About the Budget and Tax Rate

The new fiscal year for Frisco starts on October 1, 2009, and your city council is finishing up the budget process. We are very close to approving the tax rate. The economy has been difficult for everyone, including the City of Frisco, and this year has been a little different than those in the past. Our challenge is not just handling our budget, but making sure we do not place a burden on our citizens. We remain vigilant to ensure that we provide the level of services our citizens demand.

I have received a few messages along the lines of "less government, cut - cut - cut" and generally pushing some measures that may actually have the opposite effect of keeping the cost of living expenses down. My reply to some of these e-mails may be good for everyone to read as it does not make the case for higher or lower taxes, only the data we are considering. Please take the time to send us your opinion on this important issue.

If you do not like reading long messages, I will give you a warning that this is one of them. However, I will also tell you that the message is saying this: your city council is evaluating whether to keep the tax rate the same (.45 cents per $100) or increase the rate, but not the effective tax rate (.4650 cents). In other words, the tax amount would bring in the same revenue as last year, and the average home would not see an increase. The difference between the two rates is approximately $44 per year for the average priced home ($291,000). The message below may explain it better, and I welcome your opinions(s).

"Your City Council is taking the time to deliberate this issue and evaluate all available data. I know they appreciate hearing your views, and we need your help to stay focused on the right solution for Frisco. These are difficult times, but our decisions should always follow the basic logic of efficient government and great services. We should not allow outside factors or national politics influence our judgment as to what is right for our community. Together, we need to work toward common goals: the long term health of our community, public safety and welfare of our citizens. We do this transparently and allow input from our citizens on the direction they would like to take. Our form of government is closest to the people, and you are encouraged to contact your Mayor, city council members and administration to get your questions answered and opinions considered. Please help me keep that level of cooperation, open government and transparency in our process to always do 'the right thing' by considering all the options.

First, I need your help to stay focused on the right decision for Frisco. These are difficult times , but our decisions should always follow the basic logic of efficient government and great services. We should not allow outside influences or national politics to enter into doing the right thing for our community. We do that together with the same goals in mind: The long term health of our community and the public safety and welfare of our citizens. We do it in a transparent way and allow input from our citizens on the direction they would like to take. Our form of government is closest to the people and you are able to contact your Mayor, Council and City Administration easily and get your questions answered and your opinion considered. Please help me keep that level of cooperation, open government and transparency in our process and to always do “the right thing” by considering all the options.

Please read this note in a way that is meant to give you as much data as I can and not as making a case for keeping the same tax rate or increasing it. I need your participation in this process, but even more so, your informed participation. That is my goal, to give you information to help you understand our process.

Currently, Frisco has a tax rate of .45 cents per $100 valuation. To see how that impacts your home, multiply your home value X .45 and divide by $100 and that is what you are paying your City. Of course, a majority of our home taxes are school district taxes, which is a separate entity and we also have Collin College and Collin County if you live in the Collin County part of Frisco and Denton County if you live in the Denton County portion of Frisco.

The city’s tax rate is divided into two components: Maintenance and Operation (M&O), which helps fund the operation of the city (not including water, sewer, sanitation and convention and visitors bureau) and Debt Service, which is used to pay for the general obligation bonds that are voter approved. The City of Frisco uses .21 cents per $100 valuation for debt service and .24 cents per $100 valuation for M&O. Our M&O, or what it costs to operate the city, is one of the lowest in the entire region. I believe the next closest city to us is Plano at .32 cents per $100 valuation. Some cities run their cities on double or even triple our M&O rate. While each city is different and I don’t like to typically compare cities, it is never a bad idea to take a snapshot of where you are as a community.

City Tax Rate M&O Rate

Frisco .45 .24

Allen .556 .42

McKinney .5855 .406

I am very proud of our efficient city government and our low M&O rate. There are always ways to make improvements and we have made some major reductions in expenses (see below)

I taped a special “Mayors Corner” with George Purefoy, our City Manager, and Nell Lange, Assistant City Manager, to discuss the budget. It can be viewed here: http://sire-cntl-vid01.siretechnologies.com/SIRE/friscocity/Mayors%20Corner/4521/4521.wmv

The effective tax rate notice can be located here: http://www.friscotexas.gov/communication/Documents/rptNoticeOfEffectiveTaxRate--CityofFrisco-2009.pdf

The proposed draft budget can be found here: http://www.friscotexas.gov/communication/Documents/rptNoticeOfEffectiveTaxRate--CityofFrisco-2009.pdf

The Video and Minutes of the last Public Hearing held on the budget and Council and Citizen Comments can be found here: http://sire.friscotexas.gov/sirepub/agdocs.aspx?doctype=agenda&itemid=7356

Currently, the City Council is considering two proposals. One is to keep the current tax rate of .45 cents. This would mean that the average home in Frisco would see a decrease in taxes paid to the City of $45 annually (the average value of a home in Frisco is approximately $291,000). The other option is to raise the rate to bring in the same amount from the average home in Frisco (what we call the effective tax rate). That would take the rate to .4650 per $100 valuation (again, that would be a $44 a year over the .45 rate, but not a tax increase for the average home. In summary, if we approve the same tax rate as last year, the average homeowner would see a decrease in the total taxes they pay the city of Frisco. If we approve the effective tax rate, the average homeowner would pay the same amount of taxes as they did last year. The City Council does not have a proposal to increase taxes over the effective rate (in other words, to increase your taxes over what you paid last year).

Here are some of the questions I have received and some answers/comments:

1) In tough economic times, you should reduce taxes, not increase them. You should cut services and reduce expenses.

· Frisco put in place cost reductions starting in the summer of 2008.

· A hiring freeze has been in place since 2008. There are 34 unfilled positions, 11 of which are in the fire and police departments.

· Staff was requested to cut 10% from their FY09 proposed budget, which was achieved.

· Staff was further requested in 2009 to cut another 4%, which was achieved

· The current budget also reflects these savings (Fiscal Year 2010)

· We deferred capital equipment expenditures for Fiscal Year 2009 and in the current proposed Fiscal Year 2010 budget, including reduced library materials.

· Staff imposed restrictions in travel in Fiscal Year 2009 and also in the current proposed budget (Fiscal Year 2010)

· The proposal is not to increase effective taxes. Please keep in mind that there is no effective tax increase being proposed or even looked at. The question that the Frisco City Council is facing is whether to keep the same tax rate, which will actually lower revenue from existing value or increase the rate, but not the amount, for an average home. In other words, if Frisco adopts the effective rate, which is 1.50 cents higher, the average Frisco home will not see additional taxes being paid. Meanwhile, Frisco is still experiencing growth and new population figures. Since start of summer in 2008, we have added approximately 5,000 citizens to our population (approximately 5%) with no increase in staffing levels. In fact, some areas saw a decrease and all departments have reduced budgets. We are not like many other cities that are not experiencing growth – we are still one of the fastest growing communities in the country.

2) Why is the current revenue not enough?

· We have a reduction in revenue in some funds and an increase in costs in others:

· Revenue is down approximately $6 Million from the new home permits due to the slow down

· We have been successful in reducing water consumption per state mandates, but at a loss of $5 Million in revenue

· The cost of water that the City of Frisco purchases has increased

· An anticipated Health Care cost increase of 10% was actually 29% percent which is approximately $750,000.

· Unfunded Mandates: Unfunded mandates are new laws passed by the state that require funding through you, the local tax payer. For example, the new cell phone law in schools is an unfunded mandate. The City is required to post signs in all school zones. The approximate cost is $18,000. This is paid by the local tax payer. Some unfunded mandates are passed on to the citizens in other methods besides general fund/property taxes. For example, the new irrigation requirements that the State of Texas passed are funded by a fee for sprinkler system installs or expansions. Again, this is a form of unfunded mandate that you pay for.

3) If the City Council chooses to keep the rate at .45 cents, which collects approximately $44 less per year from the average home in Frisco, how will we balance the budget?

a. As already stated, we have a hiring freeze in effect, which we will maintain.

b. We will use some of our reserve funds (approximately $2 Million)

c. We will not sell any additional capital improvement bonds this year (such as roads, facilities, etc.). This will delay future bond sales also.

