DECEMBER 2018 - JANUARY 2019
UNIVERSAL CITY TREE LIGHTING PAGE 5
GETTING FIT AND STAYING FIT THROUGH THE HOLIDAY HUSTLE PAGE 6
EVENTS CALENDAR PAGE 10
LIBRARY SCHEDULE PAGE 18-19
Universal City Municipal Directory
UNIVERSAL CITY MEETINGS December/January Calendar
2150 Universal City Blvd. Universal City, TX 78148 Office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Administration - The following can be reached by dialing 210.659.0333, and then entering the extension number listed: Building Inspector.............. Jaclyn Redmon........ 724 City Clerk ............................ Kristin Mueller.......... 7 0 1 City Manager ...................... Ken Taylor................ 7 0 1 Code Enforcement ............ Jacob Jenkins.......... 723 Court Administrator.......... Linda Rose............... 7 1 5 Development Services...... Kim Turner............... 720 Events................................. Regina Carmona..... 7 2 1 Finance..............................
Pat Collins................. 708
Fire Chief............................. Manuel Casarez....... 786 Fire Marshal ........................ Todd Perna .............. 788 Health Official .................... Anabell Maldonado.. 727 Police Chief ........................ Gary Speer................ 752 Stormwater Inspector ...... Wes Keller................. 722 Utilities Administrator ....... Veronica Hernandez.. 7 1 1
Departments Animal Care & Control.......................... Fire Department..................................... Golf Course.............................................. Library........................................................ Parks/Pavilion Rental............................ Police Department................................. Public Works............................................
210.658.0700 210.659.1250 210.945.4653 210.659.7048 210.658.5364 210.658.5353 210.658.5364
Helpful Numbers
Chamber of Commerce........................ 210.658.8322 Waste Management.............................. 210.368.5000 Bexar County Voter Registration....... 210.335.6625
City Council Mayor John Williams....................... 210.659.8104 Tom Maxwell..................................... 210.659.0333, ext. 731 Paul Najarian..................................... 210.659.0333, ext. 732 William Shelby................................... 210.659.0333, ext. 733 Dick Neville........................................ 210.659.0333, ext. 734 Bear Goolsby..................................... 210.659.0333, ext. 735 Beverly Volle..................................... 210.659.0333, ext. 736
For EMS, Police and Fire Emergencies ALWAYS Call 911
www.UCTX.gov www.Facebook.com/UniversalCityTexas
n December 3, 2018....................................... 6:00pm Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting n December 4, 2018....................................... 6:30pm City Council Meeting n December 12, 2018...................................... 6:00pm Parks and Recreation Committee Meeting n December 13, 2018..................................... 5:00pm Economic Development Corporation Meeting n December 17, 2018...................................... 6:00pm Golf & Conference Center Committee Meeting n December 17, 2018...................................... 6:00pm Board of Adjustment Meeting n December 18, 2018..................................... 6:30pm City Council Meeting n December 24, 2018............................. offices closed City Holiday: Christmas Eve n December 25, 2018............................. offices closed City Holiday: Christmas Day n January 1, 2019................................. offices closed City Holiday: New Year’s Day n January 2, 2019......................................... 6:30pm City Council Meeting n January 7, 2019......................................... 6:00pm Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting n January 8, 2019......................................... 7:00pm Library Advisory Commission Meeting n January 10, 2019........................................ 5:00pm Economic Development Corporation Meeting n January 15, 2019........................................ 6:30pm City Council Meeting n January 21, 2019........................................ 6:00pm Golf & Conference Center Committee Meeting n January 21, 2019................................ offices closed City Holiday: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day n January 22, 2019....................................... 6:00pm Parks and Recreation Committee Meeting n January 28, 2019....................................... 6:00pm Board of Adjustment Meeting December 2018 / January 2019
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HAPPY HOMES FOR THE HOLIDAYS! Keep your pets in mind during the festivities The holiday season is upon us and many people love to celebrate big with parties, tons of savory food, and plenty of sweets to go around. While humans love to enjoy this time of the year and all its spoils, it can mean a period filled with anxiety and possible danger for dogs and cats. Pets do not understand the extreme change in a home caused by visitors coming and going. This could cause them to scramble away recklessly, possibly hurting themselves or others. To help prevent injury to a pet or loved-one, keep your fur babies in a safe, quiet, and festivity-free zone inside your house or backyard if they appear frightened. When visitors come, there is usually the increase of sweets in the house, ESPECIALLY chocolate, most of which can be toxic for dogs and cats. It is extremely important to keep
