NTTA Traffic Advisory

NTTA TRAFFIC ADVISORY

Please note the following temporary road closures on the Sam Rayburn Tollway (SRT):

Monday, Sept. 28, through Tuesday, Sept. 29:
All SRT main lanes northbound from Independence Parkway to just north of Custer Road will be closed from 7 a.m. Monday, Sept. 28, to noon on Tuesday, Sept. 29. Entrance ramps from Coit Road and from Independence Parkway also will be closed.

The closures are needed to make final preparations for the road’s next segment opening on Tuesday.

Message boards and traffic control will be provided during this closure.

All closures are subject to weather conditions and will be postponed, if necessary.

New Eastbound Lanes on Eldorado open on Monday.

The new eastbound lanes on Eldorado Parkway between FM 423 and the Dallas North Tollway will open to traffic on Monday, September 28, weather permitting. Eastbound and westbound traffic will begin flowing on opposite sides of the median. After eastbound traffic is shifted to the new eastbound lanes, westbound traffic will remain in one lane for a time as the paving work on that side of the roadway is finished. As part of this work, westbound traffic will be shifted into a different westbound lane at various locations over the course of the week.

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 approaching Eldorado Parkway from the south should pay special attention to the new locations of stop signs on the south edge of the widened roadway. In addition, TxDOT's expansion of Eldorado Parkway did not include a median opening at Rio Grande Drive. Therefore, westbound traffic will no longer be able to turn left into Rio Grande Drive and all northbound traffic on Rio Grande Drive will have to turn right onto Eldorado.

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

Denton County Flu Vaccinations

Don’t Let the Flu Season Get You Down.
9/21/2009 – Flu vaccination is one of the most important ways to help prevent the flu. The Denton County Health Department will provide residents the opportunity to receive their flu vaccinations this year during two community flu clinics. As in previous years, DCHD will hold flu clinics in Denton and in Lewisville. The clinic dates and locations are:
.
• September 25, 2009, 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Lewisville Civic and Recreation Center.
• September 30, 2009, 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at C.H. Collins Athletic Complex in Denton.

Flu shots will be available for the general public, but DCHD especially encourages those at high risk of complications from the flu to receive a flu vaccination. Those individuals that are considered high risk include:
• Children 6 months – 18 years of age
• Adults over the age of 50
• Persons of any age with certain chronic medical conditions
• Persons living in nursing homes or other long term care facilities
• Pregnant women
• Persons living with or caring for high risk individuals

The cost of the flu shots is $20 and only cash will be accepted. Medicare, Medicaid, and CHIP will also be accepted as payment.

Vaccinations are the most effective preventive measure, but here are some other steps you and your family can take to stay healthy this fall and winter:
• The simplest way to stop the spread of the flu and many other diseases is to wash your hands often, with soap and water. Wash for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Rub sanitizer in your hands until they are dry.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs can live for a long time, some for 2 hours or more, on surfaces like door knobs, desks, and tables.
• Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing. Viruses that infect the nose, throat, and lungs cause illnesses like the flu. The flu usually spreads from person to person when an infected person coughs or sneezes and the droplets from the cough or sneeze move through the air and get on the mouth and nose of people nearby. Always cough or sneeze into a tissue and throw it away to prevent the spread of the droplets. If you don’t have a tissue, cover your cough or sneeze into the crease of your elbow. If you cough or sneeze into your hand, make sure to wash them immediately.
• If you feel ill, stay home from work and keep sick kids home from school or daycare. Contact your health care provider for specific treatment.

Denton County Health Department is also gearing up to distribute H1N1 Influenza Vaccine. Denton County Health Department expects to receive H1N1 flu vaccine in mid-October and begin distributing the vaccine to the community shortly after. Please check the Denton County Health Department’s Flu Hotline at 940-349-2584 and the Denton County Health Department website at www.dentoncounty.com/health for the most up to date information.

Voter Registration - Collin County

Public Information Office
2300 Bloomdale Rd.
Suite 4192
McKinney, Texas 75071
www.collincountytx.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Sept. 22, 2009

Contact: Sharon Rowe, Elections Administrator,
972-547-1990
Voter registration deadline for November elections: Oct. 5

(McKINNEY, Texas) – Voting officials want to remind residents that the deadline to register to vote is Monday, Oct. 5, 2009, for the Nov. 3, 2009, Constitutional Amendment, Wylie ISD Bond and the City of Farmersville Local Option Special Elections.

To be eligible to vote in Texas, you must:

· Be a U.S. citizen;
· Be a resident of the county;
· Be 18 years old (you may register at 17 years and 10 months)
· Not a convicted felon (unless a person’s sentence is completed, including probation)
· Not declared mentally incapacitated by a court of law.

You must be registered at least thirty days prior to an Election.

Applications to register to vote can now be downloaded at

http://www.collincountytexas.gov/elections/voter_registration/index.jsp, or by calling the Collin County Elections Office at 972-547-1990 or metro 972-424-1460 Ext 1990 for an application. Voter registration applications are also available at most post offices, libraries and high schools. Faxed Applications are not accepted.


