Teddy Bear Ride - Children's Advocacy Center of Collin County

Don't forget to plan on joining me for the annual Children's Advocacy Center of Collin County Teddy Bear ride next Sunday!  See below for information and please spread the word around for this great cause.

(COLLIN COUNTY, TX – Oct. 29,2010) – The CACCC will hold their 18^th Annual Teddy Bear Ride on Sunday, Nov. 7, 2010. Over 1,000 bikers will load their motorcycles with teddy bears and take to the streets to show their support in the fight against child abuse.

The supply of teddy bears raised is used to restock the Teddy Bear Room at the CACCC. A bear is given to each abused and neglected child as they share their traumatic story. 

Jeff Strongin, the Teddy Bear Ride Chair since 2008, states, “Our hope is that the bears collected at the Ride help each child who comes to the Center through their difficult time.”

The caravan of bikers will meeting at the new start location, the Frisco IKEA parking lot, located in the north-east corner of Highway 121 and the Dallas Tollway. Registration will begin at 8:30 a.m. and the escorted ride, led by Mayor Maso of Frisco, will depart at 10:30 a.m. The riders will then make their way to the CACCC for delivery.

The 1,000 bikers will stroll along Los Rios Boulevard in Plano around noon. The Collin County community is encouraged to join Miss North Texas International 2011, Rachael Lynée Burns, in welcoming the riders to the CACCC. Burns, whose platform is child abuse prevention and recovery, supports the mission of the CACCC and the reason the bikers are riding.

Build-a-Bear’s mascot and representatives will be awaiting the arrival of one special participant, David Kellaway. Kellaway’s goal is to fasten 100 teddy bears to his motorcycle, 30 of which were donated by Build-a-Bear. Kellaway says the reason he participates in the ride each is because he “hates bullies and wants to increase awareness of the Children’s Advocacy Center of Collin County. This is  just my small way of helping.”

The riders and the community will wrap up the afternoon with activities at the CACCC including raffles, JACK FM giveaways, live music and food. 

Children’s Advocacy Center of Collin County, a non-profit 501(c)3, opened it’s doors in 1992. The Center has created a multi-disciplinary team to investigate, treat and prosecute child abuse cases within Collin County. The Children’s Advocacy Center, and its partners, have offered free services to over 33,000 children. For more information visit caccollincounty.org or call 972-633-6600

Gary Burns Fun Run at Frisco Square - Street Information

The streets surrounding Frisco Square and the George Purefoy Municipal Center will be closed Saturday morning, October 30, between 7:00 AM and 10:00 AM for the annual Gary Burns Fun Run.  Main Street will be closed between World Cup Way and John W. Elliot Drive; Frisco Street will be closed south of Technology Drive; and most of the streets in Frisco Square between Main Street and Burnham Street will be closed.  Through traffic on Main Street will be detoured around the race by using World Cup Way, Technology Drive, and John W. Elliott Drive (see attached map). 

The Library opens at 10:00 AM, at which time the roads will be open.  Library patrons should not arrive before 10:00 AM as there will be no parking available next to the Library until after the roads reopen.  However, passengers can be dropped off near the Library using the drop off locations described below.

Senior Center and Heritage Center traffic should use Cotton Gin Road or John W. Elliott Drive to access those facilities.

Race participants will park at Pizza Hut Park.  During the street closures, Pizza Hut Park can be accessed on its west side via World Cup Way.

Two drop off locations have been established so that motorists can drop off passengers closer to the event (see the attached map).  The western drop off point can be accessed from northbound Dallas Parkway by turning onto Page Street or from eastbound Main Street by turning south onto World Cup Way.  The eastern drop off point can be accessed from westbound Main Street by turning left onto Frisco Square Boulevard.  (No event parking is available near these drop off points.)

During the event, spectators are reminded to stay on the sidewalks in Frisco Square as all of the roads are part of the race course.

Texas Legends Coach Nancy Lieberman

(From Donnie Nelson)

How has Texas Legends Head Coach Nancy Lieberman become the first female head coach of a men's team at the NBA or NBA D-League level?  She shares all in her "Playbook for Success"!

Join me and come out to Dr Pepper Arena tonight from 5-7 pm... check out Nancy's newest book, get your Texas Legends schedule poster, wristband, fan clapper - and MORE!  One lucky fan will walk away with a special prize...
 
