UPCOMING UPCOMING CITY COUNCIL CITY COUNCIL

MEETINGSMEETINGS

Tuesday, Oct. 35 p.m.

City Hall,Council Chamber

Tuesday, Oct. 175 p.m.

City Hall, Council Chamber

INSIDE THISINSIDE THISISSUE...ISSUE...

• Check home smoke alarms (page 2)

• Germany Park track replacement (page 3)

• Fall watering restrictions (page 4)

Number 170, October 2017 City of University Park, Texas, 3800 University Blvd., University Park, Texas 75205 www.uptexas.org 214-363-1644

ONLINEONLINE - - UPTEXASUPTEXAS..ORGORG | | TWITTERTWITTER @@CITYOFUPTXCITYOFUPTX

TTHEHE AARBORRBOR - P- PAGEAGE 44

ONLINEONLINE - - UPTEXASUPTEXAS..ORGORG | | TWITTERTWITTER @@CITYOFUPTXCITYOFUPTX

City addresses UPFD pension concerns

City news briefsUPPL’s new catalog system software

The library's new catalog andinventory system is nowonline. Accessed through theCity’s website (uptexas.org)this new software places allthe library’s information inone convenient site.

Now you can:

• Pay library fees by credit card• Renew materials automatically • Register for a new library card online • Save your reading history

The new software also makes it much easier to findmaterials and best-sellers by author, title, keywords orISBN (13-digit number that uniquely identifies books andbook-like products).

Fall/winter City watering restrictions

Q: Are watering restrictions in University Park still in place?

A: Yes. Watering by automatic sprinkler systems is limited to twice a week, year-round. Residents with addresses ending in an even number can use automatic sprinklers on Sundays and Thursdays. Addresses ending in an odd number can use automatic sprinklers on Saturdays and Wednesdays.

Q: When can UP residents begin daytime use of automatic watering systems?

A: Residents can use their automatic watering systems at any time of the day or night from October 31 to April 1. Residents can water year-round, on any day of the week, with a hand-held hose, a drip irrigation device or soaker hose.

History of UPFD’s retirement plan

The University Park Firemen’s Relief andRetirement Fund (FRRF) was created in1941. As of the most recent actuarialvaluation, the plan has an unfunded actuarialaccrued liability in excess of $11.2 millionand a 46% funding ratio. Due to growingliability and the fund’s escalating costs, theCity explored various options to close FRRF,and eventually place all firefighters in theTexas Municipal Retirement System(TMRS). A hybrid defined contributionretirement plan, TMRS is the plan all otherCity employees participate in. As opposed tothe stand-alone FRRF plan, TMRS hasnearly 850 cities participating with over100,000 active contributing members.Compared to FRRF, overall contributioncosts for TMRS have been lower, with anearly 100% funding ratio.

Specifics of the House Bill 3056

The City worked closely with firefighters tofind a two-pronged solution to guarantee thatcurrent FRRF members receive the benefitsthey are due, and that the City can eventuallyexit or close the plan. The FRRF Board ofTrustees, the City’s Finance AdvisoryCommittee, and the City Council spentconsiderable time and attention studying thisissue. As the result of this teamwork, HouseBill 3056 was fashioned. Now, new firepersonnel can participate in TMRS, whileexisting firefighters can continue toparticipate in FRRF. To address concerns ofexisting fire personnel who will remainwithin FRRF, the City and firefighters agreedto the following stipulations:

• A contribution cap of 10% for the fire fighters who remain in FRRF

• The City will guarantee the plan benefits as currently offered provided the firefighters who remain in the plan don’t implement any plan changes, including new benefits, unless required by law

• Maintain the qualified status of the plan under IRS regulations

• Continue to contract for actuarial and audit services as required by law

• Close the plan to all new hires.

The City is grateful for all those whoparticipated in the development and passageof House Bill 3056. From our firefighters toour committee members and statelawmakers, these beneficial changes wereaccomplished because of thoughtfulconsideration and purposeful effort.

Fireplace safety tips

With cooler temperatures just around the corner, now isthe perfect time to make sure thatyour wood-burning fireplace isready for use this fall and winter.That preparation begins with havingyour chimney inspected andcleaned by a licensed professional.

