Kim Everett | December 27, 2010

On Dec. 14, Councilman Doug Athas provided a District 1 update in an interview with Dave Kuhn on CGTV.

Athas serves District 1, which is the largest in size and about equal with the other districts in population.  He serves on the Development Services, Community Services, and Public Safety Committees.  He is also the retiring chair of the First Tier Suburbs Council for the National League of Cities.

He is in the first year of his last term as a council member. 

Athas said that the recession has had some effects on Garland, but it is in a better situation than many other cities because city staff has acted in a professional manner.  “I have to compliment the staff at all levels.  They have worked diligently, and they try to do as much as they can with less,” he said.

The councilman said that Garland has been able to weather the recession because of aggressive cost cutting, and it was accomplished with no tax increase.  Debt has been refinanced at lower rates, vacant positions have been eliminated, and expenses have been cut.

According to Athas, the Highway 190 eastern extension will bring traffic from Interstate 30 through Garland, by Firewheel Town Center and through District 1.  This project should be completed by the end of 2011.

Pleasant Valley Road improvements, construction that will improve the road all the way into Sachse, should begin soon.

Brand Road will be improved, with bike and pedestrian trails added; and Naaman Forest Blvd. will be extended to Brand and on the east to Naaman School Road.

The most prevalent crime problems are theft, shoplifting, vehicle burglary, and habitat burglary.  Athas encouraged citizens to call 911 when the see any suspicious activity.

• New Century Montessori Academy opened at Campbell Road and Highway 190.

• Matt’s Rancho Martinez Restaurant opened on the Highway 190 frontage road near Garland Avenue.

• Eddie’s Napolis Italian Bistro opened at Firewheel Town Center.

• Holiday Inn on Highway 190 near Garland Avenue – a full service hotel with an indoor pool, meeting facilities, exercise room and restaurant.

• Planned development – Home Towne senior living center and an Islamic Association prayer center and school.

Kim Everett | December 27, 2010

On Dec. 14, Councilwoman Laura Perkins Cox provided an overview of the neighborhood services offered by the city of Garland in an interview with Dave Kuhn on CGTV.

Cox is in the first year of her last term on the City Council and serves on the Administrative Services and Community Services Committees, as well as the Marketing Committee.

The councilwoman talked about the importance of citizens telling their representatives what they need and want in their neighborhoods and about a variety of programs and funding sources that are available to accomplish the changes.

Cox listed the divisions that will “help move forward the strategy for vital neighborhoods:”

• Neighborhood Information Systems – gathers input from neighborhood residents.
• Office of Neighborhood Vitality – listens to and encourages residents to be involved in the neighborhood and teaches them how to develop and sustain vital neighborhoods.  This department also oversees the matching grant program.
• Neighborhood Services – provides grants and loans for renovation and repairs, manages the rehab program and People Helping People program.
• GREAT Homes program – the city buys unoccupied bank-foreclosed homes, uses grant programs to renovate them, and sells them to homebuyers.
• Envision Garland – a comprehensive community vision for the next 20 years.

Cox also talked about the role of the Code Compliance Department in improving and sustaining neighborhoods and the importance of Neighborhood Police Officers in helping residents feel safe in their homes.

She added that she wants to be certain that the city is doing what the residents need and want and that they should not hesitate to call her or the other council members.

Posted December 20, 2010

The Harris Hollabaugh Park and Recreation Center opened to the public today. The six acre park includes a perimeter walking trail, playground, tree plantings, and open play areas. The 7,000 square foot recreation center includes a large multi-purpose room, a classroom, Body Shop fitness room, kitchen, and outdoor covered pavilion.

Kim Everett | December 19, 2010

The Garland Firefighters Association received a proclamation from Mayor Ronald Jones for outstanding professional service.  The list of the association’s community service projects and recipients mentioned by the mayor included:  M.D. Anderson, Guns & Hoses, Hope Clinic, Boy Scouts, Habitat for Humanity, scholarship funds, and toy drives.

A special use permit was granted for the golf driving range at the corner of Shiloh and Belt Line Roads.  A new SUP was necessary because of a change in ownership.

Posted December 13, 2010

The North Texas Municipal Water District has scheduled a free chlorine maintenance that will be conducted on the NTMWD Wylie water transmission system and customers’ distribution systems for a 28-day period from Jan. 6 to Feb. 3.

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality allows water suppliers to perform free chlorine maintenance. Free chlorine maintenance helps reduce the need for water suppliers to flush systems in order to maintain chloramine residual (required by the TCEQ) during the warm weather periods, thus conserving water. Free chlorine maintenance lasts about 28 days and is performed in cool weather months when water temperature is lower.

The NTMWD utilizes chloramines, a combination of chlorine and ammonia, in the water treatment process and to provide the disinfectant residual in the transmission and distribution systems as required by the TCEQ. Chloramines provide a longer lasting residual disinfection in water pipelines and storage facilities.

The free chlorine maintenance does not affect water quality and remains safe for use. During this period, consumers who are sensitive to taste and odor changes in drinking water might notice a change during this period. This palatability change does not alter the quality of the drinking water provided to consumers.

Kim Everett | December 11, 2010

City to accept grants

Council voted to accept an Urban Area Security Initiative Grant Program award in the amount of $165,000, and a Metropolitan Medical Response System Grant Program award of $317,419, which will allow the city to improve its capabilities to respond to the disaster related needs of citizens and provide funding for current activities and future enhancements.

Healthy Living Expo Recap

Shelley Franklin provided council with the final results for this year’s Healthy Living Expo and preliminary plans for the 2011 event.  Franklin reported that the event, a joint effort between the city of Garland, Garland Independent School District, the Chamber of Commerce, and Baylor Garland, was a success.  There was approximately the same number of attendees – almost 3000 – even though the length of the event was cut.

Other event successes include:

• Participation of 100 exhibitors

• 1100 flu shots given

• 1000 cholesterol and blood glucose screenings administered

• Two tons of electronics collected

• 375 pairs of glasses collected by Lions Club

• 250 pairs of athletic shoes collected to be refurbished and donated by the Shoe Bank

• Two tons of documents collected for shredding and recycling

• 274 pounds of unused/out of date medications collected for proper disposal

• Several pets adopted

Next year’s event is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 24.  Safety information will be added with the help of the Garland Police Department, Garland Fire Department, Emergency Management, Teens in the Driver’s Seat, and other similar organizations.

Mayor commends council members

Mayor Ronald Jones commended Councilman Doug Athas for his representation of Garland at the National League of Cities as a committee chair.  He also commended Councilwoman Laura Perkins Cox and Councilman John Willis on their on their achievements in the Leadership Training Program.

Posted December 11, 2010

The city of Garland is implementing an expansion and improvement of its humane animal services policies. Garland Animal Services has created a new partnership with Garland Pawsibilities, a local nonprofit group dedicated to finding good homes for adoptable animals, to open a new Pet Adoption Center. The center will be located at Shiloh Road and Kingsley at a former fire station.

“Having Garland Pawsibilities and its volunteers partnering with us to further increase pet adoptions is invaluable,” said William Dollar, Garland’s City Manager. “Their passion and dedication will help further the successful efforts of the Garland Animal Shelter.  I can think of no better use for an idle city facility than making it into a place for families to find a new pet.”

Garland Pawsibilities will begin hosting adoption events at the new center in January. Adrianne Erwin, spokesperson for Garland Pawsibilities said, “We hold a number of adoption events around Garland every year. This new facility gives us an easy to find location to host additional events, as well as helps in our fundraising efforts. We believe the new center will greatly enhance our efforts to place animals in loving homes.”

The city has been searching for a pet adoption partner since the beginning of the year and will support the effort with veterinarian assistance, supplies, and as many animals as Garland Pawsibilities is able to place for adoption.

Although animal placements at the Garland Animal Shelter increased 30% this year, the city continues to stress that spaying and neutering pets is the most effective way to reduce the number of animals that come into the Animal Shelter every year. Planned outreach events in 2011 are intended to increase awareness on this issue.

Animal euthanasia procedure altered

The new partnership with Pawsibilities is the final step in a series of advances that enables Animal Services to eliminate the current carbon monoxide procedure used to euthanize feral or dangerous animals.  The new three step process, developed by shelter staff with guidance from city veterinarian Dr. Robert Osborne, ensures the safety of the shelter employees by first securing the animal. The animal is then calmed by administering a sedation drug before sodium pentobarbital is injected in the final step. Staff developed the procedure after months of evaluating methods used in other shelters. Animal Services employees have been fully trained on the new method. 

“No one likes the fact that animals have to be put to sleep, but properly managing dangerous and diseased animals is a matter of public safety,” said Jason Chessher, deputy director of health. “With this injection-based process, we have extra measures in place to ensure shelter employees are protected from dangerous animals while at the same time ensuring humane treatment of the animal. Although feral and aggressive animals do not like to be handled, we believe the new process will be able to make their passing as tranquil as when they drifted to sleep under our prior carbon monoxide methodology.”

Dollar said, “Our animal control policy has always strived to balance three principles: public protection, staff safety, and humane treatment. This change in process demonstrates that when groups such as Pawsibilities work with the city in a positive and productive way, outcomes can be achieved which are satisfactory to both parties.” 

The city expects to have the procedure fully implemented by the end of January. This change represents one more revision in the constant process of evaluating and improving all aspects of Garland Animal Services. 

Kim Everett | November 21, 2010

Council and staff save $883,000

Mayor Ronald Jones commended the City Council and staff for saving the citizens of Garland $883,000 by choosing not to exercise the use of spending $11.4 million in bond projects.

Grant approved for citizens’ safety

A TX Dot Selective Traffic Enforcement Program impaired mobilization grant was approved.

GHFC board seat filled

After interviewing three candidates, council unanimously voted Michael Cheney onto the board of the Garland Housing Finance Corporation.

New recycling center approved

Kim Everett | November 9, 2010

To recognize the accomplishments of former Parks & Recreation Department Director Robert E. Hall, the City Council was asked to rename Rivercrest Park in his honor.

Three applicants were interviewed for a position on the board of the Garland Housing Funding Corporation:

Michael Cheney – a licensed Certified Public Accountant, has served on several boards.  He told council that he is prepared and willing to serve.

Shannon Gray – told council that he wants to invest his time in the community in which he lives and would like to contribute in any way possible.

Chris Hendrickson – has been a government contractor for 15 years and has served on a number of advisory boards.  He said that he wants to be involved and serve the community.

Mayor Ronald E. Jones thanked each applicant for his willingness to serve.

Council received an update on the Texas Municipal Power Agency from Gary Parsons.  Many positive things have happened this year.  2010 will be know as the “year of settlement” because issues with the city of Bryan were settled.

Fiscal year 2010 was the third best in 27 years of the agency’s history.  There were no unplanned outages on 345 KV lines and no notices of violations.

Garland Health Facilities Development Corp. and Garland Economic Development Authority updates

Updates from Deputy City Manager Martin Glenn:

Garland Health Facilities Development Corporation was established in 1982, and its purpose is to acquire, finance, and construct health care facilities and provide health care education.  Funding is through the issuances of tax exempt bonds.  Hope Clinic, New Beginning Center, and Garland’s Public Health Clinic have been among its beneficiaries.

The Garland Economic Development Authority was created in 1986 to promote development and expansion of commercial industrial facilities through the issuance of industrial revenue bonds.  Beneficiaries include Carroll Company, Yellow Freight Systems, and Karlee Company.

The regularly scheduled Dec. 20 and 21 meetings will be held on December 13 and 14.

Economy remains unstable

George Kauffman, Garland’s director of financial services, updated council on the city’s financial status.  He said that there has been little change since his last report.  Debt and unemployment are high, home prices remain stagnant, and the market is still down.  Bond ratings remain good.

Utility Advisory Board future uncertain

In a recent meeting, the Utility Ad Hoc Committee discussed three options for the future of the Utility Advisory Board:  not changing the UAB’s direction, providing additional direction to the board, and disbanding it.

The seven-member board currently has two vacancies and very little interest in the positions. 

