BRANCH BULLETIN - eNews from Farmers Branch
MEMO from the MANAGER
No small thing

   In other parts of the country and of the world, there are cities and counties that co-exist because of geographical necessity, but never really connect.
   Not the case here.
   We not only get along with our neighboring communities, we work together, literally, every day.
   We're working with our neighbors to create a more efficient, combined public safety dispatch center, a synergistic SWAT team dedicated to serving our region, a soon-to-come fire training center that will benefit multiple communities.
   Farmers Branch, Carrollton, Addison, Carrollton and Lewisville are good neighbors because it's good for all of our communities.
   Along that line, and for that reason, I was happy to announce this week that our friends in Lewisville and Carrollton have signed separate, but similar, agreements with Farmers Branch that will clear the way for the expansion of the Camelot Landfill.
   That is good news for about a half-million north Texans that will need somewhere to dump their garbage in about 10 years. Now, the path is clear for the Camelot Landfill to continue to serve Farmers Branch and our north Texas neighbors for the next 30 to 40 years.
   That also ensures the means to continue to offer garbage, bulk pickup and now curbside recycling services to Farmers Branch residents without additional cost. 
   We have always endeavored for the Camelot Landfill to be a good neighbor to whoever decided to build around it. That's why we've had open dialogue for years with the Indian Creek Homeowners Association. That's why we've installed and expanded gas-to-energy facilities to not only cut down on odor, but put landfill gas to good use.
   We have always worked hard to be zealous about protecting the environment at the landfill. That is why we've installed groundwater monitoring wells and will install more.
   These negotiated agreements take a huge step forward in our regional relationships and show that our area cities are willing to work for the collective greater good.
   We must now wait for the TCEQ process on the expansion request to complete its process. But, for now, we thank our friends in Lewisville and Carrollton for meeting us on common ground so that we may take care of all our people.
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Traffic UPDATE
35Express project to close northbound Valley View exit for three months

FARMERS BRANCH ~ Officials with the 35Express project have closed the northbound exit to Valley View Lane as part of the refurbishment project of I-35E.
   During the work, northbound I-35E traffic will have to exit at Valwood Parkway and U-turn to the southbound service road to access Valley View.
   The exit will be closed for three months, scheduled to reopen in May.
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Valentine's TRADITION

Saturday's Daddy-Daughter Dance advance tickets on sale through Friday

COMMUNITY RECREATION CENTER ~ Under the mystique of a masquerade ball, daddies and daughters from across Farmers Branch will kick up their heels at the annual dance held in their honor, Saturday, February 6, from 6 until 8 p.m. at the Community Recreation Center. 
   There will be dancing, a live DJ, keepsake photos, refreshments and more. Advance tickets are $5 per person for Farmers Branch residents and $8 for non-residents and are available through Friday. 
   Tickets at the door are $10 per person. The event is limited to Daddies and Daughters only. For more information, call 972.247.4607.
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Recycling UPDATE
What can be recycled?
Information outlined as new program prepares for Spring launch 

FARMERS BRANCH ~ Responding to a recommendation from a citizen committee as well as repeated requests through the years, a new residential recycling program will begin in Farmers Branch this spring at no additional cost to residents. 
   A calendar for rollout of the new recycling service has been announced, along with a new web page to provide detailed information to residents. 

Accepted Recyclables
  • Plastic containers (numbers 1 thru 5 & 7)
  • Newspapers
  • Aluminum, steel and tin containers
  • Glass bottles & containers Corrugated cardboard & boxboard & mixed paper
Not Accepted Recyclables
  • Paper towels, facial & toilet tissue
  • Plastic bags & packaging
  • Wax coated paper drink containers
  • Food & wet waste paper
  • Plastic & styrofoam serving items
  • Grass clippings and shredded paper

   New, 95-gallon rolling containers for recyclable materials will be delivered to residents, starting the week of March 21. Anyone wishing to decline participation in the program has until February 26 to opt out of receiving a recycling cart. 
   Curbside recycling service will begin the week of April 4. 
   "Wherever residents currently place trash out for collection will be where the recycling cart will also be placed," said Farmers Branch Environmental Health Manager Shane Davis. "If their trash is collected in the alley, that's where recycling will also be picked up. If collected on the street, recycling will be picked up on the street." 
   Under the City's new solid waste contract with Community Waste Disposal, current trash service days and location of pickup will not change. 
   Also, Green Grabber bulk pickup service will not change. However, the City will no longer provide paper bags to residents. Paper or plastic sacks will be acceptable for trash collection and can be purchased at most grocery or hardware stores. 

