At Your Doorstep November 2003

At Your Doorstep Departments

Big Ideas

City of Austin launches new parking pilot: Austin SmartPark

With Austin SmartPark, paying at parking meters just got easier for visitors to the downtown area.

Beginning Monday, Nov. 3, drivers who find a space in the 100 blocks of both West Sixth and West Fifth streets will also find a new way to pay. A total of 20 parking spaces are included in the City's pilot project of Austin SmartPark. Two central pay stations will be installed mid-block, one on West Fifth and one on West Sixth. Instead of paying at an individual meter, visitors will pay at one of the central pay stations.

How does it work? After parking your vehicle, you simply walk to the nearest pay station and insert payment. That payment can be in a number of different forms including: nickels, dimes, quarters and $1 coins. It will also accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express and debit cards.

The maximum time you are allowed to purchase: Two hours for $2. You can also pay for any amount of time below that, up to the two-hour maximum. However, if you do use a credit card, you have to purchase a minimum of one hour of parking, which equals $1.

More good news: Everyone will get a five-minute grace period. So, if you pay for an hour, you'll actually get an hour and five minutes. The pay station will print out a receipt that shows the amount you paid, the date and the expiration time. Take that receipt back to your vehicle and place it on your vehicle's dashboard.

Get done earlier than expected? You can use your leftover time when you move from one meter to another meter as long as you make sure that you do so on that same day and before the time you purchased expires. Just make sure to keep your receipt on your dashboard! And, the meter you move to does not have to be in the pilot project area.

One other great feature: Bonus time. If you arrive before 8:30 a.m., the meter clock does not run until then. So, if you purchase, for example, an hour, you would have the space until 9:35 a.m. (Remember, the five-minute grace period counts each time!)

The Austin SmartPark program may look a little different with the central pay stations, and offer more convenience, but it will be just like parking at other metered spaces downtown. Namely, you only pay Monday through Friday, between 8:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., and on holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day), you won't have to pay.

The Austin SmartPark pilot will run for 90 days, ending on Jan. 30.

Free Web design class for neighborhood associations

Does your neighborhood association need a Web site or an enhanced look?

Join community members at the Metropolitan Austin Interactive Network (MAIN) Webraising event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8.

The free event will be at Reagan High School Campus, Community Technology Training Center, 7104 Berkman Drive.

The event is specifically designed to assist neighborhood associations and other nonprofit agencies with Web building and Web hosting services. Experts and beginners will help build Web pages for local nonprofit organizations in the Austin area.

The Metropolitan Austin Interactive Network is a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering and facilitating the exchange of information.

The event is a partnership between MAIN and the Capital Area Training Foundation (CATF), a part of the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce.

For more information or to volunteer to assist at the event, contact Sue Soy, ssoy@ischool.utexas.edu, or (512) 327-8413. You may also visit www.main.org to register and learn more about the event.

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Neighbor to Neighbor

City adjusts schedule for holidays

The City of Austin administrative offices, including offices of the City Council, will be closed Tuesday, Nov. 11, for Veterans Day and Thursday and Friday, Nov. 27-28, in observance of Thanksgiving.

Normal business hours will be observed on Monday, Dec. 1. Garbage will be collected on its regular schedule Veterans Day.

All City of Austin recreation and senior centers will be closed Thanksgiving Day. Several centers will be open or operating on reduced hours Friday, Nov. 29. Call locations for specific hours of operation.

Garbage collection also will be affected by the Thanksgiving holiday. Solid Waste Services will not collect garbage, recycling and yard trimmings on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 27. Thursday and Friday customers will have their collection one day later.

City of Austin Solid Waste Services customers will receive their collection a day later than regularly scheduled. The regular collection schedule will resume the week of Dec. 1.

Contact the City of Austin Utility Customer Service Line at (512) 494-9400 for more information regarding the collection schedule or visit www.cityofaustin.org/sws.

Yard boxes more than meets the eye

We've all seen them - "boxes" in yards in various neighborhoods that could use a little sprucing up. In fact most homeowners who have electric transformers on their property try diligently to hide them or decorate them with shrubbery, native landscaping, trees or props.

In doing so, many residents are making the transformers unavailable or difficult to access at times when City crews are repairing or troubleshooting problems.

Electric transformers in the community

Austin Energy, the City of Austin Municipal Electric Utility, strives to bring reliable, low cost energy to its customers. To achieve safe, reliable service, crews patrol infrastructure from time to time to make sure that the components are in good working condition. It's important to make sure crews can safely access the infrastructure.

