Lancaster Today - May 2015

Lancaster TODAY PUBLISHED BY THE CITY OF L ANCASTER, TEXAS SUN

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MAY 2015

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2 Cinco de Mayo Page 2 Block Party 1 PM @ Cedardale Park

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National Day of Prayer 9 Am @ Recreation Center Page 2

11 AM @ Recreation Center

Election Day

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Mother/Daughter Tea & Brunch 7 am - 7 PM See page 4

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16 Free Building Page 4 Workshop 10 AM @ Home Depot in Lancaster

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Cleo Hearn Trail Appreciation Day & Family Camp Out

City Council Special Meeting 7 pm @ City Hall

12 PM @ Bear Creek Nature Park

B - Recycle NATIONAL PUBLIC WORKS WEEK & NATIONAL EMS WEEK

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25 Memorial Day

A - Recycle

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All City facilities will be closed

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Relay For Life

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7 PM @ Eagle Stadium in DeSoto

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Cinco de

mayo Lancaster

Block Party

MAY 2, 2015

1:00 PM - 5:00 PM CEDARDALE PARK 1930 Cedardale Road, Lancaster, TX 75134

FOOD, GAMES, BOUNCE HOUSES, ARTS & CRAFTS, MUSIC & MORE! for more information, call 972-218-3700 or visit www.lancaster-tx.com

l ancaster today, May 2015 issue

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ommemorating Mexico’s victory from France in 1862, the City of Lancaster encourages all community members to celebrate and recognize one of Mexico’s most historical victories. Join us on Saturday, May 2, 2015, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Cedardale Park in Lancaster for a Cinco de Mayo Block Party.

The Cinco de Mayo Block Party will bring communities together as we celebrate the rich culture, heritage, and history of the Mexican ancestors who fought to retain their independence from the French government.

The determination to succeed in

protecting their freedom, liberty and independence from future foreign invasions demonstrated the willingness of the people to defend their country once again.

This one day event will feature a variety of music and delicious food. Bounce houses, arts and crafts and games will be available FREE of cost for kids!

Cedardale Park is located at 1930 Cedardale Road in Lancaster. For more information regarding the Cinco de Mayo Block Party, please call the City of Lancaster’s Quality of Life and Cultural Services Department at (972) 218-3706.

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he City of Lancaster would like to invite you to come together and rejoice on Thursday, May 7, 2015 for the National Day of Prayer at the Lancaster Recreation Center as we remember our past, give thanks for our present and pray for our future. The 2015 Theme is LORD, HEAR OUR CRY, “Hear the cry and the prayer that your servant is praying in your presence this day.” I Kings 8:28.

Established in 1952, by a joint resolution of the United States Congress, the National Day of Prayer is an annual event that was signed into law by President Harry S. Truman. The observance of the National Day of Prayer is founded on the constitutional rights of freedom of speech and freedom of religion and can be celebrated by all Americans.

On this day, let us remember in our thoughts and prayers all those affected by the tornados that struck Lancaster on April 25, 1994 and April 3, 2012. Let us pray for the police officers, firefighters, and other first responders who put themselves in harm’s way to protect their fellow Americans.

Let us also pray for the safety of our brave men and women in uniform and their families who

DROUGHT CONTINGENCY PLAN...

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR YOU?

The City of Lancaster has implemented a mandatory watering restriction (2 watering days) in accordance with Stage 2 of the Lancaster Drought Contingency Plan. As a City of Dallas wholesale water customer, Lancaster is enacting the Drought Contingency Plan to address the ongoing drought weather conditions impacting Dallas’ water supply. Water conservation measures are in place to facilitate a goal of a five percent (5%) reduction in water consumption. Residents are restricted from watering between 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., and only specific days as identified to the right.

serve and sacrifice for our country.

Let us come together to pray for peace and goodwill on this day and in the days ahead as we work to meet the great challenges of our time.

Join us at 9:00 a.m. at the Lancaster Recreation Center, Grand Hall for a FREE Prayer Breakfast, and then a Community Prayer at 12:00 p.m. at the Helen

Giddings Amphitheater in Community Park, behind the Recreation Center. Please send your RSVP to adixon@lancastiontx.com. For more information, please visit www.lancaster-tx. com/NationalDayofPrayer or call (972) 218-1329.

Stage 2 Watering Schedule Lancaster Drought Contingency Plan will be in effect until further notice.

Last Digit of Address

Watering Days Allowed

0, 2, 4, 6, or 8 (even numbers)

Sunday & Thursday

1, 3, 5, 7 or 9 (odd numbers)

Saturday & Wednesday

For more detailed information regarding the Mandatory Stage 2 Watering Restrictions, please visit www.lancaster-tx.com or contact the City of Lancaster Public Works Department at (972) 275-1752.

www.l ancaster-tx.com

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Mother and Daughter Tea and Brunch will be held on Saturday, May 9, 2015 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

The cost is $10 per person, $15 for two people and $5 for seniors (60+).

“The LOVE between a mother and her daughter is FOREVER.”

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alling all mothers! Calling all Daughters! Make this Mothers Day extra special with Tea and Brunch at the Lancaster Recreation Center.

