august-sept gateway

UNIVERSAL CITY MAGAZINE AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2012

UNIVERSAL CITY MAGAZINE

AUGUST - SEpTEMbER 2012

Building Official...............City Clerk..........................City Manager.....................Code Enforcement...........Court Administrator........Development Services.....Events.................................Finance..............................Fire Chief ..........................Fire Marshal......................Police Chief ......................Stormwater Inspector......Utilities Administrator....Water Billing.....................

Chuck Padgett.......Alene Patton..........Ken Taylor..............Linda Iglehart........Linda Rose.............Kim Turner............Regina Carmona...Pat Collins.............Ross Wallace..........John Hatzel............Gary Speer.............Wes Keller..............Cindy Hull.............Veronica Hernandez...

724701701723715720721708786788752722710711

DepartmentsAnimal Care & Control......................Fire Department..................................Golf Course..........................................Library..................................................Parks/Pavilion Rental.........................Police Department..............................Public Works........................................Helpful NumbersChamber of Commerce.....................U.S. Post Office....................................Bexar County Voter Registration.....

658.0700659.1250945.4653659.7048658.5364658.5353658.5364

658.8322658.8416335.6625

City CouncilMayor John Williams.........................Tom Maxwell.......................................John Agnew.........................................Adam Ernest Salyer............................Dick Neville.........................................Will Reece............................................Beverly Volle........................................

659.8104659.0333, ext. 731659.0333, ext. 732659.0333, ext. 733659.0333, ext. 734659.0333, ext. 735659.0333, ext. 736

Administration: The following can be reached by dialing 659.0333, and then entering the extension number listed:

2150 Universal City Blvd.Universa l Cit y, Tex as 78148Office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

www.UniversalCityTexas.com

For EMS, Police and Fire EmergenciesALWAYS Call 911

Universal City Municipal Directory

For information about articles or advertising in The Gateway, contact Leap Frog Promotions at 210-236-7270.

Maximum Lot CoverageIn the past few years, managing and controlling the amount of water runoff from properties has become a top priority. As new housing and commercial developments are built, water can no longer be absorbed and flooding issues increase. In an effort to control water runoff and protect private property from upstream water flow, governments at all levels have instituted stormwater management practices.

At the local level, each residential lot has a Maximum Lot Coverage, expressed as a percentage, which represents the maximum percent of impervious surface allowed on a particular lot. Impervious surfaces on a lot include, but are not limited to, buildings, driveways, garage, porches, patios, private walks, accessory building, and any other

impervious surfaces constructed on the lot. Adding any of these items to the lot increases the amount of stormwater runoff. Residents should become familiar with the percentage of impervious coverage allowed on their lots. This is particularly important if you are contemplating a new shed, pool, patio, or room. The City website, www.UniversalCityTexas.com/documents/developmentservices provides the guidelines and worksheet for calculating maximum lot coverage and impervious surface. Homeowners or their contractors should be aware that maximum lot coverage will be considered by City staff prior to issuing building permits for your home improvement projects.

page 4 August / September 2012

“New beginning” was the August/ September topic for the new section Up Close in UC and will feature a different theme for each issue. Get your fifteen minutes of fame by submitting a photo and caption of what you feel best fits the topic. For the October/November Gateway, the topic will be “Falling in Love”. Please email your high resolution photo to [email protected] along with your name, address, daytime phone number and a brief description of the photo before August 31, 2012.

All photos submitted will be property of Universal City.

Up Close in UC

“It may look like an ordinary weed from afar, but look closely and you will discover flowers, no matter how small, are a thing of beauty.”

– Roseanne Marcus

“A new baby is the beginning of all things wonderful!”

