Congratulations to Mayor Ueckert and Councilman Ferguson on their re-elections this past week.  Of course, there are a new group of candidates up for election in the primaries this week.  You can find more info here.

Grant Award Received

Our police and fire departments continually work to bring grant money into the city to supplement their budgets.  On the 7th, council approved a TxDOT Grant for Seat Belt Enforcement of $5,995.79.

Capital Improvements

Lewisville has a project on the books to expand Corporate across to Railroad Street and eventually we’ll go across to Castle Hills- giving a new east-west connector for that part of the city.  We approved $557,923 of additional funds for this segment.  It’s one of seven segments that we will be able to receive reimbursement as we’re working with the Council of Governments to help fund the project.  I’m personally excited to see this move forward as it will build stronger connections with Lewisville residents who live in Castle Hills.

Litigation

The city on occasion does deal with litigation.  Council approved a resolution allowing our lawyers to negotiate a settlement with the Dahl Revocable Living Trust and their eminent domain case.  As this progresses you’ll see more details.

Rate Approvals with ATMOS

Every year our utility providers present their rate increase requests to the city.  We work with other cities to strengthen our negotiation power across the region to keep rates low.  We denied their request to increase their residential base rate (cost excluding actual cost of gas) of 13.6% for the coming year.  This allows for more negotiation by the region to keep rate increases to a minimum.

Entertainment District Creation

Council discussed creating an Entertainment District in Old Town during our summer retreat.  At that time we designated an area around the heart of Old Town that would allow exemptions to the city’s noise ordinance that doesn’t supersede the State’s noise laws.  This allows outdoor entertainment (bands) to run later into the evenings.  You’re allowed to be louder, but not exceed state limits until 11pm on Sunday through Thursday, and to 11:30pm on Friday through Saturday.  We approved this and you can find a map in the supplemental information here.

 Regional Cooperation

I was pleased to nominate Councilman Vaughan to represent the city on the North Central Texas Council of Governments.  There is one vacancy in the category of “Cities with a Population of 25,001 or more”.  It is up to the Council to decide who will fill that role, but I’m glad we’ve got someone who can take the time to represent us well.

Local Events Fee Waived

The Kiwanis Club has asked for a fee waiver for use of Railroad Park for their First Annual Triathalon.  This waiver is for $3,974.  All proceeds will benefit CASA of Denton County.