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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMayor's Newsletter 10/93 h r ette __- 4y r ���+� a �ccleaa ©��aGer f993 Euless updates from your mayor. . . Now that the cooler temperatures have arrived,I hope you are enjoying µ n this ssue the many fall activities in our city and neighboring communities. If Page 2-3--1994 budget approved. youhave not read your Leisure Page 4--October is Fire Preven- Times booklet, please do so and tion Month learn of the activities provided by Page S--New police programs our Community Services Depart- Page 6--November election in- ment. Extra copies are available in formation the Library and Midway Recreation Center. Page 7--Northeast Transporta- tionThe City Council passed the 1993- System approved . 94 city budget in September and all Page 8--Committees at work those in attendance at the public Council takes time and talent and is hearing seemed pleased with the budget. No one spoke against the a service to our city.Candidates who have registered have made a com- budget. Ithank our staff for the dili- Mayor Mary Lib Saleh mitment to service along with their gent work in putting together aread- able, conscientious budget, and I time and talents. I hope you will use thank our councilmembers for all service on a cost-effective basis.The your time to vote for the person you their time and study and decisions in Northeast Transportation System is feel the best qualified to serve our making this a balanced budget of coordinated through the YMCA. citizens. It is your right and your which the citizens will be proud. NETS will be available to qualifying duty to VOTE! Please refer to the articles in this disabled individuals, senior citizens We are so excited about our future newsletter for detailed information (over age 60) and other qualifying in the economic development arena. on the budget. residents as defined by the laws and You've read about the remodeled ' funding guidelines. Call 428-NETS Ramada Inn on Highway 183 that You are all aware of how hot July for further information.The Council will re-open in early 1994. . .the fu- and August were with no rain and sincerely hopes the NETS program ture prospects for an upscale mall in thus a high water consumption by will provide the services that many our city look great,and we will keep our citizens. We are happy to an- of our citizens need. nounce a two-cent decrease in water you posted. . .the La Quinta Inn has rates and aone-cent decrease in Our Euless Development Corpora- featured a new facelift. . .a new res- sewer rates because of lower charges tion board has met and our citizen taurant has opened in the Kroger to the city by the Trinity River Au- members are Sonja Adams,Edward shopping center on Harwood Road. + thority. We will continue to monitor Denari and Miles Pritchard. We are we have four new housing Bevel- meeting with our library consultant, opments under construction. . .sev- thesthese rates closely in order to pro- you the best cost possible. Mr. Lee Brawner, and we hope to eral more to come. . . vide have some realistic plans in the near We are Building a Better Tomor- The City Council voted to approve future. If you have any suggestions row. participation in the Northeast Trans- for the new library,please put them portation System (NETS) for the in the suggestion box in the library. y� coming year. We agreed to partici- On Nov. 2, we will be electing a v1 pate for one year so we can evaluate councilperson to fill a vacancy in the Mary Lib Saleh the number of our citizens using the Mayor Place 5 position.Serving on the City s 1993-94 balanced budget approved with The 1994 budget reviewed and ap- gave the city a good basis to start the value may pay less taxes than last proved by the Euless City Council next financial year,according to city year. last month offered citizens no effec- officials. Water users will see a decrease of tive tax rate increase,lower rates for A decline in the property values two cents in waterrates and one water and sewer usage and still and an adjustment in the property tax cent in sewer rates per 1,000 gal- touted the ability to fund several new rate will keep approximately the lons used.The decrease is a result of programs for citizens. same amount of revenues coming in a decrease in charges by the Trinity Higher sales tax collections,higher to the city's general fund.A property River Authority which supplies water consumption and other factors owner who sees a decline in property ` `` ' � a : P. :::: .::::::::::::::: : .:::: :. :: . ..::... :. . . . ............. Every Week in Euless Typical Tax Bill We provide these services Change in city taxes paid FY94 to you . . . loam Issue 