UAB Chairman Lowell Hyatt discussed the role of the board and its future direction.  Member Lee Alewine shared the benefits of citizens’ advisory boards, including that they engage citizens in local government, provide objective and candid advice, help plan the future of communities, and the members have a commitment to serve. 

The council is basically the board of directors of GP&L, and Hyatt said that they are not fulfilling their responsibilities as the utility’s stakeholders.  He listed reasons for his opinion, including the timing in which budget vs. actual figures are available for the previous year.

Mayor Pro Tem Larry Jeffus said that he believes that they have been open and transparent and that council has done an excellent job managing GP&L.  He referred to Hyatt’s statement that they are not fulfilling their responsibilities as “pretty harsh.”

Bill Dollar, city manager, said that part of the reason that the budget vs. actual figures are not available sooner is due to when they can close the books.  “The year-end financials is a very long process,” he said.  “The timeliness has always been a concern.”

Hyatt told council that they share the same goal, which is to serve the citizens, but that they have not had direction.  “We’re looking to you to provide us the opportunity to help you be an effective board of directors,” Hyatt said.

Firm requests partial waiver of fee to tree mitigation fund

The Fletcher Firm requested a waiver of part of a $226,500 payment to the Reforestation and Tree Management Fund for property on which they will build a Skilled Health Care facility. Staff recommends a partial waiver.

Councilman Darren Lathen referred to the ordinance requiring payment to a tree mitigation fund as “a case of arbor Marxism.”  He said that he likes trees; the community likes trees; but that doesn’t make it acceptable to impose this on property owners.  “I think this whole thing is an extortion racket, and it really bothers me,” Lathen said.

He preferred to waive the entire fee, but agreed that charging 10 percent of it would be reasonable. 

Councilwoman Laura Perkins Cox and Councilman Rick Williams said that they believe that 20 percent is reasonable.  Councilman John Willis agreed.

A vote to charge 20 percent failed.  A motion to charge 10 percent was made, seconded, and passed.

Special Use Permit denied

A request for a Special Use Permit at 150 West Kingsley (the former Ridgewood Theatre location) was made which would give the tenant permission to use the property as a reception facility for weddings, parties, etc.

The applicant, Tony Loveth Okwilgwe, told council that he should not be denied the permit simply because previous tenants were not good.  He also said that there would be security on the premises during events.

Staff recommended against the permit.  Neighborhood residents were in attendance to voice opposition to the requested use, and council voted unanimously to deny the permit request.

Posted October 25, 2010

Garland City Secretary Mary Kayser was selected as the 2010 Texas Municipal Clerk of the Year. The award was presented during the annual Texas Municipal Clerks Associations’ Awards Banquet in Galveston earlier this month. During that same meeting, Kayser was elected president of the TMCA for 2011.

Kayser has served as city secretary since November 2006. Prior to that, she served the city of Burleson as city secretary from 1999-2006 and as deputy city secretary from 1992-1999. She earned the prestigious Texas Registered Municipal Clerks Certification in 1999 and recertified in 2004 and 2009. She is currently enrolled in the third level of recertification. She is also a member of the International Institute of Municipal Clerks (IIMC).

Mayor Ronald E. Jones said that he is proud of Kayser’s accomplishments. “Mary serves Garland and her profession admirably. Our city is often recognized for its talented leaders, and I am pleased to see our city secretary recognized for her efforts.”

TMCA is a statewide association with more than 900 members. It operates as the Texas Municipal Clerks Certification Program located at the University of North Texas. As president, Kayser will be charged with the accomplishing the goals and objectives of TMCA, Inc. 

Posted October 13, 2010

Regeneration is the act of bringing something back to life, to public attention, or vigorous activity.  Whether it’s the city council and city manager working to develop policy; the engineer designing our streets; or the neighbor organizing the block, everyone is needed to maintain the vitality of our community. How will we work together to energize our community?  What will guide us?  This year’s theme is “Grassroots Action: Planting Seeds for Neighborhood Regeneration”.

The summit is set for Saturday, Oct. 23 from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Granville Arts Center Atrium, 300 North Fifth Street. Doors will open at 7:30 a.m. with a continental breakfast and the mayor’s welcome at 8:30. Registration for Garland residents and stakeholders is $15 and $20 for those outside of Garland (this includes the continental breakfast and lunch).

The theme was chosen to mobilize, encourage, and inform neighborhood-based organizations. When a seed is planted in the ground, it goes through a process of germination moving from a state of dormancy to a vibrant, living plant. The contributions made in individual neighborhoods are like seeds. At first, the efforts may seem small and insignificant, but when combined with the resources and gifts of other individuals and organizations, relationships are formed and projects that affect the community are energized.

Join us for the 2010 Garland Neighborhood Summit as we participate in learning exchanges that substantiate the need for grassroots action. Additionally, learn more about the city’s community effort to develop a comprehensive plan of action, Envision Garland, to address the needs of our community as we reach ‘build-out’ and begin to regenerate into our community vision for the next twenty years.

Kim Everett | October 10, 2010

Garland’s Multicultural Festival of Art, Dance, and Music was held on Saturday, Oct. 9 on the historic square in downtown Garland.  Hosted by the Community Multicultural Commission and the city of Garland, the Mosaic Festival provides an opportunity to promote respect for cultural diversity. 

Some types of music represented include Thai, Latin, and African.  In addition, the K3 Sisters Band performed; local student Tahji sang a few pop songs; and Echo Echo entertained with American rock tunes.  The GISD Mariachi Estrellas played at the event as well.

Types of dances included Hawaiian, Ethiopian, and Pilipino.  Naaman Forest High School students performed a step routine, and the RaqSolid Belly Dance Company performed for the crowd.  The North Dallas Martial Arts group also gave a demonstration.

Kim Everett | October 7, 2010

Audit Committee report by Councilman Rick Williams:

A follow-up audit of the Garland Housing Finance Corporation showed improvement over the previous audit.  Documentation has improved, and written policies have been developed.

An audit was performed on the Firewheel Department Procurement Card program.  Ten employees have P-cards.  Approximately a year ago, an employee was fired because of fraudulent use of a P-card, but because of the audit practices that were in place, the employee was caught. 

P-cards are used as a means to procure low dollar value maintenance, repairs and operational expense items, other low dollar value one time purchases, and approved travel expenses.  The purpose is to provide an efficient, cost-effective method of purchase for these items.  The use of the cards has resulted in a reduction of purchase orders, invoices, and checks processed.

The audit of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act program resulted in a few refinements being recommended.

An audit of the Wastehauler Franchise Fee program ended in a recommendation that staff’s time vs. the value of collecting the franchise fees calls for staff to spend only a little more time on this.

A draft of the fiscal year 2010-11 audit plan was submitted to council.

Administrative Services Committee report by Councilman Darren Lathen:

The Administrative Services Committee reconsidered the appointment of a Deputy Mayor Pro Tem.  The committee’s recommendation to council was to elect a deputy mayor pro tem who would then become the mayor pro tem the next year.

Councilwoman Laura Perkins Cox said that she does not see what the problem is in having a deputy mayor pro tem.

Councilman Doug Athas does not support the appointment of a deputy mayor pro tem.  Williams, who also opposes it, said that he had “never been convinced that a deputy pro tem is needed.”

Councilwoman Barbara Chick is also opposed and said that she felt that it is “too much politics.”

Councilman Preston Edwards first voted in favor of the appointment, but changed his vote at the last minute to make the final result five against and four in favor.

Councilman Rick Williams, district 7, and Councilman Darren Lathen, district 8, recently updated citizens on what is going on in those districts in a televised CGTV program.

Williams, who is currently in the second year of his second term and will run for re-election in May of 2011, provided the following updates:

• Unlike some nearby cities, Garland avoided a tax rate hike.
• Citizens have made recent inquiries regarding the increase in water bills.  The North Texas Municipal Water District indicated that the increase is due to the need to search for new sources.
• The Saigon Mall at the corner of Jupiter and Belt Line Roads continues to attract a good number of customers.
• Skinner Nurseries went out of business and was replaced by another wholesale nursery called Shoscape.
• QuikTrip, who also built a service station/convenience store at the front of the corner, demolished the vacant Minyard’s building at Arapaho and Jupiter Roads.  While QT decides what to do with the Minyard’s land, grass will be planted to improve the appearance.
• An O’Reilly Auto Parts store will be moving into that existing shopping center as well, and a Green & Sons Ace Hardware moved into the section of the center that faces south.
• A permanent radar speed sign on has been placed on Arapaho near Jupiter because residents along the street had problems with drivers running off the road and destroying fences.  The city is also working on another method to slow drivers down here.  “It’s hard to legislate against idiots sometimes,” Williams said.
• Intersections on Jupiter Road at Arapaho Road, Belt Line Road, and Buckingham Road are being widened and will have two left turn lanes when construction is completed.
• The city has a program that pays groups such as homeowners associations 50 cents per illegal sign picked up.  Call Code Compliance at 972-485-6400 for information.
• The councilman said that groups, such as homeowners’ associations, could call the city’s main number, 972-205-2000, if they would like for him to speak at their meetings.
• Williams encouraged all citizens to support local businesses.

District 8 – north central section of city

Lathen is currently in the second year of his second term and is eligible for one more term.  He shared the following updates: 

• There has been no change in the status of the Garland Shopping Center property at the corner of Garland and Miller Roads. More people have contacted him this year than in the past with concerns about the site.  “It’s becoming an increasing source of concern for folks,” Lathen said.  “It’s a site with some potential, and it’s right in the middle of Garland. It’s not just a district 8 concern.  It's a Garland concern.”

• The Firewheel Distribution Center is fully constructed, but was finished when the economy fell, and it is still almost empty.

• The Beacon Hill bankruptcy has been sorted out, and completed units are being sold.  Contractors are being located to finish the others.

• The shopping center at the corner of Buckingham and Shiloh Roads is doing well despite the anchor store (former Tom Thumb) remaining vacant.

• Structures that were commonly referred to as the onion sheds near the corner of Walnut and First Streets were recently destroyed by fire.  The buildings were being used as storage units, and many people lost belongings they had stored there.

• Aldi, a clean grocery store with good prices, has moved into Garland and has a location in district 8 at Buckingham and Garland Roads.

• There has been talk for a couple of years about connecting Naaman School Road and Naaman Forest Road.  Lathen hopes that happens soon.

• There is no money for major changes, but improvements can be expected at the three-way intersection at Brand and Naaman School Roads.

Kim Everett | September 24, 2010

The Tuesday, Oct. 5 meeting will be held on Monday, Oct. 4 after the work session.  Council voted to reschedule so that they could attend National Night Out events.

A state law exists prohibiting the use of handheld communication devices in school zones, but to enforce the law, cities must post signs at school zones.  City Attorney Brad Neighbor said that if signs are not posted, the law cannot be enforced.

Police Chief Mitch Bates said that there are no statistics within Garland in the past few years indicating that we have had any accidents in a school zone involving the use of cell phones. 

Councilwoman Laura Perkins Cox said that PTA members, parents, SROs, and crossing guards that she has talked to would like to have the signs posted and the law enforced.  “We ought to go ahead and post the signs.  I just don’t see a reason at this point not to do that,” she said.

Councilman Rick Williams, who is proud that the council does not pass “feel good ordinances,” is against this.  “It feels good to put ‘no cell phones in school zones’ because we all love children and all that kind of good stuff like that, but in reality there is a national study that shows that it is no more safer at school zones for cities that have passed those ordinances,” Williams said.

Councilman Doug Athas said that according to a report he saw, there are many distractions that cause accidents as easily as cell phones, and that cell phones only account for 7 percent of the distractions.  He also believes that if kids and crossing guards are told that they are safe because of this ordinance, then their lives are in more danger.  “It’s best if they are more cautious and watching for people,” he said.

The mayor took a consensus on the issue, and he, Cox, and Councilman John Willis were in favor of posting the signs and enforcing the ordinance.  The rest of the council voted against it.

