Help fight crime in Frisco the best way possible!  Get involved in National Night out on Tuesday, August 7, 2007.  Help give crime and drugs a going away party. 

NNO is a great way to meet your neighbors and to send a message that crime will not be tolerated.  This is the largest crime prevention event in Frisco and 2007 marks the 14th year for all of Frisco to participate.  

Scheduled NNO Kick-off events include the 12th annual green home, health and safety fair on August 4th from 9:00 AM to 1:00PM and the Frisco PD vs. the Frisco Fire Department basketball game to benefit special Olympics on august 4th, 6:00 PM to 8:00PM at Frisco High School.

The 2007 Frisco Green Home, Health & Safety Fair Highlights include:

• Clowns, Robots, Face Painting, Bounce Houses and other events for Kids.
• Police, Fire and Military vehicle displays - including the careflite helicopter.
• NTTA Free toll tag drawing
• Frisco health care related screenings
• Frisco Parks & Recreation Wiffle Ball Derby
• Green Home Fair Exhibits
• Texas DPS Mobile Driver License Express
• Exhibitors representing a wide variety of North Texas social and public service related agencies.
• SPCA Mobile Pet Adoption Center
• Carter BloodCare Mobile Unit.

Don't Forget to register your National Night Out Block Party or Event.  To be eligible for a visit from the Police, Fire and other city officials, you must register your party.  Registration forms can be downloaded at http://www.frisconeighborhoodwatch.com or call FPD Community Services Division at 972-292-6139/6134.

 

City Council Update

My last two public meetings went really well. We had a full house on Monday, June 18th for the Town Hall meeting and a good attendance at the City Council meeting  on Tuesday, June 19th. 

The June 19th meeting was the last meeting that Bob Allen and I presided over as your elected officials.  I was humbled by the recognition from our Mayor, Council and Citizens.  It was a very difficult "goodbye" for me as I have truly enjoyed the many friendships that were created and the team effort of building one of the best cities in the Country. 

After canvassing the election and a short reception, the two newest Council Members were sworn in.  In Place 2, Jeff Cheney took his place and in Place 4, David Prince also was sworn in.

Both David and Jeff won the run-off election on Saturday, June 16th.  It was a long campaign.

Both of them should be very proud of their effort.  It is not easy opening your life up to the public.  I have no doubt both will do a great job!

After the official swearing in, it was time to get down to work. The first order of business, as addressed in our charter, is the swearing in of the Mayor Pro Tem and Deputy Mayor Pro Tem.  Both these positions are important in a fast growing city such as Frisco. 

Dr. Jim Joyner was overwhelmingly voted to be the Mayor Pro Tem through the end of his term in May 2008. 

Dr. Joyner has served on the City Council since May of 2003. There is no doubt in my mind that he will serve the City well in his role as the Mayor Pro Tem. 

For the Deputy Mayor Pro Tem position, Joy West was again overwhelmingly appointed to that position.  Council Member West has served the City of Frisco since May of 2001.

It was clear that the City Council has confidence in both Dr. Joyner and Ms. West to carry out the duties of those positions.

I wish the entire Council good luck in the coming year. They will leave early Thursday morning for their annual 3-day work session to plot out the strategies and priorities for this coming year and beyond.

Instead of continuing to repeat events in every newsletter, this section will recap events listed in prior newsletters.  You can visit my web site to view a calendar of events or directly on the Calendar (you an even add your own!) and you can view Previous Newsletters for additional information on these events.

Movies in the Square: June 1 - August 10.

Frisco Grooves Concert: June 1 - June 29.

Frisco Art Center Summer Open House: June 28th.

Frisco Community Band Summer Concerts: June 23/July 3

Frisco Freedom Fest: July 4 

Capital One Charity Golf Classic (boys&girls Club): June 25th.

Mobility Plan Update

CONTACT:

Ruben Delgado, Director of Engineering, 972-548-3727

(McKINNEY, TX) - Collin County will hold a public meeting on Tuesday, June 26, 2007, to hear public comments on development of the Collin County Mobility Plan 2007 Update. The meeting will he held from 7-8 p.m. at the Central Jury Room in Annex "B" of the Collin County Courthouse, 314 S. Chestnut St., in McKinney.

