BRANCH BULLETIN: eNews from Farmers Branch
Memo from the MANAGER

Positive evolution

 

  As many of us sizzled in the sun on Monday to turn dirt and get the new Aquatics Park construction underway, it occurred to me how rapidly the Farmers Branch landscape is changing. 

Gary 2013

   This week, many of us attended a ribbon cutting for the absolutely gorgeous Elan City Centre, a wonderful multi-family project that is nestled amongst the office buildings on the City's east side. Mustang Station shows tangible advancements every day and the patio homes, just south of the station area, are popping up quickly.

   Between these and the other multi-family, mixed-use and commercial developments coming to town, our City is in a definite period of positive evolution.

   This is due to the visionary leadership of the City Council as well as meticulous planning, development of economic opportunities and financial management on the part of City staff.

   The budget process every year is an important step in continuing that positive evolution. The proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year, that begins October 1, was delivered to the City Council in late July. They will be considering it and accepting input from the community at public hearings scheduled to be a part of the next two regular City Council meetings on August 20 and September 3.

   In addition, the community is invited as the Mayor and members of the Council will discuss the proposed budget at length during a Saturday morning workshop on August 24. The final vote on the budget will come in September. By the way, those public hearings and that workshop will all take place at City Hall. In the meantime, the budget document and legal notices attached to it are all available for inspection online at the City's new website, www.farmersbranchtx.gov. We invite you to be a part of the process, take a look and come to these meetings to ask what questions you may have.

 

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Featured STORIES
Garden Room forms heart of makeover

 

FARMERS BRANCH ~ After four years of making an impact on American rose culture with planet-friendly roses that require little care, the former National EarthKind Rose Trial Garden in Farmers Branch is undergoing a steady transition into a special showplace that will attract visitors from all over.
Pam Smith
Pam Smith
   Installed five years ago in Gussie Field Watterworth Park, on Valley View Lane at Rawhide Creek, near City Hall, the trial garden was the subject of university-level research and put Farmers Branch on the map as a place for all things 'roses" on a national level.
   Now, a three-year transition plan is underway to turn the research center into a permanent display garden to attract visitors, weddings and other special events. 
   Parks and Recreation Landscape Manager Pam Smith said the first phase is substantially complete and involved removal of some of the trial roses, plantings of new roses, modified irrigation to meet the needs of the new garden, installation of electrical service and natural cedar fencing and teepees as rose support. 
   Most notably, Phase 1 included the creation of an outdoor space, or 'Garden Room' that will be suitable as a rental venue for weddings and other activities.
Big Red Rose
   "The rose garden renovations are particularly exciting as there will now be a space suitable for garden parties and weddings," she said. "The other exciting component is the addition of about 150 different cultivars of roses this past spring with another 150 coming up this fall.
   "Many gardens work for years to create a collection equal to the collection Farmers Branch will showcase. The word is out that our garden is a must-see."
   Ms. Smith added that the addition of a French rose collection has been delayed due to USDA regulations but will hopefully be received this fall.
   Plans for Phase 2 of the project will be executed during the 2013/2014 winter months and will include pavestone borders around the French roses, water features in the Garden Room, seating and benches and arches to train roses.
   The following winter will see the completion of the project with lighting to be installed throughout the garden.
 
A WORD OF CAUTION ABOUT ROSE DISEASE
   While the future of the Farmers Branch rose program remains bright, Ms. Smith and her crews remain vigilant for Rose Rosette Disease, or RRD, that is becoming more prevlant in north Texas.
    There is no cure for the airborne rose disease which is why Farmers Branch crews are removing infected roses on a regular basis to minimize exposure to healthy roses.
   "The American Rose Society believes, and we agree, that vigilant attention and prompt removal of infected roses can control the spread of RRD," Ms. Smith explained.
   For more information, call 972.919.2525. 

 

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West Nile precautions ongoing through summer months

 

FARMERS BRANCH ~ Although not as severe a season as last year, Farmers Branch Environmental Health Officials still treat the threat of West Nile virus very seriously.

