Dallas’ Ice Force ready for winter weather

The City of Dallas is prepared to fight winter weather with the help of Ice Force One. Staff from Public Works and Trinity Watershed Management monitor weather and road conditions from Ice Force Command at the Southeast Service Center, and deploy trucks as needed.

The City has 30 trucks retrofitted with sand spreaders stationed at four strategic points throughout Dallas, and the Central Business District. The City can also activate over 30 additional trucks if needed. The sand used may have salt and/or additional de-icing materials as warranted by the road conditions.

The City of Dallas is responsible for keeping major city streets and Trinity River bridges clear and passable. The Texas Department of Transportation is responsible for the highways, and the North Texas Tollway Authority is responsible for the toll roads.

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source http://www.dallascitynews.net/dallas-ice-force-ready-winter-weather

Top 5 ways to beat the winter blues

Weather in Texas can change with little warning. These simple tips can help keep you and your family safe during below freezing temperatures.

1. Take care of pets and people – don’t stay outside longer than needed, and wear multiple layers as temperatures drop
2. Turn off lawn sprinklers to prevent dangerous ice patches – it’s a code violation to cause ice from sprinklers
3. Residents in the City of Dallas who need relief from the extreme cold are welcome to visit any Park and Recreation or Library facility during normal business hours for temporary relief from the cold. The City of Dallas has 43 recreation centers and 29 libraries located throughout the city.
   • Library locations and hours of operation: dallaslibrary2.org/hours.php
   • Recreation Center locations and hours of operation: www.dallasparks.org/160/Recreation-Centers
4. Bring in or wrap sensitive plants to protect them
5. Set faucets to drip – avoiding pipe damage during freezing temperatures can save costly repairs

The City of Dallas Office of Emergency Management has winter weather tips for your home, office and if you’re traveling. Learn more here –

 

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Fireworks, gunfire and DWI – Stay safe this NYE

The City of Dallas and Dallas Police Department have reminders for those celebrating the New Year this weekend.

It is illegal to possess, store, handle and/or use of fireworks in the city limits and officers may write tickets for those violating the law. This offense is punishable by a fine up to $2,000 and officers may seize the opened fireworks.

Also, discharging a firearm in the city limits is not only illegal, it is very dangerous. What goes up, must come down. Every year, across the country, people are hurt or even killed by stray bullets from celebratory gunfire. This offense is punishable by a fine up to $4,000 and up to one year in jail.

The Dallas Police Department will be running a DWI No-Refusal initiative for the New Year’s Day holiday weekend. During this initiative, officers will secure a search warrant for blood samples from all persons arrested for DWI who refuse to voluntarily give a breath and/or blood sample.

On New Year’s Eve, officers will be on patrol looking for violations. Please call 911 to report any of these illegal activities to police. We wish everyone a safe and happy New Year.

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source http://www.dallascitynews.net/fireworks-gunfire-dwi-stay-safe-nye

Love Field is ready for winter weather

Dallas Love Field stays prepared for any kind of Texas weather, including winter weather. Part of that preparedness includes being able to keep runways and roads clear of hazardous ice and snow.

Here are five fast facts on Love Field’s winter weather technology:

• Winter weather equipment is inspected monthly for wear and tear all year long
• Deicing trucks can be filled quicker than trailers and hold up to 45 hundred gallons of deicing solution
• Winter weather equipment includes:
  • Snow blowers
  • Two deicing trucks
  • Deicing trailer
  • Four truck-mounted snow brooms
• Refilling stations on each end of the airfield provide faster access to deicing solution
• Airfield maintenance is responsible for keeping airport roads, runways and taxiways safe and clear of ice and snow

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source http://www.dallascitynews.net/love-field-ready-winter-weather

City seeking public input at Neighborhood Public Hearings

Public Hearings will be held Jan. 4 to Feb. 13 to get citizen input on the City’s Consolidated Plan Budget for Housing and Urban Development (HUD) programs.

The event will provide an overview of the Fiscal Year 2018-19 Consolidated Plan Budget for HUD grant funds, solicit input on community needs, and enable citizens to learn about HUD funded programs and connect with City of Dallas departments.

