BRANCH BULLETIN - eNews from Farmers Branch
MEMO from the MANAGER
Long time coming

   As we speak, Farmers Branch Police and Fire channels are live at the North Texas Emergency Communications Center.
   Earlier today, we became the first City to flip the switch and transfer our dispatch capability to the new, state-of-the-art center, located in Carrollton.
   Combining the dispatch capabilities of the cities of Farmers Branch, Carrollton, Coppell and the town of Addison, NTECC isn't the first of its kind but it is, arguably, one of the largest and most elaborate.
   Our other partner cities will come online in the next few weeks, working up to full activation.
   Walking on the dispatch floor at NTECC, I am immediately struck by the technology of it all, permeating even the environment in which the dispatchers will operate. 
   Each of their workstations looks more elaborate than an Apollo spacecraft with desktops that raise and lower, depending on the physical stature of the individual. They also have temperature controls at their fingertips along with access to the latest and greatest technology for tracking, communicating with and sending public safety units to a situation in the shortest possible time.
   The far wall is lined with video monitors keeping track of local news, weather and other information that could have a bearing on the work that they will do 24 hours a day.
    It took a number of years and, what seems like, a cast of thousands to pull this off. All four municipalities contributed mightily to reinforcing the notion that we are stronger together with clarity of purpose and technology on our side. 
   If I tried to list everyone that has had a hand in making NTECC a reality, there would be no other room in this issue for news and information. Suffice it to say, for now, my personal thanks go to each and every person at the City of Farmers Branch who has worked on specifications, sat in endless meetings, discussed policies and procedures, tested and re-tested equipment or otherwise played a part in bringing this project from the drawing board to reality.
   This is a big deal and you all deserve a round of applause for what Farmers Branch has accomplished today.
   Congratulations! 
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Election UPDATE
Three candidates file for two
City Council positions

CITY HALL ~ At the close of the filing period for the 2016 City Council elections, three candidates had filed for two positions on the ballot.
   In City Council, District 1, Ana Reyes is the only candidate. Chuck Zubarik and Terry Lynne are candidates for the District 4 City Council seat. Election Day is Saturday, May 7 with balloting open from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m.
   Early voting will take place at Dallas County early voting locations Monday through Saturday, April 25 through 30 from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.; Sunday, May 1, from 1 until 6 p.m.; and Monday and Tuesday, May 2 & 3, from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m.
   For more information, visit farmersbranchtx.gov/elections or dallascountyvotes.org.
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Combined DISPATCH
Tom Bryson
North Texas Emergency Communications Center Dispatcher Stacy Abner (left) shares a moment with Farmers Branch Fire Chief Steve Parker during final preparations for NTECC's switch to live operations for Farmers Branch Police & Fire communications, earlier today.
NTECC Day One
Years of preparation realized as Farmers Branch goes live at state-of-the-art dispatch center
 
CARROLLTON ~ Years of planning, preparation, testing and checking, the North Texas Emergency Communications Center, or NTECC, went online earlier today with Farmers Branch Police and Fire as its initial departments.
NTECC Day One
NTECC Day One

   In the coming weeks, partner cities Coppell, Addison and Carrollton will also move their public safety dispatch capabilities to the centralized, state-of-the-art facility, located near Interstate 35E in Carrollton.
   Farmers Branch City Manager Gary D. Greer said it is a monumental day for Farmers Branch.
   "I don't think I could count the number of people that have been involved in bringing this project from the drawing board to reality," he said. "There's been a lot of good people working on this for a lot of years. It's had its ups and downs because its such a complicated project but, in the end, it's going to be wonderful."
   Farmers Branch Fire Chief Steve Parker explained that NTECC is not the first combined dispatch center in north Texas, but it is the largest and most elaborate.
   "This represents a huge commitment on the part of these four cities and the residents and businesses that they protect," he said. "It has been a project of enormous proportions."
   Mr. Greer said that the synergy of NTECC is that each participating city will be in position to assist each other seamlessly when incidents cross borders. Over time, he added, the cost savings to each City must also be considered.
   "We already have excellent response times for public safety and that's only going to get better," Mr. Greer explained. "We're really excited because we're serving the citizens better, starting today."
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CONVERSATION & Caffeine
Coffee with a Cop set Saturday at the Victoria restaurant

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.
   The community relations program regularly rotates to different venues throughout the City. There is no formal agenda and citizens are invited to come and go through that hour.
   For more information, call 972.484.3620.
BRANCH Briefs
Firehouse Theatre continues "Millie"

