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Thursday, August 11, 2016
BRANCH BULLETIN - eNews from Farmers Branch

Economic Development Update features local hotel good news stories

FARMERS BRANCH ~ Continuing the tradition of bringing residents news of the 80 percent portion of the local tax base, the Farmers Branch Economic Development Department's video update for the second quarter of 2016 concentrates on extraordinary stories from local hotels.
VIDEO  View our videos on YouTube  EXTRA
Click Image to Play
   Although 7-Eleven chose to locate their new campus down the road from Farmers Branch, the Economic Development and Tourism Department still made a pitch for the corporation's travel business. 
   Being convenient to their headquarters, as well as to local travel options, the Omni Park West hotel on Luna Road, just south of LBJ, landed the contract, bolstering their business and the City's hotel/motel tax revenue.
   Likewise, when the Wyndham Garden Hotel was in danger of losing their contract with Southwest Airlines as the hotel for their out-of-town training business, the Economic Development and Tourism staff stepped in, along with the Police Department, to solve the multiple burglaries that had alarmed Southwest employees.
   Testimonials from those hotel managers, along with other updates on Economic Development stories comprise the seven-minute video, now available on FBTV or YouTube.
   The series, now in its second year, was recently recognized by the Texas Association of Municipal Information Officers with the Award of Honor as one of the best recurring government-produced series in the state. The 'Economic Development Update' has also been nominated for the national 'Savvy' award, bestowed by the City-County Communications and Marketing Association.

Online Stories
More than just bragging rights at stake in this year's blood battle

FARMERS BRANCH ~ Normally a good-natured competition for bragging rights between Farmers Branch Police and Fire Departments, the Battle of the Badges blood drive, set this year for August 26 & 27, takes on new meaning in the wake of the July 7 sniper attack on police in downtown Dallas.
   The annual event will take place between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. that Friday and Saturday at the Community Recreation Center, 14050 Heartside Place. A photo ID will be required.
   Carter Blood Center has reported the incident put a strain on the local blood supply with more than 400 units sent to assist the officers and civilians who were shot, but survived.
   As such, the Farmers Branch Police and Fire Departments are putting special emphasis on this year's invitation to donate blood to help replenish the local supply. All participants will receive a free, commemorative t-shirt and can still cast a ballot for Police or Fire, in order for one of our local departments to secure those bragging rights.
   For more information, call 817.343.1271.
Firehouse to close 'Billy Elliot' Aug 14

FARMERS BRANCH ~ The Firehouse Theatre continues its regional premiere presentation of "Billy Elliot: The Musical" with performances planned for select nights through August 14.
   For tickets for 'Billy Elliot' or more information, visit thefirehousetheatre.com or call 972.620.3747.
UPCOMING
Calendar
AUG 13, 20 & 27
FARMERS BRANCH MARKET
8 am to Noon @ The Grove at Mustang Crossing
972.919.2620 | farmersbranchmarket.com

THRU AUG 14
"Billy Elliot: The Musical" | 
Continuing @ The Firehouse Theatre
972.620.3747 | thefirehousetheatre.com

AUG 16
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
6 pm @ City Hall | LIVE on FBTV
972.247.3131 | farmersbranchtx.gov

AUG 24
TELL IT TO THE MAYOR
3 to 6 pm @ City Hall | Open Office Hours with Mayor Bob Phelps
972.247.3131 | farmersbranchtx.gov

AUG 26 & 27
BATTLE OF THE BADGES
Blood Drive | 9 am to 3 pm @ Rec Center
817.343.1271 | farmersbranchtx.gov

AUG 31
POLICE CHIEF SID FULLER RETIREMENT RECEPTION
2 pm @ City Hall
972.247.3131 | farmersbranchtx.gov

All events & meetings are subject to change. Call listed numbers or 972.247.3131 for verification or more information.
PLAN
Ahead
SEP 5
LABOR DAY HOLIDAY
Most City offices closed
Exceptions Are:
- Rec & Natatorium open 6 - 5
- Frog Pond open 12 - 6
- Historical park open 8 - 5
GARBAGE WILL BE COLLECTED

SEP 3
MANSKE MOVIES
Outdoor movies in the Library amphitheater, featuring
"The Karate Kid"
Showtime is dusk
972.247.3131
farmersbranchtx.gov

SEP 16-17
ENCOUNTERS from the PAST
Interactive guided tours of historic Keenan Cemetery
972.406-0184
fbspecialevents.com

SEP 17
MANSKE MOVIES
Outdoor movies in the Library amphitheater, featuring
"STAR WARS:
The Force Awakens"
Showtime is dusk
972.247.3131
farmersbranchtx.gov

SEP 24
DATE NIGHT in the PARK
Food trucks, live music & an outdoor movie @ Farmers Branch Historical Park
972.919.2620
fbspecialevents.com

All events & meetings are subject to change. Call listed numbers or 972.247.3131 for verification or more information.
CODE CORNER: Trash & Recycling

