CITY MANAGER’S WEEKLY UPDATE
For the week of:
October 12, 2008
City Receives Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting
The Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting has been awarded to the City of Lewisville by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) for its comprehensive annual financial report (CAFR). The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management.
An award of Financial Reporting Achievement has been awarded to Brenda West, Accounting and Audit Manager, as the individual designated as primarily responsible for preparing the award-winning CAFR. The CAFR has been judged by an impartial panel to meet the high standards of the program including demonstrating a constructive “spirit of full disclosure” to clearly communicate its financial story and motivate potential users and user groups to read the CAFR.
City, Business Leaders Creating “Brownfields” Program
The city’s economic development office is working with local business and community groups to develop a Brownfields program designed to identify environmentally contaminated properties around Lewisville and help owners find options for cleaning them up.
The city plans to apply for $400,000 in federal grant money earmarked for Brownfields projects. Half would be dedicated to sites believed to have contamination from petroleum products, and the rest will be used for other hazardous contaminants such as pesticides. If a site is found to be contaminated, property owners will be given voluntary options for how they might address any contamination that is discovered
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) describes Brownfields as “abandoned, idled or under-used industrial and commercial facilities where expansion or redevelopment is complicated by real or perceived environmental contamination.” Similar programs in other cities have resulted in increased property values and enhanced development opportunities. Locally, it already has received the support of the Old Town Business Association.
This program’s implementation is the latest fact of a City Council priority to encourage revitalization and redevelopment within the city. It will require active community awareness and involvement as potentially contaminated sites are identified and submitted for testing. Public input is being accepted in writing through Oct. 31, and public comments also will be sought during the Oct. 20 City Council meeting. In addition, a community lunch on Oct. 22 will feature information from city officials and the EPA. Attendance at the lunch is limited to 75 people, and reservations are required.
For information, please call the Economic Development Department at 972.219.3417.
Parade, Vendor Applications Available for “Holiday at the Hall”
Applications are being accepted from anyone wanting to participate in the Sam Pack’s Ford Country Christmas Parade or as a vendor during the popular “Holiday at the Hall” festival. This year’s festival will be held Saturday, Dec. 6, 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.
KLB to Plant Daffodils for Annual Make A Difference Day
Keep Lewisville Beautiful will mark national Make A Difference Day on Saturday, Oct. 25, with its annual daffodil bulb planting in city rights-of-way. This year’s plantings will be along Fox Avenue and FM 407. Volunteers are needed to help with the planting that morning. The event is open to all ages and groups. KLB will provide supplies and all volunteers will receive t-shirts and a pizza lunch.
LLELA Sets October Schedule of Family-Friendly Activities
Lewisville Lake Environmental Learning Area (LLELA) has set its October schedule of fun and educational activities.
● Bird Walk: Saturday, Oct. 11, 7:30 a.m. Bird watchers of all skill levels are welcome to join master birder Keith Lockhart as he guides visitors to birding locations at LLELA. Some of the best spots are not normally available to the public, outside of a scheduled tour. Ages 10 and up. There is a $2 program fee for the bird walk, in addition to the regular gate fee. Reservations are required by calling 972.219.7980.
● Open House at the Minor-Porter Log House: Saturday, Oct. 18, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Completely restored and furnished with all the trappings of frontier life, the log house gives visitors to LLELA a window on everyday life in Denton County in 1870. Interested visitors of all ages are welcome to arrive at any time during the open hours and tour at their own pace. Knowledgeable volunteers will be on hand to guide visitors through the structures and answer questions in this informal tour. There is no additional charge.
● Star Gazing: Saturday, Oct. 18, 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Local astronomer John Olson will set up his electronically controlled 10-inch and 12-inch telescopes so visitors can view such celestial features as far-away galaxies, planets, moons and nebulae. Visitors are welcome to arrive and depart at any time during the open hours. There is no additional charge.
● Paddle the Elm Fork: Kayak Power provides equipment and instruction followed by a six-mile trip down the Elm Fork to a shuttle vehicle. Paddlers of all skill levels are welcome. For fee information and reservations, call Kayak Power at 214.669.1663.
