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Volume 18 Number 2 Spring 2005www.ci.friendswood.tx.us

Inside This Issue...

EARLY VOTINGEarly voting by personal appearance begins Wednesday, April 20, 2005

and ends Tuesday, May 3, 2005 and will be conducted at FriendswoodCity Hall, 910 S. Friendswood Drive, in the City Council Chambers. Thedates and hours are as follows:

Wednesday & Thursday April 20 & 21 7:30 – 5:30Friday April 22 8:00 – 5:00Monday – Thursday April 25-28 7:30 – 5:30Friday & Saturday April 29-30 8:00 – 5:00Monday & Tuesday May 2 & 3 7:30 – 5:30

City election applications for mail ballots must be mailed to:City Secretary Deloris McKenzie, 910 S. Friendswood Drive,

Friendswood, TX, 77546-4856All applications must be received no later than

close of business on April 29, 2005.

CANDIDATES FOR CITY ELECTION

COUNCIL POSITION NO. 2 COUNCIL POSITION NO. 51. Lonnie Moffitt 1. Kitten Brizendine2. John LeCour 2. Chris Peden

Last day to register to vote for this election will beThursday, April 7, 2005.

Election information is available by contactingthe City Secretary’s office at 281-996-3270.

FRIENDSWOOD CITY ELECTIONSaturday, May 7, 2005

Registered voters may go to the polls for voting in the City Election to electFriendswood City Council Members for Positions No. 2 and No. 5. Voting hours onElection Day are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Election Day Polling LocationsSaturday, May 7, 2005 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Harris County Residents Galveston County ResidentsWedgewood Elementary Friendswood City Hall4000 Friendswood Link Road 910 S. Friendswood Drive

Page 2The “First-Ever”Household HazardousWaste Collection Event

Page 3FriendswoodNeighborhood Network

Page 4OnLine Services

Page 5Library Corner

Page 6Centennial ParkImprovements nearingCompletion

Page 7Community Goals forGrowth and Development

Page 8Businesses are Bloomingin Friendswood

0Capital Improvements

Page 11Fiscal Year 2004-05Fact Sheet

Page 122005 Concerts in the Park

Page 13Robbery Prevention Tips

Page 14Start a NeighborhoodWatch Program in yourNeighborhood

Page 16Community Calendar

2 Focus on Friendswood

Some jobs around the home mayrequire the use of productscontaining hazardouscomponents that have the words,warning, danger, toxic, corrosive,irritant, flammable or caution ontheir labels. Such productsinclude paints, stains andvarnishes, cleaners, polishes,automotive products, pesticidesand herbicides. These itemsbecome wastes when they are nolonger stable or no longerwanted. The used or leftovercontents of these consumerproducts are “householdhazardous waste” (HHW).

THE “FIRST-EVER”HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE

COLLECTION EVENTSaturday, April 16, 2005

9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Centennial Park

The cities of Friendswood and League City have partnered toprovide our residents an opportunity to safely reuse, recycle, ordispose of common Household Hazardous wastes. These items ifimproperly discarded, can contaminate our community, includingprecious resources such as Clear Creek.

Please join your friends and neighbors on Saturday, April 16, 2005from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Centennial Park. This collection event willbe held in conjunction with the Community Appearance Board’sAnnual “Spring Sparkle” Community Clean-up Day, and is fundedthrough a grant from the Houston-Galveston Area Council and theTexas Commission on Environmental Quality. Residents mustprovide either a driver’s license or utility bill as residency verificationto participate.

HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUSWASTE ITEMS TO BE

COLLECTED:

• Car Batteries, Oil, Antifreeze

• Paint (good quality paint will be blended andbulked and available for residents to takehome)

• Household Batteries

• Household Cleaners, Pesticides,and Fertilizers

• Old Cellular Telephones

For more information or to volunteer,please contact Christal Kliewer at

281-996-3250.

HOUSEHOLDHAZARDOUSWASTE

Focus on Friendswood 3

How can Friendswood Neighborhood Networkhelp your Neighborhood Association?

CENTRAL CONTACT FOR NEIGHBORHOOD QUESTIONS AND CONCERNS• Neighborhood representatives can contact the City Council HOA Liaison David Smith or staff contact Christal Kliewer

for information on city projects, services, and events or to share neighborhood news, ideas, or concerns.

CONSISTENT COMMUNICATION• Participating association representatives will receive important news and announcements including press releases,

construction and capital project updates, and City events via e-mail or fax.• Associations will also have the opportunity to participate in surveys on community issues and ideas.• A report on all Network activities and announcements will be provided to the City Council.

INFORMATION AND EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES• Speakers and presenters from City departments can be scheduled through the Network to discuss issues and projects

of interest at association meetings.• The Network will host Neighborhood Representative meetings— “Network Nites”— to provide a forum for ideas and

information exchange between Friendswood neighborhood associations, related property management groups, andthe City of Friendswood.

• Information packets highlighting city information and services will be available for new association board members.• Contact information for other area resources for associations is also available.

For more information on the Friendswood Neighborhood Network contact Christal Kliewer in the City Manager’sOffice at 281-996-3250 or at [email protected].

Want to be connected?Want to be better informed?