4) If the City Council chooses to set the tax rate to an effective rate of .4650, what actions will be taken?

a. We will still use some of the reserve funds (depending on council, approximately $750,000)

b. We will hire 17 critical positions (11 Public Safety, 3 Parks and Recreation and 3 Public Works

c. Depending on Council, minor bond funds may be sold for infrastructure.

5) Why not use the reserves to fund all the needed services?

a. In my opinion, that would be unwise. What happens next year if the economy does not improve? I have view the reserve as a catastrophic reserve fund. It was not long ago that we had a major hurricane that put Frisco in its sights. Luckily, it did veer away from us (although we spend many dollars in preparing). Major man-made or natural disasters can impact our community and we have to always be prepared.

6) Lower our tax rate even more!

a. There is an inherent danger of not having enough money to fund critical city operations. Most City Managers and economists would agree that .24 cents per $100 valuation for a city of over 100,000 may be an inadequate amount for city services . Some of the things that could take place if you are not adequately funding city operations include:

b. Lower bond ratings, which make it more expensive to borrow money for infrastructure (which the taxpayer pays for). This would create a situation where we pay more in fees and interest to build the same infrastructure. Our Citizen’s dollars would not go as far.

c. Lower quality of life, thus less attractive of a city for new corporate relocations and a downward pressure on home and business values (a downward spiral would be created)

d. Higher indirect fees. For example, the exact same home in Frisco has a home insurance rate approximately $150-200 less than in Allen, McKinney or Plano annually. Thus, potentially, for a savings of $44 per year on the average home (value of $191,000), you may lose the cost savings you see in insurance rates due to a fully funded, trained and well equipped fire and police department.

e. We saw what could happen with road funding in our area. Our representatives, while vocally saying they would never raise taxes by increasing the gas tax 10 cents, allowed SH 121 to be tolled when it did not need to be. Now, for the average car, driving on 121 to work 5 days a week, instead of a $60 annual increase, the user pays approximately $1500-1800 annually in tolls. Unfortunately, not enough citizens joined us as our city attempted to stop this un-necessary and unfair taxation of our citizens

I know this was a long message, but I tried to give you some of the many moving parts to the information needed to understand this issue. I hope this, along with the actual draft of the budget, the questions you are asking and your own sources of what it is like living in Frisco, gives you the information to help us as we determine what our rate should be. Please do not bring national politics to Frisco. Let’s make the right decision, whatever that is, with a cool and level-headed look at where we want our city to be and what makes sense for our community. Frisco is a success story. I receive national and international visitors on a regular basis who come to see our financial model. Let’s continue our well planned growth while keeping government small and non-intrusive.

Frisco Square Boulevard now open!

Today a new segment of Frisco Square Boulevard was opened between John W. Elliott Drive and First Street, which includes a new railroad crossing. Motorists can now travel continuously on Frisco Square Boulevard from Dallas Parkway to Main Street. This provides a new access point to the Heritage Center, City Hall, and the Library from Main Street. At the intersection of Frisco Square Boulevard and First Street, motorists should pay special attention to the new operation of the intersection where Frisco Square Boulevard is now the through street and First Street must now stop.

Motorists are urged to use caution in the area as people get used to the new traffic patterns.

Frisco Athletic Center Run Club@

Get ready for the upcoming race season by joining the new Frisco Athletic Center Run Club! This specialized club for men and women of all ages will teach participants the proper techniques of distance running. The club is lead by Coach Kevin Helm, who utilizes the techniques he has learned and mastered through years of coaching and running marathons, including the Boston Marathon.

Join us for workouts on Wednesdays from 6 a.m. - 7 a.m. and Thursday
nights from 6 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday workouts will consist of tempo
running (2-6 miles) and Thursdays will focus on speed drills utilizing a soft pebble track. A variety of drills and techniques will be used each week. Fees are $64 per month.

Workouts are designed for all fitness levels. Whether you are a serious runner or would just like to enjoy the company of others who love to run, this new club is for you!

For more information about the Run Club, please contact Michelle Zelrick at MZelrick@FriscoTexas.gov. Registration is now available online at FriscoFun.org or in person at the Frisco Athletic Center.

Mayor's Corner now Live - Proposed FY 2010 Budget Focus

Latest Edition of the Mayor's Corner Focuses on Proposed FY 2010 Budget

Watch the latest version of the Mayor's Corner online, on demand now at FriscoTexas.gov/video. Mayor Maher Maso discusses the proposed FY 2010 City of Frisco budget with City Manager George Purefoy and Assistant City Manager Nell Lange.

The Mayor's Corner also airs on the Frisco Television Network (FTVN) - Grande cable channel 12 and Time Warner cable channel 16, at 2 p.m. & 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Friday; and on Tuesday at
2 p.m. and Thursday at 6:30 p.m. FTVN is also available online 24 hours a day at FriscoTexas.gov/video.

City Hall 101 Registration

REGISTRATION UNDERWAY FOR CITY HALL 101; WEEKLY CLASSES START MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14

(August 24, 2009) Do you know what it takes to keep the city services you use running smoothly? City Hall 101 is a free program designed to increase your local government IQ with a behind the scenes look at how the City of Frisco operates. From planning parks to repairing roads, patrolling the streets to fighting fires, it takes hundreds of skilled employees keep Frisco's government on track with its tremendous growth.

City Hall 101 classes begin Monday, September 14 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., and continue Monday nights this fall through December 7. The classes focus on a different city department or program each week. City leaders and staff present the information in an informal setting and encourage questions and discussion.

The initial session will be held at City Hall inside the George A. Purefoy Municipal Center, 6101 Frisco Square Blvd.; however, the locations of Monday night classes will change as the department topics change. The locations and topics will be posted online and given at the previous Monday night class. There will not be a class on November 23, the week of Thanksgiving.

Registration is on a first come, first serve basis. Space is limited to 25 participants and fills up fast. The program is open to those 18 and older.
Go online to friscotexas.gov to download a registration form. On the home page, click on the 'Projects/Programs' tab and then choose 'City Hall 101'.
For more information, email Deputy City Manager Henry Hill at hhill@friscotexas.gov.

NTTA Press Release - Speed Limit Increases

NTTA Board Votes to Adjust Speed Limits


Plano, Texas – Today, the North Texas Tollway Authority (NTTA) Board of Directors voted to adjust speed limits on the Dallas North Tollway (DNT) and President George Bush Turnpike (PGBT) based on the results of a speed study. The speed limits go into effect as soon as new signs are installed. Signage installation will begin tomorrow, Aug. 20, and will continue through Sept. 1. The recommended speed limits could not be implemented until environmental speed limit designations were removed on certain portions of the roadway.


“The speed study results indicate that recommended speed limits are more consistent with the actual flow of traffic,” said Rick Herrington, NTTA deputy executive director.

Adjustments to speed limits on the DNT and PGBT are as follows:


· DNT between Ivan Street and Oak Lawn Avenue – speed limit would decrease from 55 to 50 mph

· DNT between Oak Lawn Avenue and just South of Trinity Mills Road (Dallas/Collin county line) – speed limit would increase from 55 to 65 mph

· DNT between just south of Trinity Mills Road in Dallas and County Road 26 in Frisco – speed limit would increase from 60 or 65 to 70 mph

· DNT between County Road 26 in Frisco and U.S. 380 – speed limits would remain 55 mph

· PGBT between Beltline Road in Irving and west of SH 78 in Garland – speed limit would increase from 60 to 70 mph.

· PGBT between just .2 miles west of SH 78 and SH 78 – speed limit would increase from 50 to 55

The NTTA initiated a speed study to determine appropriate speed limits in conjunction with the implementation of all-electronic toll collection (all-ETC) at the main lane plazas on the DNT and PGBT. The speed study identified the speed at or below which 85 percent of the vehicles travel during free flow conditions on the roadways, also known as the “85th percentile speed. The NTTA also evaluated characteristics unique to each roadway such as vertical and horizontal curvature, crash records and environmental impacts along the corridors.

