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Stormwater Program Info Meeting | Tonight @ 6 pm | City Hall
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Thanks for keeping us safe
I think anybody who knows me understands the great respect I have for those who are involved in carrying out Public Safety.
In my opinion, public safety is the number one priority for any community. If you don't have professional, quick responding and well trained public safety officials, I don't care how great your neighborhood or city is, you are truly not living the good life.
The degree of freedom a person has is directly affected by the environment in which they live. I think this is even more important in metropolitan areas such as DFW.
We are extremely lucky to have Police and Fire Departments that are adequately staffed, expertly trained and well managed. Police Chief Sid Fuller and Fire Chief Steve Parker are two of the greatest public safety professionals in the nation and they understand how to manage their departments in a way that maintains the best quality of life for citizens, businesses, and visitors.
Although we sometimes take it for granted in Farmers Branch, it is comforting to have help within minutes ready, willing and able to deal with any situation 24/7. I understand how much it makes my life better and I hope you do, too. 
The reason I am pausing to think about the importance of public safety is because I have had the pleasure to attend promotional events for both the Police and Fire recently. Those events remind me that there have been many Police and Fire professionals that have served for many years that now are moving into retirement.
I am humbled by the sacrifices and outstanding efforts they have made to protect Farmers Branch over the years. Also, it reminds me of what a good job the departments have done training folks to move into positions of leadership.
It is evident in both the Police and Fire Departments that the folks being promoted are armed with the knowledge, skill and ability to maintain the outstanding level of service we want for Farmers Branch.
So, sometime when you have a spare moment think a good thought, say a little prayer, or smile for the folks that keep us all safe.
To contact Gary, click on his picture
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Stormwater Utility program set for discussion at special meeting
FARMERS BRANCH ~ In order to provide residents with the most accurate information about the proposed Stormwater Utility Program, an informational meeting has been scheduled for 6 p.m., Wednesday, September 10 in the Council Chambers at City Hall.
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Alleviation of the sediment build-up in Farmers Branch Creek, seen here in Mallon Park, would be among the services funded by the Stormwater Utility.
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Mirroring what most other cities in the Metroplex have already implemented, the City of Farmers Branch is considering a Stormwater Utility Program to provide for management, maintenance and improvements to the City's stormwater drainage system and other related activities.
The meeting will consist of a short presentation on the proposed program followed by public input. Citizens will also be given an opportunity to ask specific questions about how this program will affect their own property.
The Farmers Branch City Council will then hold a Public Hearing on the proposed Stormwater Utility program as part of their regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, September 16, beginning at 6:30 p.m. at Farmers Branch City Hall.
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No WNV positives this week; officials urge vigilance
FARMERS BRANCH ~ Even though, for the first time in a month, no mosquito traps in Farmers Branch were found to contain West Nile Virus in weekly testing done by the Dallas County Department of Health and Human Services, officials said the public still needs to be vigilant.  To date, there have been eight positive mosquitoes found in four traps in various sections of the City. So far, one Farmers Branch resident has been diagnosed with West Nile Virus-related illness, but the location where the sickness was acquired is uncertain. That resident is recovering at home. Farmers Branch Environmental Health Director Stacy Wright said this week's testing result is good news. However, he cautioned that there is still several weeks to go before the serious West Nile exposure subsides. "The extremely wet summer, combined with hot temperatures lately, have provided an explosive breeding environment for mosquitoes, including those that can carry West Nile Virus," Mr. Wright explained. "We had good news this week, but we should not let our guard down. This is an ever-evolving situation." Mr. Wright said that mosquitoes can still be active after the first real cold snap of the season, but added that the threat is greatly diminished after the first freeze, which is typically not until sometime in November. For more information on West Nile Virus prevention or to sign up for text messages when spraying is occurring in neighborhoods, visit www.farmersbranchtx.gov/wnv.
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Annual health checkup set Saturday at Recreation Center
COMMUNITY RECREATION CENTER ~ Hoping to bolster the well-being of the community, the annual Farmers Branch Health & Wellness Expo is coming to the Farmers Branch Community Recreation Center on Saturday, September 13, from 9 a.m. until 12 noon. Admission is free.
