650 New Jobs Coming to Irving: CHRISTUS Health has announced to its Houston and San Antonio associates that the company will consolidate its corporate offices in Irving. City of Irving and Greater Irving-Las Colinas Chamber of Commerce staff assisted the company with the initiative. “This is a big win for Irving residents and an excellent example of how aggressive we have become to create more jobs during a time when our residents need it the most,” said Irving City Manager Tommy Gonzalez. CHRISTUS representatives specifically commented via phone that Irving’s efforts to bolster its initial incentive offer and the personal involvement by Gonzalez and Mayor Beth Van Duyne were instrumental in the company’s decision. The company is expected to lease 175,000 to 200,000 square feet of office space in Irving, although an announcement on the specific location has not been made. “CHRISTUS will bring more than 600 jobs to Irving and the region. According to CHRISTUS, the North Texas area proved to be the best and most affordable choice for the company. They expect to save more than $60 million over the course of 10 years by making the move. The consolidation will be staggered starting this summer and is expected to be completed by mid-2013.

Heritage Crossing Update: During a special called meeting Jan. 30, the Irving City Council authorized city staff to proceed with an initiative designed to inject new energy into the Heritage Crossing development project, long considered by city leaders to be a key to the economic health of South Irving. Council members voted in favor of allowing city officials to enter into negotiation with the developer, Heritage District LLC, and with Comerica Bank to find ways to eliminate road blocks to progress. By re-engineering its 5-year-old exclusive relationship with Heritage District LLC, the city seeks to clear the way to bring in additional developers. By doing so, the city anticipates an increased pace of construction on the mix of homes, businesses and scenic open spaces envisioned for the area. Heritage District LLC’s owner, Lubbock developer Delbert McDougal, was hired by the city in 2006 to prepare the Heritage Crossing area for development. City officials indicate that preparations for redevelopment are completed. Of the 85 properties that have been purchased to date, 17 tracts have been established and are ready for development. A tax increment finance district has been created along Irving Boulevard to fund infrastructure improvement. In addition, design guidelines and land-use restrictions have been adopted and a vision has been created for the area. Thus far, actual construction in Heritage Crossing has been hindered by the lingering recession, which created one of the worst development climates in decades. Heritage Crossing, the 640-acre area bounded by West Pioneer Drive, Britain Road, Shady Grove Road and MacArthur Boulevard, is considered the key to revitalizing Irving’s historic Heritage District and to jump-starting economic development throughout South Irving. Signs of change abound in the downtown/Heritage Crossing area. Trees have been planted along Irving Boulevard, utility lines have been placed underground and dozens of new solar-powered streetlights have been erected. Since 2006, eight businesses have been redeveloped and 19 new businesses have been attracted to the area. Meanwhile, six dilapidated and crime-plagued apartment complexes were demolished and the land has been prepared for development. Crime has been reduced 35 percent in the area. The city is pursuing a negotiated route to resolve its relationship with Heritage District LLC in order to avoid the potential of costly—and time-consuming—litigation. Rather than have the land now held by the developer become tied up in a lawsuit, the city wants to pursue development initiatives according to its timetable. For more information, or to view the video of the City Council meeting, visit www.cityofirving.org.

Lake Levels Improve/Water Restrictions Continue: Recent rainfall has increased lake water levels throughout the region; however, City of Irving officials will remain proactive and continue the Stage 3 water restrictions implemented Jan. 1. The water level at Lake Chapman, an East Texas lake from which Irving and many other North Texas water entities secure much of their water supply, increased approximately 5 feet during recent rains. The lake, though, still remains 8 feet below the normal level. The City of Irving joins a long list of North Texas communities that are keeping their current water restrictions in place despite increasing lake water levels. By doing so, Irving is positioning itself for an anticipated dry winter and eliminating customer confusion that would be caused by frequent changes to the water stages. Irving’s Stage 3 water restrictions allow water customers to irrigate once per week during a specific time on a designated day according to street number address. For details about the restrictions, visit www.cityofirving.org.