Environmental speed limit designations on the DNT and PGBT were removed by the North Central Texas Council of Government with the approval of the Texas Commission of Environmental Quality and Environmental Protection Agency because many of the NTTA’s recent initiatives, such as the transition to all-ETC, offset any increase of emissions due to speed limit adjustments.

Volunteers Needed for "Green" initiative

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED TO HELP 'GREEN' THE 'YELLOW & BLUE'; MULCH MADE FROM STORM TREE DEBRIS USED TO 'KEEP FRISCO BEAUTIFUL'

(August 18, 2009) In Frisco, 'yellow and blue' gets greener this Saturday, August 22. Volunteers are still needed to help the City of Frisco staff spread 225 tons of mulch around landscaping at IKEA, 7171 IKEA Drive.
The mulch is made from tree debris collected following a June storm.

Mulch will be placed around landscaping in the parking lots, as well as
the area underneath the 'Welcome to Frisco' sign. Volunteers, of all
ages, are welcome to help the Environmental Services and Parks divisions, beginning at 7:15 a.m. Volunteers will stage in the southwest parking lot.

Staff encourages volunteers to bring their own gloves, rakes and shovels;
however, staff will have gardening tools on site, as well. To volunteer,
contact Kris Daniel, volunteer coordinator, 972-292-5078 or kdaniel@friscotexas.gov

Wildlife Seminar in Frisco

CITY OF FRISCO ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICERS TO HOST WILDLIFE SEMINAR AUGUST 19 (August 18, 2009) As Frisco homes and businesses develop where there were once wide open spaces, it is not unusual for residents to have a close encounter with wildlife. On Wednesday, August 19, the City of Frisco's Animal Control Division is hosting a seminar to educate residents about urban wildlife. The seminar is from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. inside the City Council Chambers at the George A. Purefoy Municipal Center, located at 6101 Frisco Square Blvd.

The discussion will focus on how to respond if you come face to face with coyotes, bobcats and other non-domesticated animals that call Frisco home.
The featured speakers for the seminar are:

Brett Johnson, a Texas Parks and Wildlife State Biologist
Prudence Koeninger with DFW Wildlife Coalition
Tammy Welch with the Living Materials Center/Holifield Science Learning Center
Valeri Marler with the Wildlife Center at Crosstimbers Ranch

The presentations will be followed by a question and answer period, so residents are encouraged to voice any concerns they have about urban wildlife.

School Zones - Speed Limits and Cell Phone Ban

Frisco Police Remind Motorists of School Zone Speed Limits and New State Law Banning the Use of Hand Held Cell Phones in School Zones


FRISCO, TX - The Frisco Police Department would like to remind citizens
that with Frisco schools starting back next week, the 20 mph school zone
speed limits will return. In addition, beginning September 1st officers
will also enforce a new state law that prohibits the use of hand held cell
phones in all school zones throughout the city.

The new law prohibiting the use of cell phones in school zones was passed
into law during the last legislative session and goes into effect
September 1. The law prohibits drivers from using hand held cell phones
in school zones except during emergencies when calls for police, fire, or
medical assistance are required. Motorists are allowed to make calls and
use cell phones when stopped in the school zone or while using a
hands-free device.

Signs will be posted throughout The City of Frisco at the entrances to all
school zones reminding citizens of the new law. The use of a hand held
cell phone in a school zone is a Class C Misdemeanor and is punishable by
a fine of up to $200.

Frisco police are dedicated to ensuring safe driving in all school zones
and hope that motorists do their part to make this school year a safe one
for the students.

New Spray Park Open

Don't hang up those swim suits for the summer just yet. The newest addition to summer fun in Frisco is now open! A new spray ground has opened at Bi Centennial Park, next to the popular Frisco Commons Park.

It is recommended that those visiting the new spray ground use the parking lot available at Frisco Commons Park (8000 McKinney Road).

Phase I of this spray ground includes multiple aquatic elements for children to enjoy while cooling off from the summer heat, landscaping and
benches for seating. Phase II additions which will take place in 2010 include: pavilions/shelters, restrooms and additional parking.

Bi Centennial becomes the third park in Frisco to have a spray ground feature located within the park. Other parks featuring spray grounds include JR Newman Park, located at 8211 Twin Falls Drive and Shepherds
Glen, located at 12012 Shepherds Hill Drive.

The spray parks are all free to the public and are open every day from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. For more information about our spray grounds, visit our website at FriscoFun.org or call 972-292-6500.

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Frisco is a Treasure Hunt for Fun

FRISCO IS A TREASURE HUNT FOR FUN: NOW THROUGH AUGUST 23

(August 12, 2009) Hunt for fun and discover 'Frisco IS a Treasure!' Pick up a treasure map at any one of 10 locations to begin your 'hunt for fun'
and become eligible for a grand prize drawing to win a treasure chest
filled with prizes! The 'hunt' continues now through Sunday, August 23
at noon. No purchase is required to play! To qualify to win, get your map stamped at six of the following 10 locations. Find addresses online at www.friscoisatreasure.com

Dr Pepper Ballpark, home of the Frisco RoughRiders Dr Pepper Arena Texas Tornado headquarters, located inside the Dr Pepper StarCenter Frisco Athletic Center Frisco Fire Safety Town Frisco Heritage Museum Frisco Public Library Pizza Hut Park, home of FC Dallas Fieldhouse USA Main Event

Once you collect six stamps, drop your completed map (entry form) into any 'X Marks the Spot' box. Boxes are also located at each of the 10 map locations. Everyone who completes an entry form will receive a coupon for a $10 game card at Main Event-Frisco. The grand prize 'Frisco Family Fun Treasure Chest' is valued at more than $1500 and is filled with prizes, coupons and tickets including:
Four (4) StarsClub luxury pre-season tickets Four (4) RoughRiders baseball tickets Four (4) FC Dallas soccer match tickets Four (4) Premium Texas Tornado hockey tickets Four (4) AMC Movie tickets $250 Gift Card from Main Event $50 Gift Card from Fieldhouse USA Four (4) Schlitterbahn tickets with overnight stay 'Limo' tour of Frisco escorted by the 'Jonas Fan Van'

AM 620 Radio Disney will be at the Frisco Athletic Center (FAC) this Sunday, August 16 from 2 - 4 p.m. The FAC is located at 5828 Nancy Jane Lane, just east of the intersection of Preston and Wade Blvd.

Then, join AM 620 Radio Disney and the City of Frisco team on Sunday, August 23 at the Frisco Public Library, 6101 Frisco Square Blvd., from 2 -
4 p.m. Play games and win prizes and stick around for the grand prize drawing and find out who wins the 'Frisco Family Fun Treasure Chest' It could be YOU! But you have to explore all the fun destinations in Frisco.

"We thought this would be a great way to showcase Frisco's quality of life and all the fun, family oriented venues our community offers," said Mayor Maher Maso. "Eight of the venues on the 'map' were made possible either through our innovative public-private partnerships or through the support of our voters, who approved bonds to build 'state of the art' facilities.
This 'hunt' is a way for our residents - newcomers or not - to experience our venues for the first time or rediscover all the incredibly fun, entertainment opportunities we have right here at home. It's also a fun way to introduce Frisco to our neighbors and visitors."

Check out www.friscoisatreasure.com for more information on 'Frisco IS a
Treasure: Hunt for Fun" You'll also find addresses and links to all the venues located on the treasure map at this website. Click on 'Stay and Play' and find out which Frisco hotels are offering a special 'treasure'
discount rate, too. You can also find the 'hunt' on Twitter! Check out http://twitter.com/friscotreasure

Frisco Reach Out this Saturday

PRESS RELEASE
FRISCO REACH OUT
Saturday, August 15, 2009

On Saturday, August 15, 2009, three non-profit organizations will come together for the very first time to conduct a historic reach out in the heart of downtown Frisco, Texas. These organizations, Frisco Cares Children’s Clinic, The Word Center, and KingdomLife International—all based in the city of Frisco—have pooled their resources together to lend a helping hand to the residents who live in the area of downtown Frisco. Among the services that will be provided at the reach out are school supplies for grades one through six, acute medical care to uninsured children and adults (those without insurance, Medicaid or Chips), and immunizations for school age children (children need to bring their immunization records with them). A pancake breakfast will also be served. The Reach Out will take place at the Word Center located at the corner of 6th and Oak Street, and will go from 8:30AM – 12:30PM. For more information about the event, please visit the web at www.friscoreachout.com, or call 972-712-5574.