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With bragging rights on the line, the Farmers Branch Police and Fire Departments are again competing to find out who can drum up the most blood donations in the annual "Battle of the Badges" going on as part of the Health & Wellness Expo, September 12 & 13.
Anyone wishing to donate blood to Carter BloodCare should come to the Farmers Branch Community Recreation Center, 14050 Heartside Place, between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. on either day. Donators will be asked if they wish to donate on behalf of the Police or Fire Departments. All donors will receive a commemorative t-shirt and thanks from both Farmers Branch Public Safety agencies.
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There will be free biometric screenings, BaylorMobile Mammography, other health screenings and consultations, flu and pneumonia vaccines, Vitamin B12 shots, fitness retailers, pet adoptions, kids activities and much more.
All offerings are subject to change and payment is required for some services.
Call 972.247.4607 for more information. The 2014 Health & Wellness Expo is presented by the City of Farmers Branch with support from Baylor Medical Center of Carrollton.
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Library hunts for better weather for "National Treasure" this weekend
FARMERS BRANCH ~ Better weather is being sought for week two of the Farmers Branch Manske Library's Outdoor Movie Series with a screening of Walt Disney Pictures' "National Treasure," planned for Saturday, September 13 in the Library's amphitheater.  Built into a hillside on the banks of Rawhide Creek in Farmers Branch, the Manske Library's amphitheater features wide, tiered levels with natural grass surface. Patrons are invited to bring blankets and lawn chairs for comfortable seating.
Even though skies were threatening, the Steven Spielberg classic, "E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial" kicked off the series Saturday, September 6. More than 100 people still enjoyed the showing which had to be moved inside because of rain.
The series closes out on Saturday, September 20 with a contemporary re-telling of a comic book classic, the 2014 release of "The Amazing Spider-Man 2."
Admission is free with concessions available for purchase.
For more information, call the Library at 972.247.2511.
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Council to take up minor changes to Branch Crossing zoning
FARMERS BRANCH ~ In order to accomplish a few minor adjustments to the zoning regulations for the Branch Crossing neighborhood, the Farmers Branch City Council will take up consideration of the matter in a public hearing, set for 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, September 16.  Farmers Branch Planning Director Andy Gillies said Planned Development No. 79, or PD-79, is a customized zoning district that allows single family detached housing in the renaissance neighborhood dubbed Branch Crossing in the late 1990s. The Planning and Zoning Commission held a public hearing earlier this week and unanimously recommended approval of the amendments.
Mr. Gillies emphasized that PD-79 will remain a single family detached neighborhood, while outlining the proposed changes:
* Fence height is currently limited to six feet. City staff is recommending an increase to a maximum of eight feet.
* The percentage of front yards that can be covered is proposed for an increase from 30 percent to 65 percent to better allow circular driveways.
* Currently, PD-79 requires that every new house include a chimney. City staff is recommending removal of this requirement.
* There is also a recommendation to allow for solar panels on the roof, provided they match the roof color and are placed in an orderly pattern.
* Garage doors are currently required to be metal. The proposed change would allow styled wood or fiberglass to be used as well.
For more information, call 972.247.3131
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Employee: Carol Williams  Department: Information Services Title: Project Manager/Business Analyst Hire Date: July 21, 2014 Background: I am a certified Project Management Professional. I have a BBS in Business Administration from Dallas Baptist University and am currently pursuing a MBA from Texas A&M. I am a proud member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. I enjoy reading, photography, traveling, snorkeling and crafts. What I like most about working for the City: I like the location, people and the beautiful landscaping that comes along with working at the City in a Park! I also appreciate the wonderful benefits that the City provides for their employees. |
Registrations open for National Night Out
JUSTICE CENTER ~ Farmers Branch Police Chief Sid Fuller said he expects record response to the 2014 edition of National Night Out, set for Tuesday, October 7 in Farmers Branch.  Chief Fuller explained that more than 30 neighborhood parties registered with the Police Department last year and said interest in Farmers Branch Community Watch could push that number even higher.
