Irving City Spectrum, October 2023

Check out all the fall activities available at the Irving libraries, indoor aquatic facilities and recreation centers.

VING

The FY24 budget overview provides adopted budget highlights including utility rate adjustments and service enhancements.

Update on the Cottonwood and Hackberry Interceptor Microtunneling Project that started in January and is steadily moving along.

Evolution of Solid Waste Services in Irving: A Response to the Pandemic

Irving Brings Back Twice-Per-Week Trash Collection Dec. 4 with Updated Model for Crews

Beginning in December, the City of Irving will return to twice-weekly trash collection service that was modified during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Unlike the previous twice-per-week trash collection model, which was performed with two-person crews, the new collection model will use three-person crews consisting of one driver possessing a commercial driver’s license and two other workers. The operational change addresses the manual workload required to provide the twice-per-week trash collection service to residents.

A year ago, the city implemented several adjustments to its solid waste collections driven by unprecedented challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. These adaptations, which took effect in October 2022, were instrumental in addressing the workforce shortage and surge in refuse volume during the pandemic.

● To overcome the workforce shortage, the city implemented wage increases for solid waste collection employees, making the positions more attractive and encouraging staff retention.

● Additionally, the city implemented recruitment and retention incentive pay.

Fire

● Routes were adjusted, which streamlined the collection process.

● New collection guidelines were established, making the manual labor required for each team more manageable.

These measures underscore Irving's commitment to ensuring uninterrupted and efficient solid waste services while prioritizing the well-being of its dedicated collection employees. As the city continues to adapt and evolve, residents can look forward to reliable, sustainable and worker-friendly waste management services.

Additional information and updates are available at CityofIrving.org/SWS or call (972) 721-2232. 

$3K-$5K INCENTIVE FOR FULL-TIME

The City of Irving is recruiting the best and brightest, and the city is paying up to $3,000 to all new full-time employees up to $5,000 for mission-critical positions (includes some positions in Animal Services, Solid Waste Services, Police and Fire) hired by Nov. 30.

Eligible new hires will receive bonus payments:

● after the first 30 days.

● after the first six months.

● after the first year.

Incentive payments are made as long as there are no attendance or disciplinary issues.

Visit CityofIrving.org/Jobs to view available positions and apply. 

Prevention Week is Oct. 8-14

for most fire deaths. Stay safe in the kitchen by following these tips:

● Keep an eye on what you fry. Stay in the kitchen while cooking. Set a timer for dishes that are simmering or baking.

● Turn pot handles toward the back of the stove. It only takes a second to knock it over.

● Make sure the stove is clear of all items that can burn, such as dish towels, oven mitts, food packaging and paper towels.

This year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign is “Cooking safety starts with YOU. Pay attention to fire prevention!”

Did you know that cooking is the cause of nearly 50% of all fires in Irving? Unattended cooking also is responsible

● Create a “kid-and pet-free zone” of at least 3 feet from the stove.

For more safety tips, visit IFDSafety.com 

Changes to Rental Assistance Program

Some Irving residents may be affected by changes to eligibility requirements as the City of Irving transitions to the standard federal Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG) Program on Oct. 1. This program provides rental assistance for eligible households with incomes below 30% of the regional median income.

The city was allotted additional rental assistance funds though a special COVID ESG program; however, the COVID ESG program expired on Sept. 30. Some regulations, including applicant eligibility, under the standard ESG program are different than the regulations of the expired COVID ESG program. Applicants for rental assistance must meet the eligibility requirements outlined below and submit all necessary documentation. Assistance is contingent on available program funding.

Minimum Eligibility Requirements:

● Must live in the city of Irving

● Must be at risk of homelessness

● Must not be more than two months behind on rent

● Household income must be at or below 30% of the area median income

● Residence must be at or below the current Fair Market Rent amount (including utilities)

To ensure a timely application process, applicants should have their documents ready to upload when starting the

Oct. 1

application. Additional documents may be needed after assessment of the application.

