Look what the City of Burleson has to offer!

City of Burleson, Texas

September 17, 2010

Greetings!

Welcome to the City of Burleson, Texas, E-Newsletter! You are one of 1,040 subscribers who want to be in the loop and stay informed about what's happening in city government in Burleson! If you've missed an issue of the E-Newsletter, click on the E-Newsletter button on the new City website, www.burlesontx.com. If you have questions or suggestions about City programs, services and events, call the public information office at 817-426-9622.

It's time to Play Ball at Chisenhall Fields!

First pitch at grand opening of Chisenhall Fields Katie Walsted and Devin Claflin handled pitching and catching the first pitch as the City of Burleson officially opened Chisenhall Fields Sports Complex on Saturday, Sept. 11. Burleson Youth Association teams marched on the field to start the opening ceremonies. Jeff Smith was the guest emcee. BYA President James Sullivan, Mayor Ken Shetter, and Council Member Matt Powell spoke and Burleson resident Wesley Herman sang the National Anthem. Thousands of balloons were released and the challenge "Play Ball" was issued. The complex at 500 W. Hidden Creek Parkway, features 10 baseball fields and three softball fields, all lighted; two softball fields (not lighted); two practice softball fields; one football field; and two concession stands. The renovation of Chisenhall Park into Chisenhall Fields was made possible by voters in the May 2007 bond election. Go to

http://tinyurl.com/2doo4l6 on the City of Burleson, Texas, Facebook page for more pictures.

Second reading on City's 2010-2011 budget and tax rate is Monday night

The second reading of the proposed 2010-2011 budget and proposed tax rate will take place Monday, Sept. 20, at the Burleson City Council meeting. The vote is slated to follow the consent agenda and one public hearing. Burleson City Council members approved, on first reading, adoption of the annual operating budget on Sept. 7 by a vote of 4-3. The 2010 ad valorem tax rate, revised from what was proposed, also passed first reading by a vote of 4-3. Council members voted 5-2 in favor of water and wastewater rates on the first reading. To see streaming video of the Sept. 7 council meeting, go to http://burlesontx.swagit.com/, click on the Sept. 7 council meeting, then go to Items 4B-4D (it is in three parts). To look at the proposed City budget, the proposed tax rate and all budget planning materials, go to http://tinyurl.com/2dsayhn on the new City website.

Nine are cited for disregarding railroad crossing lights and arms on Alsbury

Stop when the railroad crossing signal lights flash red. That's the law. The Burleson Police Department's traffic section and Train at Alsbury railroad crossing Union Pacific Railroad joined forces Sept. 15 for a railroad crossing enforcement detail. Between 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., nine drivers received citations for disregarding the railroad crossing lights and arms at the Alsbury Boulevard crossing. More than half of the drivers cited crossed the tracks as the warning lights were flashing and the crossing arms were coming down. Citations carry a fine of approximately $176 in Burleson. Go to http://tinyurl.com/27taxex on the new City website.

Explore E-Services on City's website

E-Services are at your service! The redesigned City website, www.burlesontx.com, includes a link called "E-Services" on the home page. With one click, you can find the archive center, bid notices, City calendar, City facility addresses and amenities, frequently asked questions (FAQs), job openings with the City, the News Flash, Notify Me (to sign up for e-mail notifications), online forms, a photo gallery, quick links, real estate locator, request tracker for online complaints, resource directory for the community, and the staff directory. Check out our redesigned website at www.burlesontx.com!

Use that turn signal - prevent crashes!

You have heard of crime prevention tips . . . now how about crash prevention tips from the Burleson Police Department's traffic section? Use your turn signal. Let other drivers know which direction you are turning. Never underestimate the power of a turn signal in preventing accidents. Now go out and drive safely!

Are you ready for some boot camp?

Are you ready for Boot Camp? The first session is Sept. 27-Oct. 18 on Mondays, 6 p.m.-7 p.m. at the Burleson Recreation Center (the BRiCk). The cost is $40 per session for BRiCk members and $55 for nonmembers. Anyone, 16 and older, can participate. Boot Camp includes drills for strength, speed, agility and quickness. Call the BRiCk at 817-426-9104.

Severe weather can happen anytime in Texas

Are you receiving the severe thunderstorm and tornado warning emergency notification phone calls and e-mails from the City's emergency management division? Hurricane season is June-November in Texas. What happens on the coast can affect us in the Metroplex. If you aren't signed up for the emergency alerts, go to http://tinyurl.com/23e2hau and click on the Connect-CTY icon.

Step, high intensity cardio, aerobics . . . take your pick of free fitness classes!

Step classes, high intensity cardio, low impact aerobics . . . take your pick. The Burleson Recreation Center (the BRiCk) offers free DVD-based fitness classes seven days a week for BRiCk members. The BRiCk provides the workout room, DVD, and projector screen. You provide the motivation! Even if you are not a BRiCk member, you can participate in the free classes by purchasing a daily pass. For current and upcoming fitness schedules - DVD and instructor-based - go to the fitness page at http://tinyurl.com/2v923c3 on the redesigned City website. For more, call 817-426-9104.

