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During the past year, we told you several times about a very special project that is coming up in 2016.
 Well now, just a few days after the New Year's Eve confetti has been swept up, Farmers Branch Parks crews have begun clearing the way for the all-inclusive Rotary Playground at Gussie Field Watterworth Park, near City Hall. The existing playground, adjacent to the picnic pavilion and the tennis courts, was quietly closed today, under the cover of winter, so crews can do their work at a time when the park isn't heavily used. The new, signature playground will be uniquely designed to allow children with disabilities to play alongside their siblings and friends. The project has been made possible through a joint venture between the Rotary Clubs of Farmers Branch and of Carrollton-Farmers Branch, the City of Farmers Branch, and generous donations from local businesses, organizations and individuals.  Now, the work begins and, as with any winter project, weather is a huge variable. However, I have the greatest confidence in our Parks Department and their ability to do the job that will exceed everyone's expectations. One way or another, kids will be able to play there by the time springtime temperatures bring them out of the great indoors and into one of the most notable amenities we've ever created. It is my pleasure to again thank both Rotary Clubs, along with the hundreds of donors and volunteers that gave of their time and resources to make this project a reality. So, if you're in the neighborhood during the next couple of months, drive through Gussie and take a look at the progress. We will shout from the rooftops when it's ready for kids.
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| | City Secretary Amy Piukana (left) administers the oath of office to new Farmers Branch City Marshals (continuing from left) Nicole Rodriguez-Terrell, Jesse Ramon Jr. and Gary Elkins. |
Three sworn into service as new
Farmers Branch City marshals
JUSTICE CENTER ~ Three City marshals were sworn into service last week, establishing the first Marshals Office for Farmers Branch to serve all processes for the Municipal Court.
Jesse Ramon, Jr., Gary Elkins and Nicole Rodriguez-Terrell took their oaths of office in the municipal court room at the Farmers Branch Justice Center Tuesday morning.
The Marshals Office is designed to reduce the total amount of warrants for the City and provide a more streamlined process for serving and processing the more than 18,000 active warrants that are outstanding to date. 
The members of the Marshals Office will be serving these warrants and providing for better courtroom security when court is in session.
Additionally, the Marshals Office will be in charge of prisoner transfers which will take that burden off the Police Department and allow them to focus solely on public safety.
The City of Farmers Branch Marshals Office received approval from the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement, as a newly created law enforcement agency, in July.
Marshal Jesse Ramon comes to Farmers Branch after six years as an U.S. Air Force Security Police K-9 Supervisor, 25 years as a Hurst Police Officer and 10 years as Lead Marshal for Hurst Municipal Court.
Marshal Gary Elkins started his law enforcement career in Sachse in 1985 but came to Farmers Branch Police Department in 1990 and was a patrol officer before retiring in 2010. He spent five years of his tenure in Farmers Branch as the warrant officer for the court. After retirement, he served as part time bailiff for Farmers Branch.
Marshal Nicole Rodriguez-Terrell holds a Master Peace Officer certificate and a Master's Degree in Library Science. Her career as a police officer has taken her from Dallas to Farmers Branch to Carrollton and to Baylor Hospital in Dallas.
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Tour of Lights posts record numbers
HISTORICAL PARK ~ According to statistics released by the Parks and Recreation Department, nearly 14,000 vehicles took in the Farmers Branch Christmas Tour of Lights during its 2015 run - more than ever before.
 A total of 13,961 cars, trucks, buses and vans pulled through the half-million synchronized, dancing lights on the tour, that concluded its run December 30. In 2014, traffic saw 13,764 vehicles, which was also a record at that time. Toy donations to Metrocrest Services were up to 104, from 75 last year. The non-profit organizations working the tour brought in a total of $35,534 in donations, compared to $39,421 in 2014. The 2016 edition of the Tour of Lights kicks off Friday, November 25.
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Candidate filing for the May City Council election opens January 20
FARMERS BRANCH ~ Candidate filing for a place on the Farmers Branch City Council ballot in the May 7 General Election opens January 20 and closes February 19, according to City Secretary Amy Piukana.
The Mayor and members of the City Council are elected to three-year terms, staggered so that two positions are up for election each year. In 2016, the Council seats for Districts 1 and 4 are on the ballot.
To vote in the May 7 General Election, citizens must be registered to vote no later than April 7.