Bring the family... bring the kids... ask Nancy any question you want... and get some autographs!  AND THEN... cheer the Rangers on to victory tonight!

2011 NCAA Division I Football Championship Game in Frisco

2011 NCAA Division I Football Championship Game

Weekly Update, Oct. 22

The 2011 NCAA Division I Football Championship Game will be played Friday, January, 7, 2011, at 6 p.m. (CST) at Pizza Hut Park in Frisco, Texas. The game, which concludes a 20-team national playoff, will be hosted by the Southland Conference, the City of Frisco and Hunt Sports Group. Pizza Hut Park will also host the 2012 and 2013 national championship games. The national title games were awarded to Frisco in February after a 13-year run in Chattanooga, Tenn.

Ticket Information

Tickets for the 2011 NCAA Division I Football Championship Game are now available online at ncaa.com/football or by calling (214) 705-6700. Tickets range from $30 to $40.

About the Football Championship Subdivision

With 119 member universities and nearly 13,000 student-athletes taking the field each fall, the Division I Football Championship Subdivision embodies a tradition of excellence through a high level of competition, student-athlete character and sportsmanship throughout the regular season and the championship experience. Former FCS football student-athletes include Walter Payton, Jerry Rice, Kurt Warner and current NFL stars Tony Romo, Jared Allen, Miles Austin, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and Joe Flacco. Former coaches in the FCS, include Eddie Robinson, Jim Tressel, Mack Brown, Bobby Bowden, and Dennis Franchione. Ten FCS conferences receive automatic berths to the NCAA Championship, including the Big Sky, Big South, Colonial Athletic Association, Mid-Eastern Athletic, Missouri Valley Football, Northeast, Ohio Valley, Patriot League, Southern, and the Southland.

Recent NCAA Division I National Champions

2009: Villanova

2008: Richmond

2007: Appalachian State

2006: Appalachian State

2005: Appalachian State

This Week’s National FCS Polls

FCS Coaches Poll (Oct. 18)

Rk.  Team (No. 1 Votes)................... Record

1.   Appalachian State (25)......... 6-0

2.   Delaware (1)........................ 7-0

3.   Jacksonville State (1)........... 7-0

4.   Stephen F. Austin................ 5-1

5.   William & Mary..................... 5-1

6.   Villanova............................. 4-2

7.   Montana.............................. 5-2

8.   Eastern Washington............. 5-2

9.   New Hampshire.................... 4-3

10.  Wofford.............................. 5-1

For the complete FCS Top 25 Coaches poll, click here.

The Sports Network/Fathead.com Poll (Oct. 18)

Rk.  Team (No. 1 Votes)........................ Rec

1.   Appalachian State (111)....... 6-0

2.   Delaware (28) ...................... 7-0

3.   Jacksonville State (11) ........ 7-0

4.   William & Mary..................... 5-1

5.   Stephen F. Austin (1) .......... 5-1

6.   Villanova............................. 4-2

7.   Montana.............................. 5-2

8.   Eastern Washington............. 5-2

9.   Wofford.............................. 5-1

10.  New Hampshire.................... 4-3

For the complete Sports Network/Fathead.com Top 25, click here.

FCS Game of the Week: Oct. 23

No. 2 Delaware (7-0) at No. 4/5 William & Mary (5-1), 11 a.m., CDT

TV: Comcast SportsNet New England (DirecTV Ch. 630)

FCS Conference Leaders

Big Sky: Eastern Washington and Montana (4-1 league record)

Big South: Liberty (2-0)

Colonial: Delaware (4-0)

Mid-Eastern: Hampton (5-0)

Missouri Valley: Western Illinois (3-1)

Northeast: Robert Morris (5-0)

Ohio Valley: Southeast Missouri State (6-0)

Patriot: Colgate, Lehigh and Bucknell (1-0)

Southern: Appalachian State (4-0)

Southland: Stephen F. Austin and Sam Houston State (2-0)

Key Upcoming Dates

Nov. 20: Final Regular Season Games

Nov. 21: NCAA Announces 20-Team Bracket for 2011 NCAA Championship

Nov. 27: First-Round Games at Campus Sites

Dec. 4: Second-Round Games at Campus Sites

Dec. 10-11: Quarterfinal Games at Campus Sites

Dec. 17-18: Semifinal Games at Campus Sites

Jan. 7: NCAA Division I Championship Game, Pizza Hut Park, Frisco.

Did You Know?