The Consolidated Plan Budget consists of these HUD Grant Funds:

• Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
• Home Investment Partnerships Program (HOME)
• Housing Opportunities for Persons with Aids (HOPWA)
• Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG)

Neighborhood Public Hearings will be held at various locations throughout the city.

The complete list of dates and times are below:

English Flyer

Spanish Flyer

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source http://www.dallascitynews.net/city-seeking-public-input-neighborhood-public-hearings

City makes recycling Christmas trees simple

Dallas Sanitation Services makes it easy to recycle your Christmas trees after the holiday. Bring your real tree to the McCommas Bluff Landfill or the Northwest Transfer Station through Tuesday, January 6 to be recycled. Please remove all tinsel, ornaments, lights and rope before you drop off your tree. Residents can also put their tree out for their regular brush / bulk pickup.

Call the Dallas Zero Waste Hotline at 214-670-4475 for drop-off times and more information.

McCommas Bluff Landfill – 5100 Youngblood Rd., 75241

Northwest Transfer Station – 9500 Harry Hines Blvd., 75220

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14 North Texas companies recognized by Entrepreneur magazine forgrit, innovation

Dallas-Fort Worth is known as a haven for entrepreneurs and thriving businesses. That was definitely on display when a national magazine highlighted the companies that best exemplify the attributes needed to succeed. Entrepreneur magazine on Tuesday unveiled its annual list of the most entrepreneurial companies in the country and North Texas made a strong showing with 14 winners.
www.entrepreneur.com/360#2017-list

The post 14 North Texas companies recognized by Entrepreneur magazine forgrit, innovation appeared first on Dallas Regional Chamber.

source https://www.dallaschamber.org/blog/14-north-texas-companies-recognized-by-entrepreneur-magazine-forgrit-innovation/

Zagat names DFW as one of the most exciting areas for food

Zagat has ranked the 30 most exciting food cities in America for 2017, and the Dallas-Fort Worth region made the cut. The dining website asked editors across the country to make a case for the city they believe had the biggest year in food by assessing the number of exciting new openings, award recognition and national media attention. Then it asked media food critics to weigh in.
www.zagat.com/b/30-most-exciting-food-cities-in-america-2017

The post Zagat names DFW as one of the most exciting areas for food appeared first on Dallas Regional Chamber.

source https://www.dallaschamber.org/blog/zagat-names-dfw-as-one-of-the-most-exciting-areas-for-food/

City closures and schedules for December 25 and January 1

City offices: Closed on December 25 and January 1. Libraries: Closed on December 25 and January 1. Recreation Centers: Closed on December 25 and January 1. Animal Services: Shelter and Administrative offices will be closed on December 25 and January 1. Animal Services staff will respond to emergency calls. All calls will be handled through 311.  3-1-1 Customer Help Line: Customer Service Representatives will be available to take service related urgent calls such as water main breaks, downed trees/limbs, signal lights out/down, animal control, etc. Water Customer Service will be closed. For service requests visit  style="background: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">. Police and Dallas Fire-Rescue: Administrative offices closed. Will operate on a normal schedule. Court & Detention Services: The Municipal Courts Building at 2014 Main will be closed on December 25 and January 1. Payments by mail are accepted with postmark dates honored.  Online payments may be made at www.dallascityhall.com. Full payments and attorney and cash bonds for arrested defendants will be processed 24 hours / 7 days a week (including holidays) at the Dallas Marshal’s Office, 1600 Chestnut St. Sanitation: Administrative offices, McCommas Bluff Landfill and City transfer stations will be closed on December 25 and January 1. There will be no garbage, recycling or brush/bulk trash collections on December 25 or January 1. Monday garbage and recycling will be picked up on Tuesday, December 26 and January 2. Tuesday garbage and recycling will be picked up on Wednesday, December 27 and January 3. If needed, brush/bulk trash collection will resume for third Monday customers.

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source http://www.dallascitynews.net/city-closures-schedules-december-25-january-1

Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center recognized for sustainable practices

The Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center Dallas (KBHCCD) received national recognition for its Good Neighbor Program, donating unconsumed food to local nonprofits that serve the homeless. Working with Centerplate, the KBHCCD’s food and beverage provider, over seven tons of food has been given to those in need.

“The City of Dallas Convention and Events Services marketing team created the Good Neighbor Program in 2015, as part of our ongoing commitment to sustainable practices and waste reduction,” said John Johnson, Assistant Director of Convention and Event Services.