Neighborhoods with underground utilities require pad-mounted transformers as a means to get electricity. A transformer can serve up to six households. Often they look like "big green metal boxes." Many times, they are located within public utility easements that cross the property owner's land.

Personnel need access to the transformers regularly. Access is critical during power restoration after an outage or for routine maintenance on the equipment inside the transformer. The National Electric Safety Code requires proper clearance. Although screening the transformers is understandable, this often creates problems with routine maintenance and emergency access.

Access to electrical equipment

City of Austin Utility Service Regulations state that the "City shall have safe and unobstructed access to its electrical equipment at all times." Such access requires a minimum of eight feet of unrestricted space in front of a pad-mounted transformer. The front is the side of the transformer where the door opens to access the equipment. It usually is the side of the transformer where there is a padlock.

Obstructions including fences, shrubs, trees, storage sheds, etc. should not impair entry into the transformer. This can cause service restoration delays during power outages or routine maintenance of equipment.

Any obstruction in front of a transformer presents additional safety risks to the personnel trying to access the transformer. There must be a minimum of eight feet of clearance to safely service the units.

If there is a pad-mounted transformer in a public utility easement across your property, please maintain a clear eight-foot path in front of the unit.

Safety around transformers

For your protection, avoid making contact with a pad-mounted transformer. And never allow children to play on or near transformers.

Report problems

Immediately report unlocked or damaged pad-mounted transformers to Austin Energy at (512) 322-9100.

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Environs

CLEAN AIR Force calls on Central Texans to 'air' thoughts

The CLEAN AIR Force of Central Texas is encouraging Central Texans to give feedback on a number of proposed strategies to reduce air pollution. Through an online survey at http://webtools.nustats.com/cleanair.survey, Central Texans can give opinions on the best mix of strategies for reducing air pollution caused by ozone. The deadline to submit opinions online is Saturday, Nov. 15.

The Central Texas area has been in violation of the Federal Clean Air Act (a health- based standard) for three of the past four years. High ozone levels can negatively affect the respiratory health of Central Texans, as well as impact the economic vitality of the area through possible loss of federal funding, costly emission control equipment and limits on business expansions.

As a way to address and fix the ozone problem, elected officials in the Central Texas region of Hays, Travis, Williamson, Caldwell and Bastrop counties have proactively entered into an agreement called the Early Action Compact with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Through this agreement, local elected officials committed to develop a Clean Air Action Plan that would bring the region back to healthy levels of air two years sooner than required under the Federal Clean Air Act.

Another benefit of the Early Action Compact is the opportunity to custom-design the air quality solutions for this region and one of the ways Central Texans are able to participate in the decision-making process is via the survey at http://webtools.nustats.com/cleanair.survey.

Because ozone is a regional problem and many of the proposed measures will likely affect the general public, businesses and local governments, all Central Texans in the five- county area are encouraged to give their feedback via the survey. To learn more about the proposed solutions, visit www.cleanairforce.org or call 1-866-916-4AIR.

For more information, contact Deanna Altenhoff, CLEAN AIR Force, altenhoff.caf@capco.state.tx.us or (512) 916-6057; or Fred Blood, City of Austin, fred.blood@ci.austin.tx.us or (512) 974-3533.

About the CLEAN AIR Force of Central Texas

The mission of the CLEAN AIR Force of Central Texas is to coordinate and conduct air quality planning and education activities in Central Texas focused on motivating the citizens of this region to take actions to reduce air pollution and maintain healthy air; and to advise responsible government entities on air quality issues.

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Health Check

Shots: Best method to avoid flu

With Central Texas' flu season here, local health care organizations and public health officials are urging that those at high risk from flu complication get vaccinated.

The season for influenza in Central Texas usually begins in late October and early November and lasts through March. Most cases are reported in late December, January and February.

However, it is not too early for those at greatest risk from complications from the flu to contact their physician or health care provider to receive a flu shot.

• Persons age 65 and older.
• Residents of nursing homes or chronic care facilities.
• Adults and children with chronic respiratory or cardiovascular conditions, including asthma.
• Adults and children with chronic metabolic diseases, diabetes, renal disease, blood disorders or suppressed immune systems.
• Children and teen-agers on long-term aspirin therapy.
• Women who will be in the second or third trimester of pregnancy during the influenza season.

Anyone seeking flu shots are urged to contact their physicians or health care providers. Community influenza vaccination clinics are scheduled in November and December.

