At Your Doorstep - August 2003

At Your Doorstep Departments

Neighbor to Neighbor

National Night Out

Join thousands of neighborhoods across the nation Tuesday, Aug. 5, for the 20th Annual National Night Out, a special night when you can help make your neighborhood safer.

National Night Out is an annual event designed to:

• Heighten crime and drug prevention awareness.
• Generate support and participation in anti-crime efforts.
• Strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community relations.
• Send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.

Get involved

The ways to participate in National Night Out are limitless. A few ideas to spark your creativity:

• Get all of your neighbors to turn on their porch lights.
• Meet your neighbors by attending a block party or hosting a barbeque.
• Encourage your kids to get involved. Ask them to make posters and yard signs for the event.

Register to host a party

If you would like to host a registered National Night Out 2003, visit the Austin Police Department Web site, www.cityofaustin.org/police for registration information.

City plugs citywide project to stop sewage overflows

The Water and Wastewater Utility's $150 million Austin Clean Water Program is gearing up for an accelerated construction schedule to meet the Environmental Protection Agency's mandate to prevent sanitary sewer overflows.

While the focus now is the repair and replacement of sewer lines in north Austin's Crosstown Interceptor Basin, south and central Austin will also receive attention in the months ahead as design begins on projects in the Onion Creek and Govalle Interceptor Basins.

The Environmental Protection Agency has issued an Administrative Order citing violations of the Clean Water Act and outlining steps necessary to return the wastewater collection system to compliance. Construction in all three basins must be completed by December 2007 or the City will face fines of $27,500 a day per incident.

ACWP representatives have been meeting with neighborhood groups to keep them informed about the program, particularly in areas where construction is taking place now or where it's set to begin in several months. Sewer lines must be replaced or fixed in about 120 areas around the City, according to Reynaldo Cantu, Assistant Director for Engineering at the Water and Wastewater Utility.

"To minimize the impact to residents, every effort will be made to confine construction crews' activities to the public right-of-way," says Lauraine Rizer, manager of Real Estate Services for the City. "Crews also will utilize existing easements to work on lines. When the work cannot be confined to the existing right-of-way and easement areas, the City will need to purchase easements from property owners."

An easement, or right-of-way, allows an individual or entity the right to use the property owner's land for a specific purpose. Easements allow utility companies to erect power lines or bury water or sewer lines across private property. Ownership and title to the property remain with the property owner.

Virtually all land in Texas has some type of easement. Property owners can often find a list of the easements across their property in the deed description or title policy, if title insurance was obtained to insure the purchase of the property. The City of Austin Water and Wastewater Utility owns wastewater easements citywide used to service the community's wastewater collection system.

Property owners will be contacted before work begins when it's determined that an existing easement must be utilized. If a project requires the City to purchase additional or new easement areas, a professional property agent hired by the City will contact the property owner to schedule a personal visit at the property owner's convenience.

In addition to permanent easements, the City may also be required to purchase temporary easements from some property owners. These temporary easements will allow work crews the space necessary for safe construction of the wastewater improvements. Compensation for a temporary easement is based on the land needed and is assessed much like a fair short-term rental would be negotiated.

For more information, call the hotline at (512) 684-3204. Information may also be accessed on the ACWP Web site at www.cityofaustin.org/acwp/.

Building a new landmark: Austin City Hall and Public Plaza update

Concrete work for the first level of the new Austin City Hall is now complete, and crews are making significant progress toward beginning the second level.

Since construction on the building began in April, more than 3,600 cubic yards of concrete - 400 truckloads - have been poured for the new City Hall.

The concrete is reinforced by one million pounds of reinforcing steel. Level One will be home to the City Council Chambers, the Board and Commission Room, news briefing room, and the Office of the City Clerk, as well as the City Store and cafe.

To see construction action live from your home or office, visit the City Hall web camera at www.cityofaustin.org/cityhall/livecamera.htm. More information on the New Austin City Hall is available at www.cityofaustin.org/cityhall.

For more information, contact Anne Easterling, Public Information Specialist, (512) 974-7870, anne.easterling@ci.austin.tx.us.

Labor Day collection schedule

There will be no garbage, recycling or yard trimmings collection Monday, Sept. 1, 2003, in celebration of Labor Day. Collection slides a day later throughout the week for all Pay-As- You-Throw customers.

