Conservation works

 There's been a lot of talk about water lately. We've either been in discussions with state agencies about Farmers Branch Creek or we've been making plans for our forthcoming Aquatics facility.

   This time, it's water consumption that bears mentioning - or, more accurately - water conservation.

   A few years ago, we implemented "Stage 1" of the Farmers Branch Drought Contingency Plan - Voluntary Conservation. The idea, of course, is to try to conserve water without restrictions in order to avoid more strict rules down the line.

  This is a concept that might not work in some parts of the country, but in Farmers Branch it does. We are a community of people that look beyond our own driveways in order to band together to make a difference for each other.

   I am very happy to report that, during the past four years from the beginning of 2011 through the end of 2014, commercial water consumption is down 16 percent and residential consumption is down 19 percent.

   Those are astounding numbers that some cities have a hard time achieving, even under stringent water restrictions. As such, you should pat yourselves on the back (or, if that's too awkward, pat each other on the back) for a job very well done.

   What we don't know is what the future holds. If the weather starts bringing more moisture our way, we might never have to go beyond Voluntary Conservation.

   However, there is no guarantee and it is possible we may have to implement later stages of the policy at some point. If we get there, I have no doubt that the residents and businesspeople of Farmers Branch will rise to the occasion to meet the challenge.

   In the meantime, please accept my personal thanks for helping us to conserve. Remember my slogan - "Use what you need. Save the rest."

Northbound nighttime lane closures continue through Tuesday

35EXPRESS ~ Various northbound lanes of I-35E, between LBJ and Valley View, will be closed during late night hours through Tuesday, according to officials with the 35Express Project.

   Officials said the closures are necessary for crews to re-stripe northbound main lanes and set concrete barriers. Hours for the project are from 9 p.m. through 6 a.m. each night/morning.

   The 35Express project group is the organization responsible for the overhaul of Interstate 35E from Interstate 635 in Dallas, north through Farmers Branch, Carrollton and Lewisville, to U.S. Highway 380 in Denton County.

Cleaner Schedule

CityWide CleanUp Day evolves into multiple events throughout the year

FARMERS BRANCH ~ After the overwhelming response to CityWide CleanUp Day the past few years, City officials are going to a more diversified schedule for meeting needs for the same services in 2015 and beyond.

   Traditionally held in April, CityWide CleanUp Day has offered residents the chance to recycle electronics, drop off household hazardous waste, shred old documents and properly dispose of old prescription medications with the Police Department.

   "The massive response we had in 2014 speaks volumes about the heart of the community when they get involved like that," said City Manager Gary D. Greer. "However, it also resulted in long lines that inconvenienced quite a few of our citizens who had to wait a long time."

   The CityWide CleanUp Day services may now be accessed by residents according to the following schedule:

ELECTRONICS RECYCLING is now available every week at the Citizen Collection Center, 1399 Valley View Lane, west of Luna Road. Hours are from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. Check list of items accepted.

PRESCRIPTION MEDICATION TAKE-BACK is now available Monday through Friday at the Farmers Branch Justice Center from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. Items accepted include prescription patches and medications, ointments along with over-the-counter meds, vitamins, samples and pet medications. Not accepted are needles, medications from businesses or clinics, thermometers, hydrogen peroxide, inhalers, lotions or liquids and aerosol cans.

HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE is collected five days a week from Farmers Branch residents and those of other participating cities at the Dallas County Home Chemical Collection Center, 11234 Plano Road, Dallas, Texas 75243. They are open every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday along with some Saturdays. Hours may very. Call 214.553.1765. There will be a LOCAL COLLECTION EVENT in Farmers Branch on Saturday, June 27. Watch for further details.