Here are additional fireplace safety tips from theUniversity Park Fire Department:

• Install a chimney cap to keep debris and animals out of your chimney

• Burn only dry, well-seasoned wood, ideally logs that have been seasoned for six months to a year

• Make sure your damper is open before you light the fire

• Always use a fireplace screen or glass doors to keep burning embers inside the fireplace

• Never burn trash or plastics in your fireplace• Never start your fire with gasoline or other flammable

liquids

Prescription Drug Take Back Day - October 28

Saturday, October 28, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., UniversityPark residents can dispose of accumulated, unwanted, andunused prescription drugs by stopping by the fire stationside of University Park City Hall at 3800 University Blvd.

This effort, hosted by UPPD, ispart of a nationwide drug disposalprogram started by the DrugEnforcement Administration in2010.

A reminder - Residents don’t haveto wait for a national Drug TakeBack Day event to dispose ofprescription drugs. The Police

Department has installed a MedReturn box at City Hall.It’s located inside the building’s 24-hour entrance (3800University Blvd.) next to the City’s 911 call center. TheMedReturn box will not accept liquid medications,inhalers, needles, syringes or lancets.

Over the years, the City has explored various options to address long-term funding

concerns with the Fire Department’s pension system. During the most recent Texas Legislative Session, in close collaboration with our fire fighters, the City

worked with Representative Morgan Meyer, Senator Don Huffines and the Chairman of the House Pensions Committee, Dan Flynn, to achieve approval of House Bill 3056. The measure, through an amendment to the Texas Local Fire Fighters Retirement Act, provides the City with a pathway to resolve those concerns.

TTHEHE AARBORRBOR - P- PAGEAGE 22 TTHEHE AARBORRBOR - P- PAGEAGE 33

2018 SMU Parking District stickers available now

Are you sure that your home smoke alarms work?National Fire Prevention Week will be observed thismonth. According to the National Fire PreventionAssociation, about 60 percent of home fire deaths happen

in homes without properly functioningsmoke alarms. Having a workingsmoke alarm in your home greatlyincreases your chance of surviving afire.

Because smoke alarms rely on a powersource to function properly, it is critical to check themmonthly. Batteries too weak to sound the alarm should bereplaced. Because most alarms “chirp” when batterypower is low, it is critical to replace the battery promptly,rather than disconnecting the alarm.

Smoke generated by fire is referred to as the silent killer.Most fire deaths occur from smoke inhalation whenresidents are asleep. A primary component of smoke iscarbon monoxide, which can slowly suffocate victims. A

functional smoke alarm can provide early detection andmake the difference when minutes count.

This month, under the direction of the Fire Department,local Boy Scouts and members of the City’s YouthAdvisory Commission will distribute flyers urging

residents to make sure their householdsmoke alarms are in working order.Multi-family sections of the city willbe included in this effort.

UPFD offers assistance with smokealarm installations

For those needing assistance, especially the aged andindividuals with disabilities, department members will testhome smoke alarms. If necessary, the department willprovide and install smoke alarms for free. To arrange avisit please call the Fire Department’s administrativesecretary at 214-987-5380.

Germany Park - Track replacement Work is underway on upgradesto the track at Germany Park.During this time period boththe track surface and the infieldarea will be closed to thepublic. The park's tennis courtsand the playground to the southof the park (Davis Park) will

remain open throughout the improvements.

In 2006, the City of University Park, Town of HighlandPark and HPISD engaged in a joint venture to replace theJohn Roach Track at Germany Park. That track surfacinghad a five-year manufacturer warranty. Now, 11 yearslater, the track is in an advanced state of deterioration andneeds to be replaced.

Halloween safety tips for kids and homeownersFor Children

• Younger trick-or-treaters should be supervised by an adult.

• Older children should trick-or-treat in large groups, if they are not accompanied by an adult.

• Parents should know the route their older children are taking and they should stay in touch with the group.

• Trick-or-treaters should only visit homes that are well- lighted and that are obviously welcoming Halloween guests.

• Trick-or-treaters should carry flashlights and use reflective tape on their costumes so that motorists can see them.

• Trick-or-treaters should stay on sidewalks and obey pedestrian rules.

• Children should not eat any trick-or-treat candy until it is inspected by an adult.

For Your Home

• Light your home well.• Remove obstacles from your front porch and yards so

that visitors don’t stumble or trip.• Use artificial candles to avoid fire hazards.

Block Party Registration

The City welcomes the opportunity tosupply residents with warning conesand signs for neighborhood "blockparties." Applications must be receivedwithin three working days of thescheduled event.