   Environmental Health Director Stacy Wright said that even though there have been no confirmed human cases of West Nile virus in Farmers Branch this year, they still take a comprehensive and proactive approach to prevention. West Nile Watch

   "We do weekly trapping of mosquitoes at multiple locations in the City and submit samples to Dallas County for testing," Mr. Wright said. "We also engage in a regular schedule of mosquito spraying in all residential areas of the City at least twice and, in some cases, as many as seven times since May, based on mosquito counts."

   He added that the City has distributed about 1,600 mosquito larvacide "dunks" for immersion in standing water to prevent breeding.

   "We've also identified, treated and eliminated standing water at about 25 locations on public property, including streets and alleys," Mr. Wright explained.

   Through mid-August, the number of mosquitoes capable of transmitting West Nile virus in Farmers Branch traps has been up to eight time lower than other areas in Dallas County.

   While that suggests that prevention measures are working, the most active part of West Nile season is yet to come during the hottest part of the year. Mr. Wright said residents should continue to exercise prevention measures and watch out for standing water the could breed mosquitoes.

   For more information, call 972.247.3131.

 

>> Mosquito control information

>> West Nile virus prevention info

>> Dallas Co Health & Human Svcs

>> Centers for Disease Control

Residents reminded to conserve water through warmest weather

 

FARMERS BRANCH ~ Although the summer of 2013 has proved to be wetter than usual for north Texas, Farmers Branch City Manager Gary D. Greer wants to remind residents voluntary water conservation measures remain in effect. Water

   "Although the rain we've had in July and August is extremely rare for this time of year, we remain in the clutches of a prolonged drought," he explained. "That's why we implemented Stage 1 voluntary conservations measures, under our drought contingency plan, in early 2012 and that's why we're continuing that stage now."

 

Farmers Branch Drought Contingency Plan Stage 1 calls for voluntary reductions in:

  • Frequency of watering new and first-year landscaping and foundations.
  • Frequency of washing or rinsing of vehicles and recommended use of bucket/container, handheld hose with positive shutoff valve or commercial car wash.
  • Excessive runoff from landscape areas.
  • Frequency in draining and refilling of swimming pools and ornamental fountains.
  • Hosing off paved areas, buildings, windows or other surfaces.
  • All other non-essential water use.

   "We're relying on citizens to voluntarily continue to reduce water use when and where they can, according to these guidelines," Mr. Greer added. "Although Stage 1 formalizes conservation measures, we're always asking our residents to be water smart.

   "Use what you need. Save the rest," he concluded.

   For more information on Stage 1 of the Drought Contingency Plan, call the Public Works Department at 972.919.2597.

 

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CityStaff Snapshot

Employee: Richard Snell     Richard Snell
Position: Firefighter
Employed: 5 months
Background: I have a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Science from Texas A&M Commerce. I also have my Paramedic Certification from Paris Junior College. I am a 27 yr old firefighter/paramedic who is married with 2 daughters. I enjoy the outdoors, hunting and fishing. I play mens slow pitch softball and enjoy watching my girls play sports.
What I like most about working for the City of Farmers Branch: My time working here has been wonderful and am very happy to be part of this team.

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Parting SHOTSHOT
Mayor Bill Glancy speaks to the warm crowd assembled to break ground for the new Aquatics Park.
Photo by Tom Bryson       
Warm welcome
Mayor Bill Glancy addresses the crowd under the August sun in advance of groundbreaking ceremonies for the new Farmers Branch Aquatics Park, held Monday. The event marked the simultaneous closing of Don Showman Pool, after 50+ years, and the start of the new project which should be ready for outdoor water activity next summer. An indoor component, including lap and therapy pools, will be open next fall.