– Grace Walker

new beginning

page 5August / September 2012

Business Address Grade*Wendy’s 405 Pat Booker Rd 100Chester’s Hamburgers 621 Pat Booker Rd 100Valero 702 Pat Booker Rd 100El Toro 809 Pat Booker Rd 100The Bistro 900B Pat Booker Rd 100Straight From The Crate 904A Pat Booker Rd 100Wing Stop 2921 Pat Booker Rd 100Popeye’s Chicken 2980 Pat Booker Rd 100Thai O Cha 220 E. Aviation 100VFW #9676 202 W. Aviation 100Four Kings 2047 Universal City Blvd 100Bill Miller’s BBQ 122 Pat Booker Rd 97Pizza Hut 1530 Pat Booker Rd 97Taco Cabana 1533 Pat Booker Rd 97Dominoes Pizza 2921 Pat Booker Rd #128 97Triple H Diner 2041 Universal City Blvd 96Tabare”s Philippine Market 912 Pat Booker Rd 95Taco Sensations 100 W. Lindbergh 95Picki Deli 218 Rosewood 94Los Dos Laredos 1303 Pat Booker Rd 93

*Based on inspections by the health official during May, June, and July

Anyone who has ever worked in the food service industry knows of the rigor involved in maintaining a clean facility. For non-food service folks, take your post-meal kitchen at home and magnify it a hundred fold. The task is daunting!

However, Universal City is blessed with food service professionals that excel in maintaining a clean and safe dining experience. Below are the outcomes of recent unannounced health inspections throughout the City that resulted in cleanliness that is next to Godliness.

The Greater Randolph Area Veterans Council (GRAVC) is sponsoring the oldest continual Veterans Parade in the San Antonio area on Saturday, November 3rd.

The parade begins at 10:30 a.m. and runs south from Universal City Boulevard,

42ND Annual Veterans Parade

Right Up Your StreetHit the road in Universal City and check out

some of the new retail establishments.

If your stomach is running on fumes, you may want to stop and refuel at Lee’s Kitchen located in the Kitty Hawk Retail Center at the intersection of Kitty Hawk and Loop 1604. If you are having a bad hair day or feel stressed out, drop in at the Absolute Bliss salon and retreat at 320 Kitty Hawk #101. If the beautiful weather

is driving you to have a backyard party, consider W&i Liquor at 1206 Pat Booker and up-n-smoke at 1630 Pat Booker for an assortment of adult indulgences. Don’t forget that Fido needs relief from the dog days of summer, too. dog stars! Grooming salon at 1017 Pat Booker can give your pooch “shear” delight.

down Pat Booker Road toward Randolph Air Force Base, and ends at the VFW Post 4676 at 202 W. Aviation. The viewing stands will be at the Randolph Plaza Shopping Center (902 Pat Booker) although many people—and dogs—enjoy the show all along the route!

For further information, please contact Jeff Jamison at 210.705.4038, or by email at GRAVCJamison @hotmail.com

or visit www.UniversalCityTexas.com/parade.

Clean Sweep


Business Address Grade*Wendy’s 405 Pat Booker Rd 100Chester’s Hamburgers 621 Pat Booker Rd 100Valero 702 Pat Booker Rd 100El Toro 809 Pat Booker Rd 100The Bistro 900B Pat Booker Rd 100Straight From The Crate 904A Pat Booker Rd 100Wing Stop 2921 Pat Booker Rd 100Popeye’s Chicken 2980 Pat Booker Rd 100Thai O Cha 220 E. Aviation 100VFW #9676 202 W. Aviation 100Four Kings 2047 Universal City Blvd 100Bill Miller’s BBQ 122 Pat Booker Rd 97Pizza Hut 1530 Pat Booker Rd 97Taco Cabana 1533 Pat Booker Rd 97Dominoes Pizza 2921 Pat Booker Rd #128 97Triple H Diner 2041 Universal City Blvd 96Tabare”s Philippine Market 912 Pat Booker Rd 95Taco Sensations 100 W. Lindbergh 95Picki Deli 218 Rosewood 94Los Dos Laredos 1303 Pat Booker Rd 93

*Based on inspections by the health official during May, June, and July

Family Tee-TimeUniversal City will be hosting the 1st Annual Parent-Child Golf Classic at Olympia Hills on Sunday, September 23, 2012! Parent-Child teams of all ages are welcome. Sign-up your family team today and enjoy a round of golf, practice balls, several prizes and giveaways and an award dinner. If a family member does not play, don’t leave them out, additional guests can join you for dinner for a nominal fee.

For more information, look for the event ad in this issue(page 3) or visit www.OlympiaHillsGolf.com.