The Convention Center is one of 16 organization recognized by the U.S Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for outstanding participation in their Food Recovery Challenge. Over 950 businesses, governments and organizations participated, diverting 740,000 tons of food, and saving up to $37 million in waste disposal fees.

“Food Recovery Challenge award winners serve as role models in their communities and for other organizations,” said EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt. “Their hard work and effective efforts to divert wasted food from landfills is paying off through social, financial and environmental benefits. I encourage other organizations to replicate the successful food recovery operations of our Challenge winners.”

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source http://www.dallascitynews.net/kay-bailey-hutchison-convention-center-recognized-sustainable-practices

Dallas Love Field to purchase new safety technology

During the December 13 Council meeting, the Dallas City Council voted to purchase a new technology to increase aircraft safety at Dallas Love Field.

Department of Aviation Director Mark Duebner and Assistant Director Terry Mitchell proposed the implementation of the Pharovision Wildlife Detection infrared / electro-optical system to detect animals, people and foreign objects within a five-mile radius of aircraft.

The system can automatically determine what the object is, track the object, and alert personnel. ThePharovision “Sentinel” tool also can detect people who have trespassed into the airport, as well as drones that fly into Love Field’s airspace and has future ability to detect runway Foreign Object Debris.

Bird strikes are common at many airports, including Love Field.  Staff reported 180 confirmed bird strikes in 2017, and noted this is likely due to Love Field’s location near Bachman Lake. Modern planes are designed to withstand a collision with a five-pound bird, but encountering a flock of birds can be very dangerous. To put this into perspective, US Airways flight 1549 – the “Miracle on the Hudson” – struck a flock of Canada geese just after takeoff.

Love Field is the first U.S. airport to implement the Pharovision Wildlife Detection system as part of the airport’s Federal Aviation Administration-mandated Wildlife Hazard Management Plan.

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source http://www.dallascitynews.net/dallas-love-field-purchase-new-safety-technology

City Council recognizes Hurricane Harvey shelter efforts

During the December 13 Council agenda meeting, the Dallas City Council honored and recognized the efforts of City staff and outside agencies that worked together during the Hurricane Harvey shelter operation.

For 37 days following Hurricane Harvey, the City of Dallas became a temporary home for more than 10,000 evacuees. Nearly 4,000 people stayed at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center and other shelters around the City. 113,000 meals were served, more than 30,000 items of clothing were distributed, 5,600 health and medical services were provided and volunteers put in more than 122,000 hours.

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City employees increase efficiency, save City money

Seven City of Dallas employees saved the City time and taxpayer money while adding to their professional toolkits.  The Lean Six Sigma “Green Belt” trainees presented projects designed to save money and work out inefficiencies to Executive Staff.

Collectively, their individual projects lead to $342,762 in savings for the City while improving the tracking of 311 service requests, and raising awareness about the Office of Environmental Quality.

Coached by Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belts Brandon P. Johnson and Joseph Kunnath, the employees received their official green belt certifications after their individual presentations. The City’s newly certified Green Belts are listed below:

• Amanda Webster, Dallas Water Utilities
• Vinoo Kuruvilla, Communication and Information Services
• Alana Jackson, Communications and Information Services
• Lisa Fullerton, Office of Environmental Quality
• Sheila Gray, 311
• Joseph Fielding, Dallas Water Utilities
• Tamara Royal, Equipment and Building Services

Lean Six Sigma is a problem solving and process improvement strategy that combines two powerful methodologies that focus on reducing waste and variation.

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Forbes – The Cities Where A Paycheck Stretches The Furthest 2017 -DFW #10

We often conflate high salaries with prosperity, but that can be deceptive. Someone who lives in New York or San Francisco might make more money than a counterpart in the same profession in Houston or Dallas-Fort Worth, but when the cost of living is factored in, their Southern colleagues may actually come out ahead.
www.forbes.com/sites/joelkotkin/2017/12/07/the-cities-where-a-paycheck-stretches-the-furthest-2017/#1e3ece553673

The post Forbes – The Cities Where A Paycheck Stretches The Furthest 2017 -DFW #10 appeared first on Dallas Regional Chamber.

source https://www.dallaschamber.org/blog/forbes-the-cities-where-a-paycheck-stretches-the-furthest-2017-dfw-10/

Statement regarding second security incident at Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center

Today, around 2:58 p.m., the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center received another bomb threat. The Dallas Police Department is on scene and investigating. The building has been evacuated out of precaution. Dallas officers are currently securing the building. More information will be released as it becomes available.

