Garland City Press - July 2018

JULY-AUGUST 2018 | VOLUME 26, ISSUE 4 | GarlandTX.gov

02 City Council FROM

NEW CITY COUNCIL TERM BEGINS

04 Neighborhoods FROM

NEIGHBORHOOD MATCHING GRANT DEADLINE

06 City Services FROM

RACES: MORE THAN STORM SPOTTERS

07 City Services FROM

SUPERIOR SERVICE

12 Quality of Life FROM

2018-19 CULTURAL ARTS GRANT PROGRAM

S. Garland Avenue Corridor Study Begins The South Garland Avenue Catalyst Area Plan has been initiated to study the corridor between Miller Road and the Garland city limits.

Continued on page 3.

Re-elected District 1 Council Member David Gibbons will serve his second

CITY COUNCIL

term. Gibbons was sworn in by his partner Mark Wilson, accompanied

by Mr. Wilson’s sister, Jenay Puckett.

Re-elected District 5 Council Member Rich Aubin will also serve his second term. Aubin was sworn in by Honorable Judge Eric V. Moyé, Judge of the 14th Judicial District Court for Dallas County.

District 2 Council Member Deborah Morris, was sworn in by Dorothy Brooks. While serving on the City Council, Morris wants to partner

NEW CITY COUNCIL TERM BEGINS Newly-elected Mayor Lori Barnett Dodson was sworn in by former Mayor Ronald E. Jones.

with residents to include them in the decision-making process and give them a strong voice in City government.

James Bookhout, District 4 Council Member, was sworn in by former District 4 Council Members B. J. Williams and Larry Jeffus.

Bookhout wants to bring economic redevelopment to south Garland, rebuild declining infrastructure in

Garland City Council has welcomed a new Mayor, two new and two returning representatives.

addition to streets, work towards a

Five members were sworn into office during Council's May 15 Regular Meeting. The Council

greener Garland , and involve more

members are elected to two-year terms.

citizens in their community.

CITY COUNCIL SCHEDULE

Work Session Monday immediately preceding Council meeting

DAVID GIBBONS MAYOR PRO TEM 214-497-7121 Council1@GarlandTX.gov

LORI BARNETT DODSON 972-205-2400 Mayor@GarlandTX.gov

SCOTT LEMAY 214-794-8904 Council7@GarlandTX.gov

Channel 16 (Spectrum), Channel 44 (Frontier) or Channel 99 (AT&T U-verse), GarlandTX.tv

DEBORAH MORRIS 214-273-4387 Council2@GarlandTX.gov

RICH AUBIN 972-325-2529 Council5@GarlandTX.gov

City Council Meetings • Live broadcast–7 p.m. July 10 and 17, Aug. 7 and 21 • Rebroadcast following the meeting Wednesday–9 a.m., Friday–7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday–9 a.m. and 7 p.m.

City Council Work Sessions • Live broadcast–6 p.m. July 9 and 16, Aug. 6 and 20 • Rebroadcast following the meeting Tuesday, Thursday and Friday–9 a.m. Wednesday and Thursday–7 p.m.

Plan Commission • Live broadcast–7 p.m. July 23, Aug. 13 and 27 • Rebroadcast following the meeting Tuesday, Thursday and Friday–9 a.m.

JAMES BOOKHOUT 214-823-5846 Council4@GarlandTX.gov

2 Garland City Press July-August 2018

Meetings are broadcast at GarlandTX.gov via live streaming and on-demand, and on CGTV with several rebroadcasts during the week of the meeting.

CGTV LISTINGS

ROBERT JOHN SMITH 469-223-4723 Council8@GarlandTX.gov

ROBERT VERA 469-271-5470 Council6@GarlandTX.gov

Regular Meeting 7 p.m., first and third Tuesdays of each month City Hall, 200 N. Fifth St.

JERRY NICKERSON 972-205-2292 Council3@GarlandTX.gov

Meeting dates and times subject to change.

CITY NEWS

S. GARLAND AVENUE CORRIDOR STUDY BEGINS South Garland Avenue is a gateway into the community, providing direct access into Downtown and the city’s primary employment center. Completing a study of the area offers an opportunity to draw additional visitors into Garland from IH-635 and encourages reinvestment that enhances the image of the community. The project will build upon the successful redevelopment of the Garland Shopping Center at South Garland Avenue and Miller Road, completed in 2013. The shopping center was originally built in the 1950s. Today it is a thriving neighborhood commercial area providing services to nearby residents.

Demolition of the former Walmart site, commonly known as the Hypermart, has been initiated and is scheduled to be completed by mid-July 2018, creating a unique opportunity for redevelopment along the corridor to expand opportunities for employment, residential and neighborhood amenities. In addition, the $1.8 billion LBJ East expansion project, which includes recommendations for continuous frontage roads, would provide direct freeway access to the site, further enhancing development potential.

Study and project updates will be updated at GarlandTX.gov and future issues of the Garland City Press.

If you have questions or would like additional information, contact the Planning & Community Development Department at 972-205-2445 or Angela Self at ASelf@GarlandTX.gov. The study is expected to conclude by spring 2019.

CITY ADOPTS NEW SMOKING ORDINANCE On April 3, the Garland City Council revised Garland’s smoking ordinance, Ordinance No. 6977, Section 22.56, Article IV of the Garland Code of Ordinances.

The ordinance revision became effective May 6. Under this revision, smoking is generally prohibited in indoor public places with a few exceptions, including but not limited to bingo halls with a non-smoking section and in existing establishments that hold a “private club” designation as permitted by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission. These exemptions apply to existing businesses only and will not be available to new owners of any bingo hall or private club.