Current NFL Pro Bowl quarterback Tony Romo of the Dallas Cowboys won the 2002 Walter Payton Award, which is the top player honor in the Football Championship Subdivision, while playing for Eastern Illinois University.

For more Information, Contact

Todd Lamb, Assistant Commissioner/Communications

Southland Conference

Phone: 972-422-9500, ext. 107

Cell: 817-287-8393

Email: tlamb@southland.org

Trick-Or-Treat - Not to be missed!

‘TRICK-OR-TREAT’ AT FRISCO FIRE SAFETY TOWN HAPPENS FRIDAY NIGHT, OCTOBER 22; RESIDENTS ASKED TO USE FREE SHUTTLE SERVICE – PARKING LIMITED AT EVENT

(October 20, 2010) Grab your goody bag and come in costume for lots of treats and no tricks this Friday night, October 22 at the fourth annual Trick-or-Treat at Frisco Fire Safety Town. The event is from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.  Children, tots through fifth graders, are invited to trick or treat through the miniature town, located next door to Frisco Central Fire Station, 8601 Gary Burns Dr. Admission is free.

Parking at the event site is limited. Residents are encouraged to use the free shuttle service available at the Frisco Athletic Center parking lot, located at 5828 Nancy Jane Ln., east of the Preston Road – Wade Boulevard intersection. Frisco ISD school buses will be shuttling visitors back and forth from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

This is a safe, fun way to trick-or-treat, but Frisco Fire Safety Town does require a parent or guardian to accompany children to the event and to provide supervision at all times. For more information, please visit FriscoTexas.gov/SafetyTown.

The City of Frisco observes Halloween on October 31.  Since Halloween falls on a Sunday, we encourage residents to use their discretion on the times they choose to pass out candy and/or allow their children to ‘trick or treat’.  Most children begin trick or treating at dusk and are finished between 8:30 – 9 p.m.

Residents who have conflicting commitments should communicate with your Home Owners Association to see if your neighborhood has organized an alternative event for residents.

Ikea Frisco Tree Hugger Day Proclamation

WHEREAS:               The purpose of the IKEA Tree Hugger Day is to celebrate the planting of more than 1.5 million trees funded by donations from IKEA customers and by IKEA US.  The trees are being planted via their partner, American Forests; and

WHEREAS:               IKEA wants to encourage the planting of trees as a way that we can all make a positive impact on the environment as trees help to sequester CO2 created by transportation and have many other benefits for the environment and wildlife; and

WHEREAS:               In the last 3 years 128,411 trees have been planted in Texas in the Lower Rio Grande and Longleaf Pine Ecosystem Restoration project as a result of the funds collected; and

WHEREAS:               From tiny acorns – great trees grow and IKEA Frisco will make sure that one historical tree takes root at the Frisco Heritage Center, as it donates three oak trees to the Heritage Association of Frisco; and

WHEREAS:               IKEA Frisco presents the small oak trees grown from an acorn of the famous Texas Treaty Oak – the last living council oak in Austin to the Heritage Association of Frisco to be planted at the Heritage Center; and

WHEREAS:               The donation is just a small part of IKEA Frisco’s celebration of Tree Hugger Day.  The company has been participating in this promotion to plant trees to help the environment for many years.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Maher Maso, Mayor of the City of Frisco, Texas do hereby proclaim October 16^th, 2010 as:

“IKEA FRISCO TREE HUGGER DAY”

And encourage all citizens to join me in thanking IKEA for their generous tree donation and commitment to doing their part to promote a beautiful environment.

                                                                                         

Red Ribbon Week Proclamation

            WHEREAS,               Alcohol and Drug Abuse is one of the greatest threats to the health of our State’s young people; and

            WHEREAS,               Students, Parents, Teachers, Law Enforcement Officials, Business Leaders, Elected Officials, and Citizens each have a part to play in the war against drugs; and

WHEREAS,               Education is our most important weapon in fighting drug abuse and we must remind our young people that turning to alcohol or illegal drugs is never the right decision; and

WHEREAS,               Progressive steps have been made to combat substance abuse, but we continue to recognize that total awareness and cooperative efforts are crucial to continue positive growth in prevention, intervention, and treatment services.  Some of the programs that Frisco Independent School District, in conjunction with the City of Frisco, has effectively implemented are:

Ø   D.A.R.E. Program – Drug Abuse Resistance Program 

Ø   Rachel’s Challenge with ‘ Chain Links’  and ‘Friends of Rachel’  Groups

Ø   Shattered Dreams Program

Ø   School Resource Officers in all of the Secondary Schools

Ø   Random contraband inspections using Drug Sniffing Dogs and additional Drug Education services in the schools through R.A.I.D. Corps Southwest, Inc. 

