BRANCH BULLETIN - eNews from Farmers Branch
MEMO from the MANAGER
Suddenly synonymous

   I'm getting so tired of turning on the news to hear about another mass shooting or terror attack, as I know you are as well.
   Through no fault of their own, these locations and destinations, cities and institutions, around the world are suddenly synonymous with the horrific acts that happened there.
   Paris. Colorado Springs. San Bernardino.
   And it sticks. When was the last time you had a happy thought when hearing the words Oklahoma City, or Virginia Tech, or Columbine.
   The last thing I want to do is ignite a debate on terrorism or profiling or gun control. 
   I don't know what the answer is.
   But, I do know what the assailants in all of these situations had in common. Whatever their individual motives, they all had a profound lack of respect for the value of life.
   What the otherwise sleepy, out-of-the-way spot like San Bernardino teaches us is that no community is immune. It CAN happen anywhere.
   As City Manager, what I want you to know is that your Police Department is one of the reasons I sleep well at night. Chief Sid Fuller and his officers are honestly among the finest you will find. Their level of training and expertise is second to none and is illustrated on the streets and in the commercial districts and neighborhoods of Farmers Branch every day.
   Beyond that, though, it's not just that we've got a great department. We're surrounded by great departments in our neighboring cities. What does that matter? Well, Chief Fuller has been on the leading edge of "synergizing" the best resources that we and our neighbors have to offer for the betterment of all.
    Not only do we have a combined SWAT team and a forthcoming combined dispatch operation, these officers know each other and train with each other and have each other's backs when any of our communities are faced with dire circumstances.
   There, but for the grace of God, go any of us.
   For now, the best we can do is offer our thoughts and prayers to those families that have suffered loss - and an extra prayer that this kind of thing never happens again.

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Updated INFO
City Council revises plan on trash & recycling collection

FBTX ~ Following discussion in a specially-called meeting, the Farmers Branch City Council on Monday revised their direction on the upcoming solid waste contract for trash and recycling, asking for twice a week garbage collection in bags and optional once a week curbside recycling collection in rolling containers. 
   The Council voted 4 to 1 to direct the City Manager to negotiate a contract with Community Waste Disposal, using those parameters. 
   This amends previous direction, from the November 17 Council meeting, when the Council voted 3 to 2 to use rolling containers for both garbage and recycling collection, once a week for each. 
   Twice a week garbage collection in bags is similar to the current strategy, except that the City will no longer provide paper sacks for that purpose. Residents would be responsible for purchasing their own paper or plastic bags. Beyond that, there will be no additional cost to citizens. 
   Recycling in 95-gallon rolling containers will complete the transition from the current drop-off recycling program to a curbside collection strategy. 
   Residents will receive additional information in January about the optional recycling service.
Traffic ALERT
Bond roadwork moves to Welch for three to four months

FBTX ~ Progressing through the City, the Farmers Branch Street Bond Program has begun resurfacing operations on Welch Road from LBJ to Spring Valley.  Road work
   In order to maintain two-way traffic while this road is being resurfaced, the construction will progress in three phases. First, will be the northbound, easternmost lane. The construction process will consist of milling the asphalt surface, making any necessary concrete repairs and overlaying the surface with new asphalt. 
   Phase two will include the southbound, westernmost lane using the same process. Traffic will be shifted to the outside lanes for the center, or third phase, after the outside lanes are completed. 
   The entire project is anticipated to take approximately three to four months, weather permitting. Alternate travel routes, using Midway Road to the west or Inwood Road to the east, are recommended.
Featured STORIES
Top Ten, Again
Farmers Branch Economic Development rated fifth best in DFW for deals in 2014

FBTX ~ The Farmers Branch Economic Development Department has landed on the Dallas Business Journal's Top Ten list of DFW-area Economic Development agencies for the fourth consecutive year.
Dallas Business Journal logo
   Managing Director John Land and his team placed at number five on this year's list, up from number 10 last year.
   Rounding out the Top Five are the City of Fort Worth at number one, followed by the Economic Development offices of the cities of Arlington, Plano and Dallas. 
   Mr. Land praised the work of his team. 
   "This is evidence that diligence pays off in attracting new businesses and retaining existing ones "It doesn't hurt that we also have a prime location in the DFW area, a low tax rate, business-friendly leadership and one of the best teams in the business, on the job."
ICMA renews credentials of
City Manager Gary D. Greer