Smoking is not allowed within 25 feet of any door, operable window or vent, or other opening to an indoor enclosed area. Smoking is still allowed on uncovered patios that have less than 40 percent of the perimeter closed in by walls or other coverings. Non-exempted food establishments must post a sign clearly stating "No Smoking, City of Garland Ordinance" or the international "No Smoking" symbol at each public entrance.

The full ordinance can be found at GarlandTX.gov.

Questions concerning the new ordinance can be directed to the Environmental Health Department at 972-205-3460 or by email to EnvHealth@GarlandTX.gov.

July-August 2018 Garland City Press 3

NEIGHBORHOOD VITALITY EVENTS

NEIGHBORHOODS & DEVELOPMENT

NEIGHBORHOOD LEADER MEET & GREET 6:30 TO 8:30 P.M. AUG. 23, DUCKWORTH BUILDING, 217 N. FIFTH ST. RETHINKING NEIGHBORHOOD MEETINGS 6:30 P.M. SEPT. 11, MAIN STREET MUNICIPAL BUILDING, 800 MAIN ST.

NEIGHBORHOOD VITALITY MATCHING GRANT

LETTERS OF INTENT DUE JULY 23 The Neighborhood Vitality Matching Grant program (NVMG) enables registered neighborhood groups, both voluntary and mandatory, to apply for matching funds for physical enhancement projects in publicly accessible spaces.

These projects encourage neighbors to work together to create projects unique to their neighborhood while boosting a sense of pride and ownership. Letters of Intent (LOI) should be submitted to the Office of Neighborhood Vitality by July 23. LOI forms, applications and guidelines can be downloaded at GarlandNeighborhoods.org.

GETTING THE WORD OUT – PROMOTION TIPS FOR NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATIONS 6:30 P.M. SEPT. 25, MAIN STREET MUNICIPAL BUILDING, 800 MAIN ST. PRE-SUMMIT MIXER 6:30 P.M. NOV. 9, GOOD SAMARITANS, 214 N. TWELVTH ST. 2018 NEIGHBORHOOD SUMMIT 8:30 A.M. NOV. 10, GARLAND HIGH SCHOOL, 310 S GARLAND AVE.

2018 GARLAND NEIGHBORHOOD AWARDS

Great neighborhoods take work, and the Office of Neighborhood Vitality would like to recognize those who make extraordinary efforts to enhance, revitalize or invest in their neighborhoods.

The awards include: •

Garland Neighborhood of the Year

•

Neighborhood Publication of the Year

Nominations for Who’s Who in Garland Neighborhoods will also be accepted.

Attend the upcoming NVMG Workshop at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 16, to gain valuable

Award descriptions and applications/nomination forms

technical assistance and learn helpful tips for completing a successful project. Register now

can be accessed at GarlandNeighborhoods.org, or contact

at GarlandNeighborhoods.org!

the Office of Neighborhood Vitality at Neighborhoods@ GarlandTX.gov or 972-205-2451. All applications/

Questions? Contact us at Neighborhoods@GarlandTX.gov or 972-205-2445.

MONEY TALK:

MANAGING YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION’S FINANCES

6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 28 Main Street Municipal Building, 800 Main St. 4 Garland City Press July-August 2018

nominations must be submitted by Oct. 4.

Managing your neighborhood association’s finances can seem like a daunting task.

Join this class where you’ll learn from industry experts about opening a bank account, understanding tax exemptions and maintaining good financial practices.

Register now at GarlandNeighborhoods.org.

Did you know that healthy neighbors can make good neighbors?

Our efforts to get fit can also help our neighborhoods become cleaner and safer!

As you walk or jog your neighborhood, take a small bag to pick up litter. If you’re afraid this will hurt your workout, do a few squats each time you stop or increase your pace between stops. Also, the more neighbors who are out in the neighborhood, the safer it becomes. With more eyes on the street, unwelcomed visitors are less likely to engage in criminal activity for fear of being seen.

Here are some other tips on how to be a healthy, good neighbor: •

Not a fan of jogging or biking? Gardening and mowing can give you quite the workout!

Spruce up your landscaping with some colorful plants or mow your lawn more frequently at a slightly taller height. Garland Code requires grass to be shorter than 12 inches; however good neighbors keep their yards neat and tidy with regular mowing and edging.

• •

Work out those arm muscles by trimming your trees and shrubs. Be sure you’re not

LAWN MAINTENANCE AND ENVIRONMENTAL CARE GO TOGETHER One of the most common causes of water pollution is from yard waste that has gone down a storm drain and into our local creeks and lakes.

encroaching on sidewalks (8-foot clearance) or streets (14-foot clearance).

To help, please follow these tips:

Needing motivation to scrape and paint your house? Just think of all the calories you’ll

•

burn as you freshen up your house and beautify the neighborhood!

Interested in learning more about being a good neighbor? Contact the Office of Neighborhood Vitality at

If fertilization is necessary, use natural or organic products, as these break down slowly.

•

Do not apply fertilizer or pesticides before a rain.

•

Sweep up any excess applied products on sidewalks and

972-205-2445 or Garland Code Compliance at 972-485-6400.

driveways.

•

Leave lawn clippings on the lawn to provide free nutrients.

•

Sweep up grass clipping on sidewalks and driveways or blow them back onto the lawn.

COMPOST 101 CLASS AUG. 4 In partnership with Keep Garland Beautiful, Garland Environmental Waste Services will host a free Compost 101 class at 1434 Commerce St. Training will include instructions on compost ingredients, benefits of building healthy soil, managing compost piles and hands-on demonstrations. To register for the course, visit GarlandEnvironmentalWasteServices.com.

For more information, call 972-205-3500 or email EWS@GarlandTX.gov.

•

Do not blow grass clippings into the street.

