CITY MANAGER’S WEEKLY UPDATE
For the week of:
June 29, 2008
City Offices to Close for Independence Day
City offices will be closed Friday, July 4, in observance of the Independence Day holiday. All essential city services will continue to operate. Residential garbage and recycling collection will not be affected.
Fireworks Show to Mark July 4 Celebration
Residents are invited to celebrate Independence Day with the Red White & Lewisville fireworks show launch at 9:30 p.m. Friday, July 4. Parking is available at Vista Ridge Mall, and the show can be seen from most of southern Lewisville. There will be no on-site entertainment this year in connection with the fireworks, but the mall is holding indoor activities during the day. For information, call 972.219.3401.
Shading Project at Athletic Complexes
The shading project at the Vista Ridge & Lake Park athletic complexes has been completed. Phase 1 of the project, completed in 2007, included new covers over the bleachers at Lake Park fields 1-4 and bleachers and dugouts at 9 and 10. The $115,000 phase 2 project has now been completed. This installation featured covers for dugouts on Lake Park fields 1-4, bleachers, dugouts and scorekeeper stands at Lake Park ballfields 5-8, scorekeeper stands on Lake Park fields 9 & 10 and bleachers, dugouts and scorekeeper stands on Vista Ridge fields 1-3. Many positive comments have been received regarding the much needed shading and the "festive nature" of the complexes due to the various colors used. Each field has a different color from the others in each complex.
Inspection Program Starts July 1 for Single-Family Rent Houses
Lewisville City Council recently passed an ordinance establishing a Single Family Rental Inspection Program that will become effective July 1. The program will encompass basic inspections of existing single family homes. No fee or registration for the program is currently required.
An inspection is triggered when the city receives notification by the owner/future tenant, the tenant/owner requests transfer of water services, or the city receives a complaint. Once the city is notified, an inspection of the property will be scheduled with the owner/tenant. Unless major life safety issues are found, a temporary Certificate of Occupancy will be issued even if other minor violations are found; that is, occupants can move in while minor violations are being resolved.
Areas covered under the inspection include:
- Electrical Hazards (exposed conductors, electrical service panels)
- Existing Plumbing (visible leaks, fixtures)
- Interior Structure Conditions (walls, ceiling)
- Smoke Detectors (located in required areas)
- Foundation Conditions (cracks/breaks)
- Stairs, Hand/Guardrail Condition
- Roof/Gutter Condition (watertight & secure)
- Exterior Surfaces (rotted, unpainted materials)
- Exits From Home (including operable bedroom windows)
- Chimney Conditions
- Heating Equipment (water heater/furnace)
- A/C Equipment Condition
- Infestation (roaches, rodents, etc.)
- Garbage & Debris (inside and outside)
- Accessory Buildings (structural condition)
- Fence Condition (rotted, upright position)
- Driveway/Sidewalk Hazards (cracks, breaks)
- Address Posted
The owner/tenant will have 10-30 days to resolve listed repairs (time limit based on complexity of repairs needed).
The Building Inspection Division will be responsible for managing this program. Applications for Single-Family Rental Certificate of Occupancy can be obtained at Lewisville City Hall, 151 W. Church Street, or at www.cityoflewisville.com. For more information, please contact the City of Lewisville Building Inspection Division at 972.219.3470.
Amateur Boxing Tournament on Tap Saturday in Lewisville
More than 20 amateur boxing matches will be held on Saturday, June 28 in a tournament being staged by the Jimenez Boxing Club and the City of Lewisville, in conjunction with sponsor Dallas Tortilla & Tamale Factory, at Civic Circle Recreation Center, 191 Civic Circle. Fights begin at 1 p.m., with weigh-ins and medical examination required prior to bouts. Admission is $5 for adults, free for children under 7. Concessions will be sold on site. For information, call 972.436.4333 or 972.891.2596.