Ø   Counselor-Guided Teaching Programs with all Schools to assist the FISD Teachers in reinforcing Decision-Making Skills

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Maher Maso, Mayor of the City of Frisco, Texas do hereby proclaim the Week of October 25 -29, 2010 as

                                                “RED RIBBON WEEK”

In and throughout the City of Frisco and urge all Citizens to participate in this war against substance abuse.

                                                             

Bob Shaver Day Proclamation

WHEREAS,               Bob Shaver began his work in Frisco, Texas in January 2006; and

WHEREAS,               Bob Shaver is the Senior Vice-President, Marketing & Community Relations for Frisco Square; and

WHEREAS,               Bob Shaver recruited Jeff Trykoski in the fall of 2006 to light up Frisco Square.  By reaching out to the City they have made Frisco Square a “holiday lights and music spectacular” with 80,000 visitors the first year and expect 500,000 this year.  It’s the 3^rd largest event in North Texas; and

WHEREAS,               Bob Shaver has also been instrumental in the creation of the Frisco Farmer’s Market which launched in August 2007 with two vendors and is now the largest farmer’s market north of Dallas with 40 regular vendors and a waiting list for more; and

WHEREAS,               Bob Shaver is also a member of the Frisco Downtown Merchants where he convinced the group to change their name and charter to include all the businesses along Main Street from the Dallas North Tollway to Preston Road; and           

WHEREAS,               Bob Shaver has supported a variety of community events which include the Great Steak of Texas, Frisco Residents of Color, Dallas Koi Kichi Club, Frisco Miracle League, Visual Arts Guild of Frisco, Frisco ISD, Museum of the American Railroad, Frisco Heritage Association, Frisco Education Foundation, Frisco Family Services, Frisco Sunrise Rotary, Boy Scout Troop 51, Jaguar Owners of the Southwest, the Fusion event, the Columbian Fest, Morning Maniacs Car Club, the Frisco Community Parade, Taking it to the Streets Ministry, the Frisco Rotary Club and the Frisco Chamber of Commerce; and

WHEREAS,               Bob Shaver has been a big part of Frisco since 2006 and he will be missed by many as he moves to Austin.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Maher Maso, Mayor of the City of Frisco, Texas, do hereby proclaim October 19^th, 2010, as:

“BOB SHAVER DAY”

In and throughout the City of Frisco and urge all Citizens to congratulate him for his dedication to our community and wish him the best of luck on his future endeavors.

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month Proclamation

WHEREAS,               In 1995, JoNell Moffett-Prince was diagnosed with breast cancer and after 8 years as a survivor she received the devastating news in 2003 that she had breast cancer again; and

WHEREAS,               During her courageous battles, her co-worker, Gwen Sanders, who she now refers to as her “earth angel” organized a support group to ensure that JoNell would not embark on her journey alone; and

WHEREAS,               Gwen Sanders made sure JoNell received cards, calls and emails and she sent out a weekly status report to her family and friends; and

WHEREAS,               Today, JoNell is a 15-year and 8-year breast cancer survivor; and

WHEREAS,               Both Gwen and JoNell are featured on Gatorade bottles sold nationwide at Kroger and Kroger Affiliated stores in support of October Breast Cancer Awareness month; and

WHEREAS,               National Breast Cancer Awareness Month educates women about the importance of early detection for breast cancer; and

WHEREAS,               Death rates from breast cancer have been declining, and this change is believed to be the result of earlier detection and improved treatment; and

WHEREAS,               Mammography—an  “x-ray” of the breast—is recognized as the single most effective method of detecting breast changes that may be cancer long before physical symptoms can be seen or felt.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Maher Maso, Mayor of the City of Frisco, do hereby proclaim October 2010 as:

“NATIONAL BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH”

In and throughout the City of Frisco and encourage all citizens to support this very worthwhile cause to help find a cure for breast cancer.