Candidate Packets: Residents who are interested in becoming a candidate for a City Council position can pick up a candidate packet from the City Secretary’s Office at City Hall, 825 W. Irving Blvd. Candidate packets also are available online. The 30-day filing period is Feb. 4-March 5. This year, council Places 4, 6 and 8 will be elected in the general election held on May 12. Since Places 4 and 6 are single-member districts, candidates must be a resident of the city and have lived in the respective district for at least one year preceding election day. Position 8 is an at-large position and candidates can reside anywhere within the city limits. For more information, call (972) 721-2493.

Warrant Roundup: The Irving City Marshal’s Office and the Irving Police Department are participating in the Texas Warrant Roundup during the months of February and March. Across the state, law enforcement officials are focusing on defendants with outstanding warrants for Class C misdemeanor violations. Offenders can be arrested anywhere, including at their place of employment. Those with outstanding warrants are urged to contact the Irving Municipal Court at (972) 721-2671, or visit the Irving Municipal Court, 305 N. O’Connor Road, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Tours of Bear Creek Museums: As part of the City of Irving’s Black History Month activities, the Jackie Townsell Bear Creek Heritage Center museums, located at 3925 Jackson St., will be open to the public from 1 to 4 p.m. Feb. 11 and Feb. 18 for free self-guided tours. The historic Jackie Townsell Bear Creek Heritage Center consists of three museums—the Bear Creek Freedom Settlement Museum, located in the historic Masonic Lodge; the Bear Creek community museum in the J.O. Davis House; and the Sam Green House Museum. These museums will offer visitors a glimpse of life for African-Americans in the South during an era of segregation and through the Civil Rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s. For more information, call (972) 721-3503.

CPR Saves Lives Campaign: The Fire Department has an important message for residents—“For Valentine’s Day Remember … CPR Saves Lives.” New guidelines for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) have made CPR both easier and more effective. Formal training is not required to save a life. To view revised guidelines and new options, visit www.heart.org.

Crime Watch Meeting: The Irving Police Department is inviting residents who live in southeast Irving to an open forum to discuss crime reduction initiatives at 7 p.m. Feb. 16. The meeting will be held at Heritage Senior Center, 200 S. Jefferson St. The department’s Problem Solving Team has been working in the area to address root causes of crime, foster relationships with residents and promote community involvement. Officers will be gathering input on resident concerns and identifying crime trends. For more information, contact Sgt. Jason Mullins at (972) 721-3549.

Friday Nite Live: The City of Irving is hosting a Friday Nite Live Teen Talent Competition at 7 p.m. Feb. 17 at the Irving Arts Center, 3333 N. MacArthur Blvd. At the competition, teens will compete and showcase their talent. In addition to naming the winners of the talent competition, several young people also will be honored with the Irving Spirited Youth Award. This event is free to the public. For more information, call (972) 721-8090.

New Single-Family Residences: The City of Irving, in partnership with Key Life Homes, is set to begin construction on new single-family residences on Tudor Lane. The launching of construction commences a new chapter for the Lamar/Brown neighborhood. Federal grant fund assistance is available for qualified first-time homebuyers. Fourteen single-family attached and 13 single-family detached homes will be available for purchase. Seminars are planned to educate prospective buyers about the program, qualification requirements and eligibility for assistance. The seminars are set for 2 to 3 p.m. at 125 N. MacArthur Blvd., on the following dates:
· Feb. 18
· March 17
· April 21
· May 19
Reservations are required and space is limited. To sign up, visit www.irealty.us.com or call (214) 396-4071.
Texas Stream Team Activity: Come learn about Delaware Creek water quality and the volunteer water monitoring program called Texas Stream Team at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m. or 3 p.m. Feb. 18. Watch water quality testing and data gathering at the water’s edge and learn how to keep an eye on water quality and Irving’s environment. Registration is required. For locations or to register, visit www.cityofirving.org/begreen or call (972) 742-2296.

Plant an Edible Front Yard Class: This free class introducing the world of the “edible” and useful front yard will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Feb. 21 at the West Irving Library, 4444 W. Rochelle Road. For more information, visit www.cityofirving.org/begreen or call (972) 742-2296.