City Schedules Free Outdoor Family Movies in Old Town
Reel Lewisville, featuring free family movies on an outdoor screen, will premier in July on Church Street in Old Town Lewisville adjacent to Lewisville City Hall. Scheduled showings are “Charlotte’s Web” on Thursday, July 10, and “Madagascar” on Thursday, July 24. Both movies will start at 9 p.m. The viewing area is grass, and audience members are encouraged to bring blankets or lawn chairs for their comfort. Food and beverages are allowed, but alcohol is not permitted. For information, call 972.219.3401.
Police Explorers Capture Three Awards
Students in the Lewisville Police Department Explorer Program recently captured three team awards at a competition in LaGrange. The local group won first place in “Felony Traffic Stops,” second place in “Bus Assault” and third place in “First Aid.” Team members were Steven Ramirez, Ben Chaffin, Nick Cofer and Ryan O'Leary. They were accompanied by Lewisville Police Officers Schenequa Guy and Chris Clements
Lifeguard Competition Coming to Lewisville in July
The City of Lewisville, in conjunction with the North Texas Aquatics Association and the Dallas Area Chapter of The American Red Cross, will hold the North Texas Guard Games Competition in Lewisville on July 11-12. This is the first time the games, which are in their 11th year, have been held in Lewisville. Teams of four lifeguards – two male and two female – will compete during the two-day event in a series of lifeguard-related events such as scanning, first aid, spinal victim rescue, fitness and an obstacle course. The top two teams will advance to the state competition later in July.
Opening ceremonies will be held July 11 at 2 p.m. at Old Town Aquatic Park, 535 W. College Street, site of all first-day competition. The games will move on July 12 to Sun Valley Aquatic Center, 810 S. Valley Parkway, ending with an awards ceremony. Local sponsors are Buffalo Wild Wings and Jimmy Johns. For information, call 972.219.3749 or visit www.northtexasaquatics.com.
Parade, Vendor Applications Available for Western Day Festival
Applications are being accepted from anyone wanting to participate in the Western Day parade or as a festival vendor during the popular annual event. This year’s festival will be held Saturday, Sept. 27, in Old Town Lewisville. Applications are available on the city’s Web site, www.cityoflewisville.com, or by calling 972.219.3401. Businesses interested in being a sponsor of any city festival can call 972.219.3726 for a sponsor packet.
Pet Owners Reminded to Keep Vaccinations Current
Warm summer months often lead to increased interaction between domestic pets and wild animals, which also increases the risk that household pets might become infected with such diseases as rabies. While there have been no reports of pet or human rabies infection in Lewisville, the city’s Animal Services Division reminds all pet owners of the importance of keeping their animals’ rabies vaccinations current. In addition to protecting the pets and their human families from the disease, rabies vaccinations are required by state law and city code for dogs, cats and ferrets. For information, contact the Animals Services Division at 972.219.3478 or visit a local veterinarian.
Citizens Police Academy accepting applications
The Lewisville Citizens Police Academy, the closest civilians can come to the men and women in blue, short of pursuing a badge of their own, is accepting applications for its 2008 class that starts on Sept. 4. The free 13-week program includes instruction and training experiences from the classroom to the firing range. Since 1989, dozens of Lewisville residents have gained a better understanding of local law enforcement efforts through the program.
Classes are held on Thursday evenings, and there are Saturday sessions on Oct. 11 and Oct. 18. Graduation will be Dec. 4. After completing the class, many graduates join the CPA Alumni Association and volunteer with the department in a variety of capacities. Alumni also are eligible to ride with patrol officers as observers.
For information on the next class, scheduled to begin in September, call Training Coordinator Scott Pedigo at 972.219.3608. Participants must be at least 18 years old before classes begin and either live or work in Lewisville. Class space is limited, so those interested in participating should apply as soon as possible. Applications can be obtained at the Lewisville Police Department, can be mailed to applicants, or can be downloaded from www.cityoflewisville.com.
Lewisville Parks Offers One-Time Class on GeoCaching
Lewisville Parks and Leisure Services has added a workshop in July to introduce residents and families to GeoCaching, a new pastime that has gained tremendous popularity worldwide. Participants in GeoCaching use a GPS device and clues to find hidden items at locations as diverse as downtown Manhattan and rural Nebraska.