Collin County is updating the Mobility Plan, which identifies transportation needs of area citizens and guides major transportation investments. Originally developed in 1998, the Mobility Plan identifies a network of existing and proposed roadways, transit, and hike-and-bike trails and is intended to serve the projected population and employment growth and travel demand throughout the county. The year-long plan update will address changes in development conditions and transportation needs that have occurred since the plan was last updated five years ago. 

The public meeting will include an overview of the proposed update to the county's current plan, an explanation of the steps taken to update that plan, and an opportunity for residents to review and comment on the current draft of the plan.  Citizens are invited to comment on the needed transportation improvements including roadways, transit, and pedestrian and bicycle facilities. Comments will be recorded and incorporated into the study.

Information about the proposed Mobility Plan update is available on the Internet at http://www.ccmpu.org/.  A draft of the 2007 mobility plan map can be viewed on the website and downloaded for printing and review.

For more information on the Collin County Mobility Plan 2007 Update, please contact Linda James at the Collin County Engineering Department, 972-548-3727 or visit the project website at http://www.ccmpu.org/. 

The Frisco Parks & Recreation Department invites all interested parties to attend the initial public programming meeting for three new neighborhood parks.

Prior to construction of every city-owned park, a series of public meetings are held by the department in an effort to gain insight and feedback from residents regarding the design elements of each park.  The initial meeting also includes discussion on budget, land & topography opportunities, design theme, construction timeline, etc.

The three neighborhood parks are Stonelake Estates Park, Griffin Parc Park and Panther Creek Park.

Stonelake Estates Park
The Frisco Parks & Recreation Department invites all interested parties to attend the second round of public planning meetings for Stonelake Estates Neighborhood Park.  The meeting is scheduled for Thursday, June 28 from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at Ashley Elementary School, located at 15601 Christopher Lane.

The initial public meeting took place on June 6.  The purpose of this follow-up meeting is to review the potential concepts of the park project.  The Stonelake Estates Neighborhood Park will serve the residents of Stonelake Estates and Custer Creek subdivisions.

·    This park will serve the residents of Stonelake Estates and Custer Creek subdivisions

Griffin Parc Park[This meeting has already been held. Send additional comments/questions to the Frisco Parks and Rec. Dept]
·    Wednesday, June 13
·    6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
·    Meeting held at Pink Elementary School located at 3650 Overhill Drive
·    This park will serve the residents of Griffin Parc, Shaddock Creek Estates, Heather Ridge and Kings Garden subdivisions

Panther Creek Park
·    Wednesday, June 27
·    6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
·    Meeting held at Sem Elementary School located at 12721 Honey Grove Drive
·    The park will serve the residents of Panther Creek subdivision

For more information, please call the Parks & Recreation Department at  (972) 292-6500.

 

 You are cordially invited to the most exciting Friends of the Library event ever - the first annual night of Mystery, Murder, and Mayhem featuring mystery authors
 
 
 Proceeds to benefit the Friends of the Frisco Public Library.
 
 Tuesday, June 26, 2007
 7:00 p.m.
 The Stonebriar Country Club 5050 Country Club Drive
 Frisco, TX
 
 Meet the authors for cocktails at 6:30 p.m. Dinner served at 7:00 p.m. 
 
 Business Attire.  $65.00 per person 
 
For more information, E-mail friends@friscolibrary.com or

Judy Clark
phone 214-387-0128

 

In the past, I have written about different elected officials to help introduce you to them.

I thought I would write a little about Bob Allen, who I served with on the City Council. Both Bob and I reached term limit this month and have retired from the City Council.