Minimum Required Documentation to Apply:

● Proof of household members

● Proof of income

● Valid identification for those 18 and older

● Head(s) of household must be a legal resident or U.S. citizen

● Birth certificates for all minors 17 and younger

● Documentation of a recent economic hardship

● Copy of current lease

● Late or eviction notice for monthly rent

To apply online, visit CityofIrving.org/HousingApplications

RESIDENTS, GROUPS AND BUSINESSES HONORED AT 2023 MAYOR AND KEEP IRVING BEAUTIFUL AWARDS

Recently, Irving Mayor Rick Stopfer and Keep Irving Beautiful honored individuals, groups and businesses during a ceremony at the Jack D. Huffman Community Building. The award recipients are chosen for their hard work and the positive impact they have on the community.

The 2023 Margie Stipes Lifetime Achievement award was given to Kay Branch for her many years of volunteer service in the Irving community. Scan the QR code to watch a video from the ceremony and to view a full list of award winners.

To find out more about Keep Irving Beautiful, visit KeepIrvingBeautiful.org 

IRVING ARTS CENTER IN THE GALLERIES

Fall for the Arts this October

UPCOMING OCTOBER PERFORMANCES

Oct. 6 | The Barricade Boys: Stars from the West End Cast of Les Misérables

Presented by Irving Arts Center

7:30 p.m. | $34.50-$57.50

From the heart-wrenching emotion of Les Misérables to the toe-tapping harmonies of the Jersey Boys, The Barricade Boys will take you on a musical journey performing a mix of the greatest pop, rock, swing and Motown hits of all time. With jaw-dropping vocals and sensational dance routines, The Barricade Boys create a West End party musical mashup that will have you tapping your feet, singing along to every word and grinning from ear to ear.

Oct. 8 | Musical Journeys

Presented by New Philharmonic Orchestra of Irving

3:30 p.m. | $10-$20

New Philharmonic Orchestra of Irving opens its 2023-24 season performing Brahms’ sparkling “Academic Festival,” Gershwin’s “Cuban Overture” and Beethoven’s "6th Symphony."

Oct. 13 | Karuna’s Oktoberfest

Presented by High Octavez Entertainment

6:30 p.m. | $30-$50

This evening fundraising concert benefits those in need. To learn more, visit HighOctavez.org

Oct. 13-14 | Esther The Musical: For Such a Time as This …

Presented by JEM Productions

$22.50

Directed by Scott Werntz, this musical adaption of the Old Testament Book of Esther, tells the epic story of a girl orphaned at an early age, who grew up to become queen of the powerful Medo-Persian empire.

Oct. 14 | Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Bluegrass Band:

Beatlegras

Presented by Entertainment Series of Irving

7:30 p.m. | $32.50

Bands have been covering Beatles tunes for decades, but none like Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Bluegrass Band. Imagine the music of the Fab Four shaken up with infusions of bluegrass and jazz, and topped off with a classical twist.

Oct. 19 | Royal Wood: Storyteller Sessions Concert

Presented by Irving Arts Center

7:30 p.m. | $32.50

With two albums debuting in the Top 30 and multiple JUNO nominations, Royal Wood is a five-time Canadian Folk Music Award nominee whose songs have been heard on high-profile programs such as "Grey’s Anatomy" and "Private Practice." Headlining worldclass venues in Canada including Massey Hall and Roy Thompson Hall (Toronto), The National Arts Centre (Ottawa), and The Winspear Centre (Edmonton), Wood’s

considerable talents have allowed him to share the stage with artists including Bonnie Raitt and David Gray.

Oct. 21 | London is Calling Season Opening Concert

Presented by Las Colinas Symphony Orchestra

7:30 p.m. | $17-$50

The Las Colinas Symphony Orchestra opens its 2023-24 season offering a musical tour through London.

Oct. 28 | Spooky Symphony

Presented by Irving Symphony Orchestra (ISO)

7:30 p.m. | $38-$49

Featuring a special appearance by Magician David Hira, ISO opens the 2023-24 season with an evening of intriguing and spooky tunes to delight your spirit.

Oct. 28 | Driving Miss Sadie

Presented by Irving Black Arts Council

7:30 p.m. | $25-$50

This is a heart-warming story about 19-year-old William, 75-year-old Sadie and the unlikely bond they come to share. Set in the late 1950s, they struggle through social and racial injustice, and the changing times of the Civil Rights Movement. Laughter, music and history abides within this tale of two generations.

Oct. 29 | Dracula, Ballet with a Bite

Presented by Ballet Ensemble of Texas

6 p.m. | $30-$40 Ballet Ensemble of Texas dancers, under the artistic direction of Thom Clower, present “Dracula.” Enjoy “Drinks with Dracula” prior to the performance, and those who wish to attend the performance in costume may take part in a special post-performance “Fiendish Frock Fashion Fantasy” costume parade.