Eldorado Pkwy at independence lanes open Aug. 10

The new eastbound lanes on Eldorado Parkway between Fragrant Drive and Masters Lane will open to traffic on Monday, August 10, weather permitting. Eastbound and westbound traffic will begin flowing on opposite sides of the median, but will still be restricted to one lane in each direction. These barricades will remain in place for a couple weeks to facilitate work in the median. At intersections and driveways, motorists should pay special attention when turning onto eastbound Eldorado Parkway to be sure that they are on the correct side of the median.

Motorists are urged to use caution in the area as people get used to the new traffic patterns.

Traffic Switch - Teel/Eldorado

As part of TxDOT's widening project, the traffic pattern was changed at two intersections along Eldorado Parkway today, at Legacy Drive and at Teel Parkway.


Traffic on Legacy Drive was switched so that two-way traffic will operate on the west half of the roadway for several weeks. Northbound traffic on Legacy Drive is now rerouted to the other side of the roadway at the median opening for Veneto Drive and is rerouted back to its regular side of the roadway at the median opening for Crane Avenue.


Traffic on Teel Parkway was switched so that two-way traffic will operate on the east half of the roadway for several weeks. Northbound traffic on Teel Parkway, which has been used to switching sides of the roadway south of Eldorado Parkway, now stays on its side of the roadway. Southbound traffic on Teel Parkway is now rerouted to the other side of the roadway as it crosses Eldorado Parkway, and is rerouted back to its regular side of the roadway at the median opening for the Eldorado Montessori School.


Motorists are urged to use caution in these areas as people become accustomed to the new traffic patterns.


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PARKS & RECREATION -preston north neighborhood park

The Frisco Parks & Recreation Department is holding a public meeting to discuss the master plan for Preston North Neighborhood Park, located

within Preston North Estates.



The meeting is scheduled for Monday, August 3 at 6:30 p.m. and will be held at Spears Elementary School located at

8500 Wade Boulevard. All interested parties are encouraged to attend.



In February, a public meeting was held to get feedback from the community on desired renovations to the park. This meeting will discuss the newly

proposed master plan that was developed based on the community feedback

that was received and the project budget.



For more information about the meeting, please call John Doshier at

972-292-6514 or Jdoshier@FriscoTexas.gov.



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Dive-In Movie

Put a new twist on family movie night and join us at the Frisco Athletic Center Outdoor Aquatic Center this Friday, July 24 for a Dive-In Movie.



Limited tickets are still available for this event and may be purchased in advance at the Frisco Athletic Center or at the door the night of the

event (while tickets last). Admission is $2 per person for members and non-members. Children under two are free.



Relax with the entire family while floating around in the lagoon pool or poolside in a lawn chair in front of the big screen while watching the entertaining zoo crew in Madagascar II - Escape to Africa. This fun,

family event will be held from 8 - 10 p.m. Doors will open at 8 p.m. with the movie beginning at approximately 8:30 p.m. Refreshments will be available for purchase.



For more information, call Kari FitzPatrick at 972-292-6628. For inclement weather information, please call 972-292-6520.

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City of Frisco as its Permanent Home

After ten years in development, Sci-Tech Discovery Center, a 501(c) 3 organization, today announced that it will open doors this fall in Frisco, Texas. With a mission to inspire a new generation of innovators, engineers, scientists and educators, Sci-Tech is pleased to have a home in which it can provide its signature Mind-Stretching Fun® to the families in and around the Collin County area. Sci-Tech Discovery Center officials recently signed a lease provided by the City Of Frisco Community Development Corporation to occupy approximately 11,000 square feet of space in the city owned building located at 8000 North Dallas Parkway, Frisco, TX 75034, just south of Frisco Square and the George A. Purefoy Municipal Center, which houses Frisco City Hall and the Frisco Public Library. “We couldn’t be more excited about this partnership with the City of Frisco. This location is easily accessible to the growing number of families in the North Texas Region,” explains Byron Williams, Chairman of the Sci-Tech Discovery Center Board. “We seek to spark an interest and help equip our area’s future workforce with essential skills in science, math and technology. This mission is fueled by recent statistics showing how in the U.S. our children’s deficiencies in these essential areas have been described as a national crisis.” “This is a defining day, not only for Frisco but for our region,” said Frisco Mayor Maher Maso. “Sci-Tech Discovery Center will give children a ‘hands on’, interactive experience promoting science, discovery and fun! Every day, we’re impacted by someone’s curiosity, that ultimately leads to invention. We’re excited about helping develop a new generation of explorers. The City of Frisco’s partnership with Sci-Tech Discovery is another example of our community’s creative, ‘can do’ spirit – an essential for any innovator.” “The partnership with Sci-Tech Discovery Center is a great opportunity for all of us, and an exciting addition to the development of a new cultural district in Collin County. With our existing Heritage Museum, the move planned in the near future for Museum of the American Railroad, and the addition of Sci-Tech, all within walking distance of each other, it will benefit both our residents as well as provide new reasons for visitors to come to Frisco,” says Marla Roe, Executive Director of the Frisco Convention and Visitors Bureau. Sci-Tech Discovery Center began as the brainchild of the Junior League of Plano in 1999 to meet the community’s demand for an innovative discovery center. Today, it is a local non-profit that has been bringing various discovery programs to community centers, libraries, schools and scout groups across Collin County. The organization hosted two successful preview exhibits in the summers of 2004 and 2005 at the Shops at Willowbend that gave more than 30,000 visitors a peek at these experimental learning opportunities. Sci-Tech Discovery Center is scheduled to open to the general public on Saturday, October 3 with the blockbuster travelling exhibit Grossology: The Impolite Science of the Human Body. Although renovations will still be underway, the exhibit will run from October 3- January 3. Sci-Tech Discovery Center, Inc. was established as a 501(c)(3) non-profit, educational organization in 2004 in response to community demand for a cultural and educational destination in Collin County. The Center has a clear mission to provide a dynamic, interactive experience that inspires people of all ages and backgrounds to embrace discovery and innovation through the exploration of math, science and technology. To learn more about Sci-Tech Discovery Center or to contribute, visit

Sci-Tech Discovery Center Announcement

Today was an exciting day for Frisco and the entire North Texas area. State Senator Florence Shapiro, McKinney Mayor Brian Loughmiller and Plano Council Member Lissa Smith joined me and other leaders in announcing that the Sci-Tech Discovery Center has a new zip code -- in Frisco. They will be opening their doors in October at 3000 N. Dallas Parkway in the hear of Frisco's family-oriented downtown.

Board President Byron Williams along with Executive Director Erica Yaeger accepted a donation in the amount of $25,000 from Baylor Frisco to sponsor the first exhibit: "Grossology".

Visit their new website at http://www.mindstretchingfun.org for additional details. This is a project that has been a goal of mine for many years with the help of many others, we are finally starting to focus on math and science in our community. With the support of the local school districts, I look forward to some very exciting curriculum's being developed!

This is truly a regional benefit for North Texas that makes a real impact to our children.

No City Council Meeting Tonight (Tuesday, July 21)

No City Council Meeting Tonight

The Frisco City Council is not meeting tonight, July 21. Instead the council is holding a special called meeting on Monday, July 27. The place and time are the same as regularly scheduled city council meetings: the City Council Chambers inside the George A. Purefoy Municipal Center, 6101 Frisco Square Blvd. at 6:30 p.m

380 at DNT closed due to injury accident

From the City of Frisco E-mail Server (join at http://www.friscotexas.gov)

SECTION OF HWY 380 AT DALLAS PARKWAY CLOSED TO TRAFFIC AS EMERGENCY CREWS RESPOND TO INJURY ACCIDENT

(July 17, 2009 – 9:30 a.m.) Frisco police and fire crews are working the scene of a multi-vehicle, injury accident on Highway 380. Eastbound and westbound lanes of Highway 380 at the Dallas Parkway are shutdown until further notice. Drivers are advised to avoid the area and to use Preston Road or FM 423 as an alternate route.

