Recap of City Issues - October 2, 2009

During Mayor's Comments at the September 22 Council meeting, Mr. Gene Colley from the Cross Timbers Artist Guild presented Council with a wooden bowl that was crafted from an oak tree removed to make way for FM 2499.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Sue Thompson attended the monthly Precinct 3 Task Force meeting this week.  The monthly meeting is chaired by Denton County Commissioner Bobbie Mitchell with updates on area transportation projects provided by John Polster, Denton County's transportation consultant.  Sue received information FM 407 at FM 2499 is scheduled to open both east and west lanes within the next week.  That is good news for the retail developments along FM 407.  Also, the future improvements of FM 407 from Briarhill Boulevard to Chinn Chapel Road has been the subject of meetings between TXDOT and the North Texas Council of Governments this week.  FM 407 should be included in the November Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) revisions.  The November revision means the earliest TXDOT can get FM 407 improvements back in the letting cycle is January.  In order to meet the January letting, the plans must be sent to Austin by October 15th.  The Dallas District office for TXDOT has assured Denton County the plans will be sent to Austin by the October 15th deadline without fail.  Sue will keep us posted on any new, updated information as it is received.

PUBLIC SAFETY (POLICE AND FIRE)

This week, the police department responded to 142 calls for service, made 106 traffic contacts, made 6 arrests, responded to 1 traffic accident and performed 450 community policing activities.

Christa McAuliffe Elementary School hosted a bicycle rodeo this week and they were assisted by Police Department personnel.

STREET / UTILITY DIVISIONS PROJECTS

Streets:

• The Street Division is in the process of making some concrete street repairs on Highland Shores Boulevard at Lakeside Drive. It will take about two months to make all of the repairs.
• The Street Division trimmed trees on Post Oak Drive that were hanging over into the street and causing visual problems.
• The Street Division cracksealed the asphalt on Mosswood Drive and on Merriman Drive.

PARKS DEPARTMENT

Pilot Knoll crew has been involved in the ongoing project of mulching leaves at the park to keep the camp grounds debris free.

Tony Palesano has been meeting with contractors from Calsense concerning the new irrigation system.

Pedro Miranda and Bill Aycock have been trying out the new John Deere tractor and mower on various parks in the City.

Wes Neinhuser over-seeded the game soccer fields at Unity Park this week

CITY MANAGER / CITY COUNCIL

Councilmember Davis attended the A-train Old Town Station Groundbreaking for DCTA, which was held on Saturday as part of Lewisville's "Western Day Festival".

Councilmember Meek attended the monthly Precinct 3 meeting held in Lewisville on Monday.

Councilmember Meek attended the Baylor Regional Medical Center @ Grapevine Grand Opening of the new Cardiovascular Unit on Tuesday.  He reports that all of the hospital Board of Trustees Officers were present plus the hospital employees for that unit.  This unit on the 6th floor of the hospital, in the Carter Building, has 16 patient beds with the 5th floor under construction for an additional 16 beds planned.  The private rooms were equipped with up to date modern equipment plus computers that can chart patient progress.  Each room has a computer for the convenience of doctors and nurse use.  This was a very interesting visit.