YOUTH AND FAMILY PROGRAMS

Oct. 5 | JumpstART Stories & Art: ¡Celebramos!

Bilingual Story Time!

10 a.m. | Free

Celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month with a special bilingual story time and arts and crafts activities.

Oct. 9-Nov. 13 | Saturday School

2 to 4 p.m. | $95 per 6-week session

This class for ages 6-10 offers a fun introduction to painting. Students will explore different techniques based on classic art styles, learning a variety of skills, tips and tricks to create a number of effects and their very own masterpieces.

Oct. 10 | Second Sunday Funday: Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month + Teen Open Studio

1 to 4 p.m. | Free Celebrate Latinx* art and culture with creative hands-on projects for the whole family. Fun for all ages!

*gender neutral term

For more information, visit IrvingArtsCenter.com

Free to view. Open Tuesday-Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. No advance reservation needed. Guided tours are offered the first Saturday and second Sunday of every month at 2 p.m.

Works by Benjamin Muñoz

Through Oct. 28 | Carpenter Lobby Gallery

Muñoz is a Dallas-based multidisciplinary artist whose practice spans painting and monumental printmaking. He grew up in the vibrant Chicano culture of Corpus Christi, Texas, where he found his voice by reflecting on his heritage, upbringing and surroundings. Muñoz has been honored with 17 solo exhibitions throughout the United States and was included in Soy de Tejas, a traveling survey of Texas-born Latino artists.

Vaquero: Genesis of the Texas Cowboy (Photographs by Bill Wittliff)

Through Nov. 4 | Dupree Lobby Gallery

In the early 1970s, noted Texas historian Joe Frantz offered Bill Wittliff a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity — to visit a ranch in northern Mexico where the vaqueros still worked cattle in traditional ways. Wittliff photographed the vaqueros as they went about daily chores that had changed little since the first Mexican cowherders learned to work cattle from a horse's back. Wittliff captured the muscle, sweat and drama behind a way of life that now exists only in memory and in the photographs.

Marking Space/Holding Time

Through Nov. 11 | Main Gallery

An exhibition featuring women artists who work in Texas and/or have deep Texas roots. Artists include Anne Allen, Jill Bedgood, Daniela Maria Ferreira Cabeza-Vanegas, Lilian Garcia-Roig, Mayuko Ono Gray, Annette Lawrence, Mihee Nahm, Philana Oliphant, Kim Cadmus Owens, Sherry Owens, Beverly Penn, Tanya Synar and Ellen Frances Tuchman.

Over, Beyond, Between: Landscape and the Transcendent (Paintings by Dawn Waters Baker)

Through Nov. 25 | Focus Gallery

Dawn Waters Baker was born and raised in the Philippines, moving to Dallas at 19 to attend Dallas Baptist University. Through her art, Baker captures the emotional and spiritual landscape, translating our shared human story through the metaphor of nature. Baker’s art conveys not what is literally there, but rather what is felt through water, earth, atmosphere and sky.

Photograph by Bill Wittliff

Public Input Oct. 19 for Lee Park Pool

Residents and stakeholders are invited to a public input meeting on Thursday, Oct. 19 at 6 p.m. at Lee Park Recreation Center, 3000 Pamela Ave., on the proposed replacement of the facility’s swimming pool.

The members of the design firm will present a concept using the cumulative input from residents and stakeholders, city staff and consultants. Attendees will

have the opportunity to comment and make suggestions about the concept design. The input gathered at the meeting will be analyzed to update the concept before presenting to Irving City Council later this year.

Residents are encouraged to sign up for email updates at CityofIrving.org/ Newsletters and to follow the city on social media @TheCityofIrving. Visit CityofIrving.org/PlayIrving for more information on this project. 

Parks and Recreation Activities

Cimarron Park Recreation Center

201 Red River Trail, (972) 910-0702

● Oct. 13 | Cimarron Senior Field Trip:

The Escape Room

Ages 50 years and older | $5

Work as a team to solve the clues and escape in the nick of time! Afterwards enjoy lunch and shopping. Cost includes The Escape Room. Lunch and shopping are additional at each person’s expense.

