BRANCH BULLETIN: Enews Magazine from Farmers Branch
Memo from the MANAGERMEMO
Pools, fire stations & Thomas Jefferson

   

   It was Thomas Jefferson that once said, "A well-informed populace is vital to the operation of a democracy." City Manager Gary D. Greer   At least judging by the turnout at City events during the past week, you appear to be well-informed.
   More than 150 showed up to voice their opinions on the prospect of a new aquatics facility last Thursday and an overflow crowd of more than 200 jammed the grand opening ceremonies Saturday for new Fire Station No. 1.
   That says two things. First, our community continues to take an active role in the deciding its future and celebrating milestones. But equally important is the evidence that we're being, at least, moderately successful in getting the word out.
   The intent of the aquatics meeting was to float an idea (pun intended) to replace the aging Don Showman pool with a more modern aquatics facility. Ideas were presented and members of the community were able to offer their feedback. This is just the germ of an idea, not even to the drawing board. But, it is another example of how much Farmers Branch citizens take an active role in what their city does.
Chief Parker, City Manager Greer and others celebrate
From left, Fire Chief Steve Parker, City Manager Gary Greer, Assistant City Manager Shanna Sims-Bradish and retired Fire Chief Kyle King celebrate the opening of new Fire Station No. 1.

   A shining example was evident on the beautiful, sun-splashed Saturday that saw a standing-room only crowd spill out of the bays into the cool morning air, for the dedication of new Farmers Branch Fire Department Station No. 1.  
   There are few occasions more exciting than the opportunity to commit a new, state-of-the-art facility like this to the safety of the community. It is a beautiful structure that will provide much greater coverage for the residential heart of Farmers Branch from its central location on Webb Chapel, near the Manske Library. The overflow crowd exceeded expectations and make the morning even more exciting.
   Mr. Jefferson would be pleased. 

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Click Gary's picture for background and contact info
BreakingNEWS
Three candidates file for two Council seats in City election
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FARMERS BRANCH ~ At the close of the filing period for City elections, three candidates have applied to run for two seats on the Farmers Branch City Council.
   For the Place 3 City Council seat, Jeff Fuller is running against incumbent Michelle Holmes. In Place 5,  current Councilman Ben Robinson is unopposed for re-election.
   Election day is set for Saturday, May 12 with early voting taking place between April 30 and May 8. Further information on early voting locations and times will be announced later. 

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FeaturedSTORIES
Creating a Place: Farmers Branch station area project moves one step closer
FARMERS BRANCH ~ Bringing the long-awaited Farmers Branch station area development one step closer to reality, Western Securities has acquired land adjacent to the DART Green Line platform that will become a major mixed used development on the light rail line.
   Planning for a development to accompany the introduction of light rail to the city dates back almost as far as DART does. Since the 1980s, Farmers Branch city leaders have been looking forward to the 21st century and slowly putting in motion the steps necessary to make the project a reality.
Farmers Branch station
Dallas Area Rapid Transit began light rail operation on the Green Line through Farmers Branch in December of 2010.

   Today, 15 months after DART began Green Line service to Farmers Branch and points beyond, the acquisition of land through the years has resulted in the planning for a four-story structure with 300,000 square feet of building area, 257 dwelling units on the upper floors and the potential for 10,000 square feet of retail space on the ground level.
   "This is a critical step in this decades-long development process," said Farmers Branch City Manager Gary D. Greer. "It represents the foresight, planning and very hard work on the part of so many people through the years."
   Western Securities is the development company responsible for such projects as Comstock Tower and the Westin Stonebriar in Frisco as well as Bridlewood Country Club in Flower Mound. They plan to break ground on the Farmers Branch project later this year.   
 
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Floating ideas
FARMERS BRANCH ~ Following up on a Parks and Recreation Board recommendation to the City Council, more than 100 people attended a public meeting last week to consider a new aquatics facility as a future project to replace the existing Don Showman Pool.
   The public brainstorming session at the Farmers Branch Community Recreation Center was positively received by the enthusiastic crowd who offered ideas with indoor and outdoor components for a new facility, including splash pads, slides, lazy river, dressing/locker rooms, lap pool, water aerobics area, shade areas and more.
   Parks and Recreation Director Jeff Harting said the City is working with a consultant to provide necessary expertise to mold these ideas into schematics that can be reviewed and refined by staff, boards and City Council. However, he added that all of this is research as there is no budget or schedule to construct an aquatic facility at this time.

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Library Snapshot

STAFFName:  Natalia IvenskayaNatalia Ivenskaya
Position: 
Library Operations Manager

Years with Library:  8 months

Background: I work at the Manske Library where I enjoy the combination of library systems, technology, services and all the wonderful people who help make Manske Library such an amazing place! The most interesting thing about me is probably that I was born and grew up in the Russian Federation. As a child I play-acted at being a teacher, which is what my first career was after graduating from University. I immigrated to the United States in 1999 where I continued my teaching career until I attained my second Master's in Library Science and started working for LSSI last summer. Outside of work, I love spending time with my family and four year old daughter. I also enjoy reading, traveling, my pets (a cat and a bird) and music.

What Do You Like Most About Working at the City of Farmers Branch Manske Library? I am very happy working for the City of Farmers Branch Library - I will never forget my first impression of the area when I came for my interview, and saw how clean and green and picturesque were the library and park, I immediately fell in love with it. Everyday working for our library director, Belinda, is productive, fun and interesting. I also work closely with many city departments and am impressed with their professionalism and efforts towards customer service. We get along so well, and I enjoy working with such great teammates at the Manske Library! 