33 warrants Make 70 arrests $479 1495 Recover$22,500 in stolen property :....:............Ssss Respond to 1,036 calls for service $371Respond to 25 calls for emergency medical service Make 19 fire inspections Conduct 4 fire prevention classes to an average 68 people $240 . . .. : Issue 156 building&miscellaneous permits Pick up 25 animals Give 28 summertime swim lessons ''' Loan 456 videos to patrons ...:.... Loan 3,237 library materials to patrons va `ts0000 ............. w .ps000 v x s,00000 Repair 70 potholes FY93 $ 240 $ 359 $ 479 Respond to 133 water service calls FY94 $ 248 $ 371 S 495 Pump 6,370,307 gallons of water Collect 24 tons of recyclable materials from 8,805 homes Tax bill includes the standard 20 percent Process 404 filed cases in municipal court homestead exemption. Senior citizens over the age of 65 may apply for an addi- Maintain 19 fire hydrants tional $30,000 exemption. rate decreases, new programs water and sewer services to Euless ment in the schools and a teen court method of getting around Northeast and surrounding cities. for juvenile offenders who wish to Tarrant County. ■ Sales tax revenues continue to rise be tried by their peers and serve above expectations, giving the city community service terms as op- more to work with in the general posed to the traditional fines. fund. The half-penny sales tax ap- A court of record was also approved According the National League proved by voters last January will be for Euless,which will enable the city of Cities, cities across the nation used for the library, parks and eco- to reduce appeals formerly lost are raising tax rates,amounting to an average of$7.87 per resident in nomic development. through the county process. The Northeast Transportation Service additional tax revenue. Fees for Several new programs will be im- p services such as water and sewer plemented in the new budget year, was also approved and will begin usage are also going up across the including police motorcycle units Nov. 1 to provide the disabled, se- country an average of$3.99 per for increased traffic safety, four nior citizens and the transportation resident for a fiscal year. youth action officers in Euless disadvantaged with a low-cost schools for increased law enforce- Average homeowner What's in it for me? overlapping tax liability Based on an average home value of $71,166 and a homestead ex- emption of 20 percent,each house- HEB ISD hold will pay$352 in city taxes for 1.515 the year,or$29 per month to sup- port these city services: *24-hour police protection ti. *24-hour fire protection *24-hour ambulance service College 0.04671 Maintenance of all public streets Library facility and service <:::<>:<:.<:«:::::::::::::::>::::>:::... Hospital Park facilities .242 0 1 Recreation facilities and activities ------------- City of Euless County *Animal control services 0.618617 0.27188 *Environmental health services *Building inspections services Based on an average home value sr Code enforcement services of $71 ,166, which does not include *Traffic control any exemptions, the total overlap- *Cultural events, including Arbor Daze and ping tax liability for 1993 for a citizen the Fall Music Festival was $1 ,917. As the graph indicates, less than one-fourth of all taxes paid by a rope owner to the City . .Q....... :.:...:.::.>.::. of Euless. $3521year=$56,933 x.618617 per$100 valuation Octoberfocuses on fire prevention Teachers often focus on teaching children subjects such as math and reading, but a group of Euless fire- fighters will visit local schools this month in an effort to teach lessons of r life and death. October is NationalY' Fire Prevention Month and the Eu- '� t less Fire Department hopes to teach a kids the lessons that will save them from the tragedy of fire,which kills 5,500 people in this country every year. Education is one reason why there ' ; _ have been no fire deaths in Euless .� for some time,said Public Education Coordinator Franchot Thomas, but the education process is a never-end- Driver engineer George Buttler and Firefighter James Rowell display the props they ing one. will use to teach children about fire prevention. "Our focus is to make children aware of the hazards of fire,how to parents should encourage in the teach the lessons of fire prevention prevent the fire from happening and home before an accident occurs. to area children. Thomas said the how to survive a fire if faced with "We see too many times when par- Fire Prevention Task Force teaches that situation,"Thomas said. ents do not have a plan for escape students in grades one through six, One of the most important factors from the home during a fire, and a and each grade level is taught a spe- in teaching children about fire pre- common