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Let me be very clear and up front about one thing. The safety of our citizens and that of our police officers and firefighters must never be compromised.
Many of you may have seen media reports in the past week concerning the North Texas Emergency Communications Center, or NTECC.
 This joint public safety dispatch center was conceived of the idea to centralize public safety dispatch for the region, thereby saving critical minutes when more than one agency is involved in a response. This combines the dispatch capabilities of Farmers Branch, Carrollton, Addison and Coppell. The reason we have not yet launched our public safety dispatch from NTECC is that safety is paramount. We will not launch until the system is ready and, frankly, you wouldn't want us to. That said, I'm happy to report that Farmers Branch will be the first agency up and running at NTECC two weeks from today on Wednesday, February 24. We will be launching with our old radio system while the bugs are worked out of the new one. We will be seeking to recover the costs involved in the launch delay, because of the new radio system, from that vendor. I need to offer some clarity on a couple of points. First, the characterization that NTECC will dissolve borders is not accurate. Each of our cities' officers will continue to serve their cities. When there is a critical call in an area when another city's patrol unit might be closer, they will respond - as they always have. This is nothing new. NTECC will simply eliminate the need to relay that call, saving valuable time. Secondly, there was a 33-minute system failure on the new radio system in January. This is completely unacceptable. However, it was inaccurate to say that our officers were completely cut off for that time. Farmers Branch officers and firefighters switched to different frequencies that kept them in touch. As such, in Farmers Branch, there was no interruption in communication between officers and dispatch and no impact on service. Our first responders have switched back to their existing radio system and will remain there, launching at NTECC, until a final solution can be secured for radio communications. The safety of our citizens and of our police officers and firefighters must never be compromised.
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Home decor retailer At Home to move in at LBJ and Midway
FARMERS BRANCH ~ Home decor superstore At Home has announced the company will expand its reach in the North Texas market with a new store opening in Farmers Branch this May. The 137,000 square foot store will be in the building formerly occupied by Walmart on Midway Road off I-635.
"We're thrilled Farmers Branch has been chosen as the location for At Home's new store," said Mayor Bob Phelps. "Our ideal location along 635, which boasts a daily traffic count of some 300,000 vehicles, and the instant bond we had with the At Home team make this a perfect fit. We look forward to welcoming At Home to the Farmers Branch family."
At Home affords customers the opportunity to choose from an expansive selection of more than 50,000 items-including seasonal and holiday décor, patio furniture, home furnishings, wall art and decorative accents, rugs and housewares.
Employing an everyday low pricing model, At Home is dedicated to allowing customers to affordably make their house into a home.
"Investing in the DFW Metroplex is a top priority for us since we're based here," said Lee Bird, CEO of At Home. "The Farmers Branch location offers great visibility off of major thoroughfares and strong co-tenants, which make them the perfect locations to expand our brand."
At Home will open at least 20 new stores in 2016. The Farmers Branch store will employ approximately 40 full and part-time employees.
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New start date for I35Express project closure of northbound Valley View exit
FARMERS BRANCH ~ Officials with the 35Express project have announced that the closure of the northbound exit to Valley View Lane as part of the refurbishment project of I-35E has been changed to a start date of February 15 at 9 p.m.
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.
Additionally, the right lane of northbound I35 approaching the Valley View exit will be closed overnight from 9 p.m. Monday, February 15 until 6 a.m. Tuesday, February 16.
The Valley View Lane exit will be closed for three months, and is scheduled to reopen in mid-May. For additional information or to sign up for traffic alerts, call 214.483.777 or visit 35express.org.
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 Buses to replace Green Line February 13-14
DART GREEN LINE ~ Dallas Area Rapid Transit authorities have advised that the overpass construction this weekend near Trinity Mills and I35E will create some delays for commuters in the Carrollton area, as buses will temporarily replace Green Line rail service on Saturday and Sunday.
Trains will operate on the regular weekend schedule as far north as Farmers Branch; however, shuttle buses will meet each arriving train at the Farmers Branch Station and transport commuters to Downtown Carrollton, Trinity Mills and North Carrollton/Frankford Stations. Commuters transferring to the DCTA light rail should make allowances for delays.
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Care of the cart
Rolling recycling carts to be important part of new program
FARMERS BRANCH ~ Shiny new 95-gallon carts will be delivered to Farmers Branch residents beginning the week of March 21 that will be an important part of the new residential recycling program. Lightweight and easy to maneuver, the new carts will be designed specifically for depositing recyclable materials. Officials said there is no need to sort those materials as that takes place at the recyclable material recovery facility.  Carts as well as the recycling service are free to Farmers Branch residents. Recycling carts must be stored in a location or manner so that they are hidden or screened from view. They will be placed at the same location as your trash for regular pickup. Carts can be placed out for collection no earlier than 6 p.m. the day before pickup and must be returned to their storage location no later than 8 a.m. the day after pickup. When trash is collected at the curb, recycling carts must be placed behind the curb, not in the street. For streets with no curb, the cart must be placed behind the pavement. It is permissible to place the container in or at the edge of the driveway behind the curb-line or edge of the pavement.
For residents whose trash is collected in an alley, carts must be
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FB Recycles Generates Excitement
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placed adjacent to the alleyway, away from fences and hedges.
Anyone wishing to opt out of participation in this voluntary recycling service has until February 26 to do so. 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 fbinfo@farmersbranchtx.gov 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
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Deadline is February 26.
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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 wear insect repellent with DEET.
Individuals traveling to impacted countries should take extra precautions while abroad and after they return.
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Warm February may prompt early mosquitos
FARMERS BRANCH ~ Due to the occasional warm weather spells this winter season, mosquitoes may start to appear earlier than usual.
During this unseasonably warm February, it's important to remember to drain standing water, wear long sleeves and mosquito repellent with DEET, and avoid going outside at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
If you have any questions or a persistent mosquito problem, please call the Environmental Health Division at 972-919-2536.
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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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'No Fail Container Gardens' session concludes winter landscaping series
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.
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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Dive In Movie splashes down at natatorium
AQUATICS CENTER ~ Enjoy indoor swimming and the family friendly movie event 'Dive In Movie' at the Margaret Young Natatorium, located at 14032 Heartside Place on February 20 at 6:30 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m. for a nominal fee of $4 for residents and $6 for non-residents. Concessions will be available, and inflatable tubes and life jackets will be provided. Registration is limited, so call 972.919.8720 now or stop by the Aquatics Center.
Registration open for Camping Under the Stars
HISTORICAL PARK ~ Don't forget that registration for the upcoming Spring edition of Camping Under the Stars, coming to the Historical Park March 12 and 13, is now open.
The $50 registration fee includes a campsite for one family, a community campfire, s'mores and breakfast (camping equipment not provided). Pre-registration is required, and the fee is non-refundable.
Call the Historical Park at 972.406.0184 for campsite availability.
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Volume 6 | Edition 06 | Number 259
Wednesday, February 3, 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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VIDEO  Extras
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Economic Development 4th Quarter Update & Year in Review
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FBPD 'Open Carry Law' Meeting Presentation
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A spectacular sunset paints the sky west of the BeltMarsh elevated water tower.
Photo by Jeff Brint
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Painting by Janell Pritchard
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Watercolors of Brookhaven Country Club Golf Courses by Pat Kochan and Janelle Pritchard are currently on display in the Manske Library Gallery thru February 26.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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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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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