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IN the BANNER
BRANCH BULLETIN: eNews from Farmers Branch  
A solitary rose brightens its surroundings at the Rose Gardens of Farmers Branch at Gussie Field Watterworth Park, near City Hall. With the National EarthKind trial completed, the Garden is undergoing a three-year makeover, outlined in today's lead story.
  Photo by Derrick Birdsall
Volume 3 | Edition 33 | Number 129
Branch Bulletin
is published weekly by the  Communications Office
of the City of Farmers Branch, TX.
Two-time TAMI Award Winner for Best eNewsletter in Texas 
Given by the Texas Association of Municipal Information Officers 

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Branch BRIEFS
Groundbreaking begins Aquatics Park project

 

FARMERS BRANCH ~ With a bright sun glancing off the water, City leaders, children and members of the Farmers Branch community gathered on Monday to say goodbye to Don Showman Pool and to break ground for the 21st century Aquatics Park that will take its place next year.

Video View our videos on YouTube Extra
Aquatic Center Groundbreaking
Aquatic Center Groundbreaking
   Mayor Bill Glancy spoke fondly of the Showman pool and how it has been a part of family summers in Farmers Branch for several generations, but that the new facility will be a new place for families to make memories for years to come.

   The $7 million project includes an outside park along with indoor therapy and lap pools. The outdoor project will be ready for use by Memorial Day weekend. The indoor component, designed for year-round use, is planned for opening in the fall of 2014.

>> See Parting Shot

Council schedules public hearings on proposed budget

 

FARMERS BRANCH ~ In preparation for adoption of the 2013-2014 fiscal year budget, the Farmers Branch City Council will hold public hearings on the proposed plan on August 20 and September 3, in addition to a Saturday morning workshop on August 24. Farmers Branch Logo

   Finance Director Charles S. Cox said the public hearings will be held as part of the Council's next two regular meetings, set for 6:30 p.m. each evening at City Hall, 13000 William Dodson Parkway in Farmers Branch.

   The public is also invited as the City Council will meet in special session to study and discuss the proposed budget in a workshop, set for Saturday morning, August 24 at 8:30 a.m., also at City Hall.

For more information, call City Hall at 972.247.3131.

>> View the proposed budget

LEGO robotics runs through Friday at Manske Library

  

MANSKE LIBRARY ~ A one-day LEGO robotics workshop for kids is being offered at the Farmers Branch Manske Library all this week, with remaining sessions Thursday and Friday at 1 p.m.   
   Designed for kids 9 to 18 years old, this is a workshop dedicated to teaching the basics of creating a robot using LEGO Mindstorms NXT. Participants do not need to have previous experience with robotics. All equipment will be provided for instruction use only.
   Sign up is required before each class, and space is limited. For more information call the Library at 972.247.2511.
Tollway grace period extends thru Sep 13

  

AUSTIN ~ Any driver with past-due bills from travel on area toll roads has the opportunity to come clean as part of a grace period for cleaning up these accounts.

   Until September 13, drivers can address outstanding tolls at a potential discount by contacting the North Texas Tollway Customer Service center at 972.818.6882.

Two-part genealogy class concludes next Wednesday 

 

MANSKE LIBRARY ~ Learning the ABCs of 'Genealogy Basics' is the focus of a two-part class concluding at the Farmers Branch Manske Library on Wednesday, August 21.

   Led by J.T. McKinney, the class will focus on building a family tree, the dos and don'ts of genealogy research, as well as free websites that can come in handy. Call the Library at 972.247.2511 for more information.

Gallery has 'Visions'

 

MANSKE LIBRARY ~ 'Art Focus XC Presents: Visions,' an exhibition of 15 different artists from the Dallas area, now on display in the gallery at the Farmers Branch Manske Library.
   Since its founding in 1992, Art Focus XC has shown the work of its participating artists in more than 15 exhibitions ranging from museums to corporate buildings to college campuses. Additionally, they have been featured in Southwest Art magazine and have supported Metrocare Services and the Foundation Fighting Blindness.
   The exhibition runs through September 6. 
   For more information, call the Manske Library at 972.247.2511. 
Other
STORIES
News You Can USE
Residents can recycle chemicals at Dallas drop off truck

 

DALLAS ~ Farmers Branch residents will soon be able to participate in a city of Dallas mobile truck drop off program that will dispose of batteries, oils, such as motor oil and oil filters, latex paint and antifreeze, known collectively as BOPA (Batteries, Oils, Paints, Antifreeze). 