● Oct. 20 | Teen Home School Field Trip:

Hawaii Fluid Art

Ages 11-15 years | $5

Get the creative juices flowing while making a personalized resin tumbler. Lunch is included.

Heritage Senior Center

200 S. Jefferson St., (972) 721-2496

● Oct. 7 | Fall Parking Lot Sale

8 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Ages 18 years and older | Free

The entire parking lot will be filled with treasures.

● Oct. 13 | Ms. Mature Irving 2023 Crowning

11 a.m. to noon | Ages 50 years and older | Free

For many years, Ms. Mature has been a huge part of Irving’s history.

● Oct. 26 | Irving Symphonic

Band Fall Concert

7 p.m. | All ages | Free

The band will perform some favorite familiar pieces reminiscent of the fall season for the whole family. Light refreshments will be provided.

Lee Park Recreation Center

3000 Pamela Drive, (972) 721-2508

● Oct. 5, 6 and 9 | Kids in Action Program

9 a.m. to 6 p.m. | Grades K-5 | $60 Register to spend the day playing games, sports and making craft projects. Lunch is included.

IRVING AQUATIC ACTIVITIES AND LIFEGUARD TRAINING

Lively Pointe Youth Center

909 N. O’Connor Road, (972) 721-8090

● Oct. 14 | Teen Driver Safety Fair and Luncheon

1 to 3 p.m. | All ages | Free

Teens and their families will receive practical tips and tools to develop safe driving habits at this free, educational event presented by AAA Texas. Enjoy vendors and receive valuable information from safe driving experts. Open to the public. Call to register.

● Oct 25 | Halloween Teen Trick or Trunk

5 to 8 p.m. | All ages | Free

The Lively Pointe Youth Center and IPD's PALS program will host this free, fun and safe trick-ortreating experience in the parking lot with trunks full of candy. Prizes for the six best costumes.

Mustang Park Recreation Center

2223 Kinwest Parkway, (972) 556-1334

● Oct. 5 | Senior Field Trip: State Fair of Texas

9 a.m. to 2 p.m. | Ages 50 years and older | $5 Bring a friend or make a new one on this trip to the State Fair of Texas.

● Oct. 11 | Home School Field Trip: Wax Museum

9 a.m. to noon | Grades 1-8 | $10 Explore new activities, make friends and take learning to a whole new level.

● Oct. 30 | Preschool Boo Fest

9:30 to 11 a.m. | Ages 3-6 years | $5 Calling all little ghouls and goblins, put on a costume and join the games, snacks and a pumpkin patch.

Northwest Park Recreation Center

2800 Cheyenne St., (972) 721-2529

● Oct. 5, 6 and 9 | Kids in Action Program

9 a.m. to 6 p.m. | Grades K-5 | $60 Register to spend the day playing games, sports and making craft projects. Lunch is included.

Library Activities, HallowReads and MiY Zone

Library Receives Grant

Irving Public Library is pleased to announce a $2,500 Collections Enhancement grant from the Texas Book Festival. Funds will be used to purchase books for Valley Ranch Library’s children’s nonfiction collection, which will include subjects such as Indian folktales and myths, as well as explorations of Hinduism and Islam, and South Asian culture and history. Children’s books on the English language also will be purchased with this grant. Library patrons should expect to see these books on the shelves later this year.

HallowReads

The featured title for this year’s HallowReads series for adults is Shirley Jackson’s “The Haunting of Hill House.” Celebrate this timeless horror novel with book discussions, craft programs and more. All library locations are giving away free copies of this title, while supplies last, and digital copies may be checked out on Libby.

Inktober

Teens, take the annual Inktober Challenge and create 31 drawings over 31 days. Each library location offers a variety of programs with activities including the art of hand lettering, doodling and drawing cartoon faces, with supplies provided, while they last. In addition, the Teen Zone areas at each library offer creative prompts for drawing ideas.

Valley Ranch Library Story Time Break

All Valley Ranch story times will be on hiatus the weeks of Oct. 23 through Nov. 6. See the online story time calendar for systemwide schedules.

Coming Soon: NaNoWriMo

Get ready to start writing on Wednesday, Nov. 1, the first day of NaNoWriMo, the annual National Novel Writing Month. Write a certain number of words each day to finish a 50,000 word novel by the end of November.