Residents are reminded that blockparties are not allowed on October 31.This policy assures that proper traffic flowis maintained, especially for emergencyvehicles. To fill out a Block Party

application, go to the City’s website at uptexas.org. Clickon the Resident tab, and then click on Block Parties.Please keep in mind, Block Party applications must bereceived within three working days of the scheduledevent.

It’s time for those who live inside the boundaries of theresidential parking districts near SMU toapply for their 2018 calendar-year stickers.The stickers, two per address, plus twoyearlong visitor hang tags, are free.Applications can be printed online atuptexas.org, but you must return the form,with the appropriate proof of residency, tothe Police Department at 3800 UniversityBlvd. to receive the stickers. Office hours

are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

To obtain stickers and visitor placards for any of theCity’s parking districts

• Residents must show proof of residency - Valid Texas Driver License or ID Card, current electric, phone or water bill (within the last 60 days), or insurance policy.

• All applicants renting property must provide a copy of their current lease for review by staff.

Project particulars

The City and HPISD are working together to replace thetrack for use by the school district and our residents. Theproject will include the removal of the existing track,replacement of asphalt base (where needed) and theinstallation of the new rubberized track surfacing. Inaddition to the track project, an outdoor fitness area willbe installed. This fitness area will have several equipmentcomponents to support individual workouts and exerciseprograms. For user accessibility and safety, the fitness area will also have rubberized surfacing.

The project, weather permitting, will be completed inearly December 2017.

Bike Share operators

In recent weeks you may have seen bikes similar to thosein this photo at the entrance to some of our parks, on the

sidewalks near our shopping areasand near the SMU campus.

Several companies includingVBikes, LimeBike and Spin havebeen deploying dockless bicycles

in parts of Dallas, and some have migrated to ourneighborhoods. This is a pilot program focused onboosting multi-modal mobility. Riders use the bikes tocommute to work, get to a restaurant, travel across campusor to complete the last leg of a bus or light rail trip. Ridersreserve the GPS-enabled bikes using an app, and unlockthem using a smartphone.

The City of Dallas continues to monitor the program'simpact and is forwarding comments and complaintsthrough their 3-1-1 system to specific vendors.

TTHEHE AARBORRBOR - P- PAGEAGE 22 TTHEHE AARBORRBOR - P- PAGEAGE 33

2018 SMU Parking District stickers available now

Are you sure that your home smoke alarms work?National Fire Prevention Week will be observed thismonth. According to the National Fire PreventionAssociation, about 60 percent of home fire deaths happen

in homes without properly functioningsmoke alarms. Having a workingsmoke alarm in your home greatlyincreases your chance of surviving afire.

Because smoke alarms rely on a powersource to function properly, it is critical to check themmonthly. Batteries too weak to sound the alarm should bereplaced. Because most alarms “chirp” when batterypower is low, it is critical to replace the battery promptly,rather than disconnecting the alarm.

Smoke generated by fire is referred to as the silent killer.Most fire deaths occur from smoke inhalation whenresidents are asleep. A primary component of smoke iscarbon monoxide, which can slowly suffocate victims. A

functional smoke alarm can provide early detection andmake the difference when minutes count.

This month, under the direction of the Fire Department,local Boy Scouts and members of the City’s YouthAdvisory Commission will distribute flyers urging

residents to make sure their householdsmoke alarms are in working order.Multi-family sections of the city willbe included in this effort.

UPFD offers assistance with smokealarm installations

For those needing assistance, especially the aged andindividuals with disabilities, department members will testhome smoke alarms. If necessary, the department willprovide and install smoke alarms for free. To arrange avisit please call the Fire Department’s administrativesecretary at 214-987-5380.

Germany Park - Track replacement Work is underway on upgradesto the track at Germany Park.During this time period boththe track surface and the infieldarea will be closed to thepublic. The park's tennis courtsand the playground to the southof the park (Davis Park) will

remain open throughout the improvements.

In 2006, the City of University Park, Town of HighlandPark and HPISD engaged in a joint venture to replace theJohn Roach Track at Germany Park. That track surfacinghad a five-year manufacturer warranty. Now, 11 yearslater, the track is in an advanced state of deterioration andneeds to be replaced.

Halloween safety tips for kids and homeownersFor Children

• Younger trick-or-treaters should be supervised by an adult.

• Older children should trick-or-treat in large groups, if they are not accompanied by an adult.

