Memo from the Manager 

Use what you need, save the rest 

   Six months ago, we were skidding on six inches of snow and temperatures in the teens.

   As of this publication day, August 11, we've come nearly 100 degrees the opposite direction, marking 41 consecutive, brutal, triple-digit days of oppressive heat. Whether or not this oven of a summer surpasses the legendary heat wave of 1980 is a debate for the weather experts, but the undisputed fact upon which we can all agree is - it's hot outside.  

   Water is a resource that becomes rather precious in Texas come August. While many parts of the state have imposed some manner of restrictions on water use, Farmers Branch has not yet as our capacity and ability to deliver water to our customers remains in pretty good shape.

   For now.

   We have a series of stages on the books that we can implement in the event that supply slips below acceptable levels, but we won't have to get to that if we all pitch in and do what we can to reasonably conserve water. To that end, you'll begin to see

VIDEO    EXTRA

YouTube is loaded with public service announcements about saving water.

message boards around town flashing the catch phrase, "Water: Use what you need, save the rest."  We think the message is simple and to the point. At this time, we're not asking anyone to cut back, but to simply exercise some common sense when using water, not letting it run too long on landscaping or filling a pool too often if it really doesn't need it. Not only will common sense steps help keep us from a water situation, they'll help keep your water bill in reasonable territory as well.

   Now, if your yard is like mine, and some of your plants look like they might if they were in the Sahara Desert, they may need extra water. However, Parks Landscape Manager Pam Smith tells me that even if leaves are turning brown, it doesn't necessarily mean the plant is dying, it just could be the leaves can't handle this kind of incessant sun. The key, she says, is watering according to the soil. Some plants will scorch even if water needs are met. Overwatering can be just as detrimental if, in effect, the roots are boiled.

   Bottom line, use what water you need to keep your landscape alive and for your everyday living, but no more than that.

   In other words, use what you need, save the rest. 

FARMERS BRANCH ~ Completing the drive for paper and pencils begun in July, members of the Farmers Branch City staff delivered thousands of school supplies to Bea's Kids, a local charity, earlier this week. 

   This is the third consecutive year that the Farmers Branch City Council

VIDEO    EXTRA

City staff delivers to Bea's Kids

and City staff teamed up to raise supplies for Bea's Kids, a Farmers Branch-based charity designed to give kids structured assistance in homework, personal development, self discipline and leadership skills.

   A total of 13,038 individual items were contributed to the drive this year, including almost 4,000 packs of pencils, crayons, paper, folders and more. In addition to contributions from the City Council and City staff, Maxim Integrated Products, a Farmers Branch corporation, donated 14 boxes of various school supplies to the annual drive.

   Farmers Branch Assistant City Manager Shanna Sims-Bradish said the yield for this year's drive far exceeded previous years but noted there is still a need for more. "We are very pleased with the turnout for this year's school supply drive, it clearly exceeds totals from the first two years," she explained. "However, the folks at Bea's Kids tell us there is still a need for more. So, even though the annual Farmers Branch drive is over, anyone wanting to help can still do so." More information can be found at www.beaskids.org.

PHOTO: Assistant City Manager Shanna Sims-Bradish and Bea's Kids staff member, Deborah Dalrymple survey the supplies delivered by City staff members at one of the Bea's Kids homework centers.  

FARMERS BRANCH ~ Capitalizing on their consistent growth in the field of interventional pain management, medical device manufacturer Epimed has announced the phased expansion of their operations from New York to Farmers Branch.
   Farmers Branch Economic Development Director John Land said Epimed will operate from their regional office in Las Colinas while preparing their new facility, encompassing 23,000 square feet, on the west side of Farmers Branch for their corporate headquarters, sterile packaging and distribution center. Mr. Land said Epimed manufactures direct market pain management products and is a product manufacturing supplier for a number of high profile concerns, including Teleflex, Smiths Medical, Becton Dickinson, Boston Scientific, Kimberly Clark and St. Jude's Medical./ MORE     