The main auditorium at the Granville Arts Center will be named for Linda Brownlee in honor of her positive impact on the arts in Garland.  The mayor credited her with helping to make Garland one of the best arts venues in the region.  He also listed some of her accomplishments, including that she was the co-founder and first president of the Performing Arts Center Guild, which is now the Garland Summer Musicals Guild; she co-hosted “Arts in Action,” and has served on the Cultural Arts Commission since its inception and chaired it for 16 years.  She also serves on the board of the Texas Arts Council.

Brownlee emotionally thanked the council and mayor for the honor and expressed gratitude to the many people who have volunteered their time and talent to the arts in Garland.  “My heart has been here with the arts of Garland since before the building was built,” she said.

Several residents were present to ask council to postpone a decision on hiring an architect for downtown square improvements.  They turned in a petition with 540 residents’ signatures asking the city to improve the square through revitalization instead of modernization and expressing opposition to compromising the historical integrity of the square.

The Save Our Square group’s concerns stem from the city wanting to purchase the Garland Civic Theatre’s property on the east side of the square and not indicating why they want to own it.  Deputy City Manager Martin Glenn and Parks Department Managing Director Jim Stone made the offer and hired an architect to find and help design new space for GCT if they would move.

According to one person who addressed council, Glenn had said that “all options are on the table,” which includes the possibility of the property being torn down.

Glenn also said in a phone interview with this news outlet that “anything is possible,” and he acknowledged that “anything” included demolishing the property.

The group indicated that they are not against change on the square, but they do object to any historic buildings being torn down.  The speakers also expressed concern over whether David Baldwin, the architect chosen by staff, is experienced in historic preservation.

Jerry Flook, a fifth generation Garlandite, is concerned over the destruction of history.  Glenn’s “anything is possible” comment worries him because, “Demolition should not be a possibility.”

Cox asked Managing Director of Planning, Neil Montgomery, if the firm they had chosen had experience in working in historic areas.  He said that the firm was told of the importance of the historic nature of the area, and they have experience with historical areas.

One speaker referred to downtown as our history, legacy, and heritage.  Councilman Rick Williams took offense to her likening the destruction of historic downtown property to someone going home and finding that someone had taken their family photos and heirlooms.  “I’m astounded that a nice lady like you would come here and essentially imply that we up here are going to be taking things.  I just find that inappropriate,” he said.

Cox, who has lived in Garland since 1996, said that everyone on the council supports downtown Garland and that the council is hiring an architect to see what might be available to improve the square.  “The process will entail a lot of public meetings, and I’d like to invite everyone to participate,” she said.  “I represent that area.  I do all of my business on television.  Anyone concerned about the square can call me.” 

Athas noted that no one had said they didn’t want to change the square, but that it is the walls around the square that people are concerned about and that should be preserved.

Councilman Preston Edwards said, “We’re not going to destroy it.  I promise you that.”

Robert Smith, who renovated the property that now houses the Generator Coffee Shop and would like to see the buildings on the square protected, said, “If you destroy an aspect of the past that enables a person to connect with the past, it’s just wrong.”

Lathen asked for verification of what the group wanted.  “What I’m hearing is that we have a group of people who want to go forward but they don’t like the idea of all options being on the table,” he said.  “They want to set some parameters, some sort of preservation standard.”

Garland resident Mike Hayslip spoke in favor of hiring the architect.  “Preservation really means controlling someone else’s stuff with rules that probably weren’t in place when the stuff was bought,” he said.  “The question is who wants control and why?”

He referred to Garland’s history as intangible.  “It’s almost a spiritual thing,” he said.  He also said that if preservationists had paralyzed the town in the 1900s Garland wouldn’t have a square.

One other person spoke in favor of hiring the consultant, and one card was completed in favor.

In addition to the five speakers, 11 cards were signed against hiring the architect.

Lathen made a motion to postpone the hiring, but the motion was not seconded.  The original motion made by Cox to go ahead with the contract was seconded, and the vote was unanimous.

Jerry Bell, owner of an automotive shop at the corner of Walnut and First Streets, asked for renewal of a Special Use Permit.  The Planning Commission recommended against renewal because Bell was told in 2008 when he received a renewal that it would be the last one.

Bell explained to council that he has been trying to sell the property for two years and that he has found buyers, but the city has denied what the potential buyers wanted to use the property for.  He needs to continue to make payments, but cannot do so if he loses his ability to make money.  His bank sent a letter asking council to continue working with him

Cox made a motion to deny the application, and Lathen began debate on the issue.

Lathen said that considering the economy and that the owner has been trying to sell the property, he believes that they should let him use the property and try to make a living.  “I cannot support denying this man the continued use of his property,” he said.

Athas agreed with Lathen.  “We are perfectly willing . . . to stick our hands in a man’s pocket and tell him he cannot operate his business and that he must basically go out of business for no other reason than we have some hypothetical dream that no one in the market will buy into.”

Williams asked what the property would look like in three years if they deny the request and said that he does not believe that anything is going to change in that short amount of  time.  He warned Bell not to come back for another SUP in three years.

The property owner said that he has cut the selling price in half and still can’t sell the property.  “I’ve tried everything to get off that corner,” he said.  He also said that Cox does not like him.

Cox said that she is making her decision based only on what is the best use for this corner.  “I don’t like or dislike you, because I don’t know you,” she said.  Cox also said that at some point, they have to get back to the comprehensive land use program.

Lathen said that the current usage is consistent with what’s on the ground today.  “What it isn’t consistent with is our dream, but that dream has not materialized now and it is probably not going to materialize in the next three years,” he said.  “If it does, someone is going to make this man an offer on that property that allows him to get out of it.”

“What is painful to me is that this man is before us begging his government to just let him make a living with what he owns. . . . That is what our country is about.  Take what you own and make the best of it that you possibly can,” Lathen said.  “When he was doing so in service of the glorious state, that was fine, but now that’s gone and we have to crush him, and I can’t do that.  That’s what governments do best, and I’m fed up with it.”

The original motion to deny the SUP was defeated by a 5-4 vote with the Mayor, Councilwoman Chick, and Athas, Williams, and Lathen voting against it.  Athas made a motion to approve the SUP, excluding part of the land that is a gravel lot.  The motion was seconded and approved by a vote of 8-1 with Cox voting no.

Posted September 16, 2010

Garland City Manager William E. Dollar has made an important change in the city’s management team. Effective October 1, Bryan Bradford will be promoted to the position of assistant city manager.

When Dollar was appointed as city manager in 2003, he reorganized the traditional senior management structure by eliminating the four assistant city manager positions. Martin Glenn was promoted to deputy city manager. Bradford, Priscilla Wilson, Neil Montgomery, and Robert Wunderlich were promoted to senior managing directors.

“This senior management team has proven to be very effective and has managed a variety of challenging issues,” Dollar said. “While this team continues to address the needs of the city, I believe that a refinement of this structure would serve our city even better.”

Dollar announced the appointment to the City Council in a memo earlier this month saying, “Bryan has handled the city’s most difficult financial issues, and this promotion recognizes the role he currently has in the organization.”

Bradford has a private sector business background, which is a tremendous asset to the city. He will be able to expand his focus and apply his expertise to more citywide issues.

He will continue to manage budget & research, purchasing, warehouse, and Firewheel Golf Park. In his new position, he will also direct facilities management, which includes building maintenance, renovation, and construction of new facilities.

Posted September 16, 2010

Effective November 1, residents who use more than one 95-gallon solid waste container will be billed a monthly charge of $6.10 for each additional container.

The charge was established to capture the full cost of collection, disposal, and administrative costs for providing additional container collection service. Customers who paid to receive an additional container from November 1, 2009 to September 30, 2010, will receive a credit applied to their utility bill equal to the amount paid.

By passing along the cost of additional container service to the customers who use the service, the city will be able to reduce the monthly sanitation base rate from $17.33 to $16.58 for all customers effective November 1.

Should residents no longer need additional containers, they can email ews_customerservice@garlandtx.gov or call 972-205-3500 to request pickup or to make other inquiries concerning this matter.

Council was asked to approve staff’s choice of David Baldwin & Associates as the landscape architect who will define and present ideas regarding improvements for the downtown square.  The focus will be options for the square and for potential public/private partnerships and development opportunities.

The process will include extensive public participation, along with meetings with property owners and business owners on the square.

Councilwoman Laura Cox said that she had met with a group of citizens that is concerned about the possibility of structures on the square being demolished.  Neil Montgomery, managing director of planning, said that no design has been approved.

Cox said that the square is not in danger.  “It is the heart of downtown Garland, and it is something that is worthy of being studied and preserved…I think it is going to be our crown jewel,” she said.

Mayor Ronald Jones said that he had been asked about buildings being torn down, and that he has assured citizens that nothing would be done without their participation.  “It [the square] is significant to all of us,” he said.  “Especially to me.”

According to Montgomery, the options should be identified and meetings held with everyone involved in the next six months. 

Cox asked to amend the proposed 2010-11 budget to restore second language incentive pay to police officers and firefighters.  She asked only for these two departments because there is not enough money to restore it for all employees.  There is an excess in the general fund totaling $43,383, which would fund the restoration of pay.

Councilman Rick Williams said that from the standpoint of equity, he would not support the amendment because all city employees would not be eligible for restoration of the incentive.

Councilman Doug Athas said that it is a question of equity, and there isn’t enough money to restore it for everyone.  “The concern I have is the small number of people being considered in this…Others use their second language daily, and they aren’t getting the incentive back,” he said.

Councilman Darren Lathen said that the police and fire departments are the only ones having step raises reinstated, and he questions the equity of these groups getting their raises and second language pay back, while other employees do not get either.

Councilman Preston Edwards does not believe that it is fair.  “I cannot take 29 people and give them the language pay without giving the other 125 in this city that use it [second language] more than what the two departments that are going to be getting it,” he said.  “I can’t do it.  It’s putting these two departments above everybody else.”

Cox said that it at least gets them on the road to restoring it to everyone.  ‘It’s a process…This can be done now without raising taxes and at no cost to citizens,” she said.  Cox also said that the police officers and firefighters use the second language in defense of the citizens and themselves.

Councilwoman Barbara Chick said that the second language is vital for the police and fire departments because it is difficult for people to communicate during emergency situations, and if it is someone whose first language is not English, it makes it doubly hard.

Councilman John Willis said that the other employees’ incentive pay could be restored later when the budget allows it.  “Since we can’t help all of them, we should help none?  I don’t agree with that,” he said.

Athas made a motion to restore the incentive to the 29 employees who use their second language the most, but the motion failed.

The original motion passed, and the police and fire departments will get the second language incentive back.

The tax rate was set at 70.46 cents per $100 of valuation, which is the same as last year’s rate.

A monthly fee of $1.50 will be added to each water account to help cover the cost of emergency medical services.  The fee, which will generate $1.2 million per year, will apply to government buildings, schools, churches, businesses, and residences.  It excludes sprinkler systems.

Posted September 15, 2010

The city of Garland welcomes the return of the Mosaic Multicultural Festival of Art, Dance and Music.  The Community Multicultural Commission will stage this event on Saturday, October 9 from 12 p.m. - 3 p.m. in downtown Garland.

The Community Multicultural Commission is seeking food caterers, vendors, artists, performers, and dance groups to perform during the festival. Anyone interested in participating should contact Martha Melaku at 214-228-0199 or email martha@lawyer.com by September 24. 

“Mosaic Festival is a wonderful opportunity to foster a greater understanding and cooperation among all ethnic groups,” said Melaku. “We are eager to hear from potential participants who will help celebrate Garland’s diversity.”

New city facility bears special name

Posted August 29, 2010

On August 26, the city of Garland officially dedicated the Goldie Locke Community Meeting Room inside the Duckworth Utility Services Building.