October Schedule and Programs

Each library location offers free activities for all ages and interests. In addition, the online library is always open by visiting the website and social media. Contact (972) 7212440 for information about MiY Zone Makerspace age and other requirements.

● Oct. 13 | Mischief on the 13th | Teens 5 p.m. | West Irving Library and Valley Ranch Library Teens, appear in costume and scare up after-hours fun with crafts and games. Registration is required.

● Oct. 14 | Edible Education: Spinach Jack-oLanterns | Kids

2:30 p.m. | West Irving Library

Ages 8-12 are invited to make miniature spinach pies with a fall theme. Registration is required.

● Oct. 17 | MiY Zone: History in the Attic | Adults 6 p.m. | West Irving Library Have film or old photos in need of digitizing? Learn how to use the library’s film scanners.

Indoor Pool Open Swim Hours

Heritage Aquatic Center (HAC) 200 S. Jefferson St., (972) 721-7310

● Monday & Wednesday | 7 a.m. to noon, 5 to 9 p.m.

● Tuesday & Thursday | 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., 5 to 9 p.m.

● Friday | 7 a.m. to noon

● Saturday & Sunday | 1 to 5 p.m.

North Lake Natatorium (NLN) 5001 N. MacArthur Blvd., (972) 756-0860

● Monday, Wednesday, Friday | 6 to 7 a.m., 5 to 9 p.m.

● Tuesday & Thursday | 6 to 7 a.m., 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., 5 to 9 p.m.

● Saturday | noon to 4 p.m.

Lifeguard Training Oct. 7-9 | Ages 15+ | $125 | NLN

● Oct. 7 | 5 to 9 p.m.

● Oct. 8 and 9 | 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Become a certified lifeguard. Irving hires Red Cross-certified lifeguards, ages 15 and older for positions at aquatic facilities. Successful completion of the course will result in American Red Cross Lifeguard/ First Aid, CPR-Professional Rescuer and AED certifications. Register in person at the North Lake Natatorium. For more information, call (469) 446-0201 or (469) 435-1626.

Pumpkin Pool Splash

● Oct. 28 | 7 to 10 p.m. | All Ages | NLN

$2 Children; $3 Adults

It is Halloween fun for the whole family. The evening will include open swim, trick-ortreating around the pool and a movie feature, "Monster House." The first 150 youth to register online will receive a treat bag.

For the most up-to-date information, visit CityofIrving.org/Aquatics

WATCH ICTN'S GAME OF THE WEEK LIVE

Irving Community Television Network's (ICTN) Game of the Week returns for a 43rd season, showcasing six Irving ISD varsity football games. The broadcasts also feature halftime performances from the bands and drill teams, as well as homecoming festivities for Irving, MacArthur and Nimitz high schools.

The games will be livestreamed on ICTN Now at 7 p.m. (Spectrum Communications cable channel 16, Frontier cable channel 30) and on the ICTN YouTube page.

● Oct. 28 | SiNaCa Studios School of Glass and Gallery | Adults noon | Valley Ranch Library Learn the art and science of glass.

Game Schedule for October

Oct. 6 | Nimitz vs Irving

Oct. 13 | Irving vs MacArthur

Oct. 20 | Richardson at Irving*

*Homecoming game

The games can be seen tapedelayed the following Tuesday on ICTN Now and on the ICTN YouTube page.

Scan the QR code and subscribe to ICTN on YouTube.com/TheCityofIrving 

SCAN ME

Irving City Council Adopts FY24 Annual Budget

On Sept. 14, Irving City Council adopted the Fiscal Year 2023-24 (FY24) budget based on maintaining a tax rate of $0.5891/$100 valuation. The city’s fiscal year begins on Oct. 1 and runs through Sept. 30 each year.

All Funds Combined

The FY24 total budget is $998.8 Million, with the majority comprising the General Fund and new and existing capital projects and equipment, including Road to the Future and Drainage Solutions for a Better Tomorrow, as well as funding significant projects from the 2021 Bond Election approved by voters in May 2021.