•

When possible, use non-toxic pesticides or natural alternatives such as “good” bugs.

•

Do not use a broad pest control product; identify pests and diseases before choosing treatment options.

When a nutrient such as phosphorus reaches our creeks and lakes, it can cause considerable harm. Phosphorus can increase weed and algae growth, and algae can block sunlight that is needed for the natural habitat.

When grass clippings and leaves decompose, the process consumes oxygen, which can make it difficult for fish to breathe. Low oxygen levels can contribute to fish kills.

Remember that fertilizers and pesticides are hazardous products. They should be disposed of in a proper manner, not in your regular trash. These products should be taken to the Dallas County Home Chemical Collection Center located at 11234 Plano Road.

To report stormwater pollution, call 972-205-2180.

For more information, visit GarlandStormwater.org.

July-August 2018 Garland City Press 5

CITY CITYSERVICES SERVICES

RACES supports the City of Garland in its darkest times.

MORE THAN STORM SPOTTERS Garland Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES), an organization of

The RACES program is an official state resource in support of emergency

amateur radio operators who volunteer their time and equipment to provide

or disaster operations. RACES stations are the only amateur radio service

supplemental communications to the city during times of an emergency, was

stations authorized by the FCC to provide communications during periods

formed in 1976 to serve as National Weather Service trained storm spotters.

of declared emergency when clear frequencies are established by the FCC.

“Throughout the years, Garland RACES has proved to be a valuable resource to the Office of Emergency Management,” said Garland Director of Emergency Management Kwa heri Harris. “During severe weather, they are our boots on the ground and eyes in the air providing valuable information we can’t see from our radars. Information that helps us provide early warning to our residents of potentially damaging storms.”

Over the years, RACES’ responsibility has grown beyond storm spotting to include providing support and communications during all types of emergencies and special events, such as the Star Spangled Spectacular, the Noon Exchange Club Labor Day Parade and Christmas on the Square.

RACES members help coordinate and staff the annual Dallas County National Weather Service Skywarn® Training sponsored by the Garland Office of Emergency Management.

Recently, the Garland Director of Emergency Management asked RACES to assume management responsibilities for a portable communications tower trailer capable of providing emergency communications for the City of Garland as well as neighboring jurisdictions.

RACES quickly formed a group of 12 volunteer radio operators, developed policies and procedures related to tower trailer checkout, setup procedures and maintenance, and are now a resource for emergency response throughout the region. The tower trailer is ready to deploy on short notice and capable of supporting all of the Garland task force radios, including Fire, EMS, law enforcement and all other city departments. The tower trailer can be completely operational in 30 minutes or less.

The tower trailer and RACES volunteers are not only available to support all City of Garland departments but can be deployed to other jurisdictions.

They also support the communications center located in the Garland

Garland RACES team members are also available to be deployed with the

Emergency Operations Center (EOC). These stations, which consist of VHF,

equipment.

UHF and HF equipment, can provide voice and digital communications throughout Dallas County, the state of Texas and neighboring states. Garland

If you are interested in learning more about becoming a member of this dedicated team

RACES personnel man these stations in times of local emergencies and

of amateur radio operators, visit k5dhy.net/GRACES/ or call the Office of Emergency

widespread disasters.

Management at 972-781-7272.

2017 WATER QUALITY REPORT AVAILABLE ONLINE! Important information about your drinking water and the results of year-long water testing throughout the City of Garland.

View the Consumer Confidence Report at www.bit.ly/GarlandQualityReport2017 or call 972-205-3210.

6 Garland City Press July-August 2018

SUPERIOR SERVICE

City of Garland employees take great pride in providing excellent service to the people who live, work and play here. Sometimes our citizens share stories with us about “above and beyond” efforts that illustrate just how dedicated our employees can be. Here are a few examples. If you would like to share stories with us, email Garland@GarlandTX.gov.

Carson's Hero

Garland Police Carry the Load

Every Tuesday for the past three years, a 4-year-old

The first Honor Log, created by Carry On, was

boy named Carson greets Environmental Waste

unveiled and carried during the 2018 Carry the

Services’ (EWS) Alex Vasquez as he empties the

Load march on Memorial Day weekend in Dallas

family's green trash cart. Carson waits patiently on

Texas. This Honor Log (one of 50) has been on

the sidewalk, captivated by the work of Alex and

display at the Garland Police Department in the

the side loader (truck).

front lobby. The public is welcome to come and see it during normal business hours and take pictures

Carson is such a fan of Alex that he dressed up

of this amazing exhibit.

like a trash truck one year for Halloween. He has multiple toy trash trucks and one even has moving

Garland Police Officers, along with military

arms and can dump miniature cans. Once Alex

personnel and members of the special forces

had a full load and had to leave the neighborhood;

helped honor and celebrate our nation’s heroes

Carson waited for him to return.

by carrying this 600-pound Honor Log 15 miles during the Carry the Load event in Dallas. The

Alex is a hero to Carson. The smiles and waves he

mission of Carry On is to ensure our fallen

offers his littlest fan mean the world to the child.

warriors are never forgotten and their legacies

EWS commends Alex on the exemplary customer

"carry on."

service he is providing his route and for the difference he is making in Carson’s life.

The significance of the honor log:

•

Animal Services to the Rescue Animal Services Officers Trent Miller and Stephen Bernal responded to a call for a distressed dog trapped underneath a storage building. Upon arrival, Officers Miller and Bernal assessed the

length of a casket • • •

Inscription honoring more than 20,000 Texans that have paid the ultimate sacrifice since WWII

•

Inscription honoring all who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom

on. Officers Miller and Bernal knew they had to officers got on their bellies and used small shovels

24 active duty or veteran personnel carrying the log, representing pallbearers

pup who was not able to get out on her own or even

act immediately, cautiously and effectively. Both

22 inches in diameter, representing awareness of veteran suicides per day

situation and developed a plan to rescue the scared move. The weather was hot and the pressure was

7 feet long, representing the average

•

Engravings of all service and JSOC emblems

to remove dirt and, little by little, created a rescue path that allowed them to get to this little girl. The pet owners were very happy. Thank you Officers Miller and Bernal! Outstanding work!

