FARMERS BRANCH ~ America's night out against crime will be celebrated in Farmers Branch and across Texas on October 4 as neighborhoods will host local get togethers on National Night Out.

Council moves meeting to Monday FARMERS BRANCH ~ In an effort to avoid conflicting with National Night Out, the Farmers Branch City Council has moved their regular first Tuesday meeting in October to Monday, October 3.    The regular meeting will begin at 6 p.m. in Council Chambers at Farmers Branch City Hall. Council will meet in Study Session earlier in the afternoon, typically at 3 p.m., in the upstairs conference room at City Hall.    All regular meetings are telecast live on FBTV, cable channel 16 in Farmers Branch, AT&T Uverse channel 99 throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex and online at www.farmersbranchtx.gov.    For more information, call 972.247.3131.

  Designed by the National Association of Town Watch to present a united front against neighborhood crime, the event asks neighbors to spend the evening outdoors in block parties and front or back yard get-togethers.

   Farmers Branch Police Chief David Hale said National Night Out provides a great opportunity for neighbors to get to know each other in this fast-paced, 21st century society.

  "People can sometimes live next door to each other without getting to know them," he explained. "When neighbors know each other, they get to look out for each other and, in doing so, can help impact crime in their area."

   Neighborhoods planning parties are encouraged to register their event with the Farmers Branch Police Department at 972.919.9304.

   Registered parties will have members of the Farmers Branch Police and Fire Departments, along with elected officials and members of the City staff come by during the evening.

   For more information, call 972.919.9304.

FARMERS BRANCH ~ Public Works and Code Enforcement officials are reminding residents that recycling containers should be stored out of sight from the street by October 1.

   As part of the new ordinance that created the curbside recycling program earlier this year, carts are designated for storage away from public view when not placed out for collection.    This could be in the back yard of the home, in the garage or 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 at youtube.com/fbtv16.

	Click the Image for DIY Video on Cart Screening

   A sample screening fence and recycling container can be seen in the lobby at City Hall. If any resident is unable to construct, or afford to construct, a screening fence, outside assistance may be available from local civic agencies (as resources are available).
   For more information on screening requirements or to inquire about assistance, call Code Enforcement at 972.919.1414.