• Parents should know the route their older children are taking and they should stay in touch with the group.

• Trick-or-treaters should only visit homes that are well- lighted and that are obviously welcoming Halloween guests.

• Trick-or-treaters should carry flashlights and use reflective tape on their costumes so that motorists can see them.

• Trick-or-treaters should stay on sidewalks and obey pedestrian rules.

• Children should not eat any trick-or-treat candy until it is inspected by an adult.

For Your Home

• Light your home well.• Remove obstacles from your front porch and yards so

that visitors don’t stumble or trip.• Use artificial candles to avoid fire hazards.

Block Party Registration

The City welcomes the opportunity tosupply residents with warning conesand signs for neighborhood "blockparties." Applications must be receivedwithin three working days of thescheduled event.

Residents are reminded that blockparties are not allowed on October 31.This policy assures that proper traffic flowis maintained, especially for emergencyvehicles. To fill out a Block Party

application, go to the City’s website at uptexas.org. Clickon the Resident tab, and then click on Block Parties.Please keep in mind, Block Party applications must bereceived within three working days of the scheduledevent.

It’s time for those who live inside the boundaries of theresidential parking districts near SMU toapply for their 2018 calendar-year stickers.The stickers, two per address, plus twoyearlong visitor hang tags, are free.Applications can be printed online atuptexas.org, but you must return the form,with the appropriate proof of residency, tothe Police Department at 3800 UniversityBlvd. to receive the stickers. Office hours

are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

To obtain stickers and visitor placards for any of theCity’s parking districts

• Residents must show proof of residency - Valid Texas Driver License or ID Card, current electric, phone or water bill (within the last 60 days), or insurance policy.

• All applicants renting property must provide a copy of their current lease for review by staff.

Project particulars

The City and HPISD are working together to replace thetrack for use by the school district and our residents. Theproject will include the removal of the existing track,replacement of asphalt base (where needed) and theinstallation of the new rubberized track surfacing. Inaddition to the track project, an outdoor fitness area willbe installed. This fitness area will have several equipmentcomponents to support individual workouts and exerciseprograms. For user accessibility and safety, the fitness area will also have rubberized surfacing.

The project, weather permitting, will be completed inearly December 2017.

Bike Share operators

In recent weeks you may have seen bikes similar to thosein this photo at the entrance to some of our parks, on the

sidewalks near our shopping areasand near the SMU campus.

Several companies includingVBikes, LimeBike and Spin havebeen deploying dockless bicycles

in parts of Dallas, and some have migrated to ourneighborhoods. This is a pilot program focused onboosting multi-modal mobility. Riders use the bikes tocommute to work, get to a restaurant, travel across campusor to complete the last leg of a bus or light rail trip. Ridersreserve the GPS-enabled bikes using an app, and unlockthem using a smartphone.

The City of Dallas continues to monitor the program'simpact and is forwarding comments and complaintsthrough their 3-1-1 system to specific vendors.

UPCOMING UPCOMING CITY COUNCIL CITY COUNCIL

MEETINGSMEETINGS

Tuesday, Oct. 35 p.m.

City Hall,Council Chamber

Tuesday, Oct. 175 p.m.

City Hall, Council Chamber

INSIDE THISINSIDE THISISSUE...ISSUE...

• Check home smoke alarms (page 2)

• Germany Park track replacement (page 3)

• Fall watering restrictions (page 4)

Number 170, October 2017 City of University Park, Texas, 3800 University Blvd., University Park, Texas 75205 www.uptexas.org 214-363-1644

ONLINEONLINE - - UPTEXASUPTEXAS..ORGORG | | TWITTERTWITTER @@CITYOFUPTXCITYOFUPTX

TTHEHE AARBORRBOR - P- PAGEAGE 44

ONLINEONLINE - - UPTEXASUPTEXAS..ORGORG | | TWITTERTWITTER @@CITYOFUPTXCITYOFUPTX

City addresses UPFD pension concerns

City news briefsUPPL’s new catalog system software

The library's new catalog andinventory system is nowonline. Accessed through theCity’s website (uptexas.org)this new software places allthe library’s information inone convenient site.

Now you can:

• Pay library fees by credit card• Renew materials automatically • Register for a new library card online • Save your reading history

The new software also makes it much easier to findmaterials and best-sellers by author, title, keywords orISBN (13-digit number that uniquely identifies books andbook-like products).