Bob was first elected in May of 2002 by the City of Frisco Citizens.  He has served the City Well and has given a good portion of his free time to represent all of us.  Bob moved to Frisco in 1992, which is the same year I moved here.  He works as MIS Manager for EDS.  I would tell you how long he has been married to his lovely wife, Theresa, but it would give away his age.  Okay, you convinced me. I believe they just celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary!  Using my fuzzy math, that means he is over 50% older than me since I have been married for 17 years.  Hey, I did say it was fuzzy math  :-)

Bob has volunteered his time for many different organizations.  Besides being your elected Council Member, Bob was also the Deputy Mayor Pro Tem and served on the Frisco Technology Committee.  Bob is also the chair of the Frisco Economic Development Corporation and has served on the board since 2000.  Bob previously served as President of the Frisco Independent School District Education Foundation and still serves on their board today. His passion for the kids and helping them continue their education is evident in everything he does.

Some facts most people do not know about Bob:  He was a volunteer fireman in Ohio and worked on a train when he was much younger (now you know why he was attracted to Frisco). A friend of his told me that his new VW came with a guitar, but he doesn't know how to tune it let alone play it. I just can't picture Bob playing the guitar :-)

I can't list all the good things he was involved in over the years as I do not have enough room in this newsletter. But, I can say that our community is much better because of his involvement.

I was fortunate to serve alongside Bob and learn from him as he worked tirelessly to serve our citizens.  Next time you see him in our community, please take a moment to thank him for all his hard work.

 

On A Winning Track!

Frisco Thunder Boast Winning Record in 1^st Season!!!!

FRISCO, TX. : In unfamiliar territory, the Frisco Thunders (6-3) have spent the last two months with gaining ground as the #1 IFL Team in the league.  All this success is with the season not even complete.  The remarkable success on the turf having lost just three games in 2007 shows that the Frisco Thunder team is a source to be reckoned with combined with the talents of the coaches, players and new owners Jake and Vinita Reed.  Head Coach Jon Loudermilk and the rest of the Frisco Thunder organization believe that this pattern has changed beginning with the new ownership of Jake and Vinita Reed and the boost of spirit to the Thunder Family.  With The Frisco Thunder being an expansion team this is the only team in the IFL on the road to being in the championship as well as conquering a winning season in 2007 season!

Frisco Thunder has also added a new addition to their team with bringing on Cori Bailey, President of Sales and Marketing for the Frisco Thunder Team.  Cori's extensive Sales and Marketing background will be a strong attribute to the team and will take the organization to the next level with strong sponsorships and ticket sales.

Rising to the Top: Several players have seemed to come into their own over the past couple of weeks including quarterback Dustin Almond, who has thrown over 40 touchdowns and 1800 yards giving the Frisco Thunder one of the most explosive offenses in the league. Then there is receiver Antwon Courington, who had 5 touchdowns this past game against the San Angelo Stampede's and has over 20 touchdowns credited to him for the season. Offensive lineman Kevin Carter has demonstrated he is a brick wall and can block anyone in the league and will provide the Centex Barracuda's a tough run in this upcoming game.  Defensive lineman Nathan Jackson, who recorded three sacks this past game has shown that speed and agility as a defensive lineman will give the opposing quarterbacks headaches all season and we anticipate that the Centex Barracuda's will struggle to make it into the end zone this upcoming game June 24^th, 2007 at 3:05p.m. at the Dr.Pepper Star's Center.  Blake Farris, Defensive Back for the Frisco Thunders had (3) three interceptions this past game and has proven to be one of the most dominate Defensive Backs in the league.

"I am excited to see the progress in these boys each week. I am also  extremely  impressed with the way our team has risen above adversity and handled the success that is starting to be recognized. These men have demonstrated their commit to the team and community on and off the field by giving of their time and energy to ensure that this franchise is a first class organization.", stated Loudermilk of the teams improvement each week, "This type of family atmosphere builds success and the organization and leaves me optimistic about the upcoming portion of the season."