BRANCHbriefs

City Council sets upcoming sessions

FARMERS BRANCH ~ The Farmers Branch City Council will meet in regular session on Tuesday, August 16, at Farmers Branch City Hall, in addition to a workshop on the proposed budget scheduled for August 22.
   All regularly scheduled meetings begin at 6 p.m. in Council Chambers.
   The August 22 workshop is to consider the proposed fiscal year 2011-2012 budget, slated to be voted on in September. That meeting is set for 3 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall.
   Any member of the community can request a discussion item be placed on a regular City Council agenda by filling out an "Agenda Request" card at City Hall and filing with the City Secretary before 12 noon, the Wednesday preceding any regular Council Meeting. For more information, call 972.247.3131.
   Farmers Branch City Hall is located at 13000 William Dodson Parkway. All regular Council meetings air live on FBTV, cable channel 16 in Farmers Branch, AT&T Uverse Channel 99 throughout the DFW Metroplex and online at www.farmersbranch.info. The budget workshop will be taped for replay on FBTV.
 

Library info meeting set Wednesday   

MANSKE LIBRARY ~ An informational meeting for anyone interested in participating in a new Friends of the Library non-profit support group has been planned for Wednesday, August 17 at 7 p.m. at the Library meeting room. The Library is located at 13613 Webb Chapel, at the corner of Webb Chapel and Golfing Green. For more information, call 972.247.2511.  

Farmers Branch donut shop garners acclaim

FARMERS BRANCH ~ Citing 41 years of repeat business as a prime indicator, D Magazine has named Jerry's Donuts in Farmers Branch as one of the five best donut shops in Dallas. The magazine says that Jerry's is the "epitome of a 'hidden gem,' humbly treating the small city of Farmers Branch to traditional yet terrific donuts." Jerry's is located at 12895 Josey Lane, Suite 200.  

FBPD Citizen Police Academy enrolling now 

JUSTICE CENTER ~ Designed to give citizens insight into the policies, positions and personnel of local law enforcement, the 22nd session of the Farmers Branch Citizen Police Academy is now accepting applications for classes, set to begin in September.  

   Established in 1998, the Academy has given hundreds of participants a combination of classroom instruction and "hands on" experience to demonstrate the hows and whys of law enforcement. The Academy meets for three hours on Thursday nights for 11 weeks. For more information, call 972.484.3620 or e-mail Lt. Mike Blum at mike.blum@farmersbranch.info.  

More Info on Upcoming Events & Activities  

• Historical Park Lecture Series: Cowgirls  .  Aug 30 
• LBJ Update Meeting . Sep 8
• Stars & Spokes Bicycle Race . Sep 10
• Pickups -n- Panels Classic Auto Show . Sep 10
• Community Health Fair . Sep 17
• Movie in the Park . Sep 24 
• City Manager's Rose Contest Garden Party  .  Oct 27

Snap Poll Results: 

September Events

In the Banner

This Week 

Look for information on these and other events in the coming weeks in BRANCH BULLETIN 

City Staff

Mini-Profile

Weldon Thompkins

Position:

Police Officer

Department:

Police Department

Years with City:

2 years

Personal:

 My hobbies are playing basketball and poker (not necessarily in that order of preference). 

What Does He Like Most About Working for the City of Farmers Branch?

 I like working for the City of Farmers Branch because in this City, you are not just a police officer, you are a part of the community. We are one big happy family. This gives me security since I come from a 7 sibling family, so the bigger, the better!

Weekly Report

LANE CLOSURES

MAIN LANES

FRONTAGE ROADS

CROSS STREETS

Eastbound

Right frontage lane EB I-635 from east of Josey to Webb Chapel

Til Aug 13 / 24 hrs

Right frontage lane of EB I-635 from west of Welch to west of Inwood

Til Aug 30 / 24 hrs

Westbound 

Right frontage lane of WB I-635 from west of Marsh Lane to Webb Chapel

Til Aug 13 / 24 hrs

Exit ramp of WB I-635 before Marsh Lane

Aug 14-15 / 8 pm to 6 am

Right frontage turn lane of WB I-635 from exit ramp before Marsh Lane to Marsh Lane

Til Aug 16 / 9 am to 3 pm

Right frontage lane of WB I-635 from west of Josey to Metro Blvd

Til Sept 18 / 9 am to 3 pm

HOV LANE CLOSURES

Effective June 17

 Eastbound

Beginning east of Luna Road and extending to just east of Hillcrest 

Westbound

Beginning east of Hillcrest Rd and extending just east of Josey Lane 

www.lbjexpress.com