any candy far out of the reach of any curious animals wanting to sample what their humans are eating. In addition to candy, the rich foods prepared at this time of year can cause problems for animals if ingested. Letting a dog clean your plate after a big, tasty meal may sound like a treat but many pet owners are unaware of the risk this can pose. Table scraps can cause many issues to the digestive tract of dogs and cats such as pancreatitis. Turkey is a hazard for animals, as the skin and fat can cause inflammation of the pancreas and the bones can cause obstruction or laceration of the digestive system. Other holiday foods that can spell danger for pets are: alcohol (can cause coma or death), macadamia nuts (contains toxins), onions (can cause anemia), raisins/ grapes (can damage kidneys), and yeast dough (can lead to stomach
rupture). Pets should remain on their regular diet during the holidays and if you so desire, given special treats made for cats and dogs. Keep pets in mind when “decking the halls”. Decorations can be a choking hazard to animals who think they might be toys or treats. In South Texas, winters tend to start late in the year and pets may not be able to adjust to the sudden drop in temperature. Some dogs are bred to withstand extremely cold temperatures, but smaller dogs get cold easily so consider items such as sweaters and booties for a dog. When possible, bring pets indoors but when outside, an extra blanket on a pet’s bed can make a big difference. The Universal City Animal Care and Control wish you and your pets a happy and safe holiday season!
ALARMING DEADLINE! Do not get caught in a bad situation and discover your alarm permit was not renewed. All 2018 alarm permits expire on December 31, 2018. Blue postcards will be sent to residents in the mail with information on how to renew. Alarm Permit Renewal Fee by December 31, 2018 - $10 Late Alarm Permit Renewal Fee on January 1, 2019 - $25 The renewal payment can be made at the Universal City Police Department, 2150 Universal City Blvd., or sent by mail starting November 15th. If you have moved, disconnected your alarm system, or have any questions, please contact the Police Department at (210) 658-5353. Reminder: Renewal payments MUST be on a separate check from Utility payments. 4
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Information on alarms and permits can be found in City Ordinance 532 on the Universal City website www.UCTX.gov, search for Municodes.
GETTING FIT, BEING FIT AND STAYING FIT Stay healthy through the holiday hustle! Getting fit, being fit, and staying fit is extremely difficult through the celebratory seasons of Thanksgiving, Hanukah, Christmas, and New Year’s – and the Superbowl. With kids at home and company on the way and too much cooking, shopping, and visiting to be done, it is hard to squeeze in the time to keep fit. Daniel Pink, author of When: The Scientific Secrets of Perfect Timing, offers that if you want to lose weight exercise in the morning before eating because this is when you use the fat that is stored up in your system. If you want to run faster or lift more, then exercise in the late afternoon or early morning because your lung function and oxygen intake are at their highest peak of the day.
There is a plethora of means to get fit time in in Universal City. OrangeTheory Fitness, located at 3142 Pat Booker, Suite 100, offers heart rate-based training to charge your metabolism and create the Orangetheory afterburn. Across the street from OrangeTheory Fitness at 2925 Pat Booker Road is the TruFit Athletic Club. TruFit Athletic Club offers month-to-month memberships for those who like to train on their own, need a personal trainer, or prefer group exercising. They also have a super cool room for kids to hang out in while Mom and Dad are getting in their fit time.
help them in the areas of strength, movement, sensory processing, communication, positive behavior modification, social interactions, and self-care skills. Their unique equipment assists all children in their neurological growth and development.
If you are looking for an environment where you can relax, exercise at your own pace and do your own thing without being judged, then Planet Fitness at 1705 Pat Booker Road, Suite 216 is the place for you. Planet Fitness also has free personalized fitness training, hydromassage, and tanning.
If you want unique and explosive fitness training, consider BSA Sports Lab at 11503 E Loop 1604 N Suite 111. In addition to regular exercise options, BSA Sports Lab offers Fit Camps every day at 5:00 AM and 6:15 PM. They also have Tabata (highintensity interval training), Olympic and functional weight training, cardio, and circuit training with weekly weigh ins and body fat composition.
Need to get the kids moving? Visit We Rock the Spectrum Kids Gym, 932 Coronado Blvd. We Rock the Spectrum provides children with a fun and motivational environment to
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Short on time. Try a 30-minute total body kickboxing class at 9Round located at 912 Coronado Blvd. If you are looking for a women’s only facility, visit Shape Up! Fitness For Women at 118 W. Byrd Blvd.