The clinics are sponsored by local health partners, the American Lung Association of Texas, Austin/Travis County Health and Human Services Department, the Department of Veterans Affairs, Northcross Mall, St. David's HealthCare Partnership, SETON Healthcare Network, the Texas Department of Health, the Austin Diagnostic Clinic, Travis County Medical Society, Texas Medical Foundation, Austin Fire Department, Barton Creek Square Mall and United Way/Capital Area 2-1-1.

For more information on available flu shots and clinic locations, contact (512) 972- 5520 or call 2-1-1.

Visit www.austinflufight.com for more information.

Health Partnership 2010 kicks off Flu Fight 2003

With influenza now circulating in the local area, health care organizations and public health officials urge the public, especially those at high-risk from complications of the flu, to get a flu shot.

• The Health Partnership 2010 will host its annual Flu Fight 2003 Thursday- Saturday, Nov. 6-8.
• The Austin/Travis County Health and Human Services Department will begin administering flu shots the week of Nov. 10.
• Two Austin Fire Department stations will participate in Flu Fight 2003 the weeks of Nov. 10 and 17.

Flu shots available through Health Partnership 2010 and the Austin Fire Department Nov. 6-8 will be for individuals age 50 and over, and age 13 and over with identified high- risk conditions. Proof of age will be requested. Flu shots will not be given to anyone under age 50; pregnant women; anyone with allergies to eggs; or with a temperature of more than 100 degrees.

While Flu Fight 2003 flu shots are free, a $10 voluntary donation is being accepted to cover the cost of vaccine and to provide for future flu fights.

Flu vaccine costs have increased dramatically in the past several years. Health Partnership 2010 relies on public support to keep the program running each year and to help provide free flu shots for underserved or uninsured high-risk residents.

Flu Fight 2003 schedule

The following locations will offer flu shots from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on a walk-in basis only. Flu shots are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Appointments will not be accepted.

• Thursday, Nov. 6
  Northcross Mall, Burnet Road at Anderson Lane
  St. David's HealthCare Partnership staff.
• Friday, Nov. 7
  Barton Creek Square Mall, 2901 Capital of Texas Highway
  SETON Healthcare Network staff.
• Saturday, Nov. 8
  North Austin Medical Center, 12221 N. MoPac at Parmer Lane
  The Austin Diagnostic Clinic staff.
• Thursday and Friday, Nov. 6-7
  Veterans Affairs Outpatient Clinic, 2901 Montopolis Drive
  VA Clinic staff.

The schedule for the Austin Fire Department stations is:

• Tuesdays and Fridays, Nov. 11, 14, 18, 21
  1 - 4 p.m.
  Fire Station No. 5, 1201 Webberville Road
  Fire Station No. 22, 5309 E. Riverside Drive.
  Children under 9 years of age are not eligible to receive shots at theses locations.

The Austin/Travis County Health and Human Services Department will offer free flu shots to persons age 50 and over; individuals who are high-risk; and children age 6-23 months.

For more information call 2-1-1, or visit www.austinflufight.com. You also may contact Bob Corona, Austin/Travis County Health and Human Services Department, bob.corona@ci.austin.tx.us, or (512) 972-5266.

Health care isn't just for humans!

Keeping your pets healthy is a part of responsible pet ownership. Vaccinations are a key component of preventative health care.

Although the public rarely hears about rabies in dogs or cats, the deadly disease is still prevalent in wildlife throughout Texas and still represents a threat to pets and people. Pets must be protected to prevent the spread of rabies to humans.

"Widespread vaccination of pets has greatly reduced the incidence of canine and feline diseases," says Dr. Linda Czisny, Shelter Veterinarian for the Town Lake Animal Center. "The successful control of public health threats such as rabies depends on people getting their animals vaccinated."

To help Austin pet owners provide proper protection for companion animals, Austin/Travis County Animal Services Department will provide a free Rabies Vaccination and Pet Registration clinic from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, Nov. 8, at the Montopolis Recreation Center, 1200 Montopolis Drive.

Dogs and cats must be at least 12 weeks of age to receive a vaccination and be registered. Dogs must be leashed, and cats must be in a secure carrier or box.

Dogs and cats will also receive a free pet registration tag, which is required for all dogs and cats in the City of Austin. A lost pet wearing a pet registration tag can quickly be traced and returned to its owner, avoiding or reducing time spent at the animal shelter.

For more information, contact Bob Corona, bob.corona@ci.austin.tx.us, or (512) 972- 5266.

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Safe & Sane

Holiday crime prevention tips

Criminals take advantage of the holidays when families leave for vacations and day trips. Vacant neighborhoods are an opportune place for crime.