Join the Neighborhood Network!Homeowners and Neighborhood Associations

play a vital role in our community and its future!To help facilitate communication betweenFriendswood neighborhoods and City electedoff icials and staff, please encourage yourassociation to provide updated contact informationto the City. This information helps to ensure that

relevant news and critical announcements reach theassociations and their members.

Association Presidents or Board members can updatetheir information by completing the form available onthe City’s website at www.ci.friendswood.tx.us/Network/form.asp or request a form by calling the City Manager’sOffice at 281-996-3250.


City of FriendswoodMission Statement

It is the Mission of the Council and Staffof the City of Friendswood to provide thehighest level of service to our citizens at

the greatest value.Adopted: July 9, 1990

Revised: January 4, 1993Revised: August 18, 1997

Revised: January 12, 2004

Focus on Friendswood • Spring 2005Published by the City of Friendswood

City Manager’s OfficeRon Cox, City Manager

Toni Yeager, Editor

Mayor Kim W. BrizendineMayor Pro Tem Jerry EricssonCouncil Position 1 Laura EwingCouncil Position 3 Tracy GozaCouncil Position 4 Dave SmithCouncil Position 5 Shannon KimmelCouncil Position 6 Mel Measeles

The following services are currently offered via theInternet on the City’s web site for your convenience:

Utility Billing - You can check the status of your utilitybill, review your account history, pay your bill andcorrespond with the department using E-mail. A PersonalIdentification Number (PIN) is required to access thisservice.

Building Permits - You can check the status of yourplan review or permits, get the results of inspections oreven schedule your next inspection. You are required tohave your application and pin numbers to access thisservice, so be sure to request these numbers when yousubmit plans for review at the front desk of the CommunityDevelopment Department.

Request for Services – A request form is available soyou can submit suggestions, requests or concerns. We

want to hear from you and make your interaction with theCity as easy as possible.

Library – You can access the library’s catalog, renewan item, and search a variety of external resourcedatabases and reference services.

Download Forms – Most of the City’s forms forapplications and permits can be accessed and downloadedincluding Utility Billing, Planning and Zoning andBuilding Permits. In addition, considerable buildinginformation is available including Design Criteria,Technical Specifications, Construction Notes, Impact Feesand Maps.

Parks and Recreation – In the very near future,citizens will be able to reserve City facilities, register forsummer camp and register for other activities, such asJazzercise and Aerobics.

ONLINE SERVICESwww.ci.friendswood.tx.us

The City of Friendswood Community ServicesDepartment will be offering registration for Summer DayCamp through the lottery system. All Friendswood residentsinterested in registering their children for Summer DayCamp will need to come to the Community ServicesDepartment, which is located on the second floor of CityHall, 910 S. Friendswood Drive. Registration for the lotterysystem will take place between Monday, April 18 andWednesday, April 27 during normal business hours. Proofof residency will be required at registration (valid driver’s

license or Friendswood water bill). Parents will be asked tofill out a lottery registration form detailing which sessionsare being requested. Families will be notified by Friday,April 29, if they were able to secure a spot in the session(s)requested. Families chosen in the lottery will be requiredto pay either deposits or full payments by 5 p.m. on Friday,May 6, or the space will be forfeited.

Beginning May 9, non-residents may register for anyremaining openings or be put on the waiting list. Foradditional information, please call 281-996-3220.

SUMMER DAY CAMP!!!!SUMMER DAY CAMP!!!!SUMMER DAY CAMP!!!!SUMMER DAY CAMP!!!!SUMMER DAY CAMP!!!!SUMMER DAY CAMP!!!!SUMMER DAY CAMP!!!!SUMMER DAY CAMP!!!!SUMMER DAY CAMP!!!!SUMMER DAY CAMP!!!!


L i b r a r yCo

rn

er

News from the Public Library The theme for this year’s Friendswood Public Library

Summer Reading Program is Go Wild…Read. The kick-off program, Cowboy Cooking and Blacksmithing, will beSaturday, May 28, 2005, at 10 a.m. Cowboy Szymanskiwill demonstrate how our forefathers forged everyday itemsfrom scrap metal. Nick Castleberg will tell stories aboutChuck Wagon cooks as he prepares biscuits usingequipment and methods used over 100 years ago. Othersummer programs will include puppet, magic, animal, andvariety shows. There will also be visits from the SouthwestDairy Farmer’s Mobile Dairy and the Wells FargoStagecoach.

If you are interested in learning computer skills, theFriendswood Public Library offers classes in Internetsearching, beginner’s Microsoft Word, library databases andgenealogy research. The Beginner’s Internet course coverstopics such as: what is a web browser, how to use a mouse,how to use the button bar, what is a URL address, and howto use Subject Directories and Search Engines. TheBeginner’s Microsoft Word class is designed to introduceletter and report writing, resume creation, envelopes andlabels, formatting and functions of the toolbar. In theLibrary Databases class, patrons will learn how to usethe many online database resources offered through theFriendswood Public Library. These include the TexshareDatabases for business, science, genealogy, educational andmedical information; Ebsco Host databases for thousandsof full-text periodical articles in a wide variety of subjecttopics; Gale Infotrac databases for business resources,biography, literature and health information; and Novelistfor reader’s advisory information. The Genealogy classprovides great websites and helpful tips to make yourgenealogy research more efficient and productive. Classesare held weekly on a first come first serve basis. Forinformation regarding library programs or services, contactthe Friendswood Public Library at 281-482-7135, or visitonline at www.friendswood.lib.tx.us.