Emergency crews are still working the scene, and information about the injured and the details of the accident are not available at this time.

Frisco Freedom Fest

24 Hours and Counting Until the Frisco Freedom Fest Fun Begins!

(July 3, 2009) Don't have your Fourth of July plans set yet? Join us tomorrow for the 8th Annual Frisco Freedom Fest beginning at 4 p.m. at Simpson Plaza in front of the George A. Purefoy Municipal Center. The festival is located at the southeast corner of the Dallas North Tollway and Main Street in the heart of Frisco. Find out everything you need to know at http://www.friscofreedomfest.org.

Admission to the Party in the Plaza is free and offers a variety of entertainment. Way before the fireworks start, the kids will have a blast in the Children's Expo featuring bounce houses, Euro bungee jumps, a 25-foot rock climbing wall, mini-train ride and old fashioned Midway games, and much more. Activities range in price from $1 to $6, or buy a $25 jump pass and play all day.

A bike valet is one of the new features offered at this year's Freedom Fest. If you don't want to drive, ride in on two wheels instead of four.

Frisco Community Bike Valet will be offering a secure spot for cyclists to store their bikes during the event. The bike valet is located on the south side of City Hall. Other new features include the Red Cross's Spirit of America Blood Drive and the Oncor Smart Texas Mobile Experience Center.

The 1,000-foot trailer showcases the new advanced meter technology and how it can help you save on electricity costs. You can also pick up a free CFL light bulb.

A couple of other new additions. the characters from the Wiggly Play Center will join us in between performances on the Community Stage. You can also catch Dorothy the Dinosaur, Wags the Dog and Henry the Octopus at the Wiggly Play Center tent. You won't want to miss the Bubble Lady. She makes square bubbles, human-sized bubbles, and kids can even try out her bubble-making station to create their own.

Show your support for America's brave men and women serving overseas.

Look for the Frisco Television Network tent (FTVN) to record a video message to the troops. Kids can also write a letter to the troops in our Frisco Fun Zone.

Get your fill of good food from the Taste of Frisco. 19 restaurants will sell Fourth of July favorites like hamburgers, hot dogs and ice cream in addition to Tex-Mex, Italian and Asian dishes. Prices vary.

No Independence Day is complete without live music.

Enjoy the sounds of hometown performers on the Community Stage featuring everything from country to rap, classic rock to rockabilly. The Paul Green School of Rock - coming soon to Downtown Frisco - will headline the Community Stage with their All-Star band. The All-Stars take the stage at approximately 9:30 p.m. and will continue playing through fireworks.

We top off the night with the biggest fireworks show in North Texas beginning approximately 9:50 to 10:00 p.m. Don't miss Frisco's boom-boom pow, when the sky over Pizza Hut Park erupts in a dazzling display of color. The Fireworks Extravaganza can be seen easily in the area around City Hall and Pizza Hut Park.

Pizza Hut Park still has tickets available for the FC Dallas MLS game against the New York Red Bulls at 8 p.m. For ticket pricing, call 1-888-FCD-GOAL. In addition to the soccer game, ticket holders can watch the Fireworks Extravaganza and the post-fireworks concert featuring Lone Star Attitude.

Want to know more about the event? Go online to FriscoFreedomFest.org to find parking information, and read more about our sponsors and vendors.

Frisco Holiday Hours

Frisco Holiday Hours

In observance of Independence Day, the City of Frisco government
offices will be closed on Friday, July 3. Regular hours resume
Monday, July 6. Please see the list below for closings or special
hours for other city facilities.


On Saturday, July 4, Simpson Plaza, in front of the George A.
Purefoy Municipal Center, will be open for Frisco Freedom Fest activities. The ‘Party in the Plaza’ begins at 4 p.m. and continues until the biggest fireworks display in North
Texas ends. Go online to www.friscofreedomfest.org for event details and tickets to the
MLS FC Dallas game and concert, featuring Lone Star Attitude, at Pizza Hut Park.



CITY HALL & OTHER ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES
July 3 - CLOSED

FRISCO PUBLIC LIBRARY
July 3, 4 & 5 - CLOSED

FRISCO HERITAGE MUSEUM
July 3 - CLOSED
July 4 & 5 - OPEN (Sat.: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Sun.: 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.)

MUNICIPAL COURT
July 3 - CLOSED

The Court will reopen Monday, July 6 at 8:30 a.m. Any payments or
paperwork due on July 3 will be due and accepted as on time July 6.

FRISCO ATHLETIC CENTER
July 3 - OPEN: building hours: 5 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Indoor Aquatic Center: 5 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.; 4:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Outdoor Aquatic Center: Noon - 7 p.m.
Fun Club: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
The Zone: 8 a.m. - Noon; 4 p.m. - 8 p.m.

July 4 - OPEN: building hours: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Indoor Aquatic Center: Closed (no water aerobics)
Outdoor Aquatic Center: Noon - 6 p.m.
Fun Club: Closed
The Zone: Closed

(No group exercise classes held July 4)

SENIOR CENTER AT FRISCO SQUARE
July 3 & July 4 - CLOSED

TRASH COLLECTION - CURBSIDE RECYCLING

Since July 4 falls on a Saturday, all residential trash and
recycling services will fall on their normal collection days.

ENVIRONMENTAL COLLECTION CENTER

July 3 & July 4 - CLOSED

Mandatory Water Restrictions Begin July 1st

MANDATORY RESTRICTIONS OF FRISCO'S WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN BEGIN JULY 1:CITY WATERWISE PROGRAM OFFERS NEW, WEEKLY WATERING RECOMMENDATIONS TO GUIDE RESIDENTS

(June 30, 2009) The City of Frisco wants to remind residents that mandatory water restrictions for summer months take effect Wednesday, July 1.

The Water Management Plan, which emphasizes watering efficiently and reducing waste, was adopted by the city council in April.

This new plan encompasses a Drought Contingency Plan and a Water Efficiency Plan.
Each year, starting with the first day of Daylight Saving Time through June 30, two-day-per-week outdoor watering is recommended. Restrictions become mandatory during the summer months of July, August and September (July 1 - September 30). The plan prohibits outdoor watering between 5 a.m. and 8 a.m. and between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.
Under the new Water Efficiency Plan, outdoor watering is also restricted to two days per week July 1 - September 30 and is based on residents' trash and recycling service schedule and an additional, designated day.

Water on your residential trash pick up day: Your additional watering day
is:
Monday Thursday
Tuesday Saturday
Wednesday Saturday
Thursday Sunday
Friday Tuesday

The complete details of the City of Frisco Water Management Plan are available online at www.friscotexas.gov/water.
The City of Frisco's Waterwise program is also helping citizens take the guesswork out of watering the lawn. A new edition to the Water Efficiency homepage: www.friscotexas.gov/water, is a table listing the weekly watering recommendations tailored for Frisco based on data from the city's weather station and four automatic rain gages located throughout the city.

"The greatest waste of water in the city is excessive use of irrigation systems," said Gary Hartwell, City of Frisco Public Works Director. "To be able to communicate the actual watering needs for the city's landscapes is very important to reducing water waste."

The watering recommendations are given in quarter-inch increments. To help residents even further, there is a link to explain how to set your automatic irrigation system to deliver the recommended amount of water.
First time violators of the Water Management Plan will receive a red door-hanger alerting them to expect a $25 fee on their next water bill. However, that $25 fee will be waived or credited on a water bill if the resident contacts the city's licensed irrigator for a free, irrigation 'check up' within 30 days. Additional violations may result in additional fees and disconnection of the resident's sprinkler system.

The City of Frisco's revised plan is based on the model water conservation and drought contingency plans adopted by the Board of Directors of the North Texas Municipal Water District (NTMWD) and all the requirements of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). Frisco is a member city of NTMWD. State law required all cities to adopt and/or update their water conservation and drought contingency plans by May 1, 2009.