   In an effort to maintain neighborhood appearance, the City Code specifies certain time frames that material can be placed out for trash or recycling collection.
   Whether it be trash, recycling, brush or bulk, items SHOULD NOT be placed out for collection earlier than 6 p.m. the day BEFORE designated collection.
   Likewise, recycling containers SHOULD BE returned to their storage locations no later than 9 a.m. the day AFTER scheduled service.
   Materials and containers out too early or left out too late is a violation of City Code and may result in a court citation. Find out more about trash and curbside recycling collection.
  Additionally, recycling containers should be shielded from street view when not placed out for collection. This could be:
  • In the back yard
  • In the garage
  • Behind a screening fence if stored beside the house
   Code Enforcement has provided a helpful video tutorial of how to construct a simple screening fence. A sample screening fence and recycling container can be seen in the lobby at City Hall. 

Click the Image to Play
Click the Image to Play

   If any resident is unable to construct, or afford to construct, a screening fence, there may be assistance available from local civic agencies (as resources are available). For more information on screening requirements, call Code Enforcement at 972.919.1414.

TO REPORT A CODE ISSUE:
972.919.1414 
MyFBTX mobile app 
 


Volume 6 | Edition 32 | Number 285 TAMI Awards
Thursday, August 11, 2016  

is published weekly by the Communications Office of the
City of Farmers Branch, Texas since March 5, 2011

Four-time winner of TAMIO Awards for Best eNewsletter in Texas, recognized by
the Texas Association of Municipal Information Officers

Comments are welcomed at [email protected]

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Oncor conducting pruning maintenance

FBTX ~ Residents are advised that Oncor is in the City this month, performing regular maintenance on trees that could interfere with electrical service lines. 
   According to the Oncor web site, "one tree can affect a power line serving an entire neighborhood ... when branches grow into distribution lines, they may cause problems during the next wind, ice or electrical storm." 
   Farmers Branch Fire Chief Steve Parker reported that a tree partially fell on a residential electrical service line in July, sparking a house fire. The residents got out safely, but their home was a total loss. 
   Oncor further stated on the website that they regularly perform maintenance pruning throughout the service area with certified arborists and degreed foresters working with experienced line-clearance crews. 
   Areas affected generally include the Josey Lane corridor from the north to south City limits and could extend as far west as Interstate 35E.
   Affected residents should receive a door-hanger from Oncor when maintenance pruning is planned for the neighborhood. For more information, call Oncor at 800.518.2375.

FBPD wins food donation drive

FBTX ~ Chief Sid Fuller and the Farmers Branch Police Department have emerged victorious in their bid to best their counterparts in Addison, Coppell and Carrollton by raising more food donations for the Metrocrest Services Food Pantry in the 'Metrocrest Police Food Face Off.'
   Donation boxes were placed in the lobbies of the Justice Center, City Hall, Manske Library, Community Recreation Center and Senior Center.
  Farmers Branch brought in 1,132 food items of the total 2,667 donated between the four cities.

City offices to close for Labor Day; garbage will be collected

FARMERS BRANCH ~ Most City of Farmers Branch offices and facilities will be closed on Monday, September 5 in observance of the Labor Day holiday, with a few notable exceptions. 
   Both the Community Recreation Center and Margaret Young Natatorium will be open from 6 a.m. until 5 p.m. 
   Next door, the Frog Pond will celebrate its last day of summer season operation by opening from 12 noon through 6 p.m. 
   In addition, the Farmers Branch Historical Park will be open from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. 
   There will be regular garbage and recycling collection on Labor Day.
October Household Hazardous Waste event to rely on vouchers

FBTX ~ Dallas County has announced that it will conduct a Household Hazardous Waste collection event in Farmers Branch on October 8 for the first 100 Farmers Branch residents with vouchers. 
   Residents will be able to pick up a voucher for participation in the event on a first-come, first-served basis at Farmers Branch City Hall, 13000 William Dodson Parkway, beginning September 15.
   Participation is limited to the first 100 Farmers Branch residents who pick up a voucher (one per household). Call 972.919.2597 for more information.
Senior Center plans 'Grand' event

FBTX ~ The decades will roll by, from the 1940s to the present day, at the Farmers Branch Senior Center's "Grand Event," planned for Saturday, August 20 from 6 until 9 p.m. at their facility.
   Planned as the "ultimate decade party for all generations," the event will feature music, dancing, food and contests. 
   Officials note this is a Senior Center event so someone over the age of 50 must be included in each ticket sale.
   Tickets are available through August 18 at $5 per person or a $25 maximum for each family. Call 972.919.8740.
BRANCH BULLETIN - eNews from Farmers Branch
In the Banner

FBTX ~ As a means of reinforcing the beauty of the City and its public areas, this work truck was recently wrapped in a large City logo and landscapes from Farmers Branch gardens. Parks Landscape Manager Pam Smith said she gets lots of notice while driving this "rolling billboard" around town.
Photo by Tom Bryson


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.