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Home My WebLink AboutUBI 2012 JANCITY OF COLLEGE STATION CSU’s tree-trimming maintenance program clears trees away from its power lines on a three-year cycle, which takes care of normal trimming needs within the city’s easement. But what about all those distressed trees outside the easement? Helping Property Owners Since the early 1980s, CSU has had a proactive plan to help local property owners safely remove trees by helping to determine if the tree poses a potential danger to a power line. When safety issues are present, CSU will trim the tree top to ensure its safe removal by the customer’s tree service. In addition, overhead electric services to customer’s homes temporarily can be removed to make tree removal safer and easier. CSU usually performs this service at no charge as long as it’s scheduled during normal working hours, but overtime charges may apply for after- hours or weekend removal. Remember Not all power lines belong to CSU, and not all overhead lines are electric lines. Some Inside College Station * * * * * * * City of College Station * Home of Texas A&M University® * College Station, Texas * * * * * * * In September, a dangerous wildfire was ignited at Harvey Mitchell Parkway and State Highway 6 when high winds snapped the trunk of a hollow tree and it fell into a power line. The tree was still green and offered no indication that it would create a dangerous situation. After a summer of extreme drought, the blaze spread quickly and threatened nearby neighborhoods and businesses. If not for the rapid response of the College Station Fire Department and others, the situation could have been grim. Fires caused by discarded cigarette, outdoor burning, cars, barbeque pits and other sources caused tremendous havoc across Texas in 2011, and will continue to be a threat until the drought ends. Drought Has Increased Danger With drought conditions persisting, the need for trees to be trimmed or removed will continue to increase. Like all electric utilities, College Station Utilities actively maintains its rights-of-way. Still, isolated cases of objects contacting power lines are always a threat. January 2012 Learn more about city utilities at:cstx.gov/utilities Tree Trimming Reduces Wildfire Risk belong to cable or phone companies, or even other utilities. Don’t Do it Yourself If you see a tree, branch or other object threatening a power line, don’t try to remove it yourself. Report the issue to CSU at 979.764.3638. NOW AVAILABLE Parks & Recreation Spring Guide The Parks and Recreation Spring Guide is now available online at cstx.gov/parks, or you can pick up a copy at the following locations: Stephen C. Beachy Central Park, City Hall, Southwood Community Center, Lincoln Recreation Center, CS Conference Center or the Larry J. Ringer Library. The Spring Guide includes information about every Park and Recreation activity and program going on from January to May. For more information, visit:cstx.gov/parks half low-interest repayable and half forgivable loan for moderate to major renovations of owner-occupied homes. Loans of up to $50,000 are available for qualified families to complete repairs necessary to bring their homes up to code compliance. Homeowner Reconstruction Loan Housing reconstruction assistance provides a mixed repayable and forgivable loan up to $110,000 to demolish and reconstruct a substandard home for eligible owner- occupied homes. For more information, contact the Community Development at 979.764.3778 or visit cstx.gov/housingassistance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Feb. 18Gardening in Challenging Climates Gain insight from experts about Earth-Kind methods on how to become a successful gardener in times of climatic extremes. This workshop is hosted by Brazos County Master Gardeners. City of College Station Water Services will be on-hand to provide information about smart irrigation, water conservation rebates and water-smart landscaping. The cost is $35 and registration is preferred by Feb. 13. Visit brazosmg.com or call 979.823.0129 for details. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Feb. 25-26B/CS Station Homebuilders Association Home Expo The 2012 Bryan-College Station Home Builders Association Home Expo will be held Feb. 25–26 at the Brazos County Expo Center, CITY OF COLLEGE STATION Citizens Fire Academy The College Station Fire Department encourages you to apply for Citizens Fire Academy, a free, 11-week program that focuses on the day-to-day operations of your local fire department. The academy is offered each spring, and meets on Monday evenings from 6:30–9:30 p.m., plus a Saturday session that features a live fire exercise. Classes start Feb. 20 and run through May. Applications are available at cstx.gov/cfa. The deadline to apply is Friday, Feb. 10. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and live or work in the Brazos Valley. For additional information, call College Station Fire Department Public Education Officer at 979.764.3712. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Citizens Police Academy Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be a police officer? Here’s your chance! Apply today for the College Station Police Department’s Citizen Police Academy. This free, 11-week program offers participants an inside look at their local police department and criminal justice system. The academy will be held on Tuesdays, starting in February, from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Applications are located at the College Station Police Department main office (2611 Texas Avenue South). To learn more, contact Officer Dennis Bain at 979.764.2573 or dbain@cstx.gov. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Homeowner Assistance The following programs are available to assist income-eligible homeowners living inside the city limits with needed repairs: Homeowner Minor Repair This program provides a forgivable grant of up to $5,000 on owner-occupied homes for qualifying families that need minor repairs. Eligible repairs include replacement of an air conditioner or heater, repair to plumbing or electrical systems, or other minor repairs necessary to ensure safe living conditions. Homeowner Rehabilitation Loan The Rehabilitation Loan Program provides a Inside College Station January 2012 {PAGE 2} events coming in February Jan. 30 - Feb. 10 Register for Girls Spring Softball. Learn more at cstx.gov/sports. Feb. 1 Apply for City of College Station citizen boards, commissions and committees. Learn more at cstx.gov/boardsandcommittees or call 979.764.6351. Feb. 6 Registration begins for Camp YO! (5th-8th Grade), March 12-16, Southwood Community Center. Go to parksweb.cstx.gov. Feb. 15 - 11:30 a.m. Exploring History Lunch Lecture “How to Steal a Moon Rock” by Everett Gibson, CS Conference Center. Call 979.764.6351 or email kkelbly@cstx.gov to RSVP. Feb. 23 - 11:30 a.m. Annual Soul Food Luncheon. Lincoln Recreation Center. For more info, call 979.764.6351. Feb. 27 - March 9 Register for Adult Spring Volleyball. Learm more at cstx.gov/sports. For more information, visit:cstx.gov/calendar located at 5827 Leonard Road in Bryan. The Home Expo is open to the public on Saturday 10 a.m.–5 p.m. and Sunday 1 p.m.–5 p.m. College Station Utilities will be located at booth 89 and will be providing information about available conservation services and rebate programs. Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for seniors. Children under 12 years old are free. Visit bcsbuilders.org or call 979.696.0272 for more information.