The Frisco Thunder Dance Team which is directed by Deborah Swaim owner of Frisco Dance Force performed a flawless routine with Carly Patterson former U.S. Olympic medalist during half-time which benefited the Tooth Fairy foundation. The Tooth Fairy Foundation is being created to bring much needed dental care to children who would otherwise not have access to it. With volunteer involvement and funding from private donations, corporate sponsorship, and 15% of all of the Tooth Fairy's revenues, the Foundation will help to provide dental supplies, education, and hygiene services to individuals, communities, and organizations that work with underprivileged children.   The Frisco dance team has proven to be such an asset to the team and getting the crowd excited and yelling for the Thunder Team and that was displayed at the game when the fans couldn't be controlled due to the excitement!

The Thunders will  match-up this weekend in Frisco against the Centex Barracuda's on June 24^th, 2007 at 3:05pm at the Dr. Pepper Stars Center.   You can call the team at (214)731-6968 for rates and information on groups and individual tickets. So get your group together and come on out for a fun, family, action packed evening at the Frisco Thunder Pro-Football Team. Visit the Thunders website at www.thefriscothunder.com.

The two-story Frisco Recreation & Aquatic Center will open this fall.  The Center will sit on 19 acres located at the southeast intersection of Preston Road and Wade Blvd. and span 100,000 square feet, including 18,000 square feet of indoor aquatics elements and approximately 25,000 square feet of outdoor aquatic features. 

The first floor will include two full-size gymnasiums, two racquet ball courts, two multipurpose classrooms and two aerobic/dance studios.  A large teen room will provide entertainment features such as movies, computer terminals, a lounge and a place for teens to conduct their homework.  A game room will be complete with the latest electronic games, table games and a lounge.  In order to cater to Frisco's population, a 5,000 square feet kid's room will be available.  The kid's room will allow parents the opportunity to enjoy a workout while their children are having fun in a supervised atmosphere.  Upon exiting the facility, don't forget to grab a cup of coffee or a snack at the indoor cafe that looks into the indoor natatorium.  The facility will also have large locker rooms and a spacious family changing suite.

The second floor will feature one of the largest fitness rooms in the region totaling more than 21,000 square feet of dedicated space housing state of the art equipment for stretching, cardiovascular exercises, machine weights and free weights. There will be two aerobic/dance studios each totaling more than 2,000 square feet with the capability of becoming one large space of more than 4,000 square feet.  A multipurpose room totaling approximately 2,200 square feet will offer an excellent space for large programs and activities.

The indoor aquatic area will feature four different bodies of water including a large child-specific play pool with a robust interactive water structure, a flowing current channel with a vortex, a therapy pool, a large multipurpose pool capable of accommodating lap swimming, water aerobics and swim lessons, and a large water slide.  The natatorium will also house two wet classrooms designed to accommodate aquatic specific classes and host birthday parties for large groups.

The outdoor aquatic elements will feature two water slides, a 600 linear feet lazy river, a lagoon pool and a large interactive play structure designed for young children.  The outdoor area will also have multiple interactive spray features and shade structures.  The outdoor area will also have pavilions capable of hosting birthday parties, reunions and other functions.

In September 2002, Frisco voters approved $20 million in bonds for a Recreation & Aquatic Center.  The City of Frisco is dedicating another $2 million to the construction from its General Fund, bringing the total facility budget to $22 million.  The City of Frisco's Community Development Corporation (CDC) contributed $2.25 million to purchase the land.

The new Fee schedule was recently approved by the Frisco City Council and can be found HERE.

There are many new employment opportunities in the new center.  The City is now hiring for these positions:

• Lifeguards, learn to swim instructors, water safety instructors and water aerobic instructors.
• Customer service Reps, The Fun Club and Management Positions.
• Birthday Party Hosts, Day Camp Coordinators, Recreation Leaders, After School Programmers.
• Personal Trainers, Fitness Instructors, Program Instructors.
  

DNT - Phase 3:  SH 121 to US 380 (Approximately 10 miles).  Bonds were sold in March 2005 to fund the $264 Million project.  Anticipated open to traffic date of September 2007.  Lebanon is anticipated to open by end of July.

SH 121 - Collin County (DNT - US 75): TxDOT Projected main lane construction completion dates:  DNT to Ohio - July 2007.  Ohio to Hillcrest - October 2007.  SH 121 in The Colony - November 2007.