Friendswood Public Library has begunhosting free Genealogy Workshops on thethird Monday of each month from 1 p.m. to 4p.m. The months of June and July, theworkshop will be open from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.due to summer programming. Learn moreabout genealogy research and spend somequality time researching.

Workshop includes:• Guest Speaker• Tips and Tricks Round Table• Computers with Internet access available for

your own researchPatrons are invited to come and go anytime

during the workshop. The guest will speak atthe beginning of the workshop. Computerswith Internet access will be available for genealogyresearch.

Workshop schedule and Guest Speaker:April 18, 2005, 1 – 4 p.m. Judie King will demonstrate

search features and data offered bywww.Ancestry.com, an Internet subscriptiongenealogical website. Temporary licenses will beavailable on the computers for public use.

May 16, 2005, 1 – 4 p.m. Marjie Harris will explainhow the Clayton Library Center for GenealogicalResearch in Houston can help with research.

June 20, 2005, 3 – 6 p.m. Jim Sword will demonstratehow to use Family Tree Maker Software todocument your genealogical information.

July 18, 2005, 3 – 6 p.m. Linda Cooper from theTexas City Ancestor Searchers GenealogicalSociety will be the gust speaker.

BOOK SALE * * * * BOOK SALE * * * * BOOK SALE * * * *The Friendswood Public Library will hold a Book Sale on Saturday, May 21, 2005, beginning at 2 p.m. through Saturday,

May 28, 2005, 2 p.m. The sale is sponsored by the Friends of the Library and is open to the general public. All proceeds gotoward supporting library programming.

A Preview Sale for members of the Friends of the Library is scheduled for Saturday, May 21, 2005, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.Become a member of the Friends of the Library for only $5. Membership forms are available at the Circulation Desk. Formore information, call 281-482-7135.


The remaining two phases ofconstruction at Centennial Park arenearing completion. The final phasesof the park will include the completionof the Evelyn B. NewmanAmphitheater, two restroom/concessions, picnic pavilions, a 3/4mile hiking/jogging trail, a storagefacility, an all accessible playground,two lighting multipurpose fields, onelighted football field, two new soccerfields, additional parking for over 200vehicles and the lighting of one existingsoccer field.

It is anticipated the Evelyn B.Newman Amphitheater and therestroom/concession picnic pavilionswill be complete in mid to late June withthe new athletic fields available forleague play in the fall of 2005. The finalphases of the project were fundedthrough the 2003 Bond Referendum.

The first phase of the project whichwas completed in March of 2002, wasa joint effort between the FriendswoodIndependent School District,Galveston County and the City of Friendswood. GalvestonCounty and FISD assisted f inancially towards theinfrastructure of the project, which included the entry road,

Centennial Park Improvements Nearing Completion

119 parking spaces and the grading and drainage for the entiresite. Without their financial support, the project would nothave been possible.


The Friendswood City Council adopted specific goalsfor the growth and development of this community in theform of a resolution on January 17, 2005. ResolutionR2005-02 states that in 1998, the City of Friendswoodcompleted a community strategic visioning process to studyways to develop the City’s tax base, improve infrastructure,retain community values, maintain quality schools, improvedrainage, provide a high level of public service, and maintainand improve the community in preparation for the City’sfuture needs and demand.

That process developed a strategic vision for the Cityknown as Vision 2020, which outlined fifteen general goalsto guide growth and development of the community. TheCity Council reviewed and reaffirmed these goals, and thenestablished and adopted the Community Goals for Growthand Development as enumerated in Vision 2020. The Goalsare:

COMMUNITY GOALS FOR GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENTCommunity Goals for the Growthand Development of Friendswood

1. Develop Tax Base2. Improve Infrastructure3. Retain Values4. Maintain Quality of Schools5. Improve Drainage6. Maintain High Level of Public Service7. Be a Whole Life Community8. Incorporate Vision 2020 in Master Plan9. Attract College/University

10. Develop Civic Center11. Maintain Visual Image12. Prevent Undesirable Land Uses13. Improve Transportation14. Develop Additional Parks and Recreational Areas15. Be Sensitive to the Environment

You have probably seen her on FM 2351, crossing from one side to the other, walking with the students of WestwoodElementary, Bales Intermediate and Friendswood Junior High, stopping traffic with her STOP sign. During the past 26years, many, many students and parents have come to know “Miss Ann” and regard her with fondness and affection.She is one of the children’s favorites, withher quick smile and sunny disposition.

“Miss Ann” is Ann Descant, a schoolcrossing guard for the City of FriendswoodPolice Department and the FriendswoodIndependent School District. Her last day willbe Thursday, May 26, the last day of school.She is retiring to spend more time travelingwith her husband and gardening.