Those who are registered to vote but don’t have a current voter registration certificate (orange card), please contact the Collin County Elections Office at 972-547-1990 or metro 972-424-1460 Ext 1990, or go online at http://www.collincountytexas.gov/elections/voter_registration/index.jsp and download an application and mail it to: 2010 Redbud Blvd. Suite 102, McKinney, TX 75069.

If you were registered to vote, but moved from one county in Texas to Collin County, you will need to register with Collin County before being allowed to vote in Collin County by the above deadline.

You can now change your name or address by accessing the Secretary of State web address, www.sos.state.tx.us; otherwise, updates must be done by mail or in person.

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Tim Wyatt

Collin County Public Information

2300 Bloomdale Rd. Suite 4154

McKinney, Texas 75071

972-548-4673 / Fax: 972-548-4699
http://www.co.collin.tx.us









Tim Wyatt

Collin County Public Information

2300 Bloomdale Rd. Suite 4154

McKinney, Texas 75071

972-548-4673 / Fax: 972-548-4699
http://www.co.collin.tx.us

New Frisco Frisbee League

Tired of the same old sports? Looking for something new and exciting?
Join the Parks & Recreation Department's new Ultimate Frisbee League.
Ultimate Frisbee is a non-contact, high energy sport that is quickly gaining popularity around the U.S. The sport combines football, soccer and Frisbee, for a one of a kind cardiovascular workout.

The new league will begin Monday, September 14 at 6 p.m. Games will be held at Harold Bacchus Community Park, located at 13995 Main Street, on field number one. The first three weeks will be open play, giving individuals and teams a chance to get to know the game. Teams are required to have a minimum of five players and no more than eight players and must play with a 2-to-1 male to female ratio. Individuals interested in playing who do not have a team, are encouraged to come out to the open play games. League play will begin October 5. All games will be self-officiated.

Registration for the Ultimate Frisbee League is available online at FriscoFun.org or at the Frisco Athletic Center located at 5828 Nancy Jane Lane. For more information, contact Michelle Zelrick at MZelrick@FriscoTexas.gov.

Day of Remembrance

Please Join the Frisco Garden Club

In a Day of Remembrance

Celebrating Freedom

September 11, 2009
at Freedom Meadow
Warren Sports Complex
7599 Eldorado Parkway

6 p.m.

The guest speaker will be Vaughn Lohec of Frisco, sister of Lauren C.
Grandcolas. Mrs. Grandcolas was a passenger on Flight 93 that crashed in a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, on September 11, 2001.

The passengers of that flight gave their lives to foil the attempt to attack another American site - perhaps even the White House.

The Frisco Garden Club will also officially turn over the responsibility for maintaining the native plant garden to the City of Frisco - following the completion of a five-year agreement to support the establishment of the garden. The program will include a flag ceremony and patriotic music.

Guests will be asked to join in the scattering of wildflower seeds in
memory of victims of terrorism and those who fight for freedom

Pete Sampras coming to Dr Pepper Arena in Frisco

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: Lisa Wade:(512)289-5887,lisa@prolinkplanet.com

“PISTOL PETE” SAMPRAS AND TODD MARTIN TO HEADLINE THE TENNIS CLASSIC
TO BENEFIT THE CHILDREN OF FALLEN SOLDIERS

Dallas, TX (September 9, 2009) - One of the greatest tennis players of all time, “Pistol Pete” Sampras and American legend Todd Martin will headline the Tennis Classic on Friday, November 6th at 7:00PM at Dr Pepper Arena in Frisco,Texas.

The always entertaining Murphy Jensen will host the event. In addition to the Sampras and Martin men’s singles match, the Tennis Classic will also feature local players in The Lone Star Challenge: Pete Sampras and Team Dallas versus Todd Martin and Team Austin. Each team will consist of girls and boys 18 and under teams, Mixed 8.0 teams and club pro teams competing in tie-break shootouts. A portion of the proceeds from the exhibition will benefit the Children of Fallen Soldiers, a non-profit and non-partisan organization that finances the college education for children of soldiers from Ft. Hood killed in the line of duty.

“We are very excited to have Pete and Todd join the Tennis Classic and this celebration of tennis in Dallas,” says Tim Stallard, President of Prolink Sports and Entertainment. “This will be an amazing night of world-class tennis and family entertainment. I know that Pete and Todd are excited to come to Dallas and provide tennis fans with the best in men’s tennis.”

Pete Sampras captured his final grand slam title with his dramatic US Open victory over longtime rival Andre Agassi in 2002. His resume boasts 14 grand slam titles, including seven Wimbledon titles. He was ranked World No. 1 for six consecutive years from 1993-1998. In July of 2007, he was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, R.I.

Todd Martin was a finalist at the 1999 U.S. Open and the 1994 Australian Open. In 1994, he reached the semifinals at Wimbledon, the US Open and the Grand Slam Cup. Every year from 1994 to 2002 Martin played Davis Cup for the United States. He was inducted into the ITA Men’s Collegiate Tennis Hall of Fame in May of 2007.

Tickets go on sale at noon on Saturday, September 12th. Tickets can be purchased on line through tickets.com or 866-337-1312. Ticket prices are $28.50, $48.50, and $78.50.

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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.