General Fund $289.5 Million

Budget Service Enhancements

The FY24 budget adds 15 New Full-time Positions and 1 New Part-time Positions in the General Fund

Police & Fire 1 Capital Improvement Program 5 Parks 6 Finance, Municipal Court, City Attorney's Office, Human Resources & Planning

Sales Tax Allocation

Aaa/AAA Municipal Bond Rating

Total Property Tax Bill

$858.7 Million

Out of every dollar spent on taxable goods and services in Irving, 8.25% in sales tax is generated and allocated to the State of Texas, Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) and the City of Irving. DART $104.1 M

The FY24 General Fund budget, the city’s main operating fund, is $289,456,559. The General Fund includes public safety, engineering, transportation, parks and recreation, libraries, community development and administration services and is funded primarily by property and sales tax collections. The structurally balanced FY24 budget maintains the city’s service levels while adjusting workforce wages and benefits to be competitive in the municipal market, as well as funding service enhancements, new projects and equipment. Irving $104.1 M

6.25% 1% 1%

State of Texas $650.5 M

Future in Focus serves as the city’s operational strategic plan framework for all services and works in tandem with the city’s 5-year capital plans, City Council priorities and annual budget.

The Irving Utility Bill Includes Five Basic Services

Irving utilities are enterprise (dedicated) funds, meaning the charges that residents pay for monthly utility service make up the majority of the budget for that particular operation with no funding from property taxes excluding EMS. Monthly service charges for EMS supplement the cost of EMS service. Rates are established annually based on the cost of providing the service, such as pass-through costs from vendors, inflation and capital improvements needed to maintain infrastructure, etc.

FY 24 City of Irving Utility Rate Increases

Water and EMS rates remain unchanged, however effective Oct. 1, 2023, drainage and wastewater rates will increase slightly and be reflected on statements after Nov. 1. New solid waste rates will take effect on Nov. 1 and be reflected on Dec. 1 utility bill statements.

WASTEWATER

Residential Rates Increase $2 to the Base Service Charge

 Residents with ¾” meter who use 10,000 gallons of water and 8,000 gallons of sewer will see the cost increase by $6.08 from $83.21 to $89.29, due to increased base and volume rates

Increased primarily due to:

 Pass-through costs from the Trinity River Authority (TRA) increase cost to treat wastewater

o Wastewater treatment costs increasing over 13.1% due to TRA facility infrastructure and maintenance needs

o $4.3 million increase to Irving for FY24

 Upcoming capital improvements

o Expanding the Princeton Pump Station to increase water supply delivery

improvements

o West Irving Creek drainage improvements

o North Delaware Creek improvements

o Brockbank Channel improvements

o Neighborhood drainage projects

o Esters elevated storage tank replacement to increase water distribution system capacity

o Upper Delaware Creek sanitary sewer replacement to expand capacity and reduce risk of wastewater backups

HOME CHEMICAL COLLECTION DAY

Request a voucher and drop off unwanted household hazardous waste at the Home Chemical Collection event.

Oct. 14 | 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Briery Municipal Compound 140 N. Briery Road

Items accepted include:

● Aerosol sprays

● Automotive fluids and oil filters

● Batteries of all kinds

● Chemical products for home use

● Computers and cellphones

● Craft and hobby supplies

● Fluorescent light tubes

● Household cleaners and polishes

● Lawn and garden chemicals

● Paint and home repair products

● Pool chemicals

Vouchers for the household hazardous waste collection event are required and can be requested by visiting CityofIrving.org/HHC Vouchers are limited.

Visit CityofIrving.org/Solid-Waste-Services for more information. 

ILLUMINATE IRVING RAISES AWARENESS FOR DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Every minute, 20 people are physically abused by an intimate partner, according to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. Domestic violence is a universal silent crime affecting all people, regardless of race, age, sexual orientation, religion, nationality or socioeconomic status.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness

Month and residents are invited to honor and remember domestic violence survivors and victims during the city’s annual Illuminate Irving A Night of Remembrance and Hope event.

Oct. 17 | 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Millennium Park | 201 Sowers Road

Lanterns will be available to personalize at no charge for anyone who would like to honor a victim or survivor of domestic violence during the lantern release ceremony on the water. Free parking at South Irving Library at 601 Schulze Drive. Visit CityofIrving.org/ Illuminate for details. 

Cottonwood and Hackberry Interceptor Microtunneling Project Continues Along Riverside Drive

Since construction began on the Cottonwood and Hackberry Interceptor Microtunneling Project in January, the $26.7 million project has moved along swiftly.

