April Updated City News & Event Information
Dear Neighbors,
Since my last message to you, a number of items have come up that were not mentioned in my previous email.
Don’t forget, my last Council meeting will be on Tuesday, May 17. After swearing-in our new council members there will be a reception in the lobby. The public is invited to attend a reception for outgoing council members (me).
Please take note of the following as there is always something for everyone going on in our city.
ATTENTION PET OWNERS…TOMORROW, MICROCHIP EVENT
The Farmers Branch Animal Shelter will be offering a low-cost microchip event on Saturday, April 9th, from 10a-2p, in front of the Westlake Ace Hardware Store located at Valley View and Josey. Cost will be $10, cash only.
Look for the Animal Adoption Trailer. Staff will also scan pets, at no cost, to see if your pet already has a chip and they will show owners how to update their contact information in the event your pet is ever lost.
The process takes just minutes and is virtually pain free to pets
CANDIDATE FORUM
The Farmers Branch Chamber of Commerce held a candidate forum at its First Friday Luncheon.
Click FORUM to see the event.
Endorsed Candidates are Richard Jackson for District 4 and Omar Roman for District 1. Both Richard and Omar are supported by the Farmers Branch Police Officers Association and the MetroTex Association of Realtors.
LOCAL ELECTIONS COMING UP
FARMERS BRANCH LOCAL ELECTIONS are right around the corner for Council District 1 and Council District 4
- Early Voting for Farmers Branch Elections begins April 25 and runs thru May 3
- Election Day for Farmers Branch Elections is May 7
- Early Voting runs:
April 25-29 Monday – Friday 8AM TO 5PM
April 30 Saturday 7AM TO 7PM
May 1 Sunday 12PM TO 6PM
May 2-3 Monday & Tuesday 7AM TO 7PM
Make sure your voice is heard…VOTE!
In Farmers Branch, you will be able to vote at Dallas College Brookhaven Campus or at the Manske Library
As a reminder, residents can Vote Anywhere in Dallas County also.
APRIL & MAY CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS
Upcoming City Council meetings for April and May will take place Tuesday, April 19th, May 3rd, and May 17th, at 6pm, in the City Council Chambers. The meetings are open to the public. The Study Sessions will take place at 3:00pm prior to each meeting in the upstairs meeting room.
Citizens are always welcome to address the City Council on any topic during the Citizen Comment portion of Council meetings or on agenda items at the proper time during a Council meeting provided they have signed-up in advance per the Mayor’s order. Citizen Comment Forms must be submitted no later than 5:30pm on Council meeting days. Citizens are given 3 minutes to speak to any topic as long as they are cordial and don’t make disparaging remarks to Council or staff. This is your time to bring issues to the attention of Council and the City.
The agenda for the Council Meetings and Study Sessions may be found by clicking on AGENDA.
Call 972.919.2503 or send an email to Amy Piukana at amy.piukana@farmersbranchtx.gov for more information about speaking.
WANT TO SERVE OUR CITY?…APPLY FOR A BOARD POSITION
The City of Farmers Branch is seeking volunteers to fill annual vacancies for Boards and Commissions. Volunteers requirements are listed below for each board. Please remember we have 7 regular members with 2 alternates for each board. Serving as an alternate does NOT count against your term or effect term limits. (It’s extra time to learn what the board is all about.) Volunteers need to apply online (FBBoards.com) Now – May 1st.
Animal Shelter Advisory Committee– This Committee consists of nine members, one of which is a licensed veterinarian, one city official, one person whose duties include the daily operations of the animal shelter, and one representative from an animal welfare organization. All members of this board serve 2 year terms and must pass a criminal background check.
Art & Culture Committee – This Committee makes recommendations in connection with public art programs and other matters requested by City Council. This Committee has 9 members with special qualifications required for a representative of the Brookhaven College School of Arts, the Carrollton/Farmers Branch ISD Department of Fine Arts, the Firehouse Theatre, the business community, and a resident and/or a local non-profit focused on community art. Members serve two year terms and pass a criminal background check and residency unless otherwise specified.