The new meeting space is named in honor of a long-time community leader, Goldie Irene Locke (1937-2008) who devoted almost three decades to building community in Garland with her contribution of wisdom, knowledge and countless volunteer hours. She served the city of Garland, the Garland Independent School District, Parkland Hospital, and numerous community and civic organizations. In 1984, she organized and became the founding president of the Garland Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. Because Ms. Locke's sense of community fostered opportunity and justice for all citizens, the Garland City Council in partnership with the Executive Members of the Garland NAACP named the room in her honor.

During the dedication ceremony, Garland Mayor Ronald E. Jones referred to Ms. Locke as a courageous community activist. “Scripture says that some men’s works go before them and some men’s works come after them. Goldie’s good works and reputation went before and will linger on well into the future,” said Jones.

Garland NAACP President B.J. Williams turned to the lyrics of the song “The Impossible Dream” to describe Ms. Locke and her impact on the community. “This was her quest,” said Mr. Williams, “to fight for the right without question or pause…And the world and the city of Garland will be better for this.”

Ms. Locke’s niece, Denise Richards, spoke of how her aunt loved her family, friends, community and church.  Ms. Richards said of Ms Locke, “She didn’t take on any task in a small way. Her commitment was strong and she instilled that in her family as well.”

The Goldie Locke Community Meeting Room is located on the lower level of the Duckworth Building at 217 N. Fifth Street. The room has a capacity of up to 100 people and includes kitchen facilities, tables, chairs and audio/video capabilities. To find out more about reservations and room usage rules, contact Rene Dowl at 972-205-2670 or Carol Bentzlin at 972-205-2653.

City Council work session, regular meeting:  August 16-17

Kim Everett | August 19, 2010

Appointment of board member for Texas Municipal Power Agency

Jamie Ratliff was elected to the Board of Directors of the Texas Municipal Power Agency.

Residents speak out about the use of wireless devices in school zones

One resident expressed that these devices should be banned in school zones, and one questioned whether the problem may be distractions in general – not specifically cell phones. 

Another resident wondered if any conclusive studies have been done to warrant action.  He thinks that perhaps banning wireless devices in the entire city rather than in school zones only would be easier to enforce.

Appointments to outside boards procedure

The Administrative Services Committee recommended that all openings should be posted to give ample opportunity to anyone interested in the positions.

Banner and window sign restrictions

Mayor Pro Tem Larry Jeffus asked council to discuss the current ordinance on banner and window sign restrictions.  Several council members said that the ordinance is not the problem.  The problem could be that the building inspectors are busy, and it will take time for them to get to this issue.

“I am sick to death of talking about signs.  We were supposed to have resolved all of this last year,” Councilwoman Barbara Chick said. 

2010-2011 departmental budget presentations

Proposed changes in the employee compensation and benefits packages include a recommendation that the 1.15 percent pay reduction from last year be restored to employees, along with the restoration of step adjustments that were discontinued last year.

There will be no change in the dental and vision or group life insurance plans.

The retiree health plan will only change for those that are younger than 65 and not on Medicare.  Under this budget, their health insurance plan will now be through Blue Cross Blue Shield.  Retirees over 65 will remain on Cigna.

Employees will be covered by Blue Cross Blue Shield under the proposed budget as well.  Blue Cross Blue Shield, when compared to Aetna, United, and Cigna, had the best score.

The city will also become compliant in national health care reforms including:  removing pre-existing condition clauses, removing the annual/lifetime caps, removing co-pay on preventive care; and continuing benefits to age 24 for eligible dependent children.

The average monthly increase in cost for employees will be 4.75 percent; for retirees on Medicare, the increase will be 7%; and retirees under age 65 will see a 15% increase.

Parks Department budget proposals

The proposed budget for the Parks Department includes:

• $251,800 -- Hollabaugh Recreation Center
• $109,300 -- renovation of Bradfield Recreation Center
• $25,000 -- update on sanitation requirements at Surf & Swim splash pool
• $100,500 -- equipment replacement
• $35,000 -- resurfacing Jack Coleman Tennis Center courts
• $30,700 -- arts center equipment
• $15,300 -- central library renovation for a technology center
• $75,000 -- future technology fund for library system

Solid waste collection fee proposed for second containers

The program that allowed residents to have a second garbage container was introduced when twice a week collection was discontinued.  Problems with the program are that the city is not recovering the costs, and some residents are not paying for the additional containers.

A change was proposed to have customers that have a second container be charged $6.10 per month for the extra service.  This charge will allow for a 75 cent decrease for other residents.  Without the second container program, a 65 cent increase would be required for all customers.

Councilman Doug Athas said that this is fair in his opinion, since the majority of the population only has one container.

Wastewater rate increase

The proposed water utility fund budget is $44.5 million, which is an increase of $3 million over last year.  The reason for the increase is the higher cost of water.

Under the proposal, non-residential customers would see an annual backflow prevention fee, which would be assessed on monthly bills.

The proposed increase for residential customers is $3.77 per month for those who use the average amount of 8,000 gallons of water.

The proposed wastewater budget is $40.8 million.

Future challenges identified include aging infrastructure, increase in regulatory compliance requirements, and escalating costs.

Next budget work session and public hearing is scheduled for August 30.

City council work session, regular meeting:  August 2-3

Kim Everett / August 5, 2010

2010-11 proposed budget outlined

The city’s Senior Managing Director of Budget and Research, Bryan Bradford, outlined the proposed 2010-11 budget for City Council members and Mayor Ronald Jones at the work session.  City Manager Bill Dollar formally presented the proposed budget to council at the regular meeting.

According to Bradford, the impacts of the recession on Garland are as follows:

• The property tax base has declined 3.5 percent.  Last year’s decrease was 3.7 percent.
• Total tax base loss incurred since 2008 is just under $800 million, or just over 7 percent of our assessed values.
• 2010 tax base was certified at $10.4 billion, which is the same as for 2006.
• There are declines in a large number of general funds revenue sources.

He said that there had been some stabilization in the market, but no improvement yet.  Property and sales tax amounts have been affected by the downturn in the economy, and unemployment remains high for Garland, as well as for the rest of the country.

Bradford listed the city manager’s priorities in developing next year’s budget:

• Maintain the current property tax rate.
• Maintain the current service levels.
• Fund the opening of the Harris Hollabaugh Recreation Center.
• Partially restore the 2009-10 cuts in street maintenance funding.
• Restore the 1.15 percent reduction in employee compensation, along with step increases.

 The preliminary deficit is $5.1 million, and Bradford listed the following possible ways to eliminate that deficit: 

• Implement debt service management strategy.
• “In lieu of franchise fee” residential solid waste collection increase consisting of a $6.10 monthly fee for residents who use extra garbage containers.  If this is implemented, a 75-cent decrease could be given to customers who use only one container.  If not implemented, all customers face an increase.
• Increase of approximately 24 cents in monthly stormwater rate.
• Increase of $3.77 monthly increase in water rate.

The above monthly increases of $4.10, minus the 75 cent decrease in garbage service and the current $1.09 monthly decrease in electric rates due the RAF factor (in effect until October) will result in a total $2.17 monthly increase for residents.

The total proposed budget is $524.1 million.

Public hearings will be held August 17 and August 30.  Copies of the proposed budget can be reviewed at each branch of the Nicholson Memorial Library System and at the city secretary’s office.  It can also be found at the city’s website.

More discussion on appointing deputy mayor pro tem

Mayor Jones asked that the Administrative Services Committee look at and discuss the policy on the appointment of a deputy mayor pro tem. 

City Council work session, regular meeting:  July 20

Kim Everett / July 23, 2010

Financial Update

Managing Director of Finance, George Kauffman, reported that there has not been much change in the economic situation and that the stress will probably continue.   

The city’s bond ratings remain good:   

Kauffman said that in spite of the economy, the city has healthy fund balances.  He told council that the Texas Municipal Retirement System will be restructuring funds, and if approved, the city might realize a rate reduction of 3-4 percent.

The TMRS Study Committee will meet to discuss and get support for the TMRS legislation.  Depending on the legislation and what the eventual savings are, a partial restoration of COLA could be possible.

Public Safety Committee report

Councilman Larry Jeffus reported that the committee wishes to revisit the issue of placing signs at school zones stating that the use of handheld devices is prohibited in those areas.  The item will be placed on the agenda.

Should Garland have a Deputy Mayor Pro Tem?

A deputy mayor pro tem is allowed by council policy and would act as mayor in the absence of the mayor or mayor pro tem.

According to Mayor Ronald Jones, there are many events, such as ribbon cuttings and grand openings, to be covered.  He said that he has had to call the mayor pro tem at the last minute at times to cover events that he could not attend.

Mayor Pro Tem Laura Perkins Cox said that there have been times when she had to “turn on a dime” to get to events that the mayor could not cover.

Councilman Doug Athas does not believe that nominating a mayor pro tem is necessary.  He said that if the mayor or mayor pro tem cannot attend a function, the councilperson from the district involved would normally be asked to attend the event.  “I personally just don’t see a real big need for a deputy mayor pro tem,” he said.

Mayor Jones said that there are many times when a request is received specifically for the mayor, mayor pro tem, and deputy mayor pro tem (if there is one) to attend an event.

Councilman Barbara Chick stated that she does not feel that a deputy mayor pro tem is needed.

A decision on this issue was not reached during the work session, and in the regular meeting when it was put to a vote after Cox nominated Councilman Preston Edwards for the position, disagreement was voiced.  Edwards said that he could solve the problem, and he withdrew his name from nomination.  There will be no deputy mayor pro tem.

Councilman Larry Jeffus was appointed mayor pro tem.

City Council work session, regular meeting:  July 12-13

July 14, 2010

Board member selections

Tracey Whitaker and Mark Enoch will remain on the DART Board of Directors for another term.  No applications were received from other interested parties.

Jamie Ratliff, whose term expires on July 18, wishes to remain on the TMPA Board of Directors.  Councilman Doug Athas suggested that even though he cannot imagine finding a board member better suited, the position should be announced and three weeks be allowed for others to apply.

Water Field Operations Complex named

Council voted to name the Forest Lane complex will be named in honor of Jack L. May.

“Garland has been blessed to have futuristic thinkers and superior managers to make sure that when you turned your faucet, you had water and the pressure was adequate.  Everything you needed to do with water was there – it was clean and drinkable.  Jack, you’ve done a great job and you know this council does not just put anyone’s name on a building.  I am thankful to be part of a council that is honoring you,” Mayor Ronald Jones said.

Specific use permit denied for Alternative Financial Establishment

Charlie Shearer requested a specific use permit that would allow for an alternative financial establishment at 1818 Northwest Highway.

Staff recommended against the request based on the fact that council members had voted in 2009 that they only wanted these types of businesses in commercial districts--not in a general business district area.

According to Shearer, the developer, this establishment does not offer payday loans, buy or sell gold or silver, do wire transfers, or cash checks, which differentiates it from standard payday loan establishments.  They offer car title loans only.  He also said that they are registered with the Secretary of State, carry a bond, and give full disclosure of all loan terms.

A number of residents in the area were in attendance to express their opposition to the AFE.  The reason for the opposition was that there are presently five AFEs in a one square mile area in the neighborhood.  “We have more than enough,” resident Norma White said.  It was noted by another speaker that financial institutions of this type “drain our most vulnerable citizens.”

Another resident, Suzie Rutherford, knocked on neighborhood doors and collected 150 names on a petition against the AFE.  She reported that she did not find one person who was in favor of it.

Councilman Darren Lathen asked one of the residents, “I need to understand what the detrimental effect of allowing this person to use the property as he sees fit – how does that have a detrimental effect on anyone else? The general premise here is the right to swing my fist ends where my neighbor’s nose begins, so I need to know how this hits somebody on the nose.”

When the issue was open for debate, Councilman Doug Athas offered the following comments:

“The testimony that has come before us tonight really does not address this particular use.  The testimony has not been based on anything except opinion.  The truth is a business owner has a right to conduct a business.  And this business that is being proposed to us tonight fits all the criteria…Very little property is ever highest and best used,” he said.  “Perhaps for appraisal purposes that’s what we look at. But I’m sorry, there’s nothing really wrong with this business being here.  If it’s questionable, and there is a special use permit involved, as it is now, we have the ability to pull that special use permit, and it’s only for five years.  To vote against it there has to be some factual basis more than just opinion.”