If you want to mix fitness with selfdefense, then consider 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu at 11503 TX -1605 Loop #107, or
December 2018 / January 2019
Patriot Martial Arts at 914 Pat Booker Rd, or Kenpo Karate at 1630 Pat Booker Rd. Sometimes, fitness starts from inside your body. If you are a male and your testosterone level is low, you may be experiencing fatigue, weight gain, and decreased motivation. For women, as they age, hormone levels decrease and become out of balance, leading to common symptoms of menopause and aging. Fortunately for some men and women these imbalances and deficiencies can be treated effectively with the right approach to hormone replacement therapy. If this is you or someone you know, then you might consider a visit to SynergenX Health at 3150 Pat Booker Rd, Suite 100. SynergenX Health & Wellness Clinic treats men and women with low hormone levels using a new individualized approach of hormone therapy. The SynergenX team is led by doctors and other licensed and experienced medical professionals. More information on SynergenX Health & Wellness Clinic can be found at www.SynergenXHealth.com or by calling 210.817.6020.
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There are more neighbors than ever in the growing tri-county communities. This makes for more falls, scrapes, fevers and medical emergencies of all kinds. To enhance our broad system of care, and to better serve our community, we’ve expanded our ER department to be bigger and better by adding 17 new treatment rooms for a total of more than 40. At Northeast Methodist Hospital we’re prepared and on standby 24/ 7/365 to provide high-standard, experienced, one-patient-at-a-time care. So count on us when you need help and you need it now.
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PROPERTY MAINTENANCE KEEP YOUR PROPERTY UP
Just like your annual physical or the periodic vehicle maintenance that you need to perform, your House or Business needs regular maintenance as well. This goes beyond just mowing the yard, the upkeep on the tree branches, or ensuring all garbage/debris is cleaned up. The City has adopted the International Property Maintenance Code which establishes a minimum requirement for the maintenance of existing buildings. The intent is to adequately protect the public and residence from life, health, safety, and welfare violations. Universal City does this through inspections, improving properties, and gaining compliance with property owners.
Taxes
Bookkeeping
GENERAL ITEMS TO LOOK FOR • • • • • • •
Roof, Facia, Soffit, and Vent Caps Foundation Siding Broken Windows and Cracking Paint Electrical Box and Breakers Water Heater Fences
Development Service can assist you by answering any general or permit questions or by providing a courtesy list of registered contractors.
Audits
PROTECT YOUR HOME — AND ITS VALUE 941 West Byrd Suite 101 Universal City, TX 78148
210-592-9751 info@avacpa.com www.avacpa.com
Painting improves your home’s condition and helps protect its value. When you choose CertaPro Painters®, you’re assured of quality workmanship and a great painting experience, too.
Contact CertaPro Painters® of NE San Antonio today!
(210)
490.0460
We Do Painting. You Do Life.®
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UNIVERSAL CIT Y
EVENTS Calendar DECEMBER 4 Universal City Tree Lighting City Hall, 2150 Universal City Blvd @ 6PM – Watch the Mayor and City Council flip the switch and turn on the light of the City Christmas Tree. Free activities, refreshments and picture with Santa. Enjoy performances by Mojo-Rimba, SA Sound, Escondido Elementary Choir and Mary Lou’s School of Dance. Sponsored by A&A Plumbing, Hayden Realty, Gatti’s Pizza, Security One, Hilllside Primary Care, Orange Leaf, AireSmith, Elite Family Dental, Randolph Mail Center, Four Kings, El Toro, Forum Nail, Greener Grooming, Randolph Brooks Federal Credit Union, PRO38, Farmers Insurance and HEB. DECEMBER 8 Fire Station Pancake Breakfast Universal City Fire Station, 2160 Universal City Blvd. – Fill-up on allyou-can-eat pancakes, sausage
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and juice. Adults are $5; kids 11 and younger are free. DECEMBER 15 Pet Pictures with Santa Universal City Animal Care and Control, 134 Athenian @ 9AM – Bring the four-legged members of your family for their Christmas photos with Santa. $5 each, proceeds go to UC Animal Care and Control and Homes for the Homeless. DECEMBER It’s Time Texas Sign-up Visit www.ItsTimeTexas.org and register for the 2019 Community Challenge! The Community Challenge is an 8-week competition that unites and mobilizes schools, businesses, organizations, community members, and mayors toward the common goal of transforming your community’s health. Registration for the 2019 Community Challenge is officially open!