Join me at a fitness & fun celebration in Frisco

‘CELEBRATE FITNESS AND FUN’ THIS SATURDAY, OCTOBER 16, AT THE FRISCO ATHLETIC CENTER; ACTIVITIES INCLUDE FITNESS CLASS DEMOS AND PUMPKIN SPLASH PATCH

(October 14, 2010) Get your move on and join us at the Frisco Athletic Center (FAC) this Saturday, October 16 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. as we Celebrate Fitness and Fun in Frisco! This free event designed by the Parks & Recreation Department and presented by Centennial Medical Center, will feature several ways to stay active and have fun with your family, as well as tools to help you live a healthy lifestyle.

Centennial Medical Center and 360 Chiropractic will offer free health screenings.  FAC trainers will help you get ready to meet your fitness goals with free fitness assessments, and the American Red Cross will have its mobile unit onsite for those who wish to donate blood.

Join us for Mayor Maher Maso’s welcome at 9 a.m. on the outside stage followed by program exhibits and interactive demos of classes offered through the Parks & Recreation Department.  Get moving with Zumba and Hip Hop Hustle, Turbo Flash Mob and more!  Sign up for any recreation or fitness class during the event and receive 10 percent off the enrollment fee (some restrictions do apply) along with a free t-shirt.  You can also visit with the various class instructors and vendors inside the FAC. Plus, find out how you can get your name into a drawing for a $100 gift card to Best Buy!

Parents, take advantage a free swim assessment and 35-minute swim lesson for your child from certified learn-to-swim instructors. Swim assessments will begin at 8 a.m. in the Indoor Aquatic Center and will take approximately 20 minutes. All participants should arrive wearing their swimsuit 5 to 10 minutes prior to the assessment beginning. The swim lesson will take place from 8:25 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. Children must participate in the assessment in order to receive the lesson. Swim goggles are encouraged for children of all levels.

The Indoor Aquatic Center will also host the Pumpkin Splash Patch from 10

a.m. to noon.   This fun fall event is open to children 2 ½  to 10 years

old. Participants will have the opportunity to choose the perfect pumpkin from the pool and then decorate it. Registration is available in person at the Frisco Athletic Center while spaces remain available.  More details are available at FriscoFun.org.

Step outside the FAC for even more fun with an obstacle course bounce house for kids and a classic car show presented by Morning Maniacs. Police and Fire staff will also be onsite to provide safety tips for the entire family.

The Frisco Athletic Center is located at 5828 Nancy Jane Ln. For more information on this event please contact 972-292-6600 or email FriscoFun@FriscoTexas.gov.

Traffic Switch on Eldorado Parkway @ Preston Rd. Oct. 15

As part of TxDOT’s Preston Road widening project, all traffic on Eldorado Parkway will be switched to the north side of Eldorado Parkway starting this Friday, October 15 (weather permitting).  East and westbound traffic will now share the northern half of the road while the southern half is reconstructed.  This will change the alignment of the through lanes of Eldorado Parkway as it crosses Preston Road so motorists in all directions at that intersection should pay attention to the new location of stop lines.  In addition, motorists on Eldorado Parkway who are approaching Preston Road should pay attention to the new configuration of traffic control devices that will shift traffic to and from the northern half of the roadway.

Motorists are urged to use caution in this area as people become accustomed to the new traffic patterns at the intersection.

Frisco Griffins Season Opener

This Saturday, October 16th, is the first cup game of the 2010/11 season for the Frisco Griffins. The game also marks the club's move to Dr. Pink Field at Pizza Hut Park, a great facility with seating for several hundred fans.

The Griffins are an exciting club to be a part of and we aim to be a regular fixture in Frisco's excellent sporting scene, as well as play a positive role in our community by giving back to our chosen charity, Frisco Family Services. If you haven't been to a rugby game before, now's the time to try something different. The sport is fast paced, physical and very addictive and makes for a great night out with friends, family or colleagues.

Tickets are just $4 and cover both the men's cup game (7pm) and the curtain raiser, the first ever game for the Frisco Griffins Women's Rugby team (6pm). I know all of you are very busy at weekends, but your support on this first big game, would be really appreciated. If for any reason you can't make it, please buy a ticket to give to a friend, or to donate to families in the care of Frisco Family Services.

A third of our profits from this game will be donated directly to Family Services so please help us make a difference.