Coffee with the Mayor next Monday

NEXT "COFFEE WITH THE MAYOR" TO BE HELD AT NTEC, INC. JUNE 8

(June 3, 2009) Learn more about Frisco's emerging med-tech industry while you enjoy a cup of 'Coffee with the Mayor". On June 8 at 8 a.m., Mayor Maher Maso's "Coffee with the Mayor" moves to the North Texas Enterprise Center for Medical Technology (NTEC), located at 6170 Research Rd.

NTEC is a non-profit, medical technology incubator program financed through the Frisco Economic Development Corporation (FEDC) and other private partners. NTEC's 50,000 square foot headquarters opened in November 2008 at the northeast corner of Research Road and Frisco Street.
The EDC, in conjunction with the City of Frisco, issued $10.8 million bond in 2007 to build the facility. The two-story, state-of-the-art facility, includes 80 offices, 30 cubes, 10,000 square feet of highly flexible bio-labs, device labs and prototyping labs. The building can house as many as 25 entrepreneurial medical device and medical technology businesses.

It's been a year since Mayor Maso launched "Coffee with the Mayor" as one of his communication initiatives. The program centers around coffee and casual conversation and is held the second Monday of each month from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. "Coffee with the Mayor" is usually held on the fifth floor of City Hall, inside the George A. Purefoy Municipal Center, 6101 Frisco Square Blvd.

"Coffee with the Mayor" will not be held in July. "Coffee with the Mayor"
resumes on August 10 at City Hall. For more information, go to http://www.friscotexas.gov, click on 'Communication' and then find 'Coffee with the Mayor".

Like to Garden?

To commemorate National Garden Week, this Friday (June 5th), the City and the Frisco Garden Club are joining together around 8 AM to begin the replanting of the Main Street planters. Since this effort takes a lot of volunteer labor we’d love to have as many of the Downtown Merchants, Residents and Frisco Community Members join us to help if possible. We will meet out at the Gazebo around 8 AM and split up in teams and go from there. At 10:00 we will regroup at the Gazebo on Main Street in Old Town for lemonade and cookies and for a reading of a proclamation for the Garden Week celebration. Please join us on Friday if you can!

Sprinklers

Now is the time to make sure your sprinklers are off. Yes, we have plenty of water in our lakes, but over-use is still very important. The City builds infrastructure to handle peak loads. in other words, that water tank, the water lines, the pumps and everything that goes along with it is designed to handle peak loads. Of course, this costs money. Your money and my money. Using the water you only need goes a long ways in saving all of us money. Directly, through your water bill and indirectly through the infrastructure we have to build.
Also, the state mandates water conservation. Frisco has one of the highest water usage, measured in gallons used per person per day. A majority of that is irrigation. We had storms last night and it is raining right now. Every sprinkler system in Frisco should be turned off for at least the next few days.
Check this link out: http://www.friscotexas.gov/departments/publicworks/water/Pages/default.aspx and you will find lots of info on the subject.

Museum of the American Railroad Press Release

Museum of the American Railroad
Frisco, Texas
Museum of the American Railroad and City of Frisco Finalize Move

MAY 5, 2009 – Today Museum of the American Railroad officials signed, and the Frisco City
Council approved, a formal agreement that finalizes plans to move the Fair Park collection of trains to a new site in Frisco. The City Council passed by unanimous vote the Development Agreement and Lease that enables the museum to move from the planning stage to Phase I design and construction.

The Museum of the American Railroad joins an exciting array of attractions in this North Texas city including the Frisco Heritage Center and Museum. It will also be adjacent to a system of planned outdoor spaces and recreational areas to be known as Grand Park. Last year, the Museum of the American Railroad entered into an agreement with the City of Frisco that initiated serious discussions between the two organizations. The two quickly arrived at terms that were mutually beneficial and an engineering firm was hired to prepare a conceptual engineering site plan.

The plan, prepared by Lunsford Associates of Arlington with Wilson & Company of Fort
Worth, calls for nearly a mile of trackage and future exhibit buildings totaling 94,000 square feet. The museum’s priceless collection will also be covered by a train shed reminiscent of turn-of-the-century stations.

With the Council’s adoption of the formal agreements, the railroad museum will now finalize its site plan and prepare engineering specifications for Phase I construction. Phase I calls for some 5,000 feet of track to be laid at the museum’s new Frisco location, including 3,000 feet of exhibit track that will accommodate the current 36-piece rolling stock collection. The museum’s two landmark structures will also move to Frisco and compliment the historic locomotives and railway passenger cars.

The City of Frisco will provide 12.34 acres of land for the project. Located on Cotton Gin Road, the new site is adjacent to the Frisco Heritage Center and borders the BNSF Railway line to the east. The museum currently resides on a 1.8 acre footprint in Fair Park and stores one quarter of its collection offsite.

A majority of Phase I funding will come from Frisco to construct the basic facilities necessary to
relocate the museum from Fair Park. The museum will raise their portion of the funding privately. Upon completion of Phase I, the museum will open for business at the new site. “We are very excited to get to this point; it’s been mostly planning until now. We’re getting close to turning some dirt and watching the wheels roll. The area railroads have pledged their support and we should be moving equipment in early 2011,” said Bob LaPrelle, MAR’s President & CEO.

The museum will continue operations at its present Fair Park location until the rolling stock begins moving to Frisco. Educational programs for Dallas area schools will also continue through late 2010. While the collection will be relocating to Frisco, the move is viewed by museum officials as an operation becoming more regional rather than one leaving the Dallas market.
With nearly half a mile of locomotives and cars weighing almost 3,600 tons, the move of the
museum’s historic rolling stock collection will be an event in and of itself. The museum has fielded calls from as far away as New Zealand since the announcement of the move last year. The museum’s Big Boy steam locomotive, the largest ever constructed, will attract interest from all over the world when it begins to roll to its new home.

The museum has worked closely with Frisco city officials to finalize plans and create an attraction
that embraces the city’s rich railroad heritage. Frisco derives its name from the St. Louis-San
Francisco Railway Company which established a water stop there following construction in 1902.
Initially satisfying a thirst for steam locomotives, the area was later subdivided and plots were sold by the railroad. A few years later the town of Frisco was officially incorporated and has grown in population to just over 100,000 today.

While the museum will endeavor to tell the story of railroads on a local level, its collection is national in scope. In 2006 the museum, with the aid of M. Goodwin Associates of Los Angeles, created a Strategic Plan that identified its strengths and addressed limitations at its present site. The Plan acknowledged the significance of the collection as one with great potential that tells the story of the American Railroad on a national level.

The new facilities in Frisco will allow for expanded programming and house the collection in a setting that is befitting of its heritage. Future buildings will present the trains in the context of a large, urban train station while featuring all the amenities of a museum. Visitors will climb aboard trains that once arrived and departed stations at nearly every major city in the nation.
Museum officials have chosen a style of architecture for its new main building that compliments
neighboring structures in Frisco Square. A Neoclassical style is represented in the museum’s
proposed building that borrows elements from the great train stations of the past. To be constructed as part of a Phase II capital project, the facility will feature a grand hall and concourse that will serve as a museum facility by day and a venue for community activities after hours. “We envision this building being a center for local activities and events – a place that is at the heart of a community just as train stations were in their day,” said LaPrelle.

The new museum will also serve as an anchor arts & cultural institution in Frisco. The facility will
provide educational programming for Frisco ISD and surrounding school districts through interactive tours and in-class programs. The museum’s grand hall will also act as a venue for the visual & performing arts. Over the past year the museum has consulted with Freeman Ryan Design, an Australian company, to develop spatial requirements and visitor flow patterns for the new main building and train shed. Specializing in creating museums around large objects, the Sydney-based company has addressed the architectural considerations associated with housing and presenting the museum’s extensive rolling stock collection. Using the latest technologies, the museum will entertain and educate visitors and students with exhibits on the cultural history and technology of railroading. Programs will also explore the role of the railroad as a
solution to the nation’s transportation challenges. Where railroad museums have typically been viewed as looking back, the new Frisco museum will also look forward and showcase what the rail industry has to offer now and in the future.

