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A bright point of light
In his 1989 inaugural address, President George H.W. Bush evoked an image when he compared service in this country to "a thousand points of light."
Today, we have a shining example of that vision in a bright point of light we call Metrocrest Services.
Sounds a little different because it is.
Metrocrest Services represents the joining of forces between the agencies formerly known as Metrocrest Social Services and Senior Adult Services. The resulting union provides for greater shared resources in serving those in need.
The new mission of Metrocrest Services says it all: "To provide programs for individuals, families and seniors that lead to self-sufficiency and foster independence. We aid individuals in Carrollton, Farmers Branch, Addison, Coppell and the city of Dallas in Denton County. Our broad support base of donors, sponsors and volunteers makes a wide range of vital services possible as we work to build a stronger community together!"
Combining the power of their former agencies, the new Metrocrest Services provides rent and utility bill assistance, a food pantry, budgeting and financial education, employment counseling, senior services (for those over 60), medical aid, seasonal programs and more.
 Just this week, Metrocrest Services announced one-on-one training for area residents preparing for the online GED exam. Classes are free and testing costs are covered for guests who complete the instructional course.
This is all possible because of the people behind the scenes, the board of directors, the staff and volunteers, that make it all happen. They are professional, hard-working people providing a one-stop shop for such a wide variety of services needed in the community.
Most notably responsible for the ongoing success of this multi-faceted endeavor is CEO Tracy Eubanks. There is a reason the Metrocrest Chamber of Commerce recently honored Tracy with the Milburn Gravely Citizen of the Year Award. Tracy brings a business approach to social services and has the organizational skill, the vision and the stamina to take Metrocrest Services to the next level as a real champion for those in need, among us.
And, yes, we are very proud that Metrocrest Services calls Farmers Branch home, at 13801 Hutton Drive, Suite 150.
We must all carefully consider the worthwhile opportunities out there for donation of our time or dollars. I would only urge you to include Metrocrest Services on that list.
They are doing very good work, right here, at home.
  
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South 35Express segment public meeting set Thursday at City Hall
FARMERS BRANCH ~ The 35Express construction group, responsible for the overhaul of the busy interstate highway, has scheduled the next in a series of regular community information meetings for Thursday, March 27 at 6:30 p.m. at Farmers Branch City Hall.
 Work is now underway on the $1.4 billion massive re-build of I-35E from LBJ in Dallas to U.S. Highway 380 in Denton County. Anyone affected by or interested in the 35Express project should plan to attend the information meeting. >> MORE ON 35EXPRESS |
Bond Issue 2014
Council asks voters to consider
$23.5 million for streets
FARMERS BRANCH ~ In an effort to put together a comprehensive approach to improve roadways in the City, the Farmers Branch City Council is asking voters in May to consider $23.5 million for street improvements.
While there is a regular budget for routine street maintenance, a decade of tight economics, many harsh summers, some hard winters and, in large part, the end of the pavement lifecycle, has created a greater need than the regular maintenance budget can handle.
 The last significant street improvement project in Farmers Branch was in 2008 with the overlay of Webb Chapel Road, Marsh Lane and Midway Road and a reconstruction of Benchmark Drive. The City plans to augment the debt issue with pay-as-you-go funding in the amount of $5 million for a total of $28.5 million for street improvements over a 10 year period. Of that total, $10 million would be slated for residential streets, $17.5 million for major streets and $1 million for bridge replacement on southbound Marsh Lane between Wooded Creek and Valley View. Streets will be scheduled for improvements based on a 2013 scientific study of every street in Farmers Branch. Infrastructure Management Services used GPS technology, combined with digital video photography and lasers to evaluate street conditions and compile a detailed inventory and conditions rating for every street in the City.
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A street survey truck used lasers, cameras and GPS technology to evaluate every surface street in Farmers Branch.