FBTX ~ Recalling the allure of old-school song and dance musicals, The Firehouse Theatre will present "Thoroughly Modern Millie," on select nights through March 6.
   With music by Jeanine Tesori and lyrics by Dick Scanlan, the musical is based on the 1967 film of the same name, starring Julie Andrews.
   Millie is a small town-girl who comes to New York City in 1922 to marry for money and soon begins to take delight in the flapper lifestyle. The stage interpretation blends new songs with some from the original film.
   The newly renovated Firehouse Theatre is located at 2535 Valley View Lane. For performance listings, tickets and more information, visit thefirehousetheatre.com or call 972.620.3747.
Library to offer "Driving Miss Daisy" after hours on Friday

FBTX ~ In honor of Black History Month, the Farmers Branch Manske Library will present the award-winning film, "Driving Miss Daisy," Friday, February 26 at 6:30 p.m. in the Library's meeting room.
   Starring Morgan Freeman and Jessica Tandy, the 1989 classic film explores racial and cultural divides during the civil rights era.
   Popcorn and refreshments will be available and admission is free. Call 972.247.2511 for more information.
Geocaching set Saturday at FBHP

FBTX ~ Winter Geocaching is a stimulating event that will challenge participants Saturday at the Farmers Branch Historical Park, between the hours of 12 noon and 6 p.m.
   "Bring your GPS or smartphone, a pen and your thinking caps to try out our two five-part multi-caches," explained the Historical Park's Danielle Briquette. "This self-guided activity will allow participants to grab a geocaching brochure and start searching at their own pace."
   Ms. Brissette described the activity as great for families and many different age groups. No classes will be taught, but staff members will be on site to answer questions.
   The Farmers Branch Historical Park is at 2540 Farmers Branch Lane and the Winter Geocaching event is free.
John F. Burke Nature preserve remains closed due to flooding 

FBTX ~ As it has been for most of the past year, the John F. Burke Nature Preserve remains closed due to flooding on the Elm Fork of the Trinity River that borders the preserve.
   Extraordinary rains last Spring first closed the 104-acre preserve on the west side of Farmers Branch when the Trinity River jumped its banks in the area.
   Since then, water release into the Trinity River from Lake Lewisville and Lake Grapevine has kept water levels in the Burke Preserve too high for safe operation.
   There is no current expectation as to when the preserve will be able to reopen.
Seniors plan scenic trip through woods of East Texas April 9

FBTX ~ Come along on a scenic train ride and day trip through the East Texas countryside planned by the Farmers Branch Senior Center, Saturday, April 9 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
   For a $75 fee, seniors can enjoy transportation by chartered bus and train, lunch, dessert and more.
   The trip departs at 8 a.m. from the Senior Center to travel by bus to the train station in Rusk, Texas. Travelers will board the Texas State Railroad for a vintage train ride to the final destination of Palestine, Texas, where there will there be lunch and dessert (selection must be made at time of registration) and time to explore the picturesque downtown.
   This trip does involve extensive walking through the historic districts of Palestine.
   Resident registration opens February 19 at noon, with open registration for non-residents on February 26. For more info call 972.919.8740.
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PARTING Shot

Dive-In Movie
A pool-full of families took in the first "Dive-In" movie inside the Margaret Young Natatorium at the Farmers Branch Aquatics Center, held Saturday evening. 
Volume 6 | Edition 08 | Number 261
Wednesday, February 24, 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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FB Recycles Update

 

OPT-OUT DEADLINE THIS FRIDAY

Curbside recycling returns to Farmers Branch in April. If you're not ready to participate, please do one of the following by 5 p.m. Friday, February 26:

 

> Fill out the form at

> Call 972.919.2597

> Come by City Hall

> Use the prepaid postcard that came in your mail

> Drop an email to

 [email protected]

 

Anyone not opting out will receive a 95-gallon rolling container for recyclables the week of March 21. More information at fbrecycles.com or 972.919.2597.

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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.
VIDEO View our videos on YouTube
 Extras
FB Recycles Generates Excitement
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 BANNER
BRANCH BULLETIN - eNews from Farmers Branch
A mom and her 14 kids recently made an appearance, swimming by the Farmers Branch Manske Library as a sign of Spring on the way.
Photo by Richard Posey
IN the GALLERY
Painting by Janell Pritchard
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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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:

Community Watch Committee
Family Advisory Committee (youth positions only)

February 2016
All events & meetings are subject to change. Call listed numbers or 972.247.3131 for verification or more information.
March 2016
All events & meetings are subject to change. Call listed numbers or 972.247.3131 for verification or more information.



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.