Lathen made the following comments during debate:  “Fundamentally a property owner must have the right to use his property as it best suits him so that he may profit by the fruits of his labor.  This is the essence of capitalism.  This is the foundation of the ethics of liberty, that private property is a fundamental right and must be protected.  When must we prevent certain uses of property?  Only when it is going to work to the detriment of the neighbors.  I have not seen any detriment to the neighbors shown.  I’ve heard many opinions.  I’ve heard people say that there is too many [alternative financial establishments].  Certainly, if that is the case then some of them will go out of business if there really are too many,” he said.

“That’s not really up for us to debate in a representative republic where we’ve placed the rights of the individual at the top…I think it’s going in a negative way when we stomp on the private property rights of an individual to develop a property which he has acquired by lawful and honest means to conduct business in a way that is within the law and is honest.”

The remainder of the council opposed the AFE, and the vote was 7-2 to deny the SUP.

July is National Park and Recreation Month

Posted July 4, 2010

Since 1985, the National Recreation and Park Association has designated the month of July as National Recreation and Parks Month.  In Garland, recreation facilities and parks are busy with campers, athletes, picnickers, swimmers, and other parks and recreation enthusiasts all year long. For those who haven’t explored Garland’s many beautiful parks in a while, July is a fantastic time to experience the many benefits of parks and recreation. Log on to www.garlandparks.com to learn more about summer programming, volunteer opportunities, and community events.

This year, the Garland Parks and Recreation Department has many reasons to celebrate. Playgrounds at Winters Park and Audubon Park were completed, planning for extensions to Duck Creek, Spring Creek Greenbelt, and Spring Creek Forest trails is underway, renovation to Bradfield Recreation Center will soon be underway, and Harris Hollabaugh Recreation Center, Garland’s sixth public recreation center, will open this fall.

“As we observe Park and Recreation Month, we recognize the vital contributions of employees and volunteers throughout our community who maintain, staff, and plan parks and recreation facilities,” said Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts Department Managing Director Jim Stone. “These dedicated professionals and volunteers keep our public parks clean and safe for visitors, organize and coach youth sports teams, provide educational programming on health, nutrition, and fitness, advocate for more open space and better trails, and fund raise for local improvements. They work tirelessly to ensure that public parks and recreation facilities are safe and accessible places for all Garland citizens and visitors to enjoy.”

As part of a summer full of activities and community celebrations, help Garland celebrate this month that highlights the hard work and passion of public park and recreation supporters across the country, and the joy that comes from our places and spaces.

For more information on Park and Recreation Month activities call the Garland Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts Department at 972-205-2750 or log onto www.garlandparks.com. 

City Council work session, regular meeting:  June 14-15

Kim Everett / June 18, 2010

Police department technology update

Garland Police Chief Bates updated the City Council on new police department technology, part of which is already in use, and some is pending. 

• CopLogic, an on-line reporting system, was initiated this week.  This technology is already being used by citizens to report non-emergency crimes such as identity theft and garage theft.  Citizens can expect next day response after reporting crimes on line.
• List of crime reports/crime mapping is pending technology that will be used by citizens and homeowners’ associations to keep up with crimes that are being committed in their neighborhoods.  The information will be available at www.crimereport.com.
• The ability to obtain accident reports on line, which is already available, gives citizens a choice between visiting the police station to pick up reports or getting them on line through www.policereports.us.
• Automatic license plate readers in police cars is pending technology that will be funded by a grant.  Cameras will be installed in police vehicles that can automatically read license plates and alert the officer if that vehicle has been involved in a crime or if it is currently being sought for an Amber or Silver Alert.
• A Sky Watch Tactical Observation Platform, also pending, is another grant funded item that can be placed in shopping center parking lots, at large events, etc.  The platforms may or may not be staffed and contain multi-camera systems.

Councilman Lathen expressed concern over the license plate readers and asked if a database of the information would be maintained.  “It’s nobody’s business where I’ve been unless I’ve done something wrong,” he said.

Chief Bates assured council that he anticipates use of the readers to be confined only to looking for specific license plates.

“That still gives me some heartburn because it wouldn’t surprise me if our federal government said ‘You need to capture this data and give it to us,’” Lathen said.  He said that he simply wants to be certain that this does not become a way for the government to keep tabs on ordinary people.

July meetings rescheduled

Council voted to reschedule the July work sessions and regular council meetings to July 12 and 13 and July 19 and 20.

Councilman Athas, who voted against changing the meeting dates, said that the schedule should not be changed because it is more convenient for council members.  “If we were to move this, it would be extremely convenient for me.  The only trouble is we don’t meet for me.  We meet for the constituents,” he said.  “These are published schedules…They expect people to be here to do the city’s business.”

Councilman Williams also voted against the schedule change.

Garland to host 2010 PAA Bass Pro Shops Tournament

Posted June 22, 2010 

The Garland Convention & Visitors Bureau is pleased to announce that the Professional Anglers Association (PAA) has selected Garland as the site for one of four PAA Bass Pro Shops Series Tournaments. Garland’s Bass Pro Shops at 5001 Bass Pro Drive will serve as tournament headquarters. The event will take place September 8-11, with tournament locations at Lake Tawakoni and Lake Ray Hubbard.   

The PAA is a nonprofit association dedicated to the professional angler and the sport of professional bass fishing. The tournament will attract the nation’s top pro anglers, corporate sponsors and spectators.

“We are excited that Garland has been selected as a site for this event,” said Mayor Ronald E. Jones. “We look forward to welcoming all of the professional anglers and spectators to Garland and hope that, in addition to enjoying the tournament, they will take advantage of the many attractions and entertainment options available in the city.”

In conjunction with the tournament, the PAA will offer a variety of spectator seminars, as well as opportunities to get the general public and amateur anglers involved in the event. Activity details and a tournament schedule will be provided in the coming months.

2010 Summer Nutrition Program is underway

Posted June 16, 2010

School is out for the summer, and that means thousands of children will be looking for places they can meet their friends, have fun, and eat healthy snacks and meals. The Garland Summer Nutrition Program is ready to meet the demand.
                                                                                                                  
The Summer Nutrition Program, themed “Education, Exercise and Eating Right with Friends, Fun and Food,” offers free breakfasts and lunches at different locations throughout the community.  To participate, children may simply show up at any participating program site from June 14 through August 13, 2010 (excluding July 5). 

Meals alternate between hot and cold entrees, while cold breakfast is offered at selected sites. The Texas Department of Agriculture Summer Nutrition Program is offered statewide by local sponsors who operate sites where children up to 18 years old can get meals at no charge. The service is open to all children, regardless of income. People who are over age 18 and enrolled in school programs for people with disabilities also participate.

The open sites are located in areas where more than 50 percent of the children are eligible for free or reduced-price meals under the National School Lunch Program.  Most sites will offer activities designed to exercise the body and mind at recreation centers, schools, parks, churches, VBS sites, community centers, and selected apartments.  

The most up-to-date information on meal sites and hours of operation is available statewide by calling 2-1-1. For more details on the program visit www.summerfood.org.  Garland's website www.garlandtx.gov also contains a list of sites in the area.  For information, call 972-205-3335. 

City celebrates opening of
Duckworth Utility Services Building

Posted June 10, 2010 

The City of Garland’s new Charles E. Duckworth Utility Services Building is now open to the public and was officially dedicated Wednesday. 

The new Utility Services building is named in honor Charles E. Duckworth, who served Garland as city manager from 1965 to 1977.  He is credited with vast improvements in the city’s bond ratings which provided for important infrastructure upgrades, including those at the Newman Power Plant and construction of the Olinger Power Plant to significantly increase GP&L’s generating capacity.  Duckworth was a leader in the development of public infrastructure for municipal water systems, wastewater treatment, and public power.

“Charles Duckworth had a vision for what Garland could achieve,” said current City Manager William E. Dollar. “A great deal of this city’s success is rightfully attributed to Mr. Duckworth’s efforts.”

Duckworth and his wife, Billye, joined the dedication festivities Wednesday and were given a replica of the dedication plaque that will be placed on the building.  “I am overwhelmed by this honor, and thank you from the bottom of my heart,” said Duckworth as he remembered and recognized numerous people he worked with at the city.  “I will always remember the dedicated, talented people whom I worked with during my time as city manager.”

The Duckworth Building, at 217 North Fifth Street, houses the Garland Power & Light administrative offices, the Tax and Revenue Recovery Departments, and the Customer Service Department.  Citizens needing to open new utility accounts, or access other services related to utilities and utility billing will go to the Duckworth Building.  City tax payments and related services will also be handled at this location. 

Also open this week, the new Garland Utility Payment drive-thru is located at 717 W. State Street, just a couple of blocks away at the corner of State and Glenbrook. This facility features a four-lane drive-thru, a welcome improvement over the previous two-lanes. Additionally, customers will be able to access the utility payment drop box without leaving their vehicle. The drop box is located in the far left lane.

City Council work session, regular meeting:  June 1

Kim Everett / June 3, 2010

Richard Briley, the city’s managing director of health and Pat Fowler, the chairperson of the Animal Services Advisory Committee updated council on the committee’s activities, the euthanasia policy, and the new pit bull fencing requirements.

Since January 1, 1,869 animals have been euthanized.  66% were by lethal injection, and 34% were by carbon monoxide.  56% of the animals euthanized by carbon monoxide were feral cats, 24% were vicious/dangerous dogs, 20% were wild animals.

The new fencing requirements for pit bull dogs state that the fence must be at least 6’ high and well-maintained.  The change goes into effect August 1, 2010.

Habitat for Humanity requested a waiver of an ordinance that requires concrete alleys on new construction.  There is no existing alleyway where they are building, and if the alley was required, the result would be two lots having a concrete alley that is not connected to anything.

City schedules CodeRED system test

Posted June 1, 2010

The city of Garland has scheduled a test of its CodeRED telephone notification system for the week of June 14.   The test call will go out to all current CodeRED subscribers to validate our current database and to inform them of program upgrades.

First, a severe weather early warning system has been added, which automatically launches calls to specific geographic areas that are in the path of tornados, severe thunderstorms and other hazardous weather developments. These automated warnings can provide critical preparation time when severe weather threatens.

"As soon as the National Weather Service issues the warning, the calls begin going to the areas affected," Dorothy White, Public & Media Affairs Manager for the city said.  “Since these notifications are automatic, residents and businesses must opt-in for these specialized notifications.”

When a CodeRED weather warning call is received, the number 800-566-9780 will be displayed by caller-ID.

The city will continue to use CodeRED in other emergency situations such as a hazardous chemical spill, major utility outage, or an Amber or Silver Alert. The number displayed by caller-ID will be 866-419-5000, which a citizen can call back from the phone that received the CodeRED alert and listen to the message again with a time and date stamp. Caller-ID will also display the name “Emergency Communications Network” for most telephone customers.

In addition, CodeRED subscribers can now opt to receive text and email messages for all messages except the automated weather warnings.

To “opt-in” for the automatic weather warnings or to add your email and text information, go to the city website at www.GarlandTx.gov, click on the CodeRED icon on the left side of the page and follow the prompts. Those who are registering for the first time can follow the same instructions.

For customers without access to a computer or internet service, registration forms are available at City Hall, the Duckworth Utility Services Building, and all branches of the Nicholson Memorial Library System. 

Bankhead Highway receives historical designation

Kim Everett / May 26, 2010

Dallas County Historical Commissioner Don Baynham kicked off the ceremony to dedicate the Bankhead Highway historical marker on Saturday, May 22.  “It’s very important that we both mark and preserve our history…This is an important marker for Garland, and I know it will be enjoyed for generations to come,” Baynham said.

After introducing other guests at the ceremony, Robert Smith, sponsor of the marker, acknowledged that the historic marker for Bankhead Highway, the second east to west trans-continental highway in the United States, was made possible by Jerry Flook’s dedication to the project and the community.