meeting area has not been cific program with props and lan- vention is parental involvement, established,"Thomas said. "Parents guage they can understand. Thomas said. may panic and go back into a bum- A poster contest is also a part of the "We encourage kids to take this ing home to save a child who may month-long educational program, program home and share what already be out and on the other side and last year, students submitted they've learned with their parents," of the house." over 5,000 posters.Two posters will Thomas said."Parents need to know During the month of October, a be chosen from each grade level and what the children are learning." team of six firefighters who have put on display in Northeast Mall to Thomas said fire prevention is an undergone special training will go compete with posters from other important topic of discussion that into Euless elementary schools to HEB schools. An awards ceremony will be held for the top winners. ■ Safety alert issued for consumer products The following information is provided by the Texas Commission on Fire Protection and the Euless Fire Department in an effort to alert consumers to potential fire hazards caused by appliances. *Gampak Products portable outdoor flood light,model number 15836.The connecting extension cord is defective presenting a potential electric shock or fire hazard.Consumers should immediately return the affected flood lights to the stores where they were purchased for a replacement. Consumers with questions may call the manufacturer toll-free at 1-800-843-7488. * Sears Kenmore dishwashers sold after February 1990.The dishwasher's timer may catch fire.The company has received 30 reports of timer failures due to shorting out and overheating. Consumers may call 1-800-998-8470 to arrange for free repairs. ■ Lt. Franchot Thomas ><> .. Breaking the barriers ❑New police programs fight crime while earning citizen support To catch a criminal, you've got to schools this year. The move is the think like one. And you've got to The Euless Police Depart- district's answerto combatting cam- chase one down without the con- ment is encouraging inter- pus violence as well as offering pos- finements of a traditional patrol car. ested residents to join or itive role models for students. For Euless officers, the next year holds a variety of changes which start up neighborhood Officers will be stationed at Trinity will make catching the law-breaker crime prevention associa- High School, Central Junior High an easier task. tions. The Police Depart- School, Euless Junior High School ment Can furnish our and the K.E.Y.S. Learning Center. Criminals beware the bicycle f y The officers will be responsible for Two officers in the Euless Police group with information o law enforcement on campus,educa- Department have already begun a get started. Neighborhood tional programs, public relations bicycle patrol which has not only Watch groupsare one of and guidance service. shown results in arrests and the community's best "We think this program will help thwarted crimes,but has also been a crime prevention methods, students and teachers in many ways huge success with the community, police said. Call 685-1536 while encouraging teenagers to re- according to Officer Marco to find out how your neigh- spect uniformed officers," said Valladares. Valladares and fellow borhood can et involved. Capt. Joey Ziemian of the Euless officer Chris Alt work as a team to g Police Department. cover the city's southwest side.The The officers will be on campus dur- two spend approximately half of Youth Action Officers ing all school hours and will attend their shift on the bicycles and the other half in the patrol car. Ina joint effort with the HEB Inde- extra-curricular activities. ■ "With the bicycles we are able to Pendent School District, the Euless ride around in the apartment com- Police Department will place four plexes where the people are," uniformed police officers in Euless Valladares said. "We can get into places where cars can't normally go, and hug the shadows and the walls." Valladares said the pair has already surprised several suspects and thwarted some would-be crimes. "By the time we got close enough for them to realize who we were,we were already there and caught them in the act," he said of a recent bust that resulted in the confiscation of t illegal drugs. f , Supervising Sgt. Harland West- moreland said the bicycles make the ._ officers more accessible to citizens and provide a public relations tool in the community. Westmoreland said Police officers Marco Valladares and Chris Alt display the new mountain bicycles both children and adults respect and used by Euless Police to patrol selected areas of the city at