Saturday, May 23, 2015

Cleo Hearn Equestrian Trail

12:00 PM - 2:00 PM (Trail Appreciation) 2:00 PM Begins the Family Camp Out

Appreciation Day & Family Camp Out

Bear Creek Nature Park 1000 Bear Creek Road Lancaster, TX 75146

Nature Walks ng Bounce Houses

amily Camp Out!

lights and sleeping bags for get ready to create mories that will last a lifetime!

For More Information:

turday and ends at 7:00 AM on Sunday morning

Contact Kevin Moore @ Lancaster Recreation Center

and $5.00 for each additional person akfast

wners and riders must have an equestrian permit issued by the & Cultural Services Department. Negitive Coggins report by a d for the permit. There is NO COST for this permit.

1700 Veterans Memorial Parkway

(972) 218 - 3715

d with a paid $25.00 permit fee.

aster-tx.com/SpecialEvents

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ear Creek Nature Park is considered a Lancaster gem! Ride horses through the equestrian trails; relax by the fishing pond, have a picnic with your family. There are wonderful memories just waiting to be created at Bear Creek Nature Park!

Join us on Saturday, May 23, 2015 from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. as we share the rich history of Cleo Hearn, a Lancaster resident and the founder of the Cowboys of Color Rodeo. We will go through the equestrian trail appropriately named, “Cleo Hearn Equestrian Trail”.

The Lancaster Recreation Center is located at 1600 Veterans Memorial Parkway in Lancaster. For more information, please call the City of Lancaster’s Quality of Life and Cultural Services Department at (972) 218-3706.

Spring is here! The trees are green and the wildflowers are showing their beautiful colors! Pack your tent, sleeping bags and flashlights for the annual Family Camp Out at Bear Creek Nature Park! On Saturday, May 23, 2015, the Family Camp Out will begin at 2:00 p.m. and will conclude at 7:00 a.m. on Sunday morning. With the low cost of $20.00 for a family of five and $5.00 for each additional person, your family will have dinner and breakfast provided as well as pony rides, nature walks, face painting, and bounce houses.

This event is designed to create memories to last a lifetime!

For more information, please call Kevin Moore, at the Lancaster Recreation Center at (972) 2183715 or visit www.lancaster-tx.com/ SpecialEvents.

Hosted by the American Cancer Society, the Best Southwest/South Dallas Relay for Life gives everyone in the community a chance to help the organization save lives and create a world with less cancer and more birthdays. The City of Lancaster is a proud participant in this effort and encourages you to join ‘Team Lancaster’ or register your team today! Relay for Life will take place from 7:00 p.m. on Friday, May 29, 2015 until 1:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 30, 2015 at DeSoto High School Eagle Stadium located at 600 Eagle Dr., Desoto, Texas 75115.

Relay for Life events are held overnight as individuals and teams camp out at Eagle Stadium with the goal of keeping at least one team member on the track or pathway at all times, throughout the evening. Former and current cancer patients, those who have lost a loved one to cancer, families, businesses, faith-based and civic organizations and anyone wanting to make a difference in the fight against cancer are invited to take part in this exciting team event.

Information about how to form a team, join ‘Team Lancaster’, donate to a team or become involved in Relay for Life is available at www.relayforlife.org/ BestSouthwestCitiesTX or by calling 972-218-1303.

May 9, 2015 Municipal Election On Election Day, voting will be conducted at polling locations by precinct number from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the locations listed to the left.

Precinct Numbers 3800, 3801, 3802, 3803, 3808, and 3809 3805, 3806, 3807

Be sure to check your precinct number, since some Dallas County voting precinct numbers may have changed.

Visit www.dallascountyvotes.org for voter registration status and to preview a sample ballot.

Voting Location on Election Day,

3940

Lancaster Veterans Memorial Library 1600 Veterans Memorial Parkway Lancaster, Texas 75134

Elsie Robertson Middle School 822 W. Pleasant Run Road Lancaster, Texas 75146 Wilmer Community Center 101 Davidson Plaza Wilmer, Texas 75172

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l ancaster today, May 2015 issue

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ublic Works Week is celebrated annually throughout the nation. This year’s theme "Community Begins Here" speaks to the essential nature of Public Works services in support of everyday quality of life.

NATIONAL PUBLIC WORKS WEEK

may

sponsored by the american public works association

“We would like to recognize the contributions which public works officials make every day to our health, safety, comfort, and quality of life.” Mayor Knight explained.

Public Works services provided in our community are an integral part of our citizens’ everyday lives. The support of an understanding and informed citizenry is vital to the efficient operation of public works systems and programs such as water, sewers, streets, highways, public buildings, solid waste collection, parks and canal maintenance. The health, safety and comfort of this community greatly depend on these facilities and services. The quality and effectiveness of these facilities, as well as their planning, design, and construction, is vitally dependent upon the efforts and skill of public works officials. The efficiency of the qualified and dedicated personnel, who staff public works departments, is materially influenced by the people’s attitude and understanding of the importance of the work they perform.