Fall/winter City watering restrictions

Q: Are watering restrictions in University Park still in place?

A: Yes. Watering by automatic sprinkler systems is limited to twice a week, year-round. Residents with addresses ending in an even number can use automatic sprinklers on Sundays and Thursdays. Addresses ending in an odd number can use automatic sprinklers on Saturdays and Wednesdays.

Q: When can UP residents begin daytime use of automatic watering systems?

A: Residents can use their automatic watering systems at any time of the day or night from October 31 to April 1. Residents can water year-round, on any day of the week, with a hand-held hose, a drip irrigation device or soaker hose.

History of UPFD’s retirement plan

The University Park Firemen’s Relief andRetirement Fund (FRRF) was created in1941. As of the most recent actuarialvaluation, the plan has an unfunded actuarialaccrued liability in excess of $11.2 millionand a 46% funding ratio. Due to growingliability and the fund’s escalating costs, theCity explored various options to close FRRF,and eventually place all firefighters in theTexas Municipal Retirement System(TMRS). A hybrid defined contributionretirement plan, TMRS is the plan all otherCity employees participate in. As opposed tothe stand-alone FRRF plan, TMRS hasnearly 850 cities participating with over100,000 active contributing members.Compared to FRRF, overall contributioncosts for TMRS have been lower, with anearly 100% funding ratio.

Specifics of the House Bill 3056

The City worked closely with firefighters tofind a two-pronged solution to guarantee thatcurrent FRRF members receive the benefitsthey are due, and that the City can eventuallyexit or close the plan. The FRRF Board ofTrustees, the City’s Finance AdvisoryCommittee, and the City Council spentconsiderable time and attention studying thisissue. As the result of this teamwork, HouseBill 3056 was fashioned. Now, new firepersonnel can participate in TMRS, whileexisting firefighters can continue toparticipate in FRRF. To address concerns ofexisting fire personnel who will remainwithin FRRF, the City and firefighters agreedto the following stipulations:

• A contribution cap of 10% for the fire fighters who remain in FRRF

• The City will guarantee the plan benefits as currently offered provided the firefighters who remain in the plan don’t implement any plan changes, including new benefits, unless required by law

• Maintain the qualified status of the plan under IRS regulations

• Continue to contract for actuarial and audit services as required by law

• Close the plan to all new hires.

The City is grateful for all those whoparticipated in the development and passageof House Bill 3056. From our firefighters toour committee members and statelawmakers, these beneficial changes wereaccomplished because of thoughtfulconsideration and purposeful effort.

Fireplace safety tips

With cooler temperatures just around the corner, now isthe perfect time to make sure thatyour wood-burning fireplace isready for use this fall and winter.That preparation begins with havingyour chimney inspected andcleaned by a licensed professional.

Here are additional fireplace safety tips from theUniversity Park Fire Department:

• Install a chimney cap to keep debris and animals out of your chimney

• Burn only dry, well-seasoned wood, ideally logs that have been seasoned for six months to a year

• Make sure your damper is open before you light the fire

• Always use a fireplace screen or glass doors to keep burning embers inside the fireplace

• Never burn trash or plastics in your fireplace• Never start your fire with gasoline or other flammable

liquids

Prescription Drug Take Back Day - October 28

Saturday, October 28, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., UniversityPark residents can dispose of accumulated, unwanted, andunused prescription drugs by stopping by the fire stationside of University Park City Hall at 3800 University Blvd.

This effort, hosted by UPPD, ispart of a nationwide drug disposalprogram started by the DrugEnforcement Administration in2010.

A reminder - Residents don’t haveto wait for a national Drug TakeBack Day event to dispose ofprescription drugs. The Police

Department has installed a MedReturn box at City Hall.It’s located inside the building’s 24-hour entrance (3800University Blvd.) next to the City’s 911 call center. TheMedReturn box will not accept liquid medications,inhalers, needles, syringes or lancets.

Over the years, the City has explored various options to address long-term funding

concerns with the Fire Department’s pension system. During the most recent Texas Legislative Session, in close collaboration with our fire fighters, the City

worked with Representative Morgan Meyer, Senator Don Huffines and the Chairman of the House Pensions Committee, Dan Flynn, to achieve approval of House Bill 3056. The measure, through an amendment to the Texas Local Fire Fighters Retirement Act, provides the City with a pathway to resolve those concerns.