Raffle Tickets Include Voucher

to UIW Football GameThe Golf Course Conference Center Committee at Olympia Hills is hosting its annual raffle to provide funds for golf course improvements and maintenance. Prizes will include a set of golf clubs and other golfing items. As a bonus this year, each $10 raffle ticket purchased will include a voucher

for two general admission tickets to any 2012 University of the Incarnate Word football game. Raffle tickets

are available now at Olympia Hills Golf Course, 12900 Mt. Olympus. The drawing will be held

on Saturday, October 13. You need not be present to win.


Thank You! Thank You!

It has been 4 years since the opening of the Universal City Animal Care and Control Center and with the help of countless volunteers; it keeps getting better and better! Stop by the shelter on Saturday, August 25 from 10 am to 2 pm for Volunteer Appreciation Day and show your support for all the wonderful, hard work they do. Of course, do not forget to check out the animals for adoption. There will be light refreshments, a silent auction hosted by Homes for the Homeless Resale Shop, and new t-shirts for the volunteers.

Save the Date! It is coming! Mark your calendars for the 2012 Bark, Park & Wine on Friday, November 9, 2012 at Olympia Hills Event Center. Taste several varieties of wine, enjoy flavorful samplings from local restaurants and visit with friends, all while taking in the picturesque views of Olympia Hills. This is not an event you will want to miss! Like us on Facebook/Universal City Dog Park or call (210) 658-5364 for event details andinformation on how to volunteer.

Dog Days of SummerHere in Texas, we are blessed with an abundant number of warm, sunny days all year ‘round. As we learned from last year’s Summer, high temperatures can reach well into early fall, and can mean trouble for those who are unprepared to manage the continuing heat.

People are not the only mammals who can experience adverse effects from high temperatures. Our precious pets can also suffer heatstroke and even death if not properly cared for. It is vital for pet owners to be aware of the risks of overheating and do their best to keep their animals safe and healthy.

Unlike humans, dogs do not sweat all over their body. Their only outlet for perspiration is a small area near their paws. Rather than sweating, dogs pant to remove excess heat from their bodies. Panting moves air through the dogs’ nasal passages and helps cool their bodies. Panting is hampered by high temperatures, and especially by high humidity. For dogs with pug noses, the ability to pant is further hampered by the shape of their nasal passages.

It is vital that dogs always have access to moving, breathable air, especially in high temperatures. This means that dogs should not be confined to small, enclosed spaces like garages or porches, and especially not inside cars. Even on a mildly sunny day, a parked

car can heat up to 120 degrees in a matter of minutes. Cracking a window simply does not offer enough flowing air to allow a dog to pant properly. Simply put, NEVER leave your dog inside a parked car, even for a few minutes.

Animals that are kept outside MUST have access to a sheltered area and be afforded plenty of fresh water at all times. In addition, proper ventilation is necessary to your dog’s well-being, especially when the temperatures rise. If your dog begins to experience signs of heatstroke, which includes: excess panting, staring, anxiety, warm/dry skin, rapid heartbeat, or vomiting, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Heatstroke can cause irreversible brain damage and can be fatal. By keeping yourself informed and making a few preparations, you can make sure your pet stays comfortable regardless of the season. If you see an animal locked in a car or improperly cared for please contact your local Animal Control immediately. Universal City Animal Care & Control can be reached at 658-0700.


Are Your Numbers Up?The Universal City Police Department is dedicated to protecting and serving our community. The department strives for excellence in all its operations and activities and takes pride in its response and relations with citizens. Because of this dedication, officers try very hard to respond quickly whenever called by the public to any place of business or home. Many of the homes in Universal City have an alley behind them which provides access to the home’s garage and backyard. These alleyways are also used by City departments such as Public Works Department, Utility workers, and garbage collection to name a few. When Law Enforcement is called to a home, often times they may respond to the back of the residence as well as the front - depending on the type of incident or request. It has been noted that while most homes have the

address numbers prominently displayed on the front of the home, this is not necessarily the case on the back of the homes with alleyways. In order to help first responders – Police, Fire, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) – respond timely and efficiently, officers ask that home owners post their house numbers on the back side of these alleyway homes as well. The numbers could be on the driveway, on the visible portion of the garage or on the fence – anywhere that would be easy for responders to see the numbers. This will not only benefit those first responders to arrive quickly and at the right home, but could also help with service vehicles like the cable, phone, or electric companies, etc. Please help first responders help you to keep you, your loved ones, and your property safe.