WASHINGTON, D.C. ~ Recognizing his record of success and continuing professional development, the International City/County Management Association has renewed the professional credentials of Farmers Branch City Manager Gary D. Greer.
City Manager Gary D. Greer
City Manager
Gary D. Greer
   ICMA established the credentialing program in 2001 to define and recognize local government managers and to promote lifelong learning. To maintain credentials, members must submit an annual report, describing 40 hours of professional development during the previous year. Additionally, ICMA recognized Mr. Greer earlier this year for 25 years of service to the City Management profession.
   Serving as City Manager in Farmers Branch since 2007. Mr. Greer is among more than 80 credentialed managers in Texas, out of more than 1,800 municipalities.
   According to ICMA, in 2014, there were 1,342 credentialed managers across the United States.
Tour of Lights features toy drive to benefit Metrocrest families

FBTX ~ With traffic increasing through the month, the Farmers Branch Christmas Tour of Lights is building towards a December 18 deadline for collecting toy donations to benefit the area families served by Metrocrest Services.
   Admission to the Tour of Lights is free with donations accepted by the non-profit agencies working each night. Additionally, new unwrapped toys can be dropped off during the tour that will help make Christmas a bit brighter for children of families in need.
   The Tour is open every evening from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. through December 30.
   Beginning at the intersection of Valley View Lane and Stemmons Freeway, the tour follows the miles of lights and Christmas displays down Denton Drive to the Farmers Branch Historical Park where a synchronized light show awaits all tour participants. 
   By the way, kids are sure to get a look at St. Nick towards the end of the tour. The Historical Park portion of the tour is not open December 25. For more information, visit fbspecialevents.com.
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Citizen Bond Committee applications open til January 5

FARMERS BRANCH ~ In preparation for the prospect of presenting a bond issue to voters in 2016, the Farmers Branch City Council is seeking community volunteers to serve on a Citizen Committee to research and champion a potential quality-of-life bond effort.
   The City Council will also be asking citizens to consider immediate public safety needs in a May bond election but would like to engage a Citizen Committee to consider other quality of life proposals for a possible November 8, 2016 bond election.
   The Citizen Committee would be expected to begin work in January after having had an opportunity to meet with Council for finalizing appointments. Although a volunteer effort, committee members would be expected to commit several hours and days per month towards planning the future of Farmers Branch. 
   The Committee will have three to four months to assess current City facilities and needs, consider Council suggestions, identify new projects for consideration, determine costs and prioritize proposals.
   Members of the committee will create a written report and present their findings to the City Council in mid-June.
   Organizers say the committee will likely be self-directed so people with a passion for Farmers Branch are necessary. Anyone interested in applying for service on the committee should complete an application and return no later than 12 noon on January 5, 2016.
   For more information, call 972.919.2505.
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CHECK Out the LIBRARY
Santa & Cookies starts at 6 p.m. tonight

FBTX ~ The whole family is invited for an evening of cookie decorating, activities and song at 'Santa & Cookies' at the Farmers Branch Manske Library, Wednesday, December 9 at 6 p.m.
   Kids will be able to decorate cookies while visiting with Santa and listening to a special reading of Clement Clarke Moore's classic tale, "T'was the Night Before Christmas' by City Manager Gary D. Greer.
   Call 972.247.2511.
Brookhaven College Handbell Ensemble to celebrate the season December 12

FBTX ~ The Brookhaven College Handbell Ensemble will be ringing their 68 handbells and 68 handchimes in a performance at the Farmers Branch Manske Library on Saturday, December 12 at 3 pm.
   Under the direction of Bonnie Riddle and Estelle Spradling, this festive performance will include a program of holiday classics: "African Noel," "Blue Christmas," "Carol of the Drum," Sleigh Ride," "Greensleeves" and more. The concert is free an open to the public.
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PARTING Shots


Tom Bryson
Oooh ... Ahhh ... 
Thousands ventured into the crisp December evening to take in the annual Christmas Tree Lighting event, held Saturday at the Farmers Branch Historical Park. The traditional low-level fireworks display lit up the night as the City's Christmas Tree shone brightly in the meadow.
Volume 5 | Edition 49 | Number 250
Wednesday, December 9, 2015  
Branch Bulletin
is published weekly by the Communications Office of the
City of Farmers Branch, Texas since March 5, 2011