For more information, call (521) 494-9400 or visit www.austinrecycles.com.

What are your library priorities?

You can have a voice in the Austin Public Library's future at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 11, in the Town Lake Center's first floor Assembly Room, 721 Barton Spring Road.

Join the Austin Public Library Commission at a public meeting to discuss the library budget and library service priorities.

The Library Commission is an advisory board to the Austin City Council, the City Manager and Austin Public Library staff about the establishment and operation of the Austin Public Library. For additional information, call (512) 974-7400.

Austin celebrates new Fire and EMS station

A grand opening event at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 23, will celebrate the new City of Austin Fire and EMS station at 12711 Harrisglenn Lane.

The event is free and open to the public. Tours of the facility will be provided until noon. The Austin Fire Department's mascot will visit with children. other activities are scheduled and refreshments will be available.

Umlauf Sculpture Garden slates family events

Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum has designated a day for family fun from 1:30 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 7.

The Annual Family Day features the Austin Children's Theatre Company's The History of Art in Forty Minutes or Less. The presentation is about the development of art and covers subjects from prehistoric petroglyphs to present day pop-art.

After the presentation, families may create their own masterpieces with mural drawings or at clay tables.

More than 40 sculptor members of the Texas Society of Sculptors will present a sculpture demonstration from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 14. Admission will be free in recognition of Austin Museum Day. Other activities include the Kids Corner and a silent auction.

The Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum is at 605 Robert E. Lee Road. Hours of operation are 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Wednesdays through Fridays; 1 4:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.

Admission is $3.50 for adults; $2.50 for seniors; and $1 for students. Children under the age of 6 are free.

For more information, contact (512) 416-5700 or visit www.umlaufsculpture.org.

Austin celebrates new Fire and EMS station

A grand opening event at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 23, will celebrate the new City of Austin Fire and EMS station at 12711 Harrisglenn Lane.

The event is free and open to the public. Tours of the facility will be provided until noon. The Austin Fire Department's mascot will visit with children. other activities are scheduled and refreshments will be available.

Umlauf Sculpture Garden slates family events

Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum has designated a day for family fun from 1:30 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 7.

The Annual Family Day features the Austin Children's Theatre Company's The History of Art in Forty Minutes or Less. The presentation is about the development of art and covers subjects from prehistoric petroglyphs to present day pop-art.

After the presentation, families may create their own masterpieces with mural drawings or at clay tables.

More than 40 sculptor members of the Texas Society of Sculptors will present a sculpture demonstration from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 14. Admission will be free in recognition of Austin Museum Day. Other activities include the Kids Corner and a silent auction. The Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum is at 605 Robert E. Lee Road.

Hours of operation are 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Wednesdays through Fridays; 1 4:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Admission is $3.50 for adults; $2.50 for seniors; and $1 for students. Children under the age of 6 are free.

For more information, contact (512) 416-5700 or visit www.umlaufsculpture.org.

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Health Check

Summer Shot Roundup: Immunization services in Travis County

Don't delay. Free immunizations for back-to-school requirements are available at the following locations through the Summer Shot Roundup program:

Austin Fire Stations

• Fire Station No. 8, 8989 Research Blvd.
• Fire Station No. 35, 5500 Burleson Road.
• Fire Station No. 37, 8660 Texas 71 West.

Walk-in appointments are available every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 9 - Aug. 23. For more information, call 2-1-1.

Seton Community Health Centers

• Seton McCarthy Community Health Center, 2811 E. Second St., Aug. 16. For information, call (512) 324-4930.
• Seton South Community Health Center, 3706 S. First St., Aug. 9. For information, call (512) 324-4940.
• Seton Topfer Community Health Center, 8913 Collinfield Road, Aug. 2. For information, call (512) 324-6850.

Walk-in appointments are available at the Seton Community Health Centers from 9 a.m. to noon. Appointments can be scheduled from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Shots for Tots

• Far South Health Center, 405 W. Stassney Lane. For more information, call (512) 972-5520.
• St. John Community Center, 7500 Blessing Ave. For more information, call (512) 972-5520.

Contact Shots for Tots to schedule an appointment or for information about available walk-in appointments.