“Have Two Ways Out” Fire Prevention Week, October 7-13

If you woke up to a fire in your home, how much time do you think you would have to get to safety? According to the nonprofit National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), one-third of Americans households who made an estimate they thought they would have at least 6 minutes before a fire in their home would become life threatening. Unfortunately, the time available is often less. That is why Universal City’s Fire Department urges residents to “Have Two Ways Out!” This year’s Fire Prevention Week theme focuses on the importance of fire escape planning and practice.

In 2010, U.S. fire departments responded to 369,500 home structure fires. These fires caused 13,350 civilian injuries, 2,640 civilian deaths, and $6.9 billion in direct damage.

The Universal City Fire Department recommends the following tips for planning your family’s escape:

• Make a map of your home. Mark a door and a window that can be used to get out of every room.

• Choose a meeting place outside in front of your home. This is where everyone can meet once they have escaped. Draw a picture of your outside

meeting place on your escape plan.

• Write the emergency telephone number for the fire department on your escape plan.

• Have a grown-up sound the smoke alarm and practice your escape plan with everyone living in your home.

• Keep your escape plan on the refrigerator and remind grown-ups to have your family practice the plan twice a year or whenever anyone in your home celebrates a birthday.

To learn more about “Have Two Ways Out!” visit NFPA’s Web site at www.firepreventionweek.org.


The Universal City Police Department is preparing for the “29th Annual National Night Out” (NNO), a unique crime/drug prevention event sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch (NATW). The department cordially invites you and your neighborhood to be a part of Universal City’s NIGHT OUT 2012 team on October 2, 2012!

National Night Out is designed to:• Heighten crime and drug prevention awareness• Generate support for, and participation in, local

anticrime programs• Strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community

partnerships; and• Send a message to criminals letting them know that

neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.

If you are interested in having a NNO block party and wish to be visited by the police department, please register on the website by September 1, 2012. Even though several caravans will be available to make stops throughout the community, the earlier that a block party registers, the more likely they will have a spot scheduled on a caravan route. Due to the growing number of block parties, the Police Department encourages consolidation of nearby block parties; this will improve your chances of being visited by the officers.

For more detailed information on National Night Out and UCPD’s role, and to register, please visit our web site: http://www.UniversalCityTexas.com/NNO. Additional information will be posted regarding events geared towards increasing awareness of NNO and crime prevention in general. Some of these events include a movie at the park and movie at the library.

Thank you in advance for your interest, support, and early response.

2012 National Night Out

Drainage Proceeds

if you have a sewer problem, call Universal City Public Works first at 658.5364. We will check the sewer system and let you know if you need to call a plumber.

do you have water in your meter box? Call Public Works and we will check it out! There is no charge and you can save money and water.

Can you turn your water off? Does your customer hand-valve work? Section 606 of the Texas Plumbing Code and City ordinance states that all customers must have this valve installed in the service line to turn off their water supply in the event of an emergency.

Keep our water clean. Universal City residents can properly dispose of their motor oil and antifreeze by bringing it to the Yard at the Public Works Service Center on Kitty Hawk Road.

Save Money and WaterDid you know you can save money AND help conserve water, at the same time, at no cost to you? How? Simple! Just take advantage of the City’s plumbing retrofit kit and replace your old, water-wasting plumbing devices with low-flow devices and you will be conserving water while saving money on your water bill.

If you would like to participate in the program and receive a free retrofit kit, come by the Public Works Service Center, 265 Kitty Hawk Road, or for more information call 210.658.5364.

The kit consists of:• 2 low-flow bathroom aerators• 1 low-flow kitchen aerator• 1 low-flow showerhead• 1 drip gauge• 1 flow meter bag• Teflon tape• Leak-detection tablets

Check out the Public Works page at www.UniversalCityTexas.com to look for other conservation programs available to you.