FISD honored her for her dedication andservice to the citizens and the children ofFriendswood at their February School Boardmeeting. She was presented with a “MakingA Difference” award. Mrs. Descant will alsobe honored at the May 2, 2005 FriendswoodCity Council meeting with a Proclamationfrom Mayor Kim Brizendine, where he willproclaim “Ann Descant Day” officially in herhonor. Be sure to let her know how muchshe will be missed.

ANN DESCANT RETIRESAS SCHOOL CROSSING GUARD


BUSINESSES ARE BLOOMING IN FRIENDSWOOD

As you drive through town, take notice that the wildflowers are not the only things in bloom; there are severalconstruction sites in progress for new business about tocrop up! Work is continuing on the new Walgreen’sPharmacy at the corner of FM 518 and FM 2351. Onthe south side of Friendswood, construction on the Starbucks

on FM 528 between Blockbuster Video and Schlotsky’s isprogressing nicely, as is the Primrose School on FriendswoodDrive and Riley-Sherman Shipping Agency, a 9,000 squarefoot office development on Winding Way.

East on FM 528 in the Irish Green Office Park, space hasbeen leased by Virgin Systems, a new computer and securityretail sales business. Further east on FM 528 across from

Brookside Intermediate School is the construction site forthe new Best Storage mini-warehouse facility.

The 18-acre commercial plan of Friendswood Lakes,located at FM 528 and Friendswood Lakes Boulevard, willsoon feature a 25,000-square-foot office building. This is a$3-million project, which will rest on 1.4 acres of land.

Development is projected to commence in late spring2005. Space is currently available for pre-lease. At thistime, commercial tracts are available for sale on theadditional 16 acres that make up Friendswood Lakes.

Raton Plaza, a 34,000 square foot retail center beingbuilt on 4.25 acres, is nearing completion. Plans are toopen the $5 million project in late spring 2005, and will

include several retail outlets and two restaurants.Soon to be located on FM 528 behind HEB Grocery is

South Friendswood Square, a new 15,000 square footretail center, facing Sunset Drive. At the Sunset Driveretail center, a new upholstery and decorating business,Sofa Recovery hasopened. Located inthe former HEBnext to My ClosetYour Closet, is GPowers , a newvitamin andsupplement store.Across FM 518 nextto Piccomolo,Supercuts isopening a new hairsalon.

Raton Plaza

StarbucksFriendswood Lakes


BUSINESSES ARE BLOOMING IN FRIENDSWOOD

Constructionwork on PecanPlaza is movingright along onFM 2351 atPecan Drive.This 12,500square footo f f i c e / r e t a i lcenter has 9,000square feetavailable forlease.

A new $10million mixed-use project is

coming soon on N. Friendswood Drive. Mary’s CreekVillage is a 9.7-acre tract fronting Mary’s Creek that willfeature two, 10,000 square foot professional office buildingsand 39 upscale town homes. Across the street in thesouthbound lane of Friendswood Drive next to Friendswood

Fence Co., is the new office of Century 21 Coler Realty.Some changes have occurred in the Friendswood Village

Shopping Center. A new restaurant, Santa Barbara Caféhas opened in the location Alex’s Restaurant previouslyoccupied. Also opening soon will be Toddler Town featuringan indoor play area for toddlers, and Fitness for Men, a healthclub for men.

Mary’s Creek Village


AnnaleaDrainageImprovements

R a m o sIndustries,I n c .completedthis $1.4M i l l i o nproject in

February of 2005. This project was brought in under budget.Shadowbend/Woodlawn Drainage and StreetImprovements

C o n r a dC o n s t r u c t i o nCompany, Inc.completed this$1.3 Milliondrainage andstreet re-c o n s t r u c t i o nproject in earlyApril 2005.

Centennial ParkFrost Constructors, Inc. is nearing completion on this $3.4

Million expansion of the Park. All the buildings have beenerected and are in the process of finishing the interior items.The Hike and Bike Trail is complete. Project completion isexpected in early May of 2005. The new fields will be readyfor play by August of 2005.Fire Station #4

The Architectural Review Committee for the $1.4 Millionnew Fire Station #4 is reviewing qualifications from localarchitects for the design contract. Design could begin insummer of 2005.Deepwood Lift Station – Whitcomb Force Main

SCL Engineering will begin design work to increase theCity’s main wastewater handling facility at Deepwood.Construction of this $3.5 Million project is expected to beginin September 2005.

SunmeadowDrainageImprovements

T r o yConstruction wasawarded the $2.2Million contractfor SunmeadowD r a i n a g e

Improvements. Construction of the outfall to Vollmer ditch isunderway and the re-grading of the ditch to GCCDD’s 3-AcreDetention Pond is now complete. The project began in Januaryof 2005 with an estimated completion date of October 2005.Public Safety Building

Vaughn Construction/ Perkins & Will form the DesignBuild Team working on the new Public Safety Building. Thiswill house the Police Department, Fire Marshal’s Office,Municipal Court and the Emergency Operations Center.Construction is expected to start the summer of 2005. Aboveis an artist’s rendering of the new building.Neighborhood Waterline Replacements

The City has begun work to upgrade water mains in severalareas. This $294,000 project will include Misty Lane, Linkwood,W. Heritage, Dawn and W. Shadowbend. Work is expected tostart in July 2005.Clover Acres Drainage

CivilTech Engineering is currently designing this $1 milliondrainage project. The project will provide drainage relief tothis area along the City/Brazoria County line in conjunctionwith the forthcoming State Highway Project. Construction isexpected to begin in August 2005.Glenshannon Drainage

LAN Engineering was awarded the contract for drainageimprovements to this area. The $1.4 million project will installa new outfall to relieve street flooding during severe rainfallevents.Sunmeadow Lift Station and South Friendswood ForceMain Diversion

SCL Engineering was selected to perform the design of thisproject. Growth and aging infrastructure require the upgradeof wastewater facilities at the southern end of the FM 528corridor. This $1 million project constructs a new, more efficientlift station and redirects wastewater flows to one of the City’smain gravity trunk lines. Construction of this project is expectedto begin in October 2005.

CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS


FISCAL YEAR 2004-05FACT SHEET

Operating Budget $24,597,209Capital Budget $2,653,485Net Assessed Property Valuation $1,770,000,000Tax Rate per $100 Valuation $.6385Population 34,300Square Miles 22.7Number of Utility Customers

Water 10,988Sewer 10,331

STAFFING 03-04 04-05Full-time employees 173.00 176.00Part-time employees (FTE) 20.90 21.29Total employees (FTE) 193.90 197.29UTILITY RATES - (Billed Bimonthly)MONTHLY WATER RATES: Single-family, single-

business, or constructionin progress:

First 3,000 gallons per month $12.00Above 3,000 gallons, per 1,000 gallons $ 2.61Trailers, apartments, condominiums, multi-family, multi-business, or commercial units, including, but not limited to,strip centers, professional office buildings and shopping centers:First 3,000 gallons per month $ 7.50Above 3,000 gallons, per 1,000 gallons $ 2.61Lawn and landscape sprinkler irrigation systems, where waterpassing through the meter is used for no other purpose:First 3,000 gallons per month $ 6.25Above 3,000 gallons, per 1,000 gallons $ 2.61MONTHLY SEWER RATES:Single-family, single-business units, or construction in progress:First 3,000 gallons, based on 100 percent waterconsumption: $12.00Above 3,000 gallons, based on 80 percent waterconsumption: $ 2.61Trailers, apartments, condominiums, muti-family, multi-business, or commercial units, including, but not limited to,strip centers, professional office buildings and shoppingcenters:First 3,000 gallons, based on 100 percent waterconsumption: $ 7.50Above 3,000 gallons, based on 80 percent waterconsumption: $ 2.61Lawn and landscape sprinkler irrigation systems, where waterpassing through the meter is used for no other purpose:

No Charge.MONTHLY SANITATION RATE:

$7.84, includes curbside recycling fee.

HOW DO YOUR CITY PROPERTYTAXES COMPARE?

Entity 2004 Tax RateRegularHomestead ExemptionTaxes on$100,000 valued home

City of Friendswood 0.639 Yes - 20% $511City of League City 0.630 No $630City of Pearland 0.695 No $695City of Alvin 0.804 No $804City and School Taxes based on current exemptions and a homevalued at $100,00

HOW DO YOUR SCHOOL PROPERTYTAXES COMPARE?

Entity 2004 Tax RateRegularHomestead ExemptionTaxes on$100,000 valued home

Friendswood ISD 1.637 $15,000 $1,391Clear Creek ISD 1.745 $15,000 +5% $1,396Pearland ISD 1.792 $15,000 $1,523Alvin ISD 1.676 $15,000 $1,425


The Fourth of July Steering Committee and the Cityof Friendswood would like to invite you to participate inthe 110th Annual Fourth of July Celebration that will takeplace on Monday, July 5, 2005. The celebration is packedfull of entertainment, food and fun for the entire family.The theme for this year’s celebration is “2005-Keep TheSpirit Alive”.

The Daytime Celebration will kick off with the GrandParade that will travel down Friendswood Drive. Theparade will begin at 10 a.m., at the corner of FM 518 andHeritage Drive, and will feature over 100 entries fromFriendswood and around the State of Texas. The paradewill conclude at Stevenson Park where rides, games, food,live entertainment, and fun for the entire family will takeplace. The activities will begin shortly after the conclusionof the parade. Over 50 booth entries will provide thebackdrop for the daytime activities. The daytime activitiesare scheduled to conclude at approximately 4 p.m.

The Evening Program begins at 7:30 p.m., and willbe held at Centennial Park. This year’s program shouldbe one of the most patriotic shows ever to be witnessed in

Friendswood. The “FAB FIVE” will headline the eveningentertainment. The “FAB FIVE” are a Beatles Tribute Bandthat plays the best of the Beatles and the greatest hits fromthe 60’s, 70’s and 80’s. Local winners from the FriendswoodStar competition will round out the Evening Programentertainment. A fantastic fireworks extravaganza will lightup the sky beginning at approximately 9:20 p.m. Thefireworks will be choreographed to patriotic music and isguaranteed to be one of the finest fireworks displays in theHouston area.

Public parking will not be available at CentennialPark for the Evening Program. Spectators must ride thefree shuttle service to gain admittance into the park. ShuttleService will be available from Clear Brook High Schoolon FM 2351, and from Friendswood High School onGreenbriar. Shuttle services will begin running at 6:30 p.m.