Reuniting Families One evening in May around 9:30 p.m., Animal Services Officer Rudy Mancilla was getting ready to end his shift when he received a call about a dog trapped under a car.

Upon arrival, Rudy located the trapped pet, assessed the situation and asked a resident for assistance. Together, Rudy and the bystander came up with a plan to use a vehicle floor jack to lift the car and allow Rudy to pull the dog from underneath. Thankfully, this pet had a microchip and the owners were notified to come to the shelter to pick up their furry family member. We hope the assisting resident is reading this story so he knows we truly appreciate his assistance!

July-August 2018 Garland City Press 7

CROSSING GUARDS NEEDED

FOR 2018-19 SCHOOL YEAR

PUT VACCINATIONS ON YOUR BACK-TOSCHOOL LIST

Friday, July 27

1 to 1:45 p.m. - Informational session 1:45 to 4:30 p.m. - Onsite Interviews at Holford Recreation Center, 2314 Homestead Pl. Participants are required to apply online for the School Crossing Guard position and attend the informational session prior to the onsite interviews.

To view the minimum qualifications and the complete job description, and to apply online, visit Careers.GarlandTX.gov.

Back-to-school season is here! When you are getting your kids ready for the upcoming school year, make sure to include vaccinations on your checklist.

Keeping children up to date on vaccinations is one of the most important things parents can do to protect their children’s health—and that of their classmates and the community.

Most schools require children to be current on vaccinations before enrolling to protect the health of all students. Today’s childhood vaccines protect against serious and potentially lifethreatening diseases, including polio, measles, whooping cough and chickenpox.

When children are not vaccinated, they are at increased risk of disease and can spread diseases to others in their classrooms and community—including babies who are too young to be fully vaccinated and people with weakened immune systems due to cancer and other health conditions.

Many children in Garland are eligible for free or low-cost vaccinations through the Texas Vaccines for Children program (TVFC). The TVFC program is funded with federal and state money to provide vaccines to eligible children from birth through 18 years of age. Children who do not have health insurance or who have health insurance that does not cover vaccines qualify for TVFC vaccines, as well as children who are enrolled in Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).

NEW GP&L OUTAGE TEXT REPORTING GP&L customers can now report their power outage by text message.

There are two ways to text your outage to GP&L: •

If your cell phone number is already associated with your GP&L account, simply text OUT to 972-205-4000.

•

If you don't have a cell phone number associated with your GP&L account, or if you have multiple accounts, text

The Garland Public Health Clinic, conveniently located at 206 Carver St., not only provides

the account number (including the dash) for the location

low-cost immunizations for infants, children and adults, but also accepts most insurance

that is experiencing the outage to 972-205-4000.

plans.

972-205-4000 is GP&L's dedicated outage text reporting

The clinic is open for walk-ins from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, as well as

number, so you can add this number as a contact in your

from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Aug. 11 and 18.

phone for future use.

Due to construction in the Carver Center area, parking is also available in nearby lots. Parents

Customers can still call 972-205-3000 to report an outage

should bring their children’s immunization records with them.

over the phone.

For more information, call 972-205-3370.

Visit GPLTexas.org/OutageText for more information.

8 Garland City Press July-August 2018

GARLAND’S COMBINED UTILITY BILL With the City of Garland’s combined utility bill, customers have the convenience of paying for all City utility services at one time each month.

Garland’s combined utility bill includes water, sewer,

TAKING IT TO THE STREETS PROJECTS CURRENTLY UNDER CONSTRUCTION

BROADWAY BOULEVARD, FIRST STREET TO MERRIMAC TRAIL Concrete Slab Replacement

Stormwater Management, Environmental Waste Services and electricity (for GP&L customers).

BURNING TREE LANE/HILLSDALE LANE ALLEY, GOODWIN STREET TO MCCALLUM DRIVE Concrete Slab Replacement

The monthly charges for the services received are detailed on the bill at the approved rate for each service. For easy reference, graphs illustrate usage

FREEMONT DRIVE, MILLER ROAD TO SOUTHWOOD DRIVE Street Reconstruction

for the past 13 months.

MILLER ROAD, FIRST STREET TO GLENBROOK DRIVE Pavement Leveling and Concrete Slab Replacement

For more information about City of Garland utility services, visit GarlandUtilities.org or call 972-205-2671.

GP&L KEEPS RATES COMPETITIVE Garland Power & Light is committed to providing reliable, competitively priced service.

GP&L customers can count on rates that are stable and transparent, with no hidden fees or hard-to-meet usage requirements. In June, GP&L’s rates were among the lowest rates offered

LARIAT LANE, JUPITER ROAD TO MCCALLUM DRIVE Concrete Slab Replacement PRINCETON DRIVE ALLEY, PLANO ROAD TO PURDUE DRIVE Alley Reconstruction POTOMAC DRIVE, BUCKINGHAM ROAD TO WEST END Concrete Slab Replacement VALLEY MILLS DRIVE, GRINNELL DRIVE TO LA PRADA DRIVE Street Reconstruction

by retail electric providers in the area.

The graph below is based on an average sampling of 12 to 24-month residential electric contracts in the Oncor electric delivery area. The rate comparison graph is updated monthly.

Visit gpltexas.org/rates for the latest graph.