The GeoCaching class will be held Saturday, July 26, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Memorial Park Recreation Center, 1950 S. Valley Parkway. Instructor Randy Scrudder will guide class members through the park as they use a handheld GPS device to locate a series of GeoCache sites. Participants are asked to wear comfortable clothing and shoes and bring a water bottle. Registration for the class is $15 per person or $45 per family.
For information please call Memorial Park Recreation Center at 972.219.5061.
KLB Offers Free Class on Rainwater Harvesting
Keep Lewisville Beautiful will hold a free gardening class on “Rainwater Harvesting” on4 Thursday, July 17, 7-8 p.m. at Memorial Park Recreation Center, 1950-B S. Valley Parkway. Dallas County Master Gardener Brenda Cunningham will share her specialized training on rainwater harvesting and soil consultation. Space is limited, so please make reservations by calling 972.436.5100 or via e-mail, info@keeplewisvillebeautiful.org.
Keep Lewisville Beautiful, an affiliate of Keep America Beautiful and Keep Texas Beautiful, is the city’s longest-standing and most successful environmental organization, committed to educating Lewisville residents to take greater responsibility for enhancing their community.
City Establishes Whistle-Free Zones for Three Rail Crossings
City officials have notified railroads passing through Lewisville of three new Quiet Zones designed to minimize the noise impact of trains on local residents. Effective July 1, non-emergency whistles will be prohibited at all times as trains approach street-level crossings on Garden Ridge Boulevard, McGee Lane and Summit Avenue. Notice was sent earlier this year to Kansas City Southern Railway and the Federal Railroad Administration, and no comments were offered by either entity. Traffic safety devices already are in place at all three crossings that are designed to prevent drivers from crossing the tracks when a train is approaching.
Work is being performed in the areas listed below.
Use caution in these work zones.
Use caution in these work zones.
Traffic
Continuing with street panel and sidewalk repairs on Bennett Lane
Installing A.D.A. ramps on all four corners at Hwy 121 and Corporate Drive
Continuing curb and gutter, drive approach, and sidewalk repairs on Palisades
Making street repairs on Teakwood and Woodrow
Removing and replacing the asphalt on Ace Lane
Sanitary Sewer Line and Manhole Repairs
Main line cleaning on Garden Ridge Blvd. from College Pkwy. to Valley Ridge Blvd.
Main line cleaning and video inspecting the sewer mains on College St. from Degan St. to Charles St.
Upcoming Events
June Meetings & Events
- June 28 Old Town Farmers Market
July Meetings & Events
- July 1 Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting
July 1 Sounds of Lewisville Summer Concert Series
July 2 Zoning Board of Adjustment Meeting
July 4 Holiday – Offices Closed
July 4 Red White & Lewisville Fireworks
July 5 Old Town Farmers Market
July 7 City Council Meeting
July 8 Sounds of Lewisville Summer Concert Series
July 9 Park Board Meeting
July 12 Old Town Farmers Market
July 12 Lewisville 2nd Saturday Collection Day
July 14 Old Town Design Review Committee Meeting
July 15 CDBG Meeting
July 15 Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting
July 15 Sounds of Lewisville Summer Concert Series
July 16 Library Board Meeting
July 17 Transportation Board Meeting
July 19 Old Town Farmers Market
July 21 City Council Meeting
July 22 Sounds of Lewisville Summer Concert Series
July 26 Old Town Farmers Market
July 28 Old Town Design Review Committee Meeting
August Meetings & Events
- August 2 Old Town Farmers Market
August 4 City Council Meeting
August 5 Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting
August 6 Zoning Board of Adjustment Meeting
August 9 Old Town Farmers Market
August 9 Lewisville 2nd Saturday Collection Day
August 11 Old Town Design Review Committee Meeting
August 13 Park Board Meeting
August 16 Old Town Farmers Market
August 16 City Council Budget Workshop
August 18 City Council Meeting
August 19 CDBG Meeting
August 19 Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting
August 20 Library Board Meeting
August 23 Old Town Farmers Market
August 25 Old Town Design Review Committee Meeting
August 30 Old Town Farmers Market