Irving Citizen Police Academy: Those who live or work in Irving and want to learn about what police officers do are invited to apply for the Irving Citizen Police Academy. The free series of 14 classes offers a behind-the-scenes glimpse of a day in the life of a police officer. The lecture style classes provide information on the crime scene division, criminal investigations, SWAT, K-9 and bomb unit. English sessions begin March 6 and Sept. 11; Spanish sessions begin March 5 and Sept. 10. Classes will be held from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Tuesdays, and two classes will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays. Space is limited. Contact Officer Lance Peikert at lpeikert@cityofirving.org or (972) 721-3557
to receive an application. The form also may be downloaded at www.irvingpd.com.

www.cityofirving.org

Book Lovers Happy Hour – The Irving Public Library will host an informal book discussion for book lovers at 7 p.m. Jan. 30 at the Central Library, 801 W. Irving Blvd. Come prepared to share three authors or titles with other readers. For more information, call (972) 721-2606.

Crime Watch Meeting – The Irving Police Department is inviting residents who live in southeast Irving to an open forum to discuss crime reduction initiatives at 7 p.m. Feb. 16. The meeting will be held at Heritage Senior Center, 200 S. Jefferson St. The department’s Problem Solving Team has been working in the area to address root causes of crime, foster relationships with residents and promote community involvement. Officers will be gathering input on resident concerns and identifying crime trends. For more information, contact Sgt. Jason Mullins at (972) 721-3549.

Great Backyard Bird Count – Join Irving in helping to collect information about bird species in our area during the Great Backyard Bird Count to be held from 9 a.m. to noon Feb. 18 at the Bird’s Fort Trail at Campión Trails, 5756 Riverside Drive. Guided walks will be held at 9 and 11 a.m. Registration is available for this event as well as other green activities at www.cityofirving.org/begreen. For more information about the national effort, visit www.birdsource.org/gbbc. For more information about Irving’s event, call (972) 721-2501.

Plant an Edible Front Yard Class – This free class introducing the world of the “edible” and useful front yard will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Feb. 21 at the West Irving Library, 4444 W. Rochelle Road. For more information, visit www.cityofirving.org/begreen or call (972) 742-2296.

Code Tip – Code Enforcement reminds residents that holiday lights need to be removed in a timely manner. A national code requires that holiday lights be removed within 90 days of the holiday. Enforcement of violations will begin March 1.

Police Academy Signup – Irving residents and those who work in Irving, ages 18 and older, are invited to participate in the Irving Police Department’s Citizens Police Academy beginning at 6:30 p.m. March 6 (Spanish class March 5) at the Police and Fire Training Academy, 2603 Esters Road. Classes meet 14 times on Tuesdays and two Saturday classes. Space is limited. For an application or more information, call (972) 721-3557 or visit www.irvingpd.com.

Pet Safety, Proper Care Required – The city reminds residents of ordinances that protect pets and people from danger. All dogs and cats 4 months and older must be registered with the City of Irving.
See attached for more information.

ICTN on Demand Spotlight – Former Irving City Councilwoman Norma Stanton received a special honor for her work to bring mass transit projects to the city. ICTN was there to capture the excitement of the Norma Stanton Way dedication—watch it on demand!

Be sure to visit the ICTN on Demand page on the city website to watch other exciting and informative videos.

Interact with Irving Online

www.cityofirving.org

Karen K. Ducote | Community Outreach Coordinator
City of Irving | Civic Affairs
(972) 721-2533 kducote@cityofirving.org

Texas Stream Team Activity – Come learn about Delaware Creek water quality and the volunteer water monitoring program called Texas Stream Team at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m. or 3 p.m. Jan. 21. Watch water quality testing and data gathering at the water’s edge and learn how to keep an eye on water quality and our environment in Irving. Registration is required. For locations or to register, call (972) 742-2296 or visit www.cityofirving.org/begreen