Garland Power & Light Residential Rate Comparison

PROJECTS SCHEDULED TO BEGIN IN JULY/AUGUST 2018

BURNING TREE LANE/O’HENRY DRIVE ALLEY, BOBBIE LANE TO JUPITER DRIVE Concrete Slab Replacement DEEPWOOD DRIVE, BRINGLE LANE TO COUNTRY CLUB ROAD Street Reconstruction

Retail Electric Providers Oncor Electric Delivery Area – 1500 kWh Usage

GREEN VALLEY DRIVE, GUTHRIE ROAD TO GUTHRIE ROAD Street Reconstruction

$250

GOLDENROD DRIVE/MAYAPPLE DRIVE ALLEY, MAYAPPLE DRIVE TO ROSEHILL ROAD Alley Reconstruction GOODWIN STREET, POTOMAC DRIVE TO WESTERN DRIVE Concrete Slab Replacement

$200

MARY JANE LANE, LAKECREST DRIVE TO LYONS ROAD Street Reconstruction

$150

$100

June 2018

Want to know more about the different ways Garland Street Department is working to provide you a smoother drive across the city?

Subscribe to Street Talk, a monthly e-newsletter at Street.GarlandTX.gov.

July-August 2018 Garland City Press 9

ADOPT A PET BRING HOME A NEW FAMILY PET GARLAND ANIMAL SERVICES IS HOSTING

CLEAR THE SHELTERS DAY AUG. 18, 10 A.M. TO 5 P.M. GARLAND ANIMAL SHELTER 600 TOWER ST. PET ADOPTION CENTER 813 MAIN ST.

ALL ADOPTIONS FEES WAIVED FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO PARTICIPATE AS A VOLUNTEER, EMAIL ANIMALSERVICES@GARLANDTX.GOV.

FAIR HOUSING SERVICES OFFERS MORE Mortgage Lending: Know Your Rights The City of Garland's Fair Housing Ordinance prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental and financing of dwellings based on race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, familial status or handicap (disability).

The vision of Garland Fair Housing Services is for every person to have the opportunity to enjoy his or her home and community as a fundamental human concept free from discrimination. When it comes to mortgage lending, no one may take any of the following actions based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, disability or age: •

Refuse to purchase a loan.

•

Refuse to make a mortgage loan.

Utility bill payment scam calls have been reported in Garland.

•

Discriminate in appraising property.

•

Refuse to provide information regarding loans.

•

Set different terms or conditions for purchasing a

Callers pose as City employees

If you think your rights have been violated, Garland Fair

threatening to disconnect electric

Housing Services is ready to help with any problem of housing

and/or water service unless

discrimination. For inquiries or assistance, call 972-205-3300.

loan.

•

Impose different terms or conditions on a loan, such as different interest rates, points or fees.

immediate payment is made.

Be suspicious of anyone calling to demand payment over the phone, and be aware of the following: •

The City does not have an 800, 888 or other toll-free phone number.

•

Scammers often “spoof” an actual City of Garland phone number on caller ID, making

• •

Rental Assistance Grant Program Garland Fair Housing Services provides rental assistance to Garland residents who have experienced a hardship.

it appear that the call is coming from the City.

To be considered for assistance, the residents must meet

Scammers can copy the City’s recorded answering system/IVR or record their own that

the following criteria:

is similar to the City’s, including the call options menu.

•

Must meet federal low-income guidelines.

The City of Garland does not disconnect services outside the normal business hours of

•

Must be behind on rent and received a late notice.

8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

•

Must agree to participate in homeless prevention program case

For concerns or questions about utility scams or your Garland utility account, call Customer Service

management.

at 972-205-2671. If you believe you have been the victim of the scam, report the incident to Garland Police at 972-485-4840.

10 Garland City Press July-August 2018

For more information, call 972-205-3300.

On Saturday, May 19, Park Crest Elementary staff, Garland Independent School District (GISD) Grounds and Irrigation employees, students, parents and members of the community led by school nurse Linsey Gilbert broke ground on the school’s community garden. five prizes will be

First Place - $500 Kira Mims - Schrade Teacher - Harvey

Submit com nam PBreysac@G for a prize dr

Second Place - $250 (tie) Julia Orticio - Austin Academy

Second Place - $250 (tie) Ivy Martin Ma - Austin Academy

Third Place - $100

Norman Catalano, Jaden Ip, Lance Do, Samuel Guerra & Mia Catalano ILTexas

Honorable Mention - $75 each team

First Place - $750

*Jasmine Mathew & Sophie Lewis Brandenburg *Hayden Trieu & Juan Espinoza Brandenburg *Yoel Kidane, Alex Corner, Steven Duong & Lizzy Harris - Jackson MST *Jae Hinojosa, Sebastian Villalon & Robert Dominguez - Jackson MST

First place winner’s school will receive $500 for supplies.

All team entries’ prize money will be split equally.

Andrew Orticio - Garland H.S. Teacher - Schubert

Second Place - $500

Rafael Escaleza, Louis Rodriguez & Michael Milner - Lakeview

a

Cardboard boxes were used as sheet mulching

MULCH Kids bored?

R S P R I N K L E R S R T ADO ABOUT N E P T B B L R E T T I L X S Z X S E M E H Q I Y D PARK CREST B S L I O puzzle, E Q P B N N W Pw Submit completed B E A C L G V J K C R I E ELEMENTARY A D D U H I R A I N M G K name C& I G address A R E T T E B U Tto T SCHOOL T C X V J N M R X L Y L R E I R X I A U I E A W E O GARDEN PBreysac@GarlandTX.gov b R T H A Z H X Q C F O G V to suppress weeds, improve soil health and

Third Place - $250 Thi

reduce the need for irrigation. Garland

Angeles Aranda, Savion Spriggs, Emmanuel Nwazue, Cooper BroeskeLakeview

Environmental Waste Services and GISD each contributed 100 cubic yards of mulch for the project. For comparison, 200 cubic yards is

Honorable Mention - $125

more than 40,000 gallons.