“I may have been the individual who started the ball rolling on this historic marker, but there are a lot of other people who certainly did a lot to keep the ball rolling and get us where we are today,” Flook said.  “Robert, who you just heard, stepped forward to underwrite the cost…Mr. Baynham said you have the privilege of buying your own marker once it’s granted, and Robert was the one who had the privilege of paying for it.”

Flook recognized the city staff’s work on the project, the Scouts that posted the colors and led the Pledges of Allegiance, and the antique car owners who brought out their vintage vehicles to add to the ambience of the ceremony.  He also recognized Texas State Representative Carol Kent for her work on the project before giving a detailed history of the highway.

“Editor Holford of the Garland News editorialized [in 1917], ‘This highway fully connected and completed will be a good thing for the towns on its route.  It will carry many hundreds of interstate auto travelers.  It will mean some increase in certain lines of business and it means a fine opportunity to advertise our town, to show it to strangers as a good place to come, to invest, and to grow up with Texas,’” Flook said. 

“The business that Editor Holford predicted surely came.”  Tourists cottage courts, an off-road tourist camp called Lake Garland Park, a miniature golf course, and various other businesses including five new car dealerships, three auto repair garages, three auto supply stores, nine restaurants, and eleven service stations sprang up.  Residential development also benefited from the Bankhead Highway.

The later development of better highways took traffic away from the downtown route and had a negative effect on the area’s vitality, from which, according to Flook, it has not fully recovered.

Texas State Representatives Carol Kent and Allen Vaught, two of the co-authors of the bill that led to the historic designation, recognized those who were involved in the project.  “I was shocked to get the information that Mr. Flook was able to share with you today.  While I had grown up here in Garland and heard of the Bankhead Highway and was certainly aware of downtown, I didn’t realize the historic significance of the Bankhead Highway,” Kent said.  “That being that it had gone all the way from D.C. to San Diego and that little old Garland, right here in the middle, had been such a vital connector point for the eastern and western parts of the United States.” 

There were over 40 co-sponsors of the bill because, according to Kent, many representatives realized that they had a part of the Bankhead going through their districts as well.

A summary of the history of the highway, which was copied from the dedication program, follows:

The early 20^th century development of the automobile led to major changes in road systems throughout the United States.  The 1916 Federal Aid Road Act, which supplied matching funds to states for the upgrade of roads, was sponsored by Alabama Senator John H. Bankhead and required that states establish a highway department in order to receive federal disbursements; the act led to the creation of the Texas Highway Department in 1917.  The Bankhead Highway, America’s second east-to-west transcontinental highway, was soon routed from Washington, D.C. to San Diego.

The Bankhead Highway’s route through Texas included the major cities of Texarkana, Dallas, Fort Worth and El Paso and passed through the Dallas County town of Garland.  In 1919, Texas Bankhead Highway Association Secretary Arthur P. Dyer noted that Garland was the only town on the Texas route which had voluntarily organized and gone to work without asking for outside help. 

The people of Garland took advantage of the highway’s potential for economic impact.  Auto repair shops, restaurants and service stations were built along Main Street—the highway’s route through Garland—which was soon paved and curbed.  Although the Bankhead Highway was officially designated as Texas Highway 1 in 1917, it also retained the official Bankhead name until 1926, when it became part of U.S. Highway 67.  However, the old name remained attached to the Garland segment until the early 1950s.

City Council work session, regular meeting:  May 17-18

Kim Everett / May 25, 2010

Council appoints Utility Advisory Board member

Christopher Ott and Mark Peterson were interviewed by the City Council for position seven on the Utility Advisory Board, which was made vacant by the resignation of Gary Pickens.  Council appointed Mark Peterson for the partial term, which will run through August 2012.

Home business rules/regulations

Staff briefed council on ordinances related to businesses operated from homes.  Violations include:

• Any aspect of the business being conducted outside the home.

• Any employees reporting to the home business.

• Nuisances such as noises, smoke/odor, increase in traffic.

• Signs advertising business.

• Materials being stored outside the home.

• Shipping and receiving.

• More than one vehicle relating to the business.

• Someone other than occupant of the home running the business.

Benefits of hybrid vehicles

Staff updated council on the status of the use of hybrid vehicles.  Councilman Darren Lathen asked whether the higher cost of hybrids was worth the savings in fuel costs.  “Where is the break even point?  Is it attainable?” he asked.  Lathen expressed that he wanted to be certain that it makes fiscal sense for the city to continue purchasing hybrids.

Staff explained that the city currently has 31 hybrids in its fleet and 13 on order.  Some of the benefits of hybrid vehicles include:

• No driver education because hybrids operate like normal automobiles.

• Increased fuel efficiency.

• Lower maintenance costs.

• Proven emission and fuel impacts.

• The city’s use of hybrids confirms the viability of alternative fuel concepts to the public.

Environmental Quality update

Since the Office of Environmental Quality was formed approximately three months ago, Ginny Holliday and David Jacobs have, among a variety of other tasks, come up with a mission statement for the department.

According to the statement, they will:  provide coordination and oversight of current city-wide departmental environmental efforts; develop and coordinate a broad range of campaigns and programs that address sustainability opportunities and issues; increase public awareness through comprehensive environmental protection, conservation efforts, and resource management; work to obtain federal and state grant assistance for city’s ongoing programs; promote benefits of programs on the city’s website and through public information updates; identify strategies that protect the environment and reduce costs.

Lathen expressed concern over the possibility of government “rolling over people.”  He is leery of programs that open that possibility and said that he is not in favor of programs where it is like the government saying, “We know what’s best for you, and you’re going to do it our way.”

Holliday assured him that their intention is to help the city set a good example.

GP&L customers to pay less

Posted May 26, 2010

Just in time for the hot summer months, Garland Power & Light announced that customers will pay less for electricity.  Beginning June 1, the Recovery Adjustment Factor component of the rate for electric service will go down a penny, from $0.0644 to $0.0544 per kWh.  The average GP&L customer uses 1,550 kWh during the summer months.  At this usage, the electric bill will decline from $192.12 to $176.62.

The RAF component of the rate allows for the recovery of the electric system’s total revenue requirements not recovered under the Customer Charge and Energy Charge.  This decrease in the RAF has been made possible by sustained lower market prices for the natural gas used to generate power and new procedures at GP&L, which have reduced operating costs. 

“I am excited that we are able to lower the cost of electric service for our customers,” said Electric Utility Director Ray Schwertner.  “I’m especially pleased that we are able to implement this decrease as the summer cooling season begins!”

New city facilities improve customer access

Posted / May 26, 2010

As of June 7, Garland’s Utility Customer Service and tax offices will move to the Charles E. Duckworth Utility Services building at 217 N. Fifth Street, across from city hall.  Customers will make utility and tax payments or inquire about accounts at service areas on the first floor.

Also opening June 7, the new Garland utility payment drive-thru is located at 717 W. State Street, just a couple of blocks away at the corner of State and Glenbrook.  This facility features a four-lane drive-thru.  Customers will be able to access the utility payment drop box, which is in the far left lane of the drive-thru without leaving their vehicles.  

At the close of business on Friday, June 4, the old customer service and tax offices and drive-thru will be closed, and payments will no longer be accepted at this location. 

Bankhead Highway dedication scheduled

Posted May 19, 2010

A ceremony to unveil the historical marker for Bankhead Highway is scheduled for Saturday, May 22. 10:30 a.m. at the corner of Main and Sixth Streets in historic downtown Garland.

Don Baynham, Dallas County Historical Commissioner, will provide opening remarks.  Other speakers include Mayor Ronald Jones and Jerry M. Flook.  Robert A. Smith, sponsor of the marker, will be in attendance as well.  Texas State Representative Carol Kent will give closing remarks.

The early 20^th century development of the automobile led to major changes in road systems throughout the United States.  The 1916 Federal Aid Road Act, which supplied matching funds to states for the upgrade of roads, was sponsored by Alabama Senator John H. Bankhead and required that states establish a highway department in order to receive federal disbursements; the act led to the creation of the Texas Highway Department in 1917.  The Bankhead Highway, America’s second east-to-west transcontinental highway, was soon routed from Washington, D.C. to San Diego.

The Bankhead Highway’s route through Texas included the major cities of Texarkana, Dallas, Fort Worth and El Paso and passed through the Dallas County town of Garland.  In 1919, Texas Bankhead Highway Association Secretary Arthur P. Dyer noted that Garland was the only town on the Texas route which had voluntarily organized and gone to work without asking for outside help. 

The people of Garland took advantage of the highway’s potential for economic impact.  Auto repair shops, restaurants and service stations were built along Main Street—the highway’s route through Garland—which was soon paved and curbed.  Although the Bankhead Highway was officially designated as Texas Highway 1 in 1917, it also retained the official Bankhead name until 1926, when it became part of U.S. Highway 67.  However, the old name remained attached to the Garland segment until the early 1950s.

The road’s importance diminished beginning in the 1950s as most drivers opted to use the wider, safer and faster new interstate system, but the Bankhead Highway is remembered for its significant place in the history of scores of Texas towns such as Garland.

City of Garland Leadership Development
Program wins state award

 Posted May 19, 2010

On May 6, the Texas Municipal Human Resources Association (TMHRA) awarded the city of Garland Human Resources Team with the association’s “Innovation in Human Resources Management” award.   The city of Garland is the first to receive this award, which recognizes local governments for developing innovative programs and services to solve human resources management problems and create opportunities for their community to reach its full potential.   

The city was recognized for the development of a three-tiered leadership development program that is designed to provide supervisors and managers with practical tools to improve their overall supervisory and management effectiveness. The three-tiered leadership series includes: Supervision for Success (S4S) for lead and first-line supervisors, Managing to Lead (M2L) for mid-level managers and Executive Excellence (Ex²) for director-level management.

• Supervision for Success (S4S) addresses the challenges of supervision and enforces the foundations for professional and personal growth critical to effective leadership at the first-line supervisory level. Between 2008 and 2009, the city graduated seven classes from the Supervision for Success program.
   
•  Managing to Lead (M2L) expands on the supervisory class and addresses more complex and critical issues related to mid-management employees. The first M2L class graduated in 2006, followed by three others to date.
   
• Executive Excellence (Ex²) provides management training and mentoring in developing high potential management successors. Students in the Ex² class must be nominated by their department managing director to participate in the program. In 2009, Executive Excellence graduated its first class. In 2010, the Ex² class reunited to begin work on a project to develop a citywide Wellness Program. This project should be completed in June 2011.

 “I am grateful to be able to work with a team of HR professionals who are committed to providing exceptional service to the employees and citizens,” said Priscilla Wilson, Senior Managing Director of Human Resources. “I commend our city’s executive team for their willingness to embrace HR as a strategic partner in the organization’s success.”

New fencing requirements for pit bull dogs

Posted May 24, 2010

Garland Animal Services is preparing to enforce new fencing requirements for pit bull dogs or pit bull crossbreeds. Pit bull dogs or crossbreeds thereof have been responsible for the most dog bites since statistics have been kept (2004). Additionally, 27% of the dogs caught while running at large are pit bull dogs. In response to this growing public safety problem, Garland Animal Services has developed an ordinance based directive that requires owners of pit bull dogs to maintain the animals within a six foot fence. 

Specifically, the fence must meet the following requirements:

• The fence must be six feet tall, measured from the ground.
• The fence must be constructed of wooden planks at least ½ inch thick or 11 gage chain link fencing.
• There may be no gaps or openings larger than 2 inches.
• Fencing must be firmly attached to brace posts buried no less than 18 inches deep.
• All gates must have a locking mechanism that keeps the gates securely closed.

These directive requirements become effective August 1, 2010. 

Pit bull dog owners are exempt from the aforementioned requirements if their dogs are properly registered prior to August 1, 2010 and if they maintain compliance with all applicable Animal Service ordinances such as the display of city tags and not allowing the dogs to run at large. Pit bull dogs not registered prior to August 1 must be maintained within an enclosure that meets these requirements. Owners who obtain pit bull dogs after August 1 must consider the cost of fence construction as a cost of owning a pit bull dog. 