FM 2934/Eldorado (FM 423 - DNT): Estimated Start: October 2007.  Estimated Completion October 2009.  This is a TxDOT Project.

FM 423: (US 380 to Stewart Creek): This is another TxDOT project.  Planned as a 6-lane divided roadway.  Currently in Design. North part: -- Bid in 2009, Completion in 2011.  Middle: Bid in 2009, Completion in 2011.  South: Town of The Colony Project.

FM 3537/Main Street: (Preston - Custer): Estimated Start of September 2008. Estimated completion of September 2010. This is another TxDOT project.

SH 289/Preston: (Main - US 380) Estimated Start in June 2008. Estimated Completion of December 2010.  This is a TxDOT Project.

Legacy  Drive: (Citation - Main) Estimated Start in July 2007. Estimated Completion of March 2008.

Panther Creek Parkway: (DNT - Teel) Estimated Start of October 2007.  Estimated Completion of July 2008.

Parkwood Drive: (Lebanon - Warren) Start of May 2007 and Estimated completion of October 2007.

Stonebrook & Lone Star Ranch Pkway: Estimated completion of Fall 2007. Project by Phillips Creek Ranch Development.

City Road Projects:  Eldorado Parkway, from DNT to Preston: Estimated Start of September 2007.   CR 712 (Frisco St - N. County Rd). Estimated start of September 2007.  Lebanon Road (Legacy - FM 423). Estimated Start of September 2007.
 

---

South End of Tollway To Be Closed Late Evening of June 22 through early morning on June 25

Delays expected; Motorists encouraged to plan ahead and seek alternate routes

On the night of Friday, June 22, starting at midnight until Monday, June 25, at 5:00 a.m., the south end of the Dallas North Tollway will be closed northbound from IH-35E to Mockingbird and southbound from Northwest Highway to the southern end of the Tollway. The Cedar Springs Road Bridge, in both directions, will also be closed during this time. On Monday morning, the Tollway and the Cedar Springs Road Bridge will both be open to two-way traffic.

NTTA construction crews will be demolishing the old Cedar Springs Road Bridge, placing drainage lines under the Tollway to prevent flooding during heavy storms, hanging bridge beams for the bridge over Oak Lawn Avenue and performing pavement repairs on the IH-35E ramp northbound to the Tollway.

On the Tollway, southbound motorists will have to exit at Northwest Highway or sooner.

The southbound entrance ramps at Lovers Lane, Mockingbird Lane and Lemmon Avenue will be closed. Southbound entrance ramps at Walnut Hill, Royal Lane and Forest Lane will also be closed due to the short distance before they have to exit.

Northbound Tollway entrances at Harry Hines Boulevard, IH-35E and Wycliff Avenue will be closed and northbound traffic will not be able to enter the Tollway until Mockingbird Lane. Signage will be placed on the Tollway in several places to notify motorists of the closure.

During these closures, motorists should plan ahead, seek alternate routes and expect delays. IH-35E and Central Expressway (US 75) serve as viable alternatives to the Tollway during this time. All work is subject to weather conditions and will be postponed, if necessary.

The temporary closing of the Tollway is part of a $50 million upgrade and reinvestment in the southernmost section of the Tollway and the Wycliff Toll Plaza. More than 40 years old, this section of Tollway requires the following renovations: pavement replacement, improved overpass bridges, the widening of Oak Lawn Avenue as it approaches the Tollway, new ramp access to Oak Lawn Avenue and the construction of a new Wycliff Toll Plaza. Click here for a map showing the locations of the various improvements.

All lanes of traffic are scheduled to be open to traffic in the spring of 2008. Upon completion, the improvements will provide streamlined traffic flow, additional safety enhancements, a state-of-the-art toll plaza, and will relieve traffic congestion.

NTTA customers wanting to keep informed on upcoming improvement and construction projects throughout the DNT System can click here to learn more. Additionally, a special telephone line, the NTTA Information Line at 214-224-3030, provides frequent updates about improvements happening on NTTA roadways.