* Iran Palma, Alyssa Hulbutta, Jayla Acosta, Dominic Villasenor - Lakeview *Sade Adenou Adenouga - Garland H.S. *Alex Lenhard - Garland H.S. * John Donaldson - Garland H.S. * Melanie Rodriguez, Bo Binion & Jake Binion - Lakeview

The aim of the garden is to provide an

outdoor classroom, connect students with the natural world, build community and

teach valuable gardening, and agriculture

concepts that integrate with interdisciplinary

First place winner’s school will receive $500 for supplies.

All team entries’ prize money will be split equally.

ALLOCATION OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT GRANT FUNDING FY 2018/2019 The City of Garland will receive $2,127,843 from the Department of Housing and Urban Development for the Community Development Block Grant. There is $7,159 available in reprogrammed funds for a total of $2,135,002. The HOME Investment Partnership Program allocation is $748,755. Emergency Solutions Grant funding of $168,535 is available.

A full report with specific grant funded activities can be requested by calling Housing Community Development at 972-205-2130.

curriculum.

for a prize drawing!

I S P H F W D N Q A P I M One A E V N X V L I entry P O L M pe L T P U V U U K C O Z P S A five prizes will be awarded P J Fdepending K H J G P O Gon J Unu P Submit completed puzzle with your name S G and N I address P P I LtoC S S A R

KIDS BORED?

PBreysac@GarlandTX.gov by July 27 for a prize drawing!

R N X B B A C T E R I A T P S

S E S S E D I C I T S E P J G

P P Z L A D G X R H P V U F N

R T X I C U A V X A H N V K I

BACTERIA CHEMICALS

I B S O L H R J I Z F X U H P

N B E E G I E N A H W V U J P

K L M Q V R T M U X D L K G I

L R E P J A T R I Q N I C P L

E E H B K I E X E C Q P O O C

R T Q N C N B L A F A O Z G S

S T I N R M U Y W O P L P J S

R I Y W I G T L E G I M S U A

T L D P E K T R O V M L A P R

F F O N U R S D K N W Q H P G

P L A S T I C B O T T L E S I

BACTERIA CHEMICALS CIGARETTE BUTTS DOG POOP FERTILIZER GRASS CLIPPINGS LEAVES LITTER OIL PAINT PESTICIDES PLASTIC BOTTLES RAIN RUNOFF SPRINKLERS One entry per address.

Up to five prizes will be awarded depending on number of entries.

July-August 2018 Garland City Press 11

QUALITY OF LIFE

2018-19 CULTURAL ARTS GRANT PROGRAM The Garland Cultural Arts Commission, Inc. is pleased to announce the 2018-19 Grant Program for local arts groups, historic preservation organizations and other artistic entities.

Applications may be picked up beginning Wednesday, Aug. 1, at the Granville Arts Center Box Office, 300 N. Fifth St. No applications will be mailed. Applications will be available between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday until Thursday, Sept. 20.

Completed applications will be accepted until 4 p.m. Friday, Sept. 21. Grant money will not be awarded to any group failing to submit the completed application by the deadline.

Interviews will take place Thursday, Sept. 27, at the Granville Arts Center.

Call 972-205-2780 for additional information.

ARTS PROGRAMS

At the Granville Arts Center, 300 N. Fifth St. "KISS ME KATE" BY GARLAND SUMMER MUSICALS JULY 20-29 | Garland Summer Musicals closes their 2018

season with Cole Porter’s sensational “Kiss Me Kate.”

This hilarious, Tony Award-winning musical revolves around a musical production of Shakespeare’s “The Taming of the Shrew,” and the onstage and offstage conflict between Fred Graham, the musical’s director/producer/star, and his leading lady/exwife Lilli Vanessi. Tickets: $27-33 at GarlandArtsBoxOffice. com, 972-205-2790 or in-person at the Granville Arts Center Box Office, open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and two hours before the performance.

At the Plaza Theatre, 521 W. State St. "WONDERLAND!" BY CORP JULY 24-26 | “Wonderland!” is an unabashedly silly

adaptation of Lewis Carroll’s “Through the Looking Glass.” With hip-hopping music, it is an upbeat, comingof-age story that audiences of all ages will adore! You’ll recognize some of your favorite familiar characters of Alice’s Wonderland and meet dozens of new ones: a baseball team, a gospel group called The Responsibilities, a train conductor, star-struck tourists, plastic lightsaber wielding knights and much more! Tickets: $10 at GarlandArtsBoxOffice.com, 972-205-2790 or in-person at the Granville Arts Center Box Office, open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets will also be available at the door.

"ANNIE GET YOUR GUN" BY CORP JULY 26-AUG. 5 | Frank Butler is the star of Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show. When the show comes to Cincinnati, Ohio Frank challenges anyone in town to a shooting match. He gets more than he bargained for when he’s beat by the backwoods, tomboyish Annie Oakley. She is persuaded to join his Wild West Show, and Annie meets her match in Frank as she falls head over heels for him, but soon eclipses him as the main attraction in the show. Her success makes trouble for Annie’s chance at romance. Frank feels something for Annie as well, but can these opposites find a way to be together? Tickets: $18 at GarlandArtsBoxOffice.com, 972-205-2790 or in-person at the Granville Arts Center Box Office, open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets will also be available at the door.

12 Garland City Press July-August 2018

LIBRARY PROGRAMS

All libraries will be closed Wednesday, July 4, for Independence Day.