  • Fill out the form @ fbrecycles.com
  • Call 972.919.2597 with your name, address & phone number
  • Drop an email to [email protected] with your name, address & phone number
  • Come by City Hall with your name, address & phone number
  • Use the prepaid postcard coming in your February mail
  • Deadline is February 26.
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Landfill UPDATE
Landfill agreements clear hurdles to Camelot expansion

FARMERS BRANCH ~ The effort to expand the Farmers Branch-owned Camelot Landfill in Lewisville took a couple of major steps forward this month with the finalizing of negotiated agreements with the Cities of Lewisville and Carrollton. 
   Fulfillment of the accords will resolve both cities' concerns regarding the planned expansion and will clear the way for the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to consider final approval of the Farmers Branch expansion request. 
   Originally permitted in then-unicorporated Denton County in 1979, the Camelot Landfill was annexed into the City of Lewisville in 1987. Since operations began, Camelot has accepted solid waste from Farmers Branch as well as other municipalities in the area and commercial waste from contractors. 
   The request to amend the permit for expansion of the landfill was originally filed in 2011. Farmers Branch leaders were seeking permission to extend the life of the landfill by adding a maximum of 202 feet to the current vertical limit of 523 feet above sea level. 
   "This landfill expansion is good for north Texas," said Farmers Branch City Manager Gary D. Greer. "Within the next 10 years, Camelot will be the only landfill within short driving distance of a dozen or more north Texas cities. Our three communities have come together to keep solid waste costs down for all of our taxpayers, protect the environment and provide a viable regional landfill for the next 30 to 40 years." 
   Under these agreements, Farmers Branch will limit the expansion to a maximum height of 675 feet above sea level on the northern and western areas of the landfill and 623 feet on the eastern and southern portions. 
   Farmers Branch will also install additional groundwater monitoring wells on the perimeter of the landfill. An approved expansion permit application means Farmers Branch residents will be assured of uninterrupted landfill services, Green Grabber large item and bulky collection and collection services for at least the next three decades. 
   "We have always had the greatest respect and admiration for our friends in Lewisville and Carrollton," Mr. Greer explained. "Farmers Branch may own the landfill but we've always endeavored to be a good neighbor. The positive outcome of these negotiated agreements affirms our collective commitment to the greater good." 
   In addition to the other provisions of the agreements, Farmers Branch will donate to Lewisville right-of-way on landfill property that is needed for construction of Corporate Drive. Farmers Branch will also apply for Specific Use Permit zoning with Lewisville and file a deed restriction with Denton County that will incorporate the agreed upon limits for expansion of the landfill. 
   Finally, the Camelot Landfill will pay host fees and other payments to Lewisville, similar to those required of the other two landfills in that City. 
   As a result of the agreements that have been reached, both Carrollton and Lewisville have agreed to withdraw their opposition to the Camelot expansion plan. The revised expansion request will be submitted to TCEQ for review and completion of the permitting process.
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Zika VIRUS
Reach of 'Zika' virus explained

FARMERS BRANCH ~ The 'Zika' virus that was first seen in Brazil, has gone through South and Central America and has now been confirmed in Dallas County.
   Zika virus causes symptoms in 20 percent of people who become infected and is linked to birth defects when a pregnant woman becomes ill with the virus. It is transmitted when an individual is bitten by an infected mosquito. The Zika virus can also be transmitted sexually. 
   While mosquito season does not officially begin until April, it is never too early to start preparing. The best way to prevent Zika infections is by avoiding mosquito bites. Eliminate standing water, wear long sleeves, stay indoors at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active, and wearing insect repellent with DEET. 
   Individuals traveling to impacted countries should take extra precautions while abroad and after they return.
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Tax HELP
AARP tax help only available at Senior Center this season

FARMERS BRANCH ~ Trained volunteers from AARP will be available for questions and assistance in preparing returns at the Farmers Branch Senior Center by appointment on Tuesdays from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. through mid-April.
   Volunteers were scheduled to also be on hand at the Manske Library this season, but AARP informed Library officials earlier this week that the Senior Center would be the only Farmers Branch location in 2016.
   Call the Senior Center for appointments at 972.919.8740. 
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Winter LANDSCAPING
'Suppressing the Thorns' program focuses on roses, February 9