Each year, cities across the State of Texas vie for funds that are available through The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. The CDBG is a flexible program that provides communities with resources to address a wide range of unique community development needs.

Universal City submits projects for funding consideration on an annual basis and is often awarded small increments of funding to address drainage in the residential areas of the City. In 2011, the City applied for funds for Phase VII of the Parkview Estates Drainage Project.

Universal City was awarded $170,000 for the project. However, because of recent reprogramming of the CDBG funds, the City was recently awarded an additional $185,700 for Phase VII of the Parkview Estates Drainage Project. While the drainage project still remains a multi-year project due to its enormity, the additional funds will be used to acquire engineering services and materials to keep the project moving forward.

Water You Talking About?


Universal City Public Library Harvest Party

Get your costumes ready and mark your calendar for stories, food and fun at The Harvest Party! Join the staff

at the Universal City Public Library on Wednesday, October 29, 2012 from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM! There

will be fun for all, but children under 12 years old need to be accompanied by an adult.

Call the library at 659-7048 for more information.

The Friends of the UC Library is a not-for-profit group which is dedicated to helping the library grow and improve its services. The Friends work as library volunteers and operate the used bookstore in the building adjacent to and behind the library which is currently open 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM on Saturdays.

The Friends also conduct various fund-raisers to buy needed items for the library. Proceeds from the sale of books at the used bookstore and member dues along with memorial/honor gifts also go to support the library. Each year the Friends, give over 1,000 hours of their time in service to the Universal City Public Library and the City of Universal City.

The Friends currently sponsor Summer Reading, Summer Events and Activities, Mango Languages, Universal Class online learning, the Book Club and assist in equipment and book purchases as needed.

The Friends meet monthly. Meetings are scheduled for the second Tuesday of the month at 1:00 pm in the library meeting room. The Friends of the UC Library have made becoming a member quite easy. Just fill out the form below or print the application from the Library web page, www.UniversalCityTexasa.com/library, and return it to the Universal City Public Library .

Friends of UC Library Membership Return to: Universal City Public Library, 100 Northview Dr., Universal City, TX 78148

(Please Print)

A Friend in Need

_______________________________________ _______________________________________ First Name Last Name Street Address City

Membership : __ Individual __Family _______________________________________ State/Zip Phone

For Memorial and Honor Gifts, please use online form.


Corridor

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Roy,Buyer’s Agent: (210) 912-8901 Fran, Listing Agent: (210) 875-9706

Short Sales & Foreclosures

O�ce: (210) 659-6700www.royandfran.com

Each Office Independently Owned and Operated

14791 IH-35 North, Suite 108, Selma, Texas 78154

®REALTORS and Property Management

Save Money, Be Healthy,

and Slow DownThe month of August marks end of summer and the return of the school year making it the National Back to School month. During the hustle and bustle of getting the kids prepared, here are a few things for parents to remember. Texas’ Tax Free weekend is August 17-19th and applies to clothing and footwear, school supplies and backpacks. Be smart where you shop, look for sales and try to not to purchase items you may not need simply because it is tax free. The average sales tax in Texas is 8.25% so that is about the amount you will be saving depending on where you shop. Many stores will offer such deals as “free lunch bag with purchase of a backpack” which may offer more savings benefit than tax free.

While we are on the subject of lunch, let us discuss what is in that lunch bag. Every year brings the dilemma of healthy lunch alternatives. Several websites offer a variety of suggestions on how to keep your child’s lunch box healthy and exciting. For example, try switching out regular sandwich bread for a tortilla wrap or pita pocket. Many lunch bags also feature a place to hold a small ice pack to help keep foods such as yogurt, dressings, and fruit cold through the morning.

“...watch for school zones!”

One last, but most important tip… watch for school zones! Slow down and put the cellular phone away. It is illegal to talk or text, as well as operate any electronic device within a school zone. Speed limits and fines can vary from zone to zone so watch for those blinking lights.

August / September 2012

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PRST STDU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDPERMIT #1030

SAN ANTONIO, TXCity of Universal City2150 Universal City Blvd.Universal City, Texas 78148

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