The first Tuesday in October of every year is the Texas edition of National Night Out, dubbed America's night out against crime by the National Association of Town Watch. The event is designed to get neighbors outside, meeting, greeting and getting to know each other and, in doing so, present a united front against crime in residential areas.
Registered neighborhood parties may receive visits from the Farmers Branch Police and Fire Department as well as the Mayor, some members of the City Council and other City officials.
For more information or to register a neighborhood party, call the Farmers Branch Police Department.
972.919.9304
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October Council meeting moved for NNO
FARMERS BRANCH ~ With the Texas version of National Night Out again set for the first Tuesday in October, Mayor Bob Phelps and the members of the Farmers Branch City Council will hold their first meeting of the month 24 hours earlier on Monday, October 6.
The meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. at Farmers Branch City Hall. Study Session will precede the Council Meeting at 5 p.m. in the second floor conference room at City Hall.
For more information on National Night Out, call the Farmers Branch Police Department at 972.919.9304.
972.919.2515
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Farmers Branch Aquatics Center Construction
Updated: September 10, 2014
FARMERS BRANCH ~ Walls are going up on the newly named Margaret Young Natatorium in the new Farmers Branch Aquatics Center, located next to the Community Recreation Center on Heartside Place, near Valwood Parkway.
The year-round, indoor section of the new complex is expected to be open next winter with the outdoor portion ready for the summer, 2015 swim season. Call 972.247.4607 for more information.
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READERS ARE LEADERS
Farmers Branch Mayor Bob Phelps is surrounded by inquisitive kids while reading them a story during the "Readers are Leaders" program Tuesday at the Farmers Branch Manske Library. Various community leaders participate at the Library, reading to kids and promoting literacy.
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Volume 4 | Edition 36 | Number 185 
is published weekly by the Communications Office
of the City of Farmers Branch, TX.
Three-time Award Winner for
Excellence in E-Newsletters in Texas
Awarded by the
Texas Association of Municipal Information Officers
www.texastamio.org
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'Encounters' returns next Saturday
Admission is $5 (ages 6 and under get in free). Students from the R.L. Turner High School Drama Department will be helping to recreate historical personalities drawn directly from Farmers Branch past. Call 972.406.0184.
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Pickups-n-Panels return to FBHP
HISTORICAL PARK ~ Open to all 1989 and older model year cars and trucks the annual Pickups-N-Panels Classic Car and Truck Shootout is coming Saturday, September 13 to the Farmers Branch Historical Park.
Gates are open and registration begins for this 15th annual event, to benefit the American Cancer Society, at 9:30 a.m. Registration is $20 per vehicle. Visit www.pickupsnpanels.com or call 817.307.1186
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Vintage Base Ball practice set Tuesday
HISTORICAL PARK ~ Playing the game by 1860s rules, the Farmers Branch Mustangs Vintage Base Ball team will hold an open practice on Tuesday, September 16, from 6 until 8 p.m., at the Farmers Branch Historical Park. Everyone is invited to come by and find out what this Vintage Base Ball thing is all about. Call 972.406.0184.
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Council to honor WWII bomb group
CITY HALL ~ Mayor Bob Phelps will present a proclamation, honoring the men of the 485th Bomb Group on the occasion of their 50th, and final, reunion to be held here next week.
The group flew 187 missions over Europe between 1944 to 1945.
The proclamation will be presented as part of the Tuesday, September 16 City Council meeting, set for 6:30 p.m. at Farmers Branch City Hall.
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Chili judges sought for Bloomin' Bluegrass
HISTORICAL PARK ~ Returning for a third year, the ever-popular Chili Cookoff has become a fixture of the annual Bloomin' Bluegrass free music festival, set this year for October 17 & 18 at the Farmers Branch Historical Park.
Judges are needed for the Chili Cookoff, scheduled for Saturday of the event. Anyone interested in becoming a judge, participating in the citizen tasting or competing in the event, visit www.bloominbluegrass.com for more information.