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December 2018 / January 2019
and a Happy New Year!
A gift for you! - Get a Free CMA Dec 10th - 14th!
Stop by our office or call to schedule an appointment to receive a FREE comparable market analysis of your property's value. 433 Kitty Hawk Suite 112 Universal City
NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH Neighbors watching out for each other Neighborhood Watch is a program that involves neighbors watching out for each other by being alert to possible criminal activities in their area. Crimes can often be avoided by taking preventative actions. Most crimes that occur in neighborhoods are crimes of opportunity where criminals are on the lookout for easy targets. The goal of the Neighborhood Watch program is to help minimize possible targets. Universal City currently has over 300 Neighborhood Watch (NW) Points of Contact (POCs) in 34 different neighborhoods. These NW POCs receive various crime prevention reports from the Universal City Police Department (UCPD) and the U.C. NW Coordinator to pass onto their neighbors. They also receive monthly crime statistics reports for the City and their individual neighborhoods. To receive this information and participate in Neighborhood Watch, please send an e-mail to nwc@uccpaaa.org or call 210659-0333, Ext. 526.
n Replace original locks with more secure deadbolts and use 3� plate screws. n Keep unused doors and windows locked, even when you are inside. n Do not place mail with personal info in your mailbox (take it inside the post office). n Make list of serial numbers or identification info for valuable items. n Close your garage door if you are working in the backyard. n Lock the door into your house from the garage. n Lock your car with valuables in trunk (including laptops and GPS devices). n Park car in garage whenever possible.
The first step is to take positive actions to protect your own home and car: n Keep your porch lights on at night. n Keep shrubbery away from windows to prevent hiding places. n Leave indoor light(s) on random timer. n Do not open your door to strangers.
When you leave your home for extended absences: n Notify neighbors. n Cancel newspaper and mail or arrange for pickup. n Arrange for yard care. n Notify police using the Out of Town form available at the police station.
Additional steps associated with a Neighborhood Watch (NW) program are: n Appoint a NW Point of Contact to coordinate neighbor crime prevention activities. n Conduct periodic get-togethers to acquaint yourself with your neighbors. n Periodically check on homes of absent neighbors. n Place neighbors’ old newspapers up by their front door. n Install a NW sign on your street. n Attend the free Universal City Citizens Police Academy. n Report inoperable streetlights to CPS through www.CPSenergy.com n Immediately report anything suspicious to the UCPD nonemergency number (210-658-5353, Ext. 1)
Crime prevention brochures are available inside the UCPD and City Hall lobbies provided by the UCCPAAA. Visit www.UCCPAAA.org for additional crime prevention info and to learn more about the U.C. Citizens Police Academy. 14 THE GATEWAY
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HAPPY & HEALTHY HOLIDAYS There are healthy options Starting around Thanksgiving Day and ending just before New Year’s, radios, store, and malls are replete with Bing Crosby singing “Happy Holidays”. Happy Holiday Happy holiday, happy holiday While the merry bells keep ringing May your every wish come true
The problem with a Happy Holiday is that it is not necessarily a Healthy Holiday. Also starting around Christmas and ending after New Year’s is the inundation of ads, displays, and party tables laden with goodies whose ingredients are conducive to unhealthy eating. Fortunately, there is businesses in Universal City that can assist residents in having a Happy and Healthy Holiday. Pro38 Lifestyle, located at 1316 Pat Booker Road, offers healthy fresh-made Grab & Go lunches and dinners, and a superb catering service. Pro38 Lifestyle’s mission is to show food lovers that eating healthy doesn’t have to mean giving up great flavor. From its Cajun sandwiches to its firecracker salmon, the dishes are fueled with energy and protein and are guaranteed to leave you and your party feeling full and satisfied. Pro38 Lifestyles provides online ordering and take out or delivery services. A must have treat is the Pro38 Peanut Butter Balls made with fresh ground peanut butter, chai seeds, flax seeds and oats! You can get Pro38 Lifestyle reviews on Yelp, Facebook, and Grubhub.
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San Antonio deliveries: Wednesdays after 2pm and Saturdays after 12pm. Orders for Wednesday delivery must be placed by 9am Tuesday and orders for Saturday delivery must be placed by 9am Friday.
Online orders can be made on the Pro38 Lifestyle’s webpage at Pro38Lifestyle.com or by calling 210.517.7160
Austin deliveries: Mondays after 9am and Thursdays after 9am. Orders for Monday delivery must be placed by 9am Friday and orders for Thursday delivery must be placed by 9am Tuesday.