The Lewisville Lake Environmental Learning Area is 2,000-acre wilderness of prairies, forests and wetlands managed as a wildlife preserve by a group of agencies including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the University of North Texas, the City of Lewisville, Lewisville ISD and Texas A & M University. Its mission is to preserve and restore native ecosystems and to provide and promote environmental education and scientific research.
LLELA is open to the public every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday for fishing, hiking, camping, bird watching, kayaking/canoeing, picnicking and other outdoor activities. Admission is $3 per person, free for children 5 and under. For information, visit www.ias.unt.edu/llela or call 972.219.3930.
Fire Department Holds Open House
The Lewisville Fire Department held its Open House on Saturday, October 4, 2008. This annual event took place during Fire Prevention Week to make people more aware of Fire Prevention and more familiar with the Department. Estimates were that over 5,000 people attended the event. It was a great success and a fun time was had by all.
Police Department Concludes Summer Block Parties
The Police Department's Neighborhood Resource Officers hosted their final two block parties for 2008 on September 23rd on Blair Drive and September 24th on Granview Lane. The officers hosted a total of eight block parties throughout the city between May and September. All of the block parties were well attended by citizens of their respective communities. The total attendance is estimated at 1500. The police department received a lot of positive feedback from the citizens who attended. The block parties would not have been a success without the assistance of PALS and Code Enforcement. The police department is looking forward to continuing the program in 2009.
Special Library Programs
Ballet Folklorico
Celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month at the Lewisville Public Library with a performance by the Lewisville High School Latino Club Ballet Folklorico. Ballet Folklorico is traditional Latin American folk dancing in traditional costumes that emphasizes local folk culture. Come see local students perform these folk dances in swirling, colorful skirts and experience Hispanic culture. A salsa tasting will follow the performance.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
7:00 p.m.
Community Meeting Room
Garden Secrets presented by Keep Lewisville Beautiful
Listen to fascinating presentations about gardening, landscaping, and conservation from garden experts at the Keep Lewisville Beautiful Garden Secrets classes. This month's presentation is Trees Conserve Water with guest speaker and Master Gardener Eric Larner. For more information call the Reference Desk at 972-219-3779.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
7:00-8:00 p.m.
Community Meeting Room
City Receives Silver Member City Award
At the recent Texas Amateur Athletic Federation (TAAF) held in San Antonio, the City of Lewisville received the Silver Member City Award. This award symbolizes outstanding registration support from teams, individuals, and TAAF training programs. Lewisville has been a long time member of TAAF, which is a nonprofit organization established in 1925 and dedicated to develop and promote interest in amateur sports and the spirit of sportsmanship. Over 125 recreation departments across Texas are members of TAAF.
At this same meeting, Teddy Gibbs, Athletic Supervisor, was awarded the Presidents Award. This award is given for recognition, dedication and outstanding service to the Texas Amateur Federation. Teddy has served as Regional Director and Executive Board Member, has served and chaired several committees and has been a member of the State Games of Texas staff for 15 years.
These two awards show that the City of Lewisville Parks and Leisure Services Department has a strong reputation across the state in its promotion and support of local parks and recreation athletic programs.
Park Board Meeting
Niels Brown, Project Manager with The Trust for Public Land, was the guest speaker at the Park Board on October 8. The Trust for Public Land is a non-profit organization that helps cities plan for, obtain and/or finance public land. There is a delicate balance between land development and land protection, and The Trust for Public Land is a resource that can enable cities to conserve the land for people. When opportunities arise to acquire land, they can look for partners, resolve the complexities of selling into public ownership, help meet financial goals and facilitate the entire process. Over the last 20 years, The Trust for Public Land has helped to conserve over 1400 acres across four counties. Other items on the agenda included reviewing the Lake Park Master Plan and potential usage options for the Vista Ridge Amphitheater.
