Allen In Focus: May 2023 Issue (City of Allen)

ALLEN CITY COUNCIL

Ken Fulk Mayor

Daren Meis

Councilmember, Place No. 1

Carl Clemencich

Councilmember, Place No. 2

Dave Cornette

Councilmember, Place No. 3

Chris Schulmeister Mayor Pro Tem, Place No. 4

Dave Shafer

Councilmember, Place No. 5

Ben Trahan

Councilmember, Place No. 6

CITY MANAGEMENT

305 Century Parkway Allen, TX 75013

CityofAllen.org • 214.509.4100

ADA TRANSITION PLAN ACCESS FOR ALL

2023 BOND UPDATE: YOUR VOICE FOR ALLEN’S FUTURE COMING FALL 2023: TERRELL RECREATION CENTER

SAVE THE DATES! UPCOMING SUMMER EVENTS

HELLO, SMART METERS. GOODBYE, LEAKS!

When a resident in Allen’s Cottonwood Meadows neighborhood received a new smart water meter in October, they never guessed it would save them more than $200 per year. Within days, the meter detected a possible leak of five gallons per hour and sent an automated message to the customer via email. The resident followed the steps suggested and quickly discovered the source: a leaky toilet. This minor repair saved 3,600 gallons (around $17) per month on wasted water. No more flushing money down the drain!

By the end of May, more than half of Allen’s homes and businesses will be able to track hourly water use, set leak alerts and estimate upcoming water bills thanks to the citywide installation of smart water meters. The upgrade gives customers more control over their watering habits by allowing them to identify unexpected water use and fix issues quickly using a convenient customer portal. New meters are expected to be installed at every Allen home and business by the end of 2023. TRACK

Eric Ellwanger City Manager

Tim Dentler Assistant City Manager

Eric Strong Deputy City Manager

Rebecca Vice Assistant City Manager

HELLO, SMART METERS GOODBYE, LEAKS!

2023 BOND UPDATE

YOUR VOICE FOR ALLEN’S FUTURE!

One of the most direct and meaningful ways to shape Allen’s future is now underway! Help set priorities and select projects to be included in an upcoming bond program, expected to go before Allen voters in November 2023. The public input process is happening right now, and it’s never been easier to get involved!

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

In Allen, residents lead the charge to select and prioritize future bond projects, set bond amounts and determine what (if any) impact the bond might have on the tax rate. The best way to participate is to attend public meetings and volunteer in one of five groups, called subcommittees, which will examine different topics: Public Safety; Neighborhoods, Streets and Infrastructure; Parks and Downtown; Public Art; and Finance.

Anyone who attends upcoming public meetings can join a sub-committee simply by showing up. Discussions will be guided by appointed sub-committee chairs with a history of public service, with presentations and supplemental information provided by City of Allen staff. Find the meeting schedule at CityofAllen.org/Bond.

ENGAGE ONLINE

We know not everyone can attend meetings in person, so we’re giving residents a new way to provide feedback and participate in the bond process online. Our new engagement platform, Engage.CityofAllen.org, will guide residents through project timelines and highlight current feedback opportunities. Creating an account is simple, and feedback can be completed from anywhere!

GET EMAIL REMINDERS

Subscribe to email alerts to be notified of new feedback opportunities, get reminders of public meetings and stay up to date on the bond planning process. Visit CityofAllen.org/Bond to sign up.

WHAT IS A BOND ELECTION?

Municipal bonds allow cities to fund major projects such as roads, parks, facilities, and other capital expenses. Bonds are issued and repaid over an extended period, similar to the way many buyers finance a home purchase. This strategy helps keep costs (and taxes) more equitable between current and future residents who benefit from these projects.

Scan the QR code using your phone’s camera

Allen Parks & Recreation is creating a plan to meet standards for accessibility set by the Americans with Disability Act (ADA) and provide new opportunities for everyone to enjoy Allen’s parks, trails and facilities. The process began by assessing the condition of walkways and other pedestrian surfaces. Within the next few months, public feedback sessions will allow the community to share opinions, suggestions and concerns regarding accessibility and inclusivity. The resulting ADA Transition Plan, expected to be completed by late summer, will identify priorities to help guide decisions on future parks and recreation projects.

COMING FALL 2023: STEPHEN G TERRELL

RECREATION CENTER

Opening its doors early this Fall, the Stephen G. Terrell Recreation Center (STRC) will welcome residents to spacious areas of fitness, learning, competition and play. Membership presales will launch early summer giving individuals the opportunity to become Charter Members. Charter Members will enjoy access to the recreation center prior to the Grand Opening, a waived $75 enrollment fee, a coupon book with special offers and a free t-shirt. Sign up to receive the STRC e-newsletter to stay up-to-date on all major developments including construction progress, memberships, Grand Opening plans and more.

UPCOMING EVENTS UPCOMING EVENTS

TWISTED THREADS

Do you knit, crochet, or do other crafty things with fiber, yarn, or string? Bring your latest project and work on it with in the company of other other crafters!

VISIT THE HERITAGE VILLAGE

Experience some of the city’s oldest remaining homes and other historic buildings, including a reassembled dowel-and-peg barn.

Enjoy the outdoors and live music featuring genres like contemporary pop hits and much more! Bands to be announced soon!

TOUR THE TRAIN DEPOT

The Depot is a repository of historic materials and exhibits that reflect the development and history of Allen. Group tours available by appointment.

FORD POOL OPENING DAY

Kick off your summer fun at Ford Pool! With a play structure, lap lanes, lounge spots and water slide, there’s truly something for everyone!

ALLEN USA CELEBRATION

DFW's biggest summer party has it all: live music, diverse food selections and an exhilarating fireworks

display!