Don’t miss out on this patriotic event as the communityof Friendswood celebrates our country’s independence inpatriotic style. For additional information, to sign up forthe parade, or to secure a booth space in the park, pleasecall the Community Services Department at 281-996-3220.

The Fourth of July Steering Committee would like toannounce the FRIENDSWOOD STARCOMPETITION. Citizens of Friendswood will competefor the privilege to perform the National Anthem and otherpatriotic songs at the Fourth of July Evening Program andbe recognized as an Honorary Grand Marshall for the 2005Fourth of July Grand Parade. Individuals will competeagainst one another at three separate auditions to qualifyas a finalist for the competition.

Auditions will take place beginning Saturday, April 23,2005. The second day of auditions are scheduled forFriday, April 29, and the final day of auditions will takeplace on Saturday, April 30, 2005. Audition times mustbe scheduled in advance by contacting the CommunityServices Department at 281-996-3220.

Nine contestants will be chosen as finalists and willperform at the weekly Concert In The Park series todetermine who will perform at the Fourth of July EveningProgram. The second place finisher will also perform atthe Fourth of July Evening Program and the third placefinisher will perform the National Anthem at the Fourth ofJuly Day Program.

2005CONCERTS IN THE PARK

May 06 FHS Jazz Combo Jazz, Big BandMay 13 The Daddio’s 50’s, 60’s, 70’s & 80’sMay 20 Skylites Motown, 50’s & 60’sMay 27 Static Rock/Pop/Cajun Party BandJune 03 Kelly McGuire Tropical/Beach MusicJune 10 Doppelganger Big Band, Motown, Top 40June 17 TBA*June 24 Key West Caribbean Rock & RollJuly 1 The Relics Classic Rock

All concerts are free to the public. Prizes are given outduring intermission. All concerts will take place atStevenson Park, 1100 S. Friendswood Dr., in the Gazebo.Concerts begin at 7 p.m., and end at approximately 9 p.m.Bring your blankets, lawn chairs, refreshments, dinner and/or a snack and sit back and enjoy an evening of fun andfamily entertainment sponsored by the City of Friendswood,Community Services Department.

If you would like to be a sponsor and/or provide a doorprize for one or more of the concerts,

please contact Jon R. Branson at 281-996-3220 * TBA indicates band to be determined at a later date

FRIENDSWOOD STARCOMPETITION

2005 Friendswood Fourth of July Celebration


The Friendswood Office of Emergency Managementhas many systems in place to warn the citizens of animpending emergency, potential danger, or hazardousconditions. Please look to these warning devices for yourinformation and protection.

E-Mail AlertsCitizens can register for instant e-mail alerts regarding

emergency notices or information. These notices will begenerated automatically from the City to the e-mail addressthat is registered. Go to the City’s website -www.ci.friendswood.tx.us - and click on the “Sign Up for E-mail Alerts” icon at the bottom of the “Latest News” box onthe homepage. List your name, e-mail address and optionallya mobile e-mail address to be used only in emergencysituations. Then select the “Emergency Management News.”

Your personal information will remain private and youwill receive e-mails involving only official City business.

Listen for the Warning Sirens!For over three years now, the City of Friendswood has

had an Outdoor Warning Siren System in place. A total ofseven sirens have been installed throughout the city that canbe activated in the event of a serious emergency. The Cityurges citizens to do the following if they hear the sirens:1. Stay inside/indoors2. Stay off the phone-may be contacted via the First Call or

NEWS system3. Listen to Friendswood Radio AM 1650 or local news4. Do not call 9-1-1 unless you need to report an emergency

5. In the event of power outages, do not call 9-1-1, contactyour local power providerThe Outdoor Warning Siren System is tested on the first

Friday of every month at 12 Noon.

Friendswood Information Radio – a valuableresource

The City of Friendswood Information Radio WPMZ659is being broadcasted on AM 1650 on your radio dial. Thereis also a re-broadcast of the Houston/Galveston NationalWeather Service, as well as other important local information.

First Call and NEWSThe City of Friendswood has been protected by the First

Call Notification System for over four years now. Recently,the City of Friendswood also received access to the HarrisCounty Neighborhood Early Warning System (NEWS). Bothof these systems are telephone-based community warningsystems for major emergencies in our city and surroundingcommunities. These systems allow the City to quickly alertcitizens in the area affected or if need be, the entire city of anemergency, potential danger or hazardous condition. Thesystem, when directed, will begin calling all the phonenumbers in the affected area, alerting those individuals tothe situation and how to protect themselves. Citizens withunlisted numbers, who wish to be part of the NotificationSystem, are encouraged to contact First Calls’ registrationline at 866-484-3264.

Contact the Office of Emergency Management at 281-996-3335, if you have any question or concerns.

In light of recent driveway robberies in the Houstonarea, the Friendswood Police Department offers these tipsto guard against such an event.• Be alert for suspicious people loitering in the area• Be alert for vehicles following you. If possible obtain a

license plate for the car and a description of the car anddriver.