night. The department admire the officers because the bar- hopes to expand the new patrol service after studying its effectiveness for a trial rier posed by a patrol car is broken. period. November election covers city, state issues Euless voters will have the opportu- Oct. 13-15 8 a.m.to 5 p.m. held at Midway Recreation Center nity Nov. 2 to select a new coun- Oct. 18-22 8 a.m.to 5 p.m. and Bear Creek Elementary School, cilmember and decide on 16 state Oct.23 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. depending on a voter's precinct. constitutional amendments as the Hours on Nov.2 are 7 a.m.to 7 p.m. fall election gets underway. Place 5 Oct. 24 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information about the elec- which was vacated in Augustwill be Oct. 25-27 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. tion,contact the City Secretary's Of- on the city ballot. This term expires Oct. 28-29 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. fice at 685-1434. ■ in May 1994 and will be up for election again. Candidates for the Place 5 position Early voting for Euless residents will be held at the Midway Recre- will appear on the ballot as follows: Shirly Lowe, Glenn D. Walker, Ja- ation Center,or residents may go to nice Griffin,Bill Williams and Larry the Muller Building in Fort Worth at Barthel. 600 W. Weatherford St. Residents O may vote early by mail by obtainingt Early voting begins Oct. 13 and a ballot from the Tarrant County continues through Oct.29.Hours for Elections Administration. Call 884- voting are as follows: 1115 for more information. Regular election day voting will be Airport Update Sulphur Branch Update ❑City waits to hear decisions of various courts Work has been completed on the City officials are encouraged by troversial expansion plan is the con- north phase of the drainage proj- positive steps taken in some aspects stitutionality of the bill passed by the ect in Morrisdale Estates and of the airport issue, but the answers Senate, SB348, which stripped the construction improvements to to some questions will remain unan- cities of their authority to zone prop- the Woodvine Drive bridge will swered for a little while erty owned by the begin soon on this major drain- longer as three different airport.Airport offi- age project in south Euless, ac- courts listen to argu- 0 .:::: cials filed the case in cording to city engineers. ments from Dallas-Fort Fort Worth's district The first phase of the project Worth International Air- .... :,:::................. court to prove the was completed below the pro- port and the cities of Eu- constitutionality of jected costs, and the city has ac- less, Grapevine and the bill soon after it cepted the lowest bid on the Irving. was passed by the construction for the bridge. The U.S. Federal Circuit Court of Texas Legislature. The city has set a goal of acquir- Appeals heard arguments on Oct. 1 Still another suit pending in the Dal- ing all of the right of way needed about the validity of the Environ- las district court deals with the zon- to construct the channel in the mental Impact Statement issued by ing rights of the cities. The Texas neighborhood by the end of 1993. the FAA regarding the proposed run- Supreme Court ruled in favor of the The work for the channel will be ways and their environmental impact cities' rights to zoning authority,but bid in early spring 1994 and Con- on the surrounding areas. The court the case has been remanded back to struction should begin in late will announce its decision in three district court since SB348 was summer 1994. The channel months, but city officials said the passed by the Legislature.Decisions should take two years for com- outlook was positive. from the two district courts are not pletion. ■ Another issue in the airport's con- expected in the near future. ■ ' `., Euless Adopts NETS Coming Attractions Transportation Program *The Euless Public Library Funding for cluding medical, social services, holds a storytime readingevery Wednesday and the Northeast shopping and quality of life trips. Transportation "The Euless City Council feel that Thursday at 11 a.m. S e r v i c e , NETS is a vital program for our cit- *Let's Talk About Books, known as izens and one that could not be over- an adult program,is held at NETS,is a part looked as we worked out the fiscal the library the first Tues- of the 1994 city budget, and city budget," said Mayor Mary Lib day of every month at 1:30 residents will see the advantages this Saleh. "We found the funding for p.m. winter when NETS begins services NETS in 1994 and we are moving to Euless Nov. 1. The program, The Euless Music Shop P g ahead to implement this service." brings music,fun,humor which serves