League of Women Voters Hosts Meeting on SH 183 Construction Update – The League of Women Voters of Irving will host a meeting focusing on the progress of construction of State Highway 183. City of Irving Director of Traffic and Transportation Dan Vedral will present information on the status of SH 183, including right-of-way acquisition, the design, as well as the timeline for completion. There will also be a question and answer session following the presentation. The meeting will be held at the West Irving Library, 4444 W. Rochelle Road on Monday, Jan. 23, 2012 at 12 noon. While the event is free, space is limited, so people interested in attending are urged to reserve a seat by calling the Irving League at (972) 785-8683 or sending an email to Judy Smith at philudy@tx.rr.com

Asian Cultural Events – Irving Public Library celebrates the cultures of Asia with free events for children. For more information, visit www.cityofirving.org/library and select “Events and Classes.

Chinese New Year Crafts – A make-and-take craft program with all materials provided.
Jan. 23, at 4 p.m., East Branch Library, 440 S. Nursery Road.

Origami for Kids – Learn a traditional Japanese art form.
Jan. 28, at 2:30 p.m., West Irving Library, 4444 W. Rochelle Road.

Campión Trails Night Hike – Take a hike with native species experts along the Campión Trails from 7 to 9 p.m. Jan. 27. Participants will learn more about the sights, smells and sounds of nature. Registration is required for all participants at www.cityofirving.org/begreen. Details about the location will be sent upon registration. For more information, call (972) 742-2296.

Lasagna Gardening – Lasagna gardening is a time-saving organic gardening method that requires no digging, no tilling and no sod removal. This free course will be held from 2 to 4:30 p.m. Jan. 28 at the Senter East Building, 228 Chamberlain St. For more information about this class or other green courses, visit www.cityofirving.org/begreen.

Vintage Valentine Tea – The Irving Heritage Society Cordially invites you and a friend to a Valentine Party of 1914 celebrating the Heritage House 100th Anniversary. February 12, 2 – 4:00 p.m. at the Heritage House, 303 South O’Connor, Irving, TX. Visit www.irvingheritage.com for more information or call Mary Higbie at 972-252-3838.

Buck-a-Book Sale – 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Feb. 18, West Irving Library, 4444 W. Rochelle Road. The Friends of the Library will host a special discount book sale of gently used books at West Irving Library. Every book will sell for $1 apiece. The proceeds benefit the library.

Record-Low Crime Rate – The Irving Police Department reports that crime in Irving has declined for the eighth consecutive year. Irving’s crime rate decreased an additional 12 percent in 2011, with significant reductions in the robbery and theft categories. Residents can keep track of crime in their neighborhoods with CrimeReports. This new crime-mapping website compiles information on crimes that have occurred in Irving by incident type, time and location, and marks them on a map of the city. Residents also can sign up for crime alert email to notify them of incidents in their neighborhood. Access the Irving map by visiting www.cityofirving.org/police and selecting the “CrimeReports” map at the bottom of the page. For more information, call (972) 721-3515.

Home or Business Fire Safety Inspection – The Irving Fire Department continues to promote safety by reminding residents and businesses to conduct a home or business fire safety inspection. Looking for fire hazards and having the appropriate fire prevention devices in place can help avoid a fire tragedy. View a list of the Top 10 items to look for when conducting a fire safety inspection.

Local Artists Exhibit – The West Irving Library, 4444 W. Rochelle Road, is featuring a special exhibit from the Irving Art Association through March. The exhibit includes paintings, prints, photography, crafts, jewelry, ceramics, sculptures, artist trading cards, Manga and Zentangle from local artists. The free exhibit can be viewed during the library’s normal hours of operation: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday; noon to 9 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday; and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. For more information, call (972) 721-2691.

Heritage Crossing Update – Staff provided an update on Heritage Crossing activity at the last City Council meeting. Watch video.

ICTN on Demand Spotlight – See how the city’s emergency responders prepare for the possibility of a terror attack at the city’s convention center. Here’s an in-depth, action-packed report from “City Source.”—watch it on demand!