The City of Frisco has generously provided the railroad museum with offices and 800 square feet of exhibit space in the new Frisco Heritage Museum. Located at 6455 Page Street, visitors can enjoy exhibits on Frisco history, including the arrival of the railroad in 1902. With offices and programming already established in Frisco, the railroad museum is on its way toward building a brand and engaging in fund raising and development.

With today’s vote, the City of Frisco and the Museum of the American Railroad have solidified a
partnership and created much excitement toward establishing the premiere museum of railroad history and technology in the Southwest. The Museum of the American Railroad would like to extend its most sincere gratitude to the City of Frisco and its citizens. Their generous contributions and endorsement of our museum will ensure its future role as a cultural history center and educational resource in North Texas. Consistent with its mission of …sharing the rich history and heritage, as well as the current and future development of the institution of the American Railroad through artistic, cultural, and educational programming & outreach…, the Museum of the American Railroad is about to embark on the greatest journey in its 46-year history.

For more information about the museum and its move to Frisco go to www.dallasrailwaymuseum.com

Chesney Concert Traffic Patterns

Eastbound Main Street and eastbound Cotton Gin Road -- between Legacy

Drive and Dallas Parkway -- will be closed to traffic at 10 p.m. on

Saturday, May 2, in order to move traffic out of Pizza Hut Park and Frisco

Square following the Kenny Chesney Concert. Both roads should be open

again by around 1 a.m. During this closure, traffic heading east on Main

Street should use Legacy Drive to reach either Eldorado Parkway or Lebanon

Road to continue eastward. During this time, Frisco Square can be reached

by using northbound Dallas Parkway or by turning left from southbound

Dallas Parkway at Main Street.



To minimize congestion after the concert, exit routes from Pizza Hut Park

and Frisco Square will be limited in order to reduce the points where

traffic flows try to cross each other. A map has been posted on the City's

website that shows these exit routes (go to www.friscotexas.gov and click

MOVE ALONG on the right side). Depending on where they park, concert

goers will be directed onto eastbound or westbound Main Street or north to

Eldorado Parkway when they leave Pizza Hut Park and then should follow the

signs to reach the Dallas North Tollway, Preston Road, SH 121 or US 380.

In addition, to ease congestion after the concert on the southbound Dallas

Parkway for those entering the Tollway south of Main Street, a sign has

been installed to remind motorists that they can use the right lane to

continue to the next Tollway entrance ramp at Stonebrook Parkway.



Motorists are urged to use caution in the area.

Parks and Rec. Events

PUBLIC INVITED TO ATTEND TWO PARKS AND RECREATION EVENTS TOMORROW, SATURDAY, APRIL 4; TODAY LAST DAY TO REGISTER FOR AQUA EGG HUNT AT FRISCO ATHLETIC CENTER

B.F. Phillips Community Park Dedication

(April 3, 2009) The City of Frisco Parks and Recreation Department is hosting two events tomorrow, Saturday, April, 4. The public is invited to attend the park dedication ceremony for B.F. Phillips Community Park at 10 a.m. Located at 3335 4th Army Memorial Drive, the park is adjacent to the Lonestar Ranch subdivision, northeast of the Teel Parkway and Lebanon Road intersection.

B.F. Phillips Park is a 117-acre park with an overall ranch and horse racing theme. The park includes a five-field baseball and softball complex, soccer fields, a playground system, concession and restroom facilities and a paved parking lot. As part of the city's public art program, the turnaround entrance features an oversized horseshoe and nail.
The steel artwork is entitled "For Want of a Horseshoe Nail".

NEW Aqua Egg Hunt at Frisco Athletic Center April 4

Hundreds of eggs are up for grabs as a brand new event in Frisco. Join us for the Aqua Egg Hunt from 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. tomorrow at the Frisco Athletic Center, 5828 Nancy Jane Lane. To attend, you must register by today, April 3.

Kids, ages three to ten, are invited to swim and hunt for prize-filled eggs! Admission is $10 and includes 'the hunt', a day long swim pass and
a treat from the Easter Bunny himself. Pre-registration is required and
available online at www.friscofun.org - or in person at the Frisco Athletic Center. Children under seven who stay to swim for the day must be accompanied by an adult. For more information, call 972-292-6600.

Great way to end the week

The day is not half over yet, but it sure has been busy. This morning started off early with a meeting with a local transportation authority to discuss ways we can better work together. It was a great meeting and I look forward to getting our roads built faster!

After the breakfast meeting, I attended the ground-breaking of the new Kroger's. The City of Frisco will be home to the first-ever Kroger Marketplace at the Northwest corner of Custer and Eldorado. We keep hearing about how bad the economy is, but Frisco is still open for Business. The Kroger's will join the recently opened Main Event at the Tollway and Main street and another 11+ Million Square Feet of new office and retail and the five new hotels.

This Kroger's will be a 123,000 SF store will be the fourth Kroger in Frisco and it will create 250 additional jobs for our local economy. It was my pleasure to speak at the ground breaking and to thank them, on behalf of our City, in locating here.

I left the ground breaking and drove to Roger's Elementary to join them for their "Boosterthon Fun Run". It was a sea of white shirts (more on that later). It was a lot of fun watching the entire second and third grade class running laps and having a great time. I'm usually not that happy if I have to run :-)

The kids really enjoyed being part of this event and I was honored to have been asked to attend. The kids even asked me to sign their shirts, which was a treat for me. They were really excited about getting the "Mayor" to autograph their white shirts, but little did they know that the honor was all mine.

Kudos to the teachers and volunteers for putting in their time and effort into this fun event. The kids at Roger's were some of the most well behaved children I have run across. Keep up the great work!

Senator Shapiro Town Hall Meeting in Frisco

For Immediate Release Contact: Lissa Smith, District Director
Tuesday, February 17, 2009 Phone: 972-403-3404
lissa.smith@senate.state.tx.us


Shapiro to Host Town Hall Meetings

(Plano, Texas)--Sen. Florence Shapiro, R-District 8, announces two Legislative Town Hall Meetings for the citizens of Senate District 8.


WHO: Sen. Florence Shapiro & Senate District 8 Constituents

WHAT: Town Hall Meetings to discuss the issues facing the 81st Legislature

WHEN: Saturday, February 28, 2009

WHERE: Dallas County Collin County (9:00 am - 10:30 am) (11:30 am - 1:00pm)
Jesuit College Preparatory School Frisco City Hall
The Lecture Hall 6875 Main Street
12345 Inwood Road Frisco, Texas
Dallas, Texas


Everyone is invited to come and share their thoughts and concerns for their community and the state. "I have always maintained that the best ideas do not come from Austin," Shapiro said, "but from the people whose lives we directly affect there. I welcome everyone to come share their ideas with me on February 28th."



# # #

Oncor Prepares for Icy Weather

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: Carol Peters or Jeamy Molina, Oncor communications, 972.791.6200

Oncor Prepares For Icy Weather

DALLAS (Jan.26, 2009)—With near-freezing temperatures in the forecast, Oncor has begun preparations for possible icy conditions by keeping a close eye on the weather and alerting crews to be ready to restore power.

In the event of a major power outage, Oncor’s first priority is to restore electricity to emergency public service agencies, such as police and fire departments, and hospitals. The next priority is to restore power safely to as many customers as possible with each repair.

Consumers are urged to follow these helpful tips to stay safe and speed restoration:

Safety

Always avoid downed power lines. Any downed line should be considered energized and therefore dangerous. Report downed lines immediately by calling the number on your electric bill and stay out of the immediate area. If you are trapped inside a vehicle, stay inside the car. Call 911 for assistance.

Avoid debris that may conceal downed power lines and make sure there are no downed lines before allowing children out to play.

Steer clear of Oncor crew work areas. Equipment and energized lines may be in the area that could create a safety hazard. When driving, watch for crews working along the roadways, and obey all traffic signs and directions around work areas.

Don’t attempt to make repairs to Oncor’s electrical system or pull limbs off lines.

Be careful when using portable heaters or other supplemental heating. Never place heaters near flammable materials or where they might tip over. Use fire screens to prevent sparks and embers from causing problems.

Exercise extreme caution if using candles during a power outage. Always keep candles away from flammable objects and never leave them burning unattended.