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City staff will use this detailed study to help prioritize street improvement projects under the proposed bond issue. However, notable streets to be included are Valley View Lane, Josey Lane and Valwood Parkway. Projects will be done in the most efficient and effective order as determined by the City's streets and engineering professionals. If the 20-year maturity bonds are approved, there will be an estimated 4.5-cent increase on property taxes in Farmers Branch. For an average home value of $145,095, that increase would equal $52.25 per year. If that same valued home has both a homestead and over-65 exemption, the increase would be $22.99. Election Day is May 10, from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. at Dallas County precinct polling places. Voters can use this utility to enter their address in order to look up their elected officials, City Council district and voting precinct. Early voting will take place Monday through Saturday, April 28 through May 3 from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. Sunday, May 4 from 1 until 6 p.m. and Monday and Tuesday, May 5 & 6 from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. Any Dallas County resident can vote early at any Dallas County early voting location, including Farmers Branch City Hall. In addition to the bond issue, the ballot will feature a City officers election for Mayor and for City Council, District 2. Candidates for Mayor are Bob Phelps, Carol Dingman and David Koch. Candidates for City Council, District 2 are Luther Bernstein, Harold Froehlich and Garrett Smith. Finally, the ballot will also contain a Local Option Election for the legal sale of beer and wine for off-premise consumption.
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Farmers Branch receives highest state award for financial transparency
AUSTIN ~ The Texas State Comptroller's office has named Farmers Branch as one of only 36 local governments in Texas to achieve their new Platinum award for financial transparency. 
The Comptroller's Leadership Circle Program has recognized Farmers Branch with its highest award every year, since its inception five years ago. In 2014, the bar for that highest award was raised from "Gold" level to "Platinum."
According to the Comptroller's office, the new Platinum award recognizes local governments that have exceeded the requirements for the previous highest level of disclosure. It includes posting of budgets, financial reports and check registers online.
The Platinum Award spotlights entities meeting the Gold standard that also post detailed summary information on their websites about current bonded debt and repayment; link to the Comptroller's governmental transparency website; and pledge to post information online about proposed bond packages and existing debt.
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Other Stories Available ONLINE
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"Local Heroes" sought for video project
FARMERS BRANCH ~ Much in the same way that the short film 'Above & Beyond' helped illustrate the Farmers Branch City staff's commitment to service, the City's Communications office hopes to demonstrate examples of Farmers Branch neighbors working together to help each other in upcoming, followup productions.
"Whether its a single example of neighbors helping neighbors or an ongoing situation of a Farmers Branch resident that contiually goes out of their way to help others, we want to know about it," said Communications Director Tom Bryson. "Drop us an email so we can compile a listing of these stories and plan to profile those that we can." The Farmers Branch Communications office can be reached at fbinfo@farmersbranchtx.gov.
   
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Voluntary water conservation remains in effect
FARMERS BRANCH ~ Although 2013 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.
"Although the rain we've had last summer was extremely rare for that time of year, we remain in the clutches of non-typical weather patterns," he explained. "That's why we implemented Stage 1 voluntary conservation measures, under our drought contingency plan, in early 2012 and that's why we're continuing that stage now."
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Employee: Jonathan Marett 
Division: Public Works
Title: Maintenance Worker - Utilities
Employed: 8 months
Background: I grew up in Mesquite and attended Poteet High School. I studied Criminal Justice at Navarro College in Corsicana before returning to Mesquite where I currently live. I like to hang out with friends, play softball and go country dancing. When I can, I also like to hunt and fish.
What I like most about working for the City: I most enjoy working here because Farmers Branch is a great city and the community is awesome.