Skippy Express
North Austin

South Austin

• Houston Elementary School, 5409 Ponciana Drive,

Walk-in appointments are available at 9 a.m. Aug 12-14. For more information about Skippy Express locations or appointment times, call (512) 324-7391.

For more information about shots offered at Austin Regional Clinics and Austin Independent School District campuses, contact Robert Flocke, Austin/Travis County Health and Human Services, (512) 972-6166 or e-mail robert.flocke@ci.austin.tx.us.

City offers advice to protect against West Nile virus

The Austin/Travis County Health and Human Services Department offers advice to protect against West Nile virus after the first human case for 2003 was confirmed last month in Travis County.

The West Nile virus first appeared in Texas in 2002 and has moved across the state. Its presence in Travis County was confirmed last year in one human, 12 horses and one bird. Its presence in Austin has been reconfirmed this year with the detection of the virus in eight mosquito samples and in three birds. Four human West Nile virus cases have been reported in Texas this year. Once the virus is present in an area, it does not go away and returns each year.

Most infected with the virus will show no symptoms, and often do not know they've been infected. Some may exhibit mild, flu-like symptoms including fever, headache, sore throat, body aches and fatigue, occasionally with skin rash and swollen lymph glands. Symptoms of more severe West Nile infectionsencephalitis and meningitisinclude headache, high fever, stiff neck, disorientation, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, coma and paralysis.

If these symptoms are present, a primary health care provider should be contacted right away. The Austin/Travis County Health and Human Services Department will continue to monitor the mosquito population and has stepped up its efforts with increased larvaciding and targeted spraying to control the source of mosquitoes in areas where the virus has been detected.

Currently no vaccine is available to combat the virus in people and no specific treatment is given for the infection other than supportive therapies for fever or pain. However, there are a number of things that people can do to protect themselves, their families and their communities.

Reducing exposure to mosquitoes is one of the most important ways to avoid contracting the virus. The following "Four Ds" offers a helpful guideline to follow:

• Dusk to Dawn: Stay indoors from dusk to dawn when those mosquitoes likely to carry the infection are most active.
• Dress: Dress in pants and long sleeves when you are outside, especially in mosquito-infested areas.
• DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide): Apply insect repellent that contains DEET. Read and follow label instructions. Spray both exposed skin and clothing with repellent.
• Drain: Get rid of standing water in your yard and neighborhood. Old tires, flowerpots, clogged rain gutters, leaky pipes and faucets, birdbaths and wading pools can be breeding sites for mosquitoes.

For more information about mosquito control or to report dead blue jays, crows or hawks, contact the Austin/Travis County Health and Human Services Rodent and Vector Control unit, (512) 972-5692.

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Safe & Sane

Crossing guards needed for school start up

The Child Safety Program will need to add 25 crossing guards to its staff for schools throughout the City before school starts Aug. 19. Crossing guards work between 7 and 8:15 a.m. and between 2:30 and 3:45 p.m. The salary is $8 an hour.

Crossing guards must be 16 years of age and meet safety qualifications to assist pedestrians. For more information, call Chris Moore, Child Safety Program Coordinator, (512) 974-7273.

Pedestrian safety tips

With August marking the end of summer vacation for children citywide, it's a great time for parents to review pedestrian safety tips for safe trips to and from school.

Children's behavior often reflects that of adults. Parents should set a positive example for their children and explain the reasons for their actions.

Following are safety tips parents should discuss with their children:

• Don't cross in the middle of the street. Go to the nearest intersection or crosswalk to cross the street. Motorists expect pedestrians at intersections.
• Stop. Look. Listen. Drivers don't always stop for you at a crosswalk or light. Look for cars and make sure it's safe before you cross the street.
• Explain in detail how to look in all directions when crossing the street. Children should look in every direction, left again and continue looking while crossing the street.
• Never cross the street quickly. See if any cars are coming and then walk across the street.
• See and be seen. Make sure the driver sees you.
• Cross with the crossing guards when possible at school crosswalks.
• Stay at least three feet away from the edge of the street.
• Walk your bike across the street in a crosswalk
• Roller blades and skateboards are not allowed in crosswalks. Walk across the intersection and carry your skateboard or skates.
• Never walk along or play on railroad tracks. A train can not stop quickly.

