City of Santa Fe: Net News 2011

City Hall
Adoption of Emergency Preparedness and Communication Through Blackboard Connect Service
On Monday, March 22, 2010, the City launched the Blackboard Connect mass notification platform, enhancing communication and emergency preparedness.  Calls went out to businesses at 4:30 PM and to residences at 6:00 PM.

Citizens will be able to promptly be reached and notified of critical, time sensitive issues, such as  hurricane, power outage or health hazard, as well as important community updates.

A test call was conducted so that everyone had the opportunity to make sure their contact information is included in the system and they are ready to receive important messages.  Residents are strongly encouraged to register their cell phones, private landline numbers and e-mail addresses into the system as well. 

To find out how to register your contact information and read the press release please click on more.

Santa Fe Police Department
You can now access alot of information including records by visiting the Santa Fe PD Police to Citizen site @ http://p2c.co.galveston.tx.us/p2c. A link is available on the links page of our website.
 
Street Department
Mowing season is over.  If the winter grass gets too high in a ditch, citizens can request their ditch to be mowed.

Currentily ditches are being dug on 21st St. (FM 646 - Ave. K), Ave. K (21st St. - 18th St.), Ave. K (11th St. - 14th St.), and on 13th St. (Ave. L - Ave. K).

Please help keep the ditches and culverts clear of limbs, leaves, and trash. Trash cans and lids not being picked up on Wednesdays and Saturdays continue to cause drainage problems. Also, do not let private tree trimmers pile up limbs and trees in the ditches.  There are private trimmers leaving ditches full of cut up trees and not returning to remove them.  Trash is also being found dumped into ditches.  These ditches are vital for the flow of water during rain events.  Ditches need to be clear of all obstructions. Dumping trash into them intentionally is illegal and could flood someone elses property or home.  Please help us keep our ditches clean and open!

Fire Marshall
The burn ban has been lifted for the City of Santa Fe.  Please contact City Hall for a burn permit. There is not a fee for a burn permit.

Municipal Court
To contact the court please call 409-925-3255 or appear at the court office located at 4925 Main Street.

Volunteers for Boards Needed
The City of Santa Fe is always looking for volunteers to fill positions on its' Boards. You can click on the Boards & Commissions tab to view the different boards. Applications are available at City Hall.

Boardmember Application

Mae S. Bruce Library
Please visit the library's website @ http://www.maebrucelibrary.org.

Storm Water Issues

The City of Santa Fe has received a Phase II Storm Water Permit in compliance with Federal and State regulations enacted to better protecct the environmental resour es of our community.  The City has a Storm Wter Management Plan designed to educate the public and institute construction techniques and Best Management Practices that will protect our waterways from pollution created or carried by storm water run off.  Call the Storm Water Pollution Hotline at (409) 938-2251 for more information or to reort a pollution source.  Some of these might include:
  • Sewage overflows
  • Potential illegal materials dumping on land
  • Illicit piping to waterways
  • Mysterious discolorations of water systems

    Complaints can also be submitted online at:
    http:www.gchd.org/ech/forms.htm

    In addition, the City is working closely with the Galveston County Drainage District No. 1 to minimize flooding of existing homes and businesses.  All new construction permits must provide a grading plan or drainage plan which show how storm water will not impact adjacent development.  Developments over 1 acre in size will need to file a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan with the State of Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and the City of Santa Fe.  Questions or comments on Storm Water Permits can be directed to TCEQ at wqap@tceq.state.tx.us
     
    SFTXEF  Education Beyond Expectation
    As the outlook for public school budgets gets gloomier by the day, the Santa Fe community is taking action.  Last year, a group of community leaders created the Santa Fe Texas Education Foundation.  The Foundation's mission is to unite the community in support of quality public education.  The money raised is used throughout all the campuses of SFISD.  The Foundation will achieve its mission by directing resources to SFISD grants for employees to implement innovative educational programs.
    We will also recognize exemplary teaching, alumni who serve as role models, and establish a permanent endowment fund for future grants and scholarships.
    This school year three grants have been awarded:







    Ms. McLaughlin, 4th grade teacher at Cowan, was awarded funds to purchase cameras for students to use on numerouse innovative projects.






    Ms. Reitmeyer, Jr. High Librarian, is purchasing equipment and software for creating Book Talks that will excite other students about reading.






    Ms. McCarley, RJW's counselor, will use her funding to purchase anti-bullying and other character-building incentives.

    If you care about your children, or grandchildren's, education, please make a donation to the Santa Fe Texas Fe Texas Education Foundation.  All donations are welcome, and tax deductible.  Contact Executive Director, Jodi Gidley at 409-925-9080 for more information.

    American Red Cross
    Your local American Red Cross needs volunteers!  For more information please call the American Red Cross office @ (409) 945-7200.