Historical Preservation & Restoration Board– This Board consists of nine members who must be residents and registered voters of the City of Farmers Branch. All members must pass a criminal background check. Members of this board serve 2 year terms with a six year term limit.
Manske Library Board– The Library Board serves as an advisory board to the City Council and consists of nine members. To be eligible to serve on the Board, a person must be a resident of Farmers Branch, a registered voter, and pass a criminal background check. Members of this board serve 2 year terms with a six year term limit.
Municipal Drainage System Advisory Committee– This Committee includes six members, one member must be a city resident or HOA representative, a representative of the business community, a representative of the construction and development industry within Farmers Branch, current member of the Valwood Improvement Authority Director, and an ex-officio City Council Member. All members of this board must pass a criminal background check and serve 4 year terms.
Parks and Recreation Board– This Board is comprised of nine members. The board makes recommendations in connection with the operation of the park facilities and recreation programs and other matters requested by the City Council or City Administration. All appointees must be a resident of Farmers Branch, a registered voter and pass a criminal background check. Members serve a 2 year term with a six year term limit.
Planning and Zoning Commission– The Planning and Zoning Commission is an advisory board to the City Council concerning matters primarily related to development and land use of private property and the planning of public improvements. The Planning and Zoning Commission is comprised of nine members who must be residents of Farmers Branch, registered voters, and pass a criminal background check. Members serve a 3 year term with a six year term limit.
Senior Advisory Board– The Senior Advisory Board serves as an advisory board to the City Council on all issues relating to The Branch Connection including programs and improvements. The Board is comprised of nine members. To be eligible to serve, each member must be a resident, a registered voter, at least 50 years of age or older, and pass a criminal background check.
Sustainability Committee– The Sustainability Committee assists with sustainable initiatives which includes researching projects directed by City Council. The Committee consists of nine members who are registered voters of Farmers Branch and have passed a criminal background check. Each member serves a 3-year term.
Zoning Board of Adjustments & Building Code Board of Appeals– The ZBA acts as an alternative for the consideration of individual site requests for relief from the interpretation and enforcement of Zoning Ordinances. They review applicant hardships. The Board consists of 9 members. Each member must be a registered voter of Farmers Branch, and pass a criminal background check. Members serve 2 year terms with a six year term limit.
The City Council also appoints members to the Farmers Branch Local Government Corporation, TIF I , TIF II, TIF III Boards, Metrocrest Hospital Authority Board, DART Board and various other community boards, as deemed necessary.
FREE CONCERTS AT THE GROVE
This will be your opportunity to ask Council and Staff questions about a variety of issues and also learn about the following:
- Distribution of your Tax Dollars
- Sign up for city enews
- Learn about the new Solar Farm Project
- Learn about Electric Vehicle charging stations
- Learn about the Water Meter Replacement Program
- Learn about the Fire Hydrant Painting Program
- Learn about the first Night-Themed Park in the country
- Learn about the I-35 Reconstruction Project
- Get the latest on city facility updates
- Learn about the New Multi-Sports Complex to be built in partnership with the Dallas Stars
- + much more
FREE MEAL FOR ACTIVE ADULTS AT TBC
The First Monday Breakfast for May takes place Monday, May 2, at 9am at The Branch Connection and will be limited to the first 100 people. Free for TBC members and $5 for non-members. Come join us for some good food, meet new neighbors and see what all is happening at TBC!
See all of what is happening by reviewing The Branch Connection NEWSLETTER.
As you can see, there’s lots happening in our city… Click on the following links to see what else is going on:
Farmers Branch Historical Park
Farmers Branch Chamber of Commerce
Please let me hear from you regarding any questions, comments or concerns you have about our great city. Thank you again for allowing me to represent you.
Terry