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source http://www.dallascitynews.net/statement-regarding-second-security-incident-kay-bailey-hutchison-convention-center

Statement regarding security incident at Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center

Just after 4 p.m., the Dallas Police Department dispatch received a call about a bomb threat at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center. Out of an abundance of caution, security officers evacuated the building, and police and fire personnel are responding.

Updates will follow.

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source http://www.dallascitynews.net/statement-regarding-security-incident-kay-bailey-hutchison-convention-center

Dallas Fire-Rescue earns top Insurance Service Organization rating

Dallas Fire-Rescue joins an elite group of municipalities by receiving a Class 1 Insurance Service Organization (ISO) rating. This is the first Class 1 ISO rating in the department’s history.

The ISO rating system is based on the department’s efficiency in receiving and processing emergency calls, training, equipment and accessibility to a permanent city-wide water supply.

“This is a major accomplishment for the City of Dallas and reflects well on Dallas Fire-Rescue,” said Dallas Fire-Rescue Chief David Coatney. “It took a collaborative effort between Dallas Fire-Rescue Emergency Response and Communications, and the Water Utilities Department which are all critical components of the evaluation.”

In 1999, the department received a Class 2 ISO rating. Since the previous rating, three new stations were built resulting in an increase in the number of emergency personnel and equipment available in the City. In addition, there was an increase in the number of fire hydrants in the City which played a role in the improved rating.

The new ISO rating reflects a reduction in fire severity, loss and has the potential to reduce property insurance.

“I commend Dallas Fire-Rescue for always looking for ways to work more efficiently and effectively. This rating proves their commitment to providing excellent service to the citizens of Dallas,” said City Manager T.C. Broadnax.

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source http://www.dallascitynews.net/dallas-fire-rescue-earns-top-insurance-service-organization-rating

Community Courts celebrates success stories

On March 29, 2017, Thomas Moore pled into the South Dallas Drug Court and began residing at Souls Harbor. He started treatment at Turtle Creek Recovery Center for a drug addiction. Mr. Moore has stayed focused on his outpatient sessions, community service hours and goal of remaining sober. He is now giving back to the same community that led him to the Community Courts in the first place.

Mr. Moore is an example of how the City of Dallas Community Courts can not only use the legal system for justice purposes, but also to provide a man with purpose, dignity and to able to use his story as a testimony to others. Upon his graduation from the drug courts he will be a frequent visitor to those that follow to remind that the journey may be tough, but with the assistance of the courts and self-confidence the finish line is much closer.

Ella Francis is one of the original Community Court defendants – she received a citation from the Dallas Police Department for drug paraphernalia. A crack cocaine user for 19 years, her journey with the Courts started 11 years ago, where she completed rehabilitation and her community service hours.

Ms. Francis struggled with sobriety, but believes the courts and the resources the courts connected her with is why she is now 11 years sober, with stable housing and is self-sufficient.

Watch Ms. Francis and Mr. Moore address the City Council on their successes:

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Code Compliance opens registration for Citizens Code Academy

The City of Dallas Department of Code Compliance Services has opened registration for the next Citizens Code Academy. The Academy is free, and is open to Dallas residents 18 years of age or older. The Academy is a four-week program where attendees will learn about the Department, its staff and initiatives.

The class meets on four consecutive Tuesdays from 6 – 8 p.m. The next Academy will begin on Tuesday, February 13, 2018, and conclude on February 27. Registration is limited to a maximum of 30 students, and is on a first come, first serve basis. For registrants who sign up after the class is full, they will be put on a waitlist for future Citizens Academy classes.

Registration is available online here.

The first Academy class was made up of citizens nominated by the Mayor and City Council. Read more about the first class here.

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source http://www.dallascitynews.net/code-compliance-opens-registration-citizens-code-academy

Downtown streets to be closed for BMW Marathon

Friday, December 1

• Akard Street – All southbound lanes closed from Young St to Marilla St all week beginning Friday December 1 at 10 a.m. through Monday December 11 at 7 a.m.
  Alternate route: Use Marilla St southbound from Young St for Friday only

Saturday December 2 from 1 p.m. to Monday December 4 at 7 a.m.