• Don’t carry large amounts of money. If you must, beconstantly aware of your surroundings, don’t “flash” themoney

• Keep your car doors locked while driving• Always check the interior of your car before entering• Carry an extra set of keys in the event a robber takes

your set• Don’t wear expensive jewelry or watches. If you must,

then be alert to your surroundings at all times.• Call the police if you have a concern

Robbery Prevention TipsIf you are robbed:• Remain calm and

do what therobber says

• Consider allrobbers ase x t r e m e l ydangerous

• Make a mentalnote of the robber’sdescription

• Look for scars, deformities or tattoos• If possible, remember the weapon description• Call 9-1-1 as soon as it is safe to do so• Give police a description of the suspect, vehicle and

direction of travel

FRIENDSWOOD OFFICE OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT


START A NEIGHBORHOOD WATCHPROGRAM IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD

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Neighborhood Watch, Block Watch,Town Watch, Crime Watch - whatever thename, it’s one of the most effective andleast costly ways to prevent crime andreduce fear in your neighborhood.

Neighborhood Watch Programs fightthe isolation and separation that crimecreates and feeds upon. They forge bondsamong area residents and businesses, helpreduce burglaries and robberies, andimprove relations between police and thecommunities they serve.

Neighborhood Watch is the cornerstone of the FPD’scrime prevention strategy. It enlists the active participationof residents, in cooperation with law enforcement, toreduce crime in communities throughout the city.

The Neighborhood Watch program was pioneeredby the Friendswood Police Department to educatecommunity residents regarding their roles andresponsibilities in the prevention of crime, and toencourage them to take active measures to preventcrime. The program calls upon residents to stepforward and assist the police in organizing thecommunity into a cohesive unit working toward thegoal of building a safer, crime-free neighborhood.Neighborhood Watch groups discuss neighborhoodcrime problems with the objective of developingsolutions to local problems. Friendswood PoliceOfficers supply crime information to neighborhoodwatch organizations and instruct these groups invarious crime prevention techniques.

BLOCK CAPTAINSThe continuity and success of the Neighborhood

Watch program hinges on the person referred to asthe Block Captain. The “Block Captain” is acommunity member who acts as a liaison betweenthose who work and/or live in a particular area, andthe officers assigned to that area. Through the BlockCaptain, and through neighborhood general meetings,off icers pass along crime prevention tips andinformation to members of the community. This liaison

is maintained on an informal basis within theframework of the Neighborhood Watch group.

DISTRICT OFFICERSDistrict Officers are a pivotal element in the FPD’s

effort to prevent and deter crime. District Officersprovide the vital link that helps unite the FPD and thecommunities it serves by ensuring that communityproblems are brought to the attention of the Departmentor other appropriate government agencies. They alsoare instrumental in mobilizing neighborhoods throughcreative problem-solving strategies, crime prevention,and quality of life enhancement programs.

Sincere and continuous interaction between thepolice and the community enhances the quality of lifeand deters crime within the District. District Officerstake the lead in establishing and maintaining this police-community partnership.

HOW DOES IT WORK?Officers are assigned to patrol your neighborhood on

a 24-hour basis. These officers patrol your neighborhoodpreventing crime and answering radio calls for service.

Officers assigned to a district generally do not rotateto other districts. They remain assigned to yourneighborhood to familiarize themselves with you, yourneighbors, and the problems that may arise in yourcommunity. Although there are other police officersassigned to the same area, the district officer has priorityin answering all calls within its boundaries.

THE ABC’S OF NEIGHBORHOODWATCH

You can form a Watch group around any geographicalunit: a block, apartment, park, business area, publichousing complex, office, or marina. A few concernedresidents, a community organization, or a law enforcementagency can spearhead the effort to organize aNeighborhood Watch. Any community resident can join -young or old, single or married, renter or homeowner.

Members learn how to make their homes more secure,watch out for each other and the neighborhood, and reportactivities that raise their suspicions to the policedepartment. Watch groups ARE NOT vigilantes. They areextra eyes and ears for reporting crime and helpingneighbors. Neighborhood Watch helps build pride andserves as a springboard for efforts that address community


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Friendswood Police DepartmentCRIME PREVENTION SECTION

109 E. WillowickFriendswood, Texas 77546

281-996-3316

TAKE A BITE OUT OF CRIMECrime Prevention Tips From

National Crime Prevention Council1700 K Street, NW, Second Floor

Washington, DC 20006-3817

concerns such as recreation for youth, childcare, andaffordable housing.

GETTING ORGANIZEDWhen a group decides to form a Neighborhood Watch,they should:* Contact the police department or local crime

prevention organization for help in trainingmembers in home security, reporting skills and forinformation on local crime patterns

* Select a coordinator and block captains who areresponsible for organizing meetings and relayinginformation to members

* Recruit members, keep up-to-date on new residentsand make special efforts to involve the elderly,working parents, and young people

* Work with local government and law enforcementto put up Neighborhood Watch signs, usually afterat least 50 percent of all households in aneighborhood are enrolled

WHAT NEIGHBORHOOD WATCHMEMBERS LOOK FOR* Someone screaming or shouting for help* Someone looking into windows and parked cars* Unusual noises* Property being taken out of houses where no one is

at home or a business is closed* Cars, vans, or trucks moving slowly with no apparent

destination, or without lights* Anyone being forced into a vehicle* A stranger sitting in a car or stopping to talk to a

child* Abandoned carsReport these incidents to the police department. Talkabout the problem with your neighbors.