Buy tickets online here. To Donate a ticket to Frisco Family Services, please enter "FFS" as your Company Name when ordering
http://griffinsrugby.com/_product_15289/Game_1

Possible Mountain Lion Sighting

POSSIBLE MOUNTAIN LION SIGHTING ALONG TRAIL AT FRISCO COMMONS PARK; PARK GOERS ADVISED TO USE CAUTION WALKING THE TRAIL

(October 8, 2010) There have been three separate sightings this week of what appears to be a mountain lion along the hiking trail area on the north side of Frisco Commons Park, located at 8000 McKinney Rd. The latest sighting was late this morning by a City of Frisco parks employee. The city employee says the animal was not aggressive and ran away.

Frisco Commons Park remains open, and parks management reminds residents and visitors that operating hours for all city parks are from dawn until dusk. Signs will be posted around the park alerting park goers of the recent sightings and you are urged to use caution in the area.

While there have been reports of bobcat sightings in Frisco in recent years, all three people who saw the animal along the Frisco Commons Park trail say it was not a bobcat, but a mountain lion. Texas Parks and Wildlife officials have been notified and will come out to look for physical evidence to determine what type of animal is in the area. Frisco Animal Control officers are also investigating.

“Animal control staff has walked the area, and could not find evidence that a wild animal is living in the hiking trail area of Frisco Commons Park,” said Greg Carr, Animal Control Administrator. “More likely the animal is passing through. Staff will continue to monitor the area to make sure a wild animal is not sticking around.”

The city will not be setting traps because most wildlife experts agree mountain lions are difficult to trap.

According to state wildlife officials, mountain lions are solitary animals, and attacks on humans are rare. Only four reports of mountain lion attacks on humans have been reported in Texas since 1980. Wild animals often use creeks to travel through cities. A female mountain lion has a range of up to 80 to 100 square miles and a male has a range up to 200 square miles.

Here are some things Texas Parks and Wildlife suggests you can do should you encounter a mountain lion:
• Pick up small children to prevent them from running and triggering a
rush or attack.
• Stay calm, talk calmly, and slowly back away, keeping eye contact with
the mountain lion. Do not run or turn your back.
• Carry a sturdy walking stick with you. Do what you can to appear larger
by raising your arms or waving the stick.
• If the lion is aggressive, throw rocks or sticks, and speak firmly and
loudly.
• Fight back if a lion attacks you. Lions can be driven off by fighting
back.
Read more information about mountain lions from Texas Parks and Wildlife online.

City Manager's Letter regarding Exide

October 7, 2010
To The Citizens of Frisco:

There have been many stories written and broadcast recently about Exide Technologies and the non attainment zone related to lead emissions from Exide’s Frisco plant. For those of you who aren’t familiar, the non attainment zone, which is due to a new lower standard for lead, is designated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) after review of the recommendation made by Governor Rick Perry.

Currently, it is estimated to cover two square miles around the Exide plant, which is located south of downtown. This letter is to inform you about what the city has been doing to address the issue and what the city intends to do going forward.

The city recently became aware of a battery recycling plant in California which has installed enhanced pollution control mechanisms that produce some amazing reductions in pollutants going into the air. The results show lead emissions were reduced in excess of 99 percent and other pollutants were reduced by more than 90 percent*. We have asked our consultants to look into the process to see if similar results could be expected in Frisco.

Three weeks ago, I went to Atlanta to meet with the new CEO and President of Exide Technologies, Jim Bolch. At the meeting, I expressed our citizens’ concerns about the non attainment zone and lack of public response or action by Exide on the issue. I also gave him the information I had about the California plant utilizing the new pollution control technologies that have reported reductions in lead emissions far below the new EPA standards.

The city also has provided similar information to both the EPA and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ).
Mr. Bolch was very receptive and indicated he wanted to change the perception of Exide by making it a more responsive company to public concerns. It is my understanding that Exide continues to investigate the California plant to see if the pollution controls are adaptable to Exide’s Frisco plant.

After the meeting, Exide submitted an application to TCEQ to reduce its current permit limits. It is my understanding TCEQ is working to see what effects the reduced limits will have on the proposed non attainment zone.
Concerning the new non attainment area and lead emissions, the city has worked with the TCEQ to place air monitors at key locations around the Exide plant. In two instances, the city has made available city right of way and city owned property for the monitors. In another instance the city worked with a private property owner to obtain an easement for TCEQ. In regards to the EPA, the city provided access to city owned property and gained permission from the Frisco Independent School District for soil tests around the perimeter of the Exide plant.

Concerning immediate health concerns, the city has requested that Exide put a program in place so anyone living in the area of the plant may have their blood lead level checked. It is my understanding that Exide will be putting the program in place in the next few weeks.