The City of Lancaster Public Works Department is located at 1999 Jefferson Street and may be contacted at 972-2751752 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

© 2015 American Public Works Association

FREE WORKSHOP! The City of Lancaster Public Works Department has along with The Home Depot in Lancaster will be hosting a FREE workshop for residents to learn how to build a rumble stone planter and how to use water efficiently.

QUESTIONS, CALL: WHEN: (972) 223-4929 Saturday, May 16, 2015 from 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM WHERE: 500 N I-35 East Lancaster, TX 75146

For more information on

National Public Works Week,

visit www.apwa.net or www.lancaster-tx.c

om.

www.l ancaster-tx.com

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URGENT!

Information for RENTERS & LANDLORDS!

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he city recognizes a need for an organized inspection program of residential rental properties within the city to meet city and state life safety, health, fire, and zoning codes and to provide a more efficient system for compelling both absentee and local landlords to correct violations and to maintain, in proper condition. The city recognizes that the most efficient system to provide for rental inspections is the creation of a program requiring registration and issuance of a certificate of occupancy for all single-family rental properties within the city so that orderly inspections can be made.

Registration requirements No person shall hereafter occupy or allow to be occupied any residential rental property within the city for which registration has not been completed and filed with the department of building inspections.

Change in tenancy When a rental residence is vacated by the tenant, the owner or landlord must apply for and receive a certificate of occupancy from the building official prior to the property being occupied by a new tenant. The building official or his designated representative will inspect the property and premises for compliance with this code, the International Property Maintenance Code,

International Building Codes and other applicable ordinances of the city. If deficiencies are found the building official may prohibit occupancy of the residence and premises until such time as the owner takes action needed to bring the residence and premises into compliance. The inspection required by this section shall also apply to all dwelling units and premises prior to its original occupancy as a rental property.

Inspection Required All single-family rental properties offered for rent or lease shall be inspected upon any change of tenancy according to the rental property checklist, of the adopted building and maintenance code requirements for site grading and drainage, property sanitation, sidewalks and driveways, accessory structure, pools, hot tubs, spas, extermination, exterior building conditions, interior building conditions, plumbing systems, water systems, sanitary drainage, mechanical equipment, combustion air, electrical hazards, smoke detectors, and security devices, as adopted by this code.

Certificate Issued When the building official determines that a rental property and premises are in compliance with the provisions of this and other applicable codes, the building official shall issue a certificate of occupancy.

Quality Development

The City encourages high quality construction in its housing, commercial buildings and public facilities.

The City employs sustainable building practices and encourages conservation and the use of alternative energy sources. The City has a diverse housing stock with walkable neighborhoods and other high quality neighborhood amenities. A diversity of commercial businesses includes corporate business parks and distribution facilities, which make use of the expanded airport, rail, and highway system. Retail areas have grown because of growth in industrial, commercial and residential development.

Do you know the goals & objectives that City Council has created for Lancaster? www.Lancaster-TX.com/GOLancaster

Lancaster Eyes and Ears Program (LEEP)

The City of Lancaster Code Compliance Division is seeking volunteers to join the Lancaster Eyes and Ears program (LEEP)

EYES & EARS

PROGRAM

The LEEP program will primarily perform duties in the field identifying code violations for code officers to perform further investigation. The program is intended to have volunteers aid city staff in improving and preserving the quality of life in our community.

These volunteers will help act as the “eyes and ears� in residential and commercial neighborhoods to staff code compliance officers. Citizens are key to identifying potentially serious problems.

www.Lancaster-TX.com/LEEP

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espite all the new ways to communicate with us, we are still available to talk in person. Whether you have a question or are looking to partner with the City, we are here to take your calls.

Below is a list of frequently called City departments and divisions.

Save this list so you can have these important phone numbers readily available when you need them.

City of Lancaster

www.lancaster-tx.com

/CityofLancasterTX

@Lancaster_TX

Airport ........................................................................

(972) 227-5721

Animal Services .......................................................

(972) 218-1210

Building Inspections ................................................

(972) 218-1200

City Manager’s Office ............................................

(972) 218-1300

City Secretary’s Office ...........................................

(972) 218-1310

Code Compliance .................................................

(972) 218-1200

Community Relations ..............................................

(972) 218-1303

Development Services .............................................

(972) 218-1200

Economic Development .......................................

(972) 218-1314

Fire Administration Office ......................................

(972) 218-2600

Fire/Police Non-Emergency ..................................

(972) 218-2711

Human Resources ..................................................

(972) 275-1790

Library ......................................................................

(972) 227-1080

Municipal Court ......................................................

(972) 218-1334

Recreation Center .................................................

(972) 218-3700

Planning ...................................................................

(972) 218-1200

Police Administration Office ..................................

(972) 218-2700

Public Works Department ......................................

(972) 275-1752

Purchasing ...............................................................

(972) 218-1329

Solid Waste & Recycling ........................................

(972) 218-1300

Senior Life Center ...................................................

(972) 218-3780

Street Light Repair ..................................................

(972) 218-1300

Street Maintenance ...............................................

(972) 218-2304

Utility Billing Customer Service ...............................

(972) 218-1328