Comments are welcomed at fbinfo@farmersbranchtx.gov

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BRANCH Briefs
2016 Frog Pond season passes on sale for Christmas

FBTX ~ A summer's worth of fun in the sun at the Farmers Branch Aquatics Center's Frog Pond makes a great Christmas gift as season passes for 2016 are on sale through the season.
   Officials say that individual season passes for Farmers Branch residents are on sale for $65, that is $20 off regular price.
   Family passes are good for up to four immediate family members and are $130, a $40 savings.
   The sale continues through March 31. Drop by the Farmers Branch Aquatics Center at 14032 Hearthside Place, call them at 972.919.8720 or visit fbh2o.com.
   The 2016 summer swim season at the Frog Pond opens Memorial Day weekend. 
City lists hours for upcoming holidays

FBTX ~ All City offices and facilities will be closed on both Thursday and Friday, December 24 & 25 in observance of Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. 
   Some City facilities may post earlier than usual closing hours on Thursday, December 31 but all City office and facilities will be closed on Friday, January 1 to observe New Year's Day. 
   Call the facility of your choice to inquire on December 31 hours of operation. There will be no garbage collection on December 24, 25 & 31 and the Citizen Collection Center will be closed.
SENIOR Center
Seniors plan for Christmas concert in Las Colinas

LAS COLINAS ~ Farmers Branch Seniors can celebrate the season with this festive concert and interactive sing-along by the Las Colinas Symphony on Saturday, December 19.
   The bus departs from the Senior Center at 7 p.m. and returns at 10:30 p.m. Cost is $13 per person and involves limited walking.
   Call 972.919.8740.

REC Center
Flapjacks with Santa coming 12/12

FBTX ~ Kids can enjoy a pancake breakfast and visit with the Jolly Ol' Elf, himself, at Flapjacks with Santa on Saturday December 12 from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Community Recreation Center.
   Cost is $3 for Recreation Center members and $5 for non-members. Call 972.247.4607.
Santa will make house calls

FBTX ~ Santa Claus will make visits to kids in their homes in Farmers Branch again this year as part of his "Santa Makes House Calls" program, sponsored by the Community Recreation Center.
   The Jolly Ol' Elf will come during 
a pre-arranged appointment on the evenings of December 11 through 24, from 6:30 to 9 p.m.
   Visits are 15 minutes long and Santa will enter through the front door. Cost is $25 for Community Recreation Center members and $29 for non-members. 
   Prime time slots go fast so call the Rec Center at 972.247.4607 for reservations.
HISTORICAL Park
Stirrings of Christmas past set for Historical Park

FBTX ~ Holiday traditions and decorations of the past will be profiled in a series of tours at the Farmers Branch Historical Park on Saturday, December 12.
   Everyone is invited and admission is free. Guests are asked to meet at the Historical Park flagpole at 2:15 p.m. The tour will last about one hour and will showcase Christmas in the Old Church, School House, Queen Anne Victorian Cottage and the General Store.
   Historical Park Superintendent Derrick Birdsall also said tours are available upon request thru December 23. Call 972.406.0184.
IN the BANNER
BRANCH BULLETIN - eNews from Farmers Branch
Fireworks light up the night for the estimated crowd of more than 4,000 at Saturday's Christmas Tree Lighting event at the Farmers Branch Historical Park.
Photo by Tom Bryson
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TRAIL Master Plan
 

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VOLUNTEER Opps
   Applications are being accepted for membership on several of the City's volunteer advisory boards and commissions, according to City Secretary Amy Piukana.
   Currently, the following boards have vacancies:

Parks & Recreation Board
Community Watch Committee

December 2015
THRU DECEMBER 30
CHRISTMAS TOUR OF LIGHTS
6:30 to 9:30 pm each evening thru Dec 30 (closed Dec 25)
972.919.2620
Only Meeting This Month
6 pm @ City Hall
Study Session begins @ 4 pm
LIVE on FBTV
972.247.3131

CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS
Most City offices closed
No garbage collection
972.247.3131
All events & meetings are subject to change. Call listed numbers or 972.247.3131 for verification or more information.


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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  lovethebranch.com or call 972.247.3131.