Voters are required to present an approved form of photo identification in order to vote in all Texas Elections.
Early voting for the election will be held April 25 to May 3 at Dallas County early voting locations, including Farmers Branch City Hall.
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Public invited to bring questions to 'Open Carry' information meeting
FBTX ~ Farmers Branch Police Chief Sid Fuller wants to be sure everyone is informed on the new law where on New Years Day, Texas becomes the latest state to permit the open carrying of handguns by licensed individuals. 
As such, he is inviting the public to an open, informational meeting on the subject, set for Tuesday, January 12 at 6:30 p.m. at The Branch Church, 3035 Valley View Lane.
"The new law is complex and it's important for our residents and businesses to be informed. " Chief Fuller explained. "The law permits concealed handgun license holders, thereafter to be called a handgun license, to carry their weapon openly in a belt or shoulder holster or concealed."
He said those individuals must have their license on their person at all times and must show it to law enforcement officers upon request.
For questions or for more information, call the Farmers Branch Police Department at 972.484.3620.
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Winter landscaping classes set January 19 through February 20
FBTX ~ Gardeners of all skill levels are invited to participate in the annual series of winter landscaping classes, set Tuesdays at 7 p.m. at the Farmers Branch Community Recreation Center with a final "hands on" rose pruning clinic on Saturday, February 20. 
Sponsored by Farmers Branch Parks and Recreation, Landscaping 2016 is designed as a series of standalone topics so participants can "pick and choose" what is of interest to them - or attend them all.
Farmers Branch Park Landscape Manager Pam Smith kicks it off on January 19 with "Putting the Green into your Lawn." On January 26, "Compost - Gold for your Soil" will be presented by Stephen F. Austin University Adjunct Professor, Dr. George Damoff.
February sessions include "To Bee or Not to Bee" with North Texas Master Naturalist Janet Smith on February 2. Claude Graves, of the Dallas Area Historical Rose Society, presents "Suppressing the Thorns of Rose Growing" on February 9. Then, the Tuesday night series concludes with "No Fail Container Gardens" with Lee Alexander, Texas Certified Nursery Professional.
The finale of the winter program is the "hands on" rose pruning clinic at the Rose Gardens of Farmers Branch, 2610 Valley View Lane, on Saturday, February 20 from 10 am to 12 noon.
All classes and clinics are free and open to the public but pre-registration is requested by calling 972.247.4607.
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Volume 6 | Edition 01 | Number 254
Wednesday, January 6, 2016
Branch Bulletin
is published weekly by the Communications Office of the
City of Farmers Branch, Texas since March 5, 2011
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Curbside recycling returns this spring
FBTX ~ Curbside recycling is coming back to Farmers Branch in a new program slated to kick off this Spring.  In December, the City Council directed that the new solid waste collection contract for Farmers Branch include curbside recycling in rolling containers and continued twice a week garbage collection in either plastic or paper bags.
Residents would be responsible for purchasing their own trash bags. Beyond that, there will be no additional cost to citizens.
The current drop-off recycling locations at Oran Good Park and at the Community Recreation Center will both close when the new system is inaugurated.
However, those wishing to drop off recyclables will still be able to do so at the Citizen Collection Center, 1399 Valley View Lane, during their limited hours of 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
Additional information, including instructions for opting out of recycling service, will be made available to citizens later in January.
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Senior Center Valentine's tickets go on sale January 15
FBTX ~ Seniors will be celebrating the season of love with a Valentine's Tea on February 12 at 1 p.m. at the Farmers Branch Senior Center. For $5, seniors will enjoy canapes and fine tea. Seniors are asked to wear red or pink for the occasion. Resident ticket sales begin Friday, January 15. Call 972.919.8740.
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After standing down from 500,000 twinkling lights, the Farmers Branch Historical Park will resume its regular mission in 2016, historical education on Farmers Branch and north Texas. The park is located at 2540 Farmers Branch Lane. Call 972.484.3620.
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CANDIDATE FILING
. 972.919.2503
EARLY VOTING
LAST DAY TO REGISTER TO VOTE IN MAY 7 ELECTION
ELECTION DAY
LOOKUP HELP
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
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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:
Community Watch Committee
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All events & meetings are subject to change. Call listed numbers or 972.247.3131 for verification or more information.
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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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