planting by
the Park Department, is $100. Parkway trees, all container
grown, have a trunk diameter of approximately two inches
and are 8-10 feet tall. Residents can choose from Cedar
Elm, Chinquapin Oak, Live Oak, Shumard Red Oak and
Mexican White Oak (Monterey Oak).
Home planting trees cost $50
each. Although residents are
responsible for the planting and
care of these trees, the Park
Department will deliver them to
your property. Smaller in size
than the parkway trees, these
Practice your fire escape
plan
The National Fire Protection
Association (NFPA) has designated
October 7-13 Fire Prevention Week.
An annual observance, the theme of
this year's educational effort is,
"Practice Your Escape Plan." The
University Park Fire Department reminds all residents
that fire can spread rapidly through your home, leaving as
little as two minutes to escape safely once the alarm
sounds. Your ability to get out quickly depends on
advance warning from smoke alarms, and advance
planning. Every family should be familiar with and
practice a home fire escape plan. For assistance with
creating an escape plan and for numerous other fire safety
tips, go to the City’s Web site at www.uptexas.org, and
click on the Public Safety tab.
O F T HE
DS
N
E
Now that fall is here, it's also time to pick up leaves. With
that in mind, residents are reminded to place all leaves,
grass clippings and brush in City-approved yard waste
bags only. These biodegradable bags, with the City's logo
on the front, can be purchased at City Hall, the Peek
Service Center, and several area supermarkets. A bundle
of five costs $4.00, including tax. That price covers the
City's cost for collection and disposal of this material.
F RI
Yard waste bags
LI C L
IB
For more information, or to download an application form
for the City's Trees for Town program, residents can go to
the City's Web site at www.uptexas.org. Or, call the Park
Department at 214-987-5488.
PUB
Above: New fountain in
Turtle Creek. At right:
new fountain near the
gazebo.
Although container grown trees can be planted yearround, the primary planting season runs from midNovember to mid-February. Residents should note that
whether the trees are planted on the parkway or on private
property, they are not guaranteed. However, because they
are picked by the City's Urban Forester, their survival rate
is high.
E R S ITY PA
K
This month work is scheduled for
completion on the various
enhancements to Goar Park. Part
of the overall City Hall
Renovation project, the park
improvements include a brook
that runs from the gazebo area
into Turtle Creek, new walkways
and observation decks, new trees
and landscaping, and two new
fountains, one in the center of
Turtle Creek and the other near
the gazebo.
IV
N
R
Goar Park fountains installed
container grown trees have 1-1 ½ inch calipers and are 68 feet tall. Available tree varieties include Lace Bark Elm,
Bur Oak, Chinquapin Oak and Shumard Red Oak.
RY
RA
City news briefs
U
T HE A RBOR - P AGE 2
LI C L
IB
RY
RA
DS
N
P UB
O F T HE
K
U
E R S ITY PA
R
IV
N
Number 54, October 2007
City of University Park, Texas, 3800 University Blvd., University Park, Texas 75205
UPCOMING
CITY COUNCIL
MEETINGS
Tuesday, October 23rd
5:00 p.m.
City Hall,
Modular Building
Tuesday, November 6th
5:00 p.m.
City Hall,
Modular Building
TO OUR
READERS...
The October Arbor
includes a special
section
highlighting
various programs and
activities
at
the
University Park Public
Library. Now in its
seventh
year
of
operation, the library
has become a center for
learning and fun for
thousands of residents,
both young and old.
www.uptexas.org
214-363-1644
City’s red light cameras making a difference
A Dallas Morning
News article recently
focused
on
the
proliferation of red
light cameras in
North Texas.
It
questioned whether
the cameras are
achieving
their
objective.
Also,
since most cities,
including University Park, are paying more
in service fees than the amount of revenue
collected from citations, the article
questioned if such shortfalls could impact
city budgets.
Last January, the City installed red light
cameras at two busy intersections. Based on
monthly totals, since the cameras became
operational at the intersections of Lovers
Lane/Preston
Road
and
Lovers
Lane/Dickens Avenue, red light violations
have dropped substantially. Although the
City chose to send only warning notices
during the first 30 days of the enforcement
program, a total of 142 citations could have
been issued for red light violations at those
two intersections during that introductory
time period. Eight months later, in August,
the total for both intersections was 82.
Although fines range from $75 for first and
second offenses during the same 12 months
to $150 for a third offense in a 12 month
period, the City's only objective is to make
those intersections safer, not to generate
revenue. Redflex Traffic Systems, the
largest provider of red light and speed
enforcement systems in North America,
V ISIT
THE
C ITY
installed the cameras and operates the
program. For its services, including camera
maintenance, mailings, collections and other
back office support, Redflex charges a fixed
monthly fee. To this point, due in part to the
continued decline in red light violations,
revenue collected is not keeping pace with
program fees. While this kind of a monetary
deficit would normally be a problem, the
City has the contractual right, at the end of
its three-year agreement, to walk away from
the debt incurred without penalty. On the
other hand, if the revenue collected ever
surpasses that debt and then exceeds the
company's monthly fee, the public will
benefit because that amount would be split
equally by the state and the City. The
amounts support statewide trauma care
programs and traffic safety and enforcement
efforts here in University Park.
To ensure accountability, all recorded red
light violations are reviewed by a uniformed
member of the University Park Police
Department before a violation notice is sent.
Each intersection camera produces at least
two images showing the vehicle's position in
the intersection at the time of the infraction
and the vehicle's rear license plate number.
Each mailed citation includes an image of
the infraction along with the description,
location, time and date of the incident.
Further, each citation provides the online
address of a Web site where recipients may
view the actual video sequence. The mailed
notice also shows the date by which the civil
fine must be paid.
ONLINE AT WWW . UPTEXAS . ORG
F RI
E