 

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ReCAPS
A Conversation with Fire Chief Steve Parker
 
FARMERS BRANCH ~ With barely a year under his belt as the fourth Fire Chief in Farmers Branch history, Steve Parker has presided over the construction of the second new fire station for Farmers Branch in the past five years. Approved by voters in a 2009 bond election, the $5.5 million project came in ahead of schedule and under budget. In advance of the grand opening ceremonies for new Fire Station No. 1, Branch Bulletin sat down with Chief Parker for a conversation on his new station and how it came to be.                                                                                 >>> More 
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Walmart's impending opening to mark major milestone of retail renewal

FARMERS BRANCH ~ Completing the first step of a process begun two years ago with the demolition of dangerous buildings on the site, Farmers Branch City officials say the opening of the new Walmart Market grocery store, on the southeast corner of Josey and Valley View, is imminent. 
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Police Alert Network keeps neighbors in the know

FARMERS BRANCH ~ Drawing on 21st century information technology to keep citizens informed about what's going on in their neighborhoods, Farmers Branch Police Chief Sid Fuller has unveiled the Police Alert Network.                                                                     
>>> More
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Love the Branch

Water: Use What You Need, Save the Rest
PartingSHOT
The Congressman & the Chief
The Congressman and the Chief
 Congressman Kenny Marchant shares a laugh with Farmers Branch Fire Chief Steve Parker at the grand opening ceremonies for Fire Station No. 1 held Saturday at the new facility on Webb Chapel.                                         Staff Photo by Tom Bryson

ThisWEEK
03/07/2012
Three candidates file
Station area development
Aquatics meeting
Staff Snapshot
Story ReCaps
BranchBRIEFS
Encounters from the Past return in March 

 

FARMERS BRANCH ~ Tours of Keenan Cemetery, complete with costumed re-enactors bringing Farmers Branch history to life, return March 23-24 & 30-31 at the historic cemetery on Valley View.Keenan Cemetery Tours
   Guided tours begin at 6:30 p.m. each evening and run in 15 minute intervals through 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $5 per person with children under 6 admitted free. Tickets can be purchased beginning March 1 at the Farmers Branch Historical Park or by calling 972.406.0184.
   The March 24 & 31 tours will include a horse-drawn hearse on display, provided by Workhorse Ranch and Olde Tyme Carriage Co.
   The annual event is presented by the Farmers Branch Parks and Recreation Department in association with the Drama Department at R.L. Turner High School.

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Families can again Camp Under the Stars 

 

FARMERS BRANCH ~ The very popular Camping Under the Stars event is making a return appearance at the Farmers Branch Historical Park for what promises to be a cool weekend of March 24.
   Families may set up camp at the Historical Park meadow beginning at 5 p.m. that Saturday and must pack up by 9 a.m. on Sunday, March 25. Non-refundable cost is $50 per family campsite and includes access to a community fire pit, s'mores and a campfire breakfast.
   Space is limited to a total of 15 campsites, or 75 campers, so advance reservations are required. For more information on this events or other Historical Park activities or programs, call 972.406.0184.

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Tax help on hand Tuesdays at Library & Senior Center 

 

FARMERS BRANCH ~ Helping residents sort out the different tax forms and find answers to tax questions are among the duties of AARP volunteers offering free tax assistance at two Farmers Branch facilities every Tuesday through this year's slightly extended tax deadline.
   Volunteers will be on hand at the Farmers Branch Senior Center every Tuesday from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. and at the Manske Library from 12 noon through 7 p.m.
   According to the Internal Revenue Service, the 2012 tax filing deadline has been extended to Tuesday, April 17.

 

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ComingUP
March 20
Star Party @ Historical Park 
 
March 23-24 & 30-31 
Encounters from the Past @ Keenan Cemetery
 
March 24-25 
Camping Under the Stars @ Historical Park
 
April 1 
Easter Eggstravaganza @ Historical Park

April 6
Good Friday Holiday ~ Most City Offices Closed 

April 14
CityWide CleanUp Day @ Barney Wood Athletic Complex 

May 5 
Fishin' Fun @ Gussie Field Watterworth Park

May 25-26
Liberty Fest @ and around City Hall & Historical Park
More info @ 972.247.3131 
 
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BannerBlooms Abound
As the weak winter gives way to an early spring, blooms are erupting on the Farmers Branch landscape.
 
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LBJExpressLBJ Express is the name given to the five-year project that will renovate and expand capacity for Interstate 635, the LBJ freeway, from Central Expressway to Stemmons Freeway through parts of Dallas and Farmers Branch. Begun in 2011, the project team updates its status, and lane closure information weekly, including weekend bridge construction that could have serious traffic impacts. 
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LBJ Express

www.lbjexpress.com

 

Branch Bulletin is the TAMI Award
 recipient of the 2011
TAMI Award
for Best
E-Newsletter in Texas, bestowed by the Texas Association of Municipal Information Officers
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About the City of Farmers Branch

Located on the northwest border of the City of Dallas, Farmers Branch is a vibrant and vital community with a residential population of 28,800 but a daytime population of 66,000. The City's 28 parks and lush greenbelts feature nationally-acclaimed, award-winning soccer fields, football facilities as well as baseball and softball complexes. The Farmers Branch Historical Park allows residents to step back in time and the John F. Burke Nature Preserve offers the opportunity to experience a real, 104-acre wilderness in the middle of one of the busiest metro areas of the world. The City's location in the geographical center of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, only 15 minutes away from both DFW International Airport and Dallas Love Field, make Farmers Branch an ideal location for residents and for business. For more information about Farmers Branch, visit www.farmersbranch.info or call 972.919.2515.Unsub