Don't let the spirit of giving lull you in to giving burglars, muggers or pickpockets a better chance to do their dirty work.

The following prevention measures can help you have a safer holiday season:

Protect your home

Protect your vehicle

Protect yourself and your family

Emergency response team needs volunteers

The City of Austin Office of Emergency Management Department needs help protecting neighborhoods from the devastating effects of flooding and other man-made and natural disasters that could overwhelm the community.

The Central Texas Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) is seeking CERT members in the Onion Creek flood plain neighborhoods bounded by East William Cannon Drive, South Pleasant Valley Road and Onion Creek Drive.

Volunteers may contact Tiffany Taylor, (512) 974-0477, or e-mail tiffany.taylor@ci.austin.tx.us.

About the Central Texas Community Emergency Response Team

The CERT was established in 2003 as a result of a presidential initiative following the Sept. 11 tragedy. CERT involves citizens in emergency preparedness and response through education, training and volunteer service. The CERT program is an emergency preparedness program supported by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

The ability of a community to recover from the devastating effects of a disaster requires that citizens actively plan and participate in preparedness. By encouraging preparedness, CERT members can minimize the effects of a disaster and facilitate recovery.

The Office of Emergency Management oversees the Central Texas CERTs. CERT members are required to take a 20-hour course taught by City of Austin emergency personnel.

To learn more about Central Texas CERT, visit www.cityofaustin.org/oem/cert.htm.

Free volunteer training to help develop network for victims

In the event of a major natural disaster, a terrorist attack, or some other catastrophic event, there would be a need for trained professionals to support victims, responders and their families who may have suffered emotional trauma.

The City is looking for volunteers from the following professions to attend the free training: mental health professionals, victim advocates, emergency responders, medical practitioners, chaplains and pastoral counselors and media representatives in the Austin metropolitan area.

The Office of Emergency Management will offer the Disaster Terrorism Crisis Response and Recovery Training from 6 to 10 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 12 and Thursday, Nov. 20. The eight-hour class consists of two sessions. Continuing Education Units (CEUs) are offered to those who complete both sessions.

The class will be at the Thompson Conference Center, University of Texas at Austin, 26th and Red River. To request an application, e-mail ndenney1972@yahoo.com. Participants should bring a completed application to the class. Free.

Funding for the training is made available through a grant from the Office of the Attorney General to continue the Disaster Terrorism Center for Victims Assistance, and funding from the Texas Department of Health (TDH) under the Local Public Health Preparedness and Response for Bioterrorism Grant, to recruit 2,000 regional volunteers.

For more information please contact Ann.Hutchison@ci.austin.tx.us or call (512) 974- 0467.

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Zone In

The following zoning cases are tentatively scheduled for the Nov. 18 Planning Commission Agenda.

1.C14-02-0040.103 (RCA) - Stratus Properties (John Baker), by (Michele Haussmann), 5800 -05948 block of West Slaughter Lane. (Slaughter Creek). City Staff: Wendy Walsh, (512) 974-7719.

2.C14-02-0040.103.107 - Stratus Properties (John Baker), by (Michele Haussmann), 5800 - 05948 block of West Slaughter Lane. (Slaughter Creek). - City Staff: Wendy Walsh, (512) 974-7719.

3.C14-03-0154.SH - T.C. Steiner & Son (Robert Steiner), by (John Joseph), East Riverside Drive. From SF-6, MF-3, and CS to SF-4. (Carson Creek). City Staff: Annick Beaudet, (512) 974-2875.

4.C14-03-0155 - (Oliver Billingsley), by Brown McCarroll (Nikelle Meade), 813 Bastrop Hwy. From I-SF-2 to CS. (Carson Creek). City Staff: Annick Beaudet, (512) 974-2975.

5.C14-03-0156 - Stratus Properties (John Baker), by (Michele Haussman), 5800 - 5948 Block of West Slaughter Lane. From LR-MU-CO to GR. (Slaughter Creek). City Staff: Wendy Walsh, (512) 974-7719.

6.C14-03-0157 - (Robert Harris), by Weynand Builders (Mike Weynand), Davis Lane Between West Gate Boulevard and Brodie Lane. From DR to CS, MF-3, SF-4, and SF-6. (Slaughter Creek). City Staff: Wendy Walsh, (512) 974-7719.

7.C14-03-0158 - (Owner), by (Agent), 6509 S. First St. From GR, W/LO to W/LO. (Williamson Creek). City Staff: Wendy Walsh, (512) 974-7719.