For more information, contact City of Garland Animal Services at 972-205-3570 or visit www.GarlandAnimalServices.org.

City launches branding project

Posted May 18, 2010

The city of Garland is in the process of developing a unified branding and marketing campaign to promote economic development and community identity both within Garland and to outside audiences. The project is a joint effort between the city of Garland, the Garland Convention and Visitors Bureau, and communications firm Hahn, Texas. 

A brand is simply the way people view a product. For Garland, a brand is the way people perceive the city. A good brand will reflect both what Garland is and what it wants to be. An effective and memorable brand will help to attract new businesses, residents, and tourists to Garland.

“It has been my goal as mayor to promote Garland as a great place to live, work and play,” said Garland Mayor Ronald E. Jones. “This branding project will give us the tools to effectively share the many reasons why Garland is, indeed, the city of choice!”

As part of this project, Hahn, Texas will inventory and analyze the city’s current marketing materials. The firm will also conduct interviews with local community and business stakeholders concerning their opinions of the city’s strengths and unique assets. Citizens may check the status of the project and email thoughts and suggestions to info@brand-garland.com. 

The branding project is scheduled to conclude in the fall with a new marketing plan and possibly a new logo and tagline for Garland. Visit www.brand-garland.com for information and project updates.

Education, exercise and eating right!  Nutrition program 2010

Posted May 16, 2010

School is almost out for the summer, and that means thousands of Garland children will be looking for places they can meet their friends, have fun, and eat healthy snacks and meals. The Garland Summer Nutrition Program will be ready to meet the demand.

The 2010 Summer Nutrition Program, themed “Education, Exercise and Eating Right with Friends, Fun and Food,” will offer free breakfasts and lunches at 27 locations throughout the community.  Four Vacation Bible School day sites are included in that number. Children may simply show up at any participating site from June 14 - August 13 (excluding July 5). 

Garland is celebrating the 15^th consecutive year of participation in the program. Meals alternate between hot and cold entrees, while cold breakfast is offered at selected sites. The Texas Department of Agriculture Summer Nutrition Program is offered statewide by local sponsors who operate sites where children up to 18 years-old can get meals at no charge. The service is open to all children, regardless of income. People who are over age 18 and enrolled in school programs for people with disabilities also participate.

The open sites are located in areas where more than 50 percent of the children are eligible for free or reduced-price meals under the National School Lunch Program.  Most sites will offer activities designed to exercise the body and mind at recreation centers, schools, parks, churches, VBS sites, community centers, and selected apartments.  The city provided more than 68,000 lunches, 35,000 snacks and 6,000 breakfast meals in 2009.    

The most up-to-date information on meal sites and hours of operation is available statewide by calling 2-1-1. For more details on the Summer Food Program visit www.summerfood.org.  The city of Garland website, www.garlandtx.gov, also contains a complete list of sites in our area. 

For more information, call 972-205-3335. 

District 5 voters’ voices heard

Posted May 9, 2010 

The May 8 district 5 city council election ended in a decisive victory in favor of incumbent John Willis.  Challenger David McNeely received 273 votes – 28.47 percent, compared to 686 votes – 71.53 percent for Willis.  959 of the approximately 10,600 voters in district 5 came out to exercise their right to vote.

"The election is over and the voters of district 5 made their decision. It was a hard fought race which brought out many important issues. I look forward to working on these problems, as well as continuing the good progress we've already made across the district," Willis said. "I appreciate the confidence the voters of district 5 have shown in me and will continue working with them on the problems they tell me are important to them."

City Council work session, regular meeting:  May 4

Kim Everett / May 7, 2010

NTMWD board position filled

The City Council interviewed Michael T. Cheney, Johnny Lee Dyer, Jack May, and Christopher Ott for the North Texas Municipal Water District Board position made vacant by Richard Roach’s retirement.  Jack May was named to the board.

Mayor clarifies status of use of handheld devices in school zones

Mayor Ronald Jones, who said that channel 11 recently aired a piece on Garland’s position on handheld communication devices in school zones, explained that there has been prior discussion on the subject.  Some people evidently had the mistaken impression that council had never talked about it, and Jones wanted to correct that misinformation.

In addition, he has met with representatives from Sachse and Rowlett, since these towns are a part of the Garland Independent School District, as well.

The subject was discussed as far back as June 2008, and it has currently been assigned back to the Public Safety Committee for research.

“It’s not accurate or correct to assume that council hasn’t looked at it...It has not been ignored at all,” Jones said.

2010 neighborhood vitality matching grant funds

All projects were approved with the exception of the Emerald Lakes Homeowners Association, which was postponed.  Not everyone had been notified of the project and the cost associated with it.

Unique zoning case decided

Owner of property south of Campbell Road and east of Jupiter Road, currently zoned as planned development for single family, requested the property be re-zoned as agricultural.  The owner’s plan is to leave the land in its natural state, keep it cleaner and nicer than the previous owner, add a personal garden, and possibly add an orchard.

The zoning change will result in lower property taxes for the owner. 

Neighbors on each side of the argument shared their views.  Some believe that it would be a good thing because in its natural state, the land is home to beavers and coyotes, and the current owner is doing a good job with clean-up of the property.  Others are concerned that the owner could change his mind in the future and add something different, such as riding stables.  There is however, an ordinance that would cover this.

City staff recommended denying the application.  However, council approved it.  “At the end of the day, this is a 50/50 tie.  Ties always go to the applicant in my opinion,” Councilman Doug Athas said.

District 5 council election May 8: 
Last minute candidate questions/comments

Kim Everett / May 7, 2010

The candidates for the district 5 council seat race were asked last minute questions and given an opportunity to make comments.  See responses for each candidate below:

Councilman John Willis

Why did this campaign have to become so negative?

I tried to run a positive campaign based on my record – everything that I have achieved – Hypermart, Miller Gardens, working with ALDI, for example.  The incidents that have been brought out from the past are all a matter of public record.  During the forums, people asked about it because it was relevant to them.

A special interest group is attempting to buy this election for its members with little or no regard for the impact on the financial health of the entire city.  They will continue to recruit candidates to run against any council member who opposes their demands.

There were people who were offended by the firefighters union being referred to as a special interest group.  Why do you classify them as such?

They are a political action committee recognized as such by the Texas Ethics Commission.  They use their union dues to fund campaigns.  They are by definition a special interest group.  The Garland Fire Department is not a special interest group; the Garland Fire Union is.

They want council members replaced because during the 2009-2010 budget talks they put forward a proposal that would have artificially created a cash crisis inside GP&L, developing a need to pull money out of the rate mitigation fund.  It wouldn’t have been necessary under ordinary business – just to fund their benefits, their salary.  Raiding utility funds for projects that they are not intended for is bad fiscal policy and something I won’t do.  

The opposition is not David McNeely.  He just happens to be the name they filled in the blank.  The campaign would have been the same because it has been run by consultants, Fire Advocacy Corporation of Texas, which charges a lot of money from fire unions across the region to get them political influence.  Joe Counter of FACT is the consultant running this campaign, and it’s financed by the fire union.

Campaign finance reports show that the first flyer that was mailed out on his [David McNeely’s] behalf cost $4,500.  The second one was $3,900 and change.  Using that as a guide, you can extrapolate how much six flyers would cost.  Add in the political signs and automated calls and it’s beginning to add up to a number that’s very close to $20,000.

Explain why bonuses were given to management staff when city employees’ salaries were cut by 1.15 percent.

The bonuses given to management were given the same budget year that all staff received a  3.5 percent raise.  There is a difference between the fiscal year, which starts in September, and the calendar year which starts in January.   The next fiscal year, no one received any bonuses, and everyone received the same 1.15 percent pay cut.  This fact is clearly known by the fire union, yet they continue to muddy those waters.

Some feel that you are against small businesses because of code compliance crackdowns on businesses on South Garland Avenue.

Basically, certain types of businesses have enjoyed a political shield.  That didn’t do the city or the neighborhoods any favors.  Allowing businesses, especially along a gateway corridor to decline is wrong.  Allowing what are essentially junk yards immediately next door to residential with a chain link fence separating the two.  It’s a zoning violation, bad planning, and it’s bad for the city.

All commercial properties are being looked at now the same way Code Compliance looks at residential.  It’s vitally important that all the property in the city be well-maintained.  We’re built out, and we can’t allow the existing structures to continue to decay and degrade.  The only way to continue moving forward is to keep the properties up, to re-invest in the properties.

Why should district 5 residents vote for you?

I enjoy working with neighbors to help improve the area, coordinating with neighboring businesses and their needs.  Solving problems is the thing I really enjoy the most.  I worked to get Miller Gardens Apartments demolished.  I’m working with the new owner of the Hypermart building and developer to get something done there.   I addressed the concerns of the neighborhoods during the development of the ALDI store.

The Shiloh & Wood fire station didn’t have an ambulance, even though it serves IH 635, and I worked to get an ambulance at every station.  I’ve worked with neighborhoods on revitalization needs.

Over the last two years the seminars and conferences I’ve gone to, listening to nationally recognized experts in many different fields, talking to city leaders from cities across the country and how they have solved similar problems has equipped me to better address issues.

I’ve knocked on hundreds of doors, put out thousands of mailers, just tried to get the message out.  Two years ago, the voters said by a margin of 58 percent that they were ready for a change.  That’s a pretty big margin.

Candidate David McNeely

This campaign got fairly nasty.  Personal information about the past was brought out and accusations of ineffectiveness were made.  Do you feel that this could have been avoided or that it was necessary?

I ran a campaign based on the issues that deal directly with district 5. From the beginning I have said that I will run an honest and respectable campaign addressing only issues that deal directly with our district. At the end of the day, I know that I have been fair and honest with everyone involved and that I have done the best job I possibly could.

I will not compromise myself or my campaign and stoop to negative and dirty politics. Regardless of the outcome, I am very proud of all of the citizens and businesses that have reached out to be a part of my campaign; it meant the world to me. This was a grassroots effort from a grassroots candidate and I could not be more proud of everyone involved for showing great character given the factors involved.

Is it accurate that you have never voted in a municipal election?  If so, why not?

Upon returning from the Navy, I was not happy with what my community had become. Every intersection had a broken down strip mall or a vacated shopping center. South Garland was suffering at North Garlands expense. I didn’t think our choices were adequately representing our interests. But that does not mean I have not been an active part of my community. I have volunteered as a case worker at my church helping local families in need of various forms of assistance. I have volunteered at Southgate Elementary for several years tutoring children in grades 3-5 in the areas of math, science, reading and social studies. I felt that in serving in those capacities, I could make a real difference.

You expressed that you were offended by the group being referred to as a special interest group.  Please explain.

Any group that risks their lives on a daily basis to insure the safety of an entire community is not a special interest group. Most of those residents who attended the forums agreed with me as well. Is the U.S. military considered special interest? Not at all.

I find it ironic, but mostly sad that Mr. Willis chose to label the Fire Fighters Association AND the Lake Cities Realtors Association as special interest groups only after he sat for the same endorsement committee boards that I did, and did not get the nomination.

Also, I would like to point out that Mr. Willis has publicly stated that he will never accept campaign contributions from “special interest groups.”  He has even put it on one of his signs at Kingsley and Saturn Rd. But according to his own information that he filed, he accepted a somewhat sizable donation from a special interest group in Irving. As a citizen and resident of district 5, that just seems completely wrong.

Were you recruited to run for the council seat by a member of the firefighters union?

No, I was not. I was talking to a longtime friend and next door neighbor about the current state of our community which was frequently the topic of our conversation. And it was then that I saw the opportunity to make a difference.

Has the firefighters union spent near $20,000 on your campaign - for mailouts, signs, etc.?

I am not sure about the amount. But I do know running a quality campaign can be very costly, especially when you are trying to get the truth out to the voters in the face of negative campaign tactics.

Your view is that the city does not have enough police and firefighters.  How do you propose to fund adding more?