Youth Programs

Adult Programs

SPECIAL PERFORMERS, 2:30 P.M. MONDAYS, CENTRAL LIBRARY •

July 9: Dallas Zoo Animal Show

ADULT SPELLING BEE, 2 P.M. JULY 8, INTRINSIC SMOKEHOUSE AND BREWERY, 509 W. STATE ST. | Try to out-spell your fellow Garland residents, win

•

July 16: Entertainer Brett Roberts

prizes and earn bragging rights! Register in teams of

•

July 23: Heard Museum

four or fewer at the Central Library

•

July 30: Magician Will Baffle

beginning June 25 or upon arrival

WEDNESDAYS, SOUTH GARLAND BRANCH LIBRARY •

July 11: Dallas Zoo Animal Show

•

July 18: Entertainer Brett Roberts

•

July 25: Heard Museum

•

Aug. 1: Magician Will Baffle

THURSDAYS, WALNUT CREEK BRANCH LIBRARY •

July 12: Dallas Zoo Animal Show

•

July 19: Yo-Yo Champion Valerie Oliver

•

July 26: Heard Museum

•

Aug. 2: Magician Will Baffle

at Intrinsic if space allows. The Spelling Bee will consist of five 10-word rounds. Teams will be eliminated after words. Both the winning team and the first team eliminated will win prizes.

HARRY POTTER ESCAPE ROOM, 10 A.M. TO 5 P.M. JULY 27-28, SOUTH GARLAND BRANCH LIBRARY | Participants ages 13 and up can sign up in teams of four for 15-minute time slots in which to

•

July 14: Dallas Zoo Animal Show

solve a puzzle featuring Harry Potter-themed clues.

•

July 21: Yo-Yo Champion Valerie Oliver

Solving the puzzle correctly will reveal a password that

•

July 28: Heard Museum

will allow the team to “escape” the room. Registration

•

Aug. 4: Magician Will Baffle

required and begins July 13. Call 972-205-3931.

CENTRAL LIBRARY 625 AUSTIN ST., 972-205-2517 • Toddler Storytime (18-36 mos.)

Mondays, 10 a.m.

• Preschool Storytime (3-5 yrs.)

Mondays, 11 a.m.

NORTH GARLAND BRANCH LIBRARY 3845 N. GARLAND AVE., 972-205-2804 • Wee Read (birth to 18 mos.)

Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m.

• Toddler Storytime (18-36 mos.)

Fridays, 10 a.m.

• Preschool Storytime (3-5 yrs.)

Fridays, 11 a.m.

two consecutive misspelled

SATURDAYS, NORTH GARLAND BRANCH LIBRARY

Summer Storytimes through Aug. 4

SOUTH GARLAND BRANCH LIBRARY 4845 BROADWAY BLVD., 972-205-3933 • Toddler Storytime (18-36 mos.)

Wednesdays, 10 a.m.

• Preschool Storytime (3-5 yrs.)

Wednesdays, 11 a.m.

• Family Storytime Saturdays, 10:30 a.m.

ADULT CRAFT CLUB, 2 P.M. AUG. 25, SOUTH GARLAND BRANCH LIBRARY | Adults can craft their own macramé plant hangers using cording and pots at the August meeting of the Library’s Adult Craft Club. All supplies are provided by the library.

Attendees may bring their own pots or use those provided. Registration is required and is limited to 24 participants. Registration begins Aug. 11. Call 972-2053931 to register.

WALNUT CREEK BRANCH LIBRARY 3319 EDGEWOOD DRIVE, 972-205-2585 • Family Storytime Tuesdays, 7 p.m.

FAMILY MOVIE TIME, 2:30 P.M. JULY 27, WALNUT CREEK BRANCH LIBRARY | Bring a blanket and enjoy a screening of the 1994 movie The Lion King. Seating is limited. No registration required. All ages welcome. For more information, call 972-205-2585.

More Library events can be found online at Library.GarlandTX.gov.

SUMMER READING WRAP-UP PARTY 2:30 P.M. AUG. 6 AT CENTRAL LIBRARY

Participants in the Library’s Summer Reading Program can celebrate their accomplishments by attending the Summer Reading Wrap-Up Party.

The beloved children’s book character Pete the Cat will be on hand to meet party-goers and take photos. Attendees may also make Pete papersack puppets. Refreshments available while supplies last. Grand prize drawings for each Summer Reading Program age group will be conducted at the party, but attendance is not required to win. Door prize raffles will also be held, and attendance is required to win.

July-August 2018 Garland City Press 13

PARKS & RECREATION Featured Programs SOCCER SPARKS DRIBBLE, KICK AND PASS

SATURDAYS, 2:30 TO 3:15 P.M. AGES 4-5| This class teaches techniques such as dribbling, passing and shooting in a positive and fun environment. Audubon Recreation Center, 342 W. Oates Road, 972-205-3991 or ARC@GarlandTX.gov.

CHALLENGE ISLAND’S SPACE WARS

JULY 16-20, 2 TO 5 P.M. AGES 5-12 | Our interplanetary tribes will take on a galaxy full of movie-inspired challenges including building spaceships, designing droids and launching lunar rockets. Bradfield Recreation Center, 1146 Castle Drive, 972-205-2770 or BRC@ GarlandTX.gov.

PENCAK SILAT SELF-DEFENSE

THURSDAYS, 7 TO 9 P.M. AGES 18 AND UP | Learn effective survival techniques such as mental awareness, controlling panic and proper breathing as well as how to avoid being hit when encountering an attack. Fields Recreation Center, 1701 Dairy Road, 972-205-3090 or FRC@GarlandTX.gov.

DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY CAMP

JULY 23-27, 9 A.M. TO NOON. AGES 9-15 | Learn the introductory aspects of digital photography including composition, lighting a subject, use of lenses and digital editing. Holford Recreation Center, 2314 Homestead Place, 972-205-2772 or HRC@GarlandTX.gov.

T-BALL

THURSDAYS, 4:15 TO 4:55 P.M. AGES 3-4 | Various techniques and drills teach the fundamentals of hitting, catching and throwing. Fields Recreation Center, 1701 Dairy Road, 972-205-3090 or FRC@GarlandTX.gov.

ARCHERY

WEDNESDAYS, 2 TO 3 P.M. AGES 8-15 | Learn to shoot the competition-style compound bow and focus on basic skills, technique, safety, and the use and maintenance of equipment. Hollabaugh Recreation Center, 3925 W. Walnut St., 972-205-2721 or HHRC@GarlandTX.gov.

CARVER SENIOR CENTER UPGRADES Carver Senior Center is currently closed due to facility upgrades. Programs have been temporarily moved to Fields Recreation Center, 1701 Dairy Road. Expected project completion date is January 2019. For more information, call 972-205-3305.

FOLLOW US! @PLAYGARLAND 14 Garland City Press July-August 2018

All July PLAYstreets

Follow us on Facebook for dates and locations

July 13 Movie in the Park - “Coco” 9 p.m., Central Park

July 20 Movie in the Park - “The Lion King” 9 p.m., Central Park

July 28 Family Night Out

Food, Fun and Fireworks. Featuring “Coverdown Band” 6 p.m. Central Park

#PlayOnJuly #PLAYGARLAND GarlandParks.com

PARKS, RECREATION & CULTURAL ARTS

73RD ANNUAL

LABOR DAY EVENTS & FESTIVITIES

SEPT. 3 PARADE

Join us along the route through Downtown Garland and enjoy a historic event of community pride.

KID’S BBQ COMPETITION

Following the parade, head to the Downtown Square to cheer on the BBQ Pit Masters!

CAR SHOW ON THE SQUARE JUNIOR GOLF CAMP

FOR BOYS AND GIRLS OF ALL SKILL LEVELS, AGES 7-16 $200 (INCLUDES LUNCH) 8 A.M. TO NOON OLD COURSE, 600 W. CAMPBELL ROAD •

July 9-12

•

July 23-26

•

Aug. 6-9

Learn how to play and enjoy the game

BRING YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS TO EXPERIENCE THE OLD & LAKES COURSES

Information about the parade route, the car show and the BBQ cooking contest, as well as entry forms and fees, will be available at NoonExchangeClubofGarland.org, after July 4.

•

Four golfers - $80

For more information, email NoonExchangeClubofGarland@yahoo.com.

•

Two golfers - $45

•

Individual - $25

ENJOY SPECIAL PRICING DURING THE MONTH OF AUGUST

Prices include green fee and cart.

of golf will be covered—from the tee to

Offer good only at the Old and Lakes courses, Monday through Thursday. Special may not be combined with any other discounts. Must call for a tee time to receive discount.

the green. Call 972-205-2765 to register.

Call 972-205-2795 to reserve a time.

of golf! With instruction from Firewheel Golf Park professional staff, all aspects

DOG-APOOLOOZA SUNDAY, AUG. 19 2 TO 6 P.M. HOLFORD POOL 2322 HOMESTEAD PLACE

Open to the general public and their four-legged family members $5 per pet and $1 per person, cash only Open pool as well as vendors offering multiple pet services like dog washes, nail trims, pet toys, etc.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, VISIT GARLANDPAWS.ORG. July-August 2018 Garland City Press 15

Garland City Press City of Garland P. O. Box 469002 Garland, Texas 75046-9002

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID GARLAND, TEXAS Permit No. 365

UPCOMING EVENTS 7/9

City Council Work Session* Plan Commission*

7/10

City Council Meeting*

Postal Customer Garland, Texas

7/16

City Council Work Session*

7/17

City Council Meeting*

7/23

Plan Commission*

Garland Housing Finance Corporation

7/28

The City of Garland is accepting applications for an individual

Family Night Out

to represent the City on the Garland Housing Finance

8/4

Corporation (GHFC) Board of Directors for a six-year term ending August 31, 2024. The GHFC board consists of five members. Interested individuals should submit a letter of interest and resume to the City Manager’s Office at 200 N. Fifth Street, 4th Floor, Garland, TX 75040 or by email at rdowl@garlandtx.gov no later than 5 p.m. August 1, 2018.

Interested applicants will be interviewed by the City Council.

Composting Class

8/6

City Council Work Session*

8/7

City Council Meeting*

8/13

Plan Commission*

8/18

Clear the Shelters Day

INDEPENDENCE DAY HOLIDAY SCHEDULE

8/20

City Council Work Session*

8/21

City Council Meeting*

All City of Garland offices will be closed Wednesday, July 4 in observance of Independence Day. This includes Utility Customer Service, the Tax Office, libraries, recreation centers and senior centers.

Surf and Swim and all City swimming pools will be open.

We will collect trash, brush and bulky, and recycling as normal on July 4. Please have your carts and brush or bulky items set out by 7 a.m. The Charles M. Hinton Regional Landfill and wood recycling facility will remain open. The transfer station and recycling center will be closed.

Garland City Press is produced and funded by the City of Garland and contains information about the City, as well as details on City-sponsored events.

Send comments or questions to: Dorothy White, Public & Media Relations, City of Garland, P.O. Box 469002, Garland, TX 75046-9002.

8/23

Neighborhood Leader Meet & Greet

8/27

Plan Commission*

9/3

Labor Day Parade * Located at City Hall, 200 N. Fifth St., First Floor