Be sure to visit the ICTN on Demand page on the city website to watch other exciting and informative videos.
Interact with Irving Online

www.cityofirving.org

Karen K. Ducote | Community Outreach Coordinator
City of Irving | Civic Affairs
(972) 721-2533 kducote@cityofirving.org

• Use a solid core or metal door for all entrance points
• Use a quality, heavy-duty, deadbolt lock with a one-inch throw bolt
• Use a quality, heavy-duty, knob-in-lock set with a dead-latch mechanism
• Use a heavy-duty, four-screw, strike plate with 3-inch screws to penetrate into a wooden door frame
• Use a wide-angle 160° peephole mounted no higher than 58 inches
• Use a secondary blocking device on all sliding glass doors
• Use anti-lift devices such as through-the-door pins or upper track screws on sliding doors
• Secure all accessible windows with secondary blocking devices
• Block accessible windows open no more than 6 inches for ventilation
• Make sure someone cannot reach through an open window and unlock the door
• Use crime prevention or alarm decals on ground accessible windows
• Alarm systems are effective deterrents with visible signage
• Alarm systems to be properly installed, programmed, and maintained
• Alarm systems need to have an audible horn or bell to be effective
• Instruct your neighbor how to respond to an alarm bell
• Identify your valuables by engraving your drivers’ license number
• Photograph and record the serial numbers of all valuables
• Photocopy the contents of your wallet and other documents
• Get to know all your adjacent neighbors
• Agree to watch out for each other’s home
• Do small tasks for each other to improve territoriality
• While on vacation, pick up newspapers, and flyers
• Report suspicious persons or vehicles to the police

Emergencies call 911
Police Non-emergency 972-273-1010

Source: News for Neighbors – Special Edition – January 18, 2012

Officer L. Peikert #840
Irving Police Department
Community Services Division
Crime Prevention Unit
(972) 721-3557
lpeikert@cityofirving.org

Zoning Change (PDF)

Holiday Lights Display – The Holiday Lights at Centennial Park will be on display from dusk to 10 p.m. through Dec. 26. The display features a festive arrangement of holiday-themed illuminated exhibits. The park is located at 444 W. Second St. There is no admission charge. For more information, call (972) 721-2501.

Holiday Closings – City offices will be closed Dec. 26 and Jan 2. There will be no residential trash, curbside recycling or brush collection on those days. The Hunter Ferrell Landfill will be closed Dec. 25 and Jan. 1. The drop-off recycling centers will close at 3 p.m. Dec. 24 and 31, and will be closed Dec. 25 and Jan. 1. Libraries and recreation centers will not be open Dec. 25-26 and Jan. 1-2. Heritage Aquatic Center will close at 2 p.m. Dec. 22, and will remain closed Dec. 23-25, 31 and Jan. 1. North Lake Aquatic Center will be closed Dec. 22-Jan. 2. Irving Arts Center administration offices and Box Office will be closed Dec. 24-25 and Jan 1; arts center galleries and Box Office will be open from 1 to 5 p.m. Dec. 31.

Spirited Youth Award – Nominations are being accepted for Irving’s Spirited Youth Award, which recognizes local youth for character and excellence in community service. Applications submitted by the end of each quarter will be reviewed for award consideration. Winners will be notified by phone or email. Awards will be presented at 7 p.m. Feb. 17 during the Friday Night Live Teen Talent Competition (hosted by the Lively Pointe Youth Center) at the Irving Arts Center, 3333 N. MacArthur Blvd. For more information, call (972) 721-8090. Download the Irving Spirited Youth Nomination Form.

City Council Meeting Schedule – The City Council has scheduled its meetings for 2012. All meetings begin at
7 p.m. Following are the dates when the council plans to meet.
Jan. 12
Feb. 9 and 23
March 22
April 5 and 19
May 10 and 24
June 7 and 21
July 12 and 26
Aug. 9
Sept. 6 and 20
Oct. 4 and 18
Nov. 8
Dec. 13

Residents can attend the meetings at City Hall, 825 W. Irving Blvd., or view them live on Irving Community Television Network (ICTN Channel 95 – Time Warner or ICTN Channel 31 – Verizon). Webcasts are at www.cityofirving.org or www.ictn.tv.