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Volume 4 | Edition 12 | Number 161 
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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This Week
All events subject to change
THURSDAY . MAR 27
NATURE WALK & TOUR
9 am @ Burke Nature Preserve
972.919.2625
CHEEROBICS
5 pm @ Manske Library
972.247.2511
35EXPRESS COMMUNITY MEETING . SOUTH
6:30 pm @ City Hall
SATURDAY . MAR 29
FARMERS BRANCH CARROLLTON ART ASSN
Exhibit Opens (thru May 2) @
Manske Library Art Gallery
MONDAY . MAR 31
SENIOR DANCE CLUB
w/ JC Tippett
7 pm @ Senior Center
972.919.8740
TUESDAY . APR 01
6:30 pm @ City Hall
972.247.3131
AARP TAX HELP
10 am to 2 pm @ Senior Center
1 to 7 pm @ Manske Library
Every Tuesday thru Apr 15
All events subject to change
APR 8
STAR PARTY
Dusk til 9 pm @ Historical Park
Alternate Weather Date Apr 10
972.406.0184
APR 12
CITYWIDE CLEANUP DAY
9 am - 12 noon @ Oran Good
972.919.2510
DATE NIGHT IN THE PARK
6:30 pm @ Historical Park
972.919.2620
APR 15
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
6:30 pm @ City Hall
APR 28 - MAY 3 (Mon-Sat)
EARLY VOTING
8 am - 5 pm @ Dallas County Polling Places including Farmers Branch City Hall
MAY 3
FISHIN' FUN
8 am @ Gussie Field Watterworth Park
1 - 6 pm @ Dallas County Polling Places including Farmers Branch City Hall
7 am - 7 pm @ Dallas County Polling Places including Farmers Branch City Hall
Dusk til 9 pm @ Historical Park
Alternate Weather Date May 8
7 am - 7 pm @ Dallas County Polling Places
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Rose Garden enhancements on display this weekend
ROSE GARDENS ~ The public will have an opportunity to explore firsthand the improvements going on to the Rose Garden at Gussie Field Watterworth Park with the "Sip, See & Socialize" event planned for Saturday, March 29, from 1 to 3 p.m.
The new outdoor Garden Room will be on display as a possible venue for weddings, graduation parties, birthdays, reunions, tea parties and much more. Parks and Recreation staff will be on hand that day to answer questions and provide additional information.
The Rose Gardens of Farmers Branch at Gussie Field Watterworth Park are located at 2610 Valley View Lane. Call 972.919.2620 for more information.
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Jacaranda Guitar Ensemble to perform at Library
MANSKE LIBRARY ~ Brookhaven College professor Carlo Pezzimenti and his Jacaranda Guitar Ensemble will be performing at the Farmers Branch Manske Library on Saturday, March 29 at 2 p.m. Pezzimenti, a frequent performer at the Library, will be playing for the first time with his professional ensemble. The other members include Leslie Enlow, Brian Rowe and Pedro Haley. The program for the afternoon will include works by Isaac Albeniz, Ernesto Garcia de Leon, Ravel and others. This concert is free and open to the public. For more information, call the Library at 972.247.2511.
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Feds warn of scam targeting taxpayers
WASHINGTON ~ The Treasury Inspector General for Taxpayer Administration (TIGTA) today issued a warning to taxpayers to beware of phone calls from individuals claiming to represent the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in an effort to defraud them.
"This is the largest scam of its kind that we have ever seen," said J. Russell George, the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration. George noted that TIGTA has received reports of over 20,000 contacts and has become aware of thousands of victims who have collectively paid over $1 million as a result of the scam, in which individuals make unsolicited calls to taxpayers fraudulently claiming to be IRS officials.
> MORE<
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VIDEO EXTRA
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Farmers Branch
"Above & Beyond"
A profile of Farmers Branch City employees who daily go "Above & Beyond" expectations to deliver service to citizens.
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Nights are still cool but spring is in the air in Farmers Branch. Photo by Derrick Birdsall |
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Check the latest weekly report on the five-year reconstruction of Interstate 635 that includes:
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Check the latest information on the 28-mile, $1.4 billion reconstruction of Interstate 35E from LBJ, through Farmers Branch, to U.S. Highway 380 in Denton County.
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About the City of Farmers Branch 
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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