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In the Banner
Called by some a latter-day "Raiders of the Lost Ark," the Walt Disney Pictures production of "National Treasure" will be the featured presentation at this Saturday's installment of the Manske Library's "Farmers Branch Reads Outdoor Movie Series."
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WED, SEP 10
TELL IT TO THE MAYOR
Open Office Hours with Mayor Bob Phelps @ City Hall
3 - 6 pm
972.919.2515
STORMWATER UTILITY SPECIAL MEETING
@ City Hall @ 6 pm
972.919.2597
SAT, SEP 13
HEALTH & WELLNESS EXPO & BATTLE OF THE BADGES BLOOD DRIVE
@ Community Rec Center
9 am - 12 noon
972.247.3131
PICKUPS-N-PANELS
@ FB Historical Park
10 am - 3 pm
OUTDOOR MOVIE SERIES
"National Treasure" @ Manske Library Amphitheatre @ Dusk 972.247.2511
All events & meetings are subject to change. Call listed numbers or 972.247.3131 for verification or more information.
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TUE, SEP 16
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
@ City Hall
Study Session @ 5 pm
Regular Meeting @ 6:30 pm
972.247.3131
* All meeting dates & times subject to change. Call for verification.
OUTDOOR MOVIE SERIES 
"The Amazing Spider-Man 2"
@ Manske Library Amphitheatre @ Dusk
972.247.2511
ENCOUNTERS FROM
THE PAST
@ Keenan Cemetery
972.406.0184
Journey into local history as costumed re-enactors help recreate personalities and stories from the past during interactive tours of historic Keenan Cemetery in Farmers Branch on Saturday, September 20.
TUE, SEP 23
STAR PARTY
@ FB Historical Park
Dusk - 9 pm
972.406.0184
TELL IT TO THE MAYOR
Open Office Hours with Mayor Bob Phelps @ City Hall
3 - 6 pm
972.919.2515
SAT, SEP 27
MOVIE IN THE PARK 
Walt Disney's "Mary Poppins"
@ Barney Wood Athletic Cplx
972.247.4607
All events & meetings are subject to change. Call listed numbers or 972.247.3131 for verification or more information.
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OCT 6
CITY COUNCIL MEETING -
Special Date
@ City Hall
Study Session @ 5 pm
Regular Meeting @ 6:30 pm
972.247.3131
Watch LIVE
* All meeting dates & times subject to change. Call for verification.
OCT 7
NATIONAL NIGHT OUT
Schedule Neighborhood Parties by calling FBPD @ 972.919.9304
OCT 8
TELL IT TO THE MAYOR
Open Office Hours with Mayor Bob Phelps @ City Hall
3 - 6 pm
972.919.2515
OCT 17-18
BLOOMIN' BLUEGRASS
FREE MUSIC FESTIVAL &
CHILI COOK-OFF
@ FB Historical Park
972.919.1433
OCT 18
CELEBRATION OF ROSES
@ Rose Gardens of Farmers Branch
972.919.2550
HOLIDAY CRAFT FAIR
@ Senior Center
9 am to 4 pm
972.241.8636
OCT 21
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
@ City Hall
Study Session @ 5 pm
Regular Meeting @ 6:30 pm
972.247.3131
* All meeting dates & times subject to change. Call for verification.
OCT 22
TELL IT TO THE MAYOR
Open Office Hours with Mayor Bob Phelps @ City Hall
3 - 6 pm
972.919.2515
OCT 25
HALLOWEEN IN THE PARK
@ FB Historical Park
972.919.1433
NOV 11
VETERANS DAY CELEBRATION
@ Senior Center
10:30 am
972.919.2620
DEC 6
CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING
@ FB Historical Park
972.919.1433
NOV 28 thru DEC 30
CHRISTMAS TOUR OF LIGHTS
972.919.1433
All events & meetings are subject to change. Call listed numbers or 972.247.3131 for verification or more information.
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 | | Teen Camp Video Blog |
 | | "Above & Beyond" |
 | | "John F. Burke Nature Preserve: An Overview" |
 | | "Farmers Branch Connections" |
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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
lovethebranch.com or call 972.247.3131.
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