ICTN on Demand Spotlight – Winter is around the corner. ICTN reports on how the City of Irving’s Streets Division is preparing the city for the season change—watch on demand.

In this ICTN report, learn what extra steps Irving police will take to reduce drunken driving deaths this holiday season—watch on demand.

Be sure to visit the ICTN on Demand page on the city website to watch other exciting and informative videos.

Interact with Irving Online

www.cityofirving.org

Karen K. Ducote | Community Outreach Coordinator
City of Irving | Strategic Services Team
(972) 721-2533 kducote@cityofirving.org
Join All About Irving | Follow us on Twitter

From Sunday, December 4th though Saturday December 17th, we will be collecting canned and boxed non-perishable items. All donations will benefit low-income families from Barton Elementary school.

Please consider donating these items:
Canned Meat, Fish & Soups
Canned Vegetables
Canned Fruit
Peanut Butter
Cereal
Fruit Juice
Cooking Oil
Instant Potatoes
Macaroni & Cheese
Granola Bars
Crackers
Spaghetti Sauce
Flour
Sugar
Tomato Sauce
Beans
Enriched Rice or Pasta
Powdered Milk
Body Soap
Dish Soap
Laundry Detergent
Shampoo
Tooth Paste/Brushes
Bathroom Tissue

Drop off your donations at collection boxes at any of these locations:

Christine Squires………….402 Little John
Craig Driver………………2832 Linden Lea
Ann Craft…………………2800 Yorkshire
Robert Sturges…………….2612 Alan a dale
Connie Gifford-Herrington…..2649 Locksley Chase
Glenda Shaw……………….419 Nottingham

OR – look for Sherwood Forest Neighborhood Association yard sign!

Thank you, in advance, for your contributions and enjoy your holiday knowing you have made a difference within the Irving community!

See more at mysherwoodforest.com

The following jobs have been added this week:

Facilities Maintenance Supervisor
Housing Specialist
Sales Representative (Sports/Entertainment), ICVB
Section Chief, Fleet Maintenance
Senior Legal Secretary

PLEASE NOTE: City offices will be closed Thursday and Friday, November 24-25, 2011.

The Irving Arts Center box office and galleries will be open from 1 to 5 p.m. Nov. 25 and will resume normal business hours Nov. 26. North Lake Aquatic Center will remain closed Nov. 26-27. All other offices and services will resume normal business hours Nov. 28.

Chili Cook-Off – As part of the Holiday Extravaganza, the Police and Fire departments will host the Blue Christmas Chili Cook-Off from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 3 at Heritage Park, 217 Main St. Contestant entry fee is $20 for chili, $5 for beans and a new unwrapped toy. Attendees may purchase a tasting cup for $5. Proceeds will benefit the Blue Christmas Toy Drive. To enter the chili cook-off contest, call (972) 721-4913. To reserve a vendor booth, call (972) 721-2501.

Grease/Oil Disposal – The majority of sanitary sewer overflows are due to grease buildup from homes and apartments. Help prevent costly sewer overflows by following a few simple steps.
Do:
Put oil and grease in collection containers.
Remove oil and grease from kitchen utensils, equipment, food scrapers, towels and brooms.
Keep grease out of wash water.
Place food scraps in collection containers.

Do not:
Pour oil and grease down drains.
Wash fryers, griddles, pots, pans or plates with water until oil and grease are removed.
Use hot water to rinse grease on surfaces.
Put food scraps down the drain.

For more information, call Water Utilities at (972) 721-2281.

ICTN on Demand Spotlight – In this ICTN report, find out why Irving firefighters underwent special training to learn how to address accidents involving hybrid vehicles—watch on demand.

Thanksgiving is Thursday. Remember to be smarter than the turkey you’re frying this holiday season by properly disposing of cooking oil. This public service announcement will show you how—watch on demand.

Be sure to visit the ICTN on Demand page on the city website to watch other exciting and informative videos.

Interact with Irving Online

www.cityofirving.org

Karen K. Ducote | Community Outreach Coordinator