• Young Street – Westbound lanes closed from Field St to Ervay St and eastbound lanes closed from Field St to Akard St
• Akard Street – All lanes closed to through traffic between Wood St and Young St.
  • Access to the Federal Building parking lot will be provided by DPD officer at the Wood / Akard intersection
• Akard Street – All southbound lanes closed from Young St to Marilla St
• City Hall Parking Garage – Entrance and exit from the west on Young St

Monday December 4 through Wednesday December 6

• Young Street – All westbound lanes closed from Ervay St to Field St and eastbound lanes closed from Field St to Akard St
  • Lanes will be provided for through traffic during the peak hours of 7 – 9 a.m. and 4 – 6 p.m.
• Akard Street – All lanes closed to through traffic between Wood St and Young St.
  • Access to the Federal Building parking will be provided by DPD officer from the Wood / Akard intersection
• Akard Street – Southbound lanes closed from Young St to Marilla St
• City Hall Parking Garage – Entrance and exit from the west on Young St

Thursday December 7

• Young Street – All lanes closed from Field St to Ervay St
  • Lanes will be provided for through traffic during peak hours from 7 – 9 a.m. and 4 – 6 p.m.
• Akard Street – All lanes closed to through traffic between Wood St and Young St.
  • Access to the Federal Building parking lot will be provided by DPD officer from the Wood / Akard intersection
• Akard Street – Southbound lanes closed from Young St to Marilla St; all lanes of Akard St closed beginning at 7 p.m.
• Marilla Street – All lanes closed between Young St and Akard St. Through traffic will be available during peak hours at 7 – 9 a.m. and 4 – 6 p.m.

Friday December 8

• Young Street – All lanes closed from Field St to Ervay St
  • Lanes will be provided for through traffic during peak hours at 7 – 9 a.m. and 4 – 6 p.m.
• Akard Street – All lanes closed from Wood St to Marilla St.
  • Access to the Federal Building parking will be provided by DPD officer from the Wood / Akard intersection
• Marilla Street – All lanes closed between Young St and Akard St

 Alternate routes:

• Westbound traffic use Jackson St or Canton St
• Eastbound traffic use Cadiz St or Wood St
• Northbound traffic use Griffin St or Harwood St
• Southbound traffic use South Saint Paul St or Griffin St
• Access to Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center Dallas is available from the south via Lamar St or Griffin St

 Parking:

• Metered parking will be prohibited on westbound Young Street between Field St and Ervay St all week, beginning on Saturday December 2 at 1 p.m. through Monday December 11 at 7 a.m.
• Metered parking will be prohibited on eastbound Young Street between Field St and Ervay St beginning Thursday December 7 at 7 p.m. through Monday December 11 at 7 a.m.
• Pioneer Plaza parking lots are closed beginning Thursday December 7 at 4:30 a.m. through Monday December 11 at 7 a.m.

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source http://www.dallascitynews.net/downtown-streets-closed-bmw-marathon

City Council members host Hurricane Harvey recovery appreciation events

City staff, community organizations and supporters who helped with Hurricane Harvey recovery efforts attended appreciation brunches held in their honor throughout the City.  Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Adam Medrano and Councilmembers Jennifer S. Gates, and Tennell Atkins held appreciation events at the three City recreation centers that served as temporary shelters for evacuees displaced by Hurricane Harvey on Thursday, November 30 and Friday, December 1.

“It’s a way of showing gratitude for our team of workers,” said Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Medrano, who attended the Samuell Grand Recreation Center event. “These are good people who worked tirelessly to help prepare the centers ahead of our guests arriving from Houston and the surrounding areas.”

Other events took place at the Walnut Hill Recreation Center on Thursday and Tommie Allen Recreation Center and were attended by their respective councilmembers, Councilmember Jennifer Gates and Councilmember Tennell Atkins. Councilmember Gates also presented certificates of appreciation to Parks and Recreation Staff, joined by District 13 Park Board Representative Calvert Collins-Bratton.

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source http://www.dallascitynews.net/city-council-members-host-hurricane-harvey-recovery-appreciation-events