Restoration

If your power goes out, don’t assume the electric company knows – call the phone number on your electric bill.

Leave porch lights on to show Oncor crews where power has been restored.

Be patient. When major outages occur, Oncor crews focus on restoring power to transmission lines and distribution lines that feed neighborhoods before working on distribution lines that feed directly to homes and businesses. However, be assured that Oncor crews are working as quickly and safely as possible to restore power to customers.

To be prepared, keep flashlights, battery-operated radios, and a supply of food and water close by.


If the weather interrupts electrical service, customers are urged to call the number on their electric bill. This line is answered by an automated system designed to handle power outage calls. The most efficient way for customers to report outages is to leave all information on this system.

Oncor is a regulated electric distribution and transmission business that uses superior asset management skills to provide reliable electricity delivery to consumers. Oncor operates the largest distribution and transmission system in Texas, providing power to 3 million electric delivery points over more than 102,000 miles of distribution and 14,000 miles of transmission lines. While Oncor is owned by a limited number of investors (including majority owner, Energy Future Holdings Corp.), Oncor is managed by its Board of Directors, which is comprised of a majority of independent directors.

Phone Service Disrupted

PHONE SERVICE DISRUPTED FOR APPROXIMATELY 100 CUSTOMERS; FIRE & POLICE STEP UP PATROLS FOR EMERGENCIES

(January 8, 2009) Approximately 100 Frisco homes - in an area near the intersection of County Road 712/ All Stars Avenue and North County Road -- are without AT & T phone service.

As a result, the Frisco Fire and Police Departments will step up patrols in the area to respond to emergencies for those without cell phones.

Officials say phone service was disrupted at approximately 1 p.m. when a contractor, while reconstructing County Road 712, inadvertently cut a phone line.

Residents are advised to check their phones for service. If they hear a dial tone, there is NO need to call 911, unless there is an emergency. AT & T anticipates service will be restored by 10 p.m.

Eldorado Parkway Connection Closings

On Wednesday, January 7, two connections to Eldorado Parkway east of FM 423 will be closed for two weeks as part of TxDOT’s widening project. Hawk Creek Drive and the eastern driveway for Wal-Mart will be closed at Eldorado Parkway during this time. Both connections are expected to reopen by January 21, weather permitting.

Residents who normally use Hawk Creek Drive to access their neighborhood from Eldorado Parkway will need to access the neighborhood by using Grayhawk Boulevard. Customers of Wal-Mart can still access the store from Eldorado Parkway by using the western driveway (at the traffic signal).

Complete Eldorado Project Update can be found HERE. [PDF FILE]

Sewer LIne Leak Press Release

CITY CREWS WORKING INTO THE NIGHT TO REPAIR SEWER LINE LEAK
(December 29, 2008)

City of Frisco Public Works employees are working into the night to repair a 24" sewer line break, more than six feet underground and located under the elevated portion of the southbound Dallas North Tollway service lane -- just south of Cotton Gin Road and north of the railroad tracks. As a result, raw sewage from the main spilled directly into Stewart Creek.

At approximately 8 p.m. tonight, city crews stopped the flow of raw sewage spilling into the creek.After December 14th, the North Texas Municipal Water District (NTMWD) noticed a 'drop in flow' in the City of Frisco line. Since then, NTMWD and city public works' employees have been working to find a possible leak and/or determine if Frisco has been experiencing a seasonal 'drop', which is typical this time of year. The City of Frisco and NTMWD received no complaints of odors or any other evidence of a leak.At approximately 3:30 p.m. today, NTMWD crews discovered the leak while walking along the creek, northward, from the Stewart Creek Water Treatment Plant.

At this time, NTMWD and the City of Frisco don't know how much sewage has spilled into Stewart Creek, which feeds into Lewisville Lake; however, NTMWD reports the 'drop in flow' appears to be in excess of 500,000 gallons per day.The exact cause of the break is unknown at this time. This break does not impact the City of Frisco's water supply to homes and businesses.The City of Frisco is reporting the break to the Texas Commission Environmental Quality (TCEQ).

Newsletter Corrections

The Dates for two upcoming events were listed incorrectly in the last newsletter.

The WOGA Classic will be held on Feruary 14 and 15th at the Frisco Convention Center.  

The Kurt Thomas Invitational will also be held at the Frisco Convention Center on January 10 & 11.

Sparks Elementary Choir

I had the great pleasure to hear the Sparks Elementary Choir as they toured our City today and performed Christmas Music.  The Choir includes 140 children from 4th and 5th grade and they all filed into our Council Chambers to perform for me and our staff.  This is an experienced group as they performed at Merry Main Street.  "Operation Good Cheer", under the direction of Dawn Jones, helped meet its goal of spreading good cheer to everyone, as evidenced by the smiles and sing-a-longs of our City Staff.  Great Job Sparks Elementary!

One of the songs is shown below. This is the best I can do with my blackberry!  Keep an eye on the City TV Channel for a replay of the entire performance (in good quality!)

Frisco Home for the Holidays

Don't Miss Frisco's Holiday Tradition - Frisco Home for the Holidays! Join Val and I as we host Maestro Guzman, your Plano Symphony Orchestra, and special guests for a seasonal concert full of good cheer and even greater music! Hear favorites such as "Jingle Bells," "Walkin' in a Winter Wonderland," "The First Noel," and many more! Enjoy some "special visitors" from the North Pole, fellowship and great music with friends and a good dose of the holiday spirit! Get your tickets today!

The concert is fun for the entire family - please invite your neighbors and friends. Look for members of the Mayors Youth Council as they volunteer their time in making this a fun concert.

Date: December 20 - Saturday

Time: 4:00PM

Location: Centennial High School - 6901 Coit Rd.

Additional Information: 972-473-7262 or http://www.planosymphony.org/

Weekend Events and Correction

I sent out the agenda to the next City Council meeting via my newsletter earlier today.  In it, I had the incorrect date for the Frisco Chorage Positively Christmas. I have corrected the date (see below). It is actually this Saturday, the 13th (not Saturday the 14th as I had originally listed). 

Other events are listed below:

• Frisco Square Streets are closed on Saturday Morning for the Frosty 5K Race.  Press release can be found HERE. I hope to see you out there running!
  
  
• Today is the last day to drop off toys to the Boys and Girls Club.  You can do so at 8750 McKinney Street in Frisco, 1111 Avenue H in Plano and 701 S Church St. in McKinney. Contact Caralee Gurney at cgurney@bgccc.org or call 972-824-2596 for additional information.
  
  
• Frisco Chorale Positively Christmas Concert is fast approaching.  I will be the Emcee and I hope you will make an effort to come out and support our Chorale. Let's help them set a record for attendance. Tickets are sold at the door and the the performance is not to be missed.  It will be held at St. Philip's Episcopal Church, 6400 Stonebrook Pkwy. on Saturday, December 13th. at 7:00pm.  I hope to see you there!
  
  
• Join Val and I as we host the "Frisco Home for the Holidays" Plano Symphony Orchestra concert at Centennial High School [MAP] on Saturday, December 20. at 4:00PM.  Tickets can be purchased ONLINE.  Come visit with me as we enjoy the sounds of the season and the ever popular sing-a-long. Members of the Mayor's Youth Council will be on hand to guide and serve you.  Hector Guzman and the PSO play your Holiday Favorites in this annual holiday tradition.  Enjoy music from Germany, France and other countries including many of the carols and melodies of the season.  Special "visitors" from the north Pole will join the audience and your ticket includes a complimentary reception at intermission.  This event is for the entire family!
  
  
• The NCAA College Cup is being played in Frisco this weekend at Pizza Hut Park.  I believe tickets are still available for the NCAA Division I Men's Final Four.  Come out and watch #1 seeded Wake Forest University along with the University of Maryland, St. John's University and North Carolina as they determine the top team in the country. Semi-finals are Friday and the final is on Sunday. 


• Christmas in the Square for Friday, December 12 and Saturday, December 13: Carriage Rides, Adventure Railroad Trackless Train, Inflatables, Santa Claus and Santa's Gift Shop and much more.