Northeast Tarrant g County, would bring reduced-rate The cost N the rider for a one-way and gourmet desserts to the transportation to the elderly, physi- $2.5trip 0 the NETS systemise ser and Ruth Millican Center every cally disadvantaged and others who provides fora round trip. The service month with the following are without transportation in Euless. Provides minibuses equipped with lineup: wheelchair lifts for seniors,disabled p: NETS is operated by the YMCA and transportation disadvantaged. Saturday,Nov.6, 1993 and participating cities pay a sub- To use the service, residents must Emily Kaitz scription fee of$.35 per capita for make application to the YMCA.For Saturday,Dec.4, 1993 14ETS to serve citizens. Trips are more information on NETS, call Chuck Pyle scheduled in order of priority, in- 428-NETS. ■ Saturday,Jan.8, 1994 Allen Damron Council appoints citizen volunteers Saturday,Feb.5, 1993 The Austin Lounge Lizards The Euless City Council appointed Parks and Leisure Services Saturday,March 5, 1993 or re-appointed over 40 citizens this Board: Lynn Moffatt, Richard Trout Fishing in America month to serve on boards and com- McNeese, Stephen O'Brien and Starlight Musicals proudly missions which aid and advise the Charles Behms. presents "The Fantastiks," City Council on a multitude of sub- Planning and Zoning Commis- a musical dinner theater jects.Appointments included: sion: Nancy Bright, Robert at the Ruth Millican Center Advisory Board for Social Con- McMillon and Billy Owens. Nov. 12, 13, 19 and 20, at cerns: Teresa Walker,Harry Reiss, Street Naming Committee: Ray 7 p.m. Advance tickets Debra Kaiser,Tina Harrison,Donna Kester. Bonenberger, Janice Griffin and available by calling (817) Robert Bouse. Zoning Board of Adjustment: 685-1666. Marland Ernest, Jack Hill, Jim � Starlight Musicals will Economic Development Advisory Huneycutt and Jeff Welch. g Board: Gary Green,Gene Jernigan, present ��A Country Bill Pasteur, Barbara Polk, John Animal Shelter Advisory Board: Christmas Carol" Dec. u Voss,Glenn Walker,Basil St. Clair, Dolores Hailey and Karen Hanvey. 10, 11, 17 and 18, at the John Deithloff and Neal Adams. Historical Preservation Commit- Ruth Millican Center. Industrial Development Board: tee: Weldon Cannon and Geri P t�The Annual Christmas Mary Lib Saleh, Henry Boatright, Donwortlt. For information on the meeting Tree Lighting will be held Bobby Baker, Todd Smith, Law- g Nov. 30 at the Cit Hall rence Lubrano,Helen Lightbody and dates orpurpose of any of these com- y Harold Samuels. mittees, please call the City Complex, 201 N. Ector Library Board: Betty Fuller, Secretary's Office at 685-1434. Drive. Join us for holiday merriment and a few sur- Joyce Yamamoto, Mike McGehee and Russell Schoonover. prises! 4 [`> City of Euless Phone List The Mayor's Newsletter is a publication of the City of Euless, printed on a quarterly basis or as a Emergency 911 supplement to the Leisure Times magazine. Police Department(non-emergency) 685-1500 Mayor Fire Department(non-emergency) 685-1600 Mary Lib Saleh Animal Shelter 685-1592 City Council Building Permits/Inspections 685-1622 Bobby Baker,Mayor Pro Tem City Manager 685-1420 Frank Douglass City Secretary 685-1434 Todd Smith Municipal Court 685-1460 Charlie Miller Finance 685-1430 Henry Boatright Fire Marshal 685-1635 City Manager Garbage Service 283-3092 Tom Hart Job Line 685-1450 Assistant City Manager Library 685-1480 Joe C. Hennig Midway Recreation Center 685-1666 Parks and Community Services 685-1660 City Secretary Susan Crim Personnel 685-1450 Planning and Development 685-1630 Editor/Photographer Public Information Officer 685-1429 Katherine Thompson, Public Information Officer Recycling Hotline 685-1825 Desktop/Layout/Graphics Streets/Utilities 685-1580 Becky Null, Administrative Secretary Water Office 685-1470 Euless citizens at work . . . -,7 1 z 4, aN 3 a The Euless Development Corporation is working diligently to The Historical Preservation Committee has taken on several advise the City Council on the use of revenues brought in by tasks since its inception one year ago,including an Iron Bridge the new half-cent sales tax. Standing are Assistant City Man- Party,preservation of old photographs and a record of city ager Joe Hennig and Economic Development Director Tom history.Members are,from left to right:Evelyn Himes,Helen Cox. Seated from left to right are: Councilmember Charlie Payton,Nina Winters,Vice Chairman Bill Byers,Chairwoman Miller, Mayor Pro Tem Bobby Baker, Sonja Adams, City Diana Crawford,Mazie Eden,Jean Whitener and Betty Fuller. Manager Tom Hart, Mayor Mary Lib Saleh, City Secretary Not pictured are Iva and Robert Nail. Susan Crim, Miles Pritchard, Councilmember Henry Boat- right and Ed Denari.