First, I am for the gradual implementation of police officers. We are well below national standards, and when compared to eight surrounding major cities, we rank second to the last on public safety expenditures.

Between the mandated furloughs days and the short staffed shifts, we are paying a huge overtime rate for off duty fire and police to adequately staff shifts. There are a good number of our public safety officers working 2-3 days extra at an overtime rate. I doubt this is very cost beneficial. Plus, I propose to stop handing out hefty bonuses to administrative department heads while we are over 5 million in debt.

Your lack of experience has been brought up often by your opponent.  You have said that it could be a positive.  Please explain.

I think it is time for a fresh perspective, a councilman that is willing to go to bat for the residents of district 5. The majority of people that take it upon themselves to contact me do so because they say that Willis is not responsive to their concerns.

There are several real issues that the people want addressed, but these issues never get placed on the agenda. I will pledge that the residents’ concerns will be my agenda and I will represent them to the best of my ability. I want to be the voice of the people of district 5.

You are opposed to Code Compliance's treatment of the car lots on South Garland Ave.  How would you have handled the situation to get the area cleaned up?

The car lots are no different than any other business in Garland whether it’s a flower shop or a grocery store. They should all be treated equitably. They understand that automotive based businesses are not aesthetically pleasing and they want to improve their lots, but they need someone that will work directly with them, not impose an automotive overlay to drive them out of town. I want, expect and demand equitable treatment for all businesses and residents. We have residents that don’t call Code Compliance out of fear of retaliation. That should never happen.

Give the top reasons residents of district 5 should vote for you.

I was born and raised in Garland; I have seen firsthand the type of community that we used to be and what we have become. I pledge to be a council member that is accessible, responsive and above all honest. I have a strong work ethic combined with dedication and perseverance, and I believe that I can adequately assist the residents of district 5 with their concerns. I have served my country in the military, and if the good people of district 5 elect me as their councilman, I will serve my community responsibly, ethically and with values that we can all be proud of.

Northwest Highway improvements

Changes that will be made to Northwest Highway between LaPrada and Centerville in a partnership between the city of Garland and Dallas County were explained.  The funding for Garland’s half of the financial responsibility has been allocated in the Capital Improvement Program.  Improvements include drainage and water improvements, expansion from four to six lanes, and the addition/replacement of sidewalks.

Ordinance changes 

Childcare facilities – Proposed changes are currently covered by state law, but the city must approve the changes so that they will have the authority to enforce them.  The state relies on the city to do inspections, which results in a need for the city to have enforcement authority.

Junked cars – The ordinance will be revised to clarify definitions and reduce the number of days that are allowed for removal of junked vehicles.

Plastipak Packaging and Valspar nominations for Texas Enterprise Zone Program

Council approved the nomination of Plastipak Packaging for the Texas Enterprise Zone Program.  They will be investing significant funds in their facility over the next five years, which will increase city business personal property tax by almost $35,000.

Valspar plans to invest $14 million for a building expansion, which will mean more than $97,000 annually in taxes to the city.  They requested a 75 percent city tax abatement on the new investment portion only over the next 10 years.  Consensus was reached to go forward.

Financial update

According to George Kauffman, director of financial services for the city, there have been improvements in the economy, and residential foreclosures have decreased.  Commercial foreclosures, however, are still high in the Dallas/Fort Worth area.

Bond ratings are as follows:

City manager’s 2010 management agenda

City Manager Bill Dollar shared with council the newly revised mission statement and set of core values for city employees:

Mission statement:  In recognition of the trust placed in us by the public, we value teamwork and collaboration in providing quality services and products for the good of the community and organization in a cost effective manner.

Core values:  Value and respect employees as individuals recognizing that each contributes to providing quality results to our community.  Value honest and open communication between employees, management, city council, and the community.  Respond to the needs and expectations of the community.  Value new ideas, perspectives, and innovations that improve the organization’s effectiveness.

Dollar outlined specific plans for carrying these out.

CDBG-HOME-ESG Budget funding allocations

Allocations for disbursement to non-profit organizations was discussed.  Most organizations that receive funding from this program will be funded at the same amount as last year.  Hope Clinic, New Beginning Center, the Police Boxing Gym, and the Dental Health Program will receive increases over last year’s amount.

Councilman Doug Athas – District 1

Posted April 26, 2010

Why do you wish to continue as the council member for district 1?

Much of my effort the last two terms has been advocating for a vision forward for the city that addresses our challenges as we reach build-out, the decline typical of most first-tier suburbs, and developing fiscal policy that will sustain the city and enhance growth. Many of those initiatives will be unveiled this year. I look forward to helping shepherd the policies that mean a stronger, healthier future for Garland.

What are the biggest challenges/problems that your district is currently facing?

Like most areas of the country, the recession is hitting businesses and residents hard in District 1. The growth in the district has slowed considerably. Reasonable services, infrastructure, and taxes must be in place when the economy begins to climb out of this recessionary hole. It would be easy to “hibernate” through these challenging times but we must be awake and eager to take advantage of opportunities as soon as they become available. Equally important is being able to examine and pass on the easy opportunities that would ultimately hurt our growth.

What can be done to solve those problems?

First, by not thinking we know all the answers and to look as far and wide as possible for best practices. Second, to not be afraid of changing the status quo, especially when the status quo means stagnation. Third, to use the capital we have most: our citizens and their expertise.

People tell me that they hear Garland referred to in many negative ways -- What do you feel could/should be done to improve Garland's overall reputation?

For a city literally surrounded by other cities, we are oftentimes intentionally very isolated. We are an old town with a history almost as old as Dallas. We have had our own identity for so long that we haven’t often sought or particularly cared what other people think. In the 80’s we quickly grew to be a bedroom community of Dallas but one with an employment base, its own power utility, and long traditions. To compete in the region, statewide, nationally, and increasingly internationally, we now need to care what others say and think to favorably attract their attention and business. For that, we do have to reach out to those that don’t know the city, the talent, and the services available here. Many areas of the city look dated. Like suburbs everywhere, we’ve boxed ourselves between ordinances that require spread-out development that costs a great deal to maintain and the wall we are about to hit where new development can’t save us financially from the sectors that have been declining.

We have to adopt development codes that allow infill development, encourage new housing choices, create unique neighborhoods with character, and protect the health and safety of our citizens. Challenges, yes, but nothing that is not feasible and for which there are ready examples of success in other parts of the country. The first obstacle will be admitting the need for changes, considering some new models other than those few we’ve seen exclusively for fifty years, and having the confidence in ourselves that we can improve our community, that we aren’t at a number of dead-ends. We aren’t.

If you could change one thing about the city as a whole, what would it be?

It’s unfortunate that our development rules have led to these subdivision enclaves of economic singularity rather than diversity. For most of our history, we were a community of neighborhoods that had some mixture of people from various ages and social and economic levels. There was no disincentive to remodeling and improving our homes. In the 70’s and 80’s, we started building subdivisions that made re-investment a losing cause because most nearby houses were essentially the same value. To overbuild was to waste the investment. We saw a great deal of movement from the older sections of Garland to the newer because it was the easiest way to protect the investment each of us has in our homes. We’ve reached a wall now and we either learn to enhance our existing neighborhoods or our citizens will make their next move across the city limits.

What do you see as the city's most valuable asset?

It is undoubtedly our history and emphasis on families. Many Garland families have been here for generations, which is very unusual in most suburbs. We have always been a family-friendly town where our youth could comfortably grow and learn. Even today, for a city our size, we are still amazing true to that history. We have many splendid churches, scout groups, athletic groups, and other family organizations. A second asset worth mentioning are the excellent services citizens receive through the city, such as fire and ambulance services, regular collection of trash and recyclables, weekly bulky-item pick up, and very reliable power. Actually, the list of valuable assets is very long.

Mayor Pro Tem / District 2 Representative Laura Perkins Cox

Posted April 26, 2010

Why do you wish to continue as the council member for district 2?

So that I can continue working hard for families, businesses, and neighborhoods in District 2, as I have been doing since 2006. 

What are the biggest challenges/problems that your district is currently facing?

Like the city and our nation, families and businesses in District 2 have suffered because of the national economic downturn.

What can be done to solve those problems?

These problems will resolve as the economy rebounds. In the meantime, I am focused on ensuring that any Garland resident who needs city services can get them delivered quickly, efficiently, and effectively. 

People tell me that they hear Garland referred to in many negative ways -- What do you feel could/should be done to improve Garland's overall reputation?

I think we need to tell the story of what’s great about Garland more than we do.  Garland is recognized nationally as an innovative, efficient, and frugal city.  Many cities have copied our programs, especially in Code Compliance.  Many of our nearby communities are unaware of the great things Garland has done, and is doing.  I would challenge anyone who has a negative view of Garland to come and see what we are really about.

If you could change one thing about the city as a whole, what would it be?

I love Garland - it’s my hometown.  It is a great city, and a great place to live.  I would not live anywhere else.

What do you see as the city's most valuable asset?

Our people are our most valuable asset.  Our community volunteers, city and public safety workers, business owners, and families make this community a strong, vibrant, hopeful, and inclusive community. 

District 5 council race hotly contested

Kim Everett / April 22, 2010

The City Council election for District 5 has been discussed and debated between residents in that district and other districts as well. 

For those who remain undecided on which candidate would best represent the district, a list of questions was sent to each in an effort to clarify their positions and opinions on issues the district and the city are facing.  

I am running for city council because I am a concerned resident of South Garland, and I don’t think that we are being adequately represented at this time. We are not being heard.

I don’t see many positive changes coming from the existing council, and the current first-term city councilmember from District 5 is not a vocal proponent for South Garland.

As the councilmember from District 5, I will focus on substantial and sustainable economic development in South Garland, working to ensure that public safety remains a top priority in our city and neighborhoods, working for open and transparent government, and improving basic city services and amenities for our citizens.

South Garland used to be a great place to live and it is filled with wonderful people, both established citizens who have lived here for years and younger families trying to carve out a nice place to raise their children; but South Garland needs new life breathed back into it, and that can only be accomplished with the city taking an active and prolonged lead in the revitalization process.

What is good for South Garland is good for Garland as a whole.

Economic development, public safety, and city services are my top priorities.

The city needs to work with the Chamber of Commerce to do whatever it takes to incentivize businesses to open up in South Garland. With quality stores and shops come jobs, increased quality of life, and pride in community.

I want to see a greater presence of law enforcement in South Garland, I want to increase programs aimed at allowing citizens to interact with our police officers and fire department personnel and I want citizens, my neighbors, to know that the city is listening to them when it comes to cleaning up the areas around their neighborhoods.

We need to find economic balance between the boom in the northern part of our city and the decay in the southern part of the city. If we are going to improve the city’s image as a whole we must strive to improve South Garland’s image.

Again, I think bringing quality business to the area is paramount, but it is a difficult challenge because South Garland is already plagued with negative stigma and a reputation for having a code compliance and building inspection department that is difficult to work with.

We need to work with the Chamber of Commerce and put out the word that we are a pro-small-business community, and we will do what is necessary in order to promote economic growth in District 5.

I would change our city by strengthening our public safety measures. For a community to flourish economically and to be able to provide a quality of life that ensures public safety and creates a place where people choose to live, we must provide a level of security that we are currently falling short on.

I am one of the residents who feel this way. We have had some renovation and updating of the Meadowcreek shopping center at Centerville and Northwest Highway, and I will gladly give credit where credit is due. But, it is nothing compared to Firewheel Mall, Lowe’s, Home Depot, Best Buy, eateries, and smaller businesses flourishing in North Garland.

We just lost our Target to Mesquite, and now we have another vacant shopping center to add to our list of other vacant shopping centers.

Revitalizing South Garland has to be THE top priority of the next councilmember from District 5 and one of the top priorities of the Garland City Council.

My position is that they should be treated just as any other business in Garland. I have personally spoken to the Garland Automotive Business Association and they said that they understand the concerns of those who feel like they are aesthetically unpleasing, and they are committed to improving their lots. I will work with them to see that this is accomplished.