   The program begins August 24 and will include drop off at Southwest Center Mall, 3662 West Camp Wisdom Road in Dallas, from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m., on the fourth Saturday of each month. Proof of residency may be required and the truck may be available only until filled. 

More >>

LBJ Express
Countdown: 856 days to project completion
 
FARMERS BRANCH ~ The weekly update on the Interstate 635 expansion project has been made available by LBJ Express, the construction team responsible for the five-year project that will completely renovate the freeway from the Dallas North Tollway to Interstate 35E. This update is for Wednesday, August 14, 2013.
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LBJ Express Finished Project Animation
 
LBJ Express Finished Project Animation

 

Valley View (at IH35E): Expect the northbound right lane to be closed again through August. There may be various off-peak lane closures along Valley View between the IH35E frontage roads for several weeks to facilitate construction of a new IH35E northbound entrance ramp over Valley View.  The northbound exit to Josey will be closed on the nights of August 19-20.

IH 635/IH35E Interchange: The ramp connecting westbound LBJ to northbound IH35E and the westbound Josey entrance ramp will be closed on the nights of August 14 and 15. The ramp connecting southbound IH35E to eastbound LBJ will be closed on the nights of August 14-16. Northbound IH35E will be closed on the night of August 15. Eastbound LBJ will be closed on the night of August 18. The ramp connecting eastbound LBJ to northbound IH35E will be closed on the night of August 21.

Denton Drive:  Northbound Denton will be closed for bridge work August 14 and 15. The westbound frontage road from Josey to Denton will be closed nightly through September.        

Josey Lane: Construction of the sidewalk on Josey will require various lanes closed through August 16. The eastbound frontage road is closed between Josey and Bankway until August 30. Frontage road traffic is detoured via Forest Lane to Webb Chapel.  Josey will be closed for bridge work on the nights of August 14 and 15.  The westbound exit to Josey will close on August 26 with the reopening of the Webb Chapel exit. The westbound Josey bypass bridge will open by August 30.

Webb Chapel: The westbound LBJ frontage road will be closed from Marsh to Medical Parkway on the night of August 15. Webb Chapel will be closed at LBJ for bridge work on the night of August 21. The Webb Chapel westbound exit ramp will reopen on August 26. The Webb Chapel westbound bypass bridge will open by August 30.

Marsh Lane: The westbound Marsh entrance ramp is closed through August 19. The westbound LBJ frontage road from the Midway entrance ramp to Marsh will be closed on the nights of August 8, 9 and 12.

Valley View at IH635: Valley View will be closed for bridge work on the night of August 30.

Midway Road: The southbound left turn lane on Midway Road at LBJ and both U-turn lanes are closed indefinitely. Expect various additional lanes to be closed on Midway at LBJ during off-peak hours. The westbound Midway entrance is scheduled to be closed on the night of August 20. The eastbound frontage road east of Midway will be closed during off-peak hours daily through Mid-September. The westbound Midway bypass bridge is scheduled to be opened by August 30.

Welch Road: All lanes are scheduled to be reopened by August 15.

Other Locations: Various main lanes of LBJ will be closed frequently during night-time hours. There will also be intermittent night-time closures of various LBJ entrance and exit ramps. All scheduled work is tentative as permitted by weather conditions and other factors.  

 

About the City of Farmers Branch Farmers Branch Logo
An historic community in the geographic center of the DFW Metroplex, Farmers Branch boasts a residential population of 28,800 and a daytime employment population of 66,000. Located on the northwest border of the City of Dallas, the City's 27 parks and lush greenbelts feature nationally-acclaimed, award-winning soccer fields, football facilities as well as baseball and softball complexes. The city's location in the center of the Metroplex and only 15 minutes away from both DFW Airport and Love Field, along with the 2,200 hotel rooms within the city, make Farmers Branch an ideal location for residents and for business. For more information on the City of Farmers Branch, visit farmersbranchtx.gov,  visitfarmersbranch.com, lovethebranch.com or call 972.247.3131.
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