In addition, the TCEQ and the Texas Department of Health were requested by the city to update the health risk study originally completed in 1995. Dr. Laura M. Plunkett worked on the original study and has been contacted to do the follow up study. Currently, the TCEQ is waiting for the results from EPA for the above mentioned soil tests before proceeding with the study.

But our efforts to make Frisco a safe place to be did not begin in the last few months. When the city learned in 2008 that Exide had submitted an application for increased production, the city immediately made contact with TCEQ to protest the application. Exide withdrew the application after becoming aware of the city's protest.

I have worked with the plant and its managers for the past 23 years. During that time, the plant has made several pollution control improvements, such as putting in stack scrubbers in the late 1980s and a crystallizer in the 1990s to take its process water out of the city wastewater stream. Approximately four years ago I met with the then manager of the plant, and I suggested that we should make a push to get the latest and best pollution controls installed at the plant. He agreed to work with me towards that goal. Unfortunately, he left the plant a few months after that meeting.

The city kept its commitment by working on the battery recycling fee issue. As background, beginning in the 1990s, Frisco led the effort to have a portion of the battery recycling fee collected on the sale of every lead-acid battery in the state actually go towards the problems/costs associated with recycling lead-acid batteries. While unsuccessful then, in the 2009 legislative session, with great assistance from State Senator Florence Shapiro and State Representative Ken Paxton, we were able to get a bill passed and signed by Governor Rick Perry, which allows up to 10 percent of the fees collected to go towards issues associated with battery recycling. We continue to work with TCEQ to have rules put in place establishing how these funds may be accessed and used.

Mayor Maher Maso and the Frisco City Council want you to know the city’s intent is to bring to bear all its efforts and resources to assure that the Exide plant is the most environmentally advanced plant in the country or lead the efforts to stop its operation. We will leave no stone unturned in our efforts to influence Exide, TCEQ and the EPA to do what is in your best interests.

Sincerely,
George Purefoy
City Manager

Eastbound Main Street lane temp. Closure

One lane of eastbound Main Street will be closed between Teel Parkway and Legacy Drive for about a week starting Monday, October 11. The closure will start near Majestic Gardens Drive and extend for about 100 feet. The lane will be closed at 9 AM on Monday and will remain continuously closed for up to a week, depending on the weather, while repairs are made to the pavement. During this closure, motorists on eastbound Main Street should expect some brief delay when traveling between Teel Parkway and Legacy Drive.

Motorists are encouraged to use caution in the construction zone.

Senior Citizen Masquerade Ball

We cordially invite you to join us at the Frisco Senior Center for a Masquerade Ball, Saturday, October 9 from 7:00 – 9:30 p.m. Dance the night away to the wonderful music of the Frisco Jazz Band as they play a variety of big band selections. Tickets are $5 per person and may be purchased at the Senior Center.

Celebrate the fun of the Halloween season with costume dress and masks.
These items are optional for participants, but highly encouraged in order to add to the fun and intrigue of the evening.

The Senior Center at Frisco Square is located at 6670 Moore Street. For more information, call 972-292-6550.

Frisco Merry Main Street

Join us as we celebrate 20 years of holiday traditions at Frisco’s Merry Main Street Saturday, December 4 from 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. at Simpson Plaza at City Hall. The City of Frisco, local businesses and non-profit organizations combine their efforts each year to host this free holiday celebration. More than 12,000 people attended Merry Main Street last year, and we are looking forward to an even larger crowd this year.

The Parks & Recreation Department is currently accepting applications for non-profit, for-profit and crafters to participate as vendors at this event. In keeping with the spirit of the event, all vendor offerings must be holiday themed. Many organizations look forward to Merry Main Street as one of their largest fundraising opportunities each year as it is a great way to reach out to the community.

Craft vendors are now only $125! Food and for-profit booth space (10’x10’) is $275 and non-profit booth space is $75. A temporary Health Permit (required for booths serving food and/or drinks) and electricity are an additional cost. Types of products that may be offered include: hot and cold drinks, hot food, and sweets, along with holiday themed items such as, holiday gifts, arts and crafts and angel trees.

Applications are due by 5 p.m., Friday, November 5. For complete information and to download an application, please visit FriscoMerryMainStreet.com.

Interested in becoming a sponsor? Contact Cara Harting at 972-292-6522 to see how your business can get involved with this great community event!