FBTX ~ Gardeners of all skill levels are invited to participate as the annual series of winter landscaping classes, continue on Tuesdays at 7 p.m. at the Farmers Branch Community Recreation Center.
   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.
   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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Branch BRIEFS
Closing weekend for 'Steel Magnolias' 

FARMERS BRANCH ~ Equipped with fresh renovations to their former fire station home, the Firehouse Theatre is planning to open their 2016 season with "Steel Magnolias," Robert Harling's bittersweet drama of family and friends, closing this weekend with performances through Sunday.
   Directed by Jason Leyva, the play will be presented at the theatre, 2535 Valley View Lane. For ticket information, or for more about the 2016 season, call 972.620.3747 or visit thefirehousetheatre.com.
Camping reservations now underway

FARMERS BRANCH ~ The early spring edition of Camping Under the Stars at the Farmers Branch Historical Park will open reservations at 8 a.m. on Monday, February 1.
  Set for Saturday night into Sunday morning, March 12 & 13, the event is designed for the whole family and includes star viewing, a community campfire, s'mores and entertainment.
   Reservations are $50 per family campsite. Pre-registration is required and is non-refundable.
   Call 972.406.0184 or visit the park online at fbhistoricalpark.com.
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Volume 6 | Edition 05 | Number 258
Wednesday, February 3, 2016  
Branch Bulletin
is published weekly by the Communications Office of the
City of Farmers Branch, Texas since March 5, 2011

Comments are welcomed at [email protected]

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IN the BANNER
Polar Plunge splashes down at Aquatics Center

FBTX ~ Seeking their natural, cold water habitat, a group of "penguins" splashed into the freezing water of the lagoon pool at the Farmers Branch Aquatics Center Saturday as part of the "Polar Plunge" event to benefit Special Olympics Texas.
   Head Penguin, otherwise known as City Manager Gary D. Greer, said dozens of local interested folks braved the chilly water to represent for Special Olympics athletes.
   According to officials, the single event raised more than $12,000.
BRANCH BULLETIN - eNews from Farmers Branch
Photo by Linda Bambina
VIDEO View our videos on YouTube Extras
Economic Development 4th Quarter Update & Year in Review
Economic Development 4th Quarter Update & Year in Review
 
FBPD 'Open Carry Law' Meeting Presentation
FBPD 'Open Carry Law' Meeting Presentation

TRAIL Master Plan
 

In the GALLERY

This eclectic work is part of the Falak Art Exhibition, now on display at the Farmers Branch Manske Library Art Gallery, through January 29. The exhibition features artwork from "children, ages 5 through adult."
BRANCH Briefs
Residents must purchase trash sacks

FBTX ~ Under the new solid waste plan that begins this spring and reintroduces curbside recycling to Farmers Branch residents, citizens must provide their own trash sacks or bags.
   Residential trash collection will remain two days a week and from the same pickup point as it has always been. 
   Additionally, the service remains without cost to residents, except that they must now provide their own paper or plastic bags or sacks.
   Call 972.919.2597 for more information.
FBPD plans Spring Citizen Academy

FBTX ~ Once again embarking on their multi-week block of instruction, the Farmers Branch Police Department is inviting residents to be a part of their Citizen Police Academy, set to begin in March.
   The 30-hour instructional course is broken up into classes over 10 weeks, designed to give adults a working knowledge of the Farmers Branch Police Department policies, personnel and procedures.
   Enrollment is free. Call 972.484.3620.
Coffee with a Cop coming February 27

FBTX ~ The next opportunity to chat up some of Farmers Branch's finest will be Saturday, February 27 when Coffee with a Cop moves to the Victoria restaurant, 13435 Bee Street.
   The informal gathering will be held from 9 until 10 a.m. Residents are invited to spend time with Farmers Branch officers and ask questions.
   For more information, call 972.484.3620.
Citizen Fire Academy seeking applicants

FBTX ~ The Citizen Fire Academy still has about 10 spots open for interested citizens in its upcoming class.
   The 10-week program begins March 17 and affords residents the chance to learn more about the policies, procedures and personnel of the Farmers Branch Fire Department.
   For more information, call 972.919.2640.
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ELECTION 
Center
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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:

Library Board
Community Watch Committee

February 2016
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.