HOW TO REPORT* Give your name and address.* Briefly describe the event - what happened, when,

where, and who was involved.* Describe the suspect: sex and race, age, height,

weight, hair color, clothing, distinctive characteristicssuch as beard, mustache, scars, tattoos or accent.

* Describe the vehicle if one was involved: color, make,model, year, license plate, and special features such asstickers, dents, or decals.

KEEPING YOUR NEIGHBORHOODWATCH GROUP ACTIVEIt’s an unfortunate fact that when a neighborhood crimecrisis goes away, so does enthusiasm for NeighborhoodWatch. Work to keep your Watch group a vital force forcommunity well being.* Organize regular meetings that focus on current issues

such as drug abuse, “hate” or bias-motivated violence,crime in schools, child care before and after school,recreational activities for young people, and victimservices.

* Organize community patrols to walk around streets orapartment complexes and alert police to crime andsuspicious activities and identify problems needingattention. People in cars with cellular phones can patrol.

* Adopt a park or school playground. Pick up litter, repairbroken equipment, paint over graffiti.

* Work with local building code officials to require deadbolt locks, smoke alarms, and other safety devices innew and existing homes and commercial buildings.

* Work with parent groups and schools to start a McGruffHouse or other block parent program (to help childrenin emergency situations). A McGruff House is areliable source of help for children in emergency orfrightening situations.

* Publish a newsletter that gives prevention tips and localcrime news, recognizes residents of all ages who have“made a difference,” and highlights community events.

* Don’t forget social events that give neighbors a chanceto know each other - a block party, potluck dinner,volleyball or softball game, picnic. Don’t forgetNational Night Out.

City of FriendswoodCity Manager’s Office910 S. Friendswood DriveFriendswood, Texas 77546

Presorted Standard

U.S. Postage Paid

Permit No. 122

Friendswood, TX

Community CalendarCommunity CalendarJoin Us!SPRING SPARKLE & HHWCOLLECTION EVENTSaturday, April 16, 2005, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Spring Sparkle activities, sponsored by the CommunityAppearance Board, will be held in conjunction with the HouseholdHazardous Waste Collection Event on April 16, 2005, at CentennialPark. The Community Appearance Board works in conjunctionwith IESI to provide the opportunity to assist citizens with removalof large-scale trash and debris removal. Citizens are encouragedto come out to Centennial Park to properly dispose of hazardoushousehold items such as batteries, household chemicals, oil, andpaint. Large appliances and furniture will also be accepted. Nocommercial or institutional waste will be accepted. For additionalinformation, please contact the Community Services Departmentat 281-996-3220.

FLOWER SHOWFriday, April 22, 2005

The Heritage Gardeners will be hosting a Flower Show on Friday,April 22, 2005 and it will remain on display throughout the gardentour. Presale tickets are available for $6/person. Tickets purchasedon the day of the tour will be $8/person. Tickets are available at theChamber of Commerce. For more information, contact the HeritageGardeners at 281-992-4438.

AUTO & BIKE EXTRAVAGANZASaturday, April 23, 2005, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.Stevenson Park

The Friendswood Chamber of Commerce is having their FirstAnnual “Auto & Bike Extravaganza.” It will be held Saturday,April 23, 2005, in Stevenson Park, next to the Chamber Office at1100 S. Friendswood Drive, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (rain date isSaturday, April 30, 2005).

Registration for auto and bike participants is from 7 a.m. – 9a.m. Judging will be from 11 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., with awardsbeing announced at 3:30 p.m. for the first, second, and thirdplace winners. Dash plaques and T-shirts will be given to thefirst 50 entries. Vendor booths are available at $100 each todisplay and sell auto and bike related items.

The Chamber is selling raffle tickets in advance for a 2004Chopper “Pocket Bike” at $5 each. The raffle drawing willbe held on Saturday, April 23, 2005, at 3:30 p.m. The Chamberis also selling raffle tickets in advance for a 2005 F-150 FordPickup Truck at $10 each. Drawing for the truck will be heldMonday, July 4, 2005, at approximately 7:15 p.m., before theCity of Friendswood Fireworks display in Centennial Park. Stopby the Chamber to purchase your winning ticket! Call theChamber at 281-482-3329, for more information on theseraffles. Proceeds from this event benefit the FriendswoodChamber of Commerce.

SPRING GARDEN TOURSaturday, April 23, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.Sunday, April 24, 1-5 p.m.112 W. Spreading Oaks

The Heritage Gardeners will be hosting “Through theGarden Gate” Spring Garden Tours of six beautiful Friendswoodgardens, at the Garden Center on W. Spreading Oaks. Come byand enjoy a huge area grown Plant Sale and Garden Bazaarfeaturing over 20 vendors. The Flower Show on April 22 willremain on display during the tour inside the Garden Center.Tickets are not required for the activities at the Garden Center.Ticket prices to the backyard garden tour are $6 pre-tour, and$8 the day of the tour. Tickets may be purchased at the Chamberof Commerce, The Cake Lady, or from club members. For moreinformation, call Heritage Gardeners at 281-992-4438.

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