Officer Begins Commercial Vehicle Regulation Enforcement
Officer Scott Hill will begin working full time enforcing commercial vehicle regulations on Tuesday, October 14th. Scott began training in February with the Texas Department of Public Safety. He has over 120 hours of training in commercial vehicle enforcement. Once certified in March, he began working in the enforcement of commercial vehicle regulations when he was available, while still working full time as the hit and run investigator. With little time for enforcement, he was still able to issue 104 citations and 612 warning citations. He has completed 87 commercial vehicle inspections. Of those inspected, 45 trucks were placed out of service because of safety defects or drivers not in compliance with federal standards. His authority comes from a Memorandum of Understanding between DPS and the Lewisville Police Department. The agreement gives local municipalities enforcement powers in an area highly regulated but lacking in enforcement efforts. Scott is dedicated to highway safety through the enforcement of commercial vehicle enforcement.
Pedigo Receives Telecommunicator of the Year Award
Gwinna Pedigo, a 23 year veteran with the City of Lewisville's 911 center, was awarded the Telecommunicator of the Year award at the seventh annual Heroes of Denton County banquet held on September 11th. Gwinna has made a career out of serving our community and her knowledge and experience are an invaluable resource. Gwinna has worn many hats over the past 23 years, but her role as a dispatch training officer and instructor has produced capable and committed dispatchers for the City of Lewisville and surrounding communities.
Mayor Meets with Social Service Agencies
The Planning and Community Services Division organized the 2nd Annual Breakfast with the Mayor which took place Friday, October 10. The Breakfast gives Social Service Agencies and other nonprofit community groups an opportunity to tell Mayor Carey about their missions, special events and accomplishments. Mayor Carey welcomed about 35 attendees to City Hall and thanked them for the services they provide to the community. He noted how important their role is especially during difficult economic times. Representatives from about 17 different groups were on hand. Each agency made a brief presentation sharing information with each other, the Mayor and City staff. T. J. Gilmore and Tamela Bowie were able to attend on behalf of the City's Community Development Block Grant Advisory Committee that is responsible for advising the Mayor and City Council on allocation of grant funds. The extent to which agencies collaborate with each other and network in making referrals was very evident as agency representatives recognized each other's partnerships. Continental breakfast fare was provided by a sponsor, Principal Financial Group. The annual event is open to any not-for-profit who serves the Lewisville area. It grew out of regular quarterly round-table discussions organized by the City as a way to further communications with the City and Mayor Carey.
Alley Repairs Between Clarendon and Clydesdale Drive
The City of Lewisville Street Division will be making alley repairs between Clarendon and Clydesdale Dr. The alley will be closed to through traffic. Homeowner’s can enter from Yorkshire. Construction began on Tuesday, October 7, 2008, and is scheduled to be completed on Wednesday, October 15, 2008, weather permitting. This will require that trash be placed in front of the residences until the work has been completed.
Work is being performed in the areas listed below.
Use caution in these work zones.
Use caution in these work zones.
Street Repairs
Continuing alley repairs between Granada and Bellaire
Making sidewalk and street repairs on Round Grove, Oakbend at Uecker, Parkside Trail, and Glenhill
Making alley repairs on Purnell
Sanitary Sewer Line and Manhole Repairs
Main line cleaning and video inspecting the 36" sanitary sewer line on MacArthur Blvd. and Lake Vista Dr.
Main line cleaning on Marcus Dr. and Monte Dr.
Upcoming Events
October Meetings & Events
- October 13 Old Town Design Review Committee Meeting
October 15 Library Board Meeting
October 16 Transportation Board Meeting
October 18 Old Town Farmer’s Market
October 20 City Council Meeting
October 21 CDBG Meeting
October 21 Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting
October 25 Old Town Farmer’s Market
October 25 Autumn Extravaganza Carnival – Frederick P. Herring Rec Center
October 27 Old Town Design Review Committee Meeting
November Meetings & Events
- November 1 Old Town Farmer’s Market
November 3 City Council Meeting
November 4 Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting
November 5 Zoning Board of Adjustment Meeting
November 8 Old Town Farmer’s Market
November 8 Lewisville 2nd Saturday Collection Day
November 10 Old Town Design Review Committee Meeting
November 12 Park Board Meeting
November 15 Old Town Farmer’s Market
November 17 City Council Meeting
November 18 CDBG Meeting
November 18 Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting
November 19 Library Board Meeting
November 22 Old Town Farmer’s Market
November 24 Old Town Design Review Committee Meeting
November 27-28 Thanksgiving Holiday – OFFICES CLOSED
November 29 Old Town Farmer’s Market