Selma Community Magazine
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MONEY-SAVING TIPS UTILITIES
SAVE MONEY
WITH WINTER WATER AVERAGING Winter averaging provides an opportunity for residential customers to save water now and pay less for sewer fees next year. In accordance with City ordinances and contracts with the San Antonio River Authority and the Cibolo Creek Municipal Authority, RESIDENTIAL sewer charges are based on average water consumption during the three billing periods starting after 14 November of each year.
A majority of residential customers use much less water during the winter months since they do not usually water their lawns or at least not water as often. Residential sewer charges are based on water consumption during three complete consecutive billing periods beginning mid-November through mid-March of each year to calculate your sewer fee for the whole year.
Refer to the chart below to find out your winter averaging schedule. The first two digits of your account number is your route number.
Follow these steps to keep your water consumption as low as possible: • • •
Utilities Account Information Update Please help the Utilities Administration office update the contact information on your water, sewer and garbage accounts. This information will ONLY be used by the City of Universal City. Please provide the following information: Account#____________________
Keep lawn and landscape watering to a minimum Repair any water leaks indoors and outdoors as soon as possible In the event that you have a water leak during the averaging months, you can appeal your newly assessed fees. To receive consideration, submit your request in writing along with any plumbing repair receipts to Utilities Administration. Your request must be received as soon as repairs are made or immediately after your first newly assessed fee which will reflect on your April or May 2019 water utility bill.
Address_______________________________________
Account Name________________________________________________________________ Home Phone _________________________________________________________________ Work Phone __________________________________________________________________ Spouses or other contact name _________________________________________________
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Please contact Universal City Utilities with any questions 210.659.0333 option 8. THE GATEWAY 17
UNIVERSAL CITY PUBLIC LIBRARY FEATURED PROGRAM
Holiday
Workshop at the Library
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 1 NOON TO 2:00 PM Â Stories and Pictures with Santa
Face Painting Fun crafts, ornaments, and gifts to make and take Festive music and light refreshments
Holiday Spirit!
Happy New Year!
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The Universal City Public Library will close Wednesday, January 2 and Thursday, January 3 while volunteers and staff inventory the collection. The library will reopen at 10 AM on Friday, January 4.
December 2018 / January 2019
December - January Schedule TODDLER KIDS STORY TIME 18 months to 3 years Tuesdays at 11:15 AM Craft Cart Story Time (K through 5th grade) Wednesdays at 3:30 PM Babygarten (0 - 18 months) Thursdays at 10:00 AM Preschool Story Time (3 – 5 years) Fridays at 10:30 AM LEGO Club Saturday, December 8, 10 AM to Noon Saturday, January 12, 10 AM to Noon R.E.A.D. with Christy Meyer and Oakley Saturday, December 15, 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM
FOR ADULTS Coloring Club with Vicki Sengele Wednesday mornings at 11 AM
Young@Hearts (Senior Adults) Thursday mornings at 10:00 AM White Elephant Bingo 1st, 3rd, and 5th Thursdays Crafts 2nd Thursdays Garden Art with Mary Quandt December 13 January 10: TBD Movies 4th Thursdays, (Lady Bird, December 27; Won’t You Be My Neighbor?, January 24)
Yearly planning meeting Wednesday, January 23, 6:14 PM. at Pasha Mediterranean Restaurant, 15069 I-35 in Selma.
STRAIGHT TALK ABOUT IDENTITY THEFT Tuesday, January 15 at 11:30 AM Kim Mixon will present information on identity theft, fraud, and identity protection. Find out who is most at risk, the responsibilities of banks and credit card companies, and how to protect yourself.
Friends of the Universal City Library meet on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 1:00 PM.
FOR EVERYONE Holiday Movies on Tuesdays: December 4, 11, and 18 at 5:30 PM Complete event calendars for the library are posted weekly on Tuesdays on the Universal City Public Library Facebook page. Bookmark the Universal City Library Programming Calendar: www.UCTX.gov/ Library
UC LIBRARY BOOK CLUB No meeting in December The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan Wednesday, January 16, 12:00 noon.
GET A LIFE: THE BOOK CLUB No meeting in December
Reward your employees or thank your clients! Weekly event calendars for the library are posted on Tuesdays on the Universal City Public Library Facebook page. Bookmark the Universal City Library Programming Calendar: www.uctx.gov/library
We have thousands of nice branded products and apparel for you to choose from that won’t break the bank. Quick turnaround times!
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