Join Burleson Wise Eyes on Facebook

The Burleson Police Department's Wise Eyes program is taking the crime prevention/apprehension program to Facebook, the social networking internet site. Go to www.facebook.com and type in "Burleson Wise Eyes" in the search bar. You can read the posts without setting up your own Facebook profile, or become a fan of the Burleson Wise Eyes page so you can comment on posts.

Go to http://tinyurl.com/2vv5ano.

The September Burleson Progress Report is here!

The September 2010 Burleson Progress Report is in your mailbox! Everyone who has a utility account with the City receives the 16-page quarterly newsletter. This issue has the dates for Founders Day, Boo Bash, the Military Veteran Tribute and Christmas in Burleson. Check out the pictures from the Fourth of July celebration, Operation Remember, Citizens Police Academy, Junior Fire Academy, the grand opening of the BRiCk, Storytime at the library, and even a calendar of events. Go to http://tinyurl.com/34rd86y.

Check out the Fall Community Guide from parks and recreation!

Check out the Fall 2010 Burleson Community Guide, http://tinyurl.com/2bsu698, compiled by the City's parks and recreation department. The 16-page guide includes information about events, youth camps and classes, kid and adult fitness classes, parties and events, special interest classes, wellness classes, massage therapy, adult athletics, field rentals, and aquatics.

Thank you for your interest in what the City of Burleson has to offer you! You can post the City of Burleson E-Newsletter on your Facebook profile, Twitter, or a number of other social networking sites by clicking on "Share," above "Forward E-mail" at the bottom of this newsletter. Please forward this by clicking on the "Forward e-mail" or "Share" it with your friends, neighbors, family and co-workers.

Enjoy your weekend!

Sally Ellertson
City of Burleson

Public Information Officer

sellertson@burlesontx.com

Do you subscribe to the City of Burleson's weekly E-Newsletter - the one you are reading right now? It's easy, and it's free! Go to the redesigned City website at www.burlesontx.com, click on the E-Newsletter button on the home page, then scroll down and click on "Join Our Mailing List." All we need is your e-mail address.

The City has a Facebook page! After 15 months, the City of Burleson, Texas, Facebook page has more than 2,965 fans! We want to know what you think! Comment on the wall posts and the photo albums and start your own discussion thread. Click on the Facebook icon on the City web site at www.burlesontx.com.

SAVE THE DATE! The Military Veteran Tribute is at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 6, at Veterans Park, 298 E. Renfro St.

Do you have a question about City services or programs or a suggestion about what you would like to see happen? The directory for City staff and city council members is on the new City website at http://tinyurl.com/34lfyyy. To find the addresses of all City facilities and parks, go to http://tinyurl.com/24blkr9 on the new City website.

Kid Zone times at the Burleson Recreation Center (the BRiCk) have changed! The times are 8 a.m.-1 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m., Monday-Thursday; Fridays, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.-7:45 p.m.; and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturdays. Call the BRiCk at 817-426-9104.

Banned Books Week poster

Are you looking for something new to read or are you interested in learning more about Banned Books Week, Sept. 25-Oct. 2? Go to

http://tinyurl.com/3397al9 on the new City website. Find out about Banned Books Week, check out the bestseller lists, and see what books and videos the Burleson Public Library staff is recommending.

SAVE THE DATE! Santa's Breakfast, the Christmas parade, tree lighting and fireworks are slated for Saturday, Dec. 4.

Parents, it's your turn to have a night out! The Burleson Recreation Center is hosting a Parents Night Out on Saturday, Sept. 18, 3 p.m.-7:45 p.m. The festivities are for children 6-12 years old. The fee is $10 for BRiCk members and $15 for non-members. Kids will play games, create art, watch a movie and eat pizza. Call 817-426-9104.

There are dogs and cats ready for adoption at the Burleson Animal Shelter! The slideshow at http://tinyurl.com/287egbk shows pictures of Tanner, a 4-month-old cattle dog mix and Casey, a 2-month-old cattle dog mix. Delilah is a Snowshoe-mix kitten who is approximately 1 year old. For more, call the shelter at 817-426-9283.

The Sept. 27 Book Discussion Club book at the Burleson Public Library is "The Glass Castle" by Jeannette Walls. The group meets at 6:30 p.m. Jeannette and her family moved among Southwest desert towns, camping in the mountains, before retreating to the West Virginia mining town -- and the family - her father had escaped. For more, call the library at 817-426-9210.

Volunteers will be working hard Saturday morning, 9 a.m.-11 a.m., to beautify Burleson through the annual Burleson Trash Bash. Also, on Saturday, the police department and fire department will participate in the fall health fair at Frazier Elementary, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. A second health fair is slated for Sept. 25, 9 a.m.-noon, at Mound Elementary.

Burleson City Council

First and Third Mondays

5:30 p.m. worksession

7 p.m. council meeting

To view council agendas and minutes go to http://tinyurl.com/376tpcc.

Agendas are posted by 5 p.m.

on the Friday before a city

council meeting.

City website

www.burlesontx.com

Links on the City web site

http://tinyurl.com/2u6aame.