Parents also should take time to remind children not to talk to strangers or be lured by a driver that is asking questions. Children should report suspicious activities or strangers to a school authority or a crossing guard.

It takes just a few minutes to go over life-saving precautions that will help provide safe routes to and from school.

Fire Department kicks off smoke alarm campaign

The Austin Fire Department recently unveiled a campaign urging Austin residents to be sure they have working smoke alarms in their homes.

The campaign slogan is "Put a Finger on It," referring to the need to test smoke alarms regularly to ensure they are functional.

The need for a strong smoke alarm message became evident following an alarming year of fire fatalities in Austin in 2002. The 13 fatalities represented the second-highest total in Austin history; nearly all of those deaths could have been prevented by the presence of a working smoke alarm.

As a result AFD took an aggressive approach to meet the issue head-on. Special Audience Marketing, a local marketing and advertising agency, helped develop the campaign, including the slogan and campaign mascot, "Freddy the Finger."

The Austin Fire Department recommends smoke alarms are installed on every level of homes, including every bedroom and corridors outside of sleeping areas. They should be tested monthly. Alkaline batteries should be replaced at least once a year or as soon as the alarm "chirps" warning the battery is low.

For more information, contact AFD Public Relations Manager Dale Whitaker at (512) 477- 9982.

AFD one of country's busiest departments

Firehouse magazine ranked the City of Austin Fire Department as one of the busiest fire departments in the United States last year.

In 2002, AFD responded to 57,435 total calls, which ranked 42nd nationally. The breakdown is 38,806 medical first responses; 2,522 fire calls; and 5,409 false alarms.

New York City's fire department was the busiest in the nation with 1,355,151 calls last year. Compared to other major Texas cities, Austin's department ranks as the fourth busiest, behind Dallas, Houston and San Antonio.

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Big Ideas

Airport exhibit features Lance Armstrong

Five-time Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong is the feature of the premier exhibit in Austin-Bergstrom International Airport's ticket lobby.

The display can be viewed until Nov. 3 and is accessible to all airport visitors. The exhibit is along the balcony overlooking the baggage claim between Southwest and American Airlines ticket counters.

Internationally acclaimed photographer Graham Watson, who has covered the tour since 1977 and is regularly featured in Cycle Sport Magazine, contributed photos for the exhibit. The exhibit includes items from the United States Postal Service, Capital Sports and Entertainment, the Lance Armstrong Foundation and photographer Elizabeth Kreuz.

Airport police celebrate 30 years of service

Airport Police has had its specialized beat for 30 years. In Austin, Airport Police officers have grown from a patrol of two to a force of 54. Officers are trained in medical response, and the force incorporates K-9 patrols at Austin- Bergstrom International Airport.

The Airport Police Division was organized in 1973 as a result of a Federal Aviation Administration mandate requiring the presence of State-certified law enforcement officers at certain airports.

This requirement was the result of the increase in terrorist activities directed against civil aviation aircraft and facilities in the 1960s and early 1970s, specifically aircraft hijackings and bombings. In addition to requiring specialized law enforcement, the FAA enacted a process of passenger screening to detect and thwart attempts to bring weapons and other dangerous items onto commercial flights.

Most recently, changes resulting from the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks have been the focus for Airport Police.

Labor Day increases number of travelers

Passengers can save time and ease their travel process by keeping a few tips in mind.

• Arrive early.
  Airlines serving Austin recommend 90 minutes before departure.
• Park near departure gate.

This month, officials opened more than 200 spaces—the closest to the terminal that were temporarily closed due to heightening alert status. These spaces are located in the parking garage on the ramp leading to the lower level parking area and the first three spaces in each row on each level.
Airport officials are encouraging meeters and greeters to park in the parking garage. Garage parking rates are $2 for 31-60 minutes with each additional hour $2, up to a daily maximum charge of $18.
Other parking rates for on-airport parking include: $6 (flat, daily rate) in the Economy Lots (Lots B-G); and $9 (flat, daily rate) in Close-in Surface Parking (Lot A). A flat rate charge means customers pay a single, set amount for any time of parking within a 24-hour period.
• Call in advance.