Now 42% complete, the project has not been affected by wet weather, underground utilities or delays with the hot summer weather. The City of Irving’s Capital Improvement Program (CIP) has avoided what could have been a noisy and messy wastewater main replacement project by using a relatively quiet trenchless technology method called “microtunneling.”

Microtunneling minimizes impacts to homes, businesses, vehicular and pedestrian traffic. The process uses a circular tunneling machine to dig under the surface. As it does so, the tunneling machine sprays water as it moves forward, creating slurry that is moved out of the digging site and onto the street. From there, it is then converted into dirt and loaded into a dump truck to be removed from the construction site.

The Cottonwood and Hackberry Creek Interceptor Project includes replacing two existing 36-inch wastewater mains that have exceeded their life

expectancy with a 60-inch main to increase capacity due to residential and commercial growth. Construction is primarily underneath the existing median of Riverside Drive.

As of summer 2023, crews have installed more than 1,000 linear feet of the anticipated 4,900-foot wastewater main pipeline. Once the project is complete, it will improve wastewater service for all residential and commercial properties north of State Highway 114.

The Cottonwood and Hackberry project remains on schedule, and completion is expected in July 2024, weather permitting.

Motorists in the area are reminded that Riverside Drive is closed to one lane in each direction. Drivers are advised to seek alternate routes when possible and to slow down through construction zones.

For questions on the project, contact CIP Engineering

Inspector Darral Keys at (972) 822-1028.

Visit CityofIrving.org/IrvingInvests for more information on the city’s ongoing infrastructure initiative. 

Award Saves $30 Million for West Irving Creek Channel Project

By taking advantage of opportunities for grants and zerointerest loans, the city works hard to make every dollar count, especially for expensive infrastructure upgrades.

In July, the City of Irving was awarded $45 million in financial assistance from the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) for construction related to the West Irving Creek Channel Project. The award consists of $38.7 million in financing with zero percent interest and a $6.3 million grant from the Texas Flood Infrastructure Fund.

Acting Quickly

In 2020, Irving submitted an application to TWDB, and the agency ranked Irving 272 out of 285 projects — near the bottom of the list with low chances for funding consideration. Two years later, after TWDB offered invitations for application to other cities across Texas, Irving received an invitation to reapply.

Completing the application was a team effort, requiring coordination between numerous departments with a short turnaround time to meet TWDB’s due date. The city submitted its application in November 2022.

Originally, the Municipal Drainage Utility (MDU) division estimated this four-phase project would cost more

HOUSEHOLD DOCUMENT SHREDDING AND ELECTRONICS RECYCLING

Irving Solid Waste Services hosts a free household document shredding and electronics recycling opportunity for Irving residents.

Nov. 3 | 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Las Colinas Service Center 5964 Riverside Drive

Two-box limit for document shredding. Proof of Irving residency is required. Materials from businesses will not be accepted. CRT monitors or televisions are no longer accepted. The event is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., or until the truck reaches capacity.

Call (972) 721-2232 for more information. 

than $90 million. MDU included the first two phases of the West Irving Creek Channel Project as part of the five-year, $100 million Drainage Solutions for a Better Tomorrow initiative. MDU is in Year 4 of the five-year initiative and has issued $60 million in Certificates of Obligation debt.

The TWDB award eliminates the need to issue bonds for the remaining $40 million by substituting the $38.7 million interest-free TWDB bonds. With the current interest rate of 3.825%, city staff calculated a $23.6 million savings in interest payments, and with the grant, an overall savings of nearly $30 million for the city. For more information on the project, visit CityofIrving.org/WestIrvingCreek 

Animal Connection Experience at Fritz Park

During the weekends in October, the Animal Connection Experience is hosting a pumpkin patch, hay maze, fall photo ops, magical pumpkin seed garden, gift shop, pig races, spooky barn and other fun fall activities at Fritz Park, 312 E. Vilbig St. General admission is $5 per person and $4 per Irving resident (proof of residency required). Free admission for children 2 and younger. Petting zoo feed is $1 per cup, magic pumpkin seed is $3 and pony rides are $3 per child. Child combo pass is $10 which includes admission, a pony ride (must be under 70 pounds), feed cup and a magic pumpkin seed to plant and grow. Come tour the pumpkin patch and pick the perfect pumpkin to take home and carve. All sized pumpkins